The Disney+ streaming service launched on November 12 2019 and now, just 16 months later, it has reached the impressive 100 million subscribers milestone. Looking back, the service had half has many subscribers in April last year and grew to 95 million this February. These are worldwide numbers after its launch in North America, the service expanded to Europe, India, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Today, Disney+ is available in 59 countries. CEO Bob Chapek said that Disney will leverage its extensive IP and plans to launch over 100 new titles every year coming from Disney Animation, Disney Live Action, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. Looking at competing streaming services, Netflix has 200 million subscribers, HBO Max announced it has reached 37.7 million in January (note: HBO Max is available only in the US, it will expand internationally later this year). There are no reliable numbers on Apple TV+ subscriptions right now. While the Disney+ has been bringing in steady revenue, one of the companys biggest money makers theme parks have been closed. Chapek hopes this will change soon. The Disneyland Resort om Anaheim, California is looking to reopen (with limited attendance) in late April. It will take a while before all 10,000 furloughed employees are called back and trained with new COVID19 safety procedures. Disney also wants to start running its cruise ships again, but that will likely wait until the Fall. Source | Via Members of AAP, BJP spar in Assembly over credit for COVID-19 management in Delhi India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 10: Seeking credit for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi, members of the ruling AAP and opposition BJP crossed swords in the Assembly on Wednesday. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the pandemic could not have been controlled by a single government and lauded doctors and scientists for treating patients and developing vaccines against the virus. "It was truly a difficult time for all, during which the citizens, various organisations, the prime minister, the home minister and the Union government collaborated on a high scale. The epidemic could not have been controlled by a single government or individual," he said. 952 cases of communal, religious rioting in 2018-19: Government tells Parliament However, the most important work was done by the doctors and other frontline workers, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo pointed out. "We politicians can commend ourselves as much as we want, but neither the prime minister nor Kejriwal went to the hospitals to treat the patients. It was done by the doctors," he said. Speaking before the Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said it was "sad and unfortunate" that the Delhi government failed to appreciate the contribution of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre in the LG's address to the House. "At a time when the number of COVID-19 cases was rising in Delhi, the central government stepped in and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, provided relief to the people of the city by arranging thousands of beds for the patients, airlifting doctors and paramedics and providing other equipment to fight the virus," he said. The condition of the hospitals run by the Delhi government was such that the deputy chief minister and the health minister had to go to private hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19, Bidhuri added. In a statement later, he said the Assembly should pass a resolution thanking the prime minister as well as the doctors and scientists. Starting the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the LG's address, minister Gopal Rai said the coronavirus arrived in the country through passengers from abroad, and appreciated the chief minister and the health minister for the arrangements to deal with the situation. BJP MLA Anil Bajpayi claimed that the Centre provided foodgrains to the Delhi government for distribution among people during the pandemic, while alleging that the AAP government provided "rotten" foodgrains to the people. He also asked how many times the chief minister visited hospitals during the pandemic. Replying to Bajpayi, AAP legislator Abdul Rahman said the BJP MLAs should say why the Centre provided rotten foodgrains for distribution in Delhi. Many lawmakers who had contracted the virus, including AAP's Vishesh Ravi, Rajesh Rishi and BJP's Mohan Singh Bisht, lauded the Delhi government's efforts to tackle the pandemic. "Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal did what others could not do to tackle the coronavirus, while those from the BJP were busy beating thali (utensils) and lighting diya (earthen lamps)," AAP MLA Raj Kumari Dhillon said. Another AAP legislator Ajay Dutt said the Kejriwal government's efforts during the pandemic became a model of coronavirus management in the country. AAP MLA from Greater Kailash Saurabh Bhardwaj said no doctor was airlifted to Delhi as claimed by Bidhuri. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 20:43 [IST] Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! The Catalan translator for the poem that American writer Amanda Gorman read at President Joe Biden's inauguration said Wednesday that he has been removed from the job because he had the wrong "profile". It was the second such case in Europe after Dutch writer Marieke Lucas Rijneveld resigned from the job of translating Gorman's work following criticism that a black writer was not chosen. "They told me that I am not suitable to translate it," Catalan translator Victor Obiols told AFP. "They did not question my abilities, but they were looking for a different profile, which had to be a woman, young, activist and preferably black." Gorman, a 23-year-old African American, was widely lauded for her reading of her poem "The Hill We Climb" at Biden's January 20 inauguration. The poem was inspired by the US Capitol attack and touched on how democracy "can never be permanently defeated". She was the youngest poet ever to recite at a presidential inauguration, a role first given to Robert Frost by John F. Kennedy in 1961. It also came at a time of intense debate in the United States over the country's history of racism toward its Black population and the legacy of slavery. Obiols, who has translated works by William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde, received a request from Barcelona publisher Univers three weeks ago to produce a Catalan version of Gorman's poem with a foreword by US television personality Oprah Winfrey. After he had finished, his publisher received word from the United States that he "was not the right person", said Obiols. He does not know if the rejection came from the original publisher or from Gorman's agent. "It is a very complicated subject that cannot be treated with frivolity," said Obiols, who is from Barcelona. "But if I cannot translate a poet because she is a woman, young, black, an American of the 21st century, neither can I translate Homer because I am not a Greek of the eighth century BC. Or could not have translated Shakespeare because I am nota 16th-century Englishman." Univers could not be reached by AFP for comment. Obiols said the publisher promised to pay him for the work nonetheless. dbh/avl/mjs/kjl Its done: The 3.45 am call to NSA Doval after Balakot was hit and Operation Bandar was competed Jaish-E-Mohammed terror module busted, 4 arrested: J&K Police India oi-Deepika S Srinagar, Mar 10: Police on Wednesday claimed to have busted a module of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) by arresting four men, who were allegedly planning to carry out a car-bomb attack on security forces in Kashmir's Pampore. "Jaish wanted to carry out a car-bomb attack and the Awantipora police was tracking this module. We have arrested four persons in this regard and have also seized the car that was to be used in carrying out the attack," police official Vijay Kumar told reporters here. He said JeM had motivated Sahil Nazir, a BA first-year student, through Telegram and other mobile messaging applications to procure a second-hand car for carrying out the attack. 42 outfits banned in India for involvement in terror activities: Govt "Using technical as well as human intelligence, police nabbed Sahil, who revealed the plot about the car-bomb attack. Kaiser, Younis and Yasir Ahmad Wani, who were involved in hatching the plot, have also been arrested," Kumar said, adding that the car was seized from the house of Younis. The senior police official further said that Sahil has confessed to his involvement in the plot and also admitted that he had thrown a grenade at security forces in the Pampore area of Pulwama district on January 25. Kumar said the police have also arrested an overground worker (OGW) of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and seized 25 kilograms of explosives from his house in Pampore. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News "On the instructions of Omar Khanday, who joined the militant ranks last year, the LeT had planned to carry out a fidayeen (suicide) attack or an IED blast at the municipal committee building in Pampore," he added. Jenis Splendid Ice Creams is planning to open its second location in the Birmingham area. The popular franchise will be part of Phase II of Lane Parke in Mountain Brook, according to Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors. Jenis first area location opened in Pepper Place last year. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 2002, Jenis has more than 50 scoop shops nationwide, an online shop at jenis.com, and distribution in grocery stores across the country. Construction is currently beginning on the second phase of Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Village. The 50,000-square-foot addition should take 14 months to complete, putting its opening in late spring or early summer 2022. Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors leased Phase I to 100% capacity with tenants such as Sol y Luna, Post Office Pies and Carriage House Weddings. Mary Beyer Lell, principal and head of leasing for Crawford Square, said, Jenis Splendid Ice Creams fits extremely well with our vision for to create a vibrant destination for the Mountain Brook community. Despite their young ages, a number of women hold important positions in large corporations and own assets worth trillions of dong. Le Thu Thuy BRG presidents daughter Le Thu Thuy, 38, is the daughter of Nguyen Thi Nga, president of BRG, who is also the person holding the most power at SeABank. Thuy graduated from George Mason University in the US and married an American man. Thuy became the standing member of SeABanks board of directors in 2009, when she was 26 years old. Two years later, she held the post of CEO of SeABank. She left the post in 2013 to take the post of deputy CEO and then returned to the post of CEO in 2018. As a manager of SeABank, Thuy has helped the bank gain considerable achievements. SeABank has prospered in the context of the banking systems improvement with the falling bad debt ratio and increasing profit. Thuy was chosen by The Asian Banker as a promising young banker in Vietnam in 2017. Nam Cuong Real Estates daughter Tran Thi Quynh Ngoc is the daughter of the late businessman Tran Van Cuong and the current president of Nam Cuong Group Le Thi Thuy Nga. Quynh became famous when becoming deputy chair of Nam Cuong Group when she turned 20 years old. Despite their young ages, a number of women hold important positions in large corporations and own assets worth trillions of dong. Born in 1990 and spending eight years to study in the UK, Quynh is known as loving nature and having a passion for arts and social activities. However, with the influence from her father, she chose to follow the path of developing real estate. There is not much information about her as she rarely appears before the public, except for big events of the company. Farmer-pipe businessmans daughter Belonging to the 8X generation, Le Thi Hoang Yen is the oldest child among the three children of Le Thanh Than, president of Muong Thanh Group, kniwn as farmer-pipe businessman. After spending seven years to study in the UK, she returned to Vietnam to run the familys business amid the stiff competition of the hotel market. In 2013, Yen became CEO of Muong Thanh hotel chain, the largest private hotel chain in Vietnam. Muong Thanh Group manages over 30 Muong Thanh hotels. The others are owned by the Construction Private Enterprise No 1 in Dien Bien province or other legal entities, including Muong Thanh Grand Phuong Dong, belonging to Petroleum Phuong Dong Tourism JSC, which Thans family took over from Ocean Group. Three daughters of gold group Tran Phuong Ngoc Thao is the oldest daughter of Cao Thi Ngoc Dung, president of PNJ, a well known gold and jewelry brand. Returning to Vietnam after finishing the overseas study, Thao became a member of the board of directors of PNJ and took the post of director in charge of digital transformation of the group. She holds 5.7 million PNJ shares, worth VND490 billion. Unlike Thao, Tran Phuong Ngoc Giao, the second daughter, rarely appears in mass media. She leads a happy life in Australia, and holds 2 percent of Dong A Bank shares and 7.25 million PNJ shares, worth VND617 billion. The third daughter, Tran Phuong Ngoc Ha, has 2.06 percent of Dong A Bank shares and 9.2 million PNJ shares, worth VND783 billion. Sugar princess Dang Huynh Uc My is the daughter of Dang Van Thanh, a well known businessman. Born in 1981, My is now deputy chair of Thanh Thanh Cong Bien Hoa JSC and chair of Thanh Thanh Cong Investment JSC. Uc My inherited the business from her mother, Huynh Thi Bich Ngoc. Ngoc, called Sugar Queen, is one of the most influential businesspeople in Vietnam, though she is not among the richest stock billionaires. My is called Sugar Princess as she holds 98 million SBT shares and 7 million GEG shares. Bao Anh In difficult times, Vietnamese billionaires still earn billions of dollars Last year was a stormy one for Vietnams businesses, but billionaires still were able to pocket billions of dollars. As if COVID-19 hasn't taken enough from us, colleges across Texas have canceled or shifted spring break in light of the virus. Bummer. Texas A&M University is giving students a three-day weekend beginning March 19, as opposed to an entire week to "minimize extensive travel and allow the semester to conclude earlier for additional commencements," per KTRK-13. WHERE ARE YOU HEADED? The top 10 most-searched destinations for spring break 2021 "Definitely, no planned trips. Definitely wearing masks this year," said Texas A&M journalism major Brady Stone, as reported by KTRK. "We are kind of hunkering down and staying safe." Stone is in favor of the spring break cancelation, telling KTRK that most students will only be traveling back to their hometown anyway. Others disagree. In theory, I understand what theyre trying to do. They're trying to reduce travelbut in practicality, its going to be hard mentally on students," A&M junior Anaissa Diaz told the Houston Chronicle's Brittany Britto. "Were just going to have to power through that semester." Britto reported in November of last year that Baylor, Rice and Texas Southern universities also planned to eliminate spring break. The schools would instead give students days off throughout the year or condense the semester. TSU will give students two days on April 1 and 2, as well as the following weekend. Rice's plan involved kicking off the semester two weeks earlier and giving students five "sprinkle days" throughout the semester, two of which have already been taken. Students will also have March 16, March 26 and April 8 completely off. No assignments will be due on these days. We are just grateful in general to have those days in there somewhere. This semester has been kind of difficult not having any real breaks anywhere, Rice University sophomore Emily Elison told Britto. This tries to kind of make the best of both worlds. Prairie View A&M University students will not receive a spring break, per KTRK. University of Houston's spring break will be from March 15-20 for all campuses. College of the Mainland and San Jacinto College students will take spring break from March 15 to 21. HOUSTON, March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: KYN) announced today a quarterly distribution of $0.15 per share for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2021. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on March 31, 2021 (as outlined in the table below). The Company expects the next distribution to be declared in June 2021. Payment of future distributions is subject to the Board of Directors approval, as well as meeting the covenants of the Companys debt agreements and terms of its preferred stock. Ex-Date Record Date Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital Estimate (1) 3/22/21 3/23/21 3/31/21 $0.15 100% (1) The return of capital estimate is based on the Companys anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions may differ substantially from this preliminary information. Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The company's investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Companys most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms. The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. The amount of distributions is not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or take into account the specific objectives or circumstances of any investor. Please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances prior to investing. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Companys filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or from our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Companys investment objectives will be attained. Measures extended to protect businesses in Wales from eviction until end of June 2021 This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2021 Retail, hospitality, tourism and other businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic will now be protected from eviction until the end of June 2021. As part of the action Welsh Government is taking to support the business community the moratorium against forfeiture for the non-payment of rent, which was due to end on 31 March, will now be extended until 30 June, 2021. While businesses should continue to pay rent wherever possible, the latest measure will ensure no business is forced out of its premises if it misses a payment between now and the end of June this year. The move will help ease the burden on a range of sectors, including retail and hospitality, at what continues to be an incredibly challenging period of time. The Welsh Governments package of business support is in addition to that available from the UK Government and is the most generous in the UK. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has ensured that more than 1.9bn has reached businesses across Wales with more money reaching firms every day. Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, said: The past year has placed untold pressures on our firms and our people as we deal with coronavirus and that is why we have moved at pace to support the business community through the pandemic with a package worth in excess of 2 billion. Todays announcement of the extension of measures to prevent forfeiture for the non-payment of rent builds on that and is crucial in protecting businesses from eviction and securing jobs and livelihoods over the coming months. We will continue to do all that we can to help them through these incredibly challenging times. The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, the Welsh Parliament member for Delyn said: During these difficult times, its vitally important that we continue to protect our welsh businesses. We know and understand the strain that this virus has had on businesses across Wales, with those in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors being particularly hard hit. The decision to extend the moratorium against forfeiture for the non-payment of rent to the end of June will hopefully go some way to ensuring that were continuing to help support our town centres and building back better as they safely continue to trade during this pandemic. Giving our towns a sense of place is more important than ever, and in line with our Transforming Towns agenda we will continue to work collaboratively with partners to build sustainable town centres for the future where businesses can thrive. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 22:19:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to heighten surveillance of aflatoxin on maize imports from the east African region, an official said on Wednesday. Lawrence Omuhaka, chief administrative secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries told journalists in Nairobi that continuous testing of maize from East African Community (EAC) member states indicates high level of aflatoxins beyond permissible maximum limits. "While we strive to give Kenyans safe foods by addressing the various challenges in the production systems, we equally expect our trading partners to trade in safe maize as per the EAC standards that the maximum limit of aflatoxins to be at 10 parts per billion," Omuhaka said during the launch of the report on the revitalization of cotton and pyrethrum value chains. Omuhaka said that in order to enforce the surveillance on aflatoxins, all importers of maize will have to be registered in the next two months. He noted that all imported maize consignments will be required to be accompanied by a certificate of conformity of the produce issued by a competent authority from the exporting country which will be verified by the crop inspectors at all Kenyan border points. The ministry of agriculture also urged the member states of the economic bloc to fast-track the ratification EAC sanitary and phytosanitary protocol. Enditem Vanita Gupta opposes the death penalty under all circumstances. Thats a respectable position, though one I disagree with. There is no problem with a high-ranking Justice Department official being personally against the death penalty, as long as her opposition doesnt cause her to reject the law. Yesterday, when Sen. Marsha Blackburn asked Gupta about her opposition to the death penalty, the nominee assured the Senator that when she was at the DOJ she enforced the death penalty, notwithstanding her personal views. Gupta cited the case of Dylann Roof, the racist who killed Black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina. Gupta said that she enforced the law as to Roof and that he was convicted and sentenced to death under her watch. Guptas statement is true, but extremely misleading. In reality, Gupta recommended not seeking the death penalty for Dylann Roof. In a memo explaining her recommendation, Gupta claimed that mitigating factors outweighed aggravating ones in Roofs case. Ive heard that the U.S. attorney in South Carolina was so outraged by Guptas stance that he threatened to go public with a denunciation of the DOJ for not caring sufficiently about the lives of the slain Blacks. Fortunately, as I understand it, the Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, rejected Guptas recommendation. Thats why the death penalty was sought and obtained. Yes, it happened under Guptas watch. But it happened over Guptas opposition. Guptas position that mitigating factors outweighed aggravating ones in Roofs case was preposterous. If true, its hard to imagine how mitigating factors could ever not carry the day when it comes to the death penalty. In other words, its hard to imagine a case in which the death penalty would be imposed. Given the absurdity of Guptas legal arguments, it seems clear that her recommendation against the death penalty for Roof was driven by her ideological opposition, not by any rational view of the law. Gupta is too intelligent to have believed her legal argument. That argument was a transparent attempt to dress up her ideological preference in legal terms. Thus, the Senate has two good reasons not to confirm Gupta: (1) her intellectually dishonest, ideologically-driven advocacy for leniency towards Dylann Roof and (2) her attempt to mislead Senators on the subject at yesterdays hearing. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. MIDDLETOWN A Torrington EMTs conduct with a patient led to his suspension hours before police say he set off Molotov cocktails at several emergency services facilities and fleeing to Pennsylvania where he was captured, according to arrest warrants released Wednesday. Richard White, 37, was brought back to Connecticut Tuesday to face charges after police said he fled to Pennsylvania hours after the fires on Feb. 27 in Meriden, Old Saybrook and Roxbury. White was ordered held on a combined $400,000 bond after a brief appearance Wednesday in Superior Court in Middletown. Officials said White will be arraigned Thursday in Meriden court for separate charges filed by police there. Courtesy of Old Saybrook Police / Contributed Photo White, who appeared via video conference for the hearing, said little as the state and his defense attorney, Angela Anastasi, discussed bond. Senior Assistant States Attorney Kevin Shay told Judge Kevin Murphy the cases against White were very serious matters. They are not only dangerous to begin with, all arsons are dangerous, but they threatened each one of these communities in terms of emergency response, Shay said. Anastasi, in asking the judge for a lower bond, said it should be noted that White voluntarily waived extradition proceedings before his return to Connecticut. She said he has no means to post high bond. Murphy kept the bonds as set, $150,000 for the charges in Old Saybrook and $250,000 for charges in Meriden. Theres a significant risk of flight, Murphy said. Hes already shown that by fleeing to Pennsylvania. A woman who attended the hearing on Whites behalf declined to comment outside the courthouse. Old Saybrook police, who took him into custody Tuesday at Northumberland County Jail in Pennsylvania, have charged White with third-degree arson and third-degree burglary. Meriden police have charged White on two warrants one with criminal attempt at first-degree arson and manufacturing of bombs and the other with breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief. State police said White is also suspected of setting fire to the Roxbury EMS and fire headquarters and a nearby house. The towns fire marshal said White used to live in the house. State police have yet to file charges against White in these incidents, but said they were working with prosecutors to secure arrest warrants. According to warrants in the Meriden and Old Saybrook incidents, White appeared for a disciplinary hearing at the Hunters Ambulance headquarters where he was suspended the morning of Feb. 27. The Meriden arrest warrant indicates White was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into his conduct earlier during the day while treating a patient. Authorities did not provide further details about the incident. Hunters Ambulance Chief Operating Officer David Lowell on Wednesday said that while the actions that led to Whites suspension are confidential, they did not directly involve a patient. Lowell did not provide further comment. The warrant states that as White left the Meriden facility that day around 10:15 a.m., he was seen on surveillance video reaching into the drivers side of an ambulance where he appears to attack a male employee who is sitting in the driver seat of the ambulance. At this time, other employees intervened and stopped the assault. The employees escorted White to his vehicle, the warrant stated. The Meriden police warrant said White blamed the other employee for the investigation being done against him that led to his administrative leave. In connection with the incident with his co-worker, Meriden police have asked the courts to set conditions if White is released on bond. Police are requesting the court to prohibit White from making any threats, harassment or violence toward the other person and to stay away from the Meriden Hunters facility. Several hours after the altercation in Meriden, police said White went to the Hunters Ambulance facility in Old Saybrook and threw an ignited device into the common area around 4:15 p.m., the arrest warrant states. William Heiney, a fire investigator and career firefighter paramedic, saw a light smoke condition in the large garage bay and started to search and clear the building, the warrant states. Heiney found a glass jar on the carpet in the common room, which consists of a sitting area with couches, a television, a small kitchen and a table area, the warrant stated. He put out the fire with a water can, according to the warrant. Officers arrived and found the evidence indicated someone threw the Molotov cocktail while standing close to the doorway of the common area, the warrant said. The investigating officer contacted White, who refused to come to the police station because he needed more time to cool off, according to the warrant. Less than an hour after the Old Saybrook incident, police said White returned to the Meriden facility and threw an ignited device out his car window at the ambulance bay around 5 p.m., the Meriden warrant states. A Hunters employee at the Meriden facility found the device and put it out with a fire extinguisher. The warrant said investigators found a fire starter block and a liquid substance in the glass jar that mirrored the one in Old Saybrook. Investigators said they connected White with the Meriden incident by surveillance footage that showed him and his vehicle, the warrant states. An hour after the Meriden incident, authorities were called to a fire at the Roxbury EMS and fire headquarters. A second call came in shortly afterward for a fire at a nearby house, state police said. White has not been charged in the Roxbury fires, however, police said the evidence in those blazes is consistent with the ones that occurred in Meriden and Old Saybrook. White was arrested by Pennsylvania state police around 10 p.m. that night, about 230 miles from Roxbury. He was held in Pennsylvania until Tuesday as a fugitive from justice, authorities said. The warrant related to the Meriden fire incident requests White be placed under 24/7 GPS surveillance and only allowed to attend pre-approved court and attorney meetings if hes released on bond. The warrant from Old Saybrook police states that White has no relevant convictions. A bond commissioner said in court Wednesday that White had a criminal matter that resulted in a diversionary program in 2015. They did not specify what he was charged with at the time. In exactly one month, Gov. Kay Ivey intends on lifting Alabama's mask mandate. However, doctors warn that is still too soon. "I think we are having success in controlling the virus, but it's too early," Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Ali Hassoun said. The governor made it clear the mandate will expire Apr. 9. With the announcement, it seems as if more people are starting to feel more comfortable going out and about. At Melt in Downtown Huntsville, the manager said this past week started to look more like a pre-pandemic crowd. However, businesses are still implementing the mask mandate in place. This boost in business brings a real sense of financial relief. "People we haven't seen in a year are coming out," Manager Jennifer Hurt said. Melt has constantly evolved throughout this pandemic to meet the needs and safety of its customers. Hurt said in a month to expect more change as the statewide mask mandate is lifted. She said customers will not be required to wear masks inside. "The employees will have to still wear their masks, and we will still continue to do all the habits that we've grown into doing since it started," Hurt said. Down the street, Stella's Elixir Lounge has always had coronavirus precautions in place. The new downtown bar opened amid the pandemic, but they plan to allow customers to choose whether or not to mask up. Since opening, bartender Christopher Montalvo said business has been steady and he only expects it to pick up from here. "We've seen a lot more people relaxed and we're counting on that especially as the temperature goes up, for people to be a lot more comfortable," Montalvo said. "So, we're expecting a huge turnout." However, Dr. Hassoun warns people not to let their guards down. He believes Apr. 9 is too soon to lift the mask mandate. He said cases need to continue to decline and about 60 to 70 percent of people should be vaccinated before lifting a mandate. "It's really, vaccinate, vaccinate people. If we get to a level of vaccination where we have good immunity level, probably, yes we can think about the mask," he said. Both businesses are encouraging their employees to get vaccinated but are not requiring it. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about 8.5 percent of Alabamians are fully vaccinated. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. India is confident that it can strongly defend its interests if Cairn Energy starts proceedings to enforce a $1.4 billion arbitration award it has won against the country, said official sources on Wednesday, reacting after the company told New Delhi it is identifying for seizure assets belonging to the Indian government in 160 countries. India is in the process of filing an appeal at The Hague over the $1.4 billion arbitration award. Cairn set up a tax abusive structure and did not pay taxes anywhere in the world on the gains that it made in India. In the said case, it is ... Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. New Delhi, March 10 : US Secretary of Defence, General Lloyd J Austin, is scheduled to visit India from March 19 to March 21 to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. It will be the first high-level visit by someone from the US after Joe Biden took over as the President on January 20. During his visit, Austin is expected to meet Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries in the government. The visit will take place a week after the first ever Indo-Pacific Quad summit on Friday, which will be attended virtually by the heads of states of India, the US, Australia and Japan. The US Defence Secretary will also visit Japan and South Korea. "Both sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. Discussions regarding defence cooperation would also focus on how both countries could consolidate military-to-military cooperation and defence trade and industry cooperation. Austin's visit to India as part of his first overseas travel emphasises the strength of India-US strategic partnership. India has inked defence deals worth $18 billion with the US since 2007. In the near future, a deal worth $3 billion for 30 armed drones from the US to be used by all the three forces is likely to be signed. Suring the Aero India show in Bengaluru last month, US Defence Attache in India, Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, had stated that the US is looking forward to enhance bilateral relations with India and also to work together to tackle evolving space threats. She had said: "As we build out our own space force, re-establish the space command, we look forward to wide-ranging cooperation with India and the defence space agency. It is imperative that we both work together in this emerging domain as space threats evolve." Referring to the growing Chinese assertiveness and emerging threats for the Indo-Pacific region, Laubacher had said: "Today we are seeing an increasingly provocative set of behaviour throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Taiwan Strait to the South China Sea, to India's borders high in the Himalayas. These actions threaten the norms of international conduct, the norms which India and the US uphold resolutely." A Supreme Court judge in Brazil eradicates corruption charges which convicted and jailed former President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, a move which clears the way for a possible presidential bid next year. By James Blears The so-called Operation Car Wash scandal swept over ex Brazilian President Lula Da Silva. He was jailed for 12 years, and eventually served eighteen months behind bars. Now, Supreme Court judge Edson Fachin, has set aside and quashed those convictions, which Lula himself always condemned as a witch hunt. The judge ruled that these sort of charges could only have been tried by a Federal Court and none other. The full Supreme Court must now consider the ruling, but it can only be overturned and reversed if the original convictions were to be re-activated. So, Lulas full political rights, including the capability to launch a bid for a presidential election, are restored forthwith. Return to politics He was jailed in 2018, after being convicted of accepting bribes for the renovation of a beachside residence. He has always denied the charges. Lulas lawyers say hes now been fully vindicated. He himself says it was all a political vendetta. President of Brazil from 2003-2010, Lula revitalized the economy, pulling millions out of the poverty trap. He left office riding on a crest of enormous nationwide popularity. As things now stand, Lula could contest next years presidential election. President Jair Bolsonaro is expected to seek re-election. Improving the quality and intensity of training of Ukrainian servicemen is a priority for cooperation between the Land Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the NATO Allied Land Command. Commander of the Ukrainian Land Forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky said this at a joint press conference with NATO Allied Land Commander, Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier in Kyiv on March 10, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Syrsky noted that a system of training military units and subunits of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had been created with the help of Alliance partners. In this context, he informed that from 2015 to 2020, more than 19,000 servicemen had been trained with the help of officers of international training missions. "In general, the areas of our cooperation are the further development of the system of training centers of the Armed Forces, primarily the Land Forces. This year we have ambitious plans for the development of the 235th joint training center for military units and subunits. There, with the help of our American partners, a simulation center is being created. In addition, we conduct two international exercises. We have planned to hold a series of exercises to train mechanized motorized infantry brigades. And the main goal is to improve the quality and intensity of military training," Syrsky said. He added that these plans had been agreed between the Land Forces Command of the Armed Forces and the NATO Allied Land Command, in particular, during today's talks. In turn, Lieutenant General Cloutier noted that since the signing of the cooperation agreement in 2018, the partnership between the Land Forces of the Armed Forces and NATO had significantly expanded. He recalled the training of mobile groups, training programs for the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for possible cooperation within NATO land units, and so on. He also said that following talks this week, representatives of the Allied Land Command Headquarters would arrive in Kyiv in summer to outline a scheme for further cooperation. ish 2 years ago, PZ Cussons launched the Camel Buy and fly promotion with the aim to promote not only physical but the mental wellbeing of loyal consumers. On 5th March 2020, the third edition of the promotion was officially launched. The Camel Buy and Fly promotion is a scratch and win promotion that offers exciting prizes including instant airtime, product hampers and a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip for 2 to Dubai to be won every week for 12 weeks. Camel Antiseptic has been a household name in Ghana for decades. It is well known for protecting us against germs. Camel Antiseptic Liquid is the number 1 antiseptic liquid in Ghana. It is the only antiseptic liquid endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association. This is proof of brand value, quality and consistency. Our loyal consumers are the reason the brand is where it is today. Over the past 2 years, we have rewarded them with a memorable experience through the Camel Buy and fly promo. Our consumers have been asking for more especially after an extremely tough 2020. To participate, simply buy any Camel Antiseptic Liquid with a scratch panel. Scratch and text the code revealed to 1393 free of charge to all networks. You can instantly win airtime and will be entered into a draw. Every week, 1 winner will be selected live on radio to win an all-expense-paid trip for 2 to Dubai. The winners get to travel to Dubai In September to visit Dubai Mall with shopping money, Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Dubai city tour, Aquarium and many more. All food, tours and accommodation will be taken care of. In explaining what is different this year, the Category Marketing Manager for Personal Care at PZ Cussons Ghana, MaryAnn Boaten stated that, We have taken into consideration the current Global pandemic hence the travel period will be in September and not earlier. We will pay for all Covid tests to be done before the trip She further stated that Dubai is one of the safest places to travel to during this period and Camel Antiseptic will be providing health insurance for all winners and their partners. Winners will also enjoy staying in a 5 star hotel with strict Covid protocols observed. Winners will also be provided with a months supply of PZ Cussons hygiene products to cater for their physical wellbeing. Camel Antiseptic Liquid can be found in everyday neighbourhood shops, Supermarkets and open markets across Ghana with prices ranging from GhS 7 for the small pack to the 1L family pack for GHS36. For more information about the Camel Buy and Fly promotion season 3, visit @CamelNowFromCarex on social media Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Andrew Hayward, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London and member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), says Covid will cause tens of thousands of deaths every year just like flu Coronavirus will kill tens of thousands of Britons every year just like flu, one of the Government's top scientific advisers warned today. Professor Andrew Hayward, a University College London epidemiologist and SAGE member, said vaccines would stop the UK from suffering another surge of 100,000 deaths when the virus inevitably bounces back. But he claimed Covid which experts fear will strike every winter would continue to claim thousands of lives each year. Daily Covid fatalities have plummeted since the start of 2021, with fewer than 200 new victims being recorded each day, on average. It has not been that low since the end of October, before the second wave took off. Tough lockdowns have curbed the spread of the disease, causing deaths to plunge. And jabs have now started to kick in, saving thousands of lives. Professor Hayward told Times Radio opening schools, then reopening shops and relaxing social rules are 'very big steps' and 'we don't really understand what impact they will have on transmission'. Speaking in a personal capacity, he said there are 'very sizeable numbers of people' who are 'vulnerable to ending up in hospital and dying'. He said: 'And that's still going to be the case for a while. 'Although the vaccines clearly take the extreme out of that, and will stop us getting hundreds of thousands of cases, there's still possibilities for us to get tens of thousands of hospitalisations and very many deaths if we relax too quickly.' He said he agreed that there needs to be a five-week period between steps and it is 'right to take this cautious approach'. Professor Hayward added: 'It's taken a long time for us to learn to be cautious in this respect; I don't think it's time to return to a more risky approach.' Asked about a surge of infections in the winter, he said: 'What the vaccine should do is take out the possibility of that surge leading to, say, over 100,000 deaths. 'I think that's unlikely we're going to be much more likely to be talking in the tens of thousands of deaths and hopefully in the low tens of thousands of deaths. 'That sounds terrible but actually that's not so dissimilar to what we put up with every year for flu and other respiratory infections.' Around 10,000 people die from the flu in England and Wales every year, with as many as 20,000 dying in bad years. Vaccines aren't 100 per cent effective, meaning people will still die even if the risk is much lower. And not everyone will opt-in to the roll-out, so millions of vulnerable Britons won't be protected. Dangerous variants could also emerge in future, potentially making jabs much less effective. Professor Hayward's comments come after Professor Chris Whitty claimed it was 'perfectly realistic' that tens of thousands more Brits could be killed by Covid this year. England's chief medical officer yesterday said the virus 'will find' people who either have not been vaccinated, or for whom the jab has not worked. He added that even flu claims up to 20,000 lives during a bad year. But Professor Whitty yesterday said the scale of the next wave of the epidemic will be 'nothing like what we've seen over the course of this winter'. More than 80,000 people have died since the second wave started gathering steam in September. Professor Whitty maintained that slower was safer when it came to easing the curbs because it gives more time for the vaccine programme to get even wider coverage, telling MPs he would 'strongly advise' they stick to the cautious plan. Batting away calls for lockdown to be loosened sooner, he warned: 'If you open up too fast, a lot more people die - a lot more people die... I think it's very easy to forget quite how quickly things can turn bad if you don't keep a very, very close eye on it.' Researchers say that a highly infectious variant of the new coronavirus is 30 percent to 100 percent more deadly than earlier strong variants. The variant was first found in Britain late last year and has since spread around the world. The new study compared death rates among people in Britain infected with the new variant to those infected with other versions of the virus. Scientists said that the new variants death rate was significantly higher. The variant is known as B.1.1.7. The B.1.1.7 was first found in Britain in September 2020. It has since been found in more than 100 other countries. It has 23 mutations in its genetic material and some of those changes make it spread more easily. Scientists say it is about 40 to 70 percent more infectious than earlier strong variants. In the British study, infection with the new variant led to 227 deaths in a group of nearly 55,000 COVID-19 patients. That is in comparison with 141 deaths among the same number of patients infected with other variants. The British variant also is able to spread quickly. This makes B.1.1.7 a threat that should be taken seriously, said Robert Challen. He is a researcher at Exeter University who co-led the research. The study was published in the British Medical Journal Wednesday. Independent experts said this studys findings add to earlier evidence linking B.1.1.7 with a higher risk of death from COVID-19. Lawrence Young is a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at Warwick University. He said the reasons for B.1.1.7s higher death rate are still not clear. But they could be related to higher levels of virus replication and that B.1.1.7 is more infectious. Young warned that the British variant was likely the cause for a recent rise in infections across Europe. Im Alice Bryant. Reuters news agency reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story variant n. something that is different in some way from others of the same kind significantly adv. in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed or to have an effect mutation n. a change in the genes of a plant or animal that causes physical qualities that are different than normal oncology n. the study and treatment of cancer replication n. the process of repeating or copying something exactly Mar. 9JEFFERSONVILLE An Ohio man charged with the December murder of a family member in Jeffersonville appeared for an initial hearing Tuesday. His extradition to Clark County this week comes after a January arrest in Jeffersontown that involved a more than 12-hour standoff. Christian Q. White, 46, is charged with the murder of 50-year-old Marcus Suggs, who was fatally shot at an apartment on French Street in Jeffersonville in late December. White also faces a level 4 felony for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and a level 6 felony for pointing a firearm at another. During his initial hearing Tuesday in Clark County Circuit Court No. 1, Judge Dan Moore entered a not guilty plea on his behalf for all charges and appointed a public defender until White secures his own attorney. Court records show Jeffersonville police responded at 10:39 p.m. Dec. 30 to the 800 block of French Street on a report of a gunshot. When they arrived, they noted a woman inside screaming and a man later identified as Suggs, unresponsive on the floor. He was taken to Clark Memorial Health where he later died from his injuries. White was not at the scene. A witness said White had been heard in another room order the victim to his knees, with Suggs asking why he was doing this. A single gunshot followed. Newsgathering partner Wave 3 reported that after the shooting, Jeffersontown police received a tip on the suspect's whereabouts. He was arrested at an apartment on Tree Lane after the standoff, which had included three hostages one a small child. None of the hostages was injured. White has a status conference March 15 with a jury trial scheduled for June 22. On March 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has recently received emergency authorization for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The guidelines outline certain privileges now allowed to fully vaccinated individuals, such as visiting with other people who are fully vaccinated indoors without wearing masks or physically distancing from them. They can also see other people in a single unvaccinated household, with the caveat that no one in that household is at high-risk for severe COVID-19 disease. If they remain asymptomatic, fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine or be tested if they were exposed to the virus. Voters masked against coronavirus line up at Riverside High School for Wisconsin's primary election Tuesday April 7, 2020, in Milwaukee (AP Photo/Morry Gash) Amid a global pandemic with less than 10 percent of the population having been fully vaccinated thus far, and while virulent strains are becoming dominant, these relaxations are quite extraordinary and possibly dangerous. The CDC is attempting to temper these guidelines with a semblance of cautionary recommendations, asking individuals who have been fully vaccinated to continue to wear masks in public, physically distance and avoid large gatherings. The guidelines stipulate that if someone develops COVID-19 symptoms, they should get tested. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, at a press briefing introducing the new guidelines, told reporters, Our guidance must balance the risk to people who have been fully vaccinated, the risks to those who have not yet received the vaccine, and the impact in the larger community transmission of COVID-19. The carefully crafted and well-timed statement is politically loaded to offer a weary and dispirited population the illusion that normalcy is on the horizon. Dr. Walensky went on to add, We believe these new recommendations are an important first step in our efforts to resuming everyday activities in our communities, making reference to grandparents finally being able to visit their children and families. President Joe Biden has been touting that there will be enough vaccine supplies for every American by the end of May, but not necessarily that everyone would be vaccinated by that time. Presently, about 60 million people have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 30 million have been fully vaccinated. After a blistering winter peak that had seen daily deaths reach more than 3,000 a day, the media has been repeatedly highlighting the decline in cases and deaths as if the pandemic had exited stage left. Despite the federal governments toothless warnings against loosening restrictions, state after state, whether under Republican and Democratic administrations, is lifting restrictions on businesses and gatherings, and also lifting mask mandates. What is lacking in the CDCs guidelines is a thorough scientific assessment of their implications. Just a week ago, Dr. Walensky warned, Please hear me clearly. At this level of cases with variants spreading, we stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground we have gained. These variants are a very real threat to our people and to our progress. Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know could stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, not when we are so close. Accepting this concerning premise, these guidelines, in a real-world sense, will only encourage the loosening of restrictions, as people who have been falsely assured let their guard down and re-congregate. More than likely, the very real fatigue within the populationa product of criminal neglect that has produced social murder on an unprecedented scalewill make itself felt immediately, as the longing for social contact makes people heedless of the continued danger of the coronavirus. As Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted succinctly in yesterdays World Health Organizations (WHO) COVID press briefing, We have come so far. We have suffered so much. And we have lost so many. We cannot, we must not squander the progress we have made. We have the tools to control the pandemic. But we can only do it if we use them consistently and equitably there are no shortcuts. Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, summarized the concerns raised by public health officials, adding, The arrival of vaccines is a great hope. But it is, potentially, a moment when we lose concentration. If I think I am going to get a vaccine maybe in the next few weeks or the next six weeks or the next two months maybe I am not so careful anymore. Maybe I think Im through this, right? You dont need a lot of people to start thinking like that [to] give the virus the opportunity to spread. We saw that in Europe, we saw that coming into the Christmas period. Small changes in the behavior of a large number of people can lead to huge changes in the epidemiology of this virus. I think we need to have learned that by now. What the interim vaccine trials have proven is that the vaccines are efficacious in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. They have not verified that they can prevent infections. Precisely because of the possibility that vaccinated individuals can be infective, public health officials have consistently warned about the need for continued adherence to the public health measures that have repeatedly proven that they work very well when implemented consistently and consciously. Moreover, the number of participants in these trials and outcomes between those receiving the vaccine or placebo were by all measures quite minuscule compared to the populations of even the smallest countries. It is more important to measure the effectiveness of a vaccine by how it performs in the real world. In a recent Scottish trial studying the effectiveness of Pfizer and AstraZenecas vaccines, the researchers conducted a study comparing the hospitalization rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Out of a population of 5.4 million people, more than 1.1 million had received at least one dose of either vaccine. The trial results demonstrated an 85 percent reduction for the Pfizer vaccine and a 94 percent reduction for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Those over 80 years of age had a comparable outcome at 81 percent. Still, vaccinated people ended up in the hospital with COVID-19 complications, implying they were infected and therefore also infectious. Regarding the CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people, this has significant implications. What remains unknown is how infective, and what percentage of vaccinated people will potentially be asymptomatic carriers and, ironically, contribute to extending the pandemic precisely because they have been vaccinated and are as a result less careful? Detlef Trefzger, chief executive of Kuehne+Nagel, a logistics giant contracted by governments to distribute vaccines globally, explained that vaccine supplies were hindered not by distribution bottlenecks but by limited manufacturing capacity. I dont want to talk about hearsay or the feedback we get, but I would not expect it to be realistic that more than 30 to 50 percent of people [would be] vaccinated in the Western world before summer next year. More importantly, the variants presently surfacing throughout the United States have been rapidly mutating, becoming more virulent under pressures placed on the virus through mass surges and rapidly growing immunity within the population. Conducting a vaccination campaign while simultaneously supporting a policy of herd immunity can only spur more mutations. Even the WHO has recently acknowledged that a percentage of the infections in Manaus, Brazil in December were due to reinfections. Many wealthy and privileged individuals have used their influence to jump the line to receive these lifesaving vaccines. R. Couri Hay, a New York City society publicist, told the Insider, The rich dont want to wait their turn, so theyre able to pull strings just like they would get a first-class ticket on an airline by spending the top dollar or getting the best hotel room. The rich view the vaccine and the testing as another commodity that they could purchase. The WHOs Dr. Ryan, speaking at a media conference in Geneva, said the organization didnt recommend vaccination certificates. Quite simply, vaccination is just not available enough around the world and is not available certainly on an equitable basis, he said. The fog of pandemic must not lull the working class into a state of complacency. The misery and isolation that have befallen so many is a byproduct of a deliberate policy that has subordinated their well-being to Wall Street and the financial oligarchs insatiable appetite for profits. Government advisories on the relaxation of restrictions should be regarded with suspicion. A stunning video showcasing Killarney's fascinating history, lore and legend has been produced as part of this year's unique virtual St Patrick's Festival in the town. Chronicling the monasticism and ecclesiastical heritage of the town and its surroundings, from the arrival of the monks on Innisfallen Island to the building of the landmark St Mary's Cathedral, the production will be beamed into homes all over the world as Killarney marks the national feast day in a very special way. In the absence of the colourful parade and street celebrations that have traditionally made Killarney a must-visit town on March 17, the St Patrick's Festival Committee has opted for a virtual celebration to allow people everywhere to celebrate the town, its history and its people. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Kerry County Council, Failte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have joined forces for the project, which will promote Killarney as a destination with a treasured history. This year's celebration will be much different to previous years - for obvious reasons - but it will still be quite spectacular as the town will turn various shades of green to mark the annual feast day with several iconic landmarks in the spotlight. The specially commissioned video, titled 'Killarney: A Place Between Heaven and Earth', captures Killarney in all its glory, with dramatic footage of stand-out mythical and magical features, and contributions from high-quality local performers. Expand Close The Venerable Simon J Lumby features / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Venerable Simon J Lumby features It tells the story, in words and pictures, of how the beauty of the surrounds which now form Killarney National Park set the scene for monks, writers, poets and mystics down through the centuries, and the production culminates in a spectacular fashion with St Patrick lighting the fire on the Hill of Tara, which is depicted in the stained-glass windows of St Mary's Cathedral. Soprano Sharon Lyons performs The Deer's Cry - a hymn by St Patrick, composed by Shaun Davey - and the video also features performances from David Rea of Celtic Steps and his daughter, Jennifer, as well as interviews with the Venerable Simon J Lumby of St Mary's Church of Ireland; and St Brigid's Secondary School students Eabha and Kate Rudden. The video production is the work of award-winning Killarney photographer Valerie O'Sullivan, with voiceover by Breda O'Farrell; lighting and effects by Kieran Somers, and Killarney National Park and Wildlife Conservation Ranger Sean Forde. The Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, said that Killarney is still celebrating this important national holiday. "After what has been a difficult year, we are delighted to have an opportunity to be able to celebrate our national holiday in what will be a very unusual but very exciting manner," he said. KABUL The second ambassadorial consultative meeting aimed at preparations for the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Mirwais Nab and Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Kabul Dr. Sadi Sharifi, was held today at the Storay Palace of the MoFA. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) for Afghanistan Ms. Mette Knudsen and Ambassadors of the member states of the Heart of Asia- Istanbul Process. Deputy Minister Nab welcomed the participants and spoke about his recent visit to the Republic of Tajikistan and the necessary arrangements for convening the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process in Dushanbe. The participants termed important the convening of Heart of Asia conference under the current circumstances in Afghanistan, for discussing the Afghan peace negotiations and strengthening regional and global consensus in support of the peace process. They also debated over the joint declaration of the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process scheduled to take place on the 30th of March 2021 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions MESA, Ariz., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LuxeOrganix, the U.S. company behind popular natural and organic hair and skincare products, has caught the attention of one of the world's most recognized names. Kathy Ireland will host LuxeOrganix Founders, Christine and Matthew Kominiak, on the global stage as part of her Modern Living with kathy ireland series. Viewers can watch the interview airing as sponsored content on WE tv March 11, 2021 at 7:30AM ET/PT. Kathy Ireland will host LuxeOrganix Founders, Christine and Matthew Kominiak, on the global stage as part of her Modern Living with kathy ireland series. Viewers can watch the interview airing as sponsored content on WE tv March 11, 2021 at 7:30AM ET/PT. LuxeOrganix has created a line of health-focused hair and skincare products that have amassed thousands of loyal followers over the last several years. The company's Beauty Without Sacrificing Your Health mission and its carefully formulated cruelty-free products have propelled it to one of the leading natural beauty brands online today, earning Amazon bestseller status multiple times. "So often we search high and low to find the perfect night cream or shampoo, only to discover these expensive products are either ineffective or full of ingredients that can be harmful to our bodies," Ireland says. Ireland's full interview with the Kominiaks will cover common misconceptions in the beauty and skincare industries, including the inclusion of harsh ingredients and what consumers should look out for when shopping for products. Ireland will also review how LuxeOrganix has created products without common harsh chemicals, using unique, natural ingredients known for giving hair and skin what they need to thrive, putting health and well-being first while providing beautiful results. "We are honored to be interviewed by Kathy Ireland, sharing with her viewers our commitment to providing natural, healthy beauty and skincare in America. We strongly believe everyone deserves, and can achieve, beautiful results, and beauty doesn't have to come at the cost of your health," said Christine Kominiak. Modern Living with kathy ireland is independently produced and distributed worldwide, featuring the latest in lifestyle and B2C trends, breakthroughs and solutions while highlighting companies and business leaders from around the globe to educate and motivate viewers. Viewers of the show will be given exclusive access to special LuxeOrganix offers. The interview airs as sponsored content on WE tv March 11, 2021 at 7:30am ET/PT. For more information, visit: http://luxeorganix.com/events/modern-living-with-kathy-ireland/ . Media Relations [email protected] 888-634-7234 SOURCE LuxeOrganix Related Links http://www.luxeorganix.com Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication. The last time readers saw the nameless narrator of The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyens 2015 Pulitzer Prizewinning novel, he had survived a psychically obliterating reeducation at the hands of the communist regime he had long served as a spy and was packed into a boat full of refugees, headed toward fresh hells. In The Committed, Nguyens new novel, he finally washes up in France in the 1980s. Theres a deliciously complex irony to this development, as there is in so much of Nguyens fiction. The Sympathizer, as Philip Caputo noted in his review for the New York Times, is one of only a handful of American novels about the Vietnam War and its aftermath that puts Vietnamese characters at center stage. With The Committed, Nguyen takes those Vietnamese to the dark heart of their postcolonial turmoiland at the same time again denies Americans the spotlight we so love to hog. America simply isnt where the action is. The American Dream, the narrator opines, is as shallow, boring, and sentimental as a bad television show that had somehow become a hit. But oh, France! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powerfully influenced by the equally anonymous narrator of Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man, Nguyens narrator (sometimes referred to as the Captain in The Sympathizer for his rank in the South Vietnamese army) now considers himself fractured into at least three parts. Before, he was just two, as a result of being the illegitimate son of a Vietnamese orphan and a Catholic priest. The epithet that most rankles him, bastard, has, in his eyes at least, less to do with his unwed parents than with his biracial identity. He feels accepted nowhere, and near the end of The Sympathizer he is sent off to almost certain death by the South Vietnamese general he has attended to so faithfully (and lethally) as an aide. At the airport, he finds out why. How could you ever believe we would allow our daughter to be with someone of your kind? the General asks him. Advertisement What could be more French than a gangster novel of ideas? Of course, the General does not know that his faithful deputy has, in addition to canoodling with his daughter, been regularly reporting on his counterrevolutionary activities via coded letters to an aunt in Paris. In The Committed, it is this woman the Captain stays with when he first arrives in the City of Light. The chicly assimilated Vietnamese aunt explains that its possible to become French, but you must want to be French. You must look in the mirror and see a French person, not an Asian person or some other color. For her, a book editor, this takes the form of smoking, fashionable radicalism, and casual affairs with an assortment of fatuous leftist intellectuals (including one known by the initials BFD, an evident and very funny parody of the philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, who goes by BHL). Advertisement The Captain no longer considers himself a communist, not after his Orwellian reeducation back in Vietnam: sensory and sleep deprivation at the hands of a commissar without a face, a man so disfigured by a napalm attack that he is unrecognizable as Man, the Captains former boyhood friend. Subjecting the Captain to this brutal ordeal to purge him of his faith in the revolution, Man leaves the narrator believing in nothingthat is, in a grammatical and ontological brain twister: that nothing is not only something, but it is the only thing worth believing in. This detached viewpoint belongs to his third self. You may think that I am being a nihilist, the Captain further explains, but you could not be more wrong. While nihilists thought life was meaningless and rejected all religious and moral principles, I still believed in the principle of revolution. Advertisement Advertisement What exactly this means, and how its possible to live by such a philosophy while psychologically fractured, is the subject of The Committed. The Captain gets a job in the worst Asian restaurant in Paris, a front used by a gangster known only as the Boss, a Vietnamese of Chinese descent. The Captain pitches his aunts friends to the Boss as a potentially lucrative market, and in no time hes selling drugs to professors and politicians. This he considers a downfall, not because of the drugs, but because he worries hes becoming a capitalist, which is a matter of bad morals, especially as the capitalist, unlike the drug dealer, would never recognize his bad morality, or at least admit to it. This work leads him into violent encounters with a rival FrenchAlgerian gang and a convalescence in a brothel where the Senegalese bodyguard reads Frantz Fanon and watches intellectual talk shows all day. The Captain serves drinks at an event much like the grotesque racist orgy in Invisible Man, but in this version, the Boss has cameras hidden everywhere, collecting blackmail material on Paris white elite. Advertisement None of this, you may notice, sounds like the behavior of someone who believes in the principle of revolution. The Captains dilemma is that he both loves and hates the French, his nations (and the Algerians and the Senegaleses) colonizers. They are so charming, and they are such tyrants. So many of the concepts he has taken up in order to dismantle their powerfrom Marx and Althusser to Julia Kristevacome from the same European cultures that created the colonialism that brutalized Vietnam. The French Catholic priest who never acknowledged his paternity was also the benefactor who saved his mothers life during the Japanese-imposed famine of World War II. Also, the French make such excellent baguettes, and the Captain is very fond of cognac. Finally, what could be more French than a gangster novel of ideas? Advertisement Advertisement In The Sympathizer, the Captains great skill and abiding shortcoming was right there in the books title: his ability to sympathize with both sides in the Vietnamese civil war. This makes him much like a novelist, who must fully imagine the interior lives of his characters, even the villains. In The Committed, the Captain similarly disappoints everyone by refusing to sign on unreservedly to any enterprise: France, Vietnam, organized crime. Even his allegiance to revolution seems dubious, despite his protestationsfor what is he doing to further the overthrow of the existing order? His devotion is, in truth, entirely personal. Throughout both novels, the Captains decisions are driven by a desire to protect his best friend Bon, to whom he swore a blood oath as a boy. But Bon, who accompanies the Captain to France and who lost his father, wife, and son to the North Vietnamese, wants nothing more in life than to kill communists, having no idea that his friend secretly was one. Advertisement Absolutism is always reductive, and therefore, like the inability to sympathize with ones enemies, is an anathema to art. While the Captain has a bit of a feminist awakening in The Committed, he is mostly a cynic, and he has been ever since The Sympathizer. This is the heart of his charm, which in this readers opinion is more potent than that of the French. I could never entirely believe the Captain as an ardent communist, and in The Committed, he is free to let his sardonic flag fly. Hes at his funniest when pointing out the absurdities around him, such as a culture show designed to celebrate Vietnamese traditions, even if staging a culture show was really an acknowledgement of ones cultural inferiority. The truly powerful rarely need to put on a show, since their culture was always everywhere. To the Captains mind, such a show should focus not on folk dances but on what his fellow Vietnamese truly excel at, such as gambling, smoking, drinking coffee in cafes, and gossiping about our friends and relatives, whom we loved to backstab even more than stabbing our enemies, whose backs were harder to reach. He observes that the French love American jazz partially because every sweet note reminded them of American racism, which conveniently let them forget their own racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ah, contradiction! The perpetual body odor of humanity! the Captain proclaims. No matter our nationality, we all got used to the aroma of our own contradictions. This is a less exalted notion of humanity than the ideologies he has dabbled in, but a more truthful one. Its a view ill-suited to either a revolutionary or a gangster, but it is exactly whats called for in a writer. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 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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 A firefighter gears up to get back into the fight to save a house burning on farmland where a vehicle also burned but no people or pets were hurt Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Guadalupe County. With great potential amid the ever-growing importance of science and technology, Vietnam has promoted investment in this field by offering tax incentives and resources. Former Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan talks about the limitations in legal documents that regulate science-technology investment in Vietnam and recommendations for the country to unlock its potential in this field. Vietnam needs to ensure consistency in legal documents on science and technology development to tap its potentials. VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuan Early this year, the Finance Ministry issued Circular 03/2021/TT-BTC on Corporate Income Tax (CIT) exemption and reduction policies for science-technology enterprises. What is new in this circular? Similar tax incentives on science-technology companies were stipulated in two decrees in 2007 and 2010 respectively and another circular. This new document is expected to make tax procedures easier for science-technology businesses. However, there are some limitations in Circular 03. For example, previous legal documents regulated that science-technology businesses are entitled to the same tax incentives applied for high technology (hi-tech) companies or those investing in hi-tech parks. This means that they enjoy tax rate of 10 per cent for 15 years or during the life span of the project. However, Circular 03 doesnt specify CIT rates to which science-technology companies are entitled, so there is a chance that they may be entitled to CIT exemption and reduction for a total of just 13 years. This will make investing in science and technology less attractive and put science-technology companies at a disadvantage compared to hi-tech companies, companies investing in hi-tech zones or companies that have hi-tech projects. What is more, Circular 03 is about preferential tax policies while previous documents regulated other issues like human resources, transfer of assets and sharing of profits. Making these policies invalid will make it hard for those who want to establish or shift to a science-technology company. In addition, the procedures to apply for tax exemption and reduction are still complicated in many places so many businesses would rather use normal tax rates than apply for tax incentives. A lack of consistency among legal documents may also make it hard to be applied in reality. Could you elaborate more on this inconsistency? Take the Law on Science and Technology and Law on Personal Income Tax as examples. The law on science and technology stipulates that income from science-technology research projects will be exempt from personal income tax, however, there is no such incentive in the Law on Personal Income Tax. According to the Law on Science and Technology, researchers who have special contributions like winning the Ho Chi Minh award or international awards on science technology are offered pay rises but this incentive is not mentioned in the Law on Public Employees. Similarly, State funding for science-technology research or tasks is mentioned in the Law on Science Technology but the Law on State Budget just has general requirements that all tasks using State budget must follow a same procedure: make a cost estimate, have approval at the ministerial or provincial level, among others, which makes it take nearly a year before the funding arrives. This also applies to urgent tasks like developing COVID-19 vaccines or producing ventilators unless the Government decides otherwise. In science and technology, funding should be made available promptly when researchers have research ideas or there are demands from the market. We still maintain an old practice that is found nowhere else in the world. We must have a consistency in legal documents and change our mindset, otherwise research activities are still trapped in these limitations. Some people think that there is inconsistency in legal documents because we still dont seem willing to take risks in scientific research. What do you think about this? Science technology research can fail. The chance of failure may be higher than success. Meanwhile, the Law on State Budget doesnt mention venture capital, which means that investment is reserved for successful projects only. The State budget for scientific research, like corporate investment, should include venture capital. There is a regulation in the Law on High Technologies passed in 2008 that a national hi-tech venture investment fund will be piloted and then can be transferred to the private sector or divested, but so far it has not been implemented. As this venture fund initiative is yet to be carried out, we dont know about its operation mechanism and impacts of venture capital to issue relevant legal documents on venture capital. Nowadays the biggest problem of start-ups is that there is no legal regulation on venture capital. The Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises in 2017 did mention creative start-up investment funds and create a legal framework for this but there have been no guidance circulars on the procedures needed and operation mechanism. Recently you have supported Hanoi University of Science and Technology in establishing a start-up fund. Can you elaborate on how the fund works? Hanoi University of Science and Technology has just built its first start-up investment fund for their students and alumni. Its extremely hard. Though the university has financial capacity and is very eager to invest, it seems impossible as auditors do not accept it as eligible expenses. So the only way is to mobilise personal capital, but if personal capital is utilised then the institution will not be able to benefit from the profit of the fund. Experience from other countries like the United States, Japan, South Korea and Israel showed that venture capital would bring high profit. However, our policies do not allow using State budget for venture capital, which discourages people to do such things. Looking into these problems, we can see that there are still many limitations in science-technology development in our country. This field hasnt fully tapped the potentials and our expectations. Taking the pandemic for example, Vietnam was among countries that declared successful research for the COVID-19 vaccine very early. But the progress slowed when it came to clinical trials because the trials rely heavily on government investment. Private businesses cannot afford it and do not have sufficient capacity. If there is no timely investment, whether from government or private sector, then the product cannot be licensed and reach the market. This also means our chances of preventing the pandemic and to compete are gone. If we are late and the whole world is vaccinated before we release our vaccines, then we cant sell our products and this leads to a huge waste of resources. In the context of development and integration, like it or not, international products are pouring into Vietnam. FDI businesses also bring in technologies, therefore we must handle these limitations to push the potentials of Vietnams science and technology as well as change our mindset on investment for science and technology so we can catch up with the world. VNS More sci-tech development plans to be built in 2021 This year, the Ministry of of Science and Technology (MoST) will focus on building national sci-tech development plans for the next five years to promote socioeconomic development in the new era. ADVERTISEMENT The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, said the state on Tuesday night received 75, 510 doses of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the Nigerian government. Mr Kadafur, who received the consignment on behalf of the governor, Babagana Zulum, said the state government would decide on the distribution arrangement across the 27 local government areas. The deputy governor received the vaccines in the company of the Chief of Staff to Mr Zulum, officials of the state primary healthcare development agency, and a team from the WHO. The vaccines were flown into Maiduguri International Airport via a chartered aircraft, Allied Air, around 9 p.m. Speaking to journalists after receiving the consignment, the deputy governor said, as you, the media, have witnessed, we have received 75, 510 doses of the vaccine. He said the government would soon make public when the vaccine will be made available for the targeted members of the public. With 1,308 confirmed cases, Borno State ranks 23 amongst states grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! A glance at some of the day's headlines from the Proactive Investors newswire ( ) hailed a great result as assay and analytical results were received from its maiden drill hole at its wholly owned Clayton silver-gold project in Nevada, USA. ( ) said it has entered an exclusivity arrangement to potentially buy a historic silver tailings project within the Elizabeth Hill mining licence in Western Australia. Sativa Wellness Group Inc ( )( ) said its coronavirus (COVID-19) testing business has achieved over 1.1mln worth of bookings in less than four months since opening its first clinic in Bath, UK. (AIM: INHC) said Induction Booking, an appointment service tailored to the healthcare sector, has passed the one million bookings milestone in just a few months. Neuro-imaging specialist ( ) has been drafted in to support an Alzheimers clinical trial its second contract in this field in the space of just under a week. FastForward Innovations Ltd ( ) said it has agreed to sell its entire interest in cannabis firm as part of a takeover of the investee by North American cannabis consumer products group Curaleaf Holdings Inc (CSE:CURA, ). ( ) said Bill Love, its chief scientific officer, has joined the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) COVID-19 Research and Innovation Taskforce. (LON:HZM, ) has completed a bought deal private placement of special warrants in Canada, raising gross proceeds of US$9.2mln (6.6mln). (LON: PERE) said Minto Explorations Ltd has secured a sale price for its copper in a move that will minimise cash flow risks andallow it to benefit from higher metal prices sooner. ( ) told investors that joint venture partner Ara Petroleum is going to shoot 3D seismic at the Ruvuma project ahead of the Chikumbi-1 well programme. ( ) noted the latest payments received from the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil sales made in January. (XOP:CSE, ), announced that it has issued 12,500,000 common shares of the company pursuant to an exercise of warrants. (LON:SO4, ) advised that a new corporate presentation, including an update on the Lake Way project completion and expected ramp-up to the anticipated full production run-rate of 245ktpa in the June 2022 quarter, is now available to view on the company's website: www.so4.com.au/corporate_presentations.php. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Tmall Ecological Partner Now for the second half of the year, transcosmos China was again highly recognized for its high-quality operational services and integrated marketing services, and named a five star TMALL partner since 2016. transcosmos inc. is delighted to announce that Shanghai transcosmos Marketing Services Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shanghai, China; CEO: Eijiro Yamashita; transcosmos China), its wholly-owned subsidiary, was once again awarded a five-star rating as TMALL service partner for the second half of 2020 by TMALL, the largest online marketplace in China, on February 1, 2021. To recognize service companies with excellent operational capabilities, TMALL and TMALL Global evaluate their service partner companies that provide e-commerce operations services on their platforms every six months. As TMALL continues to optimize its platforms and services since 2020, service providers are required to offer highly specialized, high-quality services more than ever before. Under their star rating program, service partners are evaluated based on five standards namely, "e-commerce store operations services," "brand marketing," "consumer operations," "channel operations," and "service operations." transcosmos China received the "Five-star TMALL Service Partner" for the first half of 2020. Now for the second half of the year, transcosmos China was again highly recognized for its high-quality operational services and integrated marketing services, and named a five star TMALL partner. This marks the fifth consecutive year that transcosmos China won the award since 2016. transcosmos's two capital and business partners in China, Shanghai SPOT (commonly known as UNQ) and Shandong Ya Nuoda E-Commerce Co., Ltd. (commonly known as Magic Panda), both e-commerce service operators, also achieved excellent results. UNQ, an e-commerce operations agency that specializes primarily in recognized global cosmetics, personal care, and baby & kids brands, received a five star rating for the second time in 2020. And Magic Panda, an e-commerce store operations service provider specializing in fashion brand items, won a four star rating. As a certified service partner of both Alibaba Brand Databank and Alimama, transcosmos China has specialized teams designed for analytics that require professional expertise and experience, and for Uni Marketing. Powered by such teams, transcosmos China offers total marketing services that range from identifying brand's target audience to visualizing customer insight. At the same time, the company contributes to clients in boosting their sales by planning and executing various marketing strategies. During Double Eleven 2020, transcosmos China used a variety of marketing techniques by making the most of available data tools, thereby making substantial contribution to BANDAI, Canon, and many more brands in growing their revenues. Building on its proven successes in various online marketing campaigns, transcosmos will continue to contribute to many more clients in expanding sales. About transcosmos China transcosmos entered the Chinese market and launched its offshore services business in 1995. Today, transcosmos has its bases and subsidiaries across 20 cities in China including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Hefei, Xi'an, Changsha, Wuhan, Suzhou, Taipei and more. The company offers extensive services such as business process outsourcing (BPO) including contact centers, e-commerce one-stop, digital marketing and system development for both Chinese and global brands. transcosmos China was founded in Shanghai as a digital transformation partner for businesses in 2006 and launched its e-commerce business in 2009. Now, in partnership with platforms such as TMALL, JD, WeChat, and TIKTOK, transcosmos China offers a variety of services that include e-commerce store/website development & operations, sales channel development, online and offline data integration, system development, consumer operations, and integrated marketing services in the new retail industry (including cross-border e-commerce) to clients in diverse industries including the 3C industry (Computer, Communications, and Consumer Electronics), apparel, baby care, toy, sports, beverage, musical instruments, homewares, home theater/audio equipment, and more. *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 168 bases across 30 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 48 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Reality TV maven Teresa Giudice is on yet another vacation with her new love. The 48-year-old Real Housewives Of New Jersey star was seen in Mexico with beau Luis Ruelas, whom she met last year after divorcing Joe Giudice. Teresa and Luis were photographed arm-in-arm at the One and Only Mandarina resort near Punta Mita this week as she said the trip was 'magical.' South of the border: Reality TV maven Teresa Giudice is on yet another vacation with her new love. The 48-year-old Real Housewives Of New Jersey star was seen in Mexico with her beau Luis Ruelas, whom she met last year after divorcing Joe Giudice Teresa posted two images to Instagram from her trip. In one shot she was in a cream colored frilly dress with cork platform wedge shoes and her hair half up: 'Paradise #love #magical #grateful. And Luis shared an image of his lady love too, adding a red heart. The pair was also seen by a swimming pool as the cookbook author wore a bikini an a coverup by Koi Sydney. 'Woven seamlessly into Mexicos most awe-inspiring coastal rainforest, One&Only Mandarina, balances unparalleled seclusion with our signature One&Only atmosphere,' it says on the One and Only website. Dreamy location: Teresa and Luis were photographed arm in arm at the One and Only Mandarina near Punta Mita this week 'Experience a unifying environment amidst the palm-fringed sands and emerald cliffside, punctuated with lagoons and estuaries, that encourage you to reconnect with yourself, those you love and the natural world. A sanctuary of unspoiled nature, open space and cultural heritage in Mexico.' This comes after the star called Ruelas her 'soul mate' on social media. In February the businessman gushed over his lady love in a long Instagram caption: 'Teresa, Thank you for the special joy you have added to my life, you have made my world better. You are kind loving and so thoughtful - I appreciate you babe .' They were seen at dinner with their hands together as they beamed for the camera. By the pool: Teresa posted two images to Instagram from her trip. In one shot she was in a cream colored frilly dress with her hair half up: 'Paradise #love #magical #grateful' In another post he is seen hugging her. He is also planting a kiss on her as they are in an outdoor area. 'When I laid eyes on you you wrapped me up the color of love Sade - Kiss Of Life,' he added. In January they were seen on a white sand beach during yet another getaway. Fans went wild for the image as Teresa posed in a bikini. And a few followers even asked if Luis might be planning a Valentine's Day proposal. 'You make my heart smile @louiearuelas,' wrote the Bravo star in her caption. The cookbook author was in a black bikini with an open fuchsia lace cover up and a hat with sunglasses. Her new love had on swim shorts and sunglasses as well. Icookncreate_farmhouse_decor said, 'Valentine Ring maybe?' while beth72376 called them 'Ken and Barbie!' Her fellow Bravo stars approved of the post. Vicki Gunvaloson of RHOC said, 'So happy for you' and Tamra Judge gave her two fire emojis. His post: Luis also took to social media; he shared an image where Teresa was in a pink dress JWoww of Jersey Shore said, 'Beautiful.' Luis professed his love for Teresa on Instagram: 'Everyone has a journey and a path in life and we all have to go thru the pain in order to find the JOY JOY Is a constant feeling of happiness and thats what I feel when Im with you XO.' And then he shared a beach photo where Teresa was in a white bikini: 'Grateful 4 this amazing woman.' The lovebirds have been dating since the fall of 2020 and only went public in November. They also spent the holidays together. They were side by side as they stood by a tall Christmas tree in the foyer of her New Jersey mansion which she once shared with ex-husband Joe. The beauty had on a low-cut black dress with her raven hair down as she was glammed to the nines. Her new man was dapper in a dark suit as he put an arm around his lady love and held her hand. In her caption she said, 'It's official.' She also said Luis was 'the BEST thing that came out of 2020.' In early November, the reality TV personality posted an image to her Facebook account to let her followers know that she was moving on and had met someone new; the caption for the post read: 'Excited to reveal my new boyfriend.' The early days: When she first became famous on RHONJ she came out with a cookbook It was made known that month that Giudice had begun a relationship with Ruelas. Teresa was previously married to Giuseppe 'Joe' Giudice from 1999 until this year. The former couple were heavily featured on The Real Housewives Of New Jersey and share four daughters. In 2009, Joe and Teresa couple filed for bankruptcy, which set off a chain of legal battles culminating in the two being convicted for various forms of fraud. Five years later, the two were handed prison sentences; Joe's status as an illegal immigrant was also brought into question, as he had never gained citizenship despite living in the United States since he was a year old. At the end of his time being incarcerated, Joe went to live with his family in Italy to await the results of his deportation hearing and subsequent appeals. The Giudices separated in December of 2019, months after Joe was released, and finalized their divorce in September. The media personality's former husband is reportedly both aware and supportive of her new relationship. Amy Marcarelli, associate professor of biology at Michigan Tech, sees diversity, equity, and inclusion through her lens as an ecosystem ecologist. She is one of 13 co-authors on a paper that outlined how to support mothers in academic careers during and after the pandemic. Credit: Sarah Atkinson/Michigan Tech Over the summer and fall, paper after paper revealed that mothers are one of the demographics hardest hit by the pandemic. From layoffs and leaving careers to do caretaking, to submission rate decreases and additional service projects, the data were clear, but the follow up less so. Many of the problems are not new and will remain after the pandemic. But a new paper, published this week in PLOS Biology, outlines methods to help solve them. "In the spirit of the well-worn adage 'never let a good crisis go to waste,' we propose using these unprecedented times as a springboard for necessary, substantive and lasting change," write the 13 co-authors, led by researchers from Boston University and hailing from seven institutions, including Michigan Technological University, University of Connecticut, and University of HoustonClear Lake. The team's goal: Solutions for retaining mothers in science during and after COVID-19, especially parents who are Black, Indigenous or people of color. "The news was reporting these studies as if they were a surprise," said Robinson Fulweiler from Boston University, one of the lead authors alongside Sarah Davies, also of Boston University. Fulweiler adds, "There's already been a lot of data gathered about this issue. But there have been no solutions. Our level of frustration peaked. We decided we need to make a plan to fix things." The paper offers specific solutions to different groups that can enact change: Mentors: Know university parental leave policies, support and model a "healthy work-life teeter-totter" and keep mentees with child care duties engaged and involved in lab, department and multi-institution activities. Know university parental leave policies, support and model a "healthy work-life teeter-totter" and keep mentees with child care duties engaged and involved in lab, department and multi-institution activities. University administrators: Look up 500 Women Scientists, rethink tenure procedures and timelines, listen, provide course releases and avoid making "gender- or race-neutral policies because the effects of the pandemic are not neutral across race or gender." Look up 500 Women Scientists, rethink tenure procedures and timelines, listen, provide course releases and avoid making "gender- or race-neutral policies because the effects of the pandemic are not neutral across race or gender." Scientific societies: Consider how to keep parts of virtual conferences with lower costs, expand governing board diversity, expand networking opportunities and continue supporting early-career members, especially researchers who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Consider how to keep parts of virtual conferences with lower costs, expand governing board diversity, expand networking opportunities and continue supporting early-career members, especially researchers who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Publishers: Expand editorial boards and, during the pandemic, incentivize submissions through fee waivers for mothers with child care duties and keep extending deadlines for review and revisions. Expand editorial boards and, during the pandemic, incentivize submissions through fee waivers for mothers with child care duties and keep extending deadlines for review and revisions. Funding agencies: Streamline paperwork, ask for COVID disruption statements and look into supplemental and short-term bridge awards. Mothers in the Pandemic Amy Marcarelli, associate professor of biological sciences at Michigan Tech, helped lead the paper's section addressing professional societies. When the pandemic hitand Marcarelli had less than five days to shift all her classes and research to remote formatsshe was wrapping up a two-year strategic planning process with the Society for Freshwater Science that included a deep dive into effective and fair practices for diversity, equity and inclusion. She sees the work through her lens as an ecosystem ecologist. "Some of my most recent work has been around cascading and indirect effects and how effects viewed on short time scales may have very different outcomes at long time scales," Marcarelli said. "What I've learned from that research is that you can't abstract a single characteristic of an organism and expect that to explain its ecological role. And [in academia] we try so often to treat ourselves as researchersand not as mothers and partners and daughters and leadersand that's to the detriment of all of us. It's to the detriment of us as individuals but it's also to the detriment of our academic system because if we don't treat people as whole people then we fail them." Marcarelli emphasizes that she feels like she has been lucky during the pandemic; she secured tenure several years ago, her kid is older, Michigan K-12 schools reopened in September, and her mom, who was furloughed, helped with spring schooling and summer child care. While the extra service projects and retooling research, instruction and life were not easy, Marcarelli recognizes that not everyone's situation has been like hers. The most pressing change Marcarelli sees is to rethink tenure extensions: "We have to figure out how to make motherhood and tenure compatible, not just extend tenureit's not a solution." She adds that the greatest challenge will be money. "These are inequities, but they are not inequities that everybody sees. And during a time of what is going to be an extended budget crisis in a lot of higher ed, that's going to be the hardest part. But it's the part that has to be solved because good intentions only get us so far." Marcarelli says the conversation that sparked the PLOS Biology article started on Twitter, a lively back-and-forth on how to shift the dialogue to a solutions mindset. "At the same time, several of us were working on big service activities around how to improve conditions for all different axes of diversity in our departments and universities, in our societies," she said. "We had invested a lot of thinking and real work that was going into small reports and small-scale documents that weren't going to be read widely." The team's service work, lived experiences and hope informed the PLOS Biology paper as much as their research and collaboration. "Part of the motivation for writing this article is that in some ways the pandemic provides a window into why this is important, why we need to do the hard work of dismantling these systems," Marcarelli said. "Quite frankly, it's an opportunity." Explore further Why do men publish more research papers than women? Motherhood plays key role More information: Robinson W. Fulweiler et al, Rebuild the Academy: Supporting academic mothers during COVID-19 and beyond, PLOS Biology (2021). Journal information: PLoS Biology Robinson W. Fulweiler et al, Rebuild the Academy: Supporting academic mothers during COVID-19 and beyond,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001100 It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be An ancient, meteorite, or achondrite, was discovered in the Sahara desert last year that has now been identified as chunk from a protoplanet that formed before Earth came into existence. The space rock, named EC 002, dates back 4.6 billion years and consists mostly of volcanic rock, leading experts to believe it came from the crust of a very early planet. The team of French and Japanese scientists determined that the rock was once liquid lava, but cooled and solidified over 100,000 years to form the 70-pound piece that eventually made its way to our planet. Researchers also note that no asteroids have been found with similar properties, which suggests the protoplanet it came from has since disappeared by either becoming parts of larger bodies or 'were simply destroyed.' Scroll down for video An ancient achondrite was discovered in the Sahara desert last year that has now been identified as chunk from a protoplanet that formed before Earth came into existence. The stony meteorite, named EC 002, dates back 4.6 billion years Anchondrites originate from early planetary bodies that have reformed from molten fragments and were flung into space as a result of another collision. These rocks also resemble those on Earth at first glance, deeming them a rare discovery in the scientific community. The latest anchondrite has been named after its landing site in Algeria's Erg Chech dune sea, which consist of several meteorites that collectively weight some 70 pounds, Motherboard reports. Only a few thousands of these have been analyzed, most of which are basaltic, but EC 002 is made mostly of volcanic rock - making it rich in sodium, iron and magnesium. The rock consists mostly of volcanic rock, leading experts to believe it came from the crust of a very early planet. The team describes EC 002 as 'relatively coarse grained, tan and beige,' noting that it was also spotted with yellow and green bits The latest anchondrite has been named after its landing site in Algeria's Erg Chech dune sea, which consist of several meteorites that collectively weight some 70 pounds With this in mind, the team says EC 002 'is also the oldest magnetic rock ever observed.' Researchers determined its age by studying the rock's magnesium and aluminum isotopes, which showed it formed about 4.566 billion years ago while Earth is said to be 4.543 billion years old. The team describes EC 002 as 'relatively coarse grained, tan and beige,' noting that it was also spotted with yellow and green bits. They also note that when they looked at other celestial bodies, focusing on their wavelengths, they found nothing that matched the wavelength reflected by EC 002. The meteorite is also 58 percent silicon dioxide, making it even rarer than others previously found on Earth, as this mineral is commonly found in volcanic regions on our planet. 'Protoplanets covered by andesitic crusts were probably frequent,' the team wrote in the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 'However, no asteroid shares the spectral features of EC 002, indicating that almost all of these bodies have disappeared, either because they went on to form the building blocks of larger bodies or planets or were simply destroyed.' Microsoft. Capital One. Logitech. Verizon. Lackawanna College. The Scranton-based school joined the others in making a prestigious international list that recognizes innovation. Fast Company released its 2021 most innovative companies list Tuesday, and Lackawanna College earned the ninth spot in the corporate social responsibility category. For anyone with sights on higher-paying jobs, college degrees have become pretty much essential. But many struggle to afford them, and to adjust to university life, overwhelmed by the workload, the magazine wrote. The Level Up program at Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania gets high school students involved in college rigor early: they can study and earn college credits, at a fee of $100 per credit, making the eventual transition easier. When they do get to college Lackawanna or otherwise freshmen may have already saved between $15,000 and $50,000. Companies included in the main list include Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for their COVID-19 vaccines, SpaceX for flying past competitors in the space race and Netflix for making black audiences central to its programming strategy. Lackawanna officials, who started the Level Up program three years ago, celebrated its inclusion. Through the program, tuition is reduced from $535 to $100 per credit. High school students can complete an associate degree for $6,200, and the credits can transfer to other schools. Level Up has been more than successful, said Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. It has been truly life changing for the students and families who participate. Last year, seven students received their associate degrees before their high school diplomas. This year, with 24 partnering school districts, another 19 students will earn degrees. More than 100 students have taken classes, with estimated tuition savings approaching $1.5 million by the end of this academic year. At Lackawanna College, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to bridge the socioeconomic gap and help students obtain a degree quickly and at significantly less cost, said Jill Murray, Ph.D., the colleges president and chief innovation officer. More than ever, students need alternative pathways to help them succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world. College leaders announced the incredibly amazing international recognition during a socially-distant event in the theater, the first college gathering in a year due to the pandemic. Superintendents of the three districts with the greatest participation Abington Heights, Old Forge and Riverside spoke about programs impact. This program is opening doors and creating bridges for students who didnt have these opportunities before, said Erin Keating, Ed.D., Old Forge superintendent. Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, a Scranton school director when college leaders pitched the program to the district, called Lackawanna a huge piece of the citys future. It just shows where were at in this area, we are really hitting our stride, she said. Places like Lackawanna College are going to get us there. ALBANY Amid the rush to finish the state budget, navigate scandals surrounding Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and chart a path forward in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic, a few state legislators are trying to keep at least some attention focused on continuing the sale of takeout alcohol from restaurants. Ive had owners tell me this has helped keep the doors open during the pandemic. Its that important, said Pat Fahy, a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly whose district covers much of city of Albany and some of its western and southern suburbs. Fahy is sponsor of a bill at the committee stage in the Assembly that would allow, for two years after the end of the state's pandemic-related disaster emergency, restaurants and bars to offer takeout and delivery of any alcoholic beverage they are permitted by their current liquor license to sell for on-premises consumption. One of the groups most opposed to alcohol takeout by restaurants, the New York State Liquor Store Association, on Tuesday indicated willingness to support such a law if some of its concerns are addressed. Prior to March 16 of last year, the day bars and dining rooms statewide were ordered closed by Cuomo during the initial wave of the pandemic, restaurants could sell only beer for takeout. Unfinished wine purchased with a meal could be taken home in a sealed bag, but the sale by restaurants of wine by the bottle or glass, cocktails or spirits by the bottle were all against the law. Cuomo changed that last March 17 with an executive order that has been renewed every 30 days. The most recent expires March 28. Given that Cuomo's expansive emergency powers were stripped by the Legislature last week, advocates of continued alcohol takeout fear the renewal won't be as easy as it was the last 11 times. The new law requires Cuomo to submit new executive orders, or existing measures he wishes to continue, to the Legislature and affected local communities, which then have five days to comment and request changes. Its our stance that (alcohol takeout) should be continued, said Scott Wexler, executive director of the Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association. Ideally, Wexler said, he would like to see some version of Fahys bill passed by both houses of the Legislature and signed into law, but he does not expect that to happen before the March 28 expiration of the current executive order. Nor does Fahy. With everything thats going on already, and with the budget on top of that, I think its likely well just push it out for another 30 days and deal with it next month, said Fahy. The extension, Fahy and Wexler said, would give them time to work behind the scenes with parties on both sides of the issue and in the state Senate, where a similar bill is stalled in committee. Wexler said it is his understanding that the bill hasnt progressed in the Senate because of opposition from liquor stores. Brian A. Benjamin, who represents upper Manhattan in the Senate and is sponsoring the bill to continue alcohol takeout from restaurants, did not reply to a request for comment left with his office. Stefan Kalogridis, board president of the state liquor store association, told the Times Union, Were all for the law to be passed. We know it helps restaurants. But, said Kalogridis, who owns Colvin Wine Merchants in Albany, his members want restrictions put in place that would prevent restaurants from essentially acting as liquor stores. We want people to be able to get margaritas to go with their meals, he said, adding, But if somebody can come in, buy a bag of chips and bottle of Grey Goose (vodka), thats not fair to us. The association is in favor of a version of the takeout-alcohol law that permits the sale of cocktails and individual servings of wine, Kalogridis said. After this story was published, Kalogridis clarified that his association's members strongly oppose a law allowing restaurants to sell bottles of wine and spirits. I can be flexible on this, said Fahy. She said she is sympathetic to liquor stores concerns but noted that, unlike restaurants, such stores thrived during the pandemic. Their sales skyrocketed while restaurants were suffering so badly, said Fahy. Shanken News Daily, which tracks the alcoholic-beverage industry, reported in January that wine and spirits sales saw double-digit increases in 2020. In December, Mark O'Callaghan, owner of Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse in Halfmoon, told Market Watch, another industry publication, that his stores sales last year were up 26 percent over 2019. Craig Allen, owner of All Star Wine & Spirits in Latham, said Tuesday that his 2020 sales rose 30 percent, year over year. In contrast, the restaurant industry in New York City alone shed half its jobs from March through October last year, according to an audit released by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The report predicted that 8,000 to 12,000 bars and restaurants in the city were likely to have permanently closed by the middle of this year as a result of the pandemic, putting up to 160,000 people out of work. We need to get this done on alcohol to go, Fahy said. If we can address (stores) concerns and still keep this important part of restaurants revenue going, thats what we should by trying to do. Editor's note: This story was updated after publication to reflect a clarification in the position of the New York State Liquor Store Association. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Sahouri was the first working U.S. journalist to face a criminal trial since 2018, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. Although more than 125 U.S. journalists were arrested or detained last year, the vast majority were not charged or had their charges dismissed. Last week, Muffin and Jamie Bernstein reached a milestone. At 9 p.m. Thursday (March 11), the couple once again created a racket, thumping pots and pans with wooden spoons to mark the conclusion of their nightly, 15-minute, do-it-yourself, coronavirus-awareness broadcast. Just like they did, without fail, on the previous 365 evenings. The couple wore zany get-ups and reminisced as they shared news items from the war on COVID-19 and other issues, just like they always have. They looked back on previous broadcasts, and grimly updated the number of deaths the disease has caused, reassuring their audience that, no matter what, We love you, and we miss you. Can you believe its been a year, Jamie said wonderingly, as he discussed the history of the project. On March 12, 2020, when the Bernsteins began broadcasting, the coronavirus was still mostly an abstraction in New Orleans. It would be two more days before the first death from the disease and most residents were in some state of unawareness or denial. But, as Jamie explained, Muffin has a cousin who lives in China, and they have a mutual friend who lives in Spain, so theyd been warned of the pandemic that had already profoundly affected those parts of the globe. Like a pair of Paul Reveres, the Bernseins saw their social media broadcasts, called Every Night at 8:45 Muffin and Jamie Go Facebook Live, as a way to signal the approach of an unseen enemy. Muffin sums up the motivation underlying their project like so: The sky is actually falling and you guys need to hear us. +8 Mid-City duo creates nutty coronavirus talk show, vows to go live nightly till crisis passes For more than 150 consecutive days, Muffin and Jamie Bernstein have used Facebook Live to broadcast a series of coronavirus awareness messages While vacationing in Spain, the couple witnessed people on balconies rapping on pots as a plea for the independence of the Catalonia region. They adapted the clatter to the cause of COVID awareness. The Bernsteins, who are in their 40s, have been married for 12 years. They are an arty pair. He is a musician, an actor and a bartender at the Maple Leaf Bar, who moved to New Orleans from West Virginia. She is a photographer and Dillard University art teacher who grew up in Lakeview. They are mainstays of the Krewe of OAK Carnival marching group. The nightly shows theyve produced over the past year have an odd tone that blends absolute earnestness with tongue-in-cheek absurdity, lubricated with adult beverages. Each day had a different theme: Silly Mask Sunday, Covid Sucks Monday, Traumatic Tuesday, Wild Wild Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Funky Friday and Psychedelic Saturday. The couple wore disco dance outfits during certain broadcasts, or knitted Peruvian masks, or weird, X-ray T-shirts that seemed to reveal their bodily organs in vivid detail. They donned Day of the Dead sugar skull masks to mark the moments when a further 50,000 people died of the virus. In Jamies view, the subject of the show was always a worldwide emergency, but he and Muffin reacted to it in a distinctly New Orleans manner. We dress up in a costume and drink and yell about it, he said, laughing. As the couple shared news updates over the past 12 months, they made no effort to disguise their disdain for the Trump administration and any politician who seemed to impede the suppression of the virus. On a good night, the show was boisterous fun, Muffin said. On a rare, bad night, her frustrations would get the best of her. I get very, very, very upset, she said. Im screaming at the camera, Im crying, not wanting to be in front of the camera; when you can just see the rage. Termites have swarmed the back porch set, and huge, flying palmetto bugs. The chop, chop, chop of passing helicopters has interrupted broadcasts and the family dog has tipped over light stands. In conventional media terms, Every Night at 8:45 Muffin and Jamie Go Facebook Live hasnt been a big success. Jamie estimates there are roughly 50 to 60 nightly followers, with 200 occasional viewers. So, the appeal has never been what youd call, uh, viral. And Jamie said that lately, thanks to pandemic fatigue, theres been less interest than usual. Jamie also said the show has received its share of criticism. People say, The show is stupid; you say the same thing every night, he said. +14 House float becomes a permanent tribute to the women of New Orleans music Mardi Gras may have passed, but Tricia Diamonds house float isnt going anywhere. The design, titled New Orleans Queens of Sound and Soul, But success depends on your expectations. Every Night at 8:45 Muffin and Jamie Go Facebook Live hasnt been just a social media coronavirus-awareness broadcast, its been a performance art duet, with whispers of "Waiting for Godot." Jamie and Muffin took all the anxiety and exasperation and claustrophobia and confusion that everyone has felt over the past 12 months and distilled it to an indefatigable series of cathartic 15-minute rants, presented in the dominant medium of the moment. Like everybody else, they had no control over anything, externally or internally, but they wouldnt give in without a fight, or at least an argument. The best art is like a mirror and Muffin and Jamies self-styled talk show reflected the past 365 stupid, repetitive, existential days pretty darned well. So, at 9:01 Thursday, did the Bernsteins finally stop? The trouble is, Jamie said, every time we talk about quitting, somebody tells us, Dont quit, youre our lifeline. Muffin and Jamie arent quitting, but after the 365th episode, they plan to mix things up a little. Theyve gotten the vaccine and, though theres still room for worry, a glimmer of optimism is shining in. It might be time to take weekends off. They might vary the shows format with occasional cooking or exercise demonstrations or something like that. Who knows? As life become livelier, they might be able to do broadcasts from concerts or other social activities. Possibly, someday, this will all be over. NOTE: This story was updated after the anniversary broadcast. Louisiana coronavirus: 404 more confirmed cases, 6 deaths reported Tuesday; see latest data The Louisiana Department of Health reported 404 more confirmed coronavirus cases and six more confirmed deaths in its noon update Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly plans to fly tomorrow to the United Arab Emirates for a historic first visit and meet with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed. Netanyahus office has not yet confirmed the news. Netanyahu has postponed the visit to the Emirates three times. Originally, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi was set to be the first Israeli minister to visit the Emirates, shortly after the September 2020 signing of the normalization agreement. He was invited to participate at a regional ministerial meeting there but Netanyahu halted the plan, banning any ministerial visits there or in Bahrain before he made one of his own. His office then scheduled a three-day December visit to both countries, where the prime minister was set to inaugurate Israels two new embassies. Since then, the trip has been repeatedly postponed and its agenda shortened. On Feb. 4, Netanyahus office said the expected Feb. 9 visit was delayed for the third time, citing Israels nationwide lockdown and the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport over the pandemic. Tomorrows visit will last a matter of hours and there will be no ceremonial opening of the embassy. Senior Israeli diplomat Eitan Naeh arrived to Abu Dhabi at the end of January and is serving as charge daffaires until a permanent ambassador is appointed. The offices of the embassy opened officially a few days ago. Israel is planning to establish a large embassy there, including several representatives of the Economy and Trade Ministry and a consulate in Dubai. The Israeli Embassy in Manama also started functioning a few weeks ago. There as well, the mission is headed by a charge daffaires as a permanent ambassador has not been appointed yet. According to the Israeli press, some Emirati officials are hesitant about tomorrow's visit, just 12 days before the general elections in Israel. They fear the proximity of the visit to election day could be viewed as political, as if the Emirati regime were supporting Netanyahu in his campaign. Be that as it may, it does appear that Netanyahu informed Defense Minister Benny Gantz about the upcoming visit after keeping him in the dark about previous plans. The press also said that neither Israels national carrier El Al nor the other two Israeli carriers Arkia and IsraAir were invited to operate the flight. It is unclear by what means Netanyahu will travel to Abu Dhabi. On March 2, Netanyahu met with the Emirates' first ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Mahmoud Al Khaja. The ambassador arrived to Israel for a first four-day visit to present his accreditation letter to President Reuven Rivlin. He is expected to return to Israel in the near future to stay. Warmly welcoming Al Khaja, Netanyahu said, We are changing the Middle East; we are changing the world. Upon his arrival, the ambassador opened a Twitter account from which he tweets in Arabic, English and Hebrew. It has already attracted more than 32,000 followers, including many Israelis. Partnership Leverages Innovative Technology to Streamline the Investor Onboarding Process and Enhance Investor Data Security BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Finomial, a leading Compliant Client Lifecycle Management ("CCLM") platform, today announced its partnership with Mainstream Fund Services, a global provider of full-service fund administration and part of Mainstream Group Holdings Limited (ASX:MAI) ("Mainstream"). The partnership leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline the investor onboarding processes and enhance investor data security. Many of Mainstream's clients are already using Finomial for digital client onboarding. The partnership is addressing an industry-wide problem of a labor-intensive and arduous onboarding process. Mainstream and Finomial's partnership streamlines the investor onboarding process by: Simplifying investor onboarding through Electronic Subscription agreements Harvesting data from the Subscription Agreement into the Finomial platform Leveraging intelligence to guide investors and reduce errors through the Finomial platform Integrating the process with Mainstream's U.S. AML data provider, LexisNexis, and Mainstream's U.S. fund accounting platform to ensure compliance Finomial's platform provides an enhanced experience for Mainstream fund managers and their investors through a digital workflow on an Investor Dashboard - providing a single view of all in-progress and completed activity. In addition to workflows, Finomial's platform reduces the tedium of providing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents by easily uploading documentation, including passports, authorized signatory lists, articles of incorporation, and more. Mainstream has initially rolled out Finomial's platform in the U.S, to be followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe in a staged migration. "Finomial is used by some of the world's largest and most regulated financial institutions, and Mainstream is proud to be amongst this company," said Jay Maher, CEO of Mainstream, U.S. "With this partnership, we are taking steps towards a smoother, more efficient process for investors, fund managers, and other parties in the onboarding process." "We pride ourselves on creating a transparent and collaborative experience for investors and fund managers, to solve the industry-wide challenge of client onboarding," said Meredith Moss, Founder and CEO of Finomial. "We are thrilled to have been chosen by Mainstream." For more information on the Finomial and Mainstream partnership and Finomial's technology offering, please contact Natalie Applewhite at Natalie.Applewhite@finomial.com and Michelle Maldonado at americas@mainstreamgroup.com. About Finomial With over US$1.5 trillion in alternative assets serviced on our software platform across the globe, Finomial automates client on-boarding, comprehensive due diligence, and global regulatory reporting in a rapidly changing compliance environment - all while delivering a digital client experience. Finomial is transforming the interactions between financial institutions and their investors, minimizing the friction so GPs and LPs can focus on what matters. About Mainstream Fund Services Mainstream Fund Services (ASX:MAI) is a full-service fund administration firm dedicated to partnering with their clients to provide accurate, timely and comprehensive accounting services to the financial services industry. As of December 31, 2020, Mainstream provides administration services to 1,202 funds, 362 clients and more than 150,000 investors globally, with funds under administration in excess of AUD $224 billion. Mainstream has operations in the United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Isle of Man, Malta, Ireland, and the Cayman Islands. For more information, please visit: www.mainstreamgroup.com. CONTACT: Jamie Kemp for Finomial (516) 417-3975 jamie@calibercorporateadvisers.com Kristin Winkler for Mainstream (646) 681-1160 americas@mainstreamgroup.com SOURCE: Finomial View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634193/Finomial-and-Mainstream-Fund-Services-Partner-to-Transform-the-Investor-and-Fund-Manager-Experience California Gov. Newsom Criticizes Political Power Grabs Amid Recall Efforts California Gov. Gavin Newsom took aim at his critics on Tuesday during his state of the state address as a campaign to oust the states top official has accumulated enough signatures to trigger a special election later this year. The state of our state remains determined. I remain determined! We wont change course just because of a few nay-sayers and dooms-dayers, Newsom, a Democrat, said during his address. So to the California critics who are promoting partisan power grabs and outdated prejudices and rejecting everything that makes California great, we say this: we will not be distracted from getting shots in arms and our economy booming again. Organizers of a campaign to recall Newsom said on Sunday that theyve gathered 1.95 million signatures to trigger the recall procedure in the Golden State. The procedure allows citizens to recall and replace public officials before their term ends by collecting signatures in a petition. The petition requires a specific number of signatures over a specified period of time. If a valid number of signatures is collected, then a recall election can be held. Different states have different rules for this procedure. In California, petitioners must present 1,495,709 verified signatures to state officials by March 17, according to the organizers. If they do, voters will be asked later this year whether Newsom should be removed from office. Theyll also be asked who should replace the governor if a majority of respondents say he should be removed. Proponents of the grassroots movement said that they were motivated to campaign against Newsom for a number of reasons including the governors handling of the ongoing CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, the state lockdowns, and his economic policies. 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, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner previously told The Epoch Times. 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, he added. Volunteers sort recall mail to oust California Governor Gavin Newsom at Capital Campaigns Incorporated in Newport Beach, Calif., on Jan 4, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The last time California unseated a governor through a recall effort was in 2003, when they recalled Democrat Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, and chose Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace him. During his address, Newsom acknowledged the mistakes he made during the pandemic. Look, weve made mistakes. Ive made mistakes. But we own them, learn from them, and never stop trying, he said. After all, thats the California spirit. We are bent but not broken. Bloodied but unbowed. Resolved to make it to brighter days aheadto not let the pain of last year deter the hopefulness of tomorrow. Under Article II of the California Constitution, Californian voters can recall and remove officials and justices of the State Supreme Court from office. After the petitioners submit the required number of signatures, state officials would need to determine whether the signatures are valid and whether the requisite number of valid signatures are met. The secretary of state would then need to notify the Department of Finance about the results, so that the department can estimate the cost of a recall election. Upon receiving certification of the recall petition, the governor must make public a notice for holding a recall election. The election must be conducted within between 60 to 80 days from the date of certification of the signatures. Or, officials can schedule it to align with a regularly scheduled election, provided its within 180 days. Drew Van Voohris and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Pepticom's unique artificial intelligence (AI) technology streamlines and significantly accelerates the ability to discover advanced peptide-based drug candidates. Pepticom's AI technology enables the discovery of the most advanced peptide-based drug candidates by searching an enormous set of possible solutions, vastly reducing the risk of failure during development. It covers a chemical-space of 1030 possible molecular options - which is much larger than current screening techniques - while simultaneously filtering out the most suitable candidates with properties such as solubility and permeability amongst others. This software analyzed several protein targets related to the SARS-Cov-2 virus and designed a number of potential peptide drug candidates that were lab validated. PeptiCov will be responsible for further development of these peptides. PeptiCov will also actively be seeking partnerships with pharma companies. The Chartered Group has previously invested in Pepticom and other Israeli deep tech companies and has broad networks in Europe, East Asia and Japan. "We made this investment out of our belief in Pepticom's application of AI via PeptiCov for SARS-Cov-2 drug discovery and early development," said Eyal Agmoni, Chairman of Chartered Group and Technology division. "Pepticom's unique AI platform allows for various drug discovery efforts, and we are excited to join this spinoff company." About Pepticom Pepticom is a privately held AI company with headquarters in Israel committed to offering AI peptide drug discovery solutions for a better and healthier world. It is the leader in the emerging peptide drugs software solutions, AI and prediction tools that allow research centers, pharma and agriculture companies to accelerate innovative molecules discovery while reducing time, costs and risks. Pepticom operates in various markets; past successful discoveries include peptide molecules related to metabolic diseases and Immuno-modulators. Pepticom was founded in 2011 by a select team of multidisciplinary PhD graduates from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. http://www.pepticom.com For logos and images click here. Pepticom recently hosted a webinar with researchers, doctors and policy makers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Shaarei Zedek Medical Center on "Beyond Vaccines - Harnessing AI to Accelerate Undiscovered Treatment for COVID-19." To view the webinar, click here. About Chartered Group The Chartered Group's investments consist of five major business interests: Investment Banking, Private Credit, Real Estate, Hospitality and Technology. The Chartered Group's Technology division invests in companies that develop disruptive technologies in wide areas including biomedical, artificial intelligence and IoT, to mention a few. Chartered Group also focuses on investments in Israeli early-stage start-ups as the anchor investor in TAU Ventures, the venture capital fund of Tel Aviv University. For more information, visit http://www.charteredgroup.com. Company Contact: Dr. Maayan Elias, Ph.D., MBA, BSc. Pharm SVP BD and Marketing [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1451795/Pepticom.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1451793/PeptiCov.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1451794/Chartered_Group.jpg Related Links https://pepticom.com SOURCE Pepticom A new internal review finds that five former Oakland police officers appeared to be justified when they shot and killed a homeless man in 2018, and recommends that the city hire them back. The officers conduct in the case has escalated a dispute between the Police Department and a federal court monitor, whose authority stems from an agreement the city made 18 years ago to adopt meaningful reforms. Jeffrey Sloan, a Berkeley employment law attorney whom Oakland paid $160,000 to complete the review, concluded that former officers Josef Phillips, William Berger, Brandon Hraiz and Craig Tanaka, and former Sgt. Frank Negrete, did not violate the departments use of force policies on the evening of March 11, 2018, when they found Joshua Pawlik, 31, lying between two houses in West Oakland with a semiautomatic handgun in his right hand. Police blocked traffic around the armed but apparently unconscious man on the 900 block of 40th Street. Negrete requested an armored vehicle from which he, Hraiz, Berger and Tanaka took position with AR-15-style rifles. Several officers shouted commands at Pawlik, and when he began to move, the sergeant and the three officers fired 22 shots from the BearCat armored truck. The other officer, Phillips, filed a less-than-lethal beanbag round at Pawlik. The five officers were cleared of excessive force violations in four separate internal investigations by the Police Department, as well as in criminal probes by the Alameda County District Attorneys Office and the investigative arm of the Oakland Police Commission. However, two critical oversight bodies a federal court-appointed compliance monitor and the Police Commission rejected those decisions, deciding instead that the officers use of force was unreasonable. The reversal triggered a power struggle between the Police Department and the court officials who have held it under a microscope since 2003, the year the city settled a landmark civil rights case over four West Oakland officers known as the Riders, who were accused of beating residents and planting evidence on them. As part of that settlement, Oakland was given dozens of reforms to complete. After 18 years, it still has not complied with all of them. Deaths of the disenfranchised be they people of color, those affected by mental illness, or those experiencing homelessness at the hands of the police are a stain on our national character, compliance monitor Robert Warshaw wrote in a report filed on Aug. 17, 2020. He added that police have extraordinary power to use deadly force, as well as an obligation to comply with department policies and the law. In this incident, Warshaw wrote, the city of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department failed. In May 2020, an interim city administrator signed termination notices for the officers. The officers and their attorney, Michael Rains, contested the firings, prompting the citys employee relations department to hire Sloan to conduct a review in what is known as Step 3 of the grievance process. In an 80-page opinion obtained by The Chronicle, Sloan rejected the Police Commission and federal monitors excessive force findings and recommended that the officers be allowed to return to work, with back pay. Nobody will ever know why Pawlik did not drop the firearm, Sloan wrote in his review. Absent a known intent, it is inconceivable to replace it with a finding that he did not intend harm unless he pointed the weapon squarely at the officers and discharged it. A requirement that the officers wait until the gun was squarely pointed at them would wrongly place them in harms way. In a later paragraph, Sloan all but called the officers actions reasonable, writing, the evidence is clear that given all the circumstances that are ascertainable, including Pawliks gun movement, a reasonable officer in the position of the four officers herein would have concluded that Pawlik posed an imminent threat, justifying a lethal response. Sloan sustained one allegation against Negrete, for failing to properly supervise the officers. He recommended that the discipline for this violation be a 30-day suspension. Former police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who was fired last year in a joint action by the mayor and commission, called Sloans report a vindication of her assessment of the officers conduct. Warshaw had criticized Kirkpatrick for rushing to defend the officers before the shooting had been investigated. In August, Kirkpatrick sued the city over her ouster. Karen Boyd, a spokesperson for the city administrators office, said that Sloans reports are not final. It has become clear that the grievances cannot be resolved at (the) employee relations level, and that allowing these matters to proceed to the next and last step in this process is in the best interests of everyone involved, including the decision-makers and other stakeholders, the officers, and the community in general, Boyd wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. That next and last step would be a hearing before Oaklands civil service board or in front of a third-party arbitrator. Sloans opinion could be influential in binding arbitration, given that he was handpicked by the city, said Alison Berry Wilkinson, a police defense attorney in San Rafael who is not associated with the case. Rains, the officers attorney, accused the city of trying to disavow the decision of its retained hearing officer. He said the court-appointed compliance monitor, Warshaw, has no right to interfere with this process, but he has been charging the city millions of dollars to bully city officials around so long, he feels invincible. Police Commission Chair Regina Jackson said Sloans report demonstrates the need for broad reform in law enforcement including a process to hold officers accountable. At one point in the report, Sloan described Pawliks death as a serious aggravating factor in previous decisions to terminate the officers, language which, to Jackson, seemed to downplay the taking of a human life. She and attorney Jim Chanin, who represented plaintiffs in the civil rights suit that led to the negotiated settlement, also cited concerns that former Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan works as an investigator for Sloans law firm. Jordan said he did not know about Sloans report. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan India is taking the lead to promote a regional approach to needs and working assiduously to promote the sub-region comprising itself, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar as an hub, Foreign Secretary said on Wednesday. In his remarks at the inauguration of the South Asia Group on (SAGE) at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Shringla said the role of energy in the development matrix is well known and our region, in particular, requires enormous amounts of energy for an accelerated transition to a developed region. "Yet, we need to be cognizant of the challenges posed by climate change," he said. "Against this backdrop, we are working assiduously to promote the sub-region comprising Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and India as an energy hub. I should also add Sri Lanka to make it a full regional integration," Shringla said. Be it conventional sources, hydropower, solar, wind or even petroleum products, India is taking the lead to promote a regional approach to our energy needs, he said. Being the largest producer and consumer of energy in the region, it is natural for India to be the epicentre for any energy initiative in the region. "We have to make energy affordable, accessible and clean," he said. "As you would have noted, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a discernible shift away from a national approach to one that encompasses our neighbours. Our neighbourhood first policy is visible in action on the ground," Shringla said. Regional and sub-regional energy integration is a manifestation of the prime minister's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' vision being extended to our neighbourhood, he said. "We are promoting easier movement of hydrocarbons across the region. South Asia's first cross-border petroleum products pipeline from Motihari in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal was remotely inaugurated by the two Prime Ministers in September 2019," he said. This has since led to savings of Rs 1 billion for Nepal Oil Corporation, he said. "We are now looking to expand this project to Chitwan, and also construct a new pipeline connecting Siliguri and Jhapa in Nepal," Shringla said. Energy connectivity is one of the most dynamic sectors of cooperation in India's relationship with Bangladesh, he noted. "We are constructing the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline from Siliguri to Parbatipur in Bangladesh for supply of high speed diesel. Our PSUs (OVL & OIL) have invested nearly USD 24.26 million in two shallow water blocks (SS04 & SS09) in Bangladesh," the Foreign Secretary said. With Myanmar, India enjoys a robust and expanding partnership in the area of energy cooperation, he pointed out. With investments of over USD 1.2 billion, Myanmar has the highest Indian investment in any country in South East Asia in this sector, he said. "With Sri Lanka, we have been pursuing several projects in the energy sector, such as the establishment of an LNG-based power plant at Kerawalapitiya in Sri Lanka with an initial capacity of 300 MW," he said. There is strong potential for collaboration in harnessing wind energy in Mannar region in Sri Lanka, he said. India has also offered a USD 100 million Line of Credit for the development of solar power projects, which will help massively scale-up solar power production and deployment in Sri Lanka, Shringla said. "I would like to add that energy is one of the key areas of cooperation identified under the BIMSTEC framework. An MoU on the establishment of BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection was signed during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in August 2018 and came into force from April 2019. A BIMSTEC Energy is currently being set up in Bengaluru with financial support from India," he said. Shringla also noted the SAARC Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation in Electricity was signed at the 18th SAARC Summit in November 2014 in Kathmandu. "In the absence of ratification by Pakistan, the Agreement is yet to come into force. Separately, India had also proposed to undertake a project for electrification of one village in each of the SAARC Countries using solar energy," he said. "Turning to Bhutan, which is estimated to have hydro power potential of 30 GW, around 1.8 GW of hydropower is imported from Bhutan annually. The 720 MW Mangdechu Project was inaugurated during the visit of our Prime Minister to Bhutan in 2019, taking total installed capacity of hydropower projects developed with GoI assistance to over 2100 MW," he said. The Punatsangchhu-I and II projects, as well as the 600 MW Kholongchhu project, are currently under implementation, Shringla said. There has been a renewed emphasis on clean energy, both in terms of technological advances and in large-scale adoption and deployment, he asserted. Noting that regional energy interconnection often involves multiple stakeholders, government agencies and autonomous bodies, Shringla said, "We need to look at ways to achieve greater connect between these bodies at the regional level, as well as steps to strengthen and enhance the regulatory frameworks. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Overcast. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Rain. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. VANCOUVER, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Turnstil.Cloud, a Canadian cybersecurity startup specializing in real-time bot analysis and management, today announces it has emerged from stealth with the publication of a SaaS bot management solution for Cloudflare users. Cloudflare APP: https://www.cloudflare.com/apps/turnstil Turnstil Website: https://turnstil.cloud Turnstil.Cloud is developing novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with Machine Learning (ML) that acts as an intelligent interface to control the Cloudflare firewall, while also providing comprehensive analytics and deep insight into the bot traffic on your website. If a DDoS has brought your website down, Turnstil.Cloud will provide you with the cyber-intelligence you need to get it back online quickly. Built using Cloudflare Workers technology, the application is completely "serverless" and is designed to sit in front of your website, before the traffic hits your server. Turnstil.Cloud can be installed and used to stop bot attacks even if your website is currently down. Installing Turnstil takes less than a minute through a few short clicks in the Cloudflare App Store. The process is simple, and can be accomplished by website owners or non-technical managers at any time which is particularly convenient after hours, when your website is under attack and needs to be quickly brought back online. Turnstil.Cloud is more than just a bot-fighting platform. Advertisers can get direct metrics to increase ROI by monitoring specific landing pages to see how much of the ad budget is going to real humans verses click bots. See which ad platforms are most susceptible to click-fraud and make valuable decisions about where to concentrate your ad budget. Blocking site-scrappers and competitive analysis bots (that help your competitors, not you) is as simple as a few clicks in Turnstil. Turnstil.Cloud is available now in the Cloudflare App Store. During the beta period, Turnstil.Cloud is free to all users. Paid plans unlocking advanced website security features will become available in coming months. About Turnstil.Cloud: Turnstil is a SaaS Application that intelligently manages your Cloudflare Firewall. Turnstil.Cloud clicks each time a request is made to your server. Use Turnstil to gain deep insights into ALL the traffic hitting your website both Bot & Human! For more information, visit Turnstil.Cloud: https://turnstil.cloud SOURCE Turnstil.Cloud Related Links https://turnstil.cloud HONG KONG, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Asia-Pacific countries as the Philippines' total cases topped 600,000 on Tuesday while Papua New Guinea is enduring the largest surge of infections. India's COVID-19 tally rose to 11,244,786 as 15,388 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours, according to the latest data from the federal health ministry. According to the official data, the death toll mounted to 157,930 as 77 COVID-19 patients died since Monday morning. There are still 187,462 active cases in the country, while 10,899,394 people have been discharged from hospitals after medical treatment. There was a decrease of 1,285 active cases during the previous 24 hours, while the northern state of Punjab saw an increase of 523 cases. The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 2,668 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 600,428. The death toll climbed to 12,528 after seven more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH said. It added that 171 more patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 546,078. Health Secretary Francisco Duque reported during a televised public meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte late on Monday that the number of cases rose in Metro Manila and other regions across the country. Duterte blamed the spike on complacency as the Filipinos "abandoned" the minimum health protocols, urging people to wear face-covering properly and keep a safe distance. Malaysia reported 1,280 new COVID-19 infections, the health ministry said, bringing the national total to 316,269. Another nine deaths have been reported, pushing the death toll to 1,186. A total of 2,345 patients have been released after recovery, bringing the total cured and discharged to 296,379 or 93.7 percent of all cases. South Korea reported 446 more cases of COVID-19 as of midnight Monday compared to 24 hours ago, raising the total number of infections to 93,263. The daily caseload was up from 346 the previous day, staying above 300 since mid-February. Three more deaths were confirmed, leaving the death toll at 1,645. The total fatality rate stood at 1.76 percent. Sri Lanka saw its total tally of COVID-19 cases rise to 86,039 with more than 200 new confirmed infections reported by the Health Ministry. According to the official data, the COVID-19 related death toll has risen to 507. Out of the total infections, 82,513 patients have so far recovered from the coronavirus epidemic and there are currently 3,019 active cases being treated in the Asian country. Sri Lanka began vaccinating residents in its hotspot of coronavirus infection the Western Province including the capital Colombo in January. So far, thousands of local people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Papua New Guinea (PNG) health authorities were scrambling to contain a surge of COVID-19 infections, with official case numbers nearly doubling in the past five weeks. Official figures released Monday showed 87 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded the day before, taking the country's total cases to 1,670 and 16 known deaths. PNG's total cases have almost doubled in the past five weeks which officials have described as alarming, however, no intention was revealed to implement a lockdown in the capital. Thailand confirmed 60 cases of coronavirus infection, mostly domestic, according to a report of the Center for the COVID-19 Situation Administration. Thailand has so far confirmed 26,501 cases of infection, 23,623 of which were reported as domestic while 2,878 others referred to those who had returned from abroad and tested positive in this country. So far, 25,851 patients have fully recovered and been released from hospitals while 565 others are currently hospitalized and 85 fatalities have been reported. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen late on Monday ordered the temporary closure of state's civil institutions for at least one week as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. But all armed forces and healthcare workers still work as usual. Hun Sen said at least 49 people in Phnom Penh Municipality, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk and Prey Veng provinces were tested positive for the COVID-19 on Monday. The Southeast Asian country has been enduring the third community COVID-19 outbreak since Feb. 20. The Tennessee House State Government committee on Tuesday passed House Joint Resolution 8 for Tennessee to join other states in calling for a convention to propose a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The effort is being spearheaded by the nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit, U.S. Term Limits. Sponsor Rep. Chris Todd said, "Now, more than ever we see the need for limiting the terms of the US Congress. You would be hard-pressed to adequately defend the loss of new ideas and vision we all observe and the potential corruption that comes with being a career politician in Congress." According to a recent RMG Research poll, 78 percent of likely voters in Tennessee support term limits on Congress, including strong support among Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike. HJR8 has a groundswell of bipartisan support from state lawmakers. Dozens of members of the legislature have gone so far as to sign a pledge to co-sponsor Rep. Todd's legislation. U.S. Term Limits President Philip Blumel commended Rep. Todd for putting forth the legislation. Mr. Blumel said, The people of Tennessee are lucky to have public servants who see what is going on in D.C. and are willing to take action to fix it. They know that Congress won't set term limits on itself. Therefore, it is the obligation of the states to do so. HJR8 will now make its way to House Rules before hitting the floor for a vote by the Tennessee House of Representatives. If passed in both the state house and senate this session, Tennessee will join other states in the call to convene the states for the exclusive purpose of proposing term limits on the U.S. Congress. Once 34 state legislatures pass similar resolutions on the topic and approve the term limits amendment, it must be ratified by 38 states to become part of the U.S. Constitution. The newly appointed chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Wednesday, narrated to a judge of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State High Court how he investigated an alleged N1.4 billion oil subsidy fraud case involving Nadabo Energy. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 40-year-old Bawa, who was confirmed the EFCC chair by the Senate on February 24, assumed office on March 5. He was in court to testify in a case involving Nadabo Energy and its Chairperon, Abubakar Peters. The case is one of the alleged fraud cases that Mr Bawa investigated when he was an operative of the EFCC. The anti-graft agency is prosecuting the defendants for allegedly obtaining N1.4 billion from the Federal Government as oil subsidy, using forged documents. The defendants are also accused of inflating the quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purportedly supplied to the Federal Government to 14,000 metric tonnes. The investigation Led in evidence by the lead EFCC counsel, Seidu Atteh, Mr Bawa narrated to the court how he investigated the case. He said that he analysed some electronic mail correspondences and found out, contrary to their claims, that the defendants took only approximately six million litres of PMS on board the mother vessel, MT Evriduk, into their own chartered vessel, MT St. Vanessa. E-mails further confirmed that the same quantity of PMS ( six million litres) was discharged in Port Harcourt. The email also informed us that one Mr Jideofor Akpan was the agent of the vessel (MT St. Vanessa). We invited the said Mr Akpan, and in the course of our interview with him, he confirmed to us the EFCC that the first defendant (Nadabo Energy), through the second defendant (Peters), chartered the vessel (MT St. Vanessa) and paid for it. My lord, he volunteered the statement to us and also submitted several documents to us, Mr Bawa said. The EFCC boss testified that during the interview, he presented the purported shipping documents, which the defendants submitted, to the Petroleum Products Price Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) for payment of subsidy to Mr Akpan. We presented it to him to confirm to us whether or not the vessel that he is the agent for, had anything to do with the vessel called MT American Express. MT American Express is the vessel the defendant claimed to have given the product to his own vessel. My Lord, Mr Akpan confirmed to us that MT St. Vanessa had nothing to do with MT American Express, rather, St. Vanessa loaded product from MT Evriduk, Mr Bawa said. He testified that he wrote a letter of investigation to Petrocam, the trader that supplied the defendant with the petroleum product. The EFCC chair told the court that a request was made in the letter for all the financial and shipping documents in respect of transactions with Nadabo Energy. My lord, Petrocam responded to our letter in writing, attaching all requested documents which include a proforma invoice, commercial invoice, letter of credit and bill of laden, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Bawa said the EFCC also wrote a letter of investigations of activities to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to confirm the registration status of Nadabo Energy. He said the CAC responded in writing by forwarding Certified True Copies (CTCs) of all the documents requested. On receipt of the response, we studied it and found out that the second defendant (Peters) is a shareholder as well as a director of the first defendant. My lord, in furtherance to that, we invited two of the directors and shareholders of the first defendant, namely Mr Akeem Abalaka and one Mr Sanni. They both confirmed to us that although they are linked to the company, they are not involved in the contentious matter before this honourable court, he said. During Mr Bawas testimony, the EFCC sought to tender to the court, the CTCs of the documents it received from Petrocam and the CAC. Defence counsel, E.O. Isirameh, however, objected to it. Mr Isirameh argued that the documents were invalid, saying that they were produced by the prosecutors several years after the subsidy transaction occurred. Christopher Balogun, the judge, adjourned the case until April 28 for ruling and continuation of hearing. (NAN) P2 Science, Inc. (P2) announced today that it has awarded tree certificates to customers purchasing products derived from renewable upcycled forestry feedstocks in 2020. Each certificate confirms the planting of trees in the name of a customer. Trees have been planted in India, Denmark and the United States by P2. Customers benefitting from this first-year program are located around the globe in Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas. Our customers are very excited by this program as it produces additional tangible benefits for the planet in addition to the products themselves, said Ryan Cheng, VP Business Development of P2. Our customers also really believe in P2s sustainability mission and they are showing it. One Tree Planted estimates that a single tree will absorb one ton of CO2 over 40 years after it is planted. Additional information can be found on the companys Plant A Forest webpage (https://p2science.com/plant-a-forest/) and at https://onetreeplanted.org. About P2 Science: P2 Science is a green chemistry company, co-founded by Professor Paul Anastas, head of the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. P2 has developed and patented technologies for converting renewable feedstocks into high-value specialty products. Investors in P2 include BASF Venture Capital, Xeraya Capital, Elm Street Ventures, Connecticut Innovations, Ironwood Capital, HG Ventures and Chanel. The company started up its first manufacturing plant in September of 2018 which produces novel renewable aroma chemicals and cosmetic ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.p2science.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. How a Blind Man Survived the 9/11 World Trade Center Attack Lessons about calm, confidence, and teamwork Michael Hingson has been blind his entire life but is a prime example of someone who isnt defined or hindered by his inability to see. His confidence and the lessons he learned from his first guide dog would help him excel professionallyand even survive a terrorist attack on 9/11. Hingson, 70, who lives in Victorville, California, was born two months premature. The pure oxygen environment in his incubator damaged his retinas, leaving him blind. His parents discovered he was blind when he was four months old. A local doctor suggested that they send him to a specialized school and said he would never achieve anything. But his parents were loving, supportive, and expected their son to follow his passions. My parents raised me believing that I could make my own choices and do whatever I wanted to do, Hingson said. Michael Hingson at his home in Victorville, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Childhood Hingson grew up like many typical kids. When he was young, he walked the streets of Chicago with his brothers and cousins, and once he and his family moved to Palmdale, California, at age 5, he rode a bike around his neighborhood. He went to public school, and participated in regular and advanced classes with sighted students. Hingson was also an Eagle Scout, and attended the University of CaliforniaIrvine. I just really didnt even think about not being able to see. It just wasnt part of what was an issue for me. I never viewed it as a limitation. I did what I could do and felt very comfortable in my own skin, so I grew up believing that I could do whatever I chose, Hingson said. Hingson said we live in a world that seems to be constructed around eyesight, but the problem is that sighted people dont see the value of their other senses and dont exercise them to their full ability. Michael Hingson has been blind since he was an infant. (Courtesy of Michael Hingson) Blindness isnt the problem. Its the low expectations, the misunderstanding, and a lack of education that people have about blindness, Hingson said. Confidence and Teamwork Hingson received his first guide dog, a 64-pound golden retriever named Squire, when he was 14 years old. He worked with Squire all the way through college, and the relationship they had taught him critical lessons that he carried with him even after Squire tragically died. Most importantly, Hingson learned how to build, and function in, a team. The confidence instilled at an early age from his parents and the teamwork skills he learned from working with Squire helped Hingson thrive in his professional life and sales career. They also helped him survive on one of the most infamous days in modern American history. September 11, 2001 On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Hingson and his guide dog Roselle headed to work at the World Trade Center in Manhattan from their home in New Jersey. He had planned to get there early, but there had been a delay on the New Jersey Transit. When they arrived, they went to the 78th floor, where he and his colleague David Frank prepared a sales seminar that they planned to give throughout the course of the day. After they set up their projector and other equipment, Hingson was reaching for a letterhead when he felt the building lurch and heard a muffled explosion. Then, the building began to lean toward the other tower. At first, nobody was aware that an airplane had crashed into the tower. Hingson had spent a great deal of time learning about the layout of the building and the evacuation procedures. Lessons learned from flying on a lot of airplanes: Know as much as you can, Hingson said. Michael Hingson received his first guide dog when he was 14 years old. (Courtesy of Michael Hingson) Hingson had mentally prepared for an emergency at the World Trade Center, and that morning, his evacuation plan went into action. When the building corrected itself and was vertical again, Roselle came out from under his desk. He took the dogs leash and commanded it to heel. At that point, the building dropped about six feet. His colleague David Frank looked out the window and saw the fire, smoke, and falling debris. Frightened and panicked, he began describing what was happening to Hingson. Frank urged them to flee the building immediately. Hingson told him to slow down. He finally used the big line: Mike, you dont understand. You cant see it. Well, the problem wasnt what I wasnt seeing, it was what David wasnt seeing, Hingson said. Roselle, who was sitting next to Hingson, seemed unaffected by the chaos. The dog was wagging its tail, yawning, and seemingly wondering why it had been awoken from its slumber. Roselle wasnt giving him any indication of fear, which conveyed to Hingson that the danger wasnt imminent enough to not try to evacuate in a calm and orderly fashion. Hingson eventually got Franks attention and focus, and they began to escort others to the stairwell. Survivors from the floors above passed them on the way down, some of them severely burned. Hingson just kept praising and encouraging Roselle because he wanted to keep his dog focused on the task at hand. Frank began to panic again. Hingson told him that if he and Roselle could escape, so could he. Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of World Trade 1 on September 11, 2001. (Courtesy of Michael Hingson) Michael Hingson with his guide dog Alamo in Victorville, Calif. on Feb. 4, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Frank regained his focus, and walking ahead a floor below Hingson, began shouting out what he saw, which gave other people something to focus on and pay attention to, so they could keep calm on the way down. When they finally reached the lobby, they found themselves in ankle-deep water. Once outside, they began walking north. Thats when they saw that the second tower was ablaze. They took shelter in a subway station, and when they emerged, they found that Tower 2 had collapsed. Shortly after Tower 1 collapsed, Hingson was able to reach his wife on the phone and learn about the terrorist hijackings. Looking back, Hingson realized how his relationship with Roselle, his skills, and his ability to observe all came together to help him and his colleagues survive that tragic morning. It strengthened the relationship. It validated the relationship, and it validated all the different things that I had learned that led up to that day and that emergency, Hingson said. Hingson has continued his career in sales and has traveled around the country and the world to speak about his experience on Sept. 11, 2001. He talks about the importance of teamwork, leadership, and trust, all of which helped him and Roselle survive that day. Hingson has also recently launched a program called Blinded by Fear. By developing a method to teach the techniques and mindset that helped him survive on 9/11, he wants people to learn how to control and manage their fears, and to use fear as a motivator instead of a hindrance. People are more resilient than they give themselves credit for, he said. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Labour Studies Program are excited to welcome Maureen Kihika as an Assistant Professor. Kihikas journey with SFU does not begin here; after completing her MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies at Brock University, she began her PhD at SFU in 2011. Initially drawn to the universitys focus on community engagement and its scholarship, Kihika has also developed an appreciation for the natural beauty of the campus and feels it is important to acknowledge the unceded land on which the university operates. I am deeply honoured by the privilege of living, learning and working in the beauty of the Coast Salish Territory says Kihika, emphasizing the need to question the logic and legacies of settler colonial society. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Kihika immigrated to Canada with her family as a young adult. Her experience as a Black woman and an immigrant has helped to shape her academic interests and worldview, and she considers her research to, in part, be a journey of self-discovery. Focusing on issues relating to anti-Black racism and its association with identity-shaping, Kihika explores both the personal and the political and seeks to mobilize knowledge pertaining to the Black experienceto identify and challenge social structures that reinforce historical legacies of oppression. Currently Kihika is working on a project titled More than a # - Black Millennials Matter! which explores how Canadian Black millennial youth view their school and work experiences in the context of the Global Movement for Black Lives Matter (GM4BLM). Through projects like this one, Kihika is determined to mobilize her research and in turn have a positive impact on social justice issues. When it comes to teaching, Kihikas approach focuses not only on instilling knowledge on her students but learning from them as well. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, her method of teaching is continually adapting to the needs of her students while devotedly emphasizing the application of knowledge to real-world concerns. Her advice to students: Pace yourself, be kind to yourself and take measured steps towards your goal one at a time. You got this! This semester Kihika is teaching SA 150: Introduction to Sociology. Welcome to the department, Maureen! INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Coronavirus vaccine shots were given to more than 16,000 people during Indianas first mass vaccination clinic and all appointments have been filled for two similar upcoming clinics, state health officials said Tuesday. The f our-day clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wrapped up Monday with 16,511 getting shots of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those shots mean that about 725,000 people, or about 11% of Indianas population, were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 through Monday, according to the s tate health department. All appointments have been taken for the mass vaccination sites set for this Friday and Saturday at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg and March 26-27 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. Another mass clinic is being planned for next week at an undetermined site in Gary. The vaccinations come as Indianas current average of about 10 COVID-19 deaths a day is down from the peak of 103 a day in December. Despite that improvement, the state is recording more coronavirus deaths in less than two weeks than the 119 flu deaths reported over 32 weeks during the 2018-19 influenza season. Indiana has recorded almost 12,800 confirmed or presumed coronavirus-related deaths over the past year. Gir Somnath: A court in Gujarat has convicted seven people, including three tourists from Ahmedabad, and sentenced them to different jail terms for harassing a lioness in Gir forest in 2018. In an order issued on Monday, Judicial Magistrate First Class at Gir Gadhada, Sunik Kumar Dave, awarded three years' rigorous imprisonment to six of the accused, while another accused was sentenced to one year in jail. The court also directed the district collector to take custody of land allotted to the family of one of the convicts in Dhumbakarea of Babaria range of the forest where the incident took place, reported news agency PTI. Eight people were arrested in May 2018 after a video clip surfaced on social media in which they were seen harassing a lioness by luring it with a chicken as bait. The feline was seen making desperate attempts to grab the chicken and later got it, but not before the accused had their share of fun in teasing it. WATCH: 6 out of the 7 convicted sentenced to jail for harassing a lion in #Gujarat's Gir Forest. pic.twitter.com/lChPrdOIAz Zee News English (@ZeeNewsEnglish) March 10, 2021 The court awarded three years' sentence to six of the accused - Ilyas Hoth, Abbas Baloch, Altaf Baloch (from Gir Gadhada taluka in the district), and three tourists Ravi Patadiya, Divyang Gajjar and Rathinbhai Patel. They were pronounced guilty under the Wildlife (Protection) Act Sections 2 (16)(B) (capturing, trapping or baiting any wild animal), 9 (hunting), 27 (restriction on entry in a sanctuary) and other provisions. Besides, accused Magilal Meena was sentenced to one- year rigorous imprisonment after being convicted under Section 27 of the Act. The magistrate also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 fine on each of the accused and directed Rs 35,000 from the amount collected to be deposited to the lion welfare fund. The court acquitted another accused, Hasambhai Koreja, for want of evidence against him. Live TV Federal Conference is an innovative meeting and conference planning company offering a variety of services for more than 3,000 events annually worldwide. Terri Johnson, Director of Special Events, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington stated, "The result was a high-quality program that exceeded our expectations. Federal Conferences Production Services team made the format transition easy and less stressful." Federal Conference provided virtual event production support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washingtons annual marquee event, Youth in (Virtual) Real Estate Event held on October 6, 2020. The event brought Washington, DC area real estate Leaders together to raise awareness as well as money to support DC-area youth. This years event focused on the challenges facing individuals that are impacted by COVID-19 and on ways to continue supporting our youth during the ongoing global pandemic. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) serves over 21,000 youth ages 5-18 over a 75 square mile radius. COVID-19 presented the organization with many challenges and cancelling events like the Youth in Real Estate luncheon was not possible, said Marya Kawmy, Senior Manager of Corporate Giving, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. It is too important for our organization and the youth of our region. We selected Federal Conference because of the considerable expertise they have in production and virtual platforms, she continued. Terri Johnson, Director of Special Events, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington stated, Having Federal Conference manage the production piece of our event allowed us to focus on our messaging and our guest experience. With the decision to go virtual we were not sure how it would all work out. The result was a high-quality program that exceeded our expectations. Federal Conferences Production Services team made the format transition easy and less stressful. This was definitely welcomed during this highly uncertain period. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington successfully raised over $1,000,000 during this years event, exceeding the organizations expectation that revenues might be lower due to the pandemic. Im excited that our team was able to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington with delivering such a tremendously successful event, says Keith Kruse, President & COO of Federal Conference. Part of what we have done for our customers during these challenging times is to help them evaluate their options and make the difficult decision to transition their major in-person programs to virtual or hybrid. For many of the non-profit associations we support, these meetings and events are important fundraisers for the organization and critical to their financial performance for the year, Kruse goes on to say. The support we provide to them has a big impact on their bottom line. Federal Conference currently works with non-profits, associations and corporations around the world to support their unique missions by bringing people together virtually. Supporting the clients goals to pivot to a virtual environment has become a cornerstone of services and helping individuals improve and grow. About Federal Conference At Federal Conference, Our Expertise Is Your Event. We deliver more than 3,000 meetings, conferences, and tradeshows per year around the world for corporate, association, and government clients. Our planning team is industry certified and experienced in creating innovative event programs that increase attendance, maximize revenue, and deliver an exceptional experience for all participants. We leverage best-in-class solutions for event planning, site selection, registration, housing management, and onsite delivery to make every event extraordinary and stress-free. To learn more about Federal Conference Please visit http://www.federalconference.com About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) Our mission is to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive, civic-minded, responsible adults. We offer innovative programs that are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives. Through high-yield learning activities, targeted programs and regular attendance, BGCGW emphasizes key elements for positive youth development that engage, inspire and empower kids and teens of all ages and interests. To learn more visit http://www.bgcgw.org. A new pilot motorway speeding scheme unveiled on the M7 in Tipperary is "a new way to catch people out" Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae has said. The average speed safety camera covering both directions will be Irelands first mainline motorway based system. Gardai maintain that the new system, deployed between Junction 26-Nenagh (West) and Junction 27-Birdhill, is required as data collected on the M7 corridor since 2017 has identified speeding as a significant issue. They said that approximately 40 per cent of drivers exceed the 120km/h speed limit on certain sections. Data also reveals that speeds are not being appropriately moderated in response to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or low road temperatures. An identical system has been operational within the Dublin Tunnel since mid - 2017 and it has been "hugely successful in improving driver behaviour" with the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit of 80km/h dropping from about 55 per cent to just over 10 per cent. However, Deputy Healy-Rae, told Newstalk Breakfast this will be used to catch people out. "Have no doubt: if this is seen to be what we'd call successful - in other words, if it will catch a lot of people - the next thing that will happen is in other areas, where the speed limit would be a lot less for instance, you will have this rolled out and introduced," he said. "So you could have people literally travelling between any part of inside in a county - it need not necessarily be on a motorway - and it's like a new way of trying to catch people out". Deputy Healy-Rae said he would "never condone or promote anybody breaking any rules or regulations. "But I live in a world where everything is not perfect, and while we all aspire to do the right thing every day... we have to go back to when penalty points and when new measures were brought in. "They were very set measures, and there was a very certain amount of penalty points for offences committed. "But since that time, there's been a continuation of a growth of the penalty points being applied, and a growth in the amount of offences that attract penalty points. "And, of course, accruing in gathering revenue for the State". Norton Juster, the celebrated children's author who has died at 91, stumbled into literature much as his most famous hero, Milo, stumbles into the marvelous world of wordplay and adventure in the classic 1961 volume "The Phantom Tollbooth." They were bored and entirely unsuspecting of the wonders that awaited them. A budding architect with a self-confessed tendency to procrastinate, Juster was living in New York City and working - or not working - on a children's book about cities. A Ford Foundation grant had given the project a degree of urgency. But it was not the book he wanted to write, and soon enough, he recalled years later, he was "waist-deep in stacks of 3-by-5 note cards, exhausted and dispirited." To pass the time, Juster began scribbling the story of Milo, a boy of about 9 or 10 years with no interest in the tedium of school or "learning to solve useless problems, or subtracting turnips from turnips, or knowing where Ethiopia is or how to spell February," and who was as bewildered by the grown-up world as grown-ups were by him. "He's more like me than I was, actually," Juster once told CBS News. To pass a little more time, Juster paced the floors, a habit that drew the attention of his neighbor, Jules Feiffer, a cartoonist then in the early years of his long career at the Village Voice. Juster showed Feiffer his incubating story, and Feiffer, also with no inkling of where their collaboration would lead, began making drawings to accompany it. The result was "The Phantom Tollbooth," a story-time staple that has sold nearly 4 million copies. Children have grown up and read the book to their children, and then to their grandchildren. Encountering a boy named Milo, one might reasonably ask his parents whether their bookshelves contain "The Phantom Tollbooth." Juster died March 8 at his home in Northampton, Mass. His death was confirmed by Cindy Lashway, a representative of Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst, Mass. The cause was not immediately available. The adventures of Milo begin when the boy comes home from school and finds a package containing a tollbooth - some assembly required. Milo passes through the tollbooth in his small pretend car and finds himself in the Lands Beyond. Milo enters the Kingdom of Wisdom and finds two cities, Dictionopolis and Digitopolis. They are ruled respectively by King Azaz the Unabridged and the Mathemagician, brothers feuding over the primacy of words or numbers. Caught in the middle are the princesses Rhyme and Reason, whom Milo sets out to save. Wordplay abounds, with a wagon that moves when no one speaks - it goes without saying - and a banquet were everyone must eat their words. Juster threw in the Triple Demons of Compromise - "one tall and thin, one short and fat, and the third exactly like the other two" - just to pester Feiffer in his illustrations. "This kid had gone into a world where everything was correct but nothing was right," Juster once told the London Independent. "That was a feeling I understood." Juster and Feiffer submitted a draft to Jason Epstein, the editorial director of Random House and not, fortuitously, a children's editor. Juster often said that if they had contacted a children's editor, "The Phantom Tollbooth" might never have been published because it bucked all the prevailing trends of the time. "It was kind of unanimous, it was not a children's book," Juster told NPR in 2012. "The vocabulary was too difficult for kids. The situations and the things I talked about were way out of their understanding. The word play and the punning, they would never get. And to top it off, they told me that fantasy was bad for children because it disoriented them." But a glowing review in the New Yorker by Emily Maxwell, a children's book critic and the wife of the magazine's fiction editor, William Maxwell, sent the book on its way. Reading "The Phantom Tollbooth," she wrote, was her "first experience of opening a book with no special anticipation and gradually becoming aware that I am holding in my hands a newborn classic." She compared it to "Alice in Wonderland," Lewis Carroll's story of a Victorian girl who passes through a rabbit hole to enter her own fantastical world. Juster said he had not read "Alice in Wonderland" before writing "The Phantom Tollbooth." His chief influences had been the Marx Brothers, the absurdist screen-comedy team, and his father, an architect who was enamored of wordplay. "He would be sitting there," Juster told NPR, "and he would look at me and very seriously say: Aha. I see you're coming early since lately. You used to be behind before, but now, you're first at last. I had no idea what he was talking about, of course." Norton Juster was born in Brooklyn on June 2, 1929. He had an older brother, also a future architect, whom Juster said their parents favored, leaving Norton largely to his own devices. From an early age, his mind wandered in unusual ways; he had a condition known as synesthesia, in which the senses become intertwined, leading him to experience numbers as colors. He received a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, then studied city planning at the University of Liverpool in England before serving in the Navy. He was stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he met Feiffer while living off-base. Feiffer, who went on to be one of the most distinctive and heralded cartoonists of his era, offered the interpretation that Milo represented Juster as he left military service. "Milo in the book is entering a world that's all new to him," Feiffer told the School Library Journal in 2011. "That is perhaps the perfect metaphor for Norton having gotten out of the Navy, and entering this professional world where his brother is already a successful architect, and he's following him in it. And Norton doesn't really feel that any of this is truly the right fit, but he doesn't know what is the right fit or where to go." The right fit or not, Juster said he considered himself foremost an architect. He was long associated with the Massachusetts firm of Juster Pope Frazier - whose projects included designing the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst - and taught for more than two decades at Hampshire College in Amherst. For adult readers, Juster wrote "A Woman's Place: Yesterday's Women in Rural America" (1996), an exploration of the difficulties of rural life inspired by his own experience living for a period on a Massachusetts farm. His children's books included "The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics" (1963); "Alberic the Wise and Other Journeys" (1965), with illustrations by Domenico Gnoli; "As Silly as Knees, as Busy as Bees: An Astounding Assortment of Similes" (1998), with illustrations by David Small; and "The Hello, Goodbye Window" (2005) with Chris Raschka, who received a Caldecott Medal for his illustrations of the magical window at a little girl's grandparents' house. The story was inspired by Juster's own granddaughter. His wife of 54 years, the former Jeanne Ray, died in 2018. A complete list of survivors was not immediately available. Juster's books inspired numerous adaptations, including Chuck Jones's Oscar-winning short-film version of "The Dot and the Line" (1965). "The Phantom Tollbooth" was adapted for film in 1970 and became a musical with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Arnold Black, with its premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington in 2007. Juster and Feiffer reunited nearly half a century after "The Phantom Tollbooth" for the children's book "The Odious Ogre," published in 2010. Juster wrote it, he said, because he "loved the idea of doing in a bully." "The one thing you have to understand, which I think we don't, even to this day, is that we constantly underestimate what kids will understand or what they can deal with," Juster told NPR in 2012. "They understand a lot more, and the really fortunate ones carry that special understanding into their adulthood. And if you lose that, I think you lose something very important." Enugu State Government on Wednesday took delivery of an undisclosed quantity of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines arrived at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State, through a cargo airline, Allied Air, Flight 5N-JRT by 2:44 p.m. The Head of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Ibrahim Conteh, who received the consignment, said he was delighted the vaccines had finally arrived the South-east. Mr Conteh said the vaccines would be used to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the area. He said the consignment was for the three states of Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra, adding that more were expected soon. He said UNICEF was involved in the procurement, shipment and distribution of the vaccines. The reception of the vaccines was an indication that help was on the way, he added. Mr Conteh said the vaccines would be stored in cold chains and other facilities used for immunisation. Also, the Health Specialist, UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, said the vaccines were meant for frontline healthcare workers in the state. Mrs Anyanyo said each person would be expected to take two doses at four to 12 weeks intervals. Elated Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, said he was happy the vaccines had finally arrived in the state. Mr Ikechukwu, who took delivery of the consignments meant for the state, said the vaccines worked best with the non-pharmaceutical measures. The commissioner said the first batch of the vaccines were meant for frontline healthcare workers and elderly persons with underlying illnesses. He said the distribution of the vaccines would be done in four phases for it to get to every resident of the state. Mr Ikechukwu, however, said he was yet to confirm the quantity allotted to the state in the first phase. He said the cost of the vaccine was shared between the state government, federal government and their partners. We commend the efforts of our partners who have been with us since the outbreak of the pandemic, Mr Ikechukwu said. Delegations from Anambra and Ebonyi states were on ground to receive their consignments, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. An immigrant mother holds her daughter while awaiting COVID-19 test results after being released by U.S. immigration authorities in Brownsville, Texas, on Feb. 25, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images) US Lacks Facilities for Spike in Unaccompanied Children at Border: Psaki White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the United States doesnt have enough facilities to house the influx of unaccompanied children arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. There are more children coming across the border than we have facilities for at this point in time, Psaki told reporters during a press briefing. According to multiple reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the number of migrant children in custody along the southern border is currently more than 3,250more than triple the number from two weeks ago. Of those children, more than 1,360 have been staying at holding cells longer than the three days allowed by law. Psaki defended the influx, saying that the Biden administrations policy of accepting unaccompanied migrants under the age of 18 was first introduced as it continues to prioritize humanity. That is a policy decision which we made because we felt it was the most humane approach to addressing what are very difficult circumstances in the region, and that means there are more children, kids under the age of 18 of course, coming across the border, she said. White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a daily press briefing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on March 9, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) The administration, she said, is working on putting in place policies that can address what were seeing, such as increasing the number of Health and Human Services (HHS) facilities for unaccompanied children to be transferred to after being apprehended at the southern border. It is also working to safely increase the number of children that can occupy current facilities in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), she said. One of the issues weve had is that the COVID-19 pandemic initially severely limited the number of children that could be taken into HHS facilities and the pace at which they can happen and the pace at which that can happen, Psaki said. President Joe Biden hasnt yet acknowledged the crisis or announced any concrete plans to address the growing number of illegal crossings. When asked by a reporter this week whether theres a crisis at the border, Biden replied, No, well be able to handle it. Adopting a similar tone, Psaki on Tuesday brushed off the need to put new labels on what we have already conveyed is challenging. The DHS meanwhile is seeking volunteers from among its agencies to assist in dealing with an overwhelming migrant surge at the border. Alien migrants receive food as they wait for news at the border, in Tijuana, Mexico, on Feb. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an email to employees on March 8 said that he has activated the Volunteer Force to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in providing humanitarian support and non-law enforcement assistance. Since taking office on Jan. 20, Biden has signed a flurry of executive orders that dismantled the Trump administrations border security measures. That included temporarily suspending deportations of illegal aliens, reversing former President Donald Trumps ban on travel from terror-prone countries, halting border wall construction, stopping adding people to the Trump-era 2019 Remain in Mexico program, preserving and fortifying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and releasing a sweeping immigration package to Congress that includes amnesty for millions of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. Related Coverage Illegal Border Crossings Hit More Than 100,000 in February Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday called the situation at the border a crisis and blamed Bidens immigration policies, saying they invite illegal immigration. He said the crisis will grow increasingly worse by the day. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) meanwhile said that he will head a delegation to the U.S.-Mexico border to assess the situation, including the dramatic surge in unaccompanied children, Axios first reported. I feel compelled to express great concern with the manner in which your administration is approaching this crisis, but with hope that we can work together to solve it, McCarthy wrote in a letter Friday, requesting to meet with the president. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The central Reserve Bank of Peru has projected that its metal mining GDP will grow by 14% this year, with 13 mining projects expected over the next four years Mining is going to be a key factor in the Perus economic recovery Perus mining industry is on track to be one of the fastest in the world to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, according to its Ministry of Energy and Mines. Preliminary figures from the World Bank estimate that the Peruvian economy will grow by 7.6% in 2021. A good chunk of that recovery is fueled by Perus mining output: the central Reserve Bank of Peru has projected that its metal mining GDP will grow by 14% this year. Currently there are 13 mining projects expected over the next four years, with combined investments of US$11.7 billion. Seven of those projects are slated to start construction this year. As the worlds second-largest producer of copper, Perus mining industry is characterized by its open and stable mining regulatory environment, strong fundamentals, and stable macroeconomic indicators and, of course, bountiful mineral potential. Copper is obviously the star export but the country is home to significant precious metals and zinc deposits that help support a diversified sector. December output numbers, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), show a month-over-month increase in copper output of 7.6%, a 13.3% increase in zinc, 4.0% in gold, 7.9 % in silver, 3% in lead, 17.5% in tin and 0.5% in molybdenum. While the country is facing political uncertainty with upcoming general elections, the current interim government is committed to stimulating investment in the countrys mining industry with measures such as streamlining the consultation period prior to granting mining licenses and simplifying exploration procedures that will extend the life of mines. Our priority continues to foster a sustainable and profitable mining sector in our country that benefits investors but also all our citizens, Jaime Galvez, Perus Minister of Energy and Mines said recently. The government also took action to help combat illegal mining in the country by launching a program known as Operation Mercury. In less than three years, deforestation due to illegal gold extraction has decreased by 78% in the region of Madre de Dios and 90% in La Pampa, the most critical mining area in the country, according to the government. All of this is good news for the sector as a whole, but specifically the plethora of foreign juniors who are advancing projects in the country. Canadian exploration firm Ltd ( ) (OTCQB:AAGFF) recently inked a definitive acquisition agreement with major SSR Mining Inc to buy the Berenguela silver-copper project in Puno, a silver-copper epithermal polymetallic carbonate-replacement deposit with a historic JORC resource that contains 98 million ounces of silver and 624 million pounds of copper in the measured and indicated category. Another company is Vancouver-based ( ) ( ), which entered the country through its flagship Lost Cities-Cutucu project in Ecuador after sensing that the highly prospective mineral trend overlapped into northern Peru. In February, the company was granted six mineral concessions of around 384,000 hectares covering potential extensions of the sedimentary-hosted copper-silver identified over the border. Also exploring for gold is ( ) (OTCMKTS:NOPUF) (FRA:OE6), the owner of the Tres Cruces gold project in Peru, which lies on a famous gold producing belt and spans four concessions over 3,000 hectares. The project was a grass-roots discovery made by New Oroperu in 1995 and optioned in 1999 to . Tres Cruces lies 10 kilometres south of Barrick Gold's Lagunas Norte mine, which generated over 10 million ounces during its mine life. Outside of precious metals, Tinka Resources Ltd ( ) (OTCPK:TKRFF) is advancing its wholly-owned Ayawilca zinc project, one of the largest undeveloped prospects of the metal in the world. The asset spans 170 square kilometres in the richly mineralized silver-lead-zinc belt of Central Peru. Earlier this year, the company reported one of the best grade intersections to date from its 7,000-metre drill program on the property ahead of an updated preliminary economic assessment (PEA), earmarked for the middle of this year. Just this week, Vancouver-based Hannan Metals Limited ( ) (OTCPINK:HANNF) revealed the first high-grade copper-silver outcrop discoveries from the Tabalosos project held within the San Martin JOGMEC joint venture sediment-hosted copper-silver project. Hannan holds 1,864 square kilometres (186,400 hectares) of granted mineral concessions and applications in Peru making it a top ten in-country explorer by area. Mining is going to be a key factor in Perus economic recovery. The industry currently comprises around 10% of its GDP and the potential for growth is huge, given that only 1.3% of its territory is currently undergoing mining activity. The countrys vibrant junior exploration companies are helping to stimulate Perus economy following the global economic shutdown. Will the country serve as a model for global post-pandemic recovery? Time will certainly tell, but the world is watching. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. In-vitro Fertilization Market Growth & Trends The global in-vitro fertilization market size is expected to reach USD 33.9 billion by 2028, based on a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the market is driven by the continuous efforts of the market players, government initiatives to make available better reimbursement policies, and an increase in the incidence of infertility due to lifestyle changes. Expansion of fertility procedures such as ICSI for treating infertility is expected to positively impact market growth in the near future. Moreover, the availability of genomic testing facilities that enable the prevention of the transfer of genetic disorders during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is further expected to drive the market. The insurance providers are providing coverage to IVF procedures owing to an increase in the number of IVF treatments. This has led to competitive pricing and has moderated the IVF treatment costs as the procedure has been a successfully practiced technology, driving the market with more treatment automation and standardization. A decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a result of factors such as a behavioral shift in society. These factors include a shift from rural to urban societies, the increased age of the first birth, an increasing number of women in the labor force, postponement of marriage, and lower marriage rates. The in-person fertility treatments in U.S. and Canada were suspended in March 2020 by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and American Society of Reproductive Medicine due to the COVID-19. However, treatment is resuming in many countries with ease of COVID-19 restrictions, including the developing nations. Medicover Fertility, IVF center in India, in July 2020 announced to resume the IVF procedures after initial COVID risk assessment. Request a free sample copy or view report summary: In-vitro Fertilization Market Report In-vitro Fertilization Market Report Highlights Culture media dominated the market for IVF in terms of revenue in 2020. A number of research activities are being undertaken to improve the efficiency of culture media. For instance, Vitrolife showcased its research on SpermFreeze solution at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) that established the effectiveness of its solution for sperm recovery and sperm-hyaluronic acid-binding Europe dominated the market for IVF in 2020. Adoption of advanced technologies such as time-lapse microscopy by the clinics, availability of affordable treatment, and adherence to medical standards contribute to market growth in the region The APAC region is expected to witness increased demand for IVF owing to fertility tourism and the availability of funding for the treatment. In Japan, eligible couples can apply for co-funding for a maximum of three cycles with USD 1,920 for each cycle The developing countries in Asia Pacific are undertaking legal reforms to promote treatment adoption in the region. For instance, in February 2020, the Government of India approved a bill for the regulation of clinics offering reproduction assistance services, including IVF, artificial insemination, and surrogacy In January 2020, Merck received Marketing Authorization (MA) from the European Commission (EC) for its recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone, GONAL-f (follitropin alfa) 150 IU pen In-vitro Fertilization Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global in-vitro fertilization market on the basis of instrument, procedure type, end-use, and region: IVF Instrument Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Disposable Devices Culture Media Capital Equipment IVF Procedure Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Fresh Donor Frozen Donor Fresh Non-donor Frozen Non-donor IVF End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Fertility Clinics Hospitals & Others Setting IVF Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) North America US. Canada Europe France Germany Italy Spain UK. Belgium Netherlands Switzerland Asia Pacific Japan China India Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa (MEA) South Africa List of Key Players of In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market OvaScience EMD Serono Inc. Vitrolife AB Irvine Scientific Cook Medical Inc. Cooper Surgical Inc. Genea Biomedx Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Progyny, Inc. Boston IVF About Grand View Research Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare. After its elders were vaccinated, residents of a fly-in Manitoba reserve let their guard down and socialized with one another, which allowed COVID-19 to spread and made it necessary to seek help from the military. After its elders were vaccinated, residents of a fly-in Manitoba reserve let their guard down and socialized with one another, which allowed COVID-19 to spread and made it necessary to seek help from the military. "When we first got our needles, that's when everything went out of control," said Lorna Bighetty, chief of Pukatawagan, on Tuesday. "They don't seem to understand the seriousness that is COVID." Her community, 700 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, went from roughly 10 COVID-19 cases a week ago, to 101 as of Monday evening. The reserve, also known as Mathias Colomb First Nation, only had 16 cases in the year leading up to the current outbreak. Bighetty said about 3,000 people live on the reserve, where people stopped respecting the rules after getting vaccinated. "They just went out and about, visiting each other, having their parties, just like nothing was wrong," Bighetty said at a press conference held by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. She urged Manitobans to keep socially distanced until more people are vaccinated. Studies show most COVID-19 vaccines require at least a week after being administered before they are effective in preventing illness. Researchers are still trying to figure out how much a single or double dose cuts down on transmission of the virus. In any case, few, if any, reserves have a majority of residents vaccinated. Officials have stressed people should avoid gathering in closed spaces, especially without wearing masks, until much more of the population is immunized. Otherwise, cases will rise sharply, a situation that has Bighetty concerned for elders on the Pukatawagan reserve. On Sunday, the Canadian Armed Forces sent a reconnaissance team from CFB Shilo "to support a whole-of-government assessment of the COVID-19 situation," wrote military spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande. The military had not received a detailed request for help as of Tuesday afternoon, which is required before soldiers are deployed. Pukatawagan would be the seventh reserve in Manitoba to get military help for a COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, about 30 people should be arriving to help as part of a team co-ordinated by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "A five-member Canadian Red Cross team will be deploying to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation as soon as possible," wrote Red Cross spokesman Jason Small. "The team will provide support, as needed, to community leadership and other relevant authorities in the COVID-19 response in the community." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca David Christensen, AV Preeminent Personal Injury Trial Attorney Wins Hall of Fame Award If I can help, either by refining the process, the machine, or by fiercely defending victims rights, then I will have made a contribution of value. Im lucky to be able to do that. David Christensen, founder of Michigan personal injury law firm Christensen Law, has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weeklys (MILW) Hall of Fame Class of 2021. This special award recognizes 21 Michigan legal leaders (in practice for at least 30 years or who have reached the age of 60) for their successful careers and valuable contributions to the community. On April 13, 2021, MILW will host the 4th annual Hall of Fame awards ceremony as a virtual online event. Christensen has amassed an extensive body of work during his 30 years in personal injury law and is equally regarded as an extraordinarily successful trial attorney and a man of principle and compassion. His approach is kind and empathetic, his agenda no more than first to listen, to understand, and only then to assess. It has become not only his hallmark but also a constituent tenet upon which he has built his firm interweaving care and support throughout every aspect of the practice. I try to put myself in the place of my clients, says Christensen. It helps me understand their anxiety, their pain, and their needs, so I can best help them. Throughout his career, he has represented thousands of clients against many of the largest insurance companies and corporations in America, achieving record verdicts in multiple counties, including a $17.8M traffic accident injury verdict, the largest in the history of the State at the time (2014). He has tried over 65 jury trials for personal injury and wrongful death cases and represented clients before the Michigan Supreme Court. A recognized authority who has helped shape Michigans no-fault law, Dave is perhaps more widely known for his work on injury trials and especially on those involving traumatic brain injury (TBI). He first encountered brain injury cases at a large firm where his name was one of many on the door and where, for over 22 years, he established a successful practice. Working with the Brain Injury Association of Michigan and other TBI-focused institutions broadened his depth of understanding of the realities of TBI survivors and resulted in significant awards in this arena. In 2014 Christensen opened his own firm, and their caseload today is more than 50% TBI-related, with many jury trials each year, and a long list of multi-million-dollar verdicts. Beginning in 2016, Christensen was asked to chair the Scope and Course of Discovery Subcommittee of the Michigan State Bars Civil Discovery Court Rule Review Special Committee to overhaul the civil discovery process as part of a larger effort concerned with court rules of litigation. A 2-year process, the comprehensive examination of the outmoded discovery rules (unchanged in over 35 years) resulted in extensive changes to pretrial procedures and took effect in January 2020. Notably, Dave also participated in a Washington DC think tank supporting state court systems, the National Center for State Courts. In 2013, he was invited to work with an elite group of state supreme court justices, legal administrators, Fortune 500 general counsel, and senior practitioners from major law firms comprising the Civil Justice Improvements Committee as commissioned by The Conference of Chief Justices to study and develop model policies and rules to make states court systems more accessible. Over the course of 3 years and working with the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, they authored a plan that would become a framework to restructure court systems throughout the country to be more efficient and expeditious in processing cases. It was adopted in 2016, expanding access to justice on a national level. Throughout his practice Christensen has earned numerous awards, but some that hold special significance to him include being recognized as an American Board of Trial Advocates Inductee in 2016, the highest honor for a trial attorney, one of only 112 in Michigan. He has also earned an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal ability and ethics, and is a 5-year member of the National Trial Attorneys Association, Top 100 Trial Attorneys list. Christensen has also received notable community awards including the 2020 Civic Responsibility Award from Corp! Magazine and 2007 Deal of the Year, Non-Profit for his work with the Help Source Agency, 2007. Video: Get to Know Christensen Law ABOUT CHRISTENSEN LAW Christensen Law is a preeminent Michigan law firm specializing in personal injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI), wrongful death, truck, car, and motorcycle accidents. With offices in Detroit, Southfield, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, the firms experienced trial attorneys have secured record-setting settlements and verdicts for accident victims throughout the state. The firms ethos is rooted in empathy, as demonstrated by its commitment to compassionate client care and the support of local communities and charities. Christensen Law has received a First Tier ranking in Detroit in Personal Injury Litigation Plaintiffs by U.S. News Best Lawyers for the 2021 Edition of Best Law Firms. The firm is also recognized as a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Law Firm. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan | davidchristensenlaw.com 25925 Telegraph Road, Suite 200 Southfield, MI 48033 248.213.4900 3049 Miller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734.890.5200 3205 Eaglecrest Drive, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49525 844.500.2888 The Ford Building 615 Griswold Street, Suite 515 Detroit, MI 48226 313.217.3000 FOLLOW US ON THE WEB LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok YouTube Nigerians were last week thrown into confusion as fuel scarcity hit Lagos, Abuja, and several other cities across the country. Residents besieged fuel stations in major cities across the country, in anticipation of yet another season of fuel crisis. Motorists scrambled to fill their tanks as long queues resurfaced in petrol stations. The scarcity, at a time of a global rise in crude oil prices, shook the nation despite the assurance given by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that there would be no increase in the ex-depot and pump prices of petrol in February and March. In Abuja, Total fuel station at Berger sold petrol to motorists at N162, while the Oando outlet at Wuse Zone 4 and A.A Rano at Nyanya were also open to customers. The Total fuel station in Wuse 2 was under lock and keys. In Lagos, petrol stations in Ojodu and Ikeja areas were locked penultimate Sunday. At Ojodu-Berger area, the NNPC retail outlet was also shut against motorists Sunday afternoon. Similar ordeals were experienced by residents of Otta, Ogun State; Ibadan, Oyo State; Ilorin, Kwara State, and in numerous other cities across the country. Scarcity, Price Hike At the height of the petrol scarcity and hike in prices, many Nigerians kept asking what the cause of their ordeal was since the NNPC had ruled out increasing rates. The scarcity followed an earlier move by petrol marketers to disrupt loading of petroleum products at private depots in Lagos and other parts of the country, in protest against a new payment method. Earlier in February, some marketers had disrupted Apapa, Ibadan, Ejigbo and Mosimi depots belonging to the NNPC. Shina Amoo, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ore Depot, explained that with the new arrangement, major marketers and very few independent marketers with huge funds could pay for 200 trucks and load them while those who had paid for one or two trucks would be on queue for many months unattended to. Apart from the new payment concern, oil marketers attributed the scarcity to what seemed like the possibility of the government increasing the ex-depot price of petrol. This was a source of concern for many marketers despite the governments assurance that it would not increase ex-depot price, pegged at N153 as of last November. In the midst of the scarcity and increase in pump prices across the country, the Department of Petroleum Resources threatened to sanction marketers caught perpetrating irregularities, including hoarding and profiteering. The Director of DPR, Sarki Auwalu, said the agency had set up a special taskforce to intensify surveillance and monitoring of all retail outlets and depots nationwide to check the anomaly. In a statement by Paul Osu, Head of Public Affairs at DPR, Mr Auwalu also advised the public against panic buying, adding that DPR will continue to provide its regulatory focus of quality, quantity, integrity and safety, QQIS for the effective operations of the downstream sector. But contrary to the DPRs threats, PREMIUM TIMES findings showed that marketers were buying petrol at high prices from depots, making it almost impossible for them to sell to Nigerians at the governments approved prices. Others could not even get petroleum products at all in major depots around Lagos. In recent years, the NNPC has been the sole importer of petrol into the country. The corporation typically sells to depot owners who in turn sell to retail outlets, from whom Nigerians buy at fuel stations. The NNPC has made it clear over time that it has not hiked the ex-depot price of petrol, and PREMIUM TIMES findings showed that the hoarding and hike in price were introduced by depot owners in anticipation of a hike in price amidst oil price rally. ADVERTISEMENT Brent crude on Monday hit over $70 per barrel for the first time since January 2020. Findings To unravel the concerns around the scarcity and hike in prices, a PREMIUM TIMES reporter posed as an oil marketer during a visit to oil depots in Lagos. When this newspaper visited depots in the Apapa area of Lagos on Wednesday, our reporter observed that the depot prices for petrol ranged between N160.5 and N163, as against the N155 announced earlier by the NNPC. By implication, retail outlets and marketers could not afford to sell the products at anything less than between N167 and N170, an oil marketer who introduced himself simply as James told this reporter. For those who take the fuel to remote villages, they will run into heavy losses if they sell at anything less than N170, he argued. At the Kirikiri area of Apapa, none of the depots sold petroleum products to marketers and truck owners Wednesday. Investigations revealed that only truck owners who made payment for loading several weeks earlier could lift petroleum products at Fatgbem depot, the only depot selling to marketers in low quantity. Some of those lifting petrol today paid between N162 and N163, and they paid weeks ago, an official told this reporter at the entrance of the depot. How do you want them to sell at N163 at the pump level? He explained further that the uncertainties account for the refusal of many depots to sell petrol to marketers, amid poor oversight by regulatory officials. There is even no petrol right now as I speak to you, and thats why Nigerians now contend with queues, scarcity, and increase in prices, he said. When this reporter posed as a potential marketer, another official agreed to source petrol product at depots located around the Coconut axis of Apapa. After making some calls, he insisted however that the only depot owner that agreed to supply the product could only sell at N162. At one of the depots around Abule-Ado, an official said he would only agree to sell petrol at N160.5 upon seeing our reporters trucks. Meanwhile, across all of the depots visited by PREMIUM TIMES in Apapa on Wednesday, there was no presence of DPR and NNPC officials. They (NNPC/DPR officials) are playing games, a staff at one of the depots said in response to PREMIUM TIMES enquiry about the threats from DPR. They act tough outside just so Nigerians would say that they are working. But if depot owners are doing anything bad here, why are they not here-as you can see for yourself? The point is that NNPC will soon increase the ex-depot and pump prices officially, because that is why depots increased their prices. Its just a matter of when. Temporary relief? On Monday, queues gradually disappeared at petrol stations in Lagos and other parts of the country. A marketer told this newspaper that there has been relative improvement in supply at the depots, although the prices are still high. However, it remains to be seen if the development would indeed translate to relief for many Nigerians, especially in the face of oil price rally. Marketers told PREMIUM TIMES in separate interviews that the expectation of price hike is attributed to the rise in oil prices in the international market, because a rise in oil price would affect the landing cost, ex-depot price, and pump price. At the weekend, an oil marketer who declined to have his name in print told PREMIUM TIMES that the ex-depot price has not been hiked by the NNPC, but the corporation would have to raise the price on the long run as oil prices rally. The fact is that the price will still go up (sic), he said. He insisted, however, that if the price is not increased in tandem with the reality in the international oil market, there will still be a repeat of scarcity, hoarding, and arbitrary hike in pump prices. An official of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, told PREMIUM TIMES that from the associations end, they had noticed no increase in ex-depot price. Surges in local demand created by price uncertainty and panic buying are likely to cause queues as the supply chain struggles to meet the increased demand, the official, who asked not be named, said. Having said that, a lot of the increased demand is probably short term and will regularize once speculations and market distortions are eliminated. We therefore discourage panic buying as PPMC has reassured that there is enough product in-country to meet Nigerias local demand. Several calls to the president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Okonkwo, were not answered over days. Editors Note: This post has been updated to properly reflect the comments by an official of MOMAN. Microsoft will end support of the .NET Core 2.1 open source development platform on August 21, 2021, which could raise security concerns for those running the platform beyond that date. Beginning September 2021, security updates will be issued for .NET Core 3.1 and .NET 5 but not .NET Core 2.1. This means that if a computer has .NET Core 2.1 installed, it may be potentially unsecure, Microsoft said in a bulletin posted March 4. Additionally, if you run into any issue and need technical support, we may not be able to help you. The company announced there will be no more updates, including security fixes, or technical support for .NET Core 2.1. While applications using .NET Core 2.1 will continue to run, there could be security issues. Microsoft advises users to update to a supported successor, such as .NET Core 3.1 or .NET 5. Supported versions can be found on dotnet.microsoft.com. Released in May 2018, .NET Core 2.1 has been a long-term support (LTS) release, supported for three years or one year after the next LTS release. .NET 5 arrived in November, as part of Microsofts efforts to unify its .NET technologies. A first preview of .NET 6 was published last month, with the production version due in November. Sorry! This content is not available in your region 'DAMING LESSONS, WALANG LEARNING' Hontiveros rejects proposal to deploy military, police to enforce health protocols Senator Risa Hontiveros has rejected the proposal to deploy military and police officials to arrest individuals who breach health protocols after the alarming spike in COVID-19 cases. Hontiveros called out the militaristic approach to the pandemic, saying it is 'a repeat of the mistakes of the past'. She said it would only delay the swift response needed to deal with the rise in cases which the World Health Organization (WHO) reported might require the country to return to a large scale lockdown like in July 2020 at the current rate of infection. "Wag namang puro na lang lessons, pero wala namang learning. Ano ito, throwback sa 2020? Hindi ba tayo natututo na hindi gumagana o nakakatulong ang mass arrests? Magsisiksikan lang ang mga tao sa mga kulungan. Lalo lang magkakahawahan," she said. During the world's longest lockdown, police arrested 76,000 individuals for breaching protocols between March 2020 to July 2020. The cases did not go down and only overwhelmed health workers that they had to beg for a 2-week circuit-breaker, the senator said. "Kung magde-deploy man ng pulis, dapat sila pa nga ang namimigay ng face mask, face shield, o magpaalala sa physical distancing at paglilinis ng kamay. Hindi yung mandadakip na lang at aabusuhin ang kanilang kapangyarihan," she added. Hontiveros emphasized deploying uniformed personnel was an ineffective and anti-poor strategy. She cited the case of the 5 youths arrested in Laguna at the start of the lockdown who were detained together in a singular dog cage. "Ang mahihirap lang ang kaya nilang pagtripan. Kailan pa nilagay ang mayayaman sa detention center o sa dog cage dahil sa mass gatherings o parties nila? There is a way to enforce stricter health protocols humanely and non-violently. 2021 na. Let's do this the right way," she remarked. "Mag-iisang taon na ang pandemya. Ang dami nang naisakripisyo ng taumbayan. Gobyerno naman ang mag-adjust, and respond to the spike because we care for the welfare of our people. Let's not beat them when we're already on the ground," Hontiveros concluded. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation on Wednesday donated an 18-seater new President Hiace Bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, as part of efforts to help the union in its activities. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bus was handed over to the executive members of the Lagos NUJ led by its Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, at the foundation secretariat in Ikeja. The Director-General of the foundation, Ipoola Omisore, who presented the bus, said that people know Bola Tinubu as a philanthropist and as somebody who had done a lot in the past to relieve the pains and poverty of many. Mr Omisore said the foundation was established to break the shackles of poverty in the society which is one of the good philosophies that Mr Tinubu had been known for over the years. The greatest friend of journalists is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, we are doing what we needed to do for the Nigeria Union of Journalists because our principal, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a friend of the press. He is a friend of the media. He has thought it fit that this foundation set up to bring succour to Nigerians starts with the media. Today, what we are doing now is to facilitate and make the job of the media easier. Lagos is the melting point for journalists in Nigeria. What our principal is doing today is the beginning of many great things meant for journalists in Nigeria. We are aware he will never be tired of doing good things for Nigerians. When the media is doing well, the country will also, he said. He added that the foundation would, through its activities, continue to strengthen the media so that it would continue to serve as the fourth estate of the realm. He said in that capacity, journalists would be able to keep politicians on their feet for Nigerians to get the best dividends of democracy. The foundation said Mr Tinubu would stand by the NUJ and warned the public not to maltreat journalists, saying that the media is a veritable tool for positive change in Nigeria. Adeleye Ajayi, the chair of the Lagos State Council of the NUJ, in his response, commended the foundation for the magnanimity, generosity and support to Lagos journalists. He said the bus would further aid the business of journalism in the state. The NUJ chair also commended the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, for facilitating the gift of the bus following the courtesy visit paid on him recently by the council executive. He said: On behalf of all Lagos journalists, I want to express our sincere appreciation this afternoon for this great gift of an 18-seater bus by the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation. This bus is coming at a time when it will be mostly needed by the members of Lagos State Council under this administration. The bus will, no doubt, assist us in the day-to-day running of the activities of the council. Since we assumed office on Nov. 26, 2020, the donation of this bus to us is one of the milestones the present NUJ executive has recorded. The donation of this bus will also boost our service as the present executive members of Lagos State Council of the NUJ are committed to achieving results. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Ajayi described Tinubu as a philanthropist and a father who knows where the shoe pinches and is willing to solve peoples problems. He, on behalf of the union, solicited more assistance from Mr Tinubu toward completing the NUJ secretariat currently undergoing reconstruction. The NUJ lauds the generous gesture of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; a statesman, a nationalist, and a detribalised Nigerian. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a politician and philanthropist, has done so much for the masses of this country and that his foundation deemed it fit to donate this bus to the state council of the NUJ is highly commendable and calls for celebration. For this gesture, we will forever continue to appreciate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He recalled that Mr Tinubu as a former governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, transformed the state across all sectors. Mr Ajayi also listed some of Mr Tinubus achievements as governor to include: improved education, good waste management system, better incentives for civil servants and improved infrastructure. Also, many younger politicians and businessmen and women in the country owe the success of their careers to him, he said. Mr Ajayi said Mr Tinubu had been able to retain mass support and love from the residents of Lagos and Nigerians as a whole due to his generosity. It is on record that the BAT Foundation gives out foodstuff to the needy during Sallah, Ramadan and Christmas. The NUJ chairperson, who advised other notable Nigerians to emulate Mr Tinubus humanitarian gesture, pledged the unions collaboration with the BAT Foundation through publicity. (NAN) New Delhi: India is probably one of the most significant tourism origin countries for the US with enormous growth potential, a top official has said. Indian visitors spent a record USD 13.6 billion in the US last year, positioning India on the sixth spot among the top 10 international markets for the US in terms of visitor spending. Approx 1.17 million Indians visited the US in 2016, ranking India 11th in terms of a number of international visitors to the US last year, the US Department of Commerce said in its latest annual report released recently. "India's probably one of our most significant origin countries, as it relates to the whole phenomena of visiting friends and relatives, Brand USA president and CEO Chris Thompson said. There is enormous growth potential as the US currently captures only about 5.5 per cent of the outbound Indian travel market, he said. "We have a large Indian population within the UnitedStates. We have a great relationship with India as it relates to people coming over for educational opportunities and then, therefore, families come over following those students. "The relationship between the two largest democracies in the world is really good one in general but certainly as it relates to travel and tourism between our two countries," Thompson said. India had the highest increase in visitor spending, up by14 per cent. As many as 1.17 million Indians visited the US in 2016, ranking India 11th in terms of a number of international visitors to the US in 2016, he added, referring to the latest official figures released recently. Headed for India from September 10-15 on his sixth annual trade mission that would take him to Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai, he said the main focus is to encourage Indianvisitation to the US and educate the Indian travel industry on the limitless potential of the US as a travel destination. Last year's travel trade mission attracted the largest United States delegation ever to engage with the India travel trade, he said. Responding to a question, Thompson said there is enormous growth potential from Indian tourists coming to the US because the US currently captures only about 5.5 per cent of the outbound Indian travel market. New York, California, and Hawaii are one of the top three destinations for Indian tourists. Florida, Washington, and TexaS are the next three, followed by New Jersey, Alaska, Virginia, and Michigan, he said. The average length of stay in the US for Indian tourists in 2016 is 36.9 nights, compared to 35.3 nights in 2015, Thompson said. Thompson said he has not seen any impact on the flow of tourists and visitors from India after the Trump administration took over in January."Last year, we attracted the largest US delegation ever to engage with the travel trade in India. Indian nationals mostly traveling to the U.S. for business and tourism. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Frank Schwab joins Minty Bets to give three long shot picks to win the National Title in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Video Transcript MINTY BETS: Before we get started, get $25 when you sign up for the Yahoo Sportsbook today. March Madness is right around the corner. And we know the favorites to win, we know the good teams, and we know the undefeated teams, but let's talk about the underdogs. Joining me is Frank Schwab here to give us some long shot picks. And, Frank, what are your three long shots to win it all? FRANK SCHWAB: Well, you know, I took out the top two seeds. I'm not gonna be easy. And in this weird season, we might see a weird champion, so I'm gonna start with Houston. I think the Cougars are really, really good defensive team. They kind of generate their offense from being elite on the offensive glass. I really like the way this team is coached. They're a little bit under the radar, 20 to 1 odds. I really do like their chances. Projected three seed. They could really make a deep run. The second team I really like is the defending national champion. Seems like years ago when Virginia won, but they still are technically the defending champs. What I really like about them is this is a good offensive team. They have guys that can make shots. It's the defense that's been a little slow for them. And I have faith in Tony Bennett. Look, Bennett ball is tried and true. That team will play tough defense tournament time. I have faith in Bennett, that defense. If they can crank their defense up, I think this is an offense that can pull its weight. I think they can make a deep run too. And then just to get a little bit crazy, Loyola Chicago, our darling from 2018. Sister Jean, Final Four run. This Loyola team's actually better than that one. They're in the top 10 in the KenPom efficiency ratings. They're the number one defense in KenPom's ratings. This is a team that can really lock you up. They can make shots. They're not getting a lot of attention, but they're a very good team. And in this crazy year, what would be crazier than Loyola of Chicago cutting down the nets? MINTY BETS: Love it. Good luck to you this March Madness, Frank. Swinging into action, the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday, sought a report into the alleged attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram. While most BJP and Congress leaders have condemned the attack, several have raised doubts about the incident. The Trinamool chief has claimed that she was allegedly attacked by a 'few unknown persons' while campaigning in Nandigram and leading to injuries in her left leg and also suffered severe pain in the waist EC seeks report on Mamata's attack Election Commission of India has sought a detailed report on the incident in which West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claimed that she suffered an injury after she was pushed by few people https://t.co/jkG2VtV98W ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 Mamata alleges attack Hours after filing her nomination from Nandigram, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee abruptly left her on-ground campaign claiming that she was attacked and sustained a leg injury. CM Mamata Banerjee has alleged that she was attacked by 4-5 people while she was returning after performing a puja in a temple at Barulia Bazar in Nandigram, adding that no security official was present when she was attacked. The Bengal CM has said that she will lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission, before rushing to Kolkata to seek medical attention. #WATCH:"Not even one Police official was present. 4-5 people intentionally manhandled me in presence of public. No local police present during program not even SP. It was definitely a conspiracy. There were no police officials for 4-5 hrs in such huge public gathering" says WB CM pic.twitter.com/wJ9FbL96nX ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 West Bengal BJP in-charge Kailash Vijayawargiya condemned politicisation on the attack and prayed for Banerjee's safety. Calling for the suspension of her security in-charge, BJP leader Arjun Singh alleged that she was doing 'drama for sympathy', but later tweeted that a CBI inquiry should be done into the incident. Similarly, BJP IT chief Amit Malviya too cast aspersions on the attack questioning the police's action. While Congress MP Abhijit Mukherjee condemned the attack, the party's Bengal in-charge Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called it a 'drama'. Mamata Banerjee will release her party's manifesto on Thursday at TMC's head office - Kalighat, Kolkata. Sources report that the manifesto will have '10 commitments of Mamata Banerjee' similar to Nitish Kumar's 'Saath Nischay' or DMK chief M K Stalin's '10 poll promises'. Moreover, sources state that the manifesto will focus on creating jobs, water supply with tap water connections, free ration delivery at home. BJP has reportedly attacked TMC over leaks in PDS, lack of tap water connections. Bengal is set to go to polls in 8 phases - March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26, and April 29 with results to be announced on May 2. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. [March 10, 2021] ADDING MULTIMEDIA Damon Motors Raises $30M; Secures $20M in Preorders Damon Motors today announced it has raised more than $30M in funding, completing a bridge round led by Benevolent Capital, SOL Global Investments, Zirmania, and others. The financing couples with skyrocketing preorder sales that have now reached $20M for the exhilarating line of HyperSport motorcycles. The capital raised will further fuel Damon's path to market and enable demo tours, pre-production development and testing, and associated hires. Damon has also expanded its board of directors with the additions of Jaques Clariond and Howard Wu. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005113/en/ Damon Motors Founders Dominique Kwong (Left) and Jay Giraud (Right) Set New Milestone with $30M in Funding and $20M in Preorders (Photo: Business Wire) "We have unveiled the future of two-wheel transportation and yielded high demand in North America and Europe, validating the market need for high-performance electric motorcycles," said Jay Giraud, founder & CEO at Damon Motors. "On the back of this demand, Damon will produce an entire line of medium- and high-performance motorcycles over the next few years, with HyperDrive serving as the core of each model." New Board of Directors Members: Jaques Clariond - Jaques is a Managing Partner at Baudpont and serves in Senior Advisor roles at Blue Ivy Ventures and Benevolent Capital. Jaques is focused on investing in high-growth consumer companies across the health and wellness, fitness, lifestyle, and consumer packaged goods sectors. He has extensive experience helping companies navigate the finacial complexities associated with raising capital and executing upon the strategic vision of the enterprise. Jaques offers a unique blend of expertise across public and private asset classes, portfolio construction, and direct private equity and venture capital deal structuring. Howard Wu - Howard is the Global Head of Telecom and the General Manager for Quanta Cloud Technology USA. In his career, Howard has managed global business and regions from startups to Fortune 500 companies. As a former startup founder, Howard has a deep understanding of the challenges and skepticism founders must endure and persevere, as well as the challenges facing Global Fortune 500s of today across data and digitization. Damon's announcement comes on the heels of the first anniversary of its flagship HyperSport motorcycle launch at CES (News - Alert) 2020. The company has ridden a wave of momentum ever since, selling nearly 1000 motorcycles and selling out of its limited edition HyperSport models. The company has won numerous industry awards including 2020 CES "Best in Innovation," Robb Report's "Best of The Best of Auto Innovation 2020," Popular Science "Best of What's New," and Red Herring (News - Alert) "Top 100 North America." The Damon HyperSport sets a new standard in motorcycle safety, awareness and connectivity. It boasts well over 200hp and 200nm of torque delivered at zero rpm, a top speed of 200 mph, a range of more than 200 highway miles per charge. All HyperSports are outfitted with CoPilot, Damon's 360 advanced warning system; Shift, which transforms the riding position between sport and commuter modes with the push of a button; and HyperDrive, the world's first 100 percent electric, multi-variant powertrain platform optimized for maximum performance, design and safety. Damon's family of HyperSport Motorcycles includes: HyperSport SE (MSRP $16,995), HyperSport SX (MSRP $19,995), HyperSport HS (MSRP $24,995), and HyperSport Premier (MSRP $39,995). For more information on Damon Motors, visit www.damon.com. About Damon Motors Inc. Damon is unleashing the full potential of personal mobility for the world's commuters. With its HyperDrive proprietary electric powertrain, the company has developed the world's safest, smartest, fully connected electric motorcycles employing sensor fusion, robotics and AI. Designed as a platform for worldwide line extension, Damon motorcycles will ship direct to customers on subscription plans to drive scale. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Damon is founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Giraud and Dom Kwong. Damon's investors include Round 13 Capital, Techstars, Fontinalis, Extreme Venture Partners, and Pallasite Ventures. Learn more at damon.com and follow us on Instagram @damonmotorcycles. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005113/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluestream Health , the rapidly growing telehealth platform designed to power healthcare providers with a better way to serve patients, no matter their location, language, or age, today announced a strategic partnership with Leon Medical Centers, a leading healthcare services provider serving Medicare patients since 1996, across seven facilities in the Miami-Dade, FL area. Leon Medical Centers is now using Bluestream Health, an intuitive and flexible virtual care platform, which combines secure video with medical workflows across the care continuum. Client staff, health providers, interpreters and patients can seamlessly join and leave the same call, whether on video or by phone with Bluestream's simple to use, single solution platform that meets the needs of clinics, health systems and payers. "Deploying cloud-based peer-to-peer software platforms typically used for telecommuting, distance education or social relations has been a quick fix for many hospitals and physician practices this year as the pandemic hit the U.S. last March and hospitals were scrambling for solutions to virtually meet the needs of patients. But these solutions do not integrate into patient electronic healthcare records or the complex workflow of healthcare like Bluestream Health's platform," said Matthew Davidge, co-founder and CEO of Bluestream Health. Given the prolonged and uncertain nature of COVID-19 and other virus risks in the future, clinics and hospitals have realized the need for better end-to-end access to virtual care that goes beyond broad video conference solutions. Using a Bluestream/Redox integration to Epic, Leon Medical will now be able to allow physicians to immediately see a patient's medical history maintained by a provider over time, including clinical data, demographics, progress notes, problems, medications and other diagnosis. Having access to these records as physicians move to telehealth practices is more crucial than ever before as many patients are battling COVID-19 and/or have preexisting conditions. "We needed a comprehensive approach to better healthcare for our patient population in a virtual environment. We needed a solution that was easy for a non-technical, limited technology population to quickly connect with, and Bluestream Health was the answer," said Marcus Gomez, chief information officer, Leon Medical Centers. "We saw a higher volume of virtual patient visits due to COVID-19 and it was clear we needed a more seamless in-video platform that could connect patient and other family members to provider, with a single click." "Many facilities are realizing today that they need a long-term strategic telehealth solution that can scale, and that any video conferencing system is simply not enough to provide real telehealth," added Davidge. "With Bluestream Health, large medical clinics such as Leon have been able to transition from a short-term solution to deploying hundreds of providers in a time of crisis to create a robust long-term telehealth solution." About Bluestream Health Bluestream Health is a leading telehealth enabler to healthcare providers and health systems. With over 500 health system facilities and 50,000 providers, Bluestream Health is delivering over four million video minutes and 100,000 on-demand virtual care visits each month with average wait times of 12 seconds. Our virtual care management platform provides clinics, health systems and payers with a simple and low-cost way to build, deploy, and manage complex video enabled clinical workflows. About Leon Medical Centers, Inc. Since opening in 1996, Leon Medical Centers has grown to become one of Miami's leading healthcare services providers, committed to improving the lives of more than 40,000 Medicare patients in seven state-of-the-art medical centers conveniently located throughout Miami-Dade County and satellite locations in many South Florida hospitals. http://www.leonmedicalcenters.com Contact: Erin Farrell Talbot Farrell Talbot Consulting for Bluestream Health 917-232-9309 [email protected] SOURCE Bluestream Health Related Links https://www.bluestreamhealth.com Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -- In the last 11 years, the 'America's Farmers Grow Communities' program has given millions of dollars to rural communities across the country. This year, some of those funds will help feed residents in the Wabash Valley. The 'America's Farmers Grow Communities' program is sponsored by Bayer fund and partners with farmers to provide $2,500 donations to local non-profits in their communities. Brad and Amber Burbrink are farmers and partners of BE-N-Ag Family Farm in Terre Haute. The Burbrinks directed their awarded donation to St. Benedict Church Soup Kitchen in Terre Haute and said the decision was a no-brainer. "As farmers, we always feel like that's kind of our job is to feed to locals and feed the world for that matter. So, it was natural for us to make the donation to the soup kitchen where they can feed others," said Brad Burbrink. Amber Burbrink expressed this meant more to them than just a donation. "Our kids have both volunteered in the soup kitchen at different times through the youth program. My mom has been involved with the soup kitchen at different times, so st. Ben's soup kitchen kind of holds a special place in our hearts," said Amber. The St. Benedict Church Soup Kitchen plans to use the donation to buy essential supplies. In a statement, the St. Benedict Church Business Manager, Terran Williams said, The Bayer Fund grant directed from Brad & Amber Burbrink couldnt have come at a more perfect time. Due to the pandemic, we have had to serve to-go style lunches since March 2020 and it has certainly lasted longer than anyone expected. The extra expense of packaging the to-go lunches continues to grow as do the costs to purchase these supplies that are necessary for safe distribution." The Burbrinks said they are confident that the soup kitchen will use this donation for the good of the community. For information on the 'America's Farmers Grow Communities' program grant, visit here. In 2020, a number of public land scandals were brought to court and numerous government officials were found guilty. After 10 years in effect, the Land Law 2013 has revealed shortcomings which require further consideration and revision. VietNamNet talks with Prof. Dang Hung Vo, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment about this. According to Prof. Vo, the Law regulates that the ownership of public land and public property belong to the people but assigns the decision on land-use rights to officers in authority. When the government officers have the right to decide land and land value, it is easy for them to do for their own benefit. We can only count on their ethics. Both in theory and reality, there is always corruption risk whenever someone with power is not controlled, especially when it is just to serve a group with a vested interest. Prof. Dang Hung Vo: It is necessary to improve the legal framework on building, investigating, and approving build-transfer projects based on the land exchanged for infrastructure scheme. Two foreseen consequences How has the public land been managed in recent years? In countries with private land ownership, the law is very clear about private land and public land. The public land belongs to state ownership. The private land belongs to economic entities, households, individuals or a community. As such, their land management is quite straightforward. For public land, the law legislates when States can sell public land. The market price is used as a lead price to identify the value of land. The sale of public land happens when there is a real estate bubble. States have to increase land supply to reduce demand or to meet development demand. On the other hand, they regulate the conversion of private land into public land, if they need them for public purpose and for the benefits of their people. Their land management is mainly about providing public administration for land transactions such as transfers, gifts, inheritance, leasing, mortgage, and capital contribution. After 10 years, the Land Law 2013 has revealed weaknesses. In our country, land is considered a public asset, land-use right is also land property right. There is no clear line between public land use rights and private land-use rights. Besides, our current regulations are to empower administrative authorities in land and natural resource management. Once an authority has more power on land decisions, two consequences occur. Firstly, there is higher corruption risk as the result of uncontrolled power. Secondly, the authority can be found guilty of and convicted of land fraud. Hence, it is necessary for us to review and amend our land law to clarify the private land-use right and the public land-use right. It is easier to manage these two land use rights separately. Then, we shall set up a proper system to control the power of authorities over land. Improve the legal framework Some localities have taken advantage of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the form of exchanging land for infrastructure. Some of them trade golden land for infrastructure. So, what to do to bring the most for the State? Former Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Van Hien appears at court for land-related violations during his tenure. Prior to 2007, it was named utilize public land for infrastructure development or land exchanged for infrastructure. In 2007, PPP came to Vietnam. Contractors and local authorities have continued to carry out land exchanged for infrastructure under a new concept Building Transfer (BT). Under this mechanism, contractors set up infrastructure projects in exchange for a specified land. In many cases, the value of land is much higher than that of infrastructure. This has caused public concerns. The State suffers loss in the exchange, especially when the land price has increased against the value of infrastructure. The Government Inspectorate and the State Audit Office of Vietnam have inspected and audited numerous BT projects. Fraud and errors have been found in all of them. Even though land exchanged for infrastructure model has been implemented since 1992, there are no sufficient regulations about it. Violations related to the land allotment at 67 Ngo Thi Nham, Hanoi, are under investigation. (Photo: Doan Bong) Therefore, what needs to be done is to improve the legal framework for BT projects under the land exchanged for infrastructure model. Good practice from public officers Many localities namely Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang and others relocated their administrative centers. The former headquarters are converted into commercial area. In many localities, these golden lands were acquired by private contractors. So what needs to be done to manage and monitor this well? One important aspect is to re-arrange public assets in the form of administrative headquarters. As for finance, it is to capitalize public land by making the most of the land with minimum cost and selling the unused to raise capital for the State budget. The re-arrangement of urban public land is an appropriate policy. However, there remains huge gaps in the legal system. Some ministries have already relocated but did not return their former headquarters to the State. Some public agencies still keep their land to rent out unused area for their own benefits. The re-arrangement and re-adjustment of public land under current insufficient regulations require good practices and morality of public officers. Kien Trung Veterinarian Eddy McCarvill, an important part of numerous harness racing success stories from Quebec over the past 30 years, has died, age 62, after a long battle with stomach cancer. He'll be missed, not only as a super vet, but as a super guy, a gentleman, a professional. "He was quiet and low-key but always there for us," said Claude Levesque, head of the Quebec Jockey Club, whose board of directors included McCarvill. A native of the Jonquiere region of Quebec, which used to have to its own track, McCarvill initially wanted to be a racehorse driver and trainer, but at the urging of his father, a racehorse owner, he opted for veterinary studies. His expertise in lameness and horses' feet made him the go-to vet for many of the top racing stables and trainers from Quebec, including Dustin Jones, Yves Filion and Luc Blais. When racing ended in Montreal, where he was based, McCarvill made regular trips to Ontario for his clients. Owner-trainer Guy Corbeil, a close personal friend, recalls McCarvill providing him with training tips as well as veterinary services when he was just starting out in the sport in the mid-1990s. "He didn't just know horses, he knew racing, so when a trainer would describe something to him, he could figure it out," Corbeil said. "He was also loyal to his clients and they stayed with him." McCarvill actually went back to school to become a medical doctor but had a change of heart and resumed veterinary work before completing the program. Corbeil said his friend, who exercised regularly, "looked 10 years younger than he was." But three years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer. It was in remission for a time, but returned five months ago. "He's a discreet guy. He didn't want to talk about it," Corbeil said. Eddy McCarvill leaves his wife, Begonia, and son Alex, 12. Funeral arrangements are still indeterminate. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Eddy McCarvill. (A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the fatal winter storm that left millions in the South without power and water, more than 160 organizations have endorsed the new Southern Communities for a Green New Deal (SC4GND) policy platform. The platform, spearheaded by Southeast Climate & Energy Network, Dogwood Alliance, Kingdom Living Temple, the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, and GASP, builds on the Green New Deal to center and serve low-income communities and communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis in the South. "This is a Green New Deal designed specifically for the American South," said Alex Easdale, the executive director of the Southeast Climate & Energy Network. "We built consensus among frontline climate leaders, and used a bottom-up and community-based approach to developing our shared vision for how to achieve a safer, healthier, and more equitable future in the South." Over 100 leaders and advocates from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia worked for months to develop the Southern Communities for a Green New Deal platform. Now, the endorsing organizations will use the platform to shape climate and green jobs policies at all levels of government. "From the fossil fuel industry to industrial agriculture and forestry, it's time for a new vision for the Southern economy," said Danna Smith, executive director of the Dogwood Alliance. "This platform seeks to help lawmakers understand the extent of the problems Southern communities face, and the solutions that will work in the places we call home." The South is experiencing more climate impacts than any other region of the U.S. It is home to five of the top 10 largest emitters in the country, and is experiencing forest destruction from industrial logging at four times the rate of South American rainforests. Frontline communities whose residents tend to be Indigenous, Black, and LatinX suffer disproportionately from extreme weather events, unreliable access to safe drinking water, and unhealthy levels of air pollution. More than half of the Black population of the U.S. lives in the South. Florida and Texas are among the states with the highest Hispanic/LatinX populations, and Hispanic people make up over 16% percent of the region's population. "Once again, the South is rising to tackle one of our nation's greatest challenges and achieve transformative economic and social change," said the Reverend Leo Woodberry of Florence, SC, who introduced the platform during a virtual Congressional briefing yesterday. Last Friday, Rev. Woodberry cut the ribbon on four SOURCE Hydropanels at his predominantly Black church. The panels use sunlight and air to create safe, clean drinking water something too many Southern frontline communities don't have enough of. "As we saw during February's severe winter storm in the South, when disaster strikes, electric and water services tend to fail in communities of color and low-income communities first, and take longer to fix," said Woodberry. "These hydropanels offer communities their own climate-resilient and endlessly renewable supply of safe, clean drinking water, totally independent of any aging pipes or unreliable power sources. They are an example of the types of community-led solutions we plan to push for as part of our Southern Communities for a Green New Deal agenda." The Southern Communities for a Green New Deal platform outlines the key issues facing Southern communities as the global climate crisis worsens. It features a list of policy demands related to energy, water, forest and land, the economy and labor, and democracy. These policy demands reflect core values shared by the 160+ groups that have signed on: committing to Indigenous sovereignty, following frontline leadership, being inclusive, rejecting the privatization of natural resources, investing in transformative solutions that match the urgency and severity of this crisis, and eliminating sacrifice zones, which disproportionately bear the environmental and health burdens of an extractive and polluting economy, and which are generally found in poorer communities and communities of color. "We were proud to facilitate more than 100 leaders from across the South in the development of a set of core values based on the South's unique need for sustainable development. This work acknowledged the systemic divestment and over-extraction in our region, as well as our status as a major economic engine, our unique biodiversity and our history of resistance," said Colette Pichon Battle of the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, lead facilitator and signee of the SC4GND platform, and regional anchor of Gulf South for a Green New Deal initiative. The vision of the Green New Deal reflects the transformation and mobilization the country needs at the federal level. At the same time, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and growing the economy so that it works for all people, regardless of race, gender, or zip code. The SC4GND platform's key policy demands include: ENERGY: End fossil fuel subsidies; halt all new dirty energy projects; redirect investments to advance local and community control of clean, renewable energy production and distribution. WATER: Invest in equitable water and sewer infrastructure upgrades; manage and regulate water resources in a way that ensures and prioritizes that everyone has access to safe, affordable drinking water; end the privatization of collective water resources. LAND & FORESTS: Transition away from the industrial model of forestry and agriculture; restore and preserve soil and forests; stop the expansion of new polluting and ecologically destructive industries (i.e. biomass and wood pellets) in environmental justice communities; invest in land protection and nature-based, locally-owned businesses and jobs. ECONOMY & JOBS: Strengthen and enforce labor protections; provide training and resources to environmental justice communities and industry workers to ensure they are able to access and benefit from the transition; advance solutions that shift ownership and governance of natural resources and production to communities. DEMOCRACY: Divest from corporate control of our government, particularly corporations that harm our communities; make it easier to participate in democracy. Media contact: Carina Daniels [email protected] 510-847-1617 SOURCE Southern Communities for a Green New Deal Related Links https://www.scen-us.org/scgnd Angola, IN (46703) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A steady rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low 56F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks about priorities for administration of US President Joe Biden in the Ben Franklin room at the State Department in Washington, DC on March 3, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) US Proposes UN Meeting With 5 Other Nations for Comprehensive Afghan Peace NEW DELHIU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has proposed a U.N.-led meeting with five other nations to support a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan, in a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The nations would include India, China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan. Many of these nations are regional adversaries with competing stakes, and experts say that a positive outcome will be difficult to negotiate as, meanwhile, the security threat will only intensify. India will be included in the international Afghan peace process for the first time. First we intend to ask the United Nations to convene Foreign Ministers and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the United States to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan. It is my belief that these countries share an abiding common interest in a stable Afghanistan and must work together if we are to succeed, Blinken wrote in his letter to Ghani last week, according to Afghan broadcaster TOLO News (pdf). Though Turkey wouldnt be invited to the U.N. meeting, Blinken in his letter informed Ghani that the U.S. administration will ask Turkey to host a senior-level meeting between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming weeks to finalize a peace agreement. The letter comes as the United States prepares to withdraw a remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by May 1, a year after the Trump administration and the Taliban signed an agreement at Doha to start a political process to finish the war. In his letter, Blinken had asked for urgent leadership from Ghani in the coming weeks, amid a fragile security situation inside Afghanistan. Even with the continuation of financial assistance from the United States to your forces after an American military withdrawal, Im concerned that the security situation will worsen and that the Taliban could make rapid territorial gains. Im making this clear to you so that you understand the urgency of my tone regarding the collective work outlined in this letter, Blinken wrote. Whether the attempt to bring so many stakeholders onto the same platform will be successful is yet to be seen, but all will be closely watching what the United States does, Aparna Pande, director of the Hudson Institutes Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia, told The Epoch Times over a chat platform. If the U.S. plans on leaving Afghanistan without any military presence or support, then each of these countries will make their own plans. If the U.S. plans on having a long-term presence, even if small, then these countries will behave differently, said Pande, who is based in Washington. By getting different stakeholders on the same platform, the Biden administration is trying to show the world that its foreign policy will use diplomacy, according to Abhinav Pandya, an India-based analyst on terrorism and radicalization with expertise on Afghanistan issues. So we are trying to get Iran on board, we are trying to get Turkey on board, we are trying to get Russians on board. Now we are trying to get China on board. So this is just to convey an image that, no, we are not very isolationist, we are just trying to incorporate all the parties and come to a consensus, Pandya said. Security personnel inspect the site of a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Feb. 20, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP) Stakeholders Anil Trigunayat, a geopolitical analyst with expertise in the Middle East and a former senior Indian diplomat, said the Biden administration is aware of the stakeholders playing positive as well as spoiler roles inside Afghanistan. An attempt to bring everyone together could mean different things for different invitees. Pakistan has been playing both sides. Iran is an important neighbor of Afghanistan. Russians are keen to have a say in the outcome, Trigunayat said. Apart from strategic reasons for a big power, Afghanistan is a major source and problem of narcotics for the Russian youth. The U.S., on its part, is keen to leave Afghanistan, and paradoxically other countries do worry about [the U.S.] exit while they did not quite like [its] presence. He added that for any success to be achieved, all stakeholders will need a common plan for peacekeeping and security. [The] U.S. wants to leave ASAP but would not like to abdicate as a defeated power. Also, it wants some sense and semblance of a graceful exit. China and Russia are P5 members, have to be on board for the U.N.-led process and a viable outcome. Pande said the United States is trying to bring different adversaries on the same platform especially those who disagree so that they speak with each other and this way find a way out. However, there are major pitfalls to consider, according to Pandya, and there is a high likelihood of it not succeeding. I feel that this is some kind of a half-hearted attempt to undo what Trump was doing and to reassert the American role in the geopolitical domain, said Pandya, who is CEO of the India-based think tank Usanas Foundation. And by inviting countries like Russia, China, Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan to decide the future of Afghanistan, the U.S. is also laying the foundation for the new great game in Afghanistan involving the countries mentioned above trying to occupy the place left by the U.S. An armored vehicle patrols near the site of an incident in which two U.S. soldiers were killed a day before in Shirzad district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on Feb. 9, 2020. (Parwiz/Reuters) Contradictions and Challenges Experts said the situation inside Afghanistan is tough. Those invited have different stakes in the region and have often contradicted each other on global platforms, while some invitees have also sponsored terrorism in the regiontheir genuinely coming together for peace is unlikely. Once again, the U.S. is repeating the same mistakes. All the players which have been brought to the tables, some of them are the real culprits and the villains in Afghanistan. First of all, Pakistan, as I mentioned, is the devils advocate in Afghanistan, while sheltering all the terrorist groups, Pandya said, adding that other invitees also are sponsors of terrorists inside Afghanistan. If you bring them on board, and if you ask them for the solution, how is it going to succeed? Now you have Turkey, [which] is also an accomplice of Pakistan. Pakistans Interservice Intelligence (ISI) is outlined as the principal and the underlying cause of pertinent war against Afghan and those who seek to help them, in a recent paper by Canadas first resident ambassador to Afghanistan, Chris Alexander. The regional conflictand its resolutionis no longer about Afghanistan and Pakistan alone. It is about the credibility of international institutions, including the UN and NATO, Alexander wrote in a paper (pdf) published by the Ottawa-based Macdonald Laurier Institute. It is also about the future of proxy war as an instrument of policyat a time when Russias Putin, Turkeys Erdogan, Irans Khamenei, and others are eager to mimic ISI impunity. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to their annual bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, where they are expected to discuss Syria and Afghanistan, in Goa, India, on Oct. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Indias 1st-Time Entry India has finally been included in the Afghan peace process after six months of diplomatic effortsand despite the efforts of Moscow, a Chinese ally, to keep the South Asian nation out, according to exclusive sources cited by Indian Express. Efforts to keep India out were at the behest of Pakistan, an Indian adversary, the daily reported. Harsh Pant, an expert on Asia security issues and the head of the strategic studies program at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, told The Epoch Times: India is [now] formally talked of as a country that needs to be brought into the picture. For a long time, the idea was that India can be ignored [in terms of] what happens in Afghanistan. It is increasingly becoming clear that it cant be ignored. Pandya said India is getting closer to the United States, and Russia has no option but to get closer to Pakistan. India, according to him, is the only regional power that genuinely wants durable peace in the region. India has almost nothing to gain from it except some formal participation because Taliban leadership will continue to be controlled by Pakistan, Pandya said, adding that after the United States leaves Afghanistan, the training of militant groups operating inside Indias Kashmir will likely be shifted to Afghanistan, which has already begun. If India thinks that by such conferences they will get some leverage with the Taliban, they are living in a fine illusion. UP govt now bans jeans, t-shirts for college teachers From jeans cause earthquakes to Pokemon conspiracy, these fatwas are a must read 'No one would marry women who wear jeans to mandap', says Satyapal Singh Rajasthan labour dept asks employees not to wear jeans, T-shirt to work Khap panchayat bans jeans for women, shorts for men India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Lucknow, Mar 10: A khap panchayat in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district has barred women from wearing jeans and men from wearing shorts, saying they are part of western culture and that people should wear traditional Indian clothes. The Rajput community panchayat also warned that those found violating the diktat will be punished and face boycott. The panchayat was convened on March 2 in Pipalshah village under Charthawal police station. Announcing the panchayat's decision, community leader and Kisan Sangh chief Thakur Puran Singh said it was decided to bar women from wearing jeans and men from wearing shorts. He said these clothes are part of the western culture. "We should wear our traditional clothes such as sarees, 'ghagra' and 'salwar-kameez'," he said. Those found violating the order will be punished and boycotted from the community, Singh said. The khap panchayat also protested the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to grant reservation to Scheduled Castes (SC) and backward classes in the upcoming panchayat polls. Singh said the panchayat expressed concern over the decision and condemned it. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News The state government issued its reservation policy for panchayat polls last month. According to the policy, seats will be reserved for SCs, backward classes and women in the elections. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 16:48 [IST] Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:41:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MALE, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives is investigating the death of a fisherman who had received the COVID-19 vaccine, local media reported on Wednesday. The 45-year-old fisherman receiving the Covishield vaccine on Monday was reported to have been unwell and brought to a health center early Tuesday. "As per protocol, a full investigation is being carried out to confirm the cause of death," the Health Protection Agency said in a statement on the social media platform Twitter. The agency noted that serious events including death could happen unrelatedly to the vaccine. The Maldives kicked off its vaccination drive in early February with over 165,600 people being administered the first vaccine dose as of Tuesday. Enditem Talks start to protect Indian Oceans depleting tuna March 10,2021 | Source: Reuters Representatives of 30 nations met on March 9 to seek ways to save fast-depleting tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean as demand in Asia and the West soars for sushi and tinned fish. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which groups coastal countries from Australia to Kenya plus major fishing region the European Union, was convening virtually over five days to debate yellowfin tuna quotas. Environmentalists say the warm water species is at risk of depletion as over-fishing compounds other threats from climate change and pollution. There is corporate concern too: British supermarkets Tesco and Co-op and Belgian retailer Colruyt pledged last year to stop buying Indian Ocean yellowfin unless the UN-mandated commission adopts a plan to rebuild stocks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has for nearly a decade had the species on its Red List. Yet the total global catch has risen by about a third, to nearly 450,000 metric tonnes annually, according to the London-based Blue Marine Foundation advocacy group. It estimates yellowfin tuna stocks could collapse meaning they would go beyond the minimum size needed for recovery within the next five years if the catch is not cut. French and Spanish fishing fleets take the majority of fish, using industrial methods such as purse seine with huge nets that often net juvenile yellowfin yet to begin reproducing. Coastal nations want to limit Europes distant-water fleets. Kenya and Sri Lanka, for example, want more curbs on devices such as fish aggregators: floating objects that attract tuna and other species towards nets. They are the visitors, said Will McCallum, head of oceans at environmental group Greenpeace UK, of the European fleets. They are fishing at a far larger capacity than anybody else, and its not an equitable state of affairs. The Maldives wants the yellowfin catch to be cut by 15% from 2015 levels, when IOTC scientists first agreed they were being overfished. The IOTC had last year recommended cutting the catch by 20% from 2014 levels, but rowed back in January, saying that was distorted by projections from the 2018 stock assessment. Given that a new stock assessment will not be ready until the end of 2021, the commission may postpone new measures, according to the Blue Marine Foundation. For a stock that is at risk of collapse, this delay could prove catastrophic, it said in a statement. The European Union proposes a total catch reduction from nearly 438,000 metric tons in 2019 to around 380,000. Demand for yellowfin is booming as its light meat is widely used for tinned fish and in sushi in North America, Europe and Asia. The global yellowfin market in 2018 was worth $15.8 billion, the second-highest value of the seven tuna species, according to a report by the worlds largest canned tuna company, Thai Union Group PCL. Greenpeaces McCallum said the over-fishing issue had stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic and drastic action was needed now to avoid irrecoverable damage to the species. Reuters Theme(s): Fisheries Resources. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Hartford Police / Contributed Photo HARTFORD City police are looking for information after a gunshot wound victim showed up at an area hospital early Wednesday morning. Patrol officers responded to an area hospital around 12:45 a.m. for a report of a male gunshot wound victim who arrived for treatment, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert. After a year in front of screens, tens of thousands of San Francisco students will be learning and playing in person this summer, with free access to summer school, learning hubs and day camps from June through August, city and education officials announced Wednesday. The initiative, backed by a $25 million philanthropic donation, ensures that the citys K-12 public school students will have access to face-to-face academics, outdoor activities, social interaction and full-day child care at no charge. Those who opt for virtual activities will be paired with organizations offering educational options online. The more than $50 million program, called the Summer Together Initiative, offers the citys 52,000 public students across all grades the first opportunity to be with peers all day, every day since schools shuttered on March 12. City officials expect at least 20,000 students to participate, with high needs students prioritized for place ment. This is big, said Maria Su, executive director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. This is a big de al. For months, San Francisco officials and families have called on schools to reopen to help mitigate learning loss and other effects of remote schooling, including mental health declines and lack of social interaction. While many elementary and high needs students will return to classrooms in April, most district students will remain in distance learning through the spring. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2020 The summer programs will help mitigate academic declines for all students while providing opportunities for academic credit recovery for older students, Su said. Others can opt for summer camps, where they can regain a sense of normalcy and remember how to play together or to share. Many need a refresher on how to learn, play and laugh in public, officials said. We want to get children back to the habit of waking up, going to a place to learn and to have fun, Su said. We need to rebuild real fast those behaviors so these kids are going to be ready for fall. The collaboration marks something of a thaw in relations between the school district and city after months of public feuding over the reopening of classrooms, including finger-pointing over vaccines and virus testing as well as a lawsuit filed by City Attorney Dennis Herrera against the superintendent and school board. It has never been more clear that we must work together as a community to care for the needs of our citys children, said Superintendent Vince Matthews. Summer learning and socializing plays a critical role in the lives of young people. This summer, we look forward to joining with the city to offer multiple programs for children and youth of all ages. Crankstart, a charitable foundation, has agreed to chip in $25 million toward the effort, with other private and nonprofit organizations helping support the initiative. The school district will provide summer school opportunities, with extra funding to support all-day programs and other resources. The city is also expected to contribute more than $25 million to cover the costs of the free programs, with federal stimulus funding helping cover summer school costs incurred by the district. Together SF, which coordinates a network of volunteers, will help administer the effort. Our children have truly suffered under COVID, and we need to do everything we can to lift them up this summer, Mayor London Breed, said in a statement announcing the initiative. Summer Together will support their mental health, their academic needs, and just get them to be back together with other children again. Summer school in the district is expected to include the Black Star Rising STEM program, as well as literacy programs for recent immigrant students and credit recovery for high school students, among other opportunities, with donations and city funding helping cover costs to create a full-day program of activities and support for families who want it. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. The city will also expand the number of learning hubs, recruiting teachers to work with students in locations across the city, including some in private facilities. That could mean high school students could spend summer days inside the Salesforce Tower or other company office spaces to work on history assignments or catch up on chemistry. Were talking to them about letting us use their space since theyre empty and letting us use their Wi-Fi, Su said. Every company weve talked to has been extremely interested. In addition to free learning opportunities and summer camps, the initiative will also pay for 10 summer reading books for each of the districts 52,000 students more than 500,000 books which will be available at the public libraries. City officials said they expect to start offering sign-ups for the initiatives programs in April. For more information, go to summertogether.org. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 A flurry of recent trade data is signalling that the global economy is springing back from the effects of the pandemic faster and harder than anticipated. When the pandemic hit last year, global trade plummeted amid dire predictions of a slump as deep as the Great Depression. The World Trade Organisation, and others, saw international trade collapse by as much as a third. While global merchandise exports did dive 15 per cent in the June quarter last year, they started to bounce back in the second half of the year, and data for the first two months of this year suggests the recovery is continuing and broadening. The resurgence in trade has created a shortage of shipping containers. Credit:Waldo Swiegers That and the massive $US1.9 trillion ($2.5 trillion) of further US stimulus provided by the Biden administrations new fiscal package -- supports the more optimistic view of the prospects for the global economy (and Australias economy) depicted in the OECDs latest forecasts issued this week, which have upgraded the outlook for global growth this year from 4.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent. The local government agencies of Zakarpattia region and Hungary have concluded 141 agreements on cooperation, in particular on the supply of BCG vaccine, the reconstruction of palaces and cultural monuments, the construction of a waste sorting plant, Chairman of Zakarpattia Regional Council Oleksiy Petrov has said on Facebook. According to Petrov, cooperation between Hungary and Zakarpattia region was discussed in Kisvarda (Hungary) at a meeting with Hungary's ministerial commissioner Istvan Grezsa and President of the General Assembly of the Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg County Oszkar Sesztak. "The most significant and powerful is the work of our regions within Tisza ETT [European Territorial Association]. While the project 'Environmental Assessment for Natural Resources Revitalization in Solotvyno REVITAL I' is successfully implemented, the issue of the construction of a waste sorting plant in the village of Yanoshi is not so active. I have agreed with my Hungarian counterpart to intensify work in this area," Petrov said. According to him, the meeting with Grezsa also focused on the development of border infrastructure, in particular the construction of checkpoints, the reconstruction of the bridge over the Tisza River and the round-the-clock operation of the Kosyno-Barabas checkpoint. "We have agreed that we are ready to complete the Nagyhodos-Velyka Palad checkpoint project within three months after all the necessary intergovernmental documentation is concluded," Petrov said. In addition, according to Petrov, Grezsa expressed Hungary's readiness to deliver the BCG vaccine to Zakarpattia region. op Zebrafish embryo, mutant for ski7, 1 hour after fertilisation. Credit: IMP Mature egg cells and early embryos do not generate their own RNA moleculesinstead, they rely on stored maternal RNAs to synthesize their proteins. As the embryo develops, some of these RNAs become superfluous and need to be degraded. Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) pinpointed Ski7 as a regulator of normal RNA levels in early zebrafish embryos. Their findings were published in the journal PLOS Genetics. At the beginning of an embryo's development, all cellular processes are regulated by maternal products deposited in the egg, such as RNA molecules and proteins. As the embryo grows, some of these accumulated molecules become superfluous and need to be removed to ensure development continues normally. Although scientists have identified many molecular pathways that regulate RNA degradation in the embryo, some pieces of the puzzle are still missing to understand the full picture. In yeast, two multiprotein complexes, called the exosome and 'superkiller' (Ski), work together to degrade unwanted RNA molecules. Historically, scientists assumed the Ski-exosome mechanism did not operate in animals as it does in yeast, because the key protein that mediates the interaction between the exosome and the Ski complex, Ski7, was nowhere to be found in animal genomes. However, some developmental stages in animals, such as the transition stage from an egg cell to an embryo, require major changes in RNA abundance and could make use of Ski7 or a similar protein to help the process. "The Ski7 protein acts as an adaptor between the exosome and the Ski complex, and we hypothesized that it should be there for this system to work," explains Luis Cabrera-Quio, a recent Ph.D. graduate of the Pauli Lab. "Two recent studies pinpointed the well-hidden location of Ski7 in the mouse and human genomeswe are the first group to identify and characterize it in fish." In a new study published in PLOS Genetics, researchers at the IMP have located Ski7 in the zebrafish genome and measured its expression levels in zebrafish embryos. To understand its potential functions in development, the scientists used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mutant line of zebrafish that lacked the gene to produce Ski7. They then compared normal embryos to the mutant line to see what functions were impaired by the mutation. Ski7, a regulator of RNA levels "When we found that Ski7 was highly expressed in the mature eggs and early embryos of zebrafish, we realized it might play an important role in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Generating mutant fish that couldn't produce Ski7 was the logical next step to understand this protein's function," says Andrea Pauli, Group Leader at the IMP. The first difference that the scientists noted was that a fraction of mutant embryos failed to develop altogether. However, those that completed their first cell division went on to grow normally and reached adulthood. This partial survival suggests that Ski7 may play an importantyet not always vitalrole for healthy development. The main question remained: does Ski7 help regulating RNA degradation in zebrafish like it does in yeast? When the team compared the gene expression patterns of normal and mutant embryos, they found that the absence of Ski7 led to thousands of genes being either overly expressed, or abnormally low. As a result, the abundance of specific RNAs and proteins in mutant embryos differed from their natural counterpart. Stress resistance and Ski7 The next step was to investigate what mis-regulated genes normally do. The scientists surveyed the over- and underabundant RNAs in mutant fish embryos and found that many of them encoded for proteins that play a role in the response to reductive/oxidative stress. In yeast, lab-generated mutants that lack Ski7 tend to be less resistant to environmental stress. However, Quio and colleagues were in for surprising results with the zebrafish. Although only a fraction of mutant embryos developed normally, the survivors had become more resistant to reductive stress than the normal, wildtype embryos. "That was really unexpectedit could be that Ski7 contributes to the dynamic regulation of the reduction/oxidation balance in early embryos. When it is absent, some embryos never develop, and those that do might compensate this lack of regulation with their overabundant maternal RNAs, producing proteins that enable the embryo to withstand reductive agents," says Quio. This idea, however, remains to be tested. Overall, Ski7's basic role in degrading superfluous RNA molecules proves to be highly conserved, from unicellular organisms such as yeast to complex animals such as fish, mice, and humans. The study shows that Ski7 plays an important part in the normal development of egg cells and early embryos in the zebrafish by selectively regulating RNA levels. Explore further Earliest signs of an immune response found in developing embryos More information: Luis Enrique Cabrera-Quio et al. Zebrafish Ski7 tunes RNA levels during the oocyte-to-embryo transition, PLOS Genetics (2021). Journal information: PLoS Genetics Luis Enrique Cabrera-Quio et al. Zebrafish Ski7 tunes RNA levels during the oocyte-to-embryo transition,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009390 To think an establishment that sells this is difficult to even type affordable clothing and other merchandise oh dear, wheres my fainting couch? could come and dirty up our beautiful stretch of Michigan Avenue. Why, its just too much to imagine. The U.S. Justice Department will name victim compensation experts Ken Feinberg and Camille Biros to oversee a half-billion-dollar victim compensation fund tied to the two deadly crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters exclusively on Wednesday. An official announcement could come just in time for the two-year anniversary of the deadly Ethiopian Airlines crash of a Boeing 737 MAX that prompted a world-wide grounding of the plane. Relatives of the 346 people killed in the two 737 MAX crashes - the Ethiopian crash in March 2019 and and the Lion Air disaster five months before that - are eligible for compensation. Feinberg is no stranger to the task. He ran the high-profile victim compensation funds for the Sept. 11 attacks and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The half-a-billion dollars to be doled out comes from a January settlement between Boeing and the DOJ. The 737 MAX, Boeing's best-selling jet, is flying again in some parts of the world after the disgraced planemaker assured airlines and regulators in many countries that it fixed a software glitch linked to the two disasters. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is keeping a watchful eye on the MAX, tracking all flights of the plane via satellite data. Relatives of crash victims, however, are angry the plane has been allowed to return to service after its 20-month grounding in the U.S. Video Transcript - The US Justice Department will name victim compensation experts Ken Feinberg and Camille Biros to oversee a half-billion-dollar victim compensation fund tied to the two deadly crashes the Boeing 737 MAX, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters exclusively on Wednesday. An official announcement could come just in time for the two-year anniversary of the deadly Ethiopian Airlines crash of a Boeing 737 Max that prompted a world-wide grounding of the plane. Feinberg is no stranger to the task. He ran the high-profile victim compensation funds for the September 11th attacks and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Relatives of the 346 people killed in the two 737 MAX crashes-- the Ethiopian crash in March 2013 and the Lion Air disaster five months before that-- are eligible for compensation. The half-a-billion dollars to be doled out comes from a January settlement between Boeing and the DOJ. The 737 Max, Boeing's best selling jet, is flying again in some parts of the world after the disgraced playmaker assured airlines and regulators in many countries that it fixed a software glitch linked to the two disasters. The US Federal Aviation Administration is keeping a watchful eye on the Max, tracking all flights of the plane via satellite data. Relatives of crash victims, however, are angry the plane has been allowed to return to service after its 20-month grounding in the US. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. [March 10, 2021] New Study Finds 85% of Workers Want to Return to the Office Eden Workplace, the complete Software-as-a-Service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) suite for the modern hybrid office, today released findings from its Eden Workplace Return to Office Survey, which finds that at the 1 year mark of quarantine, 85% of office workers are looking forward to returning to the office in some capacity. The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research and involved 1,000 nationally representative U.S. full- and part-time office workers ages 18+ between February 9th and February 17th 2021. As the availability of COVID-19 vaccines has elevated discussions about employees returning to the office, the survey reveals more than half (52%) of office workers report socializing with colleagues as their top reason for wanting to return to the office. Other missed benefits by employees included having access to proper work equipment (44%) and getting out of the home (44%). The results also indicate different perspectives by age, ethnicity, and education levels. While 89% of millennials wish to return to the office, only 80% of baby boomers felt the same. Also, while 90% of non-white office workers expressed that they were looking forward to returning to the office, the results for white office workers were slightly lower at 84%. In terms of education, those with a college degree were the most likely to want to return at 90%. The survey results also feature a number of insights relatedto safety, including that more than 3 in 5 (61%) respondents want strict enforcement of COVID-related workplace regulations by their employers. In fact, a quarter (26%) even feel that employees who violate COVID safety rules should face the steep consequence of being demoted or even fired. "The survey results were illuminating," said Eden Workplace CEO Joe Du Bey. "The data showcases just how strong the national demand is among employees to return to the office, but also how insistent they are that employers provide a safe environment. The enthusiasm was universal, but it was especially strong for earlier career team members as well as non-white team members, which I found interesting. It is clear that people miss seeing their colleagues, and I also believe that a more flexible future is desired with a shift to the hybrid office." Other key findings from the survey include: Employers are going to have to rethink their approach to traditional in-house proceedings. Two-thirds of office workers (66%) will not be comfortable with in-person meetings unless everyone in attendance is at least six feet apart. While most workers miss their coworkers and they don't expect a major shift in how they will dress for work. More than half (53%) expect to return to their pre-COVID, in-office dress style. Another 23% think their colleagues will use the opportunity to showcase more formal attire (9%) or stylish and chic outfits (15%). On the flip side, 24% expect their colleagues to dress as casually as they did while working from home. Most workers feel basic COVID protections are important, but there is a large discrepancy among employee expectations depending upon access to COVID health and safety information and their level of displacement during quarantine. The vast majority of workers expect free hand sanitizer (71%), company-provided masks (61%), and their workspace to be socially distanced (59%). Meanwhile, those who never worked from home are far more likely to not want their employer to enforce COVID rules (46%), compared to those who have been working from home during quarantine (38%) and those who have already returned to the office (33%). "One prominent theme from the data is that, despite some variation in employee expectations about how the return to the office will roll out, they want to go back," Du Bey said. "Working from home clearly has its place, but the drive among workers to be among peers and colleagues is extraordinary. The timeline for a full return to the office is fluid, but it seems that we have turned a corner. It is therefore critical that employers invest in the proper technologies to help them manage their space and keep their employees safe." You can review the full results from the Eden Workplace Return to Office Survey here. About Eden Workplace: Eden Workplace is the complete suite of software for the modern hybrid office that makes it easier for companies to run their workplaces. Eden Workplace's best-in-class Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) suite helps teams safely return to the office, manage their floor plans and desks, register visitors, track employee ticketing and helpdesk requests, book rooms and manage their facilities. Eden Workplace is based in San Francisco and investors include Y Combinator, Bessemer Venture Partners, Fifth Wall, S28 Capital, Reshape and JLL. Eden Workplace's mission is to create a better place to work, for everyone. To learn more, visit www.edenworkplace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005622/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A rideshare driver was been charged with allegedly of raping a young woman during a late night trip. The 37-year-old driver for an unnamed company picked up the female passenger in her 20s from Mandurah, south of Perth, about 1.15am on February 28. He is accused of raping the woman sometime during the journey, police said. The man, who also lives in Mandurah, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with one count of rape and another of indecent assault. He faced Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday and police notified the rideshare company and the Transport Department of his arrest. An oil glut coupled with a virus-induced free-fall in global demand sent energy stocks spiraling a year ago. Now, as the world begins to recover from the pandemic, oil bulls who stayed the course are enjoying big returns. The scarier it is as a business, the better the investment prospects are, said Josh Young, chief investment officer at Bison Interests LLC, referring to volatile periods in the money-management business such as last March. Canadian oil producers were clobbered a year ago, with even blue-chip names such as Suncor Energy Inc. losing two-thirds of their value in a matter of weeks. But with improved Canadian oil pricing and reduced concerns around pipeline capacity, Bison has been redeploying capital away from U.S. shale and into shares of Canadian energy companies including Tamarack Valley Energy. The Houston-based fund has risen about 90 percent this year. The OPEC+ decision last week to keep output largely unchanged along with an attack on the worlds largest crude terminal in Saudi Arabia briefly sent Brent oil futures above $71 a barrel early Monday. Futures in New York bounced between gains and losses on Tuesday, with West Texas Intermediate Crude around $65 a barrel. REMARKABLE COMEBACK: Oil crosses $65 milestone, marking stunning recovery from historic bust Investors are increasingly confident that any oversupply will be absorbed by soaring demand as more people are vaccinated and life slowly returns to normal. The fear of peak demand is leading us to the reality of peak supply, said Eric Nuttall, senior portfolio manager of the Ninepoint Partners LP energy fund in Toronto, which has gained about 70% this year. There was less planning involved in last years oversupply. Last March, coronavirus lockdowns began in western economies just as Saudi Arabia began flooding the market with oil in an all-out price war. Energy equities plummeted: At one point Canadas energy index was down 53% for the year. Its risen about 20 percent to start 2021. Then in January, in one of his first acts as U.S. president, Joe Biden canceled the Keystone XL oil pipeline, the type of move that would normally be a major setback for the patch. But with construction under way on other pipelines, the Canadian portion of Enbridge Inc.s Line 3 online, and a drive for profitability through spending cuts, bulls have sent signals that this cycle may be different from its predecessors. Nuttall, whose holdings include MEG Energy Corp. and NuVista Energy Ltd., says he thinks Canadian energy stocks have more upside versus those south of the border, where a new Biden administration is more hostile to fossil fuels. At the same time, Canadian pipeline capacity is improving despite the Keystone XL decision. Nuttall said that small- to mid-cap shares have aided his funds performance this year. Generalist investors, who seek to own assets in a wide range of industries, have avoided oil and gas stocks because of price volatility over the last few years. Stabilizing prices could change that equation, Nuttall said, as margins increase and as other equities become overvalued. Weve selectively added energy as energy companies cut spending amid rising demand, said David Picton, chief executive officer of Toronto-based Picton Mahoney Asset Management, which managed about C$8.9 billion ($7 billion) in client assets at end of February. In an interview, Picton called those investments more of a trading call because hes not convinced that energy is a good long-term bet. Following the Meghan & Harry bombshell interview Sunday, the only surprise is that there is any surprise the most racist institution in the world is racist. Opinion Following the Meghan & Harry "bombshell" interview Sunday, the only surprise is that there is any surprise the most racist institution in the world is racist. The Royal Family is an institution built off the African slave trade and the theft of Indigenous land and resources; it maintains itself via the violent and genocidal laws that form the foundation of almost every Commonwealth country. Virtually all Commonwealth countries are built on the idea that the British Crown was, or is, the supreme ruler. In some places the role is symbolic, but its still law. In Canada, this supremacy is built on the precedent that in 1763, King George III declared the bulk of North America his. Its a Royal Proclamation that Canada adopted as the law of the land during Confederation. For more than 100 years, the House of Windsor has ruled the British Empire. The "Firm," as the family is known, has done valuable things but their status, riches, and power have been built off the exploitation of people of colour. So, why is anyone surprised they wouldnt want a brown prince? Add in the Royal familys egregious treatment of strong, independent women such as Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, and their lack of investigation into Prince Andrews alleged sexual abuse of underage girls and one wonders about the purpose of celebrating this horrible, archaic, and violent institution. This is the question Barbados faced when it removed the Queen as its head of state in a parliamentary vote last fall. Guyana took a similar step in 1970, with Trinidad and Tobago (1976), Dominica (1978) and Mauritius (1992) following suit. Worth noting, however, is that these countries remain in the 54-member Commonwealth, a political and economical affiliation of countries who collectively shape policy, share resources, and even have their own games (formerly the British Empire Games). The British Crown may be irrelevant and downright offensive but it sure is embedded in tradition, history and law. So this is why Canada may want to think carefully about removing the Queen as its head of state even as a national poll by Research Co. in February showed that one-in-four Canadians would rather see Canada remain a monarchy and more than half of Canadians "think the country will get rid of the monarchy sometimes over the next two decades." The British Crown, good and bad, is embedded in the life of Canadians. For instance, in many northern Manitoba Cree communities, you will find a Hello! magazine, the celebrity digest that features the Royal Family. You will also find photos of the Queen, royal plates, and a whole lot of tea. This is because of the respect many Indigenous Peoples, particularly elders, have for the Crown. This is mostly due to treaties, documents that Indigenous people fiercely believe in because they involve not only land and treaty rights but a promise by the Crown that Indigenous nations will be treated with honour, dignity and respect. Despite these hopes rarely being delivered, Indigenous peoples still have a stubborn belief that the British Crown will fulfil its promise. In court decisions, this is ironically described as the "Honour of the Crown." This is why Indigenous leaders care if the Governor General is involved in dealings with the federal government. This is why Indigenous communities maintain peace and order in relationships with Canadians. This is why Indigenous peoples, like my family, tuned in to the interview Sunday night. If Canada were to consider removing the monarch as its head of state, this would demand a constitutional change requiring all the provinces to agree (those screams you hear are the ghosts of Meech Lake and the Charlottetown Accord). This would, of course, be difficult in itself, but Indigenous people would have to be consulted. Under section 35 of Canadas Constitution, anything that affects treaty and Indigenous rights has to be negotiated and obtain "free, prior, and informed consent" from Indigenous leaders. In essence, the treaties would have to be negotiated. This sounds like a good idea to me, because unlike 150 years ago, our communities have lawyers. Wed definitely get a much fairer deal. If Canada went so far as to eliminate the monarch without Indigenous consultation, the result would be contentious but fairly simple. The treaties, alongside Canadas claim to land negotiated through these agreements and under the Royal Proclamation, would become null. All that would be left is Indigenous title. Before anyone argues with me, consult the 1997 Delgamuukw case, in which the Supreme Court determined that Indigenous title predates and pre-exists British title. Without the Crown, all of Canada reverts to Indigenous land. What was the importance of the Crown again? niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca Los Angeles, March 10 : Lebanese-American former adult star Mia Khalifa strikes a mean pose in her latest Instagram picture. In the photo, Mia strikes a pose in a cut-out mustard-coloured dress in, flaunting her tiny waist. She stands against the backdrop of a forest. "Damn, I look mean," she wrote as caption with a chick emoji. The image currently has over 770K likes. Last month, Mia found herself in the line of fire among Indian social media users, for coming out in support of the ongoing farmers' protest. She had tweeted: ""What in the human rights violations is going on?! They cut the internet around New Delhi?! #FarmersProtest." Her tweet came after international pop sensation Rihanna and activist Greta Thunberg expressed concern over the issue. mGage and Oxfam successfully launch world-first RCS mobile payment campaign London UK, 9th March 2021 ? In an exciting milestone for the charities sector, mGage, in partnership with Oxfam GB, has deployed its next-generation Rich Communication Services (RCS) mobile payment solution, to encourage more donations and higher levels of engagement. At a time when charities are struggling amidst the pandemic, this world-first campaign is supporting Oxfam with its vital work worldwide, fighting poverty and assisting victims of humanitarian crises. With positive results when compared to a standard Premium SMS send, this channel is proving to be more popular than traditional card payments, offering a unique opportunity for charities to boost revenue, whilst deepening the relationship with supporters. ?With a simplified payment flow, a donation amount can be selected at the click of a button and added to the mobile bill, providing a truly seamless experience. This solution really is a gamechanger, especially at a time when so many charities need our support,? said Nick Millward, Vice President Europe at mGage. ?RCS payments provide the ultimate convenience and an appealing experience for customers, who increasingly want organisations to contact them via mobile messaging. With more than 1.31 billion mobile payment users expected by 2023, it is a service that is soaring in popularity.? Additionally, the service?s Verified Sender feature offers absolute peace of mind and builds trust between both charities and supporters. Accompanied by branding, users can be assured that a message sent to them is legitimate, protecting against fraud and the reputation of the sender. ?We are engaging with our supporters in a completely new way thanks to this innovative rich messaging channel, which allows for more choice and tailored, flexible content embedded directly into mobile messages,? said Drew Hickling, Supplier Relationship Manager, at Oxfam GB. ?Working with mGage we have created an RCS and Mobile Billing flow that provides a simple and seamless experience for our supporters with increased levels of potential engagement.? To find out more watch the latest video from mGage and Oxfam GB here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Uv9d_t3kc Moscow's top police official has rejected accusations that law enforcement used inappropriate force against supporters at rallies for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny in January and February. Speaking at a Moscow City council session on March 10, Oleg Baranov, the deputy chief of the Interior Ministry's main directorate in the Russian capital, said that "Moscow police acted in accordance with the current law." On January 23 and January 31, tens of thousands of supporters of Navalny held mass protests across Russia, protesting the jailing of the outspoken Kremlin critic. Police violently dispersed the protests. On February 2, Navalny's supporters changed the tactics of their protest and organized mass events using switched-on flashlights. Many participants of that action were also detained. More than 10,000 people were detained across Russia during the protests, sparking an international outcry over what rights groups and some Western governments called tactics of intimidation and the use of excessive force. "Police officers used physical force, martial-arts methods, and special devices that are allowed to be used when it is necessary to prevent illegal activities and crimes," Baranov told municipal lawmakers. He added that during the dispersal of the unsanctioned rallies, "11 crimes were committed against law enforcement officers and five against citizens who had different points of view." After the January 31 protest, Amnesty International accused the Kremlin of "waging a war on the human rights of people in Russia" in a "desperate attempt to silence criticism." All peaceful protesters and activists detained for peacefully participating in protests are prisoners of conscience and must be released immediately and unconditionally. Police must stop using unlawful force and instead uphold their obligation to protect the human rights of Russian people, said Natalia Zviagina, the director of Amnesty Internationals Moscow Office. The rallies were held after Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic, was detained at a Moscow airport on January 17 upon his arrival from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poison attack in Siberia in August by what several European laboratories concluded was a military-grade chemical nerve agent. Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by Putin, an allegation the Kremlin has denied. Last month, a Moscow court ruled that, while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. Navalny's 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from the case was converted to a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison, given time already served in detention. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia over the Navalny affair and its crackdown on protesters. During the Moscow City Council session on March 10, lawmaker Yevgeny Stupin raised the issue of the some 40 journalists who were detained while reporting from the rallies, despite wearing yellow vests indicating that they were members of the press and documents confirming that they were reporters . He also cited the journalists' union as saying that Novaya gazeta reporter Yelizaveta Kirpanova was injured by police and that the camera of another reporter, Viktoria Odissonova, was broken during her detainment, but Baranov rejected the statement, saying that official "investigations did not reveal any injuries in any of the mentioned cases." Many of the detained protesters were either fined or handed jail terms of several days. At least 90 were charged with criminal misdeeds and several have been fired by their employers. With reporting by TASS and Interfax New CBD brand, Viapure, launches March 2021, offering among the purest CBD options to ever hit the market. Viapure products contain broad spectrum, 0.00% THC, water-soluble CBD oil derived from hemp grown in the USA. Viapure follows all CBD manufacturing regulations and is committed to excellence from farm to finished product. Opening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Viapures mission is to support independent retailers, big and small. Every purchase of Viapure CBD gives back to the community by supporting businesses. Viapure champions retailers by exclusively selling their top-of-the-line CBD products through their retailer partners, existing as the first CBD brand to not sell directly to consumers online. "With the many companies that quickly began producing CBD, we found a gap in the marketplace for wholesale distributors that didn't directly compete with their retail partners. We created Viapure to fill that gap, keeping our partners' success top-of-mind," said Viapure President and Founder, Mike Efting. The team fueling Viapure has over 42 years of experience in the chemical and specialty ingredient distribution industry. The teams thorough understanding of the needs of retailers across North America propelled the creation of Viapure and, with degrees in science, the team came together to select specific CBD product formulations prioritizing compliance and purity. Every product was created with retailers in mind with vetted, trusted and tested CBD formulas that support consumers of all ages. Viapure proudly delivers unrivaled supply chain expertise and stability of stock, with on-time deliveries, every time. "All of our products are tested for pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, microbiological and residual solvents as well as cannabinoid content. Our CBD is some of the purest available on the market, and we're proud to create a product that consumers and retailers can trust," said Viapure Vice President, Bob Wills. Upon launch, Viapure will release their Health product line, including specialized formulations of pure CBD oil tinctures, CBD-infused balm, lotion and cooling gel roll-ons. Their products contain the highest-quality ingredients and are formulated in the USA for the company American Pure Products. Their CBD oil tincture is also Halal, Kosher, Gluten Free, Alcohol Free and Vegan. Each product is specially curated to bolster health and wellness. About Viapure Viapure prioritizes transparency from farm to finished product, bringing retailers the purest CBD oil on the market today. With 0.00% THC, Viapure's broad spectrum formulation is backed by science, compliant across the U.S. and contains many of the beneficial cannabinoids and nutrients from the hemp plant. With more than 42 years in the chemical and ingredient distribution industry, Viapure stands out from competitors with unrivaled supply chain expertise and stability of stock for retail stores, providing on-time deliveries every time. For more information, visit http://www.viapure.com or follow Viapure on LinkedIn. Mondays rally came despite short interest being near the lowest level in at least a year. Roughly one-quarter of shares available for trading are currently sold short, according to data compiled by S3 Partners. That compares to a peak of more than 140% in January. Shorts will continue to be squeezed out of their positions as GameStops stock price continues to trend upwards, Your free daily email from Fuller Treacy Money Comments of the Day 10 March 2021 Video commentary for March 9th 2021 Eoin Treacy's view A link to today's video commentary is posted in the Subscriber's Area. Some of the topics discussed include: bond price decline pauses, risk assets rebound on stimulus and global reflation hopes. solar, wind, innovation, follow bitcoin's rebound. Dollar eases back, Asia rebounding, China lagging in the rebound so far. 'Reddit Raider' Favorite GameStop Soars After Latest Cohen Push This article by Bailey Lipschultz for Bloomberg may be of interest to subscribers. Here is a section: Mondays rally came despite short interest being near the lowest level in at least a year. Roughly one-quarter of shares available for trading are currently sold short, according to data compiled by S3 Partners. That compares to a peak of more than 140% in January. Shorts will continue to be squeezed out of their positions as GameStops stock price continues to trend upwards, said Ihor Dusaniwsky, managing director of predictive analytics at S3 Partners. Shorts sellers are down nearly $6 billion in year-to-date mark-to-market losses, including $609 million in Mondays trading alone, Dusaniwsky said by email. Eoin Treacy's view The rebound of reflation plays and retail investor favourites is partly a response to short-term oversold conditions. It is also because $1.9 trillion is still a lot of money, even after a decade of printing. $1400 for individuals and each child as well as extended benefits the unemployed means many families will see bumps of several thousand dollars in the nest month. According to this calculator a family of four with an income of $70,000 per annum would receive a payment of $5,600 or 8% of income. Email of the day on whether technical analysis has predicative qualities Im confident that most subscribers admire your courage in publishing the uncomplimentary letter extoling the benefits of Bitcoin. Ten years ago, an early teenage, nerd neighbour, who was a Bitcoin investor gave me and some other local adults an introduction with the promise that Bitcoin was the money of the future. At that time, one calculated the number of Bitcoins required to buy a cup of coffee. Its usefulness seemed apparent. My partner was keen. My reticence won-out because I could see how easy it was to buy but I was not confident that I could get my money back. Today, Bitcoin is obviously not money nor a substitute for money and will never become one. See attached article. How long it will continue to be an investible asset is also an open question. Your critic may be disappointed. Bitcoin may be a store of value; and its liquidity has improved but there will be similar and more convenient options. Unlike art it has no attraction other than its relatively unattractive store of value. It is purely a speculative venture dependent upon an increasing number of bigger fools while at the same time there is a diminishing number of potential buyers. One could never say the same about gold. You politely ignored the correspondents criticism of your technical analysis that remains the principal reason for my subscription. Do you believe that T.A. has predictive characteristics? Eoin Treacy's view Thank you for the associated article and your kind words. The best way to think about bitcoin or the other cryptocurrencies is as venture capital. Whatever portion of your portfolio you would normally devote to make or break opportunities, where you are willing to lose everything that is what you should think about investing in cryptocurrencies. That also fits the technical definition of gambling. The idiosyncrasy of the sector is that they are open to retail investors. Most venture deals, in the technology sector for example, are only available to much wealthier individuals. Email of the day on oil prices Oil price is in the news and as a holder of a leveraged position I was very happy with the price spike. Here's an article that is arguing it's a sellers market, will remain so, and that shale production will not drive prices back down. What are your thoughts. Eoin Treacy's view Thank you for this article. Here is a section: The big players are consolidating the shale field now. And if you think that they want to pump barrels of oil at a loss, then youve got another think coming. They dont have to do that. And once the land grab ends and the conservation of capital game begins, suddenly everyone is Opec. The shale guys would be quite happy to see oil sustainably higher than it is now, especially given that competition within that area is now calming down. Everyone can make a profit as long as no one gets too greedy. Thats not going to upset them. On top of that, Saudi Arabia has US president Joe Biden backing its hunches on this one. The presidents focus on green policies could make it tougher to develop shale fields and so itll be tougher to expand supply and so prices will go up. Its another illustration of how regulation very often is exactly what any big incumbent player in a market wants. It keeps the competition at bay. aThe low return on invested capital has been a major challenge for the oil and gas sector over the last few years. Unconventional supply is extremely capital intensive. With prices below $60 large portions of the market are not economically viable. That reality led to the lower for longer mantra gaining traction. The lack of additional investment created the conditions for the current rebound and the massive decline in drilling during the pandemic exaggerated the effect. Eoin's personal portfolio: from March 4th 2021 Eoin Treacy's view One of the most commonly asked questions by subscribers is how to find details of my open traders. In an effort to make it easier I will simply repost the latest summary daily until there is a change. This is your daily comment from www.fullertreacymoney.com. Subscribe to Fuller Treacy Money Limited for exclusive content and audio: Click here for details. The information provided on this website (www.fullertreacymoney.com) is for the purposes of information only. This website and its content is not and should not be considered or deemed to be an offer of or invitation to engage in any investment activity. Nothing Fuller Treacy Money does and nothing on this website is intended to operate or be construed as the giving of advice or the making of a recommendation by Fuller Treacy Money to any investor or prospective investor. Fuller Treacy Money and any other group or associated company of it is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK or any other regulatory body in any other jurisdiction. 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A proposed change in state law would allow rolling salons to bring the barber to you. State Rep. Barbara Drummond introduced HB 274 a few weeks ago with bipartisan sponsorship and saw it rocket through the House. Last week the Senate referred it to a committee. Its going to open up so many opportunities, Drummond said. If passed, the bill would authorize the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering to regulate and license mobile salons to provide hair- and nail-related services. The board would have until Jan. 1, 2022, to adopt rules, meaning it would be next year before barber trucks could join food trucks on Alabama roads. One businessman who says hell be ready is Gregory B. Morris Sr., owner of Gregs Professional Barber & Beauty Salon in Mobile. Morris is the one who first suggested the idea to Drummond, and he said its far more than a stopgap inspired by the impact of last years COVID shutdown on salons. His interest in the subject goes back several years, he said, to a business incubator session conducted by Mel Washington of the Alabama Small Business Development Center. At that 2017 event, Morris said, he was challenged to envision a way to bring the service to the customer. Morris said that he immediately saw rolling salons as more than a convenience. Hes a Vietnam-era veteran who has been active in Disabled American Veterans, so he also saw the greater possibility of providing this service to veterans. The challenge was that Alabama didnt have a legal framework for regulation of mobile salons. Other states have been doing it for a while, he said. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to press the point that Alabama should join them. Drummond saw that too. It was actually twofold, Drummond said. During the pandemic I was trying to help a number of those persons who were in the beauty and barbering industry, with trying to get some of those federal dollars. Because theyre small businesses, but they employ a lot of people. Many of them were so severely hard-hit. Morris approached her about the rolling salon idea. She saw it as something that would have helped salon owners navigate the shutdown last spring. You may not have made as much money, but you would have been able to stay in business, she said. If they can have food trucks, we can have beauty and barbering trucks. Drummond said she began working with Jeannie G. Price, executive director of the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, to shape a bill. Attempts to reach Price for comment were unsuccessful. Currently, information on the boards website says that licensed cosmetologists cant do home visits. State law says that licensees can perform services only in licensed facilities. Drummond one concern was to make sure the rules would be consistent with whats applied across the state. Several counties had their own barber boards prior to 2013, when the state began licensing barbers as it already did with cosmetologists. Its really a sincere desire to get more creative with the ways we can continue to survive in this kind of business environment, said Drummond. Its not just the pandemic, because who knows what will happen? Its going to be wonderful for the customer because you will be able to get that one-on-one, you know what Im saying? said Drummond. Morris shared that view. Not being able to go to the barber shop had increased peoples sense of isolation in 2020, he said. What we discovered too is that people missed the camaraderie of coming to the shop, Morris said. Its a communication resource for the community. A truck might not entirely replace that, he said, but on the other hand it could bring it to people who have a hard time getting to the shop. Morris said he doesnt have a truck yet, but hes been investigating what it would take to fit one out as a salon and hopes to have one ready for service in early 2022, should Drummonds bill become law. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Real Estate Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 154 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 154 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Real Estate Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-real-estate-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Real Estate Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American University Arizona State University Auburn University City University of New York, Baruch College Clemson University Columbia University Cornell University DePaul University Florida International University Florida State University George Mason University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University Johns Hopkins University Longwood University Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Monmouth University New York University Nova Southeastern University Pacific States University Pepperdine University Portland State University Roosevelt University Rutgers University Texas A & M University, College Station Thomas Jefferson University Tulane University University of Arizona University of California, Berkeley University of Colorado, Boulder University Of Denver University Of Florida University Of Georgia University Of Indianapolis University of Maryland University of Miami University of Missouri, Kansas City University of North Carolina, Charlotte University of Pennsylvania University Of San Diego University of Southern California University of Texas, Arlington University of Texas, Dallas University of Texas, San Antonio University Of Utah University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison Virginia Commonwealth University Woodbury University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. OLYMPIA, Wash., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A broad coalition of Washington state law enforcement unions, representing more than 14,000 officers, released a letter Wednesday urging lawmakers to continue their work on police accountability reform in the 2021 legislative session. "We do not want the tragedies that have occurred across our nation and here in Washington to be repeated," said Teresa Taylor, Executive Director of WACOPS. "We support accountability for officers and employers. We support fairness, balance, and objectivity. We want to help build policies that will make the law enforcement profession better and our communities safer." "We understand that in order to perform our jobs safely and effectively we must have the trust of the community," added Spike Unruh, President of the Washington State Troopers Association. "We believe our input has made for better policy that will allow officers to be accountable to their communities while still having access to due process and the tools they need to keep the public safe. We are proud of our constructive work and will continue to work toward additional amendments for some reform bills." The coalition of unions has expressed either neutrality or support for the majority of police accountability bills, legislation that would provide for data collection, audits, arbitration reform, language around impeachable offenses, community collaboration and an officer's duty to intervene. (See 1088, 1089, 5055, 5066, 5259, 5353, 5436). "Our members work at universities, at the airport, the seaport, at state parks, in large cities and small towns. They staff local jails and the state prison system. Our coalition represents the overwhelming majority of Washington's rank-and-file law enforcement and corrections officers," said John Scearcy, principal officer of Teamsters Local 117. "We all take an oath to keep the public safe, and the public trusts officers to be capable, well-trained guardians of their safety," said Arman Barros, a member of Teamsters 117 employed at the Port of Seattle Police Department. "Passengers that pass through the airport expect us to keep them safe. I appreciate the work all legislators have done to amend HB 1054 related to police tactics." The coalition letter expressed concerns over Senate Bill 5051, which would eliminate an officer's right to due process and could lead to termination before a determination is made regarding allegations of misconduct. SB 5051 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety on Thursday, March 11 at 1:30 p.m. "We want the reforms passed this session to result in greater accountability while still maintaining fundamental rights of workers. We do not accept the false dilemma that we must choose between social justice and procedural justice for law enforcement officers. We can do both if we work collaboratively to get the policies right," said LeAnne Kunze, WFSE Executive Director. The Coalition of Law Enforcement and Corrections Unions includes Teamsters 117, the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28) and the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association. Together, the Coalition represents over 14,000 officers in every corner of the Washington State. Contacts: WACOPS - Teresa Taylor (360) 710-4318 [email protected] WFSE - Justin Lee (360) 352-7603 [email protected] WSPTA - Spike Unruh (509) 760-1500 [email protected] Teamsters 117 - Brenda Wiest (206) 459-8324 [email protected] SOURCE Coalition of Law Enforcement and Corrections Unions Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Industry body on Wednesday appealed to the Indian government to not ban and develop a robust mechanism to regulate the related ecosystem in the country. noted that has been generating jobs across a variety of functions - legal, compliance, tech, marketing, business development, finance, etc - in India and abroad. Cryptocurrencies 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. "Given the scale and diversity, the good governance and regulation of the ecosystem in India is critical and will give impetus to the Government of India's Digital India vision," it said. As per IAMAI, the crypto community consists of over 10 million crypto holders having over USD 1 billion worth of crypto assets, over 300 startups generating tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and taxes. "There's a daily trading volume of USD 350 million - USD 500 million," it added. Banning cryptocurrency will have an "adverse" impact and will lead to a loss in investments and hit 10 million Indian crypto customers, it noted. "Hence, we are urging the government to define the cryptocurrency regulation framework after due consultation with and stakeholders such as India crypto-asset user groups and the exchanges that facilitate buying and selling," IAMAI said. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said the government is still formulating its opinion on cryptocurrencies and will take a calibrated position. Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das had said the apex bank has certain "major concerns" over the impact cryptocurrencies 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 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. Drawing attention to established cryptocurrency regulatory frameworks from developed economies, Nishith Desai Associates founder Nishith Desai said the US, Japan and other developed countries have a positive outlook towards crypto and are considering setting up regulations for crypto. "India should develop balanced and positive crypto regulations that will both ensure consumer protection as well as lead to more startups building in blockchain, more jobs, wealth creation for investors, and more tax revenue for the government," Desai added. Desai said all types of crypto-asset activity should be encouraged - both government and private - and that this technology has the potential to contribute to the USD 5 trillion economy vision. Naveen Surya, Chairman of Fintech Convergence Council and Chairman Emeritus of Payments Council of India (PCI), said through AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating-Financing-of-Terrorism) and KYC-related compliances, the government can ensure a safe and secure crypto market for investors. As India develops its CBDC, the regulatory framework can also define the bridge between the proposed digital rupee and public blockchain cryptocurrencies from a forex standpoint, he added. IAMAI said India needs "smart, robust and pragmatic crypto regulation" that can lead to financial revolution and contribute to India's growth story. (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.) Shahid Kapoor has been quite active on social media lately. He's lately been engaging in different social media challenges on the internet and his fans are here for it. Recently, Shahid Kapoor and his wife, Mira Rajput took the now-viral Centre Of Gravity Challenge. In this particular social media challenge, people have to kneel on all fours and then quickly put their arms behind their back. People who take the challenge either stay upright or fall down. Couples are taking this challenge to gauge if men can balance as well as women, and in most cases, men fall first. However, Shahid Kapoor nailed the challenge owing to his strict fitness regime, clearly, proving he has a strong core. In the last couple of weeks, he had also posted his version of the Pawri Ho Rahi Hai video from the sets of his upcoming web series for which he is shooting with actor Raashi Khanna. After successfully having delivered stellar performances in Kabir Singh, Padmaavat, and Haidar, Shahid Kapoor had taken a sabbatical from work, like some of us, in 2020. However, it looks like he's back to work once again. On the style front, among most mainstream Bollywood actors that are active currently, Shahid Kapur's fashion game proves to be the easiest to cop. He's always had a relatable and extremely accessible sense of style. In fact, a recent outfit was just too relatable. Take a look at what he wore here: Viral Bhayani Viral Bhayani Shahid was snapped checking out a new car at his Juhu residence. He was seen wearing a pair of white shorts that were rather wide. He paired that with a blue t-shirt that he wore underneath a white hoodie. Surprisingly, he completed the outfit with a modern version of the classic Kolhapur slippers. Take a close look at this weird combination here: Viral Bhayani Viral Bhayani Kolhapur slippers are usually worn with an ethnic or an indo-ethnic outfit. This combination with loungewear shorts was rather strange. However, we believe that considering Shahid had just stepped out of his house for a bit, he simply wore the first thing in sight while he was in a hurry. Although it is a weird outfit combination, he is still making it work. On the work front, he's going to be busy shooting for films like Jersey directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Shashank Khaitan's Yoddha, and Farzi which will be directed by Krishna DK. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on International Women's Day at the White House in Washington on March 8, 2021. (Tom Brenner/Reuters) Bidens Speech to Joint Session of Congress Still Not Set: Chief of Staff Presidents Joe Bidens first address to a joint session of Congress is still not scheduled, his chief of staff indicated Tuesday. I think we wanted to get through this rescue plan first and get it done and get it passed. Then were going to go to the country, were going to take a couple of weeks to really explain the plan, White House chief of staff Ron Klain said during a video interview with Punchbowl News. I think shortly after that youll see him work with the Congress on a joint address that is appropriate for COVID and all of these other times we are living in, he added. Bidens $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate this month, but the House is voting on it again on Wednesday because the Senate altered several key provisions. Presidents typically deliver State of the Union speeches during the month after being sworn in, but Biden has not done so, along with upsetting the tradition of holding an early formal press conference. Asked why Congress hasnt yet invited Biden to deliver a speech, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters last week that its not a snubbing happening here. And, of course, any joint session speech would look different than the past, she added. We certainly intend on the president delivering a joint session speechjoint session, not a State of the Unionin the first year that they are in office. But we dont have a date for that or a timeline at this point in time, and weve been engaged closely with leaders in Congress about determining that. Psaki has said that Biden will hold his first formal press conference by the end of March. He has now gone longer without holding one than every predecessor in some 100 years. Psaki said Biden has been focusing on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic downturn. Biden has answered questions from reporters dozens of times, though he often stops answering after several queries. Klain indicated Tuesday that theres little to explain in terms of the administrations early actions. We have governed the way we campaigned. I dont think there have been any big surprises about what weve done in these 48 days, he said. Among priorities moving forward, he added, are infrastructure and caregiver packages, following the expected passage and signing of the COVID-19 relief bill. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SEOUL, South Korea South Korea will start administering coronavirus vaccines to hundreds of thousands of elders in long-term care settings this month after authorities approved the use of shots developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University for adults 65 years old and older. The decision by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was based on encouraging data from England and Scotland where the vaccines demonstrated effectiveness in lowering hospitalizations and death rates in the age group. South Korean authorities had delayed the approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines for people over 65 when they launched the countrys mass immunization campaign last month, citing what they saw as insufficient laboratory data. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The decision faced criticism from health experts, who accused the government of risking the safety of people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The country will be chiefly dependent on locally produced Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines during the first months of its vaccination campaign. The KCDC says some 376,000 workers and residents over 65 at long-term care hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities and rehab centers will begin receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca shots this month. About 35% of the countrys COVID-19 deaths by the end of 2020 were linked to these long-term care facilities. ___ THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: Whats inside the newly passed $1.9T relief bill for Americans Dr. Fauci: US virus shots ramping up toward immunity WHO report on Wuhan virus mission expected soon AP source: US to buy additional 100M J&J doses ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: ALASKA Alaska has dropped restrictions on who can get a COVID-19 vaccination, opening eligibility to anyone 16 or older who lives or works in the state. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who highlighted his own bout with COVID-19 in making the announcement Tuesday, says Alaska is the first U.S. state to remove eligibility requirements. The lifting of restrictions was announced days after the state had vastly expanded eligibility. But with open appointment slots, health officials wondered Monday if many people realized they qualified. Officials also cited the volume of vaccine coming into Alaska and wanting to get as many shots into arms as possible. ___ NEW MEXICO Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Democratic members of the states congressional delegation say New Mexico can expect to receive around $9 billion from the pandemic relief package approved by Congress. They say the funding will go toward everything from direct payments for individuals to investments in broadband, debt relief for farmers and expanding the child tax credit. They say tribal communities and public schools will see over $1 billion each, while the state and local governments will share in about $2 billion. Lujan Grisham said the package will address the states systemic poverty issues by creating universal benefits and lifelong assistance. ___ SAO PAULO Brazil has topped 2,000 daily deaths by COVID-19 for the first time, as the countrys second wave of the coronavirus continues to grow amid a collapse of the health system in several mid-sized cities. The Brazilian health ministry said 2,286 deaths were registered in the last 24 hours. The previous record had been set on Tuesday with 1,954 deaths. The grim figure put Brazils total death toll at more than 270,000. Earlier Wednesday, President Jair Bolsonaro, who has long downplayed the risks of the virus, wore a mask in an event at the presidential palace in capital Brasilia for the first time in months. He also sanctioned a bill that makes the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines easier. So far less than 5% of Brazilians have been gotten their shots against the disease. ___ ATLANTA Georgia will expand COVID-19 vaccine criteria starting Monday to everyone 55 and older, plus younger adults who are overweight or have serious health conditions, making more than two-thirds of Georgians who are 16 and older eligible for vaccination. Gov. Brian Kemp made the announcement Wednesday as Georgia continued to post worst-in-the nation vaccination rates, raising questions about the effectiveness of the states efforts to put shots in arms. We will continue to encourage all eligible Georgians not to wait to get their dose, the Republican governor said. This vaccine, as we have said many times, is safe, is effective, and its our ticket back to normal. Georgia has only given 17.5% of its overall population at least one dose, the worst in the nation, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The same data show Georgia has administered the lowest share of doses delivered among states, with more than one-third of doses still awaiting injection. Georgia disputes that second number, saying its given 74% of doses shipped. But even the states numbers show it has more than 850,000 doses on hand. At the rate shots were given in Georgia last week according to state numbers, thats more than three weeks of supply. ___ COLUMBIA, S.C. A year into the coronavirus pandemic, more people can now spend time with family members and friends in South Carolina nursing homes and residential care facilities after state officials updated visitation guidelines Wednesday. Most of the states nursing homes will have to allow in-person, indoor visitation after federal authorities approved the changed guidelines, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced. Too many South Carolinians have been prohibited from visiting their loved ones in long term care facilities because of overburdensome federal guidelines, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. Prioritizing the physical health and safety of our most vulnerable citizens is critically important, but we must also protect their mental and emotional health. Under the new criteria, facilities must let visitors indoors if community spread of the virus is low in the county where the facility is located, no residents or staff have contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks, and the facility is following other virus prevention measures. These facilities will continue to require visitors to wear face masks and practice social distancing. They also must limit the number of visitors and the length of visits. ___ DES MOINES, Iowa As Iowa ramps up vaccinations to include everyone between age 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions, state officials acknowledged Wednesday they would rely on an honor system with no validation required when someone claims to qualify for a shot due to a health issue. The state is allowing adults to get vaccinated if they have any one of several conditions the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention considers higher risk for severe illness if they get infected. The list includes cancer, heart conditions, lung disease, pregnancy, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Smokers also qualify. Iowa Department of Public Health Director Kelly Garcia acknowledged Wednesday the system is relying largely on Iowans being honest about their health conditions when scheduling a vaccine. Iowa has given 969,877 doses of vaccine as of Wednesday afternoon and will have vaccinated 1 million by the end of this week. Reynolds said 27% of the population has had a shot as of Tuesday, which places Iowa 10th in the ___ MIAMI Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says that after the state makes people 60 and older eligible for the COVID vaccine next Monday, it will soon drop the age to 55 and then probably open it up to the rest. DeSantis said the process may go quicker than expected because of the increase in supply of vaccines the state is receiving per week. He said that each 5-year age group adds nearly 2 million people to population eligible for the life-saving vaccine. But he says he still wants to prioritize access to those 55 and older because they are more at risk than younger adults. ___ ATLANTA Georgia will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility starting Monday to everyone 55 and older, plus younger adults with serious health conditions. Gov. Brian Kemp made the announcement Wednesday as Georgia continued to post vaccination numbers that raise questions about the effectiveness of the states efforts to inoculate people against the respiratory illness. State figures show more than 800,000 doses of vaccine have shipped but not been administered, and that fewer shots were given in the week ending March 7 than in the last week of February. We will continue to encourage all eligible Georgians not to wait to get their dose, the Republican Kemp said. This vaccine, as we have said many times, is safe, is effective, and its our ticket back to normal. Right now, people eligible in Georgia include those 65 and older, teachers, emergency workers, medical workers, employees and residents of long-term care facilities, intellectually disabled adults and caregivers of some children with medical conditions. There have been signs in recent days that supply is exceeding demand for vaccines in Georgia, with some appointments at pharmacies going unclaimed. Among adults younger than 55 who will qualify include those who have asthma, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or kidney disease. Those who are overweight and obese will also qualify. ___ CAIRO Sudan has begun a vaccination campaign against the coronavirus, the U.N. childrens agency said on Wednesday. The UNICEF said healthcare workers at an isolation center in the capital of Khartoum were the first to receive shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Earlier this month, Sudan received more than 800,000 doses-shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the United Nations-backed COVAX initiative. The shipment, produced by the Serum Institute in India, was part of 3.4 million doses Sudan is due to receive from COVAX. Sudan, a country of around 43 million people, has reported more than 28,760 cases, including 1,915 deaths. However, the actual numbers of COVID-19 cases, like elsewhere in the world, are thought to be far higher, in part due to limited testing. Sudan is one of over 90 countries that will receive vaccines for free through the initiative. Another 90 countries and eight territories have agreed to pay for their doses. ___ TRENTON, N.J. New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday said restaurant, gym, salon and other indoor recreational businesses can increase capacities from 35% to 50% beginning on March 19. Murphy also said outdoor gatherings could climb from a limit of 25 to 50 also on March 19. Murphy, whos running for re-election this, said the states COVID-19 trends are headed in the right direction, though theyve been up a bit this week. ___ WASHINGTON Congress has sent President Joe Biden the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. Democrats claimed a triumph on a bill that marshals the governments spending might against twin pandemic and economic crises that have upended a nation. Most noticeable to many Americans are provisions to provide up to $1,400 direct payments this year to most adults and extend $300 per week emergency unemployment benefits into early September. Included is hundreds of billions for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, schools, state and local governments and ailing industries from airlines to concert halls. There are expanded tax credits over the next year for children, child care and family leave some of them credits that Democrats have signaled theyd like to make permanent plus spending for renters, feeding programs and peoples utility bills. Theres aid for farmers of color, pension systems and student borrowers, and subsidies for consumers buying health insurance and states expanding Medicaid coverage for lower earners. ___ MADRID Spains health authorities will tighten restrictions during the upcoming Easter week to try to prevent another coronavirus spike. Health Minister Carolina Darias says between March 26-April 9 travel will be prohibited between Spains peninsular regions. Meetings will be limited to four people in closed spaces and six people in open spaces, and the nightly curfew already in place must start by 11:00 p.m. from the current midnight. Those same restrictions will apply to seven regions, including central Madrid, from March 17-21 for their celebration of the San Jose festival. Madrids region, Darias says, was the only one to vote against the order. Spains rolling 14-day cases per 100,000 inhabitants lowered to 139 cases on Wednesday. Spain has confirmed 71,727 deaths from the coronavirus. ___ ISTANBUL Daily coronavirus infections have climbed to 14,556 in Turkey, more than a week after the government eased restrictions in dozens of provinces. Its the highest number of infections confirmed by the health ministry since late December. With 67 more deaths, the confirmed death toll has reached 29,227. The number of patients in need of critical care has also increased. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca says the more transmissible mutations of the virus were tracked. They included 41,488 cases of the U.K. variant in 76 provinces, 61 cases of the South African variant in nine provinces and one case of the Brazilian variant. Nighttime curfews, introduced in late November, are still in place across the country but weekend lockdowns are fully applied only in very high-risk cities. ___ SALT LAKE CITY Utahs governor says all adults in the state will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines on April 1. A spokeswoman for Governor Spencer Cox says state officials expect to have 1.5 million doses by April 10, when Utahs statewide mask order will be lifted. Mask orders will remain in place for schools and large gatherings. Utah also reported the first death of a child in the state because of COVID-19 on Tuesday. The states number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases and virus-related hospitalizations have continued to decrease since January. ___ PHOENIX Arizona on Wednesday reported 830 confirmed coronavirus cases and 78 deaths, following two days of no new deaths. The latest figures reported by the Department of Health Services increased the states pandemic totals to 828,630 confirmed cases and 16,404 confirmed deaths. The number of related hospitalizations continued to drop, with COVID-19 patients occupying 868 inpatient beds on Tuesday, down from 925 on Monday. The pandemic peak was 5,082 on Jan. 11. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Comal County officials are pleased with the pace and performance of COVID-19 clinics, which this week staged two more mass inoculations at the Bengaluru, March 10 : Taking a sarcastic jibe at the Karnataka Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri for referring his case to the privilege panel, suspended Congress MLA, B.K. Sanagamesh has questioned "if removing men's upper garments in temples like Dharmasthala and Kolluru Mookambika is not shameful, then how can it be considered as an act of shame in people's temple (Vidhana Soudha)". Interacting with reporters, Sangamesh said he would not tender any apology to the Speaker. "We (men) often remove upper garments while entering some of the prominent temples in south India. If I have removed my shirt in protest, how can that be a shameful act? Is removing a shirt in protest is more shameful or getting caught on camera is more shameful? The ruling party members are queuing up in front of courts to seek restraining orders, they should feel more ashamed not me," he said on Tuesday. He sarcastically added that the Speaker referring to his case privilege committee, has proved him right and endorsed his allegations too. "My case is a classic example of how he is siding with the ruling party. He should have come to my rescue instead he has also joined hands with my opponents who are harassing me," he lashed out. REDDING, Calif. The Redding Airport will begin offering direct flights from Redding to Seattle in June 2021. The city and the Shasta Economic Development Corporation made the announcement Wednesday that will be offered through Alaska Airlines starting June 17. This is in addition to their SFO and LAX services. The city hopes this will bring in more tourists and businesses to the area. Direct flights beginning in June will depart Redding at 7:20 a.m. for an arrival time in Seattle at 9:10 a.m. Return flights will leave Seattle at 5:40 p.m. to arrive back in Redding at 7:25 p.m., according to the city's announcement. This is another win for the local business community who want more direct flight options that leave early enough for a business meeting during the day, and still get you home for dinner with your family, Todd Jones, President of the Shasta EDC said. We are not just a great place to live, we are a great place to do business, and people from around the country are recognizing this. Adding another flight to connect us to the Pacific Northwest opens more opportunities for our community to grow. Alaska Airlines will be joining the Oneworld Alliance on March 31, 2021, allowing travelers to seamlessly connect via American Airlines and a dozen other global airlines to travel throughout the world. NEW YORK and ATLANTA, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chubb Charitable Foundation has established the Chubb Robert M. Hernandez Scholarship for undergraduates studying risk management and insurance (RMI) at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business. As part of Chubb's overall commitment to promote racial equity, this scholarship will provide financial support and advancement opportunities for diverse students. Scholarships will be awarded to two to five students annually for three years, beginning in the fall 2021 academic year. Recipients also will be considered by Chubb for employment opportunities, where applicable. The scholarship is named for Robert M. Hernandez, who served on the Chubb Board of Directors for nearly 35 years, including 16 years as independent Lead Director. In addition to his board service at Chubb, Mr. Hernandez had a long and distinguished career at USX Corp., where he held a range of senior finance and executive positions, including serving as Vice Chairman, Director and Chief Financial Officer from 1994 to his retirement in 2001. "Chubb provides more annual scholarship funds to Robinson RMI students than any other company, helping us train an even greater number of students from diverse backgrounds to become the next generation of risk and insurance leaders," said Stephen H. Shore, Risk Management and Insurance Department chair. "With more than one third of RMI undergraduate students eligible for Pell Grants, the Chubb Robert M. Hernandez Scholarship will be transformational to its recipients." "The creation of the Chubb Robert M. Hernandez Scholarship is a trifecta for the Chubb Charitable Foundation," said Lori Dunstan, Executive Director of the Chubb Charitable Foundation. "We're deepening a decade-long partnership with Georgia State University that has opened new pathways for students to reach their full potential. We're advancing the Foundation's commitment to education by lifting up racially diverse and talented students. And, notably, we are recognizing and honoring the contributions and leadership of Bob Hernandez, whose commitment and counsel were essential to Chubb's success. Bob exemplifies loyalty, commitment and leadership qualities that are also instilled in Robinson RMI graduates." Chubb's historical relationship with George State University, its strong undergraduate RMI program, with a record of graduating Black and Hispanic students and its fourth-place ranking among universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, were all important considerations as a Chubb partner. Tremendous market demand makes its B.B.A. degrees in actuarial science and risk management and insurance an engine of social mobility for the program's diverse student body. Sean Ringsted, Chief Risk Officer at Chubb, said, "At Chubb, we share GSU's vision of breaking barriers and equipping students for a successful career in the risk management and insurance industries. For Chubb, that vision includes advancing racial diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry and our workforce. The risk management discipline is becoming increasingly critical to shaping and protecting the economy and society of the future, and an education at GSU provides a strong foundation for future leaders of our industry." About the Chubb Charitable Foundation The Chubb Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-based non-profit organizations through grant-making and projects aligned with defined focus areas including education, the environment, and poverty and health. The Foundation believes that meaningful contributions that support our communities globally provide lasting benefits to society, to Chubb and to Chubb employees. Through philanthropy, global partnerships and company sponsored-volunteer activities focused on giving the gift of time and donations, the Chubb Charitable Foundation supports clearly defined projects that solve problems with measurable and sustainable outcomes, helping people in the countries where we live and work build productive and healthy lives. The Foundation's commitment to higher education is realized through a series of scholarship programs that benefit students with financial need, including people of color. About Chubb Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com About Georgia State University Georgia State University is an enterprising urban public research institution in Atlanta, the leading cultural and economic center of the Southeast. With six campuses throughout metro Atlanta, the university provides its world-class faculty and more than 54,000 students with unsurpassed connections to the opportunities available in one of the 21st century's great global cities. A national leader in graduating students from diverse backgrounds, Georgia State provides a rich experience with award-winning housing, hundreds of student clubs and organizations, and one of the most diverse student bodies in the country. Students, faculty and alumni enjoy a unique campus personality and culture based on ambition, hard work, dedication and perseverance. SOURCE Chubb Related Links https://www.chubb.com/ Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault speaks with the media in the Foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa on February 3, 2020.(Adrian Wyld/The Canadian press) Liberals New Hate Speech Bill Could Lead to Revival of Controversial Law Canadas new hate speech legislation soon to be tabled by the federal government may include a new statutory definition of hate and could revive a controversial law previously repealed for infringing on rights. Repealed in 2013, Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act had made it an act of discrimination to communicate anything online or by telephone that was likely to expose a person to hatred or contempt, as long as they were identifiable on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination. The controversial law was widely criticized for being overly broad with weak safeguards to protect speech rights. Ian McLeod, a spokesperson with the Justice Department, says that the mandates given to the minister of justice and his colleagues would require a broader approach than a simple re-enactment of Section 13, adding that a civil remedy is needed for victims to seek recourse. The Minister of Justice has heard from many individuals, organizations, and experts that a civil remedy for victims of online hate should be part of any comprehensive strategy to combat online hate speech, and we are considering that option, McLeod told The Epoch Times. In contrast to criminal laws, a civil remedy typically has a lower standard of proof and usually aims to stop or prevent the misconduct or compensate the victim rather than laying criminal charges. Before Section 13 was repealed, civil liberties groups had voiced concerns about the use of a quasi-judicial human rights tribunal to hear complaints under the law, instead of the more-rigorous criminal court system. The tribunal had the authority to impose fines of up to $10,000 or issue cease-and-desist orders in response to complaints of hatred. The governments current push to legislate hate speech, including the potential revival of Section 13 in any form, is problematic and prone to abuse, says Joseph Hickey, executive director of the Ontario Civil Liberties Association (OCLA). The government should not combat any type of speech. Rather, the government is bound by the Constitution to protect and not interfere with the freedom of speech of its citizens, Hickey said in an interview. All legal provisions that censor or otherwise punish individuals for expressing opinions or views must be repealed, whether criminal or civil. Attempts to legislate hate or any other human emotion becomes a slippery slope for free speech rights because hate is fundamentally subjective and vulnerable to partisanship, says Hickey. The OCLA has previously described Section 13 as a censorious law used to attack individuals freedom of expression. McLeod said any statutory definition of hate will also be informed by how the Supreme Court of Canada has defined hate in previous rulings, in particular its 2013 decision in the case of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission v. William Whatcott, a Christain activist who campaigned against homosexuality and abortion. In that decision, the Court defined hate speech in a specific and narrow way in order to minimize impacts on freedom of expression, McLeod said. Section 13 Repealed Calls to repeal Section 13 came to a head nearly 15 years ago after a case was brought before the British Columbia Human Rights Commission involving an article published in Macleans magazine by conservative commentator and author Mark Steyn. A group of Muslim law students and the Canadian Islamic Congress made a complaint against Steyn in 2007, saying he exposed Muslims to hatred and contempt when he argued that high birth rates and the spread of radical ideology in Muslim countries represent a threat to Western values and ways of life. The case was eventually dismissed, but it sparked criticism that Section 13 could be abused to censor opinions and threaten public discourse. In recent years, the Liberals have hinted at their interest in reviving the law, including in recommendations from the Liberal-dominated justice committee studying online hate. In 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would be launching a digital charter that would govern how the country fights hate speech and disinformation online. It was sparked by the shootings targeting Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed and the attack live-streamed online. In his mandate letter to Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, Trudeau said regulations for social media platforms, including hate speech, should be a top priority. The regulations, the letter stated, should start with the requirement that all platforms remove illegal content, including hate speech, within 24 hours or face significant penalties. This would also include other online harms such as radicalization, incitement to violence, exploitation of children, or creation or distribution of terrorist propaganda. Guilbeault indicated that his government will be introducing such legislation in the next few weeks, which will include a new regulator that will implement the new rules and monitor hate speech. Critics have noted the Criminal Code already has provisions addressing hate speech relating to incitement to violence and uttering death threats, promotion of genocide, and distribution of hate propaganda. Amending Broadcasting Act On March 8, Guilbeault was asked to defend another bill the Liberals are pursuing that has drawn allegations of censorship. Bill C-10, currently being studied at committee, seeks to revamp Canadas Broadcasting Act, including social media regulations. During a House of Commons committee meeting on March 8, Liberal MP Tim Louis asked Guilbeault to clarify rules around user-generated content on social media, for the people who are saying were out to censor social media. [Its] clearly not what were doing. Theres no censorship in Canadian broadcasting right now. Theres different types of stations, different types of TV, radio stations that will have different angles on the political spectrum. This is totally normal in a democracy, Guilbeault answered. What were trying to do is apply that regulatory framework to online broadcasters. Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant says that Bill C-10, which seeks to tax music and video streaming services, hands unbridled power to the government. Of special concern is the power to regulate the type of content Canadians can and cannot see online, she says on her website. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Newly published research has revealed a close link between proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and age-related sight loss. The findings could open the way to new treatments for patients with deteriorating vision and through this study, the scientists believe they could reduce the need for using animals in future research into blinding conditions. Amyloid beta (Ab) proteins are the primary driver of Alzheimer's disease but also begin to collect in the retina as people get older. Donor eyes from patients who suffered from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness amongst adults in the UK, have been shown to contain high levels of Ab in their retinas. This new study, published in the journal Cells, builds on previous research which shows that Ab collects around a cell layer called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), to establish what damage these toxic proteins cause RPE cells. The research team exposed RPE cells of normal mouse eyes and in culture to Ab. The mouse model enabled the team to look at the effect the protein has in living eye tissue, using non-invasive imaging techniques that are used in ophthalmology clinics. Their findings showed that the mouse eyes developed retinal pathology that was strikingly similar to AMD in humans. Dr. Arjuna Ratnayaka, a Lecturer in Vision Sciences at the University of Southampton, who led the study said, "This was an important study which also showed that mouse numbers used for experiments of this kind can be significantly reduced in the future. We were able to develop a robust model to study AMD-like retinal pathology driven by Ab without using transgenic animals, which are often used by researchers the field. Transgenic or genetically engineered mice can take up to a year and typically longer, before Ab causes pathology in the retina, which we can achieve within two weeks. This reduces the need to develop more transgenic models and improves animal welfare." The investigators also used the cell models, which further reduced the use of mice in these experiments, to show that the toxic Ab proteins entered RPE cells and rapidly collected in lysosomes, the waste disposal system for the cells. Whilst the cells performed their usual function of increasing enzymes within lysosomes to breakdown this unwanted cargo, the study found that around 85% of Ab still remained within lysosomes, meaning that over time the toxic molecules would continue to accumulate inside RPE cells. Furthermore, the researchers discovered that once lysosomes had been invaded by Ab, around 20 percent fewer lysosomes were available to breakdown photoreceptor outer segments, a role they routinely perform as part of the daily visual cycle. Dr. Ratnayaka added, "This is a further indication of how cells in the eye can deteriorate over time because of these toxic molecules collecting inside RPE cells. This could be a new pathway that no-one has explored before. Our discoveries have also strengthened the link between diseases of the eye and the brain. The eye is part of the brain and we have shown how Ab which is known to drive major neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease can also causes significant damage to cells in retina." The researchers hope that one of the next steps could be for anti-amyloid beta drugs, previously trialed in Alzheimer's patients, to be re-purposed and trialed as a possible treatment for age-related macular degeneration. As the regulators in the U.S. and the European Union have already given approval for many of these drugs, this is an area that could be explored relatively quickly. The study may also help wider efforts to largely by-pass the use of animal experimentation where possible, so some aspects of testing new clinical treatments can transition directly from cell models to patients. This research was funded by the National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of animals in research (NC3Rs). Dr. Katie Bates, Head of Research Funding at the NC3Rs said, "This is an impactful study that demonstrates the scientific, practical and 3Rs benefits to studying AMD-like retinal pathology in vitro." Explore further Alzheimer's disease proteins could be at fault for leading cause of vision loss among older people More information: Savannah A. Lynn et al. Oligomeric A1-42 Induces an AMD-Like Phenotype and Accumulates in Lysosomes to Impair RPE Function, Cells (2021). Savannah A. Lynn et al. Oligomeric A1-42 Induces an AMD-Like Phenotype and Accumulates in Lysosomes to Impair RPE Function,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/cells10020413 Purchase online access to The Chronicle-News E-edition and everything you need to stay informed about Trinidad, southeastern Colorado, Raton and northeastern New Mexico. You gain full access to The Chronicle-News website, archives, classifieds, obituaries and announcements, weather, state and national news and multimedia presentations including photos, video and more. Online access can be purchased for fixed time periods from one day ($0.99) up to one year ($72). Online access is not a recurring transaction. You will need to manually renew your subscription at the end of its term. She recently went Instagram official with the new man in her life. But on Tuesday, Wendy Williams was seen out on her own, getting into a vehicle in New York City. The talk show host, 56, was wearing a gray patterned Louis Vuitton wrap coat for the daytime outing. Going solo: Wendy Williams was seen out on her own, getting into a vehicle in New York City on Tuesday She held onto her large black Hermes Birkin alligator skin bag, and walked along in her custom knitted black and white Nike Air Jordans. On her legs, the daytime queen wore black leggings. She stayed protected from the coronavirus pandemic in a standard black face mask. Wendy's dyed blonde hair was down, parted at the middle and falling forward over her shoulders. Fashion: The talk show host, 56, was wearing a gray patterned Louis Vuitton wrap coat for the daytime outing, and carrying her large black Hermes Birkin alligator skin bag Last Thursday, Williams posted a romantic selfie shot from the backseat of a car sitting with her new beau, Mike Westerman. The executive, who works in real estate, stared breezily at the camera in a black face mask as Wendy leaned her forehead on his cheek. Wendy captioned the snap, 'Mike & I are having fun!! I'm glad he's a REAL gentleman.' Last Thursday: Williams posted a romantic selfie shot from the backseat of a car sitting with her new beau, Mike Westerman The two first met on Williams' talk show when they played a dating game. During their virtual meet-up on her show's dating game, Wendy had joked that she liked Esterman's job as a contractor because it meant he was good with his hands. He's good friends with Williams' friend Mario Lopez, who apparently put in a good word and who was also mentioned in Wendy's romantic Instagram post last week. Prime Minister Florin Citu notes that net investments in the economy increased in 2020, considering data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), and stresses that this year the process will continue apace, with budget-backed investments due to increase by more than 8 billion lei, at "a record level" in the last 30 years, of 62 billion lei, according to AGERPRES. "We have achieved the impossible! In 2020, net investments in the economy have increased! I said from the first day of office that a Liberal economy, an economy that produces welfare for all Romanians, is based on investment. Last year we showed that it is possible to increase investments, even if the economy is going through the biggest economic crisis in the last hundred years. The investments were those that allowed the timely payment of higher salaries in the budget sector, the timely payment of increased pensions, the furlough payment for 1.4 million Romanians. Investments, above all, were the ones that kept the jobs and, thus, Romania had the highest economic growth in the EU," Florin Citu wrote, on Wednesday, on his Facebook page. The prime minister emphasizes that a Liberal economy "encourages and supports investment". "In 2021, we are speeding things up, and the budget-backed investments are increasing by over 8 billion lei, to a record level in the last 30 years, of 62 billion lei. Romania is finally going in the right direction for all Romanians," Citu added. Net investments in the national economy amounted to 106.195 billion lei in 2020, up 0.1% compared to 2019, according to provisional data released on Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). GRAND BLANC, MI-A Greek Orthodox church in Grand Blanc has been essentially running a weekly restaurant for the last nine years, and shows no sign of slowing down. Assumption Greek Orthodox hosts the best fish fry in the Flint and Thumb region according to MLive readers, under the name Grand Blanc Fish Fry, and they offer not just fantastic fish, but also homemade Greek specialties as well. When we initially started it, it was just literally fish and chips, some shrimp and some clams, Lori Photiou said. Shes a member of the church and has been volunteering at the fish fry the entire nine years. The fish fry came out of the cancellation of the parishs yearly Greek Festival. Its an all volunteer crew, Photiou said.All of us are parishioners of the church. We take pride in it. From September to the end of June, the church and a dedicated group of about 15 volunteers, puts on a full fish fry every single Friday. Many of the volunteers have restaurant experience, having either owned one or worked at one. We are running a one day a week restaurant, Photiou said. A typical Friday will see the church serving between 400 and 500 meals. They take the summer off, because in a typical year, many members travel back to Greece to visit family. Our people need a break as well, Photiou said. The fish fry followed all the shut down orders, offering take-out when they couldnt serve inside. Currently, they are open for in person dining at a 50% capacity, and sanitize each and every table and seat in between guests. We are following the same guidelines as the restaurants, Photiou said. Theyve certainly expanded their offerings at the Grand Blanc Fish Fry, and have embraced their Greek background by offering many homemade, traditional Greek foods now, as well as some pretty great fried fish. You can enjoy classic eggplant moussaka, pastitstio with spiced ground lamb, tiropita (a cheese pie), spinach pie, stuffed grape leaves, and even a gyro sandwich. The fish is still the star here, however. The quality, is what sets it apart Photiou said. Its top notch cod. The batter is a recipe that has been handed down, and we pride ourselves on not being a very heavy batter. Its not real greasy, its not a real thick batter. We want to make sure we put forth a quality product. You can get that Icelandic cod a variety of ways at the Grand Blanc Fish Fry. Traditionalists will love the fried version, which usually comes with the classic french fries, coleslaw and a dinner roll. From there, you can substitute, change or upgrade your order in a myriad of ways. Looking for something healthier? Get the baked fish, along with a fresh, and amazing looking, Greek salad. Want more fish? Order the 4 piece with no fries. You can change it up with a baked potato, onion rings, rice, vegetables, mac and cheese, or a tossed salad as well. One of the most popular offerings at the fish fry is the Plaki fish dinner, a classic Greek fish recipe. It might be one of the most interesting offerings youll find at a Michigan fish fry. We take our baked fish, Photiou said. And add a very light tomato sauce, that we put celery, carrots, onions, spinach into the sauce, and that sauce goes over the fish. It is one of our number one sellers. Its phenomenal. It might be worth it to head to Grand Blanc to test out their Greek fries alone. They take their crispy french fries, and then top them with olive oil, oregano and fresh feta cheese. Photiou assured us that Once you try them, you will be hooked. It does become an addiction, and once you try them, youll want more. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2021. Its a great community, Photiou said proudly. We have a lot of people that do the philanthropic side, and reach out to the community, as well as to our own members. Right now, the community if trying to figure out how to celebrate this milestone, so look to their Facebook page for updates. Our readers, and our customers have spoken, Photiou said. This is the second time through MLive theyve nominated us number one. We listen to our customers, and we try to put out the product that they like. Just come see us, she said. Flint and the Thumb poll results: 1. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church/Grand Blanc Fish Fry, Grand Blanc 2. Chef Ds Sandwich Emporium, Vassar 3. Beeters Brewpub, Sebawing 4. Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus, Montrose 5. Whiteys Restaurant, Davison A traditional Greek salad can be substituted with any meal at the Grand Blanc Fish Fry. Everything is homemade here.Courtesy Photo, used with permission. Classic fish fry dinner at Grand Blanc Fish Fry, which is hosted by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.Courtesy Photo, used with permission. If you go: Grand Blanc Fish Fry / Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 2245 E Baldwin Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439 (810) 771-4611 More info: https://www.facebook.com/GrandBlancFishFry/ or https://www.assumptiongrandblanc.org/ They also offer a host of homemade Greek specialties, including a roast chicken, at the Grand Blanc Fish Fry, which is hosted by Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.Courtesy Photo, used with permission. More Michigans Best: Friday is all-you-can-eat at this Kalamazoo Best Fish Fry poll winner The Deck Down Under is home to Jacksons Best Fish Fry Dont overlook this tiny contender for Michigans Best Fish Fry Where you can get Man Eating Catfish in Michigan Get a fieldhouse of fish at this Michigans Best contender Is Michigans Best Fish Fry so remote its in the Central Time Zone? Is Michigans Best Fish Fry at this tucked away bar that serves steamed mussels? A look at our poll leaders for Michigans Best Fish Fry See over 275 nominations for Michigans Best Fish Fry Its a Drive By Fish Fry this year at St. Marys Pinckney Tell us where to find Michigans Best Fish Fry A 2021 guide to Jackson-area Friday Lenten fish fries Grand Rapids area 2021 fish fry guide for Lent Michigans Best Fish Fry poll winners (2019) Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Uzbek authorities to fill the Central Asian nation's Criminal Code with "meaningful" reforms after a draft failed to remove several impediments to democratic freedoms. In a statement on March 10, HRW said that "the new Criminal Code should seek in good faith to comply fully with international human rights treaties to which Tashkent is a party." Last month, the Uzbek Prosecutor-Generals Office published the draft Criminal Code for public discussion until March 9, after which the draft is expected to be debated by lawmakers. HRW said in its statement that although the draft law contains some moderate improvements, "it also retains many provisions that violate the rights to freedom of speech, association, and religion." The rights watchdog said that some of the draft's provisions "fall short of protections to which women, victims of torture, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are entitled under international law." All eyes are on Uzbekistan following President [Shavkat] Mirziyoevs pledge at the Human Rights Council to make human rights central to reforms, said Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. Now is not the time for a false start, but the time to make good on the presidents words and ensure that all abusive provisions are removed from the draft Criminal Code, she added. HRW called on the Uzbek authorities to send the draft to the European Commission for Democracy Through Law, also known as the Venice Commission, to review its compliance with international human rights standards. HRW also called on Tashkent's international partners to urge Uzbek authorities to ensure that the new Criminal Code complies in full with Uzbekistans human rights obligations. Unless the Criminal Code is further revised, abusive provisions will inevitably lead to arbitrary arrests and convictions for any number of actions that should be protected, while other key provisions against abuses will be left out, Rittmann said. Uzbekistans partners should press the Prosecutor-Generals Office and parliament to seize this moment and ensure revision of the Criminal Code isnt an opportunity squandered. Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, and Interbrand, a global brand consultancy firm, today revealed that the potential risk in brand value of a data breach to the worlds 100 most valuable brands could amount to as much as $223b, according to a joint cybersecurity and brand value impact report launched today. The report, called Invisible Tech. Real Impact, examines the long-term impact of data breaches on value of the worlds top brands across sectors. To quantify this risk, Infosys and Interbrand identified the brand factors most impacted when a company suffers a data breach - presence, affinity, and trust - and simulated the resulting brand value at risk in the event of a breach, using Interbrands proprietary brand valuation methodology. Infosys and Interbrand found that industries such as Technology, Financial services and Automotive might suffer a higher overall brand value at risk from data breaches, whereas Luxury brands and Consumer Goods face greater value at risk as a percentage of their net income. Specifically, the report quantified the brand value risk different industries face because of a data breach, including: Technology Up to $29b brand value risk (up to 53 percent of 2020 net income) Financial Services Up to $2.6b brand value risk (up to 52 percent of 2020 net income) Automotive Up to $4.2b brand value risk (up to 77 percent of 2020 net income) Consumer Goods - Up to $5b brand value risk (up to 114 percent of 2020 net income) Luxury Up to $2.4b brand value risk (up to 115 percent of 2020 net income) Vishal Salvi, Chief Information Security Officer & Head Cyber Security Practice, Infosys said, Cybersecurity for long was seen as a cost of doing business. However, in this digital age, where a companys reputation is based on its ability to protect customer data and establish digital trust, cybersecurity is becoming a business differentiator. Through this report, we bring a novel approach to quantifying the impact of a data breach to the brand value to help businesses understand and evaluate if the cybersecurity investments they are making are proportionate to the risk they face. It also reinforces the need for CISOs to engage with the board and build a robust governance ecosystem while employing a secure by design approach to safeguard their brand value and reputation Ameya Kapnadak, Chief Growth Officer (India), Interbrand, said, Theres a fundamental shift in how brands engage with their customers. As the lines between the physical and virtual worlds increasingly blur, and brands rely more and more on the digital world to create unique experiences for their customers, data breaches have the potential to dent the very core of the brands relationship with its customers. These shifts underscore the need to re-evaluate hygiene aspects of customer experience, like cybersecurity. For the study, Infosys partnered with Interbrand to simulate the value at risk for a brand in the event of a data breach. Interbrands global team of valuation experts estimated the impact of a breach on a brand strength with scores from Best Global Brand (BGB) 2020 as a benchmark. The simulation used these post breach brand strength scores to estimate the Value at Risk due to a breach, on the Best Global Brands. CMOs, CISOs and other decision-makers can leverage the methodology as a template to help them understand similar risks they might face to their brand value and calculate the right level of cybersecurity investment for them. Commodities trader Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. struck a deal last summer to buy $36 million of copper from a Turkish supplier. But when the cargoes started arriving in China, all it found were containers full of painted rocks. The saga unfolds like a gangland thriller, with the Swiss trading house saying its been the victim of cargo fraud. Before its journey from a port near Istanbul to China even began, about 6,000 tons of blister copper in more than 300 containers were switched with jagged paving stones, spray-painted to resemble the semi-refined metal. Mercuria found that just one out of seven contracts used by the Turkish company to insure the cargo was real. The rest had been forged. The bizarre case highlights commodity traders vulnerability to fraud, even when security and inspection controls are in place. In 2014 and 2015, Mercuria took provisions to cover potential losses after metal contained in a warehouse in the Chinese port of Qingdao was seized by authorities as part of fraud investigation. Turkish police took 13 people into custody in relation to the faux-copper scheme. Mercuria, one of the five-biggest independent oil traders in the world, is seeking redress in both Turkish courts and a UK arbitration case against the copper supplier, Bietsan. Its also filed a formal criminal complaint with Turkish police and prosecutors alleging cargo substitution and insurance fraud, leaving the authorities to determine whos responsible. Several calls to Bietsans offices in Tekirdag went unanswered. Suspects have been taken under custody who are thought to be involved in the various parts of this organized crime against Mercuria, the Geneva-based Mercuria said in a written statement in which it thanked the Istanbul Financial Crimes Department. The story was pieced together from legal documents, interviews and local media reports. Copper Switched Last June, Mercuria agreed to buy copper from Bietsan, a Turkish supplier it had done business with before, according to Sinan Borovali, the trading houses lawyer in Turkey. It appears that copper was initially loaded into the first shipment of containers, before being surveyed by an inspection company. Seals used to prevent fraud were then affixed to the containers. But under the cover of darkness, it is alleged the containers were opened and the copper replaced with paving stones, Borovali of Istanbul law firm KYB said in an interview. The fraudsters switched between fake and real container seals in an effort to avoid detection. As ships left Marport terminal in the port of Ambarli every few days, the same thing happened: the copper was secretly unloaded at night and replaced with painted rocks. This was how they did it, Borovali said. With the vessels at sea, Mercuria paid $36 million in five installments with the last payment made on Aug. 20, 2020, according to documents provided by the commodity trader to Turkish investigators. The fraud wasnt discovered until the ships began arriving in the Chinese port of Lianyungang later that month. By then, all eight vessels were en route to China. Organized Crime There has been a criminal investigation petition by the buyer against the seller and two intermediaries, Turkish police said in a statement. Its been determined that the incident is the outcome of fraud perpetrated in an organized manner. Normally, in such cases of non-delivery a trading house could make a claim against a cargos insurance policy. But Mercuria found that just one out of seven contracts used by the Turkish company to insure the cargo was real. The rest had been forged. The 13 suspected fraudsters were taken into custody this month in a series of police raids. Some have since been allowed to leave custody and placed under house arrest, according to local newswire reports. More hearings on the case are expected from this week. Related: Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers Trucking At the end of the first day of jury selection, three jurors had been seated. Looking for 16 12 and four alternates the court might complete the process next week. Opening statements would not kick the trial proper off until March 29. Yesterday the parties stipulated to the dismissal of 16 of the first 50 prospective jurors for cause based on their answers to the 14-page questionnaire fashioned for the case. Today it took 9 prospective jurors to yield three. My imperfect notes reflect that three were excused as a result of peremptory strikes (one by the prosecution, two by the defense) and three for cause. Prospective juror number 1 was a woman originally from Mexico who spoke poor English with a heavy Spanish accent. I had a hard time understanding her. I thought her English was so bad I wondered if she could pass a citizenship test. Her husband helped her complete the juror questionnaire. She rated her English a 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. At least she has no problems with self-image. She certainly wanted to serve on the jury. Why? Because I would like to give my opinion of the unjust death of George Floyd. Thats how she framed her answer on the questionnaire. I thought that was the quote of the day. However, she will not be serving on the jury as a result of a peremptory strike by the defense. Two of the prosecutions pro bono attorneys appeared in court today: Steve Schleicher of the Maslon LLC and Jerry Blackwell of Blackwell Burke. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank will lead the prosecution of Chauvin for the state at trial. He must have been back in the office tending to the appellate issues raised by the states effort to reinstate the third-degree murder charge. Eric Nelson is handling Chauvins defense by himself in what looks like a David versus Goliath match-up. The questionnaire completed by prospective jurors proved instrumental. The form is posted online here. The attorneys have capably used the completed questionnaires to home in on the issues of pretrial publicity, personal security and other possible secondary effects of their verdict. I was most impressed with Judge Peter Cahill. Although I continue to harbor doubts about the ability of the judicial system to deal with this case, I have no doubt that Judge Cahill will control the courtroom and protect Chauvins right to a fair trial insofar as it is in his power to do so. Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2021 -- Latest Research Study on Global Web Application Firewall Software Market published by AMA, offers a detailed overview of the factors influencing the global business scope. Web Application Firewall Software Market research report shows the latest market insights with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services. The report provides key statistics on the market status, size, share, growth factors, Challenges and Current Scenario Analysis of the Web Application Firewall Software. This Report also covers the emerging player's data, including: competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are Dell SonicWall (United States), Amazon Web Services (United States), Qualys, Inc. (United States), ModSecurity (Australia), Citrix Systems, Inc. (United States), Akamai Technologies, Inc. (United States), Cloudflare, Inc. (United States), Imperva, Inc. (United States), F5 Networks, Inc. (United States), Barracuda Networks, Inc. (United States). Brief Summary of Web Application Firewall Software: Web application firewall software are used for HTTP applications. It applies rules for covering attacks such as Cross site scripting, SQL injection. Hence it protects the servers. Web application firewall is network or host based which is deployed through proxy. Moreover, these firewalls can be used by various SMEs and large enterprises which protects their applications from exploits and impersonations. Web application software can also be considered as a reverse proxy. However, web application firewall is a layer 7 defence which is designed to protect against only some of the attacks. Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ : https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/115815-global-web-application-firewall-software-market Web Application Firewall Software Market Report offers a detailed overview of this market and discusses the dominant factors affecting the growth of the market. The impact of Porter's five armies on the market over the next few years has been discussed for a long time in this study. We will also forecast global market size and market outlook over the next few years. Types of Products, Applications and Web Application Firewall Software Market Report Geographical Scope taken as the Main Parameter for Market Analysis. This Research Report Conducts an assessment of the industry chain supporting this market. It also provides accurate information on various aspects of this market, such as production capacity, available production capacity utilization, industrial policies affecting the manufacturing chain and market growth. The Global Web Application Firewall Software Market segments and Market Data Break Down are illuminated below: by Attack type (DDoS Attacks, SQL Injection Attacks, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks, Zero-day Attacks, Business Logic Attacks, Man-in-the-middle attacks, Malware, Defacements), Deployment (On premises, Cloud), Industry vertical (BFSI, Government, Telecom, IT, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Others), Organisation size (SMEs, Large Enterprises) What's Trending in Market: Adoption of Technology across Industries Rising Penetration of IOT in Various Applications Challenges: Stiff Competition among the Major Players Restraints: High Costs Associated with the Machinery Market Growth Drivers: Increasing Concerns about Cyber Security Increasing Number of SMEs in Developing Economies Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc. Enquire for customization in Report @: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/115815-global-web-application-firewall-software-market Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Web Application Firewall Software Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Web Application Firewall Software market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Web Application Firewall Software Market. Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges & Opportunities of the Web Application Firewall Software Chapter 4: Presenting the Web Application Firewall Software Market Factor Analysis, Post COVID Impact Analysis, Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region/Country 2015-2020 Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Web Application Firewall Software market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by Manufacturers/Company with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions (2021-2026) Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source Finally, Web Application Firewall Software Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies in their decision framework. Data Sources & Methodology The primary sources involves the industry experts from the Global Web Application Firewall Software Market including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industry's value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects. In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources Postal Surveys, telephone, Online & Face-to-Face Survey were considered to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study. When it comes to secondary sources Company's Annual reports, press Releases, Websites, Investor Presentation, Conference Call transcripts, Webinar, Journals, Regulators, National Customs and Industry Associations were given primary weight-age. Get More Information: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/115815-global-web-application-firewall-software-market What benefits does AMA research studies provides? - Supporting company financial and cash flow planning - Latest industry influencing trends and development scenario - Open up New Markets - To Seize powerful market opportunities - Key decision in planning and to further expand market share - Identify Key Business Segments, Market proposition & Gap Analysis - Assisting in allocating marketing investments Definitively, this report will give you an unmistakable perspective on every single reality of the market without a need to allude to some other research report or an information source. Our report will give all of you the realities about the past, present, and eventual fate of the concerned Market. Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. About Advance Market Analytics Advance Market Analytics is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enable clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As. Francesca Paris is The Eagle's data and public records reporter. She was previously the North Adams reporter. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston. Find her on Twitter at @fparises. NEWARK, N.J. A longtime Amtrak employee in New Jersey stole several dozen chain saws and hundreds of parts from the railroad and sold them online, according to a federal criminal complaint released Tuesday. Jose Rodriguez sold the items for more than $50,000 between 2016 and July 2020, according to the complaint. The 48-year-old Brick resident has worked at Amtraks North Brunswick facility since 2007 in positions including senior engineer and repairman. Rodriguez was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. A message was left with Amtrak and with an attorney for Rodriguez seeking comment. The sales were primarily made through an online auction site, though some of the saws were sold directly to people, the complaint alleged. A buyer in Pennsylvania provided law enforcement agents with 11 boxes with Rodriguezs return address that had been used to ship chain saws in exchange for more than $7,000. In all, Rodriguez sold 77 chain saws, 103 chain saw replacement bars and 163 replacement chains to buyers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, California and South Carolina, according to the complaint. He faces one count of stealing government property and one count of stealing from an agency receiving federal funds. Both counts carry maximum prison sentences of 10 years. ALSO READ: Man who committed brutal Pa. murder cant escape life prison term Latino civil rights groups filed a lawsuit with their hope to counter the new Iowa voting law, which will make changes and affect truthful voters from the minority group. The Washington Examiner reported that the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Iowa filed the lawsuit against Paul Pate, the Iowa Secretary of State, and Attorney general Thomas Miller. The Latino Civil Rights group is represented by the Democratic lawyer Marc Elias. According to the civil rights group, the Republican-backed law is deemed to place irrelevant and unreasonable restrictions not only on the Latino voters but other Iowan citizens as well. ALSO READ: Supreme Court Junks Trump's Final Election Challenge Latinos vs. New Voting Law According to The Hill, the lawsuit filed by LULAC, together with Atty. Elias noted that "the voter suppression bill imposes unjustified burdens on lawful Iowa voters," and will affect every voting process. The lawsuit continued that the law would decrease the group's ability and opportunity to register and even vote absentee and in-person during the election day. Des Moines Register reported that Iowan Governor Kim Reynolds had signed the legislation that will compromise the usual voting period, closing the polls an hour earlier during Election Day. That is what the Latino civil rights group is concerned about. The new Iowa voting law "will impose undue and unjustified burdens on a wide range of lawful voters," the lawsuit furthered. The proponents also fear that voters from a group like minority, elders, disabled, and even those who work multiple jobs, have no access to consistent mail service and reliable transportation, and with chronic health conditions will be affected by the decrease in time of voting that the law promotes. In an exact number of days, Washington Examiner mentioned the laws will decrease the time of early voting to 20 days before the election, deducting 9 days to the previous allowance Iowans are allowed to vote. Washington Examiner also added that the legislation will close the poll by eight in the evening instead of nine. Des Moines Register mentions Iowan Governor Kim Reynolds, saying "this legislation strengthens uniformity by providing Iowa's election with consistent parameters for Election Day," which will be determined by different factors such as database maintenance, absentee voting, and even clear appeals process intended to the local county auditors. Reynolds argued that the additional steps will provide and promote more transparency and accountability. The Latino civil rights group is not only worried about the decrease in time change when the legislation or the new Iowa voting law is passed and signed by the governor. The Washington Examiner said that the lawsuit from the civil rights group furthered "these unnecessary voting restrictions independently and collectively impose an undue burden" which will affect the right to vote and violate many provisions of the Iowa constiitution. RELATED ARTICLE: House Democrats Pass Voting Rights Bill Despite Unanimous Republican Opposition WATCH: New Iowa Voting Restriction Law Faces Immediate Challenge in Court - from WHO13 March 10 : Adarsh Gourav, the lead actor of Ramin Bahranis The White Tiger, has been nomination at the 2021 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards in the Leading Actor category. Adarsh has been nominated for his acclaimed performance in the film as Balram, who rebelled against the oppressive social system in India and built his own empire. Besides Adarsh, writer-director Ramin Bahrani of The White Tiger has also earned a nomination in the adapted screenplay category. The White Tiger was adapted from Aravind Adigas 2008 award-winning novel of the same name. The film premiered on Netflix. Soon after the nominations were announced on Tuesday, the executive producer of The White Tiger, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who was also starred in the film along with Rajkummar Rao, took to Twitter to express her happiness for Adarsh and Ramin Bahrani. What a proud moment for Indian talent with 2 BAFTA nominations for an ALL INDIAN STAR CAST!! Ecstatic for you @_GouravAdarsh, you are so deserving of this recognition, and congratulations #RaminBahrani, so well deserved. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lKcz678mof PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 9, 2021 Sharing several photos on her Twitter handle, Priyanka tweeted, What a proud moment for Indian talent with 2 BAFTA nominations for an ALL INDIAN STAR CAST!! Ecstatic for you @_GouravAdarsh, you are so deserving of this recognition, and congratulations #RaminBahrani, so well deserved. Adarsh also took to his Instagram profile and wrote, Holy shit it's really happening! Thank you Ramin for trusting me to play the character that has given me more than anything I've ever experienced. Congratulations to the team for two BAFTA nominations!! Best adapted screenplay and Leading actor. Congratulations to all the other nominees too! The BAFTA Awards ceremony will be held on April 11 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Back in February this year, BAFTA had released its longlist of nominations, in which The White Tiger found its way to seven categories. These categories included Best Actor for Adarsh Gourav, Best Supporting Actress for Priyanka Chopra, Best Director for Ramin Bahrani, and Best Film. The film has also been included for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography and Editing. Opinion Article 10 March 2021 Hotel History: Boone Tavern Hotel (63 rooms) Advertisements Built on the old Dixie Highway and named after Kentucky explorer Daniel Boone, the historic Boone Tavern Hotel is located on College Square in Berea, Kentucky. The hotel is owned by Berea College and operated with student workers from the College Labor Program. Students earn money for books, room and board but pay no tuition (valued at $25,500 per year), thanks to the generosity of donors who support Berea College's mission of providing a free high quality education for students primarily from Appalachia who have high academic potential and limited financial resources. Berea College was founded in 1855 by abolitionists John Gregg Fee and Cassius Marcellus Clay* as a liberal arts work college which charges no tuition. Berea was the first college in the southern United States to be coeducational and racially integrated. It has a full-participation work-study program where students are required to work at least 10 hours per week in campus and service jobs in over 130 departments. In 1866, Berea's first full year after the Civil War, it registered 187 students (96 African Americans and 91 whites) who took preparatory study classes to ready them for college-level courses. In 1869, the first college students were admitted and the first bachelor's degrees were awarded in 1873. The greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, Muhammed Ali was also born Cassius Marcellus Clay. His father Marcellus Clay, a sign painter named his son for the white Kentucky anti-slavery crusader. Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903), a white abolitionist who was Kentucky's greatest anti-slavery crusader and one of the founders of Berea College. In 1904, the Kentucky state legislature's passage of the "Day Law" disrupted Berea's interracial education by prohibiting education of black and white students together. The college challenged the law in state court and further appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in Berea College v. Kentucky. When the college failed, the college had to become a segregated school, but it set aside funds to help establish the Lincoln Institute near Louisville to educate black students. In 1925, famed advertiser Bruce Barton, a future congressman, sent a letter to 24 wealthy men in America to raise funds for the college. Every single letter was returned with a minimum of $1,000 in donations. In 1950, when the law was amended to allow integration of schools at the college level, Berea promptly resumed its integrated policies. Boone Tavern Hotel features 63 guestrooms furnished with hand-made early American furniture made by Berea students in the College woodcraft shop. The Boone Tavern Restaurant is so well known for its long-standing tradition of excellent food that in 2003 it received the Duncan Hines Excellence in Hospitality Award. The Tavern's spoonbread, a corn meal-based concoction, is so beloved, that the city holds an annual Spoon bread Festival. In order to support its extensive scholarship program, Berea College has one of the largest financial reserves of any American college when measured on a per-student basis. The endowment stands at $950 million, down from its 2007 height of $1.1 billion. The base of Berea College's finances is dependent on substantial contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations that support the mission of the college and donations from alumni. A solid investment strategy increased the endowment from $150 million in 1985 to its current amount. In 2010, the Boone Tavern Hotel was awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council making it the first LEED certified hotel in Kentucky. The Boone Tavern Hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Before the Civil War, Cassius Marcellus Clay wrote "For better or worse, the black people are among us We must educate them, for one day they will be part of our governing society." My New Book "Great American Hotel Architects Volume 2" has just been published. All of the following books can be ordered from AuthorHouse by visiting www.stanleyturkel.com and clicking on the book's title. Great American Hoteliers: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2009) Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels in New York (2011) Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi (2013) Hotel Mavens: Lucius M. Boomer, George C. Boldt, Oscar of the Waldorf (2014) Great American Hoteliers Volume 2: Pioneers of the Hotel Industry (2016) Built To Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels West of the Mississippi (2017) Hotel Mavens Volume 2: Henry Morrison Flagler, Henry Bradley Plant, Carl Graham Fisher (2018) Great American Hotel Architects Volume I (2019) Hotel Mavens: Volume 3: Bob and Larry Tisch, Ralph Hitz, Cesar Ritz, Curt Strand (2020) If You Need an Expert Witness : For the past twenty-seven years, I have served as an expert witness in more than 42 hotel-related cases. My extensive hotel operating experience is beneficial in cases involving: With the California vaccination rollout advancing at a steady clip and more Bay Area residents looking ahead to travel in the coming months, a USA Today report finds some would-be passengers are finding their airline credits aren't usable for their planned trips. While virtually every U.S. airline has significantly loosened their change and cancellation policies during the pandemic, some of those changes began to be rolled back or restricted in recent months. Worse still, the flight credits that many passengers were issued in exchange for canceled trips may not be the win-win they had thought. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, these vouchers meant airlines didnt have to refund tickets but could instead offer vouchers for future travel. Passengers could theoretically recoup losses for trip cancellations some travel insurance companies wouldnt cover while airlines retained those passengers' future business. But now, a year into the pandemic, some fliers may find the terms of those widely issued credits more restrictive than theyd realized. And, in some nightmare scenarios, their credits may even expire before fliers are able to apply them. Imagine, for example, canceling a dream trip to Tokyo for the Olympics or a family vacation to Disney World. You likely spent thousands of dollars on airfare, which was then converted to a credit you hoped to use later. But depending when you booked those trips, and which airline you booked them on, its possible your COVID-related travel protections were not as generous as you believed. And unless youre able and willing to travel in the next few months, you may be out of luck. Delta, which has earned a reputation as having some of the most customer-friendly policies during the pandemic (continuing to maintain an empty seat between passengers, for example, long after many other major carriers), extended its eCredits for canceled flights through the end of 2022. That gives customers plenty of time to plan ahead and hopefully travel safely sometime over the next 21 months. But and this is a big but this generous time frame only applies to flights booked before April 17, 2020. If you took advantage of one of the jaw-dropping flight deals being offered last year, thinking that there was no harm in optimistically thinking ahead to mid-2021, when the most best-case predictions estimated vaccines might be widely available, your ticket likely expires within one year after it was originally purchased. In other words, if you booked a flight in May of last year because you thought you could change your flight without consequence, you may now face a tough decision: Use it in the next two months or lose it. This is despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still has a nationwide travel advisory in effect and more than 80% of the vaccine-eligible adult population is still waiting on their shot. An unscientific survey of friends and family illustrated the issue: As the pandemic drags on into its second year, the one-year expiration that was either hidden in the fine print or seemed far in the future is now quickly approaching. One person, a distant relative, described having spent $2,200 on flights to Disneyland for her family that they decided to cancel due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The airline which shall remain nameless, as we werent able to immediately confirm the passengers account declined to offer either a refund or a credit. Only when the airline itself changed the flight was the passenger able to qualify for any compensation. In her case, 120 days to rebook and a year to use her new ticket. When she opted to use the credit for another, more affordable destination, Salt Lake City, she still lost money on the transaction. She simply wasnt able to use $400 remaining credit from the price difference in time. Now, she says, If we decide to drive and not fly, Ill just be out the whole amount. Despite the ever-expanding availability of vaccines, one group of travelers may be disproportionately impacted by these policies: families with kids. Because kids are likely to be the last of the population to be vaccinated, many families may not feel comfortable traveling for some time. 'The system just collapsed' William McGee, aviation adviser for the advocacy division of Consumer Reports, the largest consumer advocacy organization in the world, practically sputters with frustration when describing the level of bad behavior he has seen from the airlines over the last year. McGee describes a problem of almost unimaginable scale: Complaints are 57 times higher than the year before. It wasnt just a record number, or twice as many, it was times 57. Just on the issue of refunds alone. Weve never seen anything like it, he said. Clearly, the system just collapsed. "Weve heard from a ton of angry people," McGee said. "So many of them have said to us, 'My tax dollars helped bail out the airlines and Im trying to get $400 back.' One person described the airline voucher as an 'interest-free loan to the airlines.'" He estimates the airlines are sitting on $10 billion to $15 billion in vouchers, an astounding number. Thats on top of the two taxpayer bailouts the airlines have received, he said, And theres a third coming. The problem, McGee notes, goes back to the beginning of the pandemic, when airlines refused to issue refunds and, despite customer outrage and advocacy by groups like Consumer Reports, offered vouchers instead. Our position, from day one, way back to March of 2020, if someone wants a voucher, fine, great. Certainly they should not expire. But overwhelmingly people have said, I dont want a voucher, he said. Because Im not going to be taking that trip now. They booked in good faith. The trip never happened. The wedding was canceled, the graduation ceremony was canceled. Underlying all of this, the refund rules for airlines in the U.S., the [Department of Transportation] rules, are terrible theyre like Swiss cheese, theyre filled with holes. When you look at the expiration policies, theyre a mess. Among 10 airlines, I saw nine different policies, McGee said. Theyre confusing, in some cases contradictory. Travel insurer that stiffed customers early in pandemic now sells epidemic coverage Allianz, one of the worlds largest travel insurers, refused to honor claims by travelers who booked flights after Jan. 22, 2020, because they considered the pandemic a known event as of that date. Unfortunately for many Allianz customers, that date is likely a month or more before many travelers were fully aware of how broad-reaching the consequences of COVID-19 would be. This week, the insurer, which partners with 40 some airlines and 100,000 travel agents around the world, announced it will now cover epidemic-related trip cancellation, illness, medical transportation and accommodation needs (such as quarantining), and loyalty benefits redeposit fees. But the legalese-heavy Epidemic Coverage Endorsement only applies to some policies. And knowing if your policy includes this supplemental coverage requires reading the fine print. Whether travelers will trust the brand to protect them going forward has yet to be seen. And if the airlines wont do the right thing and travelers dont feel like they can count on travel insurance to protect them, what can customers do? One thing may be to avoid airlines with particularly egregious track records. Some are worse than others, said McGee. In the United States, the two worst in the DOT stats were also the worst for [Consumer Reports]: United and Frontier. One is a major carrier and one is pretty small, but on a per passenger basis, they have clearly withheld more than other airlines. But to be clear, he adds, every airline has withheld. The only people weve heard from that have any kind of happy outcome, said William McGee, they took some advice we offered on a webinar: stay persistent. Keep the communication email, text, snail mail going, keep doing it. Five, six, seven times. By last summer, we started to hear a couple success stories. Ive been with consumer reports for 21 years and Ive never seen an issue that made the floodgates open like this, on any issue, ever, McGee said. The "Melamine Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report by Type; By Application; By End-Use, By Regions, Segments & Forecast, 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global Melamine market size is expected to reach USD 2,578.4 million by 2030, according to the study. The report gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth. Melamine resins provide inherent advantages such as high temperature stability thus allowing products to limit physical and chemical degradation even at extreme temperature flexibility, high bonding behavior which results in the product having excellent moisture resistance as well as chemical resistance thus resulting in high overall hardness, among others. Due to the high nitrogen content in the product, it exhibits flame retardant properties as well. All these properties have resulted in the broadening of the application portfolio of the product thus resulting in the overall market demand. Melamine can be defined as a valuable and the most sophisticated part of the overall nitrogen value chain. The product is usually processed as a resin and is used to manufacture items and goods that are used on a daily basis. The product consists of hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon and is obtained by the converting urea. The product finds wide applicability in the production of synthetic resins as well. Market participants are paying attention to activities such as chemical analyses, customer-centric product trials, overall product development cycles, after sales service, process optimization as well as resin synthesis. This is done so as to cater to the ever-evolving customized requirements of melamine resin market customers. Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and India are witnessing substantial market growth in demand and such markets are being targeted by industry participants to increase their revenue generation. Story continues Melamine in the construction industry is utilized in products such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, walls, flooring, and furniture. Laminates manufactured by using melamine are extensively used in the construction industry. The global construction market has expanded rapidly with growth opportunities in commercial infrastructure, residential, and non-residential sector in almost every part of the world thus fueling the overall market growth. Another factor boosting the prospects of this market is the increasing trend of using durable and high strength materials in the construction industry. The stringent regulations implemented by various regulatory bodies to reduce the carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency in the construction sector has prompted the emergence of this trend. Industry participants are therefore required to track such trends and plan their strategies accordingly. The market up to recently was dominated by Chinese suppliers. But environmental inspections in the years 2016 & 2017 led to the declining of Chinese production thus resulting in tightening of overall supply in the European region. The ongoing anti-dumping duties also curtailed Chinese supply thus resulting in good market opportunities for European suppliers as buyers across the globe turned towards them as an alternative supply source. Market participants such as OCI N.V., BASF SE, Borealis AG, Sichuan Golden Elephant Chemical Co., Qatar Melamine Co, Allnex Belgium S.A., Chemiplastica SPA, Ineos Melamines., Haohua Junhua Group Co., Ltd., Cornerstone Chemical Company, and Nissan Chemical Industries. Ltd. are some of the key players operating in the market. The analyst has segmented the Melamine market report on the basis of type, application, end-use and region. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Executive Summary Chapter 3. Research Methodology Chapter 4. Melamine Market Insights Chapter 5. Melamine Market Import, Export, Production, Consumption - Premium Insights Chapter 6. Melamine Market Assessment by Type Chapter 7. Global Melamine Market, by Application Chapter 8. Melamine Market Assessment by End-Use Chapter 9. Melamine Market Assessment by Geography Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape Chapter 11. Company Profiles OCI N.V. BASF SE Borealis AG Sichuan Golden Elephant Chemical Co. Qatar Melamine Co Allnex Belgium S.A. Chemiplastica SPA Ineos Melamines. Haohua Junhua Group Co. Ltd. Cornerstone Chemical Company Nissan Chemical Industries. Ltd For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eusl0k About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005476/en/ Contacts ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 In a meeting of Uttarakhand BJP's legislature party held at the state party headquarters on Wednesday morning at 10:00 am, Tirath Singh Rawat has been named as the successor of Trivendra Singh Rawat who resigned as Uttarakhand Chief Minister on Tuesday. Tirath Singh Rawat was the BJP chief in Uttarakhand from February 9, 2013, to December 31, 2015, and is a former member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly from Chaubttakhal constituency from 2012 to 2017. The new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand is an MP from Garhwal in Uttarakhand and he will be taking the oath as the new CM at 4:00 pm today. He will have 6 months now to become a member of the Uttarakhand assembly. BJP MP Tirath Singh Rawat to become new chief minister of Uttarakhand, announces Trivendra Singh Rawat who stepped down yesterday pic.twitter.com/DminB0gvRI ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 A BJP legislative party meeting was held in Dehradun to decide the new Chief Minister for the state. The other leaders who were said to be in the race to replace Trivendra Singh Rawat were Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Dhan Singh Rawat, current Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Satpal Maharaj. Tirath Singh Rawat speaks after being picked to be CM While addressing the media, Tirath Singh Rawat thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President JP Nadda, Trivendra Singh Rawat and Raman Singh for believing in his potential. Stating that he had never imagined that he would reach here, the newly announced Chief Minister of Uttarakhand said that his government will make all efforts to meet people's expectations and take forward the work done in the last 4 years. He said, "I promise to fulfil the responsibility bestowed to me by elders, need your support and blessings." Trivendra Singh Rawat resigns as Uttarakhand CM A year before the Assembly Polls, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat tendered his resignation on Tuesday evening. The BJP leader submitted his resignation to Governor Baby Rani Maurya at the Raj Bhawan. Addressing a press briefing moments after tendering his resignation, Rawat remarked that the party has unanimously decided to pass on the post to another leader. While he remained mum on who might be the new CM of the Uttarakhand, Rawat said that all the MLAs would huddle up at the BJP headquarters tomorrow and deliberate on it. "I have been in politics for a long time now. The party had provided me with the opportunity to serve as the CM of the state. I never thought that the party would provide me with such a huge opportunity but it was only possible in BJP to give such a platform to an ordinary person. The party has thought and unanimously decided that I should give this opportunity to someone else. I also want to thank people of the state," Rawat said after submitting his resignation. This comes amid a political crisis in the state. In these times, developing your staff members to be the best they can be is more important than ever. But how well does your work environment support the kind of talent development that fosters creativity, innovation and change? Our two-year study with The Creative Problem Solving Group Inc. looked at how an organizations culture can helpor hinderstaff learning. Our research measured 10 dimensions of organizational climate, including employee engagement, emotional safety in office relationships, the way people treat new ideas and the amount of time spent on new ideas. The study found that the best indicators of staffs perceptions of talent development are the measures of employee engagement and how new ideas are treated. The results also show that emotional safety and the amount of time spent with new ideas impact talent development. In all, this study suggests that if you want to develop your people, the work environment you provide for them matters a great deal. Fortunately, a review of the studys open-ended comments gathered insights into elements of organizational climate that can either help or hinder your employees learning. These are things you can act on. Leadership, management and supervision. The study bears out something that seems intuitive: People who have an influencing role on staff can make a real difference in how employees perceive and take advantage of talent development opportunities. Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and peers. A positive, open atmosphere allows for productive teamwork, and collaboration was found to be a key helper for talent development efforts. Opportunities, courses, conferences and programs. A wide range of learning options and staffs awareness of them can also boost talent development in an organization. This includes access to educational opportunities that present the topic in the various ways people learn best, such as providing images or graphs for visual learners and a spoken explanation for auditory learners. Resources. Time, budget and technology were the three resources most often identified as impacting talent development. Workload and staffing. It takes time to learn. As a result, a heavy workload, staffing shortages or uneven distribution of work can challenge organizational talent development efforts. While the start of Womens History Month is a great time to think about creating a culture in which women can learn, among the things our CUES Consulting program can provide is guidance for building a work environment that will support the development of every employee. Building a culture that supports employee development will in turn foster the kind of creativity and innovation that can boost your organizations success. Top officials in the government, on conditions of anonymity, said on Wednesday that India will send 4.5 crore doses of home-made covid-19 vaccines to Pakistan under an agreement with vaccine alliance, GAVI. GAVI is a publicprivate global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation. Sources further informed that 1.6 crore doses will be provided by June this year. India is open for any humanitarian help to Pakistan. More vaccine will be given directly. Decision on this will be taken soon, added officials, who did not want to be identified. Pakistans drug regulator, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, had approved Oxford-AstraZenecas Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use in January this year. This was the first Covid-19 vaccine to be granted approval. While bilateral trade between India and Pakistan has been adversely impacted with the deterioration in ties in 2019, the supply of life-saving medicines is exempt and can be done through the bilateral route. Pakistan plans to inoculate at least 70 percent of its 220 million people against Covid free of cost. China has pledged to donate 5,00,000 doses of the Sinopharm. A total of 27.5m people, including frontline workers and senior citizens, have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Pakistan, Federal secretary of the Ministry of national health services regulations and coordination Aamir Ashraf Khawaja said in a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Meanwhile, India has so far supplied vaccines to 65 countries. Ministry of External Affairs states that, 579.19 lakh doses have been supplied in all. About 163 lakh doses have been supplied under Covax, 77 lakh doses under grant and 338 lakh doses under commercial deals. Demonstrators recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Georgia Capitol building, while showing support of the HB 531 election reform bill in Atlanta, Ga., on March 3, 2021. (Megan Varner/Getty Images) GOP Lawmakers Push Election Integrity Bills in Battleground States Since the hotly contested 2020 election, Republican state legislators have been advancing bills to bolster election integrity. Across 50 states, there have been over 1,600 election-related bills introduced by either Republican or Democrat legislators. Only about 200 have made it out of a committee so far. A handful have been enacted, but none in the battleground states contested in November, based on data from Voting Rights Lab, an advocacy group co-founded by former executives of Mike Bloombergs Everytown for Gun Safety gun control group. While criticized by Democrats for making voting more difficult, Republican voters have demanded election security measures be implementedparticularly in states where the GOP controls the legislatures, but Democrat President Joe Biden claimed victory. There are six such states, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In all of them except New Hampshire, President Donald Trump contested the election results. Republican lawmakers appear to have been most active in Arizona and Georgia. Arizona On March 8, the Arizona Senate passed a bill requiring voters to include an ID number (such as from a drivers license) or their voter registration number plus at least a proof of address (such as a utility bill) with their mail-in ballots. Previously, an ID was only required for in-person voting. On March 3, the Arizona House of Representatives passed a bill banning private funding of elections. The bill is a response to the unprecedented move by Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg to pour over $400 million into local election offices last year. The money was spent in a way that benefited Democrats, the Amistad Project reported last year. On the same day, the Arizona House also passed a bill that prohibits same-day voter registration. On March 4, the House passed a bill that would make it a felony for election officials to change election-related dates and deadlines stipulated in law, unless ordered by a court. Election officials indeed made such changes on their own in some states last year, using the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic as a justification. That day, the House also passed a bill that bans officials from sending out unsolicited absentee ballot request forms. Election integrity was voters top concern, said State Rep. Jake Hoffman, who introduced the House bills as co-chair of the House election committee. Hes working to address the issue by looking at where the areas of concern or what the best practices from across the country are that could ensure Arizona voters have maximum confidence in our process and in our system, he told The Epoch Times in a phone call. Another Senate bill making its way through legislative committees would require mail-in ballots to be postmarked by the Thursday before election day and received by close of polls on Election Day. It would have it that mail-in ballots are sent to voters 22 days before Election Day, instead of the current 27 days. Voters who surrender their absentee ballot at the polls could cast a regular ballot, rather than a provisional one. Georgia On March 1, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a wide ranging election reform bill that would require: Voters to include an ID number or ID photocopy with their absentee ballots Drivers license numbers or last four digits of ones social security number on an absentee ballot envelope Limiting the number of drop boxes and their locations to polling places or registrar offices only The drop boxes to be closed for Election Day The Secretary of State to set up an online system for mail-in ballot applications Absentee voters to sign attestation, under penalty of perjury, that they did not mark their ballot in the presence of people not authorized to assist them The elimination of signature comparison in the verification of absentee ballots (replaced by the ID requirement) Provisional ballots cast at the wrong precinct on Election Day to no longer to be accepted A ban on money or gifts (including food and drinks) for voters at a polling place or standing in line to vote Replacing the Secretary of State as head of the state election board with a nonpartisan head appointed by the legislature And other provisions. Meanwhile, Georgia Senate passed on March 8 its own election reform bill that would require: Ending no-excuse absentee voting Voters to include ID photocopy or ID number with their mail-in ballot applications Voters to include an ID photocopy or ID number with their mail-in ballots or the last 4 digits of their social security number Early voting locations to be only at the board of registrars main office, a county courthouse, a government office, or an Election Day polling place Non-government entities distributing absentee ballot applications to include their name and a disclaimer that the form was not supplied by the government Mobile polling places to be allowed only if a judge permits them and theres an emergency rendering a polling place unsafe for human occupation or theres a utility outage Precinct opening hours on Election Day to be only extended by a court order Banning the Secretary of State and county election officials from mailing unsolicited absentee ballot applications (which officials did in some states using COVID-19 as a justification) A ban on sending absentee ballot applications that are pre-filled, even partially The elimination of signature comparison on absentee ballot applications (replaced by the ID requirement) The counting of ballots to continue until it is complete. Currently, election superintendents can stop counting and resume later And other measures. Various smaller bills are making their way through the committees. One would furnish absentee ballots with bar codes for tracking purposes. Another would nix automatic voter registration at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Voters would need to opt-in (such as by checking a box) to get registered. Yet another bill would expand poll watcher access so they could observe all the key processes at a tabulating center with minimal restrictions. The bill appears to be a response to complaints by numerous Republican poll watchers that they were kept so far from where the tabulation processes were happening as to render their observation meaningless. One bill would require that after counting, absentee ballots be sorted and stored by precinct in sealed containers, with the chain of custody logged until legally disposed of. Ballot duplicates, which are made for damaged ballots, would get serial numbers and be kept with the original ballots at all times. New Hampshire, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin In the other states there seems to be much less activity. The New Hampshire Senate passed a bill on March 4 that would require voters to include their ID number and the last four digits of their social security numbers with absentee ballot applications. Michigan has a few smaller bills working their way through committees. One says that voters with unknown dates of birth should get notice to provide their real date of birth or get their status changed to challenged, which means theyd get removed from the rolls after missing two general elections and primaries. The notice, when returned, would get signature-matched to the voter records. Another bill would adopt a similar procedure to purge from the rolls people who havent voted since the 2000 general election. Pennsylvania Republicans introduced several bills to remove dead or ineligible voters from the rolls as well as nix no-excuse mail-in voting. None of the bills, however, has made it out of a committee so far. In Wisconsin, Republican State Sen. Kathy Bernier introduced on March 8 two bills that would make a number of small or technical changes to the election code. [March 10, 2021] ID Technologies Wins Six Major Categories for the CCS-2 QEB 2021A Cycle ID Technologies, LLC, a mission-driven IT partner to the US Federal Government, today announced that it has been selected by the US Air Force to provide high quality computing systems and associated technologies under its Client Computing Solutions Quantum (News - Alert) Enterprise Buy (CCS-2 QEB) Program for 2021. The company was selected in six major primary product categories by the Air Force IT Commodity Council evaluation team. Chris Oliver, ID Technologies CEO, said: "We are proud to count the Air Force as one of our longest-standing clients, having supported their mission for over 20 years. Through these latest QEB awards, we will continue to ensure that the Air Force benefits from leading-edge technologies that deliver excellent value and advance mission objectives, together with our strategic OEM partners." In each category, ID Technologies is partnered with a leading technology product company. In four of the six categories, the company is partnered with Getac, specialists in rugged laptops, rugged tablets, software, an mobile video solutions. They are partnering together in the following four categories: Rugged Notebooks (RN), Rugged Convertible Tablet (RCT), Rugged Slate Pad (RSP), and Semi-Rugged Slate Pad (SRSP). ID Technologies is partnered with Samsung (News - Alert) for the Office Display (OD) category and secure endpoint specialists, ClearCube Technology, for the VDI Zero Client category. The Quantum Enterprise Buy (QEB) Program is a catalog of systems made available through AFWay, a web-based Air Force system for purchasing IT based on strategic relationships with high quality IT providers. The period of performance on CCS-2 QEB is from February to December 2021. About ID Technologies ID Technologies is dedicated to developing, delivering, and integrating forward-thinking, proprietary, reliable solutions to government customers in the Intelligence, Civilian and Federal markets. Trusted with over 20 Government Contracts, ID Technologies pairs market leading technologies and supportive acquisition strategies with agility, expertise, and mission-understanding to enable government agencies to achieve mission success. ID Technologies calls this approach "Accelerating Simplicity" - making it easier for their customers to buy and use IT that is fit-for-purpose, at mission speed. For more information, please visit www.idtec.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005636/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] According to press reports, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been implicated in a scheme aimed at setting up private, politically motivated COVID-19 vaccination drives in upscale, affluent communities while deprioritizing other poor and working class regions in the state. News of the pop-up sites emerged last month when email leaks from county officials showed that emphasis had been placed on providing wealthier, Republican-held communities such as Manatee and Charlotte counties before other communities in the state. The private vaccination drives have reportedly allowed more than 6,000 people to jump ahead of tens of thousands of older residents, seniors and other vulnerable populations in desperate need of a vaccine, as demand for vaccinations in the state has greatly exceeded supply since the state began administering them in late December. Governor DeSantis has been the subject of public scorn due to the state governments gross negligence of the health of the population, with its nearly complete abandonment of even the most minimal mitigation efforts to stop the spread of the pandemic. This has included above all an absence of any restrictions on the reopening of nonessential businesses since the summer and the reckless push to reopen in-person classroom learning in schools throughout the state this spring. Pharmacist Michael Witte, left, gives Rebecca Sirull, right, a shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19, Monday, March 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) The accusations center around a coordinated, state-sponsored plan to administer vaccines to two pre-selected affluent neighborhoods with political ties to DeSantis. Knowledge of the program became known after emails from Vanessa Baugh, chair of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners, revealed Baugh asked county workers to pull a list of potential vaccine recipients who would participate in a vaccine drive from only two ZIP codes. At a public county commissioners meeting, Baugh admitted that DeSantis called Rex Jensen, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community and one of the vaccine sites, to ask for help in setting up the drive in the community. Jensen was to later call Baugh for assistance in organizing the drive, with its stated aim to vaccinate 3,000 people over three days. In addition to Lakewood Ranch, a vaccine clinic was put in place at a 55-and-older gated community in Kings Gate in Charlotte County, a resort-style community that invited residents from another suburban area, Grand Palms, to receive vaccinations. The vaccination drive prioritized doling out vaccines for specific individuals in the communities, while others, who lived minutes away from pop-up clinics, were not invited and left completely in the dark. The revelations serve as a further indictment of the homicidal policies pursued by the DeSantis administration, which has overseen a state with one of the largest concentrations of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country. According to the COVID Monitor website, hosted by data scientist and COVID-19 whistleblower Rebekah Jones, the total number of infections for Florida is more than 2.1 million, while more than 32,000 lives have been lost to the virus. Included in the data gathered by Jones is the role that schools have played, serving as major vectors of transmission in dozens of counties where districts have pushed ahead with the back-to-school campaign demanded by both pro-corporate parties. Total cases in K-12 schools have skyrocketed to nearly 83,000 since the start of the pandemic, with student cases at around 62,000 and staff at 20,000. Jones tweeted earlier this week that there were more than twice as many infections in the first two months of 2021 as there were from August to December. Information has already been released placing DeSantis in the middle of behind-the-scenes agreements with various business entities. Both the Kings Gate and Grand Palm were constructed in part by real estate developer and long-time Republican crony Patrick Neal, who is also a loyal donor to DeSantis. Neal is also a member of DeSantis Judicial Nominating Commission. Between 2018 and 2019, Neal donated $125,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC, according to campaign finance records. Records also show conservative donor Richard Uihlein, who has family ties to Lakewood Ranch, donated $900,000 to the PAC during that same period. News of the scandal led to severe backlash and condemnations of Baugh, DeSantis and other administration officials for engaging in unbridled corruption and political nepotism in relation to vaccine distribution at a moment when the states distribution infrastructure has been disastrous, with a very small portion of the population of well over 21 million having received a vaccine. An outpouring of outrage from county residents and media exposure of the scandal forced Baugh to issue an apology for her role in the operation before saying at another public county commissioners meeting that she did nothing wrong and if given the opportunity again would do exactly what I did this time. Governor DeSantis also deflected criticism of the private sites during a February 17 news conference, in which he stated lamely that the communities picked were based on finding communities with a high concentration of seniors that have the ability to administer vaccines. The Manatee County Sheriffs Office was forced to launch an investigation into the matter last week following a complaint that was filed by Michael Barfield, a local resident who claimed that Baugh may have broken the law by misusing her public position to benefit herself and other political and business interests. DeSantis and other state officials have favored communities that are Republican strongholds and affluent for vaccine distribution, while there has been only a minimal rollout of doses to predominately working class and poor communities in the state. During a press conference in Hialeah, Democratic Mayor Carlos Hernandez reportedly interrupted the event following a speech from DeSantis, denouncing the governor for the severe shortage of vaccines made available for the city. Hernandez said he needed help for my people in the city of Hialeah, before noting further, Ive been saying that since this started. Its sad he (DeSantis) talks about politics arent involved. You know what? Give me the vaccines. Democratic Party officials have jumped on the scandal to issue accusations of corruption and bribery against DeSantis and to call for federal agencies to intervene. Democratic Rep. Charlie Christ sent a letter to the Department of Justice last month requesting an investigation into DeSantis to discover whether the vaccine drives benefited his political donors and business affiliates. The occasion has also been seized upon by the Democrats to promote racialist politics. Christ told CNN, If youre Hispanic or black, youre not getting these pop-up vaccines that the governor is giving ... [to] more white and more Republican parts of Florida. Statements such as these are meant to blur the growing class divide in the vaccination roll-out between workers and the upper-middle class and super-wealthy, who are able to acquire vaccines through corporate connections and other means. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, answers reporters' questions at the state Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., on April 1, 2015. (Danny Johnston/AP Photo) Arkansas Governor Signs Pro-Life Bill Into Law That Bans Most Abortions Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday signed a pro-life bill that bans most abortions in the state. While pro-life supporters hope the measure will encourage the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its landmark Roe v. Wade decision, opponents of the law are seeking to block it before its enacted. The pro-life bill, now called the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act, bans all abortion, except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency, and does not include exceptions for rape and incest. I will sign SB6 because of overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions, Hutchinson said in a statement on the signing of the bill. The Republican governor added that he would have preferred that the bill include rape and incest exceptions. SB6 is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law, he added. I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America Action, a group that worked on behalf of the legislation, told Breitbart News on March 4 that Hutchinson should sign the bill so that the lives of pre-born children will be protected in law. The legislation wont take effect until 90 days after the majority-Republican Legislature adjourns this years sessionthat is, 90 days after April 30. Opponents to the pro-life bill said they plan to challenge the ban in court before then. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas called the ban cruel and unconstitutional. Governor Hutchinson: well see you in court, ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Holly Dickson said, reported The Associated Press. This is politics at its very worst, Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said in a statement, according to the AP. At a time when people need economic relief and basic safety precautions, dismantling abortion access is cruel, dangerous, and blatantly unjust. Hutchinson had previously signed several abortion restrictions into law since he took office in 2015. In January 2017, he signed into law a measure to ban dilation and evacuation, a common abortion method employed in the second trimester of a pregnancy. In March of the same year, Hutchinson signed a law to require doctors to investigate their patients to ensure that the mother is not seeking an abortion because of the sex of the child. In February 2019, he signed into law a bill that would automatically ban abortion in Arkansas if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, becoming the fifth state to have an abortion trigger law. Later in March of the same year, he signed into law a measure to ban abortion 18 weeks into a womans pregnancy. That one had exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest. It is currently on hold due to a court challenge. Several other restrictions are still being considered in the Legislature, including one approved by the Senate a day earlier that would require a woman seeking an abortion to first be shown an ultrasound. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Photo by Ellie Beals. "Call me Swankie or a Tech Titan, whichever you prefer," said Charlene Swankie, who appears beside Frances McDormand in the acclaimed new film Nomadland. I said OK and launched into my first question. But Swankie wanted to talk Titans. She started to answer my question but stopped and changed the subject. "By the way, I went to Tech High School in Indianapolis." As in Arsenal Tech. It was as if she thought I had missed something when she mentioned the Tech Titans, and perhaps she was right. And then she said, "I named them the Titans." I didn't see that coming. "I named them the Titans," she said, repeating herself to make sure I was on track. "You named them the Titans?" I asked. How does that happen? "They used to be the Greenclads, whatever that is," said Swankie, speaking to me via Zoom from her home, a 2006 Chevrolet van, somewhere in Arizona. Remind me, who is Charlene Swankie? Charlene Swankie has been living the vandwelling life since 2008. We see her playing a character mostly based on her life in Nomadland, the recently released film directed by Chloe Zhao, starring Frances McDormand, and based on Jessica Bruder's account of modern-day nomads who took to the road following the 2008 recession. I know a good story when I hear it, and I also appreciate good videography when I see it. Nomadland offers both, along with captivating characters like Fern, Bob Wells (of Cheap RV Living fame), Linda May, and of course, Swankie. When I learned that Swankie's character in Nomadland was based on a real vandweller, I was so compelled by her character's stories especially the part about the swallows nesting over the riverthat I looked her up on the internet spoiler alert! to find out whether she had indeed died, as she did in the film. Apparently, I wasn't the only one! Others had done the same. I found the Swankie Wheels Facebook page and the Swankie Lives blog. Swankie is very much alive and well, responding to fan questions. During that search, I learned that Swankie aka Charlene Beaty, her maiden name has been researching genealogy and collecting rocks, and I discovered that she grew up in Indianapolis. Hence the reason I was talking with her. She was born in Florida, then her family moved to Indianapolis when she was very young. She told me that she lived on the east side, around Washington and Oriental Streets, attended Public School 78 and Public School 14. And she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1962. She wasn't keen on the team name Greenclads. Did You Know? Swankie is one Tech Titan who isn't giving up anytime soon. And just maybe, shell change her mind and cross the Mississippi River one more time so she can attend her 60th anniversary reunion at Arsenal Technical High School in 2022. The White River will be waiting for her. "I started a cheer block, and I decided I didn't like the word Greenclad," said Swankie. "I sat down and went through the dictionary one night until I got to the word 'Titans,' and thought, 'That goes good with Tech.'" Swankie wasn't the only one who disliked Greenclads because a "Name the Team" contest was held in 1961. Swankie's suggested name "Titans" prevailed, according to the October 28, 1961 edition of The Indianapolis Star. A rolling stone gathers no moss As a young woman whose formative years were influenced by 1950s Midwestern rules and sensibilities, Swankie did what she thought she was supposed to do: she got married and had children. But life got in the way, and things didn't quite work out the way she had hoped. "If you're in a bad situation and don't have a reason to stay in it, then you have a reason to get out of it," said Swankie. "I was in a really bad situation a number of times. It took me a long time to learn how to stop doing that. We're brought up to think that we're supposed to follow the rules and live this Cinderella dream and just endure it." According to her blog, by the end of the 1970s, she was divorced with two little boys. Wanting to study recreation, she found herself back in Indiana, this time in Bloomington, completing a BS in Recreation in 1980 at Indiana University. However, Swankies IU experience was not easy. "I was a single mother, and I was struggling, and I had two little kids to take care of, and I was working part-time and going to school full time. I didn't know which way was up most of the time," said Swankie. In 2001, she married David Swankie. However, he died shortly after they were married. As heartbreaking as this was, Swankie said he left her with good health insurance, which she said she'll have for life. Van life and kayak life By 2008, Swankie had launched her nomadic life and her Swankie Wheels blog, which documented her adventures. She said she would have gone fully mobile in the 1990s, but she said she didn't have the necessary technology. The living space inside her van solar-panel-topped van is about 5' x 10', including the bed and a poster of the United States illustrating the places she has paddled. On her blog, she introduces herself like this: "In 2006, I was shopping for a wheelchair. By 2007, I had new knees, better health and by 2008 a kayak. In Aug 2013, I kayaked my 49th state, Alaska, at the Holgate Glacier and in May 2014, I kayaked Hawaii, my 50th state, to celebrate my 70th Birthday and the finale to the wonderful adventure of Kayaking America?" As Swankie spoke to me, I saw a Kayak America sticker on a bulletin board behind her right shoulder. She has kayaked every state, beginning with California in 2008. It was the kayak that brought Swankie back to Indiana in August 2011. She put her kayak in Lake Monroe, officially logging her 35th state paddled. Unfortunately, the White River wasn't part of her paddling plan. "When I was there, it wasn't water that you wanted to get in," said Swankie. However, she acknowledged that the river was in much better condition now than in the 1960s. When asked whether she might return to Indiana, Swankie said, "I won't be returning. I'm not going east of the Mississippi again." She added, "All the relatives who lived there, except for two nephews, have left the state. There's nobody left they've either died or moved away. There are still some classmates around; some of them are on my Facebook." And Now Hollywood life or not Swankie will be the first to tell you that she's an introvert. So much so that if she doesn't want visitors, she'll hang a skull and crossbones flag on her vanjust like she did in Nomadland. When Bruder documented the life of vandwellers in her book, Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, Swankie was among the nomads interviewed. When McDormand teamed up with Zhao to produce the film, naturally, they included Swankie, mostly as herself except the part where she dies and her friends toss rocks into a bonfire in remembrance of her. "I didn't like pretending, acting that I was sick and dying because I'm not sick and dying," said Swankie. "I'm very healthy and strong." Otherwise, she said the Swankie character in the film wasn't acting. "I was just being me." While the circumstances that brought Swankie to the nomadic life are different from those portrayed in the book and the film, the celebrity life was not part of Swankie's plan "you're asking an introvert if they want to do 10 interviews in one morning?!" Swankie said the film hasn't changed her life. "I don't intend to let it change my life. I was perfectly happy with the way I had things before the movie, and I'm probably going to continue to do things the same way after the movie," she said. Furthermore, she said she would be true to the film scene where she describes her exit. "I'm not going to end up in a hospital and die in a hospital bed," she said. As much as the celebrity life has thrown her, even more so than the pandemic, the two supporting actress award nominations she received were beyond anything she could have imagined. Given that Nomadland has won two Golden Globes and a host of other awards, Swankie is waiting to see what happens at the Academy Awards. And then she'll return to being Swankie. Some advice before you buy that van Living the van life isn't for everyone, especially those with medical issues. And while it might be nice to imagine what life could be like on the open road, Swankie has advice, especially for older women those who have spent their lives being unpaid wives, mothers, and grandmothers, devoting their lives to their families, who end up with no social security benefits. "If you're in that position, think of a way to get income so you're putting into social security or some way that you have something to live off of afterwards because $500 or $1000 a month just doesn't cut it in this day and age. You can't live in a clean, decent place for that amount of money." For a woman who has endured more than a lifetime of challenges and health issues, Swankie seems to have lived the last 13 years or so comfortably and on her own terms. And probably, that's because she has abided by the advice she leaves with others: "Never give up, find a way because you have no idea what might be in store it could be beyond your wildest imaginings!" Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. OTTAWA - Indigenous Services Canada won't set a deadline for lifting all remaining long-term drinking-water advisories in First Nations communities, but it will create a website to provide estimated completion dates for each one that remains. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller responds to a reporters question during a news conference, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Indigenous Services Canada won't set a deadline for lifting all remaining long-term drinking-water advisories in First Nations communities, but it will create a website to provide estimated completion dates for each one that remains. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said he remains committed to ensuring every First Nation community will have access to clean drinking water. "Our commitment to lift all long-term drinking-water advisories on public systems on reserve remains firm," Miller said Wednesday at a news conference in Ottawa. "I don't underestimate the amount of work to be done, particularly in the face of a global pandemic, but we're ready to work through this." Department officials said public health measures, contractor and human-resource shortages as well as supply-chain interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make it too difficult to figure out a firm timeline for getting everything done. "We've lost, in effect, a construction season, but it isn't an excuse," Miller said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in 2015 to lift all drinking-water advisories by this March. In December, Miller announced that deadline would be missed. Over 100 long-term drinking-water advisories have been lifted since 2015, but there are still 38 First Nations communities where the water isn't considered safe to drink. Department officials told a technical briefing Wednesday that they are aiming to take full advantage of the spring and summer construction period to make up for the delays. The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations said considerable progress has been made to end drinking-water advisories since 2015 but the government should work to lift all remaining advisories. "I continue to urge the federal government to work together with First Nations to implement long-term solutions within realistic timelines that will provide water certainty for our children and families, Perry Bellegarde said in a statement. The federal government is also launching a new website to track progress on lifting the remaining advisories, which Miller called an "effort in transparency." "Now people can look on the website and see the detailed planning involved," he said. "People can see that. They don't need to trust my words." NDP leader Jagmeet Singh rejected the government's claim that the new website will provide more transparency. "Its not going to help at all. Its going to do nothing," Singh told a virtual press conference Wednesday. In the year 2021, in one of the G7 nations with an economy as large as ours and the resources that we have, there is no excuse that the Liberal government hasnt fixed this problem. Singh called for a new deadline for all long-term drinking water advisories to be lifted. People deserve clean drinking water at a minimum. There is no excuse for this not to happen," he said. "What Indigenous communities want to see is a real commitment to clean drinking water, not broken promises, not fake words. The federal auditor general Karen Hogan said in a report released last month the government did not provide the support needed to ensure First Nations communities have access to safe drinking water. She also noted the government has not created a regulatory regime for managing drinking water in First Nations communities. The report concludes that 100 long-term advisories were lifted between 2015 and 2020 but 60 remained in effect as of Nov. 1, 2020, and almost half of those have been in place for more than a decade. Miller said some First Nations including Shoal Lake and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte chose to maintain drinking water advisories until they finish the construction of long-term projects. "This is a choice that I respect to maintain the long-term water advisories until such time as those long-term projects are completed," he said. Miller said there had been massive underinvestment in Indigenous communities by previous governments when the Liberals came to power in 2015. He said there was no plan to get rid of the 105 long-term drinking water advisories that were in place five years ago. Miller said that, among other things, has caused a lack of trust in the government among many Indigenous people, noting that the new website will guarantee more openness for First Nations people, so they can see the work the government is doing in their communities. "You may say that a website alone doesn't do that, but it does start to build the confidence because people get to see what I'm seeing, what my department see. They also get to see, perhaps, some of the challenges and pitfalls." This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2021. With files from Christopher Reynolds This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. Ottawa, March 10, 2021 - A new study of fossilized lampreys dating from more than 300 million years ago is challenging a long-held theory about the evolutionary origin of vertebrates (all animals with a backbone). The findings are published March 10 in the science journal Nature. Lampreys are ancient, jawless, eel-like fishes that arose around half a billion years ago and they have long provided insights into vertebrate evolution. Now, scientists with the Canadian Museum of Nature, the University of Chicago and the Albany Museum in South Africa are reporting their analysis of dozens of tiny fossils that track the life stages and growth of ancient lampreys, from hatchlings to juveniles to adults. Their results counter the established view that the blind, filter-feeding larvae of modern lampreys (called ammocoetes) are a holdover from the ancestors of all living vertebrates. The new fossil discoveries show that ancient lamprey hatchlings were completely unlike their modern larvae counterparts. "We've basically removed lampreys from the position of the ancestral condition of vertebrates," explains lead author Tetsuto Miyashita, Ph.D, a palaeontologist with the Canadian Museum of Nature. "So now we need an alternative." Miyashita explains that lampreys have a curious life cycle. "Once hatched, the larvae of modern lampreys bury themselves in a riverbed and filter feed before eventually metamorphosing into blood-sucking adults. The larvae are so different from adults that scientists originally thought they were different species. Even after finding out they are just an early phase in the lamprey life cycle, scientists saw the image of our distant ancestors in these seemingly primitive larvae." The newly discovered lamprey fossils are now changing this story. The fossils, belonging to four extinct species, were discovered in South Africa and the United States (Illinois and Montana) and range in age from 310 to 360 million years old. The researchers found that the smallest individuals, barely 15mm in length (fingernail sized), still carried a yolk sac, signalling that these had only just hatched before dying. Further examination revealed that these youngsters already had large eyes and were armed with a toothed sucker, characteristics that in modern lamprey species only develop in the adults. "Remarkably, we've got enough specimens to reconstruct a trajectory from hatchling to adult in several independent lineages of early lampreys," said Michael Coates, Ph.D, a biology professor at UChicago and co-author of the study along with Rob Gess, Ph.D at the Albany Museum and Kristen Tietjin at the University of Kansas. "They each show the same pattern: the larval form was like a miniature adult." The researchers say that these results run counter to the 150-year-old evolutionary narrative that modern lamprey larvae, with their curious life cycle, offer a glimpse of deep ancestral vertebrate conditions. By demonstrating that ancient lampreys never went through the same blind, filter-feeding stage seen in modern species, the researchers have falsified the conventional ancestral model shared in textbooks. After their examination of the fossil record, the researchers now believe that extinct armored fishes known as ostracoderms might instead represent better candidates for the root of the vertebrate family tree, whereas modern lamprey larvae are a more recent evolutionary innovation. If so, then why do modern lamprey larvae appear so primordial? The team suggests that the evolution of filter-feeding larvae may have been an innovation that allowed lampreys to populate rivers and lakes. Fossil lampreys reported in the new study all came from marine sediments, but modern lampreys, with their filter-feeding, blind larvae, mostly live in freshwater. For ancient blood-sucking lampreys, rivers and lakes would be tough environments in which to migrate because of the limited and unpredictable supply of prey. "Lampreys solved this problem by burrowing in sand and slurping up whatever food particles were available until they could mature enough to start looking for prey with blood," said Miyashita. "But you don't have to be too complicated for this kind of lifestyle. So even though lampreys invented this filter feeding larval phase anew, the larvae themselves looked simple and primordial. Until now we were misinterpreting this simplicity for primitiveness." The researchers say that this is the sort of discovery that can rewrite textbooks. "Lampreys are not quite the swimming time capsules that we once thought they were," said Coates. "They remain important and essential for understanding the deep history of vertebrate diversity, but we also need to recognize that they, too, have evolved and specialized in their own right." Supplemental Information: The painstaking fieldwork of researcher Rob Gess has been critical to this study, ""Non-ammocoete larvae of Palaeozoic stem lampreys". He has led remarkable excavations of a Late Devonian shale locality near Makhanda, South Africa. In 2006, Gess and Coates described the oldest-known fossil record of an adult lamprey (Priscomyzon riniensis) from the site. Miyashita picked up the collaboration in 2016 and worked on this as a post-doctoral fellow at UChicago. The team also credits the work of Kristen Tietjen, who did the CT scans and life reconstruction of the fossil lampreys. ### Media contact: Dan Smythe Head, Media Relations Canadian Museum of Nature 613-698-9253 (cell) dsmythe@nature.ca BEDFORD, Mass., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC ("WMA") announced today the appointment of an Advisory Board to support its new scheduled services. "Having been in the global airline industry for over 40 years, I have been very fortunate in working with many incredibly talented and dedicated professionals who share my passion for a stable and financially successful airline industry. This Board, along with our experienced management team, brings together the best of this talent," said John Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of WMA. The Board will be comprised of: Mr. Russell Chew, ex- President and COO jetBlue Airways, ex-COO FAA Air Traffic Organization, ex-VP Systems Operations, American Airlines. Ms. Nina Jonsson, global aviation executive with 30 years' experience at three major airlines (Air France-KLM, United Airlines, US Airways), most recently as SVP Group Fleet at Air France-KLM. Currently advising global C-suite aviation clients with Plane View Partners LLC, Board Director at Icelandair hf., and Board Director at Canadian aerospace solutions provider FLYHT, Ltd. Ms. Inese Kingsmill, ex-Chief Marketing Officer, Virgin Australia Airlines, where she led marketing, digital and e-commerce, sales, customer facing and channel functions along with prior roles at Microsoft and Telstra. Currently non-executive director of rhipe Limited, Spirit Technology Solutions, hipages Holdings, NobleOak Life Limited, WorkVentures. Mr. Doug Leo, ex-SVP Network, Pricing and Revenue Management United Airlines, 30+ years senior airline executive experience also including at Northwest Airlines and US Airways. Mr. Ray Benvenuti, ex-Managing Partner at Greenbriar Equity Group, CEO Stellex Aerostructures, Inc., Chairman, AmSafe Partners, Chairman and Interim CEO, Align Aerospace, Inc. Director The Whitcraft Group, NN, Inc., Superior Industries International Inc. Mr. Reza Taleghani, CFO Samsonite, ex-President and CFO Brightstar Corp., ex-CEO Sterling Airlines, ex-JP Morgan Airline investment banker. The new board will provide valuable advisory support for WMA's new scheduled services launching in October 2021 utilizing Q400 aircraft. The move to expand its services comes off the back of an unprecedented year of growth for WMA, which has seen charter revenues growing by 80% year on year 2019 to 2020. For more information go to our website: http://www.waltzingmatildaaviation.org/scheduled-passenger-service/ About Waltzing Matilda Aviation WMA is a Boston based FAA Part 135 jet charter operator (Certificate number 6WZA614N) that has started the process to add FAA Part 121 scheduled and non-scheduled services to its Air Operators Certificate. WMA began private (Part 91) operations in June 2008 and has operated thousands of hours of safe and reliable flying with a focus on delivering superior customer service. WMA owns and operates both its own aircraft as well as managed aircraft. WMA brings together a group of aviation professionals, many of whom have been involved in jet charter operations in the Boston area for over 20 years. WMA is passionate about flying and dedicated to providing a high quality of service. WMA was co-founded by John Thomas. John has been actively involved in the aviation industry for the past 35 years, both as a senior operating executive as Group Executive at Virgin Australia Airlines and as a strategic advisor to the global aviation industry. He advised major airlines around the world as well as OEMs, Business & General Aviation, FBOs, airports, and ANSPs. In addition to actively managing WMA, John sits on the Board of Skyservice, the largest Corporate aviation service provider in Canada, as well as the Board of Icelandair Group, and continues to provide advisory services to the broader aviation industry including as Senior Advisor to Spike Aerospace Inc., ATM Consultants Group, and CAPA Centre for Aviation. Please visit www.wmaviation.org to learn more. Contact: John Thomas, CEO (617) 763 3434 [email protected] Executive Offices Base Operations 25 Burr Drive 180 Hanscom Drive Needham, MA 02492 Bedford, MA 01730 SOURCE Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC Related Links www.waltzingmatildaaviation.org Only two days before the official "100 percent" reopening of Texas, Houston Health Department officials announced that the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7) of COVID-19 was found to be widespread through the city's wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater samples collected in February from 31 of the city's 39 wastewater treatment plants were found to have the U.K. variant, Houston Health Department's Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Persse said. "The prevalence of the U.K. variant in our wastewater shows it's actively spreading in our city," Persse said during a press conference. "This is another clear indication that we must continue to mask up, practice social distancing, wash our hands, get tested and get vaccinated when possible." Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner echoed the concern over the U.K variant on Monday, stating that now Houston's positivity rate is up to 13.1 percent. "This is not time to drop our masks or drop our guard in the fight against the pandemic, " Turner said during the press briefing. 'POWDER KEG': Galveston braces for Spring Break crows after COVID-19 safety restrictions drop The detection of the U.K. variant in Houston's wastewater raised concern among Houston doctors. "This could be really concerningthe possibility of a fourth [COVID-19] wave," Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. Peter Hotez told Chron. "We have several things working against us. Point one, we have a high percentage of the wastewater that's positive for B1.1.7 variant. Point two, we have the papers by Yale showing that wastewater findings correlate well with community transmission and the third point is that Texas is still behind in terms of its ability to vaccinate. We haven't really caught up." Hotez urged that Houstonians keep their masks on, stay socially distanced in light of this U.K. variant detected in Houston's wastewater. "It's the worst possible scenario. No masks, not enough vaccinations and B.1.1.7 variant on the rise. It's not good news in Texas," Hotez added. New Delhi, March 10 : A Delhi Court on Wednesday stayed till March 12 the search warrant procured by the Delhi Police against advocate Mehmood Pracha, representing various accused in the Delhi riots cases, after he moved the court against the second raid conducted at his office on Tuesday. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma will pass the final order on the advocate's application on March 12. On Tuesday, Pracha alleged that the Delhi Police raided his office in southeast Delhi's Nizamuddin area. He said that around 100 police personnel came to his office about 12.30 p.m. The search warrant was procured by the police from Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma on March 4 to seize the computer with primary evidence which were identified during the previous search. The court had directed that videography of the search proceedings be done. The investigating officer was directed to carry out the search in the presence of a senior police officer within two weeks of issuance of the search warrant. Earlier, the Delhi Police Special Cell in December 2020 had raided the premises of Pracha in a case related to alleged use of forged documents as genuine in judicial records in a northeast Delhi riots case. Photos of independent coffee shops opened through Crimson Cup's 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative. If youve ever dreamed about opening a coffee house, Id love to help you get started. Weve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs take the leap from dreaming about a coffee shop to opening their doors. Chances are, we can help you! - Scott Fullerton, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea The pandemic turned 2020 into an uncertain year for many businesses. But against all odds, 19 entrepreneurs in eight states fulfilled their dreams of opening a coffee shop with the help of nationally renowned coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. Six of the new coffee shops were the second or third locations for their owners. Kudos to the new coffee shop owners who refused to let the pandemic stop them from opening their businesses, said Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert. I am impressed by their courage, creativity, and sheer perseverance. Owners who opened their second or third location during the pandemic show that specialty coffee shops can remain profitable and grow even during a recession. Some owners said they would not have been able to open without the help of Crimson Cups 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative. Hands down the best decision we made was going with Crimson Cup, said Angel Gordon, owner of Ivory Bean Coffee House. Doing this on our own, I dont think wed be sitting here right now. Angel Becker, co-owner and manager of Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe, said Crimson Cups one-stop-shop approach, including equipment and initial inventory, gave her the self-assurance she needed. If we didnt have Crimson Cup, I dont think we could have made the leap to do this, she said. It would have been overwhelming. Many of the new owners had zero experience with specialty coffee. They learned how to open a coffee shop through Crimson Cups 7 Steps program. Based on Uberts Book, Seven Steps to Success: a Commonsense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee, the 7 Steps program has helped hundreds of independent coffee shops in 30 states become thriving businesses. We believe that our company only succeeds when our customers do, Ubert said. As a result, Crimson Cup supports coffee shop owners at every step from scouting a great location and writing a coffee shop business plan to planning a menu, choosing equipment, hiring staff and providing comprehensive training. Unlike coffee franchises, Crimson Cup allows entrepreneurs to call the shots as they build their businesses. Each of the 19 new coffee shops is as unique as its owners and their communities. They include: Adams Flying Pig Coffee House in Wheelersburg, Ohio Coffee Jerks Deer Creek in Deer Creek, Oklahoma Coffee Jerks Uptown in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Common Ground Coffee Bar in Oxford, Missouri Cups of Joy in Wilson, North Carolina Germania Brew Haus in Godfrey, Illinois Hawthorn Tree Bakery in Carlinville, Illinois Higher Groundz Coffee & Tea in Maryland Heights, Missouri Ivory Bean Coffee House in Shelby, Ohio Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe in Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Matter More Coffee House in Hampstead, North Carolina Orange Couch Coffee House in Eureka, Missouri Oxford Gourmet & Gifts in Oxford, Mississippi Rare Bird Emporium in Murphy, North Carolina Rise & Dine in Crescent, Oklahoma Sweeten Creek Coffee House in Ashville, North Carolina Winstons Coffee & Waffles food truck in the Columbus suburb of Clintonville, Ohio From the name on the door to the location, menu, decor and other features, the owners put their stamp on businesses that reflects their individual tastes and the needs of their local communities, Ubert said. Crimson Cup acts as a coffee partner for our customers, he added. "We dont charge franchise fees or royalties. In fact, we dont even make customers sign long-term contracts. 7 Steps Sales Leader Scott Fullerton is the initial contact for all new coffee shop owners. If youve ever dreamed about opening a coffee house, Id love to help you get started, Fullerton said. Weve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs take the leap from dreaming about a coffee shop to opening their doors. Chances are, we can help you! Reach Fullerton by emailing sfullerton@crimsoncup.com or by calling 1.888.800.9224. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a 2020 Good Food Award winner, 2019 Golden Bear Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee for consumers and wholesale coffee customers. Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program, the company teaches entrepreneurs to run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop. Crimson Cup also supports life-enriching projects through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, promoting the education, health, sustainability and economic growth of small-plot coffee farmers and their communities. Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses and a new Crimson retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation on pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers. Get a free sample report for more information Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers: Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the Marketing Consulting market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Marketing Consulting pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfill their category objectives. For more insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers, Click here. Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth: The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. During the forecast period, the market expects a change of 2%-4%. Identify favorable opportunities in Marketing Consulting TCO (total cost of ownership). Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes. Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities. Some of the top Marketing Consulting suppliers listed in this report: This Marketing Consulting procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Nielsen Holdings Plc WPP Plc IQVIA Holdings Inc. Verisk Analytics Inc. INTAGE Holdings Inc. Accenture Plc McKinsey & Co. Boston Consulting Group Inc. dunnhumby Ltd. GfK SE To get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment, Subscribe Now for Free. Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix Get access to regular sourcing and procurement insights to our digital procurement platform- Contact Us. About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more: https://www.spendedge.com/request-for-demo Contacts SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Related Links https://www.spendedge.com/ On his website, California-based minister Mario Murillo posted on his blog the reasons why pastors' silence on issues of abortion, same-sex marriage, and the Equality Act is more harmful to their people than they assumed. "Here's the thing-by doing this you are hurting the people, and hurting them badly. You are hurting them in ways you never imagined," he wrote. Murillo brought up the Hebrews 13:14 as his scripture reference in his admonishment. He said that church people would often put their trust on their leaders, and these leaders, in turn, will give an account to God. This premise, according to Murillo, should have been a learning opportunity for Christian leaders to train their congregants to give answers or to make a stand on differing issues based on their moral and spiritual convictions. "Are you preaching comfort to these sheep? Are you training them to give an answer? Are you taking action against persecution in your area by confronting politicians and government about religious freedom?" was his challenge. Noting the many kind of things that the Left does, Murillo argues that Christians should not be forced to be "silent or suffer because they are not properly trained to push back on leftist bullies." "Pastors who refuse to clarify their political positions are ignoring hazards their people face every day. Politics hurt. Its costs Christian bakers their business, it costs believers being fired from their jobs, students getting expelled. It's why men in bizarre women's clothes and make up are reading to children in public Libraries," he pointed out. "Politics is why you and I are accused of hate speech. Politics is why many Christian outlets have stopped performing marriages. Politics is why your tax dollars fund the cost of abortion." "This is not about legislating morality. It's about stopping the legislation of immorality." To put weight on his assessment on whether Christians should engage in politics or not, Murillo wrote in caps that it's not about legislating morality, but more on preventing the legislation of immorality. He quoted the account on Acts 4:19-20 where Peter and John gave a brilliant answer to their detractors. "But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'" Murillo used the apostles' example to give emphasis on why Christians, like their first century predecessors, should choose to not submit to laws that are clearly in contradiction to God's Word. He then added that "every loving leader" should emulate Peter's example on verse 23. "And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them." Murillo acknowledged that there will be threats and push backs when Christians raise their voices, but the solution is not silence. "The solution was a prayer for boldness to tell the truth and for miracles to confirm the Gospel," he said then added, "How can you ask God to look at a threat that you refuse to admit is a threat?" New Delhi, March 10: Japan has sounded an alarm about Chinas regional intent ahead of the May 12 summit of the Quad grouping, which also includes India, Australia and the US, that is likely to take place later this week. In a pro-active move, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide spoke for around 40 minutes with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi where the two leaders recognised that it was increasingly important to recognise the importance of a "Free and open Indo-Pacific". In plain language, the two leaders were focused on the threat posed by China to the status quo in the Indo-pacific-a geographic space on either side of the Malacca straits. The Malacca straits link the Indian and the Pacific Oceans and is major choke point of the east-west international trade. The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday night formally announced that PM Modi will participate with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden in the "first Leaders' Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework, being held virtually." Besides discussing regional and global issues of shared interest, the leaders will "exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific". Significantly, the Leaders' dialogue will go beyond security issues and discuss establishment of new supply chains-an issue that was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic after the world realised the dangers of critical overdependence on China. The Quad summit will be an opportunity to exchange views on "contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change," the statement added. Supplies of Covid-19 vaccines in the Indo-Pacific will be another top priority during the summit. The leaders will also review efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and "explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," the statement said without giving details. PM Modi and Suga also agreed to advance not only the India-Japan relationship, but also cement bonds of the Indo-Pacific Quad. "The two leaders shared the recognition that cooperation towards realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly important and to this end, shared the view to steadily advance both Japan-India bilateral cooperation and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. quadrilateral cooperation," a press statement of the Japanese foreign ministry said. Naming China, the strongly worded statement said that "Prime Minister Suga expressed serious concerns regarding unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Sea, China's Coast Guard Law and the situation in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR)." "Prime Minister Suga also asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue by North Korea. Furthermore, the two leaders confirmed that they have grave concerns over the situation in Myanmar and they would closely work together in this vein." The conversation of the two leaders comes ahead of the widely expected Quad summit later this week. US President Joe Biden has spoken to the prime ministers of all three countries-- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Premier Suga. But a joint meeting of the four leaders would give a collective Indo-Pacific strategy a high-octane push. China is the elephant in the room which had apparently triggered an energetic response from the four democracies. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, China has been visibly asserting itself in a strategic arc stretching from the Pacific to the shores of the Indian Ocean in Africa, and everything that falls within. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday declared that the country's military must be "prepared to respond" to the current "complex and difficult situations" which remain largely unstable and uncertain. "The current security situation of our country is largely unstable and uncertain. The entire military must coordinate the relationship between capacity building and combat readiness, be prepared to respond to a variety of complex and difficult situations at any time, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and provide strong support for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist state," the South China Morning Post quoted Xi as saying during a panel discussion attended by armed forces representatives in Beijing. Amid heightened frictions with China the Indian Navy and its partners in the Quad after the summit will engage in complex interoperability exercises involving carrier strike groups, anti-submarine warfare aircraft and attack submarines in April- a move aimed at projecting their dominance from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Straits as reported the Hindustan Times. Quad's strategic allies France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be part of this exercise. The UAE will be joining India and France for the first time in a trilateral naval exercise in the strategically important Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in late April under the Varuna banner. This is scheduled between April 25 and 27. UAE's naval chief confirmed his country's participation in the Varuna trilateral exercises. During their conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan-India relations and concurred that they would continue their effort to materialise the "Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership" through cooperation in such areas as security and defence, economic relationship including digital fields and people-to-people exchanges. Suga and Modi also welcomed the progress on the high-speed rail project and the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on specified skilled workers. (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 That deal looks good enough to offset the ridiculous $799 dealer fee that most charge in FL. If the color is Blue Jeans, it must be a 2020, as that color is discontinued for 2021. There's still a 2020 around that I've got my eyes on, but the dealer is only offering about $2700 discount...not enough in my eyes for a truck that will be 2 years old when the order banks open in 6 days for the MY2022 (technically not 2 years old until the 2022 lands this summer). Had that dealer given me a deal similar to yours, I'd likely have jumped on it. If anyone knows of gas CCLB (XLT with rear window or Lariat), let me know. A provision of the latest federal coronavirus relief package will provide funding for communities across the country to launch programs like the widely admired one in Eugene that sends behavioral health workers instead of police in response to mental health crises. Tucked into the $1.86 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as the COVID relief bill, is a funding incentive meant to encourage communities to create programs that mirror the Eugene-area Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets program, called Cahoots for short. The provision allows communities to be reimbursed by Medicaid for up to 85% of their service costs, with an initial $1 billion for those reimbursements. This paves the way for the Cahoots Act, proposed in February by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and seven other senators, and slated to be introduced to Congress soon. The Cahoots Act would increase the Medicaid reimbursement to 95%. The bill would also provide states grants to plan for and set up the new reimbursement option. This gives us a chance to showcase that once again Oregon is leading the nation, Wyden said. And for Oregon, this could mean money that might be used in Roseburg or Medford or along the Oregon coast to set up similar programs. For Wyden, the decision to work on the bill is far more complicated than wanting to showcase work being done in his home state. It is an issue that he contemplated long before his political career. My brother was schizophrenic and there were years when our family went to bed at night worried about my brother Jeff being on the streets, Wyden said. We worried about whether he would hurt himself or someone else. This is deeply personal. The federal reimbursement is meant to catalyze new programs or expand those already operating. (We) are really excited and proud that the model we have been developing in our community for 31 years has an opportunity for being disseminated nationally so other communities might be able to develop public safety systems that are more in line with their communitys values, said Chris Hecht, executive coordinator of the White Bird Clinic, which operates Cahoots. The Eugene-area program acts as another arm of the citys first response system. Police are sent to crimes, firefighters are sent to fires, and mental health workers are sent to behavioral health incidents. Whether suicidality, a really difficult relationship issue or a substance abuse crisis, we are talking about people who may be experiencing the worst day of their life, Hecht said. To be able to support them by sending out folks who are trained in mental health services is a really different experience than a patrol car with officers carrying weapons showing up in that moment. The funding will encourage communities to try a model that looks and feels different than what they are used to. For some decision-makers, Hecht believes the potential to save money will be the allure. Eugenes $2 million program saved the city around $14 million in 2019, he said. Those savings came from not having to provide ambulance rides and emergency room treatment and from the decrease in policing. But the impact will reverberate far deeper than that, he predicted. I think we mostly hope that what we have learned here in our community can be of service to other communities struggling with profound questions around systemic racism, policing and the social contract, Hecht said. Quite often, it is (people of color) that experience the brunt of violence from police and inappropriate interactions, and that can often be in the context of mental health or drug and alcohol related issues. One way that these non-police response programs lift up Black, Latino, Indigenous and other communities of color is by working with culturally relevant nonprofits that are already embedded within that community to host the program, he said. While the programs collaborate with police departments, running them out of a community organization rather than the police department creates a greater level of trust. As our country continues its racial justice reckoning, engaging mobile health crisis units that center the needs of (communities of color) that are disproportionately impacted by health and housing disparities is just one part of an equitable response, said Caryn Brooks, the communications manager for the Portland program that is modeled off Cahoots. While Wyden hopes the model ripples across the country, it has already gained traction in Portland. Portland Street Response launched last month in the Lents neighborhood, focusing on homeless individuals. Program officials hope to expand it citywide next year. Were excited to see support on the federal level for programs like Portland Street Response and we are actively investigating ways this sort of legislation can help fund the expansion of (our program), Brooks said. We hope that our legislators see the immense value of these programs and support the Cahoots Act. Nicole Hayden reports on homelessness for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at nhayden@oregonian.com or 810-210-1561. Follow her on Twitter: @Nicole_A_Hayden. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2021. (John Raoux/AP Photo) Judge Dismisses Trump Campaign Lawsuit Against NY Times A judge on March 9 dismissed a defamation lawsuit from the campaign of former President Donald Trump against The New York Times over its 2019 opinion article The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo. New York Judge James dAuguste allowed (pdf) the NY Times to dismiss the lawsuit on March 9, which had sought millions in damages. Max Frankel, the former executive editor of the paper, had alleged in an opinion piece that Trump had an overarching deal with [Russian President] Vladimir Putins oligarchy during the 2016 election. The article was seemingly part of a continuous media-driven campaign to tie Trump to Putin. However, in 2019, then-special counsel Robert Mueller found that Trumps campaign didnt collaborate with Moscow after a months-long investigation. DAuguste, a Democrat, provided three reasons why the suit should be dismissed. First, he said, the opinion article was nonactionable opinion, and he made note of the overall context in which the article was published, in the opinion section of the newspaper. Second, the challenged statements are not of and concerning plaintiff, which is a necessary element for a defamation action, he wrote. Further, a corporate entity has no standing to sue over statements that concern an entitys employees or affiliates, but not the entity itself. In elaborating, the judge said Frankels column was about Trumps family members and associates and not about the campaign itself. Third, even if Mr. Frankels commentary was actionable as factual assertions, and even if such assertions were of and concerning the Trump campaign, the complaint fails to allege facts sufficient to support the requirement that the Times published the challenged statements with actual malice, according to DAugustes ruling. The judge, however, denied the NY Times application for the imposition of sanctions. Previously, Trumps campaign filed lawsuits against CNN and The Washington Post over similar Russian collusion stories. The lawsuit against CNN was dismissed last year. The Epoch Times has reached out to Trumps team for comment. Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly pilloried stories and narratives that alleged he colluded with Russia, frequently describing it as the greatest political witch hunt in U.S. history. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe this week said that former U.S. Attorney John Durham, who was leading a probe into the origins of the TrumpRussia probe within the FBI and Department of Justice, agreed there was no intelligence that Trump or his campaign colluded with the Kremlin. Last summer, we went over the intelligence, and we all unanimously agreed that there was no intelligence from the intelligence community that reflected actual, real Russian collusion with the Trump campaign, but there was intelligence that it was created by the Hillary Clinton campaign, and that there was no proper predicate for Crossfire Hurricane to begin, Ratcliffe, a Trump appointee, said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Stable flies cause $2B in agriculture losses each year -- and they're so annoying Researchers hope to use an agricultural pest's genetic code against it to prevent billions of dollars in annual losses in the United States. Stable flies, or Stomoxys calcitrans, are spotted, tan-colored flies found around the world. They are easily mistaken for the common housefly but for one notable distinction: They bite. "If you get one in your house and it bites you, it's a stable fly," said Joshua Benoit, an assistant professor of biology at the University of Cincinnati. Stable flies don't bite so much as chomp. They are the scourge of beachgoers in Florida and recreational boaters in upstate New York. According to Thomas Jefferson, they tormented signatories of the Declaration of Independence. "You shoo it away and shoo it away but it's persistent and lands on you. And then it bites. And it's not a pleasant bite. It's a pretty vicious, painful bite," Benoit said. UC joined an international team that unlocked the genome of stable flies. Benoit and his students contributed to a fundamental research project called i5k that has the ambitious goal to sequence the genes of 5,000 species of arthropods, the group that includes spiders, insects and crabs. "It's a pretty cool project. Molecular research on stable flies is far behind many other organisms. Our goal was to jump it up so we have a good model system to understand the biology of stable flies," Benoit said. Previously, UC worked on similar projects for bedbugs and the agricultural menaces thrips and screwworms. With stable flies, Benoit said they were looking for possible weaknesses to exploit in its genetic code. Researchers examined stable fly biology using genomic sequencing and RNA analysis over the fly's development. They also identified 1,600 genes related to stable fly reproduction, which could lead to new biological controls without the use of pesticides. "Conducting research for its own sake is reward enough, but it is always heartening when the findings generate interesting novel avenues for exploration," study co-author and UC postdoctoral researcher Christopher Holmes said. The study was published in the journal BMC Biology. Pia Untalan Olafson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was the study's lead author. "Stable flies are arguably one of the most important pests of livestock in the United States," Olafson said. The project has huge economic implications from tourism to agriculture. Nobody can nap in a beach chair with stable flies for company. The flies cause an estimated $2.2 billion in livestock production each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cows beset by stable flies produce less milk and put on less weight. Unlike mosquitoes, both male and female stable flies bite. "It's a nonstop onslaught all the time. The flies need a blood meal to survive and reproduce. So they will keep trying to bite and trying to bite. They are very persistent," Benoit said. "When you get a thousand of these biting a cow, it can have a huge impact on agricultural productivity." Olafson said the research has implications far beyond the United States. "Worldwide, these flies have become a societal issue of public and political importance," she said. "Growing international agroindustries, like pineapple, coffee and sugarcane, produce large amounts of byproduct that are ideal sites for stable fly larvae to develop. These sites can produce upwards of hundreds of thousands of flies per acre. Livestock producers and communities that neighbor these industries feel the impact." UC's study also helps scientists better understand why some flies evolved to feed on blood while similar species didn't. The flies lay their eggs in wet or rotting vegetation like the wet hay or straw found around barns and stables that give them their associated name. By understanding the genes responsible for stable fly reproduction, researchers hope to design novel biological controls similar to methods that have worked to eradicate other pests such as screwworms. The USDA raises screwworms by the millions, releasing sterilized males over Central America to keep them from pushing north to plague North American cattle ranches. "Any targeted control like that is probably better than widescale pesticide application, which will kill all insects. So you don't have to release chemicals into the environment," Benoit said. ### Spain's foreign minister on Tuesday hailed the European Parliament's decision to lift the immunity of three wanted Catalan MEPs, although reactions were divided on the streets of Catalonia. The decision relates to former regional president Carles Puigdemont and two others who are wanted by Madrid over their role in the failed Catalan independence bid of 2017, which triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. Puigdemont blasted the decision, calling it "a sad day for the European Parliament" and saying he and the other two MEPs were victims of "political persecution". But for the Spanish government, it was welcome news after several years of seeking their extradition, with Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya saying the decision sent "a very clear signal that the problems of Catalonia will not be solved in Europe or by Europe". "They have to be solved in Spain but (by) bringing all Catalan forces around the table," she said. Puigdemont fled Spain for Belgium in late 2017 to escape prosecution following the failed bid for an independent state in the wealthy northeastern Spanish region. The other two are the former Catalan health and education ministers, Clara Ponsati and Toni Comin. All three are wanted on sedition charges over the organisation of a banned referendum on independence, while Puigdemont and Comin are also facing accusations of misuse of public funds. Comin, like Puigdemont, has been living in Belgium while Ponsati is based in Scotland, where authorities had put her extradition on hold while awaiting the EU decision. As MEPs since 2019, all three had benefited from immunity from prosecution -- but they now risk being sent back to Spain to face trial and potential prison. Their lives could be about to become "complicated", a European Parliament official told AFP. However, Puigdemont has announced he intends to appeal the decision. And in January, a Belgian court refused to execute a European arrest warrant targeting another former Catalan regional minister, Lluis Puig, saying there was a risk that he would not receive a fair trial. Story continues - Split opinions - Around a hundred people took to the streets of Barcelona on Tuesday night to protest against the EU decision, holding placards calling for an amnesty for the trio. "It's very sad and this will have very serious consequences," 63-year-old protester Rosa Ferrer said. But opinions were mixed on the streets of Catalonia, which has long been split over the thorny question of whether or not ithe region should separate from Spain. Blai Hereida, an 18-year-old student, thinks Puigdemont should be extradited. "If someone is a fugitive from justice, we have to show Spain has effective laws that must be respected," Hereida said. "As a Catalan citizen, I think Puigdemont should be put in prison for the crimes he's committed." Although Puigdemont and several others fled abroad to escape justice, Spain prosecuted nine other separatist leaders who in 2019 were handed heavy jail terms of up to 13 years. In another legal blow for the separatists on Tuesday, a Spanish court revoked the low-risk status granted to seven of those prisoners. Since January, all nine had benefited from a semi-open regime allowing them to work on weekdays and spend weekends at home. For now, the courts have yet to rule on whether the same ruling will apply to the other two prisoners, both women. Since taking office in 2018, Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for a cooling of tensions over Catalonia. He has proposed negotiations with the regional authorities, but the talks have yet to begin due to the pandemic. bur-vid-hmw/kjl/pvh Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Now that the New York Times, Politico, and other, major secular outlets have covered the failed presidential prophecies, why dont we make this a teachable moment and ask a basic question about prophecy? Specifically, when prophecy is predictive (and therefore foretelling rather than forthtelling), is it equivalent to headline news in advance? The reason I ask this question is because the recent presidential prophecies were presented like news headlines in advance, informing us of specific dates and details, none of which came to pass. Yet millions of Christians were urged to believe these specific words and were rebuked when they saw fit to question them. But is prophecy normally that specific, especially in terms of dates? Is this the biblical pattern? To be sure, many events are predicted in the Bible with specificity, and on rare occasion, there are specific times and dates put on the prophecies. But that is certainly not the norm. Instead, future prophecies are frequently spoken in such a way that there is some level of ambiguity in terms of how, exactly, they will come to pass. And often, it is only once they have come to pass that we realize they were true. Otherwise, people would try to manipulate them into happening prematurely or try to stop them from coming to pass. Think about for it a minute. The most important prophecies in history had to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus. And when you read passages like Isaiah 53 see our animated video on this amazing chapter here it seems totally clear. God predicted it hundreds of years in advance! Yet, to our knowledge, no one in Jesus generation fully understood those prophecies until after His death and resurrection. And even then, He had to open His disciples eyes. Then they saw it all clearly. It was all written in advance. (Read all of Luke 24 for two relevant accounts.) Why, then, do we think that prophecies today will be so much clearer? Some years ago, I had the privilege of writing a commentary on the book of Jeremiah, and now, after completing a commentary on Job, Im working on a commentary on Isaiah. Heres one of the prophecies from Isaiah: A prophecy against Dumah: Someone calls to me from Seir, Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night? The watchman replies, Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again. (Isaiah 21:11-12) Is that clear? Would you like to tell me exactly what it means? Or how about one of the famous prophecies from the Book of Revelation, speaking of the so-called mark of the beast, which some interpret with reference to Caesar and others with reference to a future antichrist? This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:18) What does 666 stand for? You would be amazed to see how many interpretations have been proposed. This doesnt mean that there is no significance to these words. It simply means that they are not simply presented like news headlines in advance. Or, when they do appear to be as plain as news headlines, there is often ambiguity in terms of exactly when they will come to pass. Again, there are many prophecies that are very specific, such as Jonah warning Nineveh that the city would be destroyed in 40 days unless they repented. Or Isaiah telling Hezekiah that, because of his prayer, his life would be extended 15 years. And when prophecy is more a matter of forthtelling than foretelling, it is often quite direct and explicit, calling out sin and calling for repentance in clear and specific ways (read Revelation 2-3 for examples). When it comes to some of the most famous Trump prophecies, such as Mark Taylors, he initially thought Trump would run and be elected in 2012, which was wrong. Then, he realized he got his timing wrong (which is not uncommon with prophecies), and rightly prophesied Trumps victory in 2016, along with him appointing three Supreme Court justices, which also happened. But he also predicted Trump serving a second term. That, obviously, has not yet happened. Its similar with the oft-referenced prophecies about Trump by the late Kim Clement. When you listen to them, some of them make sense and some do not. In fact, one of his most quoted prophecies seems to describe Trump as man of few words, yet he was anything but that. You might say, Then why make such a big fuss about the failed Trump prophecies now? Maybe they didnt really fail? Maybe theyll still come to pass? Actually, some were quite specific and did fail, such as those guaranteeing that Biden would not serve a day in the White House. Or those guaranteeing Trump would serve 8 consecutive years. Or those assuring us that he would be inaugurated on January 20. Not only so, but many of the prophets who predicted these things castigated those who did not believe them. They claimed their words were specific and definite and therefore, they urged, it behooved us to trust what they said. This is not just abusive and out of order. It is also missing the way prophecy often works and that is mysteriously. The Lord does tell us what we need to know, first and foremost in His Word. And He does guide us by His Spirit. But He does not give us random information in advance or satisfy our curiosity. Nor, for the most part, does He give us news headlines in advance. Had we recognized this last year, we would not have put such credence in specific words about a specific candidate getting elected at a specific time. And we would have avoided a lot of confusion and disappointment. Next time, around, God helping we will know better. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 HACKENSACK, N.J., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Convalescent plasma, the use of survivors' antibodies transfused into sick COVID-19 patients is safe and significantly improves clinical outcomes when using high levels of antibodies, according to a new publication by scientists at Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network. The treatment was safe, transferred the survivors' antibodies, and did not prevent the recipients from making their own antibodies, according to the results published recently in the journal JCI Insights. "We have developed this technique and methodology to save the lives of patients," said Michele Donato, M.D., FACP, CPE, chief of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, and who is leading the study. "We believe our hard work is paying off." "The know-how is really crucial for this kind of treatment," said David S. Perlin, Ph.D., the chief scientific officer and senior vice president of the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI). "We have demonstrated that when you rigorously qualify donors, and deliver their antibodies into the right patients, it can make a huge difference." Fifty-one patients were enrolled to receive the plasma. They were split into two groups: one that was hospitalized but not needing mechanical breathing assistance, and one that was receiving such assistance. The non-mechanically ventilated patients survived at a significantly higher rate (88.9 percent) at the 30-day mark than a comparative group elsewhere in the health network (72.5 percent). The convalescent plasma program at Hackensack University Medical Center identifies "super donors" those with the highest levels of neutralizing antibodies through methodology developed by experts from the CDI. These plasma patients received high levels (titers) of antibodies, with almost all receiving viral neutralizing anti-spike protein levels at a proportion of 1:1000, or even greater. This compares with some other plasma programs which have not set elevated thresholds for antibody levels from donors. Since the antibodies come from survivors who have developed immune responses to the latest strains, plasma may also keep up with the rise of "variants" of the SARS-CoV-2 virus where other interventions may not, according to some experts. The promising results for the early intervention have led to an ongoing outpatient program at Hackensack University Medical Center, supported by a Department of Defense grant. The approximately $5.5 million will allow the researchers at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, and their colleagues at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) to continue phase 2 testing of the clinical treatments. The goal of this outpatient work is to treat infected patients in the first 96 hours of symptoms with the antibodies found in plasma collected from COVID-19 survivors with the aim to prevent hospitalization. "This is an example of how our health network leverages excellent laboratory work into clinical interventions," said Ihor Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, president of Hackensack Meridian Health's Northern Market, and the chief research officer of the network. "Scientific research is helping to make a difference in this global pandemic." ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 17 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, JFK Medical Center in Edison; two children's hospitals - Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; nine community hospitals Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin; a behavioral health hospital Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead; and two rehabilitation hospitals - JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Brick. Additionally, the network has more than 500 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers and physician practice locations. Hackensack Meridian Health has more than 36,000 team members, and over 7,000 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The network's notable distinctions include having four hospitals among the top in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and being named to Becker's Healthcare's "150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare/2019" list. The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine opened in 2018, the first private medical school in New Jersey in more than 50 years, welcomed its third class of students in 2020 to its On3 campus in Nutley and Clifton. Additionally, the network partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to find more cures for cancer faster while ensuring that patients have access to the highest quality, most individualized cancer care when and where they need it. Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies. For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org. About the Center for Discovery and Innovation The Center for Discovery and Innovation, a newly established member of Hackensack Meridian Health, seeks to translate current innovations in science to improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases and other life-threatening and disabling conditions. The CDI, housed in a fully renovated state-of-the-art facility, offers world-class researchers a support infrastructure and culture of discovery that promotes science innovation and rapid translation to the clinic. About John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancers. The 15 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of aftercare services that distinguish John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For additional information, please visit www.jtcancercenter.org. SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health Laois artist Ella de Burca has been announced as one of the 31 recipients of the inaugural PLATFORM 31 bursary. The national development scheme helps artists to develop their practice and test new ideas of collaboration, research, audience development, place-based arts and sharing their work. Participating artists will receive an 8,000 bursary to invest in themselves and their practice, combined with participation in an advisory and developmental framework and a peer network. The pilot scheme is envisioned as a platform for the participants to value their time, to showcase their work and their collaborations, sharing their learnings locally and nationally as a legacy of the project. Ella de Burca welcomed the help the award will give. I feel very grateful for receiving the Platform 31 Award for Laois. It means a lot to be supported in this way and at this time. The Arts are crucial to society, as culture is the fabric that binds us together. Ni neart go cur le cheile. MORE BELOW PICTURE. The artist describes the approach she takes to her work. "I haunt old ghosts with new questions, particularly from a female perspective. I am especially interested in how we act as 'viewer,' and how we learnt to look that way, both as an individual and a community. "Working with gestures, sculpture and poetry I create performative work highlighting the agency of contemporary art in provoking the status quo, questioning methods of viewer engagement and examining the role of socio-political forces on reception, engagement and discourse concerning contemporary art. Ella's work has been supported by the Irish Arts Council, Fingal County Council and Culture Ireland. In 2016 she was the recipient of the Next Generation Bursary Award. She is currently pursuing a PhD at KU Leuven entitled Modes of Viewing: How to Act. Developed by the Association of Local Authority Arts Officers (ALAAO), in collaboration with the Arts Council, PLATFORM 31 offers financial and developmental support for the 31 mid-career artists awarded. Speaking about the scheme, Muireann Ni Chonaill, Laois Arts Officer said: Laois County Council are delighted to announce Ella de Burca as the selected Platform 31 Laois artist. We hope Ella will benefit for the programme and the opportunity to reflect on her practice, the mentorship offered and the peer network of artists she will encounter. We wish her every success, Laois Arts Officer, Muireann Ni Chonaill, pictured at Cuffsborough House, Aghaboe with Artist Ella de Burca. Picture: Michael Scully For over 35 years Local Authority Arts Offices have worked directly with artists to ensure the arts thrive in all communities. Working in a grass roots and foundational way has allowed Arts Officers to identify and to respond to the needs of artists, keeping the arts and cultural agenda focussed and relevant in changing environments. The carefully considered support network built into Platform 31 sets this bursary scheme apart. The scheme will establish a peer networking framework for participating artists, introducing them to a pool of critical thinkers to share their work and learnings, and encouraging a national conversation about creating work in local contexts. The exact nature of this artist support framework will be informed by the proposals and interests of the 31 artists selected. More below picture. The nationwide invitation went out to artists of any discipline and practice, based in Ireland, as well as multi-disciplinary practice. The Arts Council is delighted to support this thoughtful local authority led programme to support artists around Ireland, said Sinead OReilly, Head of Local, Place and Public Art, The Arts Council. Support for artists continues to be much needed at this time and our congratulations to each recipient; I have no doubt the bursary, the network and peer support will be an invaluable experience over the coming months. PLATFORM 31 is managed by Wicklow County Council on behalf of The Association of Local Authority Arts Officers, in collaboration with the Arts Council. For more information on see: https://platform31. localartsireland.ie/ www.LocalArtsIreland.ie For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. [March 10, 2021] Insight Select Income Fund Declares Quarterly Dividend Dividend Declaration The Insight Select Income Fund (INSI) (the "Fund") today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 on March 10, 2021. The total distribution of $0.20 will be payable on April 15, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 9, 2021, with an ex-dividend date of April 8, 2021. The Fund's last four quarterly dividend payments from ordinary income equates to approximately $0.80 per share. The Fund is a diversified closed-end management investment company whose investment objective is to seek a high rate of return, primarily from interest income and trading activity, from a portfolio principally consisting of debt securities. The Fund will also seek capital appreciation principally by purchasing debt securities at prices that the Adviser believes are below their intrinsic value. The Fund will also look to benefit from trading securities to optimize the risk adjusted yields in the Fund. Insight North America LLC, the Fund's investment adviser, provides fixed income asset management to a variety of institutional cients including corporations, governmental entities, employee benefit plans, private funds and registered investment companies. This press release is not for tax reporting purposes but is being provided to announce the amount of the Fund's distribution that have been declared by the Board of Trustees. A portion of the Fund's current distribution may include sources other than net investment income, including a return of capital. Investors should understand that a return of capital is not a distribution from income or gains of a Fund. As required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, a notice with the estimated components of the distribution will be sent to shareholders at the time of payment if it does not consist solely of net investment income. The notice should not be used to prepare tax returns as the estimates indicated in the notice may differ from the ultimate federal income tax characterization of distributions. After the end of each calendar year, investors will be sent a Form 1099-DIV informing them how to report distributions received during that year for federal income tax purposes. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310006002/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Improving Cash Cycle Management Is a Key to Corporate Stability" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Companies of all shapes and sizes should be continuously seeking to attain financial operations' efficiency, minimize resources consumed by manual processes, and gain better control over the management of working capital through automation. The pandemic has proved to be a wake-up call for companies lagging in the execution of this vision. A new research report, Improving Cash Cycle Management Is a Key to Corporate Stability reviews the current situation and trend forward for processes and solutions used across financial operations. Overall global economic contraction was 3.5% in 2020. Although 2021 and 2022 GDP projections are a relatively strong 5.5% and 4.2% respectively, recovery strength will vary significantly by country, with less developed markets particularly vulnerable. The level of technology investment and automation initiatives increased during 2020, and represent a likely ongoing trend in 2021. This will be important as revenues will be generally harder to come by into 2022 as economies attempt to regain lost ground. "Banks and other technology solution providers should be seeking to capitalize on these critical financial process needs by providing capabilities that require fewer client company resources to launch and support," commented Steve Murphy, Director of the Commercial and Enterprise Advisory Service, the author of this report. "This will help drive loyalty and provide stronger foundational client bases." Highlights of this research report include: Post-pandemic economic outlook in global markets by region Review of how cash cycle management impacts costs and working capital Detailed analysis of cash flow opportunities generated by strong financial operations Review of the technology approaches across the cash cycle and unfolding trends Case analysis of specific technology benefits Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Cash Cycle Automation Benefits Operating Expense Reduction Working Capital 4. Value Chain Procure-to-Pay Other Components 5. Technology Trends 6. Conclusion 7. References For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/spsx19 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com The Biden administrations Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is detaining the largest number of unaccompanied migrant children in the agencys history, and 1,400 of them are being held beyond the three-day legal limit. CBS News reported that it had obtained government documents showing more than 3,200 migrant children were being held in appalling jail-like cells at Border Patrol stations, and at least 170 of these youth are under the age of thirteen. Under US immigration law, CBP is obligated to transfer children to shelters operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the Department of Health and Human Services within 72 hours of taking them into custody. Migrant children at a detention camp in Homestead, Florida, Feb. 19, 2019 (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) However, an unprecedented number of unaccompanied children arriving at the US-Mexico border has overwhelmed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) infrastructure and led to a massive backlog of minors being held in facilities that were set up for the purpose of detaining adult men. The number of minors being apprehended at the border is currently estimated at three times greater than what it was just a few weeks ago. CBS News noted the facilities the youth are being detained in have been described as dog kennels and ice boxes by migrants. Children are also being held in a soft-sided detention center in southern Texas which is designed for short-term detention. The New York Times reported that people familiar with the agencys latest data said there were nearly 100,000 migrants apprehended at the border in the month of February and an additional 19,000 adults and children had been detained by border agents since March 1. According to the Times, the surge of workers and children arriving in the US is a result of a combination of people fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, the devastation caused by the recent hurricane season and an expectation that the Biden administration would reverse the Trump administrations war against immigrants. The crisis is exacerbated by measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in which the ORR reduced its bed capacity from 13,000 to 8,000 last year. However, on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized the department to return bed space back to pre-pandemic levels, citing extraordinary circumstances, according to a government memo obtained by CBS News. The CDC memo said, The only available options for housing (unaccompanied children) are prolonged stays at CBP facilities operating significantly above COVID-adjusted capacities, or placement in ORR facilities operating at capacity above the current COVID-19-adjusted thresholds. The memo said further, "While CDC recognizes the inherent risk posed by any congregate housing facility, CBP facilities are not appropriate for housing children. During the month of February, ORR sheltersincluding the reopened Carrizo Springs, Texas and the Homestead, Florida facilities that were opened during the Trump administration for holding children separated from their familiesreceived more than 7,000 migrant children. The previous one-month record for detained minors was 5,900, set in February 2019. There are currently 8,100 unaccompanied children being held in these detention facilities. While the Democratic Party Biden-Harris campaign promised a quick and dramatic reversal of the Trump administrations criminal treatment of immigrants and to put in place a fair and humane immigration policy on day one, the latest developments expose these statements as having been completely false. In an interview with MSNBCs Morning Joe program on Tuesday, Biden White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the horrendous treatment of migrant youth was an incredibly difficult and quite an emotional issue for many of us in the White House. She attempted to deflect responsibility for the crisis by blaming it on procedural problems carrying over from the Trump administration. Psaki said, The challenge is there are a lot of really difficult choices. We are trying to chart the best path forward. But there's no question, this is a heartbreaking circumstance at the border. In a press conference later in the day, Psaki refused to refer to the situation at the border as a crisis, saying, I dont think we need to put new labels on what we have already conveyed as challenging and a top priority for the administration. The Biden administration clearly identified the situation facing unaccompanied migrant youth as a crisis last weekend when the new Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and a dozen other senior administration officials were dispatched to the border over the weekend. The group traveled to the Southwest border to visit a Department of Homeland Security Border Patrol facility and a Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement facility, according to a White House statement. Although the specific locations were not mentioned in the press release, the one paragraph statement blamed the situation on the gutted border infrastructure and immigration system and said the group discussed ways to ensure the fair and humane treatment of immigrant children and families, the safety of the workforce, and the wellbeing of communities nearby in the face of a global pandemic. Among the only concrete proposals to come from the White House to address the crisis was that advanced by Secretary Mayorkas calling for federal employees to volunteer to help the US government at the border. As reported by Fox News, Mayorkas wrote in an email to DHS staff, Today, I activated the Volunteer Force to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they face a surge in migration along the Southwest Border. Mayorkas added, You have likely seen the news about the overwhelming numbers of migrants seeking access to this country along the Southwest Border. President Biden and I are committed to ensuring our Nation has a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system while continuing to balance all of the other critical DHS missions. It is clear from these developments that the Democrats have done nothing to prepare for the inevitable and substantial increase in workers and their families seeking to enter the US following Bidens electoral victory last November. Aside from the Democrats promoting the immigration overhaul bill announced on February 21legislation which was advanced for the purpose of bargaining with Republicans in Congressand dispensing with xenophobic rhetoric, immigration policies are developing along the same cruel and inhumane path set by the Trump administration. Mar. 9LIVERMORE FALLS About 15 hours after a man broke into a house at 48 Knapp St. early Monday morning and zip tied occupants, police were still negotiating with the armed intruder at almost midnight, according to officials. One person escaped during the early morning break-in, and two others got out later, leaving a fourth still inside, according to police. The neighborhood was blocked to traffic and nearby homes and businesses were evacuated, officials said. "If you let (the man) go we can guarantee your safety," the negotiator could be heard saying over a megaphone Monday evening. Police appeared to offer the gunman a medication exchange as part of the negotiation process. "You got loved ones out here," the negotiator said. "Your loved ones are worried about you." Livermore Falls police responded to a report of an armed intruder at about 5:25 a.m., according to Livermore Falls Lt. Joseph Sage. "The scene developed into the armed suspect being barricaded within the residence," he said. Police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said earlier Monday that three people were being held hostage. One hostage escaped during the break-in, he said. It is believed the hostages were zip tied, he said. State police, Livermore Falls and Jay police and the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office were at the scene, along with the Maine State Police Tactical Unit. NorthStar EMS ambulance was nearby, and Livermore Falls and Jay firefighters were making sure vehicles do not go near the scene. Cargill Street and a section of Knapp Street are blocked off. The ends of several other streets are also blocked off. Steward said arrest and search warrants have been received for the house and a car, and they were given to troopers midmorning. Schools in Regional School Unit 73 were dismissed midmorning because of the situation and a possible bomb threat, according to an email from Superintendent Scott Albert. A call from School Resource Officer Darin Gilbert at 6:25 a.m. said there was a hostage situation in downtown Livermore Falls that appeared to involve an RSU 73 student and employee. Story continues "We both felt at that time it was safe to have school," Albert wrote to students, staff and families. "At around 10 a.m, I received another call from SRO Gilbert stating that information was obtained connected to the hostage situation that included the possibility of a bomb being in one or all of our schools. This is why we were dismissed at that time. We take all threats seriously." Bomb squad members and police dogs were brought in to check the district buildings to ensure it would be safe to reenter them Tuesday, he wrote. "I am sorry to say that I have not received any official word on the safety of our student and employee," Albert wrote, "but my thoughts and prayers are with them." Ricky Merrill of Knapp Street in Jay said he saw some neighbors being evacuated. He saw a couple of people, which he believed were police on the roof of the front porch of the victim's house. He saw three police in a neighboring yard with guns pointed at the house. "It is definitely a shocker," Merrill said. "This something you would not expect in a small town that has always been friendly." March 10, 2021 Open Thread 2021-020 News & views ... Posted by b on March 10, 2021 at 17:21 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Two Alabama Department of Corrections employees are accused of assaulting an inmate and lying about it later. A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment on Wednesday charging Sgt. Devlon Williams, 35, and Correctional Officer Larry Managan Jr., 39, for the alleged incident at Staton Correctional Facility. They're accused of assaulting the inmate by hitting him with their feet and a collapsible baton and later making false statements about it to an investigator. Additionally, Managan is accused of assaulting the inmate by walking on him. Williams has another charge for making a false statement about the assault in an official report. If convicted, Williams could spend 50 years in prison while Managan could face a 40-year sentence. Aveva, a global leader in engineering and industrial software, has underscored how digital transformation will help to maximise business returns while also optimising sustainability in a post-pandemic world. Speaking at the 25th Annual ARC Industry Forum recently, Aveva CEO Craig Hayman and Alan Nelson, CTO Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), joined a keynote panel hosted by Andy Chatha, President of leading research and advisory firm ARC Advisory Group, to share how Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly unlocking value across the industrial sector. Nelson explained that the acceleration of digital and AI is at the forefront of technology discussions in every organisation. We have deployed a myriad of digital solutions to effectively manage our business, including AI-enhanced blueprints for faster reservoir development, predictive maintenance and real-time centralised monitoring for critical plant equipment, managing our shipping business virtually, and real-time logistics monitoring, he continued. What we have learned from going through digital transformation in the global pandemic is that this is a business transformation. Digital and AI strategies are not standalone approaches, they are an extension of the business needs. As a strategic partner to companies like Adnoc, Hayman explained the criticality of high-fidelity data to business outcomes. Industrial data flow through AI algorithms in combination with human insight, which deliver transformational benefits. Predictive solutions and operational data reduce cost and improve processes in real time. At Aveva we are investing approximately 150 million per year on R&D to enable 150 scrum teams of eight to 12 people each to develop meaningful insights and solutions that will address business-critical issues such as supply chain management. While our business has tripled in the last three years, digitalisation is only now beginning to truly accelerate. Digital innovation can realise the added benefit of reducing organisational carbon footprint, Hayman added. Avevas view of sustainability is twofold. Over time, our goal is to develop initiatives that minimise our entire environmental footprint, including applying circular economy principles to our global offices and operational practices. Our biggest opportunity, however, is what we think of as our handprint how our software can enable and drive sustainability for industries. Digitalisation will be critical to providing shareholder value, as sustainability is a metric that is in high demand from the boardroom to the customer. The pandemic has represented a steep learning curve for all kinds of enterprises, said Chatha. Over the past year, we learned that disruption happens faster than we anticipate. But while our priorities can change quickly, resets are possible and we can rebound quickly too, he said. -- Tradearabia News Service To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! The social media commentary dismissing Meghan Markle's revelation that she experienced suicidal thoughts while pregnant reinforces the stigma around mental health issues, a charity chief has warned. In her bombshell interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that she contemplated taking her own life while pregnant with son Archie. Appearing vulnerable, the duchess revealed that working for The Firm - as the royal family is sometimes known - ultimately left her feeling that ending her life was an option, and how she had not been protected by the monarchy. Asked explicitly by Winfrey if she was thinking of self-harm and having suicidal thoughts at some stage, Meghan replied: "Yes. This was very, very clear. "Very clear and very scary. I didn't know who to turn to in that." The candid admission has prompted a huge debate globally online, with social media users divided over Meghan's story, and with some commentators clearly not prepared to believe her claims. Karen Collins, chief executive of Aware NI, told the Belfast Telegraph the commentary casting doubt over Meghan's account of mental health difficulties is "unhelpful" to others suffering the same concerns. "It's really unhelpful. It is damaging for anyone that reads that," she added. "It increases the stigma surrounding mental health, which is very damaging. "We're working very hard to say to people that it's okay to not be okay, it's all right to say if you're struggling with your mental health. "In fact that it's more than okay, it's really important that you speak to somebody." Karen stressed that whenever a high-profile public figure, or celebrity, publicly discusses having mental health issues, it results in others seeking help from charities like Aware NI. She said that she expected the same to happen in the wake of Meghan's own story. She noted that a lot of the criticism directed at Meghan was focused on questions such as: "What has she got to be depressed or suicidal about? She's living in the lap of luxury." "But no matter what the outward appearance is, internally it can be very, very different. And the same follows whether you're a celebrity or not, or perceived to have a great job, or a perfect family." Karen added: "Nobody knows what's going on behind closed doors and what inner turmoil and feelings might be going on." The charity chief called for "more humanity" to be shown in online discussion of the Duchess's own admission, including her alleged difficulty in accessing help from the Palace. "We don't want anyone else going through what Meghan went through," she added. The Samaritans free helpline is 116 123 or Lifeline can be contacted via 0808 808 800 The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) arrested a member of the youth wing of the countrys ruling Awami League on March 7 in connection with the murder of journalist Borhan Uddin Muzakkir during clashes in Noakhali in South Eastern Bangladesh in February 2021. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) demands justice and a full and impartial investigation. Belal Hossain (30) was arrested by the PBI from Basurhat Bazar, ward 1 of Charfakira union parishad of the Companiganj Upazila (Sub District) in Noakhali District at around 1pm on March 7. Belal, a member of the Charafkira Union Juba League is the first person to be arrested in connection with the murder of Muzakkir following a tip-off and available CCTV footage at the time of his murder. After the accuseds arrest Noakhali court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, SM Mosleh Uddin Mijan, ordered Belal to five days remand. He is currently being interrogated at the office of Police Bureau of Investigation. Borhan Uddin Muzakkir, a journalist with Bangla Samachar and bartabazar.com, sustained a bullet injury while reporting on clashes between two warring factions of the ruling Awami League (AL) on February 20 anddiedthe same day in a hospital.The 25-year-old reporter was caught up in the clashes between followers of Abdul Quader Mirza and Mizanur Rahman Badal. The clashes took place between two factions of the ruling AL over establishing supremacy in Noakhali's Companiganj upazila (administrative district). The deceased journalists father Nawab Ali Master filed a murder case with the Companiganj Police Station on February 23. Muzakkirs older brother, Nur Uddin, said he was satisfied to see progress in the case but demanded the arrests of the remaining accused in his brothers murder. Muzakkir was the first journalist to be killed in Bangladesh in 2021. The IFJ said: The swift arrest of one of the accused in the murder case of journalist Borhan Uddin Muzakkir is a start but justice must follow through to all the accused in this terrible murder. IFJ calls for a full and impartial investigation on the case to ensure justice is delivered for Borhan Uddin Muzakkirs grieving family. MOSCOW -- The trial of Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer for jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation who is charged with trespassing, has been adjourned just minutes after it started due to technical issues. The Perovsky district court of the Russian capital started the trial on March 10 but quickly noted that there were "technical shortcomings in the materials of the case" and adjourned the hearing until March 23. Sobol is charged with illegally forcing her way into the apartment of a relative of Federal Security Service (FSB) officer Konstantin Kudryavtsev. If convicted, Sobol faces up to two years in prison. On December 21, Sobol went to the residential building in Moscow where Kudryavtsev lived at the time. Sobol went just hours after Navalny had published a recording of what he said was a phone conversation with Kudryavtsev. During the 49-minute phone call, in which the anti-corruption campaigner posed as an FSB official conducting an internal review, Kudryavtsev described the details of an operation to poison the Kremlin critic in August. Investigators say Sobol pushed Kudryavtsev's mother-in-law, who opened the door, and forcefully entered the apartment adjacent to the one where Kudryavtsev lived. Sobol's team have described the case as political "revenge" for the lawyer not being afraid to ask questions of the alleged assassin. The investigators say they were unable to locate and question Kudryavtsev, who is neither a witness nor a plaintiff in the case. The apartment he lived in at the time of the events in question now officially belongs to the state. Navalny was arrested on January 17 upon his returned to Russia from Germany, where he received life-saving treatment from the nerve-agent poisoning in Siberia in August. Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by Putin. The FSB and the Kremlin have denied any role in the poisoning. Last month, a Moscow court ruled that while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. Navalny's 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from the case was converted to a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison given time already served in detention. The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia over the Navalny affair and crackdown on protesters. On March 9, 40 human rights organizations signed a joint statement addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, demanding they officially condemn Sobol's persecution. On March 8, Sobol published her election program, saying that she plans to run for parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, in September elections. Sobol is currently under house arrest in another case. She and several other associates and supporters of Navalny were charged with violating sanitary regulations during unsanctioned rallies in Moscow on January 23 protesting Navalny's incarceration. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - After a nearly six-hour meeting, the Butte County Board of Supervisors has voted to ban the establishment and operation of needle exchange or distribution programs in the unincorporated areas of the county. Action News Now spoke with Butte County Supervisor Debra Lucero about this ban. If the rapid spread of viral hepatitis or HIV or other potentially dangerous diseases is detected, the state can come in and say, You will do this and we will provide a provider to supply this, Lucero said. She said these types of programs are run by the state's public health department and while it bans local authorized programs, it does not supersede state law. So, what is happening is that Supervisor Ritter and myself ask for the staff to mark where we are now so that we can look at this data in a year after we have banned a program like this and see what statistics look like," Lucero said. "And I think that will give us a clearer indication of what the science seems to indicate and that is programs like this when properly run, they can be effective. Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue said it's a public safety issue and there was concern about children getting ahold of needles in parks. The cities of Chico, Gridley and Oroville have already adopted needle bans. The board also unanimously voted to approve the PG&E Settlement Fund policy. After receiving a $252 million settlement from PG&E for the impacts of the Camp Fire, the board approved to commit the money towards stability, hazard mitigation and recovery back in July of 2020. Today, the board supported this fund and agreed to have the funds approved by the board any time money is taken out. In a close 3-2 vote, the board also agreed to commit up to $500,000 from the anticipated Coronavirus Relief Fund into the City of Chico toward the homeless crisis. The plan would consist of the city accessing property where 60 aluminum shelters would be placed. These sites would provide housing, portable bathrooms, showers and laundry units. This money would also go towards voluntary mental health services for the homeless. During the last couple of decades, Worcesters downtown experienced an overhaul commencing with the City Square project, which brought down a failed mall. During a virtual panel on Tuesday, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. compared the mall to the Berlin Wall, dividing the city and constricting the flow of people, ideas and innovation. It was a psychological barrier. It represented a kind of failed experiment of the 1970s in urban renewal, Augustus said. By bringing that down and creating development parcels it really brought back some vibrancy in the core downtown area. The monumental steps involved in the City Square redevelopment project which brought new housing projects and introduced restaurants and shops. With it all, it has yet to spark condominiums. During an hour-long conversation as part of a web series called Worcester Emerging sponsored by the Worcester Business Journal and State House News, city officials discussed why condos remain the neighborhoods elusive goal. Out of the pandemic, Main Street in Worcester will receive an injection of people as several hundred units are nearly set to come online from 6 Chatham St. to the Courthouse Lofts. Several others are sandwiched between the two projects. They join a host of others already occupied with tenants such as 145 Front and Grid Management. The projects set to debut in 2021 will produce market-rate and affordable housing in the area, but nothing for homeowners to purchase in the area. I think [condos] would really promote the long-term nature of downtown living, Bo Menkiti, founder and CEO of the Menkiti Group said. Many of those projects in Worcester, including those of Menkiti -526 Main St, 401 Main St. the former Shacks building, and 204 Main St., the former Olympic Trophy Building - are only possible with aid from the city, state and historic credits. Without those things, they would not work, Menkiti said They are economically infeasible. Menkiti believes that condos are in downtowns future, but remains a couple of clicks in value away. The costs to build condos currently in downtown Worcester outweigh the price for which they could sell for. The huge opportunities I see in downtown Worcester are the adaptive reuse of some amazing buildings into great living spaces, Menkiti said. But that type of work is expensive to do. There are a lot of unknowns. There are a lot of reservations with some of the existing historic pieces which costs more than moving from a pad-ready site. Menkiti is transforming 6 Chatham St., the location of the former YWCA, into market-rate units. The current landscape within the city allows for those projects - with the help of the city - to be profitable, Menkiti said. Condos may appear on downtowns radar when construction costs drop after rising during the pandemic. Were not quite at a place where we can do historic adaptive reuse in a way that works without a lot of subsidies, Menkiti said. I think thats an important thing for people to keep in their minds as they think about economic development. Related Content: We are excited to implement this overarching load control program that will allow Glendale Water & Power to effectively add distributed energy resources and more customers in the future. Franklin Energy, a leading provider of energy efficiency and grid optimization solutions, announced today that they will implement Glendale Water & Powers residential and business demand response programs, as well as their online marketplace. All in, the demand response programs are designed to deliver up to 10 MW of controllable demand by 2024, said Greg Wassel, Franklin Energy Product Manager. We are excited to implement this overarching load control program that will allow Glendale Water & Power to effectively add distributed energy resources and more customers in the future. Through the Peak Savings demand response program, Glendale Water & Power will adjust the temperature of participating residential customers thermostats on peak days to help reduce electrical demand. Residential customers may participate by using their existing smart thermostats with a $50 incentive to join the program, or by purchasing a new smart thermostat with a $100 discount through the program marketplace. Business customers with a demand of 50 kW or greater are also eligible to participate and will receive a complimentary site assessment to help identify load reduction strategies. Through the online marketplace, customers will be able to purchase the smart thermostat, follow a simple opt-in to the demand response program, and have any applicable rebates instantly applied. Products will be shipped to customers homes for free or they can select to have a technician bring the thermostat to their home and install the device. Launching our new Peak Savings program is one part of our Clean Energy Program suite and we are excited to offer this opportunity for our customers to actively participate in a clean energy future for the city. Glendale is at the forefront of a clean energy future and these programs will help transition GWP to 100% renewable energy resources, said Michael De Ghetto, Acting General Manager of Glendale Water & Power. We look forward to partnering with Franklin Energy, a leader in energy efficiency, to bring these opportunities to our customers. About Franklin Energy Franklin Energy delivers flexible energy efficiency and grid optimization programs that enable utilities to achieve their highest-priority goals. The companys integrated in-house services and proven software provide deeper personalization and insights, acting as a true partner to utilities. Franklins NGAGE platform is a scalable end-to-end technology that seamlessly integrates utility portfolio programs into a single interface for more efficient management and more effective customer engagement. The company is celebrating its 25th year serving the utility industry, with solutions implemented by more than 1,000 experts in more than 60 offices across 26 states and provinces. https://www.franklinenergy.com/ About Glendale Water & Power Glendale Water & Power (GWP) is the City of Glendales water and electric utility. GWP provides water to over 34,000 customers and generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to over 90,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Glendale, California. Visit http://www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com Twitter @COGWaterPower Facebook Facebook.com/GlendaleWaterAndPower Instagram @GlendaleWaterAndPower Spains butterfly effect began in the southeastern region of Murcia. The precarious balance between the countrys two main political blocs has been broken by what started out as a local move but that quickly snowballed into an event with national repercussions. In just a few hours on Wednesday, a no-confidence motion filed in Murcia against the conservative Popular Party (PP) by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the liberal Ciudadanos (Citizens) led to the fall of the regional government of Madrid, and threatened to destabilize other regions such as Andalusia and Castilla y Leon. As a result of the initiative to push the PP out of power in Murcia, the Madrid regional premier Isabel Diaz Ayuso, also of the PP, said she was dissolving her own legislature and calling an early election on May 4. Diaz Ayusos move, announced at midday on Wednesday, aimed to prevent a no-confidence vote against her own executive in Madrid, where the PP has won every regional election since 1991 (although it did not govern until 1995 following a deal between the PSOE and United Left). The time has come to think big, said Diaz Ayuso in a 10-minute press conference to explain her plans for an early election. I have made this decision against my will. I cannot allow Madrid to lose its freedom. Later, she also sacked her deputy premier, Ignacio Aguado of Ciudadanos, which is the junior partner in the Madrid government. All of the regional department chiefs from that party were also sent home. Her deputy Aguado said he feels betrayed by the regional premier and demanded that she reconsider. This is a personal whim. It is absolutely irresponsible. There is no greater betrayal than to break ones word. [...] I cant believe the amount of lies that she said, he told the Cadena SER radio network. A pre-emptive move Ciudadanos spokesperson in Murcia Juan Jose Molina and Socialist deputies Francisco Lucas (c) and Maria del Carmen Fernandez presenting the motions of no confidence. Marcial Guillen / EFE The Murcia motion is being presented jointly by the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Ciudadanos, and Diaz Ayuso feared a similar alliance could seek to push her out of power in Madrid. Reacting to her announcement, the PSOE and the leftist Mas Madrid registered two no-confidence motions against Diaz Ayuso in an effort to stop the snap election from taking place. At around 4.30pm, it emerged that the Madrid regional assemblys governing board had accepted the motions. These were registered on the legal basis that the election announcement is not official until it is published in the regional gazette on Thursday. Once this happens, it cannot be reversed and any subsequent motions would fail to stop the vote. If Madrilenos do get called to a vote on May 4, the election is likely to change the political landscape, especially on the right end of the spectrum, where the far-right Vox has been making significant gains, most recently at the Catalan election in February. Ciudadanos, which stands to gain its first regional premiership in Spain if the Murcia motion prospers, now faces the unexpected prospect of losing its hold on the powerful Madrid region. Diaz Ayusos executive has been pushing back against strict coronavirus measures, arguing they are bad for the economy and framing them as an encroachment on personal liberties. Its restrictions on mobility and business opening hours are looser than in other regions of Spain despite currently having the highest 14-day incidence rate in the country. More motions Later in the day, the PSOE in the nearby region of Castilla y Leon home to large cities such as Burgos, Salamanca and Valladolid made a similar move and registered a no-confidence motion against the coalition government of the PP and Ciudadanos. The latter said it would not break with its partner and rejected the idea of supporting the motion. All eyes are now on the large southern region of Andalusia, which is also run by a coalition of the PP and Ciudadanos. The government there has stated that its stability is assured despite calls for an early election by the far-right Vox, which props up the coalition. And Ciudadanos has said it plans to stand by its partner. English version by Susana Urra. Victoria's largest coal-fired power station will close four years ahead of schedule. EnergyAustralia told staff on Wednesday its Yallourn Power Station in the Latrobe Valley will close in mid-2028, despite being licensed to operate until 2032. 'While the announcement may have surprised some of our people, its context didn't,' Managing Director Catherine Tanna told reporters. 'We are acutely aware that the world of energy is rapidly changing as we transition to cleaner forms. Getting that approach right is something I've long been passionate about.' Victoria's largest coal-fired power station will close four years ahead of schedule Ms Tanna said the company will construct a 350-megawatt battery in the Latrobe Valley by the end of 2026 to increase energy availability before the plant's closure. 'This will provide energy for up to four hours at a time, and is larger than any battery operating in the world today,' she said. The company is planning a 'multimillion-dollar support package' for about 500 affected workers. 'Coupled with up to seven years' notice, it means our power station and mine site people will have the time to plan, re-skill or retrain,' Ms Tanna said. EnergyAustralia told staff on Wednesday its Yallourn Power Station in the Latrobe Valley will close in mid-2028, despite being licensed to operate until 2032 'We are determined to show Australia, that it is possible to move from the old to the new in a way that does not leave people behind.' EnergyAustralia executive Liz Westcott acknowledged the news would be tough for workers. 'We cannot forget that this may be a tough time for our people at Yallourn, some of whom have had family working at the plant dating back decades,' she said. 'They're the ones, working on the hot days, delivering the electricity that keeps all of us cool.' Yallourn supplies up to 22 per cent of Victoria's electricity and eight per cent of Australia's. It's also the site of the nation's second-largest open cut brown coal mine and has been operating for 100 years. Mumbai, March 10 : Actress Gauahar Khan on Wednesday refuted rumours suggesting she is pregnant. The recently-married Gauahar added that people need to show "sensitivity" towards her at this point of time. She lost her father on March 5. Gauahar's assertion came in reaction to a news piece on her rumoured pregnancy. She also slammed the article for stating that she was 12 years older than her husband Zaid, who is composer Ismail Darbar's son. She had earlier spoken about how Zaid was a few years younger to her, but not 12 years younger. On Wednesday, Gauahar tweeted: "Tumhara dimaag kharaab hai! Aur facts bhi. 12 saal chote waali galat news hui purani, so get ur facts right b4 typing! I've just lost my dad so have some sensitivity towards ur baseless reports," she wrote, adding: "I am not pregnant, thank you very much!" The actress' father, Zafar Ahmed Khan, was unwell for a while and hospitalised for a week before his death. Gauahar and Zaid got engaged in November 2020, and were married on Christmas last year. FRANKFURT, Germany, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GORE German Office Real Estate AG ("GORE"; ISIN DE000A0Z26C8), a real estate investor focused on commercial properties primarily in German metropolitan areas, has successfully sold an office complex with a leasable area of just under 3,000 square meters in Unterschleiheim near Munich to a Berlin-based company specializing in construction development. During the nearly two-year holding period, GORE was able to significantly increase rental income and the value of the property through various measures. Among other things, GORE was able to sign long-term leases with two new tenants. In addition, a lease agreement was negotiated with another interested party close to being ready for signature. Finalization of the negotiations was passed on to the new owner. The office property in Unterschleissheim near Munich was built in 2000/2001 and has a rental area of 2958 square meters. The property also includes 48 parking spaces. The main tenants include Compumess Elektronik and Forderstatte Perspektive. The parties have agreed not to disclose the sale price. "In cooperation with our experienced partners, we were able to optimize the property in Unterschleiheim thanks to efficient asset management, leverage value potential and successfully sell it within a holding period of less than two years," says Jorg Reinhardt, CEO of GORE. "Even though the sale of individual properties to realize upscale values is an integral part of our strategy, we plan to significantly expand our real estate portfolio in the coming years. With a view to our bulging pipeline, we are confident that we will continue to be able to exploit opportunities in the real estate market and generate added value." About GORE The GORE German Office Real Estate AG ("GORE") is a dynamically growing real estate investor with a focus on office properties in German conurbations. Using a manage-to-core approach, GORE acquires properties in preferred locations at below market value wherever possible in order to sustainably enhance their value. Investment activities focus on properties with a market value of between EUR 1 and 15 million. Compared to other property sizes, this size class offers a less competitive market environment in terms of purchasing according to GORE estimates. GORE's aim is to generate above-average value enhancement and return potential along the entire value chain, from acquisition through management to sale, together with its partners. The volume of the real estate portfolio is expected to be multiplied by acquisitions in the coming years. Media Contacts - Financial Press and Investor Relations: GORE German Office Real Estate AG Axel Muhlhaus Phone: +49 69 905505-52 Mail: gore@edicto.de Official Email - info@gore-ag.de www.gore-ag.de A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4a955c2-3707-4b4a-9af9-b3dfca6bbac3 Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Mainly sunny. Near record high temperatures. High 89F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear. Low near 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. UK councils are being urged to lobby their Polish counterparts to stop the spread of LGBT-free zones which have sprung up across the country, as part of a new campaign led by the Liberal Democrats. Half a dozen local authorities in the UK have official or informal twinning arrangements with towns in Poland that are considered by equality campaigners to be under significant pressure to implement resolutions targeting LGBT+ people. Polish authorities have already passed resolutions in more than 100 districts declaring them free of LGBT ideology moves which activists say are discriminatory and have led to a rise in hate crime. Although they appear not to have been followed by legislation to discriminate against gay residents, anti-LGBT+ resolutions have fuelled concern across Europe about a drift in Poland towards illiberalism led by the Law and Justice government under president Andrzej Duda. Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who is leading the campaign, is urging councils in the UK with links to the country to write to the mayors of their Polish twins to show support for the local LGBT+ community. One such area is Radomsko, one of the oldest cities in Poland, which has been twinned with Lincoln since 2007. Polish ultra-conservative group Ordo Iuris held a meeting there under the guise of protecting family rights and children against demoralisation, but which campaigners say amounted to efforts to establish another LGBT-free zone. Ordo Iuris was also behind a meeting titled How to protect the family against the threats of the modern world in Szczecin a sister city of Hull. Other parts of the UK, including Antrim and Newtownabbey near Belfast and Heywood near Rochdale, are twinned with Polish districts which campaigners say are facing pressure to adopt anti-LGBT+ resolutions. The Independent has contacted the councils named, and Ordo Iuris, for comment. Police remove a protester wearing a shirt saying love with rainbow colours as he protests during the swearing-in ceremony for President Andrzej Duda (Getty Images) Calling on UK towns to protect our twins, Ms Moran said: Events in Poland should concern the whole international community. Labelling LGBTQ+ as an ideology and suppressing LGBTQ+ people is outrageous. Many of these towns are twinned with those here in the UK. We cannot stand by. We must protect our twins and the communities who live there. The spread of such zones is tracked by activists in a project called Atlas of Hate, which details parts of the country which have already established the areas or are thought to be under pressure to do so. In October, the Irish town of Fermoy announced it was ending a twinning arrangement with the Polish town of Nowa Deba over a 2019 resolution declaring the region free from LGBT+ ideology. Twinned towns in France and the Netherlands have also cut ties with their Polish counterparts in protest at the zones. As part of the campaign, councils in the UK will be asked to pass motions beginning a formal period of diplomacy with their Polish counterparts. Regions considering creating LGBT-free zones will be asked to stop and areas that have rejected such proposals will be thanked for upholding human rights. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 28 May 2021 Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis accompanied by his dog Peanut welcomes European Council President Charles Michel at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece REUTERS World news in pictures 27 May 2021 A man waits to receive a dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, in the rooms of the Claudia Comte exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Castello di Rivoli near Turin AFP/Getty World news in pictures 26 May 2021 A girl, with her face painted with the colours of the opposition flag, looks on during a demonstration against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and presidential elections, in the opposition-held Idlib, Syria Reuters World news in pictures 25 May 2021 A Buddhist monk climbs atop a giant statue of Buddha, to wash and decorate on the eve of Buddha Purnima, a holiday traditionally celebrated for Buddha's birthday also known as Vesak celebrations, in Bhopal AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 May 2021 Lava from the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo cuts through Buhene north of Goma, Congo AP World news in pictures 23 May 2021 Cyclists at the start of the 15th stage of the Giro dItalia, a 147km race between Grado and Gorizia AFP/Getty World news in pictures 22 May 2021 Swiss Guards take their position prior to the arrival of the European Commission President at San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican for a private audience with the Pope AFP/Getty World news in pictures 21 May 2021 A dog that has been trained to sniff out the coronavirus disease, screens a sweat sample at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters World news in pictures 20 May 2021 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr in action during a F1 practice session at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo Reuters World news in pictures 18 May 2021 Horse-drawn carriages drive through the mudflats near Cuxhaven, northern Germany dpa via AP World news in pictures 17 May 2021 Kanoya Onishi in action during the Cycling BMX Free Style of Tokyo 2020 Olympics test event at Ariake Urban Sports Park in Japan EPA World news in pictures 16 May 2021 Rescuers carry Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, as they pull her from the rubble of a building at the site of Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City Reuters World news in pictures 15 May 2021 A ball of fire erupts from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza city AFP/Getty World news in pictures 14 May 2021 Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers inside the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh AP World news in pictures 13 May 2021 Muslim girls ride on a mini train after attending the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 May 2021 Israeli artillery fire as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border EPA World news in pictures 11 May 2021 Maya Nakanishi competes in the womens long jump - T64 category during a para-athletics test event for the 2020 Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo AFP/Getty World news in pictures 10 May 2021 A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, ahead of a planned march to commemorate Israels takeover of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War AFP/Getty World news in pictures 9 May 2021 Falconer Giovanna Piccolo performs with her Eurasian eagle-owl at 'Roma World' theme park, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Rome Reuters World news in pictures 8 May 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is introduced as a starter against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 6 May 2021 Buddhist monks and believers attend a lantern parade in celebration of the upcoming birthday of Buddha at a temple in Seoul, South Korea Reuters World news in pictures 5 May 2021 Russian MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation over the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin in Moscow during a flypast rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 May 2021 An elevated metro line collapsed in the Mexican capital on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured as a train came plunging down, authorities said AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 May 2021 Lightning bolts strike buildings during a thunderstorm in Bangkok AFP/Getty World news in pictures 2 May 2021 Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus AFP/Getty World news in pictures 1 May 2021 A Gilet Jaune, or yellow vest, protestor stands in front of a burning barricade holding his hand up with an inscription calling for President Macron to resign as May Day Protest turn violent near Place de la Republique in Paris, France Getty World news in pictures 30 April 2021 A demonstrator from the Rio de Paz human rights activist group digs a symbolic grave in front of rows of bags symbolising bodybags on Copacabana beach, during a protest against the Brazilian governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 April 2021 An aerial picture shows dead carp fish flushed to the shores of al-Qaraoun reservoir in Lebanons Western Beqaa District in the countrys east. Tonnes of fish have washed up dead on the shoreline of the highly polluted artificial reservoir in eastern Lebanon in recent days AFP/Getty World news in pictures 28 April 2021 Health workers wearing PPE attends to coronavirus patients inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a covid care centre in New Delhi AFP/Getty World news in pictures 27 April 2021 The full moon, known as the Super Pink Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Reuters World news in pictures 26 April 2021 Balinese people lay wreaths with names of the crew on board the sunk Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala during a prayer at the sea near Labuhan Lalang, Bali, Indonesia EPA World news in pictures 25 April 2021 An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshipper walks around the Edicule, the place believed to be where Jesus Christ was buried, during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 April 2021 Fans of Wuhan Three Towns FC cheer for their team during the 1st round match Wuhan Three Towns FC and Beijing Institute of Technology FC during Chinese Football League One in Wuhan, China Getty World news in pictures 23 April 2021 A girl prays in front of the Dome of the Rock, in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions ease around the country, in Jerusalem Reuters World news in pictures 22 April 2021 People walk through the art work 'THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS' by Yayoi Kusama, during the press preview of a retrospective exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Martin Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany AP World news in pictures 21 April 2021 Hungary's Sara Peter competes in the Women's floor qualifications during European Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the St Jakobshalle, in Basel AFP/Getty World news in pictures 20 April 2021 South Korea university students gets their heads shaved during a protest against Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in front of the Japanese embassy, in Seoul Reuters World news in pictures 19 April 2021 A spectator wearing a football jersey of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament singles match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Argentina's Guido Pella at the Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona AFP/Getty World news in pictures 18 April 2021 People raise their fist during a demonstration near the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP/Getty World news in pictures 17 April 2021 Security personnel stand guard outside a polling station during the 5th phase of West Bengal's state legislative assembly elections in Kolkata AFP/Getty World news in pictures 16 April 2021 Palestinians take part in the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty World news in pictures 15 April 2021 A firefighter inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 14 April 2021 This picture shows the 100 days countdown till the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games displayed on the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on April 14, 2021 AFP/Getty World news in pictures 13 April 2021 This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source shows Buddhist monks gesturing while taking part in a demonstration with protesters against the military coup in Mandalay during the Myanmar New Year festival of Thingyan AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 April 2021 An Indian holi man during the Kumbh Mela royal bath (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Thousands of pilgrims are gathering and taking holy dip in Kumbh Mela that is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which occurs after every twelve years and rotates among four locations EPA World news in pictures 11 April 2021 Nasa released images of of sand dunes on Mars captured using infrared reflections NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU World news in pictures 10 April 2021 People watch devotees pulling a chariot in Biska Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal AP World news in pictures 9 April 2021 Maintenance workers clean the monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Moscow on April 9, 2021. - Sixty years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space, marking it a new chapter in the history of space exploration. AFP/Getty World news in pictures 8 April 2021 Protesters hold a banner and burning red flares during a demonstration of called by unions of healthcare and social workers in support of their sector and to demand a bonus in their pay in Paris AFP/Getty World news in pictures 7 April 2021 Protesters laying on the street near the Election Commission office in Kolkata during a demonstration demanding the halt of the ongoing state legislative election and campaign rallies amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases AFP/Getty Anna Grodzka, a human rights campaigner, former Polish MP and the first openly trans MP in Poland, said the current situation was too hard for many people to bear. She said: Your gesture of solidarity and willingness to help is very valuable to us. This is all the more valuable as LGBT people and women have found themselves in a particularly difficult situation in recent months in Poland. Monika Rosa, a member of the Sejm (Polish Parliament) on behalf of the Nowoczesna Party, the Lib Dems sister party in Poland, which is endorsing the campaign, said: We welcome your initiative to engage constructively with the towns and cities of Poland to reflect on human rights, particularly on LGBT+ rights. This is crucially important to take action against the systematic discrimination of minorities in Poland and promote European values in all levels of government. The "South Korea B2C E-Commerce Market and Top Mobile Payment Service Providers 2021" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides details on the acceleration of the B2C E-Commerce market and the increase of users of mobile payment services in South Korea. Among the findings in the report is the effect of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic on the reaction of top mobile payment service providers in South Korea. Asian B2C E-Commerce market continued accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 The B2C E-Commerce market in Asia saw significant growth during the coronavirus pandemic and was expected to continue its lead over other world regions. China maintains its role as a regional and global leader in the share of total retail sales attributed to online commerce. Moreover, as a result of consumers' shopping behavior shift towards online purchasing, numerous E-Commerce platforms generated considerable revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were several major players in the online market, Amazon, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Shopee, Lazada were among them. These platforms had a significant number of sales, a high inflow of new consumers and an increased number of visits over the last 6 months of 2020. Besides, to contribute to the development of online retail, some companies received investments and, thus, increased their value on the market. Many E-Commerce platforms also increased their cross-border selling, by operating abroad and introducing foreign retailers to their platform. South Korean accelerating Internet penetration and smartphone adoption impacted an increase in the B2C E-Commerce market in 2020 Despite an estimated rise in 2020, the annual growth rate of B2C E-Commerce value in South Korea was projected to decline by 2024. However, due to the acceleration of Internet penetration and smartphone adoption in South Korea, an increase in the B2C E-Commerce market in 2020 occurred. It is also worth mentioning that South Korean online retail sector "food products" saw the highest year-on-year growth, followed by "household goods". Furthermore, one of the South Korean E-Commerce giants Coupang keeps dominating in its market. Whereas, another big player in South Korea, Amazon intended to invest USD 300 million (EUR 263 million) in the E-Commerce platform 11Street in 2020 amid COVID-19. As for one more major digital commerce platform eBay, it was planning to sell its South Korean marketplace. Story continues More consumers in South Korea have started making payments via the top mobile payment service provider platforms, during the COVID-19 health crisis Other interesting facts highlighted in the report include the number of users registered with the top three payment service providers in South Korea: KakaoPay, Naver pay and Toss. This report also highlights the rising number of user registrations received by KakaoPay during the pandemic. Furthermore, the study includes details of the payment innovations introduced by the top mobile payment service providers during the COVID-19 outbreak. This report covers the B2C E-Commerce market and competitors overview, Real-time payment trends and the payment market with a focus on the reaction of the top Mobile Payment Service Providers to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. A broad definition of retail E-Commerce used by some original sources cited in this report might include both B2C and C2C E-Commerce. This report contains relevant international comparisons, information about market trends, B2C E-Commerce sales and shares, Internet users and shoppers, products, payment methods and players. Key Topics Covered: 1. Management Summary 2. Regional Overview B2C E-Commerce Market Overview, February 2021 Asia-Pacific's Share of Global Retail E-Commerce Sales, in %, 2020e Retail E-Commerce Sales Value, by Selected Regions, in USD billion, 2020e Retail E-Commerce Sales Growth, by Region, by Selected Regions, and Year-on-Year Change, in %, 2020e Value of B2C E-Commerce, in USD billion, by Selected Countries, 2020e Percentage of Consumers, Who Purchase Online More in the Last Few Months, by Selected Countries, incl. Australia, India and Vietnam, in % of Respondents, 2020 Share of Mobile Sales, in % of All Online Travel Sales, 2020 Digital Travel Sales Value Per Capita, by Selected Countries, in USD, 2020 & 2025f Percentage of New Online Consumers, by Geolocation, by Selected Countries, in % of Respondents, 2020 3. B2C E-Commerce Market B2C E-Commerce Market Overview, February 2021 B2C E-Commerce Competitors Overview, February 2021 Volume of Real-Time Transactions, in billions, 2019 & 2024f Value of B2C E-Commerce, in KRW trillion, and Year-on-Year Change, in %, 2018 - 2024f Mobile Shopping Transaction Value, in KRW trillion, and Year-on-Year Change, October 2019 & October 2020 Share of Mobile Shopping Transaction Value, in % of Total Online Sales, October 2019 & October 2020 Online Shopping Sales Value, by Selected Product Categories, in KRW trillion, and Y-o-Y Change, in %, October 2019 & October 2020 4. KakaoPay 5. Naver Pay 6. Toss Companies Mentioned 11street Alibaba Group Holding Ltd Amazon.com Inc Coupang eBay GMarket JD.com Inc Kakao Pay Lazada Group Naver Pay Pinduoduo Rakuten Inc Shopee TMON Toss WeMakePrice For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c1wgk7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005404/en/ Contacts ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Containers of Johnson's baby powder made by Johnson and Johnson sit on a shelf at Jack's Drug Store in San Anselmo, Calif., on Oct. 18, 2019. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Johnson & Johnson Appeals $2 Billion Cancer Verdict Over Baby Powder to Supreme Court Pharmaceutical giant claims abuse of legal system resulted in giant award, with jury misinformed about facts Drugmaker Johnson & Johnson is asking the Supreme Court to review a $2.11 billion jury verdict from Missouri over baby powder it produced that allegedly contained asbestos that caused ovarian cancer. In addition to a vaccine used against the CCP virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, the 135-year-old New Jersey-based company has been known for making a variety of talc-based consumer products such as its iconic baby powder, which is the subject of the litigation. The petition in the case, known as Johnson & Johnson v. Ingham, court file 20-1223, was filed with the Supreme Court on March 4. The verdict came out of a 2018 trial that consolidated the claims of 22 women who alleged the companys talc powder caused their ovarian cancer. After a six-week trial, a St. Louis jury originally ordered the company to pay $4.69 billion, but in 2020, the Missouri Court of Appeals lowered the sum to $2.11 billion, trade publication Fierce Pharma reported at the time. Also last year, the company stopped selling talc powders in the United States. That court found that the plaintiffs proved with convincing clarity that Johnson & Johnson engaged in outrageous conduct because of an evil motive or reckless indifference. Company officials, according to the court, discussed the presence of asbestos in their talc in internal memoranda for several decades; avoided adopting more accurate measures for detecting asbestos and influenced the industry to do the same; attempted to discredit those scientists publishing studies unfavorable to their products; and did not eliminate talc from the products and use cornstarch instead because it would be more costly to do so. Johnson & Johnson argues that bad science was relied on during the trial and that the company was denied due process. The trial was fundamentally flawed, and numerous legal errors allowed a faulty presentation of the facts, resulting in an incorrect verdict and arbitrary and disproportionate damages, the company said in a statement supplied by its attorneys. The verdict is at odds with decades of independent scientific evaluations confirming Johnsons Baby Powder is safe, is not contaminated by asbestos and does not cause cancer. The $2.1 billion award in the case is so unmoored from any notion of proportionality or malice that reversal is warranted based solely on the arbitrary size of the jurys damages award, Cory L. Andrews, general counsel and vice president of litigation for the Washington Legal Foundation, said in a statement. The legal inconsistencies in this case highlight some of the worst abuses in our civil justice system today, Tiger Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association, said in a statement. The City of St. Louis is regularly named among the worst Judicial Hellholes in the country and its no wonder. The court allowed nearly two dozen plaintiffs from different states who all had varying circumstances to be joined together in a friendly venue of their lawyers choosing. The trial lawyers then presented questionable scientific evidence as though it were fact, unfairly prejudicing the jury in the process. Johnson & Johnson argues in its petition that it has been victimized by plaintiffs lawyers, who have abused the legal system. Today, confusion reigns in the lower courts over the due process boundaries of mass trialsand whether jury instructions by themselves are a sufficient antidote to the jury confusion and prejudice mass trials cause. The Court should intervene here to curb due-process abuses in mass-tort suits and ensure that state courts give mass-tort defendants the same rights as everyone else. The company reiterates that its talc products are safe for consumer use. Federal regulators and respected health organizations reject calls for warnings on talc and comprehensive epidemiological studies tracking tens of thousands of talc users have found no meaningful association between cosmetic talc use and ovarian cancer. The Food and Drug Administration, National Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society have all reached the same conclusion, the company states. Yet some plaintiffs lawyers have struck on a winning formula: They first canvass the country for women who were both diagnosed with ovarian cancer and among the millions who used Petitioners talc products. They then select a jurisdiction where out-of-state plaintiffs can be consolidated with in-state plaintiffs for a single mass trial. They put dozens of plaintiffs on the stand to discuss their experiences with cancer, and the jury awards billions of dollars in punitive damages supposedly to punish Petitioners. Lawyers can then follow this script and file the same claims with new plaintiffs and seek new outsized awards, over and over again. Its unclear when the Supreme Court will rule on whether to hear the companys appeal. Thomas C. Goldstein, counsel of record for the consumers suing Johnson & Johnson, declined to comment to The Epoch Times on the pending litigation. Liberal pundits are claiming that conservatives are fixating on Dr. Seuss books and Meghan Markle's Oprah interview to deliberately avoid passing policy that would improve the lives of the American people. On Tuesday, Democrat Rep. Tim Scott blasted his Republican colleagues for focusing on culture war issues after the party pushed back against the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The House is expected to pass the bill on Wednesday morning. No Republican members support the legislation. Speaking on the House Floor Tuesday, Rep. Scott blasted: 'Stop talking about Dr. Seuss and start working with us on behalf of the American workers!' Last week, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced it would stop publishing six books by the author due to their insensitive depictions of people of color. Many conservatives slammed that decision describing it as 'censorship' and claiming that Dr. Seuss was the latest victim of 'cancel culture'. Rep. Scott referenced the controversy while advocating for the passing of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would provide support to union workers. Liberal pundits are claiming that conservatives are fixating on Dr. Seuss books and Meghan Markle's Oprah interview to deliberately avoid passing policy that would improve the lives of the American people Cuomo went on to claim that Republican's fixation on 'Markle madness' proved that they were 'against owning the reality of racism' 'We talk about pensions, you complain. We talk about the minimum wage increase, you complain. We talk about giving them the right to organize, you complain. But if we were passing a tax cut here, youd be all getting in line to vote yes for it. 'Now stop talking about Dr. Seuss and start working with us on behalf of the American workers!' he raged. Meanwhile, CNN personality Chris Cuomo echoed a similar sentiment during his broadcast on Tuesday night, as the house prepares to pass the COVID-19 relief bill. 'Why is the most sweeping legislation in decades to lift Americans out of poverty just hours away from passing, but without any support from the right side of the aisle?' he asked. 'The answer: Meghan Markle and a dollop of Dr. Seuss.' "Why is the most sweeping legislation in decades to lift Americans out of poverty just hours away from passing, but without any support from the right side of the aisle?" asks @chriscuomo. "The answer, Meghan Markle and a dollop of Dr. Seuss." pic.twitter.com/c1mAKiDqCq Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) March 10, 2021 On Tuesday, Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan blasted his Republican colleagues for focusing on culture war issues after the party pushed back against the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Cuomo claimed that the Republicans want to 'duck real problem solving in favor of culture fights'. He then went on to claim that their fixation on 'Markle madness' also proved that they were 'against owning the reality of racism'. Last week, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced it would stop publishing six books by the author due to their insensitive depictions of people of color 'The Queen [in her statement] didn't deny accusations of racism... but people here on the right continue to savage Markle and her story. Something struck a nerve with them. Was it a multi-racial woman speaking out against an institutional white royal family?' He continued: 'Why are so many here on the right fringe unable to accept her story?' Cuomo said he also believed Republicans were focusing on Dr. Seuss books to deflect from properly dealing with racism within their own party. 'Is this why they would rather debate books I have never heard of from Dr. Seuss than deal with the reality of January 6th? A white supremacist terror attack about which they have decided to spin a tail stranger than anything that Seuss ever wrote.' Cuomo later discussed the issue with CNN analyst Natasha Alford who claimed that 'doubting racism is almost a national past time'. Political commentator Van Jones also appeared and stated: 'It turns out there's a queen who has a lot of power. Her name is Oprah. She's the queen!' WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AI-driven startup company DNSFilter provides DNS threat protection and content filtering for enterprises. The company announced Jen Ayers as Chief Operating Officer, Jerry Cosmas as VP of Finance, Asim Baksh as People Operations Lead, and Jillian Kossman as Director of Marketing. Jen Ayers most recently held the position of Vice President of OverWatch and Security Response at CrowdStrike. She joins DNSFilter as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 20 years of cybersecurity experience to the position. DNSFilter Expands Team Leaders, Including Jen Ayers From CrowdStrike as COO Prior to her role with CrowdStrike's OverWatch team , Jen was the Senior Director of Product Management at CrowdStrike and spent three years at FireEye on the Security Operations side. She also held multiple roles for GE as a cyber leader in incident response, computer forensics, and supplier security. Jen has a passion for cybersecurity and looks forward to the day that InfoSec is a priority for every company worldwide. On why she joined DNSFilter, Jen had this to say: "DNSFilter is a vital layer of protection that is part of the 'zero-trust network'. With the rise in targeted attacks by adversaries, the increase of awareness about the importance of having multiple avenues of protection has risen to the top. DNSFilter provides a different type of security compared to the companies I've worked for previously. Yes, DNSFilter is a business solution, but we are not just about protecting companies. I see this as protecting people." DNSFilter Adds Leadership To Other Departments Jillian Kossman was formerly the Director of Marketing at iSeatz. As the new Director of Marketing for DNSFilter, she brings over a decade of experience working with B2B companies to deliver data-driven results. She is a passionate advocate for startups outside of traditional tech hubs, and helped found the Southern Startup Report , a news site highlighting entrepreneurs in the Southeast. Jerry Cosmas is now the VP of Finance, a position he stepped into in mid-February. Before this position, Cosmas was the Director of Finance and Operations for Foundation Software Group (FSG) in Chicago, Illinois. The company also announced Asim Baksh as People Operations Lead. Baksh spent over 11 years with Marketcircle as Project/Product Manager and Operations Manager, respectively. His expertise will help drive the People Operations unit of DNSFilter. "We are incredibly proud of the team we've put together at DNSFilter," said Ken Carnesi, CEO and Co-founder. "Having someone as knowledgeable and experienced in cybersecurity as Jen join our team is very exciting." About DNSFilter Founded in 2015, DNSFilter provides user-friendly DNS security to protect entire organizations from online security threats and undesirable content using artificial intelligence. The company offers users a 14-day free trial for new users. For more information, visit https://www.dnsfilter.com/ . Contact: Jessica Rafaeil 4049360191 [email protected] SOURCE DNSFilter Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, March 10 (Jiji Press)--The new coronavirus pandemic brought about 20,536 cumulative cases of dismissals and terminations of employment contracts in the manufacturing industry in Japan by Friday, a tally by the labor ministry has shown. The figure, which represented an increase of 859 from a week before, was the highest among all sectors in the country, according to the tally released on Tuesday. No other sector has seen the cumulative total surpass the 20,000 line. The overall number of people who were fired or whose contracts were not renewed because of the pandemic in all sectors in Japan rose by 3,169 to 93,354, marking the largest weekly increase since mid-September last year amid growing uncertainties over the country's job situation. The impact of the viral spread on employment is also serious in the travel and accommodation industries, apparently reflecting a nationwide halt to the government's Go To Travel subsidy program for promoting tourism. The cumulative number of dismissals related to the pandemic went up by 763 in the travel sector and by 513 in the accommodation sector. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Jenny Morrison lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier during the Anzac Day commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial on April 25, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Alex Ellinghausen-Pool via Getty Images) Anzac Day March Number Increased to 5,000 for Sydney CBD Anzac day will see a return of the veterans marching through the streets of Sydney, with the New South Wales government and NSW Police reaching an agreement with the Returned Soldiers League (RSL) to allow the parade. The annual event, which celebrates Australias former and serving defence forces, was cancelled last year due to restrictions stemming from the CCP virus. The exemption issued by Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Tuesday night will allow for 5000 attendees. However, Police Minister David Elliot said he had an iron-clad commitment from Minister Hazzard that if the number reaches 5,000 we will do another COVID plan and increase it to 10,000. Geoff Lee, the NSW Veterans Affairs Minister, said the concession was made because Anzac Day is one of the most important, if not the most important day of the calendar. We encourage people to get out and support our serving veterans, our servicemen and women, he said. According to a health department spokeswoman, the number limit for Sydney CBD does not apply to spectators, and a limit of 3,000 people will be imposed for places in the state other than the CBD. Anzac Day signage is seen in Martin place on April 25, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed his pleasure that public Anzac Day commemorations will be resumed this year. Im pleased that Anzac Day is on, Morrison said on Wednesday. This is a sign that Australia is back on track, the comeback is underway, Australians will come together in the way we always have. The prime minister had previously expressed his concern over the matter on Tuesday upon hearing that the NSW RSL had limited the number to only 500 people. Im very pleased that were seeing changes being made to facilitate that happening across Australia. This is a sacred day for Australia, he said. We will remember those who have gifted us our peace, our security, our sovereignty, and our freedom, and Im very pleased about the response that I saw yesterday from around the country. Ray James, the state president of RSL, told The Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday that the RSL had only received 200 registrations to march at the moment. Veterans who wish to participate in the march must first register on the RSL NSW website for the purposes of contact tracing. In 2020, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, Anzac Day marches were cancelled across Australia, and people instead celebrated with Light Up the Dawn driveway services, in which people were encouraged to hold a torch and stand on their driveways at dawn. Ken and Jeanette Foster pay their respect outside their home in Fairlight, Australia, on April 25, 2020. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Attorneys in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyds death probed potential jurors Wednesday about their attitudes toward police, trying to determine whether theyre more inclined to believe testimony from law enforcement over evidence from other witnesses to the fatal confrontation. Judge Peter Cahill seated two more jurors to go with the three picked Tuesday on the first day of jury selection for the trial of Derek Chauvin on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Its been a grinding process during which attorneys ask prospective jurors one by one whether they could keep an open mind, what they think of the criminal justice system and racial justice issues, how they resolve conflicts and much more. The first juror picked Wednesday, a man who works in sales management and grew up in a mostly white part of central Minnesota, acknowledged saying on his written questionnaire that he had a very favorable opinion of the Black Lives Matter movement and a somewhat unfavorable impression of the Blue Lives Matter countermovement in favor of police, yet somewhat agreed that police dont get the respect they deserve. He said he agrees that there are bad police officers. "Are there good ones? Yes. So I dont think its right to completely blame the entire organization, he told the court under questioning from prosecutor Steve Schleicher. He also said he would be more inclined to believe an officer, all things being equal, over the word of another witness. But he maintained he would be able to set aside any ideas about the inherent honesty of an officer and evaluate each witness on their own. The second, a man who works in information technology security, marked strongly agree on a question about whether he believes police in his community make him feel safe. His community wasnt specified jurors are being drawn from all over Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis and many of its suburbs. In my community, I think when there is suspicious activity the police will stop by, they will ask a question, he said. I think that sense of community is all we want right? We want to live in a community where we feel safe regardless of race, color and gender. Schleicher noted that the man also stated in questionnaire that he strongly disagreed with the concept of defunding the police, which has become a political flashpoint locally and across the country in the wake of Floyds death. While I necessarily might not agree with the police action in some situation, I believe that in order for police to make my community safe they have to have the money, he replied. The questionnaire explores potential jurors' familiarity with the case and their own contacts with police. Their answers have not been made public, and the jurors identities are being kept secret. Their racial backgrounds often arent disclosed in open court. Floyd was declared dead on May 25 after Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against the Black mans neck for about nine minutes. Floyds death sparked sometimes violent protests in Minneapolis and beyond, leading to a nationwide reckoning on race. Chauvin and three other officers were fired. The others face an August trial on aiding and abetting charges. The defense hasn't said whether Chauvin will testify in his own defense. Schleicher used a peremptory challenge Wednesday to remove from the panel a woman who has a nephew whos a sheriffs deputy in western Minnesota. She said she was dismayed by the violence that followed Floyds death. I personally didnt see any usefulness to it, she said. I didnt see anything accomplished by it, except I suppose bring attention to the frustrations of the people involved. But did I see anything useful coming out of the burning of Lake Street and that sort of thing? I did not. There remains uncertainty over whether a third-degree murder charge will be added. The state has asked the Minnesota Court of Appeals to stop proceedings until thats resolved, which could mean a delay of weeks or months.. The first juror chosen for the panel on Wednesday said he had one potential problem hes scheduled to get married May 1 in Florida but was prepared to change his plans if the trial continues that long. Opening statements are scheduled for no sooner than March 29 and testimony is expected to last about four weeks, so it could get tight. Well do our best to get you to your wedding, Cahill said as he informed the man he was on the jury. Go ahead and throw me under the bus with your fiancee. South African version wrongly identified, British strain still prevails More districts enter black tier again, but health minister soon expects improvement of the situation. Our paywall policy: The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope. The situation in Slovakia slightly improved over the past week and it seems that Slovakia has broken the curve, said Health Minister Marek Krajci (OLaNO). From the world's best to the worst. The pandemic year in Slovakia Read more The number of hospitalised patients remains above 4,000, and more than 100 people are dying every day. On the other hand, mobility decreased slightly and the number of vaccinated people has increased. The epidemiological situation will start to improve gradually, Krajci told the press on March 9. Although more districts will be in the black tier from next week, three managed to return from black to red. Also, the British strain is prevalent, while mistakes occurred when identifying samples of the South African variant. Map of districts shows more black From March 15, 35 districts will be in the black tier, 41 in the dark red tier and three in a red tier. From the national point of view, Slovakia remains in the black tier. (Source: Health Ministry) Tiers of districts from March 15 Districts at Warning Level 4 (black) Banovce nad Bebravou Cadca Dolny Kubin Dunajska Streda Galanta Gelnica Humenne Ilava Kosice I -IV Kosice -okolie Krupina Kysucke Nove Mesto Martin Myjava Nove Mesto nad Vahom Piestany Povazska Bystrica Puchov Revuca Rimavska Sobota Roznava Ruzomberok Sala Senica Skalica Trebisov Trencin Trnava Turcianske Teplice Zarnovica Ziar nad Hronom Zvolen Districts at Warning Level 3 (dark red) Banska Bystrica Banska Stiavnica Bardejov Bratislava I -V Brezno Bytca Detva Hlohovec Komarno Levice Levoca Liptovsky Mikulas Lucenec Malacky Medzilaborce Michalovce Namestovo Nitra Partizanske Pezinok Poltar Poprad Presov Prievidza Sabinov Senec Snina Sobrance Spisska Nova Ves Stara Lubovna Stropkov Svidnik Topolcany Velky Krtis Vranov nad Toplou Zilina Zlate Moravce Districts at Warning Level 2 (red) Kezmarok Nove Zamky Tvrdosin Prevalent British strain The British coronavirus strain is prevailing in Slovakia. The Public Health Authority (UVZ) has revealed the strain in 90 percent of 2,198 examined samples. Back in early February, the strain was uncovered in 74 percent of samples. The prevalence of the British strain and the pace at which it became dominant in Slovakia prove that it is necessary to adhere to all anti-pandemic measures, the UVZ noted. Mistakes in South African strain samples Meanwhile, the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) announced that the six people identified with the South African strain do not actually have it. Do not travel abroad, experts warn Read more The samples were mixed up. The South African variant was confirmed in six other samples, said virologist Boris Klempa of the SAV. He explained that from seven original samples, only one was correctly identified, a woman from Banska Bystrica who returned from Zanzibar. Everybody whose samples were positive with the South African variant have returned from abroad, namely from Tanzania, Zanzibar and Turkey, Klempa told the Aktuality.sk news website. He considers it a piece of good news as originally, scientists thought that a couple from Dolny Kubin (Zilina Region) who did not travel anywhere was infected with the strain. This would have meant that it is already uncontrollably spreading in Slovakia. Read more about coronavirus development in Slovakia: 10. Mar 2021 at 11:28 | Compiled by Spectator staff DENMARK, N.Y. A Carthage man died after crashing his snowmobile into a tree in Lewis County Sunday. According to New York State Police, the accident happened on a trail between State Route 26 and Limburg Forks Road in the town of Denmark. Lynn R. Schack Jr., 48, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the investigation is ongoing. A furious teacher has been suspended after she threw textbooks around the classroom because her students had not done their homework in Thailand. Khun Sudawan was checking the projects during a Thai language class but she became angry after finding out that most of the pupils had not finished their assignment on March 3. As she was yelling at the teenage students - aged between 16 and 17 - some of the youngsters sitting at the back of the room began recording her. Footage shows the Sudawan hurling the textbooks at the front of the class before walking up to a student and slapping him around the head with a book. The teacher began hurling textbooks at the front row of the class before walking up to a student and slapping him around the head with a book Video of the incident was given to teachers and bosses who opened an investigation at the Manchasuksa state secondary school in Khon Kaen province. Wichian Chanosi, the school's deputy director, said the board had suspended Ms Sudawan while investigations are ongoing. He said: 'She is now suspended and we have issued her with a warning for her aggressive behaviour. A substitute teacher will handle her class in the meantime.' Wichian said the teacher had already apologised to school officials and the students, some of whom had accepted the apology and said sorry to her in return for not doing the work. Amarit Tuankham, one of the students in the class, said that Sudawan was committed to teaching and had good intentions for students. She said: 'We were wrong not to finish our homework. She can be emotional sometimes but we did not expect that she would throw a tantrum like that. Video of the incident was given to teachers and bosses who opened an investigation at the Manchasuksa School state secondary school in Khon Kaen province. Pictured: Pupils at the school Wichian Chanosi, the school's deputy director, said the school board had suspended the teacher while investigations are ongoing. Manchasuksa state secondary school pictured above 'I feel guilty for triggering her anger so I apologised to her. I hope she will be able to return to work.' However, the student who filmed the incident, Nantaporn Paedmod, said Sudawan deserved her punishment as she should not have acted aggressively. She said: 'I refuse to apologise to her. I did nothing wrong. She should not have acted aggressively.' The incident had been reported to the local Secondary Educational Service Area Office to investigate whether the teacher should return to work or have her teaching license revoked among other punishments. Russia is a party to the conflict in Donbas, not a mediator or moderator. Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak has said the work of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on resolving the situation in Donbas is blocked since Russia is constantly trying to impose on Ukraine a direct dialogue with the Donbas terrorists. Speaking during an online discussion titled "Conflict in the East of Ukraine: Prospects for 2021" on March 9, he stressed Russia is a party to the conflict in Donbas, not a mediator or moderator. "... [T]he work of the Trilateral Contact Group has recently been blocked namely for this reason. It's blocked not because it doesn't hold meetings. A conference call is held every two weeks, while the Ukrainian delegation is ready to work 24 hours a day, and our delegates always attend," he said. Read alsoUkraine, Germany, France develop peace plan for Donbas, awaiting approval from Russia YermakYermak said that during TCG conference calls, Russians had recently been trying to impose on Ukraine a direct dialogue with representatives of the self-proclaimed authorities in occupied Donbas who are in fact just invitees, not a party to the negotiations within the TCG. "A situation is being created that I constantly keep addressing during TCG meetings: why have we forgotten that there is Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE in it, while France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia comprise the Normandy format?" he added. Yermak says Ukraine has no intention to conduct negotiations with terrorists. "But we understand they haven't been recognized by anyone throughout these years, even by Russia, but they attend the talks from the side of the Russian Federation. We are against them becoming a party to these negotiations. Russia must be a party to the negotiations, and all our partners should remind them of this," the diplomat added. Reporting by UNIAN Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. LIVONIA, Mich., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation, announced today that it acquired a majority ownership stake in Premier Health, a recognized national leader in urgent care. The relationship with Premier Health is part of Trinity Health's strategy to increase access to convenient, local health care services in its current communities as well as in new markets in partnership with other leading health care organizations. "Aligned with our mission to be a transforming healing presence for our communities, our goal is to enhance and expand our urgent care clinic footprint and access to care," said Dan Roth, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Trinity Health. "Through this partnership, urgent care services will be more convenient and accessible to better meet people's needs. Patients will benefit from a seamless, coordinated care experience between urgent care, primary care and other services within the communities we serve together." In this new partnership, Premier Health will operate approximately 20 existing Trinity Health urgent care locations. Premier Health currently operates more than 70 urgent care clinics across seven states, each with consistently high patient satisfaction scores. Over the next few years, Premier Health will double the number of clinics it operates across several states. These urgent care clinics will be connected with Trinity Health and other local health systems to provide care integrated with appropriate follow-up and primary care services. In line with this integrated care approach, Premier Health-managed urgent care clinics will operate with the brand of the local health system partner. These urgent care clinics will provide convenient, on-demand care and are equipped to treat more conditions and ailments than traditional retail clinics. "It's a tremendous honor to work with Trinity Health, a health care system that's known for its commitment to clinical excellence," said Steve Sellars, chief executive officer, Premier Health. "Trinity Health's dedication to serving and improving the health of communities is a perfect match for Premier Health's model of providing radically convenient, consumer-centric services. Together, we will be able to provide greater access to quality, and cost-effective health care services. We are very excited about our future. With Trinity Health as a strategic partner, Premier Health will move forward with an ambitious growth plan that will more than double our nationwide urgent care footprint with locations in at least 20 states." "We listened to patients and are partnering with Premier Health to offer the latest technologies that make it as easy and convenient as possible for our members to seek safe, quality care," said Mike Englehart, senior vice president, medical groups and ambulatory strategy, Trinity Health. "We look forward to growing our partnership with Premier Health and continuing to deliver care beyond our hospital doors and into our existing and new communities with Premier Health, now a member of our extended Trinity Health family." About Trinity Health Trinity Health is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation, serving diverse communities that include more than 30 million people across 22 states. Trinity Health includes 92 hospitals, as well as 100 continuing care locations that include PACE programs, senior living facilities, and home care and hospice services. Its continuing care programs provide nearly 2 million visits annually. Based in Livonia, Mich., and with annual operating revenues of $18.8 billion, the organization returns $1.3 billion to its communities annually in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs. Trinity Health employs 123,000 colleagues, including 6,800 employed physicians and clinicians. For more information, visit Trinity-Health.org. You can also follow Trinity Health on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. About Premier Health Founded in 1999, Premier Health is one of the first urgent care operators in the nation to specialize in a health system branded, joint venture partnership model. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Premier Health currently manages the day-to-day operations of more than 70 clinics as part of multiple partnerships. A recognized leader in the urgent care industry, Premier Health is committed to the delivery of excellent clinical care in a setting that offers each patient a next-level consumer experience. Premier Health affiliated clinics provide care to nearly one million patients annually. All Premier Health clinics are nationally accredited by the Urgent Care Association. Premier Health's founding partner, Baton Rouge-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, shares ownership. Premier Health is proud of our Catholic heritage and the values it represents. You can follow Premier Health on LinkedIn or Twitter. To learn more, go to PremierHealthUrgentCare.com. Contact: Jody Lamb [email protected] Related Images trinity-health.jpg Trinity Health SOURCE Trinity Health PLANTATION, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida announced today that Lisa G. Goldberg, Esq. will serve as the nonprofit's Interim Executive Director. "I am honored to have been chosen by our Board of Directors to lead our staff," said Lisa G. Goldberg, Esq., Interim Executive Director. "My life's work with Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida has been deeply gratifying and I look forward to working with our team to continue to represent underserved residents during these unprecedented times." For the past 16 years, Ms. Goldberg has served as the Director of the Family Law and Domestic Violence Unit for Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. Ms. Goldberg's team represents victims of intimate partner violence in domestic violence and family law court. Prior to joining Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida in 2004, she worked as the Family Law Supervising Attorney at Legal Aid Service of Broward County for 20 years. In addition, Ms. Goldberg is a founding member of the Broward County Family Law Advisory Group, the Broward County Family Law Bench Bar Committee, and the Broward Domestic Violence Council. She earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law, a B.A. from the University of Maryland, and is a member of the Florida Bar and the United States Supreme Court. To learn more about Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida visit http://www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org/ or call (954) 736-2400. COAST TO COAST LEGAL AID OF SOUTH FLORIDA is a not-for-profit law firm established in 2003 and funded, in part, by the Legal Services Corporation. Our mission is to improve the lives of low-income persons in our community through advocacy, education, representation and empowerment http://www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org / Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer services #CH19226. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM . REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CONTACT: Laurie Menekou (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected] SOURCE Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida Related Links http://www.coasttocoastlegalaid.org The government will decide to bring back some gendarmes from guarding some objectives to their training system, as well as to transfer the local police back to the town/city halls, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Lucian Bode, told public television broadcaster TVR1 on Tuesday evening, according to AGERPRES. "Tomorrow will come with two proposals in the CNSU [the National Committee for Emergency Situations] decision. This decision will be transposed by a government decision, namely an emergency ordinance. The first concerns the return of the gendarmes to guarding objectives. We had over 700 gendarmes posted from various public order units transferred into the public order system, and security was provided by employees of the National Defence Ministry. They have to return to the mandatory training system through their internal regulations and tomorrow we will make this decision," said Lucian Bode. "The second regulation, at the request of the Association of Romanian Municipalities, for example, which officially requested through Mr. President Emil Boc, and not only him, that the local police be returned to town halls. There are two regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs," Lucian Bode further said. He explained that last year, the local police was taken over, in a state of emergency, under the coordination of the national police. A man who denies murdering a drug dealer in Sydneys west, but admits to dumping his body, has given numerous false accounts of what happened which mixed up fact and fiction, a prosecutor has told a jury. Alex Dion, 40, is on trial in the NSW Supreme Court accused of murdering Wachira Mario Phetmang, 33, by inflicting serious head injuries in May 2018. Killed in 2018: Wachira Mario Phetmang. Mr Dion has denied killing Mr Phetmang, but conceded to a jury that he did dump his bound body in bushland next to Homebush Bay Drive in the early hours of May 27, before flying to America later that day. In closing submissions on Wednesday, Crown prosecutor Michael Barr said the prosecution case is relatively simple: that Mr Dion contacted Mr Phetmang to purchase the drug ice, then murdered him after an attempted robbery because he did not have enough money to pay for the drugs. GALVESTON Roughly one year ago, business couldnt have been better for Galveston restaurateur Mike Dean. A mild winter and warm temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico created optimal conditions for tourists to flock to the coast, with a busy spring break continuing that momentum toward a booming summer season. We had a strong Mardi Gras, we had a great festival season. Things were positive prior to the pandemic, Dean said. Ten days later, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full effect, and Gov. Greg Abbott ordered bars and restaurants to close and limited social gatherings to no more than 10 people. For Dean, who owns five restaurants in Galveston, the bottom fell out. (Business suffered) for the whole year, pretty much, he said. This year, with spring break already beginning for some regional school districts, island business owners and city officials are decidedly optimistic about a tourism rebound. Hotels are filling up for spring break and short-term rental companies were fully booked weeks ago. Restaurants that were forced to abide by strict capacity limits will be able to pack their dining rooms after Abbott lifted all COVID-related restrictions on businesses via executive order last week, with mask requirements ending Wednesday. But while COVID cases have continued to decrease from this winters spike, the positivity rate for Galveston County remains stubbornly high at 7.2 percent. Abbott announced the states reopening under the assumption that businesses and individuals could exercise personal responsibility, without the threat of government enforcement. A no-holds barred spring break in Galveston with crowded bars, restaurants, and beaches will test that theory. I think people will still see a lot of the same protocols that existed prior to the (mask) mandate changing, said Michael Woody, the chief tourism officer for Galveston. And a number of places are still going to encourage their visitors to wear masks when theyre in stores. Ahead of the spring break rush Galveston officials are walking a tightrope: eager for tourism to return to peak levels while also acknowledging the reality that the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a concern, even with vaccinations picking up speed. Galveston finished 2020 with a 16 percent drop in visitors from the previous year, Woody said. The hope is that stir-crazy people across the region eager to flee the confines of a lengthy quarantine will boost those numbers. With over 30 million people within a 300 mile radius, theres a lot of opportunity for people who maybe would have traveled further historically, and maybe theyre not quite ready to do that, Woody said. (Galveston) is an amazing opportunity for them to still have an incredible beach experience. For Sand N Sea Vacation Rentals, the pent-up demand is clear, as all of their short-term rentals were booked for spring break three weeks ago. Claire Reiswerg, Sand N Seas co-owner, noted that spring break last year was the final period of normal tourism activity the company experienced before the pandemic. Spring break has always been popular, Reiswerg said. But what happened last year is at the end of the second week, we were asked to kick people out. Reiswerg added that staff will continue to wear masks and deep-clean all of their properties for guests, mirroring the citys own efforts to abide by public health guidelines. The city will continue to require staff and members of the public doing business at City Hall and other city-owned facilities to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. For beachgoers, that means any beach pavilions along the seawall will require masks. They are also required on public transit, per federal guidelines. COVID-19 vaccinations continue apace, with a large number of Galveston residents able to get doses, including restaurant and hotel workers. Kelly de Schaun, CEO of the Galveston Park Board, said the University of Texas Medical Branch has been proactively calling hotels to organize opportunities for frontline workers to get vaccinated. She added that the citys Convention and Visitors Bureau surveyed local hotels and most agreed they would continue to require employees to wear masks and ask guests to wear masks as well. Its been interesting to see throughout the pandemic that the business sector, in large part, understands the importance of protecting our workforce and our visitors to the island, de Schaun said. Dean, who participated in the clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccine along with his family, said he has been offering incentives for staff at his restaurants if they get the vaccine but acknowledged some still have concerns. In the meantime, he is requiring his staff to continue to wear masks and encourage customers to wear them. We are out of that enforcement business, he said. Weve had a lot of bad experience attempting to enforce masks on people. And so were not going to put our staff in that position anymore. At the Galveston RV Resort and Marina, manager Sandy Elliott said she wont wear a mask anymore while shes in her office, but will continue to sanitize around the RV lot and adjust to her customers preferences. People are very nervous, weve had a lot of visitors lately from the East Coast and they dont like to come into the office, Elliott said. So their paperwork we stuck out in the mailbox and they picked it up that way. From a public health standpoint, while case totals are down, the idea of large crowds gathering in Galvestons restaurants and bars lead some to worry about another spike in COVID cases, particularly with new variants of the virus circulating in the region. Philip Keiser, the local health authority for Galveston County, said the one consistent driver behind previous upticks in COVID cases is human behavior people doing their own risk assessment of where things stand in the pandemic and proceeding accordingly, regardless of whether it comports with public health guidance. In general, when the (COVID) numbers start getting this low, people start getting relaxed, and then we see the numbers start climbing again, and I wouldnt be surprised if that happens, Keiser said. Keisers advice for spring breakers is simple: use common sense. We want everybody to be mindful of whats going on and we want everybody to have a good time, he said. We dont want people out of jobs. But we do want people to do the necessary things to keep this in check. And the next three to four weeks may be a real crucial time. nick.powell@chron.com Napa Valleys smallest winegrowers may soon be able to host tastings at their vineyards which they say is a vital lifeline for keeping the regions family farms viable, and a boon for those who dont want to see Napas landscape overtaken by larger corporate interests. Its a battle that one group of farmers has been fighting for more than three years. The Napa County Board of Supervisors decided last week to explore the issue, and the board plans to have an ordinance ready by August to create a new micro-winery classification for these smaller operations. This is the Board of Supervisors meeting that weve been waiting for for years, said Elise Nerlove Rutchick, co-owner of Elkhorn Peak Cellars and a spokesperson for Save the Family Farms, a group of small-scale winegrowers who have argued that Napa Countys current regulations make it nearly impossible for their businesses to survive. Under Napa Countys current rules, a wine producer cant host visitors unless it has built a physical wine processing facility. But due to extensive permitting and high construction costs, building such a facility in Napa is typically a $5 million endeavor at minimum, according to estimates from the countys planning department a prohibitive cost for many Save the Family Farms members. Those members say hosting visitors at their vineyards is an essential component of running a wine business these days, since selling wine directly to consumers is far more profitable than selling it through restaurants and stores, where distributors take as much as half of the profit margin. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle 2019 Under the micro-winery ordinance, a winegrower would be able to convert some piece of a property such as a garage into a makeshift winery or storage facility that doesnt need to meet the standards of a full-fledged winery and would cost well under $5 million. As long as the producer performs some part of the winemaking process on-site, it could count as a micro-winery. The most common criticism of the ordinance is that it enables some people to sidestep the rules and, by allowing more tasting rooms, creates more traffic and tourism congestion. Save the Family Farms counters that without giving multigenerational winegrowers a viable path to selling their wine directly to customers, many of their properties will ultimately be purchased by larger corporations that will develop tasting rooms anyway but without the homegrown, family-centric appeal. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle The current situation puts a lot of these multigenerational farms in hands that the creators of (Napas current rules) would not have intended, said Lindsay Hoopes, a member of Save the Family Farms executive committee and the owner of Hoopes Vineyard. Although its not yet clear what the supervisors final ordinance will look like, Save the Family Farms has proposed that micro-wineries be allowed on parcels of at least 10 acres, with an annual production not exceeding 5,000 gallons, with no marketing events and very limited visitor capacities. They argue that these would not be major development projects. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Established wine-industry groups have opposed the micro-winery idea in the past because its original version would have conflicted with a 1990 county law saying that wineries must be built on parcels of 10 acres or more. But on Feb. 11, after Save the Family Farms revised the proposal to add a 10-acre minimum, the Napa Valley Vintners, the powerful organization that represents the countys wineries, said it had reversed its original position and would now support a micro-winery ordinance. Rutchick suspected that their support was what persuaded the Board of Supervisors to finally engage with the issue. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle 2020 I like the idea of being able to bring more value to our agricultural land, and especially for our small ag producers, Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht said during the March 2 meeting. I dont want you to have to be a millionaire to be part of ag in Napa. Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Celebrated director Karthik Subbaraj has confirmed that his highly anticipated film tentatively titled #Chiyaan60 starring Vikram and Dhruv Vikram, will go on floors from today (March 10). Confirming the news, the young director clarified that Anirudh Ravichander will not be composing for the film, instead, the team has roped in Santhosh Narayanan to score music. Thanking Master's music director for his understanding and support, Karthik tweeted, "Yes... It's A Santosh Narayanan Musical!! Welcome to the Gang @Music_Santhosh Thanks @anirudhofficial for your understanding & Support... #Chiyaan60 shoot starts from TODAY... Need all your Support, Blessings and Love. More updates to follow." For the unversed, Karthik had announced Anirudh's inclusion in the project during the initial announcement of the film, and now with the clarification, looks like the music composer is out owing to reasons best known to the team. Touted to be a gangster flick, #Chiyaan60 marks the first project to unite the stylish father-son duo Vikram and Dhruv for the first time. Bankrolled by Lalit Kumar under his banner Seven Screen Studio, the film is expected to release in late 2021 or early 2022. Meanwhile, Vikram is also busy with his other projects including Cobra helmed by Ajay Gnanamuthu and Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan. On the other hand, Dhruv is likely to team up with Gautham Vasudev Menon for his next. Also, Karthik Subbaraj is done with all post-production activities of his film with Dhanush titled Jagame Thandhiram. After much speculation, the gangster drama is all set to have a direct-to-OTT release on Netflix. However, the official release date is yet to be confirmed. Also Read: Jagame Thandhiram Teaser Out: Dhanush-Karthik Subbaraj's Film To Release On Netflix! Also Read: Pebbles Aka Koozhangal Bags Tiger Award At IFFR 2021; Karthik Subbaraj Congratulates Vinothraj PS HUNDREDS of gifts collected at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park are on their way to patients at Crumlin Childrens Hospital in Dublin. Over 15 large boxes of gifts were collected following an appeal by Shannon Group employees to support one of the Groups chosen charities - CMRF Crumlin Toy Appeal. The gifts were donated by members of the public who visited Bunratty Castle & Folk Park for its Trail of Lights Experience in December. Employees created a Giving Tree at the Folk Park entrance, where visitors and members of the public were able to donate a gift. We were astounded with the response and generosity of all those who supported the toy appeal and we would like to thank people most sincerely for their kindness. In particular, it was wonderful to see many younger visitors enthusiastically leaving gifts for this very worthy cause. Current restrictions prevented us from personally delivering the toys to Dublin but with the help of An Post the toys are now in Dublin ready to be given to patients at Crumlin Childrens Hospital, said Vanessa McTigue, Head of Commercial Operations for Shannon Heritage. The charity is dedicated to providing vital funding to paediatric research and critical supports to sick children from all over Ireland who attend CHI Crumlin for diagnosis and treatment. Gerry Cully, Hospital Liaison Manager, Childrens Health Foundation has expressed his appreciation: Thanks to everyone who donated toys at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the patients will be delighted to see these toys going into the hospital. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX The Maricopa County Attorneys Office is dismissing the charges against 12 protesters who were arrested in downtown Phoenix in August 2020. But County Attorney Allister Adel says she intends to file different charges against some of these defendants based on their conduct during the protest. Dozens of protesters marched through city streets to the front of Phoenix police headquarters and several were taken into custody and charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses. In a statement Tuesday, Adel said that after reviewing the cases, she believes its in the interest of justice to dismiss the current charges. However, she intends to file different charges against some of these defendants based on their conduct during the protest. Adel said she remains committed to holding those who committed criminal acts responsible. She added that ethical rules regarding trial publicity prohibits her from trying the case in the media or saying anything that might influence a jury in the cases. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ (TNS) Elon Musk is getting into the Texas power market, with previously unrevealed construction of a gigantic battery connected to an ailing electric grid that nearly collapsed last month. The move marks Tesla Inc.s first major foray into the epicenter of the U.S. energy economy.A Tesla subsidiary registered as Gambit Energy Storage LLC is quietly building a more than 100 megawatt energy storage project in Angleton, Texas, a town roughly 40 miles south of Houston. A battery that size could power about 20,000 homes on a hot summer day. Workers at the site kept equipment under cover and discouraged onlookers, but a Tesla logo could be seen on a workers hard hat and public documents helped confirm the companys role.Property records on file with Brazoria County show Gambit shares the same address as a Tesla facility near the companys auto plant in Fremont, California. A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lists Gambit as a Tesla subsidiary. Executives from Tesla did not respond to multiple requests for comment.As winter storms pummeled Texas in February and left millions without power for days, Musk took to Twitter to mock the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or Ercot, the nonprofit group that manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million customers. Not earning that R, he wrote. Musk, 49, recently moved to Texas and his various companies are expanding operations in the state.The battery-storage system being built by Teslas Gambit subsidiary is registered with Ercot. Warren Lasher, senior director of system planning at Ercot, said the project has a proposed commercial operation date of June 1. The site is adjacent to a Texas-New Mexico Power substation.While Tesla is known for its sleek, battery-powered electric vehicles, its always been more than a car company: its official mission is to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy. Utility-scale batteries are needed to store the electricity produced by wind and solar, but they can also become lucrative opportunities. By storing excess electricity when prices and demand are low, battery owners can sell it back to the grid when prices are high.Tesla has spent years expanding into residential energy technology. Back in March 2015, Musk unveiled a home battery product, dubbed the Powerwall, with a splashy event at its design studio near Los Angeles. Scores of utility and energy executives attended. A year later Tesla acquired SolarCity, the solar-panel installer founded by Musk and his cousins. Musk then hawked a solar roof that has gone through several iterations without becoming a strong contender in the market.But the companys product lineup already reaches beyond the home and into the electrical grid. The Tesla Powerpack and even larger Megapack were designed with utility customers in mind. Teslas battery project in South Australia, launched in 2017, is adjacent to a wind farm and can store surplus electricity generated on gusty nights for daytime demand. At 100 megawatts, it was the largest battery project in the world at its launch.While Teslas focus on energy often takes a back seat to the increasingly competitive business of manufacturing and selling electric cars, Musk and his executive team continue to highlight energy as a key part of their growth. I think long-term Tesla Energy will be roughly the same size as Tesla Automotive, Musk said during an earnings call in July 2020. The energy business is collectively bigger than the automotive business.Teslas battery packs are connected to Southern California Edisons Mira Loma substation, located east of Los Angeles. The 20 megawatt system, which has been online since December 2016, supports grid operation during peak hours and helps the utility make the most of its renewable resources. In the San Francisco Bay Area, PG&E Corp. and Tesla are constructing a 182.5 megawatt system at an electric substation in Moss Landing that should be operational by August.Tesla Energy could represent up to 30% of the companys total revenue by the 2030s, up from roughly 6% today, according to analyst Alexander Potter of Piper Sandler. His research has highlighted the potential for Autobidder, a software platform Tesla designed for utilities. Tesla Chief Financial Officer Zachary Kirkhorn has described Autobidder as an autonomous energy market participation system that does high-frequency trading. Potter has a $1,200 price target on Tesla stock, the highest on Wall Street.Teslas energy storage business on a percentage basis is growing faster than their car business, and its only going to accelerate, said Daniel Finn-Foley, head of energy storage at Wood MacKenzie Power and Renewables. They are absolutely respected as a player, and they are competing aggressively on price.Musks empire has numerous branches in Texas, and with the billionaires recent relocation from California, the Lone Star state now appears set to become the center of his universe. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, is building and testing Starship, a new rocket and spacecraft designed to take humans to Mars, at a facility in Boca Chica on the southern tip of the Gulf Coast. Another rocket-testing facility is located in McGregor, near Waco.SpaceX has posted engineering positions in Austin for a new, state of the art manufacturing facility for Starlink, a space-based high speed Internet service. Tesla is also building a new factory in East Austin for its forthcoming Cybertruck, an electric pickup. Gigafactory Texas, as the facility is known, will create 5,000 mid-level manufacturing jobs and is supposed to produce the first vehicles by the end of this year.Musks focus on Texas comes as the dominant U.S. energy hubwith its abundant natural gas, oil, solar and wind resourcesis being transformed by the surging growth of renewables. For more than a century the Texas grid has transported power from large plants to customers over miles of transmission lines. The recent storms have highlighted just how fragile that legacy system is in the era of climate change. With the build out of giant batteries like those made by Teslas Gambit project and others, the states power grid could be remade around distributed generation that may prove more resilient.About 2,100 megawatts of battery storage and 37,000 megawatts of solar and wind are in advanced stages of connecting to Ercots grid. Its not only stunning but the financing is already in place, Jigar Shah said on March 2, a day before the clean-energy pioneer was named as director of the U.S. Energy Departments loan finance office.The Gambit project was originally developed by San Francisco-based Plus Power, a privately held renewables company that has battery operations in several states. Scott Albert, the former city manager of Angleton, said it was obvious that Plus Power was working with Tesla. A project summary available on the citys website features images of Teslas utility-scale battery products, and some of Plus Powers principal staffers previously worked at Tesla. (Plus Power confirmed its sale of the project to an undisclosed party and declined further comment.)The Gambit project is not hard to find in Angleton, a small town of roughly 3,000 people in the middle of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. But people on the construction site appear to have instructions to avoid drawing attention or answering questions from passersby. A photographer who attempted to observe from the front gate was told by a worker that it was a secretive project. White sheets obscured what appeared to be Teslas modular Megapacks.In Texas, Albert said, its common for developers in real estate or energy to begin projects with several potential partners or purchasers waiting in the wings. It made sense to him that the project ended up with the states biggest billionaire. Elon Musk has a lot of activity in Texas right now, said Albert. It wouldnt surprise me if Musk is thinking about starting his own power company. Western Australia is navigating the COVID-19 pandemic far better than most places globally. Credit to those responsible for guiding us through these challenging times. However, as vaccinations roll out and we transition from COVID relief to recovery, a next normal emerges, including possible accelerations of trends that may have otherwise taken years to achieve. Extending home solar subsidies is one of many opportunities WA could embrace in taking action on climate change. Credit:Glenn Hunt Examples abound, from greater flexibility in working from home through to the growth of online shopping. But one trend which does not appear to be accelerating in Western Australia at a pace commensurate with global progress is action on climate change. STOCKHOLM, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Securitas, the world's leading intelligent protective services partner, has launched a major update to its global brand identity and positioning. Headlined by the tagline `See a different world', the new brand highlights the company's human and progressive approach to security, and the positive impact of its innovation and technology. It includes the first major update of the well-known Securitas logo since 1972. Securitas' new brand delivers an original tone of voice, visual identity and a positive and proactive storytelling agenda. It will be visible on Securitas' personnel uniforms, vehicles, equipment and facilities, as well as its digital tools and online channels. The brand will be rolled out gradually across the company's worldwide operations. The tagline `See a different world' emphasizes the expertise and diversity of Securitas' people, and the innovativeness and relevance of its offerings. It is intended to resonate with audiences within and beyond the security business, and to enable Securitas to engage in conversations with a wider range of stakeholders. Magnus Ahlqvist, President and CEO, Securitas: "Our new brand shows the world who we are and where we're going. It builds on Securitas' proud heritage and values of integrity, vigilance and helpfulness, and focuses on our unique people and high-impact technology. We work with many of the world's most recognizable companies, and our new identity makes it clear how we can help create a more sustainable and inclusive future together with our clients and partners. It will open even more doors for our business and accelerate our strategy execution." Securitas has 355,000 employees serving 150 global clients and more than 150,000 clients in total across 48 markets. The company is accelerating its digital transformation through investing in data-driven tools and analytics and by interacting with clients in innovative ways, and aims to double its sales of electronic security and security solutions by 2023. Mauro Silva, VP Brand and Strategic Marketing, Securitas: "This is a milestone for our company and our industry. We reflected on our strategy, our world and what clients expect from us today and saw an opportunity for differentiation. Securitas is a knowledge-driven company where engaged and talented people make a positive difference every day. This brand expresses our confidence in the future, while remaining true to our heritage and people, and makes our leadership clearer than ever." Securitas' new brand identity has been developed in partnership with the brand agency Kurppa Hosk. Further information: Media: Helena Andreas, SVP Communications & People; +46 10 470 30 20, [email protected] Investors: Micaela Sjokvist, Head of Investor Relations; +46 76 116 7443, [email protected] Securitas is the world's leading intelligent protective services partner. Our guarding, electronic security, fire and safety, and risk management solutions enable more than 150,000 clients to see a different world. We are present in 48 markets and our innovative, data-driven approach makes us a trusted partner to many of the world's best-known companies. Our 355,000 employees live our values of integrity, vigilance and helpfulness, and our purpose is to help make your world a safer place. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/securitas/r/securitas-presents-new-global-brand-identity,c3302968 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1062/3302968/1384601.pdf News release as PDF https://news.cision.com/securitas/i/magnus-ahlqvist-securitas,c2886551 Magnus Ahlqvist Securitas https://news.cision.com/securitas/i/mauro-silva-securitas,c2886552 Mauro Silva Securitas https://news.cision.com/securitas/i/securitas-branded-vehicle,c2886553 Securitas branded vehicle https://news.cision.com/securitas/i/securitas-logo-light,c2886554 Securitas logo light https://news.cision.com/securitas/i/securitas-logo-dark,c2886555 Securitas logo dark SOURCE Securitas A new round of grants have been awarded by African Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF), a four-year, $800,000 grant program administered by United Arab Emirates based philanthropy Dubai Cares, and the International Publishers Association (IPA). Five projects will share $170,000 in total funding; all of them are focused on distance learning solutions for African children and will impact some 11 million children across the continent. Distance learning in Africa faces multiple challenges, including poor internet coverage in rural areas, the high cost of technology to access distance learning programs and a lack of know-how. According to UNESCO, 89% of students in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to a computer, 82% have no internet access, and around 56 million learners live outside mobile networks. "The Covid-19 pandemic has set back the education of millions of learners around the world, but its effects are acutest where the infrastructure cannot support the connectivity required for distance learning," said Bodour Al Qasimi, president of the IPA. "Having received far more applications than we could have imagined, we are all very excited to have found five projects that we believe will deliver significant benefits for a great number of children and young people." The projects being funded, with citations provided by APIF, are: Ghana: As schools shifted online due to Covid-19, girls in rural communities have faced challenges in accessing online learning due to a significant urban-rural digital divide. With online learning reaching only 70% of school-age children, the Learners Girls Foundation will support 400 at-risk Ghanaian girls in Paga, a rural community of 100,000, to continue their education and access educational resources despite technology and internet connectivity challenges. Kenya: As African publishers embrace digital content due to schools shifting online, many lack expertise in inclusive publishing practices to meet global accessibility standards. Starting in East Africas regional publishing hub of Kenya, with plans to scale to 12 African countries, eKitabu will work with publishers to enrich the remote learning of more than nine million students and teachers with accessible digital learning materials. Rwanda: With the closure of schools, community libraries have taken on an even more important role in building critical literacy skills and fostering a reading culture. Save the Children Rwanda will train 270 librarians in eight community libraries on the use of technology to strengthen a culture of reading in remote and rural communities while providing digitally accessible reading materials in Kinyarwanda that will keep 1.6 million children reading while unable to attend school. Tanzania: Competing government budget demands have led to a significant shortage of community and school libraries in the Zanzibar region of Tanzania. Book Aid International will transform three shipping containers into fully-equipped libraries in Dunga, a rural community of 76,000, where children can enjoy reading, young learners can study for exams, and adults can read and learn new skills. Zimbabwe: With schools and rural areas poorly resourced, communities across Zimbabwe lack social infrastructure, such as libraries. Led by Chirikure Chirikure, the countrys most famous poet, this initiative will build a modern community library in Nemashakwe area, Gutu district, that will provide 800 students and youth access to books, a place to study, and programs to attain livelihood skills. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Vincent Matthews announced Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of June. Matthews, who started as superintendent in May 2017, has overseen a tumultuous time in the district, which is still in the process of planning to reopen schools that closed in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While SFUSD students have done distance learning for the past year, the district has come under criticism for its lack of progress in reopening plans, even being sued last month by City Attorney Dennis Herrera who alleged the district's plans to reopen were inadequate and didn't meet state guidelines. "For the remainder of my time as superintendent I remain committed to the critical work in front of us: Bringing students back to in-person learning, continuing to provide distance learning and planning for the summer and fall," Matthews said. He said he was not going to discuss his decision to retire in more detail because he wants "to support our sustained focus on this challenging task." San Francisco Board of Education president Gabriela Lopez said the board will work with the superintendent to create a transition plan. "We are fortunate to have worked with an educator who is a native of San Francisco and proud alumni of our public schools," Lopez said. "We will have more information to share about hiring Dr. Matthews' replacement shortly. In the meantime we know we will continue to build on the work we have done together." 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. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The UK will send more than 4m of stolen funds back to Nigeria for the first time under an agreement to return assets seized from criminals. The money was stolen by former Nigerian state governor James Ibori and his associates and recovered by UK agencies. It will be spent on infrastructure and building works for the Nigerian people, the Foreign Office said. Ibori was given a 13-year prison sentence in April 2012 after he pleaded guilty to 10 criminal charges over the appropriation of massive amounts of public funds during his two terms as governor of Delta State. As he had spent time in custody in the United Arab Emirates prior to his extradition and conviction in the UK, he was released in 2016 and left the UK in 2017. Recommended Why Europe needs to up its game in fighting corruption Ibori appeared at Southwark Crown Court via videolink from Nigeria last year to hear legal arguments as part of efforts to prevent criminals from financially gaining from their crimes. British authorities have claimed he gained at least 117m from fraud and said he has identified assets of at least 46m. Some 4.2m was retrieved through operations led by UK law enforcement agencies who identified assets bought in the UK with illicit funds and recovered them. The Metropolitan Police Service, National Crime Agency and Crown Prosecution Service were involved in the operations. An agreement between the UK and Nigeria was reached in 2016 to return assets seized from criminals and this is the first time it has been used. Africa minister James Duddridge said: "When money is stolen from public funds it hits the poorest communities the hardest and means money can't be spent where it's most needed. "The UK's work on this case to recover millions of pounds will support vital infrastructure and building works. "The UK and Nigeria will continue to work together to tackle crime and corruption across our nations." Home Office minister Baroness Williams added: "This is a significant moment in our fight against illicit finance wherever it is found. "Recovering the proceeds of crime is a critical part of our fight against serious crime and this sends a clear message to criminals that we will relentlessly pursue them, their assets and their money." Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor of CPS Proceeds of Crime, said: "Corruption anywhere is corrosive and has a drastic impact on the lives of the people where money is embezzled from. "Where there is international corruption carried out from England and Wales, we will robustly prosecute and deprive individuals of their ill-gotten gains. "Thanks to diligent and complex work of our prosecutors, 4.2m is being returned to the people of Nigeria and will go towards projects which will massively benefit the country. "This forms part of the CPS's ongoing asset recovery work." Additional reporting by PA National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has been accused of misleading savers after it emerged that more than 16 million customers will have Premium Bond prize cheques withdrawn. In justifying the decision to stop sending prizes in the post, NS&I had said that nearly three-quarters of its prizes were paid directly into bank accounts or reinvested. But it has since confirmed to Money Mail that 76 per cent of its 21.4 million Premium Bond savers are still signed up to receive prize warrants in the post. Most will be savers with small holdings who don't win regularly. In justifying the decision to stop sending prizes in the post, NS&I had said that nearly three-quarters of its prizes were paid directly into bank accounts or reinvested Former pensions minister Ros Altmann, says: 'I must admit this is very worrying. It would seem NS&I has been slightly misleading in the way it has presented information to the public to justify its hugely unpopular decision.' NS&I was accused of ignoring the wishes of older savers and pushing them online. The Government savings arm had been due to scrap cheques in December, but pushed the move back until spring after a customer-service crisis. Yet it has still not revealed exactly when savers will lose the warrants. Anna Bowes, of website Savings Champion, says: 'NS&I does need to provide its customers with some notice.' NS&I says 16.3 million Premium Bond holders have not registered their bank details and winners will not be paid until they have completed the process. It added that customers who have not registered the details will receive letters asking for their bank details if they win a prize. A spokesman adds: 'The phasing out of Premium Bonds prize cheques has been postponed until Spring 2021 and we will announce a new date in due course, giving appropriate notice to customers.' f.parker@dailymail.co.uk Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Demonstrations against crime in Israeli Arab towns and villages continue. Many people say police and authorities are doing little to cope with a phenomenon that has cost the lives of many in recent years. An especially large demonstration took place Feb. 26 in the town of Umm al-Fahm. During that protest, altercations broke out between demonstrators and police. The police reaction led to the wounding of Mayor Samir Mahamid, Arab Knesset member Youssef Jabareen and 35 others. Demonstrators then accused police of using excessive force against them, including the use of tear gas, rubber-coated bullets and stun grenades. On March 5, another demonstration was organized in Umm al-Fahm. In light of the many protesters expected, police announced the closure of Route 65 to vehicles. Police said they were taking this step to enable all protesters to arrive at the site designated for the demonstration. And indeed, many people arrived, including quite a few Jewish participants who came to express solidarity with the crisis of the Arab public in the fight against violence and crime. In all, over 10,000 people participated in the protest. But the Arab community hasnt stopped bleeding. On March 9, there were three shootings in the towns of Jaljulya, Sakhnin and Jedadya-Makr. Mohammed Abed Alrazik Adas, a 14-year-old boy, was shot dead, and a 12-year-old boy was severely injured in the shooting in Jaljulya, which took place a few dozen meters from a police post. The municipality of Jaljulya called a general strike and an emergency meeting for March 10. Following the March 9 shootings, Arab Joint List party Chairman Ayman Odeh blamed government neglect for the situation. The abhorrent criminals are those who pressed the trigger, but the policy of criminal neglect on the part of the government is no less to blame, he tweeted. Among the thousands of demonstrators who came to the huge demonstration at Umm al-Fahm was the chairman of the Arab party Raam, Knesset member Mansour Abbas, who came under attack from several protesters who tried to prevent him from taking part in the demonstration. They cursed him, shouting, Get out, traitor! This was in reference to his party's leaving the Joint List and adopting a new strategy of cooperation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Other protesters defended Abbas and confronted those who tried to drive him away. Abbas said those who confronted him were a handful of individuals who belong to the other parties who are not from Umm al-Fahm. The municipality of Umm al-Fahm condemned what happened with Abbas, saying, In the name of city residents we reject the attack on Knesset member Abbas and condemn this act. The city of Umm al-Fahm is open to Knesset member Abbas as it is open to every member of the Knesset from every party, Arab and Jewish. The protest was meant to say 'no to violence' and what happened here was violence. That being said, could the attack on Abbas actually help him and his party pass the vote threshold? According to a News 13 poll published March 9, Raam would win four seats, the minimum to enter the Knesset, while the Joint List would win eight. Israel HaYom and an i24 News poll published this week also indicated Mansour Abbas would pass the vote threshold and get four seats. This could point to a kind of trend where a significant part of the Arab community identifies with him and his new political line. But what do people in the Arab community those who are not politically active think? Bahaa Abu Mukh of the Arab town Baqa al-Gharbiya told Al-Monitor, First, we should note that the Arab community is not violent despite the violence that has raged in recent years, and that the Arab public has always known how to solve problems peacefully and with tolerance. But the attack on Mansour Abbas for the political position he took or a political line he adopted could lead to a wave of support for him, since such an act is unacceptable and unreasonable, and during a demonstration against violence, no less. Eman Safady, a publicist and media personality in the Arab community, told Al-Monitor that the attack could have an effect in two ways. First we should say that the whole Mansour Abbas festival is part of a political strategy on the part of Netanyahu to divide and weaken the Joint List. His being attacked during the protest in Umm al-Fahm could work on two levels. On one side, there are those who would say that nothing [good] will come out of his alliance with Netanyahu. The whole violent exchange could cause some to stay away from Raam. On the other side, there are those who would vote for him because they see in him hope to save the Arab community from the wave of violence, even at the price of cooperation with Netanyahu. Thus, at the end of the day, the attack on Abbas could be the decisive factor that puts his party in the Knesset. No other Arab political party has dared to run alone since the higher vote threshold of 3.25% was introduced. This would be quite a development since he was attacked only for a political position; still, many in the Arab public are disgusted at how some Arab political activists all too often call anyone who doesnt agree with their political views a traitor and collaborator. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE Sabey Data Center Properties announced last month that it had secured a $150 million equity stake from Manulife Investment Management, an affiliate of John Hancock Life Insurance, of Boston. Dave Sabey said in a statement, We are pleased to welcome Manulife Investment Management as a new strategic partner. Demand for digital capacity will continue to increase, and Sabey Data Centers is dedicated to meeting that demand. . . . Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. WINDSOR LOCKS A Windsor Locks teen has been charged after investigators determined he was connected with a shooting in the parking lot of a local hotel, according to police. Kyle Cianfarani, 19, of Andover Street, was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace. He was held on a $50,000 bond. On Sunday, officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express at 600 Spring St. for a complaint about an unoccupied vehicle in the lot that appeared to have been hit by gunfire, according to police. Responding officers found a sport utility vehicle in the parking lot that had two bullet holes, police said. Two spent shell casings were recovered in the lot near the damaged vehicle, police said. Video footage and interviews helped police narrow down when the incident happened around 10 p.m. Saturday. Officers found a vehicle on Elm Street that had been involved in the incident, police said. Officers also learned of a second location in Windsor Locks where the same suspect had discharged a firearm following a disturbance, police said. There was an allegation that the homeowner at this location had been shot in the hand, but officers determined his injury was a result of a struggle over the firearm. Police said this is when officers developed Cianfarani as a suspect and started to look for the 2003 Dodge Dakota he had last been seen driving. Shortly after, police found the vehicle in Cianfaranis Andover Street driveway. Police said officers seized a 9mm bullet found in the driveway near the vehicle. Cianfaranis Dodge Dakota and the vehicle from the Holiday Inn parking lot were each towed to police headquarters pending search warrants, police said. On Monday, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Cianfarani who was taken into custody without incident at his Andover Street home. After the arrest, Wolcott police indicated he was also connected with a Cumberland Farms robbery on Sunday night. Police said an individual with facial tattoos jumped over the counter and took the cash drawer from the convenience store at 723 Wolcott Road. Police said a plate on the vehicle the suspect fled in was traced back to Meriden. Police in Meriden helped Wolcott police identify their suspect. Wolcott police said Meriden police alerted them to the suspects arrest at 3 a.m. Monday. When arrested, Wolcott police said, the suspect was armed with a handgun. Wolcott police said the suspect is also a felon with an extensive arrest history in Texas, where he previously lived. While he was only taken into custody on charges out of Meriden, Wolcott police said their investigation is continuing and an arrest warrant is expected. Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the two-term Member of Parliament (MP) (2009-2012/2013-2016) for the good people of Kwadaso in the Ashanti region, and Minister for Food and Agriculture has superbly distinguished himself in the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo. The Ghanaian public sees his reappointment to the same Ministry as a step in the right direction. The much-revered Minister has extensive training in the sector, having graduated many decades ago from Ghanas premier University, Legon, with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and Master of Science degree, from Cambridge University in England in Agricultural Economics. The Honourable Minister obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the same Cambridge University in 1985. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, had extensive practice in his profession - having worked and consulted for prominent international organisations in agribusinesses. Naturally, eminent personality has the ear of the President on critical and germane matters that affect the sector in addition to policy streams geared towards leapfrogging the agricultural sector as a springboard for a rapid industrialisation agenda. He is indeed a reputable Agricultural Economist with a global experience in how the low-income and less developed countries transition into mass industrialisation from agrarian backgrounds. The deep-thinking, accomplished member of President Akufo-Addos Cabinet, is seen not only as an exceptional professional and technocrat, but also a progressive personality greatly immersed in the corporate Ghana agenda of a Ghana beyond aid; A Ghana at the forefront and blazing the trail of the African renaissance of political and economic liberation. It is important to acknowledge that his passion for public service over the years fuelled his decision to leave behind lucrative and luscious opportunities abroad to join members of his political party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to work towards liberating our country from the deprivation it had sunken into for the longest part of our history when military interregnum held our dear nation spellbound. To this course he has placed his professional and academic wherewithal. Undoubtedly under Dr Akotos tenure, the agriculture sector since 2017 has seen significant resurgence. The sector has resuscitated food security and has contributed to our improved gross domestic product. The sectorial contribution under his watch, to the countrys GDP is overwhelming. Sustained food production throughout the year has helped to cover the perennial food shortages hitherto experienced and becoming the status quo. Staple food production through the Planting for Food and Jobs has attracted greater part of our youth into the sector, thereby creating thousands of jobs. Farmers across the country have had a sector friendly minister whose direction and advice resonates with them and have been prepared to look to him as a perfect example. A chip of the old block, he is indeed. With the advent of the fourth republic, he formed part of the young executive group which made financial commitments to ensure that NPP was put on even keel to compete with the then ruling regime which had had all the towering and overarching largesse of power. ssDr. Akotos father, the renowned chieftain (a linguist of the Asante kingdom and politician), Baffour Akoto was the founder and leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM) who gave the stiffest challenge to Dr. Nkrumahs Convention Peoples Party, the CPP in the 1950s. Admittedly, his rich background, association, exposition and professional accomplishments notwithstanding, Dr Akoto is extremely down to earth, devoting his energies to give much support not only to his own constituents but also the party rank and file. He cuts across as a fine and witty gentleman, gravel-voiced, warm, dedicated, and loyal; and a reliable confidant. He is widely respected amongst his peers and contemporaries including colleague Ministers of State and within the Legislature. It is vital to stress that the governments commitment to put the Ghanaian economy back to winning ways has become even more crucial given the colossal impact the novel coronavirus pandemic has had on nations across the globe, particularly low income sub-Saharan countries. Governments have contracted in size in a bid to have a firmer grip over the exigencies of the wave of the socio-economic detours resulting from the struck of Covid-19. The role played by the Agriculture Ministry in agricultural policy frameworks and agribusiness to ensure food security and spur on our industrial drive could not be more pertinent. Regarding a safe pair of hands for this endeavour, the President has made the perfect choice in the person of Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. Against this background, the Ghanaian public and youth congratulate Dr Akoto, for putting himself selflessly at the service of Ghana. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Liz Truss The UK should consider slashing trade tariffs like Singapore to spur economic growth, the Board of Trade has suggested, as it called for exports to be placed at the heart of the recovery from covid-19. Calling for the Government to pursue trade deals with high-growth economies outside of the EU, Boris Johnsons new group of trade advisers has recommended the UK follows the example of the Asian financial hub through the widespread removal of barriers to free trade. Publishing its first report after being set up last year, the Board also recommends that the Government establish an ambitious new target for boosting exports by the end of the decade. Whitehall sources last night suggested it would go beyond George Osbornes previous goal of hitting 1 trillion in exports by 2020, despite the significant decline in global trade caused by the pandemic. To help business internationalise, the advisers propose new export incentives which are likely to mirror those available in the US, ranging from tax breaks to Government support for small and medium sized firms. Its recommendations are said to have been heavily influenced by Tony Abbott, the former Australian prime minister, who was among the senior experts appointed to the Board in September. The report is also underpinned by research from the Fraser of Allander Institute, which finds that 6.5 million UK jobs are supported by exports, and that wages in these roles are 7 per cent higher than the national median. The Office for National Statistics also estimates that goods exporting businesses are 21 per cent more productive than those who do not. Other proposals include signing ground breaking new trade agreements with India, the Gulf states and the Mercosur group of Latin American countries, along with finalising deals currently being negotiated with the US, Australia and New Zealand by 2022. The report identifies Asia and the Indo-Pacific as the key trade frontier, highlighting that two thirds of the worlds 5.4bn middle class consumers will be based in Asia within a decade. Story continues It highlights Scotch whisky, one of Britains most valuable food and drink exports, as a product that would especially benefit from greater trade ties with Asia. It comes ahead of Mr Johnsons trip to India next month, which Government sources say is likely to herald a series of new export announcements, as well as potentially setting out the timetable for commencing trade deal negotiations. With Mr Johnson and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss leading calls internationally to lower trade barriers, the Board points to the liberalising approach of Singapore, Australia and New Zealand as a blueprint for post-Brexit Britain. Noting that all three have benefitted from faster economic growth, higher incomes, and more jobs since opening up their economies, it points out that 96 per cent of all Singapores imports are free of duty. Commenting on the recommendations last night, Ms Truss said: This report shows how Global Britain will deliver jobs and growth across the UK, particularly in areas like the Blue Wall. Export-led jobs are more productive and higher paying, but currently too few businesses export and our economy is not international enough. This potential can be liberated through more trade deals, boosting our role as global hub for digital and services trade, and by pursuing policies that drive an exports-led recovery. The opportunity we have as an independent trading nation is huge. Todays report outlines how we can do things differently and capitalise on defining trends like the emergence of Asias middle classes and rapid growth in the Indo-Pacific. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 10 March 2021: The Report Plastic Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Flexible, Rigid), By Technology (Extrusion, Thermoforming), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028 The global plastic packaging market size is expected to reach USD 486.2 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., registering a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. The rapid expansion of the food & beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals sectors coupled with the rising penetration of organized and e-retail across the world is expected to fuel market growth. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are the most widely used materials for the manufacturing of products, such as bottles & jars, trays & containers, wraps & films, and pouches, as they are cost-effective, lightweight and have extensive functionalities and strong barrier properties against moisture. Growing demand for sustainable packing solutions is prompting manufacturers to use recycled plastic resins to make such products. Globally, the changing lifestyle led to the introduction of single-serve packaging that significantly contributed to the market growth in the past few years. Moreover, advancements in technology, such as the development of modified atmosphere technology (MAP) and airless packaging, and their growing penetration in the food & beverages and personal care industries are likely to boost the growth of the global market. However, plastic is a non-biodegradable, unsustainable material; thus, its products, specifically single-use packing solutions, are banned across several countries. For instance, on March 11, 2020, the European Union (EU) released its new Circular Economy Action Plan intended to promote sustainable packaging in the region. Moreover, growing consumer awareness levels are compelling manufacturers to switch to biodegradable materials, which is expected to hamper the industry growth to some extent. Asia Pacific emerged as the leading regional market with a revenue share of 43.8% in 2020 and is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028. This growth is attributed to the robust growth of manufacturing and e-commerce sectors in several emerging Asian countries, such as India, China, and Thailand. The global market is highly fragmented with the presence of large-scale international companies as well as small- and medium-scale domestic players. Key players are focusing on acquisitions and also increasingly expanding their product portfolios to gain maximum market share. Access Research Report of Plastic Packaging Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plastic-packaging-market Plastic Packaging Market Report Highlights In terms of revenue, the flexible product segment is projected to ascend at the fastest CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period on account of the growing demand for pouches and bags in the food & beverages sector owing to their low cost and high sustainability The extrusion technology segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 38% in 2020 The segment is estimated to retain the leading position throughout the forecast period as the majority of the flexible packing solutions, such as pouches, bags, and films, are produced with the help of extrusion technology Food & beverages was the largest application segment in 2020 and accounted for more than 51% of the global revenue share Extensive product usage for the packing of raw food products and for final packaged single-serve food packing mainly contributed to the higher share of the food & beverages segment List of Key Players of Plastic Packaging Market Amcor plc Sealed Air Coveris Berry Global, Inc. Mondi Sonoco Products Company Winpak Ltd. CCL Industries, Inc. Constantia Flexibles Access Press Release of Plastic Packaging Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-plastic-packaging-market The $1.9T Covid Aid of the Democrats will be on the floor, ready for approval. However, the Republicans called it a payout from Democrats, especially for failed blue states. Democrats To Approve $1.9T COVID Aid Plan Without the Republicans' Approval Many GOP calls the aid package full of holes; not all are devoted to COVID relief. In fact, the GOP says that it will tax other states to support Democrat state floundering because of mismanagement. The Democrats will vote for the White House's controversial $1.9 trillion aid on Wednesday. This will be done in 8 weeks as the DEMs plan to push it via partisan voting, reported Politico. The GOP has not accepted the large expense. This package proposed by the DEMs lawmakers and the White House's collaboration is supposed to boost the economy. Since its publication, many sectors have expressed their misgiving in relevant sections. Last Wednesday, the Budget Chair John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) lauded the bill as allegedly the most important bill to date. One of the ways the DEMs will assure its passing is they will bypass the GOP. Passing it as a partisan bill by DEMs lawmakers. According to Yarmouth, it is a miracle that it reached this far. The DEMs intend to push legislation on this bill when voting comes. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and associates promoted the bill looking for votes to push the package. She expressed confidence that it will pass the floor with a $1.9T Covid Aid Plan. DEMs consider the united GOP as a stumbling block and want them to fall in line. Also read: Top ICE Officials Say Flooding Migrants Might be Exploited by Criminals Republicans call the aid package the DEMs way of "gaining" support for the 2022 midterms. They don't want the GOP to get the majority by gaining a few seats. They are introducing bills like the H.R.1 that many say opens avenues to irregularities. The House will be sending the bill to the White House, and the Rules Committee met Tuesday to ready the bill for voting on the floor. It took the DEM senators longer to finish the papers, but they said one day wouldn't matter. One of the sections, like jobless benefits, will end this weekend. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said they would pass the bill by the 14th of March. He was not concerned over the lapsed deadline for extra federal jobless aid. To defend their bill, the DEMs claim that a poll of 44% of Republicans approving are willing to accept how the COVID-19 is handled. This was done by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll to check a consensus. The aid allegedly will help the lowest wage earners in the US and stimulus checks for most Americans. Most think it is an alleged payout by the Democrats for its supporters to secure the midterms. They suffered heavy losses in seats that shocked them and even planned to prevent the GOP from getting more in the future. GOPS are thoroughly opposed to the proposed bill for the $1.9T Covid Aid Plan, which is too much. Some GOP House members are expected to vote on it, claimed the DEMs. Related article: Reporters Demand Date for Solo Biden Press Conference, Psaki Stalls Them with no Exact Time @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Henry Chen is a senior partner at Dentons Shanghai Office. Previously, he was AP compliance director of Ford Motor Co. Michael E. Zolandz is the chair of Dentons federal regulatory and compliance practice, and serves as the managing partner for Dentons Washington, DC office. An overview Drawing inspiration from the European Unions legal practice, China has created a similar legal regime for counteracting the impact of foreign sanctions on Chinese persons. On Jan. 9, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures (the Chinese Blocking Statute). While the law is effective immediately, it is not yet fully operational. So far, only a basic legal framework has been established in relation to sanctions, injunctions (i.e., by China to counteract the sanctions), exemptions (from the sanctions) and litigations (to sue those who complied with the sanctions or benefited from the sanctions). The order will only become operational when the Chinese government further substantiates it. The law is very new and there are no concrete applications of this law on the market. For that reason, in this article, we introduce some significant provisions of the law, and move forward to analyze the provisions in the abstract. Notable provisions of the law are set out below: 1. Reporting obligation on a sanction: The Chinese Blocking Statute creates a reporting obligation for Chinese persons and entities impacted by a sanction under extraterritorial foreign regulations. Under the new rules, when a Chinese citizen, legal person or other organization is prohibited or restricted by foreign legislation and other measures from engaging in normal economic, trade and related activities with a third State (or region) or its citizens, legal persons or other organizations, the Chinese person or entity is required to report such matters to the State Council within 30 days. 2.Implicated foreign laws (or non-Chinese laws): the Chinese Blocking Statute establishes an injunction mechanism for the government to designate specific foreign laws as unjustified extraterritorial applications, and subsequently issue injunctions against the compliance with these foreign laws. Under the Chinese Blocking Statute, a working mechanism headed by the State Council is charged with assessing and determining whether the foreign sanctions laws constitute unjustified extra-territorial application of foreign legislation and other measures. The law sets out an open-ended and largely undefined list of factors for the State Council to consider, including whether the laws represent a violation of principles of international relations, impacts Chinas national sovereignty, security and development interests, or affects the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese persons and entities, as well as other factors that shall be taken into account. If the working mechanism confirms the existence of an unjustified extraterritorial application of a foreign law, it will direct the State Council to issue an injunction prohibiting parties in China from complying with the law. According to MOFCOMs interpretation, the mechanism on injunction only applies to Chinese citizens, legal persons, or other organizations. In other words, only Chinese persons or entities could be subject to the injunction and prohibited from complying with foreign regulations identified by the working mechanism. 3. Exemption process: A Chinese person or entity will be able to apply for an exemption from compliance with the injunction by submitting a written application to the State Council. Such request will need to provide the reasons for and the scope of the requested exemption. The State Council will then decide whether to approve such application within 30 days or less. The format for applying for an exemption is not yet clear. 4. Private right of action (or litigation): The Chinese rule creates a private right of action for Chinese persons or entities to seek civil remedies in Chinese courts from anyone who complies with prohibited extraterritorial measures, unless the State Council has granted an exemption to the prohibition order. More significantly, the scope of this private right of action seems unbounded. According to the second paragraph of the laws Article 9, if a Chinese person or entity suffers loss due to a judgement or ruling based on the prohibited foreign regulations, it can pursue a legal action in Chinese courts against parties who benefited from the said judgement or ruling. 5. Consequences for Non-Compliance: A Chinese person or entity who fails to comply with the reporting obligation or the prohibition order may be subject to government warnings, orders to rectify, or fines. The specific criteria for deciding which punitive measures to apply remains unclear. Comparison with the EU legal regime Notably, China did not invent this legal regime. The EU, Mexico, Argentina as well as Canada have similar laws in effect. In advanced jurisdictions such as the EU, the law tends to have more flesh on the bone regarding its application. The EU Blocking Statute, for instance, applies only to a specific set of laws specified in its annex. Those are largely to do with USs sanctions on Cuba and Iran. The Chinese government may do the same by adding a list of foreign regulations to be blocked in the near future. Hopefully, the law will become much clearer by then. With respect to the laws enforcement, EU member states can enforce the Blocking Statute themselves. In several EU states, entities have been threatened with fines, and have even been subjected to mandated specific performance of contractual obligations which may expose them to risk of liability under U.S. sanctions. As for private actions, EU entities are also entitled to sue for damages, including legal costs, arising from the application of the extraterritorial measures (enforcement of which claims may extend to seizure and sale of assets). If China is basing its Blocking Statute on the EU Blocking Statute, likely we will see both administrative actions to enforce the measures as well as private sector suits to compel companies to honor contractual agreements, even if honoring those contractual relations would violate some compulsory compliance obligations. Thorny concerns raised by Article 9 Although the above comparison with the EU model adds some predictability, the laws Article 9 places market participants in a complete legal limbo. What is controversial about the Chinese version is Article 9, which puts the law on a different plane from other versions. It not only contravenes universal legal doctrines but also does not sit well with the existing Chinese legal system. The first paragraph of Article 9 (or Article 9.1) represents a classic legal nexus that can give rise to a private lawsuit. The underlying legal nexus could be a suppliers agreement, the breach of which entitles one to sue in court action. For example, Chinese Company A (which could be a joint venture or wholly foreign-owned enterprise of a U.S. company) has an existing agreement with Company B and Company B stops fulfilling its contractual obligation to comply with a sanction under foreign regulation that has been identified by this statute. Company B may find itself subject to a breach of contract lawsuit and the compliance with that identified foreign regulation cannot qualify as force majeure. Additionally, a tort action can also be the basis for a private lawsuit for the purpose of Article 9.1, so if Company Bs compliance with identified foreign regulations infringes the legitimate legal rights of Company A, Company B can be subject to a claim for damage. Notably, according to official interpretation, the infringing company has to be a Chinese entity (which might include foreign companies Chinese subsidiaries). In essence, the first paragraph of Article 9 elicited clear existing legal doctrines help for the protection of Chinese persons. Compared with Article 9.1, Article 9.2 is much more controversial as it establishes that if a foreign regulation is issued, and a Chinese person or entity suffers as a result from a judgement or ruling stemming from the foreign regulation, that Chinese person or entity now has a right of action to sue the benefiting party in a Chinese court. This is concerning. This would mean that if a Chinese or non-Chinese entity benefits from a judgement or ruling that is detrimental to Chinese persons or entities, the benefiting entity may then be subject to private lawsuits by that Chinese person or entity. This interpretation of Article 9 is substantiated by MOFCOMs published interpretation of Article 9 in that a non-Chinese entity could be a defendant under this Article 9.2. However, this interpretation was then quickly taken down and is no longer accessible. It seems that more time is needed to determine exactly which way MOFCOM decides to interpret this clause. Article 9 raises an additional question: is the judgement or ruling from which the Chinese entity suffers referring to only a judicial ruling? Or can it be interpreted to further encompass decisions made by regulatory or administrative agencies? If so, that could open the floodgate for many potentially frivolous lawsuits. Let us suppose: the U.S. Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security adds Chinese Company A to its entity list restricting American or non-American suppliers (who sells controlled-items) from exporting to that company for national security interests. The affected non-Chinese entities who can benefit from the U.S.s national interests can include all Americans who have proprietary interests or business operations in China. Under this reading of Article 9, the Chinese company can potentially sue any American who benefited. This is unlikely to happen, but it showcases an extreme consequence of Article 9. The following scenario can also be relevant. Let us further suppose: the Chinese Company A lost domestic or global market share and suffered a significant loss due to the listing. That market share was soon occupied by a US Company B who obtained a significant gain. Does that US Company B count as a benefiting party for the purpose of Article 9s second paragraph? How about a Non-US Company C who claimed that market share? Do competitive advantages obtained in this manner count as a benefit in the eyes of the law? These questions remain to be answered. The factors that soften Article 9 The above examples represent extreme cases that could happen under the law. But we have to recognize that this Blocking Statute is not statutory in nature it is merely promulgated by MOFCOM. Chinas Law of Civil Procedure (a statutory authority passed by Chinas national legislature) requires direct legal nexus (or causation) between the parties for there to be a valid lawsuit. Frivolous lawsuits can also be barred by court fees, the amount of which corresponds to the value of the lawsuit. Contrary to the understanding of Westerners, you have to pay court fees to launch a civil case with disputed value. For a claim of 10 million yuan ($1.53 million), 81,800 yuan shall be paid; for a claim of 100 million yuan, 541,800 yuan shall be paid. On the other hand, Article 9s second paragraphs legal basis is difficult to fathom. From its wording, unjust enrichment seems to be the one that it refers to, but it can run into some problems. Unjust enrichment does deal with situations where ones benefit is gained at the expense of another. This can be the claimants own doing or done by third parties. One of the key requirements of unjust enrichment is that there must be a legal causal link between the benefit gained and the loss suffered. So, reflected interest such as market value gain should be winnowed out and presumably the aforesaid competitive advantage should also be inadmissible in the eyes of the law. In this sense, those legally remote benefiting parties should have their minds at ease. Another requirement for such cause of action to stand is that the benefit gained has no legal basis for it. So, if the benefit in question is gained as a result of court judgement or administrative ruling (albeit made by foreign bodies), unjust enrichment seems not a viable cause of action after all. This is even less so in the case of the benefiting non-Chinese entities not being parties to the judgment or ruling mentioned in the above hypotheses. Compliance considerations Despite the need for further specification and clarity, there are steps that potentially affected parties may consider as part of their compliance strategies. First, with respect to compliance with the so called extraterritorial applications of laws, companies should evaluate whether they have over-complied regarding the precise terms and reach of such measures. Second, with respect to cross-border commercial relations, companies can evaluate if there are actions they can take to reduce the risk of being caught in a conflict of laws. Companies should establish focused internal mechanisms to monitor the actions of the Chinese government in what is likely to be discretionary (or potentially capricious) implementation of the Blocking Statute. If there are specific foreign regulations being identified by the working mechanism, companies should engage professional lawyers to seek exemptions for compliance after proper assessment being done. Third, in order to mitigate potential legal or business risks, companies can reexamine their contractual clauses (especially their dispute resolution mechanisms) as well as compliance policies that have been adopted in connection with sanction compliance programs that may have extraterritorial implications to them. This examination should include an assessment as to whether the clauses create potential liability under the new Blocking Statute, and whether modifications are warranted. The views and opinions expressed in this opinion section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the editorial positions of Caixin Media. If you would like to write an opinion for Caixin Global, please send your ideas or finished opinions to our email: opinionen@caixin.com Support quality journalism in China. Subscribe to Caixin Global starting at $0.99. Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database. Wits statement on the passing of a civilian in Braamfontein today Statement from the Senior Executive Team: Wits University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a 35-year-old man in the Braamfontein CBD outside of the institution this morning. The University extends its condolences to the family of the deceased. We condemn any form of violence and call on all persons to keep calm during this very difficult time. Based on media reports, our current understanding of the situation is as follows: Protest action occurred in the Braamfontein CBD earlier today, The SA Police Services were managing the situation, Initial reports suggest that a civilian was caught in clashes between the protestors and SAPS, and regrettably lost his life. At this stage, we do not have confirmation of the cause of his death, Two student reporters were injured, and Three protestors were arrested and taken to the Hillbrow Police Station. Queries directly related to this incident should be directed to the SAPS, as they were on the scene and were managing the matter as a public order incident. We are continuing to seek further information on this matter. The University has made available health and counselling services to students and members of the community who require assistance. We note with deep concern the escalation of the situation which is regrettable, and we call on all persons to remain calm during this difficult time. We remain committed to seeking creative, peaceful solutions to any outstanding issues in the higher education sector. SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM 10 MARCH 2021 is combing its aircraft leasing business with Ireland's AerCap Holdings in a deal valued at more than USD 30 billion, a big step in what has become a six year endeavor to reshape the one-time global conglomerate. The agreement to push GE Capital Aviation Services, or GCAS, into a separate business puts GE closer to its goal of shedding most of its enormous financial wing that nearly sank it during the 2008 financial crisis. AerCap will pay about USD 24 billion in cash for GCAS, and GE will take an approximately 46 per cent ownership stake in combined company, and USD 1 billion paid in AerCap notes or cash at closing. GE also said Wednesday that its board will recommend shareholders approve a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-8 and a corresponding proportionate reduction in the number of authorised shares of common stock. GE plans to lower its debt by about $30 billion after the deal's closing using transaction proceeds and existing cash sources. This will bringing its total debt reduction since the end of 2018 to more than USD 70 billion. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The inclusion of family planning and cancer treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was the topic of discussion when some health experts gathered in Abuja on Wednesday. The first rationale for family planning is in the interest of the mother and the child to reduce mortality, the President of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Oladapo Ladipo, said at the two-day strategic advocacy retreat. Mr Ladipo said the countrys maternal mortality ratio is shamefully high when compared to other developed countries. He said Nigeria has not made any substantial progress in terms of health services to its citizens in the past decades. Inclusion of family planning into the scheme will improve acceptance and continued use of family planning to prevent unintended pregnancies through correct, consistent and social behaviour change, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Innocent Ujah, said. Represented by the commissioner for health and human services, Benue State, Joseph Ngbea, Mr Ujah said the advocacy for these essential services will further strengthen advocacy to build political will for implementation. Health Insurance Scheme Due to the huge out-of-pocket spending for health services, which sometimes leave poor Nigerians in penury, the government established the NHIS in 2005 But despite billions pumped into the scheme since its inception, millions of Nigerians still lack access to quality healthcare. About 70 per cent of Nigerians pay out-of-pocket for healthcare while those enrolled in the scheme complain of inadequate service delivery. Observers say those mostly covered by the scheme are mainly civil servants and corporate workers in the private sector. The scheme also fails to cover some key services like cancer treatment which is very expensive and has left many cancer patients and their families with no option than to sell properties to raise funds. Some cancer patients also rely on foreign aid and raising funds through social media, a situation health experts blamed on the countrys fragmented health insurance system. To reduce the financial burden of treating cancer, health minister Osagie Ehanire at a National Health Dialogue in 2019, announced plans to institute a cancer treatment fund. There will be a creation of a fund, either a cancer treatment fund or whatever we decide to call it. It is important and can be driven by investment or donation, the minister said. Almost 18 months after, cancer communities in Nigeria say they are yet to start benefitting from the fund. But the chairman, healthcare services committee, House of Representatives, Tanko Sununu, while speaking at the retreat said the ministry of health is at the modality stage of disbursing the funds to selected hospitals that will cover indigent patients. The retreat was organised by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) in partnership with NHIS, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS). Inclusion package Speaking at the retreat, Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Mohammed Sambo, said the advocacy is in line with the reform agenda of the current leadership of the scheme. ADVERTISEMENT Represented by Yakubu Agada, General Manager of standards and quality assurance, NHIS, Mr Sambo said the scheme is expanding coverage of essential healthcare services for all Nigerians and efforts are underway to cover retirees, elderly, IDPs and corp members. NHIS on its part is currently reviewing its benefits package to accommodate some drugs and services for Cancer and other communicable and non-communicable diseases, Mr Sambo said. He said the scheme is working with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the actual valuation of its comprehensive benefits package. In that package, we already have some of the new generation chemotherapy, chemo drugs and others are included, he said. While we are doing this, we need to look at how we are going to finance the new package otherwise we are going to deplete the pool we have been able to put together. Mr Sambo in February said Nigeria needs about N3 trillion annually to provide adequate health insurance to its total population of over 200 million. He said with sufficient funds, the scheme will expand its benefits package to include medical conditions such as cancer. In her remarks, the First Lady of Kebbi state, Zainab Bagudu, said access to family planning services and cancer treatment is critical to health care outcomes in the country. She explained that the inclusion of these essential services will reduce morbidity, mortality and financial burden placed on patients and care givers. Well-designed and resource-sensitive health insurance benefits packages available on state and national scheme can see these services incorporated into packages in the immediate future, she said. She, however, calls for collaboration and commitments of all stakeholders to achieve this. The exigencies of our politics requires that electoral competitions are not a staged one-off event, however, it is conducted within a multiplicity of processes that can lead to a triumphant end either through overt or covert means every moment counts in politics, and every space ought to be contested without the limitation of time. We therefore cannot ignore the lingering-obvious that is poking at us on the heels of its not yet time while we continue to murmur in our homes, little gatherings, offices etc as to who we should expect to hold the flag of our party in the next Presidential primaries. It is important that we demonstrate sobriety, integration and not disintegration in every step of the political processes by the various interest-blocs. As such, we must be open to a broader, healthy and progressive public conversation on who best fits to ride on the back of the elephant to victory in the 2024 Presidential elections as a measure of energising and exciting our base, in so far as it is done cordially with the bigger picture in sight while we continue to aggressively pursue the business of running a successful government by helping the President, Nana Akufo Addo, in consolidating our gains thus far it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time. I am therefore inclined on the premise of the above stated principle to offer my firm opinion on the way forward for our party as far as the upcoming Presidential primaries are concerned. The big question then remains, who is capable of delivering unto us the Presidency with no or little great deal of difficulty in the not-too-distant future? Having gauged the pulse of the NPP members, sympathisers and the good people of Ghana, analysed the strengths and electoral records of the prospective candidates seeking to lead our great party and upon critical and reflective thinking, I am without a doubt that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has a towering advantage that can cement our victory in the 2024 general elections. With the obvious being stated coupled with the grace and goodwill that comes with the candidature of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia across the rank and file of our party including the generality of Ghanaians, I shall in subsequent paragraphs and the second part of this epistle, detail a cocktail of reasons why in my considered opinion, I deem him worthy of attaining the high office of the flagbearer of our party and subsequently the President of our great republic. The Bawumia Effect Electoral Record - Personality To put it more succinctly, it is important that an inevitable factor which ought to be considered in the search for the successor to President Nana Akufo Addo, is one's electoral record viz-a-viz his personality. Indeed, Dr Mahamudu Bawumias first attempt at launching himself into the national political front was when he partnered with the then candidate Nana Akufo Addo in the general election of 2008 as his running mate. The NDC had then fielded an established candidate, in the person of, John Evans Atta Mills (as he then was) of blessed memory, who, having been a Vice-President to then President John Rawlings of blessed memory had gained some considerable level of electoral experience having toured every nook and cranny of our country continuously - he had contested three (3) gruelling general elections in 2000 (first and second round) and in 2004 respectively as both a sitting Vice-President and an opposition leader. That notwithstanding, the running mate who partnered candidate Mills of blessed memory in the general elections of the year 2008 was John Dramani Mahama (as he then was), a man who was not a novice in the context of the Ghanaians politics, a former Deputy and a substantive Minister of Communications with a credit of more than 13 years long standing as an elected Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi constituency. In contrast to these available facts, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, upon his first attempt as a running-mate was able to help Nana Akufo Addo (as he then was) and the NPP to win the first-round elections with over 4 million votes representing an impressive record of over 49 % on their first attempt. Suffice to say that the NPP with a slimmest of margin nearly won that Presidential election which featured Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the ticket. Fast-forward, despite the fact that John Dramani Mahama enjoyed a lot of support as Vice President and subsequently as President from the Northern Region (as it then was), his fortunes in the region has consistently been declining to the advantage of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who has proven to be a force to reckon within the same territory. Dr. Bawumias enviable personality and his strategic deployment of political tools to win the hearts and minds of the people of the North and turn what has been factually known since the inception of the 4th Republic to be the stronghold of the NDC to be a playground of the NPP. It was not surprising that prior to the 2020 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, reiterated that the battle ground for the general elections will be in the North. True to his words, the outcome of the elections is glaring for all to see He has proven to have a demonstrable presence and firm grips of the Northern Region (as it then was) which has now been divided to include the North East and Savannah regions. Today, one of the significant powerhouses of the NDC has been torpedoed by the Bawumia Effect. In Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia we have an added advantage to consolidate our strongholds while capturing and making serious electoral inroads in the backyards of what used to be the world bank of our main opponents, that is the NDC. The Bawumia Effect - Strong Political Base. One must understand that in this political enterprise it is near to impossible to win an election without a strong political base that will serve as a springboard in propelling ones chances to victory. We must not endeavour to seek just a flagbearer to satisfy the base or the constitutional requirement of our party, but, more importantly, a tested winnable candidate that can get the votes from the hard-to-reach areas and secure the Presidency. The trajectory of growth in terms of electoral numbers from the Northern Region (as it then was) cannot be overemphasized since the emergence of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia onto the political landscape some 11 years ago. These facts are not open to disputes as it is trite knowledge. The Northern Politics used to be dominated by the NDC and to a large extent can be described as one of its world-bank where they raked in a lot of votes to shore up both their Presidential and Parliamentary votes as I indicated earlier. However, these electoral fortunes have steadily shifted from the extreme left to the middle which can at best be described as kyempe in the Akan language. The Bawumia Effect contributed largely if not entirely to this momentous shift-pattern that has boosted our electoral fortunes since 2008. Statistically, in 2008, the NPP could only boast of 4 Parliamentary seats in the Northern Region (as it then was). Indeed, the Parliamentary seats moved to 9 in 2012 and 13 seats in 2016 respectively. Presently, the Northern Region (as it then was) has been divided into 3 regions namely, the Northern Region, North East and Savannah Region. The NPP currently holds 9 seats in the present-day Northern Region which is equal to the number of NDC seats in the same region. The NPP has 3 seats in the Savannah Region whereas the NDC controls 4 seats in the region. The NPP controls the North East Region with 4 Parliamentary seats while the NDC has 3 seats. Technically, the NDC is trailing the NPP with 15 seats while the NPP has the majority of 16 Parliamentary seats in the Northern Region (as it then was). The Presidential elections has had its fair share of the Bawumia Effect, that is, from 39.11% in 2012 to 41.5% in 2016 as its share of the votes from the Northern region (as it then was). This significant electoral evasion of the NPP in the Northern Region (as it then was) was largely due to the person of the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has been strategically tilting the grounds, a benefit of which we in the NPP enjoy till today. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer of the NPP comes with the Northern Region, Savannah Region and the North East region in the bag as a solid base to boost our electoral chances of not only having the majority of seats in parliament but also securing the Presidency as well these are ordinarily not our traditional base. Let me also add that the mere fact of a person originating from a place is not conclusive of an automatic support base that is capable of translating into an electoral fortune for the party especially when one has not tilted, ploughed and natured the place in a manner that is evident in the case study of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. TO BE CONTINUED Source: Chief Obosu Mohammed 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 Fissure swarm 385 m / 1263 ftReykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, 63.89N / -22.27W(4 out of 5)2021 new fissure eruption (started 19 Mar, ongoing)None during the past 10,000 yearsLess than few million years ago (Pleistocene)fissure eruptions, lava flows If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: For more than a week now, Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has been continuously rocked by an intense earthquake swarm: A total of more than 20,000 tremors have been recorded since the activity started on the Reykjanes Peninsula on 24 February 24 when a magnitude 5.7 quake occurred, followed almost immediately by a magnitude 5.0 event. ... The situation remains tense. A large magnitude 5.0 quake occurred last night at 02:02 about 3 km WSW of Fagradalsfjall. IMO reported that additionally, from midnight over 30 earthquakes over M3 and 5 larger than M4 have also been recorded. A strong seismic crisis has been occurring on the Reykjanes peninsula near Fagradalsfjall mountain since mid Feb 2021, involving several magnitude 5+ and thousands of smaller ones. Volcanic tremor has appeared recently as well, indicating that magma movements underneath are likely accompanying and/or causing the seismic swarm. A new eruption in the area is a likely scenario. ... The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) reported that seismic activity near Fagradalsfjall at the southern end of the supposed ongoing magma intrusion increased from 5:20 this morning, but later decreased again. ... A selection of images taken during our photo tour on Santorini . We offer customized small-group photography tours and workshops on the beautiful island of Santorini. Many volcanoes can be observed in real-time using webcams. Look at the latest images collected from our volcano webcam viewer tool Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Weather reports Tsunami alerts Design upgrades Faster responsiveness Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards Additional seismic data sources Improved content in English Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world. Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: Hyderabad, March 10 : An instance of a woman murdering her husband and burying him in the backyard of their home in Hyderabad came to light on Wednesday. The chilling incident was reported from the Vanasthalipuram police station limits of the city. According to the police, the deceased Gagan Agarwal (38) had divorced his wife two years ago, and married Nousheen Begum (38) in July last year. It was a second marriage for both of them. When Agarwal went missing from February 6 this year, his brother and wife approached the police. After a missing person complaint was filed, Nousheen Begum locked her house and returned to her maternal home in the old city. When the police interrogated her on Wednesday, Nousheen finally confessed that on February 6, she had murdered her husband with the help of her friend Sunil. The duo then dug a pit in the backyard and buried Agarwal's body. ACP Purushottam Reddy said that Nousheen Begum has claimed that she killed her husband for allegedly harassing her daughter. Nousheen Begum was taken to the crime spot and the corpse was recovered along with other evidences of the crime. While the second accused, Sunil, is absconding and efforts are on to nab him, the police are investigating the possibility of the involvement of others. Is it any wonder that Punisher, the album from which Kyoto comes and that helped Bridgers earn four Grammy nominations, was such a comfort to so many during these awful last 12 months? Havent we all, in our own way, been desperately trying to make our sinking feelings float? Theres this stamp that I can put on bad things, says Bridgers, a 26-year-old Angeleno. Got a song out of it. Its weird, but, wow, thats my job. Read More Phoebe Bridgerss Kyoto is a song that sounds airborne and not just because the lyrics refer to planes. It begins with a synthesizer wafting a gentle melodic line. Drums stir accents on the two and four. Bridgers floats in, singing the simple verse melody. The mood is wistful, drifting. A few bars pass before a revving electric guitar and bass enter. The drums grow bolder. Then comes the chorus, and Kyoto starts to soar: Bridgers rises in register, singing in high harmony with herself. A trumpet rings out atop chiming guitar and keyboard. Were flying. (And so is Bridgers in the songs trippy video.) But listen to what the singer is telling you. Shes on tour in Japan, too unsettled to take in the singularly beautiful city after which the song is named. Instead shes stuck on someone. She sings about a phone call she got he said he was getting sober. Her little brother got a call, too, to wish him a happy birthday 10 days off, but points for trying. The lyrics pull down while the music crests and crests. As Kyoto closes, Bridgers is belting, Im a liar. Though you might think you heard, as I initially did, Im alive. Then again, its never a mistake to hear life in Bridgerss music, melancholy as it may be. Youve said elsewhere that one of your difficulties in life is feeling unable to experience things in the moment. That seems connected to your lyrical sensibility, which has this striking specificity but also a sense of remove. Im wondering if you worry about the source of your gift also being what prevents your happiness. Youve tapped into the thing that I think about every day. I spend hundreds of dollars on therapy a week so that I can fix that problem. Ive also monetized it by using it to write songs, so its a complex thing. Id love to inch closer to feeling good things and bad things more in the moment, but when I sit down to write, I just cant be super emotionally activated. It takes me years to write about something. So how did you arrive at Kyoto? Word vomit. I do this thing when I feel frustrated where I just say whats on the top of my head or rhyme random stuff. The first couple lyrics of the song came out like that. Then I was like, I cant just talk about addiction issues. It has to be more interesting than that. I should tell you more context about my relationship with my dad. Marshall Vore wrote the song with me because I was struggling with this thing we call dumpster dads. He and I have a lot of shared experiences, whether its abandonment or gaslighting. And Marshall was like, everybodys dumpster dad gets them to drive way too early. I thought: Thats funny. Ill put that in there. So the truck bit in the song was, I thought, made up. Then I was driving in Pasadena and had a recovered memory of driving my dads truck when I was a child this was after we finished the song. So the emotional distance goes even further than a mind-set that I need to get into to write. Its natural for me. The detail in your lyrics and even your openness on Twitter and in interviews encourages the idea that theres a one-to-one relationship between you and the persona in your songs. Is there any space between the two? No. I can only really write from my perspective. That was one of the things that was mind-blowing about seeing the way that Conor Oberst wrote when we were working on our record [Better Oblivion Community Center, from 2019]. Hed go, What would it be like to be this person? What would you think about and do? Im not that creative. I only have my experience to go on. But there are little bends in the truth: I wrote a song called Would You Rather on my first record [Stranger in the Alps, from 2017] about my brother and domestic violence and when my house caught on fire when I was 19. My mother was hurt in the fire, and everyone was psychologically freaked out. One of the cops wondered if my brother had done it, but he had no part in it. In the song I say that he would prefer to drown than go up in flames. Then a couple of years ago my brother said, I definitely prefer fire, so I dont know why you said that. [Laughs.] Hes hilarious. It seems like such an emotional minefield to write about your family. Sometimes I think, Why did I open that up? I also have this tendency interpersonally Im the anxious-avoidant attachment type. Ill talk to my therapist or my mom about how upset I am about something somebody did, and the logical conclusion is, Well, you should tell that person. Then Id have to resolve it, when what I want is to exile them from my life. But its common to not have black-and-white feelings about your family, and its nice to talk to people whove had similar experiences. It makes me feel less alone, and I get more of those experiences from sharing my own. But I dont like when my family hears it. I know that the characters in the song are composites, but what did your dad think of Kyoto? We started talking again during Covid. Id forgotten how much we have in common. Hes very political, and its rad. I have so many friends who lost contact with family over politics, and with my dad it was the opposite. That was cool. But we didnt talk about Kyoto. Then the Grammy nominations came out, and we talked on the phone, and as a joke he was like, Youre welcome for the song. It was kind of nice. I dont know. There are some things that I dont want to talk about with anybody whos not my therapist or my friends, but on a basic level hearing that was not quite closure, but it was definitely OK. Your dads comment about Kyoto aside, whats been most interesting about the process of being nominated for a handful of Grammys? My mom used to say life isnt a competition, but it feels good to win. Thats exactly what it is. I made something that I like, and its cool that people have shone a light on it. Its also been nice for my family to realize that I have a real job. They thought I was busking on the street until like two months ago. I know that your mom has started doing stand-up. Have you seen her perform? Oh, yeah. When she told me she was taking a comedy class concerning. Then she invited me to go see her so concerning. I dont drink that much, but I ordered five drinks and was shwasted by the time she came onstage. And she crushed it. Went to see her the next time, totally dry, she was still funny as [expletive]. It was a relief. Like if youre dating someone and they start writing poetry, you have to be like, Oh, cool. But this was my mom. Shes always been hilarious, but I was nervous. Did she tell jokes about you? Yeah. There was one involving my sending her a picture when I thought I had an S.T.D. when I was a teenager. You got a little of your own medicine. Totally. I gave her permission to joke about me, too. I was like, Ive definitely subjected you to a weird spotlight. Speaking of: There was a Spotify billboard in L.A. featuring you that had a tagline about hitting the road with a guitar whatd it say? Hitting the road with six strings and a U.T.I. Right. It made me wonder, if that line got approved, what got rejected? They all came from my tweets. But there was one that was, I was sexually active before I stopped wetting the bed. Which, if you flip it, sounds like I was assaulted when I was a kid. But the truth is that the last time I wet the bed I was like 20. It runs in my family. What I loved is that the person I was dating at the time I did it, and I thought, Are you kidding me? I woke them up and was like, Im really sorry but I totally wet the bed. And they were like: Im tired. Im going to just scoot over. Then I never did it again. It was like a magical fairy-tale solution. All I needed was acceptance and someone who didnt give a [expletive] and the problem was solved. You look back at what you obsessed about when you were younger, the stuff that made you go, I would evaporate if anybody ever knew, and then you turn into an adult and realize no one cares. Your world is biggest to you. Which is good to remember. How do you see the interplay between your public profile and your music? Because in certain corners of social media, youve become almost the personification of a certain kind of jokey sad-girl aesthetic. I could imagine your not wanting that to detract from your music. I dont know. There is definitely a millennial sense of humor that Ive been guilty of thats, like, Im in bed all day because Im so depressed; Ben and Jerry are my boyfriends. And I was trying to go back on Instagram and delete all my old VSCO Cam white-border photos. You know, I saw a TikTok the other day that said: On my way to 2014. Need anything? and it was black and white and the girl was wearing a hat and skinny jeans and matte-leather jacket and black nail polish. Then I go look at my raccoon makeup from 2014 thats the element that is disturbing to me. You dont want to become dated. But hopefully the way to solve that is to constantly grow and not become a cartoon of myself; be self-aware and surround yourself with people who dont laugh at everything you say and tell you that youre a god. Have you been tempted to do that? No. I mean, yeah, you meet a fan on the street, you say something unfunny and they go, Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Like, I can see how I could be addicted to that. After the allegations of Marilyn Mansons abuse came out, you tweeted about a weird experience you had with him. Can you fill in that story? How was it that you wound up at his house? He was trying out for a TV show that my friends dad was working on, and my friends dad was like, I know youre a big fan, come with us to meet him. So I went with two of my best friends. One of them is my guitar player, Harrison. I think I was 18. I am not a victim of his, so Im not trying to take up space, but I did want to say I witnessed him at his best, and he made tons of rape jokes, used the N-word, joked about swastikas. There was a beanbag chair that he had for me to sit on, and he was like, Ive [expletive] so many people in that beanbag chair. I hated all the comments that were like, What did you expect from Marilyn Manson? I expect the world. But yeah, as much as you read about this kind of stuff, somehow it still shocks me. Do you feel an expectation that you must be active on social media? Well, its easy to romanticize people with depression or even romanticize yourself and think, The darkest parts of me are what make me an artist, when you dont have to be abusive or depressed or addicted to make great art. I like using social media to strip back that idea of the depressed artist. But I do get self-conscious of my whole Twitter being Phoebe Bridgers jokes. I want to have a healthier relationship with social media than [expletive]-posting all day about myself. What you might do differently? I have a fantasy of eventually deleting it. Dont we all. Yeah. But my connection with fans I have a friend, Austin, whom I met because he was a yellow-haired kid in the crowd at my shows. I recognized his face on Twitter: He D.M.d me asking if I wanted to get lunch at a vegan zombie-themed burger restaurant, and I was like, Absolutely I do. The real thing about social media is the direct contact with fans. That can be scary when someone has no boundaries, but Ive met so many friends through it. I apologize in advance for this question, which is going to sound so corny: Did having such a career-validating year in 2020 change your feelings about yourself? Because people have fantasies about external success having a direct positive bearing on internal happiness. Yes, it did. People who want to make that some tagline for life Success doesnt affect your happiness and Money isnt everything I think those people were probably raised with money. My first three tours, I was in a Prius that I bought when I was 18, going to Taco Bell every day and feeling kind of [expletive]. Now I get to have a latte whenever I want and make art that people will actually listen to. You know, its worked out. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity from two conversations. David Marchese is a staff writer for the magazine and the columnist for Talk. John Edmonds is an artist working in photography who lives and works in Brooklyn. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. The long-missing nephew of a deceased Enniscorthy farmer was formally declared dead by Judge Alice Doyle at Wexford Circuit Court. With his official passing, Herbert Latta lost out on inheriting at least 200,000 from the estate of his uncle, Francis. The case was raised by Herbert's cousin, Charles Latta, who resides in the Ballycarney area. Francis Latta died in 1980 but his estate, which included extensive farmland, was not divided up until after the passing of his wife Connie 38 years later. Mrs Latta died in 2018, at which point the terms of her husband's will came into play, with two nephews and four nieces in line to a share of at least 1.2 million. The next of kin set to benefit equally were Charles Latta and his sisters Susan and Margaret, all resident in Ireland, along with their English cousins, Deirdre, Lorna and Herbert. The problem, as explained to the court by barrister Simon McDonald, was that there was no sign of Herbert. He had not been in contact with his family in more than 46 years, despite appeals in newspapers for him to come forward. The absent cousin, who would now be 72 years of age if still alive, was born in County Kilkenny, spending some time in the Castlecomer area. However, the family moved to London and he had been living there in Islington. He worked for a while as an office clerk with a timber company. In 1974, he was on the radar of London police investigating a hold-up at a convenience store, though never charged. One day in September of that year, he was due to babysit for one of his two sisters. However, he did not turn up and seemed to disappear. Herbert Latta did not make contact when his uncle died six years later and there was no word from him when his mother died in 1984. Mr McDonald stated that the missing man was single and childless at the time that he disappeared, was apparently in good health and had no mental health problems. Counsel made a formal application under the Presumption of Death Act so that the five remaining beneficiaries may each receive their one-fifth share. 'He cannot be located and is presumed dead,' agreed Judge Doyle, summing up the situation and acceding to what she described as an unusual application. She declared that there was no need to make any further enquiries as to the whereabouts of Herbert Latta. She formally presumed that he died within a year of his vanishing in September of 1974 and she signed orders to this effect. Still, its intriguing to hear men who believe in the country as much as these two do recalling moments that shook their faith. Photo: Rob DeMartin/Spotify When Bruce Springsteen met Barack Obama on the latters 2008 campaign trail, the two became fast friends. They may observe the American disorder through different lenses, but they still seem to have drawn some of the same conclusions; theyre evangelists of the kind of modern liberalism best explained by the famous Dr. King quote about the arc of history bending toward justice. Now we can hear Springsteen and Obama explore this worldview in the new Spotify podcast Renegades: Born in the USA, a series of conversations between the rock star and the politician about the commonalities and differences in their backgrounds. In its more profound moments, Renegades offers a patchwork history of the United States, from the Cold War to the current culture war. However, it also inherits its hosts blind spots along with their admirable convictions and intelligence. Their journeys have been unique, but they seem to converge in a shared ideological space that of the unshakably upbeat establishment Democrat, who bolsters morale by pointing out how far weve come, no matter how disconcerting the last decade of social discord, wealth and power disparities, and natural disasters has been. Both Obama and Springsteen make intriguing podcast hosts, as public figures whose way with words is a function of meticulous craft: Bruce as a songwriter and Barack as a speaker, one known as much for the insight and optimism of his words as for the pregnant pauses between them. The podcast medium usually tends to favor deliberate, intentional essays and reporting or fast-paced dialogue. Renegades doesnt quite fit either category. It unfolds like a series of porchfront chats between old friends; these conversations feel winding and loose, sometimes almost too loose. The aim as expressed by the former president in the first episode, Outsiders: An Unlikely Friendship is to pave a path out of the cultural and political entrenchment of the last five years through an appreciation of the vastness of the American experience. Theres a general theme to each of the eight episodes, which play out as a series of philosophical conversations around overarching ideas about America. Between Bruces Irish Catholic upbringing in Jerseys predominantly white Monmouth County close enough to commute to New York City but far enough away to seem authentically suburban and Baracks early years as a biracial child in Hawaii a decade later, you get a picture of disparate, intersecting Americas. Where one story ends, the other begins. It makes for a fascinating way to approach matters like race. Bruce can talk about what it was like to see his Black friends in Freeholds integrated school system in the 60s, frustrated and hesitant to talk to white people amid racial tensions. Barack can talk about what it feels like to be on the receiving end of those tensions; he recounts how he taught a buddy what mainland slurs not to use, with a fist to the guys nose. Also connecting both dreamers is the idea that things could and should be better, but that they wont get there without incredible effort. In an early episode, Obama spells out his guiding ethos: I believe in the upward, forward trajectory of humankind, but I do not believe that it is a straight and steady line. Later on, Bruce confirms what we have gleaned about his perspective from songs where ambition drives lovers on quests of self-discovery: that he thinks part of the essential aspect of being an American is getting out of where you are. The two agree that the road is one of the best ways to experience both the sheer size of the country and the surprising similarities bridging far-flung communities, a sense of scope that has informed both mens work. As paragons of liberal hopefulness, Barack and Bruce speak candidly about Americas problems and stop short of suggesting that America itself is the problem. You want to hear them discuss why the divisions of the 60s have evolved into new and upsetting manifestations in every decade since, how so many Americans have come back around to embrace the overt, torch-carrying racism their predecessors fought hard to chase out of the public discourse. But they often breeze by these complexities like scenery during a road trip. Still, its intriguing to hear men who believe in the country as much as these two do recalling moments that shook their faith. Obama lists the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary-school shooting as a low point in his career and a stark reminder of the limits to the power of a president: The closest I ever came to losing hope about this country was probably after efforts for modest gun-safety laws were defeated after 20 children had been slaughtered. He remembers struggling to find words when asked to speak at the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was killed by Dylann Roof during the Charleston church massacre in 2015, explaining his decision to sing Amazing Grace at the service to address a point about the power of music to move people. Elsewhere, Bruce talks about running a racially integrated band and learning about the unknowable emotional cost that his late friend and saxophonist Clarence Clemons shouldered along the way. He revisits American Skin (41 Shots), the song he wrote about the 1999 police shooting of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed Guinean immigrant shot at 41 times by plainclothes NYPD officers who claimed they mistook Diallos wallet for a gun (the officers were eventually acquitted). It also seems to reveal something about Springsteens politics that he would be surprised to hear of police officers being angry about the song. (This seems especially notable in the aftermath of his recent arrest on reckless driving charges, which happened after a cop saw him take a shot of tequila with fans before getting on his motorcycle. Some smoke never settles.) Renegades suffers from a pacing issue; theres an almost unusual amount of dead air here. Sometimes it scans as two people comfortable enough with each other to relish the silence. Sometimes youll find yourself checking to see if youve dropped WiFi. This is truer to the experience of listening to elders speak, though, than the lilting ASMR typical in the podcast sphere: It invites you to listen closer, to tune your thinking down to a different speed, and consider simpler, though perhaps not brighter, days. As it moves through different moments in time and ping-pongs between opposite but complementary perspectives, you start to grasp the shows vision of America as a society on the brink of breakthrough where we could all progress if our most virulent nativist, exclusionary contingent could get over its hang-ups. This is, of course, rose-colored idealism. Nationalists and xenophobes choose their stances, choose to shut people out, and that position is not necessarily fueled by simple ignorance about conditions on the other side of town. It might serve a sunny outlook to suggest that America is only zigging a bit on the way to the zag. But the countrys hunger for bogeymen and scapegoats is as central to its character as purple mountains majesty. Whenever Renegades touches this horror, it retreats into the boundless positivity of the duo that gave us Born to Run, The Audacity of Hope, The Promised Land, A More Perfect Union, and Land of Hope and Dreams. But thats why we come to these two, right? For hope. This podcast isnt trying to change the country or offer solutions. Its only intention is to use our distance from the worst points in our past as motivation to keep pushing, and to model a way of celebrating our differences at a time where that seems increasingly difficult. To that end, at least, Renegades is hearty comfort food. *This article appears in the March 15, 2021, issue of New York Magazine. The basic experience of sitting in a single line of cars, speaking into a sometimes garbled intercom and pulling up to a window to pay for your food before driving away is poised to be demonstrably altered for the first time in decades, Julie Creswell reports for The New York Times. The drive-through has been one of those places that hasnt changed in decades, said Ellie Doty, the North American chief marketing officer for Burger King. But with Covid, were seeing the dramatic acceleration of directions we were already going. Applebees is testing its first drive-through in Texarkana, Texas. Shake Shack is experimenting with a number of new designs and plans, including walk-up windows and curbside pickup. More restaurants are trying to encourage customers to use ordering apps, which improve the accuracy of orders. They are also trying to figure out how to best speed consumers through the drive-through or pickup process. EDWARDSVILLE Two people were charged in the theft of a 2020 Kia Optima in Wood River, among a number of felony charges filed by the Madison County States Attorneys Office Tuesday. Cody L. Wright, 26, of Wood River, and Kaitlyn N. Robinson, 34, of Bunker Hill, were both charged March 9 with one count of offenses relating to motor vehicles, both Class 2 felonies. The cases were presented by the Wood River Police Department. According to court documents, on March 6 the two allegedly were found to be in possession of a stolen 2020 Kia Optima. Bail was set at $50,000 each. Other felony charges filed March 9 include: Charles R. Carter, 35, of Alton, was charged with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on Dec. 12 Carter allegedly took alcohol and cigarettes valued at more than $300 from Hit-N=Run, 1818 Washington Avenue. Bail was set at $10,000. Jo Ann Kelley, 46, of Alton, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Dec. 28 Kelly allegedly took a bottle of Fireball alcohol valued at less than $300 from the Alton Schnucks, 2811 Homer Adams Parkway. It was noted she had a prior conviction in 2015 for retail theft out of Madison County. Bail was set at $10,000. Anna J. Barham, 39, of Alton, was charged with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Jan. 7 Barham allegedly took beauty products and clothing valued at more than $300 from the Wood River Walmart, 610 Wesley. Bail was set at $30,000. Joi C. Lewis, 41, of St. Louis, was charged with forgery, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Dec. 18 Lewis allegedly presented a bad check to Busey Bank. Bail was set at $30,000. Eric D. Pack, 33, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On March 8 Pack allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $3,000. Billie J. Cottle, 28, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On March 8 Cottle allegedly was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of methadone. Bail was set at $3,000. Trina G. Skelton, 40, of East Alton, was charged with criminal damage to property over $500, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Jan. 21 Skelton allegedly slashed four tires on a 1995 Dodge Ram, inflicting more than $500 damage. Bail was set at $10,000. [March 10, 2021] Kerberos Capital Management Named Top 3 Global Newcomer of the Year by Private Debt Investor Kerberos Capital Management was selected as the #3 Global Newcomer of the Year for 2020 among private debt funds on a worldwide basis by Private Debt Investor, a global independent publication based in London covering the private debt and private equity industries. The Private Debt Investor Awards acknowledge leaders across an array of categories and are the culmination of a broad-based voting process among industry participants, including the private debt, private equity and institutional limited partner communities. Kerberos Capital Managementis a private credit asset management firm specializing in direct lending to law firms and opportunistic private credit. Since 2018, Kerberos has provided bespoke solutions to borrowers and law firms throughout the United States and originated over $300 million in direct lending transactions. Kerberos' investors include some of the world's most respected pension funds, multi-family offices, and asset managers. Kerberos' investment team is comprised of senior members from both the legal and private credit industries, including former principals of the world's leading law firms and multi-billion dollar private credit funds. The firm is headquartered in Chicago. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005797/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Two regular flights to Italy, to Forli and Perugia, respectively, will be launched from the Arad International Airport, starting in June, the representatives of the Arad County Council and a Greek operated announced on Wednesday, according to AGERPRES. The head of the Arad County Council, Iustin Cionca, told a press conference that the Arad - Forli and Arad - Perugia routes will be launched on June 4 and the flights will be scheduled on Mondays and Fridays. "The strategy of the County Council is to attract flights to the Arad airport to capitalize on the economic and tourist potential of the county, even if it was a difficult year in the context of the pandemic and the number of charter flights was lower than in the previous year. The airport is an important component in the development of the county, attracting investors, tourists, businessmen. We want to implement a project with European funds worth about 23 million lei to equip the airport with new equipment and devices," said Cionca. The operator is the Greek company Lumiwings, and the ticket price will start from 45 euros, a cost that will include a hand luggage and a hold baggage. A representative of the airline, Iulian Scrieciu, who also participated in the press conference, said that "there is a great potential in Arad." "The competition is almost non-existent, if we do not look at Timisoara. There will be flights with 139 seats on one plane and 168 seats on the second plane," said Iulian Scrieciu. He said he relied on both tourist traffic and the need of the Italian investors to travel to the west of the country. The operator would have liked to start the flights in April, but due to the pandemic and the restrictions they had to postpone the launch of these routes. The Arad International Airport has not had regular flights since 2014. In recent years, only seasonal tourist flights have been operated from here, during the summer, to Turkey and Tunisia. The NSW premier insists returning international students will never be able to 'jump the queue' ahead of Australians as the state explores ways to get students and skilled workers back from overseas. Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said on Tuesday an approach had been made in February by the NSW government to quarantine international students on the Apple Isle for 14 days, which was rejected. The Tasmanian government said it needed to focus on helping its own international students and seasonal workers return before assisting NSW. Premier Gladys Berejiklian, meanwhile, told reporters the state's economic growth was dependent on staying open NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet was keen to strike a deal to salvage the state's lucrative $14 billion education sector after National Cabinet failed to agree on a way to bring back the students. But he said he will continue to work with his state counterparts. 'I remain committed to finding a way to return this vital industry to NSW and will continue to work constructively with colleagues such as Mr Gutwein to find a solution,' Mr Perrottet said in a statement on Wednesday. He also told the ABC he believed the caps on international arrivals should be altered to include some international students. Premier Gladys Berejiklian, meanwhile, told reporters the state's economic growth was dependent on staying open. But with inbound flights remaining limited, Ms Berejiklian said returning international students would never be prioritised over returning Australians. Federal biosecurity powers were earlier this month renewed for another three months until mid-June, curtailing international arrivals. 'I'm not suggesting for a second that others jump the queue,' she said. Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said on Tuesday an approach had been made in February by the NSW government to quarantine international students on the Apple Isle for 14 days, which was rejected 'If every state did their bit welcoming home Australians, we'd finish that task sooner and be able to move forward with the other categories. 'We're not considering another location at this stage but thinking about creative ways we can safely manage Australians coming home but also safely manage vital skilled workers and also international students.' As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues across Australia, more than 40,000 of the country's residents remain overseas and are trying to return. NSW is quarantining more than 3000 people a week, Queensland and Western Australia have 1000 arrivals and South Australia 530. Howard Springs near Darwin currently houses 850 people per fortnight. Victoria has not yet resumed its hotel quarantine program. NSW Labor's Ryan Park urged the government to do everything it could to bring citizens home and also enable the return of international students. Shadow Treasurer Walt Secord also said in a statement on Tuesday that returning international students were critical to NSW's long-term recovery. 'Once you lose an international student to Canada or the US or Europe, you don't lose them for one year. You lose them for four to six years,' he said. NSW has gone 52 days without a locally acquired COVID-19 case. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. When the going got tough, the rich got going. So Heinrich Heine observed of the 1829 cholera outbreak in Paris, the class resentments of which would get a legendary depiction in Victor Hugos Les Miserables. The multitude murmured bitterly when it saw how the rich fled away and, well packed with doctors and drugs, took refuge in healthier climes, Heine wrote. The poor man saw with bitter discontent that money had become a protection also against death. To make matters worse, while Paris home sale prices dipped considerably, rents barely budged. Thats according to new research by Marc Francke and Matthijs Korevaar, a pair of researchers in the Netherlands who studied how the housing market responded to epidemics in pre-modern times. Using a remarkable set of data on deaths, rents, and real estate sales, they show that outbreaks of the plague in Amsterdam and cholera in Paris produced similar outcomes: substantial impacts on sales, lesser impacts on rents, and in each case a relatively brief interruption in the upward trajectory of urban housing prices. After the public health emergency, these cities snapped back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The waves of bubonic plague that hit Amsterdam in the 16th and 17th centuries and the two big cholera outbreaks that hit Paris in the 19th century featured several similarities to our current experience with COVID-19. They chased the richest inhabitants into the country, where they could breathe free of pestilent vapors. They had substantial impacts on the economy, shuttering businesses and disrupting trade. They killed lots of people. And the impact was worst in the poorest neighborhoods. Generally speaking, things were far worse back then: Cholera outbreaks in Paris killed 1.5 to 2.5 percent of the population. In Amsterdam, a plague year might kill as many as 1 in 10 people. In the United States, despite the high absolute number of COVID deaths, the death rate is a fraction of a percent, though it is higher in some hot spots. Advertisement Housing-wise, however, there are clear echoes. The fact that rents showed only brief and small declines, in this research, is a reminder that many menial workers had nowhere else to goand certainly nowhere else to find work. Indeed, that rents declined at all may be entirely due to the astounding number of people who died, creating a momentary surge in empty apartments. Meanwhile, the stronger home price declines show pullback from nervous investor-landlordsthe rate of owner-occupied housing was very, very lowa trend we also saw in our own pandemics real estate stocks. Advertisement As for the quick recovery, that was thanks to two instructive trends. First, though life expectancy was shorter in cities than outside them, the Amsterdam and Paris of yore kept growing because they offered compelling reasons for more people to move there. Namely, a chance to make more money. You couldnt trade tulips on Zoom in those days, so we cant draw too close a comparison, but cities recovering from the COVID pandemic should also keep trying to attract new residents. Advertisement Second, both cities took their health crises as opportunities to remedy the conditions that had made some neighborhoods particularly deadly. Then as now, the big problem was overcrowded housing. Amsterdam reacted to plague years by continuing the expansion of the city, even offering mortgages on new plots, dispersing the population. Cholera outbreaks in Paris led to widespread slum clearance, including the famous Haussmann-led urban renewal undertaken in the 1850s that gave us the citys famous and spacious boulevards. This is exactly where U.S. cities are failing now. One thing that has been conspicuously missing from the conversation about post-pandemic planning so far is what we can do to alleviate the chronic crowded housing conditions that made some neighborhoods so vulnerable. (Crowding, needless to say, is not the same as density!) Vaccines must be tailored to each new disease, but healthy housing inoculates us against all kinds of ills. Smoke from local wildfires can affect the health of Colorado residents, in addition to smoke from fires in forests as far away as California and the Pacific Northwest. Researchers at Colorado State University, curious about the health effects from smoke from large wildfires across the Western United States, analyzed six years of hospitalization data and death records for the cities along the Front Range, which reaches deep into central Colorado from southern Wyoming. They found that wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and some cardiovascular health outcomes. They also discovered that wildfire smoke was associated with deaths from asthma and cardiovascular disease, but that there was a difference in the effects of smoke from local fires and that from distant ones. Long-range smoke was associated with expected increases in hospitalizations and increased risk of death from cardiovascular outcomes. But when the research team separated out health effects of smoke from local wildfires in early summer 2012 from long-range smoke from late summer 2012 and summer 2015, they found that local wildfires were associated with meaningful decreases in hospitalizations, especially for asthma. The study, "Differential Cardiopulmonary Health Impacts of Local and Long?Range Transport of Wildfire Smoke," was recently published in GeoHealth, a journal from the American Geophysical Union. Residents protect themselves from local fires Sheryl Magzamen, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at CSU, said the team believes that evacuation efforts and related media coverage of local wildfires may have helped protect residents from adverse health effects of smoke exposure as well as direct impacts of the fires. There's a lack of communication about smoke from distant wildfires. Generally when there are local fires, there are advisories in the news that are associated with evacuations and local fire conditions. Due to the presence of the fire, people take measures to protect themselves. This could be why we see this lower risk of health effects from smoke associated with local fires." Sheryl Magzamen, Study Lead Author and Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colarado State University Researchers described the long-range wildfire smoke as resembling fog, which is what Magzamen said she noticed in Fort Collins in August 2015. At the time, she was collaborating on a project with Jeff Pierce, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science. "I thought it was weird to see fog on that day," she explained. "Jeff said, 'That's actually smoke.' We all took a step back." Smoke changes with age Pierce, a co-author on this study, said researchers don't really know how harmful smoke is as it gets older, or becomes long-range smoke. "In Fort Collins, about half the time we had smoke in late August or September 2020, this was smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire," he explained. "This smoke was only a couple hours old when it got here. At other times, we were getting smoke from California, and the smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire was either going over our heads or further south." The Cameron Peak Fire was reported on Aug. 13, 2020, and burned into October, consuming 208,913 acres on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Larimer and Jackson Counties and Rocky Mountain National Park. It was the first wildfire in Colorado history to burn more than 200,000 acres. The average person would not notice a difference in wildfire smoke, Pierce said. "If the smoke is even two days old, things happen chemically, which changes the smoke a lot," he explained. "If it didn't smell like wood burning, it was long-range smoke from California." Magzamen said that the team is working to better understand these chemical changes. "As the small particles found in wildfire smoke age, they can cause more oxidative stress and more respiratory health effects," she said. "But wildfire smoke itself is a mixture of particles and gases. Teasing apart the effects of all the components of smoke and what happens to the mixture across space and time - and how those changes impact health - is an enormous scientific challenge." Better air quality monitoring Magzamen said the gap in understanding the source of wildfire smoke is because it historically has been measured by land-based sensors, which are primarily located in large urban areas and sparsely located in other regions, even along the Front Range. "Even over the last five years, our air quality monitoring networks have been enhanced with new technologies and better measurements of real-time smoke effects," she said. CSU researchers are now collaborating with local government officials on messaging related to the different types of wildfire smoke, with a specific aim to reach the most vulnerable populations. This includes caretakers of young children, people experiencing homelessness and others who can't shelter safely in place during wildfire season. "We want people to be smoke-aware," she said. "On the Front Range, we have wildfire smoke every summer. We may not get Cameron Peak-size type of fires every year, but we are downwind for pretty much the entire Western United States," she said. "It's critical that we keep people healthy and safe." The San Francisco District Attorneys office filed felony charges Tuesday against a man accused of installing fire alarms in at least 15 locations without a contractors license including a Mission District building in which one man died in a fire. Tommy Jue, of San Francisco, faces charges of grand theft, using a contractors license with intent to defraud, filing a false or forged instrument, forgery, and insurance fraud, according to the DAs office. According to court records, Jue allegedly conducted business under the name Tom Jue & Co. from 2015 to 2018 using state contractors license numbers that were not his own. The district attorney and the Contractors State License Board investigated 15 job sites where Jue allegedly performed fire alarm service or installation. Prosecutors said Jue also submitted signed forms to the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection falsely representing himself as a licensed contractor. Contracting without a license, particularly when installing essential fire safety devices, erodes public trust and puts lives at risk, said District Attorney Chesa Boudin in a statement. Consumers should be able to rely on a contractors license as an assurance that theyre being assisted by a competent expert in their field. In 2016, Jue and his company were sued by Hawk Ling Lou, the owner of a commercial and residential building in the Mission District that burned down in 2015, according to a report from Mission Local. Lou, who was sued by the buildings tenants, said Jue did not maintain the fire alarms in the building, and they did not sound during the fire, causing damage in the blaze. The Jan. 14, 2015, blaze displaced 54 people injuring six and killing one man, Mauricio Orellana. Residents told The Chronicle and officials that they did not hear fire alarms and were only alerted to the fire when they heard people screaming. By then, some were trapped on the upper floors and had to be rescued by firefighters. Officials advised consumers who had work performed by Jue or his company to have that work checked by a licensed contractor. Anyone who recently hired Jue or his company to do fire-safety work is asked to contact the district attorneys office. Jue was scheduled to be arraigned in court Tuesday afternoon. Chronicle Staff Writer Lauren Hernandez contributed to this report. Vanessa Arredondo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @v_anana A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Page Content Open cases with missing documents are 6% of total cases The Ministry of Finance and SZV announce that there currently is no backlog for Sint Maarten Stimulus and Relief, Payroll Support. Though there are open cases awaiting further documentation, that is merely 6% of the total cases processed for Payroll Support. Though liquidity negotiations with the Netherlands had quite a few delays, payments were executed as quickly as possible. The 78 companies (open cases) still have time to submit their missing documents and receive support. Every case was processed within a two-month time frame, including companies that didnt qualify for support. The Ministry of Finance and SZV urge all businesses to ensure that they are submitting the correct documentation to avoid having a delay in processing and payment. We will continue to work with the public as best we can to help you get the support you need the Payroll Support Team reiterated. Tax, housing and education relief needed to reduce family financial burdens and support bigger households In its IPO filing to the NYSE, the JD.com-backed company identifies its negative cash flow and reliance on the e-commerce giant as key risks By Ritah Kemigisa Government has been asked to come up with a strict policy to enforce the teaching of lower and pre-primary classes in local languages. This comes at a time UNESCO has warned that every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. Statistics further show that at least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. James Kabogoza, a retired Assistant commissioner for children, in the ministry of gender and development says introducing a child to their local language early enough will help to preserve the language. It is a policy issue, its not a parent, the authority must insist but then they also need to learn that the best language to learn is a mother language, says Mr Kabogoza. Hatie Opondo, a teaching assistant and doctoral candidate at Texas university says there is need to fight internalized racism and also educate parents to take pride in their cultural heritage. we need to address the issue of internalized racism where parents prefer the western culture to the Ugandan one where we think that when you speak Luganda, Runyakole then you are local. When a child speaks then they are better, said Mr Opondo. In 2005, Parliament approved the Thematic Curriculum, which required children in P1 to P3 to be taught in local mother tongues as the medium of instruction, before resorting to English from P4 onwards. Google Maps A San Antonio teenager was charged in connection with a fatal accident that killed a passenger in his truck last month. Justin Matthew Ortiz, 18, was arrested Tuesday and is facing a manslaughter charge after a crash on Feb. 8 killed 23-year-old John Gavin Mendoza. Bengaluru, March 10 : Apple's iPhone contract manufacturer Wistron Corporation of Taiwan resumed operations at its mobile plant in Karnataka's Kolar town, state Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Wednesday. "Wistron resumed operations at its Kolar plant after it remained shut since December 12 following a violent attack on its facility by a section of its staff over delayed payments and longer shifts," Shettar told reporters at Narasapura industrial area, about 70km east of Bengaluru. Terming the violent attack on the plant unfortunate, Shettar said Karnataka was an industrial-friendly state and the government was working hard to create a conducive environment for industries. "As the violence occurred due to wage-related issues and led to its sudden shutdown, we do not want a repeat of such incidents," said Shettar. The minister told Wistron employees to approach the district administration to resolve issues related to their wages and working. "No issue can be resolved through violence. The factory stopped production due to violent incidents on December 12 and disrupted operations. In future, try to find an amicable solution with the management and district officials and do not resort to violence," reiterated Shettar. State industries secretary Gaurav Gupta, industries commissioner Gunjan Krishna and Kolar Police Superintendent Karthik Reddy accompanied the minister during his visit to the plant. The Taipei-based Wistron estimated Rs 54-crore loss due to the violence at its Narasapura plant. About 150 employees were arrested on December 12-13 for their alleged role in the mob violence that led to shutting the plant since then. The company has invested about Rs 2,000 crore in the Naraspura plant to roll out about 4 lakh iPhone 7 handsets per annum and second-generation iPhone SE devices. Of about 10,000 workers, around 1,340 are permanent and 8,500 are on contract, hired by six firms. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) general secretary M.D. Harigovind told IANS earlier that the violence at Wistron was due to gross exploitation of workers and sweatshop conditions in the factory, where the world's most expensive mobile phones are assembled. "Though the workers were hired at a salary of Rs 16,000 per month for an 8-hour shift, they were short-changed and paid only Rs 12,000 but made to work for 4 more hours without overtime payment," claimed Harigovind. The chairman of a historic review into the retirement sector wants more people to be forced to pay for their own aged care but has rejected an industry push to reserve a portion of superannuation for these costs. Retirement Income Review chairman Mike Callaghan, chair of the Aged Care Financing Authority from 2018 to 2020 and former chief of staff to Peter Costello, said ring-fencing a portion of super solely for aged care would be inefficient. Mike Callaghan chaired the Retirement Income Review. Credit:Michel O'Sullivan The federal government spent $19.9 billion on aged care in 2018/2019, but in its final report released last week the aged care royal commission found the sector was failing older Australians in many instances simply because there is not enough funding to meet the assessed need. A tax on superannuation earnings was proposed by the Australian Council of Social Service earlier this year as a means of boosting aged care funding. Government backbenchers have also been canvassing the idea of quarantining controversial upcoming rises in the superannuation guarantee for the purpose of aged care. (Newser) A rare bit of cheerleading found its way into a Wall Street Journal news article, but it wasn't entirely clear what the message was. "The stray word 'Yay!' was inadvertently inserted," a correction in the Monday paper said, "during editing of an article on Friday about Connecticut's COVID-19 restrictions." The article was about Connecticut deciding to remove limits on the number of people allowed into shops, restaurants, and offices while keeping the state's mask mandate in place, the Guardian reports. The article quoted Gov. Ned Lamont saying: "This is not Texas. This is not Mississippi. We are maintaining the masks. We know what works, and masks work." The correction didn't say which part of that quote was given the amen, but images of the Friday print page looked like 'Yay!' was added after "masks work." (Read more Wall Street Journal stories.) KYODO NEWS - Mar 10, 2021 - 22:45 | All, Japan, World The top foreign and defense officials from Japan and the United States will hold a meeting in Tokyo next Tuesday to strengthen their countries' alliance amid an increasingly severe regional security environment, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Japan for three days from Monday, marking their first trips abroad since the launch of U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Jan. 20, according to the Japanese ministry. Blinken, who will then head to South Korea, plans to reaffirm during his trip to Asia the U.S. commitment to strengthening its alliances and to highlight cooperation that promotes peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the State Department said. Austin, who will also later visit South Korea and India, will emphasize that the U.S.-Japan alliance has "never been more resolute and resilient" and that it is "the cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of long-term competition with China," according to the Defense Department. On the fringes of the so-called two-plus-two meeting, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will hold bilateral talks with Blinken and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi with Austin, Japanese officials said. The two-plus-two meeting between Japan and the United States was previously held in Washington in April 2019. The four are expected to discuss China's growing maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, including in the East and South China seas, and North Korea's nuclear weapons program, according to the officials. Blinken and Austin are also expected to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the officials said. In Seoul from next Wednesday, the U.S. secretaries will attend a two-plus-two meeting with their South Korean counterparts and meet with other senior officials. Blinken will return to Washington the following day. Austin, meanwhile, will travel to India to meet with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the bilateral defense partnership and advancing cooperation between their countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Defense Department said. Related coverage: Japan, U.S. eye summit in Washington as soon as April: sources U.S. foreign, defense secretaries eye visit to Japan from March 15 U.S. singles out China over challenges it poses to open int'l system West Bengal elections 2021: CM Mamata Banerjee claims she was 'attacked' in Nandigram India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Kolkata, Mar 10: West Bengal Chief Minsiter and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said that she was allegedly attacked on Tuesday by some people in Nandigram. Speaking to the media, the TMC supremo, who was in Nandigram to file her nomination papers for the West Bengal Elections 2021, alleged that she was attacked when some people tried to forcefully close the door of her car while she was inside. Banerjee alleged conspiracy, saying that no police personnel were present at the spot. The TMC supremo claimed that her leg was hurt in the incident. West Bengal elections 2021: CPI(M) fields Minakshi Mukherjee against Mamata, Suvendu from Nandigram The election in Nandigram is being watched closely as Banerjee takes on her former aide, Adhikari, in a high-pitched battle. Mukherjee was announced as the Left-Congress-ISF alliance candidate by Left Front chairman Biman Bose at a press conference. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination for Nandigram assembly seat, where she will take on her former protege and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and exuded confidence of winning it saying she has never returned empty-handed from the land of anti-farm land acquisition movement. Accompanied by TMC president Subrata Bakshi, Banerjee filed her papers at the Haldia sub-divisional office here after taking part in a 2-km roadshow. She offered prayers at a temple before filing her nomination, and at another after doing so. "When I had visited Nandigram in January, there was no MLA from here as the sitting MLA had resigned. I looked at the faces of the common people and decided to contest from here," she said after filing her paper. Deputy chairman of East Midnapore zilla parishad Sheikh Sufiyan has been appointed as Banerjee's election agent. "I have never returned empty-handed from here. Nandigram is not just a name, it is the name of a movement. Bhulte pari sobar naam, bhulbo nako Nandigram (I can forget everyone's name, but can never forget Nandigram). That's the significance of this place for me," the TMC supremo said. 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 "There are so many career pathways and excellent opportunities for women in our sector, and we are thrilled to continue bringing more women into the conversation," said Charissa Wagner, Senior Vice President of People Development and Operations. "While many misconceptions remain in the field for women, we celebrate the progress within the industry and Taylor Morrison's consistent growth in female representation. Men and women bring intrinsic differences to construction, making us a stronger organization and homebuilder." Taylor Morrison boasts a nearly equal male-to-female workforce representation, 53 and 47 percent, respectively, and was recognized for its advancements in gender equality with inclusion in Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the third consecutive year. Across all markets, the homebuilder employs 56 women in construction-specific roles, including 18 superintendents, a 19 percent increase from last year and 60 percent increase in the last two years. Alongside Leading Builders of America (LBA), who formed the non-profit Building Talent Foundation (BTF), Taylor Morrison strives to further increase these numbers to create a sustainable construction workforce and advance the education and career progression of young people in the industry. Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer serves as Chairman of the non-profit, which aims to place 100,000 new individuals in construction by 2030. Since launching last fall, BTF has already seen many successes including more than 50 career placements and nearly 100 interview submissions, as well as approximately 560 students graduating and 280 job openings with employer partners by July. The BTF also hopes to bring more opportunities to women in construction. In honor of this year's Women in Construction Week, Taylor Morrison shares the stories of several female team members in various construction roles across the country. After spending a year and a half as a purchasing agent at Taylor Morrison, Ali Rice was craving a new challenge that would allow her to be in the center of the build process. Seeing the homebuilder's commitment to gender equality, she felt comfortable stepping into a new role as an assistant superintendent in Denver, Colorado, and feels supported as she establishes herself in construction. "To normalize women in the field and to turn it into something where no one blinks an eye are steps you have to be willing to takeand Taylor Morrison is leading the charge," said Rice. Doubling as a Customer Care Manager and a Division Construction Coordinator Karin DeCicco closed nearly 40 homes in 2020, running home inspection and walkthrough punch lists as well as managing warranties and educating homeowners on maintenance and homeownership. With two young sons, who might step into the industry one day, Karin is raising them to see the construction field in a different light, with both men and women on a jobsite. "I glow with pride knowing we have a female CEO and that is an incredible feeling," said DeCicco. "It is nice to have her as a mentor, even indirectly. There are certainly challenges for women, but I know it has made me a better person." At just 27 years old, Kerin Schweigert is the youngest female superintendent at Taylor Morrison. Just six months into her role as a Sarasota Superintendent, she oversees the construction of 22 homes while also finishing her degree in Construction Management. "It can be intimidating walking into a trailer or classroom and being the only woman, but at Taylor Morrison I am treated as a complete equal and my gender or ability to do my job are never questioned," said Schweigert. About Taylor Morrison Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE: TMHC) is the nation's fifth largest homebuilder and developer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that has been recognized as America's Most Trusted Home Builder for six years running (2016-2021). Operating under a family of brands including Taylor Morrison, Darling Homes, William Lyon Signature Home and Christopher Todd Communities built by Taylor Morrison, we serve consumer groups coast to coast, from first-time to move-up, luxury and 55-plus buyers. Our unwavering pledge to sustainability, our communities and our teamoutlined in the 2019 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reportextends to designing thoughtful living experiences homeowners can be proud of for generations to come. CONTACT: Alice Giedraitis (480) 840-8137 [email protected] SOURCE Taylor Morrison Related Links www.taylormorrison.com Andrew Cuomo's ex-girlfriend Sandra Lee was spotted pumping gas in Malibu Tuesday as sexual harassment allegations mounted against the New York governor. The celebrity chef, dressed in a blue denim shirt, printed skirt and comfy flats, was seen speaking on her cellphone as she pulled into a gas station to fill up her tank. On Tuesday, a sixth woman accused Governor Cuomo of sexual harassment during an incident in his home last year - as one of his previous accusers claimed his office was 'toxic, retaliatory and hostile'. Another woman who worked for the governor has also claimed that she was disturbed by the governor's office while on her honeymoon in December, days after the first allegations had been made public. So far, Governor Cuomo has said he will not step down despite more women coming forward on an almost daily basis accusing him of untoward remarks, lewd propositions, or inappropriate touching. The former girlfriend of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Sandra Lee, has been spotted out and about pumping gas in Malibu, California Lee looked closely at the type of gas she was about to purchase at the pump in Malibu A female aide claimed New York Gov Andrew Cuomo touched her inappropriately during an encounter at his executive mansion last year when she had been summoned for work Lee has not yet spoken out publicly either to support or condemn Cuomo but seemed shocked by the allegations and when reached by the New York Post, she responded saying: 'Oh my God.' Lee, 54, made the move to the West Coast after selling the upstate home in Mt. Kisco where she and the governor lived when they were together. For Lee, the timing of her move out west may have been fortuitous, taking her out of the spotlight just before allegations emerged that Cuomo, 63, propositioned an aide in her 20s, allegedly telling her that he was 'lonely' after splitting with his longtime girlfriend. Lee recently made a fresh start on the west coast after moving out of the home the couple had shared. Lee began dating Cuomo in 2005, following his divorce from Kerry Kennedy, with whom he shares three daughters, and the couple broke up in 2019 after more than a decade together. Celebrity chef Sandra Lee was spotted near her home in Malibu on Tuesday as her ex faces mounting fury over a sexual harassment scandal Lee dated Andrew Cuomo for 14 years from 2005 to 2019, and they shared two homes together in New York Lee appeared to be on either a video call or using speaker phone as she continued to hold the phone away from her face Lee made sure that the gas flap to her car was well and truly shut before driving off In New York state, two more former aides also came forward over the weekend to accuse Governor Cuomo of sexual misconduct. Ana Liss, 35, said that when she worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015, Cuomo called her 'sweetheart,' once kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend. She said he sometimes greeted her with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. Liss explained how she was was on her honeymoon in December when Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi phoned her out of the blue. 'I thought at first that it was about work, like maybe it's an economic development project that we're working on here,' said Liss to the New York Post. 'And he said instead, 'I have kind of an awkward question to ask you, has Lindsey Boylan reached out to you, have you spoken to her?'' 'And I said, 'No,' and then we hung up, and I remember thinking, 'How many other people is he calling? Why is he calling us?'' Last week Lee was seen running errands in Malibu wearing a flowing white linen beach dress as she soaked up the sun far from the frenzy engulfing her former lover Cuomo and Lee are seen together in 2018 at a film screening in New York City. The celebrity chef and Food Network star began dating Cuomo in 2005, following his divorce from Kerry Kennedy Liss's phone call came just two days after Cuomo's former adviser Lindsey Boylan first tweeted about being sexually harassed by Cuomo. Liss, who never made a formal complaint about the governor's behavior, said she initially thought of Cuomo's behavior as harmless, but it grew to bother her and felt it was patronizing. In an interview with WROC on Monday, Liss said she wasn't sure if her interactions with Cuomo were sexual harassment but did describe it as inappropriate. 'For me there was one occasion where I was asked if I had a boyfriend by the governor. Those interactions I thought at the time were harmless flirtations, and 'that's how he is'. Other women went along with it and reacted kindly and bashfully to that kind of treatment. What really did me in, in state government, was the broader work environment which was hostile,' she said. 'It was toxic, retaliatory, hostile. There was screaming, there was name calling. There was a sense of fear in the air that you could say or do the wrong thing at any moment and you could lose your job.' She said her allegations were not identical to Cuomo's first accusers but believes it establishes a patter of behavior. 'There were other women who were subject to much more explicit treatment than I was,' she said. 'I'm not claiming sexual harassment per se, I'm just saying that it wasn't a safe space for young women to work or women in general. There are women that didn't fit the archetype or the stereotype that were mocked and demoted. Like I said, it was a really retaliatory place to work.' In Malibu, where she has family ties, Lee has made a fresh start and embraced West Coast living in a $3.38 million beachfront house Lee shared the gorgeous ocean views from her new Malibu home as she embraces a new West Coast life 'Sending everyone peace and loving healing regards from Malibu! The best sunsets ever thank God for the Ocean!' Lee wrote in one post last week as she relaxes far from the scandals engulfing her former lover Thousands of miles away in Malibu, where she has family ties, Lee has embraced West Coast living in a $3.38 million beachfront house, which sits right next to the water offering spectacular coastline views and the Pacific Ocean. The single-story home was built in 1948 and sold to her by a family who had owned the property for more than 50 years. The house is spread over 1,700 square feet and comes complete with two bedrooms. After settling in to her new beachfront abode, Lee has been posting messages of support for her friends and family members on Instagram, including for a beloved uncle who is suffering health challenges. 'Sending everyone peace and loving healing regards from Malibu! The best sunsets ever thank God for the Ocean!' she wrote in one post last week. The complaint was reportedly made by other staffers in the Executive Chamber. The staffer has claimed Cuomo touched her inappropriately at his executive mansion in Albany last year On Tuesday, a female aide claimed Cuomo touched her inappropriately during an encounter at his executive mansion last year when she had been summoned for work, the Times Union reported. The complaint was reportedly made by other staffers in Cuomo's Executive Chamber. His office was made aware of the allegation over the weekend and reported it to the attorney general's office, which is charge of the probe into the allegations made by five other women. 'All allegations that we learn of directly or indirectly are going promptly to the investigators appointed by the attorney general,' Cuomo's acting counsel Beth Garvey said following the sixth allegation. Cuomo, during a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, said he hadn't been made aware of the sixth allegation. He doubled down on comments he made last week, saying: 'I never touched anyone inappropriately.' Ana Liss, 35, said that when she worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015, Cuomo called her 'sweetheart,' once kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend Karen Hinton, 62, spoke to the Washington Post on Saturday about about an incident in which Cuomo allegedly summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000. Hinton said that she tried to pull away from Cuomo but that he allegedly pulled her back and held her before she backed away and escaped the room. The governor's office quickly denied that the incident in the hotel room ever took place. Peter Ajemian, Cuomo's director of communications, told the Post that Hinton is a 'known antagonist of the Governor's who is attempting to take advantage of this moment to score cheap points with made up allegations from 21 years ago'. 'All women have the right to come forward and tell their story - however, it's also the responsibility of the press to consider self-motivation. This is reckless.' Cuomo's workplace conduct has been under intense scrutiny in recent days as several women have publicly told of feeling sexually harassed, or at least made to feel demeaned and uncomfortable by the Democrat. Ana Liss, 35, (pictured left) previously served as Cuomo's policy and operations aide between 2013 and 2015 but claims he subjected her to sexual misconduct during her time in his administration. Karen Hinton (right) claims the governor summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000 before she managed to escape Charlotte Bennett, 25, worked as an aide for Cuomo. 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 leg Former adviser Lindsey Boylan, 36, said he made inappropriate comments on her appearance, once kissed her on the lips at the end of a meeting and suggested a game of strip poker as they sat with other aides on a jet flight. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo asked if she ever had sex with older men and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair. Anna Ruch, 33, who did not work for the state, described Cuomo putting his hands on her face and asking if he could kiss her after they met at a wedding. In a news conference last week, Cuomo denied ever touching anyone inappropriately but apologized for behaving in a way that he now realized had upset women he worked with. He said he'd made jokes and asked personal questions in an attempt to be playful and frequently greeted people with hugs and kisses, as his father, Mario Cuomo, had done when he was governor. 'I understand sensitivities have changed. Behavior has changed,' Cuomo said. 'I get it and I'm going to learn from it.' The state's attorney general has hired an outside law firm to investigate the sexual harassment allegations. She has appointed Joon Kim, who was the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York for parts of 2017 and 2018, and employment lawyer Anne Clark to conduct the probe. The Hotel Show Dubai, the regions premier hospitality event, has announced its return, live and in-person, from May 31 to June 2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, to be held under this years theme, Redefining Hospitality. The event offers industry professionals in the Middle East a powerful platform from which to source, connect and learn about critical topics. A notable feature of The Hotel Show will be HITEC Dubai, the world largest and oldest technology exposition and conference brand, organised by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). HITEC Dubai will be a unique combination of top-notch education and the bringing together of the brightest minds and hottest technologies from around the globe to one place. At The Hotel Show, findings from HITEC Dubai will allow operators to serve guests better and maximize guest loyalty. The vision for 2021 is to present attendees with a forum for addressing the most relevant challenges and needs in the Middle East, with a particular focus on emerging technology trends. HITEC Dubai will give Middle Eastern buyers, currently valued at over $75 billion, access to the latest systems and products that are breaking new ground. This source of knowledge and information exchange is vital at a time when the coronavirus pandemic presents a radical inflection point for the industry, of which the entire effects are still not clear. The show will also offer an education program and an environment for one-to-one business meetings that have become the hallmark of the event. Frank Wolfe, CAE, FIH, HFTP CEO commented: The global hospitality industry is on a fast-path toward recovering from the impacts of the past year and hospitality technology solutions are integral to the strategies for welcoming back guests and filling rooms. We are seeing the acceleration of technology for revenue management, cleaning tools such as robotics, remote check-in, room entry, guest communication and so much more. Bringing HITEC Dubai to The Hotel Show presents a tremendous opportunity to showcase hotel technology expertise to its delegates who are seeking holistic approaches to apply to their properties. Sanjay Nadkarni, Director of Innovation and Research at Emirates Academy, one of the host chapter members of HFTP said: Covid-19 presented the travel industry with a seismic inflection point, the like of which has never been seen before. As we recalibrate into 2021, HFTP is committed to offering hoteliers the latest tools, insights and solutions required to support recovery across a number of channels. Technology is a fundamental part of a hotels value proposition and also importantly, helps operators maintain health and safety standards. We are therefore delighted that HITEC Dubai will be such a large feature of the 21st edition of The Hotel Show in 2021, providing a relevant source of knowledge and opportunity for information exchange to all who visit. Jasmeet Bakshi, Group Event Director of The Hotel Show(dmg events) added: We are delighted that The Hotel Show Dubai will make its return after the challenges of 2020. The latest technology advancements are a vital tool in helping the industry get back on its feet after an incredibly testing time and we are very much looking forward to showcasing the latest innovations to our valued colleagues. The Hotel Show Dubai attracts suppliers of products, technology and services that cater to the GCCs hospitality sector across interiors, lighting and design, technology, security, kitchen and laundry and more. TradeArabia News Service Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Saumu Agnes Mbuvi has revealed more damning details about her abusive ex-fiance, Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip. Barely a fortnight after she revealed on social media that Loitiptip almost killed her, Saumu Sonko spoke to Radio Jambos Massawe Japanni saying the lawmaker would strangle her and threaten to kill her. He would come home drunk and start strangling me, telling me he is going to kill me one day. Imagine! For what? Theres a time he said he was going to kill me. My dad took Anwar as a true friend but Anwar betrayed him, but I have beautiful kids to focus on, said Saumu. According to the mother of two, the Lamu sentor used her and dumped her. She said their fights were always as a result of Anwars alcoholism and other substances he was allegedly abusing. Sijui alikuwa na intention gani na mimi. Maana yeye alinitongoza kama rafiki, alikuwa anasema Babako ni rafiki yangu. Sikujua intentions zake ni kunitumia na kuniacha. When I was with him, I was always getting sick. Nilienda hospitali kama mara kumi, after a week or two Im in hospital because of physical or emotional torture, she recounted. I was so weak and abused by the people I allowed into my life, and I feel that I have to forgive myself for doing that. Saumu Sonko also disclosed she has been battling bipolar disorder for eight years. With bipolar, you have to deal with emotions mara uko na raha sana na saa zingine uko na huzuni sana. All those years, I have never been serious to an extent of staying in hospital. But when I started dating Anwar, it was tough because I was going through physical and emotional torture. It reached a point I had to speak out and be a voice for many women, she said. New Delhi: Even as India and Uzbekistan have seen increased high-level exchanges, New Delhi has been invited to an International connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Connectivity has been the key focus point of talks between the 2 countries and both India and Uzbekistan are already engaging on the Chabahar project. They formed a core group involving Iran, India and Uzbekistan on Chabahar port after the virtual summit between PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in December 2020. Chabahar port in Iran is key to India's connectivity westwards and New Delhi has heavily invested on it. Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "Chabahar is a very important port. An important route for us in connectivity in the trade area, for our regions and between Uzbekistan and India. This was also discussed during the virtual summit between our leaders. We created trilateral working group and to discuss the possibility of joint use of the port." Remember during the virtual summit, Uzbekistan announced its intent to join the International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow. The invite for the mega connectivity summit was personally handed over by Uzbek Foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov during his Delhi visit from 24th to 25th February. Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "main goal of the summit is to elevate the cooperation between two regions and countries of two neighboring regions into a new level. Elevation of close historical ties between the region in a mutually beneficial manner in areas like economic, trade, investment, transport, innovations and technologies, culture, tourist exchanges and security areas." The International conference named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organized which is the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The summit will have 3 common themes of discussion--Economic, Cultural, security- connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties. This is the first such initiative to bring leaders of Central and South Asia together. The summit will focus on connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. Heads of states, governments and ministers of foreign affairs of Central and South Asia and other foreign countries, heads of leading international organizations, financial institutions, investment funds and companies, as well as world research and analytical centers will be invited to the summit. All leaders of both the regions, including the leadership and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the EU will be invited to the summit. Uzbekistan is the only central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defense, both sides are increase engagement. India and Uzbekistan are holding military exercises Dustlik-2 from 9th to 21st March at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. On Afghanistan as well, both sides hold regular exchanges. PM Narendra Modi had visited Uzbekistan 2 times, one in 2015 and 2nd time in 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited India also 2 times, one in 2018, 2nd the time in 2019. Uzbekistan is the only country in the region to host 2 private Indian universities. The Bukhara state medical institute opened its branch at a university in Noida. MoU on cooperation has been signed between Gujarat and the Andijan region of Uzbekistan and next in the line for such pact is India's Haryana state and Fergana. Amid the pandemic, Air bubble agreement has also been given a green light to re start air travel between the 2 countries. Recently the chief of ICCR or Indian Council for Cultural Relations Vinay Sahasrabuddhe had visited Uzbekistan to increase the cultural exchanges between the 2 countries. Northern Data AG (XETRA: NB2, ISIN: DE000A0SMU87) has appointed Jens-Philipp Briemle as Head of Investor Relations to further strengthen its Investor Relations activities. Heading the Company's strategic communications to enhance Northern Data AG's global positioning in the capital markets, Jens-Philipp Briemle will report directly to CEO Aroosh Thillainathan. Jens-Philipp Briemle has a deep background in Investor Relations. He joins Northern Data from MDAX-listed Gerresheimer AG, a leading international provider of high-quality primary packaging where he was heading the IR department. Prior to that, he worked for SDAX-company Schaeffler AG, one of the leading automotive suppliers, and held various management positions at DAX-listed RWE AG, one of the world's largest companies for renewable energies. Jens-Philipp Briemle started his career at UBS Investment Bank after completing advanced studies in business administration at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and the University of Paris-Sorbonne. "Jens-Philipp's expertise, personality and many years of experience make him the ideal match for positioning Northern Data as a growth company on the capital market," said Aroosh Thillainathan, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Data AG, and continued: "I am very happy that Jens-Philipp is joining our management team with his strong track record and background from leading IR positions in companies with international operations. He will make a difference in our strategic communication." Jens-Philipp Briemle, Head of Investor Relations at Northern Data: "I am joining Northern Data with great enthusiasm. It's bound to be an exciting journey with a clear strategic roadmap and I am pleased to be part of this fantastic team." About Northern Data: Northern Data AG develops and operates global infrastructure solutions in the field of High- Performance Computing (HPC). With its customer-specific solutions, the company provides the infrastructure for various HPC applications in areas such as bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, IoT or rendering. The internationally active company was formed from the merger of the German company Northern Bitcoin AG and the American company Whinstone US, Inc. and is today a leading provider of HPC solutions worldwide. Northern Data offers its HPC solutions both in large, stationary data centers and in mobile high-tech data centers that can be set up at any location worldwide. The company combines self-developed software and hardware with intelligent concepts for a sustainable energy supply. The Northern Data group currently employs around 200 people. Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities of Northern Data AG and does not constitute a prospectus of Northern Data AG. The information contained in this press release is not intended to form the basis of any financial, legal, tax or other business decision. Investment or other decisions should not be made solely on the basis of this press release. As with all business and investment matters, please consult qualified professional advice. Language: English Company: Northern Data AG An der Welle 3 60322 Frankfurt/Main Germany Phone: +49 69 34 87 52 25 E-mail: info@northerndata.de Internet: www.northerndata.de ISIN: DE000A0SMU87 WKN: A0SMU8 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich (m:access), Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005347/en/ The ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) aims at promoting trade and investment in the ASEAN region by building a free, open, and transparent investment regime. It is possible that the ACIA is one of the reasons contributing to Vietnams sustainable and substantial growth in foreign direct investment as well as in imports and exports over the years. The ACIA offers foreign investors significant benefits in liberalization, non-discrimination, transparency, protections, and settlement mechanism. The ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) is an agreement among ASEAN nations to build a fair and transparent investment regime in ASEAN, presenting the region as a single investment destination for both ASEAN investors and foreign investors. The agreement came into effect on March 29, 2012, focusing on four pillars : Enhancing liberalization in trade; Increasing protection to investors; Building a transparent and predictable climate for regional investment; and Promoting regional integration and investment. The foundation of the ACIA is based on two previous agreements: the ASEAN Investment Area agreement (AIA) and the Investment Guarantee Agreements (IGA). The ACIA enhances the economic integration element in the two previous frameworks by implementing international best practices to protect businesses and investors, encourage member states to enforce less restrictive regulations, and authorize third-country investors to benefit from the ACIA. Vietnams FDI Inflows in the 2014 2019 period Over the years, Vietnam an ASEAN member state, has been an attractive investment market for foreign investors. In 2019, the US News and World Report stated that Vietnam ranked eighth among 29 best economies for foreign investment, surpassing Malaysia (13th), Singapore (14th), and Indonesia (18th). Moreover, in 2020, according to CNBC, the country has outperformed other regional countries, including the powerful economy of China, to develop into the top-performing economy in Asia in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Being such a potential economy with a bright and prosperous economic outlook, Vietnam has seen resilient growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last decade. The net inflows of FDI into Vietnam has grown substantially, from US$9.2 billion in 2014 to US$16.1 billion in 2019, a growth by 75 percent over the course of only five years. In addition, Vietnams total imports and exports also experienced a tremendous uptrend. The countrys total exports and imports rose from US$160.9 billion in 2014 to US$279.7 billion in 2019, and from US$154.8 billion in 2014 to US$271.4 billion in 2019, respectively. This impressive economic growth is a result of the combination of all improvements in Vietnams macro and microeconomics, rules, regulations, and policies. However, noted that this five-year period (2014 2019) is when Vietnam and other ASEAN member states began implementing liberalization policies under the ACIA. Hence, it is possible to consider the ACIA to be one of Vietnams economic instruments contributing to the countrys sustainable growth. Which business sectors in Vietnam benefit from the ACIA? Moreover, because the ACIA focuses on the liberalization of manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, forestry, mining, and quarrying, Vietnam, in particular, will benefit from this agreement because these five sectors are Vietnams major development areas. To be more specific, the manufacturing sector is the area with the most substantial growth in total value-added, surging from US$24.5 billion in 2014 to US$43.2billion in 2019, having experienced a 76 percent growth in five years. Comparing this five-year period with the one before the ACIA came into effect in 2012, it was recorded that Vietnam only had a 40 percent growth from 2006 to 2011 (from US$12.8 billion to US$18.1 billion). Hence, the enhanced foreign investment under the ACIA is likely one of the contributions to this robust growth in the manufacturing sector of Vietnam and is forecast to sustain its growth in the medium to long term. Apart from the manufacturing sector, Vietnams agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry also experienced a slight growth in total value added after the ACIA was signed. The sectors demonstrated a 11 percent growth, rising from US$33 billion in 2014 to US$36.6 billion in 2019. However, this growth is not yet consequential and can be emphasized more to attract further foreign investments, aiming to bolster greater development in the sectors. The positive effects of the ACIA on trade in Vietnam lie in the fact that the agreement offers many benefits for foreign investors and also includes improvements on previous trade policies that might attract more investment inflows into the ASEAN region and Vietnam. Benefits for investors The ultimate goal of the ACIA is to build a free, open, and integrated investment regime for all domestic and international investors throughout ASEAN. With that in mind, the ACIA offers a wide range of benefits for all investors, including: Investment liberalization; Non-discrimination; Transparency; Investor protection; and Investor-state dispute settlement. Vietnam Briefing analyzes these benefits below: Investment liberalization The ACIA dictates investment liberalization in five sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, forestry, mining and quarrying, and services incidental to these five sectors. This means that these sectors are open for foreign investment, and investors will have the opportunity to develop new and emerging markets for their products and services throughout all ASEAN member states. Under this section, ASEAN member states reached an agreement to bolster effective collaboration with other member states, by: Exchanging information regarding investment rules, regulations, and policies; Improving cooperation among government authorities and ministries; Enhancing of consultation with private sector stakeholders to promote foreign trade and investment; Improving of transparency in procedures for investment approvals and application; Promote intra-ASEAN investment, especially the flow from the ASEAN-6 (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) to other less developed countries; Focus on protecting and facilitate growth and the development of small and medium enterprises; and Support joint venture incentives, emphasizing regional integration and connection. Non-discrimination One of the most significant benefits of the ACIA is that the agreement explicitly promotes fair and equal treatment to all investors. The agreement states that all member states are obliged to follow the practices of: National Treatment and Most-Favored-Nation Treatment: through which member states are prohibited to enforce unfair prejudice or biased regulations towards foreign investors and products; Senior Management and Board of Directors: which grants all ASEAN investors the right to choose senior management personnel of their preference to control their investments in ASEAN, irrespective of their nationalities. No Performance Requirements: which states that all ASEAN member states are prohibited from enforcing any manufacturing quota or export limits on other member states. Transparency Under the ACIA, all investors benefit from transparent, consistent, and predictable investment regulations and policies. Specifically, the ACIA includes: Coordination of investment regulations, which promotes the convergence of investment policies; Streamlined and clarified regulations for investment applications and approvals; and Publication of information on procedures and policies relevant to all investors and their investments in the ASEAN region. Investor protection The ACIA plays a significant role in enhancing ASEAN investment because they offer all investors advanced protection compared to the previous ASEAN investment framework. To elaborate, the ACIA provides investors with: Fair and equitable treatment: all member states must comply with proper laws and regulations towards foreign member states, and are not allowed to impose dictatorial policies. Full protection and security: the host country is required to provide necessary protection and security to foreign investments at all times, including during anarchy or strife. In the event that the foreign member state encounters losses on their investment due to riots or insurgency, the host nation is required to provide the investors with proper and non-discriminatory compensation. No unlawful expropriation: if a member state conducts expropriation towards other member states during the course of the investment, the member state will be liable to pay for compensation. Free transfer of funds: all member states must allow their investors to transfer funds relevant to covered investment freely and without any delay into and out of the host countrys territory. Investor-state dispute settlement mechanism The ACIA also provides foreign investors protection in case of conflicts with host nations. Accordingly, investors have the right to negotiate their discord through: Alternative settlement mechanisms: investors can use mediation, conciliation, and consultation, and negotiation to settle their conflicts with the host government; Domestic courts: investors can resort to domestic courts and tribunals to resolve the conflict; or Binding international arbitration: investors can refer to other international arbitrations such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), or any other agreed regulations. The five benefits that the ACIA offers foreign investors play a major role in enhancing investment opportunities in Vietnam. With improvements in liberalization, transparency, equality, protection, and settlement mechanisms on investment framework, Vietnam is looking at a bright economic outlook with a sustainable uptrend in FDI and trade activities in the medium to long term. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. Simple Irish Soda Bread Simple Irish Soda Bread Yield: 1 loaf 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar teaspoon cream of tartar cup cold butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup raisins soaked in warm water, drain and excess liquid squeezed out 1 tablespoon pure vanilla 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar Procedure: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Greased a 9-inch cast iron skillet; set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, sugar, cinnamon and cream of tartar. Cut in cold butter. Fold in raisins. Make a well in center of flour, pour in cold buttermilk and vanilla. Using a large fork, combine ingredients. Put dough on floured surface and work quickly to shape into a large circle. Place into prepared skillet. Using a sharp knife, cut a crisscross design on top of the bread. Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely and rewarm to serve. Source: Mari Younkin, retired personal chef Proposals raised by Laqin Bayaka, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) who died a heroic death when he saved a drowning boy January this year, were brought to Beijing for the annual session of the top legislative body as a tribute to the departed lawmaker. Laqin, a herdsman of the Tajik ethnic group and also a border patrolman in Xinjiang, lost his life while saving a boy who had fallen through the ice on a frozen lake while taking part in a training course at a college in Xinjiang's Kashgar. Musajan Nurdun, Cui Jiuxiu, Memet Jume, and Dolatman Kamik, deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, pose for a picture in front of the Great Hall of the People with a photo of Laqin Bayaka, before attending the fourth session of 13th NPC, March 5. (Photo/www.ts.cn) "He was more than a border patrolman. He was a hero on the Pamir Plateau," Musajan Nurdun, Party chief of a village in Yining of Xinjiang, reminisced. As an NPC deputy, Laqin visited many pastoral areas over previous years and handed in proposals on how to build stronger border patrol teams and improve elderly care and healthcare services for them, Musajan said. He said he would do a better job at this year's NPC session, and was planning to make proposals on improving healthcare services for border patrolmen just before he gave his life, Musajan told People's Daily Online. "Laqin is no longer here at the NPC session. But we believe he will continue to roam as an eagle on the Pamir Plateau," Musajan said. Cui Jiuxiu, an NPC deputy and deputy Party chief of Tuokezhake town in Shufu county of Kashgar, said this year she and her fellow deputies would accomplish the unfulfilled wishes of Laqin, a patriot and a loyal member of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Laqin always kept the overall interests of the country in mind and acted as an outstanding Party member in both border patrols and in performing his duties as an NPC deputy and a Party member, remarked Parhat Rozi, an NPC deputy and deputy secretary of the CPC Kashgar Prefectural Committee in Xinjiang. "Laqin is my role model," said Dolatman Kamik, a newly-elected NPC deputy and also a border patrol officer from Taxkorgan county in Kashgar. Laqin was posthumously awarded the title "role model of the times," for his patriotism, devotion, and bravery. By Paresh Dave and Jeffrey Dastin (Reuters) - A small group of viewed live and archived footage from hundreds of businesses including Inc by gaining administrative access to camera maker Verkada over the past two days, one of the people involved in the breach told Reuters. Swiss software developer Tillie Kottmann, who has gained attention for finding security flaws in mobile apps and other systems, shared screenshots on Twitter from inside a warehouse in California and an Alabama jail in messages to Reuters. Kottmann declined to identify other members of the group. Kottmann said they sought to draw attention to the pervasive monitoring of people after having found login information for Verkada's administrative tools publicly online this week. Verkada acknowledged an intrusion, saying it had disabled all internal administrator accounts to prevent unauthorized access. "Our internal security team and external security firm are investigating the scale and scope of this issue, and we have notified law enforcement" and customers, the company said. Kottmann said Verkada cut off the hackers' access hours before Bloomberg first reported the breach on Tuesday. The hacking group, if it had chosen, could have used its control of the camera gear to access other parts of company networks at and software makers Cloudflare Inc and Okta Inc, according to Kottmann. Tesla, Cloudflare and Okta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A list of Verkada user accounts provided by the hacking group and seen by Reuters includes thousands of organizations, including gym chain Bay Club and transportation technology startup Virgin Hyperloop. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the list or screenshots distributed by Kottmann, but they included detailed data and matched other materials from Verkada. Madison County Jail in Alabama, Bay Club and Virgin Hyperloop did not respond to requests for comment. Verkada says on its website it has over 5,200 customers, including cities, colleges and hotels. Its cameras have proved popular because they pair with software to search for specific people or items. Users can access feeds remotely through the cloud. In a 2018 interview with Reuters, Chief Executive Filip Kaliszan said Verkada had deliberately made it easy for many users at an organization to watch live video feeds and securely share them, such as with emergency responders. Verkada has raised $139 million in venture capital, with the latest financing announced a year ago valuing the Silicon Valley startup at $1.6 billion. Verkada drew scrutiny last year after Vice reported that some employees had used company cameras and its facial recognition technology to take and share photos of female colleagues. Kaliszan later described the behavior as "egregious" and said three people had been fired over the incident. (Reporting by Paresh Dave and Jeffrey Dastin; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Peter Cooney) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions (Newser) Biblical scholar Idan Dershowitz started a fellowship at Harvard's Society of Fellows in 2017, and he sent emails to its chairman about a theory he had about 15 manuscript fragments found more than a century ago. The response he got: "You're crazy, I don't want to hear it, you're going to destroy your career, go away. ... TGTBTtoo good to be true." But what if it is true? That's the question Jennifer Schuessler asks in a lengthy piece for the New York Times on newly published research by Dershowitz, just 38, on those fragments. Antiquities dealer Moses Wilhelm Shapira in 1878 learned they'd been found in a cave near the Dead Sea, acquired them, and touted them as perhaps the first Book of Deuteronomy. The British Museum's expert began examining them in 1883, and Shapira's rival Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau was permitted to look at them for a few minutes. Clermont-Ganneau declared them forgeries; the expert concurred. Shapira killed himself six months later. story continues below The whereabouts of the manuscript fragments have long been unknown, but Dershowitz leans on archival, linguistic, and literary evidence in arguing they were more than real: He believes they were Deuteronomy's "ancient forebear"and the oldest known biblical manuscript ever found. Dershowitz assembled all the transcriptions of the fragments he could find and says it deviates from canonical Deuteronomy in a telling way: The writing doesn't include any of Deuteronomy's many laws other than the Ten Commandments, and those take first-person form. Shimon Gesundheit of Hebrew University says those missing laws do suggest the fragments predate Deuteronomy. "The text was holy," he says, and those who copied biblical texts were known to add or aggregate versions but not delete. Still, there are many who aren't buying Dershowitz's theory at all. (Read the full story for their view and much more.) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) Mayor Joy Belmonte said Wednesday they have not yet seen a need to place the entire Quezon City under lockdown, but are considering imposing more restrictions on gatherings and establishments amid a huge increase in their COVID-19 cases. Were not yet at the stage where we should be locking down our city. I think were at the stage where we should be adopting restrictions that we think will help curtail the spread of the virus, Belmonte said in a briefing. Belmonte said they are studying the possibility of reducing the number of people who could be allowed in establishments such as churches and restaurants, adding they have yet to determine the possible capacity limits. But she said that they will only push through with this plan once they receive the go signal from the national government as well as sectors that will be affected by stricter regulations. We are also trying to be guided by our current data so we can make restrictions in the right places, she added. Disturbing COVID-19 situation Belmonte described as serious, disturbing and alarming the current COVID-19 situation in Quezon City. The mayor reported the daily average number of new cases in QC from March 2 to 8 has reached 218. This is 190.66% higher than the 75 recorded per day from Feb. 2 to 8, she added. The citys positivity rate also climbed to 9.3% in March 2 to 8, from the 4% logged last month. The positivity rate of above 5% indicates that more testing is needed, according to OCTA Research Team. This is the percentage of people who test positive for the virus out of those overall, who have been tested. Belmonte said based on their consultations with health specialists, the presence of different COVID-19 variants in Quezon City may have contributed to the sharp spike in new infections. She said they have 13 cases of the faster spreading B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom and four cases of the B.1.351 variant first discovered in South Africa. Experts said the B.1.351 variant carries mutations that evade antibodies. The QC government also sought clarification from the Department of Health if one of their cases carries the variant of concern which originated in Brazil. DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire later told reporters in a Viber message that the one detected in Quezon City was of Brazilian origin (B.1.1.28) but [is] not a variant of concern. The Philippine Genome Center also later explained that the B.1.1.28 Brazilian "lineage" was a further mutation from the Brazil variant, which has yet to show any clinical significance or increased transmissibility. The city now has 34,591 COVID-19 cases, 2,100 of which are currently ill. Recoveries stand at 31,633 while the death toll is at 858. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 wards at the Quezon City General Hospital are fully occupied, the mayor said. She also said the Novaliches District Hospital has reached its capacity to cater to COVID-19 patients. But she said they are still fortunate because COVID-19 patients can still be accommodated in other hospitals in the city. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge is asking people to take a moment to pray for law enforcement officers on March 21 as a part of the National Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement. State Lodge President Chris Southwood said the day is to pray for the safety of all law enforcement officers and their families and to ask that those officers retain the strength of their commitment to protect and serve the public, even in the face of unprecedented attacks on the profession. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Alejandro Fuertes-Saiz, fourth-year Psychiatry intern at the Hospital Provincial de Castellon and doctoral candidate at the CEU Cardenal Herrera (CEU UCH) university of Valencia, along with his thesis directors, Gonzalo Haro and Ana Benito, have just published in journal Brain Sciences the final results of three year-long research where they have studied the effects of cocaine on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or antisocial personality disorder. These results are the continuation of the ones presented in 2019 by the same authors in the Journal of Dual Diagnosis, where they identified an alteration shared between the two groups of patients in the ability to filter the sensory information of their surroundings. This brain disorder leads them to make false interpretations of reality and predisposes them to consume toxic substances. This time, the results have been published in high-impact Swiss journal Brain Sciences. In it, the researchers explain how cocaine, unlike the treatment with antipsychotic medicines, is unable to reverse the sensory filtering o patients with schizophrenia or antisocial personality disorder. IPP, new experimental technique The study was conducted on a sample of 74 individuals, divided into four groups. The first was comprised by healthy people, the second by patients with a disorder from consuming cocaine without another associated mental disorder, the third by patients who consumed cocaine and had schizophrenia, and the last, by patients who consumed cocaine and had antisocial personality disorder. They were all studied with a tool, financed by the Research Foundation of the Hospital Provincial de Castellon, specifically designed to measure this ability to filter the sensory stimuli of their surroundings cAlled "prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex." (PPI) Dr. Gonzalo Haro, psychiatrist in charge of the Severe Dual Pathology Program of the Hospital Provincial and lecturer at the CEU UCH in Castellon, says, "We know that consuming toxic substances such as cocaine can trigger severe mental disorders. PPI is an experimental technique, whose health results obtained in this study help identify people who are especially vulnerable to developing these disorders, giving us the opportunity to design specific prevention programs for cocaine consumers." Stimuli and blinking PPI is an operational measurement of filtering out sensory information. In other words, it measures people's ability to give importance to truly relevant stimuli and discard irrelevant stimuli. This is important because "aberrant salience," or assigning relevance to irrelevant stimuli, is the basis of developing delusional ideas such as paranoia. The technique is performed by placing electrodes on the blinking muscle: these record its contraction when the individual receives a sonic stimulus (pulse) through earphones. When applying a stimulus with lower intensity (prepulse), which does not trigger the blink reflex, and separating it mere milliseconds from the pulse, patients with schizophrenia or the antisocial personality disorder have a common limitation in the inhibition of the blinking reflex, unlike the control group. However, in the group of patients with cocaine consumption disorder without other mental disorders, this sensory filtering is heightened compared to the control group. One of the classic hypotheses on why people consume drugs is attributed to the search for a substance that helps them alleviate symptoms such as sadness, a lack of energy or motivation, or the feeling of sensory overload. The researchers explain that one of the most interesting results of the study is that it reflects the importance of pharmacotherapy compared to the self-medication attributed to consuming toxic substances, as it shows the inability that a psychoactive substance such as cocaine has to revert this lack of filtering, in contrast with the efficiency proven by antipsychotic medicines. Alejandro Fuertes-Saiz says, "as the dysfunctional neural circuits of different mental disorders are identified, science progresses towards specific customized and non-invasive techniques of cerebral neuromodulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. These are very safe techniques with barely any secondary effects that can be truly effective." Research group The research group that has published the results of this project is comprised by Alejandro Fuertes-Saiz, doctor Isis Gil-Miravet from the TXP research group, doctor Ana Benito, clinical psychologist at the Mental Health department of Torrent and co-director of the doctoral thesis, doctor Isabel Almodovar, Nursery lecturer at the CEU UCH and doctor Enrique Ochoa, head of the Molecular Biopathology Department of the Hospital Provincial de Castellon, all under the guidance of doctor Gonzalo Haro. Maria Luisa Grana and Vicente Manes, from the Addictive Behavior Department of the Hospital Provincial also took part. The research was conducted with funding from the Research Foundation of the Hospital Provincial de Castellon, which for the authors of the study "was vital to suitably perform the project and ensure its viability." Explore further Patients with schizophrenia make less risky decisions and have less tolerance for economic injustices More information: Isis Gil-Miravet et al. Prepulse Inhibition in Cocaine Addiction and Dual Pathologies, Brain Sciences (2021). Brain Sciences (2021). Isis Gil-Miravet et al. Prepulse Inhibition in Cocaine Addiction and Dual Pathologies,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020269 Isis Gil-Miravet et al. Prepulse Inhibition in Cocaine Addiction and Dual Pathologies,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020269 Equality campaigners have lashed Labor leader Anthony Albaneses move to strip back its federal policy platform ahead of the next election by removing almost 40 references to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer rights. Trailblazing LGBTIQ+ rights activist Rodney Croome is among those who have raised concerns at the omission of several long-standing Labor positions from the draft platform, which will be taken to the partys virtual conference at the end of the month. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Among the deleted references that have most troubled campaigners include removing a promise to ending coercive medical interventions on children born with intersex variations of sex characteristics, ending out of pocket costs for trans and gender diverse people seeking gender-affirming care and all references to the HIV epidemic. A furious Mr Croome said Labor was keen to walk down the aisle with the community on marriage equality in 2017, but now it looks like it wants a divorce. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. A bill introduced in Colorado would establish a panel of experts to investigate drug cost increases and then set perimeters on prices for the most expensive prescriptions, state officials said. The bill was introduced on Monday and is sponsored by four Democrats, including state Sens. Julie Gonzales and Sonya Jaquez Lewis and state Reps. Yadria Caraveo and Chris Kennedy, The Daily Sentinel reported. Several states have or are considering creating their own Prescription Drug Affordability Boards as efforts at the federal level to negotiate for lower prices on prescription drugs continue to falter. Many of the drugs sold in the U.S. cost hundreds of dollars, sometimes thousands, more than the same drugs in Canada and the European Union. Thats the case in part because other countries negotiate with drug companies and put limits on what the companies can charge something the U.S. does not do. Its just ridiculous whats going on with this, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said when introducing the bill into the state Legislature. These are the exact same prescription drugs, and yet they cost far more. American consumers are sick and tired of being ripped off. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ He added: For the vast majority of Americans, we dont take advantage of our buying power as consumers, our leverage to negotiate any better rates, or even reasonable rates on prescription drugs. The bills sponsors have said residents are having to choose between paying rent, buying food or paying the high cost of life-saving medications. There is no reason why we should be paying more for prescription drugs than consumers in other countries, but we are and its not even close, said Caraveo, who is also a medical doctor. Physicians like myself make decisions all the time about what is in the best interests for our patients. Drugs only work if my patients can take them. Prescription drugs save lives. Four states already have such panels in place, while a dozen other states are considering similar bills. Since more COVID-19 traces were discovered in the city's wastewater, Australians in Adelaide were advised to get tested for even the most minor symptoms. COVID-19 fragments detected in Australia wastewater A strong positive result for COVID-19 fragments was discovered in the wastewater in the city's CBD's northern section on Sunday. After additional research, a second 'strong' finding was discovered Monday. Anyone who has been in Adelaide's CBD in the last week and has even mild signs of the virus should get tested, as per South Australian health officials. Authorities said in a statement, "Given that the waste water identification outcome has yet to be explained, anybody who has spent time in the Adelaide CBD in the last week should undergo urgent testing if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild." Around 12,000 people live and work in the catchment where the positive traces were discovered, Daily Mail reported. Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, said the findings this week could be linked to previous cases in the area. Dr. Kirkpatrick added that SA was still consulting with other states on the flow of people across the border in recent weeks to see whether it linked with someone who had previously returned from the virus. Thousands of people flocked to Adelaide, South Australia, to celebrate the Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, and WOMADelaide. Read also: Adults With Down Syndrome More Likely To Die From COVID-19 On Tuesday, South Africa reported two new coronavirus cases, one in a teenage girl and the other in a man in his 60s who had recently returned from overseas and were both quarantined in a hotel. The state also distributed the Pfizer vaccine from the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide's north. Frontline workers, including Dr. Dharminy Thurairatnam, who was the first to recognize the Parafield cluster of cases in November, would be among the first to receive the vaccine, with around 350 people scheduled to receive it within the next week. After the initiative started two weeks ago, SA has delivered nearly 4000 vaccines. Even so, it falls well short of the 12,000 expected in the first three weeks. Read also: WHO To Throw Away Interim Report Plans on COVID-19 Origin Investigation UK COVID-19 variant also discovered in the US wastewater On Monday, Houston health officials released a note announcing that the UK coronavirus strain was discovered in many of the city's wastewater treatment plants. The appearance of the UK strain means that the virus is spreading uncontrollably throughout the population. According to a press release from the Houston Health Department, tests taken on February 22 showed the existence of B.1.1.7, also known as the U.K. strain, in 31 of the city's 39 wastewater treatment plants. Just 21 plants were found infected in the first few weeks of the same month, according to health officials. The presence of the UK strain in the city's wastewater, said Houston's chief medical officer, Dr. David Persse, means that the virus is actively circulating. Persse often reminded people to keep wearing masks and observe hygiene precautions such as practicing social distancing and often washing hands. He went on to say that people should get screened and vaccinated as soon as possible. Governor Greg Abbott publicly stated that the state would no longer follow the mask mandate. On the other hand, federal officials were warning states not to relax health controls as quickly as possible. According to Fox News, Abbott has explained that dropping the mask mandate would not mean that one's personal duty ceases. In the midst of more relaxed controls, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner voiced his concerns about the widespread coronavirus variant. He went on to say that the discovery of the variant in wastewater treatment plants means that it is too soon to fully abandon the use of masks, especially in public areas. He, like Abbott, encouraged "all Houstonians" to continue wearing masks to shield their families and communities. To detect the prevalence of the virus in wastewater, monitoring systems have also been installed across cities and campuses. Asymptomatic patients can shed the virus in their feces, as per the IBT. Read also: South Korea Investigates Deaths of Two Patients who Received AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Some of Britain's biggest high street names look to be developing their own in-house challengers to buy now, pay later services like Klarna as they try and muscle in on the booming 2.7billion sector. John Lewis has launched a regulated online payment method in partnership with French bank BNP Paribas that will let customers borrow up to 35,000 to fund home improvements and pay it back interest-free over 12 months. And far from taking pay later methods off its website, as it was urged to by Labour MP Stella Creasy last month, fellow high street fixture Marks & Spencer looks set to be building its own version. John Lewis and M&S look set to launch their own 'buy now, pay later' services Last week it said planned to launch a 'digital credit option' in 2021 which would be a 'cardless payment solution' available on its website and app. Currently, it has options on its website via Clearpay and PayPal to split purchases interest free. It teamed up with Clearpay at the end of 2019. The announcements come despite a warning last month that the booming BNPL sector posed a 'significant potential consumer harm' and needed to be regulated 'as a matter of urgency'. The review of the industry warned some users did not see it as credit and could find themselves up to 1,000 in debt 'relatively easily'. Campaigners who have warned about the dangers of the sector said it was 'disappointing to see big high street retailers jumping on the BNPL bandwagon' and described it as 'a ticking time bomb'. But shops appear to have been spurred on by the success of the likes of Klarna, which have marketed themselves on the premise their propositions lead to shoppers spending more, more often. The value of spending made through BNPL methods nearly quadrupled between January and December last year, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, with three-quarters of users aged 18-36. 'The pace of development in payment and shopping digitisation is fast', Clive Black, head of research at Shore Capital, told This is Money. 'Products like Klarna are becoming more prevalent, particularly among younger shoppers, whilst also evolving with the regulator.' And the payments processor Worldpay found they were the fastest growing payment method in the UK for the second successive year in 2020. 'Buy now, pay later' providers like Klarna have become increasingly prevalent at checkouts 'Overall BNPL is around 1 per cent of the total credit market but has accelerated very quickly to get there and is still growing', the review of the sector found. 'It comes as no surprise that individual retailers are beginning to offer their own version of BNPL', Gary Rohloff, the co-founder of Laybuy, told This is Money. 'If you look in other countries, where BNPL has existed for decades such as Australia or New Zealand, there are well over 10 interest-free BNPL providers. That's in addition to mobile wallets or traditional store credit that you find at the checkout. 'What's clear to me is that shops see the popularity of interest-free BNPL, largely because customers don't like traditional products such as credit cards or catalogue finance.' Many of these retailers have previously offered store credit cards or their own credit cards, as M&S does through the bank it runs in partnership with HSBC. Next offers NextPay - one method within which lets shoppers split payments into 3 interest-free instalments Fellow high street fixture Next also offers NextPay, which can also be seen as its own version of a buy now, pay later scheme. One of the payment options it offers lets customers split purchases into three interest-free instalments, although customers will be charged interest at 29.9 per cent APR if they pay less than that. Next has insisted it is not a BNPL scheme because it is regulated, carries out a hard credit check and requires a formal credit agreement before it can be used. It also offers financing similar to a credit card where those who do not pay their balance off in full are charged interest at a rate of 23.9 per cent. It is currently encouraging shoppers to sign up to NextPay by giving those who do so by 18 March access to a sale, plus it offers 10 off a customer's first order when they spend 15. While details are limited on what Marks & Spencer will offer, John Lewis has said customers will be able to access its new scheme when they spend between 1,000 and 35,000 online and pay it back over 12 months. The checkout credit option was previously available in store and over the phone but is now open to those buying online. 'We can anticipate that some major retailers will seek to work with other, respectable hitters in the consumer credit and lending world, to offer easily accessible credit, sometimes tied to a loyalty scheme, as M&S hopes to do in the coming summer, that fits within a compliant context', Dr Black added. 'No doubt there will be more clever product on the market in due course that will need to be controlled but there could be a window emerging with a suitable balance that protects the shopper and encourages appropriate sales; clearly bigger ticket items tend to benefit from credit. 'Brands like Next and N Brown have had to work hard to be fully compliant with the FCA but such work should be coming through.' Research from digital financial advice service Open Money found some consumers had struggled with 'buy now, pay later' schemes John Lewis shoppers will need to undergo credit checks in order to apply and will be required to provide personal identification and set up a direct debit to pay off the balance. It insisted there were a number of differences between what it had launched and 'buy now, pay later' products offered by the likes of Laybuy. Under Treasury plans to regulate the sector, providers of the financing 'will be subject to FCA rules so will need to undertake affordability checks before lending and ensure customers are treated fairly.' Labour MP Jessica Morden previously told This is Money 'proper oversight' was needed of 'an industry which risked becoming a new online wild west; enticing young shoppers into becoming trapped in unsustainable levels of debt.' Campaigners expressed disappointment at the announcements from John Lewis and M&S. Anthony Morrow, co-founder of the online financial adviser Open Money, said: 'During a time of huge economic uncertainty, they are promoting debt to boost sales and create a new revenue stream, all under the guise of expanding choice and simplifying payments. 'BNPL is a ticking time bomb, playing on people's desire to keep up with influencers and fear of missing out. 'Our research found that over a third of people have been tempted by BNPL into buy things they wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford, and the same number have had to borrow money from family and friends or on credit cards or loans to pay off the debt. 'We've been promised new rules on BNPL to protect consumers from potential mis-selling and financial harm, but we've yet to see any action or a deadline from the FCA to make this happen. And clearly the threat of regulation has done nothing to dissuade retailers from using these products and launching schemes of their own.' M&S said its digital credit option would be a regulated financial product but said it could not share any more information at this stage. M&S Bank chief executive Paul Spencer said last week its 'expanded range of payment solutions' would offer 'customers a more seamless shopping and payment experience'. John Lewis said in a statement: 'We've recently launched a new interest-free credit offer with BNP Paribas. For the first time ever, customers can apply for interest-free credit online and through our contact centres, as well as in our John Lewis Shops. 'As part of the offer, they will have access to credit for even more products and greater visibility of their account online.' Legislation which will govern the currently unregulated BNPL sector is down to the Treasury, which it said at the end of January would be brought forward 'as a matter of priority.' Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Blood Glucose Test Strips or Diabetes Test Strips, helping people to monitor their Glucose level and control their diabetes have come a long way since the day of invention. From a dye-based technology to base on electrochemical technology, totally digitalized and from one test strip to glucose plus blood ketone tests, combo test strips. Growing prevalence of diabetes coupled with the important role these strips play in keeping a tab on diabetes levels; drive the demand for these strips in multiplication. Obviously, the market of Blood Glucose Test Strips is ever increasing, flooding with the various brands of blood glucose test strips, floating in the space. Each brand having their own technology & design, spend increasingly on R&D activities to perfect the product. This, in turn, is paying off well & increasing the market size, elevating it on the global platform. Acknowledging the exponential growth, the market perceives currently and gauging the potential the market holds to grow in the future; Market Research Future (MRFR), in its recently published market forecast asserts that the Global Blood Glucose Test Strip Market will grow exponentially by 2027, registering a striking CAGR throughout the forecast period (2017 2027). Blood Glucose Test Strip Market Key Players Some of the key players for Blood Glucose Test Strip Market are: Abbott Laboratories Acon Laboratories, Inc Allmedicus Apex Biotechnology Corporation Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings Ag Braun Melsungen Ag HMD Biomedical I-Sens, Inc. Lifescan, Inc. Roche Diagnostics Taidoc Technology Corporation Get Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/892 Blood Glucose Test Strip Market Segments The Blood Glucose Test Strip Market can be segmented in to 2 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding; By Technologies: Comprises Thick Film Electrochemical, Thin Film Electrochemical, & Optical among others By Regions: North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World. Industry, Innovation & Related News: July 05, 2018 Researchers at MITs Little Devices Lab (US) presented a Lego-like device they have developed to perform diagnostic tests at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Referred to as plug-and-play the engineered system device is called as Ampli blocks, can test blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and also detect viral infection. June 22, 2018 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a mHealth platform that includes a sensor embedded in the arm, a wearable transmitter and an app, all designed to help those with diabetes and their care teams continuously track blood-glucose levels. The Eversense CGM, system useful in continuous glucose management is developed by Senseonics and accounts for the first approved implantable device that promises up to three months of constant monitoring, contrary to other wearable CGM platforms. April 13, 2018 Livongo Health (US) a start-up developing connected devices and software for diabetics and other chronic conditions. The company completely devoted to providing cost-competitive aid for diabetes, has already developed its own glucometer & apps providing accurate readings. Livongo, also ships test strips to patients at no additional cost. The company announced that it has bagged the investment for USD 105 million to support the further development of its technology and a partnership from Cambia Health Solution. April 2018 Pops! Diabetes Care, which is a Twin Cities device maker has registered its first patient in their clinical study which it is backing to see whether their device named, Pops! One, can effectively monitor blood-sugar levels for diabetics. They are also additionally partnering with the Childrens Minnesota health care system on a six-month research of 50 young patients who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. They will use the Pops device to record their blood-glucose levels and alert them when they need to inject insulin. The most noticeable piece is the blood-testing device which is slightly smaller than a typical smartphone which contains a disposable cartridge with a glucose meter and three tiny lancets that have been designed so that they are less painful and easier than using a conventional finger-stick unit with individual test strips. The individual replacement cartridge can be used for up to three tests. Blood Glucose Test Strip Market Regional Analysis North America market leads the Global Blood Glucose Test Strip Market with the significant market share. The market is further expected to reach astronomical amounts growing at a substantial CAGR throughout the forecast period (2017-2027). Well-developed healthcare sector, increasing prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. & Canada coupled with the high per capita healthcare expenditures of these economies, together drive the regional market growth. Moreover, presence of some of the matured market players fuels the market growth. Europe & Asia Pacific is the second & third largest market respectively in the Global Blood Glucose Test Strip Market. Expected to be a fastest growing market Asia pacific region is estimated to grow rapidly over the projected period. Increasing healthcare expenditures along with favorable government policies of developing economies like India and China foster the market growth in APAC. Browse Complete 110 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/blood-glucose-test-strip-market-892 While the worlds second largest market of Blood Glucose Test Strip, Europe is predominantly driven by the availability of funds for research, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, huge patient population, & government support for research & development. Besides, economies having high healthcare expenditures such as the UK & Germany propel the growth of the Europe market. About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. 15:32 | Lima, Mar. 9. "Investments are normally activated following the rainy season. Thus, exploration and exploitation activities usually begin in April and remain active practically thru the end of the year. I believe that these will advance 45% until next July," he commented. The high-ranking official argued that Peru remains an attractive country for mining exploration . However, he said that the excessive paperwork for its development slows the whole process down. "We have problems in achieving a slightly more agile implementation of the prior consultation, and one of the recommendations of the Commission for Sustainable Development was to adapt the consultation in the exploration part to prevent it from taking a year as it currently happens," he indicated. To do this, Galvez said his sector is working on a proposal that will be shared with the Ministry of Culture and the institutions which defend indigenous peoples. "This initiative will be ready next April and, after including the respective comments, we will leave it to the consideration of the next government for its implementation," he said. Social Advancement Fund The Minister also lamented the fact that the Social Advancement Fund (FAS) could not be implemented until now. As is known, the FAS seeks to finance prioritized programs and projects that make it possible to close gaps in basic services and infrastructure in zones of influence of mining-energy activities and other sectors. "We are managing the transfer of around S/10 million (about US$2.699 billion) to the FAS, so that some technical files can be crafted in some mining areas," he remarked. The omission of a date in a letter has played a major role in Immigration Minister Peter Dutton losing his High Court appeal against an Afghan asylum seeker due to be deported from Queensland. The asylum seeker, identified only as EFX17, arrived in Australia in 2009 and was granted a protection visa at the end of that year. Five High Court justices handed down their decision on the case, which originated in the Federal Court, on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In 2016, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for committing acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. On January 3, 2017, Mr Duttons delegate cancelled the mans visa and sent a letter advising him of this to Brisbane Correctional Centre via email and it was delivered to the man the next day. Dr. Shauna Springer -- known as "Doc Springer" in the military community -- is a leading expert on trauma, military transition and close relationships. Her work has been featured on CNN, Business Insider, The Washington Post and NPR. As chief psychologist at STELLA, she works to advance a new model for the treatment of trauma that fuses biological and psychological interventions. Her most recent book is "WARRIOR: How to Support Those Who Protect Us." 2020. The Year of Trauma. A year of events that reads like a sci-fi/horror script. There have been nearly 30 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. alone. Studies show that between 18% and 36% of people in the post-illness phase of COVID-19 experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Record-setting wildfires have swept across California and other states in 2020. The prevalence of PTSD is between 30% and 40% among direct victims of disasters. Roughly 314,976,000 U.S. citizens were forced to socially isolate during 2020. Between 25% and 29% of people in isolation or quarantine for a period of 10 days or longer met the criteria for PTSD. A city-by-city report found that calls to police regarding domestic violence increased by 10% to 27% between March and April 2020, when most shelter-in-place orders took effect. During this time of unprecedented trauma, before we collectively slide back into the regular distractions of modern life, we have a window of opportunity to reimagine the existing contract between our nation's healers and those they support, including those who risk it all to protect us. For the past year, along with my co-host Duane France, I have listened to, and commented on, interviews with 50 health care thought leaders -- all with different perspectives on the national tragedy of military and veteran suicide. Our Military Times podcast "Seeking the Military Suicide Solution," has brought weekly episodes from those leading our national suicide prevention efforts, former Navy SEALs, Special Forces operators, guests with high military rank, corporate leaders, and those with the wisdom of lived experience. This bird's-eye view has brought clarity for me around how we need to reimagine the contract between healers and those they serve. That includes: Meaningful Collaboration, Rather Than Territorial Thinking Despite the commonly observed rhetoric around the value of team-based care, meaningful, active collaboration between health care providers is often the exception to the rule. In many systems, patient care is fragmented between providers who never connect or consult with one another about how to align their expertise. The hidden cost of expertise is an insidious form of professional stagnation: the belief that we know what is best for our patients. This takes form in a private (or public) feeling that the treatment we worked so hard to learn -- the one we are licensed to offer -- is the optimal one for all of our patients. True healers do not own their patients. Instead, they set the conditions for healing, and this requires deep, mutually respectful relationships with other types of care providers. Over the past two years, I have seen the potential for a new model of care, through deep collaboration with field-leading medical doctors specializing in treatments for PTSD. This is the new model we need -- Medicine as a Team Sport. Along with colleagues in the Special Forces community, I wrote an article to describe this model and its many advantages: better outcomes, overcoming barriers to care, reduced dropout rates, advancement of the field, and more professional fulfillment. In the single most downloaded episode in our podcast series, Rear Adm. Matt Kleiman, the former director of psychological health for the chief of the National Guard Bureau and now the assistant U.S. surgeon general, picked up on this theme. As Kleiman reflects, "The [National] Guard has these silos of excellence. ... It became really evident to me pretty quickly that we didn't have a great way to align this and leverage our best practices to inform our broader strategic effort across the National Guard." Reimagining the contract between healers and those they serve means integrating this understanding: Health care is one mission. A Communal Response to Our National Mental Health Crisis As I wrote in my recently published book, "WARRIOR," we have long deployed a "get thee to a doctor" approach to mental health crises. This has severe limitations. As a society, for several decades now, we have been using a "professional defender" model of suicide prevention. The professional defender model says that suicidal thoughts and feelings are experts-only issues. By virtue of our training, licensed professional therapists are seen as having the required skills to help people effectively wage war against hopelessness. To be fair, licensed professionals do have substantial assets to bring to this fight. Seasoned professionals are relatively comfortable asking questions about suicide risk. We may also have heightened skill in reading body language. In addition, experienced professionals have internalized an understanding of how people move through pain to post-traumatic growth. Based on this, we can authentically communicate hope for recovery because we know that effective treatments can, and do, save lives. At the same time, mental health professionals have serious limitations when it comes to assessing and treating high-stakes health care problems -- for example, suicide risk. Therapeutic relationships, particularly with certain populations, often start as low-trust relationships. In fact, according to recent data collected by the Department of Defense, in a list of 12 potential categories of people that an active-duty service member would talk to when feeling stressed or overwhelmed, mental health providers came in 10th, just slightly above attorneys. Developing trust can take a long time. Until trust is earned, therapists often fail to hear the true story of their patients' hidden pain. Even when trust has developed, the bonds of attachment in therapeutic relationships are typically not the active ingredient in saving lives. If this sounds odd, ask yourself: Do patients who are in crisis fight through despair because of their relationships with their therapists? Or are people in crisis more likely to stay in the fight for their tribe of loved ones -- their battle buddies, parents, partners, children, respected mentors and trusted friends? If the latter, then why do we continue to place the therapeutic relationship at the center of crisis interventions? Dr. Harold Kudler, the former assistant deputy undersecretary for patient care services at the Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasizes a similar belief: "We need to do something that was done at the end of World War I. We need the entire nation to develop a national suicide prevention strategy." I share this perspective and, as I wrote in a 2016 article in Psychology Today, crisis response models are not sufficient. What we need is a radical redistribution of responsibility for preserving life -- a communal response to crisis. Elimination of the Mental Health Stigma Suicidal struggles may not be commonly discussed, but they are commonly experienced. In fact, if any among us believes that suicidal thinking is rare, or that suicide is an act of weakness, we should alter our thinking: Even the strongest of us -- the fierce tribe of warriors who fight our wars -- sometimes die by suicide. A man or woman can be a hero to many, noted for his or her uncommon bravery and unconquerable fighting spirit, and still be at risk. Michael Sugrue, a warrior who served in the Air Force and then as a sergeant in the police force, is a good example of this. Sugrue is a highly respected leader within these communities whose insightful posts reach more than 30,000 LinkedIn followers. He was once bent on organizing a hero's death for himself, when he became suicidal after being involved in a series of highly traumatic incidents. The deterrent to carrying out his plan was the suicide attempt of his best friend John, a reserve police officer. John had compartmentalized his hidden pain, in the way that warriors often do. No one saw it coming. The trauma of nearly losing his friend moved Sugrue to persist through his own valley. Now, he shares this message: "You're not crazy. You have an injury to your brain, and you need to get help. It's no different than if a police officer injures their shoulder, their back or their knee." Former Navy SEAL Mark Divine said this during his podcast interview: "Trauma doesn't discriminate. [SEALs have] a culture of 'we're a bunch of bad asses. That stuff doesn't affect us. ...' Until it does." Sometimes, the tragedy of suicide gets marginalized as a "veterans' issue" or a "first-responder occupational risk." Mental warfare is an unaddressed American problem. People who appear to "have everything," who inspire us with their artistry and dazzle us with their personalities -- Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and Robin Williams, for example -- may find themselves at the end of this dark tunnel. Mental warfare is not unusual. Pain is a universal human experience. We need to reimagine our health care system with this guiding understanding. Healers as Guides, not Saviors Contrary to some people's perceptions, psychologists are not all-knowing, and we do not have unlimited power to save people's lives. To tell the truth, we don't even do a great job of predicting when some of our patients may be at risk for suicide. For too long, we have allowed ourselves to be positioned as "saviors." Dr. Matt Miller, director of Suicide Prevention Programs for the VA, said, "I think what's not working is an overreliance on clinically based interventions to the exclusion of community-based interventions and, conversely, an overreliance on community-based interventions to the exclusion of continuing to attend to that which we can do in furthering clinically based intervention." Healers should not replace a functional tribe of those we love and trust. We may benefit from the skills of a trusted doctor when navigating challenges in our lives, but all of us also need our tribe, regardless. Interestingly, two of the most clarion calls for this perspective were shared by researchers who do complex, high-level research in the field of suicide prevention. Dr. Craig Bryan, a suicide prevention researcher and director of Ohio State University's trauma and suicide prevention programs, promotes a critical humanistic perspective. As he explains, "Think of the friends that you have that you care about the most. They typically express appreciation to you. They thank you for the little things. They back you up; they support you. They reach out to you in times of need. And even when you're not in need, they just send you a text message every once in a while and say, 'Hey, I was thinking about you. Hope you're doing OK.' Or 'Hey, I read this funny article online; it reminded me of you.' These are the little things that we can actually do on a day-to-day basis that influence and reduce the probability of a person tipping over the edge when they find themselves in that momentary moment of despair." Dr. Rajeev Ramchand, a senior behavioral scientist at Rand Corp., has similar clarity on this issue. "I think that if we were in a society where people just genuinely cared for one another, that might turn the tide on suicide more than mental health treatment or a lot of things," he said. Culturally Adapted Approaches What works for one group does not work for another. Full stop. For too long, we have tried to apply strategies that address the needs of one population to other populations without considering fundamental differences in psychological and cultural factors. Take warfighters, for example. As I explain in my book "WARRIOR," warfighters are capable of tolerating a massive amount of pain and suffering. Many of the Vietnam veterans I've worked with have suffered without relief for several decades from a combination of ongoing physical pain, chronic insomnia, untreated trauma, an immense burden of unaddressed grief and loss, and a thousand pounds of survivor guilt, but they have still stayed in the fight. In many cases, the Achilles' heel of our warriors is not their own suffering. Their weakness is different. To understand the greatest vulnerability of the strongest and bravest citizens in our society, we need to understand the following five factors. Being protectors is core to their identity. They are protectors of their family, their military tribe and their country. In their military training, warriors repeatedly learn to take decisive action to eliminate threats. This response to threat becomes ingrained in their muscle memory. They are firearms experts who view a weapon as a tool for eliminating threats to those they are protecting. They suffer from injuries that are not well understood by most clinicians -- injuries that are even more invisible and insidious than post-traumatic stress. Survivor's guilt, moral injuries, shame and grief are like silent cancers that can put them at risk for suicide. These are the topics I focus on in my book "WARRIOR." When they see themselves as a threat to the safety, well-being and hopeful future of those they love, veterans are at heightened risk of moving decisively to eliminate the perceived threat: themselves. In their most desperate moments, when they feel like a burden, they become profoundly detached from the people they love. They put themselves in the crosshairs, and they drop into a tactical threat elimination mode. Of course, this doesn't explain all veteran suicides, but it explains a lot of tragic outcomes. My friend and a trusted partner in my work, Marine Corps veteran David Bachmann, was asked why he thinks warriors are dying in higher numbers than civilians. David was part of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, the unit that was profiled in The New York Times as having the highest suicide rate in the Marine Corps. He comes to the table with the wisdom of lived experience, having suffered the loss of many of his brothers. He has seen what works in the trenches of mental warfare. As he explains, "I think it's more of the perfect storm scenario. I think most people have this grief in them, and this works up to create this perfect storm. And then, Marines aren't scared to pull the trigger. And a lot of times with veterans, I think it's more of them thinking of themselves as a threat and not being scared to take out that threat." Failing to understand the different psychology and cultural influences of various groups guarantees that our interventions will miss the mark. We need to reimagine our healing approaches in a way that integrates key cultural insights. Innovate, Despite Our Fears and Our Tendency Toward Risk Aversion We must innovate like our lives depend on it -- because the lives of people we love do depend on it. One of the most promising interventions for trauma is a treatment that has long been used for pain -- for conditions such as shingles and phantom limb pain. It has been used in military hospitals, Special Forces units and select VA treatment facilities. Thousands of warfighters have gotten relief from their worst symptoms of trauma with this procedure, usually within a single session. And very few people have even heard of it. Dr. Eugene Lipov, a world-renowned anesthesiologist, first made the link that stellate ganglion block, or SGB, injections have promise for the treatment of trauma symptoms. For more than a decade, since he published a case study on the use of SGB for PTSD in 2008, he has been refining its use for trauma. The treatment involves injecting a widely available, commonly used anesthesia into a bundle of nerves in the neck, just above the collarbone. The injected medication has the short-term effect of soothing and "resetting" the overactive nerves. Since it does not involve psychoactive medications, there is no danger of getting a "positive" drug test that can impact one's employment situation, and it works in 70% to 90% of cases. My patients have consistently reported successful outcomes with SGB. SGB, as an intervention for trauma symptoms, arose from a line of thought that views PTSD as a largely biological condition, with psychological and emotional components that are maintained by a shift in normal biological functions. In other words, after trauma exposure, our baseline functioning may change in dramatic ways. In some cases, we become stuck in "fight or flight" mode, which can be observed in certain types of brain scans. Common indicators of this altered biological state -- what I call "chronic threat response" in my work -- include symptoms such as disrupted sleep, anger attacks, overwhelming panic, difficulties concentrating, a feeling of constantly being on "high alert," and a strong startle response. In other words, the "hyper-arousal" cluster of trauma symptoms. So why don't people know about this treatment option? A major reason is that research and practice have mainly occurred within active-duty military contexts. For example, Dr. Brian McLean, one of the most productive SGB providers in the country, has done hundreds of procedures to address trauma-related symptoms in active-duty soldiers at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Other SGB providers have included physicians who have also spent much of their career within active-duty settings, including Drs. Sean Mulvaney and Jim Lynch, and other teams of physicians at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland; the U.S. military base in Landstuhl, Germany; and Madigan Army Base at Fort Lewis, Washington. Physicians operating within the Department of Veterans Affairs have also helped to advance the practice of SGB, and a group of providers are leading efforts at the Long Beach VA. Due to the efforts of these pioneering physicians, SGB is considered a "go-to" intervention within several units within Special Forces, as well as at select military hospitals and a handful of VA hospitals. Conclusion Seismic shifts in our paradigms happen in the context of crises. 2020 was a continual crisis. To fix what is broken in our health care system, we need to boldly move in a new direction, based on new insights and the power of innovative thought. Innovation in trauma care is especially critical right now, when trauma due to COVID-19, or secondary to our global health crisis, is rampant. Those who suffer from trauma deserve the best care we can provide -- care that is practical, effective, and informed by modern neuroscience. As healers, we have a responsibility for our patients, but responsibility is not the same as "ownership." We are responsible to offer them the best of what we can deliver and, equally, to recognize the boundaries of our expertise. Getting the best outcomes requires us to resituate ourselves not as a solitary expert but as team members who work to get the best outcomes for those we serve. 2020 was a year of trauma. But if we team up, continue to advance innovation, and offer treatments that are grounded in the values, language and culture of those we serve, 2021 can be a year of healing. -- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. Pentagon Extends National Guard Deployment at US Capitol Through May 23 About 2,300 National Guard troops will stay in Washington at the U.S. Capitol for another two months, the Department of Defense announced March 9. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request by the U.S. Capitol Police for continued National Guard support through May 23, according to a Pentagon statement. The number of Guard troops to continue the support mission at the Capitol will be about half of the 5,100 to 5,200 currently patrolling the site. They had been scheduled to leave this weekend prior to the extension. During this extended period, DOD officials will work with the U.S. Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow. We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, the department announced. At a press conference on March 9, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the extension serves to address law enforcement concerns and support the Capitol Police. Its not just about a threat assessment, its about assisting and supporting capabilities that the Capitol Police may now lack and may need to look at improving on their own, he said, adding that Capitol Police and their capabilities may not be at the level where [they] need to be, given the fact that were in sort of a new environment in this country. National Guard troops stand guard at a perimeter fence at the Capitol in Washington on March 4, 2021. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo) The Capitol Police last week requested the Pentagon to extend the National Guards support on Capitol Hill beyond March 12. In a statement, the Capitol Police said it was extremely grateful for the Department of Defense and the National Guard support provided since January 6th. Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman, who made the formal request, on March 3 told the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee in her prepared testimony (pdf) that the level of existential threats to the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding area are increasing, citing Jan. 6, when the Capitol building was breached as congressional proceedings were underway to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. The violence occurred amid otherwise peaceful protests that were taking place in surrounding areas, calling for election integrity. U.S. Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman departs at the conclusion of a congressional tribute to the late Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who lies in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images) On the Capitol Complex, the level of existential threats to the U.S. Capitol and Grounds are increasing as well, she said. This was abundantly clear on January 6, 2021, when insurrectionists attempted to prevent the Congress from certifying the 2020 Electoral College results by storming the U.S. Capitol. Due to the heroic actions of USCP officers, with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department, the National Guard, and many other of our law enforcement partners, the violent rioters were prevented from accomplishing their goal. Then-President Donald Trump in the week after Jan. 6 repeatedly called for peace and repeatedly condemned the violence that took place that day. The incursion of the U.S. Capitol struck at the very heart of our republic. It angered and appalled millions of Americans across the political spectrum, Trump said on Jan. 13. I want to be very clear, I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week. Violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country and no place in our movement. President Donald Trump speaks in a video released by the White House late on Jan. 13, 2021. (Screenshot/White House) Its unclear who or what groups instigated the breach of the building, but a video of the event shows a known left-wing activist encouraging and convincing Capitol police to let trespassers through at several points. The civil unrest on the Capitol grounds included the shooting death by Capitol Police of a woman who was part of the throng of people who entered the Capitol and clashed with police; three other protestors reportedly died from medical conditions. Meanwhile, a U.S. Capitol Police officer who had protected lawmakers during the riot was confirmed dead by the department on Jan. 7. The FBI cannot disclose the cause of death. National Guard members were deployed after the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, and more than 20,000 were on hand during the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Joe Biden. Officials also set up a nonscalable fence topped with razor wire around the Capitol facility. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was in Nandigram to file her election nomination reportedly injured her foot while she was on campaign. Mamata was returning after performing 'Puja' at the Reyapara area when she sustained the injury. "I was standing outside my car with the door open. I was going to a temple there to offer my prayers. Few people came around my car and pushed the door. The door hit my leg," Mamata said, adding, "There was no local police, there was poor security... my legs are injured." The TMC chief alleged that it was a conspiracy and claimed that she will file a complaint with the Election Commission of India. Mamata Banerjee is currently on her way to Kolkata, she was supposed to spend the night at Nandigram but has now canceled her plans. Notably, the election commission has taken the incident into cognisance and asked for a report of the security in the area when it happened. Meanwhile, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya called the whole thing as 'drama' and rejected the CM's allegations of calling it a conspiracy saying 'no one can dare to hurt Mamata'. West Bengal goes to polls on March 27. The tenure of the 16th Legislative Assembly of West Bengal will end on May 30 this year. A total of 7,34,07,832 voters will choose their representative for the 17th Legislative Assembly of West Bengal. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form (OTCQB: SWISF- CSE: SWIS) CEO Alain Ghiai joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share details that GlobeX Data will soon have their Sekur.com platform available in the United States. This after a devastating hack of Microsofts business. Ghiai telling Proactive why their system, which is not associated with big tech companies, uses proprietary technology wrapped around military-grade and NIST encryption standards. GlobeX also stores Data in Switzerland for ultimate data privacy. Three experts on the economy, industry and trade have described the Presidents State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a bold blueprint to build on the successes chalked up in the last four years. They told the Daily Graphic yesterday that the address sought to set the stage for the consolidation of the gains and the charting of new heights for the economy and the country in general. The experts Prof. Peter Quartey, the Director of the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana; Dr Joseph Obeng, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) were reacting to the SONA. They cited the Presidents commendation of the private sector for ensuring a steady supply of essential products during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rolling out of the stimulus support programme for businesses, the phased implementation of the Ghana COVID-19 Alleviation and Revitalisation of Enterprises Support (CARES) programme, the institutionalisation of credit and policy support schemes and the planned establishment of a National Development Bank as some of the relevant initiatives by the government to help revive businesses and strengthen them in a post-COVID-19 economy. First address His first SONA since his re-election in December last year, the President used the opportunity, which is a constitutional requirement, to emphasise the need to work together to tackle COVID-19, revitalise private sector operations, stimulate growth and protect livelihoods. He also stated that the establishment of the National Development Bank, under the Ghana CARES programme, would help provide support for businesses in Ghana. The government expects economic activity, which has already picked up, to do so even further, following the ongoing vaccination exercise and the easing of restrictions put in place to curb the effects of the disease. We expect gross domestic product (GDP) growth to rebound strongly this year to nearly five per cent, above the IMFs 2021 January projection of 3.2 per cent growth for sub-Saharan Africa for 2021, the President said. Consequently, he said, the medium-term outlook, supported by the implementation of the Ghana CARES Programme, was bright, and the government was confident that together, we will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with a stronger and more resilient economy. Positive tone Prof. Quartey, who is a Professor of Economics, said such a tone was positive, ambitious and results-driven. He said it showed the governments commitment to work with the private sector to improve on the gains chalked up. The former Head of the Economics Department of the University of Ghana said the assurance of a quicker rebound in growth reflected the impact targeted policies and programmes, such as the stimulus support, credit guarantee and tax incentives, were having on businesses. He called on the private sector to embrace the opportunities provided by the government to grow their businesses and help return the economy to its pre-pandemic stage. He further advised the government to target the pharmaceutical, information and communications technology (ICT) and agricultural sectors for additional support to help maximise their resilience. Industrial development Mr Twum-Akwaboah said the governments commendation of industrys response to the COVID-19 was motivating and could energise businesses to do more. He said the results showed that the private sector was capable of producing to feed the nation when given the needed support. He described the National Development Bank as a critical ingredient for industrial development which must be actualised quickly. We expect explicit information on when and how it will be set up. We also seek active involvement in its establishment to help structure it in a way that it can respond positively to the needs of industry, he added. Development Bank For his part, Dr Obeng said the plan to establish a development bank was opportune, as it would address the long-dated challenges of access to and cost of credit to businesses. He said the bank should be used to resolve the funding constraints which had been left unattended to by the mainstream banks over the years. He also pledged the associations support to the government to help structure the bank in a manner that would inure to the benefit of private sector development and the nations interest. 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 In response, Schroeder ordered that Rittenhouse shall not knowingly have contact with any person or group of persons known to harm, threaten, harass or menace others on the basis of their race, beliefs on the subject of religion, color, national origin, or gender. The teens lawyers have said he has no ties to extremist groups. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres has conceded there are serious questions over the adequacy of the states compulsory acquisition laws, following widespread community anger over the buy-up of land for an $11 billion rail line. Residents of Orchard Hills fear they will be short-changed by the state government acquiring large swathes of land in western Sydney for a new metro station, before rezoning surplus land and selling it to property developers for much higher prices. Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres at a budget estimates hearing on Wednesday. Credit:Rhett Wyman Mr Ayres acknowledged the communitys concerns that the Sydney Metro Authority may exploit the limits of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms) Compensation Act for profit when speaking to a NSW parliamentary hearing on Wednesday. He said that question was ultimately one for the courts but admitted the disquiet had highlighted potential shortcomings in the legislation. An Army ship named for Black Civil War hero Robert Smalls will arrive in Charleston later than expected after the vessel made a pit stop in Virginia Beach. The Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls (LSV-8), named for an enslaved man who became a Civil War hero and congressman, was originally scheduled to arrive in the Holy City between March 10 and March 11. The Army didn't specify the reason for the stop in Virginia Beach other than to say "some things on the vessel needed to be addressed. Maj. Oliver Schuster, an Army spokesman, said the ship is now scheduled to sail under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge around 9 a.m. March 15. Sign up for our SC Military Digest newsletter Get exclusive military reporting, updates from Palmetto State bases, headlines from around the globe and more delivered to your inbox each Tuesday. Email Sign up! The Smalls is the first Army watercraft to be named after an African American, according to the Army. During the Civil War, Smalls and a group of other enslaved people stole a cotton steamer and sailed it out of Charleston Harbor to Union forces. Smalls later represented South Carolina in Congress. Additionally, the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard, the tall ship Eagle, is scheduled to arrive at the Charleston Cruise Ship Terminal, 196 Concord St., on March 12 and will stay until March 14. Fig Factor Media, an international publishing company, released its annual author list of 2021. Authors include entrepreneurs, philanthropists and a 14-year-old high school student. Fig Factor Media is called a publisher with a beeping heart and we feature authors of all different backgrounds who show their passion, determination and inspiration in every page of their books. Im very proud to help these writers find their voices. Fig Factor Media, an international publishing company, recently presented its list of Notable Authors of 2021. The company listed 12 authors who are blazing trails in their industries and educating audiences with real-life stories with their books. Fig Factor Media is called a publisher with a beeping heart and we feature authors of all different backgrounds who show their passion, determination and inspiration in every page of their books, said Jacqueline S. Ruiz, the companys founder. Im very proud to help these writers find their voices. The following authors are: Claudia Romo Edelman, philanthropist, diplomat and writer of Hispanic Stars Rising and Hispanic Stars Rising Vol. 2 Becky Feeley, beauty executive and writer of #IMPACT Priscilla Guasso, human resources expert and writer of Latinas Rising Up in HR Adan Aguirre, Colorado Christian pastor and writer of Tiempos De Gloria Alex Jimenez, 14-year high school student, philanthropist and writer of The Big Idea: The Road to Entrepreneurship Alina Cumpan, writer of Immigrant of the Planet Neli Vazquez Rowland, homelessness advocate and writer of Healing and An Elegant Solution Megan Dagnino, mother and writer of Witchs Brew Tamika Lechee Morales, educator, playwright, actress, nonprofit founder and writer of For the Love of Autism Linda Pauwels, captain for American Airlines and writer of Beyond Haiku: Pilots Write Poetry Erin Minckley, entrepreneur, artist and writer of Artists Who Thrive Orlando Ashford, entrepreneur, business executive and writer of How Did You Get That Job? Our authors are so important to us and seeing their missions flourish beyond just their books is a fantastic sight to see. We work with them side by side during their authorship journey where it begins from just an idea or an initial manuscript and transforms into a beautiful piece of work. Its so exciting to see the fruits of that labor grow and see it grow into new ideas, brands, and projects for each author! says Fig Factor Media Author Concierge Gaby Hernandez Franch. The featured authors are excited to be part of this honorable list. Author Priscilla Guasso shares: Boldly pursue your goals and make small deposits to a bank account labeled passion projects. No matter what age you're at, investing in yourself and others will always produce a positive return in the long run. About Fig Factor Media: Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For information, visit http://www.figfactormedia.com. The memorial to a 1971 IRA killing of three Scottish soldiers in Belfast has been "brutally" attacked on what is the 50th anniversary of the atrocity. The memorial, in the Squire's Hill area of north Belfast, was placed in memory of three members of the Royal Highland Fusilliers who were killed by the IRA on 10 March 1971. On Wednesday morning the site was pictured having been engulfed by rubbish, which had was believed to have been dumped overnight to coincide with the landmark date. Local DUP councillor in the area Dale Pankhurst said he was "utterly disgusted" when he came across the scene and added he has reported it to the PSNI as a hate crime. "This is a cold and calculated attack on the 50th anniversary of the three Scottish soldiers being brutally murdered by the provisional IRA," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "It is no coincidence that this rubbish has been dumped at the exact same time as this, on the exact spot they were murdered. "I have asked council to clean it up which they are going to do. The police are now investigating it as a hate crime. "It is an utterly disgusting attack. That memorial has now been attacked over 30 times. Those behind this will not succeed in desecrating this memorial or forcing its removal. "My thoughts and prayers today are with the family and friends of those soldiers who were murdered." In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police received a report of anti-social behaviour in the White Brae area today. Officers attended and no damage to the memorial was noted, however, police are aware that rubbish was on the site yesterday." Dakota Johnson is a successful actress who has had critically-acclaimed roles and even starred in a very successful movie franchise. But her father Don Johnson - who has rumored net worth of $50 million - revealed that she had much more incentive to make it in Hollywood than most kids with two actors for parents. The 71-year-old actor appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Tuesday night as he admitted to cutting off daughter Dakota, now 31, when she refused to go to college. Scroll down for video Interesting: Don Johnson appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Tuesday night as he admitted to cutting off daughter Dakota, now 31, when she refused to go to college Bond: The 71-year-old actor and 31-year-old actress are seen here in Toronto back in September 2019 as he shares her with fellow actor Melanie Griffith He candidly said: 'The funny thing about her iswe have a rule in the family that, you know, if you stay in school, you get to stay on the payroll. So, you go to college, you get to stay on the payroll. 'Towards the end of high school, I went to her and I said, "So, do you want to go visit some colleges?" Or something like that. And she was like, "Oh, no. Im not going to college."' He went on to remind the daughter he shares with ex-wife and fellow actress Melanie Griffith that if she didn't continue her education she 'wont be on the payroll anymore.' Don said that he asked her how she was going to able to manage to take care of herself and that she responded: 'Don't you worry about it.' He candidly said: 'The funny thing about her iswe have a rule in the family that, you know, if you stay in school, you get to stay on the payroll. So, you go to college, you get to stay on the payroll' Taking a stand: He went on to remind the daughter he shares with ex-wife and fellow actress Melanie Griffith that if she didn't continue her education she 'wont be on the payroll anymore' Runs in the family: Don and Dakota are seen in New York back in February 2016 He joked that she defiantly put her fists up as he continued to question her decision but it all seemed to work out in her favor shortly after. The former star of Miami Vice explained: 'Three weeks later she had nailed down that part in David Finchers The Social Network.' Don met Melanie when she was just 14 and he was 22 after meeting on the set of The Harrad Experiment. At the age of 18 in January 1976, the pair married but had split up by July of that same year. Cares: He joked that she defiantly put her fists up as he continued to question her decision but it all seemed to work out in her favor shortly after The former star of Miami Vice explained: 'Three weeks later she had nailed down that part in David Finchers The Social Network,' as she is seen in the 2010 film The Milk Money star went on to marry actor Steven Baur in 1982, leading to the birth of her first child, Alexander, 33. The pair split five years later. Don also moved on to actress Patti D'Arbanville from 1981-1985. The pair welcomed a son, who's also an actor, Jesse Johnson, 36. And in a turn of events, Melanie reunited with former love Don, and they married once again in 1988. The following year, the beauty gave birth to the Fifty Shades of Grey actress before separating after six years. Young love: Melanie met Don when she was just 14 and he was 22 after meeting on the set of The Harrad Experiment (pictured 1972) No love lost: Melanie reunited with former love Don, and they married once again in 1988 and they are on good terms as they are seen together in February 2016 Melanie entered into her fourth marriage with Hollywood star Antonio Banderas in 1996. The same year she welcomed her youngest daughter, Stella, 22, into the world. The pair split in 2015. Stella credits herself as a Spanish actress. Don also went on to marry for the third time, falling in love with kindergarten teacher, Kelley Phleger, 50. The pair married in 1999 and celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier in the year. Three generations: Melanie is mom to daughters Dakota and Stella, 23 (pictured with Melanie's mom, Tippi Hedren in 2015) Sister sister! On her dad Don's side, Dakota has other half-siblings, including Grace, 19 (pictured 2019 at the Met Gala) Don and Kelley had three children together; daughter Grace, 19, and sons Jasper, 16, and Deacon, 13. The time between his second divorce from Melanie and long-lasting marriage to Kelley, the Miami Vice star dated Sally Adams, Barbra Streisand and got engaged to Jodi Lyn O'Keefe in 1995-1996 (who played his daughter on Nash Bridges). To hear him tell it, Jeff Bezos loves stories. Not necessarily the ones contained in books those items that propelled Amazons rise from its beginnings in a Seattle garage in 1994 to the global behemoth it is today. Bezos started out by selling books not out of any literary affection but because they were a useful commodity, the kind that could give a fledgling online marketplace a competitive edge. (Reading Kazuo Ishiguros The Remains of the Day helped him to develop his personal regret-minimization framework.) The storytelling he exalts is purely functional, a seamless amalgam of his engineering training and his libertarian inclinations: Build yourself a great story. In Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America, the journalist Alec MacGillis describes a tent in Arlington, Va., the site of Amazons second headquarters, where job applicants submitting their resumes could see this quote from Bezos emblazoned on one of the walls. But what happens when the story youre trying to build is subject to forces that arent under your control? Surveying the debates over widening inequality, MacGillis notes their tendency to focus on individual income, rather than on the landscape of inequality across the country and that landscape, he says, is increasingly shaped, sorted and even governed by Amazon. MacGillis says that Amazons fortunes have soared during the pandemic, when the mode of consumption it had pioneered for a quarter century had transformed from a matter of convenience to one of necessity. In the first 10 months of last year, the company added more than 425,000 nonseasonal employees, bringing its total to 800,000 in the United States and 1.2 million worldwide. The immensely profitable Amazon Web Services orchestrates online life too, running much of the cloud another realm transformed by the pandemic from convenience to necessity. If youre looking for a book that parses the inner workings of Amazon, Fulfillment isnt it. Theres little here about the company thats new. Brad Stones The Everything Store (2013) still stands as an in-depth (and irreverent) history of Amazon; Jessica Bruders Nomadland (2017) and Emily Guendelsbergers On the Clock (2019) offer more detail about the actual experience of working in one of the companys cavernous warehouses or fulfillment centers, in Amazons preferred parlance, where employees can walk up to 15 miles during a single shift and vending machines dispense free painkillers. Seanad Eireann marked International Womens Day on Monday, 8 March by unveiling a painting entitled Her Surrender by Drumsna artist and former county councillor Sinead Guckian. Sinead decided to do the painting after she discovered that Elizabeth OFarrell, the woman Patrick Pearse selected to carry his message seeking to open negotiations for the cessation of hostilities at the end of Easter Week, was airbrushed from the photograph of Pearse delivering the surrender to Brigadier General William Lowe. Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Senator Mark Daly said: International Womens Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. By displaying this painting in the Seanad we remember someone who has come to symbolise the airbrushing of women from Irish history Elizabeth OFarrell. She is remembered for being forgotten. I also believe that there is room to improve the representation of women in the display of artworks in Leinster House and I have therefore proposed the re-establishment of the Joint Sub-Committee on Art and Portraiture so that progress can be made on this. Sinead told the Leitrim Observer about her inspiration for Her Surrender: Ever since I first saw the printed photograph of the 1916 Surrender I wanted to physically turn the photo over to see it from the other side. I was quite young when I first saw the photo and while Padraig Pearse and General Lowe were both easily identifiable and recognisable in the photo, I wanted to see the woman, who couldn't be seen, except for her feet and possibly the end of her coat. It was many years later before I heard Elizabeth O'Farrells brave story. The urge to see this woman and this iconic image from the view point of the other side never dulled, it only increased and as I learned more of her amazing story, particularly in the run up to the 100th anniversary of the 1916 rising, the need to see her at the surrender became so great, I began to paint. It is a huge honour to have my work in Seanad Eireann, and especially to have my painting unveiled to mark International Women's Day 2021. Having had the opportunity in previous times to visit Leinster House, I am aware of the many portraits of just male historical figures that are on view along the walls there. We all know the women of Ireland, women like Elizabeth O'Farrell, weren't absent in the making of our country's history or fighting for its freedom, so it's important to ensure women are not absent from the walls we fill to remind us. Sinead has a degree in Fine Art and has been painting for many years. She works mainly in oil and her work would be predominately described as a narrative. On Sunday a meteor the size of a bowling ball exploded over Vermont with the force of 440 pounds of TNT, according to Space.com's Rafi Letzter The fireball came blazing through Earth's atmosphere with what Vermonters described as a "loud boom" with "body-rattling vibration," per Letzter. CHINA, RUSSIA UNITE: China and Russia agree to build lunar space station together According to NASA's Meteor Watch, the meteor itself weighed around 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) and measured six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter. "The space rock fragmented violently, producing a pressure wave that rattled buildings and generated the sound heard by those near the trajectory," NASA said. The meteor made its grand entrance into Earth's atmosphere at about 42,000 mph (19 kilometers per second), according to NASA. Residents left remarks on NASA's Meteor Watch Facebook post describing what they saw. "I saw it from my window in Colchester looking east over Mt Mansfield. Heard the sonic boom what I thought was 90 seconds later but could be off on that. It was super bright white and broke up into a few pieces," Mathew H. said. Amanda E. said: "We also saw this we were on 93 North in New Hampshire just past the NH state liquor outlet/rest area! It vanished in front of us! Was awesome to see!" "Funny how something the size of a softball can make (almost as much) explosive energy as big as a Mk. 82 bomb," Darren L. commented. Jens H. made a good point with her comment: "A high velocity fireball in Vermont, a couple of weeks ago another one in Alberta. I wonder if there were more in other parts of the world, didn't the 'Armageddon' movie started like that?" Twitter fans chimed in with what they saw and how to deal with these phenomenal events. According to Letzter, residents from as far as Saratoga, New York, Quebec, Canada and Watertown, Massachusetts reported seeing the meteor. A DUBLIN man bit his partner on the scalp, threatened to put a cigarette in her eye and held a lighter beside her face after accusing her of having an affair, it is alleged. Adam OToole (28) is also accused of falsely imprisoning the woman in their bedroom during one of three separate attacks on her. He is facing trial after a judge ruled the allegations were too serious to be dealt with at Dublin District Court. Judge Bryan Smyth adjourned the case for the consent of the DPP for a return for trial to the circuit court. Mr OToole, of Summerhill Place, Dublin 1 is charged with assault causing harm to his then partner three times at their home on August 8, 9 and 11, 2019. He is also accused of one count of falsely imprisoning her on the later date. Garda Sergeant Tony Flanagan said in the first incident, the prosecution maintained, the accused took the womans phone and went through it, making various allegations with regard to her having an affair. While making the allegations, he allegedly grabbed her by the throat and threw her on the bed. She suffered bruising and a thumb mark to her neck, as well as scratch marks to her chest. In the second incident, it was alleged the accused became extremely aggressive and in the course of an assault, grabbed a cigarette lighter, pulled her back by the hair and lit the lighter to the right side of her face. It also was alleged he punched her on the cheek and kicked her right upper leg. On this occasion, the woman grabbed some items of clothing and ran out the front door. In the third alleged incident, during a tirade of abuse at her, he grabbed her by the hair, put her head back and threatened he would put a cigarette into her eye, Sgt Flanagan said. While she was still in the grip he had on her hair, he bit her on the scalp, he alleged. The woman tried to leave the bedroom and he refused to let her go, continuing to be verbally abusive. Every time she tried to leave, he pulled her by the hair and put his hand over her mouth, telling her to shut up, Sgt Flanagan said. He allegedly pulled her down and threw her on the bed and things quietened down but he sat in a chair beside her and would not let her leave, it was alleged. He grabbed her hair and when she tried to get up, he punched her to the left jaw, threw her to the ground and began to kick her, then dragged her by the hair to the bed. She made good her escape and alerted the gardai. Defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury said the accused and woman were in a relationship and each of them had their own issues at the time. Judge Smyth refused jurisdiction and adjourned the case to a date next month. A former Australian political staffer has claimed she was 'abused' by a Labor colleague while working for Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Anna Jabour said she was ecstatic when she landed a job for the Prime Minister's office at 21, but after a few months working in the Canberra political bubble she left and never wanted to work there again. 'Parliament House was the most misogynistic workplace I had ever entered and I didn't have the tenacity to push through the bulls***.' Ms Jabour said in an opinion piece for news.com.au on Wednesday. Ms Jabour said her experience of the culture of the nation's capital was that young women were viewed as objects and hushed hallway whispers detailing the dalliances of male staffers were regularly swept under the rug. Anna Jabour (pictured) said she was ecstatic when she landed a job for the Prime Minister's office at 21 but soon left saying the culture shocked her Scott Morrison has ordered four inquiries into the Parliament House culture She claims a Labor colleague and friend, ten years her senior, took advantage of her naivety and 'abused' her, saying she is still scarred by the incident. 'He told me how rare I was, how smart I was ... he coaxed me into bed and never spoke to me again. I wasn't experienced ... I felt manipulated and used,' Ms Jabor said, adding she was still affected by the experience. Parliament House has been rocked in recent weeks by the allegations of former political staffer Brittany Higgins. She alleges she was raped by a Liberal colleague in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds office in 2019 and subsequently brought to a formal employment meeting about the incident in the same office. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ordered four separate inquiries into scandal - after the Opposition demanded he take action. But Ms Jabour has said Labor needs to 'look at its own house too' claiming there were staff notorious for their behaviour on both sides of politics - many of whom continue to work there. Ms Jabour worked under of former Labor PM Julia Gillard (pictured) when she was allegedly abused Brittany Higgins' (pictured) explosive claims she was raped in Parliament House have rocked Canberra 'One of the people I used to look up to the most, who turned out to be one of the most toxic figures, is currently a senior Labor figure,' Ms Jabour said. She said she was shocked by the amount of male staffers she claims were in relationships with multiple women from different offices or interstate and that this was common knowledge in the Canberra bubble. The experience, including being repeatedly told the men deserved to have their 'misdemenours' excused because of their high stress jobs left Ms Jabour disenchanted. Senior staff would tell her the men were away from their families for half the year and people outside of Canberra and political circles would not understand. Ms Jabour said she wants to see accountability applied to the ranks of both Liberal and Labor. She believes this won't happen until public pressure forces a culture shift in Parliament towards a genuine concern for the wellbeing of staffers. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi, March 10 : One of the key leaders of the G-23, which has been demanding sweeping reforms in the party, rejected the charge that Congress is divided ahead of the state elections and said there is no two groups in the party but only one under Sonia Gandhi. When asked about the resignation of P.C. Chacko, who earlier in the day quit the party alleging there was "no democracy" in the Congress, Sharma said: "Congress Party historically stood for internal discussion. "Issues are debated in the long history of the Indian National Congress. Those who are aware during the freedom struggle know that there was many key leaders at the same time -- Mahatma Gandhi was there, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was there, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose,... "That tradition has continued... "In the Indian National Congress there are no two groups in the Congress it is one Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi." "Right now the only objective before the Congress party is to fight these elections together to defeat the BJP and other opponents. "After the elections, other internal matters can be taken up once again...we will tell you. "But let there be no wrong impression that the Congress party will not fight these elections as one body and soul." The G-23 group led by former RS MP Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma have been critical of some decisions taken by the party. Congress Kerala leader, Chacko, earlier in the day resigned from the party blaming factionalism. After his resignation he said it was unfortunate that Congress was not able to find a leader in the last one and a half years since its defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. "The Congress is weakened and it is not because of any other party, it is because of its own doing." He even said he was against any signature campaign but agreed to points raised by G-23 leaders. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Censure votes are formal rebukes by an organization against one of its members. In U.S. politics, the House or Senate may censure one of its members or the president; its the harshest condemnation that can be imposed short of impeaching them or expelling them from office. For party committees, censures are a way to pressure an official straying too far from the party and its positions. WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On behalf of our member carriers, Airlines for America (A4A) applauds the U.S. Congress for passing the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which includes provisions to extend the highly successful Payroll Support Program (PSP) that has been vital to preserving the jobs of the U.S. airline industry's hardworking employees flight attendants, pilots, mechanics, gate agents and others. We are deeply appreciative of Congress' continued support of our employees, who are our industry's greatest resource and a critical component of the overall U.S. economic recovery. We are grateful for the bipartisan, bicameral dedication to preserving the jobs of tens of thousands of U.S. aviation workers through the Payroll Support Program. We are especially thankful for the continued support in the Senate from Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and Ranking Member Roger Wicker, and in the House from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio and Ranking Member Sam Graves. U.S. airline employees have worked tirelessly to provide essential services throughout the COVID-19 crisis, including transporting vaccines, medical equipment, personnel and supplies. These men and women are the backbone of our industry, and they are an integral part of our nation's infrastructure. It is vital to have our employees on the job and ready to assist as our nation prepares to move forward from this crisis and resume connecting communities, families and businesses across the country and around the world. This global health crisis has had an unprecedented impact on the U.S. airline industry. At its lowest point, passenger volumes were down 96 percent to a level not seen since the dawn of the jet age. Today, passenger volumes remain down nearly 60 percent, carriers are operating 40 percent fewer flights than this time last year, net booked revenue is down 74 percent and U.S. passenger airlines are burning an estimated $150 million of cash per day. We appreciate the Administration's work on this legislation, and we urge President Biden to act swiftly to sign the ARP into law. ABOUT A4A Airlines for America (A4A) members are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and UPS. Air Canada is an associate member. A4A advocates on behalf of the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers. A4A works collaboratively with industry stakeholders, federal agencies, the Administration, Congress, labor and other groups to improve aviation for the traveling and shipping public. For more information about the airline industry, visit our website airlines.org and our blog, A Better Flight Plan, at airlines.org/blog. Follow us on Twitter: @airlinesdotorg. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AirlinesforAmerica. Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/AirlinesforAmerica. SOURCE Airlines for America Related Links www.airlines.org In this file photo from 2019, an 11-year-old unaccompanied minor from Mexico turns himself in to law enforcement after crossing the Rio Grande in Mission, Texas. A new surge of unaccompanied minors will test the Biden administration. (The Los Angeles Times ) President Biden is facing a critical test as a surge of migrants, emboldened by the end of the Trump era, is arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in hopes of forging better lives here in the U.S. One challenge in particular is the sharp increase in unaccompanied minors. Federal agents encountered 5,871 unaccompanied minors at the border in January, up from 3,076 in January 2020. How Biden handles this surge could become a defining moment in his administration. Weve been here before. In fact, the federal government has been wrestling with this deeply complex problem for years. During the Obama administration an influx of unaccompanied minors, who under law (and basic humanity) require different handling than work-seeking adults, overwhelmed the system, leading the government to hold children in border stations and detention centers as officials struggled to find places for them to live while their cases proceeded through the immigration courts. There's a library of studies by child psychologists about how damaging such detentions are to children. Then came the Trump administration, whose answers included claiming a health emergency and directing border agents to turn children and adults around rather than letting them pursue their legal right to seek permission to enter and stay. Biden has pledged a more compassionate approach, but he has also warned that undoing the harsh Trump policies will take more than a few strokes of a pen. The administration reportedly is turning a newly reopened children's detention center in Texas into a processing center to help border agents meet their legal obligation to turn over unaccompanied minors within 72 hours to the Department of Health and Human Services, which then has 20 days to place them in safe and secure homes while their cases are processed deadlines the government routinely misses. We welcome Bidens more humane approach, but wonder whether it will succeed in the face of the rising tide of juveniles arriving without parents or guardians. Once again the nation is watching its government strain to meet obligations Congress imposed to treat unaccompanied minors with the delicacy they deserve. Once again we see a growing crisis spotlight the broad inadequacies of the governments immigration enforcement system to deal compassionately with human migration. Story continues The solutions require broad vision and actions, including efforts to reduce the instability in Central American countries that send so many people fleeing in the first place. Such efforts, of course, run into a headwind of deep-rooted corruption in some of those countries. But the longer the government leaves those broad solutions unfulfilled, the more it will be forced to deal with waves of migration, one crisis following another. We need a better way of doing this. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A delivery personnel was arrested here on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a city- based model and makeup artist for complaining against him over late delivery of food, police said. The man was arrested shortly after Hitesha Chandranee took to Twitter to air her woes and tagged the city police, who asked her to provide the area details to assist her further. The model said she lodged a complaint with the customer care asking them to either deliver food free of cost or cancel the order after it was delayed on Tuesday. "So guys, my order was late and I was talking to the customer care executive and meanwhile the delivery person just did this," said Chandranee, crying and showing her bleeding nose in a selfie video, which was aired by some TV channels. Zomato reacted to her Twitter post, saying, "We can assure you this is not the experience our delivery universe stands for. Our local representative shall be in touch with you shortly to help you with the police investigation along with assistance on the medical care required." Stating that they were sorry for the incident, the company tweeted: "Rest assured we'll take necessary actions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The dispute has dragged on for decades with a legal battle that has lasted over 10 years. For the High Court, the Home Ministry exceeded its powers when it issued a rule contrary to the constitution. Religious freedom is absolutely protected even in times of threat to public order," a judge said. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) After a legal battle that lasted more than 10 years, the Malaysian High Court ruled today that the country's Christians can use the word "Allah" for God in their prayers, texts and religious services. The verdict overturns a long-running ban and puts an end to a dispute that has dragged on for more than 30 years, with the government siding with Islamic extremists in favour of the prohibition. The court sanctioned the use of three words in Christian publications for educational purposes: Kaabah (Islams sacred shrine in Makkah), Baitullah (House of God) and Solat (prayer). Thirteen years after the court case began, Justice Nor Bee Ariffin granted Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, a Christian originally from Sarawakian, the constitutional right to use the word "Allah" for her religious practices. The issue reached a courtroom after the authorities in 2008 seized eight educational compact discs she was carrying when she landed in an airport back from Indonesia. In 2014, the Court declared the seizure unlawful and the material was returned to Lawrence Bill the following year, while the question of the use of the word remained unresolved. The ruling, expected at first in 2018, was postponed several times. Meanwhile, the parties sought, in vain, to settle out of court before proceedings were brought to halt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The court ruling also quashes a Home Ministry circular banning the use of Allah in Christian publications, on public order considerations. For the court, the Ministry exceeded its powers and violated the constitution. Religious freedom is absolutely protected even in times of threat to public order, the judge said. The government has not yet said whether it plans to appeal the ruling. Several controversial episodes have marked the affair over the years. Some 300 Bibles were seized in January 2014. In October 2013 the Court of Appeal ruled that Catholic weekly Herald could use the word Allah for the Christian God. About 60 per cent of Malaysias 28 million people are Muslim. Christians are the third largest religious group (after Buddhists) with more than 2.6 million members. A 400-year-old Latin-Malay dictionary shows that the word Allah was already in use in the local language. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Worried and scared were the first emotions mentioned by Mai Nguyen, a 54-year-old woman living in the Linh Dam residential area in Hanoi, when she heard that a batch of metformin tablets had been recalled in the United States because they contain high levels of cancer-causing contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and Vietnamese authorities were following suit with enquiries into batches in this country. The drugs, popularly used to treat type 2 diabetes, have been distributed to wholesalers worldwide. It is so terrible. I have been living with type 2 diabetes for seven years so I often use Glucophage 850 mg. I do not know about NDMA, but I have to use the drug, Nguyen told VIR. Who will be responsible if Glucophage, or other metformin drugs, are found with a higher-than-accepted intake limit, she asked. Many of my friends with the disease are also worried, she added. We expect a list of cancer-causing metformin drugs imported into Vietnam to be published soon so that we can take precautions. Following warnings from international health agencies, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health in a document asked manufacturers and importers of metformin-contained pharmaceuticals to take action to ensure quality and safety to users. Manufacturers are being asked to ensure the quality of the drug and ensure the amount of NDMA does not surpass the acceptable limit not higher than 0.32 parts per million as ruled by global ICH standards on assessment and control of DNA reactive (mutagenic) impurities in pharmaceuticals to limit potential carcinogenic risk. Manufacturers are also requested to assess metformin-contained material suppliers, including the origins and quality, while checking the production process to ensure that NDMA cannot rise during production, preservation, or distribution. For importers, the DAV asked them to strictly assess material suppliers and manufacturers, and only import the materials and drugs ensuring metformin quality standards and those on NDMA. The DAV also ordered the National Institute of Drug Quality Control and the Ho Chi Minh City equivalent to work with related institutes of other cities and provinces on analysis of metformin drugs, while taking samples to test the quality of materials and pharmaceuticals and then report to the DAV to make the next steps. Products containing metformin are being sold at drugstores, with Glucophage 500mg or 850mg film-coated tablets being among the most popular. Glucophage is manufactured in France by Merck Sante S.A.S and imported by Zuellig Pharma Vietnam. Glucophage is being the best seller at our drugstore. Most people with diabetes come to buy this drug because they are prescribed, said a pharmacist at a Linh Dam drugstore in Hanoi. Zuellig Pharma Vietnam was asked for comment by VIR on the issue but has not yet been forthcoming. Other popular versions include Glucofine 500mg or 850mg manufactured by Domesco, and Metformin Stada manufactured by Stada Vietnam in the southern province of Binh Duong. While Vietnamese institutes have not announced results of testing yet, questions are once again being raised about pharmaceutical firms ethics, with groups accused of putting profit before peoples health. Previously, the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore, Health Canada, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and others found that metformin drugs containing NDMA above the acceptable intake limit can cause risk of cancer. Last year, the FDA recommended five pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily recall metformin after the agency found high levels of a possible cancer-causing impurity in some versions of the medication. In January, the FDA announced that the recall extends to additional manufacturers, forms, and dosages. Thus far, 11 companies have voluntarily withdrawn 500mg, 750mg, and 1000mg extended-release metformin tablets and extended-release metformin liquid formulation. Durham, NC - Results of a clinical trial released in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine provide evidence that treating patients with an injection of bone marrow cells may lead to a reduction in brain injury after a stroke. The study was conducted by Muhammad E. Haque, Ph.D., Sean I. Savitz, M.D., and colleagues from the Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. "Nearly 90 percent of patients who suffer an ischemic stroke - the most common type of stroke - exhibit weakness or paralysis to one side of the body," Dr. Haque said. "Injuries to the corticospinal tract (CST), which is the main white matter connection in the brain responsible for carrying movement-related information to the spinal cord, is the primary cause of this motor function impairment. In stroke animal models, we've seen how bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) attenuate secondary degeneration and enhance recovery, including white matter tract remodeling. That led us to our current study." Previously the team led by Dr. Savitz had conducted a phase I clinical trial on the safety and feasibility of intravenous administration of autologous (a patient's own) bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) in patients with ischemic stroke. In that study, they reported preliminary CST recovery in the part of the brainstem called the rostral pons. In their current work, they delved deeper into this intriguing finding by using 3D anatomical and DTI images obtained from MRI scans to compare extensive longitudinal microstructural changes in the white matter of BM-MNC-treated stroke patients to a group who did not receive the cells. (DTI - or diffusion tensor imaging - is an MRI technique that is most commonly used to examine the brain and estimate its white matter organization.) The 37 patients in the study ranged in age from 18 to 80. While all received the standard stroke treatment and rehabilitation follow-up, 17 patients whose strokes were the most severe received the additional BM-MNC injections. Three months later, MRI scans of each patient showed, as the researchers expected, a decrease in the integrity of their CST. However, scans taken 12 months after the stroke occurred showed an improvement in the CST of the 17 patients who received injections. Conversely, the CST of the non-injected group exhibited ongoing and continuing microstructural injury and axonal degeneration. "These results suggest the possibility of microstructural stabilization in the cell-injected group as compared with the non-treated patients," Dr. Haque said, "We envision that future clinical trials might be directed toward identifying white matter protection or repair as an important mechanistic target of efficacy studies and potency assays for bone marrow cell therapies." "These clinical trial results are certainly encouraging and demonstrate the need to further pursue the use of cell-based regenerative therapies," said Anthony Atala, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. "These outcomes suggest a potential approach that could change the brain health for millions of patients who suffer a stroke." ### The full article, "Longitudinal Neuroimaging Evaluation of the Cortical Spinal Tract in Stroke Patients Treated with Autologous Bone Marrow Cells," can be accessed at https:/ / stemcellsjournals. onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ abs/ 10. 1002/ sctm. 20-0369 . Contact: Amy Laukka , Senior Media Relations Specialist, UTHealth Office: 713-500-3030 E-mail: amy.laukka@uth.tmc.edu About STEM CELLS Translational Medicine: STEM CELLS Translational Medicine (SCTM), co-published by AlphaMed Press and Wiley, is a monthly peer-reviewed publication dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices. SCTM is the official journal partner of Regenerative Medicine Foundation. About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes two other internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals: STEM CELLS (http://www. StemCells. com ), celebrating its 39th year, is the world's first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. The Oncologist (http://www. TheOncologist. com ), also a monthly peer-reviewed publication, entering its 26th year, is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. All three journals are premier periodicals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines. About Wiley: Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www. wiley. com . About Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF): The non-profit Regenerative Medicine Foundation fosters strategic collaborations to accelerate the development of regenerative medicine to improve health and deliver cures. RMF pursues its mission by producing its flagship World Stem Cell Summit, honouring leaders through the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Action Awards, and promoting educational initiatives. Greenville County Councilman Lynn Ballards wife, Debbie, died shortly after noon on March 9 due to complications from COVID-19, Ballard announced on his public Facebook page. Debbie Ballard was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 12 due to complications after she contracted the coronavirus. Lynn Ballard, 73, also tested positive in early February. He experienced fatigue but few other symptoms. Debbie, 65, had a compromised immune system due to severe asthma and her oxygen level began to fall while in the hospital. Two weeks ago, doctors put her on a ventilator but her lung function never improved enough to breathe on her own, Ballard said. On March 9, doctors performed a tracheotomy but her oxygen level continued to fall even while on the ventilator. The medical team said there was little hope of improvement from other measures, and Ballard said he agreed to take her off the ventilator. He said he sat with her and held her hand at the hospital bedside. Debbie always lit up a room, he said. She was always upbeat. She always had something positive to say. She was the second spouse of a Greenville County Council member to be hospitalized with COVID-19 in recent months. Councilman Joe Dills wife, Dee Dee, spent weeks in the hospital due to lingering issues caused by COVID-19 in January and February but was released and able to attend a council meeting March 2 where he recognized her and thanked the council members for their prayers. Several council members, including Dill, Mike Barnes and former Councilman Bob Taylor, have contracted the virus in the past year. Debbie Ballard worked on the production line at Michelins Donaldson Center plant for 29 years. She taught herself to put together decorative flower arrangements for cemeteries, which the Ballards sold for a number of years at the Anderson Jockey Lot. She decorated cakes, and was an accomplished quilter who met up with a quilting group every week before the pandemic, he said. The Ballards were married for 24 years. For both, it was a second marriage. They met at Edwards Road Baptist Church in a group for divorcees, became friends and then dated. Friends called her Crazy Debbie for the wild stories she shared of her own experiences, he said. Sign up for our Greenville weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Upstate. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Greenville news staff. Email Sign Up! Anybody who told you they knew Debbie and she didnt make them laugh, they didnt know Debbie, he said. She made everybody laugh all the time. She was born in Pelzer and raised in Piedmont, and attended Washington Baptist Church in Pelzer. Everybody there either knows her or is related to her, he said. She didnt have children of her own, but she and Lynn helped raise two of his granddaughters for five years. She was a step-grandmother to his seven grandchildren. The couple traveled the world in recent years, visiting the Panama Canal, Alaska, Israel, St. Petersburg, Russia, Rome, Venice and the Baltics. In 2017, they visited the Vatican and came within feet of Pope Francis. One week later, they were standing in the Jordan River in Israel, he said. Weve been very, very fortunate, he said. He was able to visit her after shed been in the hospital for 12 days and before she was put on a ventilator. They each knew what it could mean since doctors had already explained her chances of recovery werent good, he said. They told each other, I love you, and she made him promise to take care of her dogs, he said. Dont you dare give them up, she told him. Debbies father, Robert Ensley, died 11 years ago and her mother, Annette Ensley, died at 87 on Christmas Eve at a Greenville nursing home. COVID-19 was listed as the cause of death on her death certificate, Lynn Ballard said. She is survived by her brother Steve Ensley; her stepson Jeffrey Ballard; two stepdaughters, Rosa Sanchez and Maria Ballard; and seven step-grandchildren, Raekwon Jones, Devokious Richardson, Jasmine Patterson, Brendasia Patterson, Gerardo Sanchez Jr., Juan Pablo Sanchez and Ramon Sanchez. Details for a memorial service are being arranged. Everest Group To attract the type of digital talent needed to build a more profitable future, insurers must make themselves appealing by offering disruptive work, robust training, attractive employee propositions, and agile and collaborate ways of working. The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a hard blow to the insurance industry, and the economic outlook for the near term is still uncertain. In addition to facing revenue and profitability declines, insurers must now deliver compelling online experiences to sustain and grow their customer base. According to Everest Group, IT investment maturity is playing a crucial role in insurers recovery strategies, particularly as they battle to reduce costs and digitally innovate at the same time. First, to achieve cost savings and resiliency, insurers are taking a defensive stance, reevaluating key levers of their IT operating model. Everest Group has identified the five most prominent approaches insurers are using: Selling non-core technology assets Increasing IT outsourcing Balancing offshoring levels Consolidating the IT supplier portfolio Scaling agile methodologies across the organization Secondly, to create competitive advantage and gain market share, insurers are seeking digital innovation from their internal IT teams and their sourcing providers. Adoption of cloud, platforms, and digital solutions may enable recovery and future success; however, the workforce to guide those efforts is in short supply. Everest Group research indicates the unmet demand for digital talent is as high as 25%. The digital talent gap is a significant challenge in the insurance industry, said Ronak Doshi, vice president, Information Technology Services, at Everest Group. Twenty-eight percent of the workforce in the insurance industry is nearing retirement, taking with them valuable institutional knowledge that can be lost if not passed along to younger employees. But only 4% of millennials are interested in working in insurance technology roles because of the negative perception they have about the industry being slow to adopt technology and having an antiquated culture. To attract the type of digital talent needed to build a more profitable future, insurers must make themselves appealing by offering disruptive work, robust training, attractive employee propositions, and agile and collaborate ways of working. Everest Group examines each of these areas in more detail in its recently published report, Insurance IT Services State of the Market 2021: Future-readying Insurance Business Through Continuous Digital Unraveling. Summary of Key Findings: The quest for cost transformation and resiliency continues for insurance enterprises as the coronavirus pandemic slowly abates, prompting insurers to trim their technology asset portfolio and focus on strategic competencies. Insurance enterprises are reevaluating their entire IT operating model and sourcing strategy to drive higher outsourcing activity, finely balance their sourcing location footprint, and consolidate their IT supplier portfolio. While adopting Agile principles and a customer-first culture remains a key priority for insurers, the focus is now shifting to scaled Agile developments across insurance enterprises and digitizing their IT operating model. Insurance enterprises are staying away from touching their core systems and are instead investing in optimizing service interactions to transform experience management. The focus for insurers is moving from continuous modernization to continuous simplification. Insurers are weaponizing technology to drive growth and differentiation. Investments in composable technology platforms, value chain-specific solutions, and nurturing digital talent are the top insurer priorities in the near term. ***Download a complimentary abstract of the report here.*** About Everest Group Everest Group is a consulting and research firm focused on strategic IT, business services, engineering services, and sourcing. Our clients include leading global enterprises, service providers, and investors. Through our research-informed insights and deep experience, we guide clients in their journeys to achieve heightened operational and financial performance, accelerated value delivery, and high-impact business outcomes. Details and in-depth content are available at http://www.everestgrp.com/ Gaddie's Court Appearance Continued Again By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - A Paducah man facing attempted murder and other charges was in court Tuesday.According to the McCracken Circuit Court Clerk, 39-year-old Larico Gaddie appeared for a competency hearing. The hearing was continued to March 22.In April of last year, Gaddie was arrested after authorities said he fired a gun several times at an 18-year-old victim. None of the shots hit the victim.Gaddie is facing charges of attempted murder, being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, first-degree wanton endangerment, and first-degree criminal mischief. The strategy, which has been developed over the past three years, encompasses 17 initiatives across governance and culture, standards, education, and carbon neutrality that will set new standards in firm's ESG best-practice. ESG Universe 2023 retains the clear goal of assisting in risk mitigation and value creation across the Abris portfolio, but at the same time includes the ambitious target of achieving a carbon neutral portfolio by 2025 and puts in place net-zero action plans for each individual portfolio company, making Abris the first private equity house in Central Europe to commit to this goal. Pawe Gierynski, Managing Partner at Abris Capital, commented: "Over recent years, Abris has made responsible investing a central organizational focus. As a firm, we know what our investors are asking of us in this area. However, we don't just want to meet these expectations we aim to far exceed them. We want to set new standards in private equity for sustainable investing, governance and environmental and societal impact, and lead the drive towards greater sustainability and carbon neutrality. This is a very difficult, pioneering task, but its attainment will determine the real winners and losers in the future." Abris' ground-breaking commitment to carbon neutrality begins with precise measurement of the carbon footprint of all companies in its portfolio, followed by the creation of emissions reduction action plans and a catalog of validated offset initiatives, enabling the portfolio to reach neutrality in 2025. To ensure the program is focused mostly on real reductions rather than offsets, over the course of each year Abris will invest in further emission-reduction projects, meaning each individual company will be able to reach net-zero within an ambitious but realistic timeframe. In addition, Abris has tasked each of its portfolio companies not only with reducing emissions but also with adapting their strategies and operating models to climate change, which, for some businesses, may have destabilizing effects. Robert Sroka, Abris ESG Director, commented: "I would like to extend our thanks to all of the Management Boards and teams at our portfolio companies. Without their commitment to this initiative, we would not be able to achieve our carbon reduction goals. I am delighted to report that we have already completed the measurement and target reduction phases of this project, and we look forward to working with all of our portfolio companies on the implementation programs over the coming years." Abris' ESG Universe 2023 strategy has been developed over the past three years, during which time the firm has been running its predecessor Universe 2020 initiative, which culminated last year with the launch of the Abris ESG Scoring Application a proprietary IT tool that tracks more than 500 measures, looking at specific risks within each portfolio company, supporting investment decision making and reporting value created to investors. ESG Universe 2023 will continue to focus strongly on measurement of ESG factors and setting KPIs across the portfolio, with new processes to ensure efforts are rewarded in terms of performance through the tracking of value enhancement and risk detection. Abris will also create an ESG Knowledge Database, shared across its portfolio, comprising tools, procedures, manuals, and templates, to provide the investment team and portfolio managers with end-to-end guidance on integrating ESG into their daily work. Monika Nachyla, IR and ESG Partner at Abris, commented: "Taken as a whole, Universe 2023 sets Abris on a course at the forefront of responsible investment in Europe, helping to develop best practices that we are happy to share and hope will become commonplace across the investment industry in the region." NOTES TO EDITORS Abris Capital Partners Abris Capital Partners is a leading independent private equity fund manager, focused on mid-market opportunities in the major countries of Central Europe. Established in 2007, Abris seeks to identify, and partner with, the most successful and dynamic mid-market businesses in Central Europe, which can benefit from an input of capital and/or management expertise at both strategic and operational levels. With investment capital of almost 1.3 billion, Abris has obtained financial backing from many leading global investment institutions including corporate and public pension plans, financial institutions, funds of funds and US university endowment funds. Abris has a long-term investment horizon and usually targets transactions in which it is able to acquire a majority or sole ownership position. The typical financial commitment by Abris to any single transaction can range from 30 million to 75 million, with larger commitments available if required. The Abris advisory business operates using teams based in Warsaw and Bucharest. SOURCE Abris Capital Partners Related Links https://abris-capital.com/ AMHERST, Mass. (AP) Professor Edwin Driver arrived in Amherst in 1948 as one of the first Black teachers hired at a flagship state university in the country. But the 23-year-old sociology instructor at what would become the University of Massachusetts Amherst says he was denied pay raises for decades, despite being one of its most published professors. Driver and his wife, who was from India, also encountered roadblocks trying to buy a house in the mostly white college town. Their three children faced racism from neighbors and school officials alike. Theres a lot of people in Amherst that have not gotten a proper share of things, the now 96-year-old professor emeritus said at his home in nearby South Hadley recently. I ended up being the lowest paid professor in the department, but also its most productive. Driver and other current and former Black residents may one day be compensated for their hardships. Amherst, some 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Boston, is among hundreds of communities and organizations across the country seeking to provide reparations to Black people. They range from the state of California to cities like Providence, Rhode Island, religious denominations like the Episcopal Church and prominent colleges like Georgetown University in Washington. The efforts, some of which have been underway for years, have gained momentum in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd last May. President Joe Biden has even expressed support for creating a federal commission to study Black reparations, a proposal thats languished for decades in Congress. Kamm Howard, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, said the wide-ranging approaches could provide models for a national reparations program. Hes also not surprised Amherst, long a liberal bastion, is tackling the issue. It validates that every community in America, no matter the size, is a microcosm of the broader problem, Howard said. Youre going to find these things, if you dig. " Amhersts effort started with a petition launched last summer by two white yoga instructors, which led to a town council-approved resolution in December committing Amherst to a path of remedy for Black residents injured or harmed by discrimination and racial injustice. Former University of Massachusetts-Amherst Professor Edwin Driver is interviewed at his home, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in South Hadley, Mass.AP Photo/Charles Krupa Michele Miller and Matthew Andrews, who led the petition effort as co-founders of the group Reparations for Amherst, said they wanted to provide something tangible and healing for local Black families amid nationwide protests and turmoil. They argue that Amherst, a college town of nearly 38,000 residents, didnt become more than 75% white and just 5% Black by accident. For decades, restrictive housing policies prevented Black families from purchasing homes in desirable parts of town, according to Miller and Andrews research. Black people were also shut out of jobs and educational opportunities at UMass Amherst, one of the states largest and most prominent institutions. As a result, the median income for Amhersts white families is more than two times that of Black families, and more than half its Black population lives below the poverty line. Amherst likes to think of itself as progressive, but that idealism isnt always borne out, Andrews said. The economic and social disparities are clear. Kathleen Anderson, a former president of the Amherst NAACP chapter, said shes encouraged that white residents initiated the reparations effort. But the next step needs to come from the Black community, she said. Anderson and other Black residents are taking part in virtual conversations this spring to talk about what reparations should look like. A former school committee member, Anderson would like to see the process address a broader, systemic need, such as racial disparities in the public schools. Black teachers, she said, have complained of racist harassment and hostile work environments for years. Reparations can be more than a check, Anderson said. Amilcar Shabazz, a professor of Africana studies at UMass, said hed like to see better recognition of the local Black community in town landmarks and monuments. Celebrated authors Chinua Achebe and James Baldwin both taught at UMass but arent recognized anywhere in town, he noted. We have a lot to talk about, he said. I wonder if the town is ready for this. Can these scars be healed? Can you put a price tag on trauma? Miller and Andrews, meanwhile, have looked to Evanston, Illinois as a potential model, inviting a leading alderman from that community to speak with Amhersts Black residents next month. The Chicago suburbs reparations fund, established in 2019, is focused on housing inequities, using a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales to help Black residents with homeownership, including mortgage assistance and funding for home improvements. Driver believes the towns higher education institutions UMass Amherst, Amherst College and Hampshire College should be part of the solution because of the role theyve played in the towns racial divide. The three institutions expressed support for the towns effort in separate statements to The Associated Press, but stopped short of committing any resources. When he was hired, Driver was the first person of color to be employed in any capacity at university. By the late 1960s, UMass Amherst had just six Black faculty members and 36 Black students in a student body of nearly 17,000, according to university historical records. Driver said hed personally like to be compensated for years of being underpaid. He earned tenure in 1954, but remained the lowest paid professor in his department until the 1970s, when a new department head sought to rectify the imbalance. We are in a position of having to admit that Driver is an extremely impressive professional with an outstanding scholarly record whom we have not sufficiently recognized locally, wrote Thomas Wilkinson to other school officials in 1970. Driver continued to lead a distinguished career. The graduate of Temple and the University of Pennsylvania has written numerous books and is currently at work on another. He served as a visiting professor at UCLA and other top colleges. He even had stints as a United Nations advisor in Iran and consulted and taught in France, India and elsewhere. Throughout, Driver remained firmly rooted at UMass, where he retired in 1987. If reparations could make up the lost salary, I would appreciate it, Driver said. I would enjoy it. I would celebrate it, but I dont think thats going to ever happen. He hopes UMass can at least acknowledge the contributions pioneering Black professors made. Driver already has a spot in mind: his first office on campus, which was tucked in the basement by the furnace, in a place where the janitor didnt even bother to empty the trash bins. If they would rename that after me, Driver said. That would be the ideal reparation. Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, the first Hyatt Regency brand in Qatar, marked International Womens Day to revel, encourage and support women in the workplace. International Womens Day is celebrated every year on 8th of March where the world joins hands together to support, raise, inspire and motivate women across all fields of work. To celebrate this day, Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, invited Amal Ameen, Founder & CEO, Triple Trend Design House to be the keynote speaker and share her success story as well as encourage Qatari women discover their innate potential and step into the distinguished world of entrepreneurship. Speaking on the occasion, Amal Ameen, said: In my opinion, women in Qatar have made great achievements and women have always been as strong, respectful and important part of the society. The governments endeavour to provide access to quality education, has played an important role in womens empowerment in Qatar. Empowered through education, talented women can develop the necessary skill-sets to transform into inspiring young women and future leaders. In the last decade, Qatari women have made great strides in all sectors and I am convinced that we will see more women become successful entrepreneurs in the near future. Julien Gonzalvez, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, said: At Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, we acknowledge womens important contribution and participation in our business and the role they play in the society and the economy. We support fairness, diversity, equity and inclusion. We take pride in supporting and inspiring women to become future leaders in their respective fields and will continue to support our women employees in realising their true potential. TradeArabia News Service For the first time in two decades, the Pentagon is considering, and Congress is debating, whether to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on a new nuclear-armed missile. The new weapon, called the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), would replace Americas 400 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at an estimated cost of $264 billion over the next few decades. The debate is particularly fierce, and will become more so once the Biden administration releases its defense budget sometime next month, because one faction in this debatewith adherents in the Pentagon, Congress, and the White Housewant not only to halt funding for the GBSD but to dismantle some or all of the 400 existing missiles. Advertisement Last fall, the Trump administration gave Northrop Grumman a $13.3 billion sole-source contract to begin engineering and development on the new missile, in an attempt to lock in the project and make it harder for anyone to kill it outright. Northrop had lined up more than a dozen subcontractorsincluding fellow giants such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, which are normally its competitorsin order to widen support for the project in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Coordinating this support are the members of the ICBM Coalition, legislators who represent the states that house the ICBM bases (Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming) and the Air Forces Global Strike Command (Louisiana). Last summer, when Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) proposed shifting $1 billion of the GBSDs seed money to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), a very vocal member of the coalition, accused him of shilling for China. Advertisement This coalition is also aided by several hawkish legislators who view the nuclear Triadthe three legs of the U.S. arsenal that include land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and long-range bomber aircraftas tantamount to the Holy Trinity. Remove any one of those legs, they insist as a matter of dogma, and the entire edifice of nuclear deterrence will fall apart. Last week, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said he would vote down the nomination of Colin Kahl as undersecretary of defense for policy because Kahl would not kowtow unthinkingly to the GBSD. (Under questioning, Kahl, a former official in the Bush and Obama administrations, said that he supported modernization of the Triad but would have to examine classified material before taking a position on the GBSD. To Cotton, this was heresy.) Advertisement Advertisement The existence of the Triad is an accident of history. There were three branches of the U.S. militaryArmy, Navy, and Air Forceand so, there are three separate platforms for nuclear weapons: the Army built land-based missiles, the Navy built missiles for submarines, and the Air Force built bombs to drop from airplanes. (In the late 1950s, the Air Force beat the Army for the ICBM contract, so the Army built short-range missiles for deployment in Europe and Asia. When those missiles were deactivated toward the end of the Cold War, the Army got out of the nuclear business.) As often happens with historical accidents, theories were crafted afterward to rationalize the way things turned out. It was noted that submarines could roam beneath the oceans surface for long stretches of time, undetectable and invulnerable; therefore, the subs ensured that, if the Soviets launched a nuclear attack on the U.S., the U.S. could fire back, thereby deterring the Soviets from attacking in the first place. Land-based ICBMs were more responsive to commands, and they were much more accurate than submarine-launched missiles, enabling the U.S. not only to smash Soviet cities, but to hit specific targets, such as enemy missile bases. Bombers could be recalled to their bases (unlike missiles, which, once fired, were irretrievable), reducing the chances of an accidental war and giving leaders time to de-escalate in a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement There was logic to this argument, for a while, but in the 1990s, the rationale for the land-based ICBM started to unravel. The Navy deployed a new submarine-launched missile, called the Trident II, which, unlike earlier models, was powerful and accurate enough to destroy pinpoint targets, such as the Soviet Unions blast-hardened ICBM silos. Command-control systems also improved, so that the president could more reliably send launch orders to a submarine out at sea. ICBMs were becoming not just superfluous but destabilizing. They were at once highly accurate and highly vulnerablecapable of destroying, but also of being destroyed by, Russian ICBMs. In short, their very existence increased the likelihood of a nuclear war. In an escalating crisis, one side would have an incentive to launch a first strike before the other side launched a first strike. Advertisement There were fevered debates about all this in the 1980s and early 90s, but as the Cold War wound down, so did the fear of nuclear war and the intrigue over abstract discussions of nuclear strategy. The U.S. and Russia did reduce their ICBMs through a series of arms-reduction treaties (the U.S. used to have 1,054 of them), but they didnt dismantle those missiles entirely. Advertisement Still, time, decay, and dwindling enthusiasm for the nuclear enterprise meant funding would be cut, possibly drastically, over time. So, when President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the New START treaty in 2010, the ICBM Coalition took out the old playbook. They told Obama that they would not ratify the treatyan act that required two-thirds of the Senateunless Obama agreed to modernize all three legs of the Triad. Advertisement Obama finessed the demand, pledging in a written statement to modernize or replace all three legs of the Triad. Modernize could mean any number of things: installing new software or better communications gear; it didnt necessarily mean buying whole new systems. But exploiting this concession, Senate Republicans started rolling out a list of new weaponsnew ICBMs, new bombers, new submarines, new cruise missiles, and a few different models of new warheadswhich they said would cost a total of $1.3 trillion over the next 30 years. When Trump took office, Pentagon officials misleadingly, but very cleverly, referred to this plan as the Obama program of record. Since no one under Trump would dare propose spending less than Obama on a defense program, this guaranteed that the largest nuclear building plan since the Reagan administration would proceed unimpeded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the ICBM still needed a rationale, so a team inside U.S. Strategic Command came up with something called the sponge theory. Without any land-based ICBMs, this theory posited, the enemy could launch a highly effective nuclear first strike by destroying a mere six targets inside the United Statestwo submarine ports, a few bomber bases, and the national command authority (meaning Washington, D.C.). However, if we still had ICBMs, the enemy would have to hit them as well; hitting 400 ICBMs would require launching 800 warheads; by any standard, that would be a major attack, killing several million Americans; any American president would have to launch a retaliatory attack; therefore, the Russians wouldnt dare launch a first strike. Advertisement There are at least three flaws to this argument. First, it is very strange. A few decades ago, the people who came up with the sponge theory were arguing that the Kremlins leaders would have little hesitation launching 2,000 warheads against 1,000 U.S. ICBMs; the core of our nuclear strategy assumed that they would. Now these people, or their intellectual heirs, are saying that firing fewer than half that many warheads would be too large and too destructive for the Russians to consider. The threat-scribes have altered their premises to fit the conclusion they want to reach. Advertisement Second, the six targets that the enemy, presumably the Russians, would have to hit, if we didnt have ICBMs, are close to cities; Washington is a city; tens of millions of Americans would die in this limited nuclear strike. It is implausible that a Russian leader would take the chance that an American president would simply surrender without retaliating. And the American president could send the retaliatory order to the many submarines that would be out at sea (half of them are at sea at any one time, all the time), and to the several bombers that would have taken off from their bases in the early stages of a crisis. Advertisement Finally, lets say that there is something to the sponge theorythat we should present the Russians or Chinese or whomever with more than a half-dozen targets to hit if they were contemplating a first strike. Do we need to present them with 400 extra targets? Would 100 be enough? How about 50 or a dozen? The sponge theorists should be asked to make the case that fewer than 400 would be too few. Nor does the sponge theory require those ICBMshowever many there areto be new. Yes, some of the existing Minuteman missiles have been sitting in their silos since the 1970s. But they havent been doing much that causes wear and tear; theyve undergone several service-life extensions over the decadesnew warheads, software, avionics, guidance systems, command-control receivers, etc.and theres no reason they couldnt undergo more. The 76 nuclear-armed B-52H bombers in the fleet have been around since the 1950s, and theyve been flown and otherwise jostled a lot. They too have undergone a lot of service-life extensions, and theyre in fine shape. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, there is no good reason to buy the GBSD and several good reasons not to. Usually, this wouldnt matter. Congress tends to defer to military commanders on what weapons are required, especially when it comes to the nuclear Triad. Sen. Cotton said in another recent hearing, Its very expensive and hard to win an arms race, but it is much better to win an arms race than to lose a war. OK, but Cotton and others who think like him should be asked how not building the GBSD heightens the risk of losing a war. They should also be asked to consider whether sparking a new arms race might heighten the risk of starting a war. Advertisement It is quite possible that the likes of Cotton will find themselves on the losing side of the argument this year. First, the Biden administration may not ask for full funding of the GBSD. Biden himself has long been skeptical of the nuclear priesthood. His midlevel political appointees working on nuclear problems in the National Security Council and the Defense Department are skeptical as well. And his secretary of defense, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, spent his career in a branch of the militarythe Armythat hasnt had any involvement with nuclear weapons for decades. Finally, after just spending several trillion dollars to recover from the economic ravages of the pandemic, Congress might be less casual about spending trillions more on nuclear weapons, especially since other military ambitionsa larger navy, a stealthier air force, a more robust cybersecurity effortmight strike some, including inside the military, as more urgent. Long ago, a Pentagon official told me, only half-jokingly, that, when contemplating the numbers involved in nuclear weapons and nuclear war, its best to chop off the zeroesthe nine zeroes denoting billions of dollars and the six zeroes marking millions of deaths. This may have been a sound option during the Cold War; it was too unsettling to stare straight into the abyss. But this past year weve been immersed in an abyss thats disturbing enough, not least because its been real, and so it may be a fine time to ask how many nuclear weapons we really needand to make those who say we need to build more explain very clearly just why. ~ Says Marcel Gumbs a failure for St. Maarten ~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Tuesday said that considering the lack of progress on Trust Fund projects for St. Maarten, the entire construct of the Trust Fund Steering Committee should be re-evaluated. He also questioned if the three members of this committee will be replaced considering the slow progress on St. Maarten, going on four years after hurricane Irma. MP Emmanuel pointed out that even State Secretary Raymond Knops has admitted that the World Bank was not the ideal entity to channel reconstruction funds through and criticized the pace of work being executed. Moreover, the MP continued, outside of not working efficiently, "nobody seems to know how this committee actually works, how they evaluate what has to be done, how they measure progress, nothing. It all feels shady because of a lack of transparency. We should be getting monthly updates. We get nothing," the MP said. With the terms of the current members of the Trust Fund steering committee ending soon, MP Emmanuel also questioned who nominates and appoints St. Maarten's representative on the steering committee for the Trust Fund and if St. Maarten has a say about the other two members. Former Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs represents St. Maarten on the committee, Frans Weekers represents the Netherlands and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Tasheen Sayed represents the World Bank. "In my opinion, we cannot equate Marcel Gumbs to anything other than a failure representing St. Maarten, four years after the fact," the MP said, adding that it is important to hear from the members of the governing coalition what they think about his performance and if they have anyone else in mind to fill the post. Committee decisions are by consensus only. So since we have no information about who championed and prioritized what from the trust fund, I can only conclude that Marcel Gumbs has been a failure in fighting and prioritizing for St. Maarten. How are nominations made? Who decides ultimately? Impossible it will be Marcel Gumbs again. Will the UP/NA Coalition actually re-appoint him? That means they will simply see a continuation of no real work for the people of St. Maarten, the MP said. He also questioned the numeration of the committee members and if they are in solidarity with the people of St. Maarten and the Jacobs norm. MP Emmanuel also questioned the membership of Weekers on the committee. Weekers, a former State Secretary, is part of a group of officials held partly responsible for The Dutch childcare benefits scandal which led to the recent fall of the third Rutte cabinet. The actions of Weekers and others were branded as "discriminatory" and filled with "institutional bias". A parliamentary inquiry into the matter concluded that "fundamental principles of the rule of law" had been violated. "But this person, who many have called a racist, is good enough for St. Maarten. Families were cast into hardship on basis of their color and ethnicity. The World Bank states proudly that it doesn't work with people of ill-repute, alleged or otherwise. Here we have a Dutch politician on our trust fund committee with a questionable background. Again, who nominates? Who has a say?" the MP said. The MP said even The World Bank representative leaves a lot to be desired after crossing the line with blatant interference recently, trying to tell St. Maarten's Prime Minister how to govern as it relates to the Princess Juliana International Airport. She (Sayed) had to later walk back the statement. I think it behooves the government just to provide some information about the construct of this committee moving forward. If the committee presented a report about Trust Fund activities this too should be made available and the process to nominate and appoint people should be clarified, MP Emmanuel said. has been taken out of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework, subject to certain conditions and continuous monitoring, the said in a statement. The performance of Limited was reviewed by the Board for Financial Supervision (BFS) in its meeting held on February 18, 2021 and it was decided that the lender will be taken out of PCA framework. "It was noted that as per published results for the quarter ending December 31, 2020 the bank is not in breach of the PCA parameters on regulatory capital, Net NPA and Leverage ratio," the central bank said. "The bank has provided a written commitment that it would comply with the norms of minimum regulatory capital, Net NPA and Leverage ratio on an ongoing basis and has apprised the RBI of the structural and systemic improvements that it has put in place which would help the bank in continuing to meet these commitments," it said. was placed under PCA in May, 2017. Under the PCA framework, lenders which slip below certain financial parameters such as capital ratios, asset quality and profitability will be under the close watch of RBI. The lender reported a net profit of Rs 378 crore in the quarter ended December 2020 (Q3FY21), aided by a rise in net interest income. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of profit for the lender. Net interest income rose 18 per cent to Rs 1,810 crore compared with the same period a year-ago, while net interest margin (NIM) improved by 60 basis points to 2.87 per cent in the quarter. The lender's scrip ended 5.2 per cent higher on NSE at Rs 38.35 a piece. By Waruna Karunatilake and Poppy McPherson (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has invited a representative of Myanmar's junta to a meeting of Asian foreign ministers but denied on Wednesday that its gesture endorsed the country's military coup, condemned globally over the army's violent suppression of protests. "ProtestSriLanka" began trending among coup opponents on Twitter in Myanmar after it emerged - through a letter leaked online - that Colombo had invited military foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) meeting in Colombo at the end of March. Myanmar's army seized power in a coup on Feb. 1, detaining civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and most of her cabinet. Nationwide mass protests have been met with deadly force, with at least 60 people killed according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group. Jayanath Colombage, secretary to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters by phone Myanmars "incumbent foreign minister" had been invited because the country was a member nation of BIMSTEC and had not been removed or suspended. "That doesnt mean we have accepted the Myanmar military government," he said. "We have not taken a position on that." A spokesman for Myanmars junta did not answer phone calls from Reuters seeking comment. The military has brushed off condemnation of its actions, as it has in past periods of army rule when outbreaks of protest were forcibly repressed. BIMSTEC is a grouping of nations Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand that are dependent on the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar protesters have called on nations across the world to reject the military leadership and deal with a civilian committee set up by ousted lawmakers the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH). "Every nation in the world needs to clearly understand that the coup in Myanmar is not complete, it's still an attempted coup," Myanmar-based activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi told Reuters. "So I ask Sri Lankan activists to give pressure to the Sri Lankan government not to invite the military junta because they are not the legitimate government of Myanmar," she said. (Reporting by Waruna Karunatilake and Poppy McPherson; Writing by Poppy McPherson; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Wrexham-based charity provides more meals for those in need through M&S app This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2021 A Wrexham-based charity has ramped up the number of meals its providing to those in need thanks to M&Ss food redistribution programme. Social enterprise Dragon Dinners, is a hot meal delivery service created by Jodie Murphy and Nicola Charles-Paget last February. As part of the M&Ss food redistribution programme an innovative colleague app, launched in March 2020 is used to notify charities when surplus food is available, helping to increase donations and stop food going to waste. Since the app launch, M&S Wrexham has provided over 11,638 meals to the local community. Jodie Murphy, Manager at Dragon Dinners in Wrexham, said, At Dragon Dinners we are passionate about reducing waste and building stronger communities. The support we receive via the M&S Food Surplus initiative contributes to our Donation Dinners Programme which helps to ensure that elderly and vulnerable individuals in our community receive a hearty hot meal. Emma Alley, store manager at M&S Wrexham said: When we have surplus food our absolute priority is for it to end up on someones plate, through our charity redistribution programme with Neighbourly. We are thrilled that the app has already helped to make a difference to charities like Dragon Dinners who do such an incredible job in our local community. By providing charities with updates in real-time, theyre able to collect even more meals to feed the people they support and help us to prevent food going to waste. Since 2015, M&S stores have supported over 2,000 local causes nationwide, from food banks to youth clubs and hospices, donating over 21 million meals so far to those in need. In partnership with Neighbourly, a platform that connects company funds, surplus and volunteer time with local causes to make a positive impact, the colleague app is now in all 585 M&S stores, enabling many of them to more than double their food redistribution rates. Across the UK, more than ten million meals have been donated since 1st March 2020. Local charity and community groups who would like to get involved in the food surplus programme or other charity initiatives are encouraged to email mandsfood@neighbourly.com to find out more. Radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have defended the Royal Family amid claims one of the family members allegedly made a 'racist' comment about the skin colour of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son Archie. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Wednesday, the pair agreed with Meghan's father Thomas that someone in the Royal Family may have simply asked a 'stupid question rather than being a total racist'. 'That's what I think,' said Kyle. 'Old people are different than younger people. Older people are more likely to say if it's a mixed child.' Speaking out: Radio hosts Kyle Sandilands (right) and Jackie 'O' Henderson (left) have defended the Royal Family amid claims one of the family members allegedly made a 'racist' comment about the skin colour of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son Archie Jackie chimed in: 'They'll say it and they won't think it's racist. They don't realise that what they might have said could come across as racist.' 'It's a tough thing,' Kyle continued. 'Older people, they're set in their ways. 'I don't think my grandparents are racist, but I can even hear my grandparents, if I showed up with an Asian chick and said we're pregnant, I can hear my grandparents saying, "Oh, do you reckon it'll have the Asian eyes." I can see that.' He added: 'That's what older people are like. Different generations.' Out of touch: 'Old people are different than younger people,' Kyle said. 'Older people are more likely to say if it's a mixed child' The bombshell claim about Archie's skin colour was made during Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired in America on CBS on Sunday, and in Australia on Channel 10 on Monday. Meghan, who is mixed race, was asked why she believed the Royal Family were trying to stop her unborn son being made a prince and prevent him from receiving official security. She said: 'All around this same time, we have in tandem the conversation of [Archie not being] given security, he's not going to be given a title and also concerns and conversations as to how dark his skin might be when he's born. 'That was relayed to me from Harry from conversations that family had with him.' Having her say: Jackie chimed in, 'They'll say it and they won't think it's racist. They don't realise that what they might have said could come across as racist' Oprah remarked that Meghan and Harry must have had their own 'suspicions', asking flatly: 'Do you think it's because of his race?' Meghan said she would answer 'honestly', before going on to claim there were 'concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born'. Reacting with horror, Oprah asked who said that. Meghan sighed and said there were 'several' conversations about it with Harry. Guessing game: Meghan and Harry didn't disclose who allegedly made the racist remark, but later insisted it wasn't the Queen or Prince Philip. Pictured in September 2019 'About how dark your baby is going to be?' asked Oprah. Meghan replied: 'Potentially, and what that would mean or look like.' When pushed to reveal that person's identity, Meghan refused. Significantly, she revealed that the question was asked during conversations 'family had with' Harry. Claims: Markle, who is mixed race, made her claims, which Harry backed up, during the interview with Oprah, which aired on Sunday in the U.S. and in Australia on Monday When Harry joined the conversation, Oprah quickly took up the issue with him, saying Meghan had revealed there was a 'conversation about Archie's skin tone'. He nodded, clearly uncomfortable, admitted that it was 'awkward' and he was 'a bit shocked', but said he did not want to discuss it further. Oprah said on Monday she had been 'shocked' at the alleged comment regarding Archie's skin tone, but although she had tried to ask Harry for more information, both on and off camera, he had refused to disclose more. What?! Oprah, when she learned about the revelation regarding Archie, was visibly shocked After the interview had aired in the U.S., Oprah revealed that Harry had asked her to make clear it wasn't the Queen or the Duke of Edinburgh. Palace insiders reacted with horror to the accusation, saying it was deeply unfair to throw around such a damaging claim, potentially libelling a number of senior royals who are unable to defend themselves. It was also pointed out that there was no context to the alleged comment, which might shed more light on why it was said. The Republican governor of Arkansas has signed a law banning nearly all abortions in the state, which supporters hope will be a catalyst for a U.S. Supreme Court review of the landmark Roe v. Wade case. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed the sweeping measure into law Tuesday, but opponents vowed to challenge the law in court before it takes effect later this year, The Associated Press reported. The law allows the procedure only to save the life of the mother and does not provide exceptions for women impregnated by rape or incest. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed the sweeping measure into law Tuesday Protesters from the Arkansas Abortion Support Network gather at the State Capitol on March 7 Hutchinson previously expressed reservations, saying he signed the bill because of its 'overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions.' Hutchinson has signed several major abortion restrictions into law since taking office in 2015, but he had voiced concerns this bill directly challenges the law established through the Roe v. Wade case and about the lack of rape and incest exceptions in the bill. 'I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court,' Hutchinson said. The bans were promoted by Republicans seeking to force the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. Jane Roe was a fictional name used in documents to protect the identity of a lawsuit plaintiff, who was later identified as Norma McCorvey. Court documents said Roe sued Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, Texas, to challenge a state law outlawing abortion except with a doctor's permission to save a woman's life. Roe claimed the statute blocked the right to privacy that protected a woman's choice to have an abortion. Attorney Gloria Allred, left, poses with Norma McCorvey, who was known as 'Jane Roe' in the landmark Roe vs. Wade court case. The pair appeared at a pro-choice rally in Burbank, Calif., on July 4, 1989 The justices delivered a 7-2 decision in Roe's favor, which has been at the heart of the American abortion debate ever since. Conservatives believe the current Supreme Court could be open to striking down the decision following former President Donald Trump's three appointments to the court: Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Arkansas is one of at least 14 states in which legislators have proposed outright abortion bans this year. The Arkansas law is not scheduled to take effect until 90 days after the majority-Republican Legislature adjourns this year's session, which precludes enforcement of the legislation until this summer at the earliest. (HealthDay)Exercise has long been considered a "natural antidepressant." Now, research suggests that as lockdowns kept people from regular exercise, depression rates started to rise. The finding is based on multiple mental health surveys conducted among three successive groups of University of Pittsburgh students, totaling nearly 700 in all. Surveys were initially launched before the pandemic, and then continued into the pandemic, while wearable Fitbit devices were used to track physical activity trends. The researchers found that in March 2020, when U.S. lockdowns began, the number of steps students took every day declined from pre-pandemic levels of 10,000 down to 4,600, on average. At the same time, between February and April of 2020, clinical depression risk rose from 32% to 61%. Still, "it is not clear that one caused the other," cautioned study author Silvia Saccardo, an assistant professor in the department of social and decision sciences at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. That's because exercise habits have been only one of the "big disruptions in lifestyle habits" during the pandemic. For example, socializing plummeted by more than half (to less than 30 minutes per day), while screen time more than doubled (to more than five hours per day), and students slept about a half-hour more each day. That said, "there is a large literature suggesting a general association between physical activity and well-being in the form of anxiety disorders, mood and depression symptoms," Saccardo noted. So, last June, the research team conducted an additional experiment, with a subset of students embarking on a two-week exercise program to boost walking back up to 10,000 steps per day. Surprisingly, "it did not lead to an increase in mental well-being," Saccardo said. Why? Exercise may need to be longer or more "intensive" to register a mental health impact, she theorized. "It is possible that people who were active before the pandemic were more social, working out with their friends or playing team sports," Saccardo said. Or, "it may be necessary to intervene more directly on mental health at the same time as physical activity." The study findings were published March 2 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Lynn Bufka is senior director of practice transformation and quality with the American Psychological Association. She said, when targeting depression, "it's unclear if exercise alone is sufficient, or if exercise is best when incorporated with more traditional interventions, such as psychotherapy or medication." What is clear, Bufka said, is that "exercise can release endorphins and other brain chemicals that increase well-being, and exercise can serve as a positive activity away from negative thoughts or behaviors that can increase depression." The other thing to consider is that, "oftentimes, exercise happens with others, which is a natural social interaction," Bufka noted. "Feeling confident and capable in our physical activities supports our mood, too. We have a sense of control and mastery about at least some aspects of our lives." Even in normal times, the challenge is figuring out what kind of exerciseand how much of itis needed to gain a mental health boost. And these aren't normal times, she said. "In this particular instance, the onset of the pandemic and all the accompanying changes was a significant change in participants' lives," Bufka stressed. "Participants had to adjust to a large number of life changes all at one time, so it would be really surprising to think that increased depression is simply a result of a drop in activity." So, for however long the pandemic persists, she advised maintaining mental health by focusing on "overall well-being." "In general, staying engaged is critical," whether that be in terms of physical activity, social connection or intellectual challenges, Bufka said. "Have reasons to get up and start the day, even if it feels a bit artificial at first to think about 'scheduling' activities." Also, try to view current events as a challenge, rather than a threat. "If this is hard, find a trusted friend or family member that is supportive and helps you to look at situations from different perspectives," Bufka suggested. Explore further Decrease in exercise more closely linked with higher rates of depression during the pandemic Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. More than 10m was stolen from Irish businesses in 2020 using sophisticated invoice redirect frauds, where scammers send an email purporting to be from a supplier requesting payment of an invoice or transfer of funds. An unwitting company then makes the payment in the belief it is to a genuine supplier, but instead the money is redirected into mule accounts abroad and laundered. In many instances the business does not know it is a victim of this crime until sometime later when the legitimate supplier sends a reminder invoice for payment. Victims of invoice redirect fraud range from very small businesses to large corporations. Read More The consequences of falling for a scam of this nature can be catastrophic for any business and can result in the closure of businesses and redundancies. As part of fraud awareness week gardai have warned companies that any communication from a supplier that their bank account details have been changed should be treated with suspicion. Contact the supplier using your own trusted contacts or a telephone number you have researched independently. Dont trust the phone number on the email because it may just link back to the scammers, said a garda spokesperson. Ensure staff take great care and attention each time they are asked to change bank account details. Check the IBAN number what country is it in? IBANs can be checked by doing a very quick google search. Check the URL and the spelling. Verify the email address is spelt correctly and check the URL hasnt been changed from .ie to .com for example. This could be a sign that a fraudster is trying to replicate the details of a company. One firm in Ireland who processed a payment of more than 600,000 for the purchase of a product found the funds were redirected using a false email request and were transferred into money mule accounts in Ireland, The EU and Hong Kong. Financial Intelligence Units (FIU) across these jurisdictions are now working together, alongside Interpol Financial Crimes Department, to try to retrieve the proceeds of this crime. Last month a company received an expected invoice via email from a legitimate company in The Netherlands as part of an ongoing business deal. However the Dutch companys email had been compromised and the invoice subsequently proved to be false. The invoice provided details of an account held at an Irish Bank as the remittance bank for the payment transfer. The Irish FIU at Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) alerted the Irish Bank and the account was frozen as a result. The account holder was subsequently arrested and is currently before the courts charged with Money Laundering offences. The GNECB today advised all relevant employees should receive training in relation to avoiding this type of scam. At the moment many people are working from home and some are performing roles, they dont usually do. They are also working from a more safe and secure environment and could be minding children at the same time. This could mean that they are not as wary as they would be in a work environment and they do not have colleagues close by to confer with, said the garda spokesperson. It is also imperative that where staff are using private computers and laptops for work purposes from their homes that the antivirus software is kept up to date, they added. Nine listed companies on the Bahrain Bourse are currently formalising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies, said Suha Karzoon, Chief Financial Officer at Mumtalakat Holding Company. Karzoon discussed Bahrains focus on the achievement of sustainability development goals through the roll out of action plans that called on ministries and government institutions in Bahrain to incorporate ESG considerations into their strategies. She spoke on a panel at the Bloomberg webinar Middle East Insights Series: From ESG trends to ESG strategy, alongside speakers from Investcorp, Invesco Asset Management and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Karzoon said: We are seeing government support towards that and a re-allocation of funds and capital towards ESG mandate(s). -- Tradearabia News Service Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Humanities and Fine Arts Division of Chattanooga State Community College will host the fifth installment of its 2020-2021 virtual Chautauqua Lecture Series on Thursday, March 18 at 2 p.m. This is a fully virtual Zoom event, with pre-registration required. Sign up here. In 1874, people gathered on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in New York State to enjoy speakers, teachers, musicians and specialists who entertained and educated members of the community, thus catalyzing an adult education movement that subsequently spread throughout rural America. Since 2014, Chattanooga State has hosted its own monthly Chautauqua to unite faculty, students, staff and the larger Chattanooga community in exploring a wide array of topics within the Humanities. This month, Professor De'Lara Stephens and Assistant Professor Mollee Shannon will present Exploring Middle Eastern Literature. In this virtual Chautauqua, Prof. Stephens and Asst. Prof. Shannon will delve into the rich cultural heritage of Middle Eastern Literature. Not only will they examine established works and introduce contemporary writers, but they will invite the audience to explore Eastern culture through its often-overlooked literary heritage. Once registered, attendees will receive the Zoom event link shortly before the event occurs at the email address used for registration. The lecture is free to all members of the public. For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exploring-middle-eastern-literature-a-cultural-celebration-tickets-141025289437; Facebook.com/ChattStateChautauqua; email: keri.lamb@chattanoogastate.edu. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. (Photo : Youtube/ Boyd Digital: Science News) Japanese billionaire SpaceX Moon trip Japanese businessman and billionaire Yusaku Maezawa dreams of traveling to the Moon will come true soon. To help him reach the goal, he needs to recruit 6 to 8 people to join the trip. SpaceX's mission to the Moon The Japanese billionaire is set to go on a trip to the Moon aboard Elon Musk's SpaceX spacecraft. On a Twitter post, Maezawa said that he wants people from all kinds of backgrounds to join him on this journey. He then shared a link to the application details. Maezawa said that he would shoulder all of the expenses, so those who get accepted will fly for free. According to The New York Times, the mission called dearMoon is scheduled to fly in 2023. Also Read: Elon Musk Wants Ferrari Designer to Create SpaceX's Remote-Controlled Cars For Moon Race in 2021 Those who are interested should be willing to support other crew members who share similar aspirations. That is one of the criteria that the businessman is looking for in a companion. He said he already bought all of the spacecraft seats, so it will be a private ride to the Moon. Maezawa is a fashion mogul and an art collector. He said that he planned to invite artists for the trip to the Moon, but now he wants to give people from around the world the chance to join this once-in-a-lifetime journey, according to The Guardian. In 2020, he launched a documentary in search of a girlfriend to join him on the trip. However, he canceled it because of "mixed feelings." In 2018, he was named the first private passenger of SpaceX. Maezawa refused to disclose the price that he agreed to pay SpaceX for the trip to the Moon, but according to Elon Musk, it was "a lot of money. "The mission is set for 2023, and it will be the first lunar journey by humans since 1972. Who is Yusaku Maezawa? Yusaku Maezawa was a drummer in a hardcore punk band in Japan, and that was his first public appearance. He then went on to make a fortune as an online fashion tycoon, and he is best known for spending millions of dollars at art auctions in other countries. The Japanese billionaire began selling rare CDs and records in 1998 through a company that he founded called Start Today. In 2000, the mail-order catalog business moved online and added clothes to its offering. Maezawa told Japan Times in an interview this year that he was the president of his company while touring around the country with his former band, and when it became impossible to handle both, he chose his company. He was 26 at the time. The businessman then launched fashion e-retailer Zozotown in 2004, and by the time he was 30, he was a billionaire. Forbes listed him as the 18th richest man in Japan with a personal wealth of $2.1 billion. Maezawa has always been vocal about his hopes of becoming the first civilian passenger to fly to the Moon, as part of an ambitious but highly-anticipated project with SpaceX. The dearMoon project of SpaceX is just the beginning of Elon Musk's dream of sending people to the Moon. Aside from this project, Musk is also targeting Mars and wants to create a civilization on the Red Planet by 2024, according to BusinessInsider. This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sieeka Khan 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The search resumed Wednesday for a 29-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend from a York County park, Pennsylvania State Police said. Trooper Kevin Kochka said K9s, kayaks and the South Central Pennsylvania Search and Rescue team are searching for Nicole Ebaugh in the area surrounding Heritage Rail Trail County Park at Glatfelters Station Road in Springfield Township. Ebaugh was last seen between 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m Saturday in the rail trails parking lot, state police said. She was reported missing at 7:45 p.m. Saturday and has not been seen since. READ MORE: Search ends for missing York County woman, but police continue to follow leads Police found Ebaughs yellow Volkswagen Beetle in the parking area near the trail after tracing her cell phone there. Police have not said if they found her cell phone. Kochka said authorities dont believe Ebaughs disappearance is suspicious or criminal in nature, but he didnt provide any additional details, citing the ongoing investigation. More than 100 officers and volunteers on horseback, ATVs and in a helicopter were involved in a Monday search of the trail. The search was called off Tuesday as state police announced theyd instead focus on following leads. Kochka did not say why the search resumed, or how many people are involved with Wednesdays search. We are continuing our investigation and are following the leads that we have developed, Kochka said in an email to PennLive. At the end of the day, we have a missing 29 year old and the family, community, and investigators are very worried. The Pennsylvania State Police, York criminal investigations unit, continue to work around the clock and are utilizing all resources available to help locate Ebaugh. Anyone with information on Nicole Ebaughs whereabouts or who has surveillance footage of the trail is asked to immediately contact state police at the York barracks at 717-428-1011. READ MORE: Police on foot, horseback and by helicopter search for missing York County woman who vanished near trail WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LUNGevity Foundation, the nation's leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, announced today that registration is open for its two virtual survivorship conferences to be held this spring: HOPE Summit and COPE Summit. Both conferences will feature inspirational speakers, key experts on practical issues of cancer survivorship, and peer-to-peer sessions to help attendees learn how to live well with lung cancer. HOPE Summit brings together hundreds of lung cancer patients and survivors at all stages of the disease and empowers them with information, resources, and guidance. These tools help people living with lung cancer take control of their life and wellness to improve their quality of life. This year's Summit will be held virtually May 21-22. COPE Summit brings together lung cancer caregivers from across the country to get the tools they need to take care of their loved one as well as themselves. Caregivers are encouraged to attend to learn how to better manage and navigate their loved one's care while building their own caregiving community. This year's virtual Summit will be held June 25-26. "There have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of lung cancer," says Andrea Ferris, president and CEO of LUNGevity Foundation. "New therapies are giving people the opportunity to live longer with a much higher quality of life than before. HOPE Summit and COPE Summit give people a roadmap to lung cancer survivorship by providing information and tools to live well with lung cancer." Sessions at HOPE Summit will cover issues patients and survivors face in everyday life, including managing mental health and sexual health; financial issues such as navigating insurance and legal rights in the workplace; practical updates, such as living with lung cancer during COVID-19, and much more. Sessions at COPE Summit will include panel discussions moderated by oncology navigators, peer-to-peer Q&As, and expert-led sessions on topics important to caregiving, such as creating your caregiving plan, balancing caregiving and work, and avoiding caregiver burnout. Sessions are intended for both new and experienced caregivers. There will also be networking meetups for attendees to connect with one another, and opportunities for patients/survivors and caregivers to share their lung cancer stories and hear from others. Registration is now open. Learn more about HOPE Summit and register at LUNGevity.org/HOPE. Learn more about COPE Summit and register at LUNGevity.org/COPE. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, policy initiatives, education, support, and engagement for patients, survivors, and caregivers. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the diseasewhile promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, provide information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivorsand those who help them live longer and better lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our visiona world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Please visit www.LUNGevity.org to learn more. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 235,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives than the next three leading cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate) combined. Only 19% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it's caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation Related Links http://www.lungevity.org The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) is an attribute of the Government, and the Social-Democrats will have to explain to those in Italy, Spain, France "the "blackmail" on this subject, Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Wednesday, accordin to AGERPRES. "Such blackmail doesn't work with me. The Social-Democrats have to explain to their colleagues in Italy, in Spain, in France, who are very much waiting for this programme, expecting it tomorrow, why they do not want to ratify this bill," the Prime Minister said in Parliament, when asked what Romania risks if Parliament does not ratify the EU decision to increase the contribution. Asked if there was a chance of being blocked at EU level, Florin Citu said: "Of course, if Romania does not ratify, the European Union cannot borrow, and then the PSD must explain to the European Union why it does not want to ratify this bill." "In no country has the PNRR been voted in Parliament, it is an attribute of the Government, we are open, Minister Ghinea came to Parliament and presented the PNRR in (the select) committee, so it was (presented) in the Romanian Parliament. We will present it to the Romanians, there is no special treatment for Social-Democrats. Minister Ghinea was in committees, every time he was summoned he came to the committee and presented, so I don't see a problem here," the prime minister added. The joint standing offices of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday annulled the joint plenary of Parliament, which was to be held from 2 p.m., for the ratification of Council Decision (EU, EURATOM) 2020/2053 of 14 December 2020 on the European Union's own resources system. PSD leader Marcel Ciolacu said on Tuesday that he wanted a debate on the PNRR and that PSD lawmakers would not vote for it in the joint plenary on Wednesday , "because they want to know what it contains". "My colleagues and I will vote for our children from 2021 to 2053. This bill was discussed, presented to the public by the Prime Minister, by the Speaker of the House. (...) It is a complex bill, assumed by all European families (...), which must be discussed very well and understood by Romanians in order to know what we have to do for the future. The PSD will vote on this bill, assumed by all European families. That doesn't mean it's going to vote for it tomorrow. We have called for a postponement and a debate on this project primarily within the political parties. This bill is intended to be forced. The PSD will not participate in this bill," the Social-Democrat leader said. Gerald Kogan, who died March 4 at 87, was the epitome of a civic leader. He served his Miami-Dade community in various roles in the legal system, culminating in his appointment to state Supreme Court. There, his drive to open the mysterious processes of the judiciary to the public was part of a lifelong commitment to democracy that easily morphed into a passion for ethical government after he left the bench. But he also should be remembered for one particular decision by the Supreme Court issued almost 25 years ago. His prescient dissent is an insight into his courage and commitment.The case was Krischer v. McIver, which, in 1997, it involved what was derisively called assisted suicide, now more accurately called medical assistance in dying. Dr. Cecil McIver was a physician caring for Charles Hall. As the court told the story: Mr. Hall is 35 years old and suffers from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which he contracted from a blood transfusion. The court found that Mr. Hall was mentally competent and that he was in obviously deteriorating health, clearly suffering and terminally ill. The court also found that it was Dr. McIvers professional judgment that it was medically appropriate and ethical to provide Mr. Hall with the assistance he requests at some time in the future. Hall and McIver filed suit to enjoin the Palm Beach County state attorney from prosecuting the doctor. After a six-day trial, the court issued a declaratory judgment and injunctive decree addressing, whether a competent adult, who is terminally ill, immediately dying and acting under no undue influence has a constitutional right to hasten his own death by seeking and obtaining from his physician a fatal dose of prescription drugs and then subsequently administering such drugs to himself. The court concluded that Florida law prohibiting assisted suicide violated the privacy clause of the Florida Constitution (as well as the due-process and equal-protection guarantees of the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment) and enjoined the state attorney from enforcing the law against McIver should he assist Hall in ending his life. The state attorney appealed, and the case went to the Florida Supreme Court, with Gerald Kogan as chief justice. Story continues Almost two decades earlier, in 1980, the people of Florida had overwhelmingly amended the states Constitution to add a specific right of privacy: Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the persons private life. The Florida Supreme Court then recognized a fundamental right to privacy extending to all aspects of an individuals private life And almost a decade before the McIver case, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to privacy applied to intimate areas of conduct such as womens access to an abortion. Given Floridas specific guarantee of the right to privacy, it may be surprising that Kogan had to dissent when the Supreme Court overturned the trial court and allowed for McIvers prosecution should he assist his patient and that Kogan was the lone dissenter. To my mind, the right of privacy attaches with unusual force at the death bed, he wrote. This conclusion arises in part from the privacy our society traditionally has afforded the death bed, but also from the very core of the right of privacy the right of self-determination even in the face of majoritarian disapproval. What possible interest does society have in saving life when there is nothing of life to save but a final convulsion of agony? The state has no business in this arena. Many people can and do disagree over these questions, but the fact remains that it is the dying person who must resolve them And then he issued a challenge to his colleagues that soars and ties abstract law to the reality of daily life When his pain becomes unbearable, which one of us on this Court will be at his bedside telling him to be brave and bear it? Someday the passion of Kogans lone dissenting voice will be reflected in the policies of our country. Then, the constitutional right of privacy will not be just words on paper but a guarantee of freedom in areas of our lives where it matters most. Howard Simon is the former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. HARTFORD Two shootings within hours of one another Tuesday afternoon left two people with non-life-threatening injuries in what police believe are unrelated incidents. The first shooting was reported around 1:53 p.m. when Hartford patrol officers responded to the 300 block of Enfield Street after the citys ShotSpotter system registered gunfire, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert. A Chinese man has purportedly cut a metal gate to flee a quarantine ward in Vietnam, where he was caught after his illegal entrance with others. The Peoples Committee of Thuan An City in Binh Duong Province announced on Tuesday that they had ordered local police and other relevant forces to quickly track down a man of Chinese nationality who had escaped from the quarantine ward of the city. The identity of the man has yet to be revealed. It is said that local authorities detected the man when he arrived in Thuan An to spend time at a casino. He was subject to mandatory quarantine stall COVID-19 transmission, but was found missing from the premises after a few days. Local authorities discovered that metal bars of the gate of the quarantine ward had been sawed off. During his time at the quarantine center, the Chinese man tested negative for the novel coronavirus once. However, he still had to undergo the rest of the quarantine period and retests after 14 days. Earlier, two other individuals, who were part of a group of 13 Chinese border jumpers, also fled the quarantine ward in Di An City, Binh Duong Province. The duo have not been caught so far, while the 11 others were already handed over to Chinese authorities after their quarantine period expired. On Monday, the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in An Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta, said that they had received the reports from Tan Chau Town and Chau Doc City about 34 cases of Chinese people making illegal entry into Vietnam. After constant detection of the Chinese border jumpers in recent weeks, it is alleged that there is a large-scale ring helping Chinese citizens travel through trails and paths to Vietnam and take transit cars or passenger buses to Cambodia. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Detectives have released the name of a teenage boy and man who were killed in separate incidents around Albuquerque over the past several days. Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said Jayden Vallez, 17, was killed in the parking lot of Coronado Center on Monday and Frank Brown, 45, was killed at the Imperial Motel on March 5. There have been no arrests in either case. So far, the city has seen 23 homicides this year some of them double homicides with an arrest made in four cases. On Monday, an officer was on patrol when they heard gunshots around 2:15 p.m. and found Vallez wounded in the parking lot of Coronado mall. Vallez was pronounced dead at the hospital soon after. On March 5, sometime before 12:30 a.m. officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Imperial Motel on Central, west of Interstate 25. Police found Brown fatally wounded and he died at the scene. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Kabul, March 10 : Amidst new efforts by the US to expedite Afghanistan's reconciliation efforts, officials have confirmed that Russia is planning to host a meeting on the war-torn country's peace process. Politicians from Afghanistan, including President Ashraf Ghani and High Council for National Reconciliation chair Abdullah Abdullah, as well as foreign envoys and Taliban representatives, are expected to attend the meeting in Moscow on March 18, the reconciliation council's spokesman Fraidoon Khwazoon said on Tuesday. "A conference will be held. Some figures have been invited. The reconciliation council chairman has also been invited," TOLO News quoted Khwazoon said as saying. "The High Council for National Reconciliation is consulting on the meeting and will decide whether to participate in the conference or not," he said, adding that "Russia has an important role in the Afghan peace process". The aim of the meeting is to accelerate Afghanistan's peace talks in Doha to put an end to the Afghan conflict, a source said, adding that the meeting has been coordinated with the US. Envoys from China, US and Pakistan will attend the meeting, according to a source. The Afghan Presidential Palace is yet to officially comment on the development. Meanwhile on Wednesday, sources close to the Taliban told TOLO News that a proposed UN-led conference on Afghan peace in Turkey may take place on March 27. But neither the Afghan government nor the US has confirmed this news. The conference was proposed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in his letter to President Ashraf Ghani. A state prison guard in Illinois pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of federal civil rights violations and one count of conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct in the 2018 beating death of an inmate who had been handcuffed, prosecutors said. The guard, Sgt. Willie Hedden, could face up to life in prison on the civil rights counts, but avoided three obstruction charges as part of a plea deal that was reached during a videoconference hearing held by the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Ill. Under the terms of that agreement, The Associated Press reported, Sergeant Hedden is expected to cooperate with the prosecutions case against two other guards who were charged in the May 17, 2018, assault of Larry Earvin at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mount Sterling. Mr. Earvin, 65, sustained multiple broken ribs, a punctured colon and other serious internal injuries in the attack and died nearly six weeks later at a prison infirmary in Southern Illinois. A forensic pathologist ruled his death a homicide as a result of blunt-force trauma. The on Wednesday gave an interim stay on summons issued by the to former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, her counsel said. The matter came up for hearing before a division bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Hairam Bhambhani. The court asked the ED to not press for her personal appearance and posted the matter for March 19. The PDP leader had challenged the validity of the summons issued by the ED for appearing before it on March 15 without specifying the case for which she was being investigated. She asked the court to quash the summons, her counsel S Prasanna 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.) ASF vaccine on track for unveiling, source: freepik.com According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, it is expected that at the end of the second quarter or the beginning of the third quarter, there will be a commercial African swine fever (ASF) vaccine to serve the development of domestic livestock. The comments were made at a February 23 meeting to discuss implementation of the livestock strategy for the 2020-2030 period and report on the disease situation and progress of ASF vaccine production. According to a report from Navetco National Veterinary JSC, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the vaccine is capable of protecting 100 per cent of vaccinated pigs. In production conditions, the vaccine has protected around 80 per cent of pigs, which are continuing to be monitored for three and a half months after vaccination. Up to now, there have been five successful trials of the vaccine, with an immune response of 94.7 per cent, said Tien. The MARD is coordinating with relevant units to complete the production process of freeze-dried vaccines and five batches have been produced with more than 100,000 doses. At the end of last December, at a meeting with leaders of the MARD, a representative of Navetco announced successful testing of a vaccine for the ASF. After the news was shared, shares of Navetco (VET on the Unlisted Public Company Market) have since soared. From a price at around $2-2.50 apiece in early December, VET reached $4.50 at the end of January, and it remained around $3.65 a fortnight ago. Capitalisation of Navetco has soared significantly in that time. From almost $40 million in early December, the figure hit more than $72 million at the end of January and sat at $58.5 million towards the end of February. Tien said that the MARD is currently evaluating potential cost factors for the vaccines. Because Navetco is a state-owned enterprise, social benefits must be of top concern, he said, while accounting for business to contribute to efficiency must also be taken into account. We are determined that the cost of one dose of the ASF vaccine is not too high compared to the cost structure of domestic pork production and meeting the benefit factor of society, Tien said. Tran Xuan Hanh, deputy director general of Navetco, told the MARDs leaders last December that the vaccine was being developed based on US genes. The United States has studied the virus for 10 years and, in February last year, Vietnam requested the US to transfer genetically-altered samples of the virus it has developed to facilitate vaccine production. The Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a federal research facility located in New York, has paved the way for a prototype through years of work. In December 2019, the US Department of Agriculture announced a vaccine that could create sterile immunity against the ASF virus. On the progress in Vietnam, Dr. Douglas Gladue at the PIADC said in January, This builds upon our initial study at the PIADC and has been repeated with the same results by Navetco. However, Gladue admitted there will still be a lot of work to carry out. Questions remain on whether or not the vaccine is easy to make, whether or not it will keep its original qualities when produced at a mass scale, whether there will not be genetic changes in the original vaccine strain, and if any further side-effects will be noted, he said. Vaccine efficacy testing has to happen at a very biosafe locations. Indeed, safety is still of utmost concern as nations scramble to create successful vaccines. Even though a double gene-deleted vaccine currently being used in China could reduce mortality, for instance, it can still contribute to increased spread of the virus. Dr. Paul Sundberg, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center in Iowa, said health officials in North America are monitoring the use and risk of such unapproved ASF vaccines in China. There are a variety of different vaccines that are being tried out to manage the ASF outbreak that are manufactured in a variety of different ways and have all kinds of different effects, Sundberg explained. Double gene-deleted vaccines even have the potential to make ASF detection more difficult. It is not a safe and effective vaccine. It still gives pathology, it still causes infection, it still causes the virus to circulate, and some of the pigs dont survive, he added. On a national level, the ASF outbreak may affect Vietnams hog industry for at least five years, but if the industry adopts scientific biosafety measures, hog populations could return to previous levels within two or three years. However Sundberg believed the light at the end of the tunnel is still out of reach. Vaccines may be available commercially as early as this fall, but in my opinion thats probably optimistic if you want to under-promise and over-deliver were still years away from a safe and effective ASF vaccine, he warned. Burma Another 300 Protesters in Yangon Arrested by Juntas Security Forces Riot police are seen during the crackdown against the anti-regime protest at Yangon's North Oakkalapa Township on Wednesday. About 300 protesters were reportedly arrested Wednesday during the military juntas continuing crackdown against anti-regime demonstrations in Yangons North Oakkalapa Township. Security forces used teargas, rubber bullets and live rounds of ammunition against a gathering of thousands of protesters near the townships Kantharyar Park on Wednesday morning. During the assault, hundreds of protesters who ran into the park were arrested by security forces. At least, a dozen of people were injured during the crackdown. A charity group told The Irrawaddy they had treated three protesters who were injured during the assault. The group said that they transferred another protesters who received a serious injury to his pubic region to a hospital for surgery. Security forces also took action against protesters who gathered near the park calling for the release of those arrested. Amid official statements by the US and EU in Myanmar calling for the release of detainees, security forces needed 10 vehicles Wednesday evening to haul away those newly arrested in this latest skirmish. Earlier Wednesday, security forces raided the staff quarters of the Myanma Railways Mahlwagone locomotive shed in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township. About 800 railway staff members were reportedly evicted by security forces for having joined the nationwide civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the military regime. One of the Myanma Railways staff told The Irrawaddy that only those staff members who are not in the CDM movement were allowed to stay in the quarters. Riot police and soldiers are still deployed in the area. We all are leaving the quarters because we will go ahead for the CDM movement, the railway staff said. The nationwide civil disobedience movement was initiated by hundreds of doctors and nurses from the government hospitals in Yangon and Mandalay. It continues to gain momentum after being joined by the tens of thousands of government staff. The military regime is intensifying its crackdown against the anti-regime demonstrations and CDM participation by civil servants. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Protesters Recall Regimes Torture During Detention NGOs Dismiss Myanmar Regime Claims of Cooperation Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Newser) A Tampa Bay Police officer killed in the line of duty in a wrong-way crash early Tuesday was trying to protect other motorists, witnesses say. Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, was killed along with the other driver in the crash on I-275 around 1am, the Tampa Bay Times reports. "We have reason to believe that he veered into this oncoming car to protect others," Police Chief Brian Dugan told reporters Tuesday. "That is what we have gathered from some of our witnesses." Madsen, a 16-year veteran of the force, had earned the departments Life-Saving Award seven times. He is the third Tampa officer to die in the line of duty this year. The other two were also killed in crashes. story continues below The rental car driven by 25-year-old Colorado resident Joshua Montague slammed into Madsen's police SUV around a minute after police started receiving 911 calls about a driver speeding south and veering around cars in the northbound lanes. "When you look at someone who has earned seven life-saving awards, its no surprise he would take such swift action and do this," Dugan said. Hundreds of vehicles from the Tampa force and other agencies lined the street as Madsen's body was taken to the medical examiner's office Tuesday. Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials expressed their condolences, WTSP reports. Madsen is survived by his wife and three children. (Read more Tampa stories.) "Matthews industry experience is an asset to our clients as they turn to us for sustainable packaging solutions. EnviroPAK, a leading manufacturer of molded fiber packaging for the protection of a wide range of products, congratulates Matthew Ziegler on joining the team as their new Business Development executive. Zieglers responsibilities include supporting EnviroPAKs value added distribution partners along with developing and managing new and existing vertical markets. Were happy to welcome Matthew Ziegler to the EnviroPAK team, said Bryon Crump, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at EnviroPAK. It is a very exciting time at EnviroPAK. As we continue to grow, its important to have the team ready to support our growing customers. Matthews industry experience is an asset to our clients as they turn to us for sustainable packaging solutions. Ziegler has held roles at Bunzl, Shippers Products, Veritiv, International Dunnage, and most recently at Sapper Consulting. His packaging knowledge and understanding of the market has been developed in a variety of companies and roles. About EnviroPAK EnviroPAK produces transfer molded thin wall (also known as type II) product, the most prevalent type used in the industry today. The process uses a forming and transfer die with a standard thickness of 1/16 of an inch and has provided delicate protection for eggs and light bulbs for more than a century. Today, this tried-and-true technology provides great accuracy and definition for moderate to high volume products. Founded in 1995, EnviroPAKs mission is to provide sustainable molded pulp (also known as fiber) packaging solutions to businesses that are cost-efficient, space-saving and environmentally friendly. Its central U.S. location allows EnviroPAK to produce protective molded pulp packaging for electronics, computer, beverage, medical and telecommunication markets. EnviroPAKs award-winning in-house design team has been recognized for their packaging including an Institute of Packaging Professionals AmeriStar Gold Award and a Technology and Innovation Award from the St. Louis Economic Council. EnviroPAK offers the highest quality molded pulp products aimed at delivering world class sustainable packaging solutions for some of Americas top companies. For more information, please visit http://www.enviropak.com. Infosys Ltd is quoting at Rs 1367, up 1.59% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 99.27% in last one year as compared to a 44.8% gain in NIFTY and a 77.37% gain in the Nifty IT index. Infosys Ltd rose for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 1367, up 1.59% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.3% on the day, quoting at 15143.4. The Sensex is at 51223.21, up 0.39%. Infosys Ltd has added around 5.75% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty IT index of which Infosys Ltd is a constituent, has added around 0.01% in last one month and is currently quoting at 25582.35, up 1.79% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 39.14 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 71.59 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark March futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 1374.3, up 1.63% on the day. Infosys Ltd is up 99.27% in last one year as compared to a 44.8% gain in NIFTY and a 77.37% gain in the Nifty IT index. The PE of the stock is 32.47 based on TTM earnings ending December 20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Employers have been expanding their benefit offerings to meet the evolving and diverse needs of their workforce over time, resulting in the need to improve and digitize benefits education as part of the enrollment strategy," said Chris Smith, Head of Group Benefits, Guardian Life. "By integrating Nayya into the Guardian Life enrollment experience, we will harness the power of data to help educate and guide employees through the benefits selection process." According to Guardian's Workplace Benefits Study, one in four employees feel open enrollment is overwhelming and not very helpful. The research also found that a positive benefits experience one that is efficient, engaging, and helps employees make better benefits decisions contributes to an increase in workforce loyalty with 79 percent of employees saying they will stay with their employer five years or more. By leveraging AI and data science, the Nayya platform aims to simplify the benefits enrollment experience by arming employees with a decision-making tool that gives them the confidence to select the right benefits. Guided by an avatar, employees are asked to provide relevant information, such as location, household demographics and lifestyle. Within minutes, employees receive various plans from their employers that best match their budget and needs. "We're excited to join forces with Guardian an innovator in the voluntary benefits marketplace to help consumers navigate an increasingly complex journey," said Sina Chehrazi, Chief Executive Officer, Nayya. "Guardian is taking a bold approach not only in curating personal consumer experiences but in transforming consumer understanding of their employee benefits in ways that will change open enrollment and utilization in the industry." Nayya links more than 3 billion external data points, including nearly 200 million rows of claims data, to offer curated, confidential guidance on topics such as selecting voluntary benefits, comparing different health insurance options, HSA/401(K) education and finding cost-effective healthcare. Guardian Life, who is an investor of the Nayya platform, will be rolling it out nationally for new and existing clients starting with companies that have more than 50 employees. To learn more about Guardian's approach to enrollment, visit Guardian's Enrollment Hub by clicking here. About Guardian Every day, Guardian provides Americans the security they deserve through our insurance and wealth management products and services. Since our founding in 1860, our long-term view has helped our customers prepare for whatever life brings whether starting a family, planning for the future or taking care of employees. Today, we're a Fortune 250 mutual company and a leading provider of life, disability, dental, and other benefits for individuals, at the workplace and through government sponsored programs. The Guardian community of over 9,000 employees and our network of over 2,500 financial representatives is committed to serving with expertise when, where and how our clients need us. Our commitments rest on a strong financial foundation, which at year-end 2019 included $9.3 billion in capital and $1.7 billion in operating income. For more information, please visit guardianlife.com or follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter and YouTube . About Nayya Nayya was founded by Sina Chehrazi and Akash Magoon in 2019. Nayya is a software and data infrastructure company transforming the way employees choose and use their benefits, driving better financial outcomes for employees and employers. The Nayya platform is powered by billions of consumer data points, millions of rows of claims data, and thousands of data integrations -- helping consumers make data-driven decisions during open enrollments, new employee onboarding, and qualifying life events. The rest of the year, Nayya's employee engagement product tracks financial spending to guide and redirect consumers to file claims programmatically, manage spending accounts, and optimize prescription locations. Nayya is headquartered in New York, NY. Visit https://www.nayya.com/ for more information. Contact Information: Brenda Mendoza Guardian Life Email: [email protected] Shelley Petri Daddi Brand Communications Email: [email protected] GUARDIAN is a registered service mark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Copyright 2021 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, N.Y. SOURCE Guardian Related Links www.guardianlife.com Ollie, a playful labradoodle, would have turned 1 year old today. Instead of celebrating that milestone, Amy Baxter is spending the morning with Rep. Brian Ashe promoting a bill that would implement safety regulations for doggy day cares regulations that could have saved his life. There are no statewide regulations that dictate employee-to-dog ratios, emergency protocols or requirements to report pet-related injuries. Baxter learned that after Ollie was attacked by multiple dogs in October. He died on Nov. 28 from injuries related to the incident, but it was Baxter, not the pet day care owner, who reported the attack to local officials. Working with Baxter and a coalition of animal rights advocates, Ashe proposed a bill that would authorize the state Department of Agricultural Resources to create a kennel license for pet day care facilities and implement regulations for proper pet care with input from a committee. Under HD.3356, those regulations include employee-to-dog ratios, emergency protocol and supervision guidelines for dogs and a reporting system for safety violations. I always said, Im not looking to punish anyone here. The people who are running safe day cares and kennels will not be affected by this bill, said Baxter, a Longmeadow resident. I wanted legislation that would weed out people who are running unsafe businesses, the bad actors in the industry. Baxter and other coalition members plan to formally unveil the bill this morning outside the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield. Ashe worked with a coalition of about a dozen people, including Baxter, animal welfare advocates, behavioral experts and two pet care facility owners. He said the coalition aimed to draft a bill that would introduce regulations to a fast-growing industry without straining small businesses that have safety protocols and training for animal care. Unless you have regulations, theres going to be places that get away with things or places that wont be up to code or have the right people on staff or wont have people trained who understand dog behavior, the Longmeadow Democrat said. At the end of it, if youre a dog lover and you own a dog, you want to feel comfortable wherever youre bringing your pet. Local animal licensing requirements vary across the states 351 cities and towns. There is no central directory of licensed dog kennels, boarding or day care facilities. Nor is there a clear reporting line for pet owners or workers raising the alarm about unlicensed facilities or animal-related incidents, Baxter and other proponents say. The bill also calls for an 11-member committee to draft recommendations for the Department of Agricultural Resources on appropriate training for kennel staff, among other safety protocols. The committee includes a representative of the department, pet day care owners, an animal control officer or representative, a veterinarian, an animal behavioralist and other animal welfare advocates. The beauty of Ollies law is that the committee allows our industry a much-deserved seat at the table at helping to craft fair and attainable business regulations, said Jeni Mather, president at JM Pet Resort & Pet Vet Clinic in Brockton. Mather said the proposal can save other animals without putting a strain on kennels and pet care centers that have safety protocols in place. She said she helped draft the bill in a way that would create basic safety requirements such as emergency protocols and employee-to-dog ratios fair and attainable rules for small business owners in Massachusetts. Best practices would include needing to have two people there in case theres an emergency so one person can stay with the animals and one can drive the animal to emergency care, a relationship with a veterinarian, liability insurance, said Mather, who is also a certified animal control officer with 20 years of experience in animal care. Were talking about really baseline regulations. The owners of unlicensed pet care centers arent trying to be malicious, Mather said. In her experience, they might lack guidance, but an incident can quickly turn tragic without regulations in place. I love my job. I feel so lucky to be able to do it, but I also take it as a huge responsibility to do it the right way. There is no cutting corners, Mather said. Unfortunately, I dont think it comes from a malicious place, but ignorance is not a good excuse when someone gets hurt. Ollie joined the Baxter family in early May as Baxter worked from home and her daughter started learning remotely. Baxter had grown up with dogs, and for years her daughter had asked for one. My daughter, who was 13 at the time we got Ollie, had been lobbying for a dog her whole life since she came home from pre-school Ill never forget this and she was the only one who didnt have a pet, not even a fish. So last year, with COVID, we were home and I decided the time was right. Baxters daughter and Ollie became inseparable as she learned from home, but in the fall she returned to school. Ollie had gone to a pet day care near the Baxters home for months with no issues, but the day care was closed on Mondays. When a work meeting came up on Oct. 5, Baxter dropped Ollie off at Pampered Pets Doggy Day Care and Spa in East Longmeadow. Ollie had been there once before. Within two hours, Baxter got a text message that said Ollie was injured. The veterinarians treating Ollie later said he had been attacked by at least five dogs. Ollie underwent multiple surgeries but died nearly two months later. Pampered Pets Doggy Day Care and Spa was unlicensed at the time of the incident, according to the animal control officers report, and the business did not have a list of the dogs that were present on the day Ollie was attacked. The East Longmeadow Planning Board revoked Degans special permit for the business in late January, according to the East Longmeadow Reminder. Its too late for Ollie, but I hope that this will save other dogs, Baxter said of the bill. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced that its Secure Systems Research Centre (SSRC) has partnered with Purdue University, a world-renowned US-based public research university. The two entities are collaborating on a three-year sophisticated cybersecurity project to ensure Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used safely and efficiently in urban operations. The partnership announcement follows a series of rapid announcements at Technology Innovation Institute since first Advanced Technology Research Council board meeting in August 2020. Secure Systems Research Centre is one of the initial seven dedicated research centres at Technology Innovation Institute. The research collaboration with Purdue University, titled Cybersecurity for UAS Operations in Urban Environment, includes the study of security and resilience in cyber-physical and autonomous systems. The project will examine safety challenges that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) experience in operating environments. These systems and vehicles are vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks in terms of communication, navigation, surveillance, and command and control. The outcome of this research will help other research at Secure Systems Research Centre in the future. Speaking about the research partnership, Dr Shreekant (Ticky) Thakkar, Chief Researcher at Secure Systems Research Centre leading the Secure Autonomous Computing work, said: Our world is becoming increasingly complex. This is evidenced by the rising number of cyberattacks and surveillance breaches that occur daily. We must regain control over critical digital systems. We are optimistic that the research outcomes at TIIs Secure Systems Research Centre will allow us to gain the upper hand in the fight against these malicious attacks. Dr Thakkar added: We are delighted to have the Purdue Team led by Prof. Inseok Hwang of School of Aeronautics and Astronautics partner on making cyber-physical and autonomous systems secure and resilient to malware using their state of the art autonomous drone testing facility. This will enable commercial autonomous drones and robots growth in the UAE and worldwide, opening new opportunities to enterprises and making their use safer for all people. A multidisciplinary group of researchers from Purdue University will join forces with TIIs Secure Systems Research Centre team. The research project comprises four phases of development. First, it will carry out a modelling and analysis of UAS security. Second, it will develop algorithms and methodologies for high-assurance autonomy. Third, it will construct an experimental environment and work to simulate safe and secure urban UAS operations. Finally, it will test and validate mitigation strategies in a scaled, mixed-reality testbed. This three-year project led by Prof. Inseok Hwang as the principal investigator. Prof. Hwang is assisted on this project by two co-researchers from Purdue University Prof. James Goppert, a visiting assistant professor at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and managing director of the UAS Research and Test Facility; and Prof. Dongyan Xu, the Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science and Director of CERIAS (Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security), Purdues cybersecurity research and education center. As part of their work on the project, Prof. Hwang will assess potential cyberattacks on the systems, Prof. Xu will conduct resource-efficient encryption, multi-UAS communications, and other research from the cyber perspective while Prof. Goppert will test the drones in a special mixed reality environment he will design and build. Commenting on the research, Prof. Hwang said: This landmark project comes at a time of growing reliance on UASs across various sectors from security to medicine and logistics, and everything in between. We are confident that our partnership will translate into global wins for the international community and lead to many more research milestones in the years to come. Technology Innovation Institute is a pioneering global research and development centre that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The institute has seven initial dedicated research centres in quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, directed energy and secure systems. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions and industry partners from all over the world, the Institute connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Institute reinforces Abu Dhabi and the UAEs status as a global hub for innovation and contributes to the broader development of its knowledge-based economy. -- Tradearabia News Service NEW DELHI : The government has decided to impose 40% basic customs duty (BCD) on solar modules and 25% on solar cells from 1 April 2022, in a move that would make imports costlier and encourage local manufacturing. According to a 9 March notification from the ministry of new and renewable energy, the idea is to emerge as a leading global supplier of these items, besides meeting Indias requirements locally. The two items, which currently do not attract BCD, will come under it at the specified rates from 1 April 2022. There will be no grandfathering of power projects that are already bid out, considering the one-year period is sufficient to help developers secure the required raw materials in time. Mint earlier reported Indias plans to impose new tariffs on imports of solar cells and modules from 1 April 2022, citing power and renewable energy minister Raj Kumar Singh. The ministry of finance has also advised that the customs notification in this regard shall be issued at the appropriate time," the notification said. The customs duty will replace a 15% safeguard duty currently imposed on imports from China and Malaysia. The development follows the government announcing a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme that offers manufacturers in 10 sectors, including those of high-efficiency solar modules, a total benefits of 1.97 trillion. The plan has gained traction with 15 companies considering total investments of around $3 billion to build solar equipment manufacturing facilities here, as reported by Mint earlier. Presently, Indias solar sector, just like in any other country, is reliant on imports of solar equipment. The government has also noted instances of certain countries dumping solar cells and modules to kill the nascent domestic industry because of which the government had to impose safeguard duties," the notification said. The market for solar components is dominated by Chinese firms. India imported $2.16 billion worth of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, panels and modules in 2018-19. A surge in imports prompted the government to impose a safeguard duty from 30 July 2018 on solar cells and modules imported from China and Malaysia. The safeguard duty, which was set to expire on 29 July, has been extended by a year. The covid-19 pandemic brought disruptions in international trade, including imports of solar modules and solar cells, affecting solar capacity additions. Considering Indias huge solar targets and that electricity is a strategic sector of the economy, India needs to develop domestic solar manufacturing capacities and reduce its dependence on imports to avoid disruption," the notification added. The move will make solar cells and modules imported from China expensive. Along with leveraging its growing green energy market to boost manufacturing, India is looking to play a larger role in global supply chains. The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has geared up the country toward scaling up domestic manufacturing. Scaling up domestic solar manufacturing would also enable India to export solar cells/modules. This would also provide other countries with an alternative avenue for procuring solar cells/modules," the notification said. India is running the worlds largest clean energy programme to achieve 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity, including 100GW of solar power by 2022. According to the Central Electricity Authority, by 2030, the countrys power requirement would be 817GW, more than half of which would be clean energy, and 280GW would be from solar energy alone. To achieve the target of 280GW, around 25GW of solar energy capacity is needed to be installed every year till 2030. Earlier, the ministry of new and renewable energy was in favour of imposing BCD from 1 April 2021. As part of the plan, India was looking at grandfathering the previous bids that were awarded by allowing a pass-through in power tariffs for projects awarded before BCD was to be imposed to protect solar project developers. The plan was later dropped. In view of above, the undersigned is directed to inform all RE implementing agencies and other stakeholders, to take note of above trajectory and to include provisions in their bid documents, so that bidders take the trajectory into account while quoting tariffs, in all bids where the last date of bid submission is subsequent to this office memorandum. In all such bids, the imposition of BCD as per above trajectory shall not be considered as change- in-law," the notification said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Who remembers the Democratic thencandidate for president, Gov. Bill Clinton, and his adventures with Haiti in 1992? Clinton criticized President Bush Sr.'s policy in Haiti, and then Haitians got on boats after the elections, heading for the States. Here is a sample reaction from Haiti: "As far as I am concerned, after the good Lord comes Bill Clinton, and as soon as Bill Clinton is sworn in, you'll see me go." Eventually, the new administration had to push back and tell Haitians not to come. Sound familiar? Isn't the Biden administration telling the Central American caravans full of illegal migrants and junk asylum cases not to come now? Unfortunately, they are coming for two reasons: First, candidate Biden was very vague during the campaign. All he said was that his administration was going to be more humane. The media were too obsessed with President Trump to seek clarifications. Second, the people in Mexico, Central America, and perhaps more places understood that the vague message was like a welcome sign. The U.S.-Mexico border was one of President Trump's success stories. It worked because of the "Remain in Mexico" policy. It forced people to wait in Mexico, so only those with legitimate asylum cases usually came. The rest didn't come after that. They had no interest in waiting in Mexico, and frankly, the Mexicans didn't want them, either. Everything happening on the U.S.-Mexico border was totally predictable. It's terrible that the media did not push candidate Biden for more information. We are watching the results of that media malpractice. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk). Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. Stacey Abrams has called the potential new voting restrictions Jim Crow in a suit and tie. (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Georgias state legislature has moved forward with a sweeping set of bills to restrict voting access in the state, drawing accusations of voter suppression. We are seeing again and again this version of Jim Crow in a suit and tie, voting rights activist Stacey Abrams told Mother Jones, because it is designed explicitly for the same reason as Jim Crow did, to block communities of colour from active participation in choosing the leadership that will guide their democracy. On Monday afternoon, the Republican-controlled Georgia State Senate passed a bill that would eliminate no-excuse absentee voting except under a few specific circumstances. Meanwhile, the Georgia House of Representatives last week passed a set of bills that would reduce weekend voting days, end automatic voter registration, limit the use of ballot drop boxes, require ID to vote by mail, and make it illegal to give out food and water to people waiting in line to vote. The Senates bill now heads back to the House for reconciliation. Georgias Republican governor, Brian Kemp, has not said whether he will sign it into law. Democrats say the voting restrictions are a backlash to Georgias most recent elections, in which Republicans lost the state in the presidential election and then both runoff Senate contests. The victories of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff meant the GOP lost control of the Senate. This is entirely driven by the existential crisis of a Republican Party that has decided that rather than adapt to the changing needs of the populace, it is easier to stop the people from participating, said Ms Abrams , who ran as the Democratic candidate for Georgias governor in 2018. Georgia Republicans say the bills are needed to prevent voter fraud. "Republicans either stand for election security and integrity or they stand with Democrats," Debbie Dooley, an Atlanta Tea Party activist, told CNN . "The Republican base is united in this, and I dare Brian Kemp to veto a strong election security bill that comes to his desk. Story continues Critics charge that the bills target voters of colour, who tend to cast their ballots for Democrats. Weekend voting, for example, was used more by Hispanic, Asian, and African American Georgians in 2020 than by white voters, the Center for New Data found. Meanwhile, the share of Black Georgians who voted by mail went up by eight per cent in 2020, while the share of white voters-by-mail in the state went down by 12 per cent, according to the Brennan Center for Justice . Under the bill passed by the State Senate, voters would not qualify for a mail-in ballot-- also called an absentee ballot-- unless they were 65 or older, disabled, out of town, observing a religious holiday, or fit another specific circumstance. Voting rights groups say this will favor white voters. "Its an example of how a race neutral policy can end up having racially disparate impacts," Kevin Morris, a researcher for the Brennan Center, told CNN . "You dont have to use the word race to carve up the electorate in racially disparate ways." Many of the voting methods Georgia Republicans are now trying to restrict are ones that they once championed. The states Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, boasts in his press releases about Georgias trifecta of early voting, no-excuse absentee voting, and automatic voter registration. The new Republican-backed bills would eliminate or reduce all three. The only thing that changed, Democrats say, is that Republicans lost three important elections. Its pathetically obvious to anyone paying attention that when Trump lost the election and Georgia flipped control of the US Senate to Democrats shortly after, Republicans got the message that they were in a political death spiral, said Renitta Shannon , a Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives. And now theyre doing anything they can to silence the voices of Black and Brown voters specifically because they largely powered these wins. Read More Georgia GOP leaders who stood up to Trump back voting bills Trump tries to shift blame for Georgia defeat to other Republicans and lashes out at WSJ in new statement Critics: GOP measures target Black voter turnout in Georgia Georgia House Republicans push to ban Sunday early voting Stacey Abrams: Meet the politician who helped deliver Georgia for Joe Biden A CHRONIC drug addict who threatened two au pairs at knifepoint less than 24 hours after he was released from prison has been jailed for four years. Imposing sentence, Judge Tom ODonnell expressed concern that James Kelly will become institutionalised if he does not receive support to help him cope with his addictions. The 31-year-old, who has an address at Maple Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick had pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery relating to an incident at Denmark Street in the city centre in January 2018. During a sentencing hearing, Garda Stephen Aherne said the victims two young women from France were walking to a pub when they were set upon. He said Mr Kelly, who has a large number of previous convictions, put his hand around one of the woman and held a sharp object against her neck before trying to grab her handbag. When the second woman tried to intervene, she could see the defendant was holding a knife which he waved at her. Judge ODonnell was told two men who came upon the scene grabbed Mr Kelly and detained him on the street until gardai arrived. Garda Aherne said the defendant had been released from prison the previous day having served a four-year sentence for a robbery offence. That offence, he added, had been committed just six weeks after Mr Kelly had completed another sentence for a hi-jacking offence. Pat Whyms BL said his client is a chronic heroin addict who was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time. He has a long history of drug dependency, he said adding he was not mentally prepared for life outside of prison. Judge ODonnell said what happened was extremely frightening for the young women and that there was an element of pre-meditation. He added that Mr Kellys previous convictions were of enormous concern. He imposed a five year prison sentence, suspending the final 12 months. Two Republicans who rose to prominence by defending President Trump have seized on a new issue the battle over the legal guardianship of Britney Spears, the former teen pop star who has suffered a succession of personal, professional and financial crises. Representatives Jim Jordan of Ohio and Matt Gaetz of Florida sent a request to the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, asking for an investigation into the role of Ms. Spearss father, Jamie Spears, in controlling her assets. Given the constitutional freedoms at stake and opaqueness of these arrangements, it is incumbent upon our committee to convene a hearing to examine whether Americans are trapped unjustly in conservatorships, wrote the pair in a letter to Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York. Mr. Gaetz later told Fox News he thought Ms. Spears would make a great witness at such a hearing. Ms. Spearss situation points to bigger issues involving guardianship, the pair wrote, referencing concerns about their use for older people and those with disabilities raised by the American Civil Liberties Union. Victorias controversial Belt and Road agreement with the Chinese government faces being torn up within months after the state government included it in a list of documents submitted to the Commonwealth under its new foreign veto laws. State governments had until close of business on Wednesday to provide a list of all of their agreements with foreign governments. Victorian government sources confirmed its Belt and Road agreement with China which ties the state to Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature initiative to bankroll infrastructure projects around the world was included in the documentation sent to the Commonwealth. If Victoria had not declared the deal by the end of Wednesday, it would have automatically been torn up under the new laws passed late last year. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mumbai: ICICI Bank today announced that it will provide Covid-19 vaccination for its employees and their immediate family members free of cost. The initiative is aimed at safeguarding the lives of its employees and their dependent family members from the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also a humble gesture to appreciate the dedication, perseverance and passion portrayed by the employees of the Bank to ensure seamless services to millions of customers during the pandemic. Speaking on the initiative, T.K. Srirang, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, ICICI Bank said, ICICI Bank truly appreciates and recognises the efforts showcased by all its employees during the ongoing pandemic. Team ICICI has time and again emerged with renewed strength and responded to their call of duty to serve the nation as an essential service. They have been inspiring throughout the tough times of the recent pandemic with their unbreakable spirit and passion for service. Also Read | The churn is on at the Kota factory For the Bank, the welfare and well-being of its employees and their families are of utmost importance. In line with this philosophy, the Bank has undertaken this initiative to safeguard each one of its employees and their family members against the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again, we thank all of our employees for fulfilling their duties to the best of their capabilities, despite the challenges thrown at them by the pandemic." ICICI Bank will reimburse the cost of the two mandated vaccine shots for its employees and their dependent family members. Meanwhile, the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination crossed 2.40 crore coverage, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday. The Central government has been ramping up the Covid-19 vaccination drive across states as it started the next phase of vaccination from March 1. In this phase, those above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with co-morbidities are eligible to register and receive a Covid-19 jab. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The two organizations worked with local community organizations, Belknap Ministries/Inspired Vision Compassion Center, to distribute donated product from StarKist and resources to families Tues., March 9. The event, hosted by Belknap Ministries/Inspired Vision Compassion Center at the Vision Inspired Church in Dallas, will benefit as many as 2,000 families who need a little extra help during this challenging and uncertain time. "The aftermath of that severe February storm is still very real," said Michelle Faist, Head of Corporate Affairs, StarKist Co. "It's an honor to provide much needed food for families in Texas who are still recovering. We appreciate our strong partnership with Feed the Children to make it happen, and will continue to work together to help families in need across the country." StarKist has been a partner of Feed the Children for 12 years, supporting various initiatives such as providing education supplies to teachers and students, as well as responding to natural disasters. StarKist's generosity has played a significant role in how Feed the Children fights childhood hunger and poverty, going above and beyond just addressing food insecurity issues. "It is only through partnership that we can reach at-risk families and respond to critical emergencies," said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "Through our partnership with StarKist and Belknap Ministries, we can support America's most vulnerable during these difficult times, providing much-needed food and essentials." Visit feedthechildren.org/disaster-response to learn more about how Feed the Children works with a vast network of community partners to provide disaster relief. About StarKist Co. StarKist Co. provides trusted, healthy, food products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations, Salmon Creations and Chicken Creations. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. About Feed the Children At Feed the Children, we feed hungry kids. We envision a world where no child goes to bed hungry. In the U.S. and internationally, we are dedicated to helping families and communities achieve stable lives and to reducing the need for help tomorrow, while providing food and resources to help them today. We distribute product donations from corporate donors to local community partners, we provide support for teachers and students, and we mobilize resources quickly to aid recovery efforts when natural disasters strike. Internationally, we manage child-focused community development programs in nine countries. We welcome partnerships because we know our work would not be possible without collaborative relationships. Visit feedthechildren.org for more information. Media Contacts: Michelle Faist at 412-323-7457 or [email protected] Samaiyah Islam at 405-650-4914 or [email protected] SOURCE StarKist Co. Related Links http://www.starkist.com FLINT, MI -- Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley isnt saying a lot about a request for more than $200 million in attorney fees from the settlement of water crisis lawsuits filed by city residents but his wife, state Rep. Cynthia Neeley, is. It is offensive and immoral that the attorneys in the Flint water settlement want 32 percent of the settlement for themselves, which would equal over $200 million dollars, Cynthia Neeley said in a news release issued Tuesday, March 9. Flint families took 100 percent of the harm, Flint families should not have a third of the settlement taken from them. Attorneys representing Flint residents in their proposed $641-million settlement of claims related to the water crisis would receive roughly $202 million in attorney fees plus more than $7 million in expenses, according to a proposal filed Monday, March 8, in federal court. The 58-page motion for fees and expenses must be approved by U.S. District Judge Judith Levy, who also still must give the overall settlement final approval later this year. I urge the judge to allow the attorneys to have $100 million, but over $200 is excessive and greedy, the statement from Cynthia Neeley says. Theres a reason people do not have faith in the legal practice, and this is one of them: attorneys asking for usury rates and taking money from families and a community that has sufferedand will continue to sufferfor decades. Sheldon Neeley did not issue a news release regarding the request for attorney fees and said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal that his comment is limited under the settlement agreement. The city of Flint is a defendant in more than 100 lawsuits filed in state and federal courts and agreed to settle litigation filed by residents against the city and its employees for $20 million. The state of Michigan, McLaren Regional Medical Center and Rowe Professional Services are also part of the settlement. " I will say that it is my sincere prayer that the court will continue to use its good judgment to rule with the people in mind, Neeleys message says. Read more on MLive: Attorneys fees would eat up $202M of Flint water crisis settlement fund Attorney says $600M settlement isnt perfect, but still a fair deal for Flint residents Youngest Flint water crisis victims to get 80 percent of historic $600 million settlement Cybereason, the leader in future-ready attack protection, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Collaborative, a unique membership community for security leaders from the CyberRisk Alliance (CRA), today announced the launch of the CISO Stories, a weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into security topics with top leaders from across the public and private sectors who share their insights and expertise with the broader security community. CISO Stories is co-hosted by Todd Fitzgerald, VP of Cybersecurity Strategy at the Cybersecurity Collaborative, and Sam Curry, Chief Security Officer at Cybereason, and is published to the Security Weekly podcast network serving more than 30,000 subscribers with nearly 3 million downloads in 2020. Each week the hosts will unpack the extraordinary perspectives and exceptional experiences of CISOs and other front-line cybersecurity leaders. Guests on the show include well known security leaders, such as Dawn Capelli, CISO at Rockwell Automation; Ari Schwartz, of the Cybersecurity Coalition; Tony Sager, Former COO for Information Assurance at the NSA and SVP at The Center for Information Security; Roland Cloutier, Global CISO at TikTok; Steve Katz, Executive Advisor Deloitte, and more. We are enthusiastic about this new resource for security leaders, as our goal is to cut through the noise around cybersecurity and offer the audience an unvarnished take on the most important issues of the day from leaders who help shape the industry, said co-host and innovator Sam Curry. These are candid conversations that drill down into a wide array of topics, with unvarnished opinions from some of the most influential names in security. CISO Stories is an excellent opportunity to highlight senior leaders in cybersecurity, hear their accounts of how they have addressed challenges theyve faced and learn the specific and pragmatic actions theyve taken to elevate not only their organizations but the community at large, said co-host and author Todd Fitzgerald. Were thankful to Cybereason and Security Weekly as they help us grow this weekly series and continue to put a spotlight on these trailblazing leaders. All CISO Stories episodes can be found on Security Weekly at: https://securityweekly.com/category-shows/the-ciso-stories-podcast/, on the Cybereason blog at https://www.cybereason.com/blog, or by subscribing through your favorite podcast broadcasting platform. About Cybereason Cybereason is the champion for todays cyber defenders providing future-ready attack protection that unifies security from the endpoint, to the enterprise, to everywhere the battle moves. The Cybereason Defense Platform combines the industrys top-rated detection and response (EDR and XDR), next-gen anti-virus (NGAV), and proactive threat hunting to deliver context-rich analysis of every element of a Malop (malicious operation). The result: defenders can end cyber attacks from endpoints to everywhere. Cybereason is a privately held, international company headquartered in Boston with customers in more than 30 countries. About the Cybersecurity Collaborative Cybersecurity Collaborative (CSC) is a mission-based membership organization that helps cybersecurity leaders be more successful. We facilitate trusted peer-to-peer collaboration, networking, and CISO-led content development to strengthen our members. About Security Weekly Security Weekly is the security podcast network for the security community, distributing free podcasts and media since 2005. Leveraging our experienced security practitioners, we connect the security industry with the security community. Our unique approach to podcasts helps educate the security community through our programs, known as security market validation. About CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) Cybersecurity Collaborative is a CRA community and Security Weekly is a CRA resource. CRA was formed to help cybersecurity professionals face the challenges and obstacles that threaten the success and prosperity of their organizations. We provide business intelligence and information services to help our growing community build effective strategies and make smart decisions, and innovative marketing solutions to galvanize an efficient marketplace. Most of all, we work to engage the entire cyber community and lift the success of all industry professionals. Learn more at CyberRiskAlliance.com. Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/ Follow us: Blog | Twitter | Facebook Media contact: Bill Keeler Senior Director, Global Public Relations Cybereason bill.keeler@cybereason.com +1 (929) 259-3261 You are the owner of this article. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Commercial business in Tauranga are facing a potential 22 per cent rates increase. Tauranga City Councils commissioners have signalled that a bigger proportion of the citys rates burden will be on commercial property owners. The matter was discussed at a meeting in council chambers on Monday. Draft rate increase figures show a proposed average increase of 22 per cent in the next financial year, following by a 12 per cent and nine per cent rise in subsequent years. During Mondays meeting about the councils Long Term Plan, commissioners heard Taurangas population has grown by an average of 25,000 people every 10 years since 1980, and that this growth was expected to continue for at least the next two decades. Meanwhile, the city has fallen behind in its infrastructure investments, creating problems such as traffic congestion, a lack of quality community facilities and a housing shortage. Commission chair Anne Tolley says the magnitude of the challenge is clear. Tauranga desperately needs investment in its infrastructure and community facilities. We have an opportunity to build a city that not only meets the needs of our citizens now, but also for the future. Alarmed by the news of the commercial rate increase proposal, The Taxpayers Union says it is committing to creating a Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance. The Commissioners are carefully using the commercial ratepayer differential to hide what is likely to be a New Zealand first for the highest rate hike in the country, says Taxpayers Union Executive Director Jordan Williams. For those on fixed incomes, hiking rates by a third within two years is totally unjustifiable. Ms Tolley appears to lack an understanding of her role. She is supposed to steady the ship, not ram through New Zealands largest-ever rate hikes. The Commissioners need to be called out on the continued claims that Tauranga ratepayers have it cheap. Tauranga rates are already among the highest in the country. A city-wide Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance is overdue. The long-term plan will go out for public consultation on May 7. LONG-TERM PLAN TIMELINE March 15: Decisions made on contents, funding and financing March 29: Adopt draft documents for provision to audit April: Audit processes May 3: Adopt consultation document and all supporting documentation May 7 to June 7: Consultation period Mid-June: Hearings Late-June: Deliberations Week starting July 26: Adoption of final LTP UPDATE: People aged 65 and over, and those with underlying medical conditions in South Auckland will start to recieve the Covid-19 vaccine at the end of March. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins made the announcement this afternoon. He says the rest of New Zealand's at risk group will start to get their vaccines from May. A targeted rollout is planned for the next three to four months, with the aim to rerach two million Kiwis in the most at risk groups. The Ministry of Health is working with Pfizer on a delivery schedule to ensure a smooth rollout and a scaling up of our vaccination programme," says Hipkins More than two million New Zealanders are in line to start receiving the vaccine over the next four months with a focus on protecting those most at risk of getting the virus or being harmed by it, while also reducing the chance of ongoing spread and future outbreaks. Our plan is clear first protect those most at risk of picking up the virus in their workplace, reducing the risk of future outbreaks and lockdowns and then protecting those most at risk of getting seriously ill if they get the virus. Our sequencing plan provides certainty to the more than two million Kiwis who can expect to start being vaccinated during the initial stages of our roll-out over the next 3-4 months. "This is a balanced plan that prioritises reducing the chance of future outbreaks while protecting our elders, those with underlying health conditions and those who live in locations where we know outbreaks have occurred. We are asking all New Zealanders to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your whanau, their lives and their livelihoods." A fourth batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrived in New Zealand yesterday afternoon, a total of 64,000. There is now a total of 265,000 doses of the vaccine, enough to inocculate 132,000 people so far. There are four main groups (timings will overlap, and dates might shift slightly as the Ministry continues to undertake modelling): Group 1 NZ's 50,000 border and MIQ workers, their household contacts and the people they live with. This started last month and the vast bulk will be completed this month, with at least one dose administered. Group 2 About 480,000 frontline workers and people living in high-risk settings. Starting with the 57,000 healthcare workers on community frontlines, and then moving through to healthcare workers protecting our most vulnerable and some priority populations. This started in February and will continue through to May. Group 3 Priority populations. About 1.7 million people who are at higher risk if they catch COVID-19. This is planned to start in May. Group 4 The remainder of the general population about two million people. Starting from July. About 40,000 courses are being allocated to Maori and Pacific providers who are working directly with older people, and we are also recognising the special circumstances of South Auckland, says Hipkins. Anyone who lives in the Counties Manukau DHB area who is 65 and older or who has an underlying health condition is also in Group 2. This recognises that there are many border operations and MIQ facilities and their workforces based in this area. Hipkins says there will be a range of options to make it as easy as possible for people to access to the vaccine. Workers and residents of long-term residential care environments will get the vaccine at their workplace. There will also be Maori and Pacific providers, pop-up centres, GPs, medical and hauora centres, community clinics and larger scale events. An online tool that helps people find out when they can get the vaccine will be launched shortly. It describes the four broad groups and will take people through a series of questions to work out when itll be their turn, says Hipkins. There are two further categories we are still looking at: one for people who may need to get a vaccine on compassionate grounds; and a national significance category, which could include groups who need a vaccine in order to represent New Zealand overseas. Decisions around these categories will be made at Cabinet in coming weeks. EARLIER: The Minister for Covid-19 Response, Chris Hipkins and Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, are providing an update to the media about Covid in New Zealand. SunLive will provide an update throughout the afternoon for those who are not able to tune into the livestream above. What we know so far: On Tuesday, there were four new positive cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation to report today. One of the four is historical and deemed not infectious. A statement from the Ministry of Health says there are no new cases in the community. March air crew case Contacts of the air crew member who tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday are being advised by public health staff of the steps they need to take. "This case has a limited number of contacts and is considered to have been infectious while Auckland was in Alert Level 3. Therefore, the wider public health risk is low," says the MOH. "All test results received from the air crew have returned negative results, with one still outstanding. More than half the remaining contacts have returned negative tests and all 35 contacts from the vaccination centre have been contacted and given public health advice. "The crew member remains in Aucklands quarantine facility. Their household contacts have tested negative and remain in isolation at home as a precaution. "Whole genome sequencing of the air crew member has identified the B.1.1.317 variant of the virus. Unlike other variants, including those first identified in the UK and South Africa, this variant is not currently classified as a variant of concern. "As always, at this stage in the investigation, a range of possible infection sources are being looked into." Mobile is ready to give Mardi Gras another try with a one-night Carnival-style parade through the downtown streets on May 21. But before anyone shouts, let the good times roll, the city administration is sending a signal that COVID-19 will dictate whether the party goes on. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson told the City Council on Tuesday that preliminary conversations are underway with the mystic societies that organize and host Mardi Gras parades each year about participating in a Friday night parade coinciding with the official commissioning of the USS Mobile, a littoral combat ship (LCS) built at Austal USAs Mobile plant. We are working to make it the best (commissioning) of all the LCS (ships built at Austal), Stimpson said. We have some work to do. He added, I dont think every Mardi Gras organization wants to put all of their floats into a parade. It may be that an organization can put two or three floats in it. At some point, the parade gets so long we dont have a route long enough to accommodate so many floats. A city spokesman later said that the administration will continue monitoring COVID-19 infections in the community, and that plans will be based on the current trajectory of COVID-19 numbers and vaccinations. Said Stimpson, The COVID numbers are excellent right now. With the governors recent order that we are no longer wearing masks after the 9th of April, I feel comfortable at this point in time based on what we know, that we can have a big event and that it can be a safe event. Well keep our eyes on the ball regarding COVID to make sure we dont end up creating something we dont anticipate. Indeed, coronavirus numbers are dropping in Mobile County. The two-week average of positive COVID-19 tests in Mobile County was 6.4%, which is a sharp declined from the 32.86% rate in early January when coronavirus cases were spiking. Still, Alabama continues to lag behind other states in vaccinating residents. According to New York Times data, only 8.4% of Alabamians are fully vaccinated from the deadly virus, with 15% of the public receiving at least one shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Stimpson said he wasnt sure how many people might be vaccinated by late May. He suggested 50% of the public could be vaccinated by then, but doubted the figure would be close to 70%. Dr. Bernard Eichold, the health officer in Mobile County, said last week ahead of Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys order to extend the mask mandate to April 9, that Alabama has a community transmission rate of 9% or higher than the White Houses 5% goal. He also stated that Alabama needs to get 70% of the public vaccinated before letting our guard down. Eichold said he felt it was too early to know what the COVID-19 status will be on May 21. He said the Health Department recommends following CDC regulations and strict compliance with the U.S. Navy guidance for the commissioning of the USS Mobile. Dr. Karen Landers the states assistant health officer said that even with declining infection numbers and more people being vaccinated, all measures to reduce transmission should remain in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued recommendations on Monday that vaccinated adults can plan mask-free dinners with vaccinated friends, and that vaccinated grandparents can once again visit adult children and grandchildren under certain conditions. According to health officials, the CDC recommendations represented the first time since the pandemic began a year ago that the public can do something as opposed to suggesting the public should avoid activities. But the CDC continues to suggest the public avoid large gatherings, particularly those in which social distancing cannot be maintained between members of different households. Mardi Gras parades, though held outside, are attended by large crowds that are crowded together along Mobiles downtown streets. Mobile City Council President Levon Manzie said he believes that as more people get vaccinated, and hospitalizations continue to drop, there is a great possibility for the city to host a Mardi Gras-like parade. I am hopeful it plays out as we celebrate this new ship that will be named (after Mobile), said Manzie, adding he supports the parade if everything is an all-go from a health and safety standpoint. He added, we always want to make sure that is first and most important. If the parade happens, it will be the first Carnival-like event to roll on the city streets and will occur more than three months after Fat Tuesday on February 16. Mobile, like New Orleans and almost every other city along the Gulf Coast, canceled Mardi Gras parades and formal balls during this years Carnival season. Mobile did shut off access to the citys downtown streets on Fat Tuesday to allow revelers to roam around downtown freely and remain at a social distance from one another. But cold weather and concerns about the deadly virus kept the crowds down. Only 1,700 people participated in the Fat Tuesday celebration, a figure that is not even a fraction of the typical crowds that visit downtown Mobile during a typical Mardi Gras Day. 11 Fat Tuesday during Mobile Mardi Gras 2021 Stimpsons administration generated some criticism, including from public health officials, for closing the city streets on Mardi Gras Day. Some critics argued that the street closures provided a sign that it was OK for people to come downtown for a street party, though Stimpsons administration said they wanted to keep people outdoors and safely spread apart. A Mardi Gras-style parade in May, according to city spokesman Jason Johnson, isnt an attempt to host a postponed Mardi Gras. He said the concept will be a single parade to coincide with USS Mobile commissioning events. Stimpson, himself, said he wasnt sure he would be a parade participant. He said he might be obligated to attend a U.S. Navy dinner the night before the commissioning ceremony, but was unclear what the Navys expectations were for the mayor. I can assure you that to the point I can be in the parade that I will be in the parade, said Stimpson. Ill participate in making sure we are having a great event. Its not uncommon for Mobile to host Mardi Gras parades outside of the two-plus weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. The city has also hosted a night parade ahead of the annual football bowl game the city hosts at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, and its hosted a players parade before the Reeses Senior Bowl. Wayne Dean, a Mobile historian who portrays the Chief Slacabamarinico character during Mardi Gras festivities, said the city hosted past Mardi Gras-style parades during historical celebrations such as the citys tricentennial in 2002. That celebration saw the city host a procession featuring 24 mystic society emblem floats and 14 high school marching bands during a Mardi Gras-like parade in November. A masker walks in front of a float during a Mardi Gras parade in November 2002. The parade was part of tricentennial celebration event in downtown Mobile, Ala. The festive procession featured all 24 of the mystic society emblem floats and 14 high school marching bands. ''It's great. I love it," one masker said of the off-season parade. ''I like to party. As far as I know, this is supposed to be the biggest one Mobile has ever had - 24 floats and the marching bands." (Press-Register archives). Dean said he is willing to participate in a May procession. However, he said that some mystic societies could be hesitant about rolling newly built floats that were parked during his years Carnival and will not be used until the 2022 festival. He said floats risk being damaged during a parade. Judi Gulledge, executive director with the Mobile Carnival Association, said she believes there is enough interest from mystic societies to participate in a mini-parade in May. She said a key attraction is the community pride in having a Navy ship named after the city of Mobile. Its not every day you have a ship named after your city, Gulledge said. There will be some support for that. She added, The community is really ready for a celebration. I believe well be in a much safer situation as we make progress with vaccinations. I think the community will feel safer with getting out. Dean is ready to don his Slacabamarinico attire and load into his traditional coal wagon float to parade the city streets for the first time since February 2020. Its a great idea, if they can do this, he said. This story was updated at 7 p.m. on March 9, 2021, to include comments from Dr. Bernard Eichold. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-27 22:34:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A farmer sprays pesticide chemicals in a cotton field in Chikwawa, Malawi, on Feb. 25, 2021. Cotton production in Malawi has gone down with the effects of COVID-19. According to experts, over 10,000 farmers in Malawi have abandoned cotton production this year due to lack of loans and last year's poor market prices influenced by COVID-19. (Photo by Joseph Mizere/Xinhua) CHIKWAWA, Malawi, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Cotton production in Malawi has gone down with the effects of COVID-19. According to experts, over 10,000 farmers in Malawi have abandoned cotton production this year due to lack of loans and last year's poor market prices influenced by COVID-19. Charles Zalimba, 44, who has been growing cotton since 2004 said that the practice has been going up and down for years but the situation worsened last year because he produced a lot of cottons but it was bought at a cheaper price. According to him, despite a bumper harvest, many cotton buyers did not show up due to COVID-19 preventive measures which had restricted them from traveling into the country. Zalimba is worried that the trend may continue in this year's marketing season. "Every year we hope for better prices, now that the pandemic's restrictions are still in practice, it is more likely that most farmers will just settle for the price like last year," he said. "For example, last year, many farmers produced a lot of quality cottons but the produce was sold at a cheaper price than expected and other farmers sold their harvest on loans, a development which has discouraged many farmers to continue with cotton this year," he said. Zalimba is one of the farmers in the Chikwawa growing cotton this year hoping that this year's cotton prices are going to be better just like every year. Francis Mastara, Cotton Officer for Chikwawa District told Xinhua in an interview that the cotton industry in the district has been affected since last growing season in a context that market arrangement was highly affected because donors could not reach the buyers because of COVID-19. According to Mastara, some farmers in the district are still keeping last season's cotton because they had no market. "Many farmers have turned down cotton production because of the prices which buyers were offering per kilogram last year, most prices were lower below the gross margin, as a result, farmers were making losses," he added. He further added that dissemination of information to the farmers was affected by COVID-19 traveling restrictions which also resulted in poor management of the crop. "Since mass gatherings were restricted, farmers could not meet at one place to receive new information from Agriculture Extension Workers, this also has affected cotton production," he said. Meanwhile, farmers are asking for more support from the local and international cotton buyers to come in loans and to set better buying prices considering the fact the cotton production is expensive and it involves a lot. In his words, Antony Sinali, a cotton farmer in Chikwawa has asked Chinese investors to consider buying cotton in Malawi in order to expand the production of cotton in Malawi. Antony believes that Chinese buyers can bring a change in the market. Cotton in Malawi is an important part of the agricultural history in the country. For years, it has remained an important earner of foreign exchange. Enditem Sunrise host Sam Armytage fired off a brutal parting shot at the 'bullying' media as she finished her last day at Seven's breakfast show on Thursday. Things took a serious turn at the end of the broadcast when, after a series of gushing tributes from colleagues and celebrities, Sam broke down in tears as she accused 'some aspects of the media' of treating her unfairly during her eight-year tenure. However, her emotional message may have confused her colleagues at Seven after she described her peers in the TV industry as 'narcissists' and 'sociopaths' in a magazine article last month. Sam comes out swinging: Sunrise host Sam Armytage fired off a brutal parting shot at the 'bullying' media as she finished her last day at Seven's breakfast show on Thursday The 44-year-old had announced her resignation live on air on Monday, saying she wanted to step back from TV to spend more time with her family. Sam blasts the 'bulling' media Sam, who was supported by her husband, Richard Lavender, and her Sunrise co-hosts, took aim at the wider Australian media as she bid farewell to viewers. 'I do want to say that I never fully understood some of the scrutiny and the snarkiness and the bullying from some aspects of the media,' she said. 'But today we move on from that, because there is a new chapter starting and it has been overwhelmingly a good experience in my life.' Angry: Sam, who was supported by her husband, Richard Lavender, broke down in tears as she accused 'some aspects of the media' of treating her unfairly during her eight-year tenure She continued: 'Most of all, I thank all of our viewers. You are just wonderful people. There are so many lovely people. So many more lovely ones than the nasty ones.' 'Sociopath' sledge Sam, who joined Sunrise in 2013, spoke about the toxic environment of the TV industry in an article for the News Corp-owned Stellar magazine last month. 'There's a lot about television that's all about you and that's an awful way to live your life. TV isn't a place that's necessarily very healthy,' she said. 'It's full of sociopaths and narcissists. It can be a dangerous environment, let me tell you.' 'TV isn't a place that's necessarily very healthy': Sam, who joined Sunrise in 2013, had spoken about the toxic environment of the TV industry in an article for the News Corp-owned Stellar magazine last month She also said unmarried, childless women in television were treated differently and given more work compared to their married counterparts. Her inflammatory remarks greatly upset her colleagues and executives at Seven, and were described by some insiders as tantamount to 'career suicide'. Kochie's tribute Sam's co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch started Thursday's show promising her last day would be a fitting tribute with 'special guests and a lot of surprises'. Walking off into the sunset: Her co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch had begun Thursday show promising her last day would be a fitting tribute with 'special guests and a lot of surprises' Kochie, 65, said: 'For the past eight years she's been a much-loved part of the Sunrise family, but the time has come for her to focus on her family. 'Goodbyes are never easy. There will probably be some tears, but this morning we're going to celebrate an incredible journey with some very special guests and a lot of surprises.' Sam seemed a little nervous when Kochie spoke about the 'surprises' to come. 'I get nervous about surprises on this show, but I am [ready]. I'm very excited,' she said, then begged her colleagues not to air embarrassing footage from her years on the show. Sam Mac's office prank Later in the program, weatherman Sam Mac continued the good-natured ribbing by pretending to raid Samantha's office. He picked up her phone and pretended to listen to her voicemails, and even referenced one of Sam's most notorious moments during her time on Sunrise. Cheeky! Weatherman Sam Mac continued the good-natured ribbing by pretending to raid Samantha's office. He picked up her phone and pretended to listen to her voicemails 'You have a missed call from the producers of Sex and the City. They want to talk about some sketch ideas,' he said. This was a reference to Sam's infamous 2016 interview with Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis, in which she donned a blonde wig and impersonated the character Carrie Bradshaw - much to Kristin's disapproval. The funnyman then scanned her computer screen, which showed Sam had just updated her resume. 'Eight years working with the most respected broadcasters in media and Kochie,' he said, reading the mocked-up CV. Joking: He scanned her computer screen, which showed Sam had just updated her resume Naughty: After this, he rummaged through her drawers to find a sexy calendar featuring a shirtless photo of Sam's husband, Richard Lavender After this, he rummaged through her drawers to find a sexy calendar featuring a shirtless photo of Sam's husband, Richard Lavender. Sam Mac's singalong At about 7:30, Sam Mac broke out his guitar and serenaded the departing host to the melody of Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) by Green Day. The lyrics included a reference to her recent interview with Stellar magazine in which she said the TV industry was full of 'narcissists' and 'sociopaths'. Singalong: At about 7:30, Sam Mac broke out his guitar and serenaded the departing host to the melody of Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) by Green Day Ouch! The lyrics included a reference to Samantha's recent interview with Stellar magazine in which she said the TV industry was full of 'narcissists' and 'sociopaths' Tearful: Things took an emotional turn when Sam received a surprise FaceTime call from her sister, Georgie, who lives in London, England While the weather presenter made light of her remarks, it's understood many people at Seven were genuinely offended by what she said. FaceTime with Sam's sister Things took an emotional turn when Sam received a surprise FaceTime call from her sister, Georgie, who lives in London. The TV presenter broke down in tears, as the siblings haven't seen each other for a long time due to Covid-19 border closures. Lovebirds: Sam's husband, Richard Lavender, visited the Sunrise set at 8:20 and they discussed their relationship Georgie, who wasn't able to attend their mother Libby's funeral in November, said: 'We'll see you soon, I hope. It's been a crazy time and we're just looking forward to being all back together.' Sam's niece, Lucia, also described her as 'the greatest auntie in the world'. Sam's Studio 10 stunt At one stage during the broadcast, there was even a joke about Samantha jumping ship to host Studio 10 alongside Sam Mac. The weatherman caught Sam off guard during a live cross, joking: 'I should probably announce that we are the new hosts of Studio 10.' 'Welcome to the show, Sam and Sam in the morning, commencing on the 14th,' he continued, before quickly revealing he was having a laugh. Samantha appeared to nervously laugh off Sam's joke, but didn't rule out the suggestion. Richard and Banjo stop by Sam's husband, Richard Lavender, visited the Sunrise set at 8:20 and they discussed their relationship. He was joined by the 'other man in Sam's life', her dog Banjo, who spent much of the segment awkwardly sniffing around Richard's legs. Richard revealed fresh details about how the couple first met. Awkward: He was joined by the 'other man in Sam's life', her dog Banjo, who spent much of the segment awkwardly sniffing around Richard's legs He said: 'We met at the end of a friend's birthday party, right at the end. I remember seeing her and I got this really nice feeling and I thought, 'There's my girl'.' Kochie then asked Richard how he knew Sam was The One just by looking at her. 'It sounds corny, but it was [love at first sight],' he said. 'One of her old school friends was staying with me, and the next morning I was cooking breakfast and she came into the kitchen and said, "Can I give you a hand?" And I said, "Yes, you can. You can get me Sam Armytage's phone number!" And here we are. That's the story.' He went on to describe his wife as 'wonderful' and a 'great family girl'. Tearful: Samantha wiped away tears as she addressed Sunrise viewers for the last time Parting is such sweet sorrow: Sunrise presented Samantha with a yellow-and-orange cake Bowing out: Samantha linked arms with Kochie and Richard as they posed for photos Bring it in: Samantha gave Sam Mac a warm hug Friendly goodbye: She also hugged several Sunrise producers The broadcast ended with the Sunrise team gathering for a toast as Kochie quoted Mark Twain: 'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. 'So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails.' Celebrity tributes flow Several notable celebrities also shared video tributes, including radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, actor Shane Jacobson, and singer Amy Shark. Her Prince Charming! Richard wrapped a protective arm around Samantha's shoulder Closing the curtain: Beaming Samantha waved goodbye to Sunrise crew who were watching the scene from above Sam tearfully announced her departure from Sunrise live on Monday's show. She said at the time: 'The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different.' She explained she was leaving of her own choosing, and was looking forward to life away from the spotlight after a 'bittersweet' year that included the death of her mother, Libby, and her marriage to businessman Richard, 61. Tearful: She wiped away tears as she said goodbye to her beloved colleagues Emotional: Sam tearfully announced her departure from Sunrise live on Monday's show 'I want to step out of this public world for a while and take some time and calm things down, enjoy a bit of slow living, and spend some time with my precious family, my husband and [dog] Banjo,' she said. 'I go out of this job at a time of my own choosing and on top of the ratings, which not many people on television can say they do. 'I'm extremely proud of my almost eight years at the helm of Sunrise, my seven years before that at Weekend Sunrise, and my almost 18 years with the Seven Network.' Emotional: 'The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different,' she said Marital bliss: Her announcement followed months of rumours she was preparing to leave Sunrise in order to spend more time with her husband, Richard Lavender, at his country estate Daddy's girl: Sam also said on Monday that one of the reasons she resigned was because she wanted to spend more time with her father, Mac (right), who suffered a stroke last year Sad loss: The death of her mother Libby (left), from an autoimmune disease in November had also made her rethink her priorities in life, sources said History of Samantha Armytage's highs and lows January 2014: Samantha is criticised for 'offending strippers' by joking about her new 'stripper heels' March 2014: Khloe Kardashian cut off her interview on Sunrise over questions about her niece North West March 2015: Samantha accused of racism after appearing to congratulate a woman for looking whiter than her twin February 2016: Samantha is dropped as host of a UN refugee fundraiser over a cringe-worthy segment with Sex and The City star Kristin Davis 2017: She joined News Corp Australia lifestyle magazine Stellar as a columnist June 2017: The Sunrise host ruffled feathers when she took aim at George Clooney's wife Amal and her post-baby body March 2018: She is criticised for claiming at-risk Aboriginal children were only being placed with family members of other Indigenous families. The comments ignited protests outside Sunrise's Sydney studio June 2020: Samantha sued for racial vilification over 2018 discussion which suggested a second stolen generation was needed to help Aboriginal children December 2020: The Sunrise host marries millionaire businessman Richard Lavender on New Year's Eve February 2021: She launches her own podcast - Something To Talk About with Samantha Armytage March 2021: She divides opinion after claiming women are treated better in the workplace when they are married with children in her column for Stellar magazine Advertisement Her announcement followed months of rumours she was preparing to leave Sunrise to spend more time with Richard at his country estate in the Southern Highlands. Sam's last day on Sunrise was Thursday, but her $800,000-a-year contract with Seven doesn't expire until October. Industry website TV Blackbox reported on Monday that newsreader Natalie Barr was expected to take over Sam's position alongside co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch. Health concerns: Sam's father Mac suffered a stroke last year and did four weeks of rehab sessions at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in September. 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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 Filming has begun in England and Croatia on The Ipcress File, an ITV spy thriller starring Joe Cole, Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander. ADVERTISEMENT John Hodge wrote the six-part drama, based on Len Deighton's book. James Watkins is directing the project, which is set in the 1960s, against the backdrop of Cold War Europe. "I'm thrilled to be bringing John Hodge's brilliant adaptation of such an iconic novel to ITV," Polly Hill, ITV's head of drama, said in a statement Wednesday. "Harry Palmer is an incredible part and this would have been impossible without the right actor, so we are all delighted that Joe Cole will take on the role. The talent on and off screen means this will be a treat for audiences when it comes to ITV." Cole is known for his work in Peaky Blinders and Gangs of London, while Boynton's credits include Bohemian Rhapsody and Murder on the Orient Express. Hollander has appeared in The Night Manager and Birdbox. Sarkissian said that the continuing crisis triggered by the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh is fraught with unpredictable and irreversible consequences for the country and requires an urgent solution. In a statement, Sarkissian invited Pashinian, representatives of the three political forces represented in the Armenian parliament as well as the leaders of the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement to meet at the presidential palace in Yerevan for that purpose on Saturday. They should try to find mutually acceptable ways of overcoming the crisis, he said. I reaffirm my belief that negotiations and dialogue are the only way to settle differences, added the president. The offer came one day after Sarkissian paved the way for the sacking of Onik Gasparian, Armenias top army general who has demanded, along with 40 other high-ranking officers, Pashinians resignation. The president pointedly declined to ask the Constitutional Court to rule on the legality on Pashinians decision to fire Gasparian. The Homeland Salvation Movement reacted furiously to Sarkissians stance, accusing him of acting on the embattled prime ministers orders. One of the leaders of the opposition alliance, Vazgen Manukian, branded the president a rich tourist who does not care about Armenias future. Another opposition leader, Ishkhan Saghatelian, scoffed at Sarkissians offer of crisis talks. They [Sarkissian and Pashinian] did their dirty deed and are now asking for some meetings? he told reporters. Saghatelian said that the alliance uniting more than a dozen opposition parties should only discuss a roadmap for Pashinians resignation. The alliance has been trying to unseat Pashinian with street protests launched after the Armenian sides defeat in the war with Azerbaijan stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire on November 10. Its supporters continued to blockade the parliament building in Yerevan on Wednesday. They again marched through the city center to reiterate the opposition demands for Pashinians resignation. Sarkissian too urged Pashinian to resign and hand over power to an interim government late last year. The premier has rejected such calls. 2020 was a year of revelations as well as shutdowns. Among them was the realisation our backyard has a lot more to offer than we gave it credit for. Weve finally got over our Europe fetish, and all it took was a deadly global virus. As such, hordes of Australians took this chance to quit their jobs, throw their Centrelink payments into an ETF, and hit the road. The result? Besides the cultural appropriation of surfing by fake hippies in Byron Bay, we have also seen lots of underground attractions getting mainstream attention. In January 2021 a photo that was hard to believe is in Australia blew minds down under as an island off Port Stephens looked remarkably like a postcard from Greece. In February a stunning Australian Maldives alternative made headlines and Victorias Loch Ard Gorge was shown doing its best impression of Polignano a Mare. Now there is another destination on Australian travellers radars, which in the days of being able to travel to Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and New Caledonia would unlikely be receiving such interest: Phillip Island (the little known one off Norfolk Island, not the famous one off Victoria). Phillip Island sits 1,400 kilometres east of Byron Bay (6km south of its big sister isle, Norfolk Island), has a climate reminiscent of Northern NSW, and is a birdwatchers paradise. According to Parks Australia, Every year, thousands of migratory seabirds breed on Phillip Island, including masked boobies, black-winged petrels, sooty terns and black noddies. Phillip Islands contoured landscape is quite unusual a century of erosion and degradation has exposed a dazzling array of red, yellow and pink soils. Speaking of dazzling soils, according to Traveller, Phillip Island has been called the Uluru of the Pacific. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PAIGE (@paigewhitelaw_) In the same piece, Traveller points out the Uluru of the Pacific is not easy to access. As the author explained, she was unable to get to Phillip Island on her last trip because conditions were not safe. Every night, a phone call from my Phillip Island trekking guide rules out a trip there the next day; the sea is too rough. My hopes leapfrog to the next day and the next, until I run out of days. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Evie Scully (@evie.scully) Getting there involves a mini-expedition that starts with a short, often rough boat trip from Norfolk; you then have to leap ashore onto slippery, wave-sloshed rocks and scramble up ladders and ropes to reach the islands higher, drier slopes, (Traveller). The Instagram geotag page for Phillip Island (Norfolk Island), however, provides a pictorial account of some of the other travellers who have made it there over the years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rach (@rachael_lutz) Though some images and videos must be taken with a grain of salt (anyone can upload anything to Instagram), they provide a broad sense for Phillip Islands majestic red hills and lemonade water like coves. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @stickytape The abundance of recent posts (from the last few weeks) show various tourists enjoying the island and its wildlife. Captions like mission to Mars show many have had their minds at least mildly blown by the experience. With the domestic travel boom Australia has seen in recent months likely to continue until international borders open once more, perhaps Phillip Island will see even greater exposure this year. For anyone thinking of visiting, Parks Australia urges tourists to remember, access to the island is weather-dependant and an experienced guide is required at all times. To organise a visit, please contact the Norfolk Island Visitors Information Centre. Read Next Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Executive Women Network (EWN) and TheBoardroom Africa (TBR Africa) have signed a partnership agreement that will enable more senior executive women in Ghana to access board opportunities and advance their professional development objectives. The partnership forms part of a Network Partnership Program launched by TBR Africa in 2019. As a pan-African organization, TBR Africa partners with national initiatives such as EWN to open doors for professional women. The Network Partner program supports TBR Africas efforts to double the number of women in African boardrooms by 2028. TheBoardroom Africa has curated a unique pool of peer-endorsed female leaders and works with organizations across the region to improve gender balance in Africas boardrooms. The pipeline of talent, combined with a uniquely collaborative and objective approach, is driving a fundamental shift in the gender balance among leadership teams in businesses in the region. The Chairperson of the EWN Executive Committee, Eunice Biritwum, remarked that the partnership will offer an opportunity to EWN members, who are women in senior management and executive positions, to acquire great personal and professional dynamics as companies evolve and innovate for the future. Now, more than ever, learning and development, even when it comes to acquiring skills needed to be on boards, must take top priority. This is due to the fact that new markets are emerging and so are new technologies and ways of doing things. And as leaders, we know that these changes have a profound impact on self-development and on organizational growth. People need training, development and support throughout their careers, to develop their skills and continue to work effectively. When women and business leaders in general, are provided with practical guidance on common issues that may arise, they are shaped to be more efficient, competitive, and engaged in their roles. We are therefore excited to partner the largest regional network of female executives in Africa, TheBoardroom Africa to enable our members get the requisite skills needed for Board placements. On her part, Marcia Ashong, Founder and CEO of TBR Africa noted that the organisation remains committed to equipping executive women with board readiness skills. I believe that this relationship with EWN will extend more resources and opportunities to Ghanaian women and help foster pan-African relations amongst the business community. Business and society both benefit when more women get a seat at the table. Together with EWN, we will expand the number of women who can network, dialogue and collaborate to drive business growth and, in turn, contribute to national development, she concluded. Executive Women Network (EWN) is a non-profit organization operating for close to five years with a membership of over 200+ women in senior management and executive positions in private organizations and women entrepreneurs from 10+ industries of well-established businesses in Ghana. TheBoardroom Africa (TBR Africa) is the largest regional network of female executives in Africa. The organisation aims to improve access to board opportunities for women and accelerate the presence of women on boards by working with development finance institutions, private equity investors and companies to accelerate the appointment of women on boards and build a growing pipeline of board-ready women while inspiring and educating the business community on the power of diverse leadership. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As part of a year-round data privacy and information security program, CCPA training is an essential step in ensuring employees know how to safeguard consumers privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, said Mike Pallatta, Traliant CEO and Co-Founder. Traliant, an innovator in online sexual harassment training and diversity training, today announced the availability of a new course on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a landmark law that gives California residents more control over their personal information. The CCPA applies to many companies doing business in California, including data brokers, who collect, use, share and sell personal information. 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We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Katie, Please see my attached alternative School Resolution. Push out in an email to everyone and also print copies for tonight. Thanks, Frankie Frankie Waters Chairman Beaufort County Board of Commissioners Washington NC 27889 252/945-1992 cell 252/935-5422 office Resolution Demanding that North Carolina Fully Open All Public Schools, Ensuring Every Child Has Access to In-Person Education Whereas, the United States of America and the Great State of North Carolina have now for an approximate year been in the vicious grip of Covid-19, which has inhabited OUR Public Education, and; Whereas, since the beginning of the 2020/2021 school year, most, if not all private schools and public charter schools returned back to educating children, and now, understanding that there was always, and will always be an acceptable risk to living, are primarily providing in-person education, which has proved to be a safe and effective program in doing their jobs, and; Whereas, The North Carolina General Assembly has now passed Senate Bill 37, with the NC House also approving that same NC Senate Bill; however, North Carolinas Democratic Governor, Roy Cooper, has vetoed the Bill. Beaufort Countys Commissioners humbly request that a super bipartisan majority override the Governors veto of Senate Bill 37. Whereas, Beaufort Countys school administration is more than ready and long patiently waiting to provide more in-person learning at the option of parents and Beaufort County taxpayers that they have honorably served during this Age of Covid, but are incapable of doing so without administrative guidance as authorized from North Carolinas government, and; Therefore, Let It Be Resolved, that Beaufort Countys Commissioners do hereby demand that North Carolina fully opens all public schools, ensuring every child has access to in-person education. Adopted this the 1st day of March, 2021 ___________________________________ Frankie Waters , Chairman , Chairman Beaufort County Board of Commissioner __________________________________ Kathleen Mosher Clerk to the Board, Beaufort County The segmented county commissioners' video representing the presentation of this resolution of support of Senate Bill 37 is shown: Below. Resolution Demanding that North Carolina Fully Open All Public Schools, Ensuring Every Child Has Access to In-person Education Should public schools fully open NOW to the extent that parents feel comfortable; exposing their children to in-person, or virtual learning, or a hybrid of both? Yes, parents should have some determination in the process of educating their children here in the Age of Covid. No, schools should not fully open until the Education Industry and a majority of Leftist politicians deem it practicable. I never cared much about that whole education thing. 59 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? It was my vision, my words, North Carolina's great problem , the general assembly's senate initiative, and our state's Democratic Socialist Governor's negligence in favor of political expediency, while Beaufort County's Commissioners just could not make a suitable stand to do what is immutably right. Instead, Beaufort County's governing board opted for a watered down version of a partial truth, and in the end will probably fail to make any difference whatsoever.Possibly, the same would be true regarding the unabridged version of my thoughtful resolution to seek a wiser version of a better outcome to open our North Carolina public schools, but we will never know since that version that I fully wrote for ratification; or thatnever passed, failing 2 to 5, with Commissioner Hood Richardson and myself, Commissioner Deatherage, voting in the losing affirmation of what was best.Alternatively, the watered down version, which, in my considered opinion (since I wittingly wrote , and then unwittingly wrote the second version - edited by Commissioner Waters - see below.) should have far less effect with the intended recipients - those politicians that make policy that affects every North Carolina citizen The Frankie Waters edits were not the first time that the nominal Republican commissioner had taken broad liberties with a resolution that I had pondered in great detail; however, it is the first where the Commissioner had appeared to take credit for my words, partial as they may be, as you can see here: Below.I have highlighted the names mentioned above to better represent that the mention of the name - Stan Deatherage as the author - was never a consideration, which did necessitate Commissioner Hood Richardson to accuse Frankie Waters of Plagiarism in the segmented commissioners' general meeting below.The aforementioned resolution is here below with the changes by removal (shown here as italics in bold) from the original version, at the behest of Commissioner Frankie Waters, who would not consider the original resolution written by Commissioner Stan Deatherage ... just the one where Commissioner Deatherage's written words were used, in part, to satisfy the political ambitions of Commissioner Waters as shown: Below.the United States of America and the Great State of North Carolina have now for an approximate year been in the vicious grip of Covid 19, which has strangled our Small Businesses and inhibited OUR Public Education, and;Since the beginning of the 2020 /2021 school year, most, if not all private schools and public charter schools returned back to educating children, and now, understanding that there was always, and will always be an acceptable risk to living, are primarily providing in-person education, which has proved to be a safe and effective program in doing their jobs, and;The North Carolina General Assembly has now passed Senate Bill 37 , with the NC House also approving that same NC Senate bill; however, North Carolina's DemocraticGovernor, Roy Cooper,(has vetoed the Bill),(Beaufort Countys Commissioners humbly request that a super bipartisan majority override the Governors veto of Senate Bill 37), and;Beaufort County's school administration is more than ready and long patiently waiting to provide more in-person learning at the option of the parents and Beaufort County taxpayers that they have honorably served during this Age of Covid, but are incapable of doing so without administrative guidance as authorized from North Carolina's government, and;that Beaufort County's Commissioners do hereby demand that North Carolina fully opens all public schools, ensuring every child has access to in-person education,Since this well consideredwas rendered of most of its contextual support to drive this political point home, by Commissioner Frankie Waters, he deserves some of the credit for the Democratic Politicians becoming emboldened to follow the dictates of the decision of their Central Committee, and not follow through in overriding this Democratic Socialist Governor's unwise decision to keep the public schools mostly closed.It also bears mentioning that including the removal of my name from my words written to create this resolution, in part, Commissioner Waters also removed any reference to: China; President Trump; the Trump Administration'sas a political wedge issue; the enumerated devastating effects upon our society's children; including perfect descriptors such as Leftist(s), Teachers' Unions, Democratic Socialist(s), among others.Real Republicans should intuitively know that if they wish to best represent their constituents in the political fight that is well underway against the Democratic Socialists, many of which are unrepentant non patriots, they must be willing to not shrink from treating their adversaries in a real and truthful manner. That is the real political landscape that is now afoot, and to pretend otherwise is a monumental misjudgment by any politician, including Frankie Waters. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The value of your investment and any income from it is not guaranteed and may go down as well as up and as a result your capital may be at risk. How can we best invest to make life better for all, including the world's poorest? Kate Fox and Lee Qian, joint managers of Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust, explain their approach to Jemima Kiss. A belief in the transformative power of capitalism is behind the Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust, Baillie Gifford's latest closed-ended fund. Jointly managed by Lee Qian and Kate Fox, the trust takes a strikingly different approach by actively investing in innovative companies that contribute to its goal of a more sustainable and inclusive world, rather than excluding sectors based on off-the-shelf ESG ratings. Keystone Positive Change Investment Trust aims for a sustainable and inclusive world Fox says it's about providing solutions to global challenges: 'This isn't just about avoiding companies doing harm, or supporting businesses adopting sustainable and responsible business practices, it's about trying to identify the companies intent on delivering change to make the world a better place.' Positive Change has four impact themes: social inclusion and education; environment and resource needs; healthcare and quality of life; and 'base of the pyramid' services that support economic improvement for the world's least advantaged. Danish company rsted builds and operates offshore wind farms, and in 2020 generated 21 terawatt hours of renewable electricity. 'The impact of that energy is it helps to decarbonise our energy needs and reduce CO2 emissions,' explains Qian. 'Last year, rsted helped reduce more than 11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.' Safaricom, a Kenyan mobile operator, provides basic but transformative connectivity. 'We think technology will become even more important in all our lives, and is particularly impactful in emerging markets, where it makes basic services more accessible,' says Qian. Safaricom's M-Pesa payment service has been operating for more than 10 years, allowing anyone with a mobile phone to transfer money to friends, family or retailers. 'It allows people to participate economically, to trade, save or borrow money or to pay for their kids' education. It's extremely exciting and impactful.' Baillie Gifford likes Dexcom, a company that develops systems for diabetes management A more unusual impact investment is in the Dutch business ASML, whose hardware, software and services help to create critical components used in smartphones and consumer electronics. 'Connectivity equals both productivity and inclusivity,' says Fox. 'ASML is one of the most important tech businesses you've never heard of.' And in the healthcare category, Dexcom makes sensors that can provide continuous glucose-monitoring for some of the world's 476m diabetes sufferers. Based in San Diego, California, it provides a far more convenient, less invasive and consistent record of a patient's glucose levels. A continuous reading is really important in managing the condition,' according to Fox. Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to long-term health complications and costs the US healthcare system alone an estimated $327bn every year. 'Dexcom's products improve patients' quality of life and reduce the number of complications and hypo or hyperglycemic events. It's a great illustration of how our objectives of positive impact and successful investing go hand-in-hand.' The process of finding good fits for Positive Change is 'organic', explains Fox. The trust doesn't use quantitative filters, but looks for compelling individuals with impactful ideas. The team identifies companies whose products and services are an improvement to the status quo, seeking growth businesses with sustainable competitive advantages. In addition to analysing the investment and impact potential, once a company is in the portfolio, impact is monitored through a robust assessment system. 'We've identified a set of metrics that help us track and monitor change,' she adds. 'We also link a company's products and services to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, using the targets that underpin them, to help articulate how the holdings are driving change.' Qian describes the character of the trust as fundamentally optimistic. 'As we're seeing people in different companies and different countries, we get a sense of optimism that there's so much that unites all of us in striving for a better future. We're excited about helping unleash the support and investment that entrepreneurs need to foster new ideas and grow their businesses.' Fox, who started her career at Baillie Gifford in 2002, says 'It's a hugely privileged role being an investment manager, channelling capital to grow it on behalf of clients. As asset managers, we have a responsibility to contribute to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by channelling capital and meeting that financing gap.' Delivering positive change and attractive investment returns go hand-in-hand. 'There are still many challenges, but we believe businesses can be part of the solution. I can't imagine anything more exciting than Positive Change, helping leverage the power of capitalism, entrepreneurship and innovation to create a better future.' Baillie Gifford focuses on companies with substantial growth potential A longer version of this article will appear in the spring edition of Baillie Gifford's Trust magazine. You can subscribe to Trust at bailliegifford.com/trust The trust invests in overseas securities. Changes in the rates of exchange may also cause the value of your investment (and any income it may pay) to go down or up. The trust invests in emerging markets where difficulties in dealing, settlement and custody could arise, resulting in a negative impact on the value of your investment. This article does not constitute, and is not subject to the protections afforded to, independent research. Baillie Gifford and its staff may have dealt in the investments concerned. The views expressed are not statements of fact and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a particular investment. Baillie Gifford & Co and Baillie Gifford & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The investments trusts managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are listed UK companies and are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A Key Information Document is available at bailliegifford.com The EU is poised to launch legal action against the UK over its decision to unilaterally alter the Brexit Agreement rules on Northern Ireland to ease trade problems that have dogged the country for months. Ministers last week unilaterally extended grace periods limiting bureaucracy linked to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs trade post-Brexit, until October. They had been due to expire at the end of March. It prompted a war of words between Westminster and Brussels, coming just weeks after the arrangement was signed by Boris Johnson in December. According to the Guardian, the EU will this week trigger 'infringement proceedings' that could end up at the European Court of Justice and trigger the official dispute mechanism baked into the Brexit deal. European commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic is said to have briefed EU27 ambassadors on the latest developments yesterday. But Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis defended the actions today in the Commons. Answering an Urgent Question from Louise Haigh, he said they were 'lawful' and backed by a 'range of businesses and the communities' in Northern Ireland. He said: 'If we had not taken this action last week, we'd have seen disruption to food supplies in literally the next couple of weeks.' He added the measures are 'consistent with a progressive and good faith implementation' of the Protocol, and do not change the UK's legal obligations, with discussions continuing with the EU.' Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis defended the actions today in the Commons. Answering an Urgent Question from Louise Haigh, he said they were 'lawful' and backed by a 'range of businesses and the communities' in Northern Ireland. European commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic is said to have briefed EU27 ambassadors on the latest developments yesterday. Fears have been rising about sectarian tensions with unionists saying the EU is imposing unnecessary checks and demanding the arrangements are abandoned altogether. Fears have been rising about sectarian tensions with unionists saying the EU is imposing unnecessary checks and demanding the arrangements are abandoned altogether. The Northern Ireland protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement was designed by the EU and UK to avoid a hardening of the border on the island of Ireland. It means keeping Northern Ireland aligned to various EU rules, requiring checks on goods arriving into the region from Great Britain. Ms Haigh had said the Government's unilateral response meant its 'words cannot be trusted' by the EU and others. 'It raises serious questions about whether the Government has a strategy at all to deal with the complex realities facing Northern Ireland,' she said. 'Provocation is not a strategy and a stop gap is not a solution.' Ms Haigh asked the UK Government to outline its intentions, adding: 'Is it to push the Protocol to breaking point and undermine the cast-iron commitment to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, or is it to find the solutions that businesses are crying out for?' She also said: 'This is an extraordinary position for a government to be in - having to break the law and trash Britain's international reputation to remove checks they claimed never existed.' Simon Hoare, Conservative chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, asked whether the Government 'understands the very destabilising effect on trust that such unilateral action brings on both UK-EU relations and on UK-Irish relations'. He said: 'Can I urge the Government to desist from a narrative of unilateral action and debate, get round the joint committee table and make sure that the protocol works, that everybody understands that it's here to stay and that it can benefit very significantly the people, the economy and communities of Northern Ireland?' The DUP's Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: 'What we need is a permanent solution to this problem, and frankly the sooner the better.' Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister concluded his successful visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday. The visit laid the foundation for a new chapter in Bahrain-Saudi bilateral relations as they strengthened strategic partnership and cooperation to achieve more gains for the two countries. HRH Prince Salman highlighted the depth of solid deep-rooted ties which continue to receive the support of both His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Bahrain affirmed its solid support for the safety and stability of Saudi Arabia, emphasising the Kingdoms strategic role and commitment to serving the causes of Arab and Islamic nations being the cornerstone of regional stability. HRH Prince Salman held talks with Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh as they pledged commitment to bolstering steadily-growing and wide-ranging cooperation across various fields. HRH Prince Mohammed wished Bahrain further development and prosperity under the leadership of HM the King. At the end of his visit, HRH Prince Salman sent a cable of thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing him good health and the Kingdom security, safety and more progress. Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the Ambassador of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia Shaikh Humood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa also attended the meeting. Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh hailed the visit of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the deep-rooted relations binding the two kingdoms. Al Saleh commended the pivotal role and strategic depth of Saudi Arabia, which represents the cornerstone of regional security, stability and peace the pillar of development and progress in the region. He reiterated Bahrains unwavering support to Saudi Arabia, backing all steps and measures taken by Riyadh authorities to bolster security and stability, withstand all challenges and foil continued terrorist attacks which are perpetrated by the Iran-backed Houthi militias. Texas COVID restrictions end today, including the statewide mask mandate and limits on business occupancy. Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that he would open Texas 100 percent, rescinding his earlier executive orders intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. That means there will no longer be any operating limits for businesses or other establishments, and local governments and law enforcement officers cannot force a person to wear a mask in public. The changes come with a few caveats: Abbott, alongside a host of other state leaders, are still strongly encouraging members of the public to wear masks and practice social distancing. The Republican governor said now is the time to loosen restrictions as vaccinations ramp up rapidly and COVID hospitalizations have declined from their mid-January peak. COVID-19 has not suddenly disappeared, Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said last week. Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for family members, friends and your community. TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Businesses may choose to continue enforcing occupancy restrictions or require patrons to wear face coverings and many across the state have said they will do so. Its a similar situation for school districts. While statewide policy has changed, our store protocol has not, H-E-B, the beloved San Antonio-based grocer, said in a statement this week. Mask use at our stores will remain. Our signs requiring mask use will remain posted at entrances and we will continue to make announcements in store. We will continue to expect shoppers to wear masks while in our stores. All told, not much is changing in practice. The mask order was loosely enforced in the first place, and many businesses were operating at 75 percent occupancy. Still, health experts fear that repealing the order could give Texans an impetus to ditch masks, and local officials have voiced concerns that lifting the mandate will lead to more in-store confrontations. AUSTIN BUCKS ABBOTT: Austin will keep enforcing mask rules with fines, flouting Gov. Abbotts order Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer I can assure you that were going to start seeing our calls for service and conflict go up conflict that could have been avoided simply by continuing to follow the science and being patient, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a Tuesday interview with New Day. Were almost to the finish line, and I think this is a step in the wrong direction. Another caveat to the governors order: County officials can decide to reinstate COVID restrictions but are not required to if hospitalizations in their area surge. By state definition, thats when COVID hospitalizations make up 15 percent or more of a hospitals total capacity for at least seven consecutive days. Abbotts new order A statewide mask mandate is to be lifted, effective today. Businesses can continue to require face coverings for employees and customers. School districts can also require masks. Beginning today, all businesses are allowed to open at full capacity, including restaurants and bars. Local officials can impose limited restrictions if coronavirus hospitalizations rise above 15 percent of total hospitalizations in their region. Penalties for not wearing masks are prohibited, and businesses must be allowed to remain open at least at half of their maximum occupancy. Face masks, social distancing and other health and safety measures to slow the spread of infections are still recommended. See More Collapse In that case, local officials can implement some safety precautions, including business capacity limits, as long as establishments are allowed to operate at 50 percent or more of their maximum occupancy. Those limits cannot be applied to religious services, schools, colleges and universities, and child care services, per Abbotts order The local officials could also choose to require masks in areas with high levels of hospitalizations for the coronavirus, but they are not permitted to impose any penalties for failing to wear one. Abbott has said that no one in Texas should face jail time for violating a COVID-related restriction. The governors move to lift the COVID orders has been met with severe backlash from local officials, and one city is already bucking the decision. The city of Austin said on Tuesday that it will defy Abbotts new rules by continuing to enforce its local mask mandate, with fines of up to $2,000 for individuals who refuse to wear a face covering, or for businesses that decline to enforce the rule. The governor said that virus related policy would be guided by the data and the doctors, and we remain committed to this end, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a news release. So, #MaskUpATX. Texas reported 167 deaths due to COVID-19 on Tuesday. About 4,700 people are currently hospitalized with the virus. In total, the state has confirmed more than 2.3 million virus cases, and nearly 45,000 Texans have died. More than 2.4 million Texans have been fully vaccinated, and 4.5 million residents have received at least one dose. cayla.harris@express-news.net The six-lane road on the left side of Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul is closed, Monday, after Seoul City started a project to expand the square. Yonhap Traffic chaos inevitable for time being By Bahk Eun-ji Seoul City has started construction to widen Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul by turning part of an adjacent thoroughfare into a pedestrian-only space. The capital's most ambitious renovation project began on March 6, aiming to expand the square, which has been criticized for being pedestrian-unfriendly by sitting in the middle of the busy Sejong-daero thoroughfare. The six-lane road in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will become a pedestrian-only space by being linked to the existing square in the middle of Sejong-daero. As a result, that section of the thoroughfare has been closed since March 6. The six-lane road on the other side of the square, in front of the U.S. Embassy and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, will be expanded by two lanes to allow north and southbound traffic to flow smoothly. Traffic congestion has increased in the area as vehicles are being re-routed with half of Sejong-daero closed off for construction. There was heavy traffic congestion especially on Monday, the first working day since the partial road closure, even though the city government deployed police officers in the area to control the flow of automobiles and guide drivers who were not fully aware of the changed road conditions. Bumper-to-bumper traffic seen on a road adjacent to Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul as the main thoroughfare in central Seoul was partially closed for the city government's project to expand Gwanghwamun Square. Yonhap Many citizens complained about the congestion on their way to work. "The bus I took was stuck in traffic for nearly 10 minutes near the Gwanghwamun intersection today," said Lee Joon-tae, who commutes to his office in Jongno District from his home in Seodaemun District. "I hope the city government will find measures to resolve the traffic congestion, such as opening more lanes in the direction where many people are headed," Lee said. Seoul city officials said they will try to minimize inconvenience for commuters, but urged residents to use public transport. "We will carry out comprehensive transportation measures to ensure smooth traffic during the construction," said Hwang Bo-yeon, head of the city's urban transportation department. "Citizens are advised to refrain from driving and use public transportation until traffic on Sejong-daero and its surrounding roads is stabilized." A computer graphic image of an expanded Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government A Southern California man who killed his wife propped up her body on a sofa, told their children she was drunk and had them open Christmas presents in front of her body, a prosecutor told jurors at his murder trial. 'This Christmas story does not have a happy ending, and unfortunately this is not just a story, it is real life,' Heather Brown, senior deputy district attorney in Orange County, said Monday as trial began for William Wallace of Anaheim, The Orange County Register reported. Za'Zell Preston, 26, was taking college classes in hopes of becoming a domestic violence counselor when she was killed in 2011 by a man who already had served jail time for beating her, the paper said. Wallace, who was 30 years old at the time of his arrest, has been in jail since his December 2011 arrest in lieu of $1million bail, according to records. He is now 39 years old. William Wallace, 39, of Anaheim, California is pictured above. Wallace's trial got underway in Southern California on Monday Wallace has been charged with murdering his wife, Za'Zell Preston, 26, on Christmas Day 2011 Preston and Wallace were together for three years during which he was jailed several times for beating her and violating a restraining order that she obtained against him The couple had gone to a neighbor's Christmas Eve party and a neighbor described hearing an argument later that night, Brown said. Another neighbor said Wallace could be seen picking up what appeared to be a body by an apartment gate. Wallace told a member of Preston's family that 'we were drinking and during the argument I tossed her around a bit,' the prosecutor said. Preston tried to flee Wallace, but he tracked her down and dragged her back to the apartment, according to prosecutors. Brown said the next morning, Wallace dragged his wife's body from the bedroom to the living room couch, placed sunglasses on her and told the children: 'Mommy ruined Christmas, she got drunk and ruined Christmas.' According to prosecutors, Wallace propped up Preston's body on a sofa, told their children she was drunk and had them open Christmas presents in front of her body While Preston was propped up on the couch, Wallace had the two children open up Christmas gifts. Preston was slumped over on the couch when paramedics arrived. She left a newborn son and two daughters, who were then 3 and 8 years old. Investigators said they found blood stains throughout the apartment. There were also holes punched in the wall and a door was knocked off its hinges. After Preston was found dead, Wallace is alleged to have told one of her relatives that he was 'on my way to the penitentiary.' He also told relatives that he was defending himself from Preston. Wallace claimed that it was Preston who had attacked him, bit him, and that she fell and hit her head while he was defending himself. Wallace's attorney argued that Preston died from injuries after she drunkenly tripped and fell into a glass table, shattering it. Friends had urged Preston (above) to leave Wallace, but she forgave him on several occasions even after he was jailed for battery 'Mr. Wallace is being accused of something that is not his fault,' Heather Moorhead told jurors. 'You will hear about a relationship that was full of arguing and yelling, but also a lot of love.' Moorhead said that neighbors heard a woman believed to be Preston angrily yell at Wallace in an alleyway behind the apartment complex. The attorney told the court that after Preston fell into the table, her older daughter removed glass out of her mother's body and helped clean her wounds. Moorhead claims that her client, Wallace, then moved Preston into a bathtub but that her head struck something else in the bathroom. Wallace could face up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. Lorri Galloway, a longtime friend of Preston who was also an Anaheim city council member, told The Orange County Register that Wallace regularly beat Preston during their three-year relationship. Galloway, who ran a home for abused women and children, said she and others begged Preston to leave Wallace. 'This is the story of a girl who had access to resources, but she thought she could handle it,' Galloway said. 'These men are experts at apologizing. The women think they can change them.' In 2008, Wallace was convicted of battery against a cohabitant. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, probation and was required to attend a batterers treatment program. Soon afterward, Preston got a restraining order against Wallace, but relatives said that on several occasions he managed to convince her to forgive him. Wallace was arrested at least two times for violating the restraining order. Nonetheless, Preston would visit him in jail. On July 29, 2011, Preston posted on Facebook a picture of her and Wallace kissing under the caption, 'Lovebirds for life.' At one point, when she was pregnant with Wallace's child, she visited him behind bars, where he told her that he had 'found Jesus.' 'He was going to live life as a man of faith,' Galloway said Preston told her. 'She believed it.' Preston told her mother and grandmother that she intended to marry Wallace. 'We begged her not to marry this guy,' her mother, Saidell Preston, told OCR. 'I told her I had a bad feeling about her marrying him,' her grandmother, Sallie Baker, said. In the summer of 2011, just months before her death, Wallace was released from jail. Preston allowed him to move into her apartment in Anaheim. On July 29, 2011, she posted on Facebook a picture of her and Wallace kissing under the caption, 'Lovebirds for life.' Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Arizona Silver Exploration, Inc. (OTCQB: AZASF) ("the Company"), a publicly traded company engaged in junior mining exploration primarily in the Western United States. CEO of the Company, Mike Stark, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly. Jolly began the interview by asking about the progress of the Company's current drill program. "We're at less than 10% of our total 21 claims that we're exploring at this time, and we've had significant hits. As a matter of fact, we're at about an 86% hit rate ranging from as little as 1 to 41 grams gold," shared Stark. "We're chasing a high-grade vein here," he added. "We've yet to see the limits here and we continue to explore outward." "That property is located in Arizona, correct?" asked Jolly. "Yes, we're surrounded by two operating mines right now," explained Stark. "It's a very prolific area in the northwest corner of Arizona, right at the bottom of the Walker Lane Trend." The conversation then turned to the Company's lease agreement with the Perry Patented Claim property. "It has been two years in the works, and it's significant for the company," said Stark. "Patented Claims are ultimately where a person wants to be; there are less restrictions," he explained. "You can drill as you feel and as you please," added Stark. "This has been mined historically with high grades," said Stark, noting that the ounce rate for the property is over one ounce per tonne gold. "To go into a vein system is going to be much easier to define where the targets are, simply because of the impressions at the surface on the Perry claim." "We're actually sampling that material right now and we will be drilling on the Perry claim, likely in March," shared Stark. "The Perry claim extends into our own claims, which is part of the 20 claims that we own," said Stark. "It runs about 4,500 feet, so the south section alone is an enormous amount of property. We have over 5 miles of this property ourselves," he explained, adding that the Company has 100% ownership of the property with no future payments and NO NSR's. "It's 100% owned by Arizona Silver Exploration shareholders now, this is a very flattering position to be in." Jolly then asked about the Company's recent private placement and what the funds will be used for moving forward. Stark shared that the Company closed the oversubscribed private placement for over $1.7 million, which was announced in December of last year. "I did not want to take more to dilute shareholder values at the current level," said Stark. "We are 30% owned by management, 42% owned by family and friends, this makes it an extremely tight structure and very fortunately, we've also attracted a fund manager to come in and they now own 4% of the company," said Stark. "These are long term shareholders, these are people that want to see this develop." "Is there any news on the Ramsey Silver project?" asked Jolly. "There is a lot going on behind the scenes right now. I'll definitely say there could be something here in the short term coming forward," said Stark. "All of our properties now are receiving a tremendous amount of interest," shared Stark. "I encourage people to visit the website and have a look at our timeframe that we've developed. Over the last two years, this has been a very active exploration company." To close the interview, Stark elaborated on the potential of the gold and silver industry, and encouraged listeners and shareholders to keep up-to-date on their current projects and announcements. www.arizonasilverexploration.com To hear Mike Stark's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7819348-arizona-silver-exploration-inc-discusses-progress-of-perry-patented-claim-property-with-the-sto Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ About Arizona Silver Exploration Inc.: Arizona Silver Exploration Co. is a publicly traded company engaged in junior mining exploration primarily in the Western United States. It is traded on the TSX-V under the symbol AZS and on the OTCQB in the United States under the symbol AZASF. On behalf of the Board of Directors: ARIZONA SILVER EXPLORATION INC. Mike Stark, President, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 833-4278 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. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. About The "Stock Day" Podcast Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. SOURCE: Stock Day Media (602) 821-1102 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76752 People should continue to adhere to public health guidance even after they receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, health officials have warned. And in a blow to the 90,000 people who received shielding letters last June, many of whom have barely left their homes ever since, the advice is that they should continue to follow enhanced restrictions even after they are fully inoculated. Health officials have said that people deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) should avoid going to retail settings or meeting people outside of their household as much as possible. It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US public health body, relaxed the rules for people who have been fully vaccinated. The updated guidance means that people who are fully vaccinated can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without having to wear a face covering. They can also meet inside with people who have not had a vaccine, except for those who are extremely vulnerable to the virus. In a particularly significant development, the new advice has removed the need for those who are fully vaccinated to isolate if they come into contact with someone who has Covid-19. The new guidance applies two weeks after a person receives their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and two weeks after a person receives a dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which is a single dose jab. The Department of Health was asked for clarification on the current position here. It said: "Even if you have received a vaccination, you must continue to observe social distancing guidelines and self-isolate if you come in contact with Covid-19. "The vaccine is effective in fighting the virus but does not fully eliminate your risk of infection or potential transmission. "CEV people remain extremely vulnerable to the virus, and at this point the advice remains to avoid attending shops, pharmacies, and social interactions unless absolutely necessary." Public health expert Professor Gabriel Scally, who is a member of the independent Sage organisation, described the updated guidance as "significant". "The CDC is the US national public health agency, so when they say that fully vaccinated people can meet together indoors in private settings, that's big news," he said. Prof Scally said the hope was that we will reach a similar position, but he said this had been delayed by the decision to administer one dose of the vaccine to as many people as possible while also delaying the rollout of the second dose to most people. "I do think the Department of Health is taking a cautious approach and they want to keep restrictions as tight as possible for as long as possible," he said. "I do agree with the vaccination policy that is in place in Northern Ireland, but it does mean that it will be some time before significant numbers of people have had two doses of the vaccine. Only a very small proportion of the population has had two doses so far. "However, we are seeing more and more evidence that the vaccines are effective, the figures are showing a fall in the number of over-80s who are being hospitalised. "But there hasn't been a marked decrease in other age groups, and I think that shows how long it takes for the vaccine to feed through into cases. Although as someone who has had their first dose, I am delighted by the evidence to date." According to latest figures, 641,121 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered locally. Of these, 596,527 were first doses and 44,594 second doses. Expand Close A near deserted Belfast city centre during latest restrictions / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A near deserted Belfast city centre during latest restrictions It is now at the stage where an increasing number of people will require their second dose of the vaccine but it is likely to be a number of months before the most vulnerable in society are fully vaccinated. Despite this, First Minister Arlene Foster has said that the continued success of the vaccination programme will lead to brighter days. Speaking during a visit to a vaccination centre, Mrs Foster said: "I am delighted to see at first-hand the truly lifesaving work of our vaccines programme, which is currently running every day of the week, right across Northern Ireland. "Later this month we will see the opening of the mass testing facilities at the SSE Arena, along with the inclusion of over 350 local pharmacies as part of a planned expansion. "This gives us all the much-needed confidence that brighter days are close at hand. "It is an opportune time to say a heartfelt thank-you to all of those involved in the programme, the organisers, vaccinators and volunteers for their dedicated service. "It is down to their hard work and expertise that this programme has significantly surpassed targets to protect our citizens." Ted Hui, centre, after he was arrested by police officers in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP) Former Hong Kong pro-democracy politician and activist Ted Hui Chi-fung said he had relocated to Australia where he would continue campaigning against the Chinese Communist Party. The 38-year-old fled Hong Kong for Europe in December while he was free on bail on protest-related charges. Mr Hui on Wednesday thanked the Australian government for intervening so that he was allowed to travel from London to Australia this week on a flight that was repatriating Australian citizens. Australia has limited the pandemic spread by denying permission for most people who are not Australian citizens or residents to enter the country. Honestly, its very hard to get here because of the border closure, Mr Hui told Australian Broadcasting Corp. I actually couldnt get any flights on the commercial market so I had to ask the Australian government for assistance and they were so kind for facilitating situations and they put me on the list and gave me the eligibility so that I could actually get on a repatriation flight with other Australians going home, Mr Hui added. Expand Close Ted Hui, centre, struggles with security personnel at the main chamber of the Legislative Council in 2020 (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ted Hui, centre, struggles with security personnel at the main chamber of the Legislative Council in 2020 (AP) Mr Hui arrived in the northern Australian city of Darwin on a 12-month tourist visa on Tuesday and would remain in quarantine for two weeks, The Australian newspaper reported. Immigration Minister Alex Hawkes office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Hui was the only Hong Kong activist to be granted an exemption to enter Australia since the pandemic began, ABC reported. Mr Hui said on social media that applying for asylum in Australia would be my last option. Chinas Embassy in Australia accused the Australian government of meddling in Hong Kongs internal affairs by allowing Mr Hui into the country. The Chinese side urges the Australian side to stop meddling in Hong Kongs affairs and Chinas internal affairs in any way, an embassy statement said. Otherwise the China-Australia relations will only sustain further damage. Chinese-Australian relations have plumbed new depths since Australia called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Hong Kong-based Australian lawyer Antony Dapiran said Mr Huis move to Australia would be welcomed by Hong Kong dissidents. Mr Dapiran, who is not representing Mr Hui, said the activist was facing several charges in Hong Kong and was being investigated under the sweeping national security law that Beijing had imposed on the semi-autonomous territory in response to massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy rallies in 2019. Scores of democracy advocates have been arrested for allegedly violating the law, which critics say erodes the rights and freedoms promised to Hong Kong under the one country, two systems framework following the handover from British colonial rule in 1997. So from Beijings point of view, he is a fugitive from the law as they would see it and they would see Australia as not only interfering in the internal affairs of China and Hong Kong but also of harbouring a fugitive from the law, Mr Dapiran said. Hui did not immediately return a call from media. (Getty Images) Jimmy Carter has criticised the passage of sweeping voting restrictions in Georgia, where Republicans have sought to strip access to mail-in voting, eliminate automatic voter registration and cut early voting periods, among other drastic rollbacks to voting rights after 2020 elections saw Democratic victories. The former US president from Georgia said the measures are an attempt to turn back the clock on voting access. I am disheartened, saddened and angry, he said in a statement from his Carter Center, which has observed elections in 39 countries as part of its efforts to promote democracy abroad. It launched its first US election initiative in 2020, citing an erosion of democracy in the country. Georgia is not the only state mulling restrictive changes to election laws and ballot access Republicans in 43 states introduced more than 250 bills targeting voting rights. Voting rights advocates and civil rights groups argue that Donald Trumps persistent lie that the election was stolen from him, and his legal teams spurious and failed attempts to overturn millions of Americans votes, has emboldened Republican state lawmakers across the US to do what Mr Trump and his attorneys could not. Mr Carter said the proposals in Georgia are largely reactions to allegations of fraud for which no evidence was produced allegations that were, in fact, refuted through various audits, recounts, and other measures. The proposed changes appear to be rooted in partisan interests, not in the interests of all Georgia voters, he said. He also said he is disappointed that proponents of voting restrictions repeatedly and selectively referenced a 2005 report about mail-in voting. While our report noted a few good and bad examples of vote-by-mail practices, its main recommendation was that further study of voting by mail was needed, he said. In the 16 years since the reports release, vote-by-mail practices have progressed significantly as new technologies have been developed. In light of these advances, I believe that voting by mail can be conducted in a manner that ensures election integrity. This is just one of several ways to expand access to the voting process for voters across the state, regardless of political affiliation. Story continues On Monday, Georgia legislators in the state Senate passed a measure that repeals so-called no excuse absentee voting, used by more than 1.3 million voters in 2020 elections, including more than 450,000 Republicans. Last week, Georgia House lawmakers also passed a sweeping bill that would cut mail-in voting and early voting access, strip elections oversight from the states Secretary of State, and limit voting access that would disproportionately target Black voters. As Republican-controlled legislatures consider rolling back voter access, the US House of Representatives passed HR 1, or the For The People Act, which could undercut a significant number of Republican-backed efforts at the state level. If adopted into law, HR 1 would constitute the single-largest piece of election protection legislation since the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act. The measure aims to standardise voting access at the federal level, eliminate long-standing barriers to voting and allow candidates with smaller platforms to wield more political power, by mandating automatic voter registration, allowing at least 15 consecutive days of early voting for federal elections, and providing mail-in voting and drop boxes for absentee ballots. It would also make it more difficult to purge voters from voter rolls and would restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people. On Sunday, the president signed an executive order that directs federal agencies to promote voter registration initiatives and assist with state-level efforts under the National Voter Registration Act. Read More Textbook voter suppression: How Trumps stolen election lies are shaping the future of democracy House Democrats pass major voting rights bill [March 10, 2021] Fuze Announces New Compliance Integrations to Enhance Communications Data Fuze, the leading cloud-based communications provider for the modern global enterprise, today announced a series of integrations to meet enterprise compliance requirements and ensure the protection of sensitive organizational data. The integrations with Theta Lake, a provider of modern collaboration security and compliance solutions, and 17a-4 LLC's DataParser, a leading middleware solution that brings third-party data into any archive, automate the management and regulation of communications data. Additionally, Fuze has updated the Fuze for Microsoft (News - Alert) Teams and Fuze for Slack integrations to adhere to the current security and compliance guidelines of these applications. The increasingly distributed global workforce communicates across an expanding variety of mediums, putting businesses at greater risk of sharing critical information that may compromise data security or lead to a compliance violation. As a trusted partner for some of the world's major global enterprises, Fuze offers integrations with leading compliance solution vendors to streamline the compliance management process for enterprises, while helping IT, security, legal, call center supervisors, and people managers maintain data security. "With the rapid and permanent expansion of remote work, bsiness leaders must scale compliance operations across a growing list of communications channels, while also handling drastically increasing usage," said Rear Admiral Dan MacDonnell, (US Navy Retired) senior security advisor at Fuze. "As enterprises emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and embrace a hybrid model of in-person and remote work, Fuze's integrations with leading compliance solution vendors enable organizations to remain vigilant and uphold data security." The new integrations with Theta Lake, DataParser, Microsoft Teams, and Slack include the following features: Theta Lake : Call recordings and chat messages can be pulled directly from the Fuze platform into a SOC 2, Type II, WORM compliant archive for long-term retention. Theta Lake uses natural language processing and machine learning to automate the detection of compliance, acceptable use, data leakage, and company-specific risks within call recordings and chat messages. An AI-assisted workflow and proactive alerting enables more efficient and effective review of potential risks. Additional features include playback controls and highly accurate transcripts, PII redaction, legal-hold, and extensive search capabilities across filters and keywords for eDiscovery. : Call recordings and chat messages can be pulled directly from the Fuze platform into a SOC 2, Type II, WORM compliant archive for long-term retention. Theta Lake uses natural language processing and machine learning to automate the detection of compliance, acceptable use, data leakage, and company-specific risks within call recordings and chat messages. An AI-assisted workflow and proactive alerting enables more efficient and effective review of potential risks. Additional features include playback controls and highly accurate transcripts, PII redaction, legal-hold, and extensive search capabilities across filters and keywords for eDiscovery. DataParser : Middleware to collect Fuze chat messages and shared files into any compliance archive for retention, supervision, and eDiscovery. Chats are threaded into conversations for easy review by Compliance officers. : Middleware to collect Fuze chat messages and shared files into any compliance archive for retention, supervision, and eDiscovery. Chats are threaded into conversations for easy review by Compliance officers. Fuze for Microsoft Teams: For customers utilizing Fuze for Teams for click-to-call and click-to-meet, all Fuze interactions are compatible with Microsoft's auditing and eDiscovery tools and require zero effort from customers to enable. For customers utilizing Fuze for Teams for click-to-call and click-to-meet, all Fuze interactions are compatible with Microsoft's auditing and eDiscovery tools and require zero effort from customers to enable. Fuze for Slack: Fuze's click-to-call and click-to-meet Slack integration conforms to Slack's Enterprise Grid architecture and can be deployed across an enterprise grid organization. This helps IT administrators to streamline data management and ensure compliance when deploying Slack throughout a company. "We are excited to partner with Fuze to help global enterprises streamline compliance, security, and risk management for Fuze calling and chat communications," said Anthony Cresci, VP of Business Development and Operations at Theta Lake. "Business leaders and employees rely on Fuze to remain productive. Theta Lake's natively integrated compliance and security suite enables organizations to maintain safe, secure, and compliant communications along with extracting additional insights and value from recorded voice and chat communications." "Collaborative content is inherently difficult to capture for archival and eDiscovery collections," said Charles Weeden, Managing Partner at 17a-4. "We ensure that the DataParser accurately captures Fuze interactions for both a client's compliance and legal teams." Learn more about Fuze's latest compliance integrations here. About Fuze Fuze is a global cloud communications provider for the enterprise. Our intuitive unified communications and contact center platform enables seamless transition between calling, meeting, chatting, and sharing powered by the industry-leading intelligent cloud architecture. Fuze empowers the digital and distributed workforce to communicate anywhere, anytime, and across any device. Founded in 2006, Fuze is headquartered in Boston, MA with offices around the world. For more information, visit fuze.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005522/en/ [ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ] Red Sox broadcaster Dennis Eckersley battled COVID-19 in January, he revealed to Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe. The Hall of Famer said he experienced mild symptoms that lingered for a while after being exposed on Jan. 4 while visiting the west coast. I had a feeling, Eckersley told Shaughnessy. I had been around somebody that had it and he called me and said he and his wife had it. I said, Really? Two days later, I felt something. I went in, got tested, I had it. I had like a mild fever for 10 days and thats all I had, he said. It was annoying, but I couldnt be annoyed because I didnt have it that bad. It wasnt pretty, Eckersley continued. I never felt right for a month. But I feel lucky. It can happen to anyone.' Eckersley, 66, got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week and will be back in the booth for NESN calling games once the regular season begins on April 1. He told Shaughnessy that he expects to call 75-80 games this season, so it appears the three-man booth of Dave OBrien, Jerry Remy and Eckersley wont be together for the majority of this year like they were during the shortened 2020 season. NESN still hasnt decided if its announcers will call home games from Fenway Park after having them work out of a Watertown studio last summer. Eckersley predicts that theyll do home games from the ballpark and road games from the studio in 2021. Its not a stretch to go to the ballpark for the home games, he said. Youd think if they have fans at Fenway that wed be in the booth. But I dont know. Related links: NESNs Boston Red Sox announcers Jerry Remy, Dennis Eckersley adjusting on the fly to calling games from Watertown studio | Chris Cotillo (MLB Notebook) Boston Red Soxs Hirokazu Sawamura honored to wear Koji Ueharas No. 19, throws live BP in front of former closer at JetBlue Park Boston Red Sox might not have Ryan Brasier, Franchy Cordero for Opening Day; Xander Bogaerts still progressing back from shoulder issue Boston Red Sox roster cuts: Thaddeus Ward, trade acquisitions Josh Winckowski, Frank German among 12 players reassigned to minors Jackie Bradley Jr., Boston Red Sox had talks about reunion before outfielder bet on himself with Brewers: I just wanted to trust myself This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. The world's first international online training session utilizing advanced 3D sinus models and a telemedicine system has taken place, highlighting a new mode of medical training in the Covid-19 era. Instructed by world-class surgeons at the University of Adelaide in Australia, three surgeons at Hokkaido University in Japan performed simulated endoscopic sinus surgeries in the training program utilizing a telemedicine system. The two-day training session, held on 11th and 12th February, was simultaneously broadcasted worldwide to more than two hundred registrants from eleven countries and regions. "This real-time online training is extremely valuable, as travel to attend on-site training is restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic," says Assistant Professor Masanobu Suzuki at Hokkaido University's Graduate School of Medicine, who coordinated the program. The university's team was led by Professor Akihiro Homma and Associate Professor Yuji Nakamaru of the same department. Endoscopic sinus surgery is a standard procedure to remove blockages and open pathways in people's sinuses. But without an accurate understanding of human anatomy or mastery of the relevant procedures, it can cause serious complications in the brain and eyes. The training program involved simulated operations performed on 3D sinus models with varying difficulties. Using a telemedicine system, Professor Peter-John Wormald and Professor Alkis Psaltis, both world-class surgeons at the University of Adelaide, viewed real-time endoscopic images of the surgeries at a distance of 8,000 kilometers; they provided instructions to the three surgeons, while other specialists around the world watched online. After 15 hours of highly detailed training in advanced surgical procedures, the three surgeons are now able to perform challenging frontal sinus surgeries with high precision. The 3D models were made with advanced additive manufacturing technology using patients' CT sinus scan data by the team at the University of Adelaide, in collaboration with Adelaide-based company Fusetec. Professor Alkis Psaltis of the University of Adelaide explained, "The high-class materials used in the production give an almost human tissue feel." Unlike conventional sinus models made with hard plaster, the 3D models are made with multiple materials to reproduce the exact shape of the sinus and the tissue feel of human bodies as closely as possible. This enables simulated surgeries to be performed in a way that is very similar to actual operations. "Some online observers had forgotten that they were models while watching the course," according to Assistant Professor Masanobu Suzuki. The remote training employed the Quintree telemedicine system developed by Quintree Medical, which was founded by otolaryngologists in Michigan, USA; one of the co-founders, Oakland University's Professor Adam Folbe also supported the training program. With the system, many surgeons can simultaneously participate in a single training session, and instructors can guide each surgeon while checking endoscopic images on a single screen. The online training system requires only 3D models, surgical instruments, PCs, and an Internet connection. The main panel of this graphic is an artist's illustration of a close-up view of a quasar and its jet, like the one in PJ352-52. The inset contains X-ray data from Chandra of PJ352-15 (purple) that has been combined with optical and infrared data from the GeminiNorth telescope and the Keck-I telescope respectively. This result may help explain how the biggest black holes formed at a very early time in the Universe's history. CREDIT X-ray: NASA/CXO/JPL/T. Connor; Optical: Gemini/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA; Infrared: W.M. Keck Observatory; Illustration: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss Astronomers have discovered evidence for an extraordinarily long jet of particles coming from a supermassive black hole in the early universe, using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. If confirmed, it would be the most distant supermassive black hole with a jet detected in X-rays. Coming from a galaxy about 12.7 billion light-years from Earth, the jet may help explain how the biggest black holes formed at a very early time in the universe's history. The source of the jet is a quasar - a rapidly growing supermassive black hole - named PSO J352.4034-15.3373 (PJ352-15 for short), which sits at the center of a young galaxy. It is one of the two most powerful quasars detected in radio waves in the first billion years after the big bang, and is about a billion times more massive than the Sun. How were supermassive black holes able to grow so quickly to reach such an enormous mass in this early epoch of the universe? This is one of the key questions in astronomy today. Despite their powerful gravity and fearsome reputation, black holes do not inevitably pull in everything that approaches close to them. Material orbiting around a black hole in a disk needs to lose speed and energy before it can fall farther inwards to cross the so-called event horizon, the point of no return. Magnetic fields can cause a braking effect on the disk as they power a jet, which is one key way for material in the disk to lose energy and, therefore, enhance the rate of growth of black holes. "If a playground merry-go-round is moving too fast, it's hard for a child to move towards the center, so someone or something needs to slow the ride down," said Thomas Connor of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, who led the study. "Around supermassive black holes, we think jets can take enough energy away so material can fall inward and the black hole can grow." Astronomers needed to observe PJ352-15 for a total of three days using the sharp vision of Chandra to detect evidence for the X-ray jet. X-ray emission was detected about 160,000 light-years away from the quasar along the same direction as much shorter jets previously seen in radio waves by the Very Long Baseline Array. By comparison, the entire Milky Way spans about 100,000 light-years. PJ352-15 breaks a couple of different astronomical records. First, the longest jet previously observed from the first billion years after the big bang was only about 5,000 light-years in length, corresponding to the radio observations of PJ352-15. Second, PJ352-15 is about 300 million light-years farther away than the most distant X-ray jet recorded before it.. "The length of this jet is significant because it means that the supermassive black hole powering it has been growing for a considerable period of time," said co-author Eduardo Banados of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany. "This result underscores how X-ray studies of distant quasars provide a critical way to study the growth of the most distant supermassive black holes." The light detected from this jet was emitted when the universe was only 0.98 billion years old, less than a tenth of its present age. At this point, the intensity of the cosmic microwave background radiation left over from the big bang was much greater than it is today. As the electrons in the jet fly away from the black hole at close to the speed of light, they move through and collide with photons making up the cosmic microwave background radiation, boosting the energy of the photons up into the X-ray range to be detected by Chandra. In this scenario, the X-rays are significantly boosted in brightness compared to radio waves. This agrees with the observation that the large X-ray jet feature has no associated radio emission. "Our result shows that X-ray observations can be one of the best ways to study quasars with jets in the early Universe," said co-author Daniel Stern, also of JPL. "Or to put it another way, X-ray observations in the future may be the key to unlocking the secrets of our cosmic past." ### A paper describing these results has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. The other co-authors of the paper are Chris Carilli (NRAO, Socorro, New Mexico); Andrew Fabian (University of Cambridge, UK); Emmanuel Momjian (NRAO); Sofia Rojas-Ruiz (MPIA); Roberto Decarli (INAF, Bologna, Italy); Emanuele Paolo Farina (Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching, Germany); Chiara Mazzucchelli (ESO, Chile); Hannah P. Earnshaw (Caltech, Pasadena, California). NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra X-ray Center controls science from Cambridge Massachusetts and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Reuters Pakistan would get a total of 16 million free doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, being manufactured in India, through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) for inoculating 45 million people, officials told Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) Delhi Wants To Host Olympics In 2048, But This Is What It Will Take To Do So AP On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal surprised many when he said that the national capital will bid to get an opportunity to host the Olympics in 2048. Read more 2) Gold Prices Down Rs 11,500 From Record Highs: Why The Steep Fall And Should One Invest Now? BCCL Gold prices are finally falling after a year of being on the rise. And, people in the worlds biggest market for gold, India, are taking advantage of the opportunity. Read more 3) 'Farmers Will Continue Protests At Delhi Borders Till Current Govt Lasts': All You Need To Know AP Farmers are ready to stay put on Delhi borders to protest against three agricultural laws for the remaining three and half years of the PM Narendra Modi government's second term and the stir cannot be "culled" any which way the Centre tries. Read more 4) Will India Have A COVID-19 Vaccine Passport & How Will It Help You Travel Without Quarantining Representational Image More than 2.43 crore (2,43,67,906) COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered through 3,39,145 sessions across the States and Union Territories so far, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHWF) informed on Wednesday. Read more 5) 'Silent Killer': Meet INS Karanj, Indian Navy's New 'Made In India' Scorpene-Class Submarine INS Karanj Scorpene-class submarine INS Karanj was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Admiral (Retired) VS Shekhawat were present at the ceremony. Read more This site uses cookies to ensure the best experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Our cookie policy. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close One day before he was found dead inside Stony Mountain penitentiary, Dwayne Simard told his lawyer he was suffering from opiate withdrawal and thought he was dying. One day before he was found dead inside Stony Mountain penitentiary, Dwayne Simard told his lawyer he was suffering from opiate withdrawal and thought he was dying. Now, lawyer Ethan Pollock wants to know if Simards pleas for help were answered; he's calling on justice officials to provide disclosure showing whether Simard received the medical treatment he needed. "There has to be some sort of paper trail linked to Mr. Simard from the time he came into custody to the time he (died)," Pollock said during a March 3 court hearing at which the Crown formally stayed a number of charges against Simard, two days after his death. SUPPLIED Dwayne Louis Simard is one of two Sagkeeng First Nation men to die in custody in less than a month. "I want to look into what happened here, and I think his community deserves to know that as well," Pollock told provincial court Judge Cindy Sholdice. "This was, in my estimation, an avoidable death, and its very sad. (Simard) had struggles, but he was a person." Simard, 37, was arrested Feb. 27 with two other men following an hours-long standoff at a home on McGee Street in Winnipeg. Simard had been convicted of aggravated assault and was sentenced in November 2017 to 32 months in prison. He was released in September 2019 but breached his parole two weeks later and at the time of his arrest, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant. Pollock said Simard was being held in a cell at the Winnipeg Police Services central processing unit when he talked to Simard by phone to discuss a possible bail plan the morning after his arrest. "Near the end of our conversation, Dwayne told me he was going through some sort of opiate withdrawal, and said he felt as though he was dying," Pollock told court. "He told me that he needed to see a doctor." Pollock said he called the central processing unit and told an officer who answered the phone that Simard should be taken to hospital immediately. "I was advised that a paramedic would be attending. I dont know if Mr. Simard was seen by a paramedic, I dont know if Mr. Simard was taken to hospital, I dont know if Mr. Simard was seen by a nurse. Im very concerned that the needs of my client werent met." Lawyer Ethan Pollock in court "I was advised that a paramedic would be attending," Pollock told court. "I dont know if Mr. Simard was seen by a paramedic, I dont know if Mr. Simard was taken to hospital, I dont know if Mr. Simard was seen by a nurse. Im very concerned that the needs of my client werent met. "He was in custody, and he wasnt doing well and he died," Pollock said. "He has a family, he has young children and they deserve answers. Everyone deserves answers." Asked to confirm whether city police had responded to a medical complaint from Simard, spokesperson Const. Jay Murray declined to comment and referred a reporter to the RCMP, which is investigating Simards death. RCMP spokeswoman Tara Seel said only that an investigation into Simards death is "ongoing" and that investigators are waiting for reports from the medical examiners office. People who are taken in to police custody are often themselves members of vulnerable populations, including those who suffer from addictions, said lawyer Chris Gamby, communication director for the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba. "They may be a perpetrator, but they may also be a victim of something else," said Gamby, not commenting on the specifics of Simards case. "So when they come in, that should be the attitude (police) take." "Theyre not necessarily going to go and see somebody about whatever their issue is. They see someone when they get picked up by police. Its just something that goes completely unaddressed." Lawyer Chris Gamby For many people with addictions who run afoul of the law, the only time they will participate in treatment is when they come into contact with police and corrections, Gamby said. "Theyre not necessarily going to go and see somebody about whatever their issue is," he said. "They see someone when they get picked up by police. Its just something that goes completely unaddressed." Simard is one of two Sagkeeng First Nation men to die in custody in less than a month. The Southern Chiefs Organization has called for a public inquiry. "Weve tried to have confidence that our citizens will be looked after within these institutions, and in this instance, it leaves us having a lot of questions about what were the circumstances surrounding the death of our citizens," SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels told the Free Press last week. William Ahmo, 45, died in hospital on Feb. 14, days after suffering severe injuries in an incident at Headingley Correctional Centre. Ahmo's death is also being investigated by RCMP. dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A public rental housing development is under construction in Beijing on Sept. 22. Photo: VCG Chinese leaders have dwelt on the countrys housing crisis during the ongoing Two Sessions annual political meetings in Beijing. In recent years, many Chinese cities have suffered from high home prices, unaffordable rents, social housing shortages, unscrupulous property agents and monopolistic real estate practices. The problems are particularly acute for young people. A 2018 survey of more than 2,000 Chinese people aged between 18 and 35 found (link in Chinese) that four-fifths thought making rent was a great financial burden. In his annual government work report last week, Premier Li Keqiang stressed that China must properly safeguard the masses demand for housing, reiterating that homes are for living in, not for speculating on. He said the country must stabilize house prices, increase the land supply, bring down high rents, and do everything possible to ease the difficulties for urban residents and young people. A number of policy suggestions submitted to the government by Two Sessions participants address these concerns. Take a look at our previous digests to see how the suggestions system works or to read suggestions on business and finance, social policy and the environment. Ease youngsters pain Wang Feng, the Communist Youth Leagues head of protecting the rights and interests of young people, submitted a recommendation that China address the pain points of young renters, including so-called rental loans and the practice of real estate agents collecting rent from tenants on a long-term basis and paying it to landlords in short-term installments. The recommendation may be a covert reference to online rental platform Danke Apartment, whose debt-laden business model collapsed last year, leaving property owners out of pocket. Boost the housing supply Chen Jinshi, an NPC deputy and the chairman of the board of architectural services conglomerate Zhongnan Holding Group Co. Ltd. , proposed that China allow large cities to establish links with surrounding county-level cities and semirural areas to increase the housing supply and reduce pressure on urban areas. The country should also resolve the contradiction between supply and demand while promoting the development of small, peripheral cities, he urged. Rights for renters China should strengthen the concentrated management of real estate loans, speed up reform of the property tax system and greatly expand the social housing supply, according to a proposal by the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, one of the countrys eight recognized minor political parties. The country should also grant renters the same rights to public services as buyers, tilt the land supply further toward rental developments and improve the housing provident system, the party said. The suggestions are designed to both ease housing problems in large cities and bring the property market in line with the Communist Partys much-touted dual circulation strategy, which aims to increase the share of domestic consumption in Chinas economy. Abolish presales China should abolish the presale system for commercial housing and sell such properties at prices determined by how much space they occupy within a development, according to a recommendation by Zhou Shihong, a deputy of the Lawyers Association of East Chinas Anhui province. The move would ensure that developers do not use presales to pass on operational costs and risks to homebuyers, while also combating fund misappropriation in the property market, Zhou said. Limit provident funds Qiu Guanghe, an NPC deputy and founder of Zhejiang Semir Garment Co. Ltd. (SZ:002563), proposed that China set a time limit on claiming housing provident funds, lump-sum payments from employers to workers on leaving their place of employment. Chinese law currently permits people to claim provident funds at any time, a situation that can aggravate the plight of small and midsized businesses, Qiu argued, without being specific. Get a new regulator China should set up an agency to regulate the housing market and curb monopolistic practices, according to a recommendation by Mo Tianquan, the head of Fang Holdings Ltd., which owns one of the countrys biggest real estate internet portals. The agency would aim to foster healthy competition in order to dilute Chinas heavily concentrated markets for new and second-hand homes, a key driver of price distortions in the countrys real estate sector, Mo said. Long-term rentals China should further promote the development of the long-term rental market, according to a proposal by Yao Jinbo, the CEO of 58.com, a Chinese classified advertising website. Boosting long-term rentals will help to bring order to a chaotic market, fix structural imbalances in the housing stock of top-tier cities and address disparities in the right of renters and buyers to use public services. Contact reporter Matthew Walsh (matthewwalsh@caixin.com) and editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com) Read more about Caixins coverage on the Two Sessions 2021. Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database. What is joy? Some people may confuse the definition of happiness and joyfulness. According to Google, happiness defines as the state of being happy and being happy is feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. The definition of joyfulness is a state of being extremely happy. So, is the difference between happiness and joyfulness just comparison like how happy we are? Yes, but it is more than that. Good comment When I researched about happiness and joyfulness in Google, I found this interesting quote: Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience but are very different. Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events. (Better You, Psychologies) I agree with these statements. When we are happy, it is likely to be something positive, and, when we are unhappy, something negative happened to us. For example, I am happy that I can travel to Waiheke Island now, but I am unhappy that I cannot visit my family and friends overseas. Joy creates happiness, and it comes from a source. Therefore, it must be something positive within us. For instance, travelling to Waiheke Island creates joy within me because I go to the church there that I can minister to. Happiness versus joyfulness Since joy comes from within, God wants us to pursue Him so that we could find satisfaction in Him. According to the Cambridge English dictionary, the word satisfaction means the condition of having a desire or need fulfilled. All of us have a desire to be happy, right? Therefore, in other words, satisfaction means having contentment in happiness. If God desires us to be content in happiness through pursuing Him, why does He allow bad things to happen like COVID-19 epidemic? In the Scriptures, God never says that He desires us to be happy, unfortunately. However, through Psalmist, He did say, May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name! (Psalm chapter 97, verse 12) Since God is eternal, He wants to remove everything that is not of Him and desires us to find everlasting satisfaction in Him. In other words, God delights us to have eternal happiness in Him, instead of just being happy in the temporary world. Although He does not want us to be miserable, God allows bad things like COVID to happen if they are tools to make us grow spiritually. He desires all of us to be dependable to Him. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James chapter 1, verses 2-4) My experiences of COVID-19 world When COVID lockdowns came, it was tough for me. As a people-person, I found joy in meeting with people face to face because of my contribution to them like encouragement. When I could travel to Waiheke Island Baptist Church again, I was glad. In fact, I am so delighted to have my role as a testimony speaker there that I now find more joy in sharing testimonies rather than in my writing. Therefore, I strongly think being a pastor who publishes sermons online is part of Gods plan for me. Since I have no knowledge to predict His plan because His thoughts and ways are way higher than mine, I shall see how God will work within me in the future (Isaiah chapter 55, verse 8-12). Other than predicting God's plan for our lives and that New Zealand is out of the lockdown, what if God made the world to be still to let us have more intimate time with Him so that we could have everlasting joy and satisfaction in Him? Digital Crossroad DX-1 Data Center in Hammond Indiana Comcast Business has connected its high-speed Ethernet fiber network to Digital Crossroad, a recently commissioned data center campus in the Chicagoland market. Comcasts advanced network supports Digital Crossroads high-capacity infrastructure, which is engineered to accommodate enterprise and hyperscale customers. The Comcast Business fiber network provides hundreds of businesses in the region the opportunity to colocate their data in an innovative data center and access fast, high-bandwidth connections to their most important assets. Comcast Business 100Gbps circuit capacity allows data sharing to bypass multiple stops and connect point-to-point with the Digital Crossroad data center. Comcast has solidified their partnership with Digital Crossroad by defining their presence in the companys Meet-Me-Room (MMR). Comcasts investment will enable 40 additional 100GB circuits on top of the ten 100GB circuits already in place. Our mandate at Digital Crossroad is to provide the fastest, most reliable and efficient data center infrastructure for enterprise, cloud and colocation clients, said Thomas P. Dakich, Managing Member of Digital Crossroad. Comcast Business not only provides a high-performance connectivity option but helps ensure our infrastructure is scalable and reliable. Now, more than ever, customers are looking to data centers to run their digital operations in scalable, secure and sustainable facilities that have ample connectivity options and diverse pathways to key interconnection partners. Data centers like Digital Crossroad are playing an increasingly critical role in corporate IT strategies, whether serving as an off-site back-up location or as a host for a variety of business applications, said Jeff Cobb, Regional Vice President of Comcast Business. Comcast is proud to invest in Digital Crossroads transformative critical infrastructure, which provides our Ethernet customers in Northwest Indiana and around the U.S. with more options for colocation services. The reliability, flexibility and scalability of Comcasts Ethernet gives Digital Crossroads clients optimal connectivity to meet their business continuity needs. Ethernet is the technology used for interconnecting individual users, servers and most networking devices on local area networks. It can help businesses connect multiple locations to data centers more cost effectively. Comcast Business Ethernet simplifies and more efficiently enables businesses to scale their application and storage requirements in line with changing business conditions. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nations largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @Comcast Business and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. With around 6,000 local employees, Comcasts Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in Illinois, including the Chicago area, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Like Comcasts Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. Follow Comcasts Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois. About Digital Crossroad Digital Crossroad is a wholesale colocation company comprised of proven industry veterans who are committed to delivering sustainable data center solutions that reduce environmental and economic cost. For more information, please visit https://digitalcrossroad.com. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is to visit Estonia and Norway for talks on the regional security threat posed by Russia and climate change. The two-day visit comes as the Government prepares to announce the outcome of its wide-ranging review into foreign and defence policy on March 16. The integrated review covering foreign, defence, security and development policy has been billed as the most significant overhaul of the UKs strategic posture since the Cold War. The Foreign Secretarys visit also comes in the run up to the United Nations Cop26 summit, which will be hosted in Glasgow in November. The security threat posed by Russia is felt most keenly by its neighbours Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary Mr Raab will visit Tallinn on Wednesday to attend talks with the Baltic states, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The countries are due to discuss regional security and the recovery from Covid-19, while the Foreign Secretary will sign an agreement with Estonia to reaffirm the defence partnership and cement the UK-Estonia relationship. Mr Raab will then travel to Oslo on Thursday for talks with foreign ministers of the five Nordic nations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to discuss climate change and international security. While in Norway he will sign a memorandum of understanding with the country to drive forward future science and research cooperation on the polar regions. Ahead of the visit, Mr Raab said: The security threat posed by Russia is felt most keenly by its neighbours. The UK is committed to standing with our close friends in the Nordic and Baltic regions, both militarily as well as in tackling Russias disinformation and destabilising regional activity. In the face of challenges such as climate change and protecting the polar regions, the need for like-minded nations to come together has never been more important. Lindsey is the North Augusta reporter at the Aiken Standard and North Augusta Star. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2017, and grew up in Hodges, SC. Tanzania's President John Magufuli is being treated in hospital in Kenya and is in a critical condition, opposition leader Tundu Lissu has told the BBC, citing well-placed sources. He has had coronavirus and a cardiac arrest, Mr Lissu said. Mr Magufuli, who has not been seen in public for 11 days, has faced criticism for his handling of Covid-19. The East African nation has not published its coronavirus cases since May and refuses to buy vaccines. The 61-year-old president has called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus. Earlier this month, at a funeral for a top presidential aide, Mr Magufuli said Tanzania had defeated Covid-19 last year and would win again this year. The aide died hours after the vice-president of the country's semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar, who was being treated for Covid-19. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video - Manganese-based steel alloys see substantial uptake in automobile industry in Asia Pacific, the region to contribute sizable revenues to global market - Stringent mining regulations continue to hurt the profit margins of producers of manganese alloys, competitive dynamics increasingly fragmented and intensely competitive ALBANY, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Manganese alloys are gaining preference to metal-based alloys in numerous applications. In particular, ferromanganese finds widespread and steady demand in the steel industry, where it is used to carbon steel. The use of manganese imparts various desired characteristics to the final steel products such as combination of stiffness, hardness, toughness, hardenability, and wear resistance. Further, the use of various grades of ferromanganese aids in fabrication of steel products in the way they are forged and rolled before final shape is given. Manganese is also used as desulfurizer and an alloying agent to develop lower carbon content steels. Manganese when alloys with nickel imparts good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Transparency_Market_Research_Logo Request for Covid-19 Impact Analysis on Manganese Alloys Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Covid19.php Growing volumes of manganese ore mining to meet the demand for steel industry is a key driver and accelerant for the expanding valuation of the manganese alloys market over the years. During the forecast period of 2019 2027, the global valuation is predicted to rise at 5.9% CAGR. Key Findings of Manganese Alloys Market Study Proliferating Use in Numerous Industries Drive Prospects The growing demand for manganese alloys in various end-use industrial applications is key to expanding revenue streams in the manganese alloys market. Grades of alloys are used in ships and boats construction, where the use of manganese imparts high tensile strength and hardenability. The use of manganese as alloys considerably improved the machinability of end-use applications of the steel industry. The unique combination of properties that manganese alloys results in lightweight automobile structures. The growing use of ferromanganese alloys in the steel industry has been driven by the rapid strides in steel manufacturing in some of the rapidly emerging economies of the world. Story continues Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php Automotive Industry Exhibits Vast Uptake Expanding capacity of vehicle production around the world has also spurred the demand for manganese alloys in making of steel used in automobile manufacturing. Growth in both commercial and passenger vehicles productions has propelled the demand in the manganese alloys market. Rising sales of cars over the past decades have boosted the revenue generation for players in the market. A remarkable growth avenue has come from uptake in automobile manufacturing for meeting the demand among consumers in Asia Pacific. The region has been a hotbed of opportunities for manganese miners. Stringent Regulations on Mining Hampering Growth Prospects Growing concern of environmental impact of manganese mining in various parts of the world has dampened the investments on its mining. Additionally, producers of manganese alloys suffer from the high cost miners expend in meeting these norms. This eventually affects the profit margins of alloy producers. On the other hand, a thriving demand for shipbuilding has been imparting momentum to the relatively modest growth of the manganese alloys production. View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/63102 Manganese Alloys Market: Key Driving Factors Rise in demand for construction industry in emerging and developed economies spurring the utilization of manganese alloys Rapid pace of urbanization in the developing geographies of the world spurs the industrial application of manganese alloys Striking pace of industrialization in Asia Pacific to spur growth prospects Manganese Alloys Market: Key Industry Participants Some of the key companies engaged in production of different types of ferroalloys and prominent steel companies in the manganese alloys market are: Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant Mortex Group Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn. Bhd. Sakura Ferroalloys SDN BHD Jindal Stainless Ltd. ArcelorMittal Ferroglobe South32 ERAMET Purchase Premium Research Report on Manganese Alloys Market @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Energy & Natural Resources Industry, Aircraft Cooling Systems Market - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/aircraft-cooling-systems-market.html Magnetic Anomaly Detection System Market - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/magnetic-anomaly-detection-system-market.html Explore More Upcoming Reports: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/manganese-alloys-market.htm Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/growing-appetite-for-automotive-production-to-spur-sales-in-manganese-alloys-market-valuation-to-expand-at-5-9-cagr-during-2019--2027-tmr-301244487.html SOURCE Transparency Market Research Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Presidente @FSagasti: Seguiremos cooperando para asegurar que el sector privado, sociedad civil, instituciones academicas y las organizaciones del Estado, trabajemos juntos para enfrentar la pandemia y salvaguardar la salud de todos los peruanos y peruanas. pic.twitter.com/SvLHWtCTiy Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) -Killi Ltd. (TSXV: MYID) (OTCQB: MYIDF) (the "Company" or "Killi") is pleased to announce the closing of its oversubscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 35,274,092 units of the Company (each, a "Unit" and collectively, the "Units") at $0.13 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,585,632. In connection with the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 35,274,092 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") and 35,274,092 common share purchase warrants. No commissions or fees were paid in connection with this Offering. The Offering's net proceeds will be used for general working capital requirements and to increase the overall awareness of Killi both in Canada and the USA. For further details concerning the Offering, please refer to the Company's news releases dated February 25 and March 5, 2021, which are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to specific statutory hold periods as required under applicable securities laws and the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Completion of the Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSXV. To demonstrate continued support of the Company's growth plans, a number of the Company's insiders, including certain directors and officers, acquired an aggregate of $38,390 worth of Units under the Offering. Such participation is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transaction is exempt from minority approval, information circular, and formal valuation requirements pursuant to the exemptions contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the gross securities issued under the Offering nor the consideration paid by the insiders exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Killi Ltd Killi is a consumer privacy ecosystem that allows consumers to take back control of their consumer data from those who have been collecting it and selling it unbeknownst to them. Killi is currently available online or via iOS or Android in five countries (US, Canada, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand). Killi pays users automatically every week a cash Data DividendTM for the use of their data, making Killi the only company in the world that is fairly compensating users for the purchase of their data. Killi is also the creator of uaretheproduct.io, a consumer-facing website that allows consumers to determine their data's value broken out by individual platforms. To learn more about how Killi fairly pays users via its Fair-Trade DataTM program, please visit https://killi.io/earn. Download Killi here. For more information, please visit killi.io. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Andrew Elinesky, CFO +1(416) 904-2725 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking and Other Cautionary Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Company's financing plans; the proposed use of proceeds of the Offering; and other expected effects of the Offering. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the dilution arising from the Offering; the Company may not receive final approval from the TSXV concerning the Offering; the Company may not use the proceeds from the Offering as intended; the Company may not increase the overall awareness of Killi in Canada or the United States; the uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it will have on the Company's operations and economic activity in general; and the risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, which risks and uncertainties are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend and undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76686 Hikers looking to explore Oregons Coast Range this spring will have one less place to do it. A roughly seven-mile stretch of the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest will be closed to the public through mid-May, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced Wednesday, after recent storms caused major trail damage. Access to the trail will be closed from the Footbridge and Keenig Creek trailheads, forestry officials said, as crews work to remove uprooted trees, snapped trunks and broken branches from the trail. Downed trees cover a portion of the Wilson River Trail that has closed in the Tillamook State Forest.Oregon Department of Forestry The Wilson River Trail runs nearly 21 miles through the Tillamook State Forest, following the banks of the Wilson River through Coast Range mountains. Easily accessible via several trailheads and campgrounds off Oregon Route 6, the trail is a popular destination for day hikers in the Portland metropolitan area, as well as travelers headed to the Oregon coast. Most visitors know the trail as a family-friendly hiking opportunity behind the Tillamook Forest Center, which has been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic last March. The hiking trail also connects to several more difficult hikes in the area, including the popular Kings Mountain and Elk Mountain trails. The hiking trail is also open to mountain biking, but forestry officials said bikes are not currently recommended because of the state of the trail. Recent winter storms also resulted in an extended closure of the Eagle Creek Trail and the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB CLEVELAND, Ohio - Gov. Mike DeWine has announced an additional 15 coronavirus mass vaccination sites in Ohio, on top of the site already announced for Cleveland. Until now, Ohio vaccinations have largely been lower-scale. People have received them at hospitals, clinics, health departments and retail pharmacies. The first mass vaccination site, scheduled to open March 17 in Cleveland, is expected to be operated for up to 6,000 people a day to get shots. Theres always been a plan to increase that with some mass vaccination sites, DeWine said during his announcement at Cleveland State University on Friday afternoon. Sites in the following 11 communities will open the last week of March, he said: -Lima, at the Knights of Columbus, 810 S. Cable Road -Maumee, near Toledo at the Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St. -Dayton, at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St. -Columbus, at the Celeste Center in the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave. -Akron, at Chapel Hill Mall, 2000 Brittain Road -Youngstown, location to be determined -Cincinnati, at the Cintas Center at Xavier University, 1624 Herald Ave. -Chillicothe, at the Adena PACCAR Medical Education Center, 446 Hospital Road -Wilmington, in Clinton County, at the Wilmington Air Park, 1113 Airport Road -Marietta, at Marietta Memorial Hospital, 401 Matthew St. -Zanesville, at the Colony Square Mall, 3575 Maple Ave. Additionally, four mobile mass vaccination clinics will also make rounds in northwestern and west-central Ohio: -Ada, in Hardin County in Northwest Ohio -Athens -Mansfield -Steubenville While the CSU site will operate with the assistance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the other sites will be locally operated, with help from the state The clinics will administer between 300 and 3,000 vaccinations a day, depending on location, supply and demand. Who can get a shot at a mass clinic? The sites will be open to any Ohioan who is eligible to receive a shot under the Ohio Department of Healths vaccination plan. People may be vaccinated at any of Ohios mass vaccination clinics. DeWine said the state will also work closely with the clinics to ensure equitable access for high-risk residents and medically underserved communities that could be disproportionately affected by the virus. How can people schedule an appointment? To schedule an appointment at a mass clinic, eligible Ohioans will be able to use the not-yet-live centralized scheduling system for some of the sites, according to a statement from DeWines office. The sites are not yet taking reservations, but specific instructions on how to book an appointment will be announced later this month, DeWines office said. Dates of operation and hours will vary, but sites will offer both weekday and weekend appointments. More coverage: Gov. Mike DeWine provides a benchmark for removal of coronavirus public health orders LGBTQ nondiscrimination bill is back in the Ohio General Assembly for the 10th time Ohio reports 1,875 new coronavirus cases: Thursday update The remains of a New Zealand airman who was shot down over Germany during WWII have finally been identified after nearly 80 years. Henry Pullar, a gunner with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, was presumed dead when the British bomber he was aboard was shot down over Germany in 1942. Henry Pullar, a gunner with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, was deemed missing and presumed dead in 1942 when the British bomber he was aboard was shot down. At the time of the crash only the body of the pilot, who was thrown free of the British Short Stirling heavy bomber, was discovered. But in 2019, excavation work at an airport turned up the plane, which carried the remains of six Allied airmen. Using DNA from living relatives, scientists confirmed a body found among the wreckage belonged to the 25-year-old Pullar. Pullar's niece, Pam Compton, received confirmation of the DNA tests proving his identity in late December 2020. 'No one in the family knew much about him at all,' she told Radio New Zealand. 'My mother was so sad [about his death]. His photo was on the wall but she never talked about him.' According to Compton, who lives in Toowoomba, Queensland, the plane crashed tail first on December 12, 1942. Pullar, the oldest man on the plane, was the rear gunner and held the rank of sergeant. Pullar's remains were discovered in 2019, almost 80 years after his death, when a crew at an airport in Vechta, Germany, dug up the tail end of the Short Stirling bomber he was aboard. Pictured: Short Stirling aircraft over Cambridgeshire in 1942 At the time, emergency crews rushed to the scene to put out the blaze and recover whatever remains they could before backfilling in the dirt. Only the pilot was found and his body was buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery. Then, in 2019, aviation archaeologists were called to an airport in Vechta, about 80 miles outside Hanover, when construction workers began finding vintage airplane parts during renovations, Stuff reported. Days later, human bones and clothing were discovered. The bodies, along with part of the tail section of a Short Stirling heavy bomber plane, had been buried more than 16 feet deep. The bones were taken to the University of Hamburg medical center for DNA analysis by biologist Oliver Krebs. Compton had begun to research her uncle and his crewmates in 2016, and had made contact with relatives of the other airmen. She received word that Jens-Michael Brandes, a member of a German aviation archaeology working group, was looking for Pullar's relatives. After receiving DNA samples from Compton and other family members, Krebs confirmed on December 23, 2020 that the bones belonged to her late uncle. Pullar's remains will be brought to Rheinberg War Cemetery (pictured), where some 3,330 Allied soldiers from Commonwealth countries are buried 'It's a privilege to have found him after all this time, and to have closure when so many didn't,' Compton said. Pullar's remains are still at the University of Hamburg's forensic science department. When Covid-19 regulations allow, they will be brought to Rheinberg War Cemetery, where some 3,330 Allied soldiers from Commonwealth countries are buried, and placed in a communal grave with the other airmen from the crash. Born in 1917 in Otautau, a small town on the edge of New Zealand's Southland Plains, Pullar worked on his family's farm before enlisting in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in March 1941, some six months after Germany began blitzing London. Because the New Zealand government didn't require aircrews to serve with RNZAF squadrons, they entered service much faster than service members from other Commonwealth countries. He started his training at an airfield in Levin on New Zealand's North Island and then was transferred to Canada for further training, as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Assigned to the 75th New Zealand Squadron RAF, Pullar was posted to the Newmarket Royal Air Force Base in Suffolk, England. In all, around 140,000 New Zealanders served overseas during World War II, with an additional 100,000 serving Home Guard duty. Saxifrage oppositifolia, or purple mountain saxifrage, grows directly on a rock face in the Alps. Credit: Appollonio Tottoli Alpine landscapes are irrevocably changing: scientists estimate that the Alps may be glacier-free by the end of this century. As the ice melts, the unique ecosystems that exist at their edges are also fading. New research published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution untangled what changing flora might mean for the ecology, economy and culture of the region. The Alps, known for their meadows brimming with wildflowers in the spring and summer, are home to many plants that are specialized for glacial growing conditions. Many of these plants are fragrant herbs, some of which have been used to make medicines and liqueurs for centuries. These distinctive, native plants have become an important part of the culture and economy of the mountains. The herbs are part of a landscape that hosts a dynamic, evolving system of plants that scientists are watching shift in real-time. As glaciers retreat, they expose new land which is readily colonized by plants. "The retreat of glaciers is a double-edged sword," said lead author Gianalberto Losapio in an interview with GlacierHub. "There is an initial increase in biodiversity because the retreating glaciers are making space available. If today there is ice and the glacier is retreating, it means that tomorrow there might be new terrain because the ice is gone, which means that seeds can grow." At the fringes of a glacier, the soil that is exposed is often not well-suited to hosting plant life. There is often more rocky debris than soil, and the soil that is present is not always rich in the nutrients that plants need. Many native Alpine herbs have carved out a niche for themselves in these proglacial areas. These plants, which survive where others cannot, are called "pioneers" by ecologists. "The initial plants, the pioneers, are adapted to living in this harsh environment," said Losapio. The pioneer species are often small and low to the ground. They don't need much in the way of soil or nutrients to grow. In the past, these early settlers were the only plants able to survive at the edges of a glacier. Now, with year-round ice-free ground, the proglacial habitats are narrowing. Ranunculus glacialis, or Arctic Buttercup, is a pioneer species. Credit: Gianalberto Losapio The pioneer species not only establish themselves, but also prime the land for new plants to thrive by building up biomass and providing nutrients. "These early plants improve the environment in such a way that other plants can benefit from," said Losapio. "The higher the colonization, the more this facilitation and mutualistic interaction take place, which increases biodiversity." After the early plants have done the work of stabilizing the landscape, other plants move in. The later species that enter are not as well-suited for the difficult initial growing conditions as the pioneer plants are, but thrive on the land primed by them. In the past, the ice returned after a few short months and later species did not have time to establish. But now, with many glaciers disappearing and the annual period of snow cover shrinking, the later species have a new opening. As the later species move in, the dynamic of the area changes. "The arrival of the late species increases the competition," said Losapio. "They require more organic matter and they also reproduce vegetatively, not with seeds, so they occupy much more of the space." The later plants piggy-back off the conditions that the hardy, early species help create. And then, they take over. The later species reproduce much faster than the pioneer species, and take up more resources, leaving little space for the slower-growing plants that came before them. Many of the early species, including Arctic buttercup, saxifrage, and wormwood, simply cannot compete with these fast-growing newcomers. Eventually, the later species might be all that is left on high-elevation Alpine land. "The area is going to be much more dominated by grasslands," said Losapio. "This is going to decrease biodiversity in general." Artemisia genipi growing in the Alps. Credit: Cyril Gros These effects extend beyond just the plants; insect populations could suffer, too. "We also observed a decline in insect-pollinated species," explained Losapio "[Insect] populations are very high in pioneer and initial stages, but the plants in grasslands are not usually pollinated by insects." In addition to changing the appearance and biodiversity of the area, the shifts due to deglaciation could also have economic and cultural impacts. Among the pioneer plants that are being squeezed out is Artemisia genipi, often called simply genipi, genepy or black wormwood. "Artemisia genipi is a very rare, iconic plant. Already, after 100 years of glacier retreat, it has been declining," said Losapio. "Its distribution is very narrow. It grows only in the northwestern Alps. Culturally it is super important. Hikers up in the mountains go and they stop at a hut, they have a piece of cake and a shot of genepi." Varieties of Artemisia have been used throughout Europe since Roman times as a key ingredient in medicines. "Genepi varieties have historically been used in folk and traditional medicine because of their bioactivity," said Alessio Anselmo, an herbal technician with Italian Alpine liqueur producer Bordiga, in an interview with GlacierHub. "They were known and used as thermogenic agents against the common cold, in infusions against fever, and in aromatic wines and liqueurs to stimulate appetite and digestion." Centuries of production of Artemisia genipiinfused drinks has led the flavor to become an emblem of the region. "To produce genepi liqueur, the aerial parts and flowers are introduced into a hydroalcoholic solution and rest lightless at ambient temperature for 40 days," explains Anselmo. "Then the solid parts are pressed with a hydraulic press and the infusion rests for some months. Finally, the infusion is mixed with alcohol, water and sugar, filtered and bottled." Traditional recipes for absinthe, Chartreuse, amari and various other alpine liqueurs use Artemisia genipi as a key ingredient. "Artemesia genepi is a type of wormwood and as such, adds a bitter vegetal flavor to the spirit," said David Curiel, spirits specialist with the importer Oliver McCrum Wines & Spirits in an interview with GlacierHub. "It's a distinct alpine flavor that embodies the sense of place." A selection of beverages that feature Alpine herbs. Credit: Alpe & Bordiga Today, producers throughout the Alps continue to make liqueurs and fortified wines using Artemisia and other Alpine herbs. Once primarily consumed by chilly mountain hikers as a respite from Alpine snow and ice, Artemisia genipi has found a new home in cocktail bars across the world. "Most people [in the United States] tend to be familiar with these flavors because of Chartreuse, possibly the biggest commercial exporter of genepi, but the category is actually quite broad in Europe," said Curiel. "[In the Alps,] Artemisia genipi commonly finds itself being consumed during the colder months, maybe in a ski lodge, sitting by a fire. Here in the U.S., the craft cocktail scene seems to lean into using it in refreshing citrus-driven cocktails that you might consume in the summer while sitting on a patio, or poolside." Even American producers have been trying their hand at Artemisia genipibased liqueurs. At Forthave Spirits in Brooklyn, New York co-founders Aaron Sing Fox and Daniel de la Nuez have been making botanical liqueurs since 2013. "Genepi has a very complex, enchanting and difficult to describe flavor," Fox told GlacierHub. "We wanted to make something that highlighted the delicate aspects of this botanical so we used it to make a wine-based aperitif." Fox and de la Nuez source their Artemisia genipi not from the wild, but from a grower in the Alps who cultivates a very limited crop each year. Still, the loss of wild genipi looms large. "The loss of wild genepi would be heartbreaking," said Fox. "There is much more to learn and explore from the many wild genepi species that are out there." Explore further Alpine plants at risk of extinction following disappearing glaciers This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. Days after hundreds of vehicles tied to illegal street racing shut down a freeway near Denver, Colorado Springs City Council members unanimously voted to approve an ordinance Tuesday giving police the authority to seize vehicles that are used in races and other crimes across the city. Members voted 9-0 to adopt the ordinance, one that police hope will help reduce the exorbitant amount of complaints related to illegal racing, said David Edmondson, commander at Colorado Springs Police Department's Sand Creek Division. Edmondson cited the massive race last weekend on I-225 in Aurora, where about 600 cars intentionally blocked the roadway to prevent police from getting on the highway and placing the interstate in a gridlock. Drivers were reportedly waving weapons and there were reports of fireworks, according to the Aurora Police Department. After the highway was cleared, authorities warned that the racers could move their speed contests to other parts of the state. "I think this is an appropriate step for our city to increase the safety of the traveling public and of our neighborhoods," said Councilman Wayne Williams. In Colorado Springs, illegal racing is a problem that is getting worse, Edmondson said. Colorado Springs residents made 502 calls to report street racing and officers made 25 calls between Jan. 1, 2020 through Nov. 30, 2020, according to police data. In the same period, 24 tickets were issued, data shows. The ordinance will also give police the ability to seize a car that is suspected to be involved in prostitution, pimping, public indecency, gang-related crime, drive-by crime and vehicular eluding, Edmondson said. This year, police cited 134 cases of vehicular eluding, or when a driver ignores an officers signal to pull over. In 2020, police cited 350 cases of vehicular eluding and in 2019, there were 250, he said. Due to a department policy, officers do not chase cars for a traffic-related charge. The proposed ordinance, although different from civil forfeiture when police departments can permanently seize vehicles, could still make regaining them expensive as fees accrue. We are looking for a deterrent and apparently, it is working in some areas, Edmondson said, adding that a similar ordinance has been implemented in Denver and Pueblo. Edmondson said the police department looked at Denvers ordinance, which was passed nearly two years ago, when developing a strategy for Colorado Springs. In 2019, Denver police made 58 arrests related to street racing, according to data from Denver Police Department. That number nearly doubled in 2020, with 111 arrests. Data from the Pueblo Police Department was not immediately available. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Bangladeshi Ambassador to Korea Abida Islam, second from right, places a floral tribute in front of a sculpture of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to mark the 40th anniversary of his independence speech at the embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, March 7. Courtesy of Embassy of Bangladesh in Korea By Yi Whan-woo The Embassy of Bangladesh in Korea commemorated Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, March 7, the day when he delivered a landmark speech that propelled the country's independence 40 years ago. The 19-minute speech inspired the then-people of East Pakistan to rise up against West Pakistan whose leaders exploited the East economically, leading to popular grievances, according to the embassy. Led by Bangladeshi Ambassador to Korea Abida Islam, three commemorative programs were held online and offline. The participants remembered Bangabandhu's struggle for freedom as reflected in his speech listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The offline ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag in front of the embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. A limited number of embassy officials joined in accordance with social distancing rule over the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants then joined the ambassador in placing a floral tribute to the sculpture of the Father of the Nation inside the chancery. The envoy delivered commemorative messages from Bangladeshi leaders President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu. The ceremony continued with a screening of Bangabandhu's 1971 speech translated by the embassy into Korean. A discussion session was later held, with the discussants sharing their thoughts on the significance of the speech. Ambassador Islam highlighted that the speech "inspired the entire freedom-loving Bengali nation to join the struggle for independence" and that "this recognition is a befitting tribute to the sacrifice of millions of martyrs." Bangladeshi Ambassador to Korea Abida Islam delivers a speech during a ceremony at the country's embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, March 7, to commemorate the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his 1971 landmark speech. Courtesy of Embassy of Bangladesh in Korea The online programs were divided into two discussions, with the first one involving embassy officials and scholars in Bangladesh and Korea and the second one with Bangladeshi expats here. Among the participants in the first discussion were Syed Manzoorul Islam, a writer, novelist and columnist, and Lee Yun-young, a visiting research fellow of Seoul National University's Asia Center. Ambassador Islam noted inclusion of Bangabandhu's speech on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, explaining the historical importance and the need for wider publicity in Korea were reasons for the embassy's translation of the speech into Korean. Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam touched upon the background of the speech and its effects on the political situation. He also shared his personal experience of March 7, 1971. Lee spoke about the speech from an international perspective. He said the speech is "never-ending in its appeal, surpassing time and ushering in unprecedented new phenomenon and dimensions in the lives of the people of Bangladesh as well as the world." Bangladeshi citizens who live in Korea joined in the second discussion recalled Bangabandhu's charismatic leadership and contribution to the independence of Bangladesh. Ambassador Islam called for joint efforts from expatriate Bangladeshis to realize the long cherished dream of "Sonar Bangla," meaning Golden Bengal, as envisioned by Bangabandhu. FILE - In this March 5, 2021, file photo, President Joe Biden participates in a roundtable discussion on a coronavirus relief package in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Biden laid out an ambitious agenda for his first 100 days in office, promising swift action on everything from climate change to immigration reform to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) PHOTO:AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, file AP Source: US to Buy Additional 100M J&J Doses By The Associated Press WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden is announcing Wednesday the U.S. is buying an additional 100 million doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The drugmaker is already obligated to supply 100 million doses to the federal government by the end of June. The additional vaccine would be delivered in the months following. A White House official previewed the news on the condition of anonymity before the presidents remarks. The U.S. is set to receive enough doses of the three approved vaccines by the middle of May to cover all adults. The surplus would ensure supply to cover young adults and children, pending the result of safety and efficacy trials. They could also be used as potential boosters to further protect against emerging virus variants, or be shared with allies overseas once Americans are protected. Senator Andreas Borgeas View Photo Sonora, CA Mother Lode Republican Senator Andreas Borgeas is offering pointed criticism of Governor Gavin Newsoms State of the State Address. Click here to read an earlier story about last nights speech delivered from Dodger Stadium. Borgeas has released the statement below: Governor, it has been almost one year since you issued a statewide stay-at-home order. At the time, this was seen as swift and decisive action in response to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year, however, we have yet to see the sound correlation between scientific data and your executive decisions. Now, thousands of businesses have shuttered permanently and millions of children have been out of school for almost a year without evidence to lead us to believe this was the right course of action. The state of California has been run by executive fiat with little to no consultation with the Legislature. California would benefit if you spent more time meeting the needs of communities throughout the state reeling from this pandemic. Now, at the final hour, it appears you are trying to save your grade halfway through the term. Actions speak louder than media statements, Governor. Your vaccine distribution system has largely injected a dose of disproportionality across vulnerable communities. Your system of colored tiers and ratios for re-opening have left Californians dazed and confused. If the data backs up these restrictions, its past time to show your work. While no Governor can adequately prepare for this type of event, there were clear and preventable inadequacies that took place that have tremendously hurt the people of California. Californians deserve better. HALIFAX - An apartment building in downtown Halifax that was under construction when a crane fell on it during post-tropical storm Dorian has been renamed after the disaster that made it famous. A toppled building crane is draped over a new construction project in Halifax on September 8, 2019. An apartment building in downtown Halifax that was being built when a construction crane fell on it has been renamed after the disaster that made it famous during post-tropical storm Dorian. Seymour Trihopoylos, one of the owners of the building that was to be called "The Olympus," said today the building will instead be called "The Crane on South Park," in recognition of the collapse on Sept. 7, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - An apartment building in downtown Halifax that was under construction when a crane fell on it during post-tropical storm Dorian has been renamed after the disaster that made it famous. Seymour Trihopoylos, one of the owners of the building that was to be called The Olympus, said today the building will instead be known as The Crane on South Park in recognition of the Sept. 7, 2019 collapse. He says he, his father, mother, sister and brother-in-law the owners of Olympus Property Management Inc. have concluded the building would forever be remembered for what became a defining image of the fierce storm. The 52-year-old developer said to attempt a different name would be futile, as it will "always be the building the crane collapsed on." The residential tower's construction was delayed by more than a year after the crane from a construction site next door fell and damaged it. However, units are now being listed for lease beginning May 1, at prices that range between $1,895 to $2,025 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,595 to $2,845 for a two-bedroom apartment. The developer says there were many sleepless nights as he and his family worked out the details of how to repair the damage after the crane's twisted remains were removed. "The best part of the whole story is that there was no loss of life, and that the crane fell on a structure that was unoccupied, so there was no death or injury," he said. "It hit our building and put us behind, but money and time will fix the building, whereas if we'd lost a single life, it would have been a disaster." Initially, there was a state of emergency declared around the building for about two months after the crane collapse. The provincial government said in November 2019 it would pay $2-million to clean up the collapsed crane and have the area reopened, with the former transportation minister saying the province planned to make efforts to recover the money. A provincial report on the cause of the collapse is expected to be presented later this year. In October 2019, a proposed class action lawsuit was launched to recover losses sustained by businesses and tenants against developers W.M. Fares Architects Inc., and W.M. Fares and Associates Inc., Lead Structural Formwork Ltd., of Moncton, N.B. the owner, operator and installer of the crane and Manitowoc Company Inc., the U.S.-based designer of the crane. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2021. South Carolinians may now be able to visit their loved ones in nursing homes across the state. South Carolina received federal approval to update visitation guidelines for nursing homes and community residential care facilities. These updated guidelines require facilities to use the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's percent positive by county data to help determine their visitation status. As of Wednesday, any facility that meets the following standards must allow in-person, indoor visitation: A less than or equal to 10% positivity rate in the county in which the facility is located, using DHECs data; No COVID-19 cases among staff and/or residents in the past 14 days; and Maintained Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. Aiken County is currently below the 10% positivity rate, as are 39 of South Carolina's 45 other counties. The only counties above that rate currently are Allendale, Barnwell, Chesterfield, Lancaster, McCormick and York counties. Too many South Carolinians have been prohibited from visiting their loved ones in long term care facilities because of overburdensome federal guidelines, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster said in a release Wednesday. Prioritizing the physical health and safety of our most vulnerable citizens is critically important, but we must also protect their mental and emotional health. These updated guidelines represent important progress and will result in many facilities opening for visitation, but theres more work to be done and we will continue pushing federal agencies to allow expanded visitation. The public is strongly encouraged to contact the nursing home or assisted living facility to confirm its visitation status and policies and procedures prior to planning to visit a loved one. Trends in county percent positivity rates can go up or down from one report to the next. Thus, a facilitys visitation status could change from one week to the next based on the data. This data can be seen online at scdhec.gov. As of Wednesday, all of the states nursing homes have completed their first COVID-19 vaccination clinic, and 86%, or 166 out of 193, have completed their second clinic, with additional clinics scheduled. A total of 98%, or 485 of 495, of the states community residential care facilities have completed their first vaccination clinic, and 86%, or 424 of 495, have completed their second clinic with additional clinics scheduled. Allowing visitation to the greatest degree possible consistent with safety for residents, staff and visitors, is extremely important to residents' mental and physical health and also for their families, Dr. Edward Simmer, director of DHEC, said in a release. The updated guidelines will help ensure as many residents as possible can have safe, in-person contact with family and friends. South Carolina health authorities confirmed one COVID-19 case in Aiken County on Wednesday. DHEC confirmed a total of 507 cases and 17 deaths across the state Wednesday. None of the deaths were in Aiken County. Wednesday's data marks the lowest number of daily COVID-19 cases in Aiken County since June 2020. The data reported Wednesday is for the date of March 8. As of March 10, South Carolina has received 1,743,328 total doses of COVID-19 vaccine and has administered 1,292,104. There are currently 596,694 vaccine appointments scheduled throughout the state. A total of 32,284 COVID-19 vaccines, which includes first and second doses, have been administered in Aiken County. To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider, visit scdhec.gov/vaxlocator or call DHEC's COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at 866-365-8110. Wednesday's report brings the total confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Aiken County to 12,297, with 171 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths. Aiken County also has reported a total of 3,810 probable COVID-19 cases and 39 probable coronavirus-related deaths. In neighboring Barnwell and Edgefield counties, one virus case was confirmed in each on Wednesday. There was also a confirmed death in Barnwell County on March 7. The victim was middle-aged. According to DHEC's acute hospital bed occupancy report, Aiken County hospitals are at 78.7% occupancy. There are 122 beds occupied, while there are 33 beds open. Across the entire state, there are 593 COVID-19 patients hospitalized. The total number of individual test results reported to DHEC statewide Wednesday was 17,134, and the percent positive was 4.7%. The total number of cases statewide is now 451,597, with 76,876 probable cases, 7,768 confirmed deaths and 1,013 probable deaths. President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses a plenary meeting of the military delegation to the fourth session of the 13th NPC in Beijing on Tuesday. [LI GANG/XINHUA] Armed forces must prepare to handle complicated, difficult situations, he says President Xi Jinping urged the Chinese military on Tuesday to get ready to handle all types of complicated and difficult situations to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark on Tuesday as he attended a plenary meeting of the military delegation to the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, which opened in Beijing on Friday. There are 288 national legislators from the armed forces, the largest group of lawmakers in the 13th NPC. Xi told national legislators from the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force that China is facing increasing instability and uncertainties in its security environment, so the armed forces must take a balanced approach toward its daily work and combat-readiness efforts to make sure they will be prepared to protect the country and its socialist modernization drive. He stressed that the military must fully understand the determination and intentions of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, and must concentrate their attention on goals set by the top leadership for the military to achieve by 2027, a year marking the 100th anniversary of the PLA's founding. Xi said the military should organize and arrange its training activities in accordance with what will be needed to win a war. It should also speed up implementation of important projects and construction of high-level strategic deterrence and joint combat systems. He called on the military to use scientific and technological innovation to drive its development and mobilize all available resources to foster creativity and originality in the defense technology sector. Reforms in the defense system and the armed forces must continue as scheduled, and personnel management should be improved to attract and train talented people, according to the president. In addition, Xi told the armed forces to strengthen their project management, such as feasibility studies and review and approval procedures. They should improve planning and coordination for major projects. Standards in examination of responsibilities, time management, quality checks and project supervision should be strictly followed, he added. The president also told the military to accelerate the establishment of a modern asset management mechanism to better utilize its resources. Six deputies from the armed forces shared their thoughts and suggestions on topics such as innovation of the defense technology industry, new combat forces and reform in personnel management. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Sorry! This content is not available in your region The San Francisco school board met to discuss progress on reopening after reaching a tentative agreement with the teachers union on what the school day could look like for students. School officials on Monday released more details about their plans to get some of the citys more than 52,000 schoolchildren back into classrooms this spring after a year of distance learning that left many families struggling and sparked a lawsuit over reopening schools. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker listened in and covered the meeting live. 7:03 p.m. More on the teachers' daily schedule: While the district is not required to negotiate the daily schedule for teachers, there was at least 40 hours spent in bargaining consulting on the schedule with the teachers union, said Danielle Houck, the district's general counsel. The district could have imposed a schedule, but "chose to consult and consult and consult." The schedule is "the product of hours and hours of (working toward) compromise." 6:49 p.m. District's share of state funding: District officials have estimated how much the district could gain or lose, based on whether they can reopen schools in accordance with the state's $6.6 billion school funding measure passed in recent days. The district is eligible for $18 million if it can bring back elementary students, high-needs students and one grade in middle or high school starting in early April, with 1% of that lost for each day they don't reopen before mid-May. In addition, the district is expected to get $39 million to address pandemic needs whether they reopen in the spring or not. 6:36 p.m. Teacher union responds: Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, said that while the union did not bargain the daily schedule for teachers, they did bargain on the impact of the schedule and working conditions, including the time allocated to prepare for instruction. Solomon acknowledged the district consulted with the union on the schedule and that it allows students and teachers to remain together. Given that teachers have said the daily work schedule would be difficult, she said there is a need to rethink it. 6:09 p.m. Clarification on teacher schedules: Superintendent Matthews clarified for concerned teachers that the district proposed a schedule that allowed teachers to focus on either in-person instruction or virtual teaching. The teachers union wanted students to remain with their teachers, requiring them to do both online and in-person teacher, which the district agreed to do. "The schedules that you see are the result of that compromise," Matthews said. 5:30 p.m. Teachers speak out: Several teachers spoke during public comment on reopening schools, specifically criticizing the schedule of the school day outlined in the tentative agreement, saying they don't have enough time to prepare for classes and that the schedule will shortchange students who choose to remain in distance learning. One teacher called on the board to listen to educators about scheduling. The schedule was discussed between the teachers union and the district at the bargaining table, including the 15-minute planning time questioned by educators. 5:21 Bumpy ride: Superintendent Vince Matthews summed up the coming weeks and months. "It's going to be a bumpy ride from here forward," he said. "We haven't been at a place where we're trying to bring students back to in-person learning coming out of a pandemic. We know there are things we're going to get right and things we're going to be challenged with." 5:15 p.m. Teachers and staff vaccines update: More than 2,000 teachers and staff have confirmed they have been vaccinated already and the district has sent out 4,000 individual codes to educators for vaccines, with those in elementary schools prioritized to receive the codes. In addition, Walgreens has agreed to offer vaccines to educators on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the district's central office parking lot, including 1,500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose. 5:07 p.m. What about the older kids? District officials said they continue to negotiate with the teachers union on what the school day would look like for middle and high school students, if they were to return. The district has no timeline for a reopening for secondary students and has said it's unlikely they will reopen before the fall. Staff summarized the tentative agreement reached Friday, which only applies to grades K-5, and students with special needs. 4:59 p.m. Reopening update: Two hours into the meeting, the school board has reached the reopening update. The presentation includes a timeline for reopening and update on the tentative agreement with teachers. Superintendent Vince Matthews urged families who received a survey about returning to in-person to complete it so they know who is coming back. 4:27 p.m. S.F. parent advisory group reflects: The San Francisco Parent Advisory Council leaders spoke during their monthly update to the board, taking a few minutes to discuss the last appearance in front of the school board, which included a two-hour critique of diversity in the group and a rejection of a candidate nominated to join the group. The candidate, Seth Brenzel, is a gay dad who would have been the only male on the council. The board declined to vote on his candidacy. Council members told the board today they felt disrespected by the board at the last meeting. 4:20 p.m. SFUSD launches data dashboard: The district said it has launched a new official data dashboard intended to reflect more specific racial/ethnic, national origin, language and gender information collected from students, families, and staff so that SFUSD can monitor and improve services for its diverse communities. The dashboard breaks down enrollment, attendance, race/ethnicity of students and more metrics for the entire system, by school site and by grade level. Go here to see the dashboard. 3:25 p.m. Students speak up: Several students kicked off public comment urging the board to reopen all schools, with some middle school students saying they haven't made friends this year and have a hard time talking to other students on a screen, especially when the video is off. "It's hard to talk to a blank screen," one sixth grade student said. "I do not like Zoom at all. Thank you for working to reopen school," said a second grader. "I really want to go back to school because distance learning has really effected my learning ... Distance learning is just not comparable to real school," said one eighth grader. "You can see online that the teachers don't seem as enthusiastic in their work as in school," said a sixth grader. 3:00 p.m. Reopening update: The school board will take up reopening again, with another update on progress in getting schools ready to bring back students. This is the first update since the district reached a tentative agreement with the teachers union on what the school day will look like. The meeting also follows a comment from Mayor London Breed earlier in the day calling for middle and high schools to open this spring as well. Read more coverage: Should S.F. City Hall control the school board? Two parents have a plan to shake up the district Effort launched to recall three S.F. school board members Failing grades. Rising depression. Bay Area children are suffering from shuttered schools STOCKHOLM, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Husqvarna Group has joined the global business network Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC) as part of its ambition to lead the industry in the shift to a low-carbon, resource-smart economy. Sustainability is an integral part of the Husqvarna Group strategy, which combines innovation capability with a commitment to addressing climate change and resource scarcity. Husqvarna Group has a strong track record of demonstrating the business case for engagement. Over the last five years, it has reduced its absolute CO 2 emissions by 32% while profitably growing the business, by increasing sales by 16%. In joining the CLC, the Group is stepping up its commitment. The CLC is a multi-stakeholder initiative comprising of some 80 organizations, primarily in the Nordic region. It is designed to support climate leaders by sharing best practice, policy approaches and strategies and by participating in regional and global policy development. "Society needs to shift to a low-carbon, circular economy. The CLC's policy work will be an excellent way to take part in dialogue on EU carbon pricing, which is an important building block to deliver on our Science-based target to reduce CO2 emissions across our value chain in line with what is required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. We have set a high ambition that stretches to the emissions that occur when our products are being used. Insights from other leaders and dialogue with policy makers will help us get there," says Henric Andersson, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group. For more information Asa Larsson, Global Media and Sustainability Manager: [email protected] Sustainovate - Husqvarna Group's sustainability framework In 2020, the second chapter of Sustainovate began. The Group has set new, bolder targets that align and strengthen the 2025 business strategy and underline how the sustainability agenda is business critical. Sustainovate 2025 is designed to maximize its contribution to addressing climate change and resource scarcity. Together, it will drive the Group's ambitions to lead the industry in the shift to a low-carbon, resource-smart economy. Read more about Husqvarna Group sustainability framework Sustainovate, targets and results here www.husqvarnagroup.com/en/sustainability Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC) CLC is a non-profit association and its members represent companies, academia, cities and employ 450,000 people globally. CLC's members believe that the transition to a more sustainable economy and consumption habits is not only possible but also economically viable. For more information www.clc.fi This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/husqvarna-ab/r/husqvarna-group-joins-climate-leadership-coalition,c3303982 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Husqvarna AB Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Notice is given to the shareholders of AB Industrivarden (publ), reg. no. 556043-4200, of the Annual General Meeting of shareholders to be held on Wednesday, 21 April 2021. In light of the corona pandemic and in order to minimize any risk of spreading of the corona virus, the Board of Directors has decided that the Annual General Meeting is to be held only through postal voting in accordance with temporary legislation being in effect in 2021. This means that the Annual General Meeting will be conducted without the physical presence of shareholders, representatives or external parties and that shareholders will only be able to exercise their voting rights by postal voting in advance of the Annual General Meeting in the manner described below. A speech by the CEO Helena Stjernholm, in which she comments the company's operations, will be published on the company's website, www.industrivarden.net, under the menu Corporate Governance/Annual General Meeting, on 21 April 2021. Information on the resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting will be disclosed on 21 April 2021, when the outcome of the postal voting has been confirmed. Right to attend and notification A person who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting by postal voting must -be listed as a shareholder in the presentation of the share register prepared by Euroclear Sweden AB concerning the circumstances on Tuesday, 13 April 2021; and -give notice of participation by casting its postal vote in accordance with the instructions under the heading "Postal voting" below so that the postal voting form is received by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than on Tuesday, 20 April 2021. In order to be entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting, a shareholder whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee must, in addition to giving notice of participation in the Annual General Meeting by submitting its postal vote, register its shares in its own name so that the shareholder is listed in the presentation of the share register as of Tuesday, 13 April 2021. Such registration may be temporary (so-called voting rights registration), and request for such voting rights registration shall be made to the nominee in accordance with the nominee's routines at such a time in advance as decided by the nominee. Voting rights registrations that have been made by the nominee no later than Thursday, 15 April 2021 will be taken into account in the presentation of the share register. Postal voting Shareholders may exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting only by postal voting in accordance with section 22 of the Act (2020:198) on temporary exceptions to facilitate the execution of general meetings in companies and other associations. A special form must be used for the postal vote. The form is available on the company's website www.industrivarden.net under the menu Corporate Governance/Annual General Meeting. The postal vote form is considered as notice to participate in the Annual General Meeting. In order to be considered, the completed and signed form must be received by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than Tuesday, 20 April 2021. The completed and signed form must be sent by mail to AB Industrivarden, "Annual General Meeting 2021", c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, Box 191, 101 23 Stockholm, Sweden or by email to GeneralMeetingService@euroclear.com. Shareholders who are natural persons may also cast their votes electronically through verification with BankID via the Euroclear Sweden AB's website https://anmalan.vpc.se/EuroclearProxy/. Such electronic votes must be submitted no later than Tuesday, 20 April 2021. If the shareholder submits its postal vote by proxy, a power of attorney must be attached to the postal voting form. Proxy forms in Swedish and in English are available on the company's website www.industrivarden.net under the menu Corporate Governance/Annual General Meeting and also upon request. A power of attorney is valid one year from its issue date or such longer time period as set out in the power of attorney, however not more than five years. If the shareholder is a legal person, a registration certificate or other authorization document, not older than one year, must be attached to the form, listing the authorized signatories. The shareholders may not provide special instructions or conditions to the postal vote. If so, the entire postal vote is invalid. Further instructions and conditions can be found in the postal voting form and at https://anmalan.vpc.se/EuroclearProxy/. Shareholders' right to receive information The Board of Directors and CEO shall, if any shareholder so requests and the Board of Directors believes that it can be done without material harm to the company, provide information regarding circumstances that may affect the assessment of an item on the agenda, circumstances that may affect the assessment of the company's or its subsidiaries' financial situation and the company's relation to another company within the group. A request for such information shall be made in writing to the company no later than ten days prior to the Annual General Meeting, i.e. no later than Sunday, 11 April 2021, at AB Industrivarden c/o Board of Directors, Box 5403, SE-114 84 Stockholm, Sweden, or by email to legal@industrivarden.se. The information will be made available on the company's website www.industrivarden.net, under the menu Corporate Governance/Annual General Meeting, and at the company's head office, Storgatan 10, SE-114 84 Stockholm, Sweden, no later than Friday, 16 April 2021. The information will also be sent to any shareholder who so requests and who states its address. Processing of personal data For information on Industrivarden's processing of personal data in relation to the Annual General Meeting 2021, see the privacy notice on the company's website www.industrivarden.net. The Board's proposed agenda 1. Election of a Chairman to preside over the Annual General Meeting 2. Election of persons to check the minutes 3. Preparation and approval of the voting list 4. Approval of the agenda 5. Decision as to whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened 6. Presentation of: a. the annual report and audit report, and of the consolidated accounts and audit report for the Group b. the auditor's statement on whether the guidelines for executive compensation, which have applied since the previous Annual General Meeting, have been followed c. the Board's proposed distribution of earnings and statement in support of such proposal 7. Decisions on: a. adoption of the Income Statement and Balance Sheet, and the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Balance Sheet b. distribution of the Company's earnings as shown in the adopted Balance Sheet and record date for dividend c. discharge from liability to the Company of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO 8. Decision on the number of directors 9. Decision regarding directors' fees for each of the Company directors 10. Election of Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Board The Nominating Committee's proposal: a. Par Boman (re-election) b. Christian Caspar (re-election) c. Marika Fredriksson (re-election) d. Bengt Kjell (re-election) e. Fredrik Lundberg (re-election) f. Annika Lundius (re-election) g. Lars Pettersson (re-election) h. Helena Stjernholm (re-election) i. Fredrik Lundberg as Chairman of the Board (re-election) 11. Decision on the number of auditors 12. Decision on the auditor's fees 13. Election of auditor 14. Decision regarding approval of the remuneration report 15. Decision on a long-term share savings program 16. Decision on amendments to the Articles of Association The Board's other proposals Preparation and approval of the voting list The voting list proposed to be approved is the voting list prepared by Euroclear Sweden AB, based on the general meeting share register and received postal votes, verified and confirmed by the persons elected to check the minutes. Dividend and record date The Board of Directors proposes an ordinary dividend of SEK 6.25 per share and an extra dividend of SEK 2.00 per share, corresponding to a total dividend of SEK 8.25 per share. 23 April 2021 has been proposed as the record date for payment of the dividend. Provided that the Annual General Meeting votes in favor of this proposal, dividends are expected to be sent out via Euroclear Sweden AB on 28 April 2021. Approval of remuneration report The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve the Board of Directors' report regarding compensation pursuant to Chapter 8, Section 53 a of the Swedish Companies Act. Long-term share savings program Background Since 2012 the Annual General Meetings have resolved on the implementation of long-term share saving programs for employees of the Company. The terms of the share savings program (the "Program") now proposed by the Board of Directors to the 2021 Annual General Meeting corresponds to the program adopted by the 2020 Annual General Meeting. The Program entails that the employee after three years receives so-called performance shares, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled and that the employee has invested a portion of his or her base salary in Industrivarden shares and that the employee has not given notice or has not been served notice of termination at the time the shares were granted. The purpose of the Program is to encourage Industrivarden's employees to increase their shareholdings and thereby further emphasize long-term shareholder value. The share savings program is deemed to increase Industrivarden's prospects for retaining and recruiting competent employees as well as the employees' interest and involvement in Industrivarden's business and development. The performance conditions, which are based on the total return for Industrivarden shares during the term of the Program, are deemed to further enhance the participants' long-term commitment and the mutual interests between Industrivarden's shareholders and employees. The Program is intended to be annually recurring and constitute the form of long-term variable salary. The Board of Directors thus proposes that the 2021 Annual General Meeting resolve to implement a long-term share savings program for in total no more than 20 employees of Industrivarden. The Board of Directors' proposal for resolution The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolve to implement the Program based on the terms and conditions set out below. a. The Program is open to the CEO and a maximum of 4 other members of Industrivarden's management ("CEO" and "Management" respectively), to a maximum of 6 key persons employed by Industrivarden ("Key Persons"), and to other permanent employees of Industrivarden ("Employees"), however in total a maximum of 20 permanent employees of Industrivarden. b. Provided that the CEO, Management, Key Persons and Employees (as applicable) have made an own investment in Class C shares in Industrivarden ("Savings Shares") during the Acquisition Period (defined in item c below), from a designated third party at the end of the Lock-in Period (defined in point d below), such participant is under the terms of the Program offered the opportunity to be granted shares free of charge, as follows: (i) Provided that the total return for the Industrivarden Class C shares during the Lock-in Period is equal to or exceeds 10 percent, all program participants may be granted 0.5 Class C shares in Industrivarden ("Performance Share") per Savings Share, (ii) Provided that the average annual total return for Industrivarden Class C shares during the Lock-in Period is equal to or exceeds SIXRX during the same period of time, the CEO and Management may be granted 1 additional Performance Share, Key Persons may be granted 0.5 additional Performance Share, and Employees may be granted 0.5 additional Performance Share, per Savings Share, (iii) Provided that the average annual total return for Industrivarden Class C shares during the Lock-in Period is equal to or exceeds SIXRX by 2 percentage points during the same period of time, the CEO and Management may be granted 1.5 additional Performance Shares and Key Persons may be granted an additional 1 Performance Share per Savings Share, and (iv) Provided that the average annual total return for Industrivarden Class C shares during the Lock-in Period is equal to or exceeds SIXRX by 3 percentage points during the same period of time, the CEO may be granted 1 additional Performance Share per Savings share. In total, the Program thus entails that the CEO may be granted 4 Performance Shares per Savings Share, that Management may be granted 3 Performance Shares per Savings Share, that Key Persons may be granted 2 Performance Shares per Savings Share, and that Employees may be granted 1 Performance Share per Savings Share. c. The maximum number of Savings Shares that each program participant may acquire is limited in such way that Savings Shares may be acquired for an amount corresponding to a maximum of 10 percent of the participant's gross annual base salary for 2021. Acquisition of Savings Shares shall take place during the period from 21 July 2021 until and including 29 October 2021, however with a right for the Board of Directors to extend the period in certain circumstances (the "Acquisition Period"). d. Grants of Performance Shares are expected to take place shortly after publication of Industrivarden's third quarter interim report for 2024. The time from the last day of the Acquisition Period to the date of publication of Industrivarden's third quarter interim report for 2024 is defined as the "Lock-in Period." e. In order for a program participant to be granted Performance Shares it is required that, with certain specific exemptions, the participant has not been given notice or has not been served notice of termination of employment in Industrivarden during the Lock-in Period and that the participant, throughout the Lock-in Period, has retained the Savings Shares. Saving Shares disposed of prior to the expiration of the Lock-in Period will therefore not entitle to any grants of Performance Shares. Should a program participant retire during the Lock-in Period, the entitlement to receive allotment of Performance Shares shall be reduced in proportion to the time remaining in the Lock-in Period. f. The Program shall comprise a maximum of 50,000 Class C shares in Industrivarden. Should Savings Shares be acquired at a share price such that the total number of Performance Shares exceeds 50,000, the number of Performance Shares that may be transferred to the program participants will be proportionally reduced. g. The Board of Directors shall be authorized to establish the detailed terms and conditions for the Program. h. In the event significant changes occur in Industrivarden or the market, or in the event the costs for the Program significantly exceed the estimated costs, and this, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, results in a situation where the conditions for grants of Performance Shares under the Program become unreasonable, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to make adjustments to the Program, including, among other things, a decision to reduce the grant of Performance Shares or to not grant any Performance Shares at all. i. The number of Performance Shares shall be subject to recalculation as a result of intervening bonus issues, splits, rights issues and/or other similar company events. Drafting of the proposal The proposal regarding the Program to the 2021 Annual General Meeting has been decided on by the Board of Directors following preparation by the Compensation Committee. Hedging, etc. To hedge the financial exposure that the Program is expected to have, the Board of Directors intends to enter into a share swap agreement with a third party on behalf of Industrivarden, at market terms, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer Class C shares in Industrivarden to the program participants. As proposed the Program may comprise a maximum of 50,000 Class C shares in Industrivarden, representing approximately 0.01 percent of all outstanding shares in Industrivarden and approximately 0.03 percent of all outstanding Class C shares in Industrivarden. In accordance with the scope of the Program as described above, the cost upon full grant is estimated to approximately SEK 13 million, under the assumption all employees participate in the Program and that all program participants acquire the maximum number of Savings Shares. The Program is expected to have only marginal effect on Industrivarden's and the Industrivarden Group's key ratios. Majority requirements The Annual General Meeting's resolution in accordance with the above requires a majority of more than half of the votes cast. Amendments to the Articles of Association According to Chapter 7, Section 4 a of the Swedish Companies Act it may be provided for in the articles of association that the Board of Directors may decide that the shareholders shall be able to exercise their voting rights by post before the general meeting. In order to be able to use the alternative provided by the Swedish Companies Act with regard to decision on postal voting the Board of Directors proposes, with the wording set out below, that a new article 15 is included in the Articles of Association. Proposed wording 15 The Board of Directors may decide before a General Meeting that the shareholders shall be able to exercise their voting rights by post before the General Meeting pursuant to the procedure stated in Chapter 7, Section 4 a of the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551). The Board of Directors further proposes three editorial amendments to the Articles of Association mainly due to previously adopted legislative changes. Current wording Proposed wording 1 The registered name of the company is Aktiebolaget Industrivarden. The company is "publikt" (publ). 1 The business name of the company is Aktiebolaget Industrivarden. The company is "publikt" (publ). 9 The company's shares shall be registered in a settlement register in accordance with the Act (1998:1479) on Recordkeeping of Financial Instruments. 9 The company's shares shall be registered in a central securities depository register in accordance with the Central Securities Depositories and Financial Instruments Accounts Act (1998:1479). 12 para. 2 In order to gain admission to the AGM, shareholders shall apply to the company by not later than 3 p.m. on the day stated in the notice of the AGM. This day may not be a Sunday, other public holiday, Saturday, Midsummer Eve, Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, nor may it fall earlier than the fifth week day before the AGM. Assistants to shareholders may be introduced to the AGM only if the shareholder has notified the company of the number of assistants in the manner specified in this clause. 12 para. 2 In order to gain admission to the AGM, shareholders shall apply to the company by not later than on the day stated in the notice of the AGM. This day may not be a Sunday, other public holiday, Saturday, Midsummer Eve, Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, nor may it fall earlier than the fifth week day before the AGM. Assistants to shareholders may be introduced to the AGM only if the shareholder has notified the company of the number of assistants in the manner specified in this clause. The Board of Directors proposes that the CEO shall be authorized to make the minor adjustments to the above resolution that may prove to be necessary in connection with the registration of the Articles of Association with the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Majority requirements In order for the Annual General Meeting's resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal as stated above to be valid, the resolution must be accepted by shareholders holding no less than two thirds of the votes cast as well as the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting Nominating Committee's proposals The Nominating Committee has consisted of Fredrik Lundberg, (Chairman of the Board of AB Industrivarden), Bo Damberg (the Jan Wallander and Tom Hedelius Foundation and others), Mats Guldbrand (L E Lundbergforetagen), Mikael Schmidt (SCA and Essity Pension Foundation and others), and Stefan Nilsson (Handelsbanken Pension Foundation and others). Mats Guldbrand has served as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee proposes the following: AGM Chairman Attorney Sven Unger. Number of directors Eight directors and no deputy directors. Directors' fees Chairman of the Board: SEK 2,120,000 (SEK 2,060,000). Vice Chairman (in the event such is appointed): SEK 1,280,000 (SEK 1,240,000). Each of the other non-executive directors: SEK 640,000 (SEK 620,000). No separate fee is to be paid for committee work. Board of Directors Re-election of Par Boman, Christian Caspar, Marika Fredriksson, Bengt Kjell, Fredrik Lundberg, Annika Lundius, Lars Pettersson and Helena Stjernholm. Re-election of Fredrik Lundberg as Chairman of the Board. Information about the proposed directors can be found on Industrivarden's website www.industrivarden.net. Number of auditors One chartered accounting firm. Auditor The Nominating Committee proposes, in accordance with the Audit Committee's recommendation, re-election of the accounting firm Deloitte AB for the period until the end of the 2022 Annual General Meeting. Deloitte AB has notified that if the firm is elected, it will appoint Authorized Public Accountant Hans Waren as chief auditor. Auditor's fee Fee in accordance with approved invoice. Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee is of the opinion that there is no reason to amend the resolution regarding the Nominating Committee that was made at the 2011 Annual General Meeting, and which applies until further notice. Other proposals Election of persons to check the minutes L E Lundbergforetagen proposes Mats Guldbrand (L E Lundbergforetagen) and Stefan Nilsson (Handelsbanken Pension Foundation) or, to the extent both or any of them are prevented from participating, the person(s) appointed by the Board of Directors, as the persons to check the minutes. The assignment to check the minutes also includes checking the voting list and that the received postal votes are correctly reflected in the minutes of the meeting. Other information relating to the Annual General Meeting Documents The financial statements, the auditor's report, the Board of Directors' report pursuant to Chapter 8, Section 53 a of the Swedish Companies Act on paid and outstanding remuneration that is covered by the guidelines for remuneration to senior executives, the auditor's statement pursuant to Chapter 8, section 54 of the Companies Act regarding these guidelines, and the Board of Directors' proposed distribution of earnings and statement in support of such proposal will be available at the Company three weeks before the Annual General Meeting. These documents will also then be published on the company's website, www.industrivarden.net, and will be sent to shareholders at their postal address upon request. Number of shares and votes in the Company The total number of shares in AB Industrivarden is 435,209,877, of which 267,111,711 are Class A shares and 168,098,166 are Class C shares. Each Class A share carries one vote and each Class C share carries one-tenth of a vote. The total number of votes is 283,921,527. This data pertains to the conditions at the time this notice was issued. Stockholm in March 2021 AB Industrivarden (publ) The Board of Directors The information herein was submitted for publication at 10 a.m. (CET) on 10 March 2021. Attachment Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 00:08:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has praised China's support to Nepal to fight COVID-19 including its provision of vaccine as the Himalayan country is running a second phase of vaccination drive. On March 1, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi said the Chinese government has decided to increase grant assistance of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal. On Feb. 17, Nepal's drug regulator -- Department of Drug Administration -- granted approval to the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co. Ltd, under Sinopharm, for emergency use in Nepal. "We are very grateful to China for providing vaccines. I believe the vaccine provided by China will help Nepal to overcome COVID-19," Gyawali said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday. "Earlier, China had provided medical supplies to Nepal." Praising China's efforts to forge international cooperation to fight the pandemic by supplying masks, personal protective equipment, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines, among others, to the world in the early months of the pandemic, Minister Gyawali criticized attempts to politicize the pandemic. "Some countries tried to do politics even with COVID-19 with prejudice. What all the countries must have understood is that COVID-19 is the global problem. It didn't care about political colors or (national) boundaries," said the Nepali foreign minister. He also recalled the meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in virtual meetings along with leaders of other nations where they discussed cooperation to fight the pandemic. Gyawali also hailed cooperation between Nepal and China under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The two countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the BRI in May 2017. During the second Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation held in Beijing in 2019, a framework of trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network was also included in the BRI. "We lost a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that we will implement the selected project under the BRI rapidly. This will help both countries to enhance connectivity. We will be connected by railway, road, ports, and air transportation and there will also be economic connectivity along the border," he said. Gyawali also congratulated the Chinese government, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people for the success in eradicating extreme poverty. On Feb. 25, the Chinese government said absolute poverty has been eradicated in the world's most populous country, home to over 1.4 billion people after years of efforts. 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. Combined with poverty-reduction results since the late 1970s, China is responsible for over 70 percent of the global reduction in poverty over the period. "This is a great achievement for China that within just 40 years of fighting against poverty. The country has been able to overcome poverty. No other country has been able to do this yet. We should give credit to the Communist Party of China for this great achievement," said Gyawali. "We are very happy for China (for this achievement). And, we also want to learn from China. Sharing experience (of China) will be important for us. Although the situations of two countries are different, we can always learn from China." Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries, but a UN body has recommended Nepal for graduation from the least developed country status to a developing country with a preparatory period of five years. Enditem. If you are black, your doctor may recommend more frequent blood pressure checks as you are at a higher risk of pregnancy -induced hypertension. JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images Talking to doctors can be intimidating, but coming prepared with questions can help. If you are pregnant, ask your OB-GYN if genetic testing or low-dose aspirin is right for you. If interested, you can also discuss telemedicine visits or using a midwife with your OB-GYN. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice. Every mother-to-be has probably, at some point, searched online for answers to common questions like, "Is that glass of wine safe?" and "Can I still have sex?" But here's the thing: The internet, while useful, can't cater to everyone's individual needs and therefore offers up generic advice that may not be best for you. To top it off, no two pregnancies are the same. That's why it's important to talk to your provider about what type of care is best for you and your baby. "You need to clarify anything you find online with your providers," says Kate White, MD, MPH, the Vice-Chair of Academics in the Department of OBGYN at Boston Medical Center. "It's always good to do your own research, but the internet cannot tell you everything." Here are seven questions you might not think to google the answers to that you should ask your OBGYN when pregnant: 1. Do you think I need genetic counseling? "When it comes to things that might affect a pregnancy, there are factors that average people wouldn't necessarily think are relevant, but their doctor may think warrants genetic counseling," says White. Medical term: Genetic counseling can help determine how genetic conditions, like sickle cell disease or Down syndrome, might affect you or your baby. For example, if someone in your family has a history of blood clots, it may mean you have an inherited disorder called Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, which increases your risk of blood clots, miscarriage, and other pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia. That's why it's best to start this conversation with your gynecologist as soon as you become pregnant or even beforehand to catch any potential risks. Story continues 2. Can I do telemedicine visits? Telemedicine visits during pregnancy are becoming more popular especially in rural communities where healthcare access is limited. They can also be a great option for working mothers or those in school who don't have time to travel to their doctors or sit in a waiting room, says White. Most pregnant people, even those with gestational diabetes or blood pressure complications, should qualify for telemedicine visits, especially during their first and second trimesters. Ask your provider if you need special equipment at home like a scale or blood pressure cuff, says White. If you are unable to document blood pressures or weight gain accurately, you will likely not qualify for remote telemedicine visits in pregnancy. Appointments that require ultrasounds, lab testing, or vaccinations will still need to be done in-office. 3. Should I be taking low-dose Aspirin? New research indicates low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a potentially fatal complication that affects 2% to 8% of pregnancies. There is no known treatment except delivery, says White, which can be challenging if your baby is premature. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) beginning around the 12th week of pregnancy for people with: A history of preeclampsia Preterm delivery at less than 34 weeks of gestation High-risk factors like diabetes, renal disease, or chronic hypertension IF you are 35 years old with either your first pregnancy or a body mass index greater than 30 What the research says: A 2017 study of women at a high risk of developing preeclampsia found a significant decrease in the rate of preterm preeclampsia in those who took aspirin compared to the placebo group. They took low-dose aspirin daily starting at 11 to 14 weeks into pregnancy until 36 weeks gestation. Meanwhile, a 2007 review of 59 trials found a 17% relative reduction in preeclampsia with low-dose aspirin use. Those who have a hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, asthma, or a history of stillbirth, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding should not take aspirin during pregnancy. 4. Is it safe to see a midwife for my pregnancy? If you want a more natural, low-intervention approach to pregnancy and don't have any serious chronic conditions or pregnancy complications, you may want to consider a midwife. Midwives are certified healthcare professionals who provide prenatal and postpartum care as well as labor and delivery assistance. Research indicates women cared for by midwives have: Lower rates of c-sections (10% compared to 32%) Higher rates of breastfeeding (79% compared to 51%) More prenatal education Increased sense of control during the birthing experience Important: Midwives also have a higher risk of perinatal death and neonatal seizure. Therefore, look for midwifery groups or birthing centers that have established relationships with adjacent hospitals if complications occur, to reduce these risks. If you are interested in using a midwife, bring this up early with your gynecologist, says White. You may be able to find a hospital or OB-GYN that works alongside midwives. 5. What is your cesarean delivery rate? The United States has a cesarean delivery rate of 32%, which is significantly higher than the recommended 10% to 15%. While c-sections can prevent otherwise unavoidable maternal or newborn deaths, they also pose risks like: Infection Postpartum hemorrhage Blood clots Increased risks during a future pregnancy Additionally, recovering from a C-section can take four to six weeks, making it difficult for a new mother to care for their baby, says White. "I think talking to your provider at your first prenatal visit about their cesarean rate and how they approach C-sections is a good thing," says White. A safe and healthy delivery should be the ultimate goal, but understanding why and when your doctor would recommend a cesarean section is important to discuss. 6. What kind of postpartum care do you recommend? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all women follow-up with their provider within the first three weeks postpartum with ongoing care. "Look for a doctor that wants to work with you on creating a comprehensive postpartum plan," says White. Currently, 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit which prevents: Proper screening for postpartum depression Management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes Access to effective contraceptives Monitoring of C-section recovery What the research says: A 2012 study of black and Latina mothers found just 15 minutes of postpartum guidance before hospital discharge along with a follow-up phone call two weeks later, reduced symptoms of depression and breastfed for longer through six months postpartum. 7. If you are black or American Indian, ask your doctor how you can work together to mitigate risks Black, American Indian, and native Alaskan women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This is not only due to health care inequities and inherent biases, but also higher rates of pregnancy-related complications like: Earlier onset of preeclampsia Fibroids, which increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging Pregnancy-induced hypertension Pulmonary embolism It's important to discuss these statistics with your doctor so you can create a plan to mitigate risks. According to White, that plan may include more visits, blood pressure checks, or blood tests, which can monitor for anemia and platelet abnormalities - both of which can contribute to more significant problems with bleeding at the time of delivery. "It's not that doctor's don't want all of their patients to be safe and healthy, but for patients who are particularly high risk - which really all black women in some sense should be considered high risk - they deserve to have a bit more attention paid to them when they're pregnant," says White. Insider's takeaway Talking with your OB-GYN early on about questions or concerns you have is essential for a healthy and successful pregnancy. White recommends keeping a running list of questions on the notes app on your phone and printing research or other information you find online to run by your provider. "Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's easy to feel intimidated, even if it's a doctor you love," says White. "But pregnancy is a special time and it can be a little scary for everybody." What is preeclampsia: Risks, symptoms, and treatmentHow much weight you should gain during pregnancy, according to doctorsHow to relieve your pregnancy nauseaWhen pregnancy cravings start and how long they last Read the original article on Insider Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. [March 09, 2021] FICO Survey: 56% of Filipinos Prefer to Use Digital Channels to Engage with their Bank During Financial Hardship Appeal of in-person branch banking fading fast post pandemic MANILA, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlights: 56 percent of Filipino consumers prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. 29 percent of Filipinos prefer to communicate via their mobile banking app; 12 percent use internet banking. prefer to communicate via their mobile banking app; use internet banking. 40 percent of Filipinos prefer to deal with just one primary bank with a further 34 percent saying that they 'somewhat agreed' this was their preference. A recent survey by global analytics software firm FICO has revealed that 56 percent of Filipino consumers prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. The poll conducted in December 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates the willingness of consumers to embrace digital banking and the opportunities that exist for banks to further develop their offering. More information: https://www.fico.com/en/latest-thinking/market-research/advancing-new-experiences-digital-banking The high level of smartphone penetration in the Philippines meant that 29 percent of Filipinos preferred to communicate about hardship via their mobile banking app; 12 percent used internet banking; 9 percent communicated via email; 4 percent preferred telebanking and 2 percent wanted to use virtual conference technology. "The risk of infection and social distancing requirements made branch visits less appealing last year, accelerating a shift to digital banking channels globally," said Aashish Sharma, risk lifecycle and decision management lead for FICO in Asia Pacific. "Being able to deliver and manage numerous channels in line with customer preference and deliver a seamless and engaging experience is a challenge that is here to stay. Investment in customer management and communication tools that span these channels and product silos, and can deliver personalization and improved decision making, is key to making digital banking a success." Customer attitudes to new technology from banks such as debt collection automation can yield some interesting preferences and behaviors. "It is worthnoting that during periods of hardship, some customers prefer to deal with the issue using intelligent, automated online services, such as our FICO Customer Communication Services (CCS) so as to avoid the embarrassment of talking to an agent about outstanding loans. If customers prefer digital channels during times of hardship, their most difficult time, it seems to me we can expect branch banking to continue its decline," explained Sharma. Importance of maintaining banking relationships Banks still have a data and relationship advantage when compared to fintech challengers. The survey revealed that across Asia Pacific, one in three consumers preferred to have all their banking needs serviced by one bank. In the Philippines this was higher at 40 percent, with a further 34 percent saying that they 'somewhat agreed' they would like to deal with just one primary bank. "Managing multiple bank accounts or finance products with different lenders can often be a complex, time-consuming and costly process for the average banking customer," said Sharma. "Digital banking users today are looking for greater control and visibility of their financial position." When asked about their willingness to try a fintech or challenger bank, 24 percent of Filipinos said that they were inclined to consider a competitor with a further 43 percent relatively open to the idea. "To consolidate and strengthen main bank engagement, lenders need to offer digital banking features that compete with the challengers to ensure the stickiness and viability of long-term customer relationships," added Sharma. Most appealing reasons to switch banks When asked about the reasons they would make the switch to a competitor, 38 percent of Filipino consumers said their number one reason would be to secure improved personalization and controls in their digital banking service. The poll defined this as the ability to view transaction history, update personal details, reset passwords and other such functions. Interestingly, personalization and control was also the top reason for switching across Asia Pacific (31%). Other top switching drivers across Asia Pacific were; the ability to control a payment card (set transaction limits, lock/unlock); the ability to set up recurring payments; and improved security features such as biometrics and two-factor authentication. FICO's Advancing New Experiences in Digital Banking survey was conducted in December 2020 using an online, quantitative poll of 5,000 consumers across ten countries and regions, carried out on behalf of FICO by an independent research company. The countries and regions surveyed were Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956 and based in Silicon Valley, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 195 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 120 countries do everything from protecting 2.6 billion payment cards from fraud, to helping people get credit, to ensuring that millions of airplanes and rental cars are in the right place at the right time. Learn more at www.fico.com. Join the conversation on Twitter at @FICOnews_APAC. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the US and other countries. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452523/Social_Media_Graphic__Advancing_New_Experiences_in_Digital_Banking_final_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/450763/FICO_Logo.jpg SOURCE FICO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Tuesday signed into state law a near-total abortion ban, which only allows the procedure to save the life of the mother. Hutchinson has expressed reservations about the bill, saying Tuesday that he "would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view." But he said he ultimately signed off because of "overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions." Hutchinson also acknowledged the bill directly challenges Roe v. Wade, adding that "it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law." While Arkansas' Republican-majority legislature was considering the measure, The Associated Press notes, Hutchinson shared a letter from an an attorney from the anti-abortion group National Right to Life that said the bill only has a "very small and remote" chance of leading to Roe being overturned. The law won't take effect for 90 days after Arkansas' legislature adjourns this year's session, which means it will happen sometime this summer at the earliest. Abortion rights activists plan to challenge the bill in court before then. Read more at The Associated Press. More stories from theweek.com All living ex-presidents but 1 get vaccinated in new COVID-19 PSA The Harry and Meghan interview might have taken down more than the royal family The Southern Baptist Convention's ominous cracks Mr Andrews has been temporarily replaced by Deputy Premier James Merlino. Environment Minister Lily DAmbrosio praised Mr Merlino at the governments press conference on Wednesday. She said Mr Merlino, who is also the minister for education and for mental health, was up to the task for as long as necessary. James Merlino is a consummate politician and hes doing a fantastic job as acting Premier, she said. Another Labor MP told The Age that theres no doubt Daniel is a strong leader, but hes a leader of a team. Regardless of how people have elevated his persona through coronavirus, it will be business as usual, the MP said. Its not the first time Daniel hasnt been there for a parliamentary sitting and James has run the ship plenty of times. He [Merlino] is a popular guy every single MP is talking to him about education and now mental health issues. A senior government source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Mr Andrews recovery certainly wont be quick, with a more precise time frame dependent on the impending decision of The Alfred hospital trauma centre doctors on surgery. Surgeons told The Age a recovery time of six to 12 weeks was likely. The government source confirmed the Premier, who is said to be in good spirits, had fractured his T7 vertebra, which could require screws to be inserted and a months-long recuperation period. Concerns over the seriousness of Mr Andrews condition have gradually increased since he was taken to hospital early on Tuesday after slipping on wet stairs at a holiday home in the Mornington Peninsula while getting ready for work. He broke ribs on his left and right sides but has been cleared of internal injuries such as a punctured lung. The Premier has not sustained head injuries and was conscious and speaking on Wednesday, the government source said. Premier Daniel Andrews at a press conference on March 4. Credit:Jason South He was initially treated at the Peninsula Private Hospital in Langwarrin and had a range of scans, but on Tuesday evening, after an MRI was assessed by specialists, it was decided to move him to The Alfred. The T7 is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage and muscles of the chest. Leading orthopaedic surgeon John Cunningham who is not Mr Andrews doctor said based on the description of the Premiers injuries, he would expect him to be out of work for anywhere between six and 12 weeks, depending on the type of treatment he opted for. This is my bread and butter; I see these sorts of fractures all the time, Mr Cunningham said. They really knock people for six. Even after successful treatment, they can have lingering symptoms for some time. He will likely be able to recover from this, but its going be a while before hes standing up in Parliament or in front of the press for hours on end. Regardless of the decision on surgery, Mr Andrews is expected to remain in intensive care for several days and will almost certainly be absent for next weeks sitting of Parliament. Mr Andrews absence comes as Ms Neville has taken leave until late May to receive treatment for Crohns disease. A decision on when Victoria will reopen its hotel quarantine program to international arrivals remains pending after Mr Andrews indefinitely paused flights last month due to a leakage of COVID-19 from a quarantine hotel. Mr Cunningham said for injuries such as Mr Andrews, the common treatment was to have corrective surgery soon after the injury. Alternatively, a patient could use a high back brace around the thoracic spine, helping them stay upright and preventing spinal deformity while their fracture heals. Mr Cunningham said it appeared the Premier had avoided a worst-case scenario of spinal cord damage. The question of whether or not to operate now and I say this in general terms is to do with the chances of him developing an ongoing deformity or what we call a kyphosis, he said. Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. Mr Cunningham said there was a very small risk of paraplegia or permanent neurological injury from surgery. It is very difficult to be prescriptive when it comes to spinal trauma, he said. Youve got to really take into account a patients whole general health, their workplace and how much time they can take off. I would think that Daniel Andrews would be a man who wants to take the least amount of time off work as possible. Melbourne neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon Michael Wong said the length of the Premiers recovery depended on the severity of his fracture. In the event of a minor fracture, you dont really need surgery. You just need to put the patient in the brace and they would still expect to have pain for quite some time and go through a period of rehabilitation, he said. For more severe fractures, the spine can become unstable, and surgery is required. Loading If the fracture is so bad that some of the bone fragment has basically come apart and is now impinging onto the nerves of the spinal cord, then you have to operate to protect the spinal cord, said Dr Wong, who specialises in treating people with chronic pain. He said surgery involved using some sort of spinal instrumentation, such as metal screws, to stabilise the spine. The surgery itself is not a small surgery, he said. It is a significant surgery that someone will face when they have spinal fracture. 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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 Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. BOCA RATON, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedia Group to help Passover Interfaith Seder to spread awareness of how the Jewish holiday of Passover amplifies the message to celebrate freedom from oppression for all people of different faiths. TransMedia Group said it was retained to highlight the interfaith organization's founder David Hall's passion for serving others through faith, appreciation and gratitude for all that God has delivered to people of faith. TransMedia Group will create and distribute news releases and media pitches to build broader exposure for the not-for-profit organization. "I have great confidence that TransMedia group will be effective in spreading the all-accepting word to the interfaith community," said Hall, who is also President of the Lake Worth Interfaith Network. TransMedia Group will oversee Passover Interfaith Seder's public relations activities to emphasize the importance of freedom from oppression and the retelling of the Exodus from Egypt. TransMedia will generate media exposure as well as inform other non-profits and businesses about Passover Interfaith Seder's sponsorship program. The Passover Interfaith Seder will be co-produced by Temple Adath Or and sponsors include Mark Gerson, author of "How Judaism's Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of Life," The Lake Worth Interfaith Network, A+ Clutter Clearing, The Law Offices of Pamela Higer Polani, The Savvy Seniors Show, Abrahamic Reunion and Emory University Candler School of Technology. "We are thrilled to show the world what a positive, impactful organization Passover Interfaith Network is and promote volunteerism for the greater good" said TransMedia Group President Adrienne Mazzone. For more information on Passover Interfaith Seder, visit www.passoverinterfaithseder.org or follow them on Facebook @passoverinterfaithseder Media Contact: Brianna Sharpe (973) 885-2022 [email protected] SOURCE TransMedia Group Related Links www.transmediagroup.com More than a dozen Northeast Pennsylvania legislators asked state officials Tuesday to establish COVID-19 mass vaccination sites in the region as soon as possible. Citing the pandemics effect on the health and finances of families, small businesses and workers, the legislators letter to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said vaccines mean there is light at the end of the tunnel. The sooner we can get these vaccines into arms, the sooner our community can recover and rebuild, the letter written by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, says. It is, therefore, deeply concerning to see Pennsylvanias vaccine rollout lagging behind so many other states. Recent reporting has noted pervasive issues with communication and coordination, which have created confusion for both residents and vaccine providers, and which have hampered efforts to quickly administer doses. The letter is co-signed by 16 state legislators. As vaccines become more readily available, mass vaccination sites will be crucial for ensuring that everyone who can receive a vaccine gets a vaccine. Time is critical in these efforts, Cartwright wrote. A faster rollout not only reduces rates of severe illness and death, but also lessens the potential impact new COVID-19 variants could have and makes it less likely that new variants emerge. Efforts to obtain comment from the Emergency Management Agency were unsuccessful. State Department of Health and other officials have repeatedly said the state will eventually open mass-vaccination sites once Pennsylvania begins receiving adequate vaccines. They have discussed potential sites with county officials across the state. In the daily Department of Health report of new virus cases and deaths, Pennsylvania added another 2,975 cases and 40 deaths statewide. That includes 222 cases and two deaths in the region that includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. The new cases brought the totals to 953,136 statewide and 58,441 in the region. The new deaths increased the totals to 24,396 across Pennsylvania and 1,655 in the region. By county: Lackawanna added 60 cases for 14,325 total, including 2,181 probable. One new death raised the county total to 427. Luzerne added 67 cases for 25,335 total, including 1,844 probable, and remained at 744 deaths. Monroe added 63 cases for 10,044 total, including 264 probable. One new death raised the county total to 273. Pike added 15 cases for 2,659 total, including 230 probable, and remained at 48 deaths. Susquehanna added seven cases for 1,746 total, including 204 probable, and remained at 53 deaths. Wayne added nine cases for 3,139 total, including 275 probable, and remained at 68 deaths. Wyoming added one case for 1,193 total, including 196 probable, and remained at 42 deaths. Tightened regulations needed for rising e-commerce activity, illustration photo Bruno Jousselin, managing director of MM Mega Market Vietnam, said that in comparison with e-commerce platforms, traditional retail businesses such as MM Mega Market have been fulfilling plentiful regulations related to goods. For now, when listing packaged products within any supermarket distribution system, these need to oblige with the strict regulations of the Vietnamese government and MM Mega Market Vietnams MM Quality Assurance Department, said Jousselin. Those include a quality profile including self-declarations and documents proofing conformity with regulations and labelling information that follows statutory requirements and shows the origin of products. In Vietnam, there are no official regulations requiring sellers to fulfil criteria regarding an items origin and quality. Furthermore, overseas vendors potentially take advantage of gaps in the legal framework and often sell low-quality goods. Most of the current e-commerce platforms are running under the customer-to-customer (C2C) model, playing an intermediate role, and have to be responsible for buyer-related problems. That is also the part of the reasons behind the rampage of fake and low-quality goods on the platforms. Although some sites have been operating with business-to-customer (B2C) models, which forced them to take care of the goods quality of the end-users, the number of B2C vendors remains relatively small against the C2C ones. As a result, quality issues continue to grow. Last month, intellectual property advisor Rouse based in the United Kingdom noted that Shopee was reported by stakeholders in 2020 for allowing high volumes of counterfeit goods including watches, clothing, food and beverages, and many more items. Their platforms in Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam offer more counterfeit goods compared to other local national platforms, Rouse said. It stated that prominent issues with Shopee include a lack of responsiveness, inconsistency, and failure to deter and apply a repeat infringer policy. Tran Tuan Anh, managing director of Shopee Vietnam, told VIR previously that the platform has constantly updated its filter system aiming to remove fake goods right after receiving notice. We also focus on investing in infrastructure and specialised human resources to expand the ability of monitoring and managing selling activity, he said. In a move to redeem its reputation, Shopee together with competitor Lazada signed an MoU with several international and local brand owners in the Philippines, including Unilever Philippines, GlaxoSmithKline, Globe Telecom, and more. The MoU requires the e-commerce sites to restrict sale of counterfeit goods online in a timely and efficient manner when these are reported by brand owners, as well as to verify and maintain data of sellers and share any infringers information with authorities. A similar move in Vietnam could help Shopee regain some of its customers trust. Recognising the various inadequacies in the legal framework, the local government since last year has carried out legal revisions. Earlier this month, the government approved the development of a decree about the customs administration on imports and exports through e-commerce transactions and assigned the Ministry of Finance and other agencies to build required regulations, with the first draft expected in the last quarter of this year. The Ministry of Industry and Trade previously published the amended Decree No.52/2013/ND-CP that supplements some responsibilities of the operators of e-commerce platforms where overseas vendors are running the business. Assessing the potential efficiency of the amendment, lawyer Dang Van Cuong from Chinh Phap Law Office said, Stiffening conditions in entering the market will enhance qualified merchants business in Vietnam, and also help to eliminate fraud on online shopping sites. Also, each platform is different, so local authorities should research carefully to complete the regulation. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. US, 10 March 2021 In recent times, anxiety, depression, pain, joint problem, obesity, insomnia, and acne are some examples of health disorders that are quite common in todays society. Most individuals around the world are struggling with these health disorders and use various medicines to get rid of these health disorders. Sometimes, medicines can create adverse reactions to the body due to several harmful ingredients. There are numerous individuals who believe that natural products can heal the body in an effective manner and can provide several health benefits. CBD is a highly popular component extracted from organic hemp and is usually known as cannabidiol. It can be used to eliminate several disorders in a short while. Individuals have several options of CBD products in the market, like oil, cream, gels, gummies, spray, and much more. 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Website : https://ipsnews.net/business/2021/01/28/sarahs-blessing-cbd-avis-la-meilleure-huile-de-la-cdb-pour-la-sante/ A little-known confectionery and beverage firm called Kopiko from Indonesia is one of the big sponsors of actor Song Joong-ki's latest TV series "Vincenzo" airing on tvN. The company does not have a presence in Korea but is big in Southeast Asia, where many are addicted to Korean soaps. A growing number of Korean dramas target audiences around the world through Netflix and other streaming services, which has prompted Chinese and Southeast Asian companies to place their products on them. Indonesia's Kopiko appears as a sponsor of cable channel tvN's TV series "Vincenzo." Ads for instant noodles by Zi Hai Guo of China appeared on tvN's another drama "True Beauty" which ended last month. Zi Hai Guo too does not sell any products in Korea but aims at consumers in China. Chinese e-commerce company Jingdong, which also sponsored "Vincenzo" as well as "True Beauty" and "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" caters to customers in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. Kopiko's signature coffee-flavored candy has yet to appear on "Vincenzo," but Indonesian media have reported that it will be munched by Song. Chinese company Zi Hai Guo's instant noodle cup is seen on cable channel tvN's TV series "True Beauty." A staffer at Studio Dragon, which produces "Vincenzo," said, "The proportion of production costs shouldered by multinational companies rose from 11 percent in 2018 to 17 percent last year." The release of Korean dramas on streaming media platforms has led to an increase in product placements by foreign companies that have no presence in Korea." Lesser-known French brand Roger Vivier provided the handbags and shoes worn by Kim Hee-ae in the 2020 hit soap "The World of the Married." After the remake of the BBC hit "Doctor Foster" finished airing, Roger Vivier's sales in Asia jumped to account for 60 to 70 percent of its global sales. Over the years, some who have tried to reopen the Shapira case have speculated that the manuscript might be a rewritten Bible of the sort found among the Dead Sea Scrolls texts that revised the canonical books of the Bible, to clarify certain points or appeal to new readers. But Gesundheit, of Hebrew University, said the absence of the laws suggests that V is older than Deuteronomy. In antiquity, he said, people who copied biblical texts might add or compile different versions. But they did not delete, he said. For them, the text was holy, he said. Its hard to believe somebody would delete those divine laws. Moreover, he said, Vs version is smoother and looks more original than canonical Deuteronomy, where the laws interrupt the narrative flow between the beginning and the end of the book. And the implications of the absence of the laws, Gesundheit said, are enormous. These laws are really important for the history of Judaism, for Christianity, for the tradition, he said. We have whole libraries of interpretations of the laws, but suddenly we see that there could have been a version which only speaks of beliefs and stories and theology, without the laws. As for the Ten Commandments or proclamations, as Dershowitz translates it they take a form that is quite different from the familiar text, Dershowitz said. They are all rendered in the first-person, from the standpoint of the deity for example, I made the heavens and the earth. (In the canonical version, they are in the third person.) And the presentation, in sharp contrast to biblical tradition, implies that there were no other divine laws communicated by Moses. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 21:04:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Several legal groups have demanded an Ohio judge apologize after he used the term "China Virus" in a column published in a local bar association's newsletter, local media reports said. Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. O'Donnell used the term "China Virus" three times in his article in the Lake Legal Views while addressing how he handled his duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lake County Bar Association distributed the edition to its members last Wednesday, which quickly ignited a firestorm in the legal community. Leaders from the Asian American Bar Association of Ohio, the Anti-Defamation League and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association, among others, condemned O'Donnell's use of the term. O'Donnell's word choice had "discriminatory and xenophobic connotations associated with it," the Asian American Bar Association of Ohio said in released a statement on Friday. "Our organization, and community-at-large, is deeply troubled by the use of such discriminatory and racially-charged language by a member of the judiciary, particularly at a time when stereotypes associated with this language have led to a documented surge in anti-Asian bias and racist attacks," read the statement. James Pasch, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League chapter covering Ohio, said that someone of O'Donnell's stature in the community using this type of language feeds into the racism and xenophobia that Asians have dealt with since the pandemic began. "There's no place for racism in Ohio, and certainly no place for it in the courts," Pasch said. "During difficult times, it's up to leaders in our community to elevate those being targeted, not to contribute to further harm and feed into conspiracy theories." Ciera Colon, president of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association, said she plans on filing grievances with the state's disciplinary counsel to seek potential sanctions against O'Donnell for comments she called "racist, stigmatizing and discriminatory." The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers also released a statement on Saturday, condemning O'Donnell's use of the term. "Courts are to be an example of honor and integrity wherein all who come before them should confidently expect they will be treated fairly. Such overt and reckless language sends the exact opposite message," it read. "Considering Judge O'Donnell's clear and public feelings, it is next to impossible to think that an Asian American, any person of color, or other minority could walk in his courtroom believing she or he would be afforded such fair treatment," it said. The use of the phrase "China Virus" has led to a surge in discrimination against Asian Americans, according to a study made by the University of California Berkeley. Racial bias against Asian Americans had been slowly decreasing in the United States since 2007, but the trend was reversed in early 2020 following the increase in stigmatising language published by media outlets. Enditem Vanita Gupta delivers remarks after being nominated to be U.S. associate attorney general by President-elect Joe Biden at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware, on Jan. 7, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Associate Attorney General Nominee Questioned Over Partisan Record Republicans questioned associate attorney general nominee Vanita Gupta during a hearing Tuesday over her record of partisan attacks. In her opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee Gupta said she would work to uphold the Constitution and not any partisan agenda. If confirmed, I will aggressively ensure that the Justice Department is independent of partisan influence, she said. That independence is part of a long tradition, and it is vital to the fair administration of justice and preserving the publics trust and confidence in our legal system. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) questioned Gupta about her positions on abortion, gun rights, and religious liberty; all issues Cruz said Gupta had taken strong ideological stances on in the past. As I look at your record on every single issue, the positions youve advocated for are on the extreme left, said Cruz. Gupta did not answer Cruzs question directly, but rather made general statements about following the law. Senator, if confirmed as associate attorney general, my duty will be to enforce laws, Gupta said. She also evaded questions from Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on whether she supported ending qualified immunity for police, a position she has publicly favored in the past. She advocated defunding the police in a seminar in June, stating that governments have skewed funding priorities. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 2, 2021. (Graeme Jennings/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Despite this, the longtime civil rights lawyer has the backing of some law enforcement organizations including Major County Sheriffs of America. The president of the National Sheriffs Association, David Mahoney, has also endorsed Gupta. I strongly believe that Ms. Gupta is exactly the type of leader who is needed in the Justice Department today. She possesses immense credibility among law enforcement leaders and community leaders. She is an effective communicator and bridge-builder, Mahoney wrote in a March 1 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Gupta led the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division during President Barack Obamas second term. She has also made strong statements against Republicans in the past. Her Twitter feed has painted Republicans with a broad brush, describing our national convention last year as three nights of racism, xenophobia, and outrageous lies,' Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said during his opening remarks. Would that kind of partisan political advocacy affect her legal advocacy in a role where she represents all Americans? Grassley said. Gupta apologized on Tuesday for some of her past rhetoric and pledged that she would be impartial in her new position. I think the rhetoric has gotten quite harsh over the last several years, and I have fallen prey to it, and I wish I could take it back. I cant, Gupta responded. I can pledge to you today that if Im confirmed or regardless, you wont be hearing that kind of rhetoric from me. On the question of accepting an apology for negative remarks made in the past, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) reminded Gupta that she wrote in 2018 that the Senate should reject an apology from judicial nominee Ryan Bounds for some of his past remarks while a student, saying that the timing of that apology suggests it is one of convenience rather than remorse. In his introduction of Gupta, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) praised his fellow civil rights lawyer, saying that lawyers can go from being partisan to defending the law. So why couldnt somebody with a civil rights background also be entrusted to take an oath and follow the law and fight for justice, said Kaine. In the week since Ms. Everard was last seen, hundreds of officers have been involved in the investigation, the police said, searching more than 750 houses in South London, a woodland area and a property in Kent, and urging witnesses to come forward. The arrest was the most significant development in the case, the police said, but the discovery of the remains made chances to find the 33-year-old woman alive slimmer. The officer, who is in his 40s, was first taken into custody on Tuesday evening, along with a woman in her 30s who was arrested at the same location on suspicion of assisting an offender. The officer remained in custody on Wednesday on suspicion of murder, and for a separate allegation of indecent exposure, according to the police, and the woman also remained in custody. The officer, who serves in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, and whose primary role was to patrol diplomatic premises, was not on duty when Ms. Everard disappeared, the police said. I speak on behalf of all my colleagues when I say that we are utterly appalled at this dreadful, dreadful news, Ms. Dick said, adding that the news that a police officer had been arrested had sent shock waves and anger through the public and through the Met. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit Vilnius this year to participate in the Ukraine Reform Conference. Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva said this in an interview with Baltic News Service (BNS) Lithuania, according to the website of the head of the Ukrainian state. We hope that the conference will take place this year. The Ukrainian government and the President's Office are already working on this. The head of state will be glad to come to Lithuania to discuss the progress of Ukrainian reforms and support for Ukraine from European partners, he said. According to Zhovkva, over the past year and a half, Ukraine has shown significant progress in reforms; in particular, recently President of the European Council Charles Michel noted the efforts of the Ukrainian president in judicial and banking reforms, as well as in the agricultural sector. We look forward to a fair assessment of the process. And we count on support for Ukraine to continue this path of reforms, he stressed. The deputy head of the President's Office also focused on the process of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. He recalled that the Ukrainian state received a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner status and raises the issue of providing a NATO Membership Action Plan. We understand that we have to do our homework, including reforms in the security and military sectors of Ukraine. We are working on this, Zhovkva said. Work is also underway to deepen Ukraine's integration with the European Union. Much depends on Ukraine, but not everything. We will do our "homework", but we really count on the support of Brussels and EU Member States. And here, by the way, the role of Lithuania is very important, because I hope that Lithuania unanimously supports Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO, Zhovkva noted. He also said that the Republic of Lithuania is not just a strategic partner of Ukraine, but also a strategic friend and brother, and both countries have great potential for cooperation. ish Varun Dhawan has kick-started the shoot for his upcoming film Bhediya. The actor has been shooting with Kriti Sanon in the state of Arunachal Pradesh for the same. However, in between that, he also seems to be having his own fun time while bonding with some adorable babies on the sets. Varun Dhawan took to his social media handle recently to share a delightful picture wherein the actor can be seen posing with a super cute baby. The actor can be seen sporting black attire along with a white and orange scarf around his neck while holding the baby. Along with that, the Coolie No 1 actor also shared a video wherein he can be seen playing with the baby while holding him above his head. Lastly, Varun embraces the child lovingly and says, "He's so cute." The actor also revealed the baby's name to be Thiagi Kambo. Take a look at the beautiful post shared by him. Apart from this, another picture has been going viral from the sets of the film Bhediya which has Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon posing with another baby. The two struck an endearing pose with the child in the picture. Take a look at the same. Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon and the rest of the team of Bhediya had also met the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu along with some other dignitaries when they had arrived in Arunachal Pradesh to shoot for their film. The makers had faced an obstacle during the shoot as fans who were excited to see a glimpse of the Badlapur actor, interrupted the shoot. In a video that had been going viral, Varun could be seen addressing the crowd saying, "Thode time ke liye nahi hai humlog idhar. Bohot time ke liye hai. Toh hopefully, shooting jab khatam hota hai toh main aap sab se mil paunga (We are here for a long time. Hopefully, once the shooting ends, I will meet you all)." Also Read: Varun Dhawan Shares Adorable Unseen Picture With Wife Natasha, Says 'Bharatiya Naari Sab Pe Bhaari' Meanwhile talking about the film Bhediya, it has been written by National Award-winner Niren Bhatt. The film is being directed by Amar Kaushik. The movie is set to release in April 2022 also stars Abhishek Banerjee and Deepak Dobriyal in pivotal roles. Also Read: Varun Dhawan Climbs On Top Of A Car As His Fans Interrupt Bhediya Shoot In Arunachal Pradesh Rio Tinto has signed an agreement to provide a first commercial batch of high-performance aluminium-scandium alloy from its North American operations to Amaero, a leader in metal additive manufacturing. This first sale is being delivered through Rio Tinto's unique position as a producer of both aluminium and scandium, and its technical capability to develop specialised alloys. Under the agreement, Rio Tinto will deliver alloy billets made of responsibly produced, low carbon aluminium from its hydro-powered Canadian smelters and high purity scandium oxide from its Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. The billets will be processed by Amaero into powder for 3D printing and offered to the market for high temperature applications. The scandium oxide will be supplied from a new plant Rio Tinto is building in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, bringing the first North American supply source to the world. The plant will use an innovative recovery process developed by Rio Tinto scientists to extract high purity scandium oxide from the waste streams of titanium dioxide production, without the need for any additional mining. The companies will also collaborate to develop the supply chain for Amaero's high performance, High Operating Temperature Aluminium Alloy, "Amaero HOT Al", and commercialise this lightweight material for applications in the aerospace, defence and other industries. Rio Tinto Aluminium vice president Sales and Marketing Tolga Egrilmezer said: "As a global leader in aluminium and the first producer of high-quality scandium oxide in North America, Rio Tinto is uniquely positioned to provide a secure source of aluminium-scandium alloy to the market. Aluminium-scandium alloy is the material of choice where a lightweight, high-strength material with thermal resistance and good welding properties is needed, such as for defence and aerospace applications. This first sale demonstrates our ability to develop products that meet our customers' needs, drawing on our technical expertise and world class assets." Amaero chief executive officer Barrie Finnin said: "We are very pleased to enter this Agreement with Rio Tinto to purchase the first commercial batch of aluminium scandium alloy from a North American source. This is an important step in the commercialisation of this high performance alloy that will be used in our breakthrough 3D metal printing technology. We look forward to working with Rio Tinto to progress the production of the alloy so we can commence the qualification process with key customers in the aerospace sector and other industries." Notes to editors About Rio Tinto Aluminium Rio Tinto is an industry leader in responsible aluminium production. In 2016, Rio Tinto launched RenewAl, the world's first certified low CO2 primary aluminium brand. It has helped to pioneer responsible production standards for the global industry as a founding member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), becoming the first producer to offer ASI Aluminium in 2018. Earlier this year, Rio Tinto also launched START, the first sustainability label for aluminium delivered to customers through blockchain technology, enabling them to differentiate between end products based on their environmental, social and governance credentials. About Amaero Amaero International Limited is an Australian based company that manufactures large format complex components in metal with laser-based additive manufacturing processes, commonly known as 3D printing. The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker code (ASX:3DA) Amaero has worked with many of the world's leading manufacturers of aerospace and defence products in both an R&D and manufacturing capability and has a demonstrated ability to deliver aviation and military specification 3D printed alloy critical operation components. Amaero was established with the support of Monash University in 2013 to take advantage of commercial opportunities identified by the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM). Amaero is co-located with MCAM in Melbourne Australia. It operates two additional facilities, in Adelaide, South Australia, and El Segundo, California, USA. Category: Saguenay View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310006003/en/ Contacts: media.enquiries@riotinto.com riotinto.com Follow @RioTinto on Twitter Media Relations, United Kingdom Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Americas Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429 Media Relations, Asia Grant Donald T +65 6679 9290 M +65 9722 6028 Media Relations, Australia Jonathan Rose T +61 3 9283 3088 M +61 447 028 913 Matt Chambers T +61 3 9283 3087 M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough T +61 8 6211 6013 M +61 436 653 412 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse T: +44 20 7781 1517 M: +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978 Clare Peever M: +44 7788 967 877 Investor Relations, Australia Natalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462 Amar Jambaa T +61 3 9283 3627 M +61 4 7286 5948 Rio Tinto plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited Level 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 21:08:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has authorized the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac and Russian Sputnik V vaccines as the country ramps up its COVID-19 inoculation program. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa made the announcement on Tuesday in a briefing, the state-run Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday. Zimbabwean private enterprises that wish to buy vaccines for their employees on their own are only allowed to procure vaccines registered in the country, Mutsvangwa said. Zimbabwe has already authorized the emergency use of China's Sinopharm vaccine and India's Covaxin. The country launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign last month, starting with frontline workers, with the aim of inoculating at least 10 million of its nearly 16 million people to achieve herd immunity. Enditem Drilling Update Perth, Mar 10, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited ( ASX:WMX ) ( FRA:NZ3 ) ( OTCMKTS:WMXCF ) is pleased to provide an update on further wide, high-grade intersections from an additional 63 holes and 14,644m of drilling at the Wiluna Mining Centre.The Company has currently deployed seven rigs in a major resource development and discovery program, which focuses on highest-value deposits scheduled for mining in the next five years to further enhance the mine plan. Results reported here are from Bulletin, West Lode South and the emerging Essex and Starlight high grade shoot discoveries.In addition, high grades encountered in grade control drilling at Golden Age are expected to materially enhance grade and production during the transition to, and in parallel with, the addition of sulphide production in the three-year staged development at the Wiluna Mining Centre.Wiluna Mining's drilling strategy in the past 12 months has successfully grown the Mineral Resource at the Wiluna Mining Centre to 4.24Moz @ 4.89g/t (>2.5g/t cut-off, see ASX release 5 November 2020). The program continues to define wide high-grade intervals at shallow levels, close to multiple previously mined zones with existing access for rapid low-cost development (Figure 1*).The new discoveries at Starlight and Essex demonstrate the outstanding discovery potential at Wiluna, where despite over 125 years of mining and exploration, new high-grade discoveries continue to be made, close to surface and close to existing underground mine infrastructure. These results confirm the Company's strong view that the Wiluna Operation will develop into a larger-scale, high grade, and long-life gold mine.DRILLING HIGHLIGHTS- NEW DISCOVERIES AT STARLIGHT AND ESSEXStarlight ZoneDrilling at the Starlight zone in the Wiluna North Mine area has delivered exceptional results (Figure 1 & 2*), with wide, high grade sulphides intersected at shallow depths below the Starlight pit, which the Company completed mining of oxide and transitional ore in 2020. The new discovery at the Starlight zone is significant in that it is located only 200m away from the existing underground mine development activities and could be rapidly brought into production at low capital cost if further planned drill testing demonstrates economic reserves.- WURC0955: 15.00m @ 7.23g/t from 52.00m and 2.00m @ 6.21g/t from 94.00m- WURC0963: 5.00m @ 5.74g/t from 233.00m- WURC0965: 6.00m @ 6.64g/t from 113.00mEssex ZoneThe ongoing program at Essex, which is a high grade, high-priority mining zone in the Wiluna Central Mine area, continues to generate excellent results. The success of the Company's drilling and resource development activity and the new discovery at Essex validates the Company's strategy to focus on shallow, high-grade sulphide ore bodies for development early in the mine plan.Recent drilling has intersected high grade visible gold in stacked lodes parallel to and down plunge of the main Essex lode, which was mined by open pit in 2020 (Figure 3*).WURD0109 intersected visible gold mineralisation, which is reflected in the high-grade assays of 1.13m @ 11.03g/t, and 2.45m @ 31.30g/t. This result follows up previously released intersections, including WURD0112 (8.00m @ 5.31g/t and 8.00m @ 15.20g/t, see ASX release dated 27 January 2020). Further drilling is planned to complete the infill of this highgrade lode discovery with a view to defining an ore reserve to enhance the front end of the underground mine plan at the Wiluna Mining Centre.- WURD0108: 1.96m @ 12.63g/t from 256.67m including 0.30m @ 57.50g/t (visible gold logged)- WURD0109: 1.13m @ 11.03g/t from 327.80m and 2.45m @ 31.30g/t from 393.95m (with visible gold)- WURD0114: 3.75m @ 6.40g/t from 373.25mWest Lode South ZoneThe program at West Lode South, which is a high-priority target in the Wiluna South Mine Area owing to its proximity to surface and existing decline access that is now being dewatered to install underground drilling positions, continues to generate excellent results. West Lode South has the potential to add to mine life and improve the head grade based on the thick high-grade mineralisation intersected in the current program and Wiluna Mining's previous holes (Figure 4, and ASX release 27 January 2021).West Lode was historically mined via underground between 1932 and 1946 and produced 691,000oz @ 8.6g/t, which demonstrates the scale and high-grade nature of this target zone. West Lode remains open and sparsely drilled in the southern target area (Figure 4), with potential to delineate resource extensions and to make a new shoot discovery.WURC0942 intersected very broad mineralisation of 106m @ 2.41g/t from 180.00m (estimated true width 70m) and WURCD0941 intersected broad halo mineralisation of 82.15m @ 1.50g/t from 207.00m (estimated true width 55m); these zones may be amenable to open pit or bulk underground mining methods. Within these broad zones, high grade intercepts include:- WURC0942: 3.00m @ 5.18 g/t, 11.00m @ 6.91g/t, 3.00m @ 7.29g/t, and 10.00m @ 8.92g/t - Within broad mineralised zone of 106m @ 2.41g/t (true width 70m) from 180.00m- WURCD0941: 4.00m @ 12.46g/t and 13.59m @ 3.36g/t including 1.83m @ 7.78g/t and 3.00m @ 5.62g/t - Within broad mineralised zone of 82.15m @ 1.50g/t (true width 55m) from 207.00m- WURCD0938: 5.76m @ 5.35g/t from 266.24mDRILLING HIGHLIGHTS- HIGH GRADE EXTENSIONS AT GOLDEN AGEGolden Age currently supplements the baseload free-milling feed from Williamson pit stockpiles and is an important source of transitional cashflow for the next 12 months and beyond. Golden Age will also continue to provide mill feed with the ability to produce gold dore and gold concentrates following commissioning of the sulphide concentrator.Gold dore produced on site in parallel to concentrate sales will be continued to improve and optimise operating margins.Grade control and extensional drilling at Golden Age has intersected exceptionally high-tenor mineralisation that is likely to materially improve free-milling production over the coming months. Further resource extensional drilling is planned as the high-grade mineralisation remains open for a considerable distance along strike and down-plunge of the current workings.Indeed, these exceptional results suggest the tenor of mineralisation improves to the East and at depth (Figure 5).- GAGC0338: 1.52m @ 18.99g/t from 89.83m- GAGC0340: 4.26m @ 47.94g/t from 100.74m- GAGC0342: 5.96m @ 18.62g/t from 108.04m- GAGC0344: 7.55m @ 13.40g/t from 127.45m including 2.50m @ 37.10g/t- GAGC0345: 3.04m @ 8.59g/t from 116.58m- GAGC0347: 2.93m @ 7.02g/t from 136.41mWILUNA MINING CENTRE- RESOURCE AND RESERVE DRILLING PROGRAMFollowing the 93,000m of resource and reserve development drilling completed in 2020, the Wiluna Mining Centre Mineral Resource Estimate has increased to 60.2Mt @ 2.99g/t for 5.78Moz (above 1.0g/t cut-off), including a high-grade component of 26.9Mt @ 4.89g/t for 4.24Moz above 2.5g/t cut-off (see ASX release dated 5 November 2020). Approximately 50% of the Mineral Resource is in the Measured and Indicated categories and 50% in the Inferred category. The 2021 drilling program is of similar scale, with seven rigs currently operating, with the aim to grow reserves through targeting new high-grade shoots and progressive infill to convert the current Inferred Resource of 2.10Moz @ 4.57g/t (above 2.5g/t cut-off) to Indicated category. The Company will publish initial Sulphide Ore Reserves in the first quarter of 2021.Including historical production of over 4Moz, Wiluna's total endowment is over 10Moz which ranks Wiluna alongside an exclusive peer group of large-scale, long-life mining centres in the Western Australian gold fields. Most historical production and existing resources occur in the upper 600m at Wiluna, with limited drilling during the past 15 years at depth on Wiluna Mining's exploration targets (Figure 1), which Wiluna Mining will systematically drill out to complete the resource and reserve development program over the next three to five years.At Wiluna, the bulk of the ounces are hosted within high grade shoots within steeply dipping gold shear zones, with the two most prominent shears being the East and West structures and a third sub-parallel structure called Adelaide-Moonlight shear, with a combined strike length of over 10km. In addition, numerous linking structures and splays are also mineralised, and free-milling high grade quartz reefs continue to be drilled at the Golden Age area.The lodes that comprise the two main structures within the Wiluna deposit have very limited drilling below the deepest levels of production (600m to 1,000m below surface), but the drilling that has been completed shows the same mineralisation style at similar grade and width as observed within the past production envelopes. This gives confidence that mineralisation extends well beneath the currently known extents of each lode. Prior to Wiluna Mining's ownership, a limited number of historical intercepts drilled over 1,000m below surface confirmed that high grade extensions continue below the deepest mine workings.The Company is targeting high grade zones to bring into the front of the mine plan, because every increase in head grade of 1g/t equates to approximately an additional 50kozpa once the production is fully ramped up at the conclusion of the staged three-year development plan.*To view the full release, including tables and figures, please visit:About Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMX) (OTCMKTS:WMXCF) is a Perth based, ASX listed gold mining company that controls over 1,600 square kilometres of the Yilgarn Craton in the Northern Goldfields of WA. The Yilgarn Craton has a historic and current gold endowment of over 380 million ounces, making it one of most prolific gold regions in the world. The Company owns 100% of the Wiluna Gold Operation which has a defined resource of 8.04M oz at 1.67 g/t au. In May 2019, a new highly skilled management team took control of the Company with a clear plan to leverage the Wiluna Gold Operation's multi-million-ounce potential. The image depicts myelin (Cyan) and specialised brain stem cells Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (OPCs) in the grey and white matter of the brain. Myelin is an insulation produced by cells called Oligodendrocytes, which are in turn produced by OPCs. The nuclei of all the cells in the brain are shown in blue. Credit: Dr Andrea Rivera A new study led by the University of Portsmouth has identified that one of the major factors of age-related brain deterioration is the loss of a substance called myelin. Myelin acts like the protective and insulating plastic casing around the electrical wires of the braincalled axons. Myelin is essential for superfast communication between nerve cells that lie behind the supercomputer power of the human brain. The loss of myelin results in cognitive decline and is central to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. This new study found that the cells that drive myelin repair become less efficient as we age and identified a key gene that is most affected by ageing, which reduces the cells ability to replace lost myelin. The study, published this week in the journal Ageing Cell, is part of an international collaboration led by Professor Arthur Butt at the University of Portsmouth with Dr. Kasum Azim at the University of Dusseldorf in Germany, together with Italian research groups of Professor Maria Pia Abbracchio in Milan and Dr. Andrea Rivera in Padua. Professor Butt said: "Everyone is familiar with the brain's grey matter, but very few know about the white matter, which comprises of the insulated electrical wires that connect all the different parts of our brains. The image depicts myelin (Cyan), OPCs (Magenta) and cell nuclei in blue in the Corpus Callosum of the brain. The Corpus callosum is one of the biggest tracts of white matter and it connects the left and right hemisphere of the brain together. It is also one of the white matter tracts affected by aging. Credit: Dr Andrea Rivera "A key feature of the ageing brain is the progressive loss of white matter and myelin, but the reasons behind these processes are largely unknown. The brain cells that produce myelincalled oligodendrocytesneed to be replaced throughout life by stem cells called oligodendrocyte precursors. If this fails, then there is a loss of myelin and white matter, resulting in devastating effects on brain function and cognitive decline. An exciting new finding of our study is that we have uncovered one of the reasons that this process is slowed down in the aging brain." Dr. Rivera, lead author of the study while he was in University of Portsmouth and who is now a Fellow at the University of Padua, explained: "By comparing the genome of a young mouse brain to that of a senile mouse, we identified which processes are affected by ageing. These very sophisticated analysis allowed us to unravel the reasons why the replenishment of oligodendrocytes and the myelin they produce is reduced in the aging brain. "We identified GPR17, the gene associated to these specific precursors, as the most affected gene in the ageing brain and that the loss of GPR17 is associated to a reduced ability of these precursors to actively work to replace the lost myelin." The work is still very much ongoing and has paved the way for new studies on how to induce the 'rejuvenation' of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to efficiently replenish lost white matter. A special type of stem cells called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) (White). These cells generate another type of brain cell called oligodendrocyte throughout life. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin (Red) which is a substance that promotes efficient transmission of a nerve cell impulse by insulating axons: the part of neurons that transmit the information. The image is of the striatum and a part of corpus callosum (top right). Credit: Dr Andrea Rivera Dr. Azim of the University of Dusseldorf said: "This approach is promising for targeting myelin loss in the aging brain and demyelination diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Indeed, we have only touched the tip of the iceberg and future investigation from our research groups aim to bring our findings into human translational settings." Dr. Rivera performed the key experiments published in this study while at the University of Portsmouth and he has been awarded the prestigious MSCA Seal of Excellence @UniPD Fellowship to translate these findings and investigate this further in the human brain, in collaboration with Professors Raffele De Caro, Andrea Porzionato and Veronica Macchi at the Institute of Human Anatomy of the University of Padua. The study was funded by grants from the BBSRC and MRC to Professor Butt, together with the UK and Italian MS Societies (to Professors Butt and Abbracchio, respectively), and the Swiss National Funds Fellowship and German Research Council (Dr. Azim). Dr. Andrea Rivera was supported by an Anatomical Society Ph.D. Studentship (with Professor Butt), and the MSCA Seal of Excellence @UniPD (Dr. Rivera). Dr. Emma Gray, Assistant Director of Research at the MS Society, said: "MS can be relentless and painful, and there are sadly still no treatments to stop disability progression. We can see a future where no one has to worry about MS getting worse but, for that to happen, we need to find ways to repair damaged myelin. This research sheds light on why cells that drive myelin repair become less efficient as we age, and we're really proud to have helped fund it. By improving our understanding of ageing brain stem cells, it gives us a new target to help slow the progression of MS, and could have important implications for future treatment." Explore further Researchers generate a brain cell type crucial to support neural activity More information: Andrea D. Rivera et al, Functional genomic analyses highlight a shift in Gpr17 regulated cellular processes in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and underlying myelin dysregulation in the aged mouse cerebrum, Aging Cell (2021). Journal information: Aging Cell Andrea D. Rivera et al, Functional genomic analyses highlight a shift in Gpr17 regulated cellular processes in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and underlying myelin dysregulation in the aged mouse cerebrum,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/acel.13335 Ukraine categorically rejects the information made public by chairman of the State Security Committee of Belarus Ivan Tertel about the supply of large consignments of "weapons from Ukraine" to Belarus, said spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko. "This is complete nonsense, which is not for the first time has been heard from Belarusian officials. We categorically reject the hackneyed mantra about 'weapons from Ukraine.' The authorities in Belarus must finally stop frightening the Belarusian people with a contrived external enemy," Nikolenko said in his Twitter post on Wednesday. Belarusian media reported that chairman of the State Security Committee of Belarus Ivan Tertel said that huge consignments of weapons were supplied to Belarus from Ukraine to carry out terrorist attacks. "From the territory of Ukraine, large consignments, huge consignments of weapons were delivered to our territory for further use in order to destabilize the situation, terrorist acts were planned both against the facilities of government departments and against individual officials, including with the threat of the death of a large number of the population," the portal Naviny.by quoted him as saying. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A rogue bull shark has been spotted stalking a Gold Coast canal popular with children, swimmers and fishermen sparking renewed warnings to locals to avoid the waterways during breeding season. The one-metre beast was seen cruising between million-dollar homes in Broadbeach, Queensland on Monday, March 8. Gold Coast resident Harry Blair noticed the shark's large and small dorsal fins slowly emerge from the deep waters on the Canal Reserve. The terrifying footage captioned 'Only in Australia', showed the beast create ripples in the canal by skimming it's fins on the waters edge to the shock of locals. A massive bull shark was spotted swimming along the Canal Reserve in Broadbeach, Queensland on Monday Bond University biologist Dr Daryl McPhee, told the Daily Mail that hundreds of bull sharks frequent canals during their breeding season between November to April. 'It's the perfect time for the bull sharks to breed in these warmer months, he said. 'The female sharks move up stream to drop off her pups that can be between 60 - 80cm at birth.' Dr McPhee said that while bull sharks are 'not the biggest in size, they do offer the biggest bites.' 'Out of all the species, bull sharks are the most commonly associated with unprovoked bites', he said. 'There have been no fatalities in recent years, but swimmers need to be avoid swimming in canals.' The City of Gold Coast Council warned residents to be aware of stingrays, jellyfish, catfish, stonefish and sharks that frequent local lakes and canals. The footage showed the shark slowly move up the canal, skimming it's fins on the waters edge to the shock of locals 'Anyone who enjoys recreational activities on the water should act responsibly and needs to be aware that they may encounter potentially dangerous species', the council said in a statement. The footage of the bull shark, posted to TikTok, sparked similar reports from other Queenslanders who had experienced similar encounters. 'I've been paddle boarding through those canals and always find sharks and jelly fish', one man said. 'You always find sharks in the canals, I'll never swim there', another commented. 'Not a great idea to swim in canals in Queensland I think', another said. The COVID-19 has increased the risks of sexual and gender-based violence against women in the Northern Region, Madam Bushira Alhassan, Northern Regional Director, Department of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has said. She said in an epidemic such as the Covid-19, women and girls were at higher risk of experiencing intimation and other forms of domestic violence due to heightened tensions in the household. Madam Alhassan said this on the International Womens Day (IWD), organised by her Department, in partnership with the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA), Pan African Organisation for Research and Protection of Women and Children against Violence (PAORP-VAWG) and Songtaba organisation. The event, on the theme: Women in Leadership; Achieving an Equal Future in COVID-19 World, was held in Tamale to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on women, and adopt workable measures to address those challenges. She said domestic violence was high at the national and international levels, and affected various categories of women including those with unpaid care duties, the unemployed and those hard hit by poverty. Madam Alhassan urged world leaders to act fast to address the issues before it got out of hand, adding that women leaders and women organisations had demonstrated their skills, knowledge and networks to effectively lead in the Covid-19 response and recovery and should be acknowledged. Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, the Executive Director of SWIDA, called on men to support women to achieve the campaign theme for the IWD; #ChooseToChalenge. She said COVID-19 had disrupted economic activities, which invariably affected small and medium entreprises and their employees, compelling them to temporarily shut down businesses as well as disrupt their sources of income. She said many couples spent more time at home during the lockdown and that affected their incomes, placing financial and psychological burden on breadwinners, who were mostly men, and translated to heightened tension, leading to violence. Hajia Saeed urged women, globally, to take the COVID-19 vaccine, wear the nose masks, and practice hand washing with soap to reduce the spread of the disease to save more lives. Dr Muma Bili, the Deputy Programmes Director of PAORP-VAWG, advised women to support their colleague women in leadership to enhance the development of the country and improve gender equality. The International Women's Day is celebrated globally to acknowledge the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Roy Exum has once again brought up his support for metro government in Hamilton County. There are some matters that need consideration before putting it to a vote. Why do so many homeowners choose to live outside Chattanooga city limits, whether in other cities within Hamilton County, or in the unincorporated areas? I am sure that part of the reason behind people choosing to reside in Signal Mountain, Walden, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank, Soddy-Daisy, Collegedale, East Ridge or Ridgeside, or in the uncorporated parts of the county has to do with the less restrictive government there, plus the general incompetence of mayors like Andy Berke and the Chattanooga City Council. Excessive regulations, fees and municipal spending are among the factors to avoid living in the city. One tidbit I ran across a few years ago was Chattanoogas mandated annual pet licenses for indoor cats and a limit on how many could be housed within a home. Our five felines are 100 percent indoors and the only time they venture out is in a cat carrier for a trip to the vet, so paying a license for such a pet is nothing more than a tax. As to limits on cats in a household, it is none of any local governments business how many we keep, so long as they are healthy, fed, vaccinated annually and not disturbing the neighbors. I know of more than a few Chattanooga residents who dont buy the city licenses (though they do get their pets vaccinated) to avoid this ridiculous law. Suppose metro government were to be discussed. Would it start from scratch or would the city of Chattanooga demand that all of its existing ordinances and laws be incorporated into the new government? I imagine that a close review of each paragraph would uncover many additional ordinances that current residents of other cities and unincorporated areas would find objectionable. Current residents in other parts of the county might also object to being forced into funding the legacy pensions and debts of Chattanooga. It also seems unlikely that the incorporated cities and towns are in any rush to give up their charters to join metro government. It is obvious that there could be some advantages from switching to metro government, like having a county wide taxpayer-funded fire department and presumably lower homeowner insurance premiums. But that would also come with a price, including soaring property taxes for residents living outside Chattanoogas current city limits. Unfortunately, most of the benefits would be for current Chattanooga residents and not for those who voted with their home purchases or leases to live elsewhere in the county. Of the 38 years my wife and I have lived in Hamilton County, we spent only the first two-plus years living in Chattanooga. All three homes that we have owned since 1990 have been in unincorporated Hamilton County, thats the way we would prefer to keep it. Ken Dryden * * * As a board member of what became HCRAA, the county citizens group, Hamilton County Residents Against Annexation, I attended that infamous East Brainerd meeting some years ago when hundreds of county residents heard former Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield basically telling us in so many words that we were going to be annexed into the city and there was nothing we could do about it. Big mistake! One lone quiet small business owner, Kyle Holden, owner of Chattanooga Bar Stools & More, raised his hand, stood up and began speaking. He said that although he couldn't afford it, he would do all he could to legally fight this obvious "tax grab" that would threaten his livelihood. His words were moving as he described how this transparent attempt to get us on the tax rolls just before the census was nothing more than a way to increase the size of the city to increase their share of federal funds and double our taxes as well. This was at a time when the city and this mayor had been seen by many as having dug themselves into their own financial hole, and were looking for new ways to fill that bottomless pit. As I said, at the end of that memorable meeting at Westview Elementary School with Littlefield, a handful of us met with Mr. Holden, and after forming our non profit HCRAA, we began what became four years of public meetings, door knocking, speeches, state meetings, fundraising, and yes, hiring the most noted anti-annexation lawyer in the state at the time, Mr. David Buke, to file over 12 lawsuits to fight against Littlefield and his proposed tax grab. These efforts caused him to miss his deadline the next year attempting to suck county residents into his city census count, and later, thanks to the gallant efforts of our two brave local state representatives in the state House and Senate, Mike Carter and Bo Watson, a Republican controlled majority finally mustered the votes after decades of trying, to pass a law to forever ban forced annexations in the state of Tennessee. I moved from California upon retirement after 30 years of oppressive taxes, where I had seen hundreds of our poor and seniors lose their homes every month due to taxes they couldn't afford. I had even worked as a volunteer gathering the necessary signatures throughout the state to put what was known as Proposition 13 on the ballot to stop this cruel injustice. It was passed by an overwhelming margin, and for a time, protected thousands of state wide vulnerable homeowners. I chose Chattanooga as my retirement home after researching many states and areas where I thought I would be safe from these burdensome state and local taxes that were threatening my "golden years". Little did I realize that no matter where you live there are always politicians that live to perpetuate their existence by constantly messing with our lives. Remember that tired old saying, "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help". Metro government is that "help" that has been tried before, rejected, and like a cancer that sometimes spreads, will show up again and again, because most greedy politicians seem to forget that they are elected to represent the people, not the bureaucracy. Bill Reesor | By Laura Lee Larry S. Gibson, JD, is well-versed in the historical role of African Americans in government. The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law professor has directed local, state, and national political campaigns since 1968. Top left to right: Donald Fry, CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, and Larry Gibson, professor, Maryland Carey Law. Bottom: Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne Jones. An avid local historian, Gibson also played a role in Baltimores civil rights movement and the fight for racial justice. On Feb. 25, Gibson joined Maryland Speaker of the House of Delegates Adrienne Jones in a Greater Baltimore Committee Newsmaker Series talk to reflect on the influential role of African Americans in government. Despite Baltimore having what Gibson described as ambiguity and inconsistency about race, calling it the most Southern Northern city and the most Northern Southern city, after the Civil War it became a center for black activism and political leadership. Gibson noted early Black leaders including Harry S. Cummings, a lawyer and Baltimores first black city councilman elected in 1890; W. Ashbie Hawkins and Warner T. McGuinn, lawyers who fought segregation in the courts in the early 1900s; and his personal hero Thurgood Marshall, whose first major case desegregated the University of Maryland School of Law and who later became the first Black justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Baltimore has a lot to be proud of, said Gibson. African American Baltimoreans have reshaped our nations laws and moved America toward its goal of equal justice for all. Adrienne A. Jones knows how to make history. Shes the first African American and the first woman to serve as House speaker and is using her influence to advance a racial equity and social justice agenda dubbed the Black Agenda for Marylands Black and Brown residents. Though inspired by national protests in response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Jones said her Black Agenda is not only about policing. We should be talking about how to create better access and more pathways to economic opportunities, she said. Working with state, local, and national leaders, Jones developed policy initiatives targeting the key areas of housing; corporate management; banking; health; business; and government. The package of bills was introduced this year in the Maryland General Assembly. These policy changes are what we need to make our economy stronger and to dismantle barriers for a historically disenfranchised community, she said, noting that she plans to use the momentum of the current national conversation to make progress in Maryland. Gibson expressed optimism that Jones is harnessing the power of the broader debate to improve lives locally. I'm delighted to see what's happening here in Maryland, he said. According to Gibson, Jones is a continuation of a long history of strong African American leaders in the state. There's been this traditional leadership from African Americans in Maryland and here we go again in a very positive way, he continued. Over the course of an hour, Jones and Gibson discussed a wide range of issues including the future of Baltimore, transportation as a civil right, and the role of black churches in political organizing. Both Gibson and Jones offered advice to the younger generation energized by recent calls for social justice. Be involved. Get engaged. Get your voice heard, Jones counseled. Once they are involved, Gibson said its the older generations job to provide guidance. What we can do, us older folks, is help them have a historical perspective. Our job is to help them with some degree of constructive longevity of the way things have been done over time." The UK Governments provocation tactics will not resolve the complex issues linked to new Irish trading arrangements, Labour has warned. Ministers last week unilaterally extended grace periods limiting bureaucracy linked to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs trade post-Brexit, until October. They had been due to expire at the end of March. But shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh said the Governments unilateral response meant its words cannot be trusted by the EU and others. The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement changed the lives of millions across these islands. It is one of Labour's proudest achievements. Today, we're launching a unique programme for members to tell the story of peace and why work to fulfil its promise goes on https://t.co/CUgWr8fV20 pic.twitter.com/J4XjdMsGdv Louise Haigh (@LouHaigh) January 14, 2021 Asking an urgent question, she also told the Commons: It raises serious questions about whether the Government has a strategy at all to deal with the complex realities facing Northern Ireland. Provocation is not a strategy and a stop gap is not a solution. Ms Haigh asked the UK Government to outline its intentions, adding: Is it to push the Protocol to breaking point and undermine the cast-iron commitment to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, or is it to find the solutions that businesses are crying out for? She also said: This is an extraordinary position for a government to be in having to break the law and trash Britains international reputation to remove checks they claimed never existed. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis defended the Governments lawful actions. Expand Close Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Louise Haigh (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Louise Haigh (Liam McBurney/PA) He said: She didnt, from memory, at any point disagree with the substance of any of the measures we put forward, which are critical to protecting the flow of goods in Northern Ireland, so I assume she does inherently support what weve done. Mr Lewis said the Governments actions have been backed by a range of businesses and the communities in Northern Ireland, adding: If we had not taken this action last week, wed have seen disruption to food supplies in literally the next couple of weeks. He added the measures are consistent with a progressive and good faith implementation of the Protocol, and do not change the UKs legal obligations, with discussions continuing with the EU. Expand Close Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis (Kirsty OConnor/PA) Simon Hoare, Conservative chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, asked whether the Government understands the very destabilising effect on trust that such unilateral action brings on both UK-EU relations and on UK-Irish relations. He said: Can I urge the Government to desist from a narrative of unilateral action and debate, get round the joint committee table and make sure that the protocol works, that everybody understands that its here to stay and that it can benefit very significantly the people, the economy and communities of Northern Ireland? The DUPs Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: What we need is a permanent solution to this problem, and frankly the sooner the better. Labour former minister Hilary Benn asked under which Article of the Northern Ireland Protocol the Government has taken the action that it has. He told the Commons: I support the aim of trying to minimise unnecessary disruptive checks, but on the method, can the minister tell the House under which Article of the Northern Ireland Protocol the Government has taken this decision, which he describes as lawful, to extend the grace period? Is it Article 16, which allows the UK to unilaterally take appropriate safeguard measures, and if not, which other article is he citing as giving the Government the ability lawfully to take this step? Mr Lewis, in his reply, said: The measures I announced last Wednesday are lawful and consistent with the progressive and good faith implementation of the protocol. They are temporary operational easements, introduced where additional delivery time is needed; they do not change our legal obligations as set out in the protocol. Lets follow the Sussexes out of the monarcy Its time Australia. Meghan and Harry have shown the way out of the clutches of royalty. Its time we elected our own head of state (Prince harming: interview riles monarchists, March 10). Henry Spirek, Orange We need to move towards a republic but must learn the lessons from the previous exercise, derailed by John Howard. The first is to have a model close to our existing system but with a local head of state. Lets use any term other than president. Why not retain a governor-general? To satisfy many peoples desire to elect the head of state, why not have a system where each state votes for a candidate and then both houses of parliament require a two-thirds majority to appoint the new head of state. The current turmoil in the royal family highlights the ridiculousness of a system that abrogates our ultimate government responsibility to an undemocratic head of state of another country. Neil Reckord, North Haven So many brides have had their weddings cancelled or postponed this year, including my daughter, at great expense to herself (Secret wedding no legal ceremony, March 10). In contrast, Meghan appears ungrateful for her lavish wedding. Who paid for it? If she is so independent she wouldve had a much simpler ceremony. God save the Queen. Susan Chan, St Ives I have to disagree with your correspondent (Letters, March 10). There are not so many similarities with Diana. Diana was engaged to Charles when she was 19 years old and married him at 20, when he was 32. Beforehand she was subjected to a virginity test. Afterwards she was dealing with the fact there were three people in the marriage. All the doe-eyed make-up in the world is not going to convince me that Meghan and Harry have it hard. Jenny Stephenson, Wollongong Nearly 50 years ago, Princess Anne refused a title for her first husband and her children. These two children and their children have grown up fine and healthy without being encumbered by royal duties, yet still enjoying a close relationship with their grandparents and other titled relatives. Just what do Harry and Meghan want? Royal titles and privileges without royal duties? Brian Collins, Cronulla I fear it may be a little late for the English monarchy to be taking an interest in the genetics of Prince Harrys son after the past couple of centuries of marrying cousins and various other adulterous liaisons. Wendy Atkins, Cooks Hill Porter claims led me to report my own rape Thirty-nine years ago I was raped as a teenager by the father of a classmate. On Monday I walked into a police station to make a statement. Why so long? Statistics and shame. We know its 1 per cent of 1 per cent getting a conviction. Why subject yourself to more humiliation by having to talk repeatedly about the horrible event in a public forum and be burned to the core by defence counsel getting paid to see justice is served for the accused? Higgins, Tame, Porter and Morrison have all been influential in my decision to do something. Higgins and Tame for their bravery, so young. Porter for his absolute denial and Morrison for his duplicity - he has previously said victims have to be believed and then backs his man saying so without hearing all the information. My view is that these crimes will not stop, waiting for (some) men to have respect for women. Maybe the threat of being caught and going to jail will. Most people dont commit murder because they know theyre going to get caught and go to jail for a very long time. If that happened with sex assaults, perpetrators will think twice and these offences will stop. Perpetrators need to know that the police will knock on their door. We the victims must attempt to protect women and girls of the future because no one else will. It is us who must stop the assaults, and the insults coming from a lack of belief in us and what we have experienced. We are not liars. I am now mentally prepared for the onslaught. I wasnt all those years ago as a naive country girl taken advantage of by a predator. Theyre everywhere. Name withheld As a fellow lawyer I am extremely concerned that a colleague would call for an inquiry into criminal matters to be conducted by an extra-judicial body (As a witness in the Heydon inquiry Im speaking out on why Porter should face investigation, March 9). It is not analogous to the Heydon inquiry at all. That inquiry was initiated by the employers in relation to non-criminal (though repugnant) conduct in the workplace. The Porter matter relates to serious criminal allegations said to have occurred decades ago unrelated to Porters current employment. It is analgous to the shareholders of a company calling on a board to conduct an inquiry into a rape allegation against the CEO from his teenage years in circumstances where the police have decided not to investigate, or the DPP has decided not to prosecute. What legal status or moral right would such an inquiry have? We should all be very careful of the precedents we set. Dianne Hamilton, Jannali The presumption of innocence is not the end of the matter, there should be a proper investigation, all parties interviewed, leads followed, to a prosecution and defence, then deemed innocent or guilty, for all Australians. Janelle Graham, Kincumber Scott Morrison and his illiberal Liberals just doesnt get it. Women are incandescent with rage. They have had enough of living with the threat of violence and sexual assault. The patriarchy is again an issue. Social change is odd - for years nothing seems to happen then suddenly there is a spark and the whole rotten edifice goes up in flames. To borrow from W B Yeats: All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born. David Perkins, Reid ACT Aged care anomaly The damning report on aged care brings increased pressure to use some form of taxation to fund a better model (Aged care slips off the agenda, March 10). But no, the Coalition prides itself on being the party of lower taxes and this move would not sit well with their base. I wont hold my breath waiting for justice, rather then entrenched interests, to be the winner. Joan Brown, Orange Gittins gloomy report on the likelihood of the aged care commissions report being implemented any time soon makes for sombre reading. Given the difficulty of implementing any reforms, I for one will be unlikely to benefit. It is, however, comforting to be able to reassure my grandchildren their old age is in good hands. Im sure they will be thrilled. Vicky Marquis, Glebe Rich get richer Just as you reported, the OECD predicting the local economy would grow at a decade-high rate. It was also reported that low-income workers were being left behind (OECD forecasts Australias best growth in a decade, March 10). No surprise there. To quote Midnight Oil, The rich get richer, the poor get the picture. Tim Overland, Castle Hill Pull the plug Given all the hand-wringing over raising the Warragamba Dam wall, the Planning Minister still refuses to look at the real cause of the flooding - the plug at Sackville Gorge (Billions of dollars of housing at risk of flooding, March 10). Much less than $1.6 billion would be needed to double or triple the draining of the floodplain. A bath wont fill if the drain hole is big enough and the plug is pulled. Peter Russell, Coogee Trumps disciples First Downer, then Pell and now Abbott sing Trumps praises. For such an extraordinarily divisive character with some thousands of lies to boot, who filled the White House with chaos and family, appallingly mismanaged the COVID issue, decried the Paris Accord and dumped the WHO, to name a few troubles, I find it breathtaking to hear this stuff from ageing political and religious leaders (Abbotts verdict on Trump and his place in history, March 10). Bruce Hall, Avalon Horrors of sex I remember, with horror, when I was about 11 being taken by my mother to our local church hall to watch the documentary Mothers and Daughters (Letters, March 10). As the clinical, biological explanation of baby making unfolded before my amazed eyes, the only two thoughts that kept coming into my head were yuk and the Queen must have done it. Although my mother was sitting beside me, the fact that she had obviously done it was just too much for me to take in, all in one session. Sex education in the 1950s! Valerie Little, Tathra It is good to read that sex education has moved on from the Modess pad booklets that were left lying around the house for us to surreptitiously grab and sneak off with to read in our bedrooms. Louise Dolan, Birchgrove God on your side In the dim and distant, I can remember job application forms in which I was regularly asked my religion (Letters, March 10). I would write employers choice. John Campbell, South Golden Beach I have a male friend who applied for a job at the Australian Embassy in London 50 years ago. He was asked what school he went to in Sydney. He got the job when he responding honestly St Josephs. However, it was not the St Josephs. Judy Nicholas, Denistone East When I arrived in Australia in 1969, at one of my first job interviews the conversation went like this: What school did you go to? Felsted I replied. Im sorry? said the interviewer. Its an English public school I said. Then how come you have a toffs pommy accent? he asked. John Grinter, Katoomba I attended a university college debate as a guest of my niece who was a champion third speaker. The windows of the college were lined with donor names of the whos who of the law and medical profession and matched some of the names at my table. During the course of the meal, after my niece had annihilated the opposition, an aged gentleman at the table asked me which school she attended. Forster High School was my proud response. His response: Im told there can be the odd good teacher in state schools. Being a high school teacher, I bit my tongue. Margaret Teague, Glebe A few weeks ago, January Payne learned that her uncle had been rushed to Harrisburg Hospital gravely ill with COVID-19. Payne didnt find out until more than a month after the fact that her uncle, Antone Wilson, an inmate at State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill, had been hospitalized for a week. Dido Hardings test and trace system has swallowed up unimaginable amounts of taxpayers money with no evidence of any measurable difference on the progress of the coronavirus pandemic, a scathing report by a Westminster spending watchdog has found. The report said NHS test and trace must wean itself off its reliance on private-sector consultants, after figures showed it was still employing around 2,500 in early February on an estimated daily rate of 1,100 a head with the highest-paid individual costing taxpayers 6,624 a day. Despite its 23bn budget in its first year of operation, test and trace failed in its task of preventing the second and third lockdowns, found the cross-party House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. And there was still no clear evidence of its effectiveness in driving down Covid-19 infection rates. The committee said it was not clear that its contribution to the fight against coronavirus justified its astronomical cost. Committee chair Meg Hillier demanded better control of costs, accusing the government of treating taxpayers like an ATM machine. And unions said that vast sums had been frittered away on poorly performing parts of the test and trace system, rather than investing in NHS staff or in the financial support needed to persuade people to stay at home when told to self-isolate. The report found that the system had increased testing levels to more than 800,000 a day, contacted over 2.5 million people who had tested positive and 4.5 million of their contacts. Chancellor Rishi Sunaks Budget last week included an additional 15bn for test and trace, taking the total bill to more than 37bn over two years. But the report said that claims that test and trace activities have cut the reproduction rate known as R by 0.3 to 0.6 rest on the assumption that people self-isolate as required, when in fact compliance with self-isolation rules has been low. The proportion of available laboratory testing capacity used by test and trace was often well below 50 per cent into the months to October and remained below 65 per cent in November and December as cases soared, the report found. Test and trace significantly underestimated the increase in demand when schools and universities returned in September and still struggles to consistently match supply and demand for its services. Ms Hillier said: The 23bn test and trace has cost us so far is about the annual budget of the Department for Transport. Test and trace still continues to pay for consultants at 1,000 a day. Yet despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project, test and trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic. And the promise on which this huge expense was justified avoiding another lockdown has been broken, twice. She said that Matt Hancocks Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and test and trace must rapidly turn around these fortunes and begin to demonstrate the worth and value of this staggering investment of taxpayers money. Todays report called on test and trace to put in place a clear plan to reduce its reliance on costly consultants. And it said DHSC should produce a strategy within the next six to nine months for maintaining testing readiness for future pandemics. Not only is it essential it delivers an effective system as pupils return to school and more people return to their workplace, but for the billions of pounds spent we need to see a top-class legacy system, said Ms Hillier. British taxpayers cannot be treated by government like an ATM machine. We need to see a clear plan and costs better controlled. Todays report follows a National Audit Office analysis in December which found that too few test results were delivered within 24 hours and too few contacts told to self-isolate. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 May 2021 An employee stands before a costume for the Queen of Hearts by Bob Crowley on display at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London PA UK news in pictures 17 May 2021 Passengers prepare to board an easyJet flight to Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 16 May 2021 Emergency workers at the scene of a suspected gas explosion, in which a young child was killed and two people were seriously injured, on Mallowdale Ave Heysham which caused 2 houses to collapse and badly damaged another PA UK news in pictures 15 May 2021 Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters let off smoke flares, wave flags and carry placards during a demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause as violence escalates in the ongoing conflict with Israel, in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 14 May 2021 Member of staffs tighten screws and paint a Marlin skeleton, before it goes on display at the Natural History Museum in London, as the museum prepares to reopen to the public on 17 May, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England PA UK news in pictures 13 May 2021 A worshipper at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Mordon, south London, ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The celebration marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting, called Ramadan. PA UK news in pictures 12 May 2021 A couple have wedding photos taken in Westminster, London Getty UK news in pictures 11 May 2021 The sun rises on Coquet Island, off Amble on the Northumberland coast, where as many as 35000 seabirds cram onto this tiny island to breed PA UK news in pictures 10 May 2021 Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on Londons Southbank PA UK news in pictures 9 May 2021 People mill around St. Michael's tower on top of Glastonbury Tor as it is seen through blooming yellow rapeseed on a day of mixed weather in Glastonbury, Somerset PA UK news in pictures 8 May 2021 Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford elbow bumps newly elected MS Labour candidates Elizabeth Buffy Williams, Rhondda, left, and Sarah Murphy, Bridgend & Porthcawl Labour, right, as they meet in Porthcawl, Wales PA UK news in pictures 6 May 2021 A group of five Sisters from Carmelite Monastery in Dysart cast their vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election at Dysart Community Hall, West Port, Dysart PA UK news in pictures 5 May 2021 Leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Liam Byrne (far right) and Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner (far left) during a visit to Birmingham, whilst on the election campaign trail PA UK news in pictures 4 May 2021 Artists Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey stand within 100 oak saplings which form part of a living art installation entitled Beuys' Acorns by the UK-based artist duo, outside the Tate Modern in London PA UK news in pictures 3 May 2021 Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie feeds the Gentoo penguins during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo on the campaign trail for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election on May 6 PA UK news in pictures 2 May 2021 Chelsea players celebrate their fourth goal during the Womens Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, at Kingsmeadow Stadium in south west London. The Blues won the game 4-1, (and the tie 5-3 on aggregate) sending them through to their first Champions League final AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 1 May 2020 Demonstrators during a march through London during a 'Kill the Bill' protest Angela Christofilou UK news in pictures 30 April 2021 Shoppers queue outside Primark in Belfast as shops reopen and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease PA UK news in pictures 29 April 2021 Specialist operators at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, near Telford, Shropshire, clean the Hawker Hunter aircraft displayed within the museum's National Cold War Exhibition, during annual high-level aircraft cleaning and maintenance PA UK news in pictures 28 April 2021 Millions of tulips in flower near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, as Belmont Nurseries, the UK's largest commercial grower of outdoor tulips, offers socially-distanced visits to its tulip fields at Hillington to raise funds for local charity The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House PA UK news in pictures 27 April 2021 Paula Laughton checks one of the newly installed Lego models in the new Lego Mythica land at Legoland Windsor Resort PA UK news in pictures 26 April 2021 A red panda rests on a tree at Manor Wildlife park, which reopened its doors as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, in Tenby, Wales Reuters UK news in pictures 25 April 2021 Sheep climb the hillside as flames from a moor fire are seen on Marsden moor, near Huddersfield AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 April 2021 Supporters protest against Manchester United's owners, outside English Premier League club Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in Manchester AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 23 April 2021 People enjoy the warm weather at City Hall near Tower Bridge in central London PA UK news in pictures 22 April 2021 Uyghurs during a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, which is being held ahead of a House of Commons debate, bought by backbench MP Nus Ghani, on whether Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province are suffering crimes against humanity and genocide PA UK news in pictures 21 April 2021 People walk at the Taihaku Cherry Orchard in Alnwick REUTERS UK news in pictures 20 April 2021 People stand in front of anti Super League banners outside Anfield as twelve of Europe's top football clubs, including Liverpool, launch a breakaway league Reuters UK news in pictures 19 April 2021 Women enjoy sunny weather in Greenwich, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain, Reuters UK news in pictures 18 April 2021 Stephen Maguire (right) of Scotland interacts with Jamie Jones of Wales during day 2 of the Betfred World Snooker Championships 2021 at The Crucible, Sheffield PA UK news in pictures 17 April 2021 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburghs coffin, covered with His Royal Highnesss Personal Standard arrives by Landrover Defender at St Georges Chapel carried by a bearer party found by the Royal Marines during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Getty Images UK news in pictures 16 April 2021 Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, checks the teeth of "Dentosaurus" during a visit to the Thornliebank Dental Care centre in Glasgow, as she campaigns ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Election AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 April 2021 Myanmar's former ambassador to the UK, Kyaw Zwar Minn, outside his residence in north west London. The ambassador has been barred from entering the Myanmar embassy in Mayfair after he was removed from office PA UK news in pictures 14 April 2021 People take part in coronavirus surge testing on Clapham Common, south London. Thousands of residents have queued up to take coronavirus tests at additional facilities set up after new cases of the South African variant were found in two south London boroughs. 44 confirmed cases of the variant have been found in Lambeth and Wandsworth, with a further 30 probable cases identified PA UK news in pictures 13 April 2021 The core of the Milky Way becomes visible in the early hours of Tuesday morning as it moves over Bamburgh Lighthouse at stag Rock in Northumberland PA UK news in pictures 12 April 2021 Rebecca Richardson (left) and Genevieve Florence, members of the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, during a practice session in the swimming pool at Clissold Leisure Centre in north London, which has reopened to the public. Many facilities have reopened in the latest easing of lockdown include pubs and restaurants who can serve outside, non-essential shops, indoor gyms and swimming pools, nail salons and hairdressers, outdoor amusements and zoos PA UK news in pictures 11 April 2021 A pub staff pins up a sign announcing the reopening of the Fox on the Hill pub on Denmark Hill in London EPA UK news in pictures 10 April 2021 The Death Gun Salute is fired by the Honourable Artillery Company to mark the passing of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the The Tower of London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 9 April 2021 A man arrives to lay a bunch of flowers outside Buckingham Palace in central London after the announcement of the death of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. - Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip, who recently spent more than a month in hospital and underwent a heart procedure, died on April 9, Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99. AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 8 April 2021 Cousin Pascal ridden by James King clears the chair on their way to winning the 4:05 Pool via REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 April 2021 Deliveroo riders from the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain outside Deliveroo headquarters in London, as they go on strike in a dispute for fair pay, safety protections and basic workers rights PA UK news in pictures 6 April 2021 Waves crash over the walls next to Seaham Lighthouse in Durham PA UK news in pictures 5 April 2021 Lusamba Katalay (third from left), the husband of Belly Mujinga joins activists at a vigil at Victoria station in London to mark the first anniversary of the death of railway worker Belly Mujinga who died with Covid-19 following reports she had been coughed on by a customer at London's Victoria station PA UK news in pictures 4 April 2021 People spend Easter Sunday at Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth Jake McPherson/SWNS UK news in pictures 3 April 2021 A woman looks into the camera as she attends a 'Kill the Bill' protest in London EPA UK news in pictures 2 April 2021 Members of the Bamburgh Croquet club play a game following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Northumberland, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 April 2021 A family walks in St Nicholas' Park in Warwick, the hot weather which baked much of the UK this week is set to give way to a chilly Easter weekend. PA UK news in pictures 31 March 2021 A woman adds a heart to the National Covid Memorial Wall in London EPA UK news in pictures 30 March 2021 Jamie Klingler from Reclaim These Streets speaks to the media in Clapham Common, south London, after a review by the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor concluded that Metropolitan Police officers did not act inappropriately or in a heavy-handed manner at the vigil PA UK news in pictures 29 March 2021 An aerial photo shows people playing tennis at the Mersey Bowman Lawn Tennis Club in Liverpool northwest England on March 29, 2021, as England's third Covid-19 lockdown restrictions ease, allowing groups of up to six people to meet outside. - People in England rushed outside Monday to enjoy sports, picnics and other previously prohibited activities, as the nation entered the second phase of its coronavirus lockdown easing thanks in large part to a successful vaccination drive AFP via Getty Images Some call handlers were said to have been busy for only 1 per cent of their paid hours in the services early days, rising to less than 50 per cent in October. Labours shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said that the new report showed that this governments outsourced, Serco-led test and trace system failed the British people and led our country into restrictive lockdown after lockdown. She called on ministers to ditch their wasteful obsession with outsourcing and give responsibility for contact tracing to public health teams. It underlines the epic amounts of waste and incompetence, an over-reliance on management consultants, taxpayers cash splashed on crony contracts, all while ministers insist our NHS heroes deserve nothing more than a clap and a pay cut, said Ms Reeves. TUC general secretary Frances OGrady said that the test and trace system had been massively undermined by the governments refusal to provide decent sick pay for all. She called for the 96-a-week statutory sick pay to be increased to the level of the real living wage of 10.85 an hour in London and 9.50 elsewhere in the UK. No one should be forced to choose between self-isolating and paying their bills, said Ms OGrady. Ministers must urgently raise statutory sick pay to the level of the real living wage and make everyone eligible. The governments plans to reopen the UK will be in jeopardy if people arent able to self-isolate. Dame Donna Kinnair, general secretary at the the Royal College of Nursing , said: Nursing staff who have been offered a 1 per cent pay increase will be furious to hear of the millions of pounds being spent on private-sector consultants. The public know more nurses, not more highly-paid consultants, means better care. Responding to the report, NHST&T chief Baroness Harding said: NHS Test and Trace is essential in our fight against Covid-19 and regular testing is a vital tool to stop transmission as we cautiously ease restrictions. Protecting communities and saving lives is always our first priority and every pound spent is contributing towards our efforts to keep people safe - with 80 per cent of NHS Test and Traces budget spent on buying and carrying out coronavirus tests. After building a testing system from scratch, we have now carried out over 83m coronavirus tests - more than any other comparable European country - and yesterday alone we conducted over 1.5m tests. We are now rolling out regular rapid asymptomatic testing which is supporting children to go back to school, people to go to work and visitors to see their loved ones in care homes. NHS Test and Trace has successfully reached 93.6 per cent of the contacts of positive cases - with 98 per cent being contacted within 24 hours, and the contact tracing service has already reached more than 9.1m cases and contacts, making a real impact in breaking chains of transmission. Tamzen Isacsson, chief executive of the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) said that the consulting sector had worked alongside healthcare organisations, the military, public bodies and private firms as an integrated team to set up and scale the Test and Trace system, a vital service needed to help control this pandemic Consultants from across a wide range of firms are working shoulder-to-shoulder together with civil servants as part of one national team to help run the technology platforms and systems for testing the population, she said. Our MCA member firms have highly stringent governance procedures which adhere to the government-set criteria and which ensure staff working on public sector projects meet the highest standards in ethics and are held to account to ensure the public interest is being served and that firms are providing value for money. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Pedestrians walk along an empty shopping street in Leeds, northern England, on Jan. 6, 2021, on the second day of Britain's national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. (Oli Scarff /AFP via Getty Images) UK Local Authorities Face Significant Funding Gaps Due to Pandemic: Watchdog The CCP virus pandemic has caused significant funding gaps in Englands local authorities, whose financial outlook has become concerning, the UK governments spending watchdog said on Wednesday. During the pandemic, local authorities have reported combined cost pressures and income losses of 9.7 billion ($13.5 billion), equal to 17.6 percent of their total spend in the year before, the National Audit Office (NAO) said in its latest report (pdf). Local authorities deliver vital public services. But the pandemic has caused difficulties for the sector, with estimated additional cost and income pressures of 9.7 billion. Find out more in our new report: https://t.co/9NAKgpwuJv #LocalAuthorities #LocalGov pic.twitter.com/5Taeh4KNv5 National Audit Office (@NAOorguk) March 10, 2021 The pandemic is expected to create 6.9 billion ($9.6 billion) of additional costs to councils in the 20202021 financial year, as a result of the need to deliver new services and the increased cost of some existing services, the report said. Meanwhile, local councils are forecast to lose 2.8 billion ($3.9 billion) of income during the same period, as a result of a reduction in their commercial and other income streams such as car parking charges. Governments support to local authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic has averted system-wide financial failure. Nonetheless, the financial position of the sector remains a concern and authorities are setting budgets for 20212022 with limited confidence, Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said in a statement. Authorities finances have been scarred and wont simply bounce back quickly. Government needs a plan to help the sector recover from the pandemic and also to address the longstanding need for financial reform in the sector. The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic has put huge financial pressure on the UK. Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak poses with the Budget Box as he leaves 11 Downing Street before presenting the governments annual budget to Parliament in London on March 3, 2021. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) Rishi Sunak, the chancellor of the Exchequer, said last month that Britains public finances are under enormous strains as a result of huge government borrowing during the pandemic. Delivering the annual budget on March 3, Sunak said that corporation tax will be raised to 25 percent from 19 percent from 2023, by which time he predicted the economy should be past the COVID-19 crisis. Sunak also said he would freeze the amount of money that people can earn tax-free and the threshold for the higher rate of income tax at the 2021/22 level until April 2026. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the tax rises will increase the tax burden to 35 percent of GDP in 2025/26, its highest level since the late 1960s. Reuters contributed to this report. The Victorian government is confident the closure of the Yallourn power station will not send household bills soaring when it shuts in seven years and says there is sufficient time to find a replacement electricity source. EnergyAustralia told the state government a few months ago that it planned to close the ageing Latrobe Valley power plant four years earlier than it had forecast and committed to working on a multimillion-dollar transition plan and support package for its 500 employees. Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio is confident the closure of Yallourn will not send prices soaring. Credit:Simon Schluter It is a sad day for all the workforce and Im sure they will be having some very difficult conversations around the lunch tables and certainly the dinner tables tonight, Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio said on Tuesday. But importantly, we have seven years to plan the transition and to work alongside workers and the local community to ensure that we provide the best support possible and necessary to ensure that this is a well-managed transition one that has at its heart the future of the workforce and the locals of the Latrobe Valley. STAY SAFE, STATEN ISLAND: This story is part of a series examining crime trends in communities across our borough. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. While law enforcement in New York and New Jersey work to curb a recent spike in car thefts across Staten Island, the boroughs top-brass say the most effective solution requires only a little common sense and awareness on the part of property owners. Lock your cars, take your valuables out of the car and never ever leave your car unattended while running, said NYPD Assistant Chief Frank Vega, the borough commander, during a recent interview with the Advance/SILive.com. Police estimate about 75% of thefts on the borough in 2020 involved cars that were left unlocked with the key fobs inside. In some higher end vehicles, the side mirrors stick out when theyre left unlocked making it even easier for thieves to spot the opportunity. The crime trend, which exploded during the pandemic, is continuing in the new year. Joining Vega in an interview with the Advance/SILive.com last week were commanding officers of the NYPDs 122nd and 123rd precincts, which encompass the boroughs East and South shores, respectively. With technology now, a lot of vehicles cant be stolen without the key, said Capt. Timothy Wilson of the 122nd Precinct. Hot wiring doesnt work anymore. Its been prevented by car manufacturers. 123 Precinct NCOs conducted a checkpoint earlier tonight and handed out auto safety flyers to motorists reminding them to secure their vehicles. pic.twitter.com/blYCJniDbm NYPD 123rd Precinct (@NYPD123Pct) March 5, 2021 TRACKING CREWS FROM OUTSIDE S.I. Police said crews out of Newark, N.J., have figured out a way to pinpoint valuable property on Staten Island and map out their target areas. They use real estate websites, explained Capt. Andrey Smirnov, commanding officer of the 123rd Precinct. Theyre looking for houses that have been sold for millions of dollars... knowing that if theres a lot of expensive houses there must be a lot of high-end vehicles. The suspects return to Newark and hawk the hot stolen vehicles for a couple thousand dollars to buyers in the port town. The cars are then shipped overseas where theyre sold again for a profit. Other perpetrators are traveling from Brooklyn, the Bronx and parts of Staten Islands North Shore. Often theyve traveled to the area in a stolen car, and in some cases via public transportation. The crews prowl up and down residential streets, testing door handles in hopes of scoring the property inside and/or the car itself. Far too often theyre successful, because so many cars are left unlocked, authorities said. WORST-CASE SCENARIOS A 68-year-old woman was killed in a crash just blocks from her home in Graniteville last month after, police said, a stolen car slammed into her vehicle. The NYPD initially arrested an 18-year-old male from Rahway, N.J., whom they believed to be involved in the incident but as of Tuesday, prosecutors hadnt charged the man with the crash or the stolen car, only filing a host of charges including felony burglary and theft in connection with unrelated thefts from a gym. Following a carjacking at gunpoint last month outside a deli in Dongan Hills, authorities said the car owner followed the suspect in a different vehicle to the Goethals Bridge where they alerted police. The suspect, a male teenager, ultimately crashed the vehicle on a highway in Newark where he was taken into custody. Months after the death of 32-year-old Christine Dahlstrom, of Annadale, authorities arrested a Newark man they say was driving a stolen Lexus that crashed into the young mother. Tashawn Beckford, 23, faces charges that include murder, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and unlawfully fleeing an officer. All three cases remain ongoing in state Supreme Court, St. George. As we head home on our Friday night, please remember to lock your car doors and remove personal belongings from the vehicle!!! DO NOT leave the keys in the car!!! pic.twitter.com/XOB6dD8iZx NYPD 122nd Precinct (@NYPD122Pct) March 5, 2021 GETTING THE WORD OUT Many of the neighborhoods targeted boast some of the lowest crime rates in the city, which ultimately has created a public safety issue in regard to car thefts. If [car owners] would just take that key fob inside with them, perpetrators are gonna have to put a lot more work into stealing the car, Wilson said. Police across Staten Island have launched information-spreading campaigns both online and door-to-door to caution residents about car thieves on the prowl. In the 123rd Precinct, officers have circled blocks with a pre-recorded message through a loudspeaker, cautioning residents to secure their belongings. Theyve also paid visits to residents who recently purchased high-priced homes to inform them they might be a target. Youre still gonna have a few who tell you, well thats what the insurance is for, Smirnov said. And unfortunately, because some people do think that way is the reason why us New Yorkers pay thousands and thousands of dollars for car insurance. STAY SAFE, STATEN ISLAND: Related coverage A researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) is the lead author of a study with proposals for "technosignatures" -evidence for the use of technology or industrial activity in other parts of the Universe- for future NASA missions. The article, published in the specialized journal Acta Astronautica, contains the initial conclusions of a meeting of experts in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, sponsored by the space agency to gather advice about this topic. In the article, several ideas are presented to search for technosignatures that would indicate the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, from the most humdrum, such as the presence of industrial pollution in the atmosphere or large swarms of satellites, to hypothetical gigantic space engineering work, such as heat shields to fend off climate change, or Dyson spheres for optimum use of the light from the local star. Some of the proposed searches look very far in space, across our galaxy and even beyond, while others aim at scanning our own solar system in search for probes that might have been sent here in a distant past. In addition, a study is included of a new way of classifying the technosignatures as a function of their "cosmic footprint", a measure of how conspicuous they are at large distances. "We have no idea whether intelligence is something very common in the Universe or, on the contrary, whether it is extremely rare", explains Hector Socas-Navarro, an IAC researcher, the Director of the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, of Museums of Tenerife, and the first author of the article. "For that reason we cannot know whether these searches have any chance of success. There is no choice but to search and see what we find, because the implications would be tremendous". "The idea of searching for technosignatures draws upon the technology we have on Earth today and possible extensions of our technology into the future", notes Jacob Haqq-Misra, a coauthor of the article and chairman of the TechnoClimes 2020 organizing committee. "This does not necessarily mean that any extraterrestrial technology must be like our own, but imagining plausible extensions of our own future is one place to begin thinking of astronomical searches we could actually do to look for possible technosignatures". The search for technosignatures In 1993, NASA abruptly terminated its initial SETI programme for the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, when it had hardly started. It comprised two complementary ambitious projects, one using the giant radiotelescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and the other with the antennas of the Deep Space Network in California. Now, nearly 30 years later, things have changed and the Agency wants to re-start its search effort. In the past decade great advances in astronomical instrumentation have been made, leading to a revolution in the science of discovery and study of exoplanets. The new telescopes, and projects on future space missions will for the first time allow the search for so-called biomarkers, evidence for life on other planets. Many experts consider it plausible that in the coming years we will discover extraterrestrial life, even though it is most likely to be life in very simple form. Given present and future technological advance there will be new opportunities to search for technosignatures. That is why NASA has decided to get involved again in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, taking advantage of the possibilities of the current and proposed future space observatories. These subjects, among others, were on the agenda of the meeting TechnoClimes 2020 under the auspices of NASA at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (Seattle, USA). With scientists from all over the world, its aim was to propose new developments making way for future advances. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually via videoconference, in which 53 researchers from various disciplines coming from 13 countries discussed a range of aspects of the search for other intelligent species. ### Article: Hector Socas-Navarro, Jacob Haqq-Misra, Jason T. Wright et al. "Concepts for future missions to search for technosignatures", Acta Astronautica, 2021: https:/ / www. sciencedirect. com/ science/ article/ abs/ pii/ S009457652100103X . Links of interest: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. China could invade Taiwan within the next six years as Beijing accelerates its regional advancements and moves to overpower the military power of the United States in Asia, warned a top US commander. China has always considered Taiwan as its own breakaway province and has repeatedly warned of using force against the elements that demand Tapeis independence. However, Taiwan officially recognises itself as the Republic of China (ROC) even though Beijing has said Taiwansindependence means war. The Democratic and self-ruled island lived under the constant threat of invasion by China. The US top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson told the United States Senate Committee on Tuesday that he worries China is currently accelerating its ambitions to overpower the US American military by 2050. He said that the threat of Chinas invasion of Taiwan will manifest during the coming decade or six years. I worry that theyre [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050, said Washingtons top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson. Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years, he told a US Senate armed services committee hearing. Adm. Davidson, Commander @INDOPACOM, at the Senate Armed Services Committee for a hearing on national security challenges & U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific. #SASC #FreeandOpenIndoPacific https://t.co/LGo7uhucO5 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) March 9, 2021 Unfaourable situation in the US Davidson also cautioned against the expansion of Chinas military assets in the region that according to the top US admiral creates an unfavourable situation for the United States and reduces the level of deterrence. He said, We are accumulating risk that may embolden China to unilaterally change the status quo before our forces may be able to deliver an effective response. I cannot for the life of me understand some of the capabilities that theyre putting in the field, unless ... it is an aggressive posture, he added. Taiwan had initially split from mainland China at the end of a civil war in 1959. Even though the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing has never governed Taiwan, CCP considers the island as its part and has claimed to retake by force if necessary. China has also made territorial expansions in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, stressed Davidson. He warned, Guam is a target today while also recalling that the Chinese military had released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling Diego Garcia and Guam. The US House of Representatives has voted to approve a revised version of a $1.9tn coronavirus stimulus bill that includes a round of stimulus checks of up to $1,400. Revised stimulus package passes House in 220-211 vote The relief package was passed almost entirely along party lines in a 220-211 vote in the Democrat-held House on Wednesday, with no Republicans supporting the bill. Jared Golden, who was one of two centrist Democrats who opposed the bill when it passed the House in its original form at the end of February, again voted against the package. Golden was the only Democrat who did not support the bill in Wednesdays vote, despite frustration among progressive members of the party over the changes made to the version of the stimulus bill that got through the Senate in a 50-49 vote on Saturday. Changes to bill in Senate: stimulus-check eligibility narrowed, benefits boost reduced Amid opposition from more moderate Senate Democrats over the cost of sending out a third stimulus check to as many Americans as in the two previous rounds of direct payments, eligibility for the scheme was narrowed in the bill passed by the upper house. Although the income eligibility cap for the full check of $1,400 was kept at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples, the original bill's final phase-out limit of $100,000/$200,000 was reduced to $80,000/$160,000. Led by West Virginias Joe Manchin, centrist Senate Democrats also secured a reduction in the bills proposed $400 weekly unemployment-benefits supplement, which will now be $300. No minimum-wage hike in final bill Meanwhile, a national minimum-wage increase to $15 an hour was also stripped from the version of the bill sent from the House to the Senate. This came after the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth Macdonough, ruled that the measure could not be passed under the rules of 'budgetary reconciliation', the process used by the Democrats to push the stimulus package through the Senate with a simple majority, rather than a filibuster-proof 60 votes. Biden to sign stimulus bill on Friday Having passed both houses of Congress, the stimulus package will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, told reporters on on Wednesday that Biden will sign the bill on Friday afternoon. In a press briefing on Monday, Psaki said most qualifying Americans could expect to receive their stimulus check "by the end of the month". Third stimulus check: latest news You can follow the latest updates on the third round of stimulus checks with our dedicated live feed. YEREVAN. It has been a week since the Urban Development, Technical and Fire Safety Inspectorate of Armenia has sent relevant notifications to its provincial departments, informing the heads of passenger transport companies that the requirements for epidemiological safety will be tightened. Yelena Zohrabyan, the press secretary of this inspectorate, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am, when asked whether the competent state structures intend to take measures in connection with the violation of the rule on wearing face masks, which is more widespread outside the capital Yerevan. According to her, the Urban Development, Technical and Fire Safety Inspectorate has resumed the monitoring of public transport throughout the country. "Intensive monitoring has already started in Yerevan, in various administrative districts of the capital, as the problem of public transport overcrowding is especially acute in Yerevan itself," said Zohrabyan. In response to the objection that, as a rule, the monitoring over the observance of restrictive measures is much lower in Armenias provinces, and people there, being potential carriers of an infection, easily use public transport and reach the capital without any difficulty, the spokesperson of the aforesaid inspectorate admitted that such a problem does exist. "Our provincial offices will also receive relevant orders and instructions. Monitoring will be conducted over both regular transportation and irregulartaxis," Yelena Zohrabyan assured. Also, she stated that if the vehicle is overcrowded, the traffic police officers can stop it and demand that the passengers leave the vehicle. Thus, in the case of public transport, the company responsible for this transport will be fined for violating safety requirements. There will be fines also for the absence of disinfectants on public transport. Moreover, both passengers and drivers will be fined for not wearing face masks. Zohrabyan spoke also about the situation in the Yerevan subway system where in recent weeks, according to Armenian News-NEWS.ams observations, face masks are not worn en masse amid complete inaction of the police. According to the press secretary Urban Development, Technical and Fire Safety Inspectorate, face masks are mandatory when entering the subway, and police officers will monitor this. Yelena Zohrabyan stressed that all these measures are connected with the increase in the number of people infected with coronavirus in Armenia. The data on the number of infected people was provided by the Ministry of Health, which insisted on tightening the respective monitoring. Samsung is hosting a Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event on March 17, its second such event in 2021. The company has not exactly revealed what it will announce at the event, and its anyones guess right now. Having said that, there has been a lot of chatter going online about the launch of the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 mid-range smartphones. Both phones have been leaked in the past few weeks giving us a look at the specifications and features on offer. The support pages for the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 have also gone live on Samsungs official website hinting at an imminent launch. Samsung Galaxy Awesome Unpacked 2021 event launch details Samsung has scheduled its next Unpacked event for March 17 from 8:30 PM IST (10 AM ET/3 PM GMT). The launch event will be live-streamed across Samsung Indias social channels and on YouTube. We have embedded the YouTube live stream link below for your convenience, and you can enable the reminder to alert you for when the launch event begins on March 17. Samsung Galaxy A52 leaked specifications Samsung is rumoured to launch a 5G and a 4G variant of the Galaxy A52 with a similar feature set. The Galaxy A52 5G is expected to have an aluminium-glass build measuring 8.4 millimetres in thickness and weighing 187 grams. It is also rumoured to be IP67 certified making it resistant to dust and water ingress. The 4G variant of the Galaxy A52 is also expected to have the same build as its 5G sibling. The Galaxy A52 has been leaked featuring a 6.5-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) resolution Super AMOLED display with a punch-hole cutout in the centre for the selfie camera. The 5G variant has support for upto 120Hz refresh rate while the 4G variant will have to make do with a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen is also protected with a layer of Gorilla Glass. The Galaxy A52 5G is likely powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 619 GPU. Meanwhile, the 4G variant is expected to have a Snapdragon 720G under the hood with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 618 GPU. This is paired with upto 8GB RAM and upto 256GB storage options to choose from. The phones will likely run on Android 11 based One UI 3.0 and has a microSD card slot for storage expansion. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A52 with quad cameras that consists of a primary 64MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera with 123-degree field-of-view, 5MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor. The rear cameras can record in 4K UHD at 30FPS and 1080p at 120FPS. Additionally, theres a 32MP selfie camera on the front housed within the notch cutout. The screen is also home to a fingerprint reader and the phone is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging out-of-the-box. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Brazil's health system is on the verge of collapse with Covid cases and deaths soaring to record levels, driven by an immunity-busting variant of the disease that is now spreading internationally. Intensive care units in 25 of Brazil's 27 capital cities are more than 80 per cent full, health officials warned Tuesday, with the situation set to get worse. Fifteen state capitals, including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero and the national capital Brasilia, have ICUs that are 90 per cent full, a report by the Fiocruz institute warned, with Porto Alegre and Campo Grande already exceeding capacity. It said the figures point to 'the overload and even collapse of health systems' and urged leaders to expand measures such as mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing to bring cases down. Fiocruz published its report as Brazil reported a record number of Covid deaths on Tuesday at 1,972 - slightly above its previous one-day record of 1,910 on March 3. Brazil's health system is on the verge of collapse with ICUs in 25 out of 27 state capitals above 80 per cent capacity as Covid cases soar due to more-infectious variant, experts warn Brazil's death rate is also well above its first-wave peak with health officials saying it will climb further if space in hospitals for critically ill patients runs out The variant of coronavirus that has brought Brazil's health system to its knees is spreading internationally, with cases detected in the US, UK, Australia and western Europe (pictured) Brazil was one of the world's hardest-hit countries during the first wave of the pandemic, leading some experts to predict that it would fare better during its second wave due to herd immunity that had built up. But the emergence of a new variant - dubbed P1 - has instead driven cases and deaths to record highs because it is more infectious than previous strains and is able to reinfect people who have already had the disease. That means the variant is able to bypass at least some of the body's immune defences and has raised fears that current vaccines may be less effective against it - though data has not yet confirmed those fears. The P1 variant is now responsible for a majority of cases in most Bazilian states, according to observers, and is spreading overseas - with cases detected in the US, UK and several western European countries. 'This means an accelerated phase of the epidemic. A disaster,' Dr Roberto Kraenkel, a biological mathematician with the Covid-19 Brazil Observatory, warned The Washington Post. Epidemiologist Jesem Orellana, from Brazil's Fiocruz institute, added: 'The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021. Brazil has reported the third-highest total of coronavirus cases, narrowly behind India which it is set to overtake in the coming days, with the US still the worst affected (file image) Brazil is currently reporting the highest daily number of Covid deaths of any country in the world, having overtaken the US last week (file image, a burial in Brazil) 'The best we can do is hope for the miracle of mass vaccination or a radical change in the management of the pandemic. 'Today, Brazil is a threat to humanity and an open-air laboratory where impunity in management seems to be the rule.' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, has urged Brazil to take aggressive steps against the virus - warning it could affect its neighbors and beyond if it doesn't take the disease seriously. Brazil's vaccine drive has been among the world's slowest after President Jair Bolsonaro, who has said he will not take a jab himself, left it up to states to procure their own doses. He has also publicly shunned mask wearing, social distancing, and lockdown rules, telling Brazilians last week to 'stop crying' and learn to live with the virus. Just 8.6million Brazilians, or four per cent of the population, have received a first dose of vaccine, with just 3million getting a second dose. That is just slightly behind the EU, whose own much-maligned vaccine drive has managed to reach 6 per cent of the population. Brazil is largely relying on China's CoronaVac for its doses, though are also using some Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs. Brazil's vaccine drive is among the world's slowest, after President Bolsonaro shunned the need for jabs early on and said he would refuse to get one (file image, vaccination in Brazil) The Ministry of Health has also warned that the vaccine drive is likely to be interrupted by a lack of jabs. The government has been pressing vaccine-maker Pfizer for early delivery of its coronavirus jabs, in the hopes of speeding up the roll-out - with Bolsonaro personally taking part in a call with the company. The government is also seeking out more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from other countries, a state governor told journalists, after Brazil's health minister said that India had halted a shipment of 8 million doses. The AstraZeneca shot, along with a vaccine made by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd, have been Brazil's strongest bet against a surging outbreak, with the homegrown P1 variant of the coronavirus apparently boosting transmission and reinfection. Record COVID 19 deaths have been reported in Brazil over the past week and its hospital system is on the bring of collapse, prompting warnings from the World Health Organization about possible regional spillover and causing renewed lockdown measures in much of the country. Preliminary studies suggest the AstraZeneca vaccine will protect against the P1 variant, Mauricio Zuma, the head of production at Brazil's Fiocruz biomedical institute, said on Monday, confirming a Reuters report on Friday. President Bolsonaro has repeatedly shunned mask-wearing rules, railed against lockdown, and last week told Brazilians to 'stop crying' and get used to living with the virus A Brazilian study also indicates that the Sinovac shot is effective against the P1 variant, a source familiar with the study told Reuters on Monday. If final results bear out those findings, it will be a crucial break for Brazil, which has ordered more than 200 million doses of the AstraZeneca and Sinovac shots, while dragging its feet on others. Less than 4 per cent of Brazil's 210 million residents have been inoculated against COVID-19 due to a string of missteps by the Health Ministry, which Bolsonaro has stocked with military men with little public health experience. As early as August, the ministry passed up a chance to order 70 million doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech , with delivery starting in December, Pfizer said in a January statement. Although Brazil has still not signed a contract with Pfizer, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said that after Bolsonaro's call the company had agreed to start delivering 14 million doses by June, up from 9 million in its prior offer. Following those early deliveries, Pfizer agreed to ship at least 10 million more doses per month, a health ministry official added, without saying the total size of the order. Last week the government said it intended to buy 100 million doses from Pfizer and 38 million from Janssen, the pharmaceutical unit of Johnson & Johnson. Guedes said Bolsonaro was also scheduled to speak with the head of Janssen. 'Mass vaccination is the government's number one priority,' Guedes said. 'We are going to vaccinate and keep the economy moving.' [March 10, 2021] Stratos Technologies LLC Secures Participation From WebBank in an Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility Stratos (News - Alert) Technologies LLC ("Stratos"), a venture capital firm with expertise in financing, operating, and advising technology businesses, today announced it has secured leverage through a first-out participation structure with WebBank in an asset-based revolving credit facility to one of its financial technology (FinTech) portfolio clients. WebBank is a national issuer of, and capital provider to, consumer and small business credit products through Strategic Partner platforms, which includes retailers, manufacturers, finance companies, credit funds, and FinTech companies. Stratos will leverage debt capital from WebBank to expand its best-in-class credit lending solutions to certain FinTech portfolio clients. The new financing underscores WebBank's confidence in Stratos' ability to source, underwrite, structure and service lending facilities for the underlying assets that are driving through FinTech platforms in this age of digital lending transformation. "We are pleased to be partnering with WebBank on this transaction and plan to seek additional avenues to work with the team at WebBank to facilitate the success of our portfolio companies," says Stratos Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Rennick Palley. "WebBank is very excited to expand its investment footprint in the FinTech space through this initial leverage transaction in partnership with Stratos," says Jason Lloyd, Presidentof WebBank. "We are committed to providing capital for the transformation of digital lending through FinTech platforms, and our strategies closely align with Stratos' beliefs that technology will ultimately transform every industry." About Stratos Founded in 2016 by Rennick Palley, Stratos Technologies is a venture capital firm with expertise in financing, operating, and advising technology businesses. Since inception the firm has executed over $300M in credit and equity transactions in some of the most promising high-growth, technology businesses around the globe. Stratos empowers founders to achieve their vision through rigorous engagement, strategic guidance, and capital. For more information, please visit www.stratoslp.com. About WebBank WebBank is a Utah chartered Industrial Bank headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. As "The Bank Behind the Brand", WebBank is a national issuer of, and capital provider to, consumer and small business credit products through Strategic Partner (Brand) platforms, which includes retailers, manufacturers, finance companies, credit funds, and financial technology (FinTech) companies. The Bank is a leading player in the digital lending space, driving innovation in financial products through Strategic Partner platforms. WebBank engages in a full range of banking activities including consumer and commercial loan products, revolving lines of credit, credit cards, private-label card issuance, auto-refinancing and more. The Bank is a capital provider to Brand platforms, credit funds, and other lenders with a targeted focus on specialty finance assets. The Bank is also a leading provider of commercial insurance premium finance products through its wholly owned subsidiary National Partners. For more information, please visit www.webbank.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005977/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The eldest son of former president Donald Trump shared a picture of his father staring out of Trump Tower after his two-day trip to the New York City sparked protests outside his Manhattan skyscraper. New York Deplorables, @realdonaldtrump is watching, wrote Donald Trump Jr as he tagged the archived Instagram account of his father. The former president, who arrived in New York City on Sunday for the first time since leaving the office, was met with demonstrations calling for his arrest. The crowd outside the Fifth Avenue building where Mr Trump has a penthouse apartment carried signs that read arrest Trump, indict Trump, and Florida man go home. The picture shared by the Trump scion is a split screen of the former president looking out of the skyscraper on one side and his supporters with the Trump 2024 banner on the other. This was a really cool sight to see yesterday with POTUS 45 and he was truly thankful and appreciative. Thanks to all these great NYC Patriots, the photo was further captioned. Dear #Trump2024 supports in New York, POTUS sees you, read the text on the image. His trip to New York City comes as the Manhattan district attorneys office stepped up its criminal investigation into Mr Trump and the financial dealings at his company. Despite corruption allegations and being widely criticised for his role in the Capitol riots, most polls have revealed Mr Trump to be the top choice among Republicans for 2024 Presidential elections. Though he will be 78 by the election day 2024, the former president will be able to run again if he chooses, having escaped unscathed from the impeachment trial. Mr Trump was acquitted with 43-57 senators voting against him, 10 short of the majority threshold of 67 required to remove a president from office and more pertinently, in Mr Trumps case, prevent them from running for office in future. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Mr Bartlett wasnt aware of the email until it landed in the inboxes of the more than 2000 staff and partners it was sent to, some of the firms lawyers have said. He responded to the email on the same day saying: I would have thought that a majority of our partners would believe that everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence and legal representation. The firms media and communications team, as well as Ms Kimmitt and Mr Bartlett, have refused to comment publicly about the burgeoning crises, but it has not prevented a series of leaks to the media about its internal ructions. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video On Wednesday, The Age reported Mr Bartlett had been thanked by the Prime Ministers office for his assistance to the Attorney-General before the controversy erupted last week. The veteran lawyer, who has served on the firms board for more than two decades, provides legal advice to media companies, including The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, in order to protect them from defamation. He also advises corporate and government clients on reputational issues, and is known for his negotiation and mediation skills. The federal government and Liberal Party have confirmed they will not pay the costs for defamation cases. Lawyers for Senator Reynolds are still negotiating with representatives of Ms Higgins over a legal resolution relating to the lying cow reports. By convention, the Commonwealth does not pay for defamation proceedings involving MPs, a senior government source familiar with defamation matters said. The Liberal Party has confirmed it is not paying legal costs for either of the ministers. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Some Coalition MPs, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, are concerned one of the few senior women in the government is bearing the brunt of the criticism over the handling of Ms Higgins case. While other ministers and key government figures also knew about the rape allegations before the Prime Minister was told, Senator Reynolds has come under the most scrutiny. The Defence Minister is on medical leave until Easter due to a pre-existing heart condition. Her remarks were made to staff in her ministerial office when news broke about Ms Higgins allegation that she was raped by a fellow staffer in Senator Reynolds office in March 2019. Senator Reynolds comment accused Ms Higgins of lying about how her complaint was handled, not of lying about the rape. Loading Ms Higgins asked her lawyer, Rebekah Giles of Company Giles, to demand an immediate and unequivocal public withdrawal of the comments and an apology for the hurt and distress caused. The ministers spokeswoman said the discussions between lawyers were ongoing and confidential, and the minister was paying all her own costs. In a letter to Senator Reynolds, Ms Giles said the request constituted a concerns notice under defamation law to bring further action over the lying cow statement if necessary. Ms Higgins did not confirm whether she was seeking a defamation payout. The day after receiving the letter, Senator Reynolds issued a statement saying she was deeply sorry for these remarks and for any hurt and distress they have caused. She noted any resolution of the matter would include an apology. Loading Mr Porter is also on medical leave to deal with his mental health after he revealed he was the cabinet minister accused of raping a woman in 1988, when he was 17 and she 16. He has hired Mr Bartlett to advise him and has vigorously denied the allegations. NSW Police have closed their investigation into the matter because the woman who made the allegations took her own life in June 2020, without giving a sworn statement. They did not interview Mr Porter. Prime Minister Scott Morrison continued to resist pressure to set up an independent inquiry to determine whether Mr Porter is a fit and proper person to serve as Attorney-General. He said on Wednesday he would not move Mr Porter out of the portfolio. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N500 million as variation for the completion of a road project in Delta State. Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Council Chamber, Abuja, on Wednesday. He said the road was a project of the Niger-Delta Ministry, which had already attained 97 percent completion. He said: The Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs presented two memos today at the Federal Executive Council and both were approved. One was just augmentation or a variation of the contract for the construction of a road in Bulu-Oriagbene, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta. The road is about 18.7 kilometres and the initial contract price was about N8.5 billion and with the variation price today, the contract price is now about N9 billion and the Federal Executive Council today approved that variation. The minister revealed that the contractors had been given six months to complete the project. Mr Akpabio also disclosed that the council approved the floating of a digital platform where projects executed by his ministry could be monitored at all times. The second memo I presented was on what we call Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP), for the Niger Delta region. The intention here is to have a web-based monitoring system, an e-portal where all the agencies under us and development partners as well as non-governmental organisations including states and local governments that are involved in implementing projects in the Niger Delta region. ALSO READ: FEC approves N26bn for road projects in Abuja We will have all their projects keyed into that portal. This is to ensure that at the touch of the button you can see what each company, state or local government or international organisation is doing as they add value to the Niger Delta region. He explained that the portal is being introduced to help in coordinating the activities of the agencies, and also prevent duplication of projects. Mr Akpabio said the Niger Delta Ministry had so far completed 50 projects and are now awaiting inauguration. He said the delay in inaugurating the affected projects was as a result of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. (NAN) [March 09, 2021] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of SOS Limited (SOS) on Behalf of Investors Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of SOS (News - Alert) Limited ("SOS" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOS) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On February 26, 2021, Hindenburg Research and Culper Research published reports regarding SOS, alleging that the Company was a "pump and dump" scheme that used fake addresses and doctored photos of crypto miners to create an illusion of success. The reports pointed out that SOS lists a hotel room as the company's headquarters and that SOS purportedly bought mining rigs from a fake shell company. Moreover, the reports oted that the photographed SOS "miners" weren't the A10 Pros the company claimed to own but were actually Avalon's A1066 miners. Hindenburg went even further and found the original images from SOS's site belonged to a rival RHY. On this news, the Company's share price fell $1.27, or 21%, to close at $4.77 per share on February 26, 2021. If you purchased SOS 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 Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. 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/20210309006044/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. THE States two pillar banks cannot be trusted and the banking and investment system has utter contempt for the Government, the Fine Gael parliamentary party has been told. A number of TDs and senators heavily criticised the countrys banking and investment system in the wake of the Davy stockbrokers scandal, Bank of Ireland branch closures and the withdrawal of Ulster Bank in recent weeks. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe acknowledged it had been a very difficult few weeks for Irish banking but said the decision to close bank branches was not something he could influence. He said the prospect of a new bank entering Ireland was very, very low. Read More Mr Donohoe said the Davy scandal was inexcusable and the stockbroker had engaged in terrible behaviour, but that the NTMA had made a really big decision to cease working with it. He said the Central Bank had the power to levy more sanctions if they decided to do so, but said he could not comment any further. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said he would have preferred if the Central Bank had forewarned the Government of its announcement of a record 4.1m fine for Davy. Former housing minister Eoghan Murphy said the withdrawal of Ulster Bank only strengthens the two pillar banks, AIB and Bank of Ireland, and said he did not trust them or their culture. He said the recent announcement of the closure of 88 Bank of Ireland branches underlined the risk of being reliant on it. Senator Jerry Buttimer said he did not trust the pillar banks given how people had been treated during the pandemic. Mr Murphy said that credit unions should play a greater role, a view echoed by Senator Joe OReilly. Veteran backbencher Bernard Durkan said the banking and investment system have utter contempt for Government and public representatives. He said they represented a serious threat to politics that need to be dealt with. Mr Varadkar suggested that closed bank buildings in certain towns should be used as government offices that could include a post office and a remote hub to access State services. Ministers Patrick ODonovan and Josepha Madigan both criticised the EUs vaccine procurement, while backbench TDs Joe Cary and Alan Dillon queried whether pharma companies based in Ireland could carry out third party manufacturing of generic vaccines. The parliamentary party held a lengthy discussion on plans to revitalise town centres. Former rural affairs minister Michael Ring said that grants were needed for people to renovate buildings in rural towns. Senator Paddy Burke called for tax measures to incentivise people to move into rural towns. Veteran TD Fergus ODowd criticised Housing Minister Darragh OBrien over the lack of funding for his hometown of Drogheda in the announcement of urban regeneration and development funds this week. Mr O'Dowd said it was entirely unacceptable that a Fianna Fail minister had left local government representatives in the dark over the announcement. He warned that nobody in Drogheda would vote for Fine Gael over the lack of funding and that he didnt know if Louth would have a Fine Gael TD after the next election. The meeting was also told that Fine Gael will hold an online ard fheis in May. Mr Varadkar noted that this week marked 10 years of Fine Gael in government. He said the party had a lot to be proud of over the last decade. 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 As millions of Americans have learned to cope with the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the focus for schools has been on the mental well-being of K-12 students navigating virtual instruction and the hardships associated with the virus. Often overshadowed are the teachers who have faced their own difficulties coping with stressors during the public health crisis.Like millions throughout the country, teachers have experienced the deaths of loved ones or contracted the virus themselves, all while bearing the responsibility for educating students with new methods and environments.Educators have also felt the effects of swinging support from many in their communities amid all of this, according to Dr. Rena Subotnik, a former educator and director of the American Psychological Association 's Center for Psychology in Schools and Education.When the crisis began in the spring of 2020, several of the teachers Subotnik worked with said they had strong support in their communities. But as the pandemic dragged on, educators, school officials and teachers unions experienced growing criticisms around whether to resume in-person learning to combat the learning loss millions of students have struggled with during school closures.Thats an issue thats very disturbing for teachers, Subotnik said. That the support system that was starting to emerge is also crumbling.According to a 2020 distance learning survey by ed-tech company Panorama , more than 20 percent of the roughly 13,000 educators surveyed said they were concerned about their mental well-being. Another 2020 study of teachers in Southern California schools found that after listening to so many students' stories of family hardship, teachers were worried about student welfare and could experience symptoms of secondary trauma. Jeannette Sandoval , therapist and founder of the school mental health platform Wellducation, said teachers and school staff members she spoke with expressed the need for more emotional support during the crisis. She said teachers have been particularly concerned about their ability to serve students virtually, hurting the morale of even the most dedicated and ambitious teachers who pursued education primarily to help children.Overall, Sandoval said, many teachers felt hopeless, a common theme in anonymous Wellducation surveys.Some are feeling that theyre unsure of the line of work that they got into, and theyre reassessing if they need to make a pivot professionally, she said.Im seeing that repeatedly across state lines ... All across the country, were hearing this.This ability to help students was something many teachers felt confident about going into in-person classrooms prior to school closures. For some, that responsibility is now daunting, according to Subotnik.In the end, they are held responsible for these students, Subotnik added. Their concerns might be with how to deal with a range of needs within the same class.Throughout the pandemic, schools have been working with limited resources and funding to connect teachers and staff members to emotional support through local and state programs geared toward boosting educator morale.In December 2020, the Tennessee Department of Education encouraged teachers to use its COVID-19 emotional support hotline, originally launched for first responders and frontline health workers. Teachers and staff at Johnson City Schools in Tennessee have made use of the states hotline over the past year, according to Greg Wallace, the districts supervisor of safety and mental health.In addition to the state hotline, district employees have taken advantage of remote counseling through a partnership with local mental health-care provider Frontier Health , which worked last year with digital health app developer myStrength to make their platform available to anyone in need of tips and resources for stress management, self-care and emotional support. The school system also recently produced online videos for teachers and students about best coping practices.While figures on the number of teachers and staff in need of emotional support during digital learning have not been released to the public, Wallace said services such as these have been particularly important in Northeast Tennessee, where hospitals were overrun with COVID-19 cases.We have teachers who have lost friends and family members, had to cope with their own quarantine issues, child-care issues and loss of social opportunities. All of these have been expressed to me and have required various levels of support, Wallace said. Professionally, teachers have had to deal with the stress of pivoting quickly from in-person to remote, learning new platforms and not being able to have in-person daily interactions with their students. We have worried particularly about students who come from significantly dysfunctional homes.Nationally, Sandoval said teachers just want to be heard about school safety policies, personal hardships and everything in between. She thinks educators need safe spaces to vent, and that this has been a blind spot in many districts throughout the country.Creating systems that include their feedback in a way that feels safe to them is so important because, at the end of the day, we want the systems that are in place to really reflect what the community is comfortable with, and that includes our teachers, she said.Subotnik recommended networking between educators to learn from each other about approaching virtual learning and self-care. This could take place virtually via mediums such as podcasts, online dashboards directing visitors to mental health resources or through content similar to the videos produced in Johnson City Schools.Teachers mostly like to listen to other teachers," she said. "So posting some kind of organized conversation thats focused not on complaining but on problem-solving [could help]."Efforts such as these, Subotnik said, could help bolster morale among teachers and minimize stressors that create a need for emotional support. A more constructive approach to emotional support, she said, could ultimately make hotlines and virtual services more beneficial and impactful.But emotional support doesnt begin and end at venting" alone, according to Subotnik. She said giving teachers a voice in formulating school and classroom policies may help teachers feel more supported overall, even beyond this period of virtual learning during school closures.There are things that could mitigate the need for as much support, she said. I would say the worst thing would be a place [only] to vent because then you just get resentful and feel worse than if you can problem-solve together.Venting is not healthy, to a certain degree, without feeling like youre part of a solution, she added. We know, psychologically, that this can put you spinning into rumination, and what people need is to feel like theyre a part of a movement thats changing things.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges anyone dealing with an immediate mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts to call 911 or seek help from one of several mental health hotlines Former model and Farmer Wants a Wife star Henrietta Moore has slammed the beauty culture of social media influencers, targeting Instagram phenomenon Tammy Hembrow with her comments. Moore, who gave away modelling life to become a teacher, said Hembrow, Kylie Jenner and others are destroying the innocence of young girls who look up to them as role models. 'We are now living in a society where people like Tammy Hembrow are applauded for getting their t..s and a..e out and young girls are looking up to them as role models,' she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. Henrietta Moore with Cunnamulla farmer Alex Taylor on Farmer Wants A Wife in 2020 Tammy Hembrow is 'applauded' for getting her 't..s and a..e' out on Insta, said Moore A contestant on Farmer Wants A Wife in 2020, Moore said she had decided to use her platform to warn young girls about becoming desensitised to the sexual content of posts by social media influencers. 'Please dont idolise these girls, she implored. 'Some of these influencers are the most insecure [people] Ive ever met. Its much better to be the smart girl.' A former student of Robina State High School, Moore recalled how she took up modelling after her boyfriend's father, a photographer, commented that she could make it as a model. She then lost 10kg in a month, beginning a destructive cycle of eating and binging which resulted in bulimia. 'I would wake up early before my boyfriend or before I saw anyone as I thought theyd think Im ugly if I didnt look exactly as I did in my images,' she said. 'My Facebook account was very popular. However, my real life sucked.' Good clean fun: Moore on the set of Farmer Wants A Wife with farmer, Alex Taylor A growing number of studies support Moore's warnings about Instagram feeds. A 2017 study on Instagram use and young women's body image by Macquarie University found that the more time young women spent on Instagram, the more they believed it is attractive to be thin and toned. They would also more frequently compare themselves with celebrities on Instagram. Frequently viewing #fitspo images also produced greater body image concerns and constant comparisons with the women portrayed in the images. 'Media literacy programs are needed to educate young people about the idealised (and often edited) nature of images posted on social media,' recommended the study. A 2018 MarketWatch article quoted Lara Devgan, the chief medical officer at plastic-surgery review platform RealSelf, who said too much time on social media produced more people looking for 'micro-optimization'. 'They want tiny, millimeter-level changes that together make the face look better,' she said. 'Examples include requests for slightly fuller lips or narrower noses. 'This is the principle behind Snapchat filters, and it has become the new norm with aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery.' Daily Mail Australia had reached out to Tammy Hembrow for her reaction to Moore's comments. If you want to see a Dark Watcher, you should wait until the late afternoon. As the sun begins its descent behind the waves, look to the sharp ridges of the Santa Lucia Range, the mountains that rise up from the shores of Monterey and down the Central California coast. If you are lucky, you might see figures silhouetted against them. Some say the watchers are 10 feet tall, made taller or wider by hats or capes. They may turn to look at you. But they always move away quickly and disappear. For centuries, tales of the Dark Watchers have swirled in the misty Santa Lucia Mountains. Most stories begin with the local native tribes, which allegedly spoke of the shadowy figures in their oral traditions. When the Spanish arrived in the 1700s, they began calling the apparitions los Vigilantes Oscuros (literally the dark watchers). And as Anglo American settlers began staking claims in the region, they too felt the sensation of being watched from the hills. Accounts vary, although everyone agrees the beings are more shadowy than human and more observant than aggressive. They took their most solid form in the first half of the 20th century, when two legendary writers memorialized them. In 1937, Robinson Jeffers, poet of life along the Central Coast, drew inspiration from the watchers for his collection Such Counsels You Gave To Me and Other Poems. Dan Porges/Getty Images He thought it might be one of the watchers, who are often seen in this length of coast-range, forms that look human to human eyes, but certainly are not human. They come from behind ridges to watch, Jeffers wrote. ... He was not surprised when the figure turning toward him in the quiet twilight showed his own face. Then it melted and merged into the shadows beyond it. The next year, John Steinbeck, who grew up in Salinas, spoke of them in his short story Flight. In the tale, a teenage Mexican American boy kills a man and is forced to flee into the Santa Lucias. As his mother bids him farewell, she urges him to say his prayers, take care of his horse and when thou comest to the high mountains, if thou seest any of the dark watching men, go not near to them nor try to speak to them. --- If you want to meet a Dark Watcher, you should bring a gift. Steinbecks mother Olive Hamilton brought fruit or sometimes flowers. Steinbecks son Thomas said his grandmother, a school teacher, was no fabulist, but she believed firmly in the Dark Watchers. She told her children and grandchildren she left fruit or nuts in Mule Deer Canyon on her way to school in Big Sur. On the way back, there would be flowers in their place. The stories stuck with Steinbeck, clearly, and were echoed by Big Sur personalities like Doc Ricketts and Billy Post. "The old timers of Big Sur swear by it," painter Benjamin Brode, who co-authored a book on the watchers with Thomas Steinbeck, told the Monterey County Weekly in 2017. If you are a believer, the centuries of sightings are probably enough for you. But if you are skeptic, you no doubt need to know what is actually causing these visual anomalies. Ted Fletcher/Getty Images/iStockphoto There are a few theories. One is that ordinary shadows, cast by swaying trees and obscured by fog or mist, are being twisted into humanoid shapes by our brains. This phenomenon is known as pareidolia; its how our pattern-seeking brains make sense of the world. Rorschach tests are reflections of pareidolia in action. So are images where people see faces in lunar landscapes. The other likely candidate is something called the Brocken spectre. Like in Big Sur, German locals near the Harz Mountains have, for centuries, reported seeing shadowy figures on Brocken peak. It, too, became a muse for writers like Lewis Carroll and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, with Brocken becoming a byword for high strangeness. In reality, the Brocken spectre is the result of a funny quirk of science. It happens when shadows like those of a hiker are cast on particularly misty mountain peaks. If the sun is behind the observer, the mist plays with the shadow, making it look huge and menacing. The shadow can even dart away as the mist suddenly shifts or breaks apart in the breeze. Of course, Steinbecks mother would remind you that mist shadows cant bring you a flower. But for that, youll have to seek your own answers in the sunset-dappled mountains. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday said the first-ever Creative Arts Senior High School, located at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, is nearing completion. The President, delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, said government had also upgraded five tourism sites to meet international standards for increased visitation, and created jobs and incomes for the people. He said the country continued to benefit from the Year of Return as it had intensified the engagement with Africans in the diaspora and all persons of African descent more positively. This is in areas such as trade and investment co-operation, and skills and knowledge development in what was called Beyond the Return. President Akufo-Addo said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, together with its implementing agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority, were working towards the realisation of the initiative, which would bring even greater spotlight on Ghana. He said a lot of work had been undertaken in revamping the countys tourist sites, and making them attractive. President Akufo-Addo said digital revenue collection systems had been installed at the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Wli Waterfalls. He said the new Minister, Mr Ibrahim Awal Mohammed, was determined to strengthening the Creative Arts industry and that greater attention would be paid to the sector by government. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A witness has described the terrifying moment her family had to leap out of the way of a car driving on the footpath in Cottesloe at sunset on Tuesday. WA Polices major crash unit is investigating the incident, which resulted in a 77-year-old man being taken to hospital with critical injuries. Police revealed on Wednesday afternoon the man had since died. The scene of a crash at Cottesloe on Tuesday evening. About 6.50pm Tuesday, an 87-year-old man allegedly drove his blue Toyota Corolla down the busy footpath adjacent to Marine Parade before hitting the pedestrian. A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, told WAtoday she was taking photos of the sunset with her family when her partner screamed at them to get out of the way in the moments after the 77-year-old man was hit. Editor: Its amazing that we receive hundreds of mailed fliers to vote for elected officials but not a one about the COVID-19 vaccine. So much information could be shared with us on a flier and mailed to everyone, especially those without internet access. It seems we have had to learn everything from word of mouth, including who and when to call for vaccine appointments. From our personal experience, we share the following with those awaiting their vaccines; since our elected officials have not: Call your doctor to ask if there are any medications you take that you need to stop prior to and after your vaccine. Dont take anti-inflammatory, over-counter medication prior to receiving the vaccine. Dont put anti-pain creams on the vaccination site. Symptoms may include arm and body aches, fever, chills, nausea and tiredness. Dont take anything to treat these symptoms until five hours after the vaccine is administered. If you have symptoms, call your pharmacist to see what to take and when. Call 211 to try to get a vaccine appointment if you cannot do it online. We credit U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwrights office for announcing the 211 number at a teleconference call he invited constituents to attend. This information later was televised, but if you missed it and dont have internet access, how would anyone receive this information? What we find appalling is that, if you choose to smoke, choose to be obese, choose to be in jail or are a family or friend of a pharmacist or entity that has the vaccine, no matter how old, regardless of your assigned phase, you probably have the vaccine already. The elderly, people with disabilities and compromising health issues, the medically compromised, teachers, grocery store workers, some essential workers and others must wait. ROSEMARY OPSHINSKY DALTON Editor: Gov. Tom Wolf has messed up vaccine distribution in Scranton, as well as other Pennsylvania areas, by making it a priority to give the Johnson & Johnson vaccine first to teachers, school staffs and child care workers. Here in Scranton we cannot even find COVID-19 shots or get appointments. I went to the plan your vaccine site. There was nothing at a hospital or clinics available. At other places, you must be a patient there to qualify. I do not think that this move by Wolf is right. He has had plenty of time for teachers and school staff to get their shots. Now, we who are classified as high-risk and low-income must wait. My girlfriend and I are at high-risk and have been trying to find vaccines for two months with no luck. I think Wolf really needs to rethink his plans. DARYL BARRETT SCRANTON Editor: Former President Trump willfully played down the coronavirus threat for political purposes as the worst pandemic in American history continued. He did what he always did, ignored the problem and walked away. All he had to say was, wear masks and practice social distancing and let doctors and scientists do their jobs. But he couldnt do that and now we are above 525,000 dead and counting. President Joe Biden is trying to get the vaccine out as efficiently and quickly as possible. It is the only way the country has any hope of going back to normal. Even then, we may be looking at years of mask-wearing and being careful. The Times-Tribune has published phone numbers to call for vaccines but this has been a bust. Even though I am in category A with a current nursing license, I cant get on the list. It appears its who you know. Residents of nursing homes and high rises got vaccinated, but others with health issues who are 65 and older continue to wait. It appears that if you sit in your home and dont know someone, then you are left in the dark. Why? There should be locations with active numbers to call, where they take information and set up appointments easily. SHARON JAVID OLYPHANT Editor: A recent article concerned an upcoming special election to replace Democratic Sen. John Blake of Archbald (Process for replacing state senator unfolding, slowly, March 1). Leadership from the Republican and Democratic parties will appoint members to a committee to decide their respective candidates. On the other hand, independent and third-party candidates have to get at least 1,185 names of electors on nominating petitions to qualify. The Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that all elections shall be free and equal How is it fair to allow party officials from the major parties to nominate their candidate while other parties have to gather more than 1,000 signatures on petitions to qualify? Each and every signature on the petitions will be scrutinized and possibly challenged by the same parties that simply appoint their nominees to cut down the competition. If third-party candidates must gather signatures then all parties should have to follow the same requirement. Average, rank-and-file Democrats or Republicans have no idea who the party leaders are. Yet those officials get to decide the nominee. If the major party leadership can pick nominees for special elections why bother to have an expensive and closed taxpayer-financed primary in the first place? Our election system is a mess and in dire need of restructuring, but that will not happen so long as the major parties get to mandate separate and distinctly different sets of rules by virtue of being the major parties regardless what the state constitution mandates. The state judicial system, members of which are affiliated with the major parties, will continue to aid and abet the current system. This is why I became a staunch independent years ago. DAVID KVERAGAS NEWTON TWP. This Wednesday, 10 March, a total of 28 Andalusian towns exceed the cumulative incidence rate of 500 cases of Covid-19 coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days set by the Junta de Andalucia as a criterion for their perimeter closure - and nine of them the rate of 1,000 cases that require them to suspend all non-essential activity. The regional governments advisory board will hold its weekly meeting on Thursday to study the data and update the list of municipalities that may see restrictions eased, maintained or tightened. According to the latest data from the Juntas Ministry of Health, the 28 municipalities above the rate of 500 Covid cases are distributed throughout all the provinces except Huelva, which does not have any above that level. The province of Granada registers eight localities with a rate higher than 500 Covid cases in the last two weeks, Seville seven, Almeria six, Malaga three, Jaen two and Cadiz and Cordoba one each. Only Granada province, with four; Seville and Almeria, with two; and Jaen, with one, have municipalities that exceed a thousand infections per 100,000 residents in the last 14 days. Above the 1,000 cumulative incidence rate The nine localities that exceed the rate of 1,000 cases are Santa Cruz del Comercio (7,533), La Calahorra (2,245.5), Zujar (1,336.5) and Fornes (1,079.1) in the province of Granada; Montellano (1,233.5) and Castillo de las Guardas (1,021.8) in the province of Seville; Instincion (4,241.1) and Lijar (1,015.2) in the province of Almeria; and Hornos (2,020.2) in the province of Jaen. Above the 500 cumulative incidence rate The other 19 municipalities with a rate higher than 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days are Pulpi, Antas, Gergal and Padules in the province of Almeria; Alcala del Valle in the province of Cadiz; and El Viso in the province of Cordoba. In Granada, in addition to Santa Cruz del Comercio, La Calahorra, Zujar and Fornes that exceed the 1,000 rate, there are three other locations above 500 cases: Alhama de Granada, Cuevas del Campo, Cogollos de Guadix and Jayena. In Jaen, apart from Hornos with a rate above 1,000, another single municipality, Arquillos, exceeds the rate of 500, while in the province of Malaga three towns, Montejaque, Archez and Gaucin, register a rate between 500 and 1,000 cases. In Seville there are five: Tocina, Los Molares, Lora del Rio, Villanueva del Rio and Minas y Constantina which are added to another two over the thousand rate - Montellano and El Castillo de las Guardas. Five people who were among the first in Vietnam to be injected with a COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca/Oxford have experienced side effects, according to the Ministry of Health. Since the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination on Monday, a total of 522 medical workers, who are directly treating COVID-19 patients, conducting sampling and testing, and performing contact-tracing tasks, have received the shots, according to the Expanded Program on Immunization. Specifically, 107 of them come from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases Dong Anh District Branch in Hanoi, 104 are employees at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and 206 work at the medical centers of Hai Duong City and Kim Thanh District in northern Hai Duong Province. Thirty-six others come from Thanh Nhan Hospital in Hanoi and 69 work at the field hospital for COVID-19 treatment in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. The AstraZeneca shots injected into the health workers are among the 117,600 COVID-19 vaccine doses that Vietnam currently has. The Expanded Program on Immunization assessed that the COVID-19 vaccination has been safely carried out in the past days. The cases with post-injection reactions are within the anticipated rate. So far, the Expanded Program on Immunization has recorded five cases of post-vaccination complications, the vast majority of which are common side effects that had been recommended in advance such as muscle aches, fatigue, fever, headaches, chills, painful swelling at the injection site, and nausea. The cases with postvaccinal reactions have been monitored and handled at the hospital. All of them are now in stable health. According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, COVID-19 vaccination sites must meet strict standards for storing and preserving the vaccines, be arranged to include functional areas for reception, waiting, clinical screening, vaccination rooms, post-injection monitoring rooms, and anaphylactic treatment rooms with one-way rule, be equipped with anaphylactic treatment boxes, and comply with epidemic prevention regulations. The Ministry of Health also requires pre-vaccination screening on all vaccinated people. They have to be given guidelines on how to monitor their health and note post-injection reactions. Vietnam recorded no new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday morning. The national patient tally stood at 2,526 infections, with 2,004 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths, according to the Ministry of Healths data. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A former BBC producer convicted of paedophile sex crimes started an illegal double-life and moved in with a teacher. Peter Croasdale, 58, was ordered to tell police of his address after registering as a sex offender when he was released from prison. But the former Radio 4 producer secretly moved 160 miles from his home in Bolton and was found living under an alias in South Wales. Prosecutor Nigel Fryer said paedophile Croasdale - who was jailed for sexual assault, indecent photos of a child, and voyeurism - had moved in with teacher Lesley Bagshaw in Monmouth. Mr Fryer said: 'It was a calculated and deliberate breach. He was living a double life unknown to the police. Peter Croasdale, 58, a convicted paedophile, was ordered to tell police his address after registering as a sex offender when he was released from prison. But he secretly moved 160 miles to start a relationship with a teacher, Cardiff Crown Court (pictured) heard 'On January 15 this year, officers went to an address in Monmouth where they found the defendant living under the alias of Peter Alan. 'Lesley Bagshaw's home was searched. She had known the defendant since sixth form.' Mr Fryer said that Ms Bagshaw has since been suspended from her job. Croasdale worked for the BBC as an employee and as a freelance producer where he made programmes for Radio 4 including the Radio Science and File on Four shows. He was jailed for six-and-a-half years at Leeds Crown Court in 2009 for sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, but the sentence was later reduced to four-and-a-half years. He was told to sign the sex offenders' register for life and was handed a sexual offences prevention order. Croasdale has now pleaded guilty to breaching both orders at Cardiff Crown Court. Tom Roberts, defending, said teacher Ms Bagshaw had been made aware Croasdale was a convicted paedophile but they were in a 'positive and supportive relationship' He added: 'The defendant possesses a low likelihood of being reconvicted of serious offences. 'There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and he was on the path of living a rehabilitative life.' Croasdale of Woodgate Street, Bolton, was handed an 18-month suspended sentence and given a three-month curfew. When Christopher Houp first heard the Biden administration was tweaking the Paycheck Protection Program to make it easier for businesses with no employees to get loans, he was excited. But that excitement quickly faded to disappointment. Thats because the pizzeria and small Italian deli Houp co-owns with his wife in Lutz, Florida, as part of a two-member limited liability corporation, is still not eligible to get a PPP loan. It does not fall under new Small Business Administration guidelines that included gig workers and sole proprietors but not partnerships. Under the new rules, those types of businesses with no employees can use gross income and not net income to calculate their loans, drastically increasing a loans size regardless of whether or not the businesses were profitable. But the new guidelines did not extend to partnerships with no employees. And for Houp, whose partnership has not made a distribution since they have been putting their money back into the business, there is no net income either. That means that while his business cannot get a PPP loan, the independent contractors they hired for their events before the pandemic can. And it shows that even as the PPP nears its first birthday and has undergone countless tweaks and alterations, there are still many small businesses that find themselves falling through the cracks of the massive and unprecedented small-business rescue program. Its mind-boggling to me that they would disregard an entire structure of business, Houp said. There are tons and tons of small businesses structured just like ours. The restaurant has kept its indoor dining closed since the beginning of the pandemic and added a few outdoor tables to take advantage of outdoor dining revenue. But what originally was billed as a two-week shutdown became a yearlong affair, and the business they founded in 2016 and grew from selling food at farmers markets was losing $9,000 a month. They have also dipped into their savings and retirement accounts in order to save the business, Houp said. We are angry about it. We also laugh about it. Its government inefficiency at its finest. I dont know how something like this slips through, Houp said. We didnt ask to be shut down. Now, every morning, Houp sits down to send letters to his representatives in Congress, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both Florida Republicans, as well as through the Biden administrations White House website. But Houp is not alone, and some lawmakers are already aware of the issue, at least when it comes to farmers and ranchers. On Feb. 12, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that included Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; John Hoeven, R-N.D.; and John Thune, R-S.D., sent a letter to the SBA and the Treasury Department urging the agencies to issue clarifications regarding how partnerships are treated within that industry. The lawmakers stated in the letter they believe the SBA has the authority to apply new loan calculations to farms and ranches organized as partnerships and limited liability companies. Farmers and ranchers without payroll or positive net income were shut out of the original PPP. Thats definitely a flaw, a hole in the system, said Phil Kryder, first vice president of special projects at Fisher, Indiana-based First Internet Bank, adding that its harder to get PPP loans for younger businesses as they might not have the history needed to show how much they should get. There is nothing to base a number on. Kryder said the changes announced by the Biden administration were meant to level the playing field for sole proprietors and other underserved groups, such as gig workers, for whom even a small amount of money is important. He noted that for those workers, PPP loans are capped at $20,833, which could be a lot for a single-person entity. Tenley Carp, a PPP expert and partner at law firm Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, said part of the issue seems to be that the SBA had done an analysis and targeted the new loan tweaks to where it thought they were most needed and that included the types of businesses and how they were structured. And in the interim final rule issued March 3 by the agency, the SBA points out that businesses that file a Schedule C with the IRS have higher concentrations of ownership by members of underserved groups. SBA has determined that changing the calculation for sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals will reduce barriers to accessing the PPP and expand funding among the smallest businesses, the agency wrote in the guidance. And that means entrepreneurs like the Houps are left out because of how they chose to structure their business. If either the husband or the wife was the sole owner, they would likely be eligible under the new rules, Carp added. And that was likely an oversight by the Biden administration. Biden has no idea that if you read the actual rules and the lenders are forced to read the rules that the guy who cuts his wife out is able to get a PPP loan, but the guy who cuts his wife in is shut out, Carp said. So the mom-and-pop shop is not getting access to PPP in the same way that just pop would. Winston Marshall, the banjo player from folk rock group Mumford and Sons, said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer (Ben Birchall/PA) The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer. Winston Marshall caused controversy after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend. In a since-deleted post, Marshall said he had read Ngos important book Unmasked: Inside Antifas Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy and praised him as a brave man. Fans of Mumford & Sons, a chart-topping band formed in London in 2007, were quick to share their disappointment at the endorsement. One described Marshalls tweet as a dumbfounding endorsement of fascism. In a statement on Twitter, Marshall, 33, said he is stepping away from the band to examine my blindspots. He said: Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. I have offended not only a lot of people I dont know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry. Expand Close Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA) As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots. Marshall, son of wealthy British investor Sir Paul Marshall, added: For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention. Ngos book Unmasked claims to expose a violent extremist movement. Critics say it inflates the size and threat of the left-wing antifa movement, which was a frequent target of Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Times describes the book as supremely dishonest. The remaining members of Mumford & Sons are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane. Their best-known songs include I Will Wait and Little Lion Man. Representatives for the band have been contacted for comment. [March 10, 2021] MC Digital Realty and ARTERIA Networks Collaborate to Enable Connected Data Communities in Japan TOKYO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MC Digital Realty, a 50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty providing a full suite of data center solutions in Japan, has launched a collaboration project with ARTERIA Networks Corporation to provide new connectivity that will directly link the MC Digital Realty NRT connected campus and the new submarine cable landing station near Inzai City, bypassing the need to interconnect in downtown Tokyo. The project will enable customers to deploy their critical applications at a key center of data exchange on PlatformDIGITAL. Digital Realty's recent research highlights Japan's leading role at the forefront of the growth in data volumes in the Asia Pacific region, with data gravity intensity in the Tokyo metro expected to more than double annually through 2024. As a result of this data growth and rapid shift to always-on digital business, enterprises are redesigning their IT architectures to embrace a data-first approach to infrastructure. MC Digital Realty's development in Japan reflects the need to enable this new approach in developing new communities centered around customers' most strategic asset: data. In January 2020, MCDR began construction of a key center of data exchange in the Tokyo II data center in the Inzai area of Chiba Prefecture and unveiled its connected campus @ Inzai development roadmap with plans to build a 100-megawatt campus by securing adjacent land for data center development. In addition, ARTERIA Networks is strategically expanding its optical network in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, and announced its plan to build facilities for a dedicated fiber connection at MCDR's NRT 10 data center supporting a maximum capacity of 100 Gbps. ARTERIA Networks, which benefits from strategic access to international submarine cable landing stations in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture and Minami-Boso area of Chiba Prefecture, and MCDR, which develops and operates data centers for leading global cloud providers and content providers, are collaborating to meet the growing data center demand of global cloud and content providers in the Inzai area. In addition, by harnessing the global coverage options provided by international submarine cables, the two companies are contributing to the expansion of digital business in the Inzai area. "Customers in our NRT connected campus want an environment that allows them to process large volumes of global traffic," said Bampo Tezuka, Representative Director and CEO of MC Digital Realty. "By collaborating with ARTERIA Networks, we will provide data center solutions that can meet a wide range of customer needs including such significant traffic demand." Robert Davidson, Senior Director of Network Strategy in Digital Realty Asia Pacific, added, "Beyond Japan, Digital Realty operates key centers of data exchange on PlatformDIGITAL in major cities across Asia Pacific such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Melbourne. Once this new interconnection path to the nearby submarine cable landing station is deployed, customers who use our data centers cross-regionally will have high-speed, low-latency access to Digital Realty's global connected data community. As an alternative to the traditional network hub concentrations in the Tokyo metro area, we will provide new distributed network hub functions connecting Japan to the rest of the world." Yasutoshi Kikuchi, Executive Officer and CTO of ARTERIA Networks, commented, "Our company has been building its own optical fiber network to respond to customer needs in a timely and flexible manner. Installation of our facilities in MCDR's NRT 10 data center is expected to generate synergies between the two companies and significantly enhance the value of Inzai. We aim to contribute to the growth of our customers' business by connecting NRT 10 to submarine cables that connect countries and major data centers in Tokyo." Overview of Tokyo Daini Data Center (NRT 10 Data Center) Location: Expected Completion: Total Floor Area: IT Load: Rack Capacity: Inzai City, Chiba August 2021 37,850 m2 38 MW 4,760 Racks Supporting Resources Read Digital Realty's industry manifesto for Enabling Connected Data Communities Explore data center coverage options in Japan and Asia-Pacific and Learn more about Digital Realty's global footprint on PlatformDIGITAL Download the Data Gravity Index About MC Digital Realty MC Digital Realty, Inc. is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty in Japan. The joint venture offers customers access to facilities with high levels of reliability and security, stable power supply, cooling and other functionality. In addition, MC Digital Realty combines Mitsubishi Corporation's realty and IT-related knowledge with Digital Realty's community of global customers and expertise in delivering and operating data centers at large scale. MC Digital Realty provides a full-suite of data center operation services to address the global-standard requirements of its customers in Japan. For more information, please visit: https://www.mc-digitalrealty.com/en/ About Digital Realty Digital Realty supports the world's leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers a trusted foundation and proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for scaling digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges. Digital Realty's global data center footprint gives customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with more than 290 facilities in 49 metros across 24 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About ARTERIA Networks Since its inception in 1997, ARTERIA Networks Corporation has developed a network business that utilizes the high-capacity optical fiber backbone and access line of its own to create a customized network environment tailored to corporate customers' needs; an internet business that provides proprietary high-speed, stable communications; and a condominium internet business that has the No. 1* share of the market in Japan. In the era of continual change, ARTERIA Networks aims to contribute to society as a "supple information and communications platform" by constantly responding to customer needs flexibly and quickly as a challenger and an innovator. // *1 MM Research Institute, Ltd., Market Share Survey of All-House Condominium ISPs (As of March 31, 2020) https://www.arteria-net.com/en/ Media and Industry Analyst Relations Marc Musgrove Digital Realty +1 (415) 508-2812 mmusgrove@digitalrealty.com Omer M. Wilson Digital Realty, APAC +65 6505 3951 owilson@digitalrealty.com Investor Relations John J. Stewart Digital Realty (415) 738-6500 investorrelations@digitalrealty.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the NRT Connected Campus, the collaboration project with ARTERIA Networks, the Data Gravity Index, included expected growth in Japan and our expectations and plans for Japan and the Asia Pacific. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mc-digital-realty-and-arteria-networks-collaborate-to-enable-connected-data-communities-in-japan-301245030.html SOURCE Digital Realty [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Sanjeev Gupta warned his UK business was in serious trouble after the largest lender to his group of companies collapsed. The 50-year-old tycoon told unions that Liberty Steel was performing well worldwide and benefiting from a 13-year high in steel prices. But in comments that will send a chill through his workforce, he added: While the group as a whole is performing well operationally, there are some exceptions and Im sorry to say that includes some of our UK steel businesses. Feeling the heat: Sanjeev Gupta said UK steel plants are struggling following the collapse of its biggest financial backer, Greensill Capital Liberty is Britains third largest steel maker with around 3,000 employees at 11 sites. But the company has been plunged into crisis following the collapse of its biggest financial backer, Greensill Capital, this week. Last night unions urged ministers to take an active role in the crisis to protect jobs and ensure the company can keep operating. Downing Street described reports that thousands of jobs might be on the line as very worrying, and the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We continue to follow developments closely. In Guptas first remarks since the demise of Greensill, he said talks to secure new funding were progressing well but will take some time to organise. He insisted there was adequate funding for the time being and said the company is addressing the parts of the UK steel business that are struggling. The Indian-born British businessman said demand for some of Libertys products plummeted by as much as 60 per cent during the pandemic following a severe downturn in the aerospace sector due to Covid-19. Liberty is Britains third largest steel maker with around 3,000 employees at 11 sites This could spell trouble for the Stocksbridge plant in South Yorkshire where plane components are made. Around 762 people work at the high-tech factory and the company said it is using the Governments furlough scheme but there are fears jobs are still at risk. Gupta was dubbed the saviour of UK steel after a spending spree that saw him buy up plants in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Newport and Hartlepool. While the Stocksbridge site makes aerospace parts, his Rotherham factory makes steel that can be used in car engines and powertrains and Hartlepool produces pipes that can be used in the offshore oil industry. As well as steel plants, Gupta also owns Scotlands only aluminium smelter and huge tracts of land that came with it including the slopes of Ben Nevis and is working on hydroelectric projects. These businesses form part of Guptas GFG Alliance, which has relied heavily on Greensill for money. Greensill, which counts David Cameron as an adviser, went into administration on Monday after creditors froze billions of pounds of assets. Court documents said it had around 3.6billion of exposure to GFG, which had already started to default on payments. Guptas metals plants have also missed payments to the tax authorities. The tycoon has scrambled to arrange cash from other sources and told unions the group is enthused by the amount of offers that we have received. Gupta held talks over Zoom with unions Community, GMB and Unite, who make up the National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee. In a joint statement, the group said the meeting was positive and constructive but added: Given the strategic importance of Libertys steel operations, we believe Government must now take an active role to facilitate a comprehensive solution that safeguards the future and protects jobs. 86 percent of Syrian refugee children said that they would not like to return to their homeland, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Many Syrian children, both inside and outside the country, cannot imagine a future in their homeland as the conflict there enters its 11th year, a charity said Tuesday. This 10-year war has cost Syrias young people their childhoods, Save the Childrens regional director Jeremy Stoner said. Protracted conflict has led to fear and pessimism about childrens ability to build their lives in a country scarred by war, he said in a statement. Syrias war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Between November and December 2020, Save the Children interviewed 1,900 displaced children and their caregivers inside Syria and across Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and the Netherlands. On average, 86 percent of surveyed Syrian refugee children said they would not want to return to their country of origin, the British charity said, citing a report it published marking the anniversary. I dont want to go back there. I dont want to go back and live in Syria again. I dont want to stay in Lebanon either, Nada, a 17-year-old Syrian refugee living in northern Lebanon, was quoted as saying. No matter where I go, if we go to school, they bully us and tell us they dont want us. Inside Syria, one in three displaced children surveyed said they would rather live in another country, the non-governmental organisation reported. This includes Lara, a seven-year-old who lives in a displacement camp in northwestern Syria. After 10 years, our future became all about war, she was quoted as saying. I wish to live in any country other than Syria, where its safe and there are schools and toys. More than 8.5 million Syrian children are dependent on assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, says the United Nations child agency UNICEF. Up to 60 percent of children are unable to consistently access or afford adequate food inside Syria, and more than half are missing out on school, the UN says. Of almost 5.6 million registered Syrian refugees outside the country, more than one million children have been born in exile, it says. 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. Those with the cash are willing to spend big in order to skip the queue for a COVID-19 vaccine. Photo: AFP Shortly after the worlds first public vaccination programmes, were launched with priority given to health workers and the elderly, vaccine tourism has quickly emerged to garner the attention of the super-rich who were not willing to wait their turn. Knightsbridge Circle, an exclusive travel and lifestyle service provider founded by Stuart McNeill in 2012, is providing a luxury concierge service for people with assets over $800 million to fly them to another country to get a COVID-19 vaccine, which the vast majority of the world populace is not even close to receiving. McNeill said that about 20 per cent of its members have flown to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to receive the vaccine. Each member paid about $70,000 for a month-long trip to Dubai with first-class Emirates flights and accommodation in a sea-view apartment while waiting for two separate shots of vaccine. Its like were the pioneers of this new luxury travel vaccine programme, he told the press. Currently, Knightsbridge only offers vaccine tourism services to the UAE, where two countries are offering private vaccinations of the Pfizer vaccine, and to India with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. Some Indian travel agencies are reportedly advertising vaccine travel packages, including round-trips from India to the US and UK and preparing more packages for vaccine tourism from Russia. Elsewhere, Mumbai-based Gem Tours & Travels is introducing a four-day VIP tour package that costs around $2,300 to the US. This package includes the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, round-trip airfare, and breakfast. Since it started advertising in late November last year, the company has received more than 4,000 calls and added more than 1,000 subscribers. After more than one year of stagnation and losses of more than $935 billion, the global tourism industry is looking for ways to adapt to the new normal. This change means developing new tourism strategies with different combinations of products and markets such as long-term travel or mental health tourism or vaccine tourism, albeit with a shorter lifespan. These tourism products have great potential for growth as countries are considering easing travel bans and opening up to international tourists in the next few months, if they can prove receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccine passport is an initiative discussed by many European countries and some island nations as a special travel document allowing the holder to travel freely. Thailand, which has opened to foreign visitors since November, is also considering waiving the quarantine requirement for visitors from countries that have started vaccination such as China, Singapore, and the UK. Some tourism experts said that vaccine tourism has the opportunity to become a trend attracting tourists in the coming time due to the growing tourism demand after a long time of lockdown. Many UK and US nationals are planning to travel and are booking hotels since the two countries launched vaccinations. According to a survey by consulting firm Oliver Wyman including 4,600 people from nine countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and China, more than 63 per cent of respondents said they would travel after the pandemic ended. While experts are still unable to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine, some isolated tourism sites like remote islands offering many resort services and high-end products such as the Maldives, Phuket, and Madagascar are considered potential tourism destinations. In 2020, the Maldives became a prime example of the tourism industrys success as it remains open to visitors from all countries, despite the pandemic. Taking advantage of more than 1,000 isolated resorts dotted around nearly 200 islands, the resorts in the Maldives have launched special packages with private transportation, independent services, and healthcare activities for a whole month at a high cost, without having to undergo a two-week quarantine at the hotel. Recently, Phuket in Thailand has also introduced a quarantine package at the Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel and hopes that the programme will become a model to help revitalise Thailands tourism industry. Nearly 60 wealthy tourists from Europe became the first to experience this package they were picked up on charter flights, then spent 14 days of isolation experience at their private villa before starting their journey around the island. With many beautiful and isolated islands, Vietnam is also considered to have many favourable conditions to develop tourism products such as vaccine tourism or isolation tourism. Representatives of many Vietnamese travel businesses said that they would be willing to try out these new tourism products, but if they received sufficient support from the authorities and major domestic tourism service groups. A Congress MLA on Wednesday told the Assembly that some people in his constituency are claiming that is coming out of the ground in a few villages along the Indo-Bangladesh border and urged the government to inquire into the matter. "People have reported that is coming out from the ground in a few villages in Mawsynram (his constituency)," Congress legislator Hima Shangpliang told the Assembly during the general discussion on the regulation of prices of petrol and diesel in the state. The MLA told the government to inquire into this matter and find out the efficacy of this claim by the people and see if could also be in the list of oil producing states in the country. In his reply, Taxation Minister James PK Sangma said, "This is a matter of the Central government. Exploration has to be done by the We will communicate the discovery after verification of the fact." Later, Shangpliang told PTI that villagers in Umlynter and Weisohpiang area are claiming that is coming out of the ground. "Some villagers have even collected the oil in buckets and are using it for their own use," he said. MIAMI BEACH, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Executive, social media guru and wellness advocate Stephanie Saunders, founder of S2 B Marketing, was named one of the Nation's Top 10 Social Media Influencers of 2020 by Forbes Magazine. Forbes Social Media contributor John Brandon summed up his selection by saying, "When I think of influencers on social media, I don't immediately think of a property damage claims expert. Yet, Stephanie Saunders provides well-produced videos, insights to help her audience, and tons of followers." S2 B Marketing For Saunders, the Forbes Magazine honor is validation that her honest approach to social media branding is working. "I was super surprised to be named to this prestigious Forbes list," she added. "Especially since with names like Elon Musk included... I'm honored to be included." Saunders believes social media is undergoing a shift from glitzy "Instagram Lifestyle" influencers to branding by real people making a positive difference. "The pandemic has been a catalyst in this social media shakeup," she said. "With millions jobless, influencers flaunting rich lifestyles are striking a sour note." To be successful in social media, she believes in letting the audience get to know you on a personal level. "Simply be yourself," she says, "In today's business environment, people are looking for solid ideas and great advice they can use now. You must be willing to go outside your comfort zone about your personal journey." As an executive with United Claims Specialists, her branding skills has helped propel the public adjuster firm into a leadership role in Florida. However, her career path hasn't always been straightforward. For example, she's open about why she took a high-paying job out of college and felt horrible about it. "The country was in the Great Recession due to the subprime mortgage crises, and the only high-paying job I could find was in the default industry helping banks foreclose on homeowners. I hated it, but I cashed the paychecks," she remembers. "Thankfully, I transitioned into a career where I could use my real estate experience to help people recoup their losses. I went from villain to Robin Hood." Saunders says honesty is the secret to effective branding awareness. "Whether you're an entrepreneur selling a service or jobseeker selling yourself, you need to let people really get to know you. Only then will they be open to learning about your business, or why you should be hired," she added. "People aren't interested in connecting with simply an entity or Instagram character... they want to connect with real people." Saunders, who is also the founder of a non-profit organization called the Suskind Foundation, believes successful social media branding is about humanizing and prioritizing your digital footprint. "People who follow my videos, articles and blogs are getting my genuine feelings based on experience. And that's the best way I know to grow your business through social media channels." For a free social media ZOOM checkup, visit www.StephanieSaunders.com. Related Images stephanie-saunders.jpeg Stephanie Saunders SOURCE S2 B Marketing Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. County Longford Public Participation Network (PPN) are holding their first County Plenary meeting of the year this evening, Wednesday, March 10 7pm. The online meeting link has been circulated to all groups and it promises to be a very interesting and informative session. Tess Murphy, PPN Secretariat who will chair proceedings said, It is so important we stay in touch with our members and keep them up to date with our work and also areas that are of particular interest to the community right now. Ms Murphy went on to explain for this reason the PPN chose to focus on information on the proposed N4 Mullingar to Roosky road scheme, how women can learn and become involved in politics and what impact the current environmental challenges and regulations have on local farmers. Westmeath County Council are the lead Local Authority on the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) current public consultation and Anne Marie Corroon who will be presenting at the meeting said, I am delighted with the PPN invitation to make a presentation on the N4 Route Corridor Options. Ms Corroon said she will also be joined by the N4 Project team members John Holmes, Sandra Hagan and John Forde. Tara Farrell, CEO Longford Womens Link, the second speaker of the night, will be talking about the very successful See Her Elected (SHE) project and what is currently happening in Longford with regards to the programme. Ms Farrell said, Im delighted to have the opportunity to discuss the SHE Programme at the forthcoming PPN Plenary along with my colleague Michelle Maher. There has been significant interest in the work of SHE since its establishment, especially the online SHESchool which has flourished during lockdown. There is a real appetite for discussing the ways and workings of local democracy among women in Longford and indeed Ireland. The final speaker of the night is Diarmuid Murray, Agricultural Affairs, Macra na Feirme who also welcomed the invitation to be a guest speaker. Mr Murray explained that Macra supports greater environmental ambition but it cannot come at the cost of farmer viability or the rights of the rural community to earn a living. Siobhan Cronogue, PPN Co-ordinator said, It is exciting to have such a diverse range of speakers. The PPN is the main link between community groups, Longford County Council and other decision making bodies so the information and discussions during and following the meeting are key to understanding and addressing the issues citizens have and figuring out how as a PPN we can support our groups to solve these together at local government level. For further information on County Longford PPN please contact; Siobhan Cronogue, PPN Coordinator on 087 261 5583/ email ppn@longfordcoco.ie or Helen Gorman, PPN Support Worker on 043 33 44223 / email hgorman@longfordcoco.ie. She and others sued the city of Chicago last summer over allegations that they routinely denied suspects access to phones. She has been an outspoken advocate for bond reform and other policy changes. Campanelli herself came to the Leighton Criminal Court Building last year to urge a judge to speed up pretrial release for detainees as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Big C, Metro, Tran Anh and Vien Thong A, once powerful retail giants, have disappeared after takeover deals. Central Retail Group has renamed seven Big C supermarkets to Tops Market and 5 Big C hypermarkets to GO! in its brand repositioning plan. Other Big C hypermarkets, one after another, wi also be repositioned and renamed this year. Once the process completes, Big C, the brand which has been familiar to Vietnamese for 22 years, will no longer exist in Vietnam. In 2016, Casino sold the entire Big C chain to Central Group from Thailand for $1 billion. Soon after wrapping up the deal, the Thai group set to work on a plan to rename the chain in 2017, though it has the right to use the name for 10 years. Prior to that, Metro Cash & Carry was sold to TCC Group in 2015. The Thai business spent 655 million euros to acquire 19 Metro centers in Vietnam. Following Maximark and Ocean Mart, Fivimart was eliminated from the retail market after it merged with Vinmart. Twenty-three Fivimarts were renamed Vinmart in October 2018. Another French retail brand Auchan also had to shut down in Vietnam in 2019. The retailer entered Vietnam in 2015 and left four years later after developing 18 supermarkets in Hanoi, HCM City and Tay Ninh. The stiff competition in the home appliance retail market has also resulted in the departure of big brands. In 2018, The Gioi Di Dong bought 23.6 million shares of The Gioi So Tran Anh JSC, the owner of Tran Anh chain. At that moment, Tran Anh was a well known brand with a network of 34 stores. After the takeover deal, one of the biggest deals in the market, Tran Anh belonged to Dien May Xanh. Vien Thong A, which pioneered the mobile phone and electronic device distribution market with 200 stores nationwide, has also disappeared. In late 2018, Vingroup acquired 65 percent of Vien Thong A shares in a plan to expand the business of its Vinpro. However, just one year later, VinPro was dissolved. As for convenience store brands, Shop&Go no longer exists after it was sold to Vingroup for just $1. The chain joined the market in 2006, sold a variety of products, from processed food to industrial products and cosmetics. In its golden days, Shop&Go was the largest convenience store chain with 100 stores in 2013, while its rivals only had 30 stores. Tough game A.T Kearney said Vietnam ranks sixth in terms of the retail development index. With nearly 100 million people, increasingly high income per capita and stable economic development, analysts believe that Vietnam will continue to be a potential retail market. If the current high growth rate is maintained, the Vietnamese retail market value will reach $200 billion in two years. With nearly 100 million people, increasingly high income per capita and stable economic development, analysts believe that Vietnam will continue to be a potential retail market. If the current high growth rate is maintained, the Vietnamese retail market value will reach $200 billion in two years. However, the disappearance of many retail brands shows that not all retailers can grab opportunities in this market. Auchan said it had unsatisfactory business results during the 5-year presence in Vietnam. In 2018, it had modest turnover of 45 million euros. At the time it was sold to The Gioi Di Dong, Tran Anh was incurring a loss of VND4 billion according to a finance report for April 1 December 31, 2018, while the accumulated loss had reached VND58 billion by that moment (its charter capital was VND249 billion). While Auchan and Tran Anh were sold for good prices, Cua Hieu va Suc Song, the owner of Shop&Go, got $1 only when selling to Vingroup. Do Thi Thu Hang from Savills Hanoi believes that the Vietnamese retail market will be even stiffer in the future because foreign retailers, after a long period of learning about the market, have better understood the taste and habits of Vietnamese consumers. This will allow them to create reasonable business strategies to compete with Vietnamese rivals. The success of retailers will be determined by business strategies and technology usage to fit the modern consumers habits. According to Hang, the weak point of Vietnams retail market is the lack of a master plan to introduce retail premises to big retail developers. The land prices are high in major urban areas, which requires high initial investment rates, and it takes a long time to recover investment capital. Duy Anh Japanese, Thai retailers compete in $200 billion retail market After the lockdown this year, shopping malls began to be busy again in the 'new normal' situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A leading supermarket chain spent multiple millions with Offaly suppliers in 2020. Aldi announced details of its continued significant contribution to Offalys economy and the impact of its charity partnerships across the county. In 2020, Aldi sourced 24.4M of locally produced food and drink from Offaly based suppliers. Aldi partners with eight Offaly producers including long-term relationships with Glenisk, Mossfield Organic Farm, Carroll's Cuisine and The Flat Bread Company. Last year it began working with three new Offaly suppliers for the first time. Aldi says it will boost its annual national spend on Irish food and drink by 17.5% in 2021 to 1BN, with further opportunities available to Offaly suppliers. Operating two stores in Offaly, Aldi employs 54 full time staff, spending 2.6M on wages annually. It is seeking to recruit 20 new employees for its Offaly stores this year. Opportunities available include 10 permanent positions. Aldis Offaly stores support multiple charities across Offaly at a local level. Each store is part of Aldis food waste reduction programme, with Aldis Offaly stores having donated almost 32,000 meals through FoodCloud to local charities. Each store is also part of Aldis Community Grants network, with Little Wishes Edenderry and KS Food Appeal two of the many local charities that have availed of the 500 bursary grant in recent years. Commenting Niall OConnor, Group Managing Director, Aldi Ireland said: Our goal is to make a positive impact in every local community that our stores serve. Our operations and stores contribute to businesses, communities and families right across Offaly. We have invested 9M in our Offaly stores over the last number of years, while we sourced 24.4M of locally produced food and drink from Offaly based suppliers last year. Multiple local charities have also availed of our support through our FoodCloud partnership and Community Grants initiative. Moscow, March 10 : Russia has signed an agreement with China on the creation of a lunar space station, the "International Scientific Lunar Station," the space agencies of the two countries have announced. Dmitry Rogozin, General Director of Russian space agency Roscosmos and Zhang Kejian, Head of the China National Space Administration, signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday. Russia and China said that they will promote the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes for the interests of all mankind. The International Scientific Lunar Station is a complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and / or in the orbit of the Moon, Roscosmos said. It is "designed to carry out multidisciplinary and multipurpose research work, including the exploration and use of the Moon, lunar observations, fundamental research experiments and technology verification with the possibility of long-term unmanned operation with the prospect of a human presence on the moon," Roscosmos said. The cooperation between the two countries come at a time when NASA is also seeking international cooperation for a Gateway programme as the US space agency aims to land the first woman and next man on Moon by 2024 and send humans to Mars later. Russia has stayed away from participating the Gateway programme, while China is aggressively pushing its space ambitions. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 [March 09, 2021] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of SOS Limited (SOS) 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 SOS (News - Alert) Limited ("SOS" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOS) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your SOS 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/sos-limited/. 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 26, 2021, Hindenburg Research and Culper Research published reports regarding SOS, alleging that the Company was a "pump and dump" scheme that used fake addresses and doctored photos of crypto miners to create an illusion of success. The reports pointed out that SOS lists a hotel room as the company's headquarters and that SOS purportedlybought mining rigs from a fake shell company. Moreover, the reports noted that the photographed SOS "miners" weren't the A10 Pros the company claimed to own but were actually Avalon's A1066 miners. Hindenburg went even further and found the original images from SOS's site belonged to a rival RHY. On this news, the Company's share price fell $1.27, or 21%, to close at $4.77 per share on February 26, 2021. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding SOS 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 (News - Alert), Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, 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/20210309006046/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] West Bengal elections 2021: CPI(M) fields Minakshi Mukherjee against Mamata, Suvendu from Nandigram India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Kolkata, Mar 10: The Left-led opposition grand alliance on Wednesday fielded CPI(M)'s Minakshi Mukherjee from the high-stakes Nandigram seat where she will fight the upcoming assembly elections against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is the TMC candidate, and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The election in Nandigram is being watched closely as Banerjee takes on her former aide, Adhikari, in a high-pitched battle. Mukherjee was announced as the Left-Congress-ISF alliance candidate by Left Front chairman Biman Bose at a press conference. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination for Nandigram assembly seat, where she will take on her former protege and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and exuded confidence of winning it saying she has never returned empty-handed from the land of anti-farm land acquisition movement. West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee files nomination from Nandigram Accompanied by TMC president Subrata Bakshi, Banerjee filed her papers at the Haldia sub-divisional office here after taking part in a 2-km roadshow. She offered prayers at a temple before filing her nomination, and at another after doing so. "When I had visited Nandigram in January, there was no MLA from here as the sitting MLA had resigned. I looked at the faces of the common people and decided to contest from here," she said after filing her paper. Deputy chairman of East Midnapore zilla parishad Sheikh Sufiyan has been appointed as Banerjee's election agent. "I have never returned empty-handed from here. Nandigram is not just a name, it is the name of a movement. Bhulte pari sobar naam, bhulbo nako Nandigram (I can forget everyone's name, but can never forget Nandigram). That's the significance of this place for me," the TMC supremo said. Banerjee said that she had made up her mind this time to contest either from the Singur or Nandigram - the cradles of the anti-farm land acquisition movement which had catapulted her to power in 2011. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News "My feeling is very clear - no one can divide this place along religious lines. During the Nandigram movement all the communities had participated in it. Those who are lecturing now about its legacy were nowhere when violence was unleashed here. I was fighting alone," she said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 18:46 [IST] The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. Update: As of 8:45 a.m., hundreds of new appointments have opened up for April at the New York State Fairgrounds. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Thousands more people will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations by mid-March in New York. Today, people 60 and older can start getting the vaccine. On Wednesday, March 17, certain government workers, such as sanitation workers and social services caseworkers will be eligible. Some non-profit workers who work with people in need will also qualify, according to the state. That means many are new to New Yorks grand quest for a vaccination appointment. Heres a guide to help you through that search. Pharmacies and drug stores In New York, drug stores and pharmacies are exclusively for people 60 and older and teachers seeking the vaccine. Heres a list of chain stores in the Central New York area with the vaccine. Those include Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Price Chopper and Wegmans. Each chain is booking appointments on its website. Some, such as Kinney Drugs, have an alert system to let you know when more appointments open up. One drug store in Oswego is taking appointment requests by phone. Teachers will have to show some sort of workplace ID or have a letter of employment to get a shot at a drug store. New York State Fairgrounds and other state-run sites The state has a growing list of large-scale sites, such as the one at the New York State Fairgrounds, where anyone who is currently eligible can get an appointment. That means people 60 and older and the current list of occupations can use the Am I Eligible website to make appointments. Remember, starting next Wednesday, that employment list expands to many government and non-profit workers. In recent days, the fairgrounds has been running two clinics. During the day, its administering the Pfizer vaccine, which is a two-shot regimen. Overnight, its been administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Here are more tips for you as you try to book at the state sites. Sometimes it takes switching browsers. Sometimes, try clearing your cache. You may get put in a virtual waiting line -- stay in it and dont try to get in two virtual lines at once on the same computer. Pro tip: When you get to this page, keep clicking on the blue update button to see whats available and/or get back in line. You dont have to go back to the first form on the Am I Eligible site. This image is from New York's "Am I Eligible" website. You get to this page after entering eligibility information. From here, keep updating and clicking on the various vaccine sites. Appointments do pop up occasionally.Source: New York state Onondaga Countys OnCenter vaccine site The other main vaccine site in the Syracuse area is at the OnCenter. Again, anyone eligible now can look for appointments here. This is the county website to keep checking. As of 7:15 a.m. today, the countys appointments were booked for now. But Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon in recent days has been opening up new appointments as more vaccine comes in. So far, thats generally been happening in the afternoons. He also holds briefings on Mondays and Thursdays to give updates about upcoming appointment options. More CNY county vaccine info Heres a collection of websites and phone numbers for other counties in Central New York also administering the vaccine. Other vaccine appointment tips Generally, youll need to have the persons full name, date of birth, address, email address and phone number. Youll also be asked for insurance or Medicare information. Our last tip? Skip the optional questions. That will save you time. Vaccine hotline Most appointments are available online, but there is a state number you can call: 833-697-4829. Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share with a Syracuse-area reporter? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. BOSTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Hempire, a national CBD brand offering a variety of CBD and Delta 8 THC products, has teamed up with Body100 to expand their national distribution network. Boston Hempire has expanded its reach to over 8000 locations throughout the US by incorporating a partnership with Body100 into their distribution network. Body100, a national network of representatives offering wholesale vape, CBD, and Delta 8 THC products, added Boston Hempire to their list of brands in the CBD marketplace. The partnership is one of four expansions Boston Hempire has added this year. The exponential growth of the company during the pandemic reinforces the need for easily accessible CBD and Delta 8 THC products across the country, for all generations of adults. "This new expansion is a greater step towards accessibility in brick-and-mortar locations, adding more outlets beyond our e-commerce website", says co-owner, Kevin Coyle. The ongoing stress and anxiety triggered by hardships and other issues during the pandemic has led to a rise in CBD and Delta 8 THC use. These natural alternatives have helped many adults relieve the continuous symptoms experienced on a daily basis. Boston Hempire is an online retailer as well as wholesaler of the Boston Hempire CBD brand and High Life Delta 8 THC brand. The company was founded in 2018 and has grown into a well-established national brand providing products in over 8000 stores through distribution. All Boston Hempire products can be found on their website at www.bostonhempire.com. SOURCE Boston Hempire Related Links https://www.bostonhempire.com Pauri Garhwal MP Tirath Singh Rawat was chosen the leader of the BJP legislature party on Wednesday, paving the way for his appointment as the new chief minister of the state. His name was announced by outgoing chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat after the legislature party meeting, which lasted for around 30 minutes. Tirath Singh Rawat will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of in the evening, official sources said. They said preparations have begun at the Raj Bhawan here for the swearing-in ceremony. Earlier, accompanied by party MLAs and MPs, Tirath Singh Rawat met Governor Baby Rani Maurya at the Raj Bhawan to stake his claim for forming the government. The ruling (BJP) has 56 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly. Tirath Singh Rawat was the state BJP president from 2013-15 and is currently the party's national secretary. He was also an MLA from the Chaubattakhal constituency from 2012-17. His choice as the new chief minister by the BJP comes as a surprise as he was not among the favourites. After being congratulated by the outgoing chief minister and BJP's central observer and national vice-president Raman Singh, Tirath Singh Rawat thanked the top leadership of the saffron party for giving him the new responsibility. "I have been a humble party worker. I had never imagined that I will be a given an opportunity like this by the party. I hope that with everyone's cooperation and blessings, I will do justice to my new role," he said. Though he has held important organisational positions both in the state and at the Centre, Tirath Singh Rawat is a first-time MP. He defeated his political mentor and BJP veteran Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri's son Manish Khanduri of the Congress by over three lakh votes to win from the Pauri Garhwal seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, whose report to the central leadership of the party set in motion the process of leadership change in the hill state, said, "With the kind of challenges facing Uttarakhand, it has got a good leader." Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal "Nishank", who was also being considered a contender for the post, said Tirath Singh Rawat was a good choice. "Tirath Singh Rawat is indeed a good choice. Now the BJP is sure to win the 2022 Assembly polls in Uttarakhand," he told reporters after coming out of the state party office here. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan Wednesday paid a farewell call on Minister Asad Umar here at his office. The Planning Commission deputy chairman and secretary were also present on the occasion. During the call-on, Asad Umar commended the remarkable services of Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan for Pakistan and Pakistan Air Force during his illustrious career. He said the air chief marshal spent an eventful tenure which also saw Operation Swift Retort on February 27, 2019, when the PAF fighter jets conducted airstrikes at six multiple locations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir while remaining within Pakistan's air space. "It is an honor for us to pay tribute to our brave commander today," he said. A brief ceremony was also organized where participating members and senior officers of the Planning Commission, watched a short documentary on operation Swift Retort. Minister for Planning Asad Umar presented a commemorative shield to Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. The air chief marshal said he was proud to lead a professional force that had always come up to the expectations of the nation. He also thanked planning minister for his support and good wishes. Gov. Whitmer signs supplemental funding to support COVID-19 recovery plan, additional work now needed to fully utilize federal aid Gov. Whitmer signs supplemental funding to support COVID-19 recovery plan, additional work now needed to fully utilize federal aid FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 2021 Contact: Press@Michigan.gov Kurt Weiss, Weissk1@michigan.gov Gov. Whitmer signs supplemental funding to support COVID-19 recovery plan, additional work now needed to fully utilize federal aid Funding secured for wage increase for direct care workers, schools, emergency rental assistance, vaccine administration, and testing. LANSING, Mich. Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that supports the COVID-19 recovery plan she sent to the legislature in January. It includes key provisions of the governors MI COVID Recovery Plan, including a $2.25/hour wage increase for direct care workers, $283 million in federal emergency rental assistance to help ensure people can stay in their homes, up to $110 million in federal funding for vaccine administration, and up to $555 million in federal funding for testing and tracing. I think its great news that weve been able to get some of the federal funding available to us appropriated, including passing two of my key proposals to provide a wage increase for direct care workers and increased funding to help expand vaccinations for Michiganders who are 50 years old or older, said Governor Whitmer. However, the reality is that there is more work to be done and there are still billions of dollars in federal funding that we need to get out the door to help businesses and families across the state. The bills I received were not negotiated with me or my administration, and I continue to call on the legislature to ensure that we work together to ensure we maximize every penny that is available. There were problems in the bills that I had to veto, and I expect the legislature to step up to fix the bill to allocate all of the money so we can get back to normal as soon as possible. State Budget Director David Massaron also sent a letter to the appropriations chairs in the House and Senate, asking again for a joint meeting no later than Friday, March 12 where formal negotiations can occur, with the goal of getting the remaining more than $2 billion in federal funding appropriated. In the letter, Director Massaron shares his desire to provide meaningful help to businesses impacted by the pandemic. We are on a good path to recovery and our key metrics and numbers are improving, but we need to put the rest of the available federal funding to work, much of it aimed at helping businesses and aiding their recovery, added Governor Whitmer. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and I thank every Michigander who has done their part in the response to the pandemic. As part of the MI COVID Recovery Plan, Governor Whitmer proposed $665 million to expand the states vaccine and testing programs, and $2.1 billion for schools. Unfortunately, the legislature inserted boilerplate that aims to block expenditure of these funds unless the governor signs separate legislation undercutting Michigans pandemic response. The governor has called on the legislature to return to the table to fully appropriate the more than $2 billion in unused federal funds. Governor Whitmer proposed fully allocating $622 million for rent and utility assistance, but the legislature only provided $283 million withholding $339 million that was meant to keep families safely in their homes and provide direct aid to landlords. The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program replaces the popular Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) MSHDA launched in July 2020, which helped approximately 16,000 households across the state avoid eviction and get current on owed rent. MSHDA will administer CERA through its statewide network of Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARAs), which will be responsible for working directly with tenants and landlords so that the rental arrearages are paid and housing stability is preserved. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/CERA. Governor Whitmer also proposed fully allocating $2.7 billion to help residents feed their families, but the legislature only provided $600 million withholding $2.1 billion in food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Michiganders can apply for food assistance by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. Unfortunately, the legislature tried to prohibit expenditure of funds for vaccine distribution and the return to school unless the governor signs legislation stripping powers from the executive branch. Rather than these political games, we need to focus instead on how to best help businesses and individuals most impacted by the pandemic, said Director Massaron. Vetoes were necessary and now we need to collectively refocus efforts on the best way to get resources out the door to speed our recovery from the pandemic. I again encourage the chairs of the appropriations committees to accept my offer to get in a room and figure out how we can effectively align our resources with the need. In a transmittal letter, Governor Whitmer observed that the 48-day delay since the release of her COVID Recovery Plan necessitated immediate signature of the supplemental funding bill, but that legal review of budget boilerplate was ongoing. When the legal review of this bills budget boilerplate is completed, the governor will direct state departments to implement this legislation consistent with constitutional requirements. Governor Whitmer also disapproved two items in each bill, pursuant to article 5, section 19 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963. # # # QUOTES FROM LEADERS & ORGANIZATIONS Across Michigan, countless Direct Care Workersalong with the individuals and families they serveare breathing enormous sighs of relief today. These essential workers provide an enormous service, and having this wage supplemental in hand will help keep them on the job, helping individuals with extra personal needs. We are immensely grateful to see this supplemental signed into law, and look forward to making the increase permanent. Bob Stein, General Counsel at the Michigan Assisted Living Association. The Rental Property Owners Association has been working closely with the development and continuation of the Michigan Covid Emergency Relief Assistance and is pleased to hear the news of the latest appropriation of $200 million plus dollars for housing assistance to continue the funding necessary to care for Michigan families impacted by COVID-19 and provide critical assistance to the rental housing industry. Maintaining the solvency of the rental housing industry now and for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to the economy. Clay B. Powell, Director at the Rental Property Owner Association. "Tough economic times tend to hit the workers and families who are already struggling the most, and unfortunately, we knew COVID-19 would be no different. But an upside of this crisis is that it has reinvigorated policymakers' bipartisan appreciation of the safety net that is there when people are struggling. The need for food assistance to keep families from going hungry was essential before the pandemic, and will continue to be after we reach some semblance of normalcy. But in order to make recovery a reality for all families, we have to help the residents who are being hit the hardest right now put food on their plates and keep a roof over their heads, and this supplemental funding will do just that." Gilda Jacobs, President and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. The additional SNAP and P-EBT benefits provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic provide critical food assistance to Michigan families and households struggling to put food on the table right now. These benefits are much needed and will help to take a little bit of pressure off of the food bank network, as we continue to work to meet the increase in need while also experiencing a significant decrease in USDA food. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Novant Health and Michael Jordan announced a $10 million gift to open two medical clinics in New Hanover County on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. The regional health care system and Jordan previously partnered to open two Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, N.C., bringing comprehensive primary care, including behavioral health and social support services, to the area's most vulnerable communities. Jordan's gift will help Novant Health bring this same integrated care model to more rural and rural-adjacent communities in his hometown, offering much-needed services to those who are uninsured or underinsured. The two new clinics are slated to open in early 2022. "I am very proud to once again partner with Novant Health to expand the Family Clinic model to bring better access to critical medical services in my hometown," said Michael Jordan. "Everyone should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live, or whether or not they have insurance. Wilmington holds a special place in my heart and it's truly gratifying to be able to give back to the community that supported me throughout my life." To date, the two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte have seen more than 4,500 patients, in addition to providing critical COVID-19 response. Nearly 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered from both the Freedom Drive and North End locations with plans to scale up vaccination efforts even further as supply increases. "This pandemic has exacerbated health equity gaps across our state, making our efforts to close them even more emergent. We look forward to standing these clinics up as quickly as possible to ensure all members of the community have access to necessary medical care" said Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health. "We are so appreciative of Michael's unwavering commitment to help us bring affordable care to our communities that need it most. It's not only an investment in us as a partner, but it's an investment in each and every person that our clinics can reach." Today's announcement comes on the heels of Novant Health finalizing its purchase of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), which includes a partnership with UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine. The health care system, which beat out five systems to move forward with the sale, stressed its commitment to bringing clinics and services to underserved communities as a tenant of its proposal. "When we set out to partner with New Hanover Regional Medical Center, we made it absolutely clear that one of our top priories was to improve health outcomes in southeastern North Carolina, with access to affordable care for all," Armato added. "With Michael's gift, we'll be able to more quickly, and directly, have an impact. The establishment of these two new clinics reinforces our true commitment to improving the health of the southeast region." The $10 million gift from Michael Jordan was made to the Novant Health Foundation, which has now received a total of $17 million in funds from Jordan dedicated to developing clinics, which are owned and operated by Novant Health. Assets CLICK HERE for video and photos from Michael Jordan's virtual Zoom meeting with patients of the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics. About Novant Health Novant Health is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient facilities and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. The Novant Health network consists of more than 2,300 physicians and over 36,000 employees that provide care at more than 700 locations, including 16 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2020, Novant Health was the only healthcare system in North Carolina to be included on Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity list. Diversity MBA Magazine has also ranked Novant Health third on its 2019 list of "Best Places for Women & Diverse Managers to Work." Novant Health provided more than $993.2 million in community benefit, including financial assistance and services, in 2019. For more information, please visit our website at NovantHealth.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. SOURCE Novant Health Related Links https://www.novanthealth.org Voters stand in line to cast their ballots during the first day of early voting in the U.S. Senate runoff, in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 14, 2020. (Jessica McGowan/Getty Images) 5 People Charged With Voter Fraud in Illinois: DAs Office Five people are being accused of various election fraud-related cases during the Nov. 3, 2020, election, according to the DuPage County States Attorneys Office in Illinois. The state attorneys office said the charges stem from investigations into 32 cases of alleged election fraud, adding that most of the cases have been closed without investigation. However, the office stressed that several remain under investigation, according to a March 9 news release. Those who were charged include Colleen A. Kirchoff, 60, of Naperville; Thomas E. Wojciechowski, 73, of Carol Stream; and Adam P. Butler, 51, of Lisle, officials said in the release. Kirchoff was charged with forgery and perjury after she allegedly attempted to cast a ballot for someone else, officials said in a news release. Butler was charged with a count of forgery and one count of perjury in election code, while Wojciechowski was charged with one count of perjury in election code, officials said. Two othersDarrick Kent, 43, and Amy Kent, 41of Austin, Texas, were each charged with one count of perjury in the election code. I would like to thank County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek and her office for their fine work in uncovering these alleged violations and bringing them to our attention, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. The charges filed today are the direct result of the cooperation and professionalism displayed by the Clerks Office throughout the entire investigation. His office didnt provide any more details about the charges or the investigation. The very foundation of our country is built upon fair and free elections, Berlin said. Elections are a sacred duty and while the five defendants charged today represent an infinitesimal percentage of the 491,067 votes cast in the 2020 general election, it is important that anyone suspected of attempting to interfere in any way in the election process be investigated and charged where appropriate. A judge on March 9 signed arrest warrants for the five suspects, and each persons bail was set for $1,000, reported WBBM. Last week, the mayor pro tem of a Northern California city resigned from office after pleading guilty to election fraud charges. Crescent City Mayor Pro Tem Alex Campbell entered a plea to making a false declaration of candidacy, in Del Norte County Superior Court, local news outlet Wild Rivers Outpost reported, citing the city clerks office. Separately, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, a judge ordered a new runoff election for a city alderman seat after more than three-quarters of absentee ballots cast in the June 2020 Democratic runoff election were found to be invalid, while a notary involved in the election was arrested. Louisiana's top school board Tuesday voted to ask the Legislature for an $80 million hike for public schools, double the amount sought by Gov. John Bel Edwards. The money would provide a $40 million to boost teacher pay by $400 per year, which the governor proposed, and a $40 million increase in basic state aid for public schools. The session begins April 12. The Legislature can accept or reject the request by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education but cannot change it. The issue sparked little discussion and came at the end of a 7 1/2 hour work day. It also mirrors the recommendations of a task force that voted last week for an $80 million increase. Panel backs $80 million hike in education spending; doubles governor's request A key state panel Tuesday voted to double Gov. John Bel Edwards' public schools spending proposal, adding a $40 million hike for public school Teacher leaders urged the board to back bigger teacher pay raises. Cynthia Posey, director of legislative and political affairs for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, said her group favors pay hikes of no less than $1,000 and at least $500 for support workers. Posey said compensation is the key reason why teachers are leaving the profession, and educators have worked through the once-in-a-century coronavirus pandemic. "They were there for the children," she said. An official of the Louisiana Association of Educators, the state's other teacher union, echoed those views. BESE's request, like the governor's, includes a $200 pay raise for school support workers. It would also include about $2 million to fund stipends for teacher mentors, who help aspiring teachers and whose ranks have been hard to fill. Whether adding that to the request, and how to do so otherwise, sparked much of the discussion. Neither the request by BESE nor the governor would get average pay close to the regional average. That gap is about $4,000, and Posey and others noted that Texas, Mississippi and other states are boosting pay for their teachers by heftier amounts than what is proposed in Louisiana. Average pay here was $50,923 for the 2018-19 school year, the latest available for comparisons. Edwards has vowed to get teacher salaries to the average set by the Southern Regional Education Board by the time he leaves office in 2024. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said that, if he had a magic wand, getting pay over the regional average would be his aim. But Brumley also favors targeted pay for hard-to-fill jobs, educators who work in high-needs public schools and other areas. Any such push would spark controversy in the Legislature. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and other administration officials have said they hope they can do more for teachers and public schools with this year's budget if the financial outlook improves. The pandemic has cast a shadow over budgeting for the financial year that begins July 1, which is what the Legislature will be addressing. However, more federal aid may be on the way for both state government in general and public schools in particular with the expected approval of the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill. That measure is awaiting a final vote in the U. S. House, possibly Wednesday. The governor's $400 teacher pay raise plan sparked anger from his longtime allies in the LFT, LAE and elsewhere. Some teacher leaders called the proposal insulting in a $36 billion operating budget, especially amid the growing gap between pay here and the regional average. Edwards has said budget limitations restricted his flexibility, and kept open the possibility for bigger pay raises to develop before adjournment on June 10. The money being sought by BESE goes through a complex formula called the Minimum Foundation Program, or MFP. It is usually a late-session decision, and BESE members left open the possibility of submitting a second proposal if the state budget outlook brightens. The BESE vote Tuesday was technically a committee decision. However, eight of 11 panel members were on hand and final approval is expected Wednesday when the full board meets at 9 a.m. School leaders are already scrambling on how to spend about $1 billion for Louisiana public schools that Congress approved in December. Brumley said the $1.9 trillion bill may mean another $2 billion or so for public schools. Oil closed higher after traders assessed a U.S. government report showing the largest two-week decline in gasoline supplies on record, while signs emerged of demand picking up. Futures in New York rose 0.7% on Wednesday after earlier flipping between modest gains and losses. Domestic gasoline supplies slid last week to the lowest in about four months, while demand rose to the highest since November, according to Energy Information Administration data. Further price gains were tempered by a 13.8-million-barrel increase in crude inventories, with shale drillers boosting output following an unprecedented cold blast in the U.S. South. Because of the freeze in Texas, people were expecting a big product draw from refinery shutdowns and a crude build because crude wells have come back online a lot faster, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research. A steady increase in miles driven and gasoline demand will give people a sense that normalcy is around the corner. While crude prices are up more than 30% this year, questions remain over at what point oils rally will tempt more producers to loosen the taps. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said he sees a risk of non-OPEC+ countries boosting output amid higher prices. Meanwhile, oil production across American shale patches next year is expected to climb as producers take advantage of the rebound, according to a separate government report on Tuesday. The group of producers may have seen a window of opportunity to binge on higher prices with non-conventional producers unable to capture market share in the near-term, TD Securities commodity strategists including Bart Melek said in a note. But OPEC+ may have sufficiently overtightened the market, such that new shale production could again be profitable. The refining margin for gasoline continued its rally above $20 a barrel and is at the highest for this time of year since 2015, and crude processing rose by a record 2.4 million barrels a day. Tighter fuel inventories left in the wake of the countrys February polar blast comes ahead of a summer driving season that could see a release of demand built up during the pandemic. Between summer driving season and as lockdowns are lifted, gasoline demand is going to increase by a fair amount, said Brian Kessens, a portfolio manager at Tortoise, a firm that manages roughly $8 billion in energy-related assets. As it relates to refining margins, they should be pretty strong over the next several months, giving a real incentive to produce a lot more gasoline. There are already signs that oil demand is recovering. Congestion in New York is also clawing back, with this month set to mark the fastest increase in toll route traffic since November 2019. The rolling average for gasoline supplied, a proxy for consumption, rose above 8 million barrels a day last week for the first time since November, the EIA report showed. However, fuel demand is facing an uneven recovery around the world. In Europe, processing levels are lagging well behind those of rivals in Asia and North America in a sign consumption there is still being hit hard by the pandemic. The continents refinery throughputs will be 15%-20% lower this quarter than they were in the pre-pandemic world of 2019, a bigger deficit than both North America and Asia, according to Wood Mackenzie Ltd. Live Broadcast Stream on March 13 MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / VitanaX, Inc. (OTC:VITX), a provider of comprehensive programs for greater well-being, fitness and health with a wellness network marketing program, is pleased to announce its Europe Opening Online 2021 event, which will be broadcast live on Saturday, March 13, 2021 directly from the Vitana-X studio in Dresden, Germany. The latest digital technology is used to stream in HD-TV format in order to offer all guests and partners from different countries a short-lived top event. Vitana-X will be present with its entire management team and an international team of European executives. Viewers will gain insights into new product innovations with revolutionary technology. "This important event is the crowning glory of an extremely successful prelaunch time," stated, Vitana-X co-founder Bernhard Sammer. "We are opening up further European markets and will present a schedule for our current global expansion plans." Other invited guests include the designated managing directors of several African countries and the United States. A special highlight of the day is the starting shot for the Company's new, expanded and patented skin care range. Highly effective products with a globally unique composition including detailed studies and experts. With this unique and highly exclusive beauty line Vitana-X is providing its business partners a significant lead on the global beauty and cosmetics market. The new skin care series by Vitana-X will come onto the market in March and will be available exclusively from Vitana-X. About Vitana-X Vitana-X, Inc.'s (OTC:VITX) Vitana-X, an international wellness company specializing in the development and manufacture of health-promoting products based on DNA analysis. As a pioneer in this industry and a worldwide network of highly qualified experts, it offers its customers extensive opportunities to lead a healthier life. Vitana-X offers comprehensive programs for greater well-being, fitness and health by helping you achieve the desired results and offering exercises that fit your body type. Vitana-X wants to support people in their healthy development and be their reliable partner for their full potential. Vitana-X comes from two worlds and wants to unite them in the future - science and the challenges of daily life, so that its customers can continue to care for other areas of life without sacrificing a healthy life. For additional information on Vitana-X, please visit: https://vitanax.net/en/ Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (which Sections were adopted as part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "prospects," "outlook," and similar words or expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may," and "could" are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, performance or achievements. The Company disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, a future event, or otherwise. Contact Information press.IRclear2157@gmail.com press@ghcapital-inc.us 305-714-9397 SOURCE: VitanaX, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634772/Vitana-X-to-Host-Europe-Opening-Online-2021-Event Winston Marshall, the banjo player from folk rock group Mumford and Sons, said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer (Ben Birchall/PA) The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer. Winston Marshall caused controversy after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend. In a since-deleted post, Marshall said he had read Ngos important book Unmasked: Inside Antifas Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy and praised him as a brave man. Fans of Mumford & Sons, a chart-topping band formed in London in 2007, were quick to share their disappointment at the endorsement. One described Marshalls tweet as a dumbfounding endorsement of fascism. Read More In a statement on Twitter, Marshall, 33, said he is stepping away from the band to examine my blindspots. He said: Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. I have offended not only a lot of people I dont know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry. As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots. Marshall, son of wealthy British investor Sir Paul Marshall, added: For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention. Ngos book Unmasked claims to expose a violent extremist movement. Critics say it inflates the size and threat of the left-wing antifa movement, which was a frequent target of Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Times describes the book as supremely dishonest. Expand Close Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA) The remaining members of Mumford & Sons are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane. Their best-known songs include I Will Wait and Little Lion Man. Representatives for the band have been contacted for comment. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Spruce Forest opens for season through a new door With the crashing of the trees, three of the cabins were destroyed, along with damaging the village church and other buildings as well. Chandigarh, March 10 : In less than one-and-a-half-year Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP-JJP coalition government on Wednesday put on test on the issue of three Central farm laws with the main opposition Congress moved a no-confidence motion in the Assembly. Moving the motion, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded inclusion of 250 farmers killed during the farmers' agitation in the obituary references of the Assembly. Describing the government a minority, Hooda said that in the 2019 Assembly elections the BJP failed to get the majority. The BJP formed the government with the support of the JJP (Jannayak Janta Party), which sought votes against the BJP. Describing Chief Minister Khattar "Nero", Hooda said, "The Chief Minister is behaving like Nero when Rome was burning. The same thing is happening in Haryana." "The situation was bad to the extent that Khattar could not go to Panipat to unfurl tricolour on Republic Day and instead went to neighbouring Panchkula to escape farmers' wrath," Hooda said. He demanded secret voting on the no-confidence motion, which was rejected by Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. However, a confident Khattar told the media before the House assembled that he was confident that the no-confidence motion against the government would be defeated. Political observers told IANS that the no-trust motion is a calculated move to embarrass the JJP, the crucial post-electoral coalition partner with the BJP-led government, which is supporting the saffron party despite claiming to be an outfit of a rural Jat-centric party with the farmers as its core vote bank. The JJP has also been facing criticism within the party too for not walking out of the alliance on the issue of farmers and 'clinging to power'. In an alliance, the JJP had extended support to the BJP, which won 40 seats in the Assembly polls in 2019, six short of the majority mark. Bharatiya Kisan Union chief Gurnam Singh Charuni said that the no-confidence motion against the government was crucial. In a video message, he said: "Residents of the state should protest in front of the residences of legislators, who have been supporting the state government. They should warn the leaders that they would face social and political boycott if they continued to support the laws." The current strength of the 90-member Assembly is 88 members with the resignation of INLD's Abhay Chautala and disqualification of Congress' Pradeep Chaudhary after he was sentenced to three-year imprisonment. The BJP-JJP alliance has a majority with 50 legislators. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Soldiers are deployed on a street at a railway staff compound during a raid in Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday. EPA-Yonhap Hundreds of soldiers and police swooped on a railway station in Yangon on Wednesday seeking to arrest workers on strike to protest against the military coup in Myanmar. The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi last month, triggering daily protests around the country to demand the return of democracy. Security forces have responded with an increasingly brutal crackdown involving tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets, as well as isolated incidents of live rounds. Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60. Thousands of government workers across the country have been participating in a civil disobedience movement aimed at choking state institutions and paralysing the economy. The movement has resulted in hospital disruptions, bank closures and empty ministry offices. Hundreds of soldiers and police were deployed early Wednesday morning to Ma Hlwa Gone railway station and its staff housing compound, where about 800 workers were participating in strike action. "Around 300 security personnel are blocking the road searching for the people who are involved in the civil disobedience movement," a 32-year-old woman who lives at the site told AFP. "I escaped, but there were many left, I am worried about the remaining workers. I just hope they don't arrest the people, if they do it is troubling because they could beat and kill them." Sarong arrests There was a heavy police presence in Yangon's central San Chaung township on Wednesday following chaos two nights ago when security forces sealed off a block of streets, confining around 200 anti-coup protesters before searching apartments. State media reported Wednesday the arrest of seven protesters for allegedly insulting religion by hanging pictures of a monk on female longyis or sarongs on Monday. Protesters have been hanging longyis to play on security forces' fears of Myanmar traditions that say women's lower parts and garments that cover them can sap men's power. That followed another restless night in parts of Yangon Tuesday, with security forces setting fire to protesters' makeshift barricades in Thingangyun township, according to a 26-year-old resident who accused authorities of trying to incite fear. There were also tense scenes in the North Okkalapa area as about 100 protesters were arrested. "Some of them were severely beaten, but the people are still continuing their protest," a local rescue worker told AFP. A live video stream showed people coughing and washing their faces after tear gas was deployed and there were reports of gunfire. "A girl was wounded in her pelvic area by gunshot and she was taken to her home because the hospital is occupied by the security forces," a rescue worker said. The US and British embassies in Yangon said there were reports of innocent students and civilians being surrounded by security forces in North Okkalapa. "We call on those security forces to withdraw from the area, release those detained, and allow people to depart safely," the US embassy said on Twitter. The coup and crackdown have triggered international condemnation, with growing demands for the generals to relinquish power and release political prisoners. In the latest diplomatic effort, the French ambassador visited Yangon's Insein prison on Wednesday. "I went... to meet the parents of hundreds of students and peaceful protesters arbitrary detained," Christian Lechervy wrote on Facebook. But not all countries are giving Myanmar the pariah treatment the Sri Lankan government invited the junta's appointed foreign minister to economic cooperation talks in early April. The United Nations Security Council continued to look for consensus on Myanmar after Asian members on Tuesday rejected a declaration condemning the coup, which could have paved the way for international sanctions, diplomats said. Two versions drafted by Britain and seen by AFP were rejected by China, Vietnam, India and Russia. Meanwhile, a lobbyist recruited to represent the junta internationally is set to pocket a $2 million fee, according to documents filed to the US Justice Department seen Wednesday by AFP. Israeli-Canadian lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe and his Montreal-based firm Dickens and Madson signed a contract with the regime on March 4. Part of their remit is "to assist in explaining the real situation in the country", while lobbying to get sanctions lifted. Envoy to London recalled The military has sought to stem the flow of news of its crackdown, throttling the country's internet every night and stepping up pressure on independent media. Reporters Without Borders condemned the ongoing media crackdown and characterised the raids on local media as "a shocking act of intimidation". It said at least 28 journalists had been arrested since the coup and about 11 were still in custody including an Associated Press photographer. Myanmar's ambassador to Britain was recalled on Tuesday after he urged the junta to release Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, state media reported Wednesday. (AFP) This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. The European Parliament has voted to lift the immunity of the former president of Spains Catalonia region, Carles Puigdemont, and two of his associates The move could pave the way for their extradition back to Spain and reopen the scars of separatism in the country. The Spanish government immediately welcomed the decision by the European Unions legislature as a victory for the rule of law and against those who sought to break the rich north-eastern region away from the rest of Spain. The decision is likely to extend the three-and-a-half year legal saga on the fate of the three separatists by months, if not years, since many avenues for appeal remain open before any possible extraditions. Expand Close Former regional education minister Clara Ponsati (Jane Barlow/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Former regional education minister Clara Ponsati (Jane Barlow/PA) In the decision on Mr Puigdemont, 400 legislators voted for the waiver of immunity, 248 were against and 45 abstained. The measures to lift the immunity of his associates former Catalan health minister Toni Comin and former regional education minister Clara Ponsati were by largely similar margins. Mr Puigdemont and a number of his separatist colleagues fled to Belgium in October 2017, fearing arrest after holding an independence referendum for Catalonia that the Spanish government said was illegal. In 2019, Mr Puigdemont and his two associates won seats in the European Parliament and were afforded protection as members of the EU assembly. Mr Puigdemonts lawyer in Spain, Gonzalo Boye, announced that the former Catalan president is going to appeal against the assemblys decision to the EUs higher courts in Luxembourg. Spains foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez-Laya said the assemblys decision showed that Mr Puigdemont and his two aides cannot shield behind their legislative seat to avoid appearing before the national justice system. In a video statement, Ms Gonzalez Laya also said the decision meant that the problems of Catalonia are solved in Spain, they are not solved in Europe. Dolors Montserrat, a European legislator with the centre-right European Peoples Party and a former cabinet member of the Spanish administration that ousted Mr Puigdemont, told TVE: Spain wins, Europe wins, democracy wins. Expand Close Carles Puigdemont and Clara Ponsati at the European Parliament in Brussels (Francisco Seco/Pool/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Carles Puigdemont and Clara Ponsati at the European Parliament in Brussels (Francisco Seco/Pool/AP) She added the decision certified that Mr Puigdemont is a fugitive who has to answer before Spanish courts. Iratxe Garcia Perez, the leader of the S&D socialist group, said the European Parliament doesnt judge anybody. We just guarantee that justice does its job. A clear majority, absolute majority of the parliament, supported the fact that Spanish justice should be able to do its job. Despite the wide margin to lift the three legislators immunity, Mr Boye said the assemblys backing was not as overwhelming as Spain wanted it to be. Its evident that there are people in the conservative group, in the EPP, and among the Socialists that have voted against, he told Spanish broadcaster TVE. The 2017 independence vote in favour of Catalonia breaking away from Spain won by a landslide but the central government in Madrid declared the vote illegal and unconstitutional. Hundreds of people in Catalonia were injured in a police crackdown on the day of the poll. Spain has attempted to have Mr Puigdemont returned for trial but failed to convince Belgian justice authorities to extradite him. The country could well start new efforts now to have him extradited but Mr Puigdemont has vowed to fight on. A Dublin woman who led gardai on a high-speed chase along the M50 earlier this month has declared herself and a male friend to be Ballymuns Bonnie and Clyde. Gemma Greene (24), from Coolock, was arrested by gardai last Monday after she livestreamed a lengthy chase from Dublin to Wicklow and back before the pursuit ended in Ballymun. She is due to appear before Dublin District Court later this month in connection with the incident. However, Greene yesterday shared a series of clips and videos on social media of herself and a friend from a holiday in Barcelona. Under a picture of herself and her friend, Greene wrote: Ballymuns [sic] very own Bonnie & Clyde. In one clip showing off a rooftop pool area, she can also be heard saying: Not a bad life, darling. This is me for the day. In a recent interview, Ms Greene said the high-speed M50 chase 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 told the Irish Star. 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 Instagram livestream, she can be heard singing along to music and boasting about how shes outrunning gardai in her car. The chase eventually stopped when Greenes car stopped at Hampton Wood in Ballymun shortly before 7pm. A video of the incident shows Greene exiting the vehicle before numerous gardai tackled her to the ground. She later said the only reason she stopped was because she was running out of fuel. After her release from custody, she posted laughing emojis at the amount of hits her Instagram page was getting. That is mad. 2 million impressions, she said. NEW BRITAIN, Conn., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) invites investors and the general public to listen to a webcast of a virtual presentation by Don Allan, President & CFO, at the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference 2021 on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 12:30 PM ET. The live webcast will be available in the "Investors" section of the company's website at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com. A replay of the webcast will be provided on the website and will be available for 30 days. Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com. Stanley Black & Decker Investor Contacts Dennis Lange Vice President, Investor Relations (860) 827-3833 [email protected] Cort Kaufman Director, Investor Relations (860) 515-2741 [email protected] SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker Related Links http://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com Burma Myanmar Protesters Recall Regime's Torture During Detention Riot police and soldiers beat civilians during a crackdown on anti-regime protesters in Mandalay. It was a hell, said 30-year-old Ko Thura, who was tortured in military custody for around four hours in Myeik, Tanintharyi Region. The Irrawaddy interviewed two of the protesters among those being tortured after their release from custody. Thura is a false name used to protect the protester. Around 70 protesters, including many students, were arrested at around 9am on Tuesday in the southern city where they gathered to protest against the military regime. The detainees were sent to Myeiks airbase, separated by gender and the male protesters were ordered to strip, bow their heads and kneel. There were around 45 of us. They beat us non-stop with belts, rifles butts, pipes, wooden sticks and chains, Ko Thura said after his release. They were told to shout anti-military slogans and sing revolutionary songs while being beaten, he said. There were also high-school students. They beat all of us for hours. Those with Amay Suu [State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] tattoos were targeted more heavily. They said, You dare to call us military dogs, while hitting us. Many protesters were severely wounded, Ko Thura said. He had dark bruises on his back and neck and could not lie on his back, which had visible belt wounds. In the crackdown, a 23-year-old university student was shot with rubber bullets at close range on the back of her neck when soldiers and police broke into a house where protesters were sheltering after their rally was dispersed. I sat down, bowed my head and was suddenly face-to-face with [soldiers and police] after they kicked the door in, she said. I didnt know I had been shot because it was too loud. She only realized she had been shot with two rubber bullets when she saw her blood flowing. She was dragged to a police van and did not receive treatment for several hours on her wounds, two of which were two inches deep. Another young woman suffered from a skull fracture after being hit by a rifle butt. They swore at us [the female detainees] and threatened that they could do anything to us or even sell us, she told The Irrawaddy. I urge protesters to run to avoid being detained. They are so brutal, she said. But we cannot give up because that is what they want. I will do my best in the protest movement. On the same day in Yangon, the family of detained National League for Democracy (NLD) member Ko Zaw Myat Lin, was informed of his shocking death hours after he was arrested by the security forces. He was in charge of the Suu Vocational Institute in Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon Region. His widow said Ko Zaw Myat Lin suffered a large abdominal wound. The military claimed Ko Zaw Myat Lin was injured by a pointed object while climbing a fence while attempting to escape arrest. He was the second NLD member to die in detention. U Khin Maung Latt, an NLD ward chairman in Pabedan Township, Yangon, reportedly died after being tortured, hours after he was taken from his home by soldiers and police. Elsewhere, at least three young protesters have reportedly died while in military detention. The media has counted at least 60 deaths since early February with many victims shot dead during crackdowns. At least 2,000 people have been detained by the regime since the Feb. 1 coup, including elected leaders, lawmakers, election officials, protesters and civil servants who joined the civil disobedience movement. Around half of the group arrested in Myeik on Tuesday were released that afternoon. Six female protesters and at least 20 males among the group were not released and sentenced to a month in prison. Those released signed statements saying they would not protest again. They said if we are rearrested, our familys will get our dead bodies, Ko Thura said. But he said he will return to the street after recovering from the injuries. Protesters should run and avoid arrest if possible. You must not be arrested by those non-humans, he said. The tortured protester called for the international community, including the United Nations and US, to take action on Myanmar. The soldiers told us not to rely on help from the UN and US as they beat us. But democracy must be restored. I cannot dare to think of what will happen if we dont get it back, he added. You may also like these stories: NGOs Dismiss Myanmar Regime Claims of Cooperation Myanmar Foreign Ministry Staff Detained Over China Meeting Leak Responsibilities and Opportunities to Save Myanmar Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904'91) wrote and illustrated more than 60 books under the pen name Dr. Seuss. By the time of his death, his books had sold more than 600 million copies and had been translated into more than 20 languages. Geisel was a graduate of Dartmouth with graduate studies at Oxford. His work received two Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and the Pulitzer Prize. For decades, Read Across America Day has celebrated his birthday while encouraging children to read. Like millions of others, I read Dr. Seuss books as a child and then read them to our children. Then came recent accusations that some of his books depict characters in racist ways. A school district in Virginia dropped Read Across America Day as a result. While President Obama marked the day with a proclamation calling Dr. Seuss one of Americas revered wordsmiths and President Trump cited his motivational words, President Biden omitted any reference to Dr. Seuss in his recent proclamation marking the day. In response to this controversy, the company that oversees the authors estate announced that it would no longer publish six of his books, citing what it called hurtful and wrong images. The company did not elaborate, but The New York Times reports that one of the books portrays a Chinaman with lines for eyes who is wearing a pointed hat and carrying chopsticks and a bowl of rice. Another book depicts two characters from the African island of Yerka as shirtless, shoeless, and resembling monkeys. National Review notes that another Dr. Seuss book seems to have been targeted for a depiction of an Eskimo and still another for an Arab-looking character. Then eBay joined the controversy, announcing that it would purge all listings for the six books from its site. Notably, the e-commerce giant will still allow you to sell pornography, Mein Kampf, and Chairman Maos Little Red Book. The Sneetches and the United Nations I understand the sentiment against cartoons depicting ethnicities in unflattering or discriminatory ways, especially in books that could be influential for children. When the company that owns the formerly branded Aunt Jemima pancake and syrup products changed the brand and dropped a logo known to perpetuate racist stereotypes, I wrote an article supporting their decision. However, theres more to the story, a dimension that affects every evangelical Christian in America. Writing for National Review, Dan McLaughlin focuses on another book by Dr. Seuss that has recently come under fire, The Sneetches. He describes the plot: The Sneetches are identical birds, except that some have stars on their bellies while others do not. The star-belly Sneetches look down on the star-less Sneetches. Then a monkey named Sylvester McMonkey McBean offers to add stars to bellies for a fee. Now that the star-belly Sneetches are no longer superior, McBean talks them into removing their stars so that they can declare star-less bellies to be the new grounds for supremacy. Eventually, everyone loses track of who had what, while McBean makes off with all their money. Poorer but wiser, the Sneetches abandon star-based classification altogether and live in star-blind harmony. The moral is clear and compelling: we should not discriminate against others based on their appearance. A star blind culture is best for all. Everyone deserves the same opportunities as everyone else. The book is so persuasive and its message so positive that in 1998, NATO and the UN distributed copies of the book in Bosnia in the midst of the ethnic conflicts being waged there. This was essentially the approach of the civil rights movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ensured that all Americans have the equal right and access to vote. The goal was a culture in which everyone had the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. A star-blind society, in other words. The NEA recommends a book about a cross-dressing prince That was then; this is now. McLaughlin quotes the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with regard to The Sneetches: The solution to the storys conflict is that the Plain-Belly Sneetches and Star-Bellied Sneetches simply get confused as to who is oppressed. As a result, they accept one another. This message of acceptance does not acknowledge structural power imbalances. It doesnt address the idea that historical narratives impact present-day power structures. And instead of encouraging young readers to recognize and take action against injustice, the story promotes a race-neutral approach. Heres the point: its no longer enough to seek a world in which all Americans have equal opportunities with regard to voting, education, employment, or other civil rights. Now we must be proactive in canceling any oppression as defined by any person considered to be oppressed. We must identify structural power imbalances and take action against injustice as defined by the SPLC and similar groups. For example, the National Education Association has provided a list of books to consider as replacements for those by Dr. Seuss that have been canceled. It includes Julian Is a Mermaid, about a boy who wants to be a mermaid, and The Prince and the Dressmaker, about a cross-dressing prince. Why we must 'be strong and courageous' Tomorrow, I plan to explain the worldview behind this movement. For today, lets note its danger for evangelicals. If you disagree with this ideology, youre among the oppressors. If you defend biblical morality against an LGBTQ agenda, for instance, youre an oppressor of the persecuted oppressed. This mentality applies to minority rights across the age spectrum from abortion to euthanasia. This ideology is only going to become more pervasive in a culture that is deteriorating from our Judeo-Christian heritage to post-Christian to now anti-Christian worldviews. We must not compromise our biblical convictions or treat our opponents as our enemies. Instead, we must pray now for the courage to stand for biblical truth with biblical grace. As we do, we can claim Moses word to the Jews confronting the dangers they faced as Gods word to us: Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Will you take your Lord at his word today? Originally published at the Denison Forum Northern Ireland could stand out in the race for foreign direct investment if it opts to lower its corporation tax rate from 2023, it has been claimed. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an increase in the main rate of corporation tax from 19% to 25% from 2023 in the Budget - a move that would leave our tax rate double that of the Republic. But business advisory firm KPMG said if Northern Ireland exercises a power to set its own rate of tax and chooses to level with the Republic, that would leave the region an attractive place for investment when combined with its dual-market status under the NI Protocol. KPMG partner in charge Johnny Hanna said the Executive will only be able to use the power if a compelling cost-benefit analysis can be shown. However, having the same tax rate as the Republic "would significantly enhance the attractiveness of NI". The Executive was granted the power to set its own corporation tax rate in 2015. Mr Hanna said that the corporation tax increase to 25% for companies with profits of 250,000 or over was necessary to balance public finances following spending during the pandemic. He said: "This provides NI with an opportunity. Leveraging the power to set corporation tax would give this region a competitive edge over the rest of the UK and many other major economies and would also level the business tax playing field on the island. "Add to that the unique position - as a gateway to both GB and Europe - which NI currently enjoys post-Brexit, and the draw for international investment becomes compelling." However, the Protocol granting the dual market access has angered unionists, unhappy at new trade barriers with GB. In the Assembly yesterday, SDLP South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole quoted from the website of Invest NI, which states that the Protocol it presented a "unique position for manufacturers in NI, as well as those seeking a pivotal location from which to service GB and EU markets". Asked by Mr O'Toole if she disagreed with the statements, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said he had pointed out "what an absolutely brilliant place NI is to invest in and to do business in... But it will be even better when we do away with the friction of the Protocol." St. Benedict Parish and School in Blue Island, St. Walter Parish and School in Chicagos Morgan Park neighborhood and St. Peter Claver Mission in Robbins will unite under a single name and pastoral staff in July, with regular public services held only at St. Benedict. St. Benedict and St. Walter schools will unite for the coming school year as one school, sharing a name, with two active campuses, the archdiocese said in a news release Tuesday night. The church at St. Walter will not hold regular Sunday Mass but can be used for school Masses, funerals and other individual events. Click Here to go to PublishersWeekly.com SALEM The police bulletin, all in uppercase, carried this headline on Wednesday: MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING AT HALLUCINATIONS. Officers in Salem on Tuesday afternoon responded to reports of a man shooting a gun in the backyard of a residence. The man then drove away. Officers located the vehicle and detained the man, Martin Abrego, 27, of Salem. Police said they noticed the smell of natural gas, cordoned off the area and summoned the fire department. Gas to the home was turned off. It turned out that one of the bullets hit the homes natural gas meter. No one was hurt. Detectives said Abrego was possibly under the influence of narcotics and was hallucinating. He believed he was being attacked and shot at the hallucinations, police said. Abrego was taken to a hospital for treatment of his condition and was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and reckless endangering. It was unclear if he had a lawyer. There were no drug charges. Personal-use amounts of drugs this year became legal in Oregon. As of Feb. 1, police in Oregon can no longer arrest someone for possession of small amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other drugs. Thats when a ballot measure that decriminalized them took effect. Instead, those found in possession face a $100 fine or a health assessment that could lead to addiction counseling. Addiction recovery centers must be available by Oct. 1. --The Associated Press The Biden administration on Tuesday slapped travel restrictions on two Iranian officials accused of gross violations of human rights in their roles as interrogators for Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ali Hemmatian and Masoud Safdari and their immediate families are barred from entering the United States for their alleged involvement in torture and/or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of protesters detained during the 2019-2020 demonstrations that swept across Iran, according to a statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The move marked the US governments first new penalty against Iranian officials since President Joe Biden took office in January. Despite objections from Iranian leaders, the new administration has maintained economic sanctions imposed by the former Trump administration after it abandoned the 2015 nuclear accord with Tehran. American officials on Tuesday offered no insights as to why the alleged IRGC interrogators were being hit with the travel bans now. The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for human rights violations and abuses. That includes in Iran, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told Al-Monitors Elizabeth Hagedorn during a press briefing on Tuesday. The penalties came on the 14th anniversary of the disappearance of Mark Levinson, a former FBI and DEA agent who disappeared while visiting Kish Island off Irans southern coast while on an intelligence-gathering mission for the CIA in 2007. The administration of former President Donald Trump late last year sanctioned two Iranian Interior Ministry officials who it believed were likely involved in the disappearance and probable death of Levinson. The new travel restrictions also come as the Biden administration is increasingly signaling disapproval for Tehrans posturing ahead of a planned return to negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Despite, or perhaps because of, the US militarys deterrence efforts in the Persian Gulf region and the State Departments diplomatic push to end Yemens civil war, Iran-linked groups have continued to launch rocket, drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and military bases in Iraq. Biden administration officials have stopped short of directly implicating Iran in the attacks but have warned that Tehran will be held accountable for the actions of its proxy militias in the region. During a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, US officials expressed concern about allegations of the Iranian governments human rights abuses against its own citizens, including unjust detention of far too many people in deplorable conditions, according to Blinkens statement. Around 7 a.m. Tuesday, a trooper with Indiana State Police observed a westbound white Chevrolet Impala on I-94 near the 26-mile marker, at the Chesterton exit, allegedly traveling nearly 125 mph as it was weaving in and out of traffic, according to a release from Sgt. Glen Fifield, the Lowell Districts public information officer. New Delhi, March 10 : The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed by voice vote a Bill to amend the National Capital Territory of Delhi laws to identify the unauthorised colonies for regularisation amid ruckus by the joint Opposition on the fuel price hike. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri moved the National Capital of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the House for consideration and passage hitting out at the Opposition for delaying the process which began in 2006. Puri said that the process of identifying unauthorised colonies in Delhi was started in 2006 but all the ruling governments between 2006 and 2014 here did nothing for the people of the national capital. "This problem is very known as Delhi's population increased from 8 lakh in 1947 to 1.6 crore as per latest census," Puri said, adding he expect that the population of Delhi will be close to 2 crore or more in the next census this year. The Bill was passed by the Lower House after a brief discussion. Puri said the Bill aims to provide relief to the citizens of Delhi who were neglected for years on the issue by the previous governments. The government introduced the Bill in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, which seeks to replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. The Ordinance was promulgated by President Ram Nath Kovind on December 30, 2020. It amended the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011 which was valid till December 31, 2020. The Ordinance extended the deadline to December 31, 2023. The 2011 Act provided for the regularisation of the unauthorised colonies that existed in the national capital as on March 31, 2002 and where construction took place till June 1, 2014. The Ordinance amended this to provide that the unauthorised colonies will be identified for regularisation in accordance with the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Act, 2019 and the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019. Therefore, the unauthorised colonies that existed as on June 1, 2014 and had witnessed 50 per cent development as on January 1, 2015 will be eligible for regularisation. Senator Lindsey Graham (Fox News) Lindsey Graham has claimed that unaccompanied migrant children could become the terrorists [of] tomorrow, during a unhinged rant on Fox News. Trump-ally Senator Graham said an increase in unaccompanied minors arriving at the US-Mexico border wall, where figures have tripled in recent weeks, would turn into a national security crisis. People are coming by the thousands, the senator told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night. They'll be coming by the hundreds of thousands by the summer. It's a humanitarian crisis, the senator said, and eventually it's going to be a national security crisis because they are children today, but they could easily be terrorists tomorrow. The remarks came as Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the country was being destroyed at the Southern border by Mr Biden, whose press secretary instead appealed for humanity. Read more: White House refuses to label border crossings a crisis as unaccompanied children numbers triple in two weeks White House press secretary Jen Psaki said although the situation was challenging, humanity will always be a value from the President on down, as she refused to label the situation as a crisis. The president and this administrations focus is on digging out of this dismantled inhumane immigration approach of the last administration, Ms Psaki said on Monday when asked about the border wall. On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that more than 3,000 unaccompanied migrant children were being held by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the southern border, with the figure tripping in two weeks. While the Biden administration has appealed for anyone sending unaccompanied children to cease doing so at this time, the influx has created a problem for federal agencies who are struggling to find shelters for the minors. Civil liberties campaigners as well as Mr Bidens opponents have criticised the border delays, which are believed to have been partially caused by the new administrations promise to be more compassionate towards migrants. Story continues Ms Psaki added on Tuesday that the Biden administration hopes to increase the number of Health and Human Services (HHS) shelters for children, to relieve the situation. Those facilities are also set to return to pre-Covid pandemic capacities, Ms Psaki said. Read More Trump complains border wall is not finished but claims it is working magnificently Most Americans disapprove of Biden immigration executive order, as nearly half want to keep border wall AOC joins backlash over Biden child migrant camp: This is not okay The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to approve a $1.9 trillion Covid relief plan, a top legislative priority for President Joe Biden. The President is expected to sign the bill into law later this week. Much of the legislation mirrors the plan laid out by Biden in January. But lawmakers did make three notable changes -- narrowing eligibility for the stimulus checks, trimming the federal boost to unemployment benefits and nixing an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Here's what's in the bill: Stimulus checks The bill provides direct payments worth up to $1,400 per person that will reach about 90% of households, according to an estimate from the Penn Wharton Budget Model. Families get an additional $1,400 per child. A married couple with two children, for example, could receive up to $5,600. The full amount goes to individuals earning less than $75,000 of adjusted gross income, heads of households (like single parents) earning less than $112,500 and married couples earning less than $150,000. But then the payments phase out as income goes up -- faster than previous stimulus payments. Related: How much will your stimulus check be? Use this calculator Individuals who earn at least $80,000 a year, heads of households who earn at least $120,000 and married couples who earn at least $160,000 will be completely cut off from the third round of stimulus payments -- regardless of how many children they have. Unemployment assistance The bill calls for providing a $300 federal boost to weekly jobless payments and extending two key pandemic unemployment benefits programs through September 6. It will also make the first $10,200 worth of benefits payments tax-free for households with annual incomes less than $150,000. 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 this weekend, when provisions in December's $900 billion relief package begin phasing out. The $300 enhancement that was part of the December deal also ends this weekend. Aid to states and municipalities The legislation provides $350 billion to states, local governments, territories and tribes. It will give states and the District of Columbia $195.3 billion, while counties and cities will split about $130 billion in aid. Tribes will get $20 billion and territories $4.5 billion under both bills. The bill also contains a $10 billion Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. 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 contained in the legislation that passed last March and Republicans resisting such efforts. The December package ultimately dropped an initial call to include $160 billion. Nutrition assistance The package extends the 15% increase in food stamp benefits through September, instead of having it expire at the end of June. It also contains $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 it will 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 The bill sends roughly $20 billion to state and local governments to help low-income households cover back rent, rent assistance and utility bills. It authorizes about $10 billion to help struggling homeowners pay their mortgages, utilities and property taxes. The bill also provides $5 billion to help states and localities assist those at risk of experiencing homelessness by providing safe, socially distant housing, for example. Another $5 billion goes to emergency housing vouchers for those who are homeless. Tax credits for families and workers The legislation beefs up tax credits for families and certain low-income workers for 2021. In an effort to combat poverty, lawmakers are expanding the child tax credit to $3,600 for each child under 6 and $3,000 for each child under age 18. Currently, families can receive a credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17. The enhanced portion of the credit will be available for single parents with annual incomes up to $75,000 and joint filers making up to $150,000. The credit will also become fully refundable so more low-income parents can take advantage of it. Plus, families can receive payments monthly, rather than a lump sum once a year, which is aimed at making it easier for them to pay the bills. The package also enhances 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 will be reduced to 19, from 25, and the upper age limit will be eliminated. This is the largest expansion to earned income tax credit since 2009. Optional paid sick and family leave Unlike Biden's initial proposal, the bill does not reinstate mandatory paid family and sick leave approved in a previous Covid relief package. But it will 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 The bill provides $125 billion to public 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. Another $2.75 billion would go to private schools. It requires that 20% of the money be used to address learning loss by providing extended days or summer school, for example. Nearly $40 billion will go to colleges. At least half of the funds must be spent on emergency financial aid grants to students and the remaining can help defray the lost revenue from declining enrollment and the increased costs associated with keeping students safe during the pandemic. The bill also provides 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 The package will make federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act policies more generous and would eliminate the maximum income cap for two years. Enrollees will 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 -- will become eligible for help. In addition, the bills will bolster subsidies for lower-income enrollees, eliminating their premiums completely for two years and will do the same for those collecting unemployment benefits in 2021. The legislation also provides a full premium subsidy for laid-off workers who want to remain on their employer health insurance plans through COBRA. The assistance runs from April through September. Also, the package 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 The bill provides $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. It also provides $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 legislation provides $14 billion for researching, developing, distributing, administering and strengthening confidence in vaccines. It will 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. And it will allocate $7.7 billion to hire 100,000 public health workers to support coronavirus response. In addition, the package provides $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 bill allocates $8.5 billion to help struggling rural hospitals and health care providers. Judging from recent headlines, Nigeria has unleashed one of the most spectacular legal attacks on one of its key oil and gas investors, to an extent previously unseen in the countrys more than 60 years of hydrocarbon production. Shell has been active in Nigeria ever since the African country opened up to international investment in the early 1960s, maintaining its position as one of the leading actors in its upstream segment, accounting for roughly 10% of Nigerias crude production. Seemingly, the timing is quite inopportune for a large-scale feud projects are getting delayed and drilling contracts cancelled, Nigerias GDP dropped 2% in 2020 just as was bouncing off its period of economic lassitude and OPEC+ production curtailments limiting the potential output of Nigerian producers. Despite the odds, the conflict between Nigeria and Royal Dutch Shell might be a harbinger of great transformations, not necessarily to the benefit of either side. Lawsuit #1. Bank Account Freeze Amidst Claims of Underreporting. The Lagos-based Nigerian holding Aiteo Eastern E&P has taken Shell to court seeking a total of $4 billion over the poor condition of the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), a pipeline used to move Bonny Light towards its export terminal, an asset it had bought back in 2015. The litigation might have taken many by surprise, although the manifold problems has experienced are an open secret, including several instances of third-party damage and subsequent fires. Aiteo simultaneously claims that Shell had been metering its oil exports at the Bonny Terminal in an improper fashion, i.e. underreporting its real barrels. The peculiarity of the issue lies in the fact that the Lagos federal court ruled that Shells Nigerian subsidiaries are prevented from withdrawing money held at local banks until it ringfences the $4 billion in question. Related Video: Can Saudis Defend Aramco from Houthis? Lawsuit #2. Oil Spills Damage. After almost 13 years of litigation, a group of Nigerian farmers that sued Shell over environmental damage to their livelihoods caused by pollution claimed victory in late January 2021. The litigants claimed the reoccurring pipeline leaks were caused by poor maintenance rather than sabotage acts, as was claimed by the Anglo-Dutch major. The Hague Court of Appeal decided that Shells Nigerian subsidiary was indeed responsible for oil leaks in the villages of Goi and Oruma, and even though it did not set any specific compensation to be paid, Shell will find it rather difficult to appeal against such a cumbersome decision. Moreover, the court ruling might create a dangerous precedent for any oil major active in Nigeria, where sabotage acts still coexist with weak infrastructure maintenance and oftentimes the distinction between the two is unobservable. The legal spin-off potential of the Dutch court ruling was evident early on, roughly concurrently to the Goi-Oruma case the UK Supreme Court decided that another community living in the Niger Delta (Okpabi) would be legally justified to sue Shell on the basis of SPDCs negligence causing environmental damage that affected their livelihoods and health. The scope of the UK case might surpass that of the Dutch one given the number of people who are reported to be interested in taking the Anglo-Dutch major to court, more than 42 000 of them. Such a swift degradation of the overall business climate for Shell might be a very powerful push factor, to the extent of it leaving the country altogether. Related Video: Weaponized Gas or Bridge to Cleaner Fuel? The Nord Stream Game Lawsuit #3. Shell Fights Back As of March 2021, however, Shell is still active in Nigeria it operates some 340 oil wells across the country, operates two major oil terminals (Bonga and Bonny) and produces more than 600kboepd of oil and gas. As such, it still has the clout and leverage to counteract what it might perceive as increased government pressure. Within a couple of days following the UK Supreme Court decision, Shell has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian government at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) for its illegal confiscation of OML 11 in December 2020. Effectively barred by the government to enter the territory of OML 11, Shell claims that it could not be held accountable for an oil spill in 1967 that it claims was caused by third parties during the Biafra War of 1967-1970. The initial confiscation was adjudicated by the Nigerian Supreme Court, now it is the World Banks turn to provide a legal opinion on the dispute. Against this background it should come as no surprise that Shell is considering the sale of its onshore assets in Nigeria, i.e. everything that might be vandalized and subsequently utilized in the same fashion as the Nembe Creek pipeline. Just this January, the Anglo-Dutch firm has sold a 30% stake in OML 17 to a domestic company (TNOG Oil) for $0.5 billion, a trend that will most likely continue in the upcoming months and years. It is one thing to deal with criminal and sabotage activity in the Niger Delta, if this is coupled with an increasing government drive to increase the tax burden on companies present in Nigerias upstream segment, many majors might reconsider their readiness to stay in Nigeria. Such an exodus will inevitably hurt Nigerias long-term prospects because the national oil company NNPC is too overburdened to tackle production issues all by itself. By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Press Release March 10, 2021 Senate honors cacao farmers with passage of bill declaring Davao City as Chocolate Capital, Davao Region as Cacao Capital With a vote of 22 affirmative, 0 negative and 1 abstention, the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill declaring Davao City as the Chocolate Capital and Davao Region as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines. Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1741, said "the bill seeks to recognize Davao as the country's biggest producer of cacao and its vital contribution in making the Philippines world-renowned and sought-after by chocolate makers from the United States, Japan and Europe." In sponsoring the measure, Villar cited the Philippine Statistics Authority data saying that approximately 78.76 percent of the annual production of cacao in the Philippines comes from the Davao Region or Region XI composed of Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental. There are also more than 20,000 hectares of cacao farms in the region, and Davao City has the largest area. "The Philippines has about 15,000 cocoa farmers nationwide. The bill hopes to make Davao City and the Davao Region become an inspiration and a benchmark to motivate other local government units to emulate," Villar said. Villar also noted that Davao City is home to Malagos Chocolate, which has won 28 international awards. The brand was also designated as one of the 16 heirloom cacaos in the world by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund, which is an initiative of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. The lady senator also stressed that the bill is not intended to give any special financial assistance or privileges to the city and the region, and that the 1-page bill will simply give recognition for the pioneering and outstanding collective contribution of the cacao farmers who are mostly small holder farmers supplying dry cacao beans to mostly small to medium-scale enterprises processors and manufacturers locally and abroad. Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa in co-sponsoring the measure, said the bill, if passed into law, would "recognize our beloved cacao farmers and growers with great respect and appreciation, worth more than what any international award could give." "After all, it is to them that we owe the honor we enjoy today, the honor of producing chocolate that ranks among the world's best, truly deserving of chocolate's other name--'food for the gods,'" he added. Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, who hails from Davao, is also one of the co-authors of the bill. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday made it clear that the ban on liquor shops and bars within 500m of highways is only applicable to place which doesnt fall inside city or town areas governed by municipal bodies. The clarification has cleared many misconceptions about the December 15 order to ban on liquor shops and bars within 500 m distance of highways. Now, excise department will start re-issuing the licenses to liquor shops and bars that fall in city or town areas governed by municipal bodies. The purpose of the directions contained in the order dated 15 December 2016 is to deal with the sale of liquor along and in proximity of highways properly understood, which provide connectivity between cities, towns and villages. The order does not prohibit licenced establishments within municipal areas. This clarification shall govern other municipal areas as well, said Chief Justice of India JS Khehar. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi, March 10: The first ever Indo-Pacific Quad summit on Friday is likely to give a major thrust to scaling up Indias efforts to provide affordable vaccines to a larger number of countries for stepping up the war against the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. The move comes at a time when there is an acute shortage of vaccines worldwide and the poorer countries are unable to secure supplies. India has emerged as the 'pharmacy of the world' with the production of two affordable vaccines. According to a statement issued by the ministry of external affairs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating, along with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison and Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R. Biden, in the first leaders' summit of the quadrilateral framework, being held virtually on 12th March. "The leaders will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," the statement said. India has put up a valiant effort in gifting vaccines to its neighbouring countries to inoculate their frontline workers and also exported stocks worldwide in the ASEAN region, Africa and Latin America to stem the surging Covid-19 tide. India has also been successful in neutralising China's coercive vaccine diplomacy by providing smaller as well as developing countries with an alternative that has no strings attached. As many as 25 countries have already received India-made vaccines and another 49 nations are in the queue. The Quad meeting is expected to announce financing agreements to support an increase in manufacturing capacity for coronavirus vaccines in India, Reuters news agency cited a senior US administration official as saying. The financing agreements will be between the United States, Japan and others and focus particularly on companies and institutions in India manufacturing vaccines for American drugmakers Novavax Inc and Johnson & Johnson, the official in Washington said. India contributes to more than 60 per cent of the global vaccine supply and is seen to be well positioned to play a key role in supporting large-scale vaccine production to combat the global pandemic. The Serum Institute of India, the largest vaccine maker in the world, is manufacturing the AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine and also has a licence for producing the Novavax vaccine as well. Novavax will supply the doses to high-income countries while SII will supply to the majority of the low-middle-income and upper-middle income countries utilising a 'tiered pricing schedule.' Majority of the 1.1 billion doses commitment to the WHO-led Covax programme would come from SII's Pune facility. Another India pharma company, Biological E Ltd, is looking to contract-manufacture roughly 600 million doses of Johnson and Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine annually. Biological E managing director Mahima Datla said this would be "in addition to our own product for which we are targeting approximately 1 billion doses." India's inoculation drive is currently using the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine made at Serum Institute and the indigenously developed Covaxin by Bharat Biotech with the Indian Council of Medical Research. The wholly indigenous Bharat Biotech vaccine has cleared the phase 3 human trials with 81 per cent efficacy and its production on a bigger scale will come as a major boon to India as well as the rest of the developing world. Several other vaccines, including Russia's Sputnik V, Cadila Healthcare's ZyCov-D are also expected to be approved for use soon. Apart from being affordable, Indian vaccines can be stored at ordinary refrigeration temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius making them more practical and easier to handle for developing countries. The western-made Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, on the other hand, are very expensive and have to be stored at -80 degrees Celsius which require costly cold-chain infrastructure that does not exist in most countries. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/ Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Aerial view of Reykjanes peninsula, some 50 kilometres west of Reykjavik, one of the three most seismically active areas in the world Unusual seismic activity in a volcanic zone near Iceland's capital Reykjavik that has been dormant for almost 800 years has left experts stumped and searching for clues as to whether an eruption is imminent. The eerie cone of Mount Keilir rises up over the lunar-like landscape, just 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Reykjavik, looming over the area now being closely monitored by vulcanologists for the first signs of an eruption. Iceland has been on high alert since last week after a series of small earthquakes and tremor pulses related to increased magma flow in the Krysuvik volcanic system, with the chances of an eruption seen as pretty likely last week. But since then, with no eruption forthcoming, doubts have arisen about whether there will be one after all. The Civil Protection Agency on Monday said "we must continue to assume there is a possibility of an eruption." "This always has to be taken seriously because it can change very fast," Thorbjorg Agustsdottir, a seismologist at Iceland GeoSurvey, told AFP. The latest data indicate the magma is just about a kilometre from the Earth's surface. "That's very shallow. This magma is most likely coming from a source of at least eight to 10 kilometres, it could even be 20-plus kilometres," said University of Iceland vulcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson, though magma like this does not always break through the Earth's surface. According to experts, any eruption would most likely occur in a fissure located between Mount Keilir and Mount Fagradalsfjall, in an uninhabited zone that poses no risk to human life or material damage. Ash and steam billow out from the crater of the Grimsvotn volcano in May 2011 New cycle of eruptions? Krysuvik is a so-called volcanic system, with no central volcano. The system last erupted in the 12th century, while the last eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula was in 1240. Small signs of a reawakening on the peninsula first appeared more than a year ago, but it was a large 5.7-magnitude earthquake on February 24 that signalled a major seismic event could be about to happen. Since then, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has registered more than 34,000 tremors on the peninsula, a number unseen since digital monitoring began in 1991. After a two-day lull, seismic activity intensified again overnight Tuesday to Wednesday. "As we have learned, this may be going through phases, but that indeed is a very high activity level for this year," said Sara Barsotti, the IMO's volcanic hazards coordinator. Iceland is Europe's biggest and most active volcanic region, and is studied extensively by experts who have a vast monitoring network on the North Atlantic island. But the volcanic zone on the Reykjanes peninsula remains nonetheless an enigma. "We don't know how the magma systems on the Reykjanes peninsula prepare for an eruption. What kind of unrest signals are associated with this? How long does it take? We don't know. Because we've never been able to measure it," said Thordarson. The Icelandic Meteorological Office in Reykjavik is surveying the situation at the Reykjanes peninsula But one thing is certain: in the event of an eruption, it would be a limited burst of lava, and not much ash. In other words, nothing like the 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano, whose massive plumes of ash disrupted air traffic for weeks in Europe and left millions of travellers stranded. "The eruptions on this volcanic zone, they are generally quite peaceful. These are lava effusions and not really terribly big for most of them," said Pall Einarsson, a geophysicist at the University of Iceland. Geological studies show that the tiny peninsula is home to five volcanic systems which all appear to show signs of life about every 800 years. The most recent volcanic activity in the region lasted for three centuries, with several eruptions lasting more than a decade. "We may be heading towards a new erupting period on the Reykjanes peninsula," suggested Thordarson. This would not be the first time a dormant volcanic zone reawakens in Iceland. One early morning in 1973, fountains of lava surprised inhabitants of the island of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, erupting from a fissure just 150 metres (yards) from the town centre, in that volcano's first eruption in 5,000 years. More recently, experts warned in June 2020 that the Grimsvotn volcano under the Vatnajokull glacierIceland's most active volcanowas getting ready to erupt, but so far that has not happened. Explore further Southwest Iceland is shaking and may be about to erupt 2021 AFP Successful future governments will be those capable of adapting the lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to identify growth opportunities, said Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Government Summit Organisation. Gergawi said the pandemic is a turning point in the development of countries economies and sectors and is an opportunity to design new mechanisms to provide services for their citizens, in his keynote address on Major Global Trends in the Next Decade on Day 1 of the two-day World Government Summit Dialogues, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Gergawi said: Every year in the past, mankind has faced different challenges. 2020 was a milestone although we faced challenges, we found opportunities. Our healthcare system was tested. Our education system was also tested. No sector was left unaffected. Governments were tested on their agility and now on their recovery. Over two days we will hear from world leaders, CEOs, thinkers, innovators and game changers on how 2021 will unfold. What to expect and more importantly how to stand strong and united after experiencing one of humanitys most challenging years. The Minister noted: Pandemics are not new. The world was undeniably caught unprepared. The pandemic served as a great equalizer and highlighted that we are all linked and inter-dependent to each other and to nature regardless of classes and ethnicities. It has deepened our social fabric and cohesion. The world is now facing a parallel pandemic. Nine out of 10 Generation Z individuals have experienced at least one physical or mental symptom caused by depression, sadness, demotivation or lack of energy. The generation that lived through this pandemic will have the same issues as the one that came out of World War II. With a set of mental health challenges but a new wave of motivation. He underscored that the current generation faces the risks of economic security, job security and career growth potential, a sustainable life and a healthy state of mind. Governments will need to work on a multi-level approach to tackle multi-generational and multi-dimensional challenges for the future of humanity. He also commended the hard work of the scientists, the private sector and government in the development of the vaccine in eight months and said: This was a bold achievement for humanity and a cause for hope and celebration. We must fan this great spirit of global cooperation to ensure a fair distribution of vaccines worldwide. We must remember that no meaningful recovery is possible, and no one is safe until everyone is safe. The World Bank has estimated that more than 150 million more people were plunged into extreme poverty due to the pandemic. More than 40% of the world population - almost 3.3 billion people now live below the poverty line. This has rolled back a decade of hard work and put millions of lives at risk. He said: Getting our economy back on track and getting more people back to living productive jobs are our top priority. We have come to appreciate in very real terms that the economy of the future needs to be more resilient it must include new metrics for success. This means harnessing technology, inclusivity, ecology, and most critically, sustainability. Competitiveness is not a zero sum game. Protectionism is. We are at a crossroad and have before us an opportunity for large scale transformation. A new chapter has begun and valuable lessons have emerged. The time for business as usual is over. Sessions of the first day of the World Government Summit Dialogues focused on major shifts in vital sectors. The Embedding Trust and Authenticity in the Next Generation of Leaders session featured Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and transparent interaction between governments, the private sector and society to address urgent challenges including sustainability, enhancing future skills, and ensuring accurate data and information. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heirs Holdings, United Bank of Africa and Transcorp, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, participated in a session titled Africa's Future Post 2021. The session reviewed ways to activate the tremendous potential of the continent, and explored how African leaders could collaborate to achieve qualitative shifts for societies. WGS Dialogues also featured a session titled Asias Future Outlook that witnessed the participation of Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder of Infosys, and Dr. Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The session highlighted the role of the Asian continent in shaping the future of the new world order post Covid-19. For its part, the Decentralizing Finance for an Inclusive Economy session featured the participation of Jutta Steiner, CEO and Founder of Parity Technologies, and examined how the pandemic had highlighted the importance of flexible and non-central alternatives for traditional financial systems as well as the utilization of coded data and new financial technologies in global economic activities. Another session titled Is Crypto the New Currency Beyond 2021? was headlined by Anthony Di Iorio, Founder and CEO of Decentral and Co-founder of Ethereum, Denelle Dixon, CEO and Executive Director of the Stellar Development Foundation, Brock Pierce, Founder of Blockchain Capital, and Saqr Ereiqat, a blockchain expert and government sector advisor at IBM. The participants shared insights on the future of blockchain technologies and pointed out that cryptocurrency solutions could replace banks and banking services in the next few years. Other insightful sessions on Day 1 included Crafting Decisions in Times of Uncertainty, featuring Dr Daniel Kahneman, a psychology professor and Nobel Prize Winner in Economic Sciences, and one headlined by Nechemia Peres, President of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and Maurice Levy, Chairman of Publicis Group on Finding Peace Within Crisis...Moving Beyond the Pandemic. The WGS Dialogues concluded Day 1 with a session titled 2021: Forecasting the Year Ahead that featured a conversation between Professor Paul Saffo, a futurist and Professor of Engineering at Sandford University, and Corinne Iozzio, Editor in Chief of Popular Science magazine, on the importance of taking imperative steps to prevent the human race from becoming climate refugees in the next 30 years. The virtual event drew the participation of global leaders, entrepreneurs, representatives of international organizations and experts, to discuss the most prominent emerging global trends and share visions and ideas to enhance the readiness of governments in overcoming future challenges.-- Tradearabia News Service Land Minister Byeon Chang-heum participates in a session at the National Assembly, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap By Do Je-hae Byeon Chang-heum, minster of land, infrastructure and transport, is facing growing calls to resign following a speculative land buying scandal involving employees of a state corporation he headed before joining the Cabinet in December 2020. The former CEO of the Korea Land & Housing Corp. (LH) has emerged at the center of public anger over allegations that LH employees had bought farmlands in Siheung and Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province before the announcement of new mega town projects there. Byeon served as CEO of the state-run corporation from April 2019 until December 2020. Even some members of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have started to demand Byeon's resignation to take responsibility for the scandal, which is feared to aggravate public sentiment toward the Moon Jae-in administration's housing policy with the by-elections in Seoul and Busan only weeks away. Park Soo-hyun, a high-level official at the DPK and a former spokesman for President Moon, said that Byeon has made things worse by making comments that angered the public. Byeon told a local broadcaster, "I don't think the employees at LH bought the land based on prior knowledge about the new town development project, and the region was included in the project after their purchase." He also brushed off the scandal as an exceptional case involving only a small number of LH employees and stressed that he has "always tried to curb land speculation" while leading the organization. "He must resign in the near future. The people are struggling so much with housing issues," Park said during a TV interview, Tuesday. "Young people want to purchase a house by using all possible means, but they now say they have been left speechless by the LH scandal," he said. "In this situation, Byeon added fuel to the fire with his remarks." Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also said the minister's remarks were inappropriate. "If anybody needs to take responsibility, that person will do," he said in a radio interview, Wednesday. But he said it was more important to uncover the facts first. Some conservative politicians are calling on President Moon to dismiss the land minister. In a Facebook post, Hong Joon-pyo, a former presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, said Byeon must be removed immediately in order to ensure the integrity of the government investigation into the scandal. Despite rising calls for Byeon's resignation, President Moon made remarks supporting the land minister, saying that the housing supply plan initiated by Byeon must proceed as planned. "There should be no disruption in the implementation of the Feb. 4 real estate measures. Measures for housing supply must be implemented more quickly," he said, Tuesday. The remarks were seen to suggest that Moon is not considering replacing the land minister despite the scandal. During a meeting with high-ranking ruling party officials at Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday, Moon ordered a "fundamental approach" to dealing with speculative property purchases among the public sector. He said it might be a "structural problem" of the organization, indicating he does not want to directly blame the former head of LH. Federal Office of Public Health Bern, 10.03.2021 - The federal government is undertaking intensive efforts to provide the Swiss population with a COVID-19 vaccination as quickly as possible. Thanks to existing agreements with various manufacturers, the quantity of vaccine available in Switzerland will increase sharply by summer 2021. Now the federal government has signed another contract with Pfizer/BioNTech for 3 million doses of vaccine, doubling the quantity ordered from Pfizer/BioNTech. The additional doses will be delivered to Switzerland from April. Given that the production and availability of vaccines are subject to such great uncertainty, the federal government continues to look into different vaccine technologies from different vaccine manufacturers. At present it is focusing in particular on mRNA vaccines for the Swiss population. These vaccines are proving to be highly effective and well tolerated. For this reason the federal government has signed a further agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for an additional 3 million doses of vaccine, increasing the delivery agreed with Pfizer to 6 million doses. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has 95 per cent efficacy and has been administered in Switzerland since December. The extra doses will be delivered in stages from April onwards. Broad portfolio of vaccines So far the federal government has signed agreements with five vaccine manufacturers: Moderna (a total of around 13.5 million doses), Pfizer/BioNTech (now around 6 million in total), AstraZeneca (around 5.3 million), Curevac (5 million) and Novavax (6 million). The idea behind procuring vaccines from different manufacturers is to make sure that sufficient doses of an approved vaccine are available to the public even if there are delivery problems. The federal government is still in negotiations with various vaccine manufacturers. Switzerland is also taking part in the international COVAX Initiative to gain access to vaccines for up to 20 per cent of the Swiss population. At the same time it is supporting economically weaker countries that are gaining access to COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX Initiative. By summer, everyone in Switzerland who wants a vaccination is to have been vaccinated. This depends on whether deliveries from the manufacturers arrive as planned, the cantons have sufficient vaccination capacity, and the additional vaccines (from Curevac and Novavax) are authorised. mRNA vaccine technology BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna and Curevac have opted for a novel technology: mRNA is a type of messenger molecule that carries the instructions for building proteins. These give the cells of the body the necessary information on how they are to produce a virus protein. As soon as the protein is produced in the body, the immune system recognises it as a foreign body and produces antibodies against the virus. The immune response prepares the body to fight the virus. Here you will find an explanatory video on mRNA vaccines. Address for enquiries Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Communications, COVID-19 vaccination infoline +41 58 377 88 92 (every day from 6am to 11pm) Publisher Federal Office of Public Health http://www.bag.admin.ch TANAISTE Leo Varadkar has apologised after incorrectly claiming Sinn Fein has no Protestant TDs. It came after Sinn Fein TD Violet-Anne Wynne, who is a Protestant, took issue with the remarks. I am a Protestant and I am proud to be a representative for Sinn Fein. Changing facts is not the change that people voted for, Ms Wynne said. In his apology, Mr Varadkar said he was not aware of her religion. Read More I did not make any remarks, at all, about Deputy Wynne personally. I was unaware of her religious affiliation and I stand corrected. I fully retract my remark and apologise for any offence caused, he said Speaking previously about a Sinn Fein ad campaign in the US print media this week, Mr Varadkar told RTEs News at One that the party was an obstacle to Irish unity. They have a relationship with unionism that is one of mutual hostility, which is a big problem, and they are sectarian. They are still very anti-British, they have no Protestant TDs, MLAs or senators, he said. However, Ms Wynne called on the Fine Gael leader to withdraw and apologise for what she said were hurtful remarks. "Leo Varadkar's constant attempts to score political points by spouting untruths and trying to demonise political opponents is getting tiresome, she said. "While nobody in Sinn Fein has ever made an issue of my religious views, it is not acceptable for the Tanaiste to do so. "On national radio today, he said there are no Protestant TDs in our party. That is a lie. I am a Protestant and I am proud to be a Sinn Fein TD. "The Tanaiste should immediately withdraw and apologise for his hurtful remarks." Mr Varadkar's comments were strongly criticised by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald who tweeted: "The religious beliefs or tradition of any TD (Sinn Fein or otherwise) is none of Leo Varadkar's business." A former State Department official appointed by the Trump administration will remain in custody pending a trial over his alleged role in the US Capitol riot, a magistrate judge has ruled. Federico Klein, who held top-secret security clearance and was reportedly a Trump campaign transition staffer, is the first known political appointee charged in connection to the events of 6 January. In ordering pretrial detention for Mr Klein, Judge Zia Faruqui agreed with prosecutors that his position as a federal employee with security clearance worked against him because he took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, according to BuzzFeed News. "There were enemies, domestic, directly at the heart of America's democracy and a person who has sworn an oath to protect, then switched sides. Its extremely concerning," Judge Farqui said. In a filing on Tuesday, first reported by CNN, prosecutors wrote that Mr Kleins behaviour revealed that his true allegiance lies elsewhere. "Despite his oath to support and defend the Constitution, Klein demonstrated his contempt for that oath, the legitimate functions of the government, and for the Constitution itself when he assaulted officers in an attempt to stop the certification of a lawful election," prosecutors wrote to the court. "By his actions on January 6, 2021, Klein abdicated his responsibilities to the country and the Constitution." Mr Klein, 42, was listed last summer in a federal directory as a special assistant in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and Schedule C political appointees. He was arrested in Virginia on Thursday, 4 March on charges related to his participation in the riot at the Capitol on 6 January. The arrest affidavit, first reported by Politico, alleged Mr Klein was seen on video wearing a red MAGA hat jamming a riot shield into doors at the Capitol. He was also allegedly heard encouraging others to clash with police, the complaint said. "We need fresh people, we need fresh people, Mr Klein shouted repeatedly, according to the complaint. He is facing several felony charges, including assaulting police officers, interfering with police during civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding, as well as lesser offences. Nearly two years after Jeff Thomas Black livestreamed himself taking a framed photo of former Mayor and Gov. Neil Goldschmidt off the wall of Portland City Hall, then days later burning it, a judge Tuesday dismissed theft and other criminal charges that had been filed against him. Black, 52, told The Oregonian/OregonLive Tuesday he was doing the community a service by removing the picture of Goldschmidt, who in 2004 admitted he sexually abused a teenage girl in the 1970s while he was mayor. The girl had said she was 13 when the abuse started. Goldschmidt later claimed she was 15 at the time. Goldschmidt wasnt charged with statutory rape or other sex crimes because the statute of limitations had passed. Black said he found it hard to believe that Goldschmidt would avoid any criminal consequences while a jury would find him guilty of crimes for removing the picture honoring Goldschmidt from the lobby of Mayor Ted Wheelers office on March 27, 2019. Thats eight years after the state Capitol removed a painted portrait of the disgraced former governor from one of its walls. I didnt take down Teds photo, I didnt bust a clock, Black said. I took down a black-and-while photo of a man who raped a child. ...A $40 photo of a very terrible, terrible man. Nine days later, Black invited a TV station to watch him burn Goldschmidts photo. Like with the taking of the photo, Black also livestreamed the burning and posted it to his YouTube channel. Black then called Portland police and asked them if they wanted to arrest them. I refused every plea bargain for two years, Black said. I was not willing to be identified as a criminal. Wheelers spokesman Jim Middaugh said Tuesday that Goldschmidts photo has not been replaced, and hes unaware of any plans to replace it at this time. The mayors office didnt immediately respond to a question posed later in the day about why the photo hadnt been removed before Black took it down and whether the mayor supported the dismissal of Blacks case. Black had been charged in Multnomah County Circuit Court with several misdemeanors, including third-degree theft and second-degree criminal mischief in the Goldschmidt photo episode. Black also was a vocal activist of some city policies, and well-known to the city. He had been accused of other unrelated alleged crimes, including obstructing government by sitting on a witness table and commenting before a City Council meeting in May 2019 and refusing to initially leave when told to do so, delaying the meeting for 17 minutes, according to court documents. Black said he was committing an act of peaceful civil disobedience because the city council squelched public comments about its renewal of the citys contract with its security company. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Shelley Russell on Tuesday dismissed all criminal charges for those alleged crimes due to a civil compromise agreement reached with the city attorneys office. Brent Weisberg, a spokesman for the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office, said his office wasnt involved in the civil compromise negotiations. The city attorneys office didnt respond to a question about why it decided to enter the agreement and drop its pursuit of any criminal convictions. According to the agreement, Black has promised not to step foot in City Hall, the Portland Building and two other city addresses for a year after COVID-19 visiting restrictions are lifted. If he does, he must pay $1,000 for each instance. Black said he signed onto that provision because he has no intention of visiting city offices. Hes moved from North Portland to Marion County. He also wanted the criminal case to end. The case was held up for close to a year because of court postponements caused by the pandemic. Black said he feels vindicated. He said hes part of a movement -- the removal of statues or renaming of buildings of people with disturbing pasts -- that has picked up speed recently. I truly believe, Black said, what I did was a public service and not a crime. -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee Police investigating organised crime have seized 80,000 in cash, a quantity of suspected class B drugs and made two arrests following the search of a vehicle in south Belfast last night. Officers were alerted to the vehicle while they were on patrol in the Edinburgh Street area at around 6pm. They stopped the BMW and searched the car, locating suspected cannabis in it with a street value of around 10,000. A 29-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were both arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply and possession of a class B controlled drug. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries. Expand Close Officers seized suspected class B controlled drugs / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Officers seized suspected class B controlled drugs Read More Later in the evening officers conducted a follow-up search at a property in the Annadale area, where they seized 80,000 in cash as well as high-end jewellery and clothing. A further quantity of suspected class B drugs was seized along with drug-related paraphernalia and electronic items. Two cars were also seized as part of the officers enquiries. Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said: People who bring drugs and items into our communities dont care about the pain and misery thats caused. They only care about the significant profits they can make, which can fund lavish lifestyles and the ability to purchase designer goods. Any information the public provides regarding the sale or consumption of drugs can sometimes be the final piece in the jigsaw that enables us to carry out searches. This information gives us the chance to remove drugs and other harmful substances from our community and put those responsible before the courts. "The information may lead to the start of a new investigation, but no matter how seemingly insignificant, with the continued help and support of the community, we will continue to address this issue as a priority. I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs, or anyone who has concerns, to get in touch with us on 101." Johann Chuckaree is the epitome of the modern Indo-Trinidadian. The 31-year-old is a proud descendant of East Indian indentured labourers. Prays to Jesus Christ. And plays the pan. The Woodbrook-born musician exuded equal passion for all three during a virtual sitting with the Kitcharee on Thursday night. Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk. Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen. If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned. I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country. It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously. Vote View Results Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City have reached a consensus on the launch of a sweeping campaign against noise pollution in residential areas in 2021. The consensus was confirmed by Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, during a city-level meeting on Tuesday to identify solutions for dealing with urban noise pollution. Concluding the discussion, Hoan called out noise pollution from makeshift karaoke parlors as well as shops and street stalls a pressing issue that undermines public health and the life quality of Ho Chi Minh City dwellers. We are striving to achieve economic development and raise living standards for the people," Hoan emphasized. "That is why noise pollution, among other issues that impact the urban environs, should be thoroughly addressed. The deputy chairman also pointed out that the local government respects the peoples rights to freedom of trade, but will not tolerate business practices that exert negative effects on other people. The city also declared a stern attitude to root out and eliminate all activities that generate noise pollution in residential areas. To tackle the situation, Ho Chi Minh City decided to launch a sweeping campaign to eradicate violations of regulations on noise control in the city by the end of this year. The city will also review the outcome of the campaign and use the findings to amend official regulations. During the first phase of the drive, which has started this month and runs till May, the city will focus on promoting messages and regulations against noise pollution among the community. Meanwhile, administrative penalties for noise pollution will be strictly imposed in the second phase, which will start in June and last until the end of the year. According to Hoan, many statutes, including Decrees 98, 100, 155, and 167, can be referenced to justify administrative penalties for noise control violations. Hoan criticized the lukewarm result of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environments campaign to regulate noise pollution. On top of communication activities, the handling of noise violations must be implemented with strong leadership and synchronous directions among the relevant forces, from city-level to grassroots authorities, Hoan said. Were used to deploying measuring devices to quantify noise pollution, but that is only feasible in indoor spaces, not outdoor ones," he said. "Hence, we should move on to other solutions and not use the lack of devices to make excuses for any failure in noise control. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. CALGARY - Mining industry insiders say opportunities for Canada are rising with world demand, technical advances and political support for electric vehicles. CALGARY - Mining industry insiders say opportunities for Canada are rising with world demand, technical advances and political support for electric vehicles. But members of a panel at the online Prospectors & Developers Association of Canadas 2021 convention also say support from government is needed to help the industry find the capital and develop a plan to bring on new mines and processing facilities ahead of competitors around the world. Liz Lappin, a vice-president with E3 Metals Corp., says demand for minerals critical to making electric vehicle batteries is being boosted by U.S. President Joe Biden's pro-environment agenda, coupled with strong European support and growing interest by North Americans in new models of electric cars and trucks. Todd Malan, vice-president of corporate relations for international mining giant Rio Tinto, says the country has advantages including abundant natural resources, mining history and expertise, and a good environmental record that's supported by access to non-emitting hydroelectric power. Mark Travers, CEO of Vale Canada Ltd., says Canada can be a key supplier of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and nickel, required to produce advanced batteries for electric vehicles, but it needs to begin investments now to be competitive with other jurisdictions. He says building out Canada's mining sector will require partnerships, risk sharing and government support for innovations to make mining and processing more efficient and environmentally benign. "The challenge is immense ... we need new mines and it hasn't been easy to get new mines in Canada, in particular in the nickel industry but in others as well," he said. "I think Canada has to think about how some of that subsidy goes to the right direction to make sure we get the value chain in Canada with the mines and the chemistry. A lot of it comes down to policy and subsidies and encouragement." The Mining Association of Canada has called for a more consistent domestic policy and regulatory environment in the country, with "proactive and bold policy" to position the country for longer-term success. It said recently that while 2020 saw a modest increase in the value of mining projects planned and under construction in the next decade, the total 10-year projected value of $82 billion is nearly 50 per cent below the 2014 level of $160 billion. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSXV: ETMC) Patna, March 10 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Maner constituency Bhai Virendra on Wednesday alleged that many Bihar politicians and bureaucrats are having sleepless nights as they are unable to get liquor. The MLA made the allegation during the ongoing Budget Session when other RJD leaders were protesting against the increasing liquor smuggling in the 'dry state'. The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government had imposed a total ban on liquor in the state on November 26, 2015. But a spike has been noticed in the recent past in the number of liquor smuggling cases. Virendra said: "Many leaders and senior bureaucrats are not sleeping at night without consuming liquor in Bihar. Please inquire into this matter." Following his statement, a number of RJD and Congress MLAs supported him. Vijay Sinha, the speaker of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha, immediately took cognisance of the matter and asked the legislator to reveal the names of those leaders and senior bureaucrats. "If your are unable to reveal the names in the House, please inform me in private," Sinha said. "As I said earlier, please inquire into the matter Speaker Sir, the names of senior leaders and bureaucrats will come forward on their own," Virendra replied. However, refuting the charges, Bihar's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary said: "Bhai Virendra alleging that leaders and top bureaucrats are sleeping in the night after consuming liquor...I believe he is sharing his own experience in the House." The leaders of the RJD and Congress requested the Speaker to hold a debate on liquor consumption and smuggling in the House. They also demanded the resignation of Liquor Prohibition Minister Sunil Kumar for being unable to prevent it. The opposition shouted slogan against the state government like "Nitish Kumar Ka Khel Hai, Sarabbandi Fail Hai." In the last few months, a surge has been noticed in liquor smuggling cases in Bihar. A police sub-inspector was gunned down and a guard was injured during an encounter with liquor smugglers in Sitamarhi last month. After the formation of the new government in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing criticism for being unable to prevent liquor smuggling. He has held a series of meetings with the officers and has directed them to take stringent action against the liquor mafia. On Wednesday, the Patna police seized liquor worth Rs 20 lakh in Pirbahore and Sonpur area. The police recovered 520 bottles of IMFL buried under the sand. GOVERNMENT yesterday issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 63A to correct anomalies contained in SI 50 of 2021, which ordered the eviction of over 12 500 villagers in Chilonga, Chiredzi, to pave way for a Dendairy lucerne grass project. Following days of public outcry and an uproar from the villagers, opposition politicians and non-governmental organisations, government yesterday repealed SI 50 of 2021 and issued SI 63A of 2021, which states that the project to be established in Chilonga is an irrigation scheme. It is hereby notified, for general information, that the Communal Land (setting aside of land) (Chiredzi) notice, 2021, published in SI 50 of 2021, contained errors, SI 63A of 2021 read in part. Statutory instrument was corrected by the deletion of the words purpose of lucerne production and substitution of establishment of an irrigation scheme. Following the amendment, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said: Dendairy is a very small part in the equation. Too small in fact. We have huge supply contracts for a variety of products enough to exhaust the ardour of the community combined. The whole of Chilonga is set for massive transformation, harbinger of which is the revived irrigation. But United Kingdom based lawyer Alex Magaisa said the Chilonga villagers were still in danger of being evicted. SI 50 of 2021 designated the Chilonga land for growing lucerne grass for Dendairys cows. It provided for the permanent removal of the Chilonga community. SI 63A changes the designation to establishing an irrigation scheme. But the provision for permanent removal remains unchanged, he tweeted. The regime is playing hide and seek with the beleaguered Chilonga community. It has issued a new statutory instrument, but the change is largely an illusion. The Chilonga community is still in danger of removal. Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered the convening of a high-level meeting to deal with the matter that was getting out of hand, with sources who attended the meeting saying there were suspicions of infiltration in the Attorney-Generals Office by interested parties in order to derail the project. The sources also alleged that there was sloppy supervision of the handling of the matter by the ministries of Local Government and Public Works, and Agriculture. SI 50 of 2021, experts said, was ultra vires the Communal Lands Act, adding that the drafters might have been infiltrated to scuttle the process. The project, sources who were part of the meeting said, was actually an irrigation scheme of over 200 000 hectares and the project was not a creation of the current government. It is a plan by Rhodesians many years ago, in the 1950s. What we have just done is to now say we have water in Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Kyle and plans to build Runde-Dende and a good water basis and plan, a source said. The source said there were fears that people interested in the project caused the insertion, through some drafters in the Attorney Generals office, clauses to trigger outrage and scuttle the process. Last week, Charamba tweeted saying: Trust me, all those with throbbing veins on Chilonga will realise its all much ado about nothing. As early as Monday. The courts are not foolish to give interim relief over nothing happening materially on the ground anyway. Facts on the ground show very few households stand to be affected by this new thrust, huge swathes of which land fall within unutilised zones. The few households which may be affected only get so affected in the sense of being re-sited as already indicated, all at government expense and for improved rural housing. Under SI 50 of 2021, government ordered the eviction of over 12 000 villagers, translating to more than 2 500 families for a grass farming project run by Dendairy, a dairy firm headquarted in Kwekwe and run by Neville Coetzee, who reportedly has strong links with Mnangagwa. On Saturday, the Masvingo Magistrates Court issued a temporary relief to stop the evictions after the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association filed an urgent chamber application seeking to interdict the government from going ahead with its plan. The planned evictions were described as unconstitutional and colonial mentality by law expert and National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku. Newsday Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ICD, an independent portal provider of money market funds and other short-term investments, released the findings of its annual client survey today. The 2021 ICD Client Survey, conducted in January, reveals this year's plans and preferences for cash investments and technology from over 150 treasury professionals in the U.S., Canada, UK and Europe. "This year's survey respondents indicated cash levels would remain elevated into 2021, but they are also opportunistic, looking to go out further on the curve to find yield. Treasury workflow optimization is also a major theme this year as investors look to technology to drive efficiency," says ICD CEO Tory Hazard. The 2021 ICD Client Survey highlights include: 66% percent of respondents to ICD's client survey said they are maintaining or increasing cash balances in the first half of 2021. 70% of organizations in the Americas are investing in alternative products. 41% of respondents globally said they are interested in ESG and Socially Responsible Investing instruments. 86% saw their treasury teams shrink or stay the same in 2020, while 99% expect their roles and responsibilities to increase or stay the same, indicating that expectations for treasury are increasing while treasury staff is not. 66% said they were taking on treasury transformation projects while only 15% said they were implementing a treasury management system (TMS), suggesting integration of technology is key. With approximately $5 trillion in trades annually running through ICD Portal from over 400 clients across 65 industries and 43 countries, ICD is a proxy for treasury's short-term investment behavior. For the fourth consecutive year, 99% of clients taking the survey rated ICD's client service as excellent or above average. In addition, the number of respondents reporting that they would recommend ICD to a colleague resulted in a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 79 for ICD, which compares to an average NPS of 35% for the financial technology industry. To download the full 2021 ICD Client Survey report, visit ICD Portal Resources. For more information about ICD, visit icdportal.com or contact [email protected]. About ICD ICD is treasury's trusted, independent portal provider of money market funds and other short-term investments. We provide intuitive technology and unbiased access to over 300 investment products through ICD Portal, a model in the industry for trading, reporting and analysis. Through our Global Trade Desk, located in London, Boston and San Francisco, we offer follow-the-sun support and expert service. ICD Media Contact Zoe Sochor +1 646.581.3277 [email protected] SOURCE Institutional Cash Distributors, LLC Related Links https://icdportal.info/ By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two children of Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing and six companies they control in response to the military's Feb. 1 coup and the killing of protesters since the takeover. The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it blacklisted Aung Pyae Sone and Khin Thiri Thet Mon, the adult children of Myanmar's commander in chief who led the coup and installed himself as head of the ruling State Administration Council. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned more punitive actions could follow, and condemned the detention of over 1,700 people and attacks by Myanmar's security forces against unarmed protesters that he said have killed at least 53 people. "We will not hesitate to take further action against those who instigate violence and suppress the will of the people," Blinken said in a statement. The military has brushed off condemnation of its actions, as it has in past periods of army rule when outbreaks of protest were forcibly repressed. Wednesday's move - the latest in a series of punitive actions taken by Washington against Myanmar's military over the coup - essentially freezes any U.S. assets of those blacklisted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Campaign group Justice for Myanmar said in January that Min Aung Hlaing, who has been commander in chief since 2011, has "abused his power to benefit his family, who have profited from their access to state resources and the military's total impunity." The six Myanmar companies blacklisted by Washington include A&M Mahar, which is controlled by Aung Pyae Sone, the general's son. Justice for Myanmar said A&M offers foreign pharmaceutical companies access to Myanmar's market by obtaining approvals from Myanmar's Food and Drug Administration. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, praised the Treasury's move for directly hitting at the wealth of Min Aung Hlaing, but called for stronger action. Story continues "These are not the kind of punitive actions that we believe will lead to behavioral change. We are recommending they focus on ongoing revenue streams which are far larger and if cut off would be far more painful to the military as an institution, Sifton said, referring to oil and gas revenues produced by projects that involve international companies. The United States has so far held back from imposing sanctions against military conglomerates Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) and Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL), among those used by the military to control vast swathes of the country's economy. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall) Drivers and other passers-by had to take cover today, in Port of Spain. As, gunmen began offloading bullets on a convoy of cars. Also, over 50 more people have been arrested for breach of curfew. As I mentally walk among the ruins of post-2020 America and try to account for the downfall of our republic, it seems to me that what's left of America falls into two groups: the Fear God group and the No Fear group. The No Fear group is currently in charge, and the Fear God group is in the wilderness, wondering what if anything we can do to return America to a law-abiding democracy. In the Fear God group, we believe that God created everything. We believe that God is good and that good will ultimately triumph over evil. The events of 2020 have sorely tested our faith. We know we are sinners, and that Jesus will judge all of us at the end of time. Like the No Fear group, we too are tempted to sin and break laws all the time, but the fact that we fear Jesus and know He can see everything we do and that we cannot hide our actions from Him urges us to keep His laws. The better part of our nature also wants to keep His laws because we want to please Him and do the right thing. In the No Fear group, either there is no God or there are man-made gods who tolerate everything they do. The No Fear group have abolished judgment from this age, and they have abolished the Final Judgment from their thinking. Since they have No Fear, they in god-like fashion can redefine life, morality, sexuality. In short, nothing is sacred to the No Fear crowd. The No Fear group believe they are smarter than the Fear God group. They believe they should lead our culture, and they believe we should shut up and fall in line behind them. Many in the No Fear group are elected officials and appointed judges who have sworn an oath to protect and defend our Constitution and our laws. In the Fear God group, we watch them ignore immigration laws and voting laws. We watched as Senator Kennedy colluded with the Soviets to undermine President Reagan. We watched as President Clinton sold the Chinese missile guidance technology in return for contributions to his campaign funds. We watched as Secretary Clinton sold access to her office in return for contributions to the Clinton Foundation. We watched as the Supreme Court refused to hear a 17-state appeal to examine the validity of the 2020 election. Are these sworn politicians and judges breaking their oath, or do they have a radically different definition of their oath? As we watch what we consider oath-breaking and what some of us consider acts of treason, we look to our FBI and the Department of Justice for action. We see these "protectors of justice" wink at Democrats and ruin Republicans. Where shall we look for justice? Image: Michaelangelo's Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel. Twenty-one districts brought students back into classrooms part-time this week, as schools continue to change learning formats during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday, March 8, 543 districts were hybrid, 127 remote, and 109 were fully in-person. Twenty-one districts made the switch to hybrid learning this week, while the number of fully in-person districts decreased by two. Thirty-three districts have different educational formats for different schools. This is the sixth week in a row to see more schools opt for some form of in-person learning, as President Joe Biden pushes to see most K-8 students back in the classroom by April. The list provided by the Department of Education is self-reported by the districts, spokesman Mike Yaple said. Some schools have remained entirely remote since last March, while other districts have changed formats as virus conditions have changed. Gov. Phil Murphy said he expects all schools to return to in-person learning for the start of the 2021-2022 school year in September. Districts have cited concerns about the viruss spread as the main reason for choosing to remain remote; at least one district has said it intends to stay virtual through the end of the year, and a number of large districts say they will remain remote until mid-April. There have been 152 outbreaks and 737 cases of the coronavirus linked to schools in New Jersey. For cases to qualify as an outbreak, they must be confirmed to have been transmitted in the classroom or during academic activities. All 21 counties have seen an in-school outbreak. Eight schools sent students home this week, switching from hybrid learning to remote, while seven districts went from hybrid at all schools to using a combination of methods across the district. One district switched from in-person learning to using a combination of methods within the district: Freehold Township School District. The following districts switched from remote to hybrid during the week of March 8: Atlantic City School District Gloucester Township Public Schools Mastery Schools of Camden, Inc. Somerdale School District Winslow Township School District Larc School Cumberland Regional School District Greenwich Township School District Hopewell Township School District Stow Creek Township School District Pineland Learning Center Guttenberg School District Carteret Public School District Edison Township School District Greater Brunswick Charter School Old Bridge Township School District Piscataway Township School District South Amboy School District Woodbridge Township School District Gateway School Plumsted Township School District And the following districts switched from hybrid to remote: Edgewater School District Englewood Public School District North Arlington School District Norwood Public School District Academy for Urban Leadership Charter School New Road School of Parlin Dover Public School District Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology How districts handle return-to-school plans has been a contentious issue, with protests, threats of violence, and lawsuits playing out across the state. The split between in-person and remote districts is not even across the state, with counties in the northwest part of the state having mostly in-person or hybrid options. Teachers became eligible for the vaccine on March 5, after initially being told they would not be eligible until March 15. Some education officials are calling for shots to be administered at the schools, to increase access and cut down on the need for teachers to take sick days. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said there is strong evidence younger students can safely return to schools, without teachers needing to be vaccinated first. After dipping to moderate for the first time since November, disease activity rose again to high across New Jersey this week. If activity levels were to rise to very high, schools would be forced to return to remote learning. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. President Donald Trump continued his attack on the Republican National Committee Tuesday, notching up his rhetoric against 'RINOS and fools' as he seeks to stop party committees from fundraising off his name. Trump cast aside the Party's First Amendment defense that it has the right to invoke the president in its online appeals and instead urged supporters to donate to his own Save America PAC with funds he can steer to Trump loyalists and away from those who would oppose him. 'I fully support the Republican Party and important GOP Committees, but I do not support RINOs and fools, and it is not their right to use my likeness or image to raise funds,' Trump wrote in a statement late Tuesday. Trump went on to attack donations to the party as a waste taking the feud to a new level. President Donald Trump railed against 'RINOS and fools' in a new statement as he battles the Republican Party over the use of his image. Here Trump is escorted by a heavy Secret Service presence as he boards a private Jet to leave New York 'So much money is being raised and completely wasted by people that do not have the GOPs best interests in mind. If you donate to our Save America PAC at DonaldJTrump.com, you are helping the America First movement and doing it right. We will WIN, and we will WIN BIG! Our Country is being destroyed by the Democrats!' His statement through the PAC came as Trump continued to issue official statements endorsing people he considers loyalists after vowing to primary people who voted to impeach him. In a statement earlier Tuesday, he complemented Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, who like the vast majority other Senate Republicans voted to acquit him of 'incitement of insurrection.' 'I very much appreciate and respect the career of Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri,' Trump wrote, a day after Blunt became the fifth GOP senator to announce his retirement and the fourth since the Capitol riot. 'He was one of the first people who came to my defense against the Impeachment Hoax #2 (IH-2), and it was greatly appreciated by me,' Trump wrote, applying a new tag to the historic second impeachment. NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 09: Former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower in Manhattan on March 9, 2021 in New York City 'Congratulations to the entire Blunt family, and to Roy on a wonderful career!' he added. Trump said Monday that he wont support giving money to moderate Republican candidates as he ups civil war with the GOP after demanding three biggest fundraising groups stop using his name to solicit donors. No more money for RINOS, the former president demanded in a Monday evening statement from his Save America political action committee. RINOS is a negative term given from within the Republican Party to those lawmakers they deem are Republicans in Name Only meaning they either regularly break with GOP ranks or, in some cases, just refers to anti-Trump Republicans. They do nothing but hurt the Republican Party and our great voting basethey will never lead us to Greatness, he continued of so-called RINOS, urging support for his PAC by saying: Send your donation to Save America PAC at DonaldJTrump.com. We will bring it all back stronger than ever before! Trump has been causing a further chasm within the GOP by using his time out of office to throw his support behind certain candidates and lawmakers while bashing others as traitors to the Republican Party. On Friday, the former presidents lawyers sent a cease and desist letter to three of the GOPs biggest fundraising arms demanding they stop using his name and likeness to fundraise. Donald Trump sent out a statement Monday evening demanding 'no more money for RINOS' as he further causes a chasm within the GOP between the moderates and pro-Trump far-righters The Republican National Committee said Monday it will not comply. Instead, the group insisted the former president is actually OK with them fundraising off his name. Chief Counsel for the RNC Justin Riemer asserted in a letter Monday afternoon that the committee has every right to refer to public figures as it engages in core, First Amendment-protected political speech, and it will continue to do so in pursuit of these common goals. On Friday, Trump's team sent requests to the RNC, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee three of the largest GOP fundraising arms to stop invoking his name in correspondence to donors. The letter demanded the groups 'immediately cease and desist the unauthorized use of President Donald J. Trump's name, image, and/or likeness in all fundraising, persuasion, and/or issue speech.' In the letter Monday to Trump attorney Alex Cannon, Riemer highlighted the former president's 'close relationship' with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel when detailing they would not comply. '[W]e understand that President Trump reaffirmed to her over the weekend that he approves of the RNC's current use of his name in fundraising and other materials, including for our upcoming donor retreat event at Palm Beach at which we look forward to him participating,' he wrote. The RNC is holding part of its spring donor retreat at Trump's Mar-a-Lago private club, a Monday report revealed even after news broke of the cease and desist demand. Trump will speak at the April retreat in a sign there is no love lost between him and the RNC. The Republican National Committee says it won't stop using former President Donald Trump's name and likeness in fundraising efforts, claiming they are protected by the First Amendment to do so because he is a public figure A lawyer for the RNC touted Trump's 'close relationship' with Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, saying: '[W]e understand that President Trump reaffirmed to her over the weekend that he approves of the RNC's current use of his name in fundraising and other materials' RNC Chief Counsel for Justin Riemer responded to the cease and desist demand All three GOP groups have used the former president's coattails to try and bolster fundraising efforts, including in recent emails asking donors to help 'defend President Trump's legacy.' On Friday, the RNC had sent out two emails asking supporters to donate in order to add their name to a 'thank you' card for Trump. The umbrella group supports GOP candidates across the country. It is now clear yet how the NRCC or NRSC plan to respond to the cease and desist letter. Some Republicans speculate that the demand was not directly driven by Trump, but instead those in his circle. The former president, however, has a history of sensitivity toward people making money using his name. Notably, the then-president's campaign scolded in 2019 David Bossie, a long time informal adviser, amid allegations he used Trump's name to raise money for an outside group in which he was involved. Upon revealing details of the cease and desist last week, a Trump advisor said: '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 legal warning followed 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. Fears of a GOP civil war were sparked after Trump vowed revenge on the 17 Republican lawmakers who voted to impeach or convict him earlier this year on a charge of inciting insurrection. Trump called all out by name during keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month. 'Get rid of them all!' he rallied the staunchly pro-Trump crowd. The RNC will pay Trump to use Mar-a-Lago (pictured), the ex-president's oceanfront resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where he's been living since January 20 Trump (pictured in New York on Sunday) ordered the top three GOP fundraisers to stop using his name and likeness in donation drives Rep. Tom Emmer chairs the RNCC, another group target with cease-and-desist letters Politico reported Friday, the day the cease and desist letter was sent, that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has asked Trump not to go after the 10 House Republicans who voted in favor of advancing 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. 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. Last month during his CPAC speech, Trump mentioned every Republican lawmaker by name who voted to impeach or convict him 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 McConnell, 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. Team Cinderella (Tokyo, Minato-ward) who hosts Japans largest high school girl event Cinderella Fes Vol.08 online starts Million Cherry Blossom project with the support and cooperation of Microsoft Surface and the artwork exhibited by teamLab Inc.(Sakura Bombing Home) In cooperation with junior & high school girls of the same generation in Japan and abroad who have been deprived of many opportunities to create memories under the corona wreck, we designed the coloring picture of "Sakura(Cherry Blossoms)", which is strongly connected to graduation and entrance ceremony in Japan. We are recruiting people and aim to produce a graduation and entrance ceremony with 1 million participants. The collected "Sakura" will be released on "Sakura Bombing Home", artwork by teamLab Inc., and the completion will be broadcast live on Wednesday, March 31st from Saitama Super Arena, which is the distribution venue on the day of Cinderella Festival. Please participate in the project of high school girls who wish to "create the best graduation and entrance ceremonies that can only be done online in the With-Corona era." On the special site, we will introduce the thoughts of high school girls hosting the project and how to participate. Organize by: Team Cinderella (MEDIA MIX PRODUCTS Co., Ltd) Supported by: Supported by: Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd Microsoft Surface Artwork exhibited by: teamLab Inc. When you are posting to SNS, use the hashtag below. Thank you!!! #1Msakura [How to participate] - Enter the special website - Download the coloring picture of Sakura and paint it - Upload the picture - Uploaded Sakura will bloom on YouTube Live [Recruitment Period] From 14:00 on March 14th , 2021 to 18:00 on March 31st, Wed. (Japan time) [Target] * Any age or nationality. * Anyone can participate from a PC or smartphones. Project Million Cherry Blossom special website https://emmary.jp/1m_sakura/ March 31st Cinderella Fes, Vol.8 website http://cinderellafes.cinderellaweb.com/ About team Cinderella & Cinderella Fes A team of about 100 high school girls, organizing one of the largest high school girl event in Japan, with more than 10,000 high school girls visiting from all over Japan every year. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309005043/en/ Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. By Brendan O'Brien CHICAGO (Reuters) - The trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager charged with the fatal shooting of two men in Wisconsin last summer during protests against police brutality, will start on Nov. 1, a judge ruled on Wednesday, giving lawyers on both sides more time to prepare. The 18-year-old is charged with first-degree homicide and five other criminal counts related to the Aug. 25 killings of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber in the Wisconsin city of Kenosha, and the wounding of a third man, Gaige Grosskreutz. Jury selection in the case had been scheduled to begin on March 29. But during a hearing over Zoom on Wednesday, Kenosha Circuit Court Judge Bruce Schroeder pushed back the date after attorneys asked for more time for discovery and jury logistics, online court records showed. Schroeder also scheduled a final pre-trial hearing for May 17. Kenosha erupted in violent protests over police brutality following the Aug. 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left seriously wounded. Two days after the shooting, Rittenhouse traveled from his home in nearby Antioch, Illinois, in a self-appointed role to protect Kenosha businesses. Rittenhouses legal team has said their client, who is white, feared for his life when he fired his semi-automatic rifle, and have indicated they plan to argue self-defense. In February, Schroeder ruled that Rittenhouse could remain free on bond and had no obligation publicly disclose his whereabouts, denying prosecutors requests. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. Aruka Juma saw his Amazon tribe dwindle to just a handful of people during his lifetime. Numbering an estimated 15,000 in the 18th century, they were ravaged over years by disease and successive massacres by rubber tappers, loggers and miners. An estimated 100 remained in 1943. A massacre in 1964 left only six, including Mr. Juma, who, like many Indigenous Brazilians, used his tribes name as his surname. In 1999, with the death of his brother-in-law, he became the last remaining Juma male. The tribes extinction was assured. Mr. Juma died on Feb. 17 in a hospital in Porto Velho, the capital of Rondonia state, in western Brazil. He was believed to have been between 86 and 90. The cause was Covid-19, his grandson Pure Juma Uru Eu Wau Wau said. [March 10, 2021] Versa Networks Wins Business Impact Award from MEF During MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Showcase Q1 2021 Versa Networks, the leader in SASE, today announced that the MEF (News - Alert) 3.0 Proof of Concept (PoC) Showcase Q1 2021 demonstration it participated in - "Secured Work from Anywhere using SASE Service and Lean NFV" - won the MEF 3.0 PoC Business Impact Award from MEF earlier this month. The MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Showcase Q1 2021 awards recognize leadership and innovation in support of the MEF 3.0 Global Services Framework and the broader industry. According to MEF, the Business Impact Award recognizes the most significant potential impact on the service provider's business. The MEF 3.0 PoC Showcase Awards judging panel included analysts from Atlantic ACM, AvidThink, Dell' (News - Alert) Oro Group, Omdia, TeleGeography, and Vertical Systems Group. "This PoC demonstrates end-to-end SASE service layered on multiple SD-WANs with distributed security, orchestrated using principles of Lean NFV for greater openness, agility, disaggregation, and service innovation at the edge. SASE Service is established, secured, and driven by common policies over customer, service provider, security cloud, and public cloud domains. As a result, the end customer receives policy-driven, zero-trust access to multiple public cloud providers," said Daniel Bar-Lev, VP Strategic Programs, MEF. Versa SASE delivers tightly integrated SASE via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both via Versa Operating System (VOS) with a Single-Pass Parallel Processing architecture. Versa began delivering SASE services such as VPN, Secure SD-WAN, Edge Compute Protection, NGFW, Next Generation-Firewall as a Service, SWG, and Zero Trust Network Access 5 years ago. Versa uniquely provides contextual security based on user, role, device, application, location, security posture of the device, and content. As the leader in the rapidly growing SASE market, Versa is the only solution proven to deliver the industry's leading and differentiated architecture for high performance and security. Gartner (News - Alert) recently identified Versa SASE as having the most SASE components out of all 56 vendors Gartner evaluated. The MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Program encourages collaborative work within MEF, where members partner to demonstrate use cases based on current and developing standards. The showcase featured 18 companies joining forces in seven demonstrations over seven days. "Versa Networks has been an active member and contributor to MEF for years, and we were pleased to participate in the MEF 3.0 PoC Showcase with our industry-leading SASE technology," said Michael Wood, Chief Marketing Officer for Versa Networks. "Versa SASE continues to be recognized as the leading SASE solution for secure networking and remote access, due to its ability to combine a fully integrated robust set of SASE services within one operating system software stack using a single-pass parallel processing architecture. The MEF showcase demonstrated an outstanding level of collaboration and innovation, and the PoCs showed how MEF 3.0-based SASE, among other technologies, can be leveraged to transform user experiences." Competing solutions to Versa have hidden costs and gaps in security because they require multiple product, cloud, and service components. Achieving visibility and control from solutions requiring service chaining to connect multiple components together proves ineffective, increasing the costs and attack surfaces for organizations. Versa ACE Partners are uniquely able to offer a cost-effective and simple-to-quote Versa SASE solution rather than stitching together multiple vendors to achieve a single SASE solution. Versa SASE runs on VOS, which is designed with the Versa Single-Pass Parallel Processing architecture combining extensive security, advanced networking, industry leading SD-WAN, genuine multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics into one software image. This integration and design methodology dramatically decreases latency, significantly improves performance, and mitigates security vulnerabilities which other solutions introduce by running multiple software stacks, service chains, or appliances. About MEF An industry association of 200 member companies, MEF is driving development of a global federation of network, cloud, and technology providers supporting dynamic, assured, and certified network services that power enterprise digital transformation. MEF 3.0 services are designed to provide an on-demand, cloud-centric experience with user- and application-directed control over network resources and service capabilities. MEF 3.0 services are delivered over automated, virtualized, and interconnected networks powered by LSO, SDN, and NFV. MEF produces service standards, LSO frameworks, LSO APIs, MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Showcases, and certification programs for services, technologies, and professionals. MEF 3.0 work will enable automated delivery of standardized Carrier Ethernet, Optical Transport, IP, SD-WAN, SASE, and other Layer 4-7 services across multiple provider networks. For more information: see https://www.MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) and Twitter @MEF_Forum. About Versa Networks Versa Networks, the leader in SASE, combines extensive security, advanced networking, industry leading SD-WAN, genuine multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both to meet SASE requirements for small to extremely large enterprises and Service Providers. Versa SASE is available on-premises, hosted through Versa-powered Service Providers, cloud-delivered, and via the simplified Versa Titan cloud service designed for Lean IT. Thousands of customers globally with hundreds of thousands of sites trust Versa with their networks, security, and clouds. Versa Networks is privately held and funded by Sequoia Capital (News - Alert) , Mayfield, Artis Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Liberty Global Ventures, Princeville Global Fund and RPS Ventures. For more information, visit https://www.versa-networks.com or follow Versa Networks on Twitter @versanetworks. Versa Networks, VOS, the Versa logo, and Versa Titan are or may be registered trademarks of Versa Networks, Inc. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005282/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Actor Rajkummar Rao penned an emotional post remembering his mother on her fifth death anniversary on Wednesday (March 10). Rajkummar shared an emotional post along with a throwback image of him sitting beside his mother. He wrote on Instagram, Its been 5 years, Maa, since you left us, but, there has not even been a single day since, wherein, I havent felt your presence. Nothing in this world would have been possible for me without your blessings and I know your blessings are still there with me. Mothers are the best and there is nothing in this world more valuable than a mother. I see you in every mother out there. He added, Mujhe pata hai aap jahan bhi hain, khush hain aur papa aur aap milkar khoob baatein karte honge aur apna aashirwaad humein dete rehte honge. I'll always try and make you proud Mummy ji. Thank you, for teaching me the two valuable lessons- 1) Compassion 2)Too always have faith despite the unfriendly circumstances. I am proud to be your son ." This is what the Badhaai Do actor posted: Rajkummar lost his mother in March 2016. As per reports, the actor was shooting for his film Newton at the time. He lost his father Satyapal Yadav in September 2019. On the work front, Rajkummar is geared up for the release of his upcoming horror comedy Roohi on March 11. The movie also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma in prominent roles. He also has Bhumi Pednekar starrer Badhaai Do in the pipeline. Turkey lashed out at Iraqs Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Wednesday over its plans to print a commemorative stamp to mark Pope Francis March 7 visit to Erbil, the last leg of his historic tour of Iraq. Ankara went bananas because the stamp featured a map of Iraqi Kurdistan that included chunks of Turkeys Kurdish-dominated southeast provinces with the pontiffs profile partially covering it. Certain presumptuous authorities in the KRG dared to abuse the [popes visit] to express their unrealistic aspirations against the territorial integrity of Iraqs neighboring countries. KRG authorities are in the best position to remember the disappointing outcomes of such deceitful aims, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, demanding that KRG officials immediately rectify the mistake. Ankara was referring to the Iraqi Kurds 2017 referendum on independence, which drew fierce reactions from Baghdad, Turkey and Iran and led to the Kurds losing control of Kirkuk when Iraqi troops drove out their peshmerga forces from the oil-rich province. Images of the stamp provoked a barrage of racist commentary on Turkish Twitter. Those who dream of Kurdistan will end up in Kabristan, read a top trending tweet. "Kabristan" means graveyard in Turkish. Iraqi Kurdish officials briefing Al-Monitor said no decision had been reached yet as to which stamp among a number of competing entries would be chosen to commemorate Pope Francis visit. It clearly wont be the one with the map because the KRG cannot risk further Turkish ire. Iraqi Kurdistans main source of income, oil, is exported through a pipeline running to loading terminals on Turkeys southern Mediterranean shores. As the winter snows melt, likely further Turkish military incursions loom. Ankaras shrill reaction is rooted in the Kurds ever elusive dreams of establishing an independent Kurdish state carved out of large chunks of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. The popes visit to Erbil was the first ever by a Catholic pope to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, where he held mass in a packed stadium and conferred with Kurdish leaders whom he thanked for their support for Christians and fight against the Islamic State. The trip has apparently added a further layer of conspiracy-laced paranoia about purported Western backing for Kurdish independence. I thank the dear Kurdish people for their warm welcome, the Pontifex said in a March 10 tweet. The response to war is not another war. The response to weapons is not other weapons. The response is fraternity. This is the challenge not only for Iraq. It is the challenge for many regions in conflict and, ultimately, for the entire world. #Peace #GeneralAudience Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 10, 2021 The pope superimposed over a map of Kurdistan? This has the makings of the perfect conspiracy. I am just surprised its not an even bigger deal, observed Nicholas Danforth, a senior research fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy who also blogs about historical maps. Maps have been a sore point in Turkey ever since the 1920 Treaty of Sevres, which saw the World War I allies cede large bits of the Ottoman Empire to France, Britain, Greece and Italy and foresaw the establishment of an independent Armenia and eventually Kurdistan. The Treaty of Lausanne was signed in 1923 after modern Turkeys founder Kemal Ataturk liberated Anatolia from allied occupation, but Turkish jitters about foreign plots to dismember present-day Turkey have not subsided. It hasnt helped that the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been fighting Turkey since 1984 initially for Kurdish independence and now some form of autonomy, is based in Iraqi Kurdistan or that its Syrian arm is partnered with the United States. However, Given Ankaras sensitivity to this, Ankara should also understand why the increasing prominence of irredentist maps in the Turkish media has caused alarm and ill will among Turkeys neighbors, Danforth said. Metin Kulunk, a senior AKP official, caused just this kind of stir when he shared a map of Turkey on Twitter that included large portions of Bulgaria, Greece, Syria, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in its borders. 9. Bizi Anadolu'dan ckaracaklarn zannedenlerin torunlar bugun bizi Akdeniz'den ckarmaya calsyorlar. Bir yenilgi de Akdeniz de alacaklarna hic supheniz olmasn. #MalazgirtZaferi ruhu diridir. Turkiye devleti ve milleti ile bu ruhun geregini her alanda yerine getirmektedir. pic.twitter.com/zzyPSeuD3B Metin KULUNK (@mkulunk) August 26, 2020 Turkey has historical claims on Mosul that are periodically revived. It's threatening to annex northern Cyprus and seize Kastellorizo, a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has several thousand troops based across Iraqi Kurdistan to fight the PKK and routinely rains bombs on the region, causing civilian deaths. And while Ankara grumbles about aspirational Kurdish stamps, its military presence in large areas of northern Syria has all the trappings of a colonial occupation with newly built post offices and schools where Turkish is taught and giant portraits of Erdogan hang. A medical staff injects Covid-19 vaccine into a person in Hai Duong Province, northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress. Vietnam confirmed one domestic transmission in the northern pandemic hotspot of Hai Duong and two imported Covid-19 cases Wednesday. "Patient 2528" was had been quarantined in Hai Duong since March 8 via contact tracing. "Patient 2527" is a 31-year-old Vietnamese woman from the northern province of Dien Bien. She arrived March 7 in Ho Chi Minh City from Dubai, transiting in Singapore. She was quarantined upon arrival. "Patient 2529" is a 55-year-old expert from the Philippines who arrived in February 24 in HCMC and was quarantined in the southern province of Long An. The country has recorded 895 local cases since January 28 in 13 localities led by Hai Duong (711), Quang Ninh (61), HCMC (36) and Hanoi (35). The national Covid-19 tally stands at 2,529 with 2,004 recoveries and 35 deaths. Among the active patients, 208 have tested negative for the virus at least once. Vietnam has vaccinated 522 people since March 8. Five of them are hospitalized after developing complications such as anaphylaxis, diarrhea, allergies and low pulse pressure. Covid-19 has claimed 2.6 million lives globally. NEW DELHI: The festival of Maha Shivratri, also called the "the Great Night of Shiva" marks the celebration of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati's marriage ceremony. The festival is celebrated each year on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu month Phalguna. This year Mahashivratri will be celebrated on March 11. Preparations for the celebration are already in full swing and most of the Shiva-Parvati temples are decked up beautifully. Maha Shivratri is celebrated in varied ways across the length and breadth of the country. This time of the year is believed by devout Hindus to be the time when the celestial power descends on the earth to enlighten ignorant souls seeking refuge in his compassionate arms. Maha Shivaratri is in reverence of the supreme-most of the Hindu Trinity - Lord Shiva. Shiva is considered the personification of manhood and most Hindu women desire to have a husband like him. The Lord first took manifestation in the form of a linga on the night of Aridra Nakshatra and hence the significance of the Maha Shivaratri. There are as many as 12 Jyotirlingas in India that are symbolic of the 'radiance of Lord Shiva' (Jyoti meaning radiance and Linga part of Shiva). Heres taking a look at the famous 12 Jyotirlingas in India that one can worship in his/her lifetime: Somnath Considered to be the holiest of all the Jyotirlingas, the Somnath Temple in Gujarat is traditionally the first to be visited during the Dwadash pilgrimage. The temple is believed to have been destroyed and re-constructed 16 times since Soma or Moon God built in gold. Mallikarjuna Situated on the top of a mountain on river Krishna, Mallikarjuna, also known as Srisaila is the divine place where Adi Shankaracharya composed Sivananda Lahiri. Located in the Kurnool district of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Srisaila is famous for its stupendous archaeology. Mahakaleshwar Situated in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), the Mahakal Shivlinga is the sole Swayanbhu (meaning self-created) linga of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The linga faces towards the south and is the only temple that hosts the Shree Yantra inscribed on the ceiling above the Grabhagriha. Omkareshwar Situated on the island called Mandhata or Shivpuri on river Narmada, Omkareshwar is famous for its Omkara and Amareshwar temples. The shape of the island is believed to resemble the sign OM. Kedarnath The Garhwal Himalayan range in Uttarakhand is home to one of the most famous Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath. Situated near the Mandakini River, the temple is often snow-clad. Access to the temple is possible only by foot owing to its rugged terrain and harsh climatic condition. Bhimashankar Most people believe that Bhimashankar linga is located near Pune in Maharashtra. However, a debate looms over the original Bhimashankar linga as different legends cite varied locations of the linga. According to the Shiva Purana, the Bhimshankar temple near Guwahati in the eastern Indian state of Assam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. But the Linga Puran says that the Bhim Shankar temple in Bhimpur in Orissa is one of the 12 shrines. Kashi Vishwanath The most sacred of all the Jyotirlingas, the Kashi Vishwanath is located on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benaras. The deity is referred to as Vishwanatha or the Ruler of the Universe. The town of Benaras is believed to be the oldest living city with a documented history spanning over 3500 years. Trimbakeshwar Located on the banks of the Godavari River near Nasik in Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar is known for its three-headed linga that represents the Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The linga has been reducing in size owing to the excessive use of water. But the erosion of the linga is considered symbolic for it reflects the wearing away of life with time. Vaidyanath or Baidyanath The exact location of the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is also debated as some believe that the one in Jharkhand is the original one while another school of thought believes that the Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh is one of the 12 sacred Lingas. The Parli Vaijyanath in Maharashtra also claims to be one of the Jyotirlingas. Nageshwara The state of Gujarat is home to another Jyotirlinga, the Nageshwar linga. However, the states of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra are in dispute over claiming a spot in the 12 Jyotirlingas. But according to the Shiva Purana, Nageshvara is in the forested area of Darukavana. The Deodar forest in Uttarkhand homes the Darukavana and since there is no trace of the forest in the Dwaraka region (Gujarat). But the popular perception seems to be Gujarat. Ramanathaswamy in Rameshwaram The southernmost temple that homes one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is known as Rameshwaram. Lord Rama is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon him off the sins (if any) committed by him during the war against Ravan. The temple is also one of the four holy sites that a Hindu visits during his lifetime. Grishneshwar Situated near the Ellora temples in Aurangabad, the Grishneshwar linga has an interesting legend. Lord Shiva helped a mother get back her dead son by creating a miracle and appearing to her and the villagers as Jyotirlinga Gushmeshwar. Here's wishing our readers a very Happy Maha Shivratri! SPRINGFIELD An estimated 625,000 children in Illinois struggle with food insecurity, with the pandemic driving record-high demand at food banks. As National School Breakfast Week is observed March 8-12, the Illinois Association of School Business Officials is highlighting the importance proper nutrition plays in preparing students to learn. Breakfast is particularly significant, with studies linking a healthy breakfast to better performance in math, reading, attendance and test-taking. For many students, especially minority students and those from low-income communities, meals provided at school are often their only source of reliable nutrition. When the pandemic disrupted the daily school schedule, it left the most vulnerable students unsure where they could turn for nutritious meals. School districts across Illinois quickly pivoted, partnering with food service providers to find creative solutions to ensure no student went hungry. This includes: Establishing Grab N Go meal options, where families could safely pick-up meals at distribution points throughout their community Providing curbside pick-up of meals at schools throughout the community Deploying buses throughout school districts, which were clearly labeled as a pickup point for healthy meals Hand delivering meals to students at home, ensuring transportation was not a barrier to nutrition Providing take home sack lunches and breakfasts for students in hybrid learning programs The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities that make it more difficult for low-income and minority students to succeed in school. Thats why it was so important to find solutions that ensure all students have access to nutritious meals in order to learn and thrive, regardless of race or income, said Michael A. Jacoby, Executive Director and CEO of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. Every student deserves an equal shot of success and hunger should not stand in the way. While more students are returning to the classroom, the pandemic underscores the important role school districts and food service providers play in creating equitable outcomes for students. Schools districts and food service providers remain committed to working with policy makers to ensure best outcomes for all students. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is unlikely to embark on any overseas roadshows this year to meet foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in the backdrop of the surge in variants that has made it difficult to resume normal life in several countries. The regulator typically meets overseas investors in the US and UK in the first half of a financial year, and had opted for a virtual meet last year too. "Given that there are still restrictions in several countries on how many people can come together, might find it more prudent to address the investors virtually," said a person familiar with the matter. Europe, for instance, is using longer, stricter lockdowns to fight variants, according to reports. Regulations pertaining to foreign investment in instruments such as Reits and Invits could be one of the focal points of discussion this year, the person said. Tweaks in regulations on the debt side is also likely to be discussed. FPIs have put in $23.2 billion into Indian equities in 2020 and another $6 billion this year. The pro-growth Union Budget, which guided for a 28 per cent increase in government expenditure, balanced by divestment and monetization of public sector enterprises, coupled with easy liquidity globally led FPIs to increase purchases in the last few weeks. "We look for earnings per share to grow on average over 25 per cent over the next 3 years. It would be unprecedented for the stock market to fall in an environment of such strong growth. We change our stance on India from market-weight to overweight and see 15 per cent upside from current levels with a Sensex price target of 58,450," foreign brokerage Julius Baer said in a recent note. ALSO READ: Sebi limits MF investments in debt instruments with special features The brokerage has cautioned that the earnings recovery forecast by analysts needs to be sustained, in order to justify current market levels. India has had a hard time in attracting investments in debt, however. FPIs have pulled out $13.8 billion and $2.2 billion from the debt market in 2020 and 2021, respectively. "We are doing all we can to attract investment into debt, especially considering India's fiscal deficit situation. The government has been liberalising foreign investment route in debt over the last few years, and will try to hardsell India debt to foreign investors," said another person who deals with FPIs. Last year, for instance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a separate channel, namely Fully Accessible Route (FAR), to enable non-residents to invest in specified government bonds. Under this route, eligible investors can invest in specified government securities without being subject to any investment ceilings. "The government has embarked on pro-growth fiscal policies, which may lead to a faster and prolonged economic recovery if executed well. While the all-round optimism is warranted, especially after the Union Budget, the economy needs support from the RBI in absorbing the massive borrowing program by the government to control yields and avoid an adverse impact on rate-sensitive sectors," said brokerage Credit Suisse. Cambridge Consultants developed the ground-breaking optics technology powering Ellume's FDA authorized COVID-19 Home Test CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom and BRISBANE, Australia, March 10, 2021, part of the Capgemini Group. Together, the two companies have developed a next-generation, multi-component reader that combines optics, electronics and software, and powers the core technology behind the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test. Ellume's test is the first rapid self-test for COVID-19 detection granted Emergency Authorization Use by the U.S. FDA for both asymptomatic and symptomatic use without a prescription. In February, Ellume announced a $231.8 million agreement with the U.S. government , including the delivery of 8.5 million Ellume COVID-19 Home Tests to support the U.S. government's pandemic response and the establishment of Ellume's first U.S. manufacturing facility. The success of this test can be attributed in large part to the several years of work from the global, multidisciplinary team at Cambridge Consultants to create an ultrasensitive, optoelectronic detection system that is used across all of Ellume's diagnostics products. This technology includes a sensitive, but inexpensive reader to detect and interpret the near-infrared photons emitted from a quantum dot captured at the test zones of a lateral flow test strip. The reader, coupled with Ellume's supercharged fluorescent immunochromatography, delivers world-leading specificity and sensitivity. "The Cambridge Consultants team's dedicated work and novel approach helped us to create a highly accurate and quantitative digital immunoassay that is also affordable, robust and simple to use - the crucial elements at the heart of successful at-home testing," said Dr. Sean Parsons, CEO and founder of Ellume. "At-home, rapid testing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months. Without Cambridge Consultants and their continued partnership over the years, we wouldn't have been able to achieve technical success." "Dr. Parsons came to us with a big challenge and a strong vision that together, we faced head on. At the time, we never knew the impact it would have on the COVID-19 epidemic," said Nick Hawson, Senior Vice President for MedTech (US West) at Cambridge Consultants. "We've created a strong, long-lasting partnership with Ellume rooted in collaboration and innovation, and we hope we continue to find ways to use this technology in digital diagnostics and continue our impact on global health." The impact of this technology extends beyond the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, and even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the same core technology that Cambridge Consultants helped develop, Ellume has created two other COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the past year - the QIAREACH COVID-19 antigen and antibody tests for the laboratory market and ellumelab COVID-19 serology and antigen tests for healthcare professionals (to be launched later in 2021). The company has also leveraged the core sensing breakthrough in its core technology for its rapid home flu test and diagnostic assay for tuberculosis. Not only are rapid tests like Ellume's integral to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but they could also play a critical role in tackling future pandemics and other infectious diseases across the globe. About Cambridge Consultants Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology-critical issues for clients worldwide. For more than 60 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of more than 900 staff, including engineers, scientists, mathematicians and designers, in offices in Cambridge Cambridge Consultants is part of Capgemini Invent, the innovation, consulting and transformation brand of the Capgemini Group. Capgemini Invent helps CxOs envision and build what's next for their organisations. Located in more than 30 offices and 25 creative studios around the world, its 7,000+ strong team combines strategy, technology, data science and creative design with deep industry expertise and insights, to develop new digital solutions and business models of the future. Capgemini Invent is an integral part of Capgemini, a global leader in partnering with companies to transform and manage their business by harnessing the power of technology. The Group is guided everyday by its purpose of unleashing human energy through technology for an inclusive and sustainable future. It is a responsible and diverse organisation of 270,000 team members in nearly 50 countries. With its strong 50 year heritage and deep industry expertise, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to address the entire breadth of their business needs, from strategy and design to operations, fueled by the fast evolving and innovative world of cloud, data, AI, connectivity, software, digital engineering and platforms. The Group reported in 2020 global revenues of 16 billion. Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com About Ellume Ellume is at the forefront of accurate, rapid and accessible testing that is integral to today's COVID-19 response and will help ensure the world is prepared for the next infectious disease pandemic. Ellume is a digital diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-performance, connected products for healthcare professionals and consumers. Ellume's key focus is on the detection of common infectious diseases which affect the global population across all diagnostic settings; at-home, point-of-care and in-laboratory. Ellume's suite of products differ from conventional diagnostics through performance, digital connectivity, actionability and simplicity. Its novel detection technology is powered by unique quantum dot nanoparticles and integrates optics, electronics, biologics and software into an intuitive and high-performance digital platform. Ellume has a global consumer health partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, a global COVID-19 and latent TB partnership with QIAGEN, and a range of professional products under its ellumelab brand. Ellume is committed to developing high-quality digital diagnostics that the world can rely on in a health crisis. Further information can be found at ellumehealth.com. Media Inquiries For UK Ketchum for Cambridge Consultants E:CambridgeConsultants@ketchum.com For U.S. For Australian LaunchSquad for Ellume E: ellume@launchsquad.com (mailto:ellume@launchsquad.com) M: +1 570 417 3644 Patrick Condren, Ellume E: Patrick.condren@ellumehealth.com (mailto:Patrick.condren@ellumehealth.com) M: +61 405 186 630 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40fdc492-b89d-493d-872b-b89d57cae1db https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0fe9d36-a53b-453a-a068-ef24f487165e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/584c2a14-2ee2-4cb9-9b0b-050ed57f8cb0 Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Air Travel Between U.S. and Mexico Continues to Rise Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's most popular destinations because of its world-class infrastructure and authentic Mexican feeling, is preparing for the arrival of this year's Spring Breakers. Plane trips were up 19 percent already in the month of March compared to all of February, according to the The increased number of arrivals and departures compared to the month of February could be due to a loosening of restrictions, more pent-up demand being acted on, the vaccinations and the Or a combination thereof. After a decrease in the number of flights at the beginning of 2021, the Licenciado Gustavo DAaz Ordaz International Airport - which serves Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit - recorded a positive day in March, with 359 weekly arrivals and a projection of more than 1,400 arrivals for the entire month. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport expects more than 1,400 flights to arrive in March. Data provided by Grupo Aeroportuario del PacAfico (GAP) indicates that despite the cancellation of flights from Canada to this region since Sunday, January 31, air connectivity with Mexico and the United States continues to improve, with a 19 percent increase in the number of arrivals and departures with respect to February. That should be further bolstered when Frontier Airlines resumes operations this month, with two weekly frequencies on its flight from Denver. American is increasing its frequencies to more than double on three of its routes: Phoenix, Los Angeles and Chicago, although there is a decrease of two frequencies on the flight from Dallas, for a total of 71 arrivals per week. Other airlines that increased their frequencies include United, with 28 more frequencies compared to February; as well as Southwest, which starts flights from Denver, and Santa Ana with four frequencies per week each. "In addition to reinforcing connectivity with the United States, these flights to the region demonstrate the Original article Air travel between the U.S. and Mexico continues to rise, despite the pandemic and despite the cancellation of flights from Canada since Jan. 31.Plane trips were up 19 percent already in the month of March compared to all of February, according to the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. The increased number of arrivals and departures compared to the month of February could be due to a loosening of restrictions, more pent-up demand being acted on, the vaccinations and the 2021 spring break season. Or a combination thereof.After a decrease in the number of flights at the beginning of 2021, the Licenciado Gustavo DAaz Ordaz International Airport - which serves Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit - recorded a positive day in March, with 359 weekly arrivals and a projection of more than 1,400 arrivals for the entire month.Data provided by Grupo Aeroportuario del PacAfico (GAP) indicates that despite the cancellation of flights from Canada to this region since Sunday, January 31, air connectivity with Mexico and the United States continues to improve, with a 19 percent increase in the number of arrivals and departures with respect to February.That should be further bolstered when Frontier Airlines resumes operations this month, with two weekly frequencies on its flight from Denver.American is increasing its frequencies to more than double on three of its routes: Phoenix, Los Angeles and Chicago, although there is a decrease of two frequencies on the flight from Dallas, for a total of 71 arrivals per week.Other airlines that increased their frequencies include United, with 28 more frequencies compared to February; as well as Southwest, which starts flights from Denver, and Santa Ana with four frequencies per week each."In addition to reinforcing connectivity with the United States, these flights to the region demonstrate the confidence that travelers have in our tourist destination," said Marc Murphy, managing director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). "We're in constant communication on behalf of the CVB both with the airlines and the Grupo Aeroportuario del PacAfico for the purpose of sharing information related to the health prevention actions implemented in the destination." Passengers were delighted to take the first flight to Van Don International Airport after a month of halted operations Leading airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways are increasing the number of new flights and hot deals for their traditional routes around the country along with efforts to apply early COVID-19 vaccines for their pilots and crews. National air carrier Vietnam Airlines was the first one to apply for priority to administer vaccines for air crews and ground staff of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco. Bamboo Airways then also applied in documents to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) for their air crews to be injected in the first stage. Although aviation personnel are also on the list of priority vaccinations, airline teams will currently have to wait until the third quarter. Responding to the tough situation, airlines are eager and ready to pay for early vaccine doses for their staff. We identify that pilot and crew are the frontline forces to serve both domestic and international flights so its essential to keep safe for them and their passengers, shared a Vietnam Airlines representative. So far, the government is deemed the only authority over vaccine ordering and allocation. If businesses are allowed to buy proactively, I think that not only Vietnam Airlines but many businesses will be willing to pay, he added. According to Nguyen Ngoc Trong, deputy general director of Bamboo Airways, besides waiting for the state, the airline is also ready to pay for vaccines for all employees. However the process and sources to buy is to be approved by the Ministry of Health, and are not decisions for any individual or business. Outside the country, some international groups including Etihad, and Singapore Airlines and its sisters SilkAir and Scoot advertised their first flights with 100-per-cent of pilots and crews injected with COVID-19 vaccines as a marketing tool to attract travellers to fly with them. Warming up the skies On March 1, the CAAV appealed to the Ministry of Transport to reopen Van Don International Airport in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh after being closed for a month, taking into consideration the successful attempt to contain COVID-19 in the province. After the Van Don airport reopened on March 3, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet were the first airlines to put on flights from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport in 2021. The resumed routes are expected to meet the domestic passenger travel demand as well as receive repatriation flights for Vietnamese citizens and foreign specialists to enter Vietnam to work. Vietnam Airlines will offer a frequency of one flight per week every Wednesday from March 3 to 17 and three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from March 18 until the end of the year. According to Dinh Viet Phuong, Vietjet managing director, Van Don International Airport would quickly return to its bustle. We are committed to do our best to bring people and tourists back to Van Don and Quang Ninh in general in the safest way possible. Vietjet is ready for all means of safety in preventing the pandemic to resume domestic and international flight routes, Phuong said. Vietjet was recently certified with seven stars, the worlds highest rating for COVID-19 compliance for global airlines, by AirlineRatings. The list also named other renowned airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Delta, Lufthansa, and others. Domestic highlights According to the latest statistics provided by Schedules Analyzer and listed by the global travel data provider OAG, Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route is ranked second among the worlds top 10 busiest domestic routes for March with a total of nearly 978,000 seats, just after Jeju-Seoul Gimpo route. Nine of the worlds busiest domestic routes are in Asia. OAG also rated Vietnams aviation market ninth in terms of the 20 leading aviation markets in the world for the first two months this year. As stated in the report of the CAAV, from January 1 to February 18, Vietnamese airlines provided almost 21,000 flights, with the highest peak of 1.5 million passengers per week. Vietnam Airlines consisted of 6,725 flights, Vietjet 7,881 flights, Bamboo Airways 4,008, Jetstar Pacific 1,640, VASCO at 518 flights, and Vietravel Airlines with 172 flights. At last months webinar on aviation, it was noted that Vietnam was ranked in the top five countries which have added the most airline capacity between 2010 and 2019, according to Boeings 2020 Commercial Market Outlook. Darren Hulst, Boeings vice president of Commercial Marketing said, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are the markets that most contribute to growth in the global aviation market. They are also places with more room for expansion because of the emerging middle class, which could be 60 million new passengers in the next 15 years. Hulst also considered Vietnam as the fastest-growing market in terms of growth of air travel in the region with the advantage of a strong domestic market and the recent control of the pandemic. Along with imported vaccines and Vietnamese-made vaccines gaining traction, it is being deemed an ideal time for the countrys airlines to shift and upgrade their services to prepare good infrastructure to welcome new flocks of domestic travellers as well as getting ready for the opening of international skies. Close Joe Biden says hell run for a second term in 2024 On the 65th day of his presidency, Joe Biden held his first formal press conference since entering the White House on 20 January. In the hour-long Q&A, Biden courted controversy on migration at the Mexico border, the US relationship with China, and the potential to face off against Trump in 2024 in a rematch that see two oldest presidential candidates in US history (Biden 82 v Trump 78). Of the 15 presidents of the past 100 years, all but for Biden have held a press conference within 33 days of being sworn into office. Donald Trump did it 27 days in, while Barack Obama outdid Trump by a week at 20 days. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg dismissed the company's role in polarising the US, blaming the "political and media environment" for promoting extremism and misinformation. His opening statement in the Senate big tech hearing came after a cutout of the Facebook boss dressed as the QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley appeared on Capitol Hill before Congress began grilling the social media platforms. Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary to Mr Trump, has meanwhile appeared on Fox News to claim Joe Biden is in badly declining health and is concealing his condition behind a Covid face mask, a baseless smear intended to undermine his first press conference as president, where questions on immigration, the coronavirus vaccine rollout, infrastructure and gun control are likely to be forthcoming. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is also already facing criticism from Republicans Ted Cruz and Doug Ducey, Arizonas governor, after being appointed to lead the countrys response to the latest surge in asylum seekers arriving at the US border with Mexico as the administration struggles to find temporary housing for hundreds of unaccompanied children. Read more: During a March 2 news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden claimed that former President Donald Trumps administration did not ensure there would be enough vaccines for the American public. When I came into office, the prior administration had contracted for not nearly enough vaccine to cover adults in America, said Biden. We rectified that. Biden then announced he was using the Defense Production Act to facilitate a partnership between two competing drug companies: Merck had agreed to help manufacture the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The move, he said, would accelerate the timeline for the availability of vaccines: Were now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May, he said, two months earlier than he had previously projected. Its been a common political message since the Biden administration took office that the initial vaccine rollout under Trump was chaotic. PolitiFact previously rated a claim by Bidens chief of staff, Ron Klain, that the Trump administration left no vaccine plan behind as Mostly False. So, we thought it was important to check whether Biden was going too far in alleging that the Trump administration hadnt contracted for enough vaccines to cover the American public. Lets see what the contracts, which are public documents, say. The Operation Warp Speed contracts and FDAs process As part of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration entered into contracts with multiple drugmakers. The contracts were generally signed while potential vaccines were still in clinical trials. Experts told us this was smart because the Trump administration didnt know which vaccines from which drugmakers would work, how effective they would be or how quickly they could be produced. That was the whole approach of Operation Warp Speed, said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Not knowing which one would cross the finish line, the Trump administration took a portfolio approach and invested in multiple vaccines. Heres what the Trump teams contracts called for drugmakers to supply to the U.S. government: Pfizer-BioNTech: 100 million doses (two-dose regimen) Moderna: 100 million doses (two-dose regimen) Johnson & Johnson: 100 million doses (one-dose regimen) AstraZeneca: 300 million doses (two-dose regimen) Novavax: 100 million doses (two-dose regimen) Sanofi-GlaxoSmithKline: 100 million doses (one- or two-dose regimen) In all, the amounts agreed to under these contracts total about 800 million vaccine doses, or enough for more than 400 million people. The U.S., based on U.S. Census estimates, has around 328 million people, of whom about 255 million are 18 or older. (Vaccines are not yet authorized for children.) So, it appears that the Trump administrations contracts with drugmakers did cover enough doses to vaccinate the entire U.S. adult population and then some. By that measure, Bidens statement is inaccurate. An important point to remember, though, is that these contract numbers dont necessarily represent deliverable vaccines. The contracts represent early promises. There were still important hurdles to be cleared before these possible vaccine candidates could be a reality. Kevin Gilligan, a senior consultant with Biologics Consulting, a firm focused on pharmaceuticals, said that once drugmakers develop a vaccine they must test it through clinical trials with humans and amass enough data to show the vaccines are safe and effective and cause minimal side effects. The data is then presented to the Food and Drug Administration, which decides whether the vaccine should be authorized for emergency use. Granting an emergency use authorization means the vaccine can then be distributed to the public. Until recently, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were the only two that had reached that point, gaining authorization on Dec. 11 and 18 respectively. The Trump administration announced Dec. 23 that it would buy an additional 200 million doses in total of both companies vaccines. A caveat worth noting: The real numbers were lower A Biden administration press official told KHN that the president was referring only to orders for the authorized vaccines: When the Trump administration was in office, there were only two approved vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and the Trump administration had not contracted for enough of them to vaccinate all Americans. They only had 400 million doses of these authorized vaccines, which is only enough for 200 million Americans. Upon coming into office, one of our first steps was to ensure that we had enough supply secured for every American. We were prepared from Day One. On this point, the Biden White House is correct. The U.S. government had in place agreements to buy 400 million doses of the authorized vaccines, which were both two-dose vaccines not enough for the entire U.S. adult population. Its also true that five days after Biden became president, he announced his administration had reached agreements with Moderna and Pfizer to buy a combined additional 200 million doses. That purchase was finalized on Feb. 11 and brought the total U.S. supply to 600 million, or enough to vaccinate 300 million people. In addition, on Feb. 27, Johnson & Johnsons vaccine was authorized for emergency use. Under the Operation Warp Speed contract, J&J is supposed to provide 100 million doses to the U.S. by the end of May, but the company is reportedly behind on production. The Biden administrations move to get J&J to team up with Merck to achieve its production goal will increase vaccine supply. But, is it fair for Biden to blame the Trump administration for not buying more of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines once they became authorized for emergency use? The answer to that isnt clear-cut, said the experts. Its not totally fair to say the prior administration didnt purchase enough, since they did move to purchase more doses after the vaccine was authorized, said Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director of global health and HIV policy at KFF. I think the question is should they have purchased it earlier? The New York Times reported on Dec. 7 that before Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine was shown to be highly effective in clinical trials, the company had offered the U.S. government the option to buy additional doses, but the Trump administration declined. Former Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar disputed the news report, saying during a TV interview that Pfizer hadnt agreed to a production amount or delivery time for the additional vaccine, so he couldnt agree to the deal: Im certainly not going to sign a deal with Pfizer giving them $10 billion to buy vaccine that they could deliver to us five, 10 years hence. That doesnt make any sense. James Love, director of Knowledge Ecology International, a nongovernmental organization that obtained copies of COVID-19 government contracts, agreed that once it was clear the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were likely to receive FDA authorization, the Trump administration could have taken action to make competing drug companies increase their vaccine manufacturing capacity in the way Biden did with Merck and J&J. The U.S. could have forced technology transfer between companies, which meant they would have been assured of additional vaccine manufacturing capacity, said Love. The agreements we have now about scaling manufacturing are coming pretty late actually. It takes several months to get stuff up and running. But Gilligan noted that the Biden administration had the advantage of hindsight. Biden inherited the success of vaccine development done under Trump and then expanded on it, said Gilligan. And the Biden administration has the benefit of looking back at what was done well and what wasnt and making the appropriate corrective changes. Hindsight is 20/20. Overall, there are questions around whether the Trump administration could have acted more quickly to buy doses or increase vaccine manufacturing capacity. And the Biden administration has certainly taken significant measures to expand supplies. But its stretching the truth to say the Trump administration hadnt contracted for enough COVID-19 vaccines to inoculate the U.S. adult population. Our ruling Biden said the Trump administration had contracted for not nearly enough vaccine to cover adults in America. While Trump was still in office, his administration had agreements in place to buy 400 million doses of authorized vaccine, or enough to inoculate about 200 million people. That wouldnt cover the U.S. adult population. However, KHN-PolitiFact reviewed the Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed contracts and found those included enough vaccine doses that, once cleared for use by the FDA, would inoculate about 550 million people more than double the U.S. adult population. Bidens statement contains an element of truth but ignores facts that would give a different impression. We rate this claim Mostly False. Victoria Knight of Kaiser Health News wrote this story. (Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. This story was produced in partnership with PolitiFact.) 2021 Kaiser Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Mother Lodes new Senator for District 8, Andreas Borgeas View Photo Sacramento, CA Senate Bill 462, introduced by Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno)was approved by the Senate Governmental Organization Committee today. The bill would allow the state of California to share 100 percent of total eligible costs related to the Creek Fire. The Creek Fire is currently the largest single wildfire in California history that burned approximately 379,895 acres of forest land in Fresno and Madera Counties between September 4th, 2020 to December 24th, 2020. The U.S. Forrest Service estimates the total cost to fight the fire, including property damage, will total nearly a half-billion dollars. Aside from the financial burden, the emotional toll of the communities is also quite substantial. Senator Andreas Borgeas explains I have personally witnessed the damaged areas and listened to heartbreaking stories from people who lost their homes and businesses to the Creek Fire, said Senator Borgeas. The people of Fresno and Madera Counties deserve assistance from the state of California to help them rebuild their lives and continue post-fire recovery efforts. The California Professional Firefighters Association and the California State Association of Counties are in support of the bill. For more information on the Creek Fire click here Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Scammer Impersonates Deputy, Threatens Arrest By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - The McCracken County Sheriffs Office says on Wednesday deputies learned about a scam that involved using the name of a Sheriffs Office detective.The victim told detectives she had been contacted by someone with the phone number 270-220-9698 and was told by the caller that he was a detective. He told her she had a warrant and that she needed to pay money via money order in order to satisfy the warrant requirements.The victim obtained money orders and sent them to the caller. Detectives say they are working to stop the delivery of the money orders.The department reminds everyone that no law enforcement agency will accept payment in lieu of an arrest warrant and will not contact anyone by phone asking for money. After half a million of our fellow Americans have died to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country seems almost right on the verge of hope. Vaccines were developed with record-setting speed, and have proven both safe and effective. After the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been on the field now for a while, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just authorized a thirdby pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson. This vaccine has made newsboth in terms of the images of trucks headed for parcel distribution hubs for delivery and, less noticed, a denunciation from the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, later joined by the Catholic bishops nationwide, arguing that Catholics, when possible, should take one of the first two vaccines but not the Johnson & Johnson version because, they argue, it is linked to cloned stem cells derived from abortions that took place decades ago. The bishops recommendation was not quite as fiery as many headlines reported. They did not argue that taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was morally sinful or that no one should take it, just that Catholics should choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over Johnson & Johnson, when such a choice is possible. The Vatican has already announced that COVID-19 vaccines are not only morally acceptable but to be commended in the fight against this dread disease. Some have wondered, seeing these headlines, whether taking a COVID-19 vaccine would cause them to be involved, somehow, in abortion or embryonic stem-cell research or in any way the taking of a human life. Asking the Right Questions The intuitions behind this question are good and sound. The question assumes a foundational biblical truth that is often pushed aside in these times: namely, that a Christian may not do evil that good may come out of it (Rom. 12:21). In a day when lesser of two evils ethics and what aboutism have upended Christian witness, with Christians affirming much that they previously denied in order to justify remaining loyal to their temporal tribes, we should be thankful, at least, when the right questions are asked. The issue is the use of cell lines, which were originally derived from abortions, in either the development stage (Moderna and Pfizer) or production stage (Johnson & Johnson) of the vaccines. It is important to note that although the cell lines potentially originated from abortions, no cells remain from the original fetal tissue in these cloned cells, and the cell lines no longer contain fetal tissue or body parts. We should always work to prevent authorization or funding of embryonic research derived from abortionsboth because of reverence for the body and because such research incentivizes further attempts to see vulnerable human life as a means to an end. Thats why Ive worked with coalitions of Roman Catholics and others to do away with such research and, in more recent days, in petitioning the FDA to ensure ethical means of vaccine production. This kind of advocacy has led to several positive developments, such as an unethically-produced polio vaccine being replaced by those without such concerns and the National Institutes of Health approving a new study that will develop ethical cell lines for future use to avoid these ethical conflicts. The Ethics of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Still, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is already developed. Does taking it involve moral cooperation with abortion? Most people asking me this question arent asking me if they should violate their conscientious objection to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. To them, I would turn to Romans 14:23 and say, with the bishops, seek out one of the other vaccines. But most people asking me this question dont have conscience objections to taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but wonder if they should have such objections. Short answer: no. Opposing unethical means of research does not mean that people must shun medical treatments that are discovered through these means. A Few Analogies Consider a few analogies. Catholic philosopher Christopher Tollefsen, making the case for the ethical rightness of taking the vaccine, argues, rightly, that discerning such questions requires asking whether onein doing any actis participating in or cooperating with evil. If we are cooperating in an evil, we cannot do the actno matter the greater good. He argues, though, that, even if a vaccine were to come about through some illicit means, one taking the vaccine is not thereby endorsing or empowering those illicit means. Consider peace between two countries that has been brought about by past unjust means (such as the targeting of civilians or the use of illicit weapons), he writes. Must the peace and its benefits be rejected by current leaders whose responsibilities would be threatened by their loss? The answer is no. We should not do away with our peace treaties with Japan because those treaties were the result, at least in part, of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nor should we say thatbecause the bombing of non-combatants resulted in an end to World War IIwe would be right to use such weapons on future civilian populations. That would not be true either. Or, as evangelical writer Joe Carter argues, a patient receiving an organ transplant from a murder victim would not, in any way, be morally responsible for murder. Withholding the life-saving transplant because of the murder would be itself a wrong. But so would suggesting that, because lives were saved by a morally-wrong murder we should therefore open up murder camps to provide organs for those who need them. That would be an atrocity. Torture is wrong, no matter how many lives are saved by the information yielded from such torture. We should work to end it. That does not mean, though, that a security guard who receives a call that his building is about to be attacked by terrorists needs to investigate whether that information came from torture before he evacuates the building. At the Jordan River, John the Baptist directed against the sins of tax collectors or soldiers of the Roman Empire in defrauding or extorting people (Luke 3:12-14). They could not justify such things by pointing to all the good things that came about from the Empire as a result of taxessuch as the peace between nations or the road system. At the same time, Christians in the Book of Acts, using Roman roads to carry the gospel, would not need to ascertain whether the taxes that paid for a particular road came from a pre- or post-sycamore tree Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Morally Right We shouldas people committed to the dignity and sanctity of human lifecontinue to work to make sure that unjust means are never used, even for good purposes. That does not mean, though, that whenever knowledge is found by such means that we should pretend that we do not know it or that we should refuse to safeguard future lives with such knowledge. Again, I am not suggesting that every vaccine necessarily might involve unethical aspects of research, but simply that, even if some do, that fact does not mean that a Christian inoculated from disease by such a vaccine would be sinning to do so. Taking the COVID vaccine is morally right. The work of our medical experts, the pharmaceutical industry, government authorities, and research institutes is astounding, to have come up with a vaccine so quickly. That does not mean that we would necessarily endorse every step of the process in discovering the knowledge to find it. But it does mean that, when it comes to a way to protect ourselves, our neighbors, and our mission field from a disease that has killed far too many, we are right, in a time of thanksgiving, to give thanks where thanksgiving is due. A version of this first appeared in my weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. This article originally appeared on www.russellmoore.com. Used with permission. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Ridofranz Russell Moore is president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The ERLC is the moral and public policy entity of the nations largest Protestant denomination. New Delhi, March 10 : In a unique way to support protesting farmers in India, cyber criminals have launched a new ransomware attack in the country that does not ask for money but justice for the community, conveying a message that no data will be recovered until the demands of the farmers are met, a new report revealed on Wednesday. The ransomware is designed to target entities connected with farmers' protests in India, with the hacker group titled Khalsa Cyber Fauj reported to be leading this attack in the country. Quick Heal Security Labs, the threat research and response division of global cybersecurity firm Quick Heal Technologies, said it has discovered the ransomware named as "Sarbloh", which is being distributed through malicious word documents via emails, containing a political message supporting the farmers' community. "The latest Sarbloh ransomware that appears to be working in the favour of farmers without any monetary grains is a testimony to their growing attack abilities," said Himanshu Dubey, Director, Quick Heal Security Labs. Surprisingly, threat actors through this new attack technique are infecting user devices by encrypting their files without asking for a ransom, which is usually the key objective of any ransomware. "Khalsa Cyber Fauj is using military-grade encryption on system files to turn them useless," the company mentioned. The news came as apart from intensifying the agitation at Delhi's borders, farmers are now trying to strengthen the stir against the Union farm laws on social media platforms as well. Farmers have been protesting against the various newly enacted Union farm laws since November 26, 2020, at various borders of the national Capital. "Threat actors have constantly demonstrated innovation through their evolving attack strategies. We will continue to analyze the threat environment and deploy safety measures for our users," said Dubey. The company advised users not to download any attachment that comes from unknown emails and messages. "Avoid clicking on unverified links and those found in spam email. Besides, practice backing up the data so that it can be recovered in case of compromise, and keep updating antivirus solutions to stay protected," the company said. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has invited PM Pashinyan, heads of parliamentary groups and Fatherland Salvation Movement (FSM) to hold a meeting at the Presidential Residence on March 13 to discuss the domestic political situation in the country and find mutually acceptable solutions for overcoming the crisis. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Presidents Office, the announcement runs as follows, The political crisis continues in the country, the situation remains tense which can lead to unpredictable and irreversible consequences for our country and statehood. There are numerous problems, and urgent and structural changes are necessary for solving them, including Constitutional and legislative changes. Both the authorities and parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces have expressed their positions several times. But there is no mutual understanding or desire to make a step towards one another. Moreover, calls for intolerance have become more frequent. In the existing conditions my only goal was and remains keeping the country away from shocks and preventing the creation of situations that can lead to unpredictable consequences. Resolving the situation is an urgent imperative stemming from the interest of the state and the people. Guided by national interests, I invite the Prime Minister of the Republic, heads of parliamentary groups and the Fatherland Salvation Movement to meet at the Presidential Residence on March 13 at 12:00 to discuss the existing situation and find mutually acceptable solutions for overcoming the crisis. I reaffirm my confidence that negotiations and dialogue are the only way to settle disputes and disagreements, and the only path for the development of Armenia and Artsakh is the unification of the efforts and capacities of all of us. Chandigarh: Punjab Vigilance Bureau has exposed a big scam worth crores of rupees under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Aushmaan Bharat scheme in which private hospitals have obtained health insurance claims from insurance company named IFFCO TOKIO on the basis of fake bills for treatment of beneficiary patients possessing smart health cards. Contrary to this, the IFFCO TOKIO had rejected hundreds of insurance claims pertaining to government hospitals causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. Disclosing this here today, DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau BK Uppal said on the basis of inputs received from credible sources, it has came to light that several well known private hospitals based in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts have prepared hefty fake bills on the names of smart card holders for their treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme and took insurance claims from IFFCO TOKIO. A regular vigilance enquiry have been registered by the bureau to investigate this scam worth crores of rupees in the state, he added. Punjab Vigilance Bureau Giving details of the preliminary findings he informed that SSP vigilance range Jalandhar Daljinder Singh Dhillon have unearthed this fraud in which several fake medical bills of private hospitals had been cleared by the insurance company but on the contrary reimbursement bills forwarded by government hospitals were rejected. In this connection, major negligence has been seen at the end of concerned Deputy Medical Commissioners and doctors of state hospitals/primary health centres. The major reason for rejecting the insurance claims of government hospitals by the company was to get extraordinary financial benefits. Rs 52,06,500 (Fifty two lacs six thousand five hundred rupess). As a result, the Punjab government has incurred a total financial loss of to the state exchequer during the last one year from these three aforesaid districts, said Uppal. During investigations it has came to light that a well known hospital of Sultanpur Lodhi town in Kapurthala district had claimed Rs 4,43,98,450 (Four crore forty three lacs ninety eight thousand four hundred fifty rupess) for the treatment of about 1,282 patients and out of which 519 claims have been rejected. On the basis of these medical bills, State Health Authority, Punjab have passed claims of this hospital to the tune of Rs 4,23,48,050 (Four crore twenty three lacs forty eight thousand fifty rupess). Then IFFCO TOKIO insurance company reimbursed the claimed amount to the tune of Rs 1,86,59,150 (One crore eighty six lacs fifty nine thousand one hundred fifty) out of Rs 4,43,98,450 to the said hospital. Ayushman Bharat Revealing the modus operandi by the administration of hospital under investigation (Name withheld not to hamper investigations), vigilance chief further informed that a patient named Paramjeet Kaur village Turna in Jalandhar district was admitted to the hospital for operating gall bladder stone but due to her personal reasons she did not undergo the operation. In this regard, the hospital prepared a fake medical bill of Rs 22,000 for this patient and took reimbursement claim form IFFCO TOKIO under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Furthermore, Uppal disclosed that in another such case patient Sukhjinder Kaur village Sidhupur was admitted to the same hospital for gall bladder operation. She presented her smart health card issued by the Punjab government but the director of this hospital asked the patient that her treatment could not be done with one smart card. In this connection, the hospital director told the patient to either deposit Rs 25,000 in cash or bring 6/7 smart cards to avail the benefit of treatment. After this Sukhjinder Kaurs family submitted three smart cards belonging to her family members to the hospital while facing under-compulsion. He said that to cover up the fraud, this hospital has shoot fake videos of Sukhjinder Kaurs family members by lying them on the hospital beds and took their signatures on blank papers. The administrator of hospital had instructed them to reply on receiving a phone call by saying that they underwent an operation. But all three of them had no ailment. The hospital claimed falsely Rs 25,000 each of three persons for operating only Sukhjinder Kaur. This raised the suspicion that the Ayushman Bharat scheme was being rigged on a large scale by this hospital. In this regard, information gathered by VB Jalandhar Range, reveals that several reputed private hospitals based in Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur have obtained the insurance claims by fabricating huge medical bills in the names of smart health card holders. A total of 35 government and 77 private hospitals have been listed by the Punjab government under this scheme in these three aforesaid districts. Vigilance According to reliable input and figures 4828 claims of 77 private hospitals were rejected during last one year by the IFFCO TOKIO health insurance company. The amount of rejected insurance claims of private hospitals is approximately 5,59,96,407 (Five crores fifty nine lacs ninety six thousand four hundred sever rupees). Above this, it is also reliably learnt that 1,015 claims of 35 government hospitals were rejected during last one year by the IFFCO TOKIO. The amount of rejected insurance claims of government hospitals is approximately 52,06,500 (Fifty two lacks six thousand five hundred rupees). Uppal added that a vigilance enquiry has been registered to probe this scam in depth and to expose the irregularities being committed by the private hospitals in the state for achieving massive financial gains+. It is pertinent to mention here that this health insurance scheme is being run in the state of Punjab under Sarbat Health insurance scheme. According to this scheme, 40% premium share as a financial assistance is being paid by Punjab government and the remaining share 60% is contributed by central government to the IFFCO TOKIO under this scheme. An amount of Rs 1000 is being paid annually by the government as premium per family to the IFFCO TOKIO. In this regard, the Punjab Government also issues smart health cards to the poor and underprivileged families. Through this smart card if any beneficiary or his family member gets any serious illness, he/she could be admitted to the listed hospitals under this scheme and avail free cashless treatment upto Rs five lakhs. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content. The new, larger facility will allow HPNP to provide expanded services and products to their partners, including 3PL fulfillment, warehousing, and unprecedented manufacturing and production volume. This expansion has been in the planning stages for quite some time," said HPNP President Mike Matton. "With these new capabilities come great opportunity for our partners and clients. It's a great feeling to know that these new opportunities enable our partners to scale their business and grow with us." The move sets in motion a multi-phase approach that will pay dividends to HPNP's partners and FFT's shareholders. Scalability: Manufacturing capacity and faster order fulfillment - the larger footprint will allow for greater manufacturing capacity and rapid order fulfillment. Increased product expansion and new SKU development R&D capacity - with new facility comes more opportunity to develop new cutting-edge products. 3PL fulfillment services. The increased space enables HPNP to offer 3PL services to any client interested in saving on shipping and warehousing fees. According to FFT CEO Bill Gildea, "The team here at FFT identified very early on that HPNP is poised for growth and corporate maturity. This recognition is now coming to fruition. We are expecting significant revenue increases in the year to come." For further information, contact Investor Relations at [email protected] On behalf of the Board, Future Farm Technologies Inc. William Gildea, CEO & Chairman About Future Farm Technologies Inc. and High Purity Natural Products, LLC Future Farm Technologies is a Canadian public company that, following its merger with High Purity Natural Products, is now a leading supplier of top-quality health and wellness products, including those made from hemp, to meet the burgeoning demand in the U.S. and global markets. Future Farm's seasoned management team, now joined by the High Purity Natural Products management team, brings a deep understanding of manufacturing, formulation, marketing, sales, and operations with the financial and regulatory expertise needed to become a significant participant in the rapidly growing market for health and wellness products made from hemp and other plants. 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. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. There is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in its efforts to further develop its existing hemp operations, or that the Company will be able to raise sufficient capital to execute on its intended business plan and objectives. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate, and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. Contact: Mike Matton, President of High Purity Natural Products, [email protected] FUTURE FARM TECHNOLOGIES INC. Suite 501 - 543 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1X8 www.FutureFarmTech.com www.HighPurityNaturalProducts.com SOURCE Future Farm Technologies; High Purity Natural Products Related Links futurefarmtech.com Samantha Armytage broke down in tears during her final day hosting Sunrise on Thursday morning after quitting the show following an impressive eight-year run. The 44-year-old cried as her husband Richard Lavender recalled the devastating loss of her mother Libby last year. The millionaire horse breeder discussed the couple's love story and how Libby's tragic death had forced the pair to 'reevaluate' life priorities. Scroll down for video 'You reevaluate things and you realise how important family are': Samantha Armytage (left) broke down in tears on Thursday as her husband Richard Lavender (right) recalled the devastating death of her mother Libby during her last day on Sunrise 'It's well documented the misfortunes that Sam's had in her family and it's also been in my family. I lost my sister 10 days ago from a brain tumor, so she was dying when all of this was going on with Libby (Sam's late mother) and Mac (Sam's ill father ),; he said. 'So we're certainly looking forward to spending more time with our family. You reevaluate things and you realise how important family are,' he added. Sad loss: The death of her mother Libby (left), from an autoimmune disease in November had also made her rethink her priorities in life, sources said 'It's well documented the misfortunes that Sam's had in her family and it's also been in my family': Sam's husband Richard Lavender (right) made his debut on the program to discuss their love story and how the tragic deaths of both Sam's mother and his sister forced the pair to 'reevaluate' life priorities and focus more on family Earlier in the show, co-host David 'Kochie' Koch also surprised Sam with a FaceTime call with her London-based sister, Georgie Cavaliere. Sam has been unable to see her sister Georgie for a long time due to the coronavirus pandemic, with her sibling missing their mother Libby's funeral in November and her wedding to husband Richard in December. While Sam remained composed while watching a lengthy montage of her time on the show, the emotional call with her sister tipped her over the edge. 'I miss you guys!' Samantha (left) wiped tears from her face during an emotional Facetime call with her sister from lockdown in London during the live broadcast Joining the program from on Zoom via lockdown in the UK, Georgie and her daughter Lucia praised Sam on her achievements, and said: 'we are so proud of you!' Kochie asked Lucia 'What kind of auntie is auntie Sammy?', to which she cutely replied to the anchor: 'The greatest auntie in the world!' Welling up at the kind sentiments, Sam said: 'She is the greatest niece in the world. I miss you guys. Will see you soon, I hope.' 'We are so proud of you!' While Sam remained composed for a large tribute montage of her time on the show, the emotional call with her sister and niece tipped her over the edge Daddy's girl: Sam also said on Monday that one of the reasons she resigned was because she wanted to spend more time with her father, Mac (right), who suffered a stroke last year Health concerns: Sam's father Mac suffered a stroke last year and did four weeks of rehab sessions at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in September. Pictured with Banjo in 2017 The Armytage sisters have had a tough past year, with their mother Libby passing and their father Mac being hospitalised with health problems. Sam said: 'It's been so hard without being there with each other. We've missed you, it's really hard when you're on the other side of the world in times like this.' In November, Georgie was forced to attend their mother's funeral via video call from London, and gave an emotional speech from afar. Libby died in November after a 15-year battle with autoimmune disease. In January, Sam also said how sad it was that her sister could not return home to attend her intimate wedding ceremony in the Southern Highlands on New Year's Eve. Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Sam revealed that a large portion of the couple's extended family were unable to attend, including her younger brother, Charlie. Last day: Sam officially signed off on Thursday, after an impressive eight-year run on Australia's most popular breakfast show Sam officially signed off from Sunrise on Thursday, after an impressive eight-year run on Australia's most popular breakfast show. She had announced her resignation live on-air days earlier on Monday, saying she wanted to step back from TV to spend more time with her family. She said: 'The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different.' She explained she was leaving of her own choosing, and was looking forward to life away from the spotlight after a 'bittersweet' year that included the death of her mother, Libby, and her marriage to businessman Richard, 60. Stepping away: Sam explained she was leaving of her own choosing, and was looking forward to life away from the spotlight to start her new life with husband Richard (right) Hot contender: While Seven has not yet announced Sam's replacement, industry website TV Blackbox reports newsreader Natalie Barr will likely step in alongside co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch in wake of Sam's shock departure 'I want to step out of this public world for a while and take some time and calm things down, enjoy a bit of slow living, and spend some time with my precious family, my husband and [dog] Banjo,' she said. 'I go out of this job at a time of my own choosing and on top of the ratings, which not many people on television can say they do. 'I'm extremely proud of my almost eight years at the helm of Sunrise, my seven years before that at Weekend Sunrise, and my almost 18 years with the Seven Network.' Not going anywhere: According to industry website TV Blackbox, Sam is likely on a retainer with the Seven Network, meaning she won't be able to defect to a competitor Still in the media: In February, Sam launched her first podcast called Something to Talk About with Samantha Armytage in partnership with Stellar Her announcement followed months of rumours she was preparing to leave Sunrise to spend more time with Richard at his country estate in the Southern Highlands. Sam's last day on Sunrise was Thursday, but her $800,000-a-year contract with Seven doesn't expire until October. Industry website TV Blackbox reported on Monday that newsreader Natalie Barr was expected to take over Sam's position alongside co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch. Testing.com, a trusted informational guide for medical lab testing and at-home screening, has published a report on the increasing STD cases and resources for addressing this issue in Birmingham. Research experts at Testing.com also evaluated top local organizations with free or low-cost health screening options for residents. According to the report, Greater Birmingham saw a decrease in chlamydia and gonorrhea cases between 2017 and 2018 and only a slight increase in syphilis cases. Jefferson County ranked 67th in the nation for reported cases of chlamydia in 2018 with 5,121 occurrences while Greater Birmingham saw a significant decline in gonorrhea cases, with 6,892 in 2017 dropping to 5,998 in 2018. In Greater Birmingham, syphilis diagnoses in all stages increased from 314 in 2017 to 344 in 2018. The report features the following organizations: Jefferson County Department of Health 1400 6th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama 35233 205-930-1175 Shelby County Department of Health 2000 County Services Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 205-664-2470 Magic City Wellness Center 2400 Wellesley Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-841-4100 Multiple Albuquerque locations Birmingham AIDS Outreach 205 32nd Street South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-4197 Planned Parenthood Southeast Incorporated 1019 1st Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35205 205-322-2121 Testing.coms report aims to educate the public about the current health crisis and encourage people in the community to reach out to local organizations for testing and treatment options. To view the full report, please visit https://www.testing.com/std-testing/birmingham-al/ ABOUT TESTING.COM Testing.com is a trusted guide for lab and at-home testing information and resources. The online platform was launched in 2018 to help educate consumers about various lab tests and health screenings. Testing.com uses comprehensive, data-driven research to deliver content that includes articles on common conditions/diseases, current lab test and at-home screening options, medical testing fees and more. The site is produced by a team of experts that work with healthcare professionals to review and provide the most accurate and up-to-date lab testing information. To learn more, visit https://www.testing.com/. NSW Health authorities are prepared to prop up the federal governments mass vaccination rollout to guard against further delays as the first AstraZeneca hubs opened in Sydney on Wednesday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, and Health Minister Brad Hazzard were among the first to receive the AstraZeneca doses at St George Hospital on Wednesday. A twin vaccination hub opened at Hornsby Hospital. Premier Gladys Berejiklian receives the AstraZeneca vaccine at St George Hospital. Credit:Getty The states responsibility for the national vaccination program should formally end with Phase1B, which prioritises quarantine healthcare workers, international aircrew and their families. But almost 100 state-run vaccination clinics will also be able to vaccinate members of the public to head off any further delays of the federal governments rollout. LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will travel to Estonia and Norway on Wednesday to discuss with "like-minded" Baltic and Nordic states the alleged threat posed by Russia to regional security and climate change, the Foreign Office has announced. "The security threat posed by Russia is felt most keenly by its neighbours. The UK is committed to standing with our close friends in the Nordic and Baltic regions, both militarily as well as in tackling Russia's disinformation and destabilising regional activity," Raab was quoted as saying ahead of his tour. The UK foreign secretary also claimed that "in the face of challenges such as climate change and protecting the polar regions, the need for like-minded nations to come together has never been more important." Raab is expected to meet in Tallinn with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid on Wednesday and attend talks with the other two members of the group of Baltic states Lithuania and Latvia before signing a defense agreement with the Estonian government. On March 11, the head of the UK diplomacy will travel to Oslo to meet with his Norwegian counterpart, Ine Marie Eriksen, and Development Minister Dag Inge Ulstein, and also hold talks with the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden to discuss climate change and international security, including threats from hostile states. In Norway, Raab will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Norwegian authorities to drive forward future science and research cooperation on the polar regions. The UK foreign minister's tour takes place in the run up to the United Nations climate change conference or COP26 to be held in Glasgow in November and ahead of the publication of the review that will define the UK government's new international role outside the European Union and the country's strategic aims for national security, development and foreign policy. ORLANDO, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) announces today the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. These seasoned executives bring deep experience in consumer products and services, direct selling, technology, and digitization, combined with international leadership across a number of industries and private equity. Their valuable knowledge of business expansion and transformation efforts will be invaluable as Tupperware continues to deliver on its Turnaround Plan. The new Board members are: Deborah Ellinger Ms. Ellinger brings extensive global board experience, with a focus on the intersection of consumer products and services, technology and digitization. Ms. Ellinger brings extensive global board experience, with a focus on the intersection of consumer products and services, technology and digitization. James Fordyce Mr. Fordyce brings transformation and financial expertise, as well as direct selling industry and business-to-business partnership experience. Mr. Fordyce brings transformation and financial expertise, as well as direct selling industry and business-to-business partnership experience. Timothy Minges Mr. Minges brings over three decades of proven executive leadership, innovation, and consumer expertise with extensive experience in Asia . "We are pleased to add these three proven leaders to our Board," said Susan M. Cameron, Chairman of the Tupperware Brands Board of Directors. "The past twelve months have been monumental for Tupperware. Under the leadership of CEO Miguel Fernandez, the Company has been implementing an aggressive Turnaround Plan to restore this iconic brand to growth. Ms. Ellinger, Mr. Fordyce and Mr. Minges will be key additions to our Board to help guide the leadership team to execute the vision for the Tupperware of the future and deliver value for all of our stakeholders." Deborah Ellinger has more than 15 years of public and private global board experience, having recently been recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors as a Top 100 Director in 2019, with significant experience in M&A, private equity investment, board governance, and women's leadership. She has served as Lead Director of iRobot and currently serves on its board and on the board of Covetrus, a tech-enabled veterinarian services and supply company. Previous board memberships include Interpublic Group, National Life Group, Sealy, Inc. and several private companies. Her career experience includes 14 years running four private-equity backed companies and she formerly held the positions of Executive Vice President at CVS Pharmacy and President of CVS.com, and Senior Vice President at Staples. She also served as a partner at The Boston Consulting Group, where she is currently a Senior Advisor. James Fordyce is currently Co-Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Stone Canyon Industries Holdings, Inc., a company focused on industrial verticals in rail, industrial salt and consumer ice. He also currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Mauser Packaging Solutions, Inc., one of the world's largest industrial rigid packaging companies, as well as Chairman of the Board of Saint John's Health Center in Los Angeles. Before founding Stone Canyon Industries Holdings, Inc., Mr. Fordyce was a senior member of J.H. Whitney Capital Partners for 18 years, and held a variety of positions at Heller Financial and Chemical Bank. His past board experience includes AECOM. Timothy Minges has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, having served in a number of leadership roles at PepsiCo, including Chief Customer & Transformation Officer for the company's North American Beverage division, where he led sales and market transformation efforts in North America. He also served as CEO of PepsiCo China, where he oversaw that company's critical market with a network of 30 manufacturing facilities, 30,000 employees, and partner relationships across a portfolio comprised of foods and beverages. Mr. Minges currently holds board director positions with Barry Callebaut AG, Master Kong Beverages (Tingyi) and Taokaenoi USA. The appointments of Ms. Ellinger, Mr. Fordyce and Mr. Minges brings the Tupperware Brands Board of Directors to 13 members. The Company and its Board remain committed to gender diversity, with 45% of its independent directors being female. In addition, the Company continues to remain committed to increased racial diversity as a key factor in its ongoing Board refreshment process. About Tupperware Brands Corporation Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) is a leading global consumer products company that designs innovative, functional and environmentally responsible products that people love and trust. Founded in 1946, Tupperware's signature container created the modern food storage category that revolutionized the way the world stores, serves and prepares food. Today, this iconic brand has more than 8,500 functional design and utility patents for solution-oriented kitchen and home products. With a purpose to nurture a better future, Tupperware products are an alternative to single-use items. The Company distributes its products into nearly 80 countries primarily through independent representatives around the world. For more information, visit Tupperwarebrands.com or follow Tupperware on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and Twitter . SOURCE Tupperware Brands Corporation Related Links http://www.tupperwarebrands.com GAINES TOWNSHIP, MI -- No criminal charges will be issued after a cannon explosion that killed a 26-year-old Hartland man in February in Genesee County. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced the decision to not seek charges in a Wednesday, March 10 statement. On the evening of Saturday, Feb. 6, the cannon exploded in the backyard of a home in Genesee Countys Gaines Township, hurling pieces of shrapnel into the air that killed Evan Thomas Silva. This was a terrible tragedy at what should otherwise be a happy celebration of new life, family and friends, Leyton said. The family of the victim made it very clear they did not want criminal charges brought against anyone for what they believe was simply a very tragic accident that no one saw coming. The statement further points out there was no probable cause evidence of criminal gross negligence. Michigan State Police submitted a police report to Leytons office two weeks ago, according to officials. According to the investigation by MSP, the cannon was legal and had been fired numerous times in the past, including by many of those who attended the baby shower, per the statement. It was aimed at an open field and did not contain any intended projectiles. However, the cannons metal frame turned into deadly shrapnel when it exploded and a piece struck Silva, who was standing about 15 feet away, in the chest, the statement reads. Shrapnel also hit three parked cars and the garage where the baby shower was held, according to police. No one else was injured. Police confirmed after the explosion that the cannon incident was not part of a gender reveal. The cannon was designed to fire more like a novelty signal cannon, which is intended to emit a big flash, a loud noise and smoke, police have said. Silvas family has called the incident a blameless accident. Related: Cannon explosion that killed Michigan man a blameless accident, family says Carolyn Jackson, Silvas sister, sent the following statement Wednesday, Feb. 10 to MLive-The Flint Journal written by the family: We would like to clarify, the accident that occurred resulting in Evan Thomas Silvas death on February 6th, 2021 did not happen at the baby shower, it was at a gathering with friends later that evening. No one is at fault, it was a blameless accident and our hearts go out to all that where there. Evan lived his life with vibrance, charisma and one-of-a-kind-humor. His far reaching influence can be attributed to his warm smile, infectious laugh and larger than life personality. Evan will always be loved and remembered by all he touched. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established by his Cousin to assist with funeral expenses. We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Read more on MLive: Victim identified from fatal cannon blast at Michigan baby shower Investigation continues into fatal cannon explosion at Michigan baby shower Man dies after explosion at Michigan baby shower Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Davis Rhorer, whose work to rehabilitate the core of Baton Rouge earned him the nickname "Godfather of Downtown," died Tuesday of complications from the coronavirus. He was 65. Rhorer headed the city's Downtown Development District since its creation in 1987. His enthusiasm was contagious and his ability to bring people together to effect change was a special gift that will be greatly missed and not easily replaced, the organization said. Dr. Jim Rhorer said his brother died after being admitted into a hospital Feb. 7. "We just appreciate the love and support of that the community has shown for my brother," he said. "He was a steward of forward-thinking for the community." Former Metro Council member Tara Wicker called Davis the "Godfather of Downtown," seeing it as ripe for development when others wanted to give up on it. "Downtown was his baby," Wicker said. "When everyone was thinking about turning the lights out downtown, he was the one that said 'We can do better,' who had an understanding of what downtown could be." A Baton Rouge native, Rhorer graduated from Catholic High School in 1974 and from LSU in 1979 with a degree in landscape architecture. He did postgraduate work in urban planning in Florence, Italy, then worked for the city-parish for seven years. After working with the city-parish Planning Commission and the Division of Community and Economic Development, he was named head of the DDD 34 years ago. In an interview shortly after being named head of the DDD, Rhorer said his job was to bring people and businesses back to downtown. During its first three decades, the DDD lured more than $2.2 billion in investments to downtown, $1.4 billion in private spending and $818 million in public funds. The district has ties to many current downtown landmarks: IBMs Lafayette Street offices and the adjoining apartment tower, a new 19th Judicial District Courthouse, the Shaw Center for the Arts, and the renovated Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. Nearly 26,000 people were working downtown by 2018 and more than 9,400 people lived in the district. Elizabeth Boo Thomas, the former head of the Center for Planning Excellence, said when the DDD was formed, downtown Baton Rouge was nothing but vacant buildings, empty streets and a few stores. There was very little support from the business community or the state, she said. But Rhorer was dedicated and committed to downtown, she said. He formed bonds with the International Downtown Association that led to the DDD regularly winning annual awards from the organization. And Rohrers background in government made him adept at finding obscure pots of money to cover the cost of projects. If there was a bicycle trail on North Boulevard that needed to happen, he would find $200,000 here, $50,000 there to get it done, Thomas said. He really knew how to work the politics of this at the state level. The hard work paid off. In 1996, Mark Drennen was serving as Commissioner of Administration under former Gov. Mike Foster. Drennen reached out to Rohrer, because the Foster administration was launching plans to consolidate state government offices downtown, one of Rhorers longstanding goals. A lot of the planning, a lot of the ideas merged with what he wanted to do, he said. Davis was always right at the table. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Moving thousands of workers to downtown and constructing several office buildings and parking garages gave the area a shot in the arm. Davis was always more than a cheerleader, Drennen said. He was a planner, a doer and a motivator. Downtown Baton Rouge got another boost in 1998, when Plan Baton Rouge, the master plan for the district, was developed. Rohrer wanted to make sure the area was a gathering space for the entire city, so a steering committee of citizens who lived all over the area, not just in the surrounding neighborhoods, was formed. And he was able to get multiple agencies, including the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the city-parish and the state to pay for the work. He took that plan and he figured out how to get items implemented, Thomas said. Some of the items that were part of it included improving the traffic flow of downtown by converting some one-way streets to allow for two-way traffic and re-engineering River Road to make it more friendly for pedestrians and bicycles. The Downtown Development District said Rhorers passion and commitment to the redevelopment of downtown was a spark that ignited a fire in the community. In a prepared statement, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said Rhorer believed downtown was the heart and soul of Baton Rouge. "His impact on Baton Rouge will be felt for generations," Broome wrote. "Not only did I consider him a community leader, but he was a friend. My deepest condolences and most heartfelt prayers go out to his family and loved ones." John Davies, president and chief executive officer of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, said Rhorers death is a really sad day for Baton Rouge. He gently but constantly pushed a progressive agenda that suggested Baton Rouge could be better, Davies said. And he lived it. He was always downtown riding his bike or his motor scooter. An example of Rhorers dedication to make Baton Rouge better is the North Boulevard Greenway, a stretch of bicycle paths, walkways and benches, lined with more than 1,000 plants. Some of the best and most creative landscape architects were brought in for the project. I dont know if the North Boulevard Greenway gets done without him, said downtown developer Mike Wampold. You can see his footprints all over downtown. Former Mayor Tom Ed McHugh quipped he would lock his office doors because Rhorer visited frequently, most times asking for funding and support for various downtown initiatives and projects. It was like a kid, every time I turned around he was in there for something, McHugh joked. But I really depended on him a great deal because I trusted his judgement. If there was a major issues involving downtown, he was the first person I talked to for perspective. Former Mayor-President Kip Holden said in a statement that Rhorers vision and dedication to building a vibrant and exciting downtown for the city will be unmatched. "Baton Rouge will miss him as a tremendous community leader," he said. Rhorer also served as a commissioner for the city-parishs parks and recreation board since 2013. He won appointments from two mayors, Holden and Broome. Rhorer served as chairman of the Planning and Park Resources committee and participated in a variety of other committees, taking a keen interest in the numerous construction projects BREC undertakes each year, especially those connected to the ambitious Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan which will add 400 miles of trails for bicyclists, runners and walkers in East Baton Rouge Parish. He brought the same vision and passion to BREC that he used to make the Downtown Development District a success against seemingly long odds, BREC Superintendent Corey Wilson said. His work is a shining example of what can be accomplished when people work together to better serve a community and we will continue implementing the trails master plan to make his vision of connectivity a reality." Datalogic S.p.A. (Borsa Italiana S.p.A.: DAL), a company listed on the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange organized and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (Datalogic) and global leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, announces that, today, its subsidiary Datalogic S.r.l. (Datalogic Srl), following Datalogics prior approval, has committed to acquire the entire (1) share capital of M.D. Micro Detectors S.p.A. (M.D. Micro Detectors) from Finmasi di Marcello Masi & C. S.A.p.A., for a consideration equal to approximately Euro 37 million. M.D. Microdetectors is a company based in Modena and operating in the design, production and sale of industrial sensors. The acquisition will allow the Group Datalogic to strengthen its Italian and global presence in the industrial automation market through the addition of inductive and ultrasonic sensors to its portfolio of products, with applications in a variety of industrial sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics and automotive. The highly innovative content of M.D. Micro Detectors combined with Datalogics product portfolio and distribution network represents a growth project that aims at creating the main hub in Italy for sensors in the industrial automation sector. Dr. Valentina Volta, Chief Executive Officer of Datalogic, declared We are extremely pleased with the completion of this transaction. The Datalogic Group continues to focus on the Manufacturing sector which is characterized by high margins and excellent growth prospects in the high value-added segments of the so-called Industry 4.0. The acquisition of an outstanding business as M.D., which has been operating for decades in the design and manufacturing of a wide range of industrial sensors, fits perfectly with the strategic path we have started and allows us to further increase our presence in the industrial sensors market worth over $5 billion, by exploiting the numerous synergies deriving from the combination with our range of sensors, safety products and vision systems. We are also proud to have the opportunity to support, in the next phase of growth, a leading Italian technology company like M.D., led for over 20 years by a far-sighted entrepreneur like Dr. Marcello Masi. Marcello Masi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Finmasi di Marcello Masi & C. S.A.p.A. declared: the sale of M.D. to Datalogic is a source of great satisfaction to me and represents a unique opportunity to continue to increase the value of the company that I have run for 25 years, giving it continuity and allowing its people to continue to operate in Italy by becoming part of a large international group. The strong innovative and technological content of Datalogic and mutual respect with Dr. Valentina Volta make me confident of M.D.s ability to continue and even expand its growth path with the same entrepreneurial spirit with which I have led it so far. On the basis of preliminary figures, MD Micro Detectors, together with its subsidiaries, estimates a turnover of approximately Euro 25 million, an EBITDA of approximately Euro 4 million, a positive net financial position of Euro 250 thousand as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 and has approximately 200 employees (2). The Group Datalogic will meet the financial commitments arising from the acquisition exclusively through its own financial resources within existing credit lines. The completion of the transaction is currently expected on 1 March 2021, subject to fulfilment of conditions in line with market practice for similar transactions. White & Case LLP advised Datalogic and Titi & Associati advised Finmasi di Marcello Masi & C. S.A.p.A. on the legal aspects of the transaction. The parties have been advised also by Ernst & Young. (1) Of which 200,000 shares, equal to 10% of the share capital, represented by owned shares. (2) M.D. Micro Detectors drafts its financial statements in accordance with the Italian accounting standards issued by the Organismo Italiano di Contabilita (OIC). Ebitda= Earning before Interest, tax, depreciation and amortization NFP = Cash and cash equivalents, financial assets and liabilities Learn more at http://www.datalogic.com. Datalogic Group Global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets since 1972, Datalogic empowers the efficiency and quality of processes in the Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics and Healthcare industries. Datalogic S.p.A. is listed in the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI. Visit http://www.datalogic.com Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Lebanese defense minister Zeina Aker Sunday issued an indefinite ban on firearms licenses amid fears that escalating popular protests could descend into armed conflict, Middle East Monitor, MEMO, reports. The caretaker ministers directive will take effect from Monday but will not be applied to diplomatic missions, politicians and heads of religious groups, and their personal staff. The new measure came amid serious clashes between security forces and protesters who took to street on Tuesday for the several days after the Lebanese currency recorded a historic collapse against the US dollar with an exchange rate of more than 10,000 pounds on the black market. In the protests which spilled to Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli, and Baalbek, demonstrators blocked major roads in and around the capital as well as in the north and south of the country. A number of media, MEMO notes, warned on Sunday that the country is on the verge of collapsing into an endless cycle of violence. In a blow to the in poll-bound Kerala, Senior leader on Wednesday announced his resignation from the party, alleging group interest in deciding party candidates for the assembly elections. Addressing a press conference, Chacko said he will send his resignation letter to president Sonia Gandhi. Chacko was miffed over ticket distribution in Kerala which is going to polls on April 6. "There is no democracy left in Candidate list has not been discussed with the state Congress committee. I have sent my resignation to Sonia Gandhi," Chacko said. He blamed the leadership for continuing to be a mute spectator. "Being a Congress leader is Kerala is very difficult. If you belong to some group in Congress then only you can survive in the party as leadership in the Congress is not much active." He alleged that the party's candidates for April 6 Assembly polls in Kerala was being determined in an undemocratic way by two groups --"A" group headed by Oommen Chandy and "I" group headed by Ramesh Chennithala. "I have been deliberating about this in my mind for many days. There is no Congress in Kerala. There is one Congress (I) and one Congress (A). It is a coordination committee of two parties. Groupism is the biggest bane of Congress party in Kerala," said Chacko. He hoped his resignation will work as an eye-opener for the party. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Oakland Coliseum mass vaccination site meant to serve low-income residents and communities of color hit hardest by the pandemic appears to be underperforming on that goal so far, according to demographic data released this week. About 41% of doses at the site have gone to white people, 20% have gone to Latinos and 4% have gone to Black residents. Asians made up 27% of vaccinations. The data was released Tuesday by the California Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which co-run the site. When compared to the demographic makeup of the city of Oakland, the data shows that white and Asian residents were overrepresented by about 6 and 12 percentage points, respectively. Black and Latino residents, on the other hand, were underrepresented by nearly 20 and7 percentage points, respectively. The site is open to anyone in California who meets the state eligibility requirements for vaccination, but its location was meant to draw people from nearby neighborhoods who have endured higher infection rates than many other parts of Oakland and Alameda County. Throughout the pandemic, Black and Latino residents in particular have had much higher rates of disease than other groups. I dont think that there was ever specifically a number goal that we were trying to reach, but the goal is to match the community we serve, Brian Ferguson, a spokesperson for Cal OES, said. I think it is looking pretty good, but theres always room for improvement. The demographic data release comes a few weeks after vaccine group access codes meant for underserved communities were misused by healthy, privileged Bay Area residents who thought they were taking vaccines that would otherwise expire. The group codes are no longer in use, according to the state. In contrast to the Coliseum data, just 27% of vaccines at a similar federal- and state-run site at California State University Los Angeles went to white people, and more than 36% went to Black and Latino residents. Dr. Neil Powe, chief of medicine at San Francisco General Hospital, said the data showed a significant problem. Its really alarming. Its actually disturbing, said Powe, whos Black. Its actually what I feared the most about vaccination, that we would under-vaccinate some of the highest risk people. I doubt African Americans or Latinos are getting the vaccine somewhere else. So we leave a whole group of people vulnerable and left behind yet again. Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, a health equity researcher and chair of UCSFs department of epidemiology and biostatistics, said she was not surprised by the data. She and other researchers have said that mass vaccination sites are not the best way to reach at-risk communities, whose residents may have trouble with access due to transportation, scheduling and other factors. You cant just expect that its going to happen because you put a site there, she said. You need to engage in other active strategies. In fact, one of those strategies mobile vaccine clinics appears to have had success. When the state set up the two mass vaccination sites, it also deployed mobile clinics to go directly into underserved communities and vaccinate them. So far, 33% of those vaccines have gone to Latinos, 25% have gone to Black people, 18% have gone to Asians and 17% have gone to white people, according to the demographic data. I think theyre both successful in their own ways, but the numbers speak for themselves, Ferguson said. We believe that theyve been a success to date but were still looking to build on that success. We dont want to rest or be complacent with good enough. We still want to have a wider and deeper reach into the communities. Meghan Bobrowsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: meghan.bobrowsky@sfchronicle.com [March 10, 2021] Donaldson Company to Participate in the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, today announced that members of its management team will participate in a fireside chat, and investor meetings, at the Bank of America Global Industrials Conference on Tuesday, March 16. The virtual fireside chat will begin at 1:10 p.m. Central time. WEBCAST: To listen to a live webcast of the fireside chat, visit the "Events & Presentations" section of Donaldson's Investor Relations website at IR.Donaldson.com and click on the "listen to webcast" option. REPLAY: The webcast replay will be available within the "Events & Presentations" section of Donaldson's Investor Relations website for approximately 90 days following the event. About Donaldson Company Founded in 1915, Donaldson Company is a global leader in the filtration industry with sales, manufacturing and distribution locations around the world. Donaldson's innovative technologies are designed to solve complex filtration challenges and enhance customers' equipment performance. For more information, visit www.Donaldson.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005766/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ROSELAND, N.J., March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Milestone Scientific Inc. (NYSE American:MLSS), a leading developer of computerized drug delivery instruments that provides virtually painless and precise injections, today announced it has received Notice of Allowance from the European Patent Office (EPO) combining minimum intensity of nerve stimulation (MIS) and real-time injection pressure (IP) monitoring utilizing Milestones CompuFlo instrument and associated DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology to optimize needle tip location in ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (PNB) procedures. The technology was developed in conjunction with Dr. Olivier Choquet from the Lapeyronie University Hospital Montpellier France, a renowned expert in peripheral nerve block procedures, and Dr. Mark Hochman, D.D.S., Inventor and Clinical Director for Milestone Scientific. Arjan Haverhals, President of Milestone Scientific, noted, This is an important event, as receiving this notice-of-allowance from the European Patent Office clears an important hurdle as we seek to develop a device specifically for PNB procedures, which will incorporate the CompuFlo with Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology capabilities of precisely measuring, displaying, controlling, warning and recording needle tip pressure in real time. The optimization of a device specifically for procedures that also integrates this new technology, we believe will help reduce the risk of needle injury during PNB procedures. By combining CompuFlo with ultrasound guidance and MIS, we believe we will achieve unparalleled multimodal PNB monitoring, safety and greater accuracy to identify needle tip location during PNB procedures. We are grateful for the contributions of Dr. Choquet and his team who helped us understand the value of this breakthrough technology. We view this as an attractive market for our technology as PNBs are increasingly utilized in the treatment of trauma and surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgeries as well as for postoperative and nonsurgical analgesia. In addition to Europe, we have applied for similar patents in the United States, as we remain focused on building our IP portfolio across numerous indications and around the world. About Milestone Scientific Inc. Milestone Scientific Inc. (MLSS) is a biomedical technology research and development company that patents, designs and develops innovative diagnostic and therapeutic injection technologies and instruments for medical, dental, cosmetic and veterinary applications. Milestone's computer-controlled systems are designed to make injections precise, efficient, and virtually painless. Milestones proprietary DPS Dynamic Pressure Sensing Technology is our technology platform that advances the development of next-generation devices, regulating flow rate and monitoring pressure from the tip of the needle, through platform extensions for local anesthesia for subcutaneous drug delivery, with specific applications for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, epidural space identification in regional anesthesia procedures and intra-articular joint injections. For more information please visit our website: www.milestonescientific.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the timing and financial impact of Milestone's ability to implement its business plan, expected revenues, timing of regulatory approvals and future success. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions involving judgments with respect to future economic, competitive and market conditions, future business decisions and regulatory developments, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond Milestone's control. Some of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements are general economic conditions, failure to achieve expected revenue growth, changes in our operating expenses, adverse patent rulings, FDA or legal developments, competitive pressures, changes in customer and market requirements and standards, and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Milestone's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, Milestone's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2019. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon management's reasonable belief as of the date hereof. Milestone undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. Contact: David Waldman or Natalya Rudman Crescendo Communications, LLC Email: mlss@crescendo-ir.com Tel: 212-671-1020 An instructor shows a holster at a gun concealed carry permit class put on by "USA Firearms Training" in Provo, Utah. on Dec. 19, 2015. (George Frey/Getty Images) Concealed Carry Holder, 69, Defends Himself Against 3 Alleged Robbers in Chicago, Shoots One A 69-year-old concealed carry permit holder was able to defend himself from three alleged armed robbers in Chicago, officials said. One of the robbers was shot by the victim. Police in Chicago said that three suspects approached the victim on Tuesday and told him to hand over his belongings. The man then pulled out his gun, which he has a permit to carry in a concealed manner, and fired a shot at one of the suspects. All three of the suspects, including the one who was shot in the knee, fled the scene in a Ford Fusion before crashing the car and fleeing on foot, officials said. They were later taken into police custody, officials told the Chicago Tribune. The Chicago Police Department did not provide any more details on the suspects, their ages, or other information. According to a report from the conservative Heritage Foundation, citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Almost all national studies of defensive gun uses have found that firearms are used in self-defense between 500,000 and 3 million times every year in the United States. Additionally, an independent analysis of the CDCs own internal data on defensive gun uses indicates that firearms are used defensively about 1 million times a year, dwarfing the number of deaths and injuries attributable to their criminal use, it found. President Joe Biden has said he is planning on making an effort to introduce more gun control measures. In a statement last month, Biden said, I am calling on Congress to enact commonsense gun law reforms, including requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets. Some gun rights organizations have said that Bidens proposals would turn law-abiding gun owners into criminals. The U.S. Concealed Carry Organization, in a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, noted that up to 105 million Americans who own firearms would be targeted. While we can agree that there are several common sense and long overdue changes needed to our nations gun laws, we firmly believe that the path forward should be focused on supporting and protecting responsible, law-abiding Americansnot criminalizing and punishing them, the letter said. Separately, sales of guns and ammunition have skyrocketed in recent months. FBI data showed that about 4.14 million background checks were carried out by the agency in January 2020or about a 60 percent increase compared to January 2019. Its also a nearly 10 percent surge month-over-month. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. A Camden County man charged with participating in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was such a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump that it got him into trouble at work, investigators say. Lawrence E. Stackhouse displayed Trump signage and attire in his workplace, and it got him reprimanded because it violated company policy, federal authorities wrote in a criminal complaint against him. He was charged last week with two crimes accusing him of being inside the Capitol during the riot. Stackhouse is a 33-year-old resident of Blackwood, the Courier Post newspaper reported. Much of the information the FBI used to charge him came from two coworkers, who said it was common knowledge he was at the Capitol, and hed called out of work on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, documents said. The company was not named in the complaint. One colleague gave the FBI Stackhouses cell phone, and another pointed him out when an agent supplied a photo from Capitol surveillance cameras, allegedly showing him in a hallway, clad in a Trump beanie hat. The FBI also pulled photos from a Telegram account that appear to show Stackhouse at the Trump rally that precipitated the violent invasion of the Capitol. They also traced his cell phone to the nations capital as well, the FBI wrote in the complaint. He was arrested March 4 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, just south of Philadelphia. Stackhouse appeared in U.S. District Court in Camden late last week for an initial hearing, and released on a bond. He was represented by a public defender. Like all arrested for Capitol attack crimes, he will be prosecuted in federal court in Washington,. D.C., where he is scheduled to appear for the first time Wednesday. No lawyer is listed for him in court documents. Stackhouse is the 13th person with a New Jersey connection charged with taking part in the Jan. 6 attack. Five have been indicted. Authorities on Monday revealed allegations against Roberto Minuta, 36, of Hackettstown, an alleged member of the Oath Keepers militia group. The Jan. 6 attack injured scores of people and police officers and killed five people, one a U.S. Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, who grew up in New Jersey. In an image from the FBI, Lawrence Stackhouse, of New Jersey, right, at a rally in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021, before the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the New Economy Daily newsletter, follow us @economics and subscribe to our podcast.Australias central bank maintained its policy settings as it prepares to decide on extending its yield target and quantitative easing programs, with a Covid-19 lockdown complicating the outlook.The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate and three-year yield target at 0.10% in Sydney on Tuesday, as expected. It will make a decision in July on whether to extend the yield target and undertake further quantitative easing. A weeklong shutdown in the nations second-largest city adds a layer of uncertainty to the outlook.Despite the strong recovery in the economy and jobs, inflation and wage pressures are subdued, Governor Philip Lowe said. The board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target.The Australian dollar edged lower, trading at 77.41 U.S. cents at 2:53 p.m. in Sydney from 77.62 cents just before the release.The case for Lowe to maintain the April 2024 bond as the target maturity had been strengthening amid strong hiring, sentiment and investment plans. This was reinforced by the government keeping open the fiscal spigot in the May budget as it joins the RBA in seeking to drive down unemployment to revive wages growth and inflation.Progress in reducing unemployment has been faster than expected, Lowe said in his statement. There are reports of labor shortages in some parts of the economy.Risks AheadYet the RBA may be encouraged to err on the side of caution if Melbournes outbreak worsens and extend both of its bond programs to keep maximum support for the economy.An important ongoing source of uncertainty is the possibility of significant outbreaks of the virus, although this should diminish as more of the population is vaccinated, Lowe said. The board continues to place a high priority on a return to full employment.Globally, central banks are beginning to edge away from emergency monetary settings. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand surprised markets last week in presenting projections of its official cash rate rising in the second half of next year.Back in Australia, economists predicted ahead of data Wednesday that gross domestic product rose 1.5% in the first three months of the year from the prior quarter, and advanced 0.6% from a year earlier.Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy, in testimony to a parliamentary panel earlier today, said partial data showed around 56,000 workers had lost their jobs in the four weeks following the end of the governments JobKeeper wage subsidy that expired March 28.He said strong employment data and forward indicators continue to give us confidence that the labor market has the underlying strength to absorb workers transitioning off the JobKeeper payment.End of Australias $68 Billion Job-Saving Stimulus Tests EconomyLowe estimates Australias jobless rate will need to fall to close to 4% before driving economy-wide pay increases. It stood at 5.5% in April.The governor expects wages growth will need to increase at a pace faster than 3% -- more than double the current rate -- for inflation to return sustainably to the central banks 2-3% target.Lowe reiterated that this is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.(Updates with further comments from governor throughout text.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. IRVINE, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ZO Skin Health, a premium California-based skincare brand sold internationally through physicians and skincare professionals, announced today that Blackstone Senior Advisor, Mary Anne Citrino, will be joining the company's Board of Directors. This is the latest addition to the board following the recent acquisition of a majority stake in the business last October by funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities. Ms. Citrino previously served as a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, where she focused on mergers and acquisitions for companies in the consumer space, and brings a wealth of expertise within the customer service realm to the ZO Board. Prior to joining Blackstone, Ms. Citrino spent more than twenty years at Morgan Stanley where she ran the firm's Global Consumer Group. Along with her new position on ZO Skin Health's Board of Directors, Ms. Citrino currently sits on the Boards of HP, Inc., Ahold Delhaize and Alcoa, as well as on the Boards of several Blackstone-controlled companies including Trilliant Foods, InComm and Global Supply Chain Finance. She previously sat on the Boards of Barclays, PLC, Dollar Tree and HealthNet. "It's wonderful to see ZO Skin Health continue to grow and certify itself as the go-to medical-grade company for consumers in the skincare space. I look forward to bringing my experience in delivering best-in-class customer experience to the brand's channels this year and beyond," Ms. Citrino said on her new role. Mark Williams, President and CEO of ZO Skin Health shared, "With over three decades of consumer experience, we welcome Mary Anne and her vast knowledge within this space, and are excited to work with her on continuing to bring our customers the esteemed offering they know and love." Founded in 2007 by world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi, the company continues to support its mission of providing healthy skin for all, regardless of age, ethnicity, unique skin condition or skin type, while utilizing the power of science to help pave the way for breakthrough in skincare. About Blackstone Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $584 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone. About ZO Skin Health ZO Skin Health develops and delivers innovative skincare solutions that optimize skin health based on the latest advances in skin therapy technologies, unique delivery systems, bioengineered complexes and exclusive formulations. By providing comprehensive skincare programs for physicians and their patients, ZO bridges the gap between therapeutic treatments and daily care, allowing patients to experience continuously healthy skin regardless of their age, ethnicity or unique skin condition. For more information, please visit www.zoskinhealth.com. SOURCE ZO Skin Health Federal prosecutors in New York accused Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez and a drug trafficker of planning to flood the streets of the United States with drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gutwillig said Tuesday that an accountant was present for several meetings that took place between Hernandez and Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez in which the pair plotted to traffic cocaine to the U.S. Hernandez allegedly said he wanted to 'shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.' 'They plotted to send as much cocaine as possible to the United States,' Gutwillig said during his opening remarks at the trial of Fuentes Ramirez. Prosecutors have previously said that Fuentes Ramirez paid Hernandez $25,000 to be allowed to move drugs through the country without interference. 'Apparently $25,000 is all it takes to bribe the president,' defense attorney Eylan Schulman said. Fuentes Ramirez was arrested in March 2020 in Florida. He is charged with drug trafficking and arms possession. But much of the prosecutors artillery appears aimed at Hernandez, who they said helped Fuentes Ramirez's drug trafficking along with other high-ranking officials. Hernandez has previously denied any involvement with drug traffickers. He has not been charged. U.S. federal prosecutors in New York said on Tuesday that an accountant witnessed meetings between Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez (photographed January 9, 2020 at the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa, Honduras) and a drug trafficker named Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez in which they planned the shipment of cocaine to the U.S. Hernandez has previously denied any involvement with drug traffickers and has not been charged Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez in on trial in New York as U.S. federal prosecutors accused him of drug trafficking and arms possession. Fuentes Ramirez allegedly planned to ship cocaine to the U.S. with the assistance of Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who wanted to 'shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos' 'His operations thrived because of his connections. Mayors, congressmen, military generals, police chiefs, even the current president of Honduras,' Gutwillig said. 'The defendant bribed them all.' The meetings allegedly occurred in 2013 and 2014, Gutwillig said. The accountant, who prosecutors called Jose Sanchez, ran a rice business through which Fuentes Ramirez allegedly laundered drug proceeds. Sanchez will testify at the trial, the prosecutor said. Gutwillig described the 'shock, the fear' that Sanchez had seeing Fuentes Ramirez meeting with the president. Defense attorneys for Fuentes Ramirez challenged the prosecution's assertions, saying Sanchez wasn't credible and suggesting the U.S. would approve his asylum application in exchange for his testimony. In January, U.S. federal prosecutors filed motions in the Fuentes Ramirez case saying that Hernandez took bribes from drug traffickers and had the country's armed forces protect a cocaine laboratory and shipments to the United States. The documents quote Hernandez - identified as co-conspirator 4 - as saying he wanted to '`shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos by flooding the United States with cocaine.' Juan Antonio 'Tony' Hernandez (pictured in 2017) was convicted in a massive drug conspiracy case in a New York City federal court in October 2019. He is the brother of Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez Federal prosecutors in New York are linking Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman to Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who allegedly received $1 million from the notorious drug lord ahead of his presidential campaign in 2013 The president also emerged in the trial leading to the 2019 conviction of one of his brothers, Juan Antonio Hernandez. During that trial, the president was accused of accepting more than $1 million from Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman - an accusation repeated in the new motions. Last month, another filing by prosecutors in the Fuentes Ramirez case appeared to confirm for the first time that Hernandez was under investigation by U.S. authorities. Hernandez has long denied any suggestion that he cooperated with or benefited from drug traffickers. Prosecutors allege that much of his political rise from president of the Congress to president was fueled by money from drug traffickers, who paid in exchange for protection and to avoid interference from security forces. On Monday, Hernandez asserted again in a Twitter thread that he had waged war on drug trafficking, not aided it. He says that the allegations against him come from drug traffickers seeking revenge and looking to lighten their sentences. He wrote that if drug traffickers are rewarded for lies, 'the international alliance [against drug trafficking] would collapse with Honduras, then with various countries.' The trial's first witness Tuesday was Drug Enforcement Administration agent Brian Fairbanks, who testified that among the information found in Fuentes Ramirez's cell phone was Hernandez's phone number and his gmail account. Fairbanks also identified Hernandez smiling in photographs with the son and a brother of Fuentes Ramirez. Fairbanks, who arrested Fuentes Ramirez, said, however, he did not find calls or text messages registered between the accused and the president. Prosecutors displayed names of contacts listed in Fuentes Ramirez's phone that included politicians, police and high-ranking military officers. Last month, Democratic senators filed a bill calling on President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on Hernandez and 'determine whether he is a specially designated narcotics trafficker.' The bill calls for a suspension of security aid to Honduras, seeks to prohibit the export of items such as tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets for Honduran security forces and calls on the U.S. to oppose loans to those forces from multilateral development banks. It also calls on the Honduran government to talk to the United Nations about establishing an anti-corruption mission. Under Hernandez, a similar mission backed by the Organization of American States was not renewed after it began to implicate a number of federal lawmakers. One of the prosecution's key witnesses will be the former leader of the Cachiros cartel, Devis Leonel Rivera Maradiaga, who has admitted to involvement in 78 murders. Fuentes Ramirez's lawyers criticized the U.S. government for basing accusations on Rivera Maradiaga's confessions. 'His testimony will make you sick to your stomach,' said Schulman, who described Fuentes Ramirez as a good father of four children who ran a lumber business. He has said Fuentes Ramirez had weapons and bodyguards because Honduras is a dangerous country. One of Fuentes Ramirez's sons is married to one of Rivera Maradiaga's nieces. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Mostly cloudy early with showers developing later in the day. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Advertisement Almost a million airline tickets will go on sale at half price on April 1 as part of a $1.2billion package to boost the ailing tourism sector when JobKeeper finishes at the end of March. Interstate tickets to and from 13 holiday hotspots will be subsidised by the federal government until July 31 and airlines will ramp up their flight schedules to deal with an expected surge in demand over the next three months. The locations on offer are the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Mackay region (including Proserpine and Hamilton Island), the Sunshine Coast, Lasseter and Alice Springs, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broome, Avalon, Merimbula, and Kangaroo Island. Some 57 routes will be covered on the Qantas and Jetstar network, CEO Alan Joyce said on Thursday morning. Almost a million airline tickets will be go on sale at half price on April 1 under a $1.2billion package to boost the ailing the tourism sector. Flights to the Gold Coast (pictured) could be as cheap as $49 Where can you go and how much could it cost? The locations included are the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Mackay region including Proserpine and Hamilton Island, the Sunshine Coast, Lasseter and Alice Springs, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broome, Avalon, Merimbula, and Kangaroo Island One-way and return flights involving these places will be subsidised by 50 per cent from April 1 to July 31. Here are some examples, with cost estimates based on halving current lowest-available return prices in April: Sydney to Cairns: $116.50 Sydney to Gold Coast: $49 Sydney to Proserpine: $114 Melbourne to Cairns: $116.50 Melbourne to Gold Coast: $65 Brisbane to Launceston: $169 Here are some examples, with cost estimates based on halving current lowest-available one-way prices in April: Sydney to Gold Coast: $24.50 Brisbane to Launceston: $84.50 Sydney to Proserpine: $109 Source: Jetstar Advertisement The discount means a return ticket from Sydney to Cairns which currently costs $233 could be as little as $116.50. A return between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, which is now on sale from $130, could cost just $65. To get their half-price tickets, Australians simply need to head to the Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin websites after April 1 and they will see the dramatically reduced fares. The discount only applies to inter-state travel, not intra-state flights - but these could later be added to the scheme which is expected to evolve to match demand. There will be no limit on the number of tickets available but the government expects an average of 46,000 people per week - a total of about 800,000 - will fly on the subsidised flights. The areas involved have been chosen because they rely on tourism for their wealth and are particularly dependent on aviation for their visitor numbers. The scheme is part of a huge bail-out package for the tourism sector which employs 611,000 Australians and has been crippled by the Covid-induced international border shutdown. Amid a stark warning that 100,000 people could be fired when JobKeeper ends, the government will also give monthly payments to airlines to retain 8,600 international workers such as pilots and cabin crew until October 31 when the border is expected to re-open with every Australian vaccinated. Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka and Qantas boss Mr Joyce welcomed the package. 'This is great news for Australian aviation. This is great news for Australian tourism. This is great news for Qantas, but particularly for Qantas employees,' Mr Joyce said. 'I think it also is an incentive for the states to keep their borders open. And that's important, because we can't keep on going through the yoyo of the ups and downs of that,' he added. Mr Joyce said he expects 22 of 25 Qantas international routes to restart in October alongside all 13 Jetstar routes -but he's prepared to start earlier or wait longer depending on the Covid-19 situation. Also in the package, companies getting JobKeeper payments will be offered a government-backed 10-year loan of up to $5million, with no repayments due for two years. Some 350,000 employees now on JobKeeper could have their wages subsidised by the loans if their company decides to take one. Prime Minster Scott Morrison said the package was Australia's 'ticket to recovery'. 'This will take more tourists to our hotels and cafes, taking tours and exploring our backyard,' he said. 'That means more jobs and investment for the tourism and aviation sectors as Australia heads towards winning our fight against Covid-19 and the restrictions that have hurt so many businesses. 'Our tourism businesses don't want to rely on government support forever. They want their tourists back. 'This package, combined with our vaccine roll-out which is gathering pace, is part of our National Economic Recovery Plan and the bridge that will help get them back to normal trading.' Tourism Minister Dan Tehan urged Aussies to support fellow countrymen by booking a holiday. 'The thing our tourism operators want more than anything is tourists so we need Australians to do their patriotic duty and book a holiday this year because every dollar spent on an Australian holiday is a dollar that supports a local job and a local business,' he said. The minister also warned state premiers not to close their borders at the first sign of a Covid-19 outbreak after they failed to agree on when borders should be slammed shut. Some of the discounted routes Aussies can fly on Far North Queensland Melbourne Cairns Sydney Cairns Darwin Cairns New South Wales Melbourne - Merimbula Gold Coast Adelaide Gold Coast Melbourne Gold Coast Sydney Gold Coast Canberra Gold Coast Avalon Gold Coast Tasmania Melbourne Launceston Sydney Launceston Brisbane Launceston Melbourne Devonport Melbourne Burnie Western Australia Darwin Broome Sydney Broome Melbourne Broome Whitsundays and Mackay Sydney Proserpine Sydney Hamilton Island Sunshine Coast (Queensland) Sydney Maroochydore Melbourne Maroochydore Adelaide Maroochydore Alice Springs Adelaide Alice Springs Sydney Uluru Brisbane Alice Springs Melbourne Alice Springs Perth Alice Springs Sydney Alice Springs Brisbane Uluru Melbourne Uluru Melbourne (Avalon Airport) Gold Coast Avalon Sydney Avalon Kangaroo Island Adelaide - Kingscote Flights, routes and the total number of tickets will be driven by demand and are subject to final discussions with the airlines Advertisement Tickets to and from 13 holiday hotspots such as Alice Springs (pictured) will be subsidised by the federal government until July 31 and airlines will ramp up their flight schedules to deal with an expected surge in demand 'We need states and territories to do their part by agreeing to a nationally consistent approach to using border closures and lockdowns as a last resort on medical advice,' he said. The government is also extending a range of existing support policies to help the economy recover after its first recession since the early 1990s. The $50million Business Events Grants Program will be extended by three months to help companies hold multi-day business events by covering up to 50 per cent of costs. The $94.6million Zoos and Aquarium program will be extended by six months to support zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to maintain their animal populations where their tourism revenue has been affected by travel and social distancing restrictions. And the Covid-19 Consumer Travel Support Program will also be extended for three months beyond March 13. The policies are designed to assist businesses when the JobKeeper subsidy ends almost a full year after it began. Labor says the scheme is being taken away too soon, but the government says it distorts the economy by stopping workers filling available jobs and keeping businesses afloat that would ordinarily go under. The prime minister expressed his frustration earlier this week that 54,000 jobs in regional Australia - including at pubs cafes and farms - are going begging. Prime Minster Scott Morrison said the package was Australia's 'ticket to recovery'. Pictured: A tourist at the Whitsundays How does the new loan system work? The loans will be granted under an expansion of the existing SME Loan Guarantee scheme to companies that come off JobKeeper between January and March this year. Maximum loan terms will be increased from five to 10 years, with a repayment holiday of two years. Size of eligible loans increasing from $1 million to $5 million. Maximum eligible turnover increased from $50 million to $250 million. The government guarantee will increase from the current 50/50 split between the Government and the banks to an 80/20 split. The scheme can be used to refinance existing loans. Loans must be approved between 1 April 2021 and 31 December 2021 Advertisement To get their half-price tickets, Australians simply need to head to the Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin websites after April 1 and they will see the dramatically reduced fares. Pictured: Kangaroo Island Some 85 per cent of jobs taken away by the Covid recession have returned and around 2.7million people at 650,000 businesses have come off JobKeeper. Around 20 per cent of the companies still heavily relying on the payment are in the sectors of Cafes and Restaurants, Travel Agencies and Tour Arrangement Services, Accommodation, and Air and Space Transport. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this latest package of measures will tide companies over until the economy fully recovers. 'We know there are sectors and regions across the country that are continuing to do it tough, which is why we will continue to support the economy with proportionate, timely, scaleable and targeted assistance,' he said. 'Our support for the aviation sector will not just keep planes in the air but will also provide a boost to domestic tourism while our international borders remain closed. He added: 'The SME Recovery Scheme is part of the next step in our plan to help small businesses stand on their own two feet as the economy recovers from Covid-19. 'The expansion and extension of the loans will back businesses that back themselves and will help businesses who continue to do it tough build a bridge to the other side of the crisis and keep their staff employed.' What measures is the government taking to support the economy after JobKeeper ends? TOURISM AVIATION NETWORK SUPPORT o Half-price flights from April to July 31 to at least 13 locations SME RECOVERY LOAN SCHEME o Up to $5m 10 year loans with 24 month repayment holidays eligible to businesses that have graduated off JobKeeper between 4 January and 28 March INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SUPPORT o Financial support from 1 April to 31 October (when international flights are expected to resume) to help airlines to maintain an agreed core international capability (crew and aircraft) based on pre-COVID international passenger services AVIATION SERVICES ACCREDITION SUPPORT PROGRAM o To run from 29 March to 30 September and cover the cost of ground handlers maintaining their mandatory training, certification, and accreditation The following schemes are also being extended: DOMESTIC AND REGIONAL AVIATION NETWORK SUPPORTS DOMESTIC AIRPORTS SECURITY CHARGES SUPPORT AIRSERVICES FEE WAIVER INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSISTANCE MECHANISM BUSINESS EVENTS GRANTS PROGRAM ZOOS AND AQUARIUM PROGRAM CONSUMER TRAVEL SUPPORT PROGRAM Advertisement It comes after an ongoing dispute between Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over support for tourism. In January Ms Palaszczuk visited struggling tourism businesses in Cairns and asked the federal government to extend the $100billion JobKeeper scheme beyond March 28. But she was rebuked by Mr Morrison and criticised for crippling small companies with her sudden border shutdowns throughout the pandemic. Mr Frydenberg said the federal government has done the 'bulk of the heavy lifting' to support Queenslanders and Ms Palaszczuk should open her own wallet. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (left) accused Annastacia Palaszczuk (right) of 'grandstanding' after she demanded an extension of JobKeeper He said the federal government has given $28.5billion to Queenslanders in the past year, while the premier has only committed $8.8billion across the next four years. Mr Frydenberg also accused the premier of 'grandstanding and petty politicking' before Ms Palaszczuk hit back and said he should visit Cairns. On Monday the treasurer flew up to the north Queensland town and met with business owners, telling a press conference that he would announce support measures later in the week. He explained that JobKeeper cannot continue because it stops workers moving to more productive roles and keeps businesses afloat that would otherwise go under even without coronavirus. AUSTIN, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) today announced fiscal 2021 Q3 results. Total quarterly revenues were up 3% year-over-year to $10.1 billion. Cloud services and license support revenues were up 5% to $7.3 billion. Cloud license and on-premise license revenues were up 4% to $1.3 billion. Q3 GAAP operating income was up 10% to $3.9 billion and GAAP operating margin was 38%. Non-GAAP operating income was up 10% to $4.8 billion and non-GAAP operating margin was 47%. GAAP net income was up 95% to $5.0 billion, and GAAP earnings per share was up 113% to $1.68. The GAAP income statement was impacted by a one-time net tax benefit totaling $2.3 billion related to the transfer of certain assets between subsidiaries. Non-GAAP net income was up 10% to $3.5 billion, and non-GAAP earnings per share was up 20% to $1.16. Short-term deferred revenues were $8.1 billion. Operating cash flow was $14.7 billion during the trailing twelve months. "We continued to extend our huge lead in the cloud ERP market as Fusion ERP grew 30% and NetSuite ERP grew 24% in Q3," said Oracle CEO, Safra Catz. "Oracle's rapidly growing highly-profitable, multi-billion dollar cloud ERP businesses helped drive subscription revenue up 5% and operating income up 10% in the quarter. Subscription revenue now accounts for 72% of Oracle's total revenues, and this highly-predictable recurring revenue-stream along with expense discipline are enabling double-digit increases in non-GAAP earnings per share." "Once again in Q3, Oracle's Gen2 Cloud Infrastructure business added customers, and grew revenue at a rate in excess of 100%," said Oracle Chairman and CTO, Larry Ellison. "We are opening new regions as fast as we can to support our rapidly growing multi-billion dollar infrastructure business. On the applications front, analysts continue to rank Oracle the clear number one in cloud ERP, and this quarter Oracle signed contracts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars to migrate several more large companies from SAP ERP to Oracle Fusion ERP." The Board of Directors increased the authorization for share repurchases by $20 billion. Oracle also announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.32 per share of outstanding common stock, reflecting a 33% increase over the current quarterly dividend of $0.24. Larry Ellison, Oracle's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technology Officer and largest stockholder, did not participate in the deliberation, or the vote on this matter. This increased dividend will be paid to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 8, 2021, with a payment date of April 22, 2021. Technical Innovations Oracle expanded its Cloud portfolio with Oracle Roving Edge Infrastructure to enable secure, scalable cloud services wherever customers need them, even in the most remote areas of the world. Oracle developed and delivered a cloud based National Electronic Health Records (EHR) Database plus a suite of Public Health Management Applications to help U.S. public health agencies and healthcare providers collect and analyze data related to COVID-19. Oracle launched Oracle Database 21c with more than 200 new features that reinforce the strength of Oracle's converged database strategy. Oracle Autonomous Database scored the highest in all four Use Cases in the 2020 Gartner "Critical Capabilities for Cloud Database Management Systems for Operational Use Cases" report. A more complete list of recent technical innovations and announcements is available at www.oracle.com/news. Customer Momentum Australian Data Centres - To provide high security data center services to Australia's federal government, major telecommunication companies, and businesses, Australian Data Centres needs secure and scalable computing power, and they need it inside the country's borders. They chose Oracle Dedicated Region [email protected] to provide that cloud computing power, since it provides all the services and advantages of Oracle Cloud but lets Australian Data Centres put that capacity in an in-country location of their choice. federal government, major telecommunication companies, and businesses, Australian Data Centres needs secure and scalable computing power, and they need it inside the country's borders. They chose Oracle Dedicated Region [email protected] to provide that cloud computing power, since it provides all the services and advantages of Oracle Cloud but lets Australian Data Centres put that capacity in an in-country location of their choice. Denver Public Schools - With the city's population growing nearly 20% since 2010, Denver Public Schools saw an unprecedented expansion of programs in serving more than 90,000 students in 207 schools. To replace an Infor Lawson system, the Denver Public Schools' leadership considered Infor, Oracle, and SAP systems. The District chose Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, HCM and EPM to help them streamline and automate back-office business processes, model and plan across finance and HR, control costs, and drive better decisions. Public Schools - With the city's population growing nearly 20% since 2010, Public Schools saw an unprecedented expansion of programs in serving more than 90,000 students in 207 schools. To replace an Infor Lawson system, the Public Schools' leadership considered Infor, Oracle, and SAP systems. The District chose Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, HCM and EPM to help them streamline and automate back-office business processes, model and plan across finance and HR, control costs, and drive better decisions. Bed Bath & Beyond - A North American retailer that sells a wide assortment of home, baby, beauty, and wellness merchandise online and in stores. The company selected Oracle Retail solutions and Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP for the capability to provide decision-makers with an end-to-end view of financials through merchandising, resulting in better supply chain and store inventory management. AxiomSL - A global leader in risk analytics, data management, and regulatory reporting solutions, leverages the Oracle Autonomous Database to handle critical workloads for its RegCloud offering. Autonomous Database has facilitated significant performance gains for AxiomSL over its prior solution when testing more than 160 million rows. The power of Autonomous Database enables AxiomSL to move existing customers to the cloud and expand its client base. A more complete list of customers which purchased Oracle Cloud services during the quarter will be available at www.oracle.com/customers/earnings. Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Oracle will hold a conference call and webcast today to discuss these results at 4:00 p.m. Central. A live and replay webcast will be available on the Oracle Investor Relations website at www.oracle.com/investor. About Oracle The Oracle Cloud offers complete suites of integrated applications plus secure Generation 2 Infrastructure featuring the Oracle Autonomous Database. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), visit us at www.oracle.com or contact Investor Relations at [email protected] or (650) 506-4073. Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle. "Safe Harbor" Statement: Statements in this press release relating to Oracle's future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects, including statements regarding future growth in our cloud ERP and infrastructure businesses, as well as growth in our subscription revenue, are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. Many factors could affect our current expectations and our actual results, and could cause actual results to differ materially. We presently consider the following to be among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how we and our customers are operating our respective businesses, and the duration and extent to which this will impact our future results of operations and our overall financial performance remains uncertain. (2) Our success depends upon our ability to develop new products and services, integrate acquired products and services and enhance our existing products and services. (3) Our cloud strategy, including our Oracle Cloud Software-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-as-a-Service offerings, may adversely affect our revenues and profitability. (4) We might experience significant coding, manufacturing or configuration errors in our cloud, license and hardware offerings. (5) If the security measures for our products and services are compromised and as a result, our data, our customers' data or our IT systems are accessed improperly, made unavailable, or improperly modified, our products and services may be perceived as vulnerable, our brand and reputation could be damaged, the IT services we provide to our customers could be disrupted, and customers may stop using our products and services, all of which could reduce our revenue and earnings, increase our expenses and expose us to legal claims and regulatory actions. (6) Our business practices with respect to data could give rise to operational interruption, liabilities or reputational harm as a result of governmental regulation, legal requirements or industry standards relating to privacy and data protection. (7) Economic, political and market conditions can adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, including our revenue growth and profitability, which in turn could adversely affect our stock price. (8) If we are unable to compete effectively, the results of operations and prospects for our business could be harmed. (9) Our international sales and operations subject us to additional risks that can adversely affect our operating results. (10) Acquisitions present many risks and we may not achieve the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of a transaction. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is contained in our SEC filings, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Oracle Corporation's Investor Relations Department at (650) 506-4073 or by clicking on SEC Filings on Oracle's Investor Relations website at http://www.oracle.com/investor. All information set forth in this press release is current as of March 10, 2021. Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events. ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ($ in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended % Increase % Increase (Decrease) February 28, % of February 29, % of (Decrease) in Constant 2021 Revenues 2020 Revenues in US $ Currency (1) REVENUES Cloud services and license support $ 7,252 72% $ 6,930 71% 5% 2% Cloud license and on-premise license 1,276 13% 1,231 12% 4% 0% Hardware 820 8% 857 9% (4%) (6%) Services 737 7% 778 8% (5%) (8%) Total revenues 10,085 100% 9,796 100% 3% 0% OPERATING EXPENSES Cloud services and license support 1,064 11% 991 10% 7% 6% Hardware 230 2% 271 3% (15%) (16%) Services 621 6% 702 7% (12%) (14%) Sales and marketing 1,915 19% 2,049 21% (7%) (8%) Research and development 1,621 16% 1,500 15% 8% 8% General and administrative 330 3% 288 3% 15% 14% Amortization of intangible assets 347 4% 400 4% (13%) (14%) Acquisition related and other 13 0% 7 0% 92% 91% Restructuring 66 1% 60 1% 10% 1% Total operating expenses 6,207 62% 6,268 64% (1%) (2%) OPERATING INCOME 3,878 38% 3,528 36% 10% 5% Interest expense (585) (6%) (456) (5%) 28% 28% Non-operating (expenses) income, net (17) 0% 4 0% * * INCOME BEFORE BENEFIT FROM (PROVISION FOR) INCOME TAXES 3,276 32% 3,076 31% 7% 2% Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 1,745 18% (505) (5%) * * NET INCOME $ 5,021 50% $ 2,571 26% 95% 87% EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic $ 1.72 $ 0.81 Diluted $ 1.68 $ 0.79 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 2,913 3,190 Diluted 2,994 3,271 (1) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2020, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Movements in international currencies relative to the United States dollar during the three months ended February 28, 2021 compared with the corresponding prior year period increased our revenues by 3 percentage points, operating expenses by 1 percentage point and operating income by 5 percentage points. * Not meaningful ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (1) ($ in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended % Increase (Decrease) in US $ % Increase (Decrease) in Constant Currency (2) February 28, February 28, February 29, February 29, 2021 2021 2020 2020 GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP TOTAL REVENUES $ 10,085 $ 1 $ 10,086 $ 9,796 $ 1 $ 9,797 3% 3% 0% 0% Cloud services and license support 7,252 1 7,253 6,930 1 6,931 5% 5% 2% 2% TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $ 6,207 $ (905) $ 5,302 $ 6,268 $ (828) $ 5,440 (1%) (3%) (2%) (4%) Stock-based compensation (3) 479 (479) - 361 (361) - 33% * 33% * Amortization of intangible assets (4) 347 (347) - 400 (400) - (13%) * (14%) * Acquisition related and other 13 (13) - 7 (7) - 92% * 91% * Restructuring 66 (66) - 60 (60) - 10% * 1% * OPERATING INCOME $ 3,878 $ 906 $ 4,784 $ 3,528 $ 829 $ 4,357 10% 10% 5% 6% OPERATING MARGIN % 38% 47% 36% 44% 244 bp. 297 bp. 179 bp. 247 bp. INCOME TAX EFFECTS (5) $ 1,745 $ (2,442) $ (697) $ (505) $ (240) $ (745) * (6%) * (10%) NET INCOME $ 5,021 $ (1,536) $ 3,485 $ 2,571 $ 589 $ 3,160 95% 10% 87% 6% DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 1.68 $ 1.16 $ 0.79 $ 0.97 113% 20% 104% 16% DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 2,994 - 2,994 3,271 - 3,271 (8%) (8%) (8%) (8%) (1) This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, the reasons why management uses these measures, the usefulness of these measures and the material limitations on the usefulness of these measures, please see Appendix A. (2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2020, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. (3) Stock-based compensation was included in the following GAAP operating expense categories: Three Months Ended Three Months Ended February 28, 2021 February 29, 2020 GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP Cloud services and license support $ 33 $ (33) $ - $ 22 $ (22) $ - Hardware 2 (2) - 3 (3) - Services 15 (15) - 14 (14) - Sales and marketing 82 (82) - 67 (67) - Research and development 307 (307) - 238 (238) - General and administrative 40 (40) - 17 (17) - Total stock-based compensation $ 479 $ (479) $ - $ 361 $ (361) $ - (4) Estimated future annual amortization expense related to intangible assets as of February 28, 2021 was as follows: Remainder of fiscal 2021 $ 328 Fiscal 2022 1,120 Fiscal 2023 696 Fiscal 2024 450 Fiscal 2025 126 Fiscal 2026 24 Thereafter 10 Total intangible assets, net $ 2,754 (5) Income tax effects were calculated reflecting an effective GAAP tax rate of (53.3%) and 16.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and an effective non-GAAP tax rate of 16.7% and 19.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 was primarily due to a net tax benefit of $2.3 billion related to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure (refer to Appendix A for additional information), the net tax effects on stock-based compensation expense, and the net tax effects related to acquisition related items, including the net tax effects on amortization of intangible assets. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the net tax effects on stock-based compensation expense and the net tax effects on acquisition related items, including the tax effects on amortization of intangible assets. * Not meaningful ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ($ in millions, except per share data) Nine Months Ended % Increase % Increase (Decrease) February 28, % of February 29, % of (Decrease) in Constant 2021 Revenues 2020 Revenues in US $ Currency (1) REVENUES Cloud services and license support $ 21,311 73% $ 20,546 72% 4% 3% Cloud license and on-premise license 3,254 11% 3,169 11% 3% 1% Hardware 2,478 8% 2,542 9% (3%) (3%) Services 2,209 8% 2,372 8% (7%) (8%) Total revenues 29,252 100% 28,629 100% 2% 1% OPERATING EXPENSES Cloud services and license support 3,139 11% 2,994 11% 5% 4% Hardware 719 2% 828 3% (13%) (13%) Services 1,875 6% 2,147 8% (13%) (14%) Sales and marketing 5,605 19% 6,135 21% (9%) (9%) Research and development 4,812 17% 4,588 16% 5% 5% General and administrative 949 3% 903 3% 5% 5% Amortization of intangible assets 1,037 4% 1,221 4% (15%) (15%) Acquisition related and other 107 1% 44 0% 144% 145% Restructuring 337 1% 181 1% 87% 82% Total operating expenses 18,580 64% 19,041 67% (2%) (3%) OPERATING INCOME 10,672 36% 9,588 33% 11% 9% Interest expense (1,799) (6%) (1,416) (5%) 27% 27% Non-operating (expenses) income, net (30) 0% 195 1% * * INCOME BEFORE BENEFIT FROM (PROVISION FOR) INCOME TAXES 8,843 30% 8,367 29% 6% 3% Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 871 3% (1,348) (4%) * * NET INCOME $ 9,714 33% $ 7,019 25% 38% 34% EARNINGS PER SHARE: Basic $ 3.26 $ 2.16 Diluted $ 3.19 $ 2.10 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 2,977 3,251 Diluted 3,049 3,337 (1) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2020, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Movements in international currencies relative to the United States dollar during the nine months ended February 28, 2021 compared with the corresponding prior year period increased our revenues by 1 percentage point, operating expenses by 1 percentage point and operating income by 2 percentage points. * Not meaningful ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL RESULTS RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (1) ($ in millions, except per share data) Nine Months Ended % Increase (Decrease) in US $ % Increase (Decrease) in Constant Currency (2) February 28, February 28, February 29, February 29, 2021 2021 2020 2020 GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP TOTAL REVENUES $ 29,252 $ 2 $ 29,254 $ 28,629 $ 3 $ 28,632 2% 2% 1% 1% Cloud services and license support revenues 21,311 2 21,313 20,546 3 20,549 4% 4% 3% 3% TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $ 18,580 $ (2,876) $ 15,704 $ 19,041 $ (2,650) $ 16,391 (2%) (4%) (3%) (5%) Stock-based compensation (3) 1,395 (1,395) - 1,204 (1,204) - 16% * 16% * Amortization of intangible assets (4) 1,037 (1,037) - 1,221 (1,221) - (15%) * (15%) * Acquisition related and other 107 (107) - 44 (44) - 144% * 145% * Restructuring 337 (337) - 181 (181) - 87% * 82% * OPERATING INCOME $ 10,672 $ 2,878 $ 13,550 $ 9,588 $ 2,653 $ 12,241 11% 11% 9% 9% OPERATING MARGIN % 36% 46% 33% 43% 299 bp. 357 bp. 257 bp. 322 bp. INCOME TAX EFFECTS (5) $ 871 $ (2,990) $ (2,119) $ (1,348) $ (769) $ (2,117) * 0% * (2%) NET INCOME $ 9,714 $ (112) $ 9,602 $ 7,019 $ 1,884 $ 8,903 38% 8% 34% 6% DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 3.19 $ 3.15 $ 2.10 $ 2.67 51% 18% 48% 16% DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 3,049 - 3,049 3,337 - 3,337 (9%) (9%) (9%) (9%) (1) This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, the reasons why management uses these measures, the usefulness of these measures and the material limitations on the usefulness of these measures, please see Appendix A. (2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2020, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. (3) Stock-based compensation was included in the following GAAP operating expense categories: Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended February 28, 2021 February 29, 2020 GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP GAAP Adj. Non-GAAP Cloud services and license support $ 99 $ (99) $ - $ 83 $ (83) $ - Hardware 8 (8) - 8 (8) - Services 41 (41) - 42 (42) - Sales and marketing 233 (233) - 192 (192) - Research and development 897 (897) - 781 (781) - General and administrative 117 (117) - 98 (98) - Total stock-based compensation $ 1,395 $ (1,395) $ - $ 1,204 $ (1,204) $ - (4) Estimated future annual amortization expense related to intangible assets as of February 28, 2021 was as follows: Remainder of fiscal 2021 $ 328 Fiscal 2022 1,120 Fiscal 2023 696 Fiscal 2024 450 Fiscal 2025 126 Fiscal 2026 24 Thereafter 10 Total intangible assets, net $ 2,754 (5) Income tax effects were calculated reflecting an effective GAAP tax rate of (9.8%) and 16.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively, and an effective non-GAAP tax rate of 18.1% and 19.2% in the first nine months of fiscal 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates for the first nine months of fiscal 2021 was primarily due to a net tax benefit of $2.3 billion related to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure (refer to Appendix A for additional information), the net tax effects on stock-based compensation expense, and the net tax effects related to acquisition related items, including the net tax effects on amortization of intangible assets. The difference in our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates in the first nine months of fiscal 2020 was primarily due to the net tax effects on stock-based compensation expense and the net tax effects on acquisition related items, including the tax effects on amortization of intangible assets. * Not meaningful ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ($ in millions) February 28, May 31, 2021 2020 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 22,321 $ 37,239 Marketable securities 13,543 5,818 Trade receivables, net 4,637 5,551 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,243 3,532 Total Current Assets 43,744 52,140 Non-Current Assets: Property, plant and equipment, net 6,816 6,244 Intangible assets, net 2,754 3,738 Goodwill, net 43,954 43,769 Deferred tax assets 13,725 3,252 Other non-current assets 7,116 6,295 Total Non-Current Assets 74,365 63,298 TOTAL ASSETS $ 118,109 $ 115,438 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities: Notes payable, current $ 5,758 $ 2,371 Accounts payable 812 637 Accrued compensation and related benefits 1,684 1,453 Deferred revenues 8,088 8,002 Other current liabilities 3,908 4,737 Total Current Liabilities 20,250 17,200 Non-Current Liabilities: Notes payable and other borrowings, non-current 63,541 69,226 Income taxes payable 12,316 12,463 Deferred tax liabilities 7,892 41 Other non-current liabilities 4,473 3,791 Total Non-Current Liabilities 88,222 85,521 Equity 9,637 12,717 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 118,109 $ 115,438 ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ($ in millions) Nine Months Ended February 28, February 29, 2021 2020 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net income $ 9,714 $ 7,019 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 1,127 1,025 Amortization of intangible assets 1,037 1,221 Deferred income taxes (2,475) (398) Stock-based compensation 1,395 1,204 Other, net 227 167 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Decrease in trade receivables, net 1,089 946 Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets 609 718 Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities (247) (1,035) Decrease in income taxes payable (1,181) (789) Decrease in deferred revenues (250) (553) Net cash provided by operating activities 11,045 9,525 Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Purchases of marketable securities and other investments (26,775) (399) Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities and other investments 18,182 3,165 Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 853 12,575 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (29) (111) Capital expenditures (1,418) (1,131) Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities (9,187) 14,099 Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Payments for repurchases of common stock (12,958) (13,935) Proceeds from issuances of common stock 915 1,232 Shares repurchased for tax withholdings upon vesting of restricted stock-based awards (597) (624) Payments of dividends to stockholders (2,146) (2,330) Repayments of borrowings (2,631) (4,500) Other, net 241 (108) Net cash used for financing activities (17,176) (20,265) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 400 (44) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (14,918) 3,315 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 37,239 20,514 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 22,321 $ 23,829 ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS FREE CASH FLOW - TRAILING 4-QUARTERS (1) ($ in millions) Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 GAAP Operating Cash Flow $ 13,829 $ 13,796 $ 13,947 $ 13,139 $ 13,092 $ 13,967 $ 14,659 Capital Expenditures (1,663) (1,591) (1,544) (1,564) (1,614) (1,833) (1,851) Free Cash Flow $ 12,166 $ 12,205 $ 12,403 $ 11,575 $ 11,478 $ 12,134 $ 12,808 % Growth over prior year (12%) (11%) (6%) (10%) (6%) (1%) 3% GAAP Net Income $ 10,955 $ 10,933 $ 10,759 $ 10,135 $ 10,249 $ 10,380 $ 12,830 Free Cash Flow as a % of Net Income 111% 112% 115% 114% 112% 117% 100% (1) To supplement our statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis, we use non-GAAP measures of cash flows on a trailing 4-quarter basis to analyze cash flow generated from operations. We believe free cash flow is also useful as one of the bases for comparing our performance with our competitors. The presentation of non-GAAP free cash flow is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income as an indicator of our performance, or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF GAAP REVENUES (1) ($ in millions) Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 TOTAL REVENUES BY OFFERINGS Cloud services and license support $ 6,805 $ 6,811 $ 6,930 $ 6,845 $ 27,392 $ 6,947 $ 7,112 $ 7,252 $ 21,311 Cloud license and on-premise license 812 1,126 1,231 1,959 5,127 886 1,092 1,276 3,254 Hardware 815 871 857 901 3,443 814 844 820 2,478 Services 786 806 778 735 3,106 720 752 737 2,209 Total revenues $ 9,218 $ 9,614 $ 9,796 $ 10,440 $ 39,068 $ 9,367 $ 9,800 $ 10,085 $ 29,252 AS REPORTED REVENUE GROWTH RATES Cloud services and license support 3% 3% 4% 1% 3% 2% 4% 5% 4% Cloud license and on-premise license (6%) (7%) (2%) (22%) (12%) 9% (3%) 4% 3% Hardware (10%) (2%) (6%) (9%) (7%) 0% (3%) (4%) (3%) Services (3%) (1%) (1%) (11%) (4%) (8%) (7%) (5%) (7%) Total revenues 0% 1% 2% (6%) (1%) 2% 2% 3% 2% CONSTANT CURRENCY REVENUE GROWTH RATES (2) Cloud services and license support 4% 4% 5% 3% 4% 2% 4% 2% 3% Cloud license and on-premise license (6%) (7%) 0% (21%) (11%) 8% (5%) 0% 1% Hardware (9%) (1%) (5%) (7%) (6%) 0% (3%) (6%) (3%) Services (2%) 0% 0% (8%) (3%) (8%) (8%) (8%) (8%) Total revenues 2% 1% 3% (4%) 0% 2% 1% 0% 1% CLOUD SERVICES AND LICENSE SUPPORT REVENUES BY ECOSYSTEM Applications cloud services and license support $ 2,704 $ 2,753 $ 2,809 $ 2,749 $ 11,015 $ 2,816 $ 2,901 $ 2,952 $ 8,669 Infrastructure cloud services and license support 4,101 4,058 4,121 4,096 16,377 4,131 4,211 4,300 12,642 Total cloud services and license support revenues $ 6,805 $ 6,811 $ 6,930 $ 6,845 $ 27,392 $ 6,947 $ 7,112 $ 7,252 $ 21,311 AS REPORTED REVENUE GROWTH RATES Applications cloud services and license support 5% 5% 6% 1% 4% 4% 5% 5% 5% Infrastructure cloud services and license support 2% 1% 2% 0% 1% 1% 4% 4% 3% Total cloud services and license support revenues 3% 3% 4% 1% 3% 2% 4% 5% 4% CONSTANT CURRENCY REVENUE GROWTH RATES (2) Applications cloud services and license support 6% 6% 7% 3% 5% 4% 5% 3% 4% Infrastructure cloud services and license support 3% 2% 4% 3% 3% 1% 3% 2% 2% Total cloud services and license support revenues 4% 4% 5% 3% 4% 2% 4% 2% 3% GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES Americas $ 5,150 $ 5,304 $ 5,363 $ 5,746 $ 21,563 $ 5,068 $ 5,259 $ 5,424 $ 15,751 Europe/Middle East/Africa 2,553 2,695 2,835 2,952 11,035 2,738 2,852 2,981 8,571 Asia Pacific 1,515 1,615 1,598 1,742 6,470 1,561 1,689 1,680 4,930 Total revenues $ 9,218 $ 9,614 $ 9,796 $ 10,440 $ 39,068 $ 9,367 $ 9,800 $ 10,085 $ 29,252 (1) The sum of the quarterly information presented may vary from the year-to-date information presented due to rounding. (2) We compare the percent change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency disclosure. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period results for entities reporting in currencies other than United States dollars are converted into United States dollars at the exchange rates in effect on May 31, 2020 and 2019 for the fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 constant currency growth rate calculations presented, respectively, rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. APPENDIX A ORACLE CORPORATION Q3 FISCAL 2021 FINANCIAL RESULTS EXPLANATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES To supplement our financial results presented on a GAAP basis, we use the non-GAAP measures indicated in the tables, which exclude certain business combination accounting entries and expenses related to acquisitions, as well as other significant expenses including stock-based compensation, that we believe are helpful in understanding our past financial performance and our future results. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our management regularly uses our supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business and make operating decisions. These non-GAAP measures are among the primary factors management uses in planning for and forecasting future periods. Compensation of our executives is based in part on the performance of our business based on these non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items, as well as the related income tax effects related to each of the below items, with the exception of the item described under income tax effects related to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure: Cloud services and license support revenues : Business combination accounting rules require us to account for the fair values of cloud services and license support contracts assumed in connection with our acquisitions. The non-GAAP adjustments to our cloud services and license support revenues are intended to include, and thus reflect, the full amount of such revenues. We believe the adjustments to these revenues are useful to investors as a measure of the ongoing performance of our business as we generally expect to experience high renewal rates for these contracts at their stated values during the post combination periods. Stock-based compensation expenses : We have excluded the effect of stock-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP operating expenses and net income measures. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to our employees, and we believe such compensation contributed to the revenues earned during the periods presented and also believe it will contribute to the generation of future period revenues, we continue to evaluate our business performance excluding stock-based compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses will recur in future periods. Amortization of intangible assets : We have excluded the effect of amortization of intangible assets from our non-GAAP operating expenses and net income measures. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. Investors should note that the use of intangible assets contributed to our revenues earned during the periods presented and will contribute to our future period revenues as well. Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods. Acquisition related and other expenses ; and restructuring expenses: We have excluded the effect of acquisition related and other expenses and the effect of restructuring expenses from our non-GAAP operating expenses and net income measures. We incurred expenses in connection with our acquisitions and also incurred certain other operating expenses or income, which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations. Acquisition related and other expenses primarily consist of personnel related costs for transitional and certain other employees, certain business combination adjustments including adjustments after the measurement period has ended and certain other operating items, net. Restructuring expenses consist of employee severance and other exit costs. We believe it is useful for investors to understand the effects of these items on our total operating expenses. Although acquisition related and other expenses and restructuring expenses generally diminish over time with respect to past acquisitions and/or strategic initiatives, we generally will incur these expenses in connection with any future acquisitions and/or strategic initiatives. Income tax effects related to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure : We recorded a net income tax benefit of $2.3 billion during the three and nine months ended February 28, 2021 which related to the partial realignment of our legal entity structure that resulted in the intra-group transfer of certain intellectual property rights. A portion of this net benefit will reduce cash tax paid and give rise to a net deferred tax expense. We have excluded the net benefit and related net deferred tax expense from our non-GAAP income tax effects and net income measures for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2021. We believe these adjustments to the fiscal 2021 periods presented provides insight to our operating performance and comparability to past operating results. SOURCE Oracle Related Links www.oracle.com The Navy's new destroyer passed a round of sea trials in which it sailed through two storms off California and Alaska, moving it into the next phase of testing, set to take place this month. The stealth destroyer Zumwalt passed sea trials that put its unique design to the test in waves up to 20 feet high, Naval Sea Systems Command announced this week. The tests took place during two storms, which officials said exceeded expectations in terms of testing the ship's mettle in heavy seas. Now, a scale-model replica of Zumwalt will repeat similar conditions in what's known as the Navy's "indoor ocean" -- a massive pool in Bethesda, Maryland, that holds more than 12 million gallons of water and mimics real wave patterns. Read Next: Navy Introduces New 'Master Chief Seabee' Rating to Improve Promotion Chances Officials said the new rough-water trials will allow the Navy to troubleshoot any differences "between our model-scale predictions and our full-scale observations." The tests are scheduled to begin in late March. Zumwalt's real-world sea trials ran from October to November, and were led by engineers from Naval Surface Warfare Centers Maryland and Philadelphia divisions. Defense News first reported the new milestone for the stealth destroyer. Stephen Minnich, the rough-water trials director, said the Navy chose the time and locations likely to produce the wave conditions needed to complete the trials. Zumwalt previously ran through calm-water trials off the coast of San Diego. Engineers then moved north because storms there tend to get more intense, Minnich said in the Navy news release. Off the coast of Ketchikan, Alaska, the destroyer hit the top of what's known as Sea State 6, which produces up to 20-foot-high waves. "We deployed wave buoys that drifted on the sea surface, which helped us to quantify the seaway in terms of the wave height, period, and direction," he added. "We were completely at the mercy of Mother Nature during the testing, but those devices were critically important to the characterization of what we were seeing in terms of ship motion and structural response and for the situational awareness they provided to support safe execution of the testing." The Navy has faced criticism over the new destroyer, which was delivered to the service with a working combat system last April -- more than three years after it was commissioned. The Project On Government Oversight, a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates waste, called the new destroyers "over-larded, cruiser-sized, titanium canisters." When the ship was in development, the Navy found the cost for a single round for the 155mm deck gun the new destroyers were supposed to feature would run about $800,000. After determining it would be too expensive to move forward with that mission, the Navy switched the destroyer's primary objective from land attack to offensive surface strike. Modifications needed to make that switch cost about $1 billion. The service eventually cut its original plans to buy more than two dozen of the new ships down to three. -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Megadestroyer Zumwalt Delivered to the Navy After Years of Setbacks Announcement of Periodic Review: Moody's announces completion of a periodic review of ratings of Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A.Global Credit Research - 10 Mar 2021New York, March 10, 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") has completed a periodic review of the ratings of Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A. and other ratings that are associated with the same analytical unit. The review was conducted through a portfolio review discussion held on 4 March 2021 in which Moody's reassessed the appropriateness of the ratings in the context of the relevant principal methodology(ies), recent developments, and a comparison of the financial and operating profile to similarly rated peers. The review did not involve a rating committee. Since 1 January 2019, Moody's practice has been to issue a press release following each periodic review to announce its completion.This publication does not announce a credit rating action and is not an indication of whether or not a credit rating action is likely in the near future. Credit ratings and outlook/review status cannot be changed in a portfolio review and hence are not impacted by this announcement. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history.Key rating considerations are summarized below.Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A. Caa3 rating acknowledges that air traffic was hardly hit in 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak. Total traffic growth dropped 77% year-over-year as of December 2020. We recognize that positive traffic trends can take longer to recover and go back to pre-pandemic levels, especially for international traffic. Nevertheless, AA2000 will continue to benefit from its dominant market position that captures more than 90% of air traffic in the country.This document summarizes Moody's view as of the publication date and will not be updated until the next periodic review announcement, which will incorporate material changes in credit circumstances (if any) during the intervening period.The principal methodology used for this review was Privately Managed Airports and Related Issuers published in September 2017. Please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology.This announcement applies only to EU rated, UK rated, EU endorsed and UK endorsed ratings. Non EU rated, non UK rated, non EU endorsed and non UK endorsed ratings may be referenced above to the extent necessary, if they are part of the same analytical unit.This publication does not announce a credit rating action. For any credit ratings referenced in this publication, please see the ratings tab on the issuer/entity page on www.moodys.com for the most updated credit rating action information and rating history. Daniela Cuan Vice President - Senior Analyst Project & Infrastructure Finance JOURNALISTS: 1 800 666 3506 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 Michael J. Mulvaney MD - Project Finance Project & Infrastructure Finance JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 Releasing Office: Moody's Investors Service, Inc. 250 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007 U.S.A. JOURNALISTS: 1 212 553 0376 Client Service: 1 212 553 1653 2021 Moodys Corporation, Moodys Investors Service, Inc., Moodys Analytics, Inc. and/or their licensors and affiliates (collectively, MOODYS). 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Mr Johnson wriggled as he was berated by Labour's Keir Starmer during a tetchy PMQs session, with the Labour leader comparing the proposed 1 per cent for health staff to the 40 per cent hike for ex-aide Dominic Cummings. Sir Keir demanded that MPs be given a vote on the 'real-terms cut'. Unions have threatened strikes over the 'insulting' increase while Tories are restive. Ministers have so far argued that the bump is all the country can afford with coronavirus sending national debt soaring towards 2.8trillion, and pointed out that the rest of the public sector is facing a freeze. But the premier fuelled speculation of a shift this afternoon by stressing that the pay review body will consider the evidence. 'Of course we will look at what the independent pay review body has to say exceptionally about the nursing profession for whom we particularly value,' he told MPs. Boris Johnson wriggled as he was berated by Labour's Keir Starmer during a tetchy PMQs session NHS workers staged protests over the pay move outside Downing Street at the weekend Sir Keir accused Mr Johnson of clapping for carers last year before choosing to 'shut the door in their face at the first opportunity' via the 1% pay rise. The Labour leader told the Commons: 'There are currently 40,000 nursing vacancies and 7,000 doctors vacancies. How on Earth does he think a pay cut will solve that? 'Frankly, I'd take the Prime Minister a bit more seriously if he hadn't spent 2.6million of taxpayers' money on a Downing Street TV studio or 200,000 on new wallpaper for his flat. 'They say charity starts at home but I think the Prime Minister is taking it a bit too literally.' But Mr Johnson denied that staff will be 'hundreds of pounds worse off a year' because of the Budget moves, and insisted the Conservatives are the 'party of the NHS'. 'We're increasing pay for nurses, we're massively increasing our investment in the NHS,' he said. 'We're steering a steady course, whereas he weaves and wobbles from one week to the next.' Sir Keir questioned whether Mr Johnson thought NHS workers or Mr Cummings - who dramatically left government before Christmas - are more deserving of a pay rise. Mr Johnson said: 'We owe a massive debt as a society and I personally to the nurses of our NHS. 'And that is why we've asked the public sector pay review body exceptionally to look at their pay. 'I want to stress, however, as the House knows, that starting salaries for nurses have gone up by 12.8 per cent over the last three years and it is thanks to the package that this Government has put in place that we now have 10,600 more nurses in our NHS than there were one year ago and 60,000 more in training.' Nandigram : , March 10 (IANS) Hours after she filed her nomination from here in Purba Medinipur district on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told the media she was "injured in an attack" while campaigning. Banerjee alleged that four-five men manhandled her in Barolia here and she suffered an injury in her leg after being pushed. She also complained of chest pain. She was scheduled to return to Kolkata on Thursday. However, following the incident, the Trinamool supremo was rushed back to the state capital. A dishevelled-looking Banerjee, sitting in the front seat of an SUV, spoke to the media just before her convoy left for Kolkata. Earlier, after filing her papers for the Nandigram Assembly constituency seat, Banerjee took part in a two-km-long roadshow at Haldia. She was accompanied by party state president Subrata Bakshi. The Trinamool supremo had been contesting polls from her home seat Bhawanipore constituency, but this time chose Nandigram, a stronghold of Trinamool turn-coat Suvendu Adhikari who joined the BJP last year. A pitched battle is expected from the word go. By Benjamin Jumbe Government is today expected to present a statement on the ban imposed on Ugandan maize by the Kenyan government before parliament. The Kenyan authorities last week announced a ban on maize from Uganda and Tanzania arguing that it was contaminated with aflatoxins. Now following concerns raised by a number of legislators on the matter, the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga directed that the government come up with a statement today without fail. She added that parliament is ready to make its resolution on the matter with or without any minister. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. She is in the throes of romance with electrician James Green. And love seems to be suiting Lisa Armstrong to perfection as she stepped out looking incredibly chic while heading to Steph's Packed Lunch in Leeds. The make-up artist, 44, who is the ex-wife of Ant McPartlin, looked stunning in a grey coloured collarless coat while clutching a 1,500 Goyard handbag while her short locks were swept back and her eyes were expertly made-up. Elegant: Love seems to be suiting Lisa Armstrong to perfection as she stepped out looking incredibly chic while heading to Steph's Packed Lunch in Leeds Lisa was flawless for the outing as she wrapped up against the unseasonable chill in the coat while pairing the look with thick black tights and patent boots. She made a serious style statement with her envy-inducing handbag. The much-coveted Goyard Artois MM bag is described as: 'A nod to our emblematic Saint Louis in a structured version with a zip fastening system and overstitched leather corners for good resistance to abrasion'. Lisa has plenty to smile about at the moment, as her outing comes a month after she shared snaps on Valentine's Day with her electrician boyfriend James Green. A vision: The make-up artist, 44, who is the ex-wife of Ant McPartlin, looked stunning in a grey coloured collarless coat while clutching a 1,500 Goyard handbag while her short locks were swept back and her eyes were expertly made-up Suited and booted: Lisa was flawless for the outing as she wrapped up against the unseasonable chill in the coat while pairing the look with thick black tights and patent boots Simply captioning the post with 'HVD', Lisa cuddled up to James, 37, in the images, with him planting a kiss on her cheek as she pulled a cute face, in her first romance since her 31million divorce with the TV star was finalised. Lisa and father-of-two James went public with their relationship last August, a few months after he separated from his wife Kirsty. Father-of-two James is believed to be spending the UK's third lockdown with Lisa. First V-Day! Lisa and father-of-two James went public with their relationship last August, a few months after he separated from his wife Kirsty Lisa, the head of make-up for Strictly Come Dancing, finalised her divorce with Ant back in April 2020 after their split in January 2018 following 12 years of marriage. Earlier this year, the Saturday Night Takeaway co-host was reported to have handed over 31 million to Lisa, including their 5 million home in West London, following his highly documented battle with painkillers and alcohol. While she remains on good terms with him, Lisa is understood to have felt that Ant 'got away with a lot' following their split. Meghan on the secret wedding Meghan: 'Even at our wedding, you know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that. 'But we called the archbishop, and we just said, "Look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us." Prince Harry: 'Just the three of us.' Meghan and Kate argument Meghan: 'The narrative with Kate which didn't happen was really, really difficult and something that I think that's when everything changed, really. 'The reverse happened. And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. 'And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologised. And she brought me flowers and a note, apologising.' On press narrative: Oprah: So, do you think there was a standard for Kate in general and a separate one for you? And if so, why?' Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are interviewed by Oprah Winfrey Meghan: I don't know why. I can see now what layers were at play there. And, again, they really seemed to want a narrative of a hero and a villain.' On being silent or being silenced Meghan: The latter. Everyone in my world was given very clear directive from the moment the world knew Harry and I were dating to always say "No comment." 'That's my friends, my mum and dad. I did anything they told me to do. Of course I did, because it was also through the lens of "And we'll protect you." 'So, even as things started to roll out in the media that I didn't see but my friends would call me and say, "Meg, this is really bad," because I didn't see it, I'd go, "Don't worry. I'm being protected." On 'not being protected' Meghan: 'I think that was really hard to reconcile because it was only once we were married and everything started to really worsen that I came to understand that not only was I not being protected but that they were willing to lie to protect other members of the family, but they weren't willing to tell the truth to protect me and my husband. On meeting the Queen Meghan: We had breakfast together that morning, and she'd given me a beautiful gift, and I just really loved being in her company. And I remember we were in the car. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II pose for a picture during the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London in 2018 'She gave me some beautiful pearl earrings and a matching necklace. And we were in the car going between engagements, and she has a blanket that sits across her knees for warmth. And it was chilly, and she was like, "Meghan, come on," and put it over my knees, as well. I think everyone welcomed me. On 'character assassination' Meghan: I'm talking about things that are super artificial and inconsequential. But the narrative about, you know, making Kate cry I think was the beginning of a real character assassination. And they knew it wasn't true. And I thought, well, if they're not going to kill things like that, then what are we going to do? On claims Archie was to be denied security Meghan: And that was when they were saying they didn't want him to be a prince or a princess not knowing what the gender would be, which would be different from protocol and that he wasn't going to receive security. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex with their baby Archie But if you're saying the title is what's going to affect their protection, we haven't created this monster machine around us in terms of clickbait and tabloid fodder. 'You've allowed that to happen, which means our son needs to be safe.' On if the titles are important to her? Meghan: 'All the grandeur surrounding this stuff is an attachment that I don't personally have, right? I've been a waitress, an actress, a princess, a duchess. I've always just still been Meghan, right? So, for me, I'm clear on who I am, independent of all that stuff. And the most important title I will ever have is "Mum." I know that.' Meghan on race and the royal family Meghan: 'I can give you an honest answer. In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time so we have in tandem the conversation of "He won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title," and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born.' Oprah: 'Who is having that conversation with you? What?' Meghan: There were several conversations about it.' Oprah: 'About how dark your baby is going to be?' Meghan: 'Potentially, and what that would mean or look like.' Oprah: 'And you're not going to tell me who had the conversation?' Meghan: 'I think that would be very damaging to them.' On UK Press and mental health Meghan: I just didn't see a solution. I just didn't see a solution. I would sit up at night, and I was just, like, I don't understand how all of this is being churned out. And, look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he's suffered. But I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it. And I just didn't I just didn't want to be alive anymore. 'And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. And I remember I remember how he just cradled me. Meghan Markle discussed mental health during her conversation with Oprah Winfrey on CBS And I was I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that "I've never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere." And I was told that I couldn't, that it wouldn't be good for the institution. Oprah: 'So, were you thinking of harming yourself? Were you having suicidal thoughts? Meghan: Yes. This was very, very clear. On telling her truth Meghan: 'I think I'm not going to live my life in fear. You know, I think so much of it is said with an understanding of just truth. But I think, to answer your question, 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. That at a certain point, you're going to go, "But, you guys, someone just tell the truth." And if that comes with risk of losing things, I mean, I've lost there's a lot that's been lost already.' On the latest royal baby Oprah: 'For the new addition to your family. 'Meghan said she wanted to wait until you were here to tell us, is it a boy or is it a girl? Harry: 'It's a girl.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were having a girl for their second child - which is due in the summer Meghan: 'It's a girl.' Harry: 'Yes! I'm just grateful, like any to have any child, any one or any two would have been amazing. But to have a boy and then a girl, you know, what more can you ask for?' 'But now, you know, now we've got our family. We've got, you know, the four of us and our two dogs, and it's great.' Oprah: 'Done? Two is it?' Harry: 'Done.' On leaving the UK Meghan: 'We didn't have a plan. We needed a house, and he (Tyler Perry) offered security, as well, so it gave us breathing room to try to figure out what we are going to do. 'It's been so spun in the wrong direction, as though we quit, we walked away, all the conversations of the two years before we finally announced it.' On Megxit Harry: Yeah, it was desperate. I went to all the places which I thought I should go to, to ask for help. We both did... Separately and together.' Oprah: 'So, you left because you were asking for help and couldn't get it?' Harry: 'Yeah, basically. But we never left.' Meghan: We never left the family, and we only wanted to have the same type of role that exists, right?' So, we weren't reinventing the wheel here. We were saying, "Okay, if this isn't working for everyone, we're in a lot of pain, you can't provide us with the help that we need, we can just take a step back. We can do it in a commonwealth country." We suggested New Zealand, South Africa.' On history repeating itself Harry: (We wanted to) Take a breath. From this constant barrage. My biggest concern was history repeating itself, and I've said that before on numerous occasions, very publicly. And what I was seeing was history repeating itself, but more, perhaps or definitely far more dangerous, because then you add race in and you add social media in. And when I'm talking about history repeating itself, I'm talking about my my mother.' Harry on the press Harry: 'You know, as sad as it is to say, it takes living in her shoes in this instance, for a day or those first eight days to see where it was going to go and how far they were going to take it. And get away with it and be so blatant about it. That's the bit that shocked me. 'This - the UK is my home. That is where I was brought up. So, yes, I've got my own relationship that goes back a long way with the media. 'I asked for calm from the British tabloids once as a boyfriend, once as a husband, and once as a father.' Why did Harry and Meghan leave? Harry: Lack of support and lack of understanding.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in a conversation with US television host Oprah Winfrey Oprah: 'So, I want clarity. Was the move about getting away from the UK press? Or was the move because you weren't getting enough support from the firm? Prince Harry: It was both. Harry and blindsiding the Queen Oprah: 'Did you blindside the queen?' Harry: 'No. I've never blindsided my grandmother. I have too much respect for her.' My grandmother has been amazing throughout. You know, my father, my brother, Kate and all the rest of the family, they were. 'They were really welcoming. But it really changed after the Australia tour, after our south pacific tour. Harry on his relationship with Prince Charles Harry: When we were in Canada, I had three conversations with my grandmother and two conversations with my father and before he stopped taking my calls and then said, "Can you put this all in writing what your plan is?" 'I put all the specifics in there, even the fact that we were planning on putting the announcement out on the 7th of January. Oprah: 'So, you just said that your dad stopped taking your calls. Why did he stop taking your calls?' Harry: 'Because... I took matters into my own hands. It was like I need to do this for my family. This is not a surprise to anybody. 'It's really sad that it's gotten to this point, but I've got to do something for my own mental health, my wife's, and for Archie's, as well, because I could see where this was headed.' Harrys claim that his family is scared of the press Harry: No from my family ever said anything over those three years. And that hurts. But I also am acutely aware of where my family stand and how scared they are of the tabloids turning on them. Prince Harry claimed members of the royal family were 'scared' of the press 'Yes, but it's there is this invisible what's termed or referred to as the "Invisible contract" behind closed doors between the institution and the tabloids, the UK. Tabloids. On being trapped in royal life Oprah: 'How were you trapped? Harry: Trapped within the system, like the rest of my family are. My father and my brother, they are trapped. 'They don't get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that.' On Netflix and Spotify Harry: 'Yeah, it exists. But, also, the Netflix and the Spotify, they're all that was never part of the plan.' Meghan: 'We didn't have a plan.' Harry: 'We didn't have a plan. That was suggested by somebody else by the point of where my family literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us.' Oprah: 'Wait. 'Hold up. Wait a minute. Your family cut you off?' Harry: 'Yeah, in the first half, the first quarter of 2020. But I've got what my mum left me, and, without that, we would not have been able to do this.' Harrys relationship with his family Harry: 'I've spoken more to my grandmother in the last year than I have done for many, many years. We did a couple of zoom calls with Archie. 'My grandmother and I have a really good relationship...' Oprah: 'Your relationship with your father? Is he taking your calls now?' Harry: 'Yeah. Yeah, he is. There's a lot to work through there, you know? I feel really let down, because he's been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like, and this is and Archie's his grandson. But, at the same time, you know, I of course I will always love him, but there's a lot of hurt that's happened. And I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship. Oprah: 'Yeah. And your brother? Relationship? Much has been said about that?' Harry: 'Yeah, and much will continue to be said about that. You know, as I've said before, I love William to bits. He's my brother. 'We've been through hell together. I mean, we have a shared experience. But you know, we're on we're on different paths. On the future Harry: I'm sad that what's happened has happened, but I know, and I'm comfortable in knowing that we did everything that we could to make it work. 'And we did everything on the exit process the way that-- the way that it should have been done.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said they were 'thriving' in their new life in the United States On taking away his patronages Harry: I am hurt. But at the same time, I completely respect my grandmother's decision. 'I would still love for us to be able to continue to support those associations, albeit without the title or the role.' Meghans one regret Meghan: I have one. My regret is believing them when they said I would be protected. I believed that. 'And I regret believing that because I think, had I really seen that that wasn't happening, I would have been able to do more. But I think I wasn't supposed to see it. I wasn't supposed to know. And now, because we're actually on the other side, we've actually not just survived but are thriving. Heres a populist slogan for President Bidens infrastructure plan: Pee for Free! Sure, we need investments to rebuild bridges, highways and, yes, electrical grids, but perhaps Americas most disgraceful infrastructure failing is its lack of public toilets. The humourist Art Buchwald once recounted an increasingly desperate search for a toilet in Manhattan. He was turned down at an office building, a bookstore and a hotel, so he finally rushed into a bar and asked for a drink. What kind of drink? the bartender replied. Who cares? Buchwald answered. Wheres the mens room? America should be better than that. Japan manages what may be the worlds most civilised public toilets ubiquitous, clean and reliably equipped with paper and almost every industrialised country is more bladder-friendly than America. Even poorer countries like China and India manage networks of public latrines. But the United States is simply not made for people who pee. I go between cars or in bushes, Max McEntire, 58, who has been homeless about 10 years, told me as he stood outside the tent where he lives here. Sometimes at my age, if your body says pee, youve got to pee. If your body says poop, you cant wait. Most stores and businesses are of little help, he said, because they often insist on a purchase to use the restroom and thats even before the pandemic closed many shops. At night youll see men and women pulling their pants down and peeing and pooping in the gutter, McEntire said. People lose their dignity, they lose their pride. Cities also lose their liveability, and open defecation becomes a threat to public health. Americans have painstakingly built new norms about dog owners picking up after their pets, but weve gone backward with human waste. Meanwhile, its not just homeless who suffer. Taxi drivers, delivery people, tourists and others are out and about all day, navigating a landscape that seems oblivious to the most basic of needs. The same is true of parents out with kids. Whats a parent supposed to do when a toddler needs to wee? And what about people with medical conditions that require more frequent urination or defecation? Why do we make life so difficult and humiliating? How is it that we can afford aircraft carriers but not toilets? For men, its more convenient to disappear behind a trash can, but men also face greater risk of being arrested and the consequences can be dire. At last count, 13 states sometimes classify people arrested for public urination as sex offenders. In Florida, a welder named Juan Matamoros was fined and ordered to move away from his home, which was near a park, because 19 years earlier he had been arrested for public urination; as a result, he was considered a lifelong sex offender and not allowed to live near a park. 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. Powerbrokers 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. 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. So come on, President Biden! Lets see an infrastructure plan that addresses not only bridges and electrical grids, but also bladders and bowels. (International New York Times) Bengaluru, March 10 : The Karnataka government has banned all late-night parties at star hotels and restaurants in this tech city and across the state to curb the Covid surge, state health minister K. Sudhakar said on Wednesday. "All star hotels and restaurants across the state have been directed to stop late-night parties from Thursday to prevent them from turning into super spreaders of the pandemic," Sudhakar told reporters here in Kannada. The decision came on a day when a record 760 positive cases were reported from across the state, including 488 in Bengaluru on the basis of tests conducted on Wednesday. "Late-night parties have been banned till further notice, as more people gather for such events at one place and in closed environment, which may cause the virus spread," asserted the minister, who is a medical doctor by profession. Rising Covid cases in the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Kerala have also caused concern to the authorities and forced the state government to insist on 72-hour negative RT-PCR test report from those entering Karnataka. "We are taking all measures to contain the virus spread in the city and other parts of the state though the positivity rate is around 1 per cent and the case fatality rate below 1 per cent across the state," reiterated Sudhakar. The state government has also extended restrictions enforced by the Union home ministry on large gatherings at weddings and religious functions across the state till March 31. "Though no restrictions on inter-state travel, large gatherings at marriages and other functions are not allowed to contain the infection," noted the minister. With 760 new cases registered on Wednesday, the state's Covid tally shot up to 9,56,801, including 7,456 active cases, while recoveries rose to 9,36,947, with 331 patients discharged during the last 24 hours. In Bengaluru, which has been the epi-centre of the pandemic in the state, 488 fresh cases were reported, taking the city's Covid tally to 4,09,163, including 5,526 positive cases, while 3,99,124 recovered so far, with 146 patients were discharged during the day. Of the 6 Covid patients who died on Thursday, 5 were in Bengaluru and 1 in Dakshina Kannada, taking the state's death toll to 12,379 and the city's toll to 4,512 since the disease broke out on March 8, 2020. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) A massive $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill containing $1,400 checks for most Americans along with money for vaccines, testing, schools, states and lower-income families passed the U.S. House Wednesday, its final stop before reaching President Joe Bidens desk. Biden, who made the stimulus bill his first major legislative initiative since taking office in January, said he would sign the measure on Friday. For weeks now, an overwhelming percentage of Americans Democrats, independents, and Republicans have made it clear they support the American Rescue Plan, Biden said in a statement after the vote. Today, with final passage in the House of Representatives, their voice has been heard. During the debate, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist., said he had heard from constituents asking for assistance to get through the coronavirus-induced economic downturn. Its up to us to help Americans who cant buy their groceries or pay the rent and are not in prison, Pascrell said on the House floor. Its up to us to protect seniors in nursing homes. Its up to us to ensure that every American has quality health insurance and is able to get vaccinated. Americans are crying out for help, he said. Can you hear them? They have given us the burden to act. The bill, which the House needed to take up again after the Senate amended it over the weekend, passed along party lines, 220-211. Only one Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, opposed the legislation. No Republicans in either chamber voted for the measure, which included funds to curb the spread of the virus through vaccines and testing, and to pump billions of dollars into an American economy ravaged by the pandemic. This isnt a rescue bill, said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California. It isnt a relief bill. Its a laundry list of leftwing priorities that predate the pandemic and do not meet the needs of American families. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the Republicans got it wrong. If you want to fight the virus, you should be voting yes on this bill, said Pallone, D-6th Dist., during the debate. Unlike under President Trump when we had no national plan to fight the virus, under President Biden, for the first time, we have a national plan to fight the virus that does not force state and local governments to compete against each other. The $1,400 direct payments would go to individuals making up to $75,000 and $2,800 to couples filing jointly making up to $150,000. They would phase out and end for individuals making more than $80,000 and couples making more than $160,000. Those on unemployment would receive an extra $300 a week through Sept. 6, and those making less than $150,000 would not have to pay federal income taxes on the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits for individuals and $20,400 for married couples. New Jersey does not tax unemployment insurance benefits. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the payments should go out by the end of the month, and they will not contain Bidens signature, unlike the earlier checks that bore the name of Donald Trump. We are doing everything in our power to expedite the payments and not delay them, which is why the presidents name will not appear on the memo line of this round of stimulus checks, Psaki said Tuesday at her daily press briefing. He didnt think that was a priority or a necessary step. His focus was on getting them out as quickly as possible. Thanks in part to the expanded tax credits for lower-income households with or without children, the legislation would lift an estimated 16 million Americans out of poverty, according to the Urban Institute, a research group. The expanded child tax credit alone would bring more than 4 million children of poverty, including 89,000 in New Jersey, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive research group. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The legislation would provide $350 billion in long-sought aid for state and local governments, including $10.2 billion for New Jersey and its municipalities. This is a big positive deal for New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday at his coronavirus press briefing. Theres no other way to put it. The president and chief executive of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Tom Bracken, also applauded the House action. It helps New Jersey in many ways, providing vital aid to those impacted by the pandemic, Bracken said. Studies by the Brookings Institution and S&P Global said the legislation would return the economy to pre-pandemic levels this summer, and Moodys Analytics said the plan would help create 7.5 million jobs this year and another 2.5 million next year, fully recovering all the jobs lost due to the coronavirus. More than 150 business leaders endorsed the spending plan. Republicans objected to the Democrats decision to use a procedure known as reconciliation to consider the bill, allowing the majority to pass the legislation on a party-line vote without the threat of a filibuster. The Republicans used the same procedure in 2017 to spend the same $1.9 trillion to cut taxes. That bill, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, also targeted New Jersey and other high-tax Democratic-run states by capping the federal deduction for state and local taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut taxes for everybody but mostly for high-income people and corporations, said Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow with the Tax Policy Center, a research group. This one cuts taxes mostly for low and moderate-income people. The unanimous GOP opposition on Capitol Hill contrasted with the bills strong support among Americans. In a CNN poll released Wednesday as the House prepared to vote, 61% backed the stimulus bill while 37% opposed it. The $1,400 stimulus checks were supported, 76%-23%. Among Republicans, 55% supported the checks and 45% opposed them, and among those who leaned Republican, 59% were in favor and 40% were against the direct payments. The poll of 1,009 adults was conducted March 3-8 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. 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. Sign up here to get the latest stories on COVID in New Jersey, straight to your inbox. Julia Roberts touched down in Sydney this week to begin filming a new project. The Hollywood actress wore a face mask as she exited her private jet and stepped onto a bus at Sydney Airport. The 53-year-old is in Australia to film the political thriller Gaslit alongside Sean Penn and Joel Edgerton. She's here! Julia Roberts touched down in Sydney via private jet this week to begin filming a new project Australia has become the new Hollywood during the Covid-19 pandemic as major movie studios relocate their productions Down Under. Besides Gaslit, Julia is set to film the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney. The Oscar winner will begin shooting the film on the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland later this year. Exit: The Hollywood actress wore a face mask as she exited her private jet and exited a bus at Sydney Airport Busy: The 53-year-old is in Australia to film the political thriller Gaslit alongside Sean Penn and Joel Edgerton Julia, 53, and George, 59, play a divorced couple who travel to Bali, Indonesia, to save their daughter from making the same mistake they did 25 years ago. The production has received $6.4million from the Australian government as part of a location incentive program. 'I'm so pleased to support Ticket to Paradise with a $6.4million grant as part of our highly successful Location Incentive Program,' said Paul Fletcher, the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts. In return, the film is expected to bring $47million to the local economy and create more than 270 jobs. Coming soon: Besides Gaslit, Julia is set to film the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney in Australia George will arrive in Australia later this year, but Julia is already in the country filming Gaslit. The political thriller, which is about the Watergate scandal, also stars Sean Penn and Joel Edgerton. The movie is being directed and produced by Joel and his brother, Nash Edgerton. Map of the center of gravity of enterovirus D68 cases in the U.S. predicted by the pathogen extended resolution algorithm, from 2014-2019. Credit: S.W. Park et al., Science Translational Medicine (2021) Social distancing not only helped slow the spread of COVID-19it also may have prevented the transmission of an outbreak of a rare polio-like syndrome, according to Princeton University researchers. Though uncommon, acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a critical spinal condition that causes weakness in the limbs, seriously diminishes motor function, and can lead to lifelong disabilities. The syndrome was first reported in the United States in 2012 and has been coming back every two years, hinting it could strike again in 2020. Using epidemiological surveillance tools, the researchers showed that an AFM outbreak was likely to occur in 2020, but social distancing prevented its spread. The reason was that social distancing reduced the occurrence of a respiratory illness known as enterovirus 68 (EV-D68), which the researchers found is strongly associated with AFM. EV-D68 is a virus found in infants and children that typically causes respiratory issues such as a runny nose, cough, or sneezing. While the definite cause of AFM remains inconclusive, it has been linked to viral infections and past studies have specifically identified a link to EV-68. The Princeton-led research team sought to better understand the connection between AFM and EV-D68 and whether another outbreak might occur. Their findings, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggest that vaccines targeting EV-D68 could lessen future outbreaks of AFM. "Though currently uncommon, this syndrome has been increasing in frequency with each successive outbreak since 2014, making it critically important to better understand the patterns and drivers behind it," said first author Sang Woo Park, a Ph.D. student in Princeton's Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. "Our results underline the importance of epidemic surveillance for projecting future impact of infectious diseases," said Bryan Grenfell, the Kathryn Briger and Sarah Fenton Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs and an associated faculty member in Princeton's High Meadows Environmental Institute. Grenfell and Park conducted the study with Kevin Messacar of the Children's Hospital at the University of Colorado; Margarita Pons-Salort of Imperial College London; Lindsay Meyers and Camille Cook, former and current employees, respectively, of bioMerieux Inc. or its subsidiaries; and Jeremy Farrar of the Wellcome Trust. EV-D68 outbreaks have been reported every two years, coinciding with the outbreak pattern of AFM, the researchers said. To confirm this connection, they analyzed patterns of EV-D68 outbreaks using unique surveillance data acquired from BioFire Syndromic Trends (Trend), a cloud-based network of de-identified pathogen results from around the world collected in near-real time. The results revealed that EV-D68 outbreaks were occurring every two years in many states, though not all. In states such as Ohio, EV-D68 outbreaks revealed more intricate patterns. Still, the association between EV-D68 and AFM syndrome was strong. Likely thanks to social distancing, AFM cases remained low in 2020. There were only 31 cases in 2020 compared to 153 cases in 2016 and 238 cases in 2018. "Fortunately, we saw very little EV-D68 circulation in 2020 and few cases of AFM compared to what was expected, but that makes it even more important to be as prepared as possible for what could be coming in 2021 or beyond," said Park. More information: S.W. Park el al., "Epidemiological dynamics of enterovirus D68 in the US and implications for acute flaccid myelitis," Science Translational Medicine (2021). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine S.W. Park el al., "Epidemiological dynamics of enterovirus D68 in the US and implications for acute flaccid myelitis,"(2021). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ scitranslmed.abd2400 Massachusetts officials plan to shift away from relying on the states current vaccine appointment website, run by vendor PrepMod, after multiple complaints about the system crashing and being difficult to navigate. The state plans to launch a pre-registration website as early as Friday. But PrepMod wont be completely gone. While state officials stated a new pre-registration website would replace the current booking platforms for mass vaccination sites, Gov. Charlie Baker later said the site run by PrepMod would still run to help book appointments for regional collaboratives. Tomorrow, March 11, will be the last time that mass vaccination appointments will be posted online on a Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders told reporters Wednesday morning. After tomorrow, all mass vaccination site appointments will be booked through a new tool. The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security used Google Services to build the pre-registration website thats expected to go live Friday morning, Secretary Curtis Wood said. In Massachusetts, more than 2.2 million total doses have been administered, and more than 750,000 people are now fully vaccinated with many scheduling appointments using the state website. The private vendor received nearly $500,000 for its services, according to documents obtained by the State House News Service. Yet the website quickly became known for its lack of user-friendly options, especially before the state launched a call center for those who struggle with computers. The complaints only grew when the website crashed twice in February, and when it quickly ran out of appointment slots. The state launched a vaccination site search tool, a waiting room and other workarounds to improve users experience with PrepMod before deciding to create to a new website. PrepMod had a pre-registration option for users, said Tiffany Tate, the websites creator, during a legislative hearing in late February. State officials later clarified PrepMods pre-registration tool didnt have an option to sort pre-registrants by location or other categories. The new website eliminates the need for people to search for mass vaccination site appointments, Assistant Secretary Matt Moran said. Starting Friday, residents can sign up on a pre-registration list on the new website, or through the call center. Residents will be contacted when theres an appointment available at a mass vaccination site. They will have 24 hours to accept their appointment. If they dont accept their appointment, theyll be re-added to the queue, Wood said. Anyone can pre-register for the website, even if theyre not yet eligible. But those who arent eligible wont hear back about available appointments until they are eligible, Wood said. While anyone can pre-register, Wood and Sudders urged people not to flood the website if they arent eligible. The pre-registration site is currently limited to the states seven mass vaccination sites, but officials said the state plans to add more sites to the system in April. Hospitals might have their own pre-registration systems and not opt into the website, like those that didnt for PrepMod. But state officials plan to consult other providers about working with the states pre-registration site, Sudders said. Once this goes live, we will then start to talk to other providers that are open on our website around conversation into the pre-registration system, Sudders said. If people who pre-registered end up getting an appointment at a different site, they should opt out of the pre-registration system to free up the line, officials said. Related Content: remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. President Joe Biden directed his administration on Wednesday to secure another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, saying it was needed for 'unexpected challenges.' But he said the United States wouldn't share its vaccine with the rest of the world until all Americans had been vaccinated. 'We're gonna start off making sure Americans are taken care of first, but we're then going to try to help the rest of the world,' he said at event with the CEOs of Merck and Johnson & Johnson. Biden said he was ordering the extra vaccine doses because 'there's a wartime effort. We need maximum flexibility. There's always a chance that we'll encounter unexpected challenges, or will there be a new need for vaccine effort.' 'A lot can change,' he added. 'And we need to be prepared.' Biden spoke after the House passed his $1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan, which he will sign into law on Friday. Meanwhile, the Dow soared to a record high after the legislation passed, marking its first-ever finish above 32,000 point. The president also gave a preview of his prime time address to the nation on Thursday night, saying he will discuss what is next. 'I'm going to prime time address the American people and talk about what we went through as a nation this past year. But more importantly, I'm going to talk about what comes next. I'm going to launch the next phase of the COVID response and explain what we will do as a government. And what we will ask of the American people,' he noted. Biden met with the CEOs from Johnson & Johnson and Merck after his administration helped broker a deal between the two companies to speed up production of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. 'There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel,' he said. Biden has said the administration will have enough doses of the vaccine by the end of May for every adult American - some 260 million people - to get a shot in the arm. The additional doses are being procured to vaccinate children or to use as booster doses or to reformulate the vaccine to combat emerging variants of the virus. President Joe Biden directed his administration to secure another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine President Biden said the vaccine doses were needed for 'unexpected challenges' The United States procured enough vaccine doses for adults without J&J's when it finalized a deal last month with Pfizer and Moderna for 200 million more doses. The additional 100 million doses from J&J could also serve as a backstop should Pfizer or Moderna run into manufacturing issues. Biden was to make the announcement and hold his CEO meeting at a vaccine facility in Baltimore but that trip was canceled after a scathing report on the company charged its practices put the Strategic National Stockpile in jeopardy during the COVID pandemic. Biden was scheduled to visit Emergent Bio Solutions with the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck to talk about their historic partnership to produce more COVID-19 vaccines. The White House announced the visit on Friday. But on Monday, the White House said the meeting between the president and the CEOs would take place at the White House instead. 'We just felt it was a more appropriate place to have the meeting,' press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday at her daily briefing of the change. On Saturday, The New York Times reported that last year the government paid Emergent $626 million for products, including vaccines, to combat a terrorist attack using anthrax. Emergent is a Maryland-based company that manufacturers vaccines, including COVID vaccines for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Throughout most of the last decade, the U.S. government spent nearly half of the stockpile's half-billion-dollar annual budget on Emergent's anthrax vaccines, The Times found. The stockpile has been Emergence's most reliable customer over the years for its anthrax vaccines. But those anthrax purchases left the government with less money to buy supplies - including personal protective gear, N95 face masks and ventilators - during the COVID pandemic. 'The administration is going to undertake a comprehensive review and audit of the National Stockpile,' Psaki said. Emergent is a Maryland-based company that manufacturers vaccines, including COVID vaccines for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson - Biden was to visit it with the CEOs of Johnson and Johnson and Merck The New York Times reported on Saturday the government spent half of the stockpile's budget on Emergence's anthrax vaccine leaving it short of cash when it came to buying supplies to combat COVID-19 The stockpile kept enough anthrax vaccines to cover 10 million people and the vaccines need to be replaced every two years as they expire. But The Times investigation found Emergent corned the anthrax market by undercutting competition, hiring former federal officials for its board and having a large lobbying budget. 'You can't protect people from anthrax for less than the cost of a latte,' Nina DeLorenzo, a senior vice president of Emergent, told The Times. She also defended the company's focus on the government as its main customer pointing out the commercial market is too small to sustain the market and businesses need the government contracts to stay in business. 'The capabilities must be maintained, or they are in danger of being lost, leaving the country vulnerable to threats,' she said. 'When almost no one else would invest in preparing to protect the American public from grave threats, Emergent did, and the country is better prepared today because of it.' Its been a while since Texas has seen major back-to-back failures in state leadership like the power outages in February and the premature demise of the mask mandate in March, but thats what has come forth from Austin. The cold weather is probably gone until next winter, but the pandemic that has killed nearly 44,000 Texans and 520,000 in the entire country is still very much with us, notwithstanding Gov. Greg Abbotts actions last week. Abbott has lifted the statewide mask mandate, effective Wednesday, and allowed all businesses to fully reopen. He says hes doing this because coronavirus cases have started to decline, which is the change we have all wanted to see. But the decline is not that large, as Texans are still getting sick and dying from this disease ironically in about the same numbers as when the statewide mask order was issued in July. The open secret here is that Abbott was under considerable pressure from other members of the Republican Party to rescind these virus protections. They believe that masks and social distancing are unwarranted infringements on their personal freedom, even though these sensible practices slowed the progress of this pandemic. Despite that medical reality, Abbott was looking for an excuse to cave in to them. Southeast Texans cant change that, but they can continue to protect themselves from this deadly plague. Only a small number of our residents have been vaccinated, and even those people could possibly transmit the virus to others even though it wont sicken them. Clearly, masks, distancing and hand-washing are still a good idea for the near future at least. Most area businesses are making masks optional for their customers, which is like asking some people to stop smoking around a gasoline spill but allowing others to keep puffing away. Some businesses will still require their employees to wear masks, and those workers should understand that this is in their own best interests. A few businesses may still require masks for customers, and their preference should be respected. Some of their employees might have medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Many schools, hospitals and public facilities still require masks upon entry, and that makes sense. But given the resistance that some have exhibited to wearing masks in public, getting people to comply with one locations requirement is going to be that much more difficult. They think the governor has given them the all-clear signal, even though he has said, without much enthusiasm, that mask-wearing should remain optional. Outside of the death toll, one of the saddest statistics from the pandemic is that H-E-B stores in Houston have had nearly 2,000 tense incidents between employees and customers asked to wear masks. Thats not all H-E-B stores in the state, just those in one city. And that was usually when state law required masks in public places. Going forward, dont be that person the loud, aggressive adult who berates an employee, often in their teens or 20s, who is just trying to get you to comply with the companys policy. If you are asked to wear your mask inside somewhere, please do so. Many other people would probably feel more comfortable if you did, and you can always leave if you dont want to protect yourself and others. We all hope that COVID numbers keep going down, and vaccine totals keep going up. We finally see a path out of this nightmare, but were not there yet. Please do your part to get us there, when we can all take off our masks for good. Wanted a quiet word with you, Mamata in letter to PM while refusing to release chief secretary Mamata Banerjee faces do-or-die battle in high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections 2021 India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kolkata, Mar 10: A decade after she scripted history by defeating the longest-serving democratically elected communist regime of the world, feisty TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is once again on the threshold of a watershed moment as she faces a do-or-die battle in the Bengal assembly elections. Stakes are high for the tempestuous TMC boss as losing the elections might put a question mark on the very existence of her "ideology-starved" party that has ruled the state since 2011, and winning it would place her in the league of leaders who have engineered the defeat of the formidable Narendra Modi-led BJP. One of the fiercest critics of the Modi brigade, Banerjee is not just single-handedly taking on the well-oiled election machinery of the BJP, but also grappling with unprecedented rebellion and exodus from her party just ahead of the elections. Desperate to shed the tag of a "sinking ship", the TMC has upped its game with the poll slogan ''Bangla Nijer Meyeke Chai'' (Bengal wants its daughter), even as it continued to play the Bengali sub-nationalism card by branding BJP as a party of outsiders. "This time, the fight seems tougher as we are up against the BJP, which is using money, muscle and the central machinery to seize power in Bengal. Both 2011 and 2016 assembly polls were comparatively less stressful," senior TMC leader and spokesperson Sougata Roy said. Several Trinamool Congress leaders have their fingers crossed as they believe the party''s "political existence will be at stake" if it loses the assembly polls. West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee to file nomination from Nandigram today Notwithstanding the odds stacked up against her, which includes allegations of corruption and appeasement politics, Banerjee, however, has asserted that her party will smoothly sail to victory, and has set a target of bagging 220 of the 294 seats. Elections in Bengal, poised to be a stiff contest between the TMC and the BJP, will be held in eight phases, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27. Votes will be counted on May 2. Born out of the womb of the Congress in 1998, the TMC, after two unsuccessful attempts in 2001 and 2006, came to power by defeating the mighty Left Front regime in 2011, riding the crest of massive public outrage against the communists. Banerjee further tightened her grip on the levers of power in West Bengal in 2016, when she beat the communists hollow, winning 211 seats. Things, however, went haywire during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when the BJP, milking its pro-NRC and CAA campaign, bagged 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in Partition- scarred Bengal, just four less than the TMC. State Food Supplies Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick told PTI the party had been working hard since June 2019 for a turnaround in its political fortunes, and the appointment of poll strategist Prashant Kishor and his I-PAC team for the 2021 assembly polls was the first step in that direction. Buoyed by the "positive" response to its ''insider versus outsider'' campaign, the TMC leadership has embraced ''Bengali pride'' and created a poll narrative around women power to counter the BJP''s identity politics. However, charges of minority appeasement, corruption at the ground level, especially during cyclone Amphan, unemployment woes, mass exodus from the party and entry of Pirzada Abbas Siddiqui''s Indian Secular Front (ISF) might be some of the factors that could go against the party. According to TMC sources, ISF''s entry into Bengal''s poll arena will further deepen the communal divide and help the BJP by eating into the ruling party''s Muslim vote base, but the ruling camp also knows that a good show by the Left- Cong-ISF alliance might prove detrimental for the saffron camp. "The ISF may not win seats but could cause harm to the TMC by cutting into our Muslim votes and further pushing the Hindus towards the BJP. But overall, if the grand alliance performs well, it will be an advantage for us. On our part, there has been a careful shift in policy -- from Muslim appeasement to soft Hindutva," a senior leader of the Mamata Banerjee camp said. Among other measures, doles for Hindu priests and Durga Puja committees are a part of TMC''s well-crafted strategy to blunt the allegations of minority appeasement and take the winds out of BJP''s sails. "Also, to beat anti-incumbency, we have fielded greenhorns and swapped candidates in at least 160 seats," the senior leader said. Talking about corruption charges, Roy said the BJP has inducted those very leaders it had earlier levelled allegations against. Several senior leaders and ministers of the TMC government, including 24 MLAs, one sitting MP, political heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari and Rajib Banerjee, switched over to the BJP over the last few months. In an attempt to boost the sulking cadre base, Banerjee has taken the fight to Adhikari''s backyard, deciding to contest from the Nandigram constituency, where a bloody anti-land acquisition movement set the platform for TMC''s home run in 2011. "Our party is driven by only person, Mamata Banerjee. It is because of her charisma we win elections. Few leaders leaving the party won''t have an impact. And regarding unemployment, Narendra Modi had promised two crore jobs every year. What about that? In Bengal, we have generated job opportunities with due thrust on the MSME sector," Roy said. Apart from its ''Bengali pride'' poll plank, lack of a credible chief ministerial face in the rival camp could work in TMC''s favour. "The BJP doesn''t have a face in Bengal to counter Mamata Banerjee. They don''t have a narrative to counter Bengali pride, and that is why they are trying to hijack the legacy of the Bengali icons. The BJP is a party of outsiders in Bengal," TMC leader Bratya Basu said. The publication of the final NRC list in Assam in 2019, which excluded over 19 lakh people, including 14 lakh Hindus -- mostly Bengalis -- and the dillydally over implementation of the CAA, also gave TMC the golden opportunity to not only infiltrate the BJP''s politically crucial Matua and Namashudra vote bases, but also project it as an "anti-Bengali" party. Led by Kishor, the I-PAC and the TMC leadership has also carried out a rectification drive within the party by expelling or sidelining grassroots leaders, who did not have a good image, and identifying the moles who had sabotaged the party in 2019. The TMC dispensation, in order to ensure every citizen gets to benefit from its social welfare schemes, launched two programmes - ''Duare Sarkar'' (government at your doorstep) and ''Paray Paray Samadhan'' (solution in every neighbourhood) - which garnered a massive response across the state. The party also hopes to cash in on the anger among people, especially the middle class and lower middle class, over the steep hike in fuel and LPG price, and Banerjee has already hit the road in protest against it. Political analysts feel that the elections will be a do-or-die battle for the TMC, as there are chances the party might disintegrate if it is ousted from power. "TMC''s ideology has been anti-CPI(M) politics; they don''t have any ideological base. But with the CPI(M) nowhere in the scene, it has no binding glue apart from being a party in power. And, if it does not remain in power, its very existence will be in crisis," political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said. Political scientist Subhamoy Maitra feels if the TMC loses, it will face the challenge of "keeping the flock together". Another political pundit, Suman Bhattacharya, said it''s a "watershed moment in Indian politics" if Banerjee emerges victorious, as it will probably be the strongest opposition face for the 2024 general elections. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News "TMC''s narrative of Bengali pride and Bengal wants its daughter slogan will have a huge impact. The way opposition parties such as the NCP, Shiv Sena, the SP, RJD and the JMM have supported her, if she wins, she will be the biggest opposition face for 2024," he said. Many of these parties have shelved thier plans to contest the assembly elections, but extended support to Banerjee. Although they hardly have any presence in Bengal and their support is "symbolic of the opposition unity against the BJP", the RJD and SP could mobilise a section of Hindi- speaking voters in favour of the TMC. The opposition BJP, on its part, is confident that people of the state have made up their minds to install a "double engine government" in the state, as they are fed up with the "misrule and appeasement politics" of the TMC government. Wyoming bans the importation, sale and distribution of green filamentous algae Governor Mark Gordon has convened an emergency response team to mitigate impacts and seek solutions to the discovery of invasive zebra mussels in Wyoming. The team, led by Director Brian Nesvik of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Director Doug Miyamoto of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, is working to remove the products that carry zebra mussels and contain their potential spread. Last week, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, for the first time in the state, found zebra mussels in aquatic algae products sold primarily in pet stores known as moss balls. The mussels may be live and viable and have been on the market for an undetermined period of time. Subsequently, these mussels were found in over two dozen other states pet stores. This is an urgent and serious matter that potentially affects Wyomings water infrastructure, lakes and rivers, Governor Gordon said. This mussel is a vicious aquatic invasive species from South Russia and the Ukraine with the potential to wreak havoc on domestic water supplies and our irrigation infrastructure and ruin some of our best fishing. A recent study from Montana estimates hundreds of millions of dollars worth of impacts in the form of lost revenue, property damage, and mitigation costs if the mussel became established there. Similar impacts could be seen in Wyoming. The response team includes representatives from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming State Engineers Office, Wyoming Energy Authority, Wyoming Department of Tourism, Wyoming Water Development Commission and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. Together, these state agencies along with Game and Fish and the Department of Agriculture are working to learn more about the issue and seeking containment and mitigation solutions. The main priorities of the team are to remove and analyze the products that carry zebra mussels, contain them if found in systems and educate the public. Game and Fish and the Department of Agriculture are also reviewing existing laws and regulations that may be used to further limit importation and to quarantine any other products that contain this invasive species. The Department of Agriculture recently signed a quarantine order banning the importation, sale and distribution of green filamentous algae (Aegagropila linnaei) the species of algae moss most commonly used in moss balls. Game and Fish and Agriculture inspectors are also assisting with the ongoing federal investigations. Our main goal is to come together quickly to remove the invasives and coordinate our efforts to mitigate any potential impacts, Governor Gordon said. The emergency response team and the Governor's Office are working with the Legislature to determine if emergency funds can be made available for water testing, outreach and other costs associated with the discovery of zebra mussels. Game and Fish is offering recommendations on how to dispose of moss balls and aquarium water at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Get-Involved/AIS-moss-balls. Proved Plus Probable (2P) Oil Reserves of 62 million barrels at December 31, 2020 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Forza Petroleum Limited (TSX: FORZ) ("Forza Petroleum" or the "Corporation") today announced its oil reserves and resources as at December 31, 2020 as evaluated by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent oil and gas consulting firm, and as set forth in a report dated February 26, 2021 prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 by NSAI (the "2020 NSAI Report"). The reserves and resources disclosure coincides with the filing on SEDAR at www.sedar.com of a material change report (the "Material Change Report"), which includes additional information derived from the 2020 NSAI Report. Highlights of the report for Forza Petroleum's gross (working interest) oil reserves and resources volumes in the Hawler license area as at December 31, 2020, as compared to the equivalent estimates prepared by NSAI as at December 31, 2019 (the "2019 NSAI Report"), include: Proved plus probable oil reserves decrease to 62 million barrels ("MMbbl") from 103 MMbbl: Decrease in volumes primarily attributable to revisions to the estimates of the volume of oil-in-place for the Cretaceous reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field and to estimated ultimate recoveries from the Cretaceous reservoirs of the Demir Dagh field and in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field based on well performance Minor decrease in volumes for the Cretaceous reservoirs of the Zey Gawra field and in the Banan West fault block of the Banan field and the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan West fault block of the Banan field are attributable to production and to moderate revisions to the estimated ultimate recoveries from the reservoirs and estimates of the volume of oil-in-place for the Cretaceous reservoir of the Zey Gawra field Decrease in volumes partially offset by the addition of oil reserves to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field as a result of data obtained during drilling in early 2020 of a sidetrack of the previously drilled Banan-1 well targeting the Cretaceous reservoir (the "Banan-1 sidetrack") Best estimate (2C) unrisked contingent oil resources attributable to the Hawler license area of 225 MMbbl versus 176 MMbbl: Increase in contingent oil resources is primarily attributable to the addition of contingent oil resources to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field as a result of data obtained during drilling of the Banan-1 sidetrack Best estimate (2U) unrisked prospective oil resources attributable to the Hawler license area of 94 MMbbl versus 105 MMbbl Operations Update: Average gross (100%) oil production from the Hawler license area for the months of December 2020 and January 2021 was 12,100 barrels per day ("bbl/d") and 11,600 bbl/d, respectively Production rates were lower than recent months primarily as the result of reducing the rates of the Banan-5 and Banan-6 wells in the portion of the Banan field west of the Great Zab river to avoid excess production of salty water The Corporation has received payment in accordance with production sharing contract entitlements for all deliveries into the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline through January 2021, except for an outstanding balance for deliveries relating to the months of November and December 2019 and January and February 2020 In accordance with an agreement with the Government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the invoice for January 2021 deliveries included approximately $900,000 against the outstanding balance After the above partial payment and an agreed set-off with the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the balance outstanding for oil sales during the months of November and December 2019 and January and February 2020 has been reduced to US$ 22 million A new well targeting the Tertiary reservoir of the Zey Gawra field was completed during the first week of February 2021. The well flowed 32 degree API oil at solution gas-oil ratio with no water during the recently completed testing period. It is now shut in but will be placed on production in the coming days once surface facility modifications are complete A workover of the Banan-4 well to replace a rental pump with equipment owned by the Corporation was successfully completed in November 2020, achieving monthly operating expense savings of more than $100,000 CEO's Comment Commenting today, Forza Petroleum's Chief Executive Officer, Vance Querio, stated: "We are pleased to provide an update on our operations and report our reserves and resources at year-end 2020 as evaluated by NSAI. Before I comment on either of those topics, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our team in successfully implementing the protocols necessary to allow the Corporation to maintain continuous operations in the Hawler Production Area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during 2020 notwithstanding the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease and related restrictions imposed by governments around the world. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and diligence of the employees and contractors of Forza Petroleum and its operating subsidiary OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited. NSAI's year-end evaluation of our reserves and resources resulted in a 40% reduction of 2P oil reserves, resulting primarily from revised estimates of the original-oil-in-place in the Cretaceous reservoir in the east fault block of the Banan field and the ultimate recovery achievable from several reservoirs in the area. Smaller reductions in other reservoirs resulted from depletion of previously booked reserves and minor adjustments to development plans. Reductions were partially offset by the first-time inclusion of oil reserves attributable to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block where the best estimate discovered original-oil-in-place is more than four times larger than that in the productive Banan West Tertiary reservoir. On January 1 of this year, OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited spudded the Zey Gawra-5H well which was completed in mid-February as our first producer in the Tertiary reservoir of the Zey Gawra field. Although this well has allowed the Corporation to commence production and sales of oil from the Tertiary horizon at Zey Gawra, it was not completed before year-end 2020 and NSAI's year-end 2020 evaluation does not include any reserves attributable to the Tertiary reservoir of the Zey Gawra field. The Zey Gawra-5H well was the first of five wells we intend to drill as part of our ambitious capital program for 2021 which has been devised to increase production from the Hawler production area and to reduce the unit operating cost. In addition to the Zey Gawra-5H well, the Corporation is planning to complete new wells in the Cretaceous reservoirs of the Banan, Zey Gawra and Demir Dagh fields and to begin development of the newly booked Tertiary reserves in the east fault block of the Banan field with one well there. In addition to five new wells, we plan to complete a previously drilled well in the Ain al Safra field for further evaluation and to install a gathering system in the western part of the Hawler production area to improve the safety of our operations and to reduce operating expense and the potential for adverse environmental impact by eliminating the need to transport crude oil via road tankers. We currently anticipate that our 2021 capital program can and will be funded entirely from internally generated cash flow. We are excited about our future as we embark on our first year of operation as Forza Petroleum. The incremental production that we expect to result from our capital program together with the significant increase in Brent oil price that has accrued since the start of the year will strengthen our financial position and embolden us in our mission to create value for our shareholders." Summary Reserves and Resources The following is a summary of NSAI's evaluation as at December 31, 2020 with comparatives to NSAI's evaluation as at December 31, 2019: Oil Reserves and Resources and Future Net Revenue Summary Tables December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 2019 NSAI Report 2020 NSAI Report Proved Plus Probable Proved Plus Probable Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Reserves Future Net Revenue(6) Reserves Future Net Revenue(6) Oil Reserves ( 1) (MMbbl) (US$ million) (MMbbl) (US$ million) Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hawler Demir Dagh Cretaceous 52 18 Zey Gawra Cretaceous 11 11 Banan East Cretaceous 23 10 Tertiary - 8 Banan West Cretaceous 12 11 Tertiary 5 4 Total(8) 103 800(11) 62 567 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 Best Estimate (2C) Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Best Estimate (2C) Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Unrisked Risked(9) Unrisked Risked(9) Resources Resources Future Net Revenue(6) Resources Resources Future Net Revenue(6) Contingent Oil Resources ( 2) - Development Pending ( 3 ) (MMbbl) (MMbbl) (US$ million) (MMbbl) (MMbbl) (US$ million) Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hawler Demir Dagh Cretaceous - - 16 12 Banan West Tertiary - - 8 6 Banan East Cretaceous 31 23 31 23 Tertiary - - 43 32 Zey Gawra Cretaceous - - 4 3 Tertiary 7 6 9 7 Total(8) 38 29 59 110 83 160 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 Best Estimate Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Best Estimate Gross(7) Oil (Working Interest) Contingent Oil Resources ( 2) - Development Unclarified ( 4 ) Unrisked Risked(9) Unrisked Risked(9) (MMbbl) (MMbbl) Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hawler Demir Dagh Cretaceous 16 6 - - Jurassic 80 25 80 25 Tertiary 6 2 6 2 Banan East Jurassic 1 0 1 0 Banan West Tertiary 8 2 - - Ain al Safra Jurassic 28 22 28 11 Total(8) 138 46 115 38 Prospective Oil Resources ( 5 ) Unrisked Risked(10) Unrisked Risked(10) Iraq (MMbbl) (MMbbl) Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hawler 105 4 94 3 Total(8) 105 4 94 3 (1)The oil reserves data is based upon evaluations by NSAI, with effective dates as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, as indicated. Volumes are based on commercially recoverable volumes within the life of the production sharing contract. (2)The contingent oil resources data is based upon evaluations by NSAI, and the classification of such resources as "contingent oil resources" by NSAI, with effective dates as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, as indicated. The figures shown are NSAI's best estimate using deterministic methods. Once all contingencies have been successfully addressed, the probability that the quantities of contingent oil resources actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimated amounts is 50% for the best estimate. Contingent oil resources estimates are volumetric estimates prior to economic calculations. (3)Classification of a project's maturity as Development Pending indicates that there is a high chance of development (i.e., probability that a known accumulation will be commercially developed), where resolution of the final conditions for development is being actively pursued. (4)Classification of a project's maturity as Development Unclarified indicates that evaluation of the project is incomplete and there is ongoing activity to resolve any risks or uncertainties regarding commercial development of the project. An economic evaluation has not been performed by NSAI on the contingent oil resources classified as Development Unclarified. (5)The prospective oil resources data is based upon evaluations by NSAI, and the classification of such resources as "prospective oil resources" by NSAI, with effective dates as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, as indicated. The figures shown are NSAI's best estimate, using a combination of deterministic and probabilistic methods and are dependent on a petroleum discovery being made. If a discovery is made and development is undertaken, the probability that the recoverable volumes will equal or exceed the unrisked estimated amount is 50% for the best estimate. Prospective oil resources estimates are volumetric estimates prior to economic calculations. (6)After-tax net present value of related future net revenue using forecast prices and costs assumed by NSAI and a 10% discount rate as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, as indicated. Gross proved plus probable oil reserves estimates and estimates of best estimate (2C) gross contingent oil resources sub-classified as Development Pending used to calculate future net revenue are estimated based on economically recoverable volumes within the development period specified in the production sharing contract applicable to the Hawler license area. The estimated values disclosed do not represent fair market value. (7)Use of the word "gross" to qualify a reference to reserves or resources means, in respect of such reserves or resources, the total reserves or resources prior to the deductions specified in the production sharing contract. (8)Individual numbers provided may not add to total due to rounding. (9)These are risked contingent resources that have been risked for chance of development. (10) These are risked prospective resources that have been risked for both chance of discovery and chance of development. If a discovery is made, there is no certainty that it will be developed or, if it is developed, there is no certainty as to the timing of such development. (11) This estimate for after-tax net present value of future net revenue has been increased to remove the impact of a previously modelled lump-sum payment in 2021 of $79 million to settle the contingent consideration obligation disclosed in the Corporation's financial results. The following is a discussion of reserves and resources as at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020. Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Hawler License Area Reserves and Contingent Resources Demir Dagh Estimated proved plus probable gross (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Demir Dagh Cretaceous reservoir are 18 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 52 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019. The downward revision reflects the change of estimated ultimate recovery from the reservoir and production in 2020. Best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources attributable to the Demir Dagh Cretaceous reservoir are 16 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 unchanged versus December 31, 2019. NSAI assigns a 75% chance of development for the Cretaceous reservoir contingent oil resources at the Demir Dagh field, versus a 40% chance of development in the 2019 NSAI Report, resulting in a risked estimate of 12 MMbbl. These resources are classified in the 2020 NSAI Report as "development pending" versus "development unclarified" in the 2019 NSAI Report. The changes in chance of development and classification are due to these resources representing volumes downgraded from oil reserves as at December 31, 2019. The volumes remain located inside the area of the field currently under production and where wells are planned in the field development plan. Estimated contingent oil resources volumes in the Lower Jurassic Mus and Adaiyah reservoirs, Lower Jurassic Butmah reservoir, the Lower Jurassic Naokelekan and Sargelu reservoirs, and the Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir are unchanged versus December 31, 2019 as no new data has been collected from such reservoirs in 2020. NSAI assigns chances of development ranging from 20% to 40% to the Lower Jurassic and Tertiary reservoirs. These resources are classified by NSAI as "development unclarified". Zey Gawra Best estimate proved plus probable (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Zey Gawra Cretaceous reservoir were 11 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020, largely stable versus December 31, 2019, reflecting revisions to the estimated volume of the oil-in-place, a change of estimated ultimate recovery from the reservoir and production in 2020. Best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources attributable to the Zey Gawra Tertiary reservoir are 9 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 7 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019, resulting from certain technical revisions. Best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources of 4 MMbbl estimated for the Zey Gawra Cretaceous reservoir as at December 31, 2020 arise through the partial downgrade of certain oil reserves attributable to the reservoir as at December 31, 2019. NSAI assigns a 75% chance of development for the Tertiary and Cretaceous reservoir contingent oil resources at the Zey Gawra field resulting in risked estimates for the reservoirs of 7 MMbbl and 3 MMbbl, respectively. These resources are classified by NSAI as "development pending". Banan (East and West) The interpretation of data accumulated to date is that the Banan field is two fault blocks (Banan East and Banan West) separated by a north-south fault, roughly along the line of the Great Zab river. - East fault block Estimated proved plus probable gross (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Banan East Cretaceous reservoir decreased to 10 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 23 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019. The decrease in reserves is based primarily on revisions to the volume of oil-in-place after the drilling, logging and testing operations in early 2020 of a sidetrack of the previously drilled Banan-1 well and the estimated ultimate recovery from the reservoir. Estimated proved plus probable gross (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Banan East Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir are 8 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 0 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019. The addition of reserves was the result of an upgrade of prospective oil resources as at December 31, 2019 based on data obtained during drilling of the Banan-1 sidetrack. The product from the Banan East Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir has also been reclassified as light/medium oil. Best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources attributable to the Banan East Cretaceous reservoir are 31 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 unchanged versus December 31, 2019. NSAI assigns a 75% chance of development for such contingent oil resources estimated for the Banan East Cretaceous reservoir unchanged versus the 2019 NSAI Report. These resources are classified by NSAI as "development pending". Based on data obtained during drilling of the Banan-1 sidetrack, 43 MMbbl of best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources were attributed to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field, a portion of which has been upgraded from prospective oil resources as at December 31, 2019. The product from the Banan East Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir has also been reclassified as light/medium oil. NSAI assigns a 75% chance of development for such contingent oil resources which are classified by NSAI as "development pending". Estimated contingent oil resource volumes attributable to the Banan East Lower Jurassic Butmah reservoir are unchanged as at December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019. NSAI assigns a 30% chance of development for the Banan East Lower Jurassic Butmah. These resources are classified by NSAI as "development unclarified". - West fault block Estimated proved plus probable gross (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Banan West Cretaceous reservoir decreased to 11 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 12 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019. Estimated proved plus probable gross (working interest) oil reserves attributable to the Banan West Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir are 4 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 versus 5 MMbbl as at December 31, 2019. The decrease in oil reserves for the Cretaceous and Tertiary reservoirs in the Banan West fault block of the Banan field is primarily the result of production and an adjustment to the estimated ultimate recovery from the reservoirs. Best estimate (2C) unrisked gross (working interest) contingent oil resources attributable to the Banan West Tertiary Pila Spi reservoir are 8 MMbbl as at December 31, 2020 unchanged versus December 31, 2019. However, NSAI assigns a 75% chance of development for contingent oil resources estimated for the Banan West Tertiary reservoir and classifies the resources as "development pending" as at December 31, 2020. The contingent oil resources were attributed a 20% chance of development and classified as "development unclarified" as at December 31, 2019. The changes in chance of development and classification are due to these resources representing volumes downgraded from oil reserves as at December 31, 2019. The volumes remain located inside the area of the field currently under production and where wells are planned in the field development plan. Ain al Safra Estimated unrisked contingent oil resources attributable to the Ain al Safra field, specifically the Lower Jurassic Alan, Mus and Adaiyah reservoirs, were unchanged at December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019. Estimates are based on the drilling and testing and post drilling analysis of the Ain al Safra-1 well drilled in 2013 and additional reservoir data accumulated during the drilling of the Ain al Safra-2 appraisal well in 2014. NSAI assigns a 40% chance of development for the Lower Jurassic Alan, Mus and Adaiyah reservoirs. These resources are classified by NSAI as "development unclarified". Prospective Resources Estimated prospective oil resources attributable to the Hawler license area as at December 31, 2020 were 94 MMbbl (risked: 3 MMbbl) versus 105 MMbbl (risked: 4 MMbbl) at December 31, 2019. The decrease in volumes relates to the upgrade of prospective oil resources estimated for the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field as at December 31, 2019 to oil reserves and contingent oil resources as a result of data obtained during drilling of the Banan-1 sidetrack. Otherwise, prospective oil resources attributable to the Hawler license area are unchanged as no new data has been collected from the appliable reservoirs in 2020. The prospects comprising such value are risked for geologic chance of success and chance of development, which factors are unchanged versus the 2019 NSAI Report. Volumes previously attributed to the AGC Central license area are not included in the 2020 NSAI Report as a result of the divestiture of the asset in July 2020. After-Tax Net Present Values Realised Price and Cost Assumptions The after-tax net present values of future net revenue estimated by NSAI as at December 31, 2019 and 2020 utilize Brent crude oil prices shown below which are based on the average of forecasts of Brent crude oil prepared by three Canadian independent consultants. Such prices are escalated at 2% on January 1 of each year after 2031. All volumes included in the after-tax net present values of future net revenue estimated in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report are attributable to Forza Petroleum's interests in the Hawler license area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. All sales are assumed to be export sales in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report based on a pipeline export price. Assumed pipeline export prices in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report are determined in accordance with agreements in place with the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq at the time of each report. Assumed pipeline export prices in the 2019 NSAI Report and 2020 NSAI Report equal the Brent crude oil price less a US$7.88 per barrel export tariff plus the addition or deduction of a quality differential to the extent crude qualities differ from Brent crude oil specifications. Export tariffs in both the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report are treated as non-recoverable. The quality differentials for API gravity and sulphur content in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report are based on actual and, where appropriate, forecast oil quality specifications at the time of the reports. The quality differentials assumed in each forecasted year are weighted averages reflecting the relative blend contributions assumed for each reservoir. The following table shows assumed export oil prices for production from proved plus probable oil reserves, except where indicated. Assumed Brent Crude Oil Price (US$/bbl) as at December 31, Assumed Export Oil Price (US$/bbl) as at December 31, Period Ending December 31, 2019 2020 2019(1) 2020(1) 2020 66.33 - 49.66 - 2021 67.94 48.25 51.71 33.15 2022 70.06 53.35 54.28 39.04 2023 71.66 56.88 55.86 42.43 2024 73.27 58.81 57.03 43.95 2025 74.57 60.57 58.12 45.65 2026 76.22 61.75 59.38 46.68 2027 77.83 62.96 60.59 47.34 2028 79.36 64.19 61.82 48.11 2029 80.92 65.45 63.37 48.92 2030 82.54 66.76 65.01 49.69 2031 84.19 68.09 66.66 50.63(2) (1) All export sales are assumed to be pipeline export sales. Export prices in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report equal Brent crude oil price less a US$7.88/bbl export tariff plus/minus any quality differential versus Brent crude oil specifications. (2) Reflects assumed export oil price for production from proved plus probable plus possible oil reserves, as current proved plus probable oil reserves are forecast to be depleted by 2031. Operating costs assumed in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report are based on information from in-country operator expense records provided to NSAI by Forza Petroleum and commercially available databases at the time of preparation of each report. Operating costs are escalated 2% per year on January 1 of each year through the duration of the Hawler production sharing contract. Capital costs assumed in the 2019 NSAI Report and the 2020 NSAI Report were provided to NSAI by Forza Petroleum and are based on authorizations for expenditures, field development plans, actual costs from recent activity, and commercially available cost databases available at the time of preparation of each report. Capital costs are escalated 2% per year to the date of expenditure. Proved Plus Probable Oil Reserves The after-tax net present value of future net revenue attributable to the Corporation's gross (working interest) proved plus probable oil reserves as at December 31, 2020, utilizing a 10% discount rate, is US$ 567 million versus an adjusted amount of US$ 800 million as at December 31, 2019. The decrease reflects: Lower oil reserves volumes resulting primarily from downward revision of volumes attributable to the Cretaceous reservoirs of the Demir Dagh field and in the east fault block of the Banan field and more modest downward revisions to volumes attributable to the Zey Gawra Cretaceous reservoir and the Tertiary reservoir in the west fault block of the Banan field; and Lower forecast export oil prices due primarily to lower assumed Brent oil prices. These negative factors were partially offset by: Oil reserves volumes attributed to the Tertiary reservoir in the east fault block of the Banan field for the first time; Lower absolute development costs than assumed in the 2019 NSAI Report resulting from reduced number of assumed producing wells and lower facilities capital expenditure; and Lower absolute operating costs resulting from lower volumes and from the installation of a gathering system to eliminate trucking in the western part of the Hawler license area. An adjusted figure is used for 2019 for comparison purposes as the original 2019 figure of $732 million included a previously modelled lump-sum payment in 2021 of $79 million to settle the contingent consideration obligation disclosed in the Corporation's financial statements. Best Estimate (2C) Contingent Oil Resources The 2020 NSAI Report includes estimated after-tax risked net present values of future net revenue attributable to contingent oil resources classified in the "development pending" project maturity sub-class, such resources attributable to the Cretaceous reservoirs in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field, the Demir Dagh field and the Zey Gawra field, and the Tertiary reservoirs in the Banan East and West fault blocks of the Banan field and the Zey Gawra field in the Hawler license area. The estimated after-tax risked net present values of the future net revenue attributable to best estimate (2C) risked contingent oil resources in the "development pending" project maturity sub-class, utilizing a 10% discount rate, is US$ 160 million as at December 31, 2020 versus US$ 59 million as at December 31, 2019. The increase in the estimate reflects higher risked volumes due to (i) a reclassification of contingent resources attributable to the Demir Dagh Cretaceous reservoir from "development unclarified" to "development pending" and the addition of contingent resources attributable to the Zey Gawra Cretaceous reservoir, in each case in connection with the downgrade of oil reserves as at December 31, 2019, (ii) an increase in the contingent resources attributable to the Zey Gawra Tertiary reservoir as a result of technical revisions, (iii) the addition of contingent resources attributable to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan East fault block of the Banan field in connection with the upgrade of prospective oil reserves as at December 31, 2019 resulting from data obtained during drilling in early 2020 of a sidetrack of the previously drilled Banan-1 well, and (iv) a reclassification of contingent resources attributable to the Tertiary reservoir in the Banan West fault block of the Banan field from "development unclarified" to "development pending" in connection with the downgrade of oil reserves as at December 31, 2019. These positive factors were partially offset by lower assumed export prices. ABOUT FORZA PETROLEUM LIMITED Forza Petroleum Limited (formerly Oryx Petroleum Corporation Limited) is an international oil exploration, development and production company. The Corporation's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol "FORZ". Forza Petroleum has a 65% participating interest in and operates the Hawler license area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which has yielded oil discoveries in four areas, three of which are contributing to production while appraisal and development activity continues. Further information about Forza Petroleum is available at www.forzapetroleum.com or under Forza Petroleum's profile at www.sedar.com. For additional information about Forza Petroleum, please contact: Kevin McPhee General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Tel.: +41 (0) 58 702 93 00 info@forzapetroleum.com Reader Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information", including statements related to reserves and resources estimates and potential, future net revenue, drilling plans (including use of horizontal wellbores in the development of certain reservoirs), development plans and schedules and chance of success, future drilling of wells and the reservoirs to be targeted, costs and drilling times for wells, ultimate recoverability of current and long-term assets, forecasts of Brent crude oil prices, and possible commerciality of our projects. Statements that contain words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "potentially", "project", or the negative of such expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Although Forza Petroleum believes these statements to be reasonable, the assumptions upon which they are based may prove to be incorrect. For more information about these assumptions and risks facing the Corporation, refer to the Corporation's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2020 available at www.sedar.com and the Corporation's website at www.forzapetroleum.com. Further, statements including forward-looking information in this news release are made as at the date they are given and, except as required by applicable law, Forza Petroleum does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. If the Corporation does update one or more statements containing forward-looking information, it is not obligated to, and no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Reserves and Resources Advisory Forza Petroleum's reserves and resource estimates have been prepared and evaluated in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook. Proved oil reserves are those reserves which are most certain to be recovered. There is at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimated proved oil reserves. Probable oil reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved oil reserves. There is at least a 50% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable oil reserves. Possible oil reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable oil reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible oil reserves. Each of the reserve categories may be divided into developed and undeveloped. The proved reserves disclosed in this news release have been classified as developed producing, developed non-producing and undeveloped. Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirement of the reserves category (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned. Contingent oil resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies may include factors such as economic, legal, environmental, political, and regulatory matters, or a lack of markets. Contingent oil resources entail additional commercial risk than reserves. There is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the contingent oil resources. Moreover, the volumes of contingent oil resources reported herein are sensitive to economic assumptions, including capital and operating costs and commodity pricing. Prospective oil resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects. Prospective oil resources have both a chance of discovery and a chance of development. Prospective oil resources entail more commercial and exploration risks than those relating to oil reserves and contingent oil resources. There is no certainty that any portion of the prospective resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the prospective resources. Use of the word "gross" to qualify a reference to reserves or resources means, in respect of such reserves or resources, the total prior to the deductions specified in the production sharing contract. Reference to 100% indicates that the applicable reserves or resources are volumes attributed to the license, field or reservoir (as applicable) as a whole and do not represent Forza Petroleum's working interest in such volumes. For details regarding the risk factors affecting the Corporation and the assumptions relied upon by the Corporation, refer to the Corporation's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2020. The Corporation will file an annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020 on or before March 31, 2021. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76726 ADVERTISEMENT Flutterwave, an Africa-focused payments company, on Wednesday announced that it has secured $170 million from a leading group of international investors to expand its customer base in existing and international markets and to develop new products. With this, Flutterwave could consider a New York listing, a Reuters report quoted its chief executive officer and co-founder, Olugbenga Agboola, to have said. We may consider the possibility of listing in New York or a possible dual listing in New York and Nigeria, Mr Agboola said. According to a statement from the firm, the companys valuation is now in excess of $1 billion. The fundraise brings the total investment in Flutterwave to $225 million, it said in a statement, and that the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated the shift to digital payments in Africa. The report noted that the fundraising round was led by Avenir Growth Capital and Tiger Global Management LLC. Jamie Reynolds, a partner at Avenir Growth Capital said Flutterwave is at the forefront of innovation in payments technology. We are excited to support the team as they build the last available payments infrastructure frontier in the world connecting merchants and consumers intra-Africa and globally, he said. Flutterwave which was founded in 2016 by Nigerians, specialises in individual and consumer transfers but is headquartered in San Francisco. It is a fintech group aiming to facilitate and capitalise on the striving African payments market majorly driven by increased mobile phone use and faster internet speeds. The first concrete move from the US side under the new Joseph Biden administration would appear to have deepened uncertainties in respect of the unfolding situation in Afghanistan in the context of the withdrawal of all US troops by May 1 this year. (Photo: AFP) The first concrete move from the US side under the new Joseph Biden administration would appear to have deepened uncertainties in respect of the unfolding situation in Afghanistan in the context of the withdrawal of all US troops by May 1 this year, the date set under the Doha accord that the previous Trump administration had reached with the Taliban in February last year. Ostensibly, India has been brought upfront along with Pakistan, Russia, China, Iran (the key regional powers) and the US in fleshing out the roadmap under this approach. For now, however, this seems more notional than real, given the evident conceptual fragility of the idea. In addition, without putting too fine a point on it, it needs to be underscored that Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has given the latest US proposal short shrift. This underlines the complexity of the Afghanistan dynamics, which is all at once imbued with military action, diplomatic moves, and the nursing of ambition by domestic political entities. Besides, regional powers such as Pakistan, Iran and Russia and in its own way China, which may be expected to be on the same page as Islamabad in lining up four-square behind the Taliban see a post-US role for themselves that could make life difficult for Afghanistan. It is with Iran that India may enjoy an appreciable measure of tactical congruence and will have to seek to enlarge this space. In the circumstances, it may be in New Delhis interest to carefully weigh the situation rather than be in the self-congratulation mode through media projections for being placed in the same bracket by the US as the other key regional powers which, unlike India, have a border with Afghanistan- even if on paper India has not enjoyed a place of such primacy before. The new American ideas have been placed in peremptory fashion in a letter sent last week by the secretary of state Antony Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistans principal peace negotiator with the Taliban. The Taliban as well as the leading political actors inside Afghanistan were made aware of the details by Zalmai Khalilzad, the US envoy for Afghanistan peace who hammered out the Doha accord last year and has been kept on by President Biden as his point-man to oversee the end-game in Afghanistan. The Blinken plan, which places New Delhi in a privileged category along with the other key regional players, envisages an UN-sponsored conference in Turkey in the coming weeks to ensure the emergence of a peace deal that will embrace all parties and make for the entry of the Taliban into Afghanistans government structure as a 50 per cent partner through the device of an interim government. In effect, such a plan proclaims that the Taliban will enter government with American blessing without contesting an election, although the Taliban appears to have orchestrated unprecedented levels of violence for one whole year. President Ghani declared last Saturday, Transfer of power through elections is a non-negotiable principle for us. It is to be seen what a stalwart such as former President Hamid Karzai and others make of the Blinken approach in contrast with that of President Ghani. For all concerned, this is like walking on shards of glass. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. EAST LANSING, MI Michigan State University is planning more than 50 limited-attendance outdoor graduation ceremonies to recognize the class of 2021. Undergraduate ceremonies are being scheduled by each college based on students majors or alphabetically by last names, university officials said. A university-wide convocation is not scheduled for this year. More than 8,400 students will be recognized in ceremonies across three weekends in April and May, officials said. Graduation is a time-honored academic transition from learning to the world, and the Office of the Provost looks forward to enabling in-person celebrations to recognize this milestone accomplishment for our spring 2021 graduates, MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff said. We have resourced every part of our campus community in support of this effort and are confident in our collective abilities to persevere in commending this group of scholars. MSUs approach is based on the most recent local health and safety guidelines and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders, which allow for 300 or fewer people at non-residential venues. Graduates and guests are required to wear face coverings at all times while on MSU property. Each graduate is being limited to two guests. Though outdoor, the spaces cannot accommodate 2020 graduates, and the university is offering those graduates opportunities at a future date, officials said. Masters, doctoral. and education specialist graduates will have virtual ceremonies that will be streamed on MSUs commencement website. The colleges of human medicine, law, osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine will have in-person ceremonies. Other universities, such as the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University, are planning for virtual commencement ceremonies this spring to avoid large gatherings. Smaller schools like Albion College and Adrian College are planning for in-person ceremonies. READ MORE: 75% of Michigan State University classes will be offered in person for fall semester, president says University of Michigan giving 2021 graduates opportunity for photos at The Big House Grand Valley State University will hold a virtual commencement ceremony this spring HOPE Summit for lung cancer patients and survivors and COPE Summit for caregivers offer experts and shared experience WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LUNGevity Foundation, the nation's leading lung cancer-focused nonprofit organization, announced today that registration is open for its two virtual survivorship conferences to be held this spring: HOPE Summit and COPE Summit. Both conferences will feature inspirational speakers, key experts on practical issues of cancer survivorship, and peer-to-peer sessions to help attendees learn how to live well with lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation logo (PRNewsfoto/LUNGevity Foundation) HOPE Summit brings together hundreds of lung cancer patients and survivors at all stages of the disease and empowers them with information, resources, and guidance. These tools help people living with lung cancer take control of their life and wellness to improve their quality of life. This year's Summit will be held virtually May 21-22. COPE Summit brings together lung cancer caregivers from across the country to get the tools they need to take care of their loved one as well as themselves. Caregivers are encouraged to attend to learn how to better manage and navigate their loved one's care while building their own caregiving community. This year's virtual Summit will be held June 25-26. "There have been tremendous advancements in the treatment of lung cancer," says Andrea Ferris, president and CEO of LUNGevity Foundation. "New therapies are giving people the opportunity to live longer with a much higher quality of life than before. HOPE Summit and COPE Summit give people a roadmap to lung cancer survivorship by providing information and tools to live well with lung cancer." Sessions at HOPE Summit will cover issues patients and survivors face in everyday life, including managing mental health and sexual health; financial issues such as navigating insurance and legal rights in the workplace; practical updates, such as living with lung cancer during COVID-19, and much more. Story continues Sessions at COPE Summit will include panel discussions moderated by oncology navigators, peer-to-peer Q&As, and expert-led sessions on topics important to caregiving, such as creating your caregiving plan, balancing caregiving and work, and avoiding caregiver burnout. Sessions are intended for both new and experienced caregivers. There will also be networking meetups for attendees to connect with one another, and opportunities for patients/survivors and caregivers to share their lung cancer stories and hear from others. Registration is now open. Learn more about HOPE Summit and register at LUNGevity.org/HOPE. Learn more about COPE Summit and register at LUNGevity.org/COPE. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, policy initiatives, education, support, and engagement for patients, survivors, and caregivers. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the diseasewhile promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, provide information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivorsand those who help them live longer and better lives. Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our visiona world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Please visit www.LUNGevity.org to learn more. About Lung Cancer in the US About 1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 235,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer takes more lives than the next three leading cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate) combined. Only 19% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it's caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lungevity-announces-two-virtual-survivorship-conferences-to-help-people-live-well-with-lung-cancer-301244102.html SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation The Downton Abbey movie sequel is reportedly set to start filming over the summer, it was claimed on Tuesday. According to reports from The Mirror, the highly-anticipated follow-up to the 2019 flick will get underway in June, when the government plans to lift lockdown restrictions if their roadmap remains in place. It was also claimed that those behind-the-scenes were keen to make sure the film would be ready for a December release, as a 'festive treat' for fans. Exciting: Downton Abbey movie's sequel 'is set to start filming in the summer and be released at Christmas', it was reported on Tuesday (Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville pictured) A source told the publication: 'Everyone is hoping the June 21 date for the end of the pandemic holds. The crew dates are being fixed and the team are going into prep for a summer shoot. 'The plan is to turn it around quickly and release the film as a festive treat in December.' MailOnline has contacted spokespeople at Universal Pictures for comment. Last month, Hugh Bonneville revealed he's seen a script for a Downton Abbey film sequel, saying it's likely to happen once Covid is 'under control in a sensible way'. Not long: According to reports, filming will get underway on June 21 and 'the plan is to turn it around quickly and release the film as a festive treat' (Dame Maggie Smith pictured) The actor, 57, who plays Lord Grantham in the movie and previous series of the hit period drama, chatted about plans for another film on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. He told the BBC Radio 2 show: 'Here's the deal, if everybody who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie, we will make a movie.' The actor, who is a volunteer marshal at a Covid vaccination centre, told Zoe he's seen a script for the film and added: 'The planets are circling. They are beginning to get into alignment. 'There is a thing called coronavirus knocking around and until that is under control in a sensible way, we are not going to be able to get all those ducks in a row.' Up for it: Last month, Hugh revealed he's seen a script for a Downton Abbey film sequel, saying it's likely to happen once Covid is 'under control in a sensible way' He added: 'But there is certainly the intention to do it. We would love to do it. We are desperate to do it.' Hugh also said that he thinks audiences would 'enjoy' another Downton movie after the 'mess we have been through' in the past year. The Downton Abbey movie saw beloved characters Robert (Hugh) and Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) told that they will be visited by the King and Queen and the estate have to prepare for the royal visit. Fingers crossed: Hugh said 'if everybody who is offered a vaccine takes a vaccine, we can make a movie' (pictured Michelle Dockery as Mary and Elizabeth as Cora in the 2019 film) However the family have to deal with a number of set backs and problems along the way including a suspected assassin attempt. Cast members including Matthew Goode, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Dame Maggie Smith all returned for the film. The Daily Mail revealed that Maggie Smith, who plays Violet Crawley, and French actress Nathalie Baye will appear together in Downton 2. Downton 2 will be the Dowager Countess of Grantham's last hurrah. The theatrical dame has been delighting Downton fans since the series, created by Julian Fellowes, launched on ITV back in 2010. In the new Downton film, Ms Baye will play an old friend of Violet's who comes to visit her. Of course, the countess will be surrounded, as usual, by her family including Hugh's Lord Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as his wife Cora. Michelle Dockery's Lady Mary and husband Henry (Matthew Goode) will be centre stage, too; along with her sister, Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael. Hunky pilot James 'Jimmy' Nicholson was confirmed as Australia's new Bachelor just last week. But it appears Channel 10 may have had some difficulty casting ladies for the show via the traditional route of application for the 2021 season. According to The Daily Telegraph, producers have been searching for contestants in local bars and on social media to see if they'd like to appear on the show. Hard: Hunky pilot James 'Jimmy' Nicholson was confirmed as Australia's new Bachelor last week - but it appears Channel 10 may have had some difficulty casting the show A source told the publication: 'I was having drinks at Ryan's Bar in Sydney, and a producer randomly came up to me about going on the show - it was a bit awkward.' The source continued: 'I've also been hit up a few times over the years through both my Instagram and Facebook.' Daily Mail Australia have contacted a representative for Channel 10 for further comment. Usually, the network has been known to offer contestants the chance to apply online via MyCasting.Net, so it's unusual producers would go to such an effort for this year's line-up. However, Channel Ten boss Beverley McGarvey recently admitted that it wasn't easy finding a diverse contestant to star on the show. Bizarre: A source told the publication: 'I was having drinks at Ryan's Bar in Sydney, and a producer randomly came up to me about going on the show - it was a bit awkward' Pictured: Jimmy in his pilot gear 'Bachelor is certainly not the easiest show to cast. It's a particular type of show, and there are certain cultural groups that don't want to be part of that,' she told TV Tonight. 'That is absolutely fine and it is disrespectful of us to try and encourage particular groups to be part of something they don't want to be part of.' Ms McGarvey went on to say this year's Bachelor cast is a mix of ladies from different backgrounds. 'We have worked very hard to cast the right show, and also ensure that the cast is representative of the audience that will be watching it,' she said. Unlucky in love: Jimmy told Sydney Confidential he'd signed up for The Bachelor because his career as a Jetstar pilot had made it difficult for him to find a long-term partner Meanwhile, Channel 10 officially unveiled commercial pilot Jimmy - who previously dated last year's runner-up Bella Varelis - as Australia's 2021 Bachelor last Wednesday. The gorgeous hunk - who is of New Zealand and Fijian heritage - told Sydney Confidential he'd signed up for The Bachelor because his career had made it difficult for him to find a long-term partner. 'I was never in the same spot for too long,' he explained. The Bachelor's ninth season will air on Channel 10 later this year The romantic comedy now has no age limit. Kathie Lee Gifford, producer and star of Then Came You, has had a 40-year career in American television, principally in a talk show with the venerable (now late) Regis Philbin. She was 65 when she made this in 2018, opposite Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson, who was 56. By way of comparison, Sean Connery was 68 when he made Entrapment (1999) opposite Catherine Zeta Jones (then 29), and few dared to suggest he was too old to play a romantic lead. Female stars were once expected to retire from the field after 40, but that hasnt been true for a while. Still, its not easy for them to find roles after that age, romantic or otherwise. Thats why so many produce their own projects. Gifford also wrote the screenplay for this offbeat comedy about an American woman who falls for a cranky Scottish laird named Howard Awd (Ferguson). He is the master of a decaying baronial pile called Awds Inn, beside Loch Lomond. He cannot afford to look after it, hence his role as innkeeper, cook, cleaner and chauffeur. Ford Kiernan, a gifted comic actor, plays his long-suffering friend Gavin, who pretends to be a qualified plumber. Annabelle Wilson (Gifford) comes from Nantucket with the ashes of her late husband in a chocolate box. She explains cheerfully that he loved the movie Forrest Gump, and she is visiting the 20 countries of their favourite movies. Howard hates most of the movies she loves, including Braveheart, so theyre off to a fighting start. She may be his only guest, but that doesnt mean he has to be nice to her. He guffaws when she turns up on the first morning layered in tartan. The film has some charm, some good lines, and a certain crackle born of the oppositional way the two leads confront each other. This mirrors Hepburn and Tracy comedies such as Pat and Mike and Desk Set from the 50s. Giffords tinder dry dialogue seems at least partly inspired by these classics, although there is, inevitably, too much talk. Adriana Trigianis direction, by contrast, seems determined to coat the action in treacle, with endless gasping aerials of the glories of Scotland: beautiful mountains, quaint pubs, majestic lakes and roaring fires in ancient drawing rooms. New Delhi, March 10 : A total of 74 per cent of citizens say they still get spam SMS despite registering on TRAIs 'Do Not Call Registry, as per a LocalCircles survey. A 14 per cent have got spam SMS in the last 12 months about earning money. Only minor reduction observed in volume of unsolicited SMS received by citizens in last 2 years, the survey said. After SMS and OTP disruptions were reported for banking, payment and other transactions, the TRAI for 7 days suspended the implementation of norms for commercial text messages or SMS which came into effect on Monday. TRAI on Tuesday, informed that it has observed that some of the Principal Entities (PE) have not fulfilled the requirements as envisaged in Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), 2018 and as a result their SMS were getting dropped after scrubbing by Telecom Service Providers (TSP). TRAI added that this was to protect the consumer from inconvenience faced due to not receiving these messages. However, what that means is that the consumers will continue to receive spam SMS messages for the coming week and if TRAI extends the same, for even a longer period. LocalCircles has now conducted a follow on survey to check the citizen pulse on unwanted and spam SMS, to understand if there's been an increase in UCC and if Regulator's "do not disturb, or DND" initiative has been any effect at all. Also, citizens' opinion on spam SMSs was compared with previously conducted surveys to understand the change over time. The survey received more than 35,000 responses from citizens located in 324 districts of India. In the first question, citizens were asked how many unwanted SMS they receive every day on average? 37 per cent said they receive 4-7 messages every day, 36 per cent said 8 or more, 25 per cent said 1-3, while only 2 per cent said they don't get unwanted SMS at all. Per aggregate votes of citizens indicated that 73 per cent get 4 or more unwanted SMSs every day. The question to the survey received 7,632 votes. In the last 2 years, there's been a minor reduction in the volume of unsolicited SMS received by citizens, which could be attributed to lockdowns and office shutdowns. A total of 74 per cent citizens say they still get unwanted SMS despite being registered on Do Not Disturb (DND) list; minor reduction observed in the volume of unsolicited SMS received by citizens in last 2 years while 73 per cent still get 4 or more per day. Many people face issues of unwanted telemarketing messages and calls made to them by fraudsters, spammers, telemarketers, despite registering on TRAI's Do Not Call Registry (NDNS). More shocking is the news of around 93 million phone numbers registered with the TRAI's "Do Not Call Registry (NDNS)" kept on sale on the Darknet in February 2020. LocalCircles survey finds that 74 per cent of mobile subscribers still receive unwanted SMS despite registering for the Do Not Disturb (DND) list. Only 4 per cent said they do not get them. 18% said they're not registered on the DND list and 4 per cent said they don't even know that a DND list exists. In the last 2 years, more citizens complain of getting unsolicited SMS despite being registered on the DND list. According to the telecom regulator, as of May 2018, there were 23 crore mobile subscribers registered with the DND registry. LocalCircles survey finds that 74 per cent of mobile subscribers still receive unwanted SMS despite registering for the Do Not Disturb (DND) list. Only 4 per cent said they do not get them. 18 per cent said they're not registered on the DND list and 4 per cent said they don't even know that a DND list exists. In the last 2 years, more citizens complain of getting unsolicited SMS despite being registered on the DND list. A 26 citizens say at least a quarter of the unwanted SMS come from the mobile service provider itself; Unwanted SMSs sent by mobile service providers reduce in the last 2 years Per TRAI, the number of registered telemarketers is roughly estimated to be around 7,500 as of August 2019, while there are lakhs of unregistered ones, including fraudsters and spammers. Till May 2019, TRAI disconnected 18,19,470 unregistered telemarketers and blacklisted another 5,89,589. Per LocalCircles survey, 26 per cent of citizens say at least a quarter of unwanted SMS messages that they receive are sent by their mobile service providers. 43 per cent said this number was between 0 and 25 per cent. Other 21 per cent of citizens said none of these are from the service providers, while 10 per cent were unsure about it. Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Local Services and Earning Money offers primary drivers for spam SMS; Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Local Services SMSs reduce while Earning Money offers increase in the last 2 years. SMS is a low-cost way of sending information across citizens and is hence very popular among businesses. Right from a multi-million-dollar insurance company to a newly opened food stall across the road, many businesses use SMSs to reach out to the customer in search of getting more business. The following question asked citizens the category under which they receive the most promotional SMSs. Of whom, 26 per cent said real estate offers, 26 per cent said banking and insurance offers, 15 per cent said local (health, medical, beauty, etc.) offers, 14 per cent said earning offers, 9 per cent said telecom or mobile service offers, while 6 per cent said others (eCommerce, telecom, etc.). The survey result indicated that unwanted SMS related to Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Local Services reduce, while Earning money offers increased in the last 2 years. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Synexus Tax Solutions The Synexus team has worked incredibly hard to develop and launch this cutting-edge business, said Sean Taylor, Managing Partner of Smith & Howard. We are very excited to have Synexus join our family of companies and look forward to delivering indirect tax solutions to clients across the nation. Smith & Howard announces the launch of Synexus Tax Solutions, a new brand providing state and local indirect tax compliance to businesses throughout North America. With operational headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Synexus is comprised of state and local tax experts across the United States who have collaborated to develop this solution to indirect tax challenges for businesses in multiple industries. Through innovative technology and deep indirect tax expertise, Synexus helps businesses streamline the indirect tax compliance process, facilitate business growth and expand geographic reach while reducing administrative costs and potential non-compliance burdens. The Synexus team has worked incredibly hard to develop and launch this cutting-edge business, said Sean C. Taylor, Managing Partner of Smith & Howard. We are very excited to have Synexus join our family of companies and look forward to delivering indirect tax solutions to clients across the nation. Synexus unique approach turns a compliant-oriented service thats often seen as burdensome and costly into something streamlined, innovative, engaging and valuable. Synexus is the ultimate partner for these services and more, changing how businesses have thought about indirect tax services and smoothing the path for companies to enter and succeed in markets across North America. Our core team is a dynamic group of state and local tax experts who have a passion for helping businesses achieve their goals, said Tim Howe, Co-Founder of Synexus and Partner with Smith & Howard. We are committed to delivering compliance, savings and growth opportunities for business across the country. While Synexus is a new, exciting and innovative organization, the individuals involved have an exceptional and long-established track record of success in this area. Clients of Synexus benefit from strong expertise and advanced technology. Through automation, security and compliance, Synexus delivers innovative solutions that offer the best of both worlds. About Synexus Tax Solutions Synexus Tax Solutions (Synexus) is strategically located throughout the United States, capable of guiding you through the unique indirect tax regulations of every state, county, parish, territory or province. The business has an operational headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia with office locations in Oregon, Massachusetts, Ohio, California, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Indiana. Learn more about Synexus Tax Solutions by visiting our website here: http://www.synexustax.com Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The European Commission says it has secured an agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech for an extra four million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for its 27 nations to tackle the surge of cases in several coronavirus clusters. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this will help member states in their efforts to keep the spread of new variants under control. Through their targeted use where they are most needed, in particular in border regions, these doses will also help ensure or restore the free movement of goods and people."" The mentioned Tyrol in Austria, Nice and Moselle in France, Bolzano in Italy and some parts of Bavaria and Saxony in Germany where COVID-19 hospitalisations have been on the rise. The Commission said the new doses will be made available to all member states on a pro-rata basis this month. EU officials have been dismayed at how virus surges driven by variants have prompted EU nations to put in border restrictions. Overall, the EU has six contracts for more than 2 billion doses of vaccines to inoculate its 450 million people. After a year of the pandemic, weary world looks back and forward Ukraine's fight against COVID-19 hampered by widespread resistance to vaccines House set to vote on virus relief, President Joe Biden on cusp of triumph Los Angeles school district reaches deal to reopen classes Restaurants are big beneficiaries of COVID-19 relief bill. LISBON, Portugal -- Portugal is joining other European countries in extending the use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to people age 65 and over, after initial uncertainty about its effectiveness in that age group. The General Directorate for Health also announced Wednesday that people with Down syndrome will be added to the Phase 1 priority groups due to their risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms. Teachers, school auxiliary staff and social workers who deal with children are also moving to the front of the queue as authorities prepare to start easing a lockdown that began in January and brought school closures. Health officials were due later Wednesday to unveil the country's first mobile vaccination units, part of a drive to accelerate inoculations. Portugal, a country of 10.3 million people, has so far administered just over 1 million vaccine jabs. Amsterdam An expert group at the European Medicines Agency will meet Thursday to decide whether the one-dose made by Johnson & Johnson should be authorised for use across the If the shot is given the green light, it would be the fourth licensed COVID-19 vaccine in the 27-country bloc. The Amsterdam-based EU medicines regulator has already approved vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca but all of those vaccines require two doses. Health experts hope having another authorized COVID-19 shot might speed the slow pace of immunization across Europe, which has been struggling to get enough supplies and vaccinate the vulnerable. Stockholm The Swedish government says it will spend another 6.5 billion kronor (USD 1 billion) to buy more vaccines, bringing Sweden's total vaccine expenditures to 11 billion (USD 1.8 billion). Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren says we are talking about a lot of money, but little compared to what COVID-19 has cost society. Sweden's vaccine coordinator, Richard Bergstrom, said the country expected an additional 14 million doses the first half of the year and 30 million doses in the second. He said he expects Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine to shortly be approved by the European Union's medical regulator. London Relations between the and recently departed Britain took another diplomatic dip on Wednesday when the EU envoy in London was summoned to explain comments that Britain had issued a vaccine export ban. The United Kingdom was so irate about Tuesday's comments from EU Council President Charles Michel that Britain had imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines, that it called in the ambassador for a morning meeting. A British government statement said that it has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine. Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. The spat comes against a background that the COVID-19 vaccination drive in Britain is seen as a huge success while that in the 27-nation bloc has been a major failure. The United Kingdom has given about 35 per cent of its adults a vaccine shot while the EU is further back with 9.5 per cent. Copenhagen, Demark Sales of Lego sets surged last year as more children stayed home during global pandemic lockdowns and parents bought the colorful plastic brick toys to keep them entertained through days of isolation. The privately-held Danish company said its net profit rose 19 per cent to 9.9 billion kroner ($1.6 billion) as sales jumped 21 per cent and it grew its presence in its 12 largest markets. Geneva On March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, few could foresee the long road ahead or the many ways in which they would suffer -- the deaths and agonies of millions, the ruined economies, the disrupted lives and near-universal loneliness and isolation. A year later, some are dreaming of a return to normal, thanks to vaccines that seemed to materialize as if by magic. live in places where the magic seems to be reserved for wealthier worlds. (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.) John Kerry, the US special envoy for climate, left London with renewed hope on Tuesday after meeting with Boris Johnson, chancellor Rishi Sunak and climate tsar Alok Sharma on Monday, according to a tweet from his official account. Mr Kerry is in Europe for a three-day whistle-stop tour to meet with leaders ahead of a series of key climate summits that are to be held in the coming months. Today, Mr Kerry met with Ursula von der Leyen and others from the European Commission in Brussels. Working together, the US and European Union will rally all the major economies to quickly strengthen their climate ambition, he said in a second tweet. Mr Kerrys in-person meetings with leaders in Europe send a strong signal on US climate ambitions, says Tom Evans, a researcher of climate diplomacy at the think tank E3G. This is the rejuvenation of US international climate diplomacy, he tells The Independent. We havent seen any other in-person diplomacy from the new US administration yet so the fact that this is very much the first foreign trip emphasises how central climate is now as a geopolitical issue. Mr Kerrys visit to Europe comes ahead of a climate summit hosted by Joe Biden, which is to be held on Earth Day in April. The goal is to get the worlds biggest emitters to commit to tougher measures to tackle the climate crisis. This meeting will be followed by Cop26, a crucial round of UN climate talks that will be held in Glasgow in November. Mr Sharma, the UK minister who has been appointed Cop26 president, met with Mr Kerry in London yesterday. After the closed-door discussion, the pair issued a joint statement saying they had resolved to work closely together to reduce [their] own emissions and to rally all countries, and most especially the worlds major economies, to strengthen their climate ambition. Our countries are fully committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050, they added. We urge all countries to take the steps needed to keep a 1.5C temperature limit within reach, including through ambitious and long-term strategies to cut emissions and reach net zero. The call for tougher measures comes after a UN report released in February found that new climate plans put forward by countries by the end of last year would cause emissions to fall by just 1 per cent by 2030, when compared with levels in 2010. It said tougher measures were needed from every country if the world was to try to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the aspirational target set by the Paris Agreement . The meeting of Mr Sharma and Mr Kerry was a key early opportunity to kickstart an ambitious shared climate agenda, says Brendan Guy, a climate strategist at Natural Resources Defense Council. By synchronising their diplomacy, the US, UK, and EU can boost efforts to strengthen climate ambition from all major emitters this year into near-term alignment with net zero global emissions by 2050, he tells The Independent. The US the worlds second largest greenhouse gas emitter is itself facing pressure to put forward a new climate plan, which are known as nationally determined contributions, after four years of inaction from former president Donald Trump. I think the administration understands that there are very high expectations of them to produce an ambitious target, Pete Betts, the former lead climate negotiator for the UK and EU, tells The Independent. It is significant that they are reaching out to work with the Europeans, and to align views where possible. And I would also expect the Americans to be signalling that they understand that they need to deliver something ambitious themselves. Mr Kerrys visit to Europe is likely to be the start of the ramping up of diplomatic meetings in the run up to Cop26, adds Mr Evans. Its great that you know we have these first meetings to kind of set the agenda together, he says. But if we dont see action being delivered over the next few months, thats when we need to raise the questions as to whether these countries are doing enough. At the end of the day, weve only got eight months ahead of Cop26 and theres a long to-do list. London: A defiant Piers Morgan says he still doesnt believe anything Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said in her interview with Oprah Winfrey and is happy to fall on my sword in defence of free speech. The polarising broadcaster quit top-rating television show Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after his fierce criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan prompted 41,000 complaints to the media regulator. Morgans bosses at British network ITV asked him to apologise, but the 55-year-old former newspaper editor refused and resigned. British media reported that Meghan had submitted a formal complaint with the network. Piers Morgan outside his home in the London suburb of Kensington on Wednesday. Credit:PA Speaking outside his London home on Wednesday morning, Morgan said he believed in freedom of speech and the right to have an opinion. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 01:53:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Despite increases in the number of women at the highest levels of political power, widespread gender inequalities persist, according to the 2021 edition of the IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union)-UN Women Map of Women in Politics published on Wednesday. The IPU-UN Women Map presents new data for women in executive, government, and parliamentary positions as of Jan. 1, 2021. The data shows all-time highs for the number of countries with women heads of state and/or heads of government, as well as for the global share of women ministers. However, after last year's spike of 21.3 percent of women holding ministerial portfolios, progression has slowed -- with just a small increase to 21.9 percent in 2021. The data also reveals that the number of countries with no women in government has increased, bucking a downward trend seen the last few years. There were also sluggish gains in the global growth of women legislators in 2021, as shown in the IPU's annual report on Women in Parliament, launched last week. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the global share of women in national parliaments is 25.5 percent, a slight increase from 24.9 percent the year before. UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said that "no country prospers without the engagement of women. We need women's representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversity and abilities, and across all cultural, social, economic and political situations. This year's map shows us that we still need bold, decisive action across the world to bring women into the heart of the decision-making spaces in large numbers and as full partners. There's no doubt this can and should be done. It should be done now." IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said that "this year's growth in the number of women in political decision-making is just not good enough. Especially when you consider that 70 percent of health, care and service workers during this pandemic are women. It's up to all of us, both men and women, to keep pushing for greater representation of women in politics. We have the tools to make it happen. What we need now is the political will." The new data was presented ahead of the Commission on the Status of Women, the largest UN gathering on gender equality, which this year has as its priority theme, "Women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls." It also comes in the run-up to the Generation Equality Forum, that will deliver multi-stakeholder, game-changing Action Coalitions on six topics including Leadership and Feminist Movements. According to the new data, women occupy the role of heads of state or government in 22 countries, up from 20 countries in 2020. As of Jan. 1, 2021, 5.9 percent of elected heads of state (9 out of 152) and 6.7 percent of heads of government (13 out of 193) are women. Europe is the region with the most countries led by women: five out of nine heads of state and seven out of 13 heads of government. The number of countries in which women hold 50 percent or more of ministerial positions dropped from 14 in 2020 to 13 in 2021. Political will plays a role in advancing gender equality, particularly when it comes to appointing ministers. As a result, some countries saw dramatic increases in their share of women ministers in 2021. Europe experienced the two biggest jumps in women's political representation at the executive level in 2021. The share of women in government went from 8 percent to 43 percent in Lithuania, and more than doubled in Belgium, from 25 percent to 57 percent. Namibia made the biggest leap forward in Sub-Saharan Africa, increasing its overall share of women ministers from 15 percent to 39 percent. Rwanda still leads the region, maintaining the largest share of women ministers at 54.8 percent as well as topping the global charts again in the share of women parliamentarians. In the Americas, the newly-appointed government in the United States is shaping up to be the most gender-balanced in the country's history: women in charge of ministerial portfolios rose from 17 percent in 2020 to 46 percent in 2021. The leader, however, both globally and in the region, is Nicaragua, with 58.82 percent of ministries led by women. In Asia, Mongolia progressed from 6.7 percent women ministers in 2020 to 18.8 percent in 2021, the biggest percentage point increase in the region. In the Middle East and North Africa region, Lebanon currently has the largest share of women ministers at 31.6 percent. Tunisia saw the greatest increase, leaping to 29.2 percent -- up from 6.9 percent in 2020. In the Pacific region, Kiribati gained one woman minister and its parliament elected a woman speaker for the first time. New Zealand maintains the largest share of women ministers at 40 percent, increasing by 10 percent compared to the previous year. Despite overall gains across all regions, the number of countries with no women ministers in 2021 increased to 12, compared to nine in 2020. The environment or energy portfolio jumped from third place in 2020 to the top spot in 2021 of ministerial portfolios held by women. Women ministers nonetheless continue to dominate portfolios covering social affairs, women's affairs and gender equality. However, women's share in traditionally male-led ministerial portfolios has slightly increased in 2021 compared to 2020; for example, 11.9 percent of defense portfolios compared to 10.1 percent and 13.6 of finance portfolios compared to 11.5 percent are now led by women. The share of women ministers in charge of foreign affairs portfolios also saw a significant increase compared with last year, rising from 16.8 percent to 26 percent. The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 179 national member parliaments and 13 regional parliamentary bodies. UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Enditem New Delhi, March 10 : Innovative troops deployment, proactive use of surveillance and monitoring devices and the Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) have enhanced the ability to detect and intercept terrorists attempting to infiltrate and exfiltrate, Minister of State (Defence) Shripad Naik said on Wednesday. In 2020, a total 99 infiltration attempts were made as against 216 attempts in 2019 across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Seventy-one people were injured in ceasefire violations last year, against 127 people in 2019. The minister said in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Army has adopted a robust counter infiltration strategy which has an appropriate mix of technology and human resource put together to check infiltration effectively. On the basis of regular analysis of threat assessment and past infiltration attempts, drill and procedures are modified to counter emerging threats. Replying to a question asked by parliamentarian Talari Rangaiah, Naik citied some of the measures employed by Indian Army to stop infiltration attempts. He said that measures appraisal and upgradation of intelligence gathering capabilities, reorientation of surveillance architecture to enmesh with counter infiltration deployment and augmentation of Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) incorporating surveillance assets are being carried out on a regular basis. The minister also said that there is enhanced incorporation of aerial platforms, night vision equipment, radars and underground sensors to strengthen the surveillance architecture. The Indian Army, along with the research and development agencies, regularly upgrades the design of Anti Infiltration Obstacle System on the fence to incorporate 'smart' components such as Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence, Short Range Surveillance Equipment and others, the minister said. Jaipur, March 10 : The issue of a figurine of Maharana Pratap placed at the bottom of the centre-table during an event organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has stirred a controversy in Rajasthan it appears. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of insulting the Rajput warrior and the BJP has blamed the organisers for the blunder, even as the party issued a public apology. In the image from the event which has gone viral, it can be seen that during the public meeting, the senior leadership of the state BJP, including president Satish Poonia, are sitting on the dais and the figurine of Maharana Pratap, presented to them, is kept on the ground. Acting immediately to set the record straight, the BJP's Rajasthan unit issued a public apology on the issue: "Recently, in the Youth Conference of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha held in Vallabhnagar, the organisers of the district organisation presented a statue of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap to the state BJP president, Satish Pooniya Ji with faith, respect and pride towards Maharana Pratap. "However, due to a human error made by organisers, this portrait was placed on the stage. We regret this human error while bearing full responsibility for it. Not only for our party, but for the whole of India, Maharana Pratap is a hero. We once again express our full respect and regret." Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha Youth Wing national executive president Shantanu Chauhan has strongly criticised Pratap's insult and said, "Maharana Pratap, the great warrior of India and a symbol of valour and courage, is not only a hero in India, but all over the world. The insult of such a great legend is an insult to the entire country. "The Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha Youth Wing strongly condemns the indecency of Dr. Satish Poonia for keeping Mewar's heroic son Maharana Pratap ji's statue on ground. We will protest against this insult...Even after 3 days, Rajasthan BJP state president Satish Poonia has not said a word of apology or regret. This clearly shows the anti-Rajput face of the BJP," he added. Meanwhile, the war of words continued between Congress and BJP leaders too. State transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas accused the BJP of seeking votes in the name of Ram and Maharana Pratap and demanded an apology in writing on this insult to the Maharana from the BJP state president. BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani hit back at the Congress, saying that they are the people who never gave importance to Maharana Pratap and described Akbar as great. Speaking to media outside the assembly on Tuesday, Devnani said that this is the same Congress which has taught the lesson of 'Akbar Mahan' (Akbar the great) to the people. "Congress leaders should remember that their leader Kapil Sibal refused to accept the existence of Ram. Sibal himself presented an affidavit in the Supreme Court in the case of Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya and said that Ram does not exist," said Devnani. Earlier, talking to the media, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said that Maharana Pratap was the pride and glory of India. "The BJP state president and all those leaders who were present there should apologise in writing, he added. 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results Battle, who was living on the streets in River North and had only just met the two men, led them across the street and pointed at a car containing Rivera and a group of friends, prosecutors said. Jackson fired point-blank into the vehicle, striking Rivera in the face and twice in the back. His friend Sierra, a military reservist, was shot in the shoulder and chest but survived despite a bullet lodging in his neck. New York, March 10 : As US President Joe Biden prepares for a summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders of the Quad, the top American commander in the Indo-Pacific region has said that China's aggression has opened New Delhi's eyes to the advantages of strategic cooperation with Washington and other countries and it will deepen ties with the four-nation group. "India's long had an approach called strategic autonomy, you know non-aligned approach with others. But I think certainly the activities (of China), along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China has opened their eyes to what cooperative effort with others might mean for their own defensive needs," Admiral Philip S. Davidson, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said on Tuesday. "We have provided some information to Indian that crisis, cold weather clothing, some other equipments and things like that. And over the last several years we've been deepening our maritime cooperation. "I think you'll see India in the very near term, you know, remain committed to their non aligned approach, but I think they will deepen their engagement with Quad," he added. While testifying on the Indo-Pacific Command Posture before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he was replying to a question by Senator Angus King whether the US was developing stronger ties with India, which considers itself "neutral" as a part of the Quad. The leaders of the Quad, Modi, Biden and Prime Ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga of Japan are to meet virtually for their first summit on Friday as they mutually face the growing threat from China. "The Indo-Pacific is the most consequential region for America's future and remains the Department of Defense's priority theatre," Davidson said of the US pivot to the region that began with former President Donald Trump and Biden appears committed to, recognising the threat from China. Davidson said that he had great hope that the Quad, "a diamond of democracies", will "build into something much bigger for the sake of the globe". He said that the Quad "could bring so much more, not only to the region (but) to the globe, not in terms of security alone, but in terms of how we might approach the global economy, critical technologies like telecommunications and 5G, collaboration on international order, more diplomatically, economically". King said it would "be a geopolitical major development if India more closely aligned with those other countries" of the Quad. Committee Chairman Jack Reed said that growing relations with India and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region would give the US a comparative advantage in the region in facing the threats from China. "Absent a convincing deterrent, the People's Republic of China (PRC) will be emboldened to take action to undermine the rules-based international order and the values represented in our vision for a Free and Open IndoPacific," Davidson said. Davidson and senators on the committee spoke of China's direct threats to India. He said that China's "expansionary territorial ambitions" can be seen along the LAC where, he said, "the PLA has been engaged in a standoff with Indian forces". "The standoff was predicated by clashes over construction activities near the disputed border," last May, he said. Beijing "forward-deployed roughly 50,000 soldiers along the LAC, leading to a counter-deployment by the Indian Army" and China "has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions it seized following the initial clash, and the consequent escalation of tensions between the PRC (People's Republic of China) and India has resulted in casualties on both sides", he added. "This large-scale PLA mobilization, which is particularly notable considering the elevation, terrain, and distance involved, has stoked regional concerns that the PRC will increasingly use force to achieve desired outcomes," he added. Senator Dan Sullivan listed the border conflict with India and major cyber attacks "that were probably launched by China against India" as among the threats the world faces. Davidson warned that the Islamic State terror group, "which remains the most active and deadliest terrorist threat in the region", has branches in India and the Philippines and India. "Notably, these disparate IS and IS-inspired groups are not cohesive; they do not collaborate or fall under the same command and control structure." (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) Duane "Dog" Chapman and his fiancee, Francie Frane, attended church together in Colorado this month and felt "so blessed" by their experience. The famous bounty hunter and reality TV star, along with his wife-to-be, shared photos on Instagram over the weekend while at the 970.church in Grand Junction, Colorado. They called their experience "amazing." "Dog and I were so blessed to be a part of this powerful move of God with @robbydawkins at 970.church last weekend!" Frane wrote on her Instagram along with photos. 970.church is affiliated with the Rocky Mountain District of the General Council of the Assemblies of God USA. Source:The Christian Post Is Carlisle ready for the tough stuff as in a frank conversation about racial relations, and where theyve left the teeter-totter of quality of life balanced between its white and Black residents? Were about to find out. Borough council has scheduled a vote Thursday on a resolution creating a Carlisle Truth and Reconciliation Commission to explore root causes of long-lasting racial disparities in income, home ownership, criminal arrests and other facets of life in this town, and what borough policies, practices and ordinances have contributed to them. And then, how can they be fixed? The resolution is widely expected to pass. Its a pretty ambitious project for a town which likes to celebrate its Black mayor, Black police chief or willingness to vote for a Black man for president, but that also cant hide from data that shows Black households in the borough, on average, have an income of about 54 cents for every $1 made by a white household. Home ownership rates in the borough are 50 percent for white residents, but just 9 percent for Blacks. That 41 percentage point gap is even worse (45.4 percent) in the larger Harrisburg / Carlisle metro area, consisting of all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, which according to a 2019 study by the Washington D.C.-based Urban Institute is the fourth-largest such gap in the country. As a result, many Black families have been effectively locked out of the prosperity the towns overwhelmingly white population enjoys. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey pulled for a January town hall on racial issues, 48 percent of Black residents had income below the federal poverty line in 2019, more than double the national rate for African-Americans of 21 percent. Carlisles not big enough to have such disparities between white folks and Black folks. I mean its a small town, said TaWanda Hunter-Stallworth, a native daughter of the borough who was one of the first to raise the concept of a commission for Carlisle. Hunter-Stallworth is Black. So when theres that much disparity then theres something that has to be addressed. We have to be able to call it what it is. And its racism. And its wrong. The project has no precedent in central Pennsylvania, though there have been scattered instances of such commissions in other cities in the aftermath of last years Black Lives Matter demonstrations. America, as a whole, hasnt been able to get past its original racist sins, even though there have been obvious signs of slow progress over many generations. Some Black residents admit to wondering if those past major achievements: Outlawing segregation in schools, the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965; affirmative action programs in the 1970s; the election of Barack Obama as president; havent had the perverse effect of slowing further racial progress by causing many whites to see civil rights as an issue for the history books. I think what has happened is, in the minds of some people, the big ticket items are covered, so there cant be any bigotry, said Forrest Brown, a professional musician and lifelong Black resident of Carlisle. And by the big ticket items I mean, I can vote. I can eat where I want to eat. I can go where I want to go. And it doesnt matter if Im welcomed or not, but I can go. So the legislations in place, so there cant be prejudice, right? No, this is a bigoted nation. And theres bigotry right here in Carlisle like that. The way supporters of this effort see it, its imperative to try to do better. Just because its not possible for us to undo everything doesnt mean that we cant do our part in making our borough a better place in the ways that we can, said Councilman Jeff Stuby, the lead sponsor of the resolution, which sprang from the council-sponsored town hall discussion on race earlier this winter. Obviously we cant correct every wrong. We cant undo every injustice... But there are things that I think we can do and focus on, or at least I am hopeful that we can, and I think thats the starting place for us. I just think that its been swept under the carpet for so long that it just has to be addressed. We have to have a conversation, said Hunter-Stallworth, who lives in Lower Swatara Township but still has family in Carlisle. Just to really blow the lid off of it and think, what would a truly equitable Carlisle look like? The resolution up for adoption at Thursdays council meeting would clear the way for council to appoint a seven-member commission mostly but not exclusively made up of borough residents that will have until the end of 2022 to study race-based inequities in Carlisle and recommend possible solutions within the scope and jurisdiction of the borough government. Along the way, individuals impacted and traumatized by systemic racism will be invited to share their stories and experiences, relating to polices, practices, and actions by the Borough of Carlisle and the Carlisle Borough Council. Theres a history that leads to the situation that were currently in, and a lot of times you cant know where youre going if you dont know where youve been, Stuby, who is white, explained. So I think theres an aspect of communal reflection that needs to happen. Resolution supporters say that truth-telling is essential for this to work, especially because they believe a large part of the problem is that too many white residents are probably oblivious to the extent of the problem. It could get squirmy. There have been a lot of hurts, said Safronia Perry, executive director of Hope Station, a human service agency in the boroughs Memorial Park neighborhood. There have been a lot of things that have happened here in this town that havent been reconciled. And in order for any community to move forward you have to be able to go back and trace the steps, and make some kind of reconciliation. And that hasnt happened here before. One thing thats not clear just yet is what the scope of that airing of racial grievances will be, or how specific it might get. In part, thats because the resolution itself is kind of a skeletal document. The commissions first order of business, for example, will be to draw up its own mission statement, bylaws and action plan, all of which will then be published and put before the community at a public hearing for comment and review. Stuby said the goal is to build in community participation and transparency from the start. Recent revisions of the resolution have also set out boundaries that would appear to be trying to steer the conversation more specifically to issues that are part of the boroughs jurisdiction. Like, for example, the councils issuance of a formal apology last year for the removal and apparent loss of headstones from the former Lincoln Cemetery, an historic Black cemetery that was cleared in 1971 to make room for a borough park. The Jordan headstone is the only one that remains in Memorial Park, but only after Fleta Jordan fought with the Carlisle Borough Council in 1972 to keep it there while the coucil ordered all the others removed. MARTIN BOUTROS Our intention here isnt just to go pointing fingers at people, Stuby said. The intention is more, looking internally at what we have done wrong and looking at what we could do to improve moving forward. Hunter-Stallworth, though, said some form of a public calling out seems a small price to pay for years of what may have been discriminatory practices that have cost families jobs, wealth and a chance at upward mobility. Repentance, she said, is a necessary ingredient to the hoped-for reconciliation. Theres some real hurt that has gone on at the hands of people that did not have a regard or did not think that they lived in a town where they would be held accountable for some of their racist behaviors, she said. I mean thats really what it is, they got away with it. Using borough government as a starting point still leaves a lot of room for discussion, and tools to apply to the problems. For example: Zoning and sub-division ordinances can have great sway in determining where folks live, and the commission could recommend the borough take intentional steps aimed at spreading affordable housing through the borough, rather than concentrating it in certain neighborhoods. Carlisle has its own police department - the front line of law enforcement in any community - and council has ample authority to steer resources, policy and procedures there. The borough is an employer, and can work directly on hiring a staff that better reflects the community. There may be ways to give the Human Relations Commission, formed in 2017 when anti-discrimination protections here were extended to cover issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, more teeth. Support for the resolution is not unanimous in the community. For some, the resolution is simply the by-product of a council currently consisting of seven Democrats that is too woke for its own good. There seems to be an inference in the pre-suppositions of the resolution that the whites are responsible and theyre evil, and the Blacks are the victims. So I think that is very divisive, said Laszlo Pasztor, a retired Army officer and Republican Party precinct committeeman in the borough, who added he understands that problems exist. More recently, Pasztor, who is white, worked for two years as a director of mens ministry at Harrisburgs Bethesda MIssion. I have a burden for people that are hurting, he said. He just thinks the causes are being misread here. In Pasztors view, the problems at the core of some of the disparities include lower educational attainment and crime that flow from personal decisions and attitudes that have led to too many families - and Black families in particular - without fathers or parental accountability. Those have a significant impact and harm to the Black community, Pasztor said, and I would much prefer that we have constructive discussions about those issues... So the blame game I find to be irresponsible, and I find it to be intellectually dishonest. To Pasztor, any current acts of racism can be addressed under already-existing mechanisms - be they the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the boroughs own Human Relations Commission, or possibly through the criminal courts. Past acts, he says, would be better studied and considered by entities like the Cumberland County Historical Society. Tim Scott was sworn in as Carlisle's mayor in 2014. He is the borough's first black mayor, and while residents celebrate that progress, they note it doesn't mean racial prejudices have disappeared. But several current and former Black residents who havent been directly involved in discussions on the proposed commission resolution told PennLive in recent weeks that, no matter how well theyre doing personally, or how able they are to work around subtle acts of discrimination, theyve long been frustrated by what they see as over-surveillance of people of color by local law enforcement, de facto segregation in neighborhoods and social groups, and a seeming inability to grow a bigger Black middle class. Black residents have been a part of Carlisles history almost since it was founded in 1751. Records show that in 1820, 135 blacks resided here -126 were free people and nine were slaves. Today, 1,727 Blacks live in the town of 19,198, or just about 9 percent of the population, according to the latest census estimates, and another 921 persons identified as biracial. Almost 82 percent of the population identifies as white. Many Black residents still live in a handful of neighborhoods and attend segregated churches and social events. Stephanie Jirard, the chief diversity officer at Shippensburg University who moved out of Carlisle in December after living here for more than a decade, said she enjoyed her time here and credits the towns schools with being a springboard to her childrens success in college and beyond. But she also noted that many aspects of community life here remained stuck in time, and not in a good way for Blacks. I quickly learned the town had a well-established social hierarchy, she said. Well-meaning people told me make sure my kids went to Mooreland Elementary and that I (should) never buy a house on the other side of the railroad tracks if I cared about re-sale value. And I realized things were different based on the number of minorities in a given space. Its the perfect example of northern segregation, former borough councilman Robert Owens, the first Black elected to the towns council in 1989, once said. Its a closed area, always has been, and there is not much sociability between blacks and whites. The hidden innuendos are apparent, typical of the racism you find in the North. Its that stuff that todays residents want to change. Perry, the Hope Station director, said she is very hopeful that sensitive discussions led by the proposed commission will lead to better results for everyone in Carlisle in the long run. Living in this skin, I know there are people who do not like me simply because I am Black and thats not going to change. It doesnt matter how good of a person I am. it doesnt matter how the organization that I work for helps everyone. None of that will matter to someone who is racist. The point, she said, is to mobilize others in an effort that will help build Carlisle into a community where those with racist attitudes either find a path to change, or come to understand that the borough is a less-welcoming place for them. I hope that Carlisle can be an example of putting in the work to eliminate racism, understanding that it does take work and that we might not see the fruits of that until my grandchildren are grandparents. Who knows. But I would like to see Carlisle be the example of trying. Stuby hopes the project leads to specific recommendations that the council can consider. I would hope that in the end there are actual concrete things that we can look at, and say: This is an issue that weve had, this is how other communities have dealt with it. This is something that we might be able to do to deal with it here in Carlisle, he said. Yes, I do think the community is ready. I do fully anticipate that there will be uncomfortable moments and conversations. But I think that is necessary if we as a community are going to move forward and were going to improve. After Megxit, Morgxit. Yesterday, Piers Morganwhose longstanding animus toward Meghan Markle has reached a deranged fever pitch since she and her husband, Prince Harry, sat for an explosive interview with Oprah Winfreystormed off the set of Good Morning Britain, a breakfast show that he co-hosted on ITV (the same network, incidentally, that broadcast the Oprah interview in the UK). He had been challenged on air by a colleague, Alex Beresford, who suggested to Morgan that he dislikes Meghan because she snubbed him socially. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? Beresford asked. I dont think she has, but yet you continue to trash her. At that, Morgan stood up and walked out. Sorry, he said, cant do this. Beresford shook his head. This is absolutely diabolical behavior, he said. Im sorry, but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen. Susanna Reid, Morgans co-host (who has also regularly sparred with him on air), cut in for a break. It wasnt yet 7am. Initially, Morgan wasnt gone for long. He came back to conclude his argument with Beresford; later, he hosted an interview with Thomas Markle, Meghans estranged father, that watching journalists variously called uncomfortable and sickeningly gratuitous. By the end of the day, however, Morgan would be gone for good. ITV announced, in a terse statement, that Morgan had permanently quit Good Morning Britain, and that the network had accepted his decision. It offered no further details, but Carolyn McCall, ITVs CEO, had moved earlier, on an earnings call, to distance herself from comments Morgan had made about Meghans mental health. (Meghan told Oprah that she had suicidal thoughts while she was a working member of the royal family; Morgan said on Monday, I dont believe a word she says. I wouldnt believe her if she read me a weather report.) Mind, a mental-health charity that has worked with ITV, had disavowed Morgans remarks; Meghan reportedly lodged a formal complaint with the broadcaster, and thousands of viewers complained to Ofcom, Britains media regulator, which confirmed yesterday that it was investigating. This morning, Reid addressed Morgans absence on air. She was unable to muster many kind words, beyond acknowledging that Morgan had devoted fans. Piers and I have disagreed on many things, and that dynamic was one of the things that viewers loved about the program. He was without doubt an outspoken, challenging, opinionated, disruptive broadcaster, she said. Shows go on, and so on we go. ICYMI: What the pandemic means for paywalls Last night, Morgan broke his silence in a tweet that he hashtagged #TrustYourGut. This morning, he amped up the defiancebragging about yesterdays ratings, tweeting a Winston Churchill quote about free speech, doubling down on his Meghan skepticism, and saying, Im off to spend more time with my opinions. He was off, it turned out, to share more of his opinions with reporters outside his home. If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly-held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge she came out with in that interview, so be it, he said, over the clicking of cameras. Although the woke crowd will think that theyve canceled me, I think they will be rather disappointed when I re-emerge. Already, Morgans comrades in Britains (and Americas) anti-woke brigades have come rushing to his defense. When every single person on your TV screens or on the radio is identikit, dull as ditchwater, toeing the line, and spouting the same acceptable opinions every single day so that the Twitter mobs dont demand they are canceled, well, the thought police wont stop there, the right-wing broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer said on talk radio this morning. Theyll come for you next. If this all sounds a bit Fox News-y to you, you wouldnt be the only one. In recent years, liberal commentators have fretted that a US-style culture war is gaining ground on the British righta dynamic fueled by Brexit, and its attendant nativist politics of xenophobia and chest-thumping national pride, that has since manifested in ever-more contrived rows whose particulars remain thoroughly British (the flag, patriotic anthems, national heritage) but whose totems and lexicon (statues, campus free speech, wokeness) increasingly feel Americanized. The governing Conservative Party has mainlined the politics of social grievance as its voter base has started to cross traditional class lines. On the media front, Fox News has entered the conversation: two new channels that are in the process of being set upone by Rupert Murdoch, the other by rivals including Andrew Neil, a veteran conservative journalist with longstanding ties both to the BBC and the Murdoch empireare banking on the growing popularity of brash anti-liberal commentary, and have already earned the moniker of British Foxes. No sooner had Morgan quit yesterday than he had been linked with both ventures. The danger a British Fox could pose should not be dismissed out of hand; we need only look to the US to see that. But its far from clear that the American language of grievanceand the cancel culture wars, in particularreally resonate in the same way in the UK. And, most pertinently, Britain does not need to import this language at all. The Brits practically invented modern, media-driven outrage, albeit in print, not on screen; Murdoch was a menace in the UK long before Fox was a glint in his eye. Morgan cut his teeth at Murdoch tabloids, and went on to edit one of them. Britain, of course, exported Morgan to the US; he hosted a primetime show on CNN from 2011 through 2014, when the network literally canceled him, due to poor ratings. He is not, whatever he may say, being metaphorically canceled nowat least, not by anyone other than himself. If anything is true of the British media industry, it is that rich, white motormouths with tedious views about free speech and the royal family will never want for a professional home. As Amol Rajan, the BBCs media editor, wrote yesterday, Morgans job at Good Morning Britain may have fallen victim to the culture war, but thats different from saying Morgan himself is a victim of it; in some ways he has been a beneficiary. In many ways. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Meanwhile, a much more important conversationabout systemic racism in British society and the media, more narrowlyhas been overshadowed by Morgans theatrics. In the Oprah interview, Meghan and Harry called out racism in Britains press; the countrys Society of Editors declared categorically, in response, that the UK media is not bigoted, which itself prompted a backlash from well over a hundred British journalists of color, as well as from the editors of The Guardian, the Financial Times, and HuffPost UK, who called the statement proof of an industry in denial. Yesterday morning, Morgan stuck around long enough to hear Beresford, who identifies as mixed race, attest to the covert and overt racism he has experienced at work. I wish I had the privilege to sit on the fence, Beresford said afterward, but in order for me to do that I would have to strip myself of my identity and thats not something I can do. Royal feuds and cancel culture nonsense are not the only dynamics that straddle the Atlantic. Below, more on the British media and the interview: The palace breaks its silence: Yesterday, Buckingham Palace finally commented publicly on the Oprah interview : it put out a statement, in the name of the Queen, that said the whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan, and that the issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. It went on: While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. (Some observers noted that it took the palace much longer to respond to Meghans claims than it took for it to address a recent Times of London story accusing Meghan of bullying staff.) Burn it down: In a column for the New York Times , Hamilton Nolan tackles the widespread conviction, in the wake of the interview, that we should fight to make the monarchy better. You cannot turn a bottle of poison into a refreshing drink, no matter how much sugar you pour into it, he writes. Instead, a just and proper response to what we have learned would be for the entire United Kingdom to come together, join hands in a great circle around the institution of the monarchy and burn it to the ground, while singing Sweet Caroline, to maintain a positive spirit. (When he isnt assailing Britains mortifying lack of revolutionary gumption, Nolan writes about the Washington Post as a public editor for CJR. You can read his writing for us here .) The bigger problem: Last week, Moya Lothian McLean wrote, for the British magazine gal-dem , that hopes for a pluralist, anti-racist British press have been strangled by a shortage of trainee programs and available staff roles, especially for young journalists from marginalized backgrounds. For underrepresented voices, such as those belonging to people of colour, freelancing is often the route into journalism they are forced to take, McLean wrote. Self-employment offers almost no opportunity for training; instead wannabe journalists have to figure it out as they go along. Other notable stories: ICYMI: As protests grow in Myanmar, so do crackdowns on the press Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Earlier this year, Adarsh Gourav surprised everyone with his exceptional performance in The White Tiger which released on Netflix. Last night when the British Academy Of Film And Television Arts (BAFTA) announced its Best Actor in a Leading Role nominations, Adarsh was in for a huge surprise. The actor has been nominated for his role in The White Tiger and this is a huge accomplishment and top news for the actor and the team. Adarsh Gourav speaks about his excitement to E Times and says, This is unbelievable. It is surreal... I was at the gym. I just found out about the nomination. The actor further explains his surreal moment and whats the feeling like, I saw my phone and there were a lot of messages on 'The White Tiger' WhatsApp group and Pooja Gupte, the DOP called me. This is so unexpected and overwhelming. Boy, that is surely amazing and a great achievement to be nominated at the BAFTA. Adarsh is nominated alongside Riz Ahmed (Sound Of Metal), late Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Mads Mikkelsen (Another Round), Anthony Hopkins (The Father) and Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian). Adarsh Gourav even took to his Instagram to share the news, as he shared the clipping of the nomination video and said, Holy shit it's really happening! Thank you Ramin for trusting me to play the character that has given me more than anything I've ever experienced.Congratulations to the team for two BAFTA nominations!! Best adapted screenplay and Leading actor. Congratulations to all the other nominees too! Proud! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adarsh Gourav (@gouravadarsh) Adarsh Gourav might be on cloud nine, but the actor is right now super focused to crack some major film auditions that are lined up this month. He tells E Times that he has two three big auditions that he needs to prepare for. Looks like the party can wait until Adarsh cracks another biggie in his kitty. The White Tiger was backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas also co-starring her and Rajkummar Rao. Sanaa, March 10 : Yemen's government has called for an international investigation into a deadly fire at a migrant detention facility in capital Sanaa that claimed the lived of at least 60 people. According to a statement released by the state-run Saba News Agency on Tuesday, Information Minister Muammar Iryani strongly condemned "the horrific crime committed in a detention centre for the African immigrants". He said that "the incident occurred after launching a crackdown campaign by the Houthi militia that arrested African migrants from the city's streets and public markets, offering them the choice of joining the fighting or facing imprisonment and deportation," Xinhua news agency reported citing the Saba statement. The Minister demanded "an international, transparent and independent investigation to uncover the details behind the deadly incident and holding perpetrators accountable". The fire broke out on Sunday at the overcrowded detention centre affiliated with the Passports and Naturalisation Authority complex, which is controlled by the Houthi militia. An official of Sanaa's local authorities told Xinhua that "the initial death toll caused by the blaze indicated that nearly 60 people were killed and 100 others injured most of them Ethiopian immigrants". The official said victims of the fire included both African migrants and facility staff. According to the official, the facility was specified for holding migrants who entered the country "illegally" before the procedure of deportation starts. According to the International Organization for Migration, Yemen remains a transit country for tens of thousands of migrants travelling between the Horn of Africa and Saudi Arabia despite years of war. The organization estimated that the number of migrants arriving in Yemen fell from more than 138,000 in 2019 to just more than 37,500 in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed achieving a good start in strengthening national defense and the armed forces during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force, at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the top legislature. Addressing the meeting, Xi praised the whole armed forces for achieving the targets and missions for 2020 amid the COVID-19 epidemic and complex domestic and international circumstances. Laying down requirements for ensuring the good start in the military development for the next five years, Xi said development of the armed forces must focus on combat readiness. Xi demanded efforts to step up building high-caliber strategic deterrence and joint operation systems. Underlining innovation-driven military development, Xi called for intensified efforts and more concrete measures in the pursuit of independent innovation in science and technology, to fully leverage the role of science and technology as the strategic support for military development. Innovation in defense-related science and technology must be significantly boosted, he said. Highlighting the "instabilities" and "uncertainties" in China's current security circumstances, Xi said the whole armed forces must always be ready to respond to all kinds of complex and difficult situations, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and provide strong support for fully building a modern socialist country. GLEN CARBON At Tuesdays Glen Carbon Village Board meeting, Police Chief Todd Link introduced Derek Wise to report to the mayor and board of trustees on a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis Wise conducted on the Glen Carbon Police Department. In the wake of tragedies within law enforcement over the last few years especially the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota I believed I should seek an outside expert in law enforcement to conduct an objective review of our police department in five key areas: operations, training, use of force, community engagement and recruitment, Link said. Link said he and his lieutenants discussed other candidates to conduct the review, but chose Wise because in addition to being an Army veteran, he possesses nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including time as a municipal police officer, county deputy and Illinois State Trooper, as well as being known as an excellent trainer and consultant throughout this region. Wise currently serves as a major for the Illinois State Police at District 11 in Collinsville. Wise stated his assessment included a review of policies and procedures, an examination of data, first-hand observances of performance, interviews of internal staff and external stakeholders, as well as ride-alongs with patrol officers. Wise commended Link for engaging in this type of review and having the courage to identify and address potential problem areas. Wise assured the mayor and board that Link and his staff cooperated fully with the internal review and gave me full access to anything or anyone I needed any time of day as part of my evaluation and assessment. Wise said he would make his full report available to the Village of Glen Carbon so it can be shared with residents. The men and women of the Glen Carbon Police Department are highly professional and dedicated to serving their community, Wise said in his summary. They have benefitted from the transformational leadership of Chief Link and his command staff. They follow a best practices approach in the examined areas while maintaining a balance between engaging in proactive policing and fostering strong, working relationships to solve problems through community policing. Wise pointed out use of force as an excellent example of the best practices approach employed by the Glen Carbon Police Department and noted the police department follows the most up-to-date policies and procedures and trains extensively in key use of force areas including training on de-escalation and gaining voluntary compliance. Wise also pointed out some areas for growth, most notably the need for the Glen Carbon Police Department to attract a more diverse sworn officer staff. Chief Link and his staff are fighting a two-headed monster in this area, Wise clarified. Negative connotations from the media and public sentiment are driving down the numbers of people who want to be police officers, and, as a result, fewer and fewer minorities apply at all for cop jobs. Link thanked Wise for his in-depth review and report. My goal for this project was to identify where we are doing well and where we can improve, Link told the mayor and trustees. The truth is we can always do better and we will keep working hard to best serve the needs of our residents and our community. Rolls out expanded course curriculum with on-demand, live, and self-paced training options to help customers grow their skills with human insight UserTesting, a leading provider of on-demand human insights, today announced a new and improved UserTesting University program, offering more resources and more learning opportunities under the University umbrella. This integrated learning environment is built to help customers master the skills needed to mobilize the voice of the customer, and confidently create great customer experiences. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005307/en/ UserTesting University (Graphic: Business Wire) UserTesting University takes customer education to a new level with a personalized experience for all users. The new platform provides training, content, support, and networking to meet the needs of anyone, from those just getting started on the platform to the most experienced power users. UserTesting University is designed to help all customers scale human insights across their organizations while empowering more people and more teams with access to unlimited, on-demand video feedback so that they can build human-centered products, services, and experiences. "UserTesting University is phenomenal! We are making it a requirement that anyone in our organization that is using the UserTesting platform has been through and reviewed courses and materials before they start launching tests. It is an incredible timesaver for our users," said Oli Mival, Director of User Research at Skyscanner. New features of UserTesting University include: University News: Showcasing new University releases, offerings, webinars, and more. Showcasing new University releases, offerings, webinars, and more. Platform Certifications: The launch of the first user-certification program for users looking to become certified on the UserTesting Human Insight Platform. The launch of the first user-certification program for users looking to become certified on the UserTesting Human Insight Platform. Empathy Workshops: Designed to help customers understand their audience at a deeper level. All of the resources within UserTesting University have been designed to help customers maximize the value of the UserTesting platform. These experiences include: UserTesting Training: a collection of on-demand and instructor-led interactive sessions to help customers more effectively collect and leverage feedback. a collection of on-demand and instructor-led interactive sessions to help customers more effectively collect and leverage feedback. UserTesting Knowledgebase: a document repository with step-by-step guides that contain answers to specific questions, use cases, and how-tos within the platform. a document repository with step-by-step guides that contain answers to specific questions, use cases, and how-tos within the platform. UserTesting CommUnity: a networking platform for customers to connect with like-minded peers across discussion forums to get advice, answers, and inspiration from other users. a networking platform for customers to connect with like-minded peers across discussion forums to get advice, answers, and inspiration from other users. UserTesting Support: a source for advice with help from UserTesting's team of award-winning support professionals. "We believe that all teams should have access to the human insights they need to make better business decisions and deliver better experiences for their customers. Ensuring that our users are successful is about more than the technology alone it's about the support, programs, resources and the community we've built with them," said Matt Zelen, Chief Operating Officer at UserTesting. "To ensure that our customers are successful we are constantly building new tools and resources based on their feedback. We're excited to share the next phase of these updates which are designed to help companies scale to new users and make all their teams more effective and successful." About UserTesting UserTesting enables every organization to deliver the best customer experience powered by human insight. With UserTesting's on-demand Human Insight Platform, companies across industries make accurate customer-first decisions at every level, at the speed business demands. With UserTesting, product teams, marketers, digital, and customer experience executives, designers and UX researchers confidently and quickly create the right experiences for all target audiences, increasing brand loyalty and revenue. UserTesting customers include more than half of the world's top brands. UserTesting is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. To learn more, visit www.usertesting.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005307/en/ Contacts: UserTesting, Inc. Chris Halcon 415-699-0553 chalcon@usertesting.com By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Owl Week at the Naked Capitalism Water Cooler continues, with an entire family of Barn Owls (plus some insects, I think). #COVID19 Since we are apparently in the eye of the storm with our still appallingly high Covid numbers, and waiting until the effects of the variants makes themselves felt, I thought Id try to get a handle on where the variants are. Here is the CDCs map: Note CDCs careful qualification: The cases identified above are based on a sampling of SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens and do not represent the total number of B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 lineage cases that may be circulating in the United States and may not match numbers reported by states, territories, tribes, and local officials. I presume thats because our lineage tracking, unlike that of civilized countries with national health care systems, is abysmal. Its a little concerning that much of the Acela Corridor is in the 101-200 category. Be that as it may, I made a list of the states in the Number of Cases legend from 101 up (CA, CO, FL, GA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, and TX) and charted them. I used the daily figures, not the weekly averages, so any recent spikes wouldnt be smoothed out. First, cases: Maybe that jump in four states is variants. Now, hospitalization: So, at least according to reported data, the variants have not made themselves known to the health care system (assuming that huge spike in NJ hospitalizations is a data artifact.) I guess Ill check back in a week. Meanwhile, I thought to check the wastewater angle More contagious COVID variant first found in UK spreads in Houston, according to our waste [KHOU]. [The Houston Health Department] cited recent testing that detected the variant at 31 of the City of Houstons 39 wastewater treatment plants. Earlier testing on February 8 detected the variant at 21 plants, while late January results gave experts hope that cases were dropped. Now, the health department says the increase reveals ;ongoing and uncontrolled community spread of the U.K. variant.: This link is from yesterday. Nevertheless, here is case and fatality data for Harris County (Houston): So, yes, checking back in a week is in order. * * * At reader request, Ive added this daily chart from 91-DIVOC. The data is the Johns Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site. I feel Im engaging in a macabre form of tape-watching, because I dont think the peak is coming in the next days, or even weeks. Is the virus gathering itself for another leap? Vaccination by region: I doublechecked the drop with Bloomberg, which agrees. Early in February, I said a simple way to compare Bidens performance to Trumps on vaccination would be to compare the slopes of the curves. If Biden accelerated vaccine administration, the slopes would get steeper. What I expected was that that the slopes would remain the same; that the fragmented, Federalized, and profit-driven lumbering monstrosity that we laughingly call our health care system would not respond to energy in the executive, but would continue on its inertial path. Case count by United States regions: South heads downward again, Northeast flat. Big states (New York, Florida, Texas, California): Texas drops below New York. Test positivity: Jumps in the South. Hospitalization: Hospitalization is discretionary; they may also be reducing their admissions rate relative to cases we cannot see in this data! to preserve future capacity; or because hospitals have figured out how to send people home. Case fatality rate (plus deaths): That fatality rate in the West (red) is rising still, which is what worries me. Now its at its highest in over a year. Its not going vertical, which is what I feared. Is the reason nobody else is worrying about this is that its not really a problem? Is this some sort of statistical artifact as well? * * * Politics But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51 They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord More to come. lambert UPDATE All done! Biden Administration Heres whats in the $1.9T COVID-19 relief package [The Hill]. The bill would expand the child tax credit in 2021, a move that Democratic lawmakers and economists say could substantially reduce child poverty. Democrats are hoping to make the expansion permanent in future legislation. The measure would increase from $2,000 to $3,600 the credit for children under 6 years old, and to $3,000 for older children. The additional amount would phase out for individuals with income above $75,000, head-of-household filers with income above $112,500 and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would also make the credit fully refundable, in an effort to ensure that the lowest-income households receive the full amount of the credit. It would make 17-year-olds eligible for the credit. The IRS is directed to make periodic advance payments of the credit, so that households could receive the credit in installments throughout the year instead of having to wait to file their taxes to receive all the money. Funny to watch Democrats tinkering with tax credits to make them not suck. Still, it could be worse! UPDATE Biden wants to sell the stimulus. The White House is still figuring out how. [WaPo], The Biden administration weighed putting the presidents name on stimulus checks to make sure he got credit for helping the millions of Americans who will receive aid but rejected the idea in recent days. The White House is planning for President Biden to hit the road to promote the $1.9 trillion plan, but officials have not settled on where he should go. And there is currently no major advertising campaign focused on the proposal. As Democrats prepare to celebrate what they see as one of the most significant domestic policy achievements in modern history, the White House has yet to fully develop a strategy for the next crucial step: selling it to the American public. I think its a classy gesture for Biden not to put his name on the check! UPDATE New $1,400 stimulus checks could be garnished for unpaid debts. Some are calling for that to change [CNBC]. because these new checks are set to be authorized through a process known as budget reconciliation, they will not be exempt from garnishment. Consumer and banking trade groups, including the American Bankers Association, sent a letter to Congressional and Senate leaders on Monday calling for the stimulus payments to be exempt from garnishment. Otherwise, the families that most need this money those struggling with debt and whose entire bank accounts may be frozen by garnishment orders will be not be able to access their funds, the letter said. The groups call on Congress to pass a standalone bill to prevent depository institutions from having to pay creditors who attempt to garnish and freeze bank accounts. The American Bankers Association!!!!! Exclusive: Biden appoints Clare Martorana to lead the White Houses digital efforts [Fast Company]. President Joe Biden is appointing Clare Martorana, a veteran of the U.S. Digital Service and a former health tech executive, to oversee White House efforts to upgrade the governments creaky tech infrastructure. In October 2016, she joined the USDSs team at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, where she led an effort to modernize the agencys digital infrastructure and make it easier for veterans to access and manage their benefits online. At the VA, Martorana used the principles of human-centered design to bring veterans into the process of designing and developing technology. From rebuilding Veteran-facing applications to creating a personalized dashboard where Veterans can see their benefits in one place, our approach was the same: Veterans were at the center of every decision we made, wrote Martorana and USDS design director Kat Jurick about their work at the agency in 2019. Do we have any veterans in the readership who can comment? (I should say that Im favorably inclined to the Digital Service, which is an after-effect of the effort to unf*ck the ObamaCare marketplace after it crashed on launch. UPDATE US visa applicants denied under Trumps travel ban can reapply [ABC]. However, Price said that those who were selected in the diversity visa lottery during the fiscal years of the Trump administration are still barred from being issued visas if they havent gotten them already, because the deadlines for visa issuance in those fiscal years have expired. That means they are eligible for the diversity visa lottery again but have no redress for their denial under Trumps travel ban. The diversity visa lottery aims to accept applicants from nations with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. It doesnt seem fair to allow people who won a lottery to take the lottery again (this being separate from my views on diversity visas as such). If the U.S.S.R. had propagandists as good as ours, the Communists would still be in power today: Psaki says Biden's pet cat "will break the internet" when it arrives to the White House as planned https://t.co/ExxdoTc6bh pic.twitter.com/9ZrSswGsE5 The Hill (@thehill) March 9, 2021 First the dog, now the cat. What next? Birds? Fish? UPDATE Bush and Clinton portraits are back on display in White Houses Grand Foyer [CNN]. The White House has rehung the official presidential portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton after they were removed last July during the Trump administration. No doubt. Republican Funhouse Republican donations surge despite corporate boycott after Capitol riots [Reuters]. Right after the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, dozens of U.S. companies announced they would halt political donations to the 147 Republican lawmakers who voted to overturn Donald Trumps presidential election loss. Two months later, there is little sign that the corporate revolt has done any real damage to Republican fundraising. If only Democrats could say the same! Democrats en Deshabille Sixth woman accuses NY governor Cuomo of harassment [Agence France Presse]. Thats a damn shame. Realignment and Legitimacy Election Assistance Commission Investigated Es&S Voting Systems [Jenny Cohn, WhoWhatWhereWhy]. While allies of former President Donald Trump have leveled spurious charges against Dominion Voting Systems surrounding the 2020 elections, they have generally turned a blind eye to questions about Election Systems and Software, LLC (ES&S), a much larger voting machine company operating in dozens of states, including Texas and Arizona. Documents obtained by WhoWhatWhy show that, about 40 days before the 2020 election, the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC) quietly investigated concerns that ES&Ss software installation and validation methods could have left touch-screen voting systems in up to 19 states vulnerable to the installation of malicious or otherwise unapproved software. The documents also suggest that ES&S may have initially misled election officials about this issue. The documents, produced by the office of the Texas secretary of state after a public records request, show that the investigation arose from the discovery by Texas voting machine examiners that ES&S had used an uncertified USB stick method to install software updates for some versions of its ExpressVote touchscreen voting machines. Software installed with this method didnt match the software certified by the EAC and failed hash-validation testing, which is conducted when new or updated software is installed. The issue and the investigation were never reported or referenced publicly . Yikes. This is an important post and a must-read. If possible, please redistribute; its telling that Cohn couldnt get this material into a top-tier publication, because the article is good. UPDATE Allan McDonald Dies at 83; Tried to Stop the Challenger Launch (obituary) [New York Times]. There were engineers in those days. During the Challenger Commission hearings: At that point Mr. McDonald, sitting in the back of the room, stood up. His hands shaking, he told the panel that [Lawrence B. Mulloy, who oversaw the booster rockets for NASA] was not giving them the whole story; the engineers, he said, had been pressured and overruled. Mr. Rogers immediately asked for the room to be emptied so that the commissioners could discuss Mr. McDonalds revelation. As the audience cleared out, Ms. Ride came over and hugged Mr. McDonald. Both of them had tears in their eyes. It was the turning point of the commission, Alton G. Keel, its executive director, said in an interview, adding that Mr. McDonalds statement and subsequent public testimony had led Mr. Rogers to take a more focused, adversarial approach. The commissions final report criticized both the design of the rockets and NASAs decision to ignore the engineers concerns. Allan McDonald was a hero in our eyes, Mr. Keel said in an interview. And now, financial engineering? Stats Watch Inflation: February 2021 CPI: Year-over-Year Inflation Rate Now 1.7% [Econintersect]. According to the BLS, the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) year-over-year inflation rate was 1.7 % year-over-year (up from the reported 1.4 % last month). The year-over-year core inflation (excludes energy and food) rate declined from 1.4 % to 1.3 %. Energy was the major influence for the month-over-month growth for the CPI-U. Medical care services cost inflation rose from 2.9 % to 3.0 % year-over-year. Leading Indicator: World Economy Projected To Return To Pre-Pandemic Output In 2021 [Econintersect]. The OECD released its latest interim Economic Outlook report on Tuesday, providing us with an updated look at the pandemics impact on the world economy. Striking a cautiously optimistic tone, the report finds that global economic prospects have improved markedly in recent months, revising its GDP growth forecast for 2021 upward by more than 1 percentage point compared to the December issue of the OECD Economic Outlook. Boosted by the global vaccine rollout, gradual reopenings and government stimulus, the OECD expects global GDP to grow by 5.6 percent this year, and continue the recovery with 4.0 percent growth in 2022. A high degree of uncertainty remains, however, as new virus mutations could spark another wave of infections during the vaccination campaign or even prove resistant to the vaccines currently deployed. * * * Tech: Hackers Breach Thousands of Security Cameras, Exposing Tesla, Jails, Hospitals [Bloomberg]. A group of hackers say they breached a massive trove of security-camera data collected by Silicon Valley startup Verkada Inc., gaining access to live feeds of 150,000 surveillance cameras inside hospitals, companies, police departments, prisons and schools. Companies whose footage was exposed include carmaker Tesla Inc. and software provider Cloudflare Inc. In addition, hackers were able to view video from inside womens health clinics, psychiatric hospitals and the offices of Verkada itself. Some of the cameras, including in hospitals, use facial-recognition technology to identify and categorize people captured on the footage. The hackers say they also have access to the full video archive of all Verkada customers. In a video seen by Bloomberg, a Verkada camera inside Florida hospital Halifax Health showed what appeared to be eight hospital staffers tackling a man and pinning him to a bed. Halifax Health is featured on Verkadas public-facing website in a case study entitled: How a Florida Healthcare Provider Easily Updated and Deployed a Scalable HIPAA Compliant Security System. A spokesman for Halifax confirmed Wednesday that it uses Verkada cameras but added that we believe the scope of the situation is limited. Another video, shot inside a Tesla warehouse in Shanghai, shows workers on an assembly line. The hackers said they obtained access to 222 cameras in Tesla factories and warehouses. The data breach was carried out by an international hacker collective and intended to show the pervasiveness of video surveillance and the ease with which systems could be broken into , said Tillie Kottmann, one of the hackers who claimed credit for breaching San Mateo, California-based Verkada. Tech: That was fast: I've reported it now, (this url for opensea abuses https://t.co/2NEVvJP53Q ) Dear artists, I guess we must do a daily google if we've been NFT:d from now on. Thanks Silicon Valley! https://t.co/RbOikIloOk Simon Stalenhag (@simonstalenhag) March 10, 2021 * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 51 Neutral (previous close: 50 Neutral) [CNN]. One week ago: 52 (Neutral). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Mar 10 at 12:30pm. Health Care Then the world caved in: 9 experts describe the day they realized Covid-19 was here to stay [STAT]. Were going to be getting a lot of these Covid retrospectives. The days of the experts are: 10 years ago (pandemic expert), Jan. 24, 2020 (health care journalist), the end of January 2020 (BioNTech CEO), March 9th (Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry), Feb. 20 (former DHS official), the first week of March 2020 (emergency physician), February 2020 (dean of the Boston University School of Public Health), Toward the end of February 2020 (emergency physician), and late January 2020 (professor of medicine). Lambert here: Not to preen unduly, but NC ran multiple Covid stories in Links on 1/20/2020, 1/21/2020, 1/22/2020, 1/23/2020 (our first masking link), and 1/24/2020. Yves ran China Coronavirus Watch: Updated Another Chinese City Locked Down to Prevent Spread on 1/23/2020. We ran Eric Fiegl-Dings HOLY MOTHER OF GOD tweet in Links, 1/25/2020. I created my first Links bucket (then #2019-nCoV, now #COVID19) on 1/28/2020. In short, dear readers, if you followed Naked Capitalism carefully, you had the information to realize Covid was here to stay, and take action, before seven out of nine experts. Groves of Academe Cornel West leaving Harvard amid dispute over tenure position [The Hill]. Philosopher and activist Cornel West announced on Monday that he is leaving Harvard Universitys Divinity School. West announced on Twitter that he will be moving to Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Union Theological Seminary said in a statement that West will hold the position of the schools prestigious Dietrich Bonhoeffer chair. It never occurred to me that West didnt have tenure at Harvard. The more fools they. Full of Fire (interview) [Cornel West, Boycott Times]. Right now, the market model has taken over. Its about donor money. Its about the public image. Its about consumer reputation of students and its about top-heavy administration and bureaucrats who make big money. And yet when it comes to focusing on the souls and minds of students, theres too little priority. Students have to be at the center, at the core. We are trying to unsettle them, trying to empower their souls, trying to get them to shatter indifference and callousness and not be mere careerists and opportunists that just cant wait to make money and reinforce the organized greed and institutionalized contempt for common folk and for everyday people. This is the spiritual rot of the American empire. Thats what Harvard needs to do. Its not just going to be a matter of a PR move here and a PR move there. No, they need to reevaluate the whole market model. And of course, Harvard unfortunately is often imitated by others. And others need to be wise: learn from the best of Harvard, reject the worst of Harvard. And this is great: Harvards president, Lawrence Bacow, hes a decent brother. I mean, hes not a gangster the way my dear brother Larry Summers was, you know what I mean? Hmm. Brother seems to be used much like bless his heart would be, a locution with which I was unfamiliar. Zeitgeist Watch Police pour scorn on Harry and Meghans claims Archies security was tied to him being a prince and say couple had NO right to bodyguards because as private individuals they were no longer under threat [Daily Mail]. But round-the-clock police protection is understood to have been taken away when they stepped down as working royals after a meeting of the government body that oversees protection. Prince Charles then reportedly said he would not fund their private security out of his own money. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Polices royalty protection unit, said the couples plans were utterly unrealistic and could have put British police at risk.He added: It was utterly unrealistic to think they could continue to have their royal protection team working in America in fact it would have put their [police] lives at risk.' Because were a nation of gun-owners, no doubt. About Archie, for whom I already have pity, most of the rest of the article is devoted to a detailed discussion of the line of succession, Letters Patent, etc., a discussion as detailed as any in Game of Thrones. Clearly, the House of Windsor has an enormous fan base, who love the complexities of a multigenerational breeding program. They dont call it good breeding for nothing. Dumped British TV host Morgan pours more scorn on Meghan suicide, racism claims [Reuters]. Piers Morgan, the pugnacious British TV presenter who lost his job over his attacks on Prince Harrys wife Meghan, said on Wednesday he still did not believe what she had said during her Oprah Winfrey interview. Morgan told reporters on Tuesday he thought Meghans interview had damaged the monarchy and Queen Elizabeth at a time when her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip was in hospital, which he said was contemptible. If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it, he said. Were being endlessly played by the media as the toppling of Piers Morgan underscores [Jonathon Cook]. To fully understand how confected and bogus this segment is from start to finish, I suggest you carry out a small thought experiment. Imagine for a moment this same scene playing out but not between Morgan and Mos-Shogbamimu feuding over Meghans personal, celebrity agonies. Imagine it taking place instead two years ago between Morgan and an equally outspoken supporter of the then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Imagine this isnt about the issue of whether a mix-race boy will be allowed to call himself ;prince, or whether Meghan has felt depressed and isolated by her treatment from the Royals, but about much larger matters of political and public urgency: say, the antisemitism smears used to demonise Corbyn and his party, or the sinister corporate media campaign against him. Then imagine that, like Mos-Shogbamimu, Corbyns ally is given five minutes to berate Morgan, calling him a liar, a racist, a misogynist, and telling him to his face to keep quiet and listen. Imagine further, if you can, that the Corbyn supporter not only feels bold enough to say all these things on Morgans own show but is allowed to get away with it. Not only does Morgan fight back with one arm very visibly tied behind his back, but his own GMB execs let the segment run and run, preventing him from shutting down the interview, either verbally or by turning off the video connection. Cant imagine it? Of course, you cant. Because it would never be allowed to happen. No ally of Corbyns would ever be given five minutes to trash Piers Morgan while upholding the rights of working people or criticising the rigged nature of the corporate media. Royal Thieves: Queen Elizabeth Says That Harry And Meghan Took All 50 Sets Of Her Dentures With Them When They Left Buckingham Palace [Clickhole]. I used to have so many lovely sets of dentures, but yesterday, I went to put my dentures into my mouth so that I could bite my great-grandson, Prince George on the leg, and when I crawled under my bed to get them, I discovered that the garbage bag where I keep all 50 sets of my false teeth had been stolen by Harry and Meghan on their way out of the palace, Queen Elizabeth said to members of the press and a large crowd of British subjects. Im now forced to wear my plastic vampire teeth, which I usually reserve for special occasions such as Christmas and Princess Dianas funeral.' The Agony Column Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain [The Atlantic]. Everywhere I turn, the fog of forgetting has crept in. A friend of mine recently confessed that the morning routine hed comfortably maintained for a decadewake up before 7, shower, dress, get on the subwaynow feels unimaginable on a literal level: He cannot put himself back there. Another has forgotten how to tie a tie. A co-worker isnt sure her toddler remembers what its like to go shopping in a store. The comedian Kylie Brakeman made a joke video of herself attempting to recall pre-pandemic life, the mania flashing across her face: You know what I miss, is, like, those night restaurants that served alcohol. What were those called? she asks. And there were those, like, big men outside who would check your credit card to make sure you were 41?' I bet plenty of essential workers remember exactly what its like to deliver a pizza or change a bedpan, because theyre doing it every dayt at work. More seriously: The share of Americans reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or both roughly quadrupled from June 2019 to December 2020, according to a Census Bureau study released late last year. Whats more, we simply dont know the long-term effects of collective, sustained grief. Collective is doing a lot of work there, if current attempts candles in front of the Biden White House are any guide. Class Warfare [T]he Synecdoche Problem [Freddie DeBoer]. The synecdoche problem is just this: when people consistently advocate for a particular group, they come to believe that they know whats best for that group, can speak for that group, or just literally are that group. The constant advocacy creates a sense of identification that deludes the advocate. They become incapable of seeing that their point of view is not universally shared, or even broadly shared, by the people who make up that group [O]ur perception of the concerns and positions of voters of color is often far out of line with their self-reported preferences. As with Latinx (I myself am WASPx). I have a dim recollection that DeBoer was run off the Twitter by a gaggle of idpol goons, though perhaps I oversimplify, Heretical views like this would be the reason why. Ask a Korean has another angle on the same problem, in this thread: In other words, these people including me all belong to the "leisure class". Not in a sense of being super rich and not having to work, but in a sense of having enough time/money/energy/social capital. And here, "social capital" can be as little as "ability to speak English." T.K. of AAK! (@AskAKorean) March 6, 2021 See also the Adolph Reed article I keep mentioning, The Trouble with Uplift, on voices, for another angle, From Joe Weisenthal, in risk apetite: On a recent episode of our podcast, Tracy Alloway and I were interviewing the investor Howard Lindzon, who recently launched his own SPAC, the Social Leverage Acquisition Corp. And when he talked about where the idea to do a SPAC actually came from, he told us: My last pre-Covid memory of a fun time was at this incredible restaurant at Carbone, which is like an institution for some reason in New York, which is a hard-to-get-into Italian place, and I was sitting at a table with Adam Bain (former Twitter COO) there were two things you talked about at the time with Adam Bain. We were talking about what the hell was going on with this Covid thing, and what is this SPAC that you speak of. Everybody was talking about Virgin Galactic, which was an Adam Bain production with Chamath that was done by SPAC he took the time to walk us through how Chamath was thinking about SPACs. One thing led to another and after this dinner conversation, eventually Howard did in fact launch a SPAC. And more people had versions of the same conversation (probably over Zoom) and so on and so on. And now we have this tidal wave of SPAC issuance. And now we have flying taxi companies that have billion dollar valuations despite no product. And we have all of this capital flowing into battery and EV companies through SPACs. And everybody wants a piece of the action. And a bunch of people are going to get very rich out of it and so on. Oh, and even Sammy Hagar of the band Van Halen is involved with a SPAC. And then at some point, presumably, a bunch of these companies will flop, the cycle will retrench, the money will be less free-flowing, and what once was an expanding supply of money and wealth will start to shrink. But the point is that its an organic process with the cycle of risk appetite a phenomenon thats only partially related to any monetary or fiscal policy. So this is how we allocate capital, in this truly exceptional country, in this best of all possible worlds. News of the Wired Another organic process: * * * Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (.Tom): .Tom writes: Another fungus-on-dead-tree-in-forest photo. Again from Blue Hills Reservation in Mass., this time on a frosty morning walk New Years day. I like how the fungus growths organized themselves so as to give the former tree wings. * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and thank you! successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! Michigan-based Riverbend Timber Framing received honors during the 2021 Jerry Rouleau Awards for Excellence in Marketing and Home Design presented by the Building Systems Councils (BSC), part of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The awards were given during the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Awards virtual ceremony held on March 4, 2021. Since 1986, the BSCs awards program has promoted excellence in systems-built housing. Front runners in the industry are honored at the annual awards presentation for their unique designs and innovative marketing strategies. A Canterbury, New Brunswick residence by Riverbend Timber Framing received top honors for Excellence in Home Design in the Timber Frame, 3,001-4,000 sq. ft. category. Riverbend also earned an Entry of Distinction in the same category for a Hartstown, Pennsylvania residence. Additionally, a Murrysville, Pennsylvania residence earned an Entry of Distinction award in the Timber Frame Home more than 4,000 sq. ft. category. Riverbend was also recognized with several Excellence in Marketing awards earning top honors in the Brochure Design and Print Advertisement categories, and an Entry of Distinction for Website Design. Our team of designers and marketing professionals continuously exceed our valued clients expectations, said James Banner, president of PFB Custom Homes Group. This award recognition reflects Riverbends industry leadership over the past four decades. The annual Jerry Rouleau Awards for Excellence are judged by an independent panel of industry experts. For a complete list of award-winning companies, as well as winners and projects from previous years competitions, visit https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/awards/Building-Systems-Councils-Awards. ABOUT Riverbend Timber Framing: Riverbend is a preeminent leader in the timber frame home industry. Designing and producing a fully integrated structural envelope, Riverbend provides its clients with beautiful, highly energy efficient homes. Riverbend is part of PFB Custom Homes Group, LLC, which was recently named the 2021 Manufacturer of the Year by the NAHBs Building Systems Councils. PFB Custom Homes Group includes the following brands: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes, Riverbend Timber Framing, M.T.N Design, TimberScape, and Point Zero Homes. Offices are located in Meridian, Idaho; Blissfield, Michigan; Carson City, Nevada; and Calgary, Alberta. PFB Custom Homes Group is a subsidiary of PFB Corporation, a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Visit http://www.RiverbendTF.com to learn more. ABOUT THE BSC: The Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders is made up of manufacturer, builder, and associate members who advocate building with concrete, log, modular, or panelized systems. Systems-built homes are constructed to the same code standards and reflect the same, and often enhanced, quality levels as any site-built construction. The advantage of systems-building is its done in a fraction of the time, with a fraction of the waste, which can significantly reduce costs. Many systems-built homes also are inherently environmentally friendly adding a green label to the finished home. ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year. #### POSCO Chairman Choi Jeong-woo / Courtesy of POSCO By Nam Hyun-woo The National Pension Service (NPS), which owns the largest stake in POSCO, will take a neutral stance in a vote determining POSCO Chairman Choi Jeong-woo's second term, due to concerns that he failed to prevent a number of industrial accidents from happening at the steelmaker. The decision was reached at an NPS trustee responsibility committee meeting on Tuesday night. The vote will take place at POSCO's annual general shareholders' meeting on Friday. "There were mixed opinions among committee members on Choi's second term, as some claimed there is no clear ground for objection, while others expressed views that he was negligent in upholding POSCO's corporate value after frequent industrial accidents happened under his watch at the steelmaker," an informed source said. "The case does not constitute grounds for objection in NPS' investment guidelines, but NPS decided to take a neutral stance considering the recent enactment of new laws enhancing chief executives' responsibility in industrial accidents," the source added. The NPS holds an 11.17 percent stake in the country's top steel manufacturer. Taking a neutral stance means that the NPS will attend the shareholders' meeting and exercise its rights depending on the rate of approval and objection by other shareholders. As the NPS decided to take a neutral stance, the chance of Choi winning his second term is growing. POSCO's second-largest shareholder is Citibank with a 7.41 percent stake, followed by the steelmaker's employee shareholder association which owns 1.68 percent. Minor and individual shareholders hold a combined 74.3 percent stake in the company. Choi's second term requires the approval of a majority of attending shareholders. POSCO board members approved Choi's second term. But some sources said Choi's bid still faces uncertainties as a series of fatal accidents have occurred at POSCO facilities and politicians began calling on the NPS to exercise its shareholder rights. On Feb. 15, ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Lee Nak-yon asked the NPS to exercise its stewardship code on POSCO to "guide the company to fulfill its social responsibility." MOSCOW -- A 34-year-old Moscow resident has been handed a suspended sentence for attacking a police officer during January 23 rallies in support of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny. The Presnensky district court on March 10 said Aleksandr Muchayev pleaded guilty and was handed a suspended one-year prison sentence. No details of the case were revealed. Earlier reports said that Muchayev was driving a car with Maria Alyokhina, a member of the Pussy Riot protest group, and opposition municipal lawmaker Lyusya Shtein inside. When police tried to detain the two women, Muchayev drove the car into making contact with a police officer. Muchayev is the first Moscow resident convicted on a criminal charge over the Navalny rallies in January. On March 5, a court in the city of Vladimir sentenced 38-year-old Vitaly Timofeyenko to three years in prison for using pepper spray against a police officer during the dispersal of demonstrators in the city on January 23. Timofeyenko admitted to using the spray, but said he did so to help another protester who was being held on the ground by police. On March 2, a 26-year-old resident of the Volga River city of Kostroma, Aleksei Vinogradov, was sentenced to 18 months of forced labor for attacking a police officer in a similar rally on January 23. The nationwide demonstrations held on January 23 and 31 were against the arrest of the Kremlin critic, who was detained at a Moscow airport on January 17 upon his arrival from Germany, where he was recovering from a poison attack by what several European laboratories concluded was a military-grade chemical nerve agent in Siberia in August. Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied. Last month, a Moscow court ruled that while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. His 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from that case was converted into a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison given time he had been held in detention. More than 10,000 supporters of Navalny were detained across Russia during and after the January rallies. Many of those detained were either fined or handed several-day jail terms. At least 90 were charged with criminal misdeeds and several have been fired by their employers. With reporting by TASS and Mediazona According to CNET T-Mobile will soon start a new program. T-mobiles new privacy policy will collect and share data with advertisers in order to show relative ads to you. Unfortunately, the policy will include the collection of all customers by default. However, customers will have the chance to opt-out of the data collection. T-mobile announced the new policy last month. However, The Wall Street Journal spotted it on Tuesday. Now, this new policy will include both T-Mobile and Sprint customers due to the companies merging last year. Because of this, the carrier will be able to share info such as browsing data and the apps they use. April 26 is the date this new policy will officially go into effect. However, there is a little good news with this new policy. Advertisement None of the data that is collected will be tied to your name. As a result, advertisers will not know who you are by name. But, the data will link to a unique mobile advertising identifier. This identifier will tie all of your data together, but not directly identify you. T-mobiles new privacy policy will automatically collect and share customers data T-mobile will automatically collect and share data on web browsing and phone usage. Remember if you are a current T-Mobile or Sprint customer you have to opt-out to keep your data from being collected. Although customers can opt-out of their data being collected this is a bit of a letdown. Over the past few years, many companies have been in hot water surrounding customers data and how it is collected. Google has found itself in hot water around the world antitrust. Advertisement The search company also found themselves in the crosshairs when they decided to buy Fitbit. The focus on customers privacy and data has been a hot debate recently. Brave the company behind Brave Browser recently announced their Brave Search engine to keep customers data safe when they search online. Huawei and their saga were focused on the fact that they posed a threat to the US Government. The US government accuses Huawei of sharing collected data with the Chinese government. Huawei has denied this. Facebook and Apple are currently battling over privacy and data collection. The new features are allegedly making it harder for Advertisers to do their job according to Facebook. Facebook-owned company WhatsApp recently announced a new privacy policy change which also received backlash. Advertisement With all of these examples, it is very peculiar that T-mobile would decide to implement this new privacy policy. Surely they have to know that this will cause friction among many customers. Only time will tell if T-mobile will keep this new policy, or if possible backlash will cause them to backtrack. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! This week: Pitkin Countys front line workers are eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, but can your employer require you to get vaccinated? Also a look at the two back-to-back worldwide ski events Aspen is hosting beginning March 10. Host Alycin Bektesh is joined by Madeleine Osberger, Erica By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, The Associated Press As members of the Oath Keepers paramilitary group shouldered their way through the mob and up the steps to the U.S. Capitol, their plans for Jan. 6 were clear, authorities say. Arrest this assembly, we have probable cause for acts of treason, election fraud, someone commanded over an encrypted messaging app some extremists used to communicate during the siege. A little while earlier, Proud Boys carrying two-way radios and wearing earpieces spread out and tried to blend in with the crowd as they invaded the Capitol led by a man assigned war powers to oversee the groups attack, prosecutors say. These two extremist groups that traveled to Washington along with thousands of other Trump supporters werent whipped into an impulsive frenzy by President Donald Trump that day, officials say. Theyd been laying attack plans. And their internal communications and other evidence emerging in court papers and in hearings show how authorities are trying to build a case that small cells hidden within the masses mounted an organized, military-style assault on the heart of American democracy. This was not simply a march. This was an incredible attack on our institutions of government, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason McCullough said during a recent hearing. The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers make up a fraction of the more than 300 Trump supporters charged so far in the siege that led to Trumps second impeachment and resulted in the deaths of five people, including a police officer. But several of their leaders, members and associates have become the central targets of the Justice Departments sprawling investigation. It could mean more serious criminal charges for some rioters. On the other hand, mounting evidence of advance planning could also fuel Trumps and his supporters claims that the Republican former president did not incite the riot and therefore should not be liable for it. Defense attorneys have accused prosecutors of distorting their clients words and actions to falsely portray the attack as a premeditated, orchestrated insurrection instead of a spontaneous outpouring of election-fueled rage to stop Congress certification of Trumps defeat by Democrat Joe Biden. And prosecutors case against a man described as a leader in the Proud Boys attack took a hit last week when a judge ordered him released while he awaits trial, calling some of the evidence against him weak to say the least. The Oath Keepers began readying for violence as early as November, authorities say. Communications show the group discussing logistics, weapons and training, including 2 days of wargames. I need you fighting fit by the inauguration, one Ohio member, Jessica Watkins, told a recruit in November, according to court documents. If Biden becomes president our way of life as we know it is over. Our Republic would be over. Then it is our duty as Americans to fight, kill and die for our rights, she said in another message later that month. As the mob swarmed the Capitol, Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers, was communicating with some of the alleged rioters. FILE - In this Sunday, June 25, 2017, file photo, Stewart Rhodes, founder of the citizen militia group known as the Oath Keepers speaks during a rally outside the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)AP All I see Trump doing is complaining. I see no intent by him to do anything. So the patriots are taking it into their own hands. Theyve had enough, he said in a Signal message to a group around 1:40 p.m., authorities say. A little later, Rhodes, who has not been charged in the attack, instructed the group to come to South Side of Capitol on steps. Around 2:40 p.m., members of a military-style stack who moved up Capitol stairs in a line entered the building through a door on the east side, authorities say. Lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence had been evacuated from the House and Senate chambers just about 20 minutes earlier. We are in the mezzanine. We are in the main dome right now. We are rocking it. They are throwing grenades, they are fricking shooting people with paint balls. But we are in here, Watkins declared over a channel called Stop the Steal J6 on the walkie-talkie app Zello, prosecutors say. The Proud Boys met at the Washington Monument and were already at the Capitol before Trump finished addressing thousands of supporters near the White House. Listening to the presidents speech wasnt part of their plan, prosecutors say. Ethan Nordean led the way with a bullhorn while they wore headgear marked with orange tape. Dominic Pezzola appeared to have an earpiece in his right ear. Joseph Biggs had what looked like a walkie-talkie device on his chest. Nordean was spotted having a brief exchange near the Capitol with Robert Gieswein, a bat-wielding Colorado man. Proud Boys planning for Jan. 6 had discussed using non-members, or normies, like Gieswein to burn that city to ash and smash some pigs to dust, prosecutors said. Ethan Nordean, who also goes by Rufio Panman, a member of the far-right group Proud Boys, appears at a protest in front of the Multnomah County Justice Center in Portland, Oregon, on August 22, 2020. Nordean was arrested after he was charged in connection with the riot at the U.S. Capitol in January. (Brooke Herbert/The Oregonian, file)Brooke Herbert/The Oregonian Nine people linked to the Oath Keepers have been indicted on charges that they planned and coordinated with one another in the siege. At least 11 leaders, members or associates of the Proud Boys charged in the riots are accused by the Justice Department of participating in a coordinated attack. Several from both groups remain in federal custody while awaiting trial. In testimony to Congress, the acting Capitol Police chief said officers had worked to intercept the radio frequency used by some demonstration groups and monitoring the communications of those groups, though its unclear if those groups included the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers. Their defense attorneys claim prosecutors have painted a misleading account of the days events based on shaky evidence. Other lawyers for those charged with storming the Capitol have tried to pin the blame on Trump for inciting the rioters. Nordeans lawyers said prosecutors havent presented any evidence that he used encrypted communications to lead a groups attack on the Capitol. The government has made repeated claims about Ethans activities and then backed away from them without providing any support, said one of his attorneys, Nicholas Smith. TUSCOLA COUNTY The number of marijuana businesses in Tuscola County, especially in the Vassar area, came up during the latest commissioners meeting. At first, voters in the state approved the use of medical marijuana, and then in 2018 voters approved the use of recreational marijuana for those over the age of 21. Commissioner Dan Grimshaw said he received a call about such a company wanting to open in Millington, and it is facing opposition. I reminded them to look at the votes that go back to that (issue)," Grimshaw said. "Look at the votes that occurred in your area. (Recreational marijuana) did not prevail." He noted the only areas for that ballot proposal was approved was one precinct in Vassar Township and in the city of Vassar. Pointing to the majority of voters in the county opposing the 2018 recreational marijuana ballot issue, it is Grimshaw's contention is that the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation should not be used to support marijuana related industry development. That is a very interesting statement, said county Chairman Thom Bardwell, noting that is a conversation to have with the EDC director. Grimshaw said he thought the EDC board should be the ones to discuss it first. The city of Vassar and Vassar Township each house marijuana related businesses from grow facilities to processing and retail distribution. The city of Vassar is going to approve permits for 10 marijuana distribution facilities in the city," Grimshaw said. "Its getting beyond ridiculous. Bardwell said he learned about that also and was surprised there would be that many. Ten. There would be 10, any explanation? he questioned. How about greed?" Grimshaw said. "It is all about what they are going to make in permits and all that kind of stuff. We are going to be the capital of marijuana sales for the state of Michigan based on population per capita, he added. Bardwell questioned the need for so many such facilities in the southern end of the county. It doesnt make economic sense, he said. Grimshaw noted that it did. There are people coming in from out of town to buy this stuff," Grimshaw said. "Its not just Tuscola County residents thats bringing in all of the revenue. People are traveling in from all over for marijuana." He pondered whether marijuana products could move into mainstream companies. He pointed out that tobacco companies moved their products to grocery stores and retail businesses. That is where marijuana products could go," Grimshaw said. "The biggest bang for the buck would be Walmart and Kroger, and behind the counter, just like cigarettes. On the same day the commissioners discussed the issue, the Michigan Department of Treasury released a revenue report on the money communities received from marijuana. Vassar Township received $28,000, and the city of Vassar received $56,000. According to the report, the state distributed almost $10 million to more than 100 municipalities and counties as part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. The report explained 38 cities, seven villages, 21 townships and 38 counties began receiving payments from the Marijuana Regulation Fund for every licensed retail store and micro-business within its jurisdiction. For the states 2020 fiscal year, this means each eligible municipality and county will receive around $28,000 for every licensed retail store or micro-business. For the state of Michigans 2020 fiscal year, more than $31 million was collected from the 10 percent adult-use marijuana excise tax. Combined with fees, there was a total of $45.7 million available for distribution from the fund. Aside from the nearly $10 million in disbursements to municipalities and counties, around $11.6 million will be sent to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education, and another $11.6 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund, upon appropriation. The remaining $12.5 million amount will be used toward start-up and administrative costs. In total, more than $341 million in adult-use marijuana sales was reported for fiscal year 2020. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Dancehall artist Gaps 7G has become the third male dancehall act to publicly endorse the COVID-19 vaccine. But the young rhyme-slinger has done one better as he has already been inoculated against the COVID-19 virus. He tweeted a photo of his vaccination card and his rolled up sleeve to show his support for the vaccination drive in New York. Gaps 7G got his jab on Tuesday at York College in Queens, NY. I made up my mind to be one of the first people to get my vaccine shot, mi have the second one fi get in a month time, and mi just a gwaan mask up and do the right ting till then, he said. He may be one of the first dancehall artists to actually get the jab. Gaps 7G got inoculated in New York as the federal vaccine supply continues to increase in that state with the the addition of 10 state-run mass vaccination sites this week. As COVID-19 vaccines begin to reach more countries, a sense of hope is developing around the world that the worst of the pandemic may soon be over. It is a lack of knowledge why people are afraid, but the more people get it, the more the world can open up. The smart move is to get the vaccine. We have to get rid of the lack of public confidence in the vaccine which is the best hope to eradicate this COVID-19 virus that has killed 1.7 million people around the world, Gaps 7G said. But the next big challenge is to convince the public to get vaccinated once doses become available. Locally, the health ministry aims to vaccinate 17,050 people during the first week of vaccinations, which is set to begin today, with 3,290 people receiving the jab. In Jamaica, many people may be skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine given the extraordinary speed at which it was developed, while others continue to believe false claims that the virus is not real or that immunizations are used to harm or control people. But Gaps 7G is not worried about such concerns. As an artiste, we have a responsibility fi tell the public the right thing, plus we ah go need the vaccine to be able to travel all over the world to perform and dem ting de. Bounty and Shaggy endorse it and mi ah do the same, he said. Gaps 7G may be right in his assessment as the European Commission has indicated its support for a Digital Green Pass vaccination certificate to identify those whove been immunized against Covid-19 with a single, personal QR code that would be uniform across the continent. Last week, Bounty Killer joined Shaggys pro-vaccine stance as he took to Instagram to urge his fans to take the COVID-19 vaccine, as he shared 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. Bounty Killers surprising pro-inoculation stance stands in stark contrast to the position taken by several dancehall-reggae stalwarts such as Lee Scratch Perry, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Kabaka Pyramid, Spragga Benz, Tony Rebel, and Chronixx who have come out swinging against the vaccine. In order to boost public trust in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, celebrities and politicians have begun to use their platforms to share their own experiences in receiving the shot. Gaps 7G is known for the club bangers, Di Benz remix featuring Rytikal and Do Di Right Thing. He grew up in Gutters, Old Harbour, St Catherine before migrating to live in the United States at age 10. Although he is based in New York, Gaps regularly returns to Jamaica to promote his songs, and he will be amping up promotion on his new songs, one called Classic on the Sanitizer rhythm for Blue Sky Productions, and another banger called A Fi Mi Place which was released on DJ Peelout Records label. I am coming back to Jamaica this month to push the promotion of my new songs to the next level, he said. has asked state refiners to speed up the diversification of oil imports to gradually cut their dependence on the Middle East after OPEC+ decided last week to largely continue production cuts in April, two sources said. India, the world's third biggest oil importer and consumer, imports about 84% of its overall crude needs with over 60% of that coming from Middle Eastern countries, which are typically cheaper than those from the West. Most of the OPEC+ producers, led by world's top exporter Saudi Arabia, last week decided to extend most output curbs into April. India, hit hard by the soaring oil prices, has urged producers to ease output cuts and help the global economic recovery. In response, the Saudi energy minister told to dip into strategic reserves filled with cheaper oil bought last year. "We have asked companies to aggressively look for diversification. We cannot be held hostage to the arbitrary decision of Middle East producers. When they wanted to stabilize the market we stood by them," said a government source. had not cancelled any shipment of crude oil from the Middle East in 2020 when oil demand collapsed due to Covid-19, the source said. Already OPEC's share in India's oil imports declined to a historic lows during April 2020-January 2021, the first ten months of this fiscal year. While initial costs could be high, the strategy will pay off in the long term, the source said. Two oil refiners confirmed that the government had asked them to expedite efforts to diversify crude import sources. One plan is to import oil from new producer Guyana, the sources said. The country's top refiner Indian Oil Corp has also renewed its oil import contract with Russia, they added. India hopes to resume Iranian oil imports this year. India's oil ministry and IOC did not respond to requests from Reuters for comment. Iraq and Saudi Arabia are the two biggest oil suppliers to India. This year, Iraq has cut annual supply volumes while Kuwait has shortened the duration of contracts with Indian buyers to 9 months. After OPEC's last week decision, crude oil prices rose to over $71 per barrel although the prices eased to $69.08 a barrel by 1027 GMT. Saudi has also raised April official selling price of its oil for Asia. "A beginning has to be made. No one had imagined that US oil will account for a significant share in our crude basket. We are trying for shorter-term contracts with new countries and sellers," the first source said. "The world was together during the pandemic but now it seems some producers are working for their own economies," said the first source. [March 10, 2021] University of Phoenix teams up with Joliet Junior College to offer students an affordable pathway to degree completion University of Phoenix and Joliet Junior College, America's first public community college, announced an agreement that will allow JJC graduates to seamlessly transfer their credits to the University and pursue a bachelor's degree. The 3+1 transfer program will allow students to save on the cost of their education by spending three years completing general course requirements at the community college. JJC provides a variety of degree tracks and this new partnership with the University of Phoenix will cover degrees for Bachelor's of Science in Business, Bachelor's in Health Management, Bachelor's in Information Technology, and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. "Joliet Junior College is recognized as the nation's first community college and we are honored to be working with them as they continue to fulfill their promise of offering an affordable, quality education," said University of Phoenix Provost John Woods. "The agreement with Joliet Junior College means students can easily transition to the University and save money earning their degree. Eligible students need to complete just 11 classes to finish their bachelor's degree and can graduate in as little as 14 months." "Joliet Junior College's alliance with Universit of Phoenix will provide students a smooth transition from an associate to a bachelor's degree in high demand fields looking for skilled talent," said Jeanette Konieczka, JJC manager of adult pathways and university partnerships. "Both institutions have similar missions and a shared focus on student success, which aligns with our proud history as a leader and innovator in higher education." The agreement applies to all JJC campus locations and to online study or at a University of Phoenix campus location. Students can transfer up to 87 credits toward a bachelor's degree and will only need to complete 33 credits or 11 classes to graduate. University of Phoenix offers undergraduate students one course at a time at five-week increments with new courses starting monthly. Additionally, University of Phoenix will waive all fees and tuition for the first course and provides a special Associate Degree transfer tuition rate for all remaining courses which is a savings of $144.00 per course. For more information or to apply visit: www.phoenix.edu/ccstudent About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses and interactive learning help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. We serve a diverse student population, offering degree programs at select locations across the U.S. as well as online. For more information, visit phoenix.edu About Joliet Junior College Located in the south Chicago suburbs, JJC is the nation's first public community college, with six campuses and education centers that serve approximately 27,000 students annually. JJC's nine academic pathways offer customized, affordable certificate and associate degree options for immediate career placement, as well as seamless transfer capabilities through its partners across Illinois and throughout the U.S. JJC students also benefit from a collective $13 million in state and federal grants, and scholarship assistance in excess of $750,000 each year. Learn more about transfer opportunities at www.jjc.edu/university-partners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005109/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. She may be known for her complex love life, but newly single MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow says she is just enjoying being on her own for now. The celebrity chef, 48, told HuffPost Australia on Wednesday she was in a good place after announcing her split from husband Jonathan 'Jono' Bennett last month. She said it was 'a really refreshing feeling' being single for a lengthy period for the first time in 24 years. Independent woman: She may be known for her complex love life, but newly single MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow says she is just enjoying being on her own for now 'Half my life I've been in a serious relationship,' she said, noting how she'd jumped from one serious romance to another without spending much time on her own. Last month, Poh announced she had split from her second husband, Jonathan, after six years of marriage and 12 years together in total. She told The Weekend Australian: '2021 is about me doing the things I love and remembering who I am without another person. [Husband] Jono and I broke up.' Before meeting Jonathan, she was married to Matt Phipps for a decade. Moving on: The celebrity chef, 48, told HuffPost Australia on Wednesday she was in a good place after announcing her split from husband Jonathan 'Jono' Bennett (right) last month Still friends: Before meeting Jonathan, she was married to Matt Phipps for a decade. Matt is pictured here with his current partner - and Poh's longtime friend - Sarah Elsewhere in her HuffPost interview, Poh revealed how her strict Mormon upbringing had an impact on her dating life. 'I resented my conservative cultural upbringing because it took away from my freedom, but at the same time it made me very cautious in dating situations,' the Malaysian-born TV star admitted. She has said that she and Jonathan will remain friends despite their divorce, much like her and Matt have done. After their separation, Matt went on to marry Poh's close pal Sarah, with whom she also remains on good terms. Stock market frenzy signals financial capacity intentions. Photo: freepik.com SeABank the banking arm of BRG Groups ecosystem has just confirmed its forthcoming first trading date on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX). More than 1.2 billion shares of SeABank (ticker: SSB) were listed in December and will be officially traded from March 24, with a reference price on the first trading day of VND16,800 (7.3 US cents) per share. Last week, BAC A BANK also listed 708.5 million shares on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX). Having been conducting transactions on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM) since 2017, its stocks have officially ceased on the system and shifted to the HNX. Under Decision No.765/QD-SGDHN enacted by the HNX in late January, BAC A BANK is allowed to list 708.5 million common stocks, with the ticker named BAB. The fact that BAC A BANK is officially listed on the HNX is in line with the banks development roadmap, contributing to reaffirming the prestige and status of the bank on the market, increasing the benefits of all stakeholders, and ushering in a new long-term capital mobilisation channel the bank said in a press release. This will also help ensure the banks information is more transparent and increase its value and ability to approach new investors this is a firm foundation for BAC A BANK to continue strongly and grow. On the same boat, Saigon-based commercial bank OCB officially went public on the HSX on January 28, also being the first bank stock to be listed this year. However, the very first day of going public was not as rosy as expected. The frenzy of broad-based sell-off in Vietnams stock market has considerably hampered OCBs share price. However, experts believed with the banks ample fundamentals and potential, OCB will attract the attention of foreign and local investors alike. A source told VIR that OCB is preparing to sell another 10 per cent of its shares to potential foreign investors after Japans Aozora Bank acquired a 15 per cent stake in a deal worth $139 million in earlier 2020. This was the first merger and acquisition by Aozora in a foreign market since 2001 and made Aozora OCBs largest shareholder. In terms of National Citizen Bank (NCB), the bank plans to sell capital to a foreign strategic investor to supplement their financial foundation and widen its network. Nam A Bank, after filing an initial public offering (IPO) on UPCoM last year, now aims to list on the HSX. The bank also lifts its foreign ownership limit to 30 per cent, seeking to tap into the red-hot international markets. Vietbank and Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) also signaled their intention to find interested international suitors who could help them to enhance their financial capacity as well as competitiveness. Previously, SCB was allegedly in the negotiation with an overseas strategic partner after completing the restructuring and listing plan. Agribank, one of Vietnams four state-owned lenders, now still pales in comparison with its peers in terms of the growth rate of business operations, total assets, as well as capital adequacy ratio compared to Basel II standards. The major roadblock lies in Agribanks dependence on the state budget and capital hike, said Tiet Van Thanh, general director of Agribank. The bank has still failed to complete its equitisation tasks and has not yet filed for an IPO. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) recently urged Agribank to coordinate with relevant ministries and parties to accelerate its equitisation process, especially issues related to real estate arrangement. In December, Ho Chi Minh City-based privately-held lender ABBank also filed for an IPO on the UPCoM. ABBank has the ticker code ABB and listed around 571 million shares, equivalent to a market cap of VND5.713 billion ($248.4 million). MSB, formerly known as Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank, officially made its debut on the HSX on December 23. Elsewhere, Petrolimex Commercial Joint Stock Bank (PGBank) began publicly trading on December 24. The banks foreign ratio is currently capped at 30 per cent in accordance with the SBVs regulations. Despite its eagerness, PGBank has still to tie the knot with an interested lender. In June 2020, the deal between PGBank and HDBank was envisaged to bear fruit after its failed attempt to merge with VietinBank in 2017, according to Petrolimexs deputy general director Luu Van Tuyen. All eyes are now on PGBanks decision at its upcoming AGM this month. Some 100 workers at Belaruskali, a state-run potash producer that is one of the few flickering jewels in the much-tarnished crown of Belarusian state-run industry, joined strikes last year to demand authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka step down after a disputed election. The country was thrown into turmoil when Lukashenka, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide victory and a sixth term in an August vote that millions of Belarusians believe was rigged. It unleashed a wave of protests that is unprecedented in Belarus's post-Soviet history and continues to this day, albeit in smaller numbers amid a persistent crackdown by law enforcement authorities. Thousands of people have been arrested, hundreds jailed, some allegedly tortured, and several have died, earning Lukashenka the opprobrium of the West, much of which does not recognize the 66-year-old former collective farm manager as the legitimate leader of Belarus. Like workers elsewhere, dozens of employees at Belaruskali were arrested and more than 50 were fired for rising up. But in January, management at the company based south of Minsk announced what it cast as a change of heart, saying it was willing to take back striking workers. It came after Yara, a Norwegian-based agribusiness giant, called for the Belarusian firm to take fired workers back and sent senior company officials to Belarus to make the point face-to-face with Belaruskali management. For many independent labor leaders in Belarus, the action taken by Yara should serve as a template for Western businesses operating in Belarus to pressure Lukashenka, who along with other officials faces EU and U.S. sanctions over the election and the crackdown on protests. But many of Lukashenka's opponents, including Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader who supporters contend was the actual winner of the August 2020 vote, have called on Yara to cut ties with Belaruskali, at least temporarily. As of March 10, an online petition urging Yara to end its "cooperation" with Belaruskali had gathered more than 68,000 signatures. "The company [Belaruskali] is under total control of the unlawful regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka and simply has no possibility to do what is right in law and ethics," the petition on Change.org, a U.S.-based website for such campaigns, reads in English. Yara said it will continue to monitor the situation but gave no indication it was considering halting its purchases of potash -- a key ingredient in fertilizer -- from Belaruskali. "Yara continues to engage with and seek advice from stakeholders inside and outside Belarus to evaluate how it can have the most positive impact. Yara's main concern remains the health, safety, and well-being of Belaruskali workers," Josiana Kremer said in e-mailed comments to RFE/RL, adding that the company has the backing of independent Belarusian trade unions. "In Belarus, Yara's approach of seeking influence has been supported by both the Belarus Independent Trade Union (BITU) and the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP)," Kremer said. Potential Takeover Target Belaruskali sells more than 10 million metric tons of potash a year and boasts that its share of the global market is 20 percent, making it a global leader. The company employs around 16,000 people and is an important source of hard currency for the Belarusian government. Its success has made it a potential takeover target in the past. Russian potash giant Uralkali has reportedly long desired to acquire Belaruskali. In 2012, Lukashenka claimed he was offered $5 billion in kickbacks by unidentified "Moscow oligarchs" if he agreed to sell the state-run company for $10 billion. Much of what it produces is shipped to China, Belaruskali's main export market, although the ratings agency FitchRatings says the company has a "significant presence in all main potash-consuming markets, particularly in India, Europe, and Southeast Asia." Yara is one of Belaruskali's biggest customers, purchasing potash valued at $65 million from Belaruskali from January to November 2020, according to data cited by Reuters. Those purchases came during a period of declining sales amid the unprecedented political turmoil in Belarus. Belarusian potash exports fell by 16 percent year-on-year, to $2.2 billion in January-November, the Interfax news agency reported, citing the country's statistics service. That drop came amid a year marked by industrial strikes in Belarus in August, after the disputed vote, and at the end of October, when some workers at enterprises nationwide heeded a call by Tsikhanouskaya to stage a nationwide strike to press for Lukashenka to step down. A potash mine belonging to Belaruskali was the scene of one of the most dramatic work stoppages. In a solidarity strike with pro-democracy protesters, two miners refused to return to the surface and remained hundreds of meters underground in the shaft of the mine in Salihorsk, where Belaruskali is based, 130 kilometers south of Minsk. Overall, more than 100 workers at Belaruskali are reported to have taken part in strike action. Dozens were arrested and at least 55 were fired, according to reports. In August, a strike leader at Belaruskali was sentenced to 15 days in jail. On January 20, Belaruskali said that workers who had been fired could return if they filed an application and that financial penalties imposed on employees as a disciplinary measure would be discontinued. It also said it was prepared to cooperate with Yara on industrial safety and accept specialists from Yara to monitor the production process. That announcement came nine days after Tsikhanouskaya urged Yara Chief Executive Svein Tore Holsether "to consider pausing or not prolonging the contract with its Belarusian partner at this stage." "It is crucial that Yara conditions collaboration with Belaruskali unless the repressions of workers stop," Tsikhanouskaya wrote in a letter to Holsether posted to her website on January 11. "As Belaruskali management continues intimidating workers, we believe that signing a new potash supply contract between Yara and its Belarusian business partner will not be considered as a sincere commitment to the UN's guiding principles on business and human rights as stipulated in the internal Yara regulations," she wrote. A Different Tack The BKDP, an umbrella organization of independent trade unions in Belarus -- including the independent Trade Union of Miners of Belaruskali -- has taken a different tack. In a statement on March 3, the BKDP lauded Yara as a "model of a socially responsible company," guided by a "a code of business ethics," including the "respect of human and workers' rights." It said Yara's role at Belaruskali was "beginning to bear fruit," with management forced to declare its "readiness to accept occupational safety experts," as well as the payment of compensation to striking workers and a willingness to reinstate dismissed employees who want to return. Belaruskali has not stated whether anyone who was fired has actually returned to the job. The Belaruskali strike committee has stated repeatedly that they would only go back once their political demands are met, among them the resignation of Lukashenka. According to Yara spokesperson Kremer, the company is planning to send a health and safety expert to Belaruskali's plant to support and monitor progress on industrial health and safety improvements. "Yara will continue to monitor the situation closely and expects Belaruskali to further improve the situation for its workforce, respect workers' rights, enhance occupational health and safety, and refrain from repression of employees," Kremer said. She said that the company remained ready to react to developments in Belarus, but did not directly answer questions about whether the company might be prepared to sever ties with Belaruskali. "We will also continue to engage with all key stakeholders, as we continuously evaluate our position," Kremer said in the e-mail exchange. New York Universitys Asian/Pacific/American Institute will host virtual events in April: a book launch for Professor Thuy Linh Nguyen Tus Experiments in Skin: Race and Beauty in the Shadows of Vietnam (April 1) and a collaboration with Carnegie Hall featuring a panel discussion and musical performances from the protect Mauna Kea movementan effort to stop construction of a telescope atop a volcano that is a sacred site for Native Hawaiians (April 16). The events are free and open to the public; registration is required at A/P/A's events page. Zoom coordinates will be sent to attendees prior to the event. Thurs., April 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Experiments in Skin: Race and Beauty in the Shadows of Vietnam Thuy Linh Nguyen Tus Experiments in Skin: Race and Beauty in the Shadows of Vietnam (Duke University Press, 2021) examines the afterlife of the Vietnam War and its continued impact on our understanding of race and beauty. Framing skin as the site around which these ideas have been formed, Tu, a professor in NYUs Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, foregrounds the histories of U.S. militarism, biomedical investigations, and chemical warfare. After a presentation from Tu, Anne Cheng (Princeton University), Avery Gordon (University of California Santa Barbara), le thi diem thuy (Hampshire College), and Chandan Reddy (University of Washington) will participate in a roundtable. Co-sponsored by the NYU Center for Humanities, NYUs Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, NYUs Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality, and NYUs Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program. Fri., April 16, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Mele Kiai Mauna: Where Creativity and Community Commitment Collide Curated by Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio. Out of the ongoing struggle led by Native Hawaiian people to protect Mauna a Wakea (Maunakea), a movement was born and cultivated by families and cultural practitioners who have lived in relationship to this sacred aina for generations. To honor their expression and practice of Aloha Aina, the event will highlight some of the creativity that has been inspired by this movement. Some participants have been involved in this fight for over a decade, while others have joined in the last few years. Featuring Pua Case, Hawane Rios, Kapulei Flores, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole, Punahele Kutzen, Ihilani Lasconia, Zachary Lum, Jonathan Kamakawiwoole Kay Osorio, and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio. Co-sponsored by Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Na Oiwi NYC, and NYU Native Studies Forum. This event is part of Carnegie Halls Voices of Hope festival. Beth Moore leaves Southern Baptist denomination: 'This is not who I am' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Living Proof Ministries head Beth Moore has announced she's leaving the Southern Baptist denomination, saying she does not "identify with some of the things in its heritage which she claims havent remained in the past. I am still a Baptist, but I can no longer identify with Southern Baptists, Moore told Religion News Service. I love so many Southern Baptist people, so many Southern Baptist churches, but I dont identify with some of the things in our heritage that havent remained in the past. At the end of the day, there comes a time when you have to say, this is not who I am, she later added. A New York Times bestselling author, Moore said she has also ended her publishing deal with Lifeway Christian Resources, though it will continue to sell her books. Having been one of the more prominent female figures within the Southern Baptist denomination, Moore grew increasingly critical of the denomination in recent years, particularly after the election of former President Donald Trump. In a 2018 interview with The Atlantic, Moore was cited as believing that an evangelical culture that demeans women, promotes sexism, and disregards accusations of sexual abuse enabled Trumps rise. Recently, she condemned Trumpism as both astonishingly seductive and dangerous to the saints of God, and warned against Christian nationalism. Moore has also been vocal in her criticism of the Southern Baptist Convention's handling of critical race theory and racial issues in public posts on Twitter. She sparked controversy in 2019 when she argued that while complementarian theology does not necessarily cause abuse in the Church, having too few women in power has directly contributed to the sexual abuse crisis in churches. She also suggested that the SBC has placed too many restrictions on women's roles in churches, and that obsessing over the subject ultimately impedes the furtherance of the Gospel. According to RNS, Moore and her husband have begun visiting a new church she described as gospel-driven. She said that while she might join another denomination, she remains Baptist in her heart. On Twitter, Moore received support from others in the evangelical community. Ray Ortlund, pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, called Moore one of his heroes." Trillia Newbell, director of Community Outreach for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the SBC, tweeted: I have deep love and respect for @BethMooreLPM. She let me know this was coming because she is human, and she loves others fiercely. As I think about our tendency to analyze and tear each other apart, I hope we'd resist it here and instead pray. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, associate professor of history and gender studies at Calvin University, tweeted: Wishing @BethMooreLPM all the best. This isnt just a public statement, it entails all sorts of personal and professional costs. I know so many who are facing their own decisions of this sort. As usual, she leads with grace and courage. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite app including Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | March 10, 2021 Although the search for a missing York County woman has ended, police continue to investigate any leads they may receive. State lawmakers are looking to get rid of the practice of Daylight Saving Time in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State is listed as being among the top states who have the highest tax rates. Also, be sure to look up Thursday and Friday mornings for a glimpse of the International Space Station. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. 404 Mark McGowan has hit back at Gladys Berejiklian's comments that state border closures during the coronavirus crises were a 'national embarrassment'. The Western Australia premier said her statement was 'silly' and the government's move to stop people travelling to Australia and to Western Australia was successful. 'Our experience last year is border arrangements work. We had no community spread for 10 months,' he said on Wednesday. 'We used our isolation to advantage and it worked. The NSW premier is dead wrong.' Some states, notably Queensland and Western Australia, have been criticised for leaving tourist economies in tatters and separating families by closing their borders whenever other states have outbreaks - no matter how small. WA Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) said the NSW Premier's comments about border closures were 'silly' Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) has branded sudden state border closures an 'embarrassment' and a 'complete over-reaction' and demanded a more measured response to Covid outbreaks A border checkpoint on a highway into Western Australia in mid-2020 (pictured) He said Western Australians should be proud rather than embarrassed over the border closures and the way in which the vast majority of people pitched in to adhere to restrictions. The WA Premier also took a swipe at the UK for not closing their borders, saying his constituents with relatives in England regularly complimented his response. 'Britain could have closed borders. They're an island and they've used that to their advantage historically to protect themselves. They should have done that again,' Mr McGowan said. Mr McGowan is currently campaigning ahead of the Western Australian election on Saturday, where his Labor government are expected to win comfortably. Drivers line up at the Queensland-New South Wales border checkpoint in December after borders were slammed shut in response to an outbreak on the Northern Beaches He also announced on Wednesday an increase in security for his office after a package was thrown into the premises containing a suspicious 'powder substance' and the alleged thrower was arrested. 'It was some sort of foil package, it was some sort of powder or something of that nature, that caused concern. It's being tested and checked for any chemical residue,' he said. Speaking on Tuesday, New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian said the sudden state border closures were a 'complete over-reaction' and demanded a more measured response to Covid outbreaks. She appeared furious at other premiers who closed their borders in December over a handful of cases on Sydney's Northern Beaches - saying the reaction was unnecessary and damaging. 'It's a complete overreaction... I think it is an embarrassment,' she said. Ms Berejikian urged premiers to scrap their aim of keeping Covid case numbers at zero because the country needs to open up once vaccines are rolled out and the public health risk is reduced. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce warned that students and tourists 'will go elsewhere' if the nation's border remains closed for too long Poll Do you think border closures were an over-reaction? yes no Do you think border closures were an over-reaction? yes 3 votes no 2 votes Now share your opinion Qantas CEO Alan Joyce agreed and noted that students and tourists 'will go elsewhere' if the nation's border remains closed for too long. 'We have to get the Australian population to move away from zero cases. We need to be part of the world economy again,' he said. 'What are we waiting for?' Australia's borers are shut until at least June and the government does not expect widespread travel until the end of the year. Mr Joyce made three demands of state premiers regarding domestic border closures. He said he wants them to agree on a nationwide system to identify when borders should close, to give 48 hours' notice before closing them and work on establishing a date when they will be no longer be needed as a tool to manage the pandemic. Mr Joyce previously hoped there may be enough people vaccinated by April that borders closures are not required. Earlier on Tuesday Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the vaccine rollout means that premiers will find it harder to justify closing their borders. 'The 2020 response to Covid-19 must be different in 2021. Why? Because the risk has changed.' 'I expect the decisions made this year should be different to last year,' he said. Legendary TV broadcaster Roger Mudd has died at the age of 93. The former CBS and NBC anchor passed away from kidney failure at his home in McLean, Virginia on Tuesday. Mudd spent almost 50 years on US TV screens, and was one of the country's most trusted newsmen. Both CBS and NBC paid tribute to the star journalist in packages presented on the Tuesday night edition of their evening news programs. Mudd, a two-time Emmy winner, had a front-row seat to history, covering the 1963 March on Washington, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal, among other landmark events. He is perhaps best remembered for foiling Ted Kennedy's presidential bid during a 1979 TV interview, where he simply asking the Senator: 'Why do you want to be president?' Kennedy was unable to give a focused answer or specify what he personally wanted to do. The response raised serious questions about Kennedy's motivation in seeking the office, and prompted a sharp decline in his poll numbers. Legendary TV broadcaster Roger Mudd has died at the age of 93. The former NBC and CBS anchor passed away from complications of kidney failure at his home in McLean, Virginia on Tuesday. He is pictured in 2001, shortly before his retirement Mudd is pictured reporting for CBS outside Congress in the 1960s. He served as the network's congressional correspondent for two decades Mudd (bottom right) is pictured with Walter Cronkite (center), Dan Rather (top right), Mike Wallace (bottom left) and John Hart (top left) at the 1964 Republican National Convention Mudd was born in Washington, DC in 1929 and began his career as an English and history teacher. In 1957, at the age of 29, he made the switch to regional television before he was poached by CBS three years later. As the network's congressional correspondent he went on to cover some of the biggest stories in Washington, including passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Mudd received a George Foster Peabody Award for his November 1979 special 'CBS Reports: Teddy,' which aired just days before Senator Ted Kennedy officially announced his attempt to challenge then-President Jimmy Carter for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination. In the report, Mudd asked the Massachusetts senator why he wanted to be President, to which he replied: 'Well, Im, uh, were I to make the announcement to run, the reasons that I would run is because I have a great belief in this country. ... Were facing complex issues and problems in this nation at this time but we have faced similar challenges at other times. ... And I would basically feel that its imperative for this country to move forward, that it cant stand still, for otherwise it moves backward.' The senator was slammed for his vague response and his poll numbers dropped. Carter went on to defeat Kennedy 50 percent to 38 percent in the Democratic primary vote. As Mudd stated: 'On the stump Kennedy can be dominating, imposing and masterful, but off the stump, in personal interviews, he can become stilted, elliptical and at times appear as if he really doesn't want America to get to know him.' Mudd is pictured on air in the 1970s Mudd is pictured far left as part of the CBS 1974 Election Night team. He is joined by (from left) Lesley Stahl, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Mike Wallace Mudd and Dan Rather are pictured on CBS giving analysis of President Nixon's resignation speech in 1974 During the 1960s and 70s, iconic newsman Walter Cronkite anchored the network's flagship news show CBS Evening News, with Mudd frequently filling in when needed. He also anchored the Saturday evening news broadcasts from 1966 to 1973. Both Mudd and Cronkite were considered an integral part of 'TV's Golden Age of Television', and their news bulletins were watched by tens of millions of viewers. In 1981, Mudd jumped ship from CBS to NBC, becoming the network's chief Washington correspondent. In addition, he co-anchored NBC's Nightly News with Tom Brokaw for a year before Brokaw went solo in 1983. Mudd (right) is pictured covering Ronald Reagan's 1981 inauguration with John Chancellor on NBC News Mudd (right) co-anchored NBC's 'Nightly News' with Tom Brokaw for a year before Brokaw went solo in 1983 For several years, Mudd also co-hosted Meet the Press, the network's revered Sunday morning interview show. He left NBC in 1987. During the later part of his career, Mudd worked for PBS and The History Channel and taught journalism at Princeton University. He departed TV screens permanently in 2004, following 47 years on air. In 2008, Mudd wrote a memoir, 'The Place To Be', which described the challenges and clashing egos he encountered working in Washington as a news correpsondent. In an April 2008 interview, Mudd stated that he 'absolutely loved' keeping tabs on the nations 100 senators and 435 representatives, 'all of them wanting to talk, great access, politics morning, noon and night, as opposed to the White House, where everything is zipped up and tightly held.' Mudd is preceded in death by his wife, E.J. Spears. He is survived by their four children, as well as 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. [March 10, 2021] Online Blockchain plc: Umbria DeFi Launches Airdrop Bounty Program to Reward Social Media Marketers LONDON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Decentralised Finance (DeFi) protocol Umbria has initiated the first phase of its bounty program. Umbria - https://umbria.network/- is inviting crypto enthusiasts with social media flair to spread the word about the project's upcoming Airdrop and earn $UMBR in return. By performing specific social media tasks, participants will be rewarded with varying amounts of Umbria protocol's governance token (currently traded on Uniswap). Anyone creating approved content relating to the Umbria Airdrop such as YouTube videos, blog posts and infographics or raising awareness on social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Quora, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bitcointalk or Reddit will be paid in UMBR. The full details and list of social media activities and bounty available can be viewed here. To claim the rewards for completing an Airdrop-specific bounty task, proof should be submitted to the bounty-program channel of Umbria's Discord. Once verified, participants will receive Umbria through the Polygon sidechain directly into their Metamask[1] wallet. 10,000 UMBR has been allocated for this initial part of the bounty program. Umbria, whose governance utility token UMBR can be bought, swapped and added to liquidity pools on Uniswap, recently took the snapshot for its first Airdrop, which will take place on April 2nd: Umbia DeFi Platform Announces First Airdrop of its UMBR Token The next snapshot (snapshot of the ledger to determine existing UMBR holders) for the second airdrop will take place on April 15th . Users who hold 100 UMBR will receive a portion of 33.4% of the 100,000 UMBR airdrop allocation relative to the total amount of tokens held by the community on the 15th May Umbria holders who provide liquidity to the UMBR-ETH LP pool in Uniswap will receive a portion of 66.6% of the 100,000 UMBR airdrop relative to the total amount of LP tokens held by the community on the 15th May holders who provide liquidity to the UMBR-ETH LP pool in Uniswap will receive a portion of 66.6% of the 100,000 UMBR airdrop relative to the total amount of LP tokens held by the community on the 15th May The number of tokens received will be a percentage of the airdrop divided by the total UMBR and UMBR-ETH held by the community. This value is calculated at the time of the snapshot "We want the community to spread the word, engage and interact with the brand and earn Umbria," said Oscar Chambers, co-founder and co-lead developer of Umbria. "We've seen a lot of interest surrounding the first airdrop and the project in general and want to organically build on this and get more people involved and reaping the benefits." If you are interested in becoming an official Umbria Ambassador and earning additional UMBR please get in touch at hello@umbria.network using the subject 'Brand Ambassador' in your email. About Umbria https://umbria.network/ Umbria is a decentralized protocol, which enables DeFi (Decentralised Finance) applications on the Ethereum blockchain. It aims to demystify and simplify DeFi and get people earning income on their crypto. On the Umbria network, anyone will gain access to a developing suite of services created by smart contracts. You can buy UMBR on UniSwap and add liquidity to earn fees. A user of Umbria will soon be able to swap tokens and earn interest on their cryptocurrency positions on the Umbria website with other facilities coming online (via developers and community initiatives) which will utilise the Umbria protocol and its utility token. One of the initial features of Umbria is that it will allow users to deposit cryptocurrency as liquidity in AMM (automated market making) pools to earn fees from token swapping and earn additional Umbria as an incentive for providing liquidity. The Umbria governance token will also allow users in the network to take control over decision-making and have voting power over the development of Umbria's protocol. UK-publicly listed Online Blockchain plc (LSE:OBC) is acting as Umbria's coordinator, administrator and advisor. [1] Participants will need to have a Metamask wallet in order to receive their Umbria tokens. Media contacts: Francesca De Franco +44-(0)-7941-253-135 francescad@advfnplc.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-blockchain-plc-umbria-defi-launches-airdrop-bounty-program-to-reward-social-media-marketers-301243830.html SOURCE Online Blockchain plc [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mumbai, March 10 : Suniel Shetty's son Ahan Shetty has finished shooting for his debut Bollywood film "Tadap", which is slated to release on September 24. Ahan took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news with fans. "It's a wrap on my first film!! Going to hold on to these memories forever. Thank you to the whole team of TADAP and everyone who pushed me in ways I didn't know I could. #sajidnadiadwala's #TADAP in cinemas near you on September 24th!" the actor wrote. The official Twitter account of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainmen, producers of the film, also tweeted to share the update. "Last Day on the sets of #Tadap! It's not just a film, it's an emotion altogether! #SajidNadiadwala's #Tadap -- An Incredible Love Story releasing on 24th Sept 2021 in theatres near you!," reads the tweet posted by the production house. "Tadap" is a remake of the 2018 Telugu hit "RX 100". The film is directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It features actress Tara Sutaria in the female lead. SEATTLE, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Health Alliance (Alliance) issues its 15th Community Checkup report today with results for more than 2,300 unique entities; clinics, medical groups, hospitals, and health plans, and continues its long tradition of providing transparency on the state's health care system (download the pdf here). "There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our health care system with an increase in access to telehealth and other remote treatments, and at the same time, it has illuminated access and other challenges faced by the underserved populations that have been disproportionally affected," says Alliance Executive Director Nancy Giunto. "With that in mind, the Alliance issues this Community Checkup to provide the information we need to make changes to improve the quality and affordability of health care delivered to all Washingtonians." Included in this release are results for more than 100 performance measures, including all 63 measures from the Common Measure Set, created by legislation in 2014 and used to track the state's progress in priority areas, including access, prevention, acute care, and chronic care. Using medical claims data from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, the Alliance ranks clinics, medical groups, counties, and Accountable Communities of Health (ACHs) with its signature ranking formula, the Quality Composite Score, compiling performance on up to 29 measures considered strong indicators of quality primary care. The Community Checkup Highlight on Quality Composite Scores reports these medical groups as the top performers in the state: Commercial Medicaid The Polyclinic International Community Health Services Kaiser Permanente Washington Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic Virginia Mason Medical Center Columbia Medical Associates University of Washington Medical Center University of Washington Medical Center Association of University Physicians, DBA Family Care Network UW Physicians There are some encouraging trends in statewide opioid prescribing practices, according to the Community Checkup Highlight on Opioid Prescribing Practices. Using data from the Washington State Department of Health Prescription Monitoring Project from Q4 2018 to Q3 2020, there were steady decreases in the average number of days for a first prescription of opioids and the number of high dosages prescribed (>50 MME/day and >90 MME/day). Despite overall improvement at the state level, the number of patients transitioning to long-term opioid use (receiving more than a 60-day supply) began increasing in several counties in Q1 2020 and has continued on an upward trend through Q3 2020. This is concerning in light of a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that the 2020 data on opioid death rates suggests "an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic." Health policy leaders are calling for heightened attention to this topic, as there is concern that the spillover effects of the pandemic related to the stress of job loss, illness, isolation, or the loss of loved ones, have created a dangerous situation for those who struggle with substance abuse disorders. In terms of overall quality, Washington state shows little improvement compared to national performance based on the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) dataset published by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), one of the nation's most widely used health care tools for measuring health care quality. Alliance members continue their strong commitment to the goal of statewide performance at the 90th percentile nationally, but the state continues to show performance far below that on all but a small number of HEDIS measures. The Community Checkup Highlight on Variation in Health Care Quality shows how the quality of care can vary greatly by type of insurance, provider, and geographic area. The rate at which diabetic patients receive recommended eye exams is a measure that illustrates what can be dramatic differences in the quality of care based on insurance type or location. For example, those with commercial insurance receive this recommended service 64% of the time, but the rate is just 47% for those covered by Medicaid. "This runs counter to the national data which suggest that those with Medicaid typically receive eye exams at higher rates than those with commercial coverage," says Alliance Director of Performance Improvement and Innovation Karen Johnson. "Unfortunately, we do not achieve our stated goal of the national 90th percentile for either insurance type68% for commercial and 70% for Medicaid. However, we know there are some medical groups and clinics where more than 90% of their diabetic patients are receiving this important preventive care. By identifying those who are leading the way, the Alliance is encouraging that success to be replicated." Practical advice on how to use Community Checkup results to help health care professionals, plans, and purchasers evaluate and improve the quality of care is highlighted in this release. Michele Ritala, King County Benefits Strategic Planner says, "The Alliance's information is great in terms of informing us on how we're doing with respect to preventive and chronic care measures, such as which medical groups, provider groups, and health plans are better at coordinating the care received by our employees and their families." Ritala says their communications efforts, including using the Alliance's consumer-friendly website Own Your Health, has resulted in "a significant increase" in the number of people who have a primary care provider and who are able to access those important health care services. The Community Checkup Highlight on Health Care Spending in Washington State reports on 2014 to 2019 state health care spending as a percentage of the state's gross domestic product (GDP), Medicaid, and public employee and retiree expenditures. Highlight on Health Care Spending Washington StateUsing data provided by the Washington State Health Care Authority, Medicaid spending increased 25% per enrollee and for public employees and retirees it increased 21% per enrollee. After several years of increases, the percentage of spending as a percentage of GDP leveled out in 2017, and started a downward trend, reducing 4% in 2018 and 2% in 2019. About the Washington Health Alliance The Washington Health Alliance (Alliance) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit nonpartisan organization working collaboratively to transform Washington state's health care system for the better. The Alliance brings together more than 185 committed member organizations to improve health and health care by offering a forum for critical conversation and aligned efforts by health plans, employers, union trusts, hospitals and hospital systems, health care professionals, start-up companies, consultants, consumers, and other health care partners. The Alliance believes strongly in transparency and offers trusted and credible reporting of progress on health care quality, value, pricing, and overall spending. The Alliance publishes its reports at WACommunityCheckup.org and provides guidance for consumers at OwnYourHealthWA.org so that individuals can make informed health care decisions. Contact: Leslie Bennett Phone: (206) 454-2961 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Washington Health Alliance Related Links http://wahealthalliance.org remains committed to supporting all efforts of Sudan's government towards a successful transition, Permanent Representative of to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said on Tuesday (local time). Speaking at the UNSC briefing/consultations on the report of the Secretary-General on the Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, the Indian envoy said that continues to make progress in its democratic transition. " remains committed to supporting all efforts of the Transitional Government of towards a successful transition. In this context, we have bilaterally implemented 49 projects in sectors of energy, transport and agro-industry in through concessional lines of credit worth USD 612 million," the envoy said. He also said that the measures taken to implement the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), including expanding the Sovereign Council; establishing 'the Council of Partners in the Transitional Period' and formation of the new cabinet to include JPA signatories "are steps in the right direction." "The removal of Sudan from the US List of State Sponsors of Terrorism is another important milestone in the transition process, as is the normalization of bilateral relations with Israel. We welcome these positive developments," Tirumurti said. The Indian envoy said that an early formation of the Transitional Legislative Council and establishment of Commissions will be important adding that "it is imperative for the international community, particularly the UN, AU (African Union) and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) to support efforts and extend all possible help to Sudan in the implementation of JPA." The inter-communal violence in Darfur in the last few months demonstrates the complex challenges faced by the Transitional Government, he said adding that New Delhi commends efforts to bring the situation back to normalcy in Darfur. "We welcome the formulation of a Plan for Civilian Protection and the announcement of 12,000 member protection force that is currently in the process of deployment in Darfur. We also call on armed movements which remain outside of the peace process to join the negotiating table," he added. The envoy said more than 290 scholarships have been extended annually for capacity building under the ITEC and other scholarship programmes. Most recently, India delivered 100 MT of food supplies through a naval ship last November as humanitarian assistance to Sudan. He further stated that India has also facilitated the supply of 8,20,000 doses of Made-in-India COVID 19 vaccines to Sudan under the COVAX facility. "Further, we are in the process of delivering 10 MT of life-saving drugs to Sudan in coming weeks as a part of our bilateral humanitarian assistance programme," Tirumurti said. "India remains committed to the all-around progress and inclusive development of Sudan," 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.) A Scranton man who admitted to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl will spend between five and 10 years in a state prison, a judge ruled Tuesday. Jorge Dob Aguilar, 35, 1317 Vine St., was sentenced by Lackawanna County Judge Michael J. Barrasse and ruled a sexually violent predator more than a year after he was arrested on charges he raped a child for at least 18 months. The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault. Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said his office is happy with Barrasses sentence. Child predators like Mr. Aguilar need to be removed from society and put behind bars, Powell said. Reached after the sentencing hearing, Aguilars attorney, C.J. Rotteveel, said his client took responsibility for his actions. Scranton police detectives began investigating in November 2019, after the child told family members Aguilar had assaulted and raped her. It had happened many times, according to a criminal complaint. Police charged Aguilar with child rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and related counts. Aguilar pleaded guilty in June to sexual assault. Algiers, March 04, (SPS) - Abdul Massih Al-Shami, the coordinator of Arab-European relations in the German Parliament said on Tuesday that Morocco's decision to suspend diplomatic relations with the German embassy in Rabat is an "anti-diplomatic act," affirming that Germany recognizes the right of Western Sahara to independence. In a statement to Radio Algeria International (RAI), Al-Shami ruled out any response from Germany to the attitude of Morocco on this issue. "There is a disagreement between the two countries regarding this particular issue," he continued, stressing that "Germany recognizes the right of Western Sahara to independence. German policy never condones decisions which can lead to changing the world map or annexing countries to others, like what is happening in Western Sahara ". According to local media sources, Morocco has decided to suspend its relations with the German embassy in Rabat, due to a major divergence with Berlin on several issues, including that of Western Sahara.SPS 125/090/700 According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 11% of the adult homeless population in the U.S. are veterans. Veterans lived their lives in the service of others, and it is only just that we provide them with the most assistance possible. In a rundown section of Westlake in Los Angeles sits a testament to waste that cost taxpayers $10 million dollars. The sad saga of the West Third Avenue Apartments project, which in 2018 promised to transform a shabby motel into an affordable housing development for aging veterans, became a $30 million California sinkhole. This is one of those cases where a few rotten apples can ruin the entire barrel, said Nick Saifan, chairman of Vendaval Corp. The case in Westlake involved an incredible cost overrun on the original property, a greatly overestimated appraisal on the site, and some curious, connections between an unreliable developer and groups tied to the $30 million project. According to media investigations and public records, most of the $30 million pumped into renovating a 136-room motel went to its former owners, who were sued for illegally evicting tenants. While the Westlake project looked good to some, a review found that the developers planned to spend about $300,000 on each renovated unit. That figure was nearly twice the cost of similar projects in other California cities. The mess that went down in Westlake is hardly uncommon. A government watchdog report in 2018 exposed the potential risks within an $8 billion taxpayer program designed to help the homeless. An analysis of data by National Public Radio found that between 1997 and 2014 the number of affordable housing units fell nationally by 16 percent, while the cost to taxpayers for those units ballooned by 66 percent.(1) None of this is news to Saifan, who served in the U.S. military for 24 years and helps former warriors find dignity and community through affordable housing projects. Demographics of Homeless Veterans(2) 11% of the homeless adult population are veterans 20% of the male homeless population are veterans 68% reside in principal cities 32% reside in suburban/rural areas 51% of individual homeless veterans have disabilities Saifan wont point fingers. He knows government officials want to help the homeless, especially homeless veterans. But he also knows the world of affordable housing, nonprofits, and government funding can be a confusing journey for anyone not fully engaged in the complex process. Saifan contends that builders and developers, not career bureaucrats, can guide these projects to fruition in time and within fair budgets. He said experienced developers, especially those with strong ties to veteran groups and nonprofits, can cut through much of the red tape associated with affordable housing developments. Saifans affordable housing project in Moreno Valley, CA, is a prime example of how seasoned builders, developers and veteran advocates can create magic and a sense of place for those who defended American freedom. Vendaval plans to build a multi-use development in Moreno Valley. It will be a sanctuary for veterans in need of housing assistance. The development will help veterans and independent-living seniors find jobs, homes, facilities, training, mentoring and a sense of place all in one location. It will also be a huge job creator for the residents of Moreno Valley and Riverside County. The Moreno Valley project will put many social programs under one roof, including: Veteran Programs, including counseling and mentoring. Job-Placement Assistance. Transportation to Medical Appointments. On the job training. Saifan said citizens should step up and speak out on behalf of homeless veterans. He urged those who care about affordable housing and veterans to encourage government officials to do more for those in need. Veterans lived their lives in the service of others, and it is only just that we provide them with the most assistance possible, Saifan said. We are here to make things possible for veterans and help them live a more fulfilling life. About Vendaval Corporation Nick Saifan served in the U.S. military for 24 years, including time stationed in Riverside County, CA. He experienced firsthand the difficulties of transitioning from military life to civilian life and, as a co-founder of a community-based nonprofit, he watched the difficulty in getting donations increasing year by year. Today, hes putting his business savvy where his heart is. He sees a community that, like many, has struggled to evolve with a changing employment picture in the region. Today Vendaval Corporation visualizes a sustainable business structure creating the opportunity for helping those in need with successful community-based programs. The differentiator in the communities he visualizes is self-sufficient affordable housing in a mixed-use development that offers on-site programs for veterans, youth, education, childcare, on-the-job training, and job placement. These programs begin even before ground is broken. Rounding out the community are retail outlets such as bakeries/coffee shops, dry cleaning shops, a paid-membership fitness center, and financial institution. For more information visit http://www.vendavalcorp.com/ 1. Schwartz, Emma. Report warns of fraud risk in low income housing program. | 19 September 2018; PBS pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/report-warns-of-fraud-risks-in-low-income-housing-program/ 2. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; nchv.org/index.php/news/media/background_and_statistics/#demo WASHINGTON, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prison Fellowship, the nations largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, announces an agreement has been reached between Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and Prison Fellowship to purchase its 11.3 acre campus, located in Lansdowne, Virginia. For the last five years Prison Fellowship has become an increasingly virtual organization with more people operating closer to our in-prison work. Over two-thirds of our staff were working from home even before the pandemic, said James Ackerman, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship. The Board of Prison Fellowship and the senior management team are thrilled Alliance Defending Freedom will operate on the same property and buildings our founder, the late Charles Colson, dedicated to the Lord. Prison Fellowship has occupied the current location since January of 2005 after outgrowing its Reston, Virginia, location. As part of the sale, an agreement has been reached with ADF for the ministry to lease space in the building for two years. Prison Fellowship has been a partnering member of ADF for more than two years. We are thrilled to reach this agreement with our partners at Prison Fellowship, said Alliance Defending Freedom President and CEO, Michael P. Farris. Prison Fellowships founder, the late Chuck Colson, was a strong advocate for freedom of conscience and religion. As a drafter of the Manhattan Declaration, he defended the very principles that we defend today. With the purchase of this new property, we carry on his legacy and begin a new and exciting chapter in ADFs 28 years of ministry as the worlds largest legal advocacy organization committed to protecting religious freedom, sanctity of life, freedom of speech, and parental rights. I have been in regular contact with James since he took the helm at Prison Fellowship and as the former Chairman of the Board of Prison Fellowship and major donor to the building, I can say I am very pleased with the progress that has been made over the past several years under his leadership, said Mike Timmis, They have now moved past their need for such a large building, and Im excited that the Lords work will continue there, just with a different Christian nonprofit. On behalf of the current board of directors for Prison Fellowship, we are thrilled that ADF will be moving into the building that was dedicated to the Lords work in 2005 and has served Prison Fellowship so well over these past several years, said Paul Cauwels, current Prison Fellowship Board member. While it is bittersweet to see the transfer, it is a blessing that the partnership between Prison Fellowship and ADF can continue in this new way. The current Prison Fellowship campus located off Riverside Parkway in Lansdowne, Virginia, includes a three-story office building and a two-story hospitality center. Prison Fellowship Prison Fellowship is the nation's largest nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading advocate for justice reform. We seek to share the real, living hope of the Gospel with people who long for its power to make them new. Real restoration begins by addressing the cycle of crime on all fronts, in prison and out, and engaging in a cycle of renewal. Alliance Defending Freedom The Lansdowne campus is an expansion of ADFs offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Ashburn, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life. ADF has achieved 11 victories at the U.S. Supreme Court since 2011 and has played roles in 60 Supreme Court victories over the last quarter century. Contact: Jim Forbes 703.554.8540 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/880adf7e-78d0-4f01-8593-eb64ec337e0e New Delhi: General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) has released 44 vacancies for the post of Assistant Manager (Scale I). Interested candidates can visit the official website of GIC on gicofindia.com. The application window will open from Thursday (March 11, 2021). The last date to apply for the posts is March 29, 2021. The company is looking for graduates / post-graduates in various disciplines to be posted at its head office in Mumbai. The four disciplines are Finance - Chartered Accountants, general, Legal and Insurance. The exams will be conducted in online mode tentatively on May 9, 2021. The call letters will be issued around 10 days before the exam. The company is also arranging online pre-recruitment training sessions for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates. This will be done from April 26 to 29. GIC Recruitment, Assistant Manager Selection Procedure: Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of Online Test, performance in Group Discussion and interview and medical examination. The online test will consist of 123 questions, out of which 120 will be objective type and the remaining three will be descriptive type. The total marks is 150. GIC Recruitment, Assistant Manager Age Limit: The minimum age as of February 1, 2021, should be 21 years, while the maximum limit is 30 years. GIC Recruitment, Assistant Manager Salary: Selected candidates will get a basic pay of Rs.32,795 per month in the scale of Rs 32795-1610(14) 55335-1745(4) - 62315 and other admissible allowances like DA, HRA, CCA, etc. The total emoluments will be about Rs. 65,000 per month plus other benefits. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. Families face a double whammy of higher council tax bills and poorer services as a result of the Covid crisis. The spending watchdog found the pandemic had delivered a 9.7billion hit to local authority budgets, leaving some councils at risk of 'financial failure'. The National Audit Office said coffers remained a 'cause for concern', with many town halls facing the prospect of cutting services to balance the books. They are also putting up council tax with rises of up to 5 per cent expected next month. And this is on top of almost 20 per cent extra since 2016/17. The National Audit Office found the pandemic had delivered a 9.7billion hit to local authority budgets, leaving some councils at risk of 'financial failure' [Stock image] The Mail revealed earlier this year that the huge increases would lift average council tax bills in many areas by up to 100 a year, with dozens of districts imposing annual Band D bills of more than 2,000 for the first time. The NAO said the pandemic had created 6.9billion in additional costs for councils in 2020/21 while they were forecast to lose a further 2.8billion in income from fees, charges and other revenues. The Government has announced 9.1billion in additional support 17.6 per cent of local authority expenditure. However, that still leaves a funding gap of 605million, with 30 per cent of authorities reporting shortfalls equivalent to 5 per cent or more of their pre-pandemic spending. 'Many authorities still need to take further steps to balance their 2020/21 budgets,' the NAO said. 'A combination of high reported funding gaps and low reserve levels means that some authorities are at risk of financial failure.' The watchdog said 1.5 per cent were considered as being at 'acute risk', with another 5.9 per cent in the high-risk category and 27.3 per cent seen as medium risk. Town halls will remain under pressure in 2021/22, with councils likely to be faced with reduced tax bases and increased service demands as communities and businesses recover. Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, said: 'Government support to local authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic has averted system-wide financial failure. Nonetheless, the financial position of the sector remains a concern... Authorities' finances have been scarred and won't simply bounce back quickly. 'Government needs a plan to help the sector recover from the pandemic and also to address the long-standing need for financial reform.' Greece will also receive tourists vaccinated with Russian and Chinese coronavirus vaccines not approved by the European Union, Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis said. Focusing on tourists from non-EU member countries, the minister stressed that "the aim is to receive everyone who wants to come, of course in compliance with the established conditions". Greece will guarantee "that those inoculated with vaccines not approved in the European Union, for example, vaccines from China or Russia, will be able to come, too," the Athens Macedonian News Agency quoted the minister as saying. When asked about the prices of tourism products this year, Theoharis noted that it "will be very difficult to achieve their increase, since the supply [on the market] will surpass the demand". However, the minister is optimistic about the future of Greek tourism, since measures of state support have helped companies to survive, while those who wanted to withdraw from the tourism business saw a big interest from investors. Theoharis told the news conference about plans of the Greek government for a safe opening of the 2021 tourist season. "Taking full account of the need for an honest implementation of epidemiological protocols, we are seeking to open the Greek tourist season on May 14. Until then, we will be gradually lifting restrictions if the assessments of infectious diseases specialists regarding the development of the pandemic permit," he was quoted as saying. For April, the country plans a pilot test involving tourists from EU nations, as well as other countries where the process of vaccination is active, for example from Israel, the minister said ."I emphasize, however, that all opening dates are tentative and may change depending on the situation," he stressed. Theoharis told the news conference about the main healthcare protocols to be used at the point of tourists entry. Travelers will be allowed to enter the country if they have been vaccinated or have immunity after coronavirus, or have tested negative in a recent coronavirus test. "All tourists may be subject to random coronavirus tests, like it was the case last year," he added. However, the difference is that these will be express tests and if tourists test positive they will be quarantined immediately without having to wait for 24 hours like it was in 2020, Theoharis explained. "The costs of hospitalization or any other necessary actions aimed at protecting the health of tourists, specialists and citizens will be defrayed by the Greek state," the minister added. Requirements for Greek citizens will also apply to all tourists, he stressed, specifying the mandatory use of protective masks in public places among them. Addis Ababa, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Mar, 2021 ) :A senior Ethiopian diplomat posted to the country's embassy in the United States resigned Wednesday, citing the ongoing conflict in the country's Tigray region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray in November to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional ruling party. He said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on Federal army camps. Though Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace prize, declared victory after federal troops entered the regional capital Mekele in late November, TPLF leaders remain on the run and fighting has continued. "I resign from my post in protest of the genocidal war in Tigray, and in protest of all the oppression and destruction the government is inflicting on the rest of Ethiopia," Berhane Kidanemariam, the deputy chief of mission in Washington, said in an open letter. A communications blackout and media access restrictions have made it difficult to assess the conflict's toll. Rights groups have documented atrocities in multiple locations, and aid workers warn of a humanitarian catastrophe. Abiy's government says life is returning to normal in much of the region while touting its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance. Berhane is a former central committee member of the TPLF, but he was expelled in 2018. He has previously served as head of the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and as consul general in Los Angeles. In his letter Wednesday, he painted a grim picture of the situation in Tigray, saying its "infrastructure has been completely and intentionally destroyed." Lucknow, March 10 : The Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) has announced a new seed-exchange concept, which will not only help in meeting the increased demand of garlic but will also act as an alternate source of income to farmers. Shailendra Rajan, director CISH , said that under this concept, the scientists will first identify the high-yielding crop that can be cultivated by farmers of a particular place. Once identified, the farmers of the area are provided with the high variety seeds so that they can multiply the variety by sharing the seeds among farmers hailing from other villages and areas. "However, in this case, a particular variety of garlic seed-Yamuna Safed-- was procured from National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) and was supplied to farmers so that they can multiply this variety which has bold clove and higher yield than local clove," he said. He said, the initiative will not only help farmers successfully produce garlic for their own use but will also help them in increasing the farming of garlic, which in turn will bring down its prices. Initially, the CISH has picked farmers from Mall, Kakori and Malihabad development blocks, on the outskirts of Lucknow, for the seed-exchange concept. The director said that recently, the CISH had also organized a field day in Thari village of the Mall block. The event was attended by the more than 200 farmers from Kakori and Mall blocks. Paxton, IL (60957) Today Cloudy skies early. A few showers developing later in the day. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that Covid-19 does not care what foot you kick with after hundreds of Rangers fans gathered in Belfast to celebrate their team being crowned Scottish champions. Mr Swann said health officials were closely monitoring whether the weekend title celebrations would impact on the number of people diagnosed with Covid in the coming days. He also warned against whataboutery and pleaded with the public to adhere to the regulations. Appearing at the Department of Healths weekly press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Swann was asked for his reaction to hundreds of people breaking the law on the Shankill Road in west Belfast on Sunday. He replied: Lets be clear, it shouldnt have happened. The club urged fans to follow government guidelines (and) Steven Gerrard said the same, but I think one thing we shouldnt allow those scenes to descend into is a series of whataboutery. All the rules are there for all our protections and we are asked not to mix with others and to keep ourselves safe. So, someone arguing that because someone else broke the rules, its okay for us to do it, that doesnt make sense. Two wrongs dont make a right. This virus does not care what foot you kick with or what sport you follow, so the potential of there being spreaders within that crowd... we will wait to see now over the next few days. It will be unfortunate and it will be regrettable if that event does lead to an increase in Covid infections within that area. As Mr Swann issued his rebuke, the chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, also expressed his disappointment and called for people to wise up and grow up. Expand Close Health Minister Robin Swann. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Minister Robin Swann. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye People are still dealing with the consequences of Covid-19. There are eight families grieving today, he said. There are many, many more people in hospital. There are family members who are concerned about the outcome for those individuals. Please, lets stick with this. We all know what we should be doing and we know what we shouldnt be doing, so please continue to do the right thing. He also paid tribute to young people for their efforts to drive down Covid-19 infection rates, while also warning against complacency in the coming weeks. I know with the weather getting better in the coming weeks, there will be greater opportunities and indeed temptation to mix and meet up with friends, (but) please dont, not just yet, Dr McBride said. Please celebrate St Patricks Day respectfully within your own household and likewise for Easter. The comments came as eight more Covid deaths were reported and 147 new cases diagnosed. Meanwhile, the PSNI has said it is currently examining the possibility of introducing asymptomatic testing for its officers. It comes as the Department of Health revealed details of a targeted expansion of asymptomatic testing in different workplaces. Lateral flow tests will be used in the workplace testing initiative and will help in the expansion of asymptomatic testing across a range of settings. Criteria for inclusion in the programme includes those performing critical functions or delivering key services, people who have more than 50 employees who cannot work from home and people working in those jobs that involve higher exposure to risk of infection for staff or customers. On the basis of evidence on infections in the workplace, agri-food, manufacturing, essential retail and construction have been prioritised for the first phase of the programme. Irish gangster Robbie Lawlor was driven to his assassination by a senior member of a well-known crime family, the High Court was told on Wednesday. A judge was also told that two people suspected of involvement in the killing in north Belfast have now left the island. Details emerged as one of the men charged with the murder was refused compassionate bail to visit his newborn child. Lawlor (36) was gunned down outside Adrian Hollands home on Etna Drive in the Ardoyne area on April 4 last year. According to police, a gunman emerged from the property and opened fire in broad daylight, shooting the underworld boss in the head and body. Lawlor, originally from Dublin, had been heavily involved in a bitter dispute between rival Drogheda-based factions. Previous courts were told he may have travelled to Northern Ireland because he feared he was going to be attacked as part of a deadly drugs feud. But his assassination had already been commissioned three weeks earlier at a meeting in a Sligo hotel attended by an international drugs dealer, it has been alleged. Neither Holland nor 45-year-old co-defendant Patrick Teer, of Thornberry Hill in Belfast, are accused of being the gunman. Instead, they have been charged as part of a joint enterprise to murder, based on their alleged involvement in events surrounding the shooting. As Holland sought temporary release from custody, a defence barrister described the case against him as a masterpiece of circumstantial vagueness. Joe Brolly told the court his client was at a relatives home on the day of the murder. According to counsel, the victim was brought to the location of the shooting by a man who is part of a well-known crime gang in the Republic. He drove Mr Lawlor to the scene. Mr Lawlor was assassinated as he got out of (his) car, the barrister contended. That man has been interviewed and released by police, it was claimed, but his current whereabouts are unknown. Mr Brolly also said a previous court heard two of the people suspected of involvement in the murder had absconded. As I understand it, they are believed to be a gunman and potentially someone who was involved in the getaway, he added. Natalie Pinkerton, prosecuting, clarified when they were thought to have moved overseas. Since the date that Mr Teer and Mr Holland were charged for the murder, two persons have left the island of Ireland, she said. Holland wanted out of prison to spend a number of hours with his partner and newborn child. Denying the application, however, Mr Justice Humphreys ruled: I cannot be satisfied that conditions I would impose in relation to this visit would be complied with. Dear Readers: The letter from a woman who left her church because she did not want to hear political sermons brought an avalanche of mail. The majority wrote about the tax-free status that churches enjoy. Here are two examples, which I am including because they are so succinct. They are followed by a letter from a pastor, which provides his perspective. Dear Annie: If his church receives nonprofit status, that preacher using the bully pulpit to push political views risks losing it if politics are discussed. -- Nonprofit Status Dear Annie: A house of worship is allowed to exist tax-free because they are supposedly focusing on faith, which is, or should be, outside of the political arena. Unfortunately, in todays America, churches are admonishing their congregants to vote for particular candidates, which is outside the realm of the ideal of separation of church and state. If a house of worship wants to preach politics, then it should be taxed as is any other institution that supports politics. -- Sick of Political Preachers Dear Annie: As a pastor myself, I found your response to Keep Politics out of Church may have made my job harder by seeming to support the writers bias. There are over 2,000 verses in the Bible that are concerned with matters of justice, so it is impossible to faithfully preach the Word without mentioning how it is sadly lacking in our world today. Unfortunately, some hear messages about justice and can only associate it with political speech. This is not a new issue for pastors who seek to faithfully preach the Word. In this very divisive time in our country, mentioning matters of justice has become a trigger for some. The great 20th-century theologian Karl Barth counseled preachers to preach with a Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. Please advise me on how to do that and not sound political to some. Frankly, all I have to do is mention a current situation in a sentence in my sermon and the whole message gets branded by some as being too political. Many people, whom Keep Politics out of Church represents, would prefer I not mention matters of societal justice at all. Is that the kind of loving kindness you suggested?! Your reader would be satisfied, but what about all the people who suffer because it serves anothers political interest? If church is just about being nice to one another and ignoring real issues, then the Gospel will have been neutered. By the way, I dont just preach about justice issues, but my church and I are actively seeking to make a difference where we can in the lives of others. Preachers are called to both comfort and challenge. My guess is that if the message supported the writers political views, then the writer would not find it so difficult. I dont make it a practice of railing against the government in my sermons, nor do I endorse candidates or even mention them by name, but some issues need to be addressed. I cant help what some people hear me say. I know you need to take your writers at their word and not challenge their perceptions, but I cant help but wonder how political her pastor really is from the pulpit. This is a very divisive time in our country, and many people are quick to jump to conclusions. My colleagues and I have the rather unenviable task of representing the whole Bible and keeping our churches, synagogues or any other religious community together. Please refrain from offering advice on subjects that are complicated unless you can appreciate all the nuances. -- Threading the Needle in the Pulpit Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Who is Mary Somerville? Google honours Scottish scientist who paved the way for women in science India is in the process of flattening coronavirus curve says scientist Google honours Indias Satellite Man Udupi Ramachandra Rao with doodle on his birth anniversary India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Mar 10: Google celebrated the 89th birthday of Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao, with a doodle on its home page featuring an animated image of the renowned Indian space scientist with a background of the Earth and shooting stars. "Happy Birthday, Prof. Rao! Your stellar technological advancements continue to be felt across the galaxy," reads the description on Google Doodle''s website. Born in a remote village of Karnataka on this day in 1932, Rao began his career as a cosmic-ray physicist and protg ofDr Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist widely regarded as the father of India''s space programme, it said. After completing his doctorate, Professor Rao brought his talents to the US, where he worked as a professor and conducted experiments on NASA''s ''Pioneer'' and ''Explorer'' space probes. On his return to India in 1966, he initiated an extensive high energy astronomy programme at thePhysical Research Laboratory, Indias premier institution for space sciences, before spearheading his countrys satellite programme in 1972. Poet-activist Varavara Rao discharged from hospital in Mumbai Motivated by the practical applications of aerospace technology to solve societal problems such as poverty and food shortages, Prof Rao supervised the 1975 launch of Indias first satelliteAryabhataone of over 20 satellites he developed that transformed much of rural India by advancing communication and meteorological services, it said. From 1984 to 1994, Professor Rao continued to propel his nations space programme to stratospheric heights as Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation. Here, he developed rocket technology such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has launched over 250 satellites. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Prof Rao became the first Indian inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame in 2013, the same year that PSLV launched India''s first interplanetary missionMangalyaana satellite that orbits Mars today. He passed away on July 24, 2017, in Bengaluru. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 10, 2021] Hewlett Packard Enterprise Drives Hybrid Cloud Disruption With New HPE GreenLake Cloud Services and Partnerships Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) today announced a series of innovation updates to its market-leading HPE GreenLake cloud services portfolio, and new capabilities and partnerships designed to dramatically simplify the experience and expand the reach of the HPE GreenLake Cloud Services business. These updates include: New HPE GreenLake cloud services for virtual machines, containers and bare metal management with scalable, modular entry points specifically tailored for mid-market businesses, starting at 100 VMs, and increasing to 600 VMs. New agreements with ALSO Group, Arrow Electronics, Ingram Micro Inc., Synnex, and Tech Data that expand the market reach for HPE GreenLake Cloud Services by integrating HPE GreenLake in their online marketplaces. HPE has also expanded its colocation partnership with CyrusOne and collaboration with digital infrastructure provider Equinix to greatly simplify the cloud experience for joint customers. A new simplified billing experience on HPE GreenLake Central that enables partners to deliver a cloud experience to their customers faster and more seamlessly. Enhanced features to the HPE GreenLake for Aruba offering, part of the HPE Partner Ready for Networking Program, tailored to partners seeking to shift to an as-a-service selling model, while helping end customers achieve maximum return on networking investments. Businesses of all sizes, in every industry, now operate in a hybrid, edge to cloud world. Organizations recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach through public cloud does not work for the majority of their applications and data, which must stay on-premises or at the edge, due to several factors, including cost, compliance, control, governance, latency and performance, security, and application entanglement. HPE provides a unique approach to hybrid cloud through HPE GreenLake cloud services, which combines the agility and simplicity of the cloud with the governance and control of an on-premises environment. This strategy clearly resonates with the market, as the HPE GreenLake Cloud Services business now has over $4.5 billion in total contract value, and in Q1 2021 HPE grew its Annualized Revenue Run Rate (ARR) by 27 percent year-over-year. This momentum is further magnified by HPE's partner ecosystem, with partner led orders for HPE GreenLake growing 116% in Q1 2021. Now HPE partners of every category - including channel, colocation, distributor, independent software vendors, service providers, and systems integrators - have embraced HPE GreenLake as a platform of choice for delivering digital transformation for their clients. "As the market leader in hybrid and on-premises cloud services, HPE continues to innovate to bring HPE GreenLake and the cloud experience to a broader set of customers for their digital transformation and odernization efforts - at the edge, colocation facility, or datacenter," said Keith White, senior vice president and general manager, HPE GreenLake Cloud Services. "The HPE partner ecosystem plays a central role in our success, and partners of all types are embedding HPE GreenLake into their business models and offerings to deliver an agile as-a-service experience to their clients. Together, we are disrupting the market by "bringing the cloud to you" for our clients, combining the simplicity and agility of the cloud with the flexibility and control of a hybrid environment." Expanded cloud services portfolio Today, HPE unveiled three new modular HPE GreenLake cloud services that provide customers with low-cost, smaller entry points. Customers can start small and have the flexibility to scale out to meet future requirements. They can choose the deployment size, compute instance, or storage volume instances that best fit their needs, and scale incrementally - either in a modular way with compute and storage, or with multi-rack support. The new and expanded HPE GreenLake cloud services include: HPE GreenLake cloud services for bare metal: Allows customers to discover, provision and manage compute and storage resources in HPE GreenLake Central, to run workloads directly on the server, or use VMs or containers in the mix that best fits their business. This provides customers with control, agility and a lower cost approach to build platforms tailored to their performance, cost, and configuration requirements. Allows customers to discover, provision and manage compute and storage resources in HPE GreenLake Central, to run workloads directly on the server, or use VMs or containers in the mix that best fits their business. This provides customers with control, agility and a lower cost approach to build platforms tailored to their performance, cost, and configuration requirements. HPE GreenLake cloud services for virtual machines (VMs) with a robust set of choices: Customers can get started easily, and choose from various deployments, as well as compute and storage instance types sized for 100 VMs and up, in standardized blocks with 4, 8, 12, and 16 compute nodes. New to the VMs cloud service is the option to add backup as a service. Customers can get started easily, and choose from various deployments, as well as compute and storage instance types sized for 100 VMs and up, in standardized blocks with 4, 8, 12, and 16 compute nodes. New to the VMs cloud service is the option to add backup as a service. HPE GreenLake cloud services for containers: Using the same scalable building blocks as bare metal and virtual machines, the HPE GreenLake cloud service for containers offers solutions based on small, medium, large and extra-large capacity sizes for the HPE Ezmeral Container platform. Partner ecosystem expansion Distribution partners are a vital component of the HPE partner ecosystem and the HPE GreenLake Cloud Services business is rapidly growing through this segment. Today HPE builds on this momentum by offering HPE GreenLake directly in the cloud marketplaces of several distributors, including ALSO Group, Arrow Electronics, Ingram Micro Inc., Synnex, and Tech Data (News - Alert) . Now more than 100,000 partners can leverage HPE GreenLake through distributors, to deliver a cloud experience directly to their customers, through simple quoting, ordering, and invoicing of HPE GreenLake at pre-configured and pre-priced offers. For customers who prefer a colocation model, HPE GreenLake is deepening its partnership with CyrusOne and its collaboration with digital infrastructure provider, Equinix (News - Alert) . Joint customers can now run HPE GreenLake on CyrusOne or Equinix through one agreement and one invoice, greatly simplifying and accelerating the procurement process. HPE GreenLake is rapidly growing its network of colocation and service providers and recently announced partnerships with UK-based Interxion and Wavenet, as well as with Beyond.pl, a leading service provider in Central Europe. " CyrusOne's (News - Alert) enterprise customers have certainly benefited from accessing HPE GreenLake cloud services in this new era of digital transformation," said Fred Holloway, Vice President, Enterprise Sales at CyrusOne. "We're excited to continue to expand our strategic partnership with HPE GreenLake, enabling our customers to access the HPE hybrid cloud capabilities that help drive their business forward." "As the demand for digital infrastructure and cloud-based services has never been stronger, HPE and Equinix are collaborating to offer a range of as-a-service solutions designed to help companies seamlessly deploy their hybrid and multi-cloud architectures on Platform Equinix," said Mike Campbell, Chief Sales Officer, Equinix. "By combining the HPE GreenLake cloud services with the interconnection capabilities of Equinix Fabric, customers that require an edge-to-cloud infrastructure can create a digital advantage by connecting to the more than 10,000 clouds, networks, service providers and rich ecosystems currently available on our trusted platform." Partner enhancements and new tooling HPE has made important updates to HPE GreenLake Central to make it easier for channel partners to drive growth and expand their expertise to deliver as-a-service solutions to their customers. The enhancements to HPE GreenLake Central aid partners in selling, billing and capacity planning. Together, these updates enable HPE and partners to deliver a seamless and simplified experience for customers. Additionally, Aruba has introduced updates to the GreenLake for Aruba offering within the HPE Partner Ready for Networking Program, drawing closer alignment with HPE GreenLake. The GreenLake for Aruba offering is available through authorized HPE distributors, features higher rebate levels and provides partners an opportunity to generate incremental revenue over the life of the engagement. As an added benefit, partners will work with an assigned Aruba Customer Success Manager to help their customers derive maximum value from their investment. HPE and Aruba are fully committed to enabling and supporting partners as they embrace the cloud and capitalize on emerging business opportunities made possible with an as-a-service business model. HPE GreenLake cloud services provide customers with a powerful foundation to drive digital transformation through an elastic as-a-service platform that can run on premises, at the edge, or in a colocation facility. HPE GreenLake combines the simplicity and agility of the cloud with the governance, compliance, and visibility that comes with hybrid IT. HPE GreenLake offers a range of cloud services that accelerate innovation, including cloud services for bare metal, compute, container management, data protection, HCI, HPC, machine learning operations, networking, SAP (News - Alert) HANA, storage, VDI, and VMs. The HPE GreenLake Cloud Services business is rapidly growing with over $4.5 billion USD in total contract value and more than 830 partners selling HPE GreenLake. Today, HPE GreenLake has more than 1000 enterprise customers across 50 countries in all industry sectors and sizes including Fortune 500 companies, government and public sector organizations, and small and midmarket enterprises. For more information on HPE GreenLake, please visit: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/greenlake.html. Availability and Additional Resources The distributor integration, colocation and digital infrastructure partnerships with CyrusOne and Equinix are available now. The new portfolio components, HPE GreenLake Central enhancements and partner program enhancements will be available during HPE's 1H, with the bare metal enhancements following in early 2H. HPE GreenLake Cloud Services is holding a virtual event on March 10, to discuss live with partners and customers how HPE GreenLake enables their business transformation and success with new cloud services. Join the event here: https://hpe.events.cube365.net/hpe/hpegreenlakemarch For more information on HPE GreenLake, please visit: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/greenlake.html About Hewlett Packard Enterprise Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud platform as-a-service company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open and intelligent technology solutions, with a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, to help customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance. For more information, visit: www.hpe.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005235/en/ [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] Some messages that were on display during beef factory blockades 2019 Initial findings of a Beef Taskforce report shows that farmers receive 80pc of revenue generated from Irish beef sales, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has stated. Speaking after the eighth meeting of the taskforce, the meat processor representative entity contended that false claims made during the 2019 blockages have been exposed based on the preliminary results of a Grant Thornton evaluation which were presented to stakeholders yesterday. MII went on to say it supports the appointment of a National Food Ombudsman, adding that the need for current procurement specifications is driven by market and customer demand. On the findings of the Government-commissioned report, Cormac Healy senior director for MII said: We welcome the Grant Thornton exercise as it provides independent expert confirmation that farmers receive 80pc of the sales revenue processors generate from the sale of beef. We hope that the sector can now move on and instead work together to address the challenges we face from issues like Brexit, climate change and EU Trade deals. MII members also welcome the appointment of a food ombudsman to act as an honest broker in addressing concerns in future through dialogue rather than factory blockades. The report was commissioned in the aftermath of what MII described as the autumn 2019 illegal blockades, which MII said crippled the industry for almost eight weeks and seriously undermined the sectors reputation with international customers. During those blockades, false assertions were made and prominently circulated that farmers only get 2 for every 10 spent on beef by a consumer. Grant Thorntons findings provide independent third-party evidence that farmers receive 80pc of the revenue that processors generate in the market, the statement continued. MII also called for an acceleration of plans to appoint a food ombudsman that was a commitment in the Programme for Government, adding that its members are committed to working with an ombudsman in addressing the type of issues that have given rise to contested claims in recent years. Mr Healy added: The industry continues to deliver market price returns to producers that are at or above the export benchmark price (introduced as part of the Beef Sector Agreement) which reflects the cattle prices paid in our key export markets. In 2020, despite the major market disruption caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Bord Bia reported Irish prime cattle price was 356c/kg (VAT excl.) and the export benchmark price was 355c/kg. These prices were paid even though we export 90pc of our beef and face the additional costs of getting to market, which have been further inflated since Brexit. In terms of current market developments, MII said increased sales through retail have helped but not enough to offset the collapse in sales through restaurants and foodservice. Farm organisations, however, had a drastically different take on the initial findings of the Grant Thornton report with many questioning the effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder taskforce altogether. 'Pretending' There is no point in pretending that the Beef Taskforce is achieving the kind of significant progress or breakthrough needed to bolster beef farm incomes, it has been stated. Speaking after todays eighth taskforce meeting, ICMSA president Pat McCormack did not mince his words on the roundtable engagement with the sectors stakeholders. Mr McCormack told the Farming Independent: We always try and engage constructively, but theres no point in pretending that were any closer to the kind of meaningful changes that need to be made, and could be made, with the right commitment. "For example, proposals around reviewing the quality-payment system grid which weve been calling for since the day after the grid was introduced. "That review should be concentrated on two things: remedying the year-on-year losses inflicted on farmers by the grid since it was introduced, and identifying already obvious consumer trends in beef consumption and pulling back from those in terms of processing and producing beef. "Any review has to look down the line five years and not just at the here and now, he said. A commitment that the long-awaited appointment of the National Food Ombudsman will possess enforcement powers is another redline for farmers. "No-one has any faith in vague recommendations or reports at this stage, the ICMSA leader said. Price gap Similar views were subsequently shared by other farm organisations with IFA demanding urgent action on the establishment of office of the ombudsman; and ICSA demanding that the taskforce must get to the bottom of recent beef price cuts. The associations were also highly critical of draft reports by Grant Thornton on the value of Irish beef throughout the chain. IFA president Tim Cullinan said: The commitment from Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to provide more powers to the office in primary legislation is welcome and important. The lack of regulatory and oversight powers to bring full transparency to the beef supply chain was very evident at todays meeting. "Grant Thornton informed the taskforce that it doesnt have the authority to access the information needed to provide a detailed appraisal of the value of Irish beef from the farm to the consumer. "The minister must now come forward with the primary legislation that allows the office of the ombudsman to provide this information. ICSA Beef Committee chairman Edmund Graham insisted that the management of the main beef processors should be asked to attend the next meeting of the taskforce to explain the price cut in February and this was agreed. I believe that imports of beef have aided and abetted the factories in cutting price and I want full information about just exactly what is going on. The Department said that information should be available in the coming weeks, Mr Graham said. Todays taskforce meeting also saw a presentation from Bord Bia which, according to ICSA, showed that Irish price is falling far behind the equivalent prices in the UK and continental Europe. "The gap between the Irish composite price and the EU composite price has now worsened by 14c/kg. "Irish beef price should have improved to reflect increased value of sterling relative to the euro since Christmas. Sterling is 6pc stronger since Christmas, but there is no sign of this in the beef price here, said Mr Graham. Meanwhile, Macra na Feirmes president Thomas Duffy also stated that large questions remain for farmers on the future of the beef industry. "The recent cuts to beef prices for winter finishers is clearly not justified when looking at the Bord Bia price tracker. The question of market preference for bull beef remains virtually unanswered in the latest report by Grant Thornton. "Under 16-month grass-fed Irish beef bulls are essential to both meet climate ambitions and to protect the Irish suckler sector. Consumer preference is often blamed, but there is little evidence of this in the report, he said. Explanation In his opening address to the taskforce Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue urged Meat Industry Ireland to improve communications with farmers on price changes. "Obviously, prices will be subject to market volatility and this is outside our control to a large extent, but there are elements where certainty can be provided. "The meat industry needs to be aware that changing these parameters abruptly is very disruptive for farmer suppliers. "I would like to see the industry communicating more effectively with farmer suppliers, and providing more certainty and continuity in relation to these issues." Following severe disappointment expressed by farmer representatives on beef prices over the last month, and unhappiness with the explanation provided by Meat Industry Ireland (MII) at the forum, taskforce chairman Michael Dowling asked MII to convey this message clearly to their members. The minister also acknowledged work that has been done to date on progressing the implementation of the actions under the Beef Sector Agreement 2019. Three market transparency studies commissioned by the Department are expected to be completed soon, while the minister also said the new office of the National Food Ombudsman will be established later this year and will have a specific remit in relation to price reporting and analysis. Teagasc also presented on a scoping exercise carried out in relation to a cuts-based pricing concept, this presentation is said to have been received with interest by taskforce members. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions The United States is working closely with Afghan parties to encourage progress on a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire, the Biden Administration said on Tuesday, asserting that any durable outcome has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, and it is not for the to dictate the deals. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, is in Doha meeting with negotiating parties to encourage progress in the Afghan peace negotiations. "We are working closely with Afghan parties to encourage progress on a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire. We're also working diplomatically to mobilise regional and support for peace," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference. Khalilzad's ongoing trip to the region, he said, is really a continuation of American diplomacy. "There is a broad and longstanding consensus that there is no military solution to this conflict, and the political solution that Khalilzad is there to support, it must, of course, be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We know this will be a difficult road, but that's precisely why we're there, to support this Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process," he said. "Any agreement, any outcome that is to be durable has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. It's not for to dictate the deals. It's not for us to preordain outcomes. It has to be an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process," Price 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.) NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Norway on Tuesday recommended that AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine be used for people over the age of 65 in light of new studies and amid hopes it would speed up vaccinations of the elderly. The Nordic country had initially restricted the use of the vaccine to those under the age of 65 on the grounds that the Anglo-Swedish firm had not conducted enough research on people above that age. Following in the footsteps of France, Germany, Italy and several Nordic neighbours, Norway's public health agency said it was now recommending the vaccine for all people over the age of 18, based on British studies now conducted on elderly people. The government said Tuesday it would follow the agency's recommendation. Norway also wants to increase the waiting period between the first and second doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines from three to six weeks, a move that still requires a final approval from the public health agency. The agency has also been tasked with studying whether the interval can be extended beyond six weeks in order to allow a greater number of people to quickly receive a first dose. "We now expect all adults to be offered a vaccine by or during the summer," Prime Minister Erna Solberg told parliament. She also gave local medical authorities increased powers to try to curb a recent surge of infections in Norway. While the country has one of the lowest incidence rates in Europe, the number of cases has soared lately. "We still have a steep hill ahead of us but if we make it, the goal of a return to a more normal life will be within reach," Solberg said. "If we manage to keep the epidemic under control in March-April, we can begin to reopen (the country) in May," she said. If not, authorities may need to impose new nationwide restrictions, including a ban on serving alcohol and the closure of various public establishments, she warned. More than 391,000 people had by Sunday received at least one jab in the country of 5.4 million people, and almost 210,000 had gotten two doses. On Monday, Norway reported 632 Covid-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Why so much work for kids?: 6-year-old's adorable appeal to PM Modi Security forces gun down chief of Al-Badr without any collateral damage India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 10: The Jammu and Kashmir police gunned down one terrorist in Sopre in an encounter. Based on specific inputs an operation was launched by the Sopore police at Tujjer Sharief after contact was established. During the search operation, as the presence of a terrorist got ascertained he was given opportunity to surrender, however, he fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter. JeMs lackey who plotted attacks in Delhi, Jammu booked by NIA In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of encounter. The terrorist has been identified as Ab Gani Khawaja alias Skinder, resident of Khawaja Mohalla Kralgund and chief of the proscribed terrorist outfit Al- Badr. As per police records, the terrorist was involved in several acts of terror, including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities. He was the main recruiter of innocent youth into terrorists ranks. Dozens of terror related and other crime cases have been registered against him in North Kashmir which include grenade blast at Bus-Stand Sopore, in which 19 civilians sustained injuries. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of the encounter. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar appreciated the police and security forces for undertaking the operation and ensuring that there was no collateral damage. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 8:48 [IST] Professor Edwin Driver arrived in Amherst in 1948 as one of the first Black teachers hired at a flagship state university in the country. But the 23-year-old sociology instructor at what would become the University of Massachusetts Amherst says he was denied pay raises for decades, despite being one of its most published professors. Driver and his wife, who was from India, also encountered roadblocks trying to buy a house in the mostly white college town. Their three children faced racism from neighbors and school officials alike. Theres a lot of people in Amherst that have not gotten a proper share of things, the now 96-year-old professor emeritus said at his home in nearby South Hadley recently. I ended up being the lowest paid professor in the department, but also its most productive. Driver and other current and former Black residents may one day be compensated for their hardships. The Western Massachusetts college town is among hundreds of communities and organizations across the country seeking to provide reparations to Black people. They range from the state of California to cities like Providence, Rhode Island, religious denominations like the Episcopal Church and prominent colleges like Georgetown University in Washington. The efforts, some of which have been underway for years, have gained momentum in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd last May. President Joe Biden has even expressed support for creating a federal commission to study Black reparations, a proposal thats languished for decades in Congress. Kamm Howard, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, said the wide-ranging approaches could provide models for a national reparations program. Hes also not surprised Amherst, long a liberal bastion, is tackling the issue. It validates that every community in America, no matter the size, is a microcosm of the broader problem, Howard said. Youre going to find these things, if you dig. " Amhersts effort started with a petition launched last summer by two white yoga instructors, which led to a town council-approved resolution in December committing Amherst to a path of remedy for Black residents injured or harmed by discrimination and racial injustice. Michele Miller and Matthew Andrews, who led the petition effort as co-founders of the group Reparations for Amherst, said they wanted to provide something tangible and healing for local Black families amid nationwide protests and turmoil. They argue that Amherst, a college town of nearly 38,000 residents, didnt become more than 75% white and just 5% Black by accident. For decades, restrictive housing policies prevented Black families from purchasing homes in desirable parts of town, according to Miller and Andrews research. Black people were also shut out of jobs and educational opportunities at UMass Amherst, one of the states largest and most prominent institutions. As a result, the median income for Amhersts white families is more than two times that of Black families, and more than half its Black population lives below the poverty line. Amherst likes to think of itself as progressive, but that idealism isnt always borne out, Andrews said. The economic and social disparities are clear. Kathleen Anderson, a former president of the Amherst NAACP chapter, said shes encouraged that white residents initiated the reparations effort. But the next step needs to come from the Black community, she said. Anderson and other Black residents are taking part in virtual conversations this spring to talk about what reparations should look like. A former school committee member, Anderson would like to see the process address a broader, systemic need, such as racial disparities in the public schools. Black teachers, she said, have complained of racist harassment and hostile work environments for years. Reparations can be more than a check, Anderson said. Amilcar Shabazz, a professor of Africana studies at UMass, said hed like to see better recognition of the local Black community in town landmarks and monuments. Celebrated authors Chinua Achebe and James Baldwin both taught at UMass but arent recognized anywhere in town, he noted. We have a lot to talk about, he said. I wonder if the town is ready for this. Can these scars be healed? Can you put a price tag on trauma? Miller and Andrews, meanwhile, have looked to Evanston, Illinois as a potential model, inviting a leading alderman from that community to speak with Amhersts Black residents next month. The Chicago suburbs reparations fund, established in 2019, is focused on housing inequities, using a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales to help Black residents with homeownership, including mortgage assistance and funding for home improvements. Driver believes the towns higher education institutions UMass Amherst, Amherst College and Hampshire College should be part of the solution because of the role theyve played in the towns racial divide. The three institutions expressed support for the towns effort in separate statements to The Associated Press, but stopped short of committing any resources. When he was hired, Driver was the first person of color to be employed in any capacity at university. By the late 1960s, UMass Amherst had just six Black faculty members and 36 Black students in a student body of nearly 17,000, according to university historical records. Driver said hed personally like to be compensated for years of being underpaid. He earned tenure in 1954, but remained the lowest paid professor in his department until the 1970s, when a new department head sought to rectify the imbalance. We are in a position of having to admit that Driver is an extremely impressive professional with an outstanding scholarly record whom we have not sufficiently recognized locally, wrote Thomas Wilkinson to other school officials in 1970. Driver continued to lead a distinguished career. The graduate of Temple and the University of Pennsylvania has written numerous books and is currently at work on another. He served as a visiting professor at UCLA and other top colleges. He even had stints as a United Nations advisor in Iran and consulted and taught in France, India and elsewhere. Throughout, Driver remained firmly rooted at UMass, where he retired in 1987. If reparations could make up the lost salary, I would appreciate it, Driver said. I would enjoy it. I would celebrate it, but I dont think thats going to ever happen. He hopes UMass can at least acknowledge the contributions pioneering Black professors made. Driver already has a spot in mind: his first office on campus, which was tucked in the basement by the furnace, in a place where the janitor didnt even bother to empty the trash bins. If they would rename that after me, Driver said. That would be the ideal reparation. Shanghai judicial achievements detailed in national work reports By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-03-10 09:28 Shanghai achievements in the past year were especially mentioned in the annual work reports of China's top court and top procuratorate (Prosecutor General's Office) during the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress. In terms of maintaining pandemic prevention and control order, the Shanghai court heard criminal cases concerning mask price gouging, fraud and assaulting anti-epidemic volunteers through video streaming, with more than 23 million viewers watching a single case. The number of civil and commercial cases heard by the Shanghai court such as labor disputes, contract breach and disputes over long-term rental apartments, was the top among the nations obstructing anti-pandemic cases. Improving the business environment is another aspect referred by the report. Over the past year, the Shanghai court concluded 224,000 first-instance commercial cases, a year-on-year increase of 7.6%. Special opinions on judicial service guarantees were issued, and 3,225 first-instance foreign-related civil and commercial cases were concluded, providing judicial guarantees for the promotion of high-level opening up. A grant from The Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education Fund, one of more than 740 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County, is providing support to the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Frederick County. Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) was selected as one of two county school systems in Maryland to pilot the Youth Apprenticeship Program Earn and Learn program, which is now in 18 school districts across the state. Students work with a mentor in a state-approved industry to learn valuable skills and earn industry credentials while receiving high school credit. The program focuses on furthering education that leads to sustainable employment in manufacturing and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. Olivia Sullivan, a senior at Tuscarora High School, is a youth apprentice at Frederick Health Hospital in its Biomedical Engineering Department. She is assisting with testing medical equipment and accessories such as pulse oximetry probes and electrocardiogram (ECG) lead wires with simulators, adding tracking tags to respiratory equipment, and assisting with preventative maintenance. As a leader in grant and scholarship funding, The Community Foundation of Frederick County has given back more than $71 million to the community since 1986. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit http://www.FrederickCountyGives.org. Chandigarh: Several members of the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday condemned the ED raids on rebel AAP legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Khaira, who was present in the House during the Budget Session, said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids were a "well-planned vilification and character assassination campaign" against him by the Centre and denied any wrongdoing. Sukhpal Khaira The ED raided the premises of Khaira, his family members in Delhi and some jailed convicts on Tuesday in a money-laundering case linked to the 2015 Fazilka narcotics-trafficking case and a fake passport racket. Raising the issue of the ED raids during the Zero Hour, another rebel AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu sought a resolution in the House over the matter. He further said the House could also express "displeasure" over the ED action against Khaira. Sandhu said what has happened with Khaira could also occur with any other member of the House. Congress MLA and former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu backed Sandhu and hit out at the BJP-led Centre over the issue. Navjot Singh Sidhu "Are we allowed to question the Centre or not? Are we a free society, are we a fear society?" he asked while condemning the ED raids against Khaira. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra described the ED action against Khaira as "unfortunate, highly deplorable and highly condemnable". Brahm Mohindra Speaker Rana K P Singh said Khaira was "restrained" from attending the ongoing Budget Session of the House, which was "wrong". Denying any wrongdoing, Khaira informed the House that the ED officials had taken some diaries from his residence. He further said he will continue to raise his voice even if the BJP tries to "intimidate and gag" him with such raids. A 42-year-old man was gunned down Tuesday on the edge of a busy North Portland park in a frightening afternoon attack that sent people scattering for cover, marking the citys 15th shooting death so far this year, police said. The man was found on the south sidewalk of Dawson Park, along North Stanton Street between Vancouver and Williams avenues. The park was bustling at the time and people fled when gunshots rang out, said Lt. Greg Pashley, a Portland police spokesperson. He called it a brazen, broad daylight shooting on a sidewalk in a crowded park. The circumstances of the shooting werent immediately clear, but a woman who lives in the area said she heard four gunshots. Police responded about 2:25 p.m. Mayor Ted Wheeler, addressing reporters at the scene, said Portlands run of recent shootings is our top public safety concern. I think as far as homicides and violence go, were already in a state of emergency, he said. Whether or not theres an official declaration is besides the point. The city has recorded 20 homicides so far this year - the same number of killings in the city in all of 2016. Fifteen of them, including Tuesdays homicide, have been the result of gun violence, Pashley said. Weve had an unprecedented number of shootings in this city, especially since June, and it doesnt seem to be slowing down, Pashley said. The victims daughter, sister and other relatives gathered at a nearby corner, watching from behind police tape as homicide detectives and forensic criminalists examined the scene for evidence and workers from the medical examiners office arrived. Thats my brother. I just got the call from family, said Starla Jenkins as she held up her cellphone, filming the crime scene. I dont know what happened but he didnt deserve this. Another family member told The Oregonian/OregonLive that a cousin had been with the victim, turned around and heard the shots. The mans body remained under a yellow tarp before he was eventually removed. At one point, authorities had removed the tarp and family members could see the victims body, jeans and shoes from afar despite authorities efforts to keep the body from view by holding up what looked like a white sheet. Police havent yet publicly identified the man, and its not clear if all family members have been notified of his death, so The Oregonian/OregonLive isnt naming him. Ann Richardson, who lives on Williams Avenue just south of the park, said she saw police tape strung up around the scene while coming home from work. It was the second time in recent months Richardson had such an experience. Just last year, she said, she had arrived home as a woman was shot and killed in her car by Dawson Park on Dec. 17. I cant live around this anymore, said Richardson, 64, who wont allow her grandchildren to visit her because of the violence. Its just sad to see that people keep killing one another. Angela Logan, who was walking in the area, called the shooting senseless. I think its very sad and very sick that someone lost their life, she said, noting that her brother, then 18, was killed in downtown Portland in 2003 in an unsolved homicide. Every time I hear this it hurts me. It opens up old wounds. Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact detectives. They said they believe there were several people in the park who may have witnessed the shooting and fled before police arrived. Maxine Bernstein, Beth Nakamura and Jayati Ramakrishnan L-R: Mr. Lai Kian Huat, ED of Blackbixon Sdn Bhd; Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of Blackbixon Sdn Bhd; Encik Sofiyan bin Yahya, Chairman of Ni Hsin Group; YDH Dato' Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Deputy Inspector General of Police; Encik Faird Yunus, CEO of Red One Network Sdn Bhd; Mr. Ben Teh, Chief Sales Officer of Red One Network Sdn Bhd KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 10, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - BlackBixon Sdn Bhd ("BlackBixon"), the food and beverage (F&B) arm of Bursa Malaysia Main Market-listed Ni Hsin Resources Berhad (NIHSIN; KLSE: 7215), sealed the partnership with redONE Network Sdn Bhd ("redONE"), a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), to market and retail Ni Hsin's new energy coffee under the brand name 'BlackBixon'.BlackBixon coffee is described as a composition providing the benefits of caffeine and the patented Bioenergy Ribose(R) in combination when consumed and helps in accentuating the human body's natural process of energy synthesis while at the same time lessening fatigue and boosting the mental alertness of an individual. There is also the nutritional coffee variant enriched with acai berry extract for a good source of phytonutrients and antioxidants enhancing immunity while providing anti-ageing benefits.Present at today's signing ceremony were Deputy Inspector-General of Police YDH Dato' Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Chairman of Ni Hsin Encik Sofiyan bin Yahya, Managing Director of BlackBixon Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of redONE Encik Farid Yunus and Chief Sales Officer of redONE Mr. Ben Teh.Managing Director of BlackBixon, Mr. Khoo Chee Kong said, "We are delighted to have this collaboration with redONE as we see a lot of synergy in terms of how we can leverage on redONE's reach of 1.2 million subscribers to market our products. We believe redONE's network can strengthen our marketing efforts and outreach to the target consumers, both business-to-business and business-to-consumer.""We see our entry into F&B as strategic for the future of Ni Hsin as this new business will enhance the earnings of the Company given the interest in energy and coffee drinks, as well as the increased demands in home coffee consumption. Our BlackBixon coffee capsules combine energy, nutrition and coffee by having caffeine and natural ingredients that boost energy and immunity. As for convenience, we provide coffee machine for our consumers to use in their home or workplace without any charge subject to terms and conditions. BlackBixon is your cafe@home@office@anywhere. Ni Hsin has other plans in the pipeline to grow the F&B business, with Malaysia being the initial market, and the regional market in our next step.""The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many, Ni Hsin included. Our move into F&B will also be the beginning of our pivot from being a cookware manufacturer as we will grow the F&B business to be bigger than the cookware business over time. We see domestic and overseas consumer sentiment improving in the second-half of the year as vaccines become available and the economy recovers. This will also hopefully translate into better demand for our new business."Chief Sales Officer of redONE, Mr. Ben Teh said, "redONE is proud to collaborate with Ni Hsin in a win-win partnership where our 100 Premier Shops nationwide will attract more footfall while letting our subscribers enjoy a refreshing cup of BlackBixon coffee as they are waiting to be served. This is a good gesture and adds value to our customer experience."The signing of today's agreement comes after the Collaboration Agreement Ni Hsin entered into with Fiatec Biosystem Sdn Bhd in August 2020 for the development and formulation of health and bioenergy products marking the Company's move into the F&B business. In January 2021, the Company entered into a Supply and Technical Assistance Agreement with Global Coffee Resources Sdn Bhd ("GCR") for the appointment of GCR as the supplier for the coffee beans and coffee powders. In February 2021, Ni Hsin also filed for a patent for BlackBixon to protect the Company's rights to the invention and to secure the competitive advantage of its F&B business in selling products using the invention.Please contact the below for more information:Stefani WanSwan ConsultancyTel: +6012 286-1481Email: s.wan@swanconsultancy.bizSource: redONEBlackbixonCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Irish gangster Robbie Lawlor was allegedly driven to the scene of his assassination by a senior member of a well-known crime family, the High Court heard today. A judge was also told that two people suspected of involvement in the killing in north Belfast have now left the island of Ireland. Details emerged as one of the men charged with the murder was refused compassionate bail to visit his newborn child. Lawlor, 36, was gunned down outside Adrian Holland's home at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne district on April 4 last year. According to police a gunman emerged from the property and opened fire in broad daylight, shooting the underworld boss in the head and body. Originally from Dublin, Lawlor had been heavily involved in a bitter dispute between rival Drogheda-based factions. Previous courts were told he may have travelled to Northern Ireland because he feared he was going to be attacked as part of a deadly drugs feud. But his assassination had already been commissioned three weeks earlier at a meeting in a Sligo hotel attended by an international drugs dealer, it has been alleged. Neither Holland nor 45-year-old co-defendant Patrick Teer, of Thornberry Hill in Belfast, are accused of being the gunman. Instead, they have been charged as part of a joint enterprise to murder, based on their alleged involvement in events surrounding the shooting. As Holland sought temporary release from custody, a defence barrister described the case against him as "a masterpiece of circumstantial vagueness". Joe Brolly told the court his client was at a relative's home on the day of the murder. According to counsel the victim was brought to the location of the shooting by a man who is part of a well-known crime gang in the Republic. "He drove Mr Lawlor to the scene. Mr Lawlor was assassinated as he got out of (his) car," the barrister contended. That man has been interviewed and released by police, it was claimed, but his current whereabouts are unknown. Mr Brolley also said a previous court heard two of the people suspected of involvement in the murder have absconded. "As I understand it they are believed to be a gunman and potentially someone who was involved in the getaway," he added. Natalie Pinkerton, prosecuting, clarified when they were thought to have moved overseas. "Since the date that Mr Teer and Mr Holland were charged for the murder two persons have left the island of Ireland," she said. Holland wanted out of prison to spend a number of hours with his partner and newborn child. Denying the application, however, Mr Justice Humphreys ruled: "I cannot be satisfied that conditions I would impose in relation to this visit would be complied with." Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Ex-President Poroshenko was also summoned as part of the case but he failed to appear. The SBU Security Service of Ukraine has officially confirmed they interrogated Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Ukraine, Ukrainian Member of Parliament with the Opposition Platform For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk in the so-called Medvedchuk-Surkov tapes case. Read alsoMedvedchuk, Surkov talk power supplies to occupied Crimea, prisoner swap leaked call from 2014 The investigators' questions concerned, among other things, the facts that appear in the recently leaked communications between Medvedchuk and ex-"supervisor" for Donbas, Putin's former aide Vladislav Surkov, the SBU press service told UNIAN. Former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko was summoned for interrogation twice as part of the criminal proceedings related to the tapes, but he did not appear both times. Sanctions against Medvedchuk and his case On February 19, 2021, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decided to impose sanctions on 19 legal entities and eight individuals. In particular, sanctions shall be applied to MP from the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife Oksana Marchenko. All their property and assets are subject to the sanctions. On February 25, the Censor.net online outlet published an audio recording of a conversation between two people whose voices sound similar to Medvedchuk and Surkov. They discussed the supply of electricity to Russia-occupied Crimea and the exchange of prisoners in Donbas. According to the publication, the conversation is dated 2014. On February 26, SBU chief Ivan Bakanov said that the SBU would conduct a probe into the audio recordings of the alleged conversation between Medvedchuk and Surkov, published by the media. According to him, the published audio recordings of the conversations of persons identified by the media as Medvedchuk and Surkov are included in criminal proceedings. According to NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine has been investigating a case under Part 5 of Article 258 (financing of terrorism), and the latest sanctions were applied to Medvedchuk, Marchenko, and other persons precisely in connection with the said probe. Reporting by UNIAN A Kildare taxi driver under financial pressure who was storing almost a quarter of a million euro of cocaine for drug dealers has been jailed for four and a half years. Stephen Boylan (51), a separated father of two, was storing the drugs in a wooden cabin where he lived at the rear of a house. Boylan of The Meadows, Newtown, Kill, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply at his home on May 28, 2020. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martin Nolan noted in mitigation that Boylan had explained his role to gardai and followed that with an early guilty plea. He said Boylan was a good family man who was unlikely to reoffend. He said Boylan had got in over his head and then felt he had to stay in, which was not unusual. Judge Nolan said circumstances of the case allowed him to depart from the presumptive minimum mandatory sentence of ten years application to this offence. He imposed a four and a half year sentence. Garda Michael Martin told Eoin Lawlor BL, prosecuting, that gardai acting on confidential information carried out a surveillance operation and searched a chalet or cabin in which Boylan was living in at the rear of a house. In the wooden building they found cocaine valued at 245,388 and a small amount of cannabis. Gardai also recovered bagging materials and a mobile phone with the app Wickr installed where messages are deleted after a period of time. He had been receiving instruction in relation to the drugs on the phone. Boylan fully accepted his role and told gardai he had got about 1,000 over the time he had been holding the drugs. He said he had fallen into financial trouble and those involved had information on him so that he was unable to extricate himself. He said he did not pack drugs, only hold them. The court heard he was separated from his wife and had lived in the cabin for 5 years. Gda Martin agreed with Anne Marie Lawlor SC, defending, that Boylan had been prevailed upon by persons he came into contact with as he was a useful person for the transportation of drugs. He agreed Boylan was on the very lowest rung and at the point he was apprehended he could not extricate himself as he was under some degree of pressure. Ms Lawlor said in March 2020 Boylan's taxi business had hit a wall and prior to that he had lived a good life. She said he had made a grave error of judgement as a result of financial difficulties. She handed in a enormous amount of testimonials illustrating that Boylan had led a blameless life until he had this error of judgement. She submitted it had been accepted by the gardai that at the point he was apprehended he had no choice. Ms Lawlor said he has undertaken courses and volunteered while in custody, as well as holding a trusted position. Homegrown auto major Mahindra and Mahindra on Wednesday said it let go of 48 employees in the last 12 months due to redundancies and another 98 employees have been given 6 month's notice to find another job. Together, this comprises 1.3 percent of its white collar employees, it said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. M&M denied it eased out senior professionals from the company. Mahindra & Mahindra's Tuesday filing was in response to a BusinessToday.In story 'Mahindra fires 300 executives as slowdown stings' which said Mahindra fired these employees in its automotive and farm equipment divisions. In response to a BusinessToday.In query, M&M did not divulge the exact number of employees it had retrenched. "There have been some redundancies, but in almost all cases we offered alternate positions across the organisation," Rajeshwar Tripathi, CHRO, Automotive and Farm sector, M&M had said in a statement to BusinessToday.In on Tuesday. "In a handful of cases we had to take the difficult decision to separate." ALSO READ: Mahindra fires 300 executives as slowdown stings "Over the past 12 months we have let go 48 associates due to redundancies. In addition 98 associates have been given 6 months to find a role. The combined total (across all levels) is 1.3 percent of white collar associates within the Auto and Farm sectors," the filing said. "During the pandemic M&M has taken a series of actions consistent with our core values and strong focus on associates. There were minimal separations, as highlighted above, and no widespread layoffs." In addition to this, the decision to shut down its Italian subsidiary Pininfarina Engineering is reportedly slated to result in loss of employment of around 135 employees there. The move that was announced last October was immediately met with resistance from employees and trade unions. The filing also refuted that the company was planning to retrench employees at Mahindra Research Valley. "There are no plans for layoffs at MRV. In fact, we continue to recruit talent, which will further accelerate as we ramp up our EV strategy," the filing said. ALSO READ: Mahindra Logistics appoints Anish Shah as Chairman Mahindra also added that there were no lay offs among its blue collar workers, neither were there any salary cuts. "In fact we increased salaries across the board and paid out full performance pay," it said. On poor performance and decline in sales, the company said: "M&M has reported strong financial results in Q3, coming out of COVID with a strong growth momentum. Consolidated Q3 PAT before exceptional items was up 305% vs prior year. M&M stock price is up 200% since Apr 1, compared to 73% for Sensex". Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Sorry! This content is not available in your region The FBI released footage of a person laying pipe bomb explosives before the Capitol Breach. Several of these homemade explosives were placed on the night before January 6. Pipe Bomb Layer Caught on Camera Before Capitol Breach This Capitol incident was the worst case of unrest that was proven not to be ex-president Trump's. Instead, this new video evidence points to a deeper plot on that day. Last Tuesday, the FBI had sent out new footage of the person laying two pipe bombs within the Capitol Hill suburbs. The timestamp of the video read as January 5, which was the night before the Capitol incident, reported the Epoch Times. When the authorities checked the homemade EODS or explosive ordnance devices at the Republican committee (RNC) headquarters and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, no one knows why they were placed in these places and who did it. Steven D'Antuono, the assistant director, based in the FBI's Washington field office, released a statement on the incident. He said the makeshift bombs that could have exploded would have resulted in injuries and killed someone outright. He asked for help from the public to find the culprit who placed these lethal devices. Identifying the suspect will ensure that no one will be hurt. The #FBI has released a video of the person who placed pipe bombs placed near Capitol Hill between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5. If you recognize this persons gait, body language, or mannerisms, submit a tip at https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Tips can remain anonymous. @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/tCqM6ipVZz FBI (@FBI) March 9, 2021 Experts at the Federal Bureau of Investigations say the explosive pipe bombs were laid at exactly 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 5. The exact location of the EODS was at the building that was close to the Capitol building. One of the bombs was hidden in an alley behind the RNC; another was installed on a DNC building bench park. Also read: Capitol Police Chief Apologizes for Being Unprepared During the January 6 The Federal Bureau of Investigation released the suspect's public pictures and other clues that might identify him. These were his shoes, devices, and kitchen timers, that will prompt anyone to come forward about the perpetrator's identity. In the video, the person wore light grey Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo and wore a grey hooded sweatshirt. On his back was a backpack to carry the pipe bombs. When the Capitol Police found the bomb found at the Republican committee headquarters, the Metropolitan Police Department dealt with the one at the DNC. Steven Sund, who resigned later, gave the senate a debrief on the joint hearing incident. Sund remarked that dealing with the two bombs was complicated, added that the FBI bomb squad had to deactivate them. More than one law enforcement body had to be involved, with an investigation ongoing. Before the Capitol incident, the bombs were found and rendered safe before marchers went by. Later they were accused of being allegedly Trump supporters that were contradicted. According to an acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, the bomb was the real deal equipped with explosive igniters and timers. The EODS were foot-long pipes with end caps that had wiring going to the timer. Why no one ever detonated them was a mystery. FBI officials are asking to watch the person who laid bombs before the Capitol Breach on January 5. A reward was offered if the information would lead to catching him. Related article: Republicans Slam Use of Metal Detectors in House Chamber Access, Calls It Unnecessary @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Astronauts face many challenges to their health, due to the exceptional conditions of spaceflight. Among these are a variety of infectious microbes that can attack their suppressed immune systems. Now, in the first study of its kind, Cheryl Nickerson, lead author Jennifer Barrila and their colleagues describe the infection of human cells by the intestinal pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium during spaceflight. They show how the microgravity environment of spaceflight changes the molecular profile of human intestinal cells and how these expression patterns are further changed in response to infection. In another first, the researchers were also able to detect molecular changes in the bacterial pathogen while inside the infected host cells. The results offer fresh insights into the infection process and may lead to novel methods for combatting invasive pathogens during spaceflight and under less exotic conditions here on earth. The results of their efforts appear in the current issue of the Nature Publishing Group journal npj Microgravity. Mission control In the study, human intestinal epithelial cells were cultured aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-131, where a subset of the cultures were either infected with Salmonella or remained as uninfected controls. The new research uncovered global alterations in RNA and protein expression in human cells and RNA expression in bacterial cells compared with ground-based control samples and reinforces the team's previous findings that spaceflight can increase infectious disease potential. Nickerson and Barrila, researchers in the Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, along with their colleagues, have been using spaceflight as a unique experimental tool to study how changes in physical forces, like those associated with the microgravity environment, can alter the responses of both the host and pathogen during infection. Nickerson is also a professor in the School of Life Sciences at ASU. In an earlier series of pioneering spaceflight and ground-based spaceflight analogue studies, Nickerson's team demonstrated that the spaceflight environment can intensify the disease-causing properties or virulence of pathogenic organisms like Salmonella in ways that were not observed when the same organism was cultured under conventional conditions in the laboratory. The studies provided clues as to the underlying mechanisms of the heightened virulence and how it might be tamed or outwitted. However, these studies were done when only the Salmonella were grown in spaceflight and the infections were done when the bacteria were returned to Earth. "We appreciate the opportunity that NASA provided our team to study the entire infection process in spaceflight, which is providing new insight into the mechanobiology of infectious disease that can be used to protect astronaut health and mitigate infectious disease risks," Nickerson says of the new study. "This becomes increasingly important as we transition to longer human exploration missions that are further away from our planet." Probing a familiar adversary Salmonella strains known to infect humans continue to ravage society, as they have since antiquity, causing around 1.35 million foodborne infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The pathogen enters the human body through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, where it attaches and invades into intestinal tissue. The infection process is a dynamic dance between host and microbe, its rhythm dictated by the biological and physical cues present in the tissue's environment. Despite decades of intensive research, scientists still have much to learn about the subtleties of pathogenic infection of human cells. Invasive bacteria like Salmonella have evolved sophisticated countermeasures to human defenses, allowing them to flourish under hostile conditions in the human stomach and intestine to stealthily evade the immune system, making them highly effective agents of disease. The issue is of particular medical concern for astronauts during spaceflight missions. Their immune systems and gastrointestinal function are altered by the rigors of space travel, while the effects of low gravity and other variables of the spaceflight environment can intensify the disease-causing properties of hitchhiking microbes, like Salmonella. This combination of factors poses unique risks for space travelers working hundreds of miles above the earth--far removed from hospitals and appropriate medical care. As technology advances, it is expected that space travel will become more frequent--for space exploration, life sciences research, and even as a leisure activity (for those who can afford it). Further, extended missions with human crews are on the horizon for NASA and perhaps space-voyaging companies like SpaceX, including trips to the Moon and Mars. A failure to keep bacterial infections at bay could have dire consequences. Hide and Seq In the current study, human intestinal epithelial cells, the prime target for invasive Salmonella bacteria, were infected with Salmonella during spaceflight. The researchers were keen to examine how the spaceflight setting affected the transcription of human and bacterial DNA into RNA, as well as the expression of the resulting suite of human proteins produced from the RNA code, products of a process known as translation. The research involved the close examination of transcriptional profiles of both the pathogenic Salmonella and the human cells they attack, as well as the protein expression profiles of the human cells to gauge the effects of the spaceflight environment on the host-pathogen dynamic. To accomplish this, researchers used a revolutionary method known as dual RNA-Seq, which applied deep sequencing technology to enable their evaluation of host and pathogen behavior under microgravity during the infection process and permitted a comparison with the team's previous experiments conducted aboard the Space Shuttle. The host and pathogen data recovered from spaceflight experiments were compared with those obtained when cells were grown on earth in identical hardware and culture conditions (e.g., media, temperature). Earth and sky Earlier studies by Nickerson and her colleagues demonstrated that ground-based spaceflight analogue cultures of Salmonella exhibited global changes in their transcriptional and proteomic (protein) expression, heightened virulence, and improved stress resistance--findings similar to those produced during their experiments on STS-115 and STS-123 Space Shuttle missions. However, these previous spaceflight studies were done when only the Salmonella were grown in spaceflight and the infections were done when the bacteria were returned to Earth. In contrast, the new study explores for the first time, a co-culture of human cells and pathogen during spaceflight, providing a unique window into the infection process. The experiment, called STL-IMMUNE, was part of the Space Tissue Loss payload carried aboard STS-131, one of the last four missions of the Space Shuttle prior to its retirement. The human intestinal epithelial cells were launched into space (or maintained in a laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center for ground controls) in three-dimensional (3-D) tissue culture systems called hollow fiber bioreactors. The hollow fiber bioreactors each contained hundreds of tiny, porous straw-like fibers coated with collagen upon which the intestinal cells attached and grew. These bioreactors were maintained in the Cell Culture Module, an automated hardware system which pumped warm, oxygenated cell culture media through the tiny fibers to keep the cells healthy and growing until they were ready for infection with Salmonella. Once in orbit, astronauts aboard STS-131 activated the hardware. Eleven days later, S. Typhimurium cells were automatically injected into a subset of the hollow fiber bioreactors, where they encountered their target--a layer of human epithelial cells. The RNA-Seq and proteomic profiles showed significant differences between uninfected intestinal epithelial cultures in space vs those on earth. These changes involved major proteins important for cell structure as well as genes important for maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier, cell differentiation, proliferation, wound healing and cancer. Based on their profiles, uninfected cells exposed to spaceflight may display a reduced capacity for proliferation, relative to ground control cultures. Infections far from home Human intestinal epithelial cells act as critical sentinels of innate immune function. The results of the experiment showed that spaceflight can cause global changes to the transcriptome and proteome of human epithelial cells, both infected and uninfected. During spaceflight, 27 RNA transcripts were uniquely altered in intestinal cells in response to infection, once again establishing the unique influence of the spaceflight environment on the host-pathogen interaction. The researchers also observed 35 transcripts which were commonly altered in both space-based and ground-based cells, with 28 genes regulated in the same direction. These findings confirmed that at least a subset of the infection biosignatures that are known to occur on Earth also occur during spaceflight. Compared with uninfected controls, infected cells in both environments displayed gene regulation associated with inflammation, a signature effect of Salmonella infection. Bacterial transcripts were also simultaneously detected within the infected host cells and indicated upregulation of genes associated with pathogenesis, including antibiotic resistance and stress responses. The findings help pave the way for improved efforts to safeguard astronaut health, perhaps through the use of nutritional supplements or probiotic microbes. Ongoing studies of this kind, to be performed aboard the International Space Station and other space habitats, should further illuminate the many mysteries associated with pathogenic infection and the broad range of human illnesses for which they are responsible. "Before we began this study, we had extensive data showing that spaceflight completely reprogrammed Salmonella at every level to become a better pathogen," Barrila says. "Separately, we knew that spaceflight also impacted several important structural and functional features of human cells that Salmonella normally exploits during infections on earth. However, there was no data showing what would happen when both cell types met in the microgravity environment during infection. Our study indicates that there are some pretty big changes in the molecular landscape of the intestinal epithelium in response to spaceflight, and this global landscape appears to be further altered during infection with Salmonella." This work was done in collaboration with scientists from the NASA Johnson Space Center, NASA Ames Research Center, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tissue Genesis, and the Department of Defense (DoD). Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. A pandemic poses an even greater challenge for the estimated 3 million South Africans who classify as disabled. The coronavirus pandemic has taken the unique toll on a community of blind burn victims. Mary Louise Ganyile was born with albinism, low vision and poor hearing. She married and bore 11 children. Then, at the age of 29, she realized she was going totally blind. That sense of helplessness drove her to attempt suicide. Now, more than two decades later, stress is again bearing down on her. Like many members of South Africas 3 million member disabled community, she said the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt her severe hardship. But this time, shes not defeated. Shes angry. Our government doesnt care about us. That COVID -- I did not hear anyone, from the radio or from the TV, to say the government is holding a workshop or anything to help the people living with disabilities. I didnt hear anything. So, to me, our government just put us behind, she said. President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed his nation numerous times in the year since the pandemic started. In them, hes addressed the nations fears and announced a raft of social and economic interventions. But Ganyile said he hasnt spoken about the unique toll the pandemic has taken on the disabled community. Members of South Africas blind community say the pandemic restrictions -- from lockdowns to social distancing -- have dealt a huge blow to their independence. The gloves and masks used to protect against COVID-19 blunt their senses of smell and touch, and social distancing limits how other people can physically guide them. Bronwen Jones started a home and school in 2003 for young burn victims, many of whom are blind. It started with Dorah, her now 26-year-old daughter, who she adopted as a young child. Dorah was badly burned as an infant and lost her eyes, nose and hands. Dorah is a fixture in her Johannesburg neighborhood and, before the pandemic, was often seen walking the streets or browsing local shops with friends. Her mother lives in fear of what will happen if she gets the coronavirus. The powers that be would probably say she could die because they don't care about very disabled people and they don't want to spend money on them, and they make a judgment about highly disabled people and they think their lives aren't worth living. So that is brutally scary, that they think people's lives are worth nothing," said Dorah. Running an institution for disabled children has been especially rough during this pandemic, Jones said. Donations have dried up, and keeping the children safe from viral exposure is a constant challenge. But Jones says when shes down, she looks to her daughter and the other kids in her home. She says these children have already mastered something their abled counterparts are only now learning how to do: survive. (If you are having thoughts of suicide, please visit https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/Africa/ for a list of hotlines in Africa. In South Africa, the hotline number is 0800 12 13 14.) Advertisement Myanmar's military junta has paid $2million to a Canadian lobbying firm to help 'explain the real situation' in the strife-torn country it emerged today. The top brass have recruited former Israeli intelligence officer Ari Ben-Menashe and his Montreal-based firm Dickens and Madson to help press their case overseas, including in the United States and at the United Nations. It comes as armed police carried out dawn raids in a neighbourhood of Rangoon (Yangon) known for housing workers of the nearby Ma Hlwa Kone train station after unionists vowed to strike nationwide. Officers were seen firing shots as protesters fled their barricades in terror. The strike threat came in response to the crackdown on demonstrations in which more than 60 people have been killed since the coup which ousted Oxford-graduate Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. Demonstrators hold makeshift shields during a protest against the military coup in Myanmar on Wednesday morning. Armed police carried out dawn raids in a neighbourhood of Rangoon known for housing workers of the nearby Ma Hlwa Kone train station after unionists vowed to strike nationwide A man runs near a burning a roadblock set on fire by military personnel at a railway staff compound during a raid in Rangoon (Yangon), Myanmar, on Wednesday morning Military personnel patrol near a railway staff compound during a raid in the capital of Myanmar on Wednesday morning Demonstrators gather on the street during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar on Wednesday In other developments, it was reported a school principal who died of unknown causes after being taken into custody by security forces, while in New York, the U.N. Security Council failed to agree on a statement that would have condemned the coup in Myanmar, called for restraint by the military and threatened to consider 'further measures'. The Dickens and Madson agreement came to light after dossiers were filed to the US Justice Department outlining the terms. Dickens and Madson agreed to lobby the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Russia and other countries as well as at the UN and African Union and other international organisations on behalf of the Myanmar republic. 'The agreement between the parties is for the payment of fees and expenses in the amount of $2,000,000.00 US to be paid by the foreign principal to the Registrant when legally permissible by controlling jurisdictions,' the document says. Part of the firm's remit is 'to assist in explaining the real situation in the country', while lobbying to get international sanctions lifted. Myanmar's generals have shown no sign of heeding calls for restraint amid escalating violence despite mounting international pressure, including targeted sanctions by Western powers. Ben-Menashe, who describes himself as a former Israeli intelligence officer, has been involved in controversy in the past. He was arrested in the late 1980s on US allegations that he sold military aircraft to Iran. The case went to trial, but he was acquitted. In the early 2000s he was a key figure in a treason case brought against a Zimbabwean opposition leader, while in 2019 his firm signed a $1 million deal to lobby for a jailed Tunisian presidential hopeful. He was also implicated in a scandal in Canada that led to the resignation of the chairman of a parliamentary committee responsible for monitoring the country's spy service. This morning, police sealed off the Mingalar Taung Nyunt railway workers' neighbourhood. Photos and video on social media showed officers blocking streets and what was said to be people escaping. At least three arrests were reported but it was not immediately possible to independently confirm that. The raid comes just days after several Myanmar unions, including the Myanmar Railway Worker's Union Federation, issued a joint call for a nationwide work stoppage. The statement said the strike would be part of a broader effort for 'the full, extended shutdown of the Myanmar economy.' Anti-coup protesters retreat from the frontlines after discharging fire extinguishers towards a line of riot policemen on Wednesday morning Anti-coup protesters watch from front lines in Yangon, Myanmar Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Myanmar has been roiled by protests and other acts of civil disobedience since the Feb. 1 coup that toppled elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government just as it was to start its second term Anti-coup protesters standing behind makeshift barricades watch a line of riot policemen in Yangon, Myanmar Wednesday People flee away to safety during a protest in Rangoon on Wednesday morning Armed soldiers and a policeman watch as a resident walk in Yangon, Myanmar on Wednesday Myanmar has been embroiled by protests and other acts of civil disobedience since the February 1 coup that toppled elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government just as it was to start its second term. The coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy in the Southeast Asian nation after five decades of military rule. Security forces have responded with mass arrests and at times lethal force. At least 60 protesters have been killed since the military takeover, according to the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Authorities have also moved to shut down independent reporting on the situation, both through arrests of journalists the closure of media outlets. Despite the increasingly violent tactics of security forces, protests continued Wednesday in cities and towns across the country, including Yangon, Mandalay, Monywa, Dawei and Myitkyina. State railway workers were among the earliest organized supporters of the protest movement and their strike began soon after the coup. People flee away to safety during a protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Wednesday morning People flee away to safety during a protest in Mandalay People flee away to safety during a protest in Rangoon on Wednesday A man runs near a burning a roadblock set on fire by military personnel at a railway staff compound during a raid in Yangon Soldiers stand next to a burning barricade, erected by protesters then set on fire by soldiers, during a crackdown on demonstrations against the military coup in Insein township in Yangon Police last month made an effort at intimidating railway workers in Mandalay, the country's second-biggest city, by roaming through their housing area one night, shouting and randomly firing guns. The junta now in control of the country, formally called the State Administration Council, indirectly acknowledged the effectiveness of the rail strike. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper in a Tuesday report on a junta meeting, cited officials as saying that rail transport between Yangon-Mandalay would resume 'in the near future.' It also acknowledged that the banking sector has been affected by the protest movement. The dawn raid on the railway workers followed another night of intimidation by police marching through residential areas in several cities after an 8 p.m. curfew, firing guns and stun grenades, and staging selective raids to arrest people. There were more reports Tuesday of protesters dying in custody after being arrested. The latest was a school principal who died of unknown causes after being taken into custody by security forces, according to media reports and an activist who knew him. Protesters carry bricks to construct a makeshift barricade to deter security forces during demonstrations against the military coup Tuesday A paramedic displays a rubber pellet, extracted from a resident, who was shot at as security force destroyed barricades erected by protesters against the military coup Tuesday A protester gestures in front of a makeshift barricades made of bricks to block the road, as part of efforts to deter security forces during demonstrations against the military coup Tuesday Previously, an activist with Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party died in custody. Witnesses said his body had wounds consistent with torture, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 1,930 people have been arrested in connection with the coup. Dozens of journalists have been arrested, including Thein Zaw of The Associated Press, who has been charged under a public order law that carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. Authorities continued their assault on the media on Tuesday, raiding the offices of Kamayut Media and detaining its co-founder and editor-in-chief. The military also raided the offices of Mizzima, an online news service. No one was arrested in the latter raid, though equipment was vandalized and property was taken away. The military government on Monday announced that the licenses of five local media outlets - Mizzima, DVB, Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News - had been canceled. All five had been offering extensive coverage of the protests. In New York, talks are expected to continued following the U.N. Security Council's failure to agree a statement, diplomats said. China, Russia, India and Vietnam all suggested amendments late on Tuesday to a British draft, including removal of the reference to a coup and the threat to consider further action. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. VERNON, N.Y. The Food Bank of Central New York will hold a food distribution event at Vernon Downs Casino on March 27, after donating $50,000 to the pantry to support its services. The food giveaway will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but people must sign up ahead of time. To register for the food distribution, click here. Vernon Downs donates to the food bank annually, contributing $630,000 since 2009. Today, the Apple Womens Health Study team at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health released a preliminary study update, offering pioneering scientific insights on women and their menstrual symptoms, made possible through the innovative research methodology of the Research app. The update, based on a cohort of 10,000 participants and inclusive of varying ages and races across the US, highlights how large-scale, longitudinal research on menstruation can help advance the science around womens health and destigmatize menstruation. The landmark studys first set of data is significant in its scope and scale, offering insights into menstruation and the experiences of women across the US Many physicians regard womens menstrual cycles as an important window into their overall health, but the topic is notably under-researched. Medical research on menstruation has often been limited to studies of smaller sizes, which are not representative of the broader population. Without substantial scientific data, womens menstrual symptoms have historically lent themselves to dismissal, or have even been minimized as overreaction or oversensitivity. (Click on image to Enlarge) Through the Research app, the Apple Womens Health Study invites women across the US to contribute to research simply by using their iPhone, and Apple Watch if they have one. The landmark study allows for collection of a comprehensive set of cycle tracking and other health data, strengthened through participant surveys, from individuals across various stages of their life, varying races, and throughout all US states and territories. Participants control the data types shared with the study, with transparency into how the data will be used for the purposes of the study. (Click on image to Enlarge) Harvard Chan School researchers preliminary analysis of data, from a cohort of the first 10,000 participants to enroll in the study and respond to a demographics survey, validates womens experiences of a wide range of menstrual cycle symptoms including some that are less commonly known or discussed. The most frequently tracked symptoms were abdominal cramps, bloating, and tiredness, all of which were experienced by more than 60 percent of participants who logged symptoms. More than half of the participants who logged symptoms reported acne and headaches. Some less widely recognized symptoms, like diarrhea and sleep changes, were tracked by 37 percent of participants logging symptoms. Initial analysis also suggests these symptom trends hold true across a wide range of demographics, including age, race, and geographic location. For example, across Black, Hispanic, and white participants, the most commonly reported symptoms were abdominal cramps, bloating, and tiredness. Our study will help to achieve a more gender equal future, in which all people with menstrual cycles have access to the health services and menstrual products needed to feel safe and empowered, said Dr. Michelle Williams, Dean of the Faculty at Harvard Chan School. By building a robust generalizable knowledge base, the Apple Womens Health Study is helping us understand factors that make menstruation difficult and isolating for some people, in addition to elevating awareness of a monthly experience shared by women around the world. These findings take us a step further in validating and destigmatizing period symptoms, said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apples vice president of Health. Harvard Chan researchers are leaders in the field on this critically important subject, and we couldnt be more proud to support and help scale their efforts through the Research app. The study team will further investigate the preliminary data and submit a detailed analysis, including a breakdown of methods, for peer review and journal publication. The preliminary data we are sharing today suggests women across the country have a shared experience of a wide range of menstrual symptoms, and that this natural monthly occurrence is something we should be having more discussions about, said Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, one of the studys principal investigators and an assistant professor of environmental, reproductive, and womens health at the Harvard Chan School. We look forward to continuing our work to create a long-term, foundational data set over time, which can inspire more research going forward. The Apple Womens Health Study is a first-of-its-kind research study that aims to advance the understanding of menstrual cycles and how they relate to various health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, and menopausal transition. iPhone and Apple Watch users across the US download the Research app to enroll in the study, conducted in partnership with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the NIHs National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Participants must be at least 18 years old (at least 19 years old in Alabama and Nebraska and at least 21 years old in Puerto Rico) and have menstruated at least once in their life. County library to unveil story walk project in Vanderbilt The Otsego County Library is hosting a ceremony Saturday to formally open the latest story walk project. ALONE, the organisation which supports older people, is reflecting on a year supporting an increasing number of older people in need amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. One year ago, ALONEs National Support line became the gateway to their multi-disciplinary supportive services and allowed them to reach a growing cohort of older people in need of support. Their National Support Line quickly became the leading national number for Community Call, an initiative that links local and national Government with the community and voluntary sectors to provide support to older people and those who are at risk at this time. As a member organisation of the National Public Health Emergency COVID-19 Subgroup for Vulnerable People, ALONE has worked in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE to provide a coordinated national response to support older people who have concerns, may be at risk or who have contracted COVID-19. ALONEs Strategic Plan outlines the projections of an ageing population and the supports needed in order to cater for a growing age group. Having established clear goals from the outset pre-pandemic, this was key to how ALONE were able to mobilise a rapid response in every county. Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, ALONE volunteers and staff have been working alongside older people for over forty years now. We grow in strength each and every year with the important relationships we build and services that we develop. For over a year now, our lives have been put on hold as a result of COVID-19, with older people among the worst affected by the impact of the pandemic on their lives. The support we have received from our partner organisations, ambassadors, community groups and individuals since the arrival of COVID-19 in Ireland has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our National Support Line has been a lifeline for older people across the country during dark times over the past year and we will continue this work until the threat of the pandemic has passed and beyond, he continued. Our National Support Line will continue to be the gateway to accessing our services and we endeavour to keep providing and expanding these services to accommodate for those who require them. We have accomplished so much over the last year but we are still working with older people who are struggling every day to provide assistance, support and reassurance. We must continue to protect our ageing population following the sacrifices that they have made in the past year and provide the necessary supports for older people both now and when things begin to return to normality. Since March 9, 2020, and around 365 days later, ALONEs National Support Line has received in excess of 43,429 calls for support. ALONE coordinated the National Support Line to be in operation from 8am 8pm, seven days a week, ultimately increasing their capabilities as an organisation, to provide support on greater scale. Subsequent to this, ALONE staff and volunteers have placed more than 110,141 calls to older people who have been linked in with their services. The organisation has increased its weekly volume of older people seeking ongoing support as they now assist up to 2,426 older people weekly with challenges spanning across loneliness, health, finance, housing, accessing services, COVID-19 and other issues. While 75% of callers to ALONE live ALONE, 31% of these callers are between 75-90 years of age. ALONE staff have put 9,228 support plans in place for those who have called with an issue so that we develop a solution to the problem. ALONEs support plans can provide a point of contact for access to health, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and other services and activities to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Their Support Coordination services have been transformed through collaborative relationships with the Local Authorities, the Gardai, the GAA, partners in the Statutory, Community and Voluntary Sectors. ALONE have continuously evolved their relationships with partner organisations stating, without them, they would not have been able to achieve what they have. The organisation has seen a huge increase to the number of volunteers since the onset of the pandemic, with the total figure currently over 2,645. ALONE has trained 589 volunteers to work with older people over the past year, with the first ever online volunteer training taking place on April 10th, 2020. ALONE has also implemented technology to help older people through the pandemic, installing various devices for older people across the country in order to keep them connected and help them through the pandemic. ALONE supplied and installed 356 Assistive Technology devices in 2020 and worked on a partner collaboration resulting in the delivery of 1,068 phones to older people across the Country. Contact ALONE if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Their National Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am 8pm on 0818 222 024. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie. A new super-resolution system microscopy can assess the pluripotency and differentiation of live stem cells, spearheading a new era in stem-cell research and systems biology. This technology can help in cancer research and development of treatments You might have heard about "stem cells" in the news or in popular science documentaries and wondered if they could one day help you or a loved one treat an injury or a serious disease. Indeed, since their initial discovery in the 1960s there has been a growing interest in research and treatments in this field. For the uninitiated, stems cells are essentially the body's raw materials. Found in embryos as well as in adults, they are cells from which all other cells with specialised functions are generated. Under the right conditions, in the body or in a laboratory, stem cells divide to form "daughter cells". These daughters can either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialised cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cells in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types. To better understand and exploit their potential, an FET open project called CellViewer was launched in 2016. Led by the Fundacio Institut De Ciencies Fotoniques in Barcelona, it brought together internationally recognized academic and industry experts in the fields of stem cell and chromatin biology, super-resolution microscopy, quantitative modeling of biological systems, and hardware and software development. The aim was to develop a prototype of a high-throughput super-resolution automated microscope that can visualize single live cells at the DNA, mRNA and proteins levels. In a first application of the technology, CellViewer studied the self-renewal and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) during specific stimuli. Single, live cells were cultured in pluripotency or differentiation conditions to obtain high resolution images of the stem cell genes, mRNA and proteins of interest. Software programs developed by the project were then used to collect all the high-resolution data and develop predictive models revealing the pluripotency or differentiation state of the cells. Combined with automation software, the super resolution microscope doesn't require users to have in-depth knowledge about the machine, making it both more broadly accessible and affordable. Indeed, one of the main achievements of CellViewer is the HERMES SR project, funded under the FET Innovation Launchpad, which built a super resolution microscope capable of very fast imaging of many individual cells at the same time. This tool can help detecting and studying cancer samples. Researchers and doctors hope stem cell studies will help to increase understanding of how diseases occur and to generate healthy cells to replace the diseased ones (regenerative medicine). This research will also aid in testing new drugs for safety and effectiveness, by monitoring how specifically programmed daughter cells react to certain treatments. The outcomes of the CellViewer project are uniquely suited to bringing systems biology, the computational and mathematical analysis and modelling of complex biological systems, into the era of single cell analysis, which will be a paradigm shift in the way cellular systems can be studied. Of all the high-traffic rooms in a house, the bathroom is one of the most popular targets for homeowners hoping to make renovations that they will enjoy and that will impress potential buyers. A recent study from HomeAdvisor showed that Americans spent an average of $13,138 on home improvements in 2020, up 45% year over year. About one-third of those renovations went into bathroom revamps, making them the second most popular upgrade. (Painting interior walls came out on top.) Whether you're putting your house on the market or planning to stay put, making your bathroom more user-friendly and stylish should be at the top of your to-do list. Luckily, updating your loo doesn't mean you have to spend a small fortune or undertake a multiweek renovation. You can make an impact in just five minutes! We spoke with design and home-selling experts to assess which bathroom tweaks you should tackle, based on how much time you have to dedicate to the project. Here are some of their suggestions. If you have 5 minutes With just a few minutes, homeowners can transform their bathrooms aesthetic. Replacing ratty or plain towels with nice hand towels is fast and easy, and adds a touch of luxury for buyers, says Sydney Brisco, a home improvement specialist and founder of Just a Homeowner in Springfield, OR. Older shower-heads can also quickly be replaced with something sleek and modern, she adds. Cost: Each fix is $15 and up. One of the biggest issues in this high-traffic zone is odor. Nip that issue in the budand improve the look of the spacewith fresh flowers, says Marina Vaamonde, a commercial real estate investor and founder of PropertyCashin in Bellaire, TX. Fresh, aromatic flowers add a natural floral scent and provide an elegant visual welcome, she says. I tell clients to arrange jasmine, lavender, or ylang-ylang in a classic vase that complements the bathrooms colors and overall design. Cost: $4 and up If you have 30 minutes Spending just a half-hour on a few tweaks will seriously rev up your bathrooms cachet. Simple framed photos or a few classic art prints can instantly add sophistication and appeal, says Kelly Marohl of Baltimore, a home design expert at The Greenspring Home blog. Order high-resolution prints of your photos or works of art from CVS, Walmart, Shutterfly, or other online sources. Purchase matching frames, assemble your new artwork, and hang it in the bathroom. Cost: Prints start at around 20 cents per print. Simple picture frames start at around $10. If you have 1 hour Most homes come with generic hardware that tends to age quickly. If you have an hour, its feasible to replace cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, or a sink faucet, even for the DIY-challenged. It will take about an hour for non-pros to do, says Jenna Shaughnessy, an interior designer at Jenna Kate at Home in Boston. Get rid of the old satin nickel, and upgrade to matte black, polished chrome, or satin brass, she recommends. Cost: $40 and up This one isnt fun, but it can make a world of difference. Its human nature to notice other peoples messes more than our own, so put yourself in the place of a potential home buyer, and prepare to do a deep and thorough cleaning of your bathroom. Use a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and blue toilet cleaner on bathroom tile grout," says Sarah Renard, a real estate broker with Windermere Realty Trust in Portland, OR. Just mix it up, let it sit for 10 minutes, and scrub out the gunk with a toothbrush. It can also be used on problem stains in the tub and toilet. Cost: About $10 If you have 3 hours An afternoons worth of time will deliver a serious bathroom upgrade. Shaughnessy recommends starting with the walls and adding texture by applying wainscoting panels. Wainscoting is a beautiful choice for any style of bathroom, and will instantly add elegance and brightness to a space, she says. It's prefabricated, easy to mount, and disguises signs of wear and tear. Cost: Wainscoting ranges from $1 to $40 per square foot, depending on the material (whether medium-density fiberboard, plywood, or luxury solid wood). If you're looking to go all out with a new wall treatment, try some chic peel-and-stick wallpaper. It can really add a punch, and the paper isnt permanent like traditional wallpaper, making it an easy tweak, says Renard. Cost: More expensive peel-and-stick wallpaper goes for $175-plus per roll. Less expensive options cost around $10 to $30. If you have a weekend When was your bathroom last updated? If the answer is 10 years ago or more, it probably looks outdated compared with other homes on the market. Often, homeowners dont want to do a lot of work before they put their home on the market. But if you have an outdated bathroom, replacing the vanity and flooring will be the best thing you can do to sell your home, says Jennifer Petreccia, an associate at Re/Max Advantage Group in Warwick, RI. New flooring can also do wonders to modernize your bathroom, so look into installing new waterproof-vinyl plank flooring (to provide the appearance of hardwood) or tile. Cost: $500 and up for a new vanity and flooring (based on the size of your bathroom and the materials you choose). Unless you are handy and can do it yourself, you'll also have to factor in the cost of labor. The post 10 Best Bathroom Improvement Projects, Based on How Much Time You Have appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Sir Keir Starmer demanded MPs be allowed to vote on pay increases for NHS workers, as he accused Boris Johnson of breaking promise after promise. The Labour leader warned nurses face a real-terms cut and said the Prime Minister was choosing to shut the door in their face at the first opportunity, having previously clapped for carers. But Mr Johnson repeatedly claimed a pay increase would be delivered for NHS workers, defended his Governments spending record and said he would see what the independent pay review body reports back. The Government has proposed giving some NHS staff in England a 1% pay rise, despite an expectation from health bosses that it would be 2.1%. Speaking at Prime Ministers questions, Sir Keir said: A 1% rise versus 1.7% inflation rise, that is a real-terms cut, and if the Prime Minister doesnt understand that, we really are in trouble. They can afford to give Dominic Cummings a 40% pay rise, and they cant afford to reward the NHS properly. The mask really is slipping, and we can see what the Conservative Party now stands for: cutting pay for nurses, putting taxes up for families. Hes had the opportunity to change course, but hes refused. So if hes so determined to cut NHS pay, will he at least show some courage and put it to a vote in Parliament? Mr Johnson replied: The last time we put it to a vote, he (Mr Starmer) voted against it. Were increasing pay for nurses, were massively increasing our investment in the NHS. Were steering a steady course, whereas he weaves and wobbles from one week to the next. Labour later pushed back on the Prime Ministers claim that they had previously voted against the document outlining the 2.1% pay increase. Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons, London (PA) Sir Keir had said: Two years ago he made a promise to the NHS, here in black and white, his document, it commits to a minimum pay rise of 2.1%. Its being budgeted for and now its being taken away. He shakes his head his MPs voted for it. So why, after everything the NHS has done for us, is he now breaking promise after promise? Mr Johnson replied: He voted against the document in question to crown the absurdity of his point. Raising a point of order after PMQs, shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth accused Mr Johnson of misleading MPs. As he rose to his feet, Mr Johnson hurriedly exited the chamber. Mr Ashworth said: The Prime Minister twice from that despatch box said that the Labour opposition voted against the NHS Funding Bill and the 2.1% increase for NHS staff this is not the case. Indeed, in the debate, as Hansard will show, I was explicit that we would not be dividing the House. So can you, Mr Speaker, use your good office to get the Prime Minister to return to the House and correct the record? And do you agree, Mr Speaker, that if the Prime Minister wants to cut nurses pay he should have the courage of his convictions to bring a vote back to the House? Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: It is certainly a point of clarification that part has been achieved. Downing Street indicated that Mr Johnson would not apologise or correct the record, but did not dispute that he was incorrect. The Prime Ministers press secretary Allegra Stratton told reporters: The key thing is that this was dealt with swiftly and the Speaker who has enormous respect and authority in Parliament regards it as a point of clarification and it has now been dealt with. Asked if Mr Johnson had a problem with facts, Ms Stratton said: No, he doesnt. The Speaker addressed this as a point of clarification and it has been dealt with today. The ministerial code states that it is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to Parliament, correcting any inadvertent error at the earliest opportunity. Ms Stratton said Mr Johnson absolutely agrees with the ministerial code and in this instance the system worked because the Speaker had responded to Mr Ashworth. Ben Ward Wins GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week Main Event ($1,242,332) March 09, 2021 Christian Zetzsche The 2021 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week has officially concluded with the completion of the $10,300 Super MILLION$ Main Event. Even though it fell short of the $10 million guarantee by 24 entries, the 976-entry strong field was the biggest the flagship event has ever attracted. After just 2 1/2 hours on the last day of play, the final table wrapped up and the U.K.'s Ben Ward defeated 2019 WSOPE Main Event champion Alexandros Kolonias in a short-lived heads-up battle. Both players collected seven-figure paydays as Ward earned the top prize of $1,242,332 while Kolonias walked away with $1,000,991. Javier Gomez turned the second-shortest stack at the start of the final table into a third-place finish for $818,576. The Spanish pro was one of four players who bowed out in the span of just 15 minutes as the tournament raced to a rapid conclusion. Official Final Table Results Place Winner Country Prize 1 Ben Ward United Kingdom $1,242,332 2 Alexandros Kolonias Greece $1,000,991 3 Javier Gomez Spain $818,576 4 Sebastian "Weizen" Gaehl Germany $669,403 5 Shankar Pillai United States $547,414 6 Krasimir Yankov Bulgaria $447,657 7 Thomas Muehloecker Austria $366,078 8 Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot France $299,366 Final Table Action After the elimination of Ole Schemion on the final table bubble and the departure of Wei Zhao in the final hand of the night, only eight players remained. Ward was the narrow chip leader ahead of Krasimir Yankov and Kolonias while the four players at the bottom of the leaderboard were separated by a mere 12 blinds. The first hour was very tense and no all-in showdown took place. Shankar Pillai won a big three-way pot with a flopped set of fives to take over the lead for a few hands. However, the American subsequently was not able to keep up the momentum and dropped back into the bunch of short stacks. Upon returning from the first break, Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot was the lowest in chips and eventually got it in with ace-ten against the pocket tens of Thomas Muehloecker. No ace or sufficient broadway cards appeared and Chalot became the first casualty. Muehloecker jumped into third place but he would be the next player to go. In a pivotal flip that set the pace for the remainder of the final table, the Austrian came up second-best with ace-king against the queens of Ward. Muehloecker lost a crucial flip. Ward assumed control and it took another half an hour for the next elimination. Yankov, who started second in chips, never got much going and lost a flip to Kolonias. The Greek then also knocked out Pillai and Sebastian "Weizen" Gaehl within the next few minutes to get almost even in chips with Ward. Gomez had navigated his short stack masterfully until then to not only ladder up but mostly stay out of trouble. When Ward jammed blind-on-blind, he called with ace-queen only to see Ward's queen-jack get there thanks to a jack on the flop. Heads-up lasted just over 10 minutes in total and Kolonias won just four pots. He eventually four-bet jammed pocket nines into the ace-king suited of Ward and there was an ace in the window to seal the victory for the current Mexico resident. The final table action was also live-streamed on the GGPoker.tv Youtube and Twitch channels with cards-up coverage and commentary by Randy "nanonoko" Lew and Kevin "RotterdaM" van der Kooi. Relive all the action right here: Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. 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Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 After a year of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis and a particularly difficult winter, springs arrival this year has literal and figurative significance. Renewed sunshine and warmth themselves provide a psychological lift after this years storms and incessant cold. And the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines further raises prospects. A sound plan to vaccinate school personnel announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and his bipartisan COVID-19 Joint Task Force adds to the momentum toward normalcy. The vaccine rollout so far has been problematic primarily because demand outstrips supply. Many people who are eligible for vaccination under state and federal standards have not been able to schedule appointments. Yet, as of Friday, just over 3 million Pennsylvanians had received at least one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, and 947,000 of them had received both doses. Wolf announced that the states first 200,000 doses of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one shot, will be administered exclusively to teachers and other school personnel. Some frustrated Pennsylvanians who have been unable to secure shots complained that the policy in effect allows school employees to jump the line. But the urgency of reopening schools redefines that line. Allocating the J&J vaccines exclusively for school personnel will expedite school openings, and it will prevent further delays in distributing the Pfizer BionTech and Moderna vaccines. It might take years to calculate the degree to which millions of students have been harmed by the absence of in-person instruction. It already is certain that students in poor and rural districts, which lack the resources of more affluent districts, disproportionately have been harmed. That, combined with the social, nutritional and even psychological effects of closed schools, makes it crucial to get them back in their classrooms as soon as possible. The COVID emergency also has demonstrated the degree to which fully functioning schools undergird the broader economy. The administration plan for mass-vaccinating school personnel is timely and on the mark, and a benefit even to those who are not directly tied to school operations. Oman-based Renaissance Services has secured funding worth RO31.7 million ($82 million) for the expansion of its workers' village at Duqm region of the sultanate, reported Times of Oman. Phase One of the Renaissance Village Duqm (RSVD) had been completed out of funding from equity, shareholders bridge funding and internal surplus; and its total capacity now stands at over 23,000 beds, said the report. The new funding comes following the successful closing of debt financing deals with six leading Omani financial institutions - Bank Muscat, National Bank of Oman, Bank Dhofar, Ahli Bank, Oman Arab Bank and Al Omaniya Financial Services. The key highlights of the agreement include long-term tenure, supportive step-up repayment schedule akin to a bond structure and competitive terms mutually beneficial to the company and financiers, stated the report. Renaissance Services said the major shareholders of RSVD, comprising Royal Court Affairs, Ministry of Defence Pension Fund, Bank Muscat and Al Khonji Holding Group, had funded 40 per cent of the expansion work at the workers' village, mainly designed to accommodate the labour-force of all contracting firms in the Duqm Special Economic Zone in Oman. Bank Muscat's investment banking team was the financial advisor for RSVD on the debt financing project, while its legal advisors were Al Busaidy Mansoor Jamal and Addleshaw Goddard. Parker Solar Probe observed switchbacks traveling disturbances in the solar wind that caused the magnetic field to bend back on itself an as-yet unexplained phenomenon that might help scientists uncover more information about how the solar wind is accelerated from the Sun. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Conceptual Image Lab/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez When NASA's Parker Solar Probe sent back the first observations from its voyage to the Sun, scientists found signs of a wild ocean of currents and waves quite unlike the near-Earth space much closer to our planet. This ocean was spiked with what became known as switchbacks: rapid flips in the Sun's magnetic field that reversed direction like a zig-zagging mountain road. Scientists think piecing together the story of switchbacks is an important part of understanding the solar wind, the constant stream of charged particles that flows from the Sun. The solar wind races through the solar system, shaping a vast space weather system, which we regularly study from various vantage points around the solar systembut we still have basic questions about how the Sun initially manages to shoot out this two-million-miles-per-hour gust. Solar physicists have long known the solar wind comes in two flavors: the fast wind, which travels around 430 miles per second, and the slow wind, which travels closer to 220 miles per second. The fast wind tends to come from coronal holes, dark spots on the Sun full of open magnetic field. Slower wind emerges from parts of the Sun where open and closed magnetic fields mingle. But there is much we've still to learn about what drives the solar wind, and scientists suspect switchbacksfast jets of solar material peppered throughout ithold clues to its origins. Since their discovery, switchbacks have sparked a flurry of studies and scientific debate as researchers try to explain how the magnetic pulses form. "This is the scientific process in action," said Kelly Korreck, Heliophysics program scientist at NASA Headquarters. "There are a variety of theories, and as we get more and more data to test those theories, we get closer to figuring out switchbacks and their role in the solar wind." Magnetic fireworks On one side of the debate: a group of researchers who think switchbacks originate from a dramatic magnetic explosion that happens in the Sun's atmosphere. Signs of what we now call switchbacks were first observed by the joint NASA-European Space Agency mission Ulysses, the first spacecraft to fly over the Sun's poles. But when the data streamed down from Parker Solar Probe decades later, scientists were surprised to find so many. As the Sun rotates and its superheated gases churn, magnetic fields migrate around our star. Some magnetic field lines are open, like ribbons waving in the wind. Others are closed, with both ends or "footpoints" anchored in the Sun, forming loops that course with scorching hot solar material. One theoryinitially proposed in 1996 based on Ulysses datasuggests switchbacks are the result of a clash between open and closed magnetic fields. An analysis published last year by scientists Justin Kasper and Len Fisk of the University of Michigan further explores the 20-year-old theory. When an open magnetic field line brushes against a closed magnetic loop, they can reconfigure in a process called interchange reconnectionan explosive rearrangement of the magnetic fields that leads to a switchback shape. "Magnetic reconnection is a little like scissors and a soldering gun combined into one," said Gary Zank, a solar physicist at the University of Alabama Huntsville. The open line snaps onto the closed loop, cutting free a hot burst of plasma from the loop, while "gluing" the two fields into a new configuration. That sudden snap throws an S-shaped kink into the open magnetic field line before the loop resealsa little like, for example, the way a quick jerk of the hand will send an S-shaped wave traveling down a rope. Other research papers have looked at how switchbacks take shape after the fireworks of reconnection. Often, this means building mathematical simulations, then comparing the computer-generated switchbacks to Parker Solar Probe data. If they're a close match, the physics used to create the models may successfully help describe the real physics of switchbacks. Zank led the development of the first switchbacks model. His model suggests not one, but two magnetic whips are born during reconnection: One travels down to the solar surface and one zips out into the solar wind. Like an electric wire made from a bundle of smaller wires, each magnetic loop is made of many magnetic field lines. "What happens is, each of these individual wires reconnects, so you produce a whole slew of switchbacks in a short period of time," Zank said. Illustration of five current theories explaining how switchbacks form. Image is not to scale. Credit: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center/Miles Hatfield/Lina Tran/Mary-Pat Hrybyk Keith Zank and his team modeled the very first switchback Parker Solar Probe observed, on Nov. 6, 2018. This first model fit the observations well, encouraging the team to develop it further. The team's results were published in The Astrophysical Journal on Oct. 26, 2020. Another group of scientists, led by University of Maryland physicist James Drake, agrees on the import of interchange reconnection. But they differ when it comes to the nature of switchbacks themselves. Where others say switchbacks are a kink in a magnetic field line, Drake and his team suggest what Parker is observing is the signature of a kind of magnetic structure, called a flux rope. In Drake's simulations, the kink in the field didn't travel very far before fizzling out. "Magnetic field lines are like rubber bands, they like to snap back to their original shape," he explained. But the scientists knew the switchbacks had to be stable enough to travel out to where Parker Solar Probe could see them. On the other hand, flux ropeswhich are thought to be core components of many solar eruptionsare sturdier. Picture a magnetic striped candy cane. That's a flux rope: strips of magnetic field wrapped around a bundle of more magnetic field. Drake and his team think flux ropes could be an important part of explaining switchbacks, since they should be stable enough to travel out to where Parker Solar Probe observed them. Their studypublished in Astronomy and Astrophysics on Oct. 8, 2020lays the groundwork for building a flux rope-based model to describe the origins of switchbacks. What these scientists have in common is they think magnetic reconnection can explain not only how switchbacks form, but also how the solar wind is heated and slings out from the Sun. In particular, switchbacks are linked to the slow solar wind. Each switchback shoots a gob of hot plasma into space. "So we're asking, "If you add up all those bursts, can they contribute to the generation of the solar wind?'" Drake said. Going with the flow On the other side of the debate are scientists who believe that switchbacks form in the solar wind, as a byproduct of turbulent forces stirring it up. Jonathan Squire, space physicist at New Zealand's University of Otago, is one of them. Using computer simulations, he studied how small fluctuations in the solar wind evolved over time. "What we do is try and follow a small parcel of plasma as it moves outwards," Squire said. Each parcel of solar wind expands as it escapes the Sun, blowing up like a balloon. Waves that undulate across the Sun create tiny ripples in that plasma, ripples that gradually grow as the solar wind spreads out. "They start out first as wiggles, but then what we see is as they grow even further, they turn into switchbacks," Squire said. "That's why we feel it's quite a compelling ideait just happened by itself in the model." The team didn't have to incorporate any guesses about new physics into their modelsthe switchbacks appeared based on fairly agreed-upon solar science. Squire's model, published on Feb. 26, 2020, suggests switchbacks form naturally as the solar wind expands into space. Parts of the solar wind that expand more rapidly, he predicts, should also have more switchbacksa prediction already testable with the latest Parker dataset. Other researchers agree that switchbacks begin in the solar wind, but suspect they form when fast and slow streams of solar wind rub against one another. One October 2020 study, led by Dave Ruffolo at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, outlined this idea. Illustration of Parker Solar Probe flying through a switchback in the solar wind. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Conceptual Image Lab/Adriana Manrique Gutierrez Bill Matthaeus, a co-author on the paper and space physicist at the University of Delaware in Newark, points to the shearing at the boundary between fast and slow streams. This shearing between fast and slow creates characteristic swirls seen all over in nature, like the eddies that form as river water flows around a rock. Their models suggest that these swirls ultimately become switchbacks, curling the magnetic field lines back on themselves. But the swirls don't form immediatelythe solar wind has to be moving pretty fast before it can bend its otherwise rigid magnetic field lines. The solar wind reaches this speed about 8.5 million miles from the Sun. Mattheaus' key prediction is that when Parker gets significantly closer to the Sun than thatwhich should happen during its next close pass 6.5 million miles from the Sun, on April 29, 2021the switchbacks should disappear. "If this is the origin, then as Parker moves into the lower corona this shearing can't happen," Mattheaus said. "So, the switchbacks caused by the phenomenon we're describing should go away." One aspect of switchbacks that these solar wind models haven't yet successfully simulated is the fact that they tend to be stronger when they twist in a particular directionthe same direction of the Sun's rotation. However, both simulations were created with a Sun that was still, not rotating, which may make the difference. For these modelers, incorporating the actual rotation of the Sun is the next step. Twisting in the wind Finally, some scientists think switchbacks stem from both processes, starting with reconnection or footpoint motion at the Sun but only growing into their final shape once they get out into the solar wind. A paper published today by Nathan Schwadron and David McComas, space physicists at the University of New Hampshire and Princeton University, respectively, adopts this approach, arguing that switchbacks form when streams of fast and slow solar wind realign at their roots. After this realignment fast wind ends up "behind" slow wind, on the same magnetic field line. (Imagine a group of joggers on a race track, Olympic sprinters at their heels.) This could happen in any case where slow and fast wind meet, but most notably at the boundaries of coronal holes, where fast solar wind is born. As coronal holes migrate across the Sun, scooting underneath streams of slower solar wind, the footpoint from the slow solar wind plugs into a source of fast wind. Fast solar wind races after the slower stream ahead of it. Eventually the fast wind overtakes the slower wind, inverting the magnetic field line and forming a switchback. Schwadron thinks the motion of coronal holes and of solar wind sources across the Sun is also a key puzzle piece. Reconnection at the leading edge of coronal holes, he suggests, could explain why switchbacks tend to "zig" in a way that's aligned with the Sun's rotation. "The fact that these are oriented in this particular way is telling us something very fundamental," Schwadron said. Though it starts with the Sun, Schwadron and McComas think those reconnecting streams only become switchbacks within the solar wind, where the Sun's magnetic field lines are flexible enough to double-back on themselves. As Parker Solar Probe swoops closer and closer to the Sun, scientists will eagerly look for clues that will supportor debunktheir theories. "There are different ideas floating around," Zank said. "Eventually something will pan out." Explore further NASA explores solar wind with new view of small sun structures More information: D. Ruffolo et al. Shear-driven Transition to Isotropically Turbulent Solar Wind Outside the Alfven Critical Zone, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). D. Ruffolo et al. Shear-driven Transition to Isotropically Turbulent Solar Wind Outside the Alfven Critical Zone,(2020). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/abb594 J. Squire et al. In-situ Switchback Formation in the Expanding Solar Wind, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ab74e1 N. A. Schwadron et al. Switchbacks Explained: Super-Parker FieldsThe Other Side of the Sub-Parker Spiral, The Astrophysical Journal (2021). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/abd4e6 Human Rights Watch and 14 other nongovernmental organizations are calling on the Iranian government to immediately overturn a court order to dissolve one of the country's largest registered NGOs working on poverty alleviation, calling the decision a "new assault" on independent associations. In a joint statement issued on March 10, the human rights and civil society organizations are also urging the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the member states of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)to raise the case with Iran's government, and to "pressure them to stop further curtailing the already restricted civil space in Iran." According to the verdict published in the media last week, the Iranian court backed the Interior Ministry's assessment that Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society (IAPSRS) had "deviated" from its original mission and insulted religious beliefs. It referenced evidence that includes a statement by IAPSRS following the brutal crackdown on protesters in November 2019. The court ruling follows "years of mounting pressure" by the Iranian authorities on the group, which over the past 20 years has provided "essential support" to marginalized groups, the NGOs said in their statement. They said the group's founder, Sharmin Meymandinejad, was arrested in July 2020 and charged with "insulting the [supreme] leader and founder of the Islamic republic." He was released on bail in October. Hard-liners in Iran have in recent years criticized the charity and accused it of being misused for political purposes and damaging the Islamic republic by highlighting problems, as well as working with foreign countries and international bodies. Since 2010, IAPSRS has held special consultative status with ECOSOC and participated in side events at the UNHRC. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office has filed charges against a 79-year-old man who was shot by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputy while authorities served a search warrant at his Metairie home. James Millet was charged Monday with aggravated assault on a police officer, 10 counts of possession of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 and six counts of sexual abuse of an animal, according to Jefferson Parish court records. The animal abuse counts stem from allegations that Millet had pornography depicting people engaged in sexual contact with animals, authorities said. Millet was shot Jan. 12 as agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations executed a search warrant at his home in the 5000 block of Senac Drive in Metairie as part of a child pornography probe. Sheriff's deputies were on hand to assist, according to authorities. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Millet's wife exited the house after deputies knocked on the front door, but he remained inside. Deputies found him in a bedroom armed with a pistol, according to the Sheriff's Office. +2 79-year-old shot by JPSO deputy released from hospital, booked into jail in animal, child porn case A 79-year-old Metairie man shot by a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputy serving a search warrant at his home has been released from the Millet is accused of pointing the gun at the deputy, who shot him in the shoulder, authorities said. Millet was being held Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna in lieu of a $285,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. Srinagar, March 10 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted two terror modules and prevented IED blasts after arresting seven persons who were mostly radicalised and drawn to militancy through social media, police said on Wednesday. Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, said at a press conference here that in the last few days the Awantipore police have busted two terror modules of terrorists planning to carry out IED blasts. One of the modules was a Jaish-e-Mohammed group which was planning a car bomb blast in the Pampore area or somewhere along the National Highway. "One Sahil Nazir, a BA first year student, was being motivated for many days through Telegram and other social media apps by terrorists to manage a second hand car," he said. "He was paid money and the explosives being brought from North Kashmir were to be fitted on the car for carrying out the vehicle based IED attack." Kumar said Nazir was arrested by the Awatipore police with the help of technical intelligence. "On his questioning, two of his assistants Qaisar Ahmad from Pampore an Over Ground Worker (OGW) for two years and Mohammad Fayaz were arrested." "The car was recovered from the residence of Fayaz which was meant to be used for carrying out the IED blast. It is a Maruti car number (JK01 E 0690). A fourth terrorist associate Yasir Wani was also arrested." He said Sahil Nazir has given a confessional statement before the police that he carried out a grenade attack on the CRPF on January 25, 2021 in Pampore. Kumar said all the four have been arrested formally and investigations have started. Efforts are on to nab the OGW from North Kashmir who was to bring the IED, he said. "This is a big success and a preventive measure to stop an IED attack," he said. In a second incident, the IGP said the police busted a terrorist module that was planning to carry out an attack on the Municipal Corporation building in Awantipore on the orders of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Omar Khanday from Pampore, who was involved in a terror attack on two policemen at Bhagat Chowk in Srinagar recently. "They were planning to carry out a 'fidayeen' (suicide) attack on the municipal Commissioner office at Pampore or plant an IED there," he said. Kumar said the police arrested one Musiab Gojri. Gojri during the questioning told police that a container with 25 kg explosives was at his residence. He gave the names of two of his associates, Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh and Shahid Ahmad Shah, who have also been arrested. "They told the police that the parts required for making the IED were to come from North Kashmir," IG said. To a question on stone pelting at Nowhata in Srinagar last Friday, he said stone pelting won't be tolerated. "Srinagar police have lodged an FIR, 15 boys have been identified from videos and they are being booked under the PSA (Public Security Act). 39 persons have been arrested so far." he said. On Tuesday night, Comal ISD sent a letter to parents and teachers regarding its face mask decision. The district announced it is leaving the choice to wear a face-covering or not to the teachers and the parents, according to the letter Comal ISD sent to MySA.com. The news comes after the Texas Education Agency said school boards can determine their own face mask policy last week. TEA recommended for school boards to keep the mandate, but did not enforce it. RELATED: Texas Education Agency says school boards can determine mask policy "I'm pretty shocked," parent Matthew Niemann told MySA.com. "Other districts surrounding us all have decided to intelligently finish out the year with the mask mandate ... The TEA recommended it so it's like they are going against the grain here." While the choice falls on parents and teachers now, Comal ISD noted that quarantine protocols will still be in effect. It also strongly recommends for others to use the face coverings to protect its staff and teachers. "We know that many of you have already made a decision for your child regarding this issue, and we respect your decision," David Drastata, Comal ISD President, stated in the letter. "However, for those who are still debating as to whether or not to mask or unmask, please strongly consider following the health and safety protocols as we have been doing all year and help us create a safe and healthy environment for teachers, staff and students." READ ALSO: 'It is too early': San Antonio doctor says Abbott's decisions could lead to more cases and deaths Many on Twitter expressed their opinions on the matter, calling the district's decision disappointing. A petition on change.org is asking the Comal ISD board of trustees to reconsider their decision. The petition has 374 signatures as of Wednesday morning. "So disappointed in Comal ISD for rolling back their mask requirements before all of their teachers and staff could be fully vaccinated. Blazing a trail in the wrong direction and for all the wrong reasons," Drew Kennedy tweeted. "I struggle very much in school and almost decided to go back for the last quarter of senior year to a school that claims to prioritize campus health. Comal ISD: we are not proud of you and we do not endorse you. Teachers and students deserve to thrive in a healthy environment," @reyesofia_ wrote on her Twitter account. "All four of my children graduated from Comal ISD. It is absolutely stupid, irresponsible and arrogant to take away the masks," @Misplacedbaygi1 tweeted. Spring Break for Comal ISD begins March 15. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Next season Sebastian Vettel will get a new chance at Aston Martin. At Ferrari he was clearly outclassed by Charles Leclerc, but at Aston Martin Vettel can start again to prove himself. The German is known for his driving style, where he demands a lot of grip from the rear. At Ferrari this was lacking and he often lost the rear of his car. "The whole story around it did get a bit out of hand. I'm not more sensitive to it than other drivers. At Red Bull Racing and in the beginning at Ferrari, I could just deal with a nervous rear end very well," Vettel explained at Auto, Motor und Sport. The German expects that the new team philosophy at Aston Martin will help him. Vettel less extreme than Perez? "Of course I won't know how the car feels until we get to Bahrain, but if you look at the philosophy it's really different to what I'm used to. I hope the new philosophy suits me". At Silverstone Vettel already drove 50km in the new car for the shakedown, but the real work will happen this weekend, during the winter tests. Andy Green, technology director at Aston Martin, expects Aston Martin and Vettel to be a good match. "Seb has an individual driving style. However, it's not anything different to what we've seen before". Green makes the comparison with Sergio Perez, who had an aggressive driving style. "It was very difficult to get the setup right for all the circuits. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. Sebastian is much less extreme about this," Green concludes. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Refinery 29 UK In a country with as tight a grip on the Tudor monarchys narrative as Britain, its not surprising that after dozens of depictions of the 16th century royal family, we still cant stop talking about them. And Anne Boleyn is no exception. The latest telling of the story of Henry VIIIs second wife comes from Channel 5 and features Queen & Slims Jodie Turner-Smith in the starring role. More than just a victim of the numerous horrors Henry VIII inflicted on his wives, at its heart Boleyns story is utterly human. Her one-time status as the most powerful woman in England notwithstanding, the Channel 5 miniseries taps into the psychological and physical turmoil she would have had to endure and often attempted to outsmart. The series was conceived after discussions between historian Dan Jones, Sony Pictures, Channel 5 and Fable, the production company responsible for the BAFTA award-winning Rocks. Written by newcomer Eve Hedderwick Turner, whose idea it was to condense the timeline of Anne Boleyn to the last five months of the ill-fated queens life, the show takes us from the height of Boleyns power to her bloody and sudden demise. Its not just the colourblind casting that provides what feels like a genuinely fresh take on the last months of the short-lived queen of Englands life. Turner-Smiths stunning performance depicts a smart, vociferous, charming and stubborn force of a monarch. She portrays a woman who fights for whats right as well as her own selfish needs. A woman who loves hard and sees an obstacle course of politics, misogyny, duty and hypocrisy laid out in front of her and makes several impressive attempts to circumvent the worst of the barriers she comes up against. Harry and Meghan decided to be disruptors. And, you know, you can have change peacefully, or you can have change because somebody flips over the whole table.Jodie Turner-Smith One of which, of course, is her harrowing attempt to bounce back from the emotional and physical agony of enduring a stillbirth while carrying the expectations of the monarchy on her shoulders. Having lost what had been positioned as the hopeful male heir to the throne a demand of Henrys after Boleyn had given birth to Elizabeth I one particularly upsetting scene is a reminder of the unrealistic, often fatal demands that were put on women at the time. Just hours after losing her child we see Boleyn struggle to keep up queenly appearances in a heavy, tightly laced dress, leaving a trail of blood behind her. When asked how she prepared for the scene, in which director Lynsey Miller pulls us into an almost uncomfortably tight shot of the stars face as she bellows in agony, Turner-Smith tells R29: It definitely was something that I felt really close to. I have had experience of miscarriage in my life before and I had just recently five months before given birth, so I felt like I could really empathise with that situation and really, you know, try to embody that and have an understanding of what would it be like if I went through everything Ive gone through and at the end of it was tragedy. Turner-Smith is speaking to me over Zoom, looking appropriately regal in a glistening silver statement necklace and with her afro hair pulled into a dynamic up-do. Theres a softness about her, though her posture gives off a quiet strength. Compared to the cutting delivery of Boleyn, she speaks with a warmth that feels comforting. Its a warmth that I feel more keenly whenever shes talking about her family. Though we dont delve into her relationship, shes more than happy to talk about the experience of filming with her daughter Janie, born to her and husband Joshua Jackson in 2020, a life event Turner-Smith feels has changed her forever. It was so funny because my room was essentially her room. Like, she took over my whole space. Literally, it was her world, she laughs. It would be like, okay, you cant come in right now because youre going to disturb her. Lets go do what we have to do over here in this corner. The mostly female production team behind Anne Boleyn added a level of compassion and nuance which Turner-Smith believes Boleyns story needed. They really understood that as a working mother theres so much that [working mothers] are often not given access to. And that was really, really refreshing. That level of foresight extended to costume, too. Dressed in bright, billowing gowns with tight corsets, the costume design by the award-winning Lynsey Moore (who also worked on I May Destroy You) is functional as well as beautiful. As soon as I went in and started in fitting, [Lynsey] was just like, What we want to do is make it as easy as possible for you to nurse, to get in and out of your costume. And I thought that was just so wonderful. When news broke that Turner-Smith was to play Boleyn, the backlash against identity-conscious casting was disappointingly predictable. Like Dev Patel in David Copperfield or the cast of Bridgerton, the Channel 5 shows embrace of colourblind casting was met with claims of attempts to erase history in a clunky bid to boost diversity. Others believed the casting which extends to the likes of Boleyns brother George, played by Gangs of Londons Paapa Essiedu, and two of her ladies-in-waiting wouldnt add anything to the story. Its a premature assumption that the show proves wrong. We are Black women living in the world. Theres always going to be something that says, You dont belong here.Jodie Turner-Smith I loved the idea that the filmmakers wanted to tell the story in a more unconventional way, says Turner-Smith, who understands that a lot of criticism came from the fact that people are very attached to the way that history has been told. She adds that appeasing those opposed to change isnt always the best way forward. In fact, this depiction, in which a Black woman who is visibly set apart from everyone else, adds something new to the isolation that Boleyn would have had to deal with in real life. Anybody who has studied [Anne Boleyn or] really knows anything about her knows that she was considered an outsider, says Turner-Smith, who saw comparisons between her depiction of Boleyn and Meghan Markles experience with the Windsors. There are obviously many parallels, its like, what happens when you bring a person like that into an institution that is very determined to not be inclusive of a certain kind of person? Harry and Meghan decided to be disruptors. And, you know, you can have change peacefully, or you can have change because somebody flips over the whole table. We are Black women living in the world, Turner-Smith adds, addressing me directly. You know, theres always going to be something that says, You dont belong here, or something thats a skeleton of imperialism and colonialism, [reminding] us of the oppression that has brought us to where we are right now. Even so, Turner-Smith believes shes established a sense of belonging which stems directly from keeping her loved ones close. I think theres an internal grounding that I feel like Ive received from living my life and working on my self-esteem and being seen and loved and held by my family. I always say to my husband, Home is wherever we are together.' With an upcoming role alongside Colin Farrell in dystopian drama After Yang, Turner-Smith is open to wherever her career takes her. I cant say that I have, like an ultimate role in my mind, yet. Its one of those things where Im just really beginning. And so, I want to do everything. I kind of dipped my toe into directing last year, I directed a short film (Jackie, for Dazed and Guccis Absolute Beginners series) and absolutely fell in love with that. Shes nothing if not ambitious. I want to do everything! I certainly want to be producing and directing, and writing and just really seeing what I can create. There are so many facets of storytelling and I want to see what there is in exploring all of them. I, for one, cant wait to see what comes next. Anne Boleyn airs on Channel 5 from 1st June across three consecutive nights. It will be available for catch-up on My5. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Bukky Bakray On Being An Unapologetic Black GirlYou Have 10 New Netflix Treats To Stream This WeekEverything Coming To UK Netflix In June Spending money has never been so easy. Just a quick tap of your card and you're away. But with the contactless limit set to more than double to 100, is it becoming too easy to splurge? Any budgeting expert will tell you that if you want to rein in your spending you should switch to cash. Reckless move? Contactless payments that don't require a Pin leave us with even less time to reconsider purchases Handing over a flimsy piece of plastic just doesn't land the same punch as parting with 'real' banknotes so you are more likely to get carried away. And contactless payments with no Pin leave us with even less time to reconsider purchases. This wasn't too worrying when the limit was just 30 or even 45. But when shoppers can part with 100 in seconds, they risk leaving a much more noticeable dent in their finances. 'Pinging payments' or 'touch-and-go' has soared in popularity during the pandemic amid virus fears. But banks must allow customers who are nervous about contactless technology, or concerned about debt, to opt for a smaller limit. Many Money Mail readers say banks should go further and allow them to ditch the contactless feature altogether. Yet the Treasury is desperate to give the UK economy a much-needed boost and suspects a bigger limit will help get the nation's tills ringing again when lockdown lifts. Savers will have amassed an extra 180 billion by the summer and ministers want it to be as easy as possible to spend this loot. Amazon understands the value of a seamless shopping experience very well. Its speedy online checkout is what keeps so many of us going back. The e-commerce king is now even trialling till-free stores, where shoppers don't pay a penny until they have left the shop. Customers are instead emailed the bill later that day and the money is automatically deducted from their bank account. Amazon knows its shoppers will need superhuman self-discipline to avoid overspending. Apple Pay, meanwhile, has encouraged a fair few impulse purchases of my own in lockdown. But with greater convenience comes greater responsibility. Modern spending habits mean our bank statements are busier than ever before, with dozens of payments leaving our accounts every month. So it's vital we all pay closer attention to avoid missing errors or charges for services we no longer use. Saving lessons Last month, we revealed how teenagers are sitting on around 400 million in forgotten child trust fund savings. The issue sparked a lively debate with my auntie Elizabeth, whose son Oliver has just claimed his cash after turning 18 in January. As she pointed out, it would be easy for secondary schools to contact pupils and parents to make sure they are aware of the money. Yet when I asked the Department for Education if it was working with schools to raise awareness of the lost cash, its response was uninspiring to say the least. Surely the Government can do better than general mumblings about how schools use 'their professional judgment to develop the right teaching approach' to financial education. A simple leaflet for teachers to hand out would be a start. Teenagers are far more likely to open a letter from their school than a financial firm they've never heard of. In the meantime, parents who have kept tabs on the cash should follow my auntie's lead and encourage their children to spread the word among their friends. Every little helps Tesco Mobile has launched a punchy advertising campaign slamming other networks for hiking bills mid-contract. 'It's how they've made nearly 1 billion extra from customers from 2013,' the newspaper advert reads. 'And this spring, when people have enough to worry about, most are introducing big increases once again. We'd like to apologise on their behalf.' Ouch. Many customers have no idea their bills can soar before their contract expires. If you lock into an energy tariff or mortgage deal with a fixed term, your rates stay the same. So why can telecom giants hike prices as they like? Fair play to Tesco for shunning this sneaky tactic. v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk Its worth looking again at Twitters explanation for closing Donald Trumps account. After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account, the company said in a statement on January 8, and the context around themspecifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitterwe have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence. (The emphasis is mine.) As journalists, many of us focused on the headlineTwitter bans Trump. We failed to understand that our obsession with those same tweets, or how they are being received and interpreted, has been part of the problem all along. We have amplified and broadcast each one, over and over. Not least on CNN. The network has had internal discussions on limiting the use of Trump tweets. But it was felt that since the messages had been so widely distributed elsewhere, there was no point in holding back. Until now, there was scant research to quantify what that meant. But First Draft, an organization dedicated to preventing disinformation, conducted a study on the platform cable news provided for Trump. They did that by measuring exactly how long tweets from @realDonaldTrump appeared on screen for each of the cable networks between January 1, 2020 and January 19, 2021, or just over a year. The results explain why, reportedly, Trump enjoyed the way he could tweet something and make the media dance to his tune by airing it minutes later. The total airtime for his tweets was 1,924 minutes, or 32 hours of screen time. MSNBC accounted for 710 minutes, or nearly twelve hours. CNN came in second with 632 minutes, or ten-and-a-half hours. And Fox contented itself with a mere 582 minutes, or just under ten hours. This included, of course, the self-serving tweets casting doubt on his landslide election loss. Before the election, the three networks aired Trump tweets predicting a fraudulent election for 101 minutes. After the election, a shorter time period in the study, that number rose to 158 minutes. And after he was kicked off Twitter, they resorted to wistfully airing his old tweets, like scrolling through text messages from your ex. Sign up for CJR 's daily email None of this would be possible without a destructive broader trend. On CNN, as nearly everywhere else, opinion has become news. What a politician or pundit says is presented as equivalent to actual events that have occurred. The news becomes a rolling argument, not an account of what happened that day. During a Senate hearing about security breaches at the Capitol on January 6, Sen. Ron Johnson painted a picture that was distinctly at odds with the documented events of the day, and the details of the investigations that have emerged. In Johnsons account, the pro-Trump crowd was largely frail families with small children, the elderly, the overweight. This innocent bunch had been cruelly infiltrated by provocateurs, perhaps anti-Trump, who planned the whole thing, Johnson lamented. It was a glimpse into a parallel universe. But CNN focused relentlessly on that one divisive clip, partly because it had been trending on social media. Outrage sells. They ignored key security failures of the day, the actual purpose of the hearing. Procedures dont sell. And this week, when Trump himself re-emerged at the Conservative Political Action Conference to repeat his tired lines, CNN aired clips of him calling the election rigged. They continued to air those clips for at least a day afterward, as well as featuring John Bolton, Trumps former National Security Advisor and a long-term right-wing zealot, who argued that conspiracy theories are not driving his party. These choices have consequences. My hope is that CNN will take the chance that Trumps defeat has presented to focus much more on what people do than on what they say. And to ignore blatant lies rather than impanel some talking heads to discuss them endlessly. In a hearing on February 24 titled Fanning the Flames: Disinformation and Extremism in the Media, Emily Bell, Director of the Tow Center for Digital Media at Columbia University, explained that in our unregulated media environment, the opportunity for bad actors to manipulate the capabilities of digital media outstrip the capacity of those good faith actors to correct it. As she explained it, a news ecosystem fueled by financial incentives and driven by algorithms only makes things worse. The marketplace doesnt correct itself. Rep. Debbie Dingell added that media outlets are incentivized to report provocative, reactionary stories, and that has the effect of normalizing such behavior. The First Draft study of the airing of Trumps tweets put the same dilemma a different way. The missives he fired off provided a news peg that ensured the conversation continued. But, it asked, could a network like CNN devote the same time to reporting on the very real issues of the last electionthe mechanics of mail-in voting, and election security? The answer is yes. It could have. And it could still change for the better. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Ariana Pekary is the CJR public editor for CNN. She was an award-winning public radio and MSNBC journalist for two decades. Now she focuses on the systemic flaws of commercial broadcast news. She can be contacted at publiceditors@cjr.org. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 It was easy to root for Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship last weekend. The little boy who learned to play golf left-handed by standing opposite his right-handed dad and mirroring dads swing has long been a crowd favorite. He is not only immensely gifted; he is imaginative and willing Several members of the Assembly on Wednesday condemned the ED raids on rebel AAP legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Khaira, who was present in the House during the Budget Session, said the (ED) raids were a "well-planned vilification and character assassination campaign" against him by the Centre and denied any wrongdoing. The ED raided the premises of Khaira, his family members in Delhi and some jailed convicts on Tuesday in a money-laundering case linked to the 2015 Fazilka narcotics-trafficking case and a fake passport racket. Raising the issue of the ED raids during the Zero Hour, another rebel AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu sought a resolution in the House over the matter. He further said the House could also express "displeasure" over the ED action against Khaira. Sandhu said what has happened with Khaira could also occur with any other member of the House. Congress MLA and former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu backed Sandhu and hit out at the BJP-led Centre over the issue. "Are we allowed to question the Centre or not? Are we a free society, are we a fear society?" he asked while condemning the ED raids against Khaira. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra described the ED action against Khaira as "unfortunate, highly deplorable and highly condemnable". Speaker Rana K P Singh said Khaira was "restrained" from attending the ongoing Budget Session of the House, which was "wrong". Denying any wrongdoing, Khaira informed the House that the ED officials had taken some diaries from his residence. He further said he will continue to raise his voice even if the BJP tries to "intimidate and gag" him with such raids. (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.) (Natural News) The Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is ravaging the Cottonwoods Care Center in British Columbia (BC), Canada, after both patients and staff members at the facility were mass vaccinated for the alleged disease. Reports indicate that many at Cottonwoods are now falling seriously ill or dying due to the jabs, which the government and mainstream media continue to claim will cure the plandemic if only everyone would agree to get one. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry admitted during a press conference about the outbreak that getting stabbed for the Chinese virus does not actually do anything beneficial, and is actually just for show or for virtue signaling bragging rights. According to Henry, two staff members and 10 residents tested positive for the Wuhan flu after getting vaccinated. Some of these cases occurred in people who had received both doses of the messenger RNA (mRNA) experimental gene therapy injection from Pfizer and BioNTech. You can have transmission even when people are fully vaccinated, Henry told reporters. The illness seems to be milder and doesnt transmit as much [and we] wont see rapid explosive outbreaks. As it turns out, the exact opposite of what Henry claims occurred at Cottonwoods, where those who took the injections suffered horrific adverse events, including death. Meanwhile, the rest of BC, much of which has not been vaccinated, would seem to be doing just fine. At the end of the month, Henry says, the province will offer a new public health guidance that allows for increased visitation at long-term care facilities such as Cottonwoods. Henry, as you may recall, announced the BCs first known case of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) last February. An area resident in his 40s tested positive, and afterwards agreed to voluntarily self-isolate. Wearing a mask and getting jabbed both appear to be risk factors for early death A similar spike in injuries and deaths post-vaccination is also being reported in Israel, which has some of the most draconian Wuhan flu restrictions in the world. In an attempt to be the world leader in requiring that all residents obtain a green passport showing that they were vaccinated, Israel is seeing widespread increases in serious adverse events associated with the injections. The situation is so dire that the Jerusalem Post was compelled to publish a propaganda piece trying to justify Chinese virus vaccines, claiming they are still beneficial even though they do absolutely nothing to protect against viral spread. According to Prof. Jonathan Gershoni from the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at Tel Aviv University, there are many factors that lead to negative Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination outcomes. One of them is different variants of the virus, he says, including the so-called U.K. variant that represents the majority of infections in Israel. Gershoni also claims that immunity is a numbers game in that the vaccines are apparently unable to handle a large amount of virus. if someone has an extremely high viral load and sheds that potent load, it is possible that this large amount of virus could break through the existing protection and infect the person, Gershoni insists. Another factor is unhealthy people which, despite being vaccinated, can still catch, spread, and die from the Chinese virus. In other words, it is a persons immune system, not some chemical injection, that provides true protection against disease. We know some people have a tendency to be very robust and stand up to infections, and other people can be a bit more sensitive, Gershoni says. When talking in terms of vaccinating five million people in Israel, you are seeing the full spectrum of people with various levels of immune competence. If you enjoyed reading this story, you will find more like it at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com New Delhi, March 10 : In a big blow to the Congress ahead of Assembly polls in four states and one UT, former MP and once Delhi in-charge P.C. Chacko resigned from the party in New Delhi on Wednesday. He said he sent his resignation letter to party interim chief Sonia Gandhi saying that "it had become difficult to continue in Congress". Chacko was miffed over ticket distribution in his home state Kerala which is going to polls on April 6. "There is no democracy left in Congress. Candidate list has not been discussed with the state Congress committee. I have sent my resignation to Sonia Gandhi," Chacko said here. He blamed the leadership for continuing to be a mute spectator. "Being a Congress leader is Kerala is very difficult. If you belong to some group in Congress then only you can survive in the party as leadership in the Congress is not much active." He said in Kerala the party is divided between Oomen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala, whom he blamed for the step he had to take. "I have been deliberating about this in my mind for many days. There is no Congress in Kerala. There is one Congress (I) and one Congress (A). It is a coordination committee of two parties. Groupism is the biggest bane of Congress party in Kerala," said Chacko. He hoped his resignation will work as an eye-opener for the party. Massachusetts officials plan to designate four COVID-19 vaccination days for teachers, school staff and child care workers, all of whom become eligible to request a vaccine appointment Thursday morning. Some 400,000 educators, staff and child care workers will be able to get an appointment at one of the states super vaccination sites on March 27, April 3, April 10 and April 11, said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. The first three dates fall on a Saturday, and the fourth is on a Sunday. Sudders said these workers will have to sign up using the states new pre-registration website if they want an appointment on one of the four dates. That website goes live on Friday. They can also seek appointments Thursday morning with the general population, but not for those designated days. We moved up educators to align Massachusetts with the Biden-Harris administrations directive for states to prioritize teacher vaccinations, said Sudders, who heads the COVID-19 Command Center. We do that understanding we are not getting [an] additional state distribution increase in our vaccines. Sudders said she learned Tuesday the federal government wouldnt increase how many doses Massachusetts gets shipped this month, despite the emergency use authorization issued to Johnson & Johnson for its single-dose vaccine. She estimated the four designated days would prioritize educators for at least 20,000 vaccinations. On the four designated days, the states seven mass vaccination sites will only be open to educators, school staff and child care workers, as well as anyone who scheduled a second-dose appointment. For months, teachers unions have pushed for the Baker administration to move up educators and other child care workers in the states vaccination rollout. The calls for vaccine access only grew louder as Commissioner Jeff Riley announced plans to mandate K-12 schools to bring children back into the classroom five days a week, starting with elementary schools in April. Senate President Karen Spilka was one of several lawmakers calling for teachers to get vaccinated if theyre expected to return to the classroom with children, who cannot yet be vaccinated. Designated vaccine days are significant, as educators will face competition to secure vaccine appointments. Because of the states limited vaccine supply, there are still senior residents and people with two or more co-morbidities who have not been able to make an appointment yet for immunization. The state last week estimated that it would take a month for all eligible K-12 workers to secure a first appointment based on the current vaccine supply. The Massachusetts Teachers Association has pushed the state to follow its Last Mile Program, which calls to have firefighters and emergency professionals administer vaccines directly in communities. The MTA says the program would solve registration issues and will help achieve herd immunity faster. Teacher vaccinations, along with school mitigation efforts like masking, distancing and handwashing, have been cited by Riley as reasons to return to traditional education five days a week. Last week, Riley was given authority to determine when districts must prioritize five days of in-person schooling for students. Parents, however, are able to opt to keep children home for remote learning through the rest of the school year. Elementary school students are required to be in school five days a week by April 5, Riley said. Middle schoolers follow, with a required return date of April 28 for full-time learning. Riley expects to determine a return date for high school students next month. By the next academic year, fully in-person schooling is expected for all age groups, Riley said. Related Content: Cheeze, a Silicon Valley technology startup established in 2018 by Simon Hudson, has partnered with a Dubai-based property developer to offer its engineering team a new base to develop and launch a new minting studio for NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Cheeze has partnered with Mohamed AlRafi to start work on creating an engineering headquarters in Dubai and will continue to hire engineers over the coming months. Dubai is the perfect base to for a tech firms engineering team, with its record-breaking internet speed, advanced knowledge of Blockchain technology and contemporary working environments. AlRafi, who owns and operates a number of hugely successful businesses both globally and in Dubai, is now expanding his portfolio into the tech space by partnering with Hudson and investing in his company Cheeze, a statement said. Cheeze is gearing up to introduce its new app, which has an early access waitlist open and the BETA version is expected to be launched within the next few months. The Cheeze app will allow people to mint their photos into what are called NFTs, giving users the ability to trade and sell them on the blockchain. With a wide target demographic of photographers, collectors and consumers, the concept has been bolstered by the recent boom in the NFT space with sellers such as Beeple and 3Lau making millions of dollars. Cheeze aims to be the number one platform globally for photographers selling digital assets. The startup decided to bring this new app to the market following the success of its community chat app, Privy Chat. The company saw a spike in the number of users sharing and managing photos during the pandemic. Privy first launched back in 2018 at Apples WWDC event and was built to help people organise and manage group chat communities more efficiently. Privy will continue to be in the app stores and has an exciting roadmap of features to help private communities stay connected, a statement said. Hudson, a serial entrepreneur, has formed a world-class team of advisors and investors. These include Apple fellow, famous author and podcaster Guy Kawasaki, who has been with Hudson from day one. Other notable names include Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph, brand guru and marketer James Vincent, Startup Grind and Bevy co-founder Derek Andersen, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Paul Kemsley and celebrity photographer Pierre Auroux. AlRafi has an impressive portfolio including chairing SRG Holding, a UAE-based third-generation family corporation, boasting several signature projects in realty and hospitality, primarily based in Dubai and London, with a roster of iconic properties, such as the High Holborn Estate, London and several skyscrapers in Dubai UAE, amongst them the five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel. In addition to partnering with the company, AlRafi will also take on an advisory role to Hudson and the board. Having someone as experienced and knowledgeable as Mohamed advise me and the company is both exciting and powerful for our young company. As we expand into the UAE we are proud to have a business partner such as Mohamed and his team, said Hudson. I first met Simon in October 2020 and was impressed by his passion and enthusiasm for technology. We have discovered synergies in business as well as both sharing the same vision to support innovation within the UAE, said AlRafi. For those wanting to be an early user of the latest app, a waitlist can be found at cheeze.com/joinbeta - TradeArabia News Service Our 2nd favorite busybody civic activists celebrate a dead-tree media victory across the bridge. The basics after Clay County dropped their appeal . . . "The Clay County Commission and the Kansas City STAR have agreed to end their lawsuit. The STAR sued the county back in May 2019 for not complying with the Sunshine law. The county has to publicly admit that their handling of the STAR's sunshine request was wrong and that going forward they will comply with the the law." The newspaper has the info safely hidden behind a paywall. Developing . . . Beaumont ISD is cautiously optimistic following the announcement last week by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency that districts will not be held financially responsible for enrollment and attendance declines during the spring semester due to the pandemic. The district announced in December that it was facing a potential $8 million budget shortfall if the break, called a hold harmless, was not extended for the spring semester. We are pleased with the announcement the TEA made last week about holding districts harmless, Superintendent Shannon Allen said in a statement. BISD is currently reviewing the guidance released by TEA to determine exactly how this will affect the 2020-21 budget. The funding will be given to districts as long as they maintain or increase their in-person or on campus enrollment. "As more districts return to in-person instruction, we are ensuring that schools are not financially penalized for declines in attendance due to COVID-19," Governor Abbott said in a news release. "Providing a hold harmless for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year is a crucial part of our state's commitment to supporting our school systems and teachers and getting more students back in the classroom." Low-engagement and attendance rates have impacted districts across the region, but have become of particular concern to the district in recent months. Despite an enrollment of 17,209 students, the average daily attendance at BISD was at 14,687 as of January. That is very disturbing to us, Allen said at a January board meeting. First of all, our kids need to be in school in order to succeed, but we also have to look at the big picture ... financially. Related: BISD faces budget shortfall from low attendance The district continues to make efforts to encourage, and in some cases compel, students to return to campus. Southeast Texas lawmaker Dade Phelan lauded the decision in a statement. "The State of Texas is committed to getting more students back into the classroom for in-person instruction and fully funding our schools - despite challenges that occurred as a result of COVID-19, State Rep. Phelan said. I fully support the decision to provide necessary funding and maintain our commitment to Texas schools. BISD officials still are analyzing the language of the update to see how it will apply to the planning process. We cant state with certainty how the new guidelines for hold harmless will impact the district at this time; however, we remain optimistic that the new provision will have a positive impact on the districts finances, Allen said. In the meantime, we are still moving forward with our regular budget process. As we learn more we will be able to adjust for any additional funding that may be made available to us. According to the TEA, the move will ensure that school systems in Texas can retain their teachers for the 2020-21 school year for whom they originally budgeted. The announcement Thursday marks the third semester the agency has granted a hold harmless of funding during the pandemic. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes (CNN) Two years after a 737 Max system failure led to fatal crashes, airlines are rapidly bringing the Boeing jet back into service. On Thursday, Southwest Airlines, which owns more of the jets than any other carrier, will become the 15th airline to fly the plane since the grounding was lifted in November. All 737 Max planes were grounded world-wide in March of 2019 after the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 the second fatal crash in five months involving the jet. The two crashes killed everyone on board, a total of 346 people. Boeing insists that 20 months of investigation, improvements and review by the Federal Aviation Administration has made the plane as safe or safer than any other. But critics including family members of those killed disagree. There have so far been more than 9,000 passenger flights aboard the aircraft since the grounding was lifted, according to Boeing. Brazilian carrier GOL and American Airlines became the first carriers to fly passengers on a 737 Max in December. American has used the plane on more than 400 flights, more than any other airline, according to Cirium, which tracks passenger jet usage. "Bookings on the Max are comparable to other aircraft, and we aren't seeing data to suggest customers don't want to fly the aircraft," said a spokesman for American. United recently placed an order for 25 additional Max jets, and sped up its delivery schedule on prior orders. Alaska Air recently took deliveries of its first Max jets. Despite the move to add more new aircraft into service, there are still 1,658 earlier versions of the 737 jet parked worldwide due to lack of demand for air travel, according to Cirium. That's nearly a quarter of the global fleet of those planes sitting unused. The return of the 737 Max will mean that more older planes will remain idle as airlines increase their use of the newer models instead. "The Max is more reliable. It has a lower fuel burn. It's quieter. It's less expensive to maintain, and it's our most comfortable aircraft from a customer perspective" Michael Van de Ven, chief operating officer of Southwest, told investors in January. "And it is a key component of our future." Southwest said it has conducted 200 test flights with the planes since December. The airline expects to use the Max on about 44 flights per day in its first month and will serve some 15 cities including Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Las Vegas, Denver and Salt Lake City, as well as secondary airports in Chicago and Houston. Safety feature malfunction The fatal crashes in October 2018 and March 2019 were caused by a malfunction in a safety feature meant to prevent the plane from climbing too rapidly and going into a stall. False readings from sensors forced down the nose on the two doomed jets, leading to the crashes. Boeing has made changes to how those sensors operate as well as to the alerts given to pilots. But family members of some of those killed in the crashes say airlines should not be returning the aircraft to service. Michael Stumo, whose 24-year old daughter Samya Rose Stumo died in the Ethiopian Airlines crash, said he and other family members don't believe the changes approved by regulators have made the plane safe. "Before Samya died in the Max crash in Ethiopia, we thought we could just trust airlines and Boeing that their planes were safe and we could expect to arrive at our destination. Now, we know that executives make bad decisions to cut corners on safety and quality to make just a bit more profit. We don't want to see a third crash happen," Stumo said. "Any 737 Max planes sold by Boeing now are at steep discounts." Internal documents show that even some Boeing employees didn't trust the 737 Max as it was first being certified to fly, with one Boeing employee describing it to another as a plane "designed by clowns, who in turn are supervised by monkeys." Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other Boeing executives have denied the company cut corners, but they do admit that many mistakes were made that led to the crashes. "I didn't see at any stage in that process...an issue of a trade of safety for something else," Calhoun said in January 2020, just after taking over as CEO. He said the problems with the jet were due to a mistake in "judgment that everyone wishes wasn't made." As for current sales of the 737 Max, Boeing does not comment on the price of its planes. But experts agree that the long grounding, combined with the weaker market caused by the pandemic, means that Boeing is likely offering deep discounts on the sales it is making now. Deliveries resume Boeing has sold 121 of the Max jets since November. In addition to the 25 sold to United last month, 75 went to Irish discount carrier Ryanair. Boeing also sold an additional 14 Max jets in February and seven in December to unidentified buyers. Even so, those sales represent a fraction of the nearly 800 737 Max orders that were canceled since the grounding was imposed. Boeing also booked 43 orders for other commercial jets in February, bringing total orders for the month to 82 and marking the first time since 2019 that new orders outpaced canceled ones. There were 51 canceled orders in February, 32 of them for the 737 Max. Boeing has now delivered a total of 87 new Max jets in the three months since the grounding was lifted. That's nearly as many planes as Boeing delivered in the nine months starting in March 2020 when the pandemic sparked a plunge in air travel. Boeing had continued to build the jets during the grounding, but had been unable to deliver them. The deliveries are important because Boeing receives most of its revenue at the time of delivery. A plunge in deliveries in 2020 - to 157 commercial jets from 380 the year before caused the worst revenue loss in Boeing's history as well as massive job cuts at the company. The biggest challenge still facing the Max is its lack of approval to fly in China. Nearly 20% of the 435 Max jets delivered worldwide since its debut have gone to Chinese airlines or leasing companies, but none have been allowed to fly in Chinese air space since the March 2019 grounding. To date, 160 of 195 global aviation regulators have cleared the plane to resume carrying passengers. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Two years after a global grounding, airlines are quickly bringing 737 Max jets back into service." Hilton failed miserably to keep its guests and others safe that night California-based Gomez Trial Attorneys today announced the filing of a major lawsuit against Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. and its Culver City-based DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The lawsuit, according to court documents filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, arises out of a September 19, 2020 knife attack in the hotels lobby area. On that date, a non-hotel guest wearing a hoodie allegedly entered the hotels lobby and began threatening and confronting guests. The complaint alleges that hotel employees hid rather than effectively summon security or the police. Some time later, the assailant confronted and then violently stabbed 24-year-old John Doe, rendering him a quadriplegic. The assailant then escaped and remains at large. The Culver City Police Department continues to investigate the incident while the suspect remains at large. Gomez Trial Attorneys requests that anyone with information regarding the suspect contact Detective Campos at the Culver City Police Department immediately at 310-253-6312 or email tips@culvercity.org. Attorney John Gomez further requests that anyone with information about this hotel or incident contact him at 619-237-3490 or John@thegomezfirm.com. The case number is 21STCV06169. For a copy of the complaint or a video of the attack, contact Gomez Trial Attorneys. About Gomez Trial Attorneys Gomez Trial Attorneys is a full-service personal injury law firm with multifaceted areas of experience including automobile accidents, worker safety, wrongful death, product liability, construction accidents, food poisoning, medical malpractice, government liability, dog bites, aviation accidents, business disputes, Actos lawsuits, bicycle accidents, and much more. Gomez Trial Attorneys is located at 655 West Broadway Suite 1700, San Diego, CA 92101. For inquiries or consultation with their lawyers, contact their team via phone at (619) 237-3490 or via email at mvaroz@thegomezfirm.com. Visit their website for additional information regarding their services. ### The inter-agency commission coordinating the actions ensuring implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the Document on Priorities of the Armenia-EU Partnership today held its 20th session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan. At the outset, Grigoryan congratulated all members of the inter-agency commission on the end of ratification of the Agreement and its entry into force and voiced hope that the second section of the roadmap will also be approved in the near future. During the session, Deputy Minister of Economy Varos Simonyan presented the report on economic cooperation envisaged under part 6 (Trade and Trade-Related Issues). Afterwards, Deputy Minister of Justice Kristinne Grigoryan delivered a report and presented the course of implementation of the actions envisaged by the roadmap in the sphere of coordination of the Ministry of Justice for the years 2020 and 2021. The participants of the session exchanged views on the presented reports, after which the speakers answered questions from the attending deputies of the National Assembly who are members of the inter-agency commission. In many high-poverty communities, the zip code remains as strong of a predictor of student success as it did a half-century ago. Federal education programs have come and gone, as have politicians who promised results. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty. However, it is as problematic as it is enlightening. Fifty years later, it generated 92 federal programs, which Chairman of the Budget Committee of the US House of Representatives at the time, Paul Ryan states, [Federal Programs] have not provided the relief intended and that there is little evidence that these efforts have been successful. Based on those results alone, it gives credence to the belief of many, that we need to limit the federal role in public education. Ronald Reagan may have been correct when he said, Government is not a solution to our problem. Government is the problem. It is especially true when it comes to addressing issues of poverty at the federal level. Mark Elgart identified several School Quality Factors in high-performing schools in a well-written white paper. Elgart identified: clear direction, resource management, culture, implementation capacity, engagement, high expectations, and impact of instruction as critical factors for effective continuous improvement practices and high performance. He added, Too many schools and systems embrace continuous improvement efforts that go nowhere but in circles. Elgart wrote that engaging all stakeholders in common goals is a hallmark of effective continuous improvement. Engaging and soliciting input from all stakeholders is mission-critical. For policymakers, they have to understand the problem from the eyes of the stakeholders is to set priorities to identify a clear direction for student success. It is a model replicated in many successful schools and districts. Stakeholders, more than policymakers, can communicate a message within their networks to their constituents to collect even more stakeholder input. To get a clear direction, you have to establish an effective communication plan and engage all stakeholders. In education, student success is the clear priority. "All schools face the challenge of limited resources time, staff, funding, and materials which requires leaders to allocate them toward specific goals, according to Elgart. Finding the balance is essential for school quality. He defines that balance this way: Instructional time and resources to support goals and priorities, sufficient resources and materials to meet school needs, and a variety of information resources to support student learning. According to the National School Climate Center, School climate includes major spheres of school life such as safety, relationships, teaching and learning, and the environment as well as larger organizational patterns (e.g., from fragmented to shared; healthy or unhealthy). These dimensions not only shape how students feel about being in school, but these larger group trends shape learning and student development. Effective leaders, adds Elgart, shape the beliefs, perceptions, relationships, attitudes, and written (and unwritten) rules that influence every aspect of how a school functions. School culture matters, and changing it could be a key to turning around some low-performing schools and districts. Frederick Douglass wrote, What is possible for me is possible for you. Writer Ken Gulley tackled the concept of expectations with this statement: Youve seen education systems play their part; lowering or eliminating rigorous academic standards in favor of intersectional quotas in doing so theyve sacrificed the once highly favored standards they boasted about exchange for the virtue of being depicted as diverse and inclusive. We cannot squander the human potential of children because of where they live, or because of the economic conditions in which they are raised. Rather we must help all reach their potential. Elgart answered the key question: Many reasons exist for these disappointing results: an emphasis on compliance over-commitment, the need for annual improvement leading to short-term fixes at the expense of sustainable progress, narrow measures of progress resulting in narrow strategies to improve them, and the challenges of building on gradual improvements over time. The principles of continuous improvement are straightforward, but putting them into practice given these pressures has proven challenging. Research demonstrates that all children need certain types of support to fully develop. Too many children come from homes where there is abuse, domestic violence, an incarcerated parent, or a parent with drug or mental health problems. They dont get that kind of attention and suffer the consequences of higher risks, later-life depression, adolescent pregnancy, alcoholism, drug use, and poor academic performance, according to Jill Suttie, a freelance journalist, and a staff writer and contributing editor for Greater Good. The challenges are immense in public education, poverty merely exasperates the problems. However, it cannot be an excuse. We also know that a teacher is the most significant factor in determining the quality of education a child receives. Educators are critical to student success, and public schools bridge so many gaps. We have to embrace the belief that all children, including poor children, children of color, children with limited English-speaking proficiency, and all other children adversely impacted by disadvantages are as capable as any other children in our society. Regardless of zip code, we all win when our focus is on student success as we endeavor to attract the best jobs and create a higher standard of living for all of our citizens. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee The head of the journalism trade body the Society of Editors has stepped down after the organisation came under fire for its response to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs accusations of racism. Ian Murray, the executive editor, said he must "take the blame" and step aside following heavy criticism of the industry body. It comes after the ITV News presenter Charlene White said she would not host the societys Press Awards, while outlets including the Huffington Post, the Yorkshire Post and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism said they would withdraw from the event after being nominated for their work. The society initially responded to claims of racism in the media levelled by Harry and Meghan with a statement denying the claims - saying the UK media is not bigoted and will not be swayed from its vital role holding the rich and powerful to account. Following outcry from members of the UK press, the body said the statement was made in that spirit of defending freedom of speech, but did not reflect what we all know: that there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion. Mr Murray added that the comment was "not intended to gloss over the fact the media industry in the UK does have work to do on inclusivity and diversity". He said: "While I do not agree that the society's statement was in any way intended to defend racism, I accept it could have been much clearer in its condemnation of bigotry and has clearly caused upset. "As executive director I lead the society and as such must take the blame and so I have decided it is best for the board and membership that I step aside so that the organisation can start to rebuild its reputation." Mr Murray said he was stepping aside "with a heavy heart" adding he is "proud" of the societys work "defending media freedom over the three years I have been at the helm as well as the initiatives we have created and continue to create on diversity in the newsroom". Ahead of the resignation Ms White had announced her decision to step away from the hosting role in a letter, in which she described herself as a black woman who has consistently stood up for what she believes in, irrespective of the impact it would have on my career. Following your recent comments regarding race and the UK press, I have decided to no longer make myself available to present the Society Of Editors British Press Awards this month, she wrote. A few years ago, your organisation approached me to become a judge for its awards and to work alongside you because at that time it was hugely lacking in terms of it being a fair reflection of the UK population. In other words, the nominations and winners list involved very few non-white journalists. This is not an unusual scenario unfortunately. Over the years several organisations have been held to account for eradicating and ignoring the work of ethnic minorities professionals - and women. So, you told me you wanted that to change. In fact, we spoke at length about it. But heres the thing. I only work with organisations who practise what they preach. My time is precious, so Id rather not waste it. Since the Black Lives Matter movement really took hold in the UK last year, every single institution in this country has had to finally look at its failings and its position in terms of how they treat ethnic minorities both inside and outside of its walls. But for some unknown reason, you feel as though the UK press is exempt in that discussion. She added: So perhaps its best for you to look elsewhere for a host for your awards this year. Perhaps someone whose views align with yours: that the UK press is the one institution in the entire country who has a perfect record on race. Meanwhile publications the awards had been set to praise were also keen to distance themselves from the organisation. Yorkshire Post editor James Mitchinson wrote in a letter to readers that he would not enter into the societys awards for regional journalism with regret but absolute conviction, adding as a forty-something white man, I feel woefully short of credentials to bring to this fight, but I will be damned if the colour of my skin and my perceived social status is going to prevent me from listening, learning, bettering myself and my workplace. Meanwhile The Bureau of Investigative Journalism said the societys statement denying bigotry and racism in the UK media shows a lack of awareness and understanding of deep-rooted and persistent problems that we see. A woman who lied about being raped by a stranger after a row with her boyfriend has avoided jail for wasting police time. Lauren Skinner, 18, told Wiltshire Police she had been at a Swindon pub with her boyfriend and a friend but was left alone after an argument. She then claimed she had been approached by a stranger and raped while walking to her boyfriend's house, but police noticed discrepancies with the initial account and a further version of events given the following day. She spoke to the officers after her boyfriend at the time had phoned police in the early hours of July 11 last year to report the alleged rape. Skinner said she would go to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for a forensic examination, and gave police a location for the supposed attack, sparking a crime scene to be put in place along a footpath between Drakes Way and Shrivenham Road. Officers trawled through CCTV footage, which showed Skinner and her boyfriend near the footpath, and the moments after her boyfriend left without her. But no footage showed anyone approaching her, Wiltshire 999s reports. Lauren Skinner, 18, pictured outside Swindon Magistrates' Court. She told Wiltshire Police she had been at a pub with her boyfriend and a friend but was left alone after an argument Skinner admitted causing wasteful employment of police at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon, after she was arrested and confessed she had not been the victim of rape. Magistrates imposed a two year community order with 100 hours of unpaid work. She must pay 40 costs and a 95 victim surcharge. She had claimed she was raped after her boyfriend did not let her into his house following their argument. Swindon magistrates heard how Wiltshire Police spent more than 2,000 and diverted resources from front-line crime fighting to investigate Skinner's false claim. Officers taking her statement said they had concerns about the allegations, and referred it to a sergeant. Two detectives re-interviewed her the following day, with Skinner changing the story she had previously given. She made the allegation about being raped by a stranger, but claimed she had not wanted to call the police. When she made her statement, she didn't tell police it was a lie because she didn't want to get in trouble. Her solicitor, Mark Glendenning, said she had 'found herself on a rollercoaster after making a throwaway remark' to her boyfriend that she'd been raped. PCSOs spent more than six hours at the scene where the alleged attack was said to have taken place 'Every step down that road made it much more difficult to recant and go backwards,' he said, adding that she was no longer in a relationship with her boyfriend. 'The relationship might well have pushed her down a particular line - she was scared, confused and didn't really know what to do.' Skinner is now living with her parents, receiving mental health support and has returned to college. Her lawyer said she had no previous convictions or cautions, was remorseful and had apologised to police. Speaking after the case, a police spokesman said: 'This woman has shown little regard for the level of upset she has caused to others. 'Her behaviour could really have a negative impact on other victims of rape or sexual assault who may choose not to report it to police for fear that they will not be believed. 'I would like to reassure victims of sexual assault that we take all reports extremely seriously and would encourage anyone who has been a victim, regardless of how much time has passed since the offence, to come forward and report it to police on 101.' Victims can also seek support from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary - they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 0808 168 0024. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly on Wednesday moved a breach of privilege notice against state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, accusing the latter of making a false allegation against him. Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis said Deshmukh on Tuesday accused him in the House of a "cover up" in the Anvay Naik suicide case in 2018. Naik, an Alibaug-based interior designer, allegedly killed himself in 2018. Journalist Arnab Goswami had been arrested in connection with the case. Fadnavis said a Supreme Court ruling clearly stated that the FIR filed by the state government under Indian Penal Code Section 306 regarding abetment to suicide was prima facie wrong. "What Deshmukh said was contempt of court and also amounted to preventing me from conducting my duties as a member of the Legislature," he said. Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal said he would examine the notice and take an appropriate decision. Later talking to reporters outside the House, Fadnavis said the state government decided to transfer API Sachin Vaze under pressure. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh On Wednesday announced the removal of Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze from the Crime Intelligence Unit till the inquiry into the mysterious death of automobile parts dealer Mansukh Hiran is not completed. Fadnavis said, "If the government can decide to remove minister Sanjay Rathod from the cabinet, why is Vaze so important that the government is scared to take action against him." "We will continue to fight till Hiran gets justice," he added. Hiran was in possession of the SUV with explosives found outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house in south Mumbai on February 25. Police said the vehicle was stolen from Hiran's possession on February 18. The mystery deepened after Hiran's body was found in a creek last Friday in neighbouring Thane. Hiran's wife has alleged in her statement to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) that police officer Sachin Vaze might have killed her husband. Facebook has asked a court to dismiss state and federal antitrust lawsuits that accuse it of abusing its market power in social networking to crush smaller competitors. The social media giant said Wednesday that the complaints 'do not credibly claim' that its conduct harmed either consumers or market competition. The antitrust suits, filed in December by the Federal Trade Commission and 48 states, are seeking remedies that could include a forced spinoff of the social network's popular Instagram and WhatsApp services. Facebook dismissed emails cited in the FTC lawsuit written by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives expressing worry about the competitive threat posed by Instagram and WhatsApp The social media giant said Wednesday that the complaints from the states and FTC 'do not credibly claim' that its conduct harmed either consumers or market competition The states and FTC have until April 7 to respond to the dismissal from Facebook 'As we said when the FTC and the state attorneys general announced these lawsuits, people around the world use our products not because they have to, but because we make their lives better,' Facebook said in a statement. In lawsuits filed in December, the FTC and states asked the court to force the social media giant to sell two prized assets, its messaging app WhatsApp and photo-sharing app Instagram. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg in the District of Columbia will hear the cases. In their suits, the FTC said that Facebook was engaging in a 'systematic strategy.' New York Attorney General Letitia James, in announcing the states complaint, echoed this sentiment, saying that Facebook 'used its monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users.' In lawsuits filed in December, the FTC and states asked the court to force the social media giant to sell Instagram and WhatsApp. In their suits, the FTC said that Facebook was engaging in a 'systematic strategy' New York Attorney General Letitia James, in announcing the states complaint, echoed this sentiment, saying that Facebook 'used its monopoly power to crush smaller rivals and snuff out competition, all at the expense of everyday users' The FTC and states accused Facebook of breaking antitrust law to keep smaller competitors at bay and snapping up social media rivals, like Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion. All told, the federal government and states filed five lawsuits against Facebook and Alphabet's Google last year following bipartisan outrage over use and misuse of social media clout both in the economy and in the political sphere. The FTC and the New York Attorney General's office did not immediately respond to messages for comment. In its response to the FTC lawsuit, Facebook argued that the government failed to show that Facebook had a monopoly in a clearly defined market or that it had hurt consumers. 'By a one-vote margin, in the fraught environment of relentless criticism of Facebook for matters entirely unrelated to antitrust concerns, the agency decided to bring a case against Facebook,' Facebook said in its response to the FTC complaint. The introduction to Facebook's dismissal 'None of the harms typically alleged in antitrust actions is alleged here,' it said. The company also dismisses emails cited in the FTC lawsuit written by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives expressing worry about the competitive threat posed by Instagram and WhatsApp. 'Lacking facts to establish either unlawful conduct or harm to consumers, the FTC attempts to bolster its claims with a grab-bag of selectively quoted internal emails and messages from Facebook executives, which are offered to show that Facebook was concerned about competitive threats from Instagram and WhatsApp - but also many, many other firms,' Facebook said in its response. Separately, in the lawsuit brought by dozens of states and territories, Facebook argued that the state case should be dismissed because the states failed to show that they were harmed by Facebook and because they waited more than four years. The states and FTC have until April 7 to respond. Big Tech companies are facing growing opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle on the power they have amassed over the past decade. Theres little likelihood the pressure will ease up. President Joe Biden has said that a breakup of tech giants should be seriously considered. Lawmakers and consumer advocates have accused Facebook of anticompetitive behavior, most starkly in buying up aspiring smaller rivals like Instagram and WhatsApp and by copying competitors. Critics say such tactics squash competition and could limit viable alternatives for consumers looking, for instance, for comparable services that do less tracking for targeted advertising. Businesses, including mom and pop shops, might have to pay more for ads if they have fewer choices to reach consumers online. The lawsuits could take years to resolve. Kyobo Life Insurance headquarters in Seoul / Courtesy of Kyobo Life Insurance By Lee Min-hyung Kyobo Life Chairman Shin Chang-jae Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the New Economy Daily newsletter, follow us @economics and subscribe to our podcast.Australias central bank maintained its policy settings as it prepares to decide on extending its yield target and quantitative easing programs, with a Covid-19 lockdown complicating the outlook.The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate and three-year yield target at 0.10% in Sydney on Tuesday, as expected. It will make a decision in July on whether to extend the yield target and undertake further quantitative easing. A weeklong shutdown in the nations second-largest city adds a layer of uncertainty to the outlook.Despite the strong recovery in the economy and jobs, inflation and wage pressures are subdued, Governor Philip Lowe said. The board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target.The Australian dollar edged lower, trading at 77.41 U.S. cents at 2:53 p.m. in Sydney from 77.62 cents just before the release.The case for Lowe to maintain the April 2024 bond as the target maturity had been strengthening amid strong hiring, sentiment and investment plans. This was reinforced by the government keeping open the fiscal spigot in the May budget as it joins the RBA in seeking to drive down unemployment to revive wages growth and inflation.Progress in reducing unemployment has been faster than expected, Lowe said in his statement. There are reports of labor shortages in some parts of the economy.Risks AheadYet the RBA may be encouraged to err on the side of caution if Melbournes outbreak worsens and extend both of its bond programs to keep maximum support for the economy.An important ongoing source of uncertainty is the possibility of significant outbreaks of the virus, although this should diminish as more of the population is vaccinated, Lowe said. The board continues to place a high priority on a return to full employment.Globally, central banks are beginning to edge away from emergency monetary settings. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand surprised markets last week in presenting projections of its official cash rate rising in the second half of next year.Back in Australia, economists predicted ahead of data Wednesday that gross domestic product rose 1.5% in the first three months of the year from the prior quarter, and advanced 0.6% from a year earlier.Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy, in testimony to a parliamentary panel earlier today, said partial data showed around 56,000 workers had lost their jobs in the four weeks following the end of the governments JobKeeper wage subsidy that expired March 28.He said strong employment data and forward indicators continue to give us confidence that the labor market has the underlying strength to absorb workers transitioning off the JobKeeper payment.End of Australias $68 Billion Job-Saving Stimulus Tests EconomyLowe estimates Australias jobless rate will need to fall to close to 4% before driving economy-wide pay increases. It stood at 5.5% in April.The governor expects wages growth will need to increase at a pace faster than 3% -- more than double the current rate -- for inflation to return sustainably to the central banks 2-3% target.Lowe reiterated that this is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.(Updates with further comments from governor throughout text.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. County library to unveil story walk project in Vanderbilt The Otsego County Library is hosting a ceremony Saturday to formally open the latest story walk project. Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Fred Leemans came forward during the Garrison investigation with an incredible story. Here is his statement from May 5, 1967. So, Fred Leemans operated a Turkish bath and Clay Shaw used to visit using the name Clay Bertrand. Occasionally he would be in the company of man called "Lee" who was small, slender, described as a beatnik, and had a beard, Might that have been Oswald? It fits the description of Oswald given by Perry Russo. In addition, they were accompanied a few times with some "Latins." Leemans sold the Baths to John Emrold, and here is his statement from May 23, 1967: Here is that article that mentioned the Canal Street Baths, New Orleans Times-Picayune, October 11, 1961: The Canal Street Baths were closed by the police in 1963, New Orleans Times-Picayune, June 20, 1963; Fred Leemans then had a change of heart and called Irvin Dymond, Clay Shaw's trial attorney. Here is Dymond's note on what happened: Leemans did write Jim Garrison a letter, and here it is, dated May 30 1967: NBC aired its special "The JFK Conspiracy: The Case of Jim Garrison" on June 19. 1967. Fred Leemans comes on at about the 49-minute mark. Here is a transcript: Assistant District Attorney Robert Lee then signed an affidavit denying that Leemans had been bribed: There was increasing pressure on Leemans. Here is a note to Irvin Dymond from his secretary, December 10, 1968. And, in January 1969, Leemans changed his story back and signed an affidavit for Garrison: After the Clay Shaw trial, author James Kirkwood interviewed Irvin Dymond, and he mentioned Fred Leemans: "Fred Leemans, as I ... He ran a Turkish bath establishment on Canal Street. Here, back in 1963. The first that I knew of Fred Leemans was when he came here to my office, oh it must have been a year and a half ago, told me that he had been back, had given a statement to Garrison. Let's see, I've forgotten whether it was to Garrison personally . . . Charlie Ward or somebody else. To the effect that during 1963 Clay Shaw and Lee Harvey Oswald frequently visited his Turkish bath together. He told me that - very veiled, indefinite promises of reward had been made to him by the representatives of the D.A.'s office. He later learned that I had defended his daughter, a girl by the name of Colleen Leemans, and decided to come in and made a clean breast of it. And tell me that his statement to the D.A.s office was untrue. I took an affidavit from him to that effect. For about the next year, I received intermittent phone calls from Leemans. Oh, maybe one every four months. Each one with a hint that he wanted money. He left a couple of messages here that he was at the end of his rope, his place was about to be foreclosed, his wife was sick, and all kinds of stuff. Needless to say, I didn't offer him any money. I didn't offer anybody any money, in this case, or in any other case, for that matter. Well the next I heard, Fred Leemans had gone back to the D.A.'s office, refuted the affidavit that he had given me, reinstated his original claims that Shaw and Oswald had frequented the Turkish bath." There you have it. The good, the bad and the ugly. Part Two will look at how conspiracy authors treat Fred Leemans. Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday responded to explosive racism claims from her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, voicing deep concern and sympathizing with their troubles with royal life. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opposite Oprah / CBS "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," she said in a statement. First Jurists Selected For George Floyd Murder Trial In The US The first jurors were selected on Tuesday in the high-profile trial of the white police officer accused of killing George Floyd, an African-American man whose death laid bare racial wounds in the United States and sparked "Black Lives Matter" protests across the globe. REUTERS Former Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin is facing charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with Floyd's May 25 death, which was captured by bystanders on smartphone video. Trivendra Singh Rawat Resigns As Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Tuesday resigned as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, ending days of speculations about a leadership change in the BJP-ruled hill state amid reports of discontent against him. PTI Rawat submitted his resignation to Governor Baby Rani Maurya at the Raj Bhawan here upon his arrival from Delhi after meeting the central BJP leadership. Wife Of Ambani Bomb SUV Owner Found Dead Says He Was Murdered The wife of Mukesh Hiran whose SUV laden with explosives was found abandoned near industrialist Mukesh Ambanis residence on February 25, has said in her statement to the state Anti-Terrorism Squad that she suspects assistant police inspector (API) Sachin Waze killed her husband. BCCL The ATS is probing the alleged murder of Hiran and has treated Vimlas statement as an FIR. She also claimed Waze had told Hiran to claim responsibility in the explosives case and assured him that he would secure his release from jail in case he was arrested. Crew Members Should Not Fly For 48 Hours After COVID-19 Vaccine Shots, Says DGCA Pilots and cabin crew members will not fly in an aircraft for 48 hours after taking the Covid-19 vaccine. If there are no symptoms after 48 hours, they will be declared fit for flying duties, said domestic aviation regulator DGCA on Tuesday. AFP If there are no symptoms after 48 hours, the air crew (which includes pilots and cabin crew) is fit to resume unrestricted flying duties, DGCA said in a circular. Rajasthan Minister Alleges Shortage Of COVID-19 Vaccine Doses; Centre Refutes Claims Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma's remarks that the state is left with only two days of coronavirus vaccine sparked a controversy on Tuesday, with the Centre denying the claim. Reuters The Ministry of Health, however, clarified that there is no shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in Rajasthan. Multiple national political advisors stressed that vitalization in culture should also be a major focus of rural vitalization and proposed various ways in which to do so. Zhang Kaili, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and veteran actress, said that in the process of poverty alleviation, all sectors have played to their professional advantages and that cultural poverty alleviation is also a necessary step in improving wealth. "For many years, I have worked with many cultural and artistic workers on the frontline of cultural poverty alleviation, people who have shouldered their due responsibility in the mission of poverty alleviation in poorer areas. We can also help them in aspects of cultural and spiritual cultivation," Zhang said. But rural vitalization cannot only operate at the material level. As Zongyong Zhuoma, a national political advisor and famous Tibetan soprano pointed out, an overall change in spiritual outlook is also particularly important. In her proposal for this year's annual session of China's top political advisory body, she appealed for support for the production of an original poverty alleviation musical inspired by rural people in Yunnan province. "Literature and the arts are food for the spirit and an important part of culture that can touch human souls. We need to build a strong rural cultural platform so that good cultural works can be continuously injected into rural areas. This will be a particularly important task for rural vitalization," she said. Zhang agreed, saying that cultural vitalization is the internal driving force and basic foundation for quality rural vitalization. She suggested that the newly-founded national administration for rural vitalization should establish a special department and jobs to provide an institutional system guarantee for rural vitalization in culture, as well as promote the work of artists especially the younger generation relevant workers and private cultural enterprises to join the cause and cater to the diverse cultural needs of rural people. Also grassroots cultural departments should explore local cultures, rural cultural tourism, and quicken rural cultural infrastructure construction, Zhang added. Building rural libraries is one of the things to prioritize, said Lei Mingqiang, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and president of the Hunan Institute of Socialism. "There are more and more public welfare libraries established by social entities in rural areas, which have become a useful supplement to the infrastructure on the front of rural public cultural vitalization and an important part in the construction of a rural public cultural service system," he said. "These projects are providing public cultural services to meet the growing spiritual and cultural needs of the rural people." Lei suggested various methods in which to support private-funded public welfare libraries, such as issuing subsidies and improving libraries' overall operations, management, and approval procedures. Political advisor Tian Jing is concerned that in rural areas mostly populated by ethnic minorities, schools don't have suitable intangible cultural heritage courses to teach students folk and traditional handcraft skills. "Integrating traditional skills with the cultural tourism industry not only effectively enhances the visibility of intangible cultural heritage and consolidates the foundation for the local inheritance of traditional skills, but also solves problems relating to employment and entrepreneurship among local youth and allows the cultural industry to help rural vitalization," Tian explained. Literature and the arts can play an even more important role as China enters the stage of rural vitalization, said Fan Di'an, a national political advisor and chairman of the China Artists Association and dean of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, in an interview at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4. "The villages are steeped in the knowledge and traditions of ethnic handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage, which needs to be enlivened to facilitate the vitalization of rural cultural industries," he said. by Vladimir Rozanskij Moscow (AsiaNews) - The world needs "sages and saints", not "reformers" or "revolutionaries" says Msgr. Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, celebrating the consecration Mass of the new church of St. Casimir in Stolbtsy, in the province of Minsk on 7 March. It is one of the first public gestures of the Archbishop Emeritus of Minsk, who had spent months in exile and then retired on January 3, after difficult negotiations with the Belarusian authorities. Quoting the French theologian Marie-Dominique Chenu, he stressed that "the most important thing in human life is wisdom". In his homily, reported extensively by the Belarusian media, Kondrusiewicz explained that wisdom is manifested "in the ability to adequately organize the life of man himself and of society, and also in that of making the necessary decisions for this, knowing objectively evaluate situations ". For this reason, the archbishop proposed to the faithful present to "look through the prism of divine law, to understand who we really are, whether we are authentic or artificial Christians". According to the prelate, we live in a time in which natural things, artefacts and even food, are replaced by artificial ones, because they are less expensive, but moral values cannot be cheapened, they cannot be devalued. The Gospel was given to us not for us to change it, but for it to change us, according to the requirements of the moral law. Recalling the dramatic events experienced in recent months, Kondrusiewicz said that "human life is a continuous struggle, in which we must overcome evil with good. In every epoch of human history, reformers or revolutionaries are needed not as much as wise and holy men. May the good Lord fill us with the grace of being similar in this to our heavenly patron Saint Casimir, in order to be able to build a civilization of life and love, and to be able to share with him the eternal joy of heaven". The church of Saint Casimir was rebuilt precisely during 2020, restoring what remained of the old church, left in ruins in the Soviet years, alongside which a new church had risen. Last 9 October, while Kondrusiewicz was in exile in Poland, his vicar Msgr. Jurij Kosobutsky had blessed the installation of the church spire, in the typical pseudo-Gothic style of many Catholic churches in Belarus and Russia, built at the end of the 19th century, after the deportation of many Poles to the territories of the Tsarist empire. Kosobutsky had led the archdiocese of Minsk during the four months of the metropolitans exile, has currently been replaced by the apostolic administrator, Monsignor Kazimierz Wielikoselec. Rebuilding churches destroyed by the atheist regime has always been Kondrusiewicz's primary concern, first in Russia and then in Belarus. In recent years he has also made great efforts for the revival not only of the buildings, but of all the ecclesiastical and educational structures, and of the initiatives of Catholics in the various spheres of society. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Ahead of the release of LeBron James' "Space Jam: A New Legacy," the history surrounding Pepe Le Pew and Captain Jack Sparrow emerged again. On LeBron's Twitter account, he released sneak peeks of the upcoming animated comedy film featuring Looney Tunes characters. In one photo, the Tune Squad including Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tasmanian Devil, and Tweety appear in the background. However, Pepe Le Pew is out of the list, though the controversial character was originally set to be seen in a particular scene. However, New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow claimed that the character "normalized rape culture." Almost 20 years before the character got canceled, Express UK noted that the character was actually an inspiration for Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow. Captain Jack Sparrow, Pepe Le Pew's Similarities In 2020, "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that the character influenced Depp's Sparrow. "He's a very inventive actor. He had a young daughter at the time and he was watching a lot of cartoons and fell in love with Pepe Le Pew," he told the "Literally! Rob Lowe" podcast. There were scenes in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" that also happened in the Looney Tunes series. For instance, Sparrow received slaps from women in Tortuga in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." Meanwhile, Pepe Le Pew supposedly had a scene with domestic violence advocate Greice Santo where she slaps him after he kisses her arms. The actress - who is a victim of harassment herself - said that the character's behavior was unacceptable, causing it to be left out from the movie. "Now the scene is cut, and she doesn't have that power to influence the world through younger generations who'll be watching Space Jam 2, to let younger girls and younger boys know that Pepe's behaviour is unacceptable," Santo's spokesperson told Deadline. But aside from Pepe Le Pew, Depp also based his character's way of talking and walking on The Rolling Stone's Keith Richards. Unfortunately, Johnny Depp once revealed to EuroNews during the Zurich Festival that the Disney's heads saw him as nothing but a drunk man. His character is renowned for his slurred speeches. However, the Disney executives doubted what he could really bring to the table. "They were nervous, they were afraid no one would understand a word Captain Jack said," Depp revealed. "I got calls from them asking, 'Is he drunk? Are you drunk? What's the thing with his hands?'" See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles File photo shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma al-Assad taking part in the parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, on July 19, 2020. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma al-Assad were tested positive for COVID-19, state news agency SANA reported on Monday. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma al-Assad were tested positive for COVID-19, state news agency SANA reported on Monday. After experiencing some symptoms, the president and his wife took the PCR test and the result came positive even though they are in good and stable health, SANA said. Assad and the first lady will be observing a quarantine between two to three weeks while continuing to carry out their work. The president urged the people to observe safety measures to protect against the COVID-19 epidemic. This comes at a time the COVID-19 cases in Syria are heading up amid warnings by medical staff that this wave is a strong one. Syrian Health Ministry placed the overall number of infections since last March at 15,981 on Sunday, including 10,374 recoveries and 1,063 deaths. However, medical staff say the number is much higher as many people get the virus without doing the test. After this weekend, the John Hunt Park coronavirus vaccine clinic will no longer be vaccinating people on Saturdays and Sundays. That's because staff can get everyone vaccinated Monday through Friday. We spoke with the Senior Vice President of Operations for Huntsville Hospital. Tracy Doughty said on Tuesday that the vaccine clinic is actually being allocated less vaccines than a month and a half ago, but the staff is able to vaccinate more than 2,000 people a day. "We can ramp ours up to at least 22-2,300 doses a day, easy, so that means about 1,200, 1,300 new doses everyday," said Doughty. Doughty says the John Hunt Park vaccine clinic has been allocated 2,500 vaccine doses a week. That number is lower than previous weeks, though. "With the allocation of Pfizer not going up dramatically, that means they have to take the vaccine from someone to spread it around to more people. So, we're getting less of an allocation than we were a month and a half ago," said Doughty. People like Sharon Hudson are just happy they were finally able to get a vaccine appointment. "There's been too many people close to me suffer with it, and we've had deaths and my husband had it before Christmas and we've taken precautions, so it's out there," said Hudson, vaccine recipient. Hudson encourages others to get the vaccine as well. "It just came close enough to home that I encourage everyone close to me or not close to me, go ahead and take it," said Hudson. Doughty says the vaccine clinic no longer vaccinating people on the weekends is not because of any staffing issues. "Definitely not a staffing issue. We have great staff members who are chomping at the bits to work out there. Some of the folks who work up there say it's the most satisfying work they've done at Huntsville Hospital in 20 years. So, they love, love working out there," said Doughty. Huntsville Hospital has adjusted the vaccine clinic's hours to accommodate people that can't get off of work during the day to come and get the vaccine. The hospital extended the John Hunt Park vaccine clinic's hours to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW MILFORD Michael Rafferty was selected as the interim principal for Schaghticoke Middle School during a special Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. Rafferty, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a masters in counselor education, most recently served as principal at Old Saybrook Middle School for 22 years, before retiring in 2013. The US provided some information, cold-weather clothing and some other equipment to India during its recent border crisis with China, which has adopted an increasingly assertive military posture to exert pressure and expand its influence across the region, a top Pentagon commander has told American lawmakers. Admiral Philips Davidson, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, also told the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that China's recent activities along the Line of Actual Control have opened India's eyes to what cooperative effort with others might mean for their own defensive needs as he observed that New Delhi, in the very near term, will deepen its engagement with the Quad. "India has long had an approach called strategic autonomy, you know, a nonaligned approach with others, but I think certainly the activities along the Line of Actual Control with China has opened their eyes to what cooperative effort with others might mean for their own defensive needs," Admiral Davidson told lawmakers during the Congressional hearing. "We have provided some information to India in that crisis, cold-weather closing, clothing, some other equipment, some things like that, and over the last several years, we have been deepening our maritime cooperation," he said. China moved over 60,000 well-armed troops who were mobilised for annual exercises, to contentious areas like Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh in May last year, prompting India to match the PLA's mobilisation which led to an over eight-month long standoff. After lengthy rounds of talks, the two sides simultaneously withdrew troops from Pangong Lake area last month while talks are on for the withdrawal of soldiers from the rest of the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. "I think you will see India in the very near term, you know, remain committed to their non-aligned approach, but I think they will deepen their engagement with the Quad, and I think that's a key strategic opportunity for us, Australia, and Japan," Davidson said, ahead of the maiden Quad Leaders' Summit involving the top leaders from Australia, India, Japan and the United States on Friday. US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the first Leaders' Summit of Quad in a virtual format on Friday along with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison and Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga. During the summit, the Quad leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Admiral was responding to a question from Senator Angus King. "That would be a geopolitical major development if India more closely aligned with those other countries," King said responding to the answer from the admiral. "India has always been a neutral country, if you will. Are we developing a stronger alliance with them? You mentioned them as part of the Quad. Do they consider themselves a member of something of that nature?" King asked. In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. The US has been favouring making Quad a security architecture to check China's growing assertiveness. Admiral Davidson also said that the current state of US-India relations presents a historic opportunity to deepen bilateral defence ties and solidify what he described as the defining partnership of the 21st century'. The US and Indian navies are now securely sharing information, and India has substantially increased its acquisition of US defence equipment, he said. The United States strongly supports India's establishment of an information fusion centre focusing on maritime domain awareness, which will improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and Bay of Bengal, he said. The two countries, he said, concluded several agreements, including the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, which has greatly enhanced information sharing and interoperability. The Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed in December 2019 allows for the transfer of technologies in support of defence production while the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) allows sharing of unclassified geospatial information. The two countries also signed in October 2020 an agreement on Navy-to-Navy Information Sharing. "Defence sales are at an all-time high with India operating US-sourced platforms such as P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s, AH-64s, CH-47s, Precision Guided-Excalibur Munitions, and M777 howitzers," he told lawmakers adding that in February, India agreed to acquire Apache and MH-60R multi-mission helicopters worth USD3.1 billion and is considering other US systems. USINDOPACOM defines the security relationship with India as a strategic imperative, Davidson said. "We expect substantial progress on interoperability and information sharing, service-level and joint military-to-military cooperation and exercises like TIGER TRIUMPH and MALABAR, and an increase in quadrilateral collaboration between India, Australia, Japan, and the United States as the relationship continues to mature, he said. NOTTINGHAM, Pa., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the last 75 years, food lovers have enjoyed more than 300 varieties of craveable snacks from Pennsylvania-based Herr's, the nation's largest family-owned snack maker. As Herr's transitions from second to third-generation management, the company remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to create flavor-packed snacks that have become favorites of fans near and far. To commemorate the landmark 75th anniversary, Herr's is releasing a limited-edition Homestyle kettle cooked potato chip and launching 75 days of celebrations to give back to the Philadelphia communities and fans who have supported Herr's through the years. Herr's limited-time 75th anniversary Homestyle Potato Chip has its roots in the company's first potato chips, which were originally hand-cut. Herr's Gives Back From its beginning in 1946, Herr's has had a mission of charitable giving and environmental responsibility. As part of their 75th anniversary celebration, Herr's has donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army's food assistance program, providing meals to over 6,000 families in Philadelphia. Additionally, from April 11-May 14, Herr's is launching the #ChipInChallenge campaign to help the Philadelphia community and small businesses who struggled during this past year. To jump-start the "chip it forward" movement, Herr's will surprise and delight consumers across Philadelphia neighborhoods by buying their lunch, including a bag of chips, and encourage them to join the #ChipInChallenge by paying it forward to a fellow Philadelphian. To help build momentum for this random act of kindness, those who take the challenge are encouraged to share on social media with #ChipInChallenge. "It takes all of us to come together during these difficult times to help each other. Hard times like these are when Philadelphia shows its best self and sometimes a small act can go a long way to help our neighborhoods and small businesses stay afloat," said Chairman and CEO Ed Herr. "We want to continue helping the city and our consumers that have supported us for 75 years. With this in mind, we are contributing to the Salvation Army to help them provide food assistance for thousands of families, as well as starting the #ChipInChallenge, an initiative to chip in a little for someone else at your favorite stores across Philadelphia." Celebrate with Herr's The limited-time 75th anniversary Homestyle Potato Chip has its roots in Herr's first potato chips, which were originally hand-cut. Launching this week in stores and online, just in time to stock the pantries for National Potato Chip Day on March 14, the new chips are thick cut and kettle cooked to deliver a satisfying crunch, seasoned with simple herbs and spices. The Homestyle Potato Chip's vintage package design is reminiscent of the company's founding in 1946 by 21-year-old Jim Stauffer Herr with a $1,750 investment. In addition to charitable giving, innovation has also been an important focus for Herr's since the early days of the company. Celebrating a history of flavor innovation, which began in 1958 when Herr's introduced its first flavored potato chip barbecue, the company has invited fans the chance to vote for their favorite unique Herr's flavor. For more information about the variety of Herr's flavors visit www.herrs.com, and follow Herr's 75th anniversary celebrations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit our photo library: https://bit.ly/3kYWwgq About Herr's Made from the finest ingredients available and always bursting with flavor, Herr's snacks have been giving people something to smile about since 1946, when Jim Herr started his own snack company. Based in Nottingham, Pennsylvania, where visitors are welcomed to its Visitor Center and Snack Factory, Herr's produces more than 300 snack products in nine product categories and continues to be family-owned and operated. www.herrs.com SOURCE Herr Foods Inc. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MANISTEE COUNTY Eligible residents in Manistee, Benzie, Mason and Ocean counties soon will have another option for a location to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 35,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are awarded to 22 pilot projects in an effort to help enhance the states vaccine equity strategy. Northwest Michigan Health Services is the countys only recipient of the vaccine through this program. The organization's plan is to offer two vaccination events in Oceana County, and one each in Mason, Manistee and Benzie in the coming two weeks, according to Northwest Michigan Health Services chief development officer Gwen Williams. Times and dates for these events were not available by press time Tuesday. The program aims to remove barriers to getting the vaccine for Michigan residents ages 60 and older who live in communities with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and high COVID-19 mortality rates. If providers have additional capacity in their project, they may expand vaccination to include people ages 50-59 with disabilities and comorbid conditions. SVI uses census data to identify places where a community may have more difficulty preventing human suffering a financial loss in a disaster. It is calculated based on 15 indicators of socioeconomic status, family composition, disability, minority status, language, housing and transportation. We want to make sure all Michiganders have access to the safe and effective vaccines as we work toward our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up as quickly as possible, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health with MDHHS in a news release. I want to thank everyone who submitted an application to support these efforts and to help increase vaccinations for those most at risk of negative COVID-19 outcomes. "I look forward to more outreach to vulnerable communities as vaccine supplies increase. Your ability to get a vaccine should not be impacted by whether you are in a rural or urban part of the state, are lower income, are living with a disability, are not fluent in English, or dont have access to a car, a computer or the internet. Michigan providers that could help remove barriers for those ages 60 and older were encouraged to apply for the program. Over 70 applications were received. Awardees were selected by a volunteer panel from the Protect Michigan Commission. Providers could request up to 2,500 vaccine doses. I want to thank the volunteers from the Protect Michigan Commission who took the time to review these applications so quickly and thoroughly, said Kerry Ebersole Singh, Protect Michigan Commission director. These pilot projects will help improve access to the effective COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan and ultimately get us closer to ending this pandemic. The safe COVID vaccine is the most effective way to protect you, your family and others from COVID. It will help the country get back to normal and help the economy. Over 1 million Michiganders have already been safely vaccinated. The following organizations are participating in the community outreach pilot project: Advanced Pharmacy Kalamazoo County Alma Family Practice, P.C. Gratiot County Allegan County Health Department Allegan County Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Wayne County Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health Authority Bay County Calhoun County Public Health Department Calhoun County Covered Bridge Healthcare St. Joseph County Cristo Rey Family Health Center Ingham County Dearborn Fire Department Wayne County Genoa Healthcare Oakland County Henry Ford Health System Macomb, Wayne, Jackson, Oakland counties Ingham County Health Department Ingham County Kent County Health Department Kent County Mid-Michigan Health Alcona, Alpena, Clair, counties Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc. Oceana, Mason, Manistee, Benzie counties Saginaw County Health Department Saginaw County Region VII Area Agency on Aging Saginaw County Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Schoolcraft County Clair County Health Department St. Clair County Wayne Health Wayne County Washtenaw County Health Department Washtenaw County Western Wayne Family Health Center Wayne County According to the news release, these providers were chosen because: They are federally enrolled to administer the COVID-19 vaccines; They can successfully store and manage the vaccine; They can identify a method for participants to get a second dose; They can enter doses administered into the Michigan Care Improvement Registry within 24 hours; They have strong partnerships with organizations that can help reach out to the communitys most vulnerable residents 60 and older; and They can help identify barriers and strategies to overcome those barriers for program participants, including, but not limited to, transportation, language, access related to sensory, cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities, vaccine hesitancy, and other barriers experienced by underserved and minority populations. Providers are expected to receive the vaccine later this week. Doses must be administered within two weeks of receipt, with second doses being provided for administration four weeks later. MDHHS will review the status of the pilots as they progress to identify best practices to remove barriers. Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says that the spying allegations against the UNICEF Representative to Armenia Marianne ClarkHattingh are baseless. The allegations against the spying allegations against her are baseless, and I would defend her strongly, he said at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the matter. What I can tell you and what my colleagues of UNICEF have told me is that UNICEF and the Government of Armenia have agreed that Marianne ClarkHattingh will complete her assignment as UNICEF Representative in Armenia this month, and shell be redeployed to another duty station. She is a highly qualified, extremely experienced and committed development professional, who has previously served with UNICEF at Headquarters, as well as being the Representative in Malaysia and other posts in places such as Somalia, Guinea, Benin and Madagascar. UNICEF has been working for the children in Armenia since 1993 and has had a close and effective partnership with the Government, the spokesperson added. The Armenian government earlier said that it is terminating Marianne ClarkHattinghs duties because of her failures in the implementation of her mandate and her uncooperative conduct. However, some media outlets reported that the real reason of the termination is that Clark-Hattingh spied for the governments of Azerbaijan and United Kingdom. Editing by Stepan Kocharyan DALLAS, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today furthered its commitment to empowering communities it serves by launching the Southwest Airlines Scholarship. As the carrier celebrates its 50th anniversary, the airline is highlighting the importance of education through its new scholarship, which provides financial support to students seeking higher education degrees and certificates with the goal of inspiring them to pursue careers in the aviation industry. The Southwest Scholarship is open to the public and students can begin submitting their applications beginning April 1, 2021. Details about eligibility, the application process, and more can be viewed by visiting swa.is/scholarships. This public scholarship program joins the previously established Herbert D. Kelleher and Rollin W. King Scholarships, which were set up 40 years ago for eligible dependents of Southwest Airlines Employees to pursue higher education. "With these scholarship opportunities, we're encouraging students nationwide to soar to new heights through learning," said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services. "Through our numerous education-focused initiatives, we've seen the positive impact these programs can have on students from elementary school to higher education and into their careers. At Southwest, we believe educated communities are empowered communities." Funds supporting the Southwest Airlines Scholarship and The Hebert D. Kelleher and Rollin W. King Scholarships come from the Southwest Airlines Scholarship Fund at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a corporate-advised fund. From its Adopt-A-Pilot program to celebrating its Lanzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award Program, Southwest helps lead the industry in its work to improve access to education by supporting a wide-variety of educational programs that aim to aid and inspire students to soar to new heights through learning. Click here to learn more about Southwest's Signature Outreach Programs. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 50th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 56,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million Passengers in 2019. Southwest has a robust network of point-to-point service with a strong presence across top leisure and business markets. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. In 2020, the carrier added service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose (Telluride), Colo. Thus far in 2021, Southwest has initiated service to both Chicago (O'Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton on Feb. 14; and will begin service to both Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs on March 11; both Houston (Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Ft. Walton Beach on May 6; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; and Jackson, Miss. on June 6. The Company has also announced an intention to serve Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Eugene, Ore.; and Bellingham, Wash., with service anticipated to begin before the end of 2021. The carrier issued its Southwest Promise in May 2020 to highlight new and round-the-clock efforts to support its Customers and Employees well-being and comfort. Among the changes are enhanced cleaning efforts at airports and onboard aircraft, along with a federal mandate requiring every person to wear a mask at all times throughout each flight. Additional details about the Southwest Promise are available at Southwest.com/Promise. Southwest coined Transfarency to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances). Southwest does not charge change fees, though fare differences might apply. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Related Links http://www.southwest.com New mum Dani Dyer shared a gorgeous new photo with six-week old son Santiago on Tuesday. Proving she's a total natural when it comes to motherhood, the Love Island star, 24, posed makeup-free for the camera with her little one propped up against her chest. Wearing a black T-shirt, the Essex-based TV personality simply captioned her photo with a love heart emoji, while Santiago looked adorable in a sweet teddy bear printed onesie. Glowing: New mum Dani Dyer shared a gorgeous new photo with six-week old baby son Santiago on Tuesday Dani - who shares Santiago with boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, 24 - revealed earlier this week that it was a 'shock' when the couple discovered they were expecting. Speaking to OK! magazine about her pregnancy surprise, Dani told of the moment she informed beau Sammy they were going to be parents. 'We didn't plan it,' she explained. 'It was more a case of if I fall pregnant then that's fine, so it was a shock really. 'I remember Sammy was downstairs playing FIFA while I was upstairs and I just thought I'd take a pregnancy test. I remember going "Babe I'm pregnant!" He just looked at me like "Really?!" with the control still in his hand.' Since welcoming their little one into the world, Dani has admitted she was 'so upset' and 'felt like her body failed her' when she had to have an emergency caesarian-section. Speaking about her first five weeks of motherhood on the Made by Mammas podcast earlier this month, Dani said she's 'grown so much' in a month and has come to terms with Santiago's dramatic arrival. The mother-of-one explained: 'I've really grown in a month. I felt like my body failed me, why can't it let me naturally have a baby and I was so upset and beat myself up.' Dani - the daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, 43 - also reflected on her difficult labour, revealing the umbilical cord was wrapped around her baby. Candid: The Love Island star, 24, recently admitted she was 'so upset' and 'felt like her body failed her' when she had to have an emergency caesarian-section 'I wasn't dilating enough for him to come out. And then we realised umbilical cord was wrapped around him so I ended with an emergency section,' continued the former Love Island star. Dani also said she thinks women need to step away from the notorious 'too posh to push' quote, adding: 'I think that was a lot harder as recovery was tough! 'It was horrible when I was so paralysed and numb and couldn't even pick the baby up. 'Now I say any woman who has a c-section, get the help and go easy on yourself.' Doting dad: Dani - who shares Santiago with boyfriend Sammy Kimmence, 24 - revealed earlier this week that it was a 'shock' when the couple discovered they were expecting Dani and Sammy announced they were expecting their first child together in July 2020, just three months after rekindling their relationship following a brief separation. The reality star ended the couple's then 10-month romance amid claims her boyfriend's court case for scamming two elderly men out of 34,000 had put 'a strain on their relationship'. The pair grew close again during the first lockdown after Sammy 'begged' Dani to spend time with him. Dani shot to fame on the 2018 summer series of Love Island when she and ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham, 29, won the hearts of the nation. The couple went on to win the show, but split just 10 months later in July 2019. Washington, March 10 : The Pentagon has announced that the deployment period of the nearly 2,300 National Guard troops at the US Capitol has been extended till May 23. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that the extension was approved by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The deployment period was set to end this week. "Nearly 2,300 National Guard personnel will continue the support mission. This represents a reduction of nearly 50 per cent of the current support force," Kirby said in the statement. "This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness. "During this extended period, Department of Defense officials will work with the US Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow. "We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combttting the Covid-19 pandemic," he added. As many as 25,000 National Guard troops were deployed in Washington, D.C. through President Joe Biden's inauguration following the violent January 6 Capitol riots. In January, Acting Secretary of the Army John Whitley had announced that the troops would remain in Washington, D.C. through mid-March amid security concerns. There are currently 15,000 troops in the US capital. The United States is working closely with Afghan parties to encourage progress on a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire, the Biden Administration said on Tuesday, asserting that any durable outcome has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, and it is not for the US to dictate the deals. Special US Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, is in Doha meeting with negotiating parties to encourage progress in the Afghan peace negotiations. "We are working closely with Afghan parties to encourage progress on a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire. We're also working diplomatically to mobilise regional and international support for peace," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference. Khalilzad's ongoing trip to the region, he said, is really a continuation of American diplomacy. "There is a broad and longstanding consensus that there is no military solution to this conflict, and the political solution that Khalilzad is there to support, it must, of course, be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We know this will be a difficult road, but that's precisely why we're there, to support this Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process," he said. "Any agreement, any outcome that is to be durable has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. It's not for us to dictate the deals. It's not for us to preordain outcomes. It has to be an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process," Price said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Will bring in law to claim recovery of damages to public property by protesters: Khattar Congress moves no-confidence motion against Haryana govt amid farmers' stir India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 10: The Congress has moved a no-confidence motion against Manohar Lala Khattar-led BJP-JJP Haryana government in the assembly. The opposition Congress has claimed that two Independent MLAs supporting the government have withdrawn support. Moving no-confidence motion in the Haryana Assembly on Wednesday morning, Leader of Opposition BS Hooda said, "More than 250 farmers have died on the border. I presented their names but I didn't find it in the newspaper." "This government has lost the trust of the people. THe CM is not allowed to land his chopper. Farmers from across the country are protesting. Haryana tried to stop farmers and used water cannons, tear gas against them," Bhupinder Singh Hooda said in the assembly on Wednesday. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has said there is no threat to the government. "We are confident that the no-confidence motion against the government will be defeated in the Assembly," Khattar said today. The appeal by the umbrella body of farmer unions spearheading the stir against the Centre's farm laws has come as the Congress is set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-JJP government on Wednesday. In a video appeal to Haryana farmers and state residents, Dr Darshan Pal, a senior farmer leader from Punjab and a key member of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), on Sunday said farmers and other residents should approach the BJP, JJP legislators in their homes and offices. "You should specially put pressure on the BJP-JJP legislators because the Centre is not agreeing to farmers'' demands and for over a month, they have been silent," he said, adding that a no-confidence motion is being brought against the Haryana government in the state assembly on March 10. Initially, the Congress wanted to move the no-confidence on March 5, the first day of the Budget session, but its request was turned down by the Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, who had fixed March 10 for it. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, currently having an effective strength of 88 members, the ruling BJP has 40 members, the JJP 10 and the Congress 30. Seven are Independents, five of whom are supporting the government, while one member is of the Haryana Lokhit Party, who has also extended support to the government. The creation of a separate international arbitration tribunal in Ukraine for resolving investment disputes can be difficult and ineffective; as an alternative, it is worth considering the creation of an arbitration tribunal at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Head of the Office of the National Investment Council under the President of Ukraine Olha Mahaletska has said. "We have a law on chambers of commerce and industry. Perhaps it makes sense to improve it and make a new chamber to consider international investment disputes," she said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to Mahaletska, well-known international arbitration tribunals, such as Stockholm or LCIA, do not consider Ukraine as a country where they can go and establish their branch. "They see it as a business model, and they need a corresponding business in Ukraine. We know that cases where legal costs start from $1-2 million are needed for companies that want to go to a foreign arbitration court either in Stockholm or London," she said. She added that in order to create a successful arbitration court, a developed judicial system with a high level of business confidence in courts is needed, since in arbitration practice, the courts serve as the necessary infrastructure on which arbitration is built. "It is the courts that have the right to invalidate the arbitration clause, cancel the arbitral award, etc. The situation is not easy, so we are working hard to find a solution," Mahaletska said. Commenting on the idea of creating a separate financial court in Ukraine, she expressed the opinion that "something new should not be done, but existing mechanisms should be improved." "Since even with a separate arbitration for residents of the financial hub, while the issue concerns financial relations, everything is clear, but if this issue concerns business or another resident, it will be a different court," the head of the Office of the National Investment Council said. As reported, in January last year, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky came up with the idea of creating international arbitration for investors in Ukraine. In addition, a project of the Ukrainian International Financial Center, which is being discussed in the government and the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine, also envisages the creation of a separate arbitration of this kind. 404 The High Court in Meru has awarded Sh15.7 million compensation to a schoolboy who was electrocuted while herding cattle in 2015. Justice Francis Gikonyo ordered Kenya Power to pay the man, who is now 21 years of age, a sum of Sh15,729,500 as damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, medical expenses incurred, doctors fees, and future medical expenses. It is trite law that special damages must be specifically pleaded and proved. The plaintiff pleaded special damages for which he produced receipts in support. Contrary to the contention by the defendant, all the receipts produced by the plaintiff bore revenue stamps, the judge stated. Court documents indicate the young man who was 16 years at the time touched a live electric wire that was lying loosely on the ground after tripping and falling while grazing cattle at Kilemi/Kautine, Antubetwe Location in Igembe North District in October 2015. As a result, he suffered electrocution and sustained severe injuries namely; 5th-degree burns of the right forearm, 4th degree burns to the left distal shin, ankle, foot, 3rd-degree burns to the right anxilla, amputation stump of the right forearm, scars over anxilla, left shin, ankle, scars over the foot, stiffness of the ankle joint with obvious valgus deformity, Loss of right upper limb, court documents stated. In addition to having his arm amputated, the boy was also forced to drop out of school. The loss of the right upper limb has led to severe debilitation and made him drop out of school since he could no longer write leading to an extensive period as an outpatient, the court observed. The plaintiff a prosthesis costing Sh8 million was recommended for him to help him conduct his daily activities. Further, maintenance of the prosthesis is estimated to cost Sh1 million. Justice Gikonyo accused Kenya Power of negligence. Kenya Power submitted that the plaintiff was negligent in failing to ensure his own safety. The power utility firm argued the student should be held 100 percent liable. In disputing liability, Kenya Power submitted that the plaintiff failed to discharge his burden of proof in respect of the electric wires loosely hanging. But Justice Gikonyo said defence was the one incapable of disapproving the evidence adduced by the plaintiff that the company was negligent in leaving a live wire on the ground. We are honored Florida Food Products selected ColinKurtis as its marketing partner. Our teams are working closely together to improve the companys overall presence throughout the food and beverage industries, while sharpening communication efforts to better reach their target audience in new ways. ColinKurtis Advertising, a leading food industry agency specializing in strategic branding and communication solutions, recently announced it has been named the new agency of record for Florida Food Products (FFP). A leader in natural flavor and functional food ingredients, FFP is focused on finding better ways to help the food and beverage industry offer products that anticipate and deliver on ever-evolving consumer needs and trends with simple and recognizable ingredients that work. Colin Kampmier, President, ColinKurtis Advertising said, We are honored Florida Food Products selected ColinKurtis as its marketing partner. Our teams are working closely together to improve the companys overall presence throughout the food and beverage industries, while sharpening communication efforts across various media to better reach their target audiences in new and compelling ways. FFP offers an exciting mix of food and beverage ingredient solutions and we couldnt be more thrilled to help them share the many fruits of their labor. Christopher Naese, Vice President, Business Development, Florida Food Products said, The FFP management team has been impressed by the ColinKurtis team energy and relatively quick understanding of the companys marketing needs. We are pleased with the level of detail and planning ColinKurtis has established with our group and are excited to see the results this partnership and the evolution of FFP bring. FFP delivers a multitude of clean-label solutions to meet the needs and desires of customers and consumers across the food and beverage industry. Building on their leadership in natural cures, FFPs latest innovations include VegStable Plus, an industry-leading natural phosphate alternative and a new and expanded line of lacto-fermented vegetable juices. Their recent acquisition of Amelia Bay, LLC, a leading provider of fresh brewed tea extracts, coffee extracts, and botanicals based in Johns Creek, Georgia, further expands FFPs natural flavor and functional expertise and capabilities to include beverage. The broader portfolio provides beverage solutions that offer immune support, digestive heath, and natural energy for customers eager to meet and get ahead of growing consumer demands. ColinKurtis will support FFP with a wide range of strategic marketing initiatives including a strategic plan, ad campaigns, content and other marketing materials, a PR campaign, video development, website updates, a social media campaign and more to help them continue to deliver real ingredient solutions to the food and beverage industry. For more information on ColinKurtis or to be inspired by some of the agencys work, please visit http://www.colinkurtis.com. About ColinKurtis Advertising ColinKurtis Advertising, a Rockford, Illinois-based company, is a full-service advertising and design firm. The agency strives to provide both business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients with strategic marketing solutions delivered through solid creative direction and concise communication messaging. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Cambodian fisherman Tin Yusos tucks into a meal of the previous day's catch with his wife and granddaughter aboard a boat which doubles as their home moored by the banks of the Tonle Sap River. They plan to set out for another day of fishing in the area of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, though his expectations are low. "There are no big fish anymore," said Tin Yusos, 57. In the past, he could get a haul of about 30 kilogram (66 lb) of fish a day. Now he often catches just over one kilogram, worth about 15,000 riel ($3.69). Experts blame hydropower projects, sand mining, deforestation, wetland conversion and climate change for dramatic drops in water levels in the region's rivers, severely disrupting fishing and threatening food supplies for millions. The Mekong typically swells in the rainy season where it converges with the Tonle Sap River, causing an unusual reversed flow into the Tonle Sap Lake, filling it up and providing bountiful fish stocks. But in recent years, the flows to Southeast Asia's largest lake have at times been delayed, a factor blamed on drought and hydropower dams upstream on the Mekong. Whether or not China's 11 dams are harming downstream countries dependent on the 4,350 km (2,700 mile) river has become a geopolitical issue, with the United States urging Lower Mekong nations like Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to demand answers. Marc Goichot, an expert on the region's waterways at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), said dams and sand mining in particular can contribute to a loss of fish. "Basically the entire system is under stress and changing," he said. "We need to address the root causes of those changes and re-establish the key processes like movement of fish." Ly Safi, 32, another Cambodian fisherman, said that this year's catch had been his worst and he felt trapped in a livelihood with little future. "Some fishermen could save up some money and have left to do businesses on land, but for us we cant." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa were all square at 1-1 after the first two races of the 36th Americas Cup off the coast of Auckland on Wednesday, an opening day that promised a thrilling contest for the oldest trophy in international sport. Defender TNZ won the first race in the best-of-13 match by 31 seconds after Luna Rossa, co-helmed by Australias Jimmy Spithill, fluffed the start but the Italian challengers charged back to take the second by seven seconds. Luna Rossa leads Team New Zealand during race two in Auckland on Wednesday. Credit:Getty TNZ skipper Peter Burling conceded his team had not been at their very best in their first races for some three months, particularly at the start of the second race. Looked a little bit rusty on that one but it was good to get back a bit on them and really show that we have good downwind (speed), the Olympic champion said. The Dallas police officer who allegedly paid a hitman $10,000 to kill a female informant and another man has been fired - four years after first being linked to one of the murders. Bryan Riser was charged last week with two counts of capital murder in the killings of Liza Saenz, 31, and 61-year-old Albert Douglas. He is being held on a $5 million bond and his attorney, Toby Shook, said the 36-year-old officer is innocent. Police Chief Eddie Garcia had said Riser became a 'suspect' in the case in 2019 and sought to distinguish that from being 'a person of interest.' But it was reported Tuesday that Riser was being investigated for longer than authorities have previously acknowledged. In 2017 a Dallas police detective testified in court that Riser was the 'subject' of an investigation into the killing of Saenz. That has led to questions as to why he continued to patrol the city. Riser had joined the department in 2008 and was working as a patrol officer before his arrest. Former Dallas police Chief U. Renee Hall said he had been kept on the job to avoid tipping him off to the investigation. Garcia fired Riser for 'adverse conduct' on Tuesday, according to the department. Bryan Riser was charged last week with two counts of capital murder in the killings of Liza Saenz, 31, and 61-year-old Albert Douglas. He is being held on a $5 million bond and his attorney, Toby Shook, said the 36-year-old officer is innocent Garcia has said neither killing was connected to Risers police work, but that investigators were still trying to determine the motives. Both victims were shot and their bodies were dumped in the Trinity River, according to investigators. Saenz' body was recovered, but Douglas' was not Authorities have alleged that Riser offered to pay three men to kidnap and kill Douglas and Saenz, after the cop told them the latter was an 'informant'. The men were later charged with capital murder and one of them came forward and implicated Riser in 2019, according to an affidavit. Garcia has said neither killing was connected to Risers police work, but that investigators were still trying to determine the motives. Both victims were shot and their bodies were dumped in the Trinity River, according to investigators. Saenz' body was recovered, but Douglas' was not. Garcia fired Riser, pictured, for 'adverse conduct' on Tuesday, according to the department During the September 2017 court hearing, the detective also said alleged informant Saenz lived with Riser's father and that before her death she had been a witness in another murder case. The testimony, which was first reported by the Dallas Morning News, came during a detention hearing in a federal drug case against Riser's dad, Byron Riser. The younger Riser's attorney, Toby Shook, previously said Saenz lived with the elder Riser at one point, but that his client 'didn't have a relationship with' her. It was reported Tuesday that Riser was being investigated for longer than authorities have previously acknowledged. In 2017 a Dallas police detective testified in court that Riser was the 'subject' of an investigation into the killing of Saenz, pictured Byron Riser pleaded guilty in 2018 to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to five years in prison. He's currently at a residential re-entry center in Texas on community supervision, Shook said. During his 2017 testimony, Detective Kevin Whitworth said he began investigating the officer after the father of Saenz's child was convicted in a separate murder case. Saenz was supposed to convince witnesses not to testify, Whitworth said, and after the father of her child was found guilty someone was heard in the courtroom blaming her. The detective said Saenzs body was pulled from a river in southwest Dallas not long after that. He said Riser came under scrutiny because of phone calls around that time between him, his father and 'the main suspect' in Saenzs killing. Shook said Riser knew one of the men charged in Saenzs killing, Emmanuel Kilpatrick, from high school and that they reconnected in 2017 after a chance encounter. Kilpatrick, 34, is now serving life in prison for the killings of a father and son. Police Chief Eddie Garcia, pictured, had said Riser became a 'suspect' in the case in 2019 and sought to distinguish that from being 'a person of interest.' But it was reported Tuesday that Riser was being investigated for longer than authorities have previously acknowledged Riser joined the department in 2008 and was working as a patrol officer before his arrest The defense lawyer said that case against Riser has 'several red flags,' including being based on the word of someone who has 'all the reason in the world to lie and try to gain an advantage by trying to implicate a police officer.' On Monday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson formed a City Council committee to investigate why Riser continued to serve while under investigation. The seven-member committee is empowered to subpoena witnesses and compel city employees to turn over records. 'This is an awful situation, and the public deserves answers regarding who knew what, when they knew it, and why the officer remained on active duty,' the mayor said. Air passenger duty on domestic flights could be slashed under plans to boost connectivity in the UK - as Boris Johnson's ambitious proposals for a tunnel between Scotland and Northern Ireland move a step closer. The Prime Minister is set to launch a consultation this spring on reforming the tax - paid on all passenger flights from UK airports. Possible cuts include slashing rates for UK internal flights or scrapping the tax for return legs. The duty, which raises around 3.7billion a year for the economy, is set at 84 for a standard longhaul economy seat and is as low as 13 for shorter flights leaving from the UK. Mr Johnson says the shake-up, which comes amid calls by the aviation industry for more Covid support, is part of plans for the UK to 'build back better' after the coronavirus crisis. The Prime Minister also hopes it will bring 'every corner of the UK closer together'. As part of his new proposals, he is set to announce a new 20million infrastructure fund to help better connect the four UK countries. Part of the cash injection will be used as early-stage funding for the 10billion the 'Boris Burrow' - an ambitious undersea tunnel connecting Larne in Northern Ireland to Stranraer in Scotland. It will also be used to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister is set to launch a consultation this spring on reforming the tax - on all passenger flights from UK airports He is set to announce a new 20million infrastructure fund. The money will be on top of the 10billion sidelined for the 'Boris Burrow' - an ambitious undersea tunnel connecting Larne in Northern Ireland to Stranraer in Scotland (pictured: A map showing the proposed link) Air passenger duty on domestic flights could be slashed under plans to boost connectivity in the UK 'Boris' Burrow': The 10billion tunnel to connect Northern Ireland to the mainland 'Boris' Burrow' is the nickname for a 25-mile, 10billion, undersea tunnel that would link Stranraer in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland. Studies are currently being undertaken by the chairman of Network Rail, Peter Hendy, to find out if the 25-mile tunnel would be possible. A direct tunnel from Stranraer to Larne would have to cross Beaufort's Dyke - where 1.5million tonnes of munitions were dumped after the Second World War Mr Hendy has already met the Prime Minster to discuss his findings and his report is expected to be released within a matter of weeks. But The Times last week reported that officials at Number 10 decided the 25-mile tunnel idea may be impractical. Instead, officials have suggested three tunnels, starting from Stranraer, Liverpool and Heysham in Lancashire, could meet at a roundabout at the Isle of Man, before a tunnel stretched on to Larne. The roundabout could be dubbed Douglas Junction - after the island's capital, according to reports. A link between Scotland and Northern Ireland was first proposed by Boris Johnson during the Tory leadership race in 2018 in the form of a bridge. What we need to do is build a bridge between our islands, he declared, during an interview that was highly critical of Theresa Mays leadership. Why dont we? Why dont we? There is so much more we can do, and what grieves me about the current approach to Brexit is that we are just in danger of not believing in ourselves, not believing in Britain. Advertisement The money will be spent on exploring the development of projects including improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England; upgrading the A75 between Gretna, Dumfries and Stranraer; faster rail links from England to Scotland and rail improvements in south-east Wales. It will also be used to explore new requirements to offset emissions and decarbonise aviation. But the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said that cutting domestic flight duty 'flies in the face of the Government's climate commitments'. General secretary Manuel Cortes urged the Government to invest in 'truly green public transport', such as rail, which is the 'most effective intercity connection taking people to the heart of our towns and cities'. It comes as an interim report by Sir Peter Hendy, the boss of Network Rail who is conducting a review of union connectivity, was published assessing ways transport can better connect all parts of the UK. The report set out how a UK Strategic Transport Network would deliver the ambition upgrading direct transport links, reducing delays and stimulating growth across the four nations. This includes 'Boris' Burrow', a 25-mile tunnel under the Irish Sea that would link Stranraer in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland A direct tunnel from Stranraer to Larne would have to cross Beaufort's Dyke - where 1.5million tonnes of munitions were dumped after the Second World War. As an alternative, officials have suggested three tunnels, starting from Stranraer, Liverpool and Heysham in Lancashire, could meet at a roundabout at the Isle of Man, before a tunnel stretched on to Larne. A bridge is also being considered. In the report, Sir Peter said he has asked two experts to lead a 'discrete piece of work' to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. The Prime Minister has mooted the idea of a bridge several times, and former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee and Gordon Masterton have been tasked with leading the technical review into such a link. Mr Johnson said: 'It's now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together. 'We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map. 'This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road and I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country.' Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: 'As we build back better from Covid, it is more important than ever that we level-up every corner of our great country. 'Quality transport infrastructure is key to achieving that, which is why we are committed to boosting connectivity and bringing communities across the UK even closer together.' Sir Peter said: 'Devolution has been good for transport but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding. 'A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this, with its core objective centred around levelling up across the whole of the UK.' We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Phyllis Nisbet is a resident of Cottonwoods long-term care home, where there is currently an outbreak of COVID-19. Her husband Stan is surprised and dismayed that only two-thirds of Cottonwoods' staff have so far agreed to be vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 40 people have lost their home after a fire destroyed a Delaware apartment complex. The Delaware State Fire Marshals office says the fire occurred around 4 a.m. Sunday at the Valley Run Apartments in Claymont near the Pennsylvania state line. No injuries were reported, but all 12 units in the complex were badly damaged and are uninhabitable. More than 40 residents have been displaced. The American Red Cross was providing assistance at the scene. Overall damage could exceed $1 million. The fire marshal reports that flames were shooting from the building when Claymont Fire Company trucks arrived at the scene. The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. EquityStory.RS, LLC-News: PJSC Mechel / Key word(s): Annual Results PJSC Mechel: Mechel Announces 2020 Financial Results Release Date 10.03.2021 / 13:00 MSK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. MECHEL ANNOUNCES 2020 FINANCIAL RESULTS RELEASE DATE Moscow, Russia - March 10, 2021 - Mechel PAO (MOEX: MTLR, NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces that it intends to release its operational and financial results for the full year period ending December 31, 2020, on Thursday, March 11, 2021. *** Mechel PAO Alexey Lukashov Phone: +7 495 221 8888 e-mail: alexey.lukashov@mechel.com *** Mechel is an international mining and steel company. Its products are marketed in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, steel, rolled products, ferroalloys, heat and electric power. All of its enterprises work in a single production chain, from raw materials to high value-added products. *** Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions. 10.03.2021 MSK Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EquityStory.RS, LLC - a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EquityStory.RS, LLC Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. For Katrina Parrott, being invited to present her idea to Apple at its campus in Cupertino, Calif., felt like a dream. Less than a year earlier, she had been laid off from her job with NASA in Texas. Now, she was discussing partnering with the iPhone maker on an idea she had pioneered: emoji with different skin-tone options. It was 2013, and the tiny digital drawings - smiley faces and thumbs-up icons sent over text message - depicted people in only one skin tone. Parrott, who is Black, said her oldest daughter came home from college one day and lamented that she couldn't express herself through emoji with skin tones that matched her own. "What I learned in business is if you come up with an idea that nobody else has and you're the first on the scene, it gives you a real good opportunity to be successful," Parrott said in an interview. Parrott embraced the idea and in six months built and launched an iPhone app, called iDiversicons, that allowed users to copy and paste emoji with five distinct skin tones into their messages. At the time, creators of iPhone apps were becoming millionaires overnight, and Parrott saw an opportunity to build momentum. She began pumping her savings into the app's growth. Photo for The Washington Post by May-Ying Lam According to Parrott, though, her early success turned to heartbreak when Apple and other technology companies incorporated skin tone options into their operating systems, making her app obsolete and leaving her $200,000 in the hole. Parrott is now suing Apple for copyright infringement in a case that highlights the lopsided power dynamic on mobile app stores, where app creators are easily copied and pushed aside by technology giants. Todd Patterson, a Texas intellectual property lawyer representing Parrott, said the case is about simple values. "The woman who was trying to improve inclusion gets excluded," he said. Apple spokeswoman Jacqueline Roy declined to comment, other than to point to the company's court filings, in which Apple says Parrott has no claim to the copyright of skin tone emoji. In court, Apple's lawyers have argued that "copyright does not protect the idea of applying five different skin tones to emoji because ideas are not copyrightable." Apple said in the court filing that it developed diverse skin tone emoji independently and did not copy her work. Parrott, whose copyright-infringement lawsuit filed last year against Apple is pending in federal court in Texas, is not the first person to create an iPhone app only to see Apple make it obsolete. Mobile app developers competing in the estimated $72 billion-a-year market for iPhone apps often run headlong into the might of the iPhone maker, which sets the rules of the Apple App Store on its own terms.In September of last year, iPhone developers formed a coalition aimed at forcing Apple to loosen restrictions they say give Apple an unfair advantage over competitors and harm innovation. Photo for The Washington Post by May-Ying Lam But Parrott's story, told through interviews as well as emails and documents viewed by The Washington Post, bumps up against Apple's effort to market itself as an agent of change for systemic racial inequity in corporate America. Apple announced a $100 million racial justice and equity initiative in January that aims in part to help Black entrepreneurs with start-up boot camps and other opportunities. As part of the initiative,which costs one one-thousandth of what Apple earned in revenue last quarter, Apple says it is funding schools such as one in Detroit's urban center that offers free iPhone coding classes. The effort is aimed at stopping the "gross injustices and institutional barriers" preventing communities of color from pursuing the "American Dream," Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, said in a news release announcing the initiative. It's surprising that Parrott's role in the widespread adoption of skin tones for emoji isn't more well known, said Jennifer 8. Lee, a vice chairman of the emoji subcommittee of Unicode Consortium, the body that approves and standardizes emoji so they can be sent among users with any device or operating system, and in any language. "If she had been a White male from Stanford or MIT in her mid 20s, it's more likely her company would have been acquired by Apple," said Lee, who featured Parrott in her documentary, "The Emoji Story." Apple remains overwhelmingly White and Asian. According to a form posted on its website, it had one Black executive out of 123 top executives in 2018. And of the 10,000 first- and mid-level managers at the company, fewer than 300 were Black. It hasn't released data on the diversity of its employee base for more than two years. Sydette Harry, a fellow at the Annenberg Innovation Lab at the University of Southern California who has studied bias in the tech industry and is a former Apple Store employee, said Apple's treatment of Parrott shows the company's blind spots when it comes to Black tech talent. "They always say, 'Oh, we have a pipeline problem,' " she said of Apple and other large technology companies. But Harry believes that Apple overlooks people like Parrott, with passion and an ability to perform, who are sitting right in the company's offices. Parrott "has all these credentials, but most importantly, she had a good idea and was someone who was willing to put in the work," Harry said. Intellectual property attorney Gerald DePardo, a partner at McCormick, Paulding and Huber, said Parrott's lawsuit falls into the category of a tough case to win in part because Apple's emoji and Parrott's do not appear to be completely identical. The fact that she came up with the idea first is not enough. Apple has a long history of incorporating features first found on the App Store or elsewhere and turning them into features built into its operating system. Companies like Spotify have accused Apple of creating competing services and using its power over its iOS mobile software system to gain a competitive advantage. Companies like Blix, the maker of email software, have taken Apple to court over similar allegations. Emoji were created in the late 1990s in Japan and were added to iPhones in 2008,the year after the iPhone launched. But it wasn't until 2015, with the release of iOS 8.3, that Apple added the option to change the skin tones of the all-White characters, prompted by changes Parrott pushed through at Unicode. Google, which operates the Android system for smartphones, introduced Unicode skin-tone standards in 2016. Unicode's members include all of the major tech companies, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, which help steer decision-making there. That lag time in the advent of diverse emoji didn't go unnoticed. "There is this playful element to emoji, which is why people are so engaged by them, but there is the reality of scale and global impact," said Florie Hutchinson, a media strategist. She submitted women's clothing emoji to Unicode in 2017 and 2019 to offer alternatives to sexualized stereotypes, such as high-heel emoji that were once the only option to depict women's shoes. The use of emoji has become "a language in and of itself, and language needs to be inclusive," she said. In December, the Smithsonian Institution added two diverse emoji to its collection, one of a woman wearing a hijab and another of a same-sex couple. In 2013, the iPhone was six years old and emoji were exploding in popularity as a communication tool. When her daughter said it would be nice to be able to express herself with emoji that looked like her, Parrott said she asked, "What's an emoji?" Parrott, who works in aerospace logistics, decided there should be an app for that. She hired a coder and set out to create her app,using five skin tones that she thought allowed for enough diversity to represent any ethnic background. Six months later, in October, iDiversicons was available for download in the App Store. A few more than 300 emoji were in the first app, all registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Parrott also applied for three patents for the idea. The number of downloads was modest, but Parrott thought that it was a good start and that with more promotion, it could turn into a business. At 99 cents a pop, minus Apple's 30 percent cut, Parrott's take topped out at about $1,000 a month, she says. But the app had been written up in several online publications and Parrott thought that greater success was right around the corner. What she didn't account for was that the App Store doesn't operate like most marketplaces. Apple restricts the kinds of things applications can do on the App Store, reserving many functions for software it develops in house. At the time, Apple's default keyboard, which included 846 emoji, could not be modified or replaced. Apple did not allow apps such as iDiversicons to create alternative keyboards with different emoji, so iPhone users who wanted other emoji could download apps and cut and paste the icons into text messages like an image - a clunky process. Parrott said she asked Apple's developer support representatives about making the app easier to use and was told that she wasn't allowed to implement some features, such as better integration with Apple's keyboard. The software developer Parrott hired to create the app suggested approaching Unicode. Parrott submitted a proposal in 2013, requesting that Unicode create a standard for non-White skin tones and incorporate more diverse emoji options. Unicode invited her to present her ideas, according to Parrott and emails from the organization. About the same time, companies such as Apple were facing more pressure to include diverse emoji. An Apple executive responded to the concerns, saying Apple was working with Unicode to adopt new standards. In May 2014, Parrott was in a conference room in the San Jose, Calif., corporate offices of Adobe, which was hosting Unicode's quarterly meeting, in San Jose. Parrot, the only Black person in the room, submitted 536 diverse emoji for consideration, from hand gestures with different skin tones to people representing different ethnic groups, to prominent figures such as President Barack Obama and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Anna Rice, a spokeswoman for Unicode, said the organization is not able to comment on "matters that are subject to pending litigation." Parrott said that the idea was well received and that representatives from companies such as Microsoft and Google praised the idea after the presentation. But the most important connection Parrott made that day was Peter Edberg, a senior software engineer at Apple. Edberg, who was not previously aware of the iDiversicons app, Parrott said, was seated next to her at the meeting and told her he was excited about the idea, she said. Edberg said that Apple knew that its emoji lacked diversity and that he had been interested in creating more diverse options, Parrott recalled, and he wanted Parrott to come to Apple's headquarters in Cupertino before she flew back to Texas. The following day,Parrott posed for a photo in front of the "1 Infinite Loop" sign at Apple's headquarters, smiling proudly. Edberg took the picture. She met in a conference room with Edberg and Celia Vigil, a senior director at Apple. She gave Vigil a printout of her proposal and shared a flash drive with her emoji designs on it. Parrott came away from the meeting thinking there was a good possibility she might sign a licensing deal with royalties or a contract in which she would provide the emoji. Contacted by email, phone and text messages, Edberg and Vigil did not respond to requests for comment. According to his LinkedIn profile, Edberg is still with Apple. Vigil has retired, according to her LinkedIn page. Apple declined to make Edberg available. Vigil sent a follow-up email to Parrott the next day. "I pointed my colleagues at your application," she wrote. "I can also show them the images you shared with Peter." In August 2014, Parrott attended a Unicode meeting where members decided to adopt five additional skin tones, as Parrott had suggested. But the Unicode board wanted to base the skin-tone choices on something that sounded more official, Parrott said. Someone in the room started Googling and came up with the Fitzpatrick scale, she said, which was developed in 1975 to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet light. Unicode Consortium President Mark Davis, who works at Google, later emailed Parrott. "Well, it's been great to have you aboard; without you we certainly wouldn't have come up with as good a solution!" he wrote in an email reviewed by The Post. "Now, we'll have to see how it plays out in practice; whether the new emoji modifiers are used!" After weeks of silence, Parrott finally heard back from Edberg in October 2014. Apple would not be working with her on the emoji project. "Apple has its own team of human interface designers who want to handle all aspects of the emoji design," he wrote in an email. He added that he was "investigating whether Apple has any kind of program for mentoring app developers." "I was really crushed," Parrott said. In February 2015, Apple announced its new, diverse emoji and made the national news. Now, anyone who wanted more diverse options could simply hit a button on the keyboard, making Parrott's iDiversicons app unnecessary. Parrott said she was disappointed in how they looked. One thing she had stressed at the Unicode meetings and to Apple is that tech companies shouldn't just change the skin color of emoji. They should also change the emoji themselves to reflect the difference in ethnicities. For instance, she said, an emoji depicting a Black person should have different hair as well. Parrott got the sinking feeling that Apple's new diverse emoji would also eat into downloads for her app, which, despite media coverage, still hadn't grown significantly in downloads. Out $200,000 in expenses on her app and travel associated with the Unicode meetings, Parrott took a job in Seattle working for Boeing. The job separated Parrott from her family. She shared her concerns with Edberg, who, still making an effort to help, went to Apple's marketing department, a power center at the company that controls decisions related to emoji. Parrott had hoped that Apple might promote her by listing iDiversicons as a suggested download on the App Store, or give her credit at the company's annual worldwide developer conference.Edberg told her Apple would not promote the app. "That just really broke me when he said that," said Parrott. Tom Liddell, CEO Handling vital patient information with accuracy and security can be intense, so, we try to balance that with a culture that recognizes excellence and celebrates wins. Being named to the Best Places to Work in Indiana list for 2021 is a meaningful achievement for Harmony Healthcare IT. The award program created by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group recognizes and honors leading employers in Indiana with outstanding workplace cultures. The health data management company is the only award winner from the greater South Bend area, and part of an elite group of 125 businesses statewide that will be officially recognized at a celebration on May 6 and featured in the Indiana Chambers BizVoice magazine and on the Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick statewide television program. The Best Places to Work in Indiana award criteria is weighted with 75 percent focused on comprehensive employee feedback about culture, benefits, perks, flexibility and the overall employee experience and the remaining 25 percent measuring the companys workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. Our role as a first-to-market innovator of health data management solutions is an important one, said Tom Liddell, CEO of Harmony Healthcare IT. Handling vital patient information with accuracy and security can be intense, so, we try to balance that with a culture that recognizes excellence and celebrates wins. Im proud of the products and services this team delivers for hospitals, group practices, labs and blood banks nationwide. We have many tremendous employers in the state, so its great to see more and more companies take part in this effort to evaluate their workplace cultures and gain the recognition they deserve, says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. These companies consistently demonstrate to their employees how much they value their contributions. Workplace culture is a long-standing top priority for the Harmony Healthcare IT team. The company uses #InHarmony as a mantra that encourages each team member to connect and share in a united approach to balancing work and life. Prior to the pandemic, Harmony Healthcare IT team members would borrow the companys #InHarmony flags and take them all over the world where they would snap selfies on mountain tops and ocean floors. Recently, the company added several socially-distant ways to stay connected, including the #JustPaws photo-op. To participate, team members adorn their family pet with a branded bandana and snap and share a photo as a fun way to remind team members to take a breather and share some joy with their dog, cat, or other pet. The Harmony Healthcare team is in growth mode and looking to add a number of new positions in 2021. While many team members are currently working remotely, the company is renovating a larger office space with a move planned later this year. For information on available positions, visit the Careers section of the companys website. For the complete list of companies named to the 2021 Best Places to Work in Indiana, visit the Indiana Chambers website. About Harmony Healthcare IT Harmony Healthcare IT (HHIT) is a data management firm that migrates and archives patient, employee and business records for healthcare organizations. To strengthen care delivery and improve lives, we move and preserve vital information in a way that keeps it accessible, usable, secure and compliant. Since 2006, our team of experts has extracted, converted, migrated and retained records from over 500 different clinical, financial and administrative software brands. That information is secured on our cloud-based platform, HealthData Archiver, which is live in production on Epics App Orchard. Harmony Healthcare IT has been ranked #1 in the 2020 Best in KLAS Software & Services Report as a Category Leader in Data Archiving, and as the top data extraction and migration healthcare IT company according to Black Book Market Research in 2019 and 2020. We were also selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit: http://www.harmonyhit.com Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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 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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 Donations increase hate crime survivors grants through the Arts for All Initiative and public programming of exhibits, podcasts, town halls, publications and other equity initiatives to raise awareness of the systemic racism that Asians have endured. Asian Hall of Fame was established in 2004 to raise public awareness of Asian contributions in the United States and the world. It has honored martial arts icon Bruce Lee, Olympic skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi, and American journalist Connie Chung, among others. ADVANCING EQUITY Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 by Robert Chinn Foundation, one of the first Asian family philanthropies in the United States and founder of Asian Hall of Fame. As sixth-generation Americans, the Chinn family has contributed to building railroads and commerce in the Pacific Northwest for more than 150 years. In 1960, Robert Chinn founded United Savings and Loan, the first Asian-owned bank in America in response to economic racism against Asians that denied access to mortgages, small business loans, and insurance. Karen Wong, daughter of the Seattle financial pioneer, established Robert Chinn Foundation 35 years ago to develop equitable access to opportunities. She founded the Asian Resource Center, Asian Hall of Fame, and grant programs to help empower the Asian community. "Asian Hall of Fame and its parent philanthropy Robert Chinn Foundation have been at the forefront of advancing equity," states CEO Maki Hsieh. "Asians represent more than 60 percent of the world, but Asian culture and contributions have been excluded from national narratives. Asians are the silent and invisible majority. The time is now to raise cross-cultural awareness of Asian equality and to transform the future of excellence for all." ASIANS ARE THE SILENT AND INVISIBLE MAJORITY Systemic violence against Asian and Pacific Islanders around the world is rooted in colonialism. In 1511 Portugal captured Malacca, Malaysia to control Asian trade and sell Asian Muslims to slavery. Asian countries except for four were oppressed by centuries of colonialism that created a pan-Asian culture of silence and obedience. Historical context and its impact on Asian immigrants in America are seldom integrated in our national narrative today. In 1868 sugar plantations in Hawaii recruited Japanese laborers. More than 100,000 Chinese contributed to building railroads in America. Asian contributions to developing commerce in the United States are seldom celebrated in national narratives. Mass violence is rarely mentioned. The 1871 Chinese Massacre in Los Angeles was one of the largest mass lynchings in American history. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers and is the only American law denying a national group entry. The 1898 Spanish-American War conceded the Philippines to the United States. Filipinos who fought for the U.S. during WWII are still waiting for veterans benefits promised by Congress and then reversed by The Rescission Act of 1946. During World War II, over 120,000 Japanese-Americans were forcibly incarcerated. The detonation of nuclear weapons over Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the only use of nuclear weapons in armed conflict. Reparations have been non-existent. The 442nd Infantry Regiment is the most decorated unit in U.S. military history comprised mostly of Japanese-American soldiers. Recognition of their heroism is still seldom mentioned in public programming. The French-Indochina War followed by the Vietnam War justified anti-Vietnamese racism. The Korean War perpetuated anti-Korean violence that escalated with the Los Angeles riots of 1992. Political reactions to 9/11 created Islamophobia that justified incarceration of Arab and Asian Muslims. Justified racism is seldom addressed in national narratives. The COVID-19 pandemic is the latest chapter in scapegoating Asians. The surging violence is a continuation of a long history of Asians being targeted during economic downturns and periods of political strife. Asian Hall of Fame is committed to addressing the global escalation of anti-Asian hate crimes by increasing hate crime survivors grants and elevating public awareness of Asian culture, history, and contributions in national narratives for the betterment of the Asian community. About Asian Hall of Fame: Asian Hall of Fame advances Asian excellence and serves as a vital partner in elevating the Asian community globally. Contact (206) 624-1195, [email protected] or www.asianhalloffame.org. SOURCE Asian Hall of Fame Related Links https://www.asianhalloffame.org South Africa: Transnet, SIU launch application to set aside irregular contracts Transnet and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have launched an application at the High Court to review and set aside four contracts concluded by the parastatal in 2014. During March 2014, Transnet entered into contracts worth R54.4 billion with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to acquire 1 064 locomotives. This was one of the largest, single-procurement events undertaken by a State-owned company. The contracts were with Bombardier Transportation South Africa (Pty) Ltd (BT); China South Rail, now called CRRC E-Loco Supply (Pty) Ltd); China North Rail, now called CNR Rolling Stock South Africa (Pty) Ltd), and General Electric South Africa Technologies (Pty) Ltd (GE). The litigation is a culmination of detailed investigations into various contracts, initiated by the new leadership of Transnet. Among these was the contract for the supply and award of the 1 064 new locomotives. Transnet and the SIU, in their court papers, show that the procurement was based on a flawed market demand strategy (MDS) and that the laws, government instructions and Transnet policy were deliberately ignored to make the tender awards, conclude the contracts and effect payment to some of the OEMs, Transnet and the SIU said in a statement. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) require State-owned companies to conduct procurement processes that are fair, equitable and competitive. The papers filed on Tuesday show that the transactions concluded by the previous Transnet management and board failed to meet the prescribed minimum standards. In December 2018, Transnet invited the four OEMs to agree to enter into negotiations for a just and equitable remedy. Transnet was unable to reach a negotiated agreement with BT, CNR and CSR, and the remedy agreed with GE requires supplementation in order to address Transnet's obligations and the public interest. Accordingly, Transnet and the SIU are asking the High Court to set aside the locomotive supply agreements and to impose a just and equitable remedy, said Transnet and the SIU. The key argument in the application is that the OEMs are not entitled to benefit from locomotive supply agreements that were awarded to them in an irregular and illegal manner, and particularly not when the OEMs conducted themselves in the manner that CSR and CNR did, in respect of agreements its parent company concluded with Regiments Asia/Tequesta. Transnet and the SIU argue in their court papers that given the nature of the kickback agreements concluded by the parent company of CSR and CNR, they cannot claim to be innocent. The factual basis is established in the affidavit that neither can the other two OEMs, BT and GE, claim that they did not or could not reasonably have known that the procurement process and subsequent contracts were irregular and unlawful, the statement read. The application by Transnet and the SIU is lengthy, with the founding affidavit over 800 pages long and the annexures stretching into many lever arch files. The application is based on the extraction and analysis of over 29 million documents, the statement said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer. Winston Marshall caused controversy after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend. In a since-deleted post, Marshall said he had read Ngos important book Unmasked: Inside Antifas Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy and praised him as a brave man. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Fans of Mumford & Sons, a chart-topping band formed in London in 2007, were quick to share their disappointment at the endorsement. One described Marshalls tweet as a dumbfounding endorsement of fascism. In a statement on Twitter, Marshall, 33, said he is stepping away from the band to examine my blindspots. He said: Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. I have offended not only a lot of people I dont know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry. Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford & Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA) As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots. Marshall, son of wealthy British investor Sir Paul Marshall, added: For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention. Ngos book Unmasked claims to expose a violent extremist movement. Critics say it inflates the size and threat of the left-wing antifa movement, which was a frequent target of Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Times describes the book as supremely dishonest. The remaining members of Mumford & Sons are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane. Their best-known songs include I Will Wait and Little Lion Man. Representatives for the band have been contacted for comment. TRINIDAD and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) executive director, Nigel Edwards, says the changes the 39-year-old financial institution is undergoing at this time are transformational. The UTC is now in the middle of a three-year cycle of strategic changes that will culminate in 2023 and beyond, he said. The maiden QUAD summit, involving leaders from Australia, India, Japan and the United States, will discuss a variety of global issues ranging from COVID-19 challenge, and climate change, the said Tuesday. "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific," Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. "A range of issues, course, we expect to be discussed, I should say, facing the global community from the threat of COVID to economic cooperation and, of course, to the climate crisis," she said. Hours after India's announcement in this regard, Psaki said that on Friday morning, President Joe Biden will meet virtually with his counterparts in the Quad -- Prime Minister Suga of Japan, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Morrison of Australia. "Formed in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami and formalized in 2007, the Quad has met regularly at the working in foreign minister level. However, Friday will be the first time that the Quad is meeting at the leader level," she said. At a separate news conference, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the summit will showcase the Quad's ability to pool capabilities and build habits of cooperation to address some of those urgent challenges they face. "Now, at the same time, I would just note that the Quad is not about any single challenge. It's not about any single competitor. This is an entity forged and formed because we share common interests... maritime security is, of course, an important one, but our shared interests go well beyond that. And I think you will see reflected in the agenda the breadth of those shared interests in the aftermath of the Quad meeting," he said in response to a question. The Quad grouping was essentially established in 2007 to showcase what democracies can deliver together for both their own populations and also the broader public. he said. "Quad members are uniquely positioned to help lead the world out of the deep crises that we've spoken about recently and, of course, that includes COVID-19 and towards the more positive vision that we all seek. And it's a vision that we in large part share with our fellow Quad counterparts," he said. The Quad is a grouping with important friends and allies of the United States, and it's a grouping that is predicated on shared interests, Price said. "There are any number of shared interests. Some of them involve maritime security, global health, climate. I would hesitate to point to one animating challenge that the Quad is set to address today. We are engaging with the Quad to take on those collective shared interests that will be relevant in that setting," Price said. Asserting that this shows this the adminstration's commitment to the Indo-Pacific, he said it is a region that holds tremendous promise for the United States, also tremendous challenge. "We see ourselves as a Pacific nation. We see ourselves as engaged in this region. We want to deepen that engagement, and this is an important forum with important partners with whom we share a good deal of interest, so it was important for us to demonstrate that early on," he said. The State Department spokesperson refrained from answering questions on South Korea joining Quad. (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.) loading......... Malibu, CA, Mar 10, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Join Ellis Martin for a conversation with David Watkinson, the President and CEO of Emgold Mining Corporation ( CVE:EMR ) ( OTCMKTS:EGMCF ) ( FRA:EMLM ).Emgold is a gold, silver, and base metal exploration company focused on Nevada and Quebec. The Company's strategy is to look for asset acquisitions in a buyer's market, add value to the acquisitions through computerization and remodeling of historic exploration data, new exploration, and application of modern geophysics, and seek asset divestitures through sale, joint venture, option, royalty, and other business transactions to advance their projects and create value for their shareholders. In this segment we review the company's properties, including Golden Arrow, Mindora and New York Canyon in Nevada as well East West etc in Quebec, Canada.In this segment we discuss that Emgold Mining has announced that Kennecott Exploration Company ("KEX"), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc ( NYSE:RIO ), is commencing a drilling program at the New York Canyon Property, Nevada (the "Property"). The Property is subject to an Earn-In with Option to Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement") between Emgold and KEX.To view the Interview, please visit:To download the announcement, please visit:About Emgold Mining Corporation Emgold is a gold and base metal exploration company focused on Nevada and Quebec. The Company's strategy is to look for quality acquisitions, add value to these assets through exploration, and monetize them through sale, joint ventures, option, royalty, and other transactions to create value for our shareholders. In Nevada, Emgold's Golden Arrow Property, the core asset of the Company, is an advanced stage gold and silver property with a well-defined measured and indicated resource. New York Canyon is a base metal property subject to an Earn-in with Option to Joint Venture Agreement with Kennecott Exploration, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Plc (NYSE:RIO). Buckskin Rawhide East is a gold and silver property leased to Rawhide Mining LLC, who operate the adjacent Rawhide Mine and therefore represents a royalty opportunity for the Company. In Quebec, the Casa South Property, is an early stage gold property adjacent to Hecla Mining Corporation's (NYSE:HL) operating Casa Berardi Mine. The East-West Property is a gold property adjacent to and on strike with Wesdome Gold Mine Ltd.'s (TSE:WDO) Kiena Complex and O3 Mining Corporation's (TSE:OIII) Marban Property. Emgold also has a 1% NSR in the Troilus North Property, part of the Troilus Mine Property being explored by Troilus Gold Corporation (TSE:TLG). Note that the location of Emgold's properties adjacent to producing or past producing mines does not guarantee exploration success at Emgold's properties or that mineral resources or reserves will be delineated. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's website at www.emgold.com or view the Company's filings available at www.sedar.com. The facts surrounding the fatal shooting of Edson Thevenin and Sgt. Randall Frenchs legal rights as a police officer to use deadly force during the April 2016 DWI traffic stop were interwoven in the hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York City Tuesday. The remote hearing by the federal court was on the appeal by the city of Troy and Frenchs estate to overturn U.S. Magistrate Daniel J. Stewarts Sept. 6, 2019, ruling denying the city's motion to dismiss the case. The civil rights lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Albany by Cinthia Thevenin on behalf of her husband, Edson, who was killed by French, who later died in April 2020 from COVID-19. The couple's young sons are also plaintiffs in the case. The mid-level appeals court peppered the attorneys with several questions about the scenario on the early morning hours of April 17, 2016 on the Hoosick Street Bridge. The judges questioned the use of cases involving moving vehicles as an argument for providing immunity for a police officer using deadly force when it appeared Thevenins car was not readily in motion. They pointed toward the facts being up to any jury to determine after hearing trial testimony. John D. Aspland Jr., attorney for the city and French, argued that the entire shooting scene occurred in an area between three and four feet where French left his patrol vehicle and stood between it and Thevenins car. Officer French at that time has the ability and the right to be wrong in what his perception is, Aspland said. Another question was whether Frenchs interactions with Thevenin went back to an earlier moment during the chase when the officer reached in to Thevenins car to try to turn off the engine and was partially hanging out of the drivers window when Thevenin drove off. Aspland emphasized that Thevenin was armed with the vehicle and that French was reacting to seeing it as a weapon. When were talking about the vehicle, that is the dangerous instrument. He is armed. Theres been a gross misunderstanding that Mr. Thevenin wasnt armed. He had a 2,000-pound vehicle weapon that he was weaponizing for this event, Aspland said. "... The car is the gun." The court can tell officers that, You have the ability to make a mistake in judgment. You also have the ability to use the information you gather in the course of events, Aspland said. Steven J. Harfenist, attorney for the Thevenin family, argued that French was the only person describing the interactions he had with Thevenin at the first traffic stop and then that he stood in front of Thevenins vehicle on the bridge. Harfenist said that the only evidence of injuries to French was a quarter-sized bruise. Harfenist would continue to raise issues about Frenchs veracity regarding the shooting. Theres virtually no evidence other than the self-serving testimony of Sgt. French that he suffered any injuries, Harfenist said, adding that only French said he was pinned between the vehicles. French provided "empirically untruthful statements" in his account of what happened that night, including his decision to force Thevenins vehicle off the bridge, according to an internal affairs report written by then-Captain Joseph L. Centanni. The report followed a nine-month investigation by Centanni and recommended that French be disciplined. The city kept the 2018 report secret until it was revealed in court proceedings. The city later commissioned a report that rebutted Centannis findings. Mayor Patrick Madden has refused to release this report while the civil rights lawsuit is pending. Centanni later became head of the Troy detective bureau and has since retired. The judges asked about the angle from which the bullets were fired, which has been a matter of debate as to showing French was standing when he shot at Thevenin. Harfenist said there were multiple investigations over the bullets and they do not show straight-on shots. Aspland said it would be shown that French went toward his left and fired back to his right. He said French wasnt standing in front of Thevenins vehicle but to the side. The appeals court will issue a ruling at a later date. New Delhi, Mar. March 10 : Just a few days after Cairn Energy moved the court in the United States and indicated that it might use company's "strong powers of enforcement" to recover $1.4 billion from the Indian government, the Centre has shown a more adjusting stance suggesting that it is still open for a constructive settlement of its tax dispute within the existing legal framework Sources in the know of the matter said that Cairn is talking to the Indian government but is yet to respond based on discussions. If they come on board for a negotiated settlement within the country's existing legal framework which includes the direct tax resolution of Vivad Se Vishwas scheme, sources said that the government is still willing to settle the matter. The flexible approach has been shown by India even as it prepares to file an appeal against the Cairn arbitration order and will contest its sovereign rights to tax, sources said. The sources said that the government will also strongly contest other suits filed by Cairn Energy at various other international courts as well. "The room for a settlement is still open if the company is willing to settle matters under the Indian legal framework. But if this is not going anywhere, legal challenge is just round the corner," the sources quoted above said. Sources said that Cairn had conducted transactions through tax havens to evade taxes. In fact, the company set up a tax abusive structure and did not pay taxes anywhere in the world on the gains that it made in India. "In the said case, it was well within India's sovereign powers to redress the situation of double non-taxation and tax abuse," sources said. If enforcement proceedings are initiated, India is confident to address them and will strongly defend its interests, they added. The development gains significance as Cairn CEO Simon Thomson was in India recently to have talks with the government to reach an amicable solution. In December, Cairn Energy won an international arbitration case against the Indian government which claimed Rs 10,247 crore in past taxes over internal reorganisation of Cairn's India business. The tribunal in the Netherlands awarded damages of $1.2 billion towards Cairn along with interest and costs, payable by the government. Cairn Energy had, in 2010-11, sold Cairn India to Vedanta. Post the merger of Cairn India and Vedanta in April 2017, the UK firm's shareholding in Cairn India was replaced by a shareholding of about 5 per cent in Vedanta issued together with preference shares. Along with attaching its shares in Vedanta, the Tax Department seized dividends of around Rs 1,140 crore due to it from the shareholdings and set off an Rs 1,590 crore tax refunds against the demand. In 2015, Cairn initiated an international arbitration to challenge retrospective taxation. Recently, Minister of State for Finance, Anurag Thakur told the Parliament that the order passed in Cairn Group's case is under consideration of the government. KERRVILLE, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry retailer based in Texas, announces the upcoming opening of their newest store on Wednesday, March 24 in Del Rio, Texas at Los Olivos Plaza located 2413 Veterans Blvd, Suite 8 and 9. "We are thrilled that our 100th store will be opening in the Del Rio community. We're ready to celebrate," says James Avery Director of Customer Service and Marketing Communications Lindsey Avery Tognietti. "This beautiful location is centrally located in town and will make shopping at James Avery convenient for current customers as well as introduce the brand to new customers." The James Avery customer experience has been transformed to ensure stores are safe and inviting while creating a memorable shopping experience. Tognietti says customer and associate safety is their number one priority, and the Los Olivos Plaza store will open following recommended health protocols and guidelines implemented in all James Avery stores. There are hand sanitizing stations in store for customers and associates as well as regular cleaning throughout the store. The company requests customers honor social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings while in store. James Avery associates undergo daily health screenings and wear facemasks. The store hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. and are subject to change. Los Olivos Plaza customers are welcome to shop in the new store or use the Contactless, Curbside Pickup or Buy Online, Pickup in Store options at JamesAvery.com. The James Avery team will announce plans for a grand opening celebration after regular store operations resume across the company. About James Avery Artisan Jewelry James Avery is a vertically integrated, family-owned company located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. We offer finely crafted jewelry designs for men and women in sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold and gemstones. James Avery jewelry is designed by our own skilled artisans in Kerrville, Texas. We are a multi-channel retailer with 99 James Avery stores in four states. Our jewelry is also available in more than 220 Dillard's stores in Texas and 28 additional states, airport stores in Austin and Houston, Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations at Fort Hood and Fort Belvoir and nationwide through JamesAvery.com. James Avery crafts jewelry in Texas workshops in Kerrville, Comfort and Hondo; made of the finest materials sourced worldwide. For more information, visit JamesAvery.com or facebook.com/JamesAvery. SOURCE James Avery Artisan Jewelry Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. H.R.1 (the For the People Act) is the enormous election law reform bill just passed by the House and sent to the Senate. (The PDF has 791 pages.) Black Agenda Report describes the 2019 version as a sleazy ghetto ice cream truckload of empty promises. Associated Press uses more measured language: House Resolution 1, which touches on virtually every aspect of the electoral process, was approved on a near party-line 220-210 vote. It would restrict partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes. The stakes in the outcome are monumental, cutting to the foundational idea that one person equals one vote, and carrying with it the potential to shape election outcomes for years to come. It also offers a test of how hard President Joe Biden and his party are willing to fight for their priorities, as well as those of their voters. This bill will put a stop at the voter suppression that were seeing debated right now, said Rep. Nikema Williams, a new congresswoman who represents the Georgia district that deceased voting rights champion John Lewis held for years. This bill is the Good Trouble he fought for his entire life. To Republicans, however, it would give license to unwanted federal interference in states authority to conduct their own elections ultimately benefiting Democrats through higher turnout, most notably among minorities. Here is a guide to the Bill from the Brennan Center; is a conservative assault on the bill from the National Review; and a list of bullet points from Daily Kos: Establish automatic voter registration at an array of state agencies; Establish same-day voter registration; Allow online voter registration; Allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register so theyll be on the rolls when they turn 18; Allow state colleges and universities to serve as registration agencies; Ban states from purging eligible voters registration simply for infrequent voting; Establish two weeks of in-person early voting, including availability on Sundays and outside of normal business hours; Standardize hours within states for opening and closing polling places on Election Day, with exceptions to let cities set longer hours in municipal races; Require paper ballots filled by hand or machines that use them as official records and let voters verify their choices; Grant funds to states to upgrade their election security infrastructure; Provide prepaid postage on mail ballots; Allow voters to turn in their mail ballot in person if they choose; Allow voters to track their absentee mail ballots; Require states to establish nonpartisan redistricting commissions for congressional redistricting (possibly not until the 2030s round of redistricting); Establish nonpartisan redistricting criteria such as a partisan fairness provision that courts can enforce starting immediately no matter what institution is drawing the maps; End prison gerrymandering by counting prisoners at their last address (rather than where theyre incarcerated) for the purposes of redistricting; End felony disenfranchisement for those on parole, probation, or post-sentence, and require such citizens to be supplied with registration forms and informed their voting rights have been restored; Provide public financing for House campaigns in the form of matching small donations at a six-for-one rate; Expand campaign finance disclosure requirements to mitigate Citizens United; Ban corporations from spending for campaign purposes unless the corporation has established a process for determining the political will of its shareholders; and Make it a crime to mislead voters with the intention of preventing them from voting. Theres certainly a lot of good stuff here (though as readers know, I loathe early voting, since it can only increase voting for Party, not candidate, and would prefer a system that maximized in-person voting, with Election Day a national holiday, and hand-marked paper ballots hand-counted in public. But I recognize this is an outliers position). Whether the bill will pass is, of course, another matter, given the filibuster. In fact, the bill (as BAR points out) seems designed to have its various sections lifted out and turned into standalone bills. From Axios: Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21 and a longtime proponent of campaign finance reform, says Democrats have a 35 year strategy for enacting the key elements of H.R. 1. So, well see. In this post, I will focus on concerns more familiar to NC readers: H.R.1s shocking[1] legitimation of the Washington Posts McCarthyite PropOrNot debacle; its institutionalization of Ballot Marking Devices (which are not the same as hand-marked paper ballots), and its provisions to cripple third party formation and growth. I dont know if these issues are deal-breakers for anyone, or anyone who matters, but I do know that the mainstream has not raised them. Legitimizing PropOrNot From the text of the bill, Subtitle CStrengthening Oversight of Online Political Advertising, SEC. 4203. FINDINGS: (2) On November 24, 2016, The Washington Post reported findings from teams of independent researchers that concluded Russians exploited American-made technology platforms to attack U.S. democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment * * * as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in U.S. democracy and its leaders. Frankly, Im gobsmacked to find this quotation from WaPo codified as a Congressional Finding and embodied in statutory language[2]. For those who came in late, Ill unpack my gobsmackedness, beginning by quoting Craig Timbergs WaPo story, Russian propaganda effort helped spread fake news during election, experts say, which was oddly[3] placed in the Business Section: Two teams of independent researchers found that the Russians exploited American-made technology platforms to attack U.S. democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment , as an insurgent candidate harnessed a wide range of grievances to claim the White House. One of those teams was PropOrNot: PropOrNots monitoring report, which was provided to The Washington Post in advance of its public release, identifies more than 200 websites as routine peddlers of Russian propaganda during the election season, with combined audiences of at least 15 million Americans. On Facebook, PropOrNot estimates that stories planted or promoted by the disinformation campaign were viewed more than 213 million times. As described by Max Blumenthal: [A shady website, PropOrNot,] has compiled a blacklist of websites its anonymous authors accuse of pushing fake news and Russian propaganda. The blacklist includes over 200 outlets, from the right-wing Drudge Report and Russian government-funded Russia Today, to Wikileaks and an array of marginal conspiracy and far-right sites. The blacklist also includes some of the flagship publications of the progressive left, including Truthdig, Counterpunch, Truthout, Naked Capitalism, and the Black Agenda Report , a leftist African-American opinion hub that is critical of the liberal black political establishment. UPDATE As the Columbia Journalism Review commented at the time: It became apparent soon after that the Post had itself fallen for shoddy information. The story relied heavily on a report by PropOrNot, an anonymous internet group that bills itself as Your Friendly Neighborhood Propaganda Identification Service, Since 2016! While its study claimed to show how a deliberate Russian effort had unduly influenced American public opinion, it included in its calculations non-fake, left-wing sites like Naked Capitalism and Truthdig, among others. One of the ways the Posts journalistic malfeasance became apparent was a fusillade of posts by Yves (PropOrNots Grandiose Fabrications, Washington Post Refuses to Retract Article Defaming Naked Capitalism and Other Sites, We Demand That PropOrNot Remove Its Blacklist, Report, and Browser Tool Defaming Naked Capitalism and Issue an Apology). WaPo ultimately deigned to place a credibility-destroying Editors Note at the head of article, reading in relevant part: A number of those sites have objected to being included on PropOrNots list, and some of the sites, as well as others not on the list, have publicly challenged the groups methodology and conclusions. The Post, which did not name any of the sites, does not itself vouch for the validity of PropOrNots findings regarding any individual media outlet, nor did the article purport to do so [wowsers]. Since publication of The Posts story, PropOrNot has removed some sites from its list. So the story was. what? Some goons made a list the Post wont vouch for? Swell reporting standards there[4]. You cant spell McCarthy without including Marty, I guess. And there the matter rested, just one of those stupidities that our famously free press routinely emits. One might have supposed it forgotten. Until the story appeared in the text of a bill House Democrats passed! Institutionalizing Ballot Marking Devices From the text of the bill, Subtitle FPromoting Accuracy, Integrity, and Security Through Voter-Verified Permanent Paper Ballot, SEC. 1502. PAPER BALLOT AND MANUAL COUNTING REQUIREMENTS: (2) PAPER BALLOT REQUIREMENT. (A) VOTER-VERIFIED PAPER BALLOTS. (i) PAPER BALLOT REQUIREMENT. (I) The voting system shall require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot of the voters vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection and verification by the voter before the voters vote is cast and counted, and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical character recognition device or other counting device. For purposes of this subclause, the term individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot means a paper ballot marked by the voter by hand or a paper ballot marked through the use of a nontabulating ballot marking device or system , so long as the voter shall have the option to mark his or her ballot by hand. This language is extremely broken. Hand-marked paper ballot advocate Jenny Cohn suggests a revision: 5/ I also suggest that you supplement HR 1 to specify that BMDs must not put votes into barcodes or QR codes. This language is important because barcodes & QR codes are not transparent, further endangering integrity and confidence in elections. Jennifer Cohn (@jennycohn1) March 2, 2021 Los Angeles Countys horrid VSAP system uses QR codes (discussed at length here). Here is why QR codes are both unauditable and (if the ballot marking devices are hacked) enable election fraud by insiders: Voter makes selections on touch-screen (software, hence buggy and insecure), selections are stored (ditto) and printed out (ditto) on a page with a human-readable receipt reflecting (one assumes) the touchscreen selections, and the ballot itself, which is the QR code, which is not human-readable. The page is then scanned (ditto) and QR code is then tabulated (ditto). The sleight of hand is, of course, the ballot itself. A human may think that their reciept, which they can read to check that it matches what they selected on the touch screen, also matches the QR code, which they cannot. But theres no reason on earth to think that! And the unreadable QR code, since that is what is tabulated, is the ballot! Take the matter out of the delusional digital realm. Suppose voting worked like this: You voted by hand-marking a yellow paper ballot. You then handed the yellow paper ballot to an official who, behind a screen so you could not see, marked a blue ballot that you could not read, sealed it so you could not read it, and then handed the blue ballot back to you and told you to put it in the ballot box, thats your vote. Does that make any sense? That is how a Ballot Marking Device works. In essence, ballots printed out by Ballot Marking Devices are not hand-marked; the digital (i.e., the hackable) interposes itself at every point: At the touchscreen, at the printer, at the reader. And because the printed-out QR code is what is counted, the QR code is the ballot. And since the QR code is not human-readable, voting is not transparent to the slightest degree.[5] (The VSAP post describes many other problems with ballot marking devices, but this is the most important.) Crippling Third Parties Finally, H.R.1 makes ballot access for minor parties even more diffcult than it already is. From Maryland Matters, Opinion: Sarbanes H.R. 1 Has Poison Pill to Kill Minor Party Competition: H.R. 1 contains a poison pill designed to reduce political competition and voter choice by weakening minor parties, at exactly a time where, according to a recent Gallup poll, support for a third party is at an all-time high. Ever since then-presidential candidate Barack Obama shunned the federal public matching funds program in 2008, among all parties general election candidates, only Green Party presidential nominees have applied for and qualified for these funds. H.R. 1 would solve this minor party/Green Party problem by raising the threshold to qualify for matching funds beyond the realistic ability of Greens (and other minor party nominees) to reach. This move to disempower minor parties and their voters is cloaked within the promise of a new and improved matching funds program, designed to entice major party candidates to opt into the program, with the promise of substantially increased funding. The current donation threshold to qualify for a 1:1 match is to raise at least $5,000 in each of at least 20 states, in donations no larger than $250 each. The public already supports funding minor party candidates under this formula. Green candidates Jill Stein (2012, 2016) and Howie Hawkins (2020) each qualified for matching funds in the last three cycles. The new H.R. 1 threshold would replace the existing 1:1 match program with a 6:1 match, but would simultaneously increase the minimum amount of donations by 500% to a minimum of $25,000 in each of 20 states. It would also increase the minimum number of contributions to reach it by 625%, by subtlety lowering the size of donations that can count toward reaching the threshold from $250 to $200. This would make it even harder on minor party candidates who are mostly excluded from candidate forums and media coverage and have a far smaller base of well-funded donors to draw from by disqualifying 20% of the $250 donations they are able to raise. The real-world effect of eliminating the existing 1:1 threshold would be to eliminate a matching funds threshold that is demonstrably reachable by minor party candidates and replace it with a category reachable likely only by top-tier major party candidates. This sleight-of-hand will lead people to think Democrats are for increased public funding, but apparently only for themselves. Once again from Black Agenda Report: I was part of Jill Steins campaign team in 2015-2016, and I can tell you we barely met the old threshold in about 22 states. It was a near thing. Eliminating those federal matching funds for a Green Party presidential campaign would mean all but certain erasure of the Green Party from the ballot in a good dozen or more states for 2020, and maybe a dozen more in 2022. Since most states also require a presidential and/or US Senate nominee to appear at the top of the ballot, HR 1 would prohibit the Green Party from running any local candidates in states where a defunded Green Partys vote drops below a certain level, and it will plummet if Green campaigns, which which accept no funding from corporations will be far less able to hire staff or contractors and to perform the necessary functions of a campaign. Hard to believe that Democrats would do such a thing deliberately, but here we are. Conclusion So these are the three flaws that I can see in H.R.1. Whether these flaws should be sufficient to sink the bill, I dont know. Readers? NOTES [1] It does not speak well of our national security goons that this material still lives in their institutional memory. [2] A foreshadowing of RussiaGate, perhaps. It turns out that anonymous sources dont need a layer of indirection, like a shady website. You can just quote them, and nobody calls you on it. [3] Timbergs story dropped on Thanksgiving Eve. We were told at the time by sources in a position to know that his piece made it into the paper without being vetted by the national security desk at which he once worked, which led to some fiery internal email exchanges at WaPo. [4] On the begrudging and sluggishly inserted Editors Note, CJR commented: [T]he editors note vaults into verbal gymnastics in an attempt to simultaneously rationalize and distance itself from an obviously flawed primary source. Any data analysis is only as good as the sum of its parts, and its clear that PropOrNots methodology was lacking. The Post, of course, was merely reporting what PropOrNot said. Yet it used declarative language throughout, sans caveat, lending credence to a largely unknown organization that lumps together independent left-wing publications and legitimately Russian-backed news services. The Post diminished its credibility at a time when media credibility is in short supply, and the non-apologetic editors note doesnt help. A Post spokeswoman declined to comment further on the episode, saying that the editors note speaks for itself. Indeed! [5] The hackers exploit would make it so the human readable part of the ballot read as if the voter voted for candidate A; but the QR code, that which, being tabulated, is the actual ballot, would be for candidate B, or whatever else the hacker wanted it to be, like a spoiled ballot. After the cease-and-desist letter by Trump that demands stopping the use of his likeness by the RNC, Ronna McDaniel told the press despite the spat, they are still okay. The Republican ''RINOS'' have been disagreeing with Trump from day one. It got worse when some voted to convict during the sham impeachment, that Trump decided to push his clout in the party. According to Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel of the Republican National Committee (RNC) on Newsmax TV, both entities are working together. She added that everything is fine in the recent exchange of statements between the ex-president Donald Trump and the RNC over the use of his image and messaging, which he prohibited using. Newsmax reported this alleged clarification over the issue. After the ex-president's rather terse tone, the RNC chairwoman cleared up the issue to settle it. She added that Trump issued a statement that brought relief to the RNC. Trump said that he supports the Republican Party and GOP committees. McDaniel told the host of "Spicer & Co." on Tuesday, ex-president will hold an event for the Republicans in Palm Beach. Ronna McDaniel said that it would be a speaking engagement during the event. Since the CPAC in Florida showed his dominance for the conservatives, and his influence was very marked. Many in the GOP recognize they need him. Last Friday, Trump lawyers sent letters to the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Campaign, and National Republican Senate Campaign asking that his image and anything connected to it be stopped. Lawyers said that they did not have the authority to use his image or likeness in their fundraising. Also read: Trump Tells Supporters to Donate to His PAC and Website, Not to the RNC These GOP bodies are dependent on Trump's mass appeal, which kickstarted their fundraising. This move showed that if he played hardball, the GOP would lose a lot. The RINOS or "Republicans in Name Only" who benefitted the most went against Trump. J. Justin Riemer, an RNC lawyer, defended using the ex-president's name in a fundraiser for the GOP. The midterms of 2022 are coming soon, and funds are needed desperately for campaigns. Riemer added that he is a public figure that is connected to the First Amendment-protected political speech. In the Monday statement, Donald Trump said that he supported the party and GOP bodies. He said that RINOS (Republicans in Name Only) and fools, he did not support. If they used his image, they have no right to. Another important message from President Trump pic.twitter.com/sVOvKU3P8b Diamond and Silk (@DiamondandSilk) March 9, 2021 McDaniel remarked it was the ex-president's option to support whom he wants. This was normal in politics and did not draw any negative reaction from her. One Brightside is the GOP will get his support for the candidates he would endorse, and the RNC will be part of the primaries. Soon voter registration will be done, and the RNC will be working with Trump to recapture the House and Senate. The Chairwoman stressed that GOP unity is key to all goals in the 2022 midterms. Another is that the GOP cannot lose, or America will be the loser. Ronna McDaniel stressed it's an effort on the GOP and Team Trump to knock Biden off in 2024. That cannot be done without cooperation and money for all the Republican party. Related article: Graham Says Trump Can Either Bolster GOP or Destroy It @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Endeavouring to decrease gender disparity in the tech industry, Scaler, a thriving Edtech company, has earmarked a sum of INR 1 crore for a women-centric campaign called Scaler Include. The program aims to improve the participation of women in India's technology domain. With International Women's Day knocking on our doors, this is perhaps the best time to appreciate women's technical abilities and provide the space for women to shine to their full potential. The capital of 1 crore will be used to fund merit-based scholarships to 1000 women to enrol in Scaler Academy. Selected candidates will undertake a nine-month course with classes run by leading technologists from companies such as Hotstar, Facebook, and Media.net. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to take one-on-one sessions with India's leading software professionals. The curriculum encompasses concepts such as programming constructs, data structures and algorithms, and system design. It allows candidates to choose between specializations in front-end and back-end web development. The course involves guided learning and is well structured, alongside being immensely flexible. CTOs from the industry vet these courses, which revolve around hands-on experience through regular projects and application development. Another facet of Scaler's upcoming investment in women's empowerment is CodeX-For-Her, a coding competition and business conclave meant exclusively for women software engineers to be held over two days in March 2021. Women engineers from all participating companies can enrol in the competition, and Scaler will provide scholarships to the foremost candidates on the leaderboard. These scholarships will allow them to upskill using Scaler courses. The conclave will include talks and keynote speeches from the leading female voices in technology and allow participating candidates to network with industry professionals working at the world's largest software companies. Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-Founder, Scaler, has commented on Scaler's vision, saying: "We will help women avail Scaler-sponsored and employer-sponsored scholarships. We also understand that women might need more flexibility and have launched an industry-first Course Pause' feature, allowing women learners to pause their Scaler Academy course at no cost." Features such as 'Course Pause' that address comfort and accessibility issues take the progress of gender equity to another level in the technology sector. The concept of this feature revolves around the fact that many women have to give up on their career due to societal expectations to focus on familial needs. A feature like 'Course Pause' allows women to restart the course at their convenience without the added financial burden. The Scaler program will also give ample opportunities for participants to upscale their skills and prepare for interviews using mock interview sessions. Scaler Include is only one among a series of initiatives that Scaler hopes to take in the near future for other underappreciated communities as well. In the words of Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-Founder of Scaler: "As we partner with more employers to build an inclusive tech workforce in India, we are keen to build upskilling programs that cater to other underrepresented communities. We hope to launch similar initiatives for the LGBTQ community and people with special abilities soon." Initiatives like this will help to downscale the ongoing trend of low participation of women in the IT sector (only 26% according to Zinnov-Intel India) and can be a concrete step forward in women empowerment. (Disclaimer: This is a featured content). Dairy co-operative Arla has proposed a permanent shut down of its Cornish creamery due to declining production volumes. Arla Foods' Trevarrian Creamery, located near Newquay in Cornwall, currently employs 37 people. The site produces brie, camembert and other cheeses predominantly under local brands or own-label retailer brands. But the loss of 'key own-label cheese contracts' and the impact of the pandemic has meant that the site is no longer financially viable. The co-operative has launched a consultation with the creamery's employees on the proposal to shut it down. Alison Rance, vice president of production at Arla UK, said a drop in production volumes for the site meant it was 'no longer financial responsible'. She said the co-op had explored multiple options including additional volume opportunities for the site, but there was now 'no other alternative'. We recognise that this will be a difficult time for all those colleagues impacted by these proposals and our priority right now is to support them to manage this situation," she said. "If the proposal goes ahead we are committed to supporting colleagues at this difficult time and will do everything we can to support them in their search for suitable alternative employment." Arla said that those farmer suppliers who supplied milk to the creamery would have their volumes redirected to the co-op's Taw Valley and Westbury sites. Prince Philip is starting his 23rd day under the care of heart doctors today - as the Queen is set to personally grill fellow Royals on claims of racism. The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, remains at London's private King Edward VII's Hospital, where he was moved back to on Friday after a procedure on a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London on Wednesday. The monarchy is now facing 'its worst crisis since the abdication in 1936' after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 'went nuclear' in their interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey - which was watched by tens of millions of people around the world. It is understood the Queen waited until Tuesday to comment on the devastating interview so Britons could watch it first - but 'the Firm' is not expected to make any additional comments. Breaking her silence, the Queen has now said that, 'while some recollections may vary', the 'whole family is saddened' to hear of the couple's 'challenging few years'. Her Majesty said an alleged racist comment made about what colour Harry and Meghan's baby Archie would be was 'concerning' and will be 'addressed by the family privately'. The monarch is now reportedly set to speak to senior royals - including Charles, Camilla, William and Kate - behind closed doors over the couple's allegations. Prince Philip is starting his 23rd day under the care of heart doctors today - as the Queen is set to personally grill fellow Royals on claims of racism (pictured: Edward VII Hospital yesterday) The Duke of Edinburgh , 99, remains at London 's private King Edward VII's Hospital, where he was moved back to on Friday after a procedure on a pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London on Wednesday (pictured: Philip in July 2020) It is understood the Queen waited until Tuesday to comment on the devastating Oprah interview so Britons could watch it first - but 'the Firm' is not expected to make any additional comments Breaking her silence, the Queen has now said that, 'while some recollections may vary', the 'whole family is saddened' to hear of the couple's 'challenging few years' Her statement added that Harry and Meghan - using their names rather than titles - and their son 'will always be much loved family members'. The Queen said: 'The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 'The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.' Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said her response assures Harry and Meghan and the public that the concerns raised in the interview will be addressed. He told MailOnline: 'This is a short statement which, in the Queen's inimitable way, has a healing touch. 'Let us hope that, after yesterday's shock interview, it begins a process where the royal family and the Sussexes, who are part of it, can realise their undoubtedly unique potential together and solve their differences away from the public gaze.' Harry - through back-stage comments to Oprah - has ruled out the Queen and Prince Philip as having made the comments about Archie but left other royals under suspicion. Prince William seen driving through London a day after Meghan and Harry gave their shattering interview to Oprah Winfrey The Royal Family are said to be concerned that Harry and Meghan could out the royal accused of commenting on Archie's skin colour if it denies the Royal Family is institutionally racist. Pictured is the Duchess of Cambridge driving through London today Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles visiting Skipton House in Elephant and Castle yesterday afternoon Prince Charles wore a face mask as he toured Jesus House in Brent Cross, meeting NHS and church staff working on the vaccination pop-up clinic as well as community members due to receive their jab, March 9 Charles is said to be 'deeply' concerned over the racism claims, with a source saying: 'It goes against everything the Prince of Wales believes in. He believes diversity is the strength of our society.' Yesterday's visit is understood to have been in the palace diary for some time, although the royals may have had a suspicion about what could be discussed in the Oprah interview in advance of it airing. Charles seemed at ease as he chatted with people waiting for their vaccinations, including one woman who said she was from Nigeria. The prince - who previously visited the church in 2007 - replied: 'Oh fantastic, yes, I've been there. Lots of different ethnic groups. Do give them my kind regards next time you speak to them.' As Charles left the church, a reporter asked, 'Sir, what did you think of the interview?', and after turning to see who had called out, he smiled and carried on walking. The Prince of Wales re-adjusts his face mask after visiting Jesus House church near Brent Cross yesterday morning - in the first royal engagement since the Oprah interview In the Oprah interview, Charles was personally referenced by Prince Harry, who said he felt 'really let down' by his father after he allegedly refused to answer his calls during his time in Canada. Harry also claimed his family had cut him off financially and suggested the Queen had been badly advised and had cancelled a meeting scheduled at Sandringham. Discussing his father, Harry said: 'I feel really let down because he's been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. I will always love him, but there's a lot of hurt that's happened. And I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship.' Royal insiders have rubbished the claims and said Charles feels 'let down' by his son's comments. 'The Prince of Wales went out of his way to make sure his son and daughter in law were financially supported,' a senior source told the Standard. Harry's remarks raised eyebrows as the couple had themselves made clear their express wish to be 'financially independent' when announcing their decision to quit in January 2020. Meanwhile, another source close to the heir to the throne told the Telegraph Charles will be left 'absolutely devastated' by what his youngest son had said about him. Georgia Chief Justice Harold D. Melton has issued an order that lifts the suspension of jury trials in Georgia, effective immediately. With Tuesdays order, which is the 12th he has signed extending the Statewide Judicial Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, trial courts may resume jury trials if that can be done safely and in accordance with a final jury trial plan developed in collaboration with the local committee of judicial system participants and incorporated into the courts written operating guidelines for in-person proceedings. Since the chief justice first announced the Statewide Judicial Emergency on March 14, 2020, nearly a year ago, Georgia courts have remained open, but jury trials were initially suspended due to the number of people required to gather at courthouses. In October 2020, Chief Justice Melton first lifted that suspension of jury trials. Then, due to a significant increase in coronavirus cases, he again prohibited them in a Dec. 23, 2020, order. However, that dangerous surge in COVID-19 cases recently has declined. Thus, pursuant to this order, the prohibition against conducting jury trials is lifted and trial courts, in their discretion, may resume jury trials as local conditions allow, the latest order says. A trial by a jury of ones peers is fundamental to the American justice system, and Im asking for your help, Chief Justice Melton says in a public service announcement due to air soon in which he appeals directly to citizens. You and every citizen of Georgia are critical to this process because we cannot conduct a trial by jury without jurors, without you. He assures prospective jurors that throughout the state, We have put into place the most rigorous safety protocols available. These protocols include pre-screening for health risks of all parties, temperature checks, masks, plexiglass barriers, touch-free evidence technology, constant surface cleaning, and the reconfiguration of courtrooms and jury spaces to ensure social distancing. The new order is identical to the order he signed Feb. 7 with the exception of the section on jury trials. As with previous orders, this one urges all courts to use technology to conduct remote judicial proceedings as a safer alternative to in-person proceedings where practicable and lawful. The order extends the Statewide Judicial Emergency for 30 days, as state law authorizes. It is effective until April 8, 2021. Read the Order, including the Appendix, in its entirety here. The United States Supreme Court dismissed last Monday former President Donald Trump's final election lawsuit, particularly the case filed at Wisconsin for election fraud. As per the Christian Headlines, the Supreme Court unanimously decided that the resolution of the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals's three-judge panel holds correct. Trump's last case is numbered 20-882 and entitled "Trump v. Biden" as per the American Bar Association and given Docket No. 20-883 and entitled Trump v. Wisconsin Elections Commission by the U.S. Supreme Court. According to the U.S. Supreme Court Blog, the case filed by Trump questioned the Wisconsin Elections Commission and local officials if they "violated Article II, Section 1, clause 2 of the Constitution and the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection" during the elections by "implementing unauthorized absentee voting practices in disregard o the Wisconsin Legislature's explicit command that absentee voting must be 'carefully regulated' and that absentee ballots cast outside of the legislatures authorized procedures 'may not be counted'." The case, the Supreme Court Blog added, also questioned whether the "local court should declare the Wisconsin election unconstitutional and void" and the "federal courts may rely on the doctrine of laches" in line with the absentee balloting being dubious. "The errors that the President alleges occurred in the Commission's exercise of its authority are in the main matters of state law. They belong, then, in the state courts, where the President had an opportunity to raise his concerns. For our part, all we need to say is that, even on a broad reading of the Electors Clause, Wisconsin lawfully appointed its electors in the manner directed by its Legislature," the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said during their ruling on the Trump case. Christian Headlines also reported that there were no published dissent or comment to the Supreme Court ruling. They also mentioned that Trump won in the 2016 elections against Hillary Clinton in Wisconsin but lost to Biden during the 2020 elections by 20,000 votes. In the Supreme Court Blog, the case coverage or history only indicated "petition denied" on March 8. While the March 8 decision only classified the Trump Wisconsin case along with other cases under "Certiorari Denied," or the petition for the case's review is denied. The Supreme Court did the same regarding its decision on Sidney Powell's lawsuit versus the 2020 election fraud last March 1 by giving no explanation regarding its decision except that it was moot. Last February 5, the Supreme Court announced that it will consider to give attention to the five cases filed by Trump and other individuals on election irregularities experienced in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Michigan during its February 19 conference. Specifically, these were: Sidney Powell's Michigan case entitled King v. Whitmer with no. 200-815, Lin Wood's Georgia case entitled Wood v. Raffensperger with no. 20-14418, Trump's Pennsylvania case entitled In re: Canvassing Observation with no. 20-845, Kelly's case with no. 20-810, and Trump's Wisconsin case. But all five petitions have been denied by the Supreme Court. Trump, in his Conservative Political Action Conference 2021 speech, hit on the U.S. Supreme Court for refusing to act on the rigged presidential elections. He called the Supreme Court a "disgrace" and called on Republicans to avoid doing the same. He challenged the Republican party to be agents of "honest elections" for the future of the country. BJP MP Tirath Singh Rawat is all set to become new chief minister of Uttarakhand, outgoing chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who stepped down yesterday, announced today. Trivendra Singh Rawat submitted his resignation to Governor Baby Rani Maurya on Tuesday after he met with the BJP leadership in Delhi a day before. Tirath Singh Rawat will take oath as the Uttarakhand CM at 4 pm today. "I thank prime minister, home minister and party chief who trusted me, a mere party worker who comes from a small village. I'd never imagined that I'd reach here. We'll make all efforts to meet people's expectations and take forward work done in last four years," he told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, speculation is rife the BJP leadership asked Trivendra Singh Rawat to step down, reportedly over 'poor performance'. Several BJP members are said to be 'unhappy' with his style of functioning. Rawat spoke to the media after his resignation and thanked the BJP for giving him the 'golden opportunity' to serve the state for four years. "The BJP gave me the golden opportunity to serve as CM for four years. I was born in a small village. Only BJP gives so much respect and opportunity to someone who belongs to a simple family from a small village," he said. He said the decision to pass on the baton to someone else was unanimous. Rawat also thanked the people of the state for giving him the chance to serve. Rawat's resignation came amid speculations that the leadership believed that the future of the party's prospects in the coming elections is not very bright. Commenting on the developments former CM Harish Rawat said political developments were indicative the BJP would not come back to power. "I can see a change in power happening. Even the BJP's central leadership has admitted that its present government in the state could not do much. No matter who they bring now they will not come back to power in 2022," said Rawat. Also read: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat resigns; submits resignation to Governor Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 (Newser) Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday signed into law legislation banning nearly all abortions in the state, a sweeping measure that supporters hope will force the US Supreme Court to revisit its landmark Roe v. Wade decision but opponents vow to block before it takes effect later this year. The Republican governor had expressed reservations about the bill, which only allows the procedure to save the life of the mother and does not provide exceptions for those impregnated in an act of rape or incest. Arkansas is one of at least 14 states where legislators have proposed outright abortion bans this year, the AP reports. Hutchinson said he was signing the bill because of its overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions." The legislation won't take effect until 90 days after the majority-Republican Legislature adjourns this year's session, and abortion rights supporters plan to challenge it in court before then. story continues below The bans were pushed by Republicans who want to force the US Supreme Court to revisit its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. Conservatives believe the court is more open to striking down the decision following former President Trump's three appointments to the court. We must abolish abortion in this nation just as we abolished slavery in the 19th centuryall lives matter," Republican Sen. Jason Rapert, the bill's sponsor said in a statement. Hutchinson has signed several major abortion restrictions into law since taking office in 2015, but he had voiced concerns that this bill directly challenges Roe and about the lack of rape and incest exceptions. He repeated those concerns as he announced his decision. (The ban) is in contradiction of binding precedents of the US Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law." (Read more Arkansas stories.) Gray wolves were removed from the endangered species list less than four months ago. But now, activists say their populations, as well as other endangered wildlife in Montana, may be at risk as the state considers a series of legislative bills that set out to expand trapping and hunting regulations. Several bills are currently being weighed by legislators that would impact wolves and grizzly bears, both of which have historically struggled to maintain populations in the area. Impacting the wolves, the state's House has passed two bills, HB 224 and HB 225, which would allow wolf snaring and lengthen wolf trapping season for an additional 30 days. The state's Senate has passed two bills that have a more direct goal of reducing the wolf population. SB 314 would establish hunting and trapping regulations that would allow all but 15 breeding pairs of wolves to be killed. Under this bill, any individual with a single wolf hunting or wolf trapping license would be allowed to "harvest" an unlimited number of wolves, and would permit individuals to use artificial light and night vision to hunt wolves on private land at night. SB 267 would establish what the Humane Society equates to a "bounty system," in which people with hunting licenses can be reimbursed for the money they spent on hunting or trapping wolves. Wolf populations in Montana have long suffered from trapping and hunting. In the late 1930s, settlers had poisoned and killed all of the wolves in the state, and by the mid-1900s, wolves had almost completely been erased in 48 states. It wasn't until the 1980s that wolves were able to start establishing populations again in northwestern Montana, according to the National Park Service. It is estimated that there are only 850 wolves throughout the state, according to The Associated Press. Grizzly bears, which are protected and considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act, are also at risk of being impacted by the bills under consideration. While it is illegal to kill a grizzly bear in Montana unless it is in the act of killing livestock, SB 98 which the state Senate has already passed would allow grizzlies to be killed if they are believed to be "threatening" a person or livestock. The bill also insists that the grizzly population in the state has recovered and "should be removed from the federal endangered species list." Story continues Another bill that is set to be heard in Montana's House Judiciary Committee on Friday seeks to take a more overarching approach to controlling wildlife in the state. The bill, HB 367, would amend the state constitution so that citizens would have primary control of managing wildlife populations through hunting, fishing and trapping. CBS News has reached out to the primary sponsors of the bills for comment. The Humane Society of the United States has argued that the bills are an "unprecedented attack" on the state's animals and that if passed, Montana will be joining "an outright war against wildlife." Amanda Wight, program manager for wildlife protection for the Humane Society, said in a statement that the "sheer number and extent" of the bills are an attempt to "usurp biologists ... and declare war on wolves, bears and sound science." "If these come to fruition, we are talking about a mass slaughter of wildlife, jeopardy to ecosystems, and a steep loss to the massive tourism economy and local jobs," Wight said. "This attack serves as a stark reminder of the horrors wolves in the rest of the country could face now that their federal protection under the Endangered Species Act has been removed." Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society, said in a February 19 blog post that these bills "are cruel and completely unnecessary, and they benefit no one but a handful of trophy hunters and trappers." "Wolves, bears and other wildlife these bills target are far more valuable to Montana alive than dead because they bring valuable tourist revenue," Block said. "They are beloved by many Montanans and by the majority of Americans who flock to Montana to see these animals in the wild." House to pass $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill with no Republican support, Biden to sign Eye Opener: House expected to pass Biden's COVID-19 relief measure Murder suspect mistakenly released from jail A Northampton County inmate awaiting trial was approved for a mail-in ballot, but said he never received a ballot in time and was unable to vote in the November elections. The county says Darious Molinas ballot was mailed -- to his home address that he used to register to vote. Molina, of Bethlehem Township, is now suing the countys elections office, the county department of corrections and various officials on claims they did not make accommodations to ensure his fundamental right to vote. Molina is seeking $1 million, as well as an official public apology and $50,000 donation to a civil rights activist campaign all parties agree upon. I was denied not only my right to vote but also proper access to vote by all of the defendants, Molina said in the suit. Asked about the allegations in the lawsuit, Northampton County spokeswoman Becky Bartlett declined to comment. The 25-year-old Molina has been in county prison since May 5 on drug charges. Police said he was driving a stolen black Audi, and officers found a small amount of methamphetamine in the glove box and a mason jar with a large amount of a meth-like substance, a digital scale and a large amount of packaging material in a locked safe. Molina has been held on $75,000 bail since his arrest. Molinas next court date is Wednesday; his defense attorney, Michael Light II, said he was unaware of the lawsuit. Certain inmates are eligible to vote, and eligible inmates in the Northampton County Prison were given ballot applications in September, according to the suit. Molina said he and other inmates mailed out their applications on Sept. 29. In early October, Molina says, he had not received his ballot and was reportedly told to speak with a prison mail officer or lieutenant. Molina filed a grievance with the prison. Election Day was Nov. 3 and Molina was not able to vote. In a letter dated Nov. 9, a prison official acknowledges Molina and other inmates did not receive their mail-in ballots to cast their votes. The issue is not with the Department of Corrections, but with the county elections office, Capt. David Collins wrote. Northampton County declined to answer questions about if provisional ballots are made available to inmates on Election Day. The elections office responded on Dec. 30, saying they received Molinas ballot and it was returned to the Bethlehem Township address he used to register to vote. Mailed ballots cannot be forwarded and if Molina contacted the office before Nov. 3, the county could have voided the original ballot and sent a new ballot to the prison, Amy Cozze, the countys director of elections, wrote. The letter goes on to say the elections office received several requests from the county prison; only inmates awaiting trial and not yet convicted of a crime can vote using an absentee ballot, Cozze wrote. The office has to wait for verification from the prison administration prior to approving the applications, she wrote. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Muzaffarnagar: Farmers are ready to stay put on Delhi borders to protest against three agri laws for the remaining three and half years of the Modi government's second term and the stir cannot be "culled" any which way the Centre tries, legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait's son Narendra Tikait says. Narendra, who does not hold any official position in Bharatiya Kisan Union, formed by his father in 1986, and mostly focusses on the family's farming activities but is as vocal on issues concerning farmers as his two elder brothers Naresh and Rakesh Tikait who are leading from the front in the agitation that has been continuing for more than 100 days. Farmers' protest Narendra also said his two brothers and the entire Tikait family would leave the protest if even smallest of any wrongdoing is proved against even a single family member, as he rejected allegations by some quarters that they have built properties and made money from the agitation. The eldest brother Naresh Tikait is BKU president, while Rakesh Tikait holds the position of national spokesperson of the organisation, which under Mahendra Singh Tikait's leadership in 1988 had laid a virtual siege to Meerut in pursuit of higher prices for sugarcane, cancellation of loans and lowering of water and electricity rates. After Mahendra Singh Tikait's death in 2011, Naresh and Tikait have been leading the main organisation in various roles, though a number of faction groups have emerged in various parts of the country over the years. Narendra said the Centre is under any misconception that it can cull the farmers' protest like it has "culled" other agitations in the past using various tactics. Farmers' protest "I am here in Sisauli but my eyes are there at the protest," he said, adding that he keeps visiting Ghazipur border where hundreds of farmers and BKU supporters are camping since November 2020. "This government has a misconception, probably because it never faced such kind of protest, but we have seen agitations and been part of those for 35 years. This government only has an experience of facing smaller protests and of getting those culled through various tactics," he said. "They cannot crush this protest by any means. This will continue for as long as our demands are not met. This government has tenure of three and a half years left, and we can continue the movement till the end of its term," he asserted. Farmers' protest He said farmers would vacate the protest sites only after their demands are met completely and not on the basis of any future assurance or partial agreement on demands. Asked about allegations that the Tikait family holds land worth hundreds of crores and that BKU is involved in hooliganism in the region, he said, "There is nothing that they (the government) could find against us and therefore this (levelling allegations) is happening. If they find a single fault in any member of our family, then we will return from Delhi." New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Central Industrial Security Force on its raising day, saying their role in furthering national safety and progress is deeply valued. One of the central armed police forces in India, the CISF was set up in 1969 and is tasked with the security of vital government and industrial buildings. On their Raising Day, greetings to the courageous @CISFHQrs personnel and their families. Their role in furthering national safety and progress is deeply valued. In 2019, I had attended the Raising Day celebrations of CISF. Here is what I had spoken then. https://t.co/655hqumYN1 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2021 "On their Raising Day, greetings to the courageous @CISFHQrs personnel and their families. Their role in furthering national safety and progress is deeply valued. In 2019, I had attended the Raising Day celebrations of CISF. Here is what I had spoken then," Modi said in a tweet, posting the speech he had delivered in 2019. (Photo : NZ Government Exploring elarm Technology to Detect COVID-19 Before Symptoms) New Zealand's government has been quietly investigating if people arriving into the country and those working at its borders should adopt an iPhone app to detect COVID-19, which works up to three days before symptoms show. ACT party leader David Seymour first urged New Zealand's government to support the app last year. "It's an absolute game-changer and totally unexpected. This is something the Government should have been supporting since day one," he said. The app that government officials and medical authorities alike are researching is elarm. Created in Auckland, New Zealand and called "the future of healthcare" by epidemiologist Michael Baker, elarm may alter the way the country fights in the battle against covid-19 and other diseases. elarm connects to wearable devices, such as Apple Watch and Fitbit, and most other smartwatches to spot the small physiological changes that occur at the initial stages of illness. The app was designed by a company called Datamine in March. By June, top officials in government validated its efficacy and are now visualizing ways to help New Zealand reduce infections within its borders. The app works by evaluating health data collected by a wearable device and detecting biometric changes that occur when the body begins fighting against the virus. These changes include variations in measurements such as respiratory rate, resting heart rate, skin temperature, and more. It runs these changes through a model built by Datamine to analyze the user's health data to detect the symptoms of the virus before the user is aware they may be experiencing them. elarm is the world's first to leverage wearables in the fight against covid-19 in a way that works across multiple devices during this presymptomatic, highly-viral period. The app is available in both Apple's and Google's app store with users in 56 countries. Paul O'Connor, Datamine's founder, says that its effectiveness increases in the fight against covid-19 as new users adopt the app. With each new user on the app, O'Connor expects the artificial intelligence to keep learning and become even more accurate. "We've now got the elarm system to over 80 percent accuracy in terms of detecting Covid-19 two to three days before somebody actually knows that they're sick," he says. While the government of New Zealand has been quiet on its interactions with elarm, The Ministry of Health has confirmed it's in "active discussions" with the app maker about possible use cases within the government for their fight against the spread of covid-19 within its borders. Paul O'Connor is not at liberty to discuss deeper details just yet, but he did say it can be useful for people working at the border, returning to New Zealand, and more. "We have had discussions around people coming into the country using the elarm system. So having a wearable on and seeing if there are any changes when they're travelling or before they're travelling ... and then when they come into the country in managed isolation," he said. elarm has garnered attention and praise from those within the medical community as well, like epidemiologist Michael Baker. He notes that covid-19 spreads so quickly because of the virus's ability to infect others during early stages of viral shedding. This is the phase where people are infectious but it begins about 48 hours before symptoms show. As a result, being able to detect the virus early is an especially important problem to solve. "This has real potential." For example, Baker sees the potential that this app could be used to replace the daily health checks that nurses complete. He notes that every interaction, including a momentary temperature check, carries a risk of infection. "If, instead of doing that, you could issue everyone who's going through [managed isolation and quarantine] an app for their phone and a device that would continually monitor key indicators, or early indicators, of potential infection, that could be a great improvement," Baker said. "In a post-vaccine COVID-19 world, it might be appropriate to have a much wider range of people using this kind of technology from Datamine. It might be appropriate that all people visiting the country have to use it for a period of time after entering in substitution for quarantine, if they can also show they have an immunity effect and have come from a country with a very low-risk," he said. Baker believes elarm is an example of how wearable technologies can be a game-changer beyond covid-19. "This is the future of healthcare and early disease detection and possible even screening, that we make better use of the data that we can get, that we can harness, from other devices," he said. New Zealand's government thinks Baker and elarm's most ardent supporters may be right. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One in eight of all Covid cases in Ireland were children and teenagers under 18 within the year of the pandemic. With primary schools set for a full return next week, experts are warning that children should be outdoors as much as possible. New figures obtained by the Irish Independent show the effect Covid-19 has had on schoolchildren. Over 13,000 secondary school age and over 10,000 primary school age children have been diagnosed with Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. Almost 6,000 under the age of four years old have been infected. Of those aged 0-18, over 400 have been hospitalised but less than five have died. Read More The figures, supplied by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) to the Irish Independent, outline how disease has spread through the young population since March 1, 2020. While 29,386 children aged 0-18 years old were diagnosed with the virus until February 26, the total number of Covid cases to that date is 218,251. It comes as the next phase of return to school commences on Monday for all primary school children in third to sixth class and fifth years in post-primary schools. Dr Gerald Barry, virology lecturer at UCD, said that the transmission rate is likely to be higher once children have fully returned to school. I think the number of cases recorded is a massive underestimation of how many children were infected by Covid-19, he said. The transmission rate is likely going to be higher now, due to the UK variant. Dr Barry emphasised that children must spend as much time as possible outside. Ventilation is the most important issue by a mile and if that isnt drilled into peoples heads, then we arent communicating properly, he said. Children should be brought outside as much as possible. A total of 406 children and teenagers were hospitalised and 15 were admitted to intensive care. The HPSC would only state that less than five in this age cohort have died. The highest number of cases and hospitalisations were in the 13- to 18-year-old age group. Of this cohort, 13,374 were diagnosed with the virus and 159 were hospitalised. The second highest number of hospitalisations were in the 0-4 age group 147 children in this age category were treated in hospital for the virus of 5,870 cases in this group. A total of 10,142 five- to 12-year-olds were diagnosed with Covid-19 and 100 of these were hospitalised. Primary school children do not have to wear masks but those in second-level should, officials have been saying in recent weeks. Professor of immunology and associate dean of research at DCU, Christine Loscher, said the data highlights we may need to focus on measures for this age group of children. Consideration should be given to mask wearing for periods, for older children in primary school, she said. A 12-year-old in secondary school has to wear a mask but a 12-year-old in primary doesnt. The second consideration needs to be a real focus on ventilation, regular air breaks and strict maintenance of pods for younger children, who find it more difficult to socially distance. Ms Loscher added there was no evidence the new variant infects children more than the strain from last year. However, she felt regular antigen testing should be introduced to minimise risk of outbreaks. While the goal is to keep community transmission down in order to facilitate education, in my opinion its important a regular testing system is in place to ensure that facilitating education is not in turn negatively impacting community transmission. The data highlights January this year as the month when figures for childhood cases of Covid-19 spiralled. A total of 7,338 children were diagnosed with Covid-19 in January 5,111 of those were aged 5-14, while 2,227 were aged 0-4. The figures for this month, which coincided with the arrival of the UK variant to Ireland, dwarfed the amount of children becoming ill with the virus in every other month during the pandemic. The second-highest month for children being diagnosed with Covid-19, was October, last year, just after the return to school. During that month, 3,008 children were diagnosed 2,173 were aged from 5-14 while 835 were 0-4. The third month for the highest number of infections in children was December last year when 2,492 were diagnosed 1,779 were aged 5-14 and 713 were 0-4. The lowest number of infections were recorded in the summer months, last year. In June 2020, there were just 37 cases in children and in July this had risen to 77. However, by August this had climbed to 280 child cases. By September, there were 1,006 child cases. The figures for the very start of the pandemic in March 2020, were only 42. The highest number of cases for children from 0-18 were in the Dublin north city and county where 4,940 children and young people were diagnosed with the virus in this geographical area. The second-highest group affected by the virus were in the Midlands, Louth, Meath Community Health Organisation area, where there were 4,252 cases. The third highest childhood incidence of Covid-19 was in the Dublin south, Kildare and west Wicklow region where there were 4,223 cases in this age group. The HPSC has recorded 23 cases of PIMS-TS (Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome) in children. The disease can affect the heart and has even led to some children being placed on ventilators. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Meghan Markle formally complained to ITV about Piers Morgan before the Good Morning Britain co-host quit, the PA news agency understands. Morgan left the breakfast show after an on-air row with a colleague who criticised him for continuing to trash the duchess, after earlier this week saying he didnt believe a word of Meghans Oprah Winfrey interview. PA understands the duchess concern was not about the personal attacks on the validity of her racism allegation made against the royal family, or her claims she was not supported by the institution when experiencing suicidal thoughts. The complaint is understood to focus on how Morgans comments may affect the issue of mental health generally and those attempting to deal with their own problems. ITV bosses had asked Morgan to apologise to the duchess during Tuesdays show but he refused, the Telegraph reported. 'I've been in situations where I havent called out racism based on how its been treated in the past. We have to get comfortable talking about the uncomfortable.@piersmorgan and @alexberesfordTV have a frank discussion over Harry and Meghans accusations of racism. pic.twitter.com/p2Y86A7peb Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 9, 2021 The development follows Buckingham Palaces statement, saying that the issues raised in Harry and Meghans bombshell interview, especially over race, were concerning and would be addressed by the Queen and her family privately. The royal family said it was taking very seriously the couples shocking allegation that a member of the family not the Queen or Duke of Edinburgh raised concerns about how dark their son Archies skin tone might be before he was born. The royals appear to be at odds over the version of some events described by the Sussexes as the statement highlighted how some recollections may vary. Meghan and Harry interviewed by Oprah Winfrey (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions) But the sympathetic tone of a Buckingham Palace statement suggests a reconciliation through dialogue in private is the aim. Asked to respond to Buckingham Palaces statement about the interview, a spokesman for the Sussexes said they would not be commenting any further. Morgan criticised Meghan as he co-hosted Mondays Good Morning Britain show, and after a clip aired of the duchess discussing her struggles with mental health and the monarchys knowledge of them, he said: Im sorry, I dont believe a word she says. I wouldnt believe her if she read me a weather report. Morgan walked off the set on Tuesday after an on-air clash with his colleague, Alex Beresford. Mind, a leading mental health charity, led the way in criticising Morgans comments. It said in a tweet posted earlier this week it was disappointed and concerned to see Piers Morgans comments on not believing Meghans experiences about suicidal thoughts. The charity added: Its vital that, when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health, they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy. Morgan faces an Ofcom investigation after the regulator received 41,000 complaints following his comments on Monday. A Bexar County family whose house was destroyed by fire during last months winter storm is blaming CPS Energy. In a lawsuit filed Friday, Darla and Dezmon Hogan and their family allege the intermittent power supply triggered a Feb. 19 fire in a heating unit in the mobile home in the 4700 block of Legend Falls Drive on the far West Side. The family seeks damages ranging from $200,000 to $1 million. Hundreds of thousands of CPS Energy customers were left without power, sometimes for days, during the storm that dropped temperatures below freezing. The states grid operator told CPS Energy and other state utilities to cut power to homes and businesses to avoid a calamitous breakdown of the grid. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio man blames CPS Energy for wifes death during winter storm The Hogans have sued CPS Energy for negligence, alleging the utility failed to prepare for cold weather despite recommendations from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Electric Reliability Corp. following a 2011 cold snap that led to rolling blackouts. CPS Energy officials have said the San Antonio-owned utility had enough electricity to keep customers warm during last months frigid temperatures but had to follow the Electric Reliability Council of Texas outage orders. A CPS Energy spokesperson said it does not comment on litigation. The suit says CPS Energy has a duty to make reasonable efforts to prevent interruptions of service. Its at least the second lawsuit filed against CPS Energy over the storm. On March 1, a San Antonio man filed a wrongful death suit against the utility. He alleges his 63-year-old wife died Feb. 17 of extreme cold after the house lost power. The medical examiners office ruled the womans probable cause of death as cardiovascular disease and other ailments. Texas energy suppliers, including CPS, should have been prepared for this event, but they werent, leaving millions of Texans without water, heat, and electricity, said Marion Reilly, a Corpus Christi lawyer representing the Hogans. Texas deserves better. All of the lives lost and homes destroyed could have been avoided had the energy providers done what they needed to do. The intermittent power to the Hogans residence caused the heater fan to seize, starting the fire, Reilly said. Our experts initial determination (is) that it was caused by the power outages, she said. SA Inc.: Get the best of business news sent directly to your inbox Emergency Services District 2 Fire Chief Ralph Rodriguez said the fire appeared to be accidental but could not confirm what started it. The Bexar County Fire Marshals office is the lead investigative agency, he said, but it didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Joining Darla and Dezmon Hogan as plaintiffs are their three minor children and her mother. They lost all of their personal property, save for the clothes they were wearing at the time of the fire, the suit says. They add they are entitled to recover damages for mental anguish. The family is living with the couples oldest daughter in Corpus Christi, Reilly said. A GoFundMe account set up has so far raised $16,300 for the Hogans. The couple own a property preservation company and a trucking company. CPS Energy may argue that it has governmental immunity from the ligation, Reilly said. But she added the utility was performing a proprietary functionand therefore is not immune from a lawsuit. The case was filed in state District Court in San Antonio. pdanner@express-news.net Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. A scene from the play "Faust Ending," starring Kim Sung-nyo, right, as Faust, and Park Wan-kyu as Mephistopheles / Courtesy of National Theater Company of Korea Actresses defy gender in classics By Kwon Mee-yoo Goethe's "Faust" is considered a masterpiece of German literature, portraying how humanity can be saved despite corruption through strenuous attempts. "Faust Ending," a new play by the National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK), twists the iconic ending of the original play, centering on humane agony and responsibility. Veteran actress Kim Sung-nyo plays the titular role. Playwright and director Cho Kwang-hwa adapted the play into a 110-minute version centering on the chaos of human civilization, departing from the original ending. In the original, Faust is redeemed by God in the end for his constant striving. God accepts Faust into heaven despite his wrongdoings, saying "Man errs as long as he strives." However, Cho interpreted this as how human desire could end up in destruction and emphasized how Faust takes responsibility for what "she" has done. In this version, Faust makes a decision on her own to go to hell, instead of being saved. Faust walks into the hell, where she is surrounded by wild dog puppets, representing "Grim Reapers." A scene from the play "Faust Ending" / Courtesy of National Theater Company of Korea Another notable element of this adaptation is that Cho picked actress Kim to play Faust, bending the gender of the original character. The versatile Kim portrays the old scholar proficient at philosophy, law, medicine and theology who feels the vanity of learning and signs a contract with Mephistopheles the Devil. In the original, Faust falls in love with the young woman Gretchen and seduces her. Instead of ruining Gretchen's life, Faust communes with her and forms solidarity with the pregnant woman, person-to-person. The play loses its strength a bit when Faust decides to marry Gretchen to protect her and her baby; as getting married is not the only way to express the sympathy and solidarity between two people. Faust's study and classroom, where her students from different fields fight for power and she experiments on them, reflects contemporary society in which knowledge and technology becomes destructive against people. Cho uses puppets to describe the grotesque world of Faust. In addition to the red-eyed wild dog puppets, Faust's humanoid creation Homunculus is also portrayed with a puppet, strengthening the dystopian atmosphere of the play. Actor Park Wan-kyu stars as the playful Mephistopheles opposite Kim. Park's humorous yet serious portrayal of the devil peppers the play with liveliness. The play runs through March 28. A scene from "Hamlet," starring actress Lee Bong-ryun as Princess Hamlet / Courtesy of National Theater Company of Korea Gender-bending plays galore Kim is not the only actress who is venturing into roles typically played by male actors. Another NTCK production "Hamlet," shown online in February, cast actress Lee Bong-ryun as princess Hamlet. Director Boo Sae-rom said she wanted the Shakespearean classic to resonate with contemporary audiences, breaking away from the traditional, prejudiced perspective on women. In this adaptation, Hamlet is described as a former naval officer, good at crossing swords. The princess aspires for the throne, wants to take revenge and agonizes over life, just like any man would. In the Korean production of the Peter Shaffer play "Amadeus," actress Cha Ji-yeon alternated the role of Antonio Salieri with male actors. Salieri is a historical male figure, unlike the above-mentioned fictional male characters portrayed by actresses. However, Cha's stellar portrayal of the character who recognizes the talent of Mozart and tormented by his own ordinariness, defies gender norms. UPDATE: Sean Michael Lannon captured by police in Missouri A man sought in the killing of his ex-wife and three others in New Mexico and another victim in New Jersey remained on the loose Wednesday as police sought help from the public. Sean Michael Lannon, 47, of Grants, New Mexico and a former New Jersey resident, is a suspect in a homicide Monday in East Greenwich Township in Cumberland County. Authorities have described the victim only as a man who was a longtime acquaintance of Lannon, but have released no additional information. Lannon is also described as a person of interest in the deaths of four people whose bodies were found Friday in a vehicle left at an airport parking garage in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Three of those victims, Jennifer Lannon, 39, Matthew Miller, 21, and Jesten Mata, 40, were previously reported missing from Grants, a small town nearly 80 miles west of Albuquerque. Sean Lannon is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office. The U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Jennifer and Sean Lannon divorced in 2019, according to New Mexico court records, with a judge finding in favor of Sean Lannon. The filing sought custody of the couples children. Authorities confirmed that the children are safe. The Lannons are originally from South Jersey. A South Jersey relative of Jennifer Lannon declined to comment Wednesday morning, saying the family was not allowed to speak publicly until the killer was found. Sean Lannon is from the East Greenwich area, according to investigators. Jennifer Lannon previously lived in Clayton, West Deptford and Blackwood, according to public records searches. Records also indicate that she was a registered nurse in New Mexico, where she was issued a nursing license in 2017. Prior to that, she worked as an RN in New Jersey, where she was issued a license in 2010. Her New Jersey nursing license was suspended in 2018 after she was accused of diverting medications in several instances. Her nursing license in New Mexico was revoked in 2020. In addition to the homicide case in New Jersey, prosecutors announced Tuesday evening that Lannon was charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing his way into a home in Monroeville, Elk Township, while armed with a knife on Monday. Elk Police reported a burglary at one home and attempted burglary at a second, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the burglary charges against Lannon. A Memorial Lane resident reported that his home security camera captured a well-dressed male outside carrying a Royal Farms plastic bag and an approximately 16-inch kitchen knife. Later Monday morning, that resident contacted police to report that he spotted the same man in the side yard of a home and, when confronted, the suspect ran. The owner of a nearby residence returned home and reported finding several items that did not belong to anyone in the home, including the bag and knife. Numerous other items were found in the home that did not belong to the residents, the owner told police, though the affidavit doesnt indicate what those items were. No injuries were reported. He was possibly last seen on Monday at around 3 p.m. near the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, prosecutors said. Lannon is described as white, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 140-165 pounds, balding, with blue eyes. He may be driving a blue, 2018 Honda CR-V with New Jersey registration U71JXG. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact prosecutors office Sgt. John Petroski at 856-498-6238 or jpetroski@co.gloucester.nj.us. Anonymous tips may be sent to tips@co.gloucester.nj.us. Albuquerque police are working with Grants authorities on the investigation of the three missing persons deaths, while Albuquerque detectives are investigating the death of the fourth victim found in the vehicle, 60-year-old Randal Apostalon. Police in Grants said last month that Jennifer Lannon and Mata were wanted for questioning in Millers disappearance. On Feb. 26, police said Daniel Lemos, 45, was wanted for questioning in the disappearances of Jennifer Lannon, Miller and Mata. Lemos was described at the time as armed and dangerous. An aunt of Millers told TV station KOB4 in New Mexico that Lemos and Miller are related and that her nephew was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and simply giving somebody a ride. Authorities in New Mexico described the investigation as ongoing and have not disclosed how Sean Lannon may be connected to Lemos and how the victims there died. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. PHILADELPHIA, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lannett Company, Inc. (NYSE: LCI) today announced that it recently received feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding biosimilar insulin glargine, a product the company is co-developing with its strategic alliance partners within the HEC Group of companies (HEC). Lannett sought and received comments from the FDA related to the pivotal trial protocol and statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the development program. At a Biosimilar Biological Product Development (BPD) Type 2 meeting in June 2020, representatives from Lannett spoke with and received guidance from the FDA on the clinical advancement program of its biosimilar insulin glargine partnered product candidate. At that meeting, FDA requested Lannett submit a protocol for the pivotal trial for review before Lannett submitted an Investigational New Drug Application (IND). In November 2020, the company responded to that request and provided the proposed protocol and SAP. The FDA recently provided its feedback and comments to the company's proposal and the company has now incorporated the feedback into the design of the pivotal trial, including the type and size of the trial, as well as primary and secondary endpoints, to meet the FDA's requirements. The company said it was comfortable with the feedback, which is aligned with ongoing development work. Testing related to the production of a commercially scaled batch is underway, so the company believes it remains on track to submit an IND to the FDA later this calendar year. Subsequent to filing an acceptable IND, the company anticipates commencing the pivotal trial early in calendar year 2022, filing the BLA later in 2022 and launching the product in 2023. The company noted that the proposed pivotal trial, albeit with a larger number of proposed participants, is similar to the previously completed first human volunteer pilot study, which indicated that the Lannett/HEC insulin glargine product was biosimilar to US-approved Lantus (the reference biologic) in terms of meeting all pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) safety endpoints in the study. Lantus is a registered trademark of Sanofi S.A. About Lannett Company, Inc.: Lannett Company, founded in 1942, develops, manufactures, packages, markets and distributes generic pharmaceutical products for a wide range of medical indications. For more information, visit the company's website at www.lannett.com. This news release contains certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or future business performance. Any such statements, including, but not limited to, advancing the development of biosimilar insulin glargine, as well as receiving FDA approval and successfully commercializing the product, whether expressed or implied, are subject to risks and uncertainties which can cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors which include, but are not limited to, the difficulty in predicting the timing or outcome of FDA or other regulatory approvals or actions, the ability to successfully manufacture and commercialize products upon approval, including acquired products, and Lannett's estimated or anticipated future financial results, future inventory levels, future competition or pricing, future levels of operating expenses, product development efforts or performance, and other risk factors discussed in the company's Form 10-K and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These forward-looking statements represent the company's judgment as of the date of this news release. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Contact: Robert Jaffe Robert Jaffe Co., LLC (424) 288-4098 SOURCE Lannett Company, Inc. A teenage boy is facing up to 20 years in prison after killing his abusive father to in an attempt to defend his mother who had suffered years of domestic abuse. Lawyers have charged Alex Pompa, 18, with murder over the killing of his father, Giuseppe Pompa, 52. Alex has admitted to stabbing his father 24 times in an attempt to defend his mother from an assault. The killing happened in the municipality of Collegno, Italy, on April 30 last year. Investigators discovered that Giuseppe had physically and emotionally abused his wife for years, and would call her hundreds of times a day to check up on her. Alex Pompa, 18, is facing up to 20 years in prison after killing his abusive father to in an attempt to defend his mother who had suffered years of domestic abuse. Pictured: Alex Pompa (right) with his lawyer Claudio Strata On the night of the crime, Alex and his brother sent a text to their uncle seeking help because they feared their father would become violent towards their mother. The message read: 'You are the only one who listens. You have to take drastic action. Here we all risk our lives.' Later that night, Giuseppe launched a violent attack against his wife, claiming that he had seen one of her co-workers put his hand on her shoulder. He reportedly threw a phone at her face when Alex, who was 17 at the time, intervened. Alex took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed his father repeatedly until he died. He then called the police and explained what had happened. He was initially put under house arrest but the judges later determined that being kept in the home where the killing took place would be too traumatic for him. Alex (pictured) has admitted to stabbing his father 24 times in an attempt to defend his mother from an assault Alex was allowed to serve his house arrest at a friends home, where he completed his final exams, gaining a score of 87/100 and enrolling in university. The Minister of Public Education at the time, Lucia Azzolina, even phoned Alex to congratulate him. Prosecutors have now confirmed that they are pressing ahead with a charge of murder but no date has yet been set for a trial. Alex will have to face the charge of voluntary murder with the aggravating circumstance of having acted against a family member. The defence has 20 days to make an appeal. Even taking into account mitigating circumstances, Alex faces up to 20 years in prison. For help and information on domestic abuse in Italy, you can call Antiviolenza Donne on 1522. The helpline is free to contact and open 24/7. In the UK, you can find help at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 173 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 173 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-school-counseling-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Adams State University Angelo State University Arkansas State University Ball State University Boston College Brandman University Campbellsville University Capella University Chadron State College Concordia University, Irvine Creighton University East Carolina University Eastern Michigan University Edinboro University Emporia State University Fort Hays State University Gallaudet University Gwynedd Mercy University Hampton University Indiana University Bloomington Indiana Wesleyan University Lamar University Liberty University Lincoln Memorial University Mercy College Missouri Baptist University New York University North Carolina Central University North Carolina State University Oregon State University Regent University Salem College Seton Hall University Southeastern Oklahoma State University Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia Southwestern Assemblies of God University University of Central Arkansas University of Denver University of Georgia University of Louisiana, Monroe University of Massachusetts Boston University of Missouri Saint Louis University of Nebraska, Kearney University of North Dakota University of Southern California University of Tennessee, Martin University of the Southwest University of West Alabama Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. An airport hotel is shown as people walk outside with their luggage at Pearson International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Feb. 2, 2021. (Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press ) Legal Challenge Launched Against Canadas Federally Mandated Quarantine Hotel Policy TORONTOA constitutional rights advocacy group is mounting a legal challenge to the federal governments quarantine hotel policy, arguing it infringes on Canadians fundamental rights. The Canadian Constitution Foundation has filed an application with Ontarios Superior Court of Justice along with five individuals, seeking an end to the policy. The application names the Attorney General of Canada as the defendant. A government order that went into effect on Feb. 14 mandates that anyone entering Canada from abroad must stay in a federally approved hotel for the first three nights of a 14-day quarantine. The biggest issue is that we have a fundamental right to enter Canada and this is a limit on that right and its not a justified limit, said Christine Van Geyn, litigation director for the CCF. There are so many alternatives that would be less infringing on rights. Travellers are expected to pay for their government-approved accommodations, which can cost hundreds of dollars per night. They may leave the hotels once a COVID-19 test taken at their point of entry comes back negative. The Canadian Constitution Foundation argues in its legal application that hotel quarantine requirements are overbroad, arbitrary and grossly disproportionate. The applicants are seeking an injunction to suspend the order, but are also asking to have the law struck down for infringing upon the constitutional rights of liberty, freedom from unreasonable detention, and the right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment. The CCF is also seeking damages of $10,000. Van Geyn said the request for nominal damages is to cover off the costs of the five individual applicants for their hotel stays at approximately $2,000 per person. The focus is not on the money, the focus is on the ability for them to exercise their fundamental rights, she said. The CCF argues that the hotel policy detains people without COVID-19 symptoms who would be able to safely quarantine outside of government-approved accommodation at minimal or no expense. A spokesperson for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said that they were aware of the legal action and that the federal government intended to respond to the application. When the order came into effect Van Geyn and the CCF asked for people impacted by the quarantine hotel policy to reach out to them. She said that the group received approximately 5,000 letters of support or from people directly effected by the policy. Van Geyn said that the five individuals participating in the legal challenge were selected because they all had to travel out of Canada for compassionate reasons, in three cases attending to their parents in the final days of their lives. She noted that Canada has an exemption to its quarantine policy for people entering the country for compassionate purposes, but not for residents who had to leave Canada for similar reasons. If you live in Florida and your mother breaks her hip and you need to come to Canada to help her you can apply for an exemption and be granted one, said Van Geyn. But if the situation is reversed, if you live in Canada and your mother lives in Florida, you would still want to go and help her prepare for surgery and recover, but you are not eligible for an exemption when you return. Its strange to me that the government is concerned about these compassionate travellers but only when youre travelling in one direction. By John Chidley-Hill Its too late to salvage much of this school year for those students who remain locked out of their classrooms most days and were going to have to do a lot more than just hope to catch them up. But Mondays start of the S.C. teacher vaccination season is still encouraging. Not because COVID-19 puts teachers at any greater risk than other essential employees. People are actually safer at school than just about anywhere other than locked in their homes 24/7. And theyre certainly at less risk of death or serious illness than older residents. No, its encouraging because even if we cant salvage an entire semester, getting teachers their first shot this week or next and their second shot three weeks later still should mean school districts that havent done so will be willing to allow students back in the classroom full-time by mid- to late April. And for summer schools, which they should offer. And in the fall. Its encouraging because fully vaccinated teachers are teachers who dont have to quarantine when they come in contact with someone who is infected, which means fewer students would have to sit in their classroom with a babysitter rather than a teacher or fewer would have to stay home because so many teachers are quarantined that the school is closed. Because a teacher who goes to work frightened even if unjustifiably so isn't able to focus on being the great teacher those students need. Because every day a teacher goes to work frightened puts that teacher a day closer to leaving the profession, and deepening our teacher shortage. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! The arrival of teacher vaccination season in South Carolina is encouraging because it demonstrates that many of our school districts are organized and proactive enough to get everything worked out in advance so they could open vaccination clinics as soon as the governor allowed them to do so. Which was also Monday. We shared S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearmans belief that Gov. Henry McMaster should not have overridden CDC guidelines last month and pushed teachers down below older South Carolinians for vaccinations. But we also shared her belief that her order requiring them to make arrangements with local medical providers meant school districts were in a position to save teachers the hassle of having to schedule their appointments individually, and to put teachers at the front of the lines that opened Monday for everyone 55 and older, everyone with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other medical conditions as well as everyone whose job requires them to work near others, even if those jobs dont fall into the essential category. And they did. The Charleston County School District opened what could be less than two weeks of vaccination clinics on Tuesday. Dorchester District 2 started vaccinating its employees Monday and expected to finish Wednesday, and the Horry County School District plans to hold its first of two days of vaccinations on Friday. Even Columbias Richland 1, which was one of the last holdouts against allowing children back into the classroom, has teacher vaccinations scheduled for Friday and Saturday. According to Ms. Spearmans spokesman, they were among more than 40 of the states 79 traditional school districts that started vaccination clinics this week. That includes seven school districts that got their teachers vaccinated last week York 1, 2, 3 and 4, Dillon 3, Florence 1 and Darlington using President Joe Bidens order requiring retail pharmacies to prioritize teachers. Those districts that havent scheduled vaccinations yet need to get to work, and the state needs to provide any assistance it can. And teachers who are still wondering when they'll be able to get vaccinated might want to consider that even if the governor had prioritized them, they'd likely still be waiting on their district officials and redirect some of their anger accordingly. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! EL CERRITO, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CityHealth Urgent Care has opened a COVID-19 testing location at 3223 Carlson Boulevard, El Cerrito. Hours of operation are 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. "CityHealth continues to make widespread COVID-19 testing accessible to our community. We are pleased to open an 8th testing location in California to help stop the spread of COVID-19," said Sean Parkin, CEO of CityHealth. CityHealth's new El Cerrito location will offer Molecular PCR tests, the most accurate COVID-19 test available. Results are guaranteed within 48 hours. CityHealth's COVID-19 tests are free for all US Citizens, with or without insurance. Appointments are required for all CityHealth COVID-19 testing centers and can be booked online at https://norcalcovid19testing.com. CityHealth is a Hawaii Trusted Testing Partner, and the results of this test are acceptable as proof of a negative COVID-19 test. For those wishing to travel to Hawaii, proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required by law. CityHealth will provide COVID-19 test recipients with an official declaration of their results. Before departure, travelers must upload their negative test results to the State of Hawaii's Safe Travel website for permission to enter Hawaii. COVID-19 testing at CityHealth's El Cerrito location is also available for community members. One in three people does not experience symptoms when infected with COVID-19 making testing a vital part of curbing the spread. Anyone who has been exposed to a person infected with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms should get tested immediately. Other community members who should get tested are essential and frontline workers, first responders, healthcare workers, anyone with chronic health problems, and anyone who has recently traveled or participated in a large public gathering. CityHealth currently has seven other COVID-19 testing centers in Oakland, San Francisco, Dublin, Livermore, and locations at San Jose International Airport, Sacramento Airport, and Long Beach Airport to service air travelers. CityHealth Urgent Care is pleased to offer FDA-approved in-home testing kits. In-home tests are available for purchase online and shipped for free. Patients collect their own sample on a supervised telemedicine call, ship their sample to a lab for analysis, and receive a follow-up from a clinician if positive for COVID-19. Shipping of COVID-19 in-home test kits is available within California only. About CityHealth Urgent Care: CityHealth Urgent Care provides walk-in urgent medical care to adults and children. Both San Leandro and Oakland locations have a full-service medical lab and on-site partnership with City Imaging so patients can get their results on-site. CityHealth's new virtual visit option allows patients to see a medical professional without leaving home. CityHealth Urgent Care currently has seven COVID-19 testing sites in California. Visit https://www.cityhealthuc.com for more information, or www.norcalcovid19testing.com for more information on COVID-19 testing. Press Contact: Sean Parkin, CEO CityHealth 510-984-2489 [email protected] Related Images chuc-logo.png CHUC Logo CityHealth Urgent Care Logo Related Links https://norcalcovid19testing.com SOURCE CityHealth Urgent Care "Orthodox Jews are frequently, distressingly misrepresented on screen," said Allison Josephs, founder of Jew in the City. "When any minority group is inaccurately depicted, the ramifications are real and can be dangerous, as our fellow underrepresented New Yorkers know too well. We applaud NBC's removal of a recent episode from circulation and hope to build on the conversation by supporting creators who want to include Orthodox Jewish characters in film and television." Josephs contends it should become standard practice to consult with Orthodox Jews before portraying them on-screen. To facilitate more truthful depictions, JITC introduced The Josephs Test, a simple checklist developed by screenwriter Yael Levy to help creators and viewers evaluate whether a rendering seems reasonable and accurate. The Josephs Test was modeled after the widely respected Bechdel-Wallace test, which assesses the representation of women in fiction. "More accurate on-screen depictions not only foster greater understanding and openness in our society, but make for better TV," continued Josephs. "I believe the best way to counter the impact of harmful misrepresentation of the past, is to flood the future with more accurate storylines and nuanced, realistic characters based on a deeper understanding of Orthodox Jewish life. I recognize that means showing up. So, here we are." Late last month, NBC pulled a "Nurses" episode from its digital platform in response to criticism. Jew in the City is urging content providers and creators to reassess previously aired content against The Josephs Test and to recognize a historical pattern of inaccurately crafted Orthodox characters on screen while committing to investing more research and care into future projects. Violent acts against Hasidic and Orthodox Jews have risen in recent years. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic assaults were up more than 100% in New York in 2019, constituting more than half of the hate crimes in New York City alone, though the Jewish population of the city is only 13%, and fewer than .3% of Jews nationwide identify as Orthodox. The 'Ask Us Anything' event will be held in accordance with local Health and Safety Guidelines. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing if attending in person. All are welcome to join online via livestream . About Jew in the City Jew in the City (JITC) was founded to combat negative associations about religious Jews by making accurate information accessible with an approach based on kindness, tolerance, sincerity and critical thinking. Josephs and her team consult with media, producers, politicians and community members and offer diversity training for institutions looking to expand their understanding with insight into Orthodox Jewish beliefs, laws and customs. Clients include Con-Edison and NYU Langone Fertility Center in New York, among others. For more information about Jew in the City, visit the website. SOURCE Jew in the City (JITC) Related Links https://jewinthecity.com Leo Carney worries that bigger crowds and mask-less diners could endanger workers at the Biloxi, Mississippi, seafood restaurant where he manages the kitchen. Maribel Cornejo, who earns $9.85 an hour as a McDonalds cook in Houston, cant afford to get sick and frets co-workers will become more lax about wearing masks, even though the fast food company requires them. As more jurisdictions join Texas, Mississippi and other states in lifting mask mandates and easing restrictions on businesses, many essential workers including bartenders, restaurant servers and retail workers are relieved by changes that might help the economy but also concerned they could make them less safe amid a pandemic that health experts warn is far from over. Many business owners on the Mississippi Gulf Coast were glad Gov. Tate Reeves decided to eliminate mask requirements, limits on seating in restaurants and most other binding restrictions. But the workers themselves especially ones that have pre-existing conditions, theyre scared right now, Carney said. This just puts us back in a situation where were on the frontlines, under the gun again, said Carney, who sees Black Mississippians facing the greatest risks from the decision that took effect Wednesday. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black and Latino people in the United States, and many Gulf Coast restaurants have a significant number of Black employees. Public Health Warnings Public health experts tracking the trajectory of more contagious virus variants have warned that lifting restrictions too soon could lead to another lethal wave of infections. Although vaccination drives are accelerating as drug manufacturers ramp up production, many essential workers are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Mississippi and other states. Alabamas state health officer on Friday advised residents to keep following standard infection-prevention recommendations even though the governor is letting the states mask mandate expire next month. There is nothing magical about the date of April 9. We dont want the public to think thats the day we all stop taking precautions, State Health Officer Scott Harris said. The governors of Iowa, Montana, North Dakota also have ended mask requirements or plan to suspend them soon. The governor of South Carolina on Friday lifted an executive order requiring face coverings in government office buildings and restaurants, leaving it up to state administrators and restaurant operators to develop their own guidelines. Governors in several other states, including Michigan and Louisiana, eased the operating limits for bars, restaurants and other businesses in recent days. The National Retail Federation, the largest retail trade association in the U.S., issued a statement Wednesday encouraging shoppers to wear masks. Some retail chains, including Target and supermarket operator Albertsons, plan to continue requiring them for both customers and workers in states that no longer make them mandatory. Texas Retailers Association President and CEO George Kelemen said he thinks many members will continue to require workers but not necessarily customers to wear masks and other protective gear. Retailers know their customers best, he said. McDonalds cook Cornejo, 43, said the end of Texas mask mandate next week alarms her because several of her co-workers already were lax about keeping their faces covered. She said co-workers she has asked to pull their masks back over their noses politely acquiesced, but not always for long. There are just different attitudes, said Cornejo, whose 19-year-old son began working as a cashier at the same restaurant to help pay the familys bills. Some say its just too difficult to keep it on for eight hours, especially when it gets hot. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, encouraged Americans to do the right thing by continuing to abide by recommendations for routine mask use and social distancing even if their states lift restrictions. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, said individuals who wear masks still risk infection from unmasked shoppers and diners. He called Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to lift COVID-19 restrictions starting March 10 entirely too soon and entirely too carefree. Down From January While deaths and new confirmed cases have plummeted from their January peaks nationwide, theyre still running at high levels, while outbreak indicators in some states have risen in recent weeks. In Mississippi, for example, the 7-day rolling average of the virus positivity rate rose from 11.47% on Feb. 19 to 12.14% on March 5, and the states 7-day rolling average of daily deaths increase during the same period from 15 per day to 20.71 per day. Workers in cities that still have mask mandates or jobs at businesses that maintain their own virus-prevention rules anticipate defiance from customers emboldened by their governors actions and weary of taking precautions. Molly Brooks, 25, a barista at a Farmers Branch, Texas, coffee shop, said she has regularly dealt with customers who walked out or bullied her and her colleagues when they were asked to wear a mask. Brooks worries how theyre going to enforce the rule, which the coffee shop plans to keep in place, now that Texas governor lifted the statewide mask mandate. We are gearing up for the emotional toll that this is going to take, said the 25-year-old barista, who started working for the coffee shop in November while looking for a job in education. The people who dont want to wear them are still going to fightand now they are going to have even more ammunition. Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi, will require masks and allow only eight customers at a time. Although General Manager Lyn Roberts believes the rules will make many customers feel safe, bookstore employee Paul Fyke said he observed a change in Oxford almost as soon as the Board of Aldermen chose to follow the governors lead and did away with the college towns mask mandate. I mean, really, even on the drive home, you can kind of already see there were places where, for a lot of people, it was triumph, he said on Thursday, the day after Oxfords mask requirement ended. They were happy to be removing them. Still, some workers are cautiously hopeful that fewer restrictions will bring more customers, tips and job security after a year short on all three. In San Francisco, where the mayor last week announced the return of indoor dining and the reopening of movie theaters and gyms, Dino Keres had no qualms about serving drinks to customers bellying up to the bar inside Sams Grill. Thats partly because he was about to get his second vaccine dose, but also because nobody on staff was infected when indoor dining was briefly permitted last fall. Whats more, masks are required unless people are eating, and indoor seating is limited to 25% of capacity. We have already went through this once, and now the timing feels about right to try it again, Keres said Thursday. Ro Hart, an assistant general manager and hostess at Tonys Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, said the return of indoor dining in the city provoked a mixture of joy and anxiety. We are happy to be bringing in more revenue, but we are little nervous, too, because we have to be more stringent about making sure everyone keeps their masks on when theyre not eating, Hart said, adding that she would be far more worried if San Francisco didnt require masks. We feel for our brothers and sisters at all those restaurants in Texas, she said. Top Photo: Bartender Dino Keres prepares drinks at Sams Grill in San Francisco on Thursday, March 4, 2021. As more states lift mask mandates and ease restrictions on businesses, front-line workers, including bartenders, restaurant servers and retail workers, face new worries about how to keep themselves safe amid the coronavirus outbreak that experts warn is far from over. (AP Photo/Mike Liedtke) Associated Press writers Alexandra Olson and Joseph Pisani in New York; David Koenig in Dallas; Dee-Ann Durbin in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Tammy Webber in Fenton, Michigan, contributed to this story. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Talent Layering Creator Workflow on top of our domain experience, industry knowledge, and technical expertise has led to incredible outcomes. Cask announced that it has been recognized as the 2021 ServiceNow Americas Creator Workflow Partner of the Year. This award recognizes the partner who consistently delivered new levels of customer value in low code development. This partner leverages Creator Workflows to help customers meet the challenges of our time with agile automation that drives business velocity. The ServiceNow Global Alliances and Channel Ecosystem (ACE) organization recognizes the achievements of best-in-class partners who have successfully contributed to ServiceNows growth through transformative practices in business, technology and customer success. This year's awards are based on partner performance in 2020 and evaluate a combination of attributes that include revenue contribution, product line expansion, workflow and skills growth as well as business innovation or transformation. This award was presented at ServiceNows Americas Digital Partner Awards event on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Cask is one of just a handful of companies that has achieved ServiceNow Elite Partner status and the only partner to be honored with the ServiceNow Americas Elite Partner of the Year award in January 2020 and the Global Elite Partner of the Year Award in May 2020. This award is especially important because of what the Creator Workflow innovation provides. Creator Workflow is all about enabling line of business leaders to meet their missions. In addition to the well-known benefits provided by IT, employee, and customer service management systems, Creator allows us to go far beyond the capabilities of legacy and first-generation cloud platforms, said Mark Larsen, President of Cask. It sets ServiceNow apart and has provided a significant value differentiator for our clients. Layering Creator Workflow on top of our domain experience, industry knowledge, and technical expertise has led to incredible outcomes. It enabled Cask to transform the way the U.S. Forest Service fought fires in California and how the City of L.A. handled first response to COVID-19 testing and vaccination management through the pandemic. This award is a testament to that work. Cask delivers end-to-end solutions to help organizations make the most of their ServiceNow investments, reducing cost, and improving quality of services across the enterprise. Casks portfolio includes strategy, implementation, modernization, digital transformation, and managed services that enable clients to execute an end-to-end digital vision. ServiceNow last year empowered its global partner ecosystem to grow and accelerate customers digital transformation journeys as companies adjust to the way we will work in the future. Through new programs, partners are better positioned to grow their ServiceNow practices and managed services offerings, and deliver greater value to customers. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Cask designs, enables, and sustains digital transformation on the Now platform for enterprise clients across both the private and public sectors. Cask consultants provide domain-focused solutions across IT, human resources, security and risk management, customer service, finance/procurement, and operations to modernize employee, customer, and constituent user experience. Casks approach integrates design thinking and organizational change management to help its customers transform the way they work. ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, Now Platform, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The demand for homebirths has gone up by more than a third during the pandemic, as many women opt to avoid hospitals. The National Homebirth Service numbers increased from 272 in 2019 to 354 last year, across all HSE regions. Some regions saw noticeable increases including Mid-Leinster, up from 65 to 107, and HSE West, from 22 to 37. Cork and Kerry was the busiest region in both years with 127 (2019) and 129 (2020) women registered for a homebirth. Aisling Dixon, vice-chair of the Community Midwives Association said just 19 midwives offer homebirths. She said last month 21 women were turned away in the HSE West as there were not enough midwives. The pandemic heightened the need, and showed homebirths as a more positive, mainstream option. If we had more midwives, we would have more homebirths. Dr Kyrisa Lynch, chair of AIMS Ireland, which supports women in the maternity system, said: The maternity strategy recommended homebirth be offered universally and that it be an option for all women irrespective of where they live. An update on the National Maternity Strategy was expected last September but will now be published by June, a HSE spokeswoman said. In Killaloe, Co Clare, Marah Maloney opted for a home-birth in June because she did not want to be separated from her husband during the birth. She had attended University Maternity Hospital Limerick for her two previous births. Based on what she heard about Covid restrictions, Ms Moloney said: He would probably have sat out in the carpark with the kids and just run in for the delivery. It was the first lockdown so we hadnt seen family and couldnt ask them for help. Instead, the birth took place in their living room, attended by two HSE midwives. She said having her husband and children in the house made all the difference. Her eight-year-old was delighted to take the first photograph of his baby brother. Ms Moloney said: The baby came at around 3am. Once he was there then we woke up my four-year-old. He got to come down and meet the baby. There was cake in the fridge, and we had coffee sitting up together. Amy Jennings had a similar positive experience in September, opting for a homebirth with the National Maternity Hospital. She said: You are able to be together. That was really important, I think. You have your own shower, your own tea, that is very important. And having the family together was lovely. Her husband missed all her scans, and that was enough of a brush with the Covid-restrictions, she said. New Delhi, March 10 : The central government is coming up with a proposal to establish 100 Sainik schools across the country. As per the proposal, the Sainik Schools Society will give affiliation to 100 existing government or private schools which will meet the infrastructure, quality and criteria of existing Sainik schools. "TheSainik Schools Society will be the nodal agency to look after the affiliation process and only those schools which will meet all the criteria will be given affiliation to run it," said a source. The proposal to give affiliation is at the final stages and will thereafter be sent to the Cabinet for approval. "It is in the process. Last minute modalities are being worked upon," said the source. The government in Parliament on Wednesday announced that they are proposing to bring a new scheme for setting up Sainik Schools in the country in partnership with NGOs, Private Schools, states. "The endeavor is to provide schooling opportunities in "CBSE Plus" type of educational environment by involving desirous Government/Private Schools/NGOs to partner in establishing/aligning their system with Sainik Schools ethos, value system and national pride," Minister of State (Defence) Shripad Naik said replying to a question asked by MP Kripanath Mallah and others in the Lok Sabha. The Minister further stated that it envisages enrolling existing/upcoming schools to be run on the lines of Sainik schools curriculum. "The schools are proposed to be affiliated to Sainik Schools Society. Detailed guidelines and requisite approval are at an advance stage," the minister said. Two years ago, the Defence Ministry opened the doors of the Sainik schools for the girls. It was the government's move towards gender equality. The Letter issued by the Sainik School Society, MoD mentions, "Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) has approved the admission of girl children (limited to 10% of total authorized intake into Class 6) with effect from academic session 2020-21." The Sainik Schools were developed as an alternative to public schools education system aimed at nurturing boys from a cross-section of society to join the Armed Forces officers' academies. There are a total of 28 Sainik Schools with four more in the process of being raised soon. (Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Former President Donald Trump requested a mail-in ballot so he could vote in a municipal election in Florida despite railing against absentee voting during the 2020 election cycle. The Palm Beach Post reported that Trump had requested a mail-in ballot Friday, nearly a week late to have it mailed to Mar-a-Lago, and likely had an associate pick it up for him, which is allowed. The election was held Tuesday, while Trump was in New York City. Former President Donald Trump was in New York City on Tuesday, the date of the Florida municipal election that he requested an absentee ballot to vote in Former President Donald Trump is photographed golfing Wednesday at this West Palm Beach, Florida golf club. He returned to Florida after Tuesday's municipal election Former President Donald Trump made Mar-a-Lago (pictured) his official residence in 2019 and also requested a mail-in ballot in August to vote in a primary election Former President Donald Trump railed against mail-in voting except for in Florida, pointing to the state's Republican governors and having the absentee option 'over a long period of time' The ex-president was spotted outside of Trump Tower with an aide carrying a large batch of files. Trump's ballot hadn't been reported as counted on Monday, the Palm Beach Post said. Former first lady Melania Trump did not request an absentee ballot for Tuesday's election. The Trumps moved to Mar-a-Lago on January 20, snubbing President Joe Biden's inauguration, but made the Palm Beach private club their permanent residence in 2019. Both Trumps had requested mail-in ballots in August for a Florida primary, which 'covers all elections through the end of the calendar year' - meaning they technically could have been sent general election mail-in ballots as well. The then-president voted early in person at the Palm Beach County Library on October 24, while the then-first lady voted in Florida on Election Day. By the time Trump made his August ballot requests he had spent months telling supporters that expansions to mail-in voting due to the coronavirus pandemic would lead to widespresd voter fraud. He's continued repeating what Democrats have dubbed 'the big lie' as recently as at his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando in late February. 'One of the most urgent issues facing the Republican Party is that of ensuring fair, honest and secure election,' Trump told the CPAC crowd. He called the 2020 election a 'disgrace.' 'We must pass comprehensive election reforms and we must do it now,' he continued. 'The Democrats used the China virus as an excuse to change all of the election rules without the approval of their state legislatures, making it therefore - illegal,' Trump falsely claimed. The president and his legal team failed when making similar arguments in court. And in swing states like Pennsylvania, for example, both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers approved no-excuse mail-in voting in response to the pandemic. Trump has explained his choice to vote by mail by pointing at Florida's Republican governors. 'So Florida's got a great Republican governor and it had a great Republican governor [before] ... and over a long period of time they've been able to get the absentee ballots done extremely professionally,' Trump said in August. 'Florida's different from other states,' the then-president added. As the need for collaboration among multinational engineering team increases, it became imperative we meet this demand. Our expansion into India marks a milestone as we open up to new opportunities and we are excited to provide a value-added client relationship experience to an even larger audience. EMA Design Automation (http://www.ema-eda.com), a full-service provider and innovator of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) systems solutions, is partnering with Sunstream Global Technologies to expand their reach and provide Cadence system design solutions and support in India. Sunstream Global is an India-based company specializing in solutions and services for Electronic Design, Mechanical Design, Product Development, and associated IT services. As the need for collaboration among multinational engineering team increases, it became imperative we meet this demand, said Manny Marcano, president and CEO of EMA Design Automation. Our expansion into India marks a milestone as we open up to new opportunities and we are excited to provide a value-added client relationship experience to an even larger audience. Companies with engineering teams in India are continuing to increase, making this expansion a natural progression for EMA. This partnership allows EMA to establish a local presence and engage directly with engineers the same way they would with existing customers. Now companies will be able to directly benefit from EMAs proven track record of customer-first service and support. Sunstream will carry out EMAs mission of supporting customers with the best service and products. EMA is a driver of meaningful change within the EDA industry due to their customer first focus and technological expertise, said Unni Mecheeri, CEO of Sunstream Global Technologies. Were proud to be part of their team. Building on the success of a five-year-long relationship, this expanded collaboration will allow customers and partners in India to leverage the same cutting-edge technology and first-rate client experience EMA has been pioneering in North America for over 30 years. Unni and his team have helped EMA with numerous successful customer engagements, said Marcano. With their professionally trained and competent sales and support engineers, I am confident they will represent EMA professionally and we will jointly provide new clients in India with true value-added sales and services. To promote our entrance into this market, we are offering special pricing on the industry standard OrCAD PCB design software. This unprecedented offer in the Indian market serves to help all engineers regardless of budget get access to the professional grade tools, service, and support from Cadence and EMA they deserve. To take advantage of this limited time offer visit: https://go.ema-eda.com/OrCAD-Offer. For more information about EMA, go to http://www.ema-eda.com, call toll free at 877.362.3321 or contact our new Indian office directly at +91 804.148.6861. About EMA Design Automation, Inc. EMA Design Automation is a trailblazer in product development solutions offering a complete range of EDA tools, PLM integrations, services, training, and technical support. EMA is a Cadence Channel Partner serving all of North America. EMA develops Ultra Librarian, TimingDesigner, CircuitSpace, CIP, EDABuilder, and a host of custom solutions to enhance the OrCAD and Dassault products, and all are distributed through a worldwide network of value-added resellers. EMA is a privately held corporation headquartered in Rochester, New York. Visit EMA at http://www.ema-eda.com for more information. About Sunstream Global Technologies, Inc Sunstream Global Technologies specializes in providing solutions and services in Electronic Design, Mechanical Design, Product Development, and associated IT services. Sunstream provides products, solutions, and services to make OEMs more efficient in their business. They provide solutions in the area of Product Development, Sustenance Engineering, Re-Engineering, Product Environmental Compliance and Engineering Process Outsourcing. Visit Sunstream at http://www.sunstreamglobal.com for more information. # # # EMA Design Automation, TimingDesigner, CircuitSpace, EDABuilder, Ultra Librarian, and the EMA and Ultra Librarian logos are registered trademarks, and Component Information Portal is a trademark of EMA Design Automation, Inc. Cadence, Allegro, and OrCAD are registered trademarks of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All other trademarks in this release are the property of their respective owners. Woman's Hospital and two other businesses are seeking annexation into the city of Baton Rouge, spanning hundreds of acres of potentially taxable property that would be removed from the new city of St. George. Applications to be annexed into Baton Rouge were filed this week by Woman's for its 225-acre main campus on Airline Highway at Stumberg Lane, alongside its new 100-acre master-planned community known as Materra, and the nearby headquarters of local construction services company H&E Equipment Services, according to records on file with the city-parish. The assessed property value of Woman's Hospital is upward of $16.5 million, but much of its campus value is exempt from tax collection, property assessor records show. The Materra development includes more than $250,000 in assessed property and the H&E Equipment Services headquarters is $1.2 million in assessed property covering a 16-acre site. Materra is expected to include some retail development in the coming years, which means a slice of any sales taxes generated at the site would be sent to the city of Baton Rouge's coffers. The hospital's decision was to align itself with an existing collaboration among other health care providers in a cohesive hospital district formed within the city in the Bluebonnet/Essen Lane/Perkins Road area. "Weve made this decision because being located in the city of Baton Rouge fully supports all of our patients," said Dr. Barbara Griffith, chief executive officer of Woman's Hospital. "Being located in the city of Baton Rouge also enables us to remain a partner in the Baton Rouge Health District, working together to improve access to medical care for all women," she said. The hospital doesn't expect the annexation to impact its daily operations. H&E Equipment Executive Chairman John M. Engquist has previously opposed the creation of St. George. Engquist is also involved in the development of Materra. The petition also seeks to annex a stretch of Airline Highway, which is a state roadway, as part of the request in addition to Stumberg Lane. The addition of roadways would connect the properties to the city of Baton Rouge, which is required for annexation to be considered. Several other businesses have already successfully petitioned to annex land into the city of Baton Rouge from an otherwise unincorporated swath of East Baton Rouge Parish. Voters in 2019 approved the creation of St. George within the parish limits, but its incorporation has been on hold amid legal challenges. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome filed a lawsuit against the incorporators of the prospective city of St. George in November 2019. A pretrial conference for the lawsuit is scheduled for July. During the discovery process, St. George organizers are seeking emails sent by the mayor about St. George in 2019, leading up to the vote. Expert depositions must be completed by the end of June, according to court records. Attorney Mary Olive Pierson is representing the mayor. Andrew Murrell is representing St. George organizers. The mayor wants the court to deny the incorporation of what would be a new majority-White city of more than 80,000 people because of the financial impact it would have on the rest of parish. Attorney Charles Landry was retained by all the property owners who submitted annexation requests into the city of Baton Rouge. Landry was previously involved in efforts in 2014 to proactively annex several major commercial centers out of the proposed St. George area into the Baton Rouge city limits. Property taxes in the unincorporated parish are lower on average, so annexation into city limits would come with a tax increase for the property owners. Two more St. George-area businesses can be annexed into Baton Rouge, Metro Council rules The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council approved two more annexation requests from businesses wanting to be absorbed into Baton Rouge follow Baton Rouge can accept annexation petitions only from areas that share a common border with the city. The process is simpler for businesses because there are no registered voters living in office and other commercial buildings. For a successful request to annex a subdivision, 50% plus one of the registered voters in the neighborhood must be in favor of the request. +15 Looking to escape St. George, businesses seek annexation into Baton Rouge; vote next week Most of the St. George area businesses seeking annexation into the city of Baton Rouge are scheduled to go before the Metro Council for a vote Good riddance was the unequivocal verdict from Jim Wells after Piers Morgan quit his role as Good Morning Britain host. The South Down MLA clashed with Mr Morgan during an appearance on the breakfast programme in September 2019. Mr Wells, who has had the DUP whip removed, was invited on to discuss his criticism of same-sex dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing. Morgan called the long-serving politician an old bigoted dinosaur during fiery exchanges. So annoyed was Mr Wells by his treatment that he reported the show to Ofcom, which found no wrongdoing on the part of Mr Morgan or co-host Susanna Reid. The former DUP MLA told the Belfast Telegraph he was glad to see the back of Mr Morgan. Im not pleased, Im delighted ecstatic. I have been dealing with the media for 45 years and have never had as bad an experience as I had with him, he said. I found him rude. He would not let you get a word in edgeways and he was insulting. What I was particularly annoyed about was that even after the interview, when they moved to other topics, he and Susanna Reid continued to lambast me, even though I was off air. I think it (Morgans departure) is going to spare other people from having similar treatment to what I received. Im used to it, but people who arent would have been absolutely crestfallen. Read More While Mr Wells accepted that his views about same-sex couples dancing together might not be held by the majority, he found Mr Morgans conduct during their interview absolutely obnoxious in a way that Ive never experienced from a journalist before. Ive dealt with journalists all over the UK. Ive done American television and Bolivian television. You can be difficult, insightful and can ask pointed questions, embarrass and cajole, but... it (the Morgan interview) was horrendous, he said. The MLA added he would never appear on a programme linked to the presenter again. Ofcom ruled that his (Morgans) behaviour was entirely normal. I was absolutely aghast that happened, he explained. There were a lot of complaints about how I was treated, though nothing on the scale of what happened about his comments on Meghan Markle. I didnt agree much with what Meghan Markle said (in the Oprah Winfrey interview), but to say that shes making up the fact she thought of suicide, you need to have very hard evidence before you make a statement like that. Nobody knows the position she found herself in. He (Morgan) actually walked out live on air after a colleague very mildly said he disagreed with him. It was disgraceful and he had no option but to go. I have no doubt whatsoever that he will be back. I think you can say very safely he will return in some guise. Mr Wells noted Rupert Murdochs planned News UK TV channel and Andrew Neils GB News as two potential destinations for Mr Morgan but said he hoped he would not be returning to any mainstream position. Mr Morgan stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain following a confrontation with weather presenter Alex Beresford over Prince Harry and Meghans interview with Oprah Winfrey. PORTLAND, Ore., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon businesses are behind the tide when it comes to investment in technology to optimize remote working practices, a study, the Oregon Business Outlook 2021, has found. It comes as the total number of cases of Covid-19 in the state continue to fall slowly but many businesses stick to their working from home plans. Solutions YES Just two of every 10 businesses in the state have invested in document management technology, which makes working from home more efficient, the Oregon Business Outlook 2021 found. That's despite a study by the Technology Association of Oregon in 2020 finding that 65% of companies had recommended remote working for employees due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, 92% of companies identified remote working as their biggest challenge in 2021, according to the findings of the Oregon Business Outlook 2021, while a further 67% expressed concerns over the cybersecurity measures in place for remote workers. It shows that there is still plenty of work to do for businesses in Oregon. The study, conducted with leading business executives across the state, has been carried out by document reproduction and storage solutions experts Solutions YES, as a tool for businesses to adapt and continue to grow through the implementation of technology. "The Oregon Business Outlook 2021 reflects the fact that Oregon is lagging behind in adapting to the opportunities presented to us by technology," explains Solutions YES president, Sean Bell. "Companies who act now to invest in ways to become more efficient can lead the charge, but those who are too slow to react will quickly be forgotten." "Oregon is the home to innovation and entrepreneurship," Bell adds. "And so, I believe it is only a matter of time before business leaders in our region act to ensure that hybrid models of remote working and being in the workplace operate with equal levels of performance." The study reflects the importance of understanding the economy of Oregon for businesses of all industries, shapes and sizes. To read the Oregon Business Outlook 2021, you can download directly and for free here. Contact Solutions YES Press Contact: [email protected] Website: www.solutionsyes.com Phone: 503-597-0YES (0937) 8300 SW Hunziker St., Portland, OR 97223 Related Images oregon-business-outlook-by.jpg Oregon Business Outlook by Solutions YES SOURCE Solutions YES Works is set to begin adding car parking spaces and upgrading other facilities at the busy Ballybrophy Train Station in Laois according to Sean Fleming TD. The Minister of State in the Department of Finance said he welcomed the information he received from Irish Rail regarding upgrade works at Ballybrophy Train Station. "Ballybrophy Train Station has become very busy over the last number of years and a large number of people use it on a daily basis going to and from work and for other journeys. This train station serves a large area in south Laois and is a key station on the rail network in Ireland. "The new works to be carried out will see the replacement and upgrade of the existing lift to help people access both sides of the railway line. These works will be commencing shortly. "Additional new car park facilities will be provided which is necessary due to the large number of people who drive to the station to get a train. Many people have contacted me on this matter and I am pleased my contacts with Irish Rail have resulted in a commitment that these works will commence in the second half of this year. There is a substantial amount of work to be completed which will take approximately seven weeks. "This is good news for all people who use the station and I hope it will encourage more people to use Ballybrophy Station which is an excellent facility with tremendous potential," he said. Children and young adults from minority communities made up a disproportionate amount of COVID-19 cases in 2020, according to a new CDC report that looked at 700,000 cases across 15 states. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander children, Native American/Alaska Native children, and Hispanic/Latino children were most likely to be infected across the full year, according to the CDC's data on 700,000 cases across 15 states. Over the course of last year, more than 4,000 Native American and Hispanic kids per capita were infected, as were more than 6,000 children Pacific Islander children per 100,000 people. That's about twice the rate seen among white children between January 1 and December 31 of last year. In the first few months of the pandemic, all minority children were at a higher risk of infection than white children. The dynamic shifted in the fall and winter, however, as America's surge in cases impacted more white communities. Higher COVID-19 infection rates among non-white children may help explain why many parents in these communities have been more hesitant to send their children back to in-person school. More than 6,000 Native Hawaiian/Pacific (purple) children and young adults per 100,000 were infected with coronavirus last year, the highest rate by far for any racial group. Rates were also nearly twice as high among Native American (darker blue) and Hispanic (orange) children and adolescents compared to young white people (teal) Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (purple) children have consistently had the highest coronavirus infection rates. The rate rose among white (teal) children later in the year, as the U.S. case surge in the fall and winter impacted majority-white communities that had not yet been hit by the pandemic. It's a well-known fact, a year into the pandemic, that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Americans of color: minority communities have seen more than their fair share of hospitalizations and deaths. Black Americans, for example, make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, but 15 percent of COVID-19 deaths, according to the CDC. A new report from the CDC provides more information about disparities in coronavirus infection, previously a data gap. The CDC report focuses on children and young adults, under age 25. The authors looked at almost 700,000 COVID-19 cases that occurred in 15 states and Washington D.C. throughout 2020. Overall, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NH/PI) children and young adults were most likely to be infected. The CDC authors found about 6,300 cases per every 100,000 NH/PI residents under age 25- this is more than double the rate for white residents of the same age (2,800 cases for every 100,000 people). Young Native American or Alaska Native (abbreviated AI/AN) Americans had the second-highest infection rate: 4,800 cases for every 100,000 people. Young Hispanic/Latino Americans were third-highest, at 4,200 cases for every 100,000 people. Looking at cases from the entirety of 2020 allowed the CDC researchers to show how disparities have shifted during the pandemic. While black children and young adults had a lower infection rate than the white group overall, black children had higher rates through the first several months of the pandemic, from January to the end of August. The researchers suggest that this shift can be attributed to 'a greater increase in incidence among white persons' during fall and winter 2020. In other words: it's not that fewer young people of color were getting infected, but rather that more young white people were getting infected. Case surges in late 2020 hit areas of the U.S. that have majority-white populations, such as Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and other Midwestern states. Four Midwest states were included in the 15 states that the CDC included in this study: Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Still, the researchers note that people of color are more vulnerable to coronavirus infection thanks to social drivers of health. Especially in the early months of the pandemic, Americans of color were less able to follow stay-at-home orders because they disproportionately work in essential jobs. Non-white children and young adults are also disproportionately likely to live in multigenerational households- children living with their grandparents and other relatives, in addition to their parents and siblings. Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Americans are particularly likely to live in such households, which may have contributed to the higher infection rate demonstrated in this study. Higher rates of infections among minority children may help explain why their parents are more reluctant to send their kids back to school. For U.S. COVID-19 cases where data are available, 21% of cases are in Hispanic/Latino Americans. This group makes up only 18% of the population. For U.S. COVID-19 deaths where data are available, 15% of deaths are in black Americans. This group makes up only 12% of the population. One survey cited by U.S. News in December found that 46 percent of black parents and 50 percent of Hispanic/Latino parents supported school reopening this fall, compared to 62 percent of white parents. In some cities where black students make up large shares of the public school district, such as New York City and Oakland, California, these students have been more hesitant to return than their white classmates, according to the New York Times. While the CDC's recent study provided new information on case rates, many minority families were already aware of disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among children. Hispanic/Latino children make up 37 percent of deaths for children ages five to 17 and black children make up 20 percent of these deaths- both much higher than their shares of the U.S. population. It's important to note, however, that even a study including nearly 700,000 cases has some limitations. Only 15 states and D.C. were included, leaving out some parts of the country with significant non-white populations, such as many southern states. The CDC researchers chose these 15 states and D.C. specifically because they have more complete race and ethnicity information. In other states, such data are hard to come by. The COVID Tracking Project's COVID Racial Data Tracker notes that Texas- the second-biggest state in the country- only reports race and ethnicity data for 3 percent of its cases. New York - the fourth-biggest state - does not publicly report race and ethnicity data for cases at all. And even in the states evaluated in this CDC study, 23 percent of cases were missing data on race and ethnicity. These data gaps can cause disparities to be underestimated in this and other analyses. Data gaps also exist for another crucial COVID-19 metric: vaccinations. The CDC only reports race and ethnicity for 53 percent of vaccinated Americans nationwide. Without more specific information on who is getting vaccinated, particularly at state and local levels, it is difficult for public health officials to identify, much less fix, gaps in the vaccine rollout. The inspector general from the Department of Health and Human Services is currently examining the CDC's race and ethnicity data collection, POLITICO reported yesterday. This investigation may bring changes to the agency's protocols and more complete data in the future. Newsfrom Japan Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Pref., March 10 (Jiji Press)--Police in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures conducted intensive operations in coastal areas on Wednesday to search for people who remain unaccounted for from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The Fukushima prefectural police department also plans to carry out a similar search operation on Thursday, the 10th anniversary of the disaster, which devastated coastal areas in the northeastern Japan prefectures. In Iwate, where 1,111 people remain missing from the disaster, 73 personnel, mainly local police and coast guard officers, joined the search mission on the Nebama coast in the Unosumai district in Kamaishi. "Ten years since the disaster and 10 years from now will be the same for the family members of those who remain unaccounted for," Chiharu Nakaya, head of the Iwate prefectural police department's Kamaishi police station, said. "We will boost efforts to discover any clues on the missing people." In Miyagi, 1,215 remain missing from the disaster. The prefectural police department mobilized 232 people for Wednesday's search operation. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] A controversial policy which allows Britains MI5 to authorise informants to commit serious crimes is lawful, the London Court of Appeal has ruled. Human rights organisations challenged a previously secret policy, which has been in place since at least the 1990s, under which MI5 purports to authorise its agents to participate in serious crimes in the UK. Privacy International, Reprieve, the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre said the policy effectively grants immunity to agents and their handlers. They took legal action against MI5, the agency tasked with UK domestic security and also known as the Security Service, and MI6 as well as the UK Foreign Office, Home Office and GCHQ and argued there is no lawful basis for the policy. In 2019, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) held by a 3-2 majority that MI5 does have the power to authorise the commission of criminal offences by informants. At an appeal against that ruling in January, the groups barrister Ben Jaffey QC said there are no limits to what crimes can be authorised, at least on the partial version of the policy that is currently public. He told the court: There is nothing in the guidelines prohibiting the Security Service from authorising killing, torture or inhuman and degrading treatment, or deprivation of liberty. The four groups argued that the policy was unlawful as MI5 had no legal power to run agents who participate in criminality. But the Court of Appeal has ruled that the Security Service does have the power to run agents who participate in criminality in order to protect national security. Lord Justice Davis, sitting with Lords Justice Haddon-Cave and Dingemans, said: Given that there was and is no immunity from prosecution, such a conclusion does not place the Security Service above the law. The ruling said the guidance on handling informants stipulates that authorisation may only be given where the authorising officer is satisfied that the potential harm to the public interest from the criminal activity is outweighed by the benefit to the public interest derived from the anticipated information the agent may provide and that the benefit is proportionate to the activity in question. The court added: Thus, contrary to the submission of Mr Jaffey, there is indeed a limit to what criminality may be authorised, having regard to the necessity, public interest and proportionality requirements. In a statement after the ruling, Reprieves director Maya Foa said: We will seek permission to appeal this decision. The idea that the government can authorise undercover agents to commit the most serious crimes, including torture and murder, is deeply troubling and must be challenged. Arthur D. Little (ADL) today announced the promotion of seven of its consultants to the rank of Partner, in recognition of the expertise and depth of experience that each one brings to the company. These appointments represent a major milestone for ADL, with the company now boasting over 100 Partners within its global team. Over the past five years, ADL has doubled in size by pursuing a dynamic growth path, and one of the key tenets of its ongoing success is the development and promotion of its internal talent. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Adwanted Group today announced its continued international expansion with the acquisition of Mediatel, a major player in the ecosystem of technologies for the advertising industry in the United Kingdom. Less than a year after the acquisition of SRDS in the United States, and two months after the acquisition of OFFREMEDIA in France, the company is now joining forces with London-based Mediatel, which dominates the British advertising and media technology market. By investing in a well-established local player with a powerful reputation in the market, Adwanted Group is demonstrating its ability to deliver on its growth strategy. This sixth acquisition is based on growth synergies, complementary tools and a shared business vision. "Integrating Mediatel into Adwanted Group is a way for us to pursue our business goal of providing the media industry with a global standard, said Adwanted Group CEO, Emmanuel Debuyck. Being in France and the United States is obviously a good starting point, but playing on a global stage also requires a strong footprint in the UK before any further development. We are now in three of the largest advertising markets in the world. Mediatels business focuses on four key areas: Mediatel Connected the "media" division that is oriented around the development of websites and newsletters. Mediatel Events the events sector which organizes weekly digital and hybrid events. The JET + Audiotrack transactional platform the companys radio campaign platform. BRAD (Business Rate and Data) Mediatels database of advertising rates in the United Kingdom. With this acquisition, Adwanted Groups French and American subsidiaries will be able to market their solutions on British soil. Additionally, this merger gives Mediatel the opportunity to export its products and services to France or the United States where it is not present today. "Exploiting the future potential of the company with a strong strategic international partner is a real opportunity for the entire management team, said Greg Grimmer, CEO of Mediatel. Mediatel has a strong and talented management team, many of whom have been with the company for several years. We are all excited about the new opportunities that this alliance brings to our staff and customers. As part of the acquisition, Mediatel will retain all of its 70 employees, including its senior leadership team and will continue to be led by Grimmer. The company will operate under its own domain as part of the larger Adwanted Group and will work in conjunction with Adwanted Groups other platforms across the globe. About Adwanted Group Adwanted Group, founded in 2012 and operating in Europe, Asia and North America, is an independent and international portfolio of cross-channel media and advertising technology platforms and advertising sales firms. In addition to the Adwanted platform, Adwanted Group operates subsidiaries including Carthage, Affinity Media, Audience Media, Media Opportunities and Access Outdoor. More information is available at https://www.adwanted.com/, on LinkedIn or by following @AdWantedCom. Since the U.S. presidential election started in earnest toward the end of 2020 there has been considerable speculation regarding President Bidens plans for crisis-torn Venezuela. President Biden has flagged that he intends to take a more diplomatic and humanitarian policy approach to the worlds hotspots and crises. Already, Biden has done this with respect to the lengthy war in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, by withdrawing U.S. support for the Saudi military offensive in the strategically important Middle Eastern country. Now it appears that it is strife-torn Venezuelas turn. There are growing signs that Bidens approach to the crisis destroying what was once Latin Americas wealthiest nation will differ significantly from his predecessors hardline policy. It can be argued that Washingtons harsh sanctions targeting Maduros autocratic regime have not only failed to instigate regime change but strengthened his grip on power and worsened the countrys humanitarian crisis. By the end of 2020, two years after former President Trump started ratcheting up sanctions against Venezuelas illegitimate government, President Maduro had taken control of the National Assembly. Government aligned legislators won 257 of the legislative bodys 277 seats during the December 2020 election. That not only gave Maduro and his ruling socialist party power over the last legislative institution which his regime couldnt control and had defied them, but undermined internationally recognized interim president Juan Guaidos position. The European Union in early January 2020 released a statement calling Guaido a privileged interlocutor but announced it no longer recognized him as Venezuelas interim president. That decision was made because Guaido was no longer the head of Venezuelas recognized legislature. Related Video: Can Saudis Defend Aramco from Houthis? By extending his authority over the National Assembly and preventing Guaidos reelection, Maduro not only destroyed his legitimacy and further fragmented domestic opposition but took effective control of the only legislative body capable of authorizing oil licensing deals. Maduro desperately needs foreign investment to revive Venezuelas flagging oil industry and state oil company PDVSA which is on the brink of collapse. The economic crisis gripping Venezuela since 2015 is the result of sharply weaker oil prices and the significant degradation of Venezuelas economically vital oil industry. This is a crucial development because without urgently needed capital, expertise and skilled labor from foreign energy companies Venezuelas heavily corroded energy infrastructure cant be salvaged. The latest developments could ultimately strengthen the positions of Russia and China to the detriment of U.S. regional interests. The Kremlin, which already owns a significant interest in a range of Venezuelan oil assets and is Maduros lender of last resort has been clamoring for greater legal security for those assets. Moscow is also demanding greater legal protection for any future investments it will make in Venezuelas energy sector, particularly after Rosnefts poor experience regarding joint investment ventures with PDVSA. According to a 2019 Reuters investigation, Russias largest oil producer Rosneft sank $9 billion into a variety of loans, asset purchase and joint ventures with PDVSA but failed to make a profit. In March 2020, the Kremlin acquired those assets from Rosneft, to prevent U.S. sanctions impacting the energy company. As part of that deal the Russian government reduced its ownership in the company to below a majority stake. China, Turkey and India are, according to the Wall Street Journal, also reputedly negotiating with Caracas about investing in various oil projects and have been making similar demands regarding legal protections. Maduro has made it clear that Venezuelas energy sector is open for foreign investment, and taking control of the National Assembly was the final milestone required to start making the necessary changes for that investment to occur. Related Video: Weaponized Gas or Bridge to Cleaner Fuel? The Nord Stream Game This poses a serious problem for Washington. Russia, China and Iran have not only shown a willingness to defy U.S. sanctions and prop-up Maduros pariah regime but a desire to extend their influence in Latin America contrary to U.S. interests, and secure control of Venezuelas vast petroleum reserves. As Maduro pushes to privatize energy assets including vital refineries, oilfields and other energy infrastructure Russia, China and potentially Iran appear ready to acquire those assets. That will allow those countries to challenge U.S. hegemony more openly in Latin America, a region where Washington has been the dominant influence. It will also give Russia and China greater influence over crude oil prices because they will gain control of a significant proportion of global oil reserves and additional petroleum production. That will also bolster Russias influence within OPEC with it now a key partner to the OPEC Plus production cuts. Gaining control of global crude oil prices and additional petroleum assets has long been coveted by Moscow. For its involvement in Syrias civil war Russia obtained favorable oil and gas agreements with the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Moscows considerable influence over crude oil prices and OPEC is underscored by the March 2020 oil price crash where a disagreement between the Kremlin and Riyadh on production caps caused oil prices to suffer their single largest one day fall since 1991. The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee recognizes these problems and has been holding discussions on how to address them while maintaining pressure on Maduro and his autocratic regime. Director of the Wilson Centers Latin American program Cynthis Arnson, believes that a key survival strategy for Maduro is the privatization of energy assets. If U.S. energy companies are blocked by Washingtons sanctions from participating in that process, then Russian and to a lesser extent Chinese companies and government entities will eagerly snap up whatever assets are made available. That will play into the hands of a Kremlin which for years has been seeking to not only extend its international influence but gain a significant foothold in Latin America, where it sees gaining greater influence as an important counterweight to NATOs encroachment on its European borders. China will also be a significant beneficiary because Beijing is continuously seeking new supplies of cheap crude oil to power its economy and all-important manufacturing sector. Venezuela possesses the potential to provide a reliable and cheap source of crude oil to power Chinas increasingly energy thirsty economy. For these reasons, there is talk in Washington of taking a less hardline approach to Venezuela where even western oil companies will be permitted to operate in the oil rich nation with petroleum profits being held in escrow or in a similar manner, to prevent them from being accessed by the Maduro regime. What is increasingly clear, is that the harsh sanctions implemented by the Trump Whitehouse have not only failed to spark regime change but have strengthened Maduros position. Then there is the growing influence of Russia, China and Iran in Venezuela, which is another undesirable result of the current sanctions. Those developments, particularly if Moscow, Beijing and Teheran can strengthen their positions, make it even more difficult to depose the Maduro regime and ensure a return to democracy, making now the time for Washington to act. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Texas Medical Center, in partnership with the city, is now administering 232,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses per week, and experts expect that number to ramp up as more vaccines are shipped to the state. While vaccination rates are increasing and COVID-19 cases are trending downward again, medical officials said the public shouldnt get too comfortable. Medical Center leaders said there is currently no strong correlation between vaccination and hospitalization rates. Experts are anxious that there could be another surge as students go on spring break this month. Theres more virus in Houston, and its spreading faster as more infectious variants circulate in the area. Were not seeing the rapid decline we want to see, Bill McKeon, Medical Center president, said at a Wednesday webinar on the state of COVID-19 in Houston. On HoustonChronicle.com: A church and hospital race to grant COVID patient's dying wish: Baptism and 'eternity' with his wife Harris County surpassed 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses Tuesday. Vaccine providers in the county are now using Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnsons products. Although Februarys winter storm set back most providers by a few days, medical leaders say the sites are catching up. About 19 percent, or 681,720 people, of Harris County residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to a Chronicle data analysis. Part of that comes from more vaccination sites coming online, experts said. The addition of a vaccine supersite at NRG Park run by federal and county officials has boosted the immunization rate, as has the addition of pharmacy providers. Pharmacies have much greater breadth and reach into those communities who cannot travel or have access, McKeon said. Another boost, experts said, is the emergency use authorization of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in late February. The first shipments of the one-dose shot started arriving last week. There are some points of care where a one-dose vaccine is hugely advantageous, said Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, Harris Health System CEO. Johnson & Johnsons vaccine could be used to immunize people who are homeless and people who are unable to leave their homes, Porsa said. The single dose will be helpful in reaching populations who may be harder to find or do not have access to transportation and could miss a second dose. The Texas Medical Center update comes as Gov. Greg Abbotts rollback of pandemic restrictions goes into effect. As of Wednesday, masks are no longer required statewide and businesses can reopen at 100 percent capacity. New recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow those who have been fully vaccinated (people who received their second COVID-19 shot at least two weeks ago) to gather in private spaces with other fully vaccinated people. However, the federal agency advised the continued use of masks in public. STIMULUS PLAN: Latest COVID relief bill expands aid for 3.9 million Texans Texas Medical Center leaders urged the public to continue following social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines to prevent spread. The U.K. variant is now actively spreading in Houston, according to wastewater samples. The city has also detected South African and Brazilian variants but does not have data on how prevalent they are in the community, said Dr. David Persse, Houston Health Department chief medical officer. Its now a race against time to vaccinate the public against the more infectious variants, said Dr. Paul Klotman, Baylor College of Medicine president. If we can continue to be rigorous in mask wearing and public health measures like physical distancing when appropriate, well be OK, Klotman said. But if not, well see a surge. And remember, every surge is larger than the previous one. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Piers Morgan and Meghan Markle. Getty/Getty Piers Morgan quit his morning show after criticism of his comments on Meghan Markle's mental health. Multiple reports said he quit after his bosses asked him to apologize on air. On Wednesday, Morgan tweeted that he still didn't believe what Markle said in her Oprah interview. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Piers Morgan quit the TV show "Good Morning Britain" on Tuesday after refusing his network bosses' demands that he apologize for remarks he had made about Meghan Markle's mental health, multiple reports said. On Monday, while discussing Markle's revelation in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that she'd had suicidal thoughts but was denied help from senior members of the royal institution, Morgan said: "Who did you go to? What did they say to you? I'm sorry, I don't believe a word she said, Meghan Markle. I wouldn't believe it if she read me a weather report." The British broadcasting regulator Ofcom said on Tuesday that it had received 41,000 complaints about that episode of "Good Morning Britain" and had launched an investigation. Chris Ship, the royal editor at ITV, the channel that hosts the show, tweeted on Wednesday that Markle had formally filed a complaint about Morgan's comments to the network on Monday. As criticism mounted, network bosses at ITV asked Morgan to apologize on air, but he refused and left the show, according to reports from The Telegraph, the Mirror, and The Sun. ITV declined to comment on the reports when reached by Insider on Wednesday. "Piers was not going to back down," an ITV source told The Sun. "He was asked to make an apology but refused. He says he is entitled to his opinion and is always going to stand by it. "When he refused to apologize, there was a stand-off. And ultimately it ended with him telling producers he would not host the show anymore," The Sun's source added. "His contract was coming to an end this year anyway, but he said he wouldn't do the job unless it was on his terms." Story continues The Sun's source and a "Good Morning Britain" source who spoke to The Telegraph said that staff members had complained about Morgan's comments. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "Staff were very upset after Monday's show and I don't think senior management could ignore that," The Telegraph's source said. ITV was reportedly also worried about how Morgan's comments would affect its work with the mental-health charity Mind. "Mind also expressed their concerns to senior execs at ITV saying it clashes with their campaign," The Sun's source said. Morgan walks off the set of "Good Morning Britain" on Tuesday. GMB On Tuesday, Morgan walked off the "Good Morning Britain" set after a cohost, Alex Beresford, suggested that Morgan had an ax to grind with Markle for ending their friendship. "I understand that you've got a personal relationship with Meghan Markle, or had one, and she cut you off. She's entitled to cut you off if she wants to. Has she said anything about you since she cut you off? I don't think she has, but yet you continue to trash her," Beresford said before Morgan stormed off. As Morgan's coverage of Markle went viral this week, a clip from 2018 resurfaced in which he described being "ghosted" by Markle after she started dating Prince Harry. Morgan doubled down on his comments about Markle in a tweet on Wednesday morning. "On Monday, I said I didn't believe Meghan Markle in her Oprah interview. I've had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still don't. If you did, OK. Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on. Thanks for all the love, and hate. I'm off to spend more time with my opinions," Morgan said. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Read the original article on Insider Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Chandigarh, March 10 : The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP-JJP government on Wednesday won a trust vote that was moved by the main opposition Congress on the issue of the three central farm laws, less than one-and-a-half-years after the coalition came to power. While 55 members were opposed to the no-confidence motion, 32 members, comprising all 30 Congress MLAs, supported it. The no-confidence motion debate was taken up in the Assembly for over six hours. MLAs pondered over the pros and cons of the farm laws, with Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda claiming the ruling dispensation has lost people's trust. Showing his maturity and grace to convince the opposition that the government was not against the farmers, Leader of the House and Chief Minister Khattar categorically cleared the air saying the farm laws would not be repealed at any cost though if after the laws were enforced and the farmers encountered losses, then his government will do everything in its power to help them. Khattar said "if the MSP (minimum support price) of crops will come to end (with the execution of laws), both Punjab and Haryana would be the worst losers". He informed the House that the government was ready to bring amendments in the MSP law. "The MSP and the 'mandi' system will remain in the state. We have been purchasing 10 crops on the MSP," Khattar said. An optimistic Chief Minister said: "The kisan morcha yesterday told the media that they have constituted a nine-member committee. I am sure that it will help resuming talks. I agree talks will resume. I will not ask for the laws to be repealed. "There can be amendments. But I am repeatedly saying that repealing the laws is not going to serve any purpose. If these had to be repealed, it would have happened two months ago. Whatever amendments will happen, it will be either by the government or the Supreme Court." Issuing an indirect warning to the protesting farmers, he said "no freedom can be absolute". "People who are agitating feel that they have legitimate right to protest. They think they have freedom to do so. But freedom is not an absolute freedom. Wherever our freedom infringes upon anybody else's, it ends. There's a limit to this freedom. "Whenever the administration believes it needs to take steps so that the law and order situation does not deteriorate, it acts. We stopped them (protesting farmers) from crossing the borders, but we decided not to use force. Use of force means lathi-charge or opening gunfire. We used water cannons and tear gas but did not lose patience. "They used huge mechanized vehicles to break the barricades. But our patience should not be taken as our weakness." "Those protestors aren't so many in numbers that they can scare us. They could be one-two lakh, including their supporters, but we have a family of 2.75 crore. They are all our brothers and sisters." Quoting loss the state incurred with the ongoing protests, the Chief Minister said the state suffered a loss of Rs 212 crore from November 26, 2020, to February 9. "The estimated loss till date can be between Rs 1,110 crore and Rs 1,150 crore." Intervening during the Chief Minister's reply to the no-confidence motion, Hooda stood up and appealed to the farmers not to destroy their crop in protest. "The crop is like your child," he said. At this, Khattar replied, "Yes". Time and again Khattar assured the House that "once the three farm laws are implemented and if it is felt that there is any loss to the farmers' interests, the (state) government will do anything and everything to protect them". "I give a guarantee that the mandis will not be shut and the MSP will continue. Market fee in the mandis is not imposed by way of any Act. It will continue like the way it is going," he said. Blaming the Opposition for provoking farmers and making them think that if the laws are implemented, they will lose their land and income, he said, "You are forcing the farmers to think this way. Stop doing this." Earlier in the day, Hooda, while moving the motion, demanded inclusion of 250 farmers killed during the farmers' agitation in the obituary references of the Assembly. Describing the government a minority, Hooda said in the 2019 Assembly elections the BJP failed to get the majority. The BJP formed the government with the support of the JJP (Jannayak Janta Party), which sought votes against the BJP. Describing Chief Minister Khattar "Nero", Hooda said, "The Chief Minister is behaving like Nero when Rome was burning. The same thing is happening in Haryana." "The situation was bad to the extent that Khattar could not go to Panipat to unfurl the Tricolour on Republic Day and instead went to neighbouring Panchkula to escape farmers' wrath," Hooda said. He demanded secret voting on the no-confidence motion, which was rejected by Speaker Gian Chand Gupta. Taking a jibe at the Opposition, JJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala said the Congress wanted to come to power through this no-confidence motion. "The BJP is our natural ally. Did we join hands with the Congress ever? The Congress wants power through no-confidence motion. This alliance will last for full five years," he added. JJP member Devender Babli, who slammed his party a day earlier in the House for not walking out of the alliance on the issue of farmers and 'clinging to power', again criticized his party. However, the Speaker informed him that his name was not in the list of those who were allowed to speak on the no-confidence motion. Babli and his party colleague Ram Kumar Gautam, who had been speaking against the government, voted against the motion. The current strength of the 90-member assembly is 88 members with the resignation of INLD's Abhay Chautala and disqualification of Congress' Pradeep Chaudhary after he was sentenced to three-year imprisonment. The 55 members who opposed the motion included 39 from the BJP, 10 from the JJP, five Independents and one from the Haryana Lokhit Party. The BJP has 40 members in the Assembly including the Speaker. The 30 members of Congress were backed by two Independents. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Three stories showcasing how Chinas democracy works 14:58, March 10, 2021 By Xian Jiangnan ( People's Daily Online The annual Two Sessions of Chinas top legislature, the National Peoples Congress (NPC), and top political advisory body, the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), kicked off on March 4, 2021. During the meeting, NPC deputies and CPPCC members from all walks of life across the country gathered together to discuss Chinas development path. The political event offers a vivid example of Chinas socialist democracy: from taking part in the NPC and CPPCC discussions to joining online solicitations for the compilation of the Five-Year Plan, the Chinese people administer state and social affairs and manage economic and cultural undertakings through various channels and in various ways, making the achievements of socialist democracy visible and tangible. Democracy is not an empty word but a substantive practice that connects the wishes of the people to the services of the government. The following three stories illustrate how Chinas democracy works. CPPCC member Zhang Xingying: I use my expertise to help the nation fight climate change Zhang Xingying attends the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo provided by Zhang Xingying) Zhang Xingying, director of the Satellite Meteorological Institute, National Satellite Meteorological Centre, often stays at the meteorological satellite ground station located in a Beijing suburb to monitor carbon dioxide (CO2), which is closely related to the proposals he puts forward each year at the nations two sessions. Zhang is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and is playing his part in putting the country on the path to carbon neutrality. During the two sessions last year, Zhang submitted three proposals to the CPPCC, all of which were related to ecological environment and climate change. Their aim was to protect and restore the ecological environment according to local conditions, prevent the risk of major disasters caused by climate change and strengthen the management of the atmospheric environment. To his great pleasure, all three proposals were adopted and received positive responses from organizations in charge of ecological environment and emergency management. Currently, nine ministries and commissions are working to establish a mechanism to monitor and share data, among which the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the China Meteorological Administration have achieved 13 categories of historical and real-time data sharing. Last year, China announced that it will strive for CO2 emissions to peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. As this year marks the start of Chinas 14th Five-Year Plan, China has set out new plans for the battle against pollution and climate change. We need to be more innovative and science-oriented to tackle the challenges of climate change we are facing, said Zhang. To this end, Zhang, who has been working in meteorology for over a decade, has exerted his utmost efforts to contribute to the countrys carbon-neutral efforts through his role as a CPPCC member. Over the past few years, he has conducted extensive and in-depth research on carbon reduction, such as visiting enterprises to learn about the carbon reduction effects of bike-sharing and going to research institutions to learn about the progress being made in scientific research into carbon emissions. Zhang Xingying (2nd left) conducts an investigation into carbon reduction effects of bike-sharing in Meituan, a leading bike-sharing operator. At the end of 2020, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment nominated Zhang and four other Chinese experts to the Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP) of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, enabling him to take an active part in global environmental protection efforts. This scientific research and experience were all integrated into his two sessions proposals, which, once adopted, will be included in the countrys policies on environmental protection. Zhang said his proposals this year focus on improving the global greenhouse gas observation network and the allocation of atmospheric resources during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, in a bid to achieve a win-win situation for ecological protection and economic growth. I hope to make full use of my role as a CPPCC member to obtain more scientific knowledge gained from extensive research, and then help the country better protect its ecological environment and tackle climate change, said Zhang. SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") announces drilling and geophysical work plans at the Company's gold and nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE projects in northern Sweden. Work Plans: Drilling to test structural extensions of the Knaften 300 Gold Zone "Knaften 300". Drill results at Knaften 300 include shallow intersections of high-grade gold (59.6 g/t Au over 1.00 metres in hole KN19-06) and numerous wide zones of gold mineralization including 2.92 g/t Au over 13.00 m metres in hole 200707 (re-sample by Gungnir); Induced Polarization (IP) geophysics to outline potential extensions of Knaften 300 and new targets on recently acquired permits; Drilling at the Company's nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE projects, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget testing for deposit extensions, and grade and distribution of PGEs (platinum, palladium and gold); Work is expected to commence in Q2 2021 as soon as approvals are received and ground conditions allow. Up to 50 line-kilometres of IP geophysics and 2,500 metres of drilling has initially been planned. Knaften Gold Target: The target is the bedrock source(s) of the large Knaften gold-in-till anomaly ("Knaften anomaly"), one of the largest in Sweden. The bedrock source is believed to be partially identified at Knaften 300, but based on the sheer size of the Knaften anomaly it is reasonable to expect more gold to be found in situ. Other gold-in-till anomalies in the region cover either current and past-producing gold mines or known gold resources, including the Barsele intrusive-hosted gold deposit (Agnico Eagle/Barsele JV with more than 2 million ounces of gold (1)) and the Boliden/Bjorkdal gold deposit area with more than 5 million ounces of gold produced (2). Drilling highlights at Knaften 300 from Gungnir and previous operators include: 14.07 g/t Au over 4.25 m (from 138.75 to 143.00 m) in hole KN19-06 Includes 59.6 g/t Au over 1.00 m 5.39 g/t Au over 2.00 m (from 98.00 to 100.00 m) in hole KN19-09 3.45 g/t Au over 10.75 m (from 67.05 to 77.80 m) in hole 96009 3.20 g/t Au over 10.00 m (from 83.50 to 93.50 m) in hole 200707 2.92 g/t Au over 13.00 m (from 81.5 to 94.50 m) in re-sample 200707 3.11 g/t Au over 8.00 m (from 135.80 to 143.80 m) in hole 200714 2.13 g/t Au over 14.45 m (from 55.00 to 69.45 m) in hole KNA01001 2.01 g/t Au over 6.70 m (from 190.50 to 197.20 m) in hole 200710 2.89 g/t Au over 5.00 m (from 118.80 to 123.80 m) in hole 200715 Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-PGE Projects: The Company's Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget nickel deposits are located in the same general area as the Knaften property. The two deposits collectively contain a newly expanded NI43-101 resource which outlined 177 million pounds of nickel in the inferred resources category (see news release dated November 25, 2020). At Lappvattnet, there is potential for significant PGEs as demonstrated by Gungnir's sampling including 50.91 g/t PGEs (39.0 g/t platinum, 11.8 g/t palladium, 0.11 g/t gold) with 2.13% nickel over 0.45 metres at Lappvattnet (see news release dated March 30, 2020). Also, there is potential to improve nickel grades with assaying of un-sampled drill core within the Rormyrberget resource and to expand higher-grade zones including 2.33% nickel over 12.50 metres (see news release dated July 14, 2020). 2020 Resources (3): Rormyrberget: Inferred Resource of 36,800,000 tonnes grading 0.19% nickel for 154 million lbs of nickel. Lappvattnet: Inferred Resource of 780,000 tonnes grading 1.35% nickel for 23.1 million lbs of nickel. Notes: (1) Barsele Minerals, February 21, 2019 Technical Report. Combined Pit and Underground Resources: Indicated 324,000 ozs Au @ 1.81 g/t Au + Inferred 2,086,000 ozs Au @ 2.54 g/t Au (based on 349 drill holes). (2) Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) and Mandalay Resources website site and Technical Report. (3) The 2020 Technical Report for the Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget deposits was prepared by John Reddick, M.Sc., P.Geo., of Reddick Consulting Inc. (RCI) and Thomas Lindholm, Senior Mining Engineer of Geovista AB. The technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Jari Paakki, P.Geo., CEO and a director of the Company. Mr. Paakki is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. About Gungnir Resources Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V) with gold and base metal permits in northern Sweden. Gungnir's key project, Knaften, which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. East of Knaften, the Company holds two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com. On behalf of the Board, Jari Paakki, CEO and Director For further information contact: Head Office/Investor Relations Phone: +1-604-683-0484 Jari Paakki, CEO Email: jpaakki@eastlink.ca Chris Robbins, CFO Email: robbinshcr@shaw.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "subject to", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news releases includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: Gungnir's work plans and on-going work and the timing thereof; the belief that the bedrock source is partially identified at Knaften 300 and the expectation that more gold to be found in situ; the potential for significant PGEs at Lappvattnet; the potential to improve nickel grades with assaying of un-sampled drill core within the Rormyrberget resource; plans for future exploration and development of its properties and any disclosure relating thereto. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Canadian and global economy and Gungnir's business, and the extent and duration of such impact; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned; Gungnir's resource estimates are reasonable; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the timelines as expected. Although the forward-looking information contained in these two news releases is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on Gungnir's properties; that Gungnir will be able to complete its work plans and exploration programs as anticipated; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian and global economy, Gungnir's industry and its business, which may negatively impact, and may continue to negatively impact, Gungnir and may materially adversely affect its investments, results of operations, financial condition and Gungnir's ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, and satisfy its financial obligations; general economic conditions; future growth potential; common share prices; liquidity; tax risk; tax laws currently in effect remaining unchanged; ability to access capital markets; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release and in Gungnir's other news release disseminated as of today's date is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634529/Gungnir-Announces-2021-Work-Plans-in-Sweden Jaipur, March 10 : The Rajasthan and Central governments seem to be engaged in a new tussle regarding the supply and availability of the Covid-19 vaccines in the state. State Health Minister Raghu Sharma, on Tuesday morning, delivered a shock to everybody by claiming that the availability of vaccination doses is limited in the state and that may last only for a day or two. He also urged the Centre to supply the fresh consignment of doses expressing fear that the work may be stopped otherwise. However, a few hours later, the Centre stepped in with the clarification that it had supplied 37.71 lakh doses to Rajasthan and out of which only 24.28 lakh doses have been used till Monday. "There have been some news reports suggesting impending shortage of Covid-19 vaccine doses in Rajasthan. The factual position is that there is no shortage of Covid-19 vaccine with the state at present. Rajasthan has been supplied 37.61 lakh doses and has consumed only 24.28 lakh doses till Monday night. The Central government is regularly monitoring availability of vaccine supply in all the states and UTs, and providing the doses as per their requirement and consumption pattern," said an official from the central government. Interestingly, at 7.30 p.m., the state medical department said: "A total of 31.45 lakh doses have been received from the Centre. Out of these, 23.26 lakh were used while 1.62 lakh medicines have been damaged. A total of 2.15 lakh doses have been given to the Army and now there are only 4.4 lakh doses of medicines left in the stock." A few minutes later, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot shot seven tweets at one go claiming that the data of the Union Health Ministry is completely wrong. "I will appeal to Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan to instruct his officials to provide vaccines soon and not to give false information about Rajasthan." The Chief Minister further said, "As being said that the Centre will be able to provide the vaccines in 5-7 days, this can cause problems in vaccination drive again. In view of this uncertainty, some districts have been forced to discontinue the administering of the first dose of vaccination at the PHC/CHC level." Meanwhile, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also jumped into the 'controversy'. "Rahul-Gandhieization of Congress! Rajasthan Govt issues misleading statements on shortage of vaccine in the state. What next? Are they going to ask for Ministry of Vaccination now?," he tweeted. In his earlier tweet shot before Gehlot's tweet, he said, "Following the footsteps of its leader Rahul Gandhi, the Rajasthan government has launched a campaign to spread confusion over the availability of Covid vaccine this time. I pray to Lord Ram for his failure once again." Meanwhile, one question which remains unanswered amid this controversy is that "Where did the state's 6 lakh vaccines go as the Centre claimed that it gave 37.71 lakh doses to the state while the state claimed that they only got 31.45 lakh doses. (Archana Sharma can be reached at archana.s@ians.in) 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 Thankfully, roses around Houston are starting to show signs of life after the freeze, says Karen Gerlach of the Houston Rose Society. Gerlach grew up in Chicago, so I have faith that most varieties will come back, she said. Here are Gerlachs tips for taking care of those tender rose bushes: 1. Have hope. If you look closely at your roses, you may note that new growth may be already occurring. 2. If the freeze has damaged any prior new growth, the damaged leaves can be removed. You can simply pinch these off. 3. When the danger of additional frost has passed, you should examine the cane color and condition and note where the new, post-freeze growth is occurring. Any dead or damaged canes can be pruned. 4. A common question is how much to prune. Prune until you see healthy green and white tissue. Any brown or discoloration in the cane center should be removed. 5. When active growth has restarted, you can proceed with your rose feeding schedule. After the last chance of a freeze in March, Gerlach advises starting roses on a schedule to promote growth, either with organic or other chemical-based fertilizers and soil amendments. Boost Your Roses Immune System What: Public program with Mark Chamblee When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 11. Details: To participate in the program or join the Houston Rose Society, visit houstonrose.org. See More Collapse Want more information? Gerlach recommends Baxter Williams tips at houstonrose.org/hrsfreez.htm. The Houston Rose Societys Consulting Rosarians are available to answer questions, also. On March 11, the Houston Rose Society will host a virtual program with Mark Chamblee, an agriculture and horticulture advocate who grew up in the family rose business, Chamblees Rose Nursery in Tyler. He will talk about ways and products to boost your roses immune system. Chamblees propagates and ships its root roses nationwide. He sold the successful wholesale/retail/mail-order nursery in 2019 to work as the grower/landscape sales representative for Vital Earth Resources/Carl Pool Fertilizer. Chamblee, a Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional, has served as a past director and chairman of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. A Melbourne man who mowed down pedestrians outside Flinders Street Station in a premeditated pre-Christmas attack won't get a shot at appealing his life sentence. Saeed Noori killed 83-year-old Antonio Crocaris and injured 16 others in a 2017 premeditated killing, described by top Victorian judges as the worst kind of murder. Three Court of Appeal judges on Wednesday knocked back his attempt to overturn the life sentence he was handed for his crime, along with an order he serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole. They said it was necessary to avoid a visceral approach to his offending and to put emotions to one side in considering his application to appeal. Saeed Noori (pictured) killed 83-year-old Antonio Crocaris and injured 16 others in a 2017 premeditated killing, described by top Victorian judges as the worst kind of murder 'By any measure, however, his offending was horrifying. It was utterly cowardly and sickeningly callous,' they said. 'The sentence imposed needed adequately to punish the applicant for his appalling crimes, and to protect the community for him.' While Noori had struggled to stay awake during a hearing in the court last week, his barrister Dermot Dann QC struggled to find support for his argument that a life sentence should never have been imposed. He said Noori had severe mental illness and was acting, at the time of the crime, in response to a message he said he received from Allah in a dream. A lawyer for Noori said he had severe mental illness and was acting, at the time of the crime, in response to a message he said he received from Allah in a dream (pictured, the 2017 scene) Antonios Crocaris (pictured) died in hospital on December 29 after being hit by a car that ploughed through pedestrians on Flinders Street in the Melbourne CBD Noori drove into the CBD and stopped behind two other cars at a red light at the Flinders and Elizabeth Street intersection just before 5pm on December 21. He waited seven seconds, watching as more than 70 pedestrians poured into the busy intersection, before pulling onto the tram tracks and accelerating. He reached about 50km/h before he hit the first of more than a dozen people. The whole thing lasted just 20 seconds. Noori was immediately arrested by an off-duty policeman who witnessed the attack. He told homicide investigators he had been commanded in a dream to carry out the attack. Noori had earlier researched similar car attacks in London, Charlottesville and Barcelona. Sentencing judge Elizabeth Hollingworth took into account Noori's psychiatric conditions when handing down her sentence, finding that it had a 'moderate' effect. The appeal judges backed her decision. 'The enormity of the applicant's crime, when considered against the limited mitigation to be found in his mental condition and guilty plea, well justified life imprisonment,' they said. New Jerseys strict coronavirus outbreak capacity limits for restaurants, bars, casinos, gyms, personal care services and amusement venues will increase to 50% later this month, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday. The increase from 35% to 50% for those businesses will take effect on March 19 at 6 a.m. Seating at bars, however, will still be prohibited. We feel confident in these steps given the data that we have been seeing over the past five weeks, since the last time we expanded the indoor reality, Murphy said. For example, on Feb. 5th, when our restaurant capacity last changed, our hospitals were treating just under 2,900 patients. That number has come down by 1,000 and been consistent since then. The governor had suggested in February that the declining number of daily hospitalizations and new cases would likely lead to loosening of those restriction, though he noted that the emergence of variants has given him pause. Indoor dining capacity was originally reopened at 25% just before Labor Day weekend. Murphy recently increase that capacity to 35% last month. The new 50% limit does not include employees against that cap. On indoor limits, were going to do this incrementally, Murphy said. We dont want to lurch out there and have to come back. Weve got to take this in steps. The switch to a 50% capacity limit matches the change Murphy announced Feb. 22 for churches and other houses of worship. The limit on private gatherings will also increase to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage New Jersey health officials on Wednesday reported another 3,047 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 56 additional confirmed deaths. In all, New Jersey has now reported 729,403 confirmed coronavirus cases. The state of about 9 million people has reported 23,768 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19, including 21,294 confirmed deaths and 2,474 fatalities considered probable. As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, there were 1,961 patients in the states 71 hospitals with the virus or a suspected case, up from 1,895 in the previous 24-hour period. Hospitalizations have climbed two straight days but are still down about 44% since Jan. 1. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. The death has occurred of Anna Malone (nee McGrath) Shannabooly Road, Ballynanty, Limerick / Doonbeg, Clare and late of Eircom. Anna, died (peacefully) in the loving care of Riverdale House Nursing Home. Predeceased by her loving husband Denis (Dinny) Malone. Deeply missed by her loving sons Thomas, Denis and Brian, daughter Anna, son-in-law Chris, daughters-in-law Mary, Maria and Noreen, grandsons Damien, Paul, Jeff, Peter, Alex and Briain, granddaughters Emma and Aedin, great-grandson Connell, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephew, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her parents Tom and Margaret, late sisters Celia, Phyllis ,Maura and Madeline, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. When the current circumstances have passed we look forward to celebrating Anna's life and will hold a memorial service to which everybody will be very welcome. While we would love to have everyone with us at this very sad time, a private funeral will take place, in line with best practice taken from government advice regarding public gatherings. Requiem Mass, will take place in St. Lelia's Church, Ballynanty, at 11am on Friday (March 12th). Mass will be live streamed (link to follow). Annas funeral cortege will pass her residence in Shannabooly Road, Ballynanty, after Mass enroute to Castlemungret Cemetery, Mungret. Messages of sympathy may be expressed through the condolence section below or cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Cross' Funeral Directors, Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick. May She Rest in Peace ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Brendan O' Connell Lawndale Drive, Dooradoyle, Limerick, formerly of Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, late Garda Siochana) 9th March 2021, peacefully at home with his loving family. Beloved husband of Marie. Dearly loved father of Niamh, Deirdre, Brian and Muireann. Sadly missed by his loving sons-in-law Billy, Scott and Phil, grandchildren Dearbhail, Conor, Liam, Ciara and Avie, brothers John and Noel, sister Colette, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. A private family Requiem Mass will be held in St Nessans Church, Raheen on Friday (12th March) at 2pm with burial afterwards in Castlemungret Cemetery. Requiem mass will be lived streamed here Family flowers only, donations if desired to Milford Care Centre. In the interests of public health, attendance at Requiem Mass will be restricted to accord with government guidelines and in line with social distancing protocols. Mass cards and messages of sympathy can be sent to Thompsons, Thomas Street, Limerick. May he Rest in Peace. ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Marie Dillon (nee Curley) Ashbrook, Limerick City, Limerick / Athlone, Westmeath / Glasnevin, Dublin. Founder member and past president of PAR Bridge Club). March 9th 2021, peacefully at Limerick University Hospital. Beloved wife of Joe. Dearly loved mother of Conor, Vincent and Joseph. Predeceased by her sister Bridie. Sadly missed by her loving daughters-in-law Toni and Anne, grandsons Stephen, Ronan, Ciaran and Sean, brother Michael and sisters Una and Margaret, brother-in-law Emmet, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. A private family Requiem Mass will be held in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road this Friday (12th March) at 11.00am followed by burial in Castlemungret Cemetery. Requiem Mass will be live streamed here In the interests of public health, attendance at Requiem Mass will be restricted to accord with government guidelines and in line with social distancing protocols. Mass cards and messages of sympathy can be sent to Thompsons, Thomas Street, Limerick. May she rest in peace. ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Josephine (Cora) McNamara (nee Stewart) St. Munchin's Street, St. Mary's Park, Limerick City, Limerick. Cora, died (peacefully) at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Very deeply regretted by her loving husband Philip, sons Christopher and Philip, daughters Catherine and Christina, son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Helen, grandchildren Evan, Stewart, Shannon and Leona, great-grandchild Kaiden, sister Rita U.S.A., nephew Pat Stewart, other nephews and nieces, extended family and many friends. A private Requiem Mass, for family only, will take place in St. Mary's Church, Athlunkard Street, on Monday (March 15th) at 11am. Mass will be live streamed Cora's funeral cortege will pass her residence in St. Munchin's Street, after Mass, en route to Mount St. Lawrence (extension) Cemetery. Messages of sympathy may be expressed through the condolence section below or cards and letters of sympathy can be sent to Cross' Funeral Directors, Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre. May She Rest in Peace ---------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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 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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 By Liz Lee KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Top Glove Corp Bhd said an independent consultant has found there is "no longer" any indication of systemic forced labour at the world's largest medical glove maker after it took steps to address U.S. allegations of such practices. The firm announced the findings on Tuesday as it posted a fourth consecutive quarter of record profit - benefiting from soaring demand for its gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic - and revealed it aimed to list shares in Hong Kong in May or June. Top Glove appointed London-based ethical trade consultancy Impactt to assess its trade, human rights and labour practices after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) last year placed products of two of its subsidiaries on an import ban due to suspicion of forced labour. "The independent consultant's opinion as of January 2021 was that there is no systemic forced labour within the group," said Top Glove Executive Director Lim Cheong Guan. He said the findings came after the consultant verified the company had implemented correction action plans submitted to U.S. authorities for review and approval. "We are assured by our consultant that we are very close to the finishing line. And in our recent dialogue with the CBP personnel, they also assured us that this is the final leg," Top Glove Managing Director Lee Kim Meow told a virtual news briefing. The CBP told Reuters it has received and is evaluating Top Glove's request for modification of the ban. "The length of the review process for such petitions varies with the individual facts and circumstances of each case," the CBP said in an email. Impactt in a statement said Top Glove had engaged it in July to perform quarterly verification until August this year. It said as at January, it "no longer" found indicators of forced labour among direct employees such as abuse of vulnerability, restriction of movement, excessive overtime or the withholding of wages. It said Top Glove was making progress on other indicators such as the retention of identity documents, abusive working and living conditions, deception, debt bondage, physical and sexual violence and intimidation. "Considering the group's ongoing actions, these findings do not amount to systemic forced labour," it said. RECORD PROFIT The findings come as Top Glove booked record revenue of 5.37 billion ringgit ($1.30 billion) for the second quarter of its financial year ending August, up 336% from the same period a year prior, and a 2,380% rise in net profit to 2.87 billion ringgit. Top Glove attributed the surge to strong demand as well as greater production efficiency and higher average selling prices. It said profit achieved for the first half of the current financial year exceeded its total profit for the past 20 years. After the pandemic, global demand is likely to grow to about 15% per annum versus 10% per annum beforehand, Top Glove said. "While demand is likely to stabilise post-pandemic, the Group expects it will not revert to pre-pandemic levels owing to increased hygiene awareness as well as uncertainties surrounding the resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic," the company said. It said it expects governments to continue stockpiling gloves and other personal protective equipment. The manufacturer, which is listed in and Singapore, said it is seeking a $1.9 billion dual primary listing in Hong Kong to fund expansion after such a strong year. It said it will invest a portion of the listing proceeds in environmental, social and corporate governance practices and initiatives. Still, sources have said two banks - Citigroup Inc and UBS Group AG - opted not to sponsor the listing due to the reputational risk of working with a U.S.-sanctioned company. (Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Louise Heavens and Christopher Cushing) (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 Mountmellick road is in a shambles and needs to be resurfaced, Cllr Paddy Bracken has claimed. The county councillor called on Laois County Council to resurface Cloncosney Lane. It serves a good few areas. It is in a shambles. Drainage work is also needed, he said. Mr Edmond Kenny, District Engineer Laois County Council will assess this road in the overall context of the development of a future roads programme. Cllr Bracken thanked the engineer fro the reply at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting. He added that he hoped some money could be found this year to do the work. LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS LIMITED - Notice of 2021 AGM and Publication of 2020 Annual Report LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS LIMITED 10 March 2021 Hamilton, Bermuda Notice of 2021 AGM and Publication of 2020 Annual Report Lancashire Holdings Limited (the "Company") will hold its 2021 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") on 28 April 2021 commencing at 12:30pm (Bermuda time) at its head office, Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. Due to the risks associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic, arrangements have been made for Shareholders to attend via a dedicated telephone conference line as detailed in the Notice of the AGM (the "AGM Notice"). Shareholders entered on the register of members at the close of business on 31 March 2021 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to attend (via telephone) and vote at the meeting (in line with requirements detailed in the AGM Notice). Shareholders are strongly encouraged to appoint the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy to ensure that their vote is counted. The AGM Notice, and the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 (the "Annual Report") were posted to Shareholders on 8 March 2021. The length of time between the Record Date and the AGM is necessary to allow sufficient time to complete any voting cut-back calculations as required by the Company's Bye-laws. Pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.1R, copies of the Annual Report and AGM Notice have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for public inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism Copies of these documents will also be available on the Company's website at www.lancashiregroup.com. For further information, please contact: Lancashire Holdings Limited Christopher Head +44 20 7264 4145 chris.head@lancashiregroup.com Jelena Bjelanovic +44 20 7264 4066 jelena.bjelanovic@lancashiregroup.com FTI Consulting +44 20 37271046 Edward Berry Edward.Berry@FTIConsulting.com Tom Blackwell Tom.Blackwell@FTIConsulting.com About Lancashire Lancashire, through its UK and Bermuda-based operating subsidiaries, is a provider of global specialty insurance and reinsurance products. Lancashire has capital of approximately $1.9 billion and its common shares trade on the premium segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LRE. Lancashire has its head office and registered office at Power House, 7 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. The Bermuda Monetary Authority is the Group Supervisor of the Lancashire Group. For more information, please visit Lancashire's website at www.lancashiregroup.com. This release contains information, which may be of a price sensitive nature that Lancashire is making public in a manner consistent with the UK Market Abuse Regulation and other regulatory obligations. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 14:10 GMT on 10 March 2021. NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: ALL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR OTHERWISE SPEAK ONLY AS AT THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. LANCASHIRE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING (SAVE AS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH ANY LEGAL OR REGULATORY OBLIGATIONS INCLUDING THE RULES OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE) TO DISSEMINATE ANY UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT TO REFLECT ANY CHANGES IN THE GROUP'S EXPECTATIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENT IS BASED. ALL SUBSEQUENT WRITTEN AND ORAL FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROUP OR INDIVIDUALS ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP ARE EXPRESSLY QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY THIS NOTE. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal When authorities closed in on Sean Lannon in St. Louis, the 47-year-old was sleeping in a car stolen from a friend who had been beaten to death a day earlier in New Jersey. It looks like he was catching some sleep in the car. Obviously, hed been driving extensively, said Tom Gilbert of the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office in New Jersey. He decided to put some miles between us and himself. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ U.S. marshals arrested Lannon on Wednesday after he was named a person of interest in the deaths of his ex-wife, Jennifer Lannon, 39, as well as Matthew Miller, 21, Jesten Mata, 40, and Randal Apostalon, 60. The four were found in Apostalons truck some of them dismembered when security guards noticed a foul odor in a parking garage at the Albuquerque International Sunport on Friday. Albuquerque homicide detectives were planning to travel to Missouri to interview Lannon. Before he was arrested, Lannon called an acquaintance to say that he is extremely sorry for all the things he has done and that he murdered his wife and her boyfriends in New Mexico, as well as a friend found beaten to death in New Jersey, according to court records. Authorities say Sean Lannon had flown out of the Sunport with his three children on Thursday evening and arrived in Philadelphia that night. Gilbert said that due to the nature of ongoing events authorities were able to take the children from Sean Lannon but couldnt arrest him as no charges had been filed at that point. Days later, he said, Sean Lannon went on to commit a homicide in his home state of New Jersey. On Wednesday, prosecutors in New Jersey filed numerous charges, including an open count of murder, burglary, possession of a weapon and motor vehicle theft, against Lannon in the beating death of Michael Dabkowski, 66, at his East Greenwich home. Gilbert said Sean and Jennifer Lannon grew up in that part of New Jersey and knew Dabkowski, a churchgoer and good community person, who had at times afforded a helping hand to Sean Lannon. We dont know exactly what led to the violent actions to kill the victim, he said, adding that Lannon took Dabkowskis car from the garage afterward and fled to Missouri. Lt. David Chavez of the Grants Police Department said they are still looking for Daniel Lemos, 45, for questioning in the deaths of Miller, Mata and Jennifer Lannon. He said the three were all from Grants and knew one another, but Grants police arent sure how Apostalon who was known to live in his truck and give people rides for money fits in. Grants police had been looking for Miller, Mata and Jennifer Lannon since last month and, on Feb. 26, said Lemos a relative of Millers who knew all three was wanted for questioning. Prison Fellowship backs Democrat-led bill to end cocaine sentencing disparity impacting black Americans Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The world's largest evangelical prison ministry organization has voiced support for a Democrat-sponsored bill that could eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and cocaine powder in federal sentencing laws that disproportionately affect black Americans. In a reporter's roundtable on Tuesday, Prison Fellowship partnered with Families Against Mandatory Minimums to discuss the difference between how crack and powdered cocaine are punished in the criminal justice system. During the event, reporters heard from individuals who have suffered from this disparity and advocate for how the Equal Act could rectify the problem. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced the Equal Act, which would ultimately eliminate the federal crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and apply it retroactively to those already convicted. The elimination of this disparity was a priority in President Joe Bidens campaign platform on criminal justice. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 led to a criminal justice disparity in crack and powder cocaine sentencing, even though the two drugs are nearly identical. Under this law, someone who distributed five grams of crack cocaine would serve the same five-year prison sentence as a person distributing 500 grams of powder cocaine, which is a 100:1 disparity. The Fair Sentencing Act passed in 2010 decreased the sentencing disparity from 100:1 to 18:1. Despite the change in 2010, the disparity still exists and especially affects black men since crack cocaine is more prevalent in minority communities. According to a statement from Durbin, 81% of those convicted of crack offenses between 2015 to 2019 were black. The organizations co-launched the #EndtheDisparity campaign in January and are advocating for the 117th Congress to eliminate the crack-powder disparity. Prison Fellowship President and CEO James Ackerman began the panel by saying action is needed to correct the longstanding injustice of crack cocaine disparities. God has no tolerance for disparity for dishonest scales, whether its in the marketplace or the justice system, Ackerman said, referencing Proverbs 11:1. We have seen the impact that injustice has had on communities. We believe as Christians that we are to act to correct injustices." Panelists included Ackerman, Prison Fellowship Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Church Mobilization, Heather Rice-Minus, and FAMM President Kevin Ring. Matthew Charles, one of the first prisoners released under the bipartisan FIRST STEP Act passed in 2018, and William Curtis, a prisoner given a 327-month sentence for the distribution and possession of crack cocaine, also spoke during the event. Charles shared some of his experiences while incarcerated and his life after his release. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison for non-violent drug possession and was released after 22 years since the act was retroactive. [This disparity] is something we can look at judicially and say, This still should not be. If we want to find an adjustment thats based on a racial disparity in a criminal justice system that has an ill-effect, with no real reason for being there, we can just turn to the ratio between these two drug types and yes, even at 18:1, Charles said. Curtis agreed that his crime should have been punished, but the extent of his 327-month sentence did not match the measure of his crime, especially when the sentence for cocaine powder distribution would have been remarkably less. There is no rhyme or reason for it, whether I was selling crack or whether somebody was selling cocaine, Curtis said. We were all dealing an addiction, dealing in a destruction of families, the destruction of men and women. We all deserved to be punished. But should all be punished equally. He added that the unequal 100:1 ratio for crack cocaine sentencing caused him to miss being a father to his children. I encourage this disparity to be changed, Curtis shared. Had I not been sentenced under this 100:1 ratio, I would have gone home a long time ago. . I would have been there to raise my children who are now grown. Other speakers included Frank Russo of the National District Attorneys Association and Jerry Blassingame, a South Carolina pastor and executive director of Soteria Community Development Corporation. Blassingame, a pastor who leads a reentry program, said the system needs an overhaul and the black community is experiencing a fatherless generation due to disparities. FAMM President Kevin Ring said it is important to remember the numbers involved in the justice system are more than statistics; they represent human lives. He said reform for the crack cocaine disparity is long overdue. It took too long to fix it. Im glad we did, but we havent fixed it all the way, and this is what this is all about," Ring said. This change is overdue. Frank Russo, director of government and legislative affairs at the National District Attorneys Association, said the disparity is both a moral issue but a common-sense issue. Now more than ever it is crucial that prosecutors and law enforcement are not just bystanders in efforts like this, Russo said. We need to be role leaders and show that our criminal justice system is equitable and provides those meaningful second chances to improve not only the lives of incarcerated individuals but those in those communities that theyre returning to to end the cycle of crime. Similar bipartisan legislation regarding the crack cocaine disparity is set to be soon proposed in the House of Representatives. uLab Systems announced today that it has entered into a supply agreement with the SG Management LLC (Schulman Group) Tweet this Dr. Bob Bray, President and CEO of the Schulman Group, said: "Having access to the best technology is critical to members of the Schulman group. uLab offers the highest quality aligners and software and we are excited to provide our members access to uLab products." The Preferred Provider agreement will provide orthodontists in the Schulman Group with an innovative, AI-based, high-quality platform with a growing array of specialist productsall with an industry-first pricing structure. For its part, uLab will add some of the best and most productive orthodontists in the United States to its growing customer list. "We are honored to be selected by the Schulman Group as a preferred aligner provider," said uLab's CEO Amir Abolfathi. "The Schulman Group has a stellar reputation in the orthodontic community worldwide and working together validates our commitment to innovation and a customer-centric business model." uLab Systems is exclusively focused on meeting the unique needs of orthodontists. The platform features efficient AI-assisted treatment planning, a ground-breaking pricing structure, rapid aligner delivery, the ability to mix brackets and aligners in the same case, and optional aligner packaging showcasing the orthodontist's brand. This means that the orthodontist can have full control over the treatment process by planning the case in as few as 10 minutes without any back and forth with a remote technician, use their preferred mix of treatment modalities, and have aligners delivered in ten days or less in custom packaging. All of this is delivered using an industry-first pricing structure that enables new uses for aligners while offering significant savings on aligner bills across all case types.1 Dr. Curtis Dailey, a highly respected Schulman Group Member, said: "Ulab has been a game-changer for my practice, allowing me same-day starts with clear aligner therapy." To learn more about uLab Systems, visit www.ulabsystems.com. About uLab Systems Located in San Mateo, CA, uLab Systems is led by a proven team of engineers and entrepreneurs with extensive experience bringing innovative new products to market. uLab's mission is to advance the orthodontic industry with digital treatment planning software and aligner products that let orthodontists take back control of their treatment plans. About SG Management LLC (Schulman Group) SG Management, LLC formed in April 2018 as an independent member-owned Dental Support Organization (DSO). Each member is an equal shareholder in the SG Management LLC while remaining an independent owner of their practice. The DSO offers clinical products, programs and services to support the growth of its members. The DSO is actively purchasing orthodontic practices which are consistent with SG Management criteria. Contacts uLab Systems Media Contact David Thrower Chief Commercial Officer [email protected] Schulman Group Media Contact Chris Vranas Executive Director [email protected] 1. Data on file. Based on an average distribution of cases and competitor price for an average Orthodontist customer. Please see uLab Terms and Conditions for details. SOURCE uLab Systems Related Links https://www.ulabsystems.com Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. [March 10, 2021] Jobandtalent Secures 100m from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 to Fuel Expansion Company also adds 83 million in debt financing from BlackRock to its balance sheet MADRID, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jobandtalent - a workforce marketplace that matches workers with temporary roles - announced it secured a 100 million investment from SoftBank Vision Fund 2[1] via its Series D round. In addition, the company has secured 83 million in debt financing from BlackRock. This comes after Jobandtalent closed a successful 88 million round in December. The funding will accelerate Jobandtalent's expansion into new markets, including the US, and the consolidation of its leadership position in existing territories. Jobandtalent has developed technology to provide tailored matches between workers and companies in a range of sectors including logistics, e-commerce, warehousing, and manufacturing. As the marketplace grows, the technology is able to learn and make even better matches - meaning more workers in good jobs, and happy companies. The goal is to make it easy for people to find regular, dependable work and have the security and perks typically associated with full time employment - including pensions, sick and holiday pay, health insurance in some markets, and training courses. Workers can apply for roles, submit paperwork, and sign contracts entirely within the Jobandtalent app. In the past year alone, more than 80,000 workers have used Jobandtalent to find temporary roles. "There are 500 million temporary workers around the world, and we saw an opportunity to use technology as a way of helping these workers find reliable, consistent jobs," said Juan Urdiales, co-founder and co-CEO of Jobandtalent. "We want to help match these workers with the right roles at the right companies, and make sure they have the benefits and security of employment. The pas year has shown us how critical these jobs are to keeping our economies running, and we think there is a huge opportunity to treat workers well and help businesses fill the roles they need." "Jobandtalent is addressing a crucial challenge facing the modern workforce - how to balance flexibility with high quality, reliable job opportunities," said Yanni Pipilis, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. "The company has developed a data-driven platform that has a track record of providing high fulfilment and low attrition staffing for businesses with temporary roles to fill, while securing income stability and benefits for workers. We are incredibly excited to partner with Juan, Felipe, and the team on the next phase of the company's growth." More than 850 companies - including XPO, Ceva Logistics, eBay, Ocado, Sainsbury's, Bayer, and Santander - use the Jobandtalent platform to easily and efficiently match temporary roles with the right workers. Jobandtalent employs the workers directly and manages all of the back-end administrative processes including payroll, timesheets, and legal compliance. Through the platform, companies can monitor worker satisfaction, which helps reduce attrition, and follow metrics like absences or late arrivals. "CEVA Logistics is always looking to implement the latest technological advances in our business, and that commitment extends even into how we find and manage our temporary workforce," said Frederic Pleeck, global procurement leader for CEVA Logistics. "We started using the Jobandtalent platform last year and have since expanded that cooperation into four markets - France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain. The platform allows us to find the right people for the right job and then track their satisfaction, which is a critical metric for us at CEVA Logistics as our people are one of our competitive advantages." Since its launch in 2009, Jobandtalent has expanded to eight markets: Spain, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Mexico, Colombia, and Portugal. The revenue run rate of the business has grown from 5 million in 2016 to 500 million in 2020, resulting in a positive EBITDA. The company continues to grow more than 100% year on year. SoftBank Vision Fund 2 joins previous investors including: Atomico, Seek, DN Capital, InfraVia, Quadrille, Kibo, and FJ Labs. Jobandtalent has raised 310 million to date. 1. As of the date of this press release, SoftBank Group Corp. has made capital contributions to allow investments by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 ("SVF 2") in certain portfolio companies. The information included herein is made for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy limited partnership interests in any fund, including SVF 2. SVF 2 has yet to have an external close, and any potential third-party investors shall receive additional information related to any SVF 2 investments prior to closing. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452126/Jobandtalent_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452127/Jobandtalent_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452124/Jobandtalent_3.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hyderabad, March 10 : Aqua Security, a Tel Aviv headquartered, pure-play cloud native security leader, on Wednesday completion of $135 million in Series E funding led by ION Crossover Partners, putting Aqua's valuation in excess of $1 billion. The round included broad participation from Aqua's existing investors, including M12 - Microsoft's venture fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Insight Partners, TLV Partners, Greenspring Associates, and Acrew Capital. This new round of investment follows a period of tremendous growth and will enable the company to broaden and deepen its solution portfolio, as well as expand its presence geographically, said the company which has its presence in Hyderabad. Aqua Security's total funding since its founding in 2015 now totals $265 million. The company's focus on cloud native security has enabled enterprises adopting technologies such as Kubernetes and containers, serverless, and other cloud-based workloads to accelerate their business while meeting strict compliance and security requirements. Aqua's customer list includes some of the world's leading organizations including 5 of the top 10 banks in the world. Aqua established its Indian R&D centre in Hyderabad in early 2019 and has rapidly grown its operations in India to more than 50 headcounts today. The company plans to double its investment in India in 2021, making the India Centre becoming its fastest growing R&D centre. Aqua is looking to expand its R&D team by 100 per cent in 2021 to become at least 20% of the overall global workforce and add additional functions to the site as well. Aqua India presently plays a significant role in Aqua's growth journey by providing innovative scalable solutions in the cloud-native space and will continue to do the same. In India Aqua's focus will be on enhancing its offerings by innovation, research and development and supporting the customers. In addition to the development and customer support functions, Aqua is also focused on driving strategic engagements with key GSIs (Global System Integrator) based out of India such as TATA Consultancy Services, HCL, Wipro, etc. Aqua will continue to invest in its partnership with GSIs to build a stronger partner ecosystem and deliver on global projects for large customers, the company added. Anwar Alsaeedi sits with his children at their home in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. AP Photo/Hani Mohammed The Biden administration said it would offer visas to people denied entry due to Donald Trump's "Muslim ban." But the administration is not granting entry to those who had obtained "diversity visas." Thousands of such visas are issued each year to members of underrepresented groups. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. The last administration's ban on travel from several majority-Muslim nations was "morally wrong," in the words of President Joe Biden. But the new administration is denying entry to thousands of people who were affected by it. Biden, soon after taking office, rescinded the so-called "Muslim ban." And, this week, his administration announced that a majority of those who were denied entry to the US because of it could apply again for a visa. But the White House left out one significant group: thousands of people who were selected to receive "diversity visas" - intended, as the name suggests, to encourage migration from underrepresented people - only to have them taken away by an executive order by Donald Trump, who then tried to eliminate the diversity program altogether. People like Anwar al Saeedi, a Yemeni man who in 2017 expected to be moving to the US with his wife and two young children. "It was a big dream for me to be able to move my children to America to live in a respectable country, which respects human rights and where it's possible to live in safety," he told NPR earlier this year. He is, instead, living in the African nation of Djibouti, where he traveled with his family, spending thousands of dollars to attend interviews for his visa (the US embassy in Yemen has been shuttered amid years of war). "It's disheartening and disappointing," Abed Ayoub, legal and policy director at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, told Insider. The committee represents people like Anwar who made plans for a new life, only for it to be denied. Story continues "These individuals are in a worse off position now," Ayoub said, "because this government, regardless of whether it's Biden or Trump, made a promise to them and they acted on that." The American Civil Liberties Union, one of several groups to challenge Trump's travel ban, called the new administration's decision a disgrace. "President Biden just dusted off Trump's 'CLOSED' sign and locked the door behind him," the ACLU attorney Manar Waheed said in a statement. "This decision threatens to forever prevent thousands of Black and Brown immigrants who meet all of the legal requirements to immigrate to the United States from doing so, perpetuating the effects of the discriminatory ban." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why it excluded diversity visa recipients from its reversal of the Muslim ban. But one reason could be the law: The US State Department is limited to issuing 55,000 diversity visas a year, with a specific number set aside for various parts of the world. According to Reuters, Ned Price, a State Department spokesperson, on Monday said that the statute authorizing the program also requires applicants to demonstrate their qualifications within the same fiscal year they were chosen. Ayoub thinks that's something of a cop-out. His group had lobbied the administration to bypass any legal issue by granting "humanitarian parole" to those still hurt by the travel ban. Said parole can be issued, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, to someone "who is otherwise inadmissible into the United States for a temporary period of time due to an emergency." From there, a more permanent solution could be worked on. Ayoub said the goal now is legislation that would allow those on humanitarian parole to apply for asylum or some other residency-granting legal status once they are here. "But we need the administration and Congress to be on the same page," he said. "If you call the Muslim ban discriminatory, and you call it a stain, then you should the full extent to rectify what was done." Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider [March 10, 2021] GM Financial Named President's Volunteer Service Award Winner GM Financial has been awarded the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award for its commitment to Junior Achievement USA (JA). The company received the award in recognition of its hundreds of employees who volunteered time to JA in support of its educational initiatives. This is the seventh consecutive year that JA has recognized GM Financial for its volunteer efforts. The award was presented to the company on Feb. 3 during the nationwide JA Volunteer Summit virtual event, which celebrated corporations that promote JA's mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy. In the past, GM Financial has received this award for the more than 5,000 hours that company volunteers served during the school year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, that number was reduced to 1,000 for the 2019-2020 school year. GM Financial team members volunteered to offer students financial literacy education, help with resumes, career readiness training, mentoring and other forms of assistance. "This honor is an incredible source of pride for us at GM Financial because it highlights the importane of helping to educate, train and mentor the people who will become the business leaders of tomorrow," said Mark Bole (News - Alert) , chief administrative officer and president of international operations for GM Financial. "And, it is an important recognition of the time, effort and expertise that our team members throughout the company have dedicated to this mission since the 1990s." Bole, a longtime and passionate supporter of JA, served for nine years on the board of directors of the Junior Achievement Chapter in Southeast Michigan. GM Financial employees in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas contributed hundreds of hours, despite the pandemic, to assist with this educational outreach. The U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award is a presidential recognition program created during President George W. Bush's administration by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation for people who contribute significant amounts of time for volunteer service. In 2006, Junior Achievement became an official certifying organization for this award because of its reach and national significance. This allows JA to honor corporations in the United States that provide volunteers for JA anywhere in the world. GM Financial employees in Latin America and Chile also volunteer for JA programs. General Motors (News - Alert) Financial Company, Inc. is the wholly-owned captive finance subsidiary of General Motors Company and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit www.gmfinancial.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005737/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 10, 2021] Ipsos MMA, Inc. Announces Curt Smith as Executive Vice President NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /CNW/ -- Ipsos MMA, Inc., announced that Curt Smith has been named Executive Vice President, overseeing the company's pharma practice. Ipsos MMA, announced that Curt Smith has been named Executive Vice President, overseeing the company's pharma practice. Smith joins Ipsos MMA from Janssen Pharmaceuticals where during the past seven-years he built and led Business Analytics and Customer Engagement organizations in both the US and Canada. The teams and processes he developed helped Janssen become a leader in the application of advanced analytics including: promotional/marketing mix analysis, patient analytics, contracting, market access and segmentation in driving stronger commercial engagement and effectiveness. At Ipsos MMA he will oversee the continued product, analytics and process innovation as well as client management and team development for Ipsos MMA's Healthcare practice. He will work closely with the Executive Team in helping the company achieve its strategic objectives. "I have had the good fortune to have partnered and worked with Curt previously and know him to be a tireless innovator with a deep understanding of pharma and how to develop leading solutions and teams that produce measurable value from analytics. His experience both in pharma and in consulting over the years has enabled him to look at the problem first, and then designing solutions to solve for it, versus the other way around. Pharma has become our largest and fastest growing practice area across retail, specialty and medical devices, so I am thrilled to have someone like Curt who brings industry leadership, best practices, passion, creativity, client-first and problem-solving abilities joining us." said Patrick Cummings, CEO of Ipsos MMA. Curt joined Ipsos MMA on Monday, March 8, 2021 with more than 30 years of experience including leading consulting and business-focused analytics and commercial engagements at leading organizations that included McKinsey, Henry Rak Consulting and IRI. He also worked at the Campbell's Soup Company, General Foods and Pfizer. Curt holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Temple's Fox School of Business, an M.A., Applied Research from Hofstra and B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University. Ipsos MMA is a business unit of leading global custom market research company Ipsos. Ipsos MMA provides predictive analytics services via its commercial effectiveness analytic and consulting platform for companies in pharmaceuticals, retail, restaurants, durable goods, financial services, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products and media & entertainment. For more information on Ipsos MMA, please click here. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ipsos-mma-inc-announces-curt-smith-as-executive-vice-president-301244086.html SOURCE Ipsos MMA (Marketing Management Analytics) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A top health bureaucrat has defended the pace of the nation's coronavirus vaccine rollout, arguing that Australia's lack of community transmission allows time to be taken. More than 100,000 vaccines have now been administered, which is lower than initially promised for the third week of the rollout. 'This is not a race,' Health Department boss Brendan Murphy told reporters on Wednesday. More than 100,000 vaccines have now been administered, which is lower than initially promised for the third week of the rollout Health Department boss Brendan Murphy defended the pace of Australia's coronavirus vaccine rollout 'We have no burning platform in Australia. We are taking it as quickly and carefully and safely as we can. 'We are not like the US or the UK or most other countries in the world where they have got people in hospital dying.' The government remains confident Australia is on track to have offered every adult at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine by October. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Professor Murphy, the former chief medical officer, visited the medical regulator's headquarters in Canberra to witness batch testing of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mr Morrison said one quarter of the 100,000 vaccines administered had been to the most vulnerable Australians, namely those in aged and disability care. Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines from overseas are currently part of the rollout, with locally made doses of the latter option to be given to Australians from March 22. Professor Murphy said recent data out of the UK had shown both vaccine options were on par, after initial studies showed Pfizer was more effective. 'We have two vaccines that are indistinguishably effective,' he said. Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned tourists and students could abandon Australia if border closures remain a long-term plank of pandemic proofing 'We have two brilliant vaccines, really brilliant vaccines, much better efficacy than the flu vaccines we get every year.' Business is looking to the success of the vaccine rollout as a beacon of hope for restrictions across the country easing. Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned tourists and students could abandon Australia if border closures remain a long-term plank of pandemic proofing. He believes Australia could lose investment if travel restrictions remain a key part of responding to the virus. 'The travellers will go elsewhere. The students will go elsewhere,' he told the Australian Financial Review's business summit. The Qantas chief executive said the Australian public must be conditioned to move away from a zero-case goal as the pandemic rolls on (stock image) The Qantas chief executive said the Australian public must be conditioned to move away from a zero-case goal as the pandemic rolls on. The influential CEO also reiterated his support for a world health passport system, saying countries will require vaccination proof to allow people in. 'We already do it with yellow fever,' he said. Mr Joyce wants an end to inconsistency between states, a two-day warning before borders shut and a timeline for border restrictions to end during the vaccine rollout. He also raised a vaccine check for pubs and restaurants with similar measures raised by some industry figures. Speculators have been selling oil over the past two weeks as prices continue higher and the appetite for profit-taking increases. How long it will last is anyone's guess, but it might intensify this week. Oil prices began rising last November when the first news about vaccine safety and efficacy emerged. Then, oil prices experienced a series of small dips. After that, it's been mostly smooth sailing since January, thanks to the mass rollout of vaccinations that are expected to boost oil demand soon. In addition to the vaccinations, however, OPEC+ continued to keep a cap on its production, with Saudi Arabia taking on a unilateral cut of 1 million bpd in addition to its OPEC+ quota. The cuts have been effective, as production cuts tend to be, reducing global stocks of crude oil. As a result of these developments, more people began talking about a rebalancing market and the possibility of an oil shortagesomething that would have been a ridiculous idea just a year ago. But expectations of a tighter oil market have been strong and have pushed oil prices higher. Most recently, benchmark contracts also got a boost from a series of attacks by the Yemeni Houthi rebels against Saudi oil infrastructure. Earlier this week, Brent crude topped $70 for the first time in 14 months, according to the Financial Times, albeit only briefly, soon after media reported the attacks. Even though Riyadh said there was no serious damage and no loss of production due to the attack, traders reacted as they always do on the news of an attack on Saudi oil infrastructure: they started buying oil, pushing the price higher. Related Video: Can Saudis Defend Aramco from Houthis? According to Reuters' John Kemp, institutional traders have been selling oil for the past two weeks, however. Some of that was prompted by profit-taking, and some was the result of betting on a future price drop. Yet the profit-taking has been moderate: Kemp reports that funds sold a total of 20 million barrels across the six most traded futures and options on oil and oil productions. This compares with a weekly buying rate of 36.53 million barrels over the previous 15 weeks. The latest reports on oil price movements, however, suggest this particular boost to prices will not be an enduring one. Prices are already down after they touched their multi-month highs, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar and the fact that the Houthi attack on Aramco's infrastructure did not affect production. The greenback jumped this week after the Senate granted preliminary approval of the $1.9-trillion stimulus bill proposed by President Joe Biden, and final approval is expected this week, possibly as early as today. The stimulus package is one of the factors analysts have been pointing to as crucial for the recovery in oil demand in the world's biggest consumer. That package, together with the OPEC+ cuts, could hypothetically push prices even highercloser to the $80-per-barrel that Saudi Arabia needs to balance its budgetbut for now this is only a hypothetical possibility. While the oil cartel has brushed off the competition of U.S. shale producers amid the pandemic, and while shale producers themselves have been careful about not jumping right back into output growth, this may change with prices of over $70 per barrel. "Crude's spike was a knee-jerk reaction to a shocking OPEC+ decision," Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights, told Bloomberg earlier this week. Yet "the kingdom might be pushing its luck if it pursues the hawkish path for too long." Headwinds outside of OPEC+ and shale drillers remain, too. In the United States, for example, a number of medical experts have been warning states to not rush into relaxing their movement restrictions amid a surge in new variant infections with the coronavirus. In Europe, the new variants are marching across countries, lifting new infection rates yet again. This heightens the uncertainty in the outlook for oil demand, and uncertainty in turn leads to heightened price volatility. The message continues to be "Expect the unexpected." By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Survey teachers to learn what PD they most need. Based on their current skills and knowledge of particular topics, ask teachers to prioritize their needs and then develop differentiated PD offerings for them. One-size-fits-all PD should be a thing of the past. Based on their current skills and knowledge of particular topics, ask teachers to prioritize their needs and then develop differentiated PD offerings for them. One-size-fits-all PD should be a thing of the past. Dont focus on just tools training. Go beyond PD that simply shows teachers how to navigate tools like an LMS and delve deeper into how to use such applications to impact student learning. Go beyond PD that simply shows teachers how to navigate tools like an LMS and delve deeper into how to use such applications to impact student learning. Put an experienced educator in charge of developing and overseeing district PD. And depending on the districts size, have a full team with the range of skills necessary to produce high-quality classes: Production, course content, communication and marketing, instructor recruitment, evaluation, course credits and compensation, and technical support. And depending on the districts size, have a full team with the range of skills necessary to produce high-quality classes: Production, course content, communication and marketing, instructor recruitment, evaluation, course credits and compensation, and technical support. Establish and maintain high production standards. With the growth of YouTube and other online video platforms, and the advent of inexpensive set-ups for creating quality content, the bar has been raised for online video course production. With the growth of YouTube and other online video platforms, and the advent of inexpensive set-ups for creating quality content, the bar has been raised for online video course production. Evaluate third-party PD options. Vendors are creating some good teacher PD courses that cover a range of topics, and may be worth purchasing rather than relying on district build-your-own solutions. Vendors are creating some good teacher PD courses that cover a range of topics, and may be worth purchasing rather than relying on district build-your-own solutions. Leverage summer breaks. Recruiting teachers to work on developing PD courses is harder during the school year when theyre already busy, but summer is a great time to hire teachers for doing this work. Recruiting teachers to work on developing PD courses is harder during the school year when theyre already busy, but summer is a great time to hire teachers for doing this work. Develop hybrid PD courses. Understanding the value of face-to-face instruction, PD courses can be developed using a hybrid format meaning some course sessions meet in person, while others are conducted virtually in either a synchronous or asynchronous setting. Understanding the value of face-to-face instruction, PD courses can be developed using a hybrid format meaning some course sessions meet in person, while others are conducted virtually in either a synchronous or asynchronous setting. Conduct thorough evaluations. Participant feedback is important and should be electronically gathered, saved and used to improve courses. Participant feedback is important and should be electronically gathered, saved and used to improve courses. House all PD offerings in one central location. To make PD easy to access, keep it all in one place and organized by course number, topic, grade levels and content areas. A district-supported LMS is a good location option to consider. To make PD easy to access, keep it all in one place and organized by course number, topic, grade levels and content areas. A district-supported LMS is a good location option to consider. Support teachers with online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). PLCs have proven to be effective in fueling teachers ongoing professional growth, and holding PLC sessions virtually can make joining in easier for participants. PLCs have proven to be effective in fueling teachers ongoing professional growth, and holding PLC sessions virtually can make joining in easier for participants. Dont forget administrators . School leaders also need PD tailored to their specific needs. . School leaders also need PD tailored to their specific needs. Consider a variety of participant compensation options. For PD that occurs outside of teachers normal work hours, there are a number of ways they can be compensated for their time: Direct payments. If the PDs need is pressing (as it was in the early days of the pandemic), pay teachers for their extra PD time. New federal pandemic relief funds can potentially be used for such compensation. Provide credits towards salary schedule advancement. Some districts have developed PD programs that give teachers such credits when they have successfully completed PD courses and can demonstrate mastery of the content. Offer continuing education and college credit options. Districts can arrange to offer continuing ed credits for teachers recertification, and many state colleges have systems in place to authorize districts PD courses for college credit at reduced tuition. For PD that occurs outside of teachers normal work hours, there are a number of ways they can be compensated for their time: Back in the old days say, more than a year ago teacher professional development offerings in many districts went something like this: Drive across town at the end of the school day, sit in a room with other teachers and an instructor, and hopefully learn something worthwhile.But like so many routine school practices, that scenario hasnt been possible during these COVID-19 times. And given schools need to quickly get teachers retooled to teach via remote learning, a new model was needed. Enter online teacher PD (professional development).Some of us working in district educational technology departments have long struggled to get teacher and administrator buy-in for our PD offerings, often due to conflicting priorities. Because when it came to choosing between helping teachers ramp up a new literacy or math program, or learning how to use a new district learning management system (LMS), the core content area offerings won the day. Fair enough. And even if we developed online training videos and courses, which some of us did, without an administrative mandate, participation was slim.But the pandemic changed all of that. All of a sudden, teachers really did need to know how to use the districts LMS, because it was the backbone of their new instructional practices. And they also were compelled to learn the ins and outs of effective video conferencing, and using myriad other tools to engage and interact with their students via remote learning.So, beginning in March 2020 when the pandemic hit, schools have been scrambling to build, buy, borrow and deliver online teacher PD. As a result, many educators are now wondering why they didnt go this route long ago. In some districts, teachers can now take asynchronous (self-paced) online PD classes, or access just-in-time, bite-sized videos. And not just for technology classes. Content area courses also need a new venue, so those literacy and math courses are going online too.And as districts continue developing their online PD offerings both in synchronous (real time) and asynchronous formats the courses are becoming more differentiated to meet participants needs and skill levels, are better produced, and feature more classroom teachers as instructors.Since the beginning of online teacher PD, and now with its pandemic-inspired acceleration, much has been learned about how schools can put together a successful online PD program to meet teachers evolving needs. And with the influx of new federal relief funds coming to districts, schools have a great opportunity to retool their PD practices, not just for tech-related sessions but for all content areas and topics. A Border Patrol agent watches for people crossing the Rio Grande illegally from Mexico into the Texas city of Roma on May 31, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times) Graham Warns Bidens Soft Border Policies Could be Exploited by Terrorists Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told Fox News on Tuesday that Al Qaeda and ISIS terrorists may seek to exploit President Joe Bidens lax immigration policies, which he blamed for already leading to a greater influx of illegal immigrants from south of the border. Graham told Sean Hannity in an interview that Bidens policy shifts around immigrationaway from former President Donald Trumps get-tough approachare a disaster in the making and the worst is yet to come. The South Carolina Republican warned that, with the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks approaching, Al Qaeda and ISIS would love nothing more than to hit us again to show that they are still alive and well. This border insecurity is a great way for terrorists to come into our country, Graham said, adding that, unless the Biden administration restores some Trump-era policies, the rush on the border will only get worse. Biden has taken a number of actions meant to reform U.S. immigration policy, including sending to Congress legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship for nearly 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, halting border wall construction, and rescinding Trump-era restrictions on asylum seekers. The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), dubbed the Remain in Mexico program, was one Trump-era policy that the Biden administration has taken into its crosshairs. Under the Remain in Mexico policy, asylum-seekers were made to wait in Mexico for their U.S. court hearings. On Feb. 12, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans for tens of thousands of asylum-seekers who have been waiting in Mexico under the MPP program to be allowed into the United States while their cases make their way through immigration courts. Graham said Bidens rollback of Trumps MPP program policy was behind the recent rush on the border. Word is out that the Trump policies are being replaced by the Biden administration [policy] that if you get one foot in America, you are never going to leave, Graham told Hannity. Federal agents apprehended more than 78,000 illegal immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in January 2021, more than double the number a year ago, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. People will be coming by the hundreds of thousands by the summer. It is a humanitarian crisis. Its going to be an economic crisis for our cities along the border, and eventually is going to be a national security crisis, because theyre children today but they could easily be terrorists tomorrow, Graham said. Homeland Security said in a statement that its announcement that some asylum seekers could cross the border into the United States while their cases are heard should not be interpreted as an opening for people to migrate irregularly to the United States. But Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), in an interview last week with The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program, disagreed. Roy argued that this is precisely how the move is being interpreted by those seeking to enter the United States illegally and by human traffickers who prey on such people. Its causing an empowerment of cartels, Roy said. And it is causing an attraction of human beings to come here where they think theyre going to get here and get amnesty, and a rush to our border. Echoing Grahams remarks, Roy called Bidens immigration policy a wide open borders approach that endangers the lives of American citizens as well as the lives of immigrants who are seeking to come to the United States. There are immigrants in stash houses being abused, Roy said. There are immigrants being abused on the journey. There are cartels that are using these people for profit. That is happening right now. And it is happening because Democrats are irresponsible and refuse to secure our border. White House chief of staff Ron Klain, in a March 9 interview on Punchbowl News, acknowledged the immigration problem was a big challenge, saying Biden inherited a broken system in need of reform. Weve had a system thats been broken for a long time. Prior presidents have tried to fix it, theyve been unable to fix it, Klain said, reiterating the Biden administrations commitment to immigration reform. We know its hard to fix a system thats been broken for this long, he said, adding he hopes Republicans will join the work on immigration reform. A recent Republican staff report (pdf) makes the case that Biden shouldnt rush to undo Trumps moves on border security. If the Biden Administration continues to undo President Trumps immigration policy successes and implement a radical immigration agenda, it will result in less security at the border, reduced interior enforcement, and an increased risk from criminal and other aliens who want to do us harm, the report says. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Geoscientists at Sandia National Laboratories used 3D-printed rocks and an advanced, large-scale computer model of past earthquakes to understand and prevent earthquakes triggered by energy exploration. Injecting water underground after unconventional oil and gas extraction, commonly known as fracking, geothermal energy stimulation and carbon dioxide sequestration all can trigger earthquakes. Of course, energy companies do their due diligence to check for faults -- breaks in the earth's upper crust that are prone to earthquakes -- but sometimes earthquakes, even swarms of earthquakes, strike unexpectedly. Sandia geoscientists studied how pressure and stress from injecting water can transfer through pores in rocks down to fault lines, including previously hidden ones. They also crushed rocks with specially engineered weak points to hear the sound of different types of fault failures, which will aid in early detection of an induced earthquake. 3D-printing variability provides fundamental structural information To study different types of fault failures, and their warning signs, Sandia geoscientist Hongkyu Yoon needed a bunch of rocks that would fracture the same way each time he applied pressure -- pressure not unlike the pressure caused by injecting water underground. Natural rocks collected from the same location can have vastly different mineral orientation and layering, causing different weak points and fracture types. Several years ago, Yoon started using additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, to make rocks from a gypsum-based mineral under controlled conditions, believing that these rocks would be more uniform. To print the rocks, Yoon and his team sprayed gypsum in thin layers, forming 1-by-3-by-0.5 inch rectangular blocks and cylinders. However, as he studied the 3D-printed rocks, Yoon realized that the printing process also generated minute structural differences that affected how the rocks fractured. This piqued his interest, leading him to study how the mineral texture in 3D-printed rocks influences how they fracture. "It turns out we can use that variability of mechanical and seismic responses of a 3D-printed fracture to our advantage to help us understand the fundamental processes of fracturing and its impact on fluid flow in rocks," Yoon said. This fluid flow and pore pressure can trigger earthquakes. For these experiments, Yoon and collaborators at Purdue University, a university with which Sandia has a strong partnership, made a mineral ink using calcium sulfate powder and water. The researchers, including Purdue professors Antonio Bobet and Laura Pyrak-Nolte, printed a layer of hydrated calcium sulfate, about half as thick as a sheet of paper, and then applied a water-based binder to glue the next layer to the first. The binder recrystallized some of the calcium sulfate into gypsum, the same mineral used in construction drywall. The researchers printed the same rectangular and cylindrical gypsum-based rocks. Some rocks had the gypsum mineral layers running horizontally, while others had vertical mineral layers. The researchers also varied the direction in which they sprayed the binder, to create more variation in mineral layering. The research team squeezed the samples until they broke. The team examined the fracture surfaces using lasers and an X-ray microscope. They noticed the fracture path depended on the direction of the mineral layers. Yoon and colleagues described this fundamental study in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. Sound signals and machine learning to classify seismic events Also, working with his collaborators at Purdue University, ?Yoon monitored acoustic waves coming from the printed samples as they fractured. These sound waves are signs of rapid microcracks. Then the team combined the sound data with machine-learning techniques, a type of advanced data analysis that can identify patterns in seemingly unrelated data, to detect signals of minute seismic events. First, Yoon and his colleagues used a machine-learning technique known as a random forest algorithm to cluster the microseismic events into groups that were caused by the same types of microstructures and identify about 25 important features in the microcrack sound data. They ranked these features by significance. Using the significant features as a guide, they created a multilayered "deep" learning algorithm -- like the algorithms that allow digital assistants to function -- and applied it to archived data collected from real-world events. The deep-learning algorithm was able to identify signals of seismic events faster and more accurately than conventional monitoring systems. Yoon said that within five years they hope to apply many different machine-learning algorithms, like these and those with imbedded geoscience principles, to detect induced earthquakes related to fossil fuel activities in oil or gas fields. The algorithms can also be applied to detect hidden faults that might become unstable due to carbon sequestration or geothermal energy stimulation?, he said. "One of the nice things about machine learning is the scalability," Yoon said. "We always try to apply certain concepts that were developed under laboratory conditions to large-scale problems -- that's why we do laboratory work. Once we proved those machine-learning concepts developed at the laboratory scale on archived data, it's very easy to scale it up to large-scale problems, compared to traditional methods." Stress transfers through rock to deep faults A hidden fault was the cause of a surprise earthquake at a geothermal stimulation site in Pohang, South Korea. In 2017, two months after the final geothermal stimulation experiment ended, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook the area, the second strongest quake in South Korea's recent history. After the earthquake, geoscientists discovered a fault hidden deep between two injection wells. To understand how stresses from water injection traveled to the fault and caused the quake, Kyung Won Chang, a geoscientist at Sandia, realized he needed to consider more than the stress of water pressing on the rocks. In addition to that deformation stress, he also needed to account for how that stress transferred to the rock as the water flowed through pores in the rock itself in his complex large-scale computational model. Chang and his colleagues described the stress transfer in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. However, understanding deformation stress and transfer of stress through rock pores is not enough to understand and predict some earthquakes induced by energy-exploration activities. The architecture of different faults also needs to be considered. Using his model, Chang analyzed a cube 6 miles long, 6 miles wide and 6 miles deep where a swarm of more than 500 earthquakes took place in Azle, Texas, from November 2013 to May 2014. The earthquakes occurred along two intersecting faults, one less than 2 miles beneath the surface and another longer and deeper. While the shallow fault was closer to the sites of wastewater injection, the first earthquakes occurred along the longer, deeper fault. In his model, Chang found that the water injections increased the pressure on the shallow fault. At the same time, injection-induced stress transferred through the rock down to the deep fault. Because the deep fault was under more stress initially, the earthquake swarm began there. He and Yoon shared the advanced computational model and their description of the Azle earthquakes in a paper recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. "In general, we need multiphysics models that couple different forms of stress beyond just pore pressure and the deformation of rocks, to understand induced earthquakes and correlate them with energy activities, such as hydraulic stimulation and wastewater injection," Chang said. Chang said he and Yoon are working together to apply and scale up machine-learning algorithms to detect previously hidden faults and identify signatures of geologic stress that could predict the magnitude of a triggered earthquake. In the future, Chang hopes to use those stress signatures to create a map of potential hazards for induced earthquakes around the United States. ### His research effort, as well as Yoon's initial work, were funded by Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program. Yoon received funding from the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy to continue his research. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. Sandia Labs has major research and development responsibilities in nuclear deterrence, global security, defense, energy technologies and economic competitiveness, with main facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Livermore, California. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The Syrian Network for Human Rights has documented a systematic targeting of teachers by the Syrian Democratic Forces, writes Baladi News. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to launch security campaigns targeting teachers in their areas of control, in a move that threatens the educational process in northern and eastern Syria. The SDF insists on implementing its plan to recruit teachers and fire those who reject the decision, despite the dozens of protests and strikes organized by teachers. The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) confirmed in a report, issued on March 2, that the SDF arrested 61 teachers in northeastern Syria and has arbitrarily dismissed 550 teachers from their jobs since the beginning of the year. The SNHR considered that the recruitment of teachers affects the education of nearly half a million students in the governorates of Hassakeh, Deir-ez-Zor, and Raqqa, which are all Self Administration areas. SNHR indicated that it documented the arrest of 34 teachers to be recruited into the ranks of SDF, in addition to the arrest of 27 teachers on charges of teaching the regimes curricula, 14 of whom were released later after signing a pledge to stop teaching the said curricula. The report also mentioned 550 teachers who were dismissed after refusing compulsory military service. Regarding the students preference for the governments curriculum over the SDF one, Mahmoud al-Madi, a political activist who has worked as a teacher for years in Al-Hasakah, says that parents enroll their sons and daughters into regime curriculum classes because it is officially recognized. This means that students can pursue their university education outside and inside Syria, at government universities or even in areas controlled by the National Army, where there are Turkish universities. In his interview with Baladi News, Madi pointed out that the universities established by SDF are not recognized except in the areas controlled by them, which is an additional reason that pushes people to plan for a secure future for their sons and daughters, despite the additional expenses that they incur to register their children in special courses. SDF has been closing down regime schools in its areas of control. Regarding the reason for the arrests targeting teachers, journalist Wissam Mohammad, who hails from Deir-ez-Zor, links the teachers and intellectuals rejection of the SDF curriculum in Deir-ez-Zor last year and the current recruitment campaign that is being waged against them. The Head of the Political Bureau in Raqqa, Nasser al-Hamoud al-Salama, confirmed that the SDF does not really need to recruit teachers into its ranks, for it already imposes compulsory conscription in its areas of control, and its forces include thousands of forced recruits. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Lewis Hamilton is heading into the 2021 season feeling "a bit grumpy", according to respected F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle. Brundle, who works for Britain's Sky, said he has just finished filming some television features with the seven time world champion. "He was very generous but a bit grumpy actually, I thought generally," he told The Sun. "It's interesting that his right-hand man, Marc Hynes, is no longer working with him. I sensed he possibly wasn't super happy with the way the negotiations have worked out at Mercedes." Indeed, 36-year-old Hamilton has only agreed a one-year contract extension for 2021, with fellow Briton Lando Norris suspecting the Mercedes driver's career is now winding down. "He's a guy who likes to do a lot of other stuff outside of F1," said the McLaren driver. "He knows what he wants to do. He wants to go and enjoy life outside of F1. He doesn't spend his whole life driving in circles." (GMM) If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of people across the globe. As the world completes a year since coronavirus was declared a pandemic by WHO, we take a look at how India led the fight against the deadly virus and came out a winner. On Wednesday, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary spoke about how the pandemic changed the lives of billions of people and how India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, managed to deal with the crisis much better than the rest of the world. India celebrated Holi a day before the WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic but the colours of the festival and the happiness it brings faded too soon. PM Modi appealed to the people on that day to not participate in Holi Milan programmes and to avoid going to crowded places. The PM was himself was following those rules and asked people to do the same. However, at that time there was fear, nervousness in the mind of the people and everyone was worried about what India will do when countries like China, America and others in Europe seemed helpless against the coronavirus. Everyone felt that India would prove to be the weakest link for the world in this war. But all these projections turned out false and today India is not only in a position to win this war, but we are also teaching the world how to do it. After several major setbacks, India's economy is now recovering rapidly. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, India's economy will be the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2021. It will be ahead of China and America. Today, the country has received two vaccines against the virus and both of these have been developed in India. The world's largest vaccination campaign is going on in India and so far 20 million people have been vaccinated. Today, when the pandemic is completing one year, it is important to understand how India won this battle. India won this battle with restraint. In March last year, when the situation was quite worrying, the Modi government was working on a plan to get the country out of it. The lockdown was the first major step in this direction. The world's largest lockdown was implemented in India on March 24 last year. Successive lockdowns were enforced as people stayed in their homes for months. The government identified various risk zones and categorised them into Red, Orange and Green Zone. There was a lot of criticism of these policies of the government and it was also said that people are being discriminated against. But despite the odds, the government did not buckle under pressure and finally, the positive results showed. In the initial days, there was a shortage of masks in the country. But India ramped up the production of masks and sanitisers and met the demand. Today, India is exporting high-quality masks to other countries. India has also become the second-largest country in the world in the production of PPE kits. Before the lockdown, there was only one laboratory in the country to test the coronavirus in the country. But now this number has increased to over 2300. India has also been at the forefront in vaccine production. So far a total of 58 million vaccine doses have been exported to 66 countries in the world. Live TV Jennifer Scanlon The move also reflects changing attitudes in the wider academic world, says Casselberry, where Africana studies departments have emerged in a number of colleges and universities. Departments are no longer regarded solely as places of monolithic study, she explains, and the definition of department or even of the term discipline has changed to the extent where interdisciplinarity can be central to the study of a single academic discipline. Africana studies has always pushed against the idea of narrowly focused disciplines being the only way to get at an intellectual problem, and one of the reasons for this is that we follow the people, so we need to look through multiple disciplinary lenses in order to do that effectively. Dean for Academic Affairs Jennifer Scanlon says changes like this also demonstrate how the College is actively trying to refute definitions of intellectual life that emerged out of highly inequitable conditions that existed in the past, both inside and outside of higher education. We can ask, why is it that in 1802, when Bowdoin decided what disciplines would be offered, Africana studies was not deemed central to understanding life or to defining what it meant to be an educated person? Africana studies epistemologies were as relevant then as they are now. The recognition of Africana studies as an autonomous entity is part of the effort to redress such inequities, says Scanlon. This is an exciting development for Bowdoin College. Africana studies has always pushed against the idea of narrowly focused disciplines being the only way to get at an intellectual problem." Judith Casselberry. Geoffrey Canada Associate Professor of Africana Studies and History Brian Purnell is the new departments historian. The move to departmental status has no impact on course content or on the day-to-day activities of the scholars and students involved in Africana studies, he says. We didnt require a curricular overhaul because, over the past decade or so, our curriculum has developed in similar ways to other Africana studies, or Black studies departments in the nationand thats with this simultaneous focus on Africa and the African diaspora, which is obviously extremely relevant for us in the US. What the move from program to department does achieve, however, says Purnell, is to provide an academic home to the faculty members whose scholarly focus is now centered around Africana studies. I want to be clear that programs can and do work really well at Bowdoin. That was certainly the case with Africana studies, as faculty were brought in from departments. Now that we have four full-time faculty, however, it just made sense for us to be what we effectively were, which was a department. To coin a metaphor, the house is the same, just the welcome mat has changed. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New York, NY, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) announced today that it has been awarded a $600,000 grant from American Student Assistance (ASA) , a national nonprofit that helps foster student understanding of career and education pathways. NFTE intends to use the unrestricted funds to support the rapid expansion of its entrepreneurial education curriculum in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina beginning January 2021. As part of that expansion, NFTEs programs will be available for the first time in rural areas of Florida and Texas. The grant also aligns with a significant investment from the Florida Department of Education in support of career and technical education tracks, many of which incorporate NFTEs project-based curriculum. NFTE doesnt just teach practical business skillswe ignite a passion for learning in ways that engage students in school and prepare them for college, career, and a dynamic future of work, says NFTE President and CEO Dr. J.D. LaRock. Especially now, when budgets for additional programs are shrinking, NFTEs increased presence in these four states will arm students with the skills they need to own their futures. The grant will also allow us to work with more educators to strengthen their classroom pedagogy and expertise and bring our entire Teacher Corps together for a national showcase this summer. ASA is proud to support an expansion of this program as part of our commitment to ensuring all students have the foundational skills they need to thrive in business and in life, says Jean Eddy, President and CEO of ASA. Our partnership is a way to help even more young people learn how to create their own futures. We are also excited about NFTEs support of educators, who are powerful agents of influence and change in young peoples lives, as we believe that educator professional development is critical, particularly in light of the pandemic. Many notable entrepreneurs have honed their skills in NFTE classes and camps, including Robert Reffkin, Founder and CEO of Compass , the revolutionary technology-driven real estate platform; Jasmine Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Eden Bodyworks , manufacturer and distributor of all-natural hair and body care products; and Ryan Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Cadre , a financial technology platform for the real estate market. Learning to think and act like an entrepreneur can benefit anyone entering the job market, not just those who go on to launch their own businesses. About NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global nonprofit organization that provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle and high school students from under-resourced communities, as well as programs for college students and adults. NFTE reaches 70,000+ students annually in 25 states across the U.S. and offers programs in 12 additional countries. We have educated more than a million students through in-school, out-of-school, college, and summer camp programs, offered in person and online. To learn more about how we are promoting inclusive capitalism and building the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs, visit www.nfte.com . About American Student Assistance (ASA) Andrew Bogut doesnt like losing. The 36-year-old former US NBA player, who quit the Sydney Kings in May (not a retirement) finally retired from basketball in December. That gave him a lot more time to concentrate on his property portfolio. Former NBA star, Andrew Bogut. Credit:Illustration: John Shakespeare First, he put his property in Sydneys inner-west suburb of Concord, which he bought two years ago for $3.5 million without a mortgage, on the market via agent Dib Chidiac. Now the six-bedroom, three-bathroom home with city skyline views is rented out instead. In Melbourne, hes been even less successful. A local council has knocked back Bogut and wife Jessicas plans for a $4.7 million forever home. The couple had planned a luxurious three-storey, four-bedroom mansion in the upmarket bayside suburb of Beaumaris with a swimming pool, gym, sauna, massage room, roof terrace and, of course, a basketball court (half-size). The basement was to contain a cellar and cinema, as well as a 16-vehicle car stacker. Bayside Council have refused to permit the development despite planning officers reporting they were in favour of it. Tough break. Perhaps its worth noting the neighbours had more mixed opinions. The plans generated 58 objections and 25 letters of support. No doubt this wont be the last the council hears of Bogut. HARRISBURG, Pa., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), H.R. 842. Of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation, ten Representatives co-sponsored the legislation: Brendan Boyle, Matt Cartwright, Madeleine Dean, Mike Doyle, Dwight Evans, Brian Fitzpatrick, Chrissy Houlahan, Conor Lamb, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Susan Wild. The officers of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, President Rick Bloomingdale, and Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder issued the following statements: "Working people across the Commonwealth and the Country have made their voices heard, and today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the PRO Act for the second time. Union members present and future are beyond excited to seize this opportunity to fight for economic justice in the 21st century. This is the most significant piece of Labor Law reform to expand workers' rights on the job in nearly eight decades," stated President Rick Bloomingdale. "This is a time for action. Pennsylvania has a legacy of worker power and the courage to fight for what's right. It was in my hometown of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, where the United States Supreme Court upheld the National Labor Relations Act's constitutionality. The PRO Act is the next step in what has been a painfully slow process to ensure workplace justice is a reality for all," remarked Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder. The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO urges our U.S. Senators to support the swift passage of the PRO Act. Senator Bob Casey serves as a co-sponsor in the Senate, and we are proud of his constant support for workers' rights. SOURCE PA AFL-CIO Related Links www.paaflcio.org A mother-of-two has revealed how she and her partner paid off $60,000 in debt - before offering some handy tips for others on smaller salaries to put money aside for their future. Brisbane financial influencer Emily, 29, and her partner started their money-saving journey after meeting in December of 2015 with the aim of paying off all of their debts. They never earned more than $50,000 but in the space of four years made good on their hefty debt pile which included utility bills, personal loans and money owed from a car accident. The couple have since built an emergency fund and also saved for the bulk of a house deposit. Brisbane financial influencer Emily (pictured) has revealed how she and her partner paid off $60,000 in debt within four years Emily regularly shops around for the best deals, including buying food from supermarkets when they are heavily discounted The 29-year-old said shopping around for the best deals, monthly budgeting and cheap days out all helped her accomplish her financial goals. The young woman shares her advice for scrimping under the social media handle Aussie Debt Free Girl, describing herself as being a 'huge advocate of being frugal'. She also revealed to the We Talk Cents podcast that she only understood the importance of having to save after becoming a single mother at 21. 'I was trying to get by on Newstart, which was $400 a fortnight,' Emily said. She also revealed she 'planned for every meal and every expense and really 'put that money to work', while doing her best to save money to build up her finances and reduce her debt. At one stage, she went a whole week eating two-minute noodles. EMILY'S HANDY TIPS FOR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUCCESS * Always look to save some amount of money from each pay packet * Download money management app WeMoney - it can help see all your bills, then map out a monthly budget and further financial goals * Take on a second job if possible * Avoid non-essential items such as Netflix * Stick to a realistic budget * Grocery shop at supermarkets when items are heavily discounted * Pay incoming bills instantly to avoid late fees * When money becomes tight, walk instead of paying for public transport * Enjoy 'cheap' days out or nights in, notably dates on the couch or a picnic at a local park Source: We Talk Cents podcast Advertisement Emily met her current partner two years later, with the couple quickly realising they needed to live a debt-free life. She said when money becomes tight difficult decisions need to be made such as walking instead of paying for public transport, avoiding non-essentials such as Netflix and paying bills early to avoid late fees. 'Know your budget, look at your spending, your bills and be ruthless - what is absolutely essential for you to live,' Emily said. 'I would make a budget, and I mean make a real budget. Starting with the basics, rent, food and then adding the rest on and then seeing how far your money goes.' Emily said even when she was struggling on Newstart, she still made a conscious effort to save money. 'It is important to save, as long as your paying your bills and not getting yourself into debt to do so,' she said. Emily said she learnt the importance of saving money after becoming a single mother when she was aged just 21. She met her current partner two years later New Delhi, March 10 : Hospitality major OYO Hotels & Homes' Singaporean subsidiary has received a term loan from SoftBank. A regulatory filing showed that OYO Hotels (Singapore) Pte Ltd has secured a loan of $200 million from SB Investment Holdings (UK), an affiliate of SoftBank Vision Fund, for enhancing liquidity through the pandemic and strengthening its balance sheet. The transaction was planned for 2020 and is being consummated now. OYO has started recording steady signs of recovery across the globe led by its business in India, Europe and Southeast Asia while sustaining its gross margin to 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels. According to people in the know, a significant part of the funds will be diverted towards technology and data analytics. Recently, OYO's valuation reclaimed the $9 billion-mark after Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd invested Rs 54 crore or $7.31 million into the company. OYO Hotels & Homes is present across 800 cities in 80 countries, including the US, Europe, UK, India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan. Jacksonville, Florida. - With next week, the number of stimulus programs may impact millions of bank accounts of Americans . It is expected that the US House will vote on the 13 trillion US dollars on Wednesday. Although the House has no Republicans to support the bill, it is expected that the bill will continue. On Monday, President Joe Biden said that when the bill is sent to his desk, he will sign the bill. The rescue plan includes a $ 1,400 stimulus check, a couple who pays $ 75,000 or less than the annual income of $ 150,000 or less. This is the total income of your tax return, not your annual salary. Children\'s tax credits will also be included for the first time: people between children aged 6-77 will receive $ 3,000, and those under the age of 6 will receive $ 3,600. However, this money will pay $ 300 monthly from July until the end of this year. Example 1: A couple of income of no more than $ 96,000, there are two children aged 6 to 17. This family will be eligible to obtain four economic stimulus checks, with a total payment of $ 5,600. In addition, this family will get $ 3,000 for each child, in this case, two. This means that by the end of this year, the total expenditure will reach $ 1,1600. Affected by the number of stimulus programs may impact millions of bank accounts of Americans, the 72212c bearing market is changing rapidly. These changes are indicators of market rising. Bearings are an important part of modern machinery and equipment, and its downstream is widely used in industrial automation, high-end equipment, robotics, automobile manufacturing and other fields. In recent years, due to the decline in demand from downstream industries such as automobiles and machine tools, as well as the adjustment of industrial structure, the phase of transformation and upgrading, the phasing out of backward production capacity has changed the relationship between supply and demand. If you are looking for 72212c bearing or get more information about 72212c bearing, please send an email to sales@spark-bearing.com. The price of 72212c bearing continues to be affected by some kind of factors such as market rising momentum, various opportunities and challenges. However, during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027, the global 72212c bearing sales market is expected to continue to be above average. The growth rate will continue to increase. It is expected that In the second half of this year, the price of 72212c bearing will increase to a certain extent. Due to changes in the raw material price of bearings rising, consumer demand, import and export conditions, and various investigations on the development of 72212c bearing, the cost of 72212c bearing is constantly changing. Taking into account the current market macroeconomic parameters, value chain analysis, channel partners, demand and supply, the cost of 72212c bearing will also be affected to a certain extent. It is estimated that the cost of 72212c bearing will increase slightly from next year. The market trend of 72212c bearing? The cost of raw materials is still the biggest concern for manufacturers. Raw materials account for approximately 60-62% of bearing manufacturers revenue. The price of raw materials for bearings fluctuates continuously according to market economic conditions. Such fluctuations in raw material prices are becoming a real challenge for companies to maintain competitiveness and ensure sustainable profits. As high-grade steel and alloy steel are the main raw materials used to manufacture 72212c bearing, bearing prices are highly correlated with global steel price trends. Therefore, fluctuations in the price of raw materials have brought challenges for bearing manufacturers to compare prices and quality to manufacture bearings. In addition, the bearings require regular maintenance to avoid failures and extend their service life, which further increases maintenance costs. Therefore, factors such as raw material price fluctuations and regular maintenance costs are expected to hinder the growth of the bearing market. The market demand for 72212c bearing? The global bearing market value in 2020 is 123.34 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 153.62 billion U.S. dollars by 2027, and the compound annual growth rate will also increase steadily. A bearing is a mechanical element that supports relative movement and helps reduce friction caused between moving parts. Bearings are widely used in various industries such as automobiles, wind turbines, construction machinery, mining machinery, agricultural equipment, and machine tools. It is used in automobiles to ensure smooth driving of automobiles, electric vehicles (EV) and other types of vehicles (such as light commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles such as trucks). Due to the increasing utilization of bearing 72212c bearing in various end-use industries, rolling mills and electric vehicles, the global 72212c bearing market has become more and more important. The development of technology has improved the overall efficiency of bearing products in the field and extended the product shelf life. About WSBC bearing Wuxi Spark Bearing Co., Ltd is a complete, one-stop 72212c bearing supplier and manufacturer. All bearings products are qualified and have passed the ISO 9001 certification. We have more than 12 years of experience in bearings, is a modern high-tech professional high-quality roller bearing manufacturer specializing in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service. In order to keep WSBC bearings in sync with the world, we have invested in many advanced CNC equipment and a complete set of precision testing equipment committed to building a high-quality workforce and introducing advanced manufacturing and management technologies. We have strict quality control and environmental protection. If you are looking for 72212c bearing or get more information about bearings, please send an email to sales@spark-bearing.com Or visit the following website: https://www.spark-bearing.com/ A man accused of harassing loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has today appeared at Derry courthouse charged with possession of a knife and knuckle duster. Robert Beck, 58, whose charge sheets listed an address of Barnetts Lodge in Belfast, had been residing at a B&B in Derry, the court was told. That accommodation has now been withdrawn by the owner. The defendant is originally charged with improper use of public communications and the harassment of Jamie Bryson on January 8, 2021. He is further charged with breaching a restraining order by phoning David English and breaching a restraining order by continually contacting the same man between February 16-24, of this year. Those substantive cases are linked to Newtownards and North Down, the court was told. Beck appeared at Derry Magistrates Court today by way of video link charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, namely knuckle duster, and possession of a locking knife on March 9. He is further charged with failing to stop for police, driving without insurance and fraudulent use of a vehicle registration mark on the same date. Defence barrister Aaron Thompson said the 58-year-old has 11 convictions and all but one of those has come in the last twelve months. The court heard there have been four bail breaches in a short period of time and one of those involved entering Ards when he had been excluded from the area by the court. Outlining the most recent case, a police officer said that on March 9 police stopped a Vauxhall Corsa on the Glenshane Road heading in the direction of Drumahoe. He said Beck failed to stop but then came to rest when officers discovered the two weapons and motoring offences. Objecting to bail, an officer said the 58-year-old has committed further offences while on High Court bail. He added: It seems clear to me he will commit further offences. Defence counsel said it is an unusual case and his client is only in Derry because he was sent to the city on bail after he was the victim of an assault at the hands of loyalist paramilitaries. Mr Thompson added: Rather than go quietly into the night, he challenged the people responsible. There have been threats to kill, various arguments. These people arent vulnerable people hes taking on, they will be known to police. Making reference to alleged injured parties, defence counsel said Mr Bryson was asking police to be robust in their response. Deputy District Judge OHare asked why the defendant had false number plates on his vehicle. In response, Mr Thompson submitted that the car had been acquired in Derry to allow Beck to get around and he didnt have time to insure it. The defendant believes police didnt stumble across him but were watching extremely closely and looking for him. Mr Thompson added that the other items, namely the knife and knuckle duster, were in the car when he acquired it. Addressing the issue of a bail address, the defence barrister said Beck has a housing officer in Belfast but cant return to Ards and North Down because he is excluded from the area. He accepted there has to be a geographical break between Beck and those he has taken on and added that police will have to vet any address put forward. Mr Thompson also said that hes aware of a report in which Mr Bryson says someone is going to be killed over this. Judge OHare raised the matter of previous breaches saying it would have been made clear to Beck that he couldnt return to Ards but he did. The court heard on that occasion Beck was observed by an off-duty police officer picking up documents in Ards. Defence counsel said his client took a chance as he needed the documents to get a car while staying in Derry. The court was told that a surety could be provided and that Beck accepted he would have to be remanded into custody until an address is secured. Judge OHare granted the defendant his own bail of 500 with a 500 surety but he will remain in custody until bail is perfected. High Court bail conditions will remain intact. The defendants case will appear at Derry Magistrates Court again on April 1 and his substantive cases will be listed at a court sitting in Ards on March 31. COLUMBUS, OhioThe Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Wednesday voted to probe whether FirstEnergy Corp. customers should be given refunds for questionable costs incurred by the utility, including $4 million paid to a company tied to ex-PUCO Chair Sam Randazzo. The commission, meeting Wednesday via videoconference, voted unanimously and without comment to expand an audit of FirstEnergy to see whether money collected from customers to pay for infrastructure improvements was wrongfully used to pay the costs. If the audit finds that was the case, the PUCO could order FirstEnergy to issue refunds to ratepayers, according to a written request from commission staff. FirstEnergy officials havent publicly disclosed specific details about the costs, other than to say they were improperly classified, misallocated to the companys local affiliates or lacked proper supporting documentation. They said most of the costs occurred in Ohio, some dated back 10 years or more, and that the overall amount is relatively small and immaterial to the companys finances. Company executives also told investors last month that the $4 million payment was among the improperly classified expenses. A legal filing from Attorney General Dave Yost says the $4 million was paid to a company associated with Randazzo, shortly before Gov. Mike DeWine hired him to head the PUCO, which regulates FirstEnergy and other Ohio utilities. Randazzo resigned last November after the FBI raided his Columbus home and news of the $4 million payment became public. FirstEnergy fired CEO Chuck Jones and two other senior executives last fall after an internal review found the $4 million payment. The utility suggested to federal regulators that the three withheld relevant information about the transaction from its independent directors, audit committee, and independent auditor. PUCO staff asked to expand the audit after they reviewed documents provided last month by FirstEnergy subsidiaries. The audit is being conducted by an outside firm, Blue Ridge Consulting, Inc. Cleveland.com has filed a records request with the PUCO to obtain copies of the documents. FirstEnergy spokeswoman Jennifer Young declined to provide the documents, stating in an email that they were part of a confidential response. The PUCO already has three other audits underway of FirstEnergy in the wake of the House Bill 6 scandal, in which ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four allies have been accused of using $60 million in FirstEnergy bribe money to secure the passage of legislation giving a then-FirstEnergy subsidiary a $1 billion-plus bailout, among other benefits. The other audits are probing whether FirstEnergy violated corporate separation laws, misused money from its distribution modernization rider, or had customers wrongly fund -- directly or indirectly -- any political or charitable donations made by the company in support of HB6 or against a failed referendum attempt to overturn it. Two of Householders allies -- former political aide Jeff Longstreth and ex-FirstEnergy lobbyist Juan Cespedes -- have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme. Householder, as well as lobbyists Neil Clark and Matt Borges, have maintained their innocence. A shoe is seen surrounded by wristbands discarded by asylum seeking migrants from Central America along the banks of the Rio Grande river (Photo : REUTERS/Adrees Latif) Along the banks of the Rio Grande in the scrubby grassland near Penitas, Texas, hundreds of colored plastic wristbands ripped off by migrants litter the ground, signs of what U.S. border officials say is a growing trend among powerful drug cartels and smugglers to track people paying to cross illegally into the United States. Advertisement The plastic bands - red, blue, green, white - some labeled "arrivals" or "entries" in Spanish, are discarded after migrants cross the river on makeshift rafts, according to a Reuters witness. Their use has not been widely reported before. Some migrants are trying to evade border agents, others are mostly Central American families or young children traveling without parents who turn themselves into officials, often to seek asylum. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley sector, which spans more than 34,000 square miles (88,000 square kilometers)along the border in southeast Texas, have recently encountered immigrants wearing the bracelets during several apprehensions, said Matthew Dyman a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The "information on the bracelets represents a multitude of data that is used by smuggling organizations, such as payment status or affiliation with smuggling groups," Dyman told Reuters. The differing smuggling techniques come as Democratic President Joe Biden's administration has sought to reverse restrictive immigration polices set up by his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. But a recent jump in border crossings has Republicans warning the easing of hardline policies will lead to an immigration crisis. U.S. border agents carried out nearly 100,000 apprehensions or rapid expulsions of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in February, according to two people familiar with preliminary figures, the highest monthly total since mid-2019. PURPLE BRACELET The categorization system illustrates the sophistication of organized criminal groups ferrying people across the U.S.-Mexico border, said Theresa Cardinal Brown, director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center "They run it like a business," said Cardinal Brown, which means "finding more patrons and looking for efficiencies." Migrants can pay thousands of dollars for the journey to the United States and human smugglers have to pay off drug cartels to move people through parts of Mexico. "This is a money-making operation and they have to pay close attention to who has paid," she said. "This may be a new way to keep track." Criminal groups operating in northern Mexico, however, have long used systems to log which migrants have already paid for the right to be in gang-controlled territory, as well as for the right to cross the border into the United States, migration experts said. When increased numbers of Central American were arriving at the border on express buses in 2019, smugglers kept tabs on them by double checking "the names and IDs of migrants before they got off the bus to make sure they had paid," Cardinal Brown said. A migrant in Reynosa - one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico across the border from McAllen, Texas - who declined to give his name for fear of retaliation, showed Reuters a picture of a purple wristband he was wearing. He said he paid $500 to one of the criminal groups in the city after he arrived a few months ago from Honduras to secure the purple bracelet to protect against kidnapping or extortion. He said once migrants or their smugglers have paid for the right to cross the river, which is also controlled by criminal groups, they receive another bracelet. "This way we're not in danger, neither us nor the 'coyote,'" he said, using the Spanish word for smuggler. One human smuggler who spoke on conditions of anonymity, confirmed the bracelets were a system to designate who has paid for the right to transit through cartel territory. "They are putting these (bracelets) on so there aren't killings by mistake," he said. Migrants and smugglers say the use of bracelets to designate who has paid for the right to cross the river is a system required by the cartels that control waterfront territory in the conflict-ridden state of Tamaulipas. In January, a group of migrants were massacred in Tamaulipas state just 40 miles (70 km) west of Reynosa. Twelve local Mexican police have been arrested in connection with the massacre. Albion, IN (46701) Today Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low near 55F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. This isnt a run of the mill letter on the topic mentioned in the title, but a broader view on the issue. With the devastating effects of this past year both economically and health insurance-wise, I believe its finally time to admit the past 40 years of destruction and derailment of the labor movement need to come to an end. The pandemic has shown a bright light on the tremendous difficulties and disparity working people face every day the hunger, lack of access to health care, impossible rent and eviction situation. Unions can help fix and repair a lot of the economy for working people. Unions can make lives more livable and affordable to millions who now work in low-wage service jobs. Hence, the pro-life aspect. They can give working people a voice and leverage of which they now have none. They can promote a healthier life because workers can have health care and less stress about meeting the bills and obligations of living. Of course, the current group of oligarchs and corporate rich will fight tooth and nail to prevent this from happening. They like the status quo as they reap billions in profit from the working poor. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. 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In accordance with the plan approved by President of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army will start to conduct the operational-tactical exercises with the involvement of types of troops (forces) on March 15, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry website. "The exercises that will be held under the leadership of the Minister of Defense involve up to 10,000 military personnel, up to 100 tanks and other armored vehicles, up to 200 missiles and artillery systems of various caliber, multiple launch rocket systems, and mortars, up to 30 military aviation assets, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes," the statement reads. In the exercises to be held in a mountain-wooded area with difficult terrain, the main attention considering the combat experience gained during the Patriotic war will be focused on controlling troops, bringing them into the state of combat readiness and regrouping, as well as on improving combat coordination and interoperability between the Army Corps, Rocket and Artillery Troops, aviation and Special Forces. The ministry noted that during the exercises, which will last until March 18, the troops will fulfill tasks to fight against terrorist detachments (groups), in particular, illegal armed formations, and to conduct counter-terrorism operations. The government on Wednesday amended telecom licence norms that will enable it to control the installation of network equipment from non-trusted sources. With effect from June 15, telecom operators will be required to take permission from the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) for up-gradation of existing networks, utilising the not designated as trusted products. According to the license amendment, the NCSC will be the designated authority that can impose conditions for the procurement of on the grounds of "Defence of India" or matters directly related to national security. "Designated authority shall notify the categories of equipment for which the security related to Trusted sources are applicable. For the said categories of equipment designated authority shall notify the trusted sources along with the associated telecommunication equipment (trusted products)," according to the amendment. It will help the government control sourcing of products from China and other non-friendly countries. The NCSC may also notify a list of designated sources from whom no procurement can be done. "With effect from 15th June 2021, the licences, shall only connect trusted products in its network and also seek permission from the designated authority for up-gradation of an existing network utilising the telecommunication equipment not designated as trusted products. "However, these directions will not affect ongoing annual maintenance contracts or updates to existing equipment already induced in the network as on date of effect," the amendment notification said. While the government has not barred procurement of equipment from Chinese companies, it amended the general financial rules (GFR) 2017 to enable the imposition of restrictions on bidders in public procurement from countries that share a land border with India on grounds of defence of India, or matters directly or indirectly related thereto, including national security. Public need to scrap tenders if a qualified bidder is from a country that shares a land border with India, which includes China. J Sagar Associates partner Tony Verghese said that the amendment of the telecom licenses by the DoT regarding the procurement of was an expected move in light of the 5G auctions. "The recent incidents allegedly by Chinese hackers have definitely hastened the process with the government inclined towards a new national strategy to strengthen the country's security. "Telecom equipment's play a vital role in telecom connectivity and data transfer, which has a direct impact on the national security of India. Therefore, such a policy decision, which definitely impacts significant market players, clearly conveys the government's stand on national security," Verghese 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.) But with the enormous interest the interview has generated worldwide, with even President Biden remarking that Meghan showed courage in raising the issues she did, it remained unclear how long that pose of studied indifference could be maintained. The firestorms for a British government seeking to extend its influence beyond Europe after Brexit have seemed to multiply by the day. None were as divisive or as threatening to the royal familys standing as those surrounding race. Meghans claim that a family member had raised a question about the skin color of the couples son, Archie, added to longstanding complaints about the racist treatment of her by the British tabloids. A declaration on Monday in defense of the news media from the Society of Editors, an industry body, prompted protests from 160 journalists of color and was disavowed by the editors of the Guardian and the Financial Times. That gave rise to a new statement on Wednesday acknowledging that there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion. One of Meghans strongest and unrelenting critics, Piers Morgan, a co-host of the ITV news show Good Morning Britain, resigned on Tuesday in the wake of his on-air attack on her, which generated more than 40,000 complaints to a broadcast regulator. On Wednesday, CNN reported that Meghan had formally complained to ITV herself. There was no immediate confirmation of the CNN report, which was not attributed to a named source. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Its rare, if not unprecedented, for an MMA fighter to be accused of domestic abuse in the middle of a fight. It happened to Albuquerques Jordan Espinosa on Saturday. After that, for Espinosa, things only got worse. Near the end of the second round of Espinosas UFC 259 prelim fight on Saturday against Tim Elliott in Las Vegas, Nevada, Elliott while belaboring Espinosa en route to a win by lopsided, unanimous decision began a startling conversation. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ You choked a girl in 2018. So youre a woman beater? Youre a (bleeping) woman beater? Elliott said. You dont know the whole story, Espinosa replied. I know enough, Elliott responded. You dont know (bleep), Espinosa said. Later, in a post-fight interview, Elliott said hed seen a Facebook post from a woman who claimed to have been choked unconscious by Espinosa in December 2018. I dont know the whole story and it wasnt something I wanted the whole world to hear, Elliott said. That was supposed to be between him and I. I didnt know the mic was gonna pick up on it. But it was kind of disturbing, the whole thing. In response, Bryan Hamper, Espinosas manager, issued the following statement to mmajunkie.com: We will not be commenting on Tim Elliotts accusations. It is extremely unfortunate that an athlete who has no information of the situation is given a platform to recklessly slander another athlete with no credible information other than a (Facebook) message. It sets a dangerous precedence allowing this type of behavior to make headlines. Words matter. Later, Amy Kaplan, a photographer/reporter for fansidedmma.com, re-posted a Feb. 26 Facebook post from an Albuquerque woman named Manda Gonzales. In the post, Gonzales accuses Espinosa of manhandling her physically and then choking her unconscious in her apartment early on the morning of Dec. 22, 2018. Gonzales did not say shed been sexually penetrated, nor did she call the police. A phone message left for Espinosa on Sunday was not returned. She and Espinosa had been high school classmates, longtime friends and had dated briefly in the past, Gonzales wrote. On the night of Dec. 21, 2018, she wrote, Espinosa had joined her for pizza and drinks at the brewery where she worked. He then insisted on accompanying her to her new apartment, though, she wrote, she didnt want him to. Once at the apartment, she wrote, she tried to get Espinosa to leave, even calling a rideshare for that purpose. Eventually, Gonzales wrote, she tried to leave and use the rideshare herself. At that point, she wrote, Espinosa blocked her path, took her to the floor and choked her into unconsciousness. When she came to, she wrote, he was gone. Gonzales attached to her Facebook post two Snapchat posts, purportedly from Espinosa, blaming her for the altercation, I now realize u dont respect me as a person or a friend so Im gonna leave u be, the first Snapchat post read. Hope youre ok. Goodbye. . You literally started attacking me. Im not gonna go through that (expletive) with you. The second read, Bye Manda. That (expletive)s not cool at all and Im sad as (expletive) right now. During Saturdays fight, it appeared Elliott its stipulated here that MMA is a brutal sport went out of his way to brutalize Espinosa. Several times, Elliott pressed his forehead on Espinosas face and moved his head back and forth. In the third and final round, an Espinosa elbow opened a cut at Elliotts hairline. At the urging of his corner, Elliott rubbed his blood into Espinosas face and eyes. In his postfight interview, Elliott again acknowledged he didnt know if Gonzales accusations were true which is why, he said, he didnt intend his words during the fight to be heard by the commentators or by the UFC Fight Pass audience. I know people lie, he said. But it was pretty disturbing, the things that I was messaged and the pictures that I received. This is the only fight out of all the fights Ive had that was personal. DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Online Food Delivery Market & User, Country, Company Analysis & Forecast" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe Online Food Delivery Market is anticipated to be valued US$ 20.27 Billion by 2026, growing with a 5.83% CAGR from 2020 to 2026. Online food ordering market in Europe has grown multiple folds in the last five years. Europe online food delivery facility is growing year on year due to the escalating utility of smartphone phone users and the internet penetration rate; it contributes to the enormous growth of this market. Besides, COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way to order online food in Europe. As people are advised to remain at home and hotels are closed, so online food ordering has shown tremendous growth in this period. Due to this unprecedented growth, Europe online food industry is attracting a lot of investors. European venture capitalists maintained a healthy appetite for online food delivery sector: over 1.6 Billion have been invested in food logistics and delivery sector in the year 2019. In the year 2020 Europe Online Food Delivery Market was US$ 13.8 Billion. Online food delivery expands choice and availability, allowing consumers to order from various food delivery platforms and restaurants with a single click on their mobile phone. The expansion of the overall online food delivery business that allows customers to order food from restaurants plays a fundamental role in deriving market growth. The development of food delivery aggregators' like Grubhub, Uber Eats and Doordash in the Europe market has further contributed to the market growth. In 2020, Uber Eat, Glovo, delivery Club, Just Eat and Deliveroo are the top five highest installed food delivery apps across Europe. In Europe, Online Food Deliveries are operated with two Business Models: New Delivery Players & Aggregators New Delivery Players platform is the new entrant in which they build their logistic networks providing delivery for restaurants that don't have their drivers. In contrast, the aggregators, which are part of the traditional-delivery category, take orders from customers and route them to restaurants, which handle the delivery themselves. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Europe Online Food Delivery Market 6. Share Analysis 6.1 Market Share by Country 6.2 Market Share by Platform Type 6.3 User share by Platform Type 7. Europe Online Food Delivery Market 7.1 Platform to Consumer Delivery 7.2 Restaurant to Consumer Delivery 8. Europe Online Food Delivery User 8.1 Platform to Consumer Delivery 8.2 Restaurant to Consumer Delivery 9. Country Analysis 9.1 Germany 9.1.1 Market 9.1.1.1 Platform to consumer delivery 9.1.1.2 Restaurant to consumer delivery 9.1.2 User 9.1.2.1 Platform to consumer delivery 9.1.2.2 Restaurant to consumer delivery 9.1.3 Penetration Rate 9.1.3.1 Platform to consumer delivery 9.1.3.2 Restaurant to consumer delivery 9.1.4 Share Analysis 9.1.4.1 Key Players Share, 2018 9.1.4.2 User Share by Age Group, 2019 9.1.4.3 User Share by Gender, 2019 9.1.4.4 User Share by Income Group, 2019 9.2 United Kingdom 9.3 France 9.4 Italy 9.5 Russia 10. Company Analysis 10.1 Takeaway 10.1.1 Overview 10.1.2 Recent Developments 10.1.3 Revenue Analysis 10.2 Dominos 10.3 Deliveroo 10.4 Just Eat 10.5 Uber Eats For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rnlv0e Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Wai Hung Intends to Build Approximately 1 Million Smart Parking Spaces in Nine Countries in the MiddleEast Countries With Total Contract Sum Reaches Over HK$100 Billion HONG KONG, Mar 9, 2021 (ACN Newswire) Wai Hung Group Holdings Limited (\Wai Hung\ or the \Group\) (stock code: 3321) is pleased to announce that Wai Hung Hong Construction Engineering Limited (\WHHCE\), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Investment Projects General Trading Company (\IPGT\) today. The Group intends to build facilities for approximately 1 million smart parking spaces and provide relevant construction services for the proposed urban property project in the MiddleEast Countries to be developed with IPGT (the \Middle East Project\). The parties shall not cooperate with any third party in providing artificial intelligence garage system in the MiddleEast Countries within the term of the Cooperation Agreement (i.e. 5 years). IPGT is a company incorporated in the State of Kuwait, which is principally engaged in the business of infrastructure and high-tech products and systems in the Middle East. The shareholders and key member of the management of IPGT include Sheikh Ali Khalifa Al-Sabah (\Sheikh Ali\), a member of Kuwait\-\-s royal family who served as the finance minister and oil minister of Kuwait and the chairman of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and has substantial business resources in the Middle East. Mr. Li Kam Hung, Chairman of Wai Hung Group Holdings Limited, said, \The cooperation between the Group and IPGT is to aim at fulfilling a long-term objective in building facilities for approximately 1 million smart parking spaces in nine countries in the MiddleEast Countries, i.e., the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (namely, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates), Egypt, Iraq and Jordan. The total contract sum of the Middle East Project, if materialised fully, could reach over HK$100 billion. The Board is of the view that such cooperation with IPGT will further diversify the Group\-\-s business scope and source of income as a whole. It may also facilitate cooperation between the Company and major enterprises in Japan, Korea and China that are interested in infrastructure projects in the Middle East. The Group is expected to establish a leading position in the industry upon completion of the project.\ About Wai Hung Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code:3321) Wai Hung Group is a contractor providing fitting-out services and repair and maintenance services in Macau. The Group\-\-s fitting-out services primarily cover refitting works for existing buildings and extend to casinos, retail areas, hotels, restaurants, commercial properties and residential properties. The Group has developed smart garage since September 2020 to diversify its businesses. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 A banner and installations are set up by the Seoul branch of the National Election Commission in front of the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday, calling on residents to participate in the April 7 by-election to select the mayor of Seoul. Other local by-elections are being held on the day including one for the mayor of Busan. Yonhap U.S. President Joe Biden has put the oil industry and oil-producing states on edge with his plans to reform oil and gas permitting and leasing practices on federal land and in federal waters. Currently, the Administration is pausing new oil and natural gas leases pending completion of a review for potential changes to the regulations. Although it is not clear yet how restrictive those changes would be, the industry and analysts are trying to quantify how much U.S. oil production would suffer in the medium and long term. Immediate impacts will likely be negligible, but in the medium to long term, new regulations could have far-reaching consequences, not only on U.S. shale production and conventional production offshore but also on the oil revenues and budgets of the states where a large part of the drilling activity currently takes place on federal lands. Wide Range Of Scenarios All forecasts show there will be impacts on production and tax revenues for states. But how drastic those impacts would be will depend on the final rules and how successful the industry will be in challenging potential drastic measures in courts. According to Wood Mackenzie, the current temporary moratorium will have little impact on oil production. The review process, however, could result in more far-reaching measures, such as heftier royalties or environmental obligations on new leases, a ban on new lease sales and/or the prohibition of new permits on existing leases. It could also result in something close to business as usual, said Pablo Prudencio Senior Research Analyst, US Lower 48 Supply, at WoodMac. Related: How Oil Could Go To $100 Per Barrel Around 6 percent of U.S. oil production comes from federal lands, so just a fraction of shale output would be directly affected by changes to the new lease permitting process. However, banning new federal drilling permits on existing leases is a more extreme scenario, which would put future supply volumes at risk and dent future drilling inventories in some regions, WoodMacs Prudencio says. Leasing Restrictions To Slow Down Permian Production Growth In the Permian, the top U.S. shale basin, production growth will slow down and activity will move from New Mexico to Texas since half of New Mexicos oil production comes from federal acreage in the Permian, Garrett Golding and Kunal Patel, business economists in the Research Department at the Dallas Fed, said in a report earlier this month. In the reference case, where leasing, permitting, and drilling is little changed from Q1 2021 levels, Permian production would grow from 4.3 million bpd in 2020 to 5.3 million bpd in December 2025, while New Mexicos output would grow to 1.5 million bpd from 1 million bpd now, at WTI Crude averaging $50 a barrel. Assuming no new federal leasing but existing leaseholders still receiving drilling permits, Permian production would rise to 5.1 million in 2025. But New Mexicos output would rise by just 100,000 bpd, according to the Dallas Fed. In the most restrictive case, where no new federal permits or extensions are granted starting in 2023, Permian production would still rise, to 4.8 million bpd in 2025, but New Mexicos output would decline to 700,000 bpd, or 800,000 bpd less than in the reference case. States With Large Federal Land Production Will Hurt Economically The variations in Permians expected production are an exemplar of how the states with more drilling activity on federal lands will see their oil production decline. New Mexico will be one of the most adversely affected states, with tax collections plunging and employment dropping, as production and employment across the basin will gradually shift from federal lands in New Mexico to private and state lands in New Mexico and Texas, with wide-ranging economic implications for the region, the Dallas Fed noted. Related: Is South Koreas Monster Wind Farm Feasible? A ban on federal leasing could cost New Mexico 62,000 jobs by 2022 while $1.1 billion in New Mexico revenue would be at risk, the American Petroleum Institute (API) says. The fiscal impact on New Mexico will be large, according to the Dallas Fed. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, New Mexico received $2.6 billion from oil and gas industry taxes, royalties, and feesone-third of the states general fundwith $809 million coming from the states share of minerals revenue on federal properties. Democratic-led New Mexico faces a dilemmasupport for President Bidens climate policies and restrictions on federal oil drilling would mean much lower revenues for the state to use for education, schools, and other government programs. Other states will also suffer from restrictions on drilling on federal lands. In Wyoming, for example, the federal lease moratorium will impact 75 percent of the states conventional fields and 60 percent of drillable land, the University of Wyomings Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI) said in a report earlier this month. This policy will restrict, or possibly prevent, access to 2.9 billion barrels of potentially recoverable oil reserves on federal lands and the associated $12.9 billion in tax revenue, the report says. Offshore Oil Production Set To Suffer The Most Onshore production in some states such as Wyoming and New Mexico will suffer the most, but overall, the biggest impact of changes to leasing regulations is set to be felt offshore, in the Gulf of Mexico. We expect production from other basins to decline against business-as-usual forecasts as well, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, where the federal government manages nearly all oil and gas activity, Dallas Feds economists said. The API said in a report last year the U.S. offshore oil production would drop by 44 percent by 2030, while offshore natural gas production would fall by 68 percent. Referring to the suspension of new leases, Chevrons CEO Michael Wirth said on the Q4 earnings call in January that the risks are probably greater in the Gulf of Mexico. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The gold ball used in size comparison with a 1 cent coin. According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, every mass bends space-time. Credit: Tobias Westphal / Arkitek Scientific Researchers at the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, led by Markus Aspelmeyer have succeeded in measuring the gravitational field of a gold sphere, just 2 mm in diameter, using a highly sensitive pendulumand thus the smallest gravitational force. The experiment opens up new possibilities for testing the laws of gravity on previously unattained small scales. The results are published in the journal Nature. Gravity is the weakest of all known forces in natureand yet it is most strongly present in our everyday lives. Every ball we throw, every coin we dropall objects are attracted by the Earth's gravity. In a vacuum, all objects near the Earth's surface fall with the same acceleration: their velocity increases by about 9.8 m/s every second. The strength of gravity is determined by the mass of the Earth and the distance from the center. On the Moon, which is about 80 times lighter and almost 4 times smaller than the Earth, all objects fall 6 times slower. And on a planet of the size of a ladybug? Objects would fall 30 billion times slower there than on Earth. Gravitational forces of this magnitude normally occur only in the most distant regions of galaxies to trap remote stars. A team of quantum physicists led by Markus Aspelmeyer and Tobias Westphal of the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences has now demonstrated these forces in the laboratory for the first time. To do so, the researchers drew on a famous experiment conducted by Henry Cavendish at the end of the 18th century. During the time of Isaac Newton, it was believed that gravity was reserved for astronomical objects such as planets. It was not until the work of Cavendish (and Nevil Maskelyne before him) that it was possible to show that objects on Earth also generate their own gravity. Using an elegant pendulum device, Cavendish succeeded in measuring the gravitational force generated by a lead ball 30 cm tall and weighing 160 kg in 1797. A so-called torsion pendulumtwo masses at the ends of a rod suspended from a thin wire and free to rotateis measurably deflected by the gravitational force of the lead mass. Over the coming centuries, these experiments were further perfected to measure gravitational forces with increasing accuracy. Gravity is measured between two gold masses (1mm radius each) that are brought close to each other. Credit: Tobias Westphal, University of Vienna The Vienna team has picked up this idea and built a miniature version of the Cavendish experiment. A 2 mm gold sphere weighing 90 mg serves as the gravitational mass. The torsion pendulum consists of a glass rod 4 cm long and half a millimeter thick, suspended from a glass fiber a few thousandths of a millimeter in diameter. Gold spheres of similar size are attached to each end of the rod. "We move the gold sphere back and forth, creating a gravitational field that changes over time," explains Jeremias Pfaff, one of the researchers involved in the experiment. "This causes the torsion pendulum to oscillate at that particular excitation frequency." The movement, which is only a few millionths of a millimeter, can then be read out with the help of a laser and allows conclusions to be drawn about the force. The difficulty is keeping other influences on the motion as small as possible. "The largest non-gravitational effect in our experiment comes from seismic vibrations generated by pedestrians and tram traffic around our lab in Vienna," says co-author Hans Hepach: "We therefore obtained the best measurement data at night and during the Christmas holidays, when there was little traffic." Other effects such as electrostatic forces could be reduced to levels well below the gravitational force by a conductive shield between the gold masses. This made it possible to determine the gravitational field of an object that has roughly the mass of a ladybug for the first time. As a next step, it is planned to investigate the gravity of masses thousands of times lighter. The possibility of measuring gravitational fields of small masses and at small distances opens up new perspectives for research in gravitational physics; traces of dark matter or dark energy could be found in the behavior of gravity, which could be responsible for the formation of our present universe. Aspelmeyer's researchers are particularly interested in the interface with quantum physics: can the mass be made small enough for quantum effects to play a role? Only time will tell. For now, the fascination with Einstein's theory of gravity still prevails. "According to Einstein, the gravitational force is a consequence of the fact that masses bend spacetime in which other masses move," says first author Tobias Westphal. "So what we are actually measuring here is how a ladybug warps space-time." Explore further Development of a displacement sensor to measure gravity of smallest source mass ever More information: Measurement of gravitational coupling between millimetre-sized masses, Nature (2021). dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03250-7 Journal information: Nature Measurement of gravitational coupling between millimetre-sized masses,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03250-7 It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Peoples health is the foundation for human civilization and social progress, and a significant symbol of national prosperity and strength, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted on March 6. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when he 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 Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Chinas top political advisory body, in Beijing, capital of China. Xi joined them in the discussion and heard their comments and suggestions. The CPC has always attached great importance to peoples health. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee led by Xi has placed safeguarding peoples health in a more prominent position. From issuing the Healthy China 2030 blueprint to deciding at the 19th CPC National Congress to implement the Healthy China initiative, and then incorporating the implementation of the Healthy China initiative into the countrys Basic Healthcare and Health Promotion Law, China has made its path of healthcare and health development that suits its national reality wider and wider. A political partys governance effectiveness and philosophy can be seen through the efforts it makes to safeguard peoples health in a major health crisis. In the face of the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CPC Central Committee has always put people and their lives before anything else, and protected peoples lives and health to the greatest extent. By making all-out efforts to treat every patient, be it a centenarian or a newborn baby, the CPC has fully proven its determination to give top priority to safeguarding peoples health and shown the world once again that the Party always stays true to its promises made to the people. China made notable achievements in health undertakings during its 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020). By the end of 2019, the average life expectancy of the Chinese people had risen to 77.3 years, while more than 1.35 billion people had been covered by the countrys basic medical insurance. Nevertheless, the country still faces a complex situation where threats from multiple diseases coexist and many factors affecting peoples health intertwine. Safeguarding peoples health remains a long-term systematic project. Chinas fight against the COVID-19, while demonstrating its national strength again, has also helped the country understand that it can only realize the sound and coordinated development of the health sector and its economic and social development by making efforts to ensure the delivery of comprehensive and full-lifecycle health services for the people, speeding up the establishment and improvement of relevant institutions and systems, guaranteeing public health security, and accelerating the formation of lifestyles, modes of production, economic and social development patterns and governance models that are conducive to peoples health. Health is an eternal aspiration of all mankind. In recent years, China has constantly strengthened international cooperation in the health sector, and achieved important progress in its participation in global health governance. Under the belief that nothing matters more than peoples lives, China has actively carried out international cooperation on combating the COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic. The country has provided all possible assistance and support within its capacity for over 150 countries and 13 international organizations in the global fight against the COVID-19, and has provided or is providing free vaccine aid for more than 60 countries in need, fully demonstrating its sense of responsibility as a major country. According to Chinas latest Report on the work of the government released on March 5, the countrys new economic and social development goals for this year include raising the average life expectancy of the Chinese people by one year and advancing the implementation of the Healthy China initiative in an all-round way. These new goals represent a clear signal that China is bound to further enhance its capability to safeguard peoples health during its 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Vicky Kaushal has a very underrated sense of style. Rarely will you see him in an outfit that is outlandish, or over the top. As opposed to most of his fellow Bollywood celebrities, Vicky is someone who likes to keep things understated. Instagram/vickykaushal09 That is not to say that hes not stylish. He just as much about style, as hes for practical and functional dressing. Unless hes at an event or an award ceremony, youre likely to see Vicky in a simplistic outfit, with some technical element or the other. It seems that the actor has taken a liking for technical wear. Instagram/vickykaushal09 Very recently, Vicky was seen at the Mumbai airport in a rather sick-looking outfit. It was understated, but at the same time, it was very hip. Viral Bhayani Vicky was seen in a dope-looking outfit, which comprised of a black field jacket, with chunky pockets, a basic looking pair of denim and a pair of rugged boots. Adding a cherry on top of this outfit, was the grey beanie that Vicky was wearing. Viral Bhayani The field jacket that Vicky is wearing is actually quite interesting. Designed and made by the Dutch luxury streetwear brand, G-Star Raw, the summer jacket is actually called, the Hunting Field Softshell. GStar RAW The jacket is somewhat sustainably made and constitutes at least 20 per cent of recycled polyester. At 215, or roughly Rs 22,000, the jacket is not exactly affordable. However, it is actually cheap, considering what we have seen celebs often wear. Plus, the technical-looking pockets do add their own charm. GStar RAW Then, there are the boots that Vicky is seen wearing. Hes seen here, in perhaps one of the toughest and most rugged pairs of boots we have seen. These are the Men's Brooklyn Side-Zip Sneaker Boots from Timberland. Viral Bhayani The grey suede sneaker boots have premium grade leather uppers. The mesh linings and parts of the sole are made of using recycled plastic bottles. These sneakers are legit built like a tank. Timberland Just take a look at the sole or the tread of the boots. When was the last time you saw a pair of shoes with a tread like that? They seriously are chunkier than most tyres on modern cars. Timberland In fact, so tough are these boots, that several search and rescue operators across the world actually issue a variation of these boots as a part of their uniform. Viral Bhayani One would assume that the sneaker would be very expensive. Not so, actually. At $160 or Rs 11,500, they arent exactly cheap, but they are affordable if youre looking for a really good pair of boots to go trekking in. Plus, you can often pick these up for a discount, if you know where to look. Viral Bhayani All in all, thats actually quite the outfit that Vickys got there. We love how he went for pieces that have at least tried to go a little sustainable. Kudos, Vicky, thats a job well done. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Digital transformation. Post-COVID planning. Loan growth strategies. Generational marketing. Those are all important topics. Youve got plenty of resources for each. But this article? Its going to talk about something I guarantee is 100% new to you. In fact, consider this the first time it has EVER been discussed within the credit union world. Food. Yes, food. And your credit union. Along with members and your larger community. If this sounds crazy, youre right. Its also a peek into what could become a $1 Trillion industry. Thats a T, for trillion, in case it didnt register the first time through. Its ok, youre wondering where this is going, and how it could possibly connect to your credit union. I promise Ill get there. First, let me introduce this concept, which, by the way, your Gen Z and Millennial relatives already use (whether they realize it or not). The Delivery Shift You know the basics of a restaurant, even if you havent been inside one in a while. Theres a building with seating areas, perhaps a bar, and a kitchen in the back. When you order from a waiter or that Ziosk device on your table, a ticket goes into the kitchen to prepare your food. A short time later, youve got a piping-hot meal, fresh from no more than 50 feet away. Its just as delicious as you remember, which is why you came back to this particular restaurant. The food is consistent and you trust their brand to deliver, even if you visit another location. Of course, once the pandemic struck, we turned to take out and delivery. The food delivery segment surged 164% in 2020. Like other things, COVID accelerated transformation. Yet it was already on this track. Delivery has grown 300% faster than dine in over the past 5 years. And most people hungry at home just opened up Yelp to call their favorite restaurant, right? Nope, they downloaded: GrubHub (which acquired Seamless and Eat24) Uber Eats Postmates (which Uber acquired) DoorDash (which had a huge 2020 IPO) Drizly (for alcohol, another service Uber acquired) If youve been on these apps before, you know how simple they make getting food to your front door. Theyre also surprisingly good at making what you want as important as where its from. When youve got a burrito craving, it makes sense to filter by fillings rather than source. Ordering food for most now means opening a delivery app and not a specific restaurants site. If this concept sounds silly to you, rest assured, youre currently not their target audience. But you might be after finishing this article. Because that list of nearby restaurants and food items showing in Uber Eats has a secret: Some of those restaurants dont exist. Ghost Kitchens No, this isnt some Halloween Horror Nights event. A ghost kitchen is simply a cooking facility that produces food only for delivery with no dine-in or customer facing areas. You may recall commissary kitchens, where you can set up shop in a fully-prepped cooking space. Ghost kitchens are similar, except they can also be part of another, already operating, restaurant. Say you own a taco stand and want to bring in a bit more revenue. You could consider preparing pizzas under a different, delivery-only, brand. Many places are doing this now, especially as dine-in activity collapsed throughout 2020. However, this isnt a new concept. There are currently 1,500 ghost kitchens in America. Globally, its caught on to a larger degree, with over 7,500 in China and 3,500 in India. As mentioned earlier, projections put it at a $1 trillion industry in less than a decade. How do you promote a menu which has no physical location to visit? Even food trucks stop to sell their goods! Delivery apps. When scrolling on your phone, it doesnt matter if the restaurant has a location, just that they can deliver your wet burrito in 32 minutes. Ok, so we recognize the enormous growth in food delivery apps, the expansion of ghost kitchens, and how seamlessly they fit together. Where, you are probably thinking, is the credit union connection? Enjoy your side of guac and chips as we prepare the main course. Ghost Franchises Heres where it gets interesting. Say youre a YouTube celebrity with millions of followers (this is absolutely a thing), and you want to promote a new way to monetize your audience. Product placement and paid promotions are fine, but theyre old-school. You want something fun. Something tasty. What if you could open a national restaurant chain with items fully to your branding, and youd earn a piece of every food sale? Oh, and you wanted to do it with minimal investment. Sounds crazy, right? Not anymore. Today, youd work with a ghost kitchen consultant to set up a ghost franchise. Together, you come up with the restaurant name, its food items, and on-brand descriptions and graphics. Then, you food test and create standardized recipes. Finally, distribution. Your consultant helps recruit a regional or national network (depending on your goals) of restaurants and ghost kitchens willing to make your food. These are often large chains, so one agreement can bring in hundreds of locations. And, there is no step 3. Youre A (Delivery) Restaurateur In that entire footprint, your restaurant chain goes live in delivery apps. Overnight, your fans can order your burger in 95% of metro areas, sharing their response videos about it the next day. And everyone using their existing apps sees a new restaurant in their area. This isnt a hypothetical. MrBeast, a YouTube star with over 50 million followers, opened MrBeast Burger in just this fashion. Hes not alone. Celebrities as wide-ranging as existing restaurant owners to reality stars follow this model. Guy Fieri has 130 regions where you can take the virtual drive to Flavortown Kitchen. Mariah Carey (yes, that one) has a whole line of cookies available in 39 states. For the Jersey Shore fans, you can chew on Pauly Ds Italian Subs. With a bit of planning, anyone can launch a food brand. And, since its fully virtual, you can evolve it as needed. So what if you wanted to do more than just fill stomachs? Is it possible for this model to improve communities? The Credit Union Food Connection Bank, borrowbite? Eating isnt often associated with your financial institution. Unless its a lunch-and-learn session or department pizza party (remember those?), business revolves around dollars and members, not dining. The community and member-facing side of your credit union exudes financial empowerment. You aim to lift people up through your products and services, and dont need me to explain that aspect of your mission. But whats a major challenge? Communicating this effort to the public. What if your credit union started a restaurant? Backed by ghost kitchens, you could build a brand that connects back to your own, raising awareness and excitement for your initiative. The menu items could have names relating to savings or financial goals. Descriptions could include witty connections to local charities and member success stories. If this sounds unfeasible, you havent let your marketing team run wild. An Order of Community Improvement with a Side of Financial Education By using the ghost franchise model, you could open an app-visible restaurant chain across your entire member footprint. Besides traffic from regular users of delivery apps, you would promote it through your social media and website (especially mobile bankingengage them on the same device!). Sure beats another message about how your rates are the lowest in town. Or that a HELOC with your credit union is a great decision. I guarantee your members are not expecting to hear about daily specialsof food! Start your order now! With items advancing financial literacy and the whole model promoting your brand, what else could you do for the community? Remember the references to local charities (or your foundation efforts)? They can be more than just mentions. Think real giving. Your model can accommodate a portion of sales to support these charities. Share quarterly updates with members about how their eating habits made a real difference. Tell them how many backpacks you got for underprivileged kids, or how many meals they helped you serve at a local food bank. Most importantly, ensure your members feel part of the effort. Thank them for supporting the community with every order. Tell them exactly what their order provided for a partnered charity. Remember all those discussions about how Millennials and Gen Z like (and tell friends about) companies who are genuine in their mission? Show them on their turf. Food: The Next Credit Union Frontier? Every day, you read articles warning that without innovation, your credit union will struggle to succeed. Normally, they suggest advancing your digital transformation, and some promote their own products. Yet all of them reinforce your role as a banking establishment. What if you could blur what your community thinks it means to be a credit union? Sure, you provide tools to advance financial literacy and empowerment. But you also have a killer loaded potato, stuffed with informative nuggets about building a savings strategy and the knowledge youre helping support those less fortunate. Whos hungry for some real change? A baby seal has died from stress after crowds of people gather round to pet and photograph it on a Russian beach. The animal was washed ashore after a violent storm near the village of Zarubino, in far eastern Russia's Primorsky Krai region. The helpless pup was spotted by local residents who approached it with dogs and cameras despite its cries. A baby seal has died from stress after crowds of people gather round to pet and photograph it on a Russian beach The seal was petted for several hours while its anxious mother was swimming nearby waiting for an opportunity to approach its baby. Local animal rights activists took the seal under their protection after learning about the incident. They guarded the seal from dogs and people standing at a distance so that the baby's mother could not smell their presence. The mother twice approached and sniffed its baby and every time returned to the water alone, leaving its pup on the shore. The seal was petted for several hours while its anxious mother was swimming nearby waiting for an opportunity to approach its baby Local animal rights activists took the seal under their protection after learning about the incident Local animal rights activists took the seal (pictured in hospital) under their protection after learning about the incident When dusk came, the mother abandoned the pup and swam away. The baby seal was taken to a rehabilitation centre in a state of severe shock after the intense human interaction. Vets found out it was a girl, named it Nelly and gave medical assistance. The baby seal was taken to a rehabilitation centre in a state of severe shock after the intense human interaction But despite their best efforts Nelly died the following night. 'Nelly died from the physiological effects of stress. The baby seals are very fearful. The hormones of stress, adrenaline and cortisol kill them', a representative of the centre said. Following the incident, vets warned people not to approach wild animals and call specialists instead. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria said on Wednesday that the pending amount of insurance claims of farmers till 2020 would be paid by March 31 under the Prime Minister Scheme. Kataria informed the House that the state's share had also been deposited under the scheme. He said payment by insurance companies could not be made on time due to discrepancies in showing the average yield. The minister was replying to supplementary questions asked in this regard by the MLAs during the question hour. He said that the insurance claim amount would be paid in the next 10 days for rabi 2018-19 in Churu district. The agriculture minister informed that for kharif 2019, Rs 1.50-crore insurance claim of 1,153 farmers of Kota, Ajmer, Jalore and Sawai Madhopur had been remitted to their account on Monday. He said the pending insurance amount was being paid continuously to the farmers. In kharif 2020, Rs 900 crore had been deposited as the state premium. Earlier, in a written reply to the question of MLA Divya Maderna, Kataria said no insurance claims of farmers for rabi 2017-18 and kharif 2018 were pending with insurance companies under the scheme. He tabled the subdivision-wise list of pending insurance claims of rabi 2018-19, kharif 2019 and rabi 2019-20. He said in these pending claim cases, the state's premium had been paid in the past. (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.) Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Shark Tank is the long-running ABC show where budding entrepreneurs pitch their businesses or inventions to investors, hoping to raise capital to expand. Because the episode has yet to air, they could not disclose much of their appearance. But Fleischhauer and Valiulis said they are excited to see themselves on screen. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Expecting mothers in Alabama can be vaccinated in Phase 1C of the state's allocation plan. Infectious disease expert, Dr. Ali Hassoun, said we're just weeks away from entering Phase 1C. He believes doses of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine will help get the state to the next phase of vaccinations. Dr. Hassoun said that two studies have been done and show that pregnant women who get vaccinated are able to give their antibodies to their unborn children. Madison resident, Heather Tenneson, was no longer pregnant when she got vaccinated but was breastfeeding her newborn baby, Hannah. She was hopeful Hannah may have gotten the antibodies from breastfeeding. "I was pretty excited when she did," said Tenneson. Tenneson said if she were pregnant, she would get the vaccine. Dr. Hassoun said pregnant women are concerned about the safety of the vaccine and fertility. He said there's no research that links infertility to the vaccine. "More then 9,000 pregnant women have got the vaccine, and from the data, we haven't seen any issues or an effect on the baby," said Dr. Hassoun. Dr. Hassoun said if you're expecting, it's best to get the vaccine. He said there's a greater risk of complications from the virus than there's from the vaccine. Tenneson, a mother of three, said her advice is just to speak with your doctor on what's best to do. "I would just say talk to their doctor. That's really the best thing that you can do," said Tenneson. This article will be updated with the latest San Antonio news about the coronavirus vaccine and other need-to-know information about the pandemic. Thursday May 27 Ease the sting of your COVID-19 vaccine shot with help from WellMed and Beethoven Mannerchor. The "Shot and a Beer at Beethoven" promotion will give a free beer to non-vaccinated, drinking-age adults who receive their vaccination at Beethoven Mannerchor on Friday, June 4. WellMed's vaccination station, which will administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, will be on-site from 4 to 7 p.m. Yes, that means you'll just be showing up early for First Friday. Though walk-ins are welcome, interested adults are encouraged to register online for the vaccine and asked to show a photo ID. Tuesday May 25 Beginning Tuesday, San Antonians who get vaccinated at any scheduled clinics will receive a complimentary one-day ticket to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. You can check eligible clinics and dates here. In case you missed it, San Antonio has passed the mark for one million vaccinations. In Monday's COVID-19 update, the City of San Antonio announced that 1,008,521 residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. About 784,115 locals are fully vaccinated. Friday May 21 Family Service is partnering with Walmart to host three COVID-19 vaccination events in May and June, aiming to bring needed access to the West and South sides of San Antonio. Those who want to get vaccinated can get the Pfizer COVID-19 shot for free. Resources like gas cards, food boxes, and hygiene items will be provided to those who get the dose as well. The clinics will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates at the following locations: May 22 Family Services Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St., San Antonio, TX 78228 May 22 South San ISD, 2707 W. Gerald Ave., San Antonio, TX 78211 June 5 Harlandale ISD, 4040 Apollo St., San Antonio, TX 78214 Follow up appointments for the two-dose shot are scheduled on June 12 and June 26. Thursday May 20 WellMed and the City of San Antonio are partnering to bring a Fiesta themed drive-thru vaccination event to the city on Saturday, May 22. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Plaza Building at 2600 SW Military Dr., the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine will be available to those lined up.At the clinic will be El Rey Feo and other Fiesta royalty. Those who get their shot can take home a free Fiesta medal. The clinic is open to those 18 and older with no registration required. Those getting vaccinated must present an ID such as a drivers license, state ID or passport is required. Vaccinations are free and WellMed does not collect insurance information or bill insurance. Friday May 14 The City of San Antonio announced Friday that mask-wearing and social distancing will be optional for vaccinated government employees starting Monday, May 17. City departments will resume normal work days with signs that states that unvaccinated people are required to wear masks and that those feeling ill should stay or go home. City facilities will operate at 100 percent occupancy. Thursday May 13 Sul Ross Middle School on the northeast side will host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children over 12 on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can register at http://book.novelhealth.ai/nursing. Vaccines are also available for walk-ups, but only residents who have registered are guaranteed a vaccine. Saturday May 1 The Bexar County Sheriffs Office announced Saturday that inmates at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center will now be offered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with University Health System and Carvajal Pharmacy. Carvajal Pharmacy will be administering the first of two vaccines to nearly 200 inmates. Nursing staff at the jail will also offer new arrestees the option to receive the vaccine starting Saturday. Tuesday April 27 H-E-B announced Tuesday that they will begin to offer walk-in vaccines at all store pharmacies for two hours each day. Those without appointments can visit their H-E-B from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for their shot. All other times are still by appointment only. Thursday April 22 WellMed will schedule all new appointments for the two-shot Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center, 517 SW Military, starting next week. New appointments will no longer be available for the other WellMed-run community vaccination clinic at the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center, 8353 Culebra Road. People who received their first shot of Moderna at the Lopez Center will be able to take their second-dose appointments there through May 21. Meanwhile, CommuniCare Health Centers is partnering with the Alamo Colleges' Eastside Education & Training Center to provide free vaccines. The entities will host a vaccination drive-thru clinic at 4551 Dietrich Road on Wednesday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Interested individuals will need to fill out a pre-registration form in order to be secure an appointment time and date. You can find out more information by calling (210) 485-0848 or emailing DST-EETC@alamo.edu. Baptist Health System is offering the Pfizer vaccine at clinics scheduled at its hospital campuses through May 12. Available appointments for first dose of the vaccination can be viewed at this link: https://www.baptisthealthsystem.com/our-response-to-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-registration Wednesday April 21 UT Health is now offering walk-ins for people 16 and older. Those wanting a vaccine can go to the School of Nursing Hurd Auditorium at 7703 Floyd Curl Drive between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Monday April 19 Holy Cross High School will host a COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday, April 20. The walk-up or drive-up event will start at 11 a.m. at 426 N. San Felipe Ave. Anyone 16 and up are welcome to attend and receive a free Pfizer vaccine. Those ages 16-18 must have a parent or guardian with them. No appointment is necessary. Monday April 19 University Health opened 15,000 new appointments for no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations at its hub location at Wonderland of the Americas, at 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. The appointments are available for this week beginning Monday. Appointments can be scheduled at WeCanDoItSA.com or a: universityhealthsystem.com. Wonderland of the Americas COVID-19 Vaccination Center is open for walk-ins on the lower level Monday Friday from 8 a.m. 7 p.m. St. Philips College COVID-19 Vaccination Center is open for walk-ins 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday Friday. Friday April 16 The Alamodome is now accepting walk-in appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 years and older. The walk-ins can stop by from 2 to 5 p.m. starting Friday. No appointment is necessary. Wednesday April 14 WellMed has opened online registration for two clinics in San Antonio that will be offering the Moderna vaccine next week, according to a press release. The release says they are booking 9,000 appointments for those who need to receive their first dose shots to schedule on April 19-23. The shots will be distributed to patients at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center and the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center. Anyone 18 or older can sign up using the online registration link for the Cisneros Center or the registration link for the Lopez Center. The City of San Antonio has also launched a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list to help residents obtain an appointment. Residents who would like to sign-up for this waitlist can register online in English at sanantonio.gov/waitlist and in Spanish at sanantonio.gov/listadeespera. Residents may also call 311 and select option 8 or 210-207-6000 to speak with an operator to assist them. The hotline hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Tuesday April 13 WellMed plans to offer anyone signed up to receive a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through its clinic their first dose of Moderna instead after news that the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control recommended pausing the vaccine while serious side effects are investigated. Metro Health, UT Health, and University Health other local providers of the J&J vaccine have also paused administering it. According to a press release 45,800 doses of J&J vaccines have been allocated to Bexar County since March 8th, 2021. READ MORE: FDA recommends pausing Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for investigation into clots Monday April 12 All ages are now allowed to sign up for the vaccine at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center, 517 SW Military. WellMed is now taking online appointments for more than 4,000 first doses of the two-shot Moderna vaccine, to be administered Monday-Friday at the Cisneros Center. Anyone 18 and older can sign up. Go to https://signup.com/go/TYKxGUs Appointments also are available by calling the toll-free vaccination hotline at 833-968-1745. The hotline also is taking appointments for a community vaccination clinic at Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center, 8353 Culebra Road. The phone line is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Wednesday April 7 University Health has opened another COVID-19 vaccine hub at St. Philips College and they are allowing walk-in appointments for all ages from 3 to 5 p.m. each afternoon. The St. Philip's College COVID-19 Vaccination Center is located at 1801 Martin Luther King Drive in the St. Philips College Library and open from 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tuesday April 6 Starting Tuesday, April 6, people ages 75 or older may drive through the Alamodome vaccine site to receive a dose without an appointment, city officials announced at Monday's COVID-19 briefing. Health officials said 517,067 people have received their first dose, and 312,544 people in Bexar County are fully vaccinated. VIA will also continue offering complimentary transportation for anyone traveling to or from a city- or county-sponsored vaccination site, according to a press release. More than 1,900 passengers have taken advantage of this free service since it began in January, the release notes. In order to receive the free ride, passengers must present their appointment registration in print, electronically on their cell phones, or show their COVID-19 shot record. Tuesday, April 2 Gonzaba Medical group said to call 210-905-4276 to make an appointment for one of it's 2,000 Pfizer vaccine slots. Appointments will be made from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5, April 6 and April 7. The shots will be given at the Gonzaba Event Center at 933 Pleasanton Road. University Health is also scheduling multiple vaccinations through its web site: WeCanDoItSA.com Monday, March 29 Starting today, March 29, Texas will open COVID-19 vaccinations to all adults, according to a statement by the Texas Department of State and Health Services. This move makes Texas the first large state to open up vaccine eligibility for all adults, according to a report by the San Antonio Express-News. Thursday, March 25 Texas MedClinic will provide 2,500 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines through Metro Health starting March 25 through March 31 at four clinic locations, according to a press release from Texas MedClinic. The four Texas MedClinics are located on Broadway, Culebra, Southwest Military and Eisenhauer. Individuals must check-in online to receive an appointment. The vaccines are free and no cost to the patient. Wednesday, March 24 The Alamodome will open 30,000 first dose Pfizer vaccine appointments starting tomorrow, March 25 at 7 p.m., according to a press release from the City of San Antonio. The appointments will be available from April 6 - May 1 and are scheduled through the Metro Health COVID-19 vaccine registration website. Those without internet access can book their appointments by phone through the Customer Service COVID Hotline by dialing 311. Tuesday, March 23 Texas will open COVID-19 vaccinations to all adults beginning on March 29, according to a statement by the Texas Department of State and Health Services. "We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases," said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. DSHS is directing vaccine providers to still prioritize and accommodate people 80 and older, according to their Twitter. Friday, March 19 Have a vaccine appointment next month at the Alamodome? It may be rescheduled. San Antonio Metro Health announced that the Alamodome will be rescheduling all vaccine appointments from on April 2 to April 5. Patients will still have the same times. Monday, March 15 Starting today, all Texans, 50 and over, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Last week, Texas Health and Human Services made the announcement of activating Phase 1C of the vaccine distribution. This phase includes people 50 to 64 years of age. Thursday, March 11 CVS Health announced Thursday they will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas on Sunday, March 14, according to a press release. CVS says they will administer the vaccines to eligible populations at 74 more COVID-19 vaccine sites. Were proud to play a part in increasing access to the vaccine to as many people as possible to enable reopening efforts in the communities we serve, said Neela Montgomery, President of CVS Pharmacy and Executive Vice President, CVS Health. Individuals can book their appointments on Saturday, March 13 as the stores begin to receive the vaccines. To register, individuals can go to CVS.com, the CVS Pharmacy app or call the CVS Customer Service line at (800) 746-7287. Walk-ins will not be accepted without an appointment. Wednesday, March 10 Starting March 15, all Texans above the age of 50 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a release from Texas Health and Human Services. "More than 93 percent of the Texas fatalities directly caused by the coronavirus have been in people 50 and older, with those ages 50 to 64 accounting for 20 percent of all fatalities," the release states. Tuesday, March 9 Target stores are partnering with CVS Pharmacy to offer COVID-19 vaccines to over 600 stores nationwide, according to a release. The retailer says they will administer the vaccine through state and federal guidelines. Target will also make fitting rooms available to CVS at select stores to host appointments, their release states. To see participating locations visit CVS.com Monday, March 8 There will be 40,000 vaccine appointments at the Alamodome available throughout the next four weeks, with 10,000 allotted per week. Those appointments for the first-dose Pfizer vaccine will start today at 6 p.m. Residents can register on the Metro Health COVID-19 vaccine registration website. For residents who don't have access to the Internet they can call 311, option 8 to help with registration. Sunday, March 7 The appointment hotline for two of WellMed's community vaccination clinics is closed today for maintenance, according to a release. WellMed's COVID-19 vaccine hotline will reopen on Monday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until all the vaccine supply is finished. Currently, there is still 4,600 slots available, according to the release. The vaccines are given at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center and the Alicia Trevino Lopez One-Stop Center vaccination site.The hotline number is 833-968-17845. Thursday, March 4 WellMed's COVID-19 vaccine hotline will reopen on Friday, March 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. where they will be taking first-dose appointments only for the 9,000 new doses of the Moderna vaccine, according to a release. The hotline will be open everyday until all slots are filled. The hotline number is 833-968-17845 and is the only way to get an appointment. The vaccines are given at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center and the Alicia Trevino Lopez One-Stop Center vaccination site. Wednesday, March 3 WellMed's COVID-19 vaccine hotline has shutdown because all appointment slots at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center and the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior are full, according to a release. The hotline should be restored by Friday after 9,000 more COVID-19 vaccine shots are delivered. The hotline number is 833-968-17845. WellMed continues to require people to wear masks in its facilities. Monday, March 1 The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District latest batch of vaccines 10,000 first dose vaccines were filled. All of the appointments were taken within minutes, according to Laura Mayes, city spokeswoman. Due to limited quantity, vaccine registration is temporarily unavailable, read a message on the citys vaccine website. The link to register will become available when more vaccines are received. Thursday, February 25 Governor Greg Abbott announced a newly launched "Save our Seniors" initiative that will deploy more than 1,100 National Guardsmen to assist Texas communities in vaccinating homebound seniors, according to a press release. The initiative will launch on Monday, March 1, sending up to 8,000 vaccines through organizations such as Meals On Wheels and nursing homes to help identify homebound seniors in its first week. Wednesday, February 24 Text updates: The City of San Antonio announced Wednesday that they've partnered with some of the Bexar County vaccine distribution sites to create a vaccine availability text alert system to keep the community informed about the release of more COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals who decide to opt-in, can text VACCINE to 55000 or in Spanish VACUNA to 55000 starting Wednesday. By signing up they will receive a text notifying them which locations have available appointments. Tuesday, February 23 WellMed: The reservation hotline reopened at 8 a.m. Wednesday to schedule 30,000 first-time COVID-19 vaccine doses. Operators will be staffing the hotline, 833-968-1745, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until slots are filled. This number must be called to get an appointment. The appointments will be scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 27, and Monday, March 1, through Friday, March 5, at the Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center and Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center. In addition, appointments that were canceled last week because of bad weather have been rescheduled for the same day, time and place this week. Visit the website or WellMeds Facebook page for the latest information. Thursday, February 18: University Health: Due to the continued freezing temperatures expected tomorrow morning and the timing of the vaccine's arrival, the University Health COVID-19 Vaccine site at Wonderland of the Americas will be closed on Friday, Feb. 19. Those with appointments to get the vaccine on Friday will automatically be rescheduled. All Monday, Feb. 15 appointments have been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20 at the same time.* Those who missed their appointment on Tuesday, Feb. 16, who did not come the next day, should come on Saturday, Feb. 20, anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Those who missed their appointment on Wednesday, Feb. 17, may come on Saturday, Feb. 20, Monday, Feb. 22 or Tuesday, Feb. 23, anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All Thursday, Feb. 18 appointments are rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 22 at the same time. * All Friday, Feb. 19 appointments are rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the same time.* *Coming at the appointed time will help reduce lines. However, if people are not able to come at that time, they will not be turned away as long as they come to Wonderland on their new scheduled day. Alamodome: Second dose vaccine appointments at the Alamodome will begin at noon on Friday, Feb. 19. Due to road conditions, anyone with second dose appointments scheduled for Friday will be vaccinated from noon to 6:30 p.m. Appointments for different days will not be accepted. Those with appointments for Tuesday have been rescheduled for Saturday and, Wednesdays appointments have been moved to Sunday and Thursday's appointments were moved to Monday, Feb. 22. Wednesday, February 17: Alamodome: Appointments for Thursday will be rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 22 at the same time. University Health: Citing vaccine delivery delays and road conditions, appointments for Feb. 18 will be rescheduled for Monday, if the vaccines are delivered. Patients with appointments for Friday should check University Health social media or WeCanDoITSA.com for availability before visiting. Tuesday, February 16: WellMed to reschedules again: WellMed-run facilities are expected to re-open on Feb. 22. Patients who were scheduled to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to return to their assigned location on the same day of the week next week to get their shot. For example, if patients were originally scheduled to receive their vaccine on Wednesday, they will get their second dose on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The WellMed-run clinics administer the Moderna vaccine. The CDC says the second dose can be administered up to 42 days after the first inoculation to remain effective. University Health: Appointments will proceed as scheduled with a noon start time unless Wonderland Mall loses power. Missed your Tuesday appointment? University Health says you can visit Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, February 15: WellMed reschedules: Both WellMed vaccination clinics in San Antonio will be closed again on Tuesday, Feb. 16 due to severe winter weather conditions and out of concern for the safety of patients and staff. Patients with appointments to receive second-dose vaccinations will be contacted and re-scheduled for an appointment later this week, per a press release. Alamodome reschedules: Appointments for Monday and Tuesday of this week at the Alamo will be rescheduled for Friday and Saturday at the same times as freezing on Monday temperatures mean road conditions are poor. Tuesday weather is also forecast to have low temperatures in the single digits and teens, per the National Weather Service. Metro Health states individuals who are scheduled for the dates will receive further communication through the email address or phone number provided with their registration. Tuesday, February 9: More vaccine access: Walmart and Sams Club announced Tuesday that they have started making vaccines available at their Texas pharmacies. As of now, their only distribution site in San Antonio is at the Walmart Supercenter at 5555 De Zavala Road. Appointments must be made through walmart.com and samsclub.com. WellMed Hotline reopen: San Antonio Senior Centers are once again taking reservations for COVID-19 vaccinations. Call the WellMed hotline at 833-968-1745 to start making appointments as soon as Wednesday Feb. 10. The hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until all appointments are booked. Tuesday February 3: WellMed Hotline booked: As of Wednesday, Feb. 3, all available doses of the COVID-19 vaccine being offered at San Antonio senior centers have been spoken for and scheduled, according to a post on WellMed Medical Management's Facebook page. Monday February 2: COVID-19 vaccine appointments rescheduled: The Texas State Health Department have delayed the shipment of COVID-19 vaccines that were supposed to supply those with appointments receiving the second doses. The appointments scheduled at the Alamodome on Feb. 2 and Feb. 4 have been rescheduled to Feb. 16 and 18 at the same times. Friday January 29: Reservation hotline for COVID-19 vaccine resumes Saturday: You can once again make an appointment for both WellMed community vaccination clinics starting Jan. 30 at 8 a.m. Appointments will begin Feb. 1. To make an appointment call 833-968-1745. You must schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. The vaccinations will be held at the following clinics: Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Activity Center 517 SW Military Drive San Antonio, TX 78221 Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior One-Stop Center 8353 Culebra Road San Antonio, TX 78251 Tuesday January 26: Johnson & Johnson gives hope to Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press conference Tuesday that the approval of Johnson & Johnson's one dose COVID-19 vaccine will speed vaccinations in the state. But it's unclear when approval of the vaccine would take place. The company hoped to have clinical data available by the end of this month, according to CNN. Monday January 25: Search for COVID-19 vaccine sites through Google Maps: Looking for vaccine sites? Pretty soon you will just need to open up Google Maps. According to Google, searches for vaccines near me have increased five times since the beginning of the year. To make sure they're providing locally relevant answers, COVID-19 vaccination locations will be available in Google Search and Maps, the tech giant announced. The initial rollout will include a limited number of states, including Texas. The vaccine location will include details like whether an appointment or referral is required, if access is limited to specific groups, or if it has a drive-through. Friday, January 22: H-E-B COVID-19 Tracking Site: Wondering which H-E-B pharmacy locations will have the COVID-19 vaccine? There is now a new website that will tell you. H-E-B launched a website dedicated to COVID-19 vaccine distribution information. You can visit the website at https://vaccine.heb.com/ Take Your Second Dose in S.A.: Metro Health has an update for anyone needing information on how to take the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Metro Health staff will call you or you can call 311 and choose option 8. Residents can also email COVID19@sanantonio.gov. Mumbai, March 10 : Bouncing back from the decline witnessed in January, assets under management (AUM) of the domestic mutual fund industry breached the Rs 31.5 lakh crore-mark for the first time, settling 3.7 per cent higher at Rs 31.6 lakh crore at end-February, a Crisil research report has showed. As per the report, the previous high recorded was at end-2020, when the asset base had settled at Rs 31.02 lakh crore. Inflows in the open-ended debt and hybrid categories, coupled with mark-to-market gains in the domestic equity market, were the main factors contributing to the rise in the asset base in February even as outflows from equity funds capped gains, the ratings agency's research report released on Wednesday said. Cumulatively, the industry's fund flows remained negative at Rs 1,844 crore. Dynamic asset allocation schemes witnessed the highest net inflows for the category since April 2019 at Rs 2,006 crore in February, with investors attracted by the flexibility in asset allocation on offer. Interest in arbitrage schemes also remained firm, with net inflows at Rs 5,033 crore as market participants looked to take advantage of the volatility in the underlying equity market. Aided by the inflows, the hybrid category recorded net inflows of Rs 4,703 crore, higher than January's net inflows of Rs 2,142 crore. The other hybrid categories, viz., aggressive hybrid, equity savings, and multi-asset allocation categories, however recorded persistent outflows in February, though they were cumulatively lower at Rs 2,481 crore compared with the previous month's Rs 3,823 crore. At the aggregate level, the asset base of hybrid schemes advanced 6.6 per cent, or by Rs 20,971 crore, to Rs 3.38 lakh crore in February (the highest since February 2020's figure of Rs 3.43 lakh crore). The open-ended debt fund category recorded the lowest net inflows since the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) changed its format of dissemination in April 2019 at Rs ~1,735 crore. Liquid funds witnessed reversal of outflows seen in January, with net inflows of Rs 17,302 crore in February and led the inflow tally among debt funds. Investors also evinced interest in low duration and money market schemes, which witnessed net inflows of Rs 2,844 crore and Rs 9,580 crore, respectively. Nearly all other categories within the open-ended debt segment saw net outflows. Short duration funds recorded the highest net outflows within the category at Rs 10,286 crore, followed by corporate bond funds at Rs 6,752 crore. Ultra-short duration, dynamic bond, banking and PSU, and gilt schemes cumulatively recorded net outflows of Rs 7,956 crore. At an aggregate level, the asset base of open-ended debt funds ended flat at Rs 13.74 lakh crore. The trend in fund flows within the open-ended equity category showed no signs of abating, the report showed, with net outflows in February at Rs 10,468 crore, higher than January's Rs 9,253 crore figure. Investors looked to book profits as the underlying domestic equity benchmarks hit record highs during the month -- the S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 advanced 6.1 per cent and 6.6 per cent on month, respectively. The introduction/recategorisation of flexi- and multi-cap funds had a major impact on flows in the category for the second consecutive month. The flexi-cap category recorded the highest net outflows within the category at Rs ~10,431 crore, while multi-cap funds saw the highest net inflows of Rs 4,078 crore. As per AMFI disclosure, during February, nine multi-cap funds were recategorised as flexi-cap funds. As such, the funds mobilised and redemption figures of these funds were shown under flexi caps, resulting in negative funds mobilised and redemption figures under multi-cap funds. Mark-to-market gains in the underlying equity market helped the open-ended equity category notch up gains of 8.1 per cnet, or approximately Rs 71,959 crore, in February. Furthermore, investors continued to pour money into equities via the systematic investment plan; however, contributions in February were slightly low at Rs 7,528 crore compared with January's Rs 8,023 crore figure. The overall open-ended equity asset base settled at a fresh record high of Rs 9.63 lakh crore on-month. Equity exchange traded funds (ETFs) garnered net inflows of Rs 1,949 crore in February, although the figure was much lower than that seen in the previous two months. Investments in gold ETFs also remained persistent -- February marked the third straight month of net inflows for the category at Rs 491 crore, despite fall in the underlying yellow metal prices in the domestic market during the month. Oakland police arrested someone in connection with the assault and robbery of a 75-year-old Oakland man who was walking down a street early Tuesday morning, police said. Police did not release the name of the suspect on Tuesday night. Officials said the victim was walking in the area of Jayne Avenue and Perkins Street shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday when he was assaulted and robbed. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment, police said. His condition was unknown on Tuesday night. WOOD RIVER Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., has provided the use of a Wood River building to Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) and the Madison County Health Department for COVID-19 testing. Dwight Werts owns a former state emissions testing facility in Wood River which already had drive-through lanes perfect for COVID test collections. SIHF was able to quickly set up the test collection site and has operated it for almost a year now. Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, March 10 (Jiji Press)--The average price of regular gasoline in Japan as of Monday rose 1.50 yen from a week earlier to a one-year high of 146.10 yen per liter, up for the 15th straight week, according to data released by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy on Wednesday. While domestic gasoline demand remains subdued amid the COVID-19 crisis, crude oil prices are climbing on hopes for global rollouts of novel coronavirus vaccines. Pump prices are likely to continue rising amid increasing investment in the crude oil market also on the back of expectations for a massive additional U.S. stimulus package, according to the Oil Information Center, which conducts the pump price survey for the Japanese government agency. In the week through Monday, pump prices went up in 45 of the countrys 47 prefectures, with Toyama and Tokushima recording the sharpest rise of 2.60 yen. Prices were slightly down in Aichi and Shiga. The nationwide average price topped 150 yen in January last year, when the countrys first novel coronavirus case was confirmed. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Workers at the Covid-19 wing of Txagorritxu Universitiy Hospital in Vitoria, in the Basque Country. David Aguilar / EFE The epidemiological curve of the coronavirus pandemic in Spain is moving toward an increasingly more visible plateau. Although the incidence rate continues to fall, it is doing so at a much slower rate. The 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants now stands at 139.08, according to the latest Health Ministry report, released on Tuesday. The seven-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants remains practically unchanged since Monday, coming in at 62.43. The Health Ministry reported 4,013 new cases and added 291 deaths to the official toll. These figures, however, do not include data from Catalonia, which was unable to update its information due to a computing error. As Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), explained on Monday, Spain is entering a stage of the pandemic where the figures are likely to fluctuate, with small upticks and falls. But under the current coronavirus restrictions, there is little margin for the incidence rate to fall much further. Whats more, some Spanish regions which are in charge of managing the response to the pandemic in their territories as well as overseeing the Covid-19 vaccination drive are beginning to ease these restrictions, which could lead to a new uptick in cases in the next few days. Madrid is the region with the highest incidence rate in Spain, with the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants standing at 232 To prevent this from happening, the Health Ministry will ask regional authorities on Wednesday to keep the current measures in place from March 12 until the end of Easter week, even if there is a fall in infections. The goal of this plan is to avoid a new wave from occurring as happened after the Christmas holidays when restrictions on social gatherings and travel were relaxed. The strategy is also aimed at vaccinating more vulnerable people against Covid-19 before there is another spike in cases. The incidence rate continues to fall in most Spanish regions. In some territories, however, the data point has risen slightly, but it is too soon to say whether this marks an upward trend. This is the case in the Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, where the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants was up on Tuesday from Mondays figure, but only by a few decimal points. The impact of the virus continues to vary greatly from region to region. Madrid is the region with the highest incidence rate, with the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants standing at 232. Only the North African exclave cities of Ceuta and Melilla have a higher rate. Meanwhile in six regions the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia, Extremadura, Murcia and La Rioja the incidence rate is below 100. Pressure on Spains hospitals also continues to ease, albeit at a faster rate for admissions into general wards than intensive care units (ICUs). According to Tuesdays report, Covid-19 patients now occupy 7.54% of standard hospital beds and 23.24% of ICU beds. However, in Asturias, Castilla y Leon, Madrid and La Rioja, the ICU occupancy rate remains above 30%. At the other end of the spectrum are Extremadura and Galicia, where the figure is below 10%. English version by Melissa Kitson. Party above individual: LDFs message by not giving Shailaja another shot As social media debates Shailajas exclusion, CPI(M) comes out in defence of decision Kerala polls: CPI(M) releases list of 83 candidates, Pinarayi Vijayan to contest from Dharmadam India oi-Deepika S Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 10: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has released list of 83 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be contesting from Dharmadam. While state health minister KK Shailaja will be contesting from Mattannur, state higher education minister KT Jaleel will contest from Thavanoor. Labour minister T P Ramakrishnan, Power minister M M Mani,Devaswom minister Kadakkampally Surendran, Fisheries minister Mercykutty Amma and Local Self Government minister A C Moideen are trying their luck once again. However, five ministers have been denied seats-- T M Thomas Isaac, E P Jayarajan, R Ravindranath, G Sudhakaran and A K Balan as the party decided not to provide seats to those who had been elected twice. M V Govindan Master, K Radhakrishan, P Rajeev and K N Balagopal are the state secretariat members who are contesting. Kerala HC says temporary govt employees not to be regularised There are 12 women candidates in the list. Candidates for Manjeshwaram and Devikulam constituencies would be announced later, Acting state secretary, A Vijayaraghavan, told reporters here. The party''s aim was not to deny tickets to anyone, but to give an opportunity to new candidates, he said. The CPI(M) led LDF is eyeing a second consecutive term this time. In the 2016 polls, the LDF had won 91 seats in the 140- member assembly. The party has given up seven seats, including five sitting seats, to accommodate allies. The party has also accommodated 13 candidates from its youth and student bodies. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Kerala will go to polls in a single phase on April 6, 2021. NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei has a seat on the Soyuz spacecraft scheduled to launch April 9, thanks to a deal between NASA and Houston-based Axiom Space. Axiom Space, which facilitates rides into space for private astronauts and professional astronauts from other countries, previously purchased a seat on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. It then traded this seat with NASA in exchange for a seat in 2023 on a Commercial Crew Program spacecraft developed by SpaceX or Boeing. Axiom is always seeking new opportunities to provide access to the Station to non-traditional users, the company said in a statement. The Axiom astronaut we provide for the 2023 flight will be selected from among the various countries with whom we are in discussions and must be approved by the International Space Station Multilateral Crew Operations Panel for a flight assignment. Axiom is also building a commercial space station: Houston Spaceport gets commercial space station tenant As such, Vande Hei gets to join cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov in the April 9 launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The contract announced earlier this week contains no exchange of funds, NASA said in a news release, because the services are determined to be of comparable value to both parties. On the most recent Soyuz launch carrying people, NASA paid $90.3 million to send one American astronaut to the International Space Station. NASA previously spent nine years relying on the Soyuz spacecraft to carry its astronauts to the space station. The agency retired the space shuttle in 2011, and it was waiting for SpaceX and Boeing to complete their capsules that would replace the shuttle. NASA did not want to own this vehicle and determine its every feature. Instead, it wanted to purchase seats on privately owned and operated spacecraft. So NASA provided funding and technical expertise to SpaceX and Boeing through the Commercial Crew Program. Both companies contributed their own money, too. Last year, SpaceX began ferrying NASA astronauts to the space station. Boeing has yet to launch people, though it should launch an uncrewed capsule to the space station in the near future. This will be a redo, as the first uncrewed launch in December 2019 had a software error that prevented the spacecraft from reaching the space station. NASA said having Vande Hei on the April 9 Soyuz launch will ensure a continuous U.S. presence on the space station. Securing this additional Soyuz seat assures at least one U.S. crew member will be aboard the International Space Station at all times to maintain safe operations of the orbiting laboratory, NASA said in the news release. Flying integrated crews assures the back-up capability in the event of a problem with any crew spacecraft or an emergency aboard the station that requires a crew to return to Earth sooner than planned. Russian space agency Roscosmos said the contract is based on its existing liabilities in the agreement with Axiom Space. Space race? America's new path to the ISS could affect relationship with Russia The crew composition change came as a result of an earnest request from the US side, Roscosmos said in its news release. NASA voiced its request only in the end of 2020 meaning the Russian side had to change the already confirmed and approved launch program. Roscosmos has taken this decision confirming its adherence to the joint agreements and the spirit of joint usage of the International Space Station. The crew currently aboard the station will return on Soyuz and Crew Dragon spacecrafts in April or May. NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 mission is scheduled to launch April 22. The SpaceX Crew Dragon will carry NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/a_leinfelder by Lawrence W. Reed This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article. The first ten days in the month of March 1776 brought forth momentous events that played roles in shaping the modern world. The American Revolutionary War was not quite a year old. On March 2, American troops began shelling the British-occupied city of Boston. Two days later, they reclaimed Dorchester Heights overlooking Bostons harbor, leading to the Brits evacuation of the city within a fortnight. Meanwhile in the South, militia from South Carolina and Georgia attacked a British fleet with fire ships in the Battle of the Rice Boats. On March 3, American naval commodore Esek Hopkins took Nassau, Bahamas from the British in one of the first engagements of the fledgling American Navy and Marines. Three thousand miles away in Edinburgh, Scotland on March 9, a professor published a new book in which he noted, Nobody ever saw a dog make a fair and deliberate exchange of one bone for another with another dog. Of these various developments, which do you think produced the greatest long-term consequences? Correct answer: It was the book with the dog revelation. Taking Boston was a milestone but arguably, American colonists were sooner or later likely to gain independence regardless of the disposition of one town. The battle in the South was a minor skirmish. The Continental forces left Nassau and returned to Connecticut before months end. In the war between the Americans and the British, March came in like the proverbial lion but went out like the quiet lamb. The book that appeared on March 9, however, was a barnburner. It was An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations by the moral philosopher Adam Smith. 245 years ago today, it made its debut. Economics has never been the same since. In fact, before Smith, Economics wasnt really much of a science of its own. Not every word in Smiths book was new and original. Smith drew many ideas from previous thinkers much as, say, Murray Rothbards Man, Economy and State drew heavily from Mises, Menger, and more. But Smith pulled together some ideas of others, added many of his own, and presented it all in one comprehensive tome that earned him the title, Father of Economics. The book wasnt the last word on Economics and Smith didnt get everything precisely right (who does?). A century later, for example, Austrian economists thoroughly demolished the labor theory of value which Smith (and the classical school) had mistakenly embraced. Still, Smiths insights were profound. He blew away the notion that society would be chaotic without the dictates of potentates, postulating a spontaneous order that arises from people constructively pursuing their self-interest. In the great chessboard of human society, he wrote, every piece has a principle of motion of its own, altogether different from that which the legislature chooses to impress upon it. A chapter devoted to Smith in my book, Real Heroes: Inspiring True Stories of Courage, Character and Conviction, notes, The ideas of Adam Smith exerted enormous influence before he died in 1790 and especially in the 19th century. Americas Founders were greatly affected by his insights. The Wealth of Nations became required reading among men and women of ideas the world over. Until his day, no one had more thoroughly and convincingly blown away the intellectual edifice of big government than the professor from Kirkaldy. A tribute as much to him as to any other individual thinker, the world in 1900 was much freer and more prosperous than anyone imagined in 1776. Any country that produced an enlightened giant like Adam Smith should be immensely and forever proud of it. But alas, the cancel culture has its knives out for him. In the land of his birthScotlandand in one of the cities where he wrote and taughtEdinburgha few misdirected malcontents are thinking about modifying or removing a statue of him on the Royal Mile. Why? Not because Smith advocated slavery (he was a fierce opponent of it), but because he simply noted that the evil institution is historically ubiquitous. How ironic! Small-minded, virtue-signaling activistswho will likely accomplish in their entire lifetimes but a fraction for liberty what Smith bestowed upon us in a single volumewant to bring the great man down. Shameful (and shameless) doesnt begin to describe just the thought of it. Pray that such iniquity does not materialize. This week in The Spectator, Matt Kilcoyne of the Adam Smith Institute provides the details. He writes, To describe a process is not to condone it. It is perfectly consistent to argue that slavery is ubiquitous and inevitable while wanting to see it curtailed in all its forms. Indeed, Smith was one of historys greatest allies against slaveryand often quoted by abolitionists in popular anti-slavery literature. Lets mark the 245th anniversary of Adam Smiths hugely influential work not by a senseless re-writing of history or the application of poisonous presentism to his legacy, but by a celebration of his contributions. We can start in that regard with a sample of his wisdom in his very own words: _____ As every individual, therefore, endeavours as much as he can both to employ his capital in the support of domestic industry, and so to direct that industry that its produce may be of the greatest value, every individual necessarily labours to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. _____ [M]an has almost constant occasion for the help of his brethren, and it is in vain for him to expect it from their benevolence only. He will be more likely to prevail if he can interest their self-love in his favour, and show them that it is for their own advantage to do for him what he requires of them. Whoever offers to another a bargain of any kind, proposes to do this. Give me that which I want, and you shall have this which you want, is the meaning of every such offer; and it is in this manner that we obtain from one another the far greater part of those good offices which we stand in need of. It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity, but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities, but of their advantages. Nobody but a beggar chooses to depend chiefly upon the benevolence of his fellow-citizens. _____ The proposal of any new law or regulation of commerce which comes from this order, ought always to be listened to with great precaution, and ought never to be adopted till after having been long and carefully examined, not only with the most scrupulous, but with the most suspicious attention. It comes from an order of men, whose interest is never exactly the same with that of the public, who have generally an interest to deceive and even to oppress the public, and who accordingly have, upon many occasions, both deceived and oppressed it. _____ The man of system, on the contrary, is apt to be very wise in his own conceit; and is often so enamoured with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government, that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it. He goes on to establish it completely and in all its parts, without any regard either to the great interests, or to the strong prejudices which may oppose it. He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chessboard. For additional information, see: Presentism Imperils Our Future by Destroying Our Past by Lawrence W. Reed Why Edinburghs Adam Smith Statue Should Stay by Matt Kilcoyne Adam Smith: Ideas Change the World by Lawrence W. Reed How Adam Smith Showed We Can Do Good by Doing Well by T. Norman Van Cott What Adam Smith Can Teach Us About Being Lovely by Barry Brownstein Adam Smiths Three Moral Principles for Navigating our National Crisis by Caroline Breashears Adam Smith on What It Means to Flourish by Ryan Patrick Hanley GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Leaders with the Justice for Black Lives group in Grand Rapids claim their arrests at a Monday rally were targeted to try to intimidate them. Grand Rapids police deny the claim and say they made the arrests because protestors posed a traffic hazard by walking in streets. Grand Rapids police arrested eight people on misdemeanor charges Monday as a group of people marched Monday, March 8 on the day the trial for ex-officer Derek Chauvin began in Minneapolis. Chauvin was charged criminally for the death of George Floyd, a Black man. The eight people arrested and other supporters gathered Tuesday, March 9 on Calder Plaza to object to the arrests and voice concerns about police targeting. They claim police pointed to specific people to be arrested, including Justice for Black Lives leaders Alyssa Bates and Danny Santiago. It was scare tactics to try to scare people away from coming out and protesting, because they know the summer is coming up, said Cristian Bartolo, who also was arrested. They know the anniversaries of all these people who were mercilessly murdered by police are coming up and theyre trying to scare us away from coming out and showing solidarity with other cities. Related: Marchers blame police for arrests at George Floyd rally; GRPD says protesters blocked traffic Grand Rapids police said they made the arrests only after protestors continued to march in the street, impeding traffic and causing a safety issue, and after multiple warnings for them to get on the sidewalk. They say there was no targeting, only arrests of people identified as having engaged in illegal activity. Bates said the police claim doesnt make sense, in part because Justice for Black Lives held several events last year where protesters marched in the street. She also said Mondays rally was essentially over and people were making their way back to the start point at Rosa Parks Circle. She claimed protestors were no longer in the streets -- and on the sidewalk -- when officers cornered them and began to make arrests. Justice for Black Lives leaders allege police are trying to intimidate them and stop further protests. But Grand Rapids police Sgt. Dan Adams said its simply not true. I think our office and the police chief has demonstrated that we support the right of people to assemble peacefully, he said. We made great strides in the past with our community listening sessions. No one is attempting to quiet anyones voice, he said. The arrests were made in the area of Monroe Center and Ionia Avenue. Later on Tuesday more than two dozen people, including some of those arrested, called in to the Grand Rapids City Commissions virtual meeting to take aim at the police departments response to the protest. Numerous callers demanded the city drop charges against the arrested protesters and change policy and personnel so a repeat police response doesnt happen again. They also demanded statements from Police Chief Eric Payne, City Manager Mark Washington and Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on how they will prevent future alleged infringements of the Constitutional rights, specifically those of free speech and peaceful assembly, of protesters. I was planning to march last night in solidarity with the family of George Floyd but was unable to and I woke up to a livestream watching people I care about face down on the concrete surrounded by cops and getting cuffed on the street that you all have dubbed Breonna Taylor Way for peacefully protesting police violence, one caller said. Please do not let this tragic irony be lost on you. In October, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved a request to commemorate Monroe Center Street NW as Breonna Taylor Way to honor Taylor, a Grand Rapids native who was killed in her home by Louisville police earlier that year and sparking widespread protests. Justice for Black Lives made the request to commemorate the street after Taylor. The president of Justice for Black Lives, and others in the group, were arrested Monday on the very same street. This is the Grand Rapids 8. A group of community organizers from various organizations in the Grand Rapids area that... Posted by Justice for Black Lives on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Last night dozens of protestors turned out in Grand Rapids. During the demonstration, despite... Posted by Grand Rapids Police Department on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 More from MLive Father of student who brought device that exploded at school arrested on multiple charges Tesla opening second Michigan service center in Grand Rapids suburb Police locate body of Grand Rapids area man missing since January MASON CITY, Iowa A North Iowa man accused of breaking into a car wash is pleading not guilty. Jackie Lee Reich III, 33 of Mason City, is charged with third-degree burglary. Law enforcement says he entered locked areas of Laser Wash on 1st Street NW in Mason City on November 13, 2020, and caused more than $1,000 in property damage. Reichs trial is scheduled to begin on May 4 in Cerro Gordo County District court. The campaign aims to educate Facebook users on how to spot false information about vaccination (PA) Facebook Ireland has launched a new campaign to educate its users on how to spot false vaccination news. The social media giant has joined with the World Health Organisation and its European fact-checking partners. The campaign, Together Against Covid-19 Misinformation, launches at an important juncture in the rollout of Irelands Covid-19 vaccination programme, which reached a milestone of half-a-million jabs at the end of February. The campaign will roll out to newsfeeds in Ireland through a series of ads encouraging people to connect with accurate information from credible sources, such as the Health Service Executive (HSE). Users will be asked to check the source and context of content in a bid to reduce misinformation. The campaign has been launched to help people spot false news and stop sharing it. Between March and October 2020, Facebook removed more than 12 million pieces of Covid-19 misinformation on Facebook and Instagram. It also displayed warnings on about 167 million pieces of Covid-19 content on Facebook, pointing to debunking articles written by fact-checking partners. The HSE is experiencing significant increases in people accessing Covid-19 and vaccine information on its social channels. Since December 30, the HSE has reached more than 9.2 million people on Facebook and had upwards of 573,000 engagements on posts about Covid-19 health messaging. The HSEs #OurHealthService Covid-19 vaccine stories featuring real people getting the vaccine have reached around one million people per post, while its Instagram posts have reached more than 669,000 people. Paul Reid, chief executive of the HSE, said: Social media is an essential platform for us to communicate and weve used it very successfully to communicate our key messages to the majority of the population. We welcome the work Facebook is undertaking to help users spot false news in relation to Covid-19 and vaccines. Public safety remains our top priority and we will continue to share factual, up-to-date information from trusted sources, which will in turn allow people to make informed and confident decisions about Covid-19 vaccines. Dualta O Broin, head of public policy at Facebook Ireland, said: Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have been connecting people to accurate information and reducing misinformation on our platforms. We are removing harmful misinformation about vaccines and Covid-19. We also want to empower people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share. This campaign will encourage users to connect with accurate information around vaccines, and will highlight the broader steps we are taking against misinformation on Facebook. [March 10, 2021] HOLT Renewables Completes Solar Installation at HOLT CAT Georgetown Location HOLT Renewables completed its solar panel installation at the HOLT CAT location in Georgetown as part of the company's multi-year rollout plan to incorporate solar power into their own facilities. HOLT understands energy is the largest expense for many companies, and solar power is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. By implementing solar, HOLT's goal is to improve environmental efficiency and take control of energy costs, as well as to serve as an example to others. Since 2013, HOLT has incorporated solar in many of its retail locations across the state and at its headquarters in San Antonio. "HOLT has a legacy of investing in innovations that help businesses grow through saving time and improving efficiency," explained HOLT CEO and General Manager Peter J. Holt. "Installng solar panels at our own facilities helps us to gain a stronger understanding of the value this service brings to our customers." The Georgetown facility system size is 466.11 kWdc, consisting of 1,242 CAT 370W modules that are mounted in various ways, to include reverse tilt-up, ballasted and flush mount. The system has seven 50 kW SMA (News - Alert) TriPower inverters and will generate an estimated 691,800 kWh/year. This project is estimated to save $55,344 in electricity costs in one year. "We have been inspired by our partners and others alike who strive to improve their operations," said Kevin Chavez, sales operations manager at HOLT Renewables. "Incorporating solar at other HOLT-owned facilities allows us to save money, reduce emissions and remain environmentally conscious." HOLT Renewables conducts a solar site assessment that analyzes utility spend and use, client facilities and feasibility, models financials, and secures engineering and procurement in order to help customers analyze and implement projects to meet their goals. HOLT Renewables' team has decades of experience creating and constructing complex solar solutions for customers nationwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005955/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] AVH pharmacist Kenda Fort preparing Pfizer vaccines for distribution at the drive-up clinic in Aspen last month. Because the clinic is using trained pharmacists to measure the vaccines, an extra dose is able to be obtained for each vial. Spearheading next generation clinical trials: Cancer Core Europe's design and development of data rich, dynamic studies in oncology Incorporating experts from the seven European comprehensive cancer centers belonging to the Cancer Core Europe (CCE) Consortium, along with an additional four non-CCE partners*, the EU-funded, multi-site project CCE Building Data Rich Clinical Trials (CCE-DART), has now launched. Coordinated by VHIO's Elena Garralda, CCE-DART seeks to become a groundbreaking example in driving a novel generation of clinical trials in the current era of precision oncology. This pioneering project will develop interconnected tools to reduce the current complexity of investigator-initiated trials and better guide clinical decision-making by incorporating cutting-edge digital technologies and platforms. In the current era of precision medicine, the advent of novel, adaptive clinical studies including the so-called basket and umbrella clinical trials, among others, aim to address the current challenges in oncology including the globalization of clinical research, and the use and implementation of emerging health technologies. While randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for studying the effectiveness of treatment approaches and anti-cancer therapies, they do not allow for the 'real time' and necessary adaptation in tune with the rapid pace of cancer discovery - especially in the academic setting. To overcome this challenge, novel clinical trial designs promote the optimization of biomarker-drug co-development towards more precisely tailoring therapies to each disease setting, each individual patient. In short, these 'smarter' contenders seek to more effectively identify the optimal treatment for the right patient, at the right time, and promise to overcome the rigidity and limitations of traditional clinical trials. The newly launched, EU-funded Cancer Core Europe Consortium-Building Data Rich Clinical Trials (CCE-DART) project is coordinated by VHIO's Elena Garralda, Director of VHIO's Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) - "la Caixa" Foundation, and Principal Investigator of our Early Clinical Drug Development Group, and carried out in collaboration with other leading experts from within Cancer Core Europe Consortium*. By harnessing and incorporating powerful cutting-edge technologies, methods and platforms, CCE-DART investigators will spur the design, development, and ringing in of a new generation of data rich, dynamic studies in oncology. Building on the CCE-developed Basket of Baskets (BoB) investigator-initiated and adaptive trial which launched in 2018, CCE-DART will further enhance BoB's harmonized, molecular multi-tier profiling platform to more precisely match patients to novel anti-cancer medicines based on the genetic specificities of their individual tumors. In parallel, the researchers will continue to develop multiple treatments in genomically-selected populations. By introducing new tools -or adapting existing ones- the project will also seek to elevate the management and decision-making of clinical studies to the digital age, and ultimately represent a groundbreaking example for driving a new generation of clinical trials in by leveraging novel technologies within existing clinical structures. "The wealth of expertise, cutting edge technologies, and clinical trial capabilities provided through CCE's member centers and sites, along with our additional four partners, the Digital Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, The Hyve, DataRiver, and Form Vision, will enable us to fortify and further develop the BoB trial's dynamic and highly adaptive design," said Elena Garralda, Coordinator of the recently launched CCE-DART initiative. "We will collectively seek to incorporate newer, more effective methods to the design, development and analysis of a new generation of data rich clinical trials, with particular emphasis on creating a sustainable framework for academic-led initiatives. As importantly, we are also dedicated to promoting and fostering the involvement of the cancer patient community in the design and implementation of our studies," added Alejandro Piris, Head of VHIO's Scientific Coordination Area at VHIO, who is coordinating the management and oversight of this present project. Common infrastructures and the wealth of experience gained through CCE sites' running of innovative academic studies, including the BoB study, will undoubtedly help the project partners to deliver on the four key objectives. Namely, to improve patient enrolment strategies and trial designs, accelerate the use of novel health technologies in the clinical setting, optimize clinical trial data management and analysis, and globalize the results of the project by promoting transparency of investigator-initiated studies. "Supported by EU's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, CCE-DART will aim to elevate current networks and existing legal, technological and clinical infrastructures to further develop a new generation of methods and tools for more efficient, personalized, and effective clinical trials in oncology," concluded Elena Garralda. ### For more information about VHIO's involvement in CCE-DART, please contact Amanda Wren, Head of the Director's Office and Global Communications, Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO): awren@vhio.net, Tel. +34 695207886. * CCE Building Data Rich Clinical Trials (CCE-DART) Participants. Cancer Core Europe (CCE) Consortium Members: Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain. Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Cambridge Cancer Center, Cambridge, UK. National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany. Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. National Cancer Institute of Milan, Italy. Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France. Non-CCE Members: Digital Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, Manchester, UK. The Hyve, Utrecht, The Netherlands. DataRiver, Modena, Italy. Nothing, the consumer technology company founded by Carl Pei, has revealed what is likely to be their first ever product, truly wireless earbuds. In a company blog post, Carl Pei details the principles that shaped the design of the earbuds and the design of upcoming products. The product is called the Concept 1, and it is part of their mid-term vision of releasing products in existing categories that follow certain design principles. These principles are as follows: Weightless We distill technology to the essentials, embracing raw tech, where every gram and every byte live with purpose. We peel off everything superficial, like unnecessary branding on the surface, to focus solely on what adds true value to the user experience. We spend as much time thinking about what we can remove from a product, as what we can add to it. We distill technology to the essentials, embracing raw tech, where every gram and every byte live with purpose. We peel off everything superficial, like unnecessary branding on the surface, to focus solely on what adds true value to the user experience. We spend as much time thinking about what we can remove from a product, as what we can add to it. Effortless We strive to make things simpler for the user. We want every product interaction, from picking it up to turning it on, to be intuitive, obvious, and natural. When designing and engineering our products, we believe form must follow function. During product development, we work on countless millimeter and pixel iterations. All those iterations add up to simplify the user experience, until everything feels effortless. We strive to make things simpler for the user. We want every product interaction, from picking it up to turning it on, to be intuitive, obvious, and natural. When designing and engineering our products, we believe form must follow function. During product development, we work on countless millimeter and pixel iterations. All those iterations add up to simplify the user experience, until everything feels effortless. Timeless The designs that are the most appealing to us are ones that consist of shapes that look natural and warm, yet dont easily feel outdated. Weve all had that moment where weve interacted with an object and felt that sense of wonder or surprise. Thats a really important part of being human and something were always trying to balance. Concept 1 takes inspiration from a grandmothers tobacco pipe. We try to ground our objects in something familiar, which we hope will allow them to feel fresh for many years. Nothing recently partnered with the Swedish company teenage engineering to help with product design. The company also acquired the intellectual property of the smartphone brand known as Essential, which was a company that was earlier founded by Andy Rubin. LONDON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Dan Dhunna, one of the UK's most esteemed and revered cosmetic doctors, explains about five of the best dermal fillers available and how they can effectively augment and beautify facial contours, as well as hydrate and re-condition the skin. With over twenty years' experience in facial rejuvenation techniques using injectable products such as dermal fillers, Dr Dan Dhunna is a leading authority on safety, efficacy and longevity of dermal filler products and only chooses highly-regarded, FDA-Approved brands, known for their unsurpassed safety records and clinically-proven formulations for the most beautiful, natural-looking results. Nowadays, dermal fillers for plumping, shaping and correcting ageing or thinning lips are hugely popular, but many people don't realise that dermal lip fillers are not simply one product and one technique. The art of augmenting the lip area is something that an already highly qualified medical professional needs to master, over many years. Dr Dan Dhunna is one of the UK's leading dermal filler afficionados and has been beautifying lips for nearly two decades. Trusted by celebrities across the globe, Dr Dan Dhunna perfected his techniques with some of the world's most esteemed cosmetic surgeons. Every dermal filler product is different and although the main components are basically, the same hyaluronic acid (HA) in a fluid to a more viscous gel, each have their own specific quality and behaviour once injected into the lips. Dr Dan Dhunna only uses FDA-approved and CE certified products and during his many years of practice, has meticulously chosen some of the world's leading dermal filler brands. Now, Dr Dhunna has rigorously tested each product and has put together his top 5 lip filler products. Juvederm Volift the Juvederm range of dermal fillers, by pharmaceutical giant, Allergan the makers of BOTOX are famous for their longevity, safety profile and efficacy. Using Vycross technology, which stabilizes the product for a longer, Volift is formulated to go in smooth and offer lasting results. Volift has a natural appearance when injected and can be used for the vertical lines around the mouth, nasolabial folds as well as increasing volume within the body of the lips. On average, Volift can last up to 15 months. Restylane Kysse this is the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology ( a unique cross-linking gel) for a soft and flexible movement and natural-looking volume, proven to last up to 12 months. It enhances the texture and colour of the lips and allows patients a full range of expressions. Precision is easily achieved with Restylane Kysse and those who prefer a more natural and subtle look to their lips love this product. TEOSYAL RHAKISS - The TEOSYAL RHA range of dermal filler products were created by TEOXANE Laboratories in Switzerland, following a patented process to meet the specific requirements of mobile facial areas. This revolutionary technology preserves the natural characteristics of hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules, the main component in dermal fillers, to obtain gels with extremely high purity and closer to the natural content of hyaluronic acid in the skin. TOESYAL RHA KISS offers subtle and dynamic augmentation of the lips, using a very small amount of dermal filler. The purity of the HA means that side-effects or adverse reactions are negligible. Results last between 6 and 9 months. Belotero Lips Shape and Contour- these products provide a complimentary and revolutionary approach to lip enhancement. Belotero Lips Shape adds volume and enhancement to the lips with the augmentation of both upper and lower lips. Belotero Lips Contour is specially developed to provide definition to the outline of the lips. These two products have been developed to accompany each other, just like a lipliner and a lipstick. Results are known to last between 6 and 9 months. STYLAGE Special lips The number one lip filler in France is the first monophasic antioxidant HA-based, sterile gel which has been formulated from an animal-free and bi0compatible hyaluronan serum which magically lifts wrinkles around the mouth. The antioxidant (Mannitol) plays a vital part to eliminate the distressing effects of free radicals from the dermis of the skin, whilst stopping any gel degradation from occurring as well as the risk of post-injection inflammation. Benefits include increasing lip volume, adding definition and contour, reducing wrinkles or smoker's lines and repairing the lip water content. Result last between 6 to 9 months. Lip fillers have come leaps and bounds over the past 20 years and where once there were only a handful of reputable dermal fillers on the market, the large pharmaceutical companies continue to 'up their game', when it comes to this hugely sought-after non-surgical injectable treatment. It's still vital however, that you consult with a medically-qualified practitioner when it comes to dermal fillers and indeed, any injectable procedure, for well-informed advice and beautifully-stunning results. About the author Dr Dan Dhunna started his career as a GP, having graduated from the world-renowned Imperial College School of Medicine, University of London in 1999. Called the "Michelangelo of Botox" by the BBC and one of the leading cosmetic doctors by Sky News and the Guardian newspaper. He quickly realised that the art of facial aesthetics was his passion and, after training with some of the world's leading cosmetic masters, he began to build a portfolio of aesthetic clinics spanning both the Midlands and London. His clinics are located in Harley Street - London, Birmingham, Solihull, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bridgnorth, Dudley and Wolverhampton. Dr Dan Dhunna offers a range of facial rejuvenation treatments, which include non-surgical procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, skin boosters, fat dissolvers, dermal threads and skin peels. His treatments can be tailored to the needs of both men and women alike and his ethos is to provide natural-looking results but offering significant improvements, in a safe and clinically-regulated environment. https://www.drdandhunna.com https://www.drdandhunna.com/2019/10/get-best-lip-filler-london SOURCE The Office of Dr Dan Dhunna Press Release March 10, 2021 Hontiveros bares Facebook groups being used by teens to trade sexual videos for money for online learning Senator Risa Hontiveros has flagged Facebook groups that are used by teenagers to sell sexual videos and images online to fund expenses in online learning. "Hindi lahat may internet. Hindi lahat may pera para magpa-load araw araw. Hindi lahat may cellphone at laptop. Kaya ang ibang estudyante, napilitan na magbenta ng mga malalaswang larawan at videos nila para matustusan ang kanilang pag-aaral," said Hontiveros, who chairs the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. During the committee's hearing, the senator showed a screenshot from an informant who was a member of a Facebook group, named Redroom, which was being used by teenagers to sell nudes. "Sabi ng informant namin, sumali siya dun, at nagbenta din siya ng mga video niya dahil kailangan niya ng pambili ng load para sa online learning. He already quit the group, but unfortunately, one of his previous clients started blackmailing him to distribute his videos if he doesn't do what his client wants," Hontiveros shared, adding that the Department of Education should also look into the matter. "This is happening on Facebook, the biggest and most used platform of Filipinos. Kung hindi nag-report ang informant namin, walang nakakaalam na dumadami at dumadami lang ang mga batang naabuso sa social media," the senator said. Hontiveros said that this particular group, which has over 7,000 members, has since been taken down by Facebook after concerns were raised during the hearing. However, upon further investigation, Hontiveros' office discovered another group with similar content, called Blueroom, which has over 20,000 members. "In the Blueroom, there are screenshots of conversations about how much load will be paid to a certain account in exchange for sexual activities via video chat. Hindi natin alam kung mga menor de edad sila. Facebook must look into this immediately, and cooperate with law enforcement to clamp down on these online crimes," the senator said. "Social media networks must be more proactive. They have the duty to use the sophistication of their technology to put an end to this exploitation. Unahin dapat nila ang kapakanan ng ating kabataan, hindi ang kanilang kita," Hontiveros concluded. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian has applied to the Constitutional Court to determine the constitutionality of the 2017 November 15 Law on Military Service and Status of Servicemen, the presidency said in a news release. The presidency said that Sarkissian is applying to the high court due to the problems that became obvious as a result of the PMs dismissal of the Chief of the General Staff and the subsequent constitutional legal processes. Sarkissian expressed hope that a swift decision by the high court will bring legal certainty and contribute to a settlement of the crisis. Shortly before that, the Prime Ministers Office had announced that by virtue of law, the Chief of the General Staff is considered dismissed from duties. Editing by Stepan Kocharyan The ability of a growing number of concerned groups to legally challenge the raising of the Warragamba Dam wall would be all but removed under a push by the government entity behind the controversial project. The states top planning bureaucrat, Jim Betts, said his department was reviewing a request by WaterNSW to have Planning Minister Rob Stokes declare the $1.6 billion plan a piece of critical state significant infrastructure, making it an essential project for the state. WaterNSW is pushing to have the raising of the Warragamba Dam wall categorised as critical state significant infrastructure. Credit:Brook Mitchell The government wants to raise the wall of Sydneys biggest reservoir by as much as 17 metres to prevent floods causing widespread damage to communities in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley. The project is currently classified as state significant infrastructure, but under state planning laws the right for third parties to have the legality of certain decisions for critical infrastructure challenged in a court can only occur with ministerial approval. Page Content Manufacturing companies in India are breaking stereotypes and opening up new career opportunities for working women: jobs on the factory floor. In January, for example, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles onboarded 46 female employeesa first for the factoryas part of its DiveIN (which stands for "diversity and inclusive") initiative. The manufacturer plans to hire more women until they make up 20 percent of the factory workforce by 2022, said Yeshwanth Kini, head of HR and based in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. "Diversity brings in a completely different perspective on the shop floor. [Women's] new perspective can spark creativity and innovation," Kini said, adding that having more female employees improves discipline, quality and output. In recent decades, a growing number of women in India have broken away from their traditional role as homemakers to join the workforce. Those with education and training gravitate to corporate jobs in accounting, banking and information technology, with few seeking opportunities in the manufacturing industry. Increased Mechanization Factory floors have traditionally required workers to operate heavy machinery, which requires physical strength. But factories are becoming more mechanized, using robots, hoists and lifts to do the heavy lifting. Shop-floor workers operate these machines using joysticks, which requires precision rather than strength, allowing companies to hire a more diverse workforce. "It's much easier today to bring in this equality compared to 20 years back," said V.G. Sakthikumar, managing director at Schwing Stetter India, which makes construction equipment. The pandemic has sped up the mechanization process in many factories, Sakthikumar said. For instance, rules for social distancing meant the company needed to rethink processes that required three people to operate one machine. In February, Schwing Stetter hired women to work on the shop floor for the first time in its new factory in Cheyyar in Tamil Nadu. Women make up around 15 percent of the 120 factory employees hired so far this year and are involved in making huge machines used for construction, such as concrete mixers, Sakthikumar said. He hopes to raise the percentage of female employees within the company's workforce in the coming years. The presence of women creates a different culture and attitude in the factory, he added. "Women are more serious about what is expected from them, which in turn makes the men more sincere," Sakthikumar said. "We expect the overall productivity will go up." To be sure, working women in India are a minority, making up just 20 percent of the country's total workforce, according to the World Bank. Within that percentage, women's participation in manufacturing is tiny. Garment and textile factories have long employed women, and the automobile industry has long hired women for the shop floor, though that number also is growing. For example, the automotive and farm equipment unit of Mahindra & Mahindra employs more than 150 women in its manufacturing facility, including as supervisors in production, plant engineering, quality control and maintenance. Motorcycle manufacturer Eicher Motors has an entire engine assembly line staffed by 140 female workers, the company reports. And tire maker Ceat and steel company Tata Steel are among other companies that have hired women to work in their factories and have taken steps to make the workplace more suitable for them. Schwing Stetter, for instance, has arranged a hostel to accommodate female employees who are mainly new graduates in their early 20s. The company also offers an after-work training program, which, in five years, can lead to a bachelor's degree in engineering. "We are offering an opportunity to learn and earn," Sakthikumar said. "That is a motivation." At Daimler India, ahead of onboarding the first female employees this year, the company built missing infrastructure, such as women's restrooms and change rooms, and also gave gender sensitivity training to male staff. "We worked on both the hard and soft part," Kini said. Hiring Pool Expanded Women hired so far at the Daimler factory work in such key roles as engine and transmission building and quality management and in the paint shop. Another benefit of being able to hire women is that the overall hiring talent pool is expanded, Kini said. Finding women willing to work in factories remains a challenge due to long-held societal and cultural mindsets, especially in small towns and rural India, where women traditionally stay at home. "The toughest job in the country is to source talent," said Guruprasad Srinivasan, chief operating officer for India at staffing firm Quess Corp. in Bengaluru. In the past decade, Srinivasan said, there has been more demand for women to work on assembly lines at electronics companies, especially those that make handsets and semiconductors. Women are considered to have superior motor skills and dexterity, and some companies want as much as 70 percent of their assembly line staff to be women, he said. Multiple Approaches To find talent, Quess uses multiple approaches, including traveling to the interior of the country to visit townships, or "taluks," comprising several villages. Quess teams organize roadshows for the residents and village heads, explaining the work they are looking to hire for. "We'll play videos to show them what the work environment will be," Srinivasan said. Such shows may be attended by as many as 500 people and are conducted for 15 days in different locations. "It's a very community-driven program," he said. If it's sourcing for a company that specifically seeks female employees, the Quess team also tries to convince the parents of young women to let the women apply for the job, Srinivasan said. "Whenever we are hiring, it's the family that's involved," he said. Once enough eligible candidates are found, the Quess team brings the new employees to the city and organizes their stay for the first few weeks until the job begins. "It's a cultural shift. Many don't know how to manage on their own," Srinivasan said. "That first hand-holding period is extremely important." Once new female employees settle into their jobs and see that working and having an income can increase their status, it changes attitudes. "Families become more willing [to allow their family member to work], and if they have a younger daughter at home, they know where to send her," Srinivasan said. And as more manufacturing companies have good experiences with female staff, experts say, more companies will revise their hiring plans. "These kind of things go a long way in bringing more balance in the society," Kini said. Shefali Anand is a New Delhi-based journalist and former correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. You can follow her on Twitter. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Queensland will review its sex education protocols in schools after learning of a sexual abuse epidemic among teenagers. Chanel Contos, a 22-year-old Kambala School alumni in Sydney, drew attention to the crisis after creating a petition demanding more thorough lessons on consent in classrooms. What started as a Sydney-based petition highlighting a damaging culture among elite private schools soon spread nationwide. Some 5,000 victims have shared harrowing testimonies of being sexually abused as teenagers - with some not realising until years later that they were victims. The 22-year-old Kambala School alumni received up to 5,000 responses from women sharing harrowing stories of sexual abuse while attending some of Sydney's most elite private schools Chanel Contos shared some posts on Instagram about the 'prevalent rape culture' in the UK As a result, Queensland's Education Minister Grace Grace has confirmed curriculums will be examined at state schools to see what more can be done to educate students. It comes as some of the state's top public schools were caught up in the controversy after former students revealed they had been victims. Kelvin Grove State College, Brisbane State, Mossman State, Lockyer District and William Ross State High School have all been named in the viral petition. 'I have asked the Director-General of my department to work across the non-government and state education sector, P & Cs and school communities to explore whether current Australian curriculum and respectful relationships education adequately address all issues, including consent and reporting,' Ms Grace said. Ms Contos believes earlier education in schools and at home would be beneficial for both boys and girls Kelvin Grove State College, Brisbane State (pictured), Mossman State, Lockyer District and William Ross State High School have all been named in the viral petition There have been calls among politicians to ensure parents are also teaching matters of respect and consent at home, but Ms Contos explained this is not always possible. 'I don't think our parents are always aware of the best ways to teach proper sexual consent education, because they often weren't taught themselves,' she said. 'They may in fact inherently victim blame, because that's the way they were raised.' Ms Contos on Wednesday revealed she would assist in creating a similar petition for victims in the United Kingdom to share their stories, citing an insidious rape culture that has silenced victims for too long. She said 'rape culture is prevalent globally... now is the time to expose it in the UK'. On Thursday morning, Dr Ian Lambert, the principal at the prestigious Scots College in Bellevue Hill, sent an email to parents and carers vowing to implement changes Meanwhile in New South Wales, Ms Contos presented her petition to state parliament to encourage a review. She said government officials are willing to investigate, but that more must be done to enact real change. Nine headmasters of Sydney's elite private schools named in the damning petition agreed there is a 'toxic culture' among students - as they vow to overhaul their sex education classes. Dr Ian Lambert, the principal at the prestigious Scots College in Bellevue Hill, sent an email to parents and carers vowing to implement changes after a meeting with Ms Contos last week. Dr Lambert said Scots hosted the headmasters of Cranbrook, Kambala, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Waverley College, St Vincent's College, Sydney Grammar School, St Catherine's and Ascham to discuss a collective plan moving forward. At least 22,000 people have signed the petition or shared stories of their own alleged assaults. Pictured: Chantel Contos, who said she was forced to perform oral sex on a boy What does Ms Contos want taught in sex education programs? Sexual Coercion Sexual coercion is characterised as an act which pressures a victim into performing a sex act or makes them feel guilty for choosing to not participate. Victim Blaming Victim blaming is an attitude or implication that the victim of the assault was partially or entirely responsible rather than the accused. This includes when a victim is told they somehow provoked the assault - usually based on the way they dressed, acted or spoke. Toxic Masculinity Toxic masculinity is a relatively new phrase used to explain the traditional societal and cultural norms men are expected to conform to. This culture does not condemn bad behaviour among men and instead hypes it up while simultaneously degrading or belittling women. Sl*t Shaming Young women - and occasionally men - are 'shamed' or criticised based on the amount of sexual partners they've had, their sexual history or even for things as trivial as the way they dress or act. Enthusiastic Consent 'If it's not hell yes! It's no', is the mantra that should be enforced to both boys and girls in the classroom, Jacqueline Hendriks, who runs Curtin University's sexology curriculum, explained. Enthusiastic consent is the process of repeatedly, openly and excitedly being engaged in a sexual act, rather than simply 'going along with it' or 'waiting for a partner to say no'. Rape Culture There are concerns that conversations about female pleasure and sexualisation help to stimulate a rape culture in which society is no longer shocked or outraged when a person is sexually assaulted. Among thousands of female testimonies about sexual abuse in private Sydney schools, several young men admitted that they were aware of assaults happening but it had become normalised and was not frowned upon among peers. 'I can recall countless instances of boys with stories of both sexually harassing and assaulting women. Looking back, the way it's bragged about amongst peers is also extremely frightening,' one former Scots College student said. Female Pleasure Lessons on female pleasure should teach women how they might feel before, during and after sex. Dr Hendriks explained that current curriculum in schools is 'negatively skewed' and often discusses the potential ramifications of sex - like pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections - without properly clarifying the positive outcomes. Queer Sex Education The final topic Ms Contos raised as of crucial importance is queer sex education and a deviation from the hetero-normative lessons being delivered in schools. As an increasing amount of students no longer publicly identify as straight, it is important that every student in the classroom feels educated and included in sex ed discussions. Advertisement 'The testimonies have lifted the lid on a toxic culture which has shocked us all,' he admitted. The schools - which are all single sex - have agreed to integrate more with each other to give male and female students a chance to get to know one another. 'We will find ways for our young men and women to spend more time together in school settings so they can get to know each other for the good young men and women they are,' Dr Lambert said. He also said the teachers have 'made a commitment to audit our programs and share best practice with each other'. '[Chanel] said it was important schools use their position to challenge a culture that objectifies women, normalises sexual abuse and assault and shames the victims. 'It was a very valuable meeting, giving us the opportunity to talk candidly about the scale of the problem.' Ms Contos argued schools must educate students on topics including; enthusiastic consent, sexual coercion, sl*t shaming, female pleasure, victim blaming, LGBTQI sex, toxic masculinity and rape culture. Several victims explained that she was pressured into having sex because a boy told her he would be in physical pain if she didn't 'help him finish' after arousing him PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson took note of an article that was published by the Police Union (NAPB) on March 4, 2021. After a decade of not having a Function book in place for the Ministry of Justice, a Project organization comprising of a Steering Committee and a Workgroup was installed on September 4, 2020. On December 22, 2020, just three months after the installation of the workgroup, the Ministry of Justices Function Book consisting of all nine (9) departments were handed over to the Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU) for their review and advice. As required by law, consultations of such sort must be held with the CCSU. The CCSU was given 6 weeks to render their advice, however, on January 28, 2021, a letter was sent by the Chairman of the CCSU Mr. Rafael Boasman requesting a 4-week extension. Minister Richardson granted the requested extension giving the CCSU additional time to review and render advice to the workgroup by or before March 1, 2021. The advice from the CCSU has since been delivered to the workgroup and is currently being reviewed. A response will be given to the CCSU concerning the advice that was rendered and the relevant changes that will be made where and if necessary. Where it relates to the retracting of the Function book of the Police force in which the Border Protection and Mobile Control Unit was a part of and signed by Ministerial decree in 2019 by Former Minister of Justice Minister van Hugh C de Weever, it must be explicitly known that the Function book being referenced to, received negative advice by the Council of Advice for various reasons and as such cannot remain in place and needs to be replaced. In addition, the Mobile Unit and Border Protection division was removed from under the management of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) and placed under the leadership of the Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBP) as having them under KPSM conflicted with the LIOL and Organizational Decree. Where it relates to collective bargaining, this is a right in general, not the right of a specific union. International Labour Organization (ILO) treaties, in general, are not very specific in their application. The right of collective bargaining for public servants on Sint Maarten is regulated in article 106 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten which orders the legal position, and the rules of participation for civil servants, which is to be regulated by National Ordinance and is referred to as the LMA. There are rules on how Unions need to apply for membership of the CCSU, and what criteria must be met to be admitted as members. It also lists which specific subjects the CCSU has the right of consent to and that for all other matters the right of advice. The right of collective bargaining is therefore limited to the package for which CCSU has the right of consent. NAPB did not meet the criteria to become a member of the CCSU. As such, they are not a part of it. In addition, where it relates to the Function Book for the Ministry of Justice, the CCSU does not have the right of consent but rather to render advice. The Ministers of Justice and General Affairs, are always willing to meet with NAPB as a Union representative if they wish to bring across some concerns of their members. However, the Ministers do not acknowledge the right of collective bargaining of NAPB with the government regarding any employee issue. President Bidens health honcho, Rochelle Walensky, announced Monday that vaccinated Americans can visit with others who are vaccinated in small groups at home. But when Walensky was asked about visiting grandchildren, she said no, unless the kids are local. Even vaccinated people must avoid traveling, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention insisted: Every time theres a surge in travel, we have a surge in cases in this country. The Biden administration is making one exception, however. Its OK to wade across the Rio Grande River and enter the US illegally. Even if you have COVID-19, you can get on a bus in a Texas border town and travel to any part of our nation. Never mind how far and wide COVID-infected migrants spread the virus as they fan out. On the travel question, Bidens double standard is mind-boggling. Its a firm No for Granny, but a warm Yes for illegal immigrants. Since Biden took office, he has rapidly dismantled Team Trump policies that kept migrants in Mexico during the pandemic. Some 100,000 migrants surrendered to US border officials in February, up from 78,000 in January. The total figure is likely to reach 1 million this year if the trend continues. Some single adults are sent back to Mexico, but families are permitted to stay. After a few days of processing in a detention center, officials grant them documents to travel and release them into a Texas border town. From there, nonprofits like Catholic Charities get them bus tickets to their destination of choice. Heres the hitch: The feds refuse to test migrants before release, unless theyre visibly sick, even though COVID continues to rage in Mexico. Bidens press secretary, Jen Psaki, explained that the administration considers testing a state or local responsibility. Thats ridiculous. Some cities, like Brownsville and El Paso, are using rapid tests to identify COVID-positive migrants. Other cities dont test. But either way, city officials explain they have no authority to stop infected migrants from traveling; only the feds do. An ad campaign promoting Burger King scholarships for female employees missed the mark on Monday after the brand's UK counterpart tweeted, "Women belong in the kitchen." It later added, "If they want to, of course." The burger joint's International Women's Day tweet got grilled for resonating as sexist. The company's global chief marketing officer then explained it was not their intention to offend women in their workforce. The Burger King Tweet for International Women's Day As Forbes reported, Burger King launched a new IWD campaign on Monday to announce it is investing in scholarship to develop women's culinary skills in the US, UK, Mexico and elsewhere worldwide. When 24 percent of US chefs and seven percent of head chefs are women, the goal was to help close the gender gap. However, those good intentions were overshadowed due to a single tweet from the company. Only 24% of chef positions in US are occupied by women. Thats why the BK Foundation launched a culinary scholarship program to bring more women to leadership positions in the industry. Women belong in the kitchen if they want to work there. And hopefully in leadership roles. pic.twitter.com/ITwnTJQpDp Fer Machado (@fer_machado123) March 8, 2021 Restaurant Brands International CMO Fernando Machado, who is also the Global CMO for Burger King, an RBI subsidiary, said that there were many lessons learned from the mistake, but he shared his hope that in time, people will see that the company's intentions were positive. "In the end we are indeed doing something positive, but the headline we used ended up offending people, especially when used without the context around it," Machado said. Also Read: Burger King: Your Burger With An Adult Toy Burger King has several women in leadership roles across its marketing teams. The company's U.S. CMO, Ellie Doty, joined in June, and its marketing chiefs in the U.K. and Spain are also women. Machado pointed out that other RBI restaurant subsidiaries such as Popeyes and Tim Hortons also have female CMOs. Machado explained that the company is not perfect for representation, but it is making good progress towards having more diverse teams. NBC reported that one Georgetown University professor, Kerry O'Grady, said the people worldwide saw the ad as a poor attempt at clickbait that played off of the struggles of women. O'Grady continued that if Burger King wanted to use sexism as clickbait, it's not celebrating International Women's Day. By Tuesday, Burger King deleted the tweet and apologized, saying it missed the mark on calling attention to the relative lack of women in foodservice leadership. It has been brought to the company's attention that there were abusive comments in the thread, and it does not want to leave the space open for that. Lessons Learned by Burger King In a Burger King statement, the company admitted that the tweet was designed to draw attention. The company wrote that it was their mistake to not include the full explanation in their initial tweet and have adjusted their activity moving forward because the company is sure that when people read the entirety of their commitment, they will share the burger joint's beliefs in this vital opportunity. We hear you. We got our initial tweet wrong and were sorry. Our aim was to draw attention to the fact that only 20% of professional chefs in UK kitchens are women and to help change that by awarding culinary scholarships. We will do better next time. Burger King (@BurgerKingUK) March 8, 2021 We decided to delete the original tweet after our apology. It was brought to our attention that there were abusive comments in the thread and we don't want to leave the space open for that. Burger King (@BurgerKingUK) March 8, 2021 According to PR Daily, opinions about the Burger King tweet have been divided. Lauryn Bayley, PR and content development intern in Flackable, called it a failed attempt at going outside the box. Meanwhile, Katie Delahay Paine, founder and chief executive at Paine Communications, said it was brilliant for focusing people's attention on a real issue. Aside from mixed reactions to Burger King's controversial messaging, the Twitter thread's backlash highlights the importance of providing context across social media platforms. Related Article: Clever Burger King Ad Gets Google Home Do This Amusing Thing Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Looming over the case is the question of whether an additional charge of third-degree murder will be added against Mr. Chauvin. His lawyer has asked the State Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that ordered the trial court judge to consider adding that charge. Prosecutors have also asked an appeals court to halt the trial until the matter has been decided, but the court has not yet ruled on that request. The three jurors who were chosen on Tuesday include two white men and one woman of color. The first man chosen was a chemist who described himself as logical and had said on a questionnaire that he wanted to serve on the jury. Despite having some feelings of trepidation about being a juror, the man said, he was not scared to take on a trial of this magnitude. The man said he was in favor of community policing and the idea that police officers should be connecting with residents, but said he disagreed that the Minneapolis police were more likely to use force against Black people than white people. He also said that though he may have formed an initial opinion about Mr. Floyds death, he now could not say whether Mr. Chauvin was to blame. Opinions and facts are important distinctions for me, he said. The second man selected, an auditor, said he had seen parts of the widely shared video of Mr. Chauvin holding his knee on Mr. Floyds neck several times on the news. He said that he had a somewhat negative view of Mr. Chauvin but that he had no opinion on whether he was guilty or innocent. He said he had heard that Mr. Floyd had previously been arrested and that he was under the influence of drugs on May 25, the day he died, but he said he did not believe that those things should have much impact on the case. 404 Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. New Delhi, March 10 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which has been ruling in Delhi for the last six years said the party has led the government in the concept of Ram Rajya. AAP national head and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made this statement while addressing the post budget session of Delhi Assembly on Wednesday. While addressing the Assembly for over 35 minutes, Kejriwal highlighted the developments, beneficial schemes for people implemented and he connected all achievements under his government with Ram Rajya. The Chief Minister said, "All of us worship Lord Rama. I worship Lord Hanuman who was a devotee of Lord Rama. Hence I am a devotee of both Lord Rama and Hanuman. During Lord Rama's rule, it is believed that people did not have to face tough challenges to access basic needs of life. This cannot be paralleled by us humans. However, even if we draw inspiration from this model of Ram Rajya, we would be successful in life. Hence, we have been constantly striving to establish this model of Ram Rajya in Delhi for the past 6 years." Kejriwal tried to justify his claim by adding that his government has been working on 10 principles inspired by the principles of Ram Rajya, including food, electricity, water, education, health, employment, houses, respect for women and the elderly. He said, "No one should go to sleep hungry - whether there is a pandemic or not. For this, the government adopted numerous measures and formulated various policies. During the pandemic, 1 crore people were provided with dry ration, 10 lakh people were given access to cooked meals twice a day. Now, the doorstep delivery of ration seeks to further this view." He told the Assembly that under AAP's rule the city has witnessed revolutionary changes. The government schools are producing 98% results and are being equipped with marvellous buildings and swimming pools due to which the students of these schools are now at par with those studying in private schools. Kejriwal also attacked both the BJP and the Congress accusing both of keeping the education system of the country in a dismal state deliberately for over 70 years. "I take full responsibility in stating that both these parties (Congress and BJP) have conspired to keep the education system of our country in a dismal state. They deliberately kept the people of our country, poor and the students, illiterate as they believed that if these children remain illiterate, they would not be able to gain access to jobs." The Chief Minister concluded his speech stating that the last one year was tough. However, with support from the Central government the Delhi government managed to control the situation. MIAMI American Airlines is strengthening its commitment to its Miami hub with the announcement of two new international routes to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Paramaribo, Suriname (PBM), beginning this summer. The airline is also introducing two new domestic routes from the MIA hub to Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT) and Portland, Maine (PWM), operating from June 5 through Aug. 16. All flights will be available for purchase Feb. 15. Miamis Hometown Airline deepens commitment to the community with new and increased service American introduces new destination to route map with nonstop service from Miami (MIA) to Paramaribo, Suriname and adds new flight from MIA to Tel Aviv (TLV) beginning in June. MIA will launch new summer service to Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT), and Portland, Maine (PWM). Airline increases capacity to Latin America and the Caribbean with additional frequencies from MIA to the Caribbean starting in April; and new service from Charlotte (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) starting June. MIAMI American Airlines is strengthening its commitment to its Miami hub with the announcement of two new international routes to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Paramaribo, Suriname (PBM), beginning this summer. The airline is also introducing two new domestic routes from the MIA hub to Little Rock, Arkansas (LIT) and Portland, Maine (PWM), operating from June 5 through Aug. 16. All flights will be available for purchase Feb. 15. New international routes launching from the south American will complement recently announced service from New York (JFK) to TLV with flights from MIA to TLV launching in June. Three times weekly service from MIA to TLV begins June 4 and will operate on a Boeing 777-200. Customers will have the option to choose Flagship Business, with lie flat seats, Premium Economy or Main Cabin on the 12-hour flight. The airline intends to offer Kosher meals for pre-order and kosher wine on board. American has always been the biggest and best in Miami with more flights to more places than any other carrier, and as demand recovers, well be even bigger and better than ever before, said Brian Znotins, Americans Vice President of Network Planning. Our new service to Tel Aviv and Paramaribo are the start of further growth in Miami, and as the city grows and expands, American will do the same. Beginning in July, American will also be the first and only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to PBM. Flights will operate five times per week on an Airbus 319, with a convenient schedule for customers traveling across the United States to connect through MIA. As a new destination for the airline, Suriname becomes the ninth country served in South America. More from MIA This year, customers can also look forward to more frequencies to the Caribbean from MIA. For example, Port-au-Prince (PAP) will increase to five daily flights beginning in April; and Santiago (STI) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic, will increase to operate four and seven daily flights, respectively. In addition to the PAP service from MIA, the airline will offer an additional daily flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL) to PAP, beginning April 2. MIA will also increase service to Latin America, with 12 destinations seeing more frequencies this summer compared to 2019. Last year, the airline introduced the Boeing 787-8 aircraft to the Miami hub, offering additional capacity to a number of destinations. That service includes Bogota (BOG), Medellin (MDE), and Cali (CLO) in Colombia; Guayaquil (GYE) and Quito (UIO) in Ecuador; Lima, Peru (LIM); PAP; and Santiago, Chile (SCL). Beginning June 5, the airline will launch Saturday service from MIA to LIT and PWM. This is the first time American will operate this service during the summer months, providing more options for customers in Little Rock and Portland to visit sunny South Florida or connect seamlessly on to one of the many destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since establishing our Miami hub in 1989, Americans commitment to our community and to our team has not wavered, said Juan Carlos Liscano, Americans Vice President of Operations for Miami, the Caribbean and Latin America. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to strengthen our capacity in Miami to match demand in Latin America and the Caribbean. With new international destinations launching this year Tel Aviv and Suriname two new domestic destinations Little Rock and Portland and additional flights to key destinations in the Caribbean, we look forward to further deepening our ties to Miami. Latin America and Caribbean growth American has continued to increase its capacity to Latin America and the Caribbean by upgauging aircraft and adding more service. This summer, American is planning for 16% more capacity to the region from MIA compared to 2019. With a significant demand for travel to Latin America and the Caribbean, American will double capacity in Colombia and Peru, while increasing more than 50% capacity in Ecuador and 24% capacity to Central America compared to 2019. This summer the airline is also adding service to the region from its hubs Charlotte (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles(LAX). Caribbean additions include a new destination to Samana (AZS), operated seasonally from CLT, as well as seasonal service from DFW to St. Maarten (SXM) and St. Lucia (UVF). New routes to Mexico include service from DFW to Merida (MID), as well as from LAX to Cancun (CUN). New Destinations Departure Arrival Operating Days Start Date Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft MIA PBM Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sun July 1 5:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m. A319 PBM MIA Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat July 2 1:45 a.m. 5:05 a.m. A319 CLT AZS* Wed/Sat June 5 9:45 a.m. 1:05 p.m. E175 AZS CLT Wed/Sat June 5 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. E175 *Seasonal from June 5 through Aug. 14. Returning Winter 2021. New Routes Departure Arrival Operating Days Start Date Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft MIA TLV Wed/Fri/Sun June 4 8 p.m. 3:10 p.m. B777-2 TLV MIA Mon/Thurs/Sat June 5 11:55 p.m. 6:25 a.m. B777-2 DFW SXM* Sat June 5 8:50 a.m. 3:15 p.m. A319 SXM DFW Sat June 5 2:35 p.m. 7:14 p.m A319 DFW UVF** Sat June 5 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m. A321 UVF DFW Sat June 5 2:30 p.m. 7:22 p.m. A321 DFW MID* Sat June 5 10:55 a.m. 1:37 p.m. E175 MID DFW Sat June 5 2:17 p.m 4:51 p.m. E175 CUN LAX Sat June 5 4:40 p.m. 7:46 p.m. A321 LAX CUN Sat June 5 8:45 a.m. 3:36 p.m. A321 *Seasonal from June 5 through Aug. 14. Summer service only. **Seasonal from June 5 through Aug. 14. Returning Winter 2021. New Domestic Schedules Departure Arrival Operating Days Start Date Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft MIA LIT Sat June 5 7:40 p.m. 9:15 p.m. E175 LIT MIA Sat June 5 6 a.m. 9:45 a.m. E175 MIA PWM Sat June 5 10:25 a.m. 1:45 p.m. E175 PWM MIA Sat June 5 2:30 p.m. 5:59 p.m. E175 About American Airlines Group Americans purpose is to care for people on lifes journey. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the companys stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about whats happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. Richard Evans wrote scripts for salespeople to use on the phone promising government grants for work that did not exist. (Wales News) A former soldier has been jailed after he set up a rogue call centre so he could scare elderly people into paying for fake home repairs. Ex-Royal Welsh soldier Richard Evans, 29, led a team telling customers their current homes were putting insurance policies in danger. Swansea Crown Court heard his firm Crystal Style Home Improvements would "pressurise" customers into agreeing deals by using "scare tactics" leading them to buy new windows and doors they did not need. Evans would write scripts for salespeople to use on the phone promising government grants for work that did not exist. Prosecutor Lee Reynolds said many of the staff quit just days into the job after getting fed up of reading from "misleading" scripts. Richard Evans was jailed for two years and 10 months at Swansea Crown Court, (Wikipedia) He said the business would mostly target customers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, and workers were "extremely persistent". The court heard that Evans ditched the business after Trading Standards launched an investigation but continued his fraud at another company. The father-of-two began a role at SDG Carpets where he would offer building work for cash deposits and then provide unskilled or bogus tradesmen to carry out the jobs. Reynolds said the company would hike up prices halfway through the work and threaten to walk away if customers failed to pay. Customers who complained were "met with aggression" by Evans and fellow SDG boss Steve Garvey, 65, Reynolds added. Evans who served tours of Iraq and Afghanistan once offered a customer on crutches to "step outside" after he complained, the court heard. In a victim impact statement, the customer said: "These people took my money and destroyed my home, they damaged what was beautiful and original to the property and they threatened me and my son with more delays, and even violence. Ex-Royal Welsh soldier Richard Evans served tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. (Wales News) "They would lie, mock me and get abusive and threatening. "They have ruined my house for me and I don't know if I can ever feel about the house the way I used to." Story continues Evans, of Port Talbot, admitted two counts of fraud while Garvey, of Cwmavon, near Port Talbot, also admitted fraud. David Gater, 35, who was described as Evans's "lieutenant" at Crystal Style Homes, also admitted two counts of fraud. David Gater also admitted two counts of fraud. (Wales News) Ian Wright, defending Evans, said he left the army in 2015 after suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and had initially wanted to start a legitimate business. Recorder Malcolm Gibney said Evans set up the business in a way that "from the very outset was designed to defraud. He said he gave "completely bogus" scripts to staff and behaved with "quite disgraceful conduct". Evans was jailed for two years and 10 months. Garvey and Gater were handed suspended sentences. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK News Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Her celebrity roster of friends runs deep. And Paris Jackson came to the defense of one of her nearest and dearest after fans questioned her relationship with Emile Hirsch on Instagram Tuesday night. The 22-year-old musician posted up with the 35-year-old actor at their mutual friend's Pizza Girl company launch, only for followers to question the age difference between the pair. Yikes: Paris Jackson, 22, came to the defense of one of her nearest and dearest after fans questioned her relationship with Emile Hirsch, 35, on Instagram Tuesday night Smile: The 22-year-old musician posted up with the 35-year-old actor at their mutual friend's Pizza Girl company launch, only for followers to question the age difference between the pair Emile shared a picture cuddled up to Michael Jackson's daughter at the celeb-packed event hosted by Caroline D'Amore. With pink uplighting in the background of a small soiree, he simply captioned the snap: 'Hiding out with you.' Paris was forced to go on the defense as the picture was flooded with comments about the age gap between Jackson and Hirsch. Just friends: Another seemingly unrelated photo recently surfaced of the pair closely huddled together on social media 'This relationship makes me uncomfortable,' one user wrote. 'He's actually one of the youngest homies of mine,' she replied. 'one of my best friends is in their 50s. you probably don't have friends older than you because elders may find you annoying or immature lol.' She added: 'not to mention another close friend of mine is 76,' Paris continued. 'age is a number, i enjoy the company of people all ages. i am the student and teach of people from 5 years younger than me to 50 years older than me. nothing wrong with that.' Seemingly not ready to put the battle behind her, Paris took to her Instagram stories with a meme to best describe the situation. This fits: Seemingly not ready to put the battle behind her, Paris took to her Instagram stories with a meme to best describe the situation 'Is that your new bf?' the meme said with someone being chased with 'P just taking a pic with a guy.' Paris recently released her debut solo album, Wilted, and hopes to use her star status to bring awareness to causes that matter to her, including environmental issues and animal rights. She recently said: Everything that Im doing the acting, the modelling its all just to grow my platform so I can use my voice for things that matter.' Blessed: Paris recently released her debut solo album, Wilted, and hopes to use her star status to bring awareness to causes that matter to her, including environmental issues and animal rights A judge has jailed for six weeks a 54-year-old woman who told two Gardai repeatedly We are the Dundons. At Ennis District Court after hearing Garda Patrick O'Neill give evidence concerning Ms Breda Casey's declaration concerning 'the Dundons' in Kilrush last year, Judge Patrick Durcan asked Garda ONeill The Dundons? Who are the Dundons?. In reply Garda ONeill told Judge Durcan: They are a family in Limerick judge. Garda ONeill stated that before Ms Casey of Sunday School Lane, Blackpool, Cork declared that she was one of the Dundons, she had jumped in front of the Garda car and tried to open the passenger door of the car at St Patricks Terrace, Kilrush on March 4th 2020. Imposing the six week prison term for a breach of the public order act on Ms Casey, Judge Durcan stated that Ms Casey had attempted to open the passenger door and in no uncertain terms told the Garda where to go. He stated: In my view, anyone who jumps out in front of a patrol car and, who in effect damages the uniform of our unarmed police force deserves nothing but contempt. Judge Durcan said: Ms Casey is 54 and she should have a little bit more sense. She has an appalling record. Seventy one previous convictions including 12 for public order. Ms Casey had contested the charge and solicitor for Ms Casey, Tara Godfrey put it to Garda ONeill: My instructions from Ms Casey is that she did not say that she is related to the Dundons and is there anyway that you may have misheard that? In reply, Garda ONeill stated: I heard her say that and the Garda who was with me on the day also heard it. Ms Godfrey had asked Judge Durcan not to impose a custodial sentence on Ms Casey who was not in court for the hearing. Ms Godfrey asked for a stay on the sentence and in reply, Judge Durcan stated: No, the days of stays are gone. Judge Durcan did fix recognisance in the event of an appeal. New Delhi, March 10 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it is under the mandate of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to complete the investigation in offences pertaining to illegal mining, excavation and theft of coal in West Bengal. The response from the CBI came on a plea filed by a key accused Anup Majee challenging Calcutta High Court order, which allowed a CBI probe into illegal coal mining case without the state's consent. The affidavit filed by CBI said: "The object of the accused persons in the FIR is to siphon off the depleting natural resources for their own gain running into hundreds of crores of rupees leading to a loss of revenue to the Centre." The wife of TMC leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee, was also been questioned and served a notice. The central probe agency argued the issue of lodging of the FIR by it despite withdrawal of general consent by state government had become infructuous after High Court declined to quash FIR and took cognisance of CBI probe. The CBI said the case was unravelled on a complaint by the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) to the CVC. "It is submitted that the Central Vigilance Commission, in furtherance of the said application by ECL, has passed an order dated February 22, 2021 under Section 8 of the CVC Act has caused an investigation to be continued by the Central Bureau of Investigation of the entire case, it being an offence spread over in multiple states", said the affidavit argued by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and filed through advocate Kanu Agrawal. The CBI has argued that coal bearing areas are spread across various states therefore, it is imperative that the larger conspiracy and the inter-state dimension be thoroughly probed by an agency having national jurisdiction. Mehta on Wednesday contended before a bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud that CBI was informed that an FIR has been registered in Uttar Pradesh citing large scale synchronised illegal operation is in place allegedly in connection with illegal extraction, theft, transport and sale of coal across various states in the country including West Bengal. Since late November, the CBI has conducted searches at several places across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and UP. "It is clear that not only can the present Respondent conduct investigation in 'Railway Areas' without the prior consent of the state government but, such power in furtherance of the investigation, transcends to other areas beyond the 'Railway Areas', within the territorial jurisdiction of the state of West Bengal", the affidavit added. The affidavit contended that the top court had ruled once a court takes cognisance of a corruption case investigated by the CBI, it cannot be set aside in the absence of state government's prior consent to the probe, unless it is shown that prejudice has been caused. Majee approached the apex court after his plea was turned down by the High Court. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing next week. 952 cases of communal, religious rioting in 2018-19: Government tells Parliament India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 10: A total of 952 cases of communal or religious rioting were registered across the country in a period of two years, with Bihar topping charts both in 2018 and 2019, the government told Parliament on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy tabled the data, compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in response to queries made by Rajya Sabha MP Jharna Das Baidya. As many as 512 cases were lodged across states and Union Territories in 2018 under "communal/religious rioting" while the number was 440 in 2019, according to the data. Fuel price hike: Ajit Pawar urges Centre to bring petrol, diesel under GST Bihar had 167 such cases in 2018 and 135 in 2019, it showed. Noting the "police" and "public order" are state subjects, Reddy added the incidents of communal violence show a declining trend during the period from 2018 to 2019. "Government of India monitors the internal security and law and order situation in the country and issues appropriate advisories from time to time to maintain peace, public tranquillity and communal harmony," he stated in a written reply. "Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed to aid and assist state governments, on their request, to maintain law and order and public tranquillity," the minister added. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Scotland's Deputy First Minister has survived a vote of no confidence at Holyrood after being accused of 'obstruction, secrecy and contempt'. John Swinney had come under fire over delays from the Scottish Government in handing over legal documents to MSPs probing the botched handling of harassment allegations made against former first minister Alex Salmond. The Tories, who brought forward the motion of no confidence, united with Labour and Liberal Democrats against the Deputy First Minister. But the support of Scottish Green MSPs meant the challenge to him was ultimately unsuccessful, with Holyrood voting down the motion by 57 votes to 65. Despite that, Mr Swinney still faced accusations from Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross of 'having used his power to cover up evidence and protect Nicola Sturgeon'. Nicola Sturgeon's (right) deputy John Swinney (left) had come under fire over delays from the Scottish Government in handing over legal documents to MSPs probing the botched handling of harassment allegations made against former first minister Alex Salmond Mr Salmond made a series of bombshell allegations as he gave evidence to a Holyrood committee last month The Scottish Government only published some of the legal advice it was given in its courtroom battle against Mr Salmond after the Conservatives threatened to bring the vote of no confidence. That was despite repeated pleas from MSPs on the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints to see the documents, and Holyrood twice voting for ministers to hand them over. Those papers relate to the legal challenge brought by Mr Salmond, which saw the former first minister win a payout of more than 500,000 after the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled the Scottish Government had acted unlawfully. With the committee still trying to access information, Mr Ross criticised the delays in releasing the documents - saying this had taken place 'in outright defiance of two votes of the Scottish Parliament and repeated requests from a Holyrood committee'. The Conservative added: 'John Swinney has survived but honest John is no more. He has shamefully shut down the scrutiny that this inquiry was meant to provide. 'Instead of considering the weight of evidence against John Swinney, the Greens have traded principles for an SNP budget deal. Patrick Harvie has been bought and sold for SNP gold.' The Tories (pictured, leader Douglas Ross), who brought forward the motion of no confidence, united with Labour and Liberal Democrats against the Deputy First Minister Labour deputy leader and committee member Jackie Baillie said the opposition had been left with 'no choice' but to bring the motion of Mr Swinney. She said: 'Supporting a motion of no confidence is never done lightly, but the abysmal failings of the Scottish Government and John Swinney on this matter left us with no choice. 'Despite the promises from the First Minister, our nation's Parliament and the committee have been treated with contempt. 'You could paper the walls with the endless letters from the committee to John Swinney asking to see counsel's advice - and at every turn the answer was no. 'Time and time again, the government refused to publish legal advice and only did so when John Swinney's job was on the line. 'Even then, the information made available has been incomplete and released to a partisan schedule. The SNP really is the Secretive National Party.' With the Deputy First Minister having recently said no minutes were available for meetings between lawyers and senior government figures, Ms Baillie continued: 'Even now John Swinney denies the existence of evidence that the committee needs - this is shameful.' She criticised the Greens, saying: 'Once again, when the going gets tough the Scottish Greens ride to the rescue of the SNP, regardless of the catastrophic failings of the government. 'I would have much rather they stood up for the Parliament instead.' Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: 'I am sure many reasonable people will find it surprising that Patrick Harvie condones the behaviour of John Swinney. Polls including this from Panelbase at the weekend have suggested that the Salmond row is damaging support for independence 'It gives the SNP permission to disrespect the Parliament all day long. How can we get to the truth of how the government let women down if the committee is deprived of essential information?' Mr Swinney, however, insisted the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems were playing politics. Taking the unusual step of defending himself during the debate, the Deputy First Minister insisted: 'On any fair interpretation of what the Government has done, the Tories' pursuit of this motion today is now entirely baseless. 'With an election only weeks away, the reality I suspect is that (the Tories) were always intent on pushing this motion to a vote, regardless of what action the Government had taken.' Mr Swinney added the advice released to the public was embarrassing for the Scottish Government, and gave a 'warts and all' account of the state of the case against it. An ultrasound machine sits next to an exam table in an examination room at Whole Woman's Health of South Bend in South Bend, Ind., on June 19, 2019. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Texas Proposal Would Allow Death Penalty for Having or Performing Abortions A lawmaker in Texas has introduced a proposal that would enable prosecutors in the state to seek the death penalty for women who have abortions. HB 3326 would abolish abortion in Texas, state Rep. Bryan Slaton, a Republican, wrote in a social media statement. The bill will end the discriminatory practice of terminating the life of innocent children, and will guarantee the equal protection of the laws to all Texans, no matter how small, he said. Formally known as the Abolition of Abortion through Equal Protection for All Unborn Children Act, the bill states that Texas is a free and independent state and that the sanctity of innocent human life created in the image of God should be equally protected from fertilization to natural death. From the time of conception, an unborn child is entitled to the same rights, powers, and privileges as are secured or granted by the laws of this state to any other human person, the bill continues. It would rescind all licenses to kill unborn children by repealing discriminatory provisions. Part of the legislation would direct the state attorney general to use the existing criminal code against people who perform or have abortions, including laws against criminal homicide. In Texas, homicide can be punished by the death penalty. Abortion is the termination of an unborn child or a fetus. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 55,000 abortions were performed in Texas in 2018, the most recent year for which figures were available. It is time for Texas to protect the natural right to life for the tiniest and most innocent Texans, and this bill does just that, Slaton said in a statement. Its time Republicans make it clear that we actually think abortion is murder. Unborn children are dying at a faster rate in Texas than COVID patients, but Texas isnt taking the abortion crisis seriously. Similar legislation was filed in the last legislative term by state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, but it failed in the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee. Republicans in Texas control both legislative chambers as well as the governors mansion. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last month listed two abortion-related bills in his legislative priorities. Senate Bill 8, or the Heart Bill, would restrict abortion after a heartbeat is detected in an unborn baby, while Senate Bill 9, or the Abortion Ban Trigger, would ban abortions if the Supreme Court reverses Roe v. Wade. The bills were among those that reflect the principles and values of the Texas conservative majority, Patrick said in a statement. The proposals drew criticism from Planned Parenthood, one of the nations largest abortion providers. Lt. Gov. Patrick wants to ban abortion at six weeksbefore most people even know they are pregnant. Planned Parenthood will never stop fighting to protect patients and their access to reproductive health care, including abortion. Just when we think state leaders cant go any lower, Dan Patrick throws out this listnothing more than a political stunt and a weak attempt to save face with his base, Dyana Limon-Mercado, executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, said in a statement. Oil pulled back from recent multi-year highs after technical indicators showed crude rallied too far too fast. Futures in New York fell toward $64 a barrel on Tuesday in choppy trading, following a surge Monday to the highest intraday level since 2018 after an attack on a major Saudi Arabian crude export terminal. Prices rose above the Upper Bollinger band during the last three sessions, signaling a pullback was in store. Meanwhile, the U.S. government expects domestic crude production to rise drillers take advantage of oils price recovery. Crudes rally just kept pushing and pushing and pushing, said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp. Then we had the OPEC surprise and the Saudi attack, triggering the last key surge where now a lot of the recovery and demand expectations due to the vaccines success has already been priced in. While a technical dip was expected in the short-term, OPEC+ output cuts are seen holding the market over until demand comes back in force. Standard Chartered Plc said the producer groups supply restraint will likely even overtighten the market. Still, concerns remain over how much higher prices can go without destroying demand. India would prefer oil to be on the lower side in the range of $50 a barrel to $60 a barrel, according to Mukesh Kumar Surana, chairman of Hindustan Petroleum Corp., one of the nations biggest refiners. Further price gains from output cuts have pretty much run their course, Doug King, RCMA Group Chairman, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. You can tighten as much as you want, but if you destroy the refining margins and product demand isnt there, then effectively you dont really get much further up the chain. In the U.S., crude inventories are expected to rise for a third straight week, according to a Bloomberg survey. Gasoline and distillate stockpiles are seen decreasing. The industry-funded American Petroleum Institute will report its supply tally later Tuesday ahead of U.S. government data on Wednesday. In the U.S. shale patch, Chevron Corp. plans to ramp up investment in the Permian Basin through 2025, reversing the pandemic-driven production decline, the company said in an investor presentation Tuesday. In its monthly short-term outlook report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration raised its domestic oil production forecast to average over 12 million barrels a day in 2022, growing faster than previously expected. The EIA outlook also said crude prices should decline next year, with global oil supply surpassing oil demand during the second half of 2021. While the agency raised its Brent price forecast to $58.51 a barrel in 2022, it sees the benchmark falling from a 2021 average of $60.67 a barrel. The concern is, the more OPEC maintains these cuts and allows prices to rise, at what point is that problematic? said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. Eventually, weve seen that gives rise to shale producers coming back on some time horizon. Meanwhile, heavy maintenance work on North Sea oil fields is helping erode the flow of crude to Asia from some suppliers in the Atlantic basin as a key price spread between the two region balloons. North Sea supplies will be significantly constrained throughout the second quarter by routine maintenance programs. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. TUNIS - The Tunisian Forum for economic and social rights (Ftdes), in relation to a shipwreck yesterday of two boats carrying a large number of African migrants off the islands of Kerkennah, which caused the death of at least 39 people, said in a statement that "this human tragedy is the inevitable result of restrictive and inhuman migration policies of the European Union". The Forum said it was wrong for the European Union to "focus on the theme of security in treating the phenomenon with Tunisian counterparts", suggesting instead a "human" approach "towards migration flows" focusing on the "conditions of health, security and policy in Tunisia and Libya", "encouraging the rescue and protection of human lives" instead of "a policy to close borders". The EU, according to the Forum, has "shown it is willing to do anything to prevent the arrival of migrants on its territory". The Tunisian Forum for Social and economic rights expressed solidarity to the families of victims and survivors of this umpteenth humanitarian tragedy in the Mediterranean, renewing its adhesion to a global and humanitarian approach, aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants. It also asked for technological and logistical means to be deployed in the search and rescue of human lived and not for limitations and prevention. Flash More than twenty experts and media representatives from ten countries share their views via video link during the forum. On March 8, 2021, the Think Tank & Media Forum on Global Economic Development, co-hosted by China International Publishing Group (CIPG), China Institute for Innovation & Development Strategy (CIIDS), the Prospective and Innovation Foundation (Fondation Prospective et Innovation), and the Bridge Tank, was convened in Beijing. Taking as its theme "Exploring New Measures for Win-win Cooperation, Sharing New Achievements in Global Development" the forum brought together more than twenty dignitaries, experts, and media representatives from ten countries, including China, France, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. President of CIPG Du Zhanyuan, the former prime minister of France and chairman of the Prospective and Innovation Foundation Jean-Pierre Raffarin, president of CIIDS Zheng Bijian, and executive deputy director of the Academic Committee of CIIDS Huang Qifan each delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the forum. Du Zhanyuan pointed out in his speech that the global economy has seen great recession since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and countries are calling for win-win cooperation and joint efforts to tackle the global challenges. In the post-pandemic era, the Chinese economy with its great resilience, is expected to be a driving force to push forward the global economic recovery. China's new development pattern of "dual circulation" is poised to bring economic prosperity to both the country and the rest of the world based on extensive consultation and shared benefits. He stressed the increasing importance for members of the global community to resolve misunderstandings through exchanges and mutual learning, build bridges through win-win cooperation and reach consensus through cultural communication. Raffarin indicated that world peace is our common goal. Only by deeper communication and exchanges can we understand each other better, which would then lead to world peace. He went on to emphasize that it is important to realize that economic development is the basis of global governance. In today's world, no country can survive or prosper in isolation. Win-win cooperation, rather than unilateralism or protectionism, is the right choice, he pointed out. To tackle global challenges, he said that all countries need to strengthen cooperation in an innovative way to fuel up the world's economy and improve the capacity for global governance. Zheng Bijian said that a temporary resurgence of protectionism, unilateralism, and populism, and the wave of anti-globalization triggered by the pandemic, has brought uncertainties to the world. The once-in-a-century pandemic and new changes it has brought about have posed a great challenge to the international community. "However, if we take a look at the history of human society, we may discover that 'greater cooperation' will be achieved on a global scale after 'great changes,' and the undeniable trend today is still multilateralism rather than unilateralism, openness rather than seclusion, and cooperation rather than confrontation," Zheng said. To foster new opportunities in crises, Huang Qifan stressed the importance of win-win cooperation among countries and then put forward the following several suggestions: First, multilateralism is the key to building an open world economy; second, innovative cooperation must be carried out to boost the global economic recovery; third, international macroeconomic policy coordination is needed to improve the global economic governance system; fourth, the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind must be incorporated into the tackling of global challenges. During the discussion session, experts shared their views on specific subjects including effective measures for global economic governance, the practice of multilateralism for building an open and inclusive world economy, innovative cooperation to boost the economic recovery, coordination on international macroeconomic policies, the construction of an equal and efficient international division of labor system, and ways of discarding the Cold War mentality. A general consensus that everyone shared was that there is a growing need for China to play a greater role in global governance and economic development. They also emphasized the role of global think tanks in building platforms for dialogue as an important force in building a community with a shared future for all mankind. LANSING, MI - The Republican-led Michigan Legislature disclosed Tuesday nearly $700,000 in taxpayer money was spent on severance settlements with staff over the last decade, according to information released by both the House and Senate business offices. This comes a week after some lawmakers blasted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over her own six-figure payments to state agency officials, which, like those from the Legislature, all came with confidentiality agreements. Read more: Former Michigan health director given $155K severance pay after abrupt resignation The majority of the $632,144 in payments came from the Senate, where 30 separation agreements were made since 2010. There were 20 agreements in the last five years, which spans the tenures of Arlan Meekhof and Mike Shirkey as senate majority leaders. The House also made three deals with outgoing employees totaling $59,500 since 2013. Both the House and the Senate business offices declined to reveal further information about the deals due to confidentiality clauses. Public records requests revealed last week that the Whitmer administration paid $155,506 and $85,872 to former Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon and former Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray, respectively. Read more: Michigans unemployment agency director got $86,000 to leave job, on condition of confidentiality Neither the Governors office nor the Legislature are subject to Freedom of Information Act requests, though Whitmers state agencies are. The Legislature must release financial records that could present conflicts of interest per internal rules and the state constitution. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to add requirements in the interest of transparency. Republican lawmakers in both chambers previously blasted the Whitmers administrations confidentiality agreements, despite their own chambers past deals. Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, called Whitmers agreements troubling, while Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, called on the governor to revoke what she called the taxpayer-financed hush money paid to Gordon. When it comes to state agencies responsible for decisions that put public safety and peoples lives and livelihoods on the line, the people of Michigan have every right to full disclosure and transparency, Glenn said last week in a press release. Gov. Whitmer should not be allowed to use state tax dollars to pay hush money to departing state regulators. Lonnie Scott, executive director of the liberal advocacy group Progress Michigan, said in a statement that the Legislature needs to get their house in order before they can claim to take any sort of moral high ground on this issue. Shirkey, who did not comment on the Whitmer agreements last week, said in a statement that these sort of agreements are not out of the ordinary. Like many public and private organizations, the Senate has occasionally offered departing employees from Republican, Democratic and nonpartisan offices severance packages based on their salary, longevity and other factors, Shirkey said in the statement. Whitmer said something similar during a press conference last week, saying separation agreements like the one reached with Gordon are used often for leaders in the public sectors. Shirkey has been resistant to transparency reform in the past, saying the financial disclosure reform currently under deliberation in the House would cause heartburn. Its fodder for (the media) to go after people and its unnecessary, he said on Jan. 28 alongside House Speaker Jason Wentworth. We already have rules in place for eliminating conflicts of interest, and I havent had anybody show me where those rules were spoiled or breached in my tenure, frankly. Wentworth, R-Clare, said in a statement that the House has nothing to hide. The House agreed to a few small settlements to avoid litigation and save taxpayer dollars, and thats it. No golden parachutes, no hush money and no hiding, he said in the statement. Read more from MLive: New ad from pro-GOP nonprofit hits Whitmer on transparency, hush money As Whitmers national brand grew, so did her out-of-state fundraising Michigan Republicans seek strong gubernatorial challenger to Whitmer as big names bow out Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Aerial photo taken on March 4, 2021 shows a view of the Shapotou water control project in Zhongwei, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Ningxia section of the Yellow River runs 397 kilometers. During the past years, Ningxia has been promoting the ecological development. Currently, over 500,000 mu (about 33,333 hectares) wetland has been recovered in Ningxia, with the total wetland area covering 3.1 million mu (about 206,667 hectares). The local forest coverage rate has increased from 11.4 percent in 2010 to 15.2 percent in 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) 22 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] In an exclusive interview with NewsX as part of NewsX India A-List, Co-founder of Savaari Rentals Gaurav Aggarwal talks about his brand, how is it changing the way people travel, and the mission of his company. Gaurav Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Savaari Car Rentals, a company that has services in 2000 cities across the country, recently joined NewsX for a conversation as part of NewsX India A-List, wherein he talked about his start-up journey, the mission of his company, and how the post-Covid times have changed the way of travelling for people. Talking about the inception of Savaari, he said, Right from my college days in the US, I used to book rental cars online. On one of my trips to India back in 2015, I was looking to book an online chauffeur or a rental car from Delhi to Dehradun and I couldnt find a car rental company online that I could trust with quality service and a reasonable rate and ended up asking a friend to help me out with it. After doing a bit of research myself, I realised that this market is largely unorganised. Post this incident, we started out with the idea of Savaari car rentals. The most conservative estimates put Indian Car Rental Market at $15B annually. Though billions of dollars have been spent by two on-demand players in the market during the past 7 years, it is quite surprising that 85% of the market still remains unorganised. Speaking about the services provided by Savaari Car Rentals and the growth of the company over the years, Gaurav stated, We provide quality chauffeur rides with car rentals close to 2000+ cities across India at super competitive rates. Simultaneously, we offer customisation and assistance through our spirited 247 customer support team, thus providing the ideal combination of a technology platform and services-based approach. In these cities, we provide airport transfers, local rentals, and inter-city travels, we provide round-trips around the city where you keep the car and the driver with you and Bombay inter-city drops so that you can travel from one city to another. Emphasising how the company is different from others, he expressed, Indian consumers are not easy to please. When it comes to services, they want quality service at a cheaper and reasonable cost and that is the reason why the market has remained highly unorganised because there is no pan-India player that you can go to and who you could trust for high quality, reliability and at competitive rates, so this is the gap that we had identified and set out to work towards the same. When asked about the growth of the company over the last few years, Gaurav underlined that Savaari Rentals has been one of the few startups that has become profitable. He said, We became profitable in the FY19 and our company witnessed solid growth in the year 2020. Although FY21 has been majorly impacted due to the Covid-19 lockdown. We are looking to do around 122 crore profit by the financial year 2022, which will be close to 50% profit plus growth for our FY21, which is quite an impressive growth. Mr Gaurav stresses that his brand stands at the core of trust, customer safety and comfortable rides. He further shared some of the unique features offered by the company, including travel kits and language selection option for the drivers. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way people travel and commute. While the pre-pandemic travel demand was traditionally centred around leisure and business, travel was more need-based during the lockdown. With the vaccination drive starting in different phases across the country, the road ahead looks promising. Domestic travel has resumed, giving people a chance to finally step out of their houses to give themselves a well-deserved break. Travel picture in 2021 looks optimistic and the year is being tagged as the return of the classic road-trips in India, elaborated Gaurav. On a concluding note, Gaurav shared his vision of the company and how it is changing trends of travel. Post Covid 19, we expect that there would be a lot of regional travelling and there is a new trend called Revenge Travel where people who have been stuck in lockdown or those who had to cancel their trip because of the lockdown, take a trip. Off late there has been a trend of exploring new places and road trips are the best way to explore these places. Our mission is to help you explore India, one road trip at a time, said Gaurav. JOHANNESBURG (AP) At least one person has died and two students have been injured in clashes between South African university students and police over tuition fees at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. The protests erupted this week after thousands of students were denied registration for the 2021 academic year because they owed tuition fees from last year. The man who died was a bystander who got caught in the crossfire when police opened fire on students, according to a statement issued by the university, widely known as Wits and which has about 40,000 students. Initial reports suggest that a civilian was caught in clashes between the protestors and the South African Police Service, and regrettably lost his life," said the statement from the university. The man was returning from receiving medical attention at a clinic close to where the protests were taking place, according to local reports. Police investigators have been sent to look into allegations that police were responsible for the mans death, according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. Two student reporters were injured and three protestors were arrested, said the university statement. There are concerns that the protests in Johannesburg may spread to other South African universities as they prepare to start the academic year later this month. On Monday the Minister for Higher Education Blade Nzimande announced that the government-funded National Students Financial Aid Scheme, which provides study loans to poor students, is facing a funding shortfall. He cited the countrys economic downturn amid the COVID-19 pandemic among the reasons for the shortage of funds. South Africa's Cabinet has met to discuss the funding shortages for universities, higher education department spokesman Ishmael Mnisi said. Between 2015 and 2016, students shut down South Africa's universities with demonstrations demanding free tuition, in what was dubbed the Fees Must Fall movement. The government responded by suspending increases of tuition fees, but did not make higher education free. The national students' fund issues loans to poor students, who are required to repay them. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. I was working as a housekeeper at two resorts in March when the borders shut down and immediately our managers sent us home. Since then, I have had no income or assistance and it is impossible to find any work. The hotels that have opened in Jamaica are all operating at reduced capacity, so they are not employing as many people as they used to. In season, I would make around $250 a month cleaning 30 rooms a day. Now, housekeepers are cleaning five to 10 rooms at most and are making less money. My eldest son is taking care of our family now. God bless him, he has managed to make some money selling electronic parts online. My husband passed away many years ago and my daughter is only 15 so we have a small family and manage to get by, but we desperately need the money I used to make. We had to leave our two-bedroom home because we could not afford the rent. For months now we have been living in a small room in our friends house. We sleep on the floor on mattresses and have a small seating area where we watch television together. I do all the cooking and cleaning for both our families, which has been demanding, but it is all I can do in return for a roof over our heads. I want so much more for my children. I want them to finish university and get good, respected jobs. They deserve so much more than this and it breaks my heart that I cannot do more for them in this moment. The hardest part is not knowing when I will be able to work again and provide for my family. It could be a very long time before the hotels are full again and it is very competitive to get other housekeeping work, especially in private residences. I went for a few trials last June when things opened up, but it was backbreaking work with too much attitude from the residence owners. In the resorts there is a daily routine that I am used to, and when I finish my work I go home without a headache. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 14:41:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, March 10 (Xinhua) -- As soon as the Spring Festival holiday wrapped up, a textile workshop in a mountain-locked northwestern Chinese town reopened. The machines rumbled as locals were speeding up the work to deliver the first orders in the year of the Ox. Ma Tingxiao, 32, was carefully inspecting several spools of polyester sewing thread that had just rolled out. This 200-ton batch was heading to the eastern port city of Qingdao before being shipped to its final destination in Indonesia. The workshop is a poverty-alleviation program in Daban County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Jointly established by a local government-funded company and several private enterprises outside Gansu, it offers jobs exclusively to local women, most of whom are "left-behind" wives whose husbands work far away from home as migrant workers. Ma joined the workshop when it opened last June. Thanks to her hard work and meticulous attention, she was promoted from a maintenance worker to a quality control inspector in just three months. "We have to be really focused in our work as we must judge whether a product has met all the criteria," said Ma. She's now able to earn at least 3,000 yuan (about 460 U.S. dollars) every month, as well as a bonus for not missing any days. In addition to bringing up her two children, Ma also had to care for her husband's parents as he went to work in other cities to provide for the family of six. Before beginning work at the shop, an ordinary bottle of facial cream was a luxury for Ma. With an increased income, the young woman is now able to afford many things on her wishlist, including new clothes, a motorbike and some home appliances. "I used my first month's salary to buy a washing machine as a gift to myself. I could finally be done with hand-washing." Ma's parents-in-law, who are still in good health, now share in the housework to help support her with focusing on work, she said. The former rural housewife has also become more confident about life and herself. "I've realized that as long as I work hard, I can turn all my dreams into reality," she said. She's now saving money for a "big deal" -- renovating her house. With aspirations to continue moving up in the company, Ma has set a new goal of becoming a craft instructor this year. She also sometimes brings her children into the workshop to show them what she does for work. "I want to show them mommy's change after getting this job to encourage them to study hard." Over 390 women are employed at the workshop. Though most of them start from scratch, they learn very fast and treasure the job, said Guo Qi, manager of the workshop, who was dispatched from the Liaoning Fangda Group Industrial Co., Ltd., a founder of the workshop. "I'm touched by their work ethic and dedication," said Guo, adding that some of the skilled workers can earn as much as 6,000 yuan a month. According to the manager, since last June, over 1,000 tonnes of sewing thread have been exported to Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries. "I have never even been out of the county. But the products I made go abroad. And that makes me feel so proud," said Ma. Enditem Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ADVERTISEMENT Ikechukwu Bartholomew Obiefuna, an engineer and a customer of Polaris Banks Okeke Street branch, Onitsha in Anambra State, has emerged the second millionaire at the second draw of the Banks ongoing nationwide Save & Win promo. A set of 60 lucky customers from across the six geo-political zones, also received N100,000 each as consolation cash prize during the draw which held at the Banks headquarters in Lagos. The winners emerged through a transparent draw witnessed by officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and representatives of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) in persons; as well as customers and relations who logged in using the provided link to the available virtual platforms. The Bank aims to make millionaires of Nigerians by encouraging current and prospective customers of the Bank to save minimum incremental sum of N10,000 in three consecutive circles within the promo period, which commenced in November 2020 to April 2021. At the maiden draw which took place on February 9, 2021, Lucky Okunzuwa, a customer with the Banks Akpakpava branch, Benin City in Edo State, emerged as the first millionaire of the promo. The duo of Peace Ibadin and Susie Onwuka, both representatives of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and Ezeani Daniel and Gemogono Eni of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), commended Polaris Bank for making good its promise by rewarding the winners; as well as making the draw process very transparent, saying this would go a long way in fostering brand affinity and continuing loyalty amongst customers of the Bank. Speaking at the unveiling of the winners, the Executive Director of the Bank for Abuja and Northern Region, Abdullahi Muhammed, while offering his congratulations to the lucky winners, said the event was significant because it was a testament of Polaris Banks unwavering commitment to impact and enrich lives of Nigerians, while noting that the pay-out was aimed at encouraging more people to save and invest their money. ALSO READ: Get instant cash to meet urgent needs with Polaris Bank Salary Advance Whatever the circumstance, there is a compelling need to save, not only to win a prize, but also to plan for both the unexpected and future. The Polaris Banks Save and Win Promo is one assured path for Nigerians to save more and possibly become either millionaires or win N100,000 consolation cash prize; so go ahead and start saving more and winning more, he said. Following the first draw on February 9 in which the first set of winners emerged, the Bank has announced and also rewarded the second set of winners likewise on Tuesday, March 9. The month of April will be for the Grand-finale leading to the emergence of 60 more winners of N100,000 consolation cash prize each and an unprecedented six millionaires of N1million each, across the six geo-political zones as well, which will make a total of 188 winners in the entire draw. The Bank launched the Save & Win promo campaign in November 2020 with N26 million available to be won during the three draws slated to pick the winners in the months of February, March and April. Polaris Bank is a future-determining Bank committed to delivering industry-defining products, and services, across all sectors of the Nigerian economy Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to give perhaps the most important speech of his political life Tuesday. The first-term governor has spent weeks laying the groundwork for an upbeat State of the State aimed at nearly 40 million people exhausted by a year of coronavirus restrictions. It comes as the deadline nears for organizers of a recall campaign against him to finish submitting signatures. Recall organizers say they've collected more than the 1.5 million needed to force a vote later this year on whether Newsom should keep his job. If it qualifies, the election would likely be in the fall, possibly November. That makes Tuesday's speech critical to keeping voters on his side. California is one of 20 states that allow voters to initiate a recall election to remove a sitting governor. Newsom was elected in a 2018 landslide in the heavily Democratic state, but his popularity tumbled as public unrest spread over long-running coronavirus rules that shuttered schools and businesses. Newsom is expected to say during his State of the State address that the pandemic will end soon. But when it does, Newsom will say that we're not going back to normal" because normal accepts inequity. That's according to excerpts from Newsom's speech that the governor's office released Tuesday. The Democratic governor is scheduled to deliver the address at Dodger Stadium as he faces the likely recall election later this year, fueled by widespread anger over his handling of the pandemic. The excerpts don't include major new announcements but highlight the work Newsom and the Democratic-controlled state Legislature have already done. That includes passing a $7.6 billion state stimulus package. At the invitation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, spoke at the high-level segment of the Fourteenth United Nations (UN) Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The Congress was held in Kyoto, Japan, from 7 to 9 March 2021. During his intervention, Secretary General Mikuriya underlined the important contribution made by Customs to crime prevention and criminal justice, and especially against illicit trade by acting as the first line of defence at borders. Dr. Mikuriya described the WCOs recent efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing guidance to Customs administrations in support of speedy clearance of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies, while also coordinating Operation STOP to protect citizens from attempts by criminal organizations to exploit supply chains. Going forward, he emphasized the WCOs approach based on collaboration with partners and on greater use of digital technology. Secretary General Mikuriya was given the opportunity to meet with Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly, UNODC Executive Director, to explore ways of enhancing cooperation between the two Organizations in various areas such as the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP), AIRCOP Project and other areas of mutual interest. The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice adopted the Kyoto Declaration on advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and rule of law: towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Dr. Seuss estate, which raked in $33 million in 2020, "is taking responsibility for what it is putting into the world and what it is profiting from," he said. "In removing books that promote stereotypes, it has made a moral decision." He maintains that Geisel did experience an evolution in his thinking, though not a complete transformation. In its statement, the company said its decision "is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises' catalog represents and supports all communities and families." When asked for details regarding that plan, the company told The Times in an email that it "will continue to broaden its initiatives." It has no plans to stop publishing or promoting any other books. If the company really wants to make an impact, Nel said, it ought to consider using its platform to elevate other voices just as Rick Riordan, author of the "Percy Jackson & the Olympians" series, has done with Black and LGBTQ authors. Doing so, he added, would improve the company's image. "I suspect they've come to realize that racism is not good for the brand," Nel added. "And so, you could take a step further and align your brand with diverse books. There's a capitalist incentive for you to do the right thing." But there are bigger issues at hand, he said. Children's books are seldom taken seriously, "but they are, in fact, the most important. These are the books we use to first figure out who we are, what we believe, who matters." Four ships of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) entered the water area of Odesa seaport on Wednesday, March 10, the ArmyInform information agency of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine said. "The ship group includes the flagship support ship S. MEHMET PASA of the Turkish Navy, as well as the anti-mine ships AYVALIK of the Turkish Navy, TAJO of the Royal Spanish Navy, LUPU DINESCU MS of Romania," the ministry said. It is noted that all ships are moored at one of the berths of Odesa seaport. During the visit, it is planned to hold a protocol meeting of the group's representatives with the command of the Ukrainian fleet, as well as joint training with the Ukrainian Navy in the Black Sea. At the same time, visits to foreign warships by interested citizens due to the anti-epidemic measures are not provided. NATO's Mine Countermeasures Group Two is one of NATO's naval rapid response teams, consisting of a command vessel and no more than seven or eight minesweepers. The goal of the group is to search, detect and destroy sea mines, as well as escort ships and vessels through minefields. The group is directly subordinate to the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Sperm and egg samples from 6.7 million of Earth's species should be sent to an ark built on the moon as a 'modern global insurance policy', scientists have proposed. The lunar gene bank which could also house seed and spore samples is envisaged as being built under the lunar surface, in a hollow, cooled lava tube. Specimens deposited in the ark would be kept refrigerated at cryogenic temperatures, with the facility powered by solar panels on the lunar surface. The ark would preserve Earth's genetic diversity in the event of a global catastrophe, such as might be caused by climate change, a supervolcano or an asteroid impact. Sperm (left) and egg samples from 6.7 million of Earth's species should be sent to an ark built on the moon (right) as a 'modern global insurance policy', scientists have proposed The lunar gene bank which could also house seed and spore samples is envisaged as being built under the lunar surface, in a hollow, cooled lava tube. Pictured: a cross-section of how the lunar ark might look buried beneath the surface of the moon in a hollow lava tube HOW WOULD YOU GET 6.7MILLION SPECIES TO THE MOON? Building a genetic storage facility on the moon would be a significant undertaking but one that Professor Thanga says would be possible. According to his 'back-of-an-envelope' calculations, transporting some 50 samples for each of the 6.7 million target species would require 250 rocket launches. For comparison, it took a total of 40 rocket launches to assemble the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit. 'It's not crazy big. We were a little bit surprised about that,' Professor Thanga said. Advertisement 'Earth is naturally a volatile environment,' said study author and mechanical engineer Jekan Thanga of the University of Arizona. 'As humans, we had a close call about 75,000 years ago with the Toba supervolcano eruption, which caused a 1,000-year cooling period and, according to some, aligns with an estimated drop in human diversity,' he added. 'Because human civilization has such a large footprint, if it were to collapse, that could have a negative cascading effect on the rest of the planet.' The idea of creating gene banks to restore lost biodiversity in the future is not new more than a million seed samples are currently stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault on the island of Spitsbergen in the Artic Sea, for example. However, Professor Thanga and colleagues explained that locating such facilities on Earth leaves them also vulnerable to accidental loss. Climate change, for example, has the potential to push many species into terminal decline in the future and, at the same time, the rising sea levels which will accompany global warming will see the Svalbard vault lost beneath the waves. Removed but still accessible, the moon may present a safer location. Building a genetic storage facility on the moon would be a significant undertaking but one that Professor Thanga says would be possible. The idea of creating gene banks to restore lost biodiversity in the future is not new more than a million seed samples are currently stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (the entrance to which is pictured) on the island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic Sea, for example According to his 'back-of-an-envelope' calculations, transporting some 50 samples for each of the 6.7 million target species would require 250 rocket launches. For comparison, it took a total of 40 rocket launches to assemble the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit. 'It's not crazy big. We were a little bit surprised about that,' Professor Thanga said. The team propose to establish the lunar ark within a lava tube (pictured, bottom left) a hollow tunnel formed billions of years ago when molten rock flowed underground, ultimately leaving behind a network of hundreds of tubes each some 100 metres in diameter The team propose to establish the lunar ark within a lava tube a hollow tunnel formed billions of years ago when molten rock flowed underground, ultimately leaving behind a network of hundreds of tubes each some 100 metres in diameter. Despite the sci-fi image of glass habitation domes adorning the lunar surface, it is much more likely that future lunar residents would want to settle underground, where they would be shielded from solar radiation, meteorites and temperature flux. In the researchers' proposal, the ark facility would be accessible via two or more elevator shafts to the surface one of which would be dedicated for the moving of construction materials into the base, so it can be extended along the lava tube. The initial setting up of the base could be aided by another project from Professor Thanga's team, specifically tiny flying and hopping robots dubbed 'SphereX'. These machines could be used to enter lava tubes in teams to collect samples of lunar dust and rock and collect data on the layout, temperature and makeup of the caverns which could be used to determine suitability for construction. The initial setting up of the base could be aided by another project from Professor Thanga's team, specifically tiny flying and hopping robots dubbed 'SphereX' (left). These machines could be used to enter lava tubes in teams (right) to collect samples of lunar rock and collect data on the layout, temperature and makeup of the caverns before construction commenced The main backbone of the base would be a series of cylindrical 'cryo-preservation' modules, in which stacked rows of petri dishes containing the sample material would be neatly archived. The seeds, the team said, would need to be cooled to a chilly -292F (-180C), while stem cells would need to be kept colder at -320F (-196C). (For comparison, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is stored at just -94F [-70C].) Operating a facility at such temperatures comes with its own problems risking metal base components freezing up, jamming or even cold-welding together. On the other hand, such conditions could let us to take advantage of a special phenomenon called quantum levitation allowing shelves of samples to float above metal surfaces, tended to by robots similarly flying above magnetic tracks. The main backbone of the base would be a series of cylindrical 'cryo-preservation' modules, in which stacked rows of petri dishes containing the sample material would be neatly archived. The seeds, the team said, would need to be cooled to a chilly -292F (-180C), while stem cells would need to be kept colder at -320F (-196C) The ultracold conditions needed to store the samples could let us to take advantage of a special phenomenon called quantum levitation allowing shelves of samples to float above metal surfaces, tended to by robots similarly flying above magnetic tracks (left). Quantum levitation is achieved by placing a cryo-cooled superconductor above a powerful magnet, at which point the former will to float a fixed distance above the latter (as pictured right) Quantum levitation is achieved by placing a cryo-cooled superconductor material above a powerful magnet, at which point the former will float a fixed distance above the latter, as if they were connected. 'It's like they're locked in place by strings, but invisible strings. When you get to cryogenic temperatures, strange things happen,' said Professor Thanga. 'Some of it just looks like magic but is based on tried and laboratory-tested physics principles at the edge of our understanding.' Realising such a lunar ark, however, is still a long way off with researchers first needing to determine, for example, how the facility would communicate with the Earth and what impact the low-gravity environment would have on the samples. 'Projects like this [] make me feel like we are getting closer to becoming a space civilization and to a not-very-distant future where humankind will have bases on the moon and Mars,' added Alvaro Diaz-Flores, also of the University of Arizona. 'Multidisciplinary projects are hard due to their complexity, but I think the same complexity is what makes them beautiful.' The full findings of the study were presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Aerospace Conference, which is being held virtually from March 613, 2021. Microsoft has been planning to incorporate its popular voice assistant, Cortana, to every device besides smartphones, computers, and laptops. The company sees that it could be suitable also for appliances like televisions, toasters, and fridges, but it did not happen. Recently, the Samsung electronics subsidiary Harman Kardon officially announced that it would be dropping Microsoft's virtual assistant from the only smart home speaker supported by it. There will be no more voice assistant for the Invoke speaker when the update starts. After an update on Wednesday, Mar. 10, Cortana will be disabled, and we won't hear "Hey Cortana" anymore upon activating it. Goodbye Cortana to Harman Kardon Invoke Thurrott discovered that Harman Kardon cut its ties to Cortana through its Invoke speaker. According to the report, the home and car audio equipment manufacturer will soon release an update to delete Cortana officially. The smart home speaker will revert to a regular Bluetooth speaker by removing the said virtual assistant. The statement from Harman Kardon came after Microsoft's announcement on its plans last year. This involves the removal of Cortana from different devices. At the time of writing, Harman Kardon said that Cortana's service on the Invoke speaker would be terminated in the next few months. Moreover, the digital assistant will also bid goodbye to Android and iOS platforms, as well to the Surface Headphones owned by the tech giant. Microsoft has been eyeing Cortana to be a potential virtual assistant that can come at par with other known voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa. While Cortana is not available on a wide range of gadgets, the company sees it as a stepping stone for its enterprise improvements. This came after Microsoft decided to separate Cortana in the search tab of Windows 10. This paved the way for the virtual assistant to be completely 'silent' after the OS setup process was finished. Read Also: Sonos Roam Bluetooth Speaker to Use Wireless Charging Base: Release Date, Price, and MORE [LEAKED) Harman Kardon's Invoke Used to be a Good Smart Home Speaker In a report by Engadget's Steve Dent, Harman Kardon's Invoke has been an impressive speaker upon its launch in 2017. It features compatibility on several devices, together with its highly- refined sound quality. At the time, Cortana was already showing weakness through its limited access to different skills. The Samsung-owned firm said that the decision was irrevocable in the process because Microsoft is the one that finalized to remove Cortana as Invoke's support system. The latter even offered a gift card which costs $50 as Microsoft's offer of reconciliation to its buyers. This happened when the tech giant said that Cortana will now part ways with Invoke. It is evident that through the removal of Cortana on smart home gadgets and devices, Alexa and Google Assistant now lag behind. Its capabilities do not meet the demand of the people. That is why Microsoft came up to limit what it can do to the devices. In the future, we could be seeing either two instances that Microsoft might embrace: first, the company could be bringing an upgrade to Cortana through its cross-usability to other platforms, or second, the company could now be exploring other options that could replace Cortana. Either way, it could work through introducing another voice assistant or reintroducing an improved Cortana this time. This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured members of Congress that the Biden administration opposes the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and said the administration continues to review further sanctions. Blinken told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that President Joe Biden thinks the nearly completed pipeline was a "bad idea" and had "been clear on this for some time." He added that the United States, which has already placed sanctions on companies involved in building the pipeline, was "making clear that we stand against its completion...and we continue to review other possibilities for sanctions going forward." Nord Stream 2 is designed to reroute Russian natural-gas exports to Europe under the Baltic Sea, circumventing Ukraine. Congress opposes the pipeline on the grounds that it strengthens the Kremlin's hold on Europe's energy industry and hurts Ukraine, which stands to lose billions of dollars in annual transit fees. Senate Republicans have been pressuring the Biden administration to impose sanctions on more companies involved in the project. At the same time it has called the pipeline a "bad idea," the Biden administration is also reportedly concerned about the impact additional sanctions would have on U.S. relations with Germany, which has defended the pipeline as a commercial project. Legislation passed by Congress in 2019 placing sanctions on vessels laying the pipeline halted the project for more than a year, but Russia resumed construction with its own ships. That pushed Congress to pass new legislation last year widening the sanctions to include companies engaging generally in Nord Stream 2 activities, including those that insure and certify the project. The legislation required the administration to update Congress on the status of the project and impose sanctions on any companies in violation. In its update last month the Biden administration identified only one vessel and its owner, which were already under sanction. Meanwhile, some media reports have identified at least a dozen companies involved in the construction. In a letter to Biden last week, 40 Senate Republicans called the update "completely inadequate" and demanded the administration place sanctions on the additional companies "without delay." Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee also asked Blinken about Moscow's involvement in Venezuela and Cuba. He said the United States had seen a resurgence of Russian presence and activity in the two countries, and "we're very attentive to that across the board." With reporting by Reuters Cuba's pristine beaches are a paradise lost for sun seeking tourists in times of COVID-19. The fine sand, the sun, the fanning palm trees, the delightful sea breeze all are still here but there was no one to enjoy it. The most important tourist center in Cuba, and one of the most famous in the Caribbean, remained deserted last week. Varadero, with its small neighboring town of 6,000 inhabitants, its 22 kilometers of beaches and 60 hotels along the coast, had, until the arrival of the new coronavirus, received up to 30,000 tourists a day. One year of the worldwide pandemic has devastated the tourism industry here as elsewhere, striking at the heart of Cuban finances which are experiencing a domino effect due to the loss of income and jobs. Locals are experiencing real anguish at seeing the streets deserted, the craft markets empty and the restaurants and bars with curtains drawn in this resort town that now awaits for better days to come. In 2019 Cuba's Ministry of Tourism reported its first decline in tourism with the island welcoming 9% fewer tourists than in 2018. The figure reflected the decline caused by the tightening of United States sanctions against the island and the bankruptcy then of a key partner, the British tour operator Thomas Cook. But in 2020 the Caribbean nation had its worst year on record welcoming just one million tourists, mostly during the year's first quarter, before the COVID-19 pandemic closed local airports on the island as well as those of visiting countries. Varadero was among the areas most affected by this precipitous downturn, with 60 hotels employing workers from neighbouring towns depending on tourism income. In 2019, Varadero received one and a half million visitors; in 2020 not even one million people graced its white beaches. "There has been an impact," Jose Antonio Ramirez, the 43-year-old general director of Melia International, of Mexican nationality, acknowledged to the AP. "It is not what we expected in our projections, but we see ourselves with an open, functional hotel, giving our customers satisfaction up to now ... and sending the message that tourism can be done despite the pandemic." The hotel has had to adapt to sanitary standards, its employees wearing facemasks and everything is disinfected every so often. At the same time, social distancing between the visitors is imposed. At full capacity, Melia International employs a thousand employees in Cuba. Last week there were only about 190 who served 121 guests, most of them from a flight from Germany. According to tourism officials, last week Varadero had an 8% occupancy rate and a good part of many months prior without visitors. Local administrators have taken the opportunity to improve some of the local infrastructure - a boulevard, the underground sewage and electrical networks - and in the hotels maintenance, as well as finishing construction of rooms to expand availability. But the prognosis for this industry does not look immediately favorable, even under the premise of massive vaccination. Cuba is the only Latin American nation that has two of its own antigenic products at the end of their clinical trials. Cuba must now attempt to bring back tourism as it continues to face the pandemic and recover business lost by the cancellation of operating cruise ships because 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) Special Observer for the West Bengal assembly elections Ajay Nayak and Special Police Observer Vivek Dubey on Wednesday met senior state government officials and discussed the issue of law and order ahead of the first phase of polling on March 27, a source in the CEO's office said. During the meeting with Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and other officials, Nayak and Dubey sought full cooperation from the administration to conduct free and fair polls. The observers also met Home Secretary HK Dwidevi and DGP P Nirajnayan. "Law and order issue was discussed at the meeting. The ECI officials expressed their concern over the law and order situation in the state and sought total cooperation from the administration to hold fair and free elections," the source said. The meeting was held a day after the Election Commission removed Virendra as the Director-General of Police of West Bengal. The commission also recently removed Jawed Shamim from the post of ADG (Law and Order). Nayak and Dubey reached the state last week and have been holding meetings with various authorities to oversee poll preparedness and take stock of the situation. The first phase of the elections will be held in 30 assembly constituencies in five districts - Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram and parts of Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur. The eight-phased elections to the 294 seats in West Bengal will be held between March 27 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 2. (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.) President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday it is an unpardonable act for public officials to use unannounced information on a new state housing project for speculative land purchases. It is an "unpardonable act that disrupts fairness and trust in our society," Moon said during a meeting with the ruling Democratic Party's (DP) floor leaders at Cheong Wa Dae. The people are enraged by the massive land speculation scandal involving employees at Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH), the president pointed out. It was revealed last week that more than a dozen staffers at the state housing agency had bought about 10 billion won (US$8.88 million) worth of farmland in Gwangmyeong and Siheung in Gyeonggi Province well before the land ministry's announcement last month on a project to build a new city with about 70,000 apartment units there. He urged efforts for a "fundamental" resolution to the apparent structural problem and requested that the National Assembly pay attention to systemic ways to stave off any illicit speculation by civil servants, enhance transparency in real estate transactions and even to prevent "conflicts of interest." The LH scandal may offer a chance for South Korea to move further toward a fairer and more transparent society just as the strict anti-graft law, known as the "Kim Young-ran act," has done, Moon added. He also asked the DP to accelerate the push for a supplementary budget to be allocated for a fourth batch of emergency cash handouts to those who are suffering economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moon expressed hope that the government will be able to start paying the relief money within this month. (Yonhap) Mar. 9Chvatal wins state oratorical contest LITCHFIELD Hazel Chvatal, a senior at Litchfield High School, won the Minnesota American Legion Oratorical contest. The contest requires contestants to be able to deliver two speeches in front of a crowd without notes. The topics are related to the U.S. Constitution. The first speech is prepared beforehand and runs eight to 10 minutes; the second is three to five minutes, with just five minutes to prepare. Winners receive scholarships at each level. Normally the state winner would compete at the national level, but it has been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and each state winner received a scholarship from the national American Legion. She is the daughter of Kristi and Bob Chvatal of Litchfield. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. KYODO NEWS - Mar 10, 2021 - 18:48 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Japan's major airlines have recently suspended bookings on flights to Japan from countries seeing an outbreak of coronavirus variants following the government's request to limit the number of inbound passengers, company officials said Wednesday. All Nippon Airways Co. stopped taking reservations on all of its international flights arriving in Japan through March 21 and may extend the suspension if the outbreak of new variants drags on, they said. Japan Airlines Co. has suspended bookings on flights from Britain, France and Germany, the officials said. The suspension will remain in place until pandemic situations improve in those countries, they added. The airlines stopped taking those bookings in response to the Japanese government's tightened border controls which have made travelers from 13 more countries including Austria and Italy subject to additional quarantine measures. Earlier in the month, the government extended the COVID-19 state of emergency covering the Tokyo region by two weeks to March 21, from the initially planned end date of March 7. Related coverage: Japan Airlines to slash 2022 hiring of new graduates by 90% amid pandemic Global air passenger traffic falls record 66% in 2020 amid pandemic JAL, ANA to resume some China flights as virus rules eased New Delhi, March 10 : Delhi Police have arrested two more people in connection to the January 26 Red Fort violence, including a Birmingham-based Dutch national who is of Indian-origin. While the Dutch national has been identified as Maninderjit Singh (23), the second arrested person is Delhi resident Khempreet (21) who had a policeman with a spear inside the Red Fort premises. The two men were arrested on Tuesday night. According to the police, Maninderjit Singh was trying to flee the country with forged documents and posing himself as Jarmanjit Singh Khabbe Rajputan from Gurdaspur, Punjab. A Look Out Corner notice was issued against him. and as per his plan and arrangements, he was to fly first to Nepal from Delhi and then to the UK. Maninderjit Singh was previously involved in a riots case registered with the Rangar Nangal police station in Gurdaspur and also has a case of cheating at Indira Gandhi International Airport Police Station in New Delhi. "The accused Maninderjit Singh was involved in the Red Fort violence case. There are video footages on record, which shows the presence of the accused alongside the unlawfully assembled unruly riotous mob carrying a 'bhaala' (spear) during the farmers' agitation on January 26," Monika Bhardwaj, DCP Crime, said. Delhi Police further said that electronic evidence corroborates the fact that the accused had also visited Singhu border protest site on different dates. "He holds a Netherlands passport. Presently, the accused along with his family is settled in Birmingham, and is employed as a construction labourer. In December 2019, the accused visited India and due to the 2020 lockdown, he could not return to the UK," the officer added. He was produced before a court and his four days of PC remand has been taken by Delhi Police. Meanwhile, the second accused Khempreet was also actively involved in the Red Fort violence, according to the police. During analysis of videos available on case record, he along with other associates was seen carrying a big spears and assaulting police personnel on duty inside the Red Fort. So far, a total of 14 people have been arrested in connection to the Red Fort violence. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text An MEP who represents Laois voters in Europe has called for countries like Ireland to get priority in the supply of vaccines because he says any stocks that become available are been administered quickly. Billy Kelleher represents the Ireland South constituency in the European Parliament. EU vaccine supplies should be prioritised for countries that are carrying out their vaccination programmes swiftly and efficiently, said the Fianna Fail representative. Mr Kelleher said Ireland's vaccination programme is being held back because of a lack of supply. When Ireland receives its vaccines, they are administered very quickly. There are no supplies sitting in freezers, which is sadly the case in a number of larger Member States. There are moves afoot at Member State level to change the distribution plan for vaccines to reflect efficiency and also emergency health situations. If Ireland is waiting for vaccines to be delivered, and say Belgium has 300,000 in stock, it makes more sense to give the next delivery of vaccines to Ireland as they will be used. Of course, every country must get their fair share, but it should also depend on their ability to make use of their supplies. Ive written to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health urging them to ensure that Ireland supports these proposals at European Council level. Its a common sense approach that focused on getting vaccinations into the arms of Irish people as quickly as possible, concluded Kelleher. [March 10, 2021] NYITCOM Researcher Wins NSF CAREER Grant to Improve Understanding of Cranial Birth Defects OLD WESTBURY, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Akinobu "Aki" Watanabe, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), has secured a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Better understanding of brain-skull interactions may help to prevent and treat neurological and cranial birth defects. Watanabe, a vertebrate paleontologist, is the first New York Institute of Technology faculty member to receive a CAREER award, which is one of the NSF's most competitive grants. Principal investigators can receive this award once in their career and may only submit a proposal three times. Watanabe's first submission was selected and is expected to receive a five-year award of $710,855. His research project, " Evo-Developmental Interactions of Craniofacial and Brain Anatomy ," will tackle how the brain and skull interact over millions of years to cause evolutionary structural changes, as well as causes of brain-skull interaction in the days and weeks before birth. Combining traditional and advanced research techniques, the project is the most comprehensive of its kind to investigate brain-skull interaction over tese two complementary timescales. Better understanding of brain-skull interactions may allow clinicians to prevent and treat future neurological and cranial birth defects, which can cause developmental delays, physical disabilities, and even death. In particular, findings may benefit craniosynostosis, a condition where skull joints close prematurely and prevent normal brain growth, and hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) expands brain tissue, leading to skull swelling. "The brain and skull are intimately linked physically, developmentally, and functionally, and this interaction needs to be clarified for us to gain a holistic understanding of the forces that shape the development and evolution of these structures. I will study these interactions using birds as a model system, but this topic has clinical relevance to serious birth defects in humans," said Watanabe, who has also lent his expertise to several other NSF-funded studies. While many studies analyze the brain and skull as independent structures, Watanabe will simultaneously study the evolution and development of both structures and their "tissue-to-tissue" relationship. In two complementary studies, Watanabe will analyze brain-skull interaction in birds, which, like humans, have a large brain capable of higher cognitive functions. In one study, he will use computed tomography (CT) technology, including the micro-CT scanner at NYITCOM's Center for Biomedical Innovation, and high-density shape modeling to analyze how brain-skull interaction has impacted the evolution of these two structures over millions of years. More than 350 species of birds, ranging from hummingbirds to ostriches, will be analyzed. The other study will pinpoint the mechanisms responsible for brain-skull interactions during early development. Using both traditional and modern techniques, Watanabe will collect samples from live chicken embryos and visualize the interaction between the brain and the skull over their 21-day gestational period. CAREER program proposals must also include an educational component. In collaboration with NYITCOM's Center for Biomedical Innovation, he will create a virtual reality game reflecting the project's research themes, which will serve as an educational tool for students in middle school through college. In a second educational initiative, he will transform the scientific data into music, which will culminate with a public recital, allowing science education to reach wider, more inclusive communities, including the visually impaired and non-scientists. The NSF is an independent agency of the U.S. government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health. NSF funding accounts for approximately 27 percent of the total federal budget for basic research conducted at U.S. colleges and universities. This project is funded by NSF CAREER Award ID No. 2045466. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NSF. About New York Institute of Technology New York Institute of Technology offers 90 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in more than 50 fields of study, including computer science, data, and cybersecurity; biology and biomedical studies; architecture and design; engineering; health professions and medicine; IT and digital technologies; management; communications and marketing; education and counseling; and energy and sustainability. A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education, New York Institute of Technology welcomes nearly 8,000 students worldwide. The university has campuses in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island (Old Westbury), New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs around the world. New York Institute of Technology embraces its mission to provide career-oriented professional education, give all qualified students access to opportunity, and support research and scholarship that benefit the larger world. More than 107,000 alumni comprise an engaged network of doers, makers, and innovators prepared to change the world, solve 21st-century challenges, and reinvent the future. MEDIA CONTACT: New York Tech Media Relations mediarelations@nyit.edu View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nyitcom-researcher-wins-nsf-career-grant-to-improve-understanding-of-cranial-birth-defects-301244580.html SOURCE New York Institute of Technology [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 10, 2021] Dan Wright Named Chief Executive Officer of DataRobot DataRobot, the leader in enterprise AI, has named Dan Wright (News - Alert) as its new Chief Executive Officer as the company seeks to further accelerate its growth and adoption of its Enterprise AI Platform. Wright has served as DataRobot's President and Chief Operating Officer since January of 2020 and succeeds co-founder Jeremy Achin. "Over the last year, we expanded on the foundation established by our visionary founder - increasing operational capacity, augmenting our leadership team, and helping more customers than ever unlock the power of their data with AI," said Wright. "As we look to build on this momentum and execute on our ambitious growth plans, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead DataRobot into its next chapter." "Since moving to Washington, D.C. in July to help with the Covid-19 response, I've gained a deeper understanding of the problems we face as a country and the threats to our nation's security," said Jeremy Achin, co-founder of DataRobot. "Helping prevent future pandemics and making major contributions to all matters of national security has become my real passion. I need to follow my heart and dedicate more time to these efforts. "I put a lot of effort into recruiting Dan to DataRobot more than one year ago with the goal of eventually having him take over running the company for me, and today I remain 100% committed to staying involved as muc as needed to help Dan and the rest of the amazing people at DataRobot build an iconic company," he added. "I want to thank all the amazing people who have contributed to building DataRobot into what it is today-the company would be nothing without your blood, sweat, and tears." Prior to joining DataRobot, Wright served as Chief Operating Officer at AppDynamics, the leader in application performance management ( APM (News - Alert) ). During his tenure, he was instrumental in helping AppDynamics increase annual recurring revenue 100x and establish the company as the largest and fast-growing APM vendor. AppDynamics was acquired by Cisco in 2017 for $3.7 billion two days before its planned initial public offering and continued its aggressive growth as a part of Cisco. In December of 2020, DataRobot announced it raised $320 million in a pre-IPO funding round led by Altimeter Capital. The financing, joined by many new and existing investors including T. Rowe Price, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Tiger Global, Silver Lake Waterman, B Capital Group, Glynn Capital, ClearBridge, NEA, and Sapphire Ventures, valued the company at over $2.8 billion. About DataRobot DataRobot is the leader in enterprise AI, delivering trusted AI technology and enablement services to global enterprises competing in today's Intelligence Revolution (News - Alert) . DataRobot's enterprise AI platform?democratizes data science with end-to-end automation for building, deploying, and managing machine learning models. This platform maximizes business value by delivering AI at scale and continuously optimizing performance over time. The company's proven combination of cutting-edge software and world-class AI implementation, training, and support services, empowers any organization - regardless of size, industry, or resources - to drive better business outcomes with AI. DataRobot has offices across the globe and funding from some of the world's best investing firms including Alliance Bernstein, Altimeter, B Capital Group, Cisco, Citi Ventures, ClearBridge, DFJ Growth, Geodesic Capital, Glynn Capital, Intel (News - Alert) Capital, Meritech, NEA, Sands Capital, Sapphire Ventures, Silver Lake Waterman, Tiger Global, T. Rowe Price, and World Innovation Lab. DataRobot was named to the Forbes 2020 Cloud 100 list and the Forbes 2019 and 2020 Most Promising AI Companies lists, and was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Advanced Machine Learning Software Platforms Vendor Assessment. For more information, visit www.datarobot.com and join the conversation on the DataRobot Community, Twitter, and LinkedIn (News - Alert) . View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005739/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden's two German shepherds were returned to their Delaware home after the younger dog, Major, became aggressive against workers and bit a White House security team member. Biden's dogs returned to Delaware following "biting incident" According to sources familiar with the situation, the two dogs were returned to Delaware following a "biting incident" with a security agent whose health is unclear. Major, a three-year-old dog, rescued from a shelter by the Bidens in 2018, is said to have acted violently against White House workers in the past, including barking, climbing, and "charging." Champ, 13 years old, has "slowed physically due to his advanced age," CNN reported. Sources revealed the dogs' present position in Delaware, citing "a person familiar with the dogs' schedule," but they did note they have been known to stay there with minders while the first lady is abroad. After four pet-free years under Trump, Champ and Major moved into the White House just days after Biden's inauguration. The first shelter dog to live in the White House, Major, made history. According to reports, in November, the then-president-elect broke his foot while playing with his dogs, slipping on Major. Read also: Biden Faces Problems With Immigration Policies Who are President Biden's dogs? Champ and Major, President Joe Biden's two German Shepherd dogs, returned to the White House this year after four years without a first pet under Donald Trump's presidency. Biden told ABC in 2008 that he had German Shepherds since he was a kid, and he trained and showed them in the past. Champ was a 3-month-old puppy when the then-vice president adopted him in 2008, as per Newsweek. He met up with the Bidens at Number One Observatory Circle, the vice president's official residence on the United States Naval Observatory grounds. Champ was said to have taken his responsibilities seriously. Biden said, "He feels he's Secret Service." Biden's granddaughters chose his name in honor of a slogan the president always learned from his father: "Anytime you get knocked down, champ, get back up!" Read also: Biden on Infrastructure: Can He Accomplish What the Two Former Presidents Failed to Finish? Why Joe Biden sent his dogs back to Delaware President Joe Biden, 78, was sworn in as president in January, and this is his third month in office. Joe and his wife Jill moved into the White House after his inauguration, which is usual with a US President. Their two dogs, both German Shepherds, accompanied them on their trip from Delaware to Washington. On the Kelly Clarkson Show last month, Dr. Jill Biden, 69, discussed acclimating the dogs to their new home. When the first lady is not in Washington, the dogs are said to remain with dog sitters in Delaware, although it is unclear if this is the case. According to Daily Express, Jill Biden is now visiting military bases in Washington and California for two days. In Greenville, Delaware, the Bidens' house resides on four acres of lakefront property and is valued at about $2 million. A house on the Delaware Shaw overlooks Cape Henlopen State Park, and the couple also owns a house on the Delaware Shaw. Read also: Jill Biden Shares Nightly Dates with President Joe, Gives Advice to Clarkson on Getting Over a Painful Divorce @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Mrs Barbara Boafo, Womens Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the United States (U.S.) has lamented that despite Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution (Equality and Freedom from discrimination), it was sad to note that some of these witch camps have existed for over centuries in Northern Ghana. She noted that false accusations of bearing witchcraft have forced countless women into social cuffs and chains, preventing them from pursuing happiness, living right and enjoying their liberties. She pointed out that adhering to Article 26(2) which prohibits customary practices that dehumanize and injure the physical and mental well-being of people, the Court and other enforcement agencies should activate the law to mitigate such instances within our society Mrs Boafo who made the remark in commemorating this years International Womens Day further bemoaned that such women were horribly stigmatized and mistreated for witchcraft accusations and hence, are forced to leave or sent away from the communities for refuge and their safety. She endorsed the proactive step taken by the Government and Madam Sarah Adjoa Sarfo, Minister for Gender, to re-brand the witch camps and hoped that it does not paint a picture of a surface change while the real difficult events continue to occur. To this end, she suggested that we adopt the Care Home System where the State provides proper residential services, ensures a meaningful lifestyle and provides respite care for our aged women in a welcoming environment since they cannot return to their respective communities. According to her, the State can adopt occupational therapists to cater for their grooming, washing, and bathing among others to keep them hygienic and elevate their individual esteem. She stated, We can consider physical therapy like medical care, gentle stretching and other exercises to keep their flexibility and endurance levels. She said though it was not easy to deconstruct the ancient misconception about vulnerable, old women in our societies, efforts should be put in place to heal such misconceptions as we put our minds together to remodel such camps and make them pleasant places for living. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video RTHK: Biden to hold talks with Australia, India and Japan US President Joe Biden will hold first-ever joint talks Friday with the leaders of Australia, India and Japan, boosting an emerging four-way alliance often cast as a bulwark against China. It will be one of the first summits, albeit in virtual format, for Biden, who has vowed to revive US alliances in the wake of the disarray of Donald Trump's administration. "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance that we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Tuesday. The meeting of the so-called "Quad" comes amid rising tensions with China, which is seen as flexing its muscle both in trade and security realms. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Biden was "taking this to another level." "It will be an historic moment in our region and it sends a strong message to the region about our support for a sovereign, independent Indo-Pacific," Morrison told reporters. China struck a cautionary note over the nascent alliance taking shape in its backyard. The Quad "should conform to prevailing trends of peaceful development and win-win cooperation," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing. Both Psaki and India, which earlier announced the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the talks would take up climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic -- two key priorities for Biden. "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement. The talks, also involving Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will touch as well on promoting maritime security and "ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines" to fight Covid-19 in Asia, the Indian statement said. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Rating Action: Moody's affirms HSBC Bank Canada's A3 long-term deposit and issuer ratings following review for downgrade of HSBC Holdings plc; outlook remains stableGlobal Credit Research - 09 Mar 2021 Toronto, March 09, 2021 -- Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") has affirmed the A3 long-term issuer and deposit ratings and the baa2 Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) of HSBC Bank Canada (HBC). Moody's has also affirmed the a3 adjusted BCA; the local and foreign currency long- and short-term Counterparty Risk Ratings (CRR) of A2 and Prime-1, respectively; the long- and short-term Counterparty Risk Assessments (CRA) of A2(cr) and Prime-1(cr) respectively; as well as local and foreign currency short-term deposit ratings at Prime-2. Today's rating action follows the rating action on HSBC Bank Canada's affiliate support provider, HSBC Holdings plc (HSBCH, senior unsecured at A2, under review for downgrade), on 8 March 2021 (https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-places-HSBC-Holdings-A2-senior-unsecured-debt-ratings-on--PR_441600), which placed ratings on review for downgrade. The ratings outlook for HBC remains stable, reflecting Moody's unchanged assessment of the ability and willingness of extraordinary support from HSBCH, as currently incorporated in two notches of uplift in the adjusted BCA. It also reflects the rating agency's view that the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic is offset by from the bank's credit fundamentals as expressed in its baa2 BCA. RATINGS RATIONALE Moody's said that HBC's baa2 BCA and its ratings reflect the benefits to its creditors from the bank's national retail lending and branch franchise, and broadly diversified wholesale loan book. Moody's believes HBC's loan performance has benefited from government stimulus during the coronavirus outbreak and the bank's proactive steps in recent years to reduce its risk profile. HBC's consumer lending portfolio has also been supported by stronger real estate underwriting because of effective policy initiatives on the part of national and provincial governments over the past several years. HBC's reduction of its oil and gas risk exposures is also credit positive to the assessment of its asset quality. HBC's credit strengths are partly offset by the challenges arising from its concentration in commercial real estate as compared to its capital base, which, based on the latest available data from HBC, was 1.5 times HBC's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital as of 31 December 2020[1]. In addition, HBC's profitability has been typically lower than its large Canadian peers and not been a credit strength. The bank's capitalization increased during 2020 with a CET1 ratio of 13.7% at 31 December 2020 versus 11.3% at 31 December 2019, resulting in greater capacity to absorb unexpected losses. This increase was largely because of a CAD500 million capital injection from HSBCH, as noted in the bank's first quarter financial data [2]. Moody's believes the bank's recent capital accumulation has been a temporary prudent effort to build buffers for unexpected loss during the coronavirus pandemic rather than a permanent increase and that capital levels will return to a level closer to that of the beginning of 2020 after economic recovery takes hold. HBC's ratings incorporate Moody's assumption of a very high probability of support from HSBCH, reflecting its role as a strategically important subsidiary for the parent's global franchise. This assessment currently results in two notch uplift of affiliate support, which is reflected in HBC's a3 adjusted BCA from its baa2 BCA. In the event of a deterioration in HSBCH's credit strength, as reflected in its BCA, affiliate support uplift, and therefore HBC's adjusted BCA, could fall. However, Moody's does not expect a downgrade in the BCA of HSBCH to result in a change in the level of affiliate support under the rating agency's current support assumptions and the BCA levels of both HBC and HSBCH. As noted, this is reflected in the stable outlook in HBC's ratings. Moody's considers HBC as a deposit-taking institution not subject to an Operational Resolution Regime. As such, Moody's believes its senior operating obligations and other contractual commitments are not likely to default at the same time in a bank failure and will more likely be preserved to minimize banking system contagion, minimize losses, and avoid disruption of critical functions. For this reason, Moody's positions the CRR one notch above the adjusted BCA and above the senior unsecured deposit ratings, reflecting its view that the bank's probability of default is lower than the probability of failure. The stable outlook also reflects Moody's expectation that HBC will maintain capital levels at pre-pandemic levels and asset quality will not weaken beyond the rating agency's expectations over the next 12-18 months.The following actions were taken:Affirmation:Issuer: HSBC Bank Canada. Baseline Credit Assessment at baa2. Adjusted Baseline Credit Assessment at a3. Local currency Issuer rating of A3, outlook stable.. Local currency and foreign currency Long-term deposit rating of A3, outlook stable.. Local currency and foreign currency short-term deposit rating of Prime-2.. Long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of A2(cr).. Short-term Counterparty Risk Assessment of Prime-1(cr).. Local currency and foreign currency Long-term Counterparty Risk Rating of A2.. Local currency and foreign currency Short-term Counterparty Risk Rating of Prime-1. Outlook actions: Outlook, remains Stable FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS HBC's BCA could be upgraded if: (1) Moody's were to assess lower concentration risks in energy and commercial real estate, and/or (2) the bank maintains elevated levels of capital for a prolonged period, providing greater protection to its creditors. Further diversification of its banking franchise that results in a higher level of profitability and reduced earnings volatility will also be positive for the BCA. However, an upgrade of the BCA is unlikely to result in a higher adjusted BCA and ratings because HBC's adjusted BCA is driven by the financial strength of its parent, as expressed by HSBCH's a2 BCA, under Moody's Joint-Default Analysis. A higher adjusted BCA and ratings could result from an improvement in HSBCH's credit profile or if Moody's were to increase its affiliate support assumptions. HBC's BCA could be downgraded if either its credit quality or capital deteriorate and/or profitability declines materially. As noted, HBC's adjusted BCA is driven by the financial strength of its parent under Moody's Joint-Default Analysis. In the event of both a downgrade of HSBCH's BCA as well as HBC's BCA, HBC's ratings would likely fall under Moody's current affiliate support assumptions. The stable outlook for HBC indicates that its ratings would remain unchanged following a one-notch downgrade of HSBCH's ratings, which are currently on review for downgrade. However, a weakening of Moody's affiliate support assumptions could also result in a rating downgrade for HBC. HSBC Bank Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc and is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with assets of CAD117 billion as at 31 December 2020. The principal methodology used in these ratings was Banks Methodology published in November 2019 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1147865. Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com for a copy of this methodology. REGULATORY DISCLOSURES For further specification of Moody's key rating assumptions and sensitivity analysis, see the sections Methodology Assumptions and Sensitivity to Assumptions in the disclosure form. Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions can be found at: https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_79004. 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Roger Mudd, a longtime CBS News political correspondent who reported on the Pentagon's profligate spending, whose interview with Ted Kennedy ended the senator's White House prospects and who briefly shared the anchor job at his onetime rival, NBC News, died March 9 at his home in McLean, Va. He was 93. The cause was complications from kidney failure, said a son, Jonathan Mudd. Mudd spent almost 20 years covering Capitol Hill, political campaigns and corruption scandals for CBS News. He did special reports on the Watergate scandal and its fallout, including the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. His 1979 interview of Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., was credited with crushing the senator's presidential ambitions just as he was preparing to challenge President Jimmy Carter for the 1980 Democratic nomination. Kennedy awkwardly offered incomplete, rambling answers to basic questions about his family and personal life and was stopped cold when Mudd asked him directly: "Why do you want to be president?" There was a long, awkward pause before Kennedy could say a word. When Mudd asked what distinguished him from Carter, Kennedy did not provide substantive answers to fundamental questions, giving viewers the impression that the senator was ill-prepared for the job of commander in chief. The interview remains one of the most devastating in political history. Kennedy - whose brother John was president and whose brother Robert was assassinated on the campaign trail - lost his bid for the nomination and never mounted a run for the presidency again. For years, Mudd cultivated a straightforward, almost folksy manner on camera, and he was long considered the heir apparent at CBS to the venerable evening news anchor Walter Cronkite. Mudd sat in the anchor chair on weekends and during Cronkite's vacations, but when CBS announced Cronkite's retirement in 1980, Mudd's onetime Washington-bureau colleague Dan Rather received the nod. Mudd quit the network for NBC, where he shared the anchor desk for a year with Tom Brokaw before being pushed aside in 1983. By his own admission, Mudd's greatest strength was not at the anchor desk, but as a reporter covering elections and the halls of Congress. New York magazine media writer Desmond Smith pronounced him "the best Washington broadcast reporter of his generation." Mudd joined the CBS Washington bureau in 1961 at a time when CBS was considered the premier network for news. He became nationally known for his coverage from the Capitol during a two-month filibuster of what would become the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in history. Beginning during a late-March snowstorm, Mudd reported day after day on the filibuster and on the senators, most of them Southern Democrats, who refused to yield the floor. Mudd's "continued presence at the scene of Washington inaction has personalized and dramatized the halting process of our Government to the average viewer in a way no amount of words or secondary reports could have," New York Herald Tribune television critic John Horn wrote. "A viewer could identify with Mudd, stand on the steps with him and have brought home in a compelling way the Senate stall and sit-down against effective government by Southern Democrats." In 1968, Mudd covered the presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy and was present at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when Kennedy was assassinated on June 5 that year. After the shooting, he saw Kennedy's wife, Ethel, standing by herself. He put his arm around her waist and elbowed his way through the milling crowd, guiding her to her husband. "She hugged me as if I were an oak tree - just something to cling to," Mudd wrote in his 2008 memoir, "The Place to Be." "I recall forcing some screaming, bellowing men to give way so that Ethel could reach the side of her dying husband." Mudd also became known at CBS as the host of in-depth investigations, which were once a common prime-time presence on the major networks. In 1971, he was the narrator and chief reporter of "The Selling of the Pentagon," which raised questions about extravagant military spending and the Pentagon's $30 million annual public-relations budget during the Vietnam War. "On this broadcast, we have seen violence made glamorous," Mudd said, "expensive weapons advertised as if they were automobiles, biased opinions presented as straight facts. . . . This propaganda barrage is the creation of a runaway bureaucracy that frustrates attempts to control it." The broadcast was criticized by the Pentagon and hawkish politicians. A House committee called for an investigation - not of unchecked military spending but of CBS. Rep. Harley Staggers, D-W.Va., issued subpoenas to the network, demanding that it turn over its raw footage and other materials related to the documentary. CBS refused. Frank Stanton, the network's president, testified before a congressional panel and was threatened with a citation for contempt. In the end, Congress backed down. "The Selling of the Pentagon" came to be seen as a landmark achievement in TV investigative reporting. Mudd received one of his five Emmy Awards for the program, which also won the Peabody and George Polk awards for journalism. Among the program's sharpest detractors was Vice President Spiro Agnew, who called it "a clever propaganda attempt to discredit the defense establishment." Mudd went on to cover Agnew's resignation in 1973 after the vice president pleaded no contest to income tax evasion. Roger Harrison Mudd, whose father was as a cartographer and engineer, was born on Feb. 9, 1928, in Washington. The family was distantly related to Samuel Mudd, a Southern Maryland doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Mudd was a 1950 graduate of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. He received a master's degree in history in 1953 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began working at the Richmond News Leader newspaper and later at a radio station owned by the paper, WRNL. His broadcasting career got off to an inauspicious start when he was reading a bulletin on the medical condition of Pope Pius XII. "To my horror," Mudd recounted in his memoir, "I heard myself saying, 'The condition of Pipe Poeus has grown steadily worse and they have summoned to the Vatican bedside the Pipe's doctor and two Swish spesulists.' " Mudd came to Washington in 1956 as a radio and TV reporter for WTOP, then a CBS affiliate. Five years later, he joined the network's Washington bureau. Mudd admitted in his memoir that he could be "a pain in the neck and elsewhere," sometimes angering his corporate bosses at CBS. After a 1970 speech at Washington and Lee, in which he criticized TV news as a "crude" medium that devalues thoughtful coverage, he was removed as Cronkite's backup for two years. In 1980, when Rather was named Cronkite's successor as anchor of the "CBS Evening News," the move was seen as a slight to Mudd. He left the network for NBC, where his contract promised him the top job at "NBC Nightly News" if then-anchor John Chancellor should step down. But to keep rising star Tom Brokaw from jumping to another network, Mudd waived the clause in his contract that called for him to become NBC's sole anchor. In an awkward succession, Chancellor stepped down in 1982 to do commentary for the network, while Brokaw and Mudd became joint anchors of "Nightly News." The arrangement pleased no one, least of all the viewers. "Nightly News" was languishing in third place among the three legacy networks when Mudd was eased out of the anchor seat after a year to return to reporting. Being an anchorman, he later wrote, was "among the most boring jobs in television news" and little more than "hood ornaments for their companies." In 1987, after NBC bought out Mudd's contract for a reported $3 million, he became a correspondent for the "MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour" on PBS, then worked as a host on the History Channel from 1995 to 2004. In 2010, Mudd donated $4 million to Washington and Lee to endow a center for ethics that bears his name. He and his wife of 53 years, the former Emma Jeanne "E.J." Spears, lived for decades in McLean, Va. She died in 2011. Survivors include four children, Daniel Mudd of Greenwich, Conn., Maria Mudd Ruth of Olympia, Wash., Jonathan Mudd of Washington and Matthew Mudd of McLean; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mudd's memoir was widely praised as an unvarnished look inside TV news and politics. His 20 years in the CBS Washington bureau, he wrote, were the high point of his professional life. "Even during the six years I spent at NBC, trying my best to beat CBS," he wrote, "there was always a little hitch, perhaps a slight choke, in saying, 'I'm Roger Mudd, NBC News, Washington.' "I had never truly ceased being a CBS man." Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned tourists and students could abandon Australia if border closures remain a long-term plank of pandemic proofing. He believes Australia could lose investment if travel restrictions remain a key part of responding to the virus. 'The travellers will go elsewhere. The students will go elsewhere,' he told the Australian Financial Review's business summit. The Qantas chief executive said the Australian public must be conditioned to move away from a zero-case goal as the pandemic rolls on. Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned tourists and students could abandon Australia if border closures remain a long-term plank of pandemic proofing The influential CEO also reiterated his support for a world health passport system, saying countries will require vaccination proof to allow people in. 'We already do it with yellow fever,' he said. Mr Joyce wants an end to inconsistency between states, a two-day warning before borders shut and a timeline for border restrictions to end during the vaccine rollout. He also raised a vaccine check for pubs and restaurants with similar measures raised by some industry figures. Mr Joyce's comments come Health Department boss Brendan Murphy defended the pace of the nation's coronavirus vaccine rollout, arguing that Australia's lack of community transmission allows time to be taken. More than 100,000 vaccines have now been administered, which is lower than initially promised for the third week of the rollout. 'This is not a race,' Mr Murphy told reporters on Wednesday. 'We have no burning platform in Australia. We are taking it as quickly and carefully and safely as we can. The Qantas chief executive said the Australian public must be conditioned to move away from a zero-case goal as the pandemic rolls on (stock image) 'We are not like the US or the UK or most other countries in the world where they have got people in hospital dying.' The government remains confident Australia is on track to have offered every adult at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine by October. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Professor Murphy, the former chief medical officer, visited the medical regulator's headquarters in Canberra to witness batch testing of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mr Morrison said one quarter of the 100,000 vaccines administered had been to the most vulnerable Australians, namely those in aged and disability care. Mr Joyce's comments come Health Department boss Brendan Murphy defended the pace of the nation's coronavirus vaccine rollout Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines from overseas are currently part of the rollout, with locally made doses of the latter option to be given to Australians from March 22. Professor Murphy said recent data out of the UK had shown both vaccine options were on par, after initial studies showed Pfizer was more effective. 'We have two vaccines that are indistinguishably effective,' he said. 'We have two brilliant vaccines, really brilliant vaccines, much better efficacy than the flu vaccines we get every year.' Business is looking to the success of the vaccine rollout as a beacon of hope for restrictions across the country easing. New Delhi, March 10 : India on Wednesday recorded 17,921 new coronavirus cases and 133 fatalities, taking the total tally to 1,12,62,707. As per the Ministry's data, there are 1,84,598 active cases at present. Besides, 20,652 patients of Covid-19 were discharged in a day. A total 1,09,20,046 persons have been discharged so far. The total number of deaths in the country has reached 1,58,063, as per the ministry data. The recovery rate stands at 96.96 against 97.98 per cent recorded on Saturday, last week. 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. Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka continue to report a surge in the daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 84.04 per cent of the new cases reported are from these states. The Ministry also informed that 7,63,081 samples were tested on Tuesday. The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,34,79,877. Till date, 2,43,67, 906 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 March 1 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. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Gori Law Firm announced the selection of four attorneys to the 2021 Super Lawyers list. Sara Salger, Brad Evetts and David Aubrey have been recognized as Super Lawyers Illinois Rising Stars for 2021 and Bob Marcus has received the 2021 Super Lawyer distinction. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Mexican lawmakers were expected to vote Wednesday on whether to legalize recreational marijuana use -- a move that could transform the land of the drug cartels into a huge regulated market. The sweeping reform is partly aimed at curbing drug-related violence that claims thousands of lives each year in the Latin American nation. The move would make Mexico, home to 126 million people, one of just a few countries, including Uruguay and Canada, to legalize cannabis for recreational use. "In theory, it will create the largest legal market in the world due to Mexico's production capacity," said Lisa Sanchez, director of the NGO Mexico United Against Crime. In Mexico, "marijuana grows in natural conditions without the energy investments that are made in Canada, for example," she said. The legislation will be debated and put to a vote in the lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies, following its approval by the Senate in November. It could still be sent back to the Senate for a new vote following changes by the lower house. Both chambers are dominated by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's ruling party. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2015 opened the door to the recreational use of marijuana in Mexico. But it is still illegal to carry more than five grams (0.18 ounces), which would increase to 28 grams under the proposed law. Up to eight plants would be allowed to be grown at home for personal consumption. Pro-legalization activist Genlizzie Garibay said that although Mexico is "entering the discussion late," the law is "a step forward" for society, producers and consumers. But she described it as an "elitist law... written from fear, stigma and positions of power." - Fines and arrests - Activists are concerned that cannabis would remain on the list of prohibited substances under the health law, and would not be decriminalized for possession of more than 28 grams. "The production and sale will be legal, but possession will still be subject to the threat of police action, fines and possible arrests," said Sanchez. Story continues "It does not solve one of the main problems in Mexico: the misuse of security and justice resources," she added. The reform can also be an obstacle for farmers from marginalized and poor areas from entering the legal business, activists say. They warn that labeling, production and seed requirements are standard for established companies, but not for traditional producers. Legalization also risks a backlash from drug cartels who control the lucrative illegal trade. In 2020, Mexican authorities seized 244 tons of marijuana. Lopez Obrador sees the legalization of some drugs as a way to improve security in a country plagued by drug-related violence. More than 300,000 people have been murdered since the government deployed the army to fight the cartels in 2006. nc/dr/dw A man has been arrested after suspicious packages were delivered to the electorate offices of West Australian Premier Mark McGowan and a federal Labor MP. Mr McGowan's office in Rockingham, south of Perth, was evacuated on Tuesday after a man threw an item wrapped in tinfoil into the building. One staff member was taken to hospital as a precaution. A similar tinfoil package and a letter were earlier delivered to the nearby electorate office of federal Labor MP Madeleine King. The related incidents come just days from Saturday's state election. The office of Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan (pictured front) was evacuated after an object was thrown into it, only a day after a man made a threat on his life Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the package at Mr McGowan's office contained a 'water-based substance' which was not toxic or harmful. A 67-year-old man was arrested overnight and is undergoing mental health assessments. 'We don't believe there's any broader connection with any other group or anything like that,' Mr Dawson told Perth radio 6PR on Wednesday. 'We believe it's just a person acting by himself and we'll continue our way through that investigation ... we don't believe there's an issue for broader public concern.' Dozens of police and emergency workers attended Mr McGowan's office, including a hazmat crew and Australian Federal Police officers. The incident just before 3pm on Tuesday occurred at Mr McGowan's electoral building in Rockingham, south of Perth (pictured) A woman has been taken to hospital as a precaution after the incident, but Mr McGowan was at an ABC studio in Perth when the incident occurred Mr Dawson confirmed police were also investigating a death threat indirectly received by the premier on the campaign trail. A spokesperson for the premier said the threat was made by a man who approached Labor's candidate for Carine, Paul Liburne, at an early voting centre in Hillarys on Monday. Police do not believe that incident is linked to the suspicious packages. The premier attended his office on Tuesday to check on the welfare of his staff, describing them as being shaken by the incident. 'The election is now just three days away, and tensions can get high, but I ask everyone to be respectful of one another,' he wrote on Facebook. 'As with all forms of violence and threats, this kind of behaviour has no place in our society.' Police are investigating a death threat made by a man to Labor candidate Paul Liburne at an early voting centre in Hillarys. Pictured: Mr McGowan with his wife Sarah Ms King also took to social media, saying an independent review being conducted into the workplace culture of federal parliament should also examine the frequent threats made to MPs and their staff. 'My staff are all OK and several of them spent last night helping the police with their investigations,' she said. 'Sadly, this is not the first time my office has been threatened.' West Australian Premier Mark McGowan's office was evacuated after a suspicious object was thrown into it, only a day after a death threat was made. The incident occurred just before 3pm on Tuesday at Mr McGowan's electoral building in Rockingham, south of Perth. A woman has been taken to hospital as a precaution after the incident. Clark County Election Department worker puts mail-in ballots collected from vehicles in a ballot box at the Clark County Election Department in North Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 13, 2020. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) 90,000 Ballots in Largest Nevada County Sent to Wrong Addresses, Bounced Back: Report More than 90,000 ballots mailed to registered voters in Nevadas largest county were returned undeliverable, according to an analysis of election data by a conservative legal group. Clark County, which includes the Las Vegas metro area, made the extraordinary move to mail ballots before the November general election to all the nearly 1.3 million active voters in the county, instead of just those who requested them. The county justified the move as helping people vote remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 450,000 voters cast their votes through the mail-in ballots. But more than 92,000 ballots were returned by the postal service as undeliverable, according to the Public Interest Legal Foundations (PILF) March 10 research brief (pdf). The number is based on data provided in February by Clark County Voter Registrar Joe Gloria, the brief says. The Clark County Election Office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Mass-mail balloting is a step backward for American elections. There are millions of voter registration records with unreliable active address information that will ultimately send ballots to the wrong place in a mail election, PILF President J. Christian Adams said in the brief. Prior to the election, PILF criticized such mass ballot mailings in states that hadnt had such systems already in place. The entire state of Nevada reported only 5,863 mail ballots returned undeliverable in the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 General Elections combined, the brief says, referring to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission surveys. Adams also took aim at the H.R. 1 election reform bill that was recently passed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. The nearly 800-page bill would largely shift power over elections to the federal government. It would discard state voter-ID laws, allow for same-day voter registration, ban witness signature requirements for mail-in ballots, and require that mail-in ballots can arrive as late as 10 days after election day (as long as it is post stamped by election day). It would also make it a federal crime to communicate or cause to be communicated information that is knowingly false and designed to discourage voting and require a plethora of other measures. Conservatives have made it their priority to oppose the bill. H.R. 1 does more harm than good for the American people and will leave them at a constant disadvantage to correct election system errors which ultimately impact their abilities to vote in a timely manner, Adams said. The bill basically codifies everything that was irregular or outright wrong or the opportunities for fraud during last years election and makes it the law of the land, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita recently told Breitbart News. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. THE ISSUE: A study on road salt is being scaled back to protect the state from lawsuits. ---- It was a sign of progress when Gov. Andrew Cuomo in December signed a bill that required a study of the states heavy use of road salt in the Adirondacks. At long last, we thought, the state would take a thorough and honest look at the detrimental environmental and human health consequences of dumping millions of pounds of salt on roads every winter. We thought New Yorkers would be given a fuller understanding of the problem. Now, though, weve learned the state will scale back the study. Why? As the Adirondack Explorer recently reported, officials are apparently afraid New Yorkers left with unsafe drinking water will sue. Mr. Cuomo last month quietly signed an amendment to the law that lets the Department of Transportation withhold data that could potentially be used against it in court. It allows transportation officials to turn over fewer records to the task force studying road salt and keeps some of the information from becoming public. In other words, we will no longer be getting the thorough and honest look at salt use we were promised. Instead, well likely get a less useful report that clouds accuracy to protect the state. With the move, New Yorks government is essentially stealing a page from the playbook used by tobacco companies and other private interests that, with an eye toward preventing lawsuits, sought to hide the public health consequences of their behavior. It is an outrageous and fundamentally dishonest tactic. This isnt an academic question. Investigative reporting by the Adirondack Explorer has found that road salt, which in high levels in drinking supplies can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease, has seeped into North Country water, making wells unsafe and threatening some property owners with financial ruin. If the DOT is worried it could be held liable for poisoning drinking water, the answer isnt to withhold information. Instead, the state should face the consequences and do right by the people it harmed. New Yorkers should expect no less of their government. In the states attempt to hide information theres an unfortunate echo of one of the scandals rocking Mr. Cuomos administration, long infamous for its secrecy. For many months, Mr. Cuomo hid the truth about COVID-19 deaths of nursing home residents. Administration officials even manipulated a Health Department report to keep the accurate number of nursing home deaths from becoming public. This isnt just a matter of putting numbers in the right columns. Complete and accurate information is essential for guiding public policy. Bad data leads to bad decisions. The same is true for the use of salt on roads. As New Yorkers weigh how best to balance driver safety with the health and environmental consequences of salt use, they need full, accurate data on how the state has been treating roads. Anything less is unacceptable. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Migrants approach the U.S. border on Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, on March 2, 2021. (Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images) COVID Hypocrisy at the White House Commentary Biden administration health official Rochelle Walensky announced Monday that vaccinated Americans can visit with others who are vaccinated in small groups at home. But when Walensky was asked about visiting grandchildren, she said no, unless the kids are local. Even vaccinated people must avoid traveling. Every time theres a surge in travel, we have a surge in cases in this country. The Biden administration is making one exception. Its OK to wade across the Rio Grande River and enter the United States illegally. Even if you have COVID-19, you can get on a bus in a Texas border town and travel to any part of the United States, including New York, Baltimore, Miami, and Los Angeles. Never mind how far and wide COVID-infected migrants spread the virus as they fan out. On the travel question, the double standard is mind-boggling. Its no to Grandma, but OK for illegal immigrants. Since Joe Biden took office, hes rapidly dismantled Trump administration policies that kept migrants in Mexico during the pandemic. Some 100,000 migrants surrendered to U.S. border officials in February, up from 78,000 in January. Its likely to reach 1 million overall in 2021, if the trend continues. Some single adults are sent back to Mexico, but families are permitted to stay. After a few days of processing in a detention center, theyre given documents to travel and released into a Texas border town. There, nonprofits like Catholic Charities help them get food and bus tickets to anywhere in the United States. Heres the hitch. The federal government refuses to test migrants before release unless theyre visibly sick, even though COVID-19 continues to rage in Mexico. Bidens press spokesperson, Jen Psaki, explained that the administration considers testing a state or local responsibility. As if not knowing migrants are spreading the disease absolves the Biden administration of any culpability. Sorry, thats ridiculous. Some cities, like Brownsville and El Paso, are using rapid tests to identify migrants with the virus. Others cities do not. But either way, city officials explain they have no authority to stop infected migrants from traveling. In Texas, only the feds can do that. When Brownsville officials tested migrants last month, over 6 percent tested positive. Some were willing to quarantine at local hotels paid for by charities, but many boarded busses for other parts of the country. Six percent sounds small, but 6 percent of 1 million migrants adds up to 60,000a steady stream of spreaders being knowingly dispersed throughout the nation. And exposing bus riders en route. Last week, Greyhound CEO David Leach demanded an assurance from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that undocumented migrants boarding busses in Texas have tested negative. So far, no answer. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has put the brakes on Americans returning to normal life. Anthony Fauci is warning this is no time to relax. Biden accused the governor of Texas of neanderthal thinking for ending the mask mandate. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns Americans to avoid all travel to Guatemala and other Central American countries. Yet, when it comes to illegal border crossings, any mention of disease threat is slammed as racist. What hypocrisy. Travelers flying into the United States must have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding, and another negative test is recommended after landing. But illegal immigrants get a free pass to bring the coronavirus to a bus terminal near you. Why is this happening? The White House is being taken over by minority advocacy groups who get what they demand, no matter how extreme. Instead of working with Congress and being forced to hear about the dangers of open borders, Biden issues executive orders, shutting out any debate. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), whose district runs along the border, warned that White House officials should not only listen to the immigration advocates and activists, but also to the public affected by open border policies. The facts prove theyre dangerous to our health. Betsy McCaughey, Ph.D., is a political commentator, constitutional expert, syndicated columnist, and author of several books, including The Obama Health Law: What It Says and How to Overturn, and The Next Pandemic. She is also a former lieutenant governor of New York. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A Laois secondary school student is aiming to win a prestigious university run debate competition. 3rd Year Portlaoise College student Weronika Popko has made it into the semi-final of the illustrious Leinster Junior School Debates. Weronika will compete this Thursday March 11 for a place in the final, making her speeches while at home online. So far Portlaoise College competed against some of the most expensive private schools in Leinster, schools such as Belvedere College, St Conleths, Willow Park, Alexandra College, Loreto on the Green, Wilsons Hospital School, Loreto College Foxrock, St Columbas College and others. The famous competition is run by UCD Law Society and L&H, two of the most renowned university debating societies in the English speaking world. Portlaoise College Students excelled this year. Last year was the first year Portlaoise College took part in the UCD Leinster Junior School Debate. The college has promoted debating and public speaking at both senior and junior levels and has a debating tradition going back years. Our Junior team has never been beaten in the Laois Libraries Junior Debates. "Last year Portlaoise College debuted in the UCD competition and made a brilliant start. One Portlaoise College team reached the quarter finals. This year, working from home, all our teams made the break and one team and one individual speaker made it to the quarter final," the school say. The 2020 teams included Suzanne Gabrysiak, Kinga Siddique, Lucy Grace, Bridget Reidy Dundon and Weronika Popko. Fine debaters all. The Portlaoise College community wishes Weronika the best of luck on Thursday. Win or lose, Weronika, we are all very proud of you. The Junior Schools' Debating Competition is open to secondary school students in Leinster from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. The competition is co-convened by the Literary and Historical Society and the Law Society of UCD. LONDON In the wake of Harry and Meghans explosive interview, an influential professional society speaking for the British news media issued a defiant response, rejecting the idea of racism and intolerance in British coverage of the couple. On Wednesday the group, the Society of Editors, was forced into an embarrassing about-face after objections from more than 160 journalists of color as well as the editors of both The Guardian and The Financial Times. On Monday, the society stated flatly that The U.K. media is not bigoted, and accused Meghan and Harry of an unfounded attack on the profession. On Wednesday, it issued what it called a clarification, acknowledging that its initial statement did not reflect what we all know: there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 10.03.2021: The two-week confrontation between the government and the armed forces entered a new phase on Wednesday. The Prime Minister's Office announced that Onik Gasparyan is legally dismissed from the post of Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister has already submitted a petition to the President for the appointment of the former Chief of the General Staff Artak Davtyan to that position, which the President has not yet signed. Davtyan was relieved of the post of Chief of the General Staff for celebrating his son's wedding during the quarantine amid COVID-19 restrictions. After that, he was appointed chairman of the Military Industry Committee but resigned after the war. And yesterday, by the decision of the Minister of Defense, he was appointed a senior officer on special assignments. Today, the Prime Minister's statement was followed by Onik Gasparyan's statement who said that he had applied to the administrative court. In his statement, he urged the generals, officers, and soldiers to continue their service. After that, the leadership of the Armed Forces made a statement noting: "The command staff of the RA Armed Forces joins the message of Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan, and confirms the assessments given so far on the current situation in the republic." President Armen Sarkissian, who did not sign the order to release Onik Gasparyan, has three days to sign the decree appointing Artak Davtyan. The decree will enter into force even if he refuses to sign it. The Prime Minister submitted a proposal to dismiss Onik Gasparyan from the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces back on February 25 as Gasparyan was among those who demanded Pashinyan's resignation. On February 27, the Prime Minister's Office received the President's objections to the above-mentioned draft. Armen Sarkissian said that he would not sign Onik Gasparyan's dismissal decree and would apply to the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of the law, on the basis of which the Prime Minister had submitted his proposal. Despite the calls made by different political forces, Armen Sarkissian did not dispute the motion to dismiss Onik Gasparyan from the post in the Constitutional Court. Some lawyers claim that the Constitution does not authorize the President or the Prime Minister, in general, to dismiss the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces. On Tuesday evening, when it became known that that deadline for Armenia president Armen Sarkissian' to dispute Pashinyan's offer to dismiss Onik Gasparyan has expired, the opposition protest near the Armenian parliament has escalated. The opposition PM's candidate Vazgen Manukyan has called on the protesters to block all the ways to the parliament so that the MP's could not enter the building. The police tried to put pressure on protesters that led to clashes with the protesters. However, the participants managed to close all the doors that MPs used to enter the building. Protesters also set up tents and spend the night there. They were called traitors all of those MPs whom they saw passing nearby. Thus, provoking s with some of the parliament members. The main enters of the building are still being closed. The MPs are forced to enter the building with the door that is being used for the food supply. The opposition said they are going to protest until the PM resigns, or the MPs impeach Pashinyan. By the way, Demirchyan street of the Armenian parliament building is being closed for over ten days now. Moscow, in turn, expressed its hope for a speedy settlement of the situation in Armenia. "The situation in Armenia is the internal affair of that country. Russia is interested in resolving the situation as soon as possible," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told Wednesday. "Russia hopes that the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] will not escalate," Rudenko added. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has heralded joint transport projects with Turkey via Zangezur. I must say that Turkish presses and all non-governmental organizations showed tremendous support to Azerbaijan during the war, Aliyev said. Turkey and Azerbaijan started having an appetite for transport projects after the statement signed by Nikol Pashinyan on November 9 and the specification of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border that followed. The Armenian authorities have agreed to specify the border in Syunik Province. Moreover, the authorities arent refuting the existence of a certain document on Syunik Province. Simultaneously, Azerbaijan isnt the legal successor of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan, but the legal successor of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. Congressman Brad Sherman, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, in powerful remarks submitted to the Congressional Record, condemned the Azerbaijani massacres of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku. "Thirty-three years ago, in the Azerbaijani town of Sumgait, peaceful Armenian residents were brutally targeted on the basis of their ethnicity and subjected to unspeakable crimes," he noted. "Unfortunately, Azeri attacks against Armenian civilians have only continued. In its latest bout of aggression against Armenia and Artsakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan carried out indiscriminate attacks against civilians," he added noting that the government of Azerbaijan must be held accountable by the international community. Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian will visit the United Arab Emirates. Talks will be held between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and the UAE, Ara Aivazian and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on Thursday. As of Wednesday morning, 340 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 175,538 in the country. Also, five more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the respective total 3,237 cases. The number of people who have recovered over the past one day is 163, the total respective number so far is 165,259, and the number of people currently being treated is 6,208. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has declared Turkey's critical importance, Daily Sabah reported. I think that we need to understand that Turkey is an important ally. Because you can just look at the map and then you see that Turkey is extremely important, Stoltenberg said at an online event with California-based Stanford University. In response to a question about whether Turkey should be excluded from NATO amid relations between the Turkish president and his Russian counterpart, Stoltenberg noted that Turkey has been of great importance, citing its geographical proximity to Iraq and Syria, the progress made in fighting the Daesh terrorist group and bases and airports there. With moments of silence, prayers and song, local government and health care leaders on Tuesday held ceremonies across the New Orleans area to mark the date one year ago when the coronavirus was first detected here. The ceremonies served as a memorial to those who died due to the virus as well as a chance to honor healthcare and other frontline workers who have been fighting COVID-19. On the steps of New Orleans City Hall, at the site of recent mass vaccinations in Jefferson Parish and at area hospitals, local officials also urged continued vigilance even as more and more vaccines arrive in the state each day. I dont want to have to do this again, New Orleans City Councilmember Jay H. Banks said as he asked residents to keep up precautions like mask wearing and social distancing. I dont want to have to sit here and talk about another 700 New Orleanians who lost their lives. The coronavirus has killed more than 9,000 people across the state, including 769 deaths in New Orleans and 857 in Jefferson Parish. Nearly one-tenth of the states population has been diagnosed with the virus, though the true number of people infected is likely far greater. During a ceremony at City Hall, Mayor LaToya Cantrell recalled talking to one of the first victims, Eugene Jefferson, shortly after he was hospitalized reflecting on his upbeat attitude at the time and the fact that no one could have predicted a year of fear, infections and restrictions that would follow. Over one year ago we didnt know what was coming our way but it took us by storm and led us to places that were unimaginable, she said. Kawiana "Sunshine" Jefferson, Eugene Jefferson's wife, described her husband as constantly laughing and joking, even after he fell ill. Jefferson was presented with a portrait of her husband by artist Brendon Palmer-Angell, one of a series of nine he did to commemorate early victims of the pandemic. She said that she wanted people to remember to take the virus seriously. Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of New Orleans health department, offered thanks to those who worked in healthcare, from doctors, nurses and paramedics to those who cleaned hospital rooms or simply offered comfort to the sick. Please know this community is forever grateful for what you have done to soothe us and get us through these times, Avegno said. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The New Orleans ceremony began with the ringing of hand bells and ended with a rendition of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" by trumpeter James Andrews. Ochsner Health, the state's largest hospital operator, held a ceremony at its Jefferson Highway campus at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to mark the morning shift change. They planned to hold a candlelight ceremony at 10:00 p.m. as the night shift began. Doctors, nurses and other hospital workers gathered in front of the building for a moment of silence to reflect on the past year, which has seen 10,000 coronavirus patients discharged from the system's hospitals. "Together we have made untold sacrifices as we met the immense challenge of protecting our community," said Brad Goodson, CEO of Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans. LCMC Health had asked the community to collectively ring a bell at noon in honor of healthcare workers and in tribute to the victims of the virus. The memorials came the same day Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the state was loosening the requirements for vaccine eligibility, offering up shots to a wide swath of the population with pre-existing conditions and medical issues that put them at high risk should they contract the virus. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng led a memorial service in the Alario Center that included clergy of multiple faiths reflecting on the terrible toll the year has taken on the area. "You will grieve forever," Lee Sheng said, citing a well-known description of the emotional cycle around death. "But you will heal and rebuild yourself around the loss you suffered." The ceremony was also punctuated with calls for perseverance. Victoria Smith, a medical doctor with Ochsner Health, cited Buddhist philosopher Daisuka Ikeda. "Hope is the most important decision we can make," she said. "As long as we have hope, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Boris Johnson today demanded the 'immediate release' of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe during a phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Downing Street said Mr Johnson had told Mr Rouhani that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's 'continued confinement remains completely unacceptable'. The PM said that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe 'must be allowed to return to her family in the UK'. The intervention comes after the 42-year-old British-Iranian's five year sentence in Iran ended, but the prospect of fresh court proceedings means the 'jeopardy' over her future freedom remains. Hopes were raised on Sunday that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's ordeal was reaching the 'endgame' after being released from house arrest and having her ankle tag removed. Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, of north London, who was detained in 2016 as Iranian authorities made widely refuted spying allegations, finished the latter part of her sentence under house arrest due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Boris Johnson has raised Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's 'completely unacceptable' case directly with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Mr Johnson told Mr Rouhani that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe 'must be allowed to return to her family in the UK' Downing Street said in a statement: 'The Prime Minister spoke to Iranian President Rouhani this afternoon. 'The Prime Minister raised the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other British-Iranian Dual Nationals detained in Iran and demanded their immediate release. 'He said that while the removal of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's ankle monitor was welcome, her continued confinement remains completely unacceptable and she must be allowed to return to her family in the UK.' Mr Johnson and Mr Rouhani also discussed the status of the Iran nuclear deal. Number 10 said: 'The Prime Minister also stressed that while the UK remains committed to making the Iran nuclear deal a success, Iran must stop all its nuclear activity that breaches the terms of the JCPoA and come back into compliance. 'He stressed the importance of Iran seizing the opportunity presented by the United States' willingness to return to the deal if Iran comes back into compliance. 'The Prime Minister underlined the need for Iran to cease wider destabilising activity and be a positive force in the Gulf region.' Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband, Richard Ratcliffe, held a vigil, along with the couple's six-year-old daughter Gabriella, outside the Iranian embassy in central London on Monday. Mr Ratcliffe attempted to deliver an Amnesty International petition of more than 160,000 signatures calling for his wife's immediate release, but was turned away by someone speaking over the building's intercom. A small group of protesters stood in front of the embassy holding placards carrying the messages 'Free Nazanin' and 'still not forgotten'. Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and the couple's daughter Gabriella held a vigil outside the Iranian Embassy in London on Monday Speaking to the press, Mr Ratcliffe said the recent developments in his wife's situation were 'slightly better news than was expected' but highlighted that she was still being 'threatened' with another court case in Iran next week. Explaining the purpose of Monday's protest, he said: 'I wanted to do something just to say listen, she's not forgotten. We're still going to keep battling until she's home.' He added: 'It is still the Iranian authorities that are holding Nazanin. They are now holding her even after the end of her sentence. That remains outrageous.' Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a charity worker who was employed by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has strongly denied the widely refuted allegations that she was plotting to overthrow the Islamic Republic's government. She was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport while taking their daughter Gabriella to see her parents in April 2016. New Delhi [India], March 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP chief are among 40 star campaigners of the BJP for Assam Assembly elections. Union Ministers and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Bihar minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain will also campaign for the party. Other campaigners include BJP general secretary B L Santosh, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Manipur CM N Biren Singh and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu will also be seen campaigning for the BJP. BJP Vice President and party Assam in-charge Baijayant Panda, election in-charge Narendra Singh Tomar and co- incharge Jitendra Singh are also on the list of BJP's star campaigners for Assam. Bhojpuri actors Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kisan will also have the responsibility to campaign for party candidates. Polling for the 126-member Assam assembly will be held on March 27, April 1 and April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. BJP has announced the first list of 71 candidates for Phase-I and Phase-II Assam Assembly Elections 2021. Of the 71 candidates, the party has given tickets to 11 new candidates. It has also fielded candidates on seats that were earlier held by its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and former partner Bodoland Peoples' Front (BDF). In 2016, the BJP scripted history and formed the government for the first time in the state ending Congress's 15-year rule. BJP and its allies Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) won a combined 86 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly. BJP bagged 60 seats, AGP 14 and BPF 12 seats.This time the BPF has joined the Congress-led coalition 'Mahajath' after breaking away from the BJP-led alliance. (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.) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Harvest One Cannabis Inc. ( TSXV: HVT) (OTCQB: HRVOF ), a uniquely positioned cannabis-infused CPG leader, is pleased to announce today, further to its news release dated February 16, 2021, that the Company has completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiaries Satipharm Limited, Satipharm AG and Phytotech Therapeutics Ltd. to Cann Group Limited (" Cann Group ") ( ASX: CAN )(the " Transaction "). Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, the Cann Group will issue ordinary shares representing total aggregate consideration of approximately $4 million, to the Company. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 22:56:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Military Operations Meeting (11th AMOM) convened virtually on Wednesday at Brunei's International Convention Center, with regional security issues on the agenda. Chaired by Brigadier General Haji Abdul Razak, joint force commander of Brunei, the 11th AMOM discussed regional security issues and ways to enhance future military cooperation among ASEAN member states, according to Brunei's Ministry of Defense. During the meeting, the heads of delegates exchanged views on current security issues and presented a two-year activity work plan for ASEAN militaries from 2021 to 2022, which will be submitted during the 18th ASEAN chiefs of defense forces meeting. The meeting concluded with the official handover of the AMOM chairmanship to Yen Samnang, second secretary at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Brunei, representing the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. Enditem Further feasibility study on the idea of a 'Boris Bridge' An official feasibility study into the possibility of building a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland has been slammed as a "pipe dream" by Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill. The deupty First Minister described it on social media as a "smokescreen" for the current situation that has developed surrounding Brexit. In her tweet, Mrs O'Neill said: "The pipe dream bridge between the North and Scotland is a smokescreen for the Brexit fallout amongst the unionists who engineered it on both sides of the Irish Sea." The idea of a tunnel or bridge between the two nations has previously been welcomed by figures in the unionist community, with Sammy Wilson saying Boris Johnson can "win back the trust" of unionists by building it. The report, by Network Rail boss Sir Peter Hendy, has tasked two experts to lead a "discrete piece of work" to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. Saying devolution had led to a lack of attention to connectivity, Sir Peter said the aim of the review was to level up the whole of the UK. Read More The news of the official feasibility study on Tuesday has been dismissed by the SDLP's Nichola Mallon. Branding the review as a gross breach of trust, Mrs Mallon suggested the resources around a bridge or tunnel could be spent better and said the government should focus on "commitments already made" for projects in Northern Ireland. I have engaged with the Connectivity Review in good faith, she said. I fundamentally believe that connecting our communities and working together to tackle the climate crisis is in the substantial common interests of all the people we represent. Expand Close SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) The narrow focus of the review on Tory manifesto pledges, however, represents a total breach of trust. I have consistently made clear that the enormous resource required to establish a fixed link bridge or tunnel could be much better spent addressing the priorities of people in our communities. I am bitterly disappointed with the attitude of the British Government, which is obsessed with centralising spending power in areas of devolved responsibility. I remain open to working with Ministers in London but there needs to be a marked change of attitude and priority to meet the needs of people here. That must start with respect. Respect for devolution and for locally elected, locally accountable Ministers. Looking into wider aspects of connectivity throughout the UK, a consultation is also to be launched this spring looking into reforming air passenger duty - a tax on passenger flights from UK airports - in a bid to improve transport connecting all four nations. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the plans were part of his desire to build back better after the coronavirus crisis. He also added that he wanted to bring every corner of the UK closer together. We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map, said Mr Johnson. This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road. I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Alpha City, located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, was transferred to Masterise Group in 2020, photo Le Toan Alpha King Vietnam Real Estate Development JSC was established in Vietnam in 2012 developing complex real estate projects of office buildings, trade centres, and luxury apartment projects. Alpha King became famous in Vietnam with the announcement of a range of mergers and acquisitions to develop the first three high-end projects in 2018: Alpha City, Alpha Town, and Centennial Saigon. All of those projects are located in prime locations in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with sky-high prices. The Centennial Saigon, located on an area of more than 3,500 square metres in District 1, was a project acquired from Hung Phat Invest Hanoi in 2018. The 46-storey building consists of serviced apartments managed by the Ascott brand from Singapore, and featured more than 400 units. At that time, Alpha King quoted more than VND330 million ($14,300) per square metre, one of the highest rates in Ho Chi Minh City. At the end of 2019, Hung Phat Invest Hanoi was acquired by Minh Huy Land, a partner of Masterise Group. An official announcement of the transfer was not released; however on Alpha Kings website, the name of Alpha King Bason appeared in a link to Masterise Group, and was changed to Grand Marina Saigon. The second project was Alpha City located on District 1s Cong Quynh Street. This 8,300sq.m venture is targeted to develop into a complex of two apartment buildings of more than 1,000 units under the Alpha Hill brand, and an Alpha Mall. It was quoted at VND230 million ($10,000) per sq.m in 2019. Alpha City was also transferred to Masterise Group last year. Also in District 1, Alpha Town is located over a 4,000sq.m land plot in Tran Hung Dao street. Alpha King aimed to develop the project into Grade A offices for lease, providing more than 70,000sq.m of premium offices and 2,300sq.m of commercial purpose to the market. This project stalled immediately after launch in 2019, and was rumored to be acquired by another domestic developer. Real estate brokers assumed that Alpha King still has two more projects: Alpha King Khanh Hoi in District 4 and another in District 2. However, no other information of those projects has been released. With a head office located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the groups major shareholders were Alpha King Investment Ltd. based in Hong Kong with 93.3 per cent, and the rest contributed by other individuals, including two Chinese investors. In 2020, after reports of changes in management, the position of Alpha King chairman was returned to Chiu Bing Keung Kenneth, one of the two founding shareholders. VIR attempted to contact representatives of Alpha King via various means but no response was forthcoming. Joyce, who has at least two prior convictions, one from 2014 for aggravated battery to a police officer and a narcotics charge from 2013, lives in Chicago with his girlfriend of seven years and has worked as a certified driver for a restaurant corporation. Before that, he was a delivery driver for an appliances business. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen at dusk in Washington on Feb. 13, 2016. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Supreme Court Agrees to Dismiss Case Challenging Trump-Era Public Charge Rule The Supreme Court has agreed to a request by the Biden administration to dismiss an upcoming case challenging a public-charge rule that requires prospective immigrants to be able to support themselves financially. The court last month agreed to hear the federal governments appeal of a lower court decision against the Trump-era immigration rule that restricts the eligibility of new immigrants who are deemed to likely become public charges if they receive visas. The Justice Department informed the court in a filing (pdf) on March 9 that all parties agreed to ask the court to dismiss the case, signaling that the White House is likely to overturn the rule. In early February, President Joe Biden had issued an executive order mandating a review of the public charge rule that aims to assess the effects and implications of such policies. A public charge refers to an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, by receiving assistance such as food stamps or Medicaid. The case stemmed from a rule adopted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2019 that expanded the definition of public charges in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). That rule required the DHS to consider cash benefits and certain non-cash benefits when determining an immigrants admissibility in the United States. Meanwhile, the rule considered a person a public charge if they receive at least one government benefit for more than 12 months in a three-year period. The rule was challenged by states, cities, and advocacy groups around the country, and had resulted in several preliminary injunctions to block its enforcement while the cases played out in court. Some of those injunctions were lifted by the appeals court, while a pair of injunctions issued by a New York district court judge were lifted by the Supreme Court pending a ruling from an appeals court. The appeals court in that case, cited as U.S. Department of Homeland Security v. New York, affirmed the preliminary injunction issued by the district court but restricted its application to states of New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. This ruling prompted the Trump administration to file a requestor a petition for a writ of certiorari (pdf)to the top court asking it to review the appeals court decision. The respondents in the case include the states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New York City, as well as immigrant advocacy groups including Make the Road New York and Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. At the time when the rule was introduced, Ken Cuccinelli, then-acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services, said that the rule was critical because the administration wanted to see people coming to this country who are self-sufficient. Thats a core principle of the American dream. Its deeply embedded in our history, and particularly our history related to legal immigration, he said. Meanwhile, opponents of the rule say it discourages immigrants and their families from accessing necessities such as health, food, and housing programs that supplement their wages and help them make ends meet. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement on Jan. 22, 2020, that the rule leaves the door open for discrimination and uncertainty. The Biden administration has taken similar steps in several other immigration cases. In February, the administration asked the top court to cancel oral arguments in two cases separately challenging former President Donald Trumps border wall and remain in Mexico policies. The requests come after the administration took action to undo both policies, possibly rendering the challenges moot. COLUMBUS, Ohio The Ohio House has passed its version of a bill rescinding key portions of the controversial House Bill 6, including its $1 billion in nuclear subsidies. House Bill 128 passed 86-7 on Wednesday afternoon. The bill also would revoke decoupling language in HB6 that guaranteed revenue for FirstEnergy at 2018 levels, and language that likely would have made it easier for FirstEnergy to pass a state test meant to prevent utilities from making excessive profits. Of note, a House committee before passing the bill earlier this week changed it to add back in language offering $20 million in annual solar subsides to six large-scale solar projects. Developers behind some of the projects, some of which are have been completed or are close to it, told lawmakers that revoking the funding would economically undermine the deals they had made with companies that had agreed to buy the power they generated. The Ohio Senate previously has passed two bills removing pieces of House Bill 6, which is at the center of a federal corruption probe. One would rescind the nuclear subsidies, while another would rescind the decoupling provision and seek refunds for consumers. No bill has received final passage. Other portions of HB6 so far have remained untouched, provisions eliminating energy efficiency programs and renewable energy mandates, and subsidizing two coal plants -- one in Indiana, one in Ohio -- owned by a consortium of Ohio utility companies. Ohio House and Senate leaders will have to sort out how they line up the competing versions of the bills. Any law change requires approval by both chambers before heading to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. Rep. Dick Stein, a Norwalk Republican, said the bill will help the legislature turn the page on the HB6 scandal. While this isnt a perfect bill it does two things. It removes all incentives and advantages to FirstEnergy and Energy Harbor, he said, referencing the former FirstEnergy subsidiary that now owns the two nuclear plants. So all the issues and consternation regarding HB6 will be eliminated, he said. State Rep. Laura Lanese, a Grove City Republican and vocal HB6 critic, was among Wednesdays no votes. In a floor speech, she questioned whether the legislatures sudden rush to repeal the subsidies was done to help Energy Harbor compete in an energy sale. Thats because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled in late 2019 that if power generation companies receive state subsidies like the ones offered by HB6, the commission would make it harder for those companies to sell electricity from the two nuclear plants. She said Attorney General Dave Yost already has sued to block the subsidies, citing the federal corruption scandal. The case is on hold while the criminal investigation proceeds. The perception is that we are the handmaiden of the utility industry, and I dont think thats a good perception to have, she said. ...Its no good for us to be partially repealing this. I know my constituents and many around the state have asked for a full repeal. Rep. Jeff Crossman, a Parma Democrat, also said the bill doesnt go far enough, although he voted in favor of it. Failing to repeal the remaining odious portions of HB6 and congratulating ourselves for passing this bill is like crawling halfway out of a hole and bragging about how wonderful the view is, he said. Republicans rejected Crossmans proposed amendment to repeal HB6 entirely, as well as a separate amendment from Rep. Kent Smith, a Democrat from Euclid, to repeal the coal plant subsidies. Rep. Jim Hoops, a Napoleon Republican leading the House committee reviewing HB6 repeal legislation, said other provisions of the bill will be taken up in the future. Federal authorities say $60 million in bribery money from FirstEnergy was used to elevate Rep. Larry Householder to House Speaker, get the bill passed and protect it from a repeal. Householder, who has pleaded not guilty to a federal racketeering charge, was removed as speaker but was re-elected as a representative. He voted in favor of HB 128 on Wednesday. After launching the 980 Pro SSD back in September, 2020, Samsung has announced the launch of the next SSD in the lineup, simply called the 980. It is an M.2 NVMe SSD that uses the PCIe Gen.3.0 x4 interface and offers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,000 MB/s. The 980 is Samsungs first consumer SSD to feature a DRAM-less NVMe design, which is possible thanks to Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology. Its TurboWrite 2.0 technology allocates a larger buffer storage area, allowing for improved sustained performance over the previous iteration. The drive features Samsungs Dynamic Thermal Guard technology, a nickel-coated controller and heat spreader label solutions, offering stable and reliable performance. It also offers improved power efficiency of up to 56% over the 970 EVO, which is useful for laptops and their power management. Category Samsung 980 NVMe SSD Interface PCIe Gen.3.0 x4, NVMe 1.4 Form Factor M.2 (2280) Capacity 1TB, 500GB, 250GB Sequential Read/Write Speed Up to 3,500 / 3,000 MB/s Random Read/Write Speed (QD32) Up to 500K IOPS / 480K IOPS Management Software Samsung Magician Data Encryption AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption, TCG/Opal V2.0, Encrypted Drive (IEEE1667) Total Bytes Written 600TBW (1TB) 300TBW (500GB) 150TBW (250GB) The Samsung 980 SSD is available for a price of $49.99 (Approx. Rs. 3,641) for the 250GB, $69.99 (Approx. Rs. 5,098) for the 500GB and $129.99 (Approx. Rs. 9,468) for the 1TB. In India, the Samsung 980 SSD is available at an MRP of INR 6,499 for the 250GB, INR 8,999 for the 500GB and INR 16,999 for the 1TB. Commenting on the launch, KyuYoung Lee, vice president of Memory Brand Product Biz team at Samsung Electronics said: They shared a decisive Oscar victory as producers on the 2012 Best Picture winner Argo. And on Tuesday, George Clooney was seen on set directing his star actor Ben Affleck on the Boston, Massachusetts set of new film The Tender Bar. Also seen shooting the drama were costars Lily Rabe, and Tye Sheridan. Lights, camera, action: George Clooney was seen on set directing his star actor Ben Affleck on the Boston, Massachusetts set of new film The Tender Bar on Tuesday Clooney, who turns 60 this May, kept warm in a black puffer jacket, while holding on to another layer. He also wore bluejeans and white Nike trainers. Affleck, 48, looked to be in costume in a green jacket with black collar, worn over a plaid flannel shirt and white tee. He and Sheridan, 24, stood near a film camera, smiling and watching on as the scene unfolded. Next to the camera: Also seen shooting the drama was costar Tye Sheridan, in brown standing next to Affleck in green Sheridan, who played a young Scott Summers/Cyclops in the last two X-Men film installments, was dressed similarly to Ben, and both actors had their hair slightly feathered, suggesting that the film is a period piece. The pair, along with director Clooney, all wore face coverings in accordance with strict rules concerning the coronavirus pandemic on all major film and television productions. Rabe, 38, also looked to be in a slightly 80s getup, in a long tan coat with her hair up in a half ponytail. Masks up: The pair, along with director Clooney, all wore face coverings in accordance with strict rules concerning the coronavirus pandemic on all major film and television productions Eighties look: Actress Lily Rabe was also seen shooting the film, in a getup suggesting the movie is a period film The Tender Bar is based on the acclaimed 2005 memoir by author J. R. Moehringer. The story follows a young boy in Long Island who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle's bar. Sheridan will play the lead, while Good Will Hunting star Affleck will portray his uncle Charlie. Victorious: Clooney and Affleck shared a decisive Oscar victory as producers on the 2012 Best Picture winner Argo, which Ben also directed and starred in Clooney and Affleck are both two-time Academy Award winners, with George previously winning the Best Supporting Actor trophy for 2005's Syriana. Ben, along with his friend and costar Matt Damon, famously clinched the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1998. And while Clooney is a somewhat experienced actor-turned-director, first helming Confessions of a Dangerous Mind in 2002, Affleck has also had a hand at directing including the Oscar-winning film the pair produced together, Argo. Adm. Philip S. Davidson, US Navy head in the Indo-Pacific Command, said Chinas expansionary territorial ambitions were on display along its western border. PTI file photo New Delhi: Chinas Peoples Liberation Army has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions at the Line of Actual Control that it had seized after the initial clashes with Indian forces, a top US military commander told the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington on Tuesday. He also said the US and Indian navies are now securely sharing information, and India has substantially increased its acquisition of US defence gear. Adm. Philip S. Davidson, US Navy head in the Indo-Pacific Command, said Chinas expansionary territorial ambitions were on display along its western border, where the PLA engaged in a standoff with Indian forces along the LAC since May 2020. He said the standoff was predicated by clashes over construction activity near the disputed border, and that PLA elements subsequently forward-deployed roughly 50,000 soldiers along the LAC, leading to a counter-deployment by the Indian Army. The PLA has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions it seized following the initial clash, and the consequent escalation of tensions between China and India resulted in casualties on both sides, he told the committee. He said this large-scale PLA mobilisation -- which is particularly notable considering the elevation, terrain and distance involved -- has stoked regional concerns that China will increasingly use force to achieve its desired outcomes. Last month, Indian and Chinese troops had completed disengagement from Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh after a nine-month standoff. India and China are now discussing the modalities of the second phase of the disengagement in Depsang Plains, Gogra, Hot Springs and Demchok. Adm. Davidson said the current state of the US-India relations presents a historic opportunity to deepen ties and solidify what he considers the defining partnership of the 21st century. The Nascent Information Technology Senate (NITES), a non-profit organisation that works for the rights of employees in the IT/ITeS sector, today filed a complaint against with the Labour Department for terminating around 800 employees. The complaint said: "We have received complaints from employees of Tata Technologies, Hinjewadi, Pune regarding illegal termination of employment to maintain profitability of business under Covid-19 Pandemic." spokesperson in a statement denied the allegations said: We categorically deny claims being circulated in the social media about 800 employees being terminated by This statement is false and sensational in nature and seeks to add colour to a business process undertaken over six months ago." In July 2020, the company had put around 400 employees on bench as it saw business slowing down due to the pandemic. These employees on bench were not provided with any salary but where eligible for medical insurance, complained employees to whom Business Standard has spoken. And on March 1, 2021 these employees received termination notices. "Since June last year we have not been paid any salary. And now suddenly we have been told that March 31 is our last day of work and as per contract we will only get one months salary. What about the salary that they did not pay us when we were on bench?" said an employee who have been asked to leave. Harpreet Saluja, President NITES said that they received complaints from employees of Tata Technologies and hence they took the matter to the Labour department. "We are yet to solve the earlier issue of keeping employees on furlough (bench) and now they have sent termination notice. This is not fair," said Saluja. According to the mail sent to employees, Tata Technologies said that since the company has not been able to get any billable assignments for the employees they are being asked to leave. "This is in furtherance to our email dated 5 Feb 21, regarding the extension of the option conveyed to you in respect of proceeding on paid and unpaid leaves till March 31, 2021. Please note that the company has made efforts to find billable assignments for yuo during the period of your paid and upaid leaves with the company. However, you may note that unfortunately the company has been unable to find billable assignments for you which commensurates with your work experience, job expertise and qualification," said the email sent to employees, which Business Standard has seen. Tata Technologies spokesperson further explained, "In July 2020, in response to the business challenges arising out of the pandemic situation we had undertaken measures to make Tata Technologies a nimble, responsive and flexible organization. Based on our discussions with a section of our employees, who were already on the bench, they had opted to proceed on paid leave followed by unpaid leave for a period of time. However, they continued to be on the rolls of the Company and were also covered under the Companys health insurance policy along with their immediate family members during this phase. We were successful in redeploying nearly 18% of this talent pool in projects that came through the year since then. However, following the passage of significant time, we are culminating our relationship with the remaining set of these employees while adhering to all statutory norms. Relation Insurance Services Inc. (Relation) has entered the Texas market with the acquisition of the assets of InSource Insurance Agency Inc. (InSource), in San Antonio, and Shepard Insurance Agency (Shepard), headquartered in McAllen. InSource and Shepard provide commercial and personal lines insurance solutions to clients throughout South Texas, including San Antonio, McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Leveraging industry experience, product expertise and local relationships, InSource and Shepard help clients in all aspects of risk management. The two firms serve clients in a variety of industries, including energy, transportation and logistics. InSource and Shepard will join Relations Central Region. Boyd Reeh, president of InSource, and Kent Shepard, president of Shepard, will continue their leadership roles at their respective firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif., Relation Insurance Services is a privately held corporation backed by Aquiline Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in New York and London. Source: Relation Insurance Services Topics Mergers Agencies Texas Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The "million dollar" question for Ferrari is just how much progress the fabled team has made over the winter. That is the admission of Maranello's newcomer Carlos Sainz, as Ferrari customer Gunther Steiner declared that the Italian outfit has taken "a good step forward" with its 2021 engine. "I haven't seen the data yet, but there is supposedly a good step forward this year and I hope we can take advantage of it to get good results," said the Haas boss. "We will find out in Bahrain." When a similar question was put to Sainz, the Spaniard responded: "That question is worth a million dollars, but no one is able to answer it now. "We won't know until we go to Bahrain, and not in the test but I would say we will know more in the race," the new Ferrari driver is quoted by Brazil's Globo. "I have been closely monitoring the progress of the team in recent months and trying to give my absolute support and help," Sainz added. "There are some encouraging signs, but at the same time we do not know what the others are doing. But I am confident. "I think we just need to be a little patient and see what happens," he said. Legendary former Ferrari designer Mauro Forghieri, however, told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he doesn't think it was "intelligent" of Formula 1 to have frozen car development amid the pandemic. "It is not intelligent to have frozen the cars," he said just ahead of Wednesday's launch of the 2021 Ferrari. "I know that after a bad year, the time for recovery is coming," added Forghieri. (GMM) Assam elections 2021: Two BJP MLAs quit party ahead of state poll India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Guwahati, Mar 10: Two lawmakers of the ruling BJP in poll-bound Assam quit the party on Wednesday after they were denied tickets to contest in the coming state poll. The two - former deputy speaker Dilip Kumar Paul and controversial MLA Shiladitya Dev in separate press conferences alleged conspiracies against them in the party. On Sunday, BJP cabinet minister in Assam Sum Ronghang joined the opposition Congress after he was denied ticket from Diphu constituency. Paul announced his decision to quit the saffron camp at a press conference at Silchar and said that he has sent his resignation letter to BJP state unit president, local leaders of the party as well as its national leaders. Members of AAP, BJP spar in Assembly over credit for COVID-19 management in Delhi "With a heavy heart, I am taking a hard decision at a very crucial juncture of my life. I am leaving BJP," he said. "There are people who are running the party (BJP) and have conspired against me. The chief minister is a very good man and is ably running the state. But he is helpless," Paul, who has been a member of BJP since 1983, said. Without naming anyone, the MLA from the prestigious Silchar constituency alleged that the persons involved in syndicate in Assam are running the party affairs at present. BJP has fielded Dipayan Chakraborty to contest from Silchar, which will go to the polls in the second phase on April 1. Dev, an MLA from Hojai, too alleged that a conspiracy was on within the party for four years against him. "I am resigning from the party. I will start my new journey from tomorrow," he said without elaborating. The controversial MLA, who has put the party in embarrassing situations on a number of occasions, further said that he has been "politically murdered" only to "benefit a few people" because he spoke about Hindutva. TN elections 2021: AIADMK releases names of candidates for 171 constituencies; BJP gets 20 seats Dev had announced to quit the party in July last year alleging neglect and groupism by the leaders, but later called off his decision. The BJP has announced the names of 74 candidates, which does not include 13 sitting MLAs of Assam Assembly. The saffron party has formed an alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL). Out of the 126 Assembly seats, the BJP has left 26 for AGP and 8 for its allies UPPL respectively. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 21:49 [IST] For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. DEHRADUN: The BJP on Wednesday named its Pauri-Gharwal MP Tirath Singh Rawat as the new chief minister of Uttarakhand. His name was proposed by the outgoing chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat who had stepped down on Tuesday. Tirath Singh Rawat, who was chosen as the leader of the BJP legislative party with a voice vote, will most likely take the oath of office and secrecy at 4 PM today. The oath ceremony will be attended by top state BJP leaders, including the outgoing CM Trivendra Singh Rawat. Tirath was chosen as Trivendra Singh Rawat's successor during the state legislature party meeting at the BJP headquarters under the watch of party national vice-president and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh. According to reports, names of at least half a dozen leaders, including Dhan Singh Rawat, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Satpal Maharaj, were doing the rounds to replace Trivendra Singh Rawat. Addressing the media later, Tirath Singh Rawat thanked the party for giving him an opportunity to serve the state. I thank PM, HM & party chief who trusted me, a mere party worker who comes from a small village. I'd never imagined that I'd reach here. We'll make all efforts to meet people's expectations & take forward work done in last 4 yrs: Newly appointed Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat pic.twitter.com/kxdRtYtfpN ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled Uttarakhand is witnessing an upheaval due to internal discontent within the state unit, with several MLAs and leaders close to the CMs office reportedly upset with outgoing CM Trivendra Singh Rawats functioning and bureaucracy. Currently the BJP national secretary, Tirath Singh Rawat was the BJP state unit chief from 2013- 2015. Formerly the state vice president of Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, he was elected as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council in 1997 and later became its president. He was the MLA from the Chaubattakhal constituency from 2012 to 2017. He later became the first education minister of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand. He was elected as the MP from Pauri in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Live TV CHICAGO, March 10, 2021the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work, today announced the native integration of S&P Global Market Intelligence data into iManage Conflicts Managerand iManage Business Intake Manager, key products within the iManage Security, Risk and Governanceportfolio. Available today, the integrations allow customers a faster, more streamlined approach to onboarding new clients, and identifying and addressing risk posed by ethical and business conflicts. 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Follow iManage via: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage Twitter: https://twitter.com/imanageinc Blog: https://imanage.com/blog/ About iManage iManage is the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work. Its intelligent, cloud-enabled, secure knowledge work platform enables organizations to uncover and activate the knowledge that exists inside their business content and communications. Advanced Artificial Intelligence and powerful document and email management create connections across data, systems, and people while leveraging the context of organizational content to fuel deep insights, informed business decisions, and collaboration. Underpinned by best-of-breed security and sophisticated workflows and governance approaches, iManage has earned its place as the industry standard by continually innovating to solve complex professional challenges and enabling better business outcomes for over one million professionals across 65+ countries. Visit www.imanage.com/to learn more. Every 12 minutes, someone in the United States dies of pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed late, spreads rapidly and has a five-year survival rate at approximately 10 percent. Treatment may involve radiation, surgery and chemotherapy, though often the cancer becomes resistant to drugs. Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, in collaboration with Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Columbia University, demonstrated that a new tumor-penetrating therapy, tested in animal models, may enhance the effects of chemotherapy, reduce metastasis and increase survival. The study, published online March 9, 2021 in Nature Communications, showed how a tumor-targeting peptide, called iRGD, can sneak inside the armor that the tumor built to protect itself and use the fibrous tissue as a highway to reach deeper inside, destroying the tumor from within. The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach. It makes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that regulate blood-sugar levels. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a subtype of pancreatic cancer that is highly drug-resistant due, in part, by the hard shell-like outer layer surrounding the tumor. This type of tumor is made up of a dense fibrous tissue that acts as a barrier to drugs trying to get through. Many drugs can reach the vessels of the tumor, but they are not able to get deep into the tissue, making treatment less effective, and that is one reason why this type of cancer is so challenging to treat." Tatiana Hurtado de Mendoza, PhD, Study First Author and Assistant Project Scientist, UC San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center "Our study found that the tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD is able to use this fibrous network to deliver chemotherapy drugs deep into the tumor and be more effective." The research team examined the microenvironment of PDAC tumors in a mouse model. They found that after targeting the tumor blood vessels, iRGD binds to high levels of 5 integrin, a protein produced by cells known as carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that produce much of the tumor's protective fibrous cover. "We were able to closely replicate human disease in our mouse model and found that when iRGD was injected with chemotherapy in mice with high levels of 5 integrin, there was a significant increase in survival and a reduction in the cancer spreading to other organs in the body compared to chemotherapy alone. This could be a powerful treatment strategy to target aggressive pancreatic cancer," said Andrew Lowy, MD, co-corresponding author of the study, professor of surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. "What is also exciting about this finding is the iRGD therapy did not produce any additional side effects. This is critically important when considering treatments for patients." The researchers said next steps include a national human clinical trial. They estimate the trial could begin in one year. "The knowledge gained from our study has the potential to be directly applied to patient care. We also believe that the levels of 5 integrin within a pancreatic cancer could tell us which patients would benefit the most from iRGD-combination therapy," said Lowy. Australia's immigration minister has lost an appeal in the country's highest court over a visa cancellation bungle involving an illiterate Afghan man who had his throat cut by Taliban soldiers. The man - who is not named but referred to as EFX17 in court documents - was sentenced to seven years in jail for 'malicious acts with intent' in 2016, seven years after he arrived in Australia. He has been in custody since August 14, 2014. EFX17 has a schizophrenic illness 'at least in part attributable to traumatic events affecting him and his family at the hands of Taliban soldiers in Afghanistan'. The man told lawyers he was raised in a poor farming community, before working as a shepherd and child labourer in Iran, and learned to sign his name when he was in immigration detention in Christmas Island (pictured) in 2009 These included having his throat cut by Taliban soldiers, according to a psychiatrist's report mentioned in court documents. The man told lawyers he was raised in a poor farming community, before working as a shepherd and child labourer in Iran. 'He instructs that he has never learned to read or write in English and learned to sign his name when he was in immigration detention in Christmas Island in 2009,' according to court documents. He is also illiterate in his native language of Hazaragi. More than four years ago, a delegate of the immigration minister cancelled the man's protection visa, sending an email to the Brisbane Correctional Centre asking that attached documents be given to the man. EFX17 received the information, but 'it appears that he was confused about the contents', a High Court judgment published on Wednesday said. He was later represented by the Prisoners' Legal Service who asked for the visa cancellation notice to be reissued because the man's capacity to understand the process was 'significantly impaired'. The Immigration Department refused. Both sides have pursued the matter in federal courts, with the immigration minister taking the matter to the High Court. The appeal concerned the meaning and operation of the law requiring the immigration minister to give a person whose visa has been cancelled particular information and inviting them to make representations regarding the cancellation. The High Court judges dismissed the minister's appeal saying 'the invitation to make representations did not provide a way to ascertain the period within which the representations were required to be made'. 'The court upheld the notice of contention, concluding that an invitation to make representations 'within the period ... ascertained in accordance with the regulations' must crystallise the period either expressly or by reference to correct objective facts from which the period could be ascertained on the face of the invitation,' the judgment said. 'The letter provided to the respondent did not do so.' The minister has undertaken to pay the man's costs for the High Court appeal. Almost two thousand investors in Ireland who stumped up more than 100m to invest in firms linked to collapsed German property firm Dolphin Capital now have an anxious wait to see if any of their money can be recouped after a liquidator was appointed to one of the groups Irish units yesterday. Most of the Irish individuals who invested in the German firms schemes were ordinary workers who in some cases diverted hundreds of thousands of euro to the group from their pension funds and life savings on the advice of brokers with the promise of returns as high as 15pc. Dolphin Capital, which along with other associated companies is also called German Property Group, ostensibly generated returns by refurbishing and repurposing listed properties in Germany. Dr Shewan and collaborators present new radiocarbon results for site use and also introduce geochronological data determining the likely quarry source for one of the largest megalithic sites. Credit: Plain of Jars Archaeological Research Project New research conducted at the UNESCO World Heritage listed 'Plain of Jars' in Laos has established the stone jars were likely placed in their final resting position from as early as 1240 to 660 BCE. Sediment samples from beneath stone jars from two of the more than 120 recorded megalithic sites were obtained by a team led Dr. Louise Shewan from the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor Dougald O'Reilly from the Australian National University (ANU) and Dr. Thonglith Luangkoth from the Lao Department of Heritage. The samples were analysed using a technique called Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) to determine when sediment grains were last exposed to sunlight. "With these new data and radiocarbon dates obtained for skeletal material and charcoal from other burial contexts, we now know that these sites have maintained enduring ritual significance from the period of their initial jar placement into historic times," Dr. Shewan said. The megalithic jar sites in Northern Laos comprise one to three-metre-tall carved stone jars, weighing up to 20 tonnes, dotted across the landscape, appearing alone or in groups of up to several hundred. Dr. Shewan and her team completed their most recent excavations in March 2020, revisiting Site 1 (Ban Hai Hin), and arriving back in Australia just before global pandemic international boarder closures. Site 1 revealed more burials placed around the jars and confirmed earlier observations that the exotic boulders distributed across the site are markers for ceramic burial jars buried below. Published today in PLOS One, Dr. Shewan and collaborators present new radiocarbon results for site use and also introduce geochronological data determining the likely quarry source for one of the largest megalithic sites. While geologists have used detrital zircon U-Pb dating for several decades, this methodology has recently been used to establish the provenance of ceramic and stone sources in archaeological contexts including Stonehenge. Conducted at ANU by Associate Professor Richard Armstrong, the U-Pb zircon ages measured in jar samples from Site 1 were compared to potential source material, including a sandstone outcrop and an incomplete jar from a presumed quarry located some 8km away. The zircon age distributions revealed very similar provenance suggesting that this outcrop was the likely source of the material used for the creation of jars at the site. "How the jars were moved from the quarry to the site, however, remains a mystery," Associate Professor O'Reilly said. The next challenge for the researchers is to obtain further samples from other sites and from across the geographic expanse of this megalithic culture to understand more about these enigmatic sites and the period over which they were created. Dr. Shewan said this is not an especially easy task given the extensive unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in the region where less than 10 per cent of the known jar sites have been cleared. "We expect that this complex process will eventually help us share more insights into what is one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious archaeological cultures." The full team of researchers includes La Trobe University, James Cook University, University of Gloucestershire and international collaborators from Laos, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Explore further Ancient burials revealed at mysterious Plain of Jars in Laos Tanaiste Leo Varadkar today said Ireland is on the right track for the Government to lift the 5km travel limit on April 5. But he said the return of schools is a cause for concern with an extra one million people moving daily. Mr Varadkar today told Keith Finnegan, on Galway Bay FM, the return of schools is not causing a spike in cases as of yet but the situation will be monitored and a call will be made on the run-up to April 5. He said the priority once all schoolchildren are back in classes will be to relax the 5km travel limit and look at opening some outdoor amenities, while allowing people to meet outside. Read More However it is unclear how such a move would affect Housing Minister Darragh OBriens decision to extend protections put in place for tenants until July 12. Those protections have been linked by law to the 5km travel limit. Just yesterday Mr OBrien sought cabinet approval to extend the protections from eviction, as well as any rent increases for tenants negatively impacted by Covid-19. Speaking today Mr Varadkar said Ireland is absolutely on track with regard to hospitalisations and ICU admissions and that the cabinet will assess the situation at the end of the month to see what restrictions can be eased. We are going to go more slowly than maybe we would have if we hadnt had the experience we did in January, the Tanaiste said. Mr Varadkar was not positive on the return of larger gatherings to funerals in the near future as he pointed out an increase in funeral numbers would only happen at Level 3, which he predicted was unlikely to happen next month. We would love to [increase numbers at funerals] and it is not the church, but there is very strong evidence that everything else that happens around weddings and funerals is a problem. Its just the nature of these events, Mr Vardkar said. The Tanaiste said the evidence indicates funerals and weddings are akin to hospitality when it came to spreading the virus. He admitted that it was not what people want to hear. Mr Varadkar admitted the pace of the vaccine rollout was frustrating but said while Ireland is behind the likes of the US, the UK and Israel in the percentage of its population, the Tanaiste pointed out were well ahead of France, Germany, the Netherlands and most countries around the world. The Tanaiste said 98pc of the deaths from Covid are in people over 60 or are medically vulnerable and said once these people are vaccinated, we can make a real difference in how Covid affects us by vaccinating a relatively small number of people, and were getting on with that, the Tanaiste said. Were going to be dealing with the virus for a very long time, a lot longer that many of us wouldve anticipated when this all started. But yesterday, Ireland recorded the lowest number of cases in the EU. I know it is only one day, but its a dramatic turnaround from where we were in January and February. While Mr Varakdar said nobody could say for certain that there wouldnt be another lockdown, he said the vaccine data was very positive, with all vaccines showing close to 100pc effectiveness in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Certain unknowns that could see Ireland enter a lockdown once again are the length of time immunity is granted through vaccination and the ability of the virus to outwit the vaccines and become resistant. Mr Varadkar said problems next winter could not be ruled out as not only could Covid come back next winter, we could also have the return of other respiratory illnesses. The Tanaiste confirmed there was not one case of flu confirmed in Ireland this winter. That has never happened in my lifetime or recollection, but the flu hasnt gone away. One of the concerns is that these respiratory illnesses return with a vengeance next winter and we have less immunity. Read More Emery Way Way teaches fifth grade at Ventura Park Elementary School. He lives in Portland. On March 16, it will be one year since I taught students in person. I remember the surreal experience of cleaning my classroom at the end of the school year and seeing my untouched schedule on the whiteboard listing the days activities details that seemed so normal one day but changed completely by the next as COVID-19 hit Oregon. I remember the chaos following the governors order to close school as administrators and colleagues in the David Douglas School District raced to retool our teaching model to support distance learning. People become educators because they care about students and families, and I was reminded so clearly of this fact by how hard my colleagues and administrators worked to make the spring of 2020 work. But in spite of this, it didnt. There wasnt enough time to coordinate with parents, train staff and set up new practices. We tried hard, but we couldnt build the plane while flying it, and because of that our students and community suffered. Looking back, it still breaks my heart that I couldnt give my fifth graders the instruction they deserved. A year later, so much has changed. Over the summer, we came up with a plan for distance learning, learned the technology and developed routines. Teachers who had previously never had a smart phone became fluent with Jamboards, Flipgrid and other technologies to make distance learning a success. The amazing thing is, it worked! Of course, it isnt perfect, but I am so happy to see how far weve come. My fifth-grade class feels like a class. We have built a community, a routine and a personality, and more importantly, students are learning. Every day, I have seen those aha moments that were absent last spring. It has felt more like I was back in person than I could have hoped for, thanks to so much backbreaking work from the district, teachers and community members. Our school board, district and teachers agreed that retaining distance learning this school year would serve our community the best. We did not see the value of adopting a hybrid model of bringing students to school for only part of the week, especially considering last years chaos. At the same time, we planned to provide limited in-person instruction for select students who are struggling, with many of us willing to work beyond regular hours to do so. However, now that Gov. Kate Brown has ordered schools to reopen for in-person instruction, I will spend the anniversary of schools closure ironically the same way as last year trying to recreate our entire teaching method in a couple of weeks. I do not expect better results this time. My class will likely be broken up destroying the classroom community weve spent the year building; students will have to learn daunting systems and may be faced with new teachers. The same students who were failed last spring will be failed again this spring. The most tragic part is that last spring it happened because of an unknown pandemic sweeping the country; this time it will happen because of politics. Gov. Browns decision has left me feeling unheard, helpless and angry. Being a teacher isnt easy, but it is worth it when you see the effect you can have in students lives and wellbeing. Now I know that I will be tasked with implementing a policy which will very likely be to their detriment. Ill work as hard as I can to avoid that, but I dont like my chances or theirs. Sign up for our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: People aged over 70 who have not yet been vaccinated will get their first dose in the next six weeks amid harsh criticism of the Governments vaccine rollout. Around 800 people aged over 85 who did not receive their first dose last week will instead receive it this week in GP surgeries across the country, according to a Government spokesperson. "People aged over 70 should have their first dose within the next six weeks or so. The vaccine is already providing protection to over 400,000 of the most vulnerable, with at least one dose delivered to 100,000 long term residential care staff, 175,000 public and private healthcare workers, and 98,000 in the over 70 cohort." said Liz Canavan, spokesperson for the Department of the Taoiseach. She said that the vaccine rollout is highly efficient and 95pc of doses are administered within seven days of their arrival into the country. Read More According to Ms Canavan, 400,000 of the most vulnerable have received at least one dose, while 100,000 residential care staff, 175,000 public and private healthcare workers have also received their first dose. This week people aged 60 to 69 who are at high risk from Covid-19 infection, which is estimated to be around 150,000 people, will begin to be vaccinated. Over 525,000 vaccine doses have been delivered in total so far in the vaccine rollout programme, which has been harshly criticised as being too slow, with the Government blaming AstraZeneca for changing its delivery schedules at short notice. We are in what is probably the most challenging logistical phase of the programme, delivering mRNA vaccine in different volumes, the length and breath of the country, said Ms Canavan. Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed this morning that Ireland has secured an additional 46,500 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccines before the end of March. This will be Irelands share of an additional 4m doses of the vaccine which will be rolled out by the EU to tackle coronavirus hotspots. Meanwhile, a decision is due from the European Medicines Agency on the singe-jab Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which has been dubbed as a game changer by the Taoiseach. Ireland sought unsuccessfully to obtain additional vaccine doses from Germany, France and the UK, according to a Government spokesperson. The Government was in discussions with other European Union countries and pharmaceutical companies to obtain extra vaccines, however, there were no spare doses. We were looking at redistribution of spare supplies within the EU but they don't exist because every state needs their supplies, the spokesperson said. The British Prime Minister made it clear that they need their supplies. The vaccination rollout was not discussed at yesterdays Cabinet meeting and Fine Gael and Green Party members retain confidence in the Health Minister in regards to the vaccine rollout, despite having concerns in the supplies of vaccines. Read More President Janos Ader hosted two young Hungarian chemists on his podcast Blue Planet, who have created a mixture of bacteria which could make plastics bio-degradable. In his conversation with Liz Madaras and Krisztina Levay, Ader noted that the annual volume of plastic produced in the past 50 years had increased 20-fold, adding that 20,000 plastic bottles per second were sold globally. Those bottles take 500 years to decompose, he said, and insisted that in view of the rate of production by 2050 we could have more plastic in the seas and oceans than fish. Levay said in the podcast that their invention, now registered, could be used to decompose a wide range of plastics, roughly all plastic waste produced in a household. Madaras said that the bacteria could transform plastic, produced to be long-lasting, into environment-friendly matter and re-enter the eco-system. The mineral oil which serves as a raw material for those plastics, came from vegetable and animal remains many million years ago. The inventors said that the waste would not require any preliminary chemical treatment before being exposed to the bacteria. The selectively collected waste could be transformed into biomass in a matter of eight weeks, and then used as a soil fertiliser. The president voiced hope that industrial utilisation of the invention could start before the end of this year. Stock had stayed below 3000 properties for five consecutive months and without intervention the crisis could last 18 months to several years. Perths rental vacancy rate had further dropped from Januarys 0.8 per cent to 0.7 per cent, undercut nationally only by Adelaides 0.6 per cent, speakers told the crowd. That was the message at an industry event hosted by the Urban Development Institute of Australia WA on Wednesday. Perths historic low of available rental properties could instantly increase by 53 per cent if investors bought and rented 1600 apartments for sale in some of the citys most attractive suburbs. UDIA WA launched a campaign calling for the state to release the pressure valve and incentivise investment, pointing to Urbis data showing Perth was not only sitting on piles of unsold apartments but that it had the lowest proportion of property investors of all capitals. Investors provide rental product into the market, but Urbis data shows Perth has gone from 48 per cent of apartments being purchased by investors in 2016 down to 28 per cent in 2020, whereas percentages still hover around 50 per cent in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Urbis director David Cresp said there was not an oversupply of apartments in the Perth market and there had been strong sales activity in the last quarter of 2020, but a survey of Perth buildings with 25-plus apartments completed in recent years showed 1615 dwellings still for sale. Most developers are not prepared to rent these apartments out as it would reduce the value of the apartment when sold as it would no longer be new, meaning that a first home buyer would not get a grant if they bought the apartment and meaning that an investor would not be able to claim any depreciation, he said. [They] are generally in high amenity and highly desirable areas and if sold to investors would be quickly rented and provide the investor an attractive yield. The fact that property prices are now going up also provides the opportunity for capital growth. SangSom redesigned the iconic "Sharing Bucket", a popular alcoholic bucket at the famous full moon party in Thailand, to be a "Bucket For 1", to ensure safe partying for all shaping new behaviour under the current climate. The new design is made perfect for individuals, and has a special lid design that lets party-goers twist and turn to mark the initials to prevent mix-up. Giving a whole new meaning to responsible drinking and partying. Thailand is one of the most successful countries in containing the pandemic, it's also one of the first to lift its lockdown regulations. As of now, the 'new normal' life has resumed in the land of smiles. With people getting back together, but with some precautionary measures and new etiquette, such as the saying that 'sharing is not caring' anymore. Find out more about "Bucket For 1" at https://youtu.be/JRoqsn_s3hk SOURCE SangSom Advertisement Stephen Fry today received his first coronavirus jab at Westminster Abbey, on the first day Poets' Corner opened up as a vaccination centre. The national treasure, 63, fittingly had the dose at the 'spectacular' historic venue and shared snaps from the moment he was injected and said he 'never felt a thing'. After sharing a series of images on Twitter, Mr Fry wrote: 'Never felt a thing! Fancy the call to be jabbed sending me to Westminster Abbey of all spectacular places... 'Under the eye of the poets of Poets Corner and a dozen sleeping kings and queens Thank you NHS staff and volunteers. Grateful to be armed against the enemy!' Poet's Corner is the resting place of some of Britain's greatest writers, including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Lord Tennyson. There are now more than 1,600 vaccination sites in England and almost 23million people have had at least one dose of a coronavirus jab. But there has been a huge postcode lottery as to who can get vaccinated. Celebrities Phillip Schofield, Lorraine Kelly and James Norton also got their Covid vaccines this week. Ready! Stephen Fry has received his first coronavirus vaccination at Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner, pictured today, has been the tomb of some of the UK's most famous authors and poets for hundreds of years, starting with Geoffrey Chaucer in 1400 Stephen wore a black T-shirt in the images as he sat with a volunteer administering his jab, before sharing the images and the gleeful caption. Some of his 12.6million Twitter followers were quick to note the 'appropriate' nature of the much-loved star receiving the vaccine at a UK landmark. Twitter users penned: 'Now Im wondering whether total legends get a special call to be vaccinated in a really cool venue?... A National Treasure within a National Treasure. Like a very expensive Russian Doll. Stay well... 'Of course you got vaccinated in Westminster Abbey. Totally deserve it... I cant imagine a more appropriate place for you to be shielded. Well done... Sir Isaac Newton would be looking at you proudly.' Poets' Corner has been the tomb of some of the UK's most famous authors and poets for hundreds of years, starting with Geoffrey Chaucer in 1400. Happy days: After sharing a series of images on Twitter, he penned: 'Never felt a thing! Fancy the call to be jabbed sending me to Westminster Abbey of all spectacular places' Happy days: Stephen wore a black T-shirt in the images as he sat with a volunteer administering his jab, before sharing the images and the gleeful caption Classic writers including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Lord Tennyson and Robert Burns are all either buried or commemorated at Poets' Corner (pictured today, with vaccination staff waiting for patients) A grey-haired man is given a Covid vaccine at the Poets' Corner clinic, which is one of 1,655 jab clinics across England Classic writers including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Rudyard Kipling, Lord Tennyson and Robert Burns are all either buried or commemorated there. And more recently, the poets Ted Hughes and Philip Larkin, and C.S. Lewis, author of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, have been buried there. It will now be used as a vaccination clinic for people to get immunised against Covid-19. There are 1,655 vaccination centres across England, the majority of them in GP practices. A man is pictured waiting to check-in Britons for their Covid jab at Westminster Abbey, which was the location for 17 different Royal Weddings Members of the public queue at the Covid vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey. Pictured in the background in front of statues of famous figures of Britain's past, including The Three Captains memorial dedicated to Royal Navy captains who were killed in action in the 18th century (middle left) and former Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston (middle right) Members of the public queue outside the coronavirus vaccination site this morning. Westminster Abbey was the location for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal wedding in 2011 Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey, will be used as a Covid vaccination clinic from tomorrow, NHS chief Sir Simon Stevens said The national treasure, 63, fittingly had the dose at the 'spectacular' historic venue Phillip Schofield, 58, Lorraine Kelly, 61, and James Norton, 35, became the latest celebrities getting their Covid vaccinations But the NHS is also using hospitals and large venues as 'hubs' where they can ferry huge numbers of people in and out in a day. And medics have also taken over smaller community facilities, including churches and village halls, to help them make jabs accessible to everyone. Other stars to receive the vaccine this week include Phillip Schofield, 58, Lorraine Kelly, 61, and James Norton, 35. The makers of the three vaccines, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna, that the MHRA has approved for use so far, have all said they are aiming to modify their jabs to cope with variants of coronavirus this year. AstraZeneca said the body 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.' Apt: Some of his 12.6million Twitter followers were quick to note the 'appropriate' nature of the much-loved star receiving the vaccine at a UK landmark Britain's vaccine drive is gathering pace, with Matt Hancock revealing on Friday that two in five adults have now been vaccinated as deaths fall '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.' Progress: Britain's vaccine drive is gathering pace, with Matt Hancock revealing on Friday that two in five adults have now been vaccinated as deaths fall 'faster and faster' The positive figures on Friday 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. Portland budget analysts are recommending that city officials provide funding next year for the Police Bureau to start recruiting 30 sworn officers and begin filling significant vacancies. The city also should set aside money to allow police to promote 10 sergeants, add more unarmed public safety specialists and fill vacant jobs for use-of-force analysts and records staff, the city budget office suggests. The budget analysts recommended that the City Council approve a 5% cut for police what the mayor directed all city bureaus to absorb -- but then add back some of the reduction over the next two years. A 5% reduction amounts to about $10 million but the budget office urged the council to add $2.6 million in each of the next two years to fill the 30 vacant officer positions. The budget office also recommended approving $405,000 to fill three use-of-force analyst jobs, $232,000 to fill three vacant police records positions, $70,000 to promote 10 sergeants and $863,000 to add 10 more unarmed public safety specialist jobs starting in fiscal 2022-23. The net impact to the Police Bureaus budget would be a $6.8 million reduction to the bureaus base budget for fiscal year 2021-22. It would represent a $5.9 million reduction in fiscal year 2022-23, and an $8.5 million reduction in spending by fiscal year 2022-23, according to budget analyst Krista Shifley. The budget offices recommended budget of $227.3 million would be about $2 million less than the current bureau budget, when including both general fund and non-general fund resources. The net impact of the budget office's recommendations would be a $6.8 million reduction to the bureaus base budget for fiscal year 2021-22. It would represent a $5.9 million reduction in fiscal year 2022-23, and an $8.5 million reduction in spending by fiscal year 2022-23, according to budget analyst Krista Shifley. The analysts said the money would allow the Police Bureau to restart a dormant hiring process to offset further anticipated retirements and resignations over the next few years. Last June, the City Council reduced the police budget by $15 million and eliminated several policing units, such as school resource officers and the transit division. That came on top of an earlier $11 million reduction in spending for the year due to reduced revenue and achieved through the elimination of money set aside for the body camera pilot project, furloughs, wage freezes and other reductions in materials and services. The Police Bureaus authorized sworn staff was reduced in the current budget by 84 full-time positions, declining from 1,001 to 917. Since the eliminated officer positions were predominantly vacant, the bureau didnt experience a decline in staffing until a large wave of retirements and resignations occurred. So far this fiscal year, 73 officers have retired and another 39 have resigned. As of February, the bureau had 93 officer vacancies and another 40 non-sworn vacancies. Police havent hired any new officers for the last eight months and may not hire any officers by the end of this fiscal year in June because of the earlier cuts, the budget office noted. As of February, the bureau had 93 officer positions vacant and 55 sergeant positions vacant, according to the city budget office. Hiring 30 officers will help improve police response times to emergency calls, the budget office review said. The bureaus target for responding to high-priority emergency calls is 8 minutes. The average Portland police response time to high-priority calls was 10.9 minutes over the last 12 months, the review found. The bureau in February had 575 officer positions filled, 75 fewer than the 630 it had last June. In the first two quarters of the next fiscal year, about 43 recruits are expected to complete their probation and will bolster the number of patrol officers, bringing the total above the average available this fiscal year. Yet once the new recruits complete their probation and are on patrol, no additional classes of recruits will be in the pipeline to fill future vacancies, leading to an anticipated drop in officers available for patrol by mid 2022-2023, according to the analysts. That likely will drive up emergency response times, barring any changes in the call volume or pace of hiring, the report said. While the citys Portland Street Response pilot project which sends a non-police assistance team to respond to welfare check or crisis calls involving people experiencing homelessness or a mental health illness - may reduce emergency calls for uniformed officers in the future, no one knows yet what the impact will be, the budget report said. The City needs to make decisions in the near-term about what Police staffing levels should look like 18-24 months from now, the analysts said. Of 916 authorized sworn officers authorized, 823 positions are filled. There are 93 vacancies. Some of the numbers: -- Public safety specialists: Adding 10 specialist positions would bring the program to 21 positions. Specialists are unarmed and handle lower-priority calls for service, such as reports of stolen vehicles or recovered property, to free up sworn officers for emergencies. There are now 11 specialists. Their coverage spans seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In 2020, an average of five specialists took calls on a given day and each responded to an average of six calls a day. -- Analysts in the Police Bureaus Office of Inspector General: Filling three vacant positions of the six authorized analyst jobs. The analysts would help the bureau adhere to reforms required by the U.S. Justice Department, such as officers use of force reporting and supervisory reviews, and would allow more demographic analyses of police stops broken down by race and whether the person is homeless or suffers from a mental health illness, the budget office said. -- Records specialists: Filling three vacant jobs would bring the total to 50. The city budget office projects police will end this fiscal year within their budget -- largely because reassigning officers to patrol from specialty units, such as traffic and narcotics enforcement, helped to curb overtime spending and because retirements and resignations were higher than expected. Separately, the city budget office made a significant policy recommendation that has little to do with funding. It urged police to end searches of people or cars based solely on consent, noting the disproportionate impact on people or drivers of color. A city analysis released last November of 2019 police stops found that drivers perceived to be Black were asked to consent to a search at almost twice the rate of all other perceived racial groups. It also found that white people were more likely to refuse a search than drivers who were Black or Latino. The restriction would eliminate the discrepancies identified, and still allow the Police Bureau to rely on other search procedures as part of daily operations. This policy shift may be worth considering in the near term as the bureau re-formulates strategies to respond to gun violence. The budget office recommendations have gone to council members. The mayor is scheduled to propose a budget on April 20, and the City Council is set to approve a budget in June. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A new superannuation product by US-based investment giant Vanguard that could shake the $3 trillion industry on its foundations is inching closer to launch. Structured much like an industry super fund, the $US6.7 trillion ($8.68 trillion) fund manager aims to have its highly disruptive product in the market by the end of the year. However, industry sources say it could be sooner. Vanguard is already the biggest provider of Exchange Traded Funds in Australia. Now it wants a slice of the $3 trillion superannuation market. Credit:James Davies Like industry super funds, Vanguard likes to refer to itself as a non-profit. It is owned by its clients and emerged from Pennsylvania in 1975 out of a determination to maximise value for them not shareholders by providing cheap access to stocks. It is a specialist provider of low-cost investment products, such as hugely popular Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The company has operated here since 1996 and is now the largest provider of passively managed ETFs in the country. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Mostly cloudy early with showers developing later in the day. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. ROME (dpa-AFX) - Italy's producer prices continued to decline in January, data from the statistical office Istat showed on Wednesday. The producer price index decreased 0.3 percent year-on-year in January, following a 1.8 percent fall in December. On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 1.4 percent in January, following a 0.5 percent increase in the preceding month. In the domestic market, producer prices grew 1.7 percent month-on-month and declined by 0.4 percent from a year ago in January. Producer prices in the foreign market increased 0.7 percent monthly in January and decreased 0.3 percent yearly. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Spruce Forest opens for season through a new door With the crashing of the trees, three of the cabins were destroyed, along with damaging the village church and other buildings as well. A solar flare from AR 11944 emitted on January 7th, 2014 seen in several different wavelengths of light from NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory. From right to left, the artificially-colored images show plasma at approximately 1 million degrees Fahrenheit (600,000 degrees Celsius), 4.5 million degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 million degrees Celsius), and 12.7 million degrees Fahrenheit (7.1 million degrees Celsius). Credits: NASA/SDO Zipping through space at close to the speed of light, Solar Energetic Particles, or SEPs, are one of the main challenges for the future of human spaceflight. Clouds of these tiny solar projectiles can make it to Eartha 93 million mile journeyin under an hour. They can fry sensitive spacecraft electronics and pose serious risks to human astronauts. But their onset is extraordinarily hard to predict, in part because we still don't know exactly where on the Sun they come from. A new study tracing three SEP bursts back to the Sun has provided the first answer. "We have for the first time been able to pinpoint the specific sources of these energetic particles," said Stephanie Yardley, space physicist at the University College London and coauthor of the paper. "Understanding the source regions and physical processes that produce SEPs could lead to improved forecasting of these events." Study authors David Brooks, space physicist at George Mason University in Washington, D.C., and Yardley published their findings in Science Advances on March 3, 2021. SEPs can shoot out from the Sun in any direction; catching one in the vastness of space is no small feat. NASA's Heliophysics System Observatorya growing fleet of Sun-studying spacecraft, strategically placed throughout the solar systemwas designed in part to increase the chances of those lucky encounters. Scientists have divided SEP events into two major types: impulsive and gradual. Impulsive SEP events usually happen after solar flares, the bright flashes on the Sun produced by abrupt magnetic eruptions. "There's this really sharp spike, and then an exponential decay with time," said Lynn Wilson, project scientist for the Wind spacecraft at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Gradual SEPs last longer, sometimes for days. They come in large swarms, making the blasts a bigger risk to astronauts and satellites. Gradual SEPs are pushed along from behind by coronal mass ejections, or CMEslarge plumes of solar material that billow through space like a tidal wave. The SEPs act like surfers, caught by that wave and propelled to incredible speeds. The greatest mystery about gradual SEPs is not what speeds them up, but where they come from in the first place. For reasons still not fully understood, SEPs contain a different mix of particles than the other solar material streaming off the Sun in the solar windfewer carbon, sulfur, and phosphorous ions, for instance. Some scientists suspect they're cut from an entirely different cloth, forming in a different feature or layer of the Sun than the rest of the solar wind. A close-up view of one of the flares from AR 11944 emitted on January 7th, 2014. This flare may be how the SEPs detected by Wind were released from the Sun. Credits: NASA/SDO To find out where SEPs come from, Brooks and Yardley traced gradual SEP events from January 2014 back to their origin on the Sun. They started with NASA's Wind spacecraft, which orbits at the L1 Lagrange point about 1 million miles closer to the Sun than we are. One of Wind's eight instruments is the Energetic Particles: Acceleration, Composition, and Transport, or EPACT instrument, which specializes in detecting SEPs. EPACT captured three strong SEP blasts on January 4th, 6th and 8th. Wind's data showed that these SEP events indeed had a specific "fingerprint"a different mix of particles than is typically found in the solar wind. "There is often less sulfur in SEPs compared to the solar wind, sometimes a lot less" said Brooks, lead author of the paper. "This is a unique fingerprint of SEPs that allows us to search for places in the Sun's atmosphere where sulfur is also lacking." They turned to JAXA/NASA's Sun-watching Hinode spacecraft, an observatory in which Brooks serves a critical operational role for NASA from Japan. Hinode was watching Active Region 11944, a bright area of strong magnetic field with a large dark sunspot visible from Earth. AR 11944 had produced several large flares and CMEs in early January that released and accelerated the SEPs Wind observed. Hinode's Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer, or EIS instrument, scanned the active region, breaking the light into spectral lines used to identify specific elements. They looked for places in the active region with a matching fingerprint, where the specific mix of elements agreed with what they saw in Wind's data. "This type of research is exactly what Hinode was designed to pursue," said Sabrina Savage, the U.S. project scientist for Hinode. "Complex system science cannot be done in a bubble with only one mission." Hinode's data revealed the source of the SEP eventsbut it wasn't what either Brooks or Yardley expected. As a rule, the solar wind can escape more easily by finding open magnetic field linesfield lines anchored to the Sun at one end but streaming out into space on the other. Closed magnetic field lines loop back to the Sun, surrounded by open field lines that reach out into space, as depicted in this illustration. Credits: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center/Lisa Poje/Genna Duberstein "I really thought we were going to find it at the edges of the active region where the magnetic field is already open and material can escape directly," Brooks said. "But the fingerprint matched only in regions where the magnetic field is still closed." The SEPs had somehow broken free from strong magnetic loops connected to the Sun at both ends. These loops trap material near the top of the chromosphere, one layer below where solar flares and coronal mass ejections erupt. "People have already been thinking about ways it could get out from closed fieldespecially in the context of the solar wind," Brooks said. "But I think the fact that the material was found in the core of the region, where the magnetic fields are very strong, makes it harder for those processes to work." The surprising result raises new questions about how SEPs escape the Sun, questions ripe for future work. Still, pinpointing one event's source is a big step forward. "Normally, you have to infer this kind of thingyou'd say, 'look we saw an SEP and a solar flare, and the SEP probably came from the solar flare,'" said Wilson, who wasn't involved in the study. "But this is direct evidence tying these two phenomena together." Brooks and Yardley also demonstrate one way to use NASA's growing Heliophysics System Observatory, combining multi-spacecraft observations to do science that previously wasn't possible. "It's a way of thinking about all the spacecraft that are in flight that you can use to do a single study," Wilson said. "It's like having a bunch of weather stationsyou start to get a much better picture of what the weather is doing on a larger scale, and you can actively start to try to predict it." "These authors have done a remarkable job combining the right data sets and applying them to the right questions," Savage said. "The search for the origins of potentially harmful energetic particles has been critically narrowed thanks to this effort." Explore further Source of hazardous high-energy particles located in the Sun More information: David H. Brooks et al. The source of the major solar energetic particle events from super active region 11944, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances David H. Brooks et al. The source of the major solar energetic particle events from super active region 11944,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0068 MEDFORD, Ore. Southern Oregon will be home to several more emergency shelters for displaced fire victims and the houseless in the coming months, with support from Oregon's "Project Turnkey." In February, the group Options for Helping Residents of Ashland announced that it had been selected to be the first recipient of a Project Turnkey grant. That funding allowed them to acquire the Super 8 motel building at 2350 Ashland Street and begin converting it into a shelter. Now the City of Medford and Rogue Retreat say that they have partnered on a similar initiative in Medford. With $2.55 million in Project Turnkey funding, the partners will transform the Redwood Inn on N Riverside Drive into emergency housing for the houseless and people displaced by the Almeda Fire. Im thrilled that Rogue Retreat and the City of Medford are receiving funding for a Project Turnkey facility. This is a giant step in the communitys efforts to help individuals in crisis more toward stability and permanent housing, said Representative Pam Marsh in a statement. When the transition is complete, the new shelter is expected to provide 47 apartments with kitchenettes for families and individuals in desperate need of housing, with Rogue Retreat operating the facility. The City of Medford said that it served as a co-applicant on the grant, providing technical support in developing Rogue Retreat's proposal. This included safety inspections of the property, helping with acquisition of the building, grant writing, creation of a financial plan, and advocacy for funding opportunities. A number of our staff have spent countless hours dedicated to getting this project to the finish line, said Medford City Manager, Brian Sjothun. Our City Council has prioritized housing and assistance for houseless individuals and this project is the perfect example of how we, as a City, can help facilitate collaborative partnerships and create solutions for our community. The Project Turnkey grant helped Rogue Retreat buy the site and the kitchenettes, but Medford officials say that more funding is needed to complete the remodel and sustain operations in the years ahead. The Citys Medford Urban Renewal Board is scheduled to meet on March 11 to consider funding commitments for the renovation expenses of this project. The City Council is also set to consider the Community Services and Development Commissions recommendation to allocate $420,427 in CARES Act funds to support operations on April 15. ACCESS has also offered to provide financial support with the project's executive committee for a long-term operations plan. Meanwhile, the City has submitted an application to Providence for a $120,000 "recuperative care component" to the shelter. But the new developments with Project Turnkey are not limited to Ashland and Medford. Klamath County was also selected to receive a $1.779 million grant to buy a 29-unit motel and 35-stall RV park along Highway 97 in Klamath Falls. Project Homefront will initially serve people vulnerable to coronavirus in need of quarantine, and those displaced by the Two Four Two Fire in September. Housing continues to be one of the largest barriers Klamath County faces in our effort to stimulate significant growth. This project brings us one step closer in accomplishing strategic investments that bring us closer to realizing those goals. I want to thank the Oregon Community Foundation for seeing the need and potential in Klamath County and the many individuals that worked tirelessly to make this come together, said Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot. In the long term, Project Homefront will support people released from incarceration, under the joint operation of Klamath County Community Corrections and Klamath County Public Health. The RV Park is expected to offer housing for veterans in the future. According to the Oregon Community Foundation, the Klamath Falls facility could see use as early as this month. The organization gave a similar timeline for Medford's shelter. The Oregon legislature set aside a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the express purpose of acquiring hotels to be operated as non-congregate shelters for the houseless and people at risk of becoming houseless. Of the total funds, $30 million was set aside for counties impacted by the 2020 wildfires. The rest was set aside for the remaining 28 counties in the state. A meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss plans to revitalise Derry's city centre. The local business community is being invited to give their input to the proposed interventions to encourage people to come back into the city centre when Covid restrictions ease. The Business Engagement session will be hosted online at 9am tomorrow and will include a presentation of the proposals and a wider discussion about the plans. The proposals include creating more on-street dining opportunities for the hospitality sector. Footpath widening, new street furniture and greater pedestrianisation are also included in the plans. There is also a proposal to make traffic on Ferryquay Street one-way. The event will be chaired by Jim Roddy, chief executive of the City Centre Initiative, and will include a presentation on the Covid Recovery and Revitalisation Programme by Tony Monaghan, regeneration manager at the local council. Paul McNaught, from the North West Development Office, will speak on behalf of funders the Department for Communities while there will be an overview of the Street Life Plan by architect Chris Upson. Festival and events manager from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, will be provide an update of the forthcoming Inside Out Aanimation programme. Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, urged local businesses to sign up for the event. "Council are currently in the process of drawing up a number of potential interventions that could be implemented in both Derry City and Strabane town centres to assist with Covid recovery and revitalisation," he said. "The proposals are designed to assist the wider recovery effort to attract people back into our town/city centres when it is safe to do so, to increase footfall and assist in supporting and sustaining local businesses. "As part of this process, council has commissioned urban designers to prepare high-level concept designs which illustrate how certain streets, including Bishop Street, the Diamond and Waterloo Street and Castle Street in Strabane might look and function. "We will also look at further proposed plans for Waterloo Place, Queens Quay and Police Court Street. Concluding, Mayor Tierney said: "This event s an opportunity to learn more about those plans and to contribute to the wider discussion about how businesses can work together o drive the recovery forward. In a stunning move, the union that represents San Antonio firefighters will not back past ally Greg Brockhouse in his bid to unseat Mayor Ron Nirenberg, union leaders said Wednesday. The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association is staying out of the mayors race entirely, union head Chris Steele said. Instead, the union believes firefighters time would be better spent helping San Antonio out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steele said pointing out that firefighters have been key in the citys pandemic response, helping vaccinate residents and transport patients to hospitals. We just want to focus on the health of the community and we just dont want to be involved, Steele told the San Antonio Express-News. The unions decision not to support Brockhouse, a vigorous champion for the police and fire unions who worked as a consultant for both, came as a shock and marked a dramatic reversal from where the union stood in 2019. At that time, the police and fire unions backed Brockhouse, helping him close the fundraising gap between him and the mayor with an advertising blitz and their own get-out-the-vote efforts. The race held particular urgency for the firefighters union, whose wages at that point had been frozen for five years as the union battled with the city over its contract. The mayors advocates used the unions support for Brockhouse to claim the then-councilman would empty the city coffers to satisfy the union. That conflict no longer hovers over the mayors race. Arbitrators handed down a five-year contract between the city and fire union in February 2020 though with less substantial wage increases than firefighters had sought. And for the first time, firefighters had to contribute to their health care plan. The firefighters contract doesnt expire until 2024. Two years after Brockhouse nearly ousted Nirenberg with union help, the fire union is sitting out the race and the police union has its hands full with a ballot measure pushed by activists aimed at stripping police officers of their right to collectively bargain. Danny Diaz, the head of the police union, said Wednesday its more than likely they will make an endorsement in the mayors race but they havent yet. Thats left Brockhouse without two key allies as he tries to build momentum to take the mayors seat from Nirenberg. The former consultant to the firefighters union sought to brush off the unions non-endorsement. I will always have the backs of the rank and file and their families, Brockhouse said in a statement. But I am on a path to lead this city, first and foremost. Union members raised a number of issues when deciding whether to back Brockhouse, Steele said, among them the fact that he ducked questions about a pair of domestic violence allegations from a former spouse and his current wife, Annalisa, during the 2019 campaign. Some firefighters cited fatigue from responding to the pandemic, Steele said. Others wondered whether the fire unions political weight would be put to better use helping the police union defeat the collective bargaining measure. I can assure you none of them were that Greg Brockhouse wasnt qualified and wouldnt make a great mayor for the city of San Antonio, Steele said. More than two-thirds of San Antonio Professional Firefighters Associations membership signaled they would endorse Brockhouse in a February survey shared with the Express-News. But Steele said union members voted 67-5 Tuesday not to back a candidate in the race. The move flummoxed veteran political strategist Colin Strother, who previously worked for the fire union. Some members of the board feel they'll get a better deal from (Nirenberg), Strother tweeted, referring to the unions contract with the city. Fascinating development. The police and fire unions spent more than $530,000 during the mayors race two years ago, according to Texas Ethics Commission records, although its unclear exactly how much of that money benefited Brockhouse. Brockhouse spent nearly $241,000 during that race, according to city campaign finance records show. The former councilman had nothing in his bank account at the end of December except a $17,000 loan, his latest campaign finance filing shows. But his campaign said Brockhouse had brought in about $20,000 and had another $80,000 in pledges by the end of January. Nirenbergs campaign took a victory lap in the wake of the unions announcement. We respect the firefighters decision, said Gilberto Ocanas, Nirenbergs campaign chairman and chief political consultant. We look forward to working with them. Obviously they didnt feel compelled to support our past opponent. We think thats a signal that they think the mayors doing a good job. Ryan Murphy on Tuesday responded to social media posts from Naya Riveras father George implying that he and Glee co-creators Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan defaulted on promise to establish college fund for late star's five-year-old son Josey Dorsey. George on Tuesday responded to a tweet detailing how the Glee co-creators were 'setting up a college fund for' Josey after Rivera's death at 33 last July in an accidental drowning while she was out on a pontoon boat ride with her son in Lake Piru, California. 'Everyone needs to know what Ryan Murphy really did ... or didnt do!!!' George said in a tweet. 'Im about to blow up this story .... and make sure hes knows that I know ....' The latest: Ryan Murphy on Tuesday responded to social media posts from Naya Riveras father George implying that he and his two Glee co-creators defaulted on promise to establish college fund for late star's five-year-old son Josey Dorsey He wrote to another user, 'When you are part of the Hollywood elite, some people treat others as they are "less than" . vocalize a good game, but it's as shallow as the sets on stage, that they create. Promises made in public, only to fade with time and excuses .... even in a unexplainable tragedy ...' He added, 'Broken Promises..... fake outrage .... hollow gestures ..... no phone call.' Murphy, 55, subsequently responded to the stir, claiming that he and his co-creators have been working on the estate through other channels. 'Myself, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan have committed to create a college fund for Naya Riveras child Josey through the Naya Rivera Estate Trust,' he said. 'We have been in repeated conversations with the appropriate executors of her estate.' Speaking out: George on Tuesday responded to a tweet detailing how the Glee co-creators were 'setting up a college fund for' Josey, venting his displeasure Response: Murphy subsequently responded to the stir, claiming that he and his co-creators have been working on the estate through other channels Naya Rivera played the role of Santana Lopez on the Fox series for 113 episodes between 2009-2015. The Glee creators released a detailed statement after authorities confirmed her death last summer, saying that 'it didnt take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.' Murphy, Falchuk and Brennan said, 'Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom Yolanda, who was big part of the Glee family and her son Josey. The three of us are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.' Sad: George Rivera and Naya's ex Ryan Dorsey were snapped in Lake Piru last summer as authorities searched for Naya, whose body was recovered July 13 OCALA, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River should be reclassified as a "high hazard structure" based on a new independent civil engineering analysis of previously undisclosed government inspection reports. The report released by the Florida Defenders of the Environment shows that the state Department of Environmental Protection has ignored a long list of structural weaknesses documented at the dam for more than five years, raising the risk of a dam breach that would threaten downstream communities, including hundreds of homes and other buildings valued at nearly $60 million. The report, by Givler Engineering Inc., concludes that Rodman Dam should be removed unless the state commits to a large and ongoing investment of tax dollars to address years of neglect and ongoing legal liability. The report notes that removing the dam would provide the added benefit of restoring the river to its natural state, benefiting fish migratory routes and the passage of manatees up and down the river. The report found that serious safety concerns were identified as early as 2015, but documents obtained through open records requests show no indication the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has allocated funds to address those concerns. Florida Defenders of the Environment attorney Bruce Kaster said the findings add another strong argument for a permanent drawdown of the upstream Rodman Reservoir, or removal of the dam. "The state has withheld findings of its own inspections and neglected routine maintenance to the point that Rodman Dam is now a ticking time bomb for downstream communities," Mr. Kaster said. "This dam that has never served a purpose in its 54-year life has now become a very serious safety liability for the state." The 6,100-foot dam on the Ocklawaha River in Putnam County was built in 1968 as part of a federal project to build the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The project was shuttered before work on the canal began, but the dam remained. Over the last five decades, it has throttled freshwater flow of the largest tributary into the St. Johns River, disrupting a delicate ecology. The 20-square-mile reservoir must be drawn down every three or four years to flush out muck and debris, and only then are a series of hidden springs exposed, enabling visitors to see the beauty of the river's natural state. In 2020, the Washington, D.C.-based American Rivers declared the Ocklawaha among the most endangered in the United States. The Givler Engineering report catalogs a long list of structural deficiencies from previously undisclosed inspections, stating: The inspection reports failed to communicate the level of urgency appropriate for replacing the debris barrier, removing logs and trees from the reservoir, maintaining operable spillway gates, arresting erosion on upstream and downstream slopes, stopping the formation of voids under the grouted riprap, and curtailing the piping failure that may be in progress under the spillway slab Although the inspection reports did identify needs for repairing and maintaining the dam since 2015, the needs were understated. The Florida DEP's correspondence shows no evidence that any expenditures have been made since 2015 on implementing any of the recommended maintenance or repairs. For more information about the Rodman Dam report, contact Florida Defenders of the Environment Executive Director Jim Gross at [email protected] or Defenders of the Environment attorney Bruce Kaster at 352-622-1600. SOURCE Florida Defenders of the Environment Korean police officers wearing face masks as a precaution against the coronavirus stand at the venue for a rally in Seoul, Monday, March 8, 2021. AP South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases rose by over 400 for a second consecutive day Wednesday, the highest in 19 days, as cluster infections continued to pile up across the country ahead of adjustments of social distancing rules. The country reported 470 more COVID-19 cases, including 452 local infections, raising the total caseload to 93,733, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. The country added three more deaths from COVID-19, raising the total to 1,648. The fatality rate reached 1.76 percent. After briefly falling below 400 on Monday due to fewer tests carried out over the weekend, the daily caseload rebounded to 446 on Tuesday. Daily infections had been falling gradually since posting a record high figure of 1,241 on Christmas last year. But the curve faced a gridlock recently, with the daily tally stuck in the 300s and 400s over the past weeks despite the country's social-distancing scheme that bans private gatherings of five or more people. The greater Seoul area is currently under the Level 2 social distancing scheme, the third highest in the country's five-tier system, while other regions are placed under Level 1.5, effective until Sunday. Health authorities plan to decide Friday whether to extend the current curbs or not. Authorities may choose to keep the current level of distancing if there's no letup in virus cases. The country is also working to finalize its new four-tier social distancing system by the end of this month. Authorities say the new policy, however, will be implemented after the virus cases fall significantly. A total of 446,941 people, meanwhile, have been inoculated under the country's vaccination campaign, including 60,662 the previous day, which started Feb. 26. AstraZeneca's vaccine has been given to 438,890 people, while 8,051 received that of Pfizer. South Korea aims to achieve herd immunity by November. Of the 452 locally transmitted cases, 132 additional cases were reported in Seoul and 199 in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds the capital. Incheon, 40 kilometers west of Seoul, identified 23 new cases. The three areas make up the greater capital region and serve as home to about half of the nation's 52 million population. There were an additional 18 imported cases, raising the total caseload to 7,225. The United States accounted for eight, while three patients were from Indonesia. The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients was 123, down five from the previous day. The total number of people released from quarantine after making full recoveries was 84,312, up 412 from a day earlier. Around 90 percent of the patients reported here had been cured. South Korea has carried out 6,938,884 COVID-19 tests so far, including 35,900 from the previous day. (Yonhap) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Delhi: The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday in Right to Privacy case. A nine-judge Constitution bench headed by the CJI, which was to deal with pleas challenging the validity of the Aadhaar scheme and the right to privacy attached to it, was faced with the two past verdicts, delivered in 1950 and 1962 by larger benches, holding that the privacy right was not a fundamental right. The apex court had already said the nine-judge bench would deal with the limited issue of right to privacy and the correctness of the two judgements. The matter challenging the Aadhaar scheme would be then referred back to a smaller bench, it had said. The Constitution bench, dealing with the contentious issue whether right to privacy was a fundamental right, had rejected plea of a Gujarat government lawyer that misuse of personal information could be dealt with on a "case-to-case basis" and said an all-embracing guideline was needed keeping in mind the size of the population. Centres opinion in SC- Right to privacy could be a fundamental right, but it could not be absolute, Attorney General K K Venugopal had submitted before a nine-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar. There may be a fundamental right to privacy and it has to be a qualified right since it covers diverse aspects and a sub-species of the Right to Liberty. Every aspect or sub- species cannot qualify to be a fundamental right, he had said. Right to privacy cant be one homogenious right. Its not absolute and is rather qualified to be elevated to the level of fundamental right. Privacy will be one species which comes under right to liberty, he had stated. The Centres assertion came when the bench posed a pointed query to the attorney general as to what was the stand of the government on the question whether right to privacy was a fundamental right or not. The contentious issue as to whether right to privacy was a fundamental right or not was referred to a larger bench in 2015 after the Centre had underlined the issue of two judgements delivered in 1950 and 1962 by the apex court that had held it was not a fundamental right. Supreme Courts observation so far- The Supreme Court today said that there has to be "overarching" guidelines to protect an individuals private information in public domain to ensure that it was used only for an intended purpose. A nine-judge Constitution bench, dealing with the contentious issue whether right to privacy was a fundamental right, had rejected plea of a Gujarat government lawyer that misuse of personal information could be dealt with on a "case-to-case basis" and said an all-embracing guideline was needed keeping in mind the size of the population. The bench, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, also referred to the fact that India was a signatory of a 1948 international convention which recognised privacy as a human right. Referring to arguments put forward by the Maharashtra government on the issue, the court said, "Even if we accept it that the Constituent Assembly dealt with it (privacy issue) and decided against including it as a fundamental right, then how you will deal with the fact that India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which recognises it." Supreme Court to pronounce verdict in Right to Privacy case, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/uZk365OhZp ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 The bench, which also comprised justices J Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, R F Nariman, A M Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer, said that there has to be an "overarching" or all-embracing guideline to ensure that the private information of individuals, put in public domain, was used only for an intended purpose. "If I give personal information like names, parents name and telephone numbers for a particular purpose, then a reasonable expectation will be that it is used only for that particular purpose... (Otherwise) how we will deal with the violations?" it asked. Voicing concern over possible misuse of personal information in public domain, the Supreme Court had already stated that protection of the concept of privacy in the technological era was a "losing battle". A battery of senior lawyers, including Attorney General K K Venugopal, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Arvind Datar, Kapil Sibal, Gopal Subaramaniam, Shayam Divan, Anand Grover, C A Sundaram and Rakesh Dwivedi, advanced arguments in favour and against the inclusion of right to privacy as a fundamental right. Also Read: Privacy protection is a losing battle in modern era, says Supreme Court The bench, which favoured "overarching" guidelines to protect private information in public domain, said there was a need to "maintain the core of privacy" as the notion of privacy was fast becoming irrelevant in an all-pervading technological era. "We are fighting a losing battle of privacy. We do not know for what purpose the information will be used. This is exactly a cause of concern," the bench, which also comprised justices J Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, R F Nariman, A M Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, S K Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer, had said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on a PIL seeking COVID-19 vaccination for lawyers and judges on priority, saying some decisions must be left to the "executive's wisdom". The court also said it was rather "selfish" of the petitioners to seek vaccination on priority for the judiciary. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni was hearing a plea filed by Mumbai-based lawyers, seeking that members of the judiciary, advocates and their staff be considered as frontline workers and they be provided vaccine against COVID-19 on a priority basis. The petitioners, advocates Vaishnavi Gholave and Yogesh Morbale, filed the plea last week through their counsels Vinod P Sangvikar and Yashodeep Deshmukh. The petitioner lawyers told the bench on Wednesday that the HC worked throughout the pandemic period and all lawyers, judges, and staff continued to work, regardless of the risk of contracting the viral infection. The bench however, reminded the petitioners that many others, such as sanitation workers and staff of several private organisations, also continued to work in this period. "Why not file a PIL for the staff of private organisations, dabbawalas? That way everyone is a frontline worker," the bench said. "Something should be left for the executive's wisdom. Tell us what is wrong with the policy? A policy decision cannot be interfered with by the court unless there is arbitrariness," it said. The bench also said the government was doing a fine job with the ongoing vaccination programme in the country. The court said it was rather "selfish" of the petitioners to seek vaccination on priority for the judiciary. "Have you seen the movie 'Titanic'? Do you recollect captain of ship? He has to wait till others are evacuated. First everyone gets it and then judiciary. I am the captain here," Chief Justice Datta said. The Union government's counsel Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh told the HC that similar matters were pending in various other high courts across the country. He also said the Delhi High Court had taken suo moto (on its own) cognisance of the vaccination drive. Singh also said the Bharat Biotech, which has developed the COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin', had filed an application before the Supreme Court for transferring all the applications to the apex court. The HC then said it will refrain from making any observations on the policy decision till the Supreme Court decides on the transfer plea. The court also said if and when the government decides to vaccinate members of the judiciary, the ASG and other lawyers must suggest that lawyers working under the legal services authority are considered first. It directed the ASG to clarify by March 17, the next date of hearing, what were the requirements to prove one's co-morbidities and become eligible for receiving the vaccine. Currently, vaccination is underway in India for medical staff, those classified by the government as frontline workers, and for citizens above 60 years of age or those in the age group of 45 and 59 with co-morbidities. Francis dedicates the general audience to his journey to Iraq. The "unforgettable encounter" with the Great Ayatollah Al-Sistani. Who sells weapons to terrorists? Who today sells weapons to terrorists who carry out massacres?. "God, who is peace, grant a future of brotherhood to Iraq, the Middle East and the whole world!". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - On his trip to Iraq, Pope Francis met a martyred Church, saw and heard the testimonies of war and terrorism, found the hope of peace and fraternity of the Iraqis. Pope Francis dedicated todays general audience to his journey to Iraq. The audience was again held in the private library and during his reflections he spoke of the "unforgettable meeting" with the Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani and arms trafficking: who sells weapons to terrorists, who are carrying out massacres in other parts, in Africa, for example? It is a question; I would like someone to answer it". Francis said: I profoundly felt the penitential sense of this pilgrimage: I could not get close to that tortured people, that martyred Church, without taking upon myself, in the name of the Catholic Church, the cross that they have been carrying for years; a large cross, like the one placed at the entrance to Qaraqosh. I felt it in a particular way seeing the still open wounds of the destruction, and even more by meeting and listening to the witnesses who survived the violence, the persecutions, the exile ... And at the same time I saw around me the joy of welcoming the messenger of Christ; I saw the hope of opening up to a horizon of peace and fraternity, summed up in the words of Jesus which were the motto of the visit: "You are all brothers" (Mt 23: 8). I found this hope in the speech of the President of the Republic, I found it in many greetings and testimonies, in the songs and gestures of the people. I read it on the bright faces of young people and in the lively eyes of the elderly ". The Iraqi people have the right to live in peace, they have the right to rediscover the dignity that belongs to them. Its religious and cultural roots go back thousands of years: Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization; Baghdad has been a city of primary importance throughout history, hosting the richest library in the world for centuries. And what destroyed it? War. War is always the monster that, with the changing ages, transforms itself and continues to devour humanity. But the response to war is not more war, the response to weapons is not more weapons. And I pondered the question: who is selling weapons to terrorists? Who today sells weapons to terrorists who carry out massacres? Just think of Africa, for example? It is a question; I would like someone to answer it ". The real answer - he said again - is fraternity. This is the challenge for Iraq, but not only: it is the challenge for many regions of conflict and, ultimately, for the whole world. For this we met and prayed, Christians and Muslims, with representatives of other religions, in Ur, where Abraham received God's call about four thousand years ago. Abraham is a father in faith because he listened to the voice of God who promised him descendants, he left everything and set off. God is faithful to his promises and still today he guides our steps of peace, he guides the steps of those who walk on Earth with their gaze turned to Heaven. And in Ur, being together under that luminous sky, the same sky in which our father Abraham saw us, his descendants, that phrase seemed to resound in our hearts again: You are all brothers. "A message of fraternity came from the ecclesial meeting in the Syrian-Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad, where in 2010 forty-eight people, including two priests, were killed during the celebration of Mass. The Church in Iraq is a martyr Church and in that temple, which bears the memory of those martyrs inscribed in stone, the joy of encounter resounded: my amazement at being among them merged with their joy at having the Pope with them". "We launched a message of fraternity from Mosul and Qaraqosh, on the Tigris River, near the ruins of ancient Nineveh. The ISIS occupation caused the flight of thousands and thousands of inhabitants, including many Christians of different denominations and other persecuted minorities, especially the Yazidis. The ancient identity of these cities has been ruined. Now they are trying hard to rebuild; Muslims invite Christians to return, and together they restore churches and mosques. Brotherhood. And let us continue, please, to pray for these tried and tested brothers and sisters of ours, so that they may have the strength to start over. And thinking of the many Iraqi emigrants, I would like to say to them: you have left everything, like Abraham; like him, keep faith and hope, and be weavers of friendship and fraternity wherever you are. And if you can, return. "A message of fraternity came from the two Eucharistic celebrations: that of Baghdad, in the Chaldean rite, and that of Erbil". We praise God - he concluded - for this historic visit and we continue to pray for that land and for the Middle East. In Iraq, despite the roar of destruction and weapons, palm trees, a symbol of the country and its hope, have continued to grow and bear fruit. It is also so for fraternity: it makes no noise, but it is fruitful and makes us grow. May God, who is peace, grant a future of brotherhood to Iraq, the Middle East and the whole world! ". Instead of handing over his wallet or other items, the man drew his handgun and shot toward the group of boys trying to rob him about 10:35 p.m. in the 10600 block of South Leavitt Street, according to a statement from police. One of the attackers was shot in the knee, police said. Scientists have developed a see-through glass display with a high white light contrast ratio that smoothly transitions between a broad spectrum of colors when electrically charged. The technology, from researchers at Jilin University in Changchun, China, overcomes limitations of existing electrochromic devices by harnessing interactions between metal ions and ligands, opening the door for numerous future applications. The work appears March 10 in the journal Chem. "We believe that the method behind this see-through, non-emissive display may accelerate the development of transparent, eye-friendly displays with improved readability for bright working conditions," says Yu-Mo Zhang, an associate professor of chemistry at Jilin University and an author on the study. "As an inevitable display technology in the near future, non-emissive see-through displays will be ubiquitous and irreplaceable as a part of the Internet of Things, in which physical objects are interconnected through software." With the application of voltage, electrochromic displays offer a platform in which light's properties can be continuously and reversibly manipulated. These devices have been proposed for use in windows, energy-saving electronic price tags, flashy billboards, rearview mirrors, augmented virtual reality, and even artificial irises. However, current models come with limitations--they tend to have low contrast ratios, especially for white light, poor stability, and limited color variations, all of which have prevented electrochromic displays from reaching their technological potential. To overcome these deficiencies, Yuyang Wang and colleagues developed a simple chemical approach in which metal ions induce a wide variety of switchable dyes to take on particular structures, then stabilize them once they have reached the desired configurations. To trigger a color change, the electrical field is simply applied to switch the metal ions' valences, forming new bonds between the metal ions and molecular switches. "Differently from the traditional electrochromic materials, whose color-changing motifs and redox motifs are located at the same site, this new material is an indirect-redox-color-changing system composed by switchable dyes and multivalent metal ions," says Zhang. To test this approach, the researchers fabricated an electrochromic device by injecting a material containing metal salts, dyes, electrolytes, and solvent into a sandwiched device with two electrodes and adhesive as a spacer. Next, they performed a battery of light spectrum and electrochemical tests, finding that the devices could effectively achieve cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, black, pink, purple, and gray-black displays, while maintaining a high contrast ratio. The prototype also shifted seamlessly from a colorless, transparent display to black--the most useful color for commercial applications - with high coloration efficiency, low transmittance change voltage, and a white light contrast ratio that would be suitable for real transparent displays. "The low cost and simple preparation process of this glass device will also benefit its scalable production and commercial applications," notes Zhang. Next, the researchers plan to optimize the display's performance so that it may quickly meet the requirements of high-end displays for real-world applications. Additionally, to avoid leakage from its liquid components, they plan to develop improved fabrication technologies that can produce solid or semi-solid electrochromic devices. "We are hoping that more and more visionary researchers and engineers cooperate with each other to optimize the electrochromic displays and promote their commercialization," says Zhang. ### The authors received financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Chem, Wang et al.: "A see-through electrochromic display via dynamic metal-ligand interactions" https://www.cell.com/chem/fulltext/S2451-9294(21)00055-3 President Muhammadu Buhari has deployed 6,000 troops in Zamfara State to complement the efforts of the current security forces in the state.... President Muhammadu Buhari has deployed 6,000 troops in Zamfara State to complement the efforts of the current security forces in the state. This was disclosed by the governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, who also revealed that the movement of motorcycles in large numbers has been banned in the state. Matawalle who shared on Twitter also warned that any politician that incites violence and endangers the security of the state will be apprehended and dealt with. He said, @MBuhari has approved the deployment of 6,000 troops to complement efforts of the current security forces in the state. As a further push to bring to an end the activities of armed bandits, Conveyance of more than two persons on a motorcycle is hereby banned with immediate effect Movement of motorcycles in large numbers is banned, spreading fake news by social media users will not be tolerated, anyone found in this act will be dealt with decisively. Traditional rulers and sole administrators of LG council are to always remain in their respective domains. Any politician that incites violence and endangers the security of the state will be apprehended and dealt with. Security agents are directed to arrest and arraign violators for prosecution. Zamfara recently had close to 300 schoolgirls abducted by bandits who stormed their school on motorcycles and whisked them away into the forest. The girls have since been released. New Delhi, March 10 : India plans to ink a major defence deal with the US to procure 30 armed drones worth $3 billion (approximately Rs 22,000 crore) to enhance military capabilities, sources said. As per plans, India will be acquiring 30 MQ-9 Reaper -- 10 each for the three services. The procurement is being done as India is facing war-like situation on two fronts -- Pakistan and China. The approval to take these armed drones could be finalised during Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting lead by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. To further cement the deal, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to visit India later this month. India is becoming a strategic defence partner for the US, especially countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. These MQ-9B Predator drones are manufactured by San Diego-based General Atomics. The MQ-9B has an endurance of 48 hours and a range of over 6,000 nautical miles. It carries maximum payload of 2-tonne. It comes with nine hard-points, capable of carrying sensors and laser-guided bombs besides air-to-ground missiles. Last year, the Indian Navy took on lease two Sea Guardian drones to enhance surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The two non-weaponised MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones were leased for one year with an option of extending the period by another year. Last month, Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, highlighted the role of drones in military warfare. Speaking during an webinar organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) about multi-domain operations and the future of warfare, the Indian Army Chief had said that everyone has seen how the very imaginative and offensive use of drones in Idlib and then in Armenia-Azerbaijan, challenged the traditional prima donnas: the tanks, the artillery and the dug-in infantry. He also talks about a showcase of swarm drone offensive striking multiple targets during the Army Day Parade in January that sent a strong message to India's adversaries. Naravane said that the swarm drone demonstration was a message to India's adversaries that "the Indian Army is steadily inducting niche capabilities to enhance our combat proficiencies in Multi-Domain Operations". He said that swarm drones can overwhelm and effectively suppress an enemy's Air Defence Capability, creating windows of opportunities for strike elements. "It is also no longer necessary to score a physical hit to destroy a target. "Offensive capabilities in the digital domain can effectively neutralise satellites and networks, denying them at critical juncture to decisively alter the course of the conflict," he had stated. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 New York Citys jails were under such threat from the coronavirus last spring that city officials moved swiftly to let hundreds of people out of the crowded, airless old buildings. The effort shrank the jail population to its lowest point in more than half a century. But it did not last. A year later, jails are more crowded than they were when the pandemic began. And there has been an increase in infections in recent months that could pose a public health risk even beyond the jail walls. There are now more than 5,500 people in the citys jails, slightly more than were detained last March. About three-quarters of the people being held have not been convicted. Many are awaiting trial much longer than usual, as the court system continues to operate at a near standstill during the pandemic. In lawsuits, prisoners and guards alike have called the living conditions inside unsanitary and dangerous. Incarcerated people who were recently held at Rikers Island say that social distancing has again become impossible in some jail units and that soap, sanitation wipes and disinfectants are scarce or unavailable. Many correctional officers, they say, still do not regularly wear face coverings. The world's largest evangelical prison ministry organization has voiced support for a Democrat-sponsored bill that could eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and cocaine powder in federal sentencing laws that disproportionately affect black Americans. In a reporter's roundtable on Tuesday, Prison Fellowship partnered with Families Against Mandatory Minimums to discuss the difference between how crack and powdered cocaine are punished in the criminal justice system. During the event, reporters heard from individuals who have suffered from this disparity and advocate for how the Equal Act could rectify the problem. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced the Equal Act, which would ultimately eliminate the federal crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and apply it retroactively to those already convicted. Source:The Christian Post Editors Note: The following is submitted by the Chief States Attorney and the 13 States Attorneys of Connecticut. The administration of justice should not be political. Prosecutors must be guided by the evidence in a case and the applicable law, not by partisan, political considerations. Political pressure should never sway a prosecutors decision-making. Political independence of the United States Department of Justice took center stage at last months confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland, President Joseph Bidens nominee for attorney general, who was pressed by legislators about what is supposed to be a fundamental norm. Garland insisted that he would oppose any attempt by the White House to politicize the Justice Department, telling the Senate Judiciary Committee: I am not the presidents lawyer; I am the United States lawyer. The line of questioning stemmed from criticism about the Justice Department being called upon publicly by the former administration to open criminal investigations into its political opponents while undermining federal criminal prosecutions of its allies. This overt political interference in federal prosecutions is unprecedented in our lifetimes. Not only have these actions eroded public confidence in the federal criminal justice system, but also they have underscored the importance of a little understood concept prosecutorial independence. Historically, both Republican and Democratic administrations have used federal law enforcement as a blunt instrument of power for their own political interests. It was only in the mid-1970s when federal law enforcement abuses were brought to light during the post-Watergate reckoning that todays norm of political noninterference in federal law enforcement was established. In recent years, we have seen the increasing politicization of the federal prosecutorial function. Unlike their state counterparts, the attorney general and individual U.S. attorneys are subject to a political appointment process. Further, once appointed, they serve at the pleasure of the president. This complete lack of tenure makes them uniquely vulnerable to political interference in their duties. On Friday, John Durham, the U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, resigned after the Department of Justice asked U.S. attorneys appointed under President Donald Trump to resign so the Biden administration could present its own nominations to those posts. Fortunately, Connecticut had the wisdom to provide prosecutors with the independence they need to do their jobs. All Connecticut prosecutors are not subject to the political appointment process. The state constitution vests the prosecutorial function in an independent agency the Division of Criminal Justice. Prosecutors in Connecticut are appointed through a merit selection process by a seven member panel the Criminal Justice Commission consisting of two judges, the Chief States Attorney and four members of the community. Prosecutors perform an important role in our criminal justice system. That role is to seek justice. In their pursuit of justice, prosecutors have wide latitude and broad discretion in determining when, who, why and whether to prosecute for violations of the criminal law. Most of Connecticuts prosecutors serve as career employees. This enables them to gain experience and knowledge in the special legal areas in which prosecutors are expected to have expertise. The 13 states attorneys who serve as each judicial districts chief law enforcement officer are each appointed to eight-year terms. This is the same length of term to which our judges are appointed in recognition of the fact that both make difficult, often controversial decisions and should be free to make them based solely on the evidence before them and the law. Prosecutors need time to deal with cases. Eight-year terms for prosecutors give them that time. Indeed, as community prosecutors, States Attorneys need the stability and time to build relationships with their communities and the various agencies they work with to resolve cases. Frequent rotation would be bad for morale in the office and community, and hinder the ability of states attorneys to implement real change and progress in their districts. Connecticut has struck a balance between independence and accountability by ensuring that prosecutors are the most heavily regulated attorneys practicing in the state. Already, there are multiple levels of oversight and accountability. As members of the bar, states attorneys in Connecticut are subject to the same disciplinary processes to which every lawyer is subject to with the Statewide Grievance Committee. In addition to this, the Criminal Justice Commission has broad statutory disciplinary authority over them. This includes the ability to remove them at any time during their term for misconduct, incompetence or material neglect of their duties. Actions on the federal level in recent years have shown how important prosecutorial independence is to ensuring public confidence in our criminal justice system. Modern democratic norms demand a criminal justice system administered on the basis of a professional evaluation of the evidence and the applicable law, not partisanship and politics. Connecticut should be proud of its current system that appoints attorneys on the basis of merit and provides them with the independence they need to do their jobs. Richard J. Colangelo Jr. is Connecticuts Chief States Attorney. This commentary was also signed by Connecticuts other 13 states attorneys: Margaret E. Kelley, States Attorney, Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford Stephen J. Sedensky III, States Attorney, Judicial District of Danbury Joseph T. Corradino, States Attorney, Judicial District of Fairfield Sharmese L. Walcott, States Attorney, Judicial District of Hartford Dawn Gallo, States Attorney, Judicial District of Litchfield Michael A. Gailor, States Attorney, Judicial District of Middlesex Brian W. Preleski, States Attorney, Judicial District of New Britain Patrick J. Griffin, States Attorney, Judicial District of New Haven Paul J. Narducci, States Attorney, Judicial District of New London Paul J. Ferencek, States Attorney, Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk Matthew C. Gedansky, States Attorney, Judicial District of Tolland Maureen Platt, States Attorney, Judicial District of Waterbury Anne F. Mahoney, States Attorney, Judicial District of Windham Xiaomi Mi 10S has officially launched in China powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor. The Mi 10S is positioned as part of the Mi 10 series which was launched back in 2020. However, Qualcomm released the Snapdragon 870 as an upgraded version of the Snapdragon 865 and 865 Plus processors which means that we will see more phones with the 870 arrive soon at affordable prices. The Mi 10S features a high-refresh-rate display, powerful flagship processor, quad cameras, stereo speakers and supports fast charging out-of-the-box. Heres a brief look at the specifications and features of the Mi 10S. Xiaomi Mi 10S specifications and price The Mi 10S features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution display that uses an AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen has a punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner for selfies and is topped with Gorilla Glass 5. It measures 9 millimetres in thickness and weighs 208 grams. Xiaomi Mi 10S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 650 GPU. This is paired with upto 12GB RAM and 256GB storage options to choose from. It runs on Android 11 based MIUI 12 out-of-the-box. The Mi 10S has quad cameras on the back that consists of a primary 108MP camera with an f/1.7 aperture, 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera with 123-degree field-of-view, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor. The rear cameras can record in 8K UHD at 30FPS and 4K UHD at upto 60FPS with support for EIS. Theres a 20MP front-facing camera for selfies. Mi 10S has an in-display fingerprint reader and is equipped with a 4,780mAh battery that supports 33W fast wired charging, 30W fast wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. The Mi 10S is priced at CNY 3299 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, CNY 3499 for the 256GB storage and CNY 3799 for the maxed-out 12GB+256GB storage option. This indicates a starting price of Rs 36,900 by direct conversion but Xiaomi is yet to reveal its plans to launch the Mi 10S in India. SAGINAW COUNTY, MI - Saginaw Valley State University will offer free tuition to Michiganders from low-income families starting this fall, according to a news release. The SVSU Cardinal Commitment financial aid package will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for first-time undergraduates with a family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less, according to the release. The program will pay for four concurrent years or until the completion of a bachelors degree, whichever comes first. In the release, SVSU President Donald Bachand said the university is proud to welcome students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We have maintained the lowest tuition in the state for many years, but the sticker price still causes many families to think an SVSU degree is out of reach, Bachand said. We want those hard-working students to fully understand they can complete an SVSU degree and that we are putting resources into this program to support them every step of the way. For more information on the initiative, visit SVSUs website here. To help you navigate this complicated school year, were pleased to offer you a simpler way to get all of your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered right to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up. Read more: Severely wounded puppies felony against Buena Vista Township man His heart was too big for this world. Family mourns Chelsea teen killed on I-94 First Michigan case of South African COVID-19 variant identified in Jackson County boy SEATTLE March 9, 2021 Albuquerque New Mexico New Mexico Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM Faith Lopez /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Testing.com, a trusted informational guide for medical lab testing and at-home screening, has published a report on the increasing STD cases and resources for addressing this issue in. Research experts at Testing.com also evaluated top local organizations with free or low-cost health screening options for residents.According to the report, three prevalent STDs are reported at a higher rate per 100,000 people in. Between 2014 and 2018, cases of chlamydia increased by 21 percent while gonorrhea rates increased by 135 percent. In 2017,also ranked 14th for the highest rate of infection for syphilis.The report features the following organizations:Gallup Health Cooperative 600 E. Coal Avenue87103 505-726-9642 Gallupcooperative.orgAlbuquerque Health Care for the Homeless 1217 First Street NW87102 505-242-4644 Abqhch.orgNew Mexico Department of Health 2400 Wellesley Drive NE87107 505-841-4100 Multiplelocations Nmhealth.orgFirst Choice Community Healthcare 1231 Candelaria Road NW87107 505-345-3244 Multiplelocations Fcch.comUNM Truman Health Services 801 Encino Place NE, Building F87102 505-272-1312 Unmtruman.comTesting.com's report aims to educate the public about the current health crisis and encourage people in the community to reach out to local organizations for testing and treatment options. To view the full report, please visit https://www.testing.com/std-testing/albuquerque-nm/ABOUT TESTING.COM Testing.com is a trusted guide for lab and at-home testing information and resources. The online platform was launched in 2018 to help educate consumers about various lab tests and health screenings. Testing.com uses comprehensive, data-driven research to deliver content that includes articles on common conditions/diseases, current lab test and at-home screening options, medical testing fees and more. The site is produced by a team of experts that work with healthcare professionals to review and provide the most accurate and up-to-date lab testing information. To learn more, visit https://www.testing.com/., Testing.com, (877) 600-3767, faith@testing.comSOURCE Testing.com To determine premiums, insurance companies will analyze multiple and various factors. The driving experience and the credit score can significantly influence the price of insurance, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Car insurance companies will analyze multiple factors, before granting coverage to someone. All of these factors will contour a persons risk profile, which is the probability of him making a claim or being involved in an accident in the near future. The main factors that determine car insurance rates are the following: The vehicle and its safety rating. Vehicles with high safety ratings will help drivers pay lower premiums. The safety ratings are based on factors like the likelihood of a vehicle to be involved in an accident and how likely a passenger is to be injured in an accident. Also, safety devices will make the car safer and lower insurance rates. To find out about the safety ratings of a vehicle, policyholders can check the websites of IIHS and NHTSA. The driver's credit score. In most states, insurance companies are allowed to look at drivers' credit scores in order to determine their insurance rates. Only persons with an excellent credit score will get the best rates, so even having a good credit score is not enough. Address demographics. Insurance companies will be interested in how densely populated is the area, if the traffic is heavy and often congested, car theft reports, road infrastructure, unemployment rate, number of claims in the area, and number of lawyers in the area. Driving experience. First-time drivers will always be charged higher premiums. The insurance rates will become lower after several years of driving. The insurance policy itself. Depending on how much coverage and how many add-ons are added to the policy, the policy can be cheap or expensive. Policyholders should apply only for policies they actually need. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org. Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. [March 10, 2021] Clearwater Analytics Appoints Jacques Aigrain as Independent Director Clearwater Analytics, an industry-leading SaaS (News - Alert) solution for automated investment data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, and reporting, announced today that it has appointed global industry veteran, Mr. Jacques Aigrain, to its Board of Directors. Mr. Aigrain brings nearly 30 years of expertise and leadership experience in the financial services industry including nine years at Swiss Re including as CEO, and 20 years in global leadership roles at JP Morgan (News - Alert) Chase & Co. in New York, London, and Paris. Mr. Aigrain currently serves in key corporate Board roles, including as Chairman of the Board of LyondellBasell NV and Non-Executive Chairman of Singular Bank SAU. In addition, he is a Non-Executive Director of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG Ltd.) and leading media communications company WPP Plc. Mr. Aigrain previously held Board positions at LCH Clearnet Group Ltd., Lufthansa AG, Swiss International Airlines AG, and the Qatar Financial Authority. "Clearwater is honored to welcome a leader of Jacques's caliber to our Board of Directors," said Sandeep Sahai, Chief Executive Officer, Clearwater Analytics. "His extensive global financial services leadership experience, particularly his expertise in investment management, insurance, corporate governance, and M&A strategy, will provide tremendous value for us as we continue our growth strategy and invest in our expansion in Europe and Asia." Eric J. Lee, Clearwater's Chairman of the Board and General Partner at WCAS, said, "We are honored to have Jcques Aigrain join the Clearwater Board of Directors. He has built a tremendous career leading growth and success across complex financial services institutions around the world. We look forward to partnering with Jacques as Clearwater extends its market-leading track record for innovation and client success into the global market." "Clearwater Analytics serves some of the most demanding financial institutions and corporate clients in the world," said Jacques Aigrain. "I have been impressed with the Company's strong culture focused on client success and continued leading innovation. I am well familiar with the ever-changing complexities of multiple jurisdiction regulatory, accounting, and tax requirements and their impact on the accounting and reporting requirements for insurance companies, asset managers, and large corporations. I am excited to join the Clearwater Board of Directors and help enable Clearwater's market-leading SaaS-solution around the world." About Clearwater Analytics Clearwater Analytics is a global industry-leading SaaS solution for automated investment data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, and reporting. Each day, the Clearwater solution reports on more than $5.5 trillion in assets for clients that include leading insurers, asset managers, corporations, pension plans, governments, and non-profit organizations - helping them make the most of their investment portfolio data with a world-class product and client-centric servicing. Investment professionals in 50 countries trust Clearwater to deliver timely, validated investment data and in-depth reporting. Additional information about Clearwater can be found at www.clearwater-analytics.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005103/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Arctic Vision currently has three late-stage in-licensed products: ARVN001 for uveitic macular edema (UME), ARVN002 for pediatric progressive myopia and ARVN003 for presbyopia. In particular, ARVN001 obtained Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for UME in China in December 2020 , and the company expects to begin Phase 3 clinical trials this year. The IND applications for ARVN002 and ARVN003 are on track as well. In addition, Arctic Vision aims to take a number of novel assets into the clinical trial this year, deepening its in-house R&D and clinical development capabilities. Dr. Eddy Wu, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Board Director of Arctic Vision, commented: "Since inception, Arctic Vision has focused on identifying the most novel ocular therapies globally. Over the past year, we have successfully licensed in three innovative products with proprietary technology platforms, as well as achieved rapid clinical progress across our assets, due to the dedication of our highly experienced talent team and advisors. We are confident to leverage the proceeds from this financing round to further accelerate the clinical development of our pipeline assets and enhance commercialization capabilities, thus organically combining our in-house R&D efforts with external technologies to deliver safe and efficacious clinical solutions to patients. At the same time, we look forward to expanding our focus and attention to other countries in Asia, with the aim of addressing the unmet medical needs of even more patients across the region." Mr. Roy Xie, Partner at Loyal Valley Capital, said: "We are delighted to support Arctic Vision's highly promising pipeline development initiatives. Ophthalmology is one of the most competitive therapeutic areas in global drug development and there is an enormous number of opportunities in this field. We strongly resonate with Arctic Vision's vision and development strategy, which is market-oriented and innovation-driven: to identify innovative ophthalmology products that fit the specific needs of the China market through our profound knowledge of the market. ARVN003, potentially the first pharmaceutical treatment for presbyopia in China, and ARVN002, a revolutionary solution for pediatric progressive myopia, are perfect examples of this. Arctic Vision has made substantial progress during the past year, and we will maintain our support of the company to bring more innovative therapies to patients suffering from eye diseases as quickly as possible." Regarding this investment, Mrs. Dianna Qian, Partner at Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, expressed, "The reason Pivotal bioVenture Partners and our parent company Nan Fung Life Sciences have sequentially participated in the seed, Series A and Series B financing rounds of Arctic Vision is that we have strong confidence in its management team and its growth trajectory since establishment. In just less than a year, the clinical development of the company's pipeline assets has advanced in a structured and rapid manner; the product portfolio has also expanded steadily, demonstrating the strong execution capabilities of the management team. In the upcoming year, we look forward to seeing the company achieve more opportunities to internationalize, scale up organizational presence, and gradually become a model in the ophthalmology sector, within China and even across Asia. About Arctic Vision Arctic Vision is a China-based clinical stage specialty ophthalmology company with a leading portfolio of breakthrough technologies. The Company's vision is to address unmet medical needs in ophthalmology with the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies in China, Asia and globally. Arctic Vision is led by an elite team of ophthalmic industry veterans with substantial and compelling R&D and commercial experience in both China and globally. For more information, please visit https://arcticvision.com About ARVN001 ARVN001 is a proprietary suspension of the corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide, formulated for administration to the back of the eye via suprachoroidal injection. It is currently being investigated for the treatment of macular edema associated with uveitis. This proprietary suprachoroidal treatment approach is designed to enable rapid dispersion of medicine to the back of the eye, potentially resulting in longer-lasting therapeutic effect while minimizing any side effect to the surrounding healthy parts of the eye. About ARVN002 & ARVN003 ARVN002 is a proprietary microdose formulation of atropine used in the Optejet dispenser. It is a potentially first-in-class topical treatment for the reduction of pediatric progressive myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It has been developed for comfort and ease-of-use in children, and its microdose administration is designed to potentially result in low systemic and ocular drug exposure. ARVN003 is a proprietary pilocarpine formulation used in the Optejet dispenser. It is a candidate for the treatment of presbyopia. The high precision microdosing technology combined with the well-known drug, pilocarpine, is expected to provide short-term improvement in patients' vision while addressing the tolerability and usability issues associated with the conventional administration of pilocarpine. About Loyal Valley Capital Loyal Valley Capital, founded in 2015, is a thematic, research-oriented private equity firm that has been a "partner of choice" for China's most promising companies. Loyal Valley Capital has been involved in the funding of leading players such as TikTok, Didi Chuxing, Bilibili, Junshi Biosciences, InnoCare Pharma, Akesobio, POP MART and SUPCON. For more information, please visit https://www.loyalvalleycapital.com About Octagon Capital Founded in 2019, Octagon Capital Advisors LP is a multi-stage investment manager dedicated to evidence-based investing in both public and private healthcare companies, specifically in the United States and China. Octagon Capital focuses on strategic long-term investments and strive to work with our portfolio management teams as partners. Octagon Capital manages capital on behalf of global institutions such as university endowments, non-profit foundations, family offices, pension funds and established asset managers. For more information, please visit https://octagoninvestments.com About Dr. Adrian Cheng Dr. Adrian Cheng, pillar of the New World Development and the Chow Tai Fook, and Founder of K11, is a renowned entrepreneur and businessman that has been focused on medical and healthcare sector. He's invested in multiple well-established biopharmaceutical enterprises, such as Alphamab Oncology, Athenex, 3D Medicines, Transcenta, Cothera etc., as well as medical organizations devoted to developing innovative and quality services, such as WeDoctor and Sanbo Brain Hospital. About Nan Fung Life Sciences (NFLS) & Pivotal bioVenture Partners China Nan Fung Life Sciences is a global life sciences investment platform with a long-term capital commitment from the Nan Fung Group. The team possesses diverse experience with long track records in company formation, venture capital, growth/buyout investments, and drug discovery and development. For more information, please visit https://www.nanfunglifesciences.com Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, a member of Nan Fung Life Sciences, is a venture capital firm specializing in the healthcare and life sciences industry. Its investment strategy is centered on identifying promising innovative products and technologies and bringing them to build out new companies in China. For more information, please visit https://www.pivotalbiovp.cn About Morningside Ventures Morningside Ventures was founded in 1986 in Boston by the Chan family of Hong Kong. Since its establishment, Morningside has been focusing on trends at the forefront of the life science and healthcare industries globally, expanding its business scope and investment footprint over North America, Europe, and Greater China. For more information, please visit http://www.morningside.com SOURCE Arctic Vision Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Published on 2021/03/10 | Source Actress Shim Eun-woo's alleged school violence has been refuted by her agency, saying, "There was no socially problematic behavior", while the family of the discloser, who claimed the damage, posted additional revelations. B, who identified herself as the older sister of the discloser A, left a lengthy comment on Shim Eun-woo's Instagram post on the 9th. B said, "You said you'd call me yesterday and apologize. I'm so angry after reading the article that came out today", she said. "You spoke so politely on the phone yesterday that I almost fell for it. As I said yesterday, I'm a busy person and I felt uncomfortable about doing this, but I'm grateful that you got rid of the guilt for me", she wrote. "You reporting that it was just a small fight, but if you can't remember, why didn't you just sue for defamation? Why did you call? How did you know the victim was my sister and contact my brother right away? Why did you apologize when you said you didn't remember?" Also, "Usually, a fight is a one-on-one fight. It becomes a different story when it's a whole group against one", she said. "They threatened my sister even after she transferred schools. It is also amazing that she said she would find out where she is even after transferring to a new school and she says she can't remember this". "Clearly, Shim Eun-woo did not use physical violence. She used only emotional violence. She threatened by sister on the bus as well so our mother had to go pick her up from school and even had a meeting with the homeroom teacher". "We have a lot of people to make consistent statements and testify from 15 years ago. I'll post it on the community soon. We have evidence that it was the same school, evidence of transfer and evidence of bullying". On the 8th, an online community post came up saying, "I accuse Shim Eun-woo for school violence". A, who wrote the article, said, "I was bullied by Shim Eun-woo when I was in 7th grade of Bukpyeong Girls' Middle School", claiming that there was no physical violence, but that she was subjected to emotional violence. Shim Eun-woo's agency, NUNA Company, said, "It is true that she was not on good terms with the writer", but explained, "She did not do anything that would cause physical violence or social problems". Ronaldo Zani, 22, was deported then smuggled back into the UK to continue drug dealing An illegal immigrant who was deported after being caught with cocaine was able to return to the UK to carry on dealing, a court heard. Ronaldo Zani, an Albanian national, was first arrested in October 2019 after being found with several wraps of cocaine when police stopped a vehicle in Bournemouth, Dorset. He was not charged for the offence because he was about to be deported to Albania. But officers were reacquainted with the 22-year-old in April 2020 when they searched a flat that they suspected was a drug den, in The Triangle Area of Bournemouth. As officers knocked on the door Zani came up the communal stairs. He owed a debt of 15,000 to the people traffickers who smuggled him into the UK, so took to dealing in class A drugs. Graham Gilbert, prosecuting, told Bournemouth Crown Court Zani confirmed it was his flat and he put out his arms and said 'just take me'. He was arrested at that point on suspicion of being an 'overstayer' in the UK. But when police searched the flat they found two bags of 'cocaine cash', scales, deal bags and deal lists, as well as a fake Greek identity card he was using. Zani was first arrested in October 2019, but not charged for the offence because he was about to be deported to Albania. Between October and April, he was deported - then smuggled back into the UK before being arrested for a second time A mobile phone was recovered, while the defendant had two further phones on him. One of them was accessed by police and an outgoing bulk message was found which included the words 'I'm back to work'. In total, 24 grams of cocaine was seized, with a street value of between 1,000 and 1,600, along with 4,250 cash. Zani pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of criminal property and possession of a fake identity document. He was jailed for three years at Bournemouth Crown Court. Huw Bowden, mitigating, said: 'He was smuggled back into the UK and he owed a debt of 15,000 to the people who had performed that and he would say the subsequent actions were as a result of the payment of that debt.' Sentencing, Recorder Don Tait said: 'In my judgement, in particular as a result of your previous deportation, I take the view, as far as sentencing is concerned, this is a category three case in which you played a significant role. 'This case is typical of many cases I have to deal with.' (Natural News) President Joe Bidens administration is leaving the door partly open for Wall Street to finance Chinas military. The Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control on Jan. 26 issued General License No. 1A, which permits Americans to continue acquiring shares in certain companies associated with Communist Chinese Military Companies, known as CCMCs, until May 27. The Trump administration originally set the deadline on Jan. 28. Former President Donald Trump signed a landmark Executive Order 13959 on Nov. 12 last year, which stopped investors from purchasing or possessing shares in any company associated with a CCMC. In short, Trump ordered Americans to stop financing Chinas military the Peoples Liberation Army. Wall Street opposed Trumps executive order, and now it has additional time to work for its repeal. It would be a tragic mistake for the new administration to postpone, dilute, or otherwise eviscerate implementation of the key provisions of Executive Order 13959. Doing so would only serve to enrich Wall Street and Beijing at the expense of American security, fundamental values, and investor protection, Prague Securities Studies Institute Chairman Roger Robinson told Gatestone in an interview. There are currently 44 companies designated as off-limits to investment, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., Chinas leading chipmaker, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Experts said the investment ban should have a wider reach because China is a unified state. Businesses in China are controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) so each of them is military-linked and Party-controlled. According to Richard Fisher of the International Assessment and Strategy Center, the Peoples Liberation Army has the right to raid any non-military Chinese company for any technology it decides could advance its military strength. An article published by Gatestone accused the Biden administration of allowing Wall Street to use the cash of millions of Americans to fund intercontinental ballistic missiles targeting their families and to fund concentration camps in Xinjiang. Most Americans will have no idea their retirement and other savings are being used to finance their own destruction. financing Chinas war on America, the article said. The article noted that Beijing viewed the U.S. financial community as its channel to influence the highest levels of the American political system. It cited Di Dongsheng of Beijings Renmin University, who spoke about how Chinese leaders had in the past used Wall Street to dictate terms to previous American presidents. That had been broken during the Trump years, but Beijing would like to re-establish its link to Wall Street under the Biden administration. (Related: Biden hands over control of Americas power grid to communist China.) The article said: It is now time to break the Beijing-Wall Street-White House connection for good. Ultimately, Americans should not be allowed to invest in any Chinese business, whether or not that business is formally designated as a Communist Chinese Military Company. Business sector wants total lifting of investment ban An article published by Reuters painted a different picture on the delay to the China investment ban. The article said the delay provided breathing space, but does not fix the problem. It said that, according to JPMorgan, restrictions on U.S.-based investors and U.S. citizens could affect nearly $60 billion worth of bonds. At least 10 companies designated as off-limits to investment have subsidiaries that issued dollar bonds, including Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), Sinochem Group Co Ltd and Aviation Industry Corporation of China. The article also noted that there is little sign that the ban would affect the Chinese companies significantly as dollar-denominated bonds make up a very small part of their capital structure. The Global investment community wants more access to Chinese assets, said Jeremy Schwartz, global head of research at WisdomTree Asset Management. The bigger picture stepping back is that there is a lot of global interest in adding China currency reserves and Chinese bonds to portfolios. China accounts for around half of Asias $1.4 trillion corporate credit dollar market roughly the same size as the U.S. high-yield markets. Follow JoeBiden.news for more news and information related to President Joe Biden and his administration. Sources include: GatestoneInstitute.org Reuters.com Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunaks budget needed to focus on women, MPs are told (Tolga Akmen/PA) Chancellor Rishi Sunaks plans to jumpstart the economy with the super deduction aimed at boosting business investment is biased towards jobs typically taken by men by focusing too heavily on encouraging investment in infrastructure projects, MPs have been told. Economist Susan Himmelweit, from the Womens Budget Group, speaking to MPs on the Treasury Select Committee said plans to offer businesses 130 for every 100 spent must move away from just being able to be claimed on new plants and machinery. She said: Having a view of investment that its only physical is already a very clear male bias and we got that very clearly in this Budget in the way the super deduction is targeted on physical investment. The expert added that more focus must be made on childcare, pointing out that women have been disproportionally hit during the pandemic, with three quarters saying their earnings or hours were cut during the year due to being unable to access enough childcare. She added: Investment in childcare will be really important in the next year because a huge number of childcare centres are likely to close. Around a quarter of childcare providers believe theyll close within a year and they are concentrated in the poorer areas of the country. Of mothers who have been made redundant this year, 46% said that a lack of childcare was a factor in them being selected for redundancy. The comments came as economists and experts from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Resolution Foundation (RF), the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Deloitte answered questions on last weeks Budget. Expand Close A trainee bricklayer at work (Ian Nicholson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A trainee bricklayer at work (Ian Nicholson/PA) The panel agreed that the return to full time, five-days a week working is over and that most office-based businesses are not expecting a return to pre-pandemic structures. Ian Stewart, chief economist for Deloitte, explained the accountancy giant has been polling around 800 clients on a regular basis. He said: Its a complete mix of people but theyve said on average theyve said theyd like to work in the office two days a week. Very few people want to work entirely at home or entirely in the office. I think its going to be a step change. I think this is going to cause a significant acceleration of this. Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist for the CBI, added her members expect to take only 70% of office capacity in future, meaning city centres could struggle. She added: We do need to think about this and put a premium on urban regeneration. The economists also said the rise in Corporation Tax from 2023 to 25% from 19% must remain competitive globally and may need to have other incentives when the super deduction ends. Paul Johnson, director at the IFS, said: Clearly there are risks to such a big increase in corporation tax in terms of the scale of investment, in particular inward investment. Whilst this will raise a significant amount of money in the medium run its clear it wont raise the full 17 billion a year (predicted by the Treasury). He added: Much the most important issue here is political and institutional stability and certainty much more generally and its the lack of that that has been significantly behind the low levels of investment over the next four years. In terms of investment and growth, the absolute priority for the Chancellor and indeed the Government is to provide that framework for certainty. A 21-year-old Irvington Fire Department recruit died Tuesday, days after he collapsed during a training exercise at a New Jersey public safety training academy, officials said. Victor Melillo collapsed last Thursday while training in the parking lot of the academy in Parsippany, according to a statement from Morris Countys government. Several first responders, including EMTs, rushed to help Melillo shortly after 9:30 a.m. Members of the Morris County Office of Emergency Managements Emergency Medical Services Team and paramedics brought him to Morristown Medical Center, according to the statement. He was in critical condition for five days. The countys Board of County Commissioners and staff expressed condolences and their deepest sympathies, over the death of the firefighter recruit, the statement said. Ed Donnelly, president of the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, announced the passing of the recruit to members of the firefighters union. While Victor Melillo was only starting his career, he was a member of the fire service family, and will be afforded the line of duty funeral with full honors that he deserves, Donnelly said. In a final act of selflessness, Victor, through his grieving family, donated his organs, ultimately giving his life for others, he said. By doing so, Victor showed that he had what it took to be a firefighter. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Irvington Fire Department Recruit Victor Melillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victor's family at this time. Posted by Irvington NJ Fire Officers - IAFF Local 2004 on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Information on services for Melillo would be announced later, the county said. Irvington officials could not be immediately reached. Fire companies around New Jersey offered condolences Tuesday as news spread of the recruits death. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Irvington Fire Department Recruit Victor Melillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victors family at this time, the Irvington Fire Departments International Association of Firefighters chapter said on Facebook. The Members of the (Watchung Fire Department) send their deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Irvington Fire (Department) for the loss of our dear brother Victor Melillo. Firefighter Melillo was just 21 years old, a social media post from the borough department said. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Irelands vaccination plans may be delayed by the slow arrival of supplies of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine which is expected to be approved for use in Europe within days. It emerged yesterday that Johnson & Johnson has told the European Union it is facing supply issues that may complicate plans to deliver 55 million doses of its vaccine to member states in the second quarter of this year. Earlier, HSE chief Paul Reid admitted the 600,000 ordered doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delayed, perhaps until May or June, and initial supplies will be low. The US vaccine has been described as a game-changer because it just requires one shot and it is easy to handle. Read More Mr Reid told the Oireachtas health committee they were expecting 3.8 million doses of four vaccines, including Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson in April, May and June. The next quarter will see some swings and roundabouts between suppliers and some other suppliers coming on board as well, he said. The news comes amid ongoing evidence of the impact of vaccines in nursing homes where the positivity rate is now 0.2pc of residents. There is also a 95pc reduction in infections in hospital staff, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told RTE News. Up to Saturday 373,149 people had received a first dose of vaccine and 149,920 people were fully vaccinated. The number of newly diagnosed cases of the virus nationally fell to 311 yesterday . However, 30 more Covid-19 related deaths were reported . The number of patients hospitalised with the virus also dropped further to 397 and the number in intensive care fell to 94. Yesterdays cases included 135 in Dublin, 29 in Kildare, 21 in Cork, 18 in Limerick, 14 in Louth with the remaining 94 cases spread across the country. No cases were identified in the Border counties of Don egal, Monaghan, Cavan and Leitrim. Meanwhile, new international research involving 116 countries including Ireland advises surgery should be delayed for seven weeks after a patient tests positive for coronavirus. Research shows surgery that takes place between 0 and 6 weeks after diagnosis is associated with increased mortality. The research published in Anaesthesia a journal of the Association of Anaesthetists said while it is known that infection with the virus during surgery increases mortality, and international guidelines recommend surgery should be delayed for patients testing positive for Covid-19, there is little evidence regarding the optimal duration of delay. The study included 140,231 patients in 1,674 hospitals undergoing surgery in October 2020. P articipating hospitals included all patients undergoing a surgical procedure. The report is the biggest collaborative surgery study ever undertaken. The study is by the Covid-19 Surg Collaborative, a global collaboration of over 15,000 surgeons working together to collect a range of data on the Covid-19 pandemic. This studys lead authors are public health specialist Dr Dmitri Nepogodiev and Dr Aneel Bhangu , a surgeon of the University of Birmingham in the UK. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Met Eireann has issued a weather warning as a deep low-pressure system tracks towards Ireland A Status Yellow Wind Warning has been issued for Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford. Met Eireann is warning that on Wednesday afternoon, through Wednesday night, southwest to west winds will reach mean wind speeds of 50 to 65 km/h, with gusts ranging 80 to 110km/h, higher in exposed locations. Met Eireann meteorologist, Paul Downes, said: Conditions will turn widely unsettled from Tuesday with spells of wet and windy weather expected through the rest of the week. Although Tuesday will start dry, rain and strong winds will push east across the country from tomorrow afternoon, becoming widespread by early evening. Further wet and very windy weather is expected on Wednesday as a deep low-pressure system tracks to the northwest of Ireland bringing very strong south-westerly winds and spells of heavy rain through Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Meteorologist Paul Downes continued, during the early hours of Thursday this low-pressure system will clear away from Ireland, introducing a colder and more unstable airmass. However, it will remain very windy into the weekend along with blustery showers, these possibly turning wintry over high ground. The weather forecast for Ireland for Tuesday from Met Eireann is for a cloudy day with rain moving in from the Atlantic to affect west Munster, Connacht and west Ulster this morning. Rain will extend eastwards to remaining counties this afternoon. Southerly winds increasing strong during the afternoon, reaching near gale force along coasts. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees. Continuing wet and windy for the early parts of tonight. Rain will clear eastwards overnight with a few showers following and limited clear spells. Strong southerly winds will ease light to moderate and veer westerly in the clearance of the rain. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees, coldest in the north and northwest later in the night. The weather will be wet and windy on Wednesday. Outbreaks of rain will quickly return to the west early in the morning, becoming widespread by midday with some heavy falls. Frequent heavy showers will follow later in the afternoon with occasional brighter breaks in the cloud. Strong and gusty southwest winds will develop during the afternoon, reaching near gale force in southern and western coastal counties. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees. Very windy on Wednesday night, mainly across Munster and parts of Connacht and Leinster. Widespread showers and longer spells of rain with some heavy falls. Southwest winds will be strong to near gale force and gusty with some strong gusts in the southwest for a time. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees. Winds will moderate overnight becoming fresh and gusty and westerly. The weather forecast for Ireland for Thursday from Met Eireann is for the weather to remain quite windy with frequent blustery showers and sunny spells. Showers will be squally and heavy, some with hail and thunder. Wintry falls possible on hills. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees with fresh and gusty westerly winds. Heavy showers continuing overnight on Thursday affecting most areas with hail and thunder possible, mixed with clear spells. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 5 degrees with fresh and gusty southwest winds. Turning unsettled this week with areas of low pressure in the Atlantic moving towards Ireland bringing spells of wet and windy weather. Keep and eye on our forecast https://t.co/RxE2EXt5Fq pic.twitter.com/OK9ypl6RY6 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) March 9, 2021 Breezy with further showers on Friday, some showers will be heavy. Bright or sunny spells in the morning, becoming cloudier during the day. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees with moderate to fresh and gusty southwest breezes. A spell of rain will move in from the west early on Friday night becoming windy again also. Rain will clear overnight followed by frequent showers. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 4 degrees with fresh to strong southwest winds, strongest in the southwest. The current weather forecast for Ireland for Saturday from Met Eireann is for a day of showers with occasional bright spells in a fresh westerly breeze, risk of showers being heavy, possibly wintry. Highest temperatures of 5 to 7 degrees. Becoming drier overnight and cold, with lowest temperatures in the low single digits bringing a risk of frost to some parts. According to Met Eireann, current indications suggest that it will remain breezy on Sunday with further rainfall, although it will be less cold with highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees during the day and no risk of frost at night. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain President Joe Biden will announce plans Wednesday to acquire an extra 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine, giving the United States surplus capacity should other makers run into manufacturing problems. Biden was set to make the announcement during a meeting with executives from J&J and Merck, an administration official said. Merck is working with J&J to help produce its vaccine. The president said earlier this month the United States was on track to have enough vaccine for every adult by the end of May after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization to the J&J vaccine. The country has deals for 300 million doses each of the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Modernawhich both require two shotsand 100 million doses from J&J. By doubling the J&J the order to 200 million, the administration is looking to pad out stocks in case of production issues with Pfizer or Moderna. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Syracuse, N.Y. Two men on Wednesday were charged and held without bail for a Feb. 18 armed robbery in Oswego, according to the Oswego Police Department. Michael P. Delaney, 29, of Syracuse, and Terell E. Rolfe, 48, of Liverpool, were arrested by the Oswego Police Department with assistance from state police, Oswego police said in a news release. The two men have been charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree assault and fourth-degree conspiracy, police said. Police responded in mid-February to a robbery near East Utica Street and East First Street, police said. The unidentified victim told police he was threatened with a handgun, had money forcibly taken and was assaulted. The men were arraigned at Oswego County Central Arraignment Part Court and are being held at the Oswego County Jail on no bail, police said. The men are expected back in court Thursday, police said. The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call the Oswego Police Department at 315-342-8120. 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. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Fisheries: What Africa expects of new WTO Chief Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala by Lansana Gberie March 10,2021 | Source: IPS When on 15 February the chair of the World Trade Organizations (WTOs) General Council, Ambassador David Walker of New Zealand, announced that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala would be the new Director-General, the mood among delegates was of relief. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala commanded overwhelming support from the start of the selection process in July 2020, but her historic elevationas the first African and the first woman to become Director-General of the 26-year-old trade organisationwas by no means certain only a few weeks prior. Without the recent swift action by the Biden-Harris administration to join the consensus of the membership on my candidacy, the new Director-General said in her acceptance statement, delivered via video link, we would not be here today. This plain statement of fact underlines the challenges she will likely face. It is also indicative of the paralyzing difficulties experienced by the worlds main trade arbiter in recent years, where key decisions are made by consensus among over 160 members. So, what can Africa gain from an African Director-General of the worlds premier trade organization? Negotiations around fisheries, which have persisted for years at the WTO, are an equally urgent concern for Africa. To date, some members even refuse to agree on what constitutes fish. Wealthier nations lavish subsidies on their fisheries sectors, leading to over-enhanced capacity, which enables their fishing boats to infringe upon the sovereign rights of poorer countries in Africa. African-caught fish, already limited as a result of such encroachment, stand little chance of gaining market access in wealthy countries. The realization of negotiations, in addition to actions on agriculture and fisheries, will be the kind of incremental progress that will help reduce poverty and boost global trade. 2021 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade. China's top political advisory body wraps up annual session Xinhua) 16:00, March 10, 2021 The closing meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 10, 2021. Wang Yang presided over the closing meeting and delivered a speech. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, concluded on Wednesday afternoon. Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the closing meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a speech at the meeting. A resolution on a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, a resolution on a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous annual session, a report on the examination of new proposals, and a political resolution on the fourth session of 13th CPPCC National Committee were approved at the meeting. Gandhinagar, March 11 : The Gujarat government on Wednesday said it has collected around Rs 170 crore from the people for mask-related violations in the past six months. Dariyapur legislator of the Congress, Gyasuddin Sheikh had sought to know from the Gujarat government that how much money was collected from the public, as a penalty for mask violations in the past 6 months. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani-headed home department replied that nearly Rs 170 crore was collected from the public in the past 6 months. A total of Rs. 167,89,22,000 was recovered as fine from 16,78,922 people during the past six months. The maximum number of people penalised were from Ahmedabad -- 2,06,891. A total of 1,38,974 people were required to pay the fine of Rs 1,000 for not wearing masks or partially masked faces in the Diamond City, Surat. Besides, 98,749 persons in Kheda, 72,217 persons in the state Capital Gandhinagar, 66,722 persons in Bhavnagar were penalised for mask violations. Also, 64,730 persons in Ahmedabad rural, 63,361 in Mehsana, 60,950 in Banaskantha, 55,830 in Vadodara, 55,766 in Valsad, 53,660 in Rajkot city, 53,181 in Rajkot rural, 51,023 in Patan and 50,143 in Jamnagar were fined Rs 1,000 each for mask violations. After an entire year of pandemic madness, its natural to embrace any good news maybe even give it a big ol unsanitary, socially snug bear hug. Which is why no one really wants to hear this right now. But here goes: Even though coronavirus cases are trending down, things are opening back up and about 2 million Americans are getting vaccinated every day, its not yet time to let up on the masks and social distancing. I feel like were well into recovery mode, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says. But that doesnt mean were in the clear yet. We need to keep it up for our economy, for our loved ones and for everybody else. As the mayor says, when youre winning, you dont stop until its over. Which somebody should tell the Atlanta Falcons .... Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster lifted mask requirements for restaurants, bars and state office buildings. Some people took that declaration along with a declining number of cases and millions being vaccinated as the latest sign that some semblance of normal is just around the corner. And it probably is. But the next day city of Charleston officials reminded folks were still under a local mask ordinance. They werent trying to be killjoys; they are simply trying to make it easier on local businesses at ground zero of the confusion. Officials in the city, as well as the county, Mount Pleasant and most local municipalities, still have mask ordinances in place and probably will for a couple more months. Charleston was expected to extend its ordinance Tuesday night. They all want this over as much as anyone, but they also responsibly and rightly want to make sure we dont regress. We are so close, with the vaccination rate, with another 30 to 60 days, we could have some real progress if we continue to practice the safe distancing and wearing the masks, City Councilman Keith Waring says. I just dont think we can let our guard down. Dr. Michael Sweat, the faculty leader of MUSCs COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project, says thats exactly the right tack. Were headed in the right direction, Sweat says. The concern is if people think its over, well see the numbers go back up. Sign up for our new opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! The good news is COVID-19 cases in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties are down 30% from a week ago, and last week they were down 30% from the week before that. Sweat says MUSCs latest modeling suggests about 35% of people in the tri-county area either have been vaccinated or else have immunity because theyve had the virus recently. The flip side is not so great: It means 65% of people are still in danger of contracting a virus that continues to kill folks every day. And the more people who are out transmitting the virus, the greater the likelihood of spawning mutations and variants that may be harder to combat. Hence, the continued mask ordinances. As Dr. Sweat points out, our daily case numbers right now look about like they did around the first of December, and everyone was really nervous then. So some of this is perspective. But the more people who get the vaccine, the more normal, or something like it, draws closer. So we need a little self-discipline to stick with this through the spring. For instance: Just because there are no longer restrictions on large gatherings, that doesnt mean its a good idea. Any crowd of unmasked, un-distanced people could become a super-spreader event, which isnt a setback anyone wants. The way things are going, with mask ordinances and precautions in place, we could be in a good place by June or July. Lets not mess that up, because everyone is ready to get out and about. One of the biggest remaining problems may be folks who refuse to get vaccinated. Sweat thinks as more people are vaccinated with no ill effects, many of the hold-outs will come around. And if they dont, theyll get annoyed soon enough by their inability to either get a job or fly internationally without a vaccination passport. Which is going to be a real thing. Bottom line, theres light at the end of this terrible tunnel. We just have to make sure our long, cold, lonely winter is really over and that light isnt just another train barreling toward us. (Photo : Youtube/ Jared Owen) Space Station Russia and China team up China and Russia, two powerful countries are known for their resources and technology, have agreed to partner up and build a lunar space station that will be open to all countries. China and Russia to create a Lunar Space Station The China National Space Administration said in a statement on Mar. 9 that the leaders of China and Russia's space agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of their national governments. China's space agency stated that China and Russia will use their accumulated experience in research, development, and space science, as well as the use of space equipment and space technology, to create a road map for the construction of an international lunar scientific research station or ILRS. Also Read:NASA Awards SpaceX Contract to Launch Initial Elements of the $332M Lunar Outpost to the Moon Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, also released a statement and said that the two organizations planned to promote cooperation on the creation of an open-access ILRS for all countries interested in exploring the Moon and deep space. The ILRS is also open to international partners as its goal is to strengthen research cooperation and promote the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes in everyone's interest. The newest Lunar Space Station is said to be a complex of experimental and research facilities and it will be created on the surface of the Moon and/or in orbit of the Moon, according to the statement of Roscosmos. The space station facilities will be designed for a range of multidisciplinary research, including testing the latest technologies and researching the prospect of sending humans on the Moon to live. China and Russia will team up and work on a road map on how to design, develop and operate the Lunar Space Station, and both countries will plan on how it will be presented to the world. Both China and Russia have signed agreements to create a data center to explore the Moon and deep space. Both plan to cooperate in the future on China's Chang'e-7 and Russia's Luna 27 missions, as both aim to survey the lunar south pole. China and Russia's history in space Russia and the United States founded the International Space Station (ISS) in 1963. The orbiting science laboratory celebrated its 20th anniversary in Nov. 2020 and has remained the only operational and permanently inhabited space station. Russia's space project can be traced back to the Soviet Union, and in 1957, Russia became the first country to launch a satellite to space, the Sputnik 1. The Soviets were also able to send the first living creatures into orbit and back again in 1960. The most notable ones were the space dogs, Strelka and Belka. In 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin pipped the Americans into space. Recently, Russia was not successful in replicating its early space program success and has experienced numerous setbacks, including probe launch failures, according to CNN. As for China, they were late into the space game and did not send their first satellite into orbit until 1970, by which time the United States had already landed the first man on the Moon. During the past few decades, China accelerated its space program and fired space labs and satellites into orbit. Now, China is head to head with the U.S. when it comes to space exploration and research. Related Article: Japanese Billionaire Yusaku Maezawa Wants 8 Companions Once Aboard Elon Musk's SpaceX Spacecraft Trip to the Moon in 2023 This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sieeka Khan 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchange documents during a signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 5, 2019. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AFP/Getty Images) Russias Push to Replace Aussie Coal in China an Empty Threat Russia is planning to exploit trade tensions between Australia and China to move large quantities of its low-quality coal into the Chinese market and the rest of Asia. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with industry executives and government officials to discuss plans for drastically increasing coal export to Asia by up to 30 percent, according to a Wood Mackenzie report obtained by The Australian. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with employees of the Ural Transport Machine-Building Design Bureau during a visit to the Ural Vagon Zavod factory in Nizhny Tagil in the Ural mountains, Russia, on Nov. 25, 2015. (Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik via AP) The report detailed a plan to increase Russian coal exports to an estimated increase of 34 million tonnes per year by 2024 and comes after Russia announced it would increase its domestic coal production up to 448-530 million tonnes annually until 2024 and up to 485-668 million tonnes annually until 2035 reports ResourceWorld Magazine. Australian Strategic Policy Institute director Michael Shoebridge believes that Moscows plan is of little consequence to Australias coal export industry. Australian coal, like multiple other natural resources, remains a high quality, high volume, globally competitively priced product, with reliable supply, Shoebridge told The Epoch Times in an email. The effects on Australia are likely to be small. Shoebridge explained that Australia has an advantage in the coal market partly because of the nature of Australian coal reserves. The advanced mining technologies, also used by Australian resource companies, allow them to continue to supply high-quality products that are also consistently attractive to multiple foreign markets. A coal dredger rips coal from the face of the Loy Yang Open Cut coal mine in the Latrobe Valley, 85 miles east of Melbourne. (Paul Crock/AFP/Getty Images) The sentiment is supported by figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which show that coal exports have stabilised since July of last year at around $3 billion per month. Most notably, coal exports spiked at just under $3.7 billion in December of last year, which can be attributed to a global-market need for high-quality coal. While hard coking coal exports to China have diminished since mid-2020, increased exports to India, Japan and South Korea have offset some of the fall, a media release by the ABS said. Australia also has the added advantage of producing coal that does not require extra processing, which can add to the financial and environmental cost of using other coal sources. University of Melbourne researcher Scott Hamilton, previously Executive Director Renewable Energy for the Victorian Government, believes that the primary issue of coal outside Australia is that it is of low-quality and contains pollutants and contaminents, which create the need for extra processing by the purchaser. Australian coal is cleaner coal than from elsewhere, Hamilton told The Epoch Times on Tuesday. Low-quality coal contains pollutants such as sulfur, which when burned produces sulfur dioxidethe primary culprit of acid rain and can contain mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, and other harmful trace elements, as well as microscopic particles classified as PM10. In terms of Australian coal, because our level is very low in that area [sulfur dioxide], thats not something that is required, Hamilton said. A coal-powered power plant on the outskirts of Linfen, in Chinas Shanxi Province, is seen belching smoke. Linfen is regarded as one of the cities with the worst air pollution in the world. (Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images) PM10or Particle Matter 10refers to those particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, smaller than the width of a strand of hair. These particles are highly dangerous as they are small enough to be inhaled into the lower regions of the lungs and can lead to respiratory diseases such as cancer, Hamilton said. Bengaluru, March 10 : Model and makeup artist Hitesha Chandranee, posted a video clip on her social media sites - Twitter and Instagram - alleging that she was hit by a Zomato delivery executive on March 9 over an argument about a delayed food delivery order. In an almost four-minute-long video clip posted on Instagram and Twitter, Chandranee, seen with a bloody gash on her nose, says that the delivery executive attacked her after she confronted him over the delay in the delivery of her order. Her Twitter bio says she is a model and makeup artist, while her Insta bio states that she is a beauty and fashion influencer and content creator. She has also claimed that she has suffered a nasal bone fracture. Chandranee who has 36.4 k followers on her Insta account further alleged that the delivery executive barged into her home and abused her as well. The video is seen by more than 3.8 million viewers on Instagram. She claimed in the video that she had placed an order at 3.30 pm on March 9, which was supposed to be delivered by 4.30 pm, but since she did not receive her order on time, she got in touch with Zomato's customer support, and asked them to either waive off the charges for the order or cancel the order. According to her, when the delivery executive, whom she identifies as Kamaraj, came to her flat, she asked him to wait as she was speaking to a customer care representative, which is when she says he started abusing her. "The Zomato delivery guy came and he was so rude. I don't usually open the door because of Shushi (her pet dog) and I opened the door a little and through the small slit I asked him to wait because I was conversing with Zomato's customer support," Chandranee said. "I gave him a choice saying I do not need the order so you can take it, I am okay. But he refused to take the order back and he started screaming at me, saying 'Am I a slave or what? You are asking me to wait here'," she alleged. Chandranee added she really felt threatened and tried to shut her door but he pushed the door, took my order from the table, entered my home and punched me on my face so ...and he ran away." While alleging that her nasal bone had been fractured, she said "I was given high-power antibiotics and painkillers because of which I am able to talk. My eyes water and my nose bleeds as soon as I start talking." Meanwhile, responding to the video that Chandranee uploaded on her social media, Zomato's official handle said that it will cooperate in the police investigation as well as the medical assistance that is required. "Hey Hitesha, thank you for speaking to us, we can assure you this is not the experience our delivery universe stands for. Our local representative shall be in touch with you shortly to help you with the police investigation along with assistance on the medical care required. We can't emphasise how sorry we are, rest assured we'll take necessary actions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future," Zomato has tweeted in response to her tweet. Chandranee added that a Zomato employee has reached out to her and said that further action will be taken. She also added that the police had registered a case and is investigating. Drivers and other passers-by had to take cover today, in Port of Spain. As, gunmen began offloading bullets on a convoy of cars. Also, over 50 more people have been arrested for breach of curfew. (Photo : Is Hardsec the Future of Cybersecurity?) Malicious cyber activity is big business - it costs the US economy more than $5 billion annually. According to the US Council of Economic Advisors, this figure is expected to exceed $6 trillion globally by 2021. In 2019, over 7.9 billion data breaches were reported, twice the number of cases seen in 2018. These worrying statistics make cybercrime more profitable than the global trade of all major illegal drugs combined. "The good guys are getting tired," said Charles Carmakal, a senior vice president at FireEye Inc., the Milpitas, California-based cybersecurity company. Despite the billions invested in securing our information, hacking remains a lucrative and attractive business. According to New York Times reporter Nicole Perlroth, hackers are able to make large sums by simply scouring systems looking for flaws in code that might allow backdoor entry to information. Once found, hackers are able to sell access to these bugs for six-figure sums. Software bugs can and have been found in almost every commonplace application, from Apple's App Store, to Microsoft's PowerPoint. "Even anti-virus products - the very software designed to keep spies and criminals out - can be turned into a powerful spy tool", explains Perlroth. Therein lies the fundamental problem with cybersecurity: all software, no matter how sophisticated, is vulnerable to hacking. The US remains open to cybersecurity attacks because most organizations still rely on software alone to secure their data. Part of the current software model is to use updates (known as "patches") to eliminate vulnerabilities as they are discovered. But distributing and uploading the patches themselves can be a vector for attackers to access systems. The fantastic flexibility of software is what makes it great for powering our gadgets and performing complex functions. But that same flexibility is the Achilles heel in today's IT environment - as any software can, by definition, be rewritten. According to Dr. Ronald Indeck, Former Director of the Center for Security Technologies at Washington University and CEO of Q-Net Security, "none of the software-based systems are provably secure. If anything, cybercriminals can easily compromise such systems using malware programs such as virtual rootkits". A new approach? Hardsec - or Hardware-Based Security - is an emerging security approach that relies on physical hardware rather than digital software to secure information. A physical device that holds no software cannot be changed and is thus essentially 'hack-proof'. "Provable security is only possible with something that is 'immutable,' that is, something that can't be changed," adds Indeck. Successful hardware security devices utilize a technology called Field Programmable Gate Array chips, or FPGAs. Unlike the highly-flexible CPUs that power our devices and can perform a wide range of tasks, FPGA chips can only perform a precise range of functions. They don't run any software and can only be programmed using specific physical pins, essentially making them "too dumb to hack." Installing 'unchangeable' devices at all endpoints means every packet of data can be checked at lightning-fast speeds, securing point-to-point communications and ensuring malicious threats cannot spread across a network. This technology is also considered 'quantum-resistant'- impermeable even to futuristic quantum computing technology. Hard-Sec has been the recommended standard by many cybersecurity experts - including the NSA - because it eliminates the need to use software vulnerable code, without reducing performance or slowing down the system. What is the future for Cybersecurity in the USA? As the COVID-19 crisis has forced more organizations to move their operations into the virtual space, cyber attacks will only become more lucrative. The Statista Research Department forecasts that the amount of data stored online centers has increased six-fold in the last five years. This data is primarily secured digitally, and consequently remains vulnerable to hacks. For evidence of our ongoing failure to secure vulnerable data, look no further than the string of recent cyberattacks, like last year's attack on IT firm SolarWinds, which affected several US Government Agencies, including the State Department and Treasury. This attack was so sophisticated that experts admit that it will take months to understand the full extent of it. Similarly, a sophisticated strain of ransomware called Maze hit dozens of companies stealing crucial data, including sensitive medical information from patients during COVID-19. It is no longer good enough to simply rely on anti-virus programs and the never-ending cycle of software updates and patches. All organizations - particularly those tasked with protecting personal identifying information - have an obligation to embrace hardware-based security to finally get ahead of malicious attacks. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) A bill has been filed at the Senate requiring telecommunication companies and internet service providers to put up a refund or bill adjustment mechanism for their customers for internet and telecommunication service disruptions and outages. Introduced by Senator Lito Lapid, Senate Bill No. 20192 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7925 or the "Public Telecommunications Act of the Philippines." "Despite the frequency of these service outages and disruptions, consumers foot the bill for their monthly or pre-paid internet subscriptions without adjustments or refunds for such occurrences. They are paying for a service that they have not enjoyed or used for hours, if not, even days through no fault on their part," read the bill's explanatory note. The measure provides that the refund or bill adjustment shall be issued to customers on a pro-rated basis. The refund shall also cover customers who are subscribing to a pre-paid service, it added. The bill also states the refund or bill adjustment shall be automatically implemented "without any need for action or request on the part of the affected customer." "The principle behind this measure is quite simplethat there is no unjust enrichment on the part of big businesses to the prejudice of consumers," the bill read. "Not even a single centavo shall be paid out of the pockets of our people for a service that they did not use due to an outage or disruption." Eli Lilly & Co says its combination antibody therapy is effective at treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The treatment, a mixture of drugs bamlanivimab and etesevimab, was developed by Indianapolis-based Lilly and the Canadian company AbCellera. It recognizes the virus once a person is infected and attaches to it, preventing the pathogen from entering human cells, and therefore neutralizing it. In trial data released on Wednesday, Eli Lilly said the combination reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 87 percent compared to a placebo. The results are an improvement of an earlier study of the combination, which reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 70 percent. Eli Lilly its combination antibody therapy reduced the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 87% compared to a placebo The combination treatment is a mixture of two drugs, etesevimab (left) and bamlanivimab (right), which recognizes the coronavirus and attaches to it, preventing it from spreading throughout the body 'These compelling data...give healthcare providers additional information regarding the use of bamlanivimab and etesevimab together as a potentially life-saving treatment to help those most at risk for severe complications of COVID-19,' Dr Daniel Skovronsky, chief scientific officer at Eli Lilly, said in a statement. The trial looked at 769 mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients above age 12 who were at high risk of developing severe illness. Each patient was given an amalgamation of 700 milligrams (mg) of bamlanivimab and 1,400 mg of etesevimab. In the study, there were four hospitalizations and zero deaths among the patients given the treatment. Dr Peter Pitts, former FDA associate commissioner for external relations, told DailyMail.com that the findings are evidence that the pandemic can be controlled 'We may not eradicate COVID-19, but we may be able to take it from being a pandemic to endemic and what we can absolutely achieve is keeping people alive,' he said. 'Moving forward, this shows that having understood the value of aggressive early intervention could have saved lives.' Comparatively, there were 11 hospitalizations and four deaths in the placebo group, all determined to have been caused by COVID-19. This dosing was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as combination therapy in February At the time, the federal government agreed to buy 100,000 doses of the antibody therapy, expected to be delivered by the end of the month, for $210 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the Biden administration has the option to buy an additional 1.1 million doses through November 25. Earlier this month, the treatment was also approved for use in Europe. According to Skovronsky, Eli Lilly is prepared to produce one million doses of the combination therapy over the next few months. He also said he believes the treatment will not just protect against older strains of the coronavirus but new variants as well. The UK variant is of particular concern, infecting Americans in 49 of 50 states and is expected to become the country's dominant strain this month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 'We are quite confident this combo covers all of the variants in the U.S.,' Skovronsky told Reuters. He added that the company is currently looking at treatments for the variants first seen in South Africa and Brazil, neither of which are widespread in the U.S. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks to reporters in Little Rock, Ark. Hutchinson on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, signed into law legislation banning nearly all abortions in the state, a sweeping measure that supporters hope will force the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its landmark Roe v. Wade decision but opponents vow to block before it takes effect later this year. (AP Photo/Andrew Demillo, File) Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday signed into law legislation banning nearly all abortions in the state, a sweeping measure that supporters hope will force the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its landmark Roe v. Wade decision but opponents vow to block before it takes effect later this year. The Republican governor had expressed reservations about the bill, which only allows the procedure to save the life of the mother and does not provide exceptions for those impregnated in an act of rape or incest. Arkansas is one of at least 14 states where legislators have proposed outright abortion bans this year. Hutchinson said he was signing the bill because of its overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions." The bans were pushed by Republicans who want to force the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. Conservatives believe the court is more open to striking down the decision following former President Donald Trump's three appointments to the court. We must abolish abortion in this nation just as we abolished slavery in the 19th century all lives matter," Republican Sen. Jason Rapert, the bill's sponsor said in a statement. Hutchinson has signed several major abortion restrictions into law since taking office in 2015, but he had voiced concerns that this bill directly challenges Roe and about the lack of rape and incest exceptions. He repeated those concerns as he announced his decision. (The ban) is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law," he said in a statement released by his office. I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. As the Legislature considered the measure, Hutchinson shared with lawmakers a letter written by an attorney for abortion opponents National Right to Life that said the chances of the bill leading to Roe being overturned were very small and remote. National Right to Life didn't take a position on the bill, though its Arkansas affiliate supported the ban. The legislation won't take effect until 90 days after the majority-Republican Legislature adjourns this year's session. That means it can't be enforced until this summer at the earliest. Abortion rights supporters said they plan to challenge the ban in court before then. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas called the ban cruel and unconstitutional." Governor Hutchinson: well see you in court," ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Holly Dickson said. This is politics at its very worst," Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said in a statement. At a time when people need economic relief and basic safety precautions, dismantling abortion access is cruel, dangerous, and blatantly unjust." Hutchinson had until Wednesday afternoon to take action on the bill before it would have become law without his signature, a move past governors have taken to express displeasure with a bill without risking an override fight with the Legislature. It takes a simple majority for the Legislature to override a governor's veto in Arkansas. Arkansas has some of the strictest abortion measures in the country and two years ago Hutchinson signed into law a measure that would ban the procedure if the Roe decision was overturned. Another measure Hutchinson signed in 2019 banning abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy is on hold due to a legal challenge. Several other restrictions are still being considered in the Legislature, including one approved by the Senate a day earlier that would require a woman having an abortion to first be shown an ultrasound. Another sweeping abortion ban was signed into law by South Carolinas governor last month but was quickly blocked by a federal judge due to a legal challenge by Planned Parenthood. Alabama enacted a near-total ban on abortions in 2019 that has been blocked because of court challenges. Please upgrade to a HTML5 browser (IE9+, Firefox 31+, Chrome 31+, Safari 7+, Opera 27+) or download the video file The Canadian-born rapper is one of the industrys biggest players right now. His music videos always go viral, his albums always conquer charts and linger there for weeks, and his choices in terms of real estate, cars, and other luxury items always make headlines. Drake is now at that level of fame and exposure where he can drop a random quote on social media, and it would still go viral.That said, Drakes earthly possessions get similar amounts of attention. His car collection is worth dozens of millions and is only surpassed by his ability to live out his dreams by driving even those cars he cant own. Like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet concept . His palatial home or, better said, hisin Toronto is an architectural wonder that redefines opulence (and defies any notion of good taste, according to some). His watch collection rivals similar collections from other big names, like Floyd Mayweather or 50 Cent.By the way, Drake added a very special piece about a year ago to his watch collection: a one-of-two Patek Philippe Nautilus by Virgil Abloh. Virgil Abloh is the menswear designer at Louis Vuitton, and he is also the only other person in the world to own such a watch. Its existence and construction are still largely shrouded in mystery, but it is known it was a collaboration with MAD Paris, a known Patek Philippe customizer.This watch is also blasphemy, one that only a rebel would dare wear.For starters, Drake loves this piece. He calls it Virgil, after the man who created it, and hes already shown it off in his music videos, including in the most recent one for Whats Next. It peaks from under his Louis Vuitton fur coat, another Abloh creation, several times during the subway scene, starting at the 1.25-minute mark in the video below.Yeah, I got one, Virgil got one and that there is the only two, Drake raps right at the beginning of the song. Yeah, he loves his watch, and he takes great pride in its rarity.As would anyone else. This Virgil is blasphemous alright, but its also a watchmaking wonder . Its based on the Nautilus Ref. 5726, designed by Gerald Genta and introduced in 1976 with an annual calendar. The original sells in stainless steel, but you see none of that on this interpretation, as its been taken apart, coated in diamond-like carbon, assembled again, and then had every surface covered in emeralds.The trouble starts with getting one's hands on a Nautilus, MAD Paris founder Pierre Lheureux told GQ a while back. Though one such piece retails for just $50,000, it is incredibly rare to find, which means that, if you can find one on the aftermarket, its usually for thrice that amount.Once the Nautilus was acquired, it was disassembled and put into a special chamber for ionic pulverization, which sees every surface and piece stripped of color and covered in diamond-like carbon. MAD Paris makes a lot of these all-black Patek Phillipes and, to signal the custom work, puts inverted commas on the Patek name on the dial.Virgil does away with the Patek Philippe logo altogether, which is why its labeled a blasphemy. After the ionic pulverization, polishing, sandblasting, and coating, it was put back together by hand. Every bit of it was covered in baguette-cut emeraldshundreds of them. Theyre everywhere from the dial to the bezel and the integrated bracelet, and MAD Paris is keeping a lid on how many were used or what their estimated value might be.Still, this is Drake were talking about. He paid over $660,000 on the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Casino Tourbillon , which, sure, is a limited edition, but you still get more than two examples of it (88, to be more precise). Virgil may start at $50,000, but if you add the MAD Paris customization work, the Virgil Abloh fee, and the fact that only two of these exist, its value easily goes up to seven figures. [March 09, 2021] Cigna Taiwan selects IXT by OneDegree as its core system to empower growth in digital and affinity channels TAIPEI, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Taiwan Life Assurance Company Ltd. ("Cigna Taiwan") has selected InsurTech firm OneDegree Global as its digital insurance core system provider. OneDegree Global's IXT solutions will enable the leading insurer to better meet a growing demand for digital user journeys as well as to bring new products to market faster. OneDegree Global, which is incorporated in Singapore and has presence in Taipei and Hong Kong, will help Cigna Taiwan provide on-demand customer experiences, including instant quotation and digital policy management. The InsurTech's modern core system works in parallel with Cigna Taiwan's existing systems and enables configuration of new products quickly and reduction of operating costs through automation. Cigna Taiwan launched an accident insurance product on its new digital platform, the first under the partnership. Tim Shields, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Cigna Taiwan, said: "This is our first time working with an InsurTech firm, and we've chosen OneDegree Global as they have a deep understanding of the modern-day consumer's needs. Cigna Taiwan has knowledge of the ocal insurance market, while OneDegree Global contributes to the partnership its innovative solutions and experiences in other Asian markets." "What sets OneDegree Global apart from other solutions provider is that its sister company is an established digital insurer. It can draw from its sister company's experience and apply that to solutions for Cigna Taiwan and other insurance firms in Taiwan," Mr. Shields added. "OneDegree Global's IXT core insurance system adopts a persona-based design and integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Our solution helps Cigna Taiwan further its digital transformation by overcoming legacy constraints, shortening product launch cycles, and significantly reducing operating costs. We look forward to further collaboration with Cigna Taiwan in delivering new products for the market," said Alex Leung, Co-Founder of OneDegree Global. About OneDegree Global OneDegree Global is an insurance technology company with presence in Singapore, Taipei and Hong Kong. We are ISO 27001 certified. Founded out of frustration over the slow, inflexible and costly legacy insurance systems that plagued the industry, we're set out on a mission to build technology and solutions that help insurers innovate and grow at speed and scale for the future of insurance. Our IXT solutions have been recognized with numerous awards from leading organizations that include Deloitte, KPMG, Hong Kong ICT, and Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia. We partner with forward-thinking insurance enterprises across Asia. We are an international team of experienced technology practitioners and insurance subject matter experts that are passionate about client delivery. Our senior consultants, designers and developers work closely alongside our partners to deliver each project. For more information, please visit: www.theixt.com Media Enquiry OneDegree Global (SG) Pte. Ltd. Email: grow@onedegree.global SOURCE OneDegree Global [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Lao man found stabbed to death in Pa Khlok PHUKET: Police are investigating the death of a Lao man whose body was found with 17 stab wounds in a coconut plantation in Pa Khlok yesterday morning (Mar 9). murderhomicidecrimeviolencepolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 10 March 2021, 10:06AM Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Maj Niwat Timket of the Thalang Police was called to the scene, in Moo Baan Bangsai, at about 11:30am. In the middle of the plantation, officers found the body of Done Xayvikith, 48, face up on the ground. Mr Done was last seen about 4pm on Sunday when he left his house to meet a friend to go fishing, Maj Niwat noted in his report. Mr Dones family and friends told police that they began searching for Mr Done after he failed to return home, Maj Niwat said. The first search for Mr Done was from 3pm to 9pm on Monday and resumed from 2am to 3am yesterday. The search continued from 5am yesterday, and continued until his body was found at about 11am, he said. Mr Dones wife, who asked not to be named, said she had no idea who may have wanted to kill her husband. She explained that she and Mr Done had lived in the Pa Khlok area together for about 20 years. They have a 16-year-old son. Deep in grief, Mr Dones wife said she was not interested in the police investigation into her husbands death. I just want to hold a funeral for him as soon as possible, she said. Maj Niwat told The Phuket News yesterday afternoon that forensic police had already examined Mr Dones body and released it to his family so his funeral could be held. No further evidence was found at the scene and the coconut plantation where the body was found is far from any homes of people living in the area, Maj Niwat said. We have no more information about this case at this stage, but we are now looking into any possible connection with previous criminal activity, Maj Niwat added. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Seguin, Texas (78155) Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. By Trudy Rubin How do nations sleepwalk into war? Often through lack of imagination. That is the thesis that impelled Adm. James Stavridis, a former NATO supreme commander, and Elliot Ackerman, a prominent fiction writer and decorated Marine veteran, to write "2034: A Novel of the Next World War." The new novel envisions how the United States and China could blunder into a nuclear conflict, propelled by Chinese nationalism, American hubris, and a U.S. failure to grasp the extent of Chinese advances in cyberwarfare. At a time when the world is changing with a rapidity few of us foresaw including a pandemic and U.S. internal conflicts it seems hard to predict what next year will look like. Yet, as this novel makes clear, it's never been more important for Americans to fully grasp the danger of deteriorating relations between a still powerful U.S. and a rapidly rising China a reality often lost in our hyper partisan political debates. I asked Ackerman, a National Book Award finalist, whose four previous novels draw on his five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, why he chose fiction to make this case. "There's this sense that the best way to avoid these conflicts is to imagine them, then see how horrible it would be," he told me. "The last three [major] national security attacks on our country Pearl Harbor, 9/11, and the pandemic were all things we failed to imagine." It's not that military and think tank experts aren't discussing potential military conflicts with China, but Americans haven't thought through the consequences. "One of the challenges of cyber is that we don't see it," Ackerman continued. "It is easy to fall into complacency because we predict the next war will be decided like the past. It is difficult to imagine a different framework." Case in point: The recent discovery of the massive SolarWinds hack, allegedly by Russia, that penetrated private U.S. companies, the Departments of Treasury and Commerce, probably parts of the Pentagon, and the Department of Homeland Security. So Ackerman and Stavridis chose to write a character-driven novel that veers between the old American military ethos of the 20th century and the uncertainties of the present. The plot revolves around a female U.S. Navy commodore who miscalculates while conducting a freedom of navigation patrol in the South China Sea, and an American pilot who dreams of emulating the aces of World War II. It also hones in on Chinese officials who underestimate the consequences of using powerful new cyberweapons to render U.S. ships and planes defenseless. Things escalate from there. "U.S. dominance in conventional military power is unmatched," Ackerman says. "But in the unseen sphere of cyberdefense and offense the book tries to jolt the reader into the sphere where America is no longer the most dominant. Many Americans walk around with a sense of complacency that isn't merited." For Stavridis, the book carries on the tradition of the cautionary fiction of post-WWII novels like "Fail Safe" and "On the Beach" that imagined nuclear war with the Soviet Union. But the difference between now and then is that Americans knew what the horrors of nuclear war looked like, after Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That impelled Moscow and Washington to design systems to prevent the next one. That public awareness is missing when it comes to China, which dwarfs the former Soviet Union in population and power. Beijing is developing new technologies that will make it a peer competitor with the United States in coming decades. So how to avoid the dire scenario of the novel? Stavridis cautions: "We have already entered a Cold War setting and the question is how to avoid a hot war. China thinks 50, 100 years ahead. We do high-fives when we think five years ahead." The United States needs a long-term strategy for China (including improved cyber capabilities), rather than dealing with Beijing episodically, adds Stavridis. Former President Donald Trump "was right to be concerned about China's rise but used pure tactics geared toward electoral advantage." His advice to the Biden team: "Cooperate where we can, but confront where we must (in coordination with allies). Respect China's place in the international system but don't acquiesce in territorial claims or overrunning Taiwan." Ackerman, who was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valor, has a more personal answer. "I'm drawing these characters from knowledge of the human cost of war," he says. America still has not finished the "late empire wars" he fought in. The biggest theme of the book, he says, is "We have to avoid this war [with China]. ... We have anesthetized ourselves to war, thinking it won't be that bad and will be over by Christmas. But maybe we don't have the technological dominance." He hopes the novel will inspire an "act of imagination [that] is a good inoculation to what war would look like." Amen. Trudy Rubin (trubin@phillynews.com.) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. This article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency. Mazaza Owusu-Mensah, 18, was stabbed in the chest in Abbey Wood, London, during a fight on a quiet residential street on Saturday evening An 18-year-old who was knifed to death in a South-East London street fight has been pictured. Mazaza Owusu-Mensah, 18, was stabbed in the chest in Abbey Wood, London, during a fight on a quiet residential street. Police and paramedics were called to reports of a fight shortly after 5.30pm on Saturday. Despite their best efforts, Mazaza tragically died at the scene. The Met have issued a desperate plea for anyone with 'information or footage' to come forward, saying: 'Another young life has been ended at the point of a blade, another family is left devastated.' Following his death, enhanced stop and search powers - Section 60 - were authorised for the SE2 postcode and a murder probe has been launched. These Section 60 order was in place from 6.45pm on Saturday to 3am Sunday morning. Following his death, enhanced stop and search powers - Section 60 - were authorised for the SE2 postcode and a murder probe has been launched. Pictured: Forensics at the scene on Saturday Police and paramedics were called to reports of a fight shortly after 5.30pm on Saturday and found 18-year-old man with a stab injury to his chest. Pictured: Police at the scene on Saturday Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Darren Jones said: 'Mazaza died on a residential street during lockdown when people would have been at home. 'It is very likely that a number of people saw what happened and I am keen to hear from anyone who has information but is yet to come forward. 'We are moving at a pace with our ongoing enquiries into the circumstances around Mazaza's death but I am still keen to hear from anyone who has information that they have not yet shared with my team.' DCI Jones called on anyone who may have been around Abbey Wood at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday, March 6, to get in touch. He said: 'Were you in Edington Road around the time of the incident? 'Did you drive through the area and perhaps have dash-cam footage that could assist my team? 'Another young life has been ended at the point of a blade, another family is left devastated - if you have seen information on social media or have any other information about who is responsible, we would encourage you to do the right thing - come forward and tell us what you know.' The Met have issued a desperate plea for anyone with 'information or footage' to come forward, saying: 'Another young life has been ended at the point of a blade, another family is left devastated.' Pictured: Forensics at the scene on Saturday On Monday, a 19-year-old man was knifed to death in broad daylight in London - making him the eighth teen stabbing fatality of 2021. Officers were called to the scene at 1.54pm on Penhurst Road in Tottenham after two teenagers were stabbed and a third was injured. The 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene while another teen, 18, was treated for stab wounds and taken to hospital. His condition is not life threatening. The third victim, another 18-year-old boy, was treated for minor injuries. Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Darren Jones said: 'Mazaza died on a residential street during lockdown when people would have been at home. Pictured: Police at the scene on Saturday The latest killings mean the teenage murder rate in the capital is more than double what it was at the same stage last year. The latest wave of teenage knife crime began when 17-year-old student Anas Mezenner was fatally knifed in Tottenham, north London, on Wednesday January 20. Since then there has been an average of one teenager stabbed to death in the capital every six-and-a-half days. Anyone with information about Mazaza's death is urged to call the investigation room on 0208 358 0300, call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 5771/06MAR. To remain 100 per cent anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Doddery old Joe Biden isn't even trying to hide it anymore. His gaffes and garble are soaring to orbit. The faraway look in his eyes is growing dimmer. The public is noticing. He called himself a transition president. He presumably joked that he'd resign if he ever disagreed with Harris. But much sooner than anyone thought, a Hollywood style starlet build-up for Vice President Kamala Harris is beginning as if to prepare the public for his replacement. Start with this International Women's Day tweet from someone at the controls of the Twitter account of senile old Joe: I want every child to know that this is what vice presidents and generals in the United States Armed Forces look like. pic.twitter.com/y2OFL1z29r President Biden (@POTUS) March 9, 2021 This, to anyone who knows the history of Kamala Harris, comes off as kind of grotesque. Biden's message of her as an example to all the little girls is to be born pretty, attach yourself as mistress to a powerful older married man, sleep your way to the top, then move on to attach yourself to the next older man who needs your skin color next to him to gain street cred with the woke. Merit, hard work, intellectual heft those don't matter. Just sleep your way to the top, and you'll be billed a hero to all the little girls out there. This, coming from handsy Joe, is creepy. As for the two female generals also featured in the tweet, Army lt. gen. Laura Richardson and Air Force gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, whether they were promoted on merit or for being born female is anyone's guess. Biden has already shown that he's all about skin color and sex to maintain appearances, leading to some crazy incompetent appointments. Merit is something else, and if the two women are people of merit, Joe's administration has undercut them, placing them in the same bin as #HeelsUpHarris. But Biden's aim seems to be to foster a presidential transition. Harris is everywhere with him, as if to appeal to black voters that he's not the insensitive old white guy given to making racially insensitive statements, which he is, but actually a placeholder for Kamala. As here: I dont recall anytime in American Presidential history where a VP has hovered so much behind a President. Why the constant presence of Kamala Harris? pic.twitter.com/HiYefJy2dv Tricia Flanagan (R-NJ) (@NewDayForNJ) March 9, 2021 And he seems to be delegating the presidential responsibilities of duty to her. The White House put this vague palaver out on March 9: Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, and affirmed her commitment to deepening the strong alliance between Norway and the United States. Vice President Harris and Prime Minister Solberg agreed on the importance of standing together to support human rights and shared democratic values. They agreed to cooperate bilaterally and multilaterally to advance global health, particularly the well-being of women and girls. Vice President Harris and Prime Minister Solberg also discussed the need for close coordination on COVID-19, climate change, and the Arctic. The Vice President thanked the Prime Minister for Norway's close security partnership with the United States and generous contributions to development and health security efforts around the world. It gets worse: Biden also is putting on this strange event described by Politico: President Biden is planning more media, a major speech, an address to Congress and a road show featuring VP Kamala Harris all with an eye on promoting the massive, soon-to-be passed Covid bill.https://t.co/9GDzqSrV00 POLITICO (@politico) March 10, 2021 Did they say "featuring?" They're about to run a road show featuring Kamala Harris? It sounds like Cher's famous 1971 song, "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves." Is she the 'mama' role in those famous lyrics? I was born in the wagon of a travellin' show My mama used to dance for the money they'd throw Papa would do whatever he could Preach a little gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good [CHORUS] Gypsys, tramps, and thieves We'd hear it from the people of the town They'd call us Gypsys, tramps, and thieves But every night all the men would come around And lay their money down It's all pretty shocking. Kamala Harris is a giggly radical leftist of long proven phoniness, ambition, corruption, and dishonesty. She was pinned as a phony by Democratic voters in the Iowa caucus as recently as 2019, leading to her dropping out as a presidential candidate for the 2020 election. Now senile Joe is lining her up to be president, featuring her in a road show, and comparing her to generals? It's a complete clown show, but it's also worrisome. Democrats had to have known that Biden was not up to the job but hid him in the basement and from the public until they could get the power they wanted, by fair means or foul, and there's ample reason to think it was foul. Joe really was a senile old puppet, possibly medicated to survive his debate appearances, and now the transition is on, the foisting of an unable-to-stand-on-her-own vice president on the public, the same woman who failed to win a single electoral vote. They seem to be moving toward this now, and it's going at rapid pace. Yet no questions about this are being asked in the press, in what would have to be the most despicable power-grab piled on an earlier power-grab in the history of the U.S. republic. Image: Twitter screen shot. Calhoun Community College Foundation has announced its Annual Day of Giving event, which will be held both online and in-person at the Colleges Huntsville and Decatur campuses on March 17. Heres more from the college about the event: Day of Giving is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world by giving whatever they can. The College is encouraging everyone to join the challenge. The foundation is planning to use social media and email advertising to push this 24-hour fundraising event. According to Johnette Davis, Calhoun Foundation Director, The Foundation is seeking support from Calhoun employees, students, alumni, friends, and community partners to make this day a great success. With Calhoun having such a large impact on our communitys healthcare industry, the Foundation decided to designate this years proceeds to benefit prospective students who aspire to pursue a career in health care. Out of pocket costs for students entering into some of our various health care programs can range from approximately $600.00 to $2,500.00, commented Bret McGill, Dean of Health Sciences. These costs are not covered by academic scholarships and may create financial hardships for our students and hinder them from obtaining a healthcare degree, added McGill. The current COVID-19 pandemic has made it very clear that trained and knowledgeable healthcare workers are extremely vital, commented Dr. Joe Burke, Calhoun Interim President. Calhoun ensures our health care students are not only educated using current industry trends and equipment, but they are given quality classroom instruction to ensure they understand the tasks they are completing, said Burke. All donations will specifically go to the health care division unless otherwise stated by the donor. Monies raised will allow the Foundation to assist students with the purchase of books/e-resources, uniforms, testing fees, background check/drug screening, physical exams, immunizations, clinical supplies, and many other vital things that are required in their respective program. Almost 50 percent of Calhoun students receive Pell grant funding, and over 60 percent receive some form of financial aid, commented Davis. Without additional financial support such as scholarships, grants, and other related funds through the College, many students would be unable to afford a college education, added Davis. Donations will be accepted at the following locations: Online at www.calhoun.edu/dayofgiving Calhouns Huntsville campus, Sparkman building or Math, Science, and CIS building, 102 Wynn Dr. NW Huntsville, AL, 35805 Calhouns Decatur campuses, Math, Science and Administration building, 6250 US Hwy 31 N, Tanner, AL To learn more about this great fundraising effort or to make a donation, visit www.calhoun.edu/dayofgiving. Kanpur, March 10 : The father of a 13-year-old gang rape victim in Uttar Pradesh died on Wednesday after being hit by a truck in Kanpur outside a hospital, where his daughter was being examined. The incident took place a day after the father of the victim had alleged that the brother of the accused had threatened him of dire consequences if the matter was taken to the police. One of the accused's father is said to be a policeman. DIG Kanpur, Preetinder Singh, said in a video statement. "The main accused in the gang rape case has been arrested. A search is on to nab those who threatened the family members and other accused involved in the crime. "The death of the victim's father is tragic. The accident took place when the medical examination of the victim was underway and the father stepped out for a cup of tea. "After some time, we got to know that he met with an accident by truck. He was immediately taken to a Kanpur hospital, but was declared brought dead by doctors. We have filed an accident case and we are probing the matter." The family members of the victim and villagers have alleged that the incident at Sajeti police circle was actually a planned murder by one of the rape accused. According to Kanpur police, the father met with the accident outside a hospital where the girl was taken for a medical examination. Angry villagers blocked the Kanpur-Sagar highway demanding swift action into the alleged murder. The minor girl, who lives in a village under Sajeti police station, was allegedly gang raped by a few men of the same village. As per a complaint filed by the victim's family, two men named Golu Yadav and Deepu Yadav of the same village abducted and raped the teenager. According to reports, Deepu Yadav's father works as a policeman and is posted in Kannauj district. The family also alleged that they were threatened with dire consequences if they filed a police complaint. A case of gang rape and criminal intimidation was registered by Kanpur police on Tuesday based on a complaint by the victim's father. Meghan Markle in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey has accused the British Royal Family of pushing her to the verge of suicide. Should it surprise us after 200 years of British rule? Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry has accused the British Royal Family of pushing her to the verge of suicide in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey. The 39-year-old, whose mother is black and father is white commented that she had been naive before she had married into the family in 2018, although she had been experiencing suicidal thoughts and considering self-harm. She had been pleading for help but with no response. Her son Archie, who is aged one, she said has been denied the title of Prince because there has been a consensus within the Royal Family of how dark his skin colour might be and that there had been conversations about how dark his skin might be when hes born. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle commented that They didnt want him to be a prince which was aired on CBS on 7th March 2021. However, she declined who might have aired these concerns as well did Harry. He added that his family had cut him off financially and that his father, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, refused to take his phone calls and had let him down. Nonetheless, Buckingham Palace has yet to release its comment on the interview which had aired early in the morning on Britain. Also Read: US-Afghan peace deal: US proposes transnational government in Taliban Also Read: US slams Chinas direct attack on Hong Kongs autonomy; condemn Xis move to overhaul HK elections Neither Markle nor Harry accused Queen Elizabeth directly, although she has always felt that the Royal Family has been uncaring towards her. She has accused Kate, the wife of Prince William, of making her cry before their wedding. The Royal Family including Prince Charles has been openly critiqued by Markle. She commented that her voice has been silenced by the Firm headed by Queen Elizabeth with her predicament paid no heed at all. I just didnt want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. And I remember how he [Harry] just cradled me, Meghan said, wiping away tears. Their announcement in January 2020 that they intend to step down from their royal roles had put the Royal Family into crisis. It was confirmed by the Buckingham Palace that this split would be permanent as Harry and Markle would be beginning an independent life in the United States. Harry stated that he stepped down from royal duties because there was a lack of understanding and was worried that he did not want history to repeat itself, referring to his mothers death in 1997. I feel really let down and my family literally cut me off financially. The treatment by the Royal Family depicts how an outdated British institution has lashed out against a modern woman which has undertones of racism. Meghan told Winfrey that the people within the Royal Institution has failed to protect her against malicious claims but lied to protect other people and said, It was only once we were married and everything started to really worsen that I came to understand that not only was I not being protected but that they were willing to lie to protect other members of the family. She even denied that she had made Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge cry but pointed out that the reverse happened. When asked if she made a cry, she commented, The reverse happened. A few days before the wedding [Kate] was upset about something, pertaining to, yes, the issue was correct, about the flower girl dresses, and it made me cry. And it really hurt my feelings. The 200 years that the British Empire ruled India, its policies echoed racism. The prevalent belief was non-interference in the customs of the Indian society, although without moral education the natives would retain rebelliousness and savageness. However, even if the British renounced non-interference displayed their image as benevolent and compassionate towards the Indians, their stratagem projected another. But, it should not surprise us at all. Also Read: China plans to connect Tibet with high speed bullet trains; strategic concern for India We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 2021-03-10 Maeci Italy welcomes with great satisfaction the outcome of the vote of the House of Representatives plenary session, which convened in Sirte starting from March 8th, granting confidence to the Government of National Unity led by Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba today March 10th. It is an important and encouraging result within the Countrys normalization process, leading the way to an effective institutional transition in favour of the unity of Libya. After a decade of conflict, Libyans have shown their great will and determination to overcome differences through dialogue. The large majority the Libyan Parliament granted confidence to the Government of National Unity is further evidence of this renewed sense of unity. Achieving these objectives seemed difficult until a few months ago and for this reason Italy thanks and reiterates its sincere appreciation for the unremitting efforts of the United Nations and the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General Jan Kubis for peace and stability in Libya. Based on our Countries deep and historical ties and friendship, Italy remains alongside the Libyan people. Within the framework of the path set by the Berlin Process, Italy is ready to cooperate with the interim unified executive authority to support it during next phases of the institutional transition as well as in the pursuit of priority objectives such as holding elections on December 24th and the concrete implementation of the ceasefire agreement, starting with the complete withdrawal from the Country of all foreign fighters and mercenaries, the launch of a national reconciliation process and the furniture of supply services to the Libyan population. NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 05:33:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ALGIERS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Tuesday urged the African Union member countries to establish a special fund dedicated to tackling impacts of climate change in Africa, state-run radio channel I reported. The call was made by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at a video conference of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), where the climate change and its impact on peace and security in Africa, as well as the recent developments in Western Sahara top the agenda. "The contributors in this fund would be the wealthiest African countries, with the assistance of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Security Council and everyone involved in climate change issue," Tebboune said. On the issue of Western Sahara, the Algerian President expressed hopes for "practical and efficient measures" to "pave the way for sustainable solution for this long lasting conflict." Enditem Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Albion, IN (46701) Today Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low near 55F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 MBA in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 210 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 210 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top MBA in Information Technology Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-mba-in-information-technology-degree-programs/ 2021 MBA in Information Technology Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University System Boston University California Lutheran University California Miramar University California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, Fullerton Campbellsville University Champlain College City University Of Seattle Colorado Technical University Concordia University, Wisconsin Dakota State University Emporia State University Florida Institute Of Technology Florida State University Fort Hays State University Gardner-Webb University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia State University Golden Gate University Grantham University Herzing University Indiana University Lawrence Technological University Maryville University Marywood University Missouri State University Monroe College New York Institute of Technology Oklahoma State University Park University Parker University Purdue University Global Regent University Rivier University Schiller University Southern New Hampshire University Stevens Institute Of Technology Tennessee Technological University University of Arizona University Of Central Arkansas University of Dallas University of Maryland University of Massachusetts, Lowell University Of Texas, Dallas University Of Wisconsin, Whitewater Webster University West Texas A&M University Western Governors University Widener University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced that its Secure Systems Research Centre (SSRC) has partnered with Purdue University, a world-renowned US-based public research university. The two entities are collaborating on a three-year sophisticated cybersecurity project to ensure Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used safely and efficiently in urban operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005409/en/ Dr Shreekant Thakkar, Chief Researcher, Secure Systems Research Centre (SSRC), Technology Innovation Institute (TII) - (Photo: AETOSWire) Secure Systems Research Centre is one of initial seven dedicated research centres at TII. The research collaboration with Purdue University, titled Cybersecurity for UAS Operations in Urban Environment, includes the study of security and resilience in cyber-physical and autonomous systems. The project examines safety challenges that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) experience in operating environments. These systems and vehicles are vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks in terms of communication, navigation, surveillance, and command and control. The outcome of this research will help other research at Secure Systems Research Centre in the future. Dr Shreekant (Ticky) Thakkar, Chief Researcher at Secure Systems Research Centre leading the Secure Autonomous Computing work, said: Our world is becoming increasingly complex. This is evidenced by the rising number of cyberattacks and surveillance breaches that occur daily. We must regain control over critical digital systems. We are optimistic that the research outcomes at TIIs Secure Systems Research Centre will allow us to gain the upper hand in the fight against these malicious attacks. He added: We are delighted to have the Purdue Team led by Prof. Inseok Hwang of School of Aeronautics and Astronautics partner on making cyber-physical and autonomous systems secure and resilient to malware using their state of the art autonomous drone testing facility. This will enable commercial autonomous drones and robots growth in the UAE and worldwide, opening new opportunities to enterprises and making their use safer for all people. A multidisciplinary group of researchers from Purdue University will join forces with TIIs Secure Systems Research Centre team. The research project comprises four phases of development. First, it will carry out a modelling and analysis of UAS security. Second, it will develop algorithms and methodologies for high-assurance autonomy. Third, it will construct an experimental environment and work to simulate safe and secure urban UAS operations. Finally, it will test and validate mitigation strategies in a scaled, mixed-reality testbed. This three-year project is led by Prof. Inseok Hwang as the principal investigator. Prof. Hwang is assisted on this project by two co-researchers from Purdue University Prof. James Goppert, a visiting assistant professor at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and managing director of the UAS Research and Test Facility; and Prof. Dongyan Xu, the Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science and Director of CERIAS (Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security), Purdues cybersecurity research and education center. Prof. Hwang will assess potential cyberattacks on the systems, Prof. Xu will conduct resource-efficient encryption, multi-UAS communications, and other research from the cyber perspective while Prof. Goppert will test the drones in a special mixed reality environment he will design and build. Prof. Hwang said: This landmark project comes at a time of growing reliance on UASs across various sectors from security to medicine and logistics, and everything in between. We are confident that our partnership will translate into global wins for the international community and lead to many more research milestones in the years to come. For more information, please visit www.tii.ae and https://securesystems.tii.ae/ *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005409/en/ Rural groups have welcomed the government's move to strengthen police powers and create a new criminal offence to tackle unauthorised encampments. The new offence will specifically target trespassers using vehicles to reside on land who are causing disruption to local communities, the Home Secretary announced. This will bring England on par with other countries, like Ireland and Scotland, where unauthorised encampments have been illegal for some time. Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "This new offence will enable the police to fine or arrest those residing without permission on private or public land in vehicles in order to stop significant disruption, distress or harm being caused to the law-abiding majority. "I am delivering on my commitment to give the police the powers they need to tackle these encampments swiftly and effectively." The government said the measures would target harmful encampments which reflected badly on the wider nomadic community as a whole, the majority of whom were law-abiding. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) welcomed the new powers as they would be 'strongly supported' by rural communities. The group said that for years, farmers and landowners had been 'severely affected' by the damage that can be caused by unauthorised encampments. CLA President Mark Bridgeman said: "From their businesses being disrupted and their families being threatened, getting the situation resolved is a stressful and time-consuming process." He added that farming and rural businesses often spent thousands of pounds in legal fees and clear-up costs. In 2017, a landowner was left with a bill running over 100,000 after an unauthorised encampment left more than 250 tonnes of rubbish in his field. Police will now have more powers to deal with unauthorised encampments, so its vitally-important they use this authority to tackle incidents head-on which will take the pressure off landowners," Mr Bridgeman said. The dismissal of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Troy University and two female employees at the schools student recruiting office in Fayetteville was upheld last week by the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Sharrell Farmer, who was fired from the office in 2015, filed a $15 million lawsuit in July 2018 against Troy University and employees Pamela Gainey and Karren Tillery. The public university is based in Alabama and has a service center in Fayetteville, N.C. in the Eutaw Village Shopping Center. Farmer, who recruited students for the university from May 2014 until his termination in September 2015, alleged in his lawsuit that Gainey, an office manager, and Tillery, an administrative assistant, behaved inappropriately toward him to include: On Farmers first day of work, " Pamela Gainey took her hands and placed them on his chest, abdominal muscles and stomach without his consent, and Tillery later touched his chest without consent. That Tillery and Gainey frequently made sexually suggestive remarks toward Farmer. That the women had an inappropriate conversation with a male student and tried to get the student to expose himself, and that they used a slur about gay men toward another male student. The women operated side businesses in the Troy office when they were supposed to be working for Troy. The women falsely told someone that Farmer had a sexual liaison with another Troy University employee who was married. The complaint also alleged that after Farmer made a complaint with human resources, the HR director told him an investigation failed to find any merit to his allegations, even though Farmer had spoken to others he said were harassed, and they claimed they were never interviewed by HR. After Gainey returned from administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, he said, she gave him more work, including the job of opening the office at 5:30 a.m. and returning to close it at 7:30 p.m. Eventually, he was fired Sept. 9, 2015. He alleges his firing was in retaliation for reporting the alleged harassment to the universitys human resources department. Troys lawyers denied Farmers allegations. All of the defendants employment decisions and actions were made based on proper business and legitimate business considerations, which were lawful, non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory, they said in amotion. In dismissing the claim, the trial court found that the individual defendants were protected by the sovereign immunity afforded to Troy University, meaning, the government is immune from being sued except in limited circumstances. The appeals court ruling last week found that the trial court did not err when dismissing the case and agreed that the school was a public entity, and thus enjoyed sovereign immunity (Farmer) has not shown that the trial court erred in granting defendants motion to dismiss, the judges wrote. Accordingly, we affirm the trial courts order. Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528. ___ (c)2021 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. LEAWOOD, Kan., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Menufy, a commission-free, online ordering system for independently owned restaurants and small chains in the U.S., has partnered with Square to help businesses increase their digital order volume. Restaurateurs that use a Square for Restaurants point-of-sale (POS) system with Menufy can now benefit from streamlined workflows, improved web visibility and reduced technology costs. In addition to digital ordering features, the integration supports curbside pickup to minimize indoor contact amid today's heightened public health concerns and inventory synchronization to ensure that a restaurant's menu is continually up to date. "We're thrilled to integrate with Square, a fintech innovator that empowers businesses of all shapes and sizes like many of our partner restaurants," says Susan Escher, Menufy CFO. "As part of our freemium offering, this seamless integration brings operational harmony at no additional costs for restaurateurs." MENUFY PARTNERSHIPS Menufy has a track record of building partnerships that put the "restaurant first," according to company leaders. As the restaurant market responds to new safety guidelines and consumer preferences, the Midwest-based online ordering company continues to identify solutions to help restaurants keep ahead of changing trends. "Times have been tough for restaurants as of late," said Gabriella Hernandez, Square's head of Partner Management. "We're looking forward to working with Menufy to provide our sellers with access to the tools they need to thrive in this difficult, unpredictable, and rapidly evolving business environment." Menufy CEO Sharmil Desai says the company can offer concierge-level service because the majority of its founding team comes from the restaurant industry, with one co-founder still owning and operating a restaurant. The insight-driven team gives Menufy's restaurant customers services beyond online ordering, including free website design, 24/7 customer support and consulting with foodservice experts. "We bring solutions based on what our customers are telling us. We let you run your business how you want to run your business," says Desai. "At Menufy, we put your brand first, and now with Square integration, the restaurateurs get more exposure that leads to more orders while reducing costs and increasing order accuracy." CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS Restaurant owners currently using Menufy have indicated that a full-service solution that comes with integration gives them more time to focus on operating their business. Becca Kerr, owner of Little Kitchen HTX in Jersey Village, Texas, says, "Activating the online ordering integration was refreshingly straightforward, and it simplifies all of our processes everything from order management to bookkeeping. It's easy, as when I change a price in the POS, it's automatically uploaded online. If I add an item to the menu, it's updated so there are no discrepancies when ordering." Jake Wilson, owner of Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches in Kansas City, Mo., adds, "The Square-Menufy all-in-one solution keeps our staff better organized and in full control of our online menu directly from our register." HOW THE INTEGRATION WORKS The complete turnkey Menufy integration is available for installation on Square Stand, Square Terminal, Square Register and on mobile devices operating on iOS and Android, which can be converted into full-featured POS systems with Square software. Restaurants that currently use a Square POS system but do not provide digital services or delivery can take advantage of Menufy's on-demand solutions. Restaurants receive a free, branded website and marketplace listing and can offer carryout and contactless delivery service in thousands of cities in the U.S. Patrons can transact on the restaurant's online ordering website or on the Menufy portal and can pay with major credit cards, mobile wallets or cryptocurrencies. Customers may also place orders ahead of time, or as a group and can simplify checkout through social logins or check out as a guest. About Menufy Menufy, headquartered in the Kansas City area, began in 2009 as the brainchild of passionate restaurant operators and their tech-minded friends who couldn't wait for their problems to be solved by someone else. Together, they built one of the most well-established, free online ordering systems for restaurants with transparent pricing. Today, Menufy supports thousands of independently owned restaurants and small chains in more than 3,000 U.S. cities. The primary goal of Menufy's founders is to preserve restaurant takeout profit margins. They equip restaurateurs with an online ordering website designed around the restaurant's brand and offer full data ownership, a loyalty program, complimentary analytics, and digital and print marketing services. Customers can order directly from the restaurant's website or from the Menufy portal or app, which accept more payment options than any other restaurant e-commerce system, including cryptocurrency payments such as Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Paxos Standard (PAX), and Binance USD (BUSD) at participating restaurants. Follow Menufy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Note to Editors This release is available in Spanish and Chinese upon request. Media Contact: Jeremy Kuo (913) 738-9399 Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12861288 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Menufy health minister taken to hospital with suspected infection on Tuesday Australia's health minister is recovering in hospital after getting cellulitis - a bacterial infection discovered in his leg. Greg Hunt was admitted to hospital on Tuesday just hours after Victorian Premier Dan Andrews was placed in intensive care after a horror fall. He was kept overnight for observation and was being administered antibiotics and fluid by hospital staff, and is now expected to stay in hospital for several days. Officials have since confirmed the condition is not related to the Covid-19 vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be acting health minister while Mr Hunt recovers. Along with Department of Health secretary Brendan Murphy, Mr Hunt was among the first to receive the AstraZeneca vaccination at a Melbourne clinic on Sunday. Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt was hospitalised on Tuesday with an infection in his leg Victorian Premier Dan Andrews was also hospitalised after breaking several ribs and damaging his spine after slipping on wet stairs while getting ready for work on Tuesday 'Overnight, testing confirmed Minister Hunt's diagnosis to be Cellulitis, a bacterial infection in his leg,' a statement from Mr Hunt's office said on Wednesday morning. 'The minister is improving and will be discharged in the coming days and expects to be back at work next week. 'The Prime Minister will be acting Health Minister during his absence.' He served as the nation's Federal Health Minister through the coronavirus pandemic, having stepped into the position back in 2017. WHAT IS CELLULITIS? Cellulitis is a spreading inflammation of the skin and the tissues directly beneath it. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can become serious if not treated with antibiotics. The main signs of cellulitis are skin that is red, painful, swollen, tender and warm to touch. People with severe cellulitis can get fever, blisters, chills, sweating and nausea, and might feel generally unwell. Cellulitis often affects the lower leg, but can occur on any part of the body including the face. People with cellulitis can quickly become very unwell and a small number of people may develop serious complications. Source: Healthdirect.gov.au Advertisement Mr Hunt is the third Morrison government minister to go on leave in recent weeks, with Attorney-General Christian Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds also on leave at the moment for medical reasons. Mr Porter said last week he would take a short period of leave to assess his mental health on the advice of his doctor. He has denied accusations of a historical rape allegation when he was a teenager. Senator Reynolds said on Sunday she was re-assessed recently by her cardiologist for a pre-existing medical condition. She has also been under heavy criticism for her handling of a rape allegation flagged by former staffer Brittany Higgins in Canberra. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Andrews was also hospitalised after breaking several ribs and damaging his spine after slipping on wet stairs while getting ready for work. The Victorian Premier's office initially said the fall on Tuesday morning was 'concerning' but the leader had not suffered any head injuries. His office later confirmed the accident happened in accommodation the Andrews family were staying at in Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne's CBD, where they had been enjoying the long weekend. 'A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days,' Mr Andrews said. James Merlino will serve as Acting Premier in Victoria until Andrews recovers. Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services after the department refused to release data related to COVID-19 deaths at nursing homes. The center is representing Charlie LeDuff, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist, who was denied state records after submitting a Freedom of Information Act request in January. Given the recent exposures of nursing home policy failures in other states, it has become even more critical that the state be transparent. In December, the states COVID-19 dashboard added an asterisk to its data, claiming new death numbers were found as part of a vital records search. LeDuff filed a FOIA request on Jan. 27 asking for a listing of all Michigan COVID-19 deaths during the month of December 2020 that were identified in the vital records search. The department responded by providing a link to the states website, which contained summarized data that had previously been released publicly. MDHHS refused to release any additional information, claiming that it would be a privacy violation. LeDuff then clarified that his request needed to only provide the age and date of death, as well as when the death was added to the departments official statistics and if the deceased contracted COVID-19 at a long-term care facility. But he was once again denied. Despite the request being for aggregated and anonymized data, the department claimed that releasing it would reveal protected and private health information. The department also refused to release information on the grounds that the requested data was drawn from vital records, making it exempt from disclosure by law. It is essential that the public have access to data about nursing home deaths in Michigan, state Steve Delie, the Mackinac Centers policy lead on transparency and open government, in a news release Tuesday. Unfortunately, rather than simply providing anonymous data, the state has refused to shed light on this important matter. As more scandals plague other states COVID response, it is no longer acceptable for the government to provide statistics and ask citizens to simply accept them as true. It should be noted that MDHHS sells copies of individual death certificates that can be obtained by anyone and that contain more personal information than LeDuff is requesting. Despite the departments claims, none of the requested information can realistically be used to identify individuals. In addition, FOIA permits that specific identifying information can be redacted from the data and the remaining information can still be released. Even if privacy is the main concern, the department could simply redact parts of the information and release the rest. Not only does the public have the right to know this information, we have the need to know, stated Charlie LeDuff. It has become patently clear that this disease has attacked the most vulnerable, namely the institutionalized elderly. If were going to fix end-of-life care moving forward, its going to require a hard look at how the states policies treated our most vulnerable population. Sars-CoV-2 conspiracy theories are not only prevalent online: they have also found their way into Luxembourg mailboxes in recent days. The pandemic is fertile ground for conspiracy theories, and Luxembourg has not been spared. Flyers spreading "alternative Corona facts" have been distributed around the country over the last few days. Questioning the existence of the virus, among other things, the fliers have led some upset readers to contact our colleagues at RTL.lu. Nadine Petit couldn't believe her eyes when she found the flyer in her mailbox last week. In summary, it claims the Covid-19 virus does not exist, there is no pandemic and consequently, that nobody has died of the disease. While they could have just ignored and discarded the letter, both Nadine Petit and her partner Carlo Goetz found this hard to do. Carlo's mother was one of the first in the country to catch the virus and die of it. Claiming the virus doesn't exist is a slap in the face of everyone who has lost a loved one to this insidious disease, he says. This led Nadine to contact not only the police, but also RTL. It is important to her that the public confront the issue, as she worries there will be people who believe what the flyer says. And this can have dire consequences. What is behind the flyer's main claims? Didier Weber / RTL Tele Letzebuerg Didier Weber / RTL Tele Letzebuerg Didier Weber / RTL Tele Letzebuerg Didier Weber / RTL Tele Letzebuerg A few months ago, not many people had heard of PCR tests, even though this method has been in use in diagnostics since the 1990s. One widespread claim is that the method was not developed for diagnostic purposes. That's true, says microbiologist Dr. Bernard Weber. But it was quickly discovered that the new test was able to detect viruses at much lower concentrations than was previously possible. Just under 590,000 residents have been tested at least once for Sars-CoV-2 using a PCR test, with a total of 2.18 million tests performed. Professor Dr. Bernard Weber from Laboratoires Reunis can't understand how there can still be people doubting the existence of the virus, when it is so easy to verify it in people with or without symptoms, to grow it artificially, and to prove the virulence of the virus. Even the genotype, the constituent parts of Sars-Cov-2, can be detected. This has been done for months now at the national laboratory LNS, where samples of positive PCR tests are genetically analysed. This is a preliminary step to sequencing, explains Jessica Zapp, which can establish the quantity of the virus in a given sample. 600 Sars-CoV-2 samples are sequenced every week in a special machine at the lab. This allows bioinformaticians to identify the virus variants present in each sample. But there is also indirect evidence of Sars-Cov-2, as professor Friedrich Muhlschlegel, director of the LNS, explains. This involves detecting the immune response and the creation of antibodies as proof of the existence of the virus. The use of masks is also regularly questioned. According to the letter, they don't filter viruses, and it even says so on the packaging, so why bother wearing them? Is there anything behind these claims? Firstly, a lot of mask packaging actually says no such thing. To answer the second question, of whether masks effectively filter the virus, we went to see the only mask manufacturer on Luxembourgish soil and received an unexpected answer from Michel Schutz, administrative director at HRS. A surgical mask cannot filter viruses, he says. The European masks are built according to the European standard 14.683 which clearly states that it must filter particles above 500 nanometres. The virus itself is much smaller than that. And yet masks do protect us from SarS-Cov-2, says Michel Schutz, because the virus is not itself airborne, but needs a vehicle, such as droplets or aerosols, to propagate. A good surgical mask does filter aerosols, and therefore offers protection against the virus provided it is worn correctly and replaced after a maximum of four hours. The distributed flyer thus contains only half-truths and misinformation. Freedom of expression is not a valid argument for Nadine Petit in this case. There is a big difference between saying something in conversation and spreading lies by distributing these flyers to households across the country, she says. This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it weekdays. What does it take to get credible information about the coronavirus vaccine, and the vaccines themselves, to more people? My colleague Sheera Frenkel spoke to experts and followed a community group as it went door to door in an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Northern California to understand the reasons behind the low vaccination rates for Black and Hispanic Americans compared with non-Hispanic white people. What Sheera found, as she detailed in an article on Wednesday, was how online vaccine myths reinforce peoples fears and the ways that personal outreach and easier access to doses can make a big difference. Shira: What surprised you from your reporting? Sheera: One question I was trying to answer was whether the incorrect narratives floating around online about the vaccines that they change peoples DNA or are a means of government control were reaching Black and Hispanic communities and other people of color in the real world. I heard false information like that firsthand. It was eye opening. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a resolution on the creation of the Digital Literacy portal in Ukraine. The government supported the relevant decision at its meeting on March 10, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to the explanatory note to the resolution, the unified Digital Literacy portal will enable citizens to learn digital skills via the Internet and improve access to digital education for individuals and legal entities. The government also approved the provisions of the Digital Literacy portal, which defined the purpose, main tasks, functionality, and subjects of the portal, and agreed on the content of information to be posted on the portal. The portal will be financed by budget funds provided under the program E-Government. The Ministry of Digital Transformation will be responsible for the creation of the portal, which should be launched within six months from the date of entry into force of the resolution. As Ukrinform reported, the Ministry of Digital Transformation earlier announced plans to increase the digital literacy of six million Ukrainians by 2024. iy Advertisement Sharon Osbourne launched a passionate defense of fellow British talk show host Piers Morgan on Wednesday, asking her co-hosts on The Talk to give examples of when he was racist. Morgan, a former presenter on CNN and Daily Mail editor at large, was strongly critical of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to speak to Oprah Winfrey, in an interview that aired on Sunday night in the U.S. and on Monday in the U.K. He accused Meghan and Harry of damaging the royal family and seeking publicity on their own terms - without accepting the responsibility and scrutiny that come with their position. His criticism sparked a firestorm, and he departed from Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, following a furious row with his co-host Alex Beresford, which saw him storm off the set, Osbourne told Sheryl Underwood, her co-host, who was on the verge of tears, that she felt he was just expressing an opinion. 'I know he has a right to say what he feels on the interview, as we have a right to say and everybody has a right to say what they feel with freedom of speech,' Osbourne said. Osbourne on Wednesday asked her co-host on The Talk to explain her issue with Morgan Underwood told Osbourne, who has known Morgan for many decades, why she was upset Osbourne dabbed her eyes in the middle of the heated discussion with her co-hosts Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan with Patti LaBelle at the 2011 America's Got Talent finale The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke to Oprah Winfrey in the interview shown on Sunday in the United States 'Did I like everything he said? Did I agree with what he said? No, because it's his opinion. It's not my opinion. 'But why is it that because I supported a long-time friend and work colleague of mine for years that everybody goes, if you support him, then you must be racist because he's racist?' With Underwood looking upset, Osbourne continued: 'This is the situation. 'You tell me where you have heard him say, educate me, tell me when you have heard him [Morgan] say racist things. 'Educate me. Tell me.' Underwood said that the issue was not with Morgan's words as much as his tone. 'It is not the exact words of racism,' said Underwood. 'It is the implication and the reaction to it. 'To not want to address that, because she is a black woman, and to try and dismiss it or to make it seem less than it is. That's what makes it racist. 'Right now I am talking to a woman I believe is my friend. 'I don't want anybody here to watch this and think we are attacking you for being racist.' Osbourne replied: 'I think it's too late. That seed is already sown.' Her other co-host, Elaine Welteroth, added that it was a moment to 'stand up for anti-racism.' Welteroth added: 'When we give passes or give space to people who are saying damaging, harmful things, what we're kind of doing is permissing it,' she explained. 'And I think that's what people are reacting to.' Elaine Welteroth weighed in, trying to get Osbourne to see her issues with Morgan's comments Welteroth said that it was a moment to 'stand up for anti-racism' Osbourne had weighed in soon after Morgan quit his show on Tuesday, tweeting: '@piersmorgan I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you're paid for your opinion and that you're just speaking your truth.' Morgan thanked her for her support, describing her as a 'true friend'. The pair have known each other for decades. When Morgan launched Piers Morgan's Life Stories on British television in 2009, Osbourne was his first guest. Morgan told reporters outside his West London home on Wednesday: 'If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it.' Morgan spoke to reporters outside his home in central London on Wednesday Leading figures in American media have also shown their support for Morgan. CNN anchor Jake Tapper and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly said he had been treated unfairly. Fox News host Tucker Carlson and political and media commentator Ben Shapiro also weighed in with support for Morgan. Morgan dubbed Meghan 'Princess Pinocchio' in a tweet and said on Monday that he did not 'believe a word she said' in her and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Morgan, the host of Good Morning Britain, has been fiercely critical of the Sussexes for years Morgan left the set of Good Morning Britain following his heated argument with Beresford He is understood to have been ordered to apologize but he refused and quit, saying he had the right to tell viewers his 'honestly held opinions' and declaring: 'Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on'. Standing firm, Morgan told reporters outside his West London home: 'If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it.' His views, and his refusal to back down in the row, had sparked more than 41,000 complaints made to British broadcasting Ofcom, fueled by an orchestrated social media campaign spearheaded by his critics including several Labour MPs. Following news of his departure, Tapper described the Ofcom investigation as 'insanity'. 'This is what happens when you live in a country where there is no First amendment. Insanity,' he said, linking to a Variety article entitled: 'U.K. media regulator Ofcom launched an investigation after more than 41,000 people complained about Piers Morgan's comments on Meghan Markle.' When Tapper was attacked by Morgan's critics, he concluded: 'OK, British friends. We disagree.' Megyn Kelly also sprung to Morgan's defense, tweeting: 'I don't know what happened w/ @piersmorgan at GMB. 'What I do know is he & Susannah have been a brilliant team that took risks & became must-watch TV. 'In an era of free speech being stifled everywhere, Piers fearlessly speaks his mind. We need more, not fewer like that in media.' Ben Shapiro also took a swipe at Morgan's departure, tweeting: 'Real victims are actresses who become princesses, whine to Oprah about their difficult life as royalty from a $14.5M estate, issue complaints to broadcasters about those who criticize them, and get those people fired.' Tucker Carlson also addressed the controversy during his Fox News show on Tuesday night when he said it was absurd no one was allowed to make fun of Meghan's claim that she was silenced. In response to Markle saying she was silenced, Carlson told viewers: 'A rational person might consider this claim absurd, but amazingly no one else seems to think it is. Oprah clearly doesn't think it's absurd. 'You're not allowed to make fun of this. 'Our friend Piers Morgan did that on television in the UK and had to resign from his job.' Jake Tapper, CNN anchor, said the Ofcom investigation into Morgan was 'insanity' Kelly appeared on Morgan's show with Susanna Reid to discuss the Oprah Winfrey interview Morgan, a prolific tweeter who has 7.7 million followers on the platform, posted a ticking clock shortly before ITV's statement confirming his departure. It was retweeted by Kelly. Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of ITV, had said earlier that she believed Meghan 'completely'. In the two-hour Oprah interview, Meghan spoke of feeling suicidal and turning to the Palace for help but being rebuffed. She told Winfrey that she felt incredibly lonely and isolated, and had insufficient support from the royal family. Prince Harry said that racism had played a large part in forcing them from the U.K. and said he and his father stopped speaking for some time. Asked about his relationship with his brother, Harry said it was 'space'. Meghan had accused the royal family of pushing her to the brink of suicide and said someone in the royal household had raised questions about the color of her son's skin - allegations that have prompted questions about the future of the monarchy. Morgan did qualify his original comments on Tuesday, saying: 'I still have serious concerns about the veracity of a lot of what she (Meghan) said, but let me just state for the record about my position on mental illness and on suicide. Morgan and his co-host, Susanna Reid, have helmed the show for the past six years 'They should be taken extremely seriously and if someone is feeling that way they should get the treatment and help that they need every time, and if they belong to an institution like the royal family and they go and seek that help they should absolutely be given it.' Morgan joined ITV six years ago, bringing no-holds-barred interrogation to British breakfast television. Government ministers, celebrities and members of the royal family have all felt the lash of his tongue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has pressed the government repeatedly to explain why Britain has one of the highest death rates in the world. Ministers boycotted the show for months. Such is his influence that many newspapers write daily stories on his Tweets and comments. Morgan made his name in the cut-throat world of the British popular press, becoming the youngest editor of a title at 28 when Rupert Murdoch appointed him at the News of the World. He later ran the Daily Mirror. Morgan later moved into television, appearing as a judge on the reality shows America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent, and spent three years hosting a poorly received chat show on CNN, replacing Larry King. 30+ year veteran of municipal finance joins the firms research and investment team NEW YORK, March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aquila Investment Management LLC (Aquila), adviser/administrator to the Aquila Group of Funds, has announced the hiring of Eric Okerlund as a Utah-based credit analyst. As of January 2021, he has joined as a member of the Aquila Tax-Free Fund For Utah (UTAYX) investment management team. As credit analyst, Eric Okerlund conducts research, credit analysis and review on bond issues and secondary bond offerings, and performs ongoing review of all bonds held in the portfolio of Aquila Tax-Free Fund For Utah. His responsibilities also include notifying the funds portfolio managers of any material changes, offering recommendations on potential purchase or sale of bonds and consideration for securing ratings for the bonds from securities rating agencies. In this role, Mr. Okerlund has replaced Amy Rydalch, who accepted the position of city manager for Oakley, Utah. Mr. Okerlund has over 30 years of auditing and municipal finance experience. Most recently, he served as Budget Officer for the City of West Jordan, Utah, where he managed budget proposals and requests, prepared regulatory financial schedules and resolved budget issues for over 20 years. His prior experience includes serving as Senior Accountant of Provo City Corporation in Utah for 11 years and auditing roles with the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Okerlund attended Brigham Young University where he obtained a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Eric will be a great asset to the investment management team, bringing experience and expertise he has accrued over his 30 plus year career in municipal finance, said JT Thompson, portfolio manager of Aquila Tax-Free Fund For Utah. It will continue to enhance our ability to offer investors long-term investment solutions for todays complex markets. Aquila Tax-Free Fund For Utah seeks to provide as high a level of current income exempt from Utah state and regular federal income taxes as is consistent with preservation of capital by investing primarily in municipal obligations of investment grade quality which pay interest exempt from Utah state and federal income taxes. Double tax-exempt income can be very attractive to investors in all tax brackets, and characteristics of municipal bonds may make them suitable for conservative investors. Utah municipal bonds help finance schools, highways, airports, hospitals, and water and sewer facilities in the state, and through investing in Aquila Tax-Free Fund For Utah, investors may directly impact their state, county, and community. Aquilas lineup of mutual funds includes seven single-state municipal bond funds, an equity fund Aquila Three Peaks Opportunity Growth Fund (ATGYX), and a high-yield corporate bond fund Aquila Three Peaks High Income Fund (ATPYX). ABOUT AQUILA As investment managers for over 35 years, we have always believed that investing successfully depends on knowing what you own and why you own it. We think this is particularly important in todays markets. Within the Aquila Group of Funds, each fund is managed to our high standards of quality and care, which we apply when implementing our municipal bond, equity and high-yield corporate bond strategies. We combine rigorous, hands-on investment research with a strong commitment to service and approachability. As of February 28, 2021, we manage over $3.2 billion in assets. Aquila Management Corporation, the Funds founder and sponsor, is a family-owned, privately-held firm established in 1984 to serve the needs of investors and financial advisors. Please see the Aquila Group of Funds Guiding Principles here. Mutual fund investing involves risk; loss of principal is possible. Before investing in one of the Aquila Group of Funds, carefully read about and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information found in the fund prospectus. Prospectuses are available from your financial advisor, and when you call 800-437-1000 or visit www.aquilafunds.com. Diana Herrmann Aquila Group of Funds Tel. 212/697-6666 A plan to consolidate dual-language instruction at the River site would penalize not only Harvest students but younger ones at NVLA, by forcing them to take the bus to a different campus or rely on working parents who may not own a second car, another resident warned. What dual immersion has done for our neighborhood and city goes beyond what words can express, said Lori Piombo, who sent three sons to NVLA and has lived in west Napa for nearly 30 years. We were here in this neighborhood when gangs impacted the whole area, along with violence and shootings; it was really scary. Part of the solution to having a peaceful and vibrant neighborhood again, I directly attribute to these two wonderful schools, NVLA and Harvest, flanking our neighborhood. River Middle School, however, had defenders of its own, despite NVUSD marking it as the school with the smallest maximum capacity in the city. Keith Waechtler, a 17-year River teacher with two children in the district, echoed the praise of school parents for the schools focus on personal development as well as academics, an approach that includes assigning sixth-graders only two teachers for their four core classes and giving them the same teachers to lead them in both seventh and eighth grade. A Netflix documentary premiering next week will unpack the scandal she found herself embroiled in over the last two years. And Felicity Huffman was seen making an incognito exit out of Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, when she was dropped off at terminal 2 of LAX airport by her husband William H. Macy. The Transamerica star, 58, wore a long camel colored coat over a black ensemble. Deep embrace: Felicity Huffman was seen making an incognito exit out of Los Angeles on Tuesday, when she was dropped off at LAX airport by her husband William H. Macy She layered up with a black turtleneck top over a white shirt, along with black slacks. She protected her face with a turquoise covering over her mouth and nose, along with amber sunglasses and a loose fitting black felt hat that made her difficult to recognize. The Desperate Housewives actress had a knotted black scarf on, along with black wrist warmers. She sported gold hoop earrings and wore her blonde hair down, spilling out from underneath her hat onto her shoulders. On the go, solo: The Transamerica star wore a long camel colored coat over a black ensemble Her husband of 24 years, Shameless actor Macy, donned jeans and a black fleece vest over a plaid flannel shirt. The pair embraced sweetly before Felicity headed off into the airport on her own. The actress traveled with a black backpack and beige rolly suitcase. Farewell: Felicity protected her face with a turquoise covering over her mouth and nose, along with amber sunglasses and a loose fitting black felt hat that made her difficult to recognize The pair of actors, both Oscar nominees, have been married since 1997. They share two daughters, Sophia Grace, 20, and Georgia Grace, 18. In March 2019, Huffman was arrested at gunpoint for her role in a scandal involving her elder daughters college admissions. Longtime love: Her husband of 24 years, Shameless actor Macy, donned jeans and a black fleece vest over a plaid flannel shirt The allegations included the Georgia Rule actress having paid a bribe of $15K to illegally improve her daughter's SAT score. Felicity pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud, ultimately serving just under two weeks in prison and paying $30,000 in fines, along with a commitment to 250 hours of community service. A documentary about the scandal, titled Operation Varsity Blues, premieres on Netflix on March 17th. Seen on social media for Valentine's Day: The pair of actors, both Oscar nominees, have been married since 1997 The panels show SgrS (red) and ptsG mRNA (green) labeled by Single-molecule Fluoresence in situ Hybridization for the wild-type strain before and after 20 min of MG (non-metabolizable sugar analog) induction. Credit: Anustup Poddar Bacteria employ many different strategies to regulate gene expression in response to fluctuating, often stressful, conditions in their environments. One type of regulation involves non-coding RNA molecules called small RNAs (sRNAs), which are found in all domains of life. A new study led by researchers at the University of Illinois describes, for the first time, the impacts of sRNA interactions in individual bacterial cells. Their findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications, with the paper selected as an Editors' highlight article. Bacterial sRNAs are often involved in regulating stress responses using mechanisms that involve base-pairing interactions with a target mRNA and enhancing or repressing its stability or the amount of protein being made from the mRNA. Hfq, a hexameric RNA chaperone protein, facilitates binding between the RNAs and promotes stability of the sRNA. Although the kinetics of sRNA-mRNA interactions have been studied in vitro, the mutational impacts on base-pairing interactions in vivo remain largely unknown. "We wanted to understand how individual base-pair interactions between the small RNA and one of its mRNA targets contributed to the overall regulatory outcome and thereby, the amount of protein being produced from the mRNA in these conditions," said Illinois professor of microbiology Cari Vanderpool, also a faculty member in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), who co-led the study. "We took an approach that allowed us to visualize and count individual small RNA and mRNA molecules inside bacterial cells, giving us insight into what's happening at the molecular level." The research team involved collaborations with professor of biophysics Taekjip Ha (Johns Hopkins University) and Illinois professor of chemistry and IGB faculty Zaida Luthey-Schulten. The researchers used mathematical modeling and quantitative super-resolution imaging to examine the consequences of changing individual base-pair interactions on kinetic parameters of regulation such as the time needed for an sRNA to find an mRNA target. The study focused on the sRNA SgrS, which is made in bacterial cells when sugar transport exceeds what the cell can handle through metabolism. Previous work by the Vanderpool group demonstrated that under sugar stress conditions, SgrS binds to its primary target mRNA, ptsG, which encodes part of the glucose transport machinery. Together with Hfq, SgrS inhibits translation of ptsG and thereby prevents production of new glucose transporters to slow down transport until metabolism can catch up. To identify the key regions of SgrS important for ptsG regulation, researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze thousands of mutants in parallel and find those with the strongest effects on the regulatory interactions. "What we found was that individual base-pair interactions had some effect on the regulation, but they were relatively minor effects," said Vanderpool. "The much bigger effects we saw were when we saw mutations in the sRNA that disrupted its ability to interact with Hfq. If the sRNA couldn't effectively bind to the chaperone, then it was much slower in finding its mRNA target and once found, it came unbound much more quickly." "Our high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging platform was able to measure modest differences in rates of association and dissociation arising because of single base-pair mismatches between SgrS and ptsG mRNA," said Anustup Poddar, postdoctoral researcher and first author of the paper. "The fact that these values are much smaller than the thermodynamically predicted values tells us that there is a lot more to learn about the role of chaperone proteins in base-pairing mediated target search." Even with disrupted base-pairing, SgrS regulation of ptsG was still observed as long as Hfq was around. The study clearly demonstrated Hfq's important role in promoting and stabilizing the interactions between SgrS and ptsG. These findings were surprising since the biggest impacts were thought to come from disruption of the base-pairing interactions, said Vanderpool. "I learned a different way of thinking from the collaborators and realized how important and powerful mathematical modeling could be," said Muhammad Azam, former graduate student who worked on the study. The Vanderpool group has an ongoing collaboration with professor of biochemistry and molecular biology Jingyei Fei (University of Chicago) to investigate the kinetic parameters of other SgrS targets, with the overall goal of understanding the hierarchy of regulation. "We had the questions that we wanted to ask but didn't have the high-resolution methods to look at this in a quantitative way," said Vanderpool. "The best kind of collaboration is when each person brings some kind of expertise and different ways of looking at a problem to the table that makes the outcome exciting and fun." Explore further Looking through MudPIT for protein interactions More information: Anustup Poddar et al, Effects of individual base-pairs on in vivo target search and destruction kinetics of bacterial small RNA, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Anustup Poddar et al, Effects of individual base-pairs on in vivo target search and destruction kinetics of bacterial small RNA,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21144-0 Provided by Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 16:36:51|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed the way for China, which is at a historic development juncture, by expounding on a wide range of topics at this year's "two sessions," a key political event slated to close on Thursday. The two sessions are the country's annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the 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, participated in deliberations with national legislators and joined discussions with political advisors at the two sessions. He took part in deliberations with other lawmakers from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, and attended a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force. He also joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting. 2021 marks a historic juncture for China as it embarks on a new quest for fully building a modern socialist country. Here are some key takeaways from Xi's speeches at the sessions that may provide insights into China's development trajectory. GREEN GDP 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, said Xi, an NPC deputy himself. Highlighting the concept of "green GDP," Xi said that maintaining a good ecological environment is of enormous value. ETHNIC UNITY Xi stressed cementing the sense of community for the Chinese nation. He called for promoting standard spoken and written Chinese language and the use of state-compiled textbooks. Efforts should be made to facilitate more comprehensive understanding of the Party's policies concerning ethnic groups, especially among young people, Xi said. PEOPLE'S HEALTH AS "STRATEGIC PRIORITY" Xi has stressed giving "strategic priority" to safeguarding people's health and 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 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. 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. QUALITY BASIC PUBLIC EDUCATION On education, Xi said China must strive to build a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system. He 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. He 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 a top priority, Xi said. HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT & PEOPLE'S WELL-BEING Xi noted that high-quality development is the general requirement for all aspects of economic and social development. It will not only be the requirement for developed regions, but will also be the requirement that entails implementation by all regions, Xi said, urging each region to pursue high-quality development based on local conditions. He urged efforts to integrate high-quality development with action in meeting people's aspiration for a better life. Xi stressed efforts to strengthen areas of weakness in people's well-being, unfailingly meet the basic living needs of the people and improve the availability and equality of basic public services. He asked local authorities to promote coordinated development between rural and urban areas, advance rural vitalization on all fronts, improve people's well-being, and build a new socialist countryside that is beautiful, prosperous and harmonious. COMBAT READINESS Xi stressed achieving a good start in strengthening national defense and the armed forces during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Development of the armed forces must focus on combat readiness, he said. Xi demanded efforts to step up building high-caliber strategic deterrence and joint operation systems. He called for intensified efforts and more concrete measures in the pursuit of independent innovation in science and technology, to fully leverage the role of science and technology as the strategic support for military development. Highlighting the "instabilities" and "uncertainties" in China's current security circumstances, Xi said the whole armed forces must always be ready to respond to all kinds of complex and difficult situations, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and provide strong support for fully building a modern socialist country. Enditem ALP Lambasts Treasurer Frydenbergs Cairns Trip The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has lambasted the federal governments handling of the tourism industry after Treasurer Josh Frydenbergs flying visit to Cairns. The treasurer arrived in Cairns on March 7 to meet with local tourism operators and discuss support options for when the JobKeeper package ends on March 28. Frydenberg said a new support plan for the industry will be announced in the coming days. Were still finalising those details, but its a matter of days, he said. The economic recovery plan would encompass tax cuts, business incentives, the JobMaker hiring credit, new infrastructure spending, and a record investment in skills and training, according to the treasurer, who noted that the Morrison Government had already spent $251 billion on supporting businesses, with another $100 billion to be rolled out soon. Anthony Albanese, leader of the ALP criticized the federal government for what he argued was its incapacity to deal with the sectors crisis. The Morrison Government is responsible for keeping our tourism businesses alive when JobKeeper ends this month. But when Josh Frydenberg came to Cairns this week, he came empty-handed, said Albanese in a post on Twitter on March. 9. Annastacia Palaszczuk, the ALP Queensland Premier described the Treasurers failure to give details of a support plan as a slap in the face to the people of Far North Queensland. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at a press conference, on January 11, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jono Searle/Getty Images) Its 19 days until the end of JobKeeper. Many businesses are doing it tougher than ever before, said Palaszczuk. I urge the Prime Minister and the Treasurer to listen to locals and get the cheque book out this week. The state government has launched a raffle incentive program to support the struggling tourism operators in far North Queensland, who are heavily dependent on international travellers. From March, 8 onwards, Queensland residents can register for the draw to win $200 worth of travel vouchers, winners of which will gain a 50 percent discount on travel experiences like the Great Barrier Reef or rainforest tours. The 15,000 vouchers will be current from March 15 to June 25. The program has already got 76,884 registrations so far, according to premier Palaszczuks post on Twitter. Coral on Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) The Queensland government will also spend $1 million on helping students visit the Great Barrier Reef. By providing $150 for every eligible student in primary and high schools from July, the funding will allow over 6,500 Queensland students to learn about the reef, Palaszczuk said. Each year, thousands of Queensland kids travel interstate for school excursions but many havent had the chance to experience the beauties of their own backyard, she said. We want more students to experience the reef and understand its importanceand support our tourism operators. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) Terre Haute North Vigo High School went into lockout mode Tuesday afternoon. This was after school officials became aware of a threat. Vigo County School Corporation told News 10 that their response team and the Terre Haute Police Department went into action. The threat at North Vigo High School was found to not be credible. The lockout was lifted around 2:45 PM. School dismissal will go forward as normal. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Magma Fincorp hit an upper circuit of 5% at Rs 136.40 after the company received shareholders' approval for acquisition of controlling stake by Rising Sun Holdings through preferential issue. The company plans to raise up to Rs 3,456 crore by issuing preference equity shares to Rising Sun Holdings, a company controlled by Adar Poonawalla and two members of the promoter group. Shareholders of Magma Fincorp at an extraordinary general meeting of on Tuesday approved the proposed preferential allotment of 49,37,14,286 equity shares of face value Rs 2 each of the company at an issue price of Rs 70 per equity share aggregating up to Rs 3,456 crore, to Rising Sun Holdings and existing promoters, Sanjay Chamria and Mayank Poddar. The said preferential allotment will result in Rising Sun acquiring controlling stake of 60% in Magma Fincorp. The transaction is subject to necessary regulatory/ statutory approvals, which are under process. Following the preferential issue, Rising Sun Holdings would be classified as promoter of Magma Fincorp. Magma Fincorp and its subsidiaries shall be renamed and rebranded under the brand name Poonawalla Fincorp, subject to regulatory approvals. Subsequent to the completion of the preferential allotment, the existing financial services business of Poonawalla Finance is proposed to be consolidated into Magma Fincorp subject to compliance with extant regulations. Rising Sun Holdings intends to nominate Adar Poonawallaa the chairman of the board of directors and Abhay Bhutada, presently managing director & CEO of Poonawalla Finance, as managing director. Sanjay Chamria would continue as the executive vice chairman of the board. Mumbai-based Magma Fincorp is a Mumbai-based non-deposit taking systemically important non-banking finance company (NBFC), is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Magma offers a bouquet of financial products including commercial finance, agri-finance, SME finance,mortgage finance and general insurance. Magma is focused on the rural and semi-urban sector with a widespread coverage and presence across 21 States 297 Branches. On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit slipped 42% to Rs 12.99 crore on a 5.4% fall in total income to Rs 596.29 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 The Odisha government has once again stated that no life was lost in the forest blaze in Simlipal, which had been brought under control after raging for more than a week. Simlipal is a national park and tiger reserve situated in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. The 2,750 sq km area harbours unique melanistic tigers, rare and endemic orchids, 1,352 species of plants, 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, 62 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians. San_Joy/ Twitter "The fire is under control, no loss or injury to wildlife, any staff, villagers or public property has been reported," the Director General of National Tiger Conservation Authority, S.P. Yadav, told IANS. All out efforts are being made to douse the forest fire in #Noto RF,#Simlipal RF, Bangriposi Range, Baripada Range of #SimlipalTigerReserve. Forest fire points are being attended on hourly basis. Appeal everyone to trust us in our endeavour. pic.twitter.com/xrEpYQYL0z Santosh Joshi IFS (@seesantu) March 6, 2021 A massive fire ripped through vast tracts of Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district and other wildlife habitats nearby, raising concern among wildlife and environmental activists over its possible impact. Though the large animals and birds may have fled to safety from the fire, there is a fear that many small animals and reptiles could have been killed in the inferno. Another concern, environmentalists had was how the animals fleeing the fire could become vulnerable outside the forest. In the past, animals tigers, elephants, leopards and bears fleeing the fire had entered nearby villages, resulting in human-animal conflicts. Simlipal National park in Odisha has been burning for more than 10 days yet not media coverage We are the same people who used to pray for Australia Bush Fire and Amazon Rain Forest Fire, But forget to stand with those who are our Own.#SimlipalNationalPark #SimlipalFires pic.twitter.com/AkZNCGwKk2 krishnpal gurjar (@krishnpalgurja1) March 9, 2021 This year, only one such incident has been reported so far. According to a report by India Today, a spotted (barking) deer was seen in the Brundeiposi village on Monday night after it fled the fire. Environmentalists also fear the animals like elephants and tigers could be killed by poachers outside the forest. Meanwhile, forest officials in the district have apprehended a few traditional hunters on charge of setting fire to the national park for poaching animals. Forest staff, ODRAF & Fire Services personal at Simlipal to tackle the forest fire together. pic.twitter.com/VxaAuVp8PJ Odisha Forest and Environment Department (@ForestDeptt) March 9, 2021 For many, the wildfire this year is a matter of concern as the forest has dried up faster than normal, making it more vulnerable to accidental and deliberate fires. The forest fire season in Simlipal Tiger Reserve usually starts from February and continues till May. Simlipal comes under the Deccan Peninsular Biographic zone, Chhotangpur Province, in the Mahanadian region. The forest is a predominantly moist-mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen patches in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry, deciduous forest and grassland. 10th March 2021 Runtime 15:15 Naheed Memon, the Oracle Power (LSE:ORCP) CEO joined us from Pakistan to discuss progress on the Jundee East gold project in Western Australia, and the development of the Thar Coal Project which is ongoing in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. To summarise, a gravity survey has revealed the existence of a previously undiscovered greenstone belt located close to the existing Jundee East mine in the Eastern Goaldfields region of Western Australia, which has previously produced 7 million ounces of gold. Greenstone is the key host rock for gold mineralisation in the Jundee area. Naheed Memon told us she is super, super excited about having been able to confirm this through gravity magnetic surveys and modelling. She went on to explain: We are setting ourselves up to become an internationally renowned, respected project developer in the natural resource space. Thar is 30 year coal mining lease and remains the flagship project. We have 1.4 billion tonnes of lignite coal and we envisage the development of large industrial park which includes a power project, and now we have also included a coal to gas and a coal to liquid project, a coal processing set-up. Thats a phased project which runs to between 6-8 billion dollars on completion of the various elements. Thar Block VI is part of CPEC, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, and funding of Thar comes from Chinese Government backed state companies such as China Coal, and also Sheikh Maktoum from Saudi Arabia. Bragg Gaming said the revenue-sharing agreement will allow both companies to generate potentially new high-margin revenue with Braggs suite of industry-leading games and platform Bragg Gaming said its rapid growth trajectory is paving the way for it to become one of the largest online gaming platforms and content providers in the market Inc (TSE:BRAG) (OTCMKTS:BRGGF) (FRA:SL4A) reported that its wholly-owned subsidiary ORYX Gaming has signed an agreement to license its library of games and player engagement platform to Premier Gaming. Bragg Gaming said the revenue-sharing agreement will allow both companies to generate potentially new high-margin revenue with Braggs suite of industry-leading games and platform. Braggs rapid growth trajectory is paving the way for us to become one of the largest online gaming platforms and content providers in the market, Interim CEO Adam Arviv said in a statement. Arviv added: A key differentiator between Bragg Gaming and competitors is that we have both the delivery platform and our own proprietary content. Licensing agreements like the one with Premier are further evidence of our world-class platform and will solidify Bragg Gaming as a leader in the online gambling industry. Under the licensing agreement, Premier Gaming will have access to an extensive library of games from ORYXs exclusive RGS providers, including GAMOMAT, Kalamba Games, Givme Games, Golden Hero, CandleBets, Peter & Sons and Arcadem. Premier will also employ ORYXs player engagement platform, featuring tools that Bragg Gaming said have been proven to increase engagement and prolong player sessions, including real-time leaderboards, tournaments, achievements and jackpots. Premier Gaming operates multiple online gambling brands, including Pronto Casino, Slothino, Premier Live Casino and Pronto Live Casino, which addresses what Bragg Gaming calls a multi-billion market in jurisdictions including Sweden, Finland, and Germany. As well, Bragg Gaming said content from premium third-party suppliers, including Greentube, Pragmatic Play and iSoftBet, will also be added to Premier Gamings online casinos via Braggs ORYX Hub. Bragg Gaming is a global B2B gaming technology platform provider. With operations across Europe and North America, the company is expanding into an international force within the burgeoning global online gaming market. Braggs main brand is ORYX Gaming, an innovative business-to-business iGaming platform, casino content aggregator, managed sportsbook and managed services provider, offering cutting-edge content from leading studios. Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com The profession itself demands that we risk our lives to protect others, which means self-care is not prominent, Brown said. We put others above ourselves as part of the job, and we internalize much of what is really traumatic, that no one should have to see or be a part of on a regular basis. Angola, IN (46703) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A steady rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low 56F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. GREEN BAY, Wis., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) ("Associated") today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Andrew J. Harmening as the Company's president and chief executive officer and a member of its Board of Directors, effective April 28, 2021. Mr. Harmening will also serve as president and chief executive officer of Associated Bank, N.A. and president of Associated Trust, N.A. Mr. Harmening was most recently senior executive vice president, consumer and business banking of Huntington Bank. Jay Williams, chairman of Associated's Board of Directors, said, "We are delighted to welcome Andy Harmening to Associated as our new president and CEO, and to our Board as a director. Andy is a highly regarded banking leader with a track record of driving profitable growth and operational excellence, improving customers' experience and spearheading innovative digital products. With more than 25 years as a consumer, small business and commercial banker, he brings valuable expertise in digital transformation that will help drive Associated's profitable growth trajectory." At Huntington, Mr. Harmening led the bank's digital and omni-channel strategy, which transformed its sales and service experience and earned industry-wide recognition for customer satisfaction. Earlier, Mr. Harmening served as vice chairman of the consumer banking division of Bank of the West. He also spent nine years with U.S. Bank in several roles of increasing responsibility within its small business and commercial banking divisions. He began his career as a branch manager at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, Ohio. Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Harmening said, "I am honored to become the president and CEO of this outstanding financial institution at a time when customer focus and nimble, digitally enabled execution has never been more important. Phil and the entire Associated team have laid the groundwork for a strong path forward, and I look forward to working with Phil to ensure a smooth transition and to accelerate Associated's progress." In January, Associated announced that president and CEO Philip B. Flynn informed the Board of his plans to retire from the company at the end of 2021. Mr. Flynn will continue as president and CEO until Mr. Harmening assumes these positions, at which time he will step down from both roles and from the Board of Directors. Mr. Flynn will then be available to Mr. Harmening in an advisory capacity and serve as an ambassador for the bank. "On behalf of Associated's Board and colleagues, we thank Phil for his steady leadership since becoming president and CEO nearly 12 years ago. Phil guided Associated through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic while growing our franchise and implementing a strong customer-focused strategy. We are grateful for his many contributions," Mr. Williams said. Mr. Flynn said, "I am proud of the progress the Associated team has made as we pursued our vision of becoming one of the Midwest's premier financial institutions. I look forward to working with Andy as he prepares to take the reins at Associated, and to serving in an advisory capacity to support the company's continued success." Mr. Harmening serves on the Board of Directors of the Consumer Bankers Association. He earned a bachelor's degree from DePauw University and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from more than 220 banking locations serving more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements made in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "should," "will," "intend," "target," "outlook," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements include those identified in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. Such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Media Contact: Jennifer Kaminski Vice President | Public Relations Senior Manager 920-491-7576 | [email protected] Investor Contact: Ben McCarville Vice President | Director of Investor Relations 920-491-7059 | [email protected] SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp Related Links www.assocatedbank.com Farmers' Protest: Complaint filed before Delhi court seeking FIR against Kangana Ranaut India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 10: Delhi court on Wednesday sought a status report from Delhi Police on a plea seeking lodging of an FIR against actress Kangana Ranaut who during the ongoing farmers' protest against the new agri laws made a series of tweets allegedly aimed at defaming and inciting hatred towards the Sikh community. Metropolitan Magistrate Amardeep Kaur directed the police to file an Action Taken Report (ATR) by April 24 on a complaint filed by Maninder Singh Sirsa, the President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee. Sirsa claimed that Rannaut made a series of tweets aimed at defaming the Sikh community alongwith the farmers who are protesting against the recent Farm laws. Farmers' Protest: Farmer unions call Bharat Bandh on March 26 He claimed that he had approached the police to file a case in this regard and after the probe agency refused to lodge an FIR, he approached the court. The complaint alleged that in December, 2020 Ranaut published "an extremely derogatory tweet on her twitter handle which seeks to promote communal disharmony by labelling the hard-working farmers who are currently on a large scale peaceful agitation/protest against the legislated Farm Bills are 'Khalistani terrorists" thereby hurting the sentiments of thousands of farmers across the country." He argued that the tweet was a grave threat to the peace, unity and integrity of India and constituted hate speech. The statements harmed the sentiments of Sikh community and are bound to generate communal disharmony or feelings of ill-will, the petition added. It also made a reference to Ranaut's tweets claiming that old women sitting on protest was available for Rs 100 and that peaceful protestors were allegedly "terrorists". The complaint has sought the registration of FIR for various offences including promoting enmity between different groups on ground of religion, race, place of birth, language etc. and outraging religious feelings. The complaint stated that Ranaut has attempted to misuse her huge social media following for oblique motives, vested interests and political mileage. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 20:53 [IST] Mumbai/New Delhi, March 10 : Terming the recent suicide by Dadra & Nagar Haveli MP Mohan Delkar as a 'strike on the dignity of Parliament, NCP MP Supriya Sule on Wednesday urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer to the Committee on Privileges the late MPs allegations made in Parliament. "We have lost a fellow member. It is not just a loss of life, but also a strike on the dignity of Parliament. The independence and supremacy of the Parliament rests on the discharge of duties by its members free of any fear or duress," Sule said. In a memorandum to the Speaker, Sule and other MPs said that all the members are shocked by the tragic death of the senior member Delkar, a 7-time Lok Sabha representative from the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. "The fact that a 7-time Member of Lok Sabha was frustrated to such an extent that it would drive him to extreme despair and steps to end his is traumatic for all of us," the memorandum said. Sule also recalled Delkar's last speech in parliament in Sep. 2020, when he had expressly mentioned "the pressure and humiliation mounted on him by the officials" of the UT. She pointed out that as the Speaker, Birla was the Custodian of the House and it was "collectively incumbent on all of us" to ensure that the dignity and independence of the august institution is not eroded. Requesting the Speaker to take cognizance of Delkar's death and ensure that such incidents are averted in future, Sule urged him to refer to the Committee on Privileges the late MP's allegations made in the Lok Sabha. The memorandum is signed by MPs from other parties including Congress' Shashi Tharoor, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, members of Shiv Sena, DMK and BSP. Sule, MP from Baramati and daughter of Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar, said that the Maharashtra government has entrusted the Delkar probe to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which would investigate the matter and give justice. However, she assured that the enquiry by the Privileges Committee would have no bearing on the criminal investigations by the SIT as it would probe the reasons that lay impediments in discharging of duties by the MP. Sule's plea to the Speaker came shortly after the Maharashtra government this morning lodged a formal complaint in the case and has booked the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Administrator Praful K. Patel in the matter. On Tuesday, Delkar's widow, son and daughter called on state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh seeking justice following which the state government said it would form a SIT to probe the case. Delkar, 58, was found hanging in a hotel room in Mumbai on Feb. 22, triggering a huge uproar in national political circles. Earlier, he had released a video statement detailing how he was being harassed, humiliated, targetted by the UT administration, police and various probe agencies, attempts to book him and his supporters in fake cases, but when he enquired the reasons for the witch-hunt, he was told that "Upar Se Order Aaya Hai". After the IANS first highlighted his plight (February 23) in detail, the Maharashtra Congress and Shiv Sena demanded a detailed probe into Delkar's suicide and a suicide note in which he had named the UT Administrator. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) Our teachers are trained observers of children, interacting with their students with an eye and mind to development, looking for opportunities to nurture the social and emotional development of each child. Teachers will ask themselves questions on a range of subjects such as a childs vocabulary, how they relate to others, co-operate, share, talk about experiences and, more today than ever, ask themselves, are there any signs of anxiety? Anxiousness is being sighted from the youngest ages in students. Credit:iStock Anxiousness is being sighted from the youngest ages in students and was highlighted pre-pandemic through a survey conducted by the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) of 700 primary schools across the country as a significant issue by 80 per cent of school leaders at their school. What is being reported to the APPA by teachers across the system is that anxiety and stress has accelerated with the impact of the coronavirus. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Wellington, March 10 : The New Zealand government is targeting those most at risk of getting and spreading Covid-19 and those most at risk of getting seriously sick from it in the next phase of the vaccine roll-out, a Minister said on Wednesday. "A top priority this year is to make sure New Zealanders get free, fair and equitable access to Cvaccines," Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told a press conference. "We are setting out the plan today after securing enough Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for everyone in New Zealand to get the two doses. They need to be fully vaccinated against the virus. "The Ministry of Health is working with Pfizer on a delivery schedule to ensure a smooth rollout and a scaling up of our vaccination program. "Over 2 million New Zealanders are in line to start receiving the vaccine over the next four months with a focus on protecting those most at risk of getting the virus or being harmed by it, while also reducing the chance of ongoing spread and future outbreaks," Hipkins said. The sequencing plan provides certainty to the over 2 million Kiwis who can expect to start being vaccinated during the initial stages of the roll-out over the next three to four months, he said, reports Xinhua news agency. "Every New Zealander will be able to get a vaccine and the vaccine will be free. The rest of the population will be able to be vaccinated from July onwards and our plan is to have as many people as possible vaccinated by the end of the year, according to the Minister. New Zealand reported one Covid case in managed isolation on Wednesday, with no new cases in the community. The infected person came from the US and has remained in an Auckland-managed isolation facility, according to the Ministry of Health. The total number of confirmed cases in the country is 2,410, with 26 deaths. Plainview Independent School District students will return to classes on March 22 after Spring Break. The day had originally been scheduled as a staff work day but the district has surpassed the amount of snow days allotted by the state to use as make-up/bad weather days. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Himachal Pradesh: Why trout farmers are exiting the business by Sidharth Singh March 10,2021 | Source: Mongabay I saw the flood coming in front of my own eyes, said Harish Dhanotia, a former trout farmer from Lohardi, Kangra. I was saving my fish by catching them with my hands. Dhanotia a formerly college-educated engineer for technology company HCL, quit his job to open his trout farm in 2015. But after a river flood damaged his already struggling farm into failure in 2020, he is now trying to run a shop after a spell of unemployment. Ye jua hai, he said about trout farming This is gambling. I gained no benefit from it. Dhanotia belongs to a series of trout farmers in Himachal Pradesh to start a farm which eventually failed due to a number of reasons including flash floods, and a system of reliance and yet simultaneous competition with the government. The trout farmers of the north Indian state are dependent on the states Fisheries Department for the essential components of seed hatched trout and feed, needed for farming trout. But the same infrastructure-heavy government farms which supply the farmers, sell their own trout and compete with the farmers, putting them at a competitive disadvantage in the market. With the government itself selling produce alongside farmers, a heavy reliance on the department for basic production components, and the quality and supply of these components not being sufficient, many farmers feel the business of trout farming is risky. The Himachal Fisheries Department is counting on more private participation in trout farming, while several trout farmers are shutting shop and selling their farms. - Trout farm owners in Himachal Pradesh are exiting the business because of poor supply of seed and feed from the government and exposure to flash floods. - Additionally, government farms that supply to farmers, also sell their own trout and compete with the farmers, putting them at a competitive disadvantage in the market. - The fisheries department is including insurance now, for infrastructure damage and loss of livestock and wants to facilitate farmers to open their own hatcheries to meet the demand. Issues with seed and feed supply For trout farmers the seed is essentially a hatched trout, which must consistently be fed and reared for two years before it is sold in the market. But with the production of seed and feed being highly technical and expensive, farmers buy these essential components from the government. I had to travel 36 hours to a government farm in Kinnaur for seed, said Dhanotia, whose farm was in Lohardi, district Kangra, when there was a government farm only 4 kilometres away in Barot, Mandi. Why did he have to travel? They said they will give seed to Mandi district farmers first. With the process of rearing trout being highly technical and long, a set-back in timely supply can have a tangible impact on the business. Notably, many farmers in Kullu today are suffering because of flash floods which occurred back in 2018, and disrupted the cycle of supply. The largest government farm in Himachal is in Patlikuhal, Kullu. This is the source of seed for most farmers, and the only government source of feed for everyone. There is a great chance of failure in farming trout, said Naresh Kapoor, a former farmer who owned the largest farm in Haripur near Manali from 2007 to 2013. We would not get our feed on time, since only the Patlikuhal farm produces it. They order raw material from southern states and then take too long to make feed out of it. Many farmers also complained of very poor quality of feed. While Kapoor mentioned how the feed often caught fungus, most farmers said there is a guaranteed amount of waste. Notably, in 1989, the Norwegian government signed an agreement with Himachal Pradeshs state government for a transfer of trout culture technology. This technology has not been updated since and its produce is generally considered outdated. The department says it wishes to decrease the farmers reliance on seed and feed by providing hatcheries and feed units on a subsidy. But Kapoor said, My farm was considered the largest in the region. I had my own hatchery, my own feed unit. Still, my farm failed. Even Ashu, a farmer still active in Kullu said, In my opinion, the government should really not focus on giving everyone hatcheries and feed units. Why would I want one when the government can provide seed and feed themselves? It is expensive, and I will have to hire people to run it. According to Kapoor, who owned a 15-raceway farm, the issue was not a lack in infrastructure, but a highly technical process that was beset by many hurdles including the erratic supply of poor quality seed and feed, and the government competing with farmers by selling trout at cheap rates which put farmers at a disadvantage in the market. The government must really work to improve the quality of the feed and seed, Ashu said. Personally, I dont see the sense of farmers owning hatcheries. That money can be invested in updating their own supply of seed and feed. From loans to floods to debt With the heavy infrastructure of a trout farm being as alluring as it is expensive, many farmers take out big loans to begin with. Balbir Singh began his project by taking a loan of Rs. 48 lakhs and built a large 18-raceway farm in 2008, aided by government subsidy. The idea seemed very attractive at first, Singh said over the phone. But I faced great issues with seed supply and feed rates, and all the while there was the issue of competing with the government. I was managing, but after my entire stock was killed in a flood, I was unable to recover and sold the farm to pay off the loan. Singh decommissioned his farm in 2013. For Alam Chand the matter was similar if not worse. I had to sell my land to pay off a Rs. 40 lakh loan. The government helped me set up the farm with a subsidy for three tanks, they gave me seed and feed. But the 2018 flood damaged the farm and killed my stock. Chand said, adding that he drove a cab before starting his farm in 2013. Now he is doing odd jobs as a labourer. There are 592 trout farmers currently registered with the Fisheries deparment, Satpal Mehta, Director-cum-Warden of Fisheries, told Mongabay-India over the phone. This number only increases each year. However, there is no data available on farmers whose farms are decommissioned, said Mehta. Notably, a letter sent to the department by the Trout Fish Farmers Association in May, 2020 claimed that only 15 of their 70 registered members had survived the impact of the 2018 Kullu floods. Natural calamities are the main cause of these issues, Mehta said. We have taken the measure of including an insurance now, for infrastructure damage and loss of livestock. On the issue of seed and feed supply, Mehta said that the government capacity for seed production is currently at Rs. 14 lakhs when it needs to be 35 lakhs. This is why they want to give farmers their own hatcheries. Our Patlikuhal farm is not just a retail outlet where we sell fish. Farmers are given anywhere between 1-5 days of training there. It is just like training farmers to use a tractor; you teach them the basics and then they get good enough to teach others too. An assistant director at the Fisheries department who wished to remain anonymous, said over the phone, There are some gaps within the department, the biggest issue being a shortage of staff. But then farmers often do not follow the departments guidelines. If farmers enter the business with appropriate resources and remain in touch with the department, the business is usually successful. However, farmers seem to have a strained relationship with the fisheries officers and the training programmes. How will they train us? They themselves are not experts, said Kapoor, reflecting the sentiment shared by other farmers Mongabay India spoke with. The training offered by the department is largely thought to be inadequate. Shakti Singh Jamwal, president of the Trout Fish Farmers Association highlighted the need for better training and special schemes for trout farmers. Farming trout is highly technical, and when the government, with all its funding and infrastructure, is unable to properly provide seed and feed, how will a lone farmer manage to do it? A single days training means nothing. Jamwal went on to add, The government needs to help us. There is a need for schemes which address our issues with floods. They must update seed and feed technology on their end, and must stop competing with us in the state. Its as simple as that. When asked about the governments insurance initiative Jamwal responded by saying that its mettle will be tested as people begin to make use of it now. Joss Whedon has been seen venturing out for the first time since he was accused of running the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer like a 'high school mean girl'. The creator of the supernatural drama, 56, stepped out in Brentwood, Los Angeles on Wednesday for an evening walk after the allegations of creating a 'toxic environment' for the young actresses. The director was seen in a black sweater and blue jeans as he was joined by a female friend for the outing. Stepping out: Joss Whedon has ventured out for the first time since he was accused of running the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer like a high school mean girl The director was seen in a black sweater and blue jeans as he was joined by a female friend for the outing Whedon has remained silent throughout the various allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of his shows. Eleven former staffers, all of whom spoke to Variety on the condition of anonymity, claim that he had a history of unprofessional and disparaging behavior towards his employees. This included making inappropriate jokes in front of underage cast members, calling women 'fat,' making writers cry and having affairs with actresses and female production members working on the shows. Several cast members of the shows, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charsima Carpenter, Amber Benson and Michelle Trachtenberg, put their name to allegations, describing Whedon's behavior on set as 'toxic' and 'cruel.' The creator of the supernatural drama, 56, stepped out in Brentwood, Los Angeles on Wednesday for an evening walk Whedon's behavior first came under attention when Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on three seasons of Buffy and four seasons of Angel, spoke out in a Twitter post on February 10. 'For nearly two decades, I have held my tongue and even made excuses for certain events that traumatize me to this day,' she wrote. 'Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. 'While he found his misconduct amusing, it only served to intensify my performance anxiety, disempower me, and alienate me from my peers.' Carpenter claims Whedon would regularly make 'passive-aggressive' threats and asked her if she was going to keep her baby when she became pregnant. Eleven former staffers spoke to Variety, on the condition of anonymity, about Whedon's alleged unprofessional and disparaging behavior on the set of the supernatural drama. Pictured (left to right): Buffy cast members Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charisma Carpenter and Alyson Hannigan, circa 1997 He is accused of making inappropriate jokes in front of underage cast members, such as Michelle Trachtenberg, who was 15 when she joined the show. Pictured: Trachtenberg (left) and Gellar on the set of Buffy, 2001 His comments were described by one former staffer as 'very, very bad, mean-spirited, and verbal abuse.' Pictured: Whedon talks with Buffy cast member James Marsters on the set of the show, 2003 Carpenter also alleges Whedon called her 'fat' to other members of the cast and crew when she was four months pregnant, despite weighing just 126 lbs, and then fired her after she gave birth. One of the former staffers, who worked with Carpenter on both the Buffy and Angel sets, verified the actress's story with Variety. It was 'very, very bad, mean-spirited, and verbal abuse,' the unnamed person said. They added that this behavior made it clear to Carpenter that Whedon had favorites and she was not among them. One source told Variety that Whedon was pushed to cast Carpenter by the network and, as a result, he would often pick on her. They also said that some writers emulated Whedon's behavior and would disparage Carpenter's acting ability. Several actors and actresses, as well as writers and producers, stood behind Carpenter's claim, including Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg, who played Buffy's younger sister, Dawn, for three seasons beginning at age 15 said in an Instagram post than Whedon's behavior as 'not appropriate' and claimed that there was a 'rule' on the set that forbade him from being alone in a room with her. Most former staffers told Variety they did not know about this rule, but one ex-employee did say that efforts were made on set to make sure Trachtenberg was never around Whedon by herself. One staffer alleged Trachtenberg's mother complained that Whedon's off-color jokes were making the set inappropriate for her teenage daughter. The former staffers claim Whedon had several affairs with actresses and female production members, and exhibited a power dynamic over them when the affairs ended. Pictured: Whedon attends the LA Art Show 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, January 2019 One staffer backed up Trachtenberg's (left) claims that she was not allowed to be left alone with Whedon in a room while another backed up actress Charisma Carpenter's (right) claims of Whedon of calling her 'fat' while pregnant Many reiterate that his jokes were not just improper but also mean He allegedly called Nell Scovell, creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch 'fat' when she was two weeks from her due date and would make female writers cry during notes sessions. He reportedly had affairs with several women working for him on the show, the staffers told Variety. As the show-runner, he was the boss of the women, and allegedly held control over them during and after the affairs. The staffers also told Variety that complaints about Whedon never reached the studio level and they are not aware of any monetary settlements made due to his alleged behavior. All of the stars of Buffy and Angel, including Gellar, Benson, Trachtenburg, Eliza Dushku, David Boreanaz and Alyson Hannigan, declined Variety's requests for comment for the magazine's story. Whedon declined to comment on the allegations when contacted by Variety. A local indigenous community in Western Colombia liberated soldiers it had kept imprisoned in a rural area of the country, the Ombudsman's Office of Colombia said Wednesday MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) A local indigenous community in Western Colombia liberated soldiers it had kept imprisoned in a rural area of the country, the Ombudsman's Office of Colombia said Wednesday. According to the army, the soldiers were captured while patrolling and demining the area where the National Liberation Army's (ELN) was active. After the military announced that the soldiers had been taken captive, human rights defenders, army and local authorities' officials were sent to the area. "With the mediation of Colombia's Ombudsman, the nine soldiers kept in the custody by El-Consuelo indigenous guard in the rural area of Carmen de Atrato in Choco were handed over to the humanitarian mission. Their arms and belongings were also returned," the Ombudsman's Office said on Twitter. As the El-Consuelo community head said, the soldiers were hiding in banana trees and firing when they were captured. Since 1964 Colombia has been witnessing the low-intensity armed conflict between the government and other groups, including the ELN, a radical left-wing armed group, for increasing influence on the country's territory. The Colombian government, the EU and the US designated ELN as a terrorist group. A zoo in Xianning, Central China, has sparked outrage on social media after it was revealed that it had tried to pass off a Rottweiler as a wolf. Footage showing a visitor to the Xiangwushan Zoo in Xianning, Hubei province, visiting the wolf enclosure only to find a Rottweiler resting inside went viral on Chinese social media last week. The man who recorded the video, a certain Mr. Xu, can be heard saying Woof! Are you a wolf? to the dog, which doesnt seem to concerned with the fact that it looks nothing like a wolf. Xu later told Chinese journalists that he asked the zoo staff about the animal, and they told him that they used to have an actual age, but it died of old age. A zoo employee confirmed to Chinese publication Global Times that there was indeed a dog in the wolfs enclosure, but added that the animal was only kept there temporarily. The Rottweiler was apparently a watchdog used to prevent strangers trespassing into the yard. There indeed was a wolf, a member of the staff said, adding that it had died of old age, and that the zoo didnt have enough visitors to keep the zoo up and running well. After Mr. Xus video went viral online, the local forestry bureau ordered the Xiangwushan Zoo to take down the the wolf enclosure sign, so as not to confuse visitors. Online, reactions to the videos were mixed, with some people declaring themselves outraged by the zoos tactics, other joking that they were glad the dog wasnt the wolfs dinner, and a few saying that the staff could have at least used a husky, which at least somewhat resembles a wolf. Interestingly, another Chinese zoo did try to pass off a husky dog as a wolf a few years back. And it wasnt the only time a zoo tried to fake its animals. Back in 2018, we wrote about an Egyptian zoo that tried to pass off donkeys as zebras, by painting them white with black stripes. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. ADVERTISEMENT The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to hire foreign mercenaries to combat Boko Haram insurgents. The House made the resolution following a motion moved by Abdulkadir Rahis on Wednesday. Mr Rahis motion called on the federal government to re-strategise in the fight against insurgents. However, Mansur Soro, moved an amendment to the motion, calling on the government to consider foreign paid fighters in the anti-terror war. This resolution is coming in the wake of a similar call by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who during the meeting of the North East Governors Forum recently, called on the federal government to revert to the use of foreign mercenaries. Mr Zulum had in November 2020 also raised the issue of using foreign paid fighters, a policy that was considered under President Goodluck Jonathans administration. The Jonathan administration had used Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection, (STTEP), a South African company to combat the insurgents in the North-east. However, Mr Buhari opposes the policy, describing it as disgraceful. In 2018, Eeben Barlow, the founder of STTEP ,in a Facebook post, revealed how Mr Buhari, as an opposition figure, rejected the use of foreign mercenaries by the then administration. Mr Barlow in the post condemned the claim by the administration that the deadly group had been technically defeated. The motion Mr Rahis, in his motion, raised alarm on the recent spike in attacks on Maiduguri, particularly the February 23 attacks, which resulted in 16 fatalities. He noted that the attack was one of the most daring as the terrorists indiscriminately launched rockets into the city which inflicted mass destruction on the populace. The House also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with the victims and the Government of Borno State. It also urged the military authorities to restrategize and take the fight to the Boko Haram enclaves. New Delhi, March 10 : MOOL -- Made Out Of Love is a social fashion brand, launching its website with the cutest collection of apparel that portrays the artwork of little artists from under-served communities. Every purchase of MOOL apparel will go onto benefitting the little artists with the provision of a fully funded quality education and generate employment for women and men who previously lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After the purchase, the buyers are provided login credentials for a donor page, where they will be able to track the child's progress. This can be tracked on MOOL's donor portal so they can see where every penny spent is utilized. Along with its philanthropic partner, Muskurahat Foundation which works on the holistic development of these children, MOOL aims to fulfil the mutual vision of future-proofing the next generation by empowering them today. Speaking about MOOL, its Founder, Himanshu Goenka, says: "Doing good and doing well doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. That's the motto that drove us to create MOOL as a social fashion brand that is rooted in bringing people from under-served communities to an equitable platform. With a 'Business Not for Profit' approach, it is a 100 per cent social enterprise where all of its profits go back to the community. "Our products feature designs that are adapted as it is from the children's drawings. We conduct art therapy workshops with children from the under-served communities and the art that comes out from it is printed on our products. The proceeds of each product go directly towards funding the quality education of the child for a year." Goenka adds: "At the same time, the products itself are manufactured by people from the communities who are trained in tailoring and employed in our factory. Given the impact of Covid-19 on employment, people from the community where our factory is located are trained in tailoring and employed in manufacturing of the product. Thus, generating a source of primary income where there has been loss of employment or a secondary income for women in the community to enable them to contribute to their household." You can now shop for MOOL apparels and view the inspiring artworks and stories of our little kid-artists on www.mool.org (IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Charleston County Council approved tax breaks for a Home Depot distribution center on Tuesday though one member voted against the proposal, saying the retailer sold him a defective appliance. The Atlanta-based company will occupy part of a nearly 160,000-square-foot building at 7791 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston. Council agreed by a 4-2 vote to include the home-improvement chain among the building's tenants eligible for an incentive that effectively lower the property tax rate to 6 percent instead of the usual 10.5 percent. Home Depot did not respond to a request for comment. Councilman Henry Darby voted against the incentive and called out the chain for what he termed poor customer service. "I ain't supporting it," Darby said of the tax break. "I bought a washing machine from Home Depot in January and the thing broke and they wouldn't take it back, so I'm done. They won't get my vote tonight, sir." Darby said he was being humorous during the vote. "However, I did purchase a washing machine which does not work properly and I cannot return or exchange," he said Wednesday. "However, I am not vindictive. I more than likely will reconsider my vote." Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! Councilman Kylon Middleton also voted against the incentive, but did not state a reason. Darby, principal of North Charleston High School, recently made national news for taking a part-time job stocking shelves at Walmart and using the money to help low-income students and their families buy food and pay bills. He was given the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, for that work. The Palmetto Trade Center project in Palmetto Commerce Park, built in 2019, is now fully leased, said Bob Barrineau, senior vice president of CBRE, a commercial real estate foirm that marketed the project. "Considering the fact that most of the leasing activity was in the beginning of the COVID shutdown, (that) makes for a great outcome," Barrineau said. SunCap Property Group was the developer of the builder. The Charlotte-based company in the planning stages for a second structure next to the distribution center that would include 229,000 square feet. SunCap, which has an office in North Charleston, also developed the Ingleside Industrial project in Palmetto Commerce Park. has ended support for its original cross-platform Edge browser, also called Legacy Edge, the company had launched as a replacement for Internet Explorer 11. In August last year, the company announced that support for the Edge Legacy desktop application will end on March 9, 2021. Legacy Edge will no longer receive security updates, and people using it should begin the process of switching to other browsers. "To replace this out of support application, we are announcing that the new Edge will be available as part of the Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update on April 13, 2021," Microsoft said in an update on Tuesday. "Because Microsoft Edge Legacy will no longer be on devices after you apply this update, the side-by-side experience will no longer be available". When you apply this update to your devices, the out-of-support Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application will be removed and the new Microsoft Edge will be installed. "The new Microsoft Edge offers built-in security and our best interoperability with the Microsoft security ecosystem, all while being more secure than Chrome for businesses on Windows 10," Microsoft said. Legacy Edge was originally codenamed "Spartan" and was included with Windows 10 as the operating system's default web browser before it was officially named Edge. --IANS na/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deputy PM Dan Barna points out that Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu has 101 percent support from the Save Romania Union - Party of Liberty, Unity and Solidarity (USR - PLUS) Alliance and that transparency is part of a good governance, according to AGERPRES. "When we promised a revolution of good governance, we also referred to public data transparency. Besides, since 2013 Romania has been a member of the international initiative 'Open Government Partnership', whose scope is precisely making data transparent for reuse. It is, therefore, natural for a USR PLUS minister to act based on the ideas we endorsed before the elections. Vlad Voiculescu has my and the USR PLUS Alliance's 101 percent support. This will not change. Transparency is part of good governance," the USR Chairman wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday. Last week, the Health Ministry published new data on the pandemic and the vaccination centres in counties. Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu said the intelligence services needn't have approved the publication of the number of COVID-19 tests processed in each county. Prime Minister Florin Citu announced that, following a discussion on Monday with the Government's Control Body, the institution would take note about law observance in regard to the Health Ministry's releasing the COVID data. The Prime Minister pointed out on Wednesday that there isn't any conflict between himself and the Health Minister, mentioning that he was notified about the Health Ministry released data, a notification which he had to see through. Lauren Boebert has come under fire for an attack advert against Nancy Pelosi with shooting sound effects included. The advert, released by the Colorado congresswoman on Tuesday, immediately drew criticism for featuring shooting sound effects at the end. It calls on Ms Pelosi, the speaker of the House, to tear down the security fence that currently circles the US Capitol Building. It has been there since supporters of former president Donald Trump besieged the complex on 6 January, threatening the lives of Ms Pelosi and other Democratic members of Congress. What exactly are you trying to convey? The deadly insurrection was only two months ago, wrote a Twitter user. Why do you want to remove the perimeter around the Capitol so soon? Read more: Lauren Boebert hints shes still taking gun to Congress in spite of Pelosi rules Another user asked: Why is there a sound gunshot at the end of your video? Was that a threat to Speaker Pelosi? Five people, including an officer from the Capitol Police Department, were among those who were killed during the 6 January attack which was carried out by Trump supporters wanting to stop Congress voting to certify the 2020 election results. Ms Boebert, who supported Mr Trumps false claims of election fraud, rejected Joe Bidens election win when Congress returned in the hours following the riot, leading to the resignation of a member of her own staff. The congresswoman, who is pro-gun, went on to say in Tuesdays attack ad that Democrats wanted to protect themselves but not the country with the security fence which she compared to the southern border wall built by Mr Trump, and opposed by Democrats. Read more: Man sues Hertz for failing to produce receipt in timely manner that cleared him of murder Its time to cut the crap and remember, this is the peoples house, says Ms Boebert in the video, which ends with her saying Madam Speaker, tear down this wall! before a shooting sound effect. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Whether the clapping of cymbals, the rat-a-tat-tat of a snare drum or the heartbeat of a bass drum, percussion music is music in Chip Davis ears, both literally and figuratively. Davis, the founder of Jacksonville Drumline Institute, has loved and played the drums since he was a third-grader. I have always played in bands, Davis said. Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Ohio, learning to play the drums and being around music was a blessing. Music was my escape for everything, Davis said. I have a passion for it. In the early 2000s, Davis volunteered at Jacksonville High School, leading its drumline after his son, who was a member, asked him to critique it. More Information See more photos in Gallery. See More Collapse In my opinion, I brought them into the 21st century, he said of JHSs drumline at the time. Davis eventually stepped away after several years to pursue a job opportunity that took him to Effingham for six years. Returning to Jacksonville, Davis decided to create his own drumline school, using a combination of his own money, bank loans and fundraisers. Davis considers the institute his opportunity to give back, not for the money but because he believes teaching kids music offers so many more lessons from building confidence to learning discipline to learning that, the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. Ive had kids being real shy but now they come out more, he said. It builds their self-esteem up. In its third year, a drum beat and the feel of a parade being just around the corner fills the air each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening at First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Road. A typical practice session involves warming up, learning choreography and practicing in small groups, and Davis and other instructors take the time to help perfect the students talents. Im kind of a disciplinarian, Davis said of wanting to make sure everyone is learning and progressing. Students audition when they enroll and are placed with other students of similar talents; the youngest student is 4. Its about teaching the kids, he said. He doesnt do it alone. Illinois College freshman Jewelianna Fuqua, 19, works with all ages of students during practice sessions at the institute, but she especially enjoys her time with the younger kids, she said. Kids will hesitate when youre wrong so I learn from them, too, she said. Fugua who also plays the violin, guitar, bass guitar, cello and piano has seen the institute grow during the past three years. It really was a humble start, she said of the institute. Fuqua, who is pursuing a major in music and psychology with a minor in education with the goal of a career in music therapy, said working with the students helps her with her education. I know my skill set is in music but I didnt know what to do with it, she said, adding that she was elated to learn she could help people through music. I really like helping people. Ben Miller, 17, has been a student at the institute for more than a year and has gotten more than just music knowledge out of it, he said. I have been doing it about two years and I like the friendships you make here, Miller said. The music, as a whole, I am really into. For Tessa Runkle, 15, being affiliated with the church got her involved a little more than a year ago; shes glad it did. The challenges of learning all the music, the friendships and the accountability of practicing, she said, listing the benefits of being part of the drumline. The cost for beginner students is $20 a month; its $50 a month for more advanced students. For Davis, if the money isnt there for a student who wants to participate, he will find a way. I dont turn anyone away, he said. A lot of kids cant pay, so I will have them do community service, he said. It gives them something to do and something to be proud of. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby NorthSeymour, along with David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, announced a 10-year, $517 million investment in the Canada - British Columbia Housing Benefit (CA-BC HB), that will support more than 25,000 households across B.C. The new housing benefit will provide financial assistance to marginalized groups with low incomes to help with their monthly rent payments. As part of the CA-BC HB program, half of the investment is already being used to support enhancements that were made to the provincial Rental Assistance Program (RAP) or Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) in 2018. The program will be delivered to households that are not eligible for RAP or SAFER, and fall within one or more targeted priority groups, including women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic violence, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, veterans, youth leaving care, people with disabilities and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The benefit will be provided directly to selected qualifying households through non-profit housing providers or by BC Housing, through The Housing Registry. Quotes: "Our Government is committed to ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home and we recognize the long-standing need for predictable funding for housing. Today, we are taking another significant step toward our goal of building strong communities where British Columbians continue to prosper and thrive, now and for generations to come." The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) "The federal government is back into affordable housing with our National Housing Strategy. The Canada British Columbia Housing Benefit is a key component in developing an ambitious 10 year plan for the housing sector to make real progress for British Columbians. I am committed to working with all levels of government to ensure that our communities have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing." The Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra "We are pleased to work with the federal government to make housing more affordable for British Columbians, and we are glad to see the continued leadership of the Federal Minister of Housing on this file. We will continue to work with the federal government to match our housing investments so that even more people in B.C. can have the peace of mind that comes with having a secure and affordable home in their community. Together we could really make some major progress in addressing the housing crisis in our province." David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, Province of BC "With today's announcement, we're taking another positive step towards ensuring that all Canadians, especially the most vulnerable members of our community, have a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home. Part of our $70+ billion National Housing Strategy, the Canada Housing Benefit is a critical investment that will help alleviate rental strains for the members of our communities that need it most. Working with the provincial government, we are making meaningful progress when it comes to addressing BC's most urgent housing challenges." Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour Quick facts: The Government of Canada will invest $2 billion in the Canada Housing Benefit across the country, which will be cost-matched by provinces and territories for a total $4-billion investment over 8 years, starting in spring 2020. will invest in the Canada Housing Benefit across the country, which will be cost-matched by provinces and territories for a total investment over 8 years, starting in spring 2020. The benefit will cover some of the difference between 30% of gross household income, or income assistance shelter payment, and rent (subject to a maximum rent). The Canada British Columbia Housing Benefit builds on the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement, announced in 2018 under the National Housing Strategy. The total cost-matched funding is approximately $1.5 billion to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and will support the priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability in Homes for BC, the Province's 30-point plan for housing affordability in British Columbia . British Columbia Housing Benefit builds on the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement, announced in 2018 under the National Housing Strategy. The total cost-matched funding is approximately to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and will support the priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability in Homes for BC, the Province's 30-point plan for housing affordability in . The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is the Government of Canada's 10-year, $70+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call homethis includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. 10-year, $70+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call homethis includes more than committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. Since 2017, the B.C. government has taken steps to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes, including the largest investment in housing affordability in B.C.'s history - $7 billion over 10 years. over 10 years. Through a 30-point housing plan launched in 2018, the provincial government is working with partners to deliver 114,000 affordable homes over 10 years. The plan has also introduced new measures aimed at curbing speculative demand that has driven up the cost of living. Associated links: As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that by 2030, everyone in has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca. To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/ SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation For further information: Media contacts: Mikaela Harrison, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, [email protected]; Leonard Catling, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]; Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing, Media Relations, 778 678-1572; BC Housing, Media Relations, [email protected] Related Links www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca Jury selection began yesterday in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, while both sides await a decision by the state court of appeals on whether a charge of third-degree murder should be reinstated in the case. Judge Peter Cahills decision to press forward with the trial of Mr Chauvin (44), who is accused of killing Mr Floyd (46) by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes during a police investigation last May, drew an immediate appeal from prosecutors and raised eyebrows among legal observers, who said the unusual manoeuvre could later be grounds for a defence appeal to have the case thrown out. The legal uncertainty came on what was supposed to be the first day of jury selection in the trial. But proceedings were halted almost immediately after prosecutors questioned whether Mr Cahill could move forward without ruling on the prosecutions efforts to reinstate a charge of third-degree murder. Mr Cahill, who threw out the charge in the autumn, saying it could not be applied to the case, was ordered by the Court of Appeals on Friday to reconsider his decision. Mr Cahill said on Monday that he was not yet able to make a ruling on the issue because the appeals court ruling was pending. But he described the third-degree murder charge as a narrow issue in the case and said he planned to move forward with jury selection and other pretrial matters. The decision drew objections from prosecutors, who filed a motion for a stay in the case with the state court of appeals, arguing that the lack of clarity on charges and questions about Mr Cahills jurisdiction risk the case being thrown out on appeal. There is no need for this kind of uncertainty in any case, let alone a case of this magnitude, prosecutors said in their appellate motion. As prosecutors filed their appeal, Mr Cahill sent potential jurors home for the day and recessed the court for several hours. Although jury selection was held up, prosecutors and Mr Chauvins defence attorney said they had agreed to dismiss 16 of the first 50 jurors they reviewed for cause based on their answers to a 16-page questionnaire mailed to potential jurors in December. No reasons were given, and Mr Cahill approved the request. More than 95% of farm support payments have been issued to 97% of eligible farmers, four months ahead of the Scottish government's initial target. Pillar 1 payments - worth around 400 million - have been paid to 16,931 farming and crofting businesses, equating to just over 97% of eligible applicants. The Pillar 1 figures consist of Basic Payment Support (BPS), Greening and Young Farmer payments. The payments comes ahead of the Scottish government's initial payment target of 30 June. Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: Scotlands farming community has worked hard, putting in long hours and days throughout lockdown to keep food on our plates. "The global impact of the pandemic has highlighted the importance of food supply chains and should remind us all not to take food and food security for granted. Now, more than ever, its crucial we keep money flowing into our rural communities and keep funding our crofters and farmers." Mr Ewing urged farmers to submit their Single Application Form 2021 applications as soon as they can. The submission period for SAF opens on 15 March 2021 and closes on 17 May 2021. SAF applications can be submitted online or by filling out a paper application. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Published on 2021/03/09 | Source Actor Kim Young-kwang released a statement regarding being cast for "Finger". Wide S Company told TV Daily, "Nothing has been confirmed about the Netflix series "Finger"". The Netflix original series "Finger" is a follow-up to the hottest social discovery app in the world. Kim Young-kwang is said to have been offered the role of designer Seong Yoon-oh. Seong Yoon-oh is a character with birth secrets and twists. Kim Young-kwang, a former model, has attracted attention since his debut with his tall height and good looks. Since then, he has established himself as an actor through various acting activities with his unique roles across the screen and dramas. Meanwhile, Kim Young-kwang is currently starring in KBS 2TV's Monday-Tuesday drama, "Hello, Me!". The Taoiseach did not discuss the Mother and Baby Homes report, illegal adoptions or the transfer of the National Maternity Hospital in several meetings with religious leaders. Micheal Martin and his officials met faith leaders, including Archbishops from the Catholic Church, four times in recent months, twice in November and twice in February. He was asked by Opposition members, including Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett and Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan if the Mother and Baby Homes report and illegal adoptions was discussed at these meetings. Mr Martin said that either him or his officials attended several meetings with leaders of the Catholic Church from November last year to as recently as February 25, all of the meetings focused solely on Covid-19 restrictions. These meetings were not about any other issue other than the Covid-19 restrictions and all of these meetings were in that context, he told the Dail. In regards to the publication of the Mother and Baby Homes report, he said that the Government has written to the religious orders and asked them to make a contribution to any redress scheme. In regards to illegal adoptions, he said that the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 will be published. Referring to the transfer of lands of the National Maternity Hospital to the State from the Sisters of Charity, he said hospitals funded by the State should be in State ownership. In terms of hospitals, I am of the view that hospitals which are overwhelmingly funded by the state should be in state ownership, he said. The Taoiseach or his officials attended meetings with religious leaders in November, but also had two meetings in February. On February 19, he met leaders of the Catholic Church and on February 25, his officials had a further meeting with faith leaders. Mr Martin said that during his meeting with Archbishops from the Catholic Church, he was told that public worship should resume when the easing of restrictions is considered. The Archbishops also expressed a strong desire that people should be able to gather safely this year for Holy Week and Easter. The Golomoti solar plant is expected to come online in 2022. The plant will be used to provide grid stability and reduce national dependence on diesel generators and hydroelectric generation.From pv magazine France Infraco Africa, a unit of U.K.-based Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and Canadian private equity firm JCM Power, will begin construction on the 20 MW Golomoti solar plant in Malawi in the current quarter. Completion of the solar facility, which is planned to be located in Dedza, about 100km southeast of the capital, Lilongwe, is scheduled for early 2022. The plant will ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. KALAMAZOO, MI Mary Balkema, who served as county treasurer until she lost her re-election bid, is back in county government in a new role related to housing. Balkema, a Republican, served as county treasurer from 2007 to 2020, losing in the countywide election in November. Balkema started in her new non-elected job as housing director in February on the heels of 20 years as an elected official. Balkemas hiring led to some questions and criticism from people who complained about the hiring and the lack of transparency by the county not alerting the community about her hiring. Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored said the hiring was the same process used to hire other county employees. She said several applicants went through through the process and Balkema was selected for the hire. Moored said the county doesnt issue news releases or other notices for department heads or the position Balkema was hired for. County commissioners reported during a February board meeting they had received reports from people concerned about Balkemas hiring. Kalamazoo resident Joe Byers told the board he is deeply troubled by the hiring of Balkema. Byers called her divisive and partisan. Her agenda and partisan politics were soundly defeated last November, Byers said. The voters spoke and decided to send her on her way. Balkema said she applied for the position that was posted nationally and widely marketed, she said. I am an extremely hard worker and have served the public with dignity and passion for the past 20 years, and I am incredibly excited about this work, Balkema said in an email to MLive on March 5, responding to some of the criticism about her hire. I was the top candidate based on skill, knowledge and ability, Balkema said. The mission of the countys housing director is to ensure that all residents in Kalamazoo County have access to healthy, quality, affordable housing in vibrant neighborhoods, Balkema said. As housing director, Balkema will earn a starting salary of $92,830. She came in at the maximum level of the pay range due to her previous time working for Kalamazoo as spelled out in the personnel policy, according to the county administration. Moored said the housing position is accountable to the county administration, and administration is accountable to the public through the county board. Kalamazoo is the only county in the state to levy a housing millage and officials are thankful to the voters for the opportunity, Balkema said. My hope and plan would be to increase all types of housing stock throughout the entire county, Balkema said about her work in the position. Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Tracy Hall said Balkema is responsible for carrying out the vision and directives of the 11 county commissioners. The board will continue to approve and see full details of millage fund allocations, Hall said. The millage language and funding is under the guidance and supervision of the board, Balkema said. A virtual meeting was held on Feb. 23 to begin gathering input. Balkema said the county has asked the public for their feedback on three questions as specifically outlined in the millage language: 1. What types of rental subsidies should be included in the millage funding? 2. What types of housing do you envision? 3. What related supportive services do you think are needed for residents in Kalamazoo County? The county is taking feedback from the public, housing partners, and non-profit partners to develop a plan and vision for the housing millage dollars, Balkema said. Her role manages the process where the millage dollars are leveraged and deployed in the community, she said. Much of the feedback we have received to date speaks about the lack of affordable units, Balkema told MLive. We do not have sufficient inventory in the county to house our people making below 100% of area median income. In October 2018 when Balkema was treasurer, the Michigan State Police Special Investigation Section at Fifth District Headquarters opened an investigation of Kalamazoo County Tax Reversion Fund expenditures, the transfer of foreclosed properties to private individuals and non-profit organizations, and the payment to contractors who facilitated the rehabilitation of the properties. The investigation of the Kalamazoo County Treasurers Office was closed in 2019 and no charges were filed, the Michigan State Police said Tuesday. Balkema, at the time, said she followed Michigan law at all times. Primarily, Balkema will prepare work for the board to approve, Moored said. The difference is in authority of the position when compared to Balkemas previous role as county treasurer, the administrator said. Left to right, David Anderson, Bobby Hopewell and Mary Balkema visited homes on the tax foreclosure list in 2019 to let people know about the resources available that could keep them in their homes. Courtesy | City of Kalamazoo The housing millage tax request passed during the November election about 51 percent to 49 percent. If levied in full, the millage would raise an estimated $6,375,000 in the first calendar year. For the owner of a $100,000 home, the tax amounts to about $38 a year, according to the Homes for All campaign. The 0.75-mill property tax takes the place of a 0.1-mill tax approved by county voters in 2015. Read more: Longtime Republican treasurer upset by newcomer Democrat in Kalamazoo County Tax will fund new housing units in Kalamazoo County Hotel with Hard Rock brand planned for Gibson Guitars site a win for Kalamazoo, local leaders say Michigan opens vaccines to more people, but frustration grows for those still struggling to book appointments Cass County man confessed to killing Kalamazoo man, 64, over jealousy, police say (Natural News) Gavin Newsom, the tyrannical dictator over California, is about to lose his title of governor. Before he is removed from power, he is trying all he can to threaten freedom in the state and to force certain races of people to vaccinate. Newsom says the people of California will not be able to go back to normal until 2 million Latinos are fully vaccinated according to the current CDC guidelines. As part of the states equitable distribution of covid-19 vaccinations, California public health officials have allocated 40 percent of the states vaccine lot to the Latino communities in Central Valley and in pockets of Los Angeles. Gavin Newsom is threatening to hold down the livelihoods of people throughout the state, in a desperate attempt to divide people by race and pressure Latinos to take the vaccines. Gavin Newsom racially profiles Latinos, forcing them to vaccinate in high numbers in order for people to have their freedoms back Instead of seeking repentance for his tyrannical actions over the past year, Gavin Newsom is trying to shift the blame for his perpetual lockdowns by shaming people who dont get the experimental vaccines. The first group that Newsom seeks to shame and racially profile are the Latinos, who live mostly in low-income areas, where infection data is high and where healthcare systems are failing. Newsom refuses to take accountability for his perpetual lockdown policies, which have needlessly upended countless lives. The only way out for Newsom and these corrupt public health figures is to use the lockdowns once more to deprive people of their rights and segregate certain races and demographics, coercing them to give up their bodily autonomy. State Health and Human Services Director, Dr. Mark Ghaly, said the state wont reopen until the shots are in the arms. If Latinos do not submit themselves in higher numbers, then California will stay locked down. As we achieve higher levels of vaccine in the hardest hit communities, we feel more confident that more and more activities across the state can occur, he said in a recent press briefing. This is what the lockdowns were for. They werent a benign 14-day break, to slow the spread. They werent put in place to prevent peak capacity of hospitals. The lockdowns are to abuse people in every facet of life, until they submit their bodies en masse to the pharmaceutical companies. (Related: Biden orders TROOPS to administer coronavirus vaccines in California as military is repurposed for genocide.) Using threats and coercion, California targets specific races and neighborhoods, giving rise to a Fourth Reich The equitable distribution plan is not based on compassion, informed consent, or any medical ethic whatsoever. The equitable distribution plan is a way to target specific demographics and races, to put pressure on them to comply. Vaccination is no longer respected as an individual choice, with comprehensive, informed consent. Vaccination is being rolled out in stages, lumping people in herds, so they are more likely to be pressured by their peers and coerced to comply. By hinging the states freedom on one races compliance to the vaccines, a Fourth Reich is officially born. In California, lockdowns are broken down into reopening tiers as state officials promise freedom in stages. These reopening tiers dictate business operations and school re-openings. Californians are being spoon-fed their freedom, as long as a certain percentage of the population complies with vaccinations. This color-based tier plan is now putting people of color in its cross-hairs, forcing them to comply in order for Californians to get some of their freedom back. This level of coercion is racist, illegal and in violation of basic medical ethics and the Nuremberg treaty. With this level of coercion in place, state officials believe they will get 1.6 million people to comply with a first round of shots in the next two weeks. Officials do not consider this amount of vaccination sufficient to green-light reopening tiers across the state. Public health officials demand that the state will not get some of its freedoms back until 4 million doses of vaccine are received in the arms of Latinos in the targeted neighborhoods. Sources include: PJMedia.com NaturalNews.com A Conservative health minister has risked inflaming the row over NHS wages after he described nurses as well paid for the job. Unions have warned nurses could strike or leave the profession altogether after ministers recommended a controversial 1 per cent pay rise. Critics say the award would amount to a real-terms pay cut and is a slap in the face for NHS staff who have spent a year on the frontline of the battle against Covid-19. At the weekend Boris Johnson defended the pay offer, saying his government had given as much as we can. But Tory peer Lord Bethell risked pouring oil on the flames of the row, saying nursing was a challenging profession but one that attracted a long queue of people who wished to join its ranks. Challenged by a fellow peer that an offer that amounts to 3.50 a week looks more like a kick in the teeth than a top priority, Lord Bethell said: There are lots of people who have had an extremely tough time and who face a period of unemployment. He added: Nurses are well paid for the job. They have a secure job and they have other benefits. There are many people in this country who look upon professional jobs in the NHS with some envy and we shouldnt forget the fact that some public sector jobs are in fact extremely well paid. He went on: I cant hide the fact that across the public sector there is a pay freeze. The only area where that doesnt apply to is to the NHS. Many in the private sector have lost their jobs and their prospects altogether and there is a massive economic challenge on the horizon. We absolutely fool ourselves if we lose our eyes to that and we regard the public sector as somehow sacrosanct and immune to the larger economic challenge that we have. Earlier NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens had confirmed that plans set out previously had budgeted for NHS pay to increase by 2.1 per cent this year. Labour peer Lord Hunt of Kings Heath said: Its one thing for the prime minister to be filmed applauding his appreciation for NHS staff, but no amount of clapping is going to help pay for rising living costs. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The government aims to vaccinate 250,000 to 300,000 people a day once the bulk of the COVID-19 vaccines arrives in the country, an official said on Wednesday. National Task Force against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon said the target is achievable if the shipments are delivered as promised, but he also stressed there remains to be a problem with global supply. "Ang target natin ay roughly 250,000 to 300,000 a day pero ito ay depende sa supply na makukuha natin," he said in a media briefing. "Pagdating natin sa punto na nagvavaccinate na tayo ng general population, aabot po tayo sa ganitong numero." [Translation: Our rough target is 250,000 to 300,000 per day but this will depend on the supply. Once we vaccinate the general public, we will reach this number. The government's goal for 2021 is to inoculate 50-70 million people. The government has vaccinated 44,000 so far, mostly healthcare workers. The Philippines has received a total of 1,125,600 doses of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca brands, which were donations from China and a number of European nations through global initiative COVAX facility. The country is set to get 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines by late March or early April and an additional 4.5 million additional doses of AstraZeneca vaccines by April or May through COVAX. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday gave a clarion call to all the BJP MPs and party workers to help eligible people in receiving Covid-19 vaccines as well as help them to reach vaccination centres. India has expanded the world's largest vaccination drive to the next stage and entered a fresh phase on March 1, covering all aged over 60 years and those above 45 years suffering from comorbidities. Modi, who took the vaccine on March 1 as the new phase of vaccination took off in the country, urged his party workers on Wednesday during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary board meeting here inside Parliament premises. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi shared Prime Minister's views after the the one hour meeting ended. "Addressing our (BJP) MPs, the Prime Minister appealed them to join people and help the eligible candidates in receiving vaccines as well as helping them in reaching vaccination centres. A clarion call has been given by the PM for all MPs and BJP workers," Prahlad Joshi said. Prahlad Joshi applauded the efforts of the Prime Minister in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, saying, "When the entire world was stunned, perplexed and not able to understand what to do in this crisis, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji achieved success in facing the crisis on both levels -- in saving the lives of the people and also in bringing back the economy on track". For his efforts, Joshi said, "He not only saved the lives of Indians through Covid vaccine but also dispatched vaccine dozes to various foreign countries offering the much-needed helping hand." Thousands queued up at government and private medical facilities across the country as the country further opened its vaccination programme that started on January 16 for healthcare and sanitary workers. Indigenously developed Covaxin vaccine from Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford-AstraZeneca are being administered to people in India since the inoculation drive begins here. The brother of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell said he recognises the setting of a well-known photo showing Prince Andrew next to Virginia Giuffre. Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has previously cast doubt on the authenticity of the photo, said to be taken inside her Mayfair home, showing Prince Andrew with his arm around Ms Giuffre. Prince Andrew has also questioned the validity of the image of him with Ms Giuffre, formerly known as Virginia Roberts. Ghislaine Maxwell is the former girlfriend of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Chris Ison/PA) Ms Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by financier Epstein, alleges the duke had sex with her on three separate occasions. Andrew has categorically denied he has had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre. Maxwell is in a US prison, awaiting trial on charges that she recruited three teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse between 1994 and 1997. Her brother Ian Maxwell has said he does not know anything about the photograph, but said that he recognises the setting of where it was taken. During an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mr Maxwell was asked about what he knows about the photograph. The Queen and the Duke of York at a church service (Joe Giddens/PA) He replied: I dont know anything about the photograph other than that Ive seen its been published. This is outside the case that my sister is facing. And I know its interest to your listeners, but nonetheless Im not here to talk about that photograph. He was then asked: But do you recognise the setting of that? Was it taken in Ghislaines house in London? Mr Maxwell replied: I do recognise that setting. Prince Andrew has said he has no recollection of meeting Ms Giuffre and cast doubt on the picture, claiming he is not one to hug or display affection in public. In an interview with BBC Newsnight in 2019, Prince Andrew said while he recognises himself in the picture with Ms Giuffre, he claimed it is not possible to prove whether the image had been faked. He also claimed the picture could not have been taken in London, as he was in his travelling clothes. Ms Giuffre insisted to BBC Panorama the photo was authentic and said she gave the original to the FBI in 2011. Ghislaine Maxwell is awaiting trial in the US (Jim James/PA) Asked if it is possible that Prince Andrew will be called as a witness in his sisters defence, Mr Maxwell told the Today programme: I cant answer that. I just dont know is the short answer. He was asked if his sister still considers Prince Andrew a friend, and he said: I dont know. I would assume that she does, yes. Mr Maxwell told the programme his sister is in effective isolation and is under 24-hour surveillance with 10 cameras. He said she is not a suicide risk and described how she is being dealt with in prison as a grotesque overreaction. Mr Maxwell said he cant go into discussing the relationship of Ghislaine with Jeffrey Epstein, adding: I didnt see them together I think only once in my entire life in a social situation. Last week, Mr Maxwell told the Daily Telegraph that the American justice system which he described as bizarre and cruel must grant bail to his much loved sister, adding that her family is solidly behind her. According to court documents released last October, Maxwell denied finding under-age sexual partners for Prince Andrew and cast doubts on accounts by the royals accuser, including a claim that sex took place in a bath. Accusing Ms Giuffre of a tissue of lies, Maxwell said the bath at her home in Mayfair was too small for any sexual activity. Maxwell repeatedly denied any memory of the circumstances around Ms Giuffres claim that Andrew slept with her when she was 17 still a minor under US law. The Duke of York has denied any wrongdoing (Steve Parsons/PA) In the deposition transcript, from a since settled defamation case brought by Ms Giuffre, Maxwell accused the now mother-of-three of lying. She denied all Ms Giuffres sex allegations. In the deposition, Maxwell also cast doubt on the authenticity of the photo showing Andrew with his arm around Ms Giuffre, with Maxwell in the background, purportedly taken at her London home. Maxwell said the surroundings in the photo looked familiar, but also said: We cant really establish the photograph and all that, adding: I dont know if thats true, if thats a real picture or not. But, in the combative display, she went on to say: Just for the record, I have never at any time, at any place, in any moment, ever asked Virginia Roberts, or whatever she is called now, to have sex with anybody. The transcript includes mention of an email allegedly sent to Maxwell by Prince Andrew on January 3 2015, saying let me know when we can talk. Got some specific questions to ask you about Virginia Roberts. Maxwell said she had spoken to Andrew at some point about Ms Roberts/Giuffre, and that the two had discussed just what a liar she is. Ms Giuffre has alleged Maxwell recruited her at the age of 17 to be sexually abused from 1999 to 2002. Prince Andrew has withdrawn from official public duties after the disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with Epstein, which saw him criticised for showing little sympathy with the disgraced financiers victims. Epstein was 66 when he killed himself in jail in New York in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. In a city famed for its bridges, Limerick instead finds itself making headlines over a controversial wall dividing a community. Limerick is at the centre of a campaign to have a three-metre-high wall in the suburb of Moyross torn down amid claims it represents an anachronistic 21st-century 'Berlin Wall' and is a clear psychological brake on local development efforts. Locals argued the wall effectively cuts off and isolates a suburb that has been at the centre of the Limerick urban regeneration campaign for more than two decades. Once plagued by social disadvantage, unemployment and crime, Moyross has been making heroic efforts to build a better future for its community and local families. However, residents believe the dividing structure speaks volumes as to the old mindset towards the local community. The three-metre wall extends for 3km and separates two housing estates effectively cutting off Moyross from both Thomond College and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). Councillor James Collins said the wall reflected the social infrastructure mistakes of the past that marred many urban communities in Limerick, Dublin and Cork. "Putting up the wall years ago didn't solve any problems in the way some people hoped. I believe that tearing down the wall won't solve problems either unless we commit resources to delivering complex solutions to complex issues," he said. "Moyross has a lot of wonderful people. They need to be supported in their work to help develop the local community for the good of not just Moyross but the wider Limerick community." Limerick Mental Health Association (LMHA) manager Tracey Corbett-Lynch said it was important for locals to see bridges being built between communities rather than walls and divisions. "It is so important for everyone to feel empowered in a community that everyone matters, everyone's voice is important and that the development of the entire community should involve all residents," she said. "There is an old adage that a rising tide lifts all ships. But not if we have things which leave our community feeling divided or separate even if they are legacies from the past." She said remarkable progress had been achieved with urban regeneration and tackling social disadvantage in Limerick. However, much more needs to be done to address social disadvantage within Limerick. Land Development Agency (LDA) chairman John Moran is concerned at the impact the wall is having. Mr Moran told The Limerick Leader that community concerns needed to be carefully listened to. In Ireland we should not build walls between communities, we should take them down, he said. For many in Limerick, urban regeneration is more about tackling poverty, promoting social inclusion, enhancing education opportunities and creating jobs than demolishing old buildings. Significantly expanded as a suburb of Limerick in the 1970s, Moyross originally suffered from being in two different electoral areas. It was crippled in the 1980s and 1990s by job losses, poverty and the resultant anti-social behaviour. In the late 1980s, Moyross had an unemployment figure of 84pc spread across its 1,300 homes one of the worst in Ireland. By the middle of the last decade, depopulation had also become a serious problem. The population of Moyross plummeted from 5,022 in 2006 to just 1,963 in 2016 a decline of over 3,000. However, the ambitious Limerick urban regeneration programme tried to mark a turning point. Moyross Community Hub, Moyross Enterprise and The Bays training facility proved so successful they were listed for a national award two years ago. Local investment and regeneration has been aided by Limerick businessman and philanthropist JP McManus as well as local heroes, rugby star Keith Earls and The Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan. Italy's Constitutional Court on Tuesday said the country urgently needs a law on the rights of children of same-sex couples, in a step campaigners said did not go far enough. The court issued rulings in two separate cases, relating to a lesbian couple who had children using medically-assisted reproduction abroad, and to two men in a civil partnership who had a child via surrogacy in Canada. Same-sex couples are not allowed to adopt children in Italy, although campaigners say some exceptions are made to allow the adoption of a partner's child -- where the birth parent agrees. In the case of the lesbian couple, they broke up, leaving the woman who was not the birth mother without parental rights over their two twin daughters. The two men, who went to Canada to have a child via surrogate in 2015, have meanwhile been seeking legal recognition in Italy for both men as fathers. The Constitutional Court was not tasked with ruling on whether the plaintiffs in either case should be granted immediate parenting rights. But in both cases it ruled that the children's rights were not sufficiently protected and that parliament needed to pass a law to rectify the situation. In a press statement on the women's ruling, the court called for an end to political wrangling over the issue in the majority-Catholic country. It warned of a "serious lack of protection of the interests of the child" that "will no longer be tolerable if the inertia of the legislature continues". It issued a similar ruling in the men's case, though it emphasised that surrogacy remains illegal in Italy. Marilena Grassadonia, from the Famiglie Arcobaleno (Rainbow Families) group that campaigns for the rights of LGBT parents, told AFP the rulings did not go far enough. "The court says what we have been saying for years, that there is an immediate need for a law to protect the children of all families," she said. "Court rulings do not give results, they do not go beyond saying that politics must give answers. We hoped that the court would take a bigger step." Armenian General Staff Chief Onik Gasparyan pledged on Wednesday he would continue service in a different status, after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his dismissal YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) Armenian General Staff Chief Onik Gasparyan pledged on Wednesday he would continue service in a different status, after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his dismissal. Earlier in the day, Pashinyan said Gasparyan was considered dismissed starting on March 10, as President Armen Sarkissian failed to sign the draft decree on his resignation and to challenge the decision in the Constitutional Court. "Both the statement [by Pashinyan] and the entire process of my dismissal as the general staff chief are anti-constitutional. This proves once again that the crisis can only be settled if the prime minister steps down and early parliamentary elections are held," Gasparyan said in a statement, released by general staff spokesman Samvel Asatryan. Gasparyan announced he had filed an appeal with the Administrative Court in order to ensure the rule of law and the constitution. "I will continue my service to the motherland and the Armenian people in a different status," Gasparyan continued. He called on soldiers and officers to continue their "devoted service to the motherland and the people for the sake of developing the armed forces, and strengthening Armenia and Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]." PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of TEATT Ludmila de Weever, along with members of the Inspectorate of TEATT and TEATTs legal counsel, recently met with hotel representatives from Simpson Bay Resort, Atrium, and Diamond Resorts to discuss complaints about ongoing noise pollution in the Cole Bay and Kimsha areas. Hotels and their guests have been complaining over the years about nightly noise pollution emanating from the area, but these complaints often went unanswered. Many times, the noise levels become so loud and invasive that hotel guests find it difficult to rest in their rooms. During the meeting, Minister De Weever stated that her ministry has in fact received several complaints from both residents and the hotels about the problem in the area and it is her desire, and that of the governments, to ensure proper compliance with Sint Maartens laws. The complaints have even led to cancellations of hotel bookings, as well as decreased sales in a timeshare at the resorts, thus adversely affecting St. Maartens economy and recovery effort. Several guests and timeshare owners expressed their dismay in the locations because they are often sleep-deprived as a result of the constant high-level noise after midnight and at times into the very early hours of the morning. Simpson Bay Resorts Mr. Marcel Javois, on behalf of all hoteliers present, outlined the goals for the hotels. Mr. Javois explained that they are seeking short-term solutions to immediately curb the noise pollution, long-term solutions as well as permanent solutions that would be beneficial to all parties concerned. Mr. Lucien Wilson from the Inspectorate of TEATT explained that after recently consulting with the Prosecutors Office, a 3-step approach has been agreed upon whereby violation of laws and the licenses would first result in a warning. The second violation would then lead to the issuance of a fine, with a subsequent violation resulting in the temporary closure of the establishment. If violations persist, measures will be taken which can result in the revocation of the license(s) issued. The Ministry of TEATT emphasized that the aim of the exercise is corrective measures and not closures of businesses, hence all business owners are hereby urged to comply with the conditions of their licenses to avoid unnecessary measures. Also, operating without the necessary business and/or operating licenses in place is a clear violation of the laws. Curbing noise pollution should be a collective and collaborative effort for all stakeholders as once compliance is in place, there will be no need for controls and measures by the Inspectorate and by extension by the Ministry of TEATT. In response to the request for short-term solutions, the Ministry of TEATT has indicated increased controls throughout the island, not only in the direct vicinity of the hotels but also throughout the island as a whole since most of the complaints against businesses on St. Maarten stem from noise pollution. As for the long-term solutions, a commitment was made by the Ministry of TEATT to hold a town hall meeting in which representatives and stakeholders from the hotels, businesses, Homeowners associations along with the Community Police Officers (CPO) for the areas will be invited to sit and discuss possible solutions to meet each others needs. In the meantime, all business owners are strongly urged to have all relevant licenses at the establishment and to operate within the framework of the licenses, and avoid violations. Noise pollution will not be tolerated and can lead to unpleasant measures imposed against the businesses. The controls by the Inspectorate of TEATT have been increased over the last few months and the department will continue to tackle the complaints that are pouring in at the Ministry regularly to ensure proper compliance on a whole. The assistance of the public is requested in terms of filing the necessary complaints at the Inspectorate of TEATT via letter or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . [March 10, 2021] On-Demand, Same-Day Delivery Experts, GoFor, Launches "Shop Local" Program in Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, San Jose, CA, and San Francisco, CA, Offering 5 Free Deliveries to Support Local Businesses GoFor Industries, North America's leading last-mile, on-demand delivery, and logistics marketplace, announced a new "shop local" program targeted at Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, San Jose, CA (News - Alert) , and San Francisco, CA businesses. The first 100 businesses in each city that apply and qualify will receive 5 free deliveries to test drive the GoFor same-day delivery service with their local customers. GoFor's Initiative "Shop Local. Get it Delivered Now" is offering the first 100 businesses 5 free same-day local deliveries to test drive with their customers. This delivery effort is meant to serve the needs of businesses and their customers who require that boost of support to get their goods delivered locally, same-day, door to door. To further support the local businesses, GoFor can provide signage and digital marketing tools to help these businesses communicate that they are open and can get their goods in the hands of their valued customers the same day they order them. "We have witnessed a surge in demand for reliable, same-day delivery as customers increasingly make purchases online and expect rapid delivery. Businesses are under more threat than ever and same-day delivery is table stakes in order to compete and stay open," said Brad Rollo, CEO of GoFor Industries. "GoFor's delivery business and logistics patform specializes in trucks of all sizes that can deliver within three hours locally on the same-day. We hope this 'shop local' effort will help boost local businesses by allowing them to test out our service and provide their customers with goods they might not be able to retrieve quickly as a result of the pandemic." GoFor already delivers hundreds of thousands of packages, parcels, furniture and big-and-bulky building materials each year for companies of all sizes and industries, with flexible shipping options and scalable outsourced fleets. "GoFor understands that local businesses need to compete with Amazon's level of delivery and that they need to have fast, on-demand, and flexible shipping capabilities. We level the playing field for everyone from the small mom and pop store to the big boxes who all need to find a way to meet the shipping needs of their customers," Rollo explained. "Predictable and quick delivery in hours instead of days is the new standard, so the option to access a 3-hour delivery service, has never been more critical, to a business's survival." GoFor supports hundreds of customers who are among the biggest names in retail, including North America's largest home improvement chain. They recently announced a partnership with the California-based, electric vehicle Fleet-as-a-Service (FaaS) provider, Royale EV and secured $20 million in Series A Funding, late last year, to finance expansion into new cities and boost their presence in existing locations. About GoFor Industries "Get it Delivered Now"-that's the GoFor promise. GoFor delivers any package, small to big and bulky, locally within three hours. The Ottawa, Ontario, Canada-based company helps North American businesses of all sizes get their products into the hands of customers faster and works with some of the biggest names in the retail, construction, and supply-chain industries. Small companies can use GoFor's outsourced truck fleets and web-based scheduling tool. Large businesses can supplement and scale their own existing fleets, and link to GoFor's logistics system. The result is efficient, cost-effective delivery servicing today's "I want it now" online customer. For more information on GoFor, visit www.gofordelivers.com. To read more about GoFor's recent announcements, visit www.gofordelivers.com/news. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005011/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Singapore-based Princeton Digital Group (PDG), Asias leading data center provider, announced today its plan to build one of the largest new greenfield campuses in the Mumbai region, its first data center in India, scheduled to be service-ready in 2022. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309006096/en/ PDG Flagship India Data Center Campus in Mumbai (Photo: Business Wire) PDGs Navi Mumbai project will have 48MW of critical IT capacity across two buildings. The new campus is designed to serve leading hyperscalers including internet and cloud companies in the fast-growing Mumbai region, with infrastructure built to hyperscale design and standards to support the massive scale requirements of customers in the region. We are delighted to announce the build of our first data center campus in India. Our commitment to supporting our hyperscale customers in India is part of our core strategy to be a market leader in APAC, said Rangu Salgame, Chairman and CEO of PDG. PDG is the only company with the expertise, agility, and backing to have built an unrivalled portfolio of 18 data centers, with over 350MW, across four countries China, Singapore, Indonesia, and India all in three years. Mumbai is the most exciting market in India and Navi Mumbai is the preeminent cluster within Mumbai. With this campus, PDG has become a significant player in the India market. Our ambition is to be one of the largest, pan national hyperscale data center providers in the country over the next three years, added Vipin Shirsat, Managing Director, India at PDG. Mumbais data center market is estimated to reach a CAGR of 22% for the period 2017-2023. As the largest data center market in India, Mumbai houses 31% of the nations colocation footprint even as providers move further inland through Navi Mumbai, which is considered a submarket of Mumbai,[1] said Dan Thompson, Principal Research Analyst, Datacenter Services & Infrastructure for 451 Research, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence. PDGs operational model enables it to rapidly enter critical hyperscale growth markets like Mumbai and power its customers with globally standardized, secure, reliable, and sustainable data center capacity. Visit www.princetondg.com for more information about Princeton Digital Group. [1] 451 Research, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence - India: Leased Datacenter Market, June 30, 2020 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309006096/en/ To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Man gets suspended sentence for hitting policeman by car at illegal Moscow rally Moscow's Presnensky District Court 13:20 10/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 10 (RAPSI) Moscows Presnensky District Court on Wednesday gave Alexander Muchayev, who had hit a police officer by car during an unauthorized rally on January 23, a one-year suspended sentence, the courts press service told RAPSI. The man was found guilty of use of force against a representative of authority. Earlier, prosecutors demanded 1.5 years in jail for him. According to investigators, Muchayev driving his car hit a police officer who attempted to stop a vehicle with Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina. The defendant pleaded guilty. A board member for the Brazos River Authority has resigned, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, after a rocky confirmation hearing Monday at the Texas Capitol. TWEET STORM: Twitter sues Texas AG Ken Paxton, asks court to halt his investigation Darren Yancy, who Abbott appointed to the board in 2019, was largely unapologetic as Democrats on the Senate Nominations Committee questioned him about two tweets he posted attacking Democratic politicians. One of them, posted earlier this month, suggested President Joe Biden was trying to kill U.S. citizens because he "wants illegals coming with potential viruses and other health issues to spread and infect." The other tweet accused former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of using "SS tactics" to run the chamber, referring to the paramilitary force in Nazi Germany. Toward the end of the questioning, state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, asked Yancy if he had "any regrets with regard to your public discourse." "No," he replied. Yancy was part of the 21-member board that oversees the Brazos River Authority, a quasi-public state agency that controls much of the water in the river that cuts across Texas. He is not unknown in Texas politics he ran for Texas Senate in 2010. During that run, he advocated for using deadly force on U.S. borders, and it came out that his real estate license had been temporarily suspended starting the prior year. Darren Yancy. Credit: Linkedin Profile While only two of his tweets came up at the hearing, Yancy's account is filled with explicit diatribes again Democrats, including regular taunts involving sexual descriptions. At Monday's hearing, Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, said she supported free speech but added she was concerned about Yancy's "thought process on illegal immigrants and COVID" and questioned whether the views expressed on his Twitter account would "cloud your judgment and decision-making" at the river authority. Alvarado then said "the people that you're talking about some of them might reside" and Yancy interjected. "If they reside in the state of Texas, they're gonna get the same treatment as everyone else," Yancy said. Alvarado asked how she could be sure of that "because when I look at your post, I don't get that feeling." "M'am, I can't do anything about your feelings about a post," Yancy replied. Next up was Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, who asked Yancy about the anti-Reid tweet. Gutierrez asked Yancy if it was fair to say he "misspoke [or] overreached" with the tweet. Yancy replied that the tweet probably reflects how he felt at the time, and "now if I have to go back and reexamine it, possibly." MIXED SIGNALS: Gregg Abbott recommends masks after throwing out mask mandate But given multiple opportunities by Gutierrez to say he would refrain from such rhetoric going forward, Yancy declined. He said it "depends on the action of the federal government" and argued the hearing was not the right venue to raise the issue. Gutierrez disagreed and continued to press Yancy if he would make any further Nazi comparisons. "What I do in terms of social media, which is in regard to a broadcast or a podcast, is separate from what I do with the BRA," Yancy said. "If a federal government employee, regardless of party, does things where they can be compared and contrasted to prior regimes, then it may elicit a comment. That has nothing to do with the tenacity and commitment to being sure that we've got water coming through and the BRA." After Yancy's exchanges with Alvarado and Gutierrez, the two other Democrats on the committee spoke up. First was Eckhardt and then came Sen. Borris Miles of Houston, who said he would "like to have a private conversation with [Yancy] in my office before we take any vote." It was unclear if the two did privately meet. Yancy's nomination would have needed a majority vote from the nine-member committee to advance to the Senate floor. The committee adjourned before voting on any nominees, and Yancy resigned afterward. The two tweets that were raised at the hearing do not appear to be online anymore. However, they were read to Yancy at the hearing, and he did not dispute them. Reached by email Tuesday afternoon, Yancy said he had nothing to add to his comments from the hearing. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/09/brazos-river-authority-appointee-resigns-tweets/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. COVID-19 mass-vaccination sites will have to wait until vaccines are more plentiful, a state Department of Health spokesman said Wednesday. Pennsylvania vaccine providers asked for 424,570 first-dose vaccines this week, but the federal government only allocated 254,150 to Pennsylvania, spokesman Barry Ciccocioppo said. Thats 12,000 more than a week earlier, but still far short. The supply is still not there to meet the demand, Ciccocioppo said during a conference call with Northeast Pennsylvania reporters. And that is creating, we understand, headaches and frustration for people trying to make appointments. So were moving in the right direction, were getting some more vaccine, and were trying to get that out as quickly as possible so it can get to people. Ciccocioppo said the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and local counties are developing plans for mass-vaccination sites, which he referred to as community vaccination clinics. On Tuesday, local legislators called on PEMA to open the sites as quickly as possible. The daily average of first-dose vaccines the last seven days is about 67,000 with two days of about 110,000, Ciccocioppo said. Ciccocioppo highlighted federal statistics that rank Pennsylvania sixth among states in vaccines administered, though the same statistics show the state in the middle of the pack when accounting for population size. Pennsylvania is the nations fifth most populous state, according to census estimates. So far, Pennsylvania has administered about 3.1 million doses and thats what should count, he said. Other smaller states like West Virginia may rank higher in percentage vaccinated, he acknowledged. Its a much bigger lift in Pennsylvania. You know the geography of the state, the diversity of the state, Ciccocioppo said. Thats one of the challenges that Pennsylvania is facing that some of the other states dont have those same challenges. Pennsylvania, he said, has a huge population of residents 65 and older. With two million unvaccinated but eligible for vaccines and only 250,000 vaccines coming each week, the shortage remains the main roadblock, he said. You can do the math and figure out the complications there and the difficulty of of doing that, he said. Mainly, Pennsylvanians who live in nursing homes and other assisted living centers, teachers, senior citizens and people 16 and older with risky medical conditions qualify for vaccines at the moment. Ciccocioppo said state officials expect vaccinations at nursing homes and assisted living centers to wrap up next week. The state does not expect to receive more Johnson & Johnson vaccines until the end of the month, he added. The state started vaccinating teachers this week with its lone allocation of 94,000. In the daily Department of Health report of new virus cases and deaths, Pennsylvania added another 2,594 cases and 43 deaths statewide. That includes 191 cases and three deaths in the region that includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. The new cases brought the totals to 955,730 statewide and 58,632 in the region. The new deaths increased the totals to 24,439 across Pennsylvania and 1,658 in the region. By county: Lackawanna added 49 cases for 14,374 total, including 2,198 probable, and remained at 427 deaths. Luzerne added 55 cases for 25,390 total, including 1,853 probable. Two new deaths raised the county total to 746. Monroe added 56 cases for 10,100 total, including 271 probable. One new death raised the county total to 274. Pike added 18 cases for 2,677 total, including 232 probable, and remained at 48 deaths. Susquehanna added seven cases for 1,753 total, including 204 probable, and remained at 53 deaths. Wayne added five cases for 3,144 total, including 278 probable, and remained at 68 deaths. Wyoming added one case for 1,194 total, including 196 probable, and remained at 42 deaths. Pizza traditions may be passed on for generations, with the pizza pie becoming symbolic with fun, laughter and gathering with those you love. This is particularly true among millennials (ages 25-40), 81% of whom have nostalgic memories of eating pizza with their family as a kid (e.g., pizza night, pizza parties). The poll also found that nearly half of Americans (47%) say they are more likely to choose pepperoni as a pizza topping when they're enjoying it with friends or family. "We are happy to hear consumers tell us what we have believed to be true, that Americans love pizza, especially pepperoni pizza," said Shane Ward, senior brand manager. "At Hormel Foods, we believe food has the power to bring people closer together, and as America's No. 1 pepperoni brand, we're thrilled to keep the pizza-making traditions alive for consumers nationwide, even as we remain distanced during the pandemic." As the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to feed ourselves a warm meal at home is paramount. For nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%), pizza has been one of their comfort foods during this pandemic. There's something about curling up on the couch with a pepperoni pizza pie that provides a sense of normalcy on a crazy day. In fact, more than one in four Americans (28%) say they are consuming more pizza during the pandemic than they did before, and nearly nine in 10 (89%) say pizza is one of their go-to pandemic foods. While the ease of having pizza for dinner is appealing, the top reason they say pizza is one of their go-to pandemic foods is simply because they believe it to be delicious (60%). As the next generation of parents pass on and embrace these fond memories, the joy of enjoying pizza is now matched with the thrill of making pizzeria quality pies at-home. Hormel Foods's survey found close to three-quarters of Americans who are parents of children under 18 (73%) say that making homemade pizza has become one of their children's favorite activities. This percentage jumps to 77% among millennial parents. Regardless of age, almost nine in 10 Americans (87%) say that pizza is a meal that never gets old. This Pi Day, the makers of Hormel Pepperoni are excited to join pizza lovers and consumers across the country in celebrating this delicious day with America's favorite toppings: pepperoni. For more information, visit www.hormelpepperoni.com. Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Hormel from March 2-4, 2021 among 2,044 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Megan Bell at [email protected]. ABOUT HORMEL PEPPERONI As America's No. 1 pepperoni brand, Hormel Pepperoni is crafted using only the best, highest-quality meat and spices, and an old world dry-sausage-making tradition passed down generation to generation from 1891 to today. Hormel Pepperoni is the perfect addition to your family's pizza night. With an irresistibly delicious taste, everyone can enjoy one bag can turn Friday night pizza into a pizza topping family event! ABOUT HORMEL FOODS Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three straight years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for the 12th year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement Inspired People. Inspired Food. to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation Related Links http://www.hormel.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Coronavirus cases: Shiv Sena targets BJP over crowded rallies in poll-bound states India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Mumbai, Mar 10: The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said central government leaders were addressing crowded rallies in poll-bound states, while opening suburban trains for the general public in Mumbai was being blamed for the rise in COVID-19 cases in the metropolis. An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' asked people to take care, saying otherwise a "lockdown is imminent". It said a partial lockdown has been enforced in some parts of Maharashtra, and many areas of cities like Thane and Nashik have been COVID-19 hot-spots. TN elections 2021: Kamal Haasan likely to announce MNM-SDPI alliance today "Has the coronavirus been crushed under the huge crowds seen during campaigning for the West Bengal elections?" the Marathi daily sought to know. It said people were not wearing face masks and not following physical distancing norms in poll rallies, but the crowd in Mumbai locals trains, where people travel to work for their livelihood, was being blamed for the spike in COVID-19 cases. "The prime minister addressespublic meetings attended by thousands of people and Union home minister conducts roadshows. This freedom is not applicable to the common man. They have to protect themselves and their families," it said. It is good that the Centre is concerned about the rising COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, but what is it doing to help the state? the Sena asked. "Due to the pandemic, the state has suffered revenue loss of more than Rs one lakh crore, per capita income has reduced, there is employment crisis," the Marathi daily said. Quoting the Union health ministry, the Sena said Maharashtra accounts for 56 per cent of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. "Maharashtra doesn't hide the COVID-19 numbers," it added. The Sena also said poll-bound Tamil Nadu and Kerala are among the states where there has been a rise in COVID-19 numbers. Zomato delivery boy assaults woman in Bengaluru, leaves her with broken nose "The Union health ministry says there is no rise in COVID-19 cases in West Bengal. May be, this has been said to ensure the rallies of prime minister and BJP leaders go on smoothly in the state," the editorial claimed. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Politics is being played in such a "cruel and inhuman manner," it alleged. "If the rise in cases in Mumbai is because of local trains, there is Metro in Delhi," the editorial said. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Misinformation about fertility and coronavirus jabs is driving vaccine hesitancy in Britain, Nadhim Zahawi warned today. The UK's vaccine minister said focus groups and polling had shown much of the wariness toward the jabs centered around 'issues of fertility'. Speaking to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, he added the problem was 'proving to be sadly quite potent' among both men and women. Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch told MPs the misinformation was coming from within the family, rather than social media, which made it more difficult to target. More than 22million people have already had at least one dose of the vaccines so far and, overall, uptake is thought to be around 90 per cent. Refusal rates are disproportionately higher among black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. Language barriers and a mistrust of Government are thought to make minorities more susceptible to misinformation about the jabs. Mr Zahawi told the committee: 'We want to keep making sure we communicate to women. Because some of the anti-vax messages, which are clearly directed at both young men and women around fertility, are false, but proving to be sadly quite potent. 'Some of the focus groups and polling evidence suggests much of the hesitancy is around issues around fertility.' Ms Badenoch added: 'I had a roundtable with clinicians last week and one of them works in east London, and she said that the fertility thing, it's not social media where we can speak to social media companies and ask them to take it down, it's the auntie. 'Aunts who may be less well-educated or come from a different environment growing up, in a different country, advising younger people. We can't go into people's homes and interfere with the sort of communication that is taking place, that's very personal. Misinformation about fertility and coronavirus jabs is driving vaccine hesitancy in Britain, Nadhim Zahawi warned today Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch told MPs the misinformation was coming from within the family, rather than social media, which made it more difficult to target 'So, that's why we just must keep repeating the positive messages about safety and also ensuring that clinicians have the information to be able to provide comfort to those people who are seeing the doctors. 'It has to be from the people who are trusted as experts.' Ms Badenoch told MPs that vaccine hesitancy rates were 'pretty much the same' across men and women. BAME communities are being put at risk by UK's 'colour-blind' Covid vaccine strategy, experts warn Black and ethnic minority people are being put at risk by the UK's 'colour-blind' Covid vaccination strategy, experts warned today. The mammoth operation has prioritised Brits by age after mountains of research and data showed those who are older are more at risk of dying from the virus. But a group of top medics, including a top NHS race official, claims ministers should have focused on ethnic minorities after the over-70s got their first dose. Studies show Covid death rates are highest in BAME communities, which experts say is because ethnic minorities are more likely to get infected in the first place because they live in deprived areas, use public transport, work public-facing jobs and live in overcrowded and multi-generational homes. The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI), which designed the jabs priority list, said, however, that age was the single-biggest risk factor. But Professor Azeem Majeed, a primary care expert from Imperial College London, warned the move had 'disregarded' BAME communities. 'In the first phase of the Covid vaccination programme, large numbers of low-risk people were vaccinated such as NHS and university staff who were not working in patient-facing roles', he told MailOnline. 'These vaccine recipients would have been at much lower risk of severe disease and death than some other groups but were vaccinated ahead of them.' Advertisement But Mr Zahawi admitted that data on specific rates of vaccine hesitancy and refusals were not held centrally, meaning the exact number of people turning it down is not known. Ministers are relying on surveys to estimate the scale of the problem. 'We don't centrally hold data on refusal rates, but of course we know the size of each cohort,' he told the committee. 'We can certainly use different data sets to estimate, whether it's ONS (Office for National Statistics) data or otherwise, so we know how far we are getting in terms of vaccinating each cohort. 'We continue to publish that and we publish by age now as we go down each category.' MailOnline's analysis of NHS figures suggest 89 per cent of Brits over the age of 65 have accepted the vaccines. Those figures do not take into account younger patients on the priority list with underlying health conditions. Mr Zahawi told MPs that up-to-date surveys had suggested 94 per cent of the UK adult population were likely or very likely to take up the vaccine - which he claimed was possibly the highest rate in the world. He added: 'When I took this job on back in mid-November, I think if you look at the ONS data or other published polls, vaccine positivity was in the high 70s, touching 80 per cent. 'It's now at 94 per cent of the UK adult population saying that they are likely or very likely to take the vaccine. 'I think that is, for your committee, the best measure that the strategy is working, watching that number continue to climb the highest probably in the world, I think, if I'm not mistaken, in terms of vaccine positivity.' Ms Badenoch told MPs that volunteered for one of the vaccine trials to boost confidence in the jabs. While she did not reveal which trial she took part in, she said the results had still not been un-blinded, suggesting it is a jab still in clinical trials. 'One of the helpful things about having ethnic minorities in these ministerial positions is that we have a totally different perspective, or an additional perspective rather, and you kind of get early warning signals,' she told the Women and Equalities Committee. 'You will remember back in 2020 we didn't even know if we were going to have a vaccine and the emphasis was actually on trials. 'We could see the misinformation around the vaccine being tested on ethnic minorities and things like that. 'That was one of the reasons why very early on I decided to go on vaccine trials and encouraged others to do so, Nadhim (Zahawi) did the same thing. 'All of that was trying to build the confidence in people that this is something that is safe, this is something that we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in, and improve their understanding of what trials means.' For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Your browser does not support the video tag. Indonesia inducts two patrol ships to curb illegal fishing March 10,2021 | Source: Antara Indonesias Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has procured two new modern patrol vessels to strengthen its capability to protect the countrys marine and fisheries resources from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The patrol ships Hiu 16 and Hiu 17 will be deployed for routine patrols in the Malacca Strait and North Natuna Sea, director of fleet monitoring and operations at the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Pung Nugroho Saksono, said. "These are our fastest ships at the moment. They can reach 29 knots," he informed at the inauguration of the Hiu 16 patrol ship in Batam, Riau Islands province on Tuesday. The patrol ships have been fitted with drones to document efforts related to interception, security checks, and detention, besides other sophisticated and modern equipment, he said. The Hiu 16 and Hiu 17 patrol vessels have been designed by the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and built by PT Palindo Marine Batam, he added. Indonesia's exclusive economic zone near the Natuna waters and its territorial waters remains vulnerable to IUU fishing activities. In early 2020, for instance, Indonesian naval ships detected a number of Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels in the Indonesian EEZ near Natuna waters. They drove the Chinese fishing boats out of the Indonesian EEZ while they were attempting to spread their fishing nets. Over the past few years, the Natuna waters have drawn the attention of national and international media, with Chinese coast guard vessels and fishing boats repeatedly violating Indonesian EEZ rights. On December 19 and December 24, 2019, Chinese vessels were found escorting scores of Chinese fishing boats to poach in Indonesia's EEZ near the Natuna waters. In August, 2020, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry detained two Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessels for illegally poaching in the Indonesian Territorial Waters and Fisheries Management Area 711 in Northern Natuna. The ministry's Hiu 03 patrol ship, led by Ardiansyah Pamuji, stripped the vessels that were allegedly conducting fishing activities by using pair trawl gear. The first ship was headed by Lam Van Tung and manned by 17 Vietnamese crew members, while the second ship was headed by Lam Van Toan and had five Vietnamese crew members on board. www.antaranews.com Copyright 2021 Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Illegal Border Crossings Hit More Than 100,000 in February McALLEN, TexasAs President Joe Biden rolled back several existing border initiatives, the number of people crossing illegally into the United States has skyrocketed. In Februarydespite a week of freezing weatherBorder Patrol apprehended 100,441 illegal border-crossers along the southern border, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Another 26,000 people evaded capture, according to Jaeson Jones, a former Texas Department of Public Safety captain who received the provisional CBP data from internal sources, which was reviewed by The Epoch Times. The February number is almost triple the apprehensions from February 2020, when Border Patrol caught almost 37,000 people, while in 2019, on the cusp of the most recent crisis, the number was almost 77,000. Many of those crossing now are unaccompanied minors (9,457 in February), who cant be turned back if theyre from a country other than Mexico. Minors who cross the border illegally are meant to be passed to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 72 hours, but the sheer number of minors has overwhelmed the system. Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller told media on a March 10 call that he wasnt going to discuss how long children are being held in Border Patrol custody. HHS has just opened a second facility for the burgeoning number of minors. When asked what he thought was driving the trend, Miller said, Theres certainly economic instability in the region thats unparalleled. All you have to do is look at the pandemic the COVID rate infections down in South and Central America, he said. We recently had a hurricane, continued violence, unemployment. So if you put all those issues together, youre going to see folks looking for a better way of life. Miller said he wanted to be clear that the border is not open and that migrants shouldnt listen to human smugglers who are saying otherwise. We are building an orderly immigration system and doing so in a way that protects public health during the global COVID pandemic, Miller said. Were moving as fast as we can to rebuild. Biden has said theres no crisis on the border and that well be able to handle it, when asked by reporters. On March 8, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said its seeking volunteers from among its agencies to assist in dealing with an overwhelming surge at the U.S.Mexico border. Today, I activated the Volunteer Force to support Customs and Border Protection as they face a surge in migration along the Southwest Border, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in an email to employees on March 8, obtained by several news outlets. The number of illegal crossings at the southern border has steadily risen since October 2020. The number of apprehensions between October 2020 and January 2021 was 296,259, while the same period the year prior saw 164,932 apprehensions, according to CBP data. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference near the U.S.Mexico border on March 9, where he raised the alarm about a growing crisis after meeting with border officials. The Republican governor blamed Bidens immigration policies, saying they invite illegal immigration and are contributing to the crisis, which will grow increasingly worse by the day. Among those arrested by Border Patrol since Jan. 1, more than 800 criminals have been identified, including 78 sex offenders and 62 gang members, Abbott said. On March 6, Abbott launched an operation to counter the growing crisis, activating and deploying National Guard troops and other law enforcement officers to the border to combat drug and human smuggling. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Update: This article was updated on March 10 to include final CBP numbers and quotes by acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller. (CNN) Namibia's First Lady, Monica Geingos, marked International Women's Day with a powerful message to internet trolls, who she says have hurled insults at her on social media. "I've decided that enough is enough... I will not be silenced anymore," Geingos said in a video posted on social media Monday. "I recently instituted defamation lawsuit against this type of behavior..," she added. The 44-year-old said she has frequently been subjected to "slut-shaming," and has been labeled as "fat, ugly, stupid and too ambitious" by cyber bullies. Geingos is the third wife of Namibian President Hage Geingob, 79. They married in 2015 and have no children. "When they are not asking when or if my husband will impregnate me.... When I'm not 'busy being a manipulative, deceitful gold-digger,' I am 'busy running the country' as I have 'bewitched my old Sugar Daddy husband' who is 'too blind to see through my feminine charms,'" Geingos said in the video which has gone viral. Geingos charged women to speak up for themselves when harassed and posted the video online using the hashtag #YourSilenceWillNotProtectYou. "When you stand up for yourself... You will be called a troublemaker, too aggressive, too unladylike. That is why many of us prefer not to challenge gender bias. That's why we endure being called gold-diggers, sluts... Too fat or too thin," she said. The First Lady highlighted a series of abusive tweets directed at her in the video. Mwahangange Kondja's tweet was one of those featured. He told CNN Tuesday that Geingos was being targeted by trolls because of her age. "I have to give my unbiased opinion, even though she used a screenshot of my tweet from my old account and made it look like I was being misogynistic. I cannot deny the misogyny and insults hurled at her. There's clear misogyny from young people towards her perhaps because of being young herself, so they see her as a peer of some sort," Kondja told CNN. Geingos was rated one of Namibia's most influential people before her marriage to Geingob, who had previously served as the country's prime minister. This story was first published on CNN.com "Namibia's First Lady releases powerful video message to trolls who 'slut-shamed' her" Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. The 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 New Jersey health officials on Wednesday reported another 3,047 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 56 additional confirmed deaths as the state prepares for additional reopening steps next week with the increase to 50% capacity for indoor businesses including restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos and personal care services at salons and spas. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the latest updates during a coronavirus briefing in Trenton. In addition the to business changes, the number of people allowed to gather indoors will increase from 10 to 25 people and the outdoor gathering cap will double to 50 people beginning March 19 The seven-day average for new confirmed cases is now 2,818, down 4% from a week ago and 15% from a month ago. The statewide rate of transmission decreased slightly to 1.04 from 1.05 on Tuesday. Any number over 1 indicates that the outbreak is growing, with each new case leading to at least one other case. The rate had been below 1 for weeks before pushing above that mark Thursday. Hospitalizations rose for the second day with 1,961 patients as of Tuesday night, though that remains down by nearly half since a recent peak on Dec. 22. In all, New Jersey has now reported 729,403 confirmed coronavirus cases out of more than 11 million PCR tests in the year since the state reported its first case March 4, 2020. There have also been 93,414 positive antigen tests. Those cases are considered probable, and health officials have warned that positive antigen tests could overlap with the confirmed PCR tests because they are sometimes given in tandem. Health officials also reported Wednesday the first case of the coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa. The total number of variant cases has increased to 145. The state of 9 million people has reported 23,768 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19, including 21,294 confirmed deaths and 2,474 fatalities considered probable. The probable deaths, which are revised weekly, increased by 77 fatalities on Wednesday. The toll of this virus has been staggering, Murphy said. New Jerseys vaccine sites have administered 2.67 million doses as of Wednesday morning. That includes 1.77 million first doses and 899,000 second doses. Vaccine sites around New Jersey began administering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine last week. New Jersey is preparing to greatly expand vaccine eligibility in the coming weeks, with transportation workers March 15 and various other essential workers, including restaurant employees, March 29. The state is also adding 11 pre-existing conditions to the eligibility list March 15. Educators and day care workers were originally scheduled to be eligible starting March 15, but that was quietly moved up last week and theyre eligible now. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage VACCINATIONS BY COUNTY ATLANTIC COUNTY - 86,251 doses administered BERGEN COUNTY - 306,748 doses administered BURLINGTON COUNTY - 140,314 doses administered CAMDEN COUNTY - 158,106 doses administered CAPE MAY COUNTY - 40,181 doses administered CUMBERLAND COUNTY - 37,267 doses administered ESSEX COUNTY - 210,840 doses administered GLOUCESTER COUNTY - 99,167 doses administered HUDSON COUNTY - 128,263 doses administered HUNTERDON COUNTY - 36,343 doses administered MERCER COUNTY - 89,247 doses administered MIDDLESEX COUNTY - 216,582 doses administered MONMOUTH COUNTY - 207,063 doses administered MORRIS COUNTY - 196,265 doses administered OCEAN COUNTY - 168,451 doses administered PASSAIC COUNTY - 119,116 doses administered SALEM COUNTY - 17,781 doses administered SOMERSET COUNTY - 107,117 doses administered SUSSEX COUNTY - 42,799 doses administered UNION COUNTY - 137,344 doses administered WARREN COUNTY - 26,966 doses administered UNKNOWN COUNTY - 27,430 doses administered OUT OF STATE - 71,839 doses administered COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES (sorted by most new) Essex County: 69,973 confirmed cases (302 new), 2,440 confirmed deaths (278 probable) Bergen County: 72,142 confirmed cases (301 new), 2,369 confirmed deaths (287 probable) Monmouth County: 54,327 confirmed cases (293 new), 1,303 confirmed deaths (130 probable) Ocean County: 54,287 confirmed cases (289 new), 1,775 confirmed deaths (140 probable) Middlesex County: 70,096 confirmed cases (268 new), 1,901 confirmed deaths (239 probable) Hudson County: 66,152 confirmed cases (244 new), 1,854 confirmed deaths (193 probable) Passaic County: 53,840 confirmed cases (203 new), 1,541 confirmed deaths (183 probable) Morris County: 33,741 confirmed cases (188 new), 912 confirmed deaths (232 probable) Union County: 50,711 confirmed cases (149 new), 1,597 confirmed deaths (211 probable) Burlington County: 31,871 confirmed cases (120 new), 705 confirmed deaths (58 probable) Somerset County: 19,517 confirmed cases (112 new), 686 confirmed deaths (104 probable) Gloucester County: 21,699 confirmed cases (102 new), 528 confirmed deaths (30 probable) Camden County: 40,430 confirmed cases (101 new), 1,100 confirmed deaths (95 probable) Mercer County: 26,957 confirmed cases (97 new), 846 confirmed deaths (42 probable) Atlantic County: 20,403 confirmed cases (60 new), 555 confirmed deaths (32 probable) Sussex County: 8,348 confirmed cases (35 new), 211 confirmed deaths (65 probable) Warren County: 6,676 confirmed cases (30 new), 198 confirmed deaths (25 probable) Hunterdon County: 6,624 confirmed cases (25 new), 111 confirmed deaths (54 probable) Cumberland County: 12,461 confirmed cases (21 new), 350 confirmed deaths (36 probable) Salem County: 4,336 confirmed cases (13 new), 154 confirmed deaths (12 probable) Cape May County: 3,816 confirmed cases (11 new), 158 confirmed deaths (28 probable) HOSPITALIZATIONS There were 1,961 patients hospitalized with confirmed (1,823) or suspected COVID-19 cases New Jerseys 71 hospitals as of Tuesday night 66 more than the previous night, according to the states dashboard. That included 408 in critical or intensive care (10 more than the previous night), with 235 on ventilators (11 fewer). There were also 227 COVID-19 patients discharged Tuesday and 244 admitted. Hospitalizations peaked at more than 8,000 patients during the first wave of the pandemic in April. SCHOOL CASES New Jersey has reported 160 in-school coronavirus outbreaks, which have resulted in 765 cases among students, teachers and school staff this academic year, according to the states dashboard. The state defines school outbreaks as cases where contact tracers determined two or more students or school staff caught or transmitted COVID-19 in the classroom or during academic activities at school. Those numbers do not include students or staff believed to have been infected outside school or cases that cant be confirmed as in-school outbreaks. There are about 1.4 million public school students and teachers across the state, though teaching methods amid the outbreak have varied, with some schools teaching in-person, some using a hybrid format and others remaining all-remote. Murphy said Monday that with teachers soon eligible to get the vaccine, officials are fully expecting schools across New Jersey to return for in-person learning safely and responsibly when the next school year starts in September, if not sooner. AGE BREAKDOWN Broken down by age, those 30 to 49 years old make up the largest percentage of New Jersey residents who have caught the virus (31%), followed by those 50-64 (23.2%), 18-29 (19.6%), 65-79 (10.8%), 5-17 (8.5%), 80 and older (4.9%), and 0-4 (1.8%). On average, the virus has been more deadly for older residents, especially those with preexisting conditions. Nearly half the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents 80 and older (47.20%), followed by those 65-79 (32.79%), 50-64 (15.59%), 30-49 (4.03%), 18-29 (0.37%), 5-17 (0%), and 0-4 (0.02%). At least 7,923 of the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. There are currently active outbreaks at 309 facilities, resulting in 6,099 active cases among residents and 6,214 among staffers. GLOBAL NUMBERS As of Wednesday, there have been more than 117.7 million positive COVID-19 tests across the world, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 2.6 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications. The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 29 million, and the most deaths, at more than 527,700. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Tock has been named one of Fast Companys Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2021, honored at #1 in the Hospitality industry and #8 overall. Fast Company recognizes businesses that have not only been resilient in the past year, but also turned those challenges into high impact solutions. In 2020 our work went from being innovative to truly important for thousands of businesses around the world, said Nick Kokonas, Tocks CEO. We pride ourselves on imagining what the world will look like in the future, and building our technology in support of that forward-looking vision. The recognition by Fast Company reflects the mission that we live every day. In March 2020 when restaurants around the world began to shut down at the onset of the pandemic, Tock extended its reservations platform to provide takeout and delivery with Tock To Go. In under one week, Tock launched a solution for the hospitality industry to manage contactless to-go orders efficientlyat one-tenth the price of the competition. Thousands of restaurants were able to quickly transition and keep their doors open. We are working to help save the jobs, the careers, and the dreams of a lot of entrepreneurs and enterprises, said Nick Kokonas, Tocks CEO. Its important that businesses transparently own the customer relationship, not rent it from technology middle people -- and then thrive like never before as the pandemic hopefully recedes. By June, the company launched the first-of-its-kind, unified platform incorporating reservations, takeout, and virtual events. Features include contactless ordering and payment, advanced waitlist with two-way messaging, real-time floor plan editing, integrated delivery with no additional costs to businesses, and capacity settings. Were building a bridge to the future and empowering restaurants, bars, wineries--any service business--to maintain control of their operations, says Kokonas. Youre not using a third party app when you use Tock. Youre utilizing Tock as a platform to help you succeed. This year, Tock will continue to disrupt the industry with new product launches including Tock Time and Tock Marketplace, superior customer service to help restaurants reopen, and a soon-to-be-announced contest to bring the fun back into hospitality, help restaurants, and their communities. The Worlds Most Innovative Companies is Fast Companys signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a roadmap for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. In a year of unprecedented challenges, the companies on this list exhibit fearlessness, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of crisis, said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with Senior Editor Amy Farley. ABOUT TOCK Tock is the only all-in-one system for reservations, takeout, delivery, and events for the culinary industry. Tock's cloud-based platform, enables businesses with sophisticated CRM and dynamic pricing tools to increase sales and provide world-class hospitality. Tock has processed over $1B prepaid experiences in addition to millions of standard reservations in 30 countries around the globe. Find it all at exploretock.com. ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at http://www.fastcompany.com. Around 120,000 jobs were lost in the U.S. oil and gas industry last year due to the crash in oil demand and prices and subsequent massive downsizing of staffing levels, Rystad Energy said in a new analysis this week. The United States, the third-biggest employer in the oil and gas sector globally, saw the number of jobs in the industry decline to around 960,000 last year, down from approximately 1,080,000 employees in 2019. Due to the still ongoing downturn and the rollover effect into 2021, the number of oil and gas workers in the United States could drop to 950,000, the energy research company said. The toll in the US was more devastating, estimated at 11.1%, thereby faring worse than its European peers and Russia, Rystad Energy said. Companies in the industry cut thousands of jobs in the United States and globally last year. The biggest oil firms cut thousands of jobs each, with BP slashing 10,000 jobs or 15 percent of its workforce, Shell cutting up to 9,000 jobs, and Exxon cutting 14,000 jobs, including 1,900 in the United States. These are just a few examples. The oilfield services providers also slashed staffing levels as drilling activitespecially in the U.S. shale patcplunged. Related Video: Can Saudis Defend Aramco from Houthis? Just last month, Americas oilfield services and equipment sector employment fell by an estimated 10,048 jobs, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. The number of oilfield services sector jobs in the United States dropped from 706,528 in February 2020 to 603,732 in February 2021, a decline of 14.5 percent. Currently, the sector employment is at its lowest point since at least 2013, according to the councils latest monthly energy jobs report. Outside of the United States, the largest oil and gas employer, China, saw workforce numbers drop by only 5.3 percent, according to Rystad Energy estimates. Still, considering the fact that most employers there are held by the state, job redundancies are more difficult to make than other cost-saving measures. In Europe, the UK lost 6.3 percent of its oil and gas workforce in 2020, while Norways staffing level was reduced only by about 3.6 percent, thanks to government support and furlough policies, Rystad Energy said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinese smartphone brand on Wednesday said it is all set to open nearly 100 exclusive stores across India this year. Currently, the smartphone maker has 550 retails stores across the country and by the end of this year, it aims to cross the 650-mark, according to Nipun Marya, Director Brand Strategy, India. "Overall, is the leader in the offline market in terms of market share. This has been quite encouraging for us. We have become number one because we have made the right investment at right places," Marya told IANS. Vivo entered the premium smartphone segment last year with the X-series in India that was manufactured at the company's Greater Noida facility. Marya said that the company is set to launch new products like X60 series this month in the country, and five-six more in the premium segment soon. Vivo is expected to bring its X60 series with a Snapdragon 870 chipset on March 22. "Apart from new products, we are focusing on marketing investment. We are back as title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL)," he noted. With a growing appetite for premium smartphones, consumers are looking for a premium device that elevates their smartphone experience. "We believe that Vivo has built a strong brand-value in India. It's the right time to expand our product offering," Marya said. "We are hopeful that our entry into the premium smartphone segment will change the benchmark in mobile photography". --IANS na/ On March 9 of 2020, there were just 41 cases of coronavirus identified in Massachusetts. The next day, it jumped to 91. Exactly one year later, as COVID cases in the Bay State approach 560,000, these seem like small numbers. But those double-digits in the early days of the pandemic quickly turned to triple-digits. Then triple digits turned to thousands. The COVID pandemic that seemed like a faraway threat was here. On March 10, Gov. Charlie Baker issued a state of emergency. The move would open the door for a wave of more than 60 executive orders over the next year, dramatically altering life and business in Massachusetts for at least the time being. We all must consider how our actions and choices can help mitigate the spread of this virus, Baker said upon issuing the declaration. Eight days later, the first of two COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts occurred. It was just the beginning. A year later, confirmed Massachusetts COVID deaths have climbed to 16,123 nearly the size of the population of Southbridge. Businesses have been devastated, some irreparably; livelihoods have vanished; and life, as it was known, is still unrecognizable. Its been 365 days. And as the viruss second wave slowly recedes and questions remain as to whether vaccinations and continued safeguards can prevent a third wave, Massachusetts is still in a state of emergency. Heres how the early days of the pandemic played out. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announces that a state of emergency would go into effect during an update with Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Dr. Monica Bharel, left, on coronavirus preparedness and planning at the Statehouse in Boston, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP The beginning The first case of COVID-19 in Massachusetts was confirmed on Feb. 1, a little more than a month before the governors declaration. A Boston resident in his 20s had just returned from Wuhan, China then considered the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. State officials at the time said they had been preparing for the possibility that COVID would arrive in Massachusetts. Infections had already been reported around the country, clustered on parts of the West Coast, and parts of Europe were already locked down. Massachusetts has been preparing for a possible case of his new coronavirus and we were fortunate that astute clinicians took appropriate action quickly, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said after the first case was confirmed. A month went by with no news of more cases. Then, state health officials confirmed a second presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Massachusetts on March 2. Health officials had begun testing specimens for the virus in the state laboratory. But, as fear and speculation mounted about the spread of COVID, health officials reiterated that the risk to the general public was deemed low at the time. We understand the concern this new virus is causing, and our states ability to quickly test for the virus is a positive development, Bharel said on March 3, 2020. Presumptive positive cases began accelerating. Nearly all of them were tied to the Biogen employee conference at the Marriott Long Wharf in Bostons Seaport District that took place in late February 2020. That conference has now been linked to more than 300,000 cases of the virus. A sign is posted on a railing outside the Massachusetts State House in March 2020. The building was closed to the public to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. As the virus accelerates, Mass. reacts The state of emergency came on March 10, with Massachusetts joining neighboring states Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. The initial order mostly presented recommendations, on top of barring work-related travel for state employees. Cases began multiplying exponentially. Three days after the emergency order, Baker put out another executive order limiting gathering sizes across the state to no more than 250 people. Then, in response to waves of new infections, Baker amended the order just two days later to no more than 25 people and ordered all public and private schools to close for three weeks. As the state sought to slow the spread of COVID, Baker announced additional executive orders a mix of guidances such as urging the public to wear masks to orders closing businesses or drastically changing the way many do business. File photo from 2020 shows the Worcester YMCA emergency daycare movie room, which had carpet squares on the rug to designate where children need to sit during movies in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The orders On March 15: Baker ordered all K-12 schools closed until April 6. The move, which many hoped would be temporary, was followed by two subsequent orders that would eventually close schools to in-person learning through June 29. It marked the beginning of a year that would see schools transition to remote learning for most districts and by the fall would turn into a patchwork of hybrid, remote and in-person learning throughout the state. Also on March 15, Executive Order #4 would require all insurers to cover medically necessary telehealth services, allowing many to access doctors and health care professionals via video calls. On March 18: Executive Order #10 closed child care centers throughout the state and set up the creation of temporary emergency child care centers. Non-emergency daycares would not reopen until June 29 and many would struggle to accommodate new mandates for social distancing and classroom sizes. On March 24: Arguably the order with the most dramatic impact on the economy was Executive Order #13, which closed all non-essential businesses, with a list put out by the state of which types of businesses were essential and could remain open. The list would be tweaked in the days and weeks to come. Businesses began to assess what would become irreversible impacts for some, planning for a reality that would turn many offices almost entirely virtual. It was around this time that the public learned about flattening the curve, about the importance of mask-wearing and social distancing in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19. By the end of March, with the state largely shutdown, the peak of the spring surge was just around the corner. Massachusetts COVID-19 deaths by the day they occurred. The Massachusetts curve The pandemics first surge in Massachusetts peaked on April 17 with 2,989 COVID tests on that day returning positive, according to Department of Public Health records. But the high number of daily new cases, that would continue to decline through the spring and summer, would end up paling in comparison to the 9,047 positive cases on Jan. 4 of this year that would mark the peak of the second wave. Although cases would climb in that second wave, the first wave in the spring brought a heavy death toll. It spiked quickly and hard. Deaths had climbed to a one-day total of 41 people on April 1 but by the 24th would hit a pandemic high for Massachusetts with 197 confirmed COVID deaths on a single day. It swept through Massachusetts nursing homes and assisted living facilities, taking many of the states most vulnerable residents. The average age of the dead by early April was 86, a number that would steadily lower as the pandemic wore on and stood at 77 last week. _______ We were told everything was fine: Holyoke Soldiers Home trustee recounts message from administrators at beginning of COVID outbreak _______ COVID hospitalizations in Massachusetts neared 4,000 patients on April 21, the high water mark for the pandemic thus far. Like the death toll, an autumn spike would see hospital resources across the state stretched again, but not surpassing that spring 2020 surge. But even as new cases dropped during the summer, what had begun to ramp up was Massachusettss testing. Whereas the spring never saw more than 20,000 COVID tests a day, by fall that number had ramped up to more than 80,000 on most days and more than 100,000 a day by early winter. Molecular COVID tests tested in Massachusetts by day. The hope of vaccinations A year after Gov. Bakers declaration, the official state of emergency still stands. Many of the states most stringent orders have been rescinded as part of the governors COVID reopening plan, announced in May of last year. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced this week that elementary schoolers in grades K-5 were expected to be back in classrooms five days a week by April 5 with students in grades 6-8 to be back in buildings full-time effective April 28. As variants of the virus raise concerns about the potential for further spread the efforts to get as many people vaccinated as possible continue to ramp up. As of Tuesday, 758,250 people in Massachusetts are now fully vaccinated. Related Content: NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A New Hampshire man has been extradited to Middle Tennessee on three separate charges of TennCare fraud. The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Berlin, New Hampshire Police Department and the sheriffs office in Cheatham County, Tennessee, today announced the arrest of 49-year old Jeremy Hood of Groveton, New Hampshire. He is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud, a class D felony. Investigators say the charges are in connection with allegedly selling pills Hood obtained using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits. Hood was also charged with three counts of manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamines and misdemeanor failure to appear. The OIG would like to recognize the efforts of the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Cheatham County Sheriffs Office and the Berlin Police Department and stress the importance of thwarting individuals from abusing the TennCare program, Inspector General Kim Harmon said. We would also like to recognize the hard work of our Intel Analyst and Special Agent who both played an intricate role in locating Mr. Hood in New Hampshire. Their work proved to be invaluable in discovering Hoods whereabouts. In the indictment against Hood, investigators allege that he used TennCare benefits to pay for two separate doctors appointments and two subsequent trips to the pharmacy where he obtained prescriptions for Oxycodone. Hood is accused of allegedly selling a portion of the drugs on three separate occasions to a confidential informant working with the 23rd Judicial District Drug Task Force. On February 10, 2021 Hood was apprehended in Groveton, New Hampshire and in March he was extradited back to Cheatham County, Tennessee. The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney General Ray Crouch. The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated more than 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 3,102 people have been charged with TennCare fraud. Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read Report TennCare fraud. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New York, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Laboratory Information Management Systems Market Research Report by Product, by Deployment, by End User - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05912749/?utm_source=GNW Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. This helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. 1. The Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market is expected to grow from USD 767.09 Million in 2019 to USD 1,514.54 Million by the end of 2025. 2. The Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market is expected to grow from EUR 684.92 Million in 2019 to EUR 1,327.98 Million by the end of 2025. 3. The Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market is expected to grow from GBP 601.13 Million in 2019 to GBP 1,180.57 Million by the end of 2025. 4. The Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market is expected to grow from JPY 83,618.91 Million in 2019 to JPY 161,640.35 Million by the end of 2025. 5. The Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market is expected to grow from AUD 1,103.61 Million in 2019 to AUD 2,199.32 Million by the end of 2025. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Laboratory Information Management Systems to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: "The Integrated is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Product, the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market studied across Integrated and Standalone. The Integrated commanded the largest size in the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market in 2019, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The On-Cloud is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Deployment, the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market studied across On-Cloud and On-Premises. The On-Cloud commanded the largest size in the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market in 2019, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The Laboratories is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on End User, the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market studied across Academic & Research Institutes, Laboratories, and Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies. The Laboratories commanded the largest size in the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market in 2019, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. "The Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period" Based on Geography, the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region surveyed across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region surveyed across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region surveyed across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. The Americas commanded the largest size in the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market including Abbott Laboratories, ABI Health, Agile Frameworks, LLC, Apex Healthware, Autoscribe Informatics, Cerner Corporation, Computing Solutions, Inc., Illumina, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, LabLynx, Inc., LabVantage Solutions, Inc., LabWare, Inc., LABWORKS, LLC, Soft Computer Consultants, Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. 360iResearch FPNV Positioning Matrix: The 360iResearch FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Laboratory Information Management Systems Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window: The 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The 360iResearch Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Laboratory Information Management Systems Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05912749/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ WE WENT to Newport for three days last week, two Minnesotans long married, to rediscover the fact that ocean air is delicious and invigorating and can even make you happy. That surely is why the Vanderbilts built their monstrous mansion on the shore: sinking into decadence in a fake palace w The work is expected to kick off in the second quarter, once approvals are received and ground conditions allow At the Knaften project, drilling will test structural extensions of the Knaften 300 gold zone, where previous drilling showed shallow intersections of high-grade gold Gungnir Resources Inc ( ) (OTCPINK:ASWRF) (FRA:AMO1) outlined Wednesday this year's exploration plans at its Swedish projects, which includes up to 50 line-kilometres of IP geophysics and 2,500 metres (m) of drilling. The work is expected to kick off in the second quarter, once approvals are received and ground conditions allow. The company is advancing the Knaften property and its Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE projects in northern Sweden. At the Knaften project, drilling will test structural extensions of the Knaften 300 gold zone, where previous drilling showed shallow intersections of high-grade gold like 59.6 grams per ton (g/t) gold over 1m and numerous wide zones of gold mineralization. The company will also carry out Induced Polarization (IP) geophysics to outline potential extensions of Knaften 300 and new targets on recently acquired permits, it told investors. Drilling at Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget will test for deposit extensions, and grade and distribution of PGEs (platinum, palladium and gold). In January this year, Gungnir revealed it had expanded the size of the Knaften property by 75%. It was granted new permits such that it now comprises 4,887 hectares (nearly 50 square kilometres). The Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget nickel deposits are located in the same general area as the Knaften property and two deposits collectively contain a newly expanded NI43-101 resource, which outlined 177 million pounds of nickel in the inferred category. Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com A New Jersey man has filed suit against a prank company based in New York, alleging they mailed him a chocolate penis, a glitter bomb and other packages meant to shock, offend and frighten him. Nicholas Carretta, 47, of Oakland, claims in court papers that R&D Promos, also known as Ruin Days, sent him multiple unsolicited, obscene and harmful packages over the course of 18 months. Ruin Days, which is based in Queens, New York, allows customers to anonymously send glitter bombs, imitation feces, bags of dirt and other annoying pranks to unsuspecting recipients. We ruin your enemys day the literature states. In May 2019, a chocolate penis was sent to Carretta at his office in Fair Lawn inside a package designed to disguise the true nature of its contents, states the suit, filed last month in Superior Court of Bergen County. When he opened the package and saw the fake penis, Carretta claims he suffered fear, apprehension, harm and emotional distress. In November 2020, Carretta received a spring-loaded glitter bomb that arrived in another nondescript package and blew up in his face, the lawsuit states. Carretta opened the package (and) the glitter bomb exploded in his face, causing glitter to strike him with force in the eyes, nose, and mouth, the suit states. The glitter became lodged in Mr. Carrettas clothing, as well as a nearby desk, files and carpet, the suit states. On Nov. 27, 2020, Carretta received a packaged addressed to Fat Midget that contained chocolate imitation feces, the lawsuit states. Carretta was shocked and frightened by the contents and offended that the package of chocolate imitation feces came in contact with his body, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit alleges assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, negligence and conspiracy. In addition to R&D Promotions, the lawsuit names an unidentified John Doe who is alleged to have ordered the products. Ruin Days agreed with and entered into a conspiracy with John Doe(s) to harm Mr. Carretta by accepting the order to send him the packages, the suit states. Carretta is seeking damages of $75,000, along with court fees and post-judgment interest. Ruin Days, also known as R&D Promotions, did not immediately respond Monday to a request seeking comment on the suit. The company has been sued before by people who received its packages, including in 2018 by a Maryland woman who claimed she was hit in the face by a glitter bomb that also damaged her laptop. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. More: Twitter reacts to Pepe Le Pews cut from Space Jam 2, normalization of rape culture Heads up: Some sea slugs grow new bodies after decapitation A sign reminding residents and tourists of new social distancing rules is displayed at Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia, on March 23, 2020. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Australia Must End Obsession With Reaching Zero CCP Virus Cases: Health Expert Australia has been told that it needs to move on from its fascination with zero cases of the CCP virus and return to pre-COVID-19 normality, a health expert has said. Prof. Shitij Kapur, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, said the nation had done a good job with the handling of COVID-19. However, it has left Australians stuck in what he termed a golden cage. I use that metaphor because it looks wonderful and shiny from the inside, and you are clearly protected from the things that are outside coming in, he wrote in the Australian Financial Review (AFR). But of course, you cant leave. Kapur said breaking free of the cage was now a dilemma for Australia and warned that the option of waiting for the virus to die down in the rest of the world, in order to leave the cage, was impossible. It will be controlled, but it will not get down to zero local cases all over the world. Complete eradication of a virus is extremely rare, he wrote. In fact, its only happened for smallpox. The likelihood it will happen with COVID is nil. Two passengers walk past a Qantas jet at the International terminal at Sydney Airport on March 10, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Evans/Getty Images) He said even with the rollout of vaccines, and if herd immunity is achieved, there will always be a possibility of individual future cases. If we continue this thing that every time theres a single case, you know, the health minister or someone has to come and explain, Kapur said at the AFR business summit. I think at some stage we have to move away from it. A pivot would be required in public perception and policy, one that would leave this fascination with zero cases and manage it is as we do many other health problems. He said businesses could help play a role in adjusting public expectation away from zero cases to accept minimal to modest risk as a trade-off for the resumption of relationships with the rest of the world. Kapur said India was an example Australia could model after, where restrictions were comparatively lax, yet the number of cases was falling due to some natural factors. It might be that in certain areas we have to take some special precautions, and it might also be that just as HIV changed our protection practices in sexual habits, you could well be left with greater masks, or some element of social distancing that stays with us for a long time, Kapur said. At the beginning of the year, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan advocated for a CCP virus elimination strategy. He claimed lockdowns and border restrictions, as seen in his state, were the best path to recovery and urged other states to follow suit. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian rejected his call, saying the Australian goal was zero community transmissions, not total elimination. Press Release March 10, 2021 PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF SEN. FRANCIS "KIKO" PANGILINAN NATIONAL STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO ASF Walang babuyan, no hogwash in finding solutions to ASF Mr. President, colleagues, good afternoon. I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege on the issue of literally, walang babuyan. Dahil sa patuloy na pagkalat ng sakit na African swine fever at dahil milyon-milyon na na mga baboy ang kusang pinapatay upang mabawasan ang pagkalat nito, konti ang supply ng baboy sa palengke. At dahil konti ang supply, mataas ang presyo ng baboy. At dahil sa tinatawag na Covid ng mga baboy, gusto nang sumurender ng ating mga magbababoy o hog-raisers. Malapit na silang umabot sa puntong ayawan na. Wala na lang babuyan. The failure to contain the African swine fever has caused pork prices to remain high at an average of 450 pesos per kilo since January this year. Information that was relayed to us on the streets is that price per kilo is increasing 10 pesos every week. And it has resulted in the loss of 56 billion pesos to the swine industry that is over 70 percent backyard small hog-raisers. Before ASF struck 20 months ago in July 2019, the swine industry used to bring home the bacon amounting to 248 billion pesos annually. Among the stakeholders are -- from DA's presentation and the hearing yesterday -- 68,382 farmers who augment their income by raising these symbols of plenty and festivity. Malaking bagay sa kita ng ating mga magsasaka -- ang mga nagpapakain sa atin -- ang sitwasyong walang babuyan or backyard farms. Help has come in trickles, hampered further by the restrictions of movement due to Covid. At the onset of ASF, while people in communities try to secure their perimeters against the spread of the disease, the wider and larger borders were left open. Imports continue to flow, smuggling of pork continued, and checks on the quality of imported pork was lax. Sabi nga ng mga experto malaki ang posibilidad na ang ASF ay pumasok sa bansa dahil na rin sa infected, unchecked, smuggled imported pork. How much was given to the hog-raisers and when did the aid begin? Before they received the aid, the hog population has been wiped out due to culling. What can 10,000 pesos do? Will they even risk breeding again when the threat remains that the butchers will one day come again and cull these pigs. Culling should not have been widespread, but territory-based. DA data supports this: ASF infection is found in 12 of the country's 17 regions, but if we go more granular, the picture is very different. ASF was found in only 2,402 of the country's 42,046 barangays. Kayang i-contain. Of the thousands of pigs culled, reports have said that only about 30 percent or less were infected. This is due to the lack of testing centers. At yesterday's Senate committee hearing on food prices, chaired by our Committee on Agriculture chairperson, Senator Villar, we heard hog-raisers cry about losses in pigs culled (4.7 million), losses in income (altogether 56 billion pesos), and loss of motivation to raise hogs. Former congressman Nick Briones, vice president of the Pork Producers Federation, summed up the situation clearly. Sabi niya: "Maaari pong kusa na naming i-surrender ang aming mga baboy 'pag dumating muli sa pagkalugi sa kabila ng mga nangyayari sa amin. Ganito po ang aming aabutin: Baka po i-deliver na po namin ang baboy libre sa DA para lang sabihin naming kami'y sawa na po sa pahirap na inaabot dahil po sa importation, sa sobrang smuggling; at ito pong hindi mapigil na pagkalat ng African swine fever." Ganito rin ang sinabi sa atin ng mga hog-raisers na nakausap natin: Pag lugi pa ulit sila ngayon, hindi na sila makakabalik sa pagbababoy. At sa mga solusyong pinapatupad, dagdag pasanin ang ilan sa mga ito para sa lokal na industriya ng magbababoy. Kapag umasa tayo lamang sa import, hindi lang mawawalan ng kita ang ating mga kababayan, hindi rin tayo makakasiguro sa walang-patid na ekstrang supply mula sa mga bayang nag-e-export nito. Pag nangyari yun, wala ng babuyan, wala pang baboy. Increasing the pork import quota and lowering the tariff are stop-gap measures that will not address the long-term challenges of the industry. Government's primary objective should not be focused simply on lowering pork prices. In fairness, they have presented a plan to address the Covid of the hog-raisers, and ASF, yet based on their presentation, kulang ang budget. Our objective must be to keep prices low in the long-term by ensuring steady supply. And that can only happen if we keep our food producers happy and productive and earning. To secure our pork supply, we must secure our pork producers, 70 percent of whom are backyard hog farmers. That's why we thank the Senate agriculture committee chairperson, Senator Cynthia Villar, and our colleagues as the committee adopted our motion urging the agriculture department to have the President declare a national state of emergency due to the ASF. Ano po ang ibig sabihin nitong declaration? Unang-una, magkakaroon ng pagkilala na matindi at malala ang problema. At kaakibat nito, malalagyan ng pondo at resources ang mga solusyon sa pagsugpo ng sakit. This means we can use the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRM Fund) and the Quick Response Fund created by RA 10121, or the "Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act of 2010". This will also afford the DA, as well as LGUs, and other concerned agencies, ample latitude to use appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, calamity funds to address the ASF outbreak. The Department of Agriculture launched last month its INSPIRE (Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion) and BABAy ASF (Bantay ASF sa Barangay)?programs. The declaration will put these programs on steroids, so to speak. The INSPIRE program is to be implemented from 2021 to 2023 with an estimated 61.33 billion pesos required as the budget. But as per DA for 2021 only 2.6 billion pesos of the estimated 8.6 billion pesos needed is available, thus emphasizing the urgency of declaring a state of emergency so the remaining 6 billion pesos can either be sourced from the calamity funds, the disaster funds, or the realignment of?savings. Saan po pwedeng kunin ang pondo? Pursuant to Article VI, Section 25(5) and Section 66 of the 2021 General Appropriations Act, the President may also declare and use savings in their respective appropriations to augment actual deficiencies, which may be additional requirements for a program, activity or project in view of a declaration of a state of national calamity. Pangatlo, i-set up na ang indemnity fund under the emergency. Isama na rin sa INSPIRE at BABAy ASF Program ang direct temporary hiring ng mga backyard hog-raisers sa pagbabantay ng spread ng ASF at iba pang mga programa. Ginawa rin natin ito noong panahon ng pagkalat ng tinatawag na pesteng cocolisap. We allocated cash-for-work that mobilized coconut farmers to implement the integrated pest management protocols in their respective barangays thus augmenting or replacing their lost incomes due to non-harvesting of infected trees. They were given the opportunity to address the problem and be paid for it with a cash-for-work program. Sabi sa aklat ni George Orwell na Animal Farm, "Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself." Ibig sabihin, ang tao may kakayanang mag-isip at magpatupad ng maayos na sistema. Gawin natin ito sa problema ng ASF at pork supply. Solusyon na masusing pinag-isipan at mahusay na ipapatupad. At hindi tayo dapat magpatinag sa ASF, tulad nang hindi tayo dapat magpatinag sa Covid. May karanasan na tayo noong mga nakaraang panahon na humarap sa mga epidemya tulad ng foot and mouth disease noong 1995 na kumalat sa dalawampu't pitong probinsya sa buong Pilipinas. With the massive epidemic that hit Luzon in 1995, the President of the Republic declared the whole of Luzon a calamity area in June of 1995 through an Executive Order and appropriating funds to control and eradication of FMD. This paved the way for a vigorous and sustained effort to control and eradicate the disease which we succeeded in doing. Ganun din sa cocolisap outbreak noong 2014 na tumama sa mahigit 20 milyong puno ng niyog sa Calabarzon at Basilan. Naglabas din ng Executive Order and pangulo, pinakilos ang PCA, ang mga eksperto ng UP Los Banos, mga LGUs upang magkaroon ng integrated pest management intervention na naging matagumpay dahil sa loob ng anim na buwan, ay naipababa ang hotspots mula 58 hotspots sa Calabarzon sa isang hotspot. Naglaan din ng halagang 400 million [pesos] ang Malacanang noon galing sa savings upang madagdagan ang pondo para sa pagsugpo ng cocolisap. Kinaya natin noon, walang dahilan kung bakit hindi natin kakayanin na masolusyunan ngayon. Parang Covid talaga itong ASF. Wipe out ang mga baboy. Wipe out ang kita. Pero ang solusyon, nasa focus, nasa focus sa mga front-liner, and in this case, ang ating magbababoy, nasa focus sa mabilis na pag-download ng mga resources -- para man yan sa testing o sa bio-safety protocols. Pag ganito, di lang importer ang magpapalechon pag may kasal o birthday o anniversary, at syempre pag Pasko, kung hindi lahat ng Pilipino. Lahat ng Pilipino makakapaglechon kasi deserve natin ito. In closing, Mr. President, again we would like to reiterate that we filed Senate Resolution 676 and it was referred today to the Committee on Agriculture and Food as well as the Committee on Finance. However, for the information of our colleagues, in the hearing yesterday, and with the support of our chairman of the Committee of Agriculture, we adopted a motion, and it was duly seconded, a motion to urge the Department of Agriculture to recommend to the President the declaration of a nationwide state of calamity because of ASF. May we appeal therefore to our colleagues that if we can reconsider the referral and address the matter in plenary so that we can be, subject to style, the sense of the Senate resolution urging the Department of Agriculture to recommend to the President a nationwide declaration of a state of calamity due to ASF so that immediately we can respond with additional support with our livestock and hog industry. Maraming salamat, Mr. President, distinguished Majority Leader, and thank you, colleagues. Finally, the day-to-day, minute-to-minute success of every school is the unwavering dedication of our teachers. When schools closed without much warning a year ago, our teachers came in on nights and weekends to make individualized learning bins for each student, full of plans, worksheets, manipulatives, books and supplies, which were in many cases hand-delivered to families. When the year ended and it was clear that a complete reinvention of school was required, our teachers spent a good portion of their summer breaks learning new technology and software programs, strategizing about best practices, and physically recreating our entire school environment. Every detail of the school day was carefully analyzed and considered, from how kids would enter the building to where they would sit, how they would access materials, and who they should interact with on the playground. Schedules, class assignments and coat hook locations were carefully discussed, debated and decided upon based on evolving recommendations from experts and government officials. There were many details that could not be nailed down until other portions came together, and this became its own source of angst and confusion as planning time dwindled and responsibilities multiplied. It was an impossible situation, and yet here we are, thriving amid the chaos, leading children through a full year of disruption and adjustment. I may be an administrator, but Im also a parent, and I am so grateful for the structure, humor, kindness, creativity and support that all of my kids teachers have shared with them. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Carla McCabes story probably sounds familiar to anyone who knows Northeast Pennsylvanias history. McCabe, the president and CEO of WVIA, the regions PBS and NPR station, hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and like so many from her native land, she came to America for opportunity. Next week, just in time for St. Patricks Day, shell speak about her immigrant experience and the importance of community in the region during a Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar. Presented by University of Scranton, her talk, America: The Farther Shore, will take place Tuesday, March 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Admission costs $10. McCabe said she saw the caliber of other speakers who have given Schemel seminars and felt nervous about participating, but she also viewed it as an amazing opportunity. It doesnt seem like (the series) has any boundaries when it comes to the speakers, in a good way. ... Theres something for everyone, and Im really intrigued to see the question and answers (and) the engagement side of things, she said. Her talks title comes from a quote by Irish poet and Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here a line McCabe said inspired her to come to America. McCabe grew up in Northern Ireland during the time known as the Troubles, when animosity between Catholics and Protestants in the United Kingdom-controlled country left communities in terror and people injured and even killed. She first experienced life in the United States as a summer employee in Atlantic City, part of a large number of young people from around the world who traditionally staff businesses along the Jersey shore each summer. After earning a degree in international hospitality management from Manchester Metropolitan University in England, McCabe shifted gears to communications, receiving a masters degree in communications, advertising and public relations from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. She worked her way up through the ranks at the BBC and then joined Tern Television Productions, where she produced programs for the BBC plus other British networks, National Geographic Channel and the Discovery Channel. Coming from Belfast, she said, she stayed humble and kept to herself, so she had to had to push herself outside her comfort zone when she started working in the media. Youre going to have to be bold, and youre going to have to speak up, she said. In September 2014, she made her big move to join her sister in the United States, settling in Kansas City, Missouri, and landing a job at the areas PBS station, KCPT-TV. She held several roles there, including, ultimately, chief operating officer, before coming to helm WVIA last July. During her Schemel talk, McCabe expects to talk a bit about the background of the immigrant and the opportunities the United States gives people like her. Shell touch on her experiences growing up in Northern Ireland and the choices she faced when it came to staying there or exploring more of the world. For someone from the outside looking in, as in coming from a different country, I see so much opportunity here, and I would not be in this position had I not made the move to America. ... It is the land of opportunity, in my opinion, McCabe said. I felt like I could do so much more moving here. McCabe also hopes to chat about how community matters in NEPA and the role that plays in her work. In promoting her talk, the university shared McCabes goal for her position at WVIA to ensure that we are embedded in the core of the communities we serve, producing programs that reflect who we are and, at the same time, open our hearts and minds to the world we live in. With multiple channels, theres always something to watch on WVIA, McCabe said, but to her, the station differentiates itself by being local. I see a lot of similarities here and (in) the community I had experienced at home about the local conversation and how important it is, McCabe said. PBS and NPR allow us to focus on the local conversation. ... I think theres a lot of opportunities, too, there to make those connections when it comes to (having) a national conversation, but we want to make sure we are fulfilling the needs of this local community. McCabe said she felt lucky to land in Kansas City and then Scranton, areas that remind her of the old kind of Irish rural places where everyone waves when somebody passes by. What I love about both of those areas is theyre big enough and theyre small enough. ... Theres something about the people here, she said. I just feel like Ive connected with so many good people here, and there is a sense of community. Its small town. Everybody knows everybody. Theres a lot of good that comes from that. McCabe felt glad the U of S was able to continue the Schemel seminars during the pandemic. The series impresses her and her parents, who plan to attend her talk, too. (With) the caliber of the speakers, its not the sort of speaker series that youll get anywhere else, McCabe said. The U of S has several other Schemel seminars scheduled for the spring. To register for McCabes talk or any of the others, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. For details about membership and programs, reach Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu. New Delhi: Almost a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw several lockdowns, a crucial meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's parliamentary party was held on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the BJP Parliamentary Board Meeting which was held in the Parliaments complex. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Prahlad Patel were among the top BJP leaders who attended BJP parliamentary party meeting. New Delhi: Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr S Jaishankar, and Prahlad Patel reach Parliament to participate in BJP parliamentary party meeting. pic.twitter.com/JWZC2IAaN7 ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 Addressing the parliamentary party meeting, PM Modi directed all the MPs and party workers to help eligible people get COVID-19 vaccines and help them in reaching the vaccination centres, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said. "To commemorate 75 years of Independence, a 75-week long programme will be organised from March 12 at 75 places. PM Modi called upon all the MPs to participate in the programme,'' the Parliamentary Affairs Minister added. BJP MPs of both houses attended the meeting at GMC Balyogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library building. The meeting took place after almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second part of the Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Monday with all COVID-19 precautionary measures in place. The decision to revise the timing of both Houses was announced on Monday. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were operating under curtailed hours of timing and social distancing norms amid COVID-19 induced norms The BJP MPs will sit together in one hall and get the opportunity to listen to our popular leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parliamentary party meeting was suspended. But now, the meeting is going to be held again," a BJP leader had said earlier. The BJP leader said that Prime Minister Modi has earned praise in the way he has handled the situation created by COVID-19. Live TV A coalition alliance government creates its own special dynamics, which affects the bureaucracy uniquely. In Maharashtra, which has a three-party alliance, this was seen when the 1985-batch IAS officer Sitaram Kunte was named the states new chief secretary. Sources say that Mr Kunte was ignored by the previous BJP government during whose tenure he was commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). His fortunes changed for the better in the Shiv Sena-led government of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. However, while the chief minister and the Congress Party were said to be keen on his appointment, the National Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar was reportedly less than enthusiastic, initially. However, Mr Kunte managed to make it to the top post, although he snuffed the chance of his batchmate Praveen Pradesh, who was widely expected to be appointed to succeed Sanjay Kumar. Mr Pradesh had even returned from the UN in the hope of becoming the new chief secretary. Mr Kuntes elevation has led to the appointment of M.K. Srivastava, a 1986-batch IAS officer, in his previous office of additional chief secretary for home. Mind the S word A communique issued by T.M. Yanthan, commissioner and secretary to Nagaland governor R.N. Ravi, to chief secretary J. Alam, has directed the state government to warn officials that they could face penal and disciplinary action if they post seditious or subversive content on social media. Apparently, it had come to the notice of the governors office that some government servants are indulging in seditious and subversive writings challenging the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country on social media platforms. Sources say that a copy of Mr Yanthans letter has been also marked to Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla. This suggests, they say, that the governor has kept the Centre in the loop and may even have been directed by Delhi to take action against government officials posting seditious content. Apparently, this is the second letter from the governors office to the state chief secretary. Last year, he had directed the state government to prepare a database of state government employees family members and relatives who were in underground organisations. However, ominous though it may sound, some observers feel that Mr Ravi is merely reiterating the conduct rules for government servants and people should not read too much into this. Your thoughts? Tenure row Who has the authority to take a call on the posting of officers of the director-general of police rank in Haryana? This has become a point of contention between Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and his home minister Anil Vij. The officer at the centre of it all is DGP Manoj Yadava, a 1988- batch IPS officer, reportedly handpicked by Mr Khattar for the post. It appears that Mr Vij wants a change of DGP despite Mr Yadava having over four years of service left. The minister recently directed additional chief secretary (home) Rajeev Arora to send a panel of officers to the UPSC to be considered for the next DGP. According to sources, once the minimum tenure of two years ends, the state government has the option of deciding to continue with the current DGP or replace the officer. In the present case, the government has extended Mr Yadavas tenure beyond February until further orders. Sources say that Mr Khattar is unlikely to seek a replacement for Mr Yadava, who has done a long 15-year stint at the Intelligence Bureau (IB) before returning to his parent cadre. But Mr Vij, say sources, is sticking to his stance. Share a babu experience! Follow dilipthecherian@Twitter.com. Lets multiply the effect. It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Motorola launched the Moto G10 Power and Moto G30 smartphones in India. On the other hand, Jio announced Jio Business plans in India. In addition to that, Carl Pei's Nothing announced Concept 1 TWS earbuds. Here's what happened in tech today: Moto G10 Power, Moto G30 launched Motorola launched the Moto G10 Power and the Moto G30 smartphones in India today. The Moto G10 Power costs 9,999, while the Moto G30 costs 10,999 in India. Jio launches Jio Business plans Reliance Jio on Tuesday introduced new fiber broadband plans for small and medium businesses in India. Reliance Jio has introduced a total of seven plans as a part of its Jio Business plan ranging from 901 to 10,001 for businesses. You can check all the details here. Apple to start manufacturing iPhone 12 in India soon Apple has announced that it is going to start making its iPhone 12 in India soon. The devices made in the country will be for local customers only. Asus launches TUF Dash F15 laptop in India Asus today launched the TUF Dash F15 gaming laptop in India. TUF Dash F15 can be purchased at 1,40,990 for the base model. It will be available by the end of this month across all channels including Flipkart and Amazon. Carl Peis Nothing announces Concept 1 Nothing has finally dropped the first teaser of its upcoming product - Concept 1. Pei says that Concept 1 will be lightweight, minimal and futuristic in design. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed into law Tuesday a near-total ban on abortion in the state, despite simultaneously acknowledging the ban is not actually lawful by current American legal standards. Huh? The states Senate Bill 6 bans women from having an abortion under any circumstanceincluding rape and incestother than in a medical emergency where the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother. Hutchinson said in a signing statement that he disagreed with portions of the bill and that it directly contradicts current U.S. law, but he signed away anyway in the latest Republican instance of performative governance. Advertisement The law doesnt go into effect for 90 days after the close of the state legislative term, and everyone involved knows it will surely be halted by a federal judge because, as Hutchinson expressly stated, the law is against the law. (The ban) is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law, Hutchinson said in a signing statement. I would have preferred the legislation to include the exceptions for rape and incest, which has been my consistent view, and such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Thats a pretty cavalier attitude about the actual laws of the United States from a governor of one of its states, particularly one from a party that prides itself on extreme, biblical reverence for law and order. But knowingly passing laws that dont comport with the actual legal system of the U.S. isnt just a quirk of a renegade state or state partyits the actual legislative strategy of the Republican Party. As CNN points out, Of the 11 so-called gestational banswhich bar abortions past a certain point in pregnancypassed since the start of 2019, none have gone into effect after most of them have been blocked by judges. Advertisement The endgame is, of course, threading the needle to have the case heard by the Supreme Court, which is now fully stocked with Trump appointees and listing hard to the right. In fact, Hutchinson already has a performative ban on the books: His 2019 law that bans an abortion after 18 weeks is one of the near dozen by GOP lawmakers that have been put on hold by the courts. What makes the latest effort even more ridiculous is that it wont ever see the light of day at the Supreme Court and Arkansas Republicans know it. As the Legislature considered the measure, Hutchinson shared with lawmakers a letter written by an attorney for abortion opponents National Right to Life that said the chances of the bill leading to Roe being overturned were very small and remote, the Associated Press notes. National Right to Life didnt take a position on the bill, though its Arkansas affiliate supported the ban. So its literally just a (corrosive) performance piece cooked up by Republicans in state government? The answer is: Yes. [March 10, 2021] Texas Covid Vaccination Program Utilizing IGAN Screens on the YouTube Cytta Show Las Vegas , March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- -- Cytta Corp ( OTCPINK: CYCA ) We at Cytta are pleased and proud to be providing our IGAN incident command technology to assist in keeping Americans safe during this unprecedented public health crisis. This weeks Cytta Show features utilization of Cyttas IGAN incident command system by multiple public safety agencies in Texas live streaming from the field, while coordinating a covid vaccination program for up to 10,000 people a day. This second episode of the Cytta Show has been posted on our YouTube channel for general distribution at Cytta Corp YouTube Channel . We believe it interesting and appropriate to share one of the After-Action Reports (AARs) prepared by the Public Safety Coordinator utilizing Cyttas IGAN technology to coordinate a massive vaccination program at the Texas Motor Speedway. This report allows us to share a very clear representation of the quality, insight and thoughtfulness of our Public Safety Team members. Cytta Corp. After Action Report Incident: North Texas COVID Mass Vaccination Site Location: Texas Motor Speedway Date: February 2nd, 4th, and 5th, 2021 Background: On February 2nd, 4th and 5th, 2021 Denton County Texas, along with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Health and the other state and national health authorities, teamed to manage the largest drive-thru vaccination clinics in Texas, and likely the country. The event consisted of an estimated 400 police, fire, medical crews, and volunteers who guided those with appointments through 16 lanes at an astonishing rate of 1,000 per hour. Most recipients were in and out within 30 minutes. It quickly became the model for the nation. Situational Awareness: The North Texas Public Safety Unmanned Response Team (PSURT) was tasked with providing Situational Awareness (SA) to Denton County Office of Emergency Management, Texas Motor Speedway, the Texas Emergency Operations Center, through the use of UAS flights in order to aid in Decision Making and Problem Solving. North Texas PSURT is a multi-jurisdictional UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System/drone) team, consisting of members from police, fire and emergency management from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. PSURT utilized Cytta Corps IGAN Incident Command System Command and Control box as the sole Situational Awareness and unified comms platform to keep all parties apprised of the events progress. Operational Management: Operational management consisted of complex traffic direction, patient check-in, medical screening, inoculation, medical observation, as well as the ancillary tasks to place personnel where they needed to be, and when they needed to be there. All parts of the operation were in place by 0730 Hrs each day, with the site opening early all three days. The entire event wasmonitored through the use of several UAS drone platforms (primarily DJI and Autel) and streamed by Cyttas IGAN Incident Command System providing unified video and audio communications. UAS/Situational Awareness: Operations began flying at approximately 0745 Hrs and flew continuously until approximately 1645 Hrs each day. IGAN Incident Command System (ICS): Pros: Cyttas IGAN provided outstanding Situational Awareness and versatility. The system was activated and instantly began streaming at the beginning of drone flight operations and operated continuously for over 9 hours straight each day. The system was unphased through the various UAS changeovers that were approximately 20 to 25 minutes apart. Regardless of that brand of UAS, wireless application, or other situation IGAN was presented with, it continued to work with zero interruptions in approximately 28 hours of operations. Although the event was exceptionally well planned, unforeseen situations did occur. Lost drivers caused minor traffic flow issues on several occasions. Through the use of IGAN, all parties involved could witness, understand and provide a quick response as the issues arose. The Traffic Officer from the Midlothian Texas Police Department stated, Before the traffic unit had a chance to see and report the issue, Event Command had already observed the problem and was calling them to provide a resolution. Cons: None noted Final Thoughts: Cyttas IGAN ICS unified communications system truly set itself apart as the only Incident Command System at this event and proved its worth over and over. The instant Situational Awareness it provided, coupled with the ability to have instant two-way audio and video communications through any application, was truly noteworthy. We hope that we are providing interesting information, and with many more interesting videos to come, we would ask that you click the link ( Cytta Corp YouTube Channel .), watch, like, subscribe and please take the time to comment and/or make gentle, thoughtful, and positive suggestions. About Us Cytta Corp ( OTCPINK: CYCA) develops industry advancing products utilizing paradigm shifting technology. Our proprietary SUPR ISR technology is the most powerful codec in the world and is the technology at the core of our products, designed specifically for streaming and storing HD, 4K, and higher resolution video. The IGAN ICS system seamlessly streams and integrates omnidirectionally all relevant video and audio during emergency situations. This creates real-time video and audio situational awareness for police, firefighters, first responders, emergency medical workers, industry, environmental and emergency situations, security, military and all their command centers. Cytta Corp products work in size, weight, and power-constrained (SWaP) operating environments, and evolved through use in the military by meeting the need to stream multiple HD, 4K, and 4K+ video feeds with ultra-low latency, bandwidth, and power consumption. Cytta is taking this streaming, storage, and transfer technology to enterprises that would like to send omnidirectionally more high-quality videos with fewer resources. Cytta manufactures all their products in the USA. For more information, please visit Cytta.com and/or the Cytta Video Channel on YouTube for our new Cytta Show Video highlighting Cyttas vision, products, competitive advantages, marketplace, new product utilizations, and markets. Cytta Media humbly requests that you Click the link, View, Like, Subscribe and comment on our channel. Safe Harbor Statement / Forward-Looking Statements Statements included in this press release, which are not historical in nature, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to the future performance of the Company are subject to many factors including, but not limited to, the customer acceptance of the products in the market, the introduction of competitive products and product development, the impact of any product liability or other adverse litigation, working capital and availability of capital, commercialization and technological difficulties, the impact of actions and events involving key customers, vendors, lenders, competitors, and other risks. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the terms "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "objective", "plan", "possible", "potential", "project", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information, or otherwise. Cytta Corp www.cytta.com Office (855) 511-4426 info@cytta.com Gary Campbell, CEO Direct (702) 900-7022 Gary@cytta.com Michael Chermak, Chief Administrative and Investment Officer Cell: (619) 977-7203 Chermak@Cytta.com Corporate Communications Contact: Complete Advisory Partners Office: (586) 228-2290 Cell: (586) 801-9002 Email: CapInc@comcast.net [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] No casualties were reported in the past day. The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported 21 violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Tuesday, March 9. "In the past day, March 9, as many as 21 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 10, 2021. Occupation troops used proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and automatic rifles, firing at Ukrainian positions near the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Pisky, Novozvanivka, Zolote-4, and Opytne. Also, the enemy employed grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns near the town of Avdiyivka, and the villages of Lebedynske and Pivdenne. What is more, the Russian occupation troops fired hand-held anti-tank and automatic grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and rifles near the villages of Troyitske, Pyshchevyk, and Zalizne. Enemy troops also carried out engineering works toward Ukrainian defense positions outside Troyitske. The Joint Forces were forced to return fire, the report said. There were no casualties in the past day. The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire in Donbas. Read alsoAbkhazia scenario: Russia could deploy its troops in Donbas as "peacekeepers" journalistSince midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military say the situation is under full control. Donbas ceasefire: Background Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27, 2020. On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period. Reporting by UNIAN New Funds for Product and Concept Test Platform Cambri Nordic-based automated product and concept testing platform Cambri has raised EUR 3.6m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use for global expansion. In addition, Lynda Clarizio, former President of Nielsen US Media, has joined the company's Board of Directors. Founded in 2018 by Heli Holttinen, Outi Somervuori, and Dani Kamras, Cambri serves its international client base from offices in Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Almelo, the Netherlands. According to the company, it enables brands to validate, optimize and iterate early-phase product and service concepts ten times faster than traditional methods, through its digital SaaS platform and automated access to 100 million consumer panellists. Clarizio joins the Board after a career which included leading the performance of Nielsen's Watch business in the US. Earlier, she was EVP for corporate development and operations at AppNexus and was CEO and President of INVISION. Earlier, she spent ten years at AOL in roles including President of the group's consolidated advertising businesses. She currently sits on a number of Boards, including mobile measurement and fraud prevention firm Adjust, CDW, Resonate, OpenSlate and Human Rights First. Funding has been jointly led by OpenOcean and Spintop Ventures. Holttinen comments: 'As we scale internationally and further develop our product to serve our rapidly expanding customer base, the industry knowledge and experience we gain from OpenOcean, Spintop Ventures and Lynda Clarizio will enable us to move even faster and smarter.' Web site: www.cambri.io . VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / GREAT ATLANTIC RESOURCES CORP. (TSXV:GR)(FRA:PH01) (the "Company" or "Great Atlantic") is pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of 526,316 flow through units at a price of $0.57 cents per share for gross proceeds of $300,000. Each Flow-Through unit consists of one common share that qualifies as a "flow-through share" as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act and one-half share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional non-flow common share at the price of $0.75 for 24 months after closing. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration expenses on the Company's mineral properties in Atlantic Canada. A finder's fee may be paid to eligible finders in accordance to the TSX Venture Exchange policies. All securities issued pursuant to the offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing. The offering and payment of finders' fees are both subject to approval by the TSX-V. On Behalf of the board of directors "Christopher R Anderson" Mr. Christopher R. Anderson "Always be positive, strive for solutions, and never give up" President CEO Director 604-488-3900 - Dir Investor Relations: Please call 604-488-3900 About Great Atlantic Resources Corp.: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world. Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model, with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada, Antimony, Tungsten and Gold. This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634839/Great-Atlantic-Resources-Corporate-Update A lawsuit filed against the state alleging unemployment claims errors and unpaid benefits got pushback from the state Attorney General's Office. Assistant Attorney General Austin Holliday filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on behalf of Attorney General Jeff Landry on March 3, court records show. A lawsuit was filed against the state in late February, alleging the state agency responsible for administration of unemployment benefits, including billions in federal benefits related to the coronavirus pandemic, remain unpaid to many jobless residents due to sweeping errors. The state asserts that it has immunity against lawsuits filed by its own citizens and that appointed officials named in the lawsuit, such as Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie, are not considered an individual under the law when acting as a state official. The 11th Amendment in the Constitution prohibits lawsuits filed against the state by its own citizens and it has not been waived under the CARES Act, according to the motion to dismiss. "The only way plaintiffs can pursue their claims against the state, directly, is if either the state or Congress has waived such immunity," Holliday said in the motion. He argued that there were no allegations that suggest wrongdoing and that the lawsuit doesn't provide evidence that the state deprived citizens of any rights. "Nowhere in these 60 paragraphs do plaintiffs allege that the state, itself, harmed plaintiffs. Rather, the allegations squarely focus on the actions or inactions of the (Louisiana Workforce Commission)," Holliday said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up There are still about 300,000 individuals seeking unemployment benefits across the state, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, but only 230,000 are eligible for benefits. Stay-at-home mandates enacted last March temporarily shuttered most businesses and hundreds of thousands of residents were unemployed for the first time, with many businesses returning at limited capacity. Federal funding through the CARES Act was meant to swiftly alleviate the sudden loss of income, but that wasn't the case for everyone, according to a personal injury attorney representing individuals who seek a class action. The lawsuit was filed by New Orleans attorney Wendy Manard, who started a legal advice Facebook group last year to help guide people through the morass of a global pandemic and wade through unemployment claims. The group has since grown to more than 10,700 members. Manard estimates there are tens of thousands, potentially even hundreds of thousands of individuals, who could be part of the class action in Louisiana. The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for legitimate claims to be paid in full that have been in the system for more than 30 days, in addition to compensatory damages, attorneys fees, court costs and interest. Similar class-action lawsuits were filed by unemployed residents in Georgia, Florida and Oregon. This week, a Leon County circuit judge dismissed the lawsuit filed in Florida, agreeing that the lawsuit is prohibited because of state immunity. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Research Future Published a Half Cooked Research Report on Global Waterborne Coating Additives Research Report. Market Scenario Waterborne coating additives are added to improve the rheological properties of water-based coatings. They serve various functions such as wetting & dispersion, defoaming, surfactant, deaeration, hydrophobic agent, and rheological improver among other. The stringent regulation by E.P.A and REACH against the use of solvent based coatings, is expected to be the major driver to the growth of waterborne coating additives market during the forecast period. Free Sample @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5892 Competitive Analysis Some of the key players of global waterborne coating additives market are Akzo Nobel NV (Netherlands), Allnex group (China), BASF SE (Germany), BELAMI FINE CHEMICALS PVT. LTD.(India), ALTANA (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Dow Corning Corporation (U.S.), Falcon Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Harmony Additive Pvt. Ltd. (India), and UL LLC (U.S). Market Segmentation The Global Waterborne Coating Additives Market is segmented based on product type, end-use industry, and region. On the basis of the product type, the global waterborne coating additives market is segmented into wetting agent & dispersing agent, defoamers, surface control additives, deaerators, rheology modifier, hydrophobic agents, and others. Wetting & dispersion agents market is estimated to be the largest market due to high requirement for dispersing and wetting of resins and pigments in paints & coating industry and is expected to continue dominance over the forecast period. Other product types are also expected to show significant demand due to varied application in construction, automotive, and, the packaging industry. On the basis of the end-use industry, the global waterborne coating additives market is segmented into building & construction, automotive, packaging, and others. Building and construction industry is expected to have the major market share of waterborne coating additives due to high consumption of paints & coatings. Automotive industry is also expected to show rising demand over the forecast period due to strong automotive industry particularly in Europe and China of Asia Pacific region. Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/waterborne-coating-additives-market-5892 Regional Analysis The global waterborne coating additives market is spanned across five regions namely Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to have the major market share of waterborne coating additives in terms of market size. North America and Europe markets are relatively mature and expected to show steady demand in the forecast period. Middle East and Africa is expected to show rising demand during the forecast period from growing construction industry of Middle East. Latin America is also expected to join hand with other regions and is expected to show rising demand from construction industry. The Centre on Tuesday advised all states and union territories to register and activate all private facilities and provide sufficient stock of Covid-19 vaccines to them for 15-28 days so that they can offer online open slots to citizens for vaccination. Visibility of more open slots not only assures the citizens about the services but also helps avoid overcrowding on account of perceived scarcity, states and UTs were told during a high-level review meeting chaired by P K Misra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, according to a health ministry statement. During the meeting to review the progress of Covid-19 vaccination across states and UTs, Misra asked senior officials to work through a scientific, evidence-based, micro-planned, area-specific approach to ensure convenient and safe vaccination for all, in a rapid yet sustained manner, the statement stated. States were urged to encourage registration for vaccination over 'walk-in' mode, to facilitate the entire process by making it more convenient for the citizens, as well as giving authorities a forward view of expected demand to plan accordingly and avoid over-crowding. The Union Health Secretary apprised the meeting on India achieving the landmark of administering more than 20 lakh doses in a single day. The country is approaching 2.5 crore total vaccination coverage, powered by the fastest recent growth in vaccination globally, the health ministry said in the statement. Also read: 2.40 crore vaccinated against Covid-19: Health Ministry The Principal Secretary to the PM commended all officials across the central and state governments for their critical role in the till now successful roll-out of the world's largest vaccination drive, the statement said. "He also reinforced the need to continue this momentum in a sustained manner," it said. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba advised the states to ramp up the speed of vaccination to cover as many eligible people as possible in as short a duration as possible, especially given the large population to be covered, the statement stated. "States were asked to prepare a detailed roadmap for the next three months for achieving the same," it said. Chief Secretaries/senior officials of states and UTs briefed about the progress of vaccination in their respective jurisdictions, giving valuable feedback and suggestions. The aspects which were reviewed during the meeting included expanding capacity-on-boarding and operationalising as many health facilities as possible as vaccination centres across the public and private sectors and ensuring equitable and easy access to all throughout the nation, especially identifying existing geographical dark-zones through geo-spatial analysis. The aspect of maximising efficiency, keeping as many vaccination centres operational daily as possible, enhancing capacity utilisation in these centres, and minimizing wastage in the same was discussed. Ensuring convenient registration for citizens by maximizing available slots on Co-WIN with all vaccination centres publishing sessions for up to four weeks ahead was also advised. The discussion also focused on optimizing centre-level planning with appropriate provisions made for crowd management, drinking water and other conveniences for citizens and ensuring real-time authentication and certification as much as possible for the convenience of the citizen as well as a check against misuse. States and UTs were also advised to optimise the supply chain down to the vaccination centre through efficient and equitable distribution while preventing any stock-piling or hoarding, with the assurance of there being no shortage of vaccine doses in the future, according to the statement. They were asked to review progress in the vaccination drive on a real-time, disaggregated basis down to the district and block levels, leveraging the end-to-end data integration of the Co-WIN platform, for continuous and customized management. State-wise data and analysis on all the above parameters was discussed in detail, and all encouraged to share and learn from each other's experiences and best practices, the statement said. It was reiterated that there is no shortage of vaccine doses in any state and UT. "States and UTs were particularly urged to leverage the private sector to the maximum to enhance coverage, taking advantage of the liberal enabling guidelines issued by the Centre; registering and activating as many private facilities as possible, providing sufficient stock of vaccines necessary for these centres to work at their optimum and providing any other facilitation required," the statement said. "Principal Secretary to PM concluded by asking all the senior officials to work through a scientific, evidence-based, micro-planned, area-specific approach to ensure convenient and safe vaccination for all, in a rapid yet sustained manner," the statement stated. An American diplomat sexually assaulted a woman while working at the US embassy in Mexico City - the same outpost where a staffer allegedly raped dozens of women years later - but the government has kept his name a secret, Department of the Treasury documents obtained by DailyMail.com show. The married Treasury attache was fired in 2014 after an investigation found he forced the 22-year-old woman to perform oral sex at a New Years Eve party at his taxpayer-funded apartment - but his name has been redacted in all documents and his name has never been released, despite constant requests and the Biden administrations pledge for more transparency. His case has resurfaced after Brian Jeffrey Raymond, another staffer at the Mexican embassy, was arrested for allegedly drugging and raping 23 women over ten years while on the federal payroll. A copy of a report obtained through a Freedom of Information request by DailyMail.com shows the Treasury Department substantiated an allegation that the unidentified high-ranking official made the woman perform the sex act on him by holding her head down in the maid's quarters. The alleged attack occurred after he made a drunken toast to the party, saying he was 'as hard as Lenin's statue'. He has been banned from holding a job with the US Government for life, according to the documents, but is now believed to be working in the financial sector after his misconduct was kept under wraps. He insisted the encounter was consensual and in an interview with investigators he said: I got a lot of punishment for doing nothing. The attache, who had a US government salary of up to $90,000 a year, also inserted his fingers into her vagina. During his midnight toast to guests at the party, just before the alleged attack took place, the American attache supposedly said he was as hard as Lenins statue. An American diplomat sexually assaulted a woman while working at the US embassy in Mexico City - the same outpost where a staffer allegedly raped dozens of women years later - but the government has kept his name a secret. His face is redacted in a picture taken during his interview with investigators over allegations he made the woman perform oral sex at a New Year's Eve Party in 2014 Raymond, 44, was arrested last October in San Diego on one count of coercion and enticement. He is also facing two additional charges of sexual abuse at his government-leased apartment in the Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City. He also insisted his acts were consensual. Its not known whether it is the same property where the unnamed Treasury Attache assaulted the woman, who has also not been named. An unsealed FBI affidavit details how Raymond lured one California woman to the country for their second date. She had already 'blacked out' during their first date in February 2018 in the US, prosecutors allege. In November of that year she visited Raymond again where she said she passed out again; the FBI say 77 disturbing images of the two of them were found on his devices. In them Raymond is alleged to be holding up her eyelids and pulling down her underwear. The woman said she 'was unaware of the existence of any photographs and videos and did not consent to them being taken,' the affidavit states. Investigators found more than 400 photos and videos on Raymond's iCloud account in which he appears to be filming unconscious women, many of whom he met on dating apps, according to court documents. Raymond has worked for the U.S. government for 23 years in numerous countries, according to court documents. Prosecutors did not specify what position he held in Mexico other than to say he was working for a U.S. government agency at the embassy. The Treasury, State and Justice Department declined to comment on the attaches case when DailyMail.com asked why he hasnt been named. Justice could not comment on Raymonds case as the investigation is still pending and he is awaiting trial. Biden's presidential campaign platform, released in 2020 while he was still running for president, expressed enthusiasm for political transparency. The next president must demonstrate with their actions not empty words that public servants serve all Americans, not themselves or narrow special interests," Biden's platform reads. "We also must strengthen our laws to ensure that no future president can ever again use the office for personal gain. The federal government's power must be used to better the country, and not in service of narrow, private interests. The attaches alleged victim, who was on vacation and visiting a relative at the embassy, told investigators she was too scared to resist his advances and couldnt pull away as he was holding her head. She waited until he stopped, thinking he would then leave her alone, the investigation states. The attache's case has resurfaced after Brian Jeffrey Raymond (above), another staffer at the Mexican embassy, was arrested for allegedly drugging and raping 23 women over ten years while on the federal payroll The Treasury Department's Office of the Inspector General stated in their investigation that the attache was likely too drunk to notice the woman was trying to reject his advances. DailyMail.com obtained a transcript and a redacted photo of the attache from his interview with Treasury Department special agents after he was removed from Mexico, through a Freedom of Information Act request. During the interview, the attache admitted there was sexual contact between him and the victim. He also admitted cheating on his wife, rejected claims from people at the party that he was drunker than theyd ever seen him before and insists that at no point the victim pulled away or gave any indication she was being coerced into performing the sex act on him. The official also denied that he said he was 'as hard as Lenin's statue' during his midnight toast and rejected the victims allegations that she was too scared to resist his advances and she couldnt get away as he was forcing her head down. He told the agents their encounter was consensual and she never said stop. In a bid to make sure no one who knew his wife saw him, he said in the interview he moved into a quieter part of the apartment. Initially, after the woman made the allegations, the unnamed official considered filing a libel or slander case against the girl because of her allegations. But he told investigators didnt want to pursue legal action. He did, however, reveal that he believed his career was ruined as a result of the accusations. The punishment is already done This (case) has been a career ender with the U.S. government. It cost me another job, he told the interviewers. Raymond, 44, was arrested last October in San Diego on one count of coercion and enticement. He is also facing two additional charges of sexual abuse at his government-leased apartment in the Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City. He also insisted his acts were consensual Im really worried now that I cant actually apply to any jobs based on my profession because people at banks can just call back to Treasury and be like hey, we got this great resume. What do you know. So like my past couple of weeks (after the alleged attack) have been figuring out like I have to go back to school. At no point during this four or five, six minutes did she say like hey, calm down, or like whoa, youre hurting me or I dont want to do this. The attache reiterated that he rejected the allegations made against him, and revealed that his outlook for working for the US government ever again looked bleak. I was never pushed away, I was never - like there wasnt even like a hint. Like a slight hint of like Im not comfortable here, he added. I may be done. Like I may never be able to serve in the U.S. government again. 'I may never be able to work for financial industry again because of this. Its over right. Like I got a lot of punishment for doing nothing. Despite his denials and protests, the senior diplomat was removed from his overseas post and left the Treasury Department before he could be fired for his conduct. The probe, that was run by former OIG head Eric Thorson at the time, concluded he likely did commit the sexual assault, but he was too drunk to notice her rejecting his advances. DailyMail.com can also confirm, through a number of sources that he is now working for a high-flying financial firm and has recently had a child with his wife. He told investigators he had lost one job at a bank as a result of the allegations, but was offered a lucrative position a short time later. It is unclear where he is currently employed. At the start of the interview he told the special agents, who have not been named, that at his New Years Eve party in 2014 he had been flirting with the woman throughout the night. He also admitted to the agents that the woman did not know he was married, but other people at the party did. The interviewers asked the staffer to recount how he remembers the evening and pressed him for the details. They asked him what happened when he first met the girl in question and what led to their tryst in the bathroom. The married Treasury Department attache was fired from the US Embassy in Mexico City (above) in 2014 after an investigation found he forced the 22-year-old woman to perform oral sex at a New Years Eve party at his taxpayer-funded apartment - but his name has been redacted in all documents and his name has never been released, despite constant requests and the Biden administrations pledge for more transparency He said: I spoke to her about the fact that she had graduated from college and that she had a job lined up for her at a gym or a swim school, or something like that. That she liked dogs a lot. We had spent the entire night being quite flirtatious with each other, he added. She tried tried to kiss me on the lips. Then I just sort of turned my face away to the cheek so that she - there were tons of times that we talked about going to the gym and working out and she on several occasions (she) put her hand in my shirt to say things like wow, you really work out, or something like that right. She wanted to go find a pool, or go to the gym with me, things like that. We had talked about getting together the week after (the party). Or even the couple of days after the party. So yes, it was quite a bit of flirting. He told the agents that at one point a college friend noticed how he was interacting with the woman and spoke to him. The diplomat said his friend accused him of being 'a little flirtatious', and urged him 'to tone it down a little bit. At midnight, he said the woman tried to kiss him, but he turned his head away because they were in a crowded room and he didnt want anyone else to see, according to the transcript. They were being friendly throughout the evening until they decided to move to what was known as the maids quarters of his apartment, he said. He told investigators the area is basically a storage closet and a bathroom connected to it. It would have been completely out of sight of everyone. (We) made out there. I touched her, she touched me. And then we made our way into the bathroom. We made out and she put her hands on you know, everywhere on my body'. He said he then 'fingered' her. She sat on the bathroom. Took my pants off, performed oral sex. And after I finished, she left first and then I followed after her. One of the special agents asks whether he heard the woman crying or gasping for air' when they were in the bathroom. No. No, absolutely not, he responded. Did she ever say stop? No. (she) Never moved my hands away, never pulled away, never tried to stand up. 'Never said stop, never yelled, never - she did nothing like that. When he left the bathroom he said a friend came up to him and told him she had suspicions about what had just happened. He told investigators that he said to her: This makes me sound like a real scumbag. Then he insisted to the friend that nothing happened. He told the agents: One of the reasons its kind of been stressful is I sort of thought to myself like did I actually do something wrong? It wasnt until later that in January 2014 that he was being investigated for his actions. I was out with some folks that were visiting from the Treasury, he said in the interview We had a long day of work and then we went to dinner and then to a few bars. And she (the victim) emailed me at midnight. He described it as a very like flirtatious email that said something like you never called me back to go to the gym. Were you afraid Id like kick you butt or something like that. She then called him. This phone call like now that Ive done like a little bit of like research on line like was like clearly like a call set up by the diplomatic security agents, he said. I have absolutely no doubt about that. So Im sure everything that they told her to write was fabricated in this email. But at least from the vantage point of where I stood was, it was a super flirtatious email. She said she was out with some friends and that if she wanted to get together. He asked to meet up with her later that night, but she said it would be better to talk on the phone. She called around 2:45 or maybe 3:00 am. Said she was out at a club with some friends visiting from the States. And then she basically said like Oh, you really hurt me that night that we hooked up. And I didnt realize that you were married. All I wanted to do was get off the phone with her, so I apologized a few times. And then that was it. And so that was the only other contact I had with her. He said that the background on the call was completely silent, even though she claimed she was at a club. Her constant demand for an apology also made him concerned that it was a set up by investigators. Then he told her dont talk to people about that. Dont tell people that we hooked up. Its no one elses business. Trying to quickly end the conversation, the diplomat then apologized to her. I was just like look Im sorry if I hurt you. I cant remember the exact words that I used. The special agents kept probing about the attaches marriage and how the allegations had impacted their relationship. He said: One of the things that makes me like most uncomfortable in this questioning is the way that I handle my sexual relationship with my (wife) and like how we deal with like having contact outside of our marriage is like very private to us. After the call the fallout from the investigation began. The Treasury staffer told investigators a bank rescinded their offer after a guy leaked details of his case. He said: At the beginning of this, I had no idea what the charges even were, I had no idea how serious it was. I didnt know I was leaving the country, I didnt know there was going to be a criminal prosecution. Diplomatic Security Agents then flew to the country where he was working, and asked him for a guest list to the party to help with their investigation. A short time after that he was forced to leave Mexico, Treasury officials determined that he sexually assaulted the woman, but by then he had already left the government. It is not known whether or how the Treasury punished the attache. Jack Lew was Treasury Secretary at the time of the investigation. He was appointed by President Obama. DailyMail.com have tried to contact him for a comment on the story, but he has not yet responded. The woman told department investigators that a few hours after the attack she texted a friend describing what had happened. On January 3, 2014, she told her brother about the alleged attack. He then reported to his supervisor and sparked a series of interviews. On January 6, 2014, she had a medical examination, but doctors found no bruises, scratch marks, lacerations, bite marks of any other signs of trauma. DSS Special Agents subsequently conducted interviews with the complainant, the attache, 14 people who went to the party, and the medical professionals who examined the woman. Eight people at the party said they didnt notice any unusual contact between with the woman and the attache, but six said the attache was they were either drunk or very drunk. The Treasury Department confirmed to DailyMail.com that the attache no longer works with them, and left after the investigation into his conduct concluded. The attache joined the Treasury in 2009. He was promoted to salary bracket GS-13 - meaning he earned between $74,584 and $96,958, in December, 2012. Only officials employed to a rank of GS-14 and GS-15 earn higher salaries as civil servants. Before he started his work at the embassy he worked for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.Their aim is to monitor any international economic developments that would be benefit the US. There are approximately 18 financial Attache stationed in major financial capitals and high-risk jurisdictions around the world. In Afghanistan and Iraq, they are focused on restructuring efforts after the war and the collapse of their governments. It is the same agency that is part of the investigation into Maria Butina, the gun rights activist arrested in the US accused of acting as a foreign agent on behalf of Russia. In January 2013, while Jack Lew was Treasury Secretary, he was transferred from the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and named a Financial Attache. In December, 2017, it was revealed that The Treasury Department paid $174,000 over five years to settle sexual harassment cases, many involving members of Congress. It is not known if officials in the Treasury paid anything to settle sexual harassment claims involving its own staff. This isnt the first time a government department has protected the identity of a high-ranking overseas official accused of misconduct while stationed abroad. In January 2016, DailyMail.com uncovered that a US consulate employee had a child taken from his care because officials feared the minor was in danger following systematic abuse and neglect. A document exposed how the International Trade Administration staff member allegedly subjected the minor to shocking care while working abroad and living in a house owned by the government An investigation found the child was routinely underfed and encouraged to take their clothes off in the consulate residence so the man could allegedly take pictures of them naked. At the time the unidentified employee also allegedly harassed female colleagues during his posting and used a government email address to meet women online. Daily Mail Online obtained the damning document after submitting a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Commerce's Office of the Inspector General. The report revealed the employee had shared custody of the child. According to the report, he would routinely forget to pick up the child from other consulate employees houses, left the minor at home alone and would only give them one apple to take for their school lunch. He also, according to the document, took baths with the child, encouraging them to take their clothes off and would then take pictures of them while they were in a bath. Skeletal remains discovered in a well in 1988 have been identified as a pregnant 17-year-old girl who went missing in 1985. Authorities are now trying to determine what happened in the suspicious death of Lisa Todd, of Philadelphia, NBC 10 is reporting. Pregnant ladies dont just fall into wells and die, something happened, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub told Action News 6 ABC. In 1988, skeletal remains were found in well at the abandoned Publicker Distillery on State Road in Bensalem, according to reports. Investigators at the time determined the remains belonged to someone between the ages of 17 and 23 who was six months pregnant, but her description did not match reports of missing people or runaways, according to reports. A forensic sculpture was made in 1994 in an effort to identify her, but the case remained unsolved, according to reports. As technologies advanced, DNA was extracted from the skeletal remains in 2007, DNA was then taken from the fetal bones in 2017, and last year, more DNA was extracted for genome sequencing, reports indicate. This allowed investigators to build a family tree, identifying her as Lisa Todd, whose brother and sister live in Philadelphia, reports indicate. Investigators said her siblings were relieved, surprised, emotional, shocked to learn the news. According to reports, Todd, who had dropped out of Frankford High School as a teenager, had a 2-year-old son and was reported missing in October 1985. The family is cooperating with investigators. Anyone with information should call the Bensalem Township Police, 215-633-3719. Confidence Petroleum India rose 1.69% to Rs 48.15 after the company said that its board has decided to set-up CNG-high pressure cylinder manufacturing unit near Nagpur with a capacity of 3.60 lacs cylinders per annum of various capacities. The company said that looking at the focus of Government of India to push green fuel i.e. compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the auto & the industrial fuels throughout the nation, there will be huge demand of CNG and high-pressure cylinders in the coming period. It added that all the city gas distributors (CGDs) are putting CNG outlets PAN India. Looking at the high demand & prospects of CNG, high pressure cylinders from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), retrofitting & cascades segment, the company has decided to set-up a cylinder manufacturing unit. Further, the board has decided to workout feasibility for putting cryogenic cylinder manufacturing unit near Nagpur having capacity of 1.5 lacs units per annum of various capacities. The board has also given approval for putting LNG Tanks manufacturing unit near Nagpur. Confidence Petroleum India is an India-based manufacturer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for domestic, as well as commercial use. The company reported 10.8% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 19.99 crore on a 0.9% increase in net sales to Rs 258.47 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) KENT COUNTY, MI Kent County sheriffs deputies located the body of a Plainfield Township man, missing for six weeks, after a new search in the Belmont area Tuesday, March. 9. Police said there are no obvious signs of foul play and the cause of death is pending an autopsy. Richard Drayton, 43, was last seen Jan. 25 leaving his home in Belmont. He was considered missing and endangered Sheriffs deputies on Tuesday searched a wooded area in Belmont, and said they would use police dogs, drones and mounted patrol. The body was located in the area of U.S. 131 and Seven Mile Road NE. Police asked residents to avoid the area. The Sheriffs Department and Kent County Search and Rescue previously conducted unsuccessful searches for the missing man. Read more: Expanded outdoor dining likely to continue through summer, fall in Grand Rapids Additional explosive devices found at Michigan home after homemade bomb injures six at school Meals on Wheels Western Michigan expands to meet growing demand for services Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Many of those who signed a petition calling for the BBC to cancel Stephen Nolans radio and television shows were "anonymous and made-up names," the broadcaster has said. Mr Nolan criticised dark forces for instigating abuse on social media, during a broadcast of his BBC Radio Ulster Nolan show on Tuesday morning. A petition set up in February on the website change.org has over 13,000 signatures and demands that BBC NI should cancel the Nolan show. Read More During his Wednesday show a caller to the show said he had issues with Mr Nolan's comments on the petition after the presenter claimed it was one of the biggest untold stories in Northern Ireland, that Twitter accounts were being directed to attack politicians and other figures as part of sophisticated machines. Challenging Stephen Nolan a caller named Willy claimed many of those signing the petition were taxpayers who pay their TV license ... and who pay your wages. In response, Mr Nolan said he stood over what he said about the twitter account believed to have set up the petition. Im here every day of the week. You are entitled to say you dont like it and there will always be a place for you to do so, said Mr Nolan. Im absolutely comfortable with giving you a platform to criticise me and criticise this show. I am not comfortable talking about some anonymous entity which has launched a tirade of abuse against women from that anonymous account. That has celebrated the fact that they have trolled many, many people including Arlene Foster. It is an account that has celebrated the fact that they have trolled many people. Thats the bottom line. There is a big conversation to be had in Northern Ireland about people who get abuse online. Last March, Roland Sawatzky gazed out his office window at the Manitoba Museum. The province had just announced its first COVID-19 cases and, already, Sawatzky recognized history unfolding. Last March, Roland Sawatzky gazed out his office window at the Manitoba Museum. The province had just announced its first COVID-19 cases and, already, Sawatzky recognized history unfolding. "I saw the streets empty for the first time in my life totally empty," he recalls. "And I was sitting there at my desk, and I knew I would be going home soon, too. And I thought, how are we going to remember this in a physical way?" Sawatzky is the curator of history at the Main Street institution, so it stands to reason that he would think, well, like a curator of history. Fresh in his mind, too, was the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic; when Sawatzky went looking for artifacts in the Manitoba Museums collection to commemorate the 100-year anniversary in 2018, he discovered there were none. "It killed between 50 and 100 million people in the world, and we had not a single artifact," he says. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Roland Sawatzky has put out a call for artifacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sawatzky holds a piece of art made during the pandemic and donated to the museum., Thats why the Manitoba Museum has put out a call for offers of artifacts from the COVID-19 pandemic from the public, so that history can be preserved for future generations. Sawatzky has been impressed with what has been submitted so far. "It was creative, it was varied, it was meaningful," he says. "It wasnt just PPE which we want, too, but it was personal stuff." One such item is a backgammon scoresheet, jotted down in pen on a scrap piece of paper. Mom vs. Dad, with Dad winning 85 to 83. "This was the first item that was offered to us, and I loved it, because it speaks to keeping busy during a lockdown and how do you do that? They decided to play 168 games of backgammon together." MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A made in Winnipeg face shield, one of 7,000 sent all over the country. Another personal offering is a Social Distance Club sweatshirt, given to the museum by a new mom. She and a few friends had ordered them, and wearing it in isolation was a way for her to feel connected at a time of deep disconnect. Theres also a heart-shaped Spread Kindness-19 sign, donated by Michelle Samson, a co-ordinator at a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site. The hand-painted sign offered a boost of morale where and when it was so needed. Other bits of ephemera include distanced family photos, shot through windows or on doorsteps. Neon signs expressing gratitude and support for frontline workers. A collection of COVID-themed cartoons drawn by a little girl with a New Yorker sensibility. One depicted a cat wearing a necktie. The caption: Working from home? Meet your new boss. "And thats exactly my house," Sawatzky says. When the COVID-19 pandemic is far in the rearview, we will be richer for having saved some of the tangible evidence. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A couple in lockdown began playing backgammon after dinner and kept track of who won on a piece of paper until end of 2020. They played 168 games and donated the evidence as a testimony to the time spent together. "Im thinking of the curator whos going to be here in 100 years and what that person is going to do, and so this is for them as well," Sawatzky says. "When I do acquisitions and collections for the museum, Im always thinking of future generations, future curators, future museum workers, future visitors, and whats going to speak to them from this time. "We dont know what museums are going to be like, or how culture is going to be exhibited, or whats going to be engaging for people. But if we dont have this stuff, it becomes much less real." The Manitoba Museum is still accepting pandemic-related offerings. Those interested can email info@manitobamuseum.ca. jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @JenZoratti In response to the debate held in the British Parliament on Monday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla summoned the British High Commissioner today to convey India's strong opposition. Shringla lodged a strong protest against the 'unwarranted and tendentious discussion in the British Parliament on the agricultural reforms. Earlier in the day, the Indian High Commission also issued a strongly worded statement over the 'one-sided discussion' held in Westminster Hall. In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said that Shringla made it clear to the British High Commissioner that the debate on the farm laws represented a 'gross interference in the politics' of another democratic country. "Foreign Secretary summoned the British High Commissioner and conveyed strong opposition to the unwarranted and tendentious discussion on agricultural reforms in India in the British Parliament. Foreign Secretary made clear that this represented a gross interference in the politics of another democratic country. He advised that British MPs should refrain from practising vote bank politics by misrepresenting events, especially in relation to another fellow democracy," the statement released by New Delhi reads. UK lawmakers debate farmers' protest The British parliament on Monday, set aside 90 minutes to debate the "safety of farmers" and "press freedom" in India, during which several MPs raised over the Indian government's reaction to the protests. In response to the discussions, the UK government said: "The concerns will be raised with India when both Prime Ministers meet in person." The debate was held after a petition initiated by Indian-origin UK MP Gurch Singh received signatures from over a lakh residents of the country within weeks. During the debate, Scottish National Party's Martin Day raised concerns over the use of water cannons, tear gas, repeated clashes between police and farmers, and disruption in internet connectivity in the region. Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that the arrests of journalists was a matter of serious concern. Indian High Commission responds In a sharp response to the debate in the UK Parliament, the Indian Commission stressed: "The High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Honourable Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight." On January 12, the Supreme Court had 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. The Union Government has repeatedly said that it is ready to amend three new farm laws to respect the sentiments of farmers protesting against the legislation. BOSTON and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aqua Security , the pure-play cloud native security leader, announced today the completion of $135 Million in Series E funding led by ION Crossover Partners, putting Aqua's valuation in excess of $1 Billion. The round included broad participation from Aqua's existing investors, including M12 Microsoft's venture fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Insight Partners, TLV Partners, Greenspring Associates, and Acrew Capital. This new round of investment follows a period of tremendous growth and will enable the company to broaden and deepen its solution portfolio, as well as expand its presence geographically. Aqua Security's total funding since its founding in 2015 now totals $265 million. The company's focus on cloud native security has enabled enterprises adopting technologies such as Kubernetes and containers, serverless, and other cloud-based workloads to accelerate their business while meeting strict compliance and security requirements. Aqua's customer list includes some of the world's leading organizations including 5 of the top 10 banks in the world. The funding comes on the heels of a stellar year for Aqua in 2020, in which the company achieved multiple milestones: Aqua has doubled the number of paying customers with notable new customers in the federal, financial, energy, telecom, and automotive sectors. Aqua now has half a dozen customers with an ARR of over one million USD each. each. Aqua protects several of the world's largest Kubernetes and container production environments, some with more than 10,000 nodes in a single environment. Aqua's Team Nautilus published groundbreaking cyber research on the rise in sophisticated, organized attacks that target the container supply chain, which served to further develop the company's unique Dynamic Threat Analysis solution, a container sandbox that identifies malware undetectable by static analysis tools. The adoption of Aqua's open source tools more than doubled, with Trivy, Aqua's open source vulnerability scanner, selected as the default scanner for the Harbor Registry, by GitLab, and for the CNCF's Artifact Hub. "Aqua has demonstrated that they have the strongest products, and a compelling vision for how to best secure the modern technology stacks being deployed across the world's largest enterprises," said Gili Iohan, General Partner at ION Crossover Partners. "In speaking with Aqua's customers, it was clear that Aqua has the best platform for Kubernetes and cloud native security. Its ongoing innovative support for the wide range of multi-cloud environments, and superb customer success, have helped customers accelerate their move to cloud native platforms. We look forward to working with Aqua to further grow the business to drive global adoption and category dominance." "I am proud of what the Aqua team has accomplished in five short years," said Dror Davidoff, CEO and co-founder of Aqua Security. "We delivered on our vision and have a clear direction forward to provide the best platform for cloud native security. We've shown that our research and development teams are ahead of the market with the launch of innovative products such as Aqua DTA, our new Kubernetes Security Posture Management, and the Aqua CSPM solution. As attacks targeting cloud native applications are now a fast-growing threat, we are here to empower our customers to protect their investment and secure their future in the cloud." About Aqua Security Aqua Security is the largest pure-play cloud native security company, providing customers the freedom to innovate and run their businesses with minimal friction. The Aqua Cloud Native Security Platform provides prevention, detection, and response automation across the entire application lifecycle to secure the build, secure cloud infrastructure and secure running workloads wherever they are deployed. Aqua customers are among the world's largest enterprises in financial services, software, media, manufacturing and retail, with implementations across a broad range of cloud providers and modern technology stacks spanning containers, serverless functions, and cloud VMs. For more information, visit www.aquasec.com or follow us on twitter.com/AquaSecTeam. Press Inquiries: Rachel Kaseroff RJK Communications [email protected] +1 (415) 341-5625 SOURCE Aqua Security Related Links http://www.aquasec.com A nun went down on her knees in front of policemen in a northern Myanmar town and pleaded them to stop shooting protesters agitating against last months coup. Video showed Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng in a white robe and black habit kneeling on a street in the town of Myitkyina on Monday, speaking to two policemen who were also kneeling. I said, I dont want to see any trouble here and cant leave if police dont leave, she said. I begged them not to shoot the children. AFP "I decided to die" Sister Ann told the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News) last Tuesday that she was working in a church-run clinic in the northern city of Myitkyina on Feb. 28 when she spotted military personnel chasing, beating, and arresting protesters on the street. I thought today is the day I will die. I decided to die, she told the British news group Sky News. Nu Tawng, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier congregation in Myitkyina, said she ran outside to confront the police. AP The 45-year-old told the UCA News that she had prepared herself to give my life for the Church, for the people and for the nation. Photos and video from the scene shared on social media show the Catholic sister standing alone in front of a row of police holding tactical shields, some of whom appear to be armed. She kneels, then rises, both arms raised and tears streaming down her face. "Was begging the officers" She told UCA News she was begging the officers not to shoot at the unarmed civilians behind her, who were protesting the countrys military takeover earlier this year following an election. Just shoot me if you want to, she recalled saying to the officers. I was crying like a mad person. I was like a mother hen protecting the chicks, she told Sky News. My intention was to help people escape and be free to protest and to stop the security forces. I asked them not to continue arresting the people. I was begging them. At that time I was not afraid, she added. AP She told Sky News that one of the officers came over to her and tried to calm her down, pledging not to shoot the protesters. But Nu Tawng said she didnt believe him. Unrest in Myanmar Tawng and one of the policemen then touched their foreheads to the ground. At least two protesters were killed by gunshots at the head and three others were injured in the town on Monday, witnesses said. Tawng had also come between protesters and police lines late last month, pleading for peace, local media reported. AP Over 60 people have been killed and more than 1,800 detained in the crackdown on protests against the Feb. 1 coup, an advocacy group has said. Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai says Nigeria must apply force against bandits to stop their menace in the country. Mr El-Rufai said this while presenting his states annual security report for 2020 on Wednesday. The report contains data and analyses of the main security issues in the state. Recommendations To be able to crush the bandits and other violent criminals, the governor said the police and other security agencies need to be adequately funded and equipped. He said his administration will never negotiate with criminals or consider granting them amnesty. According to the governor, bandits, cattle rustlers and armed militias must be degraded and decimated to a state of unconditional submission to constituted authority. Criminal gangs, bandits, insurgents and ethno-religious militias made a conscious choice to challenge Nigerias sovereignty and menace our citizens. These criminals must be wiped out immediately and without hesitation, the governor said. According to him, banditry has severely impacted the rural economy and shaken the confidence of citizens. It has driven farmers from their land, putting food security at risk, displaced communities, stolen property and deprived people of their right to life. We must put a stop to these criminal acts and enable our people to live their lives in peace and safety. This is a most urgent task. Mr El-Rufai said the police and other security agencies should be strengthened with adequate funds, armament technology and the required personnel. This national consensus to eliminate all forms of insecurity must be operationalised immediately. Our people face deadly perils daily. Converting this national consensus into decisions and actions in support of our armed forces, police and other security agencies with human and material resources cannot wait. The military and police need modern technology, advanced armaments, equipment and more boots on the ground. The security of our communities depend on the robust projection of state power, and that can only done with sufficient security numbers to overawe and deter criminals. The prerogatives of the state need to be asserted, not merely proclaimed. The people we put in uniform must never be placed in avoidable danger, outgunned or outnumbered by non-state actors. State policing The governor, whose state has suffered sporadic attacks by bandits in recent years, also expressed the need for more police officers, stating that there are not enough police officers in Nigeria. The idea of policing such a vast, federal republic of nearly a million square kilometers in a unitary manner is not pragmatic. This arrangement has already proven inadequate and we should promptly replace it with state police and other levels of policing. Mr El-Rufai urged the National Assembly to enact bills containing adequate regulatory standards and safeguards to enable state and community policing throughout Nigeria. I want to commend and thank our own son of Kaduna State, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani for introducing four bills in the 9th Senate to amend the Constitution and related statutes to enable the establishment of State Police to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police. ADVERTISEMENT He expressed confidence in the recent directive given to the security agencies to wipe out armed criminals by President Muhammadu Buhari. I am further encouraged by the stance of Federal Government in my periodic interactions with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria Governors Forum, that there is near unanimity and broad consensus on the part of the national and sub-national political leadership the President and the State Governors on this course of action. The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Wednesday passed President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan the federal governments third major stimulus package since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. a year ago marking an early win for an administration thats promised quick, robust relief as it looks to secure enough doses to vaccinate every American adult in the coming months. The final vote of 220-211 followed nearly three hours of debate on the House floor. One Democrat, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voted against the bill; no Republicans voted in favor. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden plans to sign the bill into law on Friday before traveling the country to detail the measures provisions. Unlike the bipartisan aid bills totaling nearly $4 trillion approved by Congress and signed by then-President Donald Trump last March and December, Republicans have refused to get on board with Bidens comprehensive plan, with some calling for a lower price tag and others blasting the injection of funds into the economy as a reckless liberal wishlist. But polls show more than three-quarters of Americans, including a majority of Republican voters, support Bidens and Democrats nearly $2 trillion effort to bolster the pandemic-throttled economy. Once signed by Biden, the bill will soon deliver direct checks of $1,400 to most taxpayers, invest hundreds of billions of dollars in vaccination, testing, boosting small businesses and reopening schools, and put a dent in child poverty across the country by significantly expanding the Child Tax Credit. We promised relief, the president promised relief, and now help is on the way, Rep. John Yarmuth of Kentucky, the House Budget Committee chair, said to open debate Wednesday. Rep. Jason Smith, a Republican of Missouri and the Budget Committees ranking member, argued the Congressional Budget Office and economists already project economic growth without spending more taxpayer money. He claimed the bill was a bailout, never about COVID relief but about Democrats securing political victories. The House already approved the overall package, but had to vote again Wednesday after the U.S. Senate passed the measure with a few changes on Saturday. This pandemic has been ruthless, Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said on the House floor. With over half a million lives lost, we are a nation in a constant state of mourning. Sadly, we cannot take away the pain and the suffering of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. But with this seismic legislation, we are delivering much-needed relief to millions of our fellow Americans. The bill will send $350 billion to state and local governments clamoring for help to address budget shortfalls and keep essential services running. Republicans on Capitol Hill have claimed the local funding amounts to a bailout for poorly-run Democratic cities and states. But the funding goes to all communities and states regardless of the political affiliation of their leaders, who have been forced to layoff an unprecedented number of municipal workers including teachers and first responders. Republican and Democratic mayors and governors, including Massachusetts leaders, have long sought more relief from Congress to address the pandemic. Bidens plan also includes $130 billion to help schools reopen; more than $50 billion to bolster vaccination and testing efforts; and tens of billions to help small businesses and restaurants hit hard by the pandemic. The direct stimulus checks $1,400 for adults earning less than $75,000 and couples less than $150,000, as well as $1,400 for dependents could amount to $5,600 for many families of four, Biden told reporters at the White House after the U.S. Senate passed the comprehensive aid package in a party-line vote on Saturday. The Internal Revenue Service will start sending electronic payments to Americans just days after Bidens signature; paper checks will soon follow. The checks will shrink for Americans making more than $75,000, with a hard cut-off at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income was $68,703 in 2019. Supplemental unemployment insurance of $300 weekly, which was set to expire later this month, will be extended until at least September. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit will deliver parents at least $3,000 per child, according to a plan out of Neals committee. Top Democrats want to make the tax credit permanent. Passage in the House comes the same day Biden is set to announce that his administration plans to secure another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons single-dose vaccine, which will put the U.S. stockpile of vaccines well over the amount needed to vaccinate every American adult. Related Content: Speciality chemical company Anupam Rasayan on Wednesday raised Rs 225 crore from anchor investors, ahead of its initial share-sale, which will open for public subscription on Friday. It has been decided to allocate 40,48,647 shares to 15 anchor at Rs 555 per share, which is the upper band of the initial public offer. At this price, the company has mopped-up Rs 225 crore, according to a circular uploaded on BSE website. The anchor book saw participation from multiple pools of capital, including foreign portfolio investors, domestic mutual funds, insurance companies and alternative investment funds. Also, the book saw participation from across the globe, including India, Asia, the UK and the US. Among the 15 anchor are AdityaBirla Sunlife Mutual Fund (MF), Nomura Funds Ireland Public Ltd Company, Fidelity International, Sundaram MF, SBI Life Insurance Co, IIFL Special Opportunities Fund, Malabar Select Fund and Max Life Insurance Co. The aggregating up to Rs 760 crore is an entirely fresh issuance of equity shares and proceeds of the issue would be mainly used to pay the debt. The company has fixed a price band of Rs 553-555 a share for its Rs 760-crore initial share-sale, which will open for public subscription on March 12 and close on March 16. The Surat-based company has reserved about 2.20 lakh shares for employees. Half of the issue is reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 35 per cent for retail investors, 15 per cent for non-institutional bidders. Anupam Rasayan commenced operations in 1984 with conventional products and now it makes speciality chemicals that involve multi-step synthesis and complex chemistries. It has six multi-purpose manufacturing facilities based in Gujarat with a combined aggregate installed capacity of around 23,396 metric tonne, of which 6,726 metric tonne was added in March 2020. The company mainly caters to the agrochemical, personal care and pharmaceutical sectors, which accounted for over 95 per cent of its revenues in 2019-20. Its clients include Syngenta Asia Pacific, Sumitomo Chemical Company and UPL Limited. The company's revenue from operations increased by 45 per cent to Rs 539.22 crore in the nine months ended December 31, 2020, from Rs 371.80 crore in the year-ago period. Axis Capital, Ambit Private, IIFL Securities and JM Financial are merchant bankers for the issue. The company, which filed preliminary papers for the with the regulator in December, obtained its go-ahead in February. (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.) John Druschitz spent five days in a Texas hospital last April with fever and shortness of breath. It was still the early days of the pandemic, and doctors puzzled over a diagnosis. They initially suspected coronavirus and hung signs outside his door warning those entering to wear protective equipment. Mr. Druschitz had already spent two weeks at home with worsening symptoms. He recalls one doctor telling him, This is what it does to a person. Ensuing lab work, however, was ambiguous: Multiple molecular tests for coronavirus came back negative, but an antibody test was positive. Doctors found that Mr. Druschitz had an irregular heartbeat and blood clots in both his lungs. They sent him home on oxygen, and ultimately did not give a coronavirus diagnosis because of the negative tests. He didnt think much about the decision until this fall, when he received a $22,367.81 bill that the hospital has since threatened to send to collections. WASHINGTON With no major labor reform since the 1930s, Democrats are seizing on the opportunity to strengthen workers' rights including their ability to unionize. The House voted 225-206 Tuesday to pass the Protect the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act, the most pro-worker labor reform in decades, according to the bill's sponsors. It faces an uphill battle in the 50/50 split Senate; President Joe Biden has said labor reform is one of his administration's top priorities. As a presidential candidate, Biden stressed that he would be "the most pro-union president you've ever seen." Last week, while Amazon workers gathered in Alabama to vote to unionize, Biden called it "a vitally important choice." "As America grapples with the deadly pandemic, the economic crisis and the reckoning on race what it reveals is the deep disparities that still exist in our country," Biden said on Twitter. "I urge Congress to send [the PRO Act] to my desk so we can summon a new wave of worker power and create an economy that works for everyone." The PRO Act would strengthen workers' rights to strike for better wages and working conditions, strengthen safeguards to ensure that workers can hold fair union elections and allow the National Labor Relations Board to fine bosses who violate workers' rights. The House passed a version of the bill last year, but it was dead on arrival in the Republican-controlled Senate. This time, Republicans are all but certain to filibuster the legislation, which many major business groups oppose. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it would "destabilize America's workplaces and impose a long list of dangerous changes to labor law." The legislation marks an effort to strengthen labor unions in the wake of eroding membership. "The decline in union membership is not a reflection of workers' choices. It is the product of decades of well-funded anti-union attacks, which have exploited the weaknesses in our labor law," Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., chair of the Education and Labor Committee, said in a statement Tuesday. Democrats are unlikely to get the 10 Republicans needed to get the bill to Biden's desk. "I'm glad to see the House pass this important bill," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chair of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said in a statement. "I will continue to fight hard to make sure we honor the essential workers that have kept us going during this pandemic by getting the PRO Act across the finish line." For most Irish people, the British publics obsession with, their Royal family is a baffling phenomenon. Whatever your opinion of Britains politics and its to put it mildly chequered colonial history, our nearest neighbours are, Brexit aside, generally seen as a modern, progressive nation. It is always odd then to observe the archaic practices and often absurd looking levels of deference that are observed around the Queen and the rest of the extended Windsor clan. Its the stuff of soap operas and indeed Netflixs rating behemoth The Crown with all its salacious scenes of palace life behind the curtain has kept many of us entertained throughout the long and dreary lockdown. It seems somehow fitting that one of the biggest TV moments in recent memory one that would surely be the talk of water-coolers across the world if more than a handful of us were still in our offices has come courtesy of two real royals. Oprah Winfreys interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to afford them their official titles made for fascinating viewing and offered viewers a remarkable insight into the deeply dysfunctional system that surrounds the British Royal family. While it hasnt quite provoked a constitutional crisis in the UK, it is nothing short of disastrous for the Windsor brand and efforts to convince people that the Royal family is anything more than a hopelessly outdated institution which is utterly out of step with modern society. The wide ranging interview contains many stand out moments such as Meghan Markles revelations about feeling suicidal and senior palace officials asking how dark her son would be but what it really achieved was to highlight just how disengaged from reality the House of Windsor is. Far from being modernised, the British Royal family is rooted in the past; still blighted by racism; afraid of change and absolutely petrified of the odious tabloid media that hounded Prince Harrys mother to her death in 1997. Its now much easier to understand why he was keen for his family to escape their glittering, gilded prison. Winfreys interview in particular her conversation with Markle has been widely compared to Diana Spencers famous tell all interview with the BBC two years before her death in Paris. Its an apt comparison and while the Harry and Meghan interview isnt likely to have quite the same impact as Dianas did, it has reignited public debate on the Royals in the UK. In a post-Brexit UK, any conversation about Britains often archaic attitudes and the unhealthy, jingoistic nationalism that prevails across much of the country is to be welcomed. Meghan Markles treatment by the Royal firm is, in many ways, like that of Princess Diana but it is far more similar to the treatment meted out to Wallis Simpson in the 1930s. Vilified long before her husband abdicated the throne, the American Divorcee like Markle has remained a hate figure for many in the UK. It seems attitudes in the UK havent changed since the 30s quite as much as we are led to believe. Britain announced it is to reduce its grant aid to Yemen by nearly 50 percent as the UN pleaded at an international donor conference for an increase to stave off a humanitarian disaster. James Cleverly, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, said that London would provide at least $120 million, down from more than $200 million last year. This is a pittance compared to the $6 billion of weaponry sold to the Saudi Arabian military that has devastated Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country. Cleverly justified the cut, saying recent global challengesmeaning the pandemichad meant a difficult financial context for us all, making no mention of the billions made available to big business and the financial institutions, including the arms manufacturers. A few days later, leaked documents revealed that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who had earlier pontificated that Britain should be a force for good in the world, is planning to slash the aid budget to other conflict and war zones. These include Syria, Libya, Somalia, Nigeria and the Sahel, where Britain has played a filthy role in pursuit of its geo-strategic interests. In this Sunday, June 14, 2020 photo, seven-month-old Issa Ibrahim Nasser is brought to a clinic in Deir Al-Hassi, At seven months old, Issa weighs only three kilos. Like him, hundreds of children suffer from acute severe malnutrition because of poverty and grinding conflict. Yemen. (AP Photo/Issa Al-Rajhi) Last year, the government announced the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices (FCO) takeover of the Department for International Development. Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons that henceforth the FCO would decide which countries would receive Britains help. He said, For too long, frankly, UK overseas aid has been treated like a giant cashpoint in the sky, that arrives without any reference to UK interests. Millions of starving Yemenis do not square with Johnsons plans to use the aid budget to explicitly boost Britains business and military interests, rather than as a form of soft power. They are just so much collateral damage. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a death sentence for Yemen as last weeks aid conference yielded just $1.7 billion, less than half the $3.85 billion needed to prevent a devastating famine. He said, Millions of Yemeni children, women and men desperately need aid to live. Cutting aid is a death sentence. Oxfam put it more bluntly, saying, The people of Yemen are not starving, they're being starved. This is a reference to the Saudi blockade of the Red Sea port of Hodeida that has prevented food and basic commodities reaching Yemen. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led war against Yemenwaged with the full backing of Washington and Londonhas killed over 100,000 people, mostly civilians. The attacks have targeted food production, schools and hospitals, Food prices have rocketed in a country that imports 90 percent of its food, making an already impoverished people destitute and creating the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Around 80 percent of the countrys 28 million people need humanitarian aid, including more than 12 million children. At least half the population are on the brink of starvation. United Nations agencies reported in February that nearly 2.3 million children under the age of five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2021. Of these, 400,000 are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition and could die without urgent treatment. This comes on top of the many thousands that have died of starvation, including at least 75,000 children under five, while the worst cholera epidemic in modern history has infected 1.2 million. COVID-19 has begun to spread uncontrollably across Yemen, compounding the catastrophe. Large numbers of people are in need clean water, toilets and handwashing facilities. Barely half of Yemens health facilities are functioning and many that remain operational lack basic equipment such as masks and gloves, let alone oxygen and other essential supplies to treat the coronavirus. Many health workers are receiving no salaries. The US Trump administrations designation of the Houthi rebels who govern territory containing 70 percent of Yemens population, as a foreign terrorist organisation in January exacerbated the crisis. It was part of Washingtons unrelenting maximum pressure campaign of punishing economic sanctions and continuous military provocations against Iran, which it has accused of backing the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and its puppet ruler of Yemen, a claim the Houthis have denied. The designation severely hampered the ability of aid agencies to respond to the humanitarian crisis as banks and other businesses refused to work with them for fear of falling foul of US sanctions. While the incoming Biden administration revoked the designation last month for purely humanitarian reasons, it warned that it may impose new sanctions, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken noting that the US was identifying additional targets for designation. The origins of the war lie in the 2011 Arab Spring, when mass protests broke out against the 32-year-long dictatorial rule of US and Saudi-backed president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, who turned the military on the protesters. Following Salehs resignation, Vice-President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi took over, promising reforms in an election without any opposition candidates. Saudi Arabia, leading a military coalition with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Arab countries, invaded Yemen six years ago after Houthi rebels in the north of the country rejected Hadis cosmetic reforms and captured the capital Sanaa, forcing him to flee to Riyadh. Claiming that the Houthi rebels were Irans proxies, the Saudis sought to reimpose Hadi, expecting a speedy victory. The coalition evaporated as the war proved far more difficult and costly than expected, with local or tribal militias operating in unstable and fluid alliancessome backed by Riyadh and some by Abu Dhabi. The UAE pulled out of the war in late 2019 amid growing disagreements with the Hadi government and the fragmenting of Yemen into three areas. The first is controlled by the Houthis in the north. The second is controlled by the UAE-backed secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the south, and the Republican Guards on the western coast, led by former president Salehs nephew. The third, in the eastern provinces, is controlled by Hadis dwindling forces. Despite a US and French-brokered agreement in late 2019 for power sharing between the Hadi government in exile and the STC, the war has continued as the Houthis, with victory in sight, refuse to agree a ceasefire. The Saudis have continued their bombing campaigns against Houthi positions and on Sanaa. The Houthis are engaged in a major campaign to take control of the northern governorate of Marib. This is Hadis last major stronghold in the northeast of the country that is the gateway to the oil and gas production and processing facilities further east, supplying nearly all the countrys domestic fuel and 10 percent of its energy needs. They are reportedly within 30 kilometres of Marib city, whose population has swollen from 300,000 to three million with people displaced by the war. A battle for the city would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation. Before taking office, US President Joe Biden claimed that he would turn Saudi Arabia into a pariah and end arms sales to the kingdom. Since then, the State Department has insisted that Washington remains committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups, meaning the Houthis, and will continue to provide defensive weapons that will be used to attack Yemen. Saudi Arabia is a major purchaser of US arms, spending $10 billion a year. Bidens backhanded support for the Saudis, despite mass opposition to its war against the Houthis and barbaric murder of insider turned dissident Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey in October 2018, rests on Washingtons reliance on Riyadh as its client along with Israelto promote an anti-Iranian axis that threatens to push the region into a catastrophic new war. Equatorial Guinea has begun three days of national mourning after the deaths of at least 105 people following explosions at a munitions depot on Sunday. Flags in Equatorial Guinea will fly at half-mast for the next three days. The US has sent a team of experts to support the search and rescue operations and drugs and medical equipment from Spain are expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday. The vice-president and son of the president, Teodoro Obiang says it will take at least 10 days to clear rubble as rescuers continue to search for people. More than 600 people are still in hospital and the death toll is expected to rise. President Obiang Nguema said the munitions depot had "caught fire due to neighbouring farmers clearing land by setting it alight, leading to the explosion". The president also blamed the "negligence" of the team responsible for guarding the stores of dynamite and explosives. He has ordered the government to conduct an investigation. But questions are being asked about why stockpiles of explosives were being stored in a populated area and Human Rights Watch has asked for an independent investigation. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video DES MOINES, Iowa Andrea Sahouri, the Des Moines Register reporter arrested while covering racial justice protests last summer, took the stand Tuesday, saying she was a reporter doing her job as historic unrest overtook the city. Sahouri's case has drawn widespread condemnation from journalism and free press organizations as she is one of a handful of reporters facing charges after being arrested during coverage of the protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd. "It's important for journalists to be on the scene and document what's happening," Sahouri said during her testimony. "Protests erupted not just across the country but all over the world. I felt like I was playing a role in that. I know we are a small city, but I felt like I was playing a role in that." Sahouri faces two charges failure to disperse and interference with official acts, both misdemeanors after she and Spenser Robnett, her then-boyfriend who accompanied her to the protest for safety reasons, were pepper-sprayed and arrested near Merle Hay Mall on May 31. The trial was slated to resume Wednesday morning. The two sides were still hashing out jury instructions. The judge has also not ruled on a motion filed by Sahouri's attorney during the trial for a directed verdict to decide the case in Sahouri and Robnett's favor The attorney, Nicholas Klinefeldt, on Tuesday argued his client was simply doing her job and that any dispersal orders issues were not clear, instead telling protesters to get off the street and protest peacefully. Prosecutors from the Polk County Attorney's Office argued instead that Sahouri and Robnett were ordered to disperse, failed to do so, and when Sahouri was arrested, attempted to pull away. The Backstory: A reporter arrested while covering a protest faces trial Monday. Here's why you should care. Body camera footage seen Tuesday during trial captured the moments immediately after Sahouri's arrest and showed Sahouri, visibly shaken from the pepper spray, repeatedly telling officers that she was on assignment as a reporter. Story continues "This is my job. This is my job," Sahouri said. "I'm just doing my job. I was sent here. I'm a journalist." Police officers are shown arresting Des Moines Register reporter Andrea Sahouri after a Black Lives Matter protest she was covering on May 31, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, was dispersed by tear gas. Sahouri is set to stand trial on Monday, March 8, 2021, on misdemeanor charges, a case that prosecutors have pursued despite international condemnation from advocates for press freedom. Sahouri's newspaper, the Des Moines Register, is owned by Gannett, the same parent company as USA TODAY. Sahouri testified that as she arrived at the scene near the mall, she began tweeting photos and video of the protests that eventually turned violent as the crowd clashed with police. When a police car stopped in the street around 6:30 p.m., shortly after Sahouri arrived, she said she saw protesters surround it and throw water bottles while police began to make arrests. Sahouri was with Robnett for most the evening and also met with another then-Des Moines Register reporter Katie Akin. Near where the police car was, officers told Sahouri and Robnett to get back and Sahouri said at a distance off the road and continued to report. She and Robnett both testified Tuesday they did not hear the order as an order to dispere the area altogether. As the evening progressed, Sahouri documented property damage, looting and people entering the mall. More police arrived and Sahouri, at one point, told Robnett to move the car they had driven to the area. In a parking lot near where looting was occurring, Robnett said he heard Sahouri speak with a police officer who he believed told them they were allowed to be in the area in general. Police soon deployed tear gas on one group whose actions Sahouri was documenting. She, Robnett and Akin started to move away from the parking lot and headed toward a Verizon store parking lot to leave the area as the entire crowd scattered, she said. As they were leaving, Robnett was struck by a projectile which made him drop to the ground and slow his pace. Sahouri said she later turned around and saw an officer coming at her. She stopped immediately, she said, adding. "I didn't think it was a good idea to run from officers." When she told the officer she was a reporter, she said he responded, "That's not what I asked." Sahouri said she was pepper-sprayed and arrested. Sahouri testified she never disobeyed police commands nor pulled away from the officer who arrested her. However, Des Moines police officer Luke Wilson said earlier in the trial that he had pepper-sprayed a group of people before arresting Sahouri. Sahouri was the only person who remained in the immediate area after he deployed the spray, so he began to arrest her, he said. Wilson said that as he grabbed Sahouri, she moved her arm away from him, though it was possible she was moving because of the effects of the pepper spray. Robnett also grabbed Sahouri as Wilson had her in his clutch, too, the officer said. "I don't know why she tried to pull her arm away," Wilson said. Robnett said he never tried to pull Sahouri away nor interfere with her arrest. More than 120 reporters were arrested or detained in 2020, mostduring the summer protests, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, but in most cases, prosecutors dropped the charges, including in Des Moines with another freelance reporter. Advocates and legal experts have said that the charges were not dropped and the case has gone to trial is rare in the United States. On Tuesday, Carol Hunter, the Register's executive editor, testified that Sahouri was doing her job that day and had been working with editors not on the scene to determine where she should be positioned. She said Sahouri did not violate any Des Moines Register policy the night of her arrest. Sahouri was not wearing a press credential at the time of her arrest, but there is no formal press credential that Sahouri could have been issued, Hunter added. Jurors also heard testimony Monday and Tuesday from other police officers who responded to the protest. While other officer had activated their bodycams to record footage of their interactions with the public, Wilson did not. The officer explained he mistakenly thought he had pressed the record button but realized some time after that he had not. The video was not preserved before it was overwritten. Sgt. Natale Chiodo, whose body camera footage was shown, had responded along with Wilson to the area where Sahouri was arrested. In the video during which Sahouri repeatedly told the officers that she was on assignment as a journalist, Akin, the other reporter, was also seen in the group. When asked by the defense why Akin wasn't arrested, Chiodo said, "She just seemed very scared to me," and added that "she wasn't a threat. She wasn't disobeying our orders." Prosecutors argued, however, that it is at the discretion of the officer whether to arrest a suspect and that Chiodo did not see what led up to Sahouri's arrest. Akin also took the stand and said throughout the time she was at the scene and with Sahouri and Robnett, she heard no dispersal order from police. When she was with Sahouri and Robnett, she described standing away from the action and simply observing police and protesters' actions. Akin described multiple times, both when she was alone and with Sahouri and Robnett, that she moved away from police based on instinct rather than an order to leave the area. When the arrests occurred in the parking lot of a Verzion store, Sahouri, Robnett and Akin were walking together away from a chaotic encounter between police and protests, Akin said. Des Moines Register reporter Andrea Sahouri listens to opening statements in her trial on Monday at the Drake University Legal Clinic in Iowa. Akin was a few feet ahead of the two when she heard Sahouri yell. She turned around and saw two police officers approaching Sahouri and one then pepper-spraying her. Akin said she was surprised because she did not think they were breaking any law at the time. "When I saw Andrea getting pepper-sprayed, I started to yell that we were reporters," Akin said As Sahouri was being arrested, Akin pulled out her phone and took a photo, knowing she would have to tell her editors what was happening. Akin said she was focused mainly on Sahouri during the incident. She did not recall seeing Sahouri pull away from the officer arresting her nor Robnett ever approaching Sahouri or the officer. Robnett also testified he saw an officer pepper-spray Sahouri. He was about 5 feet away, he said, but took a step toward Sahouri to tell the officer that she was a reporter. Robnett said he was then pepper sprayed by the officer and dropped to the ground. He said he then thought to take out his phone and record a video in which he and Sahouri were heard telling officers she was a reporter. Robnett denied ever grabbing Sahouri or rushing Wilson. Other images that the jury saw Tuesday included screenshots from a local TV station's live coverage of the protest streamed on Facebook. A press badge for Des Moines Register reporter Andrea Sahouri features her jail booking photo from her May 31, 2020, arrest while covering a Black Lives Matter protest. Detective Ben Carter was also at Merle Hay Mall that day but did not observe the arrest. He later reviewed the news footage of the event and identified Sahouri and Robnett in screenshots of their coverage that were taken between the time officers told the group to clear the road and when Sahouri and Robnett were arrested. Carter testified that the crowd continued to move throughout the area after the order was given and generally stayed together as one group. Some in the group were destroying property and throwing rocks and water bottles. Earlier in the trial, Des Moines police Lt. Chad Steffen answered questions about his role responding to the protests and helping clear traffic about an hour and a half before the arrest. In his bodycam footage, Sahouri and Robnett are seen on the side of the road, and a squad car public address system can be heard in the background telling people to "disperse" and also "protest peacefully." Klinefeldt, through cross-examination, argued that the orders told the protesters to clear the street and remain peaceful but did not imply everyone should leave immediately. Before the trial, numerous media and journalism groups called for the charges to be dropped, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and students and staff from the Columbia University School of Journalism, where Sahouri earned a master's degree. The human rights organization Amnesty International has also taken up the cause. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Andrea Sahouri trial: Witnesses testify in Iowa journalist arrest case GARDAI in Ennis, County Clare are appealing to the public for their assistance in locating a sixteen-year-old girl and her baby daughter. Larisa Maria Rostas and her ten-month old baby Narcisa were last seen in Ennis on Sunday morning. Larisa is described as being 5 2 in height with dyed red hair and brown eyes. It is not known what Larisa or Narcisa were wearing at the time they went missing. In a statement, released this Wednesday morning, gardai said Larisa is known to frequent the Dublin city centre area as well as her hometown of Ennis. They say Larisas family is concerned for her wellbeing. Anyone with information in relation to her or Narcisa's whereabouts or who can assist gardai in locating them are asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. The initial public offer (IPO) of the giant Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is likely to be at Rs 400-600 per share assuming Rs 25,000 crore as paid-up capital and an overall valuation between Rs 10-15 lakh crore. The price is actually a function of capital and valuation. The government has already proposed increasing the capital base from the existing Rs 100 crore to Rs 25,000 crore. This Rs 25,000 crore would be the authorised capital of the corporation to facilitate listing as under the current low capital base, the IPO price would go in lakh on per share basis. In fact, LIC doesn't need much capital because of the sovereign guarantee. The new authorised share capital is planned as Rs 25,000 crore which would be divided into 2,500 crore shares of Rs 10 each as per the amendments proposed in the LIC Act, 1956. Assuming, the authorised capital as the paid-up capital, the LIC would have a total share capital of 2,500 crore shares of a face value of Rs 10 each. The second part of the IPO price calculation is the embedded value (EV) and the overall valuation of the corporation. The exercise to compute the EV is currently under progress. Once EV is known, the investment banks in consultation with anchor investors will fix the price, which will be at a certain multiple of EV. The Chief Economic Advisor K.V. Subramanian had earlier hinted that the government could mop up Rs 90,000 crore by selling 6-7 per cent stake in LIC. This was the first statement by any senior government functionary on the IPO issue after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for LIC's IPO in her FY21 Budget speech. The CEA had said that he has done some back-of-the-envelope calculations, based on which the overall valuation was estimated at around Rs 12.85-15 lakh crore. Given the two key variables of total capital and the likely valuation, the IPO price comes out to be between Rs 400 to Rs 600 per share. But IPO price may change if the government decides to issue a lesser paid-up capital from the authorised 2,500 crore shares to say 1,500 crore shares or lesser 1,000 crore shares. Similarly, the actual valuation figures will also change the pricing. The valuation of 64-year-old LIC is a very complex exercise. LIC is governed by a special LIC Act with the insurance regulator, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) having very little say in regulating its operations. Secondly, the product mix of LIC is also very different, which is skewed towards savings than protection (as against other listed life insurers). There is also a sovereign guarantee backing every policy. The actuarial firm will first make assumptions about mortality rate, profit margins, etc. to zero in on the present value of existing business to arrive at the EV. There are also concerns about a unique profit-sharing arrangement under which policyholders pocket 95 per cent surplus and shareholders (right now, Government of India) get 5 per cent. This arrangement would make a downward revision in LIC's valuation. But there are also favourable factors like the huge market share, a brand equity, real estate in prime locations and the stake in LIC Housing Finance, IDBI Bank, etc. According to proposed amendments, the government plans to hold at least 75 per cent in LIC's equity for the first five years post the IPO, and later reduce its holding to a minimum of 51 per cent. It also plans to reserve up to 10 per cent of the LIC IPO issue size for policyholders. Also read: Life insurance sector sees 21% growth in Feb as financial year end looms Also read: Only 458 insurance actuaries in India, need at least 2,000: IRDA Chief MASON CITY, Iowa A Minnesota woman is sentenced to jail for a high-speed chase on Interstate 35 that ended in vehicular violence. Ceromani Kalecharen McMillon, 45 of Lakeville, MN, has pleaded guilty to one count of eluding, an aggravated misdemeanor. The Iowa State Patrol says McMillon was driving a vehicle the morning of July 1, 2020, that was suspected of involvement in a hit and run. State Troopers say they located her driving south on I-35 out of Minnesota and that began a chase that reached seeds of 110 miles per hour. Court documents state McMillon ran over four sets of stop sticks and was left driving on three rims and only one tire. One officer was injured deploying the stop sticks. The State Patrol says McMillon finally slowed after being struck three times by patrol vehicles and was removed from her vehicle at gunpoint She was ordered on Wednesday to spend 240 days in jail, with credit for time served, and pay $3,100.95 in damages to the Iowa State Patrol. OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Canadian man who drove with five loaded firearms through the gates of the wooded estate where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lives, planning to confront the leader, was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday. Corey Hurren, 46, pleaded guilty last month to eight charges related to the July incident at the Ottawa estate that includes the prime minister's residence, Rideau Cottage. The most serious charges were for possession of illegal firearms. Ontario Court Justice Robert Wadden gave Hurren a six-year prison sentence with a credit for one year of time served, and banned him from owning firearms for life, according to the hearing, which was broadcast online. "He has not expressed remorse for his actions," Wadden said. Hurren, who had two handguns, two shotguns and a semi-automatic rifle, rammed a gate to the 88-acre (0.35 square km) estate where the prime minister lives with his family, and then proceeded on foot toward the residence. Trudeau and his family were not at home. After a 90-minute standoff, police convinced Hurren to surrender. Hurren, a master corporal in an army reserve unit that serves in remote areas of the country, had driven more than 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) from his home in the province of Manitoba to confront Trudeau because he was angry over COVID-19 restrictions and a federal ban on assault-style firearms. "This was an armed aggression against the government, which must be denounced in the strongest terms," Wadden said. The sentencing was in line with the request from the Crown prosecutor, and double that sought by Michael Davies, Hurren's lawyer. When he abandoned his truck, Hurren left a note saying he hoped his actions would be a "wake up call and a turning point" for the country. (Reporting by Steve Scherer and Julie Gordon in Ottawa; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. dtnext.in - May 28 In contrast to Japans dwindling birth rate, household pets are on the rise. There are some 20 million cats and dogs registered across the country, and an additional 60,000 pets joined households in 2020, according to the Japan Pet Food Association. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. JUSTICE Minister Cameron Friesen said hell hold back a bill that would amend the Police Services Act while he consults with First Nation leaders. JUSTICE Minister Cameron Friesen said hell hold back a bill that would amend the Police Services Act while he consults with First Nation leaders. He made the surprise announcement Tuesday when asked about the status of Bill 59, one of 19 government bills introduced in the Manitoba legislature in November but not immediately distributed to MLAs or the public. "I have deliberately chosen to hold those amendments because I think we have the opportunity before us right now to strengthen those amendments, especially in lieu of the death of Eishia Hudson (and) the (Independent Investigation Unit) report on that death," Friesen told reporters after question period. Friesen said hes reached out to Manitoba grand chiefs to ask for their support and collaboration to help the government strengthen the mandate and the operations of the provinces police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit. "Im pleased to say that this has been really, really well-received by the grand chiefs. We are hard at work at his. I felt that it would be tone deaf to bring amendments (to the Police Services Act) now that did not include that important work," said Friesen, who inherited the justice portfolio from Cliff Cullen in a cabinet shuffle Jan. 5. The government had promised to reveal the contents of all 19 bills, which were introduced last fall, in the next few days. Bill 59 had been among those yet to see the light of day. Friesen said the bill will be reintroduced this spring, once the government finishes tinkering with it, but that is unlikely to occur on time to ensure its passage by June 1, when MLAs break for the summer. There have been public calls for the government to strengthen the watchdogs ability to provide oversight over the Winnipeg Police Service. Those demands grew louder after the fatal police shooting of Eishia Hudson, a 16-year-old Indigenous girl, last spring. She and other minors had allegedly robbed the Sage Creek Liquor Mart and sped away from police in a stolen vehicle in rush-hour traffic. Police officers are currently not required to testify before the IIU or produce their notes during an investigation. Its unknown whether the bill introduced last fall addressed those issues, and Friesen would not provide further details on Tuesday. Asked for comment, a spokeswoman for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs confirmed that Friesen has reached out to Grand Chief Arlen Dumas about the proposed legislation. NDP justice critic Nahanni Fontaine said "its not necessarily a bad thing" that the government is reworking the bill. "My hope is that theyre going to do that consultation and do that work to, hopefully, make the bill as good as it can be," she said. Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said: "If were going to have these (police) oversight bodies, they actually have to work. And theres been a problem with that." On Tuesday, Friesen released the contents of another bill introduced last fall without being distributed to the public. Bill 58 (The Criminal Property Forfeiture Amendment Act) would make it easier for law enforcement to seize assets gained through the proceeds of crime. Among its provisions is to direct the court to presume, unless proven otherwise, that cash found "in close proximity to a controlled substance" or bundled "in a matter that is not consistent with standard banking practices" be regarded as the proceeds of crime. The same presumption would be made with respect to vehicles if theyre used "in a dangerous manner to flee" from police or if they contain "items associated with unlawful activity" or been modified "in a manner consistent with its use in unlawful activity." larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Scientists think the virus that causes COVID-19 may be with us for decades or longer, but that doesnt mean it will keep posing the same threat. Here's the latest coronavirus news. MOSCOW - Russian authorities said Wednesday they are slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter over its failure to remove banned content part of growing efforts to curb social media platforms that have played a major role in amplifying dissent. A mobile phone user turns on Twitter application on his smartphone in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Russian authorities say they have moved to slow down the speed of Twitter over its failure to remove the banned content an action that reflects the government's effort to tighten rules for social platforms. The state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said it took action Wednesday to slow down the speed of uploading photo and video on Twitter after it failed to remove the content encouraging children suicides and containing information about drugs and children pornography. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) MOSCOW - Russian authorities said Wednesday they are slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter over its failure to remove banned content part of growing efforts to curb social media platforms that have played a major role in amplifying dissent. The state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said it began the slowdown after it said Twitter failed to remove content encouraging suicide among children and containing information about drugs and child pornography. Twitter responded by emphasizing its policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, promotion of suicide and drug sales. The Russian watchdog warned that if Twitter refuses to abide by Russian law, it could be blocked entirely, but it voiced hope the platform would take a constructive stance and comply with removing the banned content. Vadim Subbotin, deputy chief of Roskomnadzor, said in televised remarks that Twitter is the only social platform that has openly ignored the Russian authorities demand to remove the banned content. The watchdog said the slowdown would apply to all mobile devices and 50% of desktop users nationwide. Roskomnadzor said in a statement that Twitter has failed to remove more than 3,000 posts with the banned content, including more than 2,500 posts encouraging suicide among minors. Twitter said in a statement that we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding child sexual exploitation, it is against the Twitter Rules to promote, glorify or encourage suicide and self harm, and we do not allow the use of Twitter for any unlawful behaviour or to further illegal activities, including the buying and selling of drugs. "We remain committed to advocating for the Open Internet around the world and are deeply concerned by increased attempts to block and throttle online public conversation, the statement said. Twitter is less popular in Russia than other social media services, with about 13 million users, or about a third of the number that Facebook has, according to data from web traffic research firm Similar Web. But the attack on the platform could be an artillery shot aimed, among other things, at scaring other major social media," said Artyom Kozlyuk, head of the internet rights group Roskomsvoboda. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday the government has no desire to block anything, but added that it was necessary to enforce the law. The action against Twitter comes as the authorities have criticized social media platforms that have been used to bring tens of thousands of people into the streets across Russia this year to demand the release of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The wave of demonstrations served as a major challenge to the Kremlin. Russian authorities have assailed the platforms for failing to remove calls for children to join unsanctioned opposition protests. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged police to act more actively to monitor social platforms and to track down those who draw the children into illegal and unsanctioned street actions." The move against Twitter is part of continuing efforts by the government to tighten control of the internet and the social media dating back to 2012, when a law allowing authorities to blacklist and block certain online content was adopted. Dozens of laws have been adopted since then that expand the categories of prohibited information, introduce new restrictions (and) expand the list of government institutions that can carry out online censorship, Kozlyuk said. In 2014, the authorities adopted a law requiring online services to store the personal data of Russian users on servers in Russia and have since tried to make Facebook and Twitter to comply with it. Both companies have been repeatedly fined, first small amounts of around $50 and last year the equivalent of $63,000 each, for not complying. The government has stopped short of outright bans even though the law allows it, probably fearing the move would elicit too much public outrage. Only the social network LinkedIn, which wasnt very popular in Russia, has been banned by the authorities for the failure to store user data in Russia. In recent months, Russian authorities have also increasingly bristled at Facebook and Twitter, blocking Russian accounts and content, as well as Twitter labeling of government and state-affiliated media accounts. Last fall, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the two social media giants of open censorship, saying that Russian media, without trial or investigation, are being labeled as allegedly unreliable, excluded from the search, blocked, and accounts are deleted. Two weeks ago, Roskomnadzor demanded Twitter to explain why it removed 100 accounts reportedly linked to Russia. Twitter said the accounts amplified narratives that were aligned with the Russian government, focused on undermining faith in the NATO alliance and its stability, and targeted the United States and the European Union. Dmitry Medvedev, who was Russia's president in 2008-2012 when Putin had to step down because of term limits and currently is deputy head of Russias Security Council, complained last month that Twitter labeled his account as a government one. He said the American platform only does that to countries, relations with which are not very simple. And they did not do this to their own politicians. The government's standoff with social media platforms has been a long process in which the stakes are regularly raised, said Damir Gainutdinov, head of the Net Freedoms Project focusing on freedom of online speech in Russia. The authorities show willingness to take more and more stringent measures: Initially we talked to you, then we fined you, and now we will slow you down." As the Russian authorities slowed down Twitter, some government websites suffered outages and access problems. It's not clear if the events were connected, and some experts suggested they could have been the result of unrelated cyberattacks. The Ministry of Digital Development acknowledged outages on some government websites but said they were linked to equipment problems at communications provider Rostelecom. Some experts said, however, that a possible reason for the outages could be that internet oversight staff in Russia erroneously blocked access to a wide range of web addresses while moving to enforce Roskomnadzor's order to slow down Twitter. In 2018, Roskomnadzor moved to block the popular messaging app Telegram over its refusal to hand over encryption keys used to scramble messages, but failed to fully block access to the app, disrupting hundreds of websites in Russia instead. Last year, the watchdog officially withdrew the demands to restrict the app, which has been widely used by government institutions despite the ban. Experts said that while there wasn't enough data available to definitively tie Wednesdays outages of websites to the Twitter clampdown, it wouldn't be surprising if the two were connected. I personally don't have any doubts, especially after the situation with Telegram, that in order to achieve their political goals, the Russian authorities won't hesitate to bring down half of the Russian internet, Gainutdinov said. Associated Press writers Kelvin Chan in London and Frank Bajak in Boston contributed. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden say they feel used and betrayed' by president on abortion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment CORRECTION APPENDED Leaders affiliated with the Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden initiative have expressed disappointment with the Biden administrations support of a measure to remove a legal statute limiting taxpayer funding of abortion. The Biden administration recently declared support for a COVID-19 relief bill that would repeal the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortion in most instances. In a statement posted on the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden website, the evangelical leaders and scholars argued that they feel used and betrayed. But, they have no intention of simply watching these kinds of efforts happen from the sidelines. Many evangelicals and Catholics took risks to support Biden publicly. President Biden and Democrats need to honor their courage, the statement reads. We call on President Biden to honor his commitment to us and immediately demand that the House of Representatives apply the Hyde language to the American Relief Package. Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden went on to declare that this is no time for radical change to longstanding abortion policy and called on certain Democrats in Congress by name to demand the Hyde Amendment be included. They warned that if this is not done, it will raise the question of whether or not we are still welcome in the Democratic Party. As pro-life leaders in the evangelical community, we publicly supported President Biden's candidacy with the understanding that there would be engagement [with] us on the issue of abortion and particularly the Hyde Amendment, the statement explains. The Biden team wanted to talk to us during the campaign to gain our support, and we gave it on the condition there would be active dialogue and common ground solutions on the issue of abortion. There has been no dialogue since the campaign. Signatories to the letter include Fuller Seminary President Emeritus Richard Mouw and Evangelicals for Social Action President Emeritus Ronald Sider. In October of last year, the group released a statement urging pro-life evangelicals to vote for Biden despite the Democratic Partys views on abortion. Sider, a longtime evangelical figure and an advocate for biblical solutions to social and economic injustices, also edited a book released last year called The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump in which 30 evangelical Christians talked about why they opposed the former president. Tony Perkins, president of the Christian conservative advocacy organization Family Research Council and Trump supporter, responded to the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden statement by contending that the group can't say they weren't warned. Everyone in America knew where Joe Biden stood on abortion because he told them. In 13 debates, multiple campaign ads, and a Planned Parenthood townhall, Perkins wrote in a statement on Monday. If Evangelicals for Biden want to say they never saw this COVID bill and its abortion funding coming, then they were the only ones. Perkins quoted Biden, who had said on the campaign trail that while he had supported the Hyde Amendment for years while in Congress, he could no longer do so. Once they ate of the fruit the Biden campaign was offering the damage was done. The Biden team got what they wanted in 2020: cover for their unbiblical, anti-faith position on abortion, continued Perkins. the people who argued that evangelicals needed to either back away from Donald Trump, sit out the election, or vote for Joe Biden own this and all of the other ungodly, evil policies flowing from Capitol Hill. Weeks before the presidential election, Sider and Mouw wrote an opinion column published by The Christian Post touting the pro-life evangelical coalitions statement of support for Biden. A key point of their argument was that while Biden was pro-choice, his positions on other issues such as racial reconciliation, healthcare reform and immigration made his platform more consistent with biblical values. we believe that on balance, Joe Bidens policies are more consistent with the biblically shaped ethic of life than those of Donald Trump, declared the statement in part. Therefore, even as we continue to urge different policies on abortion, we urge evangelicals to elect Joe Biden as president. Correction:Wednesday, March 10, 2021 A previous version of this article stated incorrectly that the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden statement expressing disappointment in the Biden administration was backed by Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Although Hunter would like for the Hyde Amendment to be protected, he contacted CP to state that he did not sign the letter "since President Biden was clear about his intentions in his pre and post-election communications on the matter." Tiger Shroff Wants To Steal Moves From Spiderman; Deepika And Ranveer Ace The Buss It Challenge Bollywoods handsome hunk Tiger Shroff is not only popular for his acting, dancing and singing, but also for his killer martial arts skills and action videos. He has left us in awe time and again with his moves and often flaunts them on social media, making fans go crazy. Well, his latest is extremely impressive but its the caption which left us in splits this time. He wrote: Is it ok if i steal some moves from the new spiderman game for my next. We can bet fans would love that. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) Well, Tiger isnt the only actor winning hearts on social media today. Star couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh decided to try out the Buss It Challenge, which has taken over the internet. They obviously aced it but with a hilarious twist. While their video began with Deepika grooving to the track in a floral tracksuit, Ranveer soon took over and left us impressed with his twerking. However, Deepika returned to the frame and bumped into him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) His expression will leave you in splits. But the actor is not one to accept defeat! He will soon steal the limelight with his twerking. In the end, we can hear Deepika saying, Werk it, baby! It is absolutely adorable. Well, we cant wait to see Bollywoods favorite couple ace more such challenges! Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. MILWAUKEE, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- S3 AeroDefense is proud to celebrate their continued partnership with the US Army. In September 2020, the US Army awarded S3 with a five-year Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, solidifying what has already been a strong partnership between the two organizations. After over a year long bidding and research process with providers worldwide, the US Army has selected S3 as the sole partner to execute service for the entire US Army UH-60 Blackhawk Fleet pursuant to FAR 52.216-22 for overhaul and the repair of the Moog UH-60 Hydraulic APU Accumulators. "The continued expansion of our in-house capabilities paired with strong OEM relationships, allows S3 AeroDefense to supply necessary safety and functionality repairs for every aircraft in their fleet. We are proud to support the US Army in this latest contract and beyond." said Mario De La Torre, Director of Sales - Americas, S3 AeroDefense. The US Army recognized the unparalleled advantage of working with S3 and their over 16 years of award-winning company growth. By strategically utilizing their manufacturer direct partnerships, S3 provides the US Army with an array of the latest product upgrade and puts them on the forefront of innovations. S3 has been a choice partner by the US Army for 5 years of continued success across multiple different aircraft operational needs across the globe. "At S3, being awarded this contract by the US Army solidifies our mission as a company and builds on the strong foundation we have built to service governments and military aircraft operators around the world," said Sebastien Imbert, Senior Vice President of Sales, S3 AeroDefense. "We are excited to continue the level of excellence that our partners are accustom to and grow our relationship with the US Army." Work on overhaul units will be carried out at S3 AeroDefense's in-house repair shop in Milwaukee, WI all while mitigating long turnaround times and ensuring mission-readiness for the US Army. The Contract with the US Army allows S3 to add to the rapidly expanding growing list of global contracts. About S3 AeroDefense: Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, S3 AeroDefense is a recognized Worldwide leader in providing aircraft spares, component repair services and supply chain solutions to Military Aircraft Operators. Since its inception in 2005, S3 has been focused on quality, innovation and dedication to exceptional customer support. With a focus on OEM strategic distribution, S3 is the trusted solution provider to Customers and OEMs. Additional information about the company can be found at: www.s3aerodefense.com SOURCE S3 AeroDefense Related Links https://www.s3aerodefense.com Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Hold on to your hats, its windy in West Michigan. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a wind advisory for several West Michigan counties. The advisory will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Thursday for Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties. The strongest wind gusts are expected along Lake Michigan, meaning residents in the cities of Ludington, Hart, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Jenison, Holland and South Haven will be affected. South winds at 15 to 20 mph, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, are expected, according to the NWS. Gusty winds can blow unsecured objects away so residents should secure their outdoor items. Tree limbs can also fall and cause power outages. Isolated or scattered outages are expected. Residents should also use extra caution while driving in these conditions, especially if they are in a high-profile vehicle. The combination of near record high temperatures and strong winds will increase wildfire danger today, the NWS said. On a positive note, flooding concerns have diminished across the area as forecasted rain amounts have decreased to about 0.25 - 0.75 inches. What began as a clandestine Chinese espionage campaign targeting specific individuals via flaws in Microsoft email software has escalated into a devastating global hacking free-for-all that is claiming tens of thousands of business and public-sector victims. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an alert on Twitter late on Monday urging ALL organizations across ALL sectors to follow guidance to address the widespread domestic and international exploitation of four vulnerabilities in Microsofts Exchange email application, which the tech company disclosed a week ago. Microsofts announcement last Tuesday blamed a Chinese state-backed hacking group known as Hafnium for conducting the stealthy attacks, which began penetrating the email servers of choice targets at the beginning of the year. It has issued fixes for the bugs. But experts said that since attention was drawn to the flaws, there has been a flood of attacks by multiple hacking outfits including criminal groups rushing to compromise victims before they secure their systems. The European Banking Authority this week became the first notable body to publicly say it had been compromised. It is unlikely to be the last. Every possible victim that hadnt patched by mid-to-end of last week has already been hit by at least one or several actors, said Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of security group CrowdStrike, who now runs the Silverado Policy Accelerator think-tank. As these exploits propagate to the criminal element, this issue will become a crisis for organisations with the least resources, John Hultquist, vice-president of FireEyes Mandiant Threat Intelligence warned on Twitter. Growing concerns The concern comes as companies and government agencies have already come under threat from a Russian espionage campaign, in which the perpetrators hijacked a ubiquitous IT software product to gain access to thousands of victims systems. In the sprawling SolarWinds hack, which affected organisations including the US commerce and Treasury departments, hackers lurked deep within some systems for more than a year in what some experts have cast as typical intelligence-gathering activity. At first, the Microsoft hack appeared to have been equally stealthy. Sean Koessel, vice-president of professional services at Volexity, a cyber security group that helped identify the Microsoft vulnerabilities, said that in early January it had uncovered hackers targeting very specific individuals from NGOs and think-tanks. They were able to come in at will and very selectively steal emails . . . It wasnt like a smash-and-grab, he said. But during the last weekend of February, either Hafnium or another group rapidly escalated their attacks. After Microsoft made the vulnerabilities public, a third, even bigger wave of attacks arrived as other criminal groups jumped to exploit the flaws. Everything broke loose, said Koessel. For the second time in less than four months, the worlds public and private sectors have been left scrambling to ascertain if they have been hit and if so, what damage has been done. Where hackers have established toeholds in systems, they will need to be carefully ejected, experts said. Incident response teams are BURNED OUT [and] this is at a really bad time, Chris Krebs, the former CISA chief during the Trump administration, wrote on Twitter, describing the attacks as the real deal. In the meantime, estimates of the number of victims continue to vary. Seasoned cyber security researcher Brian Krebs has claimed that at least 30,000 US organisations including a significant number of small businesses, towns, cities and local governments were hacked in the days following Microsofts disclosure, citing multiple sources briefed on the matter. Other estimates have run as high as 250,000 victims. Huntress, a cyber security group focused on small businesses, said it had uncovered more than 350 breached victims from among its clientele including small hotels, an ice cream company, a kitchen appliance manufacture, multiple senior citizen communities and other less than sexy mid-market businesses. Roni Suchowski, a UK-based independent security researcher, tested almost 12,000 Exchange servers that are accessible to the internet and found that about 4,500 were vulnerable, more than a third of the sample. The UK-based organisations affected included government and NHS sites, academic institutions, law firms and private companies, Suchowski said, including one FTSE 250 property group that patched its server after being contacted about the flaw. It is unclear how many may have been attacked. An increasingly frantic series of announcements from US officials over the past week encouraged immediate action from organisations. On Friday, CISA held a call, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, with more than 4,000 critical infrastructure groups in both the private sector and the government urging them to patch their systems. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, said on Friday that there was a large number of victims in this active hack. Microsoft has the resources of a nation state China has long been one of the most active nations in conducting cyber warfare against the US. For example, it successfully obtained sensitive data on several million government employees in a hack of the Office of Personnel Management, which was uncovered in 2015. Theresa Payton, former White House chief information officer and chief executive of cyber security consultancy Fortalice Solutions, said that the first wave of targeted attacks was likely to have been a classic Chinese industrial espionage campaign. Hackers might have been hunting for research and development information on coronavirus vaccines, intellectual property relating to Big Tech or indicators of US trade policies regarding China, she said. Beijing has denied responsibility. She and other experts have suggested that China could also be responsible for some of the less discriminate rash of attacks, even if it was a separate group of hackers to the more careful Hafnium. There are still [Chinese state-backed hacking] units that . . . are like a Hoover vacuuming up all the grains of sand on the beach to take into their back office and then sift [them] looking for the gems, she said. Experts warned that the onslaught by criminal hacking groups could mean victims would shortly find themselves hit by ransomware attacks whereby attackers seize victims data and will only release it if they receive payment. The attacks have prompted some to urge President Joe Biden to take a more aggressive stance towards China at a time when his government is already exploring penalties including sanctions against Russia for the SolarWinds hack. This in my view deserves a significant response by the Biden administration, said Alperovitch. The hacks also marked a second embarrassment for Microsoft, after it emerged that weaknesses in its systems had played a role in facilitating some of the SolarWinds breaches. Microsoft has the resources of a nation state, said Ron Gula, co-founder of Tenable and a former NSA staffer who invests in cyber security groups. On the other hand, theyre so big. Theres a lot of complexity in what they are doing. Koessel said: Its the nature of software, things are going to get missed. Financial Times (Photo : Youtube/DODONG DITOON) COVID-19 mask CopperMask Medical experts and health authorities in the Philippines have discouraged the public from using masks with a hole in them. The announcement came days after it was reported that the company that manufactures such masks threatened to silence critics with a lawsuit. COVID-19 masks with holes are not effective The masks with holes in them became trendy in 2020 during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. The company, CopperMask PH, is one of the largest manufacturers of copper-infused face masks that feature an antimicrobial layer. In a 2020 paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can survive on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, while its lifespan on copper surfaces significantly decrease and can only survive for around four hours. With that, the copper mask would have been more effective. But unfortunately, due to the mask's design with the hole, experts believe pathogens can still find a way to enter the mask and inherently get into the person's system, defeating the copper's purpose. Nevertheless, not everyone, especially scientists, agrees that copper is enough to keep everyone safe from the disease. Some experts in the field are not entirely sure of copper's effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus, as noted by The New York Times, so the public is encouraged to not rely on copper masks alone to keep them safe from the pandemic and exercise caution, such as frequent handwashing and physical distancing. Also Read:COVID-19: First FDA-Registered Transparent N99+ Mask with UV-C Sterilizing Now Available CopperMaskPH allegedly tapped social media influencers and celebrities to promote their product, and along with being featured on newspapers, advertisements, and billboards, copper-infused masks became a huge hit in the country. According to VICE World News, critics of the CopperMask, including doctors, received cease and desist letters from the company's lawyers. One famous case is that of Dr. Adam Smith, an Australian doctor, and YouTuber, who was told to take down his content, but he refused to do so. The Philippine health department was heavily criticized for not properly warning Filipinos about the masks when debates over their safety erupted after a major hospital banned its use this year. The health department has stated in the past that CopperMask can still prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, that statement changed on Mar. 8 when the health department mentioned the company in its warning. The Department of Health (DOH) stated that they don't recommend masks that have gaps on the sides, at the top, and the bottom. Dr. Rodley Carza said in a media briefing that they are aware that CopperMask has a slit or hole under the chin, so it is not that good for a mask in preventing COVID-19. The Department of Health (DOH) was then asked if the government could regulate the influencers and celebrities who use and promote the mask. However, the agency hasn't released any statement regarding that issue yet. A year after the coronavirus outbreak, the Philippines has one of the worst outbreaks in Southeast Asia, with almost 600,000 cases and 12,500 death as of Mar. 9. Meanwhile, CopperMask PH has not responded to the statement of the DOH. However, as the debate over the quality of the mask in the Philippines surged, CopperMask PH announced earlier this month that they released a 2.0 version featuring the same mask with a hole, but its non-woven fabric has since been updated with an enclosed filter. Best masks for COVID-19 protection The CDC had recommended the best types of masks for protection against COVID-19. The effectiveness level of a surgical mask, cloth mask, and N95 mask differ from each other, so which mask provides more protection? A study published on ACS Publications shows that N95 masks if worn properly, are the most effective of them all as they can filter out 95% of all particles over a certain size. This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sieeka Khan 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sebastian Andrew Jess-Hunter stripped naked in the police watch-house before attacking a Coles worker with a pumpkin and stealing $500 worth of pens A meth addict stripped naked in the police watch-house before attacking a Coles worker with a pumpkin and stealing $500 worth of pens. Sebastian Andrew Jess-Hunter's crime spree started on December 8 at Zillmere train station in Brisbane when police caught him urinating on the platform, evidence tendered to court said. Jess-Hunter refused to tell officers his name, leading to a dramatic arrest. Police took him into the elevator where he 'launched his body back' into the officers, knocking them to the ground and causing several injuries, the Courier Mail reported. The 32-year-old was taken to the Pine Rivers watch-house, where he stripped naked and urinated on the floor of his cell. After fingerprint forensics revealed his identity, police released Jess-Hunter on bail at about 6.30pm. He then made his way to Coles in Strathpine, where he was seen 'aggressively' loading his trolley. When employee Karen Lee Sawyer, 65, noticed what Jess-Hunter was doing, he threw a 5kg pumpkin at her. He then stole $542 in groceries and left the store. When Coles employee Karen Lee Sawyer, 65, noticed Jess-Hunter behaving oddly, he threw a 5kg pumpkin at her (stock) Jess-Hunter headed to the car park where he broke off a car's door handles. He then ended up at a nearby Officeworks, where he shoplifted $500 worth of ball-point pens. His crime spree came to an end at 7.30pm when police arrested him. Magistrate Jennifer Batts sentenced Jess-Hunter to six months imprisonment for the stealing and willful damage charges. For obstructing police and two counts of assault, he was sentenced to 18 months of probation. The ground workers dismissed by WISAG have ended their hunger strike against dismissals and wage theft after eight days. At the same time, they are making a strong appeal to their colleagues at all WISAG sites, at all airports and throughout production to join forces in extending the fight for secure jobs. We, the WISAG ground workers who have resorted to hunger strike at Rhein-Main Airport, call on all workers to join us in our struggle to resist dismissals, wage theft and job insecurity. We especially address the 3.9 million metal-industry workers whose protest strikes are just beginning: Let us join together in an effective industrial struggle for secure jobs and decent wages! WISAG hunger strikers at Rhein-Main Airport The WISAG company is using the pandemic to enrich itself doubly and triply from us: If it goes according to the will of the WISAG owners, the Wisser family, one of the 300 richest families in Germany, then it is precisely the longest-serving, most experienced workers who will be dismissed or forced to switch to new bogus companies and start all over again. Those who refuse are punished with an immediate wage freeze and dismissal with practically no severance pay. This is what 31 apron bus drivers at WISAG have experienced: They have not received any pay since October 2020. Safety in the pandemic is also not guaranteed: Several Covid-19 cases have been covered up; colleagues have continued to be forced to work. We demand: Every single job must be defended! The workers have built up the company over decades. Their wages, benefits and company pensions must be fully guaranteed. Pandemic-related unilateral dismissals are legally void! Safety from the coronavirus! As long as the pandemic is not under control, workplaces must be cut back to the necessities of life, with full wage compensation for all who cannot work. Full sick pay! Full support for families! To push through these demands, we workers must take up a common struggle internationally, because the corporations, which themselves operate globally, are trying to play us off against each other, one location against another, with the help of the trade unions. The coronavirus also knows no national borders. Our struggle must be independent of the trade unionsbecause trade union officials and works council representatives have become the junior partners of the employers. They sit on the supervisory boards of Lufthansa, Fraport & Co. and have helped organise all the redundancies, spin-offs, and other attacks. They are not fighting for the interests of the workers, but for the welfare of the German economy, i.e., ultimately of the share owners, bankers and the super-rich. Our struggle has not been supported by Verdi union officials, nor by the works council. That is why we turn to you, the workers, who know our problems first-hand. Workers everywhere are facing similar problems. We must fight together! Contact us, support our struggle, which is also yours, and organise yourselves in independent action committees. We, the workers, are essential; without us society does not function. We say: Life before profits! The health and well-being of the workers are more important than the profits of the financial oligarchy. MASON CITY, Iowa - On Monday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 413 into law, intiating some sweeping changes regarding elections in the state. The early voting period is being shortened from 29 to 20 days. In addition, most mail-in ballots must be received into the county auditor's office by Election Day, and voting sites would close one hour earlier (at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m.), among other changes. The bill was largely backed by Republicans, with the Governor saying the move is to protect against voter fraud, and strengthen election integrity. Republican State Representative Shannon Latham issued this statement regarding the move: "I believe Iowa has a strong election system, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways we can make it better. This legislation aims to ensure there is uniformity of election procedures throughout the state, make sure our county auditors are following the law, and better maintain voter databases. The bottom line is Iowans deserve an election system they can trust and thanks to the Iowa Legislature's efforts, that's exactly what they have." However, the bill has faced steep opposition, with opponents calling it a form of voter suppression. The Iowa Association of Auditors released a statement, saying that the move would take away auditors' abilities for making important local decisions for the fair and efficient conduct of elections; removing home rule powers from county auditors regarding elections, which is a constitutionally protected authroity; restricting the ability to establish satellite voting locations; and even reducing the amount of ballot drop off boxes in a county. In addition, the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, filed a lawsuit regarding the new law on Tuesday. Attorney Marc Elias said in a tweet, 'the voting restrictions in this law create an undue burden on the fundamental right to vote in violation of the Iowa Constitution.' Democratic State Representative Sharon Steckman is strongly opposed to the bill, and has heard from both sides of the political spectrum, saying the changes would make it harder for Iowans to vote. "I hear from folks that work in the polls, and they're very upset about this bill. And not just Democrats, it's Republicans. We had Republican auditors come and speak at the public hearing that are definitely against the bill." Steckman adds that at the time the bill was first being discussed, 33 states were considering similar legislation. That number has grown to 44. "When I got up to talk about it, I was like, 'why are we doing this? Your candidate won, you won the House, you won the Senate, you have the Governor's office, why are you doing this?'" She also points to a change in those voting absentee. Those who vote absentee would be required to designate a relative, caretaker or someone that lives with you to deliver your ballot, which may cause concern among the elderly and those who live in rural areas. "1.7 million people voted, 76%. That's beyond what we've ever done before. And 1 million of those voted absentee. It's important to keep that specific way of voting the way it has been, the way it has been working quite well." In response to the lawsuit, House Speaker Pat Grassley issued this statement: "Over the last number of years, the Iowa Legislature has passed numerous improvements to election law, and each one has been met with the same baseless cries of voter suppression. These improvements have been repeatedly upheld in court, and I am confident that any lawsuit against SF 413 will reach the same result. No amount of politically-motivated lawsuits backed by Washington liberal elites will stop Iowa House Republicans from working to ensure the integrity of our election system." Moscow expects Turkey will share information about those who instigated and organized the assassination of Russias ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the Turkish courts verdict in the case. "We expect the Russian and Turkish investigative authorities will go ahead with tight cooperation and Ankara will promptly provide exhaustive information about the results and conclusions of the trial regarding the instigators and organizers of this terror attack," the ministry said. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it had closely monitored the trial in Ankara. "It is satisfactory that the Turkish law enforcement and judicial systems have at last pronounced their verdict regarding this tragic incident, which left a deep scar on the history of modern Russian-Turkish relations," the Foreign Ministrys statement runs. "We appreciate the Turkish judiciarys resolute condemnation of this terrorist attack, which claimed the life of an outstanding Russian diplomat. The development of bilateral ties in recent years is a reason enough to believe that they have coped with this dramatic, truly unprecedented test," the Foreign Ministry said. As before, Moscow proceeds from the understanding that "a considerable share of responsibility for this crime is borne by certain circles, which on the eve of Karlovs assassination had been artificially fanning an unfavorable climate in the mass media and social networks over Russias actions in Syria." Earlier on Tuesday, the second Ankara court for especially grave crimes sentenced five defendants in the Karlov case to life imprisonment and eight defendants to prison terms of five to fifteen years and acquitted six. The cases of nine accused, who are at large, including the leader of the terrorist organization FETO Fethullah Gulen, were filed as a separate case. Karlov was gunned down on December 19, 2016 while speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition in Ankara. The attacker - policeman Mevlut Mert Altintas - was liquidated. The Russian Foreign Ministry interpreted the incident as a terrorist attack. Russias Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over an act of international terrorism. Karlov was posthumously awarded the title of the Hero of Russia. Late last month, Australia Post, the state-owned postal service, announced a 15.5 percent year on year jump in revenue to $4.3 billion for the first half of the 2020-21 financial year. This was mostly on the back of a 25.9 percent increase in parcel revenue to $3.4 billion. While takings from letter mail again declined, from $1.1 billion to $900 million, cost-cutting under the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) meant losses in that section fell from $87 million to $74.2 million. Parcel delivery produced a $240.8 million profit, yielding an overall after tax return of $166.6 million for the six-month period. Australia Post facility in Sydney Last year, on the pretext of the coronavirus pandemic, Australia Post began its most significant restructure in more than twenty years. Under the ADM, postal workers are now assigned two beats instead of one, which they work on alternate days, substantially increasing the volume of mail each worker must deliver. Thousands of posties have been assigned to deliver only parcels, as part of a shift towards that lucrative sector and away from letter delivery. Without any consultation with workers, the Communication Electrical and Plumbers Union (CEPU) and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) accepted the ADM and agreed to a 12-month strike ban. They are enforcing the restructure, which has already resulted in intolerable workloads and has forced many longstanding postal staff to retire. The unions claimed that the ADM was a temporary response to the pandemic, but in reality these measures had nothing whatsoever to do with safeguarding the health of postal workers. More than 50 Australia Post workers tested positive for COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic, a fact which was concealed for months by management and the union. In reality, the ADM follows years of job cuts and restructuring, carried out with the support of successive Labor and Liberal-National governments and the union. This corporatised Australia Post, transforming it into an entity run by highly-paid executives whose sole aim is to drive up revenue. It prepared it for the latest restructure, which is aimed at boosting profits from parcel delivery, in preparation for full privatisation. The restructuring is part of a major overhaul of the logistics and warehousing sector in Australia and internationally. For the first time in more than a decade, the United States Postal Service (USPS), the national government postal service, reported a decline in package volume in 2019, although overall volume across the industry increased by 11 percent. This was largely a result of online giant Amazon increasingly using its own drivers, at least in the most populous areas. This is part of Amazons drive to establish its own delivery service, thereby virtually eliminating the USPS. The scale of Amazons US operations is such that, even as it has brought close to 50 percent of deliveries in house, its products still account for more than a quarter of the USPSs parcel business. While Australia Post currently handles around 80 percent of the countrys parcel deliveries, management is keenly aware that the corporation faces increasing competition from new players in the parcel delivery business. If it does not ensure market share, by reorganising operations, and adopt the labour practices of its competitors, plans for future privatisation will be jeopardised. Amazon began the Australian roll out of its Flex delivery service last year, so far serving Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. From March 1, Uber will begin offering delivery services to all businesses rather than just restaurants. These companies use a gig-economy model, under which workers are treated as independent contractors rather than employees. As such, workers have no guaranteed hours, leave entitlements, sick pay or superannuation, and are responsible for all expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of the gig economy as hundreds of thousands of workers have been thrown out of stable jobs and forced to accept any work available. A December 2020 report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that more than 100 percent of Australias net employment increase from July to August came from self-employed workers. In other words, the number of self-employed contractors and workers in the gig economy is outstripping the return of permanent jobs that were destroyed in the opening stages of the pandemic, and full-time positions continue to be slashed. While Amazons Australian business has not yet achieved anything like the market dominance the company has in the US, a dramatic increase in online shopping, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided a boon for the retailer. Amazon Australia recorded $1.12 billion in revenue last year, twice what it recorded in 2019. While this remains only a fraction of the US$386 billion revenue of Amazon in the US, the company is clearly committed to rapid expansion across Australia. The injection of $371 million from the US parent company allowed Amazon to open its fourth Australian distribution centre in Brisbane last September. A second Sydney facility is set to open later this year. While Amazon is currently a major customer of Australia Post, the introduction of Flex is a clear indication that the company aims to increase its margins by using its own service for last-mile delivery in major cities. Flex drivers are paid $108 for each four hour delivery block they complete. Workers in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth receive penalty rates on Saturday and Sunday, but those in Sydney do not. Drivers in Perth report online that most blocks require them to deliver around 40 packages, i.e., one every six minutes. Amazon does not guarantee workers a minimum number of hours each week. Instead, drivers must compete for shifts by frantically refreshing an app. Drivers comments on social media indicate that it is virtually impossible to secure more than four or five shifts per week. As independent contractors, these drivers must pay for their own fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance, and are not entitled to paid leave, or workers compensation if they are injured on the job. The Victorian Transport Industry Council estimates the hourly operating costs of an owner driver at $13.78, meaning Flex drivers are left with around $13 per hour in pay after expenses. These abysmal conditions are in line with what is experienced by other gig-economy workers in Australia. A Transport Workers Union survey last year found that food delivery workers in Australia receive an average of just $10.42 per hour. To earn the median income of $49,805, these workers would need to work more than 90 hours per week. This is a warning to workers at Australia Post and throughout the delivery and warehousing sectors. The federal government, Labor and the trade unions are all committed to using the pandemic for a further pro-business overhaul of workplace conditions and industrial relations. The centrepiece is increased flexibility for employees, i.e., an even greater destruction of full-time jobs. Increasingly, the conditions of the gig economy are being brought to all sections of the workforce, including those that were once associated with permanent employment and tolerable conditions. This is seen in the sweeping restructuring being carried out at Coles and Woolworths, with the assistance of the United Workers Union (UWU). Coles is seeking to shut five warehouses, to be replaced by two automated facilities, and to cut more than 2,000 jobs in the process by the end of 2023. Woolworths is planning to shutter three warehouses at a cost of some 1,300 jobs. The UWU has sought to prevent any struggle against this restructure. Last month it forced through a sell-out agreement at Coles Smeaton Grange facility in southwestern Sydney, providing for the closure of the warehouse, the axeing of all of the jobs, and the minimal pay and redundancy provisions demanded by the supermarket giant. The UWU betrayal, carried out in the face of widespread opposition from workers, parallels the role of the unions at Australia Post, which are acting as the police enforcers of the ADM. One after the other, workers struggles are being isolated by the unions and blacked out by the media to prevent a broader movement from emerging. The unions do everything they can to atomise the working class, to block any struggle against the draconian conditions they are imposing on behalf of the major corporations. At both Coles and Australia Post, the unions insist that workers must accept job-cutting and the destruction of their hard won conditions as an inevitable consequence of automation and other developments in technological processes. These arguments expose only the fact that the unions entirely accept and defend the capitalist profit system. Together with the company managements, they insist that all advances in production must be used solely to boost the profits of ultra-wealthy shareholders. In fact, the issue is not automation in itself, but which class oversees and controls it. Technological developments could be used to shorten the working day, without any reduction in pay, and to improve conditions, including in the field of health and safety. That, however, requires that the major corporations and banks be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control, so that they can be operated to meet the needs of workers and of society, rather than a parasitic financial elite. In other words, developments in industry directly pose the necessity of a fight for a workers government and socialism, as the only means of defending jobs and basic conditions. This in turn requires a rebellion against the thoroughly corporatised unions. New organisations of struggle, such as the Australia Post rank-and-file committee that was established at the beginning of the year, must be formed in all workplaces. Workers at Australia Post must unify with their class brothers and sisters in the warehousing sector, at Coles, Woolworths and elsewhere, as well as with the super-exploited staff at Amazon, Uber and throughout the gig-economy. An interconnected network of rank-and-file committees could organise unified industrial and political action across entire sectors, in defence of all jobs, wages and conditions. This is a political fight, directed against major companies, the government, Labor, the unions and the Fair Work industrial framework that they all use to suppress any collective action. Contact the Australia Post rank-and-file committee at auspostalworkers@gmail.com. LONDON: Breaking its silence over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, Buckingham Palace on Tuesday said it has taken 'very seriously' their revelations and those will be addressed by the family privately. On the couple's reference to unnamed royals raising concerns over their son Archie's mixed-race heritage, the palace said the concerning issues of race would be addressed privately as a family matter. "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," the Buckingham Palace statement read. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members," the statement noted. It came a day after the interview was aired in the UK and sent the palace into turmoil, with crisis talks addressing the damaging claims around Meghan's suicidal thoughts as a newly-married Duchess of Sussex. Harry and Meghan also revealed some racist undertones within royal ranks as unnamed royals raised concerns over the skin tone of their first-born son, Archie, even as they were told he would not be made a prince and therefore not provided with security. "I have always had the highest admiration for the Queen and the unifying role that she plays in our country and across the Commonwealth," said Boris Johnson, when asked about the allegations during a Downing Street briefing on Monday evening. "As for all other matters to do with the royal family, I have spent a long time now not commenting on royal family matters and I don't intend to depart from that today," he said, refusing to be drawn into the controversy. Opposition Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said allegations made in the interview should be taken 'very, very seriously'. "It is really sad to see the family in turmoil like this. The issues that Meghan has raised of racism and mental health are really serious issues," said Starmer. "It is a reminder that too many people experience racism in 21st-century Britain. We have to take that very, very seriously. Nobody, but nobody, should be prejudiced (against) because of the colour of their skin or because of their mental health issues," he said, when asked about the controversy during a visit to a school in east London. "This is bigger than the royal family. For too many years we have been too dismissive and too willing to put these issues to one side," he added. Asked by Oprah Winfrey whether there were concerns among royals that her child would be "too brown" and that would be a problem, Meghan said: "If that is the assumption you are making, that is a pretty safe one." Harry and Meghan refused to name individuals behind the alleged racist comments but Winfrey later told CBS, the US network which broadcast the interview, that off camera Harry had stressed that 'neither his grandmother (Queen) nor grandfather (Prince Philip) was part of that conversation'. The allegations have prompted widespread speculation over which royal may have made the comments. In the two-hour interview shot near Harry and Meghan's new home in California, Winfrey asked them about their decision to step back as frontline royals and whether they have any regrets about moving away. While Harry said he felt relieved that he had been able to protect his wife and children, as the couple await the birth of a baby girl in the coming months, Meghan said she regretted that she had trusted the 'institution' of the monarchy when they had assured her that they would protect her from false media attacks. The 39-year-old former actress' revelations about her mental health struggles, which involved thoughts about not wanting to be 'alive anymore', have attracted the maximum reaction on social media and other channels. "It's vital that when people reach out for support or share their experiences of ill mental health that they are treated with dignity, respect and empathy," mental health charity Mind said, in response to attacks on Meghan's interview. Prince Harry expressed hurt that none of his relatives spoke out in support of Meghan about the "colonial undertones" of news headlines and articles. "No one from my family ever said anything over those three years. That hurts," he said. Meghan also told Winfrey she felt betrayed by her father Thomas Markle's conduct in the run up to their wedding in 2018. Thomas told ITV on Tuesday that the interview was the first time he had heard his daughter speak for several years. "I'm very disappointed about it. I've apologised about this thing, what happened, at least 100 times or so," he said. Opinion among the general public in the UK following the interview has been mixed. A new YouGov poll, carried out before the show was aired in full on British television, asked people whether they thought the interview was appropriate or inappropriate. Around 47 per cent said it was inappropriate, while 21 per cent said it was appropriate and 31 per cent didn't know. Shooting Leaves Mayfield Man in Hospital By West Kentucky Star Staff responded to a shots fired call at approximately 5:00 pm in the area of West Water Street and South 15th Street. Police said no injuries were reported. Approximately two hours later, officers received a second shots fired call. Police arrived in the 100 block of South 16th Street where they reportedly found Martaevus Noonan with a gunshot wound to the leg. Noonan was taken by ambulance to Jackson Purchase Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing. MASYFIELD - Two shooting incidents in Mayfield Tuesday night left one person injured.The Mayfield Police Department said officers The Massachusetts travel order does not apply to those who have received full doses of the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The travel order, which was put in place Aug. 1 by Gov. Charlie Baker, required those traveling to and from the commonwealth to obtain a negative test or quarantine upon arrival. Those who broke the travel order could receive a $500 fine per day. Now, however, there are exemptions for those who have received the vaccine. Individuals who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or who have received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine, more than 14 days ago and who do not have symptoms, do not need to obtain a negative test prior to traveling to, or quarantine upon arrival to, Massachusetts, the states guidelines state. The state asks that those individuals have documentation of their vaccines, including the date of administration. Some have been using COVID passports to keep this information readily available. Major U.S. airlines and about 30 travel and labor groups have urged the Biden administration to develop these more officially, according to ABC News. The CDC still does not recommend traveling. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, the CDCs website states. CDC recommends that you do not travel at this time. Delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. This exemption in Massachusetts doesnt include those who have symptoms. This exception does not include vaccinated individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, who must follow all testing and quarantine guidance outlined in the travel rules, the state said. Last week, the state removed three more states from its list of high-risk states. This allows people traveling to-and-from Missouri, Oregon and Washington to travel without needing to quarantine or get tested for COVID-19. If traveling to another state, its also important to check their rules. Related Content: Whether they find love or not, it's almost guaranteed that every Married At First Sight participant is bound to find some kind of fame. And it seems Make Them Suffer, the metalcore band of bride Booka Nile has already started cashing in on her MAFS appearance. As the 31-year-old's love story with Brett Helling unfolds on screen, the band has officially released T-shirts with the 'Metal At First Sight' emblazoned across the front. Reality TV fame pays off! Booka Nile's metalcore band Make Them Suffer cashes in on her Married At First Sight appearance as they launch 'Metal At First Sight' T-shirts The T-shirts are priced at $35, and can be purchased online. They come in a faded black-and-white colour and include an illustration of frontwoman Booka. Cashing in! As the 31-year-old's love story with Brett Helling unfolds on screen, the band has officially released T-shirts with the 'Metal At First Sight' emblazoned across the front The news comes after Booka and her husband Brett, also 31, finally consummated their marriage following a successful 'Post-It note' challenge on the show, last week. And after waking up in bed together on October 7, the couple couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they headed out for a romantic lunch date. Booka and Brett appeared to be on cloud nine as they left their Sydney hotel to grab a bite to eat at a nearby Nando's. She's glowing! The news comes after Booka and her husband Brett, also 31, finally consummated their marriage following a successful 'Post-It note' challenge on the show, last week The sighting comes just days after they revealed they've had a romantic breakthrough. 'We made some progress with our physical affection,' Brett gushed to producers on the show last week. Milestone! Last week, the newlyweds revealed admitted to finally having consummated their their marriage after fears they weren't to each other 'Yeah it's happened. It's good,' Brett said. '[The Post-it note] task was good for us...' he added. Brett said he was happy to have waited for the timing to be right and said that it was much more romantic rather than diving straight into it. Booka previously expressed concerns Brett may not be attracted to her. 'I'm starting to wonder a little bit about whether he's physically attracted to me or not,' she told producers during Wednesday's episode. Happy: 'We made some progress with our physical affection,' Brett gushed to producers on the show last week. 'Yeah it's happened. It's good,' Brett said of the Post-it note task But to her surprise, Brett said: 'I like that you are comfortable being yourself, and you don't try to be anyone else. It's very admirable .' 'I struggled to find five things I don't like about her,' he told producers. 'I'm much more excited about telling her all the positives, 'cause that's something that'll help create a positive relationship,' he added. Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine The Hamilton County Health Department had a record day of first dose vaccinations on Tuesday, County Mayor Jim Coppinger said. He said over 2,200 people received the shots. In addition, there are 7,000 more doses on the way, the county mayor said. He said there is the possibility of converting the Alstom site to a vaccination location rather than testing - giving a fourth vaccination site. The county health department said it has added a total of 5,750 new first dose and 3,303 new second dose Pfizer appointments to the schedule. New First Dose Appointments: March 11-15 at Enterprise South Nature Park New Second Dose Appointments: March 18 and 19 at Tennessee Riverpark March 20 and 21 at CARTA Bus Barn People in the eligible phases are encouraged to visit vaccine.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: 423-209-5399A 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/EligibilityCOVID-19 vaccine appointments are for people who live or work in Hamilton County and meet current eligibility according to the Tennessee Department of Healths Vaccination 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 Departments FAQ page in English and on the Spanish Vaccine page in Spanish. No documentation is required to demonstrate Phase 1C status. Minors (16 and 17 year olds) must have a parent/guardian with them to give medical history and consent at the time of vaccination.Age Group Bracket: 65 years or older, must be a Hamilton County resident No specific medical conditions are requiredPhase 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 16 years or older who cannot live independently due to serious chronic medical condition or intellectual or developmental disabilitiesPhase 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 contactPhase 1B includes:Childcare, pre-school, and kindergarten through twelfth grade teachersSchool staffSchool bus driversOther 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 airportsPhase 1C includes:Chronic renal diseaseCOPD, pulmonary fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis, moderate-severe asthmaDiabetesObesity (BMI 30 or over)Heart failure, CAD, cardiomyopathies, hypertensionSickle cell, thalassemiaCerebrovascular disease or strokeDementiaLiver diseaseHigh risk progressive neuromuscular disorderDown SyndromeWomen ages 16 years and older who are pregnant and their permanent household residents 16 years and older *Pregnant women were not included in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials; however, the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is thought to be significantly higher than the risk of vaccination. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their health care provider.)Technologically-dependent individuals ages 16 years or older and the household residents and caregivers of children under 16 years old who are technologically-dependent. Such as individuals who are ventilator-dependent, oxygen-dependent, with tracheostomy, wheelchair-bound due to high-risk medical condition, or require tube feedings, parenteral nutrition, or dialysis. Individuals ages 16 years or older with immunocompromising conditions and the household residents and caregivers of children under 16 years old who have immunocompromising conditions. Such as individuals receiving chemotherapy, requiring daily oral steroids or other immunosuppressants, those with HIV/AIDS or other diagnosed high-risk immunodeficiency.Household residents and caregivers of children under 16 years old who have complex congenital heart disease requiring ongoing medical management, such as Tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and double outlet right ventricle, or qualify for the Katie Beckett waiver.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) Print and complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Encounter form for both 1st and 2nd dose appointments. Click here to download the form: https://bit.ly/3caxvL3. Forms are available on-site, but bringing a completed form to the vaccination site will accelerate the process. Be prepared to wait 20 minutes after shot Be prepared for the entire process to take an hour or moreVaccination Record CardWhen 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 Health Departments COVID-19 hotline is available to answer your COVID-19 questions at 423-209-8383. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. In both countries, the regimes are ignoring the concept of religious freedom and seeking to control their populations by force. In China The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long had a campaign to repress Chinese Christians. Most recently this has consisted of blatant destruction of churches, crosses and religious symbols. While these measures are devastating and very demoralising, they obviously have not been enough to wipe out faith. So a new law is to come into play in May 2021 to further subjugate Christians. 'Administrative Measures for Religious Clergy' will come into force on 1 May 2021. To operate legally, religious clergy i.e., those who 'engage in religious teaching activities' - will need to registered and comply with a number of regulations: They require a 'clergy card' showing they are registered in the national database of authorised clergy This means they have to be identified by an authorised CCP approved/registered religious group, and be willing 'to support the leadership of the Communist Party of China [and] the socialist system They will be obliged to operate under the 'supervision and management' of the CCP's Religious Affairs Department which will 'guide', monitor and 'file records' on all registered clergy And they will be obliged to monitor and report on each other. As occurs with 'social credit', a system of rewards and punishments will apply Registration will be difficult to achieve and easy to lose. As Bitter Winter notes (11 Feb): 'Compliant clergy [are] thus transformed into apparatchiks of the CCP, lured by rewards and terrorised by punishments. They will be called to "Sinicize" their religions and preach love for the CPP to their devotees. Not much will be left of genuine religion - which is precisely the aim of these and other previous measures.' For clergy (religious workers), as with churches, the choice is now between (1) compliance (serving the CCP), (2) open resistance (resulting in prison), or (3) secret resistance (moving ministry deep underground). Affected people include pastors of the Protestant house churches, Catholic conscientious objectors who reject the Vatican-China deal of 2018 and refuse to join the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, teachers and clergy at independent mosques and Buddhist and Taoist temples, Jewish rabbis (as Judaism is not one of the five authorized religions), and religious personnel of new religious movements. One evangelist destined to fall foul of the law is Brother Chen Wensheng of Hunan Province. A former drug addict, transformed by Jesus, the irrepressible Brother Chen conducts street evangelism in Hengyang city. Despite the pressure, Chen says, 'I have made up my mind to proclaim the gospel - even in prison.' In Iran According to the Iranian regime, Iran respects religious freedom and Christians currently serving prison sentences in Iran are not in prison because of their faith. Rather, it insists, the condemned Christians have all been found to be members of 'enemy groups'. Iranian Christians who worship in the historic churches (ethnic Armenian and Assyrian) enjoy relative freedom. The historic churches must conduct their services in the Armenian and Assyrian languages, not Farsi (Persian, the official language of Iran, which is spoken by the general populace). The government sees house churches as a major threat as they use Farsi and are composed almost entirely of converts from Islam. Church leaders have described the phenomenal growth as revival and the distribution of over 1.5 million Farsi New Testaments has led to government warnings about the influence of the red book. Security police are constantly trying to find and close house churches; leaders are often arrested and tortured in an effort to track down all members. When exiled Christian convert Ebrahim Firouzi (34) presented himself to the prosecutor as requested, he was arrested. Now incarcerated in Chabahar prison, the long-persecuted, ever-faithful Firouzi has commenced a hunger strike. Before his arrest, he told his supporters that he was 'not afraid of being sent back to prison for telling the truth' about persecution and injustice. 'The power of Christ's love for us is such that no power can distract us from what we believe,' he said. 'They may be able to hurt us [physically], but they can't do damage to our souls.' This is brave speech from a man who knows exactly how much the regime can hurt him both physically and emotionally. The regime clearly wants to break him. We need to pray Lord, comfort and encourage all of China's faithful Christian leaders, teachers and evangelists; Holy Spirit guide each one personally, strengthen their faith with unshakeable assurance that 'he who promised is faithful' (Hebrews Chapter 10 verse 23). 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. "I know your tribulation ... Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days [i.e. a limited time] you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life".' (From Revelation chapter 2 verses 8-11 ESV) God, sustain and encourage Brother Chen Wensheng. May God sustain all Iran's incarcerated and suffering Christians, may the Spirit of the Lord provide comfort, faith and peace, and the 'rest' (Matthew Chapter 11 verse 28) that comes from trusting the God who is faithful. May Jehovah Jireh (God our provider) sustain them in every way. Lord, intervene on behalf of the long-suffering and faithful Ebrahim Firouzi; may he be assured of the Lord's eternal presence and sustaining grace; may Firouzi's 'light' (Matthew chapter 5 verses 14-16) continue to shine brightly despite all efforts by the regime-of-darkness to suppress it. And may the Lord Jesus Christ continue to build his Church in Iran. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts' (from Zechariah Chapter 4 verse 6 ESV). Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The Biden presidency has directly or indirectly impacted other South Asian developments too US President Joe Biden, within two months of taking charge, has moved with speed to implement his domestic and international agenda. His predecessors jibe dubbing him Sleepy Joe is proving totally wrong. Of concern to India is the United States pushing Afghanistan towards what the draft paper sent to all parties, including the Taliban, calls the Afghanistan Peace Agreement. Simultaneously, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken wrote to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and senior statesman Abdullah Abdullah, urging acceleration of the entire peace process. The Biden presidency has directly or indirectly impacted other South Asian developments too. India and Pakistan surprisingly announced restoration of the 2003 ceasefire agreement after two years of heavy exchanges along the Line of Control. India ignored its dictum that no de-escalation with Pakistan was possible till it abandoned the use of terror as an adjunct to diplomacy. Pakistan decided to withdraw its precondition that till India restored the status quo ante in Kashmir, normality couldnt be restored. The US role is more clearly manifest, observing its new exit strategy from the two-decade Afghan conflict. That the US would treat Pakistan with greater deference than the Trump administration did became clear early after Team Biden began articulating its foreign policy priorities. The retention of Zalmay Khalilzad as US special representative for Afghanistan confirmed continuity rather than innovation in Americas Afghan policy. President Trump fathered the deal with the Taliban and declared a complete US troop withdrawal by May 1, 2021. US troop levels are now down to 2,500. Thus, Mr Blinkens letters to the two top Afghan leaders and the draft peace agreement, despite the letter which concedes we have not yet completed our review of the way ahead, sets out the future path. While the letter cajoled President Ghani to cooperate through subtle threats and doomsday scenario, the draft peace agreement specifies the next steps, under three sub-headings. One outlines the guiding principles for a new constitution and the future Afghan state. It envisions a multi-ethnic state and the protection of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The second spells out the possible shape of a transitional government that includes separation of powers. The President will be the commander-in-chief, apparently for the seamless integration of Taliban fighters in todays Afghan Army. He will also retain international relations, perhaps for better coordination with multiple foreign stakeholders, especially regional powers. The third is the need for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. Two immediate processes are envisaged. One, the United Nations will be urged to convene the foreign ministers and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India and the US. Separately, Turkey will be asked to host a senior-level meeting of both sides -- the Afghan government and the Taliban, in coming weeks to finalise a peace agreement. A controversy arose on whether Russia, perhaps on behalf of Pakistan and China, wanted India excluded from the regional group. The old Quadrilateral Coordination Group had the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China. Thus, Indias inclusion is acceptance that the regional group would lack balance without India, as the interests of China, Pakistan and Russia mostly converge. In any case, Indias development assistance to Afghanistan has been exemplary and appreciated by the ordinary Afghan. But the United States has unlevelled the playing field by scaling back its military presence. The Afghan Army is unable to control anything more than the larger population centres. Even in Kandahar, the countrys second-largest city with great symbolic significance for the Taliban, the land access is with the Taliban. Mr Blinkens letter ends with the warning that a US troop withdrawal by May 1 is a possibility and thereafter, even with US financial assistance for the Afghan Army, the security situation will worsen and that the Taliban could make rapid territorial gains. This is a surrender to the Taliban-Pakistan interests even before a dialogue begins. This perhaps explains the Pakistan Army accepting a ceasefire at the Line of Control with India. They can see the balance of forces in Afghanistan tilting in their favour. Thus, they are willing to put their Kashmir strategy on hold, trying through a dialogue and Americas urgings for the status quo to be restored, while they consolidate their advantage in the west, especially by negating Indias role in a post-Ghani Afghanistan. It would be delusional to assume the Pakistan Army has swallowed the altered status quo in J&K. Indian options are circumscribed by mutated regional geopolitics compared to the late 1990s after Kabul fell to the Taliban in 1996. First, India-Iran-Russia then had total convergence of strategic interests to ensure that the Taliban couldnt capture northern Afghanistan. The three coordinated to keep the Northern Alliance alive and the Panjshir valley free, while Ahmad Shah Masood lived. Irans western border was still blocked by an inimical Saddam Hussein. Today that alliance is one in name only, as shown by the controversy over Russias role in barring India from the regional grouping. Moreover, Irans primary strategic interest is in getting US and other sanctions lifted and retaining control over Shia Crescent that runs through Shia-majority Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Today the Iran-Taliban ties are workable if not warm, with the Taliban curbing its anti-Shia zeal for the larger strategic goal of reducing its dependence on Pakistan. Iran provides an alternative exit to the open seas, and both distrust the US. The transition in Afghanistan will be tricky. Taliban tactics of fight-and-talk worked for them, particularly with the US broadcasting its military exit. Why will they accept a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire without gaining substantial control over the transitional government? The Afghan government needs money and air cover for special forces, about a quarter of the total army, well trained by the US and doing the critical fighting as the regular forces buckle. India might be able to finance but can hardly replace the US level of air cover with drones, armed helicopters and medivacs. Can India engage the Taliban, despite Pakistani objections? The Taliban too will need development aid, which even now is largely channelled in the rural hinterland through them as the government lacks access. But a constant negative will be the BJPs minority-bashing majoritarian politics and its Kashmir policy. Pakistan will count on that to keep India in the Talibans bad books. As the US exits, India must redesign its approach to an altered AfPak salient. Indias domestic and neighbourhood policies are scraping against each other. The looming Assembly elections, particularly in West Bengal and Assam, will show whether even the Indian masses are tiring of divisive and jingoistic politics. Far from shying away from controversy, Piers Morgan (55) has made an entire career out of courting it. In a media landscape that has become increasingly bland, his dissenting voice has made him one of the UKs biggest TV stars after he became the broadcaster that people love to hate. Despite employing him as their ratings-winner motormouth, Morgan and ITVs relationship came to an end this week. It parted ways with him on Tuesday night in what he said was an amicable fashion. ITV had received over 41,000 complaints to Ofcom about his comments about Meghan Markle on Good Morning Britain where he said he did not believe a word she said when it came to her suicidal feelings, sparking uproar from mental health activists. But when it comes to reading the room this week, Morgan has been positively myopic. Even before he walked off-set after a spat with co-presenter Alex Beresford about Meghan Markle, he got Tuesday morning off to a bad start. Read More Coming on the back of International Womens Day, he scored a huge own-goal by remarking on how his co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins was wearing a mini-skirt that morning. He said that his eyes were slightly distracted and that it must be summer time" as Hawkins stood up to point out in a calm fashion that it was in fact, a dress. When it comes to clocking up the controversies, Morgan born Piers OMeara, his biological father is from Offaly has so many, he must have his own dedicated Ofcom officer at this stage. Here we take a look back at some of the stand-out moments in his career: Phone hacking scandal During his time as editor of The Daily Mirror, the newspaper became embroiled in a huge controversy in 2011 which centred on the hacking of celebrities phones, including Heather Mills. Morgan denied ever having been directly involved in the illegal practice and stated that he had never published any story using information obtained that way. His comments did not sit well with Brian Leveson who chaired the official inquiry. He said Morgan's testimony was utterly unpersuasive and he was aware it was something that went on in the media at the time. Staged pictures He was sacked as editor of the Daily Mirror in October 2011 after the publication of doctored images of British soldiers abusing an Iraqi prisoner. The images, which made headlines around the world, were denounced as fake after his employers claimed he had fallen victim to a calculated and malicious hoax. Supposedly depicting members of the Queens Lancashire Regiment (QLR), an investigation concluded that the scenes had been staged in a lorry in the car park of a Territorial Army barracks near Manchester. His employers said it would be inappropriate for him to continue on in the role he had for nine years after the error. War on veganism In December 2019, he launched a broadside at British bakery chain Greggs for introducing vegan sausage rolls. He labelled them PC-ravaged clowns and tried one of its new products on air before spewing it into a bin and slamming the taste: It absolutely stinks and tastes disgusting. Why would anyone eat this? Friendship with Trump Morgan struck up a relationship with former US president Donald Trump after appearing on the 2008 US version of the show Celebrity Apprentice. He backed him to win the 2016 presidency and continued to publicly support him. He appeared on ITVs Loose Women in 2017 where he was challenged to repudiate him but he refused. While he said he disagreed with him on many issues relating to gun control and abortion, he said he understood the principal of the Muslim travel ban. Following on from the Capitol Hill insurrection, he did a U-turn and said his former pal was mentally unfit to remain as president. Claims of racism During an episode of Good Morning Britain, he made comments about a Chinese dairy advert featuring Queen Elizabeths grandson Peter Phillips. He attempted to repeat the Chinese language from the clip. He then added: Hes using ching chang chong milk from the Chinese state thats what they said in the advert! He was accused of mocking the Chinese language and was hit by 1,095 complaints to Ofcom over the remarks, prompting a formal apology from ITV Celebrity feuds Morgan has not backed away when it comes to igniting tensions with high-profile celebrities. He has fought with everyone from Alan Sugar, to the late food critic AA Gill, and TV star Jeremy Clarkson (who punched him at the 2004 British press awards). He took umbrage with the Womens March on Washington in 2017, describing protestors as rabid feminists. Actor Ewan McGregor pulled out of appearing on Good Morning Britain as a result of his comments as he did not wish to be interviewed by him. Morgan reacted by accusing him of being a paedophile-loving hypocrite for previously supporting film-maker Roman Polanski. President Biden's inner circle has spent a ton of time thinking about how to sell his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan around the country long after he signs it into law this week. Why it matters: Total opposition from elected Republicans in Washington renders public popularity and bipartisanship across the U.S. vital to maintaining support for the president's agenda. Details: Team Biden is planning a large and long-running sales campaign, including local media outreach and the cultivation of coalition media campaigns. Cabinet officials will join White House aides in publicly selling the impact of the package on schools, vaccine distribution and food supply for poor families, a senior administration official told Axios. Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, is tasked with mobilizing the myriad outside groups that make up the Democratic coalition. Their job will be to ensure communities connect the help they're receiving to the federal government. A White House official familiar with the planning said they'll be leveraging the groups and leaders who have endorsed the package, "including over 400 bipartisan mayors and governors, organized labor and the business community, as well as economists and experts from across the political spectrum." Behind the scenes: Biden views it as strategically important that Americans understand the checks and other forms of assistance they'll be receiving are products of the new law. The fact he can't claim he got a bipartisan deal in Washington makes it essential he maintain broad public support for the package. The aim isn't just short-term political gain such as a boost in the 2022 midterms but so Biden can build on the legislation and make it harder for the next Republican president to unwind. The big picture: Team Biden's hope is this strategy will net the new president political rewards President Obama never saw for his 2009 financial recovery package. Biden thought Obama should have taken a big victory lap after passing the $840 billion package and doesn't plan to repeat that political mistake. Currently, about 70% of Americans support Biden's rescue plan. It's far more popular than Obama's plan, even though it's more than double the cost. Last year, several senior Democrats told Axios they could learn a few things about retail politics from Donald Trump. The former president loudly took credit for his stimulus bills, including demanding his name be added to the checks mailed to Americans. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that Biden's name won't appear on the new $1,400 stimulus checks, but his team won't be sheepish about claiming credit in other ways. The bottom line: For the very definition of a Washington insider, Joe Biden may find his outside game to be his political lifeline while in the White House. Tom Zanetti has reportedly joined the cast of his girlfriend Sophie Hermann's show Made In Chelsea, after the pair's romance blossomed on Celebs Go Dating. The DJ, 31, is said to have already started shooting scenes for the long-running E4 reality show, which is expected to document his relationship with Sophie, 34. A source told The Sun: 'Tom's filming the show right now him and Sophie are already pretty serious and getting along really well. New gig? Tom Zanetti has reportedly joined the cast of his girlfriend Sophie Hermann's show Made In Chelsea, after the pair's romance blossomed on Celebs Go Dating 'The whole cast have to form a bubble at the huge country house they're filming the show at, so it's not that different to Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion only he now has to impress all of her best friends.' MailOnline has contacted a representative for Tom Zanetti for comment. Last month, Sophie shared the news they were a couple during an Instagram Live with co-star Chloe Ferry, just weeks after MailOnline exclusively revealed they shared a 'sexual attraction' during their time in the Surrey mansion for the E4 series. 'We're cute, right?', a loved-up Sophie told her social media followers, before she joked her new friend Chloe, 25, would be her 'number one bridesmaid' if she was to tie the knot to the DJ in the future. Filming: The celebrity DJ, 31, is said to have already started shooting scenes for the long-running E4 reality show, which is expected to document his new relationship The Geordie Shore star praised the socialite's new relationship with the producer as she said: 'I'm really enjoying watching you and Tom, it's really nice to see, very cute. Can I be a bridesmaid? Will there be cake?' Beaming with delight, the German fashion designer gushed: 'We're cute, right? If we get married, absolutely bridesmaid number one.' The influencer pointed out her raucous ways as she chimed in: 'I'm never allowed at a wedding because I get too drunk and I ruin it', before Sophie laughed: 'My concern is that you'll get absolutely sloshed before anything starts.' Last month, sources revealed the businesswoman and the musician enjoyed a secret romance during filming. 'We're cute, right?' Sophie recently confirmed she's dating Tom after meeting on this year's Celebs Go Dating (pictured on the series) The singletons started to privately message while living in the lavish property, where the cast of Celebs Go Dating stayed for a month as they filmed the show. A TV insider told MailOnline: 'Sparks were flying between them from the minute they walked into the mansion. 'Tom had no idea who Sophie was to begin with and that seemed to be an aphrodisiac for her she loved being teased by him and the banter they shared together. 'They couldn't keep their hands off each other and became the talk of the house, especially when the rest of the cast found out they had been secretly texting. Off the market! Last month, TV personality Sophie shared the news they were a couple during an Instagram Live with co-star Chloe Ferry 'Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they really got on and couldn't resist spending as much time together as they could in the house.' The blonde previously enjoyed a fling with Skype's Ones to Watch and Lewis Hamilton's close pal, Jonny Hynes, while Tom previously dated Katie Price, Love Island's Hayley Hughes and model Daisey O'Donnell. Last this month, the new couple seemingly broke lockdown rules to spend a romantic evening together on Valentine's Day. The British rapper and his love interest accidentally revealed their date night at home through videos posted to Instagram, reports The Sun. Tom lives 220 miles away from Sophie's West London base, in Leeds, with the pair's romantic evening suggesting they flouted government guidelines which forbid non-essential travel and household mixing. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. LANSING, MI -- Herbert Alford spent nearly five years behind bars after he was accused and eventually convicted in 2016 in the shooting death of Michael Adams, even though he was nowhere near Adams when the shooting took place. Alford couldnt have been in the area at the time as he was renting a car at the Lansing airport which is 20 minutes away from where Adams was killed in 2011. Alford was freed from prison, his conviction was overturned and all charges were dropped in 2020 after the rental company finally turned over the receipt proving he was at the airport six minutes before the shooting, according to WLNS. On Tuesday, Alford and his lawyer, James White of Lansing filed suit against Hertz alleging the company failed to come forward with the requested receipt in a timely manner. Alford is seeking monetary damages in the case, but it may be held up as the company is currently going through bankruptcy reorganization. There is no question that (Alford) would have avoided going to prison had they produced this documentation, White said. Although Alfords trial took place in 2016, Hertz did not produce the receipt proving Alfords innocence until 2018, long after Alford had already been sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. Hertz did not respond to requests for comment, according to the Associated Press. READ MORE: Father of student who brought device that exploded at school arrested on multiple charges His heart was too big for this world. Family mourns Chelsea teen killed on I-94 Motorcyclist crashes while passing patrol car in police chase SPRINGFIELD A Pittsfield resident was granted pretrial release Tuesday after he was arrested and charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Troy E. Sargent bragged about heading to the Capitol ahead of a rally to resist the results of the presidential election that ushered President Joe Biden into office, according to FBI records unsealed on Tuesday. In (a) part of the video in which the following two screen shots were taken, Sargent moves forward to the front of the line, appears to throw a punch with his right hand at a police officer, inadvertently strikes another member of the crowd, and then retreats back into the crowd, an FBI affidavit reads. Sargent held a cell phone in his left hand, taking selfies throughout the chaos, and was allegedly spotted on the scaffolding attached to the Capitol in photos, according to court records. One of his captions read: Im not missing this sh-t. Sargent faces six criminal charges including forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding federal officers, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, knowingly engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in restricted building or grounds, knowingly engaging in physical violence in restricted building or grounds and willfully and knowingly engaging in physical violence in capitol grounds or buildings. He was set free on bail, but restricted from any out-of-state travel in the meantime, including for work. He is prohibited from drug use and committing any additional alleged crimes. Im not going to call this a protest Im going to call this a criminal its criminal, U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson said during Sargents initial hearing. Five deaths have been associated with the violence that followed rallies that drew thousands of supporters of President Donald J. Trump to the nations capital. At least one Capitol Police officer died in the aftermath of the attack, and another died by suicide in the days that followed. Seven alleged insurrectionists have been arrested by the Boston FBI office, officials have said. One other suspect Brian McCreary, a Dominos pizza delivery employee also from North Adams was arrested in February. McCreary appeared to take a more passive role in the riots, according to court records. He was shown apparently leaning up against a wall shooting video of the mayhem. Sargent, meanwhile, is shown taking selfies and smirking buttressed against a wall of police in riot gear, according to court records. And images attached to Sargents charging documents in federal court show him in a scrum of protesters and police. In (another) part of the video in which the following screen shots were taken, Sargent approaches the front of the crowd of rioters, confronts the line of police officers attempting to hold the crowd back, and physically engages with one of the officers with his right hand while holding what appears to be a cell phone in his left hand. Sargent appears to make physical contact with one or more law-enforcement officers, court records say. Related content: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. It has been a year since Chinese citizen journalist Fang Bin was detained by the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) authorities for reporting on the early days of the COVID-19 breakout in Wuhan. According to Radio Free Asia, Fang was being held incommunicado since March 5 and his family has since then refrained from speaking to the media about his case for fear of government retribution. According to the RFA's sources, Fang was captured by authorities on alleged "incitement to subvert state power," but his charge was later changed to "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," an accusation often hurled at peaceful demonstrations of CCP opposition. But the disappearance of the Wuhan citizen journalist is sparking concern from human rights groups and those who are close to him. Fang was captured by the police after he took to social media to post footage from various Wuhan hospitals during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 breakout. On February 1, 2020, he posted a video recording of five dead bodies from the Wuhan No. 5 Hospital. The Wuhan citizen journalist was initially detained on February 10. Fang caught the attention of authorities when he accused the CCP of failing to handle the early stages of the pandemic and presiding over a "man-made disaster" versus a natural one. U.S.-based dissident in exile Cai Xia took to Twitter to express her concern for Fang, writing, "It has been a year, and there is still no news of Fang Bin, which is worrying. We mustn't forget about Fang Bin, or stop looking for him." The Wuhan citizen journalist has not been forgotten by friends and family who continue to contact authorities for updates on his situation. A person who hid behind the name Xu told the RFA that Fang's sister and son, who works in Beijing, kept mum on the Wuhan citizen journalist's situation, and revealed that "No lawyer is involved in the case." He added that it was "hugely worrying that there has been no news," especially after they'd hoped there would be news following the U.S. presidential elections and President Biden's inauguration, which would hopefully somehow ease tensions between the U.S. and China. Fang is just one of the many Wuhan citizen journalists that the CCP have captured and detained for over a year now. DW reported that during the early days of the pandemic, young residents in eastern China started to question state media reports on the coronavirus, deeming them "untrustworthy." It was the Wuhan citizen journalists who were able to provide truthful insight into what was really going on in the city. Soon afterwards, the CCP authorities cracked down on Wuhan citizen journalists, including Fang and Zhang Zhan, a Christian journalist who was sentenced to four years in prison after covering the coronavirus outbreak. After a year of detention, Zhang had lost considerable weight and looked malnourished and "almost unrecognizable," her defense lawyer Ren Quanniu said in December. Human rights advocates and groups continue to call for their release and pardon from prison. Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Astro Aerospace (OTCQB: ASDN) ("Company" or "Astro"), a global leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles and drones, announced today that it has appointed Patricia Trompeter, M&A and financial expert, to its Board of Directors. Ms. Trompeter will serve on the Audit Committees. This board appointment brings Astro's total board membership to 2 Board Members. Ms. Trompeter brings more than 16 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and over 15 years in financial management to Astro's Board. Ms. Trompeter held a variety of executive positions at GE Capital including CFO, Controller, Operations Leader, Quality Leader, and Mergers & Acquisitions. She was integral in GE Capital's successful acquisition of Guinness Peat Aviation, which contributes to the more than $17 Billion of acquisitions she has completed. Ms. Trompeter's experience at GE gave her a breadth of knowledge in the Aviation Industry from aircraft engines to spending a significant amount of time in GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). After leaving GE, Ms. Trompeter took a short break to focus in the non-profit sector and on family. In 2019, she returned to the venture capital sector as Co-Founder of Webbs Hill Partners, an independent investment and advisory firm growing innovative technologies in emerging markets. She is also the Founder of a new venture, Ceres Capital Holdings. Ms. Trompeter commented, "Astro is a trailblazer in the eVTOL market with one of the safest and most efficient eVTOLs in the world. Our planet's urban centers are in desperate need of sustainable and efficient transport solutions to support growing populations and congestion. Over sixteen percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions are from transport, and Astro's technology is the aerial advancement we need to create positive l environmental change." Ms. Trompeter joining Astro's Board comes at an opportune time as the Company anticipates significant growth in the eVTOL sector. On February 18th Astro announced it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire Horizon Aircraft Inc., creator of the world's first eVTOL that flies exactly like a conventional aircraft for the majority of its mission. Astro CEO, Bruce Bent said, "Patricia's many years of executive experience in acquisition integration, corporate strategy development and financial management will be extremely beneficial as we enter this new chapter with Horizon. Our combined technologies are entering an eVTOL aircraft market projected to hit $87.64 Billion by 2026, and Patricia's deep knowledge of growing disruptive technologies in emerging markets will be an asset to the Company." Ms. Trompeter is a graduate of Business Administration from Marquette University majoring in Finance & Economics. About Astro Aerospace Astro Aerospace is the developer of the world's most advanced, autonomous, short haul, eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aerial vehicles. Our mission is to make self-flying unmanned and manned vehicles available to anyone, at anytime, from anywhere, and to turn this new and exciting aircraft into a mainstream mode of transportation. Our vision is "Flight Made Easy". Visit www.flyastro.com for more information. Forward-Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements," which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as "may," "might," "will," "will likely result," "would," "should," "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "continue," "target" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: the Company's reliance on one key customer for a substantial percentage of its revenue; the Company's ability to consummate any proposed financing, acquisition or transaction, the timing of the closing of such proposed event, including the risks that a condition to closing would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all, or that the closing of any proposed financing, acquisition or transaction will not occur or whether any such event will enhance shareholder value; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to attract, maintain and increase the number of its customers; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants; the Company successfully implementing its growth strategy; management's relationships with industry stakeholders; the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the businesses of the Company's subsidiaries; and other risks, uncertainties and factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligations to update these statements, except as may be required by law. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 For inquiries contact: Mike@flyastro.com. Astro Aerospace Ltd 320 W. Main Street Lewisville, TX 75057 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76754 Alessandra Ambrosio put on an extremely cosy display with hunky fellow model Richard Lee during a date night in LA on Tuesday. The Brazilian beauty, 39, went for a low-key look as she emerged with her date for the evening, amid widespread rumours that she split from her longtime boyfriend Nicolo Oddi, who she has not been seen with since December. After spending the day modelling on the beach, Alessandra was letting her hair down as she cosied up to Richard, whose Instagram pictures she frequently 'likes'. New romance? Alessandra Ambrosio put on an extremely cosy display with hunky fellow model Richard Lee during a date night in LA on Tuesday Alessandra and Richard held hands as they left an eatery in Santa Monica and snuggled up together as they waited for their car at the valet station. Looking the picture of comfort, she wore a loose fitting nude jumper and chic baggy pants while draping a red padded jacket over her arm. Clearly at ease in Richard's presence, she wore her hair in a mussed low bun and seemed to be in total chilled out mode. On the outing, he contrasted a cosy winter coat with flip-flops and baggy trousers as he walked alongside the beauty and tenderly kissed her cheek. Still together? The Brazilian beauty, 39, went for a low-key look as she emerged with her date for the evening, amid widespread rumours that she split from her longtime boyfriend Nicolo Oddi (pictured), who she has not been seen with since December Smooched: Alessandra and model Richard snuggled up together as they waited for their car at the valet station Hold me close: After spending the day modelling on the beach, Alessandra was letting her hair down as she cosied up to Richard, whose Instagram pictures she frequently 'likes' Her hunky date Richard is signed to SMG Model Management and Wilhelmina Models and his details are listed on his portfolio as: 'HEIGHT 6' 0'' WAIST 32'' SUIT 40R SHOE 10 US HAIR BLACK EYES BROWN'. Alessandra has liked six of the nine pictures Richard has posted since 1 December 2020, including sharing laughing emojis under an image of fried okra. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Alessandra for comment. Prior to the date, the former Victoria's Secret Angel has been at the center of relationship rumors amid her absence from Nicolo. Mystery man: The pair appeared very close with eyes only for each other Sweet: Alessandra has liked six of the nine pictures Richard has posted since 1 December 2020, including sharing laughing emojis under an image of fried okra The couple were last together on their trip to Brazil in late 2020 but have not been seen together since. She then shared several Valentine's Day posts in February but did not mention Nicolo at all on the romantic day. Alessandra began dating Nicolo not long after ending her engagement to Jamie Mazur from whom she split in March 2018 after 10 years together. She shares daughter Anja, 12, and son Noah, eight, with Jamie. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that all remaining poor rural residents, totaling 5.51 million in early 2020, were lifted from poverty by the end of last year, as were all of the country's remaining 52 poor counties, when delivering the Report on the Work of the Government on March 5. Sichuan province in southwest China, once a major battlefield for poverty eradication, contributed significantly to the achievement. Of the total 183 county-level regions in Sichuan, 161 were plagued by poverty, and 45 of them struggled in extreme poverty. Last year, 6.25 million poor people in 11,501 villages of 88 impoverished counties rose above poverty. Abuluoha, once "the poorest corner in China," was among the 11,501 villages. In Yi ethnic language, "abuluoha" means "a deep valley in the mountain" or "an off-limit place." It is nestled in a valley along the Jinsha River in Butuo county, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The geological location made the village once inaccessible by modern means of transportation. Villagers had to climb over the mountains and cliffs or use ziplines to cross rivers to see the outside world. Changes came in 2019 when Sichuan vowed to make all villages accessible with paved roads by the end of the year. In June, engineering vehicles arrived in Abuluoha. Construction of the merely 3.8-km-long road to the village was a daunting challenge as most of it was close to steep cliffs. Apart from leading experts, Sichuan managed to make the Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter come to help. "We were astonished to see an excavator walking out of the belly of an aircraft," recalled a villager who was only 20 meters away from where the helicopter landed. The completion of the road a year later marked that all administrative villages in Sichuan were became accessible by motor vehicles. Thanks to the road, local residents bade farewell to poverty, with their incomes growing exponentially. Ending poverty is not the finishing line, but marks a new start. On February 25, China unveiled the new national administration for rural vitalization to replace former State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development. Behind the reshuffle is the historic shift of China's focus on rural wok. Sichuan has already made moves to vitalize the rural areas. Industrial prosperity is key to China's rural vitalization strategy. As an agriculture-based province, Sichuan started from accelerating the pace of agricultural modernization. So far, Liangshan has planned to build 118 modern agricultural industrial parks to provide jobs to more than 80 percent of former impoverished households. Farmers in Sichuan's Dayi County now do farm work on "cloud." Zhu Lisha, a local farmer, said all the work can be finished on her mobile phone. By clicking an app icon, she gets into a map of her farmland. The app features four sections, namely agricultural means of production, farm work, harvest and finance. "You can place an order on the phone and have a special team to do the job," Zhu said, adding that it is even unnecessary to go to the farmland to get the work done. Another part of Sichuan's rural vitalization strategies is digital countryside construction. In 2020, Tibetan heartthrob Ding Zhen went viral online, making his hometown Litang County in Garze rise to fame overnight. Hanfan Village in Litang used to face serious desertification. In 2016, the village started to combine environmental restoration with tourism development on a trial basis by planting drought-resistant flower species on a land measuring 53.3 hectares in area. Beside the ocean of flowers, a 13.3-hectare prairie-themed resort was built. While preserving the ecology, the flower farm and prairie-themed resort brought tourism incomes to local residents. In the future, Sichuan's focal efforts in vitalizing the rural areas will include advancing reforms of the collective property rights system, boosting new-type rural collective economy, exploring sustainable sources for farmers' incomes, promoting cooperation in agriculture, further modernizing the industrial and supply chains of agricultural industrial parks, expanding the use of new technologies and equipment in agriculture, and improving the environment in rural areas. Washington: China and Russia have agreed to collaborate on building and operating a robotic scientific outpost on the moon or in lunar orbit, the China National Space Administration announced. The agency said the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the joint effort to build an international lunar research station. CNSA and the Russian space Roscosmos are still working out details of the stations planning, design, construction and operations. A image from a panoramic camera aboard the lander-ascender combination of Change-5 spacecraft after it landed on the moon. Credit:AP Both nations want to open the station to international cooperation so it can serve as a platform to boost scientific exchanges and foster peaceful exploration and development of outer space, the statement said. Harry Kazianis, a senior director at the Washington, DC-based public policy think tank Centre for the National Interest, said an authoritarian alliance in space should worry the United States. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A forest of wooden signposts is to be installed in the courtyard of the Hyde Park Barracks in a bold visual representation of the journeys that brought convicts and migrants to the NSW colony. A year after Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones covered the courtyard in stones and embedded emu prints, notable artist Fiona Hall has been given the same canvas to create a major public art installation which will open in April. Artist Fiona Hall, who has been commissioned to transform the courtyard of the Hyde Park Barracks into a forest of signposts. Credit:Joshua Morris Hall is to dress the Unesco World Heritage-listed site with 300 signposts representing those who once lived at the Barracks, from its days as a dormitory for convict labourers to immigration depot and asylum for the sick and destitute. The Who Goes Here? project has been made possible by meticulous record-keeping by colonial authorities, the passion of amateur genealogists who have shared their family histories, and the latest GPS tracking, Sydney Living Museums Beth Hise said. Press Release March 10, 2021 POE GIVES DITO A PASSING MARK FOR FULFILLING YEAR-ONE COMMITMENTS Sen. Grace Poe approved Dito Telecommunity's franchise application at the committee level upon meeting the requirements of its first year of franchise application. "Dito was granted the third-player status because it was evaluated as capable of competing with the other two major players. And while we understand birthing pains, we are also looking for marked improvement from the status quo by the present telcos," Poe said in her opening statement during the franchise hearing of the Senate committee on public services. Since the last franchise hearing, Dito reported that it's currently approaching a 45-percent population coverage, surpassing the required 37 percent and nearing the targeted 51-percent requirement for their second year of franchise application that is scheduled for audit on July 8, 2021. The third telco company who made its commercial debut of their services this week in Cebu and Davao also reported to have been able to build 2,200 cell towers in a span of a year and a half. Poe also questioned Dito on reports regarding the restrictive compatibility requirements of their subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, to which Dito's representatives explained that the reason for this is the collaborative test they undergo with manufacturers to determine the SIM's compatibility with certain phone models so that consumers won't waste money if their phone turns out to be incompatible with Dito's SIM. Poe also reminded Dito to properly comply with the required building permits in erecting cell towers by hiring subcontractors who follow the rules since the telco company reportedly encountered issues in an office building in Bacolod City and the local government of Malabon City. "Allow me to reiterate that the grant of a franchise is not a right, but a privilege. New franchise applicants must establish that there is a public need for the service they propose to deliver and the means to adequately provide it," Poe said. The auditing of Dito Telecommunity was conducted by independent auditors KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. specializing in IT governance, risk and compliance, and cybersecurity, and Engr. Pierre Tito Galla of Democracy.net.ph, who both confirmed that Dito successfully met the population coverage requirement as well as the minimum internet speed of 37 mbps where it was able to achieve 85.9 mbps for 4G and 507.5 mbps for 5G. Vietnam will use 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine this year. How long does the vaccines effectiveness last? Prof. Nguyen Van Kinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Society of Infectious Diseases, said that around 10% of health workers globally had been infected with Covid-19, and many died. Fortunately, no medical staff in Vietnam has died so far. This is thanks to the experiences learnrd from the SARS epidemic in 2003, from updating epidemic control measures, as well as training, and using adequate means of protection. Prof. Nguyen Van Kinh. Photo: Pham Hai Some Vietnamese health workers were infected who had direct contact with Covid-19 patients but only wore a regular medical mask. Even a N95 mask can provide 95% of protective effect. So it is not surprising if health workers could still be infected with Covid-19, said Prof. Kinh. Vietnam must give priority to vaccinate the frontline anti-epidemic force against Covid-19. The expert said that the vaccine that Vietnam is using - AstraZeneca - has completed clinical research in phase 3. It has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The vaccine is also reasonably priced and easily stored, so it is being bought by many countries. However, any type of vaccine or drug has certain side effects. The most common side effect is pain at the injection point and the most severe is anaphylaxis, Prof. Kinh said. He warned that the side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine on pregnant women or people under 18 years old have not been researched enough, so it is only recommended for being used for people of 18-60 years old. However, trials in some European countries shows that the vaccine is still effective for people over 60 years old. AstraZeneca vaccine has protective effect after two doses, reaching over 80%. The manufacturer's recommended protective period is at least seven months, he said. Due to the lack of adequate research, post-vaccination monitoring is needed. He said that the world has recorded 4,000 strains of the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus is still evolving so the current Covid-19 vaccines must "follow" the mutation of virus. In Vietnam, four strains have been recorded, including the B.1.1.7 virus strain in the UK. This strain can spread rapidly, but its virulence has not increased. Health workers at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases were vaccinated on March 8. The current research data shows that the AstraZeneca vaccine is still effective against the UK variant and basic strains. At a press conference on March 8, Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan also emphasized that no vaccine is 100% safe or effective. Therefore, in order to protect society from Covid-19, besides vaccination, everyone needs to comply with the 5K recommendation of the Ministry of Health. I believe that by doing this well we will definitely stop Covid-19 pandemic," said Thuan. Thuan also said that this year Vietnam will receive 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine. Vietnam is negotiating with pharmaceutical firms like Pfizer, Moderna and Sputnik to have more vaccines. The country aims to receive 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine thus year. This is the biggest vaccination campaign ever in the country. Thuy Hanh Covid-19 vaccinations begin in Vietnam On the morning of March 8, the first Vietnamese were injected with Covid-19 vaccine at four places: Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. SHANGHAI, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Molecular Data Inc. ("Molecular Data" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: MKD), a leading technology-driven platform in China's chemical industry, today announced that it has entered into a supply framework agreement with Anhui Gujing Distillery Co., Ltd. ("Gujing"), one of the most important core enterprises in China's liquor market, as part of its efforts to expand presence in the food and beverage industry. Under the agreement, Molecular Data will become a key supplier for Gujing and its affiliated companies, including Anhui Runan Xinke Testing Technology Co., Ltd. ("Runan Xinke") and Anhui Ruisi Weier Technology Co., Ltd. ("Ruisi Weier"), in the fields of chemical reagents, biological reagents, laboratory consumables, as well as related instruments and equipment. Molecular Data will source nearly 2 million stock-keeping units (SKUs) that Gujing requires from its 21 well-known domestic and foreign laboratory brands and suppliers. Molecular Data's MKD Lab Supplies Mall is a data-driven one-stop laboratory supplies e-commerce service platform, which covers all categories of chemical reagents, biological reagents, laboratory consumables, and equipment. The mall serves scientific research institutions, hospitals, university laboratories, third-party testing units and production plants, providing procurement services that include all categories of reagents and intermediates. With a history of more than 1,800 years, Gujing Gongjiu is one of the eight most prestigious liquor brands in China, and has won the gold medal in the national spirits appraisal four times consecutively. Gujing's research capabilities in liquor are also industry leading. In accordance with the national standards of top laboratories, Gujing has established research and development centers, national post-doctoral research workstations, academic workstations, national food enterprise quality and safety testing technology demonstration centers and other scientific research platforms. Story continues Both affiliates of Gujing, Runan Xinke is a state-owned third-party testing institution that provides one-stop testing services from inspection to testing and technical services with various national certification; while Ruisi Weier has been striving for technology development related to biological fermentation engineering. The collaboration with Gujing is another milestone for Molecular Data to propel digitalization of the traditional industries and empower intelligent manufacturing in China. Molecular Data will continue to optimize supply chain services and upgrade the digital products, helping enterprises both from China and abroad to reduce costs and increase efficiency to spur the development of the industry. About Molecular Data Inc. Molecular Data Inc. is a leading technology-driven platform in China's chemical industry, connecting participants along the chemical value chain through integrated solutions. The Company delivers e-commerce solutions, financial solutions, warehousing and logistics solutions, and SaaS suite that are intended to solve pain points for participants in the traditional chemical industry. Built upon a comprehensive knowledge engine and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the Company's e-commerce solutions are mainly offered through its online platform, consisting of molbase.com, molbase.cn, Moku Data WeChat account, Chemical Community APP and other ancillary platforms. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the chemical market; the Company's ability to monetize the user base; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China; the potential impact of the COVID-19 to the Company's business operations and the economy in China and elsewhere generally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Molecular Data Inc. Eva Ma Tel: +86-21-5419-9057 E-mail: investor@molbase.com The Piacente Group, Inc. Emilie Wu Tel: +86-21-6039-8363 E-mail: molbase@tpg-ir.com In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: molbase@tpg-ir.com Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/molecular-data-inc-enters-supply-framework-agreement-with-anhui-gujing-distillery-co-ltd-301243243.html SOURCE Molecular Data Inc. COLUMBIA Pushing back against what they called Americas woke mob, a group of GOP lawmakers want to protect South Carolina historic monuments and markers and penalize any community or elected official that removes them. Its time to stand up and defend the history of South Carolina, state Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said March 9 at the S.C. Statehouse, where he and several other lawmakers introduced their Story of America legislative package, a three-pronged effort at further protecting the states monuments and statues. The measures would: Withhold state aid for any community that removes memorials and charge elected officials who vote do to so with misconduct in office. Require all markers and plaques to be certified by the state Department of History and Archives to be factually accurate and free of opinionated statements. Mandate teaching America's founding documents for all sixth through 12th graders. Punishing cities and towns for removing their statues, Taylor said, may have led to the preservation of a century-old statue of former Vice President John C. Calhoun that was removed in August from its pedestal in Charlestons Marion Square. In South Carolina, our heritage roots run real deep, and they've got to be protected from the small number of people that could cancel out our monuments and pull them down, Taylor said, who is sponsoring the bills with state Reps. Steven Long, R-Inman, and Lin Bennett, R-Charleston. "In today's day and age where the woke mob is coming after our monuments from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to South Carolina's heritage, this is all inclusive," Long said of the proposed state certification of plaques. The GOP-led package won support from retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Livingston, one of 69 living Medal of Honor recipients. I did not defend this country overseas and send young Americans home to their parents to be where we are at today, and allow us to be defeated at home, Livingston of Mount Pleasant said at the news conference. If we are to survive in this great country and pass it along to subsequent generations, we must fortify our foundation. Altering any monuments is already illegal under the states Heritage Act, a 21-year-old law approved as a compromise for the Confederate battle flags removal from atop the Statehouse dome. It pertains to markers commemorating all conflicts from the Revolutionary through the Persian Gulf wars and Native American and Black history installations. The act also prohibits removal from public property of other flags or memorials for any war, historic figure or event without a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly. In August, state Attorney General Alan Wilson asked the S.C. Supreme Court to rule on whether the acts protection of Confederate memorials is constitutional. The Heritage Act needs teeth, Taylor said. Colleges and universities are also hoping lawmakers will allow for changes to building names on their campuses, including Clemson University, University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. Officials feared that without penalties and a more robust curriculum in schools, revisionist historians would trample over pieces of South Carolina history. This is not hero worship, state Sen. Dwight Loftis, R-Greenville, said at the news conference. When your teenage granddaughter tells you there are so many people in her high school class that dont know there are three branches of government, to say its hero worship, I hate to hear that. State Rep. Seth Rose, D-Columbia, said local government entities are best equipped to decide the fate of markers within their communities. Hes lead sponsor of a bill to remove a statue of former U.S. Sen. and avowed white supremacist Benjamin Tillman from the Statehouse grounds. Someone who represents Aiken shouldnt tell elected officials from downtown Charleston how to do their job and vice-versa, Rose told The Post and Courier. It is true history cannot be erased, nor should it be. But elected officials can and should be able to choose not to honor those who deserve no place of honor on public grounds. Two of the Story of America bills, the ones covering monuments and markers, have been introduced but had no hearings. The bill on teaching founding documents was discussed in a House Education subcommittee on March 9, but no vote was taken. Bengaluru, March 10 : Karnataka home minister, Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional Director General of Police, Soumendhu Mukherjee will probe into the contentious sleaze CD episode, involving tainted BJP leader, Ramesh Jarakiholi. Announcing this, Bommai told reporters that the Chief Minister, B. S. Yediyurappa has taken this decision to constitute a SIT to expose the 'conspiracy' behind CD containing BJP MLA Ramesh Jarakiholi allegedly getting involved with a woman in a compromising position. The home minister added that the decision was taken after the complaint by Jarakiholi brothers, who demanded a thorough investigation into the attempt to defame him through a 'fake video clip'. Mukherjee, who is currently Bengaluru city's Additional Commissioner of Police (west). Last year, he is recipient of Union home minister's special operation medal along with other officers for busting the Al-Hind terror module in south India. "We have ordered setting up a SIT to find out all the aspects of the case such as who was behind it, who hatched the conspiracy, where the CD (videos) was prepared," Bommai said. On March 2, a social activist - Dinesh Kallahalli - had alleged that Ramesh Jarakiholi sexually exploited a woman on the pretext of offering her a job. As the sexually explicit video clips went viral on news channels, the minister was forced to resign on March 3, while Kallahalli decided to withdraw his complaint with the police on March 6. The beleaguered Jarakiholi brothers, Ramesh and his younger Balachndra, have vowed to fight this case with all their might inorder to bring all those influential leaders behind this scam. The Jarakiholis claimed that they have even hired private detective agency to gather incriminating evidences to strengthen their case against influential leaders. The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy plans to create an online museum of Russian propaganda in Ukraine, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko has said. He stated this on the Ukraine 24 television channel, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "The center that we are currently creating on the basis of the ministry, because we have such an element as information policy, is a small first brick to create a large enough international center to combat disinformation in Ukraine. We follow the example of the Baltic States. Similar centers are operating in Riga, Finland, the Czech Republic. Those are rather educational centers that monitor, expose and show disinformation and fakes so that citizens and the community could understand the environment in which they stay. We want to create an online museum of Russian propaganda. I would like to emphasize once again that this is only the first step," Tkachenko said. As was reported earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation is to start operating in Ukraine in March. The center will help effectively detect manipulations and fakes that are spread by the aggressor country. op It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Today weve all lost a veteran and hero of the greatest generation. Reynold C. Morgan, 95, a lifelong resident of Scranton, woke the morning of March 5, 2021, into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Reynold was born July 15, 1925, to James Morgan and Elizabeth Batten. At the age of 17, Reynold graduated from Technical High School in the class of 1943 and enlisted in the United States Army. He had basic military training at Fort Bragg, N.C., and was assigned to the 591st Field Artillery Battalion. After traveling to Scotland he backpacked across Europe Army style with his M1 rifle that he frequently said was bigger than him. After surviving the Battle of the Bulge he continued on to Berlin where he witnessed the Allied victory. The U.S. Army then sent him to Geneva, Switzerland to attend college. He earned the Victory in Europe Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. After returning home on the HMS Queen Elizabeth, Reynold married his wife of 71 years, the former Emma Kronberg. He worked as a draftsman at Lockheed Martin for 30 years, and was a faithful parishioner of both St. Peters and Trinity Lutheran churches. Reynold shared his talent for singing with church choirs and the St. Davids Welsh Male Chorus. He was a soft-spoken quiet man with a dry humor who would always leave you laughing with his quick one line zingers. He cherished his family and could still be found on the floor coloring with his grandchildren into his 80s. In addition to his wife Emma, Reynold is survived by his daughters, Gayle Klaber (Tom) and Judy McDonough; his son-in-law, Billy McDonough; grandchildren, Lauren (Mursch) McLane and husband, Tom; Gretchen (Klaber) Craycraft and husband, Zach; Chelsea Mursch, Daniel Klaber, Alyssa Mursch; his great-granddaughter, Riley McLane; his sister, Lorraine Newton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret Brace and Adelaide Martin; and son-in-law, Michael Mursch. The family would like to thank Reynolds dedicated staff of full-time caregivers: Janet, Joan, Karla, Lisa, Marlene, Mary, Regina, Cindy, MaryEllen, Leann and Shirley as well as the many caregivers that filled in over the past three years. They took care of both Reynold and Emma, and never missed a shift giving them both the best gift possible, the ability to live out their lives in their own home. The family would also like to thank Dr. Gerard Nealon, Reynolds home based care team from the VA, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their medical care and emotional support. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clarks Summit at 10 a.m. Friends may pay their respects from 9 until the time of the service. Arrangements, Duffy and Snowdon Funeral Home of Moscow, Pa. China launched a new scathing attack today on the British ambassador in Beijing over an article she wrote defending freedom of the press. The Communist regime summoned Dame Caroline Wilson to make 'stern representations' as it accused her of arrogance, double standards, bias and manipulation. Dame Caroline posted an article on social media last week which described how the foreign press was being vilified as anti-Chinese for daring to criticise the government. Beijing blocked access to piece and angrily rebuked Dame Caroline, but today they launched a fresh volley of sinister propaganda against her after she made plain on Twitter that she would not bend. Dame Caroline posted an article on social media last week which described how the foreign press was being vilified as anti-Chinese for daring to criticise the government. Dame Caroline, who speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, as well as French, German and Russian, is best known to Britons for her skilful handling of Boris Johnson in the BBC documentary Inside the Foreign Office The foreign ministry said: 'As the top envoy of the UK to China, she purposely confused libel with news supervision by crying foul for some foreign media being sanctioned over fake news and untrue reports. She ignores the fact that the foreign side has cracked down on Chinese media. 'The article is full of the arrogance of being the master and ideological bias. It confuses the white with the black, [and] manipulates double standards. 'This act is severely out of line of her diplomatic role and the duties of its diplomatic office. The Chinese side demands Dame Caroline deeply reflects on her own duties, positions herself correctly and does more things that benefit the development of bilateral relations.' It comes after Dame Caroline doubled-down on her position, writing in a tweet: 'No doubt the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to the UK stands by the 170+ pieces he was free to place in mainstream British media.' Spokesman Zhao Lijian added that Dame Caroline's essay 'has confused logic... and makes no mention of UK media's fake news and untrue reports concerning China'. Wilson penned an article on Weibo, the country's equivalent of Twitter (picutred), defending foreign journalists who criticise the country after they were accused of 'hating' China In her article, she had provided the example of the free press in the UK which plays an important role in holding the Government to account. She included a report over the MPs' expenses scandal and the dramatic impact it had on Parliament. Dame Caroline said: 'Unlike foreign media, Chinese media can only make critical reports under conditions permitted by the government.' Chinese authorities have in recent days taken action against British public broadcaster the BBC, with the Chinese regulator pulling BBC World News from air last month. That followed a BBC report with harrowing accounts of torture and sexual violence against Uighur women in China's western region of Xinjiang - allegations that Beijing denies. The ban was widely seen as retaliation for British watchdog Ofcom revoking the licence of China's English-language news network CGTN. CGTN was also fined on Monday over a complaint brought by British national Peter Humphrey, who says he was forced to make a criminal confession aired by the network. Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the closing session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday Dame Caroline's article aims 'to interfere in China's internal affairs, and reflects her long-held double standards and deep-rooted ideological prejudice,' Zhao added. Relations between Britain and China are pinched by a range of issues from the treatment of the Uighur minority, to the railroading of Hong Kong's freedoms and the rights of each other's broadcasters to air and operate. Dame Caroline, who speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, as well as French, German and Russian, is best known to Britons for her skilful handling of Boris Johnson in the BBC documentary Inside the Foreign Office. The 51-year-old attended the prestigious Sevenoaks School in Kent before going up Downing College, Cambridge, where she studied law. She joined the Foreign Office in 1995. Ivanka Trump handed out more than 1,300 boxes of food in Florida Tuesday, her first public appearance since she and the rest of the Trump clan were ousted from the White House. The former First Daughter was joined by Paula White and other community leaders in Apopka, Florida, to hand out food as part of the Farmers to Family food box program - initiated as part of her father's administration response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to White, the group distributed boxes to 4,220 family members. Ivanka Trump was joined by Paula White and other community leaders in Apopka, Florida, to hand out food as part of Farmers to Family Tuesday According to White, the group distributed boxes to 4,220 family members 'We did home visits, church distribution, met with human trafficking survivors and touched thousands of lives,' White shared in her post, which included photos of her and Ivanka with the boxes. The Lifeboat Project, the shelter where the group took some boxes, took to Instagram to thank Ivanka and the others for their service. 'Human Trafficking is a crime against humanity and that alone stands above politics. Today was a beautiful day to put politics aside at The Lifeboat Project and let faith and truth be our topic of connection,' the shelter said in their post. Ivanka can be seen carrying boxes from vehicles to the shelter Boxes were also distributed to churches in the area Trump is seen grabbing food from one of the vehicles. Her group helped more than 4,000 family members 'We had the opportunity to fill the room with global leaders and have a conversation about our growing world model. We thank all levels of government, community leaders, and our partnered agencies that made today happen. It was the beginning of acknowledging truth and showing that faith always overcomes fear.' The appearance marked the public spot of Ivanka Trump, who was notably absent from the CPAC convention. The USDA has been purchasing and distributing agricultural products to those in need under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as part of the coronavirus food assistance program announced on April 17, 2020. Ivanka sits with one Florida resident after delivering food to their home 'Through this program, USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with national, regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $6 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes,' the USDA shares on their website. To date, contractors have delivered 144,375,064 boxes of fresh produce, milk, dairy and cooked meats to disadvantaged Americans across the country. In the current round of purchases - the fifth under the program - the USDA will purchase up to $1.5billion worth of food for delivery through the end of April. The Lifeboat Project, the shelter where the group took some boxes, took to Instagram to thank Ivanka and the others for their service People have banded together in solidarity to assist those stuck in quarantine areas like Hai Duong. Photo: Toan - Huong Nguyen Van Hung, a 48-year-old living in Cam Giang district of Hai Duong, lost his mother to the virus in February. In Vietnamese culture, funerals consist of complex rituals which can take multiple days. Preparing for a proper ceremony surrounded by hundreds of people is of utmost importance. However, the pandemics restrictions meant Hung was unable to organise a traditional funeral ceremony. It was the one last chance for my family, other relatives, and friends to express condolences with respect to my mother. But Hai Duong has been the most serious pandemic-affected area so we were not allowed to gather in a small group, let alone organise a multi-day ceremony with complex rituals, Hung shared with VIR. I have never seen anything like this before. The outbreak has completely turned our daily lives upside down. During the funeral we had to mourn in silence. It is not easy to grieve alone. The undeniable devastating impacts of the pandemic are being felt around Hai Duong, as the locality has been the most hit hard, and remains the most vulnerable spot in the country. The virus swept across 13 cities and districts in the whole province, with nearly 700 positive cases reported a fortnight ago reaching a record high for Vietnam. The government was quick to adopt a quarantine approach for Hai Duong and mobilise all possible resources for support. The province was placed under lockdown to stem the spread of the disease across the mainland and beyond, and provincial residents were not allowed to leave the city, while basic essentials and medical supplies kept flowing inside. Transport lines linking the province and even small villages were kept under control, and non-essential public activities were strictly prohibited. People were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, social activities, and gatherings. Some other cities and provinces, including Haiphong, took drastic measures to limit the transportation of goods, including agricultural products of Hai Duong to Haiphong Port to export. The consequences of the crisis for Hai Duongs farmers and corporates of all sizes and shapes were severe, with the drastic decline in the food demand by restaurants and hoteliers significantly isolating farmers and food processors from their major buyers. Surging positive cases in many parts of the province and fears of additional outbreaks have been forcing everyone to face a longer-term financial crisis, and it has caused many difficulties for Hai Duongs agricultural products, especially carrots. Hung Viet Company, which is located in the province, last month had 23 containers of agricultural products for export to Malaysia and Japan cancelled due to social distancing restrictions. Luu Van Thanh, general director at construction and real estate firm Minh Thanh Co., Ltd. said, Home-buying demand in Hai Duong was strong in the past few years, boosted by increasing attractiveness of the locality as Hai Duong borders Hanoi and other important economic hubs. But now, Thanh said, many potential buyers are facing layoffs, temporary furloughs, and economic uncertainty. Now, all of our business activities are being hit simultaneously. I have barely been able to leave home, let alone do anything else, he added. In Cam Giang district alone, nearly 7,000 people have been sent to a quarantine zone. Cam Giangs lockdown was an unprecedented measure soon emulated by surrounding cities and counties. Others were able to stay at home under self-quarantine. After half a month of stringent province-wide lockdown measures, Hai Duong shifted to a new status and eased restrictions in some specific areas on March 3. The locality has begun an orderly resumption of work and production, while still taking bold steps to lower the rate of infection. Now the province aims to drastically fight the coronavirus and take action to carry out socioeconomic development tasks, according to Secretary of Hai Duong Party Committee Pham Xuan Thang. Peoples health is priceless and worth any short-term economic fallout. Now as the outbreak is gradually controlled, we are ramping up our best effort to open up the economy, Thang said. We are actively testing and issuing negative virus-affected certifications for drivers to participate in transporting goods. As the outbreak may return, the entire local political system will not lower its guard and will remain on alert in the fight. Other factories at some local industrial parks (IPs) can resume operation, but they must follow the Ministry of Healths regulations on COVID-19 prevention. Im quite concerned that loosening travel curbs may seed new infection clusters. But our province is now no longer under lockdown, and it feels like being liberated, said Thanh from Minh Thanh Co., Ltd. Looking on the bright side, as a father, I am now rediscovering the pleasure of spending more time with my children. There is such a sense of shared vulnerability. Im blessed that I feel more closely connected with my family. Tran Thanh Son, a resident in the Ngoc Chau ward of Hai Duong city, now appreciated and better acknowledged the preventative measures. I wear masks all the time, except for when eating or sleeping. Local authorities are still asking us to limit outings and not to attend large gatherings and strict checks at gates are still being carried out by local security, Son shared. But Im finding a silver lining in times of chaos. Im more resilient, socially cohesive, and better aware of health. In some areas such as Kinh Mon township, Kim Thanh district, and Cam Giang district, schools, IPs, and other public activities still remain closed. Many citizen blocks will implement their own quarantines and curfews for at least another 14 days. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 14:56:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan and Mayor of Ulan Bator Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar on Wednesday received their first shots of a COVID-19 vaccine donated by China. Mongolia launched a COVID-19 vaccination campaign across the country on Feb. 23, and more than 30,400 people have been vaccinated so far, according to the country's Health Ministry. The country plans to vaccinate at least 60 percent of its 3.3 million people using four types of COVID-19 vaccines, and 20 percent will be vaccinated under COVAX, a global initiative for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, said the ministry. Enditem Farmer unions on Wednesday called for a on March 26, when their protest at Delhi's borders against the Centre's three new farm laws completes four months. Farmer leader Buta Singh Burjgill said farmers along with trade unions will protest the hike in fuel prices and privatisation of railways on March 15. "We will observe a complete on March 26, when our protest against the three farm laws completes four months. The peaceful bandh will remain effective from morning till evening," he told reporters at the Singhu border. On March 19, the farmers will observe "Mandi Bachao-Kheti Bachao" day, he said. The farmer unions have also decided to celebrate Shaheedi divas' of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, Burjgill added. Farmers leaders also said that copies of the new farm laws will be burnt during Holika Dahan' on March 28. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the Delhi border points --- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur --- for over four months, demanding the repeal of farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the 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.) North Macedonia began administering Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday, Sputnik reports citing the national MIA news agency. The first batch of the Russian vaccine arrived in the country on Sunday. Up until then, North Macedonia vaccinated its population with 8,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which were donated by Serbia in February. The first in line to receive the Russian vaccine are health care workers. The government imposed a nationwide nighttime curfew from March 10-22 as the number of COVID-19 transmissions has roughly doubled over the past month. Overall, the Balkan country has registered over 108,000 infections and 3,228 deaths. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. OAKLAND, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California, as the state of California's third- party administrator, has made significant progress in supporting the state's goal of providing vaccines to all Californians equitably, safely and as quickly as possible, especially for communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The state's enhanced provider network now includes more than 1,200 vaccination sites across California, represented by nearly 90 healthcare providers that include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others. Combined with the mega sites operated by the federal government, California is well on its way to exceeding the goal of creating statewide capacity to administer more than 4 million vaccinations a week by April. "We are pleased with the tremendous progress Blue Shield has made in building capacity to deliver vaccinations to Californians quickly, safely and equitably," said California Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson. "Due to the good work of the Blue Shield and state teams, as well as local public health leadership across the state, I believe California will be ready to administer the increasing supplies of COVID-19 vaccine we expect to receive from the federal government in the weeks ahead." The latest list of participating vaccine providers can be found at this link. "Our goal is to save lives by helping to provide all Californians equitable access to the vaccines, especially in those communities hardest hit by the pandemic," said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. "We are working diligently with local, county and state officials, healthcare providers, and other important stakeholders to build a high-performing network that's only constrained by the supply we receive. Together, we can defeat this pandemic, reopen our economy and more quickly return to normalcy." Below are more details on the enhanced network: More than 1,200 vaccination sites currently in the state's enhanced provider network All multi-county entities have contracted OptumServe locations are being expanded Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the Wave 1 counties have signed the third-party administrator network contract Finalizing details on vaccination options for home bound residents and Californians with disabilities Finalizing agreements with counties, including equity plans that engage community-based organizations It is important to note that during the March transition period, the providers already administering the vaccine will continue to receive doses to ensure vaccines are available to as many Californians as possible. The aim is to enhance the vaccine provider network to increase its capacity and support the state's goal to administer 4 million doses a week. Blue Shield continues to work expeditiously to have as many eligible providers participate in the enhanced network including FQHCs, community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others. Together, the goal is to build a network that reaches every corner of the Golden State, especially those communities that have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic. Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that's answering the call by the state to support its vaccine distribution efforts to help save lives. The health plan is working closely with each county, their public health leaders, and state officials to build a vaccine network to help meet the state's goal to ensure all Californians have access to the vaccines equitably, efficiently and as quickly as possible. The health plan is taking on this effort at cost without making a profit from the state. Blue Shield is not charging the state for its staff time devoted to this effort. It will only bill the state actual expenses to support the network up to the limit of the contract. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. CONTACT: Erika Conner Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California Related Links www.bcbs.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MATTAWAN, MI The Mattawan Village Council has faced backlash from community members over a proposal to create a wastewater treatment facility. Residents have expressed environmental concerns over the impact on Hayden Creek and the watershed, the overall cost of the project as well as the facility negatively affecting property values. During the councils Monday, March 8 meeting a motion to stop looking at creating the facility failed 4 to 2. Council member Abby Wheeler made the motion that was supported by Nick Kroll, who said the proposal lacks the anticipated costs savings to make it a valuable option. Wheeler spoke about the overwhelming opposition from residents. Seventy-nine community members attended the meeting via Zoom with the vast majority expressed disapproval of the project. I completely believe that if this were to go to a vote it would absolutely fail miserably, and that has to be taken into consideration by the other council members because were elected to represent people, Wheeler said. And if the people are screaming at us every single meeting going, We dont want this, we should be taking that into consideration. The village has been exploring the idea of establishing a treatment facility near Mattawans Hayden Creek because village leaders have said the connection to Kalamazoos facility was falling into disrepair. The other options included considering different discharge points and exploring alternate routes in piping wastewater to Kalamazoo. Much of the opposition to the plan has been organized on Facebook by a group called Save Hayden Creek, which has over 1,500 members, including 70 businesses. Opposition for the proposal has also come from neighboring Almena, Antwerp and Waverly townships. Priscilla Woodhams, a local pediatrician and member of Save Hayden Creek, said she felt blindsided by planning for a wastewater plant, citing a lack of conversations with the community and apparent disregard for concerns they had about the proposal. It was shocking that nobody would even talk to us before something like this would be put out as a public notice, Woodhams said. The other thought was just how it wouldnt work and how important the stream is to where we live. It just literally made us feel sick and quite frankly, I lost sleep over it. She noted a handful of local concerns, including the potential impact on property values, the small size of the creek and disruption of the watershed. She noted local wildlife could suffer from the environmental impact of a facility there. Wheelers motion comes on the heels of a Feb. 22 action to pause all conversations on how to handle the villages wastewater. Mattawan Village Council President Don Cole said the matter is on a pause until the council can review its feasibility study. The pause puts a hold on furthering action on any and all activities while the village updates the study to be a more current representation of matters. Based on new information that we have found out, plus discussions with USDA and EGLE (the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), were not doing anything other than updating the feasibility study with new options, Cole said. Village Engineer Tim Woodhams said he alongside the village accountant will spend the next several months specifically analyzing updates to the financial feasibility of the project. The process, Woodhams said, could take two or three months until an updates feasibility study could jumpstart conversations again. Discussions about building a wastewater treatment facility began years ago when it was discovered that the force main pipeline carrying wastewater from Mattawan would need significant repairs. The leading proposal included building a facility locally, which could have an outfall site at Hayden Creek. As of a Jan. 12 status report issued by the village council, the village was still investigating the feasibility of the proposal. That process, the report said, includes seeking financing and approval from the EGLE. According to a Frequently Asked Questions document released, the construction of a facility appeared to be the best option due to $3 million in cost savings over repair of the current pipeline, especially when considering the current state of the pipeline and recent environmental impacts from failures. The document noted that the state also supported this option for the same reasons. An initial feasibility study placed a $23.4 million price tag on the project, spread over 20 years, to restore and maintain the existing 6.6-mile connection to Kalamazoos wastewater treatment facility. Under the plan to construct a facility in Mattawan, the estimated cost was $20.5 million over 20 years, for an about $3 million savings for the village. After comparing the proposed facility to similar sites, Priscilla Woodhams believes the proposal incorrectly estimates the operating costs. If costs exceed those estimates, she worries local taxpayers will bear the burden. Im concerned because when you do the real math, it is much cheaper for the state of Michigan and for the taxpayers to continue piping this to Kalamazoo, she said. The Almena and Antwerp township boards both issued resolutions expressing dissatisfaction with a lack of notification of the proposal. Waverly Township officials expressed their concern during their January board meeting. This ill-conceived public works project was among several options considered by the Village with little or no public discussion or input, read Almena Townships letter to Mattawan Village Manager Terri McLean. The Village selected this option with no prior notification to Almena Township or the residents and property owners affected by this proposed project.' Besides Cole, the other council members that voted against the motion to not pursue the facility were Carol Daly, Tammy ODell and Delores Taylor. Mattawans Village Councils next public meeting is at 7 p.m. March 22, and is accessible via Zoom. More information can be found on the village website. Read more: Father of student who brought device that exploded at school arrested on multiple charges Tesla opening second Michigan service center in Grand Rapids suburb Grand Rapids School District names media center after longtime educator Ruth-Jones Hairston Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said that the sheriff's office is going to look over all relevant information pertaining to the death of Kendrick Johnson (pictured) Georgia authorities have announced that they were relaunching the investigation into the death of a black teen whose body was found inside a rolled-up gym mat in his high school in 2013. The announcement comes after federal authorities agreed to release documents from their two-year investigation into Kendrick Johnson's death, which they completed in 2016. They said at the time there wasn't enough evidence to 'prove beyond a reasonable doubt' that a crime had occurred. Now, after his family pressed for years for the case to be re-opened - even providing their own evidence - Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said that the sheriff's office is going to look over all relevant information pertaining to the death of Kendrick Johnson. The documents have started to come in boxes, with 17 reaching the sheriff's office so far. The boxes contain hard drives, paperwork and other material. Kendrick's body was discovered in a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School, where he was a sophomore, on January 11, 2013 Paulk - who recently came out of retirement in 2017 - would not speak further on what was in the documents as they remain sealed. He did say that the investigation could take up to six months, CNN reports. Kendrick's body was discovered in a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School, where he was a sophomore, on January 11, 2013. State and local investigators ruled the teen's death an accident, saying he suffocated after getting stuck inside the mat while reaching for a pair of sneakers. According to Paulk (pictured), his agency has been trying to get the documents from the GBI for almost a year - starting April 2, 2020. Both he and Kendrick Johnson's father, Kenneth, hand wrote letters to obtain the documents. An autopsy was completed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations shortly after the 17-year-old's death and concluded that Kendrick died from 'accidental positional asphyxia', meaning his body was in a position that prohibited him from breathing. The Johnson family had the body exhumed and had two autopsies performed, both of which listed the teen's cause of death as blunt force trauma. Federal investigators said the autopsy conducted by the GBI was more credible. According to Paulk, his agency has been trying to get the documents from the Georgia state investigators for almost a year - starting April 2, 2020. Both he and Kendrick Johnson's father, Kenneth, hand wrote letters to obtain the documents. 'I felt it was a pretty good Christmas, got a call right before Christmas that they were going to release them to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office,' Paulk added, speaking of the documents. Footage showing the teen's last moments 'My plan is to see if there are any discrepancies between the reports,' Paulk, who is leading the investigation, added. Kenneth Johnson, Kendrick's father, was cautiously optimistic about the reopening. 'I'm hoping that he does the right thing,' Kenneth Johnson said of the sheriff. 'I just hope that the truth comes out.' Despite the unusual nature of Kendrick's death, officials still believe it was an accident. Kendrick pictured with his mother. The fmaily is cautiously optimistic about the reopening of the cae The family has filed multiple lawsuits alleging that the school district's superintendent, an FBI agent and a former sheriff conspired to cover-up Kendrick's death. Kendrick's parents Jackie and Kenneth Johnson In 2016, the Justice Department stated that there was 'insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnson's civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime.' The family has filed multiple lawsuits alleging that the school district's superintendent, an FBI agent and a former sheriff conspired to cover-up Kendrick's death. Jackie and Kenneth also accused two students at Lowndes High School, brothers Brian and Brandon Bell, of murdering Kendrick. Video evidence showed the boys were not near the gymnasium when Kendrick was last seen and a judge in the case accused Jackie and Kenneth of fabricating evidence to support their claims. The Johnsons were ordered to pay $300,000 in attorney fees to those they accused of killing their son and the parties they alleged covered up the crime. The high school is located in Valdosta, just 15 miles from the border of Florida. What it does Westmount Energy Limited ( ) has indirect exposure to high impact exploration assets offshore Guyana where ExxonMobil has experienced an impressive run of success. In the last five years, 18 out of 20 exploration wells drilled on the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek Block have met with success, contributing to a discovered inventory of 9bn barrels of oil equivalent. That figure is expected to grow as we move through next year, with stacked petroleum systems, emerging new plays and deeper-lying hydrocarbons confirming the huge potential of this prolific basin. Westmount owns shares in companies that could benefit directly from those efforts. It is a shareholder in JHI Associates Inc, a private Canadian company, which in turn has a 17.5% interest in the ExxonMobil operated Canje Block. Canje is positioned adjacent to Stabroek and it is host to what has been described as a lookalike of the Liza field the largest and most advanced discovery within Stabroek. JHIs interest in the Canje drilling is funded by a high premium 2018 Farm-in by Total which yielded up to 4 well carries and significant cash. How its doing On March 9: ( ) told investors it is expecting that operations for the next well at the Canje block, offshore Guyana, will start tomorrow. The company, in a statement, noted an announcement by Guyanas Maritime Administration Department, that the Stena Carron drillship will begin drilling operations at the Jabillo-1 wellsite on 10 March. Jabillo will be the second of three exploration wells scheduled for the Exxon-led Canje block this year. It is described as a 1bn barrel prospect, in the Late Cretaceous basin fan system. On March 4: Westmount Energy relayed the results of the Bulletwood exploration well, on the Canje block offshore Guyana, which encountered quality reservoirs but sub-commercial volumes of hydrocarbons. JHI, as a result of a 2018 farm-out deal with Total, was carried in the funding of the well, as will be for further wells planned on the Canje Block. Data collection at Bulletwood-1 confirms the presence of the Guyana-Suriname Basin petroleum system and the potential prospectivity of the Canje Block, Westmount noted. Bulletwood-1 is the first of three wells scheduled to be drilled on the block in 2021 with drilling of the independent prospects Jabillo-1 and Sapote-1 to follow over the coming months. On 18 January 2021: Westmount Energy Limited ( ) has agreed to increase its exposure to high impact exploration drilling presently underway offshore Guyana. It is increasing its stake in privately owned JHI Associates which owns a 17.5% interest in the ExxonMobil operated Canje block, where the Bulletwood-1 well is being drilled. Westmount is buying some 287,000 JHI shares for C$718,750. It increases Westmounts stake in JHI to 7.7%, from 7.2% previously. Drilling at the first Canje well, Bulletwood-1, kicked off in January and completion of the well is anticipated around mid to late February. Additional Canje drilling will follow-on in the first half of 2021. 5 January 2021 Westmount Energy Limited ( ) has highlighted the start of drilling operations at the Bulletwood-1 well, part of the Canje exploration project offshore Guyana. The group said it fires the starting pistol on an exciting and potentially game-changing period for the small-cap oil investor. What management says "Where the basin is today, this is not the typical junior resource story, said director Dermot Corcoran. Everything here in Guyana is going to happen in a very compressed timeframe for Westmount investors. Since the Liza discovery was made in 2015 there has been over 30,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic shot in the Guyana sector. The prospect inventory has been established, five drillships are in the basin and more are coming, and it is now basically about drilling outcomes. This inventory of drill targets, which are all Upper Cretaceous, are largely independent of each other. As an investor, youre not reliant upon one exploration well. It is going to be a story where the wells are going to come rapid-fire over the next year, and, we will be reliant on the drill-bit results to be either heroes or zeros. But, we think we can benefit from the portfolio effect, the large number of wells coming in the basin and the track record in terms of success rate achieved by ExxonMobil in this prolific basin. A generation of female Bible teachers, authors, and ministry leaders saw a place for themselves in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) because of the example set by Beth Moore. Now that Moore no longer sees a place for herself in the denomination, they are continuing to stand for the convictions she helped stir within them and are hoping for a wakeup call. As one Southern Baptist womens ministry leader tweeted on Wednesday, Pastors, I hope you are watching women in the SBC and their response to Beth Moore Moore was in many ways an exemplary figure in the Southern Baptist realma household name among Christians, her Bible studies reached 21 million women over her first 20 years of ministry. But she was also personable enough to stand for hugs and selfies with followers at events and would reply on Twitter to offer condolences when someones grandmother died or advice on how to care for a cast-iron pan. Many fellow Southern Baptist women were sad but not surprised that she decided to leave the SBC. The women who followed in her high-heeled footsteps know the tensions Moore walked through too well, dismayed at how issues like abuse, racism, Christian nationalism, and the Trump presidency were dividing the denomination rather than deepening its gospel witnessall issues that came up in a recent Religion News Service story about her decision. Followers in Southern Baptist churches watched as Moore, now 63, grew from a best-selling Bible study author to an outspoken advocate for victims of sexism and abuse over the past five years, opening up about the misogyny she had faced in evangelical circles. In addition to taking issue with her role speaking and teaching in churches, critics saw Moore's outspokenness on current issues as divisive. They believe she wrongly maligned the church in recent years when she decried pastors who defended Donald Trump or called out white supremacy in the church. Christine Hoover, a Bible teacher and SBC pastors wife, remembers asking herself, If Beth is treated so disdainfully in public arenas, what is being said privately, and what does that say about how, in practice, the SBC values the contribution of women to the kingdom? I cant overstate how much of an impact Beth has had on women in our churches, Hoover said. I was in rooms in those years with SBC female leaders from all corners of the convention who said they, too, were paying close attention, most of us wondering if we as women actually have an honored place in the SBC. The president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Russell Mooreno relation to Beth, though he often joked they were familyonce said, A Southern Baptist Convention that doesnt have a place for Beth Moore doesnt have a place for a lot of us. The remark came two years ago, when Moore had been targeted during yet another spat over womens roles, spurred by a tweet that referenced giving a Mothers Day message at church. These recurring debates are another pressure point. Women like Moore, who dont aspire for a pulpit and share the SBCs complementarian convictions, worry that the back-and-forth over whether women can preach or pastor detracts from efforts to uplift women in a range of other ministry roles. The news of Moores departure has stirred tributes from women inside and outside the SBC who credit her with leading them into ministry or thank her for speaking up when they feared leaders had gone silent on issues around abuse. Jacki King, who serves on the steering committee of the SBC Womens Leadership Network, said Moore blazed a trail for women to lead in the SBC and, despite the current infighting in the denomination, she sees a lot to celebrate. Record numbers of women are enrolling in SBC seminaries and being appointed to serve on denominational committees, in addition to their faithful involvement in missions and local churches. King points to the upcoming annual meeting in Nashville in June as an opportunity for women who share Moores concerns to elect officers that will stand by their beliefs and champion the role of women. We need women who are leading and serving in the local church to become messengers, become familiar with the presidential nominees, and vote for the one they believe will lead our convention in both humility and unity, said King, a womens ministry leader and pastors wife at an SBC church in Arkansas. Outgoing SBC president J. D. Greear said in a statement that his prayer was that Moores departure would cause Southern Baptist leaders to lament and pray ahead of the June meeting. I am grieved anytime someone who believes in the inerrant Scripture, shares our values and desires to cooperate says that they do not feel at home in our convention, said Greear, who commended Moores ministry and encouragement. Just last month, Greear preached against the secondary divisions driving Southern Baptist apart, telling its Executive Committee, Every lie weakens our resolve in getting the gospel to the nations, and every moment I engage in a silly argument or spend time debunking untruths is a moment I am not focused on the Great Commission. Women worry that Moores decision to leave represents yet another detraction from the SBCs gospel witness. In losing Beth, weve lost a great gift to our convention, Hoover said. I pray that her decision, along with the departure of some of our most revered black pastors, causes soul-searching within the leaders and pastors of the SBC. We seem to always be fighting to keep perceived liberalism out, but I'm afraid our methods are pushing some of our best people out. [ This article is also available in espanol. ] Tanzania's opposition has demanded to know the whereabouts of President John Magufuli, who has not been seen in public in almost two weeks, raising concerns about his health Dar es Salaam, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :Tanzania's opposition has demanded to know the whereabouts of President John Magufuli, who has not been seen in public in almost two weeks, raising concerns about his health. Magufuli's absence has led to a flurry of rumours on social media, with the hashtag #Pray4Magufuli trending in neighbouring Kenya on Wednesday, with many speculating he may have Covid-19. Several Tanzanian officials have died recently, while the finance minister appeared last month coughing and gasping at a press conference outside a hospital to dispel rumours he had died of Covid-19. Magufuli insisted for months that Covid-19 had been fended off by prayer, refusing measures such as masks and lockdowns, but last month conceded it was still circulating after the vice-president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar was revealed to have died of the virus. Magufuli was last seen in public on February 27 when he swore in a new chief secretary, and has since skipped a regional heads of state virtual summit and two Sunday church services, which he regularly attends. "The President's well-being is a matter of grave public concern," opposition leader Tundu Lissu wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. "We're informed when (former president Jakaya) Kikwete had prostate surgery. We're told when (former president Benjamin) Mkapa went for hip replacement ... What's it with Magufuli that we don't deserve to know?" Meanwhile, Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reported that "an African leader" from a country which has refused face masks and public health measures, had been admitted to the Nairobi Hospital. An official at the hospital told AFP "we don't know" when asked if Magufuli had been admitted, while Kenyan government sources denied the information. "There are things like health issues which are private but for a public leader, people need to know. We don't want all details but at least knowing when the leader is ill or hospitalised," the secretary general of the opposition party Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo), Ado Shaibu, told AFP. "When you make such information open, you reduce room for unnecessary panic and spread of rumours." Tanzania's government has yet to comment on Magufuli's whereabouts, however Information Minister Innocent Bashungwa on Wednesday warned media and citizens against "using rumours as source of information." Tanzania stopped releasing data on Covid-19 in April 2020 and in January Magufuli said vaccines for the disease were "dangerous". The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last month appealed to Tanzania to take "robust action" against Covid-19, after several travellers from the country tested positive. After months of denying the presence of the virus, Magufuli revealed in February that some of his aides and family members had contracted Covid-19 but recovered. "Let us all depend on God as we also take other preventive measures. I put God first and that is why I do not wear a mask." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. By Chris Sommerfeldt | New York Daily News There are apparently tinfoil hat conspiracy theorists on both sides of the political spectrum. A nonsensical conspiracy theory is gaining traction on social media that claims women who have accused Gov. Cuomo of sexual misconduct are part of an implausible right-wing plot to preemptively pardon former President Donald Trump of state crimes in New York. The theory for which there is absolutely no evidence posits the innuendo that the six women who have publicly accused Cuomo of sexual harassment are trying to get him to resign in disgrace so that a Trump-friendly Republican governor can get elected in the 2022 election. Eliminate Cuomo and a Republican Governor will replace him and pardon Trumphitler. That. Is. The. Plan. Thats why hes called Teflon Don, someone who calls herself Laure on Twitter wrote in a Tuesday post capped off with the hashtag #IStandWithCuomo, which has been gaining traction since this past weekend. The unsubstantiated claims are easily debunked by the fact that Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, would take Cuomos place if he resigns not a Republican. A new governor would not be inaugurated until January 2023 nearly two years from now and the idea that a Trump-boosting Republican candidate would win the November 2022 gubernatorial election poses the longest of long shots, considering New York is one of the most consistently Democratic states in the country. Time also isnt on Trumps side at the moment. The former presidents legal exposure in New York appears to be growing by the day, with Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. and State Attorney General Letitia James significantly ramping up their fraud investigations into him and his company in recent weeks. The idea that Trumps sitting around and waiting for 2023 to come around for a pardon thereby appears doubly improbable. Adding to the implausibility of the Cuomo-boosting theory, the governors accusers are registered Democrats and vocal Trump critics, begging the question as to why they would seek to help the former president score a pardon. That anyone would vote for Trump is just....its astounding how many people like to get screwed, Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide who has accused the governor of forcibly kissing her, tweeted on Election Night 2020. Cuomos office did not return a request for comment on the crackpot claims about his accusers, and a spokeswoman for Trump declined to comment. Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim, one of several Democrats in the State Legislature who have called on Cuomo to resign over the sexual harassment claims, coined a new term for the evidence-free theories in a reply to a Twitter user who asked if he found it odd that the accusations are emerging as Vance and James are investigating Trump. No, Kim wrote in response. I dont dabble in Cuo-Anon conspiracies. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Today the European Union provides a unifying structure, while Germany has reemerged as principal leading nation on the continent. Chancellor Angela Merkel has succeeded in securing greater financial discipline within the EU, especially regarding heavily indebted nations of southern Europe. She also is adept at limiting strong domestic political pressures to abandon the leadership role, which includes underwriting the solvency of nations many Germans view as profligate. Price Industries has acquired a leading HVAC equipment manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand that will establish another geographic foothold for the company and increase export shipments from its Winnipeg operations. Price Industries has acquired a leading HVAC equipment manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand that will establish another geographic foothold for the company and increase export shipments from its Winnipeg operations. Its acquisition of Holyoake Air Management Solutions is a combination of two very similar companies right down to the fact they both started as licenced manufacturers for the same competitor and transitioned to original equipment manufacturers around the same time. But with about 3,500 employees including more than 1,100 in Winnipeg, Price is significantly larger than Holyoake with about 230 employees. Price has bought other companies in the past but it has mostly grown organically over the years to become one of the dominant HVAC players in the commercial and industrial development business in North America Gillian Groening, the Price vice-president in charge of the deal, said, "This is definitely one of the most significant deals we have done." Its perhaps even more significant in that it was able to be closed during the pandemic when both sides were not able to travel. Price was approached by Holyoake 18 months ago and a team of executives from Winnipeg were in Australia in January 2020 just before the whole world closed to international travel. "Were proud we were able to close the transaction during COVID," said Groening on a Microsoft Teams call from her basement office. "The environment where you see me sitting in is where the deal happened." Both Price and Holyoake are family owned (and named) companies and no financial details of the deal have been disclosed. The plan is for Holyoake to leverage Prices more extensive product line into greater market share in Australia and New Zealand. Sandra Rossi, the editor of Climate Control News, a leading Australian HVAC trade publication, said, "Holyoake is a well- established brand here with quality products. I think the backing of Price can only be positive and it will mean a larger product portfolio for established customers and potential customers." Groening said the plan is to concentrate on Holyoakes current market in the Australasia region. She said Price has other "irons in the fire" when it comes to Southeast Asia. Price hopes to help Holyoake expand in the critical environments like health-care facilities. It is a market that Price excels in and that Holyoake is not currently active in. Among other things, the pandemic has created greater awareness and urgency around indoor air quality and creating safe space for employees to return to work. While Australia and New Zealand controlled the spread of COVID-19 much better than many other parts of the world, there is heightened awareness around managing indoor air quality from building developers around the world. Greg Loeppky, Prices vice-president of marketing, said that while air quality issues has always been at the forefront for critical environment spaces, he said, "Commercial HVAC was a necessary evil. Now it is at the front of the design table." Many of health care and other critical environments products lines are built at its Winnipeg facilities. Price has seven production facilities in Canada and six in the U.S. but it is the Winnipeg shop that will likely experience an export bump because of this deal. Rossi said Holyoake will give Price an opportunity to get an immediate presence in Australia and New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific market as well. Groening, who was previously Prices vice-president of supply chain management, said "Its not that much of a challenge to get products out of Winnipeg onto a ship." Previously Prices exposure to that market was a modest amount of sales to distributors. "This allows us to have a much more significant position rather than just selling to third party reps who then sell our product along with a number of other lines," she said. "This is now us in the market." The Holyoake family will retain a minority interest in the company, which is especially important for Price in that its executives are still not able to travel there. The fundamental goal for the deal is to allow Holyoake to achieve more substantial growth. In a prepared statement, Gerry Price, the company chairman and CEO said, "Our job, as partners with Holyoake, is to enable Holyoakes success. We trust the leaders there like we trust our own leaders. Our goal is to be a forever company, and the only way to be a forever company, is to grow." martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca LEI: 213800T2PJTPVF1UGW53 From: Capital Gearing Trust P.l.c. Date:10 March 2021 Capital Gearing Trust P.l.c. Publication of Circular and General Meeting Since its approval at the annual general meeting in 2015, the Company has successfully operated a discount and premium control policy (the "DCP"). This has kept the Company's share price close to the prevailing net asset value and has allowed the Company to issue new ordinary shares of 25 pence each (the "Ordinary Shares") to meet demand from existing and new investors in the Company and to buy back Ordinary Shares for re-issuance from treasury where the circumstances have required it. The recent issuance levels mean that the Company's existing authority to issue shares on a non pre-emptive basis, granted at the annual general meeting held on 3 July 2020, is likely to be exhausted prior to being refreshed at the next annual general meeting which is expected to be held in July 2021. As a result, in order to continue to operate the DCP and to meet the continuing demand for the Ordinary Shares, the Board is seeking the early renewal of its shareholder authority to issue Ordinary Shares on a non pre-emptive basis. Accordingly, the Company has today published a circular convening a general meeting to be held at 10.00 a.m. on 6 April 2021 at the offices of PATAC Limited, 28 Walker Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HR (the "General Meeting"). At the General Meeting, a special resolution will be proposed to give the Board authority to disapply pre-emption rights on the issue of up to 1,356,084 Ordinary Shares (being 10 per cent. of the Company's current issued share capital). A copy of the circular will shortly be available for inspection on the Company's website at www.capitalgearingtrust.co.uk and on the National Storage Mechanism which is located at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. All enquiries: PATAC Limited Company Secretary Tel: 0131 378 0500 Email: company.secretary@capitalgearingtrust.com The day after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, an anonymous tipster from Finland alerted the FBI to a video on a Finnish newspaper's website. It showed a man with a bloody forehead outside the Capitol building wearing a black ballistic vest and an American flag as a cape. "There were people scuffling with the cops, and that's when I got hit with a projectile not sure what it was," the 33-year-old man, Kevin Cordon of Alhambra, told a U.S. correspondent for the Finnish publication Ilta Sanomat. "And then from there, we proceeded into the broken windows and into the Capitol building. We were walking around the hallways, and the Trump supporters were all going nuts." On Tuesday, Cordon and his brother, Sean Carlo Cordon, 35, of Los Angeles, were arrested and charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and other crimes stemming from the assault on the Capitol by Donald Trump supporters, authorities said. The mob broke into the building in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election. "It's clear that this election is stolen, there's just so much overwhelming evidence, and the establishment, the media, big tech are just completely ignoring all of it and we're here to show them we're not having it," Kevin Cordon told Finnish reporter Mikko Marttinen in the video. "We're not just going to take this laying down." More than 300 people have been charged with federal crimes in the Capitol riot, including more than a dozen from California. Many of them posted videos of themselves at the Capitol on social media or openly discussed being there in television interviews, giving prosecutors a rich trove of evidence now being used against them in court. In a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday, FBI agent Shane Anderson outlined the weeks of sleuthing that led to the arrest of the Cordon brothers after the initial tip from Finland. The two men featured in the newspaper's video appeared to match the photos on the Cordon brothers' driver licenses, Anderson wrote. Capitol surveillance footage showed the brothers outside the building near a gathering of police officers, then climbing through a window to enter the Capitol 10 minutes later, according to Anderson. Cameras inside the Capitol captured the brothers walking through the Crypt beneath the Rotunda, then outside the building as Kevin Cordon spoke to the Ilta Sanomat reporter awhile later, Anderson said. At 3 p.m., he added, Cordon was seen making a phone call, and records confirmed a call at that time from his cellphone in Washington to a person who shares his residence in California. Verizon records obtained through a search warrant showed that Kevin Cordon's phone number connected to a cell site that serves the interior of the Capitol building, the complaint said. And flight records showed that the Cordon brothers bought tickets on a Jan. 5 red-eye from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington, then returned on Jan. 7. Surveillance video from a United Airlines boarding area at LAX showed a man resembling Kevin Cordon wearing an American flag cape, according to the FBI agent. The Twitter feed of Sean Carlo Cordon includes a post showing his admiration for Trump and his belief in the former president's lies about winning an election that he actually lost by 7 million votes. In December, Sean Carlo Cordon posted complaints about vote recounts in Georgia, one of the states Trump narrowly lost. "Not auditing the vote is further criminality," he wrote. The Cordon brothers were each arrested at their homes around 6 a.m., and both residences were searched, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. At their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, U.S. Magistrate Michael Wilner ordered them each released on $50,000 bond. Both will be under electronic location monitoring while awaiting trial, and they were ordered to surrender any firearms. The same day President Joe Biden is set to announce a deal to secure at least 100 million more doses of Johnson & Johnsons single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, Massachusetts health officials warn not to expect a sudden influx in supply. The Biden administration does not plan to increase how many COVID-19 vaccine doses are going to Massachusetts this month, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders told reporters Wednesday. Sudders, who heads the states COVID-19 Command Center, said she learned Tuesday that the federal government doesnt plan to increase its allotment of first doses to the Bay State through the end of March. The state receives an estimated 150,000 first doses weekly. The state will see a small increase in shipments of second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, but otherwise the allotment of doses coming for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are not expected to change, Sudders said. The state receives a constrained supply, she said. Later in the morning, Gov. Charlie Baker urged the Biden administration to increase how many doses it ships to Massachusetts. To help us plan and to help provide the public with a better time frame and more options to book appointments, we would like to urge once again the federal government to do everything in its power to speed up and boost production and distribution, the Republican governor said during a news briefing in West Bridgewater. We understand and we agree the process is frustrating for many people. Sudders outlined what kinds of sites are getting first and second doses this week, though she did not break down the estimates by location or first or second dose. Massachusetts has three private vendors running seven mass vaccination sites across Massachusetts. Those vendors CIC Health, Curative and LabCorp have cost Massachusetts more than $10 million to run these large-scale vaccination sites since January, according to a MassLive analysis of state contracts. From the states allotment, the seven mass vaccination sites will get a combined 83,000 doses this week, Sudders said. Hospitals will get 79,000. The states 12 regional collaboratives will get 38,000. Community health centers will get another 25,000 from the state, Sudders said. Another 25,000 doses will go to local boards of health that had second-dose appointments scheduled and two the 20 disproportionately impacted communities, Sudders said. She did not specify how that breaks down between the boards of health and those communities. The federal government separately ships vaccines to pharmacies that have partnered to administered doses to the public, just as it did to CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens when those companies vaccinated long-term care facilities. The federal government plans to allocate 95,000 first and second doses to pharmacies in Massachusetts. The feds plan to send another 19,000 to federally qualified health centers, community health centers that receive federal funds to work in underserved communities. Baker said during a news conference Wednesday morning those will include single-dose vaccines developed by Johnson & Johnson. Last week the federal government informed all states not to expect new J&J doses until the beginning of April, he said. This is a bit of a change in that, but again its fairly small numbers and were looking forward to seeing the big numbers that J&J has committed to get delivered to the commonwealth at some point in the not-so-distant future. Due to the need to offer residents second doses with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, a relatively low number of first-dose vaccination appointments were available in recent weeks compared to the number of vaccines received in Massachusetts. Last week, 12,000 first-dose appointments were available at the states seven large-scale vaccination sites. The state has fully vaccinated more than 758,000 people as of Tuesday, according to the state Department of Public Health. An additional 739,546 people have received their 1st Moderna or Pfizer dose and are in need of their second. The rollout has come under scrutiny as residents struggled to sign up for appointments on the booking website, run by private vendor PrepMod, and as the state announced caregivers or companions of people ages 75 and up could get vaccinated early, no matter their age or health. The state plans to launch a pre-registration website on Friday that will replace the current booking platforms, Sudders told reporters. There will also be four designated vaccination days for educators, school staff and child care workers between late March and mid-April. Lawmakers and local public health officials say they dont have enough timely information about how many vaccine doses are going to local boards of health compared to state-run super vaccination sites or other types of providers. The states weekly report displays how many vaccine doses have gone to each county. It also displays how many go to local boards of health or state-run super vaccination sites. But the state does not break down the number of doses going to each location, such as to a particular hospital system or a state-run site. Lawmakers on the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management asked the Baker administration during an oversight hearing in late February for more granular details about the vaccine rollout, including organizational charts for the COVID-19 Command Center and the contractors running mass vaccination sites. The next oversight hearing is set for the week of March 22. Related Content: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading international financial hub, said that the number of new firms operating in DIFC grew 20 per cent in 2020, taking the total to 2,919, marking the best performance in its 16-year history. A total of 915 financial companies are now active in DIFC, up 24 per cent from 735 in 2019. The number of businesses in the FinTech and Innovation ecosystem more than doubled with 189 joining in 2020, taking the total to 303. Business sectors across DIFC achieved exponential growth, including banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, FinTech and professional services. Notable financial services firms opening headquarters and regional offices in DIFC in 2020 included TATA Asset Management, Samba Financial Group, Caixabank and AfricaRe. FinTechs included global and regional names such as Ebury, Ripple, Adyen, KoFax Me and Tabby. In 2020, total banking assets booked in DIFC increased 6 per cent to $189 billion. An additional $64 billion of lending was also arranged by DIFC firms. DIFC based Wealth and Asset Management portfolio managers invested $203.5 billion, up by 106 per cent, from $99 billion in 2019, with the industry now worth $528.5 billion. Gross Written Premiums for the insurance sector reached $1.7 billion. DIFC's operating profit was $125 million, broadly consistent with the prior year despite global economic headwinds. DIFC introduced initiatives during 2020, which have supported exponential growth and will contribute towards the Centre's vision to drive the future of finance. The number of FinTech and Innovation firms in DIFC almost doubled in 2020 and has tripled in the last two years. The Centre is now home to 303 businesses in this sector which is more than 50 per cent of those operating in the GCC. Throughout 2020, the Centre continued to attract and retain the best financial talent. The workforce increased by over 4 per cent year on year. A total of 1,135 new jobs were created by clients, taking the total to 26,773, representing 145 different nationalities. DIFC continues to be the most sought-after business address in Dubai with over 94 per cent of its commercial office space leased. In 2020, over 200,000 sq ft of additional commercial space was leased. New flexible and innovative work environments were introduced, reflecting the future of work in a post-pandemic world. This includes the DIFC Innovation Hub. Leading lifestyle destination The Centre continues to be a magnet for some of the worlds finest restaurants, leading fashion boutiques, home-grown brands and galleries. DIFC, encompassing Gate District and Gate Village, raised its profile as a vibrant business and leisure community, with its retail and dining venues growing to 351. This includes 90 new retailers that joined in 2020. In 2020, DIFC welcomed more than 20 fine dining restaurants and gourmet concepts, including Clap Restaurant, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Ce La Vi, Hutong and The Arts Club, the first international outpost of the renowned private members establishment established in London. DIFC also launched a new urban dining destination, the South Market in Gate Avenue. In November 2020, DIFC Art Nights returned for the 10th year, offering lifestyle, arts and culture enthusiasts the opportunity to discover eclectic art pieces from established and emerging artists. - TradeArabia News Service Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The proliferation of fintech services across Africa remains in full swing as investors remain bullish about the opportunities that abound in the sector. Today we behold another unicorn: African payments company Flutterwave announced that it has closed $170 million, valuing the company over $1 billion. New York-based private investment firm Avenir Growth Capital and U.S. hedge fund and investment firm Tiger Global led the Series C round. New and existing investors who participated include DST Global, Early Capital Berrywood, Green Visor Capital, Greycroft Capital, Insight Partners, Salesforce Ventures, Tiger Management, Worldpay FIS and 9yards Capital. The Series C round comes a year after Flutterwave closed its $35 million Series B and $20 million Series A in 2018. In total, Flutterwave has raised $225 million and is one of the few African startups to have secured more than $200 million in funding. Launched in 2016 as a Nigerian and U.S.-based payments company with offices in Lagos and San Francisco, Flutterwave helps businesses build customizable payments applications through its APIs. When the company raised its Series B, we reported that Flutterwave had processed 107 million transactions worth $5.4 billion. Right now, those numbers have increased to over 140 million transactions worth more than $9 billion. The company, which also helps businesses outside Africa to expand their operations on the continent, has an impressive clientele of international companies, including Booking.com, Flywire and Uber. Flutterwave says more than 290,000 businesses use its platform to carry out payments. And according to the company's statement, they can do so "in 150 currencies and multiple payment modes including local and international cards, mobile wallets, bank transfers, Barter by Flutterwave." While its website shows an active presence in 11 African countries, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola, also known as GB, told TechCrunch the company is live in 20 African countries with an infrastructure reach in over 33 countries on the continent. Story continues Last year was a pivotal one for the five-year-old company. Its second investment came just in time before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Africa, negatively impacting some businesses but not payments companies like Flutterwave. Agboola says his company grew more than 100% in revenue within the past year due to the pandemic without giving specifics on numbers. It also contributed to its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 226% from 2018. According to the CEO, this growth resulted from an increase in activities in "COVID beneficiary sectors" -- a term used by Flutterwave to describe sectors positively impacted by the pandemic. They include streaming, gaming, remittance and e-commerce, among others. Agboola adds that the company plans to ride on these sectors' growth and continue in that trajectory. Besides, Flutterwave's response in introducing the Flutterwave Store for merchants during pandemic-induced lockdowns was instrumental as well. The product, which went live across 15 African countries, helps over 20,000 merchants to create storefronts and sell their products online. Image Credits: Flutterwave Flutterwave wants to become a global payments company, and the Series C investment helps to reach that goal. The company says it plans to use the funds to speed up customer acquisition in its present markets. It will also improve existing product offerings like Barter, where it has over 500,000 users, and introduce new offerings. One such is Flutterwave Mobile, which in the founder's words "will turn merchants' mobile devices into a point of sale, allowing them to accept payments and make sales." In a statement, Agboola gives credit to the company's more than 300 staff, investors, customers and regulatory bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for creating the backbone for Flutterwave's success. For some, it would come off as strange that the CEO mentioned the last stakeholder given the unfavourable and questionable regulations it has recently placed on fintechs in Nigeria. However, Agboola thinks the reverse is the case. He makes a bold statement by saying that under the current CBN governor's administration, the Central Bank has shown a consistent regulatory framework that has allowed fintechs like Flutterwave to thrive. "Flutterwave, for instance, launched when the governor just came in. We got our license and scaled our business because of a favourable regime that allowed it to be possible. There are so many trailblazing innovations that we don't talk about a lot about Nigeria, like the BVN and the NIP system. Nigeria has consistently been at the forefront of payments innovation for over a decade, and it was all possible because of the forward-looking CBN policies," he said. On exits, acquisitions and the billion-dollar club One fintech company that has unquestionably championed payments in this time frame is Interswitch. The payments giant is currently worth $1 billion after Visa acquired a 20% stake in 2019, and Flutterwave joins the company as the only fintechs in Nigeria to have reached that valuation. This number increases to four in Africa when including publicly traded African e-commerce company Jumia and Egyptian payments company Fawry. Flutterwave's $170 million mammoth raise and its billion-dollar valuation represent a landmark achievement for the African startup scene. While the aforementioned companies' valuations can't be disputed, there are question marks on whether some are startups and whether others are African companies. Interswitch, for instance, was founded in 2002, which doesn't necessarily make it a startup despite still being private. Fawry was launched in 2007, but didn't become a billion-dollar company until 2020, a year after going public. Jumia, albeit public, reached unicorn status as a private company in 2016; however, there are varying opinions as to whether it is an African company or not. Unlike the others, Flutterwave checks all the boxes of what a billion-dollar African startup should ideally look like -- founded by Africans in Africa while reaching a $1 billion valuation in fewer than 10 years. Most stakeholders in Africa's tech ecosystem knew this would happen, but the timing expected was later rather than sooner. After raising $35 million in a Series B in 2020, who would have thought Flutterwave was going to raise almost five times that amount the following round and be valued at more than $1 billion the next year? Maybe just a few. Well, these numbers rarely matter to Agboola, as I ask him what he thinks of Flutterwave's new growth metric. "I'll say valuation is both art and science. At some point, we were also the most valuable African company at YC, but it's not really a metric we're focused on at Flutterwave because they move up and down," he smiles. "Our key metrics have always been revenue, customer growth and retention." Aptly said, but as the company continues to grow, questions around profitability and exit will become more frequent. Paystack, another Nigerian payments company that is often compared to Flutterwave, got acquired by Stripe for more than $200 million last year. At the time, there were also rumours of Flutterwave taking the same route, but this Series C raise suggests that the company is not looking to exit at the moment. However, if the YC-backed company indeed does, it might be through an IPO. "Like every other startup, we're thinking about ways to create exit tools for our investors. So, a listing is very much in our plans, but for now, we're focused on giving the best value to our customers," Agboola said. In the course of the company's journey to this point, it has remained big on partnerships. In 2019, Flutterwave partnered with Visa to launch Barter and Alipay to offer digital payments between Africa and China. Then last year, the company announced a partnership with Worldpay FIS for payments in Africa. Although Flutterwave has done this with bigger establishments, Agboola says the company will be looking to do the same with smaller companies, opening the doors to potential acquisitions. "We believe in payments in partnership as you have to partner to scale. So, if in the course of making partnerships and scaling and we identify promising companies with a similar ethos and have our vision in mind, that is in making Africa a country, an acquisition isn't off the table," he said. After capturing much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Agboola says Flutterwave's next plan is to go live in North Africa. There, it will likely face competition from a local leader, Fawry, but that doesn't matter. The African fintech market is large enough to accommodate multiple players. That's one reason why it has also been a popular bet with investors. The sector, which is both local and international investors' top destination, attracted between 25% to 31% of the total VC funding last year from varying sources. But from the information on their websites, this is the first time Flutterwave's lead investors -- Avenir Growth Capital and Tiger Global -- are backing an African fintech startup. For the former, Flutterwave represents the first African startup in its portfolio, but Tiger Global is known to have invested in Nigerian media company iROKOtv and South African e-commerce company, Takealot. Via their partners -- Jamie Reynolds of Avenir Growth Capital and Scott Shleifer of Tiger Global, both firms said they're backing Flutterwave on its quest to build a global and world-class payments company. Looking into the future, Agboola insists that the company's focus remains to support its 290,000 merchants and help them build global businesses. "We look forward to increasing our investments across the continent and deepening the impact our platform has on lives and livelihoods as we take more businesses in Africa to the world, and at the same time continue to bring more of the world to Africa," he said. Prairie farmers and ranchers can further enhance biodiversity on their land through new Weston Family Prairie Grasslands Initiative Private energy companies have been put on notice to replace power supplies that will be lost with the early closure of Victorias Yallourn coal plant, federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor has warned. EnergyAustralia announced on Wednesday it had brought forward the closure of its brown coal power plant in the Latrobe Valley from 2032 to now shut in mid-2028. Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Yallourn supplies up to 22 per cent of Victorias electricity demand and employs about 500 workers. EnergyAustralia plans to build a four-hour battery by 2026, which would help to compensate for the loss of coal fired output. Mr Taylor warned energy companies that the federal government will monitor their behaviour to prevent a shortfall in supply leading to consumer power price rises, adding that his thoughts were with the workers due to the early closure. Some of the worlds biggest exporters in Asia are intervening to alleviate a shipping container shortage that jeopardizes their overseas trading. Government-owned has moved empty boxes to inland depots like Delhi from seaports for free. South Korea has deployed an extra nine vessels on the Trans-Pacific route to help local manufacturers while Chinas state-owned shipyard, Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry, has converted at least one freshly built paper-and-pulp carrier to transport the containers. The state-backed companies and governments are working quickly to smooth disruptions on the supply side of global trade to avoid losing business, even as clogged ports like Los Angeles trigger import delays and freight costs remain high. Asian economies remain deeply reliant on exports to Europe and North America to line government coffers. The state has a far bigger role within shipping in Asia, with equity stakes in numerous shipping lines, shipyards and terminals, said Simon Heaney, senior manager of container research at Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd. That influence is much less prevalent elsewhere in the world. is discussing if its current 25 per cent discount for moving empty containers inland along some routes needs to be extended beyond March, according to Manoj Singh, executive director for freight traffic and transportation. The carrier offered free carriage at least twice last year and hasnt ruled out waiving all charges again when it reviews the situation at the end of the month, he said. Container Corp. of India Ltd., on whose board Singh sits, is also moving containers to neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to help ease the shortage, he said. Typically the company would only move the boxes to facilitate domestic shipments. That coincided with a turnaround in Indias trade, with both exports and imports witnessing two consecutive months of growth since December after record declines last year due to the pandemic. Exporters and their industry groups are noisier and more active lobbyists on these types of issues, said Daniel Richards, a senior analyst at Maritime Strategies International Ltd., a shipping consultancy. When you add to that the importance of the export sector to most Asian economies you can see why these governments have at least made efforts to be seen to be proactive. But even countries less reliant on exports than powerhouses like China or South Korea are looking at ways to unclog global trade arteries. The UTLC Eurasian Rail Alliance reduced tariffs last April for transporting empty containers via its Europe-China link. The company jointly formed by the state railways of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus said that this would help avert the shortage of containers for loading in China. To some extent, state intervention can run counter to steps corporations have taken in response to disruptions driven by the pandemic. For instance, Hapag-Lloyd is raising freight rates next month to ship boxes from Europe to Indias Nhava Sheva port, the company said this month. Government role is limited and market forces will ultimately determine how things pan out, said Ajay Sahai, director general at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. The best thing governments can do is ensure rapid and effective vaccination of their populations so that landside logistics labor capacity and productivity can be restored to pre-pandemic levels, said Heaney. That will do a lot to improve the circulation of containers. Ahead of the proposed bank strike for two days, the Bank of Maharashtra has informed its customer that the normal functioning of its branches is likely to remain affected. In a BSE filing, the Bank of Maharashtra stated that the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has given a call for two days strike on March 15 and 16 in support of various demands and issues. The BoM said that the strike is at industry-level and not at bank-level issues. The Bank of Maharashtra has projected that some of its employees could also participate in the proposed strike. The BoM has assured that it will take necessary steps to minimise the impact of the strike in order to provide smooth banking services to its customers. "If the strike materialises, the normal functioning of the Bank's branches/ offices is likely to be affected. The bank is taking all necessary steps to minimise the impact of the strike so as to provide the normal banking services to its customers," Bank of Maharashtra said in the release. Several bank unions have called for a bank strike across the country on March 15 and 16 against the proposed privatisation of two state-owned lenders by the government. These unions comprise All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), National Confederation of Bank Employees (NCBE), All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), Indian National Bank Employees' Federation Federation of Canara Bank Employees' Congress (INBEF), Indian National Bank Officers' Congress (INBOC), National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW), National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO), All India Nationalised Bank Officers' Federation Canara Bank Officers' Association (Regd.) (AINBOF). According to Reuters, the Centre has shortlisted four mid-sized state-run banks for privatisation, under a new push to sell state assets and shore up government revenues. The four banks on the shortlist are Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, and the Central Bank of India. The government is considering mid-sized to small banks for its first round of privatisation to test the waters. In the coming years it could also look at some of the country's bigger banks. Also read: PV sales grow 17.9% in Feb amid supply chain challenges: SIAM Also read: LIC's IPO price estimates range from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per share TORONTO, March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O2Gold Inc. (O2Gold or the Company) (TSXV: OTGO) announces today that the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) has granted an extension of 30 days for filing final documentation with respect to its previously announced acquisition of a gold mining project in Colombia (the Acquisition). The Company is working diligently to complete the remaining conditions to closing, particularly the Companys previously announced non-brokered private placement financing of up to 25 million units for gross proceeds of up to $5 million (the Offering). Closing of the Offering and the satisfaction of the other closing conditions for the Acquisition are expected to occur in mid to late March 2021. Please see the Companys press release dated January 14, 2021 for more information about the Offering, which is available under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The project consists of interests in 26 mining claim titles and applications in Antioquia, Colombia. For more information about the Acquisition, please see the Companys press releases dated October 28, 2020, November 30, 2020 and December 11, 2020, which are also available under the Companys SEDAR profile. The closing of the Acquisition remains subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in Colombia, the final approval of the TSXV, completion of the Offering, and other closing conditions found in similar transactions. In addition, the Company announces today that it has entered into a marketing services agreement with Hybrid Financial Ltd. (Hybrid Financial). Hybrid Financial is a sales and distribution company that actively connects issuers to the investment community across North America. Pursuant to the agreement, Hybrid Financial will assist O2Gold in all aspects of its marketing campaign to increase investor awareness by advancing O2Gold's communications strategy with shareholders, investors, investment dealers and other North American financial professionals. The agreement with Hybrid Financial is effective for a 6-month term and, subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, Hybrid Financial is entitled to receive a lump sum fee of $135,000. Hybrid Financial is an arms length party from the Company and has an office in Toronto, Ontario. As of the date of this press release, neither Hybrid Financial nor any of its directors or officers own any securities of the Company. About O2Gold O2Gold is a mineral exploration company with activities in Colombia. For additional information, please contact: Jaime Lalinde, President and CEO Phone: (57) 312 350 5864 Email: jlalinde@fmresources.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys ability to complete the Acquisition and the Offering, the expected timing of completion of the Offering and the satisfaction of the closing conditions for the Acquisition, and the engagement of Hybrid Financial as a capital markets advisor. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. TOWANDA -- The embattled Bradford County district attorney is seeking to have criminal charges against him dismissed, claiming prosecutorial and state police misconduct. An April 16 hearing is scheduled on three motions to dismiss filed on behalf of Chad Michael Salsman. He is accused of sexually assaulting women who were his clients in criminal and child custody cases when he was a private attorney. Salsman, through his attorney Samuel C. Stretton, charged Attorney General Josh Shapiro with highly improper conduct at a Feb. 4 news conference and state Trooper Miranda Musick with conducting a vindictive investigation. He also seeks to have the charges of sexual assault, indecent assault, witness intimidation, obstruction and promoting prostitution dismissed due to alleged interference with attorney/client privilege. Salsmans allegations trying to politicize his arrest and this investigation are false, was the response of the attorney generals office. The evidence against him was considered by citizen grand jurors like in any other case. Their recommendations were announced and the public has a right to understand charges against a sitting public official. We will present our case at trial. Stretton contends Shapiro expressed an opinion of guilt at a news conference the day of the arrest and referred to other alleged criminal acts on which the statute of limitations had passed. The Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers, including an attorney general, from making extrajudicial statements that could materially prejudice a case, he said. Musick is accused in one of the motions of working with the Salsmans district attorneys office while interviewing witnesses as part of the investigation. The trooper had an agenda to pursue her dislike for him in part because he won several cases as private attorney in which she was involved, Stretton wrote. He asked state police in a Jan. 16, 2020, letter not to assign any troopers to work with the district attorneys office who were involved in the Salsman investigation. The attorney generals office and state police allowed the conflict to continue, even having Musick contact Salsmans wife, Stretton said. Stretton also accuses Musick of attempting to get witnesses to cooperate and threatening them with arrest if they spoke to a defense investigator. The attorney/client allegation focuses on an alleged victim identified in the grand jury presentment as HH who Salsman said he considered a close friend. It was improper to direct HH to have repeated contact with Salsman between January and March 2020 and wear a recording on at least one occasion, Stretton claims. The case recently was assigned to Luzerne County Senior Judge Joseph M. Augello. Two Bradford County judges recused themselves. Salsman, who is free on $500,000 bail, remains in office but has turned the day-to-day operations over to his first assistant. STANDISH, MI A Standish-based surveying company is the focus of a federal investigation into possible tax fraud. Revealed in federal court documents that were briefly unsealed, the FBI has been engaged in a lengthy probe into Surveying Solutions Inc., investigating allegations of wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, according to The Detroit News. At least five company executives are targeted in the investigation. It is alleged these executives could have defrauded taxpayers of more than $7.3 million by overbilling, submitting fake expenses, and giving six-figure jobs to their spouses, The Detroit News reports. The investigation came to light when hundreds of pages of FBI search warrant affidavits and lists of items seized during July 2019 raids were unsealed Thursday, March 4. The documents have since been resealed and are no longer available to the public to peruse. Surveying Solutions is one of Michigans preeminent surveying firms and has worked on more than 150 Michigan Department of Transportation projects worth $29.3 million. SSI is one of the most unique and sought-after surveying and construction companies in the United States, company attorney Wade G. Fink said in a statement to MLive. The company makes its home in Michigan where it employs more than 120 Michigan families. SSI is currently working on critical infrastructure projects in Michigan at rates well below that of an average competitors cost. In fact, SSI has always provided services to the Michigan taxpayer at rates substantially lower than competitors. SSI provides services no one else can and the MDOT puts Michigan drivers safety above all else. Michigan residents can be proud of the MDOT by doing everything in its power not to sacrifice the safety of our roads and highways. As far as these allegations are concerned, if and when they are unsealed, and should they ever be made in a courtroom, that is where we will defend against them. Jeff Cranson, MDOTs director of communications, told MLive the investigation is the result of reviews by MDOTs Office of Commission Audit and later by the Federal Highway Administrations Office of Inspector General. MDOT continues to cooperate with the federal authorities on the investigation. No criminal charges have been filed in the case. As such, MLive is not naming the five company executives who were named in the FBI documents. The firm, with offices in St. Johns, Novi, and Saginaw, was paid $14.3 million as a prime contractor from 2016-18. A state auditor estimated that from 2016-18, MDOT overpaid $850,360 to Surveying Solutions due to fraudulent representations regarding employment of spouses, according to the FBI, The Detroit News stated. The City of Saginaw has worked with Surveying Solutions on projects for years, said Public Works Director Phil Karwat. We have a contract with them for a five-year agreement, Karwat said. They do great quality work. Theyre a phenomenal company. Their invoices from what we review are always accurate. Its been in the best interest of the city to utilize them for their services. Between 2018 and 2020, the city paid Surveying Solutions $219,200 for various projects, Karwat said. Karwat added he was surprised to hear about the investigation. Until this shakes out, Im pretty blown away, to be honest, he said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anca I. Pop wrote in a court filing Thursday that the search warrant records needed to be sealed to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation. The Detroit News described the documents as revealing a sprawling investigation and an elaborate conspiracy involving allegations of wasted tax dollars, ghost employees, and $70,000 bonuses for wives who never worked on state construction projects because they had full-time jobs, including work at a spa and a Saginaw high school. Specifically, (Surveying Solutions) executives organized shell companies to create fictitious expenses, the FBI agent wrote. The fictitious expenses were ultimately paid by MDOT and also caused profit payments from MDOT to (Surveying Solutions) to be inflated. Read more: Judge finds man who cut out roommates heart not guilty by reason of insanity, victims family not happy Huron County sheriff reminds people to stay off thawing ice after 2 men fell through Severely wounded puppies leads to felony against Buena Vista Township man Oakland officials are investigating a party last weekend at the Humanist Hall, an events space that hosted large gatherings in defiance of public health orders for much of the pandemic and was ordered to shut down. Officials persuaded a judge in November to require the event space at 411 28th St. to close down. The manager of the space, David Oertel, was due in court Dec. 15 over the conflict, but at the hearing, officials learned that Oertel had died Dec. 5. On Saturday, neighbors complained to police about loud music and a gathering at the Humanist Hall. Chris Bolton, the deputy police chief, responded in an email to residents that all on-duty officers were prioritizing sideshow prevention and enforcement and that response to calls at the Humanist Hall might be delayed. Its unclear whether police responded to the event. Alameda County had been in the states purple tier, the most restrictive, which allows only outdoor gatherings with modifications and a maximum of three households. Starting Wednesday, it moved into the red tier, which strongly discourages indoor gatherings and allows them with a maximum of three households. Saturdays incident comes after city officials spent months wrangling with Oertel, who had described local health orders as torture, calling the COVID-19 a bad flu, and accusing the city of engaging in fascism, tyranny. He continued to hold large weddings and birthday parties throughout much of the pandemic. After his death, a caretaker for the space, Antonio Lomeli, said he was taking over operations of the space. In January, a judge ordered the space to shut down and required the halls operators to give five business days notice in advance to the city before reopening or resuming events. Three more events are planned at the hall this month, according to the spaces booking calendar. In a statement to The Chronicle, a spokesperson for the city attorneys office said they are aware of the allegations of activities that may have violated the courts order. We are looking into these allegations with the help of community members and city staff, the statement read. Once we fully understand what occurred, we will respond accordingly, which may include returning to court. Lomeli did not respond to a request for comment. Despite concerns from residents, city officials have been slow to deal with the Humanist Hall. Infectious disease experts publicly described the indoor gatherings large birthday parties and wakes as possible super-spreader events. After The Chronicle revealed that the Humanist Hall had been hosting events with 100 or more maskless attendees since at least July, the city attorneys office filed a lawsuit in October. The lawsuit stated that the events center was in flagrant, knowing, and repeated violation of the county health order that bans events. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani A mysterious mass grave has been unearthed by archaeologists in Croatia. The 6.5ft wide and three foot deep pit contains remains of 41 individuals who were massacred around 6,200 years ago. What triggered the slaughter remains unknown but researchers say growing populations or climate change may have caused the bloody event. They also add that senseless murder and 'large-scale indiscriminate killing is a horror that is not just a feature of the modern and historic periods'. Scroll down for video All 41 victims were then thrown into a pit three feet (one metre) deep and six feet (two metres) wide. Bones and pottery remains were dated to the Copper Age Lasinja culture which spanned Croatia, Slovenia, and parts of Bosnia, Hungary and Austria Genetic analysis of the skeletons found at Potocani, Croatia, revealed 21 males and 20 females interred, with people ranging in age from two to 50 years old. While some of the people were related a father, his two daughters and his nephew; two young girls and their cousin; a father and his teen son; a young boy and his aunt the pit as a whole was made up of people who were unrelated. They all died at the same time and belonged to a large farming population of up to 75,000 people who had lived in the area for centuries. Pictured, blunt force cranial injuries in two individuals from Potocani which happened at the time of death. Top: a 11-17 year old boy. Bottom: a young adult female Pictured, three perimortem penetrating injuries on the right side of the skull of a young adult female from Potocani. The skulls of six children, three adult men and four adult women had similar injuries to their head which were made by a variety of weapons, indicating a single episode of execution, the researchers say The scientists found the site meets their criteria for a massacre, defined as 'an act of intentional murder upon a mass of people who were not prepared for battle, with the killing being conducted by a group'. All 41 victims were then thrown into a pit three feet (one metre) deep and six feet (two metres) wide. Bones and pottery from the pit were dated to the Copper Age Lasinja culture which spanned Croatia, Slovenia, and parts of Bosnia, Hungary and Austria. The society was one of farmers, who likely relied on cattle for their livelihood. Pictured, a partially reconstructed ceramic jug, typical of the Lasinja culture of the Middle Copper Age, found in the Potocani mass burial The skulls of six children, three adult men and four adult women had similar injuries to their head which were made by a variety of weapons, indicating a single episode of execution, the researchers say. Because only a small amount of the individuals were related, the experts speculate that the massacre was not a targeted attack on specific families. This also indicates the massacre was 'not the outcome of inter-male fighting one would expect of battles' or a punitive killing for perceived misdeeds. While unable to offer a definitive explanation as to how these 41 people met their grisly end, the researchers say the two most likely factors which led to the massacre aerre 'adverse climatic conditions' and a booming population. 'The data reveal how organised violence in this period could be indiscriminate just as indiscriminate killings have been an important feature if life in historic and prehistoric times.' 'Violence on a massive scale has been present in human societies for at last 13,000 years,' the researcher write in their study, published today in PLOS ONE. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Farmer unions protesting the three farm laws have called for a Bharat Bandh on March 26. The day marks the completion of four months of protests against the legislations at borders of Delhi, which started on November 26. Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmer unions, will hold a joint convention will be organised with trade unions and other organisations to plan for the nationwide strike, reports said. The farmers have formulated a schedule of protests. Farmer leader Buta Singh Burjgill told news agency PTI that farmers along with trade unions will protest the hike in fuel prices and privatisation of railways on March 15. On March 19, the farmers will observe "Mandi Bachao-Kheti Bachao" day, he said. On March 23, the day of martyrdom of Bhagat Singh Rajguru and Sukhdev, youth from all over the nation will join the farmers' protest at Delhi's borders. Farmers will burn copies of farm laws on March 28 as part of Holika Dahan across the nation. On Wednesday, Rajya Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the third day in a row as members of Parliament from Congress and other opposition parties demanded discussion on the three farm laws. Proceedings were first adjourned till 12 noon and then again till 2 pm after the opposition members gathered into the Well of the House raising slogans. Thousands of farmers, primarily from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been protesting at Delhi border points at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur for four months, demanding the repeal of farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. Among the concerns raised by the protesting farmers is the apprehension that the new farm laws would discard the MSP system. Centre, in contrast, has maintained that the new laws will not touch the MSP system and will instead ensure better payment to farmers for their produce. ALSO READ: Govt ready to amend new agri laws, says Agriculture Minister ALSO READ: 38 private players invested Rs 301 crore in farm markets: Agri Minister to Lok Sabha Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The holiday of Purim is a festival of life, recalling how the Jewish people escaped the genocidal plot of an evil minister against an ancient Persian king. In 2021, Purim again marked the saving of Jewish lives, but this time from a different enemy: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Leaders of the U.S. Orthodox Jewish communitya group devastated by COVID-19 infections and deaths following Purim social gatherings in March 2020 before preventive measures such as masking and physical distancing became commonplacewere able before this year's holiday to promote scientifically based safety guidelines for COVID-19-free celebrations. This was possible partly because of findings from a Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study evaluating just over 9,500 Orthodox Jews in 12 states that helped define the epidemiology of the Purim 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. The study appears online March 10 in JAMA Network Open. "Because Purim in 2020 caused hundreds of Orthodox Jews to become ill or hospitalized with COVID-19 in the earliest stages of the pandemic, we realized that these patientswho were convalescing when others were just coming in contact with SARS-CoV-2 for the first timewere an important population to study to better understand why and how the virus spreads through a culturally bonded community," says study co-senior author Avi Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "We felt with that insight, health care practitioners could develop strategies based on scientific evidence to limit the spread of COVID-19 while still enabling important religious and other cultural practices to go on," he explains. Rosenberg and his collaborators created the Multi-Institutional sTudy analyZing anti-coV-2 Antibodies Cohort, or MITZVA Cohort (the acronym is taken from the Hebrew word for "commandment" and often refers to a "good deed"), to explore the epidemiology of the Purim 2020 COVID-19 spread within the large Orthodox Jewish communities of Brooklyn, New York; Lakewood, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; Nassau and Sullivan counties, New York; New Haven, Connecticut; and Detroit, Michigan. Also included were Orthodox Jews who resided in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington State. Study participants were first asked to complete a survey to define their demographic characteristics; whether they had any symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection before, during or shortly after the 2020 Purim holiday; the onset of any symptoms experienced; and if they had already tested positive for the virus. Out of 12,626 people given the questionnaire, 9,507 completed it and were invited to undergo SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in the second stage of the study. Of those participants, 6,665 (70.1%) were screened for immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies to the nucleocapsid (outer covering) protein of SARS-CoV-2 between May 14 and 30, 2020. The survey results defined the date range for possible COVID-19 symptom onset as from Dec. 1, 2019, to May 26, 2020. More than three-quarters, 77%, of the respondents reported their first symptoms between March 9 and April 1, with another 15% stating theirs began after April 1indicating that they were likely exposed just before or during the Purim season. Rosenberg says the Purim link to the outbreak is further supported by the fact that the median (the midpoint date when dates were listed from earliest to latest) and mode (the date that occurred most often) for symptom onsets for study participants in all the states fell within the same period, March 17-21, 2020 (with Purim occurring March 10 and 11). Among the study participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, Rosenberg says that most (between 82% and 94% in the primary five communities examined) reported the onset of COVID-19 symptoms between March 9 and March 31, 2020. The seroprevalence ratesthe percentage of people in a population with antibodies against, and indicating infection with, SARS-CoV-2were consistently higher in the Orthodox Jewish communities than those in neighboring areas during the study time period. This is consistent, Rosenberg says, with the culturally bonded nature of these communities within a neighborhood or city, and even across state lines. "Based on these findings from a large study population within culturally bonded communities, we identified parallel SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks occurring in multiple areas around the Jewish festival of Purim," Rosenberg says. "The risk to these communities was amplified by the fact that these outbreaks occurred in the early days of the pandemic prior to widespread adoption of mask-wearing and physical distancing procedures." Rosenberg says that once COVID-19 prevention measures were established and promoted by public health authorities, local and national Orthodox Jewish leaders put forth mandates for their communities to comply, and developed culturally sensitive policies to address how to safely engage in prayer services, family and communal gatherings and social support systems. "This shows that preventing the spread of COVID-19 does not have to mean giving up or limiting religious and cultural practices that are vital to the lives of so many," Rosenberg says. "We believe that our study of the Purim 2020 outbreak, and the positive actions taken in part because of those findings, can provide guidance for safely celebrating many other religious and secular holidays in the United States, including Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Christmas." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Israel Zyskind et al. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Symptom Onset in Culturally Linked Orthodox Jewish Communities Across Multiple Regions in the United States, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Israel Zyskind et al. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Symptom Onset in Culturally Linked Orthodox Jewish Communities Across Multiple Regions in the United States,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.2816 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When we think about the causes of neurological disorders and how to treat them, we think about targeting the brain. But is this the best or only way? Maybe not. New research by scientists at Baylor College of Medicine suggests that microbes in the gut may contribute to certain symptoms associated with complex neurological disorders. The findings, published in the journal Cell, also suggest that microbe-inspired therapies may one day help to treat them. Dr. Mauro Costa-Mattioli, professor and Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair in neuroscience and director of the Memory and Brain Research Center at Baylor, discovered with his team that different abnormal behaviors are interdependently regulated by the host's genes and microbiome. Specifically, the team found that in mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders, hyperactivity is controlled by the host's genetics, whereas social behavior deficits are mediated by the gut microbiome. More importantly from a therapeutic perspective, they found that treatment with a specific microbe that promotes the production of compounds in the biopterin family in the gut or treatment with a metabolically active biopterin molecule improved the social behavior but not motor activity. "We are the bearers of both host and microbial genes. While most of the focus has traditionally been in host genes, the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live within us, is another important source of genetic information," Costa-Mattioli said. The work by Costa-Mattioli's group offers a different way of thinking about neurological disorders in which both human and microbial genes interact with each other and contribute to the condition. Their findings also suggest that effective treatments would likely need to be directed at both the brain and the gut to fully address all symptoms. Additionally, they open the possibility that other complex conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, viral infection or other neurological disorders may have a microbiome component. Brain-gut-microbiome crosstalk "It's very difficult to study these complex interactions in humans, so in this study, we worked with a mouse model for neurodevelopmental disorders in which the animals lacked both copies of the Cntnap2 gene (Cntnap2-/- mice)," said co-first author Sean Dooling, a Ph.D. candidate in molecular and human genetics in the Costa-Mattioli lab. "These mice presented with social deficits and hyperactivity, similar to those observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition, these mice, like many people with ASD, also had changes in the bacteria that make up their microbiome compared to the mice without the genetic change." Further experiments showed that modulating the gut microbiome improved the social behavior in the mutant mice, but did not alter their hyperactivity, indicating that the changes in the microbiome selectively contribute to the animals' social behavior. "We were able to separate the contribution of the microbiome and that of the animal's genetic mutation on the behavioral changes," Dooling said. "This shows that the gut microbiome shouldn't be ignored as an important variable in studying health and disease." Equipped with this knowledge, the researchers dug deeper into the mechanism underlying the microbiome's effect on the animal's social deficits. Based on their previous work, the investigators treated the mice with the probiotic microbe, L. reuteri. "We found that L. reuteri also can restore normal social behavior but cannot correct the hyperactivity in Cntnap2-/- mice," said co-first author Dr. Shelly Buffington, a former postdoctoral fellow in the Costa-Mattioli lab and now an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. However, the bigger surprise came when the investigators administered to the asocial mice a metabolite or compound they found was increased in the host's gut by L. reuteri. They discovered that the animals' social deficits also were improved after treating them with the metabolite instead of the bacteria. "This provides us with at least two possible ways to modulate the brain from the gut, with the bacteria or the bacteria-induced metabolite," said Buffington. Bacteria to heal your brain & beyond Could this work inspire new breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders? While it is still too early to say for sure, the investigators are particularly excited about the translational implications of their findings."Our work strengthens an emerging concept of a new frontier for the development of safe and effective therapeutics that target the gut microbiome with selective probiotic strains of bacteria or bacteria-inspired pharmaceuticals," Buffington said. "As we learn more about how these bacteria work, we will be able to more precisely and effectively leverage their power to help treat the brain and perhaps more," Dooling added. This research represents important step forward in the field as many disorders, especially those affecting the brain, remain very difficult to treat. "Despite all the scientific advances and the promise of gene manipulation, it is still difficult to modulate human genes to treat diseases, but modulating our microbiome may be an interesting, noninvasive alternative," said Costa-Mattioli. Indeed, L. reuteri currently is being tested in a clinical trial in Italy in children with autism, and Costa-Mattioli aims to start his own trial soon. "In my wildest dreams, I could have never imagined that microbes in the gut could modulate behavior and brain function. To think now that microbial-based strategies may be a viable way to treat neurological dysfunction, is still wild, but very exciting." Explore further Microbial-based treatment reverses autism spectrum social deficits in mouse models Outbreaks of highly contagious viral gastroenteritis have soared in Victorian childcare centres since coronavirus restrictions were eased, prompting a health warning for parents to keep their sick children at home. There have been 246 gastro outbreaks at childcare centres this year, which is more than four times higher than the five-year average. Outbreaks of highly contagious viral gastroenteritis have soared in Victorian childcare centres. Credit:Peter Braig Bruce Bolam, the Victorian Health Departments executive director for communicable disease, issued a health alert on Wednesday about the spike in cases, warning the virus was extremely infectious, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and muscle aches. The virus can take up to three days to develop and usually lasts one to two days, but in more severe cases can linger longer. Gastroenteritis can spread quickly through settings such as childcare centres, where children play and interact closely with each other and can readily spread their bugs, Dr Bolam said in a statement. A nationwide campaign to boycott Amazon is going viral this week as workers at the companys warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, push to form a union. But there are a few issues: The actual organizers behind the effort in Alabama have nothing to do with the boycott. Some labor experts say this kind of boycott could ultimately hurt the union drive. And to experienced labor activists, the obscure group behind the boycott has raised some red flags, leading to speculation that either they dont quite know what theyre doing, or theyre actually some kind of anti-union cutout. Advertisement Because a successful union drive would be a first in an Amazon facility, the campaign organized by the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union has garnered national attention. Figures like Stacey Abrams and Danny Glover have thrown their support behind it. President Joe Biden released a video last week supporting workers in Alabama. Amazons efforts to subvert the union have also received widespread scrutiny. The company launched a bizarre anti-union campaign on social media and has reportedly been forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings, changing the timing of traffic lights near the facility to frustrate organizers, and posting Vote No signs in the bathroom stalls. The Bessemer facilitys 5,800 employees are voting until the end of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the end of the union election weeks away, a call to boycott all Amazon services from March 7 to 13 gained attention on social media. Memes and virtual flyers promoting One Week No Prime to express solidarity with the Bessemer workers have been spreading on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Some posts have racked up tens of thousands of likes and shares. Thousands of Twitter users tweeted the hashtag #BoycottAmazon. It wasnt until the RWDSU denied being behind the campaign, though, that the boycott really started making headlines. Over the weekend, the RWDSU confirmed to HuffPosts Dave Jamieson that it was not affiliated with the boycott in any way. RWDSU spokesperson Chelsea Connor told me, We never called for it, nor were we part of it. She declined to comment further on the record. Advertisement We must hold the elite capitalists accountable for their crimes against humanity. Amazon is not your friend, they use you and your communities to line the pockets of Bezos and his kind. Boycott them. Spread the word. #amazon #amazonboycott #bezos #Solidarity #anticapitalism #LUP pic.twitter.com/5OGkEy0R8e Leftist Unification Party (@LeftUnification) February 18, 2021 Advertisement Thats when things got complicated. A little-known group called the Leftist Unification Party, which had organized the boycott, confirmed on Twitter and Facebook on Sunday that it hadnt had any contact with the RWDSU. Labor activists and reporters on the platform soon began pointing out that launching a boycott without coordinating with workers and organizers on the ground in Bessemer could end up hurting the union drive. This campaign is months in the making, and the organizers and workers involved have spent countless hours honing their strategy and meticulously working out the best way forward, Kim Kelly, a freelance labor journalist whos been reporting on the drive from Bessemer, wrote over email. Now, the union is forced to deal with this situation, which takes away valuable organizing time, and has to allay the concerns of workers who saw the call and are confused or concerned. Advertisement Boycotts can have the effect of playing into the anti-union talking point popular among executives that collective bargaining units end up hurting the company and make the workplace more fractious. Theres a fear that a ham-handed boycott could convince Bessemer employees who are on the fence to ultimately vote no. A boycott like this really just plays into managements hands by giving ammunition to the idea that this is going to be about conflict all the time and that youre going to have outside people interfering in your life, which isnt what a union is, said Connor Lewis, editor for the labor publication Strikewave. Lewis also noted that any boycott in support of a union should come from the employees themselves, since they know their workplace better than anyone else and should be involved in labor actions on their own terms. Advertisement Advertisement The Leftist Unification Party fielded a number of criticisms about the boycott and responded on Twitter that it could not legally work with the RWDSU due to the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, which prohibits secondary boycotts. According to the group, the union working with an outside group on a solidarity action would constitute a secondary boycott, which is why it decided not to contact the RWDSU in the first place. Kelly, Lewis, and a number of Twitter users were quick to point out that the LUP had apparently misunderstood what a secondary boycott is. Lewis explained the concept by giving the hypothetical example of people boycotting Dell until they pulled products from Amazons marketplace in order to pressure Amazon into being more accepting of unions. Getting people to stop buying Dell computers would be an illegal secondary boycott, but targeting Amazon itself would be a permissible primary boycott. The upshot, Kelly said, is that the RWDSU could participate in the LUP boycott if it wanted to. RWDSU has chosen not to do so, and I am certain that that decision was made for a reason, she said. Advertisement The Leftist Unification Partys interaction with critics and seemingly out-of-the-blue boycott campaign led many of its critics to suspect that it was actually a covert anti-union group. This LUP thing has some real how do you do fellow socialists energy, one tweet read. Another user wrote, if this were my organizing drive and I saw someone doing this, Im making some phone calls to find out who is doing Amazons work for them. Part of why people are so suspicious is that the Leftist Unification Party only started posting on social media in January, around the time the Bessemer union drive was gaining national attention. The group doesnt have a website, and many in the labor space are unfamiliar with it. Nobody I know has heard of them, it came out of nowhere, and theyve got nothing theyre doing it seems other than pushing this boycott, said Lewis. Advertisement Of course I dont know every leftist in the world, but its just wildly suspicious, Kelly wrote. If they actually are who they say they are, merely a baby org trying to find its footing, then thats finebut their actions here have been extremely harmful, and they have some learning and explaining to do. @DougHenwood Thank you for the publicity. Of course a capitalist economist like you would not want people to unionize or boycott. #BoycottAmazon https://t.co/sS6viQAJAv Leftist Unification Party (@LeftUnification) March 8, 2021 Advertisement The Leftist Unification Party responded to these suspicions by tweeting, You are welcome to a voice chat with us. I took up the offer and ended up speaking on a conference call with two of its members: the co-founder and administrative director, whose first name is Angie, and the head strategist, Cassidy. (They didnt want to disclose their surnames for what they said were safety reasons like hateful people out there.) Angie told me that the Leftist Unification Party formed in December 2020 after several members faced transphobia in another socialist Facebook group and decided to leave to form their own organization, with the aim of eliminating infighting among anti-capitalists and creating a viable leftist political party in the U.S. She said the organization consists of six core members, all of whom are volunteers, and that coordination mostly takes place online due to the pandemic. We are a group of concerned citizens. We dont make any money at all, Angie said. Were not legally established as a nonprofit quite yet. Angie and Cassidy noted that they had previous activism experience through canvassing and protesting, but that being in charge is new to them. This is my first time with any sort of leadership positionzero experience, Angie said. (To get a bit more of the flavor of the Leftist Unification Party, you can see Angie and Cassidy talking about socialism on the groups Instagram Highlights.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group started talking about organizing a boycott in January to express solidarity with the Bessemer union drive. Members created memes and graphics to publicize the initiative, and they say it ended up getting far more attention than theyd anticipated. All of us have been working to get friends and other allies to echo the message and we werent expecting more than maybe a thousand, said Cassidy. When asked whether she was afraid of possibly dissuading workers to vote for the union, Cassidy said, While we really cant know for sure if this is going to be helpful or harmful for the union vote, union-suppression tactics being as effective as they are, we are here specifically to show solidarity with all workers of Amazon, not just those who are unionizing. Angie added that she couldnt see any way that raising awareness about Amazons abysmal conditions could negatively affect the union drive. Advertisement The two maintained their interpretation of the law around secondary boycotts, though they noted that there are no lawyers in the Leftist Unification Party. We saw some reporting that a rep from RWDSU said they had no knowledge of our boycott. Good, thats by design, Cassidy said. She also said that, given the anti-union tactics that Amazon has pursued, she could see why people were questioning the Leftist Unification Partys legitimacy. Do I understand why they would be suspicious of a newly appearing, small organization? Yes, she said. But I feel like that suspicion is overstated, especially when, if successful, our drive stands to put some dents in Amazons profits. Ninety-one years after took out the Dandi March to break the salt law that shook the foundations of the British empire, 81 persons will embark on the same 386-km long foot-march from here on March 12 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, the government said on Wednesday. Prime Minister will flag off the yatra from Sabarmati Ashram on Friday. It will re-enact Gandhiji's historic march to Dandi in South Gujarat, the government said in a release. It is part of the state government's programme to mark 'Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav', it said. The government's state-level high-powered committee's meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was held on Tuesday to finalise the preparations to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. had played a significant role in India's freedom struggle, hence the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence will be celebrated in a grand manner, Rupani was quoted as saying in the release. The Salt March, which took place from March to April 1930, was an act of civil disobedience led by to protest the British rule in India. Gandhi and 78 others had embarked on the Dandi Yatra on March 12, 1930 to break the law which had imposed tax on salt. After walking for 21 days, they reached Dandi on April 5 and broke the law. The Salt Satyagrah made the entire nation stand behind and lakhs of people joined his civil disobedience movement and non-violent freedom struggle. This development shook the British Empire at that time. "The Dandi March will be re-enacted in its entirety. It will begin on March 12 as it had taken place in 1930 and end on April 5, during which these 81 pedestrians will walk all the way to Dandi on the seacoast 386 kms away," Rupani said in the release. The marchers will halt at 21 places on the way and attend a variety of events at each place highlighting the socio-economic changes taking place in the field of cleanliness, environment, security and water conservation, he said. The events have been designed to foretell the steps India needs to take to become "Vishwa Guru", for celebrating the centenary of India's Independence 25 years from now, he added. During this march, ministers, MLAs, officials and leaders will join for a day at different parts of the event. The celebration will also include subjects such as environment protection, Swachhta Abhiyaan, water harvesting, yoga study and others. The yatra will culminate in a big function to be held at Dandi on April 5, the release said. Apart from the Dandi March, a variety of programmes have been lined up and will be simultaneously held at 75 locations in Gujarat, at places associated with Mahatma Gandhi's life, Rupani said. Big events have been planned at Porbandar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Bardoli and Mandvi, and at district headquarters, he said, adding that India's freedom saga from 1857 revolt to winning the Independence would be displayed before the new generations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 10, 2021] The MolinaCares Accord Donates $100,000 for Kentucky Flood Relief Efforts The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), in collaboration with Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare ("Molina"), donated $100,000 to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to support millions of residents struggling after severe flooding in southeastern Kentucky. "We are thankful to partner with MolinaCares and Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare to bring some relief to Eastern Kentucky," said Gerry Roll, executive director at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. "With so much damage to roads, homes, and water systems, and so many people displaced, we are especially grateful for this support. The MolinaCares Accord donation will enable us to help family farmers, small businesses, and local nonprofits that are in need." The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a community foundation focused on improving the quality of life in southeastern Kentucky. Together with partners at the Appalachian Impact Fund and Appalachin for Appalachia, they launched the Southeast Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to provide aid to Eastern Kentuckians suffering from the recent floods. The Foundation provides emergency grants to assist residents of affected Appalachian counties with purchasing food, clothing, and cleaning supplies, as well as finding shelter and making repairs. "We are committed to supporting Kentuckians with immediate flood recovery efforts," said Ryan Sadler, plan president of Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare. "As invested citizens in the communities we serve, we realize it is difficult to make health care a priority when so many are concerned with the challenges of daily life. We hope this donation makes it a little easier for those impacted by the devastating floods to care for themselves and their loved ones." About The MolinaCares Accord: Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. About Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare works closely with local providers and community advocates to improve health outcomes in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We deliver government-funded, high-quality health care to approximately 324,000 Kentucky Medicaid members (as of January 2021). Passport is owned by Molina Healthcare, founded in 1980 with a mission to deliver quality health care to those who need it, no matter their circumstances. By combining Molina's 40+ years with Passport's 20+ years of experience, we are dedicated to serving low-income Kentucky families with compassion. To learn more about Molina Healthcare, visit www.molinahealthcare.com. To learn more about Passport, visit www.passporthealthplan.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005824/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Advertisement Headlines shown on screen during the Oprah interview to paint British media coverage as hostile and 'racist' were mocked up by the production company, often edited to remove context - and a third of them came from foreign media, new analysis has revealed today. The two-hour programme, which aired on CBS This Morning, included cuttings of stories intended to confirm the Sussexes' claim that UK newspapers were guilty of peddling racist abuse against Meghan. One segment showed a headline about how 'Meghan's seed will taint our Royal Family' - without noting that the story was actually exposing racist comments made by a model. The mocked-up version, which used a similar page design, included the quote but cut the remaining headline away. Another story that appeared during the tell-all interview referred to a BBC programme that had portrayed Meghan as a 'trailer trash American'. The actual article included an interview with actress Gbemisola Ikunelo, who created the character, explaining she invented it to find 'humour in the ridiculous' because it is 'the opposite of how the Duchess really behaves'. And another appeared to use a quote from the story as if it were a headline - without showing the context behind it. Meanwhile, 11 of more than 30 headlines shown during the interview were from American and Australian publications, according research by the Telegraph. MailOnline has contacted Oprah Winfrey's network for comment. The research comes as Society of Editors chief Ian Murray tonight resigned as executive director after the body came under fire for defending the UK press against accusations of racism. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The headline read 'BBC comedy portrays Meghan Markle as ''trailer trash'' American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton'. But the character was actually meant to be the opposite of what Meghan was really like IN REAL LIFE: The article as it appeared on the Telegraph's website - with Defence spelled the English way, not how the Americans mocked it up - makes it clear that the comedienne portraying Meghan as 'trailer trash' was doing so as it was 'finding humour' in a 'ridiculous' idea How it appeared: A Telegraph article appeared in the same segment about hostile newspaper coverage, shortly after the commentator described the reporting as 'standing apart from what we've seen for any other royal'. The reality: The headline read 'BBC comedy portrays Meghan Markle as ''trailer trash'' American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton'. But the story, from June 2019, included quotes from comedian Gbemisola Ikunelo, who voiced the character and said she conceived it as the opposite of Meghan to 'find humour in the ridiculous'. 'Anybody who has seen anything of Meghan Markle in public will know that she seems incredibly agreeable and friendly, always smiling,' she said. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The mocked-up headline purported to be from this website is reduced to a single quote and appeared as a commentator discussed 'undeniable racist overtones' in media coverage IN REAL LIFE: The story - which was on the front of that day's Mail On Sunday - was a story exposing the suspension of the girlfriend of the UKIP leader for using the racist phrase that appeared in the headline. Producers removed all that context How it appeared: A Mail On Sunday article - which was also posted onto MailOnline - appeared as a commentator discussed 'undeniable racist overtones' in media coverage. The reality: It was actually a piece exposing racist remarks about the Duchess by Jo Marney, the then girlfriend of former Ukip leader Henry Bolton. The full online headline said Marney had been suspended from the party over the comments. The front page headline in print for the same story, from January 2018 - 'Vile Racist Attack on Meghan by Mistress of Ukip Chief' - was not shown in the programme. WHAT THEY SHOWED: Oprah's team reduced this Telegraph article to a headline suggesting the Duchess 'doesn't speak our language'. As they mocked up the Telegraph's website, they spelled IN REAL LIFE: The piece - an opinion column - has the subdeck that explains it is critiquing the Duchess's 'earnest gushing' which the writer finds to be 'like nails down a blackboard' How it appeared: Another Telegraph story flashed up as Oprah suggested Meghan had been the victim of media attacks soon after joining the Royal Family, and shortly after a commentator described the 'racial overtones' of media coverage. The reality: The article, by the sketch writer Michael Deacon, appeared two months ago - after the couple had left the UK. It claimed Meghan 'speaks Californian a hippie version of corporate management-speak', before listing a series of gushing 'Woke' phrases. The story was sub-headed: 'No doubt the Duchess means well. But to jaded British ears, her earnest gushing is like nails down a blackboard.' WHAT THEY SHOWED: The interview flashed up a Guardian headline apparently referring neutrally to Danny Baker talking about comparing Archie to 'a chimp' IN REAL LIFE? No such headline is immediately available on the Guardian's website. This, from the aftermath of Baker's sacking, is their story about him talking about his Tweet and apologising for it The BBC Radio 5 Live host sparked outrage after he uploaded this image of a couple clinging on to a monkey wearing a suit with the caption: 'Royal baby leaves hospital' How it appeared: Following comments about 'racist abuse' Meghan allegedly suffered from the press was a headline in the Guardian referring to a notorious tweet by BBC radio presenter Danny Baker. The reality: Baker's 2019 tweet showing a couple with a monkey tagged 'Royal baby leaves hospital' prompted an outcry and led to him being sacked by the BBC. Many viewed the tweet as racist. However, after the story was initially published, the 61-year-old broadcaster denied this and called it a 'stupid unthinking gag' about class. Baker said that he was unaware of who the mother of the baby even was: 'I didn't know which of our royal princesses had given birth. 'My go-to photo when any posh people have a baby is this absurd chimpanzee in a top hat leaving the hospital. Had it not been Meghan - perfectly good joke. I was trying to make a point about class and it's just preposterous.' Baker's response to the allegation of racism was not mentioned in the Oprah broadcast. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The producers created what appeared to be a grab from this website with a line about 'rich and exotic DNA' written in a large typeface where the headline would normally be IN REAL LIFE: The text the show featured appeared in a column by the Prime Minister's sister Rachel Johnson. This is how it actually appeared online. The line of text that the show made appear to be the headline was in fact taken from the middle of paragraph three of the 11-paragraph piece How it appeared: A 2016 column by Boris Johnson's sister, Rachel was shown as a single sentence, 'Rich and exotic DNA, Miss Markle's mother is a dread-locked African-American lady from the wrong side of the tracks...' It came in a segment describing the 'racist abuse' Meghan allegedly received. The reality: The actual comment piece, which appeared in the Mail On Sunday and was also posted on MailOnline, described Meghan as genetically 'blessed'. It said she would help the Windsors 'thicken their watery, thin blue blood and Spencer pale skin and ginger hair with some rich and exotic DNA', before lauding the duchess for her acting success and social conscience. Following criticism at the time, Rachel Johnson explained that the article 'celebrated the fact that she was mixed race' - although she admitted she regretted the phrasing. She told the Express: 'I meant that in marvellous contrast to the gingery white blood of his own blood family on his maternal side. But it didn't go down well and I hereby apologise Harry.' The mocked up version of The Sun's 'Meghan made Kate cry' headline which appeared during the Oprah Winfrey interview The real version of the Sun's headline. Both are almost the same, with pictures, and other text taken out How it appeared: 'Meg Made Kate Cry' on top of a header for The Sun newspaper. The reality: This was the same, albeit a mocked up version with the rest of the stories and furniture removed - most likely for legal purposes. The main story text and sub-headline have also been removed. The sub-head sheds more context on the alleged incident, adding that the row was due to the 'bride's strict demands' over Princess Charlotte's dress for her wedding. The Duchess of Sussex addressed the story - which was widely reported in February 2019 - during her interview with Oprah. The story claimed that in the lead-up to the wedding, Meghan had made Kate Middleton cry during a row over a dress for Princess Charlotte. In her Oprah interview, Meghan accepted there had been a row, but said Kate was the one to make her cry, and insisted the Duchess of Cambridge had apologised to her after. A version of the Express' story about Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's rift which appeared during the Oprah interview The real version that was posted on the Express' website - with the sub head underneath How it appeared: Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle rift: Why did Kate cry during Royal Wedding rehearsal? The reality: The Oprah interview version does appear identical to the real version. However, it does crop above the sub-head, which gives more context over the row in 2018. The subhead mentions the reported 'row' between the pair - which Meghan confirmed had happened. However she claimed Kate had made her cry, and apologised for it, in her interview with Oprah. The mocked up version of Star magazine's 'Meghan is ruining my life' headline which appeared during the Oprah Winfrey interview The real version of the 'Meghan is ruining my life' published in Star magazine - an American publication How it appeared: Meghan is ruining my life! The reality: Again, the headline is exactly the same, but is clearly a composed image, rather than the real version, which appeared in Star magazine on February 11, 2019. The article, which featured a picture of the Duchess of Cambridge rubbing her eye claimed it had the 'inside' into the 'nastiest fight after Harry's wife makes her daughter Charlotte cry'. On top of this, Star Magazine is actually an American publication - and this magazine was published in the US and not in the UK. The interview showed a series of other cuttings from newspaper and magazine stories as the commentator described 'a daily onslaught of vitriol and condemnation from the UK press However, a third of the headlines shown were also taken from foreign media, according to the Telegraph's analysis How it appeared: The interview showed a series of other cuttings from newspaper and magazine stories as the commentator described 'a daily onslaught of vitriol and condemnation from the UK press.' The reality: A third of the headlines shown were also taken from foreign media, according to the Telegraph's analysis. One said 'Harry trapped in marriage from hell!' - but that was taken from the American tabloid the National Enquirer. Another National Enquirer headline was also used which said 'Monster Meghan exposed!' In total 11 of more than 30 headlines shown during the interview were from American and Australian tabloids, according to the Daily Telegraph. Of the 23 headlines from British news outlets which featured, around 14 were not published in print and only appeared online. Other foreign publications used included Us Weekly, a celebrity magazine based in New York, and the Australia-based New Idea magazine. MUSKEGON, MI As more developers discover Muskegon, city staff want to be sure marginalized citizens arent left out of the planning and the economic benefits. A citizens Commission on Economic Equity proposed by the citys economic development director would provide a place at the table for those who are low-income, have disabilities, belong to minority racial groups or identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) community. It would provide the city commission input on economic development proposals, ranging from housing infill projects to large industrial expansions, Muskegon Economic Development Director Jack Eckholm told the city commission Monday, March 8. Related: 2020 a big year for development in Muskegon despite COVID-19 Eckholm brought his proposal for a nine-member citizens commission to the city commissioners work session. Though they liked the concept, commissioners said they wanted more details on how members would be chosen and what their specific mission would be. Eckholm likened the economic equity commission to the citys planning commission, which provides input and non-binding recommendations on development proposals. Unlike the planning commission, the economic equity commission would have a strong focus on economic disparities. What we really want to talk about is giving everybody a place at the table from an economic development standpoint, Eckholm said. By providing that seat at the table, the city could help ensure diverse voices are informed, involved and valued, he said. The commission would provide developers insight to viewpoints they might not otherwise be exposed to, and members of the commission information on how such development tools as tax increment financing can impact their community, Eckholm said. This will create ancillary economic opportunity for those marginalized populations because its going to allow developers to forge relationships at a business level and at an interaction-with-government level with representatives from parts of our community that they maybe dont currently interact with, Eckholm told commissioners. City Commissioner Dan Rinsema-Sybenga brought up some concerns that were seconded by other commissioners. He said there needs to be an effective method of promoting the commissions purpose to gather applications from people who would be the most appropriate members. Members would be appointed by the city commission, according to Eckholms plan. Rinsema-Sybenga wanted more information on how the city would provide staff assistance to the commission and warned that members privacy would need to be carefully protected while ensuring they meet the definition of being marginalized from society. The proposal calls for nine members who have lived or otherwise have practical experience in the areas of business and social equity. Two city commissioners and the citys economic development and employee relations directors would serve as non-voting liaison members. This is going to be a bumpy process because it is such a novel idea, Eckholm said of getting the commission off the ground. City Commissioner Willie German Jr. said hes already been contacted by people interested in serving on an economic equity body. The concept is important in helping government reflect those it serves, he said. These conversations are needed and I think would be in the best interest of our city as a whole -- to bring people together to get an understanding of culture, where people can live together and work together and understand one another, German said. Also on MLive: Asphalt plant nestled among medical offices in Muskegon looks to move $5M retail, residential development proposed for key Muskegon Heights intersection Muskegon art gallery folding 1,000 paper cranes in honor of COVID-19 frontline workers ALBANY The state Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles have made public dozens of internal documents that detail their enforcement actions against the Wilton limousine company involved in the infamous 2018 crash in Schoharie that killed 20 people. Last Friday, the DOT and DMV jointly released the document trove to the Times Union, which had requested them nearly 30 months ago through the state's Freedom of Information Law after the crash, the worst highway transportation disaster in the United States in more than a decade. The two agencies had originally denied the Times Union's request on the grounds that it was required to withhold the documents from public view because of the criminal case against the limo company's manager, Nauman Hussain, as well as a separate investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. Hussain, 31, is facing charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide over allegations he knowingly rented out the 31-foot super-stretch Ford Excursion limousine after it had been ordered off the road following DOT inspections that uncovered serious safety violations. Following the Oct. 6, 2018 crash, the DOT and DMV refused all requests by the Times Union for documents related to the Excursion and their interactions with the Hussains. The Times Union was able to obtain many of the most important documents including DOT inspection reports and DMV records on the Excursion through other means. And other documents were made public in 2019 by the Schoharie County District Attorney's office, which is prosecuting the case against Hussain. Others were included in the NTSB's final report published in September, just before the two-year anniversary of the crash. But Paul Davenport, an Albany attorney representing some of the families of the victims, successfully sued for all of the DOT and DMV documents in state court, a victory that ultimately led to last week's release of the documents to the Times Union. Albany judge tells state agencies to release limo crash documents State ends fight over limo crash documents Most of the documents provided to the Times Union last Friday are not new. But included among the documents are several State Police accidents reports filed with the DMV that reveal that from the very beginning, the crash was believed to have been caused by brake failure a theory that wasn't revealed by prosecutors until a year after the disaster in a court filing long after Hussain had been charged. Of course brake failure had been considered a leading factor since NTSB investigators said there had been no evidence of braking after the Excursion sailed down a steep part of Route 30 and crashed into the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store on Route 30A, killing two bystanders before slamming into a ditch. All 18 aboard, including the driver, died of their injuries. The NTSB also blamed the DOT and DMV for not doing enough to stop Hussain before the crash, although the two agencies have said they did all they could under the law. But rumors and conspiracy theories abounded as the public tried to grasp how there had been no survivors, although the NTSB investigation ultimately revealed none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts and that the Excursion was traveling at more than 100 mph just before impact. One conspiracy theory had been that the driver and the passengers had passed out or died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Another involved the military. The families and public agonized over the possibilities. Instead, the answer was much more simple. "The (Excursion) proceeded through the intersection from the northbound lane (of Route 30) without stopping at the stop sign due to brake failure," a State Police accident report filed with the DMV shortly after the crash states. On Mar. 9, BLACKPINK member Jennie and BIGBANG member G-Dragon shared the ambassador portraits for Chanel to their social media accounts. Keep on reading to learn more. BLACKPINK's Jennie and BIGBANG's G-Dragon Shared Portraits for Chanel The French fashion house Chanel recently held an online fashion show on Mar. 9, at 10:30 AM on Paris time. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all of the invited attendees were able to attend the fashion show at the comforts of their own home or their local flagship stores, rather than in Paris. BLACKPINK's Jennie and BIGBANG's G-Dragon are the luxury brand's Korean ambassadors and will both be attending the fashion show. For their ambassador portraits, Chanel specifically hired renowned photographers Inez and Vinoodh to take photos of the two separately. In Jennie's portrait, the female idol is seen in a simple black tweed dress. To accessorize her photo, Jennie is seen with a chain around her waist, drop earrings, and a leather belt. Jennie's hair is tied up, showing off her gorgeous visuals. Jennie's signature is overlaid in red. G-Dragon's portrait shows the male in a blazer that appears to be adorned with Chanel brooches. The male idol is seen with rings stacked on his fingers, a watch on his right hand, and bracelets adorning both his wrists, as well as a pearl necklace. G-Dragon is also seen in simple stud earrings. Like Jennie, G-Dragon's signature is overlaid in red. Jennie also shared a video taken during the photoshoot. In the video, Jennie is seen posing for the camera, both by herself and with her dog Kuma. In the video, it appears Jennie is waiting for the online fashion show to start, making both chic and goofy poses as she waits. G-Dragon, too, shared a video of him waiting for the online fashion show to start. As he waits, the idol is seen dancing, posing, and running around the rood. His carefree spirit and chill aura is perfectly shown in the simple video. Are BLACKPINK's Jennie and BIGBANG's G-Dragon Dating? Back on Feb. 24, Dispatch released an exclusive report claiming that G-Dragon and Jennie have been in a relationship for over a year. According to Dispatch, Jennie and G-Dragon would date in the male idol's penthouse home due to its security and how it was away from the public eye. The publication also noted that Jennie would visit G-Dragon every day after her schedules and that G-Dragon's vehicle was present at the concert hall for BLACKPINK's online concert. YG Entertertainment neither confirmed nor denied the reports, saying that it is difficult to comment on as it is the personal life of the artists. For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Alexa Lewis On Thursday, March 11, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Electoral Sentiments of Voters before By-Elections to Verkhovna Rada in 87th Constituency" by Director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Study of Public Opinion Oleksandr Bukhalov according to the results of a telephone survey conducted in the period from March 4 to March 7, 2021, with 2,400 people interviewed (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Significant Government investment that is "focused and targeted" is required if Cork is to remain globally competitive and fulfil its role nationally as set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF), Cork Chamber has stated. In a recent submission to the National Development Plan (NDP) review, Cork Chamber said a "most ambitious" approach should be taken to capital investment spending for the region. The Chamber identified priority areas for capital investment focussed on quality of life and economic resilience including the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), regional and international connectivity, housing, health, culture, education and innovation, renewable energy, water and climate mitigation to secure the regions global competitive standing. "If Cork is to fulfil its role as an economic growth centre for Ireland, Government must align capital investment with the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the goals set out in Ireland 2040," Paula Cogan, the Chamber's President, said. "There is no shortage of vision or ambition for Cork and it is the role of Government to now ensure that the plans are met with appropriate financial structures. "From CMATS to the development of new hospital infrastructure, the demands of a region on a clear growth trajectory must be met with vigour." Ms Cogan said increased investment in major capital projects in Cork is particularly necessary in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. "In the wake of the current pandemic and the infrastructural deficit created by the severe austerity measures triggered by the 2008 economic crash, it is essential that investment in capital projects continues to be increased to meet capacity constraints. "There is also significant economic stimulus associated with capital expenditure, providing the most proactive and legacy inducing form of government support available," she said. The review of the National Development Plan opened for submissions in November. The public had until February 19 to have their say. "Failure to invest appropriately will lead to serious capacity constraints that will damage economic resilience and recovery. "Priority given to capital expenditure would also support the NPF objective of delivering infrastructure-led development. "This approach would provide Ireland with an opportunity to apply international best practice to the development of our cities and towns as attractive places to live," Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said. The Chamber submission says that, in alignment with the NPF, the NDP provides spatial and investment policy certainty to the region, creating a predictable environment in which commercial investment decisions can be made. However, it adds that delays in the delivery of significant projects damage business confidence. "Government must now acknowledge impediments to the vision of Ireland 2040, such as apartment viability and affordability, suitable water infrastructure, URDF funding, planning and the speed of appeals mechanisms," Mr Healy continued. "At the same time it must progress solutions, as delivery on the ground is the benchmark that matters. "Without this, the credibility of the plan will be undermined over time." New Delhi: Parents of a 24-year-old Kerala doctor, whose marriage with a Muslim youth believed to be possible case of love jihad, has lodged a complaint with the local police against an activist who released a video showing the woman arguing with her mother over religious beliefs. Hadiya Jahans father Akhila Ashokan, an ex-serviceman, said to the media after lodging a complaint that the video released by Rahul Eswar, an activist, gave a wrong picture that his daughter continued to live as a Muslim. The complaint was lodged by Ashokan at Vaikkom police station in Keralas Kottayam district after a video was aired by two national channels in which Hadiya was seen arguing with her mother on her choice for faith. Earlier, the Kerala High Court had sent Hadiya, was born Akhila Ashokan before she converted, back to her fathers house after Ashokan lodged a complaint alleging that his daughter was forced to convert to Islam after marriage and a case of love jihad. Last Week Supreme Court annulled Hadiyas marriage with Shafin Jahan and directed the NIA to probe the allegations. Also Read| Kerala love jihad case: Following SC order, NIA re-registers FIR in alleged conversion of Hindu woman According to the complaint, he has mentioned that Rahul exploited the situation. He cheated us. He took the video without our knowledge and the way video is presented is not correct, Ashokan said. Ashokan added that his family gave him consideration as he was grandson of the main priest. Also Read| Kerala love jihad: SC directs NIA to probe if there is ISIS hand Ashokan added, Rahul had said he is taking selfies for his personal use and assured us they wont be made public. Trusting our breach he handed over the photos and video to the media a day after. said the father. Rahul has denied the allegations. He said that the video was shot with the knowledge and consent of the family to the media. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The late Michael Mooney The death has occurred of Michael Mooney, Clone, Freshford, Kilkenny / Durrow, Laois. Peacefully, in the fantastic care of the staff in St Gabriels Unit, St Canices Hospital, Kilkenny. Predeceased by his daughter Lisa, granddaughter Amy and brother Dan. Sadly missed by his wife Karen, daughter Adele, son-in-law Gareth, grandsons John and Matthew, sisters Kay (UK) and Ber, plus many friends and relatives in Ireland, United Kingdom and Australia. In accordance with HSE guidelines, a private Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11am in Holy Trinity Church, Durrow, followed by burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. You can express condolences on the condolence page below. Karen and Adele would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff in Saint Gabriels Unit for their care of Michael over the past year. As Michaels dementia progressed, with a lot of challenging behaviour, their patience, care and kindness never ceased. Thanks to each and everyone of you. The late Elizabeth (Lizzy) Sutton (nee Dunphy) The death has occurred of Elizabeth (Lizzy) Sutton (nee Dunphy), Rossinan, Mullinavat, Kilkenny / Mooncoin, Kilkenny, who died on Monday, March 8 peacefully, at University Hospital Waterford, predeceased by her husband Seamus. Elizabeth will be sadly missed by her son Pat, daughters Marion, Elaine (Henebery) and Nora, son-in-law Alan, grandchildren Luke and Ashling, sister Margaret (Reddy), brothers Richard, Peter and Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews extended family, neighbours and friends. Elizabeth's removal will take place on Thursday, March 11, to St Beacon's Church, Mullinavat (Via her home in Rossinan, Scart, Deerpark) arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Elizabeth's Mass will be streamed live on the following link from 10.50am https://www.livestreamireland. ie/es110321 Due to HSE guidelines the funeral Mass and burial will be private to the immediate family and close friends (10 people in church). Thank you for your co-operation and consideration at this difficult time. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The probe into a major general who is accused of swindling 50,000 to pay his children's school fees began after 'gossip and tittle-tattle' spread around Ministry of Defence (MoD) headquarters, a court has heard. Senior Army officer Nick Welch is alleged to have falsely claimed 48,000 to pay for his children's boarding schools between December 2015 and February 2017. The prosecution state that the 57-year-old, who is on trial at Bulford Military Court, had applied for the allowance on the basis that both he and his wife would not be living close to their children's schools in Dorset. This was in order to claim for the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) to allow their children to stay at the 37,000-a-year Clayesmore School and the 22,500-a-year Hanford School. Senior Army officer Nick Welch (pictured above) is alleged to have falsely claimed 48,000 to pay for his children's boarding schools between December 2015 and February 2017 The payment is aimed at allowing children of service personnel to remain at the same schools to enable their serving parent to be accompanied by their spouse as they are posted to different locations. But the prosecution claims that Welch's wife, Charlotte, actually spent most of her time at a cottage in Blandford Forum, Dorset, close to the two schools, rather than at their stated military accommodation in Putney, south-west London. Paul Harkness, a former brigadier in a senior position at the MoD in London, said he had been approached by a colleague advising him of 'gossip' about Welch's CEA allowance in February 2016. Mr Harkness said: 'He said that he had heard gossip or tittle-tattle that had got to him, that people were saying that the general was claiming CEA illegally, or words to the effect. Welch, above, denies the charge and his barrister, Sarah Jones QC, has told the court that the CEA rules are a 'mess' 'He made reference to the general not living in his defence quarters in London.' Mr Harkness said he spoke 'informally' to Welch about a week later, and added: 'He looked at me somewhat incredulously and said 'But I come to work every day from my quarter' - it was the implication if you need to send a vehicle to pick him up it was from his quarter in Putney.' Mr Harkness, who was first reporting officer in the joint support administration unit, added: 'The conversation was based on gossip, it was just tittle-tattle, which I am afraid I object to - I have seen too many people ruined by gossip. 'It was raised informally to me and I raised it informally to the general in turn. 'In my mind I couldn't understand what the basis of the gossip was about because I knew he was in London - by the time we finished late there was nowhere else he would be going because we were working ungodly hours in that building.' Mr Harkness said a pool car was arranged to take Welch to work after he suffered a leg injury in a 'nasty' chainsaw accident in August 2016 which left him 'hobbling' and using crutches. Paul Harkness, a former brigadier in a senior position at the MoD in London, said he had been approached by a colleague advising him of 'gossip' about Welch's CEA allowance (pictured: file photo of Bulford Military Court) The court heard that the defendant used the car to travel from his Dorset home to the Army HQ in Andover, Hampshire, and from Putney to MoD HQ. Mr Harkness said: 'I just said we need to get the general picked up and taken to meetings because we were groaning at the seams with work and needed him back.' Welch denies the charge and his barrister, Sarah Jones QC, has told the court that the CEA rules are a 'mess' and he and his wife had not acted dishonestly. The trial continues. SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges XL Fleet Corp. (NYSE: XL) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now. A securities fraud class action has been filed and certain investors may have valuable claims. Class Period: Oct. 2, 2020 - Mar. 2, 2021 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 7, 2021 Visit: https://www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/xl Contact an Attorney now: [email protected] 844-916-0895 XL Fleet Corp. (NYSE: XL) Securities Fraud Class Action: The complaint alleges that Defendants misrepresented and concealed that: (1) XL's sales pipelines was materially inflated; (2) XL grossly overstated its customer base; (3) XL's technology had been materially overstated and did not provide customers the represented cost savings; and (4) that XL lacks the supply chain and engineers to roll out new products on the announced timelines. The truth emerged on Mar. 3, 2021 when analyst Muddy Waters Research published a report entitled "XL Fleet Corp. (NYSE: XL): More SPAC Trash." Based on interviews with former employees, Muddy Waters claimed that salespeople "were pressured to inflate their sales pipelines materially in order to mislead XL's board and investors," and that "customer reorder rates are in reality quite low" due to "poor performance and regulatory issues." The report also alleged that "at least 18 of 33 customers XL featured were inactive." Muddy Waters also claimed that XL has "weak technology" and that "XL's announcement of future class 7-8 upfits seems highly promotional" because the task is "too technologically complex for XL engineers to deliver on the promised timeline." Then, on Mar. 4, 2021, after XL issued a conclusory response calling the report inaccurate, Muddy Waters quickly tweeted: "Real irony in evidence in $XL placeholder response. We spoke to a fleet manager for one of the companies XL brags about in its response. He said MPG gains only ~10%, not 25%. He said didn't help for highway driving. Also his company bought at a deep discount. Tell. The. Truth." As the market absorbed these disclosures, the Company's share price declined $5.55, or 33% over just three trading days. "We're focused on investors' losses and proving XL misled investors by exaggerating its order backlog," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you are an XL investor and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman. Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding XL Fleet 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 This article, Twitter accuses Texas attorney general of retaliation for Trump ban, originally appeared on CNET.com. Twitter on Monday sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accusing the Republican of retaliating against the social media company for banning former President Donald Trump from its platform. "Twitter seeks to stop AG Paxton from unlawfully abusing his authority as the highest law-enforcement officer of the State of Texas to intimidate, harass, and target Twitter in retaliation for Twitter's exercise of its First Amendment rights," Twitter said in a lawsuit filed Monday in a US District Court. The lawsuit underscores the heightened tensions between social networks and conservatives who've repeatedly accused the companies of intentionally suppressing conservative speech. Twitter and other social networks have denied these allegations. In January, Twitter permanently barred Trump from its site after a deadly riot on Capitol Hill, citing "the risk of further incitement of violence." That month, Paxton also launched an investigation, demanding that Twitter, Facebook , Google and other online platforms hand over content moderation documents. The attorney general accused the companies of working together to boot Trump from their platforms and raised concerns about political bias and stifling free speech. As part of his demands, Paxton asked Twitter to provide several documents, including "all policies and procedures" related to content moderation and correspondence the company had with Parler, a social network popular among Republicans. Twitter, though, is a private company, so the First Amendment doesn't prohibit it from restricting speech. Twitter said in the lawsuit that the documents Paxton wants are highly sensitive and that it tried to reach an agreement with the attorney general to place "reasonable limits" on his demand but was unsuccessful. "AG Paxton made clear that he will use the full weight of his office, including his expansive investigatory powers, to retaliate against Twitter for having made editorial decisions with which he disagrees," the lawsuit states. The lawsuit accuses Paxton of violating the First Amendment by penalizing and hindering the company's right to moderate content on its platform. Twitter is also asking the court to block Paxton's legal demand to hand over its content moderation documents. Paxton's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Other companies are still weighing how to handle Trump's social media accounts. Facebook's oversight board is reviewing whether to uphold or reverse the social network's decision to indefinitely suspend Trump from its platform. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Twitter users in Russia will need to practice patience every time they visit the website. Roskomnadzor, the country's communications authority, has announced that it's slowing down Twitter's speed for failing to remove illegal content and materials with prohibited information. The decision comes shortly after Russia sued Twitter, Google, Facebook and other websites for allegedly failing to delete posts urging children to take part in illegal protests over the sentencing received by Alexei Navalny, a prominent Vladimir Putin critic. However, Roskomnadzor's announcement didn't mention those posts in its announcement. Instead, it cited tweets containing child pornography and drug use, as well as posts inciting minors to commit suicide as its reason for the move. The regulator said it has sent Twitter over 28,000 requests to remove illegal content since 2017 and that 3,168 materials with prohibited information still remain on the platform. It put emphasis on tweets calling for minors to commit mass suicide on March 3rd, which the website allegedly didn't remove. Roskomnadzor said its decision to throttle speeds on Twitter is meant to protect Russian citizens and to force the website to comply with the country's legislation. A Twitter spokesperson provided us with the following statement: We are aware of reports that Twitter is being intentionally slowed down broadly and indiscriminately in Russia due to apparent content removal concerns. Let us be clear we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding child sexual exploitation, it is against the Twitter Rules to promote, glorify or encourage suicide and self harm, and we do not allow the use of Twitter for any unlawful behaviour or to further illegal activities, including the buying and selling of drugs. We remain committed to advocating for the Open Internet around the world and deeply concerned by increased attempts to block and throttle online public conversation." The Twitter slowdown will be implemented on all mobile devices and 50 percent of non-mobile devices, including PCs. In addition, the regulator threatened to block Twitter in the country completely if it continues to "ignore the requirements of the law." Update, 2:15PM ET: Added a statement from Twitter. Future Method Were thrilled to be recognized by the editors of Fast Company as one of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies," said Dr. Evan Goldstein, Future Methods Co-Founder. "This award will bring us greater visibility from a wider audience and shows that its time to be candid about sex. Future Method has been named to Fast Companys prestigious annual list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2021. The list honors the businesses that have not only found a way to be resilient in the past year, but also turned those challenges into impact-making processes. These companies did more than survive, they thrivedmaking an impact on their industries and culture as a whole. This years MIC list features 463 businesses from 29 countries. Were thrilled to be recognized by the editors of Fast Company as one of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies, said Dr. Evan Goldstein, Future Methods Co-Founder. This award will bring us greater visibility from a wider audience and shows that its time to be candid about sex. Weve been working hard to create products that support safe, healthy and judgement-free sex for everyone, and educating the consumer on how to prepare and care for themselves is an important part of that. While 2020 was challenging for everyone, a positive development has been the increase in frank conversations about sex and diminishing stigma surrounding anal engagement for everyone. Future Method has helped lead the conversation about preparing for and care after sex since the brand launched the Future Method Intimate Wash in 2019. The brands second product, Butt & Body Scrub launched in June 2020 and almost immediately sold out. Most recently in March 2021 the brand introduced a new after-care product, Butt & Body Soothing Cream, specifically designed for post-sex care. Future Method holds a unique position in the sex care category, and the brand will continue to pioneer and expand with innovative, science-backed products. Fast Companys editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process. The Worlds Most Innovative Companies is Fast Companys signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. In a year of unprecedented challenges, the companies on this list exhibit fearlessness, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of crisis, said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with Senior Editor Amy Farley. To coincide with the issue launch, Fast Company will host its first-ever Most Innovative Companies Summit on March 9th and 10th. This virtual, multiday summit will celebrate the Most Innovative Companies in business, provide an early look at major business trends, and offer the inspiration and practical insights on what it takes to innovate in 2021. Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2021) is now available online here as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning March 16, 2021. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative. ABOUT FUTURE METHOD Future Method is an innovative, science-based sex care brand co-founded by Dr. Evan Goldstein, a nationally renowned anal surgeon and the Founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical - the leading private practice specializing in an elite standard of sexual health and wellness care in New York City. Future Method is the result of Dr. Goldsteins years of experience working with clients and understanding their sexual needs which has been embraced by people from a wide spectrum of sexualities. As the preeminent expert and thought leader in the field, Dr. Goldstein is committed to education and awarenessnot only bringing the important issues surrounding sexual health to the forefront, but also eliminating the stigma attached to anal engagement. To learn more about the brand, visit http://www.futuremethod.com. ABOUT FAST COMPANY Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The Editor-in-Chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at http://www.fastcompany.com. For additional information: Tim Rush Tim@mmlpr.com POTTSVILLE Bob Thomas will run for a seat on the Pottsville Area school board in the May primary election, it was announced Tuesday. The city resident filed paperwork to seek one of four open four-year seats on the board, cross-filing as a Democrat and a Republican. Thomas is the father of former board member Scott Thomas, who runs the Taxpayers for a Better Pottsville Area School District website and Taxpayers of the Pottsville Area School District Facebook page. The elder Thomas cited lack of transparency for large projects such as the $4 million-plus solar panel project as being among his reasons for running. Taxpayers have lost their voice at the table, and I want to be that voice, he said in the announcement. Board members should keep open lines of communication between their faculty, staff and taxpayers. Under the present leadership, taxes have been raised each and every year, while the quality of education, due to teacher layoffs, has also decreased. Thomas is married to the former Georgia Lord. Among his community activities, he is treasurer and past president of Trinity Lutheran Church on West Arch Street, founder and chairman of the Schuylkill County Christmas Gala and a member of Pulaski Lodge 216 Free and Accepted Masons on North Second Street. His campaign will be managed by former Business Manager Brian Manning, who believes Thomas can restore transparency and ask the difficult questions. Current board member Pat Moran, a member since 2013, announced last month he would not seek a third term on the board. The primary election will take place May 18. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 20:34:56|Editor: yhy Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- When the COVID-19 pandemic drained global economic confidence last year, China's dynamic market brought a sense of certainty. Now at the ongoing annual "two sessions" where lawmakers and political advisors nationwide pool their wisdom into China's modernization drive, China reaffirms its decades-long commitment to opening-up. China is ready to open more broadly and confident in its ability to do so, building on its strong recovery momentum. Last year, the country pulled ahead of the major economies to achieve positive growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising 2.3 percent year on year. Anticipating bullish growth in 2021, the country has set its annual GDP target at over 6 percent, boosting morale while leaving room for policy maneuver. Market expectations and forecasts by major international organizations point to higher growth. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development projected that China's GDP will rise 7.8 percent this year. No doubt, the China locomotive will continue to inject impetus to the pandemic-hit global economy. China's integration into the world showed that there is no reason for the country to shut its doors. It is crystal clear that openness leads to prosperity, while closed doors invite obscurity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization. China has continuously contributed to the process of globalization and achieved win-win results alongside the rest of the world. Over the past two decades, the country's average annual contribution to world economic growth has neared 30 percent, while its overall tariff level has dropped from 15.3 percent to below 7.5 percent. At this historic development juncture and the starting point of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), China's economy has embarked on a new journey with three major driving forces: scientific and technological innovation, the expansion of domestic demand, and reform and opening-up, which will help further unleash the vitality of the country's huge market. China will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and steadily promote the opening-up of financial sectors including banking, securities, insurance and futures, according to the draft outline of the new five-year plan. In addition to opportunities, opening-up also brings new challenges. How can the world's second-largest economy continue to flourish amid intensified global competition? "Facing new problems and challenges brought by globalization, we should not retreat into protectionism, isolation or decoupling, but work together to make globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all," State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during this year's "two sessions." Enditem Nacogdoches, TX (75965) Today Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. The total number of GCC M&A transactions that closed during Q4 2020 increased by 200%, relative to Q4 2019, and 57% relative to Q3 2020, said Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), a leading investment banking institution. Apart from Oman and Qatar, each of the remaining markets recorded a growth in the number of closed transactions compared to the previous quarter. The majority of transactions closed during Q4 2020 and Q3 2020 were carried out by GCC acquirers. Of the total number of closed transactions during Q4 2020, GCC acquirers accounted for 81% while foreign acquirers accounted for 11%. The remaining 8% represents transactions for which the buyer information was not available. GCC acquirers also dominated the market during the previous quarter as they accounted for 65% of the total number of closed transactions while foreign acquirers accounted for 13%.Meanwhile, the remaining 22% represents transactions for which the buyer information was not available. Furthermore, GCC acquirers actively acquired both local and international companies whereas they shied away from acquiring regional companies, except for the UAE. Throughout Q4 2020, GCC acquirers closed a total of 27 transactions within their local markets, compared to 14 transactions in Q3 2020, and 10cross-border transactions, which is slightly less than the number of cross-border transactions that closed in Q3 2020. UAE and Bahraini buyers accounted for 50% and 20% of the cross-border activity (closed), respectively, followed by Omani, Qatari and Saudi buyers, whom accounted for the remainder of the transactions. Lastly, Kuwaiti buyers did not close any cross-border transaction. Foreign buyers The GCC market received a slightly greater level of interest from foreign buyers in Q4 2020 when compared to the previous quarter. Throughout Q4 2020, foreign buyers closed four transactions, whereas in Q3 2020, they completed three transactions. The total remains far behind the level of foreign activity recorded in Q4 2019. This is primarily driven by the uncertainty hovering around the GCC markets and the prevailing fear that was onset due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its underlying impact on oil prices. As most GCC economies are dependent on oil and natural gas, many foreign players were hesitant to invest in the region without any outlook as to where the oil and gas industry was headed. Moreover, the UAE continues to be one of the most attractive markets relative to its peers, however this time around, Saudi Arabia proved to be a competitive market as well after ending the previous quarter with zero transactions. Neither of the remaining GCC countries recorded any closed foreign buyer deals throughout the quarter. It is worth noting that neither Kuwait, Oman nor Qatar have recorded any transactions throughout the past three consecutive quarters. Sectorial view Further, the transactions that closed throughout the quarter spanned across multiple sectors, a trend that has persisted through the past few quarters. With that being said, the sectors witnessing the greatest level of activity throughout Q4 2020 were the Consumer Discretionary, Education, Financials and Industrials sectors. Collectively, these four sectors accounted for greater than 55% of the total closed transactions throughout the quarter. In addition, the Financials and Industrials sectors have been among the sectors witnessing the greatest level of activity throughout the past two consecutive quarters. Deals pipeline By the end of Q4 2020, there were a total of 26 announced transactions in the pipeline, which is slightly higher than Q3 2020, during which 23 transactions were announced. The majority of these transactions involved Saudi and UAE targets, each of whom accounted for 42% of the total number of announced deals. The remaining transactions primarily included Omani, Bahraini, and Kuwaiti targets while Qatar announced no transactions. Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the only markets to witness a slight growth in activity, whereas the remaining market recorded zero to negative growth. TradeArabia News Service Just hours after the San Francisco Chronicle published Capt. Brett Crozier's now-famous letter about the growing crisis aboard his aircraft carrier, emails started rolling into his inbox. Crozier, the former commanding officer of the carrier Theodore Roosevelt, was hailed as a hero after pleading with his leaders to send his carrier to port in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. It was just weeks after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and a lot was still unknown. Crozier was applauded for speaking truth to power, and even repaired one officer's trust in military leadership. Read Next: Navy Megadestroyer Zumwalt Makes It Through Round of Rough-Water Trials "You restored my faith in what it means to be a [commanding officer]," an auxiliaries division officer wrote to Crozier on April 2. "I came from a pretty bad command climate on my previous ship and after 12 years in the military was set on getting out after this tour. You restored that." Even parents of sailors assigned to the Roosevelt asked the ship's ombudsman how they could assist. "We read Captain Crozier's letter requesting assistance from the Navy. We support everything that he has expressed in his letter. Is there anything we, as parents, can do to help with this? Set up funds, write [our] congressman, send supplies? Please let us know." The new revelations were uncovered in more than 1,100 pages worth of Crozier's incoming and outgoing emails. The messages show that Crozier had the support and concern of peers, superiors and subordinates and civilians alike -- even as top Navy leaders moved to relieve him of command for what they said was the mishandling of the health problems on the ship. The emails were obtained by Task and Purpose through lawsuit after the Navy denied the outlet's Freedom of Information Act request. (Military.com submitted a similar request to the Navy last year for all Crozier's emails between the dates of March 1 and April 6, 2020, that mentioned the words "virus," "nfection," "coronavirus," "COVID-19" or "COVID." That request was also denied.) Two attorneys represented Task and Purpose pro bono to fight the FOIA denial. When the Navy declassified the emails and released them, Task and Purpose published them in full this week. "[They] are America's records, and Americans have a legal right to them under the Freedom of Information Act," Paul Szoldra, the outlet's editor-in-chief, said. The commanding officer from another ship with a positive COVID-19 case told Crozier he was thankful for the captain's email, adding it hoped it would start "to move the needle in how we are dealing with this onboard ship and the Navy writ large." The Navy had a plan for how to deal with infectious disease on ships, but most of its commands weren't following pandemic training requirements before COVID hit, the Pentagon's watchdog agency later found. "Thank you for having the guts to do what you did today sir," the CO wrote to Crozier after the letter was published. "... I can tell you there are a number of us at the O5 level that feel like we are being second guessed in any action taken to prevent this from taking over as well as our response." Navy leaders were second-guessing Crozier on his handling of the Roosevelt's outbreak, too. Days after the San Francisco Chronicle made his plea public, he was removed from his job. Then-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said at the time that Crozier's letter led to unnecessary panic on the ship. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday later called Crozier's email warning "unnecessary," and said the captain released sailors from quarantine on the ship too quickly, which might've put others at risk. After a lengthy review of the circumstances, top Navy leaders opted against reinstating him. Modly later resigned from his position after criticism for his own handling of the crisis. Crozier has been silent since his relief, but his letter -- along with his emails -- describe the difficulty the crew faced in establishing proper quarantine conditions on the Roosevelt as COVID-19 cases began spreading. A week before his letter was published, Crozier described in an email to a friend his concerns following a port call in Vietnam during which dozens of sailors had contact with two people at their hotel who later tested positive. "As you can imagine, a [carrier] is a tough place to isolate anyone for 14 days but it worked," Crozier wrote on March 24. "Except that this morning we had 3 different Sailors onboard that actually tested positive for CV19 so we're now scrambling to deal with that. Isolation/quarantine is almost impossible at this point. But we'll work through it one way or another." The situation quickly worsened. More than 1,200 members of the nearly 5,000-person crew eventually tested positive. One crew member died. The crew turned out to applaud for Crozier when he left the ship after his relief, and his inbox shows he had support from far outside his command, too. "I know you have a lot on your plate but I wanted to reach out and check on you," Rear Adm. Steve Barnett, Navy Region Northwest's commander wrote on April 1. "... [You] are a great leader and Naval Officer. Feel free to drop me a line if/as needed." Another officer said he'd be honored to buy Crozier a beer. "[You are a HERO for looking out for your Sailors and I'm sure they are grateful for it," a commander and foreign area officer wrote. "We need more leaders like you in our Navy. I truly hope you are not suffering any repercussions over this from senior leadership, but if you are, you can at least have a clear conscience knowing you did what was right and necessary." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Carrier Commanding Officer Fired Over Plea for Resources that Went Public You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A dying woman's last wish to 'touch' and 'see a horse' has been granted by officers from the New South Wales mounted police unit. Rita Meredith, who is not expected to return home from the Calvery Mater hospital in Newcastle, was visited by horses Hollywood and Don on Tuesday. Constable Nicole Hevell and Senior Constable Graham Lovett made the trip up from Redfern in Sydney to ensure the woman's request was fulfilled. The officers have been praised by the woman's friends, family and social media commentators for their show of compassion. Rita Meredith was visited by horses Hollywood and Don at the Calvery Mater hospital on Tuesday 'It was a really happy day and Rita appeared to be happy that we were there,' Constable Harvell told the Daily Telegraph. 'My colleague Graham, who has been in the police for more than ten years, has never done anything like this before. 'It was incredible and I was honoured to meet her and be there for her. It was an amazing experience for both of us . I guess we (Rita) could relate to each other.' After joining the UK police force when she was 18, Rita was promoted to the mounted unit just two years later, becoming the first woman in the UK to do so. Constable Nicole Hevell and Senior Constable Graham Lovett from the NSW mounted unit made the trip up to Newcastle from Redfern, Sydney After ten years of service, Rita left the police and worked as a horse riding instructor as well as swimming instructor. After immigrating to Australia in 1991, she became a foster mother to over 60 children, many of whom had a disability. Daughter in law Emily Sykes, who is a nurse at the Calvery Mater hospital, said her mother-in-law was overwhelmed by the surprise visit, after it was secretly organised by her friend Lorna. 'She was so surprised that they travelled all that way just to see her. She is very humble and doesn't believe she is worth all the fuss. Rita Meredith's final wish was to 'touch and see a horse' for the last time, after becoming the first woman in the UK to join the mounted unit when she was in her early twenties 'She was just so happy to see them, pat them and of course smell them. She kept smelling her fingers and just smiling.' Ms Sykes posted the heartwarming photos to Facebook yesterday, thanking the officers for their time and generosity. 'I'm just writing to say a HUGE thank you to the mounted unit of the NSW police force, Mrs Sykes wrote on Facebook. 'They were amazingly patient, answered all our questions and let Rita (and the rest of us) pat them and feed them apples. The heartwarming photos have gone viral on Facebook, with many thanking the NSW officers for their show of compassion 'There were plenty of tears shed and beautiful memories made. 'I cannot thank the NSW police for making this happen. You have made this lovely ladies wish come true and did it with such professionalism, respect and grace.' The post has received comments from nearly 7000 Facebook users who were touched by the officers' act of kindness. Many thanked Constable Nicole Hevell and Senior Constable Graham Lovett for their compassion in fulfilling Rita's last wish in her final days. 'Awesome, a positive beautiful thing to see. Well done to all involved,' one said. Wow. How amazing. Thanks to the NSW mounted police. Hero's in my book,' another shared. 'A very precious moment for Rita to come full circle back to the beautiful police horses,' one user shared. A court in Riyadh has upheld the sentencing of prominent Saudi womens rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul following her release from prison after nearly three years. The judges confirmed the first sentencing, Hathloul said in a Twitter post on Wednesday, saying the judges considered her sisters previous contact with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to be a terrorist act. Hathloul, 31, was arrested in May 2018 as part of a sweeping crackdown on activists campaigning for womens driving rights and the end of Saudi Arabias restrictive male guardianship laws. In December, a judge sentenced her to nearly six years in prison on charges human rights organizations condemned as politically motivated, including serving a foreign agenda and trying to change the countrys political system. The court suspended two years and 10 months of Hathlouls sentence, and she was granted time served to account for the nearly three years she already spent in prison. Saudi authorities provisionally released Hathloul from prison after 1,001 days in custody, but she remains subject to a five-year travel ban and is barred from speaking to the media, her family says. On Wednesday, Hathloul appeared before Riyadhs Special Criminal Court her second appearance since conditional release to appeal the restrictions, but the judge ruled the sentence will stand. Her brother, Walid al-Hathloul, says the judge asked Hathloul during her first appeal hearing last week whether she would like to apologize. "She replied that she had proven in all her defenses that she had not committed any crime based on local and international laws. So, on what basis would she present her repentance?" he tweeted. Hathlouls case comes as the Biden administration seeks to relicabrate the US-Saudi relationship. The Biden administration recently ended US support for the Saudi-led coalitions offensive operations in Yemen, suspended some arms sales to the kingdom and released a long-awaited intelligence report implicating Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Her family has said they believe Bidens tough talk on Saudi Arabias human rights record contributed to Hathlouls release. In a speech last month, Biden called Hathloul a powerful advocate for women's rights" and said releasing her was the right thing to do." What started as four artists wanting a new way to distribute their own music turned into an at-home record label with a few collaborations, such as Banana?, an Athens/Atlanta-based band, Sacred Bull and Ihlyatt. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on Tuesday. /Photo via Ministry of Foreign Affairs China firmly opposes UK's Ofcom decision to impose a fine on China Global Television Network (CGTN), saying the move sets up "barriers to the Chinese media in the UK to carry out normal work," according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a press conference on Tuesday. The Office of Communications imposed a fine of 225,000 pounds on CGTN for "violating fairness, privacy and impartiality regulations." Previously, the agency had revoked CGTN's permission to broadcast in the UK. Zhao stressed that CGTN has always adhered to the principle of objectivity and fairness in reporting, and China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to Ofcom's erroneous act of arbitrarily revoking the license CGTN's English news channel in the UK. This decision reflects the bureau's strong ideological bias against China, is a blatant political crackdown, and is ridiculous, Zhao noted. "What Ofcom should do is to investigate and punish some British media for their long history of untrue and false reports concerning China and Hong Kong issue," Zhao said and urged Ofcom and those on the British side to stop political manipulations immediately and to correct their mistakes. He added that China reserves the right to make further justifiable and necessary reactions. Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate, and according to a bleak new report by the non-governmental organization Rainforest Foundation Norway, humans are to blame. The world's dependence on coal, farming, soy, palm oil and mining has resulted in two-third's of Earth's tropical rainforests being completely destroyed, and the remaining ecosystems being put "closer to a tipping point," the report, published Tuesday, says. Tropical rainforests once covered 14.5 million square kilometers 13% of Earth's surface, according to RFN, but now, just one-third of that remains intact. Of the original area tropical rainforests once occupied, 34% is "completely gone" and 30% is suffering from degradation. All that remains is roughly 9.5 million square kilometers, and 45% of that is in a "degraded state," the study says. Only one-third of the original tropical rainforest is still "intact," the report says. Anders Krogh, who authored the report and works as a special advisor at RFN, said in a press release that the findings are "alarming." "The good news is that we have an area half the size of Europe that is still completely intact. However, the remaining tropical rainforests are either severely damaged or increasingly fragmented," Krogh said. "Humans are chopping these once vast and impenetrable forests into smaller and smaller pieces, undermining their ability to store carbon, cool the planet, produce rain and provide habitats. The world depends on tropical rainforests to provide these services." Humans are chopping once vast and impenetrable forests into smaller and smaller pieces, undermining their ability to store #carbon, cool the planet, produce rain and provide #habitats, says @andersckrogh. Only 1/3 of the world's #tropicalrainforest remains intact. pic.twitter.com/bGnAjihwqL Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) (@RainforestNORW) March 9, 2021 Story continues The study analyzed tropical rainforests from 2002 to 2019, and found that since 2002, the area of rainforest lost is greater than the size of France. Researchers blame "human consumption" for the loss. While agriculture has always been a driving factor of rainforest loss, the report said that energy consumption, international trade and the production of soy, palm oil, cattle, logging and mining have been the largest threats over the past century. A significant amount of U.S. commodities rely on resources from tropical rainforests. The country heavily relies on palm oil, rubber and cocoa, all of which come from forests around the world. Oftentimes, these resources are harvested from illegally deforested lands. Tropical rainforests are home to more than half of the Earth's biodiversity and have more carbon in living organisms than any other ecosystem, according to RFN. Along with supporting significant animal life, tropical rainforests are also essential to slowing down global warming. Of the world's remaining tropical rainforest cover, 70% is found in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, both provinces of Papua and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which alone holds more than half of Africa's tropical rainforests. Now, researchers say, the remaining ecosystems in these forests are facing a tipping point. "These highly specialized ecosystems are suffering from constant and persistent abuse, through our bottomless appetite for land and resources," Krogh said. "We expect that upcoming UN climate and biodiversity summits provide specific targets and measures to protect intact tropical rainforests." The researchers also believe that the loss of tropical rainforests puts "the whole world at risk" of future pandemics. "Massive deforestation is violating nature's natural virus protection mechanisms, putting the whole world at risk from potential new pathogens spreading from animals to humans," Krogh said. "The aftermath of COVID-19 should bring rainforest protection to the top of the agenda of all policy makers and world leaders concerned about preventing the outbreak of new pandemics." On Monday,15 United Nations entities issued a joint statement to recognize "the right to a healthy environment." The statement was the first of its kind at the global level, according to the UN. "We are faced with a triple environmental crisis: climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution. Rights of present and future generations depend on a healthy environment," the statement says. "The global recognition of the right to a healthy environment will support efforts to leave no one behind, ensure a just transition to an environmentally healthy and socially equitable world and realize human rights for all." George Floyd's cousin reacts to Derek Chauvin trial House expected to pass Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill on Wednesday Some Americans skeptical of COVID vaccines, but reasons why vary BEDFORD, NS / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / (TSXV:SSE) - Silver Spruce Resources Inc. ("Silver Spruce" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has filed its Informe Preventivo with the Mexican government environmental authority, SEMARNAT, for the El Mezquite Gold project ("the Property"), a drill-ready precious metal project located 10 km northwest of the town of Tepoca, and 170 km southeast of the capital city of Hermosillo, eastern Sonora, Mexico. Silver Spruce contracted Green & Ceo, Asesorio Profesional y Securidad en Ambiente, of Hermosillo, Sonora to manage the environmental permitting process. "We are very pleased to advance the permitting process for El Mezquite located in a very productive, mining-friendly region. The application was very thorough and is testimony to the high-quality technical report prepared by Sr. Ruiz and his team at Green & Ceo," stated Greg Davison, Silver Spruce Vice-President Exploration and Director. "The Phase 1 surface exploration program also was completed on March 5th. The final shipment of rock samples was submitted for analysis and will be reported in due course. The Company will move forward with logistics planning and drill contractor selection while looking forward to the receipt of geochemistry results and the Informe Preventivo for the project." Green & Ceo Green & Ceo, Asesorio Profesional y Securidad en Ambiente (Professional Advisory and Safety in the Environment), based in Hermosillo, Mexico, specializes in solving, optimally and sustainably, all matters of Environmental Management, Safety and Hygiene, typical of current Economic Development. Green & Ceo is a CEDES Accredited Service Provider (Prestador de Servicios Acreditado por CEDES). With its background of knowledge and more than 12 years of experience in this type of permit for the mining industry, Green & Ceo takes investors hand in hand to obtain Authorizations, Licenses, Permits, as well as the Environmental Management and Security of any economic venture (www.green-ceo.com). In particular, the Permit has been developed by Sr. Saul Ruiz (Green Star) who has a track record of more than twenty-seven years. Exploration The Company undertook an exploration program which was recommended in part by an independent 43-101 report, including the requisite environmental permitting for drilling access and pads, detailed mapping of geologic structures and lineaments identified in part from the February 2020 ortho-mosaic photography, rock geochemical and hyperspectral analysis, QA/QC program development, data compilation and GIS modeling, and recently signed a contract to carry out a LiDAR survey. Ground truthing of the Au-Ag system with geological mapping and rock sampling was completed in three campaigns between July 2020 and March 2021. "The new LiDAR data will notably enhance our topographic control for the drill collar optimization and provides another value-added 3D element to our overall geological and structural compilation prior to the maiden drill program on the Property," said Greg Davison, Silver Spruce VP Exploration and Director. "The Company intends to conduct an initial 1,500-2,000 metre diamond drill program to test targets where high grades of mineralization are sampled at surface, with a follow-up Phase 2 drilling program where results warrant." The presence of historical artisanal mining in highly altered and oxidized andesites (see Figure 1), rhyolitic breccias and veins, coincident chargeability anomalies, and discrete geochemical and structural trends containing broad areas of elevated precious metal values to 3.41 g/t Au and 198 g/t Ag clearly warranted the detailed exploration approach over the entire Property. Figure 1. Fault zone in arroyo on El Mezquite; intense alteration and presence of quartz-pyrite veining peripheral to structure and in hangingwall andesites All current samples (111) were submitted to ALS Global for gold, multi-element and hyperspectral analysis. Historical samples (400) from the 2010-2019 programs also were submitted to provide complementary multi-element and hyperspectral data over the Property database. Another 89 historical samples are being retrieved for multi-element and hyperspectral analysis from the warehouse in Hermosillo. The mapping and sampling results will be provided upon receipt and interpretation. All aspects of the exploration program are conducted with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols for personal safety. Project Background The El Mezquite Project is located within the west-central portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental Volcanic Complex within the prominent northwest-trending "Sonora Gold Belt" of northern Mexico and parallel to the well-known, precious metals-rich Mojave-Sonora Megashear (see Figure 2). Figure 2. Location Map of El Mezquite Property and Mines of the Sierra Madre Occidental The Property is very well situated in terms of logistics for exploration and is located only twelve kilometres northwest of the Nicho deposit currently under mine development by Minera Alamos. Other nearby large operating mines include Alamos Gold's Los Mulatos gold mine and Agnico Eagle's La India gold mine located 50 and 58 km to the northeast, respectively, Agnico's Pinos Altos Mine, 100 km southeast and Argonaut's La Colorada Mine, 100 km west. Exploration in the surrounding area is very active with adjacent and nearby properties held by Evrim, Newmont, Garibaldi, Kootenay Silver and Penoles. The 180-hectare Property is easily accessible from Mexican Highway #16 via a southerly-trending unpaved road which traverses through the centre of the known gold mineralization (see Figure 3). High voltage power lines are positioned along Highway #16. Figure 3. Looking north to principal gossan and alteration zones and El Mezquite drill targets; easy access to ranch trail from Highway #16 crossing E-W in background. Geochemical Analysis, Quality Assurance and Quality Control The work program included a QA/QC program with standards, blanks and duplicates to accompany the in-house programs at ALS Global ("ALS"). ALS Global in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a facility certified as ISO 9001:2008 and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 from the Standards Council of Canada. Samples were delivered to the ALS sample preparation facility in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Samples are weighed on receipt (WEI-21) and logged into the global tracking system (LOG-22). The samples are crushed to 70% passing 2mm (PREP-31) and a split of up to 250 grams pulverized to 85% passing 75 micrometres (-200 mesh). The sample pulps and crushed splits are transferred internally to ALS Global's North Vancouver analytical facility for gold by fire assay and to ALS in Reno, NV for hyperspectral analysis using the Terraspec 4 and aiSIRIS identification of the principal alteration minerals. Multi-element analysis will be carried out at ALS in North Vancouver on select samples as results warrant from the distribution of the gold values and coincident spatial anomalies with alteration mapping. Pulps (50gram split) were submitted for analysis by Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption finish (ALS Code Au-AA24). The retained pulps also will be analysed by Four Acid Digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) multi-element analyses (ALS Code ME-ICP61m). All gold and silver analyses that reached the over-limits will be re-analyzed with an Ore Grade method. Over-limit Au and Ag samples will be analyzed by Fire Assay with Gravimetric Finish Ore Grade (Au-GRA21 or Au-GRA22), and Aqua Regia Digestion followed by Ore Grade Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for Ag (ALS Code Ag-OG46). In-house quality control samples (blanks, standards, preparation duplicates) were inserted into the sample sets. ALS Global conducts its own internal QA/QC program of blanks, standards and duplicates, and the results are provided with the Company sample certificates. The results of the ALS control samples are reviewed by the Company's QP and evaluated for acceptable tolerances. All sample and pulp rejects will be stored at ALS Global pending full review of the analytical data, and future selection of pulps for independent third-party check analyses, as requisite. Qualified Person Greg Davison, PGeo, Silver Spruce VP Exploration and Director, is the Company's internal Qualified Person for the El Mezquite Project and is responsible for approval of the technical content of this press release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), under TSX guidelines. About Silver Spruce Resources Inc. Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company which has signed Definitive Agreements to acquire 100% of the Melchett Lake Zn-Au-Ag project in northern Ontario, and with Colibri Resource Corp. in Sonora, Mexico, to acquire 50% interest in Yaque Minerales S.A de C.V. holding the El Mezquite Au project, a drill-ready precious metal project, and 50% interest in Colibri's early stage Jackie Au project, with both properties located only 12 and 6 kilometres west from Minera Alamos's Nicho deposit, respectively. The Company also is pursuing exploration of the drill-ready and fully permitted Pino de Plata Ag project, located 15 kilometres west of Coeur Mining's Palmarejo Mine, in western Chihuahua, Mexico. Silver Spruce Resources Inc. continues to investigate opportunities that Management has identified or that have been presented to the Company for consideration. Contact: Silver Spruce Resources Inc. Greg Davison, PGeo, Vice-President Exploration and Director (250) 521-0444 gdavison@silverspruceresources.com Brian Penney, Chairman and CEO (902) 430-8270 info@silverspruceresources.com www.silverspruceresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements," Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to, statements regarding the private placement. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. SOURCE: Silver Spruce Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634646/Silver-Spruce-files-Environmental-Report-for-Drilling-Permit-on-El-Mezquite-Au-Project-Sonora-Mexico Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Expatriates in Bahrain may be required to present qualification certificates Expatriates in Bahrain may be required to present qualification certificates TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The House of Representatives yesterday approved a bill to amend the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law, which aims to set a condition for the issuance of work permits to foreign workers. Under the proposal, presented by five MPs, led by first vice-chairman Abdulnabi Salman, expatriates will be required to present genuine academic and university qualification certificates to prove their eligibility to carry out specific roles. The parliamentary proposal will be referred to the government for review and approval. MP Ghazi Al Rahma said that it is important for expatriates to possess proper education and training especially in the education, medical and engineering disciplines to ensure professionalism REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Truera , which provides the first Model Intelligence platform for AI explainability and model quality, announced today that it has been named to Fast Companys annual list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2021. Truera is in the top 10 most innovative companies in Artificial Intelligence. Truera is a company based on deep AI innovation and we are honored to be recognized by Fast Company, said Anupam Datta, professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and co-founder, president and chief scientist, Truera. The pace of evolution in the AI Explainability and Trustworthiness space is extremely rapid, and we are proud to be in the vanguard. Trueras model intelligence software removes the black box surrounding Machine Learning (ML) to provide intelligence and actionable insights throughout the ML model lifecycle. This enables companies to improve the quality and accuracy of their models, boost stakeholder collaboration, address responsible AI concerns including explainability and bias, and accurately monitor ML models. Trueras technology builds on six years of AI Explainability research performed at CMU by Datta and Shayak Sen, Truera co-founder and CTO. Building on this research, Trueras AI explainability technology is a generational improvement over first-generation open source software, driving faster and more accurate AI explanations and analytics. Backed by leading venture capital firms Wing, Greylock and Conversion Capital, Truera is already deployed at a number of Fortune 100 customers, including global bank Standard Chartered. There is an urgent need for better solutions that ensure AI model quality and trustworthiness during model development and monitoring," said Will Uppington, co-founder and CEO of Truera. The swift adoption of Trueras platform among Fortune 100 companies signifies that enterprises are taking this issue seriously, and taking steps to ensure that their AI models are fair and accurate. Truera is the right solution at the right time. As AI is increasingly used by industries as diverse as financial services, consumer-facing businesses, manufacturing and governments, a new approach to managing machine learning models across their lifecycle is needed, said Shayak Sen, Truera co-founder and CTO. And the big missing piece of this lifecycle management is explaining, debugging and monitoring machine learning models. This is where Truera can be of service. The Worlds Most Innovative Companies is Fast Companys signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. In a year of unprecedented challenges, the companies on this list exhibit fearlessness, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of crisis, said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with Senior Editor Amy Farley. Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2021) is now available online here . To learn more about Truera or schedule a demo, visit https://truera.com/ . About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com. About Truera Truera provides the first Model Intelligence platform, to help enterprises analyze machine learning, improve and monitor model quality and build trust. Powered by enterprise-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) Explainability technology based on six years of research at Carnegie Mellon University, Trueras platform helps eliminate the black box surrounding widely used AI and ML technologies. This visibility leads to higher quality, explainable models that sustainably achieve measurable business results, address unfair bias, and ensure governance and compliance. To learn more, visit https://truera.com/ . Media contact: Michelle Faulkner 617-510-6998 michelle@big-swing.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5830493a-83e8-461c-8d49-176ea4ef337e Hosted at Bal Harbour Shops' iconic outdoor setting, visitors will enjoy this one-of-a-kind installation of 15 fresh floral couture mannequins inspired by the color pink to showcase incredibly unique design differences. Displayed in an elevated gallery-like setting, Fleurs de Villes ROSE will be freely open to the public, and visitors will be able to safely walk through this self-guided exhibit while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The spectacular 10-day floral extravaganza will be designed by local florists, including Ines Naftali, Oscar Mora Floral Art, Aniska Creations, Gilded Group Decor, St. Germain Design and Co., The Bride Candy, La Feterie, Petal Productions, Designs by LRH, Anthology co., Sandra de Ovando, Alejandro Figueira, Aniska Creations, Casaflor, DVINE Creations, Gilded Group Decor, Hayal Flowers Design, Luxury Flowers Miami, Simple Florals and S. Dulcio Florals & Design. Bal Harbour Shops is proud to host the premiere of Fleurs de Villes ROSE and will sponsor its own floral mannequin and retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Chopard, De Beers Jewellers, Lalique, David Yurman, Lafayette 148 New York, Diptyque and Hendrick's Gin along with exclusive wine partner Chateau D'Esclans, are among the brands sponsoring floral mannequins. Additional mannequin sponsors will include the BCRF, The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Fisher Island Gives. Bal Harbour Village will sponsor unique mannequins on each of the Bal Harbour signs into the Village, as well as a 'flower-adorned' car in the Founder's Circle. Stunning storefront installations will be highlighted by Brunello Cucinelli, Roger Vivier and Graff. Stephen Starr's restaurants Makoto and Le Zoo will also showcase floral installations throughout their outdoor dining spaces during the celebration. "We are delighted to partner with Fleurs de Villes to host the world-wide launch of Fleurs de Villes ROSE," says Carolyn Travis, Marketer General, Bal Harbour Shops. "Bringing this extraordinary installation to visitors of Bal Harbour Shops at this unprecedented time enhances our emotional connection to our customer. With the advantage of our outdoor setting, we are thrilled to offer our guests a unique and meaningful experience. In keeping with our mission of giving back, Bal Harbour Shops is proud to support BCRF." Called 'Floral Disruptors', Fleurs de Villes presents floral art in a unique way and is open to all. Fleurs de Villes ROSE at Bal Harbour Shops will mark the first stop of Fleurs de Villes' 2021 international tour. "Over the past few years, we have had many of our fans tell us that we must bring our shows to Bal Harbour Shops. We couldn't agree more," says Fleurs de Villes Co-founder Karen Marshall. "It is our honor to launch Fleurs de Villes ROSE, our global tour supporting breast cancer research, at Bal Harbour Shops in March. Showcasing the best in local floral design, our couture fused floral celebration will delight the senses at every level. Flowers Make Us Happy. We look forward to sharing our brand of joy and are delighted to be supported by Bal Harbour Village in this internationally renowned destination." Fleurs de Villes will donate 10% of all sponsorships from the ROSE 2021 tour to support breast cancer research. "For the first time ever, breast cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. A milestone we never hoped to reach but greatly underscores the urgency for research," said BCRF President and CEO Myra Biblowit. "We are so grateful that Fleurs de Villes and Bal Harbour Shops have created this unique opportunity to support women's health, now more critical than ever." Bal Harbour Shops will launch activations to include food and specially created ROSE drinks, exclusive dinners, a ROSE Fresh Flower Market on Sunday March 21st , workshops and virtual tours. NOTES TO EDITORS ABOUT BAL HARBOUR SHOPS: Opened in 1965 by retail visionary Stanley Whitman, the family-owned Bal Harbour Shops was the first all-luxury fashion center in America featuring high-end retailers in a tropical, open-air setting. The first to make lush landscaping a key part of the design, Bal Harbour Shops features tropical plants and orchids, waterfall features and koi ponds and a variety of palm trees for shade. Bal Harbour Shops is uniquely positioned across from the Atlantic Ocean offering a serene visual aesthetic like no other luxury shopping destination. The historic Bal Harbour Shops, known for its curated retail as well as the emotional connection to its tenants and customers is the global leader in luxury shopping destinations. For more information visit the Bal Harbour Shops website. ABOUT FLEURS DE VILLES: Established in 2015 by lifestyle and media professionals Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, Fleurs de Villes Inc is a unique luxury experiential brand, grounded in hyper-local content an intoxicating mix. In each city the company presents in, they feature the works of top florists in that city, creating stunning fresh floral mannequins aligned with, and inspired by, partnered brands presented in elegant gallery-like settings. From the stunning displays of the Mannequin Series, to pop-up fresh flower markets, Fleurs de Villes cultivates bespoke flower events that bloom with happiness. International shows in 2019/20 included Los Angeles, New York, London, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, Vancouver, Quebec City and more. www.fleursdevilles.com ABOUT BCRF: Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in the best minds in science - from those investigating prevention to metastasis - and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Our approach accelerates the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need. We can't stop now. Join us in fueling the world's most promising research. With you, we will be the end of breast cancer. Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org . About Bal Harbour Village Over 70 years ago, Village founders Robert Graham, Carl Fisher, and Walter O. Briggs thoughtfully master-planned a model community that has evolved into an internationally renowned, must-visit destination. A shining enclave at the northern tip of Miami Beach, Bal Harbour Village blends natural beauty with impeccable style. A mere one-square-mile of sand and palm trees tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, the city holds a singular appeal for the world's most discerning travelers seeking high-end shopping, five-star hotels, fine dining restaurants, a secluded beach, and more. With accommodations for every type of traveler, hotels include the city's first property, Sea View Hotel; AAA five-diamond St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour; and boutique hotel, Quarzo Bal Harbour. The culinary scene at Bal Harbour includes innovative Japanese cuisine at Stephen Starr's Makoto; celebrity hot-spot Carpaccio; French bistro fare at Le Zoo; oceanfront casual options at The Ritz-Carlton's Artisan Beach House; traditional Mediterranean cuisine at St. Regis's Atlantikos, and more. For more information on Bal Harbour Village, please visit http://www.balharbourflorida.com. Photos, Video and Logos: High-resolution photos, and logos are available here . Social Media: Follow Fleurs de Villes @fleursdevilles on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and TikTok , Bal Harbour Shops on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter , and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter . #fdvRose #fleursdevilles #flowersmakeushappy SOURCE Bal Harbour Shops If you look at the federal order pools back in the 1950s, it was about two-thirds to fluid milk and the other one-third being manufacturing, University of Wisconsin-Madisons Mark Stephenson explained during the March 3 Hoards Dairyman DairyLivestream. At that point in time, it made sense to construct federal orders the way they were constructed, and weve been evolving them ever since. That evolution has aligned with changes in the dairy industry. Today, 60% of milk is used to make cheese. Just one-third of that amount is used for fluid processing. Its a very different market today. We have basically a fluid regulation in federal milk marketing orders in a manufacturing world. Were seeing some of the stresses and strains of that reality, he shared. One of them was played out in full view this past year with the pandemic. Specifically, Stephenson detailed the crash of cheese prices in mid-April last year. Those prices went on to hit record levels exceeding $3 per pound. When you have that much of a benchmark moving milk prices around, its certainly going to cause some problems and differences on farms, he summarized. A two-tier system is feasible The discussion on federal orders led to an insightful question from a webcast viewer, Can dairy go to a two-tier price system fluid and manufacturing? The short answer is yes. Stephenson reminded listeners that, at one point, some federal orders had as many as eight classes of milk. Theres nothing that says Moses had four classes on the tablets and thats the only thing we can have. We can have two classes, and it perhaps makes some sense, he said in making a Biblical reference to the most famous Old Testament prophet. However, I will say that we have to be careful with this, because when were pricing this milk, its not the price for milk that comes down from the federal orders. Rather, federal orders serve as a minimum for milk prices. Reducing class numbers to a two-tier system takes away some of the markets ability to maneuver. An ongoing series of events The next broadcast of DairyLivestream will be on Wednesday, March 24 at 11 a.m. CST. Each episode is designed for panelists to answer over 30 minutes of audience questions. If you havent joined a DairyLivestream broadcast yet, register here. Registering once registers you for all future events. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021 March 8, 2021 Paxton, IL (60957) Today Cloudy skies early. A few showers developing later in the day. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Hospitality major Hotels & Homes' Singaporean subsidiary has received a term loan from A regulatory filing showed that Hotels (Singapore) Pte Ltd has secured a loan of $200 million from SB Investment Holdings (UK), an affiliate of Vision Fund, for enhancing liquidity through the pandemic and strengthening its balance sheet. The transaction was planned for 2020 and is being consummated now. has started recording steady signs of recovery across the globe led by its business in India, Europe and Southeast Asia while sustaining its gross margin to 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels. According to people in the know, a significant part of the funds will be diverted towards technology and data analytics. Recently, OYO's valuation reclaimed the $9 billion-mark after Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd invested Rs 54 crore or $7.31 million into the company. OYO Hotels & Homes is present across 800 cities in 80 countries, including the US, Europe, UK, India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan. --IANS rrb/sn/in (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Natural News) California Sen. Richard Pan, a Democrat, is once again infringing health freedom with a new op-ed in The Washington Post that calls people who resist Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination domestic terrorists. A Big Pharma hack who singlehandedly removed both religious and medical exemptions from vaccination in California, Pan believes that anti-vaccine extremism is a threat to the republic, requiring even more authoritarianism from the government. We will not link to WaPo directly so as not to support the fake news rag, but Pan wrote in it that steps need to be taken to limit the impact of vaccine resistance among the populace. Experimental Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) gene therapy injections, which the medical establishment is calling vaccines, need to get into peoples arms, Pan says, and those who oppose them are getting in the way of this agenda. This campaign to deny potentially lifesaving vaccines to those seeking them, and to poison public opinion against vaccinations, could result in countless American deaths, Pan fear-mongers in his article. This is akin to domestic terrorism. Pan is referring, here, to protesters who showed up at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to warn people against getting jabbed with experimental messenger RNA (mRNA) injections that reprogram DNA. These jabs come with no liability to their manufacturers in the event of injury or death, it turns out, and they have not undergone the normal safety testing process since they received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Public health officials, police and fire departments must join hands with a common goal of securing vaccination sites for patients, Pan contends. Laws need to be strengthened to deter such actions Laws have been in place for years creating buffer zones to distance protesters from abortion clinics legislation that has withstood plenty of court challenges. Richard Pan is a dictatorial tyrant who belongs in communist China, not the land of the free If Pan gets his way, those who oppose Chinese virus injections will be treated like criminals who deserve jail time. He also wants social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to continue cracking down on free speech, even as he claims to be supportive of the First Amendment. Corporate owners of these platforms can moderate and close down groups that promote disinformation and endanger lives. Why dont these companies treat anti-vaccine activists the same way? Pan laments. Pans ideology is better suited for a communist country such as China where all free speech is moderated by the government. Americas founding fathers would have overthrown someone like Pan and banished him from the country for threatening to stamp out freedom and liberty in the pursuit of public health. Public health, by the way, has become a catch-all concept to justify all sorts of encroachment against individual liberty. The powers that be carefully crafted a narrative about a contagious virus that can only be stopped if everyone does their part, and this is now being used to stamp out the Bill of Rights and replace it with full-scale communism. The good news is that many people are aware of this agenda and are bravely speaking out against it. The only domestic terrorist here is the author of this steaming pile of crap, wrote one commenter at The Washington Post, referring to Pan and his garbage article. Extremism is forcing vaccination through societal restraints, knowing that the covid vaccine has been associated with death and disability, for which there is no liability, and no right to trial by jury and no proper recourse, wrote another. To keep up with the latest news about how the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is being used to usher in communism, visit Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: HealthImpactNews.com NaturalNews.com A guard tries to block photos being taken as he and a policeman patrol outside the Canadian embassy in Beijing, Canada, on Jan. 14, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) Over Half of Canadians See China as Greatest Security Threat: Poll A new poll just added leaves to the thickening pile of reports expounding the security threat China poses to Canadians, with a majority believing a global war involving the communist regime is already happening. A new survey released by Maru Public Opinion reveals that a majority of respondents (52 percent) see China as the biggest security threat facing Canada, while 42 percent also perceive a threat from Russia, followed by North Korea (39 percent), and Iran (33 percent). The survey also found that 55 percent of respondents believe a global war is already happening, but is being fought like a death by a thousand cuts, with some countries conducting ongoing activities to destabilize, disrupt and undermine the sovereignty and political institutions of their rivals. The respondents who believe in an ongoing global war mostly reside in Alberta and British Columbia, both at 62 percent. Quebec has the lowest ratio of population that holds this belief, at 48 percent. Men and women overall held this view equally. The poll comes as the relationship between Canada and China continues to deteriorate in recent years, starting with Chinas arbitrary detention of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Public perception of Chinas threats also intensified with the exposure of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) human rights abuses against ethnic Muslims in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and against the people of Hong Kong. A man holds a placard calling for China to release Canadian detainees Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig outside a court hearing for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Canada, on March 6, 2019. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters) A similar survey conducted by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) last November foreshadowed Marus findings, as it showed a total of 73 percent of Canadians viewed China negatively, replacing Russia as the countrys principal rival. This study confirms yet again how out of sync the Government of Canada is with public opinion on Chinas emerging threat to Canadian sovereignty and national security, said Charles Burton, a senior fellow at MLI. The MLI has released a series of papers that explain the danger of Chinas influence in the Canadian political and social environment, such as the cyber security threats that underlie Huaweis proposal to build Canadas next-generation telecom networks. China is known to have attacked Canada on the cyber front, most notably the 2011 hacking of the computer of the Finance, Treasury, and Defence departments. So far, the Trudeau government remains reluctant to exclude the Chinese company from building Canadas 5G technology. A worker talks on the phone in a Huawei store in Beijing, China, on July 15, 2020. (Ng Han Guan/AP Photo) The Mura survey does reflect Canadians sharpened vigilance in foreign interference in the forms of cyberattacks, disinformation, influencing elections, and other economic and military coercions. Of those surveyed, 55 percent believed cyberattacks on government and business are among the highest threats to Canadas security, only behind the threat of COVID-19 pandemic (57 percent). COVID-19 is the disease the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus causes. Meanwhile, 84 percent of respondents believe that new digital technology and artificial intelligence has multiplied the threats to Canadas national security. Maru Public Opinion surveyed 1,506 Canadian adults on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The survey is commission by the Conference of Defence Associations. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Lol def read that the other way around and was ready to throw my phone Reply Thread Link Lol mte I was like wait a hot minute Reply Parent Thread Link Same Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I just finished an 8-hour shift and when I saw it I went: I don't have the energy for this. Reply Parent Thread Link And also me Reply Parent Thread Link Same Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO YEAH. I SAW 'PRO-' AND WANT, AW FUCK HERE WE GO. Reply Parent Thread Link anyone had both shots yet? how did y'all feel afterwards? Reply Thread Link I had both shots of Moderna, the first at the end of December and the second at the end of January. After the first dose I felt fine, only my shoulder was a bit tight and painful. After the second dose I felt like hammered shit for a day and a half after. When that passed the injection site turned red and itchy for a few days. Since then Ive felt completely fine with no more after effects. Reply Parent Thread Link Vaccinations for my group in my country (= non-priviledged group) haven't started yet. I have 0 idea when they will start. July by online estimations. Edit: my mom is a teacher and she had the first shot of astrazeneca. She had bad flu-like symptoms, like many other teachers have reported after astrazeneca. *Main vacc is Pfizer for us. Edited at 2021-03-10 09:04 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I finished my Pfizer vaccinations in Jan. The first shot I my arm was sore and heavy for maybe 16hrs after the injection (made sleeping uncomfortable). The second shot I had a fever and body aches, but it went away after I took some Aleve and a cold shower. Reply Parent Thread Link Both my parents felt 100% after their second shot, nothing but a slightly sore arm. But theyre old to to be expected. My BFF had flu like symptoms for a couple days (slept hard for a full 24 hours) and then was fine My other friend had a very similar experience and was four months pregnant at the time, she had a fever for two days and then felt fine Reply Parent Thread Link My parents had a sore arm the first shot, and felt like crap for about 24 hours after the second shot. But that is about it. They both were able to take off the day after their second shot, so they were happy about thay Reply Parent Thread Link i've had both shots of the moderna vaccine. it varies between ppl, if you've had covid the first shot is essentially how the second shot will feel for those who haven't had covid, the symptoms will be worse but only last for about 1-2 days. i didn't experience any fevers with either shot but i did have just uncomfortable joint/body pain both times but worse the second time. i was also exhausted and basically stayed in bed all day with both shots but again worse with the second shot like i'd nap & get up & 10 minutes later wanted to go back to sleep. the second does i had little to no appetite & was also nauseous after eating. but again all of this went away the next day. Reply Parent Thread Link got moderna. first shot felt like a flu shot x2 at the injection site sore/bruised. second shot was a doozy like many have said fever, headache, flu like symptoms. i was like...ok definitely did not get a placebo. lol Reply Parent Thread Link My dad got really sick with the second dose of Moderna. Aside from the flu symptoms he had rashes all over. My fiance said he just felt like he was hungover with the second shot. And a friend is currently dying right now with her second dose. I'm still excited though! Getting my first dose on Sunday =) Reply Parent Thread Link had my second dose of pfizer 2 weeks ago. arm was sore for 3-4 days after the first one. arm was VERY sore and turned into neck/shoulder/upper back soreness for a couple of days and i was very exhausted and slept VERY hard the night after. Reply Parent Thread Link I had both shots of Pfizer back in December/Jan and didn't have any side effects, but I also took tylenol/ibuprofen for the first 24 hours after my second dose prophylactically to avoid a fever (I was on call that night). Reply Parent Thread Link I got my first shot yesterday (moderna), and I was really surprised at how much my arm hurts (and still does). I couldn't even pull it across my body last night. I get the flu shot every year and never have any type of reaction. Even a day later, and my arm feels like someone hit it with a baseball bat. Reply Parent Thread Link No but my partner did (he's a teacher). We both actually got COVID end of Dec but even then when he got Moderna and it fucked him up for 2 days on the first dose!! Reply Parent Thread Link I've had both Pfizer shots - last shot was first weekend of February. I had some soreness in my upper back, neck and at the injection site after the 2nd shot and felt slightly tired and worn out the day after the second shot, but nothing more than that. People were really talking up the second shot like it was going to be hell though. Reply Parent Thread Link My parents got both Moderna vaxes already and didn't have any major side effects. Reply Parent Thread Link I had both Pfizer shots with no side effects except a sore arm for 2-3 days. Reply Parent Thread Link I had my first Pfizer shot and I feel like crap. Pretty much how I would feel the first day of a fever. Achy muscles, lethargic etc... Reply Parent Thread Link I got both, Moderna. As of this past Monday, I'm fully vaccinated. The first was not bad. The injection site was quite swollen and sore but I could still lift my arm (probably from years of being sore from weight lifting and kickboxing). I only had very slight aches in the middle of the night but I popped some Tylenol and it was taken care of. I was even better with the second shot. It was barely sore and barely any swelling. No aches, pains, fatigue, or other symptoms. I was honestly expecting to not go into work. My brother got Moderna, too, and he had aches and chills and needed 4 blankets to get through the night. Night and day experiences between us but he was ok by the next day. My dad got his first shot yesterday and my mother and grandfather got their first today. Both Pfizer. I'm so happy for them. The only person in my house who hasn't gotten a shot yet is my sister but I hope she can soon. Reply Parent Thread Link I got the Pfizer back in December. My arm was sore as hell after the first dose and I felt a little fatigued about 2 days after the second, but other than that I was fine. Reply Parent Thread Link I've had the first moderna shot. No reaction the first day, arm hurt less than when I had a flu shot. Was a little more sore the second day and then at about 24 hours started to feel groggy but nothing crazy. I've heard the second shot can be rough but first shot was mostly uneventful. Reply Parent Thread Link i just had the first pfizer shot today and my arm feels sore but that's all. these comments got me thinking i should take off work when i get the second, though. Reply Parent Thread Link take the day after off imo Reply Parent Thread Link A little bit of a fever, but 24 hours after the shot I was feeling perfect. Not even sore (after the first dose my arm hurt like hell for nearly a week). Reply Parent Thread Link Not getting anything for a long while. The vaccines my country got are all earmarked for essential workers - The government, bank, education and medical. Don't know when we're getting any for the public. My mom is literally trying to figure out how to bundle me in for shots since I'll be the only one in the house who doesn't have it. Reply Parent Thread Link yes. first round of pfizer--some soreness on day 1, nbd second round of pfizer--sore arm to the point of not being able to sleep on that arm day 1, felt flu-like symptoms on day 2 and basically slept all day/was very fatigued, woke up on day 3 feeling fine Reply Parent Thread Link 1st shot was nothin', 2nd shot hurt my entire body like a bitch for 24 hours but no fever or anything else def beats covid Reply Parent Thread Link Unfortunately read some replies to this and I changed my mind from yesterday, twitter is a cesspool and stan twitter in particular deserves to be nuked. Reply Thread Link I just got my first shot and as the nurse was prepping me she asked if I was excited and I said "yes definitely" and she said "good, I'm glad you're excited" as though there are people who have said no to that I'm nervous about side effects because among my friends it seems like they either get all the side effects or none of them, but I I'm not gonna say it was i really just wanna say it not ok I just gotta say it throwing away my shot Reply Thread Link I got my first shot yesterday, and I was so excited. I think I thanked the pharmacist like 8 times in the 20 minutes I was there. Reply Parent Thread Link Lol who isn't excited?! I cried I was so happy! Reply Parent Thread Link I didn't cry on my way to the shot today but I started to yesterday while driving and just thinking about it being the last vaccineless day, and I had to shut it down because I couldn't walk into the grocery store in tears Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I brought chocolates for the nurses I was so happy lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link But without vaccines we'd still have polio! 6G! Open your fifth brown eye! Etc. Reply Thread Link Fifth brown eye... Reply Parent Thread Link She looks good with short hair... I didn't like the pink bowl cut. Reply Thread Link I'm glad her hair is black now. It looks 10000x better. Reply Parent Thread Link I agree Reply Parent Thread Link Didn't she post or like something anti-wax recently? Reply Thread Link yeah she said she hates candles Reply Parent Thread Link Thats where I draw the line ! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i would never wear one of these sweaters lmao. i think after surviving the 2000s i'm completely done with giant text on shirts/sweaters. even when i buy merch shirts like this i never wear them outside or only use them to layer stuff on top Reply Thread Link I have like, band tshirts I wear to bed or around the house but not usually out, but aside from that I don't really like any kind of "I'm announcing who I am" graphics if that makes sense. It's like the clothes equivalent of a bumper sticker. Reply Parent Thread Link Ultra branded shirts are very early 2000s to me. I don't know how more Big Brands like Disney etc haven't figured it out yet - Its so cringey to see a (for example) baby yoda shirt that says THE CHILD and MANDOLORIAN in huge text on it. Just put the dang yoda on it and call it a day. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah mte. I've worn shirts with small text that's basically the brand logo, or band t-shirts where the word/text is the artist name/it's part of a graphic, but that's about it. anything identity based... it's very forever 21 lol Edited at 2021-03-10 10:15 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Honestly i wouldn't wear things like this b/c i feel like it's an invitation to get into fights with idiots and i don't have the energy for that. i'm just tryna pick up my coffee with as minimal interaction as possible please. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i have a ton of band t-shirts and a cute 70s style bernie shirt but they're usually gym/sleep/lounge choices and not in public choices except the bernie shirt because it really is so cute Reply Parent Thread Link i would never wear one of these sweaters because i don't want to be attacked when i'm grocery shopping lol (i live in an area with a lot of nutjob trump supporters/anti-maskers) Reply Parent Thread Link LOL not me about to buy my "no entiendo" t-shirt so all the latinos in my city can have a laugh when I walk by Reply Parent Thread Link I think its diff for political messages like this. I have a good number of political shirts (AOC / Abolish ICE, stuff about harm reduction) but to me thats diff than like.. an f21 hoodie that says ~scorpio or a marvel branded shirt or something Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I used to live in those bitchy little text shirts back in like middle school. I bought a unicorn shirt a couple of months ago that says "go to hell" as a inside joke with some friends and I don't think I've even worn it to bed lmao. Reply Parent Thread Link I do. I have a shirt that says "no way. get fucked. fuck off." Reply Parent Thread Link https://www.instagram.com/p/CIauvZdDeDb/ (side note: where did the insert media tool go, I used to be able to embed ig posts on here) I have this punk-style shirt that says "CAT LOVERS AGAINST WHITE SUPREMACY" and I wear it everywhere, but wouldn't be caught dead in a branded shirt or cutesy H&M-type slogan lol:(side note: where did the insert media tool go, I used to be able to embed ig posts on here) Reply Parent Thread Link I love wearing my metal merch outside. Comfy af since I always buy them in L or XL (I'm a small in size) ! Reply Parent Thread Link I am glad we are having this conversation. Its time. Reply Thread Link i want my vaccine SOOOOO bad. i wish i even had a timeline. we got an email at work titled "Employee Vaccination Programs" the other day (i work for a university) and when i realized it was just for a webinar, i cried a lil bit. Reply Thread Link LoL, Meena Harris (Kamala Harris's insanely thirsty niece) is the fucking WORST and I'm rolling my eyes at this latest part of her grift. Nobody should buy anything from Phenomenal, ever. It's a grift disguised as activism. Reply Thread Link I never followed her on Twitter but I had to mute her leading up to the election. Sooooo many of her tweets were cringe as hell. Like we get it, women are ~making history~ Reply Parent Thread Link If the Trump spawn had not been so blatant Meena would be a serious problem for the Biden/Harris administration. The Biden legal team is constantly telling her to cut the shit and stop selling shit with her Aunt's likeness, it's a mess. There's just something that isn't clicking for Kamala and her family when it comes to this stuff and it's going to hurt her in 2024. Oh well, not my problem! She is beyond obnoxious. Her brand of #girlboss activism is so insidious and she is seriously out here lining her pockets by selling shit like this:If the Trump spawn had not been so blatant Meena would be a serious problem for the Biden/Harris administration. The Biden legal team is constantly telling her to cut the shit and stop selling shit with her Aunt's likeness, it's a mess. There's just something that isn't clicking for Kamala and her family when it comes to this stuff and it's going to hurt her in 2024. Oh well, not my problem! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link She tried to capitalise on a line someone said on this series of bachelorette, I don't think she even looked up the person (she was major bully in the series). The fans got into Meena's DMs quick and shut it down. I almost wish they had let her release it so she would have to explain herself. Reply Parent Thread Link Can't wait to get vaccinated tbh. My dad has already received his since he works in a side branch of the healthcare industry and I'm so happy. He has heart issues and diabetes so he is a bit fragile. Also I am just thrilled to know that in my circle of acquaintances nobody is anti vaccine (Except one guy on my team at work but I hated him to begin with, fuck you Matt) Reply Thread Link Gotta say, it's great to see celebs talking openly about getting the vaccine. My grandparents, who are in their late 70's, got their second shots yesterday - my mom is so relieved to be able to visit them without worrying about accidentally killing them. Still trying to find shots for my in-laws - their county doesn't have a health department and apparently got shafted in vaccine distribution, but I saw an article today saying they were getting their biggest shipment yet sometime this week. So that's promising! I cannot fucking wait to get this shot!!! I have no idea when LA will have shots for the GP, but I am both ready and willing. Reply Thread Link A Canadian woman in Covid-19 hotel quarantine in Perth has gone viral online after showing off her clever creation! With a bit of time on her hands, Marnee Halleen used rubbish from within her room to create an amazing dress. "14 day isolation project I made this ENTIRELY out of paper bags no sketches, no drawings, just some trial & error and a very large imagination." she wrote on Instagram. Speaking with the Daily Mail Australia, she said "My friends, who were skeptical, were shocked and said it was something they would wear. My mum just said 'I am so proud of you, this is incredible.'" Swipe through the Instagram post below to see the look for yourself... New Delhi, March 10 : Republic of Gamers (ROG), a sub-brand of Taiwanese company ASUS, on Wednesday launched three gaming smartphones under its ROG Phone 5 series in India. ROG Phone 5 will be available at a starting price of Rs 49,999 while ROG Phone 5 Pro is priced at Rs 69,999. ROG Phone 5 Ultimate will be available at 79,999. "Even during the pandemic, the ROG Brand continued to grow phenomenally in the Indian market in both segments, smartphones as well as PCs," said Leon Yu, Regional Director, System Business Group, ASUS India & South Asia. The ROG Phone 5 series is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, featuring advanced 5G communications and premium Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, up to 18GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. The ROG Phone 5 series is equipped with a Samsung-built 144 Hz AMOLED HDR10+ certified display with an industry-leading 300 Hz touch-sampling rate and ultra-low 24.3 ms touch latency. The smartphone has Sony IMX686 main sensor along with a 13MP wide and a 5MP macro sensor, along with a 24MP high-quality camera on the front. Gamers can play longer with the ROG Phone 5 series thanks to the 6,000mAh battery. The phones come with a 30-watt HyperCharge adapter. The ROG Phone 5 series offers rear matrix display - available exclusively on ROG Phone 5 Pro and ROG Phone 5 Ultimate - that shows customizable animations in response to a variety of system and in-game events. The ROG Phone 5 series also bring back the 3.5mm audio jack, that has been overhauled to deliver more immersive sound. WUHAN, China, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off on March 3 by the Wuhan East Lake, attracting tourists from all over China. Wuhan University also opens to public to view the pink petals, with over ten thousand tourists visiting on the first day. The festival is expected to last till the end of March according to East Lake Scenic Area. The Festival is held in Wuhan East Lake Cherry Blossom Park. As famous as cherry blossom parks in Washington and Tokyo, this park offers most stunning scenery of cherry blossoms in full bloom and various activities, including wearing Han Chinese costumes for photos, going boating on East Lake, and enjoying live music and performances. Visitors can also have a nocturnal visit for blooming flowers surrounded by 500 lanterns and over 9,000 night light sets in the park. The opening hours have been extended until 10 pm this year. This year, Wuhan University has welcomed more than 1,700 medical workers who aided fight against COVID-19 with special services provided. The campus opened to public on March 8 who need to book at least three days in advance. Since the festival kicks off, a large number of tourists from different Chinese provinces have flocked to Wuhan just to "make up for the regret of last year". Miss Chen from northeastern China's Liaoning Province said that she had planned to visit Wuhan last year but stopped by the pandemic, "so we feel lucky to be able to make reservations this year. Cherry blossoms here are spectacular". With over 500 thousand cherry trees, Wuhan attracts millions of tourists during springtime every year. East Lake and Wuhan University are packed with cherry blossom admirers again as usual. For Wuhan people, the cherry blossom season brings the message of hope and renewal. SOURCE East Lake Scenic Area The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Judith Katera, a bus driver and Unite trade union health and safety rep, has been reinstated at Battersea depot after a six-month campaign of victimisation against her by former Unite officials and Abellio management. Katera won her workplace disciplinary appeal on February 24 and returned to work two days later. Katera was suspended in July 2020 based on allegations she was racist toward a driver at the depot. She was dismissed on December 4, despite having provided evidence that she had been framed-up for her whistleblowing activities against alleged union corruption. Kateras reinstatement means her case will not proceed to the Employment Tribunal and therefore evidence of her whistleblowing activities over allegedly forged union invoices will not be heard. Unite official John Murphy, the unions lead officer for buses in London, represented Katera at her workplace appeal. Judith Katera From the time Katera was suspended on July 30, Unite kept quiet about her case. Not a single workplace resolution or protest action was organised to demand Kateras reinstatement, even though she had served as a Unite health and safety rep at Battersea since 2017. After Katera was dismissed, Unite responded to drivers anger by agreeing to stage a consultative ballot for her reinstatement. Held on December 16-17, the ballot was promoted by union stooges like the Socialist Partys Moe Manir as the first step in a full industrial action ballot. This was a sham. Unite never even reported the voting results from the consultative ballot back to its own members. Only the World Socialist Web Site told the truth to the working class. On December 16, the WSWS published a statement from the London Bus Rank-and-File Committee warning: Workers can place no faith in the union. Unite would have preferred the entire matter be swept under the carpet, but they have been forced to feign concern due to the mounting anger of workers. The committee launched an online petition calling for unified action by bus workers to win Kateras reinstatement, quickly gathering nearly 200 signatures. But the petition was immediately censored on the Bus Drivers in London Facebook group administered by Manir and London Branch Secretary of Unite Joanne Harris. It was also blocked by RMT officials in South West England and on Facebook and WhatsApp groups controlled by other lackeys of Unite. No method was too underhand or dirty. Twice, the committees petition for Judith was deleted from change.org after complaints from an unknown person. It was reinstated on both occasions with an apology from the online platformthe only alteration by change.org was the removal of Moe Manirs name from the petitions preamble. A Walworth Garage health and safety rep, Manir is currently suspended, part of a spate of victimisations during a pandemic that has claimed at least 50 bus workers lives. Despite these acts of sabotage, the WSWS continued to report on Kateras case and win support. Its articles were read by thousands of bus drivers who shared it on their WhatsApp groups. On January 6, the London Bus Rank-and-File Committee unanimously passed a resolution in Kateras defence, urging garages across London to do likewise. Kateras suspension had been falsely portrayed by the Socialist Party and the National Shop Stewards Network as union bashing. In reality, workers at Battersea informed WSWS that Katera had been set up by former Unite officials who wanted to conceal their close relationship with the company. Katera presented hard evidence that she was framed by a longstanding Unite convenor and local officials. Abellio managers at Battersea ignored this evidence, using manufactured allegations of racism to sack Katera. In what universe is this union bashing? A more fitting word is collusion. The entire case has demonstrated yet again the way in which pseudo-left groups internationallyin this instance the Socialist Party in Britainwork as political agencies, spies and industrial policemen of the trade union apparatus against the working class. On Kateras first day back at work, Manir and Unites John Murphy, were quick to claim credit for her reinstatement. Manir tweeted: Im glad my colleague, friend Judith Katera a @UniteLondonEast Trade Union Rep has been reinstated back to work! Thnx everyone for supporting us With friends like this, who needs enemies? WEST UNION, Iowa (AP) A 24-year-old man is facing life in prison after being convicted of killing a 4-week-old child in 2018. A Fayette County jury on Tuesday convicted Dean Alan Hettinger, of Westgate, of first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death. Prosecutors say 4-week-old Holten Smith was hospitalized in Sumner in April 2018. KCRG-TV reports the child died a month later. Doctors said he had a brain bleed and an autopsy found 36 rib fractures. Hettinger was one of the child's caretakers. He faces a mandatory life sentence plus up to 50 years when he is sentenced. WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Research Council published a new issue brief publication today titled, "How the United States Can Address China's Uyghur Genocide." The publication was released ahead of Wednesday's U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom hearing that will discuss "ways in which U.S. companies facilitate the persecution of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in China through forced labor and other practices that undermine international human rights standards in that country." The release of the FRC publication also follows a new independent report by more than 50 global experts affirming that China is guilty of genocide and has violated every single provision in the Genocide Declaration. This independent report adds credibility and urgency to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's determination that the Chinese government is committing an ongoing genocide. Pompeo's successor, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, affirmed the genocide declaration. The U.S. is the first country to officially designate China's behavior as genocide. In its publication, FRC provides specific action items for the Biden administration to punish China for its behavior, while recognizing that the U.S. and China have a complex and interconnected relationship as major trading partners and strategic competitors: President Biden should encourage Congress to pass, and then sign, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (S. 65/H.R. 1155) to prohibit goods manufactured by forced labor or slavery in Xinjiang from being imported into the United States . . The Biden administration should ensure that U.S. support for the UN Population Fund does not contribute to coerced sterilizations in China , to prevent U.S. complicity in the genocide. , to prevent U.S. complicity in the genocide. Biden administration treasury officials should apply targeted sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for atrocities. Biden administration diplomats should encourage like-minded countries to condemn China's atrocities. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins responded: "The ongoing genocide in Xinjiang is one of the critical human rights challenges of our time. We need all hands on deck, including the full force of the U.S. government. Sadly, one voice that is silent is the corporate world. One recent survey asked the 48 largest US corporations with operations in China whether they had a position on what was occurring in Xinjiang. Only one company expressed concern over the allegations of forced labor. "Instead of calling out these horrific human rights abuses, American corporations including Nike, Coca-Cola, and Apple were shamefully lobbying to weaken the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Many of these same corporations are spending their profits, derived in some cases from forced labor, lecturing Americans on social justice. It is time for corporate America to move beyond woke posturing to true human rights advocacy," concluded Perkins. Arielle Del Turco, Assistant Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council, who authored the FRC issue brief, said: "Beijing's targeted, widespread perpetration of forced sterilizations and abortions on Uyghur women led the U.S. to determine that genocide is ongoing in China. The Chinese Communist Party is systematically obliterating the ethnic and religious minority through mass incarceration, slave labor, indoctrination and brainwashing, systematic abortion and sterilization, targeted religious defilement, family separation, and rape. Beijing is carrying out these atrocities on a scale the world has not seen in 75 years. "The United States' commitment to the 1948 Genocide Convention obligates it to take action to prevent and punish genocide. According to a new Pew Research poll, 70 percent of Americans think the U.S. should try to promote human rights in China, even if it harms economic relations with China. Such a huge number of Americans siding with human rights over the economy highlights our urgent moral duty to hold China accountable for its gross violations of fundamental human rights. U.S. reluctance to engage will embolden China and other abusers of human rights, who will interpret it as weakness. If President Joe Biden was sincere when he said he wants to restore America's moral leadership in the international community, then punishing China for its genocide of the Uyghurs is the place to start," concluded Del Turco. To read the full publication, visit: frc.org/uyghurgenocide. SOURCE Family Research Council Related Links http://www.frc.org President of the European Council appoints Christian Danielsson to mediate the crisis By Veronika Malinboym On March 9, President of the European Council Charles Michel announced that Christian Danielsson would take on the role of an official mediator of the EU-backed negotiations between the Georgian government and the opposition bloc.The official statement released by the European Council states that Christian Danielsson will be traveling to Georgia in the nearest future in order to mediate the relaunched dialogue between Georgias political parties, in close cooperation with the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Carl Hartzel:Mr. Danielsson will mediate the relaunched dialogue among Georgia's political parties, working closely with the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Carl Hartzell, with the aim to overcome the current political tensions in Georgia.Mr. Danielsson will be traveling to Georgia in the coming days to engage with all stakeholders to the process.The press release also notes that President Michel and High Representative Borell encourage all parties to fully commit to the dialogue for the sake of the countrys Democratic and European integration aspirations:President Michel and the High Representative Borrell encourage all political actors in Georgia to commit fully to the dialogue in a constructive spirit and with a view to pursuing mutually agreeable outcomes, in the interest of a stable, democratic, and reform-oriented Georgia, able to successfully advance on its pro-European path.The appointment of Christian Danielsson came shortly after President Charles Michels visit to Georgia earlier this month. Upon his arrival on March 1, President Michel arranged the first round of dialogue between the representatives of the Georgian government and the members of the opposition bloc. The meeting ended with the drawing of a draft agenda for further negotiations, as well as six main issues that need to be addressed in order to solve the ongoing crisis.Christian Danielsson has previously worked as a permanent representative for Sweden, after which he was appointed as secretary-general of the European Commission in 2011. He then took the role of the Director-General for Enlargement in 2013, before taking on the office of the Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations. As of today, Christian Danielsson is serving as the Head of the European Commission's Representation in Sweden. Farmers are ready to stay put on Delhi borders to protest against three agri laws for the remaining three and half years of the Modi government's second term and the stir cannot be "culled" any which way the Centre tries, legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait's son Narendra Tikait says. Narendra, who does not hold any official position in Bharatiya Kisan Union, formed by his father in 1986, and mostly focusses on the family's farming activities but is as vocal on issues concerning farmers as his two elder brothers Naresh and Rakesh Tikait who are leading from the front in the agitation that has been continuing for more than 100 days. Speaking to PTI at his home in Sisauli, Muzaffarnagar district, 45-year-old Narendra also said his two brothers and the entire Tikait family would leave the protest if even smallest of any wrongdoing is proved against even a single family member, as he rejected allegations by some quarters that they have built properties and made money from the agitation. The eldest brother Naresh Tikait is BKU president, while Rakesh Tikait holds the position of spokesperson of the organisation, which under Mahendra Singh Tikait's leadership in 1988 had laid a virtual siege to Meerut in pursuit of higher prices for sugarcane, cancellation of loans and lowering of water and electricity rates. The same year, BKU held a week-long protest in Delhi's Boat Club to focus on the plight of farmers. After Mahendra Singh Tikait's death in 2011, Naresh and Tikait have been leading the main organisation in various roles, though a number of faction groups have emerged in various parts of the country over the years. Narendra said the Centre is under any misconception that it can cull the farmers' protest like it has "culled" other agitations in the past using various tactics. "I am here in Sisauli but my eyes are there at the protest," he said, adding that he keeps visiting Ghazipur border where hundreds of farmers and BKU supporters are camping since November 2020. "This government has a misconception, probably because it never faced such kind of protest, but we have seen agitations and been part of those for 35 years. This government only has an experience of facing smaller protests and of getting those culled through various tactics," he said. "They cannot crush this protest by any means. This will continue for as long as our demands are not met. This government has a tenure of three and a half years left, and we can continue the movement till the end of its term," he asserted. The younger and less publicly known Tikait said farmers would vacate the protest sites only after their demands are met completely and not on the basis of any future assurance or partial agreement on demands. "If the government keeps saying again and again that crops would be bought at MSP, then why cannot they give this in writing? They keep harping about giving subsidies on LPG cylinders, but that subsidy is also gone," he said. Tikait alleged that the Centre has done the same to the school education sector where private institutes are thriving and minting money while the condition of government facilities keep getting poorer and poorer. "Now they want business houses to store crops, hoard those and later sell at desired rates. Their push is for business and that's the agenda, he said, adding farmers are already reeling under the high cost of labour and fuel prices. Asked about allegations that the Tikait family holds land worth hundreds of crores and that BKU is involved in hooliganism in the region, he said, "There is nothing that they (the government) could find against us and therefore this (levelling allegations) is happening. If they find a single fault in any member of our family, then we will return from Delhi." He also rejected allegations of hooliganism by BKU as incorrect. "Why would we do it? Some even say that we are taking money for the protest. More than 200 of our farmers have sacrificed their lives during the protest. People are donating money even during the last rites of those who have died. There is no question of we taking money for protests as we are not short on any resources," he said. Describing his family's position as Chaudhary or head of Balyan Khap (the Balyan caste council), Tikait said this Khap leads 84 villages in the region as per traditions continuing for ages. His eldest brother Naresh Tikait is the head of the Balyan Khap, which makes him de facto head of 'Sarv Khap' (all caste councils). "We have 84 villages (belonging to the Balyan Khap). By that measure, we have 3 lakh bigha of land. When our father passed away, he had passed on the responsibility of 84 villages to us. We are Chaudhary of 84 villages and all this is ours only. What are we going to do by seeking more money, he said. Tikait also hinted at a 'Sarv Khap' meeting in Soram in near future to further mobilise regional support if protests continued further on Delhi's borders and the government does not agree to farmers' demands. Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhi's border points in Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur with a demand that the Centre repeal three farm laws that were enacted in September 2020 and make a new law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The farmers fear the new laws would destroy their livelihoods and leave them at the mercy of corporations. The government, which has held 11 rounds of formal talks with the protestors before the discusses broke down, maintains that the laws are pro-farmers. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Winners of the People's Choice Stevie Awards will be celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony on April 14. Winners of the 2021 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service, a worldwide public vote, were announced today. Voting was conducted from February 1 through March 5, with the highest number of votes deciding the winners in 11 industry categories. Winners of the 2021 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service, a worldwide public vote, were announced today. Voting was conducted from February 1 through March 5, with the highest number of votes deciding the winners in 11 industry categories. More than 44,000 votes were cast this year. All organizations honored in the Customer Service Department of the Year categories of this years Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service were eligible to be included in voting for the peoples choice awards. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, now in their 15th year, are the worlds top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes, in virtually every industry, in 51 nations were evaluated in this years competition. Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 160 professionals worldwide in nine specialized judging committees and were announced last month. This years peoples choice winners, who will each receive the coveted crystal Peoples Choice Stevie Award, are: Airlines, Distribution & Transportation: Suddath All Other Industries: MTM Computer Services: Linode Computer Software Less Than 100 Employees: Timely Computer Software Greater Than 100 Employees: Carbonite (an Opentext Company) Financial Services Less Than 100 Employees: Wells Fargo Merchant Services - Account Management Financial Services Greater Than 100 Employees: PREMIER Bankcard Healthcare & Pharma: Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Public Services & Education: OmniUpdate + Destiny Solutions Retail: Wayfair Telecommunications: AireSpring Nicknamed the Stevie from the Greek word crowned, Stevie Award winners will be celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony on April 14. Tickets for the event are now on sale. More than 500 Stevie Award winners and their guests from around the world are expected to attend. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Sponsors and supporters of the 15th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include Sales Partnerships, Inc. and ValueSelling Associates, Inc. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. A passerby was shot dead Wednesday after South African police moved to disperse students protesting against refusal by a top Johannesburg-based university to register those in arrears with tuition fees, local media and the university said. AFP journalists saw the body of a man lying on his back on the sidewalk covered with a silver-coloured safety sheet, just a street away from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Clashes erupted when police used rubber bullets to break up a group of students who were blocking roads with rubble and disrupting traffic in downtown Johannesburg around the Wits campus precinct. Students began sporadic protests in early January over the alleged exclusion of some students by a government-sponsored tuition aid scheme. They are demanding that Wits university allows all students with outstanding debt to register for the 2021 academic year. Many students have fallen into arrears because of economic hardships caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Local broadcasters showed live the clashes between police and students. Wits University spokeswoman Shirona Patel said the victim was not their student. "My understanding so far is that the protestors blocked a public road, the police tried to disperse them, and the passerby was shot in the crossfire," she told AFP. Enraged students gathered near the body, with some shouting at police officers to leave the area. "Kill all of us," one student was heard shouting. mgu-ho/gd/sn Many urban slum households in six states do not use (cooking gas) exclusively and depend on a mix of polluting fuels, according to a recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study said that only half of the urban slum households in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, use exclusively. This is despite 86 per cent of urban slum households in the six states having an connection. The six states account for nearly a quarter of Indias urban slum population. Further, 16 per cent of the households are still using traditional fuels such as firewood, dung cakes, agriculture residue, charcoal, and kerosene as their primary fuel and over a third are stacking LPG with these polluting fuels. This increases exposure to indoor air pollution for such households, the CEEW study said. The findings are based on CEEWs Cooking Energy Access Survey 2020 conducted in urban across the six states. The survey covered 656 households across 83 urban slums, notified and non-notified, in 58 districts. While the six states covered in the survey have the highest percentage of households covered under the scheme, only 23 per cent of slum households had Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) connections. Despite PMUY, about 12 per cent of the urban slum households do not use LPG and rely on polluting fuels entirely, the study said. An Indian Oil Corporation release, however, said LPG has emerged as the preferred kitchen partner for almost every Indian and the LPG penetration in India has improved from 55 per cent in 2014 to more than 99 per cent as on March 10, 2021. 55 per cent households use LPG exclusively 33 per cent use LPG with polluting fuels 12 per cent just use polluting fuels 58 per cent households dont get door step delivery of cylinders Source: CEEW Study "It is notable that the improvement in the overall LPG consumption has continued for the three-month period December 2020-February 2021 and has registered a growth of 7.3 per cent for all domestic LPG customers (PMUY+non-PMUY). LPG consumption amongst PMUY customers registered a growth of 19.5 per cent, from 845,310 tonne in the comparable period in the last fiscal to 1,010,054 tonne in the current fiscal for the said three-month period. Compared year-on-year, the overall domestic LPG sales have registered a handsome growth of 10.3 per cent during the current fiscal (till February 2021)," said the release. As part of the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the government must target poor households without an LPG connection in urban Policymakers must also nudge oil marketing companies and distributors to improve home delivery of LPG refills in slum areas to increase exclusive use of LPG, said Arunabha Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of CEEW. Also, as the LPG refill prices rise, the government must target vulnerable households beyond PMUY beneficiaries with differential subsidy support for using LPG in a sustained manner, said Ghosh, referring to the high price of LPG cylinders. Shaily Jha, Research Analyst at CEEW and lead author of the study, said, A significant share of the urban slum population is struggling to afford using LPG for all their cooking, especially due to the rising fuel prices and the economic impact of the pandemic. Further, given that the number of Ujjwala beneficiaries living in urban is low, majority of slum households remain ineligible for relief support in the form of free cylinders under the PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana. Indian Oil, however, claimed that while the upfront per kg cost of firewood is cheaper, LPG is a more economical fuel in the long run when costs such as total volume of fuel consumed and handling costs are factored in. "Even at the current rates, LPG is cheaper than firewood/ other traditional fuels in many states, largely on account of its overall heating efficiency," it said. BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Evolved Traveler, curator of worldwide luxury travel experiences designed to promote a sense of global community and sustainable tourism, announced four 10- to 14- night, small-group exotic journeys in late 2021, including Indonesia's Bali and the Raja Ampat archipelago, East Africa's Uganda and Tanzania, South Asia's Bhutan, and wild Mongolia in the East. "We are unprecedentedly excited about these journeys. They are meant to tap into the pent-up demand for travel. But at the same time, satisfy our Guests' desire for more engaging experiences that have a positive impact on the world, both culturally and environmentally now more important than ever." said The Evolved Traveler President, Justin Smith. The "Fab Four" journeys, operating from mid-September to early-November, include Gorilla Tracking with Uganda's Gorilla Doctors & Tanzania Luxury Safari; Authentic Mongolia: The Golden Eagle Festival; Incredible Indonesia: Bali, Borobudur & Blue Seas; and Bhutan: Journey to the Land of Happiness with Dr. Rieki Crins. Immersive Experiences and Positive Impact Each itinerary is designed to offer unparalleled and authentic experiences, including engagements with: the renowned Ugandan Gorilla Doctors, a hands-on international veterinarian team who care for the mountain and Grauer's gorillas of the Virunga Range; members of the KOPELion Foundation, lion conservationists in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania; a Kazakh family, residing in a private, neighboring ger while attending the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia; and, accompanying Dr. RIeki Crins, a cultural anthropologist who holds a Ph.D. in Sustainability while exploring Bhutan; touring the marine-rich biodiversity of Raja Ampat, and; biking through Bali. "These are four once-in-a-lifetime journeys and encounters," says Smith. The Evolved Traveler also uses a portion of proceeds from each journey to offset carbon footprint and donate to not-for-profits organizations in each destination. "Our Guests practice sustainable lifestyles at home, so we're honored to be able to create opportunities for them to do so in their worldwide travels too." For more information, or to join one or more of the 2021 "Fab Four" journeys, visit www.evolvedtraveler.com/2021fabfour, or call 323.505.4415 today. For product information, visit: www.evolvedtraveler.com SOURCE The Evolved Traveler Related Links www.evolvedtraveler.com Louisiana saw the number of deaths from drug overdoses increase more rapidly than any other state in 2020. From 2019 to 2020, overdose deaths in this state increased by 53%. Because of the increase, Louisiana now ranks No. 8 among the states in per capita rate of overdose deaths, up from No. 17 just a year earlier. The increase in Lafayette Parish mirrors that of the state, increasing about 50 percent from 2019 to 2020. Replay: As opioid-related deaths rise, Acadiana Advocate hosts town hall discussion Opioid-related overdose deaths have seen a startling increase in Lafayette Parish and experts say the situation may be even worse than the off We held the first town hall on this topic in January because we felt strongly that the growing number of overdoses needed to be part of a larger community conversation. We want to help destigmatize addiction. And we want people to realize it is an insidious disease and it can happen to anybody. The 83 people who died of overdose in Lafayette Parish in 2020 dont look like you might imagine. They look like you and me. In February, we talked about treatment, discussing how to know when you should seek help and what resources are available for people of varying income levels. We also spent time talking about medicine-assisted treatment, which, while controversial, are clearly saving lives. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Replay: Acadiana Advocate hosts town hall on opioid addiction treatments Opioid-related overdose deaths have seen a startling increase in Lafayette Parish and experts say the situation may be even worse than the off In this third and final town hall, the focus is recovery. We talk to several several addiction survivors to gain a deeper understanding of addiction and the toll it takes on families and the community. Watch a replay below. Can't see the video? Click here. The Pallister governments firehose readiness plan to immunize Manitobans against COVID-19 will be put to the test this month, as the number of vaccines shipped to the province is about to triple. The Pallister governments "firehose" readiness plan to immunize Manitobans against COVID-19 will be put to the test this month, as the number of vaccines shipped to the province is about to triple. Premier Brian Pallister complained in January his government was fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with a "squirt gun," because Ottawa wasnt shipping enough vaccine doses. With close to 200,000 expected to arrive over the next four weeks, Manitoba is about to get its chance to prove it can jab almost 7,000 people a day. Currently, it is only immunizing about 1,500-2,000 daily. "Here in Manitoba, weve done enough preparatory work that were ready with a massive firehose to fight COVID," Pallister said at the time. "Unfortunately, thats not going to be possible because the federal governments process of getting vaccines to Canada means instead of a firehose, were working with a bit of a squirt gun right now." Over the next four weeks, Manitoba is expecting 192,580 doses from three manufacturers. Thats far more than it had anticipated even a week ago, and about three times the number of recent weeks. (Ryan Remiorz / Canadian Press files) Much has changed since then. Shipments have increased dramatically (after they slowed to a trickle last month due to a global supply disruption) and two new vaccines Oxford/AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have been approved for use in Canada. The federal government says it plans to ship 54,880 doses this week to Manitoba from three manufacturers: Pfizer-BioNTech (16,380), Moderna (20,500), and AstraZeneca (18,000). Thats expected to fall to 14,040 doses next week (Pfizer being the sole supplier), followed by a combined 82,720 doses the week of March 22 from Pfizer and Moderna. Over the next four weeks, Manitoba is expecting 192,580 doses from three manufacturers. Thats far more than it had anticipated even a week ago, and about three times the number of recent weeks. Manitoba had received 124,840 doses since mid-December, and administered 92,753, as of March 9. So far, the number of immunizations the province has planned over the next 28 days falls well short of what its expecting in vaccines. Of the 192,580 doses, only 118,205 are expected to be administered during that period, according to the provinces online COVID-19 dashboard. That will likely change as public health gets more information and adjusts its projections (the 28-day "total immunizations planned" is updated almost daily). Still, its curious the province is planning to administer less than two-thirds of expected shipments over the next month. Its especially odd, since it has maintained a large reserve of unused doses since the beginning of the rollout, rarely administering more than 75 per cent of total vaccines received. If all 192,580 doses were administered over the next four weeks (6,878/day), it would still have a surplus of more than 30,000 doses by the end of March. Thats a massive jump from where the province is now; over the past two days, only 3,025 doses were given out. With almost 55,000 doses on the way this week, that seems more like a squirt gun than a firehose. The province says it has the capacity to administer nearly twice that amount (12,499/day). Thats the "firehose" Pallister was talking about. The province says it will have the capacity to administer 20,000/day by April 1. Thats a massive jump from where the province is now; over the past two days, only 3,025 doses were given out. With almost 55,000 doses on the way this week, that seems more like a squirt gun than a firehose. The low number of vaccines administered over the past two days is not because of uncertainty around future shipments. According to the provinces projected data, doses expected between now and April 12 are considered "confirmed." Also, with Manitobas decision last week to delay required second doses by up to four months, theres less concern about ensuring second doses are available in the short-term, making more doses available sooner. Theres no reason to believe the province wont be able to keep up with supply. With four "super sites" now open and about 500 medical clinics and pharmacies signed up to provide jabs, the numbers should climb quickly. It would be encouraging to start seeing some evidence of that. Manitobans are eager to see the firehose in action. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca As part of a series of interviews on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Syrian uprising, the Syrian Observer sits down with historian Dr. Nadine Meouchy to discuss the past, present and future of the country. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Syrian uprising, the Syrian Observer is publishing a series of interviews with prominent academics and scholars working on Syria, including a historian, a diplomat, a political economist, and a member of the Syrian opposition. Our interviewees, who have worked on Syria from well before the beginning of the uprising and who lived in, or traveled frequently to the country, bring to us their long-term and deep knowledge of Syria. They reflect on Syrias pre-2011 dynamics and the events of the past decade as well as give us their perspective on how events may evolve in the coming years. This week, we talk to Dr. Nadine Meouchy, a French historian who specializes in the history of Syria and Lebanon. Considering Syrias history, would you say that the outbreak of the revolt in March 2011 was foreseeable? And how is this revolt related to the historical experience of the country? During great upheavals, historical and anthropological perspectives come to the surface. The Syrian revolt of 2011 did not occur ex nihilo. Since independence, the domestic politics of Syria have been marked by events revealing certain dynamics at play in a society that attest to the fact that Syrian state-building did not involve the building of a nation. Let us recall, for instance, the recent conflict between the Hauran Bedouins and the Druze in 2001, or the riots among the Kurds and Arabs in 2004 and 2008. Furthermore, two realities should be taken into consideration: Long before 2011, a dual political opposition existed: one secular, and the other linked with the Muslim Brotherhood, which evolved largely behind the scenes. The periodic emergence of a new generation in politics is a recurrent feature of important moments of political mobilization. At the outset of the uprising, political actors in the Syrian opposition sought to overlook ethnic and sectarian diversity. The concept of unity was of course a founding principle of Syrian political culture from the first independence (March-July 1920) until 2011. As in other Arab revolts, in Syria, there was a demand for freedom and dignity, but also for a shared national identity at least until the end of 2013 in Syrias case. This two-fold demand, which represents a continuation of the unitary Arab nationalist tradition, draws simultaneously upon a constituent value of Syrian Arab society (dignity) and a desire to be anchored in the present, with its associated notions of freedom and national identity. Since it envisaged a future without them, this demand proved intolerable to the Assad dynasty, unleashing limitless violence in response. Syrians have been raising the banner of unity throughout the past century: unity of territory during the French Mandate era; unity of society under the Arab nationalist flag, and now unity in diversity under a shared Syrian identity. The novel element here is the recognition of diversity by civil society a structural diversity denied by Arab nationalism. But, as the civil war attests, does unity mean the same thing to everyone? What, in your opinion, were the main phases of this revolt? Looking back over the past decade, we can divide the period into several phases corresponding with different times, places, and themes of mobilization. March 2011 April 2011: the time of the Intifada for freedom and against corruption, launched from the Syrian South, the Hauran. April 2011 December 2012: the time of the thawra ( thawra in Arabic means both revolt and revolution); a revolt that lays claim to a revolution by calling for the downfall of the regime and setting up its own defense army (FSA, July 2011). In this phase, the Syrian revolt breaks with the countrys political past thanks to the new generation, for nothing in the slogans or the mode of organization can be attributed to the political parties of the 20th century. Thus, the thawra draws at once on imagery already present in 20th-century mobilizations (unity, dignity), and on very contemporary references (free elections and democracy, for example). Incipient militarization played into the civil war strategy of the regime. December 2012 September 2013: Islamist and Salafist movements grow, civil war sets in, and after the US retreated from its commitment to punish the regime following the chemical attacks of 21 August 2013, Syrians of the thawra realized they could not rely upon any meaningful international support. October 2013 August 2015: following the US retreat, the Free Syrian Army, made up of some 80,000 fighters in September 2013, lost more than half its men, who joined jihadist groups. Radical movements gain ground, and like the regime worked to eliminate the secular opposition. The Islamic State entered Syria through the Iraqi border. September 2015 2020: the scaling up of foreign interventions fragments Syria territorially and along ethnic and sectarian lines. In addition, significant demographic changes take place in Western Syria at the expense of the Sunnis. The regime takes back lost territories, but at the cost of its military and economic sovereignty. What were the driving motives and points of reference for the mobilization of Syrians? When reviewing the slogans or rallying cries of the thawra, we perceive at first that social or economic factors, which may be underlying triggers for protest, are by no means the driving forces for mobilization in the long-run. Moreover, if we consider the list of names given by the opposition to each of the 249 Fridays between 2011 and 2015, we may discern their main concerns and their stance towards the broader situation at that moment (mentions of Nasrallah, Daesh, Moscow, the International Coalition, the Free Syrian Army, etc.). We also see many references to solidarity between cities and locations, which is in fact a constant theme of contemporary Syrian practice. In January 1936, for example, harsh repression in Damascus immediately prompted Aleppo to call a strike. The names given to 18 Fridays also make mention of or refer to Allah. Then come the motives for the mobilization: dignity, pride, honor, and martyrs, all of which feature in the roster of Arab and Islamic values. Freedom is included in the headline slogan of the thawra: Allah, Suriyya, Huriyya wu bas! (God, Syria, Freedom, and thats all!). Humiliation and martyr also appear in slogans and on placards. While one might assume religious references to be dominant in the names given to Fridays after 2012-2013, we see that the call for solidarity between different places is in fact more prevalent until 2015, affirming the unity of the Syrian people. What about the minority issue, which seems to have played an important role in the crisis? The Syrian regime has cemented the division between minorities and the Sunni majority by classifying Sunni Muslims as a threat (as jihadis or salafis). By assigning the monopoly of a tolerant Islam to himself while demonizing the widely Muslim Sunni opposition, Bashar al-Assad was able, from the outset of the protests to discredit both the revolt and the official opposition, including members close to the Muslim Brotherhood, in the eyes of most Christian, Alawi, or Druze populations. Yet the Muslim Brothers belong to the Syrian political landscape, having emerged from the cognitive renewal of contemporary Islam. Besides Arab nationalism, they constitute the other aspect of Syrian political modernity of the 20th century revolving around the concept of unity. The Baath Founding Fathers considered Islam and Arabism to be in historical interaction. For the Syrian regime, however, it was expedient to conflate conservatives such as the Muslim Brothers with radical Jihadis. The Syrian opposition meanwhile failed to unify itself politically; there has not been a true engagement between the heirs of Arab nationalism and socialism on the one hand and the Muslim Brothers on the other, even though religion and even religiosity are in the historical DNA (in the words of Michel Winock) of Syrian society. Let us not forget that since 1918 at least, Syrian political practice has ordinarily been embedded within everyday Muslim symbolic practice: the central role of the mosque, mobilization around important dates in the religious calendar, etc. Whatever the reasons for the divisions within the opposition, the regime used them to its own advantage. Meanwhile, the Syrian regime has advanced its campaign against the Sunni Muslim population in three ways: Destruction of houses, property transfers, and the displacement of populations; The destruction of the symbolic house: raping women in front of their fathers, children, or family in prison, for example. This form of torture takes deliberate aim at a core value of Syrian society since the womans honor (ard) embodies the honor of the fathers house. The castration of adolescents constitutes a physical destruction of the fathers house and beyond a will to destroy the Sunni community; Destruction of built Islamic heritage (Hama, Homs, Aleppo, Daraa), as though the regime wanted to destroy Sunni Islamic history and memory in Syria. The latter two points would of course require further elaboration. The objective here is not only to force the other into submission but to undertake its eradication, both symbolic and real. How do you interpret the Islamic States rapid rise in Eastern Syria? The Syrian East, a marginal territory, drew little attention until 2014, which marked the entry of the Islamic State into Syria. Even then, observers were not interested in the Syrian East per se. We must however insist on the importance of margins and peripheries in the contemporary history of Syria. As in key moments of the anti-colonial struggle of the 1920s, let us highlight the initiative taken in the 2011 mobilization by a rural periphery of the country (Daraa). Margins are often inhabited by sectarian and ethnic minorities or tribes, and bring us to porous borders, in particular the three historical borders whose delineation, roughly between 1920 and 1923, is disputed: the Syrian-Turkish border, which allowed passage to regime opponents, jihadis, and Turkish troops; the Syrian-Iraqi border which divides tribal lands and opened up to Daesh in 2014; and the Syrian-Lebanese border which was turned into a private fiefdom of Hezbollah until 2017, and across which it moves back and forth daily. Smugglers and traffickers, refugees, and weapons also traverse these borders. The Jazirah and in particular the Euphrates areas were incorporated into Syria by France and considered a military periphery. The center of power in Damascus showed little interest in the development of these provinces, with the exception of Raqqa owing to the strategic Dam Project, seeking to control local hierarchies. From 2014, the Syrian regime increasingly came to regard the Eastern territories as a geography that could be exploited with the effective complicity of the Islamic State. The Sunni Euphrates would constitute an invisible frontier or buffer for Assads Syria with its center of gravity in the west. Left to languish in economic and sanitary under-development, and looked down upon by western city dwellers, the majority of the Euphrates Bedouins give precedence to their dual identities as Muslims and tribesmen over and above their Syrian identity. The Islamic State played upon both Sunni and tribal allegiances to conquer the Euphrates areas without a fight and subsequently prioritized tribal affiliation. What about the image of the West among Syrians? The image of Western states and international institutions has been severely damaged in the eyes of Syrian populations. There is no need to recount Western impotence since 2011; it is quite enough to recall that the international community has not only proved incapable of finding a way out of the conflict that excludes Bashar al-Assad, but also that during ten years of civil war, neither the UN Commission on Human Rights nor the International Criminal Court have managed to open proceedings against the perpetrators of the appalling crimes committed by the regime, whatever the legal reasons may be. Moreover, the Syrian crisis constitutes a watershed in the humanitarian field: there will be a before and an after Syria. All the contradictions and limitations of the UN and international institutions have played out in the open. Humanitarian multinationals pursue policies designed first and foremost to serve their own interests. They have become self-centered bureaucracies with staff focused on career advancement and setting numerical targets for the management of so-called beneficiaries. Divorced from the field, these humanitarian actors apply an ethnocentric questioning to beneficiaries, who are rendered anonymous. It is indeed a policy of a neo-imperialistic nature which divides its relief programs, always on a short-term basis, into categories (for example, Livelihood, Capacity building, Wash Water, Sanitation and Hygiene etc.) whose outcomes lose their impact: thus, for example, a beneficiary family might be selected to receive hygiene products assistance and at the same time be left with no food because the category Livelihood is not included in the category Wash. In many cases, there is more concern for training women on gender issues than for feeding their children. The discourse on Syrian refugee women in Beirut, for example, has been monopolized by urban women from diverse backgrounds, all of them employing gender-reading grids developed in London or in New York. One could give examples ad infinitum And now, what future for the Syrians? To begin with, we must distinguish between the Syrians of the inside and the Syrians of the outside. Inside Syria, we have, on the one hand, people who favor the regime mainly Alawis, and more generally, minority communities who are kept in a state of fear towards Islam, and feel they deserve compensation for their sacrifices and those of their sons fallen in battle. Members of this constituency have distanced themselves mentally from the rest of the population. Moreover, the fallout from the civil war has created areas (neighborhoods, towns, or regions) where inhabitants are grouped on the basis of sectarian affiliation. Finally, disastrous economic and sanitary conditions have preoccupied everyone with concerns about their individual fate. Syrians, displaced or returning to their homeland from exile, found themselves in a state of extreme deprivation. In view of the complete abnegation of individuals, and the misery of the Sunni majority both economically and in terms of morale, it is difficult to see how a fragmented, devastated Syrian society could plan for a shared future. Some observers even question whether Daesh could return to the Euphrates as in 2014, disregarding the fact that tribal populations, though deprived and forgotten by Damascus, have a bad memory of life under Daesh. The Syrians of the outside number roughly five million and a half, of which just over three million are distributed in the countries neighboring Syria. If as Syrians they all carry the memory of violence and dispossession, they find themselves in different daily realities depending on where they have taken refuge. The tendency to withdraw into themselves, to look inwards, is negated by the need to adapt to their host place and country. Syrians from all backgrounds freely debate and analyze the situation in their country and deliberate on the Syria of tomorrow. Many of them are young and seek legitimacy through social networks and their cohorts rather than opposition figures. For all these reasons and others, it is perhaps from the Syrian diaspora that those who raise the banner of the thawra once more will hail. In this context, international negotiations for a transitional government and a new constitution, legitimizing the Assad dynastys hold on power, are mere castles in the sky. Maintaining the present Syrian regime excludes any possibility of a settlement of the civil war and of national reconciliation. Never in the contemporary history of Syria has such a societal breakdown taken place; beyond traditional sectarian competition, the civil war has spread hatred, blood, and dispossession among the population. In order for Syrians to remake their society, justice must be served, and the perpetrators of war crimes prosecuted and convicted. The issue of reparations for victims and the right to return of refugees must also be addressed. Last but not least, all sectors of society should be able to project themselves into a shared future. How, for example, could the Sunni inhabitants of Mliha, in the Ghouta, whose belongings have all been plundered by regime gunmen and sold at the Suq al-Sunna (Sunnis market) of Jaramana, face the inhabitants of this Druze and minority suburb, in the name of a common future? This revolt is part of the tide of 21st-century history and its revolutionary flame has not died out. The remarkable uprising of 2011-2015, which for a time restored pride, hope, and dignity to Syrians and released creative forces across the country, has indelibly marked civil societys memory. This memory is preserved and stored thanks to the impressive documentary work of the Syrian website The Creative Memory of the Syrian Revolution, among others. It is this memory living in each Syrian that drives the Syrians of the inside to maintain living social bonds with each other and the exiled Syrians to work for an inescapable future. This memory can constitute the basis of a common history that allows a nation to exist by projecting itself into a shared future. The thawra is indeed a revolt and not yet a revolution. It is the historical trigger of a long-term revolutionary process that will continue to advance in the basements of society until the day a revolutionary process reignites again. Nadine Meouchy was interviewed by Jihad Yazigi. Read here a previous interview we conducted with Dr. Meouchy This is according to a study conducted in primates, published in Current Biology, led by Ruben Moreno Bote and Gabriela Mochol, researchers at the Center for Brain and Cognition, in collaboration with Roozbeh Kiani, a researcher at New York University ften, humans display biases, i.e., unconscious tendencies towards a type of decision. Despite decades of study, we are yet to discover why biases are so persistent in all types of decisions. "Biases can help us make better decisions when we use them correctly in an action that has previously given us great reward. However, in other cases, biases can play against us, such as when we repeat actions in situations when it would be better not to", says Ruben Moreno Bote, coordinator of the UPF Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory. In these cases, decisions are guided by tendencies, or inclinations, that do not benefit our wellbeing. For example, playing the lottery more regularly after winning a small consolation prize is a common bias that unfortunately does not tend to improve our financial situation. The aim of the research was to establish how biases arise in decision-making using mathematical models and neural recordings A study led by professor Ruben Moreno Bote's laboratory, with Grabriela Mochol, researchers at the Center for Brain and Cognition (CBC) at the UPF Department of Information and Communication Technologies (DTIC), in collaboration with the experimental laboratory of professor Roozbeh Kiani of New York University (USA), has studied how biases arise in decision-making using mathematical models and neural recordings in primates. The study was published by the authors on 26 February in the journal Current Biology. A task dealing with the perception of visual stimuli The experimental block of the study consisted of a visual perception task in which a monkey observed a certain stimulus, specifically moving dots. The primate had to decide whether there were more dots moving to the right or to the left. Trial after trial, the animal performed this monotonous decision-making process. The authors found that primate developed two types of bias: a "slow" tendency to indicate right (or left) that lasted several minutes, despite not having any net tendency in the set of stimuli used, and a "fast" tendency that lasted scarcely a few seconds, resulting from the actions had just been made in the previous decision. The neural representation of biases is similar to the neural representation of relevant information for solving a certain task "For this research, we study how the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial in decision-making, encodes the two identified biases (slow and fast). The main result of the study shows that the neural representation of biases is similar to the neural representation of relevant information for solving a certain task. This would seem to indicate that the format in which biases and information are coded in the brain are very similar, so similar that it is difficult to distinguish them", points out Moreno Bote, study principal investigator. And he adds: "We still have much to understand, but the results of this research could explain why biases are so prevalent in decision-making, and why, much to our regret, they are so difficult to eradicate". ### Related work: Osteosarcoma a painful and aggressive form of bone cancer is more common in larger dog breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers, a study has confirmed. Experts led from the University of Bristol analysed health data on 906,967 dogs to identify those breeds and characteristics that might increase the risk of the cancer. The team found that larger, heavier dogs and those with longer legs and skulls are typically at a greater risk of developing osteosarcoma. The findings could help pave the way to new therapies for dogs suffering from osteosarcoma, and may also inform treatments for the bone cancer in humans. Osteosarcoma a painful and aggressive form of bone cancer is more common in larger dog breeds like Great Danes (pictured) and Rottweilers, a study has confirmed (stock image) OSTEOSARCOMA Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that can affect any dog but larger breeds are at greater risk. Signs of the disease include: Lameness Painful, bony swellings An unexpected leg fracture Lethargy or fever Concerned dog owners should contact their veterinarian. Advertisement 'There are increasing concerns about the wisdom of breeding dogs with extreme body shapes such as flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs or breeds with long backs such as Dachshunds,' said paper author Dan O'Neill. 'This study highlights the health risks from another extreme body shape - large body size,' the animal epidemiologist from the Royal Veterinary College added. 'The breeds at highest risk of osteosarcoma were large-sized breeds such as Rottweiler, Great Dane and Mastiff. 'To reduce the risks of picking a dog that may develop bone cancer, owners may need to consider choosing puppies from smaller-sized parents of these giant breeds or opting for different smaller breeds instead.' In their study, Dr O'Neill and his colleagues analysed data on 1,756 laboratory-confirmed cases of canine osteosarcoma, as compared to health data on 905,211 dogs who were under veterinary care in 2016, as recorded in the 'VetCompass' database. Based on their analysis, the researchers concluded that twenty-seven breeds predominantly large ones including German Pointers, Rottweilers and Greyhounds have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma as compared to crossbreeds. In contrast, 30 mainly smaller breeds appear to have a lower risk of osteosarcoma. These included Bichons Frises, Border Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Jack Russells. The team also compared various measures of body mass and leg length across the different dog breeds, confirming previous findings that dogs with shorter skulls and legs have a lower risk of osteosarcoma. The findings, the researchers said, could help to inform breed health reforms, particularly among the breeds like the Great Dane, German Pointer, Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Rottweiler which are more predisposed to bone cancer. Experts led from the University of Bristol analysed health data on 906,967 dogs to identify those breeds and characteristics that might increase the risk of the cancer Based on their analysis, the researchers concluded that twenty-seven breeds predominantly large ones including German Pointers, Rottweilers and Greyhounds have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma as compared to crossbreeds. In contrast, thirty mainly smaller breeds appear to have a lower risk of osteosarcoma. These included Bichons Frises, Border Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Jack Russells 'The ability to conduct large randomised controlled trials in humans with osteosarcoma is also hindered by its rarity and consequently lack of biobanked samples,' said paper author and medical oncologist Helen Winter. 'Understanding the breed and genetic associations to this cancer in canines may inform human cancer research,' she added. 'We are hoping that by cancer researchers having access to canine samples, there will be more tissue available to explore the biology of rare tumours.' The team also compared various measures of body mass and leg length across the different dog breeds, confirming previous findings that dogs with shorter skulls and legs have a lower risk of osteosarcoma as shown on the right-hand side of this graph Matt Smalley, the director of the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute at Cardiff University, explained that comparing and contrasted cancer across different species is what researchers refer to as 'comparative oncology'. Comparative oncology, he added, 'is an incredibly powerful way of identifying the fundamental truths of cancer biology.' 'When comparative oncology is combined with analysis of cancer in different dog breeds which are, in effect, a genetic experiment which has been ongoing for over 26,000 years we have the opportunity to identify, and better understand, some of the most important genes at the very centre of cancer biology.' The findings, the researchers said, could help to inform breed health reforms, particularly among the breeds like the Great Dane, German Pointer, Greyhound (left) Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Rottweiler (right) which are more predisposed to bone cancer With their initial study complete, the team are now working to detect the genetic pathways that cause tumours to arise from normal bone by sequencing genes from dog breeds both at risk and protected from osteosarcoma. The identification of such pathways may allow the for the invention or repurposing of drugs to improve outcomes in the treatment bone tumours in dogs. The full findings of the study were published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics. On the Plan to Deploy More Policemen, Soldiers to Enforce Health Protocols More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/03/10/on-the-plan-to-deploy-more-policemen-soldiers-to-enforce-health-protocols/ We are under a state of public health emergency by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 922. The country is still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, there is a noticeable spike in the past few days, and the government must use its police power under the Constitution to make sure that the further spread of the virus is prevented or controlled. That said, civilians should also do their part by cooperating with lawful instructions and following the proper health protocols. This is the key to minimizing the spread of the coronavirus. Haiti - FLASH : Armed attack against the EDH headquarters Tuesday, March 9, 2021, unidentified individuals opened fire with heavy weapons on the building housing the head office of Electricite d'Haiti (EDH) located at the corner of rue Chareron and Blvd Harry Truman (Port-au-Prince). In the attack, which caused widespread panic on the premises of the institution, a passer-by who was nearby was shot and killed and an employee injured, while others were left psychologically affected. In a note, the General Directorate of EDH wishes to underline "[...] the serious consequences of this armed attack on the company's ability to fully play its mission for the benefit of the population. Such barbaric acts can indeed only sabotage the sustained efforts made by EDH to allow the country to benefit from an increased and regular supply of electric current for the benefit of the national economy [...]" calling on the police authorities to strengthen security around company facilities across the country. Reacting to this attack, the Office of the Secretary of State for Communication on behalf of the Government, "[...] expresses its sympathies to the victims, unreservedly condemns this odious act, and announces that the Haitian National Police and the Commissioner of the Government at the Court of First Instance of Port-au-Prince, are already at work to identify the authors and co-perpetrators, to arrest them and to prosecute these criminals." This attack would be attributed to members of the "5 Segond" Gang, which operates in the Village-de-Dieu, possibly in retaliation for an unfulfilled request for funds from the EDH... SL/ HaitiLibre During the past year, Sophie Freynet-Agossa and her four children have attended weekend masses in Winnipeg, Montreal and several American cities. During the past year, Sophie Freynet-Agossa and her four children have attended weekend masses in Winnipeg, Montreal and several American cities. Not in person, though. They were virtual services, after the global pandemic closed Manitoba houses of worship for more that half of the last 12 months. "We had a variety (of experiences)," Freynet-Agossa said of attending virtual Roman Catholic masses from her family's home in St. Boniface. "In a way, weve exposed the kids to a bigger church without travelling." DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Sophie Freynet-Agossa and her partner Wilgis Agossa with their four children, Emmanuel Agossa (9), Marie-Rose Agossa (7), Matheo Agossa (5), and Ophelia Agossa (2). Since COVID-19 hit Manitoba a year ago, people of faith faced challenges unlike any other time in recent memory, dealing with both complete lockdowns and reduced capacity, limiting their ability to publicly practise their religion. Catholics such as Freynet-Agossa had a few more opportunities than those in other faith traditions; masses took place when religious gatherings were permitted by public-health regulations. Some religious groups have not opened their doors to congregants for a year. Even as restrictions have loosened recently, allowing up to 25 per cent capacity to a maximum of 100 people, it's still difficult to take a family of six to mass, said Freynet-Agossa, who has kept her children, ranging in age from almost three to nine, mostly at home for their own safety. Yet shes found a few blessings in this past year through virtual visits to other parishes, listening to online conferences and following a podcast called Bible in a Year. DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "In way, weve exposed the kids to a bigger church without travelling." Freynet-Agossa said. "Times of trial helps us rely more on God," said Freynet-Agossa, who co-ordinates the marriage and family programs for the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. "I feel like that is the lesson for people in the Old Testament and for us, too." Winnipegs Jewish community leaned on those ancient stories of floods, plagues, slavery and persecution as well over the past year, finding in them hope that life will get better, said Rabbi Yosef Benarroch of Congregation Adas Yeshuran Herzlia. "Weve had terrible events in our history and weve always come through," said Benarroch, who grew up in the North End and now commutes between Winnipeg and Israel, where his wife, seven children and seven grandchildren live. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "Weve had terrible events in our history and weve always come through," said Rabbi Yosef Benarroch. As rabbi of an Orthodox congregation, Benarroch navigated different waters than some other traditions. When all religious groups were shut down and were encouraged to worship virtually, Benarroch had to close the River Heights-area synagogue for Saturday morning services because Orthodox Jews do not use electricity on the Sabbath. He holds daily video services and classes, but Jewish laws forbid working on the Sabbath, which includes turning on a computer or logging into a virtual platform. They are allowed to use appliances and lights turned on before Sabbath begins at sundown Friday. "On Sabbath we were not able to do virtual services, so we just prayed at home," he said. Judaism also requires a quorum of 10 people called a "minyan" in Hebrew for prayer, especially the Kaddish prayer for mourners. During lockdown, that became more difficult since Orthodox Jews, unlike Conservative and Reform Jews, do not recognize the validity of a virtual quorum. "When you pray as a community, you dont just pray for yourself," he said. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS When you pray as a community, you dont just pray for yourself, Benarroch said. Being unable to regularly attend community prayer remains one of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic restrictions, said a longtime member of Winnipegs Muslim community. "Ive been here for 50 years and Ive seen the community grow, and I know almost everyone who comes to the mosque to pray," said retired businessman Liaquat Ali, who ran food services out of Winnipeg Grand Mosque before the pandemic. In addition to dealing with the closure of the mosque several times over the past year, Ali struggled with not being able to attend friends' funerals when pandemic protocols limited attendance to only five or 10 people at different points during the year. "That was one of the most depressing times in my life, when someone in the community passes away and you couldnt attend," said Ali, who sat in his car at the cemetery during a graveside service to pay final respects to a good friend. Through it all, prayer remains constant him, even if he cant attend the mosque. Our faith teaches when you are upset, in order to release yourself, just go and start praying. Liaquat Ali "Our faith teaches when you are upset, in order to release yourself, just go and start praying," the grandfather of three said of turning to prayer more than the five times a day required of Muslims. With another Muslim holy month of Ramadan beginning April 13, the mosque leadership will draw on the experience of 2020, said Idris Elbakri, president of the Manitoba Islamic Association. For the second year, the community's patience will be tested as members will again be prevented from attending large gatherings. "This concept of patience is all pervasive in Islam and Muslims are called to try to internalize the adversity that comes in life," he said. "We understand life to be a trial." As many denominations and faith traditions made a swift pivot to virtual or recorded services, theyve also realized practising their faith is not limited to the four walls of a church, synagogue, temple or mosque. "Were not worshipping God only inside the building," said Rev. Shannon McCarthy, executive minister for three western Canadian regions of the United Church of Canada. "Were not worshipping God only inside the building." Rev. Shannon McCarthy She said some United Churches have remained closed for the last 12 months, worried about the safety of their members and others in the surrounding areas, while those in rural or smaller communities have held worship when possible, following pandemic protocols. Now the concern is whether people will return when it is safe to do so. "I think we can survive it and I think we have to be deliberate about reaching out and coming back," said McCarthy. That question of who will return also worries Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg. He said he believes people can get through the pandemic stronger in their faith, just as Ukrainian Catholics emerged from decades of communism in Ukraine. But he also recognizes that everyone and everything will be different. 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. "It reminds me how the Old Testament history marked the time before the flood and after the flood, and were going to do that with life before the pandemic and after the pandemic." Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak "We have to adjust to the new time that will come," said Huculak, who also serves as the head of the Ukrainian Church in Canada. "It reminds me how the Old Testament history marked the time before the flood and after the flood, and were going to do that with life before the pandemic and after the pandemic." Whatever the shape of post-pandemic life, Freynet-Agossa knows faith will continue to be central in her life, and she is looking forward to attending weekend mass again with her whole family. "Its one of the most important parts of my week," she said. "Walking into a church gives me peace like hardly anything else gives me peace." Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Zhang Boli, a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), suggested measures to enhance China's public health emergency preparedness and response capabilities based on its experience in fighting COVID-19. Zhang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said a comprehensive public health emergency response system needs to be established, involving all sectors of society and defining clear-cut standards for different levels of response. Progress is already underway in this regard, exemplified by the formulation and revision of related laws, Zhang said in a recent interview with China.org.cn. This year, China's top legislature is expected to formulate a law on responding to public health emergencies, and lawmakers will deliberate revisions to the law on the prevention and control of infectious diseases, according to a press conference held by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee last December. Zhang emphasized the importance of improving community health. "The COVID-19 outbreak in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, exposed villages as a weak point in our preparedness for public health emergencies," he said. "More efforts are needed to strengthen training for health care workers and upgrade medical infrastructure in communities and villages." Meanwhile, some anti-COVID practices undertaken in rural areas during the outbreak are recommended for community-level public health emergency preparedness in the future, Zhang said. "For example, villagers scattered in different places were transferred by negative pressure ambulances to centralized quarantine facilities for more effective disease control." Zhang, president of the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, also advised the incorporation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into the public health emergency preparedness system. "Combining TCM and Western medicine, and taking quick action" is key to raising the cure rate, lowering the fatality rate, and preventing cases with mild symptoms from worsening when controlling infectious diseases, he said. "When facing a new infectious disease without a vaccine or specific medicine, we must not sit idly. Rather, we need to make early medical interventions, and TCM can play an important role," Zhang explained. Zhang presided over the research of the COVID-19 treatment scheme combining TCM and Western medicine. The TCM expert won the national honorary title, "the People's Hero," for his contribution to China's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the lawsuit against Russell Cellular, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The Sacramento employment law attorneys at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a lawsuit against Russell Cellular, Inc., alleging the company violated Labor Code. The lawsuit against Russell Cellular, Inc., is currently pending in the Fresno County Superior Court, Case No. 21CECG00491. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. The lawsuit filed against Russell Cellular, Inc. alleges PLAINTIFF and other AGGRIEVED EMPLOYEES were from time to time unable to take thirty (30) minute off-duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for their meal periods. California labor laws require an employer to provide an employee required to perform work for more than five (5) hours during a shift with, a thirty (30) minute uninterrupted meal break prior to the end of the employee's fifth (5th) hour of work. PAGA is a mechanism by which the State of California itself can enforce state labor laws through the employee suing under the PAGA who do so as the proxy or agent of the state's labor law enforcement agencies. An action to recover civil penalties under PAGA is fundamentally a law enforcement action designed to protect the public and not to benefit private parties. The purpose of PAGA is not to recover damages or restitution, but to create a means of "deputizing" citizens as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code. For more information about the lawsuit against Russell Cellular, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Then-Secretary of State nominee Antony Blinken speaks after being introduced by President-elect Joe Biden at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Del., on Nov. 24, 2020. (Mark Makela/Getty Images) Will the Real Biden China Policy Please Stand Up? Commentary The Biden Administration seems to be firmly straddling the fence when it comes to China. On one hand, Secretary of State Blinken seemed to re-affirm former President Trumps firm stance against the Chinese Communist Party and even asserted that the CCP is conducting genocide in Xinjiang. Having personally been part of national security reviews between administrations during my government service, I know it is not uncommon for subsequent Administrations to continue or even double down on continuing policy despite public hyperbolic political criticisms of the same policies. In that light, Secretary Blinkens comments were re-assuring statements of intellectual honesty versus ideological automatism. But then President Biden fumbled what should have been a softball question and has created significant confusion by attributing Chinas Uyghur genocide to different cultural norms. Waffling like this by President Biden undermines his own staff and sends potentially ambiguous and even dangerous signals to an adventurist, totalitarian nation. This is not a good thing in international relations and points to other historical miscalculations that provided momentum to world catastrophes in Europe in the lead up to World War II, the Korean peninsula before the Communist North Korean Invasion of 1950, and Saddams 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The CCP and their agents of influence read, listen, and meticulously interpret everything, so Bidens unguarded comment likely led to hundreds of pages of analysis that informed and influenced the senior levels of the CCP. The inconsistent viewpoints on China by the current administration are not isolated, and do not go unnoticed. The Good Some Biden appointees have exhibited a tendency to dispense with political ideology and endorse the work of the previous administration. Admittedly they were not always favorable to the tone or demeanor, but in substance they have signaled an intent to dispense with partisanship and continue Trump-era policies. Secretary Blinken has shown this wisdom to some degree and seems to be the leader of maintaining a disciplined approach to CCP misbehavior. This is positive, re-assuring, and refreshing if there is a hope of some semblance of bipartisanship on national security matters in Washington. NPR termed the Administrations approach as being a, tougher policy on China and Taiwan than many expected. Another key personality in building the administrations China Policy is Dr. Kurt Campbell, who is the National Security Councils Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific. He also is heralded in some quarters as being hawk-ish on China. Dr. Campbell was the architect of the Pacific Pivot during the Obama Administration. The Pacific Pivot was a wise and timely initiative, an initiative that I was involved in. The challenge was it was introduced simultaneously with drastic DoD efficiencies (i.e., downsizing) as well as lukewarm participation by non-DoD Departments and Agencies which gave us few arrows in the quiver to actualize the policy. But in all fairness, policy assertions are themselves an important instrument of national power. Other positive indicators include Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo praising President Trumps tariffs against China and promising to continue use of the Entity List against China. One other trend is Admiral (RET) James Stavridis, a noted Trump non-admirer and Biden advocate, asserting a strong counter-China military strategy (This is Trumpism under a different name). He wisely articulates a strong military deterrent and red lines to contain China, essentially at their shoreline. His description of the CCP Islands in the South China Seas is apropos, Juicy Targets. I concurtheyve created a watery Maginot Line that consumes resources, ties them down, and greatly simplifies the problem set for allies, strategic partners, and joint targeteers and planners. The Atlantic Council just came out with, The Longer Telegram written by Anonymous. The Atlantic Council is more aligned with the Biden camp, but this product articulates a very strong counter CCP strategy (they dont like targeting the CCP and they are light on the topic of CCP influence operations within the United States). I havent done a complete cross reference but many of the tenets of the Committee on Present Danger China clearly show through in Longer Telegram. Its Trumpism light, and their possible borrowing of ideas is encouraging. The Bad There are also confusing signals beyond President Bidens potential history-altering Uyghur fumble. One issue Democrat administrations obsess over are treaties. They love treaties, which can be a useful tool if properly implemented and verified. Verified being the operative expression. The lack of China being in few arms limitation treaties (outside of the Biological Warfare Convention (BWC)) is likely a tact the Biden Administration will pursue. I have reviewed the BWC in detail, and it is a trust and dont verify arrangement which allows China to be boundless and adventurist in their Wuhan activities. This is not a good or model treaty. The Biden Administration looks to reverse and end the re-introduction of low yield nuclear weapons into the American military arsenal because of interest in engaging on treaty dialogue with CCP-led China. I feel this is a very bad and irresponsible move. The re-introduction of these weapons provides a powerful deterrent effect toward expansionist China and Russia. The ambiguity of the Biden Administrations policy on the Confucius Institute is disturbing. Right now there is parsing going on as to whether President Biden reversed President Trumps direction and intent on the Confucius Institute or whether the Trump administration failed to follow the mind numbing Federal Rulemaking Process on their Confucius issuance. Either way, it appears the Confucius Institute has been unleashed to re-enter the campus environment. The continued enablement of Chinese access to capital markets by Wall Street firms such as BlackRock is shocking, but admittedly, this was also a problem during the Trump administration by cabinet members such as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. A further point of concern is a number of Biden personnel that have exhibited communist sympathies and affiliations. Sam Faddis and Trevor Loudon have documented numerous personalities within the Biden Administration that have thinly veiled (or no veil at all) associations with the Communist Party. Short of an amnesty for all Biden appointees to self-confess and walk away from their CCP ties, some of which may have been honest misjudgments from the era when China was looked at as a peaceful partner, the web of CCP ties of administration members is very disturbing. All of these scenarios deeply erode confidence in the Biden administrations willingness to stand up to the CCP and to reverse the pro-CCP infiltration of the Biden Team. The Ugly The key term in the analysis of the Biden China Policy: ambiguity. I would assert that ambiguity in the face of an assertive, expansionist state is a very bad idea. As the Longer Telegram cites, the CCP is contemptuous of weakness, which is interchangeable with ambiguity for the most part. Right now, the CCP is under tremendous pressure at home. The economy is essentially fraudulent, and the CCP is out of funds to artificially continue the facade of a growing vibrant economy, as the Hong Kong businessman and democracy activist Elmer Yuen stated during a discussion with me while at the CPAC convention. This is a very bad situation. A domestically pressured totalitarian predictably does only one thing, lash outward. It is better for us to sweat and labor now to deter and prepare than to pay a much higher cost later. Retired Col. John Mills is a national security professional with service in five eras: Cold War, Peace Dividend, War on Terror, World in Chaos, and now, Great Power Competition. He is the former director of cybersecurity policy, strategy, and international affairs at the Department of Defense. On Gab: @ColonelRETJohn. On Telegram: Daily Missive Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. March 10, 2021 Mobile-X Service Recognized as Exceptional Mobile Unified Communications (News - Alert) Solution FRISCO, TEXAS (March 10, 2021) Tango Networks announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, has named the Mobile-X service as a 2021 TMCnet Remote Work Pioneer winner presented by TMCnet. The award honors companies whose software and other solutions support the massive increase in remote working brought on by the Coronavirus Pandemic. We are honored that our Mobile-X service is recognized for helping companies cope with the challenges of maintaining business continuity with effective communications during the last year of disruption, said Douglas Bartek, CEO of Tango Networks (News - Alert) . Mobile-X has been the communications solution of choice for many years for companies who desire to boost the productivity of employees working from home or on the go. About Mobile-X The Mobile-X service transforms any mobile phone into a controlled endpoint for remote workers, office-based employees and those working outside the office. Mobile-X enables remote workers to communicate exactly as if they were in the office. Their mobile phones become just like extensions of the corporate communications platform, without needing any special apps or steps. Covered by more than 90 patents, Mobile-X features a breakthrough in fixed mobile convergence technologies bringing business mobile communications to todays distributed workforce. Solutions enabled by Mobile-X include Mobile Unified Communications, and programs for working from home, remote worker, teleworker, telecommuting, connected worker and business continuity. Recognizing leaders in the advancement of remote working software, TMC (News - Alert) is proud to announce Mobile-X as a recipient of the 1st Annual Remote Work Pioneer Award, said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. Tango Networks is being honored for this achievement in bringing innovation and excellence to the market, while leveraging the latest technology trends. The 2021 TMCnet Remote Work Pioneer Award will be highlighted on the TMCnet news portal. About Tango Networks Tango Networks is revolutionizing business communications with the industrys first mobile network built for business, controlled by businesses. The Mobile-X service turns any mobile phone into a fully featured extension of a companys communications platform, putting mobile voice, text and data entirely in a companys control for the first time. Companies use Mobile-X to deliver easy-to-use, business quality communications for remote workers and employees working from home, the distributed workforce, deskless employees, and workers on the go. Built on next-generation fixed mobile convergence technology, Mobile-X delivers true Mobile Unified Communications for todays businesses. Mobile-X empowers companies to transform operations, streamline collaboration and boost employee productivity across the board. Learn more at www.tango-networks.com. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all percipients. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360 degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visitwww.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet Tango Networks Contact: Adam Boone (News - Alert) Vice President of Strategic Planning 1.469.920.2127 adamboone@tango-networks.com tango-networks.com TMC Contact: Michelle Connolly Marketing Manager 203-852-6800, ext. 170 mconnolly@tmcnet.com Edited by Maurice Nagle Florida hack exposes danger to water systems A renegade mouse cursor signaled the danger at the water treatment plant in Oldsmar, Florida. On Feb. 5, a plant operator for the city of about 15,000 on Floridas west coast saw his cursor being moved around on his computer screen, opening various software functions that control the water being treated. The intruder boosted the level of sodium hydroxide -- or lye -- in the water supply to 100 times higher than normal. Sodium hydroxide, the main ingredient in liquid drain cleaners, is used to control water acidity and remove metals from drinking water in treatment plants. Lye poisoning can cause burns, vomiting, severe pain and bleeding. After the hacker exited the computer, the operator immediately reduced the sodium hydroxide back to its normal level and then notified his supervisor, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said at a news conference a few days later. Even if it hadnt been quickly reversed, the system has safeguards and the water would have been checked before it was released, so the public was never at risk, he added. Nevertheless, the Oldsmar breach alarmed state and local officials around the country. Officials Ive contacted are nervous. There is great concern, said Alan Shark, executive director of the Public Technology Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that provides training and other support to local government information technology executives. Some states responded to the attack by issuing alerts to water systems. Some also decided to provide additional training and focus more on cybersecurity during their water plant inspections. But many local governments that run water systems lack the money or the personnel to strengthen cybersecurity. In Wisconsin, state officials sent cybersecurity advisories to all 611 community water systems after the Florida breach, said Miranda Mello, a senior water supply engineer at the Department of Natural Resources. This incident is opening a lot of peoples eyes because public health is connected to systems that have cybersecurity vulnerabilities, she said. The state doesnt have a comprehensive way to track the cybersecurity measures that water systems have in place, she said. But it does ask about their security and emergency response systems when staffers inspect utilities every three years. Because of the Oldsmar attack, Mello said, the state plans to incorporate more questions specifically about cybersecurity during its inspections. In Massachusetts, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued an advisory to public water suppliers after the Florida attack, warning utilities to be on heightened alert for any unusual activity and remain vigilant by evaluating system security. The agency also is planning additional training for state and water utilities staff, spokesperson Edmund Coletta said in an email, and is reviewing all regulations and policies. In New Jersey, cybersecurity officials also sent out a series of alerts after the Oldsmar breach. Changing the chemical equation and compounds to treat the water is shocking on the surface, but theres been a concern about this for a long time, Jared Maples, director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said in an interview with Stateline. Officials need to be concerned not just about cybercriminals or terrorists trying to target the water supply, he said, but also about threats from insiders, such as disgruntled employees. While water plants have fail-safes to prevent hackers from compromising drinking water that gets to the public, Maples said, they still have to be on their guard because theres no such thing as 100% safe in this game. Our goal is to continually try to stay ahead of them, to make our system stronger and better, he said. Its a constant cat and mouse [game] that we play. About 52,000 community water systems operate in the United States, providing water to more than 286 million people year round. Most systems are run by local governments; many are very small. Small water utilities often dont have their own IT or cybersecurity staff. They typically are part of city or county governments, but those too may not have the staff or resources to ensure that cybersecurity is strong. Sophisticated hackers could take advantage of weaknesses in the system and affect water quality or distribution, said Michael Arceneaux, managing director of the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a Washington, D.C.-based group that helps water utilities strengthen their physical and cybersecurity. It could become a public health issue. Water utilities that dont have the resources need technical training and help setting up secure systems, selecting software and hardware, and operating the technology, he added. Oldsmar Breach The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office, FBI and Secret Service are investigating the Oldsmar incident. Investigators havent identified a suspect and dont know whether the attack originated in the U.S. or why Oldsmar was targeted. The important thing is to put everybody on notice ... these kind of bad actors are out there, Oldsmar Mayor Eric Seidel said at the news conference. Its happening. So really take a hard look at what you have in place. Oldsmar officials said they disabled the program that allowed the intrusion and will make security upgrades. In response to the Oldsmar incident, four agencies including the FBI, EPA and a federally funded group that tracks cybersecurity issues for states and local governments released a joint advisory warning that corrupt insiders and outside cyber actors were using desktop sharing software to victimize targets, including those in the critical infrastructure sector. If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: Over the past 24 hours, DOST-PHIVOLCS observed moderate to voluminous emission of dirty-white to white steam-laden plumes rising 800 meters high before drifting southwest. On February 1st 2020, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions was measured at an average of 97 tonnes/day. No significant changes in activity of the volcano have occurred during the past days: ... PHIVOLCS reported that 20 m high gas-steam plume occurred today at the vents of the Main Crater and extending to the south-southwest of the volcano. ... The seismic network of volcanological observatory PHIVOLCS detectedat less than 1 km depth that lasted in range of 5 to 12 minutes. ... Ongoing elevated seismic activity under the volcano sparked fears that the volcano, which had a massive, devastating eruption little more than a year ago, in January 2020, might erupt again in the near future. It prompted authorities to evacuate residents from Volcano Island, located within the crater lake of Taal volcano in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. ... Not much has changed since the last update, but seismic activity under the volcano has decreased. In the latest volcano bulletin, PHIVOLCS reported: ... Experience one of the geologically most active areas on the planet: the Danakil desert in northern Ethiopia. Watch Erta Ale's lava lake and the surreal colorful world of salt, geysers and springs at Dallol! A new fissure eruption started on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula in Mar 2021. Follow the latest news and updates on this remarkable event! We offer a broad variety of tours to volcanic areas: volcano expeditions and specials, discovery tours with hiking, photography, nature and culture, pilot tours and private custom tours. See which volcanoes are erupting at the moment! Probably more than you think... Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Weather reports Tsunami alerts Design upgrades Faster responsiveness Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards Additional seismic data sources Improved content in English Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world. Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: TRINIDAD and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) executive director, Nigel Edwards, says the changes the 39-year-old financial institution is undergoing at this time are transformational. The UTC is now in the middle of a three-year cycle of strategic changes that will culminate in 2023 and beyond, he said. The Government has backed former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger to remain on the Future of Media Commission despite IRA abuse victim Mairia Cahill seeking his removal. Media Minister Catherine Martin announced the decision after consulting Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and her party leader Eamon Ryan. While the Taoiseach phoned Ms Cahill on Saturday, Ms Martin resorted to emailing the former Labour senator. She hadnt the decency to pick up the phone, as the Taoiseach did at the weekend, to speak to me herself, Ms Cahill said last night. Ms Martin earlier told RTEs News at One she was reflecting on Ms Cahills request, before the commission then issued a statement 40 minutes later unanimously supporting Mr Rusbridger. Read More Ms Martins office knew the statement was to be issued, but the minister gave no inkling, nor did she tell Ms Cahill about it in advance. To say I am hurt by that is an understatement, Ms Cahill said. Senior Fine Gael senator Regina Doherty last night accused Ms Martin of a lack of respect over the way the decision was announced. Mr Rusbridger has been under fire because he was editor of The Guardian when media commentator Roy Greenslade wrote an article in 2014 questioning the credibility of a BBC Spotlight programme about Ms Cahills abuse case. Mr Greenslade has recently disclosed details of his long-held support for the IRAs armed campaign. Mr Rusbridger says he was not aware of Mr Greenslades 2014 post, nor Ms Cahills legal correspondence with his newspaper at the time of the article, until last week. He has apologised personally to Ms Cahill, while contending he was not aware of Mr Greenslades sympathies for the IRA. The 2008 book Flat Earth News by Guardian journalist Nick Davies disclosed that Mr Greenslade wrote for An Phoblacht under a pseudonym. It also revealed a bizarre story of Mr Greenslade once phoning a colleague in the Sunday Times, putting on a fake Irish accent and conveying information given to him by Sinn Fein contacts about the infamous SAS attack on three IRA combatants in Gibraltar in 1988. Mr Rusbridger claimed last night that even Mr Davies did not know of Mr Greenslades support for the IRA. When writers keep secrets from their editors it creates a problem. His (Greenslades) column on Mairia Cahill was a problem. I have acknowledged that, taken responsibility and have apologised to Ms Cahill, he told the Irish Independent. Mr Greenslade did not respond to requests for comment. He told the BBC that while his criticism of Spotlight was valid, he regretted not disclosing his political allegiance and he apologised to Ms Cahill. Mr Greenslade has previously praised the work of Gemma ODoherty, a journalist-turned-conspiracy theorist from whom he has since dissociated himself. Ms Cahill is widely respected and highly regarded by senior politicians. I can hold my head high on the issue of how victims are treated. Im not so sure either the commission or the minister can, she said. DES MOINES, Iowa, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Pork Board has teamed up with Mexican TV personality Karla Martinez to launch Menu Urbano FRESH, a campaign to help Latinos discover ways to recreate and enjoy authentic street-food dishes in a nutritious way without sacrificing what consumers love most about pork: its flavor. National Pork Board @pamelaberrondo @karlamartineztv @nataliasaenz "I'm thrilled and honored to be part of this effort, not only to keep Hispanic traditions alive through cooking but also to show consumers how pork is good for them and their families," said Martinez, a co-host in the popular morning show Despierta America on Univision. "Food is one of the primary ways Latinos celebrate and share our culture with family and friends. Every day, we are becoming more conscious of the dishes we cook and serve at our family's tables." The campaign is a continuation of the original Menu Urbano campaign that launched in late 2020 to find the best street food pork dishes in select cities in the U.S. Menu Urbano FRESH will re-imagine those same dishes but with a nutritious twist. "With pork, consumers don't have to give up flavor to eat a nutritious meal, and that's exactly what this campaign is all about," said Jose de Jesus, senior director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. "Our goal is to ensure Latinos are confident that with pork, the possibilities are endless, and you can enjoy a nutritious, flavorful and authentic meal." Menu Urbano FRESH is launching just in time to celebrate National Nutrition Month. Along with Martinez, the National Pork Board is also collaborating with three influential Latina content creators. They will provide tips and swaps for recreating popular street-food dishes into mouth-watering, nutritious dishes made with fresh pork cuts and ingredients that are ideal for families to prepare and enjoy at home. Menu Urbano FRESH partners include: Chef Mia Castro , a Puerto Rican chef and former participant at Food Network's hit show Chopped, and Fox TV's Hell's Kitchen based in New York , a Puerto Rican chef and former participant at Food Network's hit show Chopped, and Fox TV's Hell's Kitchen based in Natalia Saenz , a Colombian health and wellness and lifestyle content creator based in Miami, FL , a Colombian health and wellness and lifestyle content creator based in Pamela Berrondo , a Mexican, certified Holistic Nutritionist based in San Francisco, CA According to NPB proprietary research, 79% of Hispanics cook meals to retain a connection to their native culture and 62% say they prefer food that reminds them of their family's tradition. In addition, 62% of Latinos agree that "healthy means fresh to me." Although there are different versions of a typical meal within each culture, one thing that remains constant in Hispanic cuisine is pork. "Pork has been a staple in Hispanic kitchens throughout generations. And today, pork is 16% leaner and 27% lower in saturated fat compared to about 20 years ago, thanks to the pork industry's response to consumers' desire for lean pork products," de Jesus said. A study conducted by the National Pork Board revealed that pork is a nutrient-rich and high-quality protein that is packed with flavor, making it the ideal protein for any meal. Additionally, pork is a very accessible protein that lends itself to a variety of cooking methods using traditional Hispanic ingredients found all over Hispanic markets across the country, including fresh vegetables and fresh fruit-based sauces, spices such as habanero, aji amarillo, and chipotle, as well as sauces such as Mojo Criollo and Guava. Traditional recipes from Latin American street-food cuisine that have been revamped with a nutritional twist for this campaign include Tacos de Lechuga con Cerdo y Salsa de Mango, Tostadas de Cerdo al Chipotle and Cachapa de Cerdo Adobada en Citricos, y Salsa Guasacaca. For pork recipes, visit PorkEsSabor.com and follow @PorkEsSabor on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Join the conversation using #MenuUrbano Fresh About the National Pork Board The National Pork Board has responsibility for Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion, and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in consumer education and marketing, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety, environmental management, and sustainability. For the past half-century, the U.S. pork industry has delivered on its commitment to sustainable production and has made significant strides in reducing pig farming's environmental impact. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. SOURCE National Pork Board NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Doubleview Gold Corp. ("Doubleview"), ("Company") (TSXV:DBG)(OTC PINK:DBLVF)(FRANKFURT:1D4) is announcing the retirement of Bryan Wilson, co-founding Director of Doubleview Gold Corp. Doubleview is thanking Mr. Wilson for the years of service and support to the Company and wishing him all the best for his retirement years. He will stay as an advisor to the Company. Mr. Shirvani, President and CEO of Doubleview states: "I am grateful to Bryan for all the support, advise and encouragement he has given me personally and to the Company for the past 12 years. His counsel has guided the Company's achievements and helped navigate the business through many stormy waters. I wish him well for his future endeavours." A new Director will be appointed in the near future. About Doubleview Gold Corp Doubleview Gold Corp, a mineral resource exploration and development company, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange [TSX-V:DBG], [OTCBB: DBLVF], [GER: A1W038], [Frankfurt: 1D4]. Doubleview identifies, acquires and finances precious and base metal exploration projects in North America, particularly in British Columbia. Doubleview increases shareholder value through acquisition and exploration of quality gold, copper and silver properties and the application of advanced state-of-the-art exploration methods. Doubleview's portfolio of strategic properties provides diversification and mitigates investment risk. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Farshad Shirvani, President & Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: Doubleview Gold Corp 470 Granville St. Suite 822 Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5 Farshad Shirvani, President & CEO T: (604) 678-9587 E: corporate@doubleview.ca Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Doubleview cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Doubleview's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Doubleview's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Doubleview undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: Doubleview Gold Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634864/Doubleview-Gold-Corp-Provides-Corporate-Update Spanish police have arrested seven people accused of torturing a man with learning abilities who offered strangers cash online to give him an extreme makeover. The four women and three men allegedly made him walk round a Majorca supermarket dressed like a woman, tattooed penises on his face, superglued his lips together, sewed his toes together and shaved his eyebrows off. Sources close to the ongoing investigation say he was also made to walk on top of drawing pins during a three-day ordeal. He escaped after being allowed to go to a cashpoint so he could pay his alleged kidnappers as had been agreed. The victim, said to suffer from learning disabilities as well as mobility problems, has reportedly received death threats since going to police. Spanish police have arrested seven people accused of torturing a man with learning abilities who offered strangers cash online to give him an extreme makeover. Victim pictured above The victim, said to suffer from learning disabilities as well as mobility problems, has reportedly received death threats since going to police The three men and four women are aged between 20 and 30 and were arrested over the alleged torture session at a house in the Majorcan city of Manacor Well-placed sources said on Tuesday that the alleged victim appeared to have organised an online contest based around a sexual role-play game in which he would pay punters to help him change his appearance using transvestism and light BDSM. Local reports said he even made selected candidates sign a contract titled 'Change of Look.' He is said to have raised the alarm after the sadomasochism he was subjected to went too far. The group chosen to act out his apparent fantasies went to the property in Manacor at the centre of the bizarre case after meeting up in a city centre square in the Majorcan capital Palma called Plaza de Espana. The unnamed alleged torture victim, who is in his 30s, was reportedly made to walk round a supermarket in Palma dressed as a woman before his treatment began to turn more violent. In a video police are understood to have confiscated the victim is seen staring into the camera while tied to a chair and saying: "This is the challenge. I have to untie myself in a minute. If not my eyebrows are going to get shaved off." The three men and four women are aged between 20 and 30 and were arrested over the alleged torture session at a house in the Majorcan city of Manacor. Police made their first official comments on the bizarre case ahead of the court appearance today of the four women and three men who were arrested. The mother of one of the suspects has also been questioned because the alleged torture session took place at her home. She remains under investigation but was not among the seven detainees. Alejandro Becerra, a spokesman for Spain's National Police in Majorca, said: 'It's a very unsavoury case. 'Everything seems to have started with the alleged victim organising an online contest to change his look. Alejandro Becerra, a spokesman for Spain's National Police in Majorca, said: 'It's a very unsavoury case' 'Different people join the contest and a group ends up being created. 'An agreement was in place based around a series of tests that were scored with points for the candidates that had been selected where the tests were passed and a punishment for the organiser where he failed. 'The contest appears to have become more and more extreme and nobody was capable of stopping it.' He added: 'We have taken a statement from the victim and what he's said is that he made it clear ahead of the contest he didn't want extreme violence or sex. 'The effects of the treatment meted out to him are serious because he'll have to have treatment to remove the tattoos for example.' Spanish police have arrested seven people accused of torturing a man with learning abilities who offered strangers cash online to give him an extreme makeover Police are understood to be analysing video footage confiscated from the detainees' mobile phones. The accused face charges of wounding and unlawful detention. Police have yet to make any official comment but are expected to release a statement after the suspects appear in court. An investigating magistrate will have to decide whether to remand them in custody pending an ongoing probe or release them on bail. Well diversified clean energy metals royalties portfolio Robust market potential Experience management team What Electric Royalties does: ( ) is a royalty company established so investors can participate in the demand for commodities, such as lithium, vanadium, manganese, tin, graphite, cobalt, nickel and copper, which will benefit from the global drive toward electrification of a variety of consumer products, including cars, rechargeable batteries, large scale energy storage, and renewable energy generation. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company currently has a portfolio of 12 royalties and plans to focus predominantly on acquiring royalties on advanced stage and operating projects to build a diversified portfolio located in jurisdictions with low geopolitical risk. Electric Royalties portfolio includes: 0.5% gross revenue royalty on the Authier Lithium project in Quebec. The project, which is operated by Australia-listed Sayona Lithium and includes a strategic investment and off-take agreement with Piedmont Lithium, could begin construction as early as 2021 2% gross revenue royalty on the exploration claims surrounding the Authier Lithium project 2% gross revenue royalty on the Bouvier and Chubb lithium projects in Quebec 1% gross revenue royalty on the Mont Sorcier vanadium and iron ore property in Quebec, which is estimated to produce 5 million tonnes of concentrate annually grading 65% iron and 0.6% vanadium based on a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) 2% gross royalty on the Battery Hill manganese property in New Brunswick, which has an Inferred Mineral Resource of 44.8 million tonnes with an average grade of 9.85% manganese and 14.15% iron 0.5% gross revenue royalty on the Millennium cobalt, Mt Dorothy cobalt, and Cobalt Ridge properties in Australia 1% gross royalty, with an option to acquire an additional 0.5% gross revenue royalty within two years, on the feasibility-stage Bissett Creek graphite property in Ontario Electric Royalties is led by CEO Brendan Yurik, who has previous experience as a research analyst as well as business development and mining financial advisory roles with companies such as Endeavour Financial and . Electric Royalties management and board of directors collectively own about 20% of the companys outstanding shares. How is it doing: On March 11, 2021, Electric Royalties announced a deal with Globex Mining Enterprises Inc to acquire the cash-flowing Mid-Tennessee Zinc Mines (MTM) royalty, as well as a 1% Gross Revenue Royalty (GRR) on the Glassville manganese project in New Brunswick. With these acquisitions, Electric Royalties will become the only cash-flowing royalty company solely focused on the battery metals sector. In consideration for the two royalties, Electric Royalties will pay Globex C$13 million in cash plus 14.5 million Electric Royalties shares, with a current market value of C$5.22 million. Globex Mining will also receive a future cash payment of C$1 million if the price of zinc rises to, or above, US$2 per pound for at least 90 consecutive days. The company noted that the MTM royalty has generated royalties of about C$4.7 million since production re-started in 2Q 2017. A month earlier, Electric Royalties had announced an agreement to acquire a 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on the Seymour Lake lithium deposit in Ontario, a 16,654 hectare (ha) property containing lithium mineralization hosted in spodumene-bearing pegmatite sills with thicknesses of more than 26 metres. The company said these near-surface pegmatite sills have been defined over a 5 kilometre (km) strike length and comprise multiple prospective targets, including North Aubry, Central Aubry, South Aubry and Pye. It added that the proximity of the pegmatites to surface at the North Aubry prospect is considered to be a strategic advantage, potentially allowing easier access to high-quality mineralization in a future mining scenario, reducing the required pre-strip and resulting in a lower extraction cost and improved project economics. In Seymour Lake, Electric Royalties sees similar potential to the Authier project in Quebec. The company said it will issue 3 million of its common shares to pay for the Seymour Lake NSR. In July 2020, the company agreed to acquire a portfolio of three Australian cobalt property royalties from ( ) in consideration for 1.15 million Electric Royalties shares and C$150,000 in cash. Electric Royalties began trading on the Toronto Venture Exchange in late June 2020, after raising $5.2 million from a non-brokered private placement following a reverse takeover of Rebel Capital. Inflection points: Potential to acquire more producing/cash-flowing royalties Creating new royalties with exposure to electricity metals Additional Merger & Acquisition opportunities What the boss says: Commenting on the companys royalty portfolio, Electric Royalties CEO Brendan Yurik said in a recent statement: The operators of our royalty assets have made significant progress over the past year and are moving their projects steadily onwards to production. The advancement of the projects increases the value of our royalties without requiring us to outlay additional capital and is one of the most overlooked benefits of the royalty business model. Yurik added: I look forward to adding more royalties to our portfolio over the next few months and what 2021 will bring for our current portfolio. Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com Robert Sutherland, M.D. Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is pleased to announce that interventional pain management specialist Robert Sutherland, M.D., has joined the companys McKinney, Texas, pain management practice. He began seeing patients on February 22 at the office, located at 2730 Virginia Parkway, Suite 300B McKinney, TX 75071. Dr. Sutherland creates customized pain management plans for patients that may include therapy, medication management, or minimally invasive procedures. My goal is to help patients in pain, decrease it as much as possible and increase their quality of life and function, he says. He specializes in chronic axial pain, treating the areas of the mid back, lower back, neck and arms using spinal cord stimulation. He is also highly experienced in using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that enables patients to usually return home the same day. When creating a customized pain management plan, Dr. Sutherland evaluates the patient and their medical history, in addition to performing tests to arrive at a precise diagnosis. Dr. Sutherland graduated Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his residency in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. His fellowships include serving in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, and as the director of pain management at Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh. He comes to PPOA from Interventional Spine Associates in Tyler, TX where he served as medical director and was a Partner/Owner at Baylor Scott and White Texas Spine and Joint Hospital. A lecturer and presenter at conferences, Dr. Sutherland has also contributed to numerous medical publications. He is a member of numerous professional associations including the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Smith County Medical Society, the American Pain Society, the International Spinal Injection Society and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He and his wife have three adult children and three grandchildren. Make an appointment with Dr. Sutherland by calling (469) 331-4977 or click here About PPOA: Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is a national healthcare organization focused on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and improving patient outcomes. PPOA and its affiliates share a common vision to ensure the well-being of patients and provide its physician partners the opportunity to focus on the practice of medicine. This model allows physicians to be physicians, caring about patients and their needs versus the ever-complex administrative requirements. For more information about Physician Partners of America, visit ppoamedical.com. US- and Israel-based Aqua Security, which has an R&D centre in Hyderabad, has raised $135 million in Series E funding led by ION Crossover Partners, raising the startups valuation at more than $1 billion. The cloud computing security company has raised $265 million in total. Aquas existing investors--M12 (Microsofts venture fund), Lightspeed Venture Partners, Insight Partners, TLV Partners, Greenspring Associates, and Acrew Capital--participated in the round. With about 50 employees in the country, India is Aquas strategic centre and it is going to double its investment here in 2021, making the India centre becoming the fastest growing R&D centre for Aqua in 2021, said the company. Aqua is looking to expand its R&D Team by 100 per cent this year in 2021 to become at least 20 per of the overall global workforce and add additional functions to the site as well. In India Aquas focus will be on enhancing its offerings by Innovation, Research & Development and supporting the customers, said the company. In addition to the development and customer support functions, Aqua is also focused on driving strategic engagements with Tata Consultancy Services, HCL, and Wipro, which are Indian IT providing services internationally. As attacks targeting cloud native applications are now a fast-growing threat, we are here to empower our customers to protect their investment and secure their future in the cloud, said Dror Davidoff, CEO and co-founder of Aqua Security. Prime Minister will fly to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, an official confirmed, a historic trip meant to cement new diplomatic ties between the Mideast nations and boost the embattled Israeli leader's re-election hopes. Netanyahu is locked in a tight race against a field of challengers and is sure to use the trip to his advantage. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement, had no details on Netanyahu's agenda. But Israeli media said he would be meeting Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Zayd Al Nahyan in before returning to Netanyahu, in his fourth re-election battle in just two years, has tried to portray himself as a seasoned statesman uniquely qualified to lead the nation through turbulent times. Thursday's visit, which has been delayed several times due to coronavirus restrictions, could help him divert attention from his upcoming corruption trial and anger over the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis. While Netanyahu has led to one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns, unemployment remains high and many businesses are struggling to survive. Last August, the became the third Arab nation after Egypt and Jordan to establish formal diplomatic ties to The U.S.-brokered deal under former President Donald Trump required Israel to halt its contentious plan to annex occupied West Bank land sought by the Palestinians for their future state. It was the first in a series of agreements known as the Abraham Accords after the patriarch of the world's three major monotheistic religions. In all, Israel and four Arab nations agreed to announce deals such as tourism and direct flights, and open embassies. The most detailed of the accords was with the The nations agreed to approve bilateral deals on 15 areas of mutual interest, including finance, trade, aviation, energy, telecommunications, health, agriculture and water. Netanyahu's visit Thursday comes after both countries have exchanged ambassadors and set up embassies. The two countries had nurtured clandestine security ties for years over a shared distrust of regional foe Iran. Since August, the U.S. has brokered deals to initiate diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. Until then, Egypt and Jordan were the only Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel, in 1979 and 1994, respectively. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Manitoba Funeral Service Association (MFSA) wants to engage with Manitoba Public Health to come up with reasonable accommodations for grieving families. Advertisement Advertise With Us The Manitoba Funeral Service Association (MFSA) wants to engage with Manitoba Public Health to come up with reasonable accommodations for grieving families. Kevin Sweryd, president of the association, said he wants funeral homes to be considered like any other business and be held to a level of accountability like all other businesses, including following all indoor protocols or "fundamentals." "Im saying people should come to funerals and be prepared not to hug, not to shake hands, not to do some of the things that we normally do at funerals, but to be able to gather to a level where its safe, whether indoors or outdoors." Currently, up to 10 persons, other than the officiant and a photographer or videographer, can be present at a funeral. Sweryd firmly believes that cap can be expanded to accommodate a larger group of mourners. He wants the government to sit down at the table, virtually, with the association, and together create a list of protocols that funeral directors can abide by. "Dont just arbitrarily say it cant be done, because I believe it can," he said. Restaurants, for example, are currently operating at 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity of the premises. Occupied tables, alternating with unoccupied tables, are relegated to households only. Once at the table, patrons remove their masks for the entirety of the meal. Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitobas chief public health officer, said Monday the fundamentals are difficult to maintain for grieving families. Dr. Jazz Atwal, Roussins deputy, said similar on Friday, citing funeral services are emotional events. Roussin then went on to note an exposure March 4 at St. Andrews Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipeg, where someone who tested positive had roughly 40 contacts. Those at high risk have been contacted, though that number wasnt shared. The exposure occurred during a two-hour funeral visitation for Rev. Emil Kardasinec, a longtime parishioner of the church, before he served as a priest in parishes in and around The Pas and Neepawa, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak said people came through briefly to pay their respects, then left the building before the private 1 p.m. funeral. He told the Free Press all safety protocols were followed, with a volunteer asking health questions and taking names before allowing people to enter. Less than 10 people were allowed inside at one time, and everyone was required to wear a mask and maintain two-metre social distancing. Huculak questioned Monday why this possible exposure was publicized by provincial health authorities, and so does Sweryd. "I find it very miraculous that story appeared after you turned up the heat on them (with a story in Fridays Brandon Sun). I think Im going to do a little research on my own today and try and figure out if that was an MFSA member and protocols were broken, or how this alleged exposure took place," said Sweryd. "Im sorry, based on what Ive seen from the government this year, I simply cant take Public Health at their word." Later, Sweryd told the Sun the funeral home involved at the St. Andrews service where the exposure took place is not a member of the MFSA. He said he would appreciate more information about the nature of the exposure and what protocols were in place within the church. While Sweryd figures maybe 50 per cent of Manitobans are fine with the funeral restrictions, he asked, for those that arent, "is it really our place to say, You cant grieve. You cant practice your faith." "I respect some of the northern chiefs because theres been larger funerals up there. Theyve said, look, weve got our protocols in place. This is our land. Were going to conduct our services the way we see fit. Good for them, as long as youre keeping people safe," he said. Further, Sweryd said he has been asked by many reporters to set them up with grieving families, but families dont want to talk to the press about funeral restrictions. "The (social) media shame And, frankly, our own premiers behaviour hes terrified people to speak out against this. If you dont believe in COVID, youre an idiot. Hes treated us like children. How would a family ever go on record with a reporter and say, This is how we feel," asked Sweryd, who added he is a conservative. "Even us, at the beginning, we were afraid to say anything because we didnt want social media to vilify us and take us out of context and say things were not saying hammer us on social media. People vilify you and shout you down in this culture because youre asking questions." The question Sweryd is asking is, why are funerals more dangerous? And, why cant funeral directors, who are members of the association, not be given a chance to run services with proper protocols? "You can have a government (enforcement) official watching us. Ill be a test case, if you want," he said. Sweryd also wants to see the data on which Public Health bases its decisions regarding funeral services especially to share with grieving families because they are enduring the worst of the restrictions. "Its not that were trying to rake in more cash or have more services. This is the hardest its ever been to run a funeral home because theres not statistically more deaths in Manitoba than the previous six years. Were doing the same number of services or calls, if you will but were not able to do them as services. Were only able to do very, very limited services at all, when we can do that," he said. "Its a brutal time." Sweryd reported families are begging to let the whole family be at the funeral. There are agreements with churches, including a church that can seat 2,000 people that said its space could be used for funerals and people could be kept 20 feet apart, if necessary. "But thats not even on the table. Its not even open for negotiation and hasnt been for a year," he said. Atwal said Friday Public Health will work with sectors, that it has no problem working with sectors, and that work is ongoing. Sweryd has said Public Health hasnt replied to the associations offers to meet. The Sun sent a request for clarification about consultation related to funeral services to the province, along with five other questions related to the position Public Health has taken with regard to funeral services none of which were answered. "Information on public health orders related to funerals has been routinely brought forward to operators via the Manitoba Funeral Board each time the orders change. If operators have questions regarding the public health orders, they are welcome to contact the Manitoba Funeral Board," the spokesperson stated by email. However, Sweryd said the board acting as liaison does not constitute consultation, not to mention that when a question is sent through the board it generally takes three weeks for a reply. The information received is often contradictory and changeable from one request for information to the next, and often simply consists of a condescending letter referring them back to public health orders. The boards actual job, according to its website, is to enhance funeral and cemetery services within a fair, ethical and transparent marketplace it is intended for the consumer. "The board was established as a not-for-profit regulatory organization to strengthen consumer protection in Manitoba. The board administers The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Act, The Cemeteries Act and The Prearranged Funeral Services Act," the website states. "Through its website and inquiry line, it provides consumers with information regarding their legal rights, including which products and services are required by law and which are optional." Members of the board are appointed by Manitoba Justice. The Sun requested an interview with chairperson Alena Lukes via the email provided by the above-mentioned provincial spokesperson, but did not receive a reply. Meanwhile, the Manitoba Funeral Service Association is a non-profit association that serves funeral directors and funeral homes across Manitoba. The association is dedicated to the advancement of funeral service through support to the public and individual members, according to its website. A brochure from the association explains what a funeral director does for a grieving family. "Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators who make arrangements for transportation of the deceased, complete the necessary paperwork and implement the choices made by the family for final disposition of the body," according to the brochure. "They are listeners, advisers and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community." mletourneau@brandonsun.com Michele LeTourneau covers Indigenous matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism. POLICY TMF set to receive $1B infusion in COVID relief bill NOTE: This article first appeared on FCW.com. The Technology Modernization is poised to receive one heck of a present for its three-year anniversary a $1 billion funding injection from Congress that would dramatically its capitalization. The TMF was founded by the Modernizing Government Technology Act and launched with $100 million. The fund has received three $25 million appropriations but overall has remained small especially considering lawmakers initially sought to fund it with $3 billion. The House of Representatives included $9 billion for TMF in its initial version of the bill, but that provision was scrubbed after objections from many in the Senate. However, TMF backers in the Senate managed to include $1 billion their version of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. The bill also contains other tech funding, including $200 million for the U.S. Digital Service and $650 million for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for risk mitigation on federal networks and systems. The TMF money is good through the end of fiscal year 2025. "I remain hopeful that it gets all the way through," former federal CIO Suzette Kent told FCW. "It would be an incredible accelerator for digital citizen services, cybersecurity tools, advancing the data agenda, cross agency shared capabilities and end-to-end hardening of some of the remote work and online services put in place rapidly as part of COVID response." Former NASA CIO Renee Wynn is also a big supporter of the fund, and in an email she highlighted the connection between COVID relief and IT modernization. "COVID provided a learning opportunity for understanding the importance of IT as well as the national security concerns associated with supply chain risk," she told FCW. "TMF is a way to mitigate these risks as long as the executive leadership of an agency understand this opportunity and can work within their agency to make an informed, risk-based decision." Former deputy federal CIO Margie Graves said that some administrative changes could be needed as the fund grows. The current scheme is for agencies to present projects to a board, with two stages of approval required to obtain funds. That process has so far yielded 10 projects in various stages of completion, according to the TMF website. "I think possibly.the structure of how it gets adjudicated probably needs to change because the way we had the board set up for $25 million to $100 million is not going to work for this," she said. The concern is that the current approach could slow down the process. "Now that the number is bigger, the actual throughput would have to be expanded," Graves said. "We can't create our own bottleneck in terms of approval and oversight." Graves also noted that agencies need to have a sense of their own needs the critical systems that are most in need of upgrades and plans to implement new technologies. Wynn observed that "some agencies lack the plans to capitalize on this opportunity," and noted that among chief financial officers and mission leaders there is a focus on how to pay back the fund and that some outreach to agency leadership would help sell senior executives on the potential benefits of TMF. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday on the Senate-passed version of the American Rescue Act. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the bill. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The deal is set to further strengthen Songtradr's position as the world's leading music licensing ecosystem SYDNEY, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Songtradr, the world's largest B2B music licensing marketplace, announced today that they have acquired Song Zu, the most awarded music and sound design company in the Australia and Asia Pacific region, with studios in Sydney and Singapore. This multi-million dollar transaction marks Songtradr's second major acquisition since completion of their Series C funding round in July 2020 where the company raised US$30M. "Song Zu is the region's leading custom music composition house and has such a rich history," said Paul Wiltshire, CEO of Songtradr. "As we continue to expand into the APAC region, Song Zu is a natural fit and greatly complements our global music ecosystem." Song Zu works in all areas of sonic branding, including soundtracks for advertisements on TV and radio, online content, VR and installation spaces. With an unparalleled reputation for creative problem solving, in addition to working with Australia's leading broadcasters, Song Zu works with renowned brands and media businesses from around the world including Netflix, HBO, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Google, Amazon, and Guinness, among others. They have repeatedly received international recognition for their work, garnering top awards such as the Gold Clios, Cannes Gold Lions, London International Awards (LIA) for Best Music and Sound Design Company of the Year, and more. "We are well established in the APAC region and are looking forward to joining the Songtradr family, expanding our product offering and increasing our global footprint," said Ian Lew, Managing Director and Partner of Song Zu. "Enhancing our initiatives with Songtradr's technology is a truly exciting opportunity for us as our clients' needs rapidly evolve." "Bespoke music will always be at the heart of what we do," said Ramesh Sathiah, Creative Director of Song Zu. "But having the resources of the Songtradr platform as well as the music licencing power of Big Sync, allows us to offer creative solutions with no boundaries." Song Zu will form part of Songtradr's recently launched platform, 'Vinyl by Songtradr', alongside acquired companies, Big Sync Music and Cuesongs. 'Vinyl by Songtradr' is a tech-enhanced, human curated platform that gives users direct access to creative talent, commercial music licensing, as well as pre-cleared music, sonic branding, custom composition and more. ABOUT SONG ZU: Song Zu is the most awarded music and sound design company in Australia and the Asia Pacific region,A with post-production studios in Sydney and Singapore. They work in all facets of sonic branding including soundtracks for advertisements on TV and radio, online content, VR and installation spaces. Song Zu's unique position of being one of the longest standing companies of its kind is testament to their creative problem solving ability. Song Zu provides a full audio and post-production service, from music composition and sound design to voice over casting. The company has also sound supervised, scored and mixed a number of award winning TV series, documentaries and feature films. https://www.songzu.com/ ABOUT SONGTRADR: Songtradr is the largest B2B music licensing marketplace in the world, providing music creators and rights owners with a complete tech-enabled solution for rights management and monetization while providing B2B music users such as brands, advertisers, filmmakers, SVOD and broadcast networks, gaming, streaming and social media platforms with highly-efficient, AI guided access to music. https://www.songtradr.com/ ABOUT VINYL BY SONGTRADR: Vinyl by Songtradr is a tech-enhanced, human curated platform that gives you direct access to creative talent, commercial music licensing as well as pre-cleared music, sonic branding, custom composition and more. Vinyl helps brands, advertisers, filmmakers, SVOD and broadcast networks, gaming, streaming and social media platforms create eye-catching content and award-winning campaigns. https://www.vinyl.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085219/Songtradr_Logo.jpg A Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 48 Master's in Software Engineering Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 201 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 201 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 48 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Software Engineering Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-software-engineering-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Software Engineering Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Arizona State University Auburn University Bellevue University Boston University Brandeis University California State University, Fullerton Carnegie Mellon University Colorado Technical University Columbia University DePaul University Drexel University East Carolina University Fairfax University of America Florida Institute of Technology Harvard University Illinois Institute of Technology Johns Hopkins University Kansas State University Kennesaw State University Lewis University Mercer University North Dakota State University Northeastern University Nova Southeastern University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Regis University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Cloud State University Santa Clara University Southern Methodist University Stevens Institute of Technology Strayer University Texas Tech University Thomas Edison State University University of Alabama, Huntsville University of Arizona University of California, Irvine University of Delaware University of Houston, Clear Lake University of Maryland Global Campus University of Michigan, Dearborn University of Southern California University of Texas, Austin University of West Florida Villanova University Washington State University West Virginia University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill that effectively lessens absentee and early voting, even closing polls early. It comes as Republican states prepare to prevent voter fraud and enact election integrity. During the 2020 elections, circumstances of electoral irregularities in absentee voting and early voting were sharp issues. Many claim these electoral activities allowed manipulation of votes. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that will control how many absentee votes will be allowed. Another is the limited duration of early voting that was done in several Democrat-controlled states. All these were done in the Presidential elections in 2020, reported the Epoch Times. Part of the bill is closing the polls early with no extensions in Iowa. This is another measure to lessen electoral fraud as well. These measures are part of a concerted effort to overhaul the voting system to close loopholes used in 2020 elections. This bill, SF 413, is Republican-sponsored, allowing only twenty days for early voting, not the 29 days before. One more condition that might irk Democrats is that if the mail-in ballot never makes it to election day. Even if any mail-in ballot came afternoon and postmarked, they won't be allowed under the new rules. Moreover, all voting centers will be closed by 8 p.m. that is early by one hour compared to the last elections. The prohibition says that county auditors and electoral officials cannot send absentee ballots to unknown people and addresses. In the last election, this was the case and was questioned with unverified signatures and addresses. If anyone violated this rule, they would be fined $10,000. Also read: New Poll Reveals Most Americans Think President Biden More Responsible for Capitol Riots Another preventive measure from cheating is that country auditors cannot open a satellite voting site without many local requests. Avoiding more voter fraud by reporting address changes or failure will be removed from the active voters' list. Officials in Iowa, presumably those aligned with Democrat, seem to reject this voting overhaul. Getting an absentee ballot will not be easy after the governor's approval. It can easily limit ballot harvesting by anyone planning on it. Only the immediate family with ID or house member and the caregiver can give the ballot in person or mail-in. Reynold, in statement, said that achieving election integrity is important about the bill. The new bill will bolster Iowa's electoral officials with definite rules, not twist it like in some states. It will provide guidelines on election day, absentee votes, data-base, and how to appeal to county auditors. She added that these are layers for more transparency and accountability, to assure Iowans their vote was tampered with. Many voters in many Democrat-controlled states doubt how the votes were handled during elections. The bill signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds of the Republicans is a victory of electoral reform. However, the Democrats don't want it because it will affect their election practices. Related article: Data Scientists: Investigate Georgia Election Data Indicating Trump Votes Shifted to Biden @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Health Board welcomes more AstraZeneca vaccine supply but warns Next week we expect to receive less of both This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2021 The deputy chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has said the supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine being provided this week is more than double than it has been of late. The vaccination process is currently focusing on priority groups 1-6, with the health board stating it on track to meet the Welsh Government milestone of offering all the top nine groups a vaccine by April 19 However in recent weeks a national shortage, caused by central vaccines production capacity, saw a drop in the number of vaccines being administered across the UK. As a result less vaccines have been administered, with just 136 doses carried out in one day on Sunday 21 February. However today Gill Harris, Deputy Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said that a significant increase in supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine means there will be an acceleration of the vaccination rollout across our network of primary care partners. Data released yesterday also shows that the health board is on course to reach the milestone of administering it 300,000 vaccination in the coming week. Other figures released today, show: 271,037 total vaccinations have been administered in north Wales First dose vaccines 231,908 Second dose vaccines 39,129 Percentage of vaccines administered to individuals in Priority Group 5: (65-69): 84% Percentage of vaccines administered to individuals in Priority Group 6: 28% Up until March 7th the health board had provided a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 84% of people aged 65-69 (Priority Group 5) and almost a third of people aged 16-65 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality (Priority Group 6). In a statement, Gill Harris said: This week our supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine is more than double what we received last week, while our supply of the Pfizer vaccine has remained stable. This week we will receive a total of 67,680 vaccines (17,550 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 50,130 doses of AstraZeneca). The increase in supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine will enable us to better utilise our network of primary care partners to ensure that people most at risk from COVID-19 are vaccinated as quickly as possible The Pfizer vaccine will again be used primarily for second doses. Next week we expect to receive less of both vaccines. This week we are continuing to provide vaccination to the following groups, with invitations made by letter, text message and phone call: People aged 65-69 (Priority Group 5) People aged 16-64 years with underlying health conditions (Priority Group 6) Second doses to those who have received their first vaccination up to 12 weeks ago Letters are also being sent to those aged 60-64 (Priority Group 7) offering them appointments later this month. Following recent announcements from the Joint Council for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Welsh Government, people with learning disabilities, severe mental illness and unpaid carers are now included in Priority Group 6. Revised national guidance from the JCVI describes unpaid carers as those who are eligible for a carers allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of COVID-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable. Those not already registered as a carer with their GP practice will soon be asked to complete an online registration form if they wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. This form is live on our website from today (9th March 2021). Following return of the digital form to the Health Board, those individuals identified as unpaid carers will be included within Priority Group 6 and will be sent an appointment letter over the coming days. In order to reach out to carers via non-digital methods we are liaising with partners from the North Wales Social Care and Wellbeing Improvement Collaborative. A board member for the Brazos River Authority has resigned, according to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, after a rocky confirmation hearing Monday at the Texas Capitol. TWEET STORM: Twitter sues Texas AG Ken Paxton, asks court to halt his investigation Darren Yancy, who Abbott appointed to the board in 2019, was largely unapologetic as Democrats on the Senate Nominations Committee questioned him about two tweets he posted attacking Democratic politicians. One of them, posted earlier this month, suggested President Joe Biden was trying to kill U.S. citizens because he "wants illegals coming with potential viruses and other health issues to spread and infect." The other tweet accused former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of using "SS tactics" to run the chamber, referring to the paramilitary force in Nazi Germany. Toward the end of the questioning, state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, asked Yancy if he had "any regrets with regard to your public discourse." "No," he replied. Yancy was part of the 21-member board that oversees the Brazos River Authority, a quasi-public state agency that controls much of the water in the river that cuts across Texas. He is not unknown in Texas politics he ran for Texas Senate in 2010. During that run, he advocated for using deadly force on U.S. borders, and it came out that his real estate license had been temporarily suspended starting the prior year. Darren Yancy. Credit: Linkedin Profile While only two of his tweets came up at the hearing, Yancy's account is filled with explicit diatribes again Democrats, including regular taunts involving sexual descriptions. At Monday's hearing, Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, said she supported free speech but added she was concerned about Yancy's "thought process on illegal immigrants and COVID" and questioned whether the views expressed on his Twitter account would "cloud your judgment and decision-making" at the river authority. Alvarado then said "the people that you're talking about some of them might reside" and Yancy interjected. "If they reside in the state of Texas, they're gonna get the same treatment as everyone else," Yancy said. Alvarado asked how she could be sure of that "because when I look at your post, I don't get that feeling." "M'am, I can't do anything about your feelings about a post," Yancy replied. Next up was Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, who asked Yancy about the anti-Reid tweet. Gutierrez asked Yancy if it was fair to say he "misspoke [or] overreached" with the tweet. Yancy replied that the tweet probably reflects how he felt at the time, and "now if I have to go back and reexamine it, possibly." MIXED SIGNALS: Gregg Abbott recommends masks after throwing out mask mandate But given multiple opportunities by Gutierrez to say he would refrain from such rhetoric going forward, Yancy declined. He said it "depends on the action of the federal government" and argued the hearing was not the right venue to raise the issue. Gutierrez disagreed and continued to press Yancy if he would make any further Nazi comparisons. "What I do in terms of social media, which is in regard to a broadcast or a podcast, is separate from what I do with the BRA," Yancy said. "If a federal government employee, regardless of party, does things where they can be compared and contrasted to prior regimes, then it may elicit a comment. That has nothing to do with the tenacity and commitment to being sure that we've got water coming through and the BRA." After Yancy's exchanges with Alvarado and Gutierrez, the two other Democrats on the committee spoke up. First was Eckhardt and then came Sen. Borris Miles of Houston, who said he would "like to have a private conversation with [Yancy] in my office before we take any vote." It was unclear if the two did privately meet. Yancy's nomination would have needed a majority vote from the nine-member committee to advance to the Senate floor. The committee adjourned before voting on any nominees, and Yancy resigned afterward. The two tweets that were raised at the hearing do not appear to be online anymore. However, they were read to Yancy at the hearing, and he did not dispute them. Reached by email Tuesday afternoon, Yancy said he had nothing to add to his comments from the hearing. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/09/brazos-river-authority-appointee-resigns-tweets/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. As a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow working with Chabad at Washington University, my main goal is to reach out to as many students as possible and help them establish a strong and meaningful connection to Israel and Judaism. Yet seemingly overnight, COVID-19 transformed life as we knew it. The days when 300 students gathered in a large hall in the Chabad House for Shabbat dinner, for example, are not possible now. However, despite the current restrictions in place, we have successfully delivered Shabbat-to-go packages, virtual experiences and in-person gatherings at a safe distance to more than 700 young people. Because of new safety guidelines in place, the team at Chabad Washington U decided to focus our outreach efforts on quality over quantity, and this approach has enabled the kind of deep interpersonal connections that werent common before. In a pleasant surprise, the joy of getting together and basking in a shared connection as Jews is still very much alive. In fact, that connection has only grown since the outbreak began. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, I was able to set up one-on-one in-person outdoor meetings with numerous students this semester while following university guidelines. Im grateful that I came to St. Louis in 2019 before the pandemic started, because it gave me a chance to get to know members of the campus community well before the world turned upside down. Last year, we had more than 100 students sign up for Birthright Israel, and we were in the process of making the arrangements for a May 2020 trip when everything was put on hold. That said, we still had this cohort of students who were interested in deepening their connection to Israel and continuing their involvement in the Jewish campus community. From this group, we were able to recruit two BICEP (Building Israel Connections Engagement Project) Fellows, who are engaged in meaningful and ongoing Israel programming and leadership roles. Washington University has been fortunate to avoid the flagrant anti-Semitism that exists at other colleges and universities. My peer Israel Fellows who serve on North American campuses often need to advocate for Israel when its being attacked. I engage in similar advocacy but in an environment that isnt as acrimonious. Here, supporting Israel isnt laser-focused on combating the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, but rather on amplifying what makes Israel and being Jewish special. We are able to focus on the positive and, by being creative, we are able to set the agenda that we wish to fulfill and are not compelled to react to Israels detractors. ADVERTISEMENT To that end, our pro-Israel community has held many successful virtual events during the pandemic. From hosting Noam Bedein, who discussed the effects of global warming at the Dead Sea, and viral video blogger Nas Daily offering a fireside chat, to organizing a Fall Israel Fest featuring Eurovision Song Contest winner Neta Barzilai, weve helped students enjoy the full multicultural prism that is Israel from the comfort of their own living rooms. We even held a Hanukkah Light Along party with Israeli faculty and students both in America and Israel. Admittedly, the virtual environment is not how many would normally envision Israel activism on a college campus, but Im happy to take the glass half full approach to forging connections with Israel among college students in the era of COVID, and to focus on leveraging the many rich resources that are at my fingertips. The goal remains the same: Build a loving, educated and robust Jewish community that has Israel at its core. Im even more grateful that Im here now, during our shared search for meaning and a more vibrant lifestyle during this uncertain time. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli are sitting at one/one after both teams won a race on the first day of the Americas Cup. Day one of the 36th Americas Cup presented by PRADA didnt disappoint with the defender Emirates Team New Zealand and the challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sitting on a tie after two races. Pretty even performances between the two boats once again confirmed that there is no space for mistakes. Race 1 With Emirates Team New Zealand entering on port, they chose to sail deep, then lead out to the boundary. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli followed, engaging them below the line, and giving Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling a glimpse of the line to windward of the Italians - and he took it, starting strongly to windward at speed and on time, quickly gaining a lead of 18 metres on their opposition. For race one of the 36th Americas Cup presented by Prada, this forced the Italians into a choice - hold on to the leeward position and try to gauge the speed of Emirates Team New Zealand, or throw a high risk manoeuvre to try for a foul. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli co-helmsman Jimmy Spithill luffed hard, trying for the protest and failed, slowing him and allowing Emirates Team New Zealand to ease ahead. Heading up to the first windward gate that lead extended to 160 metres, and rounding the top gate 14 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the focus now for Burling, Tuke and Ashby was to sail cleanly and keep a close cover on their opposition. This they did, extending to 380 metres on leg two and 314 metres on leg 3. Both teams split at the bottom gate of leg 4, but this had little impact, with Burling heard to say, lets take the easy option, keeping it simple and rounding the final top gate 230 metres and 20 seconds ahead. Emirates Team New Zealand kept it tight to extend on the final leg to the finish, extending to 550 metres, winning race 1 by 31 seconds. As Peter Burling commented on race 1. Really happy with the pre-start and how the team has the boat in good shape. We should have probably hit them harder on the second beat, but happy with the boat and to finally get into racing. Its been three months or so since we last raced - and great to compete against another boat rather than our chase boat. Race 2 With both teams changing down to smaller jibs for the increased shifty and gusty conditions, they were keen to reset and get into the second race of the day. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli entered on port, heading out to the boundary to gybe back to the line, with Emirates Team New Zealand staying high, tacking back in then soaking down to engage. Coming back in late allowed Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli the lead to the line, and as in race 1, control of the race course in these conditions was strongly with the boat in front. Both boats sailed in the high mode up the first leg, looking for a chink in their opponents armour, but the boat speeds looked similar and so it was all about minimising mistakes. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli kept it tight and headed into the first gate extending a 70 metre lead out to almost 300 metres after rounding the first gate ahead by 13 seconds. Legs 2 and 3 saw Emirates Team New Zealand work hard to get out of phase with the covering Italians and make some gains. This they did on leg 5, eating hard into the lead of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, with 12 seconds the gap at the final top gate. With Burling and Ashby pushing hard looking for added breeze, the gap on the finish line was reduced to just 7 seconds, levelling the scores on the opening day of the 36th Americas Cup presented by PRADA to one win apiece. As Jimmy Spithill commented at the end of the day We just kept the boat going well, and it was a good sign of strength to bounce back after that first race. I think it was one of those race tracks where the lead boat had the advantage - picking the time to tack or gybe. It is great to be competitive! For Peter Burling, it was an honest appraisal of race 2. We didnt get the best start, not quite doing the best job of the roundup, and ending up skidding sideways and falling into them - which was a shame, and we looked a bit rusty there. What was really good was to be able to get back into them on that last beat. It is no secret we havent raced for a while - it was great to get the first win, but one mistake and life is pretty hard for the rest of the race. There is plenty to debrief and we know the team that wins the last race wins the event, so we are happy to get a win on the board and move onto the weekend. It felt like the boats were pretty even today - but we are happy we have a tool to win this. -Blue Robinson/Emirates Team NZ Yesterdays results clearly show that there is a long way to go in this first to 7 points Americas Cup Match. Race 1 - Emirates Team New Zealand beat Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Race 1 Start: 1615 Port: NZL Stbd: ITA Course: E Axis: 358 Length: 1.85nm Current: 0.2 knots @ 163 Wind 10-12kts Winner Emirates Team New Zealand 0:31 Race 2 - Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli beat Emirates Team New Zealand Start: 1715 Port: ITA Stbd: NZL Course: E Axis: 358 Length: 2nm Current: 0.1 knots @ 172 Winner Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 0:07 Phuket officials target island mass vaccination by Oct 1 PHUKET: Phuket officials will file a request to receive enough doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to ensure that 432,000 people in Phuket have been vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct 1. COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismeconomics By The Phuket News Wednesday 10 March 2021, 12:05PM Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol speaks to the press at the mass vaccination launch last week. Photo: PPHO / file Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol announced the news during a press conference this morning (Mar 10). Dr Chalermpong sits on the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee, which oversees all matters relating to COVID-19 in Phuket, We have already received 4,000 doses [of the Sinovac vaccine] for 2,000 people. We will receive 16,000 doses in April and 48,000 doses in May, Dr Chalermpong explained. So far, 1,877 people have already been vaccinated. The remaining 123 people will be vaccinated this morning, he added. Of the 1,877 people vaccinated, 5.43% of them had side effects from the vaccination, such as nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, bruising, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and rash, Dr Chalermpong said. However, he emphasised that the side effects were only minor. Only a couple of people had to be under observation at the hospital, he noted. I want to tell our Phuket brothers and sisters that the vaccines that we have asked for both Sinovac and Astrazeneca are safe. I want everyone on Phuket to be vaccinated, he added. In the coming months, we will vaccinate local people and workers in the tourism industry, Dr Chalermpong said. To make the mass vaccination possible within the time frame, the government will seek assistance from the private sector. The vaccination plan from June to September is very important. We have discussed together with officials as well as representatives from government hospitals, private hospitals and the private sector, Dr Chalermpong said. We will file a request for the Astrazeneca vaccine to the Executive Sub-committee on COVID-19 Vaccine Management, which has Dr Sopon Mekton as the chairman, Dr Chalermpong noted. We will ask them for enough doses of the vaccine for about 131,000 people to be vaccinated in June, for 175,000 people to be vaccinated in July. and 125,000 people to be vaccinated in August. We will provide the second vaccination injections from August to October, he said. We expect that at the end of September we will have at total 466,000 people vaccinated, comprising 432,000 people vaccinated with the Astrazeneca vaccine and 34,000 people vaccinated with Sinovac vaccine. At this stage, Phuket has about 600,000 people, comprising 417,000 people registered as permanent residents in the civil registration database, 100,000 people from other provinces, and 81,000 foreigners and migrant workers. The vaccination injections will be given to about 77.6% of people living in Phuket, so we can open to welcome foreign tourists in October, Dr Chalermpong said. BANGALORE, India, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hybrid Train Market is Segmented by Propulsion Type (Electro-Diesel, Battery Operated, Hydrogen Powered, Gas Powered, and Solar Powered), Application (Passenger and Freight), and Operating Speed (Less than 100 km/hr, 100-200 km/hr, and More than 200 km/hr): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027. This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Energy & Utilities Category. The global hybrid train market size was valued at USD 16.2 Billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 23.9 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2020 to 2027. Major factors driving the growth of hybrid train market size are high gas prices, traffic congestion, and the rising need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Inquire For Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Manu-2C50/Hybrid_Train_Market TRENDS INFLUENCING THE HYBRID TRAIN MARKET SIZE Growing demand for energy-efficient and less polluting train operations is expected to drive the growth of hybrid train market size. Governments in many countries are enforcing stricter emission standards, forcing train manufacturers to develop trains that are less polluting. The cost-efficiency of the hybrid train is expected to increase the growth of the hybrid train market size. Several freight companies have shown interest in hybrid trains in order to reduce running costs by eliminating fuel and maintenance costs. In the freight sector, the total cost of ownership (TCO) has a major impact on profit margins. When traveling long distances with traditional diesel trains, fuel costs are high. The use of electrified, fuel cell, CNG, and LNG hybrid trains, on the other hand, reduces these costs. With the rising population, the existing rail transportation infrastructure in urban areas is proving inadequate. Hence, the Hybrid train market size is expected to as existing rail infrastructure networks expand. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a severe impact on the hybrid train market. OEMs had to wait for the lockdowns to be removed before they could restart production, which is expected to negatively impact the Hybrid train market size. However, the market is expected to recover later this year or in the first quarter of 2021. View Full Report Before Purchase: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/ALLI-Manu-2C50/hybrid-train HYBRID TRAIN MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS By propulsion type, the Electro-Diesel segment is projected as the most lucrative segment in the hybrid train market. In addition, electro-diesel locomotives offer benefits, including reliability, sustainability, reduction of emissions of harmful substances, and others. These features are expected to increase the demand for an electro-diesel hybrid train in the coming years. Due to an increase in demand for electro-diesel trains, which typically have an operating speed of 100-200 km/hr, the 100-200 km/hr segment held the largest market share in 2019. On the basis of application, the passenger segment dominated the global market in 2019, taking into account the increasing importance of hybrid trains and the reduction of road traffic and pollution. In addition, increased demand for safe travel, reliability, connectivity, and rising urbanization are key factors driving the growth of the hybrid passenger train market in the coming years. In terms of sales, Europe led the hybrid train market in 2019, and this dominance is expected to continue during the forecast era. This is due to the increased adoption of hybrid trains in the area by economies such as Germany, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, as urbanization and rail infrastructure construction activities increase in European countries, demand for hybrid trains grows, propelling the growth of hybrid train market size. Inquire For Regional Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/ALLI-Manu-2C50/Hybrid_Train_Market Key Market Segments By Propulsion Type Electro-Diesel Battery Operated Hydrogen Powered Gas Powered Solar Powered By Application Passenger Freight By Operating Speed Less than 100 km/hr 100-200 km/hr More than 200 km/hr By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Brazil Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of LAMEA Inquire For Customization: https://reports.valuates.com/request/customisation/ALLI-Manu-2C50/Hybrid_Train_Market Key Companies Wabtec Corporation Toshiba Corporation Stadler Rail AG Siemens AG Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd Hyundai Rotem Company China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Bombardier Ballard Power Systems Inc. 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SIMILAR REPORTS : - Automotive Drive Train System Market is segmented By Product Type - Rear-Wheel Drivetrains, Front-Wheel Drivetrains, Application - Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Vehicle, Fuel Cell Vehicle, by key players , by Regions - North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - Global Bullet High-Speed Train Market by Product-Type - Wheel on Rail, Maglev, Application - Passenger Transport, Freight Transport, by key players , by Regions - North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - Track Renewal Train Market Product Type - Rails Renewal, Sleepers Renewal, Application: Heavy Rail, Urban Rail, by key players , by Regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - The Global Autonomous Train Component Market is expected to grow from USD 1,015.04 Million in 2019 to USD 1,815.91 Million by the end of 2025 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.17%. - Train Door Systems Market by Product Type - External Door, Internal Door, Toilet Door, Cabinet Door of Operator, Cab Door, Application - Regular Train, High-Speed Rail, by key players , by Regions - North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - The global Train Communication Gateways Systems market size is projected to reach USD 425.5 million by 2026, from USD 93 million in 2019, at a CAGR of 24.3% during 2021-2026. - The global Train Seat market size is projected to reach USD 897.2 Million by 2026, from USD 836.2 Million in 2019, at a CAGR of 1.0% during 2021-2026. - Solar Powered Train Technology Market by Product Type - Full Solar Powered Train, Non-full Solar Powered Train, Application - Passenger Train, Freight Train, by key players , by Regions - North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - Train Doors Market BY Product Type - External Door, Internal Door, Toilet Door, Cabinet Door Of Operator, Cab Door, Application - Regular Train, High-Speed Rail, Subway, by key players , by Regions - North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. - High Speed Train Signaling System Market by Product-Type: Automatic Train Supervision System, Automatic Train Protection System, Automatic Train Operation System, Application: Average Speed at Least 150km/h Train, Average Speed at Least 200km/h Train, Average Speed at Least 250km/h Train, Others, by key players , by Regions: North America, Europe, China and Japan, etc. Click Here To See Related Reports On Hybrid Train Market ABOUT US: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. 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CONTACT US: Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 or IST Call +91-8040957137 WhatsApp: +91 9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Linkedin - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has called into question Joe Biden's ability to lead as he claims that the president's 'decline' is noticeable and demands that he hold a press conference. President Biden has now gone 50 days seven weeks - without holding a press briefing, far longer than any other president in the past 100 years, who have done so within their first 33 days in office. Speaking on Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Meadows compared Biden's performance to that of his own ex-boss, former President Donald Trump, who he claims was capable of showing more focus in the early hours of the morning than the current president is during the day. He also hit out at the fact that Vice President Kamala Harris has been taking calls with world leaders instead of Biden, after Ohio Congress man Jim Jordan told Hannity, 'the American people deserve to no whose making those decisions'. 'Jim's absolutely right,' Meadows responded. 'President Trump was more focused at 1.00 am in the morning than Joe Biden is in the afternoon at 1.00 pm. It comes as Biden has failed to schedule both a solo press Q&A and and address to to both houses of Congress, which his press office has said will be some time before the end of the month. Scroll down for video Biden is now in his 50th day in office without holding a solo press conference with reporters. The last 15 presidents over 100 years have held a briefing within 33 days (as pictured) Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (pictured on Tuesday night) claimed on Fox News' Sean Hannity is because Biden's 'decline' is noticeable Concerns have been raised from both sides about Biden's failure to hold a Q&A with the press, especially after his aides refused to let the president answer questions from reporters as he visited a hardware store in Washington, DC, on Tuesday (as pictured above) 'I mean, you start to look at this and you say, at what point are we going to start to have real communication from the White House?' Meadows asked. 'We all three got calls from him at 1:00 A.M. in the morning sometimes,' Jordan added, referring to himself, Meadows, and Hannity. Concerns have been raised from both sides about Biden's failure to hold a Q&A with the press, especially after his aides refused to let the president answer questions from reporters as he visited a hardware store in Washington, DC, on Tuesday. He is scheduled to speak to the nation Thursday night about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but White House press secretary Jen Psaki has refused to say exactly when his first press conference will be, giving a vague answer that he will speak to the media by the end of the month. President Biden 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. During past administrations, it took former President Trump 28 days to hold a press conference, 21 days for former President Obama, and 34 days for former President George W. Bush. Former President Bill Clinton delivered his first press briefing within nine days with a conference on January 29, 1992, about LGBT members of the military. Each of these former presidents had also held multiple press conferences by this point in their presidencies. Mark Meadows told Hannity Trump was more focused at 1am than Biden is at 1pm Hannity also criticized Biden for allowing VP Harris to speak with world leaders Trump and George H.W. Bush had each held five, 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. And Biden has only given five interviews in his first days in office, as opposed to nine from Reagan and 23 from Obama. Presidential press conferences were first introducd by Woodrow Wilson on March 15, 1913 and became the primary form of direct presidential communication with the American people by the 1920s. After aides stepped in on Tuesday, Hannity questioned on show whether Biden's administration is trying to bide time and conceal the fact that the president is in 'decline'. 'What is going on with the president of the United States, Joe Biden? Seriously. What is wrong?' he asked. 'The American people deserve answers. He barely has any public events. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is taking solo calls with world leaders. That would be the commander-in-chief's job.' Hannity also compared Biden to Trump in claiming that he goes to bed before prime-time TV while the former president enjoyed watching through to the early hours of the morning. While Biden evades demands for a press conference, he has left some of the White House's foreign diplomacy to Vice President Harris (pictured) who spoke to Norway's PM on Monday 'See what is happening here? They are clearly trying to buy time,' Hannity said. 'They absolutely know that Joe Biden is struggling cognitively. He is a walking liability ... He can barely read from a teleprompter.' Hannity added that the White House is 'continuing to hide President Biden? What do they know? You, we have a right to know.' 'More importantly, what did they know about Biden during the campaign? Who knew what and when?' he asked. 'The people surrounding Joe Biden knew that the real Joe Biden was his campaign's biggest liability. 'Every single Democrat needs to be asked, do they see Joe struggling cognitively? It is a legitimate question,' Hannity continued. 'It's a question that Democrats and the media mob had no trouble asking about Ronald Reagan in 1984 ... they had no problem raising these issues with John McCain when he was running in 2008 ... The guy now fast asleep at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, that's not the same guy I remember just four short years ago.' On Tuesday, Biden visited W.S. Jenks & Son, a hardware store in D.C. which used Paycheck Protection Program money to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, to tout his extension of the program. But he didn't acknowledge any of the questions before his aides stepped in to escort the reporters away, telling them: 'Come on, press, you gotta go.' President Joe Biden's aides refused to let him answer questions from reporters as he visited the W.S. Jenks & Son hardware store in Washington, DC, on Tuesday (pictured) It came as Vice President Kamala Harris took her latest solo call with a foreign leader, speaking to Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg without Biden on the line. Harris has previously spoken to Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and French president Emmanuel Macron in vice-presidential calls which were less common under the Trump/Pence administration. White House press secretary Jen Psaki has been quizzed by reporters on when they can expect to have a Q&A with Biden, and she said on Friday that it will take place by the end of the month. 'We look forward to holding a full press conference in the coming weeks before the end of the month,' she said. 'And we're working on setting a final date for that and as soon as we do, we will let you all know.' 'He's answered questions. I believe that count is almost 40 times,' Psaki said in response to criticism that reporters have been left waiting. 'And I would say that his focus, again, is on getting recovery and relief to the American people and he looks forward to continuing to engage with all of you and to members of the other members of the media who aren't here today, and we'll look forward to letting you know as soon as the press conference is set.' Psaki also pointed to the current crises the president is tackling - the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout. '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,' she said. White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday (pictured above) said that Biden's first solo appearance before reporters will take place by the end of the month The presidents first address to a joint session of Congress is also tentatively planned for the end of March, aides have said. However, the format of the address is uncertain due to the pandemic. Trump had also faced criticism over his lack of press conferences in his first year in office. He conducted five in his first few weeks, but within his first year, only one of these was a solo press briefing. 'In their first years alone, President Barack Obama held 11 solo news conferences, George W. Bush held five, and Bill Clinton a dozen. Trump held just one,' the Associated Press noted in early 2018. Trump's then Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders argued at the time that he remained accessible through his active use of Twitter. 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 presidents appearances. 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.' Delaying the news conference and joint address also, symbolically, have kept open the first chapter of Biden's presidency and perhaps extended his honeymoon. His approval rating stood at 60 percent in a poll released Friday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. WASHINGTON The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Michael S. Regan, the former top environmental regulator for North Carolina, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and drive some of the Biden administrations biggest climate and regulatory policies. As administrator, Mr. Regan, who began his career at the E.P.A. and worked in environmental and renewable energy advocacy before becoming secretary of North Carolinas Department of Environmental Quality, will be tasked to rebuild an agency that lost thousands of employees under the Trump administration. Political appointees under Donald J. Trump spent the past four years unwinding dozens of clean air and water protections, while rolling back all of the Obama administrations major climate rules. Central to Mr. Regans mission will be putting forward aggressive new regulations to meet President Bidens pledge of eliminating fossil fuel emissions from the electric power sector by 2035, significantly reducing emissions from automobiles and preparing the United States to emit no net carbon pollution by the middle of the century. Several proposed regulations are already being prepared, administration officials have said. Bogota, Colombia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Medcolcanna Organics Inc. (NEO: MCCN) ("Medcolcanna", "MCCN" or the "Company"), a Canadian integrated medical cannabis company with operations in Colombia, is pleased to announce it has entered into a distribution agreement with the company responsible for the Rappi app for the distribution of MCCN's magistral formulations and to provide telemedicine services for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases with medicinal cannabis formulations. Following the November 2020 INVIMA certification of MCCN's laboratory under its Good Elaboration Practices for Magistral Preparations with Cannabis (GEP) program, the Company has signed a distribution agreement with Rappi, a last mile delivery app. With its presence in over 150 cities in 9 countries, Rappi has more than 5.6 million users of its online grocery and pharmacy delivery services, making this app the largest and fastest growing direct to consumer delivery platform in the Latin American region with a compound monthly growth rate of 12% in 2020. The deal between MCCN and Rappi is a commission-based arrangement, lowering the risk to the Company while giving it access to a well-developed and widely recognized distribution channel with potential to benefit more than 5.6 million active users in the region that spent, in 2020, more than $4 million USD per month in pharmacy transactions alone, with growth expected to continue in 2021 in Colombia. This agreement between Rappi and MCCN will provide patients immediate access to the Company's portfolio of medicinal cannabis products (accompanied by a doctor's prescription). The Company's strategy is to augment the market penetration of its magistral formulations by launching its telemedicine platform and e-health services, helping to get closer to the patient in an efficient and responsive manner leveraging a fully digital service. Medcolcanna's telemedicine platform will be part of the services offered through the Company's in-app store. This will allow patients in need of these medicines to more easily consult a knowledgeable physician trained in prescribing these medications, educate themselves on the various formulations and receive these prescriptions in a safe manner, granting access to patients in remote locations immediate access to MCCN's portfolio of capsules, oils, sprays, transdermal gel, creams, and almost all pharmaceutical forms and reducing the need to consult with physicians in person. This agreement requires implementation to be executed and available on the Rappi platform within the next 90 days. The agreement with Rappi is expected to increase exponentially the patient base of MCCN's Masana Clinic (formerly Medicina Nueva), a network of clinics specializing in cannabis formulations, and Grupo Curativa's network of physicians caring for more than 4,000 patients. All clinic patients will be receiving their prescribed medication fabricated by Soluciones Magistrales, the Company's certified magistral preparations lab. This deal lead by MCCN's CEO Felipe de la Vega is part of the Company's strategy to move into the pharma space after successfully setting up the commodities business unit, with two cultivation sites that are expected to reach approximately 40 hectares by the end of 2021, in which isolates and oils are being produced and are expected to bring the Company to self-sustainability upon completion. Through MCCN's research and development (R&D) leveraging the ICP acquisition in 2019 and the agreement with Grupo Curativa and their extensive knowledge and proven formulations, the Company has secured a diversified portfolio to treat several conditions, including Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, psoriasis, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, among others. According to PWC's 2017 projections (Colombia Productiva - Planes de negocio Industria del Cannabis Medicinal) the potential patient base in the country is 2.5 million people with conditions that can benefit from medicinal cannabis. The estimated price of the average prescription is approximately CAD$50, with most patients needing monthly or bi-monthly refills of their prescription. The expected market size for medicinal cannabis in Colombia in 2032 is approximately $480 million USD. Felipe de la Vega, President and CEO of the Company, said: "We are happy to announce this agreement. Rappi is one of the most important marketplaces in Latin America and the most important in Colombia. Patients will have the chance to access telemedicine and acquisition of the formulas in a very simple manner and is a step forward in our strategy to become a leader in medical cannabis in the world." Daniel Herrera, Chief Corporate Development Officer of the Company, commented: "This partnership is important for two main reasons, the alliance between our firms will bring increased education and access to medicinal options to people in need of these compounded medicines, and Rappi is a well-deployed and recognized distribution channel across many markets important for the growth of MCCN which we believe will accelerate the Company's penetration into the medicinal cannabis space across the continent." ABOUT MEDCOLCANNA Medcolcanna is a Canadian integrated medical cannabis company, whose fully licensed operations are based in Colombia. Led by a proven and successful management team, Medcolcanna has facilities in optimal growing locations which positions the Company to become a global leader in the medical cannabis market. Medcolcanna employs state of the art organic agricultural technology and innovative pharmaceutical processes to produce high-quality products. The Company's scalable production model and network of pharmaceutical partnerships globally ensures that they remain at the forefront of the medical cannabis industry. If you would like to receive News Releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: https://medcolcanna.com/contact-us/ or write to info@medcolcanna.com. Additional information about Medcolcanna can be found on its web site at http://ir.medcolcanna.com/. Medcolcanna Investor Relations Contact: Chris Reid, CFO Carrera 49b # 93-62 Bogota, Colombia Phone: +571 642-9113 Email: info@medcolcanna.com Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals for any proposed transaction, including those discussed herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Medcolcanna assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76706 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 [March 10, 2021] Flatfile Raises $35 Million in Series A Funding Led by Scale Venture Partners Flatfile, the groundbreaking data onboarding software company, today announced $35 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Scale Venture Partners, with participation from Workday Ventures. and previous investors including Afore Capital, Google's (News - Alert) AI-focused venture fund, Gradient Ventures, and Two Sigma Ventures. Among a list of powerful angels investing in this round you'll find founders of Box, Looker, and Segment. This brings the company's total funding to nearly $45 million, $42.6 million of which has been raised in just the last year. This latest infusion of capital will be used to accelerate the company's expansion of its all-remote workforce, along with continued product development. Flatfile provides software that helps businesses around the world automate the way they onboard data. From customer relationship management (CRM) tools to digital clinical testing platforms, Flatfile's customers can easily ingest, normalize, and validate data from third parties -- usually customers -- ensuring it's instantly usable in their systems. The company's products automatically learn how imported data from third parties should be structured and cleaned, which enables customers to spend more time using data as opposed to fixing it. In order to keep pace with escalating demand for its solutions, Flatfile will use this investment to significantly boost hiring. Since its founding, Flatfile has been focused on building a world-class team dedicated to solving difficult data problems -- regardless of were they live. Founders David Boskovic and Eric Crane believe an all-remote team allows them to source the best possible talent at scale to support Flatfile's vision to enable seamless data transactions between every organization in the world. They prioritize hiring smart minds and self-starters and reward them with a workplace culture that focuses on individual ownership and unique work perks, such as a designer home office and a work-from-home rent stipend. The company has built strong momentum in a short period of time, growing Flatfile's customer base to more than 300 companies from around the world. The company's team has now helped onboard and transform over 700 million rows of data for companies like Toast, HubSpot (News - Alert) , ClickUp, and Blackbaud. "We invest in businesses that are revolutionizing enterprise software and solving common, yet challenging, problems with data," said Rory O'Driscoll, Partner, Scale Venture Partners. "Flatfile's solutions are vital for saving companies an extraordinary amount of both time and effort as they work to overcome the daily inefficiencies associated with importing data. The company's rapid growth serves as evidence that the data onboarding category will be transformative for data management as well as the overall customer experience." "We're at the forefront of solving a problem that plagues companies in every industry across the globe," said Boskovic. "This not only creates massive market potential, but also makes for an exciting work environment. Our team is building the technology that will enable and define how nearly every industry adopts software and exchanges data. This work is critical to accelerating innovation and we're excited to have investors like Rory and Scale betting on the incredible team that's coming together around this vision." For more information about Flatfile, please visit flatfile.io. About Flatfile Flatfile's vision is to enable seamless data transactions between every organization in the world. With AI-assisted data onboarding, they eliminate repetitive work and make B2B data exchange fast, intuitive, and error-free. Flatfile automatically learns how imported data should be structured and cleaned, enabling customers and teams to spend more time using their data instead of fixing it. Flatfile has transformed over 700 million rows of data for companies like ClickUp, Blackbaud, Benevity, and Toast. To learn more about Flatfile's products, Portal and Concierge, email hello@flatfile.io or get started for free at flatfile.io. About Scale Venture Partners Scale is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm that invests in the future leaders of enterprise software. We were early investors in SaaS (News - Alert) pioneers like Box, DocuSign, HubSpot, RingCentral, and Bill.com and continue that tradition with investments in transformational business software from companies like JFrog, WalkMe, CircleCI, KeepTruckin, BigID, and Lever. Our Scale Studio platform leverages an unrivaled dataset of 800+ successful startups to give founders benchmarks on their company's "Vital Signs" -- the growth and operating metrics that matter most. Learn more about our people, portfolio, and perspectives at www.scalevp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005153/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Vaccines are steadily rolling out and protocols are adjusting as they do. The CDC has released new guidelines for folks who are fully vaccinated. The CDC is now saying people who are fully vaccinated, can gather with other people who are fully vaccinated in small groups, without having to wear a mask. Health officials warn that doesn't mean folks can throw caution to the wind. "It is very important that if you are planning to take off your mask that you remember that those around you may not be vaccinated. So you still have to use caution when you're in a large group," says public health educator Ashlee Stewart. She wants to remind folks that we are still under a mask mandate in the state of Indiana. "It is not recommended to not continue to follow the guidelines the state has set out for us. So we still have a mask mandate in place. Even though we have a lot of people being vaccinated everyone isn't vaccinated therefore you are still capable of getting covid." Public health educator Ashlee Stewart says you aren't fully vaccinated until two weeks after you get your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or two weeks after the one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. "Vaccinations have shown that our numbers are going down so clearly it's working." Stewart says we still need to remain vigilant. "So it's no time to let your guard down it's not time to decide oh I'm just going to rip off this mask, people are vaccinated now. That is really a terrible idea." The Vigo county health department adds, 30 percent of Hoosiers are now fully vaccinated. In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis TN elections 2021: Kamal Haasan announces MNM-SDPI alliance; Allots 18 seats India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Chennai, Mar 10: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) joined hands with radical outfit Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) with the two parties arriving at a seat-sharing pact. Haasan has decided to give 18 seats to the SDPI. As per sources, the outfit had earlier demanded at least 25 seats in the alliance after which it settled for 18. TN elections 2021: Will target anyone who is an 'enemy' to people, says Kamal Haasan Talking to reporters, Tamil Nadu SDPI in-charge Abdul Majeed said that they have demanded 25 seats while Haasan has agreed for 18 seats. Earlier, the BJP condemned it with spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy saying, "This alliance between MNM and SDPI in Tamil Nadu is a highly condemnable one. We've been demanding the ban of SDPI across the nation." Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Earlier, SDPI was in alliance with TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) but party leaders felt that he may align with the BJP or that the BJP is controlling his political plans and for this reason, they were sceptical of forming an alliance with the party. The United States and Ukraine should cooperate on measures to restore Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to deter further Russian aggression. This was said in a joint address by Ukrainian and U.S. politicians, diplomats and experts entitled "Twelve Points to Strengthen the Strategic Partnership between the United States and Ukraine," which was presented during the Kyiv Security Forum organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. "This includes expanding our strategic partnership and defense cooperation, and the United States looking afresh to increase defense assistance with the objective of enhancing Ukrainian capabilities to deter further Russian attacks," the statement reads. The authors of the document noted that the United States should continue to provide lethal defensive assistance to Ukraine, strengthen the Navy, and promote the development of special operations forces, air and coastal defenses. "The United States and Ukraine should also consult on political, diplomatic, and economic steps needed to return Crimea to Ukraine. They should work together to promote internationally the Crimea is Ukraine principle and to ensure that sanctions applied against Russia for its illegal seizure of the peninsula remain in place," the document reads. ish MOBILE, Ala. (AP) Its 2021 Mardi Gras celebration all but a bust because of the coronavirus pandemic, the city of Mobile is considering staging a Carnival-style parade in May after the state's mandatory face mask rule expires. Mayor Sandy Stimpson discussed the possible parade with City Council members during a meeting Tuesday, news outlets reported. The event would be held May 21 to coincide with the commissioning of the USS Mobile, a Navy ship built in the city. Gov. Kay Ivey has said she would let the statewide mask order expire on April 9 because cases of COVID-19 have fallen dramatically and the pace of vaccinations is increasing, although health officials say everyone particularly people who haven't been fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks. Ivey's office announced Wednesday that Alabama's Capitol and Governor's Mansion were reopening immediately in Montgomery for tours, but masks still would be required. Stimpson said pandemic statistics are excellent right now and a celebration more than two months away is feasible. But he said there is still a lot of work to do and that it would be impossible to stage all the city's missed Mardi Gras celebration in one day. Dozens of parades are usually held along the coast during the Carnival season along with balls and other events, but nearly everything was canceled this year to guard against spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. I dont think every Mardi Gras organization wants to put all of their floats into a parade," he said. It may be that an organization can put two or three floats in it. At some point, the parade gets so long we dont have a route long enough to accommodate so many floats. Officials said the pandemic would still have to be taken into account, but City Council member C.J. Small likes the idea. I really believe that there should be a very big event from food trucks, Dauphin Street partying," Small said. I mean very seldom do we have a warm day during Mardi Gras season. Us celebrating in May would be great. Dr. Bernard Eichold, the health officer in Mobile County, said it is too early to know what the status of COVID-19 cases will be in May and the agency recommends following federal safety guidelines, which include mask wearing and limits on crowd sizes. WASHINGTON, DC, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a convoluted process, which included Senate passage on Saturday, the House of Representatives finalized the American Rescue Plan. H.R. 1319 was passed by a vote of 220 to 211, securing nearly $3 billion in set-aside funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This funding, in addition to resources made available to all colleges and universities, will provide stability to the institutions that educate the larger percentages of economically underserved and first-generation college students. I want to thank both the House and Senate for delivering much needed assistance for HBCUs, said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF (United Negro College Fund). The coronavirus pandemic as well as racial reckoning we all experienced in response to the death of George Floyd made us all so intimately familiar with why HBCUs need more resources during this critical time. Our students are more impacted and therefore our institutions are more impacted. Furthermore, our schools have been underfunded since inception, and we are thankful to procure the funding during one of the most unstable times in recent history. I call on President Biden to swiftly sign the legislation into law, as I know he will, and then I call on his Cabinet and administration to move with haste and accuracy to get these resources to our institutions. The America Rescue Plan continues the positive trajectory of additional and much needed resources for HBCUs and our students most in need, said Lodriguez V. Murray, senior vice president for public policy and government affairs, UNCF. The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on African American families has allowed UNCF to make the case to Congress to secure more than $1 billion in March 2020, $1.7 billion in December 2020, and now nearly $3 billion today in resources dedicated solely to HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and MSIs. Additionally, the December 2020 bill also forgave federal loans many HBCUs acquired to improve their campuses. Our hope is that every HBCU weathers this pandemic and emerges stronger. We thank Speaker Pelosi, Whip Clyburn, Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Chairwoman Adams, the Congressional Black Caucus including Chairwoman Beatty, Senator Warnock, Senator Ossoff, Senator Coons, Leader Schumer and others for ensuring the education of HBCU students remains an issue of paramount importance, said Murray. In addition to the $3 billion in set-aside funding for HBCUs, TCUs and MSIs, the additional American Rescue Plan education components include: $40 billion for institutions of higher education to help make up for lost revenue due to the pandemic. Requires institutions to dedicate at least half of their funding for emergency financial aid grants to students to help prevent hunger, homelessness and other hardships facing students as a result of the pandemic. Assures any future student loan forgiveness passed between December 2020 and January 2026 will not be taxable income. $7.1 billion to reimburse schools and libraries central points for connectivity in many communities to purchase equipment such as hotspots, internet service, and computers on behalf of students and patrons. This equipment is essential for students when in-person classes resume, and for hybrid and remote learning. Ensures schools and libraries can quickly access the critical funding by relying on the Federal Communications Commission and its E-rate program to administer the funds equitably. ### About UNCF UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says it is wholly appropriate that Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is the Speaker of Parliament at a "crucial period" in the history of Ghana. Delivering the 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament Tuesday afternoon, President Akufo-Addo said Mr Bagbin has all the qualities to be the Speaker having started as a Parliamentarian on January 7, 1993 and served in all Parliaments since 1993. Eulogizing Mr Bagbin in his introductory remarks, President Akufo-Addo said Mr Bagbin has varied experience of serving as an MP since 1993, a minister of state, "one of the three wise men in a previous [Mahama] government, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament [Jan 7, 2017 - Jan 6, 2021] and now finds himself, in this elevated position of being the third most important person in the governance structure of our country." "It is wholly appropriate that at such a crucial period in the history of our country, my senior in Parliament and I should work together for the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people", President Akufo-Addo said. He wished him well in the discharge of the duties of the high office of Speaker of Parliament. President Akufo-Addo also expressed the hope that a "narrow and parochial party interests" would not dominate the business in Parliament. 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 MIAMI, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Dragon Capital (BDC), a high-performing private equity firm founded and led by a diverse manager and team who have a track-record of outstanding operating and investment success in growth sectors disrupted by digitization, announced that Richard Sussman has joined the firm as a partner. Richard Sussman is an entrepreneur, investor, and corporate executive whose career spans across Technology Media & Telecommunications (TMT) in B2B enterprise software (SaaS and PaaS), B2B & B2B2C product & service offerings and consumer products & electronics. His experience encompasses both operating and investment expertise to high growth technology sectors in emerging markets, U.S., and Europe, and includes running operations, IP, and revenue-generating business units for different billion-dollar companies within the media, data, and technology industries. He has also co-founded two media-tech companies and two venture capital funds tracking top-decile fund performance with a combined portfolio of over 41 companies. Richard is often interviewed and profiled on the state of technology by media publications such as Los Angeles Business Journal, TechCrunch, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and The Los Angeles Times. He is often seen speaking at industry events such as the Goldman Sachs' Special Situations Group, Digital Hollywood, Digital Analytics Association, and the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Sussman will be working on all aspects of Black Dragon Capital investment and fundraising activities and will be working closely with the Dragon Performance Group to optimize the performance of our investments and apply the proprietary Black Dragon Toolkit. "Black Dragon's management is comprised of professionals who have had proven operational and investment success in the sectors we invest in. Richard's remarkable career path is an embodiment of the firm's vision, combined with skills and insights required to build great companies. We are excited to have him as part of our executive management team and look forward to continue building market leading companies together," said Louis Hernandez Jr., Founder and CEO of Black Dragon Capital. Black Dragon Capital is known for its combination of operating and investment experience and making control investments in complicated mid-market technology companies undergoing a digital transformation. The operationally led model is what sets them apart when combined with our transactional expertise. Said Sussman, "I could not be more thrilled to join such a talented team of industry experts and investors. Black Dragon Capital has a distinctive and unique operationally led model with a track record of top decile fund performance. There is a very strong deal flow at BDC which provides opportunity to work on industry-shaping, transformative deals. I am excited to bring to the table my expertise and support the team in their efforts to build great companies." Contact info: Gina Rogoto Black Dragon Capital, LLC [email protected] +1 (305) 539-9415 About Black Dragon Capital Black Dragon Capital ("BDC") is a high-performing private equity firm founded and led by a diverse manager and team who have a track-record of outstanding operating and investment success. They make control investments in mid-market technology companies in growth sectors disrupted by digitization. They work closely with entrepreneurs to build market leading companies using their proprietary Black Dragon Toolkit. They have current assets under management of approximately $400M USD. Learn more at www.blackdragoncap.com . Follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-dragon-capital . SOURCE Black Dragon Capital Related Links https://blackdragoncap.com/ BAGHDAD (AP) Thousands of pilgrims clad in black marched through the streets of Baghdad on Wednesday, part of a weeklong procession to a revered shrine, bypassing barbed wire set up by security forces and spurring fears of another wave of coronavirus on the heels of the papal visit. Crowds of men and women defied the tight security measures imposed by Iraqi authorities to contain the spread of the virus during the annual pilgrimage, expected to reach its peak number of worshippers during the day to commemorate the death of Imam al-Kadhim, a revered figure in Shiite Islam. Also on Wednesday, a grenade was tossed near the Imam Bridge in Baghdad, killing a woman and wounding 11 pilgrims. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. The bridge is located on the Tigris River, connecting the predominately Sunni Adhamiya area to Kadhimiya, which is mostly Shiite. Iraq is in the midst of another wave of the coronavirus, spurred chiefly by a more infectious strain that was first discovered in the U.K. The country has imposed a full lockdown from Friday to Sunday, and partial curfew beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at 5 a.m., for the rest of the week. Non-essential businesses, as well as schools and mosques, are to be closed during this time under the restrictions. But pilgrims have continued on their way to the shrine despite these regulations. The event usually draws millions of pilgrims from around the world each year to Baghdad, to visit the gold-domed shrine containing the imams resting place. Iraqis have continued to disregard safety protocols, with authorities appearing largely unable to enforce them. In central Baghdad, outdoor tea shops are packed with men smoking shisha, or waterpipes, and facemasks are seldom worn. Meanwhile, case numbers are climbing, with new infections surpassing a rate set six months ago. At least 22 people died in Iraq on Tuesday, while 6,410 new infections were recorded over the past 24 hours, according to Health Ministry statistics, topping the previous record of daily new infections of 5,055 on September 23. A visit to Iraq by Pope Francis, which ended on Monday, drew concerns as infectious disease experts had questioned the wisdom of such a trip given Iraqs rising virus case numbers. Crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the pontiff across five provinces, including Baghdad, Ninevah and Irbil where a crowd of 10,000 people attended an open-air mass. Food security is always vital for a large country with 1.4 billion people. China's government work report this year pointed out that the country will keep overall grain output above 650 million metric tons. It is reported that China's grain production maintained 17 consecutive harvests, and the total grain output has been kept above 650 million metric tons in the recent six years. At present, China's per capita food output stands at 474 kilograms, well above the international safety line of 400 kilograms. China has always attached high importance on food security, which led to sound fundamentals of its food production, said deputies and members attending this year's "two sessions," China's top legislative body National People's Congress (NPC) and top political advisory body Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). As long as China fulfills its responsibility in ensuring food security, it will have full control over the food supply, thus guaranteeing healthy economic and social development. To secure food safety calls for support from agricultural technology. Last year, 71 percent of China's crops were harvested by machines, and agricultural technologies contributed 60 percent to China's agriculture. Technologies helped increase the unit production of crops, said Gao Xiangqiu, a deputy to the NPC, who's also the head of a vegetable planting cooperative in Hailun, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. "Modern breeding and planting technologies improved not only the production of agricultural products, but also their quality," he added. Seeds are a foundation of agricultural modernization and key to ensuring food security. The government work report said that China will strengthen the protection and use of germplasm resources and the breeding and application of fine crop varieties, and strive to make key technological breakthroughs in agriculture. At present, over 95 percent of crop areas in China are planted with independently bred varieties, and high-quality crop varieties make up 96 percent of the total. China is self-sufficient in major staple grain supply of wheat and rice. Cultivated land is the essence of food production. According to the government work report, the standards for maintaining high-quality farmland will be raised, and irrigation facilities will be improved. China will enhance the protection of cropland, and resolutely stop any attempt to use it for purposes other than agriculture and specifically grain production. NPC deputy Gong Dingrong, also mayor of Qianjiang, central China's Hubei Province, noted that the total area of Chinas farmland must stay above the red line of 120 million hectares. Besides, the country must implement a policy of balancing the occupation and replenishment of arable land, to practically protect farmland and ensure national food security. In 2021, China is planning to build around 6.67 million hectares of high-standard farmland with guaranteed harvests in drought or flood, as well as stable and high yield, which will improve the quality of cultivated land by 1 to 2 grades in related zones, and average grain production by 10 percent to 20 percent. Today, there are 207 million farmers across China who have contracted farmland, and smallholder farmers still make the major part of agricultural production Gong suggested that the country enhance large-scale agricultural operation with new agricultural business entities, and agricultural service organizations shall help smallholder farmers solve the difficulties in grain production, so as to enhance the quality and efficiency of agricultural production. Aminex PLC - oil and gas explorer focused on Tanzania - Says it has completed the farm-out agreement with joint venture partner ARA Petroleum Tanzania Ltd which has assumed operating of the Ruvuma PSA, in southern Tanzania. Under the agreement, Aminex is carried for its share of the associated field development costs up to USD35 million, equivalent to gross development expenditure of USD140 million. Companies to deliver new 3D seismic survey to provide information helpful in the final planning of the Chikumbi-1 well. The Chikumbi-1 well is planned to spud in early 2022 with mobilisation of the rig and other services planned for the second half of 2021, with first gas from the project is anticipated to occur in September 2024. "The Aminex Board is delighted that activity on the ground in Tanzania is finally taking concrete form and moving us closer to establishing the Field Development Plan whilst enabling the final planning of the Chikumbi-1 well and assist with the location of subsequent wells," Chair Charles Santos says. Current stock price: 0.45 pence Year-to-date change: down 22% By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Integrated with Lantronix's ConsoleFlow management platform, Global connectivity and VPN as a Service, EMG7500 supports business continuity in remote sites and unmanned locations IRVINE, Calif., March 10, 2021, a cost-effective, secure edge management gateway in a small form factor. Designed for use in virtually any type of remote or unmanned site, the EMG7500 is an integrated part of Lantronix's business continuity solution of interlocking hardware, software and value-added services. With the EMG7500, Lantronix is expanding its offering of REM solutions within its EMG familyof Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) products. "As a leader in Out-of-Band Remote Management, Lantronix uniquely understands the challenges of ensuring business continuity across remote locations, branch offices and unmanned sites," said Paul Pickle, CEO of Lantronix Inc. "Lantronix is devoted to bringing to our customers secure and reliable edge management solutions with an integrated suite of software, hardware and connectivity services, which includes the EMG7500 gateway." "The EMG7500 Edge Management Gateway, together with our ConsoleFlow centralized management platform and our Global connectivity and VPN services, provides the same quality, reliability and functionality that customers appreciate in our larger edge gateways," said Jonathan Shipman, vice president of Strategy at Lantronix. "Designed for remote and unmanned sites such as branch offices and operational facilities, the EMG7500's small form factor is perfect for applications where space is limited or at a premium." With its compact design, the EMG7500 is an effective solution alongside critical infrastructure in remote sites, including branch offices, retail stores and unmanned sites such as ATMs and cell towers. Delivering reliable and secure edge management for offsite network device management in a cost-effective and small form factor, the EMG7500 enables remote troubleshooting, resilience and remediation to improve the uptime and efficiency of networks and keep businesses running smoothly. Features include: An integrated automatic fail-over/fail-back mechanism that allows EMG users to connect to network equipment even when the primary network connection is congested or unresponsive Network Performance Monitoring with support of IPSLA simulation traffic to ensure continuous and reliable network communication and help mitigate Lights Out scenarios Centralized Management with Lantronix's ConsoleFlow (https://www.lantronix.com/consoleflow/) on-premises and cloud-based management platform delivering a single pane of glass to view all deployed Lantronix edge management gateways and connected IT equipment Global and Carrier Connectivity and VPN as a Service security options tailored to the unique requirements of each remote site Mobile access from any iOS or Android platform for secure remote access to IT equipment Lantronix's EMG family also includes the EMG8500, which offers Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) and the same features and benefits in a slightly larger form factor. About Lantronix Lantronix Inc. is a global provider of Software as a Service (SaaS), connectivity services, engineering services, intelligent hardware solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Remote Environment Management (REM). Lantronix enables its customers to provide reliable and secure IoT Intelligent Edge and OOBM solutions while accelerating time to market. Lantronix's products and services dramatically simplify the creation, development, deployment and management of IoT projects while providing quality, reliability and security across hardware, software and solutions. With three decades of proven experience in creating robust IoT technologies and OOBM solutions, Lantronix is an innovator in enabling its customers to build new business models, leverage greater efficiencies and realize the possibilities of the Internet of Things. Lantronix's solutions are deployed inside millions of machines at data centers, offices, and remote sites serving a wide range of industries, including energy, agriculture, medical, security, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, retail, financial, environmental and government. Lantronix is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. For more information, visit www.lantronix.com. Learn more at the Lantronix blog, www.lantronix.com/blog, featuring industry discussion and updates. To follow Lantronix on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/Lantronix. View our video library on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LantronixIncor connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/lantronix. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements related to our solutions, technologies and products as well as the Edge Management Gateway and ConsoleFlow products, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our employees, supply and distribution chains, and the global economy; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 11, 2020, including in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of such report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 2021 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark, and EMG and ConsoleFlow are trademarks of Lantronix Inc. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Lantronix Media Contact: Gail Kathryn Miller Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager media@lantronix.com 949-453-7158 Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact: Jeremy Whitaker Chief Financial Officer investors@lantronix.com 949-450-7241 Lantronix Sales: sales@lantronix.com Americas +1 (800) 422-7055 (US and Canada) or +1 949-453-3990 Europe, Middle East and Africa +31 (0)76 52 36 744 Asia Pacific + 852 3428-2338 China + 86 21-6237-8868 Japan +81 (0) 50-1354-6201 India +91 994-551-2488 Credit: South Ural State University (SUSU) A team of Russian scientists from South Ural State University and their Egyptian colleagues make healthy functional food products. Bread and drinks rich in iron and protein help treat anemia, and the other minerals they contain boost the immune system. Articles on the creation and benefits of functional foods were published in the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation and Plants. An international team of scientists led by professor Sobhi Akhmed Azab Al-Sukhaimi makes food and drinks for better health and saturation. Though functional food products are quite common now, in Russia, this field of biotechnology is not well-developed yet. To switch consumer habits to healthy food from fast food and unhealthy food, the researchers of the Department of Technology and Catering Organization try to make new healthy food. Health in a bottle Recent developments by scientists aim at combating anemia and malnutrition. These painful conditions are common in the modern world, and you can get rid of them by drinking, for example, functional drinks. Under the leadership of Professor Al-Suhaimi, a team of researchers created and tested fermented beetroot juice to treat and prevent anemia. The juice is a mixture of beet extract, milk, and bacterial strains called probiotics. A fermented drink has not been created before this research. The development of scientists from SUSU and the University of Alexandria (Egypt) differs from other functional beet drinks by a sour taste, like kefir. "One should bear in mind that we are not creating a medicine, but a natural functional food product. However, this juice can make up for the lack of iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium in the body. One serving of the drink will contain the whole rate of minerals. Its carbohydrate content is low. Fermented juice will help to overcome anemia and to improve digestion due to probiotics, " Sobhi Ahmed Azab Al-Suhaimi, professor of the Department of Technology and Organization of Public Catering at the Institute of Sports, Tourism and Service said. "Iron" bread Quinoa bread is another development of the SUSU research team. The flour from this pseudo-grain was added to the wheat flour. Experimentally, the scientists have found that with a ratio of up to 30%, the bakery product retains the nutritional elements of quinoa. In such an amount (30%), quinoa has not previously been used for baking bread. The scientists say the content of amino acids in bread has increased threefold, iron fourfold, and there are also more vitamins and minerals. Three hundred grams of such bread a day will allow a person to replenish the norm of all nutrients contained in the product one hundred grams guarantee the same result in combination with other "rich" products, meat or eggs. "First and foremost, in this study, we focused on the needs of pregnant women and children, who often suffer from anemia and malnutrition. The bread we offer will help them cope with these problems. Also, despite the addition of quinoa, the price of bread will be acceptable, which means that even people with low income will be able to buy it," Professor Al-Suhaimi explained. Products on the counter Industrial analysis of these innovative food products was carried out by South Ural State University in cooperation with the University of Alexandria and the City of Scientific Research in Alexandria. The scientists hope that the fermented beet juice and quinoa bread appear on the shelves of grocery stores. Professor Al-Suhaimi hopes to continue the cooperation with Russian enterprises. Research of the health benefits of quinoa and beetroot extract continues. The research team is working to create other innovative food products from the same ingredients. Explore further Food scientists 'upcycle' unsold bread into tasty probiotic drink and cuts food waste More information: Eman Abdo et al. Nutritional Evaluation of Beetroots (Beta vulgaris L.) and Its Potential Application in a Functional Beverage, Plants (2020). Eman Abdo et al. Nutritional Evaluation of Beetroots (Beta vulgaris L.) and Its Potential Application in a Functional Beverage,(2020). DOI: 10.3390/plants9121752 Sobhy ElSohaimy A. et al. Development and characterization of functional pan bread supplemented with quinoa flour, Journal of Food Processing and Preservation (2020). DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.15180 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Whenever Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup has trouble on his mind he laces up his joggers and goes for a run. A Spotify playlist blasts Cardi B and the scenery melts around him as he leaves behind the worries of the day, getting into a rhythm and pounding the pavement until the point of exhaustion. On Tuesday morning, with four days left until the 2021 West Australian election, he says even the sporadic running sessions he manages to squeeze in to the frantic schedule of a Liberal leader anointed in the middle of an election campaign have not been able to stop his brain whirring. I think I had four hours sleep last night; I cant switch off at the moment, Kirkup says. The interesting thing for me is Im not thinking about one thing in particular, its just this constant on. Ive only got four days to go and ultimately the most important thing is we keep on fighting and Ive got to keep that going. Standing casually outside the Falcon early voting station handing out how-to-vote cards, Kirkup admits half jokingly it still did not seem like the worst idea at times to pull a Forrest Gump and go for a run with no pre-determined destination. Advertisement Sometimes I wouldnt mind that, let me tell you, he says. Kirkup, 34, may be physically fit but the strain of heading an opposition campaign for 109 days in which his party faces a potential generational wipe-out, and his own seat of Dawesville could flip, takes a toll. Labors Dawesville candidate Lisa Munday and Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup at a pre-polling station in Falcon on Tuesday. Credit:Peter de Kruijff The first-term MP has not been able to see his parents since before Christmas but had just got a text while at the Falcon pre-poll from his mum checking in on him. Efforts to sandbag his own marginal seat, which he won by just 343 votes in 2017, and still get around WA to support other candidates, has stretched him thin and left little time for family catch-ups. He tries not to think about it too much and just focus on the election as the internal questions of whether he will still have a seat or not after March 13 get shoved to one side. For better or for worse I think I am pushing it off, Kirkup says. Advertisement People ask me ... here at polling places or the media asks you What are you going to do on the Sunday? and I actually cant see that. The horizon for me is just Saturday. Kirkup will be hoping history is on his side, given most losing WA opposition leaders in recent decades have registered a positive bump at the polls on election day. In 1996, the Geoff Gallop-led Labor opposition urged the public to lodge a protest vote three days out from the polls when it looked like the Liberals were going to be elected in a landslide. Gallop got a three-point two-party preferred increase in his own seat. The Liberals in 2021 have taken a similar line warning West Australians about the danger of giving popular Premier Mark McGowan total control as a way of saving votes. Advertisement The main difference between Kirkup and his predecessors, however, is they had safe seats as a buffer and did not need to spend as much time looking after their own backyard. And being opposition leader does not necessarily guarantee extra votes, as Labors Colin Jamieson found out in 1977. After just 10 months as Labor leader, Jamieson suffered a -7.9 two-party preferred swing against him when he faced off with one of the great state-building premiers, Charles Court, during an apathetic election. The voters went with stability as the Liberals campaigned to keep the West in firm hands, a slogan which bears a remarkable resemblance to pandemic-era Labors motto to keep WA strong. The strength of the WA response in stopping the virus spreading through the state was what motivated paramedic of 20 years Lisa Munday to nominate as Labors candidate for Dawesville. Ms Munday was one of the frontline workers who had seen the effects of COVID-19 first-hand after helping transport sick former passengers from the ill-fated Ruby Princess cruise ship, which was at the centre of an Australia-wide cluster in the early days of the pandemic. She has been doorknocking for six months, aided by Labors red army of volunteers and many of her paramedic colleagues and friends for her first big campaign. Advertisement Were determined, were just focused on the job and hopefully the constituents will see Mark McGowan is doing a great job, Munday says as she handed out flyers a few metres from her opponent in Falcon. Ive had a lot of people who have felt really safe with Mark McGowan, and me being his voice down here, theyre saying, Well give you that opportunity as well, even though Im not well known. Election promises in Mandurah and Dawesville have been plentiful in the past 15 weeks as the two major parties have been duelling with commitments for the region, including bridge and hospital upgrades. What the voters will decide is hard to read. Dawesville has one of the oldest demographics in WA, meaning many residents are highly vulnerable if they catch COVID-19. There is an element of voters wanting to reward McGowan for his pandemic response but during the three hours Kirkup was in Falcon on Tuesday there were still plenty of rusted-ons who would only take Liberal voting cards and would stop to give the Opposition Leader their best. Kirkup also took heart from one man who claimed to be a lifelong Labor voter and said McGowans talk last week of keeping some border measures post-pandemic meant he would vote Liberal instead. Advertisement The White House confirmed Tuesday that Biden family dogs Major and Champ have been banished from the White House for a doggie time out in Delaware after Major caused a "minor injury" to someone he didn't know. White House press secretary Jen Psaki explained that the German shepherds "are still getting acclimated and accustomed to their new surroundings and new people." She said the Biden's younger dog Major, who is about three years old, "was surprised by an unfamiliar person" and "acted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual." Psaki said the incident was handled by the White House medical team with no further treatment needed. She said plans were already in place to send the dogs to Delaware for care while Biden's wife, Jill, traveled this week to Washington state and California. Major burst onto the national scene late last year after Biden broke a bone in his right foot when he slipped during playtime with the dog at their home near Wilmington. The Bidens adopted the dog in 2018 from the Delaware Humane Association. They got Champ, who at age 13 is less spry and likely calmer, from a breeder. He joined the family after Joe Biden was elected vice president in 2008. On a separate topic, the White House refused to confirm that there are any plans for a U.S.-China summit or diplomatic meeting in Alaska. Psaki said she has seen those reports but currently has "no details finalized or confirmed at this point." (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The dad who drowned after a boating accident on the River Barrow in Kildare last Sunday week has been remembered as a man who gave his life so that his son could live. Declan Reid (34), had been boating with his eight-year-old son at Ardreigh Lock near Athy beside his old family home at around 3pm on February 28 when their boat overturned. Mr Reid managed to keep his son afloat and raise the alarm, and a young man, Scott McQuaid (23), who was passing-by jumped in and made it back to the riverbank after rescuing the boy. But when he went back to save Declan he could not be seen. Read More Mr Reids father Paul jumped into the river in a frantic effort to find his son but by then the current is believed to have swept him downstream, and he was forced to retreat back to the safety of the riverbank. After days of searching by Gardai, the Civil Defence, and scores of volunteers, Declans body was eventually found on Saturday last. At his funeral this morning in St Peter The Apostle Church, in Dublins Neilstown, the priest paid tribute to Declan as a hero who will be remembered for his selfless act before his death. Meanwhile, Declans sister Roisin has paid tribute to all the people involved in the search for his body and for bringing him home to them. She thanked all those who had searched the riverbed and banks for nearly a week until her brothers body was found. Everybody was fantastic. I was assured that nobody would stop until Declan was found. The search effort left us in awe of all those people that helped, she said. Many of those who searched were volunteers from far away who rang their workplaces and told them they would not be in work because they were searching for Declan. We couldnt believe their dedication and we thank them for it, she added. Garda divers were joined by more than 80 members of the Civil Defence from Kildare, Laois,Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Dublin, and local kayakers, in the coordinated searches. If we asked for any area to be searched a second time it would be done for our peace of mind. We just cant thank people enough, said Roisin. Speaking about Scott McQuaid, who jumped into the river and brought the young boy to safety, Roisin said he is a hero in their eyes. He saved my nephew, my godson. He will always be a hero to us, she explained. Roisin said Declans son, who was brought to hospital following his ordeal in the water, is now back home. He is only eight and we will be guided by him in how he deals with this, she said, adding that he is old enough to know what has happened but young enough to maybe not fully understand it. Declans partner Fiona is expecting their first child together in the coming months. The couple lived in Clondalkin. Declans family home is right beside the river where the tragedy took place, and the family live in the house that used to be the lock keepers home. Ardreigh Lock is positioned where the Grand Canal meets the Barrow and is now a popular walking trail. Last April, the Washington Post's Josh Rogin revealed that in January 2018, the US Embassy in Beijing "took the unusual step of repeatedly sending US science diplomats to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)," and subsequently sent two official warnings back to Washington about "inadequate safety at the lab." Now, Rogin is out with a new book; "Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century," where he offers a 10,000-foot view of the evidence implicating the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also confirming that the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) - headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, "had funded a number of projects that involved WIV scientists, including much of the Wuhan lab's work with bat coronaviruses." The punchline hasn't changed; if one simply connects the dots and applies a modicum of logic, the fact that COVID-19 emerged "on the doorstep of the lab that possessed one of the world's largest collections of bat coronaviruses and that possessed the closest known relative of SARS-CoV-2," after years of performing so-called "gain-of-function" research modifying animal viruses to better infect humans (and which the Obama administration banned in October 2014 in the United States), and you have American diplomats reporting that they were "shocked" that Chinese researchers "didn't have enough properly trained technicians to safely operate their BSL-4 lab," and the likelihood of COVID-19 having escaped from WIV seems like a foregone conclusion. The Wuhan Institute of Virology had openly participated in gain-of-function research in partnership with U.S. universities and institutions. But the official told me the U.S. government had evidence that Chinese labs were performing gain-of-function research on a much larger scale than was publicly disclosed, meaning they were taking more risks in more labs than anyone outside China was aware of. This insight, in turn, fed into the lab-accident hypothesis in a new and troubling way. -Josh Rogin book excerpt, via Politico Rogin also notes that in July 2020, a little-noticed study by a group of Chinese researchers in Beijing, "including several affiliated with the Academy of Military Medical Science," who said they had created a new model for studying SARS-CoV-2 "by creating mice with human-like lung characteristics by using the CRISPR gene-editing technology to give the mice lung cells with the human ACE2 receptor - the receptor that allowed coronaviruses to so easily infect human lungs." After consultations with experts, some U.S. officials came to believe this Beijing lab was likely conducting coronavirus experiments on mice fitted with ACE2 receptors well before the coronavirus outbreakresearch they hadnt disclosed and continued not to admit to. In its January 15 statement, the State Department alleged that although the Wuhan Institute of Virology disclosed some of its participation in gain-of-function research, it has not disclosed its work on RaTG13 and has engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments, on behalf of the Chinese military since at least 2017. That, by itself, did not help to explain how SARS-CoV-2 originated. But it was clear that officials believed there was a lot of risky coronavirus research going on in Chinese labs that the rest of the world was simply not aware of. -Josh Rogin "This was just a peek under a curtain of an entire galaxy of activity, including labs and military labs in Beijing and Wuhan playing around with coronaviruses in ACE2 mice in unsafe labs," a senior US official told Rogin. "It suggests we are getting a peek at a body of activity that isnt understood in the West or even has precedent here." As a result of China's 'pattern of deception and obfuscation,' about their COVID research, some Trump administration officials became increasingly convinced that CCP officials were manipulating scientific data to fit their narrative. The problem, however, is that there was so little transparency from Beijing that it was impossible for US officials to prove whether SARS-CoV-2 came from a Chinese lab or not. "If there was a smoking gun, the CCP [Communist Party of China] buried it along with anyone who would dare speak up about it," a US official told Rogin. "Well probably never be able to prove it one way or the other, which was Beijings goal all along." Read the entire excerpt here. Help India! The Gadia Lohar population has been widely ignored by central and state policies and has been unable to take advantage of government programs. Owing to the uncertainty of their socio-economic and official status and the resulting lack of caste certificates, the Gadia Lohars are also unable to profit from other disadvantaged community schemes. Suchitra, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Ghaziabad: Pammi, 65, and his family sit among the ruins of his basti after a demolition drive took his home. He is a member of the Gadia Lohar nomadic community in a slum settlement of Bhovapur Basti, about a kilometre away from where the Ghazipur protest site is located. In October 2020, The Allahabad High Court stopped the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) from demolishing a slum in Ghaziabad, stating that the State should have provided a location for the occupants to be rehabilitated before they were evicted and their homes were demolished, especially during a pandemic. The order came in after GDA had demolished about 225 houses. However, the GDA went ahead and demolished the houses anyway after filing a counter-affidavit with the Court; even though the court did not direct them to move ahead with the demolitions. About 100 households were rendered homeless by this action, amid the pandemic and bitter cold. These families belong to the Gadia Lohar community, a denotified-nomadic tribe. Gadia Lohars have been historically oppressed and marginalized in India. In India, almost 89 per cent of denotified tribes and 98 per cent of nomadic/semi-nomadic groups are landless. 57 per cent of the population lacks access to public facilities and utilities such as clean drinking water, sanitation, and electricity, as well as access to and benefits from public services. The Gadia Lohar population has been widely ignored by central and state policies and has been unable to take advantage of government programs. Owing to the uncertainty of their socio-economic and official status and the resulting lack of caste certificates, the Gadia Lohars are also unable to profit from other disadvantaged community schemes. Unlike many DNT-NT who are classified under the ST bracket, they can be classified as OBC, MBC, or DNT-NT depending upon the state. In Delhi, they are characterized as OBC. Pammis family lives in Bhovapur, they are all married and have children. Pammi used to work as a blacksmith (Lohar). Last year his son passed away. The young children, now fatherless, were dealing with the loss of education amid a pandemic. We constantly live in the fear of eviction. The children have fever and cold all the timethe weather is really bad. The government is very heartless, says Pammi. There is a big mosquito problem here. We were told that we can build the basti when the canal next to us is covered, and we were really happy that both the water source and the housing problem will be solved at once. However, nobody ever acted on it, says Suneel. The slum-dwellers dont have smartphones to provide online education to their kids. Even mobile users documented running out of cash to recharge their phones or pay for data/internet connections. Since March 2020, community children have relied solely on school-assigned homework for their education. After the basti was demolished, the kids do not have a place to sleep in. They sleep under the open sky. The Bhovapur residents say they didnt even receive a notice. Some residents remove the settlement when the officials come and put it back when they want to sleep. Suneel is a driver, but his father and his 6 uncles are all Lohars. The women, dressed in their traditional attire, are speaking in their language. The language doesnt have a name and is endangered. We have to go use the public bathroom every time we need to go and pay Rs 5 every time! Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has not surveyed or recognised the majority of Gadia Lohar settlements in Delhi. Only four colonies are listed in the DUSIB list of JJ settlements. The majority of Gadia Lohar communities are kutcha (temporary) structures. The unrecognized status of most Gadia Lohar settlements renders the residents ineligible for resettlement or permanent housing under the Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, including after incidents of forced eviction. The Housing and Land Rights Networks report Mapping the Marginalized focuses on rehabilitation for DNT-NT groups in India. In the report about Gadia Lohars, 55 of the 58 surveyed slums have reported forced evictions. These evictions pan out between 1991-2017, and in none of these evictions was the community consulted, informed or compensated. Every time we are removed from our home, I lose out on my books, my identity proofs, my school days. Why dont people understand? Last year, in the elections, I heard Jahan jhuggi wahin makaan, what does that mean now? a 15-year-old says. The central governments Swachh Bharat Mission has not reached most members of the Gadia Lohar community. How can families focus on constructing toilets in households, but the Gadia Lohars do not have a permanent place to live, Dev Pal, field researcher of Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN), said. The Gadia Lohar community faces a threat of eviction all over the regions of Delhi-NCR, and the slums are demolished over and over again with no promise of rehabilitation. The HLRN demands that the government should take cognizance of all Gadia Lohar communities, engage with them to provide them housing rightsensure that they have access to government schemes, and for that, valid identity proofs. We are tired, beta. So many times we have been removed from here. We would just like a roof over our heads from the government, says Pammi. Five kimberlites have been discovered to date within the Loki project area, all of which were confirmed as diamond bearing Loki is located 40 kilometres from the Diavik diamond operation and 35 kilometres southwest of the Ekati diamond mine in the region (CVE:NAR) (OTCMKTS:NHAWF) revealed a new compelling drill target from its Loki project in the Lac de Gras region of the Northwest Territories, home to some of the worlds leading diamond deposits. The Vancouver-based company said the target lies at the head of a regional kimberlite indicator mineral train on the property, which is located 40 kilometres from the Diavik diamond operation and 35 kilometres southwest of the Ekati diamond mine in the region. Five kimberlites have been discovered to date within the Loki project area, all of which were confirmed as diamond bearing. In a release Tuesday, North Arrow said it had identified the target thanks to initial results from a recently-completed ground geophysics program that included gravity surveys of the north Loki area as well as kimberlite EG05. Initial results from the survey outline an elongate gravity low anomaly that spans over 400 metres in length and 100 metres width. The anomalys amplitude is similar in strength to gravity anomalies associated with some of the known kimberlites in the region, including EG05, the company said. The target is found at the up-ice termination of a prominent and unsourced regional kimberlite indicator mineral anomaly that forms part of what has historically been known as the South Coppermine Train, North Arrow told investors. CEO Ken Armstrong told shareholders that the size of the anomaly and its location near the regional kimberlite indicator mineral train make it a compelling drill target. Past drilling has tested other targets in the area, but not the anomaly itself, Armstrong said. North Arrow is actively looking at potential timing and logistics of drilling the target this spring to test for a kimberlite bedrock source. Diamond portfolio North Arrow has a portfolio of diamond exploration opportunities in Canada, including the Q1-4 diamond deposit at the Naujaat project, where funding is in place for a $5.6-million, 2,000 tonne bulk sample in 2021. In addition to Naujaat and Loki, the company is also evaluating kimberlite fields at the Mel and Pikoo projects and exploring for additional kimberlites in the LDG joint venture. North Arrow also has a 100% interest in the Hope Bay Oro gold project in Nunavut. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Congressman Brad Sherman, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, in powerful remarks submitted to the Congressional Record, condemned the Azerbaijani massacres of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku, and he commemorated those who were killed during those pogroms, Asbarez reported. Below is part of the text of Shermans statement. I stand in solidarity with the Armenian American community in commemorating the pogroms against Armenians in the cities of Sumgait (February 27-29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21-27, 1988) and Baku (January 13-19, 1990). Thirty-three years ago, in the Azerbaijani town of Sumgait, peaceful Armenian residents were brutally targeted on the basis of their ethnicity and subjected to unspeakable crimes. The New York Times reported Armenians being hunted down and an account of a pregnant Armenian woman, who had been disemboweled. The U.S. Senate passed an amendment in July of 1989, noting that even the Soviet government had termed the murder of Armenians in Sumgait a pogrom. The Sumgait Pogroms were the beginning of an escalation of violence against the Armenian minority, with a wave of anti-Armenian violence spreading to Kirovabad in November 1988 and to Baku in January 1990, which culminated in the forcible expulsion of 390,000 Armenians from Azerbaijan and the 1991-94 war over Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Unfortunately, Azeri attacks against Armenian civilians have only continued. In its latest bout of aggression against Armenia and Artsakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan carried out indiscriminate attacks against civilians. A report by Human Rights Watch found that Azeri forces used inherently indiscriminate cluster munitions and artillery rockets or other weapons that did not distinguish between military targets and civilian objects. Multiple strikes hit residential homes in less than a minute, suggesting bombardment of civilian areas. Today, Armenians are still held captive in Azerbaijan, with no planned date to be returned to Armenia. Armenian prisoners of war have been subjected to physical beatings and other inhumane treatment at the hand of Azerbaijan. The government of Azerbaijan must be held accountable by the international community, and I will continue to work in Congress to shed light on and learn the lessons of such past and present atrocities. ADVERTISEMENT The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has advised residents to use a face mask in public regularly to avoid been infected with the second wave of COVID-19. The Public Relations Officer of the authority, Olumide Filade, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. According to Mr Filade, it is not only LASTMA that is saddled with the responsibility of arresting passengers without the use of face mark, but all other law enforcement agencies. As long as you come to the public space, you are supposed to put on your nose mark. Everything stated out in the guidelines is just for us to be protected from been infected with COVID-19. Let us remember that the second wave of COVID-19 is deadlier than the first wave. So we need to keep safe at all times. We need to keep safe as long as we come to public space, he said. Mr Filade said that anybody arrested without using a face mark in public space would be charged to court. (NAN) Press Release 10 March 2021 American Express (NYSE: AXP) released the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report today, which provides unique insight into consumer sentiment toward travel nearly one year after the COVID-19 pandemic began. The findings in the report, grounded in survey research across seven countries, including the United States, Australia, India, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom1, demonstrates that consumers are looking forward to traveling again and that they are planning for future trips. Advertisements Top insights include: Strong Pent-Up Demand for Travel : 87% of people surveyed said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to, 76% of respondents are creating their destination wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet and 63% of respondents said that they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling. : 87% of people surveyed said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to, 76% of respondents are creating their destination wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet and 63% of respondents said that they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling. Ready to Book Now: 56% of respondents said that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip now even if they might have to cancel it in the future. 56% of respondents said that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip now even if they might have to cancel it in the future. Rise of The Digital Nomad: 54% of respondents said that the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic. 54% of respondents said that the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic. Safety is a Priority: 65% of respondents said they plan to travel after they and their family members have received a vaccine for COVID-19. 65% of respondents said they plan to travel after they and their family members have received a vaccine for COVID-19. Privacy is the New Ultimate Luxury: 75% of respondents agree that the experiences that offer ultimate privacy is becoming a key sought-after feature of luxury travel. 75% of respondents agree that the experiences that offer ultimate privacy is becoming a key sought-after feature of luxury travel. Increase in Sustainable Travel: 68% of respondents agree they are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support. "Our latest global trends report shows that there is a pent-up demand for travel among consumers, with many people longing for and beginning to plan future trips," said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. "In addition, the pandemic environment is giving rise to emerging trends, such as the increasing appeal of working from anywhere while traveling globally, luxury being defined as more personalized experiences, cleanliness and privacy as the ultimate luxury amenities, as well as a growing interest in the environmental and social purpose of their trips and travel companies." Here's a look at key findings from the report: CONSUMERS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELING AGAIN People are finding hope and comfort in thinking about and even planning future trips. Travel to Uplift Health & Wellness: 78% of respondents indicate wanting to travel in 2021 to relieve the stresses from 2020. 78% of respondents indicate wanting to travel in 2021 to relieve the stresses from 2020. Planning and Paying for Future Travel: One in three say they will more frequently use travel credits or points to pay for all or part of a trip in 2021 than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. One in three say they will more frequently use travel credits or points to pay for all or part of a trip in 2021 than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Making Up for Missed Travel: 61% of survey respondents plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020. 61% of survey respondents plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020. Consumers Willing to Make Sacrifices to Travel: 64% of respondents miss traveling so much that they would be willing to give up social media for a month to be able to go on vacation. 64% of respondents miss traveling so much that they would be willing to give up social media for a month to be able to go on vacation. Culinary Tourism is Here to Stay: 62% of respondents say that eating is the top activity they are interested in doing while traveling, and American Express Travel booking data for January 2021 shows foodie centric cities as top destinations for U.S. and International Card Members. Miami, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston are hot spots for U.S. American Express Card Members2 whereas Mexico City, Singapore and Tokyo are topping the list for International American Express Card Members3. THE NEW TRAVEL MINDSET With regular changes to booking policies, travel offers, and new destinations to consider, there is a new travel mindset today. Luxury Travel: The pandemic has changed peoples' perception of luxury travel with personalized experiences (82%), high cleanliness standards (81%) and privacy (79%) being the most desirable luxury amenities among respondents 1 . 59% indicate that they want to use a travel agent to help plan and customize their next trip and 80% indicate they are willing to travel to destinations during the offseason so that it's less crowded. The pandemic has changed peoples' perception of luxury travel with personalized experiences (82%), high cleanliness standards (81%) and privacy (79%) being the most desirable luxury amenities among respondents . 59% indicate that they want to use a travel agent to help plan and customize their next trip and 80% indicate they are willing to travel to destinations during the offseason so that it's less crowded. Surge in 'Second-City' Destinations: 69% of respondents are interested in visiting lesser-known destinations and American Express Travel booking data reinforces this trend, showing a rise in reservations for second-city destinations. For example, Dallas and Charlotte saw a higher share of bookings from International Card Members in January 2021 than the previous year4 and American Express Travel consultants are seeing requests for smaller cities like Porto (instead of Lisbon) in Portugal, and Wellington (instead of Auckland) in New Zealand. TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE Consumers are becoming more conscious travelers, are more aware of travel companies aligned with their values and will journey to destinations where they can have a positive impact on communities. Backing Local Communities: 72% of respondents agree that they are passionate about traveling to destinations to help boost tourism revenue and the local economy 1 . 72% of respondents agree that they are passionate about traveling to destinations to help boost tourism revenue and the local economy . Supporting Travel Brands that Prioritize Diversity & Inclusion: 69% of respondents agree that they want to choose an airline/hotel that values diversity and inclusion, and whose employees reflect a diverse customer base. 69% of respondents agree that they want to choose an airline/hotel that values diversity and inclusion, and whose employees reflect a diverse customer base. Carbon Conscious Travelers: 60% of respondents agree they want to book airlines that have a carbon neutral commitment. American Express Travel's 4,500 travel consultants provide customers with world-class service, where high-tech meets high-touch support, 24/7. To give customers more value and confidence whenever they're ready to travel, the company has rolled out a number of discounts and offers across hotel, air and car rentals and extended American Express Travel cancellation fee waivers through the end of September. To find out more visit AmexTravel.com. For additional findings and more information on the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report, visit here. AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL: GLOBAL TRAVEL TRENDS REPORT METHODOLOGY 1 This Amex Trendex online poll was conducted by Morning Consult between January 15-24, 2021 among a national sample of 1,000 travelers in Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico and the U.K., and 2,000 in the U.S. $70k+ USD household income (HHI) equivalent in Australia, Canada, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S., $50k+ USD equivalent HHI in Mexico, and $20k+ USD equivalent household income in India. Travelers defined as adults who traveled by air at least once in 2019. Results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points in the U.S.; plus or minus 3 percentage points in the other countries. 2 Based on U.S. Card Member flight and hotel bookings made through American Express Travel in January 2021 3 Based on International Card Member flight and hotel bookings made through American Express Travel in January 2021 4Based on International Card Member hotel and air bookings made through American Express Travel in January 2021 compared to January 2020. There is a 50 per cent chance Daniel Andrews will require surgery to treat his serious spinal injuries, a government source says. The Victorian premier could be off work for three months if the operation goes ahead, with his recovery expected to take between six and 12 weeks. The 48-year-old slipped on wet stairs and cracked multiple ribs and injured the T7 vertebrae while getting ready for work at a rented holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday morning. A government source said there remains a '50-50 chance' Mr Andrews will require surgery. The procedure would involve inserting screws or pins into his spine. A decision will be made by doctors later in the week, the source added. A government source has anonymously revealed there is more than a 50 per cent chance Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) will need surgery to treat serious injuries But the head of the intensive care unit where Mr Andrews is recovering said on Wednesday night there were no immediate plans for him to go under the knife. A team of intensive care and trauma specialists at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne have developed a treatment plan for the politician - and a top doctor said he is in a stable condition. 'Mr Andrews is comfortable and his pain is well-controlled,' Alfred's Director of Intensive Care Unit Associate Professor Steve McGloughlin said in a statement. 'A multidisciplinary team including intensive care, trauma and orthopaedic specialists has developed a treatment plan, along with the Andrews family. 'Mr Andrews has sustained some serious injuries, and his condition is being monitored closely. At this stage there is no immediate plan for surgery.' Mr Andrews tweeted the statement, saying: 'Heartfelt thanks to the entire team at The Alfred Hospital for taking such good care of me. We're so very grateful.' The head of the intensive care unit at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has confirmed his injuries are serious, but said he is in a stable condition and there are no immediate plans for surgery Mr Andrews could be off work for three months after hurting himself in a fall, as surgeons reveal the recovery period would be between six to twelve weeks. Pictured: Alfred Hospital where the premier is recovering Deputy Premier James Merlino has taken over Mr Andrews' role until he recovers. Mr Andrews was placed in intensive care after scans revealed he had sustained multiple 'serious' injuries after his fall, before he was moved to the specialist trauma centre at Alfred hospital in Melbourne on Tuesday night. The Victorian premier's office initially said the fall was 'concerning' but the leader had not suffered any head injuries. But a statement from Mr Andrews that afternoon revealed that injuries uncovered by a CT scan were worse than first thought. Mr Andrews had been due to attend a press conference on Tuesday morning and would have travelled from the holiday home to attend. Daniel Andrews has fractured his T7 vertebrae (pictured), which is in the middle of his spine Pictured: Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine (left). Mr Andrews said his wife and children were grateful to paramedics for supporting his family after the fall 'Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,' he said on Tuesday. 'A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days. 'I hope to be able to provide another update later this week. For now, we'd like to ask that our family's privacy is respected.' He added that his wife Catherine and their three children Grace, Noah and Joseph were grateful to paramedics who 'showed such care and kindness to our family this morning'. The state leader thanked friends and colleagues who sent messages of support throughout the day, and hopes to provide another update later this week. A statement from Mr Andrews on Tuesday revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan (pictured) Sustainable Materials Make a Play for the Vegan Leather Market Chemical & Engineering News Throughout history, leather has been a popular material for clothes and many other goods. However, the tanning process and use of livestock mean that it has a large environmental footprint, leading consumers and manufacturers alike to seek out alternatives. An article in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, details how sustainable materials are giving traditional leather a run for its money. Traditional leather goods are known for their durability, flexibility and attractive finish, with a global market worth billions, writes Associate Editor Craig Bettenhausen. Despite leathers popularity, the modern tanning process uses potentially harmful chemicals and creates a large amount of wastewater. In addition, most hides come from the meat and dairy industries, which have sustainability problems. Leather-like materials, often called vegan leather, are gaining traction among high-end manufacturers, defying the negative perceptions of synthetic pleather. These leather alternatives are made from an array of base materials, including plants, mushrooms and even fish skin, each with a unique take on sustainable production. Plant-based materials are currently the most advanced leather mimics because of their straightforward manufacturing process, which combines inexpensive natural fibers and polymers that are rolled into sheets. A company based in Mexico has created a leather made from prickly pear cactus, which is ground into a powder and combined with a biobased polyurethane. Mushroom leather mimics the texture of cowhide leather very well, but production needs to scale up substantially to make an impact. Although not a vegan alternative, fish skin is poised to replace exotic leathers such as snake and alligator skin. Cell-culture leather is also in early development, which could disrupt the traditional leather market even further. Experts are confident that these materials are viable alternatives, and manufacturers plan to scale up their efforts going forward. A new victims commissioner may not be appointed for another six months at least, the First and Deputy First Ministers have said. Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill were responding to questions from Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson. They said officials are "preparing the comprehensive documentation required to begin the recruitment process" for the new Commissioner. The post, formerly held by Judith Thompson, has been vacant for almost seven months. It emerged last July that her contract would not be renewed, and she departed in August, however, progress in appointing a successor has stalled. In their answer, Mrs Foster and Ms O'Neill said the documentation will then be submitted for their "consideration shortly and will allow us to progress to the next stage of the recruitment exercise". They added: "As the process will run in compliance with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments it may take up to six months to complete." Last night victims' groups expressed dismay at the latest delay. Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) said it was "disappointing". Advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said: "We knew for months that the outgoing Victims and Survivors Commissioner would not have her contract extended, yet it seems little or no preparatory work was done to set in train the process to find a replacement. "We are in the middle of a protracted dispute over who pays for pensions for innocent victims of terrorism and to not have a Commissioner in place leaves us without a crucial voice at the top table." Last month the Court of Appeal gave Stormont a four-week deadline to make progress with the scheme, which is due to open this month. Discussions between Stormont ministers and Secretary of State Brandon Lewis in a bid to end the stalemate over who will foot the potential 1.2bn bill have so far failed to find agreement. Mrs Foster, however, has pledged that victims will receive the pension. Mr Schmidt added: "Our sector needs a 'champion' to be the voice of the voiceless. One who is capable of working with UHRW to focus principally on the needs of innocent victims of the bomber and gunman and not on the terrorists who were killed or injured at their own hand." Mr Dickson also echoed the concerns, telling the Belfast Telegraph that it raises questions over what efforts have been made to appointment a new Commissioner since last August. "Only now is the Executive Office telling us that it's going to take another six months," he said. "In the meantime victims and survivors are without a champion in that position." However, Kenny Donaldson, spokesman for Innocent Victims United, said it was right that time should be taken in appointing a successor. "Until the foundations of the office of Commissioner are strong there should be no fast forward button pressed in filling an office out of mere tokenism and political expediency," he said. The ministers added: "We recognise that continuity is important for victims and survivors, so we have ensured that interim arrangements are in place in the Commission to allow the provision of continued support for victims and survivors. "The Victims and Survivors Service will continue to deliver its services." By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Co's Disney+ streaming service has signed up more than 100 million paying subscribers around the world in its first 16 months, Chief Executive Bob Chapek said at the company's annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday. Chapek also said Disney hopes to reopen its California theme parks to limited attendance in late April. The parks were closed a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. California officials set guidelines that would allow for theme parks in the state to reopen as soon as April 1. Chapek said it would take a few weeks to call back 10,000 furloughed employees to its two theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and train them in new virus safety procedures. In addition, Disney might be able to resume some cruise ship operations in the fall, Chapek said. Disney was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic as theme parks and movie theaters were forced to shut down, but it has impressed Wall Street with the growth of Disney+, which debuted in November 2019. The company is hoping for a comeback at cinemas this year. It currently is holding firm to plans to release Marvel movie "Black Widow" in movie theaters on May 7, Chapek said. Asked if he might replace Kathleen Kennedy, president of "Star Wars" studio Lucasfilm, Chapek said he looked forward to her running that unit "for many years to come." Some fans disliked the storylines of recent "Star Wars" movies and have argued for a new leader. The company also aims to reinstate dividend payments, which were suspended during the pandemic, "at some point" in the future, Chapek said. Chapek and nine others were re-elected to the company's board of directors, according to preliminary vote tallies announced at the meeting, which was held online. They include Executive Chairman Bob Iger, who previously said he will retire from Disney at the end of 2021. In an advisory vote, 68% of ballots cast supported Disney executives' compensation. The company's shares, which hit a record high of $203 on Monday, were down 2.9% at $196.04 on Tuesday afternoon. (Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Franklin Paul and Matthew Lewis) (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.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region The Crawford Supply Group sued Eckhardt in September for $15,566.63 plus costs. The amount includes the $11,858.69 balance and more than $3,700 in attorneys fees, according to the suit. Eckhardt did not participate in Wednesdays virtual hearing, nor did he file an appearance in the case. He did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 On Tuesday morning, House Republicans held a news conference to declare another crisis at the border. But this time, the warning came with a lethal twist. Rep. Liz Cheney, the GOPs third-ranking House leader, said Democrats had decided to open the border and to let in thousands of people, potentially, who have got COVID. Rep. Steve Scalise, the partys second-ranking leader, warned, There are superspreader caravans coming across our southern border. Cheney and Scalise echoed Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, who accused President Joe Biden last week of releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities. Abbott also claimed that public officials refused to test the immigrants and that the Biden administration was putting these people on buses and sending them throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of these allegations are false or misleading. But Republicans arent just lying. Theyre making the situation worse. While vilifying undocumented immigrants as potential COVID carriers, theyre refusing to vaccinate them. Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. On Feb. 1, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement encouraging undocumented immigrants to sign up for COVID vaccinations. The statement promised that immigration officers would not conduct enforcement operations at or near vaccine distribution sites. Scalise attacked the statement, calling it President Bidens plan to vaccinate illegal immigrants ahead of Americans. A week later, at a Feb. 11 House hearing, Rep. Jeff Duncan, a South Carolina Republican, proposed an amendment to force these immigrants to the back of the vaccine line. Rep. Debbie Lesko, an Arizona Republican, framed the issue as a political weapon, warning that she would tell her constituents my Democratic colleagues are putting illegal immigrants over them. Fox News picked up this line of attack and has been running with it ever since. Advertisement Technically, Republicans arent proposing to ban vaccinations for undocumented immigrants. But in practice, their position comes to the same thing. No illegal immigrants should get shots until all documented people are vaccinated, says Lesko. Scalises office says its a matter of basic math: For every vaccine an illegal immigrant gets, thats one an American citizen waiting in line is not getting. Duncan, as he presented his amendment, declared, The American government should not use American tax dollars on vaccines for non-American citizens. That principle would rule out immunization of noncitizen legal residents as well as people who dont have documents. Advertisement Duncan describes vaccination as a free health benefit thats being stolen by foreigners. But vaccination doesnt just benefit the person who gets the shot. It protects everyone else, too, by eliminating or radically reducing that persons ability to transmit the virus. In fact, by this logic, undocumented immigrants should be a target group for inoculation. Theyre in the thick of the economy, and most of them arent sitting at desks on Zoom calls. They make up half of our farmworkers, about 10 percent of the meatpacking industry (some estimates range up to 30 percent or higher), and more than 8 percent of the total workforce in Texas. Many are doing high-contact medical jobs, including long-term care. Advertisement Scalise and Duncan portray these people as hustlers who jumped the line to get into the United States and now want to jump ahead of everyone else to get vaccines. But according to clinics around the country, undocumented immigrants are hanging back from vaccination, in part because theyre afraid theyll be seized and deported. That fear is dangerous not just for them but for everyone around them, because in many cases, their living conditionsshared residences, low savings, no access to unemployment benefitsmake it more likely that theyll get infected and that theyll have to keep working anyway. Advertisement The GOPs scare campaign about caravans is particularly bizarre. At the Feb. 11 House hearing, Scalise described one of the superspreader caravans he claimed was coming up from Latin America. He said (falsely) that Biden had told migrants they could get the vaccine for free, and that this offer had encouraged more people to come here illegally. Scalise told his colleagues that vaccinations for undocumented immigrants would add an incentive to have even more people come here illegally and take the vaccine away from Americans who cant get it today. Advertisement Its hard to know where to begin with this silly argument. If caravans are known superspreadersas Scalise, Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas, and other Republicans continue to allegethen why would anyone, ostensibly desperate to get vaccinated and avoid COVID, join such a throng? According to Scalise, the migrants in these caravans havent been vaccinated (thats why they want the vaccine), they dont have immunity derived from exposure to the virus (thats why theyre potential spreaders), and theyre not wearing masks. Its ludicrous to think anyone would trudge across a continent with such a group, based on the possibility of vaccination at the end of the journey. Bashing undocumented immigrants is a routine tactic from the Republican playbook. You take anything that working-class Americans dont have enough ofhealth care, housing, money for collegeand accuse Democrats of giving it to illegals instead. Theres a principled argument for drawing this distinction: People who dont follow the law shouldnt get the same benefits as people who do. But in a respiratory pandemic, that distinction becomes irrelevant. The virus doesnt care whether you have papers. It only cares whether you breathe. Ideas for future NASA missions searching for extraterrestrial civilizations A researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) is the lead author of a study with proposals for "technosignatures" -evidence for the use of technology or industrial activity in other parts of the Universe- for future NASA missions. The article, published in the specialized journal Acta Astronautica, contains the initial conclusions of a meeting of experts in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, sponsored by the space agency to gather advice about this topic. In the article, several ideas are presented to search for technosignatures that would indicate the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, from the most humdrum, such as the presence of industrial pollution in the atmosphere or large swarms of satellites, to hypothetical gigantic space engineering work, such as heat shields to fend off climate change, or Dyson spheres for optimum use of the light from the local star. Some of the proposed searches look very far in space, across our galaxy and even beyond, while others aim at scanning our own solar system in search for probes that might have been sent here in a distant past. In addition, a study is included of a new way of classifying the technosignatures as a function of their "cosmic footprint", a measure of how conspicuous they are at large distances. "We have no idea whether intelligence is something very common in the Universe or, on the contrary, whether it is extremely rare", explains Hector Socas-Navarro, an IAC researcher, the Director of the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, of Museums of Tenerife, and the first author of the article. "For that reason we cannot know whether these searches have any chance of success. There is no choice but to search and see what we find, because the implications would be tremendous". "The idea of searching for technosignatures draws upon the technology we have on Earth today and possible extensions of our technology into the future", notes Jacob Haqq-Misra, a coauthor of the article and chairman of the TechnoClimes 2020 organizing committee. "This does not necessarily mean that any extraterrestrial technology must be like our own, but imagining plausible extensions of our own future is one place to begin thinking of astronomical searches we could actually do to look for possible technosignatures". The search for technosignatures In 1993, NASA abruptly terminated its initial SETI programme for the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, when it had hardly started. It comprised two complementary ambitious projects, one using the giant radiotelescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and the other with the antennas of the Deep Space Network in California. Now, nearly 30 years later, things have changed and the Agency wants to re-start its search effort. In the past decade great advances in astronomical instrumentation have been made, leading to a revolution in the science of discovery and study of exoplanets. The new telescopes, and projects on future space missions will for the first time allow the search for so-called biomarkers, evidence for life on other planets. Many experts consider it plausible that in the coming years we will discover extraterrestrial life, even though it is most likely to be life in very simple form. Given present and future technological advance there will be new opportunities to search for technosignatures. That is why NASA has decided to get involved again in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, taking advantage of the possibilities of the current and proposed future space observatories. These subjects, among others, were on the agenda of the meeting TechnoClimes 2020 under the auspices of NASA at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (Seattle, USA). With scientists from all over the world, its aim was to propose new developments making way for future advances. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually via videoconference, in which 53 researchers from various disciplines coming from 13 countries discussed a range of aspects of the search for other intelligent species. ### Article: Hector Socas-Navarro, Jacob Haqq-Misra, Jason T. Wright et al. "Concepts for future missions to search for technosignatures", Acta Astronautica, 2021: https:/ / www. sciencedirect. com/ science/ article/ abs/ pii/ S009457652100103X . Links of interest: This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By becoming a part of #DonateOldBraPanty initiative, people can donate undergarments for women in need. These undergarments are dry cleaned and sterilized before donating. International Womens Day, a day for acknowledging women rights from all around the world. Women rights plays a crucial role to maintain the equilibrium in the society but what if the women with the rights is suffering from inside and living a life of suffocation every second due to poor menstrual health & hygiene. The initiative has collected 30 thousand pairs of undergarments so far. #DonateOldBraPanty is trending among young females as they are donating old dry cleaned UGs and urging via posting it on social media. While reaching out to 2 million women across India. SheWings finds that so many of these women cant even afford to buy undergarments. Members of SheWings realized that the major barrier faced by these girls and women in accessing menstrual hygiene products, is not just that they cant afford pads but also that they dont have undergarments. Low-cost Menstrual Hygiene Items including undergarments should be exempted from the tax slab because this is not a luxury for these underprivileged women Madan Mohit Bhardwaj, Founder SheWings. SheWings has organized a giant awareness conclave on this International Womens Day, which is facilitated by Dr. Kiran Bedi (IPS Retd. and Former LG Puducherry), Mr. PK Gupta (IRS, DG and CEO Credai), Ms. Mamta Sharma (Ex-Chairperson NCW), Mrs. Rajul Ben Desai (Member NCW), Mr. Abhishek Singh (IAS & Actor), Mrs. Anca Verma (Former Miss Romania & Chairperson Olialia), Mr. RK Dubey (ED, IOCL.) SheWings being into the ground level activity for approximately 6 years had facilitated more than 2 millions females with MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management) Kits residing in slums, tier2, and tier3 part of our country. Im surprised that few men are still not grown up; they treat women as slaves and it is very unfortunate in 2021. When I was chairperson NCW I objected to Mulayam Singh Yadav for making an indecent comment on women., said Mamta Sharma. We will surely discuss this proposal for exemption on tax on MHM products and undergarments for below poverty line. Government is serious about women atrocities and we stand by SheWings and such NGOs who are working for women empowerment., said Rajul Ben Desai. SheWings has partnered with Uttarakhand Police Family Welfare Associations chairperson Ms. Alaknanda, who is wife of DGP Ashok Kumar to facilitate underprivileged females in Uttrakhand with a pack of sanitary pad, one vaginal wipe, pair of undergarment, and aloe vera hand rub and other personal hygiene items. SheWings has also partnered with Alwar Police, Rajasthan in leadership of its district Police chief SP Tejaswini Gautam who has been actively focusing on women health apart from other grievances. This activity took place on 3rd of March at Alwar Police headquarters in the presence of District Magistrate Nannumal Pahadiya. Thousands of women were donated brand new undergarments along with MHM kit. Entire campaign is getting big support from personalities like Amar Sinha COO Radico Khaitan, Anca Verma Former Miss Romania & Chairperson Olialia World, Richa Kar Founder Zivame, Vikas Bagaria Founder RahoSafe, Mandeep Arora Founder UBON, Ashwini Nayer General Manager Crowne Plaza, IAS & Actor Abhishek Singh, and IAS Balwinder Kumar. Were reaching out to as many people as we can but to create awareness and change the perception we need to spread this concern as much as we can, said Madan Mohit Bhardwaj, Founder SheWings. SheWings has also partnered with Alwar Police, Rajasthan in leadership of its district Police chief SP Tejaswini Gautam who has been actively focusing on women health apart from other grievances. This activity took place on 3rd of March at Alwar Police headquarters in the presence of District Magistrate Nannumal Pahadiya. Locations where camps are taking place: Slum Areas/Villages ofDelhi, NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. Your basic requirements can be someones basic needs ESSEX Two legislators this week toured The Lofts At Spencers Corner, a redevelopment project in the Centerbrook area of town, to emphasize the importance of new affordable housing in local communities, according to a press release. The Lofts, a redevelopment created by the HOPE Partnership, is the latest of that organizations efforts to modernize and update older buildings to meet community needs, according to the news release from U.S. state Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, and state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex. The mixed-use property has a variety of apartments on its second and third floors, while the first floor features retail and office space, it said. Recognizing the potential of a parcel built as commercial real estate, HOPE was able to utilize federal dollars to create new, modern apartments, helping bring attractive and affordable housing to the Essex and which will be occupied by younger, millennial-aged families that will help the town prosper, Courtney said in a prepared statement. In many of Connecticuts communities, we dont have enough affordable housing to meet residents needs, which can cause a number of different problems, Needleman said in the release. For several years, the HOPE Partnership has worked to redevelop properties with the intent of increasing access to affordable housing in efforts to reinvigorate local communities, according to the relerase. The Center for Housing Policy reports affordable housing development often increases, not decreases, property values by injecting increased economic investment in the local community. A study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that if 100 new affordable rental housing units were developed, they could generate $12 million in annual income, more than $2 million in tax revenue and government funding and spur the creation of up to 160 jobs in a community in just one year, according to the statement. In Middlesex County, where more than half of all renters spend at least 30 percent of income on housing annually, thats more important than ever, according to the release. FRAMINGHAM, Mass., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- empowerDX, part of the Eurofins Clinical Diagnostics network, announced the launch of its direct-to-consumer, FDA-emergency use authorized, COVID-19 Home Collection Kit on Amazon. The kits are available to consumers and businesses for purchase without a prescription, enabling greater access to COVID tests, to help the fight against the pandemic. The empowerDX at-home COVID-19 test can detect the virus in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Eurofins Viracor, an infectious disease testing laboratory for more than 35 years, developed the empowerDX test based on its own FDA EUA authorized SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay. That assay offers one of the best sensitivity rates of the 117 tests that have submitted results to the FDA SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel1. The empowerDX at-home test kit is available for $99 on Amazon.com. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, a shallow nasal swab, test tube and a pre-paid FedEx package for easy sample returns. The empowerDX kit is available as a single purchase and as a pack of 10. Orders placed Monday through Friday by 2 p.m. Eastern will ship for next day arrival. Prior to taking the test, customers can easily activate their kits at empowerdxlab.com. Results are delivered securely to the customer's patient portal, typically within 24-hours from sample receipt at the company's CLIA-certified laboratory. The Eurofins U.S. Clinical Diagnostics network has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing launching its first RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 on March 13, 2020. The Eurofins' SARS-CoV-2 assay menu now includes diagnostic tests, such as SARS-CoV-2 PCR and SARS-CoV-2 Plus Profiles (to detect Influenza and RSV), as well as environmental monitoring assays, such as wastewater, worn-mask, air, and saliva tests. This home-collection kit has not been FDA cleared or approved; rather it has been authorized by FDA under an EUA only for the home collection and maintenance of nasal swab specimens as an aid in detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens, and only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of medical devices under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner. ABOUT EMPOWERDX empowerDX is the online shop for easy at-home health testing. empowerDX specializes in FDA-authorized COVID-19 testing, women's health, men's health, sexual health and general wellness testing. Armed with an exclusive consortium of CLIA-certified and CDC-regulated clinical laboratories in the US, empowerDX is positioned to lead the market for cutting edge, self-collected diagnostic and non-diagnostic testing. All clinical tests are reviewed by their licensed ordering physician to eliminate the need for a phlebotomist or a telemedicine-observed sample collection. Welcome to health clarity with just a few clicks. The company is based outside of Boston, in Framingham, MA. To learn more, please visit empowerdxlab.com. 1 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-reference-panel-comparative-data#results SOURCE empowerDX Related Links https://empowerdxlab.com Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. SPRINGFIELD Fire destroyed a single-family home at 1185 Bay St. Wednesday afternoon, displacing eight residents. Springfield firefighters were working to contain the blaze, but the house was considered a total loss, said Capt. Drew Piemonte, fire department spokesman. The exterior of the home was charred, the roof had collapsed and flames were visible in the top floor. Piemonte said all the of the residents got out safely, although one person suffered minor injuries jumping out a top-floor window. The fire was reported shortly after 3:30 p.m. Flames were visible when the first firefighters arrived. Bay Street, between Berkshire and Roosevelt avenues, was blocked off while firefighters were on the scene. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 41 Master's in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 201 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 201 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 41 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-supply-chain-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Adelphi University Air University American Public University System Arizona State University Ashford University Athens State University Boston University Charleston Southern University Elmhurst University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fairleigh Dickinson University Florida Institute of Technology Fontbonne University Georgia College & State University Indiana University Bloomington Kettering University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University North Carolina State University Oregon State University Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University Portland State University Purdue University Rutgers University Saint Leo University Southern New Hampshire University Syracuse University University of Alabama, Huntsville University of Arkansas University of Denver University of Missouri Saint Louis University of San Diego University Of Southern California University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Texas, Dallas University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison University of Wisconsin, Platteville Wright State University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. A 16-year-old vandal who was chased down, tackled and punched by an off-duty cop whose home he targeted cant get $235,000 in damages from the City of Pittsburgh after winning a federal lawsuit against the officer, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled Wednesday. That decision means Shane McGuire cant tap the public pocketbook to try to recover the $235,575 he was awarded in damages against the city police officer after a federal jury concluded officer Colby Neidig had violated his civil rights in the excessive force case. In short, Judge Anne E. Covey concluded in the state courts opinion that because Neidig acted beyond the scope of his employment during his encounter with McGuire, the city has no legal obligation to pay a penny of the award that resulted from the federal trial. This case stemmed from a post-Halloween spree. Covey wrote that McGuire and a group of other teens vandalized homes in the neighborhood where McGuire and Neidig lived on the night of Nov. 2, 2012. At Neidigs home, they smashed pumpkins and stacked bricks in an area close to the front door. The teens stayed around to watch Neidigs reaction the officer, his wife and their child came home. Then, Covey wrote, McGuire ran up and banged on Neidigs door. When the teen turned to run away, however, he tripped over the stack of bricks. Neidig saw McGuire and chased him on foot for about a half-mile before knocking him down and punching him in the face. Neidig was not wearing his police uniform and he did not identify himself to McGuire as a police officer, Covey wrote. She said Neidig called 911 and detained McGuire until an officer who was on duty arrived. McGuire filed his federal lawsuit against Neidig, the arresting officer and the city two years later. A federal judge dismissed the claims against the other cop and the city but allowed the claims against Neidig to go to trial. The federal jury ruled in McGuires favor, awarding $75,000 in damages. McGuire also was awarded $160,575 in attorneys fees. He then filed an action on Allegheny County Court demanding that Pittsburgh pay that award because Neidig was on the city force. In a second trial in 2019, this time in county court, another concluded that the city had no responsibility for paying the federal court award that was issued solely against Neidig. The jurors in the county trial found Neidig was not acting hin his role as a cop when he ran down and punched McGuire. McGuire then appealed that decision to Coveys court. McGuire argued on appeal that the city must be held financially liable because the federal jury concluded Neidig was acting as a police officer during their confrontation. Covey countered by citing rulings under state law that government employees who assault someone for personal reasons are not necessarily acting within the scope of their employment. This court emphasizes that underthe Tort Claims Act, a municipality need only indemnify an employee if that employee was acting within the scope of his office or duties at the time the employee caused the injury, she wrote. Covey also rejected McGuires claims that at the county trial city officials should not have been allowed to present testimony, including from the police chief, that Neidig had committed willful misconduct. She discounted as well his argument that city lawyers shouldnt have been permitted to show the jurors photos of his injuries from the encounter with Neidig. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. The South Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over two Bangladeshi nationals to Border Guard (BGB) as a goodwill gesture during a flag meeting on Tuesday, a statement said on Wednesday. The Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended on March 8 by when they had crossed the International Border inadvertently. "The Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Ahsan Habib Raju and Sandip Das. Both are residents of village Vishnupur, Kanaighat district," said. handed over the Bangladeshi nationals along with all recovered items to BGB after medical examination on proper receipt. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The deaths of four Comal County residents, including three from New Braunfels and one from S Captive spawning Mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish, tagged by the research team located at the UM Experimental Hatchery were used to build predictive spawning models. Credit: Dan DiNicola In the Florida Straits at night, and under a new moon is the preference for spawning mahi-mahi, according to a new study by scientists at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. These new details on the daily life of the highly sought-after migratory fish can help better manage their populations and provide scientists with new information to understand the impacts to the animal from changing environmental conditions. To uncover these important details about the behaviors of mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish, the research team tagged captive spawning fish located at the UM Experimental Hatchery to build predictive spawning models and then used the models with data collected from mahi-mahi tagged in the wild. The study is the first to use acceleration data from remotely transmitting pop-up satellite tags to predict the spawning habitat of a wild marine fish. The UM Experimental Hatchery is the only place in the country where spawning mahi-mahi are kept in captivity. To build the predictive models, the research team tagged five spawning mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) at the UM Hatchery and waited overnight to record the timing of when they spawned. In total, 40 individual spawning events were tracked in captivity. Then, they paired the acceleration data collected from the tags with the exact time of spawning to estimate when the animals would spawn in the wild. To test the models' capability to estimate where and when the fish spawned in the wild, the researchers tagged 17 wild mahi-mahi off the coast of Miami and two in the Gulf of Mexico. From an analysis of the satellite tag data, the researchers found that wild mahi-mahi spawn at night, primarily during a new moon at depths greater than they would normally be. The Florida Straits appeared to be an important spawning habitat for mahi-mahi, although the models suggest that some limited spawning takes place further north. They found that mahi-mahi typically go deeper in the water column at night and are more surface oriented during the day. However, the phase of the moon had an effect on their nighttime depth distribution with a full moon bringing mahi-mahi closer to the surface at night. They also found that mahi-mahi use behavioral thermoregulation to stay between a relatively narrow temperature window of about 27-28 degrees Celsius (8082 degrees Fahrenheit). When surface waters are warmer, they move deeper and swim northward with the Gulf Stream to regulate their temperature, while fish tagged in cooler months stayed primarily in surface waters and migrated east and west between Florida and the Bahamas, rather than swimming north. They were also found to be the most active at cooler temperatures and in warm waters during a full moon at night. "Mahi-mahi are highly sought after by recreational and commercial fisheries and are economically important," said Lela Schlenker, an alumna of the UM Rosenstiel school and lead author of the study. "It is critical to understand their migrations and the frequency, timing, and location of where they reproduce as well as how changing environmental conditionslike warmer oceansmight affect them to manage their populations sustainably now and in the future." The team also found from the satellite tag data that the wild mahi-mahi travel long distancesup to 107 kilometers (105 miles) per day and dive to depths of 250 meters (820 feet). "Together these findings suggest that as climate change continues to warm ocean waters, mahi-mahi will likely continue to shift northward and deeper throughout their migrations," said Martin Grosell," professor and chair of the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the UM Rosenstiel School. "This is important for recreational and commercial landings of mahi-mahi and the ecology of pelagic ecosystems. A fruitful collaboration between scientists from three departments at the Rosenstiel School, as well as colleagues from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and access to healthy spawning mahi-mahi in captivity revealed new information about these valuable fish," said Grosell. Explore further Study shows Deepwater Horizon crude oil impairs swimming performance of juvenile mahi-mahi More information: Lela S. Schlenker et al, Remote Predictions of Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) Spawning in the Open Ocean Using Summarized Accelerometry Data, Frontiers in Marine Science (2021). Lela S. Schlenker et al, Remote Predictions of Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) Spawning in the Open Ocean Using Summarized Accelerometry Data,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.626082 Workers are inside the production chain at a semiconductor manufacturing factory in Beijing, China on May 14, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Regime Rolls Out New Plans to Overtake the US in Technology During the annual meeting of Chinas rubber-stamp legislature earlier this month, the Chinese regime proposed new plans to bolster its research and development in critical technology sectors in order to surpass the United States and achieve global dominance. Meanwhile, U.S. think tanks and lawmakers have proposed strategies to counter the threat posed by Chinas tech ambitions. According to the Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) reviewed at the ongoing Chinas national congress on March 5, the Chinese regime pledged to make science and technology a strategic pillar for national development in order to reduce Chinas reliance on other countries for key technologies. The document outlined seven scientific and technological areas that are considered essential to national security and overall development, according to Chinese news portal Sina. They include: 1) artificial intelligence (AI); 2) quantum information; 3) integrated circuits or semiconductors; 4) neuroscience; 5) genomics and biotechnology; 6) clinical medicine and health; 7) earth and space research. Beijing also plans to establish national laboratories and to strengthen academic projects in order to develop and support some of these technologies. Innovative vaccines and biological security are among the main focuses of research. Speech recognition is also listed as one of the developmental goals. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is increasing its R&D budget for critical technologies. On March 5, at the opening ceremony of the two sessions, the CCPs most important annual meeting, Premier Li Keqiang said that the government spending on this years research and development will increase by 10.6 percent, and a 10-year action plan is currently being drafted, according to Chinese news portal Sohu. Li also said that China will revise regulations and policies to support the flow of venture capital into start-up companies, increase bank loans, and expand tax incentives to encourage R&D, the report said. With regards to the Five-Year Plan, Li said that the regime will increase R&D spending by more than 7 percent per year between 2021 and 2025, in pursuit of achieving major breakthroughs in technology, Sohu reported. A man types on a computer keyboard in Warsaw, Poland on Feb. 28, 2013. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom have expressed serious concern over a group acting on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) that is stealing commercial intellectual property in a malicious global hacking campaign, widely known as Cloud Hopper, as of Dec. 21, 2018. (Kacper Pempel/Reuters) China Threat Alex Capri, a senior researcher at the Business School of the National University of Singapore, told The Wall Street Journal in an interview on March 7 that a national security battle is behind the U.S.-China tech war. Leading in AI and computing enables China to reap huge benets in hybrid warfare and intelligence gathering, he said. Capri also stated that other cutting-edge technologies will enable China to expand its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and play a leading role in the militarization of space, digital commerce, and digital currency. In recent years, the United States has been awakening to the threat posed by the CCPs ambition in achieving global dominance through technology. The Trump administration had imposed bans and sanctions on the export of technology and products, including semiconductor chips, to China in order to prevent the regime from stealing intellectual property. US President Donald Trump signs trade sanctions against China in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) Countering Chinas Tech Ambitions Last year, U.S. lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill, the Endless Frontiers Act, which would provide $100 billion to remake the National Science Foundation for the purpose of bolstering U.S. competitiveness with China in science and critical technology sectors. The legislation would provide the visible, focused, and sustained funding and approach that the U.S. urgently needs to meet the challenge posed by Chinas increasing capabilities, said Rafael Reif, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and one of the experts whom Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) consulted in drafting the legislation, according to a report by Sciencemag. The bill points out that the U.S. leadership is being eroded and challenged by foreign competitors, some of whom are stealing intellectual property and trade secrets. According to an opinion article by John R. Allen, the president of the Brookings Institution and a retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general, Technological competition sits at the core of great power competition and ideological rivalry for the 21st century and beyond. And with the U.S. and its democratic allies seeking to outpace authoritarian regimes such as those in Beijing and Moscow, tech innovation will be a critical determinant of the continued strength and resilience of the liberal international order. In leading the democratic world to respond to the CCPs challenges in cutting-edge technology, Allen calls on the United States to establish a comprehensive strategy. The key to any coalition will be pursuing a technology strategy that is coherent across every level of the modern technology stack, or the full set of interdependent technologies, Allen stated in the article, which was published in The Hill on March 1. The technology stack strategy that Allen refers to has four layers manufacturing, infrastructure, application, and trust. Allen pointed out that despite Chinas dominance in manufacturing most of the worlds electronic devices, which is at the lowest layer of the stack, it cannot design and produce advanced semiconductor chips that are needed for cutting-edge technology and heavily relies on imports from Taiwan and the West. He suggested, Any democratic strategy to counter China should leverage this advantage. A chip by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is seen at the 2020 World Semiconductor Conference in Nanjing in coastal Chinas Jiangsu Province on Aug. 26, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) As to infrastructure, Allen said, Democratic countries historically have held a clear advantage. He highlighted the danger of involving Chinese telecommunications company Huawei in building infrastructure internationally, and suggested, In the coming decade, countries building out the next generation of telecommunications infrastructure will need to work together to ensure that Chinese hardware does not become the default infrastructure layer. This is a national and international security matter. In terms of application, Allen stated, American firms dominate this layer, with Facebook and Instagram alone boasting billions of users worldwide. However, he alerted the threat posed by Chinese social media company TikTok. He then suggested that in order to win the battle of attracting users, U.S.-based platforms will need to adhere to robust and attractive governance models that win on trust. For trust, Allen stressed, Democracies around the world must seek to counter Chinas standards push by advocating for standards that protect individual liberties and democratic interests. Allen emphasized that the Biden administration has a unique opportunity to renew American leadership via an observable commitment to human rights, multilateralism and more, as well as a coherent China policy that rallies the global community of democracies into a competitive collective to outpace China in the defining competition of the 21st century: emerging technologies. 100% Website ethsat.com uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 80893 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 58170 bytes (56.81 kb uncompressed) and 10002 bytes (9.77 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-04-12, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Artist's reconstruction showing the life stages of the fossil lamprey Priscomyzon riniensis. It lived around 360 million years ago in a coastal lagoon in what is now South Africa. Clockwise from right: A tiny, yolk-sac carrying hatchling with its large eyes; a juvenile; and an adult showing its toothed sucker. Credit: Kristen Tietjen A new study out of the University of Chicago, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Albany Museum challenges a long-held hypothesis that the blind, filter-feeding larvae of modern lampreys are a holdover from the distant past, resembling the ancestors of all living vertebrates, including ourselves. The new fossil discoveries indicate that ancient lamprey hatchlings more closely resembled modern adult lampreys, and were completely unlike their modern larvae counterparts. The results were published on March 10 in Nature. Lampreysunusual jawless, eel-like, creatureshave long provided insights into vertebrate evolution, said first author Tetsuto Miyashita, Ph.D., formerly a Chicago Fellow at the University of Chicago and now a paleontologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. "Lampreys have a preposterous life cycle," he said. "Once hatched, the larvae bury themselves in the riverbed and filter feed before eventually metamorphosing into blood-sucking adults. They're so different from adults that scientists originally thought they were a totally different group of fish. "Modern lamprey larvae have been used as a model of the ancestral condition that gave rise to the vertebrate lineages," Miyashita continued. "They seemed primitive enough, comparable to wormy invertebrates, and their qualities matched the preferred narrative of vertebrate ancestry. But we didn't have evidence that such a rudimentary form goes all the way back to the beginning of vertebrate evolution." Newly discovered fossils in Illinois, South Africa and Montana are changing the story. Connecting the dots between dozens of specimens, the research team realized that different stages of the ancient lamprey lifecycle had been preserved, allowing paleontologists to track their growth from hatchling to adult. On some of the smallest specimens, about the size of a fingernail, soft tissue preservation even shows the remains of a yolk sac, indicating that fossil record had captured these lampreys shortly after hatching. Fossil of the hatchling of Priscomyzon, from the Late Devonian around 360 million years ago. The hatchling is already equipped with large eyes and toothed sucker, which in modern lampreys only develop in adults. (The Canadian 25-cent coin offers a size comparison for the tiny fossil). Credit: Tetsuto Miyashita Crucially, these fossilized juveniles are quite unlike their modern counterparts (known as "ammocoetes"), and instead look more like modern adult lampreys, with large eyes and toothed sucker mouths. Most excitingly, this phenotype can be seen during the larval phase in multiple different species of ancient lamprey. "Remarkably, we've got enough specimens to reconstruct a trajectory from hatchling to adult in several independent lineages of early lampreys," said Michael Coates, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at UChicago, "and they each show the same pattern: the larval form was like a miniature adult." The researchers say that these results challenge the 150-year-old evolutionary narrative that modern lamprey larvae offer a glimpse of deep ancestral vertebrate conditions. By demonstrating that ancient lampreys never went through the same blind, filter-feeding stage seen in modern species, the researchers have falsified this cherished ancestral model. Tetsuto Miyashita (right) stands with researcher Rob Gess in 2016 atop the shale locality in Makhanda, South Africa that has yielded fossils of the 360 million-year-old Priscomyzon lamprey. Credit: Tetsuto Miyashita "We've basically removed lampreys from the position of the ancestral condition of vertebrates," said Miyashita. "So now we need an alternative." After looking back at the fossil record, the team now believes that extinct armored fishes known as ostracoderms might instead represent better candidates for the root of the vertebrate family tree, whereas modern lamprey larvae are a more recent innovation. The team thinks the evolution of filter-feeding larvae may have allowed lampreys to populate rivers and lakes. Fossil lampreys reported in the new study all came from marine sediments, but modern lampreys mostly live in freshwater. The researchers say that this is the sort of discovery that can rewrite textbooks. "Lampreys are not quite the swimming time capsules that we once thought they were," said Coates. "They remain important and essential for understanding the deep history of vertebrate diversity, but we also need to recognize that they, too, have evolved and specialized in their own right." Explore further Earliest-known lamprey larva fossils unearthed in Inner Mongolia More information: Non-ammocoete larvae of Palaeozoic stem lampreys, Nature (2021). dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03305-9 Journal information: Nature Non-ammocoete larvae of Palaeozoic stem lampreys,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03305-9 Posted Monday, March 8, 2021 9:20 pm A Battle Ground man faces assault charges after he allegedly threatened roommates with a machete, though a history of seizures may play into what led to the altercation. On March 1 Donald Scott, 32, of Battle Ground, had his first appearance in Clark County Superior Court for two counts of second-degree assault. The charges stemmed from an arrest the night prior when the victims say they were threatened with a machete by the suspect. According to a probable cause affidavit for Scotts arrest, a Battle Ground Police Department officer responded at about 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28 to the 1400 block of Southwest 2nd Avenue in Battle Ground on a disturbance with a weapon call. Upon arrival, the officer found victims identified as Frank Dallavis and Heaven Odgers who informed the officer that Scott had intended to stab Dallavis with what was identified by BGPD as a machete. Dallavis told the officer that Scott began yelling at him and Odgers, Dallavis girlfriend, in the kitchen of the home, demanding to know where Scotts dog and his girlfriend were and calling Odgers a sexist slur. Dallavis confronted Scott and Scott punched him, Dallavis told the officer, and a fight ensued. Dallavis said he gave Scott multiple opportunities to stop the fight after Dallavis pushed him to the ground, according to the affidavit. Bleeding from the nose, Scott went upstairs and returned holding what Dallavis described as a Crocodile Dundee knife, which both Odgers and BGPD later described as a machete, according to the affidavit. When Scott pointed the weapon at Odgers, Dallavis said he stood between the two, telling Odgers to run, which she did out of the back door. Dallavis said Scott attempted to stab him at least four times, the affidavit stated, though Dallavis was able to escape out the back door, slamming the door on Scotts wrist on the hand that held the machete. Dallavis said after exiting the house he ran across the street and found Odgers on a neighbors cell phone, calling 911, the affidavit stated. He told the officer that Scott had said he was going to kill Dallavis during the altercation, adding that after Dallavis said he was going to call the police, Scott said something similar to Ill kill anyone that comes through the door. Both Dallavis and Odgers said they had been living at the residence for more than a year, while Scott had lived there for two to three months, according to the affidavit. The two victims added they believed Scott suffered from some mental health issue a witness who responded to the scene after being alerted by Scotts girlfriend said that Scott had a history of seizures. Following additional response from Clark County Sheriffs Office deputies, Scotts girlfriend, identified as Grace Huff, came out of the house, the affidavit stated. Another responding BGPD officer called for a SWAT response, with a release from the department stating that following failure to comply to orders, flashbangs were deployed to detain Scott. Scott was detained more than three hours after the initial call came into BGPD, wearing only a tank top and boxer briefs with blood on his hands, face, and on his clothing, the affidavit stated. Dallavis received medical attention for a bite on his thumb he said he sustained from Scott. When interviewed by medical staff at the Battle Ground Police Station, Scott expressed confusion as to what happened and what year it was, claiming it was 1993, the affidavit stated. Scott was later transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, where he was interviewed by the responding officer, the affidavit stated. Scott said that a real big guy had hit him, though he could not recall the names of the individual or his girlfriend, who he said the big guy was often arguing with. Scott said that the big guy had gone behind Scott and choked him, according to the affidavit, and he denied taking out the machete to threaten anyone. He told the officer that he suffered from seizures following brain surgery on a tumor removed in 2007. The affidavit noted Donald was arrested in 2017 in Nevada on a domestic violence-related assault. Scott was given $10,000 bail and no contact orders for the victims, according to court documents. He was scheduled for an appearance in superior court March 5. WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. Passenger volumes through Bradley International Airport fell 64% in 2020, and the airport said Tuesday the numbers are still running 65% to 70% lower in 2021 compared with pre-pandemic numbers. Bradley, which serves the Greater Hartford and Western Massachusetts markets, had more than 6.7 million enplanements and deplanements meaning passengers coming and going in 2019. Last year the number fell to 2.4 million. In the beginning of 2020 before COVID-19 related shutdowns Bradley was on pace for a strong year. Passenger traffic was running 3.6% higher in January 2020 compared with January 2019, and 6.8% higher in February 2020 compared with February 2019. But with travel restrictions in place, fewer people flew. Bradley lost flights, including its only transatlantic flight: Aer Lingus to Dublin. The Irish airline suspended Bradley flights in March. Aer Lingus will reevaluate its Dublin-Hartford service in late 2021, the airport said. The bottom fell out last March, with passenger traffic down by nearly half. April was worse, with volume down 90.6% from 612,00 people in March 2019 to 57,843 in March 2020. The impact wasnt just in Bradley, of course. Boston-Logan International Airport saw passenger traffic fall 70.3%, from 42.5 million enplanements and deplanements in 2019 to 12.6 million in 2020. Providence T.F .Green international Airport doesnt have its end-of-year numbers available, but was running down 65% through October compared with the first 10 months of 2019. Worcester Regional Airport reported its numbers in terms of total passengers. There were just 42,611 total passengers in 2020, down from 106,611 in 2019, according to MassPORT. Worcester lost all five of its scheduled commercial flights in 2020 and has not gotten them back. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Transportation said the 324 million people screened by the Transportation Security Administration in 2020 was a 61% decrease from the 823 million screened in 2019. Bradley officials are hopeful that crowds will return as restrictions are lifted and more people are vaccinated. To deal with the pandemic, Bradley cut its budget and opened COVID testing for arriving passengers so they could shorten their isolation time upon arrival. Bradley received health accreditation from Airports Council International World in recognition of the airports safety program, which benchmarks the airports COVID-19 response against other airports and industry standards. Related content: YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan nominated Lt. General Artak Davtyan to be the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the PMs spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan told ARMENPRESS. Pashinyan filed the motion to President Sarkissian, who has to formalize it in order for the decree to come into force. Lt. General Artak Davtyan held the same position from 2018 to 2020. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Post-stabilisation notice 10 March 2021 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. SR-Boligkreditt AS (SRBANK) EUR Benchmark 10 year Covered Bond Post-Stabilisation Notice Commerzbank (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136 20) hereby gives notice that no stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2 (d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014) was undertaken by the Stabilising Managers named below in relation to the offer of the following securities. Issuer: SR_Boligkreditt AS (SRBANK) Guarantor (if any): none ISIN: XS2312584779 Aggregate nominal amount: 1,000,000,000 Description: 0.01% Notes due 10 March 2031 Stabilisaiton Coordinator: Stabilisation Managers: Commerzbank AG Citigroup Global Markets Danske Bank A/S Nordea Bank Danmark A/S Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Music Publishing today announced the promotion of Maree Hamblion to Senior Vice President, International A&R. Based in the company's Australia office, Maree reports to MD, Scandinavia and SVP A&R, Europe Johnny Tennander and Managing Director, Australia Damian Trotter. In her newly elevated position, Maree will spearhead the company's international A&R efforts, sign and discover songwriters, and create new opportunities and collaborations for the company's songwriters across the globe. Throughout her time at the company, Maree has signed numerous prominent Australian songwriters including Alex Hope, Sarah Aarons, Jarryd James, Gretta Ray, Isabella Kearney-Nurse, Sam Sakr, Rory Adams, Ainslie Wills, Tina Arena, Ned Houston, and Robby De Sa, along with New Zealand songwriters Stan Walker, Alex Wildwood and Jawsh 685. Sony Music Publishing MD Australia Damian Trotter said, "Maree has long been a powerhouse of A&R within the Australian music publishing industry, having identified and developed many of its most successful songwriters. I am personally thrilled for Maree, and we are all so excited at SMP Australia by the further opportunities that her well-deserved promotion will bring to our local writers on the international stage." Sony Music Publishing MD, Scandinavia and SVP, A&R, Europe Johnny Tennander said, "Maree really puts the songwriter first in everything she does and she is one of the most passionate A&R's I've ever worked with. She has already done so much for the company, and with an increased international focus, she will continue to bring fantastic value to our A&R teams and roster around the world." Maree Hamblion commented, "I look forward to continue working with Damian, who has been extremely supportive and encouraging over the last 7 years and I'm excited to work more closely with Johnny in our Scandinavian office, while also building upon my existing relationships with global affiliates to keep delivering opportunities to all Sony Music Publishing songwriters." Story continues Maree launched her music publishing career at EMI Music Publishing's Sydney office in 1995. During her more than two decades with EMI, Maree signed and worked with a number of Australia and New Zealand's most successful songwriters, artists and bands including Divinyls, Jimmy Barnes, Joel Little, Lindsay Rimes, Ladyhawke, PNAU, Hayley Warner, Julian Hamilton (The Presets), Savage Garden, The Paper Kites, Tonight Alive, DNA Songs, The McClymonts and The Veronicas. Following EMI's merger with Sony/ATV in 2012, Maree worked as a Senior A&R Manager before being promoted to Joint Head of A&R in 2015. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-music-publishing-promotes-maree-hamblion-to-senior-vice-president-international-ar-301244647.html SOURCE Sony Music Publishing [March 10, 2021] Schulte Roth & Zabel Announces Promotions Schulte Roth & Zabel (SRZ) is pleased to announce the election of David Arnstein, David Griffel, Anthony Taylor and Heather Wyckoff as partners. The firm also announces the promotion of William Barbera, Neil Begley, Adam Gartner (News - Alert), Andrew Gladstein, Robert Griffin, Jill Guzzetti, Annie Mehlman and Brian Smith to special counsel. All are resident in the firm's New York office. "We are excited to recognize the significant contributions that this talented group of lawyers have made, not just to the firm, but also to the industries they practice in," said David Efron, SRZ co-managing partner and co-head of the Investment Management Group. "Each of these outstanding lawyers have shown a commitment to providing exceptional client service while remaining at the cutting edge of their respective practices," commented Marc Elovitz, SRZ co-managing partner and chair of the Investment Management Regulatory & Compliance Group. Partners David Arnstein focuses his practice on representing direct private lenders, alternative lenders and borrowers on a wide variety of corporate financing transactions, including acquisition and leveraged finance facilities, asset-based and cash-flow facilities, working capital facilities, restructurings and workouts. David earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. from University of Michigan. David S. Griffel concentrates his practice on tax issues related to the formation and operation of onshore and offshore investment funds and their investment managers, as well as tax issues prospective investors face with such investments; tax considerations related to employee and executive compensation, including deferred compensation programs; and partnership taxation. Recognized by The Legal 500 US as a leading tax lawyer, David has spoken on tax issues related to running investment management firms and their funds, as well as hedge fund tax considerations and compensation structures. He contributed to "Hedge Fund Employee Compensation," published by Practical Law, and Hedge Funds: Formation (News - Alert) , Operation and Regulation (ALM Law Journal Press). David has presented on the topic of "Hedge Funds" at PLI's Tax Planning for Domestic & Foreign Partnerships, LLCs, Joint Ventures & Other Strategic Alliances Conference for several years. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. David received his LL.M. and J.D. magna cum laude, from NYU School of Law, and his A.B., cum laude, from Harvard University. Anthony J. Taylor focuses his practice on the formation, organization and operation of private investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, credit funds, managed accounts and single investor vehicles. He also advises sponsors of funds on economic and governance issues, as well as in structuring and negotiating the terms of private investment vehicles, including private equity funds, funds of funds, joint ventures and seed arrangements. Anthony received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.S.F.S., cum laude, from Georgetown University. Heather N. Wyckoff focuses her practice on advising private investment funds and has provided comprehensive legal services to institutional and emerging asset managers, proprietary trading firms, family offices and financial institutions on a wide range of issues. She forms private equity funds (including private credit and real estate funds), hybrid funds, hedge funds and managed account platforms, among others, and provides regulatory advice to investment managers. Heather has extensive experience representing funds and advisers who employ a wide range of investment strategies across all asset classes. She also represents fund managers and institutional investors in connection with the negotiation of seed deals, co-investment vehicles, "funds of one" and other strategic relationships. Heather received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and her A.B. from Dartmouth College. Special Counsel William J. Barbera focuses his practice on transactional and regulatory matters impacting broker-dealers, hedge funds and other financial institutions. Bill advises clients regarding a number of regulations applicable to securities trading and custody practices, including regulations related to alternative trading systems, short sale practices, best execution obligations, trading in new issues and the SEC's (News - Alert) customer protection rule. Bill also advises clients on transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions involving broker-dealers and the negotiation of trading, custody and prime brokerage agreements. He received his J.D, cum laude, from Washington University School of Law, his M.B.A. from Washington University, Olin School of Business and his B.A., cum laude, from Tufts University. Neil S. Begley represents hedge funds, private equity firms, CLOs, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals in connection with acquisitions and sales of distressed and illiquid assets, including corporate bank loans (LSTA and LMA), bankruptcy claims, trust interests, post-reorganization securities and litigation claims. He regularly counsels clients in the review and analysis of credit agreements, bond indentures, restructuring support agreements and advises on matters arising in connection with distressed special situations investments, such as rights offerings, plan voting, distributions, MNPI issues and trade disputes. Neil earned his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law, where he served as articles editor on the International Law Review. Prior to law school, Neil was a financial analyst and underwriter in the trade credit insurance industry. Adam B. Gartner concentrates his practice on advising clients in executive compensation and employee benefits matters, with a focus on the executive compensation and employee benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Adam counsels clients in the negotiation, design and implementation of employment, equity, incentive, retention and separation arrangements, and advises clients on the tax and securities law considerations of executive compensation and employee benefits matters. Adam also advises clients on day-to-day issues involving compliance with state, federal and municipal laws; hiring; employment best practices; managing employees; and termination of employment. He received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. from Brandeis University (News - Alert) . Andrew Gladstein concentrates his practice in the areas of complex commercial and white collar litigation in federal and state courts. Andy has extensive experience representing investment managers and alternative investment funds, including hedge and private equity funds, in a wide variety of civil matters, jury trials and regulatory actions and investigations, and has represented individuals, including political figures and corporate executives, in a wide variety of high-profile criminal matters. Andy is also committed to pro bono work. Between 2016 and 2017, Andy led a team of associates in the successful appeal of the conviction of a pro bono client, whose conviction was overturned by the Second Circuit on constitutional speedy trial grounds - the first such reversal from that court in nearly 40 years. He received his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and his B.A., with high honors, from University of Maryland. Robert E. Griffin concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, including securities and common law fraud actions, merger and acquisition cases, partnership disputes, and other state law claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and other commercial torts. Bob's clients have included investment managers, private investment funds, financial institutions, public companies, private companies, and individuals. Bob has litigated numerous cases in state and federal courts around the country, including a victory on behalf of an investment manager defending against breach of fiduciary duty and fraud claims after a five-day federal jury trial arising out of investment fund losses, a successful representation of a large financial institution in a non-party contempt proceeding seeking over $150 million in damages, and a pending lawsuit brought by a private equity firm asserting breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims relating to a corporate transaction. Bob also has substantial experience representing private investment funds, investment managers, and financial institutions in litigation concerning the life settlement asset class, including cases in which life insurance companies or estates seek declaratory judgments that high-value life insurance policies are invalid and cases in which life settlement investors allege that insurers have acted deceptively by challenging the validity of their high-value policies. In addition to his active complex commercial litigation practice, Bob has experience in white collar litigation, government investigations, Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement actions, and internal investigations. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.A. from University of Notre Dame. Jill M. Guzzetti focuses her practice on corporate and securities matters for investment managers and private investment funds. She represents institutional and entrepreneurial investment managers of a wide range of hedge, private equity, credit, and real estate funds regarding the structure of their businesses and day-to-day operational, securities, corporate and compliance issues. She advises clients on structuring and negotiating seed and strategic investments, co-investments and joint ventures, as well as scalable platforms. Jill also represents institutional investors evaluating and negotiating investments in alternative investment funds. Jill received her B.S., magna cum laude, from the Ohio State University and a J.D. from Boston College Law School. Annie L. Mehlman practices in the areas of estate planning and administration, trust administration, charitable giving and sophisticated income, gift and estate tax planning. She advises individuals and families on strategies to maximize wealth preservation across generations, including succession planning, insurance planning and planning with business interests, and represents executors and trustees in estate and trust administration matters. She also works with high-net-worth individuals in family law matters, including the negotiation of prenuptial, postnuptial and separation agreements, and individuals and fiduciaries in trusts and estates disputes. Annie received her LL.M. and J.D. from NYU School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis. Brian G. Smith focuses his practice in the areas of estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, litigation, family law and charitable giving for high net worth individuals. In the estate planning area, Brian represents clients in implementing complex tax-planning strategies, including, but not limited to, dynasty trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, qualified personal residence trusts and life insurance trusts, to reduce the wealth transfer tax paid as a result of transferring wealth to future generations. He also creates traditional wills, revocable trusts and limited liability companies, among other estate planning and corporate vehicles and structures, with respect to his clients' estate plans. In the estate and trust administration area, Brian supervises fiduciaries and beneficiaries in all aspects of the administration of estates and trusts, including representing clients in audits of their estate tax returns and gift tax returns. Brian received his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law, where he was an Articles Editor of the St. John's Law Review, and his B.A. from Duke University, where he double majored in Public Policy and History. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Soul Ryeders and is a former co-chair of the New Members Committee of the Trusts and Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. About Schulte Roth & Zabel Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (www.srz.com) is a full-service law firm with offices in New York, Washington, DC and London. As one of the leading law firms serving the financial services industry, the firm regularly advises clients on corporate and transactional matters and provides counsel on regulatory, compliance, enforcement and investigative issues. The firm's practices include: bank regulatory; bankruptcy & creditors' rights litigation; blockchain technology & digital assets; broker-dealer regulatory & enforcement; business reorganization; complex commercial litigation; cybersecurity; distressed debt & claims trading; distressed investing; education law; employment & employee benefits; energy; environmental; finance & derivatives; financial institutions; hedge funds; individual client services; insurance; intellectual property, sourcing & technology; investment management; litigation; litigation finance; mergers & acquisitions; PIPEs; private equity; real estate; real estate capital markets & REITs; real estate litigation; regulated funds; regulatory & compliance; securities & capital markets; securities enforcement; securities litigation; securitization; shareholder activism; tax; and white collar defense & government investigations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005856/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] An online petition detailing thousands of graphic incidents of sexual assault and rape against high school students has ballooned, with at least 50 Victorian private, Catholic and public schools now mentioned. The petition launched a fortnight ago by former Sydney schoolgirl Chanel Contos is gaining momentum, with schools and state governments now being forced to address the distressing accounts of assault. By Wednesday night, Ms Contos website, teachusconsent.com, had amassed more than 2900 anonymised testimonies by former and current high school students overwhelmingly girls and women across the country. Chanel Contos Credit:Liliana Zaharia In the first week of its existence, the website and petition, which calls for mandatory consent education to be taught at a younger age, focused on stories of sexual assault and rape against students from private schools in Sydney. But now the harrowing accounts, which are untested, have named public schools in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. LANSING, MI - Expungement for first-time drunk driving offenses is one step closer to becoming Michigan law. The state House approved the two-bill package with wide bipartisan approval during session Wednesday, March 10. The legislation now heads to the Senate for deliberation. If approved there, it would head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers desk for potential approval. Both House Bills 4219 and 4220, sponsored by Reps. Tenisha Yancey, D-Harper Woods, and Joe Bellino, R-Monroe, passed 93-17. HB 4129 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. HB 4220 sponsored would allow for the first-time offender to apply for expungement from a judge. Yancey defended her bill on the House floor Wednesday, telling a personal story of how she is able to forgive those who drive drunk. My father was killed by a drunk driver, five days before my 14th birthday. It took me years to reach the point of acceptance and forgiveness, she said. However, I believe that people deserve a second chance. And this bill does just that. These bills closely resemble Senate Bill 1254, sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, from the last legislative session. The final version of that bill passed with wide support last session, but Whitmer opted not to sign it without exactly saying why. Read more: Whitmer pocket vetoes first-time DUI expungement bill with little explanation Whitmer pocket vetoed the bill by not signing it before the 14-day timeline for her to take action on it. Tiffany Brown, former spokeswoman for the governor, didnt provide specific explanation for the denial. The governor let several lame duck bills expire without her signature, Brown said in a statement to MLive on Jan. 5. The reasons vary, including a failure to negotiate the bills, disagreement on the underlying policy or the complexity of the subject matter and the need for further discussion. When messaged for further comment, Whitmers current communication team declined to provide clarification if this new expungement push would be received differently. Both Republicans and Democrats in the House hope this new expungement push is different due to the support of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. She said last month that she would try to speak with Whitmer to facilitate the Governors signature on the package. Read more: Michigan House renews bipartisan push for first-time drunken driving expungement The expungement push has been part of a bipartisan effort in the Legislature over the last two years, culminating with the passage of Clean Slate legislation last fall. Whitmer also signed criminal justice reforms approved during the last lame-duck session, including reductions in penalties for numerous low-level offenses, elimination of mandatory minimum jail sentences, sealing juvenile court records from public view and more. Yancey applauded the bipartisan support of the bill and urged state lawmakers to continue our support of the criminal justice reform that we have started. These are not heinous crimes. Theyre not heinous criminals, Yancey said of first-time drunk driving offenders. They are our neighbors, our loved ones, our family members, our friends and our colleagues. Let us continue our support of the criminal justice reform that we have started and giving those who have accepted responsibility for their actions, a second chance by supporting these bills. The House bills were also co-sponsored by Reps. Graham Filler, R-DeWitt; Terry Sabo, D-Muskegon; Samantha Steckloff, D-Farmington Hills; and Mary Cavanagh, D-Redford Twp. Read more from MLive: Whitmer signs bulk of coronavirus aid package, but vetoes limits on executive authority Michigan Legislature had its own series of confidential staff separation agreements Auditor-recommended election reforms approved in Michigan House COVID-19 aid, confidentiality agreements, guns and LGBT rights: The week in Michigan politics The Unforgettable Year Dispatches from 12 months in pandemic. Dr. Michael Osterholm. Photo: Stuart Isett for Fortune Brainstorm Health This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. Michael Osterholm has spent the past year as afraid of getting Covid as anyone else. You know how many times Ive woken up in the morning and said, I wonder if todays the day I could get infected? One of the worlds leading epidemiologists, he is reassured by the fact that he doesnt go anywhereIm the guy who has the same tank of gas in his car that he had three months agobut he, too, is desperate to be done with the pandemic. I miss my grandkids, he told Intelligencer from his Minneapolis-area home, his assured voice turning wistful. My God, I miss my grandkids. Osterholm, 67, is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and has spent the past four decades studying epidemics, but he became nationally famous a year ago for his stark predictions during the first shocking wave of the pandemic in the U.S. In April, I said, These are just the foothills. We havent even gotten to the mountains yetand there are big ones coming, he recalls. People, of course, dismissed that as just hyperbole and just scary. Well, you saw what happened. His hair-raising, accurate prediction made him something of a Dr. Doom whose expertise was sought after by everyone from CNN to Joe Rogan. Last fall he earned a spot as an adviser for the Biden transition team, where he controversially floated the potential need for a nationwide lockdown. Now, Osterholm has a new prediction: More virulent variants, particularly B.1.1.7 first identified in the UK, will likely kick off a surge in cases and deaths in the U.S. in a matter of weeksjust as most states lift restrictions. Hes staking his credibility on being right, and potentially his health, by delaying his own second vaccine shot, which he says should be done across the country in order to make more first shots available to as many people as possible, offering some protection before the wave crests yet again. This question of delaying second doses has sharply divided the health and science community. But on Monday, the CDCs vaccination advisory board, ACIP, agreed that the data on changing doses is too limited to make new recommendationsand one dose might not be enough to protect against variants, the advisers pointed out. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths dropped dramatically after the U.S. reached its highest peak in January, while vaccinations are climbing steadily past 2 million per day. People are beginning to talk about having a normal summer. But before then, Osterholm believes, another surge will pummel the country. This big spike that went up and came down, it gives us this false sense of security that somehow, were in control. And were not, he said. First of all, viruses are complicated and often tend to come in waves, he saidand were at a terrible starting point for another spike. Last summer, in July, 70,000 cases a day was a house-on-fire event in this country. Today, we kind of feel like weve won, and were at 70,000 cases a day, he said. We are right now more open to virus transmission than any time since March. Everybody is enjoying this new Covid-19 holiday. Governors have opened up virtually everything. Yet in the past two weeks, new daily cases have stopped falling. One major difference since last March are variants of concern. B.1.1.7, for instance, is about 40 to 70 percent more infectious and causes much more severe illness. It likely arrived in the U.S. in November, and now its in every stateand it is more than doubling every week. But theres another big difference this March: extremely safe, effective vaccines that work against these variants. The challenge we have right now is we have variants versus the vaccine, Osterholm saidand the battle is also a race against time. More than 54 million Americans are above the age of 65the age group where 80 percent of the deaths occur, and the group most likely to develop severe illness that results in hospitalization, straining health care systems. About 41 percent of those 65 and up have been vaccinated so far, but they need to be prioritized even more, Osterholm said: What were trying to do is protect as many lives as possible. Osterholm has a gift for making these statistics deeply personal. Imagine Im sitting on one side of the table, and I have two doses of vaccine, one in each hand, he said. On the other side of the table is my mom and my dad, or my grandpa and my grandma. And they both are over 65, they both have an underlying health condition. And Im gonna look them in the eye and say, okay, I can give both doses to one of you, or I can give one dose to each of you. What would you like me to do? Wouldnt you want, particularly with evidence of the protection we have, to protect both of them, and not leave one totally vulnerable? There are a couple of different scenarios Osterholm and his colleagues have outlined to maximize vaccinations. For starters, he asked, why are we giving two doses to people who have already had Covid? We already have compelling data that you get a very good response after the first dose. Second, he says, the Moderna vaccine trial looked at the effectiveness of two full doses and two half-dosesand the results were the same for both. Why not switch to two half-doses, and get twice as many people vaccinated? Finally, Osterholm wants to delay second doses of the two-shot Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for everyone elsebut only until after the surge, which he expects to happen over the next two or three months. By then, the U.S. is expected to have enough doses to vaccinate all adults fully. A single dose of the mRNA vaccines seems to offer at least the same response as the single-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, Osterholm pointed out. Why would you say its okay to approve one and say the other two are problems if you dont get both doses? And data from the single Johnson & Johnson shot showed increased protection the more time went on. Its possible with just one dose of Moderna or Pfizer, you would likely see the very same increases over time, he said. The catch, though, is that the Moderna and Pfizer trials didnt study what happened when you only get one dose. Although the first dose seemed to offer some protection on its own, that protection was extended and strengthened by the second follow-up dosea point critics of Osterholms school of thought are quick to make. But that is why advocates such as Osterholm argue for delaying, not abolishing, the second dose. The experts who favor sticking to the vaccination plan that has been proven to worktwo doses, spaced three or four weeks apartsay we need to follow the science. But, Osterholm said, thats exactly what hes trying to do. All of that data was collected before anything had to do with the variants. The variants are a brand-new set of data. And new research on the effectiveness of the first dose is emerging. There is sufficient data to support that, at least for the short term, you clearly have enough protection against serious illness, hospitalizations, and death, he said. So, its a bit disingenuous for people to say we have all the science based on the submission of the vaccines for approval. Theres much, much more thats come out. Ongoing scientific trials could even show that waiting a few more weeks might allow your immune system to respond better, which is the case with certain other vaccines, Osterholm said. These studies were never set up to measure, ultimately, your immune response or dosing. They were set up so that you could get a product approved quickly with authorization. But even before new research was made public, Osterholm decided to delay his own second shot. You have to walk the talk and talk the walk. I would be a hypocrite if I didnt believe that vaccine wouldnt provide me adequate protection through this surge, he said. He believes what he says about being protected from severe illness or death by a single dose. I just know that there are thousands of grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads, brothers and sisters that could be protected with a single dose, he said. If we keep up doing what were doing, theyre not going to have that chance before this surge comes. And that surge is a major factor in why he advocates for this plan. When he first began talking about delaying doses at the beginning of the year, he said, a lot of people just missed the surge piece completely. There he goes again, you know. People will say I scare people, but whatever. Its never to scare people out of their wits, its to scare them into their wits. He likens his prediction about another surge to meteorologists watching a hurricane swirl across the Doppler. If it looks like a category-five storm is headed toward the coast, they need to warn people of the potential dangereven if it downgrades or takes a turn back out to the ocean. You had a responsibility to let the public know, he said. Id much rather be sorry for something I did than something I didnt do. In emergency situations, he said, you cant wait until you have complete information, or it will be too late. Im sitting here saying this surge is coming, he said. Do I know how big its going to be? I dont. But I can tell you, in Europe, theyve all been in lockdown since Christmas in many countries, and they still have a problem. Recently, on his podcast, Osterholm spoke about the professional risks of vocally backing a plan like this. This could be the end of my career. But I could not sleep with myself at night if I didnt do this, he said. In our interview, he took a lighter approach. I mean, some people thought I ended my career 40 years ago, he said, laughing, before sobering again. Ive been doing this since the beginning of time. I never for a moment forget the responsibility I have to the public, to tell the truth, no matter how hard it is, no matter who else doesnt agree with you, and to always say what I know and dont know. Ive tried to wrap my arms around what it means to have 500,000 people die from Covid, Osterholm said. In their work, epidemiologists deal with numberswith population-wide statistics and calculations. But I know some of these numbers, he said, his voice quiet. They were people loved by people. He believes warning about a coming surgeand rallying to protect more people quicklycould be his greatest contribution to combating the pandemic. To me, that is whats very personal, he said. My job right now is just to save as many lives as possible in the next six to 12 weeks. Whatever it takes. Even so, decisions like these never get easier. You always ask yourself, is this the right thing to do? he said. Im not afraid of being wrong. I own it, if I am. Im more afraid of knowing what I know and not speaking out. Because that could make the difference between whether somebodys grandma and grandpa are going to be there to give one of their grandkids a hug and a kiss goodnight, he said. Thats what I worry about. Im dispensable. Grandpa and grandma are not. I want to be so wrong on this one, he said. I will publicly celebrate me being wrong if this [surge] doesnt happen, because I just wish we didnt have to go through this. Chike Uzuegbunam, an alumnus of Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia, wasnt looking for a payday when he sued his alma mater. He asked for $1 in damages when he alleged that the school had precluded him from evangelizing in one of the designated speech zones on the campus because other students had complained. To the Georgia university systems credit, it eliminated on-campus speech restrictions regarding religion not only at Georgia Gwinnett College but throughout the system. That prompted the court handling Uzuegbunams case to dismiss it as moot, but he appealed the dismissal. An appellate court upheld the lower court decision but Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States, 8-1, ruled that the case should continue to be decided on its merits. The case was not about Uzuegbunams free speech rights, but about whether he could pursue the case even after the college changed the policy. Chief Justice John Roberts dissented, worrying that court dockets will overflow with cases of people trying to make points rather than to seek recompense for damages. Where a plaintiff asks only for a dollar, the defendant should be able to end the case by giving him a dollar, without the court needing to pass on the merits of the plaintiffs claims, Roberts wrote. ... Going forward, the judiciary will be required to perform this function whenever a plaintiff asks for a dollar. For those who want to know if their rights have been violated, the least dangerous branch will become the least expensive source of legal advice. The flip side of that, though, is that $1 is a cheap price for a defendant to evade accountability for violating someone elses constitutional rights. Better, as the court ruled, that such cases be determined on their merits. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. An ex-Army Lance Corporal threatened to shoot Alastair Campbell in the back of the head while in a rage over Brexit and the Iraq war, a court heard. Lee Gould, 47, of Rochester, Kent, emailed Tony Blairs former spin doctor on April 25 last year to say: I find it absolutely staggering that someone like you is able to mince around without serious harm to yourself or your family. As a former guardsman I would happily put one in the back of your skull. Gould sent the email during a mental health crisis and there was no evidence he was obsessed with the 63-year-old writer, Highbury Corner Magistrates Court heard. Mr Campbell said in a statement that he was used to receiving bad messages but this email was particularly shocking and worrying due to the venomous references to family. Lee Gould (pictured left), 47, threatened to shoot Alastair Campbell (right, file photo) in the back of the head while in a rage over Brexit and the Iraq war, a court heard He said the reference to Goulds military background caused further alarm. Gould, who told police he is a Brexit supporter, sent the email after hearing Mr Campbell speak on the radio. He admitted dislike for the ex-Labour communications chief due to his actions regarding the Iraq War while in Downing Street, reports the Evening Standard. Gould told police: 'Just like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin, he is a leader who seems oblivious to his toxicity and whats out there.' 'The overarching aim was for him to understand there are people out there that dont like him.' Greg Stewart, defending, said: This is not a campaign, it was a very, very poor lapse in a very, very low situation. The risk of recurrence is low. The clinical psychiatrist is saying that theres been a major turn around in his mental health and since accommodation was secured for his address, as well as efforts undertaken by himself. There has been nothing of this ilk since. This is not the tip of the iceberg, plotting harm against prominent members of public, it was a short message of two lines. It was all there, easy for him to type in his state of anger at the time.' He added: Theres no suspicion that hes got an obsession with Mr Campbell, apart from hearing on Radio 5 that he has any prior or post dealings whatsoever. Gould sent the email during a mental health crisis and there was no evidence he was obsessed with the 63-year-old writer, Highbury Corner Magistrates Court (pictured above) heard Hes never targeted Mr Campbell before or since. Gould admitted sending the distressing email but sentence was adjourned after the prosecutor was unable to confirm whether Mr Campbell wants a restraining order to be imposed. Judge Alison Rose said: Currently its preferable to have the views of the complainant before making a restraining order. The Crown has made the application to make a restraining order and I need to make an informed decision on that. I regret that I have to adjourn to 29 March. Gould admitted one count of sending a letter, communication or article conveying a threatening message to Mr Campbell under the Malicious Communications Act, 1988. He was bailed ahead of his sentencing on 29 March. Republican Senator Tim Scott has claimed that "woke supremacy" is just as bad as white supremacy in the United States, and the country needed to take it "seriously". His comments came during an interview with Fox News after the FBI director Christopher Wray announced there was a serious threat with white supremacist groups in the US, specifically after the US Capitol riots that took place on 6 January. "Woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy. We need to take that seriously," Mr Scott said on Fox News. The South Carolina senator made the statement also in response to MSNBC's Joy Reid, who called Mr Scott "the patina of diversity" for the GOP after he appeared at a recent press conference. Mr Scott is the only Black Republican senator in office currently. "You've got to love Tim Scott standing there to provide the patina of diversity over that round of words, that basket full of words," Ms Reid said at the time about the senator's attendance. Following the MSNBC segment, Mr Scott's press secretary was quick to defend the senator, stating he was "not a prop" for the GOP. "Unsurprising that someone like Joy would stoop that low I guess that's what you do in the absence of a substantive policy critique. The senator has been leading the fight against the misguided Dem wage hike for weeks," Caroline Anderegg wrote in a tweet on 2 March. Mr Scott's comments about political wokeness come at a time when the Republican party has zeroed in on "cancel culture" and how it has impacted daily society. Dr Seuss was the latest focus for conservatives after it was revealed that six books in the author's collection would no longer be published due to racist imagery. Conservatives have slammed this decision, calling it cancel culture and encouraging the public to purchase popular titles from Dr Seuss. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy even posted a video of himself reading Green Eggs and Ham, despite it not being one of the titles removed due to racist imagery. Meanwhile members of the far-right have denied the growing threat of white supremacy in the country. Fox News host Tucker Carlson was one of them, and he went as far as to make the false claim in February that there was no evidence white supremacist and militia groups were involved in the riots that public witnessed at the US Capitol on 6 January. "There's no evidence that white supremacists were responsible for what happened on Jan. 6. That's a lie," Mr Carlson said on his show. Instead Mr Carlson, among others, has claimed that members of antifa were responsible for some of the actions seen during the deadly riots. FBI Director Christian Wray said the federal agency had "no evidence" antifa was involved in the 6 January riots when speaking in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. "We have not to date seen any evidence of anarchist violent extremists or people subscribing to antifa in connection with the 6th," Mr Wray said. "That doesn't mean we're not looking, and we'll continue to look. But at the moment, we have not seen that." But what the agency did find was that there was a percentage of people involved who associated themselves with white supremacist or far-right militia groups. "Although I don't have the percentage for you, the attackers on January 6th included a number and the number keeps growing as we build out our investigations of what we would call militia violent extremism," Mr Wray said. "And we have had some already arrested who we would put in the category of racially motivated violent extremism, white as well. Those would be the categories so far that we're seeing as far as 6 January." He added that the US was seeing a growing threat of violent activity among these extremist groups in everyday life. I would certainly say, as I think Ive said consistently in the past, that racially motivated violent extremism, specifically of the sort that advocates for the superiority of the white race, is a persistent, evolving threat, Mr Wray said. Its the biggest chunk of our racially motivated violent extremism cases for sure. And racially motivated violent extremism is the biggest chunk of our domestic terrorism portfolio, if you will, overall. WATERVLIET The citys next police chief could just be a short ride away over the Congress Street Bridge in Troy. Troy Police Chief Brian Owens is one of the finalists to lead the Watervliet Police Department, Mayor Charles Patricelli confirmed. Plans are to make a selection by Friday to fill the position that has been vacant for 10 months after former Chief Anthony Geraci was furloughed, then dismissed. Owens has been chief of Troys 131-member department for three years, having succeeded retired Chief John Tedesco. Im just exploring options. We have to see, Owens said Tuesday. The pressure and the stress is just relentless, Owens said about leading the Troy department. Monday and Tuesday alone saw four shooting incidents around the city, including one in which a 12-year-old child was wounded in South Troy. The Watervliet chiefs salary is $90,000, compared to $135,000 for the Troy chiefs position. The Watervliet department had 23 officers in May 2020, about one-fifth the size of Troys police force. When Watervliet posted the job in late January, it was suggested to Owens that he apply for the post. The opening came after Troy police dealt with one of their busier years as the department investigated 14 homicides, handled COVID-19 responses and saw 11,000 people participate in the peaceful Troy Rally for Black Lives in June, as well as other protests. Owens said he has not been offered the position and does not know what his decision would be if he is asked to lead Watervliet. Troy Mayor Patrick Madden did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday about Owens potential departure. Whoever is named the next Watervliet chief will find that it doesnt come with civil service protection such as is afforded the Troy post. Geraci never signed a contract with Watervliet, leaving him in a vulnerable position when the city cited coronavirus pandemic financial stresses to eliminate his job. The Watervliet Police Benevolent Association issued a statement following Geracis dismissal calling for him to be returned to the position he had held for about 10 months. The PBA feels that the firing of Chief Geraci was personal in nature and attempted to be veiled under reasons of financial burdens. This clearly is an intentional deception disseminated to the chief, the department and the citizens of Watervliet," according to the union statement. "This is an outrageous act that must be remedied immediately by either the mayor or City Council. A failure to do so will undoubtedly shake our confidence in the leadership of city government," the statement continued. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Restaurant Group plc (RTN.L) reported Wednesday that its fiscal 2020 loss before tax was 127.6 million pounds, wider than prior year's loss of 37.3 million pounds. Loss per share was 21.3 pence, compared to loss of 8.2 pence per share last year. Adjusted losses before tax were 87.5 million pounds, compared to profit of 74.5 million pounds a year ago. Adjusted loss per share was 13.4 pence, compared to earnings of 11.9 pence in 2019. On an IAS 17 basis, adjusted loss before tax was 47.9 million pounds, compared to profit of 74.5 million pounds last year. Adjusted EBITDA was 8.7 million pounds, compared to last year's 136.7 million pounds. Total revenues in the year were down 57 percent to 459.8 million pounds from 1.07 billion pounds a year ago. Looking ahead, the company said its short-term outlook is uncertain whilst restrictions are in place. Separately, the company announced a capital raise of 175 million pounds to enhance liquidity, accelerate deleveraging and support selective growth. Andy Hornby, Chief Executive Officer, said, 'The Capital raise announced today, alongside the debt re-financing announced last week, represents the last important step in our re-structuring process and provides TRG with the long term flexibility to invest in growing our business. Whilst the sector outlook remains uncertain, and we are mindful of continuing restrictions across the UK, we are confident that the actions announced today will allow us to emerge as one of the long term winners.' In London, Restaurant Group shares were trading at 114 pence, up 3.4 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 7 years of war in Donbass! In 7 years a national dialogue on ways of ending the war and peaceful settlement has not truly been established. A part of Ukraine, Donetsk and Lugansk region territories, has been destroyed by military equipment, bombardments, lives have been ruined along with the future of millions of people. Tens of thousands of victims. Economic decline. An ecological and humanitarian catastrophe threat. Poverty. Absence of a stable future for children. This destructive war continues to wreck lives, frontlines have made Donbass a huge black hole. A fragile state of the ceasefire and the emerging now and then battles ruin any hope for a better tomorrow. The COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Donbass, along with the whole world, makes the existing situation even worse. A whole generation of young Ukrainians, that is growing up, have never known peace. Thousands of children started school or graduated to the sounds of shooting. All of us and hundreds of thousands of our neighbors were forced to leave their homes in search for shelter, aid and safety beyond their native land. In the aftermath, we have a humiliating status of "refugees" and "temporarily relocated people". Today Donbass is a "bloody political toy" in the hands of certain words leaders, who govern the future of millions of Ukrainian citizens, while being indifferent to the people's lives. We are certain that if the international negotiations are disrupted and we stop taking gradual little steps to Donbass peace the consequences both for Donbass and for Ukraine as a whole will be catastrophic. The Donbass war became a profit source and a stepping stone for some politicians and parties' career, who get their power at the cost of peoples lives. Whatever is suggested by a whole lot of different politicians, we are sure that the future of Donbass should be negotiated taking into consideration opinions of the region inhabitants and representatives. After all, millions of Donbass people on both sides of the confrontation line should have a right to determine their region's future as peaceful and economically developed, as an integral part of Ukraine. We consider it our mission to consolidate all healthy powers, to establish an open dialogue in order to find a peace formula and new future for Ukrainian Donbass. We announce our initiative to unite all volunteers to work on the idea of Peaceful Donbass. We are establishing a nation-wide civil movement "Donbass-Donbass" that will find a way out of the current bloody dead end. Our aims: to promote the peace negotiations acceleration, to engage more participants in the talks; to propose new and additional ways in order to create a stable peaceful life in the country, to avoid a humanitarian and ecological catastrophe in Donbass, to reestablish social and economic ties; to require renewal and provision of constitutional rights of citizens etc. We encourage deputies of all kinds, business representatives, all citizens and humanitarian organisations to join our movement and actively participate. We encourage all peaceful forces to unite! We are ready for a dialogue and active participation in the peace process on all levels. We are certain: economic and social growth of Ukraine as a united, sovereign, independent state begins with a peace in Donbass! Donbass needs Ukraine, Ukraine needs Donbass! Peace is possible! 1. Adamov Boris, doctor of economics, prof., member of board of NGO "Native community - Home Donbass" 2. Batyuk Oleg, lawyer, human rights activist, deputy head of public association "Legal Donbass" 3. Bakhteeva Tatyana, honored doctor of Ukraine, doctor of medical sciences, chairman of NGO " Native community - Home Donbass " 4. Bondik Valeriy, honored lawyer of Ukraine 5. Buzarov Andrey, consultant for Committee on human rights, de-occupation and reintegration of temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk, Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, national minorities and interethnic relations 6. Guba Sergey, consultant for Committee on human rights, de-occupation and reintegration of temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk, Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, national minorities and interethnic relations 7. Dzhangutinov Marik, head of the "Community of Kazakh culture of Donbass" 8. Iermolaev Andrey, philosopher, head of the Strategic group "Sofia" 9. Iermolaev Dmitry, philosopher, editor-in-chief of the magazine "Event Horizons", expert of the Strategic group "Sofia" 10. Zaichikov Sergey, head, NGO "New politics in Donbass" 11. Kuzyara Sergiy, mining engineer, MBA, Ph.D. 12. Sednev Yuri, lawyer, Major General 13. Skok Viktor, lawyer, co-founder of the NGO "Institute for the development of society through law" 14. Shcherbina Viktor, Sc.D. sociology., prof., deputy head of the Strategic group "Sofia" Heaven forbid we pass something thats going to help the damn workers in the United States of America, Representative Tim Ryan, Democrat of Ohio, bellowed across the House floor on Tuesday, addressing Republicans who lined up to oppose the measure. The G.O.P., he said, seemed more interested in tax cuts and moaning about cancel culture than helping American pocketbooks. Stop talking about Dr. Seuss and start working with us on American workers! he added. Strengthening unions has been the priority of Democrats and some Republicans in Congress for decades, as businesses, the courts and Republican-led states have slowly chipped away at labor protections. Plummeting union participation just over 10 percent of American workers are in a union today, compared with a high of one-third in the 1950s combined with stagnation in wages among the working and middle class has catapulted the issue to the top of Democrats agenda. Labor rights proponents point to studies suggesting that unions help deliver higher wages regardless of race and gender, as well as safer work environments issues that have taken on greater resonance with the public during the pandemic and after racial justice protests last year. Public polling suggests support for labor unions is rising, too. The PRO Act is a civil rights act, Richard Trumka, the president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., said in a recent interview. If you have a union contract, everyone is making the same wages. Theres no differential between men and women, Black and white. There are protections for L.G.B.T.Q., for women. The law doesnt always protect them, their contracts do. The bill would not in itself create unions or alter the right to organize. Rather, it tries to ease the path to unionization by strengthening existing unions, putting in place new protections for workers seeking to band together to negotiate as a bloc and establishing new penalties for employers that set out to bust up such efforts. For example, the measure would deprive employers of some of their most potent tools in stopping an organizing campaign: calling mandatory meetings to dissuade employees from unionizing, as Amazon has done, and permanently replacing striking workers. It would for the first time give real teeth to the National Labor Relations Board, which enforces labor law, allowing federal regulators to impose fines and other meaningful punishments on businesses that violate their workers rights. Studies suggest such violations have become widespread because employers face no real consequences for their actions. And wronged workers would get new rights to sue in court if the board declined to prosecute their cases. Advertisement Hawaii has declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall has caused flooding, landslides and fears of dam failures while at least one person is missing after being swept downstream in the flash floods. Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the Aloha State Tuesday as the floods caused 'extensive damage' to both public and private properties, several thousand residents were told to evacuate due to the threat of rising waters and tourists were warned to stay inside. 'The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather,' Ige said Tuesday. The declaration covers the counties of Hawai'i, Maui, Kalawao, O'ahu and Kaua'i, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8. A house on Haleiwa Road is surrounded by floodwaters in Haleiwa as Hawaii declared a state of emergency A mudslide leaves Kamehameha Highway coated near Pokole Point close to Kahaluu as heavy rainfall caused flooding, landslides and fears of dam failures across the Aloha State Footage shows raging floodwater pouring over a road in Maui. Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the Aloha State Tuesday as the floods caused 'extensive damage' to both public and private properties Severe weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday with the National Weather Service extending a flash flood watch for 22 counties up until 6 pm on March 12. Flash flood warnings were downgraded to flood advisories in most areas Wednesday morning as rains over the Puna and Kau districts weakened. Fears are growing for the welfare of one person who was swept away in the raging waters of the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City on Oahu's north shore, Tuesday. Honolulu Fire Department crews resumed the search for the person early Wednesday by both foot and air after they had been forced to call it off due to darkness the night before. A witness told KITV they 'saw the person go down the wash and not come back up the other side, so figured they grabbed the branch,' but when they didn't resurface they dialed 911. Another person - a 27-year-old man - managed to escape unscathed after his truck was swept away down Waikele Stream in Pearl City. The man managed to clamber on top of the roof and he was airlifted to safety by rescue crews. At least one person is missing after being swept downstream in the flash floods with the search resuming Wednesday. Pictured a street in Hauula The declaration covers the counties of Hawai'i, Maui, Kalawao, O'ahu and Kaua'i, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8 A flooded road is seen in Hauula on Oahu, Hawaii. Severe weather conditions are expected to continue through Friday People survey the waters along the Haleiwa Road. The National Weather Service extended a flash flood watch for 22 counties up until 6 pm on March 12 Another Maui resident told KGMB reported he was forced to wade through water up to his chest as it rose so rapidly in his home in Haiku. Mark Alexander said the family's dog Legend was swept away but managed to climb onto the roof to safety. No other immediate injuries or casualties have been reported but the flooding has already left considerable damage in its wake with roads impassable, two bridges destroyed and at least six homes in ruins on the island of Maui. The Peahi Bridge on Peahi Road was completely washed out and the Kaupakalua Bridge on Kaupakalua Road was displaced, officials said Over in the northern region of Haiku, the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku in Maui overflowed Tuesday - just months before it was due to be removed later this year because of its 'unsatisfactory' condition. Shan Tsutsui, the chief operating officer of Mahi Pono, co-owner of the dam, said water over-topped the reservoir but that it hadn't failed altogether. 'At this time, the over-topping of the dam has ceased. However, our crews are actively monitoring the situation and will continue monitoring the water levels until it returns to a safe level,' Tsutsui said in a statement. Flash flood warnings were downgraded to flood advisories in most areas Wednesday morning as rains over the Puna and Kau districts weakened A surfer paddles along the floodwater on Oahu Island. Fears are growing for the welfare of one person who was swept away in the raging waters of the Waiawa Stream in Pearl City on Oahu's north shore, Tuesday Another person - a 27-year-old man - managed to escape unscathed after his truck was swept away down Waikele Stream in Pearl City. Pictured floodwaters stream down a street in Hauula Around 4,000 residents were evacuated from the small community of Haleiwa Tuesday, just north of the capital Honolulu 'If you have family and friends and you can get out of the area, that is probably preferable. But be careful if you see high water, turn around and go back. Do not try to cross it at this time.' Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino's office said Monday in a Facebook video the extreme weather was unlike anything the area has seen 'in a long time.' 'Ladies and gentlemen, this is a real flooding situation we have not seen in a long time. In fact, some of the residents have told me that this is the worst they've seen in over 25 years,' he said. Around 4,000 residents were also evacuated from the small community of Haleiwa Tuesday, just north of the capital Honolulu as Mayor Rick Blangiardi warned the flooding was 'life-threatening' and the National Weather Service called it 'particularly dangerous.' Aerial footage posted by Hans Schippers via Storyful shows homes across the town submerged in flood water with residents directed to safety at evacuation points at Wahaiwa District Park and Wailauha High, while the stream rose from four to 16 feet in a matter of hours. The evacuation order was lifted around 11.30 pm Tuesday - around seven hours after it was issued - as the threat decreased but any residents returning to their homes were urged to do so with caution. At his confirmation hearing, Judge Garland, 68, said that becoming attorney general would be the culmination of a career I have dedicated to ensuring that the laws of our country are fairly and faithfully enforced and the rights of all Americans are protected. Judge Garland has amassed decades of credentials in the law. He clerked for Justice William J. Brennan Jr., worked for years as a federal prosecutor and led major investigations into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and others before being confirmed to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1997. He was chosen by President Barack Obama in 2016 to join the Supreme Court only to see his nomination held up for eight months in an audacious political maneuver by Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader at the time. The move ultimately allowed Mr. Trump to choose his own nominee to fill the seat. But Mr. McConnell, who said last year that he would support Judge Garland to serve as attorney general, was among the Republicans who voted for his confirmation and a day earlier to end debate over his nomination, paving the way for the full Senate to vote. Im voting to confirm Judge Garland because of his long reputation as a straight shooter and legal expert, Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor before he cast his vote. Passage of the $1.9 trillion spending bill has Democrats giddy. President Biden termed it historic. Senator Schumer calls it a great day for this country. Not to be outdone, Senator Debbie Stabenow gushed, People on the floor, in our caucus, it was almost like tears in their eye. I mean, I felt it. Here is what actually historic. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Biden one-term deficit will total a forecasted $8 trillion, including the $1.9 trillion, spiraling to $11 trillion if Democrats follow through on next months planned $3 trillion bill for infrastructure. Republicans have widely noted the huge waste in the spending bill. Of $1.9 trillion, only $465 billion is due to the $1,400 check, putting the bills pork and payoffs at $1.4 trillion. Economists have identified the enormity of planned spending, and its recklessness. Even stalwart Democrat supporters recognize the Biden administration utter disregard of fiscal responsibility. But that is not the full measure of the worst. Driving the country exponentially into ever greater indebtedness fairly and objectively marks the end of the American dream. U.S. History and Public Debt For two hundred years, after every great national crisis, the succeeding generations made sure to put the country back on sound financial footing. Call it our blessed second greatest generation, the stalwarts who ensured national crisis did not eat up the chance for their children and grandchildren to prosper. It is all here, in this one graph, the story of a nation caring for whom comes next. https://www.pgpf.org/sites/default/files/2020-fiscal-challenge-page-chart-1.jpg Three times this nation has been tested to the utmost. The Revolutionary War, a young nation at risk, through the War of 1812 -- our finances restored by the 1830s. The grievous devastation of the Civil War -- our finances restored by the 1890s. The worst consecutive toll on the U.S. and the world -- World War I, the Great Depression, World War II -- compressed into thirty horrific years, yet all of it fiscally restored within a generation. But now, notwithstanding more than 200 years of fiscal responsibility, resolutely pursued by both parties in the aftermath of crisis, the Democrats use Covid, and the barest contrivance of a majority, to drive this country irretrievably off the cliff. And for what? $3.5 trillion in past Covid spending, a proven vaccine in hand, herd immunity around the corner, economists calling for up to a 10% increase in GDP, with savings at record highs, unemployment already at 6% and true growth in GDP, from pre-Covid levels, realizable by the third quarter of this year, or sooner. The late Senator Moynihan spoke of defining deviancy downward. If Covid is a present crisis of comparable dimension, crisis has been defined downward to insensibility. The scope and depth of the appalling damage being done to this nation cannot properly be understood without slowing the story down. We must collectively feel the grit and determination that hitherto has saved us all. The Nations Founding and Young Years The nations first and everlasting financial hero is undoubtedly Alexander Hamilton. In September 1789, Washington gave Hamilton 110 days to keep the U.S. afloat. Exiting the war, the U.S. owed $80 million set against federal income from tariffs and excise taxes of $4.4 million. Hamiltons response was in three parts. First, he insisted that all debts be repaid in full, including assumption of state debts, even if meant rewarding speculators. Second, he created a national bank, over the heated object of Thomas Jefferson and many Southerners. Finally, he insisted on a specific plan to repay the debt, including western land sales and a new, highly unpopular liquor tax. Hamilton set the countrys DNA. Spend only as much as raised, and once the crisis is surmounted, force the resolve and resources to repay borrowed money in the next generation. Absent Hamiltons fortitude, the U.S. would have lacked the creditworthiness to borrow loans in Europe to pay for the Louisiana Purchase, without which the U.S. would never have become the nation we know today. Even more impressively, from 1789 to 1860, the U.S. built out a continent, fought two major wars and created the infrastructure for the nations growth, all the while without incurring a single dollar of incremental public debt. The Civil War The greatest test relative to the countrys resources was undoubtedly the Civil War. Federal spending to fund the war jumped five-fold, resulting in a national debt in 1865 of $2.7 billion from a mere $65 million in 1860. The national response was bipartisan and uninterrupted. For 30 years, expenses were held below revenue, even with the generational burden of pension obligations to Civil War veterans and rebuilding a devastated nation. The result was continuous surpluses that went directly to debt repayment. By 1893, the national debt was under $1 billion, on far higher GDP, in the process dropping annual interest cost to $23 million from an unaffordable $146 million (versus $270 million in then total spending). It is worth noting that President Grant accomplished this work by abolishing income and estate taxes. Americans paid for the Civil War largely based on alcohol and tobacco taxes, working hand in hand with continuous, bipartisan restraint in spending by the federal government. World War I, The Depression, and World War II In the thirty-year dire hardship path from World War I to victory in World War II, the U.S. debt reached $242 billion, or approximately $2.9 trillion in current dollars, peaking at 110% of GDP. Returning GIs, an ascendent U.S. without economic rival, the baby boom and re-conversion of a wartime economy produced steady growth in the 1950s. Spending on the Korean War aside, it took President Kennedys justly praised tax cuts -- a 30% cut in personal tax rate and a drop in corporate rates -- to rev the U.S. economy into sustained growth in excess of 3% annually. His words are worth hearing anew, when they truly represented the boldness of the Democratic party: The final and best means of strengthening demand among consumers and business is to reduce the burden on private income and the deterrents to private initiative which are imposed under our present tax systemIn short, to increase demand and lift the economy, the federal governments most useful role is not rush into a program of excessive increases in public expenditures, but to expand the incentives and opportunities for private expenditures. [emphasis added] Here then was the program that reduced the national debt below 50% in the 1950s and ultimately to 25% of GDP by 1970. Restrain spending, all the while focusing the government on its proper role of lifting the economy through incentives and opportunities for private enterprise. What a vision, a bipartisan, sound vision. It is also the proper measure of how mightily the Democrat party has fallen in its present insane, insatiable, unfunded and unending program to increase spending. To which they add regulatory burden, ruinous renewable energy mandates, equity, open borders, sky high income taxes, wealth taxes, and authoritarian controls. All this, with risible self-congratulations, just as we should be entering a generational commitment to turn down the debt levels in relation to GDP, a debt that is far greater when including unfunded obligations for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. The measure of the hypocrisy can be seen in the one Democrat who by instinct and life experience is closest to President Kennedys vision for America. Born in the small mining town of Farmington, West Virginia, Senator Joe Manchin watched his grandfather and father make a living in dry goods, but found his path instead in politics, winning state office at 35, ascending to the Governors office for two highly popular terms, and then to the U.S. Senate. Here is his heartfelt inaugural address as Governor. I have hope for a West Virginia that is fiscally responsible and never forgets that taxpayer money doesnt grow on trees. On this point he is adamant and specific, I will personally take responsibility for developing a plan to pay off, once and for all, the long-term debts that we owe. We cannot afford to wait even one more minute. We must be successful and make no mistake, we will be successful and then our children and grandchildren will be proud to follow in our footsteps in building a better West Virginia. What was true for West Virginia then is true for the United States now. The Democrats spending program is a grievous assault on this nations future, more serious and ultimately more dangerous than any crisis we have faced in the past. Wars can be won. Unfunded spending on this scale is surrender. It must be stopped. RICHMOND, Va., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Ralph Northam awarded the Virginia Wineries Association's 2021 Governor's Cup to Barboursville Vineyards for their 2015 Paxxito. The winning wine was revealed tonight during the annual Governor's Cup Celebration, which was held virtually this year. Eleven other wines received top honors, comprising the Governor's Cup Case. The Virginia Governor's Cup, hosted by the Virginia Wineries Association in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association, is one of the most stringent wine competitions in the United States. A panel of 22 judges, directed by Jay Youmans, one of only 53 Masters of Wine (MW) in the United States, reviewed the record-setting 544 wines entered into the competition this year, conducting a blind sampling and scoring the wines in multiple rounds over a four-week period to confirm the winner. Last week, gold medals were awarded to the 96 wines that scored 90 points or higher. All wines in the Governor's Cup competition must be made from 100 percent Virginia fruit. "Virginia's history as a wine region has close ties with Barboursville Vineyards, and I am pleased to recognize Luca Paschina and his team with the Governor's Cup for their continued innovation in winemaking," said Governor Northam. "The wines in this year's Governor's Cup Case are a testament to the passion and pioneering spirit from which Virginia's wine industry thrives. As we celebrate these high-quality and distinctive Virginia wines, we also honor the resilience of the farmers and winemakers who grow and craft them across our Commonwealth." Underscoring its Governor's Cup win, two additional Barboursville wines received honors in the competition, giving the vineyard a total of three wines in the Governor's Cup Case this year. Under the leadership of winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina, Barboursville wines have now earned five Governor's Cup awards including their 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 1997 Cabernet Franc, 1998 Cabernet Franc Reserve and 2009 Octagon. Located in Virginia's Piedmont region, industry leader Gianni Zonin founded Barboursville Vineyards in 1976 as a wine estate and was an early pioneer of the Virginia wine industry, eventually helping to set the standard for a region that is now home to more than 300 wineries. Virginia ciders also are eligible to enter the Governor's Cup competition, and this year a new "Best in Show Cider" award was introduced to recognize achievements in the category. Lost Boy Cider's "Comeback Kid" was recognized with the 2021 award with three other ciders receiving gold medals in the competition. "Wine and cider are an important agricultural product and economic driver in our Commonwealth," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring. "In light of all the challenges the industry faced this year, the Governor's Cup is a welcomed opportunity to celebrate the fantastic wines produced in our region." Alongside the Barboursville Paxxito, the 11 wines included in the 2021 Governor's Cup Case are: Barboursville Vineyards Octagon (2016) Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve (2019) Bluestone Vineyard Petit Manseng (2019) Breaux Vineyards Meritage (2016) Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo (2016) Carriage House Wineworks Petit Verdot (2019) R.A.H. Wine Company Series 1 (2017) King Family Vineyards Mountain Plains (2017) Michael Shaps Wineworks Meritage (2015) Trump Winery Brut Reserve (2014) Veritas Winery Petit Verdot (2017) Within the Governor's Cup Case, there is wide representation from Central Virginia as well as the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginiaareas that are putting Virginia on the map as a globally recognized wine region. The broad geographical diversity of wineries and wines in the 2021 competition highlights Virginia winemakers' ability to listen to their land and navigate the Commonwealth's varied landscape and conditions. According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, more than 2.2 million tourists visited Virginia wineries in 2015. Today, the Virginia wine industry generates $1.37 billion in economic impact and 8,218 jobs for the Commonwealth. Nationwide, Virginia is in the top six states in number of wineries and wine grape production. Additional details about the Governor's Cup competition, a complete list of previous winners, and information about the Virginia wine industry can be found at virginiawine.org/governors-cup. Office of the Governor [email protected] Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office [email protected] (804) 402-1896 SOURCE Virginia Wine Board Related Links https://www.virginiawine.org Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 00:47:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China's law-enforcement and related authorities have vowed crack down on false-litigation, with a view to upholding judicial justice and authority while promoting social ethics. The nation's top court, the top procuratorate, and the ministries of public security and justice released a set of guidelines Wednesday on further strengthening punishments in criminal cases of false litigation. The crime of false litigation refers to concocting civil disputes based on fake evidence and fabricated facts and initiating civil litigation in the people's courts, leading to disruption of the justicial order or serious infringement of others' legitimate rights and interests. The guidelines provide a list of civil cases prone to false litigation crimes, including disputes over private lending, property and contracts, and require people's courts and procuratorates to pay special attention to such cases. The document also clarifies the punishments that judicial personnel and lawyers should face for taking part in false litigation. Enditem India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden are expected to have an exclusive meeting as well, though not confirmed yet. The two leaders will partake in the first-ever Quad Leadership summit, PM Modi and Joe Biden had also discussed the Quad meeting scheduled for Friday over a phone call. In a major geopolitical shift, the first-ever Quad Leadership summit will take place virtually this Friday. The state leaders from the four countries will be participating in this summit and discuss issues ranging from Vaccine to Climate change. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden are expected to have an exclusive meeting as well, though not confirmed yet. The two leaders will partake in the first-ever Quad Leadership summit, PM Modi and Joe Biden have discussed the Quad meeting scheduled for Friday over a call as well. According to the statement issued by Indias Ministry of external affairs said that the leaders will address regional and global topics of mutual concern, as well as realistic areas of collaboration, in order to keep a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison has been calling for the summit and Biden expressed an early interest in both the Indo-Pacific and the Quad and acted quickly to achieve a summit early in his presidency. The white house stated that President Biden has made this one of his first multilateral engagements demonstrates how important close cooperation with our Indo-Pacific allies and partners is to us. Covid-19, economic cooperation, and the climate crisis will also be topics of discussion. Read More: Indias vaccine diplomacy: Pak to receive India made Covid-19 vaccines under GAVI alliance The Quad, which was formerly known as the quadrilateral security dialogue, is now referred to as the quadrilateral framework, indicating that it has expanded beyond a limited security dialogue. The Quad Summit will be held for the first time since 2007. Since then, three meetings at the level of foreign ministers have taken place, two of which were physical meetingsone in New York in 2019 and another in Tokyo last yearand one telephonic contact only last month. Last week, the Australian PM confirmed this upcoming summit and said that it would become a feature of the Indo-Pacific region. PHILIPSBURG:--- During Exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior 21, Dutch marines from 32 Raiding Squadron Aruba, the St. Maarten Detachment, and other units will undergo training in the United States. The training sessions will involve a number of challenging scenarios. Joint training sessions together with US marines from the 2nd Marine Division take place several times a year in both the US and in the Dutch Caribbean. Training together with US units underlines the good relations that exist between these units and the two nations and enables the participating units to exchange knowledge and expertise. Camp Lejeune in North Carolina offers Dutch marines posted to the various islands in the Caribbean a unique opportunity to train at an advanced level with scarce enablers in, among other things, urban areas. The Dutch marines will be hosted by II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). This unique training location enables CZMCARIB to train its units at a more advanced level than is possible at its own geographical location. Cooperation with US units and the addition of enablers (helicopters, aircraft, etc.), in combination with a current and realistic scenario, creates a challenging training environment for both commanders and marines. In the preparation and execution of this exercise, the explicit account has been taken of the travel and other restrictions that are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to travel, military personnel has been quarantined in order to prevent contact with third parties as much as possible. Only personnel who have tested negative after undergoing a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test may take part in this exercise. All participating military personnel will travel bubble-to-bubble on a charter flight from Aruba, via Curacao and St Maarten, directly to North Carolina. The exercise will comply with all additional measures imposed or yet to be imposed by the American government and/or the USMC. The exercise will last approximately three weeks. Rose Byrne rocked 80s chic in a retro denim ensemble as she shot further scenes for her new Apple TV+ dark comedy series Physical on Wednesday. On location in Santa Monica, the 41-year-old was seen in the jeans skirt, with electric blue heels and a black and grey cardigan. She clutched a clipboard and a Biro, and wore a tan leather purse over her shoulder for the scenes, which took part outside in the warm sunshine. On location: Rose Byrne rocked 80s chic in a retro denim ensemble as she shot further scenes for her new Apple TV+ dark comedy series Physical on Wednesday Her typically straight brunette mane was styled in curls for the day's shoot and fell onto her shoulders. She looked aglow in the sunny weather, her features made up with a creamy foundation. She was spotted walking hand-in-hand with her costars Rory Scovel and Grace Kelly Quigley earlier in the week, shooting different scenes. The Damages actress was then seen hugging her castmate before prepping to film another scene. Sunny climes: She clutched a clipboard and a Biro, and wore a tan leather purse over her shoulder for the scenes, which took part outside in the warm sunshine Beach-side story: On location in Santa Monica, the 41-year-old was seen in the jeans skirt, with electric blue heels and a black and grey cardigan Physical will take place in the 1980s and will focus on San Diego housewife Sheila Rubin, played by Byrne. While the character is dealing with her husband's bid for political office and her issues regarding her self-image, she takes up aerobics to deal with her feelings. Also set to appear in the upcoming series are Ian Ousley, Erin Dinsmore and Dierdre Friel, among various others. Throwback series: The upcoming show will take place in the 1980s and focus on a housewife that turns to aerobics to deal with her personal issues Desperate Housewives producer Annie Weisman will serve as the project's showrunner and act as an executive producer. Physical's pilot was helmed by I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie, who will also take charge of further episodes on the forthcoming show. Elvis & Nixon director Liza Johnson is also set to helm various episodes of the future Apple TV+ series. Solid crew: I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie will helm the pilot for the upcoming series and Desperate Housewives producer Annie Weisman will act as the project's showrunner; Byrne is seen working on the show's set earlier this month Apart from working on the upcoming dark comedy series, Byrne has several other projects that are set to be released in the near future. The actress will appear in the upcoming family comedy Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, where she is set to star alongside Domnhall Gleeson and David Oyelowo. The movie, scheduled to be released on May 14th in certain territories, serves as a sequel to the original 2018 film. Byrne will also act in Seriously Red, which began filming last year in Australia's Northern Rivers region. The actress' longtime partner, Bobby Cannavale, is set to act in the upcoming feature as well. Ransomware and Cyberfraud are on the rise creating a new field of products and services; the Cybersecurity industry presents an exciting opportunity for traders. WESLEY CHAPEL, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Vantagepoint AI, the first company in the world to give independent traders the power of Artificial Intelligence for their home computers, has released a new sector for traders. Cybersecurity stocks and ETFs present an exciting, emerging area for trading and investment. Vantagepoint's machine learning has been tracking these assets and developing highly accurate predictive forecasts for traders to use in their trading decisions. VantagePoint, the software driven by A.I., is third-party verified at up to 87.4% accuracy. Traders see market movements 1-3 days in advance helping them to make trades with greater confidence, set stop losses to mitigate their risk, and find new opportunities using VantagePoint's patented Global Intermarket Analysis. Currently, 54 stocks consistently forecasted with a high degree of accuracy are offered to traders in this new sector. More stocks will be added as they meet Vantagepoint's stringent thresholds for forecasts from the machine learning and patented neural network processes so that they can be included in VantagePoint software. "To help traders understand this exciting new field of products and services in the financial markets," says Lane Mendelsohn, President of Vantagepoint AI, "we are releasing a free eBook on Cybersecurity. This should help traders understand why this sector is poised to grow and explain how using artificial intelligence can be a key in successfully trading these assets with confidence." You can download a copy of this free eBook here. To see Vantagepoint's AI in action, attend a free live training. Register here. Mendelsohn notes, "We believe the growing need for Cybersecurity as our world becomes more and more digital signals a huge opportunity for informed traders. We want to do everything we can to Empower Traders Daily!" About Vantagepoint AI, LLC Vantagepoint AI software forecasts Stocks, Futures, Forex, and ETFs with proven accuracy of up to 87.4%. Using patented processes, VantagePoint's artificial intelligence predicts changes in market trend direction up to three days in advance, giving traders insight into optimal times to make their trades. Second-generation, family owned, Vantagepoint actively gives back to the Tampa Bay community, regularly donating a portion of revenue to Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Children's Cancer Center. Media Contact: Lisa Moretti lisam@tradermarketinggroup.com SOURCE: VantagePoint Software View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634535/Vantagepoint-AI-Releases-New-Cybersecurity-Sector-For-Traders Vietnam has begun COVID-19 vaccination that is aimed at priority groups in certain localities first due to limited shot supply. According to Vu Thu Ha, supply chain director of the Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC), the firm has signed a deal to purchase 30 million COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. The Ministry of Health has established a vaccination plan for these shots, Ha added. VNVC is exerting its best effort to negotiate with its partners in order to secure more types of COVID-19 vaccine with high efficacy and quality for Vietnam, she continued. As the inoculation will be carried out under the direction of the central government and health ministry, VNVC has yet to come up with prices for the COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding how to register for COVID-19 vaccination, Ha stated that the information will be updated on the official website of VNVC (vnvc.vn) in the coming time. Vietnam expects to obtain 150 million doses for the whole population this year, with 60 million already secured from AstraZeneca and the COVAX Facility co-led by the World Health Organization. The Southeast Asian country received its first COVID-19 vaccine shipment on February 24 a batch of 117,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. This is part of the 30 million jabs VNVC has bought from AstraZeneca. Due to the limited supply, the health ministry has planned on distributing these vaccine doses to 13 provinces and cities, 21 hospitals and medical centers, as well as the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense. People belonging to target groups listed in Government Resolution No. 21 will be the first to get vaccinated. The vaccination was officially initiated on Monday at four locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the northern province of Hai Duong. The countrys Expanded Program on Immunization said on Tuesday that Vietnam will receive more than 5.6 million additional vaccine shots in March and April. What do you want to know about Vietnam? Ask us at VietQ by Vietnam Life. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! WILLIAMSPORT A federal judge has awarded more than $550,000 damages in what he called a sort of cattle-shifting Ponzi scheme. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Tuesday granted summary judgment to Hottle Livestock of Ulster and Nicholas Farms of the Loganton area and ordered they be paid $336,003 and $225,144, respectively, plus prejudgment interest of 9 percent a year. The amounts represent the outstanding balance due on cattle transactions between December 2016 and July 2017. Nicholas claimed the agreed-to price for 231 cattle was $403,286 while Hottle said it was to be paid $641,878 for 350 cattle. Eugene Nicholas and Heidi Worden, who do business as Nicholas Farms, and Lynn Hottle, who does business as Hottle Livestock, conducted a series of transactions with Michael Rogers. He owns 47 percent of Medio Cielo. The rest of Medio is owned by CAV Farms Inc., a New York State corporation with one shareholder, Snider Living Trust. Defendants Jeffrey and Valerie Snider of Montour Falls, New York, are its trustees. Jeffrey Snider managed the finances and records but did not interact with cattle sellers. Rogers worked as a middleman by negotiating purchase terms, paying for the cattle with his own funds and then seeking reimbursement. The Sniders, CAV and Medio in defense of the suit claimed they were not dealers as defined by the Packers and Stockyards Act and that Rogers operated outside his authority as an agent for CAV. Brann determined they were dealers and Rogers, who was not a defendant, was their agent. By allowing Rogers to conduct business in the way he did, they implicitly authorized him to continue to do so, he wrote. The judge ruled Jeffrey Snider was liable individually because he operated CAV and Medio as an alter ego. Brann also found Snyder commingled personal and business funds with some of the transactions not appearing in his ledger. The suit was brought under the Packers and Stockyards Act that requires the packer, market agency or dealer purchasing livestock to pay the seller in full before the close of the next business day. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- This may come as no surprise to most, but New York City has officially been deemed the most traffic-congested city in the country. Earlier this week, INRIX, a global transportation analytics company, released its 2020 Global Traffic Scorecard, an annual report analyzing traffic and mobility trends in over 1,000 cities around the world. Generally speaking, the amount of congestion significantly dropped across the board in 2020, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restricted travel and led many to abandon their daily commute in favor of working from home. In 2019, Americans lost an average of 99 hours sitting in traffic. That number plummeted to 26 hours in 2020, a decrease of nearly 74%, saving drivers an estimated $980 each compared to the prior year. COVID-19 has completely transformed when, where and how people move. Government restrictions and the continued spread of the virus led to shifts in travel behavior seemingly overnight, said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. Morning commutes in cities across the world went without delay as people reduced auto and transit travel to offices, schools, shopping centers and other public spaces. However, in New York City, drivers still lost an average of 100 hours to traffic congestion in 2020, the highest of any U.S. city and third-highest of any city in the world, according to the report. While the 100 hours lost to congestion is actually a 28% decrease from the 140 hours lost in 2019, other oft-congested U.S. cities saw even steeper declines, vaulting New York City from the fourth-most congested American city in 2019 to the most congested in 2020. Heres how other U.S. cities ranked in the 2020 Global Traffic Scorecard: -- Philadelphia, the countrys second-most congested city, saw citizens lose an average of 94 hours to congestion in 2020, a 34% drop from the 142 hours lost in 2019. -- Chicago, which ranked as the third-most congested city, saw residents lose an average of 86 hours to traffic in 2020, a 40% decrease from the 145 hours lost in 2019. -- Boston, which ranked last year as the most congested city in the country, dropped to fourth this year, with drivers losing just 48 hours to traffic, a staggering 68% decrease from the 149 hours lost in 2019. -- Los Angeles rounded out the top-five, ranking as the countrys fifth most-congested city, with residents losing an average of 45 hours to congestion in 2020, a 56% drop from the 103 hours lost in 2019. In addition to being the most-congested U.S. city in 2020, New York was home to three of the most-congested roadways in the country: two stretches of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and one stretch of the Cross Bronx Expressway, data shows. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, from I-495 to Tillary Street, was the second-most congested corridor in the country, with average peak delays of eight minutes, resulting in an average of 30 hours lost to traffic. The Cross Bronx Expressway, from Bronx River Parkway to the George Washington Bridge, was the third-most congested corridor, with average peak delays of six minutes, resulting in an average of 23 hours lost to traffic. The Bronx-Queens Expressway, from 4th Ave/38th St to Hicks St./Old Fulton St., was deemed the fourth-most congested corridor in the country, with drivers also experiencing average peak delays of six minutes and losing an average of 23 hours to congestion. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce is now the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce. The change was made to better serve its members and community, according to a news release. The chambers first event is Restaurant Month, running the entire month of March. With shutdowns, restrictions, and winter pausing outdoor dining, restaurants have been hit hard and need support. Visit www.lambertvillechamber.com/restaurant-month for a list of area restaurants with links to online menus. Dine out or take out, enter to win one of two $100 gift certificates to Odettes. Post a photo of your meal on Instagram, tag the Lambertville area restaurant where you dined (or got take out), and add #DineInLambertvilleArea. Two posts will be chosen randomly on April 1. The photos must be from one of the restaurants listed on the chamber website and taken between March 1 and March 31. More information is available online. The drawing is sponsored by Odettes in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce was established in 1972 and has dedicated almost 50 years to promoting area businesses. Kochi, March 10 : Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received his first dose of Covid-19 vaccination on Wednesday. The actor shared the news with fans on his social media accounts. Mohanlal got the vaccination in Kochi, Kerala. Posting a picture of him getting vaccinated on Instagram, Mohanlal captioned: "Took the First Shot of Covid Vaccine from Amrita Hospital." The actor also thanked the medical fraternity and the Government of India. "I take this opportunity to thank the Government of India , the companies which are producing the vaccine & the medical fraternity, including all hospitals, for their relentless assistance and cooperation shown towards the COVID Vaccination Drive," he wrote. Besides Mohanlal, actors Kamal Haasan and Anupam Kher have also taken their first dose of vaccination.' Mohanlal's latest release is "Drishyam 2". The film directed by Jeethu Joseph is already on its way to be remade in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. He is now shooting for his upcoming film "Aaraattu". -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Egypt's Minister of Electricity Mohammed Shaker recently announced his countrys readiness to increase the capacity of the electricity interconnection line between Egypt and Libya to up to 450 megawatts (MW) and even more in the near future. In a statement to Masrawy newspaper March 2, Shaker said, The power line connecting Egypt and Libya can provide up to 450 MW, and there is a plan to increase such a capacity in the future to 1,000 MW. The current capacity stands at 200 MW. Commenting on the connection lines between Egypt and other Arab countries, the minister stated that there is power interconnection with Libya, Jordan and Sudan. He noted that the interconnection with Iraq will go through Jordan since there is no direct power connection line between Egypt and Iraq. Ayman Hamza, spokesman for the Ministry of Electricity, told Al-Monitor that Libya requested Egypt increases electricity exports to Libya in early 2021. The ministry expressed willingness to do so in light of the large power capacity available in Egypt thanks to the electricity projects implemented in Egypt over the past years, he said. Hamza noted that power exchanges between Egypt and Libya date back nearly 22 years, when the electrical interconnection line was inaugurated between the two countries in 1998, with an electromotive force of 220 kilovolts, and which currently transmits 200 MW of electricity to Libya. The Egyptian response to the Libyan request was made in light of Libyas electric power crisis as the country suffers from daily power cuts and a major power supply deficit. The electricity generation deficit in Libya hit 1,000 MW in the winter season and 2,500 MW in the summer, according to previous press statements by Ibrahim Falah, general manager at General Electricity Company Of Libya (GECOL). Osama al-Saeiti, adviser to the GECOL general manager for technical affairs in the eastern region and former executive director of the companys operating affairs, told Al-Monitor that Libya needs 6,500 MW to meet its consumption needs in the winter season and 8,000 MW in the summer. But, he added, GECOL generates 5,500 MW only. Although there are 10 power stations operating in Libya, they do not generate the needed electricity due to lack of maintenance, he explained. Saeiti added, The electricity sector [in Libya] managed to overcome the challenges in the past six years, namely a power generation deficit of 15% to 20%. Egypt, for its part, turned from a country failing to meet its demand in electricity to a country exporting electricity, which is an important accomplishment after reforming the country's infrastructure. There is now a surplus of electricity generated, which allows the electricity sector to join a number of power interconnection projects with neighboring countries, increase foreign investments and develop several strategic projects. In January 2021, Shaker reviewed the PIDA PAP2 project during the ministerial meeting of the first session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Transport, Infrastructure, Intercontinental and Interregional Infrastructure, Energy and Tourism (STC-TTIIET). The PIDA PAP2 project consists of a list of 73 key infrastructure projects, including three projects relating to Egypt, namely the construction of a shipping line connecting Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea, the establishment of the Egypt-Sudan power interconnection project which will be the first stage of a wider interconnection project with South Africa via the Cairo-Cape Town route and the construction of a new Egypt-Libya interconnection project as the first stage of the electricity interconnection project among North African countries. Egypts Ministry of Electricity began implementing the first steps to turn Egypt into a global energy hub by launching in January 2020 the first phase of the electricity interconnection project with Sudan with an initial capacity of 70 MW, which would later be increased to 2,000 MW. The project will connect Egypt to Ethiopia, and subsequently to the rest of Africa. In his interview with Al-Monitor, Shaker stressed that his ministry attaches great importance to the electricity interconnection projects, and noted that Egypt is actively participating in all regional electricity interconnection projects, including with Jordan and Libya. The first phase of the interconnection project with Sudan was completed, he said. Shaker said that work is also in progress to complete the joint electricity interconnection project between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and that the PIDA PAP2 project relating to the African continent is currently being assessed with the aim to benefit from the huge hydropower capacity in Africa. He stressed his ministrys ultimate objective to turn Egypt into a regional energy exchange hub with Europe, and Arab and African countries through these projects. The death has occurred of Ann Clohessy (nee McCormack) Derrinturn, Carbury, Kildare / Clondalkin, Dublin The death has occurred of Ann Clohessy, Nee McCormick, Grattan Park, Derrinturn, Carbury, Co. Kildare, formerly of Arbour Hill & Clondalkin. March 9th, 2021 peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Loving wife of the late Harry and devoted mother of Cara, Mark, Orla, and Aidan. Grandmother of Connor, Erin, Sean, Saoirse, Cillian, Jamie, Alana, Eabha and Caoimhe. Sons in Law, Daughter in law, Brothers, Sisters, Extended family and her many, many friends May Ann Rest in Peace In accordance with government guidelines, Anns funeral will take place privately. Those who would like to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, or unable to, may view the Funeral Service online at 11.15 am on Friday 12th March 2021 in Holy Trinity church Derrinturn, using the following link https://www.carburyparish.ie/our-parish/webcam-derrinturn/ and thereafter to Newlands crematorium and may be viewed link https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/newslands-cross-cemetery-crematorium at 1.30 pm. A message of condolence for Anns family can left be in the condolence section below. The death has occurred of Sylvia Farrar (nee Brown) Castledillon, Straffan, Kildare / Dublin Farrar (nee Brown), Sylvia, Castledillon, Straffan, Co. Kildare and late of Dublin, March 8th 2021, peacefully at Naas Hospital after a long illness bravely borne. Deeply regretted by her loving husband Carl, brother George, sister Denise, sister in law Roisin, brothers in law Billy and George, nephews, grandnephew, cousins, relatives and friends. Peace Perfect Peace In accordance with government guidelines, a private funeral service will take place for Sylvia. Those who would like to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, or are unable to, may view the Funeral Service online at 11.30am on Thursday 11th March 2021, using the following link https://reillysfuneralhome.ie/webcam-clane/ A message of condolence for her family can left be in the condolence section below. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired to Parkinson's Association of Ireland at the following link https://www.parkinsons.ie All enquiries to Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors at 045868230. The death has occurred of Joe Flynn Grogan House, Athgarvan, Kildare / Ballycumber, Offaly Late of Ballycumber, Co. Offaly. Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Sadly missed by his loving wife Marie, sons Joe and Mark, daughters Aoife and Helen, (and their partners and husbands Rowena, Diane and Fintan), grandchildren Jamie, Jake, Alex and Issey, brother Paddy, sisters Helena and Teresa, brothers and sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Joe Rest In Peace. Due to current government guidelines regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral will take place. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the condolence page below. Funeral Arrangements Later The death has occurred of Marie McGuinness Parklands, Maynooth, Kildare McGuinness, Marie, Parklands, Maynooth, Co. Kildare and formerly of Loctite and Kildare ETB, March 9th 2021, peacefully in the loving care of the staff of St. Francis, Hospice, Blanchardstown, following a long illness. Sadly missed by her loving brothers and sister, Brendan, Catherine, Aidan and Paul, sisters in law, brother in law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, uncle, aunt, cousins, relatives and friends. Rest In Peace In accordance with government guidelines, Marie's funeral will take place privately. Those who would like to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, or unable to, may view the Funeral Service online at 12 noon on Thursday 11th March 2021, using the following link https://reillysfuneralhome.ie/webcam-maynooth/ A message of condolence for her family can left be in the condolence section below. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired to St. Francis Hospice with the following link https://www.sfh.ie/donate_ All enquiries to Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors at 045868230. The death has occurred of Derek KIELY Orchard Park, The Curragh, Kildare / Ballyfermot, Dublin KIELY Derek (Orchard Park, The Curragh, Co. Kildare and late of Ballyfermot, Dublin) - 6th March 2021 (peacefully) at Tallaght Hospital. Derek, husband of the late Antoinette; sadly missed by his children Sarah, Darren and Katie, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends. May Derek Rest in Peace A private Funeral Mass will take place due to Government advice and HSE restrictions on public gatherings. Removal from Anderson & Leahy's Funeral Home, Newbridge, on Wednesday to arrive at St. Brigids Church, The Curragh for 12pm Mass. Dereks funeral can be lived streamed on St. Brigid's Church, The Curragh, Facebook page. Burial afterwards in St. Conleths Cemetery, Newbridge. Those who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, can leave their condolences below. The death has occurred of Micheal PIERCE Cuan Mhuire, Athy, Kildare / Castleisland, Kerry PIERCE Micheal (Cuan Mhuire, Athy, Co. Kildare and late of Killarney Road, Castleisland, Co. Kerry) - 5th March 2021 (peacefully) in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Naas Hospital. Predeceased by his sister Mary O'Domhnaill. Deeply regretted by his sisters Joan (Kelliher), Eileen (Riordan), Kathleen (Curtin), brother-in-law Dr. Padraig O'Domhnaill, nephews and nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, Sr. Consilio and the Cuan Mhuire Community, extended family, relatives and friends. May Micheal Rest in Peace A private Funeral Mass will take place due to Government advice and HSE restrictions on public gatherings. Removal from Anderson & Leahy's Funeral Home, Newbridge on Tuesday to arrive at St. Conleths Parish Church for 12pm Mass. Funeral afterwards to Mount Jerome Crematorium. Micheals funeral will be livestreamed on www.newbridgeparish.ie and can also be viewed from the crematorium at 2.15pm on www.vimeo.com/event/139693 A funeral mass will be held at a later date in Castleisland, Co. Kerry and Micheal will be buried with his parents in Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry. Those who would have liked to attend but due to current restrictions cannot, can leave their condolences below. IRON COUNTY, MI Two children needed to be airlifted to a Wisconsin hospital after a sledding accident in the Upper Peninsula. WLUC-TV reports the incident occurred at the Caspian Ski Hill, just off Iron County Road 424 in Iron County when the two children hit a tree while sledding around 5:40 p.m. on Monday. A 6-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl were riding in a sled together when they veered off the hill and hit a tree, the TV station reported. They are now recovering at a hospital in Milwaukee. Both children were taken by ambulance to Aspirus Iron River Hospital and then flown to Milwaukee. Their injuries are not life-threatening, but theres a long road of recovery ahead, the TV station reported. The Iron County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene along with EMS. FDA qualifies C-Path's Diary for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms-Constipation (DIBSS-C) TUCSON, Ariz., March 9, 2021 -- Critical Path Institute's (C-Path) Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium announces the qualification of the Diary for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms-Constipation (DIBSS-C) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The DIBSS-C was developed by the PRO Consortium's Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Working Group to support symptom-based efficacy endpoints in clinical trials for products intended to treat constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) in adults. Qualification of the DIBSS-C represents a major milestone for the IBS Working Group and is the PRO Consortium's fourth clinical outcome assessment (COA) to be qualified through the COA Qualification Program within FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The multi-stakeholder collaboration within the Critical Path Institute's PRO Consortium, inclusive of sponsors, patients, measurement experts and FDA has been critical in enabling the incorporation of the patient's voice in IBS drug development and product labeling. The availability of the DIBSS-C for use in IBS-C trials is a huge win for patients since it is aimed assessing the impact of treatment on symptoms that matter to them and informing their treatment decision-making for this burdensome condition," stated Robyn T. Carson, MPH, Vice President, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, at AbbVie and co-chair of the PRO Consortium's IBS Working Group. IBS is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain associated with alterations in bowel movements. Diagnosis of functional bowel disorders, like IBS, is based on symptom criteria because there are no consistent and reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Because these symptoms are subject to natural variability, the DIBSS-C was developed as a daily and event-based diary to facilitate the collection of reliable data in clinical trials evaluating treatments for this condition. "The qualification of the DIBSS-C exemplifies FDA's commitment to the needs of the gastrointestinal illness community," noted Ceciel T. Rooker, President of International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and a participant in the IBS Working Group. "It is a clear indication that patient voices are being heard and a huge win for the community as a whole. IFFGD is proud to be a part of the PRO Consortium's IBS Working Group and we are excited to see the continued emphasis on meeting true patient needs by listening to patient voices." The DIBSS-C signifies an important advancement in PRO assessment in drug development for IBS-C and reflects FDA's commitment to patient-focused drug development through qualification of COAs that capture valid, reliable, and meaningful data. Stephen Joel Coons, Ph.D., the PRO Consortium's Executive Director, affirmed that, "The qualification of the DIBSS-C is an incredibly gratifying achievement for the PRO Consortium. It is the result of a substantial amount of time and effort invested by C-Path, our industry partners, clinical and measurement consultants, FDA, and the patients who participated in this very worthwhile project. The DIBSS-C has the potential to change the current measurement paradigm for assessing clinical benefit in treatment trials for IBS-C." ### The IBS Working Group acknowledges the crucial contributions of its research partner, RTI Health Solutions, throughout all aspects of this process. When available for licensing, further information will be available via c-pathcoas.org. Critical Path Institute is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is 55% funded by FDA/HHS, totaling $14,575,306, and 45% funded by non-government source(s), totaling $11,916,747. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, FDA/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit FDA.gov. Critical Path Institute (C-Path) is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 2005 as a public and private partnership. C-Path's mission is to catalyze the development of new approaches that advance medical innovation and regulatory science, accelerating the path to a healthier world. An international leader in forming collaborations, C-Path has established numerous global consortia that currently include more than 1,600 scientists from government and regulatory agencies, academia, patient organizations, disease foundations, and dozens of pharmaceutical and biotech companies. C-Path US is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona and C-Path, Ltd. EU is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with additional staff in multiple other locations. For more information, visit c-path.org and c-path.eu. The Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium was formed in 2008 by Critical Path Institute in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the pharmaceutical industry. The mission of the PRO Consortium is to establish and maintain a collaborative framework with appropriate stakeholders for the qualification of PRO measures and other clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that will be publicly available for use in clinical trials where COA-based endpoints are used to support product labeling claims. Media Contact: Kissy Black C-Path 615.310.1894 kblack@c-path.org This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Russia and China unveiled plans Tuesday for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions. Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel -- it sent the first man into space -- its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon". The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was "open to all interested countries and international partners" in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date. Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race. This year, it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight -- it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. The United States NASA space agency launched its first manned space flight a month after Russia, in May 1961, sending Alan Shepard up aboard Mercury-Redstone 3. But Moscow has lagged behind both Washington and Beijing in the exploration of the Moon and Mars in recent years. In the meantime, China -- which has sought closer partnership with Moscow -- has started a successful space programme of its own. Last year, it launched its Tianwen-1 probe to Mars that is currently orbiting the Red Planet. And in December, it successfully brought rock and soil samples from the Moon back to Earth, the first mission of this type in over 40 years. Chen Lan, an independent analyst specialising in China's space programme, said the joint lunar space station was "a big deal". "This will be the largest international space cooperation project for China, so it's significant," Lan told AFP. Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin wrote on Twitter that he had invited CNSA chief Zhang Kejian to the launch of Russia's first modern lunar lander, Luna 25, scheduled for October 1 -- the first lunar lander to be launched by Russia since 1976. The US space agency NASA has now set its sights on Mars, with its Perseverance rovers last week conducting their first test drive on the planet. NASA eventually intends to conduct a possible human mission to the planet, even if planning is still at a very preliminary stage. Moscow and Washington are also collaborating in the space sector -- one of the few areas of cooperation left between the Cold War rivals. However, Russia did not sign the US-led Artemis Accord last year for countries that want to participate in a lunar exploration scheme spearheaded by NASA. Under the Artemis programme announced during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, NASA plans to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024. In another blow to Russia's space reputation, Roscosmos last year lost its monopoly for manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS) after the first successful mission of the US company Space X. Elon Musk's SpaceX has become a key player in the modern space race and has announced plans to fly several members of the public to the Moon in 2023 on a trip bankrolled by a Japanese millionaire. A SpaceX Starship prototype exploded after landing in Texas in March,after climbing to an altitude of six miles (10 kilometres). The test flight was part of the company's ambitious project to take people to Mars. Our analysis clearly shows that there is excess generation in much of the United States, and that this excess capacity presents an opportunity to quickly replace expensive, outdated resources with cleaner and lower cost technology. The US power system will need to transition rapidly over the next decade not only to meet a need for greater resilience but also to prevent the worst effects of climate change. To help meet these urgent needs, today RMI released two new reports which provide practical, cost-effective, near-terms steps to unlock the transformation of this sector towards a clean energy future. The first report addresses an ongoing theme in the US power sector: the apparent tension between reliability needs and the economically driven shift from costly legacy coal-fired power plants, to new, cleaner, low cost-alternatives. Cutting Carbon While Keeping the Lights On shows that large parts of the US power system have significant over-capacity of coal- and gas-fired power plants. This excess capacity means that over half of the nations coal can be retired today and replaced with renewables without compromising reliability reserve margins. Our analysis clearly shows that there is excess generation in much of the United States, and that this excess capacity presents an opportunity to quickly replace expensive, outdated resources with cleaner and lower cost technology. said Chaz Teplin, a principal in RMIs Carbon-Free Electricity program and an author of the paper. RMI finds that 27% of the US coal fleet, mostly in the Northeast and Southeast United States, could be retired by 2025 without replacement. An additional 29% can retire if cost-effectively replaced with wind and solar, meaning that over half of the nations coal fleet could retire over the next four years, lowering utility bills. But retiring un-needed, legacy coal plants is only the beginning. Utilities will also need to make significant investments in clean energy to support changing demand, including from transportation and building electrification. The second report, How to Build Clean Energy Portfolios, identifies a need for $300$750 billion in new investment through 2030, as well as processes to allow utilities, regulators, and policymakers to cost-effectively procure clean energy. This report builds on leading examples from across the United States of new procurement practices that promote competition between resource types and allow the best solutions to be chosen at the lowest cost. These modern practices can replace outdated utility procurement processes that favor technologies like coal- and gas-fired power plants, and provide a level playing field for renewables. Leading utilities are showing how updated procurement processes can harness competition and save customers money with a transition to clean energy, said Lauren Shwisberg, manager at RMI and an author of the report. The next decade will be an intensely dynamic time for the US power industry. It presents a unique opportunity for utilities, regulators, and policymakers to seize upon the rapid cost declines of clean technologies, unlock competition, and realize economic, carbon, and societal benefits. The power sector is poised for a better future but must act decisively and prudently to make this a reality for customers, their shareholders, and society at large. Media Inquiries please contact: Alex Chin, Associate - Media Relations, T: +1 973-262-0002, E:achin@rmi.org About RMI RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the worlds most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing. More information on RMI can be found at http://www.rmi.org or follow us on Twitter @RockyMtnInst. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Haiti - Banque Mondiale : $75MM donation to reinforce social protection in Haiti On Tuesday March 9, the Board of the World Bank approved a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) amounting $75 million, to finance the Adaptive Social Protection for Increased Resilience (ASPIRE). This project will support Haiti's efforts to establish an adaptive social safety net system to respond to shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic crisis and reduce the country's vulnerability to food insecurity and future natural disasters. "Social protection systems can advance human capital, reduce inequalities, build resilience, and break the cycle of poverty," said Javier Suarez, Head of World Bank operations in Haiti, adding "This project offers immediate resources to help the poorest households, while supporting the country in the implementation of its social protection program in order to develop resilience as well as human capital, in the medium term." An adaptive social protection system enables vulnerable households to develop their resilience by investing in their capacities to prepare for, respond to and adapt to shocks. The ASPIRE project will provide immediate support to poor and vulnerable households, while strengthening their resilience through unconditional cash transfers and measures to improve health, nutrition and financial inclusion. The project provides for an expansion of cash transfers in emergencies, such as natural disasters or health crises. It will also support the capacity building of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST) with a view to improving the management and governance of social protection programs. Unconditional cash transfers will be offered to 18,000 households (approximately 90,000 people), including extremely poor families, living in rural areas prone to natural disasters, including young children, pregnant women or people with reduced mobility. The project will initially focus on the department of Grand'Anse. It will also establish the foundations necessary for the implementation of the national policy of social protection and promotion, allowing 200,000 additional households to be registered in the social register of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. HL/ HaitiLibre The man who gave the world leader in luxury watch retailing a whole new corporate culture initially studied watchmaking from the unusual perspective of airport terminals. Sporting his first proper watch on his wrist (a Chopard bought in 1996), he was working in the largest retail group in the travel industry as the third millennium began. His then employer, the Nuance Group, belongs to Dufry, and does a lot of business in aircraft and airports. Switzerland had recently entered into a free trade agreement with the European Union, and the duty-free sector there was undergoing a thorough transformation. Patrick Marc Graf, in charge of luxury products, witnessed these inevitable changes first-hand, and indeed oversaw them in several airports through until 2006. Meanwhile, his ties with watch brands were becoming ever closer. At a time when Zurich airport was aiming to become the worlds leading airport for luxury shopping, he was appointed as its CCO, playing a part in its conceptual and architectural transformation over almost a decade and closely involving watchmaking, the perfect embodiment of the Swiss Made ethos. The airports store layout and customer experience were both a priority and ahead of their time. Patrick Marc Graf Bucherer In 2016, after a short stint with TAG Heuer as Global Marketing Director, Patrick Marc Graf joined Bucherer to stimulate its commercial and international growth. The venerable Swiss institution also needed to move with the times: the brands it represented were opening their own stores; e-commerce and the pre-owned watch business were taking off; customers were becoming more demanding; and a thorough response was required. That response included the acclaimed Blue Editions (limited edition watches created for Bucherer by the brands); the arrival of lounges in renovated stores; online sales websites; the certified pre-owned watch offer; and diversification into other luxury products, such as the Carl F. Bucherer Blue Edition motorcycle. At the same time, Bucherer store locations worldwide passed the 80 mark, with Graf making sure that everyone not least those in North America kept fully in step with the new mindset. *On the occasion of GMT Magazine and WorldTempus' 20th anniversary, we have embarked on the ambitious project of summarising the last 20 years in watchmaking in The Millennium Watch Book, a big, beautifully laid out coffee table book. This article is an extract. The Millennium Watch Book is available on www.the-watch-book.com, in French and English, with a 10% discount if you use the following code: WT2021. Order now Bharat Bandh on 26th March 2021: What is Open, What is Closed Farmers' Protest: Farmer unions call Bharat Bandh on March 26 India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 10: In a recent development, farmer unions protesting against the central government's three new farm laws have called for Bharat bandh on March 26 to mark four months of agitation. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders since the last week of November 2020 against The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, which were passed during the Monsoon session in September 2020. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha said that the farmer bodies and trade unions will protest against the privatisation of PSU's and increasing fuel prices on March 15. Farmers ready to continue protest on Delhi borders till Modi govt lasts: Tikait Earlier, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said their agitation will continue till the three contentious agriculture laws are withdrawn. He was speaking in Ramrajn town to mark the completion of 100 days of farmers' protests at the Delhi borders against the central farm legislations. ON Saturday, Tikiat said that the farmers are demanding a complete withdrawal of the three farm laws and the agitation will continue till the government meets their demands. On the occasion, he flagged off a tractors' rally, which, he said, will travel across across districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reach farmers' protest site in Ghazipur on March 27. Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhi's border points in Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur with a demand that the Centre repeal three farm laws that were enacted in September 2020 and make a new law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 20:08 [IST] Courtesy photo / A Laredo Fire Department tanker truck rolled into the Rio Grande as firefighters were fighting a brush fire near El Azteca neighborhood, according to first responders. The incident was reported at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday on Zaragoza Street. While taking measures to prevent a brush fire from spreading along the riverbanks, a fire department tanker truck designed to fight brush fires had a mechanical malfunction, causing the tanker to engage its transmission, authorities said. Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a further six people as part of an investigation into a criminal syndicate accused of laundering money using cryptocurrency. In October detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Curns to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in cyber-enabled money laundering. Last month, detectives arrested a 30-year-old man and seized $1 million cash during a vehicle stop at Strathfield. The man was charged with 24 offences and remains before the courts. Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a further six people as part of an investigation into a criminal syndicate accused of laundering money using cryptocurrency Following further investigations, detectives arrested six people - a man and five women - across Sydney on Wednesday. Police also searched home units at Newington and Strathfield, where officers seized mobile phones, laptops and tablets as well as cash and jewellery. A 48-year-old Newington man was charged with seven counts of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with the intention to conceal and participate in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity. Police will allege in court the man was involved in the cryptocurrency money laundering syndicate and deposited cash into fraudulent bank accounts. In October detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Curns to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in cyber-enabled money laundering He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday. A 24-year-old Strathfield woman has also been charged. Police will allege in court the woman was involved in the cryptocurrency money laundering syndicate and dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of $3 million. A 24-year-old Homebush West woman, a 23-year-old Denham Court woman and 23-year-old Newington woman, were all charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. A 23-year-old Concord woman was charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. All five women were granted strict conditional bail to appear at Central Local Court on April 19. Artistic recreation of a hypothetical exoplanet with artificial lights on the night side. Credit: Rafael Luis Mendez Pena/Sciworthy.com A researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) is the lead author of a study with proposals for 'technosignatures'evidence for the use of technology or industrial activity in other parts of the Universefor future NASA missions. The article, published in the specialized journal Acta Astronautica, contains the initial conclusions of a meeting of experts in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, sponsored by the space agency to gather advice about this topic. In the article, several ideas are presented to search for technosignatures that would indicate the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, from the most humdrum, such as the presence of industrial pollution in the atmosphere or large swarms of satellites, to hypothetical gigantic space engineering work, such as heat shields to fend off climate change, or Dyson spheres for optimum use of the light from the local star. Some of the proposed searches look very far in space, across our galaxy and even beyond, while others aim at scanning our own solar system in search for probes that might have been sent here in a distant past. In addition, a study is included of a new way of classifying the technosignatures as a function of their 'cosmic footprint," a measure of how conspicuous they are at large distances. "We have no idea whether intelligence is something very common in the Universe or, on the contrary, whether it is extremely rare," explains Hector Socas-Navarro, an IAC researcher, the Director of the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, of Museums of Tenerife, and the first author of the article. "For that reason we cannot know whether these searches have any chance of success. There is no choice but to search and see what we find, because the implications would be tremendous." "The idea of searching for technosignatures draws upon the technology we have on Earth today and possible extensions of our technology into the future," notes Jacob Haqq-Misra, a coauthor of the article and chairman of the TechnoClimes 2020 organizing committee. "This does not necessarily mean that any extraterrestrial technology must be like our own, but imagining plausible extensions of our own future is one place to begin thinking of astronomical searches we could actually do to look for possible technosignatures." The search for technosignatures In 1993, NASA abruptly terminated its initial SETI program for the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, when it had hardly started. It comprised two complementary ambitious projects, one using the giant radiotelescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and the other with the antennas of the Deep Space Network in California. Now, nearly 30 years later, things have changed and the Agency wants to re-start its search effort. In the past decade great advances in astronomical instrumentation have been made, leading to a revolution in the science of discovery and study of exoplanets. The new telescopes, and projects on future space missions will for the first time allow the search for so-called biomarkers, evidence for life on other planets. Many experts consider it plausible that in the coming years we will discover extraterrestrial life, even though it is most likely to be life in very simple form. Given present and future technological advance there will be new opportunities to search for technosignatures. That is why NASA has decided to get involved again in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, taking advantage of the possibilities of the current and proposed future space observatories. These subjects, among others, were on the agenda of the meeting TechnoClimes 2020 under the auspices of NASA at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (Seattle, U.S.). With scientists from all over the world, its aim was to propose new developments making way for future advances. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually via videoconference, in which 53 researchers from various disciplines coming from 13 countries discussed a range of aspects of the search for other intelligent species. More information: Hector Socas-Navarro et al, Concepts for future missions to search for technosignatures, Acta Astronautica (2021). Journal information: Acta Astronautica Hector Socas-Navarro et al, Concepts for future missions to search for technosignatures,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.02.029 Zambia has passed sweeping laws to criminalise cyber abuse. But local commentators have argued that the move is really a way of stifling free speech in the run-up to elections due in August and it does appear to have uncomfortable echoes of state intervention in places like Russia, China, Uganda and Cambodia. Zambias parliament passed a cyber abuse bill earlier this week. According to African press reports, the government insists that the laws the bill outlines are meant to protect citizens and children from cyber bullying. However, opposition leaders, civil society organisations and an association of bloggers are wary about the new laws, arguing they will lead to internet shutdowns and invasions of internet users privacy. Something like this has already happened in Africa this year when, with two days to go until its presidential election, Uganda imposed a blanket ban on all social media and messaging apps. However state intervention has taken other forms. As we reported recently, Cambodia is set to establish a National Internet Gateway (NIG) to direct and facilitate all of the nations local and international internet traffic. These events come at a time when numerous governments and social media companies are trying to grapple with questions of rights versus laws although some do not seem to be trying too hard. For example, Reuters reports that Russia has threatened to slow down the speed of Twitter in retaliation for its alleged failure to remove banned content. Indeed, it has threatened a total block if the platform does not comply with demands relating to Twitters alleged failing to delete posts the government claims illegally urged children to take part in anti-Kremlin protests. The Chinese market is an even trickier proposition. The careers-focused LinkedIn site has had a Chinese-language presence since 2014, when it decided to expand by agreeing to stick to strict censorship laws. It has over 50 million users in the country through a local joint venture. However, the Microsoft-owned social network has now halted new member sign-ups for its service in China while it reviews its compliance with local laws. Many other social media groups have decided not to comply with Chinas laws and have had their access to the market blocked. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results Stephen Lam / The Chronicle On Tuesday, Alaska became the first U.S. state to open COVID-19 vaccinations to all of its residents over the age of 16. The state has administered at least one dose to nearly a quarter of its entire population. It has also fully vaccinated nearly 16% of its population, a higher percentage than any other state according to the Chronicles Vaccine Tracker. While Alaska is the only state so far thats opened vaccines to everyone who can get one under FDA authorization guidelines, at least 14 other states are offering vaccines to people under the age of 65, with some states lowering their age-related eligibility to 50. Not often in the Commons do you get both Conservative and Labour benches hootin' and a hollerin' in unison. Once in a blue moon does such rare a moment of harmony arise. Yesterday was one such day. It occurred a third of the way through PMQs, a time when SNP leader Ian Blackford's face normally beams onto the screens from his luxury Mar-a-Lago on the Isle of Skye to spout his weekly drivel. The effect is usually akin to rolling a live grenade into the chamber. The mere mention of the Scotch windbag's name has members scrambling for the exits like a confusion of charging wildebeest. So you can imagine the scenes when Speaker Sir Lindsay rose from the chair at 12.10pm and, with the affected ruefulness of someone who's learned his neighbour's irritating cat has gone awol, announced sorrowfully: 'We're 'avin' technical difficulties with the leader of the SNP.' Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) was in a fighting mood in the Commons, showing a ruthlessness lacking in recent bouts The House erupted. There were cheers and guffaws. Even Sir Keir Starmer allowed himself a little smirk. As for the Prime Minister, his eyes suddenly twinkled as though he'd just yanked on a one-arm bandit and seen all three cherries pop up. Jackpot! It was the chirpiest he'd looked all day. For the first time in weeks, Boris endured a testing time from the Opposition leader. Sir Keir focused his questions on the decision to give nurses a one per cent pay rise. It had previously promised them a 2.1 per cent hike in its funding bill. There were cheers and guffaws from both sides, however, when it was announced that SNP leader Ian Blackford (pictured) would not be able to appear by video link due to 'technical difficulties' There was a ruthlessness about Sir Keir lacking in recent bouts. Before the off, he blanked the PM behind the Speaker's chair. Boris offered his opponent a nod only for Starmer to avert his gaze. Perhaps he couldn't see him behind his mask, a covering so large it has a touch of the Darth Vaders about it. For once, Sir Keir had brought along some half-decent jibes. He compared Boris's measliness toward NHS staff with his odd decision to hand his (now departed) advisor Dominic Cummings a 45,000 pay rise last year. There was a neat line too about the PM clapping nurses 'before shutting the door in their face'. He's also learned to wrestle ugly. At one point, Starmer chided the PM for shaking his head petulantly. Boris was simply gnawing on his pen. Sly. Boris Johnson (pictured) played the NHS issue defensively. The only attack he could muster was claiming Labour had voted against his original 2.1 per cent proposal. In fact, they'd nodded the bill through. Oops The PM played the NHS issue defensively. The only attack he could muster was claiming Labour had voted against his original 2.1 per cent proposal. In fact, they'd nodded the bill through. Oops. For weeks, Boris's had Labour over a barrel, but on this issue they have found a scab at which to pick. As for the rest of the session, we were back to mundane queries about topics such as dodgy rail links and the resurfacing of the M25. We ended with Labour's Jon Ashworth rising to make a point of order over the erroneous remark the PM made about Labour voting against his NHS funding bill. Boris had already bolted for the door. That high-pitched screech you can hear in the distance? The sound of another government U-turn on nurses' pay. Just you watch. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results News cycle we are about to requires this reminder. The Derek Chauvin trial is about to start. This is not the George Floyd trial. The man whose breath was squeezed out of his body is not on trial. There are other ways to honor his name beyond giving him this erroneous headline Michele Norris (@michele_norris) March 8, 2021 Hastily-erected 12-foot fences with barbed wire, razor wire and concrete barriers surround the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minn. It's there to provide a buffer between the District Court in which Derek Chauvin will be tried in the death of George Floyd, and demonstrators from at least 20 groups who have converged on the city.The case is rare in that it will seek to convict a former Minneapolis police officer in the murder of a civilian. The now former officer is white and the civilian is Black. The demonstrators demanded justice and police reform.Michele Norris, journalist and founding director of The Race Card Project, set the context for the trial with a tweet:For its part, the court was to take a narrowly prescribed path. Chauvin was to face two charges: second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. The first day of jury selection was delayed on Monday, March 8, as the court considered a prosecution request to reinstate a third charge, that of third-degree murder.Judge Peter A. Cahill said he does not have jurisdiction to rule on whether the third-degree murder charge should be reinstated while the issue is being appealed.Outside the courthouse, protesters wanted something more. Speaking to the Associated Press, self-described social justice organizer named D.J. Hooker ridiculed talk of the Chauvin trial as the trial of the century, noting the widely seen citizen video of Floyds arrest and saying all the jury needs to do is do the right thing.Court TV cable channel, a network made famous for its gavel-to-gavel coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial, will have its cameras in the court. The prosecution objected but the request for cameras in the court was formally supported by Chauvin's attorneys, arguing live audio and video streams of the proceedings would ensure their client's right to public trial despite coronavirus-related restrictions on in-person attendance in the court. Judge Cahill, who dismissed the third-degree charge last fall, also made a landmark decision to make an exception to a Minnesota state rule that bars audio and video transmissions from courtrooms.By exclusive arrangement with the court, Court TV will have the only cameras in the courtroom for the duration of the trial and plans up to 14 hours of coverage each day. (You can watch it on the player below be sure to click the Full Screen button in the lower right corner of the player for a better viewing experience.)All other media will have to pick up its feed. Only two other outlets will be allowed on any given day. The family of George Floyd will be restricted to only one seat in the courtroom. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. DEARBORN, MI A Southeast Michigan city agreed to a settlement of $1.25 million in a lawsuit over the fatal police shooting of an unarmed Black man in 2015. The man who died, 35-year-old Kevin Matthews, was accused of stealing an energy drink, and was chased on foot before he was shot nine times by Dearborn Police officer Chris Hampton, Ed White reports for The Associated Press. The deal between the city and Matthews family comes just weeks after Hampton, 33, killed himself, AP reports. In a lawsuit deposition, Hampton said that he was on the ground and Matthews was over him, attempting to take his gun, the report said. Matthews, who was significantly smaller than Hampton, had a history of mental illness and was recovering from a broken arm. There were no witnesses or bodycam footage of the incident. Crime scene and ballistics experts hired by Matthews family believe Hampton was shooting down - not up - since two bullets were found under Matthews body and one was next to it, AP reports. In 2016, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy declined to file criminal charges against Hampton; she was convinced Hampton was defending himself, the report said. The case was settled out of court due to Hamptons sudden passing, attorney Milt Greenman told AP. READ MORE: 3-year-old shot by child while playing with gun Shootout following bet leaves 1 man dead, 1 injured 13-year-old in critical condition after shot in the head while playing with gun Three years ago, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were digging in a rural area in the American state of Pennsylvania. No one knew why. Now, recently released emails have answered that question. They were looking for a very valuable and secret amount of gold from the time of the American Civil War. On March 13, 2018, treasure hunters led the FBI to Dents Run, about 220 kilometers northeast of Pittsburgh. At that place, there has long been a story that an 1863 shipment of Union gold was either lost or stolen on its way to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. The Union was the name of the northern states during the civil war. The FBI has always refused to confirm why exactly it went digging. But, they say, they found nothing. Dennis Parada and his son Kem brought the federal agents to the area. They remain convinced the FBI found something there. Their lawyer, Bill Cluck, is still demanding answers. He was successful in demanding the release of government emails about the dig. Cluck showed those documents to The Associated Press. They prove the FBI was looking for gold. We believe the cache itself is in the neighborhood of 3x5x8 (feet) to 5x5x8, wrote K.T. Newton in a then secret email. She is an assistant U.S. attorney in Philadelphia. The area in Elk County of Pennsylvania was on state-owned land. The FBI had to get a federal court order to dig there. So, there was an exchange of emails between Newton and Audrey Miner, chief lawyer for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. On March 13, 2018, Miner asked Newton in one of the emails: Can you please provide the basis upon which the Office of the United States Attorney asserts that the gold, if found, belongs to the federal government? Newton answered that she would like to discuss this generally with you [Miner] on the phone. The Paradas are well-known treasure-hunters. They had spent years looking for the long-lost gold before going to the FBI with their evidence in January 2018. They said their equipment had led them to believe a large amount of metal was buried in the area. Within weeks, the FBI hired the geophysical company Enviroscan to study the hilltop. Warren Getler, who worked closely with the Paradas and the FBI, said the company confirmed there was a lot of unusual metal in the ground. Warren Getler also wrote a book about the possibilities of buried gold and silver from the Civil War. Getler said when he asked an FBI agent how big was the find, the agent said, seven to nine tons. That much gold would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars today. Enviroscan co-founder Timothy Bechtel would not talk to the AP about what his equipment found. Bechtel said the FBI has asked him not to talk about his findings. To prove the metal existed, the FBI needed to dig. The Paradas and Getler said they had an agreement with the FBI to watch the digging, but the agents forced them to stay in their car. Later, they were brought to see a large, empty hole. The FBI has insisted they found nothing. The FBIrejects any claims or speculation to the contrary, a spokesman told the AP last week. On March 16, 2018, two days after the dig ended, Newton emailed Miner that we are all disappointed. The dig drew plenty of media attention at the time. On March 28, Miner asked Newton for the latest information on the federal investigation. In her reply, Newton told Miner: we have no other scientific evidence, other than what the excavation has been based on, that any gold is hidden in that area. Miner emailed back: I guess you cant come right out and state there is no gold to be found at Dents Run? Unfortunately, we cannot, the prosecutor replied. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cache - n. a group of things that have been hidden in a secret place attorney - n. lawyer assert - v. to state something strongly geophysical - adj. relating to the physics of the earth speculation - n. ideas or guesses about something that is not known to the contrary - phrase. stating or proving the opposite of something excavation - n. dig We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) might be able to identify and classify diseases in crop plants allowing more targeted application of treatments for specific fungal infections and other problems. The idea is discussed by a team from India in the International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics. Nitin Vamsi Dantu and K. Vimalkumar of the Amrita School of Engineering in Coimbatore, and Shriram Vasudevan of the K. Ramakrishnan College of Technology in Trichy, explain that fungal infections in crop plants commonly cause wilting, rusts, blotches, scabs, moldy coatings, and rotted tissue. Such problems lead to crop failure or inedible produce and massive economic costs to the farmer. An automated way to quickly identify common plant disease and allow targeted treatment to be undertaken could save crops, increase yields, and cut costs. The team is using deep-learning techniques to develop a system that could be incorporated into a mobile phone app. The app would allow farmers to take a snapshot of a diseased leaf and the app would analyze the image, identify the disease in the crop in the field in real-time. The app can distinguish between healthy potato plant leaves and those afflicted late blight. It can discern strawberry leaf scorch. It can also distinguish between various tomato diseases including bacterial spot, early blight, leaf mold, target spot, mosaic virus, and others. The tests show the approach to perform better than the state of the art technology, the team says. The system is they say, accurate and functionally very stable. Such innovations might help save an ailing agricultural industry in certain parts of India as well as reduce the psychological burden on struggling farmers that tragically sees thousands of suicides each year. Explore further Automated image processing could aid crop evals More information: Nitin Vamsi Dantu et al. An innovative artificial intelligence approach for disease classification in plants, International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics (2021). Nitin Vamsi Dantu et al. An innovative artificial intelligence approach for disease classification in plants,(2021). DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2021.113459 . ( ) CEO Omri Brill tells Proactive the Toronto-based e-commerce advertising management group is growing its China operations, citing it as 'one of the biggest opportunities moving forward. The group is looking to double down on the country, expanding its location to include Hong Kong and Shanghai locations. What's more, Brill says he's not concerned with Google's new privacy policy, and he explains how it could only help the firm's business. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) Central African government troops pushed militants out of an important trade hub near the borders with Chad and Cameroon over the weekend, the Russian embassy said Tuesday. "On March 7, soldiers of the Central African armed forces liberated with the help of Russian instructors the town of Paoua in the country's northwest," a statement read. The diplomatic mission said that the town was key to goods transport from the Cameroonian port of Douala to the Chadian capital of N'Djamena. The government has stepped up attacks on the Coalition of Patriots for Change, an alliance of militant groups, ahead of this Sunday's legislative elections. Vladimir Titorenko, the Russian ambassador to the country, told Sputnik that fewer than 1,500 militants were still at large following a counter-offensive mounted by the government in response to last December's violence. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has distanced itself from a statement by the Kenya Catholic Doctors Association (KCDA) warning Kenyans against taking the COVID-19 vaccine. In a statement to newsrooms, the Catholic bishops said the statement by Catholic doctors was made by the medics in their own capacity and does not reflect the stand of the church. It must be understood that those doctors cannot and should not purport to speak in the name of the Catholic Church, said KCCB Chairman Most Rev. Philip Anyolo. Most Rev. Anyolo noted the Catholic Church has since before independence collaborated with the government to roll out high-impact lifesaving vaccines. The Bishops urged Kenyans to take the COVID-19 vaccine saying it is an act of love and charity towards ones neighbours and community members. The Church notes that it is licit and ethically acceptable to receive all COVID-19 vaccines that the Ministry of Health recognizes as clinically genuine, safe and effective. Consequently, we urge the Ministry of Health to take all the necessary steps required to affirm to the public that the vaccines are genuine, safe and effective in order to encourage people to be vaccinated, a statement reads in part. RELATED: Dont Take Vaccine, Catholic Doctors Urge Kenyans In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, the common good calls for vaccination, primarily to protect the weakest and most exposed. In this regard, receiving the available COVID-19 vaccines ought to be understood as an act of charity towards other community members and considered an act of love of our neighbour and part of our moral responsibility for the common good. At the same time, Catholic Bishops challenged the ministry of health to take all the necessary steps required to affirm to the public that the vaccines are safe and effective. We note that vaccination is not, as a rule, an obligation and therefore it can only be done on a voluntary basis and at the discretion of an individual after giving informed consent. We, therefore, appeal to the consciences of Kenyans to accept the COVID-19 vaccines in the light of the assurance given by the Ministry of Health. However, those who for reasons of conscience or otherwise decline the vaccination must avoid becoming vehicles for the transmission of the COVID-19 by strictly adhering to the containment protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health. NOW that the Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use by Health Canada, can Roman Catholics in the province take it even though that church views it as ethically compromised? NOW that the Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use by Health Canada, can Roman Catholics in the province take it even though that church views it as "ethically compromised?" The answer is yes, according to Archbishop Richard Gagnon of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. SASHA SEFTER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Roman Catholic Archbishop Richard Gagnon. Archbishop Gagnon, who is also president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the announcement last week. The dilemma arises for Catholics over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine since it was developed from abortion-derived cell lines. "Being approved by Health Canada is one thing," he said. "Whether or not a given vaccine is ethically compromised because it was derived from the stem cells of aborted fetuses is another thing." Noting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been "declared ethically compromised" by the Roman Catholic Church "for that very reason," he went on to say if Manitoba Catholics have "the opportunity to choose another vaccine, either the Moderna of Pfizer, we should do that." If, however, that choice is not available, "we are permitted to receive these ethically compromised vaccines because of the greater good that is achieved through them in mitigating the virus in our community and our country," he said. In making his pronouncement, the archbishop echoed an earlier statement from the Vatican that declared "all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal co-operation with the abortion." A similar announcement about the use of vaccines derived from abortion was made by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops discouraged Catholics. The bottom line for Archbishop Gagnon is "preference should be given to those vaccines with the least connection to abortion-derived cell lines. However, if one does not have the choice at all, one may still receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson for the common good." faith@freepress.mb.ca US congress is poised to approve a landmark 1.9 trillion dollar (1.3 trillion) Covid-19 relief bill. The move puts US president Joe Biden on the cusp of an early triumph that advances Democratic priorities and showcases the unity his party will need to forge future victories. The US house of representatives is expected to give final congressional approval to the package, which aims to fulfil Democrats campaign promises to beat the pandemic and revive Americas enfeebled economy. From launching community vaccination centers around the country to deploying mobile vaccination units to hard-to-reach areas a the American Rescue Plan will help vaccinate America quickly and equitably. pic.twitter.com/j05KQLPti0 President Biden (@POTUS) March 9, 2021 House and senate Republicans have unanimously opposed the package, saying it is bloated, crammed with liberal policies and fails to take heed of signs that the dual crises are easing. House speaker Nancy Pelosi said: Its a remarkable, historic, transformative piece of legislation which goes a very long way to crushing the virus and solving our economic crisis. For Mr Biden and Democrats, the bill is essentially a canvas on which they have painted their core beliefs that government programmes can be a benefit, not a bane, to millions of people and that spending huge sums on such efforts can be a cure, not a curse. The measure so closely tracks Democrats priorities that several rank it among the top achievements of their careers, and despite their slender congressional majorities there was never any real suspense over its fate. More than 2 million women have left the workforce during this pandemic. Weave got to get women back to work. The American Rescue Plan will do that. pic.twitter.com/IRPtrZ2kme Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 10, 2021 They were also empowered by three dynamics: their unfettered control of the White House and congress, polls showing robust support for Mr Bidens approach, and a moment when most voters care little that the national debt is soaring toward a stratospheric 22 trillion dollars (15.8 trillion). Neither party seems much troubled by surging red ink except when the other is using it to finance its priorities, be they Democratic spending or Republican tax cuts. A dominant feature of the bill is initiatives making it one of the biggest federal thrusts in years to assist lower- and middle-income families. Included are expanded tax credits over the next year for children, childcare and family leave plus spending for renters, feeding programmes and peoples utility bills. The measure provides up to 1,400 dollars (1,000) in direct payments to most Americans, extended emergency unemployment benefits, and hundreds of billions for Covid-19 vaccines and treatments as well as help for schools, state and local governments and ailing industries, from airlines to concert halls. A key part of successful vaccine rollout? Community! Since COVID hit last year, weave worked w/ partners like First Baptist to set up relief & COVID testing. Our latest work: setting up pop-up vaccine sites w/ trusted partners in under-vaccinated communities. A major success!a pic.twitter.com/SQGZPKMyWn Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) March 9, 2021 There is aid for farmers of colour and pension systems, as well as subsidies for consumers buying health insurance and states expanding Medicaid coverage for lower earners. Its very expansiveness is a chief talking point for Republicans. Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana said: Its not focused on Covid relief. Its focused on pushing more of the far-left agenda. An Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll found last week that 70% of Americans back Mr Bidens response to the virus including 44% of Republicans. Yet the bills pathway has underscored Democrats challenges as they seek to build a legislative record to persuade voters to keep them running US congress in next years elections. Elections matteraand weare 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. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 6, 2021 Democrats control the US senate, split 50-50, but only because Vice President Kamala Harris gives them the winning vote in tied calls. They have just a 10-vote advantage in the US house. That leaves almost no wiggle room for a party that ranges from West Virginia senator Joe Manchin on the conservative side to progressives like Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren and New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Progressives had to swallow big concessions in the bill to solidify moderate support. The most painful of these was dropping the US house-approved federal minimum-wage increase to 15 dollars per hour by 2025. Moderates forced tightened eligibility for the 1,400-dollar stimulus cheques, now phased out completely for individuals earning 80,000 dollars (58,000) and couples making 160,000 dollars (115,000). The houses initial extension of the soon-to-end 400 dollar (288) weekly emergency jobless payments, paid on top of state benefits, was trimmed by the US senate to 300 dollars (216) and will now halt in early September. Expand Close Speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi (AP) Dropping the minimum-wage boost was infuriating, said representative Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the roughly 100-member Congressional Progressive Caucus. But she called the overall bill incredibly bold, adding: It hits all of our progressive priorities putting money in peoples pockets, shots in arms, unemployment insurance, child care, schools. The independent Tax Policy Centre said that the senate-passed bill would give almost 70% of this years tax breaks to households earning 91,000 dollars (66,000) or less. In contrast, the Trump-era Republican tax bill gave nearly half its 2018 reductions to the top 5% of households earning around 308,000 dollars (222,000), said the research centre, which is run by the liberal-leaning Urban Institute and Brookings Institution. The Dems' "COVID relief" bill has bounced around between the House & the Senate. But these facts haven't changed: - 90% of the bill isn't even related to COVID relief - Mismanaged blue states get massive bailouts - Prisoners get checks - Money for schools isn't tied to opening pic.twitter.com/LT9Jc86Nrb Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 9, 2021 However, keeping Democrats united will not get easier as the party tries advancing the rest of its agenda. There are fault lines within the party over priorities like immigration, health care and taxes. At some point it seems likely that progressives will draw their own lines in the sand. They are already demanding that the party should revisit the minimum-wage boost, and amid all this Republicans are already demonstrating they are ready to pounce. The American Action Network, tied to House GOP leaders, said its launched digital ads in mostly moderate districts calling the relief bill a freight train of frivolous spending to bankroll their liberal cronies. The bill passed the senate under budget rules that prevented Republicans from launching filibusters, which require 60 votes for most measures. That process will not be available for much legislation moving forward, but either way any Democratic Senate defections will make most bills there non-starters. Special Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Southern Border, Ambassador Roberta Jacobson, speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House on March 10, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Administration Says Border Not Open, While Calling for Expansion of Legal Entry The Biden administration reiterated on March 10 that the U.S.Mexico border is not open, while also expressing a desire to expand safe and legal avenues to the United States, as it announced the restarting of a program to help minors be reunited with a parent legally in the United States. At a daily press briefing, Special Assistant to the President & Coordinator for the Southern Border Ambassador Roberta Jacobson told reporters the United States must build a better immigration system that reflects our values as Americans. Press secretary Jen Psaki also was at the briefing. Jacobson said the administration is rethinking asylum processing to ensure fair and faster consideration, and said President Joe Biden is committed to seeking $4 billion over 4 years to address the root causes of migration. The government has already begun specific actions to undo the previous administrations policies, she said. She also announced the restarting of the Central American Minors Program, which Jacobson said helps children to be reunited with a parent who is legally in the United States. This program was ended by the previous administration. At the same time, Jacobson discouraged migrants from physically crossing the border in order to enter the country. I want to be clear, neither this announcement nor any of the other measures suggest that anyone, especially children and families with young children, should make the dangerous trip to try and enter the U.S. in an irregular fashion, she said. The border is not open, she said. Going forward, we will continue to look for ways to provide legal avenues in the region for people needing protections while we continue to enforce our laws. This is a process. There were a record 3,200 migrant children stuck in Border Patrol facilities as of March 8, with nearly half held beyond the three-day legal limit, according to CBS News. It comes as the United States sees a surge of illegal immigrants and unaccompanied minors in recent months. In a March 9 statement, former President Donald Trump criticized the new administrations handling border security, stating, Our country is being destroyed at the Southern border. When asked by a reporter if the situation at the border is a crisis, Jacobson sidestepped the question. Im not trying to be cute here, but I think that the fact of the matter is that we have to do what we do, regardless of what anybody calls this situation, she said. We are all focused on improving the situation, on changing to a more humane and efficient system. When asked about the high number of unaccompanied minors, Jacobson repeated her previous points. Its really important that people not make the dangerous journey in the first place, that we provide them alternatives to making that journey because its not safe en route, she said. Its really important that that message gets out because the perception is not the same as the reality in terms of the border not being open. Mexicos government is worried that the new U.S. administrations asylum policies are stoking illegal immigration and creating business for organized crime, according to officials and internal assessments seen by Reuters. Detentions on the U.S. border have surged since Biden took office on Jan. 20. Mexico has urged Washington to help stem the flow by providing development aid to Central America. They see him as the migrant president, and so many feel theyre going to reach the United States, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said of Biden the morning after a virtual meeting with his U.S. counterpart on March 1. We need to work together to regulate the flow, because this business cant be tackled from one day to the next. Previously unreported details in the internal assessments, based on testimonies and intelligence-gathering, state that gangs are diversifying methods of smuggling and winning clients as they eye U.S. measures that will incentivize migration. Apprehensions on the U.S.Mexico border in February hit levels unseen since mid-2019, and were the highest for that month in 15 years, data reported by Reuters showed. Among the U.S. steps that Mexico worries are encouraging migration are improved support for victims of gangs and violence, streamlining of the legalization process, and suspension of Trump-era accords that deported people to Central America. Reuters contributed to this report. Advertisement Texas on Wednesday officially lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, meaning no more mask mandates and businesses can now function at full capacity. The Lone Star state was one of the first to reopen its economy after the first wave of pandemic cases last May, and the nation's second most populous state led the way again after Governor Greg Abbott announced the relaxation amid declines in new daily COVID-19 cases and with the rollout of vaccines. Several major retailers, grocery and restaurant chains in Texas said they would still require that masks be worn in their stores, which under Abbott's order relaxing restrictions is their right to do. Still, some expected to see standoffs between maskless customers and store employees on Wednesday. Texas on Wednesday officially lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, meaning no more mask mandates and businesses to are now allowed to function at full capacity. People order breakfast at Bill Smith's Cafe in McKinney on Wednesday The Lone Star state was one of the first to reopen its economy after the first wave of pandemic cases last May, and the nation's second most populous state led the way again last week when Governor Greg Abbott announced the relaxation amid declines in new daily COVID-19 cases and with the rollout of vaccines. People order breakfast on Wednesday Several major retailers, grocery and restaurant chains in Texas said they would still require that masks be worn in their stores, which under Abbott's order relaxing restrictions is their right to do. Still, some expected to see standoffs between maskless customers and store employees on Wednesday Roxana Boroujerdi reads a book in Houston, Texas on Wednesday - the day Texas statewide mask mandate ended Texas has the second highest number of cases across the US. It is the first time since July last year residents are no longer required to wear a mask. Announcing the reopening Gov Greg Abbott had said: 'We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. 'Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed.' As of Wednesday, 44,650 Texans have died of the virus; more than 2.3 million have tested positive. COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases are at their lowest since September. More than 4.5 million Texans have received at least one vaccination shot and the state could soon be rolling them out to restaurant, grocery and transportation workers. Greg Abbott issued a rollback of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions which went into force Wednesday People share drinks at a bar as the Texas prepares to lift its mask mandate and reopen businesses to full capacity during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Houston, Texas Tuesday On paper, Texas' rollback of coronavirus mitigation efforts is the most sweeping seen in the United States, along with a similar measure in Mississippi. In practice, vast swaths of Texas have rarely enforced mask or occupancy mandates in the past year, anyway. As of Sunday, 18% of the U.S. population had received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control. County officials in regions where COVID patients take up 15% or more of hospital beds for seven consecutive days can enact new mask and occupancy restrictions, under Abbott's order, but no regions are currently in that situation. In Austin the city council voted to still require masks - and dared state officials to sue the city. 'In Austin, we're committed to saving lives,' city council member Greg Casar wrote on Twitter. He added: 'If state officials don't want to do their jobs protecting people from the virus, then we will. 'This action is both legal and the right thing to do. If state officials choose to sue, they'll be going out of their way to harm the health of Texans.' Governor Greg Abbott announced the relaxation amid declines in new daily COVID-19 cases and with the rollout of vaccines As of Wednesday, 44,650 Texans have died of the virus; more than 2.3 million have tested positive. COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases are at their lowest since September More than 4.5 million Texans have received at least one vaccination shot and the state could soon be rolling them out to restaurant, grocery and transportation workers Austin Mayor Steve Adler also issued a statement after Abbott's announcement last week, saying that the state should follow 'science and data', which supports continued mask-wearing. The Texas Education Agency's guidance for public schools is for the continued use of masks, while nursing homes in the state will not loosen restrictions. The Dallas Jewish Conservatives organization plans to host a party Wednesday evening with about 200 people. There will be a moment of silence for the pandemic's dead, refreshments for the guests and a bonfire into which folks will be encouraged to toss masks. 'It's about freedom, liberty and personal responsibility,' said Benjie Gershon, founder of the group. 'The act of throwing a mask into the bonfire...is in no way meant to belittle or undermine the tragic numbers of individuals who have fallen ill to COVID.' A waitress works at Bill Smith's Cafe, after Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a rollback of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in McKinney, Texas Wednesday On paper, Texas' rollback of coronavirus mitigation efforts is the most sweeping seen in the United States, along with a similar measure in Mississippi. In practice, vast swaths of Texas have rarely enforced mask or occupancy mandates in the past year, anyway On Tuesday it was reported that the highly contagious UK variant of the virus is rapidly spreading throughout Houston. The Houston Health Department revealed the variant, known as B.1.1.7 was found at more than three-quarters of the city's wastewater plants in samples collected February 22. This is 47 percent higher than the number of plants the strain was detected at just two weeks earlier. The analysis was conducted just a week before Governor Greg Abbott's reopening order. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. New $100 bills are applied with a serial number, a U.S. Federal Reserve seal, cut, and stacked at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 11, 2013. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) US Economy Set to Grow Twice as Fast as Earlier Predicted: OECD The United States economy is expected to grow twice as fast as earlier forecasts predicted, according to a new report, which rests its optimistic outlook on the huge dose of fiscal stimulus and accelerating vaccine rollout. The significant fiscal stimulus in the United States, along with faster vaccination, could boost U.S. GDP growth by over 3 percentage points this year, with welcome demand spillovers in key trading partners, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) wrote in its so-called interim March report, released on March 9 (pdf). The OECDs closely watched December report, one of two main economic outlook products bridged by the March 9 interim projections, had predicted that the U.S. economy would grow by 3.2 percent; the interim report raises estimates for economic output this year to 6.5 percent. Sizable risks remain, the report cautions, however. Chiefly, slow progress in vaccine rollout and the emergence of new vaccine-resistant mutations of the CCP virus. If the risks materialize, the OECD predicts weaker recovery, larger job losses, and more business failures. Faster progress in vaccine deployment in all countries would enable restrictions to be lifted more quickly and enhance confidence and spending, the OECD said. COVID is still the dominant driver of the world economic outlook, Laurence Boone, the OECDs chief economist, told reporters at a press briefing. She said that, despite the upgrade to economic projections, she remains very concerned that were not doing enough to accelerate the recovery. While the fiscal support is appropriate, she said the pace of vaccinations isnt fast enough to consolidate the recovery, and she urged haste. Stimulus without vaccinations wont be as effective because consumers wont go out doing normal things, Boone said. Its the combination of health and fiscal policy that matters. Congressional staffers wait in the ornate corridor outside the Senate chamber during a delay in work on the Democrats $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, at the Capitol in Washington, on March 5, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that as of March 9, more than 61 million people in the United States have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or about 18.4 percent of the population. Just over 32 million, or around 9.7 percent, have received two doses. New CDC guidance issued March 8 says fully vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing. Boone said the combination of vaccines, fiscal stimulus, and reopening of the economy in the United States is expected to significantly boost the recovery as people are able to return to shop, dine, and travel. Americas above-expectation economic expansion will also help power global output one percentage point above December predictionsto 5.6 percent, the OECD predicts. The $1.9 trillion relief bill that recently cleared the Senate provides up to $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, extended emergency unemployment benefits, as well as hundreds of billions for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, schools, state and local governments, and ailing industries. Its a remarkable, historic, transformative piece of legislation which goes a very long way to crushing the virus and solving our economic crisis, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on March 9. Republicans have opposed the bill, calling the American Rescue Plan excessive and wasteful. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the package is too big at a time when the virus is showing signs of easing and the economy is poised to come roaring back. And rather than working across the aisle toward unity, as Biden promised, McConnell said Democrats are ramming through what they call the most progressive domestic legislation in a generation,' citing the White House chief of staff. They explained their intent very clearly: to exploit this crisis as a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision, McConnell said. The American Rescue Plan is the first COVID-related relief bill that has had zero support from Republicans in the House or Senate. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 22:15:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 27, 2020 shows a view of the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai) BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- When the Japanese invasion plunged China into peril in the 1930s, a renowned Chinese historian pondered and asked the famous question that had vexed him for long: Can the Chinese modernize? The answer to the question has long been available. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has initiated a top-level design to promote China's socialist modernization, unveiling a two-stage plan to make the world's most populous country a "great modern socialist country" by the mid-21st century. The modernization goal that the Chinese have been striving for since the modern era is no longer out of reach. According to the plan, the CPC will basically realize socialist modernization in the first stage from 2020 to 2035, before developing China into a great modern socialist country that is "prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful" by the middle of the 21st century. Although modernization theory has its origins in the West, modernization by no means is equal to Westernization. The world's second-largest economy is becoming increasingly aware that there has never been a uniform path to modernization. China's peaceful rise has in fact shown that the Western style is not the only viable route to modernization. Photo taken on Jan. 2, 2021 shows the light show at the Lujiazui area in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) SUPER-SCALE The modernization China seeks involves a massive population base and a rapid pace of realization. It could be seen as a super-scale human development practice. In China's modernization drive, new models of industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization will develop simultaneously. China will endeavor to achieve within decades what took the West centuries to achieve. The scale and speed of modernization in the world's most populous country are unprecedented and will inevitably have a profound impact on the world. China bases its development on its own situation and taps into the potential of its massive population and accordingly, massive demands and markets. According to a blueprint for its development in the next five to 15 years, which is under review at the "two sessions," China will accelerate forging a new development paradigm of "dual circulation" in which domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other with the domestic market as the mainstay. The world's largest developing country will give full play to the advantage of its super-large market and continue to expand it by boosting domestic consumption in its modernization drive. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 19, 2020 shows wind turbines in Jiucaiping scenic spot in southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) GREEN DRIVE China is seeking a modernization in which the construction of economic, political, cultural, social and ecological civilization are jointly promoted. The unbalanced advancement of modernization can cause estrangement and conflict. Economic growth does not necessarily do away with social difficulties. On the contrary, certain types of growth actually cause these problems. China rejects such types of modernization path. With its GDP exceeding the 100-trillion-yuan (about 15.42 trillion U.S. dollars) mark in 2020, China has explicitly stated that it will strive to keep its economy running within an appropriate range during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period rather than setting a numerical goal. The move echoed the country's strategy of focusing on promoting high-quality development which is key to its modernization drive. Although the modernization of the West has created unprecedented material wealth, it has also led to the waste of resources and environmental damage. Having taken notes from the West, China will not choose a development path that consumes a large quantity of non-renewable natural resources in the process of its modernization. In the modernization China is striving for, people and nature exist in harmony. In its latest development blueprint, China has vowed to stay true to the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," and to significantly lower the energy consumption per unit of GDP and its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP. A modernization path featuring green development has become a consensus of the Chinese, with sound progress made in recent years. Combo photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows villagers' smiles in Shenshan Village of Jinggangshan, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi) PEOPLE-CENTERED China's modernization involves not only a drastic increase in economic production capacity, but also comprehensive social progress. China seeks a people-centered modernization that is different from the Western model in which capital is the primary driver and dominant logic. That is best illustrated by China's massive poverty alleviation campaign and its handling of the pandemic. China has always insisted that the vast majority of society should be the starting point for system design and policy formulation. The nation's unique concepts and practices such as "No one should be left behind" and "People first, life first" express the essence and characteristics of Chinese-style modernization, which is centered on people. It is worth mentioning that people-centered modernization is in line with the highest ideals and value pursuits of Marxism, whose goal is to benefit the people and ultimately achieve the full development of each individual. Aerial photo shows a China-Europe freight train bound for Helsinki, Finland, departing from Putian Station of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) PEACEFUL, WIN-WIN China's modernization will be a road of peaceful development and will adhere to win-win cooperation. It will not follow the Western path of aggression, colonization and expansion, neither plundering and colonizing foreign countries nor transferring domestic conflicts and crises abroad. The modernizing China, which does not subscribe to the notion that a strong country will inevitably seek hegemony, has blazed a trail of revitalization. China has pledged to open up new prospects for win-win cooperation and provide digital assistance to less developed countries in terms of technology, equipment and services, according to its development blueprint. The modernization China seeks is one based on the country's national conditions and independent development. There is no one-size-fits-all development model, and modernization theory needs to be enriched as modernization practices unfold. Alan MacFarlane, a Cambridge professor who proposes "modernity with Chinese characteristics," believes that the civilization of Britain, the first so-called modern country in the world, was based on individualism, while China's civilization has been based on collectiveness since ancient times. Different traditions and histories make the modernization path of each civilization different. Every country has the right to choose its own modernization path. The Chinese model of modernization offers a new option to other countries and nations who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence. It also offers Chinese wisdom and a Chinese approach to solving the problems facing humanity. Last months, special rapporteurs released a letter sent to the Iran government, which outlined "very serious allegations", the report reads. At the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council on March 9, Ukraine joined the statement by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden on the PS752 downing by Iran. That's according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. "It is just over a year since the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752. That crash, caused by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles, killed 176 people many of whom were traveling home for the holidays or returning to school. We continue to mourn this devastating loss," the statement reads. In February, Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Javaid Rehman released a letter sent to the government of Iran, which outlined a number of very serious allegations. "Chief amongst their concerns is that the right to life of the 176 passengers and crew members was violated. It is our understanding that Iran has not responded to this letter. Irans alleged violation of these human rights obligations is extremely troubling. This is compounded by allegations of entirely unacceptable harassment and threats made against family members of some of the victims," reads the statement. Read alsoPS752 downing: Iran violated multiple human rights obligations, UN experts sayThe signatories call on Iran to reply to the letter as soon as possible and certainly in advance of the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur Callamard at HRC47; immediately stop any harassment and intimidation of the victims families, both in Iran and elsewhere; ensure a full and transparent criminal investigation and impartial judicial proceedings as part of their obligation to provide justice for the victims of this tragedy, and provide a comprehensive account of the events that led to this tragedy. PS752 downing: Background On January 8, 2020, Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 passenger jet flight PS752, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran Airport. All 176 people on board, including 11 Ukrainian nationals nine crew and two passengers were killed. Among victims are also citizens of Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani admitted that the Ukrainian liner had been shot down as a result of an unintentional "human error," and promised to bring those responsible to justice. On June 9, media reports said Iran had accused six persons in the PS752 downing case. On July 20, the flight recorders were delivered to Paris and decrypted on July 21. On July 24, it was reported that data from the black boxes had confirmed external interference with the aircraft's operation. On October 23, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Yenin said Iran would pay compensation to the relatives of victims of the UIA flight PS752 crash, but the process might last up to two years. On December 9, however, Yenin said that Iran had withdrawn the offer to handle the payments to the families of those killed in the UIA plane crash. In the middle of December, Canada expressed its position on the Iranian investigation into the downing of the Ukrainian plane, saying it is not credible. On December 22, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian investigators, during a video conference, had provided representatives of other countries whose citizens were victims of the crash with a technical report on the UIA downing. On December 23, Yenin said Ukraine had not received the report. On December 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern that Iran was delaying the negotiation process on the case of the downed Ukraine International Airlines plane. He noted that Ukraine had not received a technical report from Iran on the plane downed almost a year ago. On December 30, Iranian cabinet members reportedly agreed at a session to allocate US$150,000 or its equivalent in euros to each family of the victims of the Ukrainian plane crash in January 2020. On January 7, 2021, Rouhani said all those responsible for the downing of the plane would be brought to justice. The Canadian government and security agencies are reviewing an audio recording in which a man identified by sources as Iran's foreign affairs minister discusses the possibility that the destruction of flight PS752 was an intentional act. On Iranian Military Prosecutor's Office has completed a pre-trial investigation into the incident, Iranian media reported February 21. Reporting by UNIAN Candidates allowed to use third party delivery services to hand deliver election leaflets complaint branded pathetic mischief-making This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2021 Election candidates in Wales are not allowed to deliver leaflets themselves, but can hire third party services to do it on their behalf as well as using the post service. The clarity has been given after questions were raised following a complaint made to police over the weekend. North Wales Police told us, We received a report at 12.26pm on March 6th that people were delivering political leaflets through letter boxes to addresses in Rhostyllen. We attended the area, but didnt witness anyone canvassing. The deliveries were being carried out by a local company on behalf of Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate Carrie Harper. The complainant who rang the police described a group leafleting every house on their road, with several other local residents reportedly mentioning concerns to the complainant, that they believed the deliveries were at odds with the Welsh Government guidance during this Level 4 pandemic . Local Plaid Cymru group leader Marc Jones said, Its perfectly understandable in terms of trying to limit Covid that leafleting has not been permitted but it also means that candidates have had to turn to the Royal Mail to deliver leaflets or to post letters. That means extra costs for parties such as Plaid that have only their members money to support them unlike the millionaires that back the other main parties. Weve stuck to the letter of the guidance issued by the Welsh Government so its odd that someone with too much time on their hands should choose to waste police time in reporting our leaflets being distributed by the Royal Mail. Its pathetic mischief-making by a political opponent. The current full guidance for Alert Level 4 states: Are political parties, candidates and other campaigners permitted to deliver election leaflets? All of Wales is at alert level 4 and the general rules are that people must stay at home except for very limited purposes and they must not visit other households or meet other people they do not live with. People can leave home if they have a reasonable excuse. This means leaving home only for a purpose that is reasonably necessary and where there is no reasonably practicable alternative. In the current circumstances, distributing election leaflets door-to-door is not a reasonable excuse to leave home. Leaflets can of course be distributed safely by post, as mail delivery services continue to operate during the pandemic. Political parties, candidates and campaigners are encouraged to consider the full range of means, including social media, available to them to provide information to the electorate about the election. The guidance states post delivery service is acceptable, however the specifics on if a third party delivery service (non-Royal Mail, who is the common provider for final mile service) is permitted is not explicitly addressed, and it was not a simple process to discover the firm guidance. The police were unable to detail what action they would have taken if they had encountered such a third party delivery company carrying out hand leaflet delivery. Wrexham Council run elections locally via their Electoral Services department, however dont set the formal rules or framework that have to be followed. The council pointed us to the Electoral Commission to discover the answer to our query for clarity. Contrary to some unreferenced reports we are told candidates have not been reminded of rules. The Electoral Commissions contact line for Wales is no longer functioning, however they eventually pointed us to Welsh Government for the final verdict on the rules. We asked Welsh Government about the local scenario and if it was compliant. We also asked for comment on the appropriateness of Welsh Government effectively being the final arbiters of candidate activity in elections that they will participate in, and why such detail has not been thought through or communicated in light of several by elections active in North Wales (polling days on by elections on 18th and 25th), let alone the Senedd. A Welsh Government spokesperson reiterated the guidance above and in addition told us, Leaflets can be distributed safely by delivery services, which continue to operate during the pandemic. Separately Welsh Government also issued a wider public update on elections due on the 6 May 2021, it also references the topic of leaflets saying, Campaigning is important to ensure voters are well informed before going to the polls, and candidates must be able to communicate with the electorate. However, this must be balanced with protecting public health. Campaigning activity, such as leafleting, will commence across the UK as COVID restrictions ease; the pace of this will vary between nations and campaigners in each nation will need to follow the guidance and regulations made by the relevant Government. Now that the House of Representatives has passed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill, Americans are wondering when they will see their payments. Before checks can be sent, the legislation, which calls for $1,400 payments for those who meet income requirements, must be signed by President Joe Biden. That is expected to happen on Friday, the presidents spokesperson said. Some have pushed to have the bill signed into law before March 14, which is when current expanded unemployment benefits are set to expire. The new bill extends the expanded $300 payments through September. Then its up to the IRS. The White House said Monday that it hopes to see the payments sent out by the end of the month, but depending on when the bill is signed, it could happen quicker based on how fast the IRS distributed the second stimulus payment. The second stimulus bill was signed into law on Dec. 27 and people started to see direct deposits just two days later. On Dec. 30, the IRS started to mail paper checks to eligible people. Its possible it will take a little longer this time because the IRS is in the throes of tax season. The payments will be based on your 2020 tax return if youve already filed one, or the IRS will use your 2019 return if thats all it has available. To get the full $1,400 payment, singles need to have adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. Those who earn up to $80,000 would get a partial payment and above that amount, you are no longer eligible. Married couples who earn up to $150,000 are eligible for $2,800, and those who earn up to $160,000 would get a partial payment. After that, you are no longer eligible. Families will also receive $1,400 for each dependent no matter their age, so it includes college students and older relatives who didnt receive the first two stimulus payments. Use our updated stimulus calculator to see how much you may receive. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Beach Buddies Isle of Man has condemned the fly tipping discovered at Eairy Cushlin as an insult to the Manx nation. Founder Bill Dale said the dumping of rubbish from building work is "totally unacceptable in todays environment where the Isle of Man is being portrayed around the world as a nation where we all care about the environment and the Island we love. He said, I have spent a lot of time in recent years speaking to countries around the world and singing the praises about what the Isle of Man has achieved in terms of caring for the environment, wildlife and nature. Imagine what these countries think when they see that we still have idiots dumping rubbish at the roadside like this, especially in such a beautiful place as Eairy Cushlin. Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur. Ralph Cifaretto created all sorts of havoc on The Sopranos. If the character wasnt starting trouble with the New York mob, he was assaulting the Bada Bing bouncer or murdering one of the clubs dancers. Joe Pantoliano portrayed Ralphie for 21 episodes across seasons 3 and 4. Pantoliano did the impossible by making the character as close to likable as possible at a few points of his arc. Even when hes making the terrible decision to give Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone) a gun, Ralphie seems to want to help his girlfriends son. Pantoliano won an Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmy for his performance. The character might have turned out differently had Sopranos producers gone with their original choice for the role. Prior to tackling the Eugene Pontecorvo part, Robert Funaro had gotten the job playing Ralphie on the show. Robert Funaro was originally set to play Ralph Cifaretto on The Sopranos Anthony Rubistello, Robert Funaro and Dan Grimaldi backstage at The Cutting Room on September 28, 2013. | Bobby Bank/WireImage RELATED: The Sopranos: How Mikey Palmice Became a Little Bit Joe Pesci and a Little Bit James Caan On the Talking Sopranos podcast, Funaro spoke about landing the Ralphie part prior to season 3. I dont mind sharing the story. I auditioned for Ralph Cifaretto, Funaro said. And I signed the contract, did everything. But his performance didnt make it onto film. When I got to set, it didnt seem like the chemistry was working out between me and James [Gandolfini], Funaro recalled. I mean, they would die my hair white and everything And David [Chase] wasnt too happy with everything. Though Funaro tried to put his head down and keep working, Chase and Gandolfini werent sold on him in the part. David didnt think it was the right fit, Funaro said. And James was telling me the same thing. But Chase wasnt firing Funaro. David came up to me and said, What do you want to do? And I said, I want to stay on the show, of course! James also [said he wanted me to stay], Funaro recalled. So they came up with the character Eugene Pontecorvo. Funaros Eugene Pontecorvo became part of the Cifaretto crew Joe Pantoliano as Ralph Cifaretto acts in a scene in The Sopranos. | HBO While Funaro hadnt been acting professionally in the years prior to The Sopranos, losing the Ralphie part still stung. It was hard, it was really tough to live with as an actor, Funaro said. But he stuck with it, later stepping into Gene Pontecorvo role, which Chase and his writers created for him. I think its a good example for, you know, not quitting, Funaro said on Talking Sopranos. Look how I ended up I ended up with a really great episode [Genes season 6 suicide] and I made a great bunch of friends and everything. That wasnt the first time Chase and his team called an audible. Something similar happened before HBO had the cast in place for the Sopranos pilot. In the beginning, Chase saw Steven Van Zandt in the Tony Soprano role. When Gandolfini locked down the part, the writers worked the Silvio Dante character into the story. Carl J. Shapiro, the Boston philanthropist and onetime cotton king of New York Citys garment district who forfeited more than half a billion dollars in the aftermath of Bernard Madoffs Ponzi scheme, has died. He was 108. He died March 7 at his home in Boston, according to an online death notice. Ruth and Carl Shapiro. Credit: The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation The longtime head of apparel company Kay Windsor, Shapiro was among the earliest and biggest clients of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, opening an account in 1961. His son-in-law, Robert Jaffe, was vice president of Cohmad Securities, which shared offices with Madoffs firm in Manhattan and brought new investors to his business. By most accounts, Madoff was a legitimate money manager during Shapiros early years as a client. But by 2008, when Madoffs fraud unravelled, he was delivering eye-opening returns to his clients only by using money from new investors to pay off older ones - the textbook definition of a Ponzi scheme. Honey, milk, eggs and cereals may have all formed part of the medieval childbirth ritual, according to a new study that found traces of the produce in a birthing girdle. In medieval England birth girdles were worn by pregnant women as an amulet against the high risks of childbirth and they were made from parchment and designed to 'invoke the Virgin Mary' to protect both mother and child. University of Cambridge researchers analysed the proteins remaining on a 'stained girdle' from 15th century England using a non-invasive technique. The team found direct evidence they were used during childbirth as they had cervico-vaginal fluid proteins inside the parchment as well as honey, milk, eggs and cereal - all used to treat childbirth during the medieval period. The medieval garment, worn like a chastity belt as a charm, was also inscribed with prayers and invocations for safe delivery. Medieval English Birth Scroll. The girdle contains prayers and invocations for safe delivery in childbirth. Biomolecular evidence supports its active use in labour A PRAYER FOR MOTHER AND CHILD 'And yf a woman travell wyth chyldegyrdes thys mesure abowte hyr wombe and she shall be delyvyrs wythowte parelle and the chylde shall have crystendome and the mother puryfycatyon.' TRANSLATION: And if a woman travailing with child girds this measure about her womb, she shall be delivered safely without peril and the child shall be christened and the mother purified. Advertisement Researchers started by investigating the remains of a 'stained medieval birth girdle' using a dry non-invasive sampling technique to study proteins on the parchment. 'We were able to extract both human and non-human peptides from the manuscript, including evidence for the use of honey, cereals, ovicaprine milk and legumes,' said study author Sarah Fiddyment. 'In addition, a large number of human peptides were detected on the birth roll, many of which are found in cervico-vaginal fluid.' 'This suggests that the birth roll was actively used during childbirth.' Pregnancy was 'highly perilous' for both mother and baby. Complications included infections and womb prolapses. One in three women of childbearing age died. The Pre-Reformation Church in England offered them numerous talismans or relics - the most popular of which was a birthing girdle. Dr Fiddyment said: 'There are suggestions due to the dimension of the long and narrow object that they were worn like a chastity belt to support the pregnant women both physically and spiritually.' They were made from different materials including silk, paper and parchment but many were destroyed after the reformation with few surviving today. Although records indicate the use of these girdles and other remedies, there is very little surviving first-hand evidence from medieval women themselves about either the treatment or the complications of their own bodies during childbirth. So the researchers carried out a protein analysis by scanning the stains on one such relic from London's Wellcome Collection museum. Dr Fiddyment says: 'Although these birth girdles are thought to have been used during pregnancy and childbirth there has been no direct evidence that they were actually worn. Scroll containings prayers and invocations to Saint Quiricus [Ciryk] and Saint Julitta [Julit], his mother: with other prayers and invocations against all evils spiritual and temporal, and for safe delivery in childbirth MEDIEVAL GIRDLE: WORN BY WOMEN IN CHILDBIRTH In medieval England birth girdles were worn by pregnant women as an amulet against the high risks of childbirth. They were made from parchment and designed to 'invoke the Virgin Mary' to protect both mother and child. The medieval garment, worn like a chastity belt as a charm, was also inscribed with prayers and invocations for safe delivery. They were made from different materials including silk, paper and parchment. They were to be worn and unloosed before marriages, and a similar girding and unloosening occurred during pregnancy. Girdles may have literally supported the extra pregnancy weight and then been loosened six weeks prior to confinement. However, it seems that birth girdles, especially birthing rolls, were often talismanic, with ritual functions that incorporated religious devotion and magic. Many were destroyed after the reformation with few surviving today. Advertisement 'Many contain prayers for general protection of the individual, but this particular girdle also contains very specific prayers to protect women in childbirth and references various saints also related to women and childbirth. 'This girdle is especially interesting as it has visual evidence of having been used and worn, as some of the images and writing have been worn away through use and it has many stains and blemishes.' It records St Mary and mother and son martyrs Saints Quiricus and Julitta - all traditionally invoked in childbirth - as well as the twelve apostles and the three magi. The honey, milk and plants identified have all been documented in medieval texts as treatments relating to pregnancy and childbirth, explained Fiddyment. 'All of these ingredients have been documented in medieval medical treatises as being used to treat women during pregnancy and labour. 'The fact that we have been able to detect these specific additional non-human proteins further reinforces the evidence that this girdle was actively used in late pregnancy and childbirth, and also gives supporting evidence that these documented treatments were actually used.' In medieval Britain, some women would not have even known they were pregnant until they felt the first movement of their baby inside of them at around five months. A woman may have turned to a doctor to see if she was pregnant, but the tests were far from reliable. During the medieval period, men believed that a woman's purpose in life was to get pregnant and have babies. Three possible methods of tying the birth girdle when used pre and during labour Dr Fiddyment said: 'It is worth noting the girdle, at its earliest, was created in England during the late fifteenth century.' The Dissolution of the Monasteries began in 1536 and carried on until roughly 1541. The window of the use between its creation and the Dissolution, in theory, was only 60 years. She added: 'Its mere survival is testament it was not destroyed during the Dissolution. Protestant Reformers were quick to target the rituals of childbirth as these were seen as 'sanctuaries for forbidden religious practices'. 'Protestant bishops specifically banned birth girdles, and even forced midwives to take oaths to say that they would not employ them.' The findings have been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. A team of scientists from the USA and Canada has recently characterized the antibodies developed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in response to an mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. The findings reveal that although the vaccine is capable of inducing a robust polyclonal antibody response, the majority of the antibodies are devoid of virus-neutralizing activity. The study is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server. Background Since the development of potential vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, many preclinical and clinical studies have been done to evaluate the innate and adaptive immune responses developed by the host immune system in response to vaccine antigens. Some of these vaccines have recently received emergency use approval and are currently rolling out in many countries. Because of its direct involvement in mediating viral entry into host cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is regarded as the most potent target for developing COVID-19 vaccines. Studies investing in vaccine-induced immune responses have shown that monoclonal antibodies that bind spike RBD can potentially block the virus-host interaction, and thus, can effectively neutralize the virus. However, a growing-pool of recent evidence suggests that apart from spike RBD or full-length spike protein, the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike S1 subunit contains neutralizing epitopes, and thus, can serve as potential targets for anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In the current study, the scientists have profiled the polyclonal antibodies and plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 in response to an mRNA-based, spike-targeting COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer-BioNTech. Study design In the study, six adult participants received two doses of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Blood samples were obtained from the participants before vaccination and after the 1st and 2nd doses of vaccination. The kinetics of vaccine-induced anti-RBD and anti-NTD antibodies were compared with the antibody kinetics of 30 COVID-19 survivors who have developed a wide-range of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in response to natural infection. Important observations The analysis of antibody kinetics revealed that the levels of anti-spike and anti-spike RBD polyclonal antibodies were significantly higher in vaccinated individuals than that in COVID-19 survivors. Among vaccinated individuals, the antibody response reached a peak value one week after the 2nd dose, followed by a gradual decline with time. Interestingly, COVID-19 survivors with low antibody titers exhibited a higher ratio of binding to neutralizing antibodies than those with high titers. However, at the time of peak response, the vaccinated individuals showed the highest ratio of binding to neutralizing antibodies, which indicates that the majority of vaccine-induced antibodies are non-neutralizing in nature. Characterization of bulk sorted plasmablasts via single-cell RNA sequencing. (A) Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) of scRNAseq from bulk plasmablast with recovered BCR sequences (purple) or unrecovered (grey). (B) UMAP overlay of percent of cellular population expressing MZB1, PRDM1, and XPB1. Hexbin equals 80 individual cells. (C) UMAP overlay of BCR sequences with confirmed spike binding activity. (D) Proportional composition of heavy chains genes in the spike binding sequences broken down by sample. (E) Comparison of nucleotide-level mutation frequency in immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) genes between plasmablasts clonally related to spike binding mAbs from SARS-CoV-2 vaccinees, plasmablasts sorted from PBMCs one week after seasonal influenza vaccination and found in vaccine-responding B cell clones, and naive B cells found in blood of an influenza vaccinee (left panel); and between plasmablasts from SARS-CoV-2 vaccinees found to be clonally related to spike-binding mAbs that were, respectively, cross-reactive and non-cross-reactive to human - coronaviruses spike proteins (right panel). Regarding pre-existing immunity against seasonal coronaviruses, the scientists observed that the mRNA vaccine significantly increased the levels of antibodies directed against the spike protein of seasonal -coronaviruses, such as OC43 and HKU1. However, they did not observe any such effect of the vaccine on -coronaviruses, such as 229E and NL63. To characterize vaccine-induced B cell response, the scientists isolated plasmablasts from the blood samples of the vaccinated individuals and subsequently screened all plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies. Interestingly, they observed that most antibodies were directed against the spike NTD and that only a small fraction of the antibodies recognized the spike RBD. These observations indicate that the vaccine is capable of generating both anti-RBD and anti-NTD monoclonal antibodies. With further analysis, they observed that the majority of these monoclonal antibodies were unable to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. The scientists used biolayer interferometry to examine the affinity of different RBD mutation-containing viral variants for human ACE2. They observed that almost all the RBD mutations they analyzed (N501Y, Y453F, N439K, E484K, and K417N), either alone or in combination, significantly increased the viral affinity for ACE2 receptor. Furthermore, they examined the reactivity of serum samples collected from vaccinated individuals and COVID-19 survivors against various RBD mutants. The findings revealed that all polyclonal sera from COVID-19 survivors bound better to N501Y RBD than the wildtype RBD, whereas about 40% reduction in binding was observed for RBD-mutated B.1.351 variant. However, the sera from vaccinated individuals showed the highest reduction of two-fold against RBD mutations present in B.1.351 and P.1 variants. By analyzing the PV14252 variant of SARS-CoV-2 that contains several NTD mutations and the E484K RBD mutation, the scientists observed that out of 7 plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies, only two anti-RBD antibodies neutralized both wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and the PV14252 variant with similar efficiency. In contrast, all five anti-NTD antibodies completely lost their ability to neutralize the PV14252 variant because of the NTD mutations present in that viral variant. Study significance The study reveals that the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) induces both anti-RBD and anti-NTD antibodies; however, the majority of these antibodies are non-neutralizing in nature. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of NTD mutations in viral variants that can significantly abolish the virus-neutralizing ability of monoclonal antibodies. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. New Delhi: An encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in the encounter. More details are awaited on this. Earlier on Wednesday, an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out on Wednesday in Kakpora's Banderpora in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. LeT commander Ayub Lelhari was killed in the encounter. Earlier on Sunday, at least three terrorists including chief operations commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Yaseen Itoo were killed in an encounter with security forces in Awneera village of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. It doesnt mean people are going to come and flock back en masse, but we know so much more about this virus, how it spreads, than we did a year ago, Lightfoot said. We know in particular about outside events that we can manage these in a safe way thats consistent with public health guidance. Jab: About 95pc of new deliveries of vaccines are rolled out in a week. Photo: Reuters ITS the reality we cannot wish away. Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers will continue to disappoint with smaller or stalled deliveries in the coming months and targets will need to be rewritten. Some people who were expecting the jab will be left waiting and will worry if they will lose out. Yet time is of the essence in this vaccine roll-out. Unprecedented demand Vaccine manufacturers are facing unprecedented demand from countries which have advance purchase orders for deliveries. This has created suspicion that some countries are being favoured over others. The European Unions row with AstraZeneca and Italy's recent decision to block the export of 250,000 doses of vaccine to Australia show how high the stakes are. Now comes news of potential shortages of the raw materials needed by manufacturers, such as plastic bioreactor bags, tubing and medical grade glass. This also raises the risk that companies will stockpile to meet orders. The World Health Organisation chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said companies producing vaccines should team up with other companies that have excess capacity, and that intellectual property rights should be shared. The shortage of some raw materials could also affect other non Covid-19 vaccines. The IDA looked at Irish drug plants manufacturing vaccine locally but it did not work out. Purchasing power Ireland had little choice but to hitch its wagon to the European Commission which has secured agreements for around 2.6 billion doses of different vaccines. We will get a share of over 1pc and so far we have enough advance purchase agreements for 18.5 million doses, enough to vaccinate 10.3m people. The most recently added vaccines to the portfolio are Novovax, for 1.1 million doses, and Valneva both of which have yet to be approved. The chance of getting surplus vaccine from other countries is wishful thinking. What leader is going to give away vaccines? Its also essential any vaccines are assessed for safety and efficacy by the European Medicines Agency before they are administered. Falling short The Oireachtas health committee was told by HSE chief Paul Reid that Ireland was expected to get more than 1.2 million doses in the first three months of the year. These would include doses of Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford AstraZeneca. The most changes in delivery schedules have been made by Oxford AstraZeneca. However, the total number of vaccines available here in the first three months will be slightly lower than expected, at around 1.1 million. Game changer The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is expected to be approved this week, has been hailed as a game changer because recipients need just one shot. However, we learned yesterday that the first supplies expected here in April are likely to be low and most of our 600,000 doses will arrive in May and June. It emerged yesterday that Johnson & Johnson told the EU that it is facing supply issues that may hit plans to deliver 55 million doses of vaccine over the second quarter of the year. It has issues with the supply of vaccine ingredients and equipment, and is struggling to meet its goals. It started rolling out its vaccines in the United States this month with a target of 100 million doses by May but it has halved its delivery figures for March to 20 million. Abundance of vaccine We were promised an abundance of vaccine from April, with more than 250,000 doses available a week. There will be more vaccine next month, but whether it will live up to expectations remains to be seen. The test for the HSE is to administer it and the plan is to roll it out through vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacists. About 9,000 vaccinators have completed training and thousands more are being recruited. The centres will be open 12 hours a day. But first we need to get enough vaccine. Targets The target to administer 100,000 doses a week this month has had to be revised. Over the past two weeks the doses were down around 25,000 and this week 84,000 are being administered, a shortfall of 4,000. Problems with Moderna supplies means around 11,000 people aged 80 to 84 will face a delay of around two weeks. The plan is still to have all over 70s vaccinated fully by the end of May and there is the added complication now of identifying around 160,000 with underlying illnesses who would be at very high risk if they caught Covid-19. Progress is being made although it is not as fast as people would like. So far, 363,601 doses have been administered and 149,721 people are fully vaccinated. Top five HSE chief Paul Reid said yesterday that Ireland ranks in the top five countries for roll-out of the vaccine. About 95pc of new deliveries are rolled out in a week. Blanche, a beloved swan who nested in the Palace of Fine Arts for 25 years, returned home Tuesday after being treated for zinc and lead poisoning possibly caused by digesting pennies and soil laced with lead, San Francisco park officials said. Blanche was taken to the San Francisco Zoo in late January to receive treatment after she was observed having a difficult time standing and getting into the water, Tamara Aparton, a spokeswoman for San Francisco parks said. Blue Boy, her 17-year-old male companion, did not exhibit symptoms but was later taken to the zoo as a precautionary measure. Blue Boy was found dead Monday morning, but veterinarians were unsure of the cause Wednesday as they await the results of a necropsy. Officials said Blue Boy did not exhibit symptoms until he suddenly became ill the night he died. Blue Boy had been treated for lead and zinc poisoning and his levels were back down to an acceptable level. San Francisco Zoo veterinarians said they found high levels of zinc and lead in both swans blood. Officials believe the high levels of zinc were from swallowing pennies thrown into the pond, a common source of poisoning in birds, Aparton said. But the source of the lead poisoning was more difficult to trace. Officials sent multiple soil samples from the swans home to be tested in a lab. Although the tests revealed there was some lead in the soil, the amount found was not more than what is typical for an urban environment, Aparton said. Veterinarians believe the lead built up in the swans bloodstreams after a decade of living on the pond, and possibly swallowing pennies and other coins. More for you Local Beloved Palace of Fine Arts swan found dead of apparent... Aparton said Blanches caretakers will ensure Blanches feed isnt directly on the soil to reduce the amount of lead she digests. Veterinarians will also give her regular blood tests to ensure she stays healthy. In a social media post accompanying a video of Blanches return home, park officials advised visitors to not throw coins into the pond and to avoid feeding or approaching the swan. Now without her longtime companion, Aparton said the biggest question on many peoples minds is if Blanche will find love again. Mute swans generally mate for life, and Blanche and Blue Boy had been a couple for about a decade, so officials are concerned she might experience loneliness without a partner. Aparton said they are looking for a suitable companion for Blanche to spend her twilight years with. It will likely be a lady-friend this time. Male swans tend to be really territorial and aggressive, which a few Palace of Fine Arts visitors and a whole lot of geese have found out the hard way, she said. Vanessa Arredondo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @v_anana MOSCOW (Reuters) - Armenia's government said the dismissal of a top army general at the centre of a political crisis went into effect on Wednesday, almost two weeks after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan fired him and accused the military of a coup attempt. The army had demanded Pashinyan quit on Feb. 25, prompting Pashinyan to sack the chief of the army's general staff. But that move needed the approval of the president, which he declined to give. The standoff is a major challenge for Pashinyan, who was swept to power by protests in 2018 but has been under fire over his handling of last year's conflict between ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Pashinyan's government said in a statement on Wednesday that the general's dismissal was now legally effective because the president had not signed the decree within the time allotted or gone to court under specific articles of the law. "Head of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan ... is legally dismissed from his post from March 10," the statement said. In a statement in response, Gasparyan denounced his dismissal as unconstitutional and said that Armenia's political crisis could only be ended by Pashinyan's resignation and snap parliamentary elections, the Interfax news agency reported. "I will continue to serve the motherland and the Armenian people in a different capacity," he said, without elaborating. Another statement attributed to the leadership of the armed forces said it agreed with Gasparyan's statement and his overall assessment of the situation, News.am and Russian media outlets reported. "There is one solution to the current situation, it is in the message (from Gasparyan)," the statement was quoted as saying. Pashinyan later proposed Artak Davtyan, the former chief of general staff, to replace Gasparyan, the TASS news agency reported. Pashinyan has faced calls to resign since last November when he agreed to a Russian-brokered ceasefire that halted six weeks of fighting between ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Story continues The deal secured significant territorial gains for Azerbaijan in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The enclave is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but is populated and until recently was fully controlled by ethnic Armenians. Pashinyan, who has rejected calls to resign, said he had been compelled to agree to the peace deal to prevent greater human and territorial losses. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Larry King) Create your account: sign up and get ahead on news and events NO INVESTMENT ADVICE The above has been published by Proactive Investors Limited (the "Company") on its website and is made available subject to the terms and conditions of use of its website (see T&C ). ... A Dublin man has been jailed for six years after attempting to abduct a 70-year-old woman while she was going for a morning walk. Martin Gallagher (21) grabbed the pensioner from behind and forced her into the boot of his car during the attack near the Phoenix Park last year. He made several failed attempts to close the lid of the boot while the woman struggled inside, and later told gardai it was a "joke that went wrong". Gallagher, of Rusheeney Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin, had pleaded guilty to assaulting and falsely imprisoning the victim on Blackhorse Avenue on January 6, 2020. Read More This morning Judge Martin Nolan said the victim was going for a walk when suddenly and terrifyingly, for some unknown reason, Gallagher grabbed her. Judge Nolan said it was a "sinister crime" and that the only inference which can be drawn is that Gallagher was going to drive off with her in the boot, but for the intervention of a good Samaritan. The judge said he was disregarding Martin Gallagher's explanation that he thought it was a male friend, saying it was clear he was dealing with a woman. He sentenced the accused to six years in jail for the false imprisonment, and two and a half years for assault causing harm to run concurrently. At the time of the attack the woman was caring for her now deceased husband who had dementia and in the aftermath of the ordeal he was unable to comfort her. Evidence was given that she was walking along Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, at around 7.30am when she came across a man standing beside a car with the boot open. Det Gda Paul Kirwan, of Blanchardstown garda station, said that as the victim passed by, she was grabbed from behind and thrown into the boot of the car. The court heard Martin Gallagher said nothing as he made three or four attempts to close the boot but couldn't as the woman's legs were dangling out. The victim was then dragged out and Gallagher tried to put her into the back seat as she continued "kicking and screaming for her life". After the struggle he then threw her face first to the ground towards a wall before fleeing the scene. A passer-by on his way to work saw the incident and at first thought it was a man fighting with his child, before stopping and coming to the woman's aid. She was taken back to her home and gardai later noted she had severe bruising to her eye sockets, a cut to her face and bruising to her shin bones. Later that day at 5.45pm the accused was witnessed driving a car matching the description of the vehicle involved and arrested. At first he denied the allegations but later admitted them, claiming it was a joke that went wrong. Gallagher told gardai he thought the victim was a friend that he wanted to frighten, saying: "I am really sorry for what I done. It was a joke that went wrong". The court heard he only gave his friends first name and that the victim in this case was 5ft tall. Gallagher also told gardai that he had been drinking that day and the previous night while driving around the area. The accused's DNA was recovered from the victim's fingernails and he was later charged in relation to the incident. In her victim impact statement, the woman said that she still has nightmares and frightening thoughts "about what would have happened if I had not got out of that boot of that car." She said that she was caring for her husband at the time who suffered with dementia and passed away last October. "I've had to go through all of this and my husband couldn't even comfort me," she said in her statement read to the court by Det Sgt Maeve Ward. "My husband didn't know why I was crying all the time and why my face was black, blue and swollen. When I think back to the life I had I can't stop crying," the woman said. "I want to make it clear about this, he took me from behind. I looked into his face as I lay in that boot. I was afraid for my life," she added. In mitigation Gallagher's defence counsel said that he had not previously come to the attention of gardai for criminality, having only one previous conviction for a speeding offence. Counsel also said that Gallagher was remorseful and shameful for what he had done, and that he was taking drugs at the time of the incident. The court also heard he has been in custody for over a year and hadn't tried to make a bail application to the High Court. Read More Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later at night. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 84F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. WHO: North Carolina Humanities is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through public humanities programs and grantmaking, NC Humanities serves to connect North Carolinians with cultural experiences that spur dialogue, deepen human connections, and inspire community. Learn more at www.nchumanities.org. This event is presented in partnership with PEN America Piedmont Chapter. WHAT: Come discover how journalism and the humanities help foster an informed citizenry. "Evening Edition: Environmental Journalism in NC" is a virtual and interactive panel discussion that will examine the theme of journalistic truth, found in both of NC Humanities' 2020-2021 selected Statewide Read book club program novels: The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi and Dry by Jarrod and Neal Shusterman. You do not need to have read the books to attend this event, but you will be inspired to read them after attending! Our panel of journalists will examine and discuss their experiences of reporting on natural disasters and environmental issues in North Carolina. This event features journalists Adam Wagner, Lisa Sorg, Justin Catanoso, and Jack Igelman in a conversation moderated by NC Humanities board trustee and UNCSA associate professor, Mike Wakeford. WHEN: March 16, 2021, virtual, 6:30-8:00 PM COST: Free WHERE: Register here to attend https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-edition-environmental-journalism-in-nc-tickets-128867589429 SIGNIFICANCE: "Our Statewide Read book club discussion program is coming at a critical time in our society when people are actively seeking ways to explore and learn about complex topics," said Sherry Paula Watkins, Executive Director of North Carolina Humanities. "Even though our selected Statewide Read books, The Water Knife and Dry, are works of fiction, the underlying themes and messages resonate with environmental events we are experiencing today. It is our hope that the Statewide Read brings people together and fosters a meaningful discussion about our environment and how water plays an important role in our communities and our state." North Carolina Humanities Disclaimer: The Water Knife contains mature themes, situations, and language which may not be suitable for some readers. The themes and situations in Dry are recommended for readers 12+ and may not be suitable for readers under age 12. SOURCE North Carolina Humanities Related Links www.nchumanities.org The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. ADVERTISEMENT The Supreme Court on Tuesday struck out two appeals filed by Seriake Dickson and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against a suit seeking his disqualification from contesting the concluded Bayelsa West Senatorial District election. Mr Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, had won the bye-election. He had appealed a Court of Appeal ruling which set aside a ruling by the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, which dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify him from contesting in the senatorial election. Justice Mary Odili, who led a five-member panel of justices, held that the appeals lacked merit and struck out both appeals after Mr Dickson and the PDP lawyers agreed to formally withdraw the appeals. The apex court agreed with the lawyer to the first respondent (Owoupele Eneoriekumoh), Pius Pius that, having earlier filed a notice of withdrawal, he could no longer take further steps except to withdraw the appeal. Once a party files a notice of withdrawal, the only further step such an appellant could take is to formally withdraw the appeal, not to abandon the withdrawal notice and seek to be heard on the same notice of appeal, the court said. Mr Dickson had earlier applied to withdraw the appeal, but later changed his mind and filed a motion, seeking to have the appeal heard. Also while striking out the appeal by the PDP, the apex court noted that the appellant filed a notice of appeal without specifying the judgment of the Court of Appeal that was being appealed against. The respondents, however, objected to the motion, arguing that, having applied to withdraw for whatever reason, he could no longer change his mind. The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, had on January 7, 2021 ruled that the disqualification suit against Mr Dickson was not statute barred and should be given accelerated hearing by the Federal High Court. The three-member panel disagreed with the Federal High Courts decision to dismiss the matter, saying the judgment of the lower court was wrong. The Court of Appeal panel, presided by Justice U. Onyemenam, explained the appeal was based on whether by the provisions of the Electoral Act and Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the originating process of the applicant was statute barred. The panel said the suit was filed within 14 days, beginning from the publication of the particulars of the candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Justice Jane Inyang of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, had thrown out the suit filed by Mr Owoupele for lack of jurisdiction declaring that the suit was statute barred for being filed after the constitutionally stipulated time to do so. Mr Owoupeles lawyers, led by Pius Danba and Ebikebuna Aluzu, proceeded to the Court of Appeal seeking to upturn the verdict of the lower court. (NAN) Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Signs of demand revival in the leisure travel segment coupled with expectations of a sharp recovery in FY22 earnings have analysts gung-ho on (IHC), whose shares have rallied a whopping 105 per cent from the 52-week low levels hit in May last year. However, on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the shares have underperformed Sensex and peers, and even since September last year. IHC stock has added 3 per cent YTD as against a nearly 7 per cent rise in Sensex. While since the end of September, it has gained 31 per cent vs a 34 per cent jump in the benchmark, Ace Equity data shows. Yet, brokerages hold bullish views, and see 40 per cent upside from current levels, on the stock which forms part of ace investor and his wife Rekha Jhunjhuwala's portfolios. The duo increased the stake in this Tata Group firm to 2.01 per cent in the December quarter from 1.05 per cent in the September quarter. What makes analysts bullish? Pick up in occupancy rate IHC has reported strong occupancy levels of more than 85 per cent at some of its locations even as traditional business centres like NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru continue to suffer. Amit Agarwal, research analyst at Nirmal Bang Equities attributes this pickup in the occupancy of leisure destinations to pent-up demand, inability to holiday at international destinations, continued work from home, and demand due to the wedding. Motilal Oswal Financial Services, meanwhile, believes revival in corporate demand holds the key for the hospitality industry as it would drive up occupancy, with ARR (average room rate) growth following suit. During the companys Q3FY21 analyst meet, the management indicated that corporate customers are renewing their contracts at FY20 rates. Given this, Agarwal of Nirmal Bang expects overall occupancy to be around 55 per cent for Q4FY21 as against 46 per cent in Q3FY21. "We expect the company to maintain a valuation premium to peers due to its strong brand, which helps pricing and occupancy levels. In addition, the company will get preference over peers in getting hotels on management contracts which will help improve margins further," said Antique Broking in a note dated February 27. The brokerage has a target price of Rs 175 on the stock. F&B: A revenue driver The F&B (food & beverage) activity for Indian hotels has picked up with most of the preferred restaurants seeing healthy demand in Mumbai and Delhi. Now, with further easing of restrictions on restaurants amid the receding impact of Covid 19, the F&B segment would continue to show strong growth, believes Agarwal. Besides, the company has launched Qmin, a home delivery service of restaurant food, which has been doing well, as per analysts at Antique Broking. Moreover, IHC has revamped the 'Chambers' club and plans to introduce it at other locations. "The entire membership fee, including joining fee of Rs 20 lakh and an annual fee of Rs 3 lakh, has very little cost associated with it and flows directly to the bottom line," says Agarwal whose brokerage Nirmal Bang has a BUY rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 164. The percentage of F&B to room revenue stood at 92 per cent in Q3FY21 and 69 per cent in Q2FY21. Industry outlook While FY21 earnings are estimated to remain weak, MOFSL expects a sharp recovery in FY22 on a low base, improvement in ARR as normalcy returns, improved occupancy, positivity in cost rationalization efforts in FY21, and an increase in F&B income as banqueting/conferences resume. "We assign a Buy rating to Indian Hotels, with an FY23-based target price of Rs 143 (one-year forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 18x)," it said. WASHINGTON The $1.9 trillion COVID relief package the House plans to send to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature on Wednesday is expected to be a big boost for the poorest in the nation and it could be especially significant in Texas. The state has among the highest poverty rates in the U.S., with more than 3.9 million living in poverty, including 1.1 million children. It also leads the nation in uninsured residents and lags most other states in vaccination rates. Those are all problems that major new provisions in the so-called American Rescue Plan are aimed at alleviating as it expands federal safety nets. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., has called it the most significant piece of legislation to benefit working people in the modern history of this country. Beefed-up tax credits for low-income families and those with children, along with direct payments of $1,400, could boost income of the poorest 20 percent of Americans by 20 percent, according to estimates by the Tax Policy Center. The stimulus also expands the Affordable Care Act, cutting health insurance premiums for the 1.3 million Texans enrolled in the program. The $1.9 trillion package also includes another round of checks up to $1,400 a pop for those making less than $80,000 a year extends unemployment benefits and offers up funding to accelerate vaccine production and make schools safer for students, among other things. Relief is on the way, said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat. IM VACCINATED. NOW WHAT? Heres what the new CDC guidelines say for fully-vaccinated freedoms But the latest stimulus package marks a departure from the bipartisan nature of the roughly $4 trillion in relief packages Congress passed in 2020. Every Republican has so far voted against it, saying it includes far more than just much-needed COVID-19 relief. GOP lawmakers have also blasted the $1.9 trillion cost, saying it will only add to the escalating national debt and burden future generations. We could have built on that record this year, but instead Democrats put together a package of unrelated, wasteful, and downright partisan priorities: a blank check for mismanaged union pension funds; funding for climate justice; backdoor money for Planned Parenthood; an exclusive paid leave program for bureaucrats; and the list goes on, Texas Sen. John Cornyn said when the bill passed the Senate. Overwhelming support Despite the expected partisan vote, polling indicates the vast majority of Americans support the relief package. A Pew Research Center poll released Tuesday found 70 percent of Americans supported the bill and only 28 percent opposed it. The stimulus also has the support of 63 percent of low-income Republicans, according to the Pew poll, 22 percentage points higher than support among Republicans overall. Thats a sign that its likely popular in Texas, even if the Republican-dominated state may be less enthusiastic about some elements of the bill, said Joshua Blank, research director at the University of Texas at Austins Texas Politics Project. Given overwhelming national support, its very likely that Texans support for the stimulus package in general, but especially the stimulus payments, is similarly high, Blank said. And even if, and really when, the stimulus bill gets painted in a more partisan light, it wouldnt be surprising to find opposition to the stimulus increase among Republicans, while at the same time, support for specific provisions, and in particular the checks to individual Americans, remains extremely popular. The stimulus which the House is expected to pass on a party line vote Wednesday, with the president likely to add his signature soon after could cut child poverty in half, according to estimates by the Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy, potentially lifting more than 550,000 Texas children above the poverty line. Thats in large part due to expanded child tax credits of $3,600 for children younger than 6 and $3,000 for children up to 18, up from the current $2,000 per child. Those benefits are targeted toward lower-income families, as well, as they begin to phase out for married couples making $150,000, heads of households making $112,500 and other parents making $75,000. But its not just those with children who see new benefits in the stimulus. The bill roughly triples the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers without children to about $1,500. Medicaid expansion An estimated 1.6 million Texans lost job-based health insurance during the pandemic, driving a 15 percent increase in the number of Texans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act last year. The stimulus would expand subsidies to upper-middle-income Texans to buy ACA health insurance plans and would boost subsidies already going to lower-income Texans. Those provisions are an immense deal, said said Arthur Tim Garson, a clinical professor at the University of Houston and a former director of the Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute. The stimulus also includes another attempt at getting Texas to expand Medicaid, something Republicans in Austin have long resisted, suspicious that the federal government will eventually shift the costs of the program onto the state. An estimated 1.4 million uninsured Texans would be eligible for Medicaid if it were expanded. The stimulus boosts the federal share of the cost of expansion by 5 percentage points a move pushed by U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, a Houston Democrat, who said the provisions are vital to helping incentivize states like Texas and the others that have not expanded Medicaid to do so. JUMPING THE LINE: Tensions are high as Texas scrambles to vaccinate 29 million residents. The big picture is they have made it cheaper to expand Medicaid for states. And Texas really should consider expanding Medicaid, Garson said. The time has come. Texas and its cities and counties, meanwhile, are on tap for billions in the latest relief bill. The state is expected to receive $16.7 billion in federal aid, with its cities and counties set to receive nearly $11 billion more. And the latest round of aid to cities and counties a combined $1.5 billion for Houston and Harris County and $715 million for San Antonio and Bexar County comes with fewer strings, meaning cities and counties can use the funding to improve water, sewer or broadband infrastructure in addition to the assistance programs for renters, small businesses and others that local governments funded with the last round of federal aid. The package also includes $47 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Disaster Relief Fund money that could help not only Texans reeling from the pandemic but also the recent major winter storms that did billions in damage. ben.wermund@chron.com Kendrick Johnson was found dead in a rolled-up gym mat in a Georgia High School in 2013. (Lowndes Vikings) The investigation into the strange death of a Georgia High School student who was found in a rolled-up gym mat in 2013 has been reopened after mounting pressure from the student's family. Kendrick Johnson, 17, was found in the gymnasium of Lowndes High School on 11 January 2013. Investigators said the death was an accident after an autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, arguing that Mr Johnson had suffocated while reaching for a pair of shoes. The family had the body exhumed and two autopsies performed on their own. Both procedures concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the neck, but federal investigators said the GBI autopsy was more credible. According to Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk, they have been trying to get the documents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for almost a year. Seventeen boxes of new material have so far reached the Sheriff's office, according to WFXL. In June 2016, the US Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia said: "After extensive investigation into this tragic event, federal investigators determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people wilfully violated Kendrick Johnsons civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime." Read more: Atlanta DA asks court who should prosecute police officers Mr Johnsons mother Jacquelyn Johnson told CNN Tuesday: Its been eight long years. Im feeling hopeful. The Johnson family has filed several lawsuits alleging that Mr Johnson's death was covered up after collaboration between the school superintendent, an FBI agent, and a former Sheriff. Ms Johnson and Kendrick's father Kenneth Johnson have also accused two brothers at Lowndes High School of killing their son, The Daily Mail writes. Video footage showed that the brothers were not near the scene where Kendrick Johnson was last seen and a judge accused the parents of manufacturing evidence. Story continues They were ordered to pay $300,000 in legal fees to those they accused of committing, and those they said covered up the crime. The Department of Justice also said in their 2016 statement that "the investigation included, among other things, interviewing nearly 100 people; reviewing tens of thousands of emails and text messages; reviewing surveillance videos from Lowndes High School; and analysing other available information regarding the events of January 10-11, 2013". Sheriff Paulk told CNN that a mix of old and new investigators will be used in the case. The first interview was conducted Monday in the reopened investigation which could take up to six months. Kenneth Johnson said he hopes Mr Paulk "does the right thing. I just hope that the truth comes out". The school is in the town of Valdosta, about 15 miles from the Florida border. The county has about 117,000 people. Read More Jimmy Carter says hes sad, angry over Georgia voting bills High court revives ex-student's suit against Georgia college Georgia GOP leaders who stood up to Trump back voting bills Trump tries to shift blame for Georgia defeat to other Republicans and lashes out at WSJ in new statement Georgia governor says he would absolutely back Trump as 2024 nominee despite former presidents calls for his resignation New Delhi: The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Wednesday shown their disapproval towards the Supreme Courts decision to declare instant talaq case as unconstitutional. Jamiat said that the verdict is against Islamic Sharia. As per reports in a leading newspaper, Jamait has supported the Apex Court for equating the Muslim personal law with fundamental rights under the Constitution. Jamait clarified that they will never compromise on religious rights guaranteed in the constitution as fundamental one. They said that there should not be any attempt to tinker with it. Amidst the criticism that the court chose to bring personal laws and fundamental rights on the same ground, Jamait maintained that they were pleased on this aspect of the verdict. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), in collaboration with Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare ("Molina"), donated $100,000 to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to support millions of residents struggling after severe flooding in southeastern Kentucky. "We are thankful to partner with MolinaCares and Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare to bring some relief to Eastern Kentucky," said Gerry Roll, executive director at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. "With so much damage to roads, homes, and water systems, and so many people displaced, we are especially grateful for this support. The MolinaCares Accord donation will enable us to help family farmers, small businesses, and local nonprofits that are in need." The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a community foundation focused on improving the quality of life in southeastern Kentucky. Together with partners at the Appalachian Impact Fund and Appalachian for Appalachia, they launched the Southeast Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to provide aid to Eastern Kentuckians suffering from the recent floods. The Foundation provides emergency grants to assist residents of affected Appalachian counties with purchasing food, clothing, and cleaning supplies, as well as finding shelter and making repairs. "We are committed to supporting Kentuckians with immediate flood recovery efforts," said Ryan Sadler, plan president of Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare. "As invested citizens in the communities we serve, we realize it is difficult to make health care a priority when so many are concerned with the challenges of daily life. We hope this donation makes it a little easier for those impacted by the devastating floods to care for themselves and their loved ones." About The MolinaCares Accord: Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. Story continues About Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare: Passport Health Plan by Molina Healthcare works closely with local providers and community advocates to improve health outcomes in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We deliver government-funded, high-quality health care to approximately 324,000 Kentucky Medicaid members (as of January 2021). Passport is owned by Molina Healthcare, founded in 1980 with a mission to deliver quality health care to those who need it, no matter their circumstances. By combining Molinas 40+ years with Passports 20+ years of experience, we are dedicated to serving low-income Kentucky families with compassion. To learn more about Molina Healthcare, visit www.molinahealthcare.com. To learn more about Passport, visit www.passporthealthplan.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005824/en/ Contacts Caroline Zubieta, Caroline.Zubieta@molinahealthcare.com, 562-951-1588 LOS ANGELES To commemorate Womens History Month, Concord Law School at Purdue University Global will present a live discussion titled The Power of Black Women in the Law: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives for the next installment of its Distinguished Speaker Series at noon PT on March 25. Registration is required. The featured speakers are Shekera Algarin, an adjunct professor for Concord Law School and deputy executive director of The Mayors Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety and Office of High Crimes in New York City; Alaysia Black Hackett, a Concord alumna who recently was appointed as deputy chief diversity officer for the governors office of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Commonwealth of Virginia; and Valencia Macon, the head of the U.S. merger and acquisitions legal group at Siemens Energy. Women of color are at the intersection of groups that have historically been underrepresented in the legal profession, said Martin Pritikin, dean of Concord Law School. I am delighted to host a panel of speakers of Black women that includes a Concord professor and a Concord alumna, both of whom have achieved distinguished positions in government, as well as a prominent lawyer in the private sector. Before her current position with the New York City mayors office, Algarin served as senior counsel in the crime strategies unit, handling a portfolio of domestic violence, human trafficking and adolescent cases. Previously, she worked as a senior trial attorney with the Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn for 15 years. Algarin received her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Hackett has 20 years of executive-level diversity leadership, including serving as director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Mars Hill University in North Carolina. She earned a bachelors degree in sociology with a concentration in race, ethnicity, and gender relations, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in organizational development from Western Carolina University. Hackett studied law at Indiana Universitys Robert H. McKinney School of Law and earned an Executive Juris Doctor degree from Concord in 2019. Macon has practiced in corporate law for over 25 years. After several years as a corporate associate at Paul, Hastings Janofsky & Walker LLP, she joined Siemens in 2000 as an associate counsel and has ascended the ranks to her current position. Macon earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Chicago. Attorneys could receive 1.00 CA Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession MCLE credit for attending the webinar. Those interested should register here. About Purdue University Global Purdue University Global delivers personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop essential academic and professional skills with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their career goals. It offers a hyper-tailored path for students to earn an associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, desired pace, military service, previous college credits and other considerations no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global serves approximately 36,000 students (as of January 2021), most of whom earn their degree online. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It is affiliated with Purdue Universitys flagship institution, a highly ranked public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue University also operates two regional campuses in Fort Wayne and Northwest Indiana, as well as serving science, engineering and technology students at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. For more information, please visit purdueglobal.edu. About Concord Law School Concord Law School is part of Purdue University Global, a nonprofit, public school within the world-class Purdue University system. Founded in 1998, Concord was the first U.S. law school to offer students a traditional law school program online, including interactive live classes, frequent testing with extensive feedback, and nationally respected faculty members. Offering accredited and rigorous, rewarding online degree programs, Concord provides students with a first-rate law school education that reflects the needs of today's employers, delivered in a convenient, highly supportive environment. For more information, please visit concordlawschool.edu. Media Contact: Tom Schott, 765-427-1721, tschott@purdue.edu Source: Martin Pritikin Page Content Most countries in Europe are enforcing face mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers need to fully understand the local laws, because the rules vary by country and change as the coronavirus situation evolves in each place. Some masks are more effective than others at preventing the spread of disease, and in some countries, the latest government rules require the use of specific kinds of masks. The French government recently mandated that citizens wear single-use surgical filtering facepiece (FFP) 1 masks, FFP2 respirators or fabric masks that meet certain specificationsincluding blocking more than 90 percent of particlesin all public places. The German government recently required everyone to wear an FFP1 or FFP2 mask while in workplaces, in shops and on public transport. In the United Kingdom, people must wear a mask when in stores, in banks and on public transit. Recent guidance from the office of London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated, "Londoners should wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and whenever you can't keep a two-meter distance from others." If an individual doesn't wear a mask in public, he or she might be charged a fine of 200 poundsapproximately 280 USDor be refused service or entry to an establishment. "We know there is a long way to go in our fight against coronavirus, and it's crucial we do not take our foot off the pedal now," Khan said in a press release. A Feb. 15 report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "The appropriate use of face masks and promoting compliance with their use when recommended as public health measures are key to the effectiveness of the measure and can be improved through education campaigns," the report states. The pandemic has raised legal questions about how far governments and employers can go to require people to wear masks and adhere to other health and safety protocols without violating an individual's personal rights. Recent Court Ruling in the Netherlands In the Netherlands, employers can be fined if their employees fail to wear a mask properly in the workplace. Employees can lose their job or wages if they don't wear a mask while at work. In January, the District Court of Utrecht ruled that a deliveryman for a confectionery company, who was suspended because he repeatedly refused to wear a mask, is not entitled to his salary, according to Eric van Dam, an attorney with Littler in Amsterdam. The employee had sued the company after it suspended him and temporarily halted his salary after he refused to wear a mask. The deliveryman argued that the mask requirement infringed on his right to privacy, but the court held that the company could require mask wearing for health and safety reasons. The company does not require its workers to wear a mask while driving in their vans. Van Dam said, "I believe that, in general, workers are prepared to comply with their employer's request to wear masks. A lot of people wish COVID-19 to be history as soon as possible and are prepared to do [their] part. However, there are always cases in which employees do not want to cooperate. Furthermore, I guess that it is also a bit of the Dutch mentality that people do not want to be told what to do." Communicate Clearly to Workers It's important for employers to set clear expectations and avoid confusion. It may be helpful to distribute a Q&A sheet that outlines in plain language rules on mask wearing, hand-washing, social distancing and other protocols. Communications are similar in the United States and European Union. Employers "need to message the importance of masks, social distancing and hand-washing to continue to reduce transmissions and protect our communities," said Dr. Nancy Messonnier during a Society for Human Resource Management webcast. She is the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and lead for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's efforts on COVID-19 vaccines. Van Dam said, "Set clear rules and communicate them in a transparent way. Make sure that workers know who to contact in case they have questions or concerns about the rules." When employees don't wear masks as required, a supervisor or HR representative should tell them that they are breaking the rules. "However, given the strange situation that we are currently in with COVID19 and the many uncertainties and limitations on everybody's freedom as a result thereof, a softer approach might have a better effect," van Dam said. "The employer could ask why the worker did not wear the mask. If the worker has fundamental reasons not to wear a mask, it might be helpful to appeal to his or her sense of responsibility." In the Netherlands, certain qualifying workers can get an official exemption from having to wear a mask because of a health condition or disability. Employers can stipulate in their company policy and internal communications that employees who have an official exemption do not have to wear a mask at work. Enforcing the corporate mask policy fairly and consistently will minimize the risk of spreading the virus. "The employer has an obligation to provide a sound and healthy working environment for all its employees, and as a consequence, it should take precautions to prevent employees being exposed to COVID-19 by requesting employees to wear a mask and take measures against noncompliance of the guidelines," van Dam said. "The employee, on the other hand, should also live up to his or her responsibilities." Most safety measures designed to protect employees also prevent an organization's customers and clients from contracting the virus. Leah Shepherd is a freelance writer in Columbia, Md. The Business Year has presented an award to recognise Hamad Port as the Economic Diversification Project of the Year. The award was presented at a ceremony attended by Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications of the State of Qatar, Capt. Abdullah Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar and Eng. Nabil AlKhaldi, Executive Director of Hamad Port Project. Hamad Ports strong capabilities, modern facilities, and advanced systems are leading its position as the gateway to Qatar and a transshipment and a re-export hub in the region, increasing the volume of trade between Qatar and the rest of the world. Last year, Hamad Port achieved a record container volume for the fourth straight year in a row with transshipment volumes rising by 106%. The increase in transshipments is an important sign of the ports role in the region. Multiple container terminals at Hamad Port have been planned to facilitate the expansion of container handling capacity, commensurate with the growing traffic of cargo demand, stated the Minister. During the event held at the Ministry, Nataly Almanza, Country Director of The Business Year referred to the reasons behind this recognition: We at The Business Year have been first-hand witnesses to the development of this project since our arrival in the country. 2021 will be the year in which Hamad Port becomes operational at full capacitcy; the delay caused by 2020 has been minimum. Container Terminal 2s inauguration is the big milestone of the year that we are all expecting to occur. Phase II of Hamad Port will be a great improvement and the final stage of a 10-year trip, but, at the same time, will only be the beginning. According to WTO, economic diversification happens when factors of production are moved within and across different sectors towards higher productivity uses, which is directly linked to structural transformation and trade diversification. In the case of Hamad Port, this comes in the form of the efficient management of goods and services transportation, the focus on export growth, FDI attraction and on increasing the range of goods and services exported. The Umm Al-Houl Special Economic Zone, situated close to Hamad Port, is one of several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Qatar that encourage entrepreneurship and help foster growth among small and medium-sized enterprises. Hamad Port Project has simply helped Qatar to successfully overcome the dominance of natural resources and the shackles of geography. The impact of Hamad Port Project also comes in the form of affecting the day-to-day business operations and investment decisions in Qatar by providing appropriate incentive frameworks, investment and policy reforms aimed at slashing trade costs, and effective policies to support the reallocation of some of Qatars resources towards new activities. This was the key to achieving Qatars economic independence and diversification. The Hamad Port Project is being undertaken to attract trade and industrialisation to diversify the economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The services and facilities at Hamad Port have encouraged shipping lines to call their mainline services to Hamad Port directly. The Hamad Port is currently handling more than 24 direct services of all the major global shipping lines every week. These direct mainline services have opened various new trade routes and opportunities to bolster the growth of trade and industry in Qatar. Hamad Port is instrumental in the efficient shipping of products that companies handle for clients. The commencing of CT2 is another milestone added to Hamad Ports record of achievements. The additional 624 meters of quayside with 380,000 sqm of storage facilities, remote-controlled quay cranes, and environment-friendly RTGs and tractors have boosted CT2s huge potential, modern facilities, and advanced systems for increasing Qatars trade with the world. The development of CT2 is to ensure the sustainable growth of local trade and to improve the ports competitiveness by transforming it into a regional transshipment hub. With a team of researchers on the ground, The Business Year has witnessed closely the transformation of Qatar into a more diverse and resilient economy since the advent of Qatar National Vision 2030 and fully recognises the importance of Hamad Port for the realisation of the countrys lofty 2030 goals. With the impact of Covid-19 disrupting international supply chains and the logistics sector, recovery will be predicated on the success of institutions such as Hamad Port, which can guarantee an efficient, technology-enhanced, and safe exchange of supplies with the rest of the world. This and other milestones will be included in The Business Year: Qatar 2021, the latest annual publication on the Gulf economy, which is yet to be published. The publication will include a wide range of interviews with high-level corporate and public-sector figures, as well as feature articles and analysis on topics such as private sector participation through the new PPP scheme, digitalisation of the economy, and Qatars strong response to Covid-19. -- Tradearabia News Service After a year of hybrid classes, USC Aiken will be back to normal in the fall. The university announced it will return to face-to-face instruction and resume normal campus operations in fall 2021. The school briefly ceased in-person instruction last March, when it moved to entirely remote instruction. In fall 2020, students returned to campus for a mixture of face-to-face, online, and blended courses, with mask wearing and on-campus testing. For the 14-day period ending March 4, only two of the 24 on-campus housing beds reserved for quarantined students were in use. While most of our students have been on campus throughout the current academic year, we are looking forward to a full and exciting on-campus education and student life experience, Darren Timmons, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said in a statement. Timmons credited an increase in vaccinations and decrease in the spread of COVID-19 for making this return possible. We will remain vigilant in combating the spread of COVID-19, while returning to the same level of in-person instruction we maintained before the pandemic hit," Timmons said in the release. USC Aiken's fall semester will begin Aug. 19. The university will continue to follow its Ready, Set, Return protocols, which can be viewed online at www.usca.edu/pacer-ready. Students, faculty and staff will be required to wear masks on campus until further notice. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Many of those who signed a petition calling for the BBC to cancel Stephen Nolans radio and television shows were "anonymous and made-up names," the broadcaster has said. Mr Nolan criticised dark forces for instigating abuse on social media, during a broadcast of his BBC Radio Ulster Nolan show on Tuesday morning. A petition set up in February on the website change.org has over 13,000 signatures and demands that BBC NI should cancel the Nolan show. Read More During his Wednesday show a caller to the show said he had issues with Mr Nolan's comments on the petition after the presenter claimed it was one of the biggest untold stories in Northern Ireland, that Twitter accounts were being directed to attack politicians and other figures as part of sophisticated machines. Challenging Stephen Nolan a caller named Willy claimed many of those signing the petition were taxpayers who pay their TV license ... and who pay your wages. In response, Mr Nolan said he stood over what he said about the twitter account believed to have set up the petition. Im here every day of the week. You are entitled to say you dont like it and there will always be a place for you to do so, said Mr Nolan. Im absolutely comfortable with giving you a platform to criticise me and criticise this show. I am not comfortable talking about some anonymous entity which has launched a tirade of abuse against women from that anonymous account. That has celebrated the fact that they have trolled many, many people including Arlene Foster. It is an account that has celebrated the fact that they have trolled many people. Thats the bottom line. There is a big conversation to be had in Northern Ireland about people who get abuse online. ADVERTISEMENT A lawmaker in Anambra State, Onyebuchi Offor, has appealed to well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations in the state to assist the police with logistics to fight crime. Mr Offor, representing Ekwusigo State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Wednesday. Many private and public property, including police stations, were destroyed in Anambra during the #EndSARS protest last year, Mr Offor said. He said due to the incident, police in the state now lacked adequate patrol vehicles and other logistics to fight crime and secure lives and property. Mr Ofor, who is the Majority Leader of the House, said: A lot of police stations and patrol vehicles were burnt during the protest, while arms and ammunition were carted away by hoodlums. The aftermath of the #EndSARS protest has been the increasing crime rate we are experiencing in the state. The lawmaker said the current situation exonerates the police from blame, when they do not respond to distress calls in time as they lacked patrol vehicles. This is a sad reality that we cannot allow to continue. We have to collectively re-energise the police so they can return to the streets to provide security. ALSO READ: Man arrested for unleashing dogs on police officers Security is essential to the socio-economic development of any state. Therefore, we need to come to the aid of the police by donating patrol vehicles and other crime-fighting equipment to boost their performance. Besides the worsening insecurity in some states in the South-east, there have been bloody attacks on police officers and police facilities in the region. (NAN) Shauna OKeeffe, a third-year student at Castleisland Community College, is hoping to win her second national title in as many years in the National Sophia Physics Competition Shauna O'Keeffe, a third-year student from Castleisland Community College, is hoping to win her second national title in as many years in the National Sophia Physics Competition. Shauna was part of a group that won the Junior category last year, and this year she undertook her own research and entered the competition again. She has now been short-listed as a finalist. Five different transition-year groups have also been short-listed as finalists in their categories. Shauna's project is a study about electrostatics in bees and how they interact with flowers in nature. Bees are among the earth's hardest-working creatures and are one of the most important plant pollinators. This means they help plants reproduce and help to produce many of our favourite fruit and vegetables. Dominic Clarke and Heather Whitney from the University of Bristol have shown that bees can sense the electric field that surrounds a flower. Shauna has studied their work to find out more about electrostatics in bees. The project also encourages Leaving Certificate Physics as she used demonstration and information from the Physics course. The Women in physics team of Rachel Murphy, Abbie Mahony, Emma Kerins, Shauna Tagney and Bernadette O'Mahony dedicated their research to the work of Mildren Dresselhaus, Rosalind Franklin, Marie Curie and Sophie Germain. They carried out extensive research on the works of each of these fantastic physicists, learning of their struggles in being recognised for their work due to their gender. The girls also conducted a survey online to gather information regarding physics in junior cycle. The team involved with the Physics in Nature and the World Around Us is comprised of Kerry Hennessy, Hector Barranco Canales, Freddie Galwey and Sarah O' Connor, and their project focused on the physics behind certain species. Each student picked one animal to research the physics of their behaviour. They studied the pig, honeybee, chameleon and beluga whale. They learned about the communication techniques of each species and gathered some very insightful information such as the communication techniques commonly carried out by the honeybees, which is known as the 'waggle dance', while Beluga whales use vocalisation in communication. The team of Chloe Barrett, Lauren O'Sullivan, Brid-Anne Crowley, Danielle Flynn and Celia McMahon also chose a Women in Physics theme for their project. Their choice of title was directed by their desire to educate people about the inspirational work of women physicists. They each chose a female physicist that inspired them, and they researched the work of people such as Marie Curie, Katherine Johnson, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Shirley Jackson. They also conducted an interview with past pupil Denise Crowley. They discussed with Denise her experience of studying physics for her Leaving Certificate in Castleisland Community College and how they could encourage more females to take it on as a subject. Ciara O'Shea, Mary Lily Keane, Jessica Pokiri, Dorothea Koppen formed a team to undertake their project: The Physics of Bees. This project focused on bees and the physics related to the species. They researched different aspects of the bees such as how bees fly, bee vision, communication through the waggle dance and the physics of the beehive. They learned that, through the waggle dance, bees communicate the distance a patch of flowers is from the hive. They learned that bees have five eyes, two for detection of light and the other three for navigation. Did you know that the sound of a bee's beating wings produces their iconic buzzing noise ? Or that the hexagon is the optimal shape for honey production because it requires the least amount of wax while still being stable? These are just samples of what the girls discovered by taking part in the Sophia competition. Elizabeth Morschell also set out her project to highlight the achievements of Women in Physics and titled her project as such. Elizabeth chose the topic as she is very interested in studying physics in the future. She wanted to learn more about the significant work of women in physics, and the value of their work. She discovered Sophie Germain, a French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher. She was inspired by the strength shown by Sophie during a time where women were discriminated against. Elizabeth explored Sophie's work both in physics and mathematics and even displayed some of Sophie's work on her poster. Winners will be announced next week on March 15. All five groups entered the competition in the transition-year category. The winner of the 'Split the Bucket' draw held in McCarthy's Foodstore, Currow, on Saturday, March 6, was Maureen Sugrue, Castleisland. Maureen won 751. Maureen's grand-daughter, Pamela Casey, also won the draw in December. Third-time draw winner Mary O'Connell, Castleisland, also received her cheque for 703 on Saturday. Castleisland RFC members are very grateful to all its supporters, and to the retailers who have buckets/boxes on their premises, for making this draw the success that it is. The next draw will be held in Chicken Club on Saturday, March 13, at 5pm. You can add your name and be in with a chance of winning the weekly draw by playing at any of the shops in the locality, and you can play Split the Bucket online by following the link on the club's Facebook page. Artwork produced by female artists comprise less than 4 per cent of art auction sales, despite a near equal share of women and men pursuing degrees in fine arts, new research by Monash University in Australia shows.Forty-two men occupy the top 0.03 per cent of the market, where 40 per cent of the sales value is concentrated. Credit: Monash University They say a picture is worth a thousand words. However, many women artistsand the stories their works tellcomprise less than 4 per cent of total art sold at auction and fail to attract high selling prices compared to male artists. A world-first international study by researchers at Monash University, Maastricht University (The Netherlands) and Artnet Worldwide, based in New York City, found that a staggering 96.1 per cent (2,572,346) of all artworks sold at auctions worldwide between 2000 and 2017 are attributed to male artists. However, work by female artists are on average 4.4 per cent more expensive after controlling for artwork and transaction characteristics. This factor contributes to higher barriers for women to enter the art market, researchers say. Despite commanding a higher average price for their work, women artists are almost exclusively absent from the top echelons of the total value of art sold at auction. Forty-two men occupy the top 0.03 per cent of the market, where 40 per cent of the sales value is concentrated. Just one woman artist, Joan Mitchell, cracks the top 50. Findings of this study were published in the Journal of Cultural Economics. Dr. Marina Gertsberg, Lecturer in Banking & Finance in the Monash Business School and co-author of the study, said even with a near equal share of women and men pursuing fine art degrees, women find it more difficult to turn that interest into saleable artwork. "Women might feel discouraged by their market prospects at the very top, or they might experience discrimination by dealers and buyers who ascribe higher potential to men at the very top. Increasing the visibility of female artists and giving them the chance to compete early on in their careers is therefore most important in improving female representation," Dr. Gertsberg said. "There is currently some movement in this direction. Museums and galleries are increasing the share of female artists on display. This helps buyers to be acquainted with female art and gain more confidence in it." At the same time, Dr. Gertsberg says it is important not to segregate female and male artists. "For example, 'women-only' exhibits do not allow the audience to compare artworks by males and females and pushes female art to a niche category. Women should be given the chance to compete side-by-side with men," she said. "The fact that the auction prices are higher for artwork by women than artwork by men, after accounting for artwork style and other characteristics that affect prices, shows that women can compete in the market when given the chance." This investigation considered the prices paid at auction for artworks created by male and female artists based on birth-identified sex, and how these prices have evolved over time. Their dataset comprised almost the full population of global art auction transactions from 2000 to 2017, covering more than 1800 auction houses. In the top echelon of the art marketfor sales of greater than $1 millionartworks by male artists sell for 18.4 per cent more than those by female artists. The top 40 artists, consisting solely of men, represent 40 per cent of total market share. Artworks by female artists represent just 3-5 per cent of major permanent collections in the USA and Europe. While there are about 110,938 male artists with work on display and up for auction at major galleries, there are only 5612 female artists present. The proportion of female artists is highest for contemporary art (9.3 per cent) and the least for artwork from the 'old masters' period (2.9 per cent). Dr. Gertsberg said the career trajectories of female and male artists are likely to diverge very early, and in order to formulate policy, it is important to identify when female artists encounter barriers that forces them to drop out of the profession. "The fact that we observe higher median prices for female artists indicates that buyers perceive quality of artworks by female artists as overall better than the artworks of male artists. We would not expect this difference in quality if men and women faced the same difficulty in entering the market," Dr. Gertsberg said. "It might seem counterintuitive, but we would like to see the average price for artworks produced by women fall to the level of men. This would imply that the quality of male and female artists is similar and suggest that the playing field is truly equal." Explore further New report reveals stark gender disparity in the visual arts More information: Fabian Y. R. P. Bocart et al, An empirical analysis of price differences for male and female artists in the global art market, Journal of Cultural Economics (2021). Journal information: Journal of Cultural Economics Fabian Y. R. P. Bocart et al, An empirical analysis of price differences for male and female artists in the global art market,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10824-020-09403-2 File Photo shows ECOSOC President Munir Akram UNITED NATIONS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China has displayed the "generosity spirit" of international cooperation in its global anti-virus efforts, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Munir Akram has said. China's support for other countries started when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, Akram, also Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. "Much of the help was given gratis by China to many developing countries, including Pakistan," he said. In the aspect of COVID-19 vaccines, the senior Pakistani diplomat said "China has not advertised its generosity and has not tried to use that generosity to do...vaccine diplomacy." Akram expressed the hope that all developing countries will be able to receive vaccines as soon as possible on the basis of equality and equity. Impressed by the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Akram said the CPC "has proven by its achievements the value of clear targets, hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and dedication to results." "China's success, the success of the Communist Party of China, is a beacon of light for so many countries which are hoping to organize themselves in order to be able to achieve similar goals for their own people," said Akram. Commenting on the relations between China and the United States, Akram said that "there is no rational justification for a confrontation between any countries in the world today" because "the world today, as COVID-19 has shown, is one world" shared by humanity. Highlighting the importance of promoting international cooperation, the ECOSOC president expressed his strong support for China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, Akram said that it is "a new instrument for global economic growth." The initiative derives from China's experience in accelerating growth through infrastructure investment, the foundation for industrialization and development, he said. The experience "is being extended by the Belt and Road Initiative to China's neighbors and countries" across the world, said Akram. Noting that China has sought to upgrade the quality and the objectives of the initiative, Akram said that the initiative will not be limited to physical infrastructure, transportation and communications, but will be extended to industrialization, agricultural development and the digitalization of the economies of developing countries. "These are the ways in which developing countries can hope to enter into the modern paradigm of development, not ... catching up with the rest, but actually to leapfrog into the modern world," said the ECOSOC president. Akram said that his country looks forward to cooperation with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, "which is a vital project for Pakistan and China" as well as the rest of the developing world. Akram said he welcomes China's commitments to defeating COVID-19, continuing with humanitarian efforts and supporting the recovery of the world economy, especially the economies of developing countries. "As an Atlanta-based agency, the recognition by TAG is a great honor for Liger Partners. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and growth-oriented climate that exists here" - Eric Holtzclaw, Principal Liger Partners, a full-service marketing firm, celebrates being named Agency of the Year at the TAG MarTech Geek Out and Marketing Awards. This announcement comes on the heels of their community response to the 2020 pandemic and winning multiple industry awards. As an Atlanta-based agency, the recognition by TAG is a great honor for Liger Partners. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and growth-oriented climate that exists here, remarks Eric Holtzclaw, Principal. This past year was very complex but our team embraced the challenges with optimism, empathy, and unrelenting dedication to our communitys success. The Atlanta-based firm saves clients across the nation from boring, broken marketing using its quirky sense of humor, commitment to adapt with cheerful readiness and agility, and the teams 444 years of combined marketing, design, video, and content creation experience. Its rewarding to receive recognition for the work you enjoy doing, said Managing Partner, Whitney Mendoza. It takes a team and ours has pulled together with inspiring ideas to connect in new ways. Thats what technology and marketing are all about! COVID Response With the onset of the pandemic, Liger knew the effects would hit heavy on small businesses. The team created the Local Love Campaign allowing the community to support local businesses through nominations to the program. The Local Love Campaign resulted in four Atlanta small businesses each winning three months of free marketing services. As the world shut down, Liger Partners also opened their virtual doors for daily Liger Office Hours, allowing anyone to jump online to ask tough marketing questions and get help to navigate through the pandemic. 2020 Awards Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Leaders. MADcon gives this prestigious award based on five criteria: industry impact, overall reach, spirit of innovation, future-readiness, and market demand. Atlanta Best & Brightest Companies to Work For. Based on employee surveys, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) named Liger one of the top companies to work for in Atlanta. NABR celebrates companies that make better businesses, create richer lives, and build stronger communities as a whole. Top 101 National Best & Brightest Companies to Work For. Due to its innovative response during the COVID pandemic, Liger went on to be recognized as a top company to work for in the nation. About Liger Partners Liger Partners is a full-service marketing firm delivering everything from an engaging social presence to full, outside marketing solutions crafted to an organizations specific needs. Why the name Liger? Because, much like the creature featured in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, were a bunch of marketing and operations experts bred for our skills in magic. and our awesome dance moves and mad nunchuck skills arent half bad either. Learn more at http://www.ligerpartners.com. Israel is encouraging the White House to host an official ceremony marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Sudan, Israeli officials tell me. Why it matters: The Trump administration brokered four normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries, but the deal with Sudan is the only one that still needs to be anchored down. While Israel has presented Sudan with a draft agreement for establishing diplomatic relations, the Sudanese want an endorsement from the Biden administration. Driving the news: In recent weeks, President Bidens senior Middle East advisers Brett McGurk and Barbara Leaf have spoken several times with their Israeli counterparts about ways to push forward the wider normalization process, Israeli officials told me. One priority is determining which other Arab or Muslim countries could be next to normalize relations with Israel. The Israelis pointed to Mauritania as a country that was close to normalizing relations in the last days of the Trump administration. Mauritania hoped to get economic incentives in return, but the clock ran out on Trump before a deal could be reached. Yes, but: The Israelis told their White House counterparts that more work is still needed to stabilize the existing normalization deals, particularly the one with Sudan, Israeli officials tell me. The Israelis believe that deal is nearly finished, but that a White House ceremony would be very helpful for the Sudanese government and provide an easy win for Biden. Between the lines: The Biden administration wants to continue a process that began under Trump while securing achievements of its own through new deals. The Biden administration is also not enthusiastic about Trump's name for the agreements: the Abraham Accords. The White House and State Department prefer to discuss the normalization process." What they're saying: A senior U.S. official told me it's premature to single out any particular countries, but confirmed there had been discussions with Israel about the opportunities that lie ahead on normalization. WE WENT to Newport for three days last week, two Minnesotans long married, to rediscover the fact that ocean air is delicious and invigorating and can even make you happy. That surely is why the Vanderbilts built their monstrous mansion on the shore: sinking into decadence in a fake palace w Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 : Veteran Congress leader P.C. Chacko on Wednesday announced his decision to quit the Congress stating that it "was difficult to be a Congress leader in Kerala as it is in the grips of faction leaders". Chacko, considered close to former party chief Rahul Gandhi, was also critical about the national leadership of his party and vouched that the points raised by the G-23 group led by the likes of Ghulam Nabi Azad, have been right. The 74-year-old Chacko, in his hey days, in the state politics was close to A.K. Antony and Oommen Chandy. When these leaders split the Congress party soon after the Emergency period, he went with them and won his only State Assembly elections in the 1980 polls when the Antony, Chandy combine was an ally of the then CPI-M-led political front and became State Industries Minister in the 1980 E.K.Nayanar cabinet. However, when Antony and Chandy returned to the Congress party under Indira Gandhi in the early 1980s, but Chacko stayed in the company of Sharad Pawar for some more time and later returned to the Congress party. From 1991 to 1999 he won three Lok Sabha polls as a Congress man from Kerala and after his loss in the 1999 polls he went into political hibernation. He returned to contest the 2009 Lok Sabha polls which he won from Thrissur. However, in the 2014 polls Chacko played truant and using his big influence in the party high command swapped his Thrissur seat with Chalakudy Congress Lok Sabha member Dhanapalan, who with much reluctance accepted it and at the end when votes was counted the Congress party lost both the seats. Chacko, due to his long stints in Delhi, had practically little following in Kerala and since his 2014 loss, he lost his grip in Delhi and even though he was put in a few committees' in the party in Kerala, with hardly any support for him, he found the going tough. On expected lines, none of the top brass in state politics, Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala and Mullapally Ramachandran, who all were in Delhi when the news of Chacko quitting from the party came, none of them reacted to it, despite a volley of questions to these leaders. The only person who reacted on his quitting was his contemporary V.M. Sudheeran, a former party president, state minister and Lok Sabha member who said he is deeply saddened hearing the news and he does not have anything to say. The only solace for the Congress party in Kerala, which goes to the polls on April 6, is Chacko's statement that he has no interest towards the BJP or to Sharad Pawar's party. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. All armed paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have been urged to pull back from violence by the former president of hardline group Republican Sinn Fein. (stock photo) All armed paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have been urged to pull back from violence by the former president of hardline group Republican Sinn Fein. Des Dalton became the first political voice from Irish dissident republicanism to speak out, and his comments come at a time when there are signs of increasing tension within loyalist paramilitary factions. In an interview for a University of Liverpool project on Ireland's constitutional future, he advised those who are, like him, opposed to the Good Friday Agreement that "armed struggle" should be suspended. Dalton emphasised that he will always support "the principle, the right to engage in armed action when necessary", but added: "This is a personal view, not the view of Republican Sinn Fein, but I would feel that the present climate, in the moment we are in, it is not conducive to armed actions. "My experience is that when traditional republicans are making some advances in gaining support there have been armed actions where all that has been lost. One only has to look at the aftermath of the tragic death of Lyra McKee and the way it turned so many people against traditional republicans," he said. "From a moral point of view there are two aspects to all of this. "There is the immorality of sending out young men and women either to take a life or else lose their own. "Or to possibly face spending, 10, 15, 20 years in jail. I think morally that is not justifiable at this present moment in time." Pharmaceutical company Pfizer was offered State support to manufacture its Covid-19 vaccines in Ireland, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. Speaking to the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, Mr Martin said the Government approached Pfizer about setting up operations in Ireland to increase the supply of vaccines. Pfizer told the Government it will be concentrating its production in Belgium for now. Mr Martin told TDs and senators there are lots of easy narratives on the national vaccination programme but there is no magic tree of vaccines out there. Read More The Taoiseach said he had spoken several times to EU Commissioner for Internal Markets Thierry Breton about issues around the supply of vaccines. He said Pfizer was honouring its EU contract, while others appear to have taken a strategic decision not to do so. Mr Martin said the EU was seeking to expand manufacturing capacity and Ireland has offered to assist Pfizer on capability here. He said the Government will seek every avenue to get more vaccines. He told his party that the ongoing focus for the coming weeks is on suppression of the virus, support of the economy and businesses, and to maximise the vaccine roll-out. He expressed hope to get construction going again in April, with maybe a change to the 5km restriction and some outdoor activities. Sources said that Kilkenny TD John McGuinness told the meeting he had information from Capitol Hill that there are vaccines available but the Irish Government has not asked for additional supplies. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the meeting that the extra 46,500 vaccines from the European Union will be administered to vulnerable people. He also had a disagreement with Sligo-Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry, who said he had been right all along in having called for Ireland to consider buying supplies of the Russian Sputnik vaccine. After several exchanges, sources said Mr Donnelly told Mr MacSharry: You profoundly disagree with me and I profoundly disagree with you, thats grand. Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne told the meeting Russia had vaccinated very few of its own people, even though it is selling vaccines to other countries. Senator Malcom Byrne, MEP Billy Kelleher and TD Jim OCallaghan all raised the issue of vaccine passports and the need for discussion to take place now on policy. Meanwhile, at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar admitted the setbacks in the vaccination programme had undermined public confidence but said issues with supplies were out of the Government's control. He said it is expected the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be approved by the European Medicines Agency on Thursday, but Ireland will not get supplies of it until after Easter. He said 600,000 doses of the one-shot vaccine would arrive before the end of June. The Fine Gael leader said that over 100,000 people over the age of 80 have already been vaccinated. Mr Varadkar said no government in Europe or the world has spare vaccines and insisted the Government was exploring all opportunities short of authorising a vaccine that has not been approved by the EMA. Ministers Patrick ODonovan and Josepha Madigan both criticised the EUs vaccine procurement, while backbench TDs Joe Cary and Alan Dillon queried whether pharma companies based in Ireland could carry out third-party manufacturing of generic vaccines. Mr Varadkar told the meeting it would be months and months before either the UK or the US would have any spare vaccines and the Government had already contacted France and Germany but neither country was selling vaccines. He criticised the prime ministers of Austria and Denmark for travelling to Israel to discuss the possibility of procuring more vaccines, saying it was in poor taste and he would not like to see the Taoiseach doing something similar. He said the Russian Sputnik V jab was a good vaccine, but that Russia was playing vaccine politics and had not vaccinated its own people. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. China has recently taken significant steps to promote legal literacy by introducing legal education to 45,000 schools across the country. It is being provided by more than 33,000 Chinese prosecutors to advance legal knowledge among students. In addition, Chinese procuratorial agencies have also produced written materials, TV programs and short videos designed on the rule of law. Future plans also include the development and launch of online courses on legal education. These are very important and exciting developments for China. Having been involved in a similar project in Australia's island state of Tasmania in the 1980s and 1990s, I know such initiatives can play a significant and positive role in secondary education and that students will welcome and highly value such exposure. We live in an increasingly complex world governed by a labyrinth of laws, regulations and other rules creating both rights and obligations that impact upon every person in society. Law is about life. Thus, to function successfully in modern society citizens require basic legal literacy to be able to negotiate their way. It is also important for citizens to appreciate that law is not only for lawyers and judges. If citizens are to be truly empowered and have respect for the basic institutions in society, such as law, and, if they are to value the rule of law in society, they should have a basic understanding of the role law plays in society and their basic rights and obligations. Modern life is difficult and full of conflict and chaos. A society without laws is prone to intense conflict and constant disputes. The rule of law serves as a guide for what is acceptable and what is not. An effective legal system seeks to treat people equitably so that everyone knows the rules and is similarly bound by them. As Aristotle said, "It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered." The study of law in secondary school should be pragmatic and practical. Students should not only learn "rules" and "content," but also develop some skills in research, logical and clear thinking and writing, persuasion, negotiation, etc. A program of legal literacy for citizens should include the role of law in improving life. It should include the study of law, not only as it is, but as it should be. Citizens who know about the law will have a greater sense of participation and involvement and better understanding of law as an institution. They will also have a greater sense of justice and the need for society to right wrongs and improve itself. Reflecting on my experience as a participant in introducing legal education to Tasmanian secondary students, I would encourage China's lawyers and educators to consider the following: While it is OK to bring legally trained people to the schools, I would also encourage programs to provide legal education to teachers. At secondary level, teachers of legal studies ideally should be teachers first and have legal expertise second. Otherwise, there is a danger that courses will be too crammed with law content at the risk of failing to address broader values, and practical skills. A network of legal education teachers should be formed to learn from one another. Indeed, it would be great if China could help develop an international secondary legal education "network" so that, through a study of comparative law, countries could share best practice and learn from one another. University law schools should play an important role in working with and providing legal education programs to legal studies teachers at the secondary level. For example, the College of Comparative Law at China's University of Political Science and Law could play a leading role in working with other Comparative Law programs to extend its network to include legal education programs for secondary school teachers. The topics to be included can be wide-ranging, such as the sources of law and how to find the law, introduction to legal processes, as well as nature of the legal profession and provision of legal services. Students should also visit courts, administrative agencies, police and other key components in the legal system. People working in these various roles should also come to the classroom. Universities should conduct ongoing research regarding best ways to provide and continually improve legal education. Technology should also be part of the equation as we search for new ways to provide legal education, for example using AI, designing computer games related to legal education, and so on. Finally, it is important to evaluate education reform measures to ensure educational values and objectives are being achieved. As legal education permeates societies around the world, it will also help to promote and encourage mutual respect and hope that law will gradually replace violence as a means to resolve disputes everywhere. Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. HoSE says the move is intended to better protect small individual investors as they will invest in Fund Certificates (FCs) issued by professional fund management companies. Yet it is just part of the puzzle picture. Which investment funds are meant for individuals? There are different funds on the financial market, depending on their criteria. The funds include ETFs, mutual funds, retirement funds, closed-end funds, investment trusts, treasure stocks, share investment funds and stock index investment funds. The variety of investment funds can satisfy different needs of individual investors and institutions. But investments in FCs may not protect small investors and ease its overload as claimed. First, several FCs are listed as shares, so they must be traded in lots. Portfolio funds are usually blue chip stocks often traded at high prices. They include ETF of Vanguard, specialized in technology shares, with its ETF prices currently ranging around USD 350-370. Additionally, some funds require a minimum investment of USD 500, USD 5,000 or even tens of thousands of US dollars, making them inaccessible to small investors. Second, FCs are also a kind of stock, so they are risky. And the risk levels do not only depend on the general factors of the market, but also of the fund management institutions. That is why investment funds have risk and performance indicators, like other stocks, from Alpha, Beta, Max Drawdown, R2, VaR to Sharpe ratio and Information ratio. Also, unlike shares or other securities, investors have to pay fund management costs when they invest in FCs, and this may sometimes be a maze for small investors. Some investment funds are not transparent in this issue. They do not make total costs clearly known to small investors. Third, profits or investment performance figures are far beyond the investors' control since they give decision-making rights to the fund management companies. Therefore, individual investors should monitor the performance of investment funds for a certain period of time, usually between three and five years, taking into consideration all the risk indicators, performance indicators or risk-adjusted performance indicators. Prospects for investment funds in Vietnam? According to the figures from Eikon (Thomson Reuteurs), there are currently 47 funds listed in Vietnam, with 19 funds over 5 years old, 29 funds over 3 years old and 41 over one year old. All those funds together make up just 7% of the listed stocks. However, the investment performance indicators of those funds vary considerably. Over the past three years, the average rate of return of the funds listed in Vietnam was 4.5% per year, some funds had negative rates of return while one reached the highest 9 percent annual rate of return. Funds which have been listed for five years or more had their average 12 percent annual rate of return over the past five years, with at least one fund reporting its average 17.5 percent annual rate of return. This indicates that investments in funds are exposed to risks at different levels. Moreover, the investors have additional actual costs deducted from their net profits. This is also the reason why investment funds in many markets compete against one another for not only rates of total returns, but also total costs, minimum investments, flexibility in management, transfer and liquidation of funds. In several developed markets, most market cap is held by people, because people also invest in mutual funds, ETF funds and retirement funds, apart from their direct investments in stocks. Those funds indirectly act on behalf of people and invest in the stock market. Thus, to promote the development of professional investment fund sector, it is impossible to lead individual investors to switch from stocks to FCs, because they know how to work out their cost chances, let alone the fact that some investment funds do not need to be listed in the stock market. In developed markets, professional investment funds can actually grow thanks to the support from several policies, among which the personal income tax policy plays the pivotal role. Several countries have additional retirement program called Defined Contribution, in which employees make a contribution to the voluntary retirement fund while the employers take care of the rest. The employee's payments are deducted from their personal base wages or salaries, with limits to the biggest deductions. Regarding the personal income tax, some life insurance funds operate a tax rate incentive scheme for people with investments in accredited FCs if they maintain their investments for a certain number of years. In France, for instance, the required period is at least four years, and people will be offered the highest benefits if they remain in the funds for eight years or more. Next are transparency, market performance and regulations that securely protect individual investors. A study by D. Cumming, Sofia Johan, D. Li released in Journal of Financial Economics in 2011 with data of 42 stock markets, shows that strict regulations of the Stock Law can increase individual investors' trust, because they can control and limit problems such as market manipulation, insider trading and conflicts of interest of financial intermediaries. The Dodd-Frank Act of the United States of America and MiFID of the European Union prove that good supervision and management will promote the market development. In brief, increasing the minimum trading lot from 100 shares to 1,000 is not actually meant to protect the interests of small individual investors since it intends to make them swith their investments in stocks to FCs. Furthermore, the professional investment fund sector is only capable of making progress when it is supported by appropriate policies on personal income tax, stock Law and other legal regulations that can actually protect the interests of individual investors and pave the way for the growth of a transparent and efficient stock market. Dr. Vo inh Tri A political acolyte of BJP stalwart B C Khanduri, new Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat (57) is known for his honest image as well as simplicity in the hill state. Most of the state BJP leaders agreed that Rawat, a first time MP from Pauri constituency, was a surprise choice for the top post even when several party leaders like Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank were in the race. Rawat, who is the tenth Chief Minister of the state, has taken over the reins of the state at a time when the assembly elections are just one year away which is going to be his biggest challenge. Born on April 9, 1964 in Seeron village of Pauri district, Rawats political career in the hill state began on flying note when he became the first education minister in the BJP interim government headed by late Nityanand Swami in November 2000. During his tenure as the education minister, he was responsible for setting up the state education board and appointing new teachers in schools where there was a dearth. When the first assembly election was held in 2002, Rawat faced a shocking defeat from Pauri assembly constituency. In 2007 election, he was again defeated. in 2012, Rawat won his first assembly election from Chaubatakhal constituency even when his own political guru Khanduri was defeated in that very election where BJP lost power just by one seat. In 2013, Rawat was given the responsibility of the state BJP chief, a choice which had stunned many state BJP leaders at that time. In 2015, he was replaced by party MP Ajay Bhatt. But soon, he became the secretary of the BJP. However, he was not given ticket from Chaubatkhal in 2017 assembly election. In 2019, when the BJP high command gave him party ticket against Khanduris son Manish from Pauri parliamentary constituency, many eyebrows were raised. A section of the BJP leaders thought Rawat was not a right choice when his political gurus son is contesting from Congress. But Khanduri made it clear that he has given his blessings to Rawat in the election. Finally, Rawat won the election by more than three lakh votes defeating Manish. This was the biggest margin in Pauri constituency. A post graduate in sociology, Rawat started his career as a Sangh Pracharak in 1983 though he was the President of the students union in the Hemvati Nandan Garhwal University. In 1988, he joined ABVP. In 1997, he became an MLC in Uttar Pradesh. Rawats wife Dr Rashmi Rawat is an assistant professor in the DAV PG College and has one daughter. Even when he (Rawat) was education minister I used to travel 25 km every day from Dehradun city for teaching in a primary school at a salary of Rs 5000. This was because, I knew there are lots of ups and downs in and one partner must have a regular job. But now I am working as an assistant professor in DAV college, Dr Rashmi said. I had a strong feeling that this job (CM) should go to my husband, she said. Its hard to tell a church that you think its going to die, but Bryan Smith was trying. There were less than 10 people left in a Southern Baptist congregation in East Tennessee. They didnt have a pastor. They didnt have enough elders for an elders boardjust two men, both too sick to take on the responsibility. The money in the bank barely covered the utilities and the building was falling into disrepair. The faithful few thought a new pastor and a few good sermons could save them. They wanted Smith, the church development specialist for the Holston Baptist Association, which serves Southern Baptist churches across four counties in the Appalachian Highlands, to find them someone who could really preach. Thats not going to work, Smith said. Smith didnt think anything would work. He thought the church would die. He thought it should die, so that it could rise again. Southern Baptists believe in resurrectionJesus resurrection, of course, but also their own. They hold fast to the faith that the saved will rise up out of the ground on that last day. It is harder, though, to believe that institutions can pass away and rise again. Smith described how the process would work: He wanted the church to turn over its property and bank account to the Baptist association, which would give them to a church planter to start a new congregation with a new name, a new style, and a fresh energy. The church shouldnt hoard resources until nothing remained. Take whats left, he said, and make an investment in something new. But the 10 people in this church were having a hard time imagining it. They could see the end. It looked dark and cold and final. By some ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Chandigarh, March 10 : The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday unanimously condemned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at legislator Sukhpal Khaira's house, terming it as "unwarranted and unconstitutional". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra said the House expressed its concern in one voice against the use of Central agencies like CBI, ED and NIA to harass innocent people, including the farmers, politically elected representatives and even some government officials whereas these were meant to ensure transparency in public life. He said during the ongoing session of the Vidhan Sabha Khaira has been compelled to remain absent from participating in the proceedings of the House and disabled him from discharging his constitutional obligations as an elected representative of his constituency due to the unwarranted and unconstitutional interference by the ED, which has been noticed and condemned by the august House, unanimously. While condemning the unconstitutional use of the Central agencies, the House urged upon the government of India to refrain from infringing upon the rights of the elected representatives of the people by subverting the due process of law and uphold the tenets of the democratic set up in the country. ED searches linked to former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Ekta Party (PEP) founder Sukhpal Singh Khaira and his son-in-law Inder Veer Johal in connection with drugs money and fake passport racket case concluded on Wednesday, an official said in Delhi. The official related to the probe told IANS, "Searches in Punjab and Chandigarh at the premises linked to Khaira was concluded on Tuesday evening." While the searches in Delhi at the premises linked to his son-in-law Johal concluded on Wednesday, he added. During the searches, the ED seized several electronic equipments and documents related to bank transactions and the companies owned by Johal. The ED officers searched eight locations -- one in Chandigarh, five in Punjab and two in Delhi. Orson Fowler wanted to design the best house, but he detested the traditional boxy shapes. Too many right angles, he thought. In his mind, the circle was the most natural shape, but since a circular house was difficult to construct out of wood, he made a compromisethe octagon. Fowler started a craze for eight-sided houses, that lasted throughout the second half of the 19th century, with the publication of his book, The Octagon House: A Home for All, in 1848. The octagon form is more beautiful as well as capacious, and more consonant with the predominant and governing form of nature, the spherical, Fowler wrote. The Rich-Twinn Octagon House in Akron, New York, was built in 1849 and was restored to its current state in the 1990s. Today it is a house museum and is occasionally open for touring. Photo: Zrfphoto / Dreamstime.com Fowler was America's foremost lecturer and practitioner of phrenology, a pseudoscience that seeks to track down an individuals many personality traits to the bumps and dents on his skull. This quack theory was originally developed by a German physician named Franz Joseph Gall in 1796, and although his writings were not universally accepted, many found merit in his arguments, because it helped justify the prevailing prejudices, such as racism (Fowler wrote that coarse hair of African people correlated with coarse fibers in the brain, and thus coarse feelings) and gender stereotyping (the characteristic shape of a womans head was believed to be indication of underdeveloped organs necessary for success in the arts and sciences.) Fowler set up offices in Manhattan, Boston, and Philadelphia, and eventually in London, where he felt the heads of his clients and made an estimate of their character, in much the same way an astrologer reads palms and predicts the future. Fowler attracted many notable personalities including President James Garfield, John Brown the abolitionist, Oliver Wendell Holmes the jurist and author, and Clara Barton, the future founder of the American Red Cross. Fowler reportedly told Barton, then 15 years old, that she would never assert herself for herself and that she would suffer wrong firstbut for others she would be fearless. A chart of phrenology from Webster's Academic Dictionary, circa 1895. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Fowler also attracted Mark Twain, but not because the latter believed in phrenology. Twain appeared before Fowler in disguise to test the phrenologist, and allowed him to examine Twains head. Fowler ran his hand over the writers head and announced that he found a small cavity in Twains head where there should have been a bump. Fowler observed that this represented a total absence of a sense of humor. Twain felt humiliated by this assessment, but he swallowed his pride and kept his feelings to himself. Three months later, Twain went back to Fowler for a second opinion, but this time revealed his identity. Twain was amused when Fowler immediately found the loftiest bump of humor where he had previously found a cavity. Orson Fowler Fowlers studies in phrenology took him into another field, where instead of studying the contours of the skull he began to study the shapes of houses. It was under this new role as an architect, that Fowler proposed the octagon house. Fowler argued that the octagon afforded increased floor space for the same perimeter as that of a square or rectangular house, and larger wall areas for windows which translated to more light. It wasted less space on hallways since all rooms radiated from one central hall. Not only an octagonal house was more healthy to live in, it was also less costly to build. To illustrate and justify the technical and ideological proposals that the book outlined, Fowler built a magnificent octagonal house for his family in Fishkill, New York. The house had four floors and sixty rooms and forty other miscellaneous rooms and closets. At the center stood a spiral staircase that rose seventy feet to a glass enclosed octagonal cupola. Each floor was encircled by a porch that went all the way around. The house had central heating, running water, indoor flush toilets, a roof cistern to collect rain water, natural gas lighting, and a water filtration system. There were speaking tubes for inter-communication between the various rooms, and dumbwaiters to bring foods from the kitchen in the basement to the dining room. Orson Fowlers house in Fishkill, New York. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Fowlers idea of octagon-shaped houses caught on at once, and hundreds of octagonal houses were built across United States and Canada. The fad continued into the 1890s, but the majority of these houses were built in the 1860s, before the American Civil War. According to one estimate, more than two thousand octagonal houses still stand; many of these are now designated National Historic Landmarks of the United States. Notable examples include an octagonal house named Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi, built by millionaire cotton dealer, Dr. Haller Nutt; Armour-Stiner House in the Hudson River valley in New York, which is perhaps the only domed octagon house in the world; The Octagon House in Washington, D.C. where President Madison lived after the White House was burnt by the British; Thomas Jefferson's retreat Poplar Forest; and May's Folly in Georgia, to name a few. ArmourStiner House in Irvington, New York, built in 1859. Photo: csouza_79/Wikimedia Commons The McElroy Octagon House on Gough St. San Francisco, California, built in 1861. Photo: David Edelman / Dreamstime.com Yale-Cady Octagon House in in Newport, New York, built in 1849. Photo: Debra Millet / Dreamstime.com Ezekiel B. Zimmermans octagon house, built in 1883, in Ohio. Photo: Tom Bower/Wikimedia Commons References: # John H. Martin, Saints, Sinners and Reformers, The Crooked Lake Review # Eliseu Goncalves, The Octagon in the Houses of Orson Fowler, Nexus Network Journal Ukraine and the United States should strengthen political cooperation based on bipartisan support, newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova said. "Ukraine with Crimea, Ukraine with de-occupied Donbas, Ukraine in which peace has been established, an economically strong Ukraine, Ukraine with the rule of law and strong institutions, Ukraine is a NATO member and Ukraine is a member of the EU this is precisely the guarantee of not only our success, it is precisely this, pledge of security and development of Europe, as well as the entire Black Sea region," Markarova said at Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's Open Ukraine Foundation, in Kyiv on Wednesday. According to her, Ukraine now, along with partners from the United States and the European Union, can get as close as possible to this vision. "This is to strengthen political cooperation based on bipartisan support, active dialogue and strengthening the sanctions regime until the aggressor changes his policy. This is to strengthen security in the region. There is no alternative to our entry into NATO, and we will actively work in including in the United States and other countries in order for us to approach this goal as quickly as possible," Markarova said. The ambassador also noted the need to strengthen the transformation of Ukraine into a "modern, economically strong country with rule of law." "This is the strengthening of economic and financial cooperation. Since here we have for the last 20 years untapped potential, which, finally, must be taken and discovered. This is all that concerns the development of human capital: our cultural ties, our ties in education, medicine and simply even communication between our peoples," she said. The ambassador spoke about the plans to fill in these areas with new content those formats that already exist, such as the commission on strategic partnership and strategic dialogues. "However, we will also initiate new formats, in particular in those new issues, and this also applies to countering propaganda and cyberattacks, in which Ukraine already has something to give the world and give to our strategic partner," Markarova said. TAMPA, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration claim against Truist Investment Services, Inc. (aka SunTrust Investment Services, Inc.), a retiree in Latin America is seeking up to $500K in damages. The claimant contends that her broker unsuitably recommended that she invest that amount in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) Ltd. The company filed for bankruptcy protection last year. Truist is SunTrust Bank's broker-dealer unit. The firm is registered with FINRA. Both entities' agents heavily promoted Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda)'s fixed- and variable-rate annuity and investment products, which paid commissions, bonuses and other incentives that were greater than what the more typical SunTrust bank products offered. The claimant is a retired investor who sought a safe haven for her assets in the United States. A long-term SunTrust Bank customer who also worked with a Truist broker, the investor did not want to take on any unnecessary risk. Most of her investments, including those linked to her Miami bank account, were in bank products and checking/savings accounts. In 2018, her banker recommended that she invest half a million dollars in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda). The entity is now under liquidation order by Bermuda's government and is no longer solvent. Now, the claimant is alleging misrepresentations, failure to supervise, negligence, breach of contract, abuse and exploitation of an elderly person, gross negligence, unjust enrichment, and other breaches of duty. A panel of FINRA arbitrators in Miami, Florida will hear her case. At Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (SSEK Law Firm at investorlawyers.com), our investment fraud lawyers are representing this retiree in her FINRA arbitration claim against Truist Investment Services, Inc. We represent investors throughout the United States and abroad with securities fraud cases against broker-dealers and banks based in this country. Contact: Toll Free: (800) 259-9010 Florida: (813) 560-2992 Hablamos Espanol Kirk Smith [email protected] SOURCE Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP Related Links http://www.investorlawyers.com WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) United Nations human rights division is concerned about the possibility of a new wave of violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) in connection with the second round of the legislative elections scheduled for March 14, Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a press briefing on Tuesday. "We are very worried about the volatile situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the risk of renewed violence in the context of the second round of the legislative elections, due to take place next Sunday, 14 March," Shamdasani said. UN calls for an end to violence from both national security forces and the CPC (Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement). The UN Human Rights Division in car documented 185 cases of human rights violations in the period from October 1 to December 31, 2020 during the first round of the elections with the CPC being responsible for over 86% of them, Shamdasani added. The first round of elections on December 27 was precluded by violent protests from CPC militants resulting in the killing of 14 people and sieging of the capital Bangui. The post-electoral period was marked by the national security forces offensive in retaliation against the CPC groups on February 15th. It's a beautiful father-daughter story of sacrificial love when Lisa Racine, a full-time project manager, took a part-time job at a nursing home just so she could see more of her 87-year-old father. Amid COVID-19 restrictions, Lisa Racine found a way to stay close to her dad, Harold Racine. She worked as a part-time food nutrition assistant at the Good Samaritan Society in Stillwater, Minnesota. Visitations were restricted, so becoming a worker at the nursing facility is her best course of action. "Then the weather got really cold, and window visits got less frequent," Lisa told Good Morning America. "I got really frustrated that I couldn't see my dad, and my siblings felt the same way, so I decided to get a job there," she added. Her cousin, Rene Racine, happens to be the nursing home administrator. She immediately informed Lisa as soon as there was an opening. Lisa went through the application process and got the job. Her duties include kitchen work and serving meals to residents. Once done with her shift, she would spend ample time with her dad, talking and having video chats with family members. "It is very nice to see them together," Rene commented. "My uncle heard [about Lisa getting the job], and he was so excited and so happy that he was going to have a family member here. He was really surprised that she would do that, because she does have a full-time job." Lisa clocks in at night at the Good Samaritan after working full time at a printing industry. "It's quite glamorous," Lisa said of her part-time work. "I can't believe they pay me for this." "I could, you know, take a yoga class or have a happy hour. I'd rather mop the floor and clean dishes so I could see my dad," Lisa said during their interview with KARE.11 News. "It's definitely a win-win," Rene said. She's also grateful that Lisa filled the position as it became a struggle for the care facility to hire workers due to the COVID scare. "Having her reach out and wanting to work was an absolute God-sent for us," she added. Harold Racine, Lisa's dad, moved to Good Samaritan last year. Prior to his retirement, he worked in the printing industry. He has 8 children, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great-children. His wife, Patricia Racine, passed away 9 years ago. "The trials and tribulations of raising that many children...I'm getting my rewards back, tenfold," says Harold to KARE.11. "He's cleaned up plenty of messes after me in the past," Lisa humorously told GMA. The father and daughter were vaccinated together which Lisa jokingly said is a perk. Lisa said her father recovered from having COVID-19 in the fall. Visitations were restricted amid the pandemic and are now slowly opening back up, but Lisa has decided to keep her job at Good Samaritan. "I really enjoy the other residents that live there," Lisa told GMA. "They're so sweet, and unfortunately they're not getting visitors, so I kind of am their visitors." THE Oireachtas media committee is to ask former editor of The Guardian Alan Rusbridger to outline his knowledge of media commentator Roy Greenslades IRA sympathies. The committee, which has a majority of Coalition TDs and senators, agreed to a proposal from Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne on Wednesday to contact Mr Rusbridger despite the Government backing his continued membership of the Future of Media Commission. Mr Byrne is hoping that the former newspaper editor will appear before the committee in the coming weeks to discuss his knowledge of Mr Greenslades support for the IRAs armed campaign. IRA abuse victim Mairia Cahill has called for Mr Rusbridgers removal from the commission examining the future of Irish media because he was editor of The Guardian when Mr Greenslade wrote an article in 2014 questioning the credibility of a BBC Spotlight programme about Ms Cahills abuse case. Read More Mr Greenslade has recently disclosed details of his long-held support for the IRAs armed campaign. Mr Rusbridger says he was not aware of Mr Greenslades 2014 post, nor Ms Cahills legal correspondence with his newspaper at the time of the article, until last week. He has apologised personally to Ms Cahill, while contending that he was not aware of Mr Greenslades sympathies for the IRA. The former newspaper editor wrote to Media Minister Catherine Martin on Tuesday to outline his position and the committee today agreed to seek that correspondence as well as a full account from Mr Rusbridger himself. Mr Rusbridger may also be invited to appear before TDs and senators at a later stage. Two Coalition sources on the committee claimed that Sinn Fein were reluctant to go along with the proposal during a private meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Greenslade has also recently disclosed that he is currently a member of Sinn Fein having long supported the republican movement and previously written for An Phoblacht. Meanwhile, Ms Cahill has long been an outspoken critic of Sinn Feins handling of and response to her case. However, Sinn Fein TD and committee member Imelda Munster denied suggestions her party opposed the move. Ms Munster said she had pointed out at the meeting that the Government had already backed Mr Rusbridger. At no stage did we say we were opposed, we were interested to get the correspondence he [Mr Rusbridger] sent to the minister, she said. I certainly didn't oppose it, there was no objection to it whatsoever. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. The Prime Ministers Office said Wednesday morning that the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Colonel General Onik Gasparyan is from now considered dismissed from duties because the president did neither sign his dismissal order nor did he apply to the high court within the deadline prescribed by law. Editing by Stepan Kocharyan Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The University Motel, at 4731 12th Ave. N.E., sold for almost $5.3 million, according to King County records. The seller was University Motel LLC, associated with the Steinman family, which had owned the property for decades. . . . The South Pole neutrino detector saw a Glashow resonance event, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960 where an electron antineutrino and an electron interact to produce a W- boson. On December 6, 2016, a high-energy particle called an electron antineutrino hurtled to Earth from outer space at close to the speed of light carrying 6.3 petaelectronvolts (PeV) of energy. Deep inside the ice sheet at the South Pole, it smashed into an electron and produced a particle that quickly decayed into a shower of secondary particles. The interaction was captured by a massive telescope buried in the Antarctic glacier, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. IceCube had seen a Glashow resonance event, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960. With this detection, scientists provided another confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics. It also further demonstrated the ability of IceCube, which detects nearly massless particles called neutrinos using thousands of sensors embedded in the Antarctic ice, to do fundamental physics. The result was published on March 10 in Nature. Sheldon Glashow first proposed this resonance in 1960 when he was a postdoctoral researcher at what is today the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he wrote a paper in which he predicted that an antineutrino (a neutrino's antimatter twin) could interact with an electron to produce an as-yet undiscovered particle--if the antineutrino had just the right energy--through a process known as resonance. When the proposed particle, the W- boson, was finally discovered in 1983, it turned out to be much heavier than what Glashow and his colleagues had expected back in 1960. The Glashow resonance would require a neutrino with an energy of 6.3 PeV, almost 1,000 times more energetic than what CERN's Large Hadron Collider is capable of producing. In fact, no human-made particle accelerator on Earth, current or planned, could create a neutrino with that much energy. But what about a natural accelerator--in space? The enormous energies of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and other extreme cosmic events can generate particles with energies impossible to create on Earth. Such a phenomenon was likely responsible for the 6.3 PeV antineutrino that reached IceCube in 2016. "When Glashow was a postdoc at Niels Bohr, he could never have imagined that his unconventional proposal for producing the W- boson would be realized by an antineutrino from a faraway galaxy crashing into Antarctic ice," says Francis Halzen, professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the headquarters of IceCube maintenance and operations, and principal investigator of IceCube. Since IceCube started full operation in May 2011, the observatory has detected hundreds of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and has produced a number of significant results in particle astrophysics, including the discovery of an astrophysical neutrino flux in 2013 and the first identification of a source of astrophysical neutrinos in 2018. But the Glashow resonance event is especially noteworthy because of its remarkably high energy; it is only the third event detected by IceCube with an energy greater than 5 PeV. "This result proves the feasibility of neutrino astronomy--and IceCube's ability to do it--which will play an important role in future multimessenger astroparticle physics," says Christian Haack, who was a graduate student at RWTH Aachen while working on this analysis. "We now can detect individual neutrino events that are unmistakably of extraterrestrial origin." The result also opens up a new chapter of neutrino astronomy because it starts to disentangle neutrinos from antineutrinos. "Previous measurements have not been sensitive to the difference between neutrinos and antineutrinos, so this result is the first direct measurement of an antineutrino component of the astrophysical neutrino flux," says Lu Lu, one of the main analyzers of this paper, who was a postdoc at Chiba University in Japan during the analysis. "There are a number of properties of the astrophysical neutrinos' sources that we cannot measure, like the physical size of the accelerator and the magnetic field strength in the acceleration region," says Tianlu Yuan, an assistant scientist at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center and another main analyzer. "If we can determine the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, we can directly investigate these properties." To confirm the detection and make a decisive measurement of the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, the IceCube Collaboration wants to see more Glashow resonances. A proposed expansion of the IceCube detector, IceCube-Gen2, would enable the scientists to make such measurements in a statistically significant way. The collaboration recently announced an upgrade of the detector that will be implemented over the next few years, the first step toward IceCube-Gen2. Glashow, now an emeritus professor of physics at Boston University, echoes the need for more detections of Glashow resonance events. "To be absolutely sure, we should see another such event at the very same energy as the one that was seen," he says. "So far there's one, and someday there will be more." Last but not least, the result demonstrates the value of international collaboration. IceCube is operated by over 400 scientists, engineers, and staff from 53 institutions in 12 countries, together known as the IceCube Collaboration. The main analyzers on this paper worked together across Asia, North America, and Europe. "The detection of this event is another 'first,' demonstrating yet again IceCube's capacity to deliver unique and outstanding results," says Olga Botner, professor of physics at Uppsala University in Sweden and former spokesperson for the IceCube Collaboration. "IceCube is a wonderful project. In just a few years of operation, the detector discovered what it was funded to discover--the highest energy cosmic neutrinos, their potential source in blazars, and their ability to aid in multimessenger astrophysics," says Vladimir Papitashvili, program officer in the Office of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation, IceCube's primary funder. James Whitmore, program officer in NSF Division of Physics, adds, "Now, IceCube amazes scientists with a rich fount of new treasures that even theorists weren't expecting to be found so soon." ### The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is funded primarily by the National Science Foundation (OPP-1600823 and PHY-1913607) and is headquartered at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, a research center of UW-Madison in the United States. IceCube's research efforts, including critical contributions to the detector operation, are funded by agencies in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. IceCube construction was also funded with significant contributions from the National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS & FWO) in Belgium; the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Germany; the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and the Swedish Research Council in Sweden; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Fund in the U.S. + info "Detection of a particle shower at the Glashow resonance with IceCube," The IceCube Collaboration: R. Abbasi et al. Nature Science contacts: Francis Halzen, IceCube Principal Investigator Hilldale and Gregory Breit Distinguished Professor of Physics Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison francis.halzen@icecube.wisc.edu Olga Botner, Former IceCube Spokesperson Professor of Physics and Astronomy Uppsala University olga.botner@icecube.wisc.edu Lu Lu, analysis lead Assistant Professor of Physics Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison lu.lu@icecube.wisc.edu Tianlu Yuan, analysis lead Assistant Scientist Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison tianlu.yuan@icecube.wisc.edu Christian Haack, analysis lead Postdoc Technical University of Munich christian.haack@icecube.wisc.edu Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Reuters One of the worlds leading writers associations says nine poets have now been detained and two have been shot dead as part of the military juntas crackdown in Myanmar. PEN International said the latest poeta former visiting fellow at the University of Iowawas arrested by the junta on Tuesday, the same day that several of the caged authors were sentenced to a month in prison. Poets Myint Myint Zin and K Za Win never even made it as far as a police station. They were armed only with their subversive thoughts and words as they stood up against the brutal regime behind the Myanmar military coup last week. But the military didnt care and fatally shot them anyway, according to a statement by Salil Tripathi, chair of PEN Internationals Writers in Prison Committee. The poets had words; the government had guns, Tripathi said. The poets did what they could with the tools they hadwrite, express, speak. The government did the only thing it knew with the tool it had. Its forces fired. The two poets are among dozens of writers and artists who have been allegedly targeted by security forces during anti-coup demonstrations since the military removed the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1. At least 50 protesters have been killed across the country in widespread protests. Since Myint Myint Zin and K Za Win were fatally shot, nine other poets were arrested and remain in custody, facing crimes that could keep them in jail for years. Dozens of other artists, musicians, and writers have also been detained since the protests. Maung Yu Pythe latest poet to be arrestedwas widely celebrated in Myanmar for his signature wry verses, which are featured in the book Bones Will Crow: Fifteen Contemporary Burmese Poets. The targeting of poets in Mynamar predates the recent military coup thanks to laws that control public speech. In April 2019, several members of the satirical poetry troupe Peacock Generation were arrested and sentenced to one-year prison terms for undermining the military through their creative work. Story continues Tripathi said that the targeting of Burmese poets was best described by Salman Rushdie in The Satanic Verses, who wrote that poetrys purpose is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep. The day before Myint Myint Zin was killed, she posted what would be her second-to-last public message: In the morning, I will protest against the main strike. We will protest in the neighborhood and ward in the evening. Yall out there stay like a crazy dog. The morning of the protest, she posted a photo of her henna-painted arm which quickly evolved into a memorial where her students and fellow poets paid tribute. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=439306470732096&set=a.104693707526709 K Z Win also posted about attending the protest on the eve of his death. In one, accompanied by a photo of people at a previous demonstration, he wrote, Rebel in various ways. Save the future. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3950288215008336&set=pcb.3950290525008105 Tripathi says there is no choice now but for poets and writers around the world to support those being targeted in Myanmar. The sacrifices of Daw Myint Myint Zin and K Za Win will not be in vain, he said. We will not let the world go to sleep as we mourn; we will remember, and amplify their voices. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Sermonisers at mosques will request people to denounce extravaganza weddings and dowry demands, and encourage people to pay instant mehr. Representational image Hyderabad: Community organisations have decided to constitute a task force to curb the menace of dowry. In a roundtable meeting convened by Tahreek Muslim Shabban, participants stressed that a drive must be started to reform certain practices. This meeting was conducted against the backdrop of Ayesha Khan, married for nine months, who made an emotional video before dying by suicide in Ahmedabads Sabarmati river. Tehreek Muslim Shabban president Mushtaq Malik said a door-to-door social reform campaign will be organised to make people aware of the evils of the dowry demand. Sermonisers at mosques will request people to denounce extravaganza weddings and dowry demands, and encourage people to pay instant mehr (dower amount given by the groom to the bride). Malik said it was decided to organise silent protests at weddings that involve extravagant expenditures. He said a state-level anti-dowry conference will be organised to create awareness among the general public against the evils of dowry. Speaking on other resolutions passed during the meeting, Malik said the organisation will campaign against weddings and events that stretch past midnight. Islamic scholars, intellectuals, social activists and qazis and women rights activists were present at the meeting. Sun-drenched beaches, packed crowds, and no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Galveston spring breakers, prepare for a slightly different experience this March in Galveston Island. As spring break 2021 kicks off this weekend in Galveston Island, so does the official lifting of the Texas mask mandate and the order to open to 100 percent capacity, according to Governor Greg Abbott's order. NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS: Expert weighs on 3 new COVID-19 variants now emerging in Houston Removing the mask mandate and relaxing capacity requirements as Spring Break approaches poses a dire risk for spiking infection rates in the Houston area, says Memorial Hermann CEO Dr. David Callender. "It's a powder keg waiting to happen," Callender told Chron. "One of the most difficult in terms of controlling transmission is the high rate of asympotomatic spread among young people. Many are asymotomatic. They dont know that the individuals around them have the disease. There will be a lot of people in close contact who are raising voices. We want people to understand that these are high-risk situations. Continue to wear a mask." In previous years, Galveston has welcomed more than 300,000 people for spring break, according to Galveston Island Convention and Visitor Bureau Michael Woody. "We're surveying all of our industry partners right now to get a better feel for what they are going to be asking visitors to do," Woody told ABC-13. "But I think the best course is to bring your mask along." Galveston County authorities say that they are prepared for the big surge of crowds descending upon Galveston Island. Sheriff Henry Trochesset stated that he's ramping up to keep safety protocols in place. "We're expecting large spring break crowds. We've increased deputies, especially on the Peninsula. We have a substation that we opened up," Trochesset told Chron. "Even since COVID-19, the Peninsula never really slowed down." Trochesset reiterated the need to respect property owners' rights if they require customers to wear masks in their private business. "If you're requiring a mask in a business, it's up to them. They own the business," Trochesset said. "On the beach, on the peninsula'No shoes, no shirt, no service.' If they want to extend it to masks, that's their business." Trochesset urged all Texas spring breakers to stay safe and respectful if you venture over to the island. "Please be courteous and please stay safe. We do expect large crowds," Trochesset said. "Don't drink and drive, and enjoy themselves." INDIANAPOLIS, IN A return to Indianapolis for the annual PRI Trade Show, an all-new membership drive launching next week, and a 2.0 version of the renowned PRI Road Tour are all part of Performance Racing Industrys plans for an unprecedented year. With its mission to build, promote, and protect the racing community, PRI is focused on uniting motorsports professionals and enthusiasts in 2021 through both traditional platforms and newly introduced initiatives and services. Atop the list is this years return of the worlds premier event for motorsports professionalsthe PRI Trade Showwhich takes place December 9-11 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The racing industry is resilient and continues to push forward, and PRI very much reflects that spirit, said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. Racing businesses have demonstrated remarkable passion and perseverance over the last 12 months. Many have even reported record sales and month-over-month revenue growth. Our job is to help the entire community thrive, and No. 1 on that list is bringing the industry together under one roof for an in-person PRI Show to get back to the business of racing and discover all the latest parts, equipment, technology, and solutions. As planning for the Show continues, PRI will introduce a groundbreaking membership program for motorsports professionals designed to unite the industry on a number of important effortslegislative advocacy, business resources, career development, educational opportunities, cost savings, and more. Exhibitors at this years PRI Trade Show, for example, can take advantage of a comprehensive list of benefits that includes discounted booth space, which in most cases covers the cost of membership. PRI is laser-focused on supporting the motorsports industry, said Meyer. The PRI Show is a critical component of what we do. Membership will complement what takes place at the event by providing year-round legal support, advocacy, educational seminars, and more. Shortly after Meyers arrival at PRI in late spring 2020, the company launched a series of targeted programs to assist racing businesses and operations impacted by the pandemic. One was PRIs Ambassador Program, an aggressive campaign aimed at helping race track operators navigate local, state, and federal rules required to reopen safely. Then, in October, PRI announced the launch of its Road Touran unprecedented, two-and-a-half-month cross-country journey that took a van-load of content creators to the doorsteps of nearly 100 racing and performance shops, teams, tracks, and more. The result was an all-out media blitz that allowed dozens of motorsports companies large and small to tell their stories, reveal new products, share never-before-seen treasures, and ultimately bring the industry closer together. It was like PRI came to Magnuson and gave us all a big hug, said Kim Pendergast, president of Magnuson Superchargers, about the PRI Road Tour, which will focus on major race events when it returns for 2021. I dont think we knew how much we needed that touch until it arrived. Exhibitor booth space applications for the 2021 PRI Trade Show, which include a sign-up option for PRI Business Membership, are available beginning March 15. Details for Trade Show attendee registration, PRI Individual Membership, and the PRI Road Tour will be announced at a later date. To learn more, visit www.performanceracing.com/tradeshowperformanceracing.com/tradeshow EDITOR'S NOTE: On behalf of Inside Track Motorsport News, this is great to hear that the 'in-person' version of the PRI Trade Show is in the works for this coming December in Indianapolis. As a long-time exhibitor and attendee of this show, we're looking forward to progress in terms of vaccinations and the re-opening of the Canada / US border so we can attend again this December. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Flash Another 5,766 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,228,998, according to official figures released Tuesday. The country also reported another 231 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 124,797. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test. The latest figures were revealed as more than 22.5 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine. Earlier Tuesday, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty warned that "big blocks of risk are being taken" as the country's coronavirus lockdown is being eased. According to the modelling data considered by government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), at least a further 30,000 coronavirus deaths could occur in the coming months, even under the most optimistic set of assumptions. "If you open up too fast, a lot more people die", Whitty told a group of MPs. "If we unlock too quickly we would get a substantial surge whilst a lot of people are not protected." Also on Tuesday, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that four people from two households will be able to meet outdoors in Scotland from Friday. Scotland had previously aimed to relax the rules on outdoor mixing on March 15, but Sturgeon has now sped up that timetable as almost 40 percent of Scotland's adult population has now received a first vaccine dose. On Feb. 22, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his long-anticipated "roadmap" exiting the lockdown. The reopening of schools in England on Monday was the 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. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. (Adds details of action, quote, background) By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two children of Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing and six companies they control, increasing pressure on the military as it continues its crackdown against protesters in the wake of the army's Feb. 1 coup. The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it blacklisted Aung Pyae Sone and Khin Thiri Thet Mon, targeting the family of Myanmar's commander in chief who led the coup on Feb. 1 and installed himself as head of the ruling State Administration Council. Wednesday's action was taken in response to the coup and intensified crackdown on peaceful protesters who oppose the takeover that overthrew elected officials, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who won a national election in November. "The indiscriminate violence by Burmas security forces against peaceful protesters is unacceptable," Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Andrea Gacki, said in the statement. "The United States will continue to work with our international partners to press the Burmese military and police to cease all violence against peaceful protesters and to restore democracy and the rule of law in Burma," she added. Campaign group Justice for Myanmar said in January that Min Aung Hlaing, who has been commander in chief since 2011, has "abused his power to benefit his family, who have profited from their access to state resources and the military's total impunity." The group named six companies they said were owned or controlled by the general's two children. They include A&M Mahar, through which Aung Pyae Sone, the general's son, offers foreign pharmaceutical companies access to Myanmar's market by obtaining approvals from Myanmar's Food and Drug Administration, according to Justice for Myanmar. Also blacklisted were a construction company and a restaurant and gallery, and a luxury gym chain and media production business owned by the general's daughter, Khin Thiri Thet Mon. Wednesday's move - the latest in a series of punitive actions taken by Washington against Myanmar's military over the coup - essentially freezes any U.S. assets of those blacklisted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall) WATERTOWN A local woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with billing the governments Medicaid program for treatment that patients didnt receive, according to state authorities. Catherine Risigo-Wickline, 55, former owner of Therapy Unlimited, was arrested by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief States Attorney on a warrant that charged her with first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, health insurance fraud and third-degree identity theft. The affidavit indicates that from February 2016 through August 2019, Risigo-Wickline had her staff bill for 10 units of service for each visit, regardless of actual time spent with the patients, according to a press release from the state Division of Criminal Justice. Each unit represented 15 minutes of time. Risigo-Wickline submitted thousands of claims for reimbursements to the Medicaid program for more time than her therapists spent with patients, officials said. She also billed for treatment provided to patients using employees provider numbers after those people no longer worked there, officials said. Officials said Risigo-Wickline profited about $1.9 million through the scheme. She was released on a $150,000 bond and is expected in court on March 18. The larceny charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, while health insurance fraud and the identity theft offense carry a maximum term of five years. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service tracks Medicaid fraud instances state-by-state. In 2016, there were 81 fraud investigations and six convictions in Connecticut. The DHHS said there was $63,457 in total criminal recoveries. The next year, 83 investigations led to five convictions and the recovery of $1,717,541. In 2018, another 83 investigations led to six convictions. This time, investigators said they recovered $3,250,401. And in 2019, 92 fraud investigations led to six convictions with $2,499,377 total criminal recoveries. There were no available statistics for 2020. The states Medicaid Fraud Control Unit can be reached at 860-258-5986. Having sent Covid-19 vaccines to at least 65 countries, India is now sending vaccines to its neighbour Pakistan under the GAVI alliance. India's vaccine maitri initiative which seems to have already taken China on a back foot with regards to the Covid-19 vaccine diplomacy is receiving praises from around the world. India will send at least 45 million vaccine doses to Pakistan as part of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, or GAVI. The vaccine agreed upon is Oxford-AstraZenecas Covishield vaccine that is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The first batch is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in the middle of March. All charges of the vaccine, from manufacture to delivery, have been waived off by GAVI as part of the initiative to provide free vaccines to poor countries. While the first batch of AstraZenecas Covishield vaccine is expected to land in Pakistan in mid-March, the remaining doses will arrive in waves within June. Pakistan is reliant on free vaccine doses so as to vaccinate its population. GAVI has been helping it and other poor countries with this. It was initially speculated that Pakistan would use the Chinese-made CanSino vaccine, this did not happen because China was adamant on charging $13 (2,000 Pakistani rupees) per dose, a price Pakistan can ill afford. Although, Phase 3 trials of the CanSino vaccine consisting of 18,000 volunteers were completed in Pakistan with an efficacy rate of 75% being recorded. Also read: US-Afghan peace deal: US proposes transnational government in Taliban Also read: PM Modi inaugurates Maitri Setu connecting India and Bangladesh During the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Chairman Rana Tanveer Hussain, members from the Ministry of National Health Services and the National Institute of Health (NIH) discussed the details of the delivery of vaccines to Pakistan. A news outlet also released some contents of the meeting. It reported that there was a general lack of prospective buyers from private corporations. The requests for vaccines sent were from questionable origins and had a profound lack of specifications, even the name and quantity of the vaccine requested. Also read: Kolkata fire tragedy claims 9 Lives; CM Mamata Banerjee blames Railways She's only a third of the way into her month-long March fundraiser but already Tralee woman Eimear Brosnan has successfully raised a huge amount of money for her chosen charity, Recovery Haven. The 21-year-old, in celebration of being declared cancer free a few weeks ago, has pledged to do a sea swim every day during the month of March to raise funds for the vital local cancer-support charity. Eimear last August received the shocking news that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and immediately underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which were thankfully a huge success. The Ballyseedy native and UL student received the all-clear call at the end of February. Speaking to The Kerryman, Eimear talked about her treatment. "It was tough, I think I was preparing myself for the worst so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, thankfully," she said. "I was getting chemotherapy for four months, but after two months of that, I had another PET scan and that came back all clear, so I got the all-clear after two months of the chemo but I had to continue on with the treatment anyway. "I got radiation treatment after that, and then I had another scan at the start of February. I got the results at the end of last month, and it was all-clear. Hearing that news, it was a feeling that I still can't put into words," she said. "It was such a relief, just a weight off my shoulders, really," she added. Eimear has only completed a third of her swims so far, but at the time of writing, she has managed to raise a whopping 11,136 - head and shoulders above her original 500 goal - a fact that she said has been simply mind blowing, such is her surprise at everyone's generosity so far. "It's mad, absolutely mad. I'm just after checking it there now again. It's crazy. I can't get over it. I had the target amount at 600 originally, and I said to myself that I better put it down to 500 again because I didn't want to be too optimistic," she laughed. "What with COVID and all that's going on, I just didn't expect people to be so generous. It's mad altogether. People's generosity is really just something else," Eimear added. Braving the icy cold sea right now is no mean feat, but Eimear is taking it all in her stride, and while she admits that it's a tad chilly, she prefers to think of it more as "refreshing". "I'd seen people doing the 'Freezbruary Challenge', which was in aid of men's mental health and I thought to myself, 'jeez, that's a great idea', and I knew that if I was going to do it, I might as well do it for a charity. That's where Recovery Haven came into it; they are just a brilliant charity that's there for people going through cancer, and the fact they are local as well, they were the ones I wanted to help. "It was nice to know that the service was there if I needed it, and I spoke to other patients when I was in the hospital who had availed of some of the Recovery Haven services, and they only had great things to say about them," said Eimear. Eimear, thankfully, is not going through the fundraiser alone; she revealed that she is getting great support from all of her friends from around Ireland. "With all the support that I'm getting, it's a great way to keep me going. I'm very motivated, and I have some great friends doing it themselves all around the country, so we're all keeping each other going in the swims, which is great," said Eimear. Eimear will be doing all of her swims at Banna and, so far, she's had great weather and she's hoping that it may continue like that for the month. Anyone who wants to donate to Eimear's fundraiser can do so through the link on Recovery Haven's Facebook page. Money earned from drug dealing is laundered through the bank accounts of young adults Young adults left jobless and penniless by the pandemic are being recruited by criminals as 'money mules'. They are helping launder profits from crimes such as drug dealing, says banking body UK Finance and fraud prevention experts, Cifas. Money mules convince people to hand over their bank details, then ask them to transfer funds they are sent to another account and keep some of the cash for themselves. There were more than 17,000 cases involving 21 to 30 year olds in 2020 a 5 per cent increase on 2019. UK Finance and Cifas warn that mules can end up with a criminal record, blighting chances of getting legitimate work. m.dilworth@dailymail.co.uk The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Northern Ireland could lower its tax rate to attract post-Brexit business from Ireland and the UK, AIBs chief economist has said. Oliver Mangan said Northern Irelands unique access to both the EU and UK markets could make it a real competitor for Ireland. Certainly, if Northern Ireland were to have a look at its corporation tax rate and opt for a lower rate keep the rate at 18pc or go even lower and it has unfettered access to the UK and EU single markets, it would become a very attractive destination for foreign direct investment and certainly a real competitor to the South, Mr Mangan told a webinar on Wednesday. After the 2015 Fresh Start political deal, Northern Ireland pledged to lower its corporate tax to 12.5pc, in line with Irelands, but it has yet to do so. But UK chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last week that the UKs overall corporation tax would rise from 19pc to 25pc, starting from 2023. That will make it a lot less attractive destination for foreign direct investment, said Mr Mangan. The UKs unilateral decision to extend grace periods on British exports to Northern Ireland has caused a rift with the EU and led to uncertainty about the application of the 2019 Brexit protocol that governs trade between the two islands. At a joint event organised by the Newry and Dundalk chambers of commerce, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the protocol provides real opportunities for Northern Ireland. There are real opportunities for Northern Ireland in its implementation, with access to Great Britain but also to 450 million European Union consumers, said Mr Martin. As we all adjust to the new trading circumstances, every effort will need to be made within the framework of the protocol to meet and resolve challenges. It is in all of our interest to make it work as well as possible. Northern Irelands finance minister Conor Murphy, a Sinn Fein MLA, said that both sides should work through their differences on the protocol in a mature way. He said US investors, in particular, were looking to Northern Ireland as a place to do business. "If we continue to major on the difficulties that were facing, then those people will sit back and say that this isnt somewhere to come and invest. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Guwahati, March 10 : A central observer of the Election Commission of India (EC) for the first phase of the Assam Assembly polls has tested positive for the coronavirus, following which the poll panel appointed a new observer in his place, officials said on Wednesday. Eastern Assam's Jorhat district Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati said that after the ECI's general observer Manjeet Singh Brar tested Covid positive on Tuesday on his arrival in the district, the commission has appointed a new observer immediately. "The new general observer coming from West Bengal, is expected to reach Jorhat at the earliest," Korati told IANS over phone. Earlier, Brar reached Dibrugarh airport on Monday from Punjab and then moved to Jorhat by road Tuesday. "He is stable and under home isolation. Doctors are monitoring his health parameters and there is nothing to worry," the DC said. She said that as per the direction of the EC, all the officials coming from outside in Assam to supervise the Assembly elections have to undergo swab sample test for Covid-19 immediately after their reporting in the district. The Assembly constituencies in Jorhat district are going to polls in the first phase on March 27. Elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held in three phases. Phase one will see polling for 47 constituencies on March 27 while in the second phase polling would be held for 39 seats on April 1 and the remaining 40 constituencies will go to the polls on April 6. Till the last day of the filing of nominations on March 9, over 280 candidates filed the candidatures for the first phase of balloting. The scrutiny of nomination papers for the first phase of polls done on Wednesday. Several senior leaders including Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam state Congress President Ripun Bora and Asom Gana Parishad President and state Minister Atul Bora are in the fray in the first phase. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 03:34:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Finland's National Advisory Committee on Vaccines (KRAR) authorized on Wednesday the use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 70 and older, said a press release issued by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). AstraZeneca's vaccine received conditional marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) at the end of January. At the time, KRAR recommended that the vaccine be given only to people under the age of 70 in Finland as there was very limited research data on the effectiveness of the vaccine in the elderly. "Research data from Scotland and England in recent weeks show that the AstraZeneca vaccine provides as strong protection for the elderly after the first dose as the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Therefore, there is no longer a medical reason for maintaining the upper age limit," said Ville Peltola, chairman of the committee, which operates under the THL. Recently, some countries, such as Germany, France and Italy, also gave the green light for using the AstraZeneca vaccine on those aged 65 or older. So far, people older than 70 in Finland have received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. For practical reasons, however, the KRAR recommends that the vaccination of those over 70 years of age should continue primarily with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, because many older people have already received a single injection of it, and the second jab must be always the same as the first. Currently, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is more widely available than the AstraZeneca product, the THL said in the press release. The health authorities estimate that those over the age of 70 will receive their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine by the end of April. COVID-19 vaccinations have gained momentum in recent weeks as more vaccines have been introduced in Finland. The number of vaccines is expected to increase further in the coming weeks. According to the THL, as of Wednesday, 515,218 people in Finland had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, accounting for about 9.3 percent of the country's population. Enditem Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) Thousands of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by British company AstraZeneca arrived in Cebu City, Davao City, and Bicol on Wednesday. The first batch of 30,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the global COVAX facility arrived in Lapu-Lapu City. It was transported to the storage facility in the Department of Health regional office in Cebu City. DOH Central Visayas spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said the vaccines will be allocated for healthcare workers above 60 years old. Meanwhile, Davao City received 20,000 doses that will be used to vaccinate medical frontliners in the Davao Region. Dr. Janis Olivades, the vaccination program head in the region, said they will prioritize inoculating healthcare workers above 60 and those with comorbidities who opted to wait out the vaccination when Sinovac was the only brand available. This will also be used for our level 3 hospitals. For now, we do not have the breakdown of distribution of AstraZeneca but we will start rolling it out on weekend, she said. Later in the day, 22,000 doses arrived in Bicol. These were transported to the DOH's Vaccine Storage Facility after arriving at the Legazpi Airport. Dr. Rita Ang-Bon, DOH Bicol COVID-19 focal person said the vaccines are intended for hospital healthcare workers only. The next batch will be given to LGUs. The Philippines has inoculated over 44,000 so far, mostly healthcare workers, with Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. CNN Philippines stringers Dale Israel, Pearl Gajunera and Rosas Olarte contributed to this report. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Smaller cities attracting more immigrants A recent Ryerson University paper outlines the prospects for immigration in small and mid-sized Canadian cities. Mohanad Moetaz Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver are popular destinations for immigrants coming to Canada. However, it is Canadas small to mid-sized cities that are starting to attract more immigrants from abroad. Over the same period between 2013 and 2019, the number of immigrants settling in smaller urban centres went up by 45 per cent between 2013 and 2019, compared to nine per cent in Canadas four major cities, according to a Ryerson University paper authored by David Campbell. In the same period, the number of new immigrants increased by 40 per cent in the rest of Canadas Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs). CMAs are major urban centres that consist of multiple municipalities around a population centre. For example, the Toronto CMA consists of the city of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Pickering. The immigration rate, which is the number of immigrants per 10,000 residents, of these smaller to mid-sized urban centres is still lower than the larger cities. This may come as no surprise since the smaller urban centres started with a lower population. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration Toronto has one of the highest immigration rates in Canada at 163 per 10,000 residents. Vancouver is similarly impressive at 128 per 10,000 residents. But how do small and mid-sized urban centres fair? The immigration rate was over 100 per 10,000 residents for a total of 14 smaller urban centres. Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan both had immigration rates of 193 and 178 per 10,000 residents respectively, both higher than Toronto. The remaining 12 smaller urban centres with high immigration rates were: Halifax, Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton, Swift Current, Winkler, Steinbach, Brandon, Thompson, Brooks, High River and Wood Buffalo. These smaller urban centres saw an influx of immigrants as a direct response to the challenges faced due to an aging population and workforce. Many of these cities have a declining natural population. This means that there are more deaths than there are births. They depend on migration between provinces to stay competitive economically, so they have begun to attract more immigrants to continue growing. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, played a big part in reducing the number of immigrants coming into small to mid-sized urban centres. This is due to the current travel restrictions in place to curb the spread of the virus. Even though there exists some exemptions to the travel restrictions including some international students and temporary workers, those who have a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) approved after March 18, 2020, are still not allowed to travel to Canada. Temporary foreign workers became heavily relied upon during the pandemic. Many of Canadas export industries regularly hire short term international workers. Examples of these industries include agriculture and fish processing. Canada will need to depend on immigration now more than ever to spearhead post-pandemic economic recovery. The countrys workforce increased by 1.95 million between 2009 and 2019 almost all came from immigrants. The table below illustrates this well. It shows the growth rate of the workforce by landed immigrants and by those who were born in Canada. The provinces with the largest growth of immigrant workers also had the fastest growing economies. A shrinking workforce is not the only challenge that comes with an aging population. Canada is facing an increasing demand for healthcare services as well as income support programs. Campbell concluded the paper noting that the above-average unemployment rates and increasing number of COVID-19 cases could lessen some peoples support for immigration. However, for the long term, immigration will play a crucial role in the economic growth of major urban centres as well as small to mid-sized urban centres all over Canada. Factors resulting in higher regional immigration Regional immigration programs are mutually beneficial to immigrants and the local economy. Governments have identified gaps in the labour market that need to be filled by immigrants, in turn immigrants get to work in their field. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate immigration candidates who they think will be good fits for their labour market. These programs benefit less populous provinces, because they have more urgent needs for immigrants to support their economies. The prairie province of Manitoba was the first to sign up for the PNP in 1996, and was one of the first to start their program in 1999, along with New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The launch of the Express Entry system in 2015 brought with it the first enhanced PNPs. Provincial government could search the Express Entry pool of candidates for people whose professional skills would benefit the labour market. The number of immigrants admitted through the PNPs rose from about 47,600 in 2014 to 68,600 in 2019. Also, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) was launched in March 2017. This pilot allows employers from Canadas four Atlantic provinces to expedite the hiring process for international employees. Through this program, immigrants come to Canada with a job and a settlement plan from a designated service provider. In 2019, 1,141 new immigrants came to the region. The most popular province for new immigrants was New Brunswick, followed by Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. A recent government review found that the AIP was helping to improve retention in the region. Finally, there has also been higher regional immigration simply because Canada has been increasing its immigration levels every year. Although the pandemic caused a significant drop in new immigrants in 2020, Canada still committed to welcoming more than 1.2 million immigrants over the next three years. Of these, the PNP is expected to bring in about 80,000 per year, and the AIP is expected to welcome about 6,000. Also, Canada has yet to come out with the Municipal Nominee Program, which will allow communities, chambers of commerce and local labour councils to sponsor new immigrants. This new program is expected to bring in about 5,000 newcomers per year after it is launched. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Organizational Management Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 161 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 161 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Organizational Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-organizational-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Organizational Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Albertus Magnus College Alvernia University Azusa Pacific University Benedictine University Bethune-Cookman University Brandman University Brenau University California Baptist University California Baptist University, Online Campbellsville University Charleston Southern University College of Saint Mary Colorado Christian University Colorado State University Colorado State University, Global Campus Colorado Technical University Columbia Southern University Concordia University, Wisconsin Crown College George Washington University Gonzaga University Lewis University Lincoln Christian University Lindenwood University Lourdes University Michigan State University Mount Saint Joseph University Mount Vernon Nazarene University National University Nichols College Northcentral University Norwich University Pennsylvania State University Quinnipiac University Regent University Regis University Robert Morris University Saint Joseph's University Saint Louis University Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Sonoma State University Southern New Hampshire University University Of Denver University of La Verne University Of Northwestern, Saint Paul University of Oklahoma University Of Valley, Forge University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Western Kentucky University Wilmington University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. They recently returned to the UK after spending time away in Dubai on a work trip. And Amber Turner and Dan Edgar put on a loved-up display as they enjoyed a day at the park while filming TOWIE on Tuesday. Amber, 27, showcased her jaw-dropping figure as she sported a skintight cream crop top and a matching pair of leggings. Couple: Amber Turner and Dan Edgar put on a loved-up display as they enjoyed a day at the park while filming TOWIE on Tuesday The reality star brought a hula hoop with her as she and Dan, 30, appeared to go for an outdoor workout. Amber let her platinum blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders and completed her look with a pair of shades. Dan also opted for a casual look, sporting a black jacket with matching shorts and compression leggings. The couple looked on cloud nine as they held hands while going for a stroll as they filmed a new episode of the ITVBe series. Filming: The couple looked on cloud nine as they held hands while going for a stroll as they filmed a new episode of the ITVBe series Looking good: Amber, 27, showcased her jaw-dropping figure as she sported a skintight cream crop top and a matching pair of leggings Keeping fit: The reality star brought a hula hoop with her as she and Dan appeared to go for an outdoor workout It comes after ITV confirmed the new series of TOWIE would kick off on ITVBe on Sunday March 14. Amber recently spoke of her plans to have a baby with her beau. The reality star confirmed she hopes to have a child with Dan and said their six month break-up in 2018 strengthened the relationship they are in today. Amber told New! Magazine: 'Us breaking up for six months was the best thing thats ever happened, Dan and I are really happy, were living together now.' Laid back: Dan also opted for a casual look, sporting a black jacket with matching shorts and compression leggings Stunning: Amber let her platinum blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders and completed her look with a pair of shades Return: It comes after ITV confirmed the new series of TOWIE would kick off on ITVBe on Sunday March 14 Of the future, she said: 'Dan and I are going to buy a place together. We definitely want to have a baby and get married.' When the couple split in 2018, Amber was left heartbroken to learn the TOWIE star had a fling with Chloe Sims while the two were filming in Thailand. But Dan didn't pursue a relationship with Chloe and instead rekindled his flame with Amber. Future: Amber recently spoke of her plans to have a baby with her beau Plans: The reality star confirmed she hopes to have a child with the 30-year-old and said their six month break-up in 2018 strengthened the relationship they are in today Amber said: 'Us breaking up for six months was the best thing thats ever happened, Dan and I are really happy, were living together now' Speaking about their time apart, Amber said: 'Sometimes relationships need that break for people to really realise whats important.' Amber has recently returned to the UK after spending time away in Dubai on a work trip with Dan. The couple returned before a travel corridor to the United Arab Emirates closed on January 29th. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks when attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed achieving a good start in strengthening national defense and the armed forces during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force, at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the top legislature. Addressing the meeting, Xi praised the whole armed forces for achieving the targets and missions for 2020 amid the COVID-19 epidemic and complex domestic and international circumstances. Laying down requirements for ensuring the good start in the military development for the next five years, Xi said development of the armed forces must focus on combat readiness. Xi demanded efforts to step up building high-caliber strategic deterrence and joint operation systems. Underlining innovation-driven military development, Xi called for intensified efforts and more concrete measures in the pursuit of independent innovation in science and technology, to fully leverage the role of science and technology as the strategic support for military development. Innovation in defense-related science and technology must be significantly boosted, he said. Highlighting the "instabilities" and "uncertainties" in China's current security circumstances, Xi said the whole armed forces must always be ready to respond to all kinds of complex and difficult situations, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and provide strong support for fully building a modern socialist country. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Air India is planning to phase out Boeing 747s that it has been operating for around 50 years now. The airline got its first jumbo jet, a B747-200B named Emperor Ashoka, in 1971. For years, the airline was operating the B747-4 version that has an extended upper deck. Three of the four B747s in the Air India fleet were mainly being used for VVIP flights but last year the government procured two new updated Boeing 777s as India's version of Air Force One. Those will exclusively be used to fly the President, Prime Minister and Vice President during ultralong/long/medium haul international trips. The airline recently informed the government that it would not be required to use B747s much for VVIP flights, as mentioned in a report in Times of India. A senior official said that they are planning to phase out the jumbo jets and that the final decision would be taken by the AI board in the next meeting. "Their residual value lies in the about 10 engines we have of these 747s that could fetch about $2 million apiece," said the official. With the 747s, Air India under JRD Tata introduced a new way of luxurious travelling. However, air travel was drastically reduced during the pandemic impacting aviation operations globally. Some of the new-gen four-engine passenger jets are also being overlooked and the frugal twin-engine medium/long haul jets are being preferred. The upper deck of the B747 that could be accessed by a staircase, saw guests such as young Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, along with grandmother former PM Indira Gandhi. B747s were also used for commercial flights in the last two decades. The government would inform the airline in advance when the planes were required for VIP flights. The lower deck in such cases would be removed to make way for beds and meeting area for the dignitaries. Air India was the only commercial Indian airline to operate four-engine aircraft. Vijay Mallya had ordered the Airbus A340s for Kingfisher but could not induct them before the airline shut operations in 2012. Also read: Air India employee consortium out of privatisation race Also read: Air India ground handling, maintenance arms to be put on block Highlights Nokia may be looking to change the naming system for its phones. HMD Global is already said to be working on Nokia G10 phone. The dot naming system may be dropped by the end of 2020. Nokia might be looking for a massive shakeup in its smartphone portfolio. And this shakeup may involve changes in how Nokia smartphones are named. A recent report suggested HMD Global is working on a new phone called Nokia G10 and it may arrive soon in Russia. Now, G10 comes as an entirely different name for a Nokia smartphone because ever since HMD Global took over Nokia's phone business, it has followed the number pattern to name smartphones, such as Nokia 2.4, Nokia 3.4 among several others. And this convention may soon become a thing of the past. According to a tip posted on the Nokia forum on China's Baidu, the English translation of which was shared on Twitter by @nokibar, HMD Global is ditching the number-based nomenclature practice for Nokia smartphones by removing the dot. This will be replaced by a new naming system where numbers will be more like commonly-used names, such as S20, P40, or X50 from Samsung, Huawei, and Realme. The Nokia G10 smartphone seems to be the first of many such phones that are rumoured to arrive later this year. Nokia's existing naming system for smartphones involves two digits separated by a dot where the first one represents the phone series while the latter denotes the generation. For example, the latest Nokia 5.4 is the fourth generation of the Nokia 5.X series of phones. The digit denoting the generation does not follow the number sequence on certain phones, such as Nokia 3.4, which is the third and not the fourth generation of the Nokia 3.X series. And I do not find this system bad at all. In fact, it is unique because every other smartphone company is using a combination of letters and numbers for their phones and utterly simple to tell what phone belongs to what generation. With the new G10 -- if that is going to be the final name for the upcoming handset from HMD Global, Nokia phones will begin following the herd. Much like Samsung that has A-series, F-series, M-series, and S-series for Galaxy phones, Nokia will too have names such as G10, G20, so forth and so on. But the clash here could be with Motorola that has the Moto G range. Motorola's Moto G phones are very popular and the company is continuing with the naming scheme for future phones. Nokia may not have an exact idea of confusing customers with the G letter for phones, it is definitely thinking of a rejig to improve sales. Moreover, the G in the G10 could represent Nokia's association with Google more clearly. HMD Global has repeatedly emphasised how important Android One is for Nokia phones and it maybe now wants that to reflect in the phone's name, as well. Syracuse, N.Y. A delivery driver was found seriously injured recently outside a restaurant on Erie Boulevard East in Syracuse. Eight days later, the driver Zeqiang Chen remains hospitalized with a head injury, unable to speak with investigators, according to Syracuse Police Department and the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office. His injuries have made it hard for the Syracuse police to answer an important question: How was Chen so badly injured? A patrol officer found Chen on March 2 on the ground beside his truck in the parking lot of HK Takeout, 1640 Erie Blvd East, said Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse police spokesman. Two websites dedicated to covering Asian culture have posted stories claiming Chen was beaten by a group of teenagers. The stories from Resonate and Asian Dawn include photos of Chens injuries and have been shared on social media by concerned readers in Central New York. Police and the Onondaga County District Attorney said today they dont know yet how Chen was injured. Due to Chens injury and condition, investigators have not been able to talk to the driver, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said. Police reviewed surveillance camera footage and found no evidence that any roaming gangs of people were in the area at the time Chen was injured, he said. When police found Chen, his phone and money had not been stolen, Fitzpatrick said. The hours before Chen was injured are less of a mystery. Chen made a regular delivery to HK Takeout and the nearby Asia Food Market on March 1, said Quing Li, manager of Asia Food Market. He then parked his truck in the HK parking lot to get some sleep, he said. Chen works for a New York City-based delivery company, Li said, and normally books a hotel room when he makes deliveries in Syracuse. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chen opted to sleep in his truck near the restaurant, he said. Police determined Chen parked outside the restaurant around 11:30 p.m. March 1. An officer found him seriously injured hours later in the cold. Peter Yang, owner of HK Takeout, said police called him at 6 a.m. March 2 and asked to check his security cameras. Officers told him they werent sure how Chen was injured, he said. Investigators are continuing to work to determine what happened. We will follow the evidence, Fitzpatrick said, and are hoping for his full recovery. Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.com. Following the coup in Myanmar and the military's bloody response to demonstrators, a Christian organization urged the international community to strengthen its efforts to pressure the Burmese military and fight for the country's democracy. International Christian Concern (ICC) noted of the international community's hesitation in challenging Myanmar's military regime and its brutal handling of the protesters. On Feb. 1, the country's armed forces, known as the "Tatmadaw," seized control of the government from the ruling party, the National League of Democracy. Protests followed and has not waned since then. At the start, the military only responded with rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas but as the demonstrations went on, it has become cruel. The army began firing live ammunitions on the protesters, killing 38 people on their bloodiest day on March 3. ICC said that the international community responded by merely giving "verbal threats" of further sanctions to the Burmese military. The Tatmadaw reportedly replied that they are already "used to sanctions" and have survived, adding that they need "to walk with only a few friends." On March 4, the United States imposed trade restrictions on Myanmar. Also, America prevented Tatmadaw's $1 billion withdrawal from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The actions of the United States are good but the organization argued that these are not enough to make an impact on Myanmar' new military government, which continues to tackle the protesters with violence and seemed to be willing to do everything for power. ICC revealed that the Tatmadaw has been oppressing the religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar, including the Muslim and Christian Rohingya and Kachin Christians. On Feb. 28, authorities have raided the Kachin Baptist Convention in Lashio, detaining and beating 11 Christians. The organization said that incidents of religious persecution, carried out by the country's military, are common in Myanmar. Thus, observers warned that Tatmadaw's consolidation of power would only worsen the situation. With this, the international community is urged "to take meaningful action" to confront the ruling military group with their abuses. Further, ICC said that sanctions should be directed to the center of the military's "ability to function economically rather than targeting small areas of trade on the periphery." It also said that China and Japan must be watched closely as the international community is gauging its response to the coup. Japan appeared to have hesitated in joining the international community in condemning the coup, having close relationship with the Burmese military and for its history of providing the country with monetary support. China, on the other hand, has vetoed a UN Security Council statement of condemning the coup, being Myanmar's ally for a long time and economic partner. The organization has called upon the international community to take the necessary measures to help Myanmar find its way back to democracy and free the country's religious minorities from Tatmadaw's oppression. "The international community must consider how it can effect real change in Myanmar and what it can do to prevent countries like China and Japan from softening the impact of the international community's attempts to pressure the Tatmadaw. Myanmar's pro-democracy protestors and religious minorities alike need the concerted support of the international community," ICC said. NYSE | TSX: ACB EDMONTON, AB, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (the "Company" or "Aurora") (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future of cannabinoids worldwide, today announced it has filed a new preliminary short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") with securities regulators in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and a corresponding shelf registration statement on Form F10 (the "Registration Statement") with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The base shelf prospectus when made final, will qualify common shares, preferred shares, warrants, subscription receipts and debt securities up to U.S.$1 billion during the 25-month period that the base shelf prospectus remains effective. Management believes the filing of this new Base Shelf Prospectus is in the best interest of shareholders and provides maximum flexibility to pursue strategic initiatives, which may include acquisitions or partnerships pursuant to the Company's previously stated global growth strategy. About Aurora Aurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry serving both the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company's brand portfolio includes Aurora, Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, AltaVie, MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler, and Reliva CBD. Providing customers with innovative, high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and recreational markets wherever they are launched. For more information, please visit our website at www.auroramj.com. Aurora's Common Shares trade on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol "ACB", and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding the filing of a subsequent prospectus supplement and the pursuit of strategic initiatives. These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected developments at the date the statements are made, such as current and future market conditions, the ability to maintain SG&A costs in line with current expectations, the ability to achieve high margin revenues in the Canadian consumer market, the current and future regulatory environment and future approvals and permits. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks associated with: entering the U.S. market, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the acquisition of Reliva, achievement of Aurora's business transformation plan, general business and economic conditions, changes in laws and regulations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, the effects of and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated September 24, 2020 (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.edgar.gov. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. 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, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc. Related Links https://auroramj.com/ Hudson, NY (12534) Today Mostly cloudy early with showers developing later in the day. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 57F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! County library to unveil story walk project in Vanderbilt The Otsego County Library is hosting a ceremony Saturday to formally open the latest story walk project. Nissan Senior Management Shake-up YOKOHAMA, Japan March 10, 2021; Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced senior management appointments aimed to further Nissan NEXT business transformation plan supporting Nissans progress towards profitability and its pursuit of new innovation-driven opportunities accelerating the pathway to electrified future and carbon neutrality. The following senior management changes will be effective April 1, 2021. In addition to his current role as chief financial officer, Stephen Ma will assume responsibility for Investor Relations, previously under Joji Tagawa senior vice president (SVP) and chief sustainability officer. Guillaume Cartier, currently vice chairperson and SVP of marketing and sales of the AMIEO region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) & president for AMI, will assume the role of chairperson of AMIEO replacing Gianluca de Ficchy. Cartier will report to vice-chief performance officer and chief quality officer, Christian Vandenhende. De Ficchy takes on a new senior role within the Alliance which is a subject of separate release. Jeremie Papin, currently vice chairperson of the management committee and chief financial officer for North America, is promoted as SVP & chairperson for Americas. Leon Dorssers, currently SVP in charge of Global Sales, Customer Quality, Dealer Network and Product Marketing, will be SVP and regional SVP of marketing and sales of AMIEO replacing Cartier. He will continue to hold his current responsibilities till his successor is announced. Dorssers will report to Cartier. Atul Pasricha, SVP will be in charge of Product Program Profitability Management, Global R&D Control, M&A and Partnership Finance and Alliance Costing Organization. Pasricha will report to Ma. Yasuhiko Obata, who is VP in charge of Oppama Plant, will be promoted as SVP in charge of Japan-ASEAN Manufacturing, SCM Operation Division and Global Operation Management. Obata will report to EVP Sakamoto. Seiji Honda, currently SVP in charge of Japan Manufacturing and SCM Operation Division, will be appointed to a leadership position within the Nissan Group. Hiroki Hasegawa, currently CVP and Alliance global VP, will be promoted to SVP and Alliance SVP, Purchasing. Hasegawa will have dual reporting to chief operating officer, Ashwani Gupta and Alliance EVP Purchasing. Manabu Sakane, currently vice president (VP) in charge of Corporate Governance and Corporate Management, and BOD office is appointed as CVP and Alliance global VP of Purchasing. Sakane will report to Hasegawa. Yoshihiro Kawai, currently VP of Purchasing will leave Nissan as of March 31, 2021. Carlos Servin, CVP in charge Global Revenue Control and Regions Performance Optimization will assume additional responsibility for Global Monozukuri and CAPEX Control previously under Atul. Servin will report to Ma. Naoya Fujimoto, corporate officer in charge of product development for Engineering at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is appointed CVP and Alliance global VP in charge of customer performance & CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and Test Engineering replacing Takeshi Yamaguchi. Fujimoto will report to Kunio Nakaguro, EVP. Yamaguchi, currently CVP and Alliance global VP in charge of customer performance & CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and Test Engineering, will assume a new position as CVP for special projects reporting to COO Gupta. Hideki Kimata, currently VP in charge of corporate strategy, is appointed as VP, president of Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC) replacing Takashi Nishibayashi. Kimata will report to Shohei Yamazaki, SVP & chairperson of the China region. Nishibayashi will be retired and transferred to advisor position for China. Eiji Kikuchi, currently Alliance global director for Vehicle Production Engineering in Manufacturing & SCM, is appointed VP in charge of Tochigi Plant replacing Takuya Nakamura. Kikuchi will report to Obata. Nakamura will be appointed to a leadership position within the Nissan Group. Takuji Hisamatsu, currently regional VP of Monozukuri AMI, is appointed VP in charge of Oppama Plant. Hisamatsu will report to Obata. Toru Ihara, currently CVP in charge of Japan HR, Diversity Development, Global Strategic Workforce Planning, Global Compensation & Benefits, Secretariat, is appointed as Acting Head of HR, CVP, Diversity Development, Organization Development and Secretariat. He will report to CEO Makoto Uchida. Yusuke Takahashi, currently SVP in charge of global HR, will be retired as of March 31, 2021. Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announce today new appointments within the Alliance as of April 1st, 2021. Veronique Sarlat-Depotte, currently Alliance EVP, Purchasing and Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization (APO), is appointed Alliance General Secretary. She remains a member of the Board of Management (BoM) of Groupe Renault. At the head of the Alliance Cooperation Office, her mission will be to coordinate the Alliance's major projects, to accelerate and deepen operational cooperation, and to broaden the fields of development and application for the benefit of the three member companies. Gianluca De Ficchy is appointed Alliance EVP, Purchasing and Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization (APO), replacing Veronique Sarlat-Depotte. He joins the Board of Management (BoM) of Groupe Renault. Hadi Zablit, currently Alliance General Secretary, will leave his position on April, 1st, 2021: "I would like to thank Groupe Renault and the members of the Board of the Alliance for trusting me during these many years for the creation and implementation of Renault Digital, for the development and implementation of strategic partnerships and more particularly for the relaunch and reconstruction of the Alliance's new cooperation model. I am handing over the Alliance General Secretariat to Veronique, to whom I wish success". Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Alliance Operating Board and of Renault declared: I would like to warmly thank Hadi who was able to create this new breath of life at the level of the Alliance and who led these highly strategic cooperations for the three companies. His remarkable work allows us to look to the future with optimism, with a portfolio of projects that matches our ambitions. I welcome the arrival of Veronique and Gianluca, who, during their careers, have held various positions of responsibility at Renault and Nissan and have contributed to the strengthening of the Alliance. Thanks to their experience and their extensive knowledge of the member companies, they will be able to accelerate the transformation and the dynamics of cooperation within the Alliance, while broadening the fields of application. *** Veronique Sarlat-Depotte, holds an engineering degree from the EPF (Ecole Polytechnique Feminine). She began her career at Renault in 1989 as part of the Purchasing Division. She has held several positions within Renault and Nissan, in France and Japan, within Purchasing, RNPO and CEO Office. In 2005, she was appointed Deputy General Manager, Purchasing Strategy at Nissan Motors Limited in Japan before being promoted General Manager in 2007 at the Japan Headquarters. In 2009, she was appointed GM, RNPO Vehicle Body Parts within RNPO. In 2010, she was promoted Vice President, RNPO Body & Electrical. In 2014, she became Alliance Global Director, RNPO Body & Electrical. On January 2015, Veronique Sarlat-Depotte became Deputy Managing Director of RNPO & Renault-Nissan Senior Vice President, Purchasing. In November 2016, Veronique Sarlat-Depotte has been Alliance Global Executive Vice President, Purchasing, and President of RNPO (Renault Nissan Purchasing Organization). Since April 2018, RNPOs scope has been extended to include Mitsubishis purchasing activity. This structure is renamed the Alliance Purchasing Organization and Veronique Sarlat-Depotte takes the lead as Alliance EVP, Purchasing and Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization (APO). Since March 1st, 2019, Veronique Sarlat-Depotte is member of Groupe Renault Executive Committee which was renamed Board of Management on January 1, 2021. As of April 1st, 2021, Veronique Sarlat-Depotte, is appointed Alliance General Secretary. She remains a member of the Board of Management (BoM) of Groupe Renault. Gianluca De Ficchy graduated in Economics from LUISS University in Rome. He started his career at Ernst & Young in 1994 and then joined Groupe Renault in 2001 as Finance Director of RCI Banque in Italy. In 2004, he was appointed Director of Planning & Management Control at RCI Banque. In 2007, he joined FGA Capital, a joint venture between Credit Agricole and Fiat S.p.A., of which he became Chairman and CEO in 2013. In October 2014, Gianluca De Ficchy was appointed Chief Executive Officer of RCI Bank and Services. In April 2016, he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of DIAC S.A., while retaining his position as Chief Executive Officer of RCI Bank and Services. In 2017, he was appointed member of Groupe Renault Management Committee (CDR). In April 2018, Gianluca De Ficchy joined Nissan as Senior Vice President and Chairman of Management Committee for Europe. Since October 1st, 2020, Gianluca De Ficchy was Nissan's Chairman for the AMIEO region, which covers the activities of the Group's brands in Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe (including Russia) and Oceania. As of April 1st 2021, Gianluca De Ficchy is appointed Alliance EVP, Purchasing and Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization (APO) and joins the Board of Management (BoM) of Groupe Renault. With these moves, Nissan will continue to strengthen its global and regional integration, become more competitive by improving the speed of operations and help deploy latest technologies consistently and quickly to customers the world over. Highlighting why those concerned about mass incarceration need to be concerned with murder spike | Main | "The Intersection of Race and Algorithmic Tools in the Criminal Legal System" Van Jones and Louis Reed have this great new CNN piece under the headlie "The one issue that could bring Democrats and Republicans together." Here are excerpts: Political commentators continue to wonder whether President Joe Biden can deliver on his promise of national unity and healing. While his prospects for doing so seem increasingly limited, there is one area that offers some hope: criminal justice reform.... Biden has a unique opportunity to build on his predecessors' progress. To start, he can: 1. Increase funding for the First Step Act. Biden can build on the existing bipartisan consensus by allocating more money to the kinds of educational and job training programs prescribed in the First Step Act. One of the core features of this legislation is "earned time credits," which lets people shorten the length of their sentences by completing various programs. Demand is high. There is a waiting list of more than 11,000 people even for basic literacy programs. Access to these kinds of programs has been diminished even further during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it's worth the investment because increasing educational and job training, treatment, and compassionate release programs can significantly reduce the federal prison population and recidivism rates. 2. Fix federal supervision systems. When people are released from federal custody, many enter an incredibly harsh supervised release system. Due to laws requiring mandatory supervision sentences and mandatory prison time for noncriminal "violations," many people get saddled with years or even decades of invasive monitoring and additional time behind bars for things like missing a meeting. Biden could push for smart bipartisan reforms like capping the amount of time people spend under supervision, preventing people from returning to prison for noncriminal violations and allowing people to get off supervision early based on good behavior and participation in educational programs. Reforms like these are already winning favor in red states (like Louisiana), purple states (like Michigan) and blue states (like California). 3. Back existing bipartisan legislative efforts. There are some measures that already have support from both sides of the aisle. None are perfect; the legislative process would likely strengthen many of them. But if Biden is looking for common ground issues, these measures offer him a great starting point: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Tuesday that it has generally endorsed a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for China for the 2021-2025 period to support government efforts to achieve high-quality, green development. The ADB said its operations in China will focus on three interrelated strategic priorities -- environmentally sustainable development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and an aging society and health security. "ADB is targeting areas where it can add value through innovative demonstration projects that generate regional public goods, knowledge, and best practices for replication," ADB's Country Director for China Yolanda Fernandez Lommen said in a statement. "Close cooperation between sovereign and non-sovereign operations will be at the core of this approach, and synergies between ADB's operational and knowledge departments will be used to help develop solutions to complex issues," she added. The ADB proposes total lending commitments in the country of 7.0 billion U.S. dollars to 7.5 billion U.S. dollars for 2021-2025 for sovereign operations, compared with 9.0 billion U.S. dollars in 2016-2020, with an expected declining trend towards the end of the CPS. The ADB said nonsovereign operations will remain stable at about 450 million U.S. dollars per year. According to the bank, China's rapid growth has also given rise to new development challenges, including social inequality, environmental degradation and pollution, a rapidly aging society, and health security concerns. The ADB said the CPS recognizes that these and other challenges need to be addressed by strengthened social and economic institutions and will guide ADB engagement with China to close the gaps in key institutions and steadily approach graduation from ADB's assistance. According to the ADB, the CPS is aligned with key government development priorities under China's upcoming 14th five-year plan. These include an emphasis on natural resource management to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem damage, low-carbon development, social inclusion in the context of population aging, and regional health security, the ADB said. Electronics on Wednesday released its first consumer solid-state drive (SSD) without DRAM. The new 980 NVMe SSD delivers the top performance among DRAM-less SSDs, according to The latest consumer SSD will be available in three models -- 250GB, 500GB and 1TB -- and will be launched in about 40 countries, including the US, Germany and China. The 980 SSD is available at Rs 6,499 for the 250GB, Rs 8,999 for the 500GB and Rs 16,999 for the 1TB variant. Samsung has been at the forefront of introducing intelligent and high performing Solid-State Drives. The all-new SSD 980 is an amalgamation of both hardware and software innovations that brings greater value without compromising the high-end NVMe performance. Power packed with TurboWrite 2.0, the SSD offers larger buffer storage area inside the drive. The 980 is an excellent blend of speed, power efficiency and reliability, making it suitable for everyday PC users and gamers as well as content creators, said Akash Saxenaa, Senior Director, Enterprise Sales, Samsung India Generally, DRAM-less designs have slower speeds for fast access to data. However, Samsung said it leveraged host memory buffer technology, which links the drive directly to the host computer's DRAM, to overcome a disadvantage in speed while reducing cost. Also utilising its latest sixth-generation V-NAND, as well as optimised controller and firmware, the South Korean tech giant said the 980 SSD offers sequential read and write speeds up to 3,500 and 3,000 megabytes per second, respectively. Samsung added its upgraded Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 solution also provides improved performance by allocating a much larger buffer storage area inside the drive, reports Yonhap news agency. To enhance stability, Samsung said it applied the Dynamic Thermal Guard technology, which utilises nickel-coated controller and heat spreader label solutions. The latest SSD features improved power efficiency of up to 56 percent when compared with the previous 970 EVO, it added. --IANS wh/na New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind on Wednesday expressed their concerns on the verdict given by the Supreme Court on Triple Talaq on Tuesday. The organisation said the verdict is against the Islamic Shariyat and it is a matter of great concern for the Muslim community. On Tuesday, the Apex Court had banned the 1,400 year-old practice of instant 'triple talaq' among Sunni Muslims and set it aside on several grounds including that it was against the basic tenets of the Holy Quran and violated the Islamic law Shariat. This verdict is against the Islamic Shariat and it is a matter of great concern for the Muslim community: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind #TripleTalaq pic.twitter.com/zkNwPGlt8r ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 A five-judge Constitution bench, by a majority of 3:2 in which the Chief Justice J S Khehar found himself in a minority, had said in a one line order: "In view of the different opinions recorded by a majority of 3:2, the practice of'talaq-e-biddat' triple talaq is set aside." The three separate verdicts totalling 395 pages, written for the majority by Justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman, did not concur with the minority view of the CJI and Justice S A Nazeer that 'triple talaq' was a part of religious practice and the government should step in and bring in a law. (With PTI Inputs) Also Read | SC verdict on instant triple talaq: Here is what judges with different faiths said For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The United States will continue to demand answers from Iran about the abduction, detention and probable death of retired FBI agent Robert Levinson, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Tuesday marking the anniversary of his disappearance. After 14 years and repeated, persistent efforts to secure Irans cooperation in locating Mr. Levinson, we are still without answers, Psaki said. Nevertheless, we will continue to demand answers and to hold Iran accountable. Levinson disappeared on Irans remote Kish Island in March 2007 during an unauthorized CIA mission that the US government for years claimed was a private business trip. He hasnt been seen or heard from publicly since, and the Iranian government denied holding the veteran agent in its custody. In March 2020, the Levinson family announced in a statement that the US government believed Levinson had died sometime before the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. His remains have not been recovered. This would make Levinson the longest-held American hostage in history. In what marked the first public actions the US government had taken against Tehran over his abduction, the Trump administration in December sanctioned two high-ranking Iranian intelligence officials. US officials said all available evidence points to Levinsons likely death in Iranian custody. This case is not closed, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. We call on the Iranian government to provide credible answers to what happened to Bob Levinson and to immediately and safely release all US citizens who are unjustly held captive in Iran. The abhorrent act of unjust detentions for political gain must cease immediately, Blinken said. Iran, which has a history of jailing foreigners and dual citizens and using them as bargaining chips, is currently detaining a number of Americans on trumped-up espionage charges. The families have urged the Biden administration to make their loved ones release a precondition of any nuclear talks with Iran. The Iranian-Americans held by Tehran include conservationist Morad Tahbaz and businessman Siamak Namazi and his father, former UNICEF official Baquer Namazi. In December, a little over a month before Joe Bidens inauguration as president, Iranian authorities arrested dual citizen businessman Emad Sharghi. Last month, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States is communicating with Iran over the detention of American citizens. Irans Foreign Ministry said some messages between the two governments were exchanged via the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran. Navy veteran Michael White was freed from Iranian custody in June after nearly two years in detention. 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. For all other services telephone assistance is available during regular business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at 907-269-7800. Specific service and office contact numbers are attached. Need help with COVID-19 questions or requests? Find vaccine appointments Health care providers should direct clinical questions to the Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000. Questions regarding DHSS COVID response, including advisories, can be sent to covidquestions@alaska.gov. If you are a member of a media and have a question, please contact Clinton.Bennett@alaska.gov or 907-269-4996 for resources and contacts. Alaska Careline If you are feeling hopeless or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help right away. Call the Alaska Careline at 877-266-4357 or text 4help to 839863. Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Vaccine Data Visit the Alaska Coronavirus Response Dashboard to explore the the latest data and maps for the coronavirus response in our local area. Contact information for select DHSS programs and services Breonna Taylor's mother has celebrated prosecutors dropping a criminal case against her daughter's boyfriend, insisting he never should've never been charged in the first place for shooting an officer in the botched raid that left Taylor. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was fatally shot eight times by police as they served a no-knock warrant at her Louisville apartment on March 13, 2020, in the middle of the night. Her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, 28, said the officers didn't announce themselves and he believed someone was attempting to break into their apartment. Walker fired one shot, striking Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the leg. Mattingly and two other officers then returned fire and Taylor was killed as she lay in bed. Almost a year on from the deadly shooting, Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, told NBC of the painful anniversary, 'I don't even know the difference between the days anymore.' However, she said she was relieved to hear that prosecutors had permanently closed a criminal case against Walker on Monday, calling the motion 'long overdue' and insisted he never should've been charged in the first place. Almost a year on from the deadly shooting, Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, told NBC of the painful anniversary, 'I don't even know the difference between the days anymore' Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was fatally shot eight times by police as they served a no-knock warrant at her Louisville apartment on March 13, 2020, in the middle of the night. Her boyfriend Kenneth Walker (seen left) shot an officer in the leg believing they were being robbed Its been almost a year since Breonna Taylor was shot to death in her own apartment as Louisville police officers executed a no-knock warrant. Her mother, Tamika Palmer, spoke to @ReporterBlayne about the painful anniversary. pic.twitter.com/43fHgIgbLl TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 10, 2021 Last summer, amid national racial injustice protests triggered by the police killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day, Taylor's name also became a rallying cry for those marching, demanding 'Justice for Breonna'. None of the officers involved in Taylor's death have been criminally charged after a grand jury failed to lay murder charges in September. Speaking to NBC, Palmer said she was 'eternally grateful' for the Black Lives Matter protesters who have kept Taylor's memory alive and demanded justice in her name. 'Theres so many people who never even met her,' Palmer tearfully began, 'but they learned of her and they came to stand for her because what happened to her wasnt right I can never say thank you enough.' Palmer, however, lamented the fact that 'nobody has been held accountable' for her daughter's death and she vowed to continue fighting until somebody is. 'Just knowing who Breonna was - she didn't deserve that,' she said of the EMT's death. 'I've had one job and that's to protect my kids. So how do you not continue to fight.' Speaking to NBC, Palmer said she was 'eternally grateful' for the Black Lives Matter protesters who kept Taylor's memory alive and demanded justice in her name Last summer, amid national racial injustice protests triggered by the police killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day, Taylor's name also became a rallying cry for those marching, demanding 'Justice for Breonna' The decision to drop criminal proceedings against Walker came on Monday. The 28-year-old had initially been charged with attempted murder for shooting Mattingly after the raid, but those charges were dropped in May last year. However, prosecutors left open the opportunity to revisit the charge against Walker if new evidence surfaced. A motion from Walker's attorney asking for the permanent dismissal said Walker 'acted in self-defense and that he did not know that police were on the other side of the door.' Jefferson Circuit Judge Olu Stevens' order on Monday dismissed the 2020 indictment against Walker with prejudice, meaning it can't be reconsidered. Mattingly recovered from the leg wound and remains on the Louisville police department. Detective Myles Cosgrove, who shot Taylor, and Detective Joshua Jaynes, who sought the warrant for the botched drug raid, were both fired back in January. Attorney Benjamin Crump, left, holds up the hand of Walker during a rally on the steps of the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., June 25, 2020 People protest in response to Taylor's death in Louisville, Kentucky on Sept. 24, 2020 An investigation found Jaynes violated procedures for preparation of a search warrant and truthfulness. Walker shot Lt. Jonathan Mattingly, who remains on the force Cosgrove, who the FBI concluded had fired the bullet that claimed Taylor's life, was found to have violated the department's use of force policy and failing to use a body camera, according to the publication. Jaynes was not present during the shooting at Taylor's apartment in Louisville, but was responsible for securing the 'no-knock' search warrant from a judge 12 hours before the raid. The warrant had become the subject of controversy following the shooting, raising questions as to why officers had targeted Taylor's home despite her not being involved in their drug investigation. Jaynes's termination letter stated: 'These are extreme violations of our policies, which endangered others. 'Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the department. Your conduct has severely damaged the image our department has established within our community. Another officer, Brett Hankison, was fired last year after he was found to have 'blindly fired' 10 shots into Taylor's apartment from outside. Detectives Joshua Jaynes (left) and Myles Cosgrove (right) were fired in connection to Breonna Taylor's fatal shooting on March 13, 2020 Another officer, Brett Hankison, was fired last year after he was found to have 'blindly fired' 10 shots into Taylor's apartment from outside during the raid Mattingly, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit against Walker in October of last year, accusing him of assault, battery, and emotional distress. Mattingly has blamed Walker for Taylor's death because the officers 'returned fire' after he was shot in the leg. 'Every piece of evidence from when they falsely arrested and indicted him a year ago up till today prove that Kenny acted in self defense and was immune from prosecution,' Walker's attorney, Steve Romines, said in a statement. 'Yet he was framed and charged to cover up Breonna's killing. This is but a first step.' Palmer reached a $12 million settlement with the city of Louisville last September, the largest amount the city has ever paid out. The settlement also included a series of police reforms, including one requiring all search warrants to first be approved by a police commander before being sent to a judge. 'As significant as today is, it is only the beginning,' Palmer said in a press conference at the time. 'We must not lose focus on what the real job is, and with that being said, it's time to move forward with the criminal charges, because she deserves that and much more.' A full interview with Tamika Palmer will air on NBC Nightly News at 6:30pm ET Wednesday. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. "Investment in a 21st century intelligent and autonomous infrastructure is among the highest priorities for stimulating economic expansion, national security, and job growth. Edge computing, 5G wireless, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Resilient Alternative Positioning, Navigation Timing (APNT,) and resilient electrical grids will drive the largest infrastructure buildout in our nation's history. Digital Edge will drive the world economy," said Jeffrey DeCoux, Chairman and Fellow, Autonomy Institute. "The future of Industry 4.0 depends on a plurality of multi-tenant sensors and processing capabilities located close to users, machines, and devices," said John Cowan, EDJX CEO, and co-founder. "EDJX and Atrius are actively developing real-world solutions at the edge with the world's foremost innovators and thinkers in the field of autonomous and connected systems as part of the PINN pilot release." PINN is seen as the critical element required to advance intelligent and autonomous solutions for city resilience. Deployment of the PINNs will be as critical to cities as roads, power, telecommunications, and water infrastructure. PINN clusters will be deployed within cities, on highways, across military installations, and in rural communities to accelerate the nation's digital infrastructure buildout. PINNs are designed to deliver a multitude of advanced edge sensors and computing capabilities to empower cities into the future. Next-generation applications and services require a new computing infrastructure that delivers low-latency networks and high-performance computing at the extreme edge of the network. Without the ability to deliver low latency, multi-tenant high performance computing and sensor arrays, the nation will lack the critical infrastructure upon which any future economy can be built. The goal is to have tens of thousands of PINNs deployed by mid-2022. Autonomy Institute technology partners EDJX, Inc ., the pioneer in distributed cloud services at the edge, and Atrius Industries , market leader in developing intelligent and autonomous applications, have aligned to deliver solutions at the edge for PINN pilot users, including Transportation and Defense customers. PINNs will be deployed first in Austin, Texas, and Texas Military Department, Camp Mabry. EDJX and Atrius are collaborating to develop edge-enabled IoT software and data solutions on the EDJX platform installed on a plurality of interconnected PINNs consistent with the strategic direction of the Texas Military Department for the pilot launch. Autonomy Institute, Atrius, and EDJX are building out a priority sequence of city-by-city rollouts. The first PINNs are scheduled to come online in Q221. PINNs will enable optimized traffic management, autonomous cars, industrial robotics, autonomous delivery, drones that respond to 911 calls, automated road and bridge inspection, smart city and national security applications. Deployment of PINN infrastructure will entail significant coordination between public and private organizations. Local governments are struggling today with permitting disparate systems that need to be a single open and intelligent infrastructure. Autonomy Institute is working with Raleigh, Denver, Austin, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, who are already exploring the impact of PINN infrastructure. PINN deployment will allow activation of compute and sensors and 5G equipment, foundational to building critical applications at the edge. PINNs will be funded through private industry and public sector collaborators. PINN is also supported by major technology innovators, including HPE and several others, contributing their technology and expertise to operationalize PINNs. "The future of computing is at the Edge, processing data where it is generated and sensed, enabling immediate insights that will inform decisions. The Autonomy Institute has taken a major leap forward into this future and we are delighted to be involved with the initiative," said Bill Burnham, HPE CTO US Public Sector. Call to Action US city planning departments, IoT developers, and other interested technology providers should apply to the limited PINN Beta program. Selected applicants are granted early access to PINN hardware, sensors, edge computing, and EDJX platform software to develop and test their solutions end-to-end. About EDJX EDJX is an edge computing platform that makes it easy to write edge and IoT applications using serverless computing, accelerate content delivery, increase the responsiveness of edge applications, and secure edge data at the source. EDJX helps businesses handle the explosive demand for data processing to serve real-world edge computing applications, including industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and robotics. Led by cloud industry veterans John Cowan and James Thomason, EDJX is a privately held company based in Raleigh, NC. Visit EDJX and follow EDJX on LinkedIn and Twitter . About Autonomy Institute Autonomy Institute is a cooperative research consortium focused on advancing and accelerating Autonomy and AI at the edge. Autonomy Institute aligns government, industry, academia, and the public to create the policies, industry, jobs, and community benefits of autonomy, starting with Intelligent and Autonomous Infrastructure. Investment in a twenty-first century Intelligent and Autonomous infrastructure is among the highest priorities for stimulating economic and job growth. Autonomy Institute's deployment of the Public Infrastructure Network Node (PINN) will be as critical to a city as roads, power, telecommunications, and water infrastructure. Learn more about PINN at Autonomy.institute and follow Autonomy Institute on LinkedIn and Twitter . Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE EDJX, Inc. Related Links http://edjx.io Erie Materials, a regional distributor of building materials in New York and Pennsylvania, announced several promotions and new hires: Stefen Burt has joined the inside sales staff in Syracuse. He started at Erie Materials in 2001, working in the Syracuse Warehouse, then was promoted to commercial inside sales in 2008. Pat Connors was named purchasing agent in the corporate office in Syracuse. Connors joined Erie Materials in 2006 as a warehouse worker in Syracuse then was soon selected as branch administrator. Alysa Fiumara joined the company as branch administrator at the Syracuse branch. Adam Thoryk was promoted to a full time inside sales position in Syracuse. He joined Erie Materials in June 2019 as a warehouse worker and assisted at the sales counter. Jason Thoryk has been promoted to inside sales representative in Syracuse. He started as a summer associate in 2018 then joined the warehouse staff in September 2018. Erie Materials was established in 1973. It distributes building materials for residential and commercial exteriors, such as roofing, siding, windows, doors, decking, manufactured stone veneer and gutters. Based in Syracuse, it serves professional contractors and architects through its locations in Albany, Auburn, Binghamton, Elmira, Syracuse, Utica and Watertown as well as Scranton and Williamsport, Pa. If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. See all recent Company News items. A politics lecturer has hit out at Liverpool University's plans to drop the name of former Prime Minister William Gladstone from a building because of his family's links to the slave trade. The university emailed staff on Tuesday confirming that the plans to rename the Gladstone Hall student accommodation building, which were initially announced in June, are set to go ahead. They said the decision was being made because of 'the strength of feeling evoked in our student community by the Gladstone family's historic ownership of enslaved people, and their profiting from the transatlantic trade in enslaved people'. But the move was slammed by university employee Dr David Jeffery, an expert on the history of Liverpool, who said on Twitter that Gladstone was one of Britain's greatest' Prime Ministers. He added: 'We're post-truth. It doesn't matter what the facts are, if you can kick up a storm on social media you can bully your way to getting what you want.' William Gladstone's father, the merchant John Gladstone, owned more than 2,500 slaves and was compensated by the British Government when it abolished slavery in the British Empire in 1833. Even though William spoke out in favour of the rights of plantation owners early in his career, he later said the abolition of slavery was one of the great political issues on which the 'masses had been right'. Speaking to Mailonline, Dr Jeffery said it was 'bonkers' that Gladstone was being judged for 'what his father did'. The plans come as other prominent historical figures with alleged slavery links have been re-examined since the Black Lives Matter protests last year. A politics professor has hit out at Liverpool University's plans to drop the name of former Prime Minister William Gladstone from a building because of his family's links to the slave trade The university emailed staff on Tuesday confirming that the plans to rename the Gladstone Hall student accommodation building, which were initially announced in June, are set to go ahead Early in his political career, Gladstone himself defended the rights of plantation owners in the West Indies and spoke out against the abolition of slavery in a speech in Parliament. But Gladstone later became more critical of slavery and advanced proposals to help secure the 'effectual exclusion of slave-grown sugar' from domestic markets. And towards the end of his life, Gladstone, who was from Liverpool, also named the abolition of slavery as one of the ten great achievements of the previous sixty years on which 'the masses had been right and the classes had been wrong'. Gladstone, who served as Prime Minister for four separate terms totalling 12 years in the late 19th Century, was also responsible for major progressive reforms including extending voting rights to millions of Britons and introducing the secret ballot. He also championed home rule for Ireland and working-class rights. Proposals put forward in 2017 to rename Gladstone Hall were voted down by students. However, an open letter was then sent to university bosses last summer from a group of students calling themselves 'Students in solidarity with Black Lives Matter'. The university then announced in June that it planned to rename Gladstone Hall, before an email on Tuesday confirmed the measure. Dr Jeffery said of Tuesday's email: 'The university is running scared. They had a vote in 2017 and the student body rejected it. 'There's no strength of feeling, if anything there is complete indifference. If they're going by strength of feeling the 2017 vote should be used. 'I think a lot of this is shaped by what the university sees on social media. That is the main way people are getting in contact with the university. The university said they were renaming the building because of 'the strength of feeling evoked in our student community by the Gladstone family's historic ownership of enslaved people, and their profiting from the transatlantic trade in enslaved people' 'They need to realise that what they see on Twitter is not representative of the university as a whole.' Speaking of Gladstone, Dr Jeffery said: 'No figure in history is perfect, but if we are going to have buildings named after prominent politicians, Gladstone is one of the finest. 'As a young politician he clearly was shaped by his family, he did give speeches that were related to the defence of business owners in the West Indies but first of all at the same time he was pushing for progressive reforms in other areas. 'What we miss by trying to completely Gladstone by what he did when he was in his early 20s is that you completely miss the full journey that he went on. 'What you do is you are basically saying, if you get something wrong abut also a widely shared view at that time it was a debate, it wasn't an uncommon view. 'But what was uncommon was his direction of travel. And what was uncommon was the wide range of progressive reforms that his party pushed through. The move was slammed by university employee Dr David Jeffery, an expert on the history of Liverpool, who said on Twitter that Gladstone was one of Britain's greatest' Prime Ministers 'It seems like we are setting the bar unnecessarily high for what we can honour people for. We are saying if you get something wrong but later change your mind, well tough.' The academic added that, when he stood to be an MP in 1832, Gladstone 'told voters that slavery should be abolished'. He said that the passage of the bill which ended slavery in 1833 was 'eased' by the provision for compensating slave owners, which Gladstone supported. Dr Jeffery pointed out in his tweets that Liverpool University has a 'memorial scholarship' named after legendary Beatles member John Lennon, even though he used to 'hit his partners'. He added: 'Does this reflect the uni's values - or are we picking and choosing based on currents fads?' The email sent to staff by university bosses read: 'The decision to rename the hall has been made in recognition of the strength of feeling evoked in our student community by the Gladstone family's historic ownership of enslaved people, and their profiting from the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. 'It is important that the names used within the University, including our Halls of Residence, reflect the values of openness, transparency and respect that underpin our work.' They called on students and staff to propose new names for the hall so they could send a 'clear message about the commitments we have made to our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.' Bosses said the hall would be renamed by students and staff using a 'democratic nomination' and 'voting process'. 'Nominated names should have a connection with Liverpool or the surrounding region and speak to the theme of racial equality,' they said. Voting will take place in April and the hall will then be renamed as the 'democratically chosen winner'. The email also said hinted that other buildings which are named after historical figures could be changed. They said the renaming of Gladstone Hall was the 'starting point' in a 'lengthy road' which will see them introduce a 'Naming Framework'. Dr Jeffery said: 'Liverpool University is shamefully going ahead with renaming Gladstone Hall - named after one of our greatest prime ministers and one of Liverpool's most consequential political exports. He worked for the abolition of slavery and never owned slaves himself' The programme will 'help us to create a truly inclusive campus that provides belonging for each and every member,' they said. A Liverpool University spokesman said: 'It is important that the names used within the University, including our Halls of Residence, reflect the values of openness, transparency and respect that underpin our work. 'The renaming of Gladstone Hall of Residence is an opportunity to send a clear message about the commitments we have made to our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff. 'This is outlined in the Universitys Anti-Racism Action Plan resulting from its Equality and Human Rights Commission working group. 'We are determined to address the consequences of contemporary racism and racial inequality, and to drive the programme of institutional change that is needed.' Many institutions around the UK have been looking at how to deal with their links to slavery following the Black Lives Matters protests earlier this year. Protestors toppled the statue of renowned slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol. Since the toppling of Colston's statue many institutions have removed statues and renamed buildings due to historic figures' involvement with the slave trade. Last month, the British Empire was branded 'far worse than the Nazis' during a controversial debate about wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill's legacy at another Cambridge college. During the online debate, at Churchill College, participants discussed 'The Racial Consequences of Mr Churchill' and looked at his 'backward' views on empire and race. Contributor Kehinde Andrews, a professor of black studies at Birmingham City University, said: 'The British Empire was far worse than the Nazis. They lasted longer and killed many more people.' On Churchill, he added: 'There is no debate. His white supremacy is pretty much on record and the question here is why does Churchill still hold the level of popularity that he does? 'It's almost like he's been beatified a saintly figure beyond reproach.' Professor Andrews has previously accused Britain of being 'built on racism' and called RAF airmen who bombed Nazi Germany war criminals. He also belittled Sir Winston's contribution to Britain, saying: 'Was it Churchill out there fighting the war? I'm pretty sure it wasn't. I'm pretty sure he was at home. 'I'm pretty sure that if Churchill wasn't in the war it would have ended the same way.' One of the most anticipated HBO Max titles of the year surprisingly appeared Monday, March 8 on HBO Max. This is 10 days before a scheduled debut of March 18. According to The Hollywood Reporter, some users attempted to access Tom & Jerry, the new CGI/live-action hybrid film from director Tim Story. For some unknown reasons, the upcoming Justice League cut played instead. The Hollywood Reporter cited the streaming service which said in a statement: Zack Snyders Justice League was temporarily available on HBO Max and the error was addressed within minutes. The first indication of the Justice League error was noted on Twitter by Doug Bass of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hollywood Reporter said Bass told them he attempted to watch Tom & Jerry, but instead was able to access one hour of Justice League before it was cut off. However, when he tried to restart the film, Tom & Jerry played as it should have, suggesting that users were able to cache a certain amount of Justice League in the window it was available. The error was noted by several other users. THR too was able to access Justice League via HBO Max. When THR attempted to play Tom & Jerry an error message appeared first followed by Snyders Justice League cut. But when the film was put on pause, a message said the user was watching Tom & Jerry. Twitter users who shared screenshots of Justice League, were sent takedown notices on behalf of Warner Bros. on Monday night. THR reported that as one of the most anticipated HBO Max titles of the year, Zack Snyders Justice League has taken on mythic status in the years after Snyder left the film following a family tragedy. Instead, a theatrical cut he did not oversee originally hit theaters in 2017. Now more than three years later, Snyder has returned to complete his vision, shooting several new minutes for his cut, including a moment between Batman (played Ben Affleck) andJoker) (Jared Leto), THR said. Those who experienced the movie mix-up on Monday can look forward to the premiere of Justice League on Thursday, March 18 on HBO Max. READ MORE: Cops have seized more than 5kg of meth hidden in Chupa Chup lollipops from the US, as well as 655 grams of other drugs including cocaine. The parcels bound for Sydney's Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Macquarie Park, Chatswood and Ryde were discovered between November 2020 and March 2021. Detectives arrested three men over their alleged involvement in the importation of the deadly drugs concealed in lollipops and lollies from the United States on Wednesday. The methylamphetamine was concealed as lollipops when it was imported from the United States The cocaine was pressed as lollies and imported from the United States 5.83kg of methylamphetamine and 655 grams of cocaine was seized from 16 packages arriving from the United States Northern Beaches Police Area Commander, Superintendent Patrick Sharkey, said the drugs posed a significant risk to the community. 'The manufacturing and packaging of these drugs was sophisticated; and they could have easily been mistaken for the sweets they were disguised as by both children and adults,' said Superintendent Sharkey. 'It is very concerning given the drugs were uncut and had a potency that could potentially cause serious injury or death if ingested.' In early November 2020, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility mail centre found three packages as they arrived in Sydney from the United States containing methylamphetamine and cocaine. Between November 2020 and March 2021, authorities seized 16 parcels that contained 5.83kg of methylamphetamine and 655 grams of cocaine. Northern Beaches detectives searched properties in the Northern Beaches, Sydney's CBD and Ryde at about 6am today on March 10, 2021. There was concerns that the drugs could have been consumed by people without realising the deadly quantities of drugs. The drugs that were imported from the United States as lollies were headed for a number of Sydney suburbs They arrested three men, aged 21, 31 and 49, at homes in Dee Why, Macquarie Park, and Collaroy Plateau where they were taken to Manly Police Station. ABF International Mail, Cargo Clearance & Systems Support NSW Superintendent John Fleming said ABF officers are aware of the different tactics used by criminals. 'Criminals might think that by using a scattergun approach to sending numerous packages containing drugs to different locations the packages will be missed by ABF officers, but that's not the case,' Superintendent Fleming said. 'The ABF are always on the look-out for prohibited items being smuggled in goods like clothing, household goods, or in this case food items.' Inquiries continue. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Yes, Theyre Open is a web series highlighting local bars and restaurants that are open for takeout, delivery, pickup or dining during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Live streams from the featured restaurants are broadcast on the Advance Facebook page every weekday around 3 p.m. On Tuesday, the Advance/SILive.com visited The RoadHouse at 1400 Clove Road, which is open for indoor dining, delivery and pickup from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit theroadhousesi.com or call 718-447-0033 for more information. Staten Island restaurant owners: If you would like your establishment featured for free as part of Yes, Theyre Open, email reporter Victoria Priola at vpriola@siadvance.com. YES, THEYRE OPEN: The RoadHouse is open for indoor dining, pickup and delivery at 1400 Clove Road. Hours are Sunday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday noon to 10 p.m. Visit theroadhousesi.com for more information. Posted by Staten Island Advance on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 WANT MORE YES, THEYRE OPEN? Check out the listings below or check out all of our previous coverage here. Killmeyers Old Baravia Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Road Sals Bakery, 245 Richmond Valley Road Jodys Club Forest, 372 Forest Ave. Tinas Whiskey Tavern, 4060 Hylan Blvd. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. According to the C14 measurements in pre-industrial air bubbles in ice, the share of natural geological sources (orange) is very small. Now it appears that a single mud volcano already reaches the lower limit of the natural geological estimate for the entire earth. The orange pie slice should therefore be a lot bigger. The gray slice, which stands for amongst others the oil industry, then automatically becomes smaller. After all, the total geological emissions (orange + gray) are fairly accurately determined. We don't have to obtain those numbers from air bubbles in ice, so despite the small amounts of C14, that measurement is still reliable. Credit: SRON Geological methane sources can be either anthropogenic or natural, such as the oil industry or mud volcanoes. Ground-based measurements combined with TROPOMI observations on the Javanese mud volcano Lusi now show that the natural geological emissions are probably higher than expected. It would mean that we have to attribute a smaller share to man-made geological sources. On the other hand, other human activities should be held accountable for higher emissions, such as rice fields and livestock farming. The study is published in Scientific Reports. After carbon dioxide, methane has the largest share in our unintentional amplification of the greenhouse effect. In this day and age, human activities and natural processes collectively emit 560 million tons of methane per year. Back when nature still had a monopoly on methane emissions, they were at 40% of the current level, around 250 million tons, as can be deduced from air bubbles trapped in ancient ice at the poles. Humans emit methane through, for example, rice fields, livestock farming, waste processing and geological sources such as oil extraction. Natural sources include swamps, the seabed and geological sources such as mud volcanoes. Geological methane can be distinguished from general methane due to a lack of C14 isotopes. So the total geological emissions, human plus natural, is known. Scientists are therefore interested in mud volcanoes, because with a simple subtraction, they can also learn more about methane emissions from the oil industry. Estimates of natural geological emissions have long been around 30-75 million tons per year. But recent C14 measurements in pre-industrial air bubbles in ice provide estimates of 0.1 to 5.4 million tons. So it would only account for a tiny portion of the 170 million tons of natural emissions in total. In the diagram above this one, we already saw that the estimate for human geological emissions should be estimated lower. So in this diagram, the blue pie slice, which stands for amongst others the oil industry, is getting smaller. This means that human non-geological emissions (yellow) are increasing. After all, the total human emissions (blue + yellow) can be determined quite accurately. We do not have to measure this from ratios with small amounts of C14, so that measurement is still reliable. Credit: SRON An international research team has now used the Dutch TROPOMI space instrument to determine that a single mud volcano already reaches the lower limit of estimates for the entire Earth0.1 million tons. Admittedly, we are talking about the largest in the world, Lusi on Java, but given the number of mud volcanoes on Earth, natural geological sources are back on the table as a substantial source of methane. "It raises the question whether something went wrong with the pre-industrial C14 measurements," says Sander Houweling, member of the TROPOMI team and affiliated with SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. "Depending on the outcome, emissions from the oil industry will be higher or lower." Because the total anthropogenic emissions are known fairly accurately, this also has consequences for the emissions that we attribute to other human activities such as rice fields, livestock farming and waste processing. The study is a collaboration between the TROPOMI team, who collected data from space, and scientists who carried out measurements on the island of Java itself. Houweling: "That way we can compare ground-based and satellite measurements. The results of both studies are in agreement, so we can draw a reliable conclusion. Measurements from the ground and from space rely on two completely different methods, and still appear to arrive at the same answer within uncertainties. Chances of that happening by accident are very small." Explore further Huge methane emission rise follows extreme rainfall in East Africa More information: Adriano Mazzini et al. Relevant methane emission to the atmosphere from a geological gas manifestation, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Adriano Mazzini et al. Relevant methane emission to the atmosphere from a geological gas manifestation,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83369-9 Police in Bahrain have beaten children detained in protest-related cases last month and threatened them with rape and electric shocks, the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a joint report that accused prosecutors and judges of enabling the abuse. Family members and a local rights advocate said police rounded up at least 13 children aged 11-17 in early to mid-February, some for reportedly burning tires or blocking roads. The report highlighted one incident where police beat five children and threatened them with electric shocks from a car battery. In one instance, an officer struck a 13-year-old on the head and threatened him with rape, according to the report. A police officer who threatens a 13-year-old with rape or electric shocks from a car battery is an abominable stain on Bahrains reputation, said Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei, advocacy director at BIRD. Bahraini police officers treated children as enemies who must be terrorized into confessing, while prosecutors and judges shut parents and lawyers out of proceedings. A government spokesperson declined to respond to the specifics of the report but told Reuters that Bahrain takes human rights extremely seriously and has a zero tolerance policy on abuse in the justice system. Based on the timing of the arrests, the report suggests Bahraini authorities may have been trying to snuff out dissent and dissuade protesters from assembling to mark the anniversary of the countrys Arab Spring protests. In February 2011, an estimated 100,000 people a fifth of the population took to the streets to protest the government. Since quashing the Shiite-led protests a decade ago, the Sunni-dominated government in Bahrain has been roundly condemned by rights groups who accuse it of suppressing dissent. Reports of child abuse in Bahrain are not new. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child concluded in 2019 that children in the Persian Gulf country were subject to arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and torture. Four of the children arrested last month are reportedly still detained, including a 16-year-old with serious medical concerns. HRW and BIRD called on Bahrain to release the children and drop the charges against them before they are tried as adults. These abuses by Bahrains criminal justice system are the latest entry in a long record of harming children to send a repressive message, Bill Van Esveld, HRWs associate childrens rights director, said in a statement. The UK, US and other governments should ensure that their security support to Bahrain is not being used to torture and humiliate kids." A High Court judge has granted an elderly womans petition to wind up an Irish firm owned by a collapsed German property company. Mr Justice Brian OMoore made the winding up order on Wednesday for MUT 103 Ltd, with offices at Naas, Co Kildare, which is linked to the German Property Group (GDG), formerly Dolphin Capital. On the evidence before him, MUT 103 is plainly insolvent and some 107m remains outstanding to Irish investors in GPG, he noted. Those investment were made either through MUT 103 Ltd or MUT 106 Ltd. His decision was influenced by the fact that while, since July 2019, investors had been continually reassured by Wealth Options Trustees Ltd (WOTL) that the sums advanced by MUT 103 are fully secured, an options paper circulated five days ago by Dentons Europe LLP, engaged as counsel by WOTL in March 2020, described a much more insecure position. The judge said he was proceeding on the basis the directors of MUT 103 Ltd have no culpability, either moral or legal, for the potential problems with the security provided to it. Nonetheless, there was a stark difference between the position on security described to the brokers by WOTL and the situation as set out by Dentons. MUT 103 had sought the petition to be dismissed, adjourned or stayed. Its counsel Peggy ORourke SC said there was a very complicated process involved and creditor meetings of Irish loan note holders to assess future options could start soon. In his judgment, Mr Justice OMoore said there was no credible basis to dismiss the petition by Kathleen Dineen (78), who claims she is owed 135,000 including 8,000 interest. Mrs Dinneen, from Ballincolig, Co Cork, suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and her counsel Bernard Dunleavy SC said she had been consistently fobbed off when she sought repayment of her investment. The loan note was for three years and she was due to be repaid in February 2020. The judge said, if he dismissed the petition, the current unsatisfactory situation would persist indefinitely. Unless he made the winding up order, the plainly insolvent MUT 103 would continue in being, if not in business and the only entity dealing with investors would be WOTL which has for some months refused to deal with individual queries and has instead communicated by sporadic updates sent to brokers, he said. WOTL was described by one of its directors as having acted as administrator of MUT 103, and of another vehicle, MUT 106 Ltd, regarding the investment of funds into GPG products from 2011 and as distributor of the GPG products in Ireland from June 2018. The judge said there was no suggestion the appointment of a liquidator would disadvantage investors in their dealings with the German insolvency administrator. He would not adjourn the petition to allow for proposed investor meetings to take place as this would involve the current directors remaining in control of the company and those individuals, either in their capacity as directors of MUT 103 or directors of WOTL, summoning and running investors meetings to describe the options available, he said. He saw no reason why the liquidator could not ascertain the investors views and neither justice nor fairness required the petition to be adjourned. Despite profoundly worrying allegations that had been made about Dolphin Trust/GPG as of July 2019, despite the fact Dolphin Trust/GPG suspended all payments in December 2019 and despite GPG having entered an insolvency process in July 2020, the efforts of MUT 103 and WOTL appear to have achieved little or no culpable benefits for the investors with the exception of the 19 page options paper recently produced by Dentons. The Dentons paper, quite restricted in its scope, was only circulated on March 5th last, four days after the petition was heard, he said. According to that paper, the only asset charged in favour of MUT 103 is property at Zehdenick in Brandenburg, Germany, he noted. It also appeared the security provided to MUT is not yet compete and the GPG insolvency administrator has notified Dentons, based on information so far, he assumes all loan claims of the MUT companies against GPG companies are subordinated and therefore the granted securities could be challenged. The judge said, while he had no idea if this challenge has any merit, the validity of the companys security is under threat and it appeared enforcement of the security may not be plain sailing. The security obtained by the company, central to the protection of investors, was taken on the watch of, among others, the current directors, he said. For the purpose of enforcing the security, and seeing off any challenge to it, it would be preferable if the company came under the stewardship of a court appointed liquidator. He would therefore make orders winding up the company and appointing Myles Kirby as liquidator. The court previously heard the GDG collapsed last year after taking more than 1bn from investors in Ireland, the UK, Asia and elsewhere. Money was raised from more than 1,800 Irish investors by way of issuing loan notes for the purpose of buying and renovating listed buildings in Germany with promises of annual returns of as much as 15pc. When it comes to microelectronics, there is one chemical element like no other: silicon, the workhorse of the transistor technology that drives our information society. The countless electronic devices we use in everyday life are a testament to how today very high volumes of silicon-based components can be produced at very low cost. It seems natural, then, to use silicon also in other areas where the properties of semiconductors -- as silicon is one -- are exploited technologically, and to explore ways to integrate different functionalities. Of particular interest in this context are diode lasers, such as those employed in barcode scanners or laser pointers, which are typically based on gallium arsenide (GaAs). Unfortunately though, the physical processes that create light in GaAs do not work so well in silicon. It therefore remains an outstanding, and long-standing, goal to find an alternative route to realizing a 'laser on silicon'. Writing in Applied Physics Letters, an international team led by Professors Giacomo Scalari and Jerome Faist from the Institute for Quantum Electronics present an important step towards such a device. They report electroluminescence -- electrical light generation -- from a semiconductor structure based on silicon-germanium (SiGe), a material that is compatible with standard fabrication processes used for silicon devices. Moreover, the emission they observed is in the terahertz frequency band, which sits between those of microwave electronics and infrared optics, and is of high current interest with a view to a variety of applications. Make silicon shine The main reason why silicon cannot be used directly for building a laser following to the GaAs template has to do with the different nature of their band gaps, which is direct in the latter but indirect in the former. In a nutshell, in GaAs electrons recombine with holes across the bandgap producing light; in silicon, they produce heat. Laser action in silicon therefore requires another path. And exploring a fresh approach is what ETH doctoral researcher David Stark and his colleagues are doing. They work towards a silicon-based quantum cascade laser (QCL). QCLs achieve light emission not by electron-hole recombination across the bandgap, but by letting electrons tunnel through repeated stacks of precisely engineered semiconductor structures, during which process photons are emitted. The QCL paradigm has been demonstrated in a number of materials -- for the first time in 1994 by a team including Jerome Faist, then working at Bell Laboratories in the US -- but never in silicon-based ones, despite promising predictions. Turning these predictions into reality is the focus of an interdisciplinary project funded by the European Commission, bringing together a team of leading experts in growing highest-quality semiconductor materials (at the Universita Roma Tre), characterising them (at the Leibniz-Institut fur innovative Mikroelektronik in Frankfurt an der Oder) and fabricating them into devices (at the University of Glasgow). The ETH group of Scalari and Faist is responsible for performing the measurements on the devices, but also for the design of the laser, with numerical and theoretical support from partners in the company nextnano in Munich and at the Universities of Pisa and Rome. From electroluminescence to lasing With this bundled knowledge and expertise, the team designed and built devices with a unit structure made of SiGe and pure germanium (Ge), less than 100 nanometres in height, which repeats 51 times. From these heterostructures, fabricated with essentially atomically precision, Stark and co-workers detected electroluminescence, as predicted, with the spectral features of the emerging light agreeing well with calculations. Further confidence that the devices work as intended came from a comparison with a GaAs-based structure that was fabricated with identical device geometry. Whereas the emission from the Ge/SiGe structure is still significantly lower than for its GaAs-based counterpart, these results clearly signal that the team is on the right track. The next step will be now to assemble similar Ge/SiGe structures according to a laser design that the team developed. The ultimate goal is to reach room-temperature operation of a silicon-based QCL. Such an achievement would be significant in several respects. Not only would it, at long last, realize a laser on a silicon substrate, thereby bringing a boost to silicon photonics. The emission of the structure created by Stark et al. is in the terahertz region, for which currently compact light sources are widely missing. Silicon-based QCLs, with their potential versatility and reduced fabrication cost, could be a boon for the large-scale use of terahertz radiation in existing and new fields of application, from medical imaging to wireless communication. Prominent evangelical scholar wouldn't publicly support Biden if election were held today Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment After signing a letter expressing disappointment with the new administration, a pro-life evangelical scholar who voted for President Joe Biden said that while he would vote for Biden again if the 2020 presidential election were held today, he would not make his support public. Richard Mouw, president emeritus of Fuller Seminary in California and a member of Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden, spoke to The Christian Post Tuesday, days after his group issued a statement in response to the president's support for a coronavirus relief package that did not include a longstanding provision that prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. "We are very disappointed about the COVID-19 relief package's exclusion of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding, bipartisan policy," they wrote. "We're even more upset that the Biden administration is supporting this bill." As a result of Biden's support for the bill, the group contended that they feel "used and betrayed." Mouw told CP that he and other members of Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden group knew that Biden had been "shifting" his position on the Hyde Amendment when they released a statement in support of Biden's candidacy last October, one month before the 2020 presidential election. He maintained that conversations they had with campaign officials who now help the administration with faith outreach were reassuring. "We made ... clear that we would offer support with the understanding that they would urge the White House to have serious conversations with Catholics and evangelicals who are right-to-life people," he recalled. "The problem is that we haven't had those conversations, and leaving the Hyde Amendment out of this particular package, this latest COVID package, is a signal that ... there really ... is no room for that kind of conversation." Mouw confirmed that an official from the Biden administration reached out to him on Monday. "We're going to have a meeting later this week," he said. Mouw and Ronald Sider, another member of Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden, will sit down with two members of the White House faith outreach office to address their concerns. When asked if he would vote for Biden again and issue a statement in support of his candidacy if the 2020 presidential election was still forthcoming and he knew that Biden would support a coronavirus relief bill that excluded Hyde Amendment protections, Mouw responded that he would "vote the same way" while adding, "I would not give my public support." Mouw indicated that while he disagrees with Biden's position on abortion, there are other areas where he has found common ground with the new administration, specifically on the issues of global warming and immigration. Acknowledging that he received "a lot of angry messages from right-to-life people," some of whom called him "naive" due to his support for Biden and subsequent feelings of betrayal, Mouw still defended the object of his previous remarks in support of Biden. He said they would be necessary to provide reassurance to the "many younger evangelicals who are not happy about ... the way in which their parents and grandparents have endorsed and defended the Trump administration." "We ... don't want to lose them to evangelicalism because of what is perceived as a mean-spirited, highly partisan commitment on the part of the older generation of evangelicals who voted 81% ... in the presidential election before this last one for Mr. Trump," he said. "We thought it was important to hold up the right to life position and at the same time, say it's OK to be concerned about a broader range of issues such as global warming and children at the border separated from their parents and those kinds of questions. And so, we wanted to use our own access through the Biden campaign people to at least get them to stay in conversation with people like us." In addition to explaining that he was "less optimistic" about the possibility of Biden and the Democratic Party building a "bigger tent" to accommodate pro-lifers, Mouw expressed concern about the president's support for another major legislative initiative: The Equality Act. According to Mouw, the legislation puts "the rights of Christian institutions to preserve commitments to traditional biblical teaching regarding sexuality without being penalized in terms of federal grants, federal loans for students" in jeopardy. "A lot of Christian colleges and universities are well over 50% dependent in their tuition income on students getting federal loans," the Fuller Seminary president emeritus added. Mouw warned that making "the sexuality issue" an eligibility requirement for "receiving students with federal loans" would deal a "huge blow" to faith-based schools. Leading up to the 2020 presidential election, Biden had vowed to push for the Equality Act's passage within his first 100 days in office. Biden indicated that he would work to codify Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide, into law. Biden's documented public support for policies widely opposed by evangelicals has led some conservatives, like former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, to conclude that "'Evangelicals' for Biden are getting exactly what they voted for." WASHINGTON Representative Marcia L. Fudge of Ohio was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday, becoming the first Black woman in decades to run an agency that will be at the forefront of the Biden administrations efforts to fight racial inequity and poverty. Ms. Fudge, a Democratic member of Congress representing the Cleveland area and the former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, earned the support of all the Senate Democrats and many top Republicans, including that of Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader. The final vote was 66 to 34. For a fleeting moment on Wednesday, her two jobs, in two branches, overlapped: Ms. Fudge voted by proxy in favor of the administrations $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. Ms. Fudge was confirmed last month by the Senate Banking Committee by a 17-to-7 vote, with two key Republicans Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rob Portman of Ohio supporting her nomination despite their misgivings about her progressive agenda. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. House Gives Final Approval to Bidens $1.9 Trillion Pandemic Relief Bill The bill, which President Biden is expected to sign on Friday, sends direct payments to many Americans, expands a child tax credit and extends a $300 weekly unemployment supplement. The Senate confirmed more members of the presidents cabinet. With House passage, Congress clears the nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus plan for President Bidens signature. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 2:19 - 0:00 transcript House Vote Clears Pandemic Relief Bill for Bidens Signature House Democrats prevailed over Republican opposition to give final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package in a 220-to-211 vote, clearing the legislation for his signature. Every day, constituents in my district are asking when the $1,400 survival checks are coming, and when they can get help with their rent so that they dont become homeless. They are suffering and they need help now. The American Rescue Plan is a real plan to crush the virus by speeding vaccine distribution and increasing access to health care. This will not only mean safer families, but also safer classrooms for teachers and students. It means a continuation of $300 a week checks in unemployment insurance. And it supports our businesses so they dont close. With over half a million dead, we need a way to end this crisis and help our people. That is exactly what todays bill will do. At $1.9 trillion in new spending, the so-called American Rescue Plan is the most expensive single bill in American history. This isnt a rescue bill. It isnt a relief bill. Its a laundry list of left-wing priorities that pre-date the pandemic, and do not meet the needs of the American families. Today, we have a decision to make of tremendous, tremendous consequence, a decision that will make a difference for millions of Americans, saving lives and livelihoods. And with all the decisions, it is a decision that we will have to answer for. We will give the American Rescue Plan a resounding and hopefully bipartisan vote to reflect the bipartisan support that it has in the country. And we will get to work immediately to deliver lifesaving resources springing from this bill as soon as it is passed and signed. On this vote, the yeas are 220, the nays are 211. The motion is adopted. [applause] Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. House Democrats prevailed over Republican opposition to give final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package in a 220-to-211 vote, clearing the legislation for his signature. Credit Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Congress gave final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens sweeping, nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package, as Democrats acted over unified Republican opposition to push through an emergency pandemic aid plan that carries out a vast expansion of the countrys social safety net. By a vote of 220 to 211, the House sent the measure to Mr. Biden for his signature, cementing one of the largest injections of federal aid since the Great Depression. It would provide another round of direct payments for Americans, an extension of federal jobless benefits and billions of dollars to distribute coronavirus vaccines and provide relief for schools, states, tribal governments and small businesses struggling during the pandemic. This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going a fighting chance, Mr. Biden said in a statement. He said he looked forward to signing what he called a historic piece of legislation on Friday at the White House. The vote capped off a swift push by Mr. Biden and Democrats to address the toll of the coronavirus pandemic and begin putting in place their broader economic agenda. The bill is estimated to slash poverty by a third this year and potentially cut child poverty in half, with expansions of tax credits, food aid and rental and mortgage assistance. Mr. Biden and congressional Democrats planned an elaborate effort to promote it throughout the country, seeking to highlight an array of measures including tax credits for children and enhanced unemployment aid through Labor Day. The effort will begin on Thursday with a prime-time address by Mr. Biden. The campaign is intended to build support for provisions they hope to make permanent in the years to come, and to punish Republicans politically for failing to support it. Rather than haggle with Republicans who wanted to scale back the package, Democrats fast-tracked their own measure through the House and Senate without pausing to court Republican support. They stayed remarkably united in doing so, with just one Democrat, Representative Jared Golden of Maine, voting against the final measure. This is the most consequential legislation that many of us will ever be a party to, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said at a news conference after the bills passage. Earlier, she had dismissed the lack of Republican support and said opponents would not hesitate to claim credit for the popular elements of the plan, saying, Its typical that they vote no and take the dough. As if to make her point, Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, tweeted approvingly just hours after the bill passed about the $28.6 billion included for targeted relief for restaurants. His post did not mention that he had voted no. Im not going to vote for $1.9 trillion just because it has a couple of good provisions, he later told reporters. The measure will provide $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments; $10 billion for critical state infrastructure projects; $14 billion for the distribution of vaccines; and $130 billion to primary and secondary schools. The bill also includes $30 billion for transit agencies $45 billion in rental, utility and mortgage assistance; and billions more for small businesses and live performance venues. It provides another round of direct payments to American taxpayers, sending checks of up to $1,400 to individuals making up to $80,000, single parents earning $120,000 or less and couples with household incomes of no more than $160,000. Merrick Garland is confirmed as attorney general. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:45 - 0:00 transcript Senate Confirms Garland as Attorney General The Senate confirmed the veteran judge Merrick B. Garland by a 70-30 vote, placing him at the helm of the Justice Department as threats of domestic extremism are on the rise. Senate will come to order. The question is on the Garland nomination. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be. The clerk will call the roll. Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Booker, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Brown, Mr. Brown, Mr. Burr, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Cardin. Anyone, any senators wishing to change their vote or vote? If not, the yeas are 70, the nays are 30, and the nomination is confirmed. The Senate confirmed the veteran judge Merrick B. Garland by a 70-30 vote, placing him at the helm of the Justice Department as threats of domestic extremism are on the rise. Credit Credit... Stefani Reynolds for The New York Times The Senate voted to confirm Merrick B. Garland on Wednesday to serve as attorney general, giving the former prosecutor and widely respected federal judge the task of leading the Justice Department at a time when the nation faces domestic extremist threats and a reckoning over civil rights. Mr. Garland was confirmed 70-30 by senators, with 20 Republicans joining all 50 Democrats in supporting him. He is expected to be sworn in at the Justice Department on Thursday. Judge Garland has vowed to restore public faith in a department embroiled in political controversy under former President Donald J. Trump, who sought both to undermine federal law enforcement when it scrutinized him and his associates and to wield its power to benefit him personally and politically. At his confirmation hearing, Judge Garland, 68, said that becoming attorney general would be the culmination of a career I have dedicated to ensuring that the laws of our country are fairly and faithfully enforced and the rights of all Americans are protected. Judge Garland has amassed decades of credentials in the law. He clerked for the Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., worked for years as a federal prosecutor and led major investigations into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and others before being confirmed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1997. He was chosen by President Barack Obama in 2016 to join the Supreme Court only to see his nomination held up for eight months in an audacious political maneuver by Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader at the time. The move ultimately allowed Mr. Trump to choose his own nominee to fill the seat. Department employees have said that Mr. Garlands performance at his confirmation hearing, a largely amicable affair, made them hopeful that he would restore honor to the agency and lift up its 115,000-person work force demoralized by the Trump-era rancor. Restoring trust inside and outside the Justice Department will be key, as Judge Garland will immediately oversee politically charged investigations, including a federal tax fraud inquiry into President Bidens son Hunter and a special counsel inquiry into the Russia investigation. The department will also be involved in civil and criminal cases related to issues that have bitterly divided the country, including systemic racism, policing, regulation of big technology companies, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and other civil liberties matters. Judge Garland will also confront the rise of domestic extremism as law enforcement officials continue investigating the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. His first briefings this week were expected to be with the F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray, to discuss the threat and with Michael R. Sherwin, the outgoing top prosecutor in Washington who has led the Justice Department inquiry. Advertisement Continue reading the main story A G.O.P. senator tweets approvingly about part of the stimulus bill, without mentioning one detail: his no vote. Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, voted against the stimulus bill, yet tweeted approvingly about the targeted relief for restaurants. Credit... Brandon Bell for The New York Times Before the House gave final approval to a $1.9 trillion stimulus package on Wednesday without any Republican support, Speaker Nancy Pelosi admonished Republicans for their opposition to the measure, declaring, Its typical that they vote no and take the dough. As if to make her point, Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, tweeted approvingly just hours after the bill passed about the $28.6 billion included for targeted relief for restaurants. His post did not mention that he had voted no. Independent restaurant operators have won $28.6 billion worth of targeted relief. This funding will ensure small businesses can survive the pandemic by helping to adapt their operations and keep their employees on the payroll.https://t.co/Ob4pRb9Xh4 Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) March 10, 2021 Im not going to vote for $1.9 trillion just because it has a couple of good provisions, he later told reporters. Mr. Wickers post received an unwelcome reception on Twitter, prompting thousands of responses, many of them pointing out that he had voted against the measure, known as the American Rescue Plan. Representative Debbie Dingell, Democrat of Michigan, wrote in her own tweet that she had worked with restaurants in my district for almost a year to secure aid they desperately need, adding, Republican senators, including @SenatorWicker, rejected this critical aid. Too many have closed & many more are suffering, she said of the restaurants. Just happy we got them help today despite his objections. Another tweet, from an account run by Senate Democrats, offered a reminder of how a certain vote was cast: The American Rescue Plan will deliver for American families and small businesses and Senator Wicker voted NO. Emily Cochrane and McConnell, amid Trumps threats, tells G.O.P. senators their political operation has out-raised the former presidents. After a grudging four-year partnership, the relationship between Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, and former President Donald J. Trump has rapidly deteriorated. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, boasted privately to fellow Republicans on Wednesday that their fund-raising efforts had outperformed Donald J. Trumps, after the former president took aim at the partys committees in a bid to control its financial future. The comments from Mr. McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, at a weekly party lunch, which were described on condition of anonymity by three people briefed on the meeting, represented a response of sorts to Mr. Trump trying to throw down the gauntlet on fund-raising. The former president has recently suggested that he would be a better steward of the Republican Partys money, and that he would use the resources to target incumbent Republicans he finds insufficiently loyal. Mr. McConnell weighed in after Senator Rick Scott of Florida, the head of the partys Senate campaign committee, gave Republicans a presentation on the efforts of the committee, which typically backs incumbent senators in their races. Mr. McConnell said several times that the Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC that backs the Republicans Senate efforts, had out-raised Mr. Trumps super PAC in 2020, the people said. To underscore his point, the usually taciturn minority leader shared data he had prepared on small cards headlined Super PAC money raised that he distributed to Republican senators. It showed the totals raised by the Senate Republican super PAC and for the two Georgia Senate races that cost the party its majority. Total: $612+ million. In 3 cycles: nearly $1 billion, the card said. Below that were the former presidents statistics: Trump: $148+ million, referring to America First, the outside group that was formed to support Mr. Trump in 2020. David Popp, a spokesman for Mr. McConnell, declined to comment. Jason Miller, an adviser to Mr. Trump, rejected the clear implication that Mr. Trump was responsible for the Republican losses in a pair of Senate runoff elections in Georgia, instead implying Mr. McConnell was to blame for his refusal to support a more generous stimulus bill. A better side-by-side comparison would be the $2,000 stimulus checks that the Democrat candidates promised in Georgia versus the $600 stimulus checks that the Republicans offered, which led to us losing both seats, Mr. Miller said. Just think, if we had done that one thing differently, Republicans would be in control of the Senate right now. The flap began when Mr. Trump sent out on Monday a statement saying that he was opposed to RINOs a derisive acronym for Republican in Name Only and urging people to donate to his new entity, Save America. After a day of consternation, he walked it back somewhat, saying he supported Republican committees but still opposed RINOs. One person familiar with the events said that Mr. McConnells goal in responding appeared to be less about escalating a fight with Mr. Trump, who loves to brawl, than reassuring senators that they would have ample support should the former president try to target them. Still, after a grudging four-year partnership, the relationship between Mr. McConnell and Mr. Trump has rapidly deteriorated in the aftermath of Mr. Trumps election loss. The two men are no longer speaking. Mr. McConnell angrily denounced Mr. Trumps claims of widespread election fraud, excoriated him for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and Republicans loss of the Senate, and has tried so far unsuccessfully to steer the party away from its former leader. Mr. Trump, in turn, savaged Mr. McConnell last month as a dour, sullen and unsmiling political hack. The Senate Leadership Fund typically accepts money from wealthy Republican donors with close ties to Mr. McConnell and is run by his allies. Mr. Scott was set to meet with Mr. Trump at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. later this week during a fund-raising swing, a person familiar with his plans said. He is the latest senior Republican official to go to the presidents club for a face-to-face meeting in recent weeks. The top two House Republicans, Representatives Kevin McCarthy of California and Steve Scalise of Louisiana, have both paid visits. So did Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, who was re-elected to another two-year term in January with Mr. Trump support. Maggie Haberman and The Senate has confirmed Michael Regan to lead the E.P.A. Michael S. Regan will be the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Credit... Brandon Bell/Reuters The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Michael S. Regan to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, putting a former top environmental regulator for North Carolina in charge of driving some of the Biden administrations biggest proposals to combat climate change. Mr. Regan, who began his career at the E.P.A. and then worked in environmental advocacy before becoming secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, will be tasked with rebuilding an agency that lost thousands of employees and rolled back dozens of clean air and water protections during the Trump administration. He will be the first Black man to serve as E.P.A. administrator. The final vote was 66 to 34, with 16 Republicans joining Democrats in supporting Mr. Regans nomination. Central to Mr. Regans mission will be putting forward aggressive new regulations to meet President Bidens pledge of eliminating fossil fuel emissions from the electric power sector by 2035 and significantly reducing emissions from automobiles. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, said it was high time the Senate confirm someone like Michael Regan, who has made environmental protection the cause of his career. At 44, Mr. Regan will be one of Mr. Bidens youngest cabinet secretaries and will have to navigate a crowded field of older, more seasoned Washington veterans already installed in key environmental positions particularly Gina McCarthy, who formerly led the E.P.A. and is now the head of a new White House climate policy office. Those potentially overlapping authorities have already provoked criticism from Republicans, some of whom voted against Mr. Regans confirmation because they said they did not know who was truly in charge of the administrations climate and environment policy. But most of the opposition centered on Democratic policy. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, called Mr. Bidens agenda a left-wing war on American energy. Mr. Regan has plenty of experience, Mr. McConnell said. The problem is what hes poised to do with it. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Marcia Fudge, Bidens pick to head HUD, is confirmed by the Senate. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:10 - 0:00 transcript Marcia Fudge Sworn In as HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge was sworn in as secretary of Housing and Urban Development by Vice President Kamala Harris, taking over a department facing the loss of many career staff members and an affordable housing crisis. Left hand on the Bible, raise your right hand and repeat after me, please. I, Marcia Fudge, ... I, Marcia Fudge, ... ... do solemnly swear, ... ... do solemnly swear, ... ... that I will support and defend ... ... that I will support and defend ... ... the Constitution of the United States ... ... the Constitution of the United States ... ... against all enemies, ... ... against all enemies, ... ... foreign and domestic, ... ... foreign and domestic, ... ... that I will bear true faith ... and allegiance. ... ... that I will bear true faith and allegiance ... ... to the same, ... ... to the same, ... ... that I take this obligation freely, ... ... that I take this obligation freely, ... ... without any mental reservation, ... ... without any mental reservation, ... ... or purpose of evasion, ... ... for purpose of evasion, ... ... and that I will well and faithfully discharge ... ... and that I will well and faithfully discharge ... ... the duties of the office ... ... the duties of the office ... ... upon which I am about to enter, ... ... upon which I am about to enter, ... ... so help me God. ... so help me God. Congratulations, Madam Secretary. Congratulations, congratulations. Marcia Fudge was sworn in as secretary of Housing and Urban Development by Vice President Kamala Harris, taking over a department facing the loss of many career staff members and an affordable housing crisis. Credit Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Marcia Fudge was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday, becoming the first Black woman in decades to run an agency that will be at the forefront of the administrations efforts to fight racial inequity and poverty. Ms. Fudge, a Democratic member of Congress representing the Cleveland area and the former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, earned the support of all the chambers Democrats and many top Republicans, including that of Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader. The final vote was 66 to 34. For a fleeting moment on Wednesday, her two jobs, in two branches, overlapped: Ms. Fudge voted by proxy in favor of the administrations $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. Ms. Fudge was confirmed by the Senates banking committee last month by a 17-to-7 vote, with two key Republicans Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rob Portman, from her home state supporting her nomination despite their misgivings about her progressive agenda. Ms. Fudge, 68, inherits an agency with big plans and big problems. Her predecessor, Ben Carson, oversaw a massive exodus of career staff, gutted fair housing enforcement and did little to address a nationwide crisis in affordable housing exacerbated by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Carson, a former surgeon with no prior housing experience, did silly things at the department, Ms. Fudge said in an interview last December. If the agency was not at the forefront of Mr. Trumps policy initiatives, it became a focal point of his political messaging. The former president attacked an Obama-era effort to eliminate local zoning regulations that discriminated against Black people and other groups that have faced prejudice, in a blatant pitch to white suburbanites. Proponents of the program criticized Mr. Trumps actions as racist. President Biden and Ms. Fudge have suggested they would push ahead with the program. Ms. Fudge has said she would use her time at HUD to address long-term issues, including racism, the affordability crisis in major cities and homelessness. But her immediate priority is preventing evictions caused by the loss of income during the pandemic. The administrations pandemic bill includes $21.5 billion for emergency rental assistance, $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers, $5 billion for anti-homelessness programs and $850 million for tribal and rural housing. In the past, Ms. Fudge, who is Black, has complained that the top position at HUD was too often used to project the false impression of diversity rather than to drive policy. You know, its always we want to put the Black person in Labor or HUD, she told Politico shortly after the election last year. When you look at what African-American women did in particular in this election, you will see that a major part of the reason that this Biden-Harris team won was because of African-American women, she added. HUD was, in fact, not her first choice. After Mr. Biden was elected, she lobbied publicly to be named agriculture secretary, an agency that oversees food relief initiatives, as well as farm subsidy programs. But that job was offered to Bidens ally Tom Vilsack. Ms. Fudge was a surprise, late add to his list of nominees, supplanting Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, who had been an early favorite to lead HUD. Two whistle-blowers claim a Justice Department official improperly promoted an employee in the final days of Trumps term. Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official, has been accused by two whistle-blowers of improperly elevating an employee who was seen as loyal to the former president. Credit... Susan Walsh/Associated Press Two whistle-blowers on Wednesday accused Jeffrey Bossert Clark, a former Justice Department official, of politicizing the hiring process in the waning days of President Donald J. Trumps tenure by improperly elevating an employee who was seen as loyal to the former president. Mr. Clark, who headed the Environment and Natural Resources Division and was acting head of the departments Civil Division, promoted an employee days before he left the department in January. The employee had previously worked on a case, Garza v. Hargan, that involved the Trump administrations effort to bar pregnant teens who were in federal immigration custody from obtaining abortions, the whistle-blowers said in a letter to the Justice Departments inspector general and to members of Congress. Few career employees at the department had been willing to work on the case, according to the whistle-blowers letter. And the policy was ultimately deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. On Jan. 12, Mr. Clark announced that the person who had worked on the Garza case had been hired to be an assistant director over two candidates who were more qualified, the whistle-blowers said in their letter. The whistle-blowers letter was earlier reported by NPR. The whistle-blowers claimed that the Civil Division changed its longstanding practices around hiring for that type of position in order to allow a political appointee to select the finalists. They said that Mr. Clark then engaged in perfunctory 15-minute interviews with each of the candidates before choosing the one and only candidate who volunteered to defend one of the Trump administrations most controversial policies. Mr. Clark abused his authority by injecting himself into the career staff promotion process, the whistle-blowers said in their letter. They called the hiring process a sham selection process. Mr. Clark said in a statement that managers in the Civil Division sent him three candidates to interview, each of whom they rated well-qualified. I interviewed all three using the same process I had used for other positions, Mr. Clark said. I think its very unfortunate that the disappointed applicants would attack their own colleagues selection. That candidate had strong leadership qualities and was the best qualified. Mr. Clark described the decision by the whistle-blowers to highlight that the lawyer who was promoted had worked on the Garza litigation as a baseless attempt to cast aspersions. David Z. Seide, a lawyer for the whistle-blowers and a senior counsel at the Government Accountability Project, said in a statement that Mr. Clarks last-minute politicization of the D.O.J. hiring process called for immediate, close and transparent oversight and investigations. Mr. Clark made headlines in January for his efforts to help Mr. Trump overturn the results of the election, a plan that nearly led to the ouster of the acting attorney general and a mass resignation at the top of the agency. Mr. Clark denied any wrongdoing and said that the discussions reported by The New York Times had been distorted by colleagues who had improperly shared them. The Justice Departments inspector general is investigating the incident. Blinken will meet Chinas foreign minister in Alaska next week. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:59 - 0:00 transcript Blinken to Meet Senior Chinese Officials in Alaska Next Week Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that he and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, would lay out concerns about Beijings actions and explore possible areas for cooperation. This is an important opportunity for us to lay out in very frank terms the many concerns that we have with Beijings actions and behavior that are challenging the security, the prosperity and the values of the United States and our partners and allies. So we intend to raise, and we will raise, the host of issues, some of which have already been touched on today, that concern us. Well also explore whether there are avenues for cooperation. And well talk about the competition that we have in China with China to make sure that the United States has a level playing field, and that our companies and workers benefit from that. This is not a strategic dialogue. Theres no intent at this point for a series of follow-on engagements. Those engagements, if they are to follow, really have to be based on the proposition that were seeing tangible progress and tangible outcomes on the issues of concern to us with China. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that he and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, would lay out concerns about Beijings actions and explore possible areas for cooperation. Credit Credit... Pool photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, will meet next week with two senior Chinese government officials, the Biden administrations first in-person diplomatic encounter with its chief foreign rival. In a statement on Wednesday, a State Department spokesman said that Mr. Blinken and Mr. Sullivan would meet in Anchorage on March 18 with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, and its top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. The announcement comes days after a speech by Mr. Blinken and a White House national security strategy document identified China as a top threat to the United States. In his speech, Mr. Blinken called China the one country able to seriously challenge the stable and open international system. U.S. officials expect to compete with Beijing in areas ranging from technology to trade to political influence but also aim to cooperate on matters like climate change, the coronavirus and the global economy. Testifying on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Blinken said the meeting would be an opportunity to lay out in very frank terms the many concerns that we have with Beijings actions and behavior, including economic effects on American workers. But he said that he and Mr. Sullivan would also explore whether there are other avenues for cooperation. Mr. Blinken added that the meeting was not the start of a strategic dialogue, and that follow-up meetings would depend on tangible progress and outcomes on Washingtons concerns. U.S. officials did not describe a specific agenda for the meeting. Mr. Blinken said on Twitter that he looked forward to engaging the Chinese officials on a range of issues, including those where we have deep disagreements. Mr. Blinken will be on the return leg of his first foreign trip, to Asia, which the State Department also announced on Wednesday. He will depart on March 15 with planned stops in Tokyo and Seoul, and return to Washington from Anchorage on March 19. In a statement about the Asia trip, Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, said that Mr. Blinken would reaffirm the United States commitment to strengthening our alliances and to highlight cooperation with allies in the region. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Biden announces his intention to secure another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:34 - 0:00 transcript Biden Orders 100 Million More Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Doses President Biden announced on Wednesday that the government would secure another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and touted a joint production deal between the company and the pharmaceutical giant Merck. Today, were seeing two health companies, competitors, each with over 130 years of experience, coming together to help write a more hopeful chapter in our battle against Covid-19. During World War II, one of the countrys slogans was, We are all in this together. We are all in this together. And the companies took that slogan to heart. For example, one automaker didnt have the capacity to build enough Jeeps. The competitors stepped in to help. The result is that were now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every American adult by the end of May, months earlier than anyone expected. And today, Im directing Jeff and my H.H.S. team to produce another 100 million doses and purchase another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. On Saturday, we hit a record of 2.9 million vaccinations in one day in America. And beyond the numbers are the stories. A father says he no longer fears for his daughter when she leaves to go to work at the hospital. The children are now able to hug their grandparents. The vaccines bring hope and healing in so many ways. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel of the past year, but we cannot let our guard down now or assume the victory is inevitable. Together, were going to get through this pandemic, and usher in a healthier and more hopeful future. President Biden announced on Wednesday that the government would secure another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and touted a joint production deal between the company and the pharmaceutical giant Merck. Credit Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times President Biden said on Wednesday that he was directing the federal government to secure an additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons Covid-19 single-shot vaccine, a move the White House said could help the country vaccinate children and, if necessary, administer booster doses or reformulate the vaccine to combat emerging variants of the virus. Mr. Biden made the announcement during an afternoon event at the White House with executives from Johnson & Johnson and the pharmaceutical giant Merck, where he praised them for partnering to ramp up production of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine a deal brokered by the White House. During World War II, one of the countrys slogans was, We are all in this together, Mr. Biden said. And the companies took that slogan to heart. In announcing the agreement between Merck and Johnson & Johnson last week, Mr. Biden said that the United States would now have enough vaccine available by the end of May to vaccinate every American adult roughly 260 million people. But Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said on Wednesday that the administration was trying to prepare for unpredictable challenges, from the emergence of dangerous virus variants to manufacturing breakdowns that could disrupt vaccine production. We still dont know which vaccine will be most effective on kids, she said at the White Houses daily briefing. We still dont know the impact of variants, the need for booster shots and these doses can be used for booster shots, as well. She said the decision to purchase a surplus of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was driven by a desire for maximum flexibility. Its a one-shot vaccine, she said. It can be stored in the fridge and not a freezer. Its highly effective as the others are as well against hospitalization and death. Mr. Biden said on Wednesday he was directing the White Houses pandemic response team and the Department of Health and Human Services to finalize the supply increase. The White House had initially intended to hold Wednesdays event at the Baltimore manufacturing facility of Emergent BioSolutions, another company that partners with Johnson & Johnson to make coronavirus vaccine. But Mr. Biden canceled his trip after The New York Times published an investigation into how Emergent used its Washington connections to gain outsize influence over the Strategic National Stockpile, the nations emergency repository of drugs and medical supplies. Ms. Psaki has since said that the administration will conduct a comprehensive audit of the stockpile. Emergent officials did not attend Wednesdays session. In explaining the change in plans, Ms. Psaki said that the administration thought the White House was a more appropriate place to have the meeting, which it is billing as a celebration of what Mr. Biden has called the historic partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Merck. Last August, Johnson & Johnson signed an agreement with the government to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine, and in an emailed statement on Wednesday the company said it is on track to meet that commitment. The government has the option to purchase additional doses under a subsequent agreement. The administration says the collaboration with Merck will increase manufacture of the vaccine itself, and will also bolster Johnson & Johnsons packaging capacity, known in the vaccine industry as fill-finish two big manufacturing bottlenecks that had put the company behind schedule. Wednesdays announcement is in keeping with Mr. Bidens aggressive efforts to acquire as much vaccine supply as possible, as quickly as possible. Before Mr. Biden took office, he pledged to get 100 million shots into the arms of the American people by his 100th day in office a timetable that seemed aggressive at the time, but more recently has looked tame. He has been trying to speed it up ever since. At the time, two vaccines one made by Moderna and the other by Pfizer-BioNTech had been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. In January, Mr. Biden said the administration would have enough vaccine to cover every American by the end of summer. Last month, the president announced his administration had secured enough doses from those two companies to have enough to cover every American by the end of July. The recent addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received emergency authorization in late February, opened a path for the administration to move up the timetable yet again. But Johnson & Johnson and its other partners, including Emergent, were behind schedule, which prompted the administration to reach out to Merck. Noah Weiland and Annie Karni contributed reporting. Scrambling to address a surge of migrant children at the border, the U.S. turns to an Obama-era program. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:43 - 0:00 transcript U.S. Aims to Deter Dangerous Travel by Central American Children The Biden administration on Wednesday restarted a program allowing children in Central America to apply to join parents in the U.S., offering a path for them to reunite without making the dangerous journey north. Today, we are announcing the restarting of the Central American Minors Program for children to be reunited with a parent who is legally in the United States. This program was ended abruptly by the previous administration, leaving around 3,000 children already approved for travel stranded. In Phase 2, well be working to improve the CAM program to expand safe and legal avenues for to the United States. I want to be clear, neither in this, neither this announcement nor any of the other measures suggest that anyone, especially children and families with young children, should make the dangerous trip to try and to enter the U.S. in an irregular fashion. The border is not open. Going forward, we will continue to look for ways to provide legal avenues in the region for people needing protection, while we continue to enforce our laws. The president has committed to seeking $4 billion over four years to address the root causes of migration, including corruption, violence and economic devastation exacerbated by climate change. As part of that plan, we will address the causes that compel individuals to migrate, including improving governance and providing a foundation for investment and economic opportunity, strengthening civilian security and the rule of law. Working across the whole of government, we will look at access to international protection and refugee resettlement. And rethinking asylum processing to ensure fair and faster consideration. Only by addressing those root causes can we break the cycle of desperation, and provide hope for families who clearly would prefer to stay in their countries and provide a better future for their children. The Biden administration on Wednesday restarted a program allowing children in Central America to apply to join parents in the U.S., offering a path for them to reunite without making the dangerous journey north. Credit Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times The Biden administration took steps on Wednesday to address surging migration to the border, restoring a program allowing some Central American children to apply from their home country for admission to the United States and searching for additional housing for the increasing number of young migrants who have been detained after crossing from Mexico. Facing intensifying pressure over the prolonged detention of migrant children, Roberta S. Jacobson, a special assistant to President Biden overseeing border issues, announced the restart of an Obama-era program that allowed children in Central America to apply for protection remotely and avoid making the dangerous journey north to join parents already in the United States. That program and a $4 billion investment in Central America have been framed by the administration as crucial tools to addressing the poverty, persecution and corruption that have for years pushed vulnerable families to seek sanctuary in the United States. But the long-term strategy to deter illegal migration is running up against the immediate challenge of how to process thousands of migrant children at the U.S. border a situation that has drawn swift backlash from Republicans and Democrats. Troy Miller, the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said on Wednesday that 9,457 children were detained at the border without a parent in February, up from more than 5,800 in January. Detentions of unaccompanied minors in February more than doubled compared with the same period in 2020. Mr. Biden now faces the challenge of processing migrant children quickly out of border jails and into shelters. By Monday, the number of children stuck in border detention facilities had tripled to more than 3,250, according to federal immigration agency documents obtained by The New York Times. More than 1,300 of those children were held longer than the three days allowed by law before they are required to be moved to shelters managed by the Health and Human Services Department. We continue to struggle with the number of individuals in our custody, especially in a pandemic, said Mr. Miller, who declined to provide the latest number of migrants stuck in border facilities. Most of those migrants continue to be rapidly turned away under a Trump-era pandemic emergency rule, but Mr. Biden has broken from the previous administration in letting unaccompanied children into the United States. Mr. Biden was briefed on Wednesday by top administration officials who had visited the border this past weekend, according to Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The founder of the Oath Keepers militia is said to be under investigation in connection with the Capitol siege. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the citizen militia group known as the Oath Keepers, speaks during a 2017 rally outside the White House in Washington. Credit... Susan Walsh/Associated Press F.B.I. agents and federal prosecutors are investigating Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers militia, for any role he might have played in the storming of the Capitol two months ago, according to court documents and a law enforcement official with knowledge of the matter. While the inquiry is in its nascent stages, the official said, its existence shows that investigators appear to be targeting the senior leadership of the paramilitary group that Mr. Rhodes has run for more than a decade. If he were ultimately charged, it could amount to a crippling blow to the militia. The Oath Keepers, who largely draw their members from the ranks of former military and law enforcement personnel, have from the start been a central focus of the sprawling investigation into the Capitol riot, which has led to charges against nearly 300 people. Eleven members of the group stand accused of a variety of crimes stemming from the siege, most prominently an alleged conspiracy reaching back to shortly after Election Day to break into the Capitol and interfere with Congresss Jan. 6 certification of the Electoral College vote. As three cases against his subordinates have moved through the courts, Mr. Rhodes, a former Army paratrooper, has been mentioned at least six times in legal filings as Person One, effectively putting him on notice that investigators are examining his conduct. Prosecutors have noted, for example, that two days before the Capitol attack, he issued a call for action on the Oath Keepers website, urging all patriots who can be in D.C. to stand tall in support of President Trumps fight to defeat the enemies foreign and domestic who are attempting a coup. In the same communique, Mr. Rhodes announced that the Oath Keepers would be sending multiple volunteer security teams to provide protection to V.I.P.s at events surrounding Mr. Trumps speech and rally in Washington earlier on the day of the riot. The New York Times has identified a group of Oath Keepers who worked as security guards for Mr. Trumps close ally and adviser Roger J. Stone Jr. at such events, and this week two of them Roberto Minuta and Joshua A. James were arrested in connection with the Capitol attack. In court papers filed on Monday night, prosecutors significantly raised the stakes against Mr. Rhodes, saying that they now have evidence that he was in direct communication with some of the plot suspects before, during and after the assault on the Capitol. Mr. Rhodes did not respond on Wednesday to messages seeking comment; he told The Washington Post that his group had no plan to enter the Capitol. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment, as did an F.B.I. spokeswoman. Alan Feuer, Adam Goldman and Collins feuds with Schumer over his comments on the Great Recession, calling him an obstacle to bipartisanship. I know hes a baseball fan. I hope he remembers three strikes and youre out, Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said of Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times A long-simmering feud between Senator Susan Collins and Senator Chuck Schumer flared in public on Wednesday, as the moderate Maine Republican accused the New York Democrat and majority leader of standing in the way of bipartisanship. In remarks to reporters on Capitol Hill, Ms. Collins lashed out at Mr. Schumer for comments he made about her on CNN Tuesday night, in which he said Ms. Collins deserved some of the blame for an insufficiently large economic rescue package Democrats pushed through in 2009 amid the Great Recession. We made a big mistake in 2009 and 10 Susan Collins was a big part of that mistake, Mr. Schumer said. We cut back on the stimulus dramatically and we stayed in recession for five years. His remarks were then shared on Twitter by Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff. Ms. Collins, one of only three Republicans who supported the 2009 stimulus after insisting that its size be pared back, unloaded on Mr. Schumer for the comments, suggesting that he held a political grudge against her. President Obama urged me to vote for a stimulus bill that passed that year, and indeed called me afterwards to thank me for my vote, Ms. Collins recalled. For Chuck Schumer, who was intimately involved in the negotiations as the assistant leader, to somehow criticize me for taking the same position that he did is simply bizarre. I think it reflects, regrettably, his inability to accept the fact that despite pouring $100 million into defeating me, the people of Maine, said no, and re-elected me to a historic term, she added. The bitter back-and-forth reflected the anger among moderate Republicans at being cut out of the stimulus negotiations, and how difficult it will be for Mr. Schumer to persuade them to cross party lines and join him on other proposals that will need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. It also highlighted a nasty rivalry between the two senators that has persisted for years, as Mr. Schumer has sought her vote on crucial legislation while repeatedly and unsuccessfully trying to recruit a candidate who could unseat her in what has become an increasingly blue state. It grew particularly toxic this past year after Mr. Schumer attacked her during her latest re-election race. She rarely misses a chance to remind him of her victories. Chuck Schumer has tried to take me out three times now, Ms. Collins said in a recent interview with The New York Times, in which she called ads he ran against her in 2020 deceptive and shameful. I know hes a baseball fan. I hope he remembers three strikes and youre out. She also noted that she has a close relationship with President Biden, whom she served with in the Senate and regards as open to bipartisan compromise, but sees Mr. Schumer as an impediment. I am going to continue to work with President Biden and his administration, she said on Wednesday, naming a major infrastructure initiative as a common goal. I just hope that Senator Schumer does not continue to be an obstacle to bipartisanship. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the No. 3 Senate Republican, said Mr. Biden should speak out against what Mr. Schumer had said about Ms. Collins. It doesnt help bipartisanship when Chuck Schumer goes on Anderson Cooper, as he did last night, and attacks the most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, who is Susan Collins, he said. Thats not a way to work together with people or find common-ground solutions. Advertisement Continue reading the main story I knew it was my turn to get robbed, he told my colleague Edgar Sandoval, who covers criminal justice. Mr. Perez-Saucedo is among the growing number of New York City delivery workers who have fallen victim to robberies and other violent assaults over the past year. During the pandemic, the demand for food deliveries skyrocketed as many people worked from home or limited their time outdoors. At the same time, delivery work became more precarious. Aside from robberies, delivery workers have suffered from low pay, a shortage of protective gear and a lack of places to rest or use a restroom. [Delivery workers are targets in the pandemic.] I spoke with Mr. Sandoval about the rise in attacks on delivery workers. Here is a lightly edited version of our conversation: Why are bike robberies surging in the city? There isnt a clear-cut answer. But the authorities said there was a clear jump in electric bike robberies during the pandemic. The police and activists point to a number of possible factors. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is threatening to sue Austin health officials for its face mask order. On Tuesday, Austin and Travis County public health leaders announced they will continue requiring residents wear masks in public. The order operates as a public health mandate under the recommendations of Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott. Not long after, Paxton looked into the order, saying he will find "every avenue available to stop" Austin officials and their face mask actions. Come Wednesday, he tweeted that health authorities and officials have until 6 p.m. to rescind its mask mandate or he will sue them on behalf of the State of Texas. RELATED: Mask on: Restaurants and shops in San Antonio that are keeping mask requirements The face mask drama comes after Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his mandate Wednesday. He said business owners should make the decision to enforce face masks for their customers and staff, not the state or local officials. Escott issued the order but didn't announce how they'll enforce it, as Abbott's order explicitly says that no jurisdiction can impose jail time or other penalties for not wearing a mask. In the release, it only states complaints about non-compliance should be referred to 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). According to an existing acting order by Escott, noncompliance could also result in a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. The order has been in place since July. READ ALSO: 'I lost my mother': El Paso Mayor sends Abbott letter on why masks are powerful "Wearing a face covering is one of the easiest ways to slow the transmission of disease in our community," Escott stated in a news release Tuesday. "While vaccine administration is underway, we are still not in a place of herd immunity and need people to wear face coverings in public and around non-household members so we can avoid another surge of cases." Austin Mayor Steve Adler clarified on Tuesday that Escott is committed to defeating COVID-19 in Travis County, adding the city will employ whatever tools are available to support his orders for the sake of all Austin schools, businesses, and residents. Paxton said in his statement to Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown that the officials and their health authorities have no jurisdiction to threaten fines for non-compliance. He noted if they go to court, they will lose. In Bexar County, local officials don't plan to defy Abbott's order but are requiring businesses to post signs letting customers know whether they require masks or not, according to Joshua Fechter from the San Antonio Express-News. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Charles was discussed by his son in the interview (Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror) The Prince of Wales chuckled nervously when he was asked if he had seen the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs interview with Oprah Winfrey. Charles was questioned by the media as he made his first public appearance since Meghan and Harrys claim a member of the royal family made a racist comment about their son. At the end of a visit to an NHS pop-up vaccine clinic in a north-west London church, popular with Londons black community, a member of the press asked: Sir, what did you think of the interview? Clearly taken aback, Charles turned to look at the reporter as he left the building and said oh and gave a nervous chuckle and carried on walking. Buckingham Palace has yet to respond to a string of allegations made by Meghan and Harry in their Oprah Winfrey interview. Expand Close Charles was quizzed by the media as he left the pop-up clinic (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charles was quizzed by the media as he left the pop-up clinic (Yui Mok/PA) The most damning was the claim an unnamed member of the royal family, but not the Queen or Duke of Edinburgh, was worried about how dark the skin tone of the Sussexes son might be before he was born. Nadhim Zahawi, minister for Covid-19 vaccine deployment, joined the prince for the visit to Jesus House in Brent Cross, and as he left was quizzed as to whether he had asked Charles about the interview but he did not respond and was driven away. Charles wore a face mask as he toured the clinic at Jesus House, Brent Cross, meeting NHS and church staff as well as community members due to receive their jab. Expand Close The Prince of Wales with Pastor Agu Irukwu (right) during the visit to the pop-up vaccine clinic (Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales with Pastor Agu Irukwu (right) during the visit to the pop-up vaccine clinic (Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA) Grace, 50, a parishioner who declined to give her last name, said about Charles after the visit: He was quite interactive with the people in there in spite of all the drama going on. She said it would have been rude for anyone to mention the Winfrey interview and repeated: In spite of the family drama he still took time out to come here. In an apparent reference to Harry and Meghans racism allegation, Grace highlighted that Charles had visited a black church, adding: All that effort and someone turns around and says theres racism, I dont believe that. Charles gave a short speech acknowledging the role black majority churches played in their local communities, as well as the nation as a whole, and expressed his pride in their role in the vaccine rollout. As Ive seen today, youve opened your church to the vaccine programme to the whole community and youve been collecting and distributing food to those who need it most, as Ive also seen, he said. Expand Close Harry and Meghans interview with Oprah Winfrey was aired on Monday in the UK (Aaron Chown/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghans interview with Oprah Winfrey was aired on Monday in the UK (Aaron Chown/PA) If ever we needed an example of how to be a good Samaritan, we need look no further. He added: We are all immensely proud of the role black majority churches have been playing and it is a source of profound sorrow to know that black communities have been hit particularly hard by this pernicious virus. Charles described the vaccine programme as truly an answer to prayer, raising a laugh as he recalled how he had learnt the wonderful acronym Push on his last visit pray until something happens. On arrival, he spoke to three patients who were waiting to be assessed before they had their jabs, asking if they lived in the area or attended the church. One of them asked the prince if he had been given his Covid inoculation and replied yes and laughed. Expand Close Charless visit to the vaccine clinic was his first public event since the Winfrey interview. Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charless visit to the vaccine clinic was his first public event since the Winfrey interview. Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror He asked one woman if she had been working at home throughout lockdown, adding: Its all very well, but when youre in front of a screen I dont know about you but my back goes. The prince also had a brief chat with the vaccines minister, who said afterwards: He takes a big interest in making sure the vaccines reach all communities. The heir to the throne asked several patients and workers where they were from and where their parents lived, apparently keen to hear about their heritage. As he chatted to healthcare worker Caroline Olodimeji, 67, he asked where she came from and was originally from Nigeria but had lived in the UK a long time. The prince said oh fantastic, adding that he had been to Nigeria, and spoke about how many different ethnic groups there were in the country. He added about her family: Do give them my kind regards. The prince said to one healthcare worker: Do you do a lot of professional development courses? I try to do a first aid refresher each year. He joked: The important thing to remember is the recovery position. Charles might have taken comfort from some of the prescient quotes on the walls around him: Decisions determine destiny, once we make them they turn around to make us and God helps those who cannot help themselves. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Best Under-Eye Mask Patches Fight the #1 Sign of Aging: Eye Baggage The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Product photos from retailer sites. The skin around your eyes are some of the most delicate areas on your body and unfortunately because of that, is typically where youll show early signs of aging or tiredness. Keep that area fresh and bright by maintaining a proper skincare routine and occasionally using an under-eye mask. How do you pick the best under-eye mask patch? Well, that all depends on what your skincare needs are. If youre looking to address fine lines, try looking for ingredients like Retinol, peptides and vitamin A. If puffiness is your concern, try products with green tea or caffeine. If you want help for dark circles, look for ingredients like hydroquinone or vitamin C. Youll want hyaluronic acid for its super moisturizing properties. There are also less-known ingredients like snail secretion or tangerine extract. RELATED: How to Look Younger Shopping for masks on sites like Amazon.com can be overwhelming. Make sure you check reviews and photos from verified purchases in order to see what other buyers have gotten. In the end, skincare should be fun, so dont be afraid to experiment and try a few different brands. Here are our top picks for under-eye mask patches. Best Anti-Aging Under-Eye Mask Patch Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce 3D Eye Pads Elizabeth Grants Collagen Re-Inforce 3D Eye Pads are great for reducing the signs of aging. These under-eye patches are packed full of active ingredients like phyto-collagen, marine collagen, bio-advanced peptides, and Torricelumn, which is a proprietary anti-aging ingredient derived from algae leaves and a blend of vitamins, proteins, botanicals and antioxidants. Use these eye patches to help maintain a more youthful look or curb visible signs of aging. Promising Review: After just one 15 minute application, my tired wrinkly under eyes are transformed to smooth, supple beauty! The pads after 1 use have improved my under eyes more the 4 months of using a $300 jar of Lavelier moisturizer. When you buy this for the first time, take before & after pics...it sells itself! Im a 45 y/o working outside all year so I can use the protection from the environmental stress to my delicate eye area. $35 at ElizabethGrant.com Best Brightening Under-Eye Mask Patch Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Brightening Hydra-Gel Eye Patches Vitamin C is often used in skincare for brightening and Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Brightening Hydra-Gel Eye Patch has a healthy dose of it. This under-eye patchs key ingredients include THD Ascorbate Vitamin C, which is essentially a better delivery method for Vitamin C because its oil-soluble and is better absorbed by your skin. Other active ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid and caffeine are great for firming, as well as reducing redness and puffiness. Promising Review: This is the first review Ive ever written I think but these are seriously that good. Yeah they are pricey and a bit bougie but they feel so cooling and have good ingredients too. Help with puffiness and cooking on the eyes, just dont expect some miracle like its not gonna change ur baggy wrinkles and purple under eyes lol. $65 at Sephora.com Best Restorative Under-Eye Mask Patch Skin Gym Youth Haus 24k Eye Patches Rough week? Skin Gyms Youth Haus 24k Eye Patches have some of the best ingredients for restoring tired, weary eyes collagen, hyaluronic acid, retinol and bakuchiol. FYI, bakuchiol is essentially a plant-based retinol-like ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These gold under-eye masks not only help your skin glow, but theyre also Insta-worthy. Promising Review: Very hydrating! I put these in the fridge before use to make it cooler to de puff. A Nordstrom reviewer $30 at Nordstrom.com Most Instagrammable Under-Eye Mask Patch Innbeauty Project Electrify Innbeauty Project Electrify under-eye mask is the coolest looking patch on the market. Live out your Ziggy Stardust fantasy cosplay and hydrate your skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Theres also caffeine to help reduce puffiness and Carambola extract (aka starfruit) to help brighten dark circles. The company is also doing its part for the environment for every unit it sells, they fund the removal of three units of plastic from landfills, waterways and marine environments. Instagrammable and Earth-friendly? Yes, please! Promising Review: Im not gonna lie, I purchased this product just because of its unique lightning shape. This is my first time using silicon eye patch and actually it really works for making the swelling subside. Especially I highly recommend to use this in the morning. When you are done with the first use, dont throw it away, just spray your toner to this whenever you reuse. Then you can reuse it like three to four times more. $18 at InnbeautyProject.com Best ASMR Under-Eye Mask Patch Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Moisturizing Eye Patch One of the most appealing things about the Goodal Greens Tangerine Vitamin C Moisturizing Eye Patches are that theyre designed to look like tangerine slices and have a jelly-like texture, which is so oddly satisfying. Key ingredients like tangerine extract have 10x more Vitamin C than normal tangerines, while the green tangerine extract helps with brightening. The jar container is convenient for your medicine cabinet for easy access. Promising Review: I am so amazed at how well these pads work underneath my eyes to tighten and brighten up my skin. Pads are a little tricky to get out of the jar, but using the included little spatula really helps. The pads really stay in place! I put these on after I shower in the mornings and am getting ready for work. Other pads will slide down my face, but these really adhere and hold. In fact, I almost walked out of the house today with these on! $20 at Amazon.com Best No Patch Eye Mask Versed The Fix Emergency Eye Mask If patches arent your thing and you dread wash-off masks, the Fix Emergency Eye Mask by Versed is a great solution. Its a wipe-off eye mask thats got ingredients you need to help hydrate your skin and reduce puffiness. Cucumber juice helps with cooling while caffeine works to reduce swelling and redness. Stick it in the fridge to give it a cooling sensation during application. Promising Review: This is my second bottle and my eyes before this had started to show my age. I've tried so many eye gels,creams and spent so much money. This product actually works for me. Less puffiness every morning, no dark circles anymore and my eyes are more awake looking during the day. Love it! $17.99 at VersedSkin.com Best Cooling Under-Eye Mask Patch skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels skyn ICELANDs Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are great for cooling and firming the skin under your eyes. These are great for winding down after a long, stressful day. Its got ingredients like hexapeptide, which aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and Ginkgo biloba for reducing puffiness. Promising Review: This product gives visible results and is more affordable than a similar product Ive tried. The eye gels are easy to apply and stay put until you take them off. You can see the difference in my before & after photos, and this was after wearing the eye gels for about 10 minutes. When I wear them longer, the results are even better. After 10 minutes, the dark circles were eliminated, puffiness was almost gone, and lines were greatly reduced. Definitely a good product and worth the money. $45 at Amazon.com Best for Puffiness and Dark Circles Suprance Green Tea Matcha Eye Mask Green tea is an amazing drink and even better skincare ingredient. Suprances Green Tea Matcha Eye Mask combines green teas powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen and Vitamin E. This formula helps with cell damage, inflammation, puffiness, dark circles and elasticity. Promising Review: These do everything they claim to do! I use them every morning while getting ready for work. I noticed a difference after just one use. After a week the bags under my eyes were close to nonexistent. After 2 weeks my eye area looked 10 years younger. Im about a month in with using them and I feel like theyre a solid staple in my skincare routine. I read a lot of other people say they tear easily. Ive only noticed they tear when they start drying. If you set them in place they slide a tad, but should stay put. I will continue to use these! $14.79 at Amazon.com Most Glamorous Under-Eye Mask Patch Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Rose Gold Under Eye Mask Great packaging is often part of the secret sauce in a killer product and Wander Beautys Baggage Claim Rose Gold Under Eye Mask is a winner. Quite simply, its gorgeous and works to de-puff, brighten and hydrate tired skin. Its got ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydrating, aloe leaf extract to reduce redness and camu camu extract to help with brightening. If rose gold isnt your thing, try the original gold eye mask. Promising Review: Ive tried different patches. Then I did my research, read lots of reviews off Amazon, because I trust Amazon reviews less and less. These are highly recommended on several beauty editor lists. Its hard to gauge incremental change, but I have noticed my dark circles are less pronounced, but I am using a new lotion too... these adhere nicely and stay put so you can multitask instead of just sitting. They do reduce puffiness too. I use them on puffy mornings and they work for the day. The price is high for me, but theyre a lot less than Shisheidos which are also high on every list. Also doing facial lymphatic massage. These are better than most Ive tried. Recommended! $25 at Amazon.com Best Offbeat Under-Eye Mask Patch Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch If youre feeling adventurous, try more unconventional ingredients like snail secretion. Bentons Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch is water-soluble and made of seaweed, so will dissolve in lukewarm water. Neat! Its also got some powerful ingredients like gold, diamond, pearl and charcoal powder for firming and purifying skin. The key ingredient thats different is the snail secretion filtrate (aka concentrated snail mucus), which is fermented and is great for skin regeneration. Additionally. The bee venom has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for managing blemishes. Promising Review: These have been perfect for emergency under eye bag situations. I wake up very early and while I get things ready for the day I pop these bad boys on and once they are off there is a noticeable difference with puffiness and bags under my eyes. I love this company and love all their products! $24.36 on Amazon.com You Might Also Dig: AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Reading a truly remarkable novel can be a wonderful way to pass the time transporting you far and wide, putting you in other peoples shoes and sparking emotion. If your reading list is in a fallow period, the announcement of the Womens Prize for Fiction 2021 longlist will hopefully provide the inspiration you need. Read more: What the IndyBest team have been reading and loving in lockdown Founded in 1996, its one of the UKs most prestigious literary awards, showcasing the remarkable originality, accessibility and excellence of novels written by women from around the world. So the longlist offers an exciting opportunity to discover a range of ambitious and outstanding literature. The 16 books on the longlist are novels written by women and published in the UK between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, and were selected by a panel of five judges: Bernardine Evaristo (chair of the judges), novelist; Elizabeth Day, podcaster, author and journalist; Vick Hope, TV and radio presenter, journalist and writer; Nesrine Malik, print columnist and writer; and Sarah-Jane Mee, news presenter and broadcaster. Included on the list are six dazzling debut novels, as well as a previously longlisted author and one former winner who has also been shortlisted twice before (Ali Smith). Speaking about the longlist, Evaristo said: We read so many brilliant novels for this years prize and had an energetic judging session where we discussed our passions, opinions and preferences. In order to reach the collection of 16 standout novels, the judges inevitably had to let some very deserving books go, but the final list represents a truly wide and varied range of fiction by women that reflects multiple perspectives, narrative styles and preoccupations, Evaristo said. Read more: The Jhalak Prize 2021 longlist books you need to read Its fictions unique ability to take us on a journey through time and space to new, unchartered territories that makes it constantly exciting. But, while publishing has become increasingly more inclusive, theres a continued need for greater access to a range of novelist's voices. As such, the Womens Prize for Fiction remains as important today as when it was first launched. In honour of the announcement, weve taken a look at the whole longlist. Join us in celebrating, championing and supporting female writers from across the globe by adding these books to your to-read pile now. You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent. Unsure what to read next? Take inspiration from the IndyBest team and take a look at our guide to the books weve been loving in lockdown IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Lets refashion the Revolutionary War cry by John Paul Jones, I have not yet begun to fight! Portrait of John Paul Jones, circa 1781, by Charles Wilson Peale. (Public Domain) Letting Our Lives Speak: Some Ways to Fight the Culture Wars Traditionalists of whatever political stripe seem to have given up on winning the culture wars waged over the last five decades or so. The past year in particular has brought setbacks and defeats: the removal or desecration of statues of American heroes, schools erasing the names of some of these same heroes, classics removed from English literature reading lists, and professors and writers attacked for defending the heritage of history and literature. Pessimists say the war is lost, that we should run up the white flag and acknowledge the reality that the deconstructionists and radicals, having taken control of much of our media, Hollywood, schools, corporations, high tech, and government, have won. Not so fast. Cultural preservationists still have weapons in their arsenal. News outlets like The Epoch Times, online sites like Intellectual Takeout, and publishers like Encounter Books continue to emphasize the vital importance of family and tradition in a healthy culture. Academic institutions like Hillsdale College and the University of Dallas still teach Chaucer, Shakespeare, Bach, Mozart, Michelangelo, Plato, and Aristotle without labeling those great men dead white males. A bestseller right now at Amazon and at Barnes and Noble is George Orwells classic novel about totalitarianism, 1984. Nowe must not even think about giving up. Instead, lets remember the words of Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones, who when called upon by the British to surrender his ship replied: I have not yet begun to fight! Here are some strategies to strengthen our hearts and carry on these battles. Be Patient In The Twilight of American Culture, Morris Berman examines our civilization and finds it in decline. He cites reams of evidence from literature, politics, and our culture in general to make the case that Americas power and influence in the world will shrink in the coming years, in no small part because of a degraded culture. Morris Bermans book on the decline of Western culture. (W. W. Norton & Company) But heres what we must remember: This radical transformation of our culture took 50 years or more to achieve fruition. We are deluding ourselves if we believe we can reverse that conquest overnight. Instead, we must take the long view. Restoring the standards of excellence in the arts and the practice of honor and decency in the public square may take decades. Along the way, we must expect delays, troubles, and even suffering as we slowly work to rebuild society. Patience and endurance must be our watchwords. The New Monasticism Although on his blog he is no fan of American corporations, of George Bush II, or of Donald Trump, Berman looks to tradition for answers. He devotes a good portion of The Twilight of American Culture to what he calls the NMIs, or new monastic individuals. He takes as his model the monasteries that came into existence after the collapse of Rome in the fifth and sixth centuries, those tiny outposts of learning where generations of monks worked to preserve the documents of the past. He then argues that we can live the same way, removing ourselves from a declining culture and pursuing truth and goodness. A few years ago, Rod Drehers The Benedict Option advocated a similar course of action for Christians in an increasingly hostile world. Berman describes the typical NMI as a person who has little interest in money or power, lives frugally, and works as much for love as for cash. As an example of the credo of the NMI, Berman cites that master of haiku, Matsuo Basho: Portrait of Matsuo Basho, master of the haiku, by Hokusai. (PD-US) Journeying through the world To and fro, to and fro Cultivating a small field. Building Communities Berman offers several instances of people practicing cultural preservation in groups. My favorite of these examples has to do with writer Nathan McCall, who once spent time in prison where he helped organize a Western civ discussion group. The inmates read such philosophers as Spinoza, Kant, and Hegel, and spent hours discussing their ideas. Many people in the world of homeschooling already qualify as Bermans NMIs. They worship together, meet at the playground, create co-ops to enhance their childrens education, share books and ideas, and forge tight friendships. Whatever our situation, many of us can take steps to become cultural preservationists. We might consider forming a book club, for example, where we read and discuss the classics or works like those published by Encounter Books. We might gather with a small group of friends every monthor every week, for the ambitiousshare a meal, and talk over some piece of art or music, or a movie weve watched together. Just as we might join hands with family and friends, so too should we engage the communities in which we live. We should keep abreast of decisions made by our town council, shop locally when possible rather than buy from global behemoths, and take the time when going to a convenience store or a coffee shop to chat a few moments with an employee. When we do these things, we are strengthening the bonds of our neighborhoods and local communities. The Best of the West I first read The Twilight of American Culture years ago. When I returned to my copy this week, I was delighted to find so many dog-eared pages, underlined sentences, and notes Id written to myself. I was happy, too, to find Berman using the word guerrilla to describe this underground movement of NMIs. Withdrawing from our decadent culture doesnt mean leaving the battlefield. Instead, in the stifling and ugly culture of today that seeks to silence dissent and ruin opponents, we should regard ourselves as guerrillas, irregular warriors whose weapons are the best of the West and who seek to inspire others by our example and by living in truth. Nor should we turn a blind eye to current events. When Berman wrote his book, cancel culture, de-platforming, and suppression of free speech were in their infancy. If we fail to track the political developments of our time, if we fail to speak out against lawlessness and attacks on our liberty, we may someday find ourselves stripped of our rights and freedoms, repressed to the extent that resistance is impossible. Teach the Culture to Our Children To readers familiar with my writing, I will now sound like a broken record. Its up to us to impart the culture of Western Civilization to our children. Whether this effort involves teaching them Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, the story of Little Red Riding Hood, the Little House on the Prairie books, the Iliad, or hundreds of other classics, the point is that we must hand down our heritage to our young people. The same holds true for all the arts. Certainly, many people can no longer depend on the public schools to do so. Since we can no longer rely on public schools to teach Western classics to our children, we must do so ourselves. An illustration in an 1889 issue of the Danish magazine Punch. (PD-US) Even more importantly, we must pass along to them the virtues and values esteemed by our ancestors. Temperance, prudence, courage, and justice were once staples of what children learned at home and at school. Just this week at our local secondhand bookstore, I bought Hermann Hagedorns The Book of Courage, which was completely unfamiliar to me. Published over 90 years ago and aimed at young readers, this thick volume contains accounts of Hannibal, Joan of Arc, Daniel Boone, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and 27 other heroes. Hagedorn clearly meant to inspire youth with these mini-biographies, and we should aim to do the same today through what we teach our own children. The Book of Courage includes short biographies of over 30 inspiring heroes for children. (John C. Winston Company) Doing Good in a Fallen World At the end of The Twilight of American Culture, Berman writes: I leave it up to you to decide if the glass if half-full or half-empty, or whether that even matters. For the monk of the 21st century will not be pursuing his or her activity for grand, heroic outcomes, but for the sense of worth and meaning that the activity itself contains. The work may lead somewhere; it may not. Our job is only to give it our best shot. A few lines later, Berman concludes his book by citing an old Quaker, Let your life speak, and then adds: In the end, thats the only thing that matters. Agreed. Keep the faith, everyone. And hold fast to the good. Jeff Minick has four children and a growing platoon of grandchildren. For 20 years, he taught history, literature, and Latin to seminars of homeschooling students in Asheville, N.C. He is the author of two novelsAmanda Bell and Dust On Their Wings, and two works of non-fiction, Learning As I Go and Movies Make The Man. Today, he lives and writes in Front Royal, Va. See JeffMinick.com to follow his blog. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission said Wednesday it will honor two Honesdale natives with historical markers placed in the town in which they were born. The roadside markers noting the impact made by Richard Smith, who wrote the holiday tune "Winter Wonderland," and Gen. Lyman Louis Lemnitzer, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and supreme Allied commander of NATO, were among 23 newly approved historical markers, the commission said. Smith, born in Honesdale in 1901, wrote the lyrics in 1934 while in a tuberculosis sanatorium near Scranton. Lemnitzer, born in Honesdale in 1899, was a four-star general appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960 as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a biography hosted by the military. Two years later, President John F. Kennedy nominated him to the position of supreme Allied commander of NATO, which he served in until his retirement in 1969. Indian Air Force has bought other planes from European nations. The US is offering the F-15EX and F-21 for its air defense. The IAF is on a buying spree for new fighters to join their Dassault Rafales, offering the more recent versions of the F-16V (called F-21) or the missile truck F-15EX. Very few countries have this chance for top-grade fighters. Background India produced and developed the 4th-gen LCA Tejas Fighters as support for its recent acquisitions. It might not be enough as the F-series of American fighters has a good record worldwide. The country has also moved forward with the development of its indigenous fourth-generation LCA Tejas fighters, which are expected to support the Rafales in carrying out future missions. When facing China and Pakistan, more tried and tested fighter will better their chances, reported Eurasian times. The F-15EX and F-21 fighters answer the India defense MMRCA 2.0 contract that outlines requirements for multi-role fighters. Competing against offering from 4++ and 4th-gen aircraft from other nations. India is one of the nations with the need for air superiority fighters in its arsenal. F-15EX Boeing permitted to sell Indian Air Force the F-15EX; the EX is the latest heavy fighter from the F-15 line. It was developed from earlier versions and had all the equipment needed as a high-performance, all-weather attack fighter. Also read: US Air Force Wants a 4.5 or 5th Gen close to F-35, F-21 for India Born in 1967 and developed since to become one of the best fighters built for air-to-air engagements. Still in use with many air forces for their reliability and combat record that is still undefeated. India has been buying the Apache AH-64 attack chopper and Chinook dual rotor heavy lift. Nations like Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are still really on the old plane, which can pace even newer fighters. Admittedly, these brand-new F-15 and F-16 variants are still considered for the MMRCA contract with another fighter; even the F-18 Horner is included. The inclusion of the IAF contract shows they are still on par with their competitors. F-21 Another company Lockheed Martin is pushing its F-21 as another option for the MMRCA contract. Their inclusion with Boeing shows their offering as on-par with world-class jet fighters to add to the IAF. According to the company, the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor's added equipment in the 4th-gen fighter are with some 5th gen components. If India chooses the F-21, that will transfer the technology to make the F-21 an 'India exclusive' combining Lockheed Martin and Tata group in one big technology bought from American fighter technology. The potential for a high technology industry for many jobs and opportunities is possible. Also, the maker of the F-21 will make it cheaper for New Delhi if a deal is inked. F-21s will have the longest service life per plane for cost-effectiveness, about 12,000 flight hours. Refueling options for the F-21 includes the probe/drogue and boom capability, vital to the IAF with Tejas and Rafales. It is equipped with Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) and can stay in flight longer are good characteristics. Why get them? The F-15EX has long-range and can operate in the Ladakh region to attack China and Pakistan. It can reach Mach 2.5 and do air defense and strike missions. Whatever the Indian Air Force pick, it will improve their warfighting capacity. Related article: F-15EX offered to India by the US, Even Better than F-35s in Dogfights. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [March 10, 2021] RCxRules Expands Relationship with CareMount Medical by Implementing Revenue Cycle Rules Software CHAPPAQUA, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CareMount Medical, New York State's premier multispecialty medical group, has expanded its relationship with healthcare software company, RCxRules, to improve claims performance under both value-based and fee-for-service contracts. "RCxRules' HCC coding automation software has been essential to CareMount's continued success with value-based contracts. By joining forces with RCxRules on the revenue cycle rules front, we expect strengthened financial success under fee-for-service contracts," said Kevin Conroy, CFO and Chief Population Health Officer at CareMount Medical. CareMount has been using RCxRules software to identify HCC coding gaps under its value-based contracts and will now implement the RCxRules Revenue Cycle Rules Engine to assist with the group's claim scrubbing and submission process. The software automatically reviews clinical charges in providers' electronic health records (EHRs) to ensure that accurate and complete claims data is captured before claims are submitted to payers. CareMount is comprised of over 650 physicians who serve more than 665,000 patients in the Hudson Valley and New York City. The organization plans to run all clinical charges from its EHR, Pathology, and Radiology systems through the RCxRules software for automated review and correction before they enter CareMount's Practice Management (PM) system. The software enables CareMount to create rules tailored to its practices, providers, specialties, and payers, resulting in a more robust and accurate review process. RCxRues software automatically corrects most charge errors without manual intervention, and charges requiring further review will be flagged in the RCxRules dashboard for coders or billers to resolve. This exception-based workflow increases productivity and efficiency by enabling CareMount's billing team to focus solely on high-value charges that require manual intervention. "The RCxRules revenue cycle software will automate the charge review process and automatically correct routine data quality issues before charges go to the PM system," said Susan Monaco, Chief Revenue Officer of CareMount Medical. "We expect this will increase efficiency and productivity and help ensure correct payments the first-time claims are submitted." To learn more about RCxRules Revenue Cycle Rules software, visit: www.rcxrules.com/revenue-cycle-rules-engine. About RCxRules: Founded in 2010, RCxRules helps healthcare organizations succeed with both value-based care and fee-for-service billing models. The automation technology ensures compliance and coding accuracy with healthcare's complex regulatory and reimbursement rules. By automatically reviewing charges for coding accuracy before claim creation and automatically fixing charges with routine data issues, RCxRules negates the need to "hunt" for errors. Organizations can spend their time focused solely on the most high-value coding errors. RCxRules addresses coding issues before they impact revenue and delivers claims with the most accurate financial and HCC dataevery time, guaranteed. For more information, please visit: www.rcxrules.com. About CareMount Medical P.C.: CareMount Medical, P.C. is New York State's premier multispecialty medical group, providing comprehensive care of the highest quality to over 665,000 patients. CareMount has more than 45 locations throughout Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia, and Ulster counties and New York City. CareMount's 650 physicians and advanced practice professionals cover more than 50 medical specialties. CareMount is affiliated with world-class medical institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Northwell Health. CareMount offers on-site laboratory/radiology services, endoscopy and infusion suites, and operates eight urgent-care centers. CareMount physicians are featured in respected Top Doctors and Best Doctors listings, nationally and regionally. For additional information please visit: www.caremount.com. CareMount Medical is a registered service mark of CareMount Medical P.C. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rcxrules-expands-relationship-with-caremount-medical-by-implementing-revenue-cycle-rules-software-301239707.html SOURCE RCxRules [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The Senate on Wednesday adopted a committee report recommending the removal of South Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, saying it's illegal for an active military officer to hold another office. The Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation stated in Committee Report No. 186 that Parlades appointment as spokesperson of the anti-communist task force is a violation of Article 16, Sec. 5 (4) of the 1987 Constitution, which provides: "No member of the Armed Forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the government, including the government owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries." Committee chairman Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that the NTF-ELCAC is a civilian task force. "We should prevent the potential conflict between the policies of NTF-ELCAC and the mandate of the security sector by engaging a spokesperson who does not hold concurrent mandates in the security forces," Lacson said. Parlade has red-tagged several human rights groups and even famous personalities like Catriona Gray, Liza Soberano, and Angel Locsin, whom he accused of supporting communist rebels. However, Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Badoywho's also NTF-ELCAC spokespersonrejected the Senate's call for Parlade to step down from his post. "Senator Lacson is wrong when he says the NTF ELCAC is a civilian task force. It is a task force that enlists each and every member of government in the battle to end this 52-year communist scourge that has brought so much grievous harm and endless suffering to the Filipino people," she said in a statement. "Lt. Gen Parlade shines a light on the path of darkness for our people to trod on so that they may better see the dangers and deceptions before them and proceed to protect themselves and their children," Badoy added. READ: Senate panel says no need for new law to penalize red-tagging The report also stated there is no need for a new law to penalize red-tagging, as legal remedies under existing laws are already sufficient. The committee report, however, also recommended to progressive groups that they address their alleged involvement with the communist group instead of issuing "general denials." It also advised the security sector to be responsible with any information it handles by strengthening its intelligence capabilities. NEW HAVEN Heres what Mayor Justin Elicker, city Budget Director Michael Gormany and others trying to balance the city budget are up against: tax-exempt property in New Haven now represents nearly 60 percent of the grand list on which the coming fiscal years budget is based, the citys acting assessor says. For the 2020 grand list, tax-exempt property represents $8.5 billion, or 59.57 percent, compared with taxable property of $6.7 billion, according to Acting Assessor Alex Pullen. All together, the assessed value of taxable city real estate, personal property and motor vehicles grew by 1.33 percent, or $87.9 million, to an estimated total of $6.7 million, according to Pullen. This gets to the core of why it is so vital this legislative session for the state to approve Sen. (Martin) Looneys tiered PILOT proposal that will begin to address the structural financial challenges that we face, Elicker said Wednesday. When you have 40 percent of our city paying 100 percent of the real estate taxes, something is just not right, Elicker said. Elicker said the tiered PILOT proposal put forth by Looney, D-New Haven, could greatly increase New Havens revenue under the state Payments-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes program to the tune of $49 million. It is vital for the financial success of our city for both the state and Yale to ensure that our city has the ability to collect the revenue that we need to financially succeed, he said. Last years figure for tax-exempt property represented 59.74 percent of the total real estate list, according to Pullen. Contributed / Its been that way for for a number of years due to the nature of having an institution such as Yale, that is tax-exempt, as our largest property owner, Pullen said Wednesday. The other side of that coin is that while Yales tax-exempt properties account for 40.57 percent of the tax-exempt property in the city, with Yale New Haven Hospital second on the list at 14.25 percent, Yale also is one of New Havens top taxpayers third behind United Illuminating and Winstanley Enterprises, Pullen said. Yale owns about $3.5 billion in nontaxable local property, or 40.57 percent of the tax-exempt grand list, according to Pullen. Yale New Haven Hospital owns $1.2 billion, or 14.25 percent of the tax-exempt grand list. City of New Haven Other major owners of tax-exempt property include the city, itself, which has seen the value of its property increase to $2 billion as renovations have transformed and increased the value of public housing area such as Rockview and Brookside, the state with $858,000 and other tax-exempt non-profit agencies, such as Mary Wade Home, and Chapel Haven, with $842,000. City taxpayers could face a 7.75 percent tax increase with cut services if the city doesnt receive commitments for significant increases in funding from the state and Yale University, Elicker said when he presented his $695.53 million fiscal 2021-2022 budget to the Board of Alders March 1. If the city has to pass some version of the Crisis Budget, officials would look to close the East Shore Senior Center, the Mitchell Library branch of the New Haven Free Public Library in Westville and the Whitney Avenue Fire Station, Elicker said. Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media file Elicker faced with a potential $66 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year submitted two budgets: A $589.1 million Crisis Budget that would require dramatic cuts, including employee layoffs, closing a library, a firehouse and a senior center, flat funding the Board of Education and eliminating a host of vacant positions, and, A $606.2 million Forward Together Budget, which would not require a tax increase and would keep city services more or less at the current level. One key difference between them would be in how much the city receives from the state and Yale University. Yale spokeswoman Karen Peart has said: The University maintains an open dialogue with the City of New Haven to work together on a wide variety of opportunities for economic development, educational programs like New Haven Promise, and Yales community investment program. mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on Wednesday inaugurated two technology centres at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. He also inaugurated three extension centres of big technological centres and seven mobile Udyam Express. He said the technological centres should have coordination, cooperation and communication with the local industries, and also emphasised on the need to have a performance audit of all the technological and extension centres. Talking about the Indian automobile sector, Gadkari said "the target is to make Indian automobile industry worth Rs 10 lakh crore rupees in next five years from present Rs 4,50,000 lakh crore rupees". Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for MSME Pratap Chandra Sarangi said that around 2,50,000 students are getting training at these centres and the tool room works from normal designing to the area of robotics. Talking about the mobile Udyam Express, Sarangi said these mobile vans will go to the villages and make people aware about all aspects of entrepreneurship along with imparting training to them. It is estimated that after the establishment of the new centres, an additional capacity for skilling four lakh trainees and assisting one lakh will be created to provide technology, incubation, skilling and advisory support to the industry in the country. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Editor's note: The following is a weekly feature from Richard Caines, bringing readers interesting tidbits within the court system along the Grand Strand and Hammock Coast. A Conway man serving life for the 2012 shooting death of Jerome Green, Jr., claims the actions of a former Horry County Police Department detective should earn him a new trial. That officer, Todd Cox, was originally charged with 16 counts of misconduct in 2016, but ultimately pleaded guilty to one charge and was given a $300 fine in 2020. Cox reportedly closed cases without a proper investigation and unassigned himself from others allowing them to remain without an investigator for an unknown period. The petitioner, Marcus Dwain Wright, said in his post-conviction relief appeal that his lawyers should have known about this potentially exculpatory and impeaching evidence. Wright said records show that Coxs misconduct happened between July 2011 and November 2012. The shooting occurred on April 30, 2012. Wright also alleges prosecutorial misconduct in that they knew or should have known detective (Cox) was or was about to be released of duty and those details were not provided to him before his pre-trial plea. Wright fatally shot Green multiple times at a home in Socastee, where Wright was selling drugs. In addition to murder, Wright was charged and convicted of possession of a deadly weapon during a violent crime, trafficking of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. A cold case arrest Sign up for our Myrtle Beach weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Myrtle Beach area. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Myrtle Beach news staff. Email Sign Up! In interesting happenings elsewhere in the region, the Columbus County Sheriffs Office recently made an arrest from a cold-case homicide that has remained unsolved since 2003. On Dec. 24, 2003, the body of Kathy Jean Jones Williamson, 46, was found in her Chadbourn, N.C., home. According to police, Williamson was severely physically assaulted resulting in her death. The man who reported finding her, Curtis Tyrone Watson, is now accused of committing the crime. According to authorities, Watson was her live-in boyfriend at the time of her death. The CCSO and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation followed up on possible leads days after the discovery, but those soon dried up without much hope. In 2016, the sheriffs office featured the homicide on social media in hopes of sparking new information for the case, with leads helping identify Watson as a possible suspect. With help from local authorities, investigators found Watson living in a homeless shelter in New York. After being interviewed by North Carolina investigators, Watson was arrested and transported to Rikers Island. Watson waived his extradition rights and was later booked into the Columbus County Sheriffs Office Detention Center for murder. He received no bond. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE The state Senate late Tuesday passed a bill that would ban traps, snares and wildlife poisons on public land in New Mexico legislation supporters said would help prevent animal cruelty. The measure, Senate Bill 32, will head next to the House with just 11 days left in the session. Democratic Sens. Roberto Bobby Gonzales of Ranchos de Taos and Brenda McKenna of Corrales said the ban would protect dogs and other pets from strangulation or catastrophic injuries. At least nine dogs have been caught in privately set traps or snares on public land in New Mexico this trapping season, according to Animal Protection Voters. Imagine trying to free a pet or yourself under these highly stressful and painful circumstances, McKenna said. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Opponents of the ban offered their own gruesome examples, arguing that traps and similar devices are necessary for ranchers to keep coyotes from feasting on baby calves and defenseless animals. Its important they have these tools to protect their livestock, Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, said. The legislation includes a host of exceptions to the ban, such as for Native American ceremonies and ecosystem management by government agencies. Cage traps would also be permitted in some circumstances. Supporters of the measure call it Roxys Law, named for a blue heeler mix killed in 2018. It won approval 23-16. The debate didnt fall along party lines, with Republicans and Democrats on both sides of the issue. In a GoFundMe account that appears to have been set up by Ieashia Fords sister, Treena Thomas, a statement said the family created a memorial trust fund to benefit Fords three surviving children, ages 15, 14 and 12, as well as her 2-month-old granddaughter. Ese Esan, a spokeswoman for GoFundMe, noted the platform had confirmed the validity of the account, saying: We are working with the organizer for this fundraiser to ensure funds reach the family. A look at some of the major movers in London on Tuesday ( ) advanced 11% to 89.68p on the back of well-received full-year results. The shopping centres owner was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, with net rental income slumping to 34.1mln from 49.3mln the year before. We are encouraged by how quickly our centres rebounded following the easing of restrictions at various points last year. In some cases our centres went from trading 30 per cent of stores to 96 per cent of stores in 48 hours, a testament to the relevance of our centres and retailers and the quality and adaptability of our teams, the property companys chief executive, Lawrence Hutchings, said. 2.40pm: Anglesey Mining lifted by Labrador PEA news ( ) shot up 31% to 6.69p on encouraging news from Labrador Iron Mines Holdings, in which it holds a 12% stake. Labrador Iron Mines Holdings (LIMH) has released the details of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of its 52%-owned Houston Project in Canada. The PEA suggests a production time frame of 12 years after an 18-month construction period. Iron ore production would amount to about 2mln tonnes per annum of 62% iron lump and sinter direct shipping ore. The initial capital cost including contingency is forecast at US$65mln. 1.45pm: Barry Reynolds increases his shareholding in Mineral & Financial ( ) jumped 20% to 10.83p as existing shareholder Barry Reynolds increased his stake. Reynolds now has just over 35mln shares, equivalent to a holding of 4.27% of the investment companys issued share capital. Previously, Reynoldss notifiable shareholding was 3%. 12.50pm: Hemogenyx higher after financial controller ups his stake PLC ( ) was 13% firmer at 6.65p after its financial controller, Andrew Wright, made a show of support. Wright bought 94,882 shares at an average price of 6.03p, taking his beneficial interest in the company up to 1.63mln shares, representing around 0.36% of the company issued ordinary share capital. 11.55am: Kanabo bags another supply agreement ( ) jumped 24% to 22.9p after it secured a second supply agreement for its VapePod medicinal cannabis inhalation device. Under a new contract, Polish cannabis cultivation group PharmaCann will supply cartridges of medicinal cannabis-based on Kanabo's proprietary formulation for the VapePod device. Up to 36,000 cartridges per month will be filled and prepared at PharmaCanns facility in North Macedonia as part of the new agreement, Kanabo said. 11.00am: surges after Argo Blockchain's investment in investee company PLC ( ) leaps 12% to 16.5p after it drew attention to Argo Blockchain's plans to invest in Pluto Digital Assets, in which Pires has a stake. The investment company focused on next-generation technology observed that Argo announced yesterday it plans to invest 7.3mln into Pluto, thereby maintaining its stake of around 25%. Piress holding of 32.52mln Pluto shares is equivalent to around a 6.4% stake. Pires has warrants that if exercised would increase its holding by 24mln shares. 10.05am: Westmount Energy higher after starting gun is fired at the Canje block ( ) hardened 15% to 13.35p ahead of the expected start of operations tomorrow for the next well at the Canje block, offshore Guyana. The company noted an announcement by Guyanas Maritime Administration Department, that the Stena Carron drillship will begin drilling operations at the Jabillo-1 well site on 10 March. Jabillo will be the second of three exploration wells scheduled for the Exxon-led Canje block this year. It is described as a 1bn barrel prospect, in the Late Cretaceous basin fan system. ( ), the fund management firm that used to be part of ( ), got the thumbs-up from the market for its 2020 results. The shares rose 5.6% to 216.5p after the company, in its first full year as an independent company, saw assets under management and administration (AUMA) rise 4% to 367.2bn. Adjusted operating profit before tax of 788mln, down from 1.15bn the year before, was described by chief executive John Foley as a good outcome given that, as an independent company, we incurred head office and debt interest costs for the first full year. This morning weve published our Full Year 2020 Financial Results which demonstrate a strong and resilient performance. You can read our full announcement here: https://t.co/VNEj37DlHI pic.twitter.com/QujyyQRxgC (@mandgplc) March 9, 2021 Elsewhere in the financial sector, investors were not so forgiving of Group PLC ( ), which saw its shares slide 3.3% to 253.8p following its full-year results. The inter-dealer broker saw revenue in 2020 dip by 2% to 1.79bn from 1.83bn in 2019, while adjusted profit before tax slipped 3% to 223mln from 230mln. The first two months of 2021 saw revenue per trading day running marginally higher than in the first two months of 2020 but the company said first-quarter revenues could still be down year-on-year as March 2020 was a bumper month. Proactive news headlines ( ) ( ) said it has completed a fundraising that it says will allow it to complete a follow-on investment in Pluto Digital Assets as well as pursue strategic opportunities in crypto mining, capital investment, decentralised finance (DeFi) and Web 3.0 initiatives, and general working capital purposes. ( ) said Australia's Therapeutics Goods Administration has approved its drug Feraccru to treat iron deficiency with or without anaemia in adults. Diagnostics specialist genedrive plc ( ) said it has inked a deal with a US military contracting specialist that will distribute its BioPlex range, which provide rapid tests for threats from pathogens. ( ) said its Venn Life Sciences business has won a contract to support a phase I clinical study. ( ) has been awarded a contract worth a minimum of US$960,000 by a customer that wants to use Kromeks technology in a new radiation technology product. ( ) said it has invested US$200,000 into a seed funding round at Automata Network alongside trading firm Alameda Research and other investors such as IOSG Ventures, Divergence Ventures and Block, for a yet-to-be-determined amount of Automata (ATA) tokens. ( ) said its portfolio company AquaInSilico, in which it owns a 29% stake, will receive a US$250,000 grant as an Ocean Innovator through the United Nations Development Programmes Ocean Innovation Challenge. ( ), the biotech backer, saw a sharp increase in its net asset value (NAV) per share in 2020. The companys NAV stood at 328mln at the end of December, up from 202mln a year earlier. The company also announced it has founded a new 49%-owned portfolio company, Twelve Bio, that is a spin-out from the Foundation Centre for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen and is developing novel engineered Cas12a nucleases for therapeutic gene editing. ( ) said it has signed a new contract for Paddington Bear with the Black Watch Museum in Perth, Scotland. ( ) announced it has received an eighth positive test result confirming that its graphene nanoplatelets are not absorbed through human skin. This is vital for the use of graphene in textile markets where customers have to be certain of the safety of the apparel they produce and market, the company said. ( )( ) has completed the first 26 drill holes of the La India starter pit infill drilling programme. La India is Condors flagship gold project in Nicaragua. ( ) said further infill drilling results were "outstanding" at its Havieron project in Australia. Westmount Energy Limited ( ) told investors it is expecting that operations for Jabillo-1, the next well at the Canje block, offshore Guyana, will start tomorrow. ( ) has signed a Master Services Agreement with Synergy Consulting to provide financial and transaction advisory services in regard to the integrated 300MW coal fired Ncondezi power project and coal mine in Tete, Mozambique. Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd (LON:COPL, CSE:XOP) has raised 14mln through a share placing with the proceeds earmarked for its new North American assets, which are being acquired in the Atomic Oil & Gas deal (due to close next week). ( ) has received warrant exercise notices to subscribe for 4,000,000 new ordinary shares in the company at an exercise price of 10p per ordinary share for total gross proceeds of 400,000. Chief executive Russell Fryer said: "It is encouraging to see further support from our shareholders endorsing the confidence they have in the Company's strategy to identify and acquire brownfield mining opportunities in the strategic metals sector. We continue to consider a number of operators or near-term production operators within the natural resources development and production sector in the continent of Africa, with a number of targets having been identified with preliminary discussions continuing." ( ) said it has secured a put option financing agreement with US investment manager LDA Capital. The cannabidiol (CBD) group said the agreement will allow it to access up to 35mln over a 36-month period as well as retain the optionality to control the timing and amount of capital draws, which it said will guarantee operational flexibility for the group as it looked to further expand its international footprint. ( ) in a statement noted that it has agreed, at the request of borrower Proger Managers & Partners, to postpone the Loan reimbursement until 19 March it also noted that as of the maturity date, February 25, the due reimbursement was 14.85mln. ( ) notified that its interim results for the six months ended 31 January 2021 are scheduled for 24 March. AFC Energy ( ) told investors that it has appointed FTI Consulting as its retained public relations and financial communications adviser. He and his colleagues have found two subtypes of the B.1.526 variant: one with the E484K mutation seen in South Africa and Brazil, which is thought to help the virus partially dodge the vaccines; and another with a mutation called S477N, which may affect how tightly the virus binds to human cells. Epidemiologists have expressed concern about the variant, but city officials said that despite the E484K mutation, they still had no evidence that the B.1.526 variant was partially evading vaccine protection. Our preliminary analysis does not show that this new strain causes more severe illness or reduces the effectiveness of vaccines, said Dr. Jay Varma, an adviser to Mr. de Blasio. Earlier this year, experts had said the citys capacity for genetic analysis was inadequate to understand the dynamics of New Yorks outbreak. The United States overall ability to track variants is much less robust than in Britain, and federal health officials have expressed significant concern that variants may spread here undetected. New York has been increasing the number of samples it analyzes in recent weeks. Nationally, epidemiologists have been sounding alarms about B.1.1.7, which is on track to be the dominant form of the virus in this country by the end of March. That variant is believed to have contributed to steep case increases and full hospitals in Britain and elsewhere. What weve seen in Europe when we hit that 50 percent mark, youll see cases surge, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. He urged the public not to let up on health measures and to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Dr. Denis Nash, an epidemiologist at the City University of New York, said Wednesday that while he was worried about the new variants, more questions than answers remain about how they will impact the spread of the virus in New York City. Its anybodys guess, given the vaccine, the competition among the variants and everything we are trying to do to keep the virus low, he said. The same things we always do have the ability to reduce the impact of the virus, he added, urging continued vigilance and precautions. If there is an exposure that gets past those defenses, there is potential that it could more easily take hold, or last longer. But if we keep doing everything we have been doing to prevent spread, we should be able to manage the variants too. Apoorva Mandavilli contributed reporting. A new speed safety camera system is to be trialled on the M7 motorway which runs through Laois because nearly 40% of motorists are breaking the limit while many don't slow down in bad weather, according to Gardai As part of a pilot project in Limerick, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Roads Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana have confirmed the installation of motorway average speed safety cameras. Gardai say that analysis of traffic data by TII shows that speeding is typical of driver behaviour on low traffic volume sections of the motorway network throughout the country. They say this type of driver behaviour is very dangerous, and it is compounded during rain or hail showers increasing the potential of serious accidents. Gardai say an analysis of speed data on the M7 corridor since 2017 identified speeding as a significant issue with approx. 40 % of drivers exceeding the 120 km/h speed limit on certain sections. The Gardai add that the data identified that speeds are not being appropriately moderated in response to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or low road temperatures. The data also suggests that speeds are not being appropriately moderated in response to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or low road temperatures. It has been announced that the camera system will be deployed between Junction 26 (Nenagh West) and Junction 27 (Birdhill) covering both directions. When operational, the system will be Irelands first mainline motorway based system. Launch of Irelands 1st Mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system 9/3/21 Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the RSA & An Garda Siochana are delighted to announce the installation of motorway average speed safety cameras. Full Press Release https://t.co/CbbKtakkzk pic.twitter.com/Jir471fGgS An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) March 9, 2021 An identical system has been operational within the Dublin Tunnel since mid-2017 and it has been hugely successful in improving driver behaviour as regards speeding with the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit dropping from about 55% to just over 10%. "The specific locations chosen for the pilot scheme have been subject to frequent weather-related/micro-climate events (mostly hail) resulting in increased collision frequency in the area. The installation of equipment at the M7 sites commenced on Monday and will be followed by a period of testing and commissioning. At the M7 locations, motorists will soon see the roadside equipment being deployed for the camera system. This will include the yellow poles and cameras traditionally associated with speed measurement equipment. The go-live date for operations will be determined by An Garda Siochana and there will be at least ten days notice and a communications campaign in advance. Commenting on the pilot scheme, Superintendent Tom Murphy said: "This system will save lives and make our roads safer. An Garda Siochana are delighted to work with TII and RSA to implement this project. The success of this initiative will see a change in driver behaviour as the current speeds on the M7 are totally unacceptable. 24/7 monitoring of speed will soon be in place. The success of the project from the viewpoint of An Garda Siochana will be greater compliance and the message is simple Speed kills so Slowdown". In 2020, there were a total of 357 speeding detections made in the vicinity of Junction 26 and Junction 27 by Go Safe and An Garda Siochana. Kevin ORourke, TII's Head of Network Operation's said: "The success of the Average Speed Safety Camera system in Dublin Tunnel is demonstrated by the reduction in speeding incidents by about 80%. This highlights the potential significant safety benefits for both the road user and our teams working on the motorways from using such systems on the wider motorway network and is in line with international experience. Michael Rowland, Director of Road Safety, Driver Education & Research at the Road Safety Authority added: "Safety cameras have been in operation in Ireland since November 2010 and are proven life savers. They are about saving lives and preventing injuries. Where safety cameras have been deployed, deaths and serious injuries as a result of speeding have reduced. Everyone has a choice; we can slow down and save a life, or we can speed, risk your own life and the lives of others, in addition to risking penalty points and a fine. Key Data for the M7 Corridor J21 to J28 (2017 Figures) 41% of cars were exceeding the 120 km/h speed limit. 31% of cars were travelling at up to and including 135 km/h 10% of cars were travelling above 135 km/h Only a 2% reduction in cars travelling at above 135 km/h in response to adverse weather Actions are undertaken along the M7 (J21 to J28) in response to incident data: Data analysis (traffic, weather etc.) to identify collision circumstances and driver behaviour trends; "Wet skid collision clusters have been identified by An Garda Siochana and TII and have been mitigated with engineering interventions; Collaboration amongst all road safety stakeholders to inform motorists of the hazards associated with adverse weather; o Road Safety Authority adverts regarding hail; o Met Eireann forecasts including a focus on hail as required; o TII introduced VMS on M7 at locations most susceptible to hail to warn drivers. Jetstar will bring more of its jets back home from Japan to boost its domestic fleet as it faces a delay of up to two years in the delivery of its new Airbus A321neo aircraft. The budget Qantas subsidiary was set to receive the first of the new single-aisle, long-range variant A321neo jets in August 2020 with 18 to have joined its fleet by the end of 2022, enabling it to expand further into popular Asian travel destinations. But the order was put on hold last May when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the aviation industry to its knees. Jetstar is shifting some of its jets from Japan to Australia to take advantage of Tigerairs demise. Credit:James Brickwood Jetstar chief executive Gareth Evans on Wednesday said he didnt expect the planes to arrive until 2022 or 2023, but in the meantime would grow its domestic capacity by moving six of Jetstar Japans 25 older Airbus A320s to Australia for the next two to three years. The budget carrier is leading the Qantas Groups return from its COVID hibernation and is scheduled to fly at 90 per cent of its pre-COVID capacity by Easter. Adding more planes to the domestic fleet should help Jetstar take advantage of the demise of budget rival Tigerair. Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children: a clear and effective handbook for parents and teachers that will equip them with the necessary wisdom in rearing the youth towards the path thats best for them. Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children is the creation of published author Marilyn Dunn Gooding, a writer who continues to dedicate her time to those in need through counseling, family services, and community service, even after retirement. She has over thirty years of experience as a teacher and counselor in public schools, grades K through 12, and North Carolina community college. Marilyn shares, Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children is an ultimate guide and a must-read book for parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders, and others. Marilyn shares opportunities that will challenge you to inspire children to reach their potential and become high achievers. In this book, Marilyn emphasizes the importance of character development and pushing children to greatness. PUSH Toward Higher-Achieving Children is a step-by-step guide for unleashing a childs gift of greatness through the following principles: Pushing parents to create a healthy home with love, morals, values, and quality time Pushing teachers and school administrators to create a learning environment that is safe, fun, and conducive for learning Pushing toward discipline that creates respect for authority and positive interactions with others Pushing our children toward understanding the importance of positive self-esteem and ways to handle peer pressure Marilyns book is highly recommended because she explains that the road to success is not a mystery but simply developing a healthy, supportive, and understanding relationship between the child, parent, school, and community. Grasping the importance of these principles will employ self-esteem into a mechanism to handle peer pressure and show high achieving youth the paths to success and becoming a great citizen who is prepared to give back to the community. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Marilyn Dunn Goodings new book is a brilliant guidebook to encourage togetherness. The author wills to improve the lives of families and enrich their children in being high-achievers. Truly, this is a great way to better connect with family members. View a synopsis of Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Push Toward Higher-Achieving Children, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Following a dynamic two-day virtual interaction focused on this year's theme, Africa Reloaded: The Power of The Collective, the 6th annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit honoured some of the continent's most impactful women. 2021 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit to focus on resetting Africa The 6th Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit is set to explore the power of the collective in resetting Africa... 2021 Forbes Woman Africa Award Winners Celebrating International Womens Day, the #LeadingWomanSummit, presented by Mastercard, welcomed ground-breaking speakers at its first-ever virtual event which ran from 8-9 March 2021.The awards celebrate African women who inspire confidence through rewriting the narrative, leaders who advocate positive change and are committed to economic and social transformation on the continent especially in a Covid recovery phase. These are women who have challenged authority to bring about change and created a new discourse that will enable future generations to live in a better and more equal world.Last years winners included Dr Aisha Pandor, co-founder of SweepSouth; DJ Zinhle; Olajumoke Adenowo, founder of Ad Consulting; Bafana Khumalo, co-founder of Sonke Gender Justice; and Irene Charnley, founder and Deputy Chairman of Smile Telecoms Holdings; among others.Id like to congratulate all the 2021 award winners for being such incredible leaders in their respective fields, particularly after such a tumultuous year, said Renuka Methil, managing editor ofandThis year we adapted to a completely online format, and while we do miss the face-to-face interaction, the digital space gave us the opportunity to expand the #LeadingWomanSummit footprint and reach a much bigger audience. And, with the global pandemic creating so much disruption worldwide, this summit was a welcome opportunity to get insight from these grounded, inspiring women whove all given us a renewed sense of hope.Commenting on the awards, Suzanne Morel, Mastercard Country Manager for South Africa said: As a proud partner of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, we would like to offer our congratulations to all these inspirational women who have been recognised in this years awards. Not only have they made a tremendous impact in their respective fields, but they are leading the charge in opening up the worlds possibilities to women. And a world that works better for women creates limitless possibilities for us all.: Rabia Ghoor, Founder of Swiitch Beauty: Isabelle Kamariza, Founder of Solid'Africa: Temie Giwa Tubosun, Founder of Lifebank: Professor Rudo Mathivha, Academic Head of Intensive Care Services at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital: Hellen Obiri, Olympic Athlete: Elsa Majimbo, Kenyan Comedian: Ada Osakwe, Founder of Agrolay Ventures: H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former president of Liberia Pune, March 10 : The Vice President of global investment banking company Credit Suisse, Ankur Khandelwal, was killed here after being knocked down by a speeding car driven by a man in an allegedly drunken state, who has been arrested. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Pune, Pankaj Deshmukh, told the media that the preliminary medical report of the driver -- identified as Jovinson James (30) -- found him to be under the influence of alcohol. The police are awaiting a chemical analysis report of his blood samples after which he may be booked under higher charges like culpable homicide not amounting to murder, he said. The incident happened at around 12.30 a.m. on Monday when Khandelwal, 38, his wife Roshni, 35, and their nine-year-old son were outside their home in Kharadi to see off some guests. Suddenly, a speeding red Volkswagen, driven by James, rammed into Khandelwal, crushing him under the wheels between the car and the society's compound wall. Grievously injured, Khandelwal was rushed to a nearby private hospital where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Following an uproar in the city, ID Medical, a healthcare company which employed James, has launched its own probe pending which it has sacked James, who was on leave from service. Meanwhile, the friends and relatives of Khandelwal have launched a social media campaign -- @JusticeForAnkurKhandelwal -- demanding justice for him and his family and stringent punishment to the accused James, who is currently on bail. Paris, March 10, 2021 (SPS) - The French non-governmental organization (NGO), the Association of Friends of SADR, requested its government to intervene to save the life of the Sahrawi political prisoner Mohamed Lamin Haddi, who has been fifty six days of hunger strike in the Moroccan prison of Tifilt 2 . In a statement addressed to the authorities of his country, the French NGO urged his government to take advantage of the good relations with Morocco for the release of the human rights activist and member of the Gdeim Izik Group, who has been on a hunger strike since January 13, 2021 in protest at the precarious prison conditions in which he finds himself, as well as the deprivation of his rights to medical care and his transfer to more than 1,200 kilometers from where his family resides in the occupied territories of Western Sahara SPS 125/090/TRA Minnesota Legislature Julie Rosen Fairmont Tim Walz's Senate Randy Farrow Mankato Clinic April 2020 Kelly Morrison Deephaven Angie Youngerberg Minnesota (TNS) Accessing health care has drastically changed over the past year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers are working to make many of those state-mandated changes permanent.At the halfway point of this year's legislative session, theis working out the kinks in expanding telehealth access for people across the state. Legislators are discussing several bills on the issue, from interstate telehealth access to addressing how telehealth services are financially reimbursed.Sen., R-, is sponsoring an overarching telehealth bill to help codify many of Gov.executive orders on telehealth as many Minnesotans turn to video appointments or phone calls for medical help."We're seeing increases of up to 30% of visits in June of last year, whereas before it was 2% of visits," Rosen told lawmakers at ahuman services committee hearing Tuesday. "It is a very important option for the patient and a critical tool in delivering health care."Lawmakers have sought ways to protect expanded telehealth services since the beginning of the year as public health and hospital industry advocates tout the successes they've seen in telehealth care over the past year., CEO of, wrote in a letter to lawmakers the local medical center had more than 39,500 telehealth visits since, with about 3,500 telehealth appointments per month."In some cases, we were able to see patients with COVID symptoms virtually," Farrow wrote. "In other cases, our most vulnerable patients were able to receive care in the safety of their homes."Rosen's bill, and a similar bill sponsored by Democratic Rep.ofin the House, would help streamline the state's telehealth policies and expand coverage for mental health practitioner and substance use counselor visits. The bills would get rid of a limit on telehealth visits and would also ensure health care professionals get reimbursed at the same rates for telehealth services as they would for in-person appointments.Rosen noted telehealth services have been especially useful for mental health and substance use disorder care. While there are still some challenges in wording certain areas, such as children's mental health case management, many health-care experts and advocates say the proposal is a necessary step to help residents throughout the state."This is absolutely a necessary advancement of policy,", director of business operations for Blue Earth County Human Services, said.Youngerberg told lawmakers patients and clients have done a much better job keeping to appointments and check-ups through audio or video meetings. Advocates also say using telehealth services to monitor patients helps cut down on health-care costs, through Rosen noted those efforts also come with a variety of rules around who can be treated and monitored.Whilehas sanctioned telehealth services since 2015, lawmakers and advocates note many of those services have evolved and expanded over the past six years."Telehealth is not going away," Rosen said. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, has been accused of taking people in Northern Ireland for fools around the Brexit Protocol. Brandon Lewis was taking an urgent question in the House of Commons on Wednesday after the UK Government previously acted to allow businesses here more time to adapt to post-Brexit trading rules. The Labour MP Conor McGinn asked Mr Lewis if he thought the people of Northern Ireland were stupid in relation to the Irish Sea border. They pretended it didn't exist, but said that even if it did, sure it will have no impact anyway. And now they're saying, well actually, there is one but we can just ignore it, he said. Will [Mr Lewis] stop taking people for fools and start showing the responsible leadership required to sort this out?" Responding, the Secretary of State said the Government had delivered unfettered access between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The decision to take unilateral action around the Protocol was seen, according to the shadow Northern Ireland secretary Louise Haigh, as showing the UK Government cannot be trusted. It raises serious questions about whether the Government has a strategy at all to deal with the complex realities facing Northern Ireland, she said. "Provocation is not a strategy and a stop gap is not a solution." Meanwhile, while unionists in the House of Commons welcomed the steps taken around the extension to trading grace periods. They also called for radical steps, after the DUPs Gregory Campbell said resentment had built up among unionism in Northern Ireland. Does he grasp fully the degree of resentment that exists in unionism in Northern Ireland? questioned Mr Campbell. The consent for the unionist community has now diminished to the point where radical steps and radical actions have to be taken by his government, as a matter of urgency. The SDLP leader Colm Eastwood said the decision had left the UKs reputation in tatters. Last week the Secretary of State rushed out an announcement unilaterally on budget day, that his government would once again break international law. he said. Given that governments across Europe and politicians in Capitol Hill and in the White House are furious about this move, is the Secretary of State at all concerned that this Governments reputation is in tatters across the world? The European Commission is preparing to take legal action against the Government, accusing it of breaching the terms of the protocol, which governs trade to Northern Ireland post-Brexit. Brussels, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :EU will receive an extra four million BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine doses over the next two weeks that its chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday would be deployed to Covid-19 "hotspots". The delivery -- over and above already agreed supplies from the vaccine-maker -- will go to affected border regions within the bloc to "help ensure or restore free movement of goods and people", she said in a statement. The effort comes as the European Commission is trying to persuade at least six EU states -- including von der Leyen's home country Germany -- to lift virus-related border restrictions deemed by Brussels to be excessive. It also follows a trip by the leaders of Austria and Denmark to Israel to form a vaccine-producing alliance that exemplified broad criticism of the lack of deliveries so far under the commission's pre-purchasing scheme. Von der Leyen said the four million extra BioNTech/Pfizer doses would be delivered "before the end of March" to help member states deploy "their targeted use where they are most needed, in particular in border regions". She said they would go to "tackle aggressive variants of the virus and to improve the situation in hotspots". Von der Leyen pointed to steep rises in infections and hospitalisations in Austria's Tyrol region, France's Nice and Moselle regions, Bolzano in Italy, and parts of Germany's Bavaria and Saxony regions. - 'Quick and decisive' - The statement said the four million extra doses would be made available for member states to buy according to their population size. However, von der Leyen's spokesman acknowledged that the commission did not have the power to tell EU capitals what to do with their extra jabs. "We're not providing specific guidance on how member states should be using these doses of vaccine," said the spokesman. Several EU countries welcomed the extra BioNTech/Pfizer supply, with France saying it expected nearly 600,000 doses, Italy 532,000, the Netherlands 169,000 and Ireland 46,500. Von der Leyen called the additional agreement "quick and decisive action" on the part of her commission, and emphasised that restoring freedom of movement within the EU was "key for the functioning of health systems and the Single Market". Before von der Leyen's announcement, EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton said the bloc was expecting delivery of 55 million doses of different vaccines in March. Von der Leyen has said overall vaccine deliveries to the EU will jump to 100 million doses per month in April, May and June. Her goal is to have 70 percent of adults in the EU fully vaccinated by mid-September. In the past decade, our societys failure to protect its kids from abuse was laid bare by a royal commission. We know that places which should have been safe for children were very unsafe. The royal commissions report detailed horrific past abuse and gave us 10 standards for child safety, which became 10 national principles. Those principles tell organisations what they need to do to keep kids safe from harm. Prime Minister Scott Morrison wrote the foreword to those principles and gave them his unwavering support. In his words, Adopting the national principles is an important step to better protecting Australias children. Prime Minister Scott Morrison should be leading by example. Credit:Photo: Alex Ellinghausen The story that is now dominating Australias national news is about the alleged rape of a 16-year-old child in 1988. Although the allegation was made against a person who was 17 years old at the time, the governments working definition of child abuse includes sexual abuse perpetrated by children and young people. The way that leaders respond to allegations of child abuse (even when the allegations are made against another child) tells survivors whether they will be heard by those in power and it signals to perpetrators whether they will get away with what they have done. Over the past day, March 9, the armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in Donbas 21 times. In the area of Krasnohorivka (21km west of Donetsk), Pisky (11km north-west of Donetsk), Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk), Zolote-4 (59km west of Luhansk) and Opytne (12km north-west of Donetsk), the occupying forces shelled Ukrainian positions, using 120mm and 82mm mortars prohibited by Minsk agreements, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms, the press center of the JFO Headquarters informs. In the suburbs of Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk), Lebedynske (16km east of Mariupol) and Pivdenne (40km north-east of Donetsk), the enemy opened aimed fire from grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns on Ukrainian positions. Outside Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), Pyshchevyk (25km north-east of Mariupol) and Zalizne (42km north-east of Donetsk), Russian invaders fired hand-held grenade launchers, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns, heavy machine guns and small arms. The enemy was spotted equipping engineering positions in the direction towards Troitske. Ukrainian soldiers returned fire in response to the enemy's shelling. Ukrainian troops sustained no combat losses. The OSCE representatives were informed about the ceasefire violations through the Ukrainian side of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC). Over the past 24 hours, the enemy's actions were aimed at provoking the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine into opening fire to illustrate Russian information narratives about preparations of the Ukrainian military for a forceful scenario of the settlement of the conflict in Donbas. As of 07:00 on March 10, no shelling was reported. Ukrainian troops continue to control the situation in the Joint Forces Operation area and adhere to the ceasefire. ol Authorities have charged Sean Michael Lannon with murder in the beating death of a 66-year-old New Jersey resident on Monday as the cross-country investigation into five killings remains ongoing. Lannon, 47, of Grants, New Mexico, and a former New Jersey resident, was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, on Wednesday morning. The Gloucester County Prosecutors Office issued an alert on Tuesday that Lannon was sought in the New Jersey killing and as a person of interest in the deaths of four people whose bodies were found Friday in a vehicle left in a parking garage at an airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is located about 80 miles from Grants. One of the victims found in the vehicle was Lannons ex-wife, 39-year-old Jennifer Lannon, authorities said. It is unclear when those killings occurred. In New Jersey, Lannon is accused of breaking into Michael Dabkowskis home on Myrtle Avenue in Mickleton, East Greenwich Township, and hitting the man in the head repeatedly with a blunt object, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in support of the murder charge. Police responded to Dabkowskis home Monday evening for a well-being check and found him in a laundry room, authorities said. Lannon and Dabkowski knew each other, investigators said. Lannon was driving a vehicle he stole from Dabkowski when he was arrested Wednesday, authorities said. He is charged with murder, burglary, robbery and theft in that case. A credible witness told Gloucester County investigators that Lannon confessed in a phone call that he murdered his wife and her boyfriends in New Mexico and then killed Dabkowski in New Jersey, according to the affidavit. Lannon allegedly told the witness he is extremely sorry for all the things he has done, according to authorities. Jennifer Lannon, 39, was one of four victims whose bodies were found in a vehicle in New Mexico last week. Her ex-husband is a person of interest in that case. The Lannons are both from New Jersey, had kids together and divorced in 2019, according to New Mexico court records. Authorities confirmed that their children are all safe. Sean Lannon is from the East Greenwich area, according to investigators. Jennifer Lannon previously lived in Clayton, West Deptford and Blackwood, according to public records searches. Records also indicate that she was a registered nurse in New Mexico, where she was issued a nursing license in 2017. Prior to that, she worked as an RN in New Jersey, where she was issued a license in 2010. Her New Jersey nursing license was suspended in 2018 after she was accused of diverting medications in several instances. Her nursing license in New Mexico was revoked in 2020. In addition to the homicide charges in New Jersey, prosecutors announced Tuesday that Lannon was charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing his way into a home in Monroeville, Elk Township, while armed with a knife on Monday. A Memorial Lane resident reported that his home security camera captured a well-dressed male outside carrying a Royal Farms plastic bag and an approximately 16-inch kitchen knife. Later Monday morning, that resident contacted police to report that he spotted the same man in the side yard of a home and, when confronted, the suspect ran. The owner of a nearby residence returned home and reported finding several items that did not belong to anyone in the home, including the bag and knife. Numerous other items were found in the home that did not belong to the residents, the owner told police, though the affidavit doesnt indicate what those items were. No injuries were reported. Efforts to reach members of the Lannon family on the East Coast were unsuccessful on Wednesday. A woman who identified herself as Sean Lannons ex-wife declined to comment, as did a relative of Jennifer Lannon. A former neighbor in Grants described Sean Lannon as a hard worker who had a job in the environmental field. He lost his job after suffering an injury, was having financial problems and moved out of the house he had rented for about a year in late January. The couples three young kids lived at the home and are really sweet, the neighbor said. In addition to Jennifer Lannon, the other three bodies found in the vehicle at the New Mexico airport were identified as Matthew Miller, 21, Jesten Mata, 40, and Randal Apostalon, 60. Jennifer Lannon, Miller and Mata were previously reported missing from Grants. After Miller disappeared in January, police indicated Jennifer Lannon and Mata were wanted for questioning in that case. On Feb. 6, Grants police said Daniel Lemos, 45, was sought in connection with the disappearance of all three. Authorities in New Mexico described the investigation as ongoing and have not disclosed how Sean Lannon may be connected to Lemos and how the victims there died. Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the New Jersey case to contact Gloucester County Prosecutors Office Sgt. John Petroski at 856-498-6238. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. (CNN) -- It was the revelation that made Oprah Winfrey's jaw drop during an already explosive interview. There were several "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he was born," Meghan, Duchess of Sussex said of an issue raised by an unnamed member of the British royal family before the birth of her son Archie. "But it was right at the beginning," her husband Prince Harry later added, "What will the kids look like?" For some, these are shocking allegations, but for many Britons of color, Meghan's accusations of racism inside the palace echo a familiar lived experience on the streets of the UK. Even the angry backlash, by those blindly defending the monarchy, resonate for those people who have spoken out only to be confronted by racism's evil twin sister -- defensiveness. And many more will relate to the mental health issues that come with being marginalized in a predominantly -- or in Meghan's case completely -- White space, the sense of exclusion, the feeling of being unworthy, unwanted and afraid. Throughout their two-hour TV special, aired in the United States on Sunday night, Meghan and Harry were careful to focus on the "system," "the firm," and the "institution," and never accused any specific individuals. This is perhaps a sign of respect to Prince Harry's grandmother, the Queen, and his other relatives across the Atlantic, but it also broadens the couple's struggle and ties it to the global anti-racism movement. A few months after the couple left England -- moving first to Canada then California -- the death of George Floyd in Minnesota in May 2020 sparked mass demonstrations in cities around the world, including London, demanding greater equality and accountability for racial injustices both past and present. In the UK, protesters directed their anger at the country's elite institutions of power, some such as monarchy which date back to colonialism and beyond, and the systems of class and race they perpetuate in modern-day Britain. In Bristol, southwest England, last June, activists pulled down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, and dumped it into the harbor, igniting a national conversation on race and history in the UK. Just days earlier, Meghan voiced her support for the Black Lives Matter movement in a graduation message to her old high school from her home in Los Angeles. "Now you get to be part of rebuilding. And I know sometimes people say, 'How many times we need to rebuild?' Well, you know what? We are going to rebuild, and rebuild, and rebuild until it is rebuilt. Because when the foundation is broken so are we," the Duchess of Sussex said in the video. This moment of racial reckoning forced Britons to have the uncomfortable conversations around race and racism that are often considered culturally awkward, if not taboo. "The British like to think of themselves as quite liberal and the British get quite offended if they are accused of racism," Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to the UK's Parliament, told CNN in an interview last year. "There is something about Black women that people in this country find particularly triggering," she added. "I don't know why, but it's a combination of racism and misogyny and Meghan came in for that in spades." British high school student Aker Okoye went viral a year ago when he called Meghan "beautiful" and embraced her during a surprise visit to his school in east London. Another day, however, he came home with a stack of tabloid newspapers featuring negative headlines about the Duchess, and a list of questions for his parents. "I felt what does this mean for me as a Black person in Britain," Okoye, a class president, told CNN. "Me personally, I felt as if I wasn't accepted because Meghan for me is a representative of people of color and her presence within the UK had made me feel as if I can get to these levels." Sections of the UK press have also drawn the ire of the couple and their supporters. Harry has previously accused the media of racist and sexist undertones against his wife in their coverage, a charge which media figures deny. "It can often be thought in British society if you don't say insulting words than it's not racism," royal historian Kate Williams told CNN. "But the coverage [of Meghan] was very different -- what other women in the royal family were celebrated for Meghan was criticized for in the papers." Black people are three times more likely than White people to say Black celebrities are treated worse than their White counterparts by the media, according to a CNN poll published in June 2020. Exposing further divisions, two in three Black people polled said the UK has not done enough to address historical racial injustice, twice the proportion of White people who said that. Outside of the UK, the monarchy relies on the public support of the Commonwealth -- a group of 54 nations of mostly former British territories, many of which are in Africa and the Caribbean -- to shore up their global brand. "For a family who wants everyone smiling, doing engagements and being happy, there is a large potential for this interview to be damaging," Williams explained. "Particularly among young people, residents in the Commonwealth, those from diverse backgrounds." Meghan's entry into the royal family brought diversity and with it the possibility of change, but that institution prides itself on remaining unchanged and steeped in traditions that date back to the British empire and beyond. Harry told Oprah that many of his family members stick to the motto "this is just how it is," but for many minorities, 'how it is' has not been good or fair. And for those coming from positions of privilege, unaware of the lived experience of people from other backgrounds, Harry offered up his own journey as a teachable moment. "My upbringing in the system ... which I was brought up in and what I've been exposed to ... I wasn't aware of it to start with," the Duke told Oprah of his own unconscious bias. "But, my god, it doesn't take very long to suddenly become aware of it ... As sad as it is to say it takes living in her [Meghan's] shoes." CNN has reached out to the royal family for comment. There is only one person in the world who knows what it's like to be a biracial member of the UK royal family -- the Duchess of Sussex -- the question now is whether the palace and the country will listen to her. CNN will soon launch Royal News, a weekly newsletter bringing you the inside track on the royal family, what they are up to in public and what's happening behind palace walls. Sign up here. This story was first published on CNN.com, "The racism Meghan says she experienced as a royal will be no surprise to Black Britons" Canntab Therapeutics (CSE: PILL- OTCQB: CTABF) CFO Richard Goldstein joined Steve Darling from Proactive with news the Australian Patent Office has granted Canntab an Australian Patent related to its proprietary cannabidiol formulations. Goldstein talks about another validation of their technology with this patent and also the fact they have a purchase order from Australia. Goldstein also told Proactive the company will be taking part in Australia's Largest Observational Medical Cannabis Research Study ever. NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Variants of the coronavirus are appearing in different parts of the world, many of them spreading with alarming speed. One contagious variant is the South African, or SA, variant, identified by an international team of researchers, including biomedical scientists from the University of California, Riverside. "The new COVID-19 variants are the next new frontier," said Adam Godzik, a professor of biomedical sciences in the UC Riverside School of Medicine and a member of the research team that made the discovery. "Of these, the SA and Brazil strains are most worrying. They have mutations that make them resistant to antibodies we generate with existing vaccines. It is commonly believed we are in a tight race: Unless we vaccinate people quickly and squash the pandemic, new variants would dominate to the point that all our COVID-19 vaccines would be ineffective." Godzik and Arghavan Alisoltani-Dehkordi, a postdoctoral researcher who joined his lab two years ago, helped characterize the new SA variant by providing its spike protein structure using computer simulations. Study results appear today in Nature. Alisoltani-Dehkordi, who was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town in South Africa before she joined UCR, mentioned that research teams at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and the University of Cape Town discovered the new lineage -- or variant -- of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from samples collected between Oct. 15 and Nov. 25, 2020, in three South African provinces. By early November, this variant rapidly became the dominant variant in samples from two provinces. Each SARS-CoV-2 variant has specific mutations defining it. Professor Godzik and I used computer modeling to suggest possible structural and functional consequences of spike protein mutations in the SA lineage. Our analysis, confirmed also by several other research groups, shows that some of the mutations potentially result in a higher transmissibility of the virus and a weaker immune response." Alisoltani-Dehkordi, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cape Town The SA variant has been detected in at least 40 countries, including the United States. "This variant is probably spreading in areas where it has not been sequenced and is, therefore, not identifiable," Godzik said. "In the U.S., sequencing is still a slow process. In many parts of the country, including Riverside, we have no information whatsoever about variants." Initial research on the SA variant suggested it could be resistant to antibodies, which could reduce the efficacy of vaccines. "That's when it received a high level of interest," Godzik said. "Subsequent research confirmed it is resistant to vaccines and is spreading. South Africa is doing a good job, however, at controlling the variant through quarantining and other measures." All the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and California show common mutational signatures. But each of these variants also has a unique set of mutations. For example, the SA and Brazil variants have two unique mutations on spike proteins K417N and E484K, respectively. "Our preliminary findings indicate that some of the spike mutations may be associated with increased transmissibility of the SA variant," Alisoltani-Dehkordi said. "The full significance of spike and other genome mutations in this new lineage, however, is yet to be determined. It needs to be stressed that we do not have enough evidence confirming the higher disease progression, severity, or mortality rate associated with the SA lineage compared to other lineages. But the high transmissibility and unusual divergence of the SA lineage and other recently emerged lineages compared to the wild type creates a high demand for the systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 strains and early detection of variants before they turn into outbreaks." Godzik explained there is no single COVID-19 virus. Instead, a population of viruses exists that constantly evolve. Variants, which also evolve, acquire mutations and could undergo viral escape at any time. "It is hard to say there is only one SA variant," he said. "One way to understand this is to imagine that this variant is the major branch of a tree, which has many smaller branches. Some of these smaller ones may grow faster than others and assume more importance. This dynamic process is hard to predict." Godzik predicts COVID-19 will be a constant presence in our lives, much like the flu. "It takes six months to develop a flu vaccine," he said. "Models predict the evolution of the flu virus and vaccines are produced before the variants show up. If the predictions are good, the vaccines work. If they miss, a heavy flu season follows. This is how COVID-19 will likely behave. A lot of effort will be invested in predicting what will happen the following year, vaccines would then be updated, and people will need to get a booster shot." Georgetown mill owner Liberty Steel said Tuesday it has enough money to continue operating in the short term following the collapse of its top financial backer. Greensill Capital filed for insolvency in Britain on March 8. Clients of the London-based firm included GFG Alliance, the U.K.-based owner of Liberty Steel, which has operations around the world. "We have adequate funding for our current needs while we bridge the gap to refinancing the business," Sanjeev Gupta, the billionaire owner of GFG Alliance, said in a written statement. Gupta sought to ease concerns of steelworkers after Greensill announced it was seeking England's equivalent to bankruptcy. Greensill said in a court filing that GFG Allliance has started to default on its debt payments. "Securing alternative long-term funding is progressing well but will take some time to organize," according to Gupta's statement. The financial problems likely won't have an immediate impact on the Georgetown mill, which has been idled for nearly a year following a drop in demand for steel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The site also needs a new electric arc furnace, which would cost about $25 million, and other upgrades. Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! Liberty Steel spokesman Andrew Mitchell has said further operations at the South Carolina wire rod plant are unsustainable in its current condition. He told The Post and Courier last month there's been no change in the situation after roughly 130 workers were laid off last year. A small staff has remained at the mill to oversee maintenance. Greensill's collapse occurred after the financial services group said it lost insurance for its debt repackaging division. Without that coverage, the company said, it was no longer able to sell debt-backed securities to investors. Liberty Steel bought the 51-year-old Georgetown mill's assets in 2017 from ArcelorMittal and restarted the Front Street factory in June 2018. It never reached full production before what it termed a temporary shutdown in April 2020. The company recently settled a pair of lawsuits filed by suppliers that said they weren't being paid. Liberty Steel, which has about 5,000 employees overseas, also operates an aging electric arc furnace steel plant in Illinois. GFG Alliance owns more than 200 manufacturing locations in 12 countries, focusing on a range of businesses from steel plants to a bicycle manufacturer, that employ about 35,000 workers. Scarlett Moffatt has addressed her bizarre 24-hour split from her boyfriend Scott Dobinson. She announced they had split up on Sunday, but she removed the revelation from social media a day later, and the couple - who have been together for over two years - were seen on Scarlett's Instagram on Monday night, cosying up on the sofa together watching the Oprah, Meghan and Harry interview. Taking to Instagram stories on Wednesday evening, Scarlett, 30, thanked her fans for messaging, asking if all was okay. Explanation: Scarlett Moffatt has addressed her bizarre 24-hour split from her boyfriend Scott Dobinson 'We are okay - we're fine - we've been together for two and a bit years, and it's been very plain sailing. 'We haven't had anything stressful happen. But - moving house is stressful!' She added: 'But we are together - we're fine!' She flipped the camera over to Scott who agreed all was well. There he is: She flipped the camera over to Scott who agreed all was well Blip: Taking to Instagram stories on Wednesday evening, Scarlett, 30, thanked her fans for messaging, asking if all was okay 'He's making me food. So, happy Wednesday,' she added, raising a glass of pink prosecco to the camera. Scarlett had filmed Scott tenderly holding on to her leg as they watched the two-hour Oprah special on Monday night, as it aired on ITV. After this she filmed herself telling people to 'be kind' in light of the bombshell royal expose which has made headlines across the world ever since. Turning the camera on to Scott, he put his thumbs up in agreement. She said: 'We are okay - we're fine - we've been together for two and a bit years, and it's been very plain sailing. We haven't had anything stressful happen. But - moving house is stressful!' Just 24 hours earlier, Scarlett revealed she and the police constable 'sadly' ended their romance over the weekend in a post on Sunday evening, which has since been deleted. The couple - who recently moved into their new 'dream' home - had hinted at starting a family and wanting to adopt children just last month, and teamed up with Radio 1 to launch their joint podcast, Scarlett Moffatt Wants To Believe, in May 2020. Alongside an image of the pair posing in their kitchen, the former Gogglebox star wrote: 'Unfortunately me and Scott are no longer together. Spotted! The couple - who have been together for two years - were seen on Scarlett's Instagram on Monday night, cosying up on the sofa together watching the Oprah, Meghan and Harry interview Changed your tune: Just 24 hours earlier, Scarlett revealed she and the police constable 'sadly' ended their romance over the weekend in a post on Sunday evening, which has since been deleted Cosy night in: Turning the camera on to Scott, he put his thumbs up in agreement 'Nothing major has happened, its just one of those sad things. Im going to stay positive for the future and if this lockdown has taught me anything its to grab life by the horns as lifes far too short.' On their break-up, an insider told The Sun: 'Scarlett is heartbroken that her relationship with Scott has come to an end. Theyve had a rough few weeks and lately its all become too much. 'Together they have decided to take time apart and Scarlett has told people it is over for good. Scott and Scarlett were very amicable, its just a shame. On again, off again: The couple - who recently moved into their new 'dream' home - had hinted at starting a family and wanting to adopt children just last month Business partners: They had teamed up with Radio 1 to launch their joint podcast, Scarlett Moffatt Wants To Believe, in May 2020 Updates: The pair purchased their abode last December, just a few weeks after selling her County Durham home for 400,000 (pictured) 'Everyone who knows them hope they can work it out as they make such a great couple.' The Sun claimed that the former Queen of the Jungle removed Scott's Instagram account from their property profile, Our Bonnie Barn, and that they had also unfollowed each other on the platform. But this is not the case at the time of writing, with all accounts re-followed. The pair purchased their abode last December, 10 miles away from her County Durham home, which she sold for 400,000 only one week after putting it on the market. Scarlett and Scott had been updating fans by documenting their renovations on social media. 'One day, maybe': In February, the reality star-turned-broadcaster revealed she would like to have kids with her then-beau In February, the reality star-turned-broadcaster revealed she would like to have kids with her then-beau 'one day'. The host took part in an Instagram Q&A when she was asked whether she had any plans of becoming a mother in the coming years. She shared: 'One day maybe in a few years. However that may be. Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to adopt as I think every child deserves a loving home.' The media personality also discussed plans of eloping to Las Vegas in a recent episode of their podcast, insisting: 'I've always, always wanted a massive wedding. 'I assume he's going to propose at some point': The media personality also discussed plans of eloping to Las Vegas in a recent episode of their podcast Fate? In an exclusive interview with MailOnline earlier this year, the influencer lovingly declared 'they are meant to be together' 'Now I keep saying "let's go the Vegas." I'm not actually engaged yet, but I assume he's [Scott] going to do it at some point.' The officer joined in the wedding chat, revealing: 'She's [Scarlett] full of hints. 'It went from "I've found this stately home, let's have this massive ceremony, get all this catering in, this is how I want my tables" to "we're going to Vegas, it's what I really want to do because it will be fun.''' In an exclusive interview with MailOnline earlier this year, the influencer lovingly declared 'they are meant to be together' as she confessed to feeling used during relationships in the past. Long-term: They started dating shortly after Scarlett made an emergency 999 call about a stranger outside her home in 2019 They started dating shortly after Scarlett made an emergency 999 call about a stranger outside her home in 2019. The 'fit' constable arrived at her door which sparked conversation, but according to the brunette, they had known each other for several years. The I'm A Celebrity star revealed they had been speaking on-and-off since she was 18, but the timing was never right due to work commitments. Scarlett recalled: 'We would message on Facebook but then it would die off because we were both busy. 'But I think we were always meant to be together, which I know sounds really soppy and it makes me cringe to say,' she laughed. 'But I do honestly think we were always meant to be together.' Before dating Scarlett, the Extra Camp star split from personal trainer Lee Wilkinson in April 2018, claiming he was unfaithful. After parting ways, she took to social media to hit out at the 'cheating pathological liar' and posted a cryptic message referencing Henry VIII - who had six wives. Scarlett said: 'Just always seem to choose cheating pathological liars... I just choose lying cheats it's a skill.' 'For anyone that needs this right now, I just want to say if somebody feels you're not enough for them then that isn't a reflection on you, that's a reflection on them... Unless you're Henry VIII, then one girl's normally enough.' Despite her explosive claims, the Virtually Famous star sparked rumours of a reconciliation the following month when she hid her Facebook relationship status, after changing it to 'single'. Old flame: Before dating Scarlett, the Extra Camp star split from personal trainer Lee Wilkinson in April 2018, claiming he was unfaithful However, the two soon called it quits again after she reportedly dumped Lee when his ex-girlfriend of two years, Sam Irving, claimed he had sent her messages while he was still with Scarlett. Her romance with Lee followed a long-term relationship with hairdresser Luke Crodden, who left her devastated when he broke up with her on her birthday in 2017. She wrote on Facebook at the time: 'I'm gonna have to write it because I feel a bit awkward as I've done some interviews about him being in my book that aren't out for a while due to timings of the magazines ... but me and Luke have finished due to a number of different things. 'It was Luke's choice in the end but it's because we both just see each other in more of a friendly way than a romantic way. 'We both respect and love each other enough to know we need to call it a day and not be one of those couples that's off and on.' The ex files: Her romance with Lee followed a long-term relationship with hairdresser Luke Crodden (pictured), who left her devastated when he broke up with her on her birthday in 2017 Scarlett's love life was put under the microscope when she branched out from Gogglebox to enter the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle in 2016. The Iain Stirlings CelebAbility captain was also at one point linked to Ant McPartlin, having landed a role on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, after impressing ITV bosses on I'm A Celeb. These reports were never validated, however, and Ant has since found love with Anne Marie Corbett, following his divorce from make-up artist Lisa Armstrong. MailOnline has contacted Scarlett's representatives for further comment. Most teenagers don't remember life before the internet. They have grown up in a connected world, and being online has become one of their main sources of learning, entertaining and socializing. As many previous studies have pointed out, and as many parents worry, this reality does not come risk-free. Whereas time on the internet can be informative, instructive and even pleasant, there is already significant literature on the potential harm caused by young children's problematic internet use (PIU). However, a new study led by Istvan Toth-Kiraly, a Horizon Postdoctoral Fellow at the Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory in Concordia's Department of Psychology, is one of only a few that examines PIU's effects on older adolescents. The paper was co-written by professor of psychology Alexandre Morin and Lauri Hietajarvi and Katariina Salmela-Aro of the University of Helsinki. The paper, published in the journal Child Development, looks at data gathered by a longitudinal study of 1,750 high school students in Helsinki over three years. It begins by asking three big questions: what were some of the predictors or determinants of PIU? How did PIU change over the course of late adolescence, in this case, ages 16-19? And what are the consequences of PIU among the age group? At-risk signals The researchers identified three principal determinants of PIU among adolescents. The first was loneliness, defined as a lack of satisfying interpersonal relationships or the perceived inadequacy of social networks. Other studies on PIU also identified loneliness as a predictor. Parenting practices, as perceived by the teen, also predicted PIU. The researchers looked at both parental caring, such as the expressions of warmth, empathy, interest and closeness towards the child, and parental neglect, defined as the uneven availability or unresponsiveness to the child's needs. Not surprisingly, better parenting is linked to lower PIU, while neglectful parenting is linked to higher PIU. The researchers noted the differences in how maternal and paternal behaviour affected usage. Maternal caring especially was associated with lower PIU, suggesting that high-quality mother-child relationships might have led to a decrease in the need to use the internet excessively. Paternal neglect, on the other hand, had a stronger relationship with higher PIU, as a lack of guidance and limits hindered a teen's ability to set personal boundaries. Finally, the researchers considered gender. They found boys more likely to engage in PIU than girls, as they tend to be prone to more addictive-like behavior, are more impulsive and, as suggested by other studies, may have more online options such as gaming or watching YouTube videos or pornography. Girls may be more likely to be online for socializing purposes. Circular and harmful effects The researchers then looked at outcomes associated with PIU, again identifying three broad categories. The first is depressive symptoms. If left unchecked, PIU appears to come with higher levels of depression. The two have been linked in previous studies, but Toth-Kiraly says their findings suggest a new interpretation. Our study tries to understand this relationship in a bi-directional or reciprocal way. We think that PIU and depressive symptoms are likely to be co-occurring instead of one determining the other. They likely reinforce one another over time." Istvan Toth-Kiraly, a Horizon Postdoctoral Fellow, Substantive-Methodological Synergy Research Laboratory, Concordia's Department of Psychology The other outcomes linked to PIU are higher levels of substance abuse and lower levels of academic achievement. These were to be expected, and were also believed to be co-occurring. Toth-Kiraly says some teens go through a phase of heavy internet use, usually around mid-adolescence. Time spent online tends to decrease as the children mature, develop their own goals and boundaries and form their first romantic relationships. He adds that being online for hours is not necessarily damaging, even if it does seem excessive to parents. "If adolescents spend a lot of time on the internet but it doesn't really impact their mental health or their grades or doesn't seem to have any substantial negative consequences, then we cannot really say this is problematic behaviour," he says. Republic Day violence: Man who assaulted cop with spear among two arrested India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 10: Two persons, including a 21-year-old man who assaulted a policeman on duty at Red Fort with a spear on January 26, has been arrested in connection with the violence at the historic monument, police said on Wednesday. With this, the total number of arrests made in connection with the case of violence at the Red Fort on Republic Day stands at 14, they said. The police said that various teams of the Crime Branch Unit probing the Red Fort violence case have been conducting regular raids at different places in Delhi and Punjab. The duo, Maninderjit Singh, 23, and Khempreet Singh, 21, who were actively involved in the violence, were arrested on Tuesday. According to police, Maninderjit Singh, a Dutch national, settled in Birmingham, UK, was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport while trying to flee from India on forged travel documents and posed himself as Jarmanjit Singh. He originally belongs to a village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. As per his plans, he was to fly first to Nepal from Delhi and then head to the UK. A look out circular was also issued by the police against him in connection with the case and he is previously involved in two criminal cases, they said. Another accused Khempreet Singh, a resident of northwest Delhi''s Swaroop Nagar, who police said had assaulted a policeman on duty inside the well area of the Red Fort with a spear, was absconding and willfully evading his arrest. Farmers ready to continue protest on Delhi borders till Modi govt lasts: Tikait Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Monika Bhardwaj said the presence of the accused, Maninderjit Singh, at the Red Fort was established through electronic evidence. There are video footage on record, which shows his presence alongside the unlawfully assembled unruly riotous mob at the Red Fort carrying a spear during farmers agitation on January 26. "During an investigation, an electronic map was drawn to figure out the possible route taken by the accused to reach the Red Fort on the date of the incident, which transpired that Maninderjit alongside the mob, started moving from the Singhu Border, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Burari, Majnu ka Tila and finally reached the Red Fort. "Electronic evidence further corroborates the fact that he had also visited the Singhu Border protest site on different dates and took an active part in the violence at the Red Fort," the DCP said. The officer said that during analysis of videos available on case record, Khempreet Singh, along with his associates, was seen carrying a spear in his hand and assaulting a policeman on duty inside the Red Fort (well area). "With the help of a technical surveillance, regular raids were being conducted at the possible hideouts of Khempreet. Local informers were also deployed in the vicinity of the available whereabouts of the accused and finally on Tuesday, his location was traced to an area in west Delhi''s Khayala, where he was hiding in a house of one of his relatives. A raid was conducted and he was arrested from there," she said. During an investigation, Khempreet Singh disclosed that on January 26, he along with his associates, joined the mob from Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar and finally reached the Red Fort after breaching the barricades at Burari and Chatta Rail, the DCP added. The police said Maninderjit Singh, along with his family, is settled in Birmingham and is employed as a labourer in a construction field. In December 2019, he visited India and due to lockdown last year, he could not go back. He was produced before a court and his four days of police custody remand has been taken. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Khempreet Singh, who along with his family, resides in Swaroop Nagar. He will be produced before a court on Wednesday. He is also a close associate of already arrested accused Maninder Singh, they added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 12:15 [IST] Courtesy photo /U.S. Border Patrol A resident of Fort Meade, Fla, has pleaded guilty in a Laredo federal court to attempting to smuggle 149 immigrants who had crossed the border illegally, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Joseph Winslow, 54, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to smuggle immigrants. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing on June 15. At that time, Winslow faces up to 10 years in prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Growth and Change" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo The global biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market is expected to decline from $3.21 billion in 2019 to $3.04 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.18%. The decline is mainly due to the COVID-19 outbreak that has led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of industries and other commercial activities resulting in operational challenges. The entire supply chain has been disrupted, impacting the market negatively. The market is then expected to recover and reach $7.18 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 33.13%. This report focuses on biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market which will be shaping and changing our lives over the next ten years and beyond, including the markets response to the challenge of the global pandemic. Major players in the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market are Pfizer, Novartis, Allergan, Coherus BioSciences, Biocon, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, BioXpress Therapeutics, and Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited. The biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market consists of sales of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies and related services by entities (organizations, sole traders and partnerships) that produce biosimilar monoclonal antibodies, which are used to treat patients with chronic diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disease. Biosimilar monoclonal antibodies are highly similar to actual monoclonal antibodies in terms of pharmaceutical quality, safety, and efficacy, and are used to boost immunity by identifying and neutralizing foreign bodies. The market consists of revenue generated by the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies companies by the sales of these products. Stringent regulations imposed on approvals of biosimilars is anticipated to hinder the growth of the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market. The governments of different regions impose different rules regarding the production and use of biosimilars. Further, issues such as patent infringement or agreement issues restrict the manufacturers of biosimilars from commercializing the government-approved biosimilars. Story continues The US Food and Drug Administration requires a double regulatory approval for biosimilars, restricting the use of biosimilars as an interchangeable drug to biologics, whereas, in Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approves biosimilars as interchangeable products for biologics. In February 2019, out of the total 17 approved biosimilars, only 7 biosimilars including 4 originating biologics could enter the US commercial market. The strict government policies for approval of these drugs negatively impact manufacturers in the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market. The prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to drive the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market. Biosimilar monoclonal antibodies are used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. In cancer treatment, biosimilars of monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and rituximab are used. Moreover, the incidence of cancer is increasing year by year. According to the American cancer society (ACS), in 2020, about 1.8 million new cancer cases are expected in the United States. Therefore, the prevalence of chronic diseases including cancer is expected to drive the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market. The focus areas for many companies in the biosimilar monoclonal antibodies market has shifted to mergers and acquisitions to acquire more production capabilities. Large prime manufactures are forming joint ventures or buying small or midsized companies to acquire new capabilities, or to gain access to new markets. In February 2017, Aurobindo Pharma Limited announced that it had acquired four cell culture-derived biosimilar products from TL Biopharmaceutical AG of Switzerland. As part of the agreement, TL will supply all the developmental data for four molecules and Aurobindo and/or its affiliates will develop, commercialize and market these products globally. Out of the four biosimilars acquired, three of them are monoclonal antibodies in oncology. In another instance, in May 2020, AbbVie, a US-based biopharmaceutical company, announced its decision to acquire Allergan for an amount of $63 million. This transaction expands and diversifies AbbVie's revenue base and supports in maintaining its leadership positions in biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market Characteristics 3. Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market Size And Growth 3.1. Global Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Historic Market, 2015 - 2019, $ Billion 3.1.1. Drivers Of The Market 3.1.2. Restraints On The Market 3.2. Global Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Forecast Market, 2019 - 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion 3.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 3.2.2. Restraints On the Market 4. Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market Segmentation 4.1. Global Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Synthetic Chemicals Biopharmaceuticals Others 4.2. Global Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Chronic & Autoimmune Diseases Oncology Others 5. Biosimilar Monoclonal Antibodies Market Regional And Country Analysis Companies Mentioned Pfizer Novartis Allergan Coherus BioSciences Biocon Amgen Boehringer Ingelheim Celltrion BioXpress Therapeutics Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited Genor BioPharma Co. Ltd BIOCAD Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd 3SBio Reliance Life Sciences Hisun Pharma Celgen Biopharma Torrent Pharmaceuticals Cadila Healthcare For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2qo2p Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-7-18-billion-biosimilar-monoclonal-antibodies-markets-2015-2019--2023f-2025f-2030f-301244483.html SOURCE Research and Markets Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 02:30:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SKOPJE, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Economy of North Macedonia has decided to allocate 15 million Macedonian denars (around 289,400 U.S. dollars) to subsidize annual vacations for low-income citizens, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi told reporters here on Wednesday. According to the minister, this amount will be spent in the first half of this year on encouraging domestic tourism. "The Ministry of Economy started to implement this program in 2018 to boost domestic tourism, but also to enable low-income citizens to take a holiday and visit the touristic destinations of the country," Bekteshi said. Last year, the ministry spent 12 million euros (around 14.3 million U.S. dollars) on vouchers to boost domestic tourism. According to the minister, only 70 percent of the planned funds for subsidized vacations were actually spent in 2020. North Macedonia's tourism sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of foreign tourists who visited North Macedonia in 2020 decreased by 84.4 percent year-on-year to just 118,206, according to the country's statistical office. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 23:09:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TASHKENT, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The strong and stable Chinese economy provides more opportunities for the Central Asian region amid the continued development of their trade and economic relations, an Uzbek expert said Wednesday. China's achievements remain very attractive especially in the post-pandemic period when the Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, are taking measures to revive their economies, Anri Sharapov, a professor at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, told Xinhua in an interview. "The driver of the expansion of Uzbekistan's partnership with China is the trade, economic and investment spheres," said Sharapov. "This is due to the fact that the strategic interests of Beijing and Tashkent at this stage completely coincide: Both sides are interested in preserving peace, stability and economic development in the region." China has achieved tremendous economic success and its victory over absolute poverty 10 years ahead of schedule as set out in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the most exciting chapter in the country's history, he noted. "All this speaks about the effectiveness of the policy of the Communist Party of China, which creatively developed the theory of Marxism and used it in a new historical era in relation to the specific conditions of China," the expert said. Noting China's large economic base and the scale of its openness, Sharapov said he believed that China will provide exceptional opportunities for the economic development of the whole world. Economic recovery in China will also boost its demand for imports of raw materials, oil and gas, and agricultural products from Central Asia that would allow countries like Uzbekistan to increase their export volumes, he added. Also, China's stable economic development will help to increase its investments in Central Asia's large strategic projects, Sharapov said. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown China's success in science and technology development, and its new technological progress will provide substantial assistance to the Central Asian countries in their economic reforms, he concluded. Enditem When it was announced that the St. Patricks Day Parade in Montreal, and Chateauguay and Hudson, were canceled for a second yea run a row due to COVID 19, area Irish societies have decided to step up, creating an upcoming virtual Comedy Gala that will support area restaurants and charities. Senate Preparing Large Infrastructure Bill, With Eye Toward Getting It Signed by October The Senate is working on a major infrastructure bill that lawmakers hope will be signed by President Joe Biden by the end of September. Theres broad agreement on is to get to work on service, transportation, our roads, our highways, and our bridges. Thats a Democrat priority, its a Republican priority, its a priority of our new president, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday. Carper sent letters to every other senator asking them to spend the next several weeks learning about what the infrastructure needs are in their states and to provide input to his committees staffers by March 19. The goal is to report the bill out of his committee before Memorial Day and have the president sign it by October. The starting point for the cost is $320 billion previously passed in a House transportation bill. Carper hopes the bill can rebuild roads, highways, and bridges in a way that acknowledges that climate change climate crisis. A worker welds on the Ninth Street bridge in Pittsburgh, Pa., on May 6, 2020. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo) Democrats are fresh off passing a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package with zero Republican votes, a sign of how divided Washington has become after bipartisan relief efforts during the previous administration. Biden and leading Democrats ignored or brushed off many Republican attempts to amend the package, leading to fears they could do the same with future major efforts like the infrastructure bill. I am concerned about it because theres a lot of chatter about just basically denigrating our ideas and saying were just gonna go big,' Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), the ranking member on Carpers committee, told reporters Wednesday. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that if theres any issue in the current environment that can garner bipartisan support, its infrastructure. This is really the best chance to do something together, maybe the only chance, he told reporters. Everybody needs roads and bridges and ports. Democrats used a budget process to cut Republicans out of the COVID-19 relief bill and could turn to that again with infrastructure, but would be facing resistance from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who has said he doesnt support using reconciliation for that matter. Its just not right for us not to think that we can sit down as adults representing our respective states, work together as Democrats, Republicans and try to heal the country. Thats what Joe Biden talks about all the time, he told reporters last week. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attend a meeting with bipartisan senators on infrastructure investment at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 11, 2021. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Democrats would need to secure at least one Republican vote in the evenly divided Senate if Manchin tries blocking a package. The Biden administration is considering using tax hikes and other measures to pay for the infrastructure plan, an official said Monday. The White House has said there is no plan in place yet. Biden has met with Republican lawmakers on several occasions recently, soliciting their views on what should be in the proposal, which the president sees as a way to transition to more alternative energy sources. He believes that we can invest in areas like infrastructure and do that in a way that creates good-paying green jobs that are good-paying union jobs, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters in a recent briefing. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said last month that Democrats were discussing using reconciliation to get the infrastructure bill passed, but he thought it could get 60 votes in the upper chamber if it had earmarks. Carper expressed confidence in getting at least 10 Republican votes. All my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, know this is a huge challenge and the question is how do we face this challenge, and do so one way to get jobs and economic opportunity to make us stronger as a nation as well as healthier, as a nation, he said. We can do both and we need to. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Scottsdale police have arrested a man for trying to sell merchandise they say he stole during the May looting of the citys signature mall. Police Sgt. Kevin Watts said Tuesday that 25-year-old Paul Anthony Ruiz, of Phoenix, was booked on several felony charges including burglary and trafficking stolen property. Authorities located him after he tried to sell stolen merchandise from Tiffany and Montblanc. According to investigators, surveillance video showed Ruiz taking items during the riots. He was found with some at the time of his arrest. It was not immediately known if Ruiz had an attorney to speak on his behalf. The total number of arrests in the May 30 looting of Scottsdale Fashion Square is now 55. The incident gained attention after YouTuber Jake Paul and others went on social media while at the riot scene. Paul said in a subsequent YouTube video that he had only been looking for people protesting the May 25 death of George Floyd, and he did not take part in any of the destruction. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Rooted in the stigmatisation of disease, our culture of profanity has wide-ranging social ramifications, including the potential to incite violence. In a conversation with my cousin a few of months into the COVID-19 pandemic, I learnt that the Islamophobic propaganda of corona jihad had made so much of a dent in the communal harmony of his village that the Muslim and Hindu communities had started to boycott each other. When 40 individuals who attended a congregation of an Islamic reformist organisation called Tablighi Jamaat had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, people were made to believe that members of the Islamic group were out to spread the virus in order to wreak havoc on the Hindu population. This nefarious propaganda, fanned largely by the right-wing Hindi media, had emboldened people to abuse and humiliate members of the Muslim community. And a systemic economic boycott ensued, not to mention heinous attacks on Muslims across the country. Mar. 9Marine power systems developer Ocean Renewable Power Co. has received a $3.6 million federal grant to help refine a technology that converts kinetic energy from river water into other usable forms of clean energy. The money from the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office will go to build, test, and operate a modular current energy converter, according to a news release issued Tuesday by the office of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine. "Current energy conversion systems offer immense potential in Maine, where our rivers are great in number and great in strength," Pingree said in a statement. "As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a longtime advocate for funding for this program, I'm proud that this large grant is coming to Ocean Renewable Power Company at a critical moment." The Portland-based company, often referred to as ORPC, develops underwater power systems for use in free-flowing tidal and river sites and is active in North American, South American and European markets. In addition to operating a commercial river power project for the village of Igiugig, Alaska, ORPC is also working with the communities of False Pass, Alaska, and Eastport on smart microgrid projects that use tidal energy. "ORPC is thrilled with today's announcement from DOE," said Stuart Davies, the company's chief executive. "Advancing this technology platform is aligned with our company's aggressive goals to develop cost-effective solutions that will enable broad market adoption." Farmer unions on Wednesday announced that they are calling for 'Bharat bandh' on March 26 when their agitation against Centre's three farm laws completes 4 months, accordign to news agency PTI. In addition to that, farmer bodies, trade unions would be protesting against privatisation and fuel price hike on March 15, said farmers' union body Sanyukt Kisan Morcha. Earlier last week, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said their agitation will continue till the three contentious agriculture laws are withdrawn. He was speaking in Ramrajn town here to mark the completion of 100 days of farmers' protests at the Delhi borders against the central farm legislations. The farmers are demanding a complete withdrawal of the three farm laws and the agitation will continue till the government meets our demands, Tikiat said on Saturday. On the occasion, he flagged off a tractors' rally, which, he said, will travel across across districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and will reach farmers' protest site in Ghazipur on March 27. Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhis border points in Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur with a demand that the Centre repeal three farm laws that were enacted in September 2020 and make a new law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The farmers fear the new laws would destroy their livelihoods and leave them at the mercy of corporations. The government, which has held 11 rounds of formal talks with the protestors before the discusses broke down, maintains that the laws are pro-farmers. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. (Natural News) Israel has proposed the use of tracking bracelets for incoming travelers as an alternative to mandatory quarantine. Travelers and returning Israelis who avail of the bracelets would be allowed to isolate themselves at their homes and accommodations instead of state quarantine facilities. However, authorities would be notified if in case people violate the mandatory isolation period. The pilot for the so-called freedom bracelet program commenced on March 1. One hundred tracking bracelets were available for travelers arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in the city of Lod. Prior to the program, incoming passengers have been forced to stay at quarantine hotels at government expense for two weeks to ensure that they are free from the Wuhan coronavirus before they could move around. The system includes the electronic bracelet itself, a smartphone and a wall-mounted tracker. Those who avail of this system could skip the quarantine facility and spend their self-isolation at their homes or accommodations. Should people who avail of the bracelets violate a mandatory isolation period by removing the device or going too far from the monitor, Israeli authorities would be immediately alerted. Forty-four-year-old Alejandro Quil told Reuters that his family explicitly requested for the bracelet. He proudly wore the slim, lightweight and waterproof device on his wrist. Its great for us so we wont have to go to a hotel. [We can] do the quarantine at home as it should be, Quil commented. Israeli tracking technology firm SuperCom noted that there is potential for the pilot to quickly expand into a project consisting of thousands of units for more wide-scale use. The firm responsible for the tracking bracelet technology added that its offering could assist in quarantine compliance in Israel. Prior to adopting SuperComs tracking bracelets, the Israeli government began using security surveillance technology to monitor COVID-19 infections. It utilized surveillance systems from the Israeli Security Agency in March 2020 when infections began to spike. Getting the coronavirus jab is a necessity to move around in Israel Israel has just ended its third national lockdown related to the coronavirus, which lasted almost two months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first announced the lockdown Jan. 8 after the more contagious B117 coronavirus strain entered the country. Thus, Israel is restricting certain services to people who have been completely vaccinated against COVID-19. (Related: Israeli authorities to lock down country for the THIRD time despite a coronavirus vaccination drive.) People who have completed the doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be given a green pass. This pass would let them move around the country, enter different establishments and avail certain services. Those who choose not to get immunized against the Wuhan coronavirus would find their movements still restricted even after completing the mandatory quarantine period. Concerns have been raised regarding unequal treatment stemming from this policy. According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, nearly 3.2 million Israelis were eligible for the green pass as of Feb. 21. Included in this number are the 2.5 million individuals who got their second dose more than a week before and the 700,000 people who recovered from COVID-19. The use of the tracking bracelet was somewhat similar to an instance that occurred in the U.S. in August last year. Oakland University in Michigan initially required students to wear the BioButton medical tracking device to keep track of any potential COVID-19 symptoms. The coin-sized BioButton monitored temperature, breathing and heartbeat through a smartphone app and would notify users through an algorithm if they could attend class. At first, the tracking device was mandatory for students with the educational institution providing the button free of charge. But university administrators walked back on the rule after students objected to it and called for making the BioButton optional. Head over to MedicalTyranny.com to read more about the use of mandatory tracking devices to monitor COVID-19 cases. Sources include: WakingTimes.com Reuters.com AviationPros.com DailyMail.co.uk TheCollegeFix.com The UAE has entered the world's top ten tax havens for the first time, research showed Tuesday, in a report flagging OECD nations and their dependencies for more than two-thirds of "global corporate tax abuse". According to the research by the Tax Justice Network, the rise in the rankings came after multinationals in South Africa and the United States routed $218 billion in funds from the Netherlands into the gulf monarchy -- equivalent to more than half of its GDP. Also Read | The churn is on at the Kota factory The news highlighted "the UAE's growing role as the offshore financial centre of choice for multinational corporations", Tax Justice Network's Mark Bou Mansour wrote on the NGO's website. The data does not show which companies had transferred the funds, he added. Tax Justice Network's annual rankings name and shame countries most complicit "in helping multinational corporations pay less tax than they are expected to". And while the report newly named the United Arab Emirates among its top ten worst offenders, it also said OECD nations and their dependencies were responsible for more than two-thirds of "global corporate tax abuse risks". Of those, 45% comes from the "UK spider's web" -- territories under the legal jurisdiction of the British government. In the first three places this year are three British overseas territories: the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. Crown dependency Jersey was listed number eight. The Cayman Islands also appeared in first place on the group's Financial Secrecy Index, after a 21% increase in "volume of financial activity it hosts from non-resident persons". The top ten offenders include Asian financial hubs Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as European Union members the Netherlands and Luxembourg. International corporate tax avoidance leads to losses of hundreds of billions of dollars from the global economy, the World Economic Forum has said. In a bid to curb tax avoidance, the OECD has proposed a multilateral convention -- known as the BEPS 2.0 -- that would see 137 jurisdictions impose a minimum tax rate. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Cookmedicalclaims.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 28 Oct 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the cookmedicalclaims homepage on Twitter + the total number of cookmedicalclaims followers (if cookmedicalclaims has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the cookmedicalclaims homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if cookmedicalclaims has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the cookmedicalclaims homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the cookmedicalclaims homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the cookmedicalclaims homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Cook Medical Claims Portal DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS password, The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.1 CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English UTF-8English DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Character set and language of the site. The language of cookmedicalclaims.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for cookmedicalclaims.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The type of Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan has launched the 2021 Community Monuments Fund which will invest 2 million in the protection and promotion of archaeological heritage. The 2 million allocation is an increase of 75% on last years funding. The grants available under the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) can help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the public. The aim of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. The Shee mural tomb 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, said Minister of State Noonan. The Kilkenny TD said the 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," he said. "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. Funding is available for: Conservation works to monuments which are significant and in need of urgent support; works to improve access to and presentation of monuments; and building resilience in monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. Funding is available in three streams: Stream 1: essential repairs and conservation works at archaeological monuments. Stream 2: development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports for archaeological monuments Stream 3: enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments, including development of online interpretative material. Kilkenny County Council is delighted to be working with the National Monuments Service again this year on the Community Monuments Fund, says Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Andrew McGuinness. Last year essential conservation work was carried out on the City Walls in Irishtown and at the Medieval Mile Museum. None of this vital work would have been possible without the Community Monuments Fund. Full details, conditions and application forms are available from the Heritage Office, Kilkenny County Council, email heritage@kilkennycoco.ie. Applications by private owners or community groups for funding under the CMF must be made to Kilkenny County Council by April 12. (Newser) On January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson was found dead upside-down inside a rolled-up gym mat at his high school in Valdosta, Ga. Authorities have long maintained his death was accidental, caused by positional asphyxia as he got stuck while reaching for a pair of shoes, but his parents continue to insist foul play was involved. On Tuesday they got a victory, as the Lowndes County Sheriff announced the investigation will be reopened five years after it was closed, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Johnson's parents, Kenneth and Jackie, alleged in a 2015 wrongful death lawsuit that brothers Brian and Branden Bell and a friend, Ryan Hall, killed their son, and the superintendent of schools (and his daughter, who discovered Johnson's body) and the sheriff at the time covered up the crime to help the Bells' father, a former FBI agent. story continues below A judge ruled against the Johnsons, citing no evidence, and the Bell brothers' parents say FBI video analysis found one brother, and Hall, were in other parts of the school when Johnson died; the other Bell brother was at a wrestling tournament off-campus. Even so, the current sheriff will personally lead the reopened probe, saying, "Im treating it like its a brand new case. Theres still a lot of questions people want answered." The former president of the Valdosta NAACP, who once supported the Johnsons, now says the case should not be reopened: "If there was something there, dont you think the feds wouldve pursued it?" Others at the sheriff's office say the case is not officially back open, but the sheriff has agreed to look into some answers the family wants. But Johnson's mom tells CNN, "It's been eight long years. I'm feeling hopeful." (Read more Kendrick Johnson stories.) New Delhi: The Defense Secretary of United States Lloyd Autin will be on a visit to India from March 19 to 21 as part of his first overseas travel. This is the first in-person visit of any administrator of President Joe Biden to India since he took charge as the new US President two months ago. Announcing his visit on twitter, the US defence secretary said, "Ill then travel to India to meet with my counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh , and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the US-India Major Defense Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries." The US defense secretary will also be visiting Japan, South Korea. The Pentagon in a statement ahead of the weeklong visit to the region starting March 13 said that the focus will be on "advancing cooperation between our countries for a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region." His visit comes in the backdrop of Quad -- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet. This is the first such meet at leadership level for the group. Previous meetings of the group has been at senior official levels and at foreign ministers. The Indian defense ministry in its statement said, "Both sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." Both countries have increased defense partnership in recent years. India signed four key defense pacts with US in last few years. These were Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 which enhanced information sharing and interoperability, the Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed in December 2019 that allows for the transfer of technologies in support of defense production, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) to share unclassified geospatial information and the agreement on Navy-to-Navy Information Sharing in October 2020. India has substantially increased its acquisition of US defense equipment with Indian forces operating US-sourced platforms such as P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s, AH-64s, CH-47s, Precision Guided-Excalibur Munitions, and M777 howitzers. In February, India agreed to acquire Apache and MH-60R multi-mission helicopters worth $3.1 billion and is considering other US systems. DSA Marxists Take Control of Nevada Democratic Party Commentary Marxists from Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have captured the chairmanship and every key executive position in the Nevada Democratic Party. This gives this countrys largest Marxist party (90,000 members) access to key Democratic Party decision-makers, sensitive party documents, and key donor lists. It will also energize the far left in a key swing state. Despite its protests to the contrary, the DSA is a communist organization. The organization is formally aligned with Communist Party USA, Liberation Road, and the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialismall of which work closely with the Chinese Communist Party against the interests of the United States. Progressive Slate The DSA took control of the Nevada Democrats through a five-member Progressive Slate. They were: Chair candidate Judith Whitmerchair of the Clark County Democratic Party, a former co-chair and co-founder of the Left Caucus. First vice chair candidate Jacob Allena DSA comrade from Washoe County who served as Bernie Sanderss 2020 Northern Nevada political associate. Second vice chair candidate Dr. Zaffar Iqbala physician who served as a Bernie 2020 NV co-chair, and founded both Muslims for Bernie and the Muslim Democratic Club. Secretary candidate Ahmad Adea proud Black Muslim and a lifelong community organizer. Formerly affiliated with the Black Panther Party in Chicago. Treasurer candidate Howard Beckermana Carson City-based DSA comrade. Late in the day, moderate Democrats organized a counterslate to stand against the Progressive Slate. Longtime Democratic functionary Tick Segerblom was encouraged by party moderates to stand for the chairmanship against Whitmer. Ironically, Segerblom, too, is a DSA comradealbeit one with deeper Democratic Party roots than his opponent. In a March 6 Facebook post, the Las Vegas DSA boasted: And no matter who wins today, the next chair of NV Dems will be a DSA member, and we will continue to push the party to truly represent working people. Whitmer beat Segerblom by a comfortable 248 votes to 216. When the dust had settled, the DSA/Progressive Slate had won all five positions. Groundwork The DSAs takeover of the Nevada Democratic Party took a couple of years to achieve. The DSA has had several hundred members in the Las Vegas area since 2017. A smaller Northern Nevada local was founded in Reno in late 2018. There are many at-large members active around the state, and a couple of student chapters. Total active DSA membership in Nevada would likely be around 500 comrades, yet they have been able to capture the reins of the most powerful political party in the state. According to Sam Mellins of The Daily Poster: Now DSA members and other progressive organizers are using the organizing tactics and power they built during the Bernie 2020 campaign to try to reshape the Nevada Democratic party into a progressive force. In July 2020, progressives captured nine of 14 contested seats when the Nevada State Democratic Party elected members to at-large positions on the state partys executive board. The Clark County Left Caucus, founded by Whitmer and other DSA comrades, as a vehicle for socialist influence in the Democratic Party, claimed credit for the victory. Whitmer told the Pahrump Valley Times: Left Caucus is committed to bringing progressive change to Nevada, through utilizing innovative platforms and approaches to bring in new voices to the Democratic Party. Progressives are on our way to bringing real change to Nevada. Our model and approach should serve as a key framework for progressives throughout the U.S. looking to make clear changes and policy reforms within the Democratic Party. How many grassroots Democrats in Nevada understand that theyre now voting for a Marxist-controlled party? Widespread Infiltration DSA infiltration of the Nevada Democratic Party isnt an isolated aberration. The DSA now has five comrades in CongressReps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.). Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, have also been members. The DSA also has well over 100 allied public office-holders in positions across the country, from library and flood control board members to judges and district attorneys. Currently, six DSA comrades serve on the Chicago City Council and a slate of six more are running for New York City Council this year. The DSA is involved in some type of Progressive Caucus or Left Caucus inside the Democratic Party in multiple states, including Hawaii, Washington, Montana, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, and California. In California, the DSA is running well over 120 Marxist comrades through the Progressive Delegates Network for California Democratic Party Assembly District delegate spots at the April party convention. No doubt the comrades will be backing DSA-friendly Delaine Eastin as she challenges incumbent Rusty Hicks for the California Democratic Party chairmanship. In two or three election cycles, the DSA and its allies may well control the majority of state Democratic parties in the union. Are Americans ready for a communist-dominated mainstream political party? Trevor Loudon is an author, filmmaker, and public speaker from New Zealand. For more than 30 years, he has researched radical left, Marxist, and terrorist movements and their covert influence on mainstream politics. He is best known for his book Enemies Within: Communists, Socialists and Progressives in the U.S. Congress and his similarly themed documentary film Enemies Within. His recently published book is White House Reds: Communists, Socialists & Security Risks Running for U.S. President, 2020. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Berwyn, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE American: ANVS), a clinical-stage drug platform company addressing Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the Japan Patent Office (JPO) granted the Company's patent (2018-527851) for the treatment or prevention of acute brain or nerve injury by administering ANVS405. "This new patent further strengthens our intellectual property focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases," commented Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., CEO of Annovis. "We believe there are additional opportunities to expand our patent coverage both globally and in the US. While in Europe and Japan we received a patent for all acute indications (stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and nerve injury), in the US we have filed divisional applications for each indication separately with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and we look forward to providing updates as new allowances are granted in the future." The Company received its first PD patent (US 10,383,851) from the USPTO in August 2019 and its first AD patent (EP 2683242) from the European Patent Office (EPO) in March 2020. The EPO approved Annovis Bio's first acute patent (EP 3334425B1) in December 2020. About Annovis Bio Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Annovis Bio, Inc. (Annovis) is a clinical-stage, drug platform company addressing neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome (AD-DS). We believe that we are the only company developing a drug for AD, PD and AD-DS that inhibits more than one neurotoxic protein and, thereby, improves the information highway of the nerve cell, known as axonal transport. When this information flow is impaired, the nerve cell gets sick and dies. We expect our treatment to improve memory loss and dementia associated with AD and AD-DS, as well as body and brain function in PD. We have two ongoing Phase 2a studies: one in AD patients and one in both AD and PD patients. For more information on Annovis, please visit the company's website: www.annovisbio.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "will," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast" or other similar words, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the timing, effectiveness and anticipated results of ANVS401 clinical trials and the approval of any allowances or additional patents. Forward-looking statements are based on Annovis Bio, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including the risk that additional patent allowances may not be received. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Annovis Bio, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations: Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies Inc. 407-491-4498 Dave@redchip.com SOURCE: Annovis Bio, Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76722 Longtime New Orleans chef Kristen Essig has a new position leading the kitchen at a forthcoming Louisiana-inspired restaurant in Washington, D.C. The food site Eater DC today reported that Essig was named executive chef for Dauphines, a restaurant that is part of a new development in D.C. called Midtown Center, built on the site that once home of the Washington Post building. New Orleans cocktail impresario Neal Bodenheimer, co-founder of Cure, Cane & Table and Vals, is also part of the project. As previously reported, he is developing Dauphines bar program. Dauphines is the latest from the D.C.-based restaurant group Long Shot Hospitality and it is slated to open in late spring. The menu will be based on Louisiana and New Orleans dishes. Essig was most recently co-chef and partner at Coquette and Thalia, along with chef Michael Stoltzfus. The two chefs were in a relationship for years. Over the summer, the couples relationship and business partnership ended. Essig told Eater DC she left New Orleans to heal her heart and get back to work. Food and restaurant news in your inbox Every Thursday we give you the scoop on NOLA dining. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Prior to her role at Coquette, Essig had been chef at Ste. Marie, Meauxbar and Cavan. At Coquette, she and her then-partner were perennial finalists for James Beard Foundation awards. They were also award finalists for the culinary group's 2020 awards. The foundation canceled last years awards, citing the turmoil of the pandemic for the hospitality industry. The New York Times later reported on a murky process through which foundation removed a number of chefs around the country from its nominee list, including Essig and Stoltzfus. +18 Historic hotel gets new life as Columns, starting with modern flavor from Coquette Its something in the appealing mystery rising with each turn of the ornate staircase, the perpetual twilight of the cloistered bar, the tropi Essig told Eater DC that happened as she was ending her business relationship in New Orleans and that she wasnt consulted on the issue. Today, Stoltzfus runs Coquette, while Thalia has been converted to a new wine shop called Patron Saint. +8 New on Freret Street, Business Bar blends restaurant and remote office, adds booze As the day progressed at Business Bar, tables alternately filled with Mason jars of iced coffee and breakfast sandwiches, then eye-catching co +10 With garlic butter and brotherhood, Dee's Xquisite Seafood soars on St. Bernard Avenue The recipe at Dees Xquisite Seafood is a three-part harmony of flavor. It plays through tight clusters of Dungeness crab legs, lobster tails, Mumbai, March 10 : Actor Zain Imam, who is currently part of the web series Crashh, shot at several iconic locations of the city for the show. He says revisiting these places after lockdown has been amazing. "It has been a brilliant experience revisiting important places in Mumbai, the city of dreams. Whether it is Marine Drive or Leopold Cafe, especially post lockdown, and with the pandemic going on, it made me see the world with a new perspective and appreciation. It made me value this beautiful city even more," says the actor. Zain plays the role of Rishabh, a surgeon, in the show. He crosses paths with his two biological sisters Kajal and Alia. The actor says that lockdown was challenging for him as he didn't get to work, but he understands that it was the need of the hour. "The lockdown was very tough on all of us as we were all stuck at home. I am someone who loves shooting and I really missed not working. But I also understand that it was important to control Covid-19 at that point otherwise we would have been in a much worse state today," he says. The series is currently streaming on Alt Balaji and also stars Rohan Mehra, Aditi Sharma, Kunj Anand, and Anushka Sen. An ancient pottery figurine of a woman wearing a scarf, dated about 2,500 years ago, was discovered in the Negev desert in southern Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Tuesday. The rare figurine, believed to be used at the end of the Iron Age or in the Persian period, was found by an 11-year-old boy during a family trip to Habesor Stream in northwestern Negev. The 7-cm-high and 6-cm-wide figurine was made in a mold. It depicts that a woman, with a prominent nose, wears a scarf covering her head and neck, and folds her hands under her chest. Such figurines are believed to serve as amulets to ensure protection, good luck and prosperity, and even to increase fertility. "Pottery figurines of bare-breasted women are known from various periods, and were common in everyday life," IAA archaeologists said. "In antiquity, with the absence of advanced medicine, amulets provided hope and an important way of appealing for aid," they concluded. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. New Delhi: The government of India conceded in the Supreme Court in July that right to privacy may be considered as a fundamental right under the Constitution but many facets relating to it cannot be put under the fundamental rights category. The Centre had told the apex court since privacy was multifaceted, it could not be treated as a fundamental right. The contentious issue as to whether Right to Privacy was a fundamental right or not was referred to a larger bench in 2015 after the Centre had underlined the issue of two judgements delivered in 1950 and 1962 by the top court that had held it was not a fundamental right. Right to privacy could be a fundamental right, but it could not be absolute, Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted before a nine-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar. On the issue of Aadhaar card, Venugopal contended, Under the MNREGA scheme, the government is giving money for the work done by people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their bank accounts. The money now goes directly into their bank accounts after being linked to Aadhaar which they never got earlier. On the other hand, Justice Nariman said, Dont forget the little mans right to privacy. Everything is not Aadhaar-centric. We are going to consider all aspects and give you a comprehensive judgement for conceptual clarity of the nation. The Attorney General then took serious objection to the earlier statements made by the lawyers for Right to Privacy that making Aadhaar mandatory has converted India into a totalitarian state. The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce its verdict on the issue on Thursday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Speaking at the Hansa Mehta Memorial Dialogue, which was organized by Indias Permanent Mission and UN Academic Impact on International Womens Day March 8, IMF Indian American chief Gita Gopinath said India has been playing a very important role in helping the world in this (Covid) crisis through its vaccination policies. (IANS file photo) PITTSFIELD Several law enforcement vehicles were damaged and two Pittsfield Police officers suffered minor injuries while capturing a juvenile who led police on a chase after telling people he was going to shoot someone. Pittsfield Police and Pike County Sheriffs Department responded about 10 a.m. Monday to a call that a boy had a weapon and had made remarks that he was going to shoot a specific person. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The Mississippi House has rejected a plan to restructure the board for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The nine-member board was established in 1902. Its members have always nominated their own successors and those nominees have needed Senate confirmation. Senate Bill 2727 said the Archives and History board could recommend nominees, but the governor or lieutenant governor could nominate any person they want, still with Senate confirmation. Senate leaders pushed the proposal, but historians said it could politicize the way Mississippi examines its own legacy. Only 19 House members voted for the bill Tuesday, while 103 voted against it. Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor posted a glamorous picture for her fans on Instagram, on Tuesday. The actress poses in a yellow cutout ensemble. "Imagine your cells as billions of stars sparkling inside you... let em shine," she wrote with the picture. B-Town friends commented on her post, complimenting the actress. Actress Alia Bhatt wrote: "Body" followed by multiple fire emojis, while actress Diana Penty wrote "Ufff" and added three emojis. The actress has three films coming up in the next months. She will be seen in Bell Bottom, co-starring Akshay Kumar and shot in Glasgow, Scotland during lockdown. She is has Shamshera featuring Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor, and directed by Karan Malhortra. Vaani will also be seen in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui where she shares screen space with Ayushmann Khurrana for the first time. Text: IANS Images: Vaani on Instagram by Vladimir Rozanskij International Women's Day saw rallies in defence of women's rights and against gender-based violence. Attacks on women in Kyrgyzstan are on the increase. Protesters called for the release of Kazakh women detained for membership in banned organisations. For some, feminism will save Kazakhstan. Moscow (AsiaNews) Kyrgyz and Kazakhs took to the streets yesterday, International Women's Day, in defence of women's rights. In Kyrgyzstan, rallies were held in Biskek and Osh; in Kazakhstan, in the former capital Almaty. In the Kyrgyz capital, protesters gathered at the national parliament building (Jogorku Kenesh or Supreme Council) in front of the monument to Urkuya Salieva, the first legendary Kyrgyz Komsomol activist. Under the Bolsheviks, she became the first woman to head a kolkhoz, a collective farm. During the rally, women discussed the issue of 'women's happiness', equal rights in all areas of society, and the fight against gender-based violence. Last year in Bishkek, the women's march was interrupted by a group of outsiders. Instead of arresting the attackers, the police took into custody the organisers of the demonstration. The head of the city's law enforcement agency stated at the time that the march was not authorised, and the police had to prevent clashes. Many protesters were fined 3,000 soms (about US$ 36), but they refused to pay and went to court. In November 2020, the Kyrgyz Supreme Court came out in favour of protesters and ruled that the police action was not legal. In Osh, one of Kyrgyzstans most important Islamic centres, marchers crossed downtown streets converging on the Mothers Tears monument. Located near the offices of the municipality, the memorial commemorates the tragic violence between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in 2010-2011. Last year too, the women's march was attacked by strangers, with police standing idly by. According to official statistics, 727 incidents of domestic violence against women were reported in Kyrgyzstan in the first two months of 2021; last year saw an increase of 65 per cent of this kind of violence. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov sent his official wish to all of the countrys women, noting that women in Kyrgyz society have always been revered, and their role in the social and political life of the nation has been very high. Japarov added that upcoming local council (Kenesh) elections will have quotas. For the first time, 30 per cent [of seats] will be reserved for women, who can therefore have much more influence on politics, at least at the local level. In Almaty, hundreds of men and women gathered in the city's central park, at the monument dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, to express their opposition to violence and support for gender equality in Kazakhstan. People carried placards and banners calling for the release of women detained under Article 405 of the Penal Code, which punishes membership in banned organisations. Some called for the elimination of SNT, supplementary taxes on alcohol and many imported products, a measure introduced by the government in December 2020. According to a slogan shouted during the demonstration, feminism will save Kazakhstan. On 27 February, a bill on domestic violence was tabled in the Kazakh Parliament (Majilis), sparking a heated controversy. It was eventually put on hold until it was reviewed. Yesterday's protest was the first in the post-Soviet period allowed by local authorities to celebrate 8 March. Under Communism, Women's Day was very solemn and celebrated by everyone as a public holiday, in remembrance of the women who started the Russian Revolution with the bread revolt of 8 March 1917 in Petrograd (St Petersburg). ShareBar Comments must be on-topic and civil in tone (with no name calling or personal attacks). Any promotional language or urls will be removed immediately. Your comment may be edited for clarity and length. SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global industrial gases market size is expected to reach USD 147.1 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2021 to 2028. The use of industrial gas in the electronics (photovoltaic) industry for the manufacturing of semiconductors, solar, displays, LED solid-state lighting, wafers, and polysilicon compel the growth prospects for this market. Clean energy, predominantly solar PV, is evolving as an eminent source of clean energy generation, thereby attracting investments globally. These gases substantially reduce the manufacturing costs, which is poised to increase their implementation over the forecast period. Key suggestions from the report: North America is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The growing healthcare and electronic industries across the region are likely to promote market growth in North America By product, nitrogen is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. It is an inert gas that finds numerous applications in the field of heat treatment for establishing a neutral atmosphere. Nitrogen is used to eliminate air from mines contaminated with methane to avoid break out of fire Based on application, the manufacturing segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020 owing to increasing demand for industrial gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, in the manufacturing industry The presence of a large number of players in the market has resulted in tough competition. New and multifunctional product developments, superior quality, and efficient pricing are the only strategies companies can adapt to survive in this highly competitive global market Read 166 page research report with ToC on "Industrial Gases Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Oxygen, Nitrogen), By Application (Manufacturing, Healthcare), By Distribution (Cylinder, On-site), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028" at:https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/industrial-gases-market Major end-use industry segments such as medical and pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and aerospace prefer acquiring these gases directly from the manufacturing/distribution companies. Companies operating in these end-use segments usually require large quantities of gases, and therefore opt for bulk or onsite form of distribution. The healthcare industry consumes substantial amounts of industrial gases in analytical and imaging equipment, diagnostics, home and institutional respiratory therapies, instrument and equipment sterilization, dental and general surgical anesthesia, imaging contrasts, and many other applications. Continuing research in new applications improves the growth in demand for industrial gas by the healthcare sector. Industrial gases are used for a wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry. In the food industry, industrial gases are employed for numerous applications, including modified atmospheric packaging (MAP), chilling and freezing, and controlling the temperature of products during transportation and storage. It is majorly used to maintain the quality and increase the shelf life of food products. Grand View Research has segmented the global industrial gases market on the basis of product, application, distribution, and region: Industrial Gas Product Outlook (Volume, Million SCF; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Oxygen Nitrogen Hydrogen Carbon Dioxide Acetylene Argon Others Industrial Gas Application Outlook (Volume, Million SCF; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Healthcare Manufacturing Metallurgy & Glass Food & Beverages Retail Chemistry & Energy Others Industrial Gas Distribution Outlook (Volume, Million SCF; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) On-site Bulk (Liquid Gas Transport) Cylinder (Merchant) Industrial Gas Regional Outlook (Volume, Million SCF; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Central & South America (CSA) (CSA) Brazil Middle East & Africa & Saudi Arabia UAE List of Key Players of Industrial Gases Market Air Liquide Air Products & Chemicals Messer Group Taiyo Nippon Sanso The Linde Group Find more research reports on Petrochemicals Industry, by Grand View Research: Petrochemicals Market The global petrochemicals market size was predicted at USD 441.0 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. The global petrochemicals market size was predicted at in 2019 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. Silane Market The global silane market size was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2020 to 2027. The global silane market size was valued at in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2020 to 2027. Fire Fighting Chemicals Market The global fire fighting chemicals market size was worth USD 2.10 billion in 2016. Growing safety concerns and favorable safety regulations are anticipated to positively drive the market over the forecast period. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Lawrence Romo, a Latino, is now among the eight assigned to a bipartisan commission responsible for creating a plan to remove Confederate names, symbols, and monuments from military properties. According to NBC News, Lawrence Romo is the national commander of the American GI Forum, a veterans' civil rights group formed in 1948 to protect Mexican Americans from discrimination. The report said Romo is the only Latino in the commission. The Defense Secretary picked four people, and members of Congress appointed the other four. READ NEXT: How Cinco de Mayo Changed History in the United States Lawrence Romo and Members of the Panel Adam Smith, House Armed Services Committee chairman, announced Romo's appointment to the renaming commission on Monday. My San Antonio reported that the retired Lt. Col. from San Antonio would fill the vacancy left by Lonnie Bunch III. The National Defense Authorization Act was passed by both chambers of Congress last December by large enough margins to override former President Donald Trump's veto, and it became law in January. The legislation mandates the removal of Confederate names from a Department of Defense property within three years and tasks the eight-member commission with devising a plan to carry it out. The Commission's Tasks Al Dia reported that there are now 10 military bases in the U.S. named after Confederate generals. But it would likely change in the coming days with Lawrence Romo among those in charge in renaming the bases. Smith said that Romo's history of service would bring the necessary viewpoints and perspectives significant or vital in performing his role. Smith further noted that it was critically important that the commission members "represent the diversity of our great country." Lawrence Romo, an Air Force veteran, became the Selective Service System head during the Obama administration. Romo told NBC News that each appointed commissioner "brings a wealth of diverse experiences and knowledge to the table." He assured that they would be diligent in their efforts "to create a fair, diverse, and detailed plan as required by the law." According to Al Dia, the naming of Army installations after Confederate officers cannot be separated from the country's history of racism. The report said four of the Confederate-named bases were established at the start of World War I, and the others at the beginning of World War II when the Army was in recruitment mode and appealing to young, Southern white men. NBC News added that the Confederacy and its loyalists also targeted Mexicans and their descendants, and its monuments and symbols still embody that racism to Latinos. One example would be the base Fort Hood situated in Killeen, Texas, which was named after Confederate officer John Bell Hood who led the "Texas Brigade." Fort Hood is among the active military installations that were targeted to be renamed. However, the list of assets under review is not only on base but also extends on the street, facility, building, aircraft, ship, plane, equipment, weapon, or any other property. Rep. Joaquin Castro, also from San Antonio, praised Lawrence Romo for his dedication to public service and civil rights. Castro said he hoped the commission would honor Latino service members by naming a base for a Latino "who contributed greatly to the defense of our nation," NBC News reported. READ MORE: How Latinx Community can Combat Anti-Black Racism within its Own Culture WATCH: Elizabeth Warren on Why We Need To Rename Confederate Military Bases - from Elizabeth Warren New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday accorded 'Y+' VIP security cover to popular Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty who recently joined the BJP. The security cover will be provided by the special dedicated wing of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), called the special security group (SSG). Chakraborty, 70, joined the BJP on Sunday at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground. "Chakraborty has been given a 'Y+' cover and armed CISF commandos will accompany him during poll campaign in West Bengal," a senior officer told PTI. It has been doine following a threat perception report which was prepared by the central security agencies recently. The recommendationwas sent to the home ministry to provide a security cover to the national award-winning actor. BJP MP from Jharkhand Nishikant Dubey will also be accorded with a similar cover that involves about 4-5 armed commandos protecting the person. With these new inductions, the CISF now protects a total of 104 VIPs, including National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. While, the 294-member West Bengal assembly goes to polls from March 27 till April 29 in eight phases. Ambassador TS Tirumurti Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (Photo/ANI) New York [US], March 10 (ANI): India remains committed to supporting all efforts of Sudan's government towards a successful transition, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti said on Tuesday (local time). Speaking at the UNSC briefing/consultations on the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, the Indian envoy said that Sudan continues to make progress in its democratic transition. "India remains committed to supporting all efforts of the Transitional Government of Sudan towards a successful transition. In this context, we have bilaterally implemented 49 projects in sectors of energy, transport and agro-industry in Sudan through concessional lines of credit worth USD 612 million," the envoy said. He also said that the measures taken to implement the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), including expanding the Sovereign Council; establishing 'the Council of Partners in the Transitional Period' and formation of the new cabinet to include JPA signatories "are steps in the right direction." "The removal of Sudan from the US List of State Sponsors of Terrorism is another important milestone in the transition process, as is the normalization of bilateral relations with Israel. We welcome these positive developments," Tirumurti said. The Indian envoy said that an early formation of the Transitional Legislative Council and establishment of Commissions will be important adding that "it is imperative for the international community, particularly the UN, AU (African Union) and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) to support national efforts and extend all possible help to Sudan in the implementation of JPA." The inter-communal violence in Darfur in the last few months demonstrates the complex challenges faced by the Transitional Government, he said adding that New Delhi commends efforts to bring the situation back to normalcy in Darfur. Story continues "We welcome the formulation of a National Plan for Civilian Protection and the announcement of 12,000 member protection force that is currently in the process of deployment in Darfur. We also call on armed movements which remain outside of the peace process to join the negotiating table," he added. The envoy said more than 290 scholarships have been extended annually for capacity building under the ITEC and other scholarship programmes. Most recently, India delivered 100 MT of food supplies through a naval ship last November as humanitarian assistance to Sudan. He further stated that India has also facilitated the supply of 8,20,000 doses of Made-in-India COVID 19 vaccines to Sudan under the COVAX facility. "Further, we are in the process of delivering 10 MT of life-saving drugs to Sudan in coming weeks as a part of our bilateral humanitarian assistance programme," Tirumurti said. "India remains committed to the all-around progress and inclusive development of Sudan," he said. (ANI) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Professor Johnson has served as Editor-in-Chief and on the Editorial Boards of prestigious medical journals and reviewed more than 30 journals in pharmacology, neuroscience, and addictions. Professor Bankole A. Johnson, D.Sc., M.D., MBChB, MPhil, FRCPsych, DFAPA, Dip-ABAM, Dip-ABDA, FACFEI Professor Johnson (2013 2019) served as The Dr. Irving J. Taylor Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychiatry, and Professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Medicine, Neurology, and Pharmacology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He directs all brain sciences across multiple departments at the School under the aegis of the Brain Science Research Consortium Unit, which grew in NIH funding from $21M-$35M from 2013-2018. Professor Johnson serves as the Director of the Clinical Neurobehavioral Center in Columbia. Previously (2004 2013), Professor Johnson was the Alumni Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia and was a Professor in the departments of Neuroscience and Medicine. Professor Johnson graduated in Medicine from Glasgow University in 1982, and trained in Psychiatry at the Royal London, Maudsley, and Bethlem Royal Hospitals. Additional to his medical degree, he obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for his neurobiological research at the University of London and conducted studies in neuropsychopharmacology for his doctoral thesis (degree from Glasgow University) on the Medical Research Council unit at Oxford University. In 2004, Professor Johnson earned his Doctor of Science degree in Medicine from Glasgow Universitythe highest degree that can be granted in science by a British university. Professor Johnsons primary area of research expertise is on ion channels, neuropsychopharmacology, molecular genetics, mathematics, neuroimaging, and medications for treating addictions. He holds several US and International patents in pharmacogenetics. Professor Johnson is a licensed physician and board-certified psychiatrist. He is the Principal Investigator on National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research studies from basic science to molecular and clinical studies and has been funded continuously for over two decades. Professor Johnson has been awarded or been affiliated with over $40M in NIH funding. Professor Johnsons clinical expertise is in the fields of addiction, forensics, and disability assessment. Honors include service on numerous NIH reviews and other committees including special panels. Briefly, Professor Johnson was the 2001 recipient of the Dan Anderson Research Award for his distinguished contribution as a researcher who has advanced the scientific knowledge of addiction recovery. He received the Distinguished Senior Scholar of Distinction Award in 2002 from the National Medical Association. Professor Johnson also was an inductee of the Texas Hall of Fame in 2003 for contributions to science, mathematics, and technology, and in 2006 he received the American Psychiatric Associations (APAs) Distinguished Psychiatrist Lecturer Award. In 2007, he was named as a Fellow in the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and in 2008 he was elected to the status of Distinguished Fellow of the APA. In 2009, he received the APAs Solomon Carter Fuller Award, honoring an individual who has pioneered in an area that has benefited significantly the quality of life for Black people. In 2010, he was named as a Fellow in the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. He received the NIHs Jack Mendelson Award in 2013 for landmark discoveries in addiction science. In 2016, he received a Governors citation for service on the Maryland Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force. In 2019, he will receive the R. Brinkley Smithers award from the American Association of Addiction Medicine. Professor Johnson has served as Editor-in-Chief and on the Editorial Boards of prestigious medical journals and reviewed for more than 30 journals in pharmacology, neuroscience, and addictions. He has authored 161 peer-reviewed publications, received over 17,000 citations, has an i10 index of 155, and an h-index of 58. Professor Johnson is the founder and was the Chairman of Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly listed pharmaceutical Company till august 2019 (now he is its Chief Medical Officer), which developed as a start-up at the University of Virginia. Learn more about Dr. Bankole Johnson by visiting: https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/mdmember/dr-bankole-johnson/ ABOUT HAUTE MD NETWORK: Haute Beauty is affiliated with the luxury lifestyle publication Haute Living. As a section of Haute Living magazine, Haute Beauty covers the latest advancements in health and wellness, providing readers with expert advice on aesthetic and medical treatments through its network of acclaimed doctors and beauty experts. For more about Haute MD, visit https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/mdmember/ (Newser) A murder suspect is at large in Southern California after he was mistakenly released from jail, NBC reports. Steven Manzo, 24, was released from a detention center in Lynwood following a court hearing during which the charges against him were dropped and immediately refiled, apparently leading to confusion about Manzos status, per CBS. "Upon further review, it was determined he should not have been released," a Long Beach police spokeswoman said. Manzos release sparked a manhunt and led to the temporary closure of a portion of the 101 Freeway. He reportedly fled across the freeway, still in jail clothes, and vanished. story continues below Manzo was arrested in March 2020 in connection with the 2018 shooting death of Salvador Corrales in Long Beach, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday. "Our department will work with local agencies to make every effort to locate suspect Manzo to take him safely into custody," the Long Beach PD spokeswoman said. On Wednesday, the LA County Sheriffs Office deflected the blame for setting Manzo free, tweeting: "The release was unequivocally not due to any 'mistake' or 'error'" by the agency and that inquiries about the incident should go to the LA District Attorneys Office and the Long Beach police. (Read more Los Angeles County stories.) Food Network is the home base for plenty of celebrity chefs. The Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond has appeared on the network since way back in 2011, after her blog caught the attention of producers. Country star Trisha Yearwood has gone from the big stage to the small screen, creating recipes inspired by her own familys cooking on her show Trishas Southern Kitchen. And the two women are actually close friends in real life. Trisha Yearwood; Ree Drummond| Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival; Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Pioneer Woman Magazine Trisha Yearwood and Ree Drummond are two of Food Networks most popular chefs Ree Drummond got her start when she launched her blog, The Pioneer Woman, way back in 2006. Drummond had once been looking toward law school, but everything changed once she met her husband. She and Ladd Drummond welcomed four kids, and she became a stay-at-home mom, using the blog to document her life and recipes. Now, shes created a massive following from right at home on her Oklahoma ranch. Trisha Yearwood also spent some time living in Oklahoma. Yearwood was born in Georgia, but she and her country mega star husband Garth Brooks settled into Oklahoma before getting married back in 2005 (though they now live in Nashville). While Yearwood still loves to perform, she has shifted gears a bit and has her own cooking show, Trishas Southern Kitchen, on the Food Network. Trisha Yearwood is a country star-turned Food Network star | John Parra/Getty Images for Illy RELATED: Which Food Network Chef Has the Highest Net Worth? Ree Drummond and Trisha Yearwood have been friends for years Drummond and Yearwood have a few things in common: Theyve both lived in Oklahoma, and they both love to cook hearty, southern-style recipes. That was enough for the two to spark a friendship, collaborating several times on delicious recipes and coming together to cook. The two women both lived in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area (Drummond still does), and it helped them grow close after they both launched shows on the network. The two ladies even once collaborated back in 2014 on Yearwoods show, where they put together the perfect chocolate pie graham cracker crust, chocolate filling, and a meringue topping. And fans badly wanted to see the women collaborate more often. The collab I didnt know I needed, one fan wrote in the YouTube comments. It was so fun watching you two girls work together. I hope we can all see more of you on here very soon, someone else commented. Other Food Network chefs have grown close through the years, too Drummond and Yearwood arent the only two celebrity chefs who have become friends. Plenty of Food Network chefs have collaborated, including Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay, who recently took a trip to Italy together. De Laurentiis is also good friends with Barefoot Contessa star Ina Garten and has even made the trip from California to New York to cook with Garten. Guy Fieri, another popular Food Network chef, has developed a close friendship with chef Rachael Ray over the years. The two seem to have plenty in common, including their fun-loving, upbeat personalities. They once did an entire Food Network series together called Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cookoff, plus a kids spinoff of the same show. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday rejected a request by the lead defence lawyer, Sani Katu, to withdraw from the legal team of the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina. The decision by Mr Katu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to withdraw from the N2 billion money laundering case comes less than two months after he was engaged by Mr Maina to lead his defence. The application was opposed by the counsel prosecuting the defendant for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farouk Abdullah, who said the defence lawyer failed to meet the conditions to withdraw from the case. The trial judge, Okon Abang, upheld EFCCs objection and dismissed Mr Katus application on the grounds that he failed to give three days notice to the court to quit as provided in section 349(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. From the record of the court, no such application has been filed, the judge said. It is not a sentimental issue. It is an issue of law which cannot be overlooked, notwithstanding the enviable position of the learned senior counsel at the bar. If the law expects a notice to be filed in section 349(8) of ACJA, it must be done. The non-compliance goes to the root and affects the foundation of the application to withdraw. The judge also noted that a lawyer, by virtue of section 349(7) of ACJA, was bound to appear in a case till judgment, but could be allowed to quit for special reasons communicated to the court via a three-day notice. Mr Abang said Mr Katu failed to give any reasons for his decision to quit. The learned counsel, Sani Katu, has not offered any reason to withdraw from the matter. There is no application filed by him to withdraw from this case, the judge said. This application to withdraw is to compound the matter before the court. The application is not made in good faith. The application lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed, the judge added. The judge after dismissing Mr Katus application ordered the lawyer to present the next defence witness as earlier scheduled. Mr Katu, who was set to call the second defence witness, was however informed by Mr Maina that the witness scheduled to appear, Charles Enakaeno, was unable to attend court because he had an accident on Tuesday. The lawyer sought an adjournment till Thursday, a request the prosecution did not oppose. The judge then adjourned till Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT Katu distances self from Malami, Magu, others summons Mr Katus decision to withdraw from the case, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, is an offshoot of the disagreement on the defence strategy between him and another lawyer, Anayo Adibe, who had been engaged by Mr Maina before Mr Katu was brought in to lead the defence team in February. Mr Katu at Wednesdays proceedings distanced himself from the series of subpoena applied for by Mr Maina to be issued on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and others. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Tuesday that the court had at the instance of Mr Maina issued a subpoena on Mr Malami, the Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, a former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, and human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, to testify for the defence. Mr Katu said on Wednesday that he only applied for three out of the over 10 subpoenas issued by the court. He said the three subpoenas he applied for were for bank officials, while the rest were requested from the court by the other lawyer engaged by Mr Maina. The judge, Mr Abang, also in his ruling dismissing Mr Katus application to withdraw from the case, said media reports gave the impression that he on his own issued the subpoenas. He explained that he only signed the subpoenas on Monday in compliance with a judgment of the Court of Appeal, in Abuja. He recalled that the Court of Appeal had given the judgment to compel him to sign a subpoena requested by a former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, for the summoning of a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, in 2019. He said he was bound by the judgment to sign the fresh applications for subpoena brought by Mr Maina. Mainas legal representation Mr Katus decision to withdraw from the case on Wednesday comes about three months after two lawyers opted out of the defence team. There are other lawyers who had at various times led Mr Mainas defence but suddenly disappeared without formally applying to quit the case. In December 2020, Joe Kyari-Gadzama, SAN, formally withdrew as Mr Mainas lead defence counsel, while Adeola Adedipe withdrew as the lawyer to the defendants firm, Common Input and Investment Ltd, which is being prosecuted as second defendant in the case. The withdrawal of the lawyers from the case coincided with his production in court after he was arrested in Niger Republic where he had escaped to on jumping bail last year. Mr Maina, who was remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja after his production in court, had engaged a new lawyer, Anayo Adibe, who filed a fresh bail application for the defendant on medical grounds. The bail application was argued by Mr Katu, who was engaged by Mr Maina to reinforce his legal team. The judge, on February 19, dismissed the fresh bail application, and Mr Maina thereafter opened his defence with Mr Katu appearing as the lead defence counsel. Mr Katu had appeared in the case up to Tuesday. But before the court went into the scheduled business for Wednesday, he announced his decision to withdraw. He has yet to inform the court the reason for his decision to leave the case. Mr Maina and his firm are being prosecuted by the EFCC for laundering about N2 billion. Paxton, IL (60957) Today Cloudy skies early. A few showers developing later in the day. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 55F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. A man from Kisasi Village in Kitui Rural Constituency was on Monday morning (March 8) stoned to death for reportedly killing a 5-year-old girl and eating parts of her brain. The youthful man is said to have abducted the kindergarten pupil at around 7 am as she was heading to school accompanied by three other children. K24 Digital further reports that the man took the child into a nearby forest, where he beheaded her and, thereafter, ate parts of her head. The other children ran to school for safety and informed their teacher about what had transpired. The teacher quickly alerted police attached to Mbitini post, who rushed to the scene and followed a blood trail into the forest, where they found the man eating the childs brain. The childs body had been dumped elsewhere, Kanduti chief, Mary Muvengei, told K24 Digital. Irate residents, who had accompanied police to the scene, lynched the man and set his body on fire. The girls body and that of her killer were moved to Kitui County Referral Hospital morgue as police launched investigations. India's inclusion in global bond indices faces taxation hurdle Indias entry into the global bond indices has got postponed because of tax changes sought by their managers. They have also demanded that list its sovereign debt papers on leading international central securities depositories like Clearstream. This means that taxes on these papers, such as withholding tax, will need to be frozen. The government will have to give in writing that taxes will not be changed to the disadvantage of investors. Read more Special insolvency relief framework for Covid-hit in the works With the suspension of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) coming to an end, the government is preparing a special relief framework for medium and small enterprises that are still grappling with the pandemic crisis. Under this, the Centre is planning to introduce in the code special provisions that could be part of the relief framework for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Read more After outage, Trai puts on hold regulation on pesky SMS for one week Responding to the outages felt across banking and e-commerce services, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of (Trai) has put on hold implementation of its regulations to curb unsolicited commercial communication. Users failed to receive text messages including one time passwords for online transactions , and banks attributed the glitches to Trais new regulations which came into effect on Monday. Read more Flyers wearing masks incorrectly be put on no-fly list: Delhi HC tells DGCA A Delhi High Court judge, on board Air Indias Kolkata-Delhi flight on March 5, has issued a set of guidelines that empowers airline cabin crew to offload without delay delinquent passengers who wear their masks on the chin and be put on a no-fly list if they exhibit stubborn reluctance. Read more Surveillance fears over new rules to tame in India For long, activists and governments have been prompted to demand greater transparency and accountability from Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and other behemoths. Read more Identifying Indian assets for seizure in case of non-payment, says Cairn Plc on Tuesday said preparatory identification of assets belonging to the Indian government has begun in multiple countries. The company will go to court to seize the assets, if its arbitration award is not honoured. The company could also monetise the award, with the potential to transfer it to third-party funds. Read more wants to reduce cycle from discovery to production, says chairman Global crude oil prices have been volatile this year. Shashi Shanker, chairman and managing director of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, told Business Standard in an interview the countrys largest oil producer will be realising lower value than last year despite the recent spurt in global prices. Read more Bharat Biotech's Covaxin safe, immunises for at least 3 months: Lancet Results from the phase 2 clinical study published in The Lancet shows that Indias first indigenously developed Covid vaccine to get the regulators nod for restricted emergency use Covaxin produced durable antibody and T-cell responses three months after vaccination. Read more Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Washington: The battle that flared in Australia between news publishers and Alphabets Google and Facebook is moving to the US this week. Lawmakers plan to reintroduce legislation on Thursday (AEDT) to allow news organisations to band together to negotiate with the technology companies over payment for content and the data the companies have about readers. Rhode Island Democrat David Cicilline has introduced the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act in the last two Congresses. Credit:AP The legislation, which is being proposed in the Senate and House with bipartisan support, would make the US the next front in the news industrys war against Facebook and Google. Publishers scored a major victory last month when Australia passed a law to force the companies to pay for news content. In Europe, publishers have been lobbying European Union lawmakers to copy parts of the Australian law. A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would make it possible for a woman to get the death penalty for having an abortion. According to an Abort 73 report, around 891,000 abortions were done in the United States in 2019, up from the 876,000 abortions recorded in the previous year. Abortion is still one of the most sensitive topics when it comes to women's reproductive health, with only nine countries in the world having higher abortion rates than the U.S., according to the United Nations' 2013 report. Some states are now in the process of criminalizing abortion, such as Texas. Texas State Rep. Bryan Slaton introduced a bill that would allow the death penalty for women who get abortions. "The bill will end the discriminatory practice of terminating the life of innocent children, and will guarantee the equal protection of the laws to all Texans, no matter how small," Slaton said as The Hill reported. According to Slaton, unborn children in Texas die at a faster rate than COVID-19 patients, adding that Texans are not taking the abortion crisis seriously. The lawmaker noted that he believes that an unborn child should be treated the same as a born child by the laws. READ MORE: Trump Signs 'Born Alive' Executive Order to Protect Infants That Survived Abortion Texas Abortion Laws The bill was filed on Tuesday and stated that women who had an abortion and physicians who performed the said medical procedure could be charged with assault or homicide. In Texas, this charge is punishable by death, as confirmed by Shannon Edmonds, a staff attorney with the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. The association noted that they do not have a position on the bill. Texas Tribune reported that the bill would require people to give evidence or testify about misdemeanors involving an unborn child's death or bodily injury. It also offers immunity to those who do. The bill also requires the state attorney general to monitor and direct a state agency to implement those laws, regardless of a contrary federal statute, treaty, regulation, order, or court decision. Most abortions in Texas are currently prohibited after 20 weeks, but the drafted bill bans abortions starting at fertilization. The bill cited one justice's opinion at a recent Supreme Court case, June Medical Services L.L.C. v. Russo, which stated that the Constitution "does not constrain the states' ability to regulate or even prohibit abortion." Last year, Texas was allowed to implement its temporary ban on abortion by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, saying that any abortion not medically necessary to preserve life or health must be halted, according to a CBS News report. The court decision came after a lower court ruled the suspension of abortion services was unconstitutional and in violation of Supreme Court precedent that includes Roe v. Wade. The Roe v. Wade is a 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Texas is one of the five states facing legal battles over restricting abortion access amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday passed a law banning nearly all abortions in the state. Hutchinson had expressed reservations about the bill, which only allows the procedure to save a mother's life. Another CBS News report said it does not allow exceptions for those impregnated by rape or incest. Hutchinson's reasons behind signing the bill were the overwhelming legislative support and his pro-life beliefs. The legislation will not be in effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns this year's session, which means it could not be enforced until this summer at the earliest. Abortion rights supporters said that they have plans to challenge the ban in court. READ NEXT: Latino Voters Exposed to Misleading Abortion Campaigns on Facebook WATCH: Texas Abortion Bill Seeks Death Penalty for Women - from KVUE AEX Gold Inc ( ) ( ) said critical contracts to advance the 2021 exploration and limited infrastructure early works programme at its Nalunaq gold mine in South Greenland have been signed and work is expected to start in early June. A tender process for an internal third-party engineering study is also well under way with most interested parties having access to the Nalunaq project data room, it said. The study, expected to be completed this year, will advance the process plant cost and supporting infrastructure cost. The draft Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment reports for Nalunaq are in the process of being reviewed by the authorities. The project update was included within the gold exploration companys first-quarter results. It may not be as famous as Oxford, as lauded as MIT or as wealthy as Harvard, but the University of the South Pacific might be the most important school you've never heard of. Jointly operated by a dozen countries since its inception in 1968, the university has been a fulcrum of public life in the Pacific islands, producing many of the region's presidents, prime ministers, accountants, lawyers, scientists and teachers. Today though, the university is mired in crisis, with its future -- and the shining example of regionalism it has represented -- in serious doubt. Beset by allegations of financial mismanagement, corruption and government meddling, the school of about 20,000 students has become the site of a battle over influence, power and academic and political freedom that has strained ties between Pacific island allies. These tensions came to a head last month when Fiji's government deported the university's Canadian vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife Sandra Price. They were officially accused of "continuous breaches" of Fiji's immigration law, with the government saying "no foreigner is permitted to conduct themselves in a manner prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security, or good government of Fiji". Later, Ahluwalia was also accused of consorting with opposition parliamentarians. But critics of the move say the academic's real offence was whistleblowing and challenging the Fijian government's control over the multi-national institution. - A regional institution - Supporters of the University of the South Pacific see it as the crowning achievement of the region's cooperation. The school brings together 12 nations scattered over a vast area of ocean stretching more than 11 million square kilometres (4.2 million square miles) -- larger in size than China. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's government has little tolerance for critics / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File The founders were determined to forge their own identity in tertiary education and offer home-grown courses as they emerged from colonial rule. To achieve that, they banded together. "It was felt -- and rightly so -- that no one island nation would be able to sustain an enterprise like this on its own," Brij Lal, a former student and professor at the university, told AFP. While the main campus and administrative headquarters is located on an old New Zealand air force base in the Fijian capital of Suva, there are campuses in all 12 participating nations, which collectively form a single seat of learning. "Since the beginning, it was a regional institution," Lal said from Australia, where he is now a history professor. "It worked very, very well for the first 40-45 years." But Fiji -- by far the biggest financial contributor and largest source of students -- has bristled at the university's outspoken and independent-minded leadership. The government there has little tolerance for critics like vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia. - 'Domineering and interfering' - Around a year after taking up his post in 2018, Ahluwalia wrote a report alleging widespread mismanagement and corruption under his predecessor Rajesh Chandra, who was close to Fiji's government. "The Fiji government has been domineering and interfering," Vijay Naidu, a professor of development studies at the university, told AFP. Regional cooperation in the Pacific islands is struggling as Melanesian, Polynesian and Micronesian nations fight over who leads the bloc / AFP/File He described the deportation of Ahluwalia as "unprecedented, ill-conceived, mean and inconsiderate". "It is a coup-like attempt to cover up the revelation of unethical conduct and mismanagement by the previous USP administration," he said. Fiji has now suspended millions of dollars in funding and the stand-off does not appear headed for a quick solution. "In my judgement, Fiji is not going to stop unless it has its way," said Lal, the former student. "So the question then becomes what do the rest of the member countries do." So far, they appear unwilling to bend to Fiji's will. The leaders in Nauru, Samoa and Vanuatu have all condemned Ahluwalia's deportation and offered to host the vice-chancellor's office in their country. Ahluwalia and his wife are in Nauru, where he has vowed to continue in his job, with the backing of the university's leadership. "USP has been functioning fairly well without the FJ$27 million (US$13.3 million) from Fiji, but it can't continue in this way for any length of time," Lal said. The crisis could not come at a worse time for the region, as a fight between Melanesian, Polynesian and Micronesian nations over who leads the Pacific Island Forum has split the bloc. Pacific Islands Forum / AFP/File Five Micronesian nations have vowed to leave if the next secretary-general does not come from their ranks, upending diplomacy in a region where the United States and China are competing for influence. That geopolitics may also factor into the USP crisis, as Australia and New Zealand weigh stepping in to financially save the institution, a move that risks pushing the Fijian government closer to Beijing. If no solution is found, or Fiji can dictate terms, "this will diminish the regional character of the USP to its great detriment," Lal said. Figure 1: The Geological Time Scale or Geochronological scale, shows the evolution of life on Earth from the first single-celled organisms, 3.6 million years ago, to humans today. After the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago (black), the following Cenozoic Era has been divided into three periods: Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary. The Paleogene is further subdivided into three epochs: Paleocene (P), Eocene (E) as described in the article and Oligocene. The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; red) preceded maximum warming in the Eocene greenhouse and was followed by glaciation (blue). In around 1833 the first specimens of fossilized wood from Antarctica were reported by surgeon, naturalist and artist James Eights. We now know that fossils are, in fact, abundant in Antarctica, and the most common are of wood and leaves. They are evidence of what is called the Antarctic Paradoxhow can forests be preserved on a continent that experiences temperatures as low as -83 C and is covered in thick ice sheets? Forests once stretched from Australia through Antarctica to South America, all three of which are remnants of the ancient Southern Hemisphere supercontinent Gondwana. Working with University of Leeds and the British Antarctic Survey, we intended to seek out the best-preserved fossil leaves in the east Antarctic Peninsula from the late Paleocene epoch. That is about 56 million years ago, a time following the end Cretaceous era 66 million years ago and the infamous extinction of the dinosaurs. We sought fossil leaves that have been trapped within layers of sedimentary rock, remaining untouched for millions of years. Fossilized forests These plant fossils have been little studied since first collections were made by Otto von Nordenskjold and the Swedish South Polar Expedition in 1901, a decade before Amundsen beat Scott in the race for the South Pole in the Arctic. These Antarctic fossil leaves are evidence of a once vegetated landmass. They are like thermometers, diligently recording through time changes in Earth's climate at Southern high latitudes. A fossil leaf impression (scale bar = 1 cm), showing venation and the entire-margin, from best-preserved, Paleocene-aged floras of the Antarctic Peninsula that were used in this study to show a surprising increase in known diversity. Credit: University of Melbourne The Paleocene was a time that experienced rapid warming, leading into the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM in Figure 1) that saw a dramatic temperature increase of 8C over 10,000 years, a mere blink of an eye in geological time. This was followed by the warmest time of the Cenozoic Era, during a period known as the Eocene greenhouse, before Earth cooled and the ice caps first formed approximately 34 million years ago, caused by the break-up of Gondwana. The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum is a fascinating time and one of the most dramatic and rapid warming events in Earth's history. Although it pales in comparison to the rate of modern, human-induced warming, it is possibly our best analog for Earth's future climate. By studying fossil plants, we can learn about what drove Earth's past climate change and about how living organisms responded to dramatic warming events, the knowledge of which can help us to mitigate against future climate change. Antarctic journey In order to gather further specimens, in 2001 our research trip sailed for three days from the Falkland Islands to Seymour Island in the Weddell Sea, near the end of the Antarctic Peninsula. We sailed on the British Navy ship, HMS Endurance, whose namesake was crushed in 1915 in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea on Shackleton's ill-fated expedition. We traveled across the most treacherous stretch of water in the world, the Drake's Passage, followed by helicopter deployment into our camp in Scott-style tents, to begin our two-month search for fossils. Together with Dame Professor Jane Francis from the British Antarctic Survey and with the help of our mountaineer, Robert Smith, we endured quad bikes bogged in mud, extreme 100 knot winds that constantly beat against our tents during a three-day blizzard, and were nearly stranded on Seymour Island for the entire winter when the sea ice choked the ship's passage through the Antarctic Sound between Elephant Island and the main peninsula. Eventually, the journey was successful, and our new paper describes different fossil leaves (called taxa or forms) that we collected from Seymour Island, to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula. They are evidence that extensive forests grew at high latitudes during the late Paleocene (around 5856 million years ago). Sandstones and siltstones from the upper part of the Cross Valley Formation, Seymour Island Group, Antarctica, that host the leaf impressions fossils used in this study. Credit: University of Melbourne Surprising diversity in Paleocene Antarctic flora These beautiful impressions of leaves, preserved in fine-grained sandstones and siltstones, are the best-preserved Antarctic Peninsula flora from the Paleocene. They show significant diversity of leaf architectureshape, size, patterns of leaf veinsdespite growing in the polar region, where low angles of light are experienced during winter. The fossil leaves record a much greater floral diversity than previously known to occur within the Antarctic Paleocene forests, in contrast to previous fossil wood records. They represent a cool to warm temperate with mixed coniferbroad leaved evergreen and deciduous forests. Although there are no modern, comparable species to help us understand the ecology of these Antarctic forests, the closest we can find today are the southern Patagonian forests in South America. These modern "Valdivian" forests are characterized by "Southern Beech' (Nothofagus) and other leaves with tooth-margined edges, such as Cunoniaceae (which includes Tasmanian leatherwood), and Proteaceae (e.g., tree Lomatia), so the diversity of entire-margined (or smooth-edged) leaves in the Paleocene forests was unexpected. Interestingly, the Paleocene fossil forests on the east side of the Antarctic Peninsula are markedly different to those found on the west side. Previous work of Cantrill and others has suggested this is likely due to the volcanoes that form the spine of the Antarctic Peninsula, causing a rain shadow on the east flanks, or perhaps differences in altitude between the forests growing on the volcanic mountain flanks. After studying these fossil leaves, we know more about the diversity and ecology of ancient forests that grew across Antarctica, and both climatic and local influences on these forests when Earth experienced warmer climates before the planet cooled and the ice caps grew. Many plant groups that are considered unique to Australia occurred in South America at this time, such as Eucalyptus, the iconic gum trees. Gondwanan floral remnants, such as Southern Beech (Nothofagus) flowering trees, large kauri- and bunya-type conifers (Araucariaceae) and plum pines (Podocarpaceae), are just some of the groups that occur in the cool and warm temperate forests that we see growing today in Tasmania, Victoria, South East Australia, in New Zealand and in Patagonia in southern South America. We have previously published data that determined what the climate was like in the deep past by analyzing the leaf architecture. Leaf margins together with other key leaf characters indicate mean annual temperatures of 12.5 to 14.5 C and high rainfall (2110 mm annually) for these polar forests that is on a par with these areas today. Exchange, and migration of many species must have occurred across Antarctica during the Paleocene, which acted as a gateway for interchange between South American and Australasian floras, increasing our understanding of the origin and evolution of modern Southern Hemisphere floras. Our further research will focus on the diversity, modern relationships and floral evolution of the tooth-margin leaves that helped us to determine the mean annual temperatures of these high latitude forests at this crucial time of rapid warming. Our data feeds into modeling to understand complex interactions of atmosphere, oceans and lifeforms of the past, that are in turn used to model predictions of future climates. We hope to find relics of Gondwana, including the Proteaceae and Nothofagaceae, to gain insights into floral exchange across the wide-spread southern continents and the evolution of modern floras. But we also hope that these precious fossil leaves, frozen in time under Antarctic ice, will deliver yet further surprises. Explore further Fossil frogs offer insights into ancient Antarctica More information: 100 Million Years of Antarctic Climate Evolution: Evidence from Fossil Plants : 100 Million Years of Antarctic Climate Evolution: Evidence from Fossil Plants : digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/vie xt=andrillaffiliates Anne-Marie P. Tosolini et al. Paleocene high-latitude leaf flora of Antarctica Part 1: entire-margined angiosperms, Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2020.104317 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Syracuse, N.Y. GOP mayoral candidate Janet Burman today pledged to restore funding for Syracuse police, open a new fire station and focus on traditional infrastructure as she officially launched her campaign for city hall. Burman said she will make public safety her top priority in her campaign for Syracuse mayor. During remarks outside the Everson Museum Wednesday morning, Burman invoked Eva Fuld, an 84-year-old retired teacher murdered in her east side apartment by robbers. She said people need to feel safe in the city, and people need to feel safe when interacting with police. She criticized the mayor and the Common Council for approving a $6 million cut to the police department budget. My first action as mayor will be to restore that funding, Burman said. We cannot afford to allow the continuation of this dangerous reversal towards greater lawlessness in our community. Our citizens need to feel safe... The police budget cut was part of $18 million in cuts last year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which Mayor Ben Walsh estimates will cost the city $40 million in lost revenue and new expenses. In the police department, it mostly meant leaving vacant jobs unfilled, reducing overtime and not buying new cop cars. The police department is the citys largest department, by far, with a budget of more than $50 million. Thats about 20% of the citys overall spending. Burman said she would cut lower priority programs than police, such as those in the parks department or the mayors office or the citys data and analytics office. Whether its the huge structure that supports things like maps of where our snow plows are located, or executive staff at city hall, youve got to look very critically at each function and see where the cuts can be made, she said. Walshs budget cuts touched every city department, though no employees were laid off and public safety personnel werent furloughed like in other departments. Burman also pledged more money for the fire department. She said she would reopen a temporary fire station in the university hill area during the demolition and reconstruction of Interstate 81. Former mayor Stephanie Miner closed fire station #7 on East Genesee Street in 2014 as part of budget cuts. The highway construction could interrupt fire response from the citys downtown station to the university area and east side, she said. Her other priorities will be focused on infrastructure and job growth, she said. She said the first priority for an influx of $126 million in federal stimulus money should be repairing infrastructure, starting with replacing the citys aging water mains and patching potholes. She also criticized Walsh for his decision to take down the Columbus monument outside the Onondaga County Courthouse. She said it was a decision that divided the community. In the middle of a major health crisis, he decides to take on a decision of whether we want to keep a monument, she said. That is not the priority we needed to address during the Covid health crisis. Burman is seeking the Republican nomination in a primary against attorney Thomas Babilon. The citys GOP committee designated her their preferred candidate in January, along with a slate of candidates running for Common Council. The primary is June 22. Netflix knows when it has a hit on its hands and two of the most popular unscripted shows on the platform are slated for a big return. The streaming giant announced on Wednesday that it was renewing Selling Sunset for seasons four and five, as well as Bling Empire for a second season. Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn took to social media with a glamorous new set of photos to celebrate the good news. Good news! Christine Quinn took to social media with a glamorous photoshoot to celebrate Netflix renewing Selling Sunset and Bling Empire after the platform announced the news on Wednesday 'Its official! Seasons 4 and 5 of Selling Sunset on Netflix is officially renewed and confirmed', she penned on Instagram. 'Tag a friend who you are going to Netflix and Chill with, and tell me what you are most excited to see these upcoming seasons?!' The Los Angeles based luxury real estate agent looked ready for awards season in her snaps rocking a stunning black sequin midi dress from Bianca and Bridgett that emphasized her cleavage. Quinn's long California girl blonde hair was styled in soft old Hollywood waves and she was fully made up with glossy lips and long lashes. Her tight gown hugged the reality star's growing baby bump which she showcased in some shots taken from a side angle. 'Its official! Seasons 4 and 5 of Selling Sunset on Netflix is officially renewed and confirmed', she penned on Instagram. 'Tag a friend who you are going to Netflix and Chill with, and tell me what you are most excited to see these upcoming seasons?!' Big news: The streaming giant announced on Wednesday that it was renewing Selling Sunset for seasons four and five, as well as Bling Empire for a second season Just last week the Quinn revealed via People Magazine that she was expecting her first child. On Wednesday, Netflix announced that it was leaning into unscripted television, particularly in the category of 'docusoap' which follows the dramatic lives of real people. The network is renewing Selling Sunset for seasons four and five and Bling Empire for season two. Momma! Her tight gown hugged the reality star's growing baby bump which she showcased in some shots taken from a side angle Selling Sunset follows luxury realtors across Los Angeles who work at The Oppenheim Group and the returning cast includes: Jason and Brett Oppenheim, Chrishell Stause, Christine Quinn, Mary Fitzgerald (and Romain Bonnet), Heather Rae Young, Amanza Smith, Maya Vander, and Davina Potratz. A spin-off series from the same creators about an all-black, all-female real estate firm in Florida is also on the horizon, the streaming giant announced. The series will follow Allure Realty, owned by military vet Sharelle Rosado, and her firm of realtors. Selling Sunset follows luxury realtors across Los Angeles who work at The Oppenheim Group and the returning cast includes: Jason and Brett Oppenheim, Chrishell Stause, Christine Quinn, Mary Fitzgerald (and Romain Bonnet), Heather Rae Young, Amanza Smith, Maya Vander, and Davina Potratz Hit maker: A spin-off series from the same creators of Selling Sunset about an all-black, all-female real estate firm in Florida is also on the horizon, the streaming giant also announced 'These ladies are equally as fun as they are fiercely ambitious, with all of them vying to be on top of the lavish world of luxury waterfront real estate,' Netflix said in a press release. 'Sharelle has big plans for her brokerage and won't let anyone or anything get in the way of making her dreams a reality.' Netflix also ordered another docusoap series from the creators of Bling Empire titled My Unorthodox Life. Star maker: Selling Sunset was one of Netflix's first forays into the category of docusoaps and the network is doubling down on that type of content 'This series centers around the personal and professional life of fashion mogul Julia Haart former member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community turned CEO of Elite World Group,' reads the show's description. 'Since taking the reins of a global talent empire, Haart has been on a mission to revolutionize the industry from the inside out all while being a mother of four.' My Unorthodox Life will premiere later in 2021 and the Selling Sunset spin-off, which is yet untitled, is to be announced. New Delhi, March 10: Kashmirs so-called mainstream politicians, many of whom have enjoyed power while simultaneously glorifying terrorism and encouraging hundreds of young students to become militants and stone-pelters in the yesteryears, are now seen greeting the youngsters over their success in different examinations. Some of them took to Twitter and others issued statements extending congratulations to the students who on Monday, 8 March, passed the Class 12 examination of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) with distinction. According to the BOSE notification, 58397 students, including 30960 and 27437 girls from Science, Commerce, Arts and Home Science streams had appeared in the annual examination taken during the Coronavirus pandemic in the Kashmir valley in November-December 2020. Of them, 46987 students- 24291 boys and 22696 girls-have been declared qualified. In other words, 80.46% of the qualified candidates include 78.46% boys and 82.72% girls. As many as 23207 students have qualified the exam with distinction, 17666 with the first division and 5670 with the second division. Interestingly, girls have dominated the top rank ranks across all the streams. Of the 178 candidates, who have bagged the top 10 positions across all the streams, as many as 141 are girls. In Science stream, 19 students figure on the top 3 positions. Fifteen of them are females. In Commerce, 5 girls have shared the top 3 positions. Arts and Home Science streams have also shown similar results. More interestingly, the students of the government schools have fared better than those of the private schools who have been allegedly fleecing the parents for the 'quality education' they give to their wards. Of the 178 top 10 position holders, as many as 108 students are from the government schools. Of the 124 students-92 girls and 32 boys-who have bagged the top 10 positions in Science stream, 70 are students of the government schools. The girl students' pass percentage in Science is 88.97. There are similar success stories across other streams-girl students and many from the government schools grabbing the distinctions. Nazimul Islam, the son of a daily wager Ghulam Muhammad of Kultoora village of Kupwara, and a student of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Handwara, has secured the 5th top position in Science stream while securing 495 out of 500 marks. He is one among hundreds of the educationally and economically depressed students who has passed the exam with flying colours. In the pre-2019 era, different characters of the militants' support structure, politicians and intellectuals in particular, would compete in cultivating a sense of injustice and victimhood and glorifying the gun culture while audaciously blaming New Delhi for all evils in Kashmir. They would ensure the best quality education and job opportunities for their own children across India and overseas but push thousands of the downtrodden families on the path of conflict and confrontation with the Police and armed forces. Thousands of the young and brilliant students were encouraged to become militants and stone-pelters and they perished in clashes and encounters. They included the youngsters otherwise shining in their academic excellence. Many of them were post-graduates, graduates and undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, medicine, business administration and humanities. Their families are now confronted with untold miseries and many of them living penurious lives. All they got was a gun salute to their bodies from militant groups, a funeral procession and a front-page coverage to their death in the local newspapers. Days after Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took over as Chief Minister of the PDP-BJP coalition in March 2015 and the noticeable separatist Massarat Alam was released and permitted to hold a massive anti-India and pro-Pakistan demonstration outside the J&K Police headquarters in Srinagar, nineteen-year-old Ishaq Parray aka Ishaq 'Newton' of Laribal, Tral, joined Hizbul Mujahideen. Locally known as 'Newton' due to his passion for physics, Ishaq Parray had secured 98.4% marks and got the 9th top position in his Class 10 exam, followed by 85% marks in his Class 12 exam. With Burhan Wani growing as an icon for Kashmir's young militant supporters, thanks to his free access to social media in 2015-16, Parray was transformed into a die-hard terrorist. British-Kashmiri writer Mirza Waheed's novel 'The Collaborator' was among the books he studied before joining the militant group. Before completing one year of his tryst with terror, Parray returned dead after an encounter on 3 March 2016. Encouraged by a vast ecosystem, 32-year-old Mohammad Rafi Bhat of Chhundana, Ganderbal, became a militant one year after completing his Ph D in 2017. The University of Kashmir recruited him as a junior professor for the post-graduate department of Sociology. Before his doctorate in Sociology, Bhat had qualified JRF once and National Eligibility Test (NET) twice. In just 40 hours of joining Hizbul Mujahideen, Bhat was killed along with four top wanted militants in an encounter at Badigam, Shopian, on 6 May 2018. Twenty-six-year old Manan Bashir Wani of Lolab, Kupwara, was a Ph D scholar in Applied Geology at Aligarh Muslim University when he disappeared in January 2018. A day later, Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Salahuddin confirmed his admission into his militant organisation. In less than a year, he was killed in an encounter in Handwara in October 2018. Manan Wani and Rafi Bhat were projected as the Kashmir militancy's intellectual faces and successors of Burhan Wani who had been killed in an encounter in Bamdora, Anantnag, in July 2016. The cult of posting pictures and videos and announcements of the unmasked youths' joining a militant outfit on social media ended with Wani's and Bhat's death in 2018, in weeks of the termination of the PDP-BJP government. (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/ By Kim Bo-eun Major tech firms Naver, Kakao and operator of the financial platform, Toss, Viva Republica, face a delay in entering the identification verification business, as they failed to be designated by the government as entities able to carry out the process. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) on Monday stated that the three companies did not pass a screening for the identification verification, which is used to allow access to various online processes. Under the current system, verification is carried out by through mobile phone or credit card numbers. The three telecom companies, SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus, are the only entities in the business. The commission said in a press release that it determined the three corporate bodies that applied did not meet the designation criteria, based on a review by its screening panel. "Viva Republica did not have its own certification tool when it applied," a KCC official told The Korea Times. "Kakao and Naver also did not have a specifically unique means for all individuals to be identified in a verifiable manner." The agency said that Viva Republica needed to make improvements on 17 out of 92 elements. It also found Kakao had 17 elements that needed improvement. Naver needed to fix 22 elements. The KCC, however, said that the dates for the next round of applications were not fixed yet. A Viva Republica official said, "The company will reapply as soon as the next application period opens." "We are hoping that the second review will take place soon, given the growth in demand for online identification verification services as contactless services have become the norm." Viva Republica, which learned about what it needed to improve during the screening process, later came up with its own identification verification tool, but the commission said that this could not be reflected because it was not ready when the review had begun. A Kakao official stated, "We will review reapplying, based on the areas of improvement we will be notified of." A tech industry official added, "The government needs to expand the means of identification verification that users can choose to use." Accessory to police investigators murder sentenced to 9.5 years behind bars RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 15:09 10/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 10 (RAPSI) A court in the Moscow Region has sentenced an accomplice in the murder of the Interior Ministry Transport Departments major case investigator, police lieutenant colonel Yevgeniya Shishkina, to 9.5 years in penal colony, RAPSI has learnt in the press service of thr Prosecutor Generals Office. The man, who was a minor at the time of the crime, has been also ordered to reimburse moral damage caused to the injured party in the amount of 1 million rubles ($13,500). Shishkina was shot dead near her place of living in the Moscow Region on October 10, 2018. Killer Abdulaziz Abdulazizov received 14 years behind bars in November 2020. During the investigation Abdulazizov born 2000 pleaded guilty in full. The court and investigators found that the murder had been organized by Yaroslav Sumbayev, a defendant in a case against members of a hacking group engaged in fictious return of train and air tickets, who had illegally received over 17 million rubles (over $220,000 at the current exchange rate). The defendants communicated instigators of the crime through the Internet, Yelena Syropyatova, the lawyer for the victims son, told RAPSI earlier. There was evidence that they had received 1 million rubles for the murder, she has added. According to the Investigative Committee, Sumbayev has been arrested in Georgia. Currently, Russian law enforcement bodies are trying to do their best to receive agreement of Georgias authorities for prosecution of the man over the murder of Shishkina. (Newser) Residents of a small island in Indonesia aren't too pleased to learn that their government has offered up their land to SpaceX boss Elon Musk. Indonesia President Joko Widodo has been encouraging Musk to build a rocket launch site in his country for months, per AFP. Biak's location, one degree below the equator, means SpaceX's low-orbit satellites would require less fuel to reach orbit, per the Guardian. There are also nearby deposits of nickel and copper, which are used to make rockets (and to make batteries used in the electric cars from Musk's Tesla). Indonesia initially announced plans to build the country's first spaceport on Biak, with help from international partners, in 2019. Russia also plans to build a rocket launch site on Biak by 2024, per the Guardian. A rep for the Indonesian government says this transformation of Biak into "Space Island," apparently coming after consultation with the Papua provincial government, will "bring positive economic impacts" to the islanders. story continues below But that's not how some locals see it. "This spaceport will cost us our traditional hunting grounds, damaging the nature our way of life depends on," says tribal chief Manfun Sroyer. The environmental impact and military presence are other concerns. Yet Sroyer says there's little option to protest. "In 2002, Russians wanted our land for satellite launches. We protested and many were arrested and interrogated," he says. Now "if we protest, we'll be arrested immediately." There are ongoing tensions, as a secessionist movement has been operating in Papua for decades. Civilians were even massacred on Biak after raising the movement's flag in 1998. As a South African, Musk should "understand apartheid, the killing of Black people," a survivor of the violence says. "If you bring your business here, you are directly sponsoring Indonesia's genocide against Papuans." (Read more SpaceX stories.) They share some sizzling chemistry on Married At First Sight. And it appears newlyweds Alana Lister and Jason Engler may actually find love on the Channel Nine dating show after they were spotted hanging out together during a break from filming in October last year. The couple couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces as they enjoyed some alone time together in Sydney, with Jason, 35, spotted teaching Alana, 30, how to skateboard. Skater chic! Married At First Sight's 'hot teacher' Alana Lister (left) shows off her toned midriff as her groom Jason Engler (right) was spotted teaching her how to skateboard during a break from filming in October last year Upon arriving at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, Jason was seen giving his television bride a hand on to her board, before instructing her how to ride it. After a few attempts, Alana finally managed to get the hang of it and was able to ride on her own. The couple were then seen joyfully riding up and down the walkway while chatting together. Smitten! It appears the newlyweds may find love on the Channel Nine dating show after they were spotted hanging out together during filming breaks Upon arriving at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, Jason was seen giving his television bride a hand onto her skateboard, before instructing her how to ride it Well done! After a few attempts, Alana finally managed to get the hang of it and was able to ride on her own Alana showed off her toned tummy in a white crop top, which she paired with washed out denim jeans. She also wore white Nike sneakers with a turquoise coloured front and pink tick. The Brisbane-based teacher completed her ensemble by wearing a grey coloured jacket over her tiny waist. Fit: Alana showed off her muscular, toned tummy in a white crop top which she paired with washed out denim jeans Casual: The Brisbane-based teacher completed her ensemble wearing a grey coloured jacket over her tiny waist Learning: Alana appeared a bit fearful at first, but managed to quickly gain her confidence Having a ball! The couple were then seen joyfully riding up and down the walkway while chatting together Sk8er Boi: Meanwhile, Jason opted for an oversized purple coloured Lakers T-shirt, which he wore with ripped denim jeans and navy-coloured Converse shoes. Meanwhile, Jason opted for an oversized purple coloured Lakers T-shirt, which he wore with ripped denim jeans and navy-coloured Converse shoes. The sighting comes after the couple were pushed to their limits by the show's new sexologist Alessandra Rampolla in hopes of finding a 'deeper connection'. During an Intimacy Week task this week, the newlyweds were instructed to touch each other's genitals for a few minutes while gazing into each other's eyes. Connection: The sighting comes after the couple were pushed to their limits by the show's new sexologist Alessandra Rampolla in hopes of finding a 'deeper connection' Awkward: During Wednesday's episode Jason and Alana were instructed to gaze into each other's eyes while holding hands, before they were instructed to touch each other's genitals 'It wasn't awkward or nothing. It was just... it's just a bit uncomfortable,' Jason later laughed to producers. Observing the raunchy exercise from just a few metres away, Alessandra continued to call out instructions. 'It's just cupping, there should be no caressing. Just kind of have your hand over each other's genitals,' she instructed. The intimacy task proved to be a success, with the Brisbane construction estimator left feeling overwhelmed and teary. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! ANALYSISThe variations in the Sword Group perimeter in 2020 may be summarised as follows:- Disposal of the Group's French activities,- Acquisition of Codify in the UK and of Lemonade Software Development in Spain.The company had a successful 2020 despite the Coronavirus crisis thanks to:- Its presence on markets spared by the crisis, such as the European Union for example,- Its high added-value expertise on markets that generate high volumes of business, such as Oil & Gas,- Its leading positions in technological niches.With a strong net cash position Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur. JAMESVILLE, N.Y. (AP) - New Yorks attorney general will investigate the death of a teenager who was shot by police near Syracuse last week. Attorney General Letitia James announced Tuesday that her office will investigate the death of 17-year-old Judson Albahm. The move came after the teenagers family members hired their own attorney to conduct an independent investigation into his death. Officers responded to the familys home after the teens mother called 911. Four officers fired at Albahm after authorities say he pointed what appeared to be a handgun at them. The weapon turned out to be a BB gun made to look like a Glock handgun. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, will be participating in the 17th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (Dihad). It will take part through its International Organisations and Doners department at the show taking place from March 15 to 17 2021 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Held under the theme Aid and Coronavirus, a focus on Africa, Dihad 2021 will highlight the critical challenges facing people in Africa, which is impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and address the needs of humanitarian aid workers contributing constructively to a more effective global approach towards the African continent. Business France is organising a French Pavilion at Dihad 2021, which offers a platform for global humanitarian leaders and key decision-makers from leading international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, government bodies and suppliers from across the world to meet and network with a view to building bridges between international humanitarian communities to develop a framework illustrating the challenges associated with linking humanitarian and development assistance. The leading French companies participating in Dihad 2021 under the umbrella of Business France include Ambrelia, Bollore Logistics, Famoco, Fonto de Vivo , IMeBio, Nutriset and Tysilio, which will take the best use of the major event to exhibit their latest products and services, while sharing their expertise with other participating exhibitors and experts in the humanitarian sector. The French exhibitors will interface with the main development operators in the fields of health, water/sanitation, energy, telecommunications, logistics, transport-storage and temporary accommodation solutions under one roof, where they can approach potential buyers and partners from international and governmental development agencies. The three-day event also serves as an ideal platform for French exhibitors to network, identify innovative solutions and seize new opportunities to help support crisis-affected communities across Africa, which is the main focus of this years edition of Dihad. They can also engage in B2B meetings with new buyers and strike rewarding deals, given that Dihad 2021 is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors and participants from over 84 countries, with a high level of speakers and panelists bringing together views and initiatives from Africa and beyond. It is worth noting that France is ranked among the worlds top development aid donors as it ranks 5th globally among aid providers, behind the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. According to the latest available data published by OECD in 2019, official development assistance (ODA) by member countries of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) totalled $152.8 billion, an increase of 1.4% over 2018. France Total ODA represents $12.2 billion, 0.44 % of its gross national income (GNI). This increase is explained by contributions to the Green Climate Fund, supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and by increased activity, particularly on subsidised loans, by the French Development Agency (AFD). -- Tradearabia News Service Chandraker Bharti, JS (Aero), MoD, M.S. Velpari, Director (Operations), HAL and Alok Verma, Director (HR), HAL were present on the occasion. The central government on Wednesday received the second cheque of Rs 376.94 crores for the financial year 2020-21 from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). "The dividend cheque was handed over to the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh by R. Madhavan, CMD and C. B. Ananthakrishnan, Director (Finance) in the presence of Raj Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production in Delhi today," read a statement by HAL. As per the statement, the Company had declared the second of Rs 15/- per equity share of Rs 10/- each amounting to Rs 501.58 crores on February 26, 2021, in addition to the first of Rs 15/- per equity share Rs 10/- each amounting to Rs 501.58 crores already declared on December 9, 2020, total amounting to Rs 1003.16 crores which included Government of India (GoI) share of Rs 753.88 crores. Madhavan said that HAL has been consistently paying higher dividend more than the minimum dividend prescribed by DPE guidelines. Chandraker Bharti, JS (Aero), MoD, M.S. Velpari, Director (Operations), HAL and Alok Verma, Director (HR), HAL were present on the occasion. (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.) EnWave Signs Royalty-Bearing License with Leading Illinois-based Cannabis Company and Receives Order for 120kW REV? Machine Posted by Publisher Internet EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (?EnWave?, or the ?Company? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/enwave-corp/)?announced today that it has signed a royalty-bearing commercial license (the ?License?) with a leading Illinois-based cannabis company (the ?Licensee?) to use the Company?s proprietary Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) dehydration technology to process cannabis products.? The License grants the Licensee the right to use EnWave?s patented REV? technology for the production of cannabis products in Illinois. The Licensee has also entered into an equipment purchase agreement to purchase a continuous 120kW REV? machine for large-scale commercial production and a 10kW REV? unit for process refinement and smaller commercial runs. EnWave?s REV? technology offers a fast, gentle drying method that precisely removes moisture homogenously from cannabis plant material at controllable, low temperatures below the point of decarboxylation. When compared to incumbent drying methods, REV? has increased process control, meaning processing protocols can be customized to maximize terpene retention (proven to retain greater than 10% total terpenes when compared to rack-dried cannabis), preserve equivalent or higher cannabinoids when compared to room or rack drying methods and reduce bioburden.? Drying times are less than two hours and REV? machinery is manufactured for GACP compliance and GMP upon request. A single 120kW REV? machine can process up to 105kg of wet cannabis biomass per hour, yielding approximately 23kg of dried output. That equates to 92,000kg of dried finished product produced per annum running 16-hour days, 5 days per week, 50 weeks per year. REV? technology has been proven at scale in the food and cannabis industries. EnWave has 42 licensed partners and more than 50 royalty-bearing REV? machines in operation globally. About EnWave? EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed a Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) ? an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV? technology, shortening the time from harvest to high-quality, marketable cannabis products.? REV? technology?s commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors, including legal cannabis. EnWave?s strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with innovative, disruptive companies in multiple verticals for the use of REV? technology. The company has signed over forty royalty-bearing licenses to date in twenty countries world-wide. In addition to these licenses, EnWave established a Limited Liability Corporation, NutraDried Food Company, LLC, to manufacture, market and sell all-natural dairy snack products in the United States, including the Moon Cheese? brand.? EnWave has introduced REV? as a disruptive dehydration platform in the food and cannabis sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently offers two distinct commercial REV? platforms: nutraREV? which is a drum-based system that dehydrates organic materials quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour; and, quantaREV? which is a tray-based system used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net. Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management\-\-s expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company\-\-s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing, are forward-looking statements. All third-party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third-party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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Catholic Archbishop says Johnson & Johnson vaccine with abortion ties can be taken if others unavailable Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An archbishop in the Roman Catholic Church has said that the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be taken, despite its ties to abortion, if other vaccines are unavailable. Archbishop Michael Jackels of Dubuque, Iowa, released a statement last Thursday regarding the ethical concerns over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, also called the Janssen vaccine. Jackels explained that if Catholics are given the option, they should take either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, as the Janssen vaccine has stronger ties to the use of cells from an aborted baby. 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, explained the archbishop. 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. Jackels noted, however, that if there is no choice in vaccines, it is morally acceptable for them to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the serious health risk of the coronavirus. 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, he continued. Last month, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans released a statement labeling the Johnson & Johnson vaccine morally compromised due to its ties to aborted cells. the two vaccines currently available from Pfizer and Moderna do not rely on cell lines from abortions in the manufacturing process and therefore can be morally acceptable for Catholics as the connection to abortion is extremely remote, stated the Archdiocese. We advise that if the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine is available, Catholics should choose to receive either of those vaccines rather than to receive the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine because of its extensive use of abortion-derived cell lines. Some, including those involved in the pro-life movement, have expressed concerns over the ethics of taking a vaccine for the coronavirus developed from the use of cells from aborted babies. For example, the AstraZeneca vaccine was developed in part through growing a modified virus in cells taken from embryonic kidney tissue that derived from an abortion performed decades ago. Further, the Moderna vaccine was developed by using the HEK-293T cell line, which traced its origins to a baby aborted in the Netherlands in the 1970s. Last December, in response to these issues, the Catholic Churchs Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a statement saying that it was morally acceptable for Catholics to take these vaccines, even if their development involved using aborted fetal cells. Some of the Wednesday lunch crowd showed up to Good Vibes Burgers & Brews in Pearland with a mask, but most did not. They were greeted by an unmasked hostess and served by a staff almost entirely without face coverings. And that was OK with owner Eric Nelson, who met the day with a pledge to open his restaurant full throttle with no mask requirements for employees or diners. Fainmous BBQ began the day differently, taping a sign to the window stating masks are required inside the Sawyer Yards restaurant specializing in Tennessee-style barbecue. Karen Fain, who owns the barbecue joint with her husband, James Fain, also reminded her mask-wearing employees to hand out face coverings to customers coming in without them. Business as usual? Yes and no. Houston restaurants, like other businesses in Texas, entered brave-new-world mode Wednesday with no statewide mask mandate and the ability to operate at 100 percent capacity. For the states battered restaurant and bar industry, the day signaled the opportunity to recapture revenue lost during a year-long upheaval from COVID-19. It was a day of both relief and anxiety as operators grappled with what was best for their business, workers and customers. For the dining public and grocery shoppers, Wednesday also brought a new level of decision-making about how to best negotiate a new maskless realm. While Texas continues to debate Gov. Greg Abbotts decision to lift mask restrictions and open business to 100 percent as the country continues its pandemic battle, the onus is on businesses in Texas to decide how to operate. And they are all over the board. Cedar Creek Bar & Grill in the Heights opened Wednesday at 100 percent capacity but required servers to wear masks and asked customers to mask up. We walked in without a mask and we felt kind of awkward, said real estate agent and yoga instructor Nicole Buechner, who came in with her friend John DeLeon. As soon as Buechner and DeLeon saw people were wearing masks, they put theirs on. Alan and Patience Stoddard knew Wednesday was the first day of lifted restrictions when they went for lunch at Good Vibes. If the restaurant had insisted on masks, Alan Stoddard said they would have turned back around. The couple, who support Abbotts decision, said they will not go to a business that now requires masks. Most people dont have masks on for 95 percent of the time theyre here anyway, Good Vibes owner Eric Nelson said, because people are eating and drinking. So not having to wear a mask inside a restaurant is a little bit of a relief. He added: I think well see a bump in business, because were in a good area that will allow us to flourish a bit more with no masks. Damians Cucina Italiana in Midtown inched up to 75 percent capacity but kept tables distanced and required staff and guests to wear masks. Our business is suffering big time, but at the same time we want to make sure everyone is safe, said Johnny B. Mandola, Damians general manager. If you come here and are worried about exposure or enjoying yourself, whats the point? If we cant take care of our customers, why would you want to come here? As much as we suffered in the last year, we want this to end. So does the dining public, he said, adding that since Abbott announced lifting the restrictions, Damians has fielded calls asking if the restaurant would continue safe dining practices. Chef Tim Loves many restaurant concepts in Texas, including Woodshed Smokehouse in Levy Park, met Wednesday with safety measures that have been in place since May: temperature checks at the front door, masks required for staff and highly suggested for diners. Were not the mask police. We never should have been. We hope (guests) respect it and do the right thing, Love said. If you dont like it, dont come. Theres no hard feelings. You decide. But he hopes diners do come and do decide to wear masks. Loves big barbecue restaurant was in the unenviable position of opening along with two other concepts in Levy Park the day after the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo shut down on March 11 and a few days before Harris County ordered bars and restaurants closed. Were doing everything the best we can to earn a living and support the 450 people we employ, Love said. Its been a tumultuous year in our industry without a doubt. None of us have ever been in a situation like this before. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, more than 10,000 restaurants have closed during the pandemic, and more than 80 percent of restaurants reported lower sales from January 2020 to January 2021. Following Abbotts new directive to reopen Texas businesses, the association suggested that restaurant employees continue to wear masks and pass health screenings and encourage guests to wear masks when not seated at their table. A survey of more than 700 TRA members taken after Abbotts announcement found that 72 percent stated they would continue to require employees to wear masks after March 10. Karen Fain said requiring masks of employees and guests is the right thing to do until COVID numbers come down. For us, we feel that opening up business to 100 percent is fine. What we didnt agree with was the mask, she said of Abbotts order. That was premature and rushed. For us it didnt create a hardship because we felt good about our current position that well continue to strive that our customers feel safe and our staff is comfortable and feels safe. Thats what matters to us. Sean Stauble, owner of Rise Rooftop bar in Midtown, said hes ready to open at 100 percent capacity but cautiously. His staff at the two-level, 13,000-square-foot bar with a retractable roof will continue to wear masks. Customers will undergo temperature checks at entry and are encouraged to wear masks as they move throughout the space. Its not Lets go crazy, its spring break. Its not that way at all, he said. I need to make money, but I dont want to be marked as a spreader. While a few operators gave local bars a bad name during the pandemic, Stauble said this is a time for bars to show leadership in slowing the spread. There are bars here that are doing everything right. Its time for those people to be rewarded, he said. Were ready to show the world we can be safe again. We have to show Houston, Texas, and the United States we are being responsible at 100 percent capacity. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Magnetic North: Imagining Canada in Painting 19101940 is co-organized by the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the National Gallery of Canada. This exhibition is provided within the context of Canada's Guest of Honour presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2021. A richly illustrated catalogue is also available in English, French (available in Canada only), and German. With the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada's presence as the guest of honour will be featured at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair, which runs from October 20 to 24, 2021. National Gallery of Canada Director & CEO, Dr. Sasha Suda, PhD, Art History, said that "the presentation of the exhibition Magnetic North at the Schirn Kunsthalle in Frankfurt and at Kunsthal in Rotterdam will provide incredible exposure for the finest masterpieces from some of Canada's key museums and cultural institutions. This is a historic moment, as these prodigious works will be brought together for the very first time in Europe. Visitors will discover the remarkable talent of these artists, who created an unprecedented pictorial style for the representation of Canadian landscapes in the first decades of the 20th century. These significant artists have marked the history of art in Canada and their works are ambassadors par excellence for our country." The year 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the group's first exhibition in Canada. Visitors will be able to admire an impressive selection of paintings made between 1910 and 1940, a period of nation building and rapid industrial expansion. These paintings and sketches embody the dream of an independent dominion, a dream very much at odds, then and now, with Canada's colonial history. The exhibition will also comprise five films, including two by contemporary Indigenous artists: How a People Live, 2013, a documentary by filmmaker Lisa Jackson and Mobilize, 2015, a short film by artist Caroline Monnet. In her one-hour film, Jackson tellsthrough interviews, archival films and photos dating back more than a centurythe history of the Gwa'sala'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation, relocated from their traditional territories on the coast of British Columbia by the Canadian government in 1964. Addressing Indigenous identity and representation, and "reframing Canadian history through a contemporary lens," Monnet takes the viewer on a journey from the Far North to the urban south, "capturing the perpetual negotiation between the traditional and the modern by a people moving ever forward." The 3-minute film is made out of NFB archival footage. "The opportunity to share the captivating works of The Group of Seven and their contemporaries with new audiences is exciting," said Stephan Jost, the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the AGO. "In paintings of sublime mountains and unspoiled nature, these artists created a romantic fiction of uninhabited wilderness. This exhibition boldly infuses these works with contemporary relevance, offering visitors the opportunity to see these modern paintings through the eyes of contemporary Indigenous artists." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, said: "We are excited to share these legendary Canadian works with our European friends in Germany and the Netherlands. This amazing exhibition is just the tip of the iceberg of the Canadian creativity on display during our year-long campaign that features our arts and culture across Germany as part of Canada's role as Guest of Honour Country at the 2021 Frankfurt Book Fair. We invite you to join us!" Dr. Philipp Demandt, director of the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, declared: "We thank our partners in Canada for the trust and enthusiasm they have shown for our idea to show the masterpieces of Canadian modernism in Germany for the first time. We are very pleased to be jointly presenting these magnificent paintings to our visitors at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt and to be expanding reception of international modernism. For us, it is particularly important to also shed light on the current critical exploration of the popular Group of Seven. On this note, we are extremely grateful to the artists Caroline Monnet and Lisa Jackson for their key contributions to this exhibition." The works are drawn primarily from the collections of the National Gallery of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario, with 23 and 38 paintings respectively. The other works in the exhibition are from the Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Library and Archives Canada, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Museum London, the National Film Board of Canada, the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Victoria University. SOURCE National Gallery of Canada For further information: For the media only: For more information, please contact: Josee-Britanie Mallet, Senior Media and Public Relations Officer, National Gallery of Canada, [email protected]; Denise Siele, Senior Manager, Communications, National Gallery of Canada, [email protected] Related Links http://www.gallery.ca/ The company confirmed that the feelgood. Extra Strength CBD Oil has shipped and is already on the way to select provincial retailers Heritage said also it continues to receive recurring orders for products from their Pura Vida, Purefarma and Premium 5 brands that have been available in the Manitoba market since the latter half of 2020 ( ) ( ) has announced that the company's RAD brand and its newest brand feelgood., a high-quality, affordable health and wellness brand are now available for order in Manitoba. The company confirmed that the feelgood. Extra Strength CBD Oil has shipped and is already on the way to select provincial retailers. Additional products available for order from feelgood. include CBD Facial Rejuvenation Cream, Extra Strength CBD Muscle Cream, and Extra Strength THC Muscle Cream. Heritage noted that these products contain the highest potency of active ingredients available in the Canadian market today. As announced previously, the company said its widely popular RAD brand offers affordable extract and extract derivative products including RAD vapes, RAD shatter, RAD crumble, and RAD isolate. Heritage said it also continues to receive recurring orders for products from their Pura Vida, Purefarma and Premium 5 brands that have been available in the Manitoba market since the latter half of 2020, indicating strong support for these brands in the province. In a statement, David Schwede, Heritages Recreational Division president commented: Manitobans will soon have access to two of our newer brands RAD and feelgood., which both offer consumers high-quality products at affordable prices. With our growing availability of SKUs now over 80, consumers in Manitoba will have improved choice in the products they purchase and access to a high-potency health and wellness brand that is new to the province." "We couldnt be happier with the early success of RAD and the positive feedback we have on the products. We believe consumers will be equally happy with feelgood. product quality and price, he added. Heritage is a cannabinoid company focused on the production and sale of medical and recreational hemp-based and cannabis-based products and services. In Canada, Heritage operates through its subsidiaries Voyage Cannabis Corp. and CannaCure Corp., both regulated under the Cannabis Act Regulations. Working under these subsidiaries and the Purefarma, Pura Vida, Premium 5, RAD and feelgood. brands, Heritage focuses on extraction and the creation of derivative products for recreational consumers, as well as the formulation of cannabis-based medical solutions. In the US, Heritage operates under Opticann Inc., a Colorado-based oral and topical cannabinoid company with the rights to exclusively sell CBD and CBG products made with the patented VESIsorb drug delivery system for optimized absorption and stability. As the parent company, Heritage is focused on providing the resources for its subsidiaries to advance their products or services to compete both domestically and internationally. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com Hyderabad, March 10 : Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) on Wednesday extended its support to the ongoing protests against the Centre's move to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Industry Minister and TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao said if necessary he would go to Visakhapatnam to participate in the protest opposing privatisation. The TRS leader slammed the Narendra Modi government for its policies and remarked that it may even privatise the state governments. Addressing a meeting in connection with TRS campaign for March 14 election to two graduates' constituencies of Telangana Legislative Council, Rama Rao said the Centre had promised to set up a steel factory at Bayyaram in Telangana through Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and provide employment to thousands of people. "The same central government is now trying to go for 100 per cent sale of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant which was achieved through a people's movement. Thousands of workers have come on to the roads to protest against the Centre's decision," he said. KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, assured the employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant that TRS will stand by them. He said if necessary he would go to Visakhapatnam after taking permission from Chief Minister and TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao. The TRS leader said Telangana can't afford to ignore the protest against privatisation of VSP. "If we say that why should we bother about protest in Visakhapatnam, it may happen to us tomorrow. Today they (Centre) are selling away Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, tomorrow they may sell BHEL and day after tomorrow Singareni. Later, they may even think of privatizing state governments. They can do anything," he said. KTR said TRS would back the protest against privatisation of VSP, adding that if there is an attempt to private public sector undertakings in Telangana, they should also join hands with the state. KTR's announcement came at a time when VSP employees have intensified their protest to oppose the Centre's move. All non-BJP parties in Andhra Pradesh are also opposing privatisation. The TRS leader launched a scathing attack on BJP government at the Centre for steep hike in prices of diesel, petrol and cooking gas. He recalled that in 2014 Narendra Modi had blamed 'inefficiency' of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for high prices of fuel and promised to bring down the prices. KTR said the fuel prices have doubled since BJP came to power. "The price of a cooking gas cylinder was Rs 414 in 2014 but today the price has crossed Rs 900," he said. The TRS working president also recalled that Narendra Modi had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in every bank account. "Instead, we got 15 lakh lies on social media," he said while targeting BJP for its false propaganda. Claudio A. Stemberger is a writer, lecturer, and teacher who was born in 1928 in Fiume, Italy (now Rijeka, Croatia), endured the traumatic events of mid-twentieth century Europe before immigrating to the United States under the auspices of the Marshall Plan, and eventually became founder and CEO of a prosperous engineering company. Mr. Stemberger is now happily retired in Carlsbad, California, and continues to explore the world and its citizens through travel, lively discussion, and enjoying his extensive library. He has completed his new book The World as I See It: Looking beneath the Veil and Myth of Society: a stimulating collection of observation and thought from a former refugee who ultimately reached the pinnacle of the American Dream. In this small volume, Mr. Stemberger offers his unique ideas and observations from a most unusual life. His ninety years of experiences found him living in two continents, under various governments, through war and peaceful times, and at many different levels of existencefrom a penniless Italian refugee to a successful American CEO. The entries are brief, deeply thoughtful, often eloquent, or even humorous in their simplicity. He has great economy of words, distilling the thought into the most concise of statements, a pithiness that invites (challenges, begs) the reader to take the kernel of thought and consider (examine, ponder) it for himself. The writing style here is that of a collection of quotations. As such, each is intended not to preach or instruct but to awaken a concept, spark a new approach, encourage a deeper perception. Published by Page Publishing, Claudio A. Stembergers engrossing work is an excellent choice for avid thinkers, philosophers, and aspiring citizens of the world. I have no pedigree as a writer or philosopher although, with this small book, I attempt to be a little of both. I offer you, the reader, my thoughts, not out of hubris, but from a desire to share what I have gleaned through my ninety years of a rather extraordinary life experience. Throughout my lifetime, I have had a great interest in human nature, society, politics, and the natural worldall the things that affect our society and interactions with our fellow human beings. The variety of experiences I encountered gave me ample material to observe, ponder, and form ideas. These bits of wisdom Ive formed for myself are presented here. Some you will agree with, some you will not. Some you will, hopefully, just consider thoughtfully. I share them with you not as declarations but more as points to ponder. I hope you will read them with an open and critical mind, finding what is of value to you and mentally debating the ideas that you may disagree with. -Claudio Stemberger Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase The World as I See It: Looking beneath the Veil and Myth of Society at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT), the group building the Cleveland Hyperloop, has unveiled the world's first full scale isolation valve that can withstand up to 288,000 pounds of force. The 16.5-foot valves will be placed every seven miles throughout the tube system that closes off a section for maintenance, while allowing cars to continue through vacuumed tubes at 700 miles per hour. The Cleveland Hyperloop is set to connect the Ohio city with Chicago, allowing passengers to make the 313-mile trip in just under 30 minutes, but the team is also exploring an expansion to include Pittsburgh and New York City. HTT's announcement puts the firm in the running to bring Elon Musk's vision into a reality - Musk first proposed the radical, pod-based transport system in 2013. Scroll down for videos The 16.5-foot valves will be placed every seven miles throughout the tube system that can close off a section for maintenance, while allowing cars to continue through the vacuumed tubes at 700 miles per hour HTT signed a deal with the North Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and Illinois' Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on a network connecting Cleveland to Chicago in 2018. The study not only confirmed the plan to build tunnels between Cleveland and Chicago, but also suggests it could expand to Pittsburgh and New York City as well, News5Cleveland reports. According to HTT, their pods will be able to carry a total of 164,000 passengers every day, departing every 40 seconds for the designated hub. And although the tunnels are still being developed, the firm has finished the first full scale safety valve. In most emergency scenarios, capsules will stop at pre-determined emergency stations along the routes length to exit the capsule and tube infrastructure. As a redundant emergency response option, the HyperloopTT system will isolate sections of the tube for re-pressurization Ken Harrison, president and CEO of GNB KL Group, said: 'It's one of the largest vacuum valves that has ever been built and one of the really amazing things is the amount of force that this valve can withstand.' 'There are 288,000 pounds of force that are applied to the gate of this valve. That's about 72 automobiles or one diesel locomotive.' In most emergency scenarios, capsules will stop at pre-determined emergency stations along the routes length to exit the capsule and tube infrastructure. As a redundant emergency response option, the HyperloopTT system will isolate sections of the tube for re-pressurization. The valves are set to undergo testing at HTT's research and development center in Toulouse, France The valve will then be sent as a commercial prototype to Abu Dhabi(pictured), where the firm plans to transport the first passenger in the next few years. HTT also plans to begin operations along its proposed Chicago-Cleveland-Pittsburgh line later this decade If the capsule is unable to stop at a pre-defined exit, a lit emergency path in the depressurized tube will lead passengers to emergency hatches to safely exit the infrastructure. The valves are set to undergo testing at HTT's research and development center in Toulouse, France and will then be sent as a commercial prototype to Abu Dhabi, where it plans to transport the first passenger in the next few years. HTT also plans to begin operations along its proposed Chicago-Cleveland-Pittsburgh line later this decade. Andres De Leon, CEO of HyperloopTT, said: 'One of the questions we regularly receive regarding our technology is about safety, especially in emergency scenarios.' According to HTT, their pods (pictured) will be able to carry a total of 164,000 passengers every day, departing every 40 seconds for the designated hub 'These valves, built to safety certification standards by a world-class leader, are an essential part of hyperloop safety, as they allow us to isolate portions of the track in the event maintenance is needed or in the rare case of an emergency.' HTT and Spanish firm Carbures have started work on the radical pod that they say will be the first passenger capsule in the world. A video teasing the construction process shows a glimpse at the inside of a futuristic capsule that could fit 28 to 40 passengers at a time. The Hyperloop pod, which will be tested at the company's Toulouse headquarters, will harness passive magnetic levitation and a low pressure tube to hit unprecedented speeds. 'The capsule hovers inside a tube with low air pressure, and like a jet plane at high altitude, experiences little air resistance,' according to the firm. 'The remaining air in front of the capsule is moved to the back using a compressor, allowing for speeds up to 760 mph, with very low energy consumption.' Although HTT is pushing along with its system, the Virgin Hyperloop has already sent passengers in levitating pods through a vacuum tube at speeds over 100 mph. The Hyperloop pod, which will be tested at the company's Toulouse headquarters, will harness passive magnetic levitation and a low pressure tube to hit unprecedented speeds Virgin Hyperloop Chief Technology Officer Josh Giegel and Director of Passenger Experience Sara Luchian took the ride at the firm's Las Vegas test site. The pod took a mere 15 seconds to travel down the 0.3 miles (500 metres) -long vacuum tube which has been constructed in the Nevada desert. 'I had the true pleasure of seeing history made before my very eyes,' said Virgin Hyperloop chair Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. 'We are one step closer to ushering in a new era of ultra-fast, sustainable movement of people and goods,' he added. 'For the past few years, the Virgin Hyperloop team has been working on turning its ground breaking technology into reality,' said Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. 'With today's successful test, we have shown that this spirit of innovation will in fact change the way people everywhere live, work, and travel in the years to come.' Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More Microsoft on Monday reported that multiple malicious actors were taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the company's Exchange software last week to attack systems at organizations that have failed to patch the flaws. To help organizations that haven't deployed Microsoft's security tools, the company released the malware hashes and known malicious file paths which can be used to address the vulnerabilities manually. Microsoft revealed on March 4 that it had detected multiple zero-day exploits being used to attack on-premise versions of its Exchange Server software. It added that in the attacks observed by the company, the threat actor used the vulnerabilities to access email accounts, and allowed installation of additional malware to facilitate long-term access to victim environments. At the same time, Microsoft released software to patch the vulnerabilities. The company attributed the attacks "with high confidence" based on observed victimology, tactics and procedures to Hafnium, a group believed to be state-sponsored and operating out of China. "We are working closely with the [Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency], other government agencies, and security companies, to ensure we are providing the best possible guidance and mitigation for our customers," Microsoft said in a statement provided to TechNewsWorld. "The best protection is to apply updates as soon as possible across all impacted systems," it continued. "We continue to help customers by providing additional investigation and mitigation guidance. Impacted customers should contact our support teams for additional help and resources." Hackers Rushing In Initially, it was estimated that 20,000 organizations were affected by the attacks, but according to Bloomberg, that number has ballooned to 60,000 and is continuing to rise. That could be because other hackers are rushing through the door opened by Hafnium. In the days after the attacks were made public, Cynet, a New York City-based maker of an autonomous breach protection platform, discovered a number of attacks related to the Exchange vulnerabilities using a piece of malicious software called China Chopper. That malware is a Web shell backdoor that allows threat groups to remotely access an enterprise network by abusing a client-side application to gain remote control of the compromised system. Cynet identified four groups using China Chopper: Leviathan, Threat Group-3390, Soft Cell and APT41. "The fact that China Chopper is a tool used by certain APT groups and the fact that China Chopper was specifically used to attack the vulnerable Microsoft services leads us to believe that additional APT groups are targeting these vulnerabilities," Cynet Senior Threat Researcher Max Malyutin wrote in a company blog. Although broad exploitation of the Exchange vulnerabilities has begun to spread and is now in the hands of criminal actors, some organizations will have more to lose than others, added John Hultquist, vice president of analysis at Mandiant Threat Intelligence. "The cyber espionage operators who have had access to this exploit for some time aren't likely to be interested in the vast majority of the small and medium organizations," he said in a statement. "Though they appear to be exploiting organizations in masses," he continued, "this effort could allow them to select targets of the greatest intelligence value." Data Trove in Emails While the exact goals of the attackers are not known at this time, experts agree the threat actors are tapping into a rich trove of data. "Even without being able to authoritatively name all of the involved threat actors, think about what you would find in email accounts," observed Ben Smith, field chief technology officer, at RSA Security, a global security solutions provider. "Intellectual property and information about individuals associated with the targeted organization are two broad categories of very sensitive data found in email," he told TechNewsWorld. There may not be any direct evidence of an immediate single motive, but stealing data would be the general goal, noted Purandar Das, CEO and co-founder of Sotero, a data protection company in Burlington, Mass. "In this case, the potential outcomes may take a while to emerge," he told TechNewsWorld. "Sensitive email content leading to strategy, financial transactions, user credentials may all be at stake." Matt Petrosky, vice president of customer experience at GreatHorn, a cloud email security company in Waltham, Mass. added that it is safe to say that there will be an increase in impersonation-based attacks with attackers having access to internal communications, as well as accounts receivable and payable information. "Attackers can use that data to insert themselves via email impersonation to misdirect payments or exploit internal information," he told TechNewsWorld. Nation-State Attack Nailing down the source of a cyberattack can be a dicey proposition -- even if Microsoft is confident it has identified the perpetrators of the Exchange attacks -- although the characteristics of the forays seem to strongly point to a nation-state. "The scale, scope, and third-party supply-chain focus of this attack all definitely point to a level of sophistication typically seen with a nation-state attack," Smith said. "Anecdotally, the scale, volume and speed with which the attack has accelerated indicates a well-organized group has orchestrated the attack," Das added. "Those orchestration and organizational skills are the kind that a nation state could deploy," he observed. Karen Walsh, the principal in Allegro Solutions, a cybersecurity marketing company in West Hartford, Conn. agrees with Microsoft that not just any nation-state is behind the attacks. The indicators of compromise and the signature of the attack appears to point to China, she explained. "Malicious actors have their favorite ways of doing something," she said. "Just as artists have a certain style, hackers have a certain style." SolarWinds Reprise As with the massive SolarWinds attack last year, the Exchange attack is targeting a third-party provider to many organizations. "Both attacks targeted the supply chains of affected organizations," Smith explained. "It's too easy to forget," he continued, "that even if you aren't in the widget-making business, if you are dependent on third parties to operate your business, you also have a supply chain that can be compromised." The attacks are similar because they both targeted a third-party platform to infect a large customer base, but they're different, too, Das added. "They are different in that the SolarWinds software hack was one where they penetrated the code base and installed a back door that was then leveraged to gain access to a customer's network," he explained. "In the case of the Microsoft hack," he continued, "the criminals identified a vulnerability in a production release and used that to gain access to emails." Petrosky maintained that the attacks are similar only in the daunting number of potential victims, even though the Exchange incident appears to be outstripping SolarWinds five to one. "SolarWinds victims were vulnerable mainly because they trusted the SolarWinds software to update itself through a secure channel," he said. "The Microsoft attack is more of a classic zero-day attack," he continued. "The initial victims may have been selectively targeted, but the sheer volume of potential victims today is because these Exchange servers are sitting accessible to Internet searches like the Shodan tool and other scripts." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. The CEO of one of Australia's largest law firms has been asked to stand down after sending an email to staff criticising them for representing Attorney-General Christian Porter. Mr Porter was accused of raping a woman, who since took her own life, in Sydney in 1988 after a debating competition when she was 16 and he 17. He fronted the media last week to vehemently deny the accusation, insisting 'the things that have been claimed to happen did not happen'. Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive of MinterEllison, sent an email to staff on March 3, telling them she was 'hurt' the high-powered firm had taken on Mr Porter as a client. She alleged partner and one of Australia's leading defamation experts Peter Bartlett of not following 'consultation or approval processes' before he gave legal advice to Mr Porter about the rape allegations. Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive of MinterEllison, sent an email to staff on March 3, telling them she was 'hurt' the high-powered firm had taken on Mr Porter as a client Mr Porter was accused of raping a woman, who since took her own life, in Sydney in 1988 after a debating competition when she was 16 and he 17. Pictured with his wife Jennifer 'The acceptance of this matter did not go through the firm's due consultation or approval processes. Had it done so, we would have considered the matter through the lens of our Purposes and Values,' she wrote. Ms Kimmitt said the matter was 'clearly causing hurt to some of you, and it has certainly triggered hurt for me'. Mr Bartlett became aware of the email after it was sent to more than 2000 staff and partners. He responded to the email, saying: 'I would have thought that a majority of our partners would believe that everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence and legal representation'. Sources have since told The Australian Financial Review that board chairman David O'Brien told Ms Kimmitt on Tuesday her services were no longer required. She alleged partner and one of Australia's leading defamation experts Peter Bartlett of not following 'consultation or approval processes' before he gave legal advice to Mr Porter about the rape allegations It's understood Ms Kimmitt was told to work from home while the firm work on a 'negotiated settlement'. In the meantime the MinterEllison board will work on finding a replacement for Ms Kimmitt. Scott Morrison will not move Christian Porter out of the attorney-general or industrial relations portfolios, insisting he is 'an innocent man under our law'. The prime minister will also not seek advice on rape allegations against Mr Porter from the solicitor-general. 'To suggest there should be some different treatment applied to him, based on what had been allegations the police have closed the matter on, I think that would be grossly inappropriate,' he told reporters on Wednesday. 'There is no basis for doing that.' Scott Morrison will not move Mr Porter out of the attorney-general or industrial relations portfolios, insisting he is 'an innocent man under our law' Questions have been raised over whether Mr Porter's ministerial position is tenable, particularly given he is soon due to release the major Respect at Work report into sexual harassment. Former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson has suggested the government seek independent legal advice on whether Mr Porter is a fit and proper person to remain in his position. The prime minister said Mr Gleeson was entitled to his view but his department had provided no such advice. 'He is not someone who has been a particularly big fan of our government, I should say,' Mr Morrison told reporters. 'But, that said, he is entitled to his opinion on this, but that is not the advice I have been provided at any time during the course of managing this matter.' A teenage boy has died after taking a high-speed joyride on a stolen motorbike with a friend who allegedly left the crime scene without looking back. A 15-year-old and his mate were captured on CCTV footage speeding down the wrong side of a road after stealing a yellow Hyosung motorbike on Wednesday. The pair rode the bike from Melbourne's CBD to Parkdale, about a 30 minute drive, before slamming into a residential brick wall. A high-speed joyride has ended in tragedy after two teenage boys collided with a residential brick wall in the Melbourne suburb Parkdale Residents heard what they described as a large explosion and emerged to see a teenage boy lying unconscious on the ground, Seven reported. Emergency crews arrived at the Nepean Highway scene during the early hours of March 10. Witnesses said they were shocked to see one of the boys walking away from the scene of the crash, leaving his unconscious friend to die alone. The pair had been caught on CCTV footage speeding on the wrong side of the road before the violent collision Detective Sergeant Mark Amos expressed his dismay at the boys action. 'You'd never do it for a dog,' Mr Amos said. 'You'd stop for a dog but you won't do it for a mate? 'They should be tucked up in bed at home, doing an apprenticeship, going to school, growing, developing their lives.' Police and witnesses to the scene were shocked to see one of the boys walking away from the scene, leaving his unconscious friend to die alone It is understood the yellow motorbike was stolen from Flinders street in Melbourne's CBD. Officers are now questioning which boy was the driver and which was the passenger. Police have spoken to a 15-year-old boy in relation to the crash who is in hospital being treated for minor injuries. A police spokeswoman from Victoria Police said the deceased teenager is yet to be formally identified. A public appeal has been made to residents who may have dashcam footage of the joyride or the subsequent crash. (Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC on Wednesday announced that it has received approval to extend its unsecured GBP600 million funding under Her Majesty's Treasury and the Bank of England's UK Covid Corporate Financing Facility for another 12 months. The Irish low cost airline said the funds would be redrawn in the coming days, and used for general corporate purposes. On Wednesday last week, Chief Executive Officer Michael O'Leary said at the Transport Select Committee that the furlough scheme was "welcome", but "the government has been lamentable in providing other support". "The furlough scheme falls short of what needs to be done and it will be a very challenging and difficult return to normal operation or pre-Covid operation levels and profitability." In documents accompanying UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's government budget, it was revealed that Air Passenger Duty rates for departures from Britain will increase by GBP2 to GBP82 for travellers with economy tickets, and by GBP5 to GBP181 for those in premium cabins. Ryanair said its balance sheet remains "one of the strongest in the industry", and expects to have over EUR3 billion in cash by the end of March. Shares in Ryanair Holdings were down 0.8% at EUR16.80 on Wednesday in London. By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. About Racial Equity Plan of Action Our Work Continues: A Message from Torey Carter-Conneen, ASLA CEO Each day this February, as part of Black History Month, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) highlighted a Black landscape architect or a project designed by a Black landscape architect as part of our Design Excellence by Black Landscape Architects social media campaign. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and many people mentioned how much they learned about the history of our profession and the excellent work being led by Black landscape architects. The campaign followed reVISION ASLA 2020, where, for the first time, we took a deep dive into issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Sessions and marquee discussions examined diversity in the landscape architecture profession and the role landscape architects play in addressing issues of environmental justice and equitable access. During my opening comments for reVISION ASLA 2020, I mentioned that we are at an inflection point in the history of the profession, the nation, and the world. I spoke about this being both a time of great uncertainly and also a transformative moment for all of us together to take an unblinking look at the myriad ways that racism has poisoned our communities and limited our prosperity as a nation. These issues are not unique to landscape architecture or landscape architects. But the solutions for our professional community must come directly from us. Our Black History Month awareness campaign and reVISION ASLA 2020 are just two of the most recent examples of ASLAs commitment to moving the profession towards a more just and inclusive community. And that work must continue with a rigor that is new and refreshing for many and perhaps curious to some. Last summer, in eight minutes and forty-six seconds, the murder of George Floyd brought ASLA and the world to a full stop, reminding us all that the road to a more just and fair society is long and winding. Even today, each time Mr. Floyds name is mentioned, Im reminded of the video of his death. I can hear his blood curdling cries for his mother and weeping during the last minutes of his life ringing in my ears. I see his face being pressed against the ground with a knee on his neck, squeezing the last breaths from his body. Let us not forget this image. Instead, lets use that memory to inspire us to eradicate the systems and structures within our professional community that have resulted in limited opportunities, limited chances for advancement, and limited recognition of the deserving Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) landscape architects and professionals who have led and produced important, ground-breaking, and honorable work. The landscape architecture profession and global design community needs ASLAs leadership now more than ever, and I am firmly committed to position us to meet the moment. It is far easier to speak about change than it is to see it through. Purely symbolic rhetoric without deliberate and concrete actions leads to sub-optimal outcomes. Our team of talented professionals and volunteer leaders commit to rolling up our sleeves and leaning into the truth, pushing forward toward progress to do the necessary work. We will follow the leadership examples of Bayard Rustin, an openly gay, African-American civil rights activist, adviser to Martin Luther King, Jr., and the main organizer of the March on Washington in 1963; the leadership examples of Ella Baker, an African-American civil rights activist who was known for her influential efforts as a community organizer; and the leadership examples of many others who were on the front lines of change many years ago. ASLA is in the business of changing the world through the art and science of design and this Five-Point Plan of Action is the next progression of our journey together. We still have a dreamthat dream is clearer than ever, and the time to design the future of our profession is now. "The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, If only were brave enough to see it If only were brave enough to be it." - Amanda Gorman ASLAs Racial Equity Plan of Action ASLA rejects bigotry and racism in all its forms, and anti-Black racism in particular, as wrong and fundamentally inconsistent with our mission and values. ASLA's Five-point Plan: 1) Diversifying the Pipeline: Equipping Our Students and Institutions to Lead in This Work 2) Acknowledging Racism in the Profession and Honoring the Forgotten: Making It Clear Where We Stand and Where We Aim to Go 3) Reshaping the Conversation and Transforming Frameworks: Establishing Enduring Structures for the Journey Ahead 4) Leading Through Education, Conversation, and Policy: Developing and Disseminating Content on Advancing Racial Equity 5) Accountability: Maintaining Meaningful, Measurable Progress DIVERSIFYING THE PIPELINE: Equipping Our Students and Institutions to Lead in This Work ASLA will develop outreach guidelines and measurable metrics to help organizations recruit and retain Black students into landscape architecture programs and develop those students into successful professionals in landscape architecture. ASLA will provide ongoing financial, intellectual, and in-kind support to Historically Black University and College (HBCU) landscape architecture programs and work to recruit and provide ongoing support for Black landscape architecture students. ASLA will identify and engage high schools and community colleges with high concentrations of Black students to encourage joining the landscape architecture profession. Emphasis will be on schools with design-oriented curricula. ASLAs effort to strengthen the pipeline with diverse students begins with the youngest students. Our PreK12 partnerships and collaborations will expand to groups that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and also focus on diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Our efforts to build strong community relationships, develop quality PreK12 outreach, and partner with educator and advising professionals are intentionally focused on the support and advancement of all students with an emphasis on BIPOC communities. As an association, we are dedicated to modeling effective engagement strategies that can be adopted and measured by ASLA chapters across the country. ACKNOWLEDGING RACISM IN THE PROFESSION AND HONORING THE FORGOTTEN: Making It Clear Where We Stand and Where We Aim to Go ASLA will work to increase the professions understanding of the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion. We will make significant contributions to achieving a more equitable and inclusive world by increasing awareness of the Black landscape narrative and amplifying the current and historic voices and experiences of Black practitioners and design organizations. We will also work with firms to provide guidance on dismantling bias and colorism within organizational systems and within structures that limit growth opportunities for Black landscape architects and other colleagues of color. This will require intentional and targeted education and engagement, funding, new policies, and operational practices. The cultural shift will begin in education, where we will train and equip the next generation of landscape architects with these skills to design solutions and landscapes with racial equity and justice as foundational components of their work. RESHAPING THE CONVERSATION AND TRANSFORMING FRAMEWORKS: Establishing Enduring Structures for the Journey Ahead ASLA will collaborate with sister, allied, and other organizations to develop an action plan that addresses racial inequality in the landscape architecture community, compiles accurate data on the impact of Blacks and other people of color in landscape architecture, and raises awareness of Black historic landscapes and pioneering Black landscape architects. Our combined efforts will help us achieve justice, equity, and inclusion in the profession more effectively. We will work with ASLA Chapters to identify and recruit Black practitioners for chapter volunteer and leadership positions. ASLA will also continue to recognize and honor Black landscape architects and projects for their contributions to the profession and to society as a whole, reaching out to encourage more submissions of Black candidates for ASLA Honors and Awards. LEADING THROUGH EDUCATION, CONVERSATION, AND ADVOCACY: Developing and Disseminating Content on Advancing Racial Equity We believe that policy makers at all levels of government can and should seek to eradicate the inequities that harm underserved communities, including communities of color, low-income populations, and Tribal and Indigenous communities across the country. ASLA will continue to work with the current administration to eliminate the disproportionate impacts that plague these communities and to advance regulations that promote a just society for all. ASLA will work to ensure that the Conference on Landscape Architecture and other meetings include programming to address and combat racial inequity in the profession. We will increase representation of BIPOC experts on panels, educational sessions, workshops, and other ASLA and industry forums, and we will highlight BIPOC experts as keynote and general session speakers. We will develop design guidelines and techniques that help dismantle racial and environmental injustice. We will also begin to develop tools to assist practitioners in working with Black and other minority communities, and publish reports and case studies on projects that successfully worked with these communities to achieve shared community goals. ACCOUNTABILITY: Maintaining Meaningful, Measurable Progress These arent easy or comfortable conversations to have, and we recognize that driving this kind of transformation will take time. We are committed to integrating this work into the fabric of our organization and our profession. As a part of this commitment, ASLA is updating its Vision and Strategic Plan, incorporating goals and metrics that will be established and measured in our annual operating plans. This will help ensure we are making progress in addressing these issues and making appropriate adjustments to our tactics to deliver on our promise to have an impact on and lead change in our profession, the design community, and in the world. A rare heart condition that leaves the sufferer feeling dizzy or causing them to faint 'could be a long-term effect of Covid-19', scientists have warned. Doctors from Lund University examined patients diagnosed with Covid-19 that developed postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) months later. POTS is a condition most commonly known for causing dizziness upon standing, but symptoms can include palpitations, headache, fatigue and blurred vision. Causes of POTS are usually undetermined, but it can be precipitated by viral illness, severe infection or trauma and the Swedish team have now seen it after Covid-19. So far 200 to 250 people have been diagnosed with POTS following a Covid-19 infection in Stockholm, Sweden - where the study was conducted. There is no data available on the condition for other places. This suggests that POTS could be a 'long-haul' symptom of the disease that has put much of the world in lockdown, the study authors said. Lead author Madeleine Johansson told MailOnline the 'long-term prognosis is yet unknown but some patients recover spontaneously after 6-9 months,' althought, she added that 'others have yet to recover from the condition.' A rare heart condition that leaves the sufferer feeling dizzy or causing them to faint 'could be a long-term effect of Covid-19', scientists have warned. Stock image POSTURAL TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME (POTS) Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing. Some typical symptoms include dizziness and fainting. PoTS affects a range of people but is most common in girls and women aged 15 to 50. Some people have mild symptoms, while others find the condition affects their quality of life. PoTS often improves gradually over time, and there are some medicines and self-care measures that can help. SOURCE: NHS Advertisement There is no cure or standard treatment, but it can be managed with self-care and some medications, according to the doctors behind the new study. The patients examined by the researchers showed Covid-19 symptoms but not all of them had to seek medical help or had a coronavirus test to confirm the infection. All three patients began experiencing symptoms of POTS about three months after suspected infection, including extreme fatigue, headache, nausea and dizziness. POTS was confirmed using active standing and head-up tilt tests. 'As reports of COVID-19 patients being impacted by long-term symptoms unrelated to their original diagnosis continue to grow, it's important to raise awareness of POTS as a possible long-term complication,' said Johansson. 'Much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms responsible for the POTS-like symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients or how long these symptoms will last. 'But chronic symptoms are expected in a subset of patients based on this initial clinical experience.' The researchers note that a negative Covid-19 test does not exclude the patient from having been infected with Covid-19. They said that based on these findings a negative test 'ought to be interpreted with caution in the context of typical symptoms.' In addition, other causes of POTS-like symptoms should be excluded, including dehydration, other infections, anxiety and anemia before diagnosing a patient with Covid-19-related POTS. 'It is estimated that 5-10% of all younger women get sick in POTS,' generally, not just related to Covid, Dr Johansson told MailOnline. 'So far between 200-250 individuals have been diagnosed with POTS following COVID-19 infection in Stockholm, Sweden,' where data has been gathered. 'We receive new referrals every week on patients newly diagnosed with POTS after COVID-19,' she added. About 25-50% of patients go on to recover spontaneously after 6-9 months of developing the condition although there is no public data on this, she said. If someone has the condition, when they sit up or stand, gravity pulls some of the blood down to their belly area, hands and feet 'Regarding long-term prognosis, there are patients who have not recovered in over a year since being diagnosed.' According to the NHS, if someone has the condition, when they sit up or stand, gravity pulls some of the blood down to their belly area, hands and feet. 'In response, your blood vessels quickly narrow and your heart rate increases slightly to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain, and prevent blood pressure dropping. 'This is all done without needing to think about it, by the autonomic nervous system the nervous system in charge of automatic body functions,' the NHS wrote. PoTS is diagnosed if your heart rate increases by 30 beats a minute (bpm) or more (40bpm in those aged 12 to 19) usually within 10 minutes of standing and continues for more than 30 seconds. Doctors can detect the condition through a tilt table test, active stand test, ECG and 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. The report didn't make clear how many people had been diagnosed with POTS after developing Covid-19 as it focused on a case study of three patients. This is the latest in a number of conditions associated with Covid-19 that develop after the initial symptoms have subsided. This included a rare hyperinflammation condition known as MIS-C that develops in children and can show as a rash. The findings have been published in the journal JACC: Case Reports. Still, in centring the drama on the Judas figure of Bill ONeal (Lakeith Stanfield) an undercover informant who helped bring about the downfall of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), leader of the Panthers Chicago branch he winds up with something quite different from straightforward agitprop. Among other things, this is a film about performance, in a variety of ways. Shaka Kings fact-based Judas and the Black Messiah is a partial exception to the rule, since when it comes to the central historical issue, King doesnt equivocate. In portraying the late 1960s struggle between the radical Black Panther party and the FBI, he takes the highly defensible stance that of the two groups, the FBI was the more truly criminal. Everything is about sex, the adage goes, except for sex. Similarly, you could say that in movies, everything is political except for politics, which is typically a shortcut to generating drama. Who is Bill the character played by Stanfield, not his real-life model? King and his co-writer Will Berson dont give us too much backstory: when we first meet him hes already playing a role, as a small-time con artist who masquerades as an FBI agent complete with badge. When he pulls this stunt once too often, the only way for him to avoid a lengthy stint in prison is to start working for the FBI for real, following the orders of his handler Roy Mitchell, played by Jesse Plemons with the same air of complacent goodwill he brought to his neo-Nazi role in Breaking Bad. LaKeith Stanfield and Jesse Plemons in Judas and the Black Messiah. Credit:AP Once the deception gets under way, the film takes on some of the qualities of a thriller, the more so since Bill has no-one to confide in: neither with Roy nor with his Panther comrades can he relax and be himself, whatever that might entail. But we see Bill from outside as much as inside, in a manner that highlights the distinctive paradox of Stanfields presence: he seems at once transparent and elusive, as if he were forced into retreat from the world precisely through being so open to it. A Queensland LNP politician and avowed monarchist has been accused of essentially saying that Meghan Markle is a gold digger in a tweet. LNP frontbencher Jarrod Bleijie, a life member of the Australian Monarchist League, claimed in the tweet on Tuesday that the Duchess of Sussex was trying to take down the institution because she would never be queen. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made devastating claims about the royal family. Credit:AP In an interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired in Australia on Monday night, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan made devastating allegations about the royal family, including claims their cries for help were ignored and that someone in the family had concerns over the colour of their sons skin. In his tweet, Mr Bleijie suggested the royal rift began when Meghan realised she was not in line for the throne. BEIJING, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Geek+, a global AMR leader, is proud to announce it has been named one of Fast Company's most innovative companies in the robotics category for 2021. The list honors the businesses that have found a way to be resilient in the past year, turning challenges into impact-making processes. These companies did more than survive, they thrived, impacting their industries and culture as a whole. Yong Zheng, founder and CEO of Geek+, says: "We're honored to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the world. It is a celebration of the creative, solutions-oriented, and customer-focused approach that permeates the company as a whole and especially our R&D team. By combining industry understanding with business knowledge and technological prowess, we've developed a wide range of robotics hardware and intelligent software applications tailored to address industry-specific logistics challenges in warehousing and manufacturing. In turn, we want to bring agility to the supply chain, and through continuous optimization and AI, help mitigate uncertainty and support businesses to flexibly grow." In February last year, the resilience and flexibility of Geek+ robotics solutions were confirmed when as they allowed Decathlon in China to secure business continuity under lockdown despite widespread labor shortages. By letting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) find and transfer racks of goods from the storage area to workstations, Decathlon was able to ensure social distancing, securing the health and safety of its warehouse employees. Additionally, due to the robots being portable, easy to implement, and reprogram, it allowed Decathlon to relocate robots from retail to e-commerce warehouses to meet the swift shift in demand from offline to online sales. Challenging scenarios also turned into innovations. In 2020, Geek+ launched four new robotics products to tackle the most urgent challenges facing society. These included everything from smart disinfection robots to intelligent sorting and bin-picking robots. By combining the latest AMR and disinfection technology, such as SLAM navigation and UVC light, smart disinfection robots provide automated, safe, and seamless disinfection to help safeguard public health. Moreover, Geek+ C200M Double Deep Bin-to-Person robot was released, a flexible logistics solution that optimizes the bin-picking process and maximizes the use of warehouse space. Lastly, the double-belted S100C robot was introduced for intelligent sorting of large-size parcels to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate handling of heavy materials in times of high throughput demand. Dedicated to creating intelligent robotics solutions that bring real value to customers and transform the global supply chain, Geek+ has in 2020 announced partnerships with both industry and technology leaders. By partnering up with Borsch Rexroth, Intel, Korber, and Conveyco, Geek+ has continued to accelerate technological exchange, drive innovation, and strengthen its role as an ecosystem enabler at the forefront of the smart logistics revolution. Read about Fast Company's most innovative companies in the robotics category. About Geek+ Geek+ is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geek+ counts 300 global customers and has deployed more than 10,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For more information, please visit: https://www.geekplus.com/ About Fast Company Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine of the Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and ten silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta, and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com SOURCE Geek+ Related Links www.geekplus.com NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. A global biopharmaceutical company has agreed to pay $600,000 and limit its emissions of harmful air pollutants to settle allegations that it violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and regulations at its Lexington, Massachusetts, facility. Of that amount, $200,000 will fund a project to purchase air filters for more than 500 homes in Chelsea, an environmental justice community that suffers from poor air quality due to numerous nearby sources of similar air pollutants, including industrial facilities, heavy highway and road traffic and Logan Airport. This company knowingly caused air pollution by failing to comply with regulations intended to protect public health, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement issued by her office. This settlement holds the company accountable and will result in long-term benefits to the air quality in hundreds of homes in Chelsea, a community in which vulnerable residents have been hard hit by the pandemic and subjected to a long history of environmental injustices. The consent judgment, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, settled allegations that Shire Human Genetic Therapies Inc. violated the states Clean Air Act and its regulations when Shires Lexington facility exceeded applicable emissions limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) established by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). VOCs are air pollutants that pose risks to public health, including through their contribution to the formation of ground level ozone, or smog, which can increase susceptibility to and exacerbate respiratory ailments and illnesses including asthma, according to the press release issued by the Attorney Generals Office. Shire is required to obtain air quality permits to regulate its operations, consistent with other pharmaceutical facilities operating in the Commonwealth, and when the company failed to do so, they potentially endangered the environment and the public health, said Eric Worrall, director of MassDEPs Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington, in the release. The attorney generals complaint alleges that, in 2014, Shire began increasing its use of surface disinfectants in its expanding manufacturing operations at its Lexington facility without first seeking or obtaining a permit to do so from MassDEP, as is required under applicable law. Surface disinfectants contain VOCs, which evaporate and escape into the surrounding environment. The complaint alleges that since 2014, Shire exceeded its emissions limits at least 100 times, with 28 of those times being more than double the allowed limit. The complaint alleges that Shire failed to comply with numerous recordkeeping and reporting requirements as well. Under the settlement, Shire is required to apply for a new permit that will cap VOC emissions from the Lexington facility at a level that will both allow expansion at the facility and help to keep the public safe from dangerous pollutants, according to the release. In addition to imposing $400,000 in civil penalties, the settlement requires Shire to pay $200,000 to fund a project being conducted by GreenRoots Inc., a community-based organization that works to improve the urban environment and public health in Chelsea and surrounding communities. GreenRoots will use the funds to purchase air filters for more than 500 homes in Chelsea. In collaboration with health institutions and private and public partners, baseline and long-term air monitoring will be conducted to evaluate improvements, and the project could be implemented in other areas in the future. In her May 2020 brief on the environmental factors that compound the COVID-19 pandemics impact on environmental justice communities in Massachusetts, Healey discussed the high rates of air pollution in lower-income areas and communities of color including Chelsea. As a result, the Attorney Generals Office has prioritized directing settlement funds from appropriate enforcement actions to support environmental justice communities. Source: The Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission were presented with a COVID-19 response update that included data about infections and vaccinations during their work session Tuesday night. COVID response update The data, presented by ACC Manager Blaine Williams, showed an overall decline in new COVID-19 infection rates since February in Clarke County and among ACC government employees, consistent with state and nationwide numbers. Williams said over 250 ACC employees in the tier 1A+ category for vaccine priority, which includes first responders and people over 65, have now been vaccinated. District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link asked Williams if any county employees were hesitant to receive the vaccine, and asked if the county could require its eligible employees to receive it. Williams said its likely that not all eligible county employees have taken it since the county cannot require them to be vaccinated. Williams also updated the commission on bar occupancy and personal protective equipment enforcement. Athens police conducted 295 occupancy checks on the weekends between Dec. 31, 2020 and Feb. 13, 2021, with four given warnings and six being cited for violating occupancy limits or PPE mandates. Link asked when the county would allow bars to return to normal hours. Mayor Kelly Girtz said the closing times will not be changed at least until the states judicial state of emergency is lifted by the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. ACCPD and mental health After the presentation about the countys COVID-19 response, ACC Police Chief Cleveland Spruill presented information about ACCPDs mental health policies and practices. Spruill said the commission had previously brought up concerns around addiction and mental health, and the police department used those concerns to highlight goals the department could set. Spruills presentation also listed concerns including a lack of resources to deal with mental health issues, their stigmas and police responses causing escalation of crises when improperly trained. There was a disproportionality, as far as the number of people in the jail, that were affected by mental health, Spruill said. The research determined the need for increased and improved mental health response. Spruill said in 2016, ACCPD developed and implemented the first co-responder team, which is a team comprised of a specially-trained officer partnered with a licensed mental health professional and in 2020 the department added a second team. Mental illness is not a crime, its an illness, Spruill said. The focus should be on finding [people] services and diverting them away from jail. The commission also showed interest in discussing the implementation of a non-police mental health response program in the future and adding budget room for it this spring. They based this interest off of a popular program they were shown, known as Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets, which pairs a medic with a mental health worker. A new path The commission was presented with information about a plan for street bike and pedestrian improvements along Barber Street from the Athens in Motion Commission ahead of their May 4 approval vote on the project. ACC Engineering Administrator Rani Katreeb presented the project that would aim to improve infrastructure along Barber Street between Prince Avenue and Dairy Pak Road. The project is planned to include bicycle paths, enlarged sidewalks, more formalized crosswalks and infrastructure to reduce vehicular speeds with a total estimated cost of $6,739,250. Girtz and several commissioners were concerned with the price tag of the project, with Link saying the budget was jaw-dropping. District 7 Commissioner Russell Edwards said he supports the plan because it will connect a dense, urban neighborhood and promote economic development along the route. David Lynn of the Athens Downtown Development Authority presented its recommendation for a park that will be located beneath the recently completed mural Hot Corner: An Athens Legacy, on the corner of Washington and Lumpkin Streets. The estimated construction cost would be $260,000 and will be completely funded by the ADDAs parking income. It's already a hot topic in the world at the moment, but also within Formula 1 there is the question of whether or not to vaccinate. In Bahrain, teams have the option to be vaccinated upon arrival in the country. Vaccinate everyone Bahrain would be willing to vaccinate all Formula 1 personnel upon arrival in the country, but Liberty Media has already indicated that they do not wish to make use of this option. According to them, Formula 1 and the teams have to 'wait their turn' and there are plenty of other people who have been waiting in line longer or need it more. Mercedes and Ferrari On Wednesday morning, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Mercedes and Ferrari would like to take up the offer after all. "This means that, strictly on a voluntary basis, the staff of the Ferrari team already in Bahrain for the pre-season test will have the time to receive the double dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Mercedes has given its staff the same opportunity", reads the Italian newspaper. Personal choice at Red Bull Also at Red Bull Racing, the team of Max Verstappen, they would not prohibit the vaccination in Bahrain. Erik van Haren of Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf says on Twitter that the team's choice depends on 'the personal choice of the individuals in the team'. This would mean that also Verstappen is free to get vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Bahrain. Ook bij Red Bull Racing verbieden ze vaccinatie in Bahrein op voorhand niet. Team laat weten dat het afhangt van 'de persoonlijke keuze van de individuen in het team'. Erik van Haren (@ErikvHaren) March 10, 2021 Read more Verstappen does not rule out that a sim driver could one day become F1 champion .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE A bill that would give legislative staffers who have been working in the Roundhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic a one-time $300 pay bonus is headed to the Senate floor. The bill, Senate Bill 439, would appropriate $165,000 to pay the bonuses to as many as 550 permanent and temporary workers. Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, called the hazard pay appropriate compensation for legislative staffers who have been working in the Capitol during a declared health emergency. The Roundhouse has been closed to the public since shortly after the pandemic hit New Mexico in March 2020, but many employees have still had to come into the building. Thats especially true during the ongoing 60-day legislative session in which weekly virus testing is required for legislative employees. They continue to do good work under very stressful situations, said Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, shortly before the bill passed the Senate Finance Committee on a 7-1 vote. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Citing excessive damage after torrential rains and flooding covered the state, Hawaii was placed under a state of emergency by Gov. David Ige, Tuesday. Hawaii Under State of Emergency At least half a dozen of homes were destroyed and damaged due to the flooding and rains, prompting orders of evacuation in the islands of Oahu and Maui. In his declaration of a state of emergency, Ige stated that it would quickly make funds available to aid those who were affected. On Wednesday, Maui County was placed under a flood advisory until 2 AM. In addition, weather concerns were also kept in the state overnight. The National Weather Service stated that there was also a flash flood watch that was placed until 6 PM. In addition, there was an evacuation order which affected residents who live near the Dam in the Haiku area of Maui, and downstream from the Kaupakalua Reservoir. Maui County officials stated that the evacuation order remained until early Wednesday. A bridge in Haiku was heavily damaged and another was destroyed due to the floodwaters, according to the statement of Maui Country Mayor Michael P. Victorino on Tuesday. Victorino called the flooding 'unprecedented' as it deeply damaged several infrastructures. Later in the day, Victorino went around the area of Haiku which was flooded. He even stated that the damage brought by the flood reminded him that fast-moving water can be very powerful. He also expressed his gratefulness that no one was injured and that no fatalities were reported. Read also: Death of Detained Myanmar Official Raises Fear Before the governor of the state declared a state of emergency, Victorino already stated in a press conference on Monday that Maui County, especially on the eastern side has been covered with dangerous flooding due to the heavy rains. He also announced that there have been five people who were already rescued, New York Times reported. Moreover, Vitorino stated that the flooding situation is something that has not been seen in the county for a very long time. Several residents have also said that this is the worst flooding that Maui has seen in almost 25 years. According to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, at least 150 homes were affected by the order to evacuate. In addition, officials of Maui County announced on Monday that residents are not advised to return to their homes until it is already safe. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, on the island of Oahu, people of the Haleiwa Town were ordered to immediately vacate their homes. There was a 'catastrophic flood' warning from the Department of Emergency Management of Honolulu, which called on the people to leave the place immediately since they are in danger. Late Tuesday night, the evacuation order in the area was lifted. On the other hand, evacuation centers on the island of Maui remained open until Tuesday. The centers were placed at the Hana High School and the Paia Community Center. The state of emergency in Hawaii has not yet been lifted as floodwaters are yet to subside. The National Weather Service also placed a flood watch in the Hawaii islands on Wednesday evening. Related article: Japan Bans Overseas Fans From Tokyo Olympics @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The political-media establishment of the U.S. saw the January 6 incursion at the U.S. Capitol as the means of devastating the GOP and forever discrediting all those who dare to question the integrity of the past presidential election. Many large companies self-righteously announced they would no longer donate to the 147 Republicans who voted against certification of the Electoral College vote. They clearly intended to starve their re-election campaigns and drive them from the public square. It has backfired spectacularly. Donations are up substantially to the leading critics, as small donors more than replace any loss of corporate funds. Reuters reports, comically discrediting itself with all the editorializing about "false" claims of election fraud in what is supposed to be a straight news story. If anything, the biggest backers of Trump's false election-fraud narrative such as Missouri Senator Josh Hawley and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have been rewarded with a flood of grassroots donations, more than offsetting the loss of corporate money. And contributions from both small donors and rich individuals looking to fight the Democratic agenda have poured into the party's fundraising apparatus. What makes me believe that this is no flash in the pan is that a trend has been brewing, indicating that a populist revolution is underway, and the populace realizes that it must cough up cash or else surrender to the oligarchy. The boycott's limited impact underscores the diminishing role of corporate money in U.S. politics. Individual donations of $200 or less have made up a growing share of campaign money in recent years, while the share given by corporate America shrinks. That trend has accelerated with the rise of anti-establishment figures on both the right and left, such as Trump and progressive firebrand Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator. Yes, lefties like Sanders and AOC are part of the populist surge, make no mistake. And while their ideas may be repugnant in many respects, they do share skepticism toward oligarchs and may be able to make common cause in limiting further the ability of corporations to buy influence. In point of fact, corporations already are unable to make direct donations to political candidates and must resort to the smokescreen of collecting "individual" donations from their well compensated executives and then "bundling" them into substantial sums intended to buy support for their agendas, especially open borders, but also maintaining the legal fiction that Facebook and Twitter aren't "publishers," but rather "open forums," so they can't be sued for posts they host even though they censor the crap out of conservatives. So angry are the deplorables that they are sending more money to GOP candidates than the oligarchs and small donors are sending to the Dems: Reuters examined contributions by more than 45 corporate donor committees that vowed to cut off the 147 Republicans eight senators and 139 members of the House of Representatives. The review found that the political action committees (PACs) gave about $5 million to the lawmakers during the 2019-2020 election cycle or only about 1% of the money the lawmakers raised, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) disclosures. By comparison, Republican fundraising operations supporting Senate and House candidates raked in a combined $15.8 million in January alone on the strength of small-dollar donations. These groups outraised their Democratic counterparts by more than $2 million that month, regulatory filings show. I spent a major part of my adult life studying and advising major corporations and believe that when it comes to politics (and social issues, too), they are mostly risk-averse and are not motivated by any principles beyond protecting next quarter's earnings. They are also highly vulnerable to pressure from elite institutions and academia, now dominated by the left and supplying a stream of brainwashed younger recruits to bureaucracies not just in corporations, but in the media, whose criticism is greatly feared by corporate bureaucrats. That is why they are so easily intimidated by social media campaigns and what look like popular sentiments, when, in fact, they may be less favored by the general public than it would superficially seem. See, for example, Gillette's disastrous embrace of feminist anti-male propaganda that cost it billions, or Coca-Cola's surrender to racist antiracism right now. Second thoughts already are occurring to the corporate boycotters of the GOP: In a sign the corporate backlash may already be fading, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the nation's leading business lobby, said Friday that it has decided not to boycott the Republican lawmakers after discussions with more than 100 companies. We are at a make-or-break moment, with Democrats attempting to push through H.R. 1, an unconstitutional federal takeover of election regulations, institutionalizing measures like mass mail-in ballot distribution with no verification that would empower cheating forever, in effect creating a one-party state. They do this as many of the gains of the Trump years are being erased, with hugely unpleasant consequences for ordinary Americans: open borders, soaring gasoline prices, dependence on foreign supplies of oil, and rising crime. Dems are trying to bypass the filibuster on H.R. 1. If they succeed and the SCOTUS declines to throw it out, despite the Constitution clearly giving power to state legislatures to regulate elections, then the coup will be complete. But that is far from inevitable, especially if Republicans go full throttle in pointing out the grave threat to legitimate elections that it creates. Biden's plummeting approval ratings and the specter of a normal midterm shift of power away from the new president's party threaten the Democrats' hold on power unless they change the rules in their favor. Democrats and the oligarchs they serve fear the ordinary Americans, the deplorables, grabbing back political power and electing officials who will implement the policies that benefit them. The problem is that too many of the deplorables get it and are willing to open their wallets as never before. As I wrote above, corporate managers are risk-averse. If they see populism as an inevitable wave, they will get behind it with their donations, if only to gain some influence and protection, softening the blows that may come their way. There is a lot of history yet to be written before Americans return to the polls in 2022 and 2024. Despair seems to be the default emotion for conservatives right now. I dissent, for I believe that their institutional and media dominance has blinded progressives to the extent of their own unpopularity. Albany, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo repeated today that he never touched anyone inappropriately after a new accusation of sexual harassment emerged. The Times Union in Albany reported this afternoon that a female Executive Chamber staff member accused Cuomo of touching her inappropriately during an encounter at the governors mansion. The woman is the sixth to come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior or sexual harassment by Cuomo. READ MORE: Executive Chamber employee accuses Cuomo of inappropriate touching (report) During a conference call with reporters after the story published, Cuomo said he wasnt aware of the new allegation, but also repeated statements he made last week in response to earlier accusations. I never touched anyone inappropriately, he said during the call. I never made any inappropriate advances. He said no one had told him at the time that he made them feel uncomfortable or awkward. He also said women have a right to come forward and he encourages that. Cuomo has urged New Yorkers to wait to form opinions on the situation until state Attorney General Letitia James finishes an investigation into his conduct. James appointed outside attorneys to run the probe yesterday. Cuomo has faced calls to resign from some lawmakers, but has said hes not leaving. A reporter asked Cuomo if he still plans to run for a fourth term next year in light of the harassment allegations, but the governor did not answer directly. Todays not a day for politics, Cuomo said in response to the question. Im focusing on my job. My job is vaccines, getting a budget done, rebuilding New York. You know allegations. You dont know facts. Lets operate on facts. We have an investigation, qualified investigators picked by the attorney general. Lets get the facts and then we can have a discussion on the facts. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Two competing bills to legalize recreational cannabis in New Mexico moved forward Tuesday at the Roundhouse, setting up a high-stakes showdown that will play out during the final days of this years 60-day legislative session. Both bills approved by a Senate committee were revised in recent days as backers worked to address trouble spots and shore up support, while several other cannabis legalization measures were withdrawn in an attempt to avoid a marijuana backlog. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The clock is ticking on the session, but I believe we still have time to come together on a compromise that works for all of us or at least most of us, one of the bill sponsors, Rep. Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said during Tuesdays meeting of the Senate Taxation, Business and Transportation Committee. The two bills passed the committee after more than two hours of debate, although several senators warned they could vote against one or both measures on the Senate floor. And the bills still face a tricky path to reach the full Senate as they next go to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a similar adult-use legalization bill was tabled last year. Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said in a recent television interview that cannabis legalization would not address New Mexicos crime and poverty issues. I continue to have a great deal of reservations as to whether New Mexico is ready to have marijuana available on every street corner, Cervantes said in the interview with KRWG-TV. Despite the wariness of some senators, supporters of the legalization push say there are enough votes to pass a bill on the Senate floor if one of the two bills can get there. Debate over limits One of the bills, House Bill 12, was amended Tuesday with input from state Regulation and Licensing Superintendent Linda Trujillo, a Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointee whose agency would be in charge of overseeing the states legal cannabis industry. That bill, which passed the House last month, would set a state excise tax of 8%, while cities and counties could impose additional 4% local option taxes on top of that. Under a change to the bill, the Regulation and Licensing Department would be able to restrict recreational cannabis licenses and impose a plant count limit, but only after conducting a market study. Backers of the provision cited other states such as Oregon, which has reportedly grappled with how to deal with more than 1 million pounds of unsold pot. Its nice to say let the market decide, but thats what got Oregon into a lot of problems, said Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque. But critics say limits on licenses and cannabis supply could lead to market shortages, while benefiting certain smaller producers. The goal is to get cannabis as cheap as possible (in order) to drive out the black market, said Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell. Some Republican senators have also criticized social justice provisions in the House-approved bill, such as expungement for cannabis possession convictions and a community grant fund to pay for education and other outreach efforts, arguing that they should be kept separate from the issue of cannabis legalization. I know were going to make some money, but were also going to spend some money to clean up the mess were creating, said Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs. She also said lawmakers would be fooling ourselves in believing they could shut down the illicit market for marijuana. State commission The other bill moving forward, Senate Bill 288, is sponsored by Pirtle and would create a state commission to set up and regulate the cannabis industry. In its initial form, the bill called for a one-mile buffer between licensed cannabis dispensaries and would have allowed cities and counties to decide whether to allow dispensaries within their boundaries. Both those provisions were removed from the bill Tuesday, though Pirtle said local governments could still decide where and how dispensaries could operate. It would impose a lower state excise tax of 2%, while cities and counties could each tack on an additional 2% in local option taxes. While New Mexico lawmakers debate the issue, other states are moving ahead with legalization measures, as Virginia is on the verge of becoming the 16th state to legalize recreational marijuana. In New Mexico, the state already has a medical cannabis program with more than 100,000 enrolled members. In addition, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law a 2019 bill that made possession of up to a half-ounce of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a $50 fine. But legalization supporters say now is the time for New Mexico to take the next step and join the ranks of legal-cannabis states after years of debating the issue. Here in front of us is a brand-new industry we get to shape from scratch, Martinez said. I think legalization sooner rather than later is the way to go. [March 10, 2021] COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Reprioritized for Upcoming Appointments at 151 Georgia Publix Pharmacies At the direction of the federal government, retailers participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program must prioritize the following individuals for vaccine appointments until further notice: Teachers, school staff and child care workers who work in pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff and bus drivers). Those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers. Publix will follow this new directive during its next COVID-19 vaccine scheduling opportunity in Georgia, Thursday, March 11. Some pharmacy locations included in previous distributions are not included this time; however, they might receive vaccine doses in the future. After those in the prioritized group are finished making appointments, any remaining appointments will be available to other eligible individuals. Eligibility The state of Georgia requires eligible individuals to live or work in the state. In accordance with state and federal guidelines, the following groups are currently eligible to receive vaccinations: all K-12 and child care teachers and personnel (the prioritized group referenced earlier); adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caregivers; health care workers; individuals ages 65 and older and their caregivers; parents of children with complex medical conditions; and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. Appointments Vaccinations are provided for any individual who meets state and federal requirements, with priority given to school and child care teachers and personnel as directed by the federal government, by appointment only, while supplies last, through the online reservation system at publix.com/covidvaccine. The system will open Thursday, March 11, at 7 a.m. Eastern time for appointment times starting Monday, March 15. Appointments cannot be made by phone. Locations Publix pharmacies will administer the vaccine in the following counties, while supplies last: Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Colquitt, Columbia, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Glynn, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Rockdale, Thomas, Tift, Troup and Walton. View a full list of Georgia pharmacies offering appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Customers can also use the online reservation system to learn if appointments are available at their nearby store. Publix pharmacies have also administered the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals in select Florida, South Carolina and Virginia locations. The company continues to communicate with the states in its operating area to provide COVID-19 vaccinations as part of their distribution efforts. Costs and insurance Vaccinations are provided to eligible individuals, by appointment only, while supplies last, and at no cost to the individual. Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Medicare members should bring their red, white and blue Medicare Part B card. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver's license or Social Security number. The most up-to-date information about Publix's COVID-19 vaccination efforts can be found at publix.com/covidvaccine. Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 225,000 associates, currently operates 1,268 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 23 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix's dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company's website, corporate.publix.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005810/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Karnataka government has allotted Rs 7,795 crore to Bengaluru for comprehensive development in the state budget 2021-22. Among the comprehensive development projects, most of them were announced as part of 'Bengaluru Mission 2022' which was launched last year. One of the projects - Koramangala Valley Rajakaluve Development and Maintenance (K-100) - has been allotted Rs 169 crore. This project aims to convert the stormwater drain network into freshwater to boost tourism in the region. The state government allotted Rs 450 crore for the 248 MLD (million litres per day) sewage treatment plant at KC Valley. The state government has also earmarked Rs 33 crore for the renovation and reconstruction of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) schools, The Hindu reported. The Karnataka Budget 2021 also proposed three tree parks in the state capital. There was no mention of the tree park at Turahalli Reserve Forest as the project has temporarily been put on hold due to the protest by environmental activists and citizens. Apart from developmental projects, the Karnataka government has also focused on augmenting the health infrastructure of Bengaluru. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has announced a multi-specialty hospital in north Bengaluru to cater to poor and migrant workers. The city's organ transplantation institute, the Institute of Gastroenterology Sciences and Organ Transplant has been allotted 128 additional beds at a cost of Rs 28 crore. The Karnataka government has also announced a sub-centre of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, which will be equipped with 50 beds. The sub-centre will be started at KC General Hospital at a cost of Rs 20 crore. The BBMP will establish Janarogya Centres in 57 wards at a cost of Rs 10 crore to provide primary healthcare. Also read: Pakistan to receive 45 million 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines under Gavi alliance Also read: 'Gross interference': India summons British envoy over farm laws debate in UK Parliament A Connecticut fugitive who police say removed his GPS monitoring device while facing charges for robbing a Stamford man he met through an online escort service has now been accused of trying to kill a Pennsylvania state trooper while on the run. Mark Davenport, 31, was arrested last week outside Harrisburg in southern Pennsylvania after a high-speed car chase ended with him stealing a state troopers gun and attempting to kill him with it, police said. Police said the incident began when Davenport was clocked driving 90 mph on the Pennsylvania Turnpike last Thursday in Cumberland County. According to his arrest affidavit, Davenport resisted police attempts to pull him over by trying to ram a state trooper cruiser and then pulling a U-turn and driving the wrong way on the turnpike. Police said the car chase ended when Davenport crashed his car into a field on the side of the roadway. In the ensuing struggle, police said Davenport tackled the state trooper, who had his gun drawn, and wrestled the weapon away from him, according to the affidavit. Davenport then pointed the gun at the troopers head, the affidavit said. The trooper managed to regain control of his weapon and Davenport was eventually arrested as he tried to flee in another vehicle that had pulled to the side of the road, the affidavit said. Davenport was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, disarming a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, and simple assault, along with multiple summary traffic offenses. Davenport has been a Connecticut fugitive from justice since December when police said he cut off a GPS-monitoring bracelet and stopped appearing at scheduled court dates at Stamford Superior Court. In Stamford, Davenport faces first-degree robbery charges for a 2019 incident when police said he robbed a Springdale man at his home after they met through an online escort service. Stamford police said Davenport beat the man until he lost consciousness and stole about $2,000 worth of electronic items and credit cards. Davenport was apprehended nearly a year later when he was arrested in Baltimore on unrelated charges. The Philadelphia native eventually posted $500,000 bond and was reported to be living in an apartment in Hartford. According to court records, Davenport was granted permission to leave his home for work, doctor visits, church and to see his attorney. But nearly a week after receiving that permission, Davenports GPS bracelet stopped picking up his movements, police said. Mark Davenport is a dangerous individual that has repeatedly shown a propensity for violence. I am proud of the case that was put together by the Stamford investigators. I also commend the Pennsylvania State Police on a job well done for making this apprehension, Lt. Tom Scanlon, who oversaw the 2019 investigation, said Wednesday. Scanlon said Davenports case in Pennsylvania will likely need to completed before he is extradited to Connecticut for the Stamford charges. 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. Flipkart has said it will pay the COVID-19 vaccination cost of all its employees, including Myntra staff and three dependents whenever the Centre announces the next phase of the drive. The e-commerce major said that its employees can either choose to reimburse for the costs of the vaccinations or get free of charge at a partner hospital. In a communication to employees, Flipkart said it anticipates the next phase of the vaccination drive to cover all citizens, in addition to the current priority groups. "While we wait for the government's decision on the next phase, I am happy to share that Flipkart Group has decided to cover 100 per cent of the vaccination cost for all Flipkart and Myntra employees and three dependents. You can choose to be reimbursed for the costs of the vaccinations or get them free of charge at a partner hospital," Flipkart said. Alternatively, employees can choose to participate in any future vaccination drive organised on campus or facilities at major locations, it added. Moreover, the Walmart-owned e-tailer will also offer employees to take a day's leave to manage the vaccination process. The company said it will also allow its staff to take the COVID special care leave to manage any symptoms post-vaccination. "Currently, the vaccine is one of the most effective tools that we have, to arrest the pandemic and its adverse consequences. "However, opting for the vaccine is left completely to your discretion and we urge you to consider the benefits, read up about its effectiveness and make the right decision for yourself and your family," Flipkart Chief People Officer Krishna Raghavan said in the note. On Monday, IT firm Mindtree and Sify Technologies had said they will cover the vaccine cost for employees and their family members. Several companies, including Infosys, Accenture, Capgemini, Reliance Industries, TVS Motor Company, and ReNew Power have committed to covering vaccine costs for their employees and their family members. Infosys co-founders N R Narayana Murthy and Kris Gopalakrishnan, and Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director and CEO Uday Kotak are among the business leaders who have received the vaccination. People above 60 years of age and those above 45 with comorbidities are being immunised in the second phase of the nationwide vaccination that started on March 1. Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield are the two vaccines that are being administered in the country. Covaxin has been indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). A total of 2,30,08,733 vaccine doses have been administered through 4,05,517 sessions so far. (With PTI inputs) Also read: Centre inks deal with Serum Institute for additional 20 million Covishield doses Also read: Mahindra fires 300 executives as slowdown stings UW Names Carman Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kevin Carman A distinguished scholar and administrator who led academic and research improvements at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has been selected as the University of Wyomings provost/senior vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Kevin Carman, who was the executive vice president and provost at UNR from 2013-2020, will begin his duties at UW in June. His appointment to UWs second-ranking leadership position was approved today (Wednesday) by the universitys Board of Trustees. The University of Wyoming is fortunate to be adding such an experienced academic administrator of Dr. Carmans breadth and expertise to our team, says UW President Ed Seidel. Having served for the past eight years as the executive vice president and provost of the University of Nevada, Reno and as dean of the College of Science for nine years at Louisiana State University, Dr. Carman is uniquely qualified to address many of the circumstances and challenges which UW is faced with at this point in our history. His extensive leadership experience and accomplishments, coupled with a proven record as an innovative leader committed to an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach across the spectrum of academic affairs at land-grant institutions, will benefit all areas of our university. During his leadership tenure at UNR, when the university experienced significant enrollment growth, Dr. Carman oversaw the university's eight academic colleges and schools, the Graduate School, the Division of Extended Studies and University Libraries. He also had responsibility for the Office of Information Technology. He served as the university's chief executive officer when the president was away. Among his accomplishments: establishing five-day academic boot camps for incoming freshmen that improved retention and degree completion; leading a comprehensive revision of the undergraduate core curriculum; launching several online masters degree programs; and leading a collaborative process to update the universitys comprehensive master plan and strategic plan that included goals of being recognized as a Carnegie R1 University as well as a Carnegie Community Engaged University. UNRs goal of achieving R1 status was realized in 2018, and UNRs application for the Community Engaged designation was approved in 2019. I am very excited to join the leadership team at the University of Wyoming and am grateful for the opportunity to do so, Dr. Carman says. During my visit to Laramie, I was very impressed by the beautiful Wyoming campus and, more importantly, by the enthusiasm for and pride in UW that is evident among faculty, staff and students. President Seidel has articulated an ambitious agenda for UW, and I am confident that good things are ahead for the university and the state of Wyoming. Dr. Carman was a faculty member at Louisiana State University in the Department of Biological Sciences for 24 years. He served as interim dean and then dean of the LSU College of Science for nine years before his move to UNR. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from McPherson College in 1982, and he received masters and doctoral degrees in biological oceanography from Florida State University in 1984 and 1989. His research is in the area of marine benthic ecology and ecotoxicology. He has published 65 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and his research has been supported by approximately $9.6 million from a variety of funding agencies. Dr. Carman is married to Dr. Susan Welsh and has two grown children, Glenn and Sarah. Dr. Carman is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has previously served on the editorial board of International Scholarly Research Network Oceanography and as subject editor for Aquatic Microbial Ecology. The appointment of Dr. Carman completes a search process that began in September involving a 24-member committee chaired by Seidel and College of Engineering and Applied Science Acting Dean Cameron Wright. I want to thank the committee for all the hard work they put into the provost search, Seidel says. It resulted in a truly talented and impressive field of candidates that culminated in four terrific finalists interviewing on our campus last month. I also want to thank Anne Alexander for the tremendous job she continues to do as interim provost, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the future. It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be State Sen. Troy Carter continues to pace the field in fundraising in the congressional race to replace U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, according to the latest campaign reports through Feb. 28. Carter raised the most money during January and February, $500,000, had collected the most overall, $904,000, and had the most on hand, $291,000, according to the Federal Election Commission reports. State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who like Carter is a Democrat from New Orleans, wasnt far behind. She raised $401,000 in January and February, had raised $702,000 overall and had $207,000 on hand. She is relying much more than Carter on donations from PACs outside of Louisiana. The campaign finance report for Gary Chambers Jr., a Baton Rouge community activist, had not been posted online Tuesday. But Chambers, a Democrat, said he raised $303,000 in January and February, had collected $409,000 overall and had $115,000 on hand. Claston Bernard, a small business owner in Gonzales who has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party, had raised $112,000 overall, all during the latest reporting period, and had $38,000 on hand. Desiree Ontiveros, a small business owner in New Orleans and a Democrat, had raised $40,000 overall, all during the latest reporting period, and had $13,000 on hand. Having the most money gives an advantage to Carter to turn out more of his voters, said Ben Bagert, a former state legislator from New Orleans who is now a lawyer. But he cautioned that since Carter and Peterson are both fairly well known in metro New Orleans, the race will probably boil down to who is better liked. Its worth noting that Carter raised the most money in the 2002 New Orleans mayoral election but finished fifth. Political insiders consider Carter and Peterson to be the front-runners. Both are known to voters through their years in elected office, both are using a portion of their money to run television and radio ads and both have hired professional consultants and pollsters. The 2nd Congressional District includes most of New Orleans and extends up the Mississippi River through the west bank of Jefferson Parish, the river parishes and into north Baton Rouge. Early voting is underway through Saturday; the primary is March 20. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up John Couvillon, a Baton Rouge-based pollster and demographer, is projecting a 15% turnout overall based on two days of early voting figures. In the latest reporting period, Carter received the maximum $5,000 from Who Dat, a PAC created by Richmond; $5,000 from The Collective, a Washington-based PAC that aims to elect Black candidates; and $5,000 from the American Association for Justice, a Washington-based PAC that represents trial lawyers. Carter also received the maximum $2,900 apiece from video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy and his wife, Allison. Carter sponsored legislation in 2018 and in 2020 that would have waived the minimum amount of fuel that video poker truck stops had to sell each month to remain in business. He said he was trying to help small businesses. Peterson has received substantial dollars thanks to her relationships with national Democrats, including Donna Brazile, the former Democratic National Committee chair from Kenner, and Stacey Abrams, who played the key role in turning Georgia blue in the recent presidential and Senate elections. Peterson received $100,000 from Elect Democratic Women 2022, a Washington, D.C.-based joint fundraising committee formed by Democratic Congresswomen who understand that Congress cannot and will not address the urgent needs facing women and their families by a Congress where less than one in five representatives are women. She also collected $5,000 from Womens Political Committee, which is based in Los Angeles; Tri-State Maxed Out Womens PAC, which is based in Washington and supports pro-choice female candidates; $5,000 from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is also based in Washington; and $5,000 from Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean, a former governor from Vermont and chair of the Democratic National Committee. In Louisiana, Peterson received $5,000 apiece from trial lawyer John Carmouche and his Baton Rouge-based firm, Talbot Carmouche & Marcello. Bernard received $5,000 from the Conservative Leadership Political Action Committee, which is based in Virginia; $5,000 from a PAC overseen by Elbert Guillory, a former state senator from Opelousas; $2,900 from longtime major Republican donor Boysie Bollinger; and $2,500 from the Louisiana Republican Party. Bernard also received $2,800 apiece from Eddie Rispone the Republican runner-up to Gov. John Bel Edwards during Edwards 2019 re-election campaign and his wife, Linda. Among Ontiveros donors, at $2,800 apiece, are Jim Bernhard, the CEO of Bernhard Capital Partners in Baton Rouge, and his wife, Dana, an attorney. She's not even turned one yet. But it appears as though Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic's 10-month-old daughter, Harper, is already getting used to the idea of a caffeine hit. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, shoe designer Jasmine, 37, shared a video of Harper enjoying a particularly frothy babyccino at a Sydney cafe. First babyccino! It looks as though Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic's 10-month-old daughter, Harper, is already getting used to the idea of a caffeine hit A babyccino is a warm milk drink with cinnamon or cocoa powder, but without coffee, which is served to young children at cafes. Harper enjoyed the beverage as she sipped from a paper cup next to her mother. 'First babyccino - a winner,' Jasmine wrote in the caption. Jasmine's celebrity friends reacted to the cute video, with Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys, who is also Harper's aunt, commenting: 'Get it, girl.' The good stuff! Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, shoe designer Jasmine, 37, shared a video of Harper enjoying a particularly frothy babyccino at a Sydney cafe Jasmine regularly shares adorable photos of her daughter, Harper. The Mara & Mine co-founder posted a snap of the adorable youngster on Instagram on Valentine's Day, and described her child as 'my love'. Proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, little Harper is already looking strikingly similar to her famous parents. Delicious: A babyccino is a warm milk drink with cinnamon or cocoa powder, but without coffee, which is served to young children at cafes Karl and Jasmine welcomed Harper on May 1, 2020. She was born at North Shore Private Hospital in Sydney. In a statement to Nine's Today show at the time, Karl said: 'Harper and Jasmine are doing well and dad had a great night's sleep.' He added: 'I am in awe. Harper is absolutely perfect.' 'My loves': Proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, little Harper is already looking strikingly similar to her famous parents Karl met Jasmine in late 2016, five months after he separated from his first wife, former TV producer Cassandra Thorburn. The couple wed in a lavish ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in December 2018. In addition to baby Harper, Karl has three children from his marriage to Cassandra: sons Jackson and River, and daughter Ava Willow. Two researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science have received the coveted National Science Foundation (NSF) Early Career (CAREER) awards. The CAREER program offers the NSF's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. The researchers are Xiangnan Zhong, Ph.D., an assistant professor; and Zhen Ni, Ph.D., an assistant professor, both in the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, who received the NSF CAREER awards to drive the current artificial intelligence (AI) wave. "Although existing achievements in artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning are exciting, the fundamental research of data aggregation, learning and approximation capability and the performance generalization during uncertainties is not yet fully developed," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science. "The prestigious NSF CAREER awards that professors Zhong and Ni have received will help us to close the gap from the current state-of-the-art techniques to the artificial general intelligence that will bring good performance in learning speed, data efficiency, and generalization of the optimization performance. Moreover, the activities resulting from these projects will vigorously contribute to the nation's artificial intelligence workforce development." Zhong has received a $503,000 NSF CAREER grant to investigate the intelligent learning control to enable the cyber physical systems (CPS) with the capabilities of autonomous learning and generalization to rapidly adapt in unknown situations. The results are expected to transform how agents interact in high-dimensional and heterogeneous environments, and therefore could potentially provide in-depth findings for exploring creativity in frontier AI techniques. Zhong also will develop cooperative learning strategies to share with extended skills to facilitate exploration and prevent agents from getting confused by the action details. In addition, this project will develop self-motivated learning structures to contribute toward the global objectives for team-wide success in a distributed perspective. "The integration of research and education plans will prepare our future workforce in the fields of cyber physical systems, AI, learning and control," said Zhong. Ni has received a $500,000 NSF CAREER grant for a natural concurrent reinforcement learning framework that has three major advantages over traditional reinforcement learning methods. These include advantages of simultaneously learning multimodal properties of the complex system; structural advantages of using a personalized learning scheme; and implementation advantages of the data-driven sample-efficient design. Within this framework, Ni will design two concurrent reinforcement learning methods to build the learning-in-learning control paradigm. The applications on smart energy community will support the novel learning framework and theoretical results. "Beyond the scientific impacts, this research has broader impacts for a wide range of research disciplines including transportation, rehabilitation and robotics," said Ni. "Furthermore, the integration of research and education activities will positively impact institutions both regionally and nationally." ### - FAU - About FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science: The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science is internationally recognized for cutting edge research and education in the areas of computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), computer engineering, electrical engineering, bioengineering, civil, environmental and geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering, and ocean engineering. Research conducted by the faculty and their teams expose students to technology innovations that push the current state-of-the art of the disciplines. The College research efforts are supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Education (DOEd), the State of Florida, and industry. The FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science offers degrees with a modern twist that bear specializations in areas of national priority such as AI, cybersecurity, internet-of-things, transportation and supply chain management, and data science. New degree programs include Masters of Science in AI (first in Florida), Masters of Science in Data Science and Analytics, and the new Professional Masters of Science degree in computer science for working professionals. For more information about the College, please visit eng.fau.edu. About Florida Atlantic University: "Procedure's Racism" | Main | Flagging federal criminal justice reform as great bipartisan legislative opportunity Adam Gelb has this notable new USA Today opinion piece under the headline "America's surge in violence: Why we must reduce violent crime for prison reform to work: We simply wont shed our status as the planets leading incarcerator without reducing violence." Here are excerpts: Amid the pandemic and protests last year, violent crime spiked. Homicides in 34 large cities rose 30%, a single-year jump that is unprecedented in modern American history. In those cities alone, there were 1,268 more murders in 2020 than in 2019. On top of the tragic loss of life, the burst of violence represents a major setback for the movement to reduce incarceration and achieve racial justice. There has been significant progress on these fronts: the overall rate of serious crime is less than half what it was in the early 1990s, and a wave of state and federal reforms has cut the level of punishment per crime, especially for minor offenses. As a result, the number of people locked up at the end of 2020 had fallen to 1.8 million, a sizable dip from the 2.3 million held at the peak of U.S. incarceration in 2008. But a large chunk of that drop came from reductions in arrests and other COVID-related adjustments, which may prove temporary. Jail populations already are creeping back to prepandemic levels. The upshot is that if we hope to further shrink the number of Americans behind bars and reduce racial disparities, we cant rely on cutting punishment alone. We must also curb the commission of crime in the first place, particularly the serious, violent crime that victimizes so many young Black men and lands them in prison.... A nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice task force outlined a plan for strategic federal assistance to the 40 cities hardest hit by homicide. By one estimate, a $900-million targeted federal investment in those cities over eight years could cut murders in half, and save many times that much in social and taxpayer costs. President Joe Biden endorsed this plan during his campaign. Perhaps the 2020 homicide spike is a blip, a fleeting artifact of the toxic mix of pandemic stress, economic hardship and protest outrage. Once the COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing mandates end, the face-to-face outreach that characterizes the most successful anti-violence programs can resume, and the bloodshed hopefully will ebb. But even before last years startling rise in crime, too many Americans were becoming victims, and too many were facing long years behind bars. Until we change that, the death toll will mount and the pace of progress toward a more racially equitable justice system will be glacially slow. New York: An Indian-origin CEO was racially abused and told to go back to India and also take along Nikki Haley after he said that he will not support President Donald Trumps economic agenda after the US leader appeared to defend white supremacists following the Virginia violence. US-born Ravin Gandhi, 44 founder and CEO of GMM Nonstick Coatings, a global supplier of coatings for cookware and bakeware, wrote an op-ed for CNBC following Trumps Charlottesville remarks but was quickly trolled and racially abused by readers, the Chicago Tribune reported. I recently told the New York Times I was rooting for certain aspects of Trumps economic agenda, Gandhi wrote in the op-ed. After Charlottesville and its aftermath, I will not defend Trump even if the Dow hits 50,000, unemployment goes to 1 per cent, and GDP grows by 7 per cent. Some issues transcend economics, and I will not in good conscience support a president who seems to hate Americans who dont look like him. Hundreds of white supremacists clashed with counter demonstrators at a rally in Charlottesville on August 12 in which a 32-year-old woman was killed and 19 injured when a car drove into a crowd of protesters. Gandhi was soon bombarded by hate comments on his option piece, including a voicemail from a woman who said Gandhi should get your (expletive) garbage and go back to India. The woman, using abusive and inappropriate language, told Gandhi that he should also take that other half-(expletive) Bangladesh (expletive) with you, Nikki Haley, referring to the US envoy to the UN. ALSO READ | Racial attack: Indian cab driver hospitalised in Australia Shes (Haley) the one that started all this when she took down the Confederate flag. So dont tell us that you gave him a chance. We dont give a (expletive) who you gave a chance, OK? Were going to start taking down Buddhist statues and see how you and Nikki Haley like that, the woman said. In the minute and a half voicemail she said Gandhi should go clean up your own (expletive) country, its a filthy mess. Gandhi posted the voicemail to YouTube, Twitter and Facebook and shared some of the nastier emails he received as well, the report said. It was obvious that people thought my professional position somewhat protected me, he said. I wanted to show people that racism is blind to socioeconomics. It just is. Even though my race is a complete non-issue in my day-to-day life, the sad reality is theres a group of racists in the USA that views me as a second-class citizen, he said in the report. I wanted my peers in the business community, the civic community, my friend community to see that this can happen to me. Because theres this delusion that racism is dead because Obama was elected. Gandhi added that the fact that Trump equated hate groups with those protesting hate lit me up as he called Trumps moral leadership on the issue reprehensible. He said while his sharing a bigoted voicemail may not make a big difference, but he will speak out against such abuse as long as he has a platform to do so. My heroes are Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, people who stood up against insane odds. And lets be honest, I live in doorman-protected building in the Gold Coast. For me to say that Im suffering in any real sense is insane. But many people in this city who dont have resources really are suffering. I know Im on the right side of history here, he said. Thats how I sleep at night. ALSO READ | US: Indian-origin Cornell University student found dead For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. An Irish republican publicity and political campaign calling for a border poll is ramping up in the United States ahead of St Patrick's Day. Advertisements in newspapers - including the Washington Post, New York Times, Irish Voice and Irish Echo - say that not calling a referendum on Irish unity would leave "a divided Ireland at the mercy of the British Government". The advert, signed by sympathetic Irish American groups, states: "As Americans, we call upon our government and public representatives to call the British Government to set the date for the Unity Referendum. "This is the time for the people of Ireland to have their say. With your support we can be the first generation of Irish Americans to visit a free and United Ireland." Yesterday Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald welcomed the call to prepare for Irish unity and set the date for a referendum. She said: "Brexit, the British Government breaking international law, and threats from unionism are a challenge to the Good Friday Agreement. "Change is under way, it cannot be resisted but it must be managed. "Now is the time to recommit, and not resile, from the commitment to peace and democracy." Meanwhile, Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill met yesterday with members of the US Ad Hoc Committee on the Good Friday Agreement. Burma Myanmar Foreign Ministry Staff Detained Over China Meeting Leak The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Naypyitaw. / MOFA / Facebook At least two officials from Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Naypyitaw have reportedly been detained over a leaked document about an emergency meeting with the Chinese government representatives. Staff said a ministerial assistant director, U Chan Aye, was taken from the building by six plainclothes officers on Tuesday morning. When he got into a car, they put a hood on his head, a witness said. Another assistant director, U Soe Thu Ra, was also reportedly detained in the evening. He allegedly recorded the minutes during a meeting with Chinese representatives. The two mens families said they were being treated well and were still under interrogation. A leaked document spread on social media at the weekend revealing that a Chinese delegation held an emergency meeting with home affairs and foreign ministry staff in late February. The Chinese delegation reportedly asked the military regime to boost security for its pipeline projects amid rising anti-Chinese sentiment across the country due to its defense of the regime, the document said. Moreover, China asked the military regime to pressure the media to help reduce skepticism towards China, according to the document. In response, protesters said they would intensify efforts against Chinas interests in Myanmar. They also threatened to blow up the oil and gas pipeline and oppose all Chinese projects across the country if China continues to block United Nations Security Council action against the regime. Since the coup on Feb. 1, nearly 30 percent of foreign ministry staff have joined the civil disobedience movement against the regime, refusing to work until democracy is restored. In late February, nine ministerial staff were sued by the military regime. Nearly 20 diplomats based in the US, UK, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Norway have participated in the civil disobedience movement after the junta intensified its crackdown on protesters. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Anti-Regime Protests Go On Despite Crackdowns and Detentions Another NLD Member Dies While Detained by Myanmar Junta Forces Myanmar Media Groups Vow to Defy Juntas Publishing Bans (Support Free Thought) - A terrifying ruling has been made in a child custody case which used the fathers beliefs over the COVID-19 pandemic to remove his children from his custody. The father used to have his children from Friday to Sunday in split custody. However, the court ruled the fathers beliefs about the pandemic are a danger to his children and he will now only be able to see them at a supervised government access center where he is required to abide by all the conditions imposed by the facility as a precondition to access. Ontario Superior Court Justice George W. King said the mans anti-masking beliefs, along with his participation in anti-lockdown protests were cause to remove the children from his custody. The health and welfare of the children (and by extension their principal caregiver) should not be jeopardized because of [his] public behaviour in promotion of his opinions, he wrote, according to CBC. The outlet did not name the father involved in the case to protect the identity of the children. In some Orwellian act of doublethink, the court ruled that the father is free to have whatever beliefs he wishes and to lawfully express them, but just not as a father. I have concluded that the respondents behaviour is dictated by his world view. Everything else is subordinate to that view, including, but not limited to, his love for his children, the decision by Justice King read. Even human rights attorneys are agreeing with the court. According to CBC, Yavar Hameed, an Ottawa based human rights lawyer, said that people do have the right to express themselves but that expression is limited at the point where harm can come to another person. So its not just a matter of freedom of conscience, freedom of expression protected by the charter of rights and freedoms, its expressions that simply might relate because of the underlying actions on the safety of another person, he said. To be clear, this man did not believe the pandemic was real despite the toll it took on the health care system at its peak. But was this grounds to take his children away? The long-term effects of the pandemic and of delayed treatments to persons with other health conditions is currently unmeasurable, justice King wrote. All of this has occurred while a percentage of our population, including [the father], continue to deny the existence, significance and/or impact of COVID-19. This ruling sets a rather ominous precedent over parents beliefs and the court deciding whether or not they are allowed custody of their children. In the future this precedent could be used deem other beliefs held by parents as a reason to take their children away. Disagree with the government? We can now take your kids to keep them safe. See how that works? Whats more, many of the governments lockdown measures have been proven ineffective and harmful to children. Should someone lose custody of their children because they factually state statistics about increases in childhood suicides amid the school closures? Since the beginning of the pandemic, a phrase has been thrown around by blowhards in the mainstream media and politicians alike. That phrase is we follow the science. However, many of the folks who constantly repeat this phrase dont seemed too excessively concerned with actually following any science at all. The World Health Organization and others have come out for months saying that schools are safe and that school closures are leading to a slew of horrifying childhood problems. Schools can reopen safely, said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion, back in December. Yet those who claim to follow the science continue to keep children locked down and out of school leading to an epidemic of childhood suicide. This is just one of many examples. Despite brutal lockdowns, mandates, the complete destruction of the economy, and putting the police state on steroids across the planet, cases still shot to record levels through December and early January. Every time they rise, the politicians take to their podiums and blame the citizens for not following their arbitrary and often entirely unscientific dictates close enough. More force is threatened and more arbitrary rules rolled out. Despite the utterly horrifying effects of the lockdowns, politicians across the world keep forcing them on the citizens. Now, at least in Canada, those who speak out against them, could be deemed a danger to their own children. Culture in the Classroom Framework We all want teachers to have the proper tools to ensure culturally diverse and representative instruction, said Todd Whitlock, CEO and co-founder of Standard For Success. Standard For Success, a national provider of teacher evaluation and program evaluation software that includes AASA Early Learning Program Assessment and AASA STEM Program Assessment and certifications, has partnered with SERRC, Alaskas Educational Resource Center, to exclusively offer SERRCs cultural standards framework to PK-12 schools and districts nationally. The demand is high nationally for tools that provide training and measurement tools around cultural standards in the classroom. SERRC has a data-driven solution that has been in place for more than a decade, and SFS will be the exclusive digital rights provider. "Since we started this work in Alaska schools, we have seen impacts as concrete as improved graduation rates in Bering Strait School District, but more than that we've heard from teachers and students that these practices build a culture of respect and improve engagement," said Gerry Briscoe, Director of Professional Learning at SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center. "We're excited to lead the way in providing the tools to measure the application of culturally responsive practices in the classroom." Culturally responsive classrooms can help graduation rates, as has been demonstrated in Alaska. Illinois likewise is committed to adopting a culturally responsive framework, as its board of education announced just this month. We all want teachers to have the proper tools to ensure culturally diverse and representative instruction, said Todd Whitlock, CEO and co-founder of Standard For Success. Until now, there was no way to effectively observe and give feedback on culturally responsible instruction and classrooms that lead to better engagement and student success. SFS is thrilled to share the proven solution that SERRC has developed and tested to help schools develop better teaches, betters students, and a better world. The framework can be viewed here. About Standard for Success Recently featured in the Inc 5000 list as the 55th fastest growing company in the Education sector, Standard for Success is the award-winning provider of education evaluation and feedback software tools and services. Founded in 2011 by former classroom teachers, SFS is now used by educators in 38 states, the District of Columbia as well as schools in Canada, Australia, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Convenient, easy to use and customizable, Standard for Success is quickly becoming the performance and program evaluation tool of choice for educators in schools across the globe while bringing value-added resources to schools to help develop better teachers, better students, and a better world. Titular de la PCM: La adquisicion de las vacunas del laboratorio Sinopharm se dio dentro de un marco juridico, transparente y a traves de la publicacion de las normas legales que corresponden. Estas dosis llegaron el 7 de febrero e inmediatamente iniciamos la vacunacion. pic.twitter.com/0RmlgEwcEn A 60-year-old woman who paid a man 300 to fix her tractor that was returned to her a number of years later in worse condition, has told Sligo Civil Court she thought the man was genuine. Carolyn Martyn of Knocknahur told Judge Kevin Kilrane she brought the John Deere tractor to Henry Hunt, also of Knocknahur, a number of years ago to fix it. She said Hunt has a garage at the side of his brother's house and she paid him 300 and she said she trusted him. Over the past two years the tractor was not fixed by him and in October last year she sought a court application to have the tractor returned to her. Solicitor for Ms Martyn, Mr John Anderson of McGovern and Walsh Solicitors said the tractor was returned following this application but the tractor was not in working order. Ms Martyn told the court her sons would visit the garage to see if the tractor was ready and were repeatedly told it would be ready the following day. The court was told the tractor was at the garage for close to three years and when it was finally returned there was water in the engine. She told the court a can had been removed from the tractor and as a result water had got in and parts were now rusted. She had to bring the tractor to Jacob's Service Station in Enniscrone to be fixed. Ms Martyn said her husband died six years ago and she needed the tractor on the farm but her sons did not know how to fix it. "He [Hunt] always said he would have it ready tomorrow," said Ms Martyn, adding that the key of the tractor had also gone missing. "I thought he was genuine. I think he's messing around with me." Ms Martyn said Hunt would be 'smart' in the pub when he would meet her sons and say he was having a 'John Deere drink'. Asked by Judge Kevin Kilrane how long it had been since the tractor had started, Ms Martyn said, "a couple of years" Mr Anderson clarified it was something to do with the tractor's water pump and the tractor was a 2003 model. Ms Martyn said Hunt had let rust get into the tractor. She said the engine had not seized before repair work was sought. She told the judge the tractor was bought second hand in Enniscrone for 19,500 and it had previously been used on a farm in Dublin. Asked what the outstanding financial damage was currently to Ms Martyn, Mr Anderson informed the judge he had two receipts, one for 1,106 for Jacob's Service Station who attributed damage to water being allowed into the tractor, and a second receipt for 203, a receipt for a taxi Ms Martyn had to take there. The total was 1,310.22. It was clarified the 300 Ms Martyn had previously paid Hunt was not included in the total. Judge Kilrane totalled the figure at 1,500 to include the trouble the woman had suffered overall. "You've gone quite light on him given the trouble," said the judge. In addition to the 1,500, 600 in costs was also added. Ms Martyn read out a letter to the court outlining how the initial damage to the tractor took place and said a shed the tractor was housed in was damaged in a storm. Ms Martyn told the court though she was made aware a fund for storm damage had been put in place, no one had been in contact with her. Experts say Canadian healthcare practitioners and institutions need to better their cybersecurity systems. Image credit: GETTY Canada experienced a 250 per cent increase in healthcare cyberattacks towards the end of 2020, according to a report. Cybersecurity experts are urging the Canadian healthcare industry to rethink its security measures as more Canadians use telehealth services. Check Point Softwares annual security report said the healthcare sector saw a 37 per cent increase in attacks globally in the past 12 months; Canada had the most dramatic increase. Since the start of November, there has been a 45 per cent increase globally, the report said. In an email, Check Point said Canada had on average 200 attacks per week and peaked with over 800 per week in November. The ransomware technique of double extortion, where a hacker will threaten to publicly leak stolen data, also rose in 2020. The number of weekly cyberattacks on the Canadian healthcare sector peaked in November with an average of 800 attacks per week. Image credit: Check Point Research Sumit Bhatia, director of communications and knowledge mobilization with Ryerson Universitys Cybersecure Catalyst, says the increase comes from the industry suffering pressures from COVID-19, and that its a problem of volume and attention. There is an incredible amount of volume happening in this space and attentions have focused in very specific areas of care, he said in an interview. The volume comes from the number of people volunteering to help and the increased number of popup centres for COVID-19 services, he said. Bhatia said that an increase in personnel means healthcare providers are having a challenging time training everyone, making the sector a lot more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, Bhatia said that many healthcare systems are running on legacy technology that isnt able to keep up with sophisticated attacks. In June 2020, the Canadian Medical Association said 47 per cent of Canadians have used virtual care services during the pandemic. And in December 2020, a Deloitte tech trends report said virtual healthcare is expected to grow in 2021. At the time, experts said healthcare practitioners are still reluctant to do consultations over traditional video-calling platforms because of concerns around privacy. Story continues Bhatia said that the rapid adoption of telehealth technology in healthcare systems has led to a limited ability to test and collect data and examine the trends and patterns around security. He also says the industry is having to integrate existing proprietary systems that hold data, test results, and patient information, with the telehealth system in ways we havent seen before. We have to start with the healthcare industry actually developing a risk-informed cyber strategy, something where theyve actually performed risk assessments across each of the systems and then defined whether the use of them creates greater pressure or a greater risk for the organization, he said. Right now weve just adopted [technology systems] for the model of efficiency, not for models of security. We are focused on delivering care, not necessarily delving into cybersecurity issues. Ann Cavoukian, former information and privacy commissioner of Ontario, says the increase in cyberattacks is baffling but not surprising. It astounds me. Why arent they saying look we have to change how were going about this. We have to increase far greater security, she said in an interview. Cavoukian says companies need to ensure they have their own proprietary systems that ensure that adopt end-to-end security with full lifecycle protection. You would think that in a hospital where obviously youre dealing with the most sensitive personal health information, they will go to great lengths to secure the data, she said. Healthcare privacy is mandated provincially, but Cavoukian said that current rules in place in Ontario are strong in terms of protecting data. She said that the onus is on the healthcare industry to have robust security systems. They have been in place for a long time, its provincial and its very strong in terms of protection. Its not that [they need updating]. The requirements are there, she said. Hospitals and healthcare providers have to be doing this and theyre obviously not doing this properly. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Education and union leaders are looking at what the state Public Education Departments push for full in-person learning would mean for their districts and staff. On Monday, PED Secretary Ryan Stewart said all public schools in New Mexico will be expected to open fully for in-person learning by April 5. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Not everyone was expecting the announcement the New Mexico School Boards Association said it was blindsided and it has left school personnel evaluating their next steps. Albuquerque Public Schools officials said in a news release Monday that they would rework school reopening plans and present them to the Board of Education. The APS board is scheduled to hold a special virtual meeting at 7:30 a.m. Friday to discuss an update of the districtwide school reentry plan. Notably, it is not an action item, which means the board will not vote. In Santa Fe, Grace Mayer, National Education Association-Santa Fe president, said the PEDs timeline conflicts with an agreement the union has with Santa Fe Public Schools. While the state said that K-12 teachers and staff are now eligible to get COVID-19 vaccinations, Mayer said the unions agreements dont require teachers to go back to the classroom until two weeks after they are fully vaccinated. Educators who have a medical waiver are exempt, which Mayer says applies to about 300 people, and they can choose to come back to school after being fully vaccinated or continue working remotely until May. (Lets) say the majority of us get the first shot this week. We can all count out the number of days, and that takes us at least a week and a half later into April, Mayer said. Stewart said Monday that high-risk staff exemptions will be available until two weeks after the school employees final vaccine dose has been made available to them. At which point, the employee and the employer can engage in conversation about what accommodations, if any, should continue with that employee, he said. SFPS Superintendent Veronica Garcia wrote in an email to the community Tuesday that the districts target date to return to full in-person learning is April 6 because schools in the district are closed April 5. The email also said, SFPS is working with the unions on the Public Education Departments guidelines and with NEA-Santa Fe on the (memorandum of understanding). The union isnt planning on stepping back from its agreement, Mayer said earlier Tuesday. Its a legal binding document, she said. Meanwhile, the state PED didnt address the question of whether the department has authority over elected school boards and charter schools governing councils to require schools to open for full in-person learning. But spokeswoman Judy Robinson said, The PED has a broad mandate in state statute to provide oversight in the administration of public schools. SUPERMARKET chain Aldi sourced almost 10m of locally produced food and drink from Limerick producers last year. The discount retailer has revealed that 9.5m was spent with six producers in Limerick, including its long-term relationship with Twomeys Bakery in Dromcollogher and Glen Aine Foods near Knocklong. Aldi which is seeking to open a new supermarket in Roches Street is planning to boost its annual national spend on food and drink by 17.5% to 1bn in 2021, with more opportunities available to Limerick suppliers. Operating three local stories, Aldi employs 95 full time staff, and has 13 new permanent positions on offer. Alongside this, the German firms stores support multiple charities across Limerick at a local level. Each store is part of Aldis food waste reduction programme, with Aldis Limerick stores having donated over 41,000 meals through FoodCloud to local charities. Every outlet is also part of Aldis Community Grants network, with Limerick Animal Welfare, Butterfly Club and Adapt Domestic Abuse Services some of the many local charities that have availed of the 500 bursary grant in recent years. Aldis group managing director Niall OConnor said: Our goal is to make a positive impact in every local community that our stores serve. Our operations and stores contribute to businesses, communities and families right across Limerick. We have invested 18.5m in our Limerick stores over the last number of years, while we sourced 9.5m of locally produced food and drink from Limerick based suppliers last year. Multiple local charities have also availed of our support through our FoodCloud partnership and Community Grants initiative, he added. By Hu Gaochen French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly recently announced the launch of the full-scale development phase of the SNLE 3G program, which calls for the building of France's third generation nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN). The project aims to build four submarines to be commissioned starting from the 2030s. Paris announcement to upgrade its nuclear arsenal at such a moment is driven by two considerations. First, its time to replace Frances current nuclear combat weaponry. The Triomphant class nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine thats still serving started R&D and design in 1981, so the submarine is 40 years old counting in the time for R&D. Therefore, its not surprising to establish a replacement program now if the country plans to commission a new generation of submarines while having another generation in the pipeline. Second, other nuclear states have taken turns to upgrade their nuclear arsenal in recent years, which has in a way spurred France to speed up. The US and Russia, the two countries with the most nuclear weapons, have been upgrading their stockpile in recent years, while the UKs nuclear weaponry modernization is in steady progress. In comparison, France is falling behind other nuclear states in Europe and America on this front, and getting the SSBN program rolling as soon as possible is of important political and military significance for the country. From a security perspective, it has been a rooted conception at the Elysee Palace after WWII that nuclear weaponry is the cornerstone of Frances national security. In contemporary history, Paris was invaded three times, which made the French believe that only nuclear weapons, not conventional military forces, are able to ensure absolute national security. Besides, Paris has been a consistent proponent of independent defense. Unlike UK, an obedient ally to US, France as a NATO member has maintained a steady relationship with the US thats nevertheless subtle and complex. Doubting the possibility of America risking its own security to defend Europe at times of crisis, Paris wants to develop its own nuclear deterrence. Frances all-out efforts to develop nuclear weapons independently also have something to do with its major-country ambition. In the past 300 years, France was a great influence in Europe and the world at large, a glory still felt in the political, economic, social and cultural sectors of its society today. Seeking leadership as a major power, particularly in Europe, is a main consideration behind Paris determination to develop independent nuclear capabilities. The then French president Jacques Chirac proposed in 2006 to apply nuclear deterrence to Europes common defense, saying that France had extended its nuclear umbrella to its allies. Today Macron further stressed Frances nuclear deterrence and its important role in European defense. He has given equal importance to Frances own security and Europes common security on several public occasions, stressingthat nuclear deterrence is essential for regional security and stability, especially for Europe. Frances nuclear forces will play a bigger role in protecting Europe, and Europes interests are closely linked with Frances interests, Macron believed. The current situation in Europe provides a good opportunity for France to demonstrate its regional leadership. On the one hand, Brexit leaves France the only nuclear state in the EU, which makes it the backbone of European defense and the shield of the continents security, particularly strategic security. With the aggravating confrontation between the US and Russia and Europe being at the forefront of NATOs anti-Russia campaign, nuclear-armed France will take a more dominant position in regional security. On the other hand, Trumps America first policy has taken a serious toll on Americas relationship with its allies. The series of moves taken during Trumps term, including economic policy, trade tariff, and withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal, have widened the US-Europe rift, which will further set off Frances regional leadership. With the UK exiting the EU and Trump leaving the White House, France, as a recognized nuclear state, seems to have everything in its favor to cement its leadership on the European continent. But the fact is that the country is not considered sufficiently capable to lead. As Europes economic powerhouse, Germany, unlike France, insists that European defense should be framed in the NATO architecture, and it doesnt want to see an overly powerful France in Europe either. Therefore, France taking the lead in the region is far from a unanimous agreement. (The author is a post-doctoral candidate at the School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, specializing in arms control and national security) Editor's note: This article is originally published on www.thepaper.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. WHIPPANY, N.J., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alka-Seltzer, the effervescent antacid and pain remedy, offers a solution to help combat post-party discomfort with Alka-Seltzer Mocktails, a variety of delicious, heartburn and pain-relieving recovery concoctions that will help you feel better fast. The brand is partnering with celebrity bartenders, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, for an exclusive content series that will showcase these fun recipes and festive tips for post-celebration. The new "Making Mocktails with Tom and Ariana" digital video series features some of the most celebrated holidays, including St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo and Fourth of July. Debuting today across Sandoval's, Madix's and Alka-Seltzer social platforms, viewers can tune in to watch the duo demonstrate delicious mocktails, divulge their favorite holiday shenanigans and participate in fun and outlandish at-home party games. "It goes without saying that we both know our way around the bar; however, navigating post-party heartburn and pain the day after can be a challenge," said Tom Sandoval. Ariana Madix added, "With Alka-Seltzer Mocktails, we finally have a delicious way to treat our day-after discomforts, so we're sharing the wealth to help anyone to mix up some easy recipes when in need of relief." The "Making Mocktails with Tom and Ariana" video series, developed by BBDO Worldwide, is part of a larger Alka-Seltzer Mocktails campaign, which seeks to help those indulging in life's celebratory moments recover fast from heartburn with headache, indigestion and/or body aches simply by stirring up a delicious, elevated mocktail. Each effervescent recovery mocktail includes Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Tablets dissolved in 4 ounces of water, along with flavorful and fresh ingredients to make each recipe reminiscent of popular cocktails. "After a fun night of celebration, nobody wants to feel less than their best the next day, which is why we've teamed up with Tom and Ariana to make it fun and easy to get relief," said Teresa Gonzalez Ruiz, Vice President Marketing, Nutritionals and Digestive Health. "Whether it's the festive drinks or heartburn-inducing holiday foods that cause heartburn or headache, Alka-Seltzer Mocktails are the perfect drink for the day after so you can skip the post-indulgence regrets." For those who celebrated St. Patrick's Day with too much spirit and are feeling those post-party pains, the first "Making Mocktails" video can be viewed here. Fans can also keep up with Ariana and Tom over the next few months as the remaining videos in the series go live after Cinco De Mayo and Fourth of July. For more information, visit www.alkaseltzer.com/mocktail-recipes or join in the celebration of relief on social media with #TheDayAfterMocktail. About Alka-Seltzer Alka-Seltzer provides amazingly fast relief for when you need to skip to the good part and get fast pain relief of any potential heartburn, upset stomach and acid indigestion symptoms. For more information, please visit www.alkaseltzer.com. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. SOURCE Alka-Seltzer Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) A former congressman on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to review its rules on the effectivity of issued search warrants following questions surrounding the case of the slain activists in Calabarzon. In an interview with CNN Philippines, former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares questioned the policy allowing search warrants to be served in areas outside of a local courts jurisdiction. Theres a rule that allows it, but the issue is why would the police apply in Metro Manila? Is it easier here? Is it easier to convince judges? Colmenares told The Source. All this practice also of asking for courts in Metro Manila to serve search warrant in distant provinces? Thats really questionable and the Supreme Court should review this rule, he argued. Were asking the court to intervene now. Colmenares likewise proposed for all records to be centralized at the high court for an automatic review in order to "avoid so many deaths. Nine people were killed, while six were arrested in separate operations in the Southern Tagalog region in what netizens and groups labeled as Bloody Sunday. Police maintained the operations were legitimate, citing the obtained search warrants. Colmenares, for his part, disputed claims that the victims fought back in the middle of the operations, saying that they were already under control of law enforcers, and that they did not have any weapons with them. He likened the killings to the tokhang -- the flagship anti-drugs program of the current administration which has been criticized for leaving thousands of suspects dead. Vaccine disinformation is being forensically targeted at specific groups, MPs have heard. Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said that information is very, very cleverly, hyper super-forensically targeted at different communities. Mr Zahawi told the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee that disinformation about vaccines and fertility were proving to be sadly quite potent. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had raised no concerns about any of the vaccines and fertility, he added. And Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch told MPs that people needed to take a personal responsibility in tackling vaccine disinformation. Expand Close Nadhim Zahawi said disinformation was proving to be sadly quite potent (Danny Lawson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nadhim Zahawi said disinformation was proving to be sadly quite potent (Danny Lawson/PA) She also told MPs that misinformation around fertility and coronavirus vaccines was coming from the aunty rather than social media. During the committee session, Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy asked what efforts were being taken to stop disinformation being targeted at specific groups. She said: We have seen the type of disinformation varies depending on the group its being circulated to. For example, Hindu and Muslim communities were told there is this information about the vaccine containing meat and alcohol. In black communities, we saw historical injustices is being exploited by anti-vaxxer groups. And false reports about the vaccine leading to infertility increased fears amongst young women. Mr Zahawi replied: Even if I look at my own background, and mine and my wifes family, from the Middle East, much of this information is very, very cleverly, sort of hyper super-forensically targeted at different communities. On concerns raised about vaccines and fertility, he added: Some of the anti-vax messages, which are clearly directed at both young men and women around fertility, are false, but proving to be sadly quite potent. We can't go into people's homes and interfere with the sort of communication that is taking place, that's very personal Kemi Badenoch Some of the focus groups and polling evidence suggests much of the hesitancy is around issues around fertility. Ms Badenoch said: The fertility thing is more problematic as a type of misinformation, because of where it comes from. I had a roundtable with clinicians last week and one of them works in east London, and she said that the fertility thing, its not social media where we can speak to social media companies and ask them to take it down, its the aunty. Aunts who may be less well educated or come from a different environment growing up, in a different country, advising younger people. We cant go into peoples homes and interfere with the sort of communication that is taking place, thats very personal. So thats why we just must keep repeating the positive messages about safety and also ensuring that clinicians have the information to be able to provide comfort to those people who are seeing the doctors. It has to be from the people who are trusted as experts. The British Fertility Society (@BritFertSoc) have created a FAQs document to help provide information for people worried about their fertility being impacted by having a Covid-19 vaccine. You can view it below or click here to download: https://t.co/g6IOPApx29 pic.twitter.com/o4e1ba3xmn North Mid Hospital (@NorthMidNHS) March 9, 2021 Mr Zahawi told MPs what while there was no safety data on pregnant women, there is currently no reason to suggest the vaccine would have an adverse effect. Ms Badenoch said that people needed to take a personal responsibility in tackling vaccine disinformation. She said: People need to take personal responsibility. Everybody needs to take their own personal responsibility. They cant wait for the minister to fix the vaccine disinformation thats happening within their WhatsApp group. We are never going to see it; neither is the social media company or the telephone platform. Reinforcing the message that everybody has their responsibility, whether you are a family member, whether you are a journalist, a clinician, a teacher, a local politician. We, as MPs, also have a responsibility to tackle some of this. I have given repeated examples of how MPs (for) political purposes end up using vaccine misinformation phrases that are unbelievably unhelpful. We need to be serious and lead by example as well. She said that she personally joined trials for the coronavirus vaccine following misinformation about jabs being tested on ethnic minorities. We could see the misinformation around the vaccine being tested on ethnic minorities and things like that, Ms Badenoch told the committee. That was one of the reasons why very early on I decided to go on vaccine trials and encouraged others to do so. Nadhim (Zahawi) did the same thing. Queen Elizabeth said on Tuesday the British royals were saddened by the challenging experiences of her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and promised to privately address revelations about a racist remark about their son. Meghan and Harrys tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on U.S. television on Sunday has plunged the monarchy into its biggest crisis since the 1997 death of Harrys mother Diana. In the two-hour show, Meghan accused Britains royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son Archies skin might be and ignoring her pleas for help while she felt suicidal. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, give an interview to Oprah Winfrey in this undated handout photo. Photo: Reuters Harry also said his father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, had let him down and that he had felt trapped in his royal life. The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan, Buckingham Palace said in a statement issued on behalf of Elizabeth. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members. The Palace considered that this was a family matter, a royal source said, adding the royals should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately as a family. The interview was watched by 12.4 million viewers in Britain and 17.1 million in the United States, triggering a crisis to which the monarchy had to respond, media said. It has proved divisive among the British public, with some believing it showed how outdated and intolerant the institution was, while others decried it as a self-serving assault that neither Elizabeth nor her family deserved. It could hardly be more damaging to the royal family, not least because there is little it can do to defend itself, The Times said in a lead article under the title Royal Attack. The key to the monarchys survival over the centuries has been its ability to adapt to the needs of the times. It needs to adapt again, The Times said. Earlier on Tuesday, Charles made no comment when asked by a reporter what he thought of the interview while visiting a COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic in London. Britain's Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they watch a fly past to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in central London, Britain July 10, 2018. Photo: Reuters A royal source had said Elizabeth, 94, who has been on the throne for 69 years, wanted to take some time before the Palace issued a response, saying it needed careful consideration. A former senior royal aide said it was likely that the three most senior royals - the queen, Charles and Prince William, second in line to the throne and Harrys elder brother, would have held meetings with their private secretaries and communications chiefs to decide on their response. This is pretty important and theyve got to judge it right, said the former aide, adding the queen would have had the final say. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain March 9, 2020. Photo: Reuters Tabloid torture? In the interview, nearly three years since her wedding in Windsor Castle, Meghan gained sympathy in the United States by casting some unidentified members of the royal family as uncaring, mendacious or guilty of racist remarks. Meghan and Harry have also had a torrid relationship with the British press, successfully taking papers to court on occasions, and have repeatedly questioned what they say is reporting tainted by racist overtones. Harry said in the interview he did not know where to turn when faced with such troubling media coverage and felt hurt when his family failed to call out racist reporting. He said the royal family had an unhealthy silent agreement with the British tabloids and that the family was paranoid about the media turning on them. There is a level of control by fear that has existed for generations, Harry said. For the monarchy, which traces its history through 1,000 years of British and English history to William the Conqueror, Meghans bombshell has been compared to the crises over the death of Diana and the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson watched the interview, his spokesman said, but would not be making further comment on it. Johnson said on Monday he had the highest admiration for the queen but that he did not want to speak about the interview. New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her nation was unlikely to stop having the queen as head of state soon. 'Trapped' Opponents of the monarchy said the allegations made by Meghan and Harry showed how rotten the institution was and that the Palaces public relations machine had created a distorted image of the royals. Now people are getting a much clearer picture of what the monarchy is really like. And it doesnt look good, said Graham Smith, head of Republic, a campaign group which seeks to abolish the monarchy. Royal supporters cast Meghan, 39, an American former actor, as a publicity seeker with an eye on Hollywood stardom. A YouGov poll found a majority of young people thought the royals treatment of the couple was unfair, while half of older people said the opposite. The gravity of the claims has raised questions about how the British monarchy, which survived centuries of revolution that toppled their cousins across Europe, could function in a meritocratic world. Meghan, whose mother is Black and father is white, said her son Archie, who turns two in May, had been denied the title of prince because there were concerns within the royal family about how dark his skin might be when hes born. She declined to say who had voiced such concerns, as did Harry. Winfrey later told CBS that Harry had said it was not the queen or her 99-year-old husband Philip, who has been in hospital for three weeks while the crisis unfolds. Meghans estranged father Thomas Markle, who she has not spoken to since her wedding, said he did not think the British royal family was racist. Candace McGraw certainly has a room with a view. The CEO of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport can catch the sun setting over the airport in her rear office window. In front of her, she can see the massive cargo hub that continues to grow on the airports southern edge. I've literally watched the Amazon construction coming out of the ground. So it is a great place to be, and it has a great view. McGraw was the inaugural guest of the spring 2021 Farmer School of Business Executive Speaker Series on Thursday evening. Over the course of an hour, McGraw and Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talked about topics ranging from favorite airlines to the experience of being one of a handful of women running U.S. airports. McGraw noted that while there are few women in charge, the ones that are tend to be at some of the largest airports. Of CEOs at the top 50 airports in the U.S., about 10 of us are women. So 20%, which is certainly not an insignificant number, but certainly should be more, she said. We have a great sisterhood amongst us -- Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Diego. A lot of the larger and mature markets are run, I think very successfully, by women. On being a newcomer to the region when she became CEO: Cincinnati is a city where people like to like to have a personal relationship. And I think it's important to have those relationships, McGraw said. It was very important for me to understand this community, to understand the needs, to understand where businesses needed to go and travel. I needed to understand workforce issues. I jokingly say, particularly in my early years here, I have shaken more hands and kissed more babies than any politician because this is a town where you have to get out there and meet people. So I just hit the ground running and really listened to what the needs were. On helping turn the airports fortunes around after the Great Recession: I'm a lawyer by trade and training. I don't have a good deep financial background, but I always say to our folks, Look, here's the basics. We have to make more money than we spend. You have to bring in more money than goes out. And we have a really good fiscal discipline here at CVG. When I started, folks had been fiscally prudent, and we've continued that. We make sure we look at our capital program to keep investing in the facilities, because we want to be able to continue to grow and provide safe, clean facilities now and into the future. I think its always important to surround yourself with great people. We have a great finance team and I think very highly of our CFO and his ability. Its important to enroll the community. How can you partner with great institutions like Miami University or others to leverage off of their strength, to help our business and find those mutual, common benefits for both of us? On bringing in the $1.5 billion Amazon cargo hub set to open later this year: I said, If we want to get this deal done and you want to move quickly, let's bring the right people to the table. One of their principles was that they wanted to make sure ways we could move quickly. So we sat down in November and I said, I'll move as quickly as you do. And we hammered out a deal and announced it the following January. This will be their largest operation in the U.S. It was really an interesting discussion, with some arm wrestling, and we were able to get there. On leading during the pandemic: I always say that if you want to be in a leadership position, you have to have developed thick skin, broad shoulders and a good poker face. Even when there were some sleepless nights -- I normally don't have many, but there were some at the beginning of the pandemic -- you can't let it show. You have to put on a brave face, but I think you can be transparent that there is some angst there. I have a little quote that is attached to my computer that I saw years ago that just for whatever reason resonated with me, that said A good leader defines reality and gives help. So I think that's sort of the way we had to lead through the pandemic. On the recent agreement for CVG to manage the Miami University airport: We hope to grow your corporate traffic. We hope to be able to grow some of the weekend flying business. But really important for us was partnering on airport and aviation innovations like autonomous vehicles and drones, having an airport test site that we could use as a living lab and partner on those things. So our team has been working with the Miami University team on some great ideas for that space. On career advice: Be open to what comes your way. I had a career path in my head and I knew exactly where I was going. And then things changed. So you lean into the change. Be open for that change. Whatever you do, do it with gusto, learn your craft, lean into the opportunities. We talk a lot about how some young women are afraid to raise their hand. They think, Oh, I only meet maybe four of the 10, criteria for this position. Dive in and give it a go. Don't let fear stop you from making that next step. The Kenya Wildlife Service has been ordered to compensate the family of a man that was killed by an elephant. Josphat Karii Njeru was trampled to death by a stray elephant on May 1, 2017. His legal representative, Jediel Murithi Njeru, then sued the Kenya Wildlife Service but the Principal Magistrates Court dismissed the case on April 11, 2019, forcing Murithi to file an appeal. In the appeal ruling, Justice Robert Kipkoech Limo set aside the earlier decision by the lower court and awarded over Sh4 million to the estate of Josphat Karii as compensation for his death. Justice Kipkoech observed KWS has not denied liability but resorted to technicalities as an excuse for not compensating the affected family. This court entered judgement for the appellant at Sh5 million less 20 percent liability that reduced the figure by one million. The appellant is therefore awarded Sh4 million plus special damages of Sh45,000, read the judgement. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later at night. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer advocacy groups, is celebrating National Farmworker Awareness Week by encouraging growers, agricultural associations and consumers to share messages honoring the farmworkers that make it possible for Americans to have access to high-quality, fresh and safer fruits and vegetables, particularly in light of the pandemic. Equitable Food Initiative has provided a communications toolkit for the agricultural industry to use to celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week During Farmworker Awareness Week, recognize the essential role workers play in ensuring the availability, quality and safety of our food. National Farmworker Awareness Week is a designated week of action for communities to bring attention to the multiple challenges farmworkers face and honor their important and #AlwaysEssential contributions to the food supply chain. This commemorative week is observed March 25-31, and everyone in the supply chain can get involved by sharing the key messages and graphics provided in EFI's free communications toolkit. This past year has helped the world shine a light on the men and women of many essential industries, including agriculture. Now more than ever, consumers have taken an interest in where their food comes from and the special people who help get it from farm to table. Rather than forget this important recognition as the end of the pandemic nears, EFI is encouraging industry members and consumers alike to speak as one voice and continue to amplify the message that farmworkers are #AlwaysEssential by: Sharing the communications toolkit and information across the agricultural industry Creating unique content or videos for social media highlighting Farmworker Awareness Week and using the #AlwaysEssential hashtag Providing "live" content for social media channels featuring farmworker interviews detailing their jobs, the safety precautions they take and the skills and knowledge they bring to their work Asking state governors or legislative officials to draft a proclamation supporting Farmworker Awareness Week Hosting socially distant events in celebration of farmworkers Contacting local media and asking them to share information about the role of agriculture and farmworkers in local economies during Farmworker Awareness Week Industry members (both EFI-certified operations and not) members and non-members) can join Equitable Food Initiative in promoting National Farmworker Awareness Week by downloading the communications toolkit, which includes ready-to-use graphics, logos, hashtags and messages. Agricultural and food industry members are encouraged to create their own graphics, as well as promote their organization, business or industry and tell their unique story. "One positive thing to come out of the pandemic is that farmworkers were recognized as essential, but this is by no means a new concept," said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing communications for EFI. "They have always played a vital role in the food supply chain, and in fact are the root of the supply chain, ensuring the availability, quality and safety of our food. They should be celebrated every day, and those of us working in the food system need to ensure they have safe, healthy and respectful working conditions." Farmworkers are essential to getting fresh and healthy food on supermarket shelves. Consumers don't see them, but farmworkers grow, harvest, process and pack fresh food for stores every day. Nearly 2.5 million farmworkers are on farms and ranches throughout the United Sates, performing hard and skilled labor. It is estimated that there are 425,000 farmworkers working in the fresh produce industry alone. For more information on National Farmworker Awareness Week, please visit https://equitablefood.org/farmworkerawareness. About EFI Equitable Food Initiative is a nonprofit certification and skill-building organization that seeks to increase transparency in the food supply chain and improve the lives of farmworkers through a team-based approach to training and continuous improvement practices. EFI brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumers to solve the most pressing issues facing the fresh produce industry. Its unparalleled approach sets standards for labor practices, food safety and pest management while engaging workers at all levels on the farm to produce Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured fruits and vegetables. For more information about Equitable Food Initiative, visit www.equitablefood.org. View a list of EFI-certified farms at https://equitablefood.org/efi-certified-farms/. Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, (202) 524-0540, [email protected] SOURCE Equitable Food Initiative Related Links http://www.equitablefood.org Western New York President Biden's Buffalo Buffalo Erie County Niagara Falls Charles E. Schumer New York Senate Buffalo Western New York Common Council's Finance Committee University District Council Rasheed N.C. Wyatt Darius G. Pridgen Buffalo U.S. Brian Higgins Buffalo Buffalo North District Council Joseph Golombek Jr Buffalo University District Erie County Mark C. Poloncarz Erie Net Buffalo Erie County Town of Tonawanda Joe Emminger Congress Congress Tonawanda Republicans John Thune South Dakota PBS town of Amherst Brian Kulpa Niagara Falls Robert Restaino Buffalo (TNS) The holes that the pandemic blew through the region's local government budgets will soon be overflowing with federal dollars, thanks to the federal stimulus plan.Once they have fixed their fiscal problems, cities, counties and towns will then have millions left over to help residents, businesses and nonprofits; to pay essential workers still busy fighting the Covid-19 outbreak; and to rebuild crumbling sewer and water systems. Local officials said they were especially excited to hear that they can use the influx of federal funds to bring high-speed broadband internet to the poorest and most remote corners ofThat is what local officials concluded Tuesday as the House moved toward final passage of$1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.The effort will bring $775.41 million to counties, cities and towns in themetro region, with the city ofto receive the largest chunk by far: $350.05 million. Other governments set for a bonanza include, which will get $178.18 million, and the city of, which will get $59.48 million. But every major local community will receive millions.The money, which can be spent over the next four years, left local officials giddily proposing the completion of projects they only dreamed of before and in one case, wondering how they could ever spend so much money. And it left the local lawmakers who backed the bill raving about its significance."It's a historic package that helps just about every Western New Yorker one way or another," said Senate Majority Leader, aDemocrat who shepherded the bill through the, on a visit toTuesday.Schumer specifically touted the provision in the bill aimed at saving troubled restaurants, but that is just a small part of a mammoth measure that will send most Americans $1,400 stimulus payments; solve the state's fiscal problem; shower money on public schools; and add a thick new layer to the nation's social safety net.Here is a close look at the money heading toward local governments inand how that money might be spent:The city's windfallThe incoming influx of federal funds, far more than it needs to fill its $65 million budget hole, was the talk of themeeting Tuesday."I really want to see the details of how this can be used, and then look at how do we realign our finances, so that ... we have a better control or handle of future emergencies,"Member, who chairs the finance panel, said afterwards.Council Presidentagreed, saying: "I think that we need to readjust our upcoming budget to ensure that the city ofhas a reserve fund. We have basically spent all of it over the last few years, especially this year."It is unclear whether the federal legislation will allow the city to use much of the money as a rainy day fund, although it can use it to pay off borrowing and to replenish coffers that were emptied because of pandemic-related expenses and a drop in tax revenue.The rules also allow for the city to use the money to address health disparities in minority communities whichRep., aDemocrat, said should be a priority.In addition, the money will also allow the city to fix its aging sewer and water systems."I'm sure that there are numerous projects like that throughout the city of," saidMemberWyatt noted that the pandemic which forcedschool children to learn via the internet rather than in the classroom laid bare the fact that parts of theand other poorer sections of the city suffer from poor internet access.He said the influx of federal funds could help solve that problem.Countywide broadband?Executivehas been dreaming of a countywide high-speed internet program for years but thanks to the stimulus bill, he can stop dreaming and start planning.The county's $178.18 million in federal funds will cover the county's Covid-19-related budget shortfall, which Poloncarz pegged at about $60 million. What's more, he said it will allow the county to rehire some of the 19 people it laid off and re-establish some of the programs it cut as it downsized and abolished 200 open positions because of the Covid-19-related cash crunch.Moreover, the stimulus bill will bring the county the cash to pay for Poloncarz'sproposal, which he delayed amid the pandemic. That plan calls for the laying of 350 miles of fiberoptic cable across the county to bring high-speed broadband access to communities that lack it.The project's planning costs will total between $1 million and $1.5 million, and it will take $15 million to $20 million to lay the cables."I think we've all seen, as a result of Covid-19, what happens when you don't have high speed internet," Poloncarz said. "It's terrible for many different reasons, but families learned it the hard way. When they're doing virtual learning and you don't have high speed internet, you don't have virtual learning for your children."Higgins noted that improved broadband service is important for job creation, too. He said that he envisioned some of the federal money being used in a jobs program that could lead people to tech careers at Seneca One Tower Technology Hub."This is a direct opportunity to help people in underserved communities to get into employment," Higgins said.Aid for other communitiesWhileandwill benefit the most from the federal largesse, all major municipalities will get some money and maybe even more than they need.Supervisorwas set to propose using some of the town's $42 million in federal funds to rebuild sidewalks, only to hear that sidewalks might not qualify under the bill's spending rules."We're going to have a hard time spending $42 million with those restrictions," Emminger said. Even though municipalities will have four years to spend the money, "we're going to have to do some investigative work" to figure out how to do so, he added.That issue arises in part becausebased the federal grants not on a local government's deficit, but on the basis of existing federal formulas that steer aid to less wealthy communities. Ifhad based the local aid strictly on budget deficits,wouldn't have gotten any money, given that it ended its budget year with a surplus.The generosity of the federal aid prompted howls from. Sen.of, the second-ranking Senate Republican, toldthis week that the bill takes "a shotgun approach to this that throws a lot of money out there at a time when every one of those dollars is borrowed."Local officials, however, don't seem to mind.Theplans to use its federal funds $15.53 million to pay back the $6 million it borrowed amid the pandemic and perhaps shore up its reserves, said SupervisorAndMayorwants to use the city's $59.58 million to fill the city's budget hole, which he estimated at several million dollars. Then, like Poloncarz and thecity officials, Restaino is considering a broadband internet project and other infrastructure improvements."We're just very grateful" for the federal funds, he said. WASHINGTON : US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit India next week along with Japan and South Korea, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday, in the first overseas trip of a senior member of the new Biden Administration. This is for the first time that India has been included in the itinerary in the first overseas trip of a US Defence Secretary. "Austin will meet with his counterparts and other senior officials to discuss the importance of international defence relationships and reinforce the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for international rules, laws, and norms," the Pentagon said. Austin will embark on his first overseas trip on March 13 to visit US Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Hawaii, US troops and senior government leaders in Japan and the Republic of Korea, and senior government leaders in India, it said. The date of Austin's visit to India has not been announced. However, it would be the last leg of his maiden foreign trip. "In India, Secretary Austin will meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the US-India Major Defence Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries for a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region," the Pentagon said. In Japan, Austin will join US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken for the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee ('2 2'), hosted by Japans Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, to emphasize that the US-Japan Alliance has never been more resolute and resilient the cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of long-term competition with China, it said. In South Korea, Austin and Blinken will attend a US-South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministerial ('2 2'), hosted by Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defence Minister Suh Wook, to reaffirm the United States ironclad commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea, and emphasise that the USSouth Korea alliance remains a linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and around the world, the Pentagon said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The company remains well-funded to undertake infill drilling to support a maiden JORC resource estimate, targeted for the second quarter of 2021. s ( ) (FRA:XL5) 100%-owned Noombenberry Project in Western Australia is shaping up to be a very large and high-quality deposit as the second batch of drill results continue to show bright to ultra-bright kaolinite and high-grade halloysite. The results include individual composite sample grades of up to 3 metres at 23% halloysite, 65% kaolinite and 86 ISO-B Brightness from 8 metres. Given the shallow nature of mineralisation and consistency of the assay results, the company is well-positioned to undertake a maiden JORC resource estimate and this is targeted for the second quarter of 2021. The company is well-funded to undertake infill drilling to support the estimate with more than $4.5 million in cash as at the end of 2020. Noombenberry Project showing completed aircore drill sites. Continuity and consistency Latin Resources executive director Chris Gale said: We are extremely pleased to see our initial results mirrored in this next batch of results from our test work. We now have results for over 50 of our 197 holes drilled at Noombenberry and we are seeing continuity and consistency of the high-grade halloysite and bright to ultra-bright white kaolinite. This is shaping up to be a very large and more importantly, a high-quality deposit that we expect will command strong attention from potential end-users. Commence resource estimate Gale added: Work is well underway on building our geological wireframes so that we can be ready to commence the resource estimate as soon as all of our test-work results have been received. The team is focused on fast-tracking this process, as well as looking toward the next phase of drilling to extend our coverage to the north, where our initial results show the mineralisation remains open. High-grade results Results so far are from 50 of the 197 holes drilled, with further results anticipated to be received in the coming weeks. The results received so far include: 17 metres at 12% halloysite, 65% kaolinite, 75 ISO-B from 3 metres, including 3 metres at 23% halloysite, 65% kaolinite, 86 ISO-B from 8 metres; 10 metres at 10% halloysite, 80% kaolinite, 73 ISO-B from 2 metres; 16 metres at 7% halloysite, 65% kaolinite, 77 ISO-B from 5 metres, including 4 metres at 14% halloysite, 66% kaolinite, 81 ISO-B from 9 metres; and 17 metres at 5% halloysite, 87% kaolinite, 83 ISO-B from 10 metres, including 5 metres at 12% halloysite, 67% kaolinite, 76 ISO-B from 22 metres. Recommence drilling The company plans to recommence drilling once all statutory approvals have been received to extend the current drill coverage into its adjacent 100%-owned tenement (E77/2624), where the initial results show the bright-white kaolin and high-grade halloysite mineralisation is open to the north. Latin Resources has formally engaged a suitable independent consulting group to undertake a maiden JORC resource estimate for the Noombenberry Project mineralisation. The companys geological team is working closely with the consultant group, with geological domaining and the construction of the wireframe model underway. This precursor work will enable the fast-tracking of the estimation process once all test-work results have been received. Potential offtake partners The company has started to receive inbound enquires from potential offtake partners and will continue to progress these discussions as it gains a better appreciation for the scale and characteristics of the halloysite project. H-E-B partners want face masks to be enforced, not encouraged. After Gov. Greg Abbott's announcement last week, H-E-B released a statement that it would urge all customers to wear face masks while in its stores. However, after much backlash, the San Antonio grocery giant released another statement to clarify its policy, saying mask use will remain at its stores for all. "We will continue to expect shoppers to wear masks while in our stores. Additionally, we will still require all our Partners and vendors to wear masks while at work," the company stated. READ ALSO: Mask on: Restaurants and shops in San Antonio that are keeping mask requirements H-E-B added it will give face masks to those who don't have one. But, some partners don't believe that's enough and want it to be enforced rather than "urged" or "expected." On Tuesday, Community for H-E-B a Facebook page for employees to come together for support launched an event that encouraged the public to call corporate and recite a statement that demands the company to enforce the masks on customers. Community for H-E-B was created last week after Abbott made its announcement. Its goal is to fight for better working conditions. "We want it to be enforced," an organizer (who chose to remain anonymous) for Community for H-E-B said. "They should be investing in more security who will enforce the masks so we can maintain our health. They should prioritize their employee's safety instead of worrying about hurting other people's feelings." H-E-B President Scott McClelland met with Chron.com last week, saying H-E-B won't take that step in enforcing mask-wearing before entering a store because of belligerent customers who have caused nearly 2,000 in-store incidents involving masks at Houston stores alone. "We need to have someone confronting these anti-maskers for our health because this virus is very real," the anonymous organizer said. The organizer said they plan to continue to host phone events to call on corporate until the mask enforcement is part of the company's policy. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:37:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Militants attend a surrender ceremony in Asadabad, capital of Kunar province, Afghanistan, March 10, 2021. Twenty-five militants on Wednesday surrendered to the government authorities in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province, the province governor said. (Photo by Emran Waak/Xinhua) ASADABAD, Afghanistan, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-five militants on Wednesday surrendered to the government authorities in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province, the province governor said. "A total of 20 Taliban militants and five militants of Islamic State (IS) outfit surrendered to provincial directorate of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Afghanistan's national intelligence agency on Wednesday," Governor Mohammad Iqbal Sayyed told Xinhua. The incident occurred amid military pressure mounted by Afghan security forces on militants in the country's mountainous region. Enditem Opposition politicians are raising questions about the health of Tanzanias Covid-19-denying president, as he has not been seen in public for more than a week and at least one official close to him has died recently. President John Magufuli was last seen in public on February 27 at the swearing-in ceremony for the countrys secretary of state in the State House government offices in Dar es Salaam, the East African countrys largest city. Mr Magufulis absence is unusual as he is known for frequent public speeches and appearances on state television several times a week. Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, in exile, questioned Mr Magufulis whereabouts in a series of tweets. The Presidentas well-being is a matter of grave public concern. Weare informed when Kikwete had prostate surgery. Weare told when Mkapa went for hip replacement. Weare not kept in the dark when Mwalimu fought leukemia. Whatas it with Magufuli that we donat deserve to know? Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) March 9, 2021 Another politician, who insisted on anonymity for fear of a backlash from Tanzanias repressive regime, said he has spoken to people close to the president who said he is seriously ill and in hospital. Kenyas leading newspaper, The Nation, reported Wednesday that an African leader had been admitted to a hospital in Nairobi, citing anonymous government sources. Kenyas government spokesman said he had no knowledge that Mr Magafuli was in Kenya. The Tanzanian government spokesman has not responded to questions about Mr Magufulis health and whereabouts. The populist leader announced in June last year that Tanzania had defeated Covid-19 through three days of prayer. The country, one of Africas most populous with 60 million people, in April stopped providing statistics about the numbers of people with confirmed cases of Covid-19 or deaths from the disease to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The government fired some officials who questioned Mr Magufulis assertion that no people were falling ill from coronavirus in the country. The government promoted trade and international tourism, eager to avoid the economic pain of neighbours who imposed lockdowns and curfews. The latest update from Nairobi: aThey're planning to sneak him out to India to avoid social media embarrassment from Kenyans. They feel that it'll be more embarrassing if the worst happened in Kenya.a The most powerful man in Tanzania is now being sneaked about like an outlaw! Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) March 10, 2021 It did not ban public gatherings or promote wearing masks and Mr Magufuli promoted herbal remedies for those who fell ill with breathing problems. However, people leaving Tanzania reported that hospital intensive care units were filled with people with severe respiratory illnesses. Others said that burials were being held at night to hide the numbers of deaths. Migrants from Tanzania were found to have Covid-19. Recently some top officials have died and at least one was reported to have died from Covid-19. Exiled opposition leader Lissu speculated on Twitter that Mr Magufuli had Covid-19 and had been flown to Kenya for treatment. Its a sad comment on his stewardship of our country that its come to this: that he himself had to get Covid-19 and be flown out to Kenya in order to prove that prayers, steam inhalations and other unproven herbal concoctions hes championed are no protection against coronavirus, Mr Lissu said in a tweet. Expand Close Tanzanias President John Magufuli (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tanzanias President John Magufuli (AP) Until recently Mr Magufuli had claimed that there was no Covid-19 in the country and he said that vaccines could be dangerous. But on February 10 the US embassy warned of a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Tanzania since January. Days later the presidents official office, State House, announced the death of John Kijazi, the presidents chief secretary. On February 17 the first-vice-president of the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, Seif Sharif Hamad, died after his party, the Alliance for Change and Transparency, announced he was ill with Covid-19. On February 21 Mr Magufuli admitted that Tanzania had a coronavirus problem, his first public acknowledgement of a problem since declaring that Covid-19 had in June last year. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Former Toyota service management training manager Greg Sherry was awarded a payout A former Toyota manager has been awarded $276,000 after he was wrongfully sacked over a work trip where he used company money to buy a pizza. Greg Sherry worked for the car company for 20 years when he was fired in March 2018 - days before he would have been entitled to $379,268 in redundancy pay. Toyota fired Mr Sherry after claiming he breached company expense rules amounting to 'serious misconduct' when his wife and two young sons went on the trip - even though they paid for it themselves. Mr Sherry had received approval from his manager to take his family on his last work trip - purchasing his airfare through the company's e-travel system and his wife and children's tickets on a personal credit card. But Toyota claimed that he incurred $1,542 in unnecessary accommodation expenses by booking a larger hotel room than was needed and also bought a meal with company funds which his son also ate, reports The Australian. Mr Sherry argued the room at Melbourne's Crown Metropol was more expensive because his travel coincided with the Australian Open. On the final night of the trip, Mr Sherry went out for a meal. He used his corporate card to buy himself a pizza and a drink for $32.50. His wife used their personal card to buy her and the children food for $50.50. But near the end of the meal when Mr Sherry had had enough of his food, his young son ate a slice of leftover pizza, he said. The family left Melbourne the next day but Mr Sherry was quizzed by his bosses. He told his manager he only used company funds for his pizza but admitted: 'I think my son had some of it.' Toyota's HQ in Port Melbourne (pictured) where Sydney-based Mr Sherry went on regular business trips for his role with the company Mr Sherry was fired for in part giving his son a slice of pizza he wasn't going to eat from his company bought meal (stock image) According to documents filed at the District Court of NSW, Mr Sherry claimed the manager then said: 'So you bought a meal for your son? That's a personal expense.' Mr Sherry claimed to have replied: 'He had a piece of my pizza I wasn't going to eat. I'm not sure you would call that a personal expense.' Toyota claimed in the court documents that Mr Sherry had stayed an extra night for 'personal purposes' - but he said it was normal for him to stay the night after work trips. Toyota also alleged Mr Sherry bought a $180 dongle for personal use with the corporate card - but he said it was for work use. New South Wales District Court judge Andrew Scotting said he was satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Mr Sherry's actions were not serious misconduct. In awarding him the $276,000 he said his record with Toyota showed a person of good character who was not given an opportunity to fairly argue his case. By almost any measure, 2020 was brutal for the Permian Basin oil and gas industry. Permian Basin residents lived through the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic shutting down economic activity and resulting in oil demand destruction at a level never before seen. They lived through the accompanying blow of Saudi Arabia and Russia engaging in a price war that saw crude barrels flooding a market that had no need for them. They lived through the layoffs, bankruptcies and business closings Their perseverance was rewarded as the year came to a close with oil prices approaching $50 and rising oilfield activity. While there is still uncertainty around oil demand as the pandemic continues to rage, Permian Basin residents feel a little more hopeful as 2021 gets underway. I think there is plenty of room for optimism, Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. For one, our communities understand the industry better than anyone in the world. We have seen ups and downs and know to how handle them. We have the 'rock' and the people that are the envy of the world, and PBPA members will continue to safely and responsibly develop our region's natural resources as we have for generations. Global pandemic and bad green new deals can slow our success, but at the end of the day, our energy will fuel homes, economies, our military, and of course our schools and hospitals. American action against this public health crisis could not have been done without domestic production of materials necessary to produce vital public health goods for our first responders and the general public. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, and I have learned to always bet on the Permian Basin!" The oilfield services sector was especially hard hit, shedding tens of thousands of jobs as the rig count plunged to a record low 244 rigs by August and frac crews fell below 20 in the Permian Basin. Still, We at WellWorx are optimistic about 2021, Matt Raglin, president of the Midland-based oilfield services firm told the Reporter-Telegram by email. Were also feeling certain that it would be hard to repeat as awful a year as 2020 has been. Reasons for optimism: 1) price of oil edging up; 2) vaccine degrading the effect of the pandemic, and 3) worldwide economic recovery from the pandemic coming under control We have actually taken advantage of the slow down to add new team members and to complete and deploy some new, patented and innovative products. Fingers are crossed at WellWorx as we turn this corner, with optimism and faith. Casey Maxwell, vice president of Permian Basin at Halliburton, told the Reporter-Telegram by email that We are excited for the opportunities ahead that the digital transformation of our industry and the recovery in oil demand will bring. We look forward optimistically to what we will achieve for Halliburton and our customers throughout 2021 and beyond. To help stem the flood of crude facing the market, US producers joined their counterparts in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other nations in shutting in wells, lowering US production by about a million barrels a day. While some wells are being put back into service, oil and gas producers remain cautious. Yet, they too are upbeat. While the industry will still face headwinds in 2021, there are reasons for optimism. COVID vaccines are being administered in the U.S., along with many other countries, and more people are expected to have access to the vaccine in the coming months. As the threats from COVID begin to be managed, we expect the global economy to recover and therefore demand for oil and natural gas to grow, Richard P Dealy, executive vice president and chief financial officer with Pioneer Natural Resources, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. The U.S. shale industry will emerge from this latest downturn even more efficient and productive. Those companies with robust balance sheets, capital discipline, strong ESG performance and a commitment to return free cash flow to shareholders are well positioned to be successful. This increased resiliency will allow for continued investment in the Permian Basin for years to come. Mike Wirth, chief executive officer of Chevron, said in an interview with Bloomberg that 2021 seems to be shaping up to be a year with steady progress against the pandemic and that oil demand will return as people begin moving around again. Supply will better match up with demand, improving prices to a level that will let operators reinvest in their operations. Double Eagle Energy Holdings III, active in the Midland Basin, also looks forward to a better 2021. 2020 proved to be a challenging year for our industry and our company, John Sellers, co-chief executive officer, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. We are incredibly proud of our team and their ability to manage through these unprecedented times. We enter into 2021 stronger financially and operationally than we were 10 months ago. This is a direct result of our teams ability to make strategic decisions every day, while not losing sight of long-term goals. We are cautiously optimistic about what 2021 will bring for us as a business and industry. If anything, 2020 has shown that we are resilient. We are proud of what the Double Eagle team accomplished and look forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2021. Analysts at the data analytics company Enverus offered a number of reasons to be optimistic about 2021, beginning with the rise in the rig count, which they noted is an important industry indicator. Another reason, they said, is that operators learned some important lessons in 2020. Cost-efficiencies observed and changing the cost curve. This is about doing more with less or cutting costs to stay efficient. But look beyond Covid-19 because this is been happening for a long time. They also said COVID-19 is not entirely to blame for the industrys current state. It was a perfect storm of the reemergence of the crush shale mentality and calls for investor returns, they explained. Russia, just prior to the lock downs from COVID, refused to cooperate with the rest of OPEC+ on cuts because they believed that they were subsidizing US shale production by keeping prices high. Although COVID stole the headlines and ultimately drove the US shale industrys declines and consolidation, Russia and its allies on this front had it right this time. It wasnt like the OPEC miscalculation in late 2014 that shale couldnt keep up at lower prices. The main difference was that this time, capital wasnt willing to flow to US shale for growths sake. Investors wanted them to live within free cash flow and generate returns for shareholders or else consolidate or go bankrupt. It is incorrect to say the US shale industry wouldnt be where it was without COVID. To the contrary, it would have been here regardless. The Middle East continues to influence the markets, they said. Whether its attacks on Saudi infrastructure or tankers, the seemingly hourly changing hands of Libyan ports and questions about the future of Iranian sanctions, not to mention the power grab as the US continues to retreat from its peacekeeping duties, the Middle East looks different than in 2019. With the supply and demand balance so delicate, the analysts said, how tensions in the Middle East play out during the year could become factors that swing prices in either direction quickly. That serves to remind the global investment community that news in the Middle East is still worth a good price swing in the markets, the analysts said. That expectation, however, was set up due to a host of rising tensions among key players including Saudi Arabia and Iran during 2020. The Biden Administration is backing a natural gas pipeline project in a legal fight about eminent domain that ended up in the Supreme Court, a move that shocked environmentalists who had hoped the Administration would not support any oil and gas pipeline projects. The Department of Justice, however, backed the PennEast natural gas pipeline project in a lawsuit the Supreme Court agreed last week to hear. PennEast is a pipeline project of 120 miles to carry natural gas from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and will meet growing energy demand in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, one of the project shareholders, Enbridge, says. The PennEast Pipeline Company is looking to overturn a federal appeals court ruling from 2019, which said that PennEast could not use eminent domain to seize land owned by the state of New Jersey for pipeline construction. The federal appeals court argued in 2019 that taking the New Jersey-owned land went against the 11th Amendment, which protects states from certain lawsuits. The Supreme Court last week agreed to hear the case, and now the Biden Administration, just like the Trump Administration before that, is backing in a brief to the court the arguments of the pipeline company seeking to overturn the lower courts ruling. Ron Morano, executive director of Affordable Energy for New Jersey, told Bloomberg Law he hoped that the Biden Administrations support to PennEast could be indicative of this administrations future positions on our energy independence. Environmentalists were disappointed, with Maya K. van Rossum, head of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, telling Bloomberg Law the backing of PennEast is an abuse of power and trust and a failure of the current administration to do its duty to protect people and our environment. Since taking office, President Joe Biden has killed the Keystone XL project and ordered a pause on new permits for oil and gas drilling on federal lands and in federal waters, giving environmentalists hopes that the Administration would side against any pipeline projects in the future. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Former head of the General Staff of Armenia's Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan addressed an appeal to the citizens of the country in connection with his resignation. He recalled that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement on considering him dismissed - by force of law - from the post of Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces has been published on the official website of the Armenian Government. "My position is unchanged. Both the published statement and the whole process of dismissal from the post are unconstitutional, which once again confirms that a pro-patriotic solution to the current crisis can be ensured only as a result of the resignation of the Prime Minister of the Republic and early parliamentary elections," Onik Gasparyan stressed. He explained that he appealed to the Administrative Court of Armenia in order to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution and the law and to exercise force solely on the basis of law in Armenia. "I will continue my service to the homeland and the Armenian people in another status," Gasparyans message reads in part. He also addressed the generals, officers and soldiers, recalling that the key task of the army is to ensure the security of the homeland, so he urged them to continue to serve "exclusively to the homeland and people." In his last visit to local business in DC, Joe Biden snubbed a question about the border crisis. Normally, Trump would answer candidly, but Biden does the opposite. Joe Biden Ignores Questions About Border Crisis Last Tuesday, another incident ended up in Psaki's explanation session. President Biden did not answer a question thrown at him. It was about the flailing leadership of the White House in the border situation. He was asked this in a small business visit, reported the Epoch Times. The name of the business in D.C. he went to is W.S. Jenks & Son, a hardware store that availed of the Paycheck Protection Program loan. W.S. Jenks & Son were able to get it in time, last February courtesy of the president. Many small businesses were the recipient of the loan to keep them alive during the pandemic. As part of the White House PR for the PPP loans, the president went to the establishment's main floor. He met the owner, Mike Siegel, who said that finances to keep employees was the most difficult thing. He added that taking a loan from the federal program has helped his employees. Siegel added that it was not wise financially, but it had to be done for his workers. He is only one among many burdened by the pandemic since last year. Joe Biden and the PPP loan program will be assistance for business owners. Also read: Migrants at the US-Mexico Border Wear Shirts Pleading Biden to Allow Entry into US According to Biden, the opportunity to qualify for a PPP loan is only good for businesses with 20 or fewer workers. The sudden shift to servicing small businesses with federal loans is because big businesses left them out. Data shows that larger companies got a bigger percentage of the loans. Before Trump left office, he had a similar program set up. Through the initial PPP loan rollout, many jumped the gun to get them when it came out. Despite the discrepancy, the loan still reached some who really needed it in the first draw. Biden has not been the one to answer questions like ex-President Trump, and one reporter asked a question. This was about the worsening situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, caused by the reversal of Trump's policies. All press meets by the President has been sanitized and controlled; this is an exception. Instead of answering the press as all presidents do, he never answered and was escorted out. For many, this would be a bad reflection on Biden's openness when it comes to the press and make its way to Psaki's desk. Biden has gone for 48-days without a relevant press-conference on his policies and thought for some time. The only new president in 100-years who has kept mute and unreachable to the press. Many view this as a letdown, but the Psaki actively gives many reasons for it. This is why President Biden doesnt hold press conferences. Wow! Coming up on @seanhannity, @FoxNews at 9 PM ET! https://t.co/roGah9EFiK Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) March 9, 2021 His policies on removing Trump's orders from the top to nearly bottom have a place, with many showing dissatisfaction over his inaction. A harrowing border situation with border cops and officials raises the alarm; even local Democrat politicians get disturbed. Biden is quiet while America's borders are in danger. Related article: Top ICE Officials Say Flooding Migrants Might be Exploited by Criminals @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi, March 10 : The Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC) has moved the Supreme Court challenging the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision to appoint an administrator to run the day-to-day affairs of the club. On February 15, the NCLAT had ordered the suspension of the club's General Committee (GC) and directed the Centre to appoint an administrator to manage its affairs. In an appeal before the Supreme Court, the club and GC members said: "There are no reasons accorded as to why the appointment of an Administrator for running the day-to-day affairs of the DGC, which is a private recreational club would be required." The plea contended that there was no need to replace club's GC, which was duly elected at the AGM held on December 31, 2020. The plea argued that a perusal of the impugned order shows that the NCLAT, as well as the NCLT, has seriously misconstrued concept of public interest while adjudicating upon the dispute at hand. The appeals before the NCLAT were against an interim order of the NCLT which directed Centre to appoint two nominees of its choice as members in the GC of the club to monitor its affairs along with other GC members and give suggestions to the GC. Criticizing the appointment of an administrator, the plea said this direction has been given despite there being no evidence put on record by Centre as to why the interim directions given by the NCLT were ineffective in tackling the purported mismanagement. "Such a direction not only seeks to usurp the authority granted to legitimately elected members of the GC, who as per the AoA (Articles of Association) are bound to manage the affairs of the DGC but vests the same in a single individual which is onerous and detrimental to the interests of the club," added the plea. The NCLAT had held that the Centre is entitled to "final relief" of replacement of directors of the DGC with nominees of the government to conduct the affairs of the club. The plea said this conclusion of the NCLAT at the interim stage is akin to grant of final relief and contrary to settled proposition of law. "Further, the same is contrary to the finding of the NCLT at para 14 which clearly indicates that no violations under the Companies Act stood established. Such categorical conclusion arrived at by the NCLAT, though baseless, is instrumental in completely replacing the management of the club by a single Administrator," added the plea, urging the top court to set aside the NCLAT order. The NCLAT had said the club's policy under which membership of a person attains hereditary character and general public seeking membership being made to wait for decades, is certainly prejudicial to the public interest. The club's plea said the AoA, clearly provide for user rights to the children of the members in their independent/individual capacity from the age of 13 years leading to their permanent membership after 21 years of age. Whether your dairy farm is staffed entirely by family, brings in a few outside workers, or employs dozens of people, providing a safe, desirable work environment is key to making sure you have people to complete the tasks of producing milk. Despite the advances in areas such as safety, automation, and health benefits that have made dairies better places to work, farmers still struggle to hire a reliable workforce. At its core, dairy farming consists of irregularly long hours and tough jobs, making it a less-than-desirable workplace for many people. Now compounding the issue of finding labor is the rising number of states establishing labor laws that are stricter than federal standards, often resulting in higher minimum wages and overtime restrictions. Four top-10 dairy states are among those leading the charge in labor adjustments California, New York, Minnesota, and Washington and these states could be setting a precedent for other states to follow, too. A patchwork of standards Federal labor laws that established the 40-hour work week, restrictions on child labor, and authorization of worker unions were passed in the wake of the Great Depression. The purposes of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards Act were to protect workers and force employers to create more jobs at a time when many people were unemployed. However, those laws exempted agricultural workers. Richard Stup, an agricultural workforce specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, explained why on an episode of Hoards Dairyman DairyLivestream. Congress passed these laws after compromises led by rural and Southern states to carve out farm labor from the new labor rules, he said. Subsequently, state legislatures throughout the country also recognized that farm jobs were different from other jobs, and they created similar carve outs from state labor laws to treat farm labor differently from most other industries. The vast majority of state labor laws mirror these federal laws, including exemptions for agricultural labor. Even just last month, the Virginia Senate killed a bill that would have removed exemptions for ag workers and made them eligible for minimum wage, which will be stepped up to $15 in the state by 2026. But Stup pointed out that if an individual state decides to enact laws that are stricter than the federal standards, that is what must be followed. When there are differences, whichever law is most restrictive, or protective, depending on your point of view, is the law that operates for you, he described. Overtime on the farm Today, we find states in various places across the country making changes to their laws that affect farm employees, Stup said, citing New York as one example. Although the federal minimum wage is still $7.25, dairy farmers in New York must pay $12.50 since their state minimum wage is higher. Additionally, labor laws for New York farm workers that went into effect at the beginning of 2020 require a weekly day of rest, authorize farm unions, and set overtime restrictions. Overtime has seen the most attention from farm labor law changes, with at least five states setting standards for work week limits. New Yorks law requires employers to pay time-and-a-half for any hours worked past 60 in a week. Minnesota and Maryland also have work week limits for agricultural laborers. In California, farm laborers are on track to get to a 40-hour work week. The phase-in program that began in 2019 for employers with more than 26 employees accelerated as of January 1, 2021, with farms now required to pay overtime for more than 45 hours in a week or eight and half hours in a day. Next year, that will drop to 40 hours a week or 8 hours in a day. For farms with fewer than 26 employees, the 40-hour work week will be implemented in 2025, and the phase-in period begins in 2022 at 55 weekly hours. This past November, the supreme court in Washington state narrowly ruled in a 5-to-4 vote that dairy workers there are entitled to overtime pay after working 40 hours in a week, making it the first state to grant overtime through the courts. Now, lawyers in the state are even bringing up lawsuits to make farmers pay up to three years of retroactive overtime wages. A cost to everything Why are these labor battles coming up now? Calls for justice and fairness in employment were growing even before the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted working conditions many people would not usually have thought about, Stup noted. Social media and online transparency have made these stories even easier to find. Additionally, worker advocacy groups and unions see the need to move farm labor into line with the rest of the economy. Farmers, though, are the ones who must find a balance between meeting labor standards and running their business. Frank Cardoza has experienced that firsthand in managing his California dairy, where those overtime guidelines continue to stack up. Every January 1, you have to decide what changes youre going to make to be successful in this industry, he said. Whats really complex about it is the dairyman is in the middle. Weve got to take care of the cows, but we also have laws to protect people. Cardoza believes the advances made in labor have been good ones, just as improvements have been made in animal welfare over the last decades. However, what he wants to provide for his employees and what he can provide dont always match up. Theres a cost to that, but when the dairyman gets his or her milk check, its not there. Were always talking about how we can make things better for the public, but somewhere along the way, the dairyman has to get compensated for that as well, Cardoza said. On that point, Stup described that in the labor battles in New York, worker advocacy groups dont consider the economic argument to be a legitimate part of the discussion Its simply a justice issue, he said. For them, economics simply do not matter. But of course, economics do matter. Without a business that can be profitable, those jobs wont exist for anyone. Even the jobs that farms have now are struggling to get filled. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the labor participation rate, which defines the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are actively looking for one, is at its lowest level since the 1970s. At the same time, unemployment remains elevated due to the pandemic. Lead by example While these agricultural labor changes are concentrated in a few states for now, the discussions around employee rights are not likely to go away. The best option for farm managers is to be informed and have a plan, advised Cornell University economist Chris Wolf. He added that the key is to drive the conversation and not be driven by it. Labor rights is another topic the industry must stay on top of in order to have its voice heard. That will be evident in industry leadership like the FARM Workforce Development program and, most importantly, the steps taken on farms every day to provide quality working conditions and benefits. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 The VA Maryland Health Care System has announced that Dr. Ryan Scilla has been named the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. Were especially excited that Dr. Scilla brings his passion for education to our team, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. The VA Maryland Health Care System has announced that Dr. Ryan Scilla has been named the new associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs. In this position, Dr. Scilla oversees the strategic plan and implementation of health professional training programs, Veterans health education, and the employee education and training program for the health care system. Were especially excited that Dr. Scilla brings his passion for education to our team, said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System. His experience and his dedication to ensuring the excellence of the next generation of clinicians will go far in guaranteeing that the best of the newest medical professionals will serve our veterans. Scilla joined the VA Maryland Health Care System in 2009 as a physician resident and rose to chief resident of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. He held several positions at the VA Maryland Health Care System, including hospitalist physician and director of Quality, Safety and Improvement. In January 2020, Dr. Scilla was named deputy associate chief of staff for Education and Academic Affairs where he supported efforts to ensure that clinical trainees are properly appointed, evaluated, and appropriately supervised, among other tasks. I am thrilled with the opportunity to oversee our employee, patient and health professions trainee educational programs, said Dr. Scilla. It is vitally important that our collective skillset and knowledge base reflect the highest standards possible and incorporate the latest evidence-based guidelines to continue to provide high quality, patient-centric, cutting edge medical treatment. Dr. Scilla earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University in 2005, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 2009, before completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Baltimore VA Medical Center in 2012. Dr. Scilla lives in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. # # # The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) provides a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, rehabilitative, mental health and outpatient care to veterans at three medical centers and five outpatient clinics located throughout the state. More than 52,000 veterans from various generations receive care from VAMHCS annually. Nationally recognized for its state-of-the-art technology and quality patient care, VAMHCS is proud of its reputation as a leader in veterans health care, research and education. It costs nothing for veterans to enroll for health care with the VA Maryland Health Care System and it could be one of the more important things a veteran can do. To enroll for VA health care, interested veterans can call 877-222-8387 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or they can visit http://www.va.gov and clinic on Apply now for VA health care. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Google is marking its 10 years of Chromebooks by releasing new improvements for ChromeOS. Particularly, the Phone Hub feature will allow its users to connect their Android phones through Chromebooks. This feature presents a built-in control center that brings key capabilities from user's Android phones to their Chromebooks. The Chromebook Phone Hub Feature The Phone Hub feature lets users read and respond to text messages, check the phone's battery life, cellular signal, turn on its hotspot, and even locate it, all from a Chromebook. MSPowerUser reported that Phone Hub is packed into a taskbar widget that expands to show users recent Chrome tabs that they have been browsing on their phone. ChromeOS now also syncs Wi-Fi networks from the phone, meaning Chromebooks can now get online wherever an Android phone can connect. Besides that, Google is also planning to offer Nearby Share between ChromeOS and Android devices, allowing users to instantly and securely share files between devices. Google says this will arrive in ChromeOS in the coming months, finally providing its laptop OS with a full AirDrop competitor with Apple. Other Improvements for the Chromebooks According to The Verge, Google is also adding a new Screen Capture tool into the Quick Settings menu in ChromeOS. As the name implies, this will let users record their screen or take a screenshot and access them quickly in a space from the ChromeOS shelf. Meanwhile, the Clipboard will also be improved in the ChromeOS, allowing users to save five recent items and paste elsewhere without switching windows. The Launcher Key will provide access to this updated clipboard experience. Also Read: Surface Laptop vs Google Chromebook Pixel: Specs, Performance, And Price Comparison Meanwhile, Quick Answers is another new addition that allows users to right-click a word in ChromeOS to get a definition, translation, or unit conversion. It has a similarity with what macOS is doing in their MacBooks nowadays. Besides that, Google is also revamping the virtual desktops feature of the ChromeOS Desks that restores all windows to their correct virtual desktops when users reboot their Chromebooks. Users can also right-click at the top of an open window to send apps to different virtual desktops. Google Targets the Work Sector ZDNet reported that when Chromebooks were launched 10 years ago, the device gained popularity from students and all who were studying. Head of Product and UX for ChromeOS, John Maletis, stated that it had gone an enormous shift to become the primary device for students. But with the new upgrade rollout, the company targets general consumers and people who are using Chromebooks in the business sector. One in 10 desktop devices sold globally run on ChromeOS, while one in five sold in the U.S. This past year, it became the second-most popular desktop operation system worldwide. Maletis stated that it is impressive how modern computing has evolved through the years. One key to the evolution of the modern way of working/studying is multi-sharing devices. "Unlike the past, our expectation is we should have access to our data and a consistent experience across these surfaces," the Product Head added. Related Article: 3 Best Chromebooks For College Students 2020: 3 Things to Look Out For When Buying Micheal Martin said Ireland is to receive an extra 46,500 Covid-19 vaccines by the end of the month (Julien Behal Photography/PA) Ireland is to receive an extra 46,500 Covid-19 vaccines by the end of the month, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed. It comes following a deal reached by the European Union to secure an additional four million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will be supplied across EU countries. Mr Martin said the vaccines would arrive by the end of March. He tweeted: Pleased this morning to have confirmation from Commission President (Ursula von der Leyen) that Ireland will secure an additional 46,500 Pfizer BioNTech vaccines before the end of March. When they get here, they will be administered quickly. Efforts ongoing to increase production. Pleased this morning to have confirmation from Commission President @vonderleyen that Ireland will secure an additional 46,500 Pfizer BioNTech vaccines before the end of March. When they get here, they will be administered quickly. Efforts ongoing to increase production. MicheAl Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 10, 2021 The announcement will be widely welcomed by public health officials who have expressed frustration over vaccine supply lines. HSE chief executive Paul Reid said that the first-quarter target was reduced to 1.1 million from an initial 1.7 million. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said: Some positive news on vaccines despite overall slippage in the timeline. Ireland to receive 45k extra Pfizer vaccines this month via EU agreement and tomorrow we hope the single-dose Janssen vaccine will be approved. The Taoiseach later warned that Ireland is by no means out of this pandemic. Speaking in the Dail during Leaders Questions, he said: I just detect already, people getting a sense that because the numbers are coming down, that somehow were emerging out of it immediately. Our hospital numbers will still be higher than at the highest peak during the second wave. The variant is the big problem, community transmission is still at 11 to 15%, thats high. Close contacts and the spread of the disease is much more prevalent now, is more transmissible now, because of the presence of the B117 variant. We cannot lose sight of that, because if we let this go, it will go. We have to be very, very careful. New data has revealed a big jump in the number of people moving around in the last month. Expand Close The first vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines on display (Aaron Chown/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The first vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines on display (Aaron Chown/PA) New figures show that retail and recreational mobility is up 16%, workplace mobility up 7% and footfall in Dublin city up 29%. A Government official said that meant an increase of nearly 900,000 people on the move. Liz Canavan, assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach, said that travel volumes increased in every county. Of course its understandable that numbers would increase with our children returning to schools, but its very important that we can continue to stay at home unless it is for an essential purpose, Ms Canavan said. The results from the Social Activity Measure (Sam), a behavioural study, revealed an increase in mobility and social contact. People found travelling more than 5km from their homes for non-essential journeys could be hit with a fine. To date, around 12,000 fines have been issued by gardai for a range of Covid-19 breaches. We know it's not easy right now. But staying home helps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and saves lives. If you do go out, wear face coverings, wash your hands regularly, keep up social distancing and use the #CovidTrackerApp to protect yourself and others. #HoldFirm #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/JgOtgbC5CW HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 10, 2021 Ms Canavan said the country was seeing a gradual and careful progression towards reopening society. The vaccination programme is already providing protection to nearly 400,000 of the most vulnerable, she added. The vaccines are highly effective. The impact is evident already in reductions of infection in long-term residential care and healthcare settings. Allowing public health experts the scope to consider what options might be possible in those areas is most important to us all. Thanks to the vaccination programme we are on the way to a safer and more positive situation for our society. However, we must also note that we remain in a precarious position and we do not yet have sufficient vaccine rolled out to allow us to drop our guard. Overall numbers are falling, but cases and deaths remain high. She said that 13 counties still had a positivity rate over 10%. The fact that we're making such steady progress is a testament to the efforts you're making Liz Canavan The number of people in hospital this morning (370 patients), while vastly improved, is still an excess of the numbers at the peak of the second wave, she added. We must also keep in mind that the variant of the virus which is now the most prevalent in the country is significantly more transmissible than the previous strain. We have to imagine it is a brand new disease. The fact that were making such steady progress is a testament to the efforts youre making. However, we must make sure that we dont experience a fourth surge of the virus before the benefits of the vaccine can be experienced. We dont ever want to return to the scenes we had here in January, the pressure on our health service and the very sad outcomes for many families. Another 47 people have died with Covid-19 in Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) said. It was notified of 631 more confirmed infections. A senior figure from the firefighters' union has warned failings in the emergency response to the Manchester Arena bombing could be repeated in another terror attack. A public inquiry into the bombing that killed 22 innocent people in May 2017 has heard confusion early-on meant Greater Manchester Police did not properly update firefighters and paramedics about the attack. Despite some firefighters being close enough to hear the bomb go off, crews did not attend until their bosses eventually gave the green light to go in two hours later. Today Andy Dark, assistant general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, stood by comments he made in January that pointed out the failings. He said earlier this year: 'That there were not more fatalities on the night was the consequence of the dedication and commitment of the frontline staff in all of the emergency services. They did this despite the failings of those others. 'The failings of those others came as no surprise to the FBU. 'If a similar incident was to occur in the UK, the FBU would be surprised if those failings were not to be replicated. Greater Manchester Police failed to tell firefighters or the ambulance service that it had launched Operation Plato in response to the Manchester Arena bombings in May 2017. An inquiry has heard there was just one paramedic on the scene for 40 minutes, while it took two hours for firefighters to arrive 'In fact we will be surprised if the FRS (fire and rescue service) performance in any such future incident were not to be worse.' Suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his device in the City Room or foyer of the arena, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more at 10.31pm on May 22 2017. The inquiry has heard Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service had firefighters and specialist teams ready to go in that were trained in operating in terror incidents and treating bomb blast and gunshot casualties which could have saved lives. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had declared Operation Plato, a pre-planned response to what they believed was a marauding terrorist firearms attack, as erroneous reports of gunfire had come in. Andy Dark from the Fire Brigades Union said emergency workers managed to save lives at the bombing 'despite the failings of others'. Mr Dark said the union would not be surprised if the same mistakes were made at another terror attack Salman Abedi killed 22 men, women and children in the blast in May 2017. The inquiry is looking at events before, during and after the suicide bombing But they failed to inform the fire and ambulance services and communications between the 999 services broke down, with GMP's duty officer in the HQ swamped with calls and the fire service unable to contact him. It meant fire crews were kept away from the scene amid fears an active gunman was on the loose, even though it soon became clear the bombing was not the prelude to further attacks and GMP, British Transport Police and the ambulance service were all at the scene. GMP declared the operation 16 minutes after Salman Abedi detonated a backpack bomb, amid reports that gunfire had been heard. The inquiry has heard that only one paramedic was at the scene of the bombing for the first 40 minutes after the explosion on May 22, 2017 and that the first fire engine arrived more than two hours after the blast. Mr Dark confirmed to inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders that 'without any sense of satisfaction', he stands by his January statement. He said he is not saying none of the lessons from the arena bombing have been learned and taken on board, but they have no way of telling how well or wide they can be applied across the variety of fire and rescue services with differing capabilities. The inquiry is looking at events before, during and after the suicide bombing by 22-year-old Abedi at the end of an Ariana Grande concert. On Friday, March 12, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Traditional Unpredictability of Ukrainian Politics - New Stories in March." Participants include expert at the Hardarika Strategic Consulting Corporation Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko; political expert and analyst Oleksandr Kochetkov (8/5a Reitarska Street). The press conference will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Id like to wish all you math nerds reading this on or around March 14 a Happy Pi Day. Since 2010, my family has celebrated the 3.14 calendar date by hosting a neighborhood pie-eating blowout in my backyard. (Sadly, no party this year. #ThanksCOVID.) Pi Day also reminds me of the one and only time I participated in a Kickstarter campaign. In 2013, via Kickstarter, I pledged $15 to a stranger on the internet who promised to manufacture metallic baking pans in the shape of the pi symbol. Obviously, I had to have one. A few months later, he delivered. Ive been the happiest Pi Day nerd in the world ever since. Kickstarter, launched in April 2009 during the depths of the Great Recession offered an entirely new way to fund creative ideas. Kickstarter quickly became a brand that sounds less like a company and more like a way to do things, kind of like Kleenex and Zipper started as brands but then just became the word for a thing we all need. But the company is real its not just a word. Kate Bernyk, senior director of communications, says Kickstarter has been profitable since the beginning and currently employs 90 people. The largest category of Kickstarter projects are games, followed by art, design, film, music, fashion and comics. The typical Kickstarter fundraiser is an artist, musician, builder/designer or author someone who has something new and experimental but doesnt have the funding to make it happen. Kickstarter does not allow backers to fund traditional businesses through a loan or ownership in a business. There are other online funding platforms for that. But many businesses use Kickstarter to experiment with new project ideas and product lines. Austin-based camping equipment marker Kammok launches product designs on Kickstarter, with nine successfully funded products, including a two-person tent, a hammock tent, sleeping bags and quilts. Necessity as the mother of invention led to a new use for Kickstarter in the past year. Bars turned to Kickstarter to market private-venue rental events and fund the creation of branded swag. The COVID-era version of projects on Kickstarter became known at the company as LightsOn, because thats what businesses needed to do this past year keep the lights on. Kickstarter does not do fundraising for purely philanthropic projects. There are other online funding platforms for that as well. And yet a clear social-mission orientation drives a huge number of projects on the platform. Bernyk pointed me proudly to the companys corporate charter as a public benefit corporation. This is a state designation Id never heard of before. It indicates a kind of additional bottom line beyond profit, one that includes social values, support for artists, transparency and other dont be evil company practices. That is not to say that people and businesses cant make money with Kickstarter. I contacted the producer of the Pi Pan, not realizing hes from my hometown, San Antonio. Garrett Heath says he and his partners made money from Pi Pans. And they continue to sell Pi Pans on Amazon, which he says provides a small but welcome income every year. Hes enthusiastic about Kickstarters role in helping them pay for a manufacturing mold and large purchase order that they otherwise could not have funded. Kickstarter charges 5 percent of the money raised for each project. That is the companys entire revenue stream, according to Bernyk. They update stats on their website everyday. Heres where Kickstarter stood recently: $5.08 billion raised in total for 197,579 projects, and a 38.5 percent success rate on projects launched. Since 2012, the company has successfully facilitated funding for 18,000 to 22,000 projects per year. More than 500 projects have raised over $1 million; this includes some high-profile movies and documentaries. The Hog Book: A Chefs Guide to Hunting, Preparing and Cooking Wild Pigs got funded recently through a $45 pledge per donor. It is scheduled for delivery in April. The Hog Book is a project coming out of Texas, because, duh, obviously. I assume youre going to want to order that book for Texas Hog Day, which happens in April every year? (OK, I just made that holiday up.) The defining characteristic of a Kickstarter project is that its time-limited, with a clear beginning, middle and end. Kickstarters success supports one of my counterintuitive but strongly held beliefs about money. Namely, there is always more money available than there are good ideas to fund. Wealthy philanthropists know this. Venture capitalists and angel investors know this. They always suffer from too much money and too few good ideas. Now, regular people mostly walk around with a scarcity mindset the I wish I had more money mindset. Whenever I have a brilliant idea, my next thought is, Well, but where would I get the money for that? That should not limit creative people. Since Kickerstarters launch in 2009, the money part has largely been taken care of, at least for certain types of creative projects. As for Heath, hes pleased with the realization of his brilliant idea, made possible by Kickstarter. It was a great experience, he said. It opened up the doors to make something cool and something relatable that people love. Those Pi Pie pans will be around for an irrationally long time. I see what he did there. Heath is officially invited to my next Pi Day Party on March 14, 2022. As are all of you. Entry fee: Bring a pie for every 3.14 guests. Extra props if you bake the pie in a pi-shaped pan. Michael Taylor is a columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and author of The Financial Rules for New College Graduates. michael@michaelthesmart money.com |twitter.com/michael_taylor Gov. Phil Murphys proposed budget reads like a wish list for many progressive causes in public health. Murphys revenue-rich budget includes: $25 million to reduce monthly premiums for people who buy their own health coverage; $20 million health coverage for all 88,000 uninsured children in the state; $8.5 million to permit new mothers on Medicaid to retain health coverage throughout the infants first year of life, under First Lady Tammy Murphys Nurture NJ initiative; $6.85 million to allow 20,000 additional senior citizens, previously excluded because of their income, to use the popular Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled and Senior Gold programs to cover most prescription drug costs; $4.2 million to fill 53 jobs to the state Health Department payroll, after years of budget cuts. Legislative hearings get underway on the governors $44.8 billion spending plan Wednesday morning. With the governor and senior Senate and Assembly leaders all Democrats on the same page ideologically, his proposals are likely to survive this election year. The health budget has already garnered a lot of public praise. We see many reasons to cheer for this budget, said Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of the Health Care Quality Institute of New Jersey, a research and consumer advocacy organization. Theres a real understanding that efforts toward universal access to health care will make us a stronger, healthier state. The focus on improving care and coverage for pregnant individuals, new mothers, babies and children is backed up with the necessary funds and the expansion of proven health care models, Schwimmer said. The budget calls for dedicating $25 million to help people who qualify for assistance pay their monthly insurance premiums if they bought coverage on the state-run GetCovered.NJ.gov online marketplace. Between federal assistance and a new 2.5% state tax on health insurance companies, the average premium has fallen from $164 a month in 2020 to $121 a month in 2021, according to the state Department of Banking and Insurance. This new budget appropriation, if approved, would make monthly costs even cheaper. This proposal would advance health care safety and affordability, and that will enable more New Jersey residents to purchase the health care coverage they need, Schwimmer said. The Murphy initiative getting the most attention is Cover All Kids, which aims to enroll every uninsured child in the state into NJ FamilyCare, the states Medicaid program. The $20 million appropriation will cover the estimated 88,000 children who lack insurance coverage in the state. NJ FamilyCare already covers one in three New Jersey children, according to the liberal-leaning think tank, NJ Policy Perspective. To have more than 80,000 uninsured children is a true stain on New Jerseys health record, said Brittany L. Holom-Trundy, a senior analyst for Policy Perspective. The majority of these 88,000 uninsured children 58% come from families whose income already qualifies them for NJ FamilyCare, Holom-Trundy said. It is likely these families just dont know the program exists, or if they do, believe they dont qualify for coverage, she said. But Cover All Kids expands eligibility for NJ FamilyCare in unprecedented ways, Holom-Trundy said. Another 19% kids will qualify because the existing programs income limits have been expanded, while the remaining 23% will qualify because legal immigration status is not a requirement, she said. The proposal is a strong effort to meet the needs of the moment and help New Jersey recover from COVID, she said. From D.C. to Trenton to your town, the N.J. Politics newsletter brings the news right to your inbox. Sign up with your email here: The Murphy budget also makes a down payment to address the chronic underfunding of the Health Department, which was stretched beyond capacity during the pandemic. The payroll line item will grow by $4.2 million to add 53 jobs in epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, early intervention services, health care quality assessment and laboratories, department spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said. Some jobs exist but are vacant while others are created to content with the increased workloads due to the pandemic, she said. Debbie White, president of the nurses union, Health Professionals & United Allied Employees, said the additional funding is welcome. After years of underfunding, we applaud Gov. Murphy and Treasurer (Elizabeth) Muoio for taking strides to invest in NJs public health infrastructure. Our state can no longer afford to neglect infectious disease prevention programs, White said. Our state can be better prepared to respond to infectious disease outbreaks across the state, White said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Airline tickets will be sold at half price to 800,000 travellers in a federal bid to help the tourism industry survive the pandemic by encouraging more Australians to book flights. The federal subsidy will run from April to July to increase flights to priority tourist destinations as part of a $1.2 billion package that answers months of industry calls for assistance. Cut-price flights will be offered to 800,000 travellers in a bid to get them to the regions. Credit:Bloomberg Customers will see the subsidy in lower prices for flights to regions including the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Whitsundays, the Sunshine Coast, Alice Springs, Launceston, Broome, regional Victoria, Merimbula, and Kangaroo Island. Airlines will also receive federal payments to keep about 8600 workers in jobs until international travel resumes in November, with Qantas and Virgin asked to prove their readiness to restart long-haul flights. New Delhi: Hours after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed she was attacked by some miscreants in Nandigram, Governor Jagdeep Dhankar sent across a message calling for peace and harmony. Banerjee said her leg was hurt when a few unidentified people pushed her as she approached her car. "Democratic process can blossom only with peace and harmony prevailing all around and all contributing according to rule of law and constitution. All need to ensure healthy environment and promote wholesome practices," Dhankar said in a tweet. Democratic process can blossom only with peace and harmony prevailing all around and all contributing according to rule of law and constitution. All need to ensure healthy environment and promote wholesome practices. Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) March 10, 2021 He said he called Banerjee to enquire about her health following the incident and also sought an update from the security in-charge of the chief minister, who went to Nandigram to file her nomination for the upcoming polls. "Called on (Mamata Banerjee) to enquire about her health condition and had earlier spoken to her at 6.40 pm while she was at Nandigram," Dhankar said in a tweet. "Sought an update from Director, Security and Chief Secretary in matter. Health Secretary and Director of Hospital urged to take all caution," he added. The incident happened at Birulia when the Chief Minister, after her scheduled program in Nandigram, was returning back to Reyapara. "A few people pushed me when I was near my car. I am hurt. My leg has swollen. I am in pain. Let me go. It is paining immensely. I am going to visit the doctor," Banerjee told the reporters earlier in the day. "No police official was present. Four-five people intentionally manhandled me in presence of the public. There were no police officials for four-five hours in such a huge public gathering, not even the SP. It was definitely a conspiracy," she added. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has sought a detailed report on the incident. Earlier in the day, Banerjee filed her nomination from the Nandigram seat for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. West Bengal will witness eight-phased assembly polls beginning March 27 with the final round of voting scheduled to take place on April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 2. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Sphinx announces a new appointment to its Advisory Committee and drill results for the Calumet Nord property MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2021 / Sphinx Resources Ltd. ("Sphinx" or the "Corporation") (TSXV:SFX) is pleased to announce that an agreement was signed with two prospectors for the acquisition of 100% of 14 claims hosting the former New Calumet Mine in Pontiac District, subject to the approval by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The Mine is located at less than 10 km north-west of Bryson, Quebec. With this acquisition, Sphinx will add 14 additional mining claims to its portfolio in Pontiac District. Sphinx is also pleased to appoint Pierre-Andre Viens and Donald Gervais to its Advisory Committee. The CEO, Mr Jeremie Ryan stated: "I'm pleased with the consolidation of the claims on Calumet island, where historical resources were reported in 1996. The upcoming purchase of the New Calumet Mine will surely be seen as a positive sign for Sphinx Resources." The map presented in Figure A shows the New Calumet Mine as well as other Sphinx's projects in the aera. With this acquisition, Sphinx will count 235 claims in Pontiac District with 213 surrounding the New Calumet Mine, see Table A. Table A: Pontiac District claims per property The former New Calumet mine that produced from 1943 to 1968, 3.8 million tonnes at 5.8% Zn, 1.6% Pb, 65 g/t Ag and 0.4 g/t Au (reference: Annual report New Calumet Mine 1968) and numerous VMS style alteration zones along a newly identified marker horizon. In the 1980s, Lacana Mining Ltd. discovered significant gold mineralization immediately below the underground workings of the mine. In 1996 Ressources Q.E.X. carried out diamond drilling programs to test the gold exploration potential between the surface and the -600 feet level. In a report by P. Girard, Ph.D, Eng., dated August 16, 1996, the author estimated that on the basis of the diamond drill program results that: 'geological reserves above the - 600 feet level of the 'Main Gold Zone' and in the 'Gold Migmatite Zone' to be 67,600 short tons with an average grade of 0.201 oz/short ton Au (6.3 g/t Au) and 6.93 oz/short ton Ag (217 g/t Ag)'. These figures are not in compliance with the requirements under NI 43- 101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects and should not be relied on until they are independently verified and supported by a NI 43-101 technical report. Figure A: Pontiac District Sphinx properties map (ref. Services Techniques Geonordic) Figure B: New Calumet Mine Cross section Note: Values are expressed in Imperial system. Grade is expressed in Troy once per ton (opt) and length in foot. Pontiac District Prospection and Exploration Strategy In the next few months Sphinx will consolidate its bank of data and proceed to the analysis of all its Pontiac District projects with an integrated view. The best targets will be identified and tested, conditional to successful financing. Sphinx will still be looking for zinc and copper, but also for precious metals like gold and palladium. Sphinx will continue to be open for any business initiative that may improve the return for its shareholders. Summary of New Calumet Mine Transaction Subject to the approval of TSX-V, Sphinx will purchase, from two prospectors, namely Golden Calumet Exploration Ltd. and Geotest Corporation, 100% of the 14 claims hosting the former New Calumet Mine in exchange for consideration consisting of: 7,500,000 common shares of Sphinx, and 1% NSR subject to a buyback option in favor of Sphinx for $1,000,000. The buyback option will be indexed for cost of living starting January 1, 2022. No finders' fee is payable in connection with the transaction. The selling prospectors are neither non-arm's length parties nor insiders of Sphinx. Appointment to the Advisory Committee The members of the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Donald Gervais to the Advisory Committee. Mr. Gervais is a profession geologist (Quebec) who has been involved in the mining industry for more than 30 years at different positions. He played and he is still playing a strategic role in the development of the Odyssey project (Canadian Malartic Mine). He was the technical services manager at Canadian Malartic Mine between 2012 and 2019. During is long career, Mr. Gervais has been in charged of several technical teams in the position of chief geologist and also for several different societies and mines. He has experience in both underground mines and open pit mines. Mr. Gervais holds a baccalaureate in geology from Chicoutimi University, 1987. The Advisory Committee is composed of two members: Pierre-Andre Viens and Donald Gervais. It is part of Sphinx strategy to build a team with people of different background who are interested to support Sphinx Board of Directors and the CEO by providing technical advice. Last drilling work results on Calumet-Nord Sphinx is please to provide results from the completed fall 1,218m drill program at its 100% owned Calumet-Nord property, located on Grand-Calumet Island, in the Pontiac MRC in southwestern Quebec. Assay results have been received from nine (09) exploration holes that tested Shea's stripping in depth and some geophysical anomalies. The mineralization is associated with 1-5% chalcopyrite and pyrite as disseminated and veins hosted in a sillimanite-muscovite-potassic feldspar-garnet-biotite schist. The dominant structure is a strong metamorphic fabric which in most places strikes northwest-southeast and dip northeast at moderate angles. Significant results are reported in Table B. Table B: Significant results Quality Assurance / Quality Control Sphinx Resource adheres to a strict Quality Assurance and Quality Control program with regard to core handling, sampling, transportation of samples and lab analyses. Drill cores logged and sampled directly at the drilling site. Samples selected for assay were shipped via secure transportation to the AGAT Laboratories in Mississauga, Ontario. Determination of gold in samples by lead fusion fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. Prepared samples are fused using accepted fire assay techniques, cupelled and parted in nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. Sample splits of 30 g are routinely used though 50 g may also be used (AGAT Code 202 551). Blanks, sample replicates, and internal reference materials (both aqueous and geochemical standards) are routinely used as part of AGAT Laboratories quality assurance program. For multi element analysis AGAT Method code is 202 073. The method description is Aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-OES Finish. Prepared samples are digested with aqua regia for one hour using temperature controlled hot blocks. Resulting digests are diluted to 50 ml with de-ionized water. Sample splits of 1 g are routinely used. Solubility of elements can be dependent on the mineral species present and as such., data reported from aqua regia leach should be considered as representing only the leachable portion of a particular analyte. Blanks, sample replicates, duplicates, and internal reference materials (both aqueous and geochemical standards) are routinely used as part of AGAT Laboratories quality assurance program. Qualified Person Mr. Pierre-Andre Viens, P.Eng., the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, prepared and verified the technical information of this press release, as well as reviewed the final text. About Sphinx Sphinx is a mineral exploration company that focuses its activities in southwestern Quebec in search of deposits of precious metals (palladium, platinum, gold and silver) and base metals (zinc, copper, lead). Sphinx is particularly active in the MRC Pontiac where its President and Chief Executive Officer resides. It has a strong local shareholding that contributes towards social acceptability. For further information, please consult Sphinx's website or contact: Jeremie Ryan President and Chief Executive Officer 819 664 2632 info@sphinxresources.ca www.sphinxresources.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Sphinx's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Sphinx from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Sphinx does not undertake to update any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Sphinx Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634543/Sphinx-to-Purchase-Former-New-Calumet-Mine-Claims-Thereby-Consolidating-the-Pontiac-District Walt Disney Co's Disney+ streaming service has signed up more than 100 million paying subscribers around the world in its first 16 months, Chief Executive Bob Chapek said at the company's annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday. Chapek also said Disney hopes to reopen its California theme parks to limited attendance in late April. The parks were closed a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. California officials set guidelines that would allow for theme parks in the state to reopen as soon as April 1. Chapek said it would take a few weeks to call back 10,000 furloughed employees to its two theme parks at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and train them in new virus safety procedures. In addition, Disney might be able to resume some cruise ship operations in the fall, Chapek said. Disney was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic as theme parks and movie theaters were forced to shut down, but it has impressed Wall Street with the growth of Disney+, which debuted in November 2019. The company is hoping for a comeback at cinemas this year. It currently is holding firm to plans to release Marvel movie "Black Widow" in movie theaters on May 7, Chapek said. Asked if he might replace Kathleen Kennedy, president of "Star Wars" studio Lucas film, Chapek said he looked forward to her running that unit "for many years to come." Some fans disliked the storylines of recent "Star Wars" movies and have argued for a new leader. The company also aims to reinstate dividend payments, which were suspended during the pandemic, "at some point" in the future, Chapek said. Chapek and nine others were re-elected to the company's board of directors, according to preliminary vote tallies announced at the meeting, which was held online. They include Executive Chairman Bob Iger, who previously said he will retire from Disney at the end of 2021. In an advisory vote, 68% of ballots cast supported Disney executives' compensation. The company's shares, which hit a record high of $203 on Monday, were down 2.9% at $196.04 on Tuesday afternoon. Also read: Bengaluru's J Kameshwari oldest woman in India to receive COVID-19 vaccine You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close MITCHELL COUNTY, Iowa - What would cause a doctor who spent nearly three decades serving a small northern Iowa community to abruptly be terminated during a pandemic? In court documents filed this week, Mark Haganman, formally employed by MercyOne and working in Mitchell County, said as the COVID-19 pandemic triggered shutdowns and dozens of deaths in Mitchell County, healthcare leaders conspired against him about how to handle the pandemic before he was terminated. Haganman has filed a lawsuit with 10 claims, including wrongful termination, against Mitchell County Regional Health Center and MercyOne North Iowa. Mitchell County Regional Health Center issued the following statement: "The claims in this lawsuit are without merit, and we look forward to defending against them in court." MercyOne North Iowa, when reached for comment, said it is not able to provide comment on an active case. Mitchell County Regional Health Center is an affiliate of MercyOne North Iowa. In the 40-page document, Haganman claims a board member made jokes online about mask-wearing and a vote regarding how to deal with the pandemic turned private just days before he was fired. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Dr. Haganman led an effort to make safe respiratory evaluation and testing available to the citizens of Mitchell County through a comprehensive initiative developed through the collaboration of key community stakeholders and largely paid for through the philanthropy of Dr. Haganman (the Provider Plan), court documents state. Haganman claims that Mitchell County Regional Health Center CEO Shelly Russell and physician Benson Hargens resisted the Provider Plan; and instead, implemented a plan that would benefit Dr. Hargens financially, while violating numerous state laws and public health directives. Haganman said that his termination was in retaliation for raising concern that the Russell Plan was in violation of law and not in the public interest. He is being represented by Hartung Schroeder Law Firm out of Des Moines. Haganmans attorney, Charlie Wittmack, spoke to KIMT and said his client would like to go back to work tomorrow. The people have asked for that. A petition was started after Haganmans dismissal to get him back to work. More than 1,000 people signed it. Wittmack said the lawsuit focuses on two scandals. He said one involved a plan to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Wittmack said the plan Mitchell County Regional Health Center submitted to the state fire marshal and to the public health department was not the plan that was implemented. He called them out and they canned him, Wittmack said. Wittmack said Haganman offered to use his off-site location, which Wittmack said Haganman funded himself, to aid in the COVID-19 response. Instead, a plan was implemented to use a location at the hospital. Haganman's off-site location was eventually used as a TestIowa site. The other main issue revolves around how Hagaman was terminated, Wittmack said. If Mitchell County has a problem with the physician who is on the staff, a formal process has to be followed, he said. In November, Mitchell County Regional Health Center released the following statement about Haganmans dismissal: We are fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with MercyOne North Iowa to recruit and provide health care professionals for MCRHC. Dr. Haganman has been an important part of this relationship for many years. We appreciate his years of service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Wittmack said the simplest way to sum up the case is this: "There is this group of folks that are focused on the science," Wittmack said. "Then there is this other group that is just in denial. It's heartbreaking to look at the numbers." The lawsuit claims that Mitchell County's COVID-19 infection rate and death rate skyrocketed in the weeks after Haganman's termination. Infection and death rates throughout northern Iowa did jump late in 2020, not just in Mitchell County. You can see a graph below of deaths and positive cases in the state related to the virus. "The outcome he wants is for science to win," Wittmack said. "He has spent his whole life dedicated to serving the people of Mitchell County." You can see the entire lawsuit below: A Northampton County jury convicted a West Easton constable of false reports to law enforcement, the county district attorneys office said Tuesday. Tricia Mezzacappas trial on the misdemeanor charge opened Monday, with multiple Pennsylvania State Police troopers testifying, the DAs office said in a news release. Mezzacappa, 50, faces up to a years probation at sentencing scheduled April 21, the release states. The charge stemmed from a noise disturbance Feb. 11, 2019, in in the 800 block of Ridge Street in West Easton. Mezzacappa lives in the borough and as an elected constable is in a sworn law enforcement position with arrest powers. Responding troopers spoke with Mezzacappa and her nearby neighbors, one of whom relayed that he had just started his car when Mezzacappa banged on his drivers side window and cursed at him, telling him to get out, according to the news release. He reportedly claimed this was all over his exhaust being too loud and that she told him shed take him to court. Mezzacappa then told troopers a man had pointed a gun at her head as she exited her vehicle after returning home for the night, and that she fired a round from her handgun at him and he fled in a vehicle, the release states. Mezzacappa provided police with the handgun she said she allegedly fired a round from, the DAs office continues in the release. Police examined the firearm and found the magazine to be at full capacity of 17 rounds, with no round in the chamber, indicating the gun was incapable of being fired even if the trigger was squeezed. Police investigated the area where the alleged incident took place and the search yielded negative results for a shell casing. Neighbors related to police they did not hear anything that resembled a gun being fired. Based upon their investigation, police determined the gun was not fired on the date and time Mezzacappa said it was. Mezzacappa speaking Tuesday to lehighvalleylive.com maintains she was violently mugged and I fired my weapon, and that the jury convicted her because she was caught on a police dashboard camera lying about what she did afterward. Asked whether she handled the firearm after firing it, she says she initially told police she did not. But she now says she took the handgun into her home, cleaned blood off it where the slide had injured her hand, and reloaded it with a fresh magazine but did not chamber a round. I admitted I did lie about that, she said Tuesday. I was very upset and misspoke. I was confused. I was in a state of hysteria. I have very little recollection of the incident. It was a horrible, traumatic event. Mezzacappa said while she is disappointed in the verdict she does not plan to appeal. She represented herself, she also said, and regrets not taking the advice of two attorneys who tried to counsel her. She said she does not plan to run again for constable and that, as a registered nurse, she is unlikely to be able to find a job because of the false reports conviction. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Teenage climate activistGreta Thunberg slammed President Joe Bidens handling of the climate crisis on Sunday, saying he hasnt done nearly enough. On The Mehdi Hasan Show on MSNBC, she was asked how shed grade the new US presidents efforts on climate change so far. She refused to assign a grade, but made it clear it would not be an A+. You should rather look at the science and whether his policies are in line with the Paris Agreement and to stay below 1.5 or even 2 degrees Celsius, Ms Thunberg told Hasan . And then you can clearly see that, no, its not nearly enough in line with the science. Since taking office, President Biden has rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change, appointed John Kerry as a special climate change envoy, and undone many of former president Trumps rollbacks of environmental policies. But Ms Thunberg said far more still needs to be done. When asked what the Biden administration should do that it hasnt done already, the Swedish teenager said the biggest change shed like to see is in the level of urgency around the issue. Just treat the climate crisis like a crisis, she said. They have said themselves that this is an existential threat, and theyd better treat it accordingly, which they are not. They are just treating the climate crisis as [if] it were a political topic among other topics. Ms Thunberg, 18, has been a climate activist since 2018, when she began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish parliament against what she saw as inaction on climate change. Hundreds of thousands of students around the world soon joined her movement , alternately called School Strike for Climate or Fridays for Future. In 2019, she travelled aboard a zero-emissions yacht to speak at a United Nations climate meeting in New York, where she delivered a scathing speech . You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, she told world leaders. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money, and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you! Two years and a pandemic later, Thunberg spoke with more sympathy for the worlds political leadership as she answered questions on MSNBC. I understand its difficult, and to be honest I would not want to be in a politicians position right now. I cant imagine how hard it must be, she told Hasan. But she was still clear that those politicians are not doing enough. How can you expect support and pressure from voters, she asked, if you are not treating the crisis like a crisis? NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The world was catapulted into an unprecedented time of fear, stress, uncertainty, and loss of connectivity and belonging. Sheila Thorne, President & CEO, Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, will participate in a conversation with the world's leading industry and public health advocates on Thursday, March 11 at Noon, to discuss Outlining Our Paths to Impact and Change on the COVID Advocacy Exchange (CAE). Sheila Thorne, President & CEO, Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group COVID Advocacy Exchange (CAE) Thorne, an international expert on global cultures and health disparities, inequities, and cultural competency and former senior marketing executive, has held rank in many of the top U.S. health marketing communications companies. Thorne stands ready to share her expertise in much-needed conversations surrounding racial and ethnic health and healthcare disparities. "Systemic racism and oppression have led to pervasive and persistent health disparities in America. The alarming number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in communities of color because of COVID-19 were no surprise to enlightened healthcare professionals," states Sheila Thorne. "The reasons for health disparities are complex. However, race is considered a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases. Add to this, George Floyd's death last year has also made the conversation about race and racism even more impossible to ignore. It presents an extraordinary opportunity to take bold, targeted, sustainable action that supports the mission that everyone deserves the right to live a healthy life regardless of their race or zip code," continued Thorne. The Bristol-Myers Squibb CAE is a virtual platform for advocacy organizations and the patients co-developed with patient advocacy organizations convening leaders, advocacy groups, patients, and industry to provide an opportunity for increased connection and collaboration to talk about some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. Join the conversation and have your voice heard. Register now at www.covidadvocacyexchange.com. ABOUT SHEILA THORNE A native New Yorker, Sheila Thorne has been a marketing communications professional for more than two decades. A former senior executive in five of the nation's preeminent marketing, advertising, and communications companies, Thorne has guided her team of seasoned marketing and media professionals of color in her own company since 2003. A former middle school and high school teacher of foreign languages, she has represented Fortune 500 companies throughout North America, Latin America, and Western Europe. Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC has developed, launched, and implemented award-winning innovative cross-cultural and cultural competency programs for the healthcare industry. For more information or to book Sheila Thorne for your upcoming event, please click here. Contact: Candace Sandy [email protected] 929.249.2265 SOURCE Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - One person was killed on Wednesday after police fired rubber bullets to disperse a group of protesters at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, police and a student leader said. The students are demanding that those who owe the university up to 150,000 rand ($9,850) in fees still be allowed to register for the new academic year. The cost of university education, prohibitive for many Black students, has become a symbol of the inequalities that endure in South Africa more than two decades after the end of apartheid. Wits student representative council president Mpendulo Mfeka said the person shot was not believed to be a student. Reuters could not immediately confirm the details of the person killed. Gauteng police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubela, speaking to national talk radio station SAFM, confirmed the death of a "middle-aged man", but did not say who had fired the fatal shot. "We are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Police have been in the area of the protest where they've been deployed to maintain law and order," said Makhubela. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said it was looking into the incident. "The Directorate has dispatched four investigation officers to probe the allegations, the team will also cordon the crime scene and conduct the investigation including locating the person with the video footage, identify eye witnesses etc," it said in a statement. Most students in South Africa are caught up in a group widely called the "missing middle", those who are not poor enough to qualify for government financial aid but not wealthy enough to pay. Protesting students took to the streets of Braamfontein district, where the university is located. "They (police) threw stun grenades to try and disperse the protest but we didn't run away, so they started firing rubber bullets," said Mfeka. "The person who was shot was shot directly in the head." Story continues Wits University's executive said in a statement it was concerned by the escalation of the situation. It said three protesters had been arrested by police and taken to a nearby station, while two student reporters had been injured. In 2016, widespread student protests for free higher education forced temporary closures at a number of South African universities. ($1 = 15.2235 rand) (Reporting by Kirthana Pillay and Akhona Matshoba; Writing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Chizu Nomiyama) Haiti - FLASH : Message from President Jovenel Moise on social networks This Wednesday March 10, President Jovenel Moise published on his official Twitter account a message to the Nation that we invite to read, comment and share. Message from President Jovenel Moise : "[...] we left the field open to the corrupt oligarchs to perpetuate the plunder and the grabbing of all the national wealth. It is time to realize this and act differently. It is time to realize this to save our dear Haiti. 35 years after the emergence of the so-called democratic forces, it is sad that no compromise has been found in the direction of the emancipation of the people. Corrupt oligarchs have won the battle of division, antagonizing those who should unite for a better Haiti. 'Retire pye paw poum mete pam' : our only national sport for ages. Yet no team wins without all of its players aiming for the same goal. It is time to embrace this collective way forward. We owe it to our children. WE owe it to our country. After decades of fratricidal struggles and repeated failures, the fervor and commitment to development must not wane. The prestige and authority of every honest citizen must increase to breathe new life into the corrupt oligarchs. In the aftermath of 1986, we were mistaken in believing that everything was going to be easy. Fratricidal struggles have shaken the foundations of our Nation. Dark forces escalated the plots. We have only one alternative : the national agreement. My travels in remote areas remind me of this secular collective failure. We have abandoned the hinterland. In our regions, the energy of the inhabitants is overflowing. It would suffice to facilitate their inclusion for them to put themselves at the service of the Nation. Love Haiti, prevent others from dividing us for the benefit of their interests. We have an obligation to see things differently so that our country can once again become a haven of peace. Thus, we will be able to consider innovative and sustainable solutions for the happiness of all. Transform our country, prevent the corrupt oligarchs from plundering our wealth before changing the country the wrong way doom us to do so. To achieve this, the true sons of the Nation must come together around the same table for a frank and sincere dialogue. After decades of systematic plundering of State property by corrupt oligarchs from diverse backgrounds, the country needs a collective awakening, a frenzy of intense collaboration and production to get out of the rut of sub -development." HL/ HaitiLibre A Chinese couple take their quadruplets to play in a field in Wujing Village of Zhuzhai Town, Funan County of Fuyang, east China's Anhui Province, Feb. 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Junxi) This extraordinary result is a reason for hope and inspiration to the entire community of nations, said the UN chief. BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently extended congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the announcement of China's successful efforts in the fight against extreme poverty. "I wish to extend my most sincere congratulations to your Government and to you personally," Guterres said. Noting this moment is a notable accomplishment and a significant contribution towards realizing a better and more prosperous world, as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the secretary-general said, "I commend you for your vision and leadership." "This extraordinary result is a reason for hope and inspiration to the entire community of nations," he said. "It shows the importance of political commitment at all levels of government and policy stability to improve the conditions of the poorest and most vulnerable," the UN chief said. "It also underscores the opportunity of development models that are innovation-driven, green, open and which work to deliver for all," he added. Guterres expressed confidence that "China will continue to make progress in its efforts to leave no one behind." David Selles Pass Herald Reporter This past Friday, I went for an interview at the Crowsnest Community Support Society to discuss their new Mens Shed. Theres an article in this issue that highlights what it all is and the opportunities it will provide for any men interested in the community. Im very happy to see something like this coming to the Crowsnest Pass. I feel its very important to have opportunities like this for the people who may need it. Having a Mens Shed where guys can gather together and work on different projects or just hang out and talk is massive for helping with mental health, especially in the current world we live in. Theres this false idea that men need to be these strong people who never let emotions in and its caused a lot of men to hide their depression and feelings until its too late. continued below ... The government of Canada website shows that men and boys have the highest rates of suicide risk and mental illness like depression is one of the most common reasons for suicide. It is immensely important for groups like this to exist. This Mens Shed in the Crowsnest Pass will give men the opportunity to gather and talk if they need to. Providing this. The article also highlights how, right now, a lot of seniors are somewhat forced to stay home to ensure their safety with covid-19. Being stuck inside with no opportunity of face-to-face conversations is extremely detrimental to someones mental health. continued below ... Even for me, a very introverted person, I need some face-to-face interactions to help keep me sane. Anytime someone suggests an in person interview Im more than happy to make that work. Humans were made to interact with each other and creating the Mens Shed will give men in our community a chance to have those interactions while doing something they all have common ground with. I hope more ideas like this come to the Pass and give community members every opportunity to enjoy each others company. HOME PAGE Ghislaine Maxwell's brother has said he 'recognises the setting' of the famous photo showing her with Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts. The Duke of York has faced scrutiny over the notorious picture of him with his arm around Roberts, who says she was kept as a 'sex slave' by Jeffrey Epstein and trafficked to have sex with Andrew - a claim which the prince has always denied. Asked whether the photo was taken at Maxwell's London home, her brother Ian Maxwell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I do recognise that setting'. But he added that 'I don't know anything about the photograph other than that I've seen it's been published'. Andrew says he has no recollection of the photo being taken and says it might have been faked, claiming in his 2019 interview that he never went upstairs at Maxwell's home and would have been wearing different clothes to go out in London. He added that he had never seen Epstein wielding a camera, making him an unlikely candidate to have taken the photo, and said that 'as a member of the royal family' he would not put his arm around people when posing for pictures with them. Mr Maxwell did not rule out that Andrew could be called to speak in Ghislaine's defence when she goes on trial in July, adding that he 'assumes' she still considers the Duke a friend. The 59-year-old socialite has been in custody since last July when she was charged with helping Epstein to groom underage girls, which she denies. Giving a rare interview, Mr Maxwell lobbied for her release from pre-trial custody today as he claimed she was losing her hair and struggling with her eyesight in conditions that are 'degrading' and 'amount to torture'. However, US prosecutors have poured cold water on her hopes of securing bail by renouncing her French and UK citizenships - calling it 'window dressing' after her two previous applications were denied. Ghislaine Maxwell (a sketch of her video link court appearance last year) faces child sex trafficking charges over allegedly recruiting three teenage girls as young as 14 for paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse in the 1990s Giving a rare interview, Ian Maxwell claimed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that his sister Ghislaine was being held in 'degrading' conditions in a US jail Ghislaine Maxwell 's brother has said he 'recognises the setting' of an infamous photo (above) showing her with Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts and Prince Andrew Prince Andrew drives to Windsor Castle today amid the separate royal scandal triggered by Harry and Meghan's interview with Oprah Winfrey which aired on Sunday Ian Maxwell: Reclusive tycoon's son who was cleared of fraud Ian Maxwell resurfaced for a rare interview today after three decades of staying out of the spotlight following the death and disgrace of his tycoon father Robert Maxwell. He and Ghislaine are two of the nine children of the late media baron, who died at sea in 1991 after falling from a yacht called the Lady Ghislaine. After his death it emerged that he had looted millions from the Mirror Group's pension funds as his empire crumbled. Ian Maxwell and another brother, Kevin Maxwell, were put on trial in connection with the scandal but were acquitted at the Old Bailey in 1996. The trial coincided with the break-up of Ian's first marriage, to former US college basketball star Laura Plumb. Kevin (left) and Ian Maxwell in the 1990s Ian has kept a low profile since then, with the BBC describing today's interview as his first to a broadcaster for 30 years. Thought to have lived in Hackney in East London in recent years, he appeared in person in a BBC studio to lobby for his sister's release. But the brothers have also built up business interests outside the UK in property, telecoms and energy, including in Russia. In 2018 they set up a think-tank called Combating Jihadist Terrorism following a series of attacks in Britain. Ian married his second wife Tara Dudley Smith in 1999, but that relationship also later ended. Advertisement Mr Maxwell said his sister 'remained resolute' but was being served 'brown' water, 'inedible' food and monitored around the clock in 'grotesque' conditions in Brooklyn which he said were 'not the way that a democratic country' should run its prisons. A US judge has twice denied bail to Maxwell, saying she 'plainly poses a risk of flight', but her brother insisted she would not seek to flee if her third bail application is successful. Mr Maxwell said his sister had offered in her latest bail application to renounce her French and UK citizenships, which she said was 'no easy thing' for her. Prosecutors have repeatedly urged the court to deny bail, arguing that Maxwell, who also has US citizenship, might flee to Britain or France and evade extradition if she is released. France does not extradite its own citizens at all, while Britain does but only after a long judicial process which US authorities have previously run afoul of. In their latest filing, prosecutors say they have sought guidance from French justice officials who say she would not be eligible for extradition because she was still a French citizen at the time of the alleged offences. They add that any extradition from the UK could potentially take years, providing 'no measure of justice' to alleged victims. As a result, they say, 'the defendant's claimed [willingness] to renounce her citizenship in both the United Kingdom and France is little more than window dressing'. Prosecutors have also pointed to Maxwell's vast wealth as evidence of her flight risk - but her brother said she was willing to put her money under the supervision of US authorities if it helped secure bail. 'Had she wanted to run away, she could have run away at any point in the year after Epstein died,' Mr Maxwell said. 'But she remained permanently in the United States. 'This isn't somebody who's seeking to flee. She has attachments here, she has family here, she has an entire life built by her for 30 years here.' But prosecutors have rejected this idea too, saying they do not trust Maxwell to be 'transparent' about the full scope of her finances. Her lawyers had offered $22.5million in bail posted by the defendant and her husband, but the judge rejected the second bail package in December. 'No conditions of release can reasonably assure the Defendant's appearance at future proceedings,' federal judge Alison Nathan wrote. 'Ghislaine has been in prison now for nearly 250 days and counting. She is in effective isolation in a cell that measures 6ft by 9ft and which includes a concrete bed and a toilet,' Mr Maxwell said. 'There is no natural light. She is under 24-hour, round-the-clock surveillance with ten cameras including one that moves and tracks her movements. That is her existence. 'The water that is provided through the prison is brown and the food that she's given is very highly microwaved and basically inedible. 'She is resolute, she's strong in her spirit and undaunted, but obviously this is very, very wearing physically. 'She's a 59-year-old woman and we understand that she's losing her hair, and she's also having trouble with her eyesight and her ability to concentrate because this is a tremendous pressure to be under.' Asked whether the conditions were not necessary to prevent her from harming herself - like Epstein - Mr Maxwell said his sister 'has never been a suicide risk'. 'There are daily evaluations of her, she has shown no indication that that is her intention. She is being completely overmanaged,' he said. But he added: 'I'm worried about her health and her ability to concentrate and to mount her defence. No human being should have to go through what she's been through. 'It is really degrading, and in terms of the deprivation of sleep, this is not the way that a democratic country should be running its prison system, it's grotesque and in that respect it amounts to torture.' Ian Maxwell (right) with Ghislaine Maxwell (second left) and their father, the late British publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell (second right) and his wife Elizabeth (left) in 1990 US prosecutor Audrey Strauss points to a picture of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell as charges are announced against the socialite last year 'Hell-hole' Brooklyn jail compared to a 'third-world' prison The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where Ghislaine Maxwell is being held has been described as a 'hell hole' by a former warden and compared to a 'third-world' country by a US judge. Cameron Lindsay, a former warden at the MDC, described life in the jail as 'a crushing experience', especially for someone who is used to the high life. 'You go from living a life like Maxwell to all of a sudden being... strip-searched and having people look into your body cavities,' he said. A New York judge once said she avoids sending women to the prison because the conditions are similar to 'some third-world country'. The Brooklyn detention center The prison with a capacity of 1,600 men and women has had its share of famous residents, including singer R Kelly and 'pharma bro' Martin Shkreli. But it has had more than its share of problems as well. In 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on New York, investigators found that guards had been carrying out a campaign of harassment against Muslim prisoners who were slammed face-first into walls and told they would 'die'. A probe was also carried out into guards accused of beating two inmates between 2002 and 2006. In 2018, two former lieutenants and a guard were jailed for repeated rapes and sexual assaults on female inmates - who make up about three per cent of inmates. One woman, a Dominican prisoner in jail on a drugs charge, recalled being raped at least four times over five months while on night cleaning duty. More recently, an electrical panel exploded after weeks of malfunctioning- plunging the jail into darkness and cutting off the heat. Inmates told the New York Times that they were left locked in their cells for 23 hours a day in almost total darkness without heat after the problem first started. Advertisement Mr Maxwell also slammed prosecutors for allegedly failing to hand over details of the three accusers who are the subject of the case. His sister has pleaded not guilty to helping Epstein recruit and groom three underage girls for sex in the mid-1990s, and not guilty to perjury for denying involvement. She also faces civil litigation from Epstein accusers, 20 of whom are represented by US lawyer Gloria Allred. Also speaking to Radio 4 on Wednesday, Allred rejected Maxwell's complaints, saying it would be 'very upsetting to the victims' if she was bailed. 'A cell is not a palace, a cell is not a wealthy estate with all the amenities in it,' she said, adding that bail 'should be out of the question,' she said. 'The court has determined... that she is a flight risk and that is a main reason why bail was denied. 'I am not convinced at this point that anything has changed, that she is no longer a flight risk, and I think she needs to stay where she is in custody. 'She can prepare for trial there, she can meet with her attorneys, and I understand that she has access to information that she can read in order to be prepared for trial.' Asked whether he wished he had intervened to end his sister's relationship with Epstein before his disgrace, Mr Maxwell said: 'I wish she'd never met the man, obviously. 'But we don't live on the same continent, we don't have the same social life, we don't have the same friends. I'm not in the business of talking to my sister about her private life.' Questioned about whether Prince Andrew could be called as a defence witness, Mr Maxwell said: 'I can't answer that, I just don't know'. But asked if she still considers Andrew a friend, he said: 'I don't know. I would assume that she does, yes'. Andrew acknowledged in his BBC Newsnight interview in 2019 that he socialised with Maxwell and Epstein over a number of years until Epstein's conviction in 2008. After Epstein was released from jail, Andrew again went to see him in New York in 2010 what he now claims was a visit intended to end their relationship. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor, and served a short prison sentence in Florida under a plea deal which is now widely regarded as too lenient. The prince was also questioned over the notorious photograph, responding that he had 'absolutely no memory of that photograph ever being taken'. Asked by Emily Maitlis whether he thought the picture was faked, he replied: 'From the investigations that we've done, you can't prove whether or not that photograph is faked or not because it is a photograph of a photograph of a photograph.' But he cast doubt on its authenticity by saying he had never been upstairs at Maxwell's home 'because the dining room and everything was on the ground floor'. He added that the clothes he was wearing in the picture were his 'travelling clothes' if he was going abroad rather than what he would wear for a night out in London. And asked whether Epstein might have taken the photo, Andrew said that 'I've never seen Epstein with a camera in my life'. Ian Maxwell did not rule out that Prince Andrew, pictured during his disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight in 2019, could be called to give evidence in Ghislaine Maxwell's defence Maxwell is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (pictured), and faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted In 2019, Epstein was arrested on new sex-trafficking charges and killed himself in a Manhattan jail in August that year while awaiting trial. Maxwell subsequently went to ground and her whereabouts were a mystery for nearly a year after Epstein's death until she was arrested in New Hampshire last July. She is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, and faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted. Ghislaine and Ian Maxwell are two of the nine children of the late British publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell, who died at sea in 1991. After his body was found floating in the Atlantic Ocean, an inquest found he died from a heart attack combined with accidental drowning. Ian Maxwell and another brother, Kevin, were later accused of fraud relating to the collapse of the Maxwell empire, but were found not guilty. Since then they has kept a low profile, with the BBC describing today's interview with Ian Maxwell as his first to a broadcaster for 30 years. Does anyone know what is happening to the vaccination programme and, if you find out, can you let the rest of us know? In his address to the nation on February 23, Taoiseach Micheal Martin was adamant about one thing the end [was] now truly in sight for the worst horrors of the Covid crisis. Why? Our secret weapon was finally being deployed, at scale, in the fight. We are making steady progress over 350,000 vaccine doses have already been administered, but we are now in a position to implement a major ramping-up of the programme by the end of March, we will have administered 1.25 million doses, he pledged. This was an auspicious speech for Mr Martin. In the weeks before he made it, he had come under sustained attack, including friendly fire from Fianna Fail TDs, for a botched communications strategy which had left the Irish people utterly bewildered about the Governments Covid plan, or lack thereof. The purpose of the speech was twofold. To restore confidence in the Governments ability to manage the crisis and to chart a way out, back to normality, using just one metric vaccine roll-out. Now, two weeks later, that plan is in tatters. Yesterday we were told that, actually, we wont be administering anywhere near 1.25 million vaccines by the end of the month. In fact, we will be lucky to get to 850,000 doses by then. Remember, even if the Government had achieved the 1.25 million dose target by the end of March, that figure would have been a substantial reduction on what we had anticipated in January. Back then, we were told it would be 1.7 million doses. Given what transpired with AstraZeneca, and the failure of that company to deliver the quantities of vaccine it had promised all over the EU, a significant shortfall of 500,000 doses was perhaps to be expected. But, how can the target have dropped by a further 400,000 doses in just two weeks? Mr Martin, when he gave a commitment to administer 1.25 million doses in the first quarter, was clear that the AstraZeneca shambles had been factored into his calculations. So, are we now to believe that Pfizer and Moderna have jilted the Government to the tune of 400,000 doses and the Government has just found out about this now? Is that credible? When he made his address at the end of February, Mr Martin solemnly promised that the vaccine programme was undergoing a major ramping-up. To meet the target in his speech, it would have had to. By February 23, approximately 350,000 doses had been administered. Therefore, he expected a further 900,000 doses to be administered within five weeks on average, 180,000 doses per week, or 25,000 per day. Read More Was that realistic? Mr Martin certainly claimed it was. In fact, he made vaccine roll-out the central plank of his speech, vowing the Government had the capacity, and presumably the vaccine stock, to deliver. Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee yesterday, HSE chief Paul Reid sought to muddy the waters. He said the HSE expected 1.1 million doses to be delivered by the end of the first week in April and said additional supply would come on stream once the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was approved. However, Mr Martin was very clear that 1.25 million doses would be administered, not just delivered, in a speech he gave just 14 days ago. How could he get the figures so wrong? Are they just making them up as they go along? A wing and a prayer and maybe well find a few hundred thousand doses of precious vaccine down the back of a couch? Or, is the Government being fed the incorrect information from the EU which has seized control of vaccine supply across the region with the delivery targets being reduced every couple of days? Which is it? The EU hasnt exactly covered itself in glory in the administration of the vaccine programme. The bloc is trailing far behind the US and the UK when it comes to the proportion of its population that has been vaccinated. That delay is costing lives, businesses and wreaking havoc in all 27 member states. No such delays, or diminution in vaccine supply, appear to exist in either the US or the UK. Both countries are vaccinating at pace, with President Joe Biden recently promising to have every adult in the US vaccinated by June. Why is it just EU countries that seem to be bedevilled by supply issues? Most importantly, whose responsibility is it to deal with this mess? The Government has refused to countenance looking elsewhere, outside the EUs centralised programme, to find additional vaccine supply. But, if it cant rely on that programme to secure the expected quantities of vaccine which, lets remember, are a prerequisite to life returning to something approximating normal why is it refusing to broaden its search? Vaccines are in short supply, and high demand, but given the enormous quantities of money the Government is currently spending to sustain businesses and workers throughout the lockdown, surely it can find some spare cash to throw at some extra vaccines if it can find them? There would be a big upfront cost, but that would merely be an investment in reopening the country as quickly as possible, which would save billions in the long-term. At the very least, the Government could make some effort to find additional supply, even if that search proves fruitless. Whats the worst thing that could happen? We dont get any and have to rely on the EU programme to vaccinate the entire population which is the Governments existing plan. The Government is on thin ice already with a weary electorate. The vaccination programme rapidly turning into yet another fiasco could see them crashing through and perishing. Payments for January's oil sales have now been received. ( ) noted the latest payments received from the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil sales made in January. It received a total of US$23.9mln in net payments comprising US$10.9mln for its share of the Tawke field, US$6.5mln for the Tawke override, US$2.6mln from its stake in the Taq Taq field and US$1.5mln from the Sarta field. It also included the recover of US$2.4mln of past receivables, from oil sale invoices from 2019 and 2020. Earlier this week, the company told investors that the Sarta-3 well has begun production. It sees the Sarta field, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, now producing more than 10,000 barrels of oil per day. Genel, in a brief statement on Monday, said it expects production volumes to increase from the two current production wells through the optimisation of the fields production facilties. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close REEDSPORT, Ore. Douglas County Sheriffs deputies are working to negotiate with a subject in Reedsport Tuesday night, and they are asking the public to avoid the area. Multiple law enforcement agencies are in the area of Highway 101 and Winchester Avenue. Highway 101 has been closed between the Oregon 38 junction and Schofield Creek. It started just before 5:45 p.m. when deputies stopped a vehicle and detained an individual and another person inside the vehicle became hostile, the sheriffs office said. Negotiation attempts are underway. No additional information is available at this time. Stay with KEZI 9 News for updates. For more information about the road closure, CLICK HERE. Scripps Howard Awards has named finalists for its top journalism prizes, including AL.com. The list of three finalists for Excellence in National/International Investigative Reporting, the Ursula and Gilbert Farfel Prize, includes the series Mauled: When Police Dogs Are Weapons. The investigative series was the work of The Marshall Project, AL.com, The Indianapolis Star and Invisible Institute. The yearlong investigation was published in print and online by dozens of outlets. Police dogs bite thousands of people every year in the United States. The injuries can be physically and financially devastatingand sometimes deadly. The series identified and tracked individual cases, mostly based on court records, eventually building a nationwide database of more than 150 severe incidents. Many were captured on video from police bodycams or shot by bystanders. Most of the victims were accused of minor offenses or were not suspects at all, and were frequently left with grievous injuries and lifelong scars. The Mauled series began at AL.com, where reporter Challen Stephens was looking into a series of violent encounters involving one dog and its handler in a small Alabama town. Realizing that the problems with K-9s was happening across the country, AL.com reached out to The Marshall Project to broaden the investigation into the world of police dogs, where maulings are common and oversight is rare. At Al.com, reporter Ashley Remkus and photographer Joe Songer also worked on the project throughout 2020. There are two other finalists in the investigative category: Frontline PBS COVIDs Hidden Toll, and BuzzFeed News, an International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and more than 100 media partners on the project, FinCEN Files. The Scripps Howard Awards, presented by the Scripps Howard Foundation and The E.W. Scripps Company, will award $160,000 in prize money for work across 14 categories and the coveted Impact Award. Following a year that challenged journalists to navigate a global pandemic, societal unrest and intense partisanship, its more important than ever to recognize journalists roles as the eyes and ears of our communities, said Liz Carter, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Foundation. We see a common theme in the reporting recognized tenacity to hold the powerful accountable, protect our democracy and inform fellow citizens. A panel of veteran journalists and media industry leaders convened virtually in February to judge entries for the competition, which honors the best journalism from the previous year. The panel of impartial judges selected the list of finalists from nearly 900 entries. The judges also selected one entry from the list of 2020 winners as the recipient of the Impact Award, which recognizes journalism that serves the public through coverage of an issue leading to changes in the public, private or business sector. This award will be announced on April 21, 2021, along with the other winners during a virtual celebration, streamed on Facebook and YouTube. The Scripps Howard Foundations annual celebration of Americas best journalism reaffirms the importance of journalists and their public service responsibilities to our society, said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. Today, we honor those who excelled in their roles as watchdogs and upheld the essential role of our nations Fourth Estate, even amid a year of adversity. The awards program is produced in partnership with Scripps local TV stations WXYZ in Detroit and WCPO in Cincinnati, and its national news network, Newsy. The show will be rebroadcast May 8 and May 9 on Newsy and on Scripps television stations throughout the summer. For more information, visit shawards.org. A full list of finalists follows: Excellence in Coverage of Breaking News The Washington Post The Beirut Explosion Star Tribune (Minneapolis) The Killing of George Floyd The Seattle Times Life Care of Kirkland: The Nations First COVID-19 Epicenter Excellence in Broadcast Local Coverage, honoring Jack R. Howard KARE-TV (Minneapolis) KARE 11 Investigates: Cruel and Unusual WFAA-TV (Dallas) Banking Below 30 KING-TV (Seattle) Facing Race Excellence in Broadcast National/International Coverage, honoring Jack R. Howard VICE on Showtime India Burning MSNBC and NBC News On Assignment with Richard Engel: Coronavirus Special Series CBS News Norah ODonnell Investigates: Military Sexual Assault Excellence in Business/Financial Reporting The New York Times The Presidents Taxes City Bureau and WBEZ-FM (Chicago) Where Banks Dont Lend ProPublica Pandemic Profiteers Excellence in Environmental Reporting Newsday (Long Island, New York) The Grumman Plume: Decades of Deceit Oregon Public Broadcasting Timber Wars The Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina) Rising Waters Distinguished Service to the First Amendment, honoring Edward Willis Scripps KNXV-TV (Phoenix) Full Disclosure Minnesota Reformer The Bad Cops NPR Civil War at the Voice of America Excellence in Human Interest Storytelling, honoring Ernie Pyle The New York Times She Stalked Her Daughters Killers Across Mexico, One by One Stitcher Witness Docs Unfinished: Deep South The Washington Post Stephanie McCrummen Excellence in Innovation, honoring Roy W. Howard The Tennessean (Nashville) Inside the Storm The Washington Post Flatten the Curve Miami Herald A Numbers Game and Just Like You Excellence in Local/Regional Investigative Reporting USA Today Torn Apart City Bureau and WBEZ-FM (Chicago) Where Banks Dont Lend Tampa Bay Times Targeted Excellence in National/International Investigative Reporting, the Ursula and Gilbert Farfel Prize BuzzFeed News, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and more than 100 media partners FinCEN Files The Marshall Project, AL.com, The Indianapolis Star and Invisible Institute Mauled: When Police Dogs Are Weapons FRONTLINE PBS COVIDs Hidden Toll Excellence in Multimedia Journalism KXAN-TV (Austin, Texas) Locked in Limbo The Associated Press COVID Atlas The New York Times Visual Investigations: Police Misconduct and Racial Injustice in 2020 Excellence in Opinion Writing The Boston Globe Jenee Osterheldt Los Angeles Times Gustavo Arellano Union of Concerned Scientists and Grist.org Tried to Warn You Excellence in Radio/Podcast Coverage, honoring Jack R. Howard Global Reporting Centre On Chinas New Silk Road Kaiser Health News and St. Louis (Missouri) Public Radio Where it Hurts: No Mercy Invisible Institute, The Intercept and Topic Studios Somebody Excellence in Visual Journalism The Oregonian (Portland) Photography from Portlands George Floyd Protests Los Angeles Times Marcus Yam Visual Journalism Portfolio Newsday (Long Island, New York) A Season of Protests The Scripps Howard Foundation, in partnership with the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), also announced finalists for its two journalism education awards. These awards recognize excellence in teaching and administration within journalism and communication programs. Teacher of the Year Kathleen Culver University of Wisconsin-Madison Lanier Holt The Ohio State University Administrator of the Year Lucy Dalglish University of Maryland Alan Stavisky University of Nevada, Reno Parents of teenagers at a troubled high school have claimed students are arming themselves with makeshift knives to protect themselves. One video taken last month at Greater Shepparton Secondary College in northern Victoria shows more than a dozen students fighting in a school corridor. At one point a boy is kicked to the ground before a teacher pulls a student involved away from the melee. In a separate video taken at the school's McGuire campus that has left parents terrified, one student is seen punching an innocent kid in the back of the head. An Aboriginal student at the secondary college Nerrissa Leitch meanwhile has alleged she had been subjected to racism from fellow students. 'Many of my friends come from different backgrounds, different nationalities, and they've been told to go back to their own country,' she told ABC News. 'Things like the n-word.' The escalating violence - which forced the school to go into lockdown in February and deploy security guards - has led to some students taking shanks with them to school, one parent claimed. 'These attacks are vicious, there not just one-off attacks theyve been happening since February last year,' the anonymous parent told The Herald Sun. Parents said too many students are being taught at the site - which merged with other secondary schools in the Shepparton area last year. 'Before this school started, we never had a problem like this, there were fights but nothing of this magnitude,' a parent said. A report commissioned by the Department of Education and Training has also found the school itself had been 'complicit' with the racism levelled at minority students. Shocking footage has captured a student being sucker punched from behind at a school where parents claim shanks are being carried around on the schoolyard Parents claim schoolyard tensions at Greater Shepparton Secondary College's McGuire campus have spilled over because there are too many students being taught at the site Parents have called for the merged college to be split up again so they can choose where to send their children to school. Students fighting at the merged school's nearby Wanganui campus has also led to police being called. The college has said it had done everything it could to calm tensions in the schoolyard. 'All appropriate actions have been taken in recent weeks to ensure a return to a safe and calm school environment, including the provision of extra teachers,' the school's executive principal Barbara OBrien said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Victoria Police and the school for further comment. NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Liana Zavo, ZavoMedia Group, a Russian-American business influencer, publicist, celebrity interviewer, a media mogul and an advocate for female entrepreneurs is disrupting the medium, has been accepted into Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only community for the world's most successful entrepreneurs 45 and younger. Russian-American Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder of ZavoMedia Group, Celebrity Interviewer, Business Influencer Public Relations & Digital Marketing Agency Liana Zavo was hand-selected to join YEC based on her accomplishments as an entrepreneur and proven industry leadership. As a member of YEC, Liana Zavo will have access to exclusive benefits including a curated network of influential peers, personal brand building and publishing opportunities on top media outlets, volume discounts on business services, and VIP events. "I am beyond excited and thrilled to be a part of the world-leading YEC universe. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a groundbreaking council of entrepreneurs who are changing the world with one launch at a time. As a thought leader in my industry, I am committed to the continual pursuit of knowledge and to the development of my talents to empower myself and others to reach our full human potential. In order to become a success in today's world one must find ways to foster meaningful relationships and bring the utmost value to others," says Zavo. Scott Gerber, founder of YEC, says, "We are honored to welcome Liana Zavo to YEC. Our philosophy is that by curating the very best entrepreneurial minds around and providing them with a space to build meaningful relationships and access more opportunity, our members can further their success and the success of the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem." For more information about YEC, visit yec.co . Contact: Kim Peterson 707 278-6742 [email protected] SOURCE Young Entrepreneur Council When an official with CPS arrived and determined the residence was not suitable for the children, Dobson and Phillips said they could stay at a hotel or a friends house, but the CPS official determined due to their financial situation and instability of having a home it would be best for the children to be removed. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Slovak company searching for Covid antibody cure They originally wanted to produce a vaccine. Font size: A - | A + First, they started developing a vaccine against Covid-19, but they changed their objective about one year later. The Slovak company Axon Covidax would like to use its research for antibody therapy, the Dennik E economic daily reported. "It currently makes more sense in strategic and commercial terms, and probably bigger sense than a vaccine, which is too late," said Michal Fresser, company CEO, as quoted by Dennik E. The company is still in the initial stage of developing the new medicament. It has completed the pre-clinical stage, and by the end of this year, the company wants to test antibodies on people in cooperation with a German company, whose name they have not specified. The company plans to continue developing a vaccine, too. Collecting money Slovak company created antibodies that prevent multiplication of the coronavirus Read more Unlike its competition, which already offers similar treatment that needs to be injected, Axon Covidax wants to enter the market with inhalation treatment, Dennik E reported. The company, owned and financed by entrepreneur Mario Hoffman, wants to collect money from small investors. It has already launched a call for the subscription of shares. If it generates profit, the company is ready to share it with investors. If not, they will lose the investment, Dennik E reported. The aim is to collect 40 million. The company does not want to comment on how much money it has received to date, Dennik E reported. 10. Mar 2021 at 11:41 | Compiled by Spectator staff Nicky Hilton has been known to serve some chic looks on red carpets and Instagram. But the socialite opted for function over fashion during a recent outing to beat the lingering winter chill. She was spotted Tuesday bundling up in a green patchwork jacket, as she stepped out in a winter casual look to run errands around the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. Bundled up: Nicky Hilton was spotted Tuesday bundling up in a green patchwork jacket, as she stepped out in a winter casual look to run errands around the SoHo neighborhood of New York City The 37-year-old layered the shearling jacket over a red and beige teddy pullover, trimmed in yellow details. She complemented the look with a pair of skinny jeans and some grey New Balance trainers with a neon yellow logo. Nicky finished the look with a pair of clear-framed round sunglasses and a black face mask, taking precautions against COVID-19. She carried a fluffy white shearling purse with cognac leather straps, as she texted someone during the walk. Splash of color: The 37-year-old layered the shearling jacket over a red and beige teddy pullover, trimmed in yellow details Blue jean baby: She complemented the look with a pair of skinny jeans and some grey New Balance trainers with a neon yellow logo Wear a mask: Nicky finished the look with a pair of clear-framed round sunglasses and a black face mask, taking precautions against COVID-19 In the bag: She carried a fluffy white shearling purse with cognac leather straps, as she texted someone during the walk The 365 Style author recently posted an adorable photo to Instagram of daughters Lily-Grace, four, and Teddy, three, playing dress-up to celebrate International Women's Day. She captioned the photo: 'Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all the incredible women who have paved the way for us to be where we are today. 'Cheers to all the wonderful women fighting for an even greater future for the women of tomorrow. These are tough times but our future is bright!' Nicky shares her two daughters with husband James Rothschild, 36, whom she married in July of 2015. She recently joined another one of her favorite women when she appeared on sister Paris Hilton's podcast This Is Paris. Mama's girls: The 365 Style author recently posted an adorable photo to Instagram of daughters Lily-Grace, four, and Teddy, three, playing dress-up to celebrate International Women's Day Women supporting women: She recently joined another one of her favorite women when she appeared on sister Paris Hilton's podcast This Is Paris (pictured in December, 2020) She said yes: The blonde beauty revealed that Carter Reum, 40, asked her permission before popping the question to her big sister, 40, last month, also asking her and the rest of the family to join them on the beach when he did it Sisterhood goals: And it's a good thing she signed off, as Paris thinks highly of her little sister, praising her during the episode: 'Even though she's my little sister, I've always looked up to her like a big sister' The blonde beauty revealed that Carter Reum, 40, asked her permission before popping the question to her big sister, 40, last month, also asking her and the rest of the family to join them on the beach when he did it. She said: 'So, we were at lunch and you got up from the table to go and use the bathroom, and he got up and came and sat next to me and said "I have two quick questions."' And it's a good thing she signed off, as Paris thinks highly of her little sister, praising her during the episode: 'Even though she's my little sister, I've always looked up to her like a big sister. 'She's the one that's way more responsible, and always watching out for me and is so protective she's very intuitive and very strong.' Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Highlights At Red Chris, new zones of higher grade mineralisation intersected at East Ridge and south of the South Boundary Fault: At East Ridge, hole RC678, returned 198m @ 0.89g/t Au & 0.83% Cu from 800m, including 76m @ 1.8g/t Au and 1.5% Cu from 908m. East Ridge is located 300m east of East Zone and the new intercept is open in all directions. Drilling at East Zone has intersected higher grade mineralisation south of the South Boundary Fault. The South Boundary Fault currently defines the southern extent of mineralisation across the East Zone. Hole RC677 returned 524m @ 0.37g/t Au & 0.39% Cu from 528m, including 156m @ 0.71g/t Au & 0.59% Cu from 638m. This interval also includes 10m @ 1.5g/t Au & 0.88% Cu from 784m which is located on the underexplored side of the South Boundary Fault. At Havieron, infill drilling (within the Inferred Mineral Resource Boundary) designed to support the delivery of an Indicated Mineral Resource estimate in the South East Crescent Zone and adjacent Breccia Zones has been completed. The results are in line with expectations and increase confidence in the continuity of the higher grade mineralisation. Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) (TSX: NCM) Newcrest Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sandeep Biswas, said, "We are excited to announce the discovery of the East Ridge which is a new zone of higher grade mineralisation at Red Chris. The initial intercept is open in all directions, with mineralisation displaying similar characteristics to that of the high grade pods in the East Zone. Drilling to determine the significance of this new zone is underway, with the results from this initial intercept highlighting the potential for additional discoveries at Red Chris." Red Chris - Significant results since the December 2020(1) Quarterly Exploration Report: RC675 : 438m @ 0.32g/t Au & 0.41% Cu from 264m including 30m @ 0.57g/t Au & 0.77% Cu from 340m : RC677 : 524m @ 0.37g/t Au & 0.39% Cu from 528m including 156m @ 0.71g/t Au & 0.59% Cu from 638m including 10m @ 1.5g/t Au & 0.88% Cu from 784m : RC678 : 198m @ 0.89g/t Au & 0.83% Cu from 800m including 104m @ 1.5g/t Au & 1.3% Cu from 884m including 76m @ 1.8g/t Au & 1.5% Cu from 908m : Havieron - Significant infill resource drilling results since the December 2020([1]) Quarterly Exploration Report: HAD112 196.1m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.28% Cu from 545.9m including 18.5m @ 4.9g/t Au & 0.60% Cu from 595m HAD122 97m @ 3.9g/t Au & 0.50% Cu from 500m including 15m @ 9.7g/t Au & 1.8% Cu from 500m ____________________ 1 # drilling in progress * partial intercept, assays pending ** partial intercept, assays pending; ^ updated intercept or ^^ previously reported. HAD123 169.5m @ 3.4g/t Au & 0.33% Cu from 711.5m including 58.9m @ 6.2g/t Au & 0.23% Cu from 736.1m including 3.1m @ 95g/t Au & 0.50% Cu from 781.8m HAD127 79.3m @ 4.5g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 537m including 41.7m @ 8.4g/t Au & 2.6% Cu from 549m HAD130 109.4m @ 5.9g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 622m including 24m @ 17g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 630m Red Chris, British Columbia, Canada Red Chris is a joint venture between Newcrest (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%). Newcrest acquired its interest in, and operatorship of, Red Chris on 15 August 2019. The Brownfields Exploration program is focused on the discovery of additional zones of higher grade mineralisation within the Red Chris porphyry corridor, including targets outside of the historic Imperial Metals resource. Since 31 December 2020, there were up to six diamond drill rigs in operation. A further 4,742m of drilling has been completed from 4 drill holes. All drill holes intersected mineralisation. This contributed to a total of 109,177m of drilling from 92 drill holes since Newcrest acquired its interest in the joint venture. Drilling continues to return significant intercepts across the entire porphyry corridor. At East Ridge, located adjacent to the East Zone, Newcrest's first hole has discovered a new zone of higher grade mineralisation, with hole RC678 returning 198m @ 0.89g/t Au & 0.83% Cu from 800m, including 76m @ 1.8g/t Au and 1.5% Cu from 908m. The style of mineralisation and grade tenor is similar to that seen in the high grade pods from the East Zone (previously reported). The intercept, a 300m step out east of the East Zone, is located south of the South Boundary Fault, is open in all directions and extends the eastern side of the porphyry corridor as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Drilling to define the extent and continuity of this high grade mineralisation is underway. In the East Zone, drilling continues to confirm the potential for additional high grade mineralisation south of the South Boundary Fault. The South Boundary Fault currently defines the southern extent of mineralisation across the East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone. Results from RC677, which extended across the fault, returned 524m @ 0.37g/t Au & 0.39% Cu from 528m, including 156m @ 0.71g/t Au & 0.59% Cu from 638m. This interval also includes 10m @ 1.5g/t Au & 0.88% Cu from 784m which is located on the south side of the fault. Located 300m west of East Ridge, drilling to define the extent and continuity of this potential high grade mineralisation is underway. In the Main Zone, drilling has confirmed the potential for further higher grade mineralisation which could support additional mining fronts, beneath and to the south west of the open pit. Results from RC675, which followed up historic results south west of the Main Zone pit, returned 438m @ 0.32g/t Au & 0.41% Cu from 264m, including 30m @ 0.57g/t Au & 0.77% Cu from 340m. The mineralisation is located immediately adjacent to the South Boundary Fault and is open at depth and along strike. Drilling to define the extent and continuity of this potential high grade mineralisation is underway. Approximately 50,000m of growth-related drilling is planned this calendar year with an increase to 8 drill rigs next quarter. Further drilling of the East Ridge and Main Zone is planned to define the extent of the mineralisation and is expected to be completed by June 2021. Further targets along the porphyry corridor and neighbouring GJ property, have been identified with the potential to conduct drilling to test these targets in the future. Refer to Appendix 1 for additional information, and Drillhole data table for all results reported during the period. Figure 1. Schematic plan view map of the Red Chris porphyry corridor spanning East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from a Leapfrog model. Gold equivalent (AuEq) grade calculated using a copper conversion factor of 1.79 ([gold grade (g/t)] + [copper grade (%) x 1.79]), using US$1,300/oz Au, US$3.40/lb Cu and 100% recovery. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_003full.jpg Figure 2. Long section view map of the Cadia and Red Chris porphyry corridors showing drill hole locations and gold distribution. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_004full.jpg Havieron Project, Western Australia The Havieron Project is operated by Newcrest under a Joint Venture Agreement with Greatland Gold. As announced on 30 November 2020, Newcrest has now met the Stage 3 expenditure requirement (US$45 million) and is entitled to earn an additional 20% joint venture interest, resulting in an overall joint venture interest of 60% (Greatland Gold 40%). Newcrest can earn up to a 70% joint venture interest through total expenditure of US$65 million and the completion of a series of exploration and development milestones in a four-stage farm-in over a six year period that commenced in May 2019. Newcrest may acquire an additional 5% interest at the end of the farm-in period at fair market value. The Joint Venture Agreement includes tolling principles reflecting the intention of the parties that, subject to a successful exploration program and Feasibility Study and a positive decision to mine, the resulting joint venture mineralised material will be processed at Telfer. The Havieron Project is centred on a deep magnetic anomaly located 45km east of Telfer in the Paterson Province. The deposit is overlain by more than 420m of post mineral Permian cover. Newcrest commenced drilling during the June 2019 quarter and has progressively increased its drilling activities with up to eight drill rigs operational during the period. Drilling activities from 26 infill drill holes resulted in 16,449m of drilling completed since 30 December 2020, with all drill holes intersecting mineralisation. A total of 154,953m of drilling from 179 drill holes has been completed since Newcrest commenced exploration activity in May 2019. At Havieron, infill drilling to support the delivery of an Indicated Mineral Resource estimate in the South East Crescent Zone and adjacent Breccia Zones has been completed. This infill drilling confirms previously reported drilling results and provides additional support for both geological and grade continuity for ongoing studies. Drilling since May 2019 has outlined an ovoid shaped zone of variable brecciation, alteration and sulphide mineralisation with dimensions of 650m x 350m trending in a north west orientation. Breccia mineralisation has been identified internally and externally to the Crescent Zone, including targets which remain open to the east, north west and south east. Mineralisation has been observed to over 1,000m in vertical extent below the post mineralisation cover sequence and remains open at depth. Within this ovoid shaped zone, exploration activity has identified four key target regions at this stage, which are: South East Crescent and Breccia North West Crescent Northern Breccia Eastern Breccia An infill drilling program comprising 43 holes saw 26 holes completed during the reporting period (within the Inferred Mineral Resource Boundary) at a nominal 50m by 50m spacing, designed to support the delivery of an Indicated Mineral Resource estimate in the South East Crescent Zone and adjacent Breccia Zones. Assay results have now been received for all of the holes. The results are in line with expectations and increase the confidence in the continuity of the higher grade mineralisation. Results for the reporting period include(1): HAD112 196.1m @ 1.7g/t Au & 0.28% Cu from 545.9m including 18.5m @ 4.9g/t Au & 0.60% Cu from 595m HAD113W2 89.3m @ 2.3g/t Au & 0.38% Cu from 799.5m HAD114W1 114.8m @ 0.97g/t Au & 0.14% Cu from 770.4m Including 16m @ 5.1g/t Au & 0.49% Cu from 840.6m HAD116 164m @ 1.3g/t Au & 0.49% Cu from 644m including 15.7m @ 5.2g/t Au & 0.8% Cu from 655.7m HAD117 33.7m @ 6.1g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 699m including 22.7m @ 9g/t Au & 0.88% Cu from 710m HAD117W1 33.8m @ 4.1g/t Au & 0.25% Cu from 794.2m Including 15.6m @ 5.8g/t Au & 0.23% Cu from 794.4m HAD118 31.9m @ 3.4g/t Au & 0.88% Cu from 626m including 18.2m @ 4.7g/t Au & 1.1% Cu from 639.3m HAD119 129.5m @ 1.5g/t Au & 0.29% Cu from 550.1m including 40m @ 4.3g/t Au & 0.79% Cu from 627m HAD119W1 65m @ 2.6g/t Au & 0.45% Cu from 663m including 17.5m @ 4.6g/t Au & 0.55% Cu from 674.5m HAD120 199.5m @ 1.1g/t Au & 0.30% Cu from 573m including 13m @ 5.6g/t Au & 0.4% Cu from 670m HAD121 70.5m @ 2.8g/t Au & 0.17% Cu from 514m including 2.1m @ 59g/t Au & 1.3% Cu from 519.8m HAD122 97m @ 3.9g/t Au & 0.50% Cu from 500m including 15m @ 9.7g/t Au & 1.8% Cu from 500m HAD123 169.5m @ 3.4g/t Au & 0.33% Cu from 711.5m including 58.9m @ 6.2g/t Au & 0.23% Cu from 736.1m including 3.1m @ 95g/t Au & 0.50% Cu from 781.8m HAD127 79.3m @ 4.5g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 537m including 41.7m @ 8.4g/t Au & 2.6% Cu from 549m HAD130 109.4m @ 5.9g/t Au & 0.63% Cu from 622m including 24m @ 17g/t Au & 1.4% Cu from 630m HAD131 54.5m @ 1.9g/t Au & 1.3% Cu from 508m including 33.8m @ 2.4g/t Au & 1.2% Cu from 508.2m Mineralisation is open at depth below the Inferred Mineral Resource indicating the potential for resource expansion at depth with additional drilling. Current drilling is targeted to define the extent and growth potential of the Havieron mineralised system. Drilling in the current period was impacted by seasonal wet weather. Currently 8 drill rigs are operational on the growth drilling program with a focus on the North West Crescent and Northern Breccia Zone. This drilling is aimed to provide support for the potential expansion of the existing Inferred Mineral Resource. Drill testing and interpretation of the geological and mineralisation controls of the Eastern Breccia Zone is ongoing. Further targets outside of Havieron, but within the joint venture area with Greatland Gold, have been identified with the potential to conduct drilling to test these targets in the future. Refer to Appendix 2 for additional information, and Drillhole data table for all results reported during the period. Figure 3. 3D Plan view schematic showing the spatial association of the South East Crescent + Breccia, North West Crescent, Northern Breccia and newly recognised Eastern Breccia targets outline projected to surface. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_005full.jpg Figure 4. Plan view schematic of a horizontal slice at 4700mRL through the Crescent Sulphide Zone and Breccia-hosted Zones, showing the extents of the 0.5 and 1.0 g/t Au LeapfrogTM grade shells with highlighted newly reported intercepts for this period. Also shown is the Eastern Breccia, Northern Breccia and North West Crescent mineralisation outlines projected to the 4700mRL section - drilling is ongoing to confirm the extent of these zones. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_006full.jpg Wilki Project, Western Australia Newcrest entered into an exploration farm-in and joint venture agreement with Antipa Minerals Limited on 11 March 2020 in respect of the southern portion of its 100% owned ground in the Paterson Province of Western Australia (now called the 'Wilki Project'). The Wilki Project covers a strategic landholding of ~2,200km2 which surrounds the Telfer operation and is also in close proximity to the Havieron Project and the Juri Joint Venture. Exploration activity during the December 2020 quarter included a 15 hole drill program testing five targets previously identified from Airborne Electromagnetic Survey (AEM), geochemistry and magnetic data. Interpretation of results are ongoing. A work program for the 2021 field season targeting additional high priority targets is in preparation. Juri Joint Venture, Western Australia On 30 November 2020, Newcrest entered into the Juri Joint Venture which is a farm-in and joint venture agreement with Greatland Gold, with respect to its Black Hills and Paterson Range East projects, located within the Paterson Province approximately 50km from the Telfer operation. The new joint venture covers an area of approximately 248km2. Under the terms of the agreement, Newcrest has been granted an initial 25% joint venture interest with the potential to earn up to a 75% joint venture interest through total expenditure of A$20 million over a two stage earn-in, across a five year period. Greatland Gold will manage the Juri Joint Venture until the end of calendar year 2021, after which Newcrest has the right to be appointed as Manager. Newcrest and Greatland Gold have agreed an exploration program until the end of calendar year 2021 which is anticipated to drill test priority targets, including the Parlay target within the Black Hills Project and the Goliath, Outamind and Los Diablos targets within the Paterson Range East Project. Additionally, geophysical work will be conducted in calendar year 2021 to identify other potential targets within both projects. Field activities are expected to commence by the end of March 2021. Nevada, USA At the Jarbidge project in northern Nevada, Newcrest is exploring an early-stage exploration target for low-sulfidation epithermal gold. Newcrest completed diamond drilling at the Jack Creek zone in February 2021 and is awaiting final assay results and data interpretation. Appendix 1 Red Chris (70% Newcrest): JORC Table 1 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling. HQ and NQ diameter diamond core was drilled on a 3, 4.5m or 6m run. Core was cut using an automatic core-cutter and half core sampled at 2m intervals. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Core drilling was advanced with HQ3, HQ, NQ3 and NQ diameter coring configuration. Core from inclined drill holes are oriented on 3, 4.5m or 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled. Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 4,742m in 4 holes - all holes intersected mineralisation, including orientation of key geological features. Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Red Chris Mine. Digital data logging was captured, validated and stored in an acQuire database. All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled. Core was cut and sampled at the Red Chris Mine core processing facility. Half core samples were collected in plastic bags together with pre-numbered sample tags and grouped in plastic bags for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 5 to 10kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by road to the laboratory. Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd Laboratory, Vancouver (Bureau Veritas). Samples were dried at 650C, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75 mm, and the split to obtain up to 3kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM2) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m. Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Bureau Veritas. All samples were assayed for 48 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method MA250). Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with ICP-ES finish (method FA350). Carbon and Sulphur were determined by Leco (method TC000) and mercury using aqua regia digestion followed by ICP-ES/MS determination (method AQ200). Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20). Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in the acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches. Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data. Due to the limited extent of the drilling program to date, extended quality control programs are yet to be undertaken, whereby pulped samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs. Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated. The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled sample tags are assigned to each interval. All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access. Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database. Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person. No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a RTK GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.025m. Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner (Reflex TN14 GYROCOMPASS). Downhole survey was collected at 9 to 30m intervals of the drill hole using single shot survey (Reflex EZ-SHOT). At the end of hole, all holes have been surveyed using a continuous gyro survey to surface (Reflex EZ-GYRO). Topographic control is established from PhotoSat topographic data and derived digital elevation model. The topography is generally low relief to flat, with an average elevation of 1500 m, with several deep creek gullies. All collar coordinates are provided in the North American Datum (NAD83 Zone 9). Data spacing and distribution The drill hole spacing ranges from 100 - 200m in lateral extent within an area of 1.5km2 at the East Zone, 1.5km2 at the Main Zone and 1.5km2 at the Gully Zone. The drill hole spacing is >200m at the East Ridge, where there is insufficient drilling to define the lateral extent of the area. No sample compositing is applied to samples. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drilling of reported drill holes RC675, RC677 and RC678 are oriented perpendicular to the intrusive complex. The intrusive complex has an east-northeast orientation, with drilling established on a north-northwest orientation. Drill holes exploring the extents of the East Ridge, East Zone, Main Zone and Gully Zone mineral system intersected moderately dipping volcanic and sedimentary units cut by sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Steeply dipping mineralised zones with an east-northeast orientation have been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database. Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Red Chris Mine core yard every shift. Geological and geotechnical logging, high resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Red Chris core processing facility. Samples were freighted in sealed bags with security tags by road to the laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated from pre-labelled sample tags. All samples are collected in pre-numbered plastic bags. Sample tags are inserted into prenumbered plastic bags together with the sample. Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advice issued to Newcrest. Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to the laboratory analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the laboratory analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Due to the limited duration of the program, no external audits or reviews have been undertaken. Internal verification and audit of Newcrest exploration procedures and databases are periodically undertaken. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Red Chris comprises 77 mineral tenures including five mining leases and is a joint venture between subsidiaries of Newcrest Mining Limited (70%) and Imperial Metals Corporation (30%). Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited is the operator of Red Chris. Newcrest Red Chris Mining Limited and the Tahltan Nation (as represented by the Tahltan Central Government, the Tahltan Band and Iskut First Nation) signed an updated Impact, Benefit and Co-Management Agreement (IBCA) covering Red Chris on 15 August 2019. All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Conwest Exploration Limited, Great Plains Development Co. of Canada, Silver Standard Mines Ltd, Texasgulf Canada Ltd. (formerly Ecstall Mining Limited), American Bullion Minerals Ltd and bcMetals Corporation conducted exploration in the areas between 1956 and 2006. Imperial Metals Corporation acquired the project in 2007 and completed deeper drilling at the East and Main Zones between 2007 and 2012. Geology The Red Chris Project is located in the Stikine terrane of north-western British Columbia, 80 km south of the town of Dease Lake. Late Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Stuhini Group host a series of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic 204-198 Ma) diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. Gold and copper mineralisation at Red Chris consists of vein, disseminated and breccia sulphide typical of porphyry-style mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by diorite to quartz monzonite stocks and dykes. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrite-chalcopyrite-bornite sulphide mineral assemblages as vein and breccia infill, and disseminations. The main mineralisation event is associated with biotite and potassium feldspar-magnetite wall rock alteration. Drill hole information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.1g/t Au greater than or equal to 20m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.5g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (C) length-weighted averages exceeding 1g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; (D) length-weighted averages exceeding 5g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution; and (E) length-weighted averages exceeding 10g/t Au for greater than or equal to 10m, with less than 10m of consecutive internal dilution. No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Insufficient geological information is available to confirm the geological model and true width of significant assay intervals. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the tenth release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Previous release dates are 30 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 30 April 2020, 11 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 10 September 2020, 29 October 2020, 10 December 2020 and 28 January 2021. Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Imperial Metals Corporation have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil. Further work Further drilling is planned to define the extents of the East Ridge, East Zone and Main Zone. Drillhole data(1) Red Chris Project, British Columbia, Canada Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.1ppm (0.1g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >0.5ppm (0.5g/t Au), Au >1ppm (1g/t Au), Au > 5ppm (5g/t Au), Au >10ppm (10g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Gold grades are reported to two significant figures. Samples are from core drilling which is HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth (GRID) Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off RC675 DD 451667 6395388 1539 981.2 147 -59 150 194 44 0.11 0.15 0.1 264 702 438 0.32 0.41 0.1 incl. 314 326 12 0.55 0.74 0.5 incl. 340 370 30 0.57 0.77 0.5 incl. 544 562 18 0.62 0.66 0.5 RC676# DD 452008 6396133 1554 806.4 145 -59 Assays pending RC677 DD 453064 6396386 1460 1445.1 148 -64 188 230 42 0.11 0.03 0.1 528 1052 524 0.37 0.39 0.1 incl. 638 794 156 0.71 0.59 0.5 incl. 784 794 10 1.5 0.88 1 incl. 810 854 44 0.57 0.43 0.5 1066 1148 82 0.12 0.18 0.1 RC678 DD 453251 6396597 1420 1499.3 147 -59 706 782 76 0.14 0.27 0.1 800 998 198 0.89 0.83 0.1 incl. 884 988 104 1.5 1.3 0.5 incl. 908 984 76 1.8 1.5 1 RC679 DD 451618 6395469 1540 1135.1 148 -59 Assays pending RC680 DD 451718 6395301 1539 770.2 150 -59 Assays pending RC681# DD 451585 6395323 1528 536.3 151 -59 Assays pending RC682# DD 453064 6396386 1460 734.3 149 -69 Assays pending RC683# DD 451963 6395068 1537 13.5 328 -59 Assays pending RC684# DD 453252 6396600 1420 293.0 147 -63 Assays pending Figure 5. Schematic plan view map of the East Ridge and East Zone showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from a Leapfrog model and sliced at 800mRL. Gold equivalent (AuEq) grade calculated using a copper conversion factor of 1.79 ([gold grade (g/t)] + [copper grade (%) x 1.79]), using US$1,300/oz Au, US$3.40/lb Cu and 100% recovery. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_007full.jpg Figure 6. Schematic plan view map of the Main Zone showing drill hole locations (Newcrest & Imperial) and significant Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases). 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from a Leapfrog model and sliced at 800mRL. Gold equivalent (AuEq) grade calculated using a copper conversion factor of 1.79 ([gold grade (g/t)] + [copper grade (%) x 1.79]), using US$1,300/oz Au, US$3.40/lb Cu and 100% recovery. To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_008full.jpg Figure 7. Schematic cross section of RC678 (Section Line 34) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.5 g/t AuEq, 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from Leapfrog model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 7, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_009full.jpg Figure 8. Schematic cross section of RC677 (Section Line 31) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.5 g/t AuEq, 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from Leapfrog model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 8, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_010full.jpg Figure 9. Schematic cross section of RC675 (Section Line 14) showing Newcrest and Imperial drill holes and Newcrest intercepts (drill intercepts have been reported in Appendix 1 of this report, and in prior Newcrest exploration releases) 0.5 g/t AuEq, 1g/t AuEq and 2g/t AuEq shell projections generated from Leapfrog model. Due to window size (+/- 50m) and section orientation (150) hole may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 9, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_011full.jpg Appendix 2 Havieron Project (Greatland Gold Plc - Joint Venture Agreement): JORC Table 1 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Core samples are obtained from core drilling in Proterozoic basement lithologies. PQ-HQ and NQ diameter core was drilled on a 6m run. Core was cut using an automated core-cutter and half core sampled at 1m intervals with breaks for major geological changes. Sampling intervals range from 0.2 - 1.0m. Cover sequences were not sampled. Drilling techniques Permian Paterson Formation cover sequence was drilled using mud rotary drilling. Depths of cover typically observed to approximately 420m vertically below surface. Steel casing was emplaced to secure the pre-collar. Core drilling was advanced from the base of the cover sequence with PQ3, HQ3 and NQ2 diameter coring configuration. Core from inclined drill holes are oriented on 3m and 6m runs using an electronic core orientation tool (Reflex ACTIII). At the end of each run, the bottom of hole position is marked by the driller, which is later transferred to the whole drill core run length with a bottom of hole reference line. Drill sample recovery Core recovery is systematically recorded from the commencement of coring to end of hole, by reconciling against driller's depth blocks in each core tray with data recorded in the database. Drillers depth blocks provided the depth, interval of core recovered, and interval of core drilled. Core recoveries were typically 100%, with isolated zones of lower recovery. Cover sequence drilling by the mud-rotary drilling did not yield recoverable samples. Logging Geological logging recorded qualitative descriptions of lithology, alteration, mineralisation, veining, and structure (for all core drilled - 7,071m from 26 drillholes, all intersecting mineralisation), including orientation of key geological features. Geotechnical measurements were recorded including Rock Quality Designation (RQD) fracture frequency, solid core recovery and qualitative rock strength measurements. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were recorded every metre. The bulk density of selected drill core intervals was determined at site on whole core samples. All geological and geotechnical logging was conducted at the Havieron site. Digital data logging was captured on diamond drill core intervals only, and all data validated and stored in an acQuire database. All drill cores were photographed, prior to cutting and/or sampling the core. The logging is of sufficient quality to support Mineral Resource estimates. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation Sampling, sample preparation and quality control protocols are considered appropriate for the material being sampled. Core was cut and sampled at the Telfer and Havieron core processing facility. Half core samples were collected in pre-numbered calico bags and grouped in plastic bags for dispatch to the laboratory. Sample weights typically varied from 0.5 to 4kg. Sample sizes are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Drill core samples were freighted by air and road to the laboratory. Sample preparation was conducted at the independent ISO17025 accredited Intertek Laboratory, Perth (Intertek). Samples were dried at 105oC, and crushed to 95% passing 4.75mm, and the split to obtain up to 3kg sub-sample, which was pulverised (using LM5) to produce a pulped product with the minimum standard of 95% passing 106m, the sample and 10 samples either side are re-ground or re-screened. There are very few instances of <95% passing the second grind. An assessment of the grind size verses Au grade has shown that rare mineralised assays are affected by grinding issues. Duplicate samples were collected from crush and pulp samples at a rate of 1:20. Duplicate results show an acceptable level of variability for the material sampled and style of mineralisation. Periodic size checks (1:20) for crush and pulp samples and sample weights are provided by the laboratory and recorded in the acQuire database. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests Assaying of drill core samples was conducted at Intertek. All samples were assayed for 48 elements using a 4-acid digestion followed by ICP-AES/ICP-MS determination (method 4A/MS907), which is considered to provide a total assay for copper. Gold analyses were determined by 50g fire assay with AAS finish (method FA50N/AA), which is considered to provide a total assay for gold. Sampling and assaying quality control procedures consisted of inclusion of certified reference material (CRMs), coarse residue and pulp duplicates with each batch (at least 1:20). Assays of quality control samples were compared with reference samples in acQuire database and verified as acceptable prior to use of data from analysed batches. Laboratory quality control data, including laboratory standards, blanks, duplicates, repeats and grind size results are captured in the acQuire database and assessed for accuracy and precision for recent data. Extended quality control programs including pulp samples submitted to an umpire laboratory and combined with more extensive re-submission programs have been completed. Analysis of the available quality control sample assay results indicates that an acceptable level of accuracy and precision has been achieved and the database contains no analytical data that has been numerically manipulated. The assaying techniques and quality control protocols used are considered appropriate for the data to be used for reporting exploration drilling results. Verification of sampling and assaying Sampling intervals defined by the geologist are electronically assigned sample identification numbers prior to core cutting. Corresponding sample numbers matching pre-labelled calico bags are assigned to each interval. All sampling and assay information were stored in a secure acQuire database with restricted access. Electronically generated sample submission forms providing the sample identification number accompany each submission to the laboratory. Assay results from the laboratory with corresponding sample identification are loaded directly into the acQuire database. Assessment of reported significant assay intervals was verified by re-logging of diamond drill core intervals and assessment of high resolution core photography. The verification of significant intersections has been completed by company personnel and the Competent Person/Qualified Person. No adjustments are made to assay data, and no twinned holes have been completed. There are no currently known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data. Location of data points Drill collar locations were surveyed using a differential GPS with GNSS with a stated accuracy of +/- 0.5m for all drill holes reported. Drill rig alignment was attained using an electronic azimuth aligner. Downhole survey was collected at 6-12m intervals in the cover sequence, and every 6 to 30m in diamond drill core segments of the drill hole using single shot (Axis Mining Champ Gyro). The single shot surveys have been validated using continuous survey to surface (Axis Mining Champ) along with a selection of drill holes re-surveyed by an external survey contactor using a DeviGyro tool - confirming sufficient accuracy for downhole spatial recording. A LIDAR survey was completed over the project area in Nov 2019 which was used to prepare a DEM / topographic model for the project with a spatial accuracy of +/- 0.1m vertical and +/- 0.3m horizontal. The topography is generally low relief to flat, elevation within the dune corridors in ranges between 250-265m Australian Height Datum (AHD) steepening to the southeast. All collar coordinates are provided in the Geocentric Datum of Australian (GDA20 Zone 51). All relative depth information is reported in AHD +5000m. Data spacing and distribution Within the South-East Crescent and Breccia zone drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 100m, to 50 by 50m within the initial resource extents. Outside the initial resource boundary drill hole spacing ranges from 50 to 200m in lateral extent within the breccia zone over an area of ~2km2. The data spacing is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity. Significant assay intercepts remain open. Further drilling is required to determine the extent of currently defined mineralisation. No sample compositing is applied to samples. Drilling intersects mineralisation at various angles. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Drill holes exploring the extents of the Havieron mineral system intersect moderately dipping carbonate and siliclastic sedimentary facies, mineralised breccia and sub-vertical intrusive lithologies. Geological modelling has been interpreted from historic and Newcrest drill holes. Variable brecciation, alteration and sulphide mineralisation is observed with a footprint with dimensions of 650m x 350m trending in a north west orientation and over 1000m in vertical extent below cover. The subvertical southeast high grade arcuate crescent sulphide zone has an average thickness of 20m and has been defined over a strike length of up to 550m, and over 600m in vertical extent below cover. Drilling direction is oriented to intersect the steeply dipping high-grade sulphide mineralisation zones at an intersection angle of greater than 40 degrees. The drilled length of reported intersections is typically greater than true width of mineralisation. Sample security The security of samples is controlled by tracking samples from drill rig to database. Drill core was delivered from the drill rig to the Havieron core yard every shift. On completion of geological and geotechnical logging, core processing was completed by Newcrest personnel at the Havieron facility. High resolution core photography and cutting of drill core was undertaken at the Havieron core processing facilities. Samples were freighted in sealed bags by air and road to the Laboratory, and in the custody of Newcrest representatives. Sample numbers are generated directly from the database. All samples are collected in pre-numbered calico bags. Verification of sample numbers and identification is conducted by the laboratory on receipt of samples, and sample receipt advise issued to Newcrest. Details of all sample movement are recorded in a database table. Dates, Hole ID sample ranges, and the analytical suite requested are recorded with the dispatch of samples to analytical services. Any discrepancies logged at the receipt of samples into the analytical services are validated. Audits or reviews Internal reviews of core handling, sample preparation and assays laboratories were conducted on a regular basis by both project personnel and owner representatives. In the Competent Person's opinion, the sample preparation, security and analytical procedures are consistent with current industry standards and are entirely appropriate and acceptable for the styles of mineralisation identified and will be appropriate for use in the reporting of exploration results and Mineral Resource estimates. There are no identified drilling, sampling or recovery factors that materially impact the adequacy and reliability of the results of the drilling programme in place at the Havieron Project. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status The Havieron Project is entirely contained within mining tenement M45/1287, which is jointly owned by Greatland Pty Ltd and Newcrest Operations Limited. Newcrest has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (effective 30 November 2020) and Farm-In Agreement (effective 12 March 2019) with Greatland Pty Ltd and Greatland Gold plc. Newcrest is the manager of the Havieron Project. Newcrest has now met the Stage 3 expenditure requirement (US$45 million) and is entitled to earn an additional 20% joint venture interest, resulting in an overall joint venture interest of 60%. Newcrest has the right to earn up to a 70% interest and acquire a further 5% at fair market value. Newcrest and the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation are parties to an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) which relates to the use of native title land for Newcrest's current operations at Telfer and its activities within a 60-km radius around Telfer and includes its exploration activities at Havieron. The parties have agreed that the ILUA will apply to any future development activities by the Joint Venture Participants (Newcrest and Greatland Gold) at Havieron. The mining tenement M45/1287 wholly replaces the 12 sub-blocks of exploration tenement E45/4701 (former exploration tenement on which the Havieron Project is based) and was granted on 10 September 2020. All obligations with respect to legislative requirements including minimum expenditure are maintained in good standing for prior exploration tenement E45/4701. Exploration done by other parties Newcrest completed six core holes in the vicinity of the Havieron Project from 1991 to 2003. Greatland Gold completed drill targeting and drilling of nine Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes with core tails for a total of approximately 6,800m in 2018. Results of drilling programs conducted by Greatland Gold have previously been reported on the Greatland Gold website. Drilling has defined an intrusion-related mineral system with evidence of breccia and massive sulphide-hosted higher-grade gold-copper mineralisation. Geology The Havieron Project is located within the north-western exposure of the Palaeo-Proterozoic to Neoproterozoic Paterson Orogen (formerly Paterson Province), 45 km east of Telfer. The Yeneena Supergroup hosts the Havieron prospect and consists of a 9km thick sequence of marine sedimentary rocks and is entirely overlain by approximately 420m of Phanerozoic sediments of the Paterson Formation and Quaternary aeolian sediments. Gold and copper mineralisation at Havieron consist of breccia, vein and massive sulphide replacement gold and copper mineralisation typical of intrusion-related and skarn styles of mineralisation. Mineralisation is hosted by metasedimentary rocks (meta-sandstones, meta-siltstones and meta-carbonate) and intrusive rocks of an undetermined age. The main mineral assemblage contains well developed pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite and pyrite sulphide mineral assemblages as breccia and vein infill, and massive sulphide lenses. The main mineralisation event is associated with amphibole-carbonate-biotite-sericite-chlorite wall rock alteration. Drilling has partially defined the extents of mineralisation which are observed over 650m by 350m within an arcuate shaped mineralised zone, and to depths of up to 1400m below surface. Drill hole Information As provided. Data aggregation methods Significant assay intercepts are reported as (A) length-weighted averages exceeding 1.0g/t Au greater than or equal to 10m, with a maximum of 5m consecutive internal dilution; and (B) length-weighted averages exceeding 0.2g/t Au for greater than or equal to 20m, with a maximum of 10m consecutive internal dilution, and (C) intervals of >30g/t with no internal dilution which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length). No top cuts are applied to intercept calculations. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths Significant assay intervals reported represent apparent widths. Drilling is not always perpendicular to the dip of mineralisation and true widths are less than downhole widths. Estimates of true widths will only be possible when all results are received, and final geological interpretations have been completed. Diagrams As provided. Balanced reporting This is the fourteenth release of Exploration Results for this project made by Newcrest. Previous release dates are 25 July 2019, 10 September 2019, 24 October 2019, 2 December 2019, 30 January 2020, 11 March 2020, 30 April 2020, 11 June 2020, 23 July 2020, 10 September 2020, 29 October 2020, 10 December 2020 and 28 January 2021. Earlier reporting of exploration programs conducted by Newcrest and Greatland Gold have previously been reported. Exploration drilling programs are ongoing and further material results will be reported in subsequent Newcrest releases. Other substantive exploration data Nil Further work Growth drilling is planned to extend the limits of the mineralised system and infill drilling in the existing defined breccias looking to establish additional resources outside of those stated in this announcement. Drillhole data(1) Havieron Project, Paterson Province, Western Australia Reporting Criteria: Intercepts reported are downhole drill width (not true width) Au >0.20ppm (0.2g/t Au) and minimum 20m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 10m. Average grades are based on length-weighting of samples grades. Also highlighted are high grade intervals of Au >1.0ppm (1g/t Au) and minimum 10m downhole width with maximum consecutive internal dilution of 5m, and intervals of >30g/t with no internal dilution which are greater or equal to 30 gram metres (Au_ppm x length) are tabled. Gold grades are reported to two significant figures, the downhole lengths are rounded to 0.1m which may cause some apparent discrepancies in interval widths. Samples are from core drilling which is PQ, HQ or NQ in diameter. Core is photographed and logged by the geology team before being cut. Half core PQ, HQ and NQ samples are prepared for assay and the remaining material is retained in the core farm for future reference. Each assay batch is submitted with duplicates and standards to monitor laboratory quality. Total depth (end of hole) is rounded to one decimal place for reporting purposes. Collars denoted with a * show partial results, with further significant assays to be reported in subsequent exploration updates. Hole ID Hole Type Easting (m) Northing (m) RL (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (ppm) Cu (pct) Cut off HAD060W3 MR-DD 464463 7597243 5260 853 315 -59 739 772 33 0.23 0.08 0.2 g/t Au 783 826.3 43.3 0.99 0.24 0.2 g/t Au incl 790.2 817 26.8 1.4 0.32 1.0 g/t Au HAD112 MR-DD 463837 7597384 5260 751 38 -57 545.9 742 196.1 1.7 0.28 0.2 g/t Au incl 567 568 1 38 0.21 30 g/t Au incl 595 613.5 18.5 4.9 0.60 1.0 g/t Au incl 599.5 600 0.5 91 1.1 30 g/t Au HAD113W2 MR-DD 463850 7597976 5256 906 132 -58 629 674.9 45.9 0.55 0.05 0.2 g/t Au 767.6 788.8 21.2 0.51 0.18 0.2 g/t Au 799.5 888.8 89.3 2.3 0.38 0.2 g/t Au incl 861 862 1 55 1.1 30 g/t Au HAD114W1 MR-DD 464570 7598074 5258 910 230 -57 770.4 885.2 114.8 0.97 0.14 0.2 g/t Au incl 840.6 856.6 16 5.1 0.49 1.0 g/t Au HAD114W2 MR-DD 464570 7598074 5258 919 230 -57 770.8 781.8 11 2.7 0.06 1.0 g/t Au 833.7 906 72.3 0.28 0.04 0.2 g/t Au HAD115 MR-DD 464294 7597925 5257 891 220 -61 595.2 615.5 20.3 1.0 0.11 0.2 g/t Au 638.9 692 53.1 1.3 0.21 0.2 g/t Au incl 653.2 664.8 11.6 2.5 0.08 1.0 g/t Au 718 830 112 0.87 0.21 0.2 g/t Au incl 754 768 14 1.7 0.66 1.0 g/t Au 855 887.2 32.2 2.1 0.11 0.2 g/t Au incl 857.8 868 10.2 6.2 0.29 1.0 g/t Au incl 861.6 862 0.4 109 0.3 30 g/t Au HAD116 MR-DD 464004 7597296 5260 808 15 -65 644 808 164 1.3 0.49 0.2 g/t Au incl 655.7 671.4 15.7 5.2 0.80 1.0 g/t Au incl 679.2 694.5 15.3 2.1 1.2 1.0 g/t Au incl 759 770.3 11.3 2.6 1.0 1.0 g/t Au HAD116W1 MR-DD 464003 7597295 5260 821 15 -65 654 759.4 105.4 0.78 0.40 0.2 g/t Au HAD117 MR-DD 464211 7597977 5256 859 211 -61 595.6 681.6 86 0.24 0.03 0.2 g/t Au 699 732.7 33.7 6.1 0.63 0.2 g/t Au incl 710 732.7 22.7 9.0 0.88 1.0 g/t Au incl 714.5 714.9 0.4 88 0.73 30 g/t Au incl 719.6 720.5 0.92 39 1.2 30 g/t Au 752.3 836 83.7 2.0 0.06 0.2 g/t Au 772 772.7 0.7 74 0.36 30 g/t Au 801 801.9 0.9 34 0.03 30 g/t Au HAD117W1 MR-DD 464210 7597978 5256 862 211 -61 599.9 669 69.1 0.32 0.02 0.2 g/t Au 700 783 83 1.5 0.12 0.2 g/t Au incl 732.3 746.2 13.9 6.1 0.50 1.0 g/t Au incl 732.3 732.8 0.5 72 7.5 30 g/t Au 794.2 828 33.8 4.1 0.25 0.2 g/t Au incl 794.4 810 15.6 5.8 0.23 1.0 g/t Au HAD118 MR-DD 464348 7597294 5260 721 330 -55 626 657.9 31.9 3.4 0.88 0.2 g/t Au incl 639.3 657.5 18.2 4.7 1.1 1.0 g/t Au 670.7 712.5 41.8 1.4 0.63 0.2 g/t Au incl 670.7 697.9 27.2 1.8 0.61 1.0 g/t Au HAD119 MR-DD 463898 7597795 5257 713 92 -56 550.1 679.6 129.5 1.5 0.29 0.2 g/t Au incl 627 667 40 4.3 0.79 1.0 g/t Au HAD119W1 MR-DD 463899 7597795 5257 780 92 -56 546 641 95 0.67 0.07 0.2 g/t Au 663 728 65 2.6 0.45 0.2 g/t Au incl 674.5 692 17.5 4.6 0.55 1.0 g/t Au incl 697.3 717.7 20.4 3.7 0.54 1.0 g/t Au incl 713 714 1 34 0.43 30 g/t Au HAD120 MR-DD 464002 7597296 5260 775 13 -58 573 772.5 199.5 1.1 0.30 0.2 g/t Au incl 580 599.8 19.8 2.8 0.86 1.0 g/t Au incl 627.3 643.3 16 2.2 0.74 1.0 g/t Au incl 670 683 13 5.6 0.40 1.0 g/t Au incl 672.2 673.2 1 54 0.80 30 g/t Au incl 710 721.1 11.1 1.1 0.16 1.0 g/t Au HAD121 MR-DD 463853 7597437 5260 660 28 -60 514 584.5 70.5 2.8 0.17 0.2 g/t Au incl 519.8 521.9 2.1 59 1.3 30 g/t Au 605.1 647.7 42.6 0.21 0.04 0.2 g/t Au HAD122 MR-DD 463855 7597435 5260 710 37 -59 500 597 97 3.9 0.50 0.2 g/t Au incl 500 515 15 9.7 1.8 1.0 g/t Au incl 502.9 504.3 1.4 38 0.69 30 g/t Au incl 525.6 548.1 22.5 7.5 0.57 1.0 g/t Au incl 538.3 539 0.7 82 0.71 30 g/t Au incl 556.6 572.3 15.7 3.4 0.26 1.0 g/t Au HAD123 MR-DD 463800 7597704 5258 913 93 -61 489.3 512.3 23 0.77 0.03 0.2 g/t Au 526.8 654.3 127.5 0.45 0.07 0.2 g/t Au 711.5 881 169.5 3.4 0.33 0.2 g/t Au incl 736.1 795 58.9 6.2 0.23 1.0 g/t Au incl 781.8 784.9 3.1 95 0.50 30 g/t Au incl 800.2 811.6 11.4 3.9 0.08 1.0 g/t Au incl 821.5 832.3 10.8 3.7 0.18 1.0 g/t Au incl 861 876.4 15.4 5.9 0.95 1.0 g/t Au incl 863 864 1 33 0.90 30 g/t Au HAD124 MR-DD 464354 7598147 5257 770 223 -60 637 659 22 0.54 0.11 0.2 g/t Au HAD125 MR-DD 463932 7597782 5257 650 105 -57 511.5 623.1 111.6 0.81 0.31 0.2 g/t Au incl 563.9 564.6 0.8 49 0.10 30 g/t Au incl 588 606 18 1.4 0.87 1.0 g/t Au HAD126 MR-DD 463849 7597855 5257 694 87 -53 530.7 609 78.3 1.1 0.51 0.2 g/t Au incl 585.9 606.5 20.6 3.0 1.1 1.0 g/t Au HAD127 MR-DD 464571 7597737 5259 713 269 -54 537 616.3 79.3 4.5 1.4 0.2 g/t Au incl 549 590.7 41.7 8.4 2.6 1.0 g/t Au incl 555 556 1 34 3.7 30 g/t Au incl 571.7 572.8 1.2 81 0.69 30 g/t Au HAD128 MR-DD 464323 7598101 5257 624 213 -62 483.3 514 30.7 0.37 0.03 0.2 g/t Au 530 563.2 33.2 1.2 0.31 0.2 g/t Au incl 538.3 557 18.7 2.0 0.38 1.0 g/t Au HAD129 MR-DD 464348 7597490 5261 685 315 -65 488 605 117 1.9 0.62 0.2 g/t Au incl 496 512.5 16.5 4.0 0.68 1.0 g/t Au incl 538.2 563 24.8 4.3 1.3 1.0 g/t Au incl 594 605 11 1.6 1.2 1.0 g/t Au HAD130 MR-DD 464603 7597752 5258 950 267 -58 622 731.4 109.4 5.9 0.63 0.2 g/t Au incl 630 654 24 17 1.4 1.0 g/t Au incl 631.1 633.4 2.4 103 1.4 30 g/t Au incl 664 694 30 7.3 0.67 1.0 g/t Au incl 675 676 1 68 1.8 30 g/t Au incl 682 683 1 34 1.3 30 g/t Au 764 764.4 0.4 82 0.31 30 g/t Au 767.3 768.4 1.1 76 1.2 30 g/t Au HAD131 MR-DD 464348 7597489 5261 567 306 -62 508 562.5 54.5 1.9 1.3 0.2 g/t Au incl 508.2 542 33.8 2.4 1.2 1.0 g/t Au incl 552.5 562.5 10 2.2 2.8 1.0 g/t Au HAD132 MR-DD 463613 7597741 5258 695 92 -57 518.7 558 39.3 0.54 0.06 0.2 g/t Au 590.3 624.8 34.5 0.27 0.05 0.2 g/t Au 636.8 670 33.2 0.24 0.03 0.2 g/t Au Figure 10. Schematic plan view map showing drill hole locations and significant intercepts reported in this release superimposed on the interpreted geology. Previously reported holes are not shown for the sake of clarity. Note some holes and results appear on multiple sections due to the sections orientation and sections overlap. To view an enhanced version of Figure 10, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_012full.jpg Figure 11. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest, Section Line S1, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 11, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_013full.jpg Figure 12. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest, Section Line S2, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 12, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_014full.jpg Figure 13. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest, Section Line S3, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 13, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_015full.jpg Figure 14. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking northwest, Section Line S4, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 14, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_016full.jpg Figure 15. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking southwest, Section Line S5, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 15, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_017full.jpg Figure 16. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking southwest, Section Line S6, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 16, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_018full.jpg Figure 17. Schematic cross section of geology and significant new drillhole intercepts (looking southwest, Section Line S7, +/-50m section width, as shown in Figure 10). Due to section window size and orientation holes may appear on multiple sections. To view an enhanced version of Figure 17, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7614/76805_2dec3194e4713be9_019full.jpg Forward Looking Statements This document includes forward looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of securities laws of applicable jurisdictions. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "objectives", "targets", "outlook" and "guidance", or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding estimated reserves and resources, certain plans, strategies, aspirations and objectives of management, anticipated production, study or construction dates, expected costs, cash flow or production outputs and anticipated productive lives of projects and mines. Newcrest continues to distinguish between outlook and guidance. Guidance statements relate to the current financial year. Outlook statements relate to years subsequent to the current financial year. These forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Newcrest's actual results, performance and achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licences and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which Newcrest operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation. For further information as to the risks which may impact on Newcrest's results and performance, please see the risk factors included in the Annual Information Form dated 13 October 2020 lodged with ASX and SEDAR. Forward looking statements are based on Newcrest's good faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect Newcrest's business and operations in the future. Newcrest does not give any assurance that the assumptions will prove to be correct. There may be other factors that could cause actual results or events not to be as anticipated, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of Newcrest. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, particularly in the current economic climate with the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forward looking statements in this document speak only at the date of issue. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Newcrest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in assumptions on which any such statement is based. Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Reporting Requirements As an Australian Company with securities listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Newcrest is subject to Australian disclosure requirements and standards, including the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX. Investors should note that it is a requirement of the ASX listing rules that the reporting of ore reserves and mineral resources in Australia is in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code) and that Newcrest's ore reserve and mineral resource estimates comply with the JORC Code. Newcrest is also subject to certain Canadian disclosure requirements and standards, as a result of its secondary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), including the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Investors should note that it is a requirement of Canadian securities law that the reporting of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources in Canada and the disclosure of scientific and technical information concerning a mineral project on a property material to Newcrest comply with NI 43-101. Newcrest's material properties are currently Cadia, Lihir and Wafi-Golpu. Competent Person's Statement The information in this document that relates to Exploration Targets, Exploration Results, and related scientific and technical information, is based on and fairly represents information compiled by Mr F. MacCorquodale. Mr MacCorquodale is the General Manager - Greenfields Exploration and a full-time employee of Newcrest Mining Limited. He is a shareholder in Newcrest Mining Limited and is entitled to participate in Newcrest's executive equity long term incentive plan, details of which are included in Newcrest's 2020 Remuneration Report. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr MacCorquodale has sufficient experience which is relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and as a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr MacCorquodale approves the disclosure of scientific and technical information contained in this document and consents to the inclusion of material of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. Authorised by the Newcrest Disclosure Committee For further information please contact Investor Enquiries Tom Dixon +61 3 9522 5570 +61 450 541 389 Tom.Dixon@newcrest.com.au Ben Lovick +61 3 9522 5334 +61 407 269 478 Ben.Lovick@newcrest.com.au North American Investor Enquiries Ryan Skaleskog +1 866 396 0242 +61 403 435 222 Ryan.Skaleskog@newcrest.com.au Media Enquiries Tom Dixon +61 3 9522 5570 +61 450 541 389 Tom.Dixon@newcrest.com.au Annie Lawson +61 3 9522 5750 +61 409 869 986 Annie.Lawson@newcrest.com.au This information is available on our website at www.newcrest.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76805 NEW DELHI: The much-awaited music video titled 'Har Funn Maula' featuring Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and Elli AvRam released on Wednesday (March 10) and it left fans overjoyed. The song, which is a part of the soundtrack for the upcoming film 'Koi Na Jaane' was released by the makers on Youtube and fetched more than 1.55 lakh views within the first 20 minutes. The groovy features Bollywood's 'Jack of all trades' Aamir Khan shaking his legs with 'Queen of the Dance floor' Elli AvRam and the two burn the dance floor with their scintillating dance moves. The number shows Elli gracing visitors with her performance inside a dance bar, before she spots Aamir, who is seen smoking a pipe. Soon, the two burn the dance floor with their crackling chemistry and mind-blowing moves. The video is no less than a treat for Aamir Khan's fans as they get to see their favourite superstar revisiting the lover boy image and delivering some fabulous killer moves in this cosy number. Aamir, who has stood himself out in Bollywood for his perfection and dedication to his work, has also carved a niche for himself with his dance numbers. Previously, the actor stole hearts with his special dance numbers like 'I Love You Like I Hate You' from 'Delhi Belly and 'Dhaakad' from 'Dangal'. As soon as the song was released on YouTube, a lot of congratulatory wishes started pouring in from all over. The song 'Har Funn Maula' has been written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It has been crooned by Vishal Dadlani and Zara Khan while the music has been composed by Tanishk Bagchi. The song is a part of Kunal Kohli's 'Koi Jaane Na'. The film is directed by Aamir's friend Amin Hajee, with whom he has worked on films such as 'Lagaan' and 'Mangal Pandey: The Rising'. Speaking about Aamir, his next film 'Laal Singh Chaddha', the official remake of Hollywood classic 'Forrest Gump' will release on Christmas 2021. Also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, the film is directed by Advait Chandan and is slated to arrive in theatres this year. (Newser) A female aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has come forward with another accusation of sexual harassment, his sixth. The woman, a member of the governor's Executive Chamber staff, says she was called to the governor's mansion to help Cuomo late last year, and while there, he touched her inappropriately without her consent, the Albany Times-Union reports. Her supervisors became aware of the incident and told Cuomo's legal counsel Monday; the woman never made a formal complaint. "All allegations that we learn of directly or indirectly are going promptly to the investigators appointed by the attorney general," his acting counsel says. As for Cuomo himself, in a conference call Tuesday, he said, "First, Im not aware of any other claim." story continues below "As I said last week, this is very simple: I never touched anyone inappropriately," he continued. "I never made any inappropriate advances ... (and) no one ever told me at the time that I made them feel uncomfortable. Obviously, there are people who said after the fact they felt uncomfortable." The first woman to come forward was former aide Lindsay Boylan, followed by former aide Charlotte Bennett, followed by Anna Ruch, who met Cuomo at a wedding. Over the weekend, two more came forward: Ana Liss and Karen Hinton, two more former aides. Calls for Cuomo to resign (amid both this and the COVID nursing home deaths scandal) are intensifying, even among Democrats, and on Tuesday, the longest-serving member of the state legislature added his voice to those calls, the New York Post reports. The New York Times reports that several senior health officials have recently stepped down in response to Cuomo's handling of the COVID pandemic, including the rollout of the vaccine. (Read more Andrew Cuomo stories.) The south east of the country is increasingly likely to have its long-awaited university next January. An application for the Technological University of the South East (TUSE) will be lodged on April 28, many years after it was first mooted. The proposed university, based on a merger of Waterford Institute of Technology IT and IT Carlow, will have campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford. Read More The project has been hit by a series of delays, not least tensions between the two institutes, but it advanced considerably in recent months amid hopes that it could become a reality by January 2022. There was confirmation today, at a meeting of Oireachtas members from the south east, that April 28 is the date for the submission of the formal applications, making a January start-up feasible. The application will set off a series of steps, including a review by a panel of international experts, whose report goes to Higher Education Minister Simon Harries for final approval. The project involves a bigger footprint for Waterford IT as well as a purpose- built campus on a new site in Wexford. Todays Oireachtas meeting was attended by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, the chairs and presidents of Waterford and Carlow IT, and former Higher Education Authority (HEA) chief executive Tom Boland, who was appointed to accelerate the project. Mr Harris told the meeting there was no alternative to the current plan for the TUSE. Later in the Dail, he said that it was now possible to open the doors of a university for the south east, on January 1 next. He sought to allay concerns about changes to terms and conditions for any existing staff member and said any suggestion to the contrary was misinformation, disinformation and untrue. He also addressed issues raised about autonomy regarding the establishment of courses and said such decisions would be made in line with the national planning framework and neither he nor anybody else would be deciding what course goes where. Wexford Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne said it was a hugely important project for the region and will result in potentially the fifth largest university in the State. While it was once assumed that the south east would have the countrys first technological university, others have passed it out. TU Dublin was established last year and Munster Technological University (MTU) involving a merger of Cork IT and IT Tralee, became the second TU in January 2021. There are also TUs in the pipeline for the midwest and midlands under the Shannon Consortium, involving Limerick IT and Athlone IT, and for Connacht-Ulster, linking Galway-Mayo IT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Connie Owen would love to hear your stories. Call or email her at 734-9512 or connie_owen@msn.com. As the stars of stage and screen gathered in Melbourne to farewell Michael Gudinski, a giant of the Australian music industry, 162 roadies and stage crew set up a guard of honour for his funeral procession. All of them wore black T-shirts emblazoned with the words MG Crew Forever. At the funeral for music legend Michael Gudinski, 162 roadies and crew gathered for a funeral procession. Credit:Jason South Howard Freeman, who knew Gudinski for 51 years and helped coordinate the roadies on Wednesday, said it was a day of respect for an industry leader and that some of the crew had flown from interstate to attend. We exist because of promoters with vision and skill, Freeman said. This is how we show our respect and hopefully we do it well. Its heartfelt. A man charged with the murder of Victorian teenager Solomone Taufeulungaki has applied for bail. Solomone, 15, was fatally stabbed at Brimbank Shopping Centre in Melbourne's west in June 2020. Nine boys aged between 13 and 17 are charged with murder, as well as two men, Taataa Tafa, 20, and Soreysa Jibrael, 23, over the stabbing. The incident allegedly involved a gang dispute and led to the most murder charges laid over a single death in Victoria. Solomone Taufeulungaki was stabbed to death outside a busy shopping centre in Melbourne's west Tafa's bail application was heard on Wednesday before Justice Paul Coghlan at the Victorian Supreme Court. The sister of Tafa's partner told the court she and her partner were prepared to house the accused at their Dandenong residence, along with their two children, for the duration of his trial. The woman said she would be prepared to call police should Tafa breach his bail conditions and was aware this could mean he returns to custody. Tafa in November pleaded not guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court to four charges including violent disorder, affray and murder. Earlier that month, eight of the teenagers accused of murdering Solomone were granted bail. Justice Coghlan said the teenagers had more 'intense' bail support than Tafa. He noted in a previous hearing that a Supreme Court trial may not happen before 2022. Tafa's bail application will next be heard at the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday. A shark called Newman could be seen lurking in the middle of a school of salmon Terrifying footage shows hundreds of unsuspecting swimmers paddling over sharks named Norman and Newman at Bondi Beach. Aerial footage uploaded to YouTube channel Bondi Nation on Wednesday morning revealed the incredible scene in the waters at the iconic Sydney hotspot. In the video, swimmers could be seen free-styling virtually next to the carnivorous beasts. One viewer said the sharks did not strike because they were feasting on a large school of salmon (pictured) Some beachgoers paddled among a school of salmon, unaware a shark (pictured) lurked among them Some remained oblivious as they carelessly waded through the ocean, but others stopped in their tracks when they realised they were potentially moments from death. 'Surely someone's got to see him,' a male voiceover said, as two beachgoers moved harrowingly close to the shark he dubbed 'Norman'. 'He's going to go straight under you, mate.' While the paddlers did not appear to have noticed at first, they stopped in the water after clearing the flesh-eating fish - bewildered by the vicious sight. As more Sydneysiders free-styled towards an enormous school of salmon, the shark called Newman could be seen lurking in the middle. Pictured: Two swimmers at Bondi Beach swimming over the top of the shark, named 'Norman' Some people swum through the school, completely unaware the predator was drifting in the middle. Despite the potentially dangerous situation, no one was attacked. Viewers took to the comments section to express their shock, and possible reasons as to why the sharks didn't strike. 'Thats amazing! But if I was one of those swimmers... Id absolutely sh*t myself if I turned around and saw one of those sharks,' one user wrote. 'Of course the sharks didn't attack look how much food was surrounding them,' another suggested. Can you spot the shark? Hundreds of oblivious swimmers can be seen moving towards the deadly animal at Bondi Beach Someone else said: 'Its amazing the shark can be right there and humans on top have no idea. Swimming in a school of salmon seems a bit idiotic.' Another said they enjoyed that the sharks were given names. Bondi Nation replied: 'Every adorable local deserves a nickname.' In February, a drone captured the moment a surfer hopped off his board at Bondi Beach and onto a shark. Miraculously, the man survived with all his limbs in tact as the creature swum away. Scientists are warning that Brazil's uncontrolled coronavirus outbreak could threaten the global fight to end the pandemic. The more infectious, vaccine-dulling P1 variant that emerged there has already become dominant in the majority of the country's states, and there's no sign of it slowing down. 'This information is an atomic bomb' Dr Roberto Kraenkel, a biological mathematician with the Covid-19 Brazil Observatory, told the Washington Post. 'I'm surprised by the levels [of variants] found. The media isn't getting what this means. All of the variants of concern are more transmissible...and this means an accelerated phase of the epidemic. A disaster.' Already, the variant has been identified as the cause of 15 cases in nine U.S. states. Fortunately, rising vaccination rates and falling daily infections in the U.S. are helping to stem its outbreak - but that's not the case in Brazil, where ICUs are teetering on the edge of full capacity while the chaotic vaccine rollout struggles to gain ground. 'No country is going to be safe if not all countries have controlled their outbreaks,' Dr Denise Garret, vice president of applied epidemiology at the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington state told DailyMail.com. Coronavirus is spreading 'uncontrolled' in Brazil, giving rise to a more infectious, vaccine-dulling variant known as P1 which has spread to at least 20 countries (pink). So long as the outbreak roars on in the South America, the rest of the world could still be vulnerable to new mutants, experts warn In the U.S. the P1 variant has yet to become widespread, but if it does, it has the potential to reinfect hundreds of millions of people who are unvaccinated - even if they have had COVID-19 previously. Just one new case has been detected this month, but that is likely to change 'We can vaccinate as much as we want in the U.S. and reach herd immunity, but as long as we have outbreaks that are uncontrollable in other countries, the frontiers will still be open. 'In countries like Brazil where there are no restrictions and the virus is loose, it's really a breeding ground to variants' All viruses mutate, all the time. Much like cancer, the more they spread and make copies of themselves, the more they mutate - and the more significant those mutations are likely to become. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was actually slow to start mutating significantly. But variants started cropping up across the globe in late-2020, as surging cases in most countries gave the virus ample opportunities to mutate. And they way this unfolded in Brazil was particularly ripe for dangerous variants. The country had already gone through horrific early waves. Antibody testing suggested that some 76 percent of the hard-hit city of Manaus was infected October, after the pandemic's first wave there. That should have given three-quarters of the Amazonian city natural immunity to reinfection. The P1 has been detected in at least nine US states, but that's widely assumed to be an undercount, due to sparse genomic sequencing used to find variants It didn't. Manaus was stunned by a second wave of infections in January. The devastation reached a new peak, with 100 people dying a day in the city of two million. The PI variant was discovered there in December and likely fueled the high rate of infections and, worse yet, re-infections seen in the city. Lab studies as well as real-world data suggest that mutations to a location known as E484K helps the variant evade antibodies triggered by prior infection with older variants or vaccines designed to protect against them. 'Immune pressure' encourages these kinds of mutations. When viruses are confronted with immunity that prevents them from hijacking cell machinery to copy themselves, only strains that have mutations that make them less effected by vaccines survive. And then they thrive. 'This new strain is escaping immunity, and it starts all over again and now it's the predominant lineage in Brazil,' said Dr Garrett. Of U.S. cases of the P1 variant, she said: 'They are apparently low, but make no mistake, this variant is more transmissible,' and is likely more widespread than testing for it has captured. The good news, Dr Garrett notes, is that vaccines do appear to work against the Brazilian variant, contrary to early warnings. Natural immunity from prior infection appears less resilient against the challenge of the variant. And with just 10 percent of Americans fully vaccinated, hundreds of millions of Americans - including the 29 million who have already had COVID-19 - could still be vulnerable to the P1 form of the virus. 'It's just a matter of time if there are no control measures. Here [in the U.S.] the good news is we are vaccinating, and we are vaccinating fast, because we need to vaccinate as many people as fast as possible to try to control this and so far, it looks like these variants are not escaping the vaccine, at lest not for severe disease and hospitalizations,' Dr Garret said. 'But there is no guarantee. The virus is evolving fast and...if it continues to evolve in other countries, eventually it can be here. 'What happens in other countries has a real effect on other countries.' This, she says, is the strongest case for equitable distribution of vaccines around the globe. 'I understand the nationalism of vaccines - countries want to vaccinated their populations first - but if there's not equitable distribution, there will always be a threat so long as their are countries where the outbreak is still running loose, there will always be a threat to the world.' The White House has restored the official portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton to a traditional display spot after they were moved to a less prominent location last year, a Biden administration official said. In July, under President Donald J. Trump, the portraits were moved to the Old Family Dining Room, a smaller dining room off the State Dining Room that is less frequented by visitors, and replaced with portraits of Republican presidents, CNN reported. The portraits of Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton were returned to their traditional locations in the Cross Hall on Inauguration Day by the Office of the Curator, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the decision. The Cross Hall runs between the State Dining Room and the East Room. The portrait of Mr. Clinton, painted by Simmie Knox, was unveiled in 2004, according to the White House Historical Association. The portrait of Mr. Bush, painted by John Howard Sanden, was unveiled in 2012. Mr. Bush is portrayed standing in the Oval Office with W.H.D. Koerners A Charge to Keep, one of his favorite paintings, in the background, the association said. Syracuse, NY Syracuse University may be able to begin vaccinating its students against Covid-19 before the end of the spring semester, a top SU official said today. SU has purchased freezers and refrigerators to store the vaccine and has staff trained to administer the shots, said Mike Haynie, SUs vice chancellor. He said SU has notified the state its ready and capable of serving as a vaccine distribution site. If they give us the vaccine, we will take care of the SU population, he said. College students are not currently eligible for the vaccine in New York unless they have underlying medical conditions. Haynie said that could change before the end of the semester given the speed at which New York is expanding vaccination efforts and eligibilty. The state expanded eligibility today to people over 60. SU also expects more of its non-teaching employees who have contact with students to become eligible for the vaccine later this month. The state has already determined that if students attending college in New York do become eligible, the vaccine will be available to all of them, even those from other states, Haynie said. SUs beefed up Covid-19 testing program has significantly improved the schools ability to keep the virus under control this semester, he said. SU has conducted about 75,000 tests so far this semester. The average wait for test results is 17 hours. Haynie said he expects campus life to be closer to normal by the fall semester. However, he expects Covid-19 testing to continue on a random basis and said SU students may still be required to wear masks in the fall when gathered in confined spaces. Were in the last 100 yards, Haynie said. There is normalcy to come. SU currently has 40 active Covid-19 cases among students and employees. It has 130 students in quarantine who were potentially exposed to the virus. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com Do you have young readers at home? Are they searching for a new series to delve into? If so, book a space now for the Childrens Books Ireland Virtual Book Clinic in partnership with the Watergate Theatre on 20 March between 11am and 1pm. Your children will have the opportunity to chat to the Book Doctor via zoom and discuss their favourite books. Based on an informal chat, the white coat-clad book doctor will give guidance and recommendations to children and their families supported by Childrens Books Irelands many reading resources. After the clinic parents/guardians will receive an email with a prescription with details of the recommended book which can be taken to your local bookshop or library! The clinic will be presented on Zoom and each consultation will be 15 minutes in duration. A parent or guardian will be required to be in the same room as the child during the Zoom call and the Watergates Sarah Brennan will host the meeting. The Book Doctor will have time to meet a maximum of 8 children over the course of the clinic so places are strictly limited. If you have more than one young reader who would like to meet the Book Doctor you can book one 15-minute consultation per child. Secure your place and time now by visiting watergatetheatre.com. Elon Musk decided to file an FCC request to expand SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet to various vehicles such as planes, trucks, RVs, and ships. However, he said that his internet service wouldn't be available on any Tesla electric car. But why? According to Business Insider's latest report, the tech CEO's latest request, filed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday, Mar. 5, is specifically to provide Starlink internet connections to various moving vehicles. Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks & RVs. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 8, 2021 As of the moment, SpaceX's 1,122 low-Earth satellites are providing the latest Starlink broadband to rural and underserved communities. Elon Musk's innovation is really helpful, especially since most people are relying on the internet to contact their loved ones and be informed about the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Why Tesla EVs will not have Starlink internet CNBC reported that Elon Musk confirmed the reason why Teslas will not have its own Starlink internet service. Also Read: SpaceX SN10 Starship Explodes Minutes After Touch Down Landing Attempt-What Went Wrong? The popular tech CEO replied to the latest tweet of Michael Sheetz, a CNBC reporter, to explain why Tesla vehicles can't have it. "The company submitted an FCC request to begin installing and operating terminals on 'moving vehicles' - from cars and trucks to ships and jets," said Sheetz. "Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks & RVs," replied Elon Musk via his official Twitter account. Musk's tweet generated more than 22,000 likes, 1,000 retweets, and 900 comments. Some of his fans were glad that Starlink internet would extend its service, especially those who are working on boats. How will it help the public? David Goldman, SpaceX's director of satellite policy, explained to the FCC that the expansion of Starlink internet would serve the public interest since it will allow operators and normal passengers to access Starlink internet service while traveling. Previously, FCC also allowed SpaceX to test Starlink internet on ships, which were used to recover the satellites that landed in the ocean. This means that Musk's request could also be approved anytime from now. You can click here for more details. For more news updates about Elon Musk and his upcoming innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bank shares, which saw prices increasing sharply in the last year thanks to banks' good business performance and prospects, have become the "pillar" of the stock market. JP Morgan recently noted that Vietnams bank shares are the most attractive in ASEAN. The Sai Gon Hanoi Joint Stock Bank (SHB)'s 2020 financial report showed that SHB shares saw one of the sharpest price increases in 2020, with a profitability rate of 218 percent. In the stock market, SHB shares are traded at around VND16,000 per share. SHB' smarket capitalization value is VND27.7 trillion. The report said that SHB has mostly settled problems that arose from the admission of Habubank into SHB in the 2016-2020 period. The banks bad debt ratio is 1.7 percent, a 10-year low. Meanwhile, its pre-tax profit in 2020 was the highest in many years, at VND3.268 trillion, up by 8 percent compared with the year before. The ROE was 15.4 percent, and NIM 2.8 percent, up by 0.8 percent. As of the end of 2020, SHBs total assets had reached VND412 trillion, an increase of 13 percent over the end of 2019. The regulatory capital was VND37.727 trillion, stockholder equity VND24.393 trillion, and charter capital VND17.5 trillion. SHB in recent years has been making big investments in technology, services and customer development to prepare for the new growth period. Most banks have yet to release their audited financial reports, but their personal reports all show that they have successfully overcome the tough year of 2020. ABBank reported pre-tax profit of VND1.368 trillion in 2020, up by 11.3 percent, while MBank was VND10.7 trillion, up by 6.5 percent. Its bad debt ratio was low, just 1.09 percent. VietinBank had a combined pre-tax profit of VND17.07 trillion. The good business performance has helped bank share prices increase sharply. CTG shares of VietinBank and ACB shares have seen prices increase twofold, and VPB of VPBank by three times. The continued bank share price increases and the expectation that bank shares will be the pillar of the stock market are based on optimistic forecasts about the banking sector in 2021. Banks have also prepared well to cope with difficulties. In 2020, SHB provisioned VND4.534 trillion against credit risks. VNDirects 2021 report predicts that bank profits will increase next year. It believes that disbursement for public investment will continue to be high and the State Bank of Vietnam will continue its loosened monetary policy to encourage the recovery of the economy. V. Ha It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be POCO India just posted an image along with the tag #PROformance and said that only POCO can beat a POCO. This comes 30 months after the launch of POCO F1 and also hints that the POCO X3 Pro will replace the POCO F series in India. The text also hints at the launch date of March 30th for the phone. Same madness, only more! Get ready for #PROformance coz ONLY a POCO can beat a POCO. pic.twitter.com/PeW2AX0ZjL POCO Madder By the Minute (@IndiaPOCO) March 10, 2021 The phone that got certified with the model number M2012K11AG and is said to feature a 6.67-inch Full HD+ 120Hz display, pack a 5,200mAh battery and come powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 860 SoC, an upgrade to Snapdragon 855 / 855 Plus, but with 4G support instead of 5G. Based on latest rumours, the phone will come in 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants and in Blue, Black and Bronze colour options. It is said to be priced starting at 250 in Europe, so we can expect it around Rs. 20,000 in India. We should know more details in the coming days. By SA Commercial Prop News Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, attributes a steady first-half performance to the better-than-expected showing from its South African portfolio. Investors in SAs largest listed real estate investment trust (Reit), Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) are having to cope with a case of steady or balanced earnings growth as the effects of COVID-19 are still being felt in the commercial property sector. Growthpoint, on Wednesday, announced a 12.5% growth in revenue and R2.5bn in distributable income for its six-month period to 31 December 2020. Compared with the six months to end-2019 before the impacts of Covid-19, distributable income decreased 21.6% which on a per share basis decreased by 31.0% to 73.1 cents per share, mainly because of 408m new shares issued in November 2020 through a R4.3bn equity raise and the dividend reinvestment programme, which raised an additional R577m. Its getting harder for any listed property companies to repeat their former successes as the pandemic fall-out continues. Growthpoint's peers, such as Redefine Properties, Capital & Regional (UK) and Rebosis Property Fund, have even decided not to pay out full-year dividends in their latest results. Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, attributes a steady first-half performance to the better-than-expected showing from its South African portfolio, trading and development delivering handsomely, income from funds management gaining impetus and its Australian investment outperforming in its offshore portfolio. Sasse comments, Growthpoint continued to prioritise balance sheet strength and liquidity, and focused on the factors that we can control in this market. As a consequence, our results show a very stable business that is in good shape. Weve lowered our South African gearing comfortably within our target range and have R5bn of liquidity. Growthpoint has a strong balance sheet, enabling us to pursue our strategic initiatives and declare a dividend of 80% of distributable income. By paying our shareholders an interim dividend, we are reinforcing Growthpoints commitment to retaining our REIT status and our intention is to continue paying dividends twice a year of at least 75% of distributable income. The positive outcomes of Growthpoints focus on liquidity and balance sheet strength are evident in its half-year numbers. Growthpoints consolidated SA REIT loan-to-value (LTV) decreased from 43.9% to 40.7% during the six months, with its SA LTV reducing from 39.8% to 35.5% and an interest cover ratio (ICR) of 3.8x. Growthpoint reduced its nominal debt in South Africa from R43.4bn to R37.8bn during the period through R4.4bn of repayments and R1.2bn due to the stronger domestic currency. It has R5bn of unutilised committed facilities and R1.1bn of cash on its balance sheet at 31 December 2020. Growthpoint achieved its healthy loan-to-value levels, despite a further 3.6% devaluation of its South African portfolio, which decreased in value by 13% over the 2020 calendar year as a consequence of unsupportive property fundamentals driven mainly by growth in income uncertainty. Contributing to Growthpoints balance sheet strength was a R4.3bn equity raise in November 2020 at R12.0 per share, which was 2.7x oversubscribed. Additionally, 43.2% of shareholders elected the share alternative, raising R577m through the FY20 November distribution reinvestment programme. By reducing its FY20 dividend pay-out ratio to 80%, Growthpoint retained R827m after paying tax of R154m, and will retain R499m distributable income for the half-year by again applying an 80% pay-out ratio. Growthpoint creates value through innovative and sustainable property solutions that provide space to thrive. It is the most liquid and tradable way to own commercial property in SA. Growthpoint is a FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index company and a constituent of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Emerging Index. It has also been included in the FTSE4Good Emerging Index for four successive years and in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index for more than a decade and has achieved a level 2 B-BBEE rating It owns and manages a diversified portfolio of 434 property assets across SA valued at R71.0bn, a 50% interest in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, valued at R9.0bn, and R12.0bn in assets under management via its funds management operations. Growthpoint owns 57 properties in Australia valued at R49.8bn through a 62.2% holding in ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) and seven community shopping centres in the UK valued at R11.3bn through its 52.1% investment in LSE- and JSE-listed UK REIT Capital & Regional. Through its 29.3% investment in LSE AIM-listed Globalworth Real Estate Investments (GWI), it owns an interest in 64 properties in Romania and Poland, of which Growthpoints share is valued at R15.9bn. During the half-year, Growthpoints South African portfolio achieved a 97% average rental collection rate, and recovered R125m, or 68%, of total rental deferrals granted since the onset of the pandemic. It let more than 633,000sqm of space and its renewal success rate increased from 66.4% to 68.0%. Arrears of R494m are well provided for. However, several portfolio fundamentals continued to weaken, with vacancies rising from 9.5% to 10.3% and average rental reversions moving from -6.7% to -13.9%. Given the state of the market in the half-year, a bigger than usual portion of its portfolio was externally valued, with its retail portfolio value decreasing by 3.2%, offices 4.7% and industrial 3.1%. Growthpoint intensified its focus on right-sizing its portfolio through the strategic sale of non-core assets, a programme which it commenced in its 2017 financial year and has since sold R7.5bn in properties. Despite little liquidity and a challenging sales environment, it sold five properties during the period for R497.7m at book value and held two valued at R55.5m for sale at half-year end. Development expertise is a competitive advantage for Growthpoint. While Growthpoint doesnt distribute non-recurring income, its trading and development activity proved very profitable during the half-year, earning R128m of third-party trading profits, development fees and rental income. In step with the current market, development was curtailed to around a third of previous levels, and speculative development avoided. Turnkey developments for the Growthpoint investment portfolio remain a key focus, as well as third-party developments. The South African retail property portfolio vacancies edged up slightly from 3.7% to 4.8%, excluding offices and space under development. While the renewal success rate improved, renewal growth, escalations and arrears all came under pressure. Trading densities, and net property income reduced in this portfolio, which accommodates gyms, restaurants, cinemas, and other tenants severely impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns. Growthpoint granted R66.6m in discounts and R2.2m in deferrals to its retail tenants. Community and convenience centres outperformed larger malls, and value retail attracted the most spending. On-demand shopping services such as OneCart and Checkers Sixty60, which shop from retailers shelves, positively impacted in-mall sales. Growthpoint finalised the Edcon business rescue legacy, writing off both the arrears and investment. Growthpoints South African office portfolio vacancies rose from 15.4% to 18.0%. Renewal successes and arrears improved, but all other metrics in this portfolio deteriorated. Growthpoint granted R14.4m in discounts and R8.4m in deferrals to its office tenants. Its new Altron campus redevelopment at Woodmead Office Park in Woodmead was completed after the period in February, with rental commencing on a long-term lease from this month. Growthpoints industrial portfolio continued to outperform relatively, despite vacancies increasing from 7.1% to 8.2%, mostly due to the slower letting of new developments in Cape Town and Durban, and an upward trend in business failures in our tenant base. It reported steady escalations, arrears and net property income levels, but renewal success and growth rates decreased. Growthpoint remains focused on modernising its industrial portfolio and selling non-core industrial assets. There is some optimism about a rebound in South Africa, but the property industry lags many other sectors and is slower to reflect a change in trends. Any improvement will take time to filter through. There is likely to be a multi-year recovery in GDP. Even if the economy grows at forecast levels of between 3.3% and 4.6% in 2021, off the low base of a 7.0% contraction in 2020 it will take two to three years to reach pre-COVID-19 levels. We expect further financial and operational headwinds. We still see many business rescues and liquidations. There is a lot of capacity in the office and retail sectors, and it isnt yet possible to gauge the structural shifts of work-from-home. In this difficult environment, our relatively stronger balance sheet gives us great comfort, remarks Sasse. The V&A Waterfront was severely impacted by various lockdown restrictions, the absence of foreign tourism, its cruise terminals closure, and leisure limitations. Retail turnover decreased by 36% compared to the 2019 half-year. Hotel occupancy rates were 20% compared to 70% during the same six months in 2019 and precinct footfalls nearly halved, notwithstanding good local tourism support. The V&As robust office portfolio proved resilient due to a high percentage of blue-chip tenants, supporting low vacancies and no material lease terminations. As an essential service, the fishing industry traded and paid rental throughout the period. Casual shipping and yachting remained strong. The cumulative impact was a 48% decline in net property income, with pressure on collections, arrears and property values. Notwithstanding its challenges, the V&A Waterfront achieved several highlights, including completing a new 9,350sqm head office development for Deloitte, approving a 6,900sqm head office for Investec, leasing most of the ex-Edgars space to Zara, and introducing an incubator for early-stage food industry businesses, Makers Landing. The return to lockdown level 1 supports performance, but with the global impacts of the pandemic, it is difficult to know when international tourists will return, which is critical for the V&A Waterfront. However, it remains a strong asset with solid property fundamentals, explains Sasse. Growthpoints capital light funds management strategy allows it to access third party capital and leverage its management strength in the unlisted and co-invested environment. Growthpoint continued building its first two funds and plans to launch a third fund invested in purpose-built student residential accommodation. During the half-year, this strategic focus earned Growthpoint R16.3m in asset management fees and distributions of R62.2m from the hospital fund. It also received a maiden dividend of R3.7m from the Africa fund, which Growthpoint elected to reinvest, and a distribution from the management company is expected to be paid to Growthpoint before 30 June 2021. Sasse explains, Our funds management model is a core strategy. The co-investment and co-management model are effective and particularly attractive in this market. The healthcare fund, Growthpoint Healthcare Property Holdings (GHPH), in which Growthpoint has a 61.8% shareholding, grew half-year distribution per share by 7.5% to 40.8 cents per share. The fund has a R2.7bn portfolio of four hospitals and a medical chamber. Growing its portfolio, the acquisition of 51% of the 100-bed Busamed Paardevlei Hospital in Somerset West is final and awaiting transfer. Cintocare Hospital, developed by Growthpoint in Pretoria, opened in December 2020 and is to be acquired by the fund. A USD80m equity and convertible debt package from the International Finance Corporation is in the final stages of negotiation and is intended to finance development and acquisition opportunities, for which the healthcare fund has a healthy pipeline of around R4.5bn. Growthpoint has a 16% shareholding in Lango Real Estate (formerly Growthpoint Investec Property Fund or GIAP), which owns a USD638m quality portfolio of income-producing real estate assets, comprising 11 prime office and retail properties in Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia and Angola. Lango performed well throughout the pandemic to pay its maiden distribution to shareholders. In January 2021, Lango acquired the final minority stake in the Standard Chartered office building in Accra, Ghana, and now owns 100% of the asset. It is in advanced discussions with potential investors to raise additional capital. In line with capital raised, it has assembled an exciting pipeline of assets for investment as it continues to lead the African real estate market. Growthpoints international investment remains at steady levels of around 40% of its property assets by book value and just over a quarter of earnings before interest and tax. It intends to refine its approach to offshore investment. GOZ is a core investment for Growthpoint, with its defensive portfolio of quality office and industrial assets with strong tenancies. GOZs dividend decreased from AUD11.8 cents per share to AUD10.0 cents per share, as it chose to reinforce its capital structure thereby decreasing its pay-out ratio. COVID-19 had little impact on GOZs earnings and performance. Underpinning its resilience, 97% of its tenants comprise big corporates and government, and it has no retail assets. Rental collection rates remained above 98% throughout the pandemic, and GOZ closed the period with a portfolio occupancy of 95%, which will increase to 97% in the second half. Significant longer-term leases were signed during the six months including hardware chain Bunnings as a key tenant for Botanicca, taking the portfolios weighted average lease expiry to 6.2 years. During the half-year, its asset values increased and gearing levels decreased further to a low 29.9% with good liquidity of over AUD400m cash available GOZ enjoys a strong capital position with gearing well below its target range, supported by positive property fundamentals and prospects for acquisitions and fund management, as well as merger and acquisition opportunities. A faster economic recovery is expected for Australia, and GOZs quality metropolitan office portfolio is expected to be particularly resilient, while its industrial portfolio is poised to benefit from the rapid growth in e-commerce, reports Sasse. GOZ has guided a distribution of AUD20.0 cents per share for its 2021 financial year. Growthpoints Central and Eastern European investment platform, Globalworth, comprises office and industrial assets, with little retail property. It has 38 assets in Poland and 26 in Romania. By retaining cash to reinforce balance sheet strength, Globalworth delivered significantly diluted dividends of EUR15.0 cents per share. Its inaugural green bond raised EUR400m in July 2020, with a 2.95% coupon for six years, and was 2x oversubscribed. Globalworths portfolio proved defensive, with rental collections at 98.7% across 2020. It completed three new developments in a relatively quiet period with investment activity suspended. It closed 2020 with a portfolio occupancy of 91.7% including options, reflecting slower take-up of space in the new developments due to COVID-19. Globalworth has been relatively unaffected by the pandemic, with its strong balance sheet and a solid base of multinational tenants which favour the region, Sasse points out. In the UK, Capital & Regional was hard hit by Covid-19, and Growthpoints investment case in this pure retail REIT was severely impacted, notwithstanding its favourable community centre strategy, with a high proportion of non-discretionary retail. While all its shopping centres remained open throughout 2020, only around 30% of retailers could trade for the full year. There was some reprieve during the six months, and in mid-December 98% of the portfolio was trading before lockdown restrictions were re-introduced. Exacerbated by the pandemic, 17 national retailers faced business failure. Together, this placed pressure on income (down GBP15.1m), values (down 27.5%), and leverage (net LTV of 65%). Capital & Regional has signed waivers for all current income covenants with all its financiers. Its high cash reserves of over GBP80m protect its liquidity position. Even in this challenging environment, Capital & Regional collected 80% of rental during the 2020 calendar year and reported a resilient 92% commercial occupancy at end-December. The UKs easing of restrictions should allow all non-essential retailers to re-open by mid-April. However, the pandemic has accelerated structural shifts already underway in UKs retail industry. More certainty is needed to properly assess Capital & Regionals altered retail landscape and business needs and determine the best approach to address its debt levels and shape its future, says Sasse. Growthpoint remains focused on protecting its balance sheet and optimising its advantages in a persistently challenging environment. In an extremely uncertain time, we have demonstrated the benefits good liquidity and balance sheet strength. This will remain a clear focus and priority, which supports our sustainability and performance for all our stakeholders, and enables Growthpoint to continue to advance its strategic thrusts, concludes Sasse. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Expo Dubai: Sustainability Pavilion attracts 50,000 visitors 'Terra' covered by 1,055 solar panels to generate energy (ANSAmed) - NAPLES, MARCH 10 - The Sustainability Pavilion in Dubai has registered over 50,000 visitors since it opened to the public on January 22, confirming visitors' intention to understand how to make better choices, protect the world's resources and preserve energy. The large pavilion, called 'Terra', is covered by 1,055 solar panels to generate electricity and aims to convince residents and tourists to change their consumption habits and to save the planet. "So far, we have welcomed more than 50,000 visitors to Terra, and we've been asking them what impact this unique experience might have on everyday behavior", Reem Al Hashimy, the minister for international cooperation, told the newspaper The National. "To our delightful surprise, almost 97% of all visitors confirmed that they will change their behavior and be more cognizant of the fragile environment in which we live". Al Hashimy, who is also the director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, has recently pushed global policy makers to work more on the environment and has stressed that another facility of Expo, the Opportunity Pavilion, will show how each citizen can be an agent of change. The pavilion experience, she said, "imagines a world in which our finite resources might be turned to infinite uses, through smart and innovative solutions", she said. The three themed pavilions - Sustainability, Opportunity and Mobility - vie to convince visitors to contribute to reach the UN's 2030 goals for a better future for all. "While Covid-19 set us back from our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, it has also reinforced their necessity, and their urgency. We need to start doing things differently and we need to start right now". (ANSAmed). Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala - Met Gala - Camp: Notes on Fashion - Arrivals - New York City, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo) U.S. recession drama "Nomadland" and coming-of-age story "Rocks" led the nominations for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards on Tuesday with seven nods each, with a clear push on diversity among the acting contenders following an outcry last year. Family drama "The Father", Hollywood throwback "Mank", #MeToo revenge movie "Promising Young Woman" and Korean-language "Minari" followed with six nominations each at Britain's top movie honours. Advertisement Four of the six best director nominees were women, including Chloe Zhao for "Nomadland" and Sarah Gavron for "Rocks". More than half of the 24 nominees were actors of colour - a huge change to last year when BAFTA revealed an all-white acting contenders list, sparking an online outcry with the hashtag #BaftasSoWhite trending on social media. This year's leading actor nominees include Riz Ahmed for his portrayal of a heavy metal drummer going deaf in "Sound of Metal" and the late Chadwick Boseman for his role in 1920s jazz drama "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom". Leading actress nominees include Bukky Bakray for "Rocks" and Frances McDormand for "Nomadland". Last year's backlash led BAFTA to conduct a wide-ranging review resulting in expanded membership, a new longlist voting round and an increase in all four acting categories and best director to six nominees from five. "It was about levelling the playing field," BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry told Reuters. "That was really important to us... [that] people are getting through on merit because they are excellent films, excellent performances." "Nomadland", about a community of van dwellers, was also nominated for best film and adapted screenplay. The movie has had a successful start to the awards season, earning two Golden Globes. The other best film contenders are 1960s Vietnam War protest drama "The Trial of the Chicago" 7", "Promising Young Woman", "The Father" and Guantanamo Bay movie "The Mauritanian". Nominations for "Rocks" include outstanding British film, original screenplay and supporting actress for Kosar Ali. Completing the leading actor category are Adarsh Gourav for "The White Tiger", Anthony Hopkins for "The Father", Mads Mikkelsen for "Another Round" and Tahar Rahim for "The Mauritanian". The other leading actress contenders are Radha Blank for "The Forty-Year-Old Version", Vanessa Kirby for "Pieces of a Woman", Wunmi Mosaku for "His House" and Alfre Woodard for "Clemency". The BAFTAs will take place virtually from London's Royal Albert Hall next month. Berry said there would be two shows over two nights, with more details to follow in coming weeks. "What we want to do is make sure that every category can be seen and categories celebrated across both shows," she said. GARDAI have arrested a man following the seizure of 1.8 million worth of cannabis herb, in Ringaskiddy, County Cork on Tuesday afternoon. Around 90kgs of herbal cannabis was seized at Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal as a result of routine profiling and with the assistance of detector dog Marley. "The illegal drugs were discovered when Revenue officers stopped and searched a Polish-registered van which had arrived from Roscoff, France," said a Revenue spokesperson. A total of 37 separate packages containing the drugs were found concealed within panels of the van. The man, whose aged in his 20s, is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at Togher garda station in Cork city. He can be held for up to seven days. Investigations are ongoing. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was held for two years in Iran on espionage charges, has accused the Islamic Republic of psychological torture in her first-ever interview after being released last November. According to Sky News, Moore also accused Iran of trying to recruit her as a spy while she was held inside the country. Moore said the authorities promised her to let go if she agrees to spy for them. Moore said the Iranian authorities wanted her to use her academic status as a cover story to visit other Middle-Eastern countries, Europe, and America to gather intel on behalf of Tehran. Moore, a lecturer on Islamic studies, was arrested in September 2018 at Tehran airport as she was leaving the country after attending a conference. The British-Australian academic was arrested by the intelligence wing of the Revolutionary Guards, Irans elite forces. During the interview, Moore said even the Revolutionary Guards couldnt establish for which country she was spying for because there were none. 'Designed to break you' Moore, who is a cousin of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, told the interviewer that during the initial days of her detention, she was kept inside a room that was 2x2 metre in size. Moore said the solitary confinement was designed to break you, calling it extreme psychological torture. Moore alleged that the prison guards beat her up once and forcibly tranquilized her. After over a year of negotiation, Iranian authorities finally decided to release Moore in November 2020. Moore was released in a prisoner swap by Iran on November 26, 2020, in an exchange for three Iranians, who were arrested in Thailand. Iranian authorities are yet to publish evidence on the basis of which they arrested Moore. After Moore was arrested, the Australian government had dismissed the allegations of espionage levelled against her by Tehran. Moore said during her imprisonment, she learned about the Australian government asking the media to not report about the arrest, adding that was probably the best approach to about it because news reports could have made things worse. However, she added that her name being leaked in the media made her conditions better in the prison. Moore thanked the Australian government for its efforts. On the day of her release, Moore penned down an emotional note, saying despite the torture she left Iran with the same feeling that she arrived with, as a friend with friendly intentions. TROY - City police said a woman holding a toddler in an alley was struck in the head with a handgun by attackers, who are still being sought. Deputy Police Chief Dan DeWolf said police answered a call a about a shot fired and a person down in the alleyway of 111th Street and 4th Avenue, at about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday. They found a woman with a cut on her head who'd been struck with gun. A total of 522 frontline medical workers and members of community-based anti-COVID-19 groups in Vietnam had been injected with COVID-19 vaccine during the first two days of the vaccination campaign that started on March 8. Most of the vaccinated people displayed normal symptoms already predicted. (Photo: VNA) A total of 522 frontline medical workers and members of community-based anti-COVID-19 groups in Vietnam had been injected with COVID-19 vaccine during the first two days of the vaccination campaign that started on March 8. According to the National Expanded Immunisation Programme, 107 people received the shots at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases and 36 at Thanh Nhan Hospital in Hanoi. The Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases gave the injections to 104 people, and the COVID-19 Treatment Hospital in the central highlands province of Gia Lai - 69. Two medical centres in the northern province of Hai Duong the countrys biggest pandemic hotspot at present administered the vaccine to 206 people. Initial reports unveiled that most of the vaccinated people displayed normal symptoms already predicted like muscle pain, fatigue, fever, headache, chill, pain at the injection spot and nausea. There were five cases with more serious reactions, who were treated at hospital and all of them are now in stable conditions. Vietnam launched its COVID-19 inoculation drive on March 8 morning, administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to medical workers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and northern Hai Duong province. The Ministry of Health has allocated the vaccine to 13 localities, along with the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and 21 hospitals during the first phase. At a meeting on March 6, Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long stressed the need to ensure equality in vaccine access as suggested by the WHO, UNICEF and COVAC. Vietnam will receive 5,657,000 more doses of COVID-19 vaccine in March and April, all made by AstraZeneca, the National Expanded Immunisation Programme said. Of the amount, 4,177,000 doses will be supplied by COVAX Facility via the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF), with 1,373,800 doses to arrive on March 25 and another 2,803,200 doses in April. Meanwhile, 1.48 million doses bought by the Health Ministry via Vietnam Vaccine SJC (VNVC) will also be delivered in April. Vietnam received the first batch of 117,600 doses of COVID-19 on February 24. The country plans to import about 150 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. VNA How long does AstraZeneca vaccine protect patients? Vietnam will use 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine this year. How long does the vaccines effectiveness last? Telangana HC cracks whip on bureaucrats for contempt To bookmark you need to sign in Telangana High Court has cracked the whip on bureaucrats for contempt in land acquisition cases as it sentenced to jail five officials including two district collectors during the last one week for disobeying its orders. By sentencing bureaucrats to jail, the High Court has sent strong message to officials involved in contempt cases that they can't escape punishment for willful disobedience' of court orders. Two orders sentencing the contemnors have given hope to many petitioners who have approached the court against top officials for disobeying the court's directions. Several top officials in the state are facing contempt cases, especially pertaining to land acquisition for construction of irrigation projects The court on Tuesday awarded three months jail for Siddipet district collector P. Venkatarami Reddy and four months jail to the Special Deputy Collector, Kaleshwaram land acquisition, Jayachandra Reddy and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 each. The jail term for the two officers, however, was suspended for six weeks. The court, which convicted the government officials for unlawfully dispossessing some farmers in Siddipet district, directed Venkatarami Reddy and Jayachandra Reddy to pay Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively to farmers towards legal costs. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on Rajanna Sircilla District Collector Krishna Bhaskar, who served as Collector of Siddipet between August 2018 and June 2019, for not following the orders. Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao also ordered that adverse entry be made in the service records of the two collectors. The judge pronounced the orders on petitions by a group of farmers who alleged that they were forcibly dispossessed of their land for constructing Mallanna Sagar reservoir as part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The petitioners complained that the requirements of Land Acquisition Act were not met despite orders by the court. In 2017, Telangana government issued notification to acquire land under Right to Fair Compensation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act-2013 for construction of the reservoir with a storage capacity of 50 TMC of water. Nearly 15 persons of Vemulaghat and surrounding villages had filed a writ petition stating that the objections they had raised were not taken into consideration. They contended that the details of Mallannasagar project report in Telugu which they had sought were not furnished to them. The High Court had directed the government to make available the information sought on or before July, 9, 2018. The petitioners later filed a contempt of court case alleging that the court directions were not complied with by the officials. Earlier on March 2, the High Court had sentenced Krishna Bhaskar, then Joint Collector Yasmin Basha (now collector of Wanaparthy district) and Revenue Divisional Officer N. Srinivasa Rao, to three months simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 for disobeying court orders. Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao passed the order on a contempt petition filed by 11 landowners from Anantagiri village of Sircilla district, whose land was submerged by a reservoir of the Kaleshwaram project. The officials disobeyed the earlier interim orders of the court to not carry out any construction work that could affect the petitioners' land unless they were paid compensation. The court had also ordered that the compensation should be paid as per the rules of land acquisition and benefits under the rehabilitation and resettlement policy. The petitioners filed contempt petitions after the construction work continued submerging their lands and they were not paid compensation. The convicted officials were also directed to pay Rs 10,000 as legal cost to each of the petitioners. In another case, the High Court on Tuesday summoned IAS officer A. Sharath to be present before the court on March 17 to explain as to why he has failed to implement a court order on Gudimalkapur market when he was commissioner of marketing department. A bench of Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy passed the orders on bureaucrat's contempt appeal challenging the order of a single judge that had convicted him in a contempt case with Rs 5,000 penalty. The bench expressed its unhappiness over the official disobeying the order of the single judge bench to address the grievances of members of the vegetable commission agents welfare association. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. How do we know what routes are taken by migrating birds? We may know where they start their migration and where it ends, but exactly how do they get there? These were some of the questions answered by Wildlife Biologist Pamela Loring of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service last Thursday evening when over 90 people tuned in to learn more about tracking shorebirds in the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center's Virtual Speakers Series. Loring and her team of scientist collaborators from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and several academic institutions centered their tracking research on three coastal birds familiar to Cape Codders the piping plover, the roseate tern, and the common tern. The research is critical to ensuring that proposed offshore wind energy areas up and down the east coast do not inadvertently impact these bird populations. In the case of piping plovers, a threatened species that nests on our coastline, scientists knew that they traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Caribbean, Loring said. Did they fly across the ocean, with no options to stop and rest, or did they take the longer route along the coast, stopping as needed? A project using automated radio telemetry, done from 2014 to 2017, provided some surprising answers. Key to this work was the use of the international MOTUS network consisting of over 800 tracking stations, covering an area from the Arctic to the tip of South America. The birds' flight is tracked with 40-foot towers, each with six antennas covering 360 degrees capable of detecting a range of a little over 10 miles. To track the birds, they first must be tagged. The elusive plovers were corralled using walk-in traps. Researchers then affixed lightweight transmitters about the size of a penny and weighing less than .2 grams on 150 plovers. How do they do that? Super glue was the surprising answer. More answers came after mapping the tracking results. From late July to early August, piping plovers do indeed choose the challenging option of migrating offshore and choosing the evening hours (between 6 and 9 p.m.) to take off, when they can get a tail wind blowing to the southwest to assist them traveling over water, Loring said. In response to a question, Loring added that the birds are believed to use the stars for navigation, as well as sensing electromagnetic visual cues. When it came to the task of finding more about the route that the common and the endangered roseate terns use to migrate from the coastal U.S. to Argentina, satellite telemetry was needed, since The birds fly outside of the range of the radio telemetry towers. "We decided to use heavier two gram solar powered satellite transmitters," Loring said. "They are not quite as good as the towers in terms of accuracy." Ultimately, five terns received the larger satellite tags, affixed using harness material and two stitches. Monitoring commenced as they started their migration journeys from their nesting area in Petit Manan Island off the Gulf of Maine. After departing in late July, and with a stop off in Cape Cod, one female tern took six days to fly 3,000 kilometers, or over 1,800 miles, traveling at the rate of more than 17 miles per hour, arriving in late August in Venezuela. Loring noted that birds are able to "sleep with half their brain and fly with half," flying for days on end. Two male terns who departed Cape Cod in mid-September ran into very bad weather along the way. Loring shared the animated tracking data, which showed their migration route encountering two hurricanes, one shortly after another, packing winds of up to 64 knots. The data on the screen disappeared momentarily as the terns flew through Hurricane Jose and later through Hurricane Maria, but not for long. Loring was happy to report both arrived safely in Venezuela. For some of the oldest terns, these annual migrations have happened for 30 seasons or more. Future projects described by Loring include radio telemetry stations on off-shore buoys and at the Block Island Wind Farm. And new GPS technology to better measure altitude is being tested using gulls and common and arctic terns. Next up in the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center Virtual Speaker Series is "Autonomy in the Maritime Industry" with Captain Lauren Lamm of Sea Machine Robotics on April 1 at 7 pm. For more information go to www.chathammarconi.org. WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted to confirm Ohios Rep. Marcia Fudge as President Joe Bidens Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary in a 66 to 34 vote. The Warrensville Heights Democrat will be the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and the second Black woman in history to lead the department. As HUD Secretary, Fudge has pledged to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Americans by ending discriminatory practices in the housing market, and ensure that fair housing rules open the door for families, especially families of color who have been systematically kept out in the cold across generations, to buy homes and punch their ticket to the middle class. During her January confirmation hearing, Fudge said she wants to expand resources for HUDs programs to people who are eligible, build 1.5 million new affordable homes and deliver on the Administrations commitments on improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of affordable housing. The housing crisis isnt isolated by geography, said Fudge, who has represented Northeast Ohio in Congress since 2008. It is the daily reality for tens of millions of our fellow Americans - people in blue states and red states, in cities and small towns. My first priority as Secretary would be to alleviate that crisis and get people the support they need to come back from the edge. Fudge announced her resignation from Congress soon after the Senate vote. She subsequently swore to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution during a brief, virtual swearing-in ceremony administered by Vice President Kamala Harris. Fudge was at her home in Warrensville Heights with her mother, Marian Saffold, holding the Bible. Harris congratulated Fudge and extended birthday greetings to Saffold. Happy birthday, and thank you for giving the nation your daughter, Harris said. Madame Secretary, I look forward to seeing you soon. Its the honor of my life to serve as Secretary of @HUDgov. I cant wait to get to work. pic.twitter.com/EdNph1tOUI Secretary Marcia L. Fudge (@SecFudge) March 10, 2021 After he gets official notice that Fudge has resigned, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will set dates for special primary and general elections to pick her successor in representing the strongly Democratic 11th congressional district that stretches between Cleveland and Akron. Fudges staffers will continue to conduct constituent service work until voters pick her replacement. Seven Democrats are campaigning for the seat: Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Shontel Brown, former state Sens. Nina Turner and Shirley Smith, former City Councilman Jeff Johnson, former state Reps. Bryan Flannery and John Barnes, Jr., and Navy veteran Tariq Shabazz. Fudge grew up in Shaker Heights, arriving there from Cleveland when she was in sixth grade. She graduated from Ohio State University and Cleveland Marshall College of Law, and served as mayor of Warrensville Heights before she was elected to Congress. She is a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, has served as national president of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., the largest public service sorority for African-American women, and chaired the 2016 Democratic National Convention. In remarks before the vote, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Fudge has a difficult job ahead of her. Millions of Americans are behind on the rent and 3 million homeowners are in forbearance, said Schumer. At the same time were on the verge of passing major assistance for renters, and for homeowners. As the incoming Secretary, I know Rep. Fudge will implement that assistance with alacrity. House Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he voted for Fudge because presidents should be able to stand up a team so long as the nominees are qualified and mainstream.\ It has been a privilege, pleasure, and distinct honor to serve the people of Ohios 11th District in Congress for the last 12 years. Thank you for placing your trust in me. pic.twitter.com/lESLKoFW6q Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) March 10, 2021 These arent the nominees that any Republican would have picked for these jobs, McConnell said of Fudge and Bidens nominee for Attorney General, appellate judge Merrick Garland. The top Republican on the Senates Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Pennsylvanias Pat Toomey, said he voted against Fudge because he believes her past rhetoric critical of Republicans makes clear that she lacks the temperament to collaborate with Congress, particularly across the aisle with Republican members. He cited a speech she delivered on the House of Representatives floor that called Senate Republicans a disgrace to the nation, and claimed they had no decency, no honor. The Senate should really only confirm officers who are willing to cooperate with legislators, especially now when we have rapid expansion of many government programs, said Toomey. The top Democrat on that committee, Ohios Sherrod Brown, defended Fudge, who represents the section of Cleveland where he resides. I can think of no one better to lead us out of this pandemic and create strong communities for the future than Marcia Fudge, said Brown. Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman also supported Fudges nomination. He released a statement after the vote that applauded her impressive work on housing issues affecting her constituents, such as poverty, and lack of accessible and affordable housing. I believe she has the experience and the capability to navigate the federal bureaucracy and effectively address the housing issues facing the country, especially the ongoing eviction crisis as a result of COVID-19, Portman said. I look forward to working with Marcia in her new role and am confident she will make Ohio proud. Niles-area Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan released a statement after the vote that said he couldnt be more excited that Fudge will be the new HUD Secretary. I know that she has a deep understanding of the issues surrounding blight, disinvestment, and poverty faced by so many Americans, and I have every confidence that she will be an ally to our communities in Ohio and across the country, Ryans statement said. The current chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Columbus Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, released a statement that congratulated Fudge and said she looks forward to working with her. Although she and her scholarly advice will be sorely missed in Congress, her command of the issues impacting our most vulnerable, at-risk Americans will undoubtedly have a life-altering impact on countless individuals and families, Beattys statement said. Read more: Rep. Jim Jordan climbs aboard Free Britney Spears bandwagon, questions conservatorships Years of work fighting for Northeast Ohio earn Marcia Fudge a seat at Bidens Cabinet table What Rep. Marcia Fudge hopes to accomplish as Housing and Urban Development Secretary: Q & A Jim Jordans campaign faces questions over accounting discrepancies that exceed $100K Sen. Rob Portman was a guinea pig for the new Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine Former Donald Trump aide Max Miller announces GOP primary bid against U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez claiming endorsement from Trump House to pass coronavirus rescue plan with minimum wage increase and $1,400 stimulus checks: See whats in it for Ohio House passes ban on LGBTQ discrimination over objections from Republicans led by Rep. Jim Jordan President Biden signs executive order to secure U.S. production of semiconductors and other essentials after meeting with Sen. Rob Portman Congress members including Ohios Jim Jordan and Bob Gibbs grill postmaster general at hearing on mail delays Capitol Hill police blame intelligence failures for Jan. 6 riot breaches, Sen. Rob Portman cites training failures Jane Timkens Senate bid gains endorsement from Rep. Bob Gibbs Sen. Sherrod Brown wants pension fix included in coronavirus relief bill Senate to hold hearing on security failures behind U.S. Capitol ri Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on March 10, 2021 2021/03/10 CCTV: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has congratulated China on its success in eliminating extreme poverty in rural areas. He said the notable accomplishment is a significant contribution to realizing a better and more prosperous world as envisioned by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also said that China's extraordinary achievements have provided hope and inspiration to the entire international community. What significance does China's success in poverty alleviation hold for the rest of the world? Zhao Lijian: We appreciate the positive remarks by Secretary-General Guterres. To eradicate poverty is the shared aspiration of mankind. As a major country with one-fifth of the world's population, China has made great historical achievements in eliminating absolute poverty, a problem besetting the Chinese nation for thousands of years. China has completed, 10 years in advance, the goal of poverty reduction set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is a historic contribution to the international effort of poverty eradication and peaceful development. While committed to eliminating poverty at home, China has actively participated in international cooperation on poverty reduction. The Eradication of Extreme Poverty: China's Practices Report released last September shared cases in which China helped other developing countries break development bottlenecks as part of international development cooperation. In Asia, China and ASEAN countries have jointly launched a rural poverty reduction program. Technical assistance projects for poverty reduction demonstration in East Asia have been carried out in rural communities in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. In Africa, China has helped African countries build water conservancy infrastructure, set up demonstration zones for agricultural cooperation, and carried out cooperation projects on China-Africa fungus production technology. China has also carried out technical cooperation assistance projects in infrastructure, agriculture and medical care in the South Pacific region. We have also built agricultural technology demonstration centers in Latin America to help the local people shake off poverty. Poverty alleviation philosophies with Chinese characteristics, such as "targeted poverty reduction", are drawing more and more attention from the international community. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is committed to promoting economic development in countries along the routes and helping them achieve the poverty reduction goals of the 2030 Agenda for regional economic and social development cooperation at a broader, higher and deeper level. The Belt and Road Initiative is expected to lift 7.6 million people out of absolute poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty. China will continue to help developing countries enhance capacity building through multilateral and bilateral channels, and actively carry out international cooperation to press ahead with the process of poverty reduction worldwide. The Paper: According to reports by South China Morning Post and Reuters citing sources, the United States and China are discussing inviting Director Yang Jiechi and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold a high-level meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Alaska. Responding to a question on this, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: "Obviously, the President spoke with President Xi back - February 10. And we will look forward to seeking opportunities for engagement, but we don't have any details finalized or confirmed at this point." I wonder if you have any comment on this? Zhao Lijian: During their successful telephone conversation on the eve of the Lunar New Year, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden agreed that the two sides will keep communication channels open. With regard to your specific question, I don't have any information to offer at the moment. Beijing Daily: Yesterday the Chinese Mission to ASEAN held through the Jakarta Channel a launching ceremony of commemorative activities marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN. What activities will the two sides hold this year to mark the 30th anniversary? What does China expect of China-ASEAN relations going forward? Zhao Lijian: As we mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relationship between China and ASEAN, this year holds special significance for the development of our relations. China and ASEAN, through communication and consultation, have agreed to jointly hold dozens of events to mark the occasion, covering political, security, economic, trade, cultural and other sectors of cooperation. Leaders on both sides will exchange congratulatory messages. A commemorative meeting will be held, along with reception, seminar, exhibition presenting the outcomes of and forum on economic and trade cooperation. In addition, the two sides will release a commemorative album and a commemorative envelop, hold a short video contest and organize a youth camp. We look forward to working with ASEAN countries to ensure the success of these events and inject new impetus into the development of our relations. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to work with ASEAN to build on the momentum of the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations to further consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in public health, economic, trade, social, cultural and non-traditional security sectors, promote post-pandemic economic recovery and long-term resilient development, forge a higher-level China-ASEAN strategic partnership and build a closer community with a shared future to better benefit regional countries and people. AFP: I have two questions. First of all, U.S. President Biden will hold Quad alliance talks with Australia, India, and Japan on Friday. What's China response to this? Secondly, the top U.S. Admiral Philip Davidson said that he fears China could invade Taiwan in the next six years. And China's Ministry of Defense in January said that Taiwan formally declaring independence means war. What's your response to Admiral Davidson's comments? Zhao Lijian: Regarding your first question, regional cooperation arrangements should all conform to the trend of the times which is peaceful development and win-win cooperation. We hope that the relevant countries will act in line with the common interests of regional countries, uphold the principle of openness, inclusiveness and win-win outcomes, and do more things that are conducive to regional peace, stability and development, not the other way around. On your second question, China has stated its position on the Taiwan question many times. By exploiting the Taiwan question to exaggerate China's military threat, some people in the United States are actually looking for excuses to justify the increase of the U.S. military expenditure, expansion of its military power, and interfere in regional affairs. The United States should abandon the Cold War zero-sum mentality, view China's development and national defense development objectively and rationally, and do more things that are conducive to mutual trust between China and the United States and regional peace and stability. Global Times: The American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) announced the findings on March 9 in its 2021 Business Climate Survey. The report said that its members are still largely committed to the China market, considering China as a priority investment destination. In the survey, 75% of companies said they are optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market, and 81% of companies said they expected their businesses to grow in China. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: This report is the latest testament to the mutually beneficial and win-win nature of China-U.S. economic and trade ties. Actually, the report also points out that many foreign companies in China have given positive reviews on China's investment environment, with two thirds of companies indicating their willingness to increase investment in China, which reflects the growing confidence that foreign companies have towards the Chinese market. China will continue to deepen reform, open wider and work towards a market-based and law-governed business environment that is up to international standards so that the U.S. and other foreign business community will feel more comfortable operating and investing in China, and the Chinese and foreign companies will find stronger support in their mutually beneficial cooperation. We hope that the U.S. side will also uphold an open and inclusive attitude to seek win-win results, lift its unjustified restrictions, stop clamping-down on Chinese companies. The US side should work with China to focus on cooperation, manage differences, bring China-US relations back on track, and create favorable conditions for the sound and steady development of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation. Reuters: China summoned the UK ambassador on Tuesday to lodge stern representations over an article she wrote on the role of the media. What was the specific point the ambassador made in this article which the foreign ministry disagreed with? Why is it inappropriate for foreign diplomats to give their views on Chinese social media, given that Chinese diplomats often do so on foreign platforms and publications? Zhao Lijian: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has already summoned Ambassador Caroline Wilson to state our solemn position on the relevant issue. You can also check out the reactions of Chinese netizens to her article. Who is right and who is wrong is clear, and the public also knows the answer clearly. Ambassador Wilson's article, with a confused logic, avoids all the facts, including the British media's disinformation and false reporting on China, and deliberately confuses news slandering with news supervision. The article makes no mention of the Chinese media being suppressed in foreign countries, but praises the so-called Western experience in an arrogant tone, and makes irresponsible remarks about China's system and media. It is in nature an interference in China's internal affairs, reflecting her consistent double standards and deep-rooted ideological prejudices. The Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming also published some articles during his stint in the UK, all of which are in objective and positive tones, meant to introduce China and China-UK relations. Some of his articles have been written to dispel false words and rumors concerning China disseminated by some British media. He has never written any article to provoke disputes, or attack the British system. In fact, when Ambassador Liu Xiaoming published articles in the British media, it was not as free and easy as Ambassador Wilson said, as his articles have been repeatedly rejected in recent years. I also want to emphasize once again that the responsibility of diplomatic institutions is to promote friendly bilateral relations. Diplomats have the obligation not to interfere in the internal affairs of their host countries. This is a bottom line that cannot be crossed. Reuters: China has launched digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate for citizens planning to cross borders. Do you have any details on which countries China is in talks with to get these certificates recognized? Zhao Lijian: China has introduced its electronic health certificate for international travelers to other countries and relevant international organizations. To date, many countries and some international organizations have expressed readiness to seek mutual recognition in this regard with China. We hope to launch such mutual-recognition mechanisms with other sides on the basis of accommodating each other's concerns and through friendly consultation so as to facilitate cross-border travel and foster sound, safe and orderly flow of personnel. China Daily: U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States has not seen any developments that would change its determination that China committed genocide and crimes against humanity in its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Can you comment on this? Zhao Lijian: The claim of "genocide" in China's Xinjiang is ludicrous and baseless. It's an outright ill-intentioned rumor and lie. The United States should not make such an accusation with no proof at all. China firmly opposes groundless attacks and smears. The United States endorsement of disinformation, lies and rumors only further damages its credibility and image. As we said repeatedly, the Uighur population in Xinjiang grew from 5.55 million to over 12 million over the past four decades or so. Is the doubling of population called "genocide"? By contrast, those who learned the history of the United States know that native Indians were expelled and killed during the Westward Expansion, and their population nosedived by 95% from 5 million in 1492 to 250,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. In another word, the population dwindled to one twentieth. It's not China, but someone else, that is more suitable for the label of "genocide". The first thing the United States should do is to pay attention to and improve the domestic human rights situation, rather than pointing the finger at others on the basis of lies and rumors. China is willing to have dialogue and exchange on human rights with other countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed treatment, but we resolutely oppose fabrications, slanders and interference in others' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. Kyodo News Agency: A leaders' meeting of the Quad group of countries on Friday plans to announce agreements to support an increase in coronavirus vaccines aid to developing countries. Some call this move an attempt to counter China's widening "vaccine diplomacy". Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: Now that you have asked this question, I would like to brief you on China's supply of vaccines to other countries. China is a committed front-runner in promoting international vaccine cooperation. We have carried out vaccine R&D and production cooperation with a dozen or so countries, attracting more than 100,000 volunteers of over 100 nationalities. Altogether, 17 Chinese vaccines have entered clinical trials. More than 60 countries have authorized the use of Chinese vaccines. The safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines are earning recognition across the world. China is prepared to discuss with other countries the feasibility and protocols for mutual recognition of vaccination. China is a steadfast advocate for equitable vaccine distribution. We have joined COVAX, under which China has undertaken to provide an initial 10 million doses for emergency use in developing countries. So far, China has donated or is donating COVID vaccines to 69 developing countries in urgent need, and is exporting vaccines to 43 countries. Responding to a UN appeal, we have donated vaccines to peacekeepers from various countries. We are also ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to provide vaccines to Olympians. It is our hope that Chinese vaccines will inject more confidence and hope into the global fight against the virus. Vaccines are a powerful weapon against the virus and bring hope for saving lives. They should serve the entire world and benefit all humanity. China is a firm believer in making COVID vaccines a public good. China was among the first to pledge that its vaccines, when available, will be made a global public good, and China has worked in real earnest to improve vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. That's what we've been saying and what we've been doing. A number of vaccines are now available around the world. It is up to each country to decide which one to choose. Whether it is a Chinese vaccine or not, it is a good vaccine so long as it is safe and effective. China opposes "vaccine nationalism". We reject any "vaccine divide" or any attempt to politicize vaccine cooperation. PTI: With regard to what you said about mutual recognition of vaccines by different countries, will China wait for the vaccines of a particular nation or Chinese vaccines themselves to be recognized by the WHO? Because WHO so far has recognized only three vaccines, that is Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Do you think it is necessary for WHO's recognition for China to recognize other's vaccines or it is a bilateral arrangement that China is looking at? And also China has promised to give 10 million vaccines to COVAX, but is China giving to COVAX without recognition or approval of your vaccines by the WHO? Zhao Lijian: Thanks for your question. To my knowledge, Chinese vaccine companies have submitted applications to the WHO and the latter in response has sent teams to China. The procedures for recognition are ongoing. The safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines has been widely recognized by various countries. I believe China and the WHO are having good communication in vaccine recognition. *** After the conclusion of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), Premier Li Keqiang will hold a press briefing and take questions from the press at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of March 11 (Thursday). The regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be adjourned on March 11 and resumed on March 12 (Friday). MBABANE - While the Bible encourages people to respect those in authority, some members of the League of Churches are said to be breaching the COVID-19 regulations. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Regulations Directive No: 2 of 2021 provides that gatherings remain banned during the partial lockdown. According to concerned residents of Zombodze, some members of Zion and Jericho churches have been conducting vigils near Manzamnyana since government temporarily banned gatherings on March 27, 2020. Worth noting is that a limited number was allowed in gatherings until government came up with revised regulations, which completely banned gatherings. This was after government observed an alarming increase in the number of new COVID-19 infections and deaths during the second wave. The extended partial lockdown was effected on January 16, 2021, where only three members were allowed, only for live streaming of church services. The extension will continue for the next two weeks. Manzamnyama is one of the rivers which are associated with water spirits known as inzuza. As a result, it attracts many people believed to be subscribing to the spirits. The concerned residents shared with this publication that the members of the organisation assembled at the mountain near the river in numbers every Friday. They claimed that at times, the Christians spent the whole weekend praying in the mountain. Banned Our concern is that gatherings were temporarily banned as the country tries to minimise the spread of COVID-19. The congregants sing at the top of their voices and you can tell that they are not singing with their face masks on. We have called the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on 112 on numerous occasions, but there has been no response. We even called the police on 999, but there has been no response, said a concerned resident. The residents who blew the whistle were asked if they had any interest in the matter and they claimed that they had none except that they wanted adherence to the regulations put in place by government. It does not matter where I worship, my concern is on the breach of the regulations, said one of the residents when asked about his interest in the matter. He mentioned that they resolved to call this publication after all their efforts to curb the unlawful gatherings failed.NDMA Public Relations Manager Wandile Mavuso said there were many factors that could result in the residents not reaching the office through the toll-free line. Mavuso said one of the factors could be that the toll-free line was flooded with prank calls on a daily basis. He was asked why relevant stakeholders failed to respond to reported cases after government invested in the command centre, where police officers, soldiers, firefighters, paramedics among other stakeholders, monitor calls for quick response during the pandemic. He said as far as the organisation was concerned, gatherings were currently banned in the country. He advised the residents to try other emergency lines if they failed to reach the command centre through 112. Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Nosipho Mnguni wanted to know how the residents contacted the police. She said there was a likelihood that the police could not be reached on 999 for many reasons. Mnguni added that it was at times difficult to follow up on calls made on 999. She advised the residents to also call the communications office at 7606 2312. She also asked for directions so that they could act on the matter. The League of Churches President, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako, registered his shock when informed about the matter. Hlatjwako stated that police and the NDMA could be blamed if the version given by the residents was true. We can blame the police and NDMA if what is said by the residents is true. They should have acted on the matter as soon as they received the information. The COVID-19 regulations are clear that gatherings were temporarily banned in the country, Hlatjwako said. He said it was unfortunate that a majority of Zion churches were affiliated to the organisation. Hlatjwako asked for directions to the area, stating that he would personally camp at the mountain in order to ascertain the truth of the matter. We cannot overlook the fact that it is painful to miss church for more than a year. You cannot even call people to clean the place due to the regulations. However, the frustrations do not warrant people to defy the authorities. The Bible is clear that those in authority should be respected at all times. If they fail to respect government and the King, how will they respect God? asked Hlatjwako. ST. CLOUD, Fla., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Newton , recently acquired by two long-time fans and superusers announced a new partnership with AI scheduling tool x.ai , making it the first instance of a scheduling service natively integrating with an email client. Currently no other email system or scheduling software offers this as a feature. The first native calendar scheduling integration inside email In 2020, x.ai recorded 182.4% year-over-year growth in the number of meetings scheduled Newton (previously CloudMagic) was acquired by customers and fans Maitrik Kataria, of Simform and Justin Mitchel of SoFriendly.com , in 2020 after its parent company went bankrupt. Originally one of the first email apps to offer snoozed emails and app integrations they've since added new features, fixed long overdue bugs and positioned the once legacy email client as a real contender in the space. "It was a surreal moment to go from superuser to owner of my favorite email client. The new normal of work from home has propelled Newton further and faster than I could have hoped -- and has offered everyone the opportunity to become proficient schedulers. We love creating new features that help people get time back and x.ai gave us a great opportunity to do more," said Maitrik Kataria, co-founder, Newton. The Newton-x.ai partnership allows for seamless calendar scheduling for individuals and teams within the Newton platform. After a user links their x.ai account to Newton, they can share their availability instantly with easy keyboard shortcuts or even have an AI Scheduler send available times directly to guests, right on the email thread. "The opportunity to pair x.ai scheduling with a user-first email platform was a no brainer. We've worked closely with the Newton team as our first scheduling API partner on what we believe is a simple-to-use and sophisticated way to schedule meetings natively from your inbox," said Dennis R. Mortensen, CEO and founder of x.ai. Founded in 2014, x.ai has spent more than 5 years tuning an AI-powered scheduling engine that instantly generates availability for individuals and teams based on their Meeting Templates. In 2020, x.ai recorded 182.4% year-over-year growth in the number of meetings scheduled on its platform, as scheduling software became a must-have for individuals, small teams, and enterprise companies. x.ai lets you schedule unlimited meetings for free, forever. x.ai's paid subscriptions offer rich functionality and features for individuals and teams. Visit https://x.ai/pricing to learn more. About Newton Email app with space-age features for modern-day business communication. The only email productivity platform that allows for in-email calendar scheduling with x.ai and tried and true features users love, like snooze, send later, tidy inbox, recap and countless app integrations. Newton is available for Mac, Windows and Linux on desktop and iOS and Android.s. Newton costs $49.99 per year, per user after a 14-day trial period. For additional information, please visit: https://newtonhq.com/scheduler. About x.ai Founded in 2014, x.ai is a leading productivity tool powered by artificial intelligence that schedules meetings for you and your team. x.ai automates the most tedious parts of scheduling things like finding compatible times to meet with large groups, sending follow-ups and reminders, as well as managing cancellations and reschedule requests. Learn more at x.ai . Contact: Sarah Evans [email protected] 224.789.8314 SOURCE Newton In nine days, a bus company will start making Winnipeg-to-Regina passenger trips with Brandon as a stop along the way. Advertisement Advertise With Us In nine days, a bus company will start making Winnipeg-to-Regina passenger trips with Brandon as a stop along the way. As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press on Tuesday, Regina-founded company Rider Express is stepping up to fill one of the gaps left by Greyhounds departure as of March 19. The company previously ran a Regina-Winnipeg route but cancelled it before the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of business. Now its giving the route another shot, adding on to its current routes going between Vancouver and Calgary, Calgary and Edmonton and Edmonton and Regina. The route, which leaves Regina for Winnipeg at 11 p.m. on Friday, stops at the Esso station at 501 Park Ave. in Moosomin, Sask., at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, continues on to the Petro-Canada station at 340 Frontage Rd. in Virden at 3 a.m., drops by the Petro-Canada station at 100 Highland Ave. in Brandon at 4 a.m., visits the Flying J Travel Centre in Portage la Prairie at 5:30 a.m. and arrives at Maple Bus Lines at 926 Sherbrook St. at 6:30 a.m. The reverse trip leaves Winnipeg at 11 p.m. on Saturday, then stops in Portage la Prairie at 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, Brandon at 1:30 a.m., in Virden at 2:30 a.m. and Moosomin at 2:35 a.m. before arriving at the companys Regina offices at 1517 11th Ave. at 5 a.m. Tickets cost $100 going from Winnipeg to Regina, but prices scale down if you join the trip somewhere in the middle. For instance, boarding the bus in Brandon and travelling to Winnipeg costs $76.19 one-way, according to Rider Expresss website. Speaking to the Sun on Tuesday by phone, Rider Express manager of operations Omer Kanca said the company is adding additional stops along the route if demand is high enough as well as trips running on additional days of the week. He said the company has been trying to get funding from various levels of government to help fund routes and stops at more remote communities. "Its not always viable for private companies to service those areas," said Kanca. "So far we havent got any government support, but we are searching for it." For instance, if interest and funding were available, Kanca said there would be the possibility of adding a second Manitoba-Saskatchewan route going from Saskatoon to Winnipeg by way of Highway 16. Rider Express has yet to approach the Manitoba government for support, but Kanca said it has already approached the federal government and the governments of other provinces. The manager said the pandemic has been difficult on the company and the industry as a whole, with a direct Regina-to-Calgary route eliminated because of it. "We will be starting that route again as soon as we see that people start to travel again," he said. "There is a lot of pent-up desire for travel and we would like to be ready for it as well ... people are bored, really." He estimates that over certain periods of time during the pandemic, Rider Express was losing between 75 and 90 per cent of its revenue. "But I think there is going to be a comeback," said Kanca. During a November 2019 visit from the Amalgamated Transit Unions national president John DiNino, the union held a media conference outside the empty Greyhound station in downtown Brandon calling for the establishment of intercity transit, saying that Manitoba was one of the provinces hardest hit by Greyhounds departure. Reached for comment on Tuesday, the union believed the addition of the new route was positive, but stopped short of calling it a solution. "Though we are encouraged by the news of a Winnipeg-Regina bus route, this still falls short of a national public intercity transit strategy," a spokesperson for the union wrote in an email. "The private market has not and will not adequately replace intercity transit services in Western provinces." cslark@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ColinSlark A man receives a boost dose at a COVID-19 community vaccination event, as West Virginia's vaccination rate ranks among highest in world, in Martinsburg, W.Va., on Feb. 25, 2021. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) West Virginias Justice Announces 168 Unreported COVID-19 Deaths West Virginias governor on Wednesday announced 168 deaths involving COVID-19 that have previously gone unreported. Officials learned that 70 facilities across the state had not reported all of the COVID-related deaths at their facilities, Gov. Jim Justice said during a press conference. That included people who died at their homes and died in hospitals. Now, I promise you this, that this kind of stuff is totally unacceptable to me, and Ill dig and push our people to dig in every way to get to the very, very bottom of this. Im really sorry, Justice, a Republican, said. It just makes me sick, he added later. Dr. Ayne Amjad, West Virginias top health official, said the state was alerted to the deaths late Friday. Most of the facilities that failed to fully report the deaths are hospitals and nursing homes. A system is in place for facilities to send notice of COVID-related deaths to the state. We are very disappointed that these facilities have not done this accurately to us, Amjad said. To us, this is extremely unacceptable because we are also trying to keep track of every West Virginian, individually and properly in the state. Officials found the discrepancy when they saw the state death data and the number of death reports did not match. Justice begins each of his briefings by describing people who were recently counted among those whose deaths are believed to involve COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. He did so on Wednesday before disclosing the unreported deaths. Jim Justice, now the West Virginia governor, in a 2016 file photograph. (Steve Helber/AP Photo) According to the states health department, 2,330 deaths have involved COVID-19. That does not include the 160 disclosed in the briefing. Officials also discovered 27 unreported deaths in November 2020. Amjad said the fatalities were on death certificates but not on death reports. Filling out death reports is required and its mind-boggling that people dont, Amjad told reporters on Wednesday, describing it as filling out a single sheet. Officials declined to say whether any of the facilities would be penalized for failure to report. Justice rolled back some virus-related rules last week, citing a drop in COVID-19 deaths as one of the reasons. Amjad replaced Dr. Cathy Slemp last year. Slemp resigned under pressure from Justice, who said the department under her control didnt accurately report COVID-19 cases, among other issues. West Virginia has seen 129 such deaths for every 100,000 residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats around the middle of the pack when compared to other states. The state has been widely praised for its vaccination efforts. Over 219,000 people have been fully vaccinated, according to the latest update, with another approximately 127,000 getting one shot so far. Two of the three authorized vaccines require two doses. SPEAKING on last weeks RTE Investigates programme, Irelands Illegal Adoptions, former CEO of Barnardos, Fergus Finlay, said the countrys middle classes wanted rid of illegitimate children. To our everlasting shame, we turned a blind eye, he said. The documentary was unsettling viewing, with a number of unlawfully adopted people, now in their sixties and older, sitting in front of the camera, each holding a photograph of themselves when they were children. Innocent children who were illegally registered on their birth certificates as if they were the natural children of their adoptive parents. Even adoption was taboo. Women stuffed pillows or whatever up their jumpers to pretend they were pregnant, before taking home the babies. Respectability was at the root of this societal phenomenon. But at what cost? Theres nothing wrong with striving to be respectable, but unfortunately, in this country, not so long ago, it meant being subjugated to the church with its narrow-mindedness and misogyny. Bishops and priests were almost bowed to. Nuns, doing the clergys bidding, were mostly harsh towards single mothers, blaming them for their unwanted pregnancies with nary a reference to the men that fathered the babies. No doubt, the nuns were of the belief that young women were temptresses, leading the poor lads on. The gossip must have been fierce, the judgements damning. All in the name of God, or at least, the Catholic Church. And you also had the shameful involvement of some of Irelands most elite and powerful individuals, arranging the illegal adoption of babies. Among them was Professor Eamon de Valera Junior (a consultant gynaecologist at Holles Street National Maternity Hospital) whose father was a former president of Ireland. According to the RTE documentary, de Valera Junior arranged ante-natal appointments for women who were not pregnant, in order to facilitate illegal adoptions. Yes, Ireland was very much a valley of squinting windows. A twitch of a net curtain signalled the taking up of a position in sterile parlours from which the street and the neighbourhood could be surveyed. There would be tut-tutting at people who stepped out of line. Respectability demanded disapproval, directed at unmarried pregnant girls and anyone else who broke the accepted codes for living a holy life. But priests, from the alcoholic to the abusive (with some good eggs in the mix too) were often far from holy themselves. But they would never be held up and found wanting, regardless of their behaviour. They were the untouchables. Their handmaidens, the nuns, made sure their vestments were well cleaned, starched and ironed with the labour coming from the accursed Magdalene laundries, run by the not very sisterly nuns. You couldnt expect any female solidarity from these brides of Christ. It would make you weep in despair. Now, when Im out and about, I find myself wondering about the women and men I pass on the street. Were any of them illegally adopted? Are they trying to discover their real identities? While 126 such cases have been revealed, experts say there could be more than 10,000 cases. You never know the back story of people that you see on the street. You can never know the acquisitiveness of money-grubbing nuns either. Among the documents seen by the RTE Investigates programme was a demand for 85, the fee that St Patricks Guild charged pregnant women to care for their babies until they were adopted. That fee in todays money is over 3,200. But, when the mother of one of the women in the programme didnt pay the fee, the Sisters of Charity (what a misnomer!) went after her. Susan Kiernans birth mother struggled to pay the fee. The nuns began phoning Arnotts where she worked as a shop assistant. The balance due was 82.10s. A nun wrote: If you do not send, my collector will call to see you. She would prefer not to have to do this as it might be embarrassing for you and we want to safeguard your reputation. We have not failed you; you have failed us. But Susan had been placed with her adoptive parents at just four days old. So why the demand for money? The whole business stinks. Brenda Lynch, with her brother Brian, was one of four children illegally adopted into one house. The adoptions were facilitated by Eamon de Valera Junior. These adoptions were concealed as fake pregnancies. An incensed Brenda said: No-one is above the law, who does this person think that he is? That he can just decide that oh yeah, here is a baby, we will take her from her and give her to a good family, middle class. It is incredible. Who, indeed, did Eamon de Valera Junior think that he was? Invincible, thats what. Shame on those people who were in powerful positions facilitating cover-ups. Oregon tenants who have fallen behind on rent due to the coronavirus pandemic may not have to make up those missed payments until 2022, under a proposal floated by legislative Democrats. Currently, renters are protected by the states eviction moratorium until the end of June, but will have to make up any missed payments by July 1. Oregon Democrats want to extend the grace period for renters to make up those missed payments until February 28, 2022. Democrats in the Legislature believe the new grace period would give the state the time it needs to get an unexpected influx of federal rent assistance into the hands of struggling renters before they have to make up their missed payments, potentially avoiding a looming eviction crisis. Some landlords, however, expressed skepticism about Oregons ability to deliver that aid, even if evictions are delayed, given the states struggles to pay out prior assistance. Other struggling landlords expressed concerns about potentially going until next year without payments. Oregon is already receiving approximately $280 million in rent assistance through the federal coronavirus relief bill passed in December, with about $80 million in funding going directly to local governments. And the state stands to get an additional $223 million in rent assistance once the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is signed into law, according to a spokesperson for Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. The Senate has already signed off on the aid package and the House of Representatives is due to vote on the package Wednesday. President Joe Biden could sign it later this week. It will take time (for that money) to come from the federal government to the states and for the state of Oregon to get it out the door, said Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, who heads the Oregon House Committee on Housing. It makes no sense for us to lift these protections and have tenants be evicted when were on the cusp of getting those financial resources. We know help is coming and we just need time to get it in the hands of those that need it. Oregon Democrats are proposing to extend the grace period through an amendment introduced by Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Portland, on Senate Bill 282, which directs Oregon Housing and Community Services to study issues related to rental housing. The grace period would apply to rent accumulated between April 2020 and June 2021. Renters will still have to start making their regular payments beginning in July. The amendment would also shield the COVID-era records of tenants when they apply for rental housing in the future and create enhanced protections for renters by presuming that eviction notices are retaliatory if they are issued while renters are behind on payments during the moratorium period. Over 250 people submitted comments on the bill during public testimony last week, prompting lawmakers to schedule a second public hearing for Tuesday afternoon. Courtney Helstein, political director for Family Forward Oregon, which advocates for families and caregivers, said that minorities and women who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic could be in danger of facing long-term housing instability if the state doesnt act to extend the grace period for repaying missed rent payments. A survey of 460 Oregon tenants conducted by Portland State University researchers in September found that 35% owed back rent. That number increased to 56% for people of color. As we move into the next stage of the COVID pandemic, we must acknowledge the ongoing difficulty that continues to face our most vulnerable communities, Helstein said in a written statement. We must act to ensure that the fallout from the COVID pandemic does not sentence Oregonians who rent their homes to lasting collateral consequences. However, the amendment has drawn opposition from struggling landlords and some rental industry groups. Deborah Imse, executive director of Multifamily NW, a rental industry group that represents landlords, said the group doesnt oppose a reasonable repayment period to give renters the ability to make up missed payments. However, Imse expressed concerns about the states track record in getting rent assistance into the hands of tenants in need. It took months for Oregon to get rent assistance from the federal government out to renters last year during the heart of the pandemic. More recently, technical issues prevented Oregon landlords from applying for rent assistance on behalf of their tenants through the states new landlord compensation fund, which prompted the state to delay a second round of funding for the program. Our greatest concern is the lack of urgency displayed by proponents of this legislation to address the root cause of housing instability, which is that Oregonians are simply unable to access the emergency assistance that is available, said Imse in a written statement. SB 282 does not move the hundreds of millions in financial assistance sitting in the states bank accounts into the hands of struggling Oregonians. Extending the grace period for renters to make up missed payments is just one piece of a broad housing agenda that Oregon Democrats, who hold a majority in both chambers of the legislature, are pursuing during this session to try to address the states housing crisis. They are also proposing $535 million for a series of new and existing housing programs. Democrats want to allocate $230 million to build affordable housing, $47 million for shelter and navigation centers to support homeless people, and $30 million to help prospective homeowners with down payments. The state is also expecting additional federal funding to support homeowners impacted by the pandemic. A spokesperson for Sen. Merkley said Tuesday that each state will receive a minimum of $50 million, but potentially more, for homeownership assistance through the American Rescue Plan. In addition to the financial help for homeowners coming from the federal government, Oregon Democrats are also pushing to reinstate the states foreclosure moratorium, which lapsed last year. Now, that were back in session, its important that we consider a broader range of actions to address our preexisting housing crisis here in Oregon, Fahey said. -- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com | @jamiebgoldberg As Global Travelers GT Tested Reader Survey enters its 18th year, FXExpress Publications, Inc. will add an award in 2021 that highlights diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. Announced alongside the GT Tested Reader Survey awards and the Airline and Hotel of the Year nods, an Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel acknowledgment will also be awarded. The GT Tested Reader survey honors airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel-related products in more than 80 categories. GTs distinguished readers vote for their favorites in the world of travel in an open-ended survey running in the magazine and online from January to September. The Airline and Hotel of the Year awards are selected by the staff of FXExpress Publications, Inc., and its Advisory and Globility boards. The award for Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel will be selected similarly to the Airline and Hotel of the Year honorees. The selection process will include independent research looking at companies diversity policies, workforce, corporate culture, charitable giving and more. This year brought many issues to the forefront, not only in the travel industry, but around the world, said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler. At FXExpress Publications, Inc., we are committed to the idea of diversity and inclusivity in the travel industry and we look forward to honoring other companies in the travel industry that share the same vision. We understand the importance of this fight today and every day, and we believe theres no better way to experience, understand and appreciate other cultures than through travel. The winner of the 2021 Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion in Travel award will be announced in the December 2021 issue of Global Traveler. About Global Traveler With nearly 550,000 readers, Global Traveler connects brands with U.S.-based frequent, affluent travelers. According to MediaMark Research (Gfk MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis (11 round-trips in the last three years), mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Special editions Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook and Class Act Guide complement monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards (business- and first-class wine survey). About FXExpress Publications, Inc. FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, globaltravelerusa.com, FX Excursions, eFlyer USA and several annuals. WhereverFamily LLC publishes whereverfamily.com and its related brands, and Trazee Travel, LLC publishes trazeetravel.com. Alabama has been ranked the second-most dangerous state for pedestrians, trailing only Florida, according to a new report issued today. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan area ranks 17th in the top 20 most dangerous cities to walk in, said the report, based on an index of pedestrian deaths released by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. Alabama had 120 pedestrian deaths in 2019; 107 in 2018; 118 in 2017; and 120 in 2016. A disproportionate percentage of Blacks are hit and killed by cars while walking, compared to the overall population: 41 statewide in 2019; 43 in 2018; 43 in 2017; 39 in 2016. From 2008 to 2019 in Alabama, there were 1,068 pedestrian deaths, 403 of them African-American, or more than 37 percent. There have been numerous more pedestrian deaths in 2020 and 2021 not yet included in those statistics. On Feb. 17, an adult Black female was struck and killed at 6:45 p.m. at 68th Street and First Avenue North, trying to cross the street in Birmingham. On Dec. 15, 2020, Derrick Martres Bradford, 38, of Birmingham, was hit and killed by a car at about 6:25 a.m. while walking on Interstate 59 near the Alabama Adventure Parkway exit in Bessemer. Another pedestrian was struck and killed on Interstate 65 on Sept. 20, 2020, near the Third Avenue North exit after 10 p.m. From 2010 to 2018, the number of people struck and killed by drivers nationwide while walking increased by 45 percent. The four most recent years on record, 2016-2019, are now the four most deadly years for pedestrian deaths since 1990. During this ten-year period, 53,435 people were hit and killed by drivers. In 2019, the 6,237 people struck and killed is the equivalent of more than 17 people killed per day. In Florida, ranked as the most dangerous state for pedestrians, 5,893 pedestrians were killed from 2010 through 2019. The risk is not evenly distributed: Black Americans, older adults, people walking in low-income communities, and American Indian or Alaska Native people all die at higher rates and face higher levels of risk compared to all Americans. From 2010-2019, Black people were struck and killed by drivers at an 82 percent higher rate (by population) than White, non-Hispanic Americans. And the fatality rate for people walking in the lowest income neighborhoods was nearly twice that of middle income census tracts and almost three times that of neighborhoods at higher levels of income (measured in median household income). The risk is not evenly distributed, the report noted. Black Americans, older adults, people walking in low-income communities, and American Indian or Alaska Native people all die at higher rates and face higher levels of risk compared to all Americans. From 2010-2019, Black people were struck and killed by drivers at a 82 percent higher rate (by population) than White, non-Hispanic Americans. And the fatality rate for people walking in the lowest income neighborhoods was nearly twice that of middle income census tracts and almost three times that of neighborhoods at higher levels of income. Proposed solutions The report suggests that design of streets and roadways prioritize the speedy movement of vehicles at the expense of safety for all people who use them. It also says many tenets of roadway design that are widely accepted actively put people at risk. Street design practices can also set drivers up to fail by making it easier to make mistakes with deadly consequences, even when following the rules, the report said. Many streets are missing crosswalks and dont provide enough time for older adults to safely cross. Unnecessarily wide lanes on streets filled with destinations and crosswalks spaced too far apart encourage high speeds; streets are designed with wide turning lanes that allow cars to make right turns through crosswalks at high speeds, the report said. The report calls on states, localities, and the federal government to make improving pedestrian safety an urgent priority and identifies actions that can save lives. At the federal level, this includes passing the newly introduced Complete Streets Act, which would require state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to plan for all people who use the street, including the most vulnerable users. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Participants in the GaN-powered chargers market are pushing to leverage the recent upsurge in consumer electronics sales for long-term opportunities. DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Future Market Insights: The GaN-powered chargers market is likely to display strong growth prospects through 2031 reaching a valuation of over US$ 4.9 Bn. Wide scope of applications in a range of consumer electronics products, electric vehicle power infrastructure and industrial applications are expected to generate key opportunities of growth in the upcoming decade. Power efficiency advantages over SiC counterparts will drive growth through the industry in the long-term, generating positive growth prospects in multi-industry settings in the near future. "Growing demand for GaN charging devices for application in radio frequency equipment coupled with the adoption of the technology in the telecom sector has positively influenced the GaN-powered chargers market. This will create opportunities in the production of LiDAR, AC fast charger, and wireless power setups for growth in the near future," says the FMI study. Request a report sample to gain comprehensive market insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-13030 GaN-powered Chargers Market - Primary Takeaways Smartphone applications will account for significant revenue share, driven by consumer preference for wireless and fast-charging setups. 30W charger formats will display higher demand owing to applications in the massive consumer electronics sector. China and India remain markets with high potential for growth owing to opportunities in the telecom and automotive sectors. The United States will hold the lead in the GaN powered chargers market owing to strong demand in consumer electronics and industrial power setups. GaN-powered Chargers Market - Growth Factors Superior efficiency in high voltage transmission, and reduced energy loss is a key factor supporting adoption. GaN technologies allow charger devices to be substantially smaller than conventional counterparts. Reduced requirements of additional components including filters and heatsinks aid growth prospects. We Offer tailor-made Solutions to fit Your Requirements, Request Customization@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-13030 GaN-powered Chargers Market - Major Constraints GaN chargers are limited by a relatively lower capacity of thermal conductivity, creating complexities for high-frequency switching applications. Currently available formats of GaN chargers are depletion type devices which cause issues for zero gate source voltage settings, limiting scope of use. Expected Impact on Market by Coronavirus Outbreak The coronavirus pandemic has had an adverse effect on the global GaN-powered chargers market. Disruptions in the supplies of essentials raw materials and components and a slump in the sales of electronics and automobiles during the crisis period has hit short term demand. However, with relaxation of lockdown regulations, the gradual recovery of the global economy and looser restrictions on trade are aiding in the recovery of the market, setting up the industry for strong long-term growth. Explore data on the GaN-powered chargers market with 113 figures, 42 tables and the ToC. You will also find market segmentation on https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/gan-powered-chargers-market Competition Landscape Some of the leading manufacturers participating in the GaN-powered chargers market are Energizer, Xiaomi Corporation, AUKEY, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Anker, Belkin International Inc., RAVPower, GaN Systems Inc., and Baseus among others. Leading market players have been observed to be largely involved in product development and launch strategies in a moderately competitive market. Efforts towards changes in power capacities and charging formats are expected to gain attention. Qualcomm's 65W Qcharger is the latest offering which offers support for charging formats in over 200 countries with a 2500w AC rating, capable of charging 4 devices simultaneously. Hyper has introduced a new stackable GaN charger with support for 1600W passthrough power compatible with USB-C and USB A formats. Further, Avenir telecom has announced the release of new Energizer brand GaN wall chargers for consumers in India between 20W and 90W ratings. Contact Sales for Further Assistance in Purchasing this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/13030 More on the Report FMI provides in-depth insights on the GaN-powered chargers market. The market is segmented in terms of power output (25W, 30W, 45W, 60W, 65W, 90W, 100W, and others), and application (smartphones and tablets, laptops & notebooks, autonomous robots, industrial equipment, wireless charging, and others), across six regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and Middle East & Africa). Explore Wide-ranging Coverage of FMI's Technology Landscape Marketing Transcription Market: Find insights on the marketing transcription market with analysis of statistics, segments, players, influencers, and business strategies adopted over a 10-year forecast period. Digital Marketing Analytics Market: FMI's report on the digital marketing analytics market provides insights on the market for 2019-2029. The study evaluates restraining forces, revenue sources, market leaders, and market strategies. Electronic Skin Market: An analysis on the electronic skin market with data on opportunities, growth levers, regional markets, restraints, regulatory policies, and strengths of market leaders. About FMI Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact: Mr. Abhishek Budholiya Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates MARKET ACCESS DMCC Initiative For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com For Media Enquiries: press@futuremarketinsights.com Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/gan-powered-chargers-market Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/gan-powered-chargers-market SOURCE: Future Market Insights View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634637/GaN-powered-Charger-Sales-Driven-by-Growing-Interest-in-Commercial-RF-and-Wireless-Charging-Offerings-Future-Market-Insights-Report One of the great debates in networking has been whether to use wired connectivitywhich brings speedor wirelesswhich delivers mobility. Recent versions of Wi-Fi deliver speeds comparable to wired, removing this debate. Wired connections are still faster, but for most user applications, including video, there is no experience difference. Looking ahead, next-generation wireless will be well North of 1Gbps, making it a no-brainer to use wireless. The next big decision: What kind of wireless? In the past, there was only one option, and that was Wi-Fi. Now there is another option coming into play, and thats 5G. Not 5G like the kind one has attached to your mobile phone, but private 5G used within enterprise environments. Recent advancements in Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) have made using 5G a reality, which would enable companies to bring 5G services into buildings. Simultaneously, Wi-Fi has gone through a big evolutionary step with Wi-Fi 6, which has major improvements over Wi-Fi 5 that make it more reliable. This creates a debate about what an organizations next-generation wireless should be. Theres no right answer, but its important that network engineers understand the pros and cons of each solution and how they could be used. Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6 is a mature technology and includes products from some well-established networking vendors. Gartner has 18 in its most recent Magic Quadrant with four (Extreme, Juniper, Cisco and HPE Aruba) ranked as leaders. Wi-Fi 6 was a huge leap forward from its predecessor by adding features from the world of cellular, such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, to improve spectrum quality. The reality is that while these are marked improvements, they dont solve a fundamental issue: Wi-Fi relies on a shared, unlicensed spectrum, which makes it susceptible to interference and saturated bandwidth. This is why no matter how good a site survey may have been or how carefully the architectural plan is there will always be issues in demanding environments. Wi-Fi 6 wont solve the common problem of working away on a Wi-Fi network when suddenly things stop working well. This wont happen as often with Wi-Fi 6, but it will continue. The main benefit of Wi-Fi is that its very low cost, particularly on the client side where Wi-Fi-enabled laptops can cost as little as a couple of hundred bucks. Also, many IoT devices support Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 should remain the wireless network of choice for non-mission critical apps because its nearly ubiquitous, but the unpredictable nature of it means IT pros should still be wary of using it in critical areas such as manufacturing, logistics/warehousing or healthcare. 5G as a service Organizations can purchase 5G from the likes of service providers and have them bring the service in building. This is certainly the simplest way of doing it but does open the door to a number of other issues. One of them is coverage area. No service provider offers 5G everywhere, meaning that a widely distributed organization would likely need to contract with more than one provider to get all the coverage it needs. A bigger issue is data ownership. When 5G is purchased as a telco service, the data goes over the service provider network into its core and is then routed to the Internet back to the customer. This is in stark contrast to enterprise on-premises networks where all the data is kept local and can be scanned, analyzed and stored by the company. So, an event venue that could collect and analyze data from its network if the network is owned by the venue itself would lose that data if its routed through a service-providers network. One last concern with going this route is the customer service you can expect from this group of providers. Imagine that one is providing 5G networking of your factory equipment and the network goes down, grinding the production line to a halt. Would you feel comfortable that theyd fix it fast enough? Given the mission-critical nature of wireless to businesses, poor customer service isnt something to gamble on. Build your own with carrier 5G equipment All of the carrier 5G networks are built on gear made by a handful of vendors. Gartner recently released a Magic Quadrant for 5G network infrastructure providers specifically for communication service providers. The three in the leaders quadrant are Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei, with ZTE in close proximity to the upper right. These vendors might make sense for the biggest of the big enterprises that have networks as big as some small mobile operators, but for 99% of the world, they arent a viable option. While the benefit of using one of the carrier-grade vendors is that their technology is tried and tested, the downsides are significant. Their equipment was designed for massive-scale provider networks, not enterprises. Using it would be like deploying carrier grade core routers to build a corporate WAN; it could be done, but its complete overkill. Also, the complexity level of carrier-grade 5G equipment is significant, so much so that many service providers themselves wind up hiring professional services to get the equipment up and running. And some operators will outsource the entire operations of the network because of complexity. For example, Verizon recently signed a $700M outsourcing deal with Infosys. Vodafone recently took a similar approach outsourcing its 5G buildout and operations to EDS and IBM. Enterprise-class 5G infrastructure Recently, 5G equipment designed for enterprises to deploy and manage with the ease of Wi-Fi has come on the scene. For instance, the startup Celona offers such a solution that HPE Aruba is reselling. As time goes on, other mainstream Wi-Fi vendors are likely to build or buy their way into enterprise-class 5G. The benefit of this option is that it provides the quality and reliability of 5G and enables the network engineering team to deploy, manage and operate it like its Wi-Fi. The downside is the cost of 5G clients. While a low-end laptop that supports Wi-Fi costs just a few hundred dollars, a low-priced 5G-enabled laptop cost $1500 or more. Good 5G use cases While the cost of private 5G makes it too expensive to deploy everywhere, it is an excellent option for mission-critical environments where Wi-Fi currently is not used. Hospitals that want to connect medical equipment and not worry about the flakiness of Wi-Fi should consider it. Manufacturing organizations that have avoided Wi-Fi so far should consider private 5G to eliminate the need to continually upgrade cabling. The optimal wireless deployment would be a mix of Wi-Fi 6 for general workers without the need for highly reliable network bandwidth and guest users. That should be augmented with enterprise-class private 5G for more demanding environments. This lets organizations leverage the strengths of both but also spend budget wisely. Over time the cost of private 5G is likely to fall and as that happens, enterprises can look at expanding their 5G footprint and displacing some or all of their Wi-Fi networks in their critical environments. But for now, it makes the most sense to use both. London: Newspaper editors are at odds over a claim by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that the British media is racist, as journalists of colour say Meghans experience reflects the depressingly familiar treatment the British press inflicts on people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Prince Harry and Meghan told Oprah in an interview broadcast on Monday in Australia that negative press coverage was driven by the new royals mixed race and had contributed to their decision to abandon the monarchy in 2020. Newspapers outside a store in London following the Oprah Winfrey interview. Credit:AP From the beginning of our relationship, they were attacking and inciting so much racism, Meghan said. She claimed this elevated the security threat against the couple and contributed to her suicidal thoughts. They did not offer specific examples, but Meghan noted the treatment of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was generally more positive. LANSING, MI The Department of Natural Resources says invasive zebra mussels have been found in ornamental aquarium moss balls at some pet stores in Michigan. The DNR says the well-known aquatic pest was found in Marimo Moss Balls at Petco and PetSmart stores in Michigan, although it did not identify which specific locations. Moss balls generate oxygen and remove nitrates from aquarium tanks. They came under scrutiny last month when a Petco employee in Washington found the invasive mussels hiding among them in a Seattle store. Contaminated moss balls have since been found in more than 20 states, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The DNR says corporate stores have begun quarantining moss ball stocks, and invasive mussels have also been found at some independent stores and in-store aquariums. The DNR says infested stocks have been sold online and though retail outlets. Its not known how long the products have been on the market or all the brands that may be infested, the department said in a March 10 news release. Infested moss was found at stores in Kalamazoo and Traverse City, according to DNR staff. Investigators say the moss balls appear to be coming in shipments from eastern Europe. It may not matter where you bought it, said Joanne Foreman, DNR invasive species communications coordinator. Were still trying to uncover how widespread this is. Theres all kinds of online availability. Live zebra mussels are illegal to own, sell or distribute in Michigan, where the invasive pests are a common blight that reproduce quickly, clump together and cling to any solid object in the Great Lakes and many inland waters where theyve become an established nuisance. The tiny mollusks have thoroughly disrupted the aquatic food web in the Great Lakes by filtering plankton that fish and insects feed upon. They are also blamed for exacerbating the impact of harmful algae blooms and diseases like botulism. DNR notified more than 3,000 aquatic pet and plant suppliers and hobbyists of the potential infestation on March 5 and is requiring them to dispose of any infested stock. Infested moss balls and packaging should be frozen for 24 hours, boiled for a full minute or submerged in bleach or vinegar for 20 minutes before double-bagging, sealing and disposing in the trash, according to the USGS. Aquarium tank water should also be decontaminated with a diluted bleach solution before draining. Do not dump the water or moss balls outside. The issue is that somebody who purchased the moss ball and then disposed of them could end up introducing zebra mussels into an environment where they werent present before, said USGS fisheries biologist Wesley Daniel. Weve been working with many agencies on boat inspections and gear inspections, but this was not a pathway wed been aware of until now. The USGS says reports of zebra mussels in moss balls have come from Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington and Wyoming. In Michigan, the DNR says all discoveries of zebra mussels in moss balls must be reported to the state. Reports should go to Lucas Nathan, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator. It is always important for sellers and consumers to check products for anything that shouldnt be there, like hitchhiking plants, seeds, insects or, in this case, mussels, said Nathan. Related stories: Invasive mile-a-minute weed found at Michigan college Invasive frogbit continues Michigan spread Ann Arbor events encourages pulling invasive plants Michigan asks truckers to watch out for invasive lanternfly Illinois to use Michigans $8M toward Asian carp gauntlet Why invasive mussels arent abundant in Lake Superior Michigan-made pesticide adds muscle to war on mussels Botulism blamed for sturgeon deaths at Sleeping Bear Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. On Saturday, the complaint says, at 11:45 a.m., the same person who had heard shouting and thuds on Friday heard banging and thuds again, heard the same man yelling, You thought yesterday was something? and asking, with a profanity, You think this is a game? The person heard, once again, a faint moaning. Mr. Cato, who was arrested at least twice last year on charges of choking a woman and assaulting a school-bus driver initially told the police that Ayden was injured outside the home. But surveillance video showed that the boy had not left the apartment the day he died, prosecutors said. Mr. Catos right hand was swollen, and he gave inconsistent accounts of injuring it at work, they said. He was held without bail after his arraignment on second-degree murder charges on Monday. The Police Department declined to identify the officers who were sent to Aydens building around 4 p.m. on the day before he died and said they remained on active duty. Joseph Giacalone, a former N.Y.P.D. detective sergeant who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said the officers appeared to have done what they could with the information they had. They checked off all the boxes, he said. But Mr. Giacalone added that he would have taken additional steps, like knocking on doors or reaching out to the building super. The officers could also have conducted a reverse online search for the owner of the phone number. When asked if the officers did any of those things, a department spokesman said all actions taken by the officers were listed in Mr. Sheas statement; it mentions none of the additional steps Mr. Giacalone suggested. Ayden, an only child, had been attending elementary school remotely during the pandemic, prosecutors said, adding that he had been inside the apartment for months without in-person interactions with teachers, counselors or nurses. New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday launched a tirade against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the All India Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee over their past assertions on the Batla House encounter, and questioned will the leaders tender an apology. His remarks comes a day after a Delhi court convicted Ariz Khan, who was arrested in Feb 2018 in connection with the 2008 Batla House encounter case. Ariz was convicted on the basis of 100 witnesses and electronic evidence, he said. Addressing a press conference, Mr Prasad said,"There was a conscious, deliberate and consistent attempt to cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the Batla House encounter to weaken the morale of Delhi Police and give clear support to terrorist and their design. Why? For pure vote bank politics." Earlier, Congress leader Salman Khurshid had said that Ms Gandhi was in tears looking at the pictures of the encounter, Mr Prasad noted. Mr Prasad also noted that Ms Banerjee had described the encounter as "fake" and had sought a judicial probe, claiming that she will quit politics if proven wrong. The Samajwadi Party, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and the Left had echoed similar views, he said. The Law Minister alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties had stood on the side of terrorists on the issue of national security. The Minister asked why is the Congress, Mamata Didi and all those who questioned the Batla House encounter silent now after the court's verdict in this case. 'Yesterday's conviction in the Batla house encounter of Indian Mujahideen Ariz is triumph of Indian judicial process, a validation of the courage shown by the Delhi police officials in catering terrorism and closure to rampant vote bank politics which happened in the last 12 years,' the Minister added. Taking to twitter, Mr Prasad tweeted, 'People who ask questions as to what is the difference our Govt has been able to make under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, the answer is that terrorism any day is something to be condemn about and the nation needs to speak in one voice.' While terror attacks, including in Mumbai and several other cities, occurred during the UPA rule, the BJP government has given a free hand to security forces to undertake preemptive measures and also launch surgical strikes like the one in Balakot when terrorists hit India's interests, he said. The Batla House encounter took place on September 19, 2008, against Indian Mujahideen terrorists in the Batla House locality in Delhi's Jamia Nagar. UNI SV JAL 1818 Chief Minister and seven of his cabinet colleagues were among the 83 candidates announced by the CPI(M) headed ruling LDF for the state assembly polls, while 33 sitting MLAs, including Thomas Isaac have been left out in line with the party's two-term criteria. The 33 MLAs will not be contesting this time, as the party gave seats to several new faces in an effort to reach out to the youngsters and women. Vijayan, who has been fielded once again fromDharmadam in Kannur, has already hit the campaign trail,aiming a second consecutive term for the lone left bastion in the country. Health Minister K K Shailaja (Mattannur),Labour minister T P Ramakrishnan (Perambra), Power minister M M Mani (Udumbanchola), Devaswom minister Kadakkampally Surendran (Kazhakootam), Fisheries Minister Mercykutty Amma (Kundra), Local Self Government minister A C Moideen (Kunnamkulam) and Higher Education minister K T Jaleel (Left Independent) are trying their luck once again. Assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan has not been fielded by the party this time which preferred 73-year-old CITUNational secretary PNandakumar to contest from Ponnani in Malappuram. CPI(M) state secretary in-charge A Vijayaraghavan told the media that the list was prepared by the party keeping in mind the aim of coming back to power to "strengthen the fight for secular causes at the national level". Two time Palakkad MP M B Rajesh, who lost in the 2019 lok sabha election, is contesting for the first time to the state assembly and would be trying his luck from Thrithala. M V Govindan Master, K Radhakrishan, P Rajeev and K N Balagopal are the among state secretariatmembers who are contesting. Noting that the party has picked qualified persons as candidates, Vijayaraghavan said 42 of them are graduates,24 post-graduates, two Phd holders,, an Architect and two practicing MBBS doctors. As many as 12 women and 4 youngsters below the age of 30 years are among the candidates. Twenty eight lawyers and 25 candidates below the age of 50 have found a place in the list. Besides Isaac, senior ministers E P Jayarajan, A K Balan, Prof Raveendranath and G Sudhakaran, are among the 33 MLAs who are not contesting the election due to the two term criteria enforced by the party to give preference to new candidates. Dismissing media reports that the new criteria was to avoid certain persons, Vijayaraghavan said it was not so, but to give opportunities to new persons. "The party is trying to give chances to new persons who are equally talented. But, there is a conscious campaign from certain quarters that it was to exclude some persons. But, people will reject it for sure," Vijayaraghavan said. Of the total candidates, 74 are from CPI(M) and 9 are party supported independents. The candidates of Devikulam and Manjeswaram will be declaredlater, he said adding that the final list was prepared after taking into account the party's interests at the national and state levels. Pointing out that the Left front was introducing a host of programmes envisaging to mould the future of the state, Vijayaraghavan said the scheme, eyeing to provide employment for 20 lakh people in the next five years, is one of the most significant among them. However, the opposition Congress and BJP were trying all "wicked means" to prevent the LDF coming into power again in the state, he alleged. The speech made by Union home minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Thiruvananthapuram, was proof forthe BJP hatching a high-level conspiracy to malign the image of Chief Minister and other ministers, he claimed. Both BJP and Congress are working in tandem in the state to prevent the Left from coming into power again, he said adding that every person who wanted to retain the secular fabric of the southern state would vote for the CPI(M)-led front. CPI, a major ally in the ruling Left Democratic Front, had on Tuesday announced that it will be contesting in 25 seats and declared candidates for 21 seats, including Revenue minister,E Chandrasekharan (Kanhangad), Incumbent Deputy Speaker V Sashi (Chiryankeezhu). In the 2016 polls, the LDF had won 91 seats in the 140- member assembly. (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 is 'no clear evidence' Britain's 22 billion Test and Trace scheme contributed to a reduction in coronavirus infection levels, a cross-party group of MPs have said. On Wednesday, the British parliament's Public Accounts Committee decried the 'unimaginable' costs of the programme, saying the system has not yet proven its worth as there is little evidence of its overall effectiveness. Meg Hillier, Labour party lawmaker and the chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) behind a critical report, urged the Government to justify the 'staggering investment of taxpayers' money'. The MPs said ministers had justified the vast expenditure on preventing a second national lockdown, but noted England is currently living under its third in questioning the programme's effectiveness. They also urged the scheme led by Tory peer Dido Harding to 'wean itself off' reliance on thousands of 'expensive' consultants and temporary staff, with some receiving 6,624 per day. There is 'no clear evidence' Britain's 22 billion Test and Trace scheme contributed to a reduction in coronavirus infection levels, a cross-party group of MPs have said. Pictured: Dido Harding, chair of the National Institute for Health Protection and head of the NHS Test and Trace system and Health Secretary Matt Hancock leave 10 Downing Street 'Despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project Test and Trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic,' Hillier said. 'The promise on which this huge expense was justified - avoiding another lockdown - has been broken, twice.' Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year promised a world beating test and trace system as part of the route out of the pandemic, though attention has now shifted to the rollout of vaccines. He has laid out plans for a cautious but irreversible route out of the third national lockdown which began on January 5, based on an aim to give everyone a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of July, as well as more regular testing. Last year scientific advisers said Test and Trace was not significantly reducing the spread of the coronavirus. England then entered a second lockdown in the autumn. Asked about the current impact of the system, Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance on Tuesday said the testing system was now good, and while the test and trace programme worked less well when infection levels were high, the system would take on renewed importance in the coming months. Meg Hillier (pictured right speaking in the House of Commons) Labour party lawmaker and the chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) behind a critical report, urged the Government to justify the 'staggering investment of taxpayers' money' on Test and Trace The PAC said the programme does publish a significant amount of weekly data, including some that shows full compliance with the self-isolation rules relied upon by the scheme can be low. But it criticised the data for failing to show the speed of the process from 'cough to contact' and therefore not allowing the public to judge the 'overall effectiveness of the programme'. The MPs also criticised the scheme for struggling to consistently match supply and demand for the service, and therefore 'resulting in either sub-standard performance or surplus capacity'. And they said it remained 'overly reliant' on contractors and temporary staff after having to initially act quickly to scale up the service rapidly. The report said the scheme admitted in February that it still employs around 2,500 consultants, at an estimated daily rate of around 1,100, with the best paid consultancy staff on 6,624. 'It is concerning that the DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) is still paying such amounts - which it considers to be 'very competitive rates' to so many consultants,' the report said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson last year promised a world beating test and trace system as part of the route out of the pandemic, though attention has now shifted to the rollout of vaccines. Pictured: Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street on Monday, March 8 general view of the entrance to the lateral flow testing centre February 22, 2021. The MPs said ministers had justified the vast expenditure on preventing a second national lockdown, but noted England is currently living under its third in questioning the programme's effectiveness After England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty warned of another 'surge' in the virus later in the year, the PAC called for ministers to set out how the scheme will 'cost-effectively maintain a degree of readiness'. Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Budget last week included an additional 15 billion for Test and Trace, taking the total bill to more than 37 billion over two years. Labour's shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Rachel Reeves said the report shows the significantly outsourced system has 'failed the British people and led our country into restrictive lockdown after lockdown'. 'It underlines the epic amounts of waste and incompetence, an overreliance on management consultants, taxpayers' cash splashed on crony contracts, all while ministers insist our NHS heroes deserve nothing more than a clap and a pay cut,' she said. Trades Union Congress general secretary Frances O'Grady said the Government's refusal to increase statutory sick pay had 'massively undermined Test and Trace'. Pictured: Graphs showing the number of coronavirus infections per day in the UK (top) and number of coronavirus-ralted deaths in the UK (bottom) Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said nurses 'will be furious to hear of the millions of pounds being spent on private sector consultants'. The Government said a further 231 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus as of Tuesday. There were a further 5,766 lab-confirmed cases in the UK. Data up to March 8 shows that of the 23,773,959 jabs given in the UK so far, 22,592,528 were first doses - a rise of 215,273 on the previous day. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Veterans of all ages can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Houston Veterans Affairs office. Previously appointments were reserved for those over the age of 55. No registration is necessary for veterans who are already enrolled at the office to receive the shot at the VAs drive-through and walk-in events this week. Appointments are still available by calling 713-794-8985. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex pose for a picture with some of Queen's Young Leaders (Photo : John Stillwell/Pool via Reuters/File Photo) Queen Elizabeth said on Tuesday the British royals were saddened by the challenging experiences of her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and promised to privately address revelations about a racist remark about their son. Meghan, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on U.S. television on Sunday, accused Britain's royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son Archie's skin might be and ignoring her pleas for help while she considered suicide. Advertisement "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," Buckingham Palace said in a statement issued on behalf of Elizabeth. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members." Meghan and Harry's tell-all TV interview has dragged the royals into their biggest crisis since the death of Harry's mother Diana in 1997, when the family, led by Queen Elizabeth, was widely criticised for being too slow to respond. A royal source said the Palace considered that this was a family matter and the royals should be given the opportunity to discuss the issues raised privately as a family. The source added that they had needed to carefully consider the response before it was issued, and that had also allowed people in the United Kingdom to watch the interview first if they wanted to. In the two-hour show, Harry also said his father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, had let him down and that he had felt trapped in his royal life. SINGAPORE and MUMBAI, India, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global energy and commodity news and price reporting agency Argus has opened an office in Mumbai as part of a continued expansion of its global operations. The Indian energy and commodity sectors are among the world's fastest-growing markets and have bounced back strongly from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The new Mumbai office will drive Argus' market coverage across India and south Asia in multiple sectors, including crude, oil products, metals and power generation fuels. The opening of an office in India underscores Argus' enduring commitment to the region. The office is located in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the fast growing commercial and business district in the heart of Mumbai. Argus' benchmark prices for LPG, coal and oil products have long been used in import and export contracts for India. Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said: "Argus is delighted to gain this new foothold in the rapidly growing, dynamic Indian market. The opening of our Mumbai office will allow us to provide on-the-ground information to both regional and global energy and commodity companies with exposure to India." Argus contact information London: Seana Lanigan +44 20 7780 4200 Email Seana Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto +65 6496 9960 Email Tomoko Moscow: Alexey Komarov +7 495 933 75 71 Email Alexey Houston: Matt Oatway +1 713 968 0000 Email Matt About Argus Media Argus is an independent media organisation with almost 1,100 staff. It is headquartered in London and has 26 offices in the world's principal commodity trading and production centres. Argus produces price assessments and analysis of international energy and other commodity markets and offers bespoke consulting services and industry-leading conferences. Companies in 140 countries around the world use Argus data to index physical trade and as benchmarks in financial derivative markets as well as for analysis and planning purposes. Argus was founded in 1970 and is a privately held UK-registered company. It is owned by employee shareholders, global growth equity firm General Atlantic and Hg, the specialist software and technology services investor. ARGUS, the ARGUS logo, ARGUS MEDIA, ARGUS DIRECT, ARGUS OPEN MARKETS, AOM, FMB, DEWITT, JIM JORDAN & ASSOCIATES, JJ&A, FUNDALYTICS, METAL-PAGES, METALPRICES.COM, INTEGER, Argus publication titles and Argus index names are trademarks of Argus Media Limited. SOURCE Argus Media Related Links http://www.argusmedia.com Prosecutor seeks 1.5 years for man accused of hitting policeman at illegal Moscow rally The press service of Moscow's Presnensky District Court 12:49 10/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 10 (RAPSI) A prosecutor on Wednesday asked the Presnensky District Court of Moscow to sentence Alexander Muchayev accused of hitting a police officer by car during an unauthorized rally on January 23 to 1.5 years in penal colony, the court's press service told RAPSI. The man is charged with use of force against a representative of authority. According to investigators, Muchayev driving his car hit a police officer who attempted to stop a vehicle with Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina. The defendant pleaded guilty. Vietnamese, Singaporean PMs hold phone talks on bilateral cooperation Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Long on March 10 to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Long (Photo: VNA) PM Lee congratulated Vietnam on the successes of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and PM Phucs re-election to the Politburo. He also congratulated Vietnams achievements in containing the COVID-19 pandemic while making progress in socio-economic development, as well as the countrys fulfilment of its role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020, which included the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment liberalisation in the entire region. PM Lee reaffirmed that Singapore cherishes its strategic partnership with Vietnam, especially against the backdrops of complicated regional and international developments. PM Phuc, for his part, also noted how Singapore has been regarded as a bright spot in the region with regards to containing the pandemic, and praised Singapores economic recovery initiatives including the setting up of air travel bubble and Connect@Changi, aiming at facilitating travel and reopening the borders. He suggested the two sides cooperate in containing COVID-19 outbreaks and getting access to safe sources of COVID-19 vaccines; create favourable conditions for businesses and investors to restore production, trade and investment; effectively utilise the bilateral relations within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and RCEP to promote trade and minimise disputes. The two leaders held that the bilateral Strategic Partnership is growing effectively and substantially; affirmed to strengthen cooperation in fields in which both countries have potential such as agriculture, fisheries, finance, information technology, education and training, infrastructure, as well as other sectors aiming at meeting the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution-era such as clean energy development, smart cities and smart urban solutions, innovation, digital economy and digitalisation. Vietnam and Singapore should also step up the sharing of experience in economic management and development and human resources training, especially high-quality human resources, the said. The two prime ministers also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. Regarding the East Sea, the two leaders affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation, maintenance of peace and security, and peaceful resolution of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), moving towards an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea. A 14-year-old girl in an adult state prison may not sound like the best place for a child, regardless of the allegations against her. But according to prison officials, state prison may be the safest place for her right now. Claire E. Miller, accused of fatally stabbing her 19-year-old sister Helen in Lancaster County last month, was moved to the state prison in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, on March 4, according to prison officials. She previously had been held in isolation in the Lancaster County Prison, which lacked a juvenile unit for females. The severity of the charges against Miller is the reason she has to be incarcerated in the first place, as Pennsylvania currently requires all juveniles charged with homicide to be direct filed to the adult criminal justice system. Juveniles in the adult system are excluded from the Juvenile Act and are required to be housed in adult facilities, Department of Corrections Press Secretary Maria Bivens said. The law is controversial, as many juveniles eventually are transferred back to the juvenile system, but by then they have suffered harm from months or years in adult facilities, according to juvenile advocates. Confining a juvenile in an adult facility is not only a significant operational challenge for most county jails in PA, but the impact of this confinement on children and emerging adults can cause long-term damage to their overall wellbeing, Bivens said. Part of what makes housing so complicated is the requirements set by the Prison Rape Elimination Act, a 2003 federal law aimed at preventing sexual violence against inmates. PREA requires that juveniles housed in adult facilities must be separated by sight and sound from adults, Bivens said. For most counties, this either results in the county not complying with PREA because they simply dont have an empty housing unit which is what would be required, or they house a juvenile on a housing unit by themselves in other words, isolate them, Bivens said. In Millers case, she was being held alone in a cell in the womens unit of Lancaster County Prison, before her transfer. She was the first juvenile female to be held there. Both of these options are unacceptable, Bivens said, as they both can result in the child being more likely to commit a crime and leave them unequipped to be successful adults. In this specific case, we agreed to house Miss Miller because we do, in fact, have another juvenile female housed at SCI-Muncy, so this will allow us to ensure peer socialization for both females, Bivens said. These two girls are the only female juveniles in adult prison right now across the state, Bivens said. Muncy is the only womens prison in the state to house juvenile females, according to Bivens. They are held in a separate unit from the adults, which is protected from the sight and sounds of adult inmates. It is unclear what programs if any Miller may participate in while at Muncy, but the prison does provide academic education to earn a diploma or GED, mental health treatment and a variety of creative and vocational programs and workshops. Male juvenile prisoners can be similarly accommodated at Camp Hill State Correctional Institution; however, some counties do have their own juveniles units for males. This obvious gap needs a structural fix, Bivens said. She said possible solutions could emerge from the Juvenile Justice Task Force created by Gov. Tom Wolf last year, which will make policy recommendations for the states juvenile justice system. We believe that a place of confinement for juveniles will be a critical part of those recommendations, Bivens said. We need to create a system where we recognize that the rehabilitative and confinement needs of the juvenile are extremely different from those of an adult and we need to adapt our system to address those needs in separate environments. Millers case could still be moved back to the juvenile system if her attorney petitions the court; however, she will be held at Muncy until that determination is made. Miller is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on April 16. Read more on PennLive: BLOOD DRIVE: St. Pius X Church, 6600 Spanish Fort Blvd., New Orleans, will hold a blood drive from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 in the school gym. In addition to the typical one-year blood replacement coverage for the family, free T-shirt and cholesterol testing, donors will receive a free COVID-19 antibodies test. To register, email Robert Drouant at rdrouant@yahoo.com. LSU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER: Demetrius J. Porche, dean of the School of Nursing at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has been elected to a two-term on the board of directors of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Porche has also been elected to chair the Louisiana Health Works Commission. Also, Jennifer Manning, associate dean for undergraduate nursing programs, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. She was appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing in 2018 for a four-year term. NAMI NEW ORLEANS: Clinical social worker Joseph Bodenmiller is the new executive director of the New Orleans branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Bodenmiller holds master of social work and doctor of management degrees, and has served in many leadership, management and clinical roles during his 36-year career in human services. NARCONON: Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax are involved in a fifth of all overdose-related deaths. For free substance abuse screenings or referrals, call Narconon at (800) 431-1754. For information about benzodiazepines and other substance abuse issues, visit narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog. By Ruth Anderah The Spokesperson of Judicial Service Commission Marian Theresa Nabulya has admitted receiving Lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizis petition seeking to remove the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo from office. According to Article 144 of the Constitution, a judicial officer may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising from infirmity of the body or mind, misbehavior or misconduct or incompetence. The same law shows that there will be a tribunal appointed which will recommend to the President that the judicial officer be removed from office on the said four grounds. Mabirizis petition arises from the recent withdrawal of presidential election petition by Kyagulanyi who wanted to overturn Musevenis January 14th victory from the general elections on grounds that he had committed several electoral offenses. During the proceedings, Mabirizi who was not a party to the case asked Owiny-Dollo to step aside claiming that he was once president Musevenis lawyer. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Salesforce is listing part of its San Francisco offices at 350 Mission St. for sublease after canceling a separate deal at a nearby Transbay project, two of the largest tech real estate reductions during the pandemic. The announcements come as business is booming for Salesforce, with annual revenue up 24% to over $21.2 billion in the past fiscal year. But the company is shedding space with a permanent plan for most workers to stay remote for one to four days a week. We continue to evaluate our global real estate strategy to align with our business needs. With our employees planning to return to the office with more flexibility, were reducing our footprint, Salesforce said in a statement to The Chronicle. Roughly half of the 450,000-square-foot 350 Mission St. tower, branded as Salesforce East, will be listed for sublease, according to a person familiar with the property. Prior to the pandemic, around 1,000 workers could have fit in that much space, but many companies plan to space out desks in the future. Salesforce has 10,000 workers in San Francisco. Salesforce also canceled a 2018 lease for 325,000 square feet of office space at 542-550 Howard St., a project that has yet to be approved. It had planned to have 1,500 workers in the tower. The tech giant leases 881,000 square feet at Salesforce Tower, the citys tallest building, and owns the 817,000-square-foot 50 Fremont St. and 440-450 Mission St. buildings. There are no plans to downsize offices in those buildings, which Salesforce shares with other tenants, the company said. Salesforce is the anchor of the Transbay neighborhood, a symbol of the tech boom of the past decade. Most of the energy on the previously bustling streets has vanished over the past 12 months, as shelter in place hits its one-year anniversary next week and nonessential offices remain closed. Because it doesnt have corporate cafeterias, Salesforce employees were the largest set of patrons for local restaurants and coffee shops before the pandemic. The absence of workers has been devastating, with downtown San Franciscos sales taxes plunging by more than 70% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year. Now the company leaders throughout the tech industry see an even more distributed economy. We can all, I think, agree that this pandemic has forever changed our world and how we are working and living and educating ourselves from anywhere, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said on an earnings call last month. Salesforce is accelerating at such a rapid speed because we are already in this work-from-anywhere world. With its cloud-computing marketing products, Salesforce has benefited from heightened consumer demand during remote work. The 54,000-person company is hiring 12,000 additional people globally this year, including some in San Francisco. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last year that remote work lets us access talent pools outside of traditional tech hubs in big cities and that should help spread economic opportunity much more widely around the country and world while also helping us build a more diverse company. Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available. Facebook leases all the office space in Transbays Park Tower and at 181 Fremont, and has not downsized any of its local real estate. Salesforce has been a corporate leader in local philanthropy and provided 180 San Francisco small businesses with $10,000 grants late last year. The company said its efforts will continue. As San Franciscos largest private employer, were committed to continued growth and giving back to the community in the years to come, Salesforce said. Kilroy Realty, one of the citys largest office landlords, owns 350 Mission St. Kilroy is selling another property leased by Dropbox for $1.08 billion, despite Dropboxs own shift to remote work and sublease plans. Office tenants are required to pay rent even as city health orders have closed most buildings, and if a subtenant cant be found, tenants are obligated to pay for leased space even if it isnt being used. Sublease space has piled up in San Francisco, accounting for more than half of the office vacancy rate of around 18.2% at the end of February, according to Cushman & Wakefield. When shelter in place began, the office vacancy rate was around 6.7%. Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 00:49:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SOFIA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China won eight awards at an international youth competition for drawing and photography, which was held in Bulgaria's Danube city of Ruse, officials said Wednesday. According to a press release from the Ruse Municipality, two schools from China's Hong Kong -- School of Creativity Hong Kong and Chong Hok Tong Education Centre -- have participated in the competition dedicated to the World Water Day with a total of 76 "high-level drawings," and won special awards for active participation. Meanwhile, three Chinese participants have won special individual awards from the Municipal Youth Center in Ruse, and another three received special awards from the local water supply and sewerage company, according to the press release. A total of 543 drawings from Bulgaria and China, as well as 174 photos from nine countries including Italy, Philippines and Austria, participated in the competition, which was organized for the 14th consecutive year by the Municipal Youth Center in the fifth largest city in Bulgaria. Enditem The petitioners complained that the interim orders issued by the court on land acquisition for the Mallanasagar project were not heeded to by these officers and they were responsible for eviction of the petitioners from his own land, without complying with the procedure. PTI file photo Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has punished three senior bureaucrats with various terms of simple imprisonment after they were convicted for contempt of court in relation to some land deals. The court pulled up Siddipet collector P. Venkatrami Reddy, IAS officer Krishna Bhaskar who served as Siddipet collector for eight months and is now Rajanna Siricilla collector, and erstwhile revenue divisional officer of Siddipet Jayachandra Reddy, saying they were guilty of wilful disobedience of the courts interim order. Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao was dealing with a contempt petition filed by Gandla Tirupathi and another person from Vemulaghat Village of Thoguta Mandal in Siddipet district. The petitioners complained that the interim orders issued by the court on land acquisition for the Mallanasagar project were not heeded to by these officers and they were responsible for eviction of the petitioners from his own land, without complying with the procedure. The judge had passed interim orders in 2018 to the land acquisition authorities, asking them to dispose of the objections raised by the landowners before the lands were acquired for the project. The court had also directed the officials to provide adequate copies of detailed project report in Telugu. This too was not done. The court held the officials guilty and sentenced Jayachandra Reddy for simple imprisonment of four months and a fine of Rs 2,000. He shall also pay costs of Rs 50,000 to the petitioners within four weeks. Collector P. Venkatrami Reddy shall suffer simple imprisonment for three months and a fine of Rs 2,000. He shall pay costs of Rs 25,000 to the petitioners. Krishna Bhaskar shall pay a fine of Rs 2,000. The court also set aside the award passed by the government to the petitioners land, as it has lapsed after two years. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana Department of Health announced today that 863 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at state and private laboratories. That brings to 669,164 the number of Indiana residents now known to have had the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous days dashboard. A total of 12,350 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 16 from the previous day. Another 425 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. To date, 3,161,087 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana, up from 3,156,377 on Tuesday. A total of 8,308,221 tests, including repeat tests for unique individuals, have been reported to the state Department of Health since Feb. 26, 2020. Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard & Map To find testing sites around the state, click here. Additional locations and appointments are being added as more vaccines become available. To schedule, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211. As of today, 1,178,265 first doses of vaccine have been administered in Indiana, and 744,712 individuals are fully vaccinated. The fully vaccinated number includes individuals who have received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and those who received the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The state and its partners are adding more locations for you to get vaccinated including select Meijer, Kroger, & Walmart pharmacies across the state. Vigo Countys three Kroger locations are included. All locations will show up on the state's vaccination website. It's important to note Meijer and Kroger will have their own appointment sign-up areas on their websites. University of Texas at Dallas chemist Dr. Jie Zheng has spent much of his career investigating gold nanoparticles for their potential impact in the field of nanomedicine. In new research, he and his colleagues show how these nanoparticles could play a key role in a simple blood test to detect acute liver damage earlier than current methods. The study, published online Feb. 19 in the journal Science Advances, expands on corresponding author Zheng's work, which has previously demonstrated the use of nanoparticles for targeted delivery of cancer drugs and better understanding of kidney disease. "Our goal is to make it simple for family doctors to easily catch liver injury earlier. If they can detect and treat such injury earlier, the patient has a better chance of faster recovery," said Zheng, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and the Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The gold standard for monitoring and diagnosing liver disease is a liver biopsy, which is invasive and can be painful or cause complications. In a clinical setting, physicians also can monitor liver function noninvasively with tests that record levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are released by liver cells, or hepatocytes, when the organ is damaged. "Conventional blood biomarkers like ALT and AST are released when hepatocytes die -- the damage has already been done," Zheng said. "Another drawback to these tests is that other factors, such as inflammation, can cause these biomarkers to be abnormally high. Because of this, in many cases, clinicians may not intervene right away. That creates a problem because it can delay detection and treatment of liver injury." Targeting Key Antioxidant In the study, which was conducted in mice, Zheng and his colleagues focused on a chemical called glutathione, which is the master antioxidant produced by the liver. The constant release, or efflux, of glutathione by hepatocytes helps maintain the detoxification function of a healthy liver. When the liver is damaged, however, glutathione production is blocked. "Glutathione depletion has been found to strongly correlate with an increased risk of many liver diseases, including drug-induced liver injury, alcohol-related and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis," Zheng said. "People have been studying glutathione for decades, but it's not easy to monitor noninvasively." Noninvasive monitoring of glutathione has proved difficult because the biomolecule is diluted nearly three orders of magnitude once it enters the bloodstream, and it is rapidly consumed by other organs and cleared quickly by the kidneys. Zheng and his colleagues combined their expertise with gold nanoparticles with the behavior of glutathione to develop their nanoprobe for acute liver injury, which they then tested in mice. They began by chemically connecting -- or conjugating -- onto gold nanoparticles an organic fluorescent dye called indocyanine green (ICG), which has widespread clinical use. "Because of this conjugation, the ICG molecules do not fluoresce. The gold nanoparticles carry the dye specifically to the liver. The beauty of this work is that the probe can be selectively activated in the liver at high specificity," Zheng said. The researchers injected conjugated gold nanoparticles into mice that had been given an excessive dose of acetaminophen (APAP). Overdose of acetaminophen, also known by the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most common causes of drug-induced liver injury and the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. Tracking Toxicity Once the nanoparticles reached a part of the liver called the sinusoid, glutathione molecules knocked ICG molecules off the gold nanoparticles and took their place. "Remember, when liver cells are injured, glutathione efflux is significantly reduced; therefore, you have fewer glutathione and more ICG molecules remaining on the gold particles' surfaces," Zheng said. The gold nanoparticles returned to the bloodstream fairly quickly. Within about half an hour, the researchers were able to detect glutathione depletion in a small amount of blood. "A simple blood test shows how much ICG is left on the surface of the gold particles," Zheng said. "The more ICG that remains, the less glutathione in the liver, which directly correlates to liver damage. Our particle was able to detect APAP overdose with 93% accuracy, which is very high. And it's at a stage that is much earlier than traditional biomarkers can detect." Dr. William Lee, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, is a co-author of the study and one of the world's leading experts on acute liver failure and acetaminophen toxicity in the liver. Lee has been site investigator for four networks sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial, the Acute Liver Failure Study Group, the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network and the Hepatitis B Research Network. "Glutathione flux is at the heart of acetaminophen metabolism, and Dr. Zheng's new method of tracking glutathione is a big step forward in our ability to understand and prevent acetaminophen toxicity," Lee said. Dr. Neil Kaplowitz, professor of medicine and chief of the gastroenterology and liver diseases at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, who was not involved in the study, said: "The study authors developed a novel approach to dynamic assessment of the status of glutathione in the liver sinusoids. Their technological advance shows that they can image sinusoidal blood glutathione or measure this indicator of sinusoidal plasma glutathione specifically in collected peripheral blood, which accurately reflects the amount of glutathione in liver cells." While the current study was focused on drug-induced, acute liver injury, Zheng said future work will further deepen fundamental understanding of liver-nanoparticle interactions, continue improving the test's sensitivity and accuracy, and extend the technology to help detect chronic liver injury as well. He said the research is an exciting extension of his previous efforts to develop nanomedicines that are easily cleared from the body. "I spent much of my career developing clearable nanomedicines for treating conditions like cancer or kidney disease, and this new research is a big breakthrough," Zheng said. "We think our new work could lead to a clearable nanomedicine that can help detect liver injury much earlier with a simple blood test, and that could help a lot of people." ### The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health's NIDDK (R01DK103363 and R01DK115986), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and The Welch Foundation. A patent application has been filed on the technology. The multiyear project was initiated by Xingya Jiang PhD'19, who is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's Hospital, and was continued by Qinhan Zhou, a PhD candidate in chemistry at UT Dallas. Other authors include Bujie Du PhD'19, a postdoctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; chemistry doctoral students Siqing Li and Yingyu Huang; Dr. Mengxiao Yu, research associate professor of chemistry; and Dr. Zhikai Chi, assistant professor of pathology at UT Southwestern. Industry Update Appointment 10 March 2021 Aaron Coburn Appointed General Manager At Clayton Members Club & Hotel in Denver - CO, USA At the helm of Clayton is General Manager Aaron Coburn, who brings an impressive track record in the hospitality industry. Thriving in the entrepreneurial mindset of upscale, independent properties, Coburn has held leadership roles at prominent Colorado hotels and resorts for more than 13 years. Prior to his time at Clayton, Coburn served as the general manager at Denver's The ART Hotel. Cultivated at a young age, spending summers working at his father's restaurant in Newport Beach, Coburn, who attended culinary school in Napa Valley, has a passion for food and beverage. Aparium Hotel Group Aparium Hotel Group is a company founded and controlled by experienced professionals in hotel development, management, and marketing who hold the belief that great hotels are a destination sought out by travelers and a favorite place for locals - a philosophy Aparium calls Translocal Hospitality. more information Recent Appointments at Aparium Hotel Group Garrison Price - Executive Chef 6 November 2020 Renowned chef Garrison Price serves as executive chef for Daxton Hotel, which will stand as the most luxurious property in Aparium's portfolio. Price will oversee the hotel's fine dining restaurant, Madam, featuring enlightened American fare with an ever-evolving menu focusing on seasonality and the freshness emblematic of California cuisine. read more Marque Collins - Executive Chef 6 November 2020 As executive chef, culinary visionary Marque Collins spearheads the food and beverage program for Surety Hotel, debuting this month in Des Moines burgeoning downtown district. Worldly takes on traditional tavern fare at the property's signature restaurant, Mulberry Street Tavern. read more Are you looking for a leftover COVID-19 vaccine? This new Dr. B website could help match you with a clinic that could dispense extra shots before they expire. Despite the COVID-19 vaccine rollout of the federal government, COVID-19 shots are still in high demand. Thus, a lot of people are eager to get a vaccine by quick action or good fortune. Even though only certain people are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine right now, some have managed to get a shot in clinics with leftover doses at risk of expiring. Providers themselves rush to give out the extra shots if someone cancels or does not show up. READ NEXT: WHO Clears AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use Dr. B Website According to The Verge, over half a million people already signed up with Dr. B in an attempt to snag a dose while reducing the number of COVID vaccines that would otherwise go to waste. Dr. B aims to function as a kind of emergency alert system for thawed COVID-19 vaccines that usually need to be injected within six hours. According to Insider, Dr. B would send a text message to whoever is at the top of the area's priority list once there's an extra COVID-19 vaccine at a site near them. To join, a person will have to enter his/her name, age, phone number, ZIP code, and other details that your local health department might ask to determine your priority status, like medical risk factors and occupation. After receiving a text, individuals have 15 minutes to confirm if they could get to the provider in two hours to get to their shot. If a person could not make it, he/she will go back to the line within their priority group. Dr. B Website and Excess COVID-19 Vaccines Cyrus Massoumi, the website's founder, told USA Today that Dr. B aims to address the need for "appropriate tools in dealing with the operational challenges of vaccinating the whole country." Massoumi further noted that Dr. B only connects people with expiring COVID-19 vaccines and not finding available vaccine appointments. Currently, Dr. B website helps individuals get vaccines through two providers in Arkansas and New York. Massoumi said it would have 200 vaccination sites across 30 states utilizing the tool in the coming weeks. "This vaccine is now the scarcest resource on earth... We were concerned about the fact that a lot of the vaccine ends up in this last-minute shuffle at the end of the day," said Massoumi in the Verge report. Massoumi was the former CEO of Zocdoc, the online doctor's appointment booking website. Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar from John Hopkins Center for Health Security, commended the Dr. B website, saying it serves an important role in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. Adalja told USA Today that having websites like Dr. B was good since it would "diminish the chances" that COVID-19 vaccines will ever end up in the trash. READ MORE: Moderna's COVID Vaccine for New Variant, Ready for Clinical Trials WATCH: Frustration Grows Over Nationwide COVID-19 Vaccine Shortage - from TODAY NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Perpetuuiti, global leader in disaster recovery and robotic process automation today announced expanded investments in North America with direct availability of their breakthrough Resilience Automation and Intelligent Automation platforms (IT Autonomics and Intelligent OCR & RPA), recognized by Gartner peer reviews with the highest ratings for IT Resilience Automation. Adding Shawn Blevins as Chief Revenue Officer for North America, formerly an executive from SAP, Oracle, Microsoft and Booz Allen Hamilton, Perpetuuiti is now available directly as well as from key consulting partners. Perpetuuiti Expands North America Operations Releasing 3rd Generation Enterprise Resilience & Intelligent Automation Platforms Perpetuuiti Expands North America Operations Releasing 3rd Generation Enterprise Resilience & Intelligent Automation Platforms Perpetuuiti has a strong foundation in North America with Delta Airlines, Jet Aviation, and several mortgage firms and is the recognized global leader for Banks and Financial Services companies-most notably LIC Ltd, ONGC Ltd, ABSA Bank, ICICI Bank, YES Bank, First Gulf Bank, RHB Bank, State bank of India, Vodafone, Jio Telecom, Reliance Industries, Tata Motors to name a few. "There's a difference between 'having a plan' and comprehensive assurance to execute digital transformation and process automation. We're all growing something, and our job is to help you protect it. We are seeing tremendous demand to make our Resilience and Intelligent RPA platforms available directly with support." "With Shawn joining as CRO to support North America, now is the time for companies to raise the bar on what they should expect and demand for both Resilience Automation and Intelligent Automation." Continuity Patrol, Continuity Vault, and Av3ar for AI-driven OCR and Robotic Process Automation are available now-representing the first time companies in North America can deploy true enterprise-wide Resilience and Intelligence Automation that is truly vendor independent and technology agnostic. "The goal is 100% coverage across all the elements of an organization-giving our customers complete control of both their disaster recovery & RPA strategies-designed to greatly reduce IT costs and required resources," said Shawn. Shawn Blevins remarked, saying, "Perpetuuiti is the most comprehensive Platform for Resilience Automation and Intelligent Enterprise Automation with IT Autonomics and integrated OCR with RPA. It's time companies in North America have access to the same unmatched capabilities to achieve digital transformation without disruption. This is a light-year ahead of what has been available." Get more information or see a demo at https://ptechnosoft.com/North_America_CP or reach out to [email protected] for North America inquiries. Since 2011 Perpetuuiti has pioneered innovative products for Fortune 500 global organizations across industry verticals like BFSI, High-Tech, BPM and Telecom with offices across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Contact: Shawn Blevins 423-967-9324 [email protected] SOURCE Perpetuuiti Related Links https://ptechnosoft.com Mexico's government is worried the new U.S. administration's asylum policies are stoking illegal immigration and creating business for organized crime, according to officials and internal assessments seen by Reuters. Ever since President Joe Biden won the White House vowing to undo the hardline approach of his predecessor Donald Trump, Mexico has both looked forward to an end to migration burdens imposed by Trump, and braced for a new influx of people. 'They see him as the migrant president, and so many feel they're going to reach the United States,' Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said of Biden the morning after a virtual meeting with his U.S. counterpart on March 1. 'We need to work together to regulate the flow, because this business can't be tackled from one day to the next.' Previously unreported details in the internal assessments, based on testimonies and intelligence gathering, state that gangs are diversifying methods of smuggling and winning clients as they eye U.S. measures that will 'incentivize migration.' Among U.S. steps Mexico worries are encouraging migration are improved support for victims of gangs and violence, streamlining of the legalization process, and suspension of Trump-era accords that deported people to Central America. Recent Mexican policies are also encouraging migration, according to one assessment. It saw potential fillips in measures such as offering COVID-19 vaccines to migrants, as well as better protections for undocumented children. Mexico's government is worried President Joe Biden's administration's asylum policies are stoking illegal immigration and creating business for organized crime Asylum seeking migrants weep as they are escorted out of think brush by a Texas State Trooper after they crossed the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico An unfinished section of the border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border One Mexican official familiar with migration developments, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said organized crime began changing its modus operandi 'from the day Biden took office' and now exhibited 'unprecedented' levels of sophistication. That includes briefing clients on the latest immigration rules, using technology to outfox authorities, and disguising smuggling operations as travel agencies, assessments showed. 'Migrants have become a commodity,' the official said, arguing they were now as valuable as drugs for the gangs. 'But if a packet of drugs is lost in the sea, it's gone. If migrants are lost, it's human beings we're talking about.' Mexico's security ministry, foreign ministry and national migration institute did not reply to requests for comment for this story. The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mexican drug cartels and human smugglers are using a system of colored wristbands to track migrants who pay to cross illegally into the United States, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Hundreds of colored plastic wristbands left behind by migrants have been spotted lying along the banks of the Rio Grande in the scrubby grassland near Penitas, Texas. A witness told Reuters that migrants crossing the river on makeshift rafts would rip off and dump the red, blue, green and white wristbands. Some were marked 'arrivals' or 'entries' in Spanish. Use of the plastic wristbands - which had not been widely reported before - are used by some immigrants who are trying to evade border agents. Others are mostly Central American families or young children traveling without parents who turn themselves into officials, often to seek asylum. CBP spokesman Matthew Dyman said border patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley sector, which spans more than 34,000 square miles along the border in southeast Texas, have recently encountered immigrants wearing the bracelets during several apprehension. 'Information on the bracelets represents a multitude of data that is used by smuggling organizations, such as payment status or affiliation with smuggling groups,' Dyman told Reuters. Texas Department of Public Safety retired captain Jaeson Jones told the Center for Immigration Studies that the first set of wristbands were located by CBP agents as early as February. Some of the wristbands also contained a logo, such as a devil face or turtle, the latter being the logo of choice of a human trafficking group linked to the Gulf Cartel. A shoe is surrounded by colored wristbands placed on migrants from Central America who are smuggled from Mexico into the United States by drug cartels and human traffickers, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Some of the plastic wristbands were inscribed 'arrivals' or 'entries' in Spanish According to the Center for Immigration Studies, the first set of wristbands were located by CBP agents as early as February. Some of the bracelets also contained a logo, such as a devil face or turtle, the latter being the logo of choice of a human trafficking group linked to the Gulf Cartel. The wrist band system in a way is similar to what smugglers used on a group of 32 undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador who were all wearing white t-shirts marked with bold letters when they were found inside a tractor-trailer by CBP agents near Laredo, Texas, in April 2020. The differing smuggling techniques come as President Joe Biden's administration has sought to reverse restrictive immigration polices set up by his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. But a recent jump in border crossings has Republicans warning the easing of hardline policies will lead to an immigration crisis and some GOP lawmakers claim there will be a boom time for terrorists. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned that terrorists could try to smuggle in future jihadis through the U.S.-Mexico border, as Donald Trump said the situation threatened to 'destroy' the country - Biden's administration refused to call it a crisis. Graham, senator for South Carolina and a close ally of Trump's, told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night that the surge in unaccompanied child migrants was being sparked by Biden's change in policies. And he said it was dangerous. 'People are coming by the thousands. They'll be coming by the hundreds of thousands by the summer,' he said. 'It's a humanitarian crisis: it's going to be an economic crisis for our cities along the border. 'And eventually it's going to be a national security crisis because they are children today, but they could easily be terrorists tomorrow.' Lindsey Graham appeared on Sean Hannity's show on Tuesday night with a warning for the US A U.S. Border Patrol Agent removes a wristband worn by Santiago, a four year old asylum seeking migrant boy from Honduras, after he crossed the Rio Grande river into the U.S. Graham said that, with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks coming up, 'Al-Qaeda and Isis would like nothing better than to hit us again.' He continued: 'And this border insecurity is a great way for terrorists to come into our country - just to blend in with our group. 'As embarrassing and as painful as it would be for the Biden administration, they need to understand that what Trump did on the border worked.' Graham said that Biden's policies were propelling the surge, and warned that the 'worst is yet to come'. He predicted the numbers of arrivals would continue to grow. 'When Trump was president the minors were all sent back either to Mexico or their own country. Now they are all staying in America,' he said. 'And when I say the worst is yet to come - by the spring, late spring, early summer, you're going to have families coming in caravans because the word is out in Central America: they are changing the policy that Trump put in place.' House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy will travel to Texas on Monday with roughly a dozen Republican members to assess the growing crisis at the southern border, his office confirmed to Axios. The number of child migrants is proving particularly problematic, and the Biden administration continues to urge people not to send unaccompanied children across the border. More than 3,250 unaccompanied minors are currently being held at the border. Lacking sufficient facilities and amid coronavirus burdens, more than 1,360 have been detained beyond the three days allowed by law, according to New York Times data. Nearly 170 of those being detained are younger than 13, NBC News reported. A total of 9,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border in February, according to data reviewed by the network. A wave of immigrants appears to be drawn by Biden's pledge to relax restrictions and provide a path to citizenship for people who are already living here. Child arrivals have tripled in the last two weeks, but on Tuesday the White House said they would not term the situation a 'crisis'. A Honduran man in Tijuana is seen on Monday awaiting his chance to seek asylum in the US A group of migrants ask Biden to let them in on March 2 at the Tijuana-San Ysidro crossing 'I don't think we need to put new labels on what we have already conveyed is challenging,' said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, at the daily briefing. It was a term the administration's top homeland official Alejandro Mayorkas has also declined to apply. Psaki attributed the problem, which has echoes of what the Trump administration encountered, to challenges processing unaccompanied children amid the coronavirus pandemic. 'One of the issues we've had is that the COVID-19 pandemic initially severely limited the number of children that could be taken into HHS facilities and the pace at which they can happen and the pace at which that can happen,' she said. 'What I also think is important is to talk about what the root causes are here and what we're doing from a policy standpoint to try and address the challenges that we're facing and that these kids are facing as they come across the border.' Under the law, unaccompanied child migrants must be transferred to Health and Human Services custody within 72 hours of arrival. They are usually at the hands of Custom and Border Protection while being processed. Due to issues obtaining facilities, many are held in Customs and Border Protection holding cells known as iceboxes or 'hieleras,' according to NBC. They have concrete rooms and metal benches but do not have beds. Shelters are within two weeks of surpassing their occupancy, according to the latest data. Amid the crush, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has asked his agency for volunteers to assist with the 'overwhelming' number of migrants. 'Today, I activated the Volunteer Force to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they face a surge in migration along the Southwest Border,' Mayorkas said in a staff email, Fox News reported. Meanwhile, U.S. border agents carried out nearly 100,000 apprehensions or rapid expulsions of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico land border in February, according to two people familiar with preliminary figures, the highest monthly total since June 2019 when CBP reported 104,311 encounters. Southwest border encounters have increased for seven consecutive months, following a low of 17,106 in April 2020. A red bracelet abandoned by a migrant near the Rio Grande in Texas contained a turtle, the logo of a human trafficking group linked to the Gulf Cartel The categorization system illustrates the sophistication of organized criminal groups ferrying people across the U.S.-Mexico border, said Theresa Cardinal Brown, director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center 'They run it like a business,' said Cardinal Brown, which means 'finding more patrons and looking for efficiencies.' Migrants can pay thousands of dollars for the journey to the United States and human smugglers have to pay off drug cartels to move people through parts of Mexico. 'This is a money-making operation and they have to pay close attention to who has paid,' she said. 'This may be a new way to keep track.' A Central American migrant in Reynosa - one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico across the border from McAllen, Texas - who declined to give his name for fear of retaliation, showed Reuters a picture of a purple wristband he was wearing. He said he paid $500 to one of the criminal groups in the city after he arrived a few months ago from Honduras to secure the purple bracelet to protect against kidnapping or extortion. He said once migrants or their smugglers have paid for the right to cross the river, which is also controlled by criminal groups, they receive another bracelet. 'This way we're not in danger, neither us nor the 'coyote,''' he said, using the Spanish word for smuggler. During an April 2020 operation near Laredo, Texas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a tractor-trailer and found 32 migrants wearing t-shirts that were marked with a digit or a letter so that they could be identified by their smugglers Encounters at the southwest border - which include apprehensions and expulsions - have increased over the last seven months, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, two people with knowledge of the data told Reuters that at least 100,000 expulsions or arrests were registered in the month of February, the most since 104,311 such incidents were reported in June 2019 A human smuggler, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, confirmed the bracelets were a system to designate who has paid for the right to transit through cartel territory near the southern international borderline. 'They are putting these [bracelets] on so there aren't killings by mistake,' he said. Criminal groups operating in northern Mexico, however, have long used systems to log which migrants have already paid for the right to be in gang-controlled territory, as well as for the right to cross the border into the United States, migration experts said. When increased numbers of Central American were arriving at the border on express buses in 2019, smugglers kept tabs on them by double checking 'the names and IDs of migrants before they got off the bus to make sure they had paid,' Cardinal Brown said. Migrants and smugglers say the use of bracelets to designate who has paid for the right to cross the river is a system required by the cartels that control waterfront territory in the conflict-ridden state of Tamaulipas. In January, a group of migrants were massacred in Tamaulipas state just 40 miles west of Reynosa. Twelve local Mexican police have been arrested in connection with the massacre. RTHK: Myanmar security forces target striking workers Hundreds of soldiers and police swooped on a railway station in Yangon on Wednesday seeking to arrest workers on strike to protest against the military coup in Myanmar. The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi last month, triggering daily protests around the country to demand the return of democracy. Security forces have responded with an increasingly brutal crackdown involving tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets, as well as isolated incidents of live rounds. Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60. Thousands of government workers across the country have been participating in a civil disobedience movement aimed at choking the state's institutions and paralysing the economy. The movement has resulted in hospital disruptions, bank closures and empty ministry offices. Hundreds of soldiers and police were deployed to Ma Hlwa Gone railway station and its staff housing compound early on Wednesday morning where about 800 workers are participating in strike action. There was another heavy police presence in Yangon's central San Chaung township following tensions two nights ago in which security forces sealed off a block of streets, confining around 200 anti-coup protesters before searching apartments. State media reported the arrest of seven protesters in that area for hanging the pictures of a monk on female longyis or sarongs on Monday morning. Protesters have been hanging women's longyis across streets to play on security forces' fears of Myanmar traditions that say women's lower parts and the garments that cover them can sap men's power. The military has sought to stem the flow of news of its crackdown, throttling the country's internet every night and stepping up pressure on independent media. The offices of two media outlets, Mizzima and Kamaryut Media, were raided on Tuesday, after Myanmar Now was targeted the previous day. Five media organisations also had their publishing licences revoked on Monday. Reporters Without Borders condemned the ongoing media crackdown and characterised the raids as "a shocking act of intimidation". It said at least 28 journalists had been arrested since the coup and about 11 were still in custody including an Associated Press photographer. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Allison Lampert and Jamie Freed (Reuters) - At one of the world's busiest airports, immigration officials are uncovering fake COVID-19 test results daily by checking the required documentation for misplaced letters and errant vowels. "Normally the way this type of counterfeit is spotted is an obvious spelling error," said Lucy Moreton, an official with the Immigration Services Union (ISU), which represents border officials at London's Heathrow Airport. With global vaccination programs still in early stages, a "negative" COVID-19 test from a local lab is now often necessary for plane travel around the world. But there is no standard form, language or encryption technology for such a certificate. "It is almost impossible to tell whether it is fake or not except by going through a lengthy and almost impossible verification process," said Vinoop Goel, a senior official at the International Air Transport Association. Fraudulent test results have been found at airports in Montreal, Paris and Mexico. Moreton's ISU officers catch a "reasonable number" of fakes each day. But making various COVID-related record checks can add up to 20 minutes per traveler, raising doubts over Heathrow's ability to handle an expected surge in summer traffic. Concerns over wait times and public health risks posed by an embryonic trade in forged results are driving global efforts to produce fraud-resistant COVID-19 certificates that can be read easily across borders. Discussions led by the United Nations' aviation agency in Montreal mark the broadest attempt yet to convince governments to take action. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is scheduled to review and potentially adopt guidance on Friday, a person familiar with plans said. At Heathrow, passengers recently posted social media accounts of hours-long waits over delays related to various COVID-19 measures. "Enough to make you never want to travel again," fumed passenger Camilla Tetley, who said on Twitter she spent six hours in an immigration control line at the airport. Story continues A Heathrow spokeswoman blamed the lines on insufficient staffing to meet government COVID-19 requirements. A government spokesman took exception to that explanation. "It is incorrect to say that Border Force are not providing adequate staffing numbers at Heathrow. We have maintained staffing levels at Heathrow throughout the pandemic," he said in an email. Providing false documents is against the law, he added, stressing that "pre-departure testing is in place to protect the health of the UK public." If a passenger arrives in England without proof of a negative test result, they could be fined 500 pounds ($694.20)and the airline could be fined 2000 pounds ($2,776.80). GUIDELINES NEEDED Apps from carriers including American Airlines, British Airways and United Airlines, as well as one for the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) new Travel Pass can hold health data such as testing results on a phone. But carriers need guidelines, especially in the United States, where airlines are responsible for verifying passengers' test results before boarding. On Monday, U.S. airline, travel and aerospace groups urged the Biden administration to come up with guidance on how to authenticate test results and still protect passengers' privacy. The Biden administration could look to recommendations from ICAO, the agency that sets global standards on everything from runway markings to crash investigations. The recommendations ICAO will consider, from a task force, would have countries weigh technologies that would ensure testing is secure, trustworthy and complies with data protection legislation, someone with knowledge of the matter said. One option under consideration involves a government-issued digital seal used on passports. A lab would transmit data showing a negative test result to the government, which would provide an encrypted bar code securing a travel-ready document or digital product, scannable at the airport. Discussions held by ICAO's task force echoed a broader debate over passenger privacy, since some technologies require health information to be transmitted digitally. Using passport technology to secure lab tests also evoked fears that some countries may not have the resources to issue large volumes of secure passes with extremely short shelf lives. "Issuing passports is not the same scale as issuing test certificates," said a second person involved in the talks. "A passport lasts for 10 years, while a (coronavirus) test lasts for three days." ($1 = 0.7203 pounds) (Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal and Jamie Freed in Sydney. Additional reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Florida; Editing by Peter Henderson, Tim Hepher and Bill Berkrot) The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Shortly before 11 a.m., a 16-year-old boy and another victim suffered gunshot wounds in the 11900 block of South Harvard Avenue. The 16-year-old was shot in the left calf, and the other victim, whose age was not immediately known, was shot in the left flank. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :US President Joe Biden will hold first-ever joint talks Friday with the leaders of Australia, India and Japan, boosting an emerging four-way alliance often cast as a bulwark against China. It will be one of the first summits, albeit in virtual format, for Biden, who has vowed to revive US alliances in the wake of the disarray of Donald Trump's administration. "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance that we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Tuesday. The meeting of the so-called "Quad" comes amid rising tensions with China, which is seen as flexing its muscle both in trade and security realms. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Biden was "taking this to another level. " "It will be an historic moment in our region and it sends a strong message to the region about our support for a sovereign, independent Indo-Pacific," Morrison told reporters. Both Psaki and India, which earlier announced the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that the talks would take up climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic -- two key priorities for Biden. "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement. The talks, also involving Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, will touch as well on promoting maritime security and "ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines" to fight Covid-19 in Asia, the Indian statement said. He will remain at the organization for the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and effective transition of care for all patients. Plymouth Primary Care continues taking new patients under the direction of Dr. Amanze Ugoji. "On behalf of the entire WRMC and PPC communities, we thank Dr. Venable for the wisdom and compassion he's given our patients throughout his decades of service," said Frank Avignone, Chief Executive Officer of Washington Regional Medical Center. "It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Venable. Looking ahead, we will honor the legacy he has built by dedicating the clinic to his work and continue increasing the health and wellness of the residents of Plymouth and the surrounding areas." About WRMC and Plymouth Primary Care: Owned by the non-profit, Centennial Housing & Community Services Corporation, Washington Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Plymouth, North Carolina caring for over 12,000 of residents of Eastern North Carolina. Plymouth Primary Care is the rural health clinic that serves the family medicine needs of these local patients. Both facilities are being redeveloped by Affinity Health Partners, a Dallas-based healthcare redevelopment firm, to increase services, technology, and infrastructure. The latest renovations include a new Women's Health Center that boasts 3D mammography technology. For any further media inquiries please contact Myrleia Diaz at [email protected] SOURCE Washington Regional Medical Center Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. * Libyan parliament divided for years before session * Lawmakers vote 132-2 in favour, with 36 members absent * PM Dbeibeh chosen through United Nations talks process * Accusations of corruption and influence peddling * Unity govt seen as biggest hope for peace in years (Adds statement by U.S. secretary of state) By Ayman al-Warfali SIRTE, Libya, March 10 (Reuters) - Libya's long-divided parliament on Wednesday approved an interim government mandated to bring the fractured country together after a decade of chaos and violence, and to oversee elections in December as part of a U.N.-backed peace plan. The parliament's approval of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh's cabinet by 132 votes to two against, at a session in a war-battered frontline city, represents the biggest opportunity in years for a resolution to Libya's conflict. "Through this vote, it became clear that the Libyans are one unit," Dbeibeh told parliament afterwards. However, huge hurdles remain and the manner of Dbeibeh's own appointment and the size of his cabinet have drawn accusations of corruption and influence peddling that spoilers could leverage to deny his legitimacy. On the ground, Libya's streets, businesses and state institutions remain in the shadow of myriad armed factions and split between two rival administrations, while foreign powers backing either side have kept their guns in place. Amending the constitution and holding free elections in 2021 will be an immense challenge, though all sides have formally committed to do so. "If we come out of this with one government and one set of institutions then we're already in a far superior place than we've been for the last five years," said Tarek Megerisi of the European Council on Foreign Relations. The parliament session was in Sirte, where front lines stabilised last summer after the Government of National Accord (GNA) pushed Khalifa Haftar's eastern-based Libyan National Army back from Tripoli. Story continues Both the GNA and the eastern administration welcomed the vote and said they were ready to hand power over to the new government. Parliament speaker Aguila Saleh said Dbeibeh's cabinet would be sworn in next week. It was parliament's first full session in years after it split between eastern and western factions soon after being elected in 2014 - three years after an uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi and plunged the oil-producing country into chaos. A ceasefire has held since the autumn, but the main road across the front lines from Sirte to Misrata remains closed and lawmakers coming from the west had to fly in from Tripoli. Russia's Wagner mercenaries, sent to Libya to support Haftar and accused of lacing civilian areas with deadly booby traps when pulling out of Tripoli last year, remain entrenched around Sirte and other parts of the country. Haftar was also backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, while Turkey supported the GNA. Dbeibeh said on Tuesday that economic deals the GNA struck with Turkey should stand. Turkey, Egypt and the UAE have each welcomed the move, as have the United States and European Union. The United Nations hailed it as a "historic day". "A smooth and orderly transfer of authority to leaders elected by the Libyan people" in the December elections is critical to furthering Libyas democratic process, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. POWER BROKERS Critics of the process say it has merely rearranged the tangle of alliances and enmities among power brokers who have dominated Libya for years, without disrupting their ability to loot its wealth or spoil unfavourable settlements. They are also angry that the accusations of corruption in Dbeibeh's appointment have not been formally debated. He was chosen by the 75 members of a U.N. political forum that met in Tunis and Geneva and voted on leadership candidates. Some forum delegates said colleagues were offered money. Dbeibeh, along with three members of a presidency council also selected in Geneva, has promised not to seek further office in the election. Still, Libya stands on the cusp of a first unified government in years and with all sides formally committed to elections. On Tuesday, the first civilian airline flight in six years took place between the cities of Benghazi and Misrata - tangible evidence of detente. "It is good for us to have one government ... but it is more important for the government to abide by the agreement and bring the country to elections," said Khaled Al-Ajili, 42, a businessman in a Tripoli cafe. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfali in Sirte, Reuters Tripoli newsroom and Angus McDowall in Tunis; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Mark Heinrich, William Maclean and Stephen Coates) Michael Shatruk is a professor of chemistry at Florida State University. Credit: Florida State University Air conditioners, refrigerators and other machines that heat and cool work with a simple premise. Pressure is applied to a gaseous refrigerant to turn it into a liquid state and then removed again so cold air is released. That cycle repeats. But it isn't the most efficient or environmentally friendly process. And now, researchers from Florida State University and University of Barcelona have developed a process with magnets that could potentially create a better, faster, non-volatile cooling system. "There's been a lot of interest in moving this process to a solid-based system to avoid the use of greenhouse gases," said FSU Professor of Chemistry Michael Shatruk. "We realized we could also do this with molecular crystals." The findings are published in the journal Advanced Materials. Shatruk and his colleagues found that applying pressure to iron-based molecules arranged in a crystalline lattice could produce a large cooling effect. The pressure causes a transition to a denser state in the crystalline lattice, and when the pressure is released, the lattice expands, creating the cooling effect similar to the one produced by expanding gas. The results of this process have outperformed other solid-state barocaloric materials that scientists across the globe have been trying to perfect to mimic traditional gas refrigeration processes. Shatruk has not traditionally examined barocaloric technologies, but he realized that his knowledge of magnetocaloric technologies and phase transitions in molecular materials positioned his lab to conduct research on this topic. "We realized we had broad knowledge of this area and we could come up with an optimal compound to produce the desired effect," he said. Shatruk said he and his colleagues are now working to better understand why the iron-based molecule they chose to work with performed so well and to see if they can tweak the process to heighten future performance. Explore further Pressure makes best cooling More information: Michela Romanini et al. Giant and Reversible Barocaloric Effect in Trinuclear SpinCrossover Complex Fe 3 (bntrz) 6 (tcnset) 6, Advanced Materials (2021). Journal information: Advanced Materials Michela Romanini et al. Giant and Reversible Barocaloric Effect in Trinuclear SpinCrossover Complex Fe 3 (bntrz) 6 (tcnset) 6,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008076 They extended their break in Dubai last month. And Tamara Ecclestone lived up to her billionaire lifestyle as she hit the beach with her husband Jay Rutland and their two daughters Sophia, six, and Serena, five months, in the Maldives on Tuesday. The Formula One heiress, 36, looked gorgeous in an off-the-shoulder broderie anglaise dress, with the whole family heading out for dinner wearing pink. Wow: Tamara Ecclestone hit the beach with her husband Jay Rutland and their two daughters Sophia, six, and Serena, five months, in the Maldives on Tuesday Tamara teamed the look with sandals and cradled Serena in a cream baby sling, while Sophia wrapped her arms around her mum. Jay, 39, who looked dapper in a pink striped shirt, captioned the snap: 'Last night...' The doting father-of-two also shared a slew of snaps from the family's fishing trip earlier in the day. All aboard! Doting father-of-two Jay also shared a slew of snaps from the family's fishing trip earlier in the day Living the life! It appears the couple have flown to the Maldives after an extended break in Dubai Sophia, affectionally nicknamed Fifi by Tamara and Jay, screamed in terror as Tamara caught a large fish. Jay also proudly posed with another wish with Fifi smiling by his side. It appears the couple have flown to the Maldives after an extended break in Dubai. Tamara has barely been back to the UK since June and her husband admitted concerns over his family's safety was one reason they had not been back more. Terrified: Sophia, affectionally nicknamed Fifi by Tamara and Jay, screamed in terror as Tamara caught a large fish What a catch! Jay also proudly posed with another wish with Fifi smiling by his side Tamara's husband Jay revealed to MailOnline that the family have no plans to return to London following the dramatic security lapse that led to a multi-million pound jewel heist at her West London home in December 2019. Previously speaking from Dubai about their plans, Jay told MailOnline: 'We do not intend to return to the UK from Dubai. 'There are a host of reasons why we are not going back to London any time soon and security is one of them. The truth is we are playing it month by month and watching how the situation develops.' Meanwhile, Jay denied he and Tamara had broken travel restrictions as he explained: 'We have not broken the lockdown rules to come to Dubai, that is not what we have done. 'At the beginning of the outbreak last year we really stuck to the rules. 'From March to May we locked down and did not leave the house [in London]. We went to Croatia in [June] the summer, but that was only after the rules changed and everyone was allowed to travel. 'From there we went to Switzerland and we stayed there until Christmas when we came here to Dubai.' remaining of Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe. Already have a paid subscription? Sign in Arkansas Gov. signs sweeping abortion ban aimed at challenging Roe v. Wade Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Tuesday signed a law that bans abortion in most circumstances with the hope the law could be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. Known as Senate Bill 6, the new law only allows for the abortion procedure to be performed in the event of a life-threatening medical emergency for the mother. Hutchinson explained in a statement that he would have preferred the law to include exemptions for rape and incest, believing that such exceptions would increase the chances for a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. I will sign SB6 because of overwhelming legislative support and my sincere and long-held pro-life convictions, stated the governor, a Republican. SB6 is in contradiction of binding precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law. The legislation had extensive support in the state legislature. The bill passed the Senate in a vote of 27-7 last month and the House of Representatives last week in a 75-18 vote. The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the legislation. The progressive civil rights organization took to Twitter last week to promise litigation if the bill is signed into law. This is the latest of many unconstitutional attacks on abortion from state politicians who continue to politicize peoples health and waste taxpayer dollars. Were ready to take Arkansas to court again, the ACLU tweeted. Recently, multiple states have passed strict abortion bills aimed at legally challenging Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that struck down most abortion restrictions nationwide. These efforts have been driven by former President Donald Trump appointing three conservative justices to the high court during his term in office: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Last June, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in June Medical Services v. Russo that a Louisiana law holding abortion clinics to the same standards as surgical centers was unconstitutional. The opinion was built off of a 2016 5-3 Supreme Court ruling known as Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, which struck down a similar law in Texas. In this case, we consider the constitutionality of a Louisiana statute, Act 620, that is almost word-for-word identical to Texas admitting-privileges law, wrote Justice Stephen Breyer for the majority. Those findings mirror those made in Whole Womans Health in every relevant respect and require the same result. We consequently hold that the Louisiana statute is unconstitutional. The Arkansas legislation won't go into effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns the 2021 session. The bill won't go into effect until at least the summer, ABC News reports. An Iowa jury acquitted a journalist on Wednesday in a highly unusual trial of a reporter who was arrested last spring as she covered a protest against racism and police violence. Andrea Sahouri, a public safety reporter for The Des Moines Register, was arrested May 31 while covering a sometimes chaotic demonstration near the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines. Police officers ordered protesters to disperse and used pepper spray against them. Ms. Sahouri, who said she had identified herself as a reporter, was arrested along with her boyfriend at the time, Spenser Robnett, who had accompanied her that day. Ms. Sahouri, 25, pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges of failing to disperse and interference with official acts, each punishable by up to 30 days in jail. On Wednesday, a six-person jury found Ms. Sahouri and Mr. Robnett not guilty of both charges. Im thankful to the jury for doing the right thing, Ms. Sahouri said in a statement after the verdict. Their decision upholds freedom of the press and justice in our democracy. Mainstream Media is Erasing Middle Eastern Christians Young women dressed in traditional Assyrian clothing wave flags of the Holy See as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Arbil, on March 7, 2021. ( Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images) For the beleaguered indigenous Christians of the Middle East, there was hope the historic visit of Pope Francis to Iraq would bring much needed awareness to their plight. Despite recognizing the "fading" presence of the region's Christians, mainstream media has largely been complicit in reinforcing the systematic erasure of these ancient communities. The Christians of the "Muslim world" take little solace in being portrayed as outsiders in the region they've inhabited since before the time of Christianity. Nor are they particularly delighted at their portrayal as a homogenous entity of "Iraqi Christians"--a reductionist mischaracterization of a diverse community that was propounded by Ba'athist and later Kurdish authorities to enforce the assimilation and disappearance of their distinct ethnic and cultural identities. Assyrians are the predominant Christian group in Iraq, whose presence traces back to the birth of Mesopotamian civilization. Today, Assyrians in Iraq are often identified along their church denominations--with the Chaldean Catholics comprising the largest group, followed by members of the Assyrian Church of the East, Syriac Orthodox Church and Syriac Catholic Church. Armenians also form a significant minority within Iraq's dwindling Christian community, dating back to Babylonian times. Larger waves of migration as a result of forced displacement in the 17th century and the Armenian genocide in the early 20th century led Armenians to settle in Iraq. The modern history of the Christian community in Iraq has been defined by waves of persecution they've been subject to by both their neighbors and foreigners. In the early 20th century, Assyrians suffered genocide alongside the Armenians and Greeks at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Many of those displaced by the Ottomans became the victims of a subsequent genocide by Iraqi and Kurdish forces in 1933 known as the Simele massacre. Over the course of the next several decades, Assyrians would be subject to a campaign of Arabization by Ba'athist leaders seeking to assimilate, homogenize and co-opt Iraq's Christian communities. After the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the instability generated as a result of a power vacuum, Christian communities were left particularly vulnerable to the militant forces vying for control within the country. While much triumphalism surrounded the Pope's visit to Mosul, where ISIS once declared its crusade on Rome and desire to execute the Pope, few noted that the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq began not with the rise of ISIS--but with the U.S. invasion in 2003. Since the invasion, the population of Assyrians in Iraq has fallen from over 1.5 million to fewer than 250,000 today. Assyrian and Armenian churches and cultural sites routinely became the target of extremist attacks, while Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) forces took control of the Nineveh Plains--the ancestral homeland of the Assyrian and Yazidi people--there they embark on a campaign of Kurdification, mirroring in many ways the campaign of assimilation undertaken by the Ba'athist regime. But amidst the fanfare of the Pope's tour, one could have easily mistaken the papal visit for a press tour for the Barzani dynasty, Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling clan. As the Pope toured streets lined with Kurdish flags and praised the Barzanis for "protecting" Christians, Iraq's Assyrians were left wanting. Despite the Pope's remarks--and portrayal by the media--to them, the KRG was no savior. For the Assyrians, the KRG is the government that occupied their ancestral lands, that colluded in the killing and displacement of Assyrian communities and whose security forces disarmed Assyrian protection units in the midst of ISIS' expansion. The same KRG that forcibly removed local Assyrian leaders from office, stifled political opposition and terrorized local communities. The public expressions of Assyrian and Christian identity permitted during the fanfare of the Pope's visit--highlighted by mainstream media as a testament to "peaceful coexistence"--would in normal circumstances be met with suppression, or not take place at all out of fear of repercussion. Even in this more relaxed atmosphere, local Assyrian groups were reported to have been prevented from participating in a celebratory parade because their uniforms were adorned with the Assyrian flag. To the Assyrians, the KRG represents little more than a continuation of a familiar pattern of cultural repression, assimilation and disenfranchisement. Instead of highlighting the systemic violence marginalized Christian communities still face, mainstream media advanced a most gratuitous redemption arc for the West in the aftermath of its destabilization of the region--one in which the U.S. is absolved for abandoning the region's most vulnerable by whitewashing the abuses of a government it firmly backs. This is an all too familiar story. The Kurds have themselves been the victims of this grotesque revisionism. Celebrated and honored for their heroism in the fight against ISIS, the Kurds found themselves abandoned by the U.S. in their time of need when Turkey began its invasion and ethnic cleansing of northern Syria. One report would lead the charge in defense of Turkey, suggesting Ankara's genocidal intervention was actually the only thing preventing their massacre at the hands of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. A similar fate befell the Yazidi people, whose tragic plight was the subject of global attention during the height of ISIS as numerous governments condemned the genocide inflicted upon them. Now, as the survivors of those atrocities find themselves under assault by the warplanes of NATO-ally Turkey, the spotlight has faded. There are also close parallels to the ways in which mainstream media covered Turkey's Christian community during the years of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rise--or Azerbaijan in the wake of its invasion and occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh)--often emphasizing disingenuous overtures toward "reconciliation" and "cultural tolerance" that served only to sanitize the image of an oppressive authoritarian regime and vindicate the United States for its negligent inaction--all the while providing perpetrator governments with cover for the deepening undermining of minority rights. While the papal tour to Iraq may have inspired hope in many, it also revealed how insidious the systematic erasure of Middle Eastern Christians, and other ethnic and religious minorities, is--and how easily their experiences have been sidelined for the sake of political expediency. Decorator and product designer Marjorie Skouras is known for her unabashed embrace of color, so its no wonder that she would feel at home in the vibrant city of Merida. Although the California native had been traveling to Mexico since the 1970s, she only discovered the capital of the state of Yucatan in 2015 through friends. I knew within 40 minutes of arriving that this was the place for us, recalls Skouras of the first time she visited the city with her husband, Bruno Bardavid. We were ready to leave Los Angeles, and it had been my lifelong dream to live in a Mexican Colonial house. The couple wasted no time, eagerly snapping up a dilapidated 4,000-square-foot, three-bedroom 19th-century mansion in the Santiago neighborhood of Meridas Centro Historico. It was in need of a full restoration, but it felt grand, with an elegant layout and a pistachio green wedding cakestyle facade that I fell madly in love with, Skouras says. Luckily, many of the original details had been left largely untouchedincluding the stenciled-tile floors, which Skouras was particularly intrigued by, given that they arent usually found in Colonial architecture. Theres a heavy Art Nouveau influence that you dont often see here, she adds. The renovation would prove to be neither quick nor easy, thanks in part to a lengthy permit application process, made more complicated by the fact that the residence is considered a historical monument. (Parts of the home date back to the 1870s, meaning that any renovation work needed to be overseen by the local architectural preservation society.) We werent allowed to make structural changes, so we were locked into the layout for the most part, explains Skouras. One of the couples big wins was managing to relocate the kitchen and convert the existing kitchen into a spacious primary bath. The bathtub was our first purchase for the house, and we ended up having to reconfigure the room to accommodate it, says Skouras. Aside from a new roof and mechanical systems, other changes included creating a patio off the kitchen, installing a pool, and building a rooftop terrace. Story continues Tour a Designers Vibrant 19th-Century Mansion in Merida, Mexico Aesthetic details were painstakingly restored, such as rotted doors that needed to be reconstructed from tropical hardwood to match the original design. Notably, the wall decorations and floor stencils took an artisan a full year. Bruno and I would peek into the windows of old ruined houses nearby to get ideas for elements that might have originally been in our house, Skouras explains of their own process. At one point during construction, the roof over the primary bedroom fell in. What could have been a disaster actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as a subsequent storm ended up washing off some terribly ugly grape wall stencils that werent period-appropriate. Underneath these grapes, an Art Nouveau lily pattern revealed itself, coincidentally matching the new lily floor tile Skouras had previously selected for that room. It was a magical moment, she says. See the video. When it finally came time to decorate, Skouras didnt hold back, splashing the walls of each room with a different shade found in the original stencils. I am mad for color, says Skouras, and you have unbridled license here in Mexico. The furnishings are an interesting mix of her own furniture, mirrors, and lighting along with many vintage pieces and antique finds. I had amassed a collection of furniture in Los Angeles that I realize now was always meant for my fantasy life in Mexico, says the designer. There are some fabulous things, and then some items that I found on the street and spray-painted gold or white. (Skourass signature style has trickled across the street, where the designers new studio, boutique, and photography gallery, La Malaquita, is housed in another renovated Colonial manse.) Once the house was complete, the true test came when the previous ownersthree sisters, who happen to be descendants of the former Yucatan State governor General Francisco Canton Rosadovisited the newly renovated residence. One of them started to cry when she walked in, recalls Skouras. They shared their family stories with us, and we have become friends as a result. I feel grateful every morning to be living out my dream. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest Welcome Guest! You Are Here: World Economic Forum: More vaccines can be expected from India, says PM Modi at Davos Agenda Summit Quad countries to hold virtual summit on March 12 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 10: Against the backdrop of an increasingly assertive China, the leaders of the four nation Quad grouping would seek to counter Beijing and work towards peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. The meeting on March 12 also comes in the backdrop of Being tightening its grip on Hong Kong and also announcing plans to build a high-speed railway and expressway linking China and Taipei. The Quad meeting would also be US President Joe Biden's first interaction under the security and diplomatic initiative that was revived by former president of the US, Donald Trump. The Biden administration has made it clear that it would work closely with other nations including Quad members to strengthen partnership as part of the strategy on China. Against backdrop of an increasingly assertive China, Quad meeting to be held this month While Delhi does not expect any drastic change in Chinese President Xi Jinping's approach towards India, the Quad meeting would be an important message to Beijing, officials tell OneIndia. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News The meeting also comes in the wake of India and China finally deciding to disengage troops at the north and south banks of the Pangong lake. The two sides have decided to continue talking and disengaging at the other friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 8:34 [IST] The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Stephens and Ishizuka also noted that a mere 2 percent of Dr. Suesss characters were not White, or appeared to be non-White. by John Stanton Since August 20, the young Red Guards of Peking, detachments of students,have taken to the streets. With the revolutionary rebel spirit of the proletariat, they have launched a furious offensive to sweep away reactionary, decadent bourgeois and feudal influences, and all old ideas, culture, customs and habits. This mounting revolutionary storm is sweeping the cities of the entire nation.Red Guards and revolutionary students and teachers in Lhasa have proposed to change the names of places, streets and houses which are tainted with feudal serfdom and superstition. They also propose that literary and art groups forbid the performance of operas and plays which reek of imperialism and feudalism. The waterfront of the Whangpoo River in Shanghai was, until the liberation, the centre of imperialist plunder of the Chinese people. The buildings here have still carried many reminders of the imperialists and here the Red Guards and revolutionary workers and staff have gone in for revolutionizing in a big way. They have taken down all the imperialist signs from walls and removed the bronze lions outside one of the big buildings. Peking (Beijing) Review, 1966 PREFACE: My grandson is a mix of Amazonian Indian, Brazilian, Portuguese, Indian (India), Trinidadian and Irish. Certainly, in all the cultures his genes arise from, there is current and historical racism, slavery, discrimination, class issues and so on. Does he bear any responsibility for all the sins of the past other than to be consciously aware of it all and be sensitive to how it affects the present (will influence his present one day)? The grandkid looks non-white, and I know this means, unfortunately, in parts of the United States and certain regions of the world, he may be mocked and subjected to racism/discrimination. Does this mean I know what it is like not to be White and have had a revelation thanks to the probabilities that my grandson appears as a non-White? No. It just means chance and evolution were at work. Perhaps the world will reboot over the next 17 years. I wrote a bit about this subject in 2015 which can be read here: White and Guilty of the Crime of History? Im not Going to the Reeducation Camp. And I agree with Teju Coles point about the White Savior Industrial Complex theory. That starts with protesting against tortuous US foreign policy that makes it worse for nations on the African Continent. Let us begin our activism right here: with the money-driven villainy at the heart of American foreign policy. To do this would be to give up the illusion that the sentimental need [of White people] to "make a difference" trumps all other considerations. What innocent heroes don't always understand is that they play a useful role for people who have much more cynical motives. The White Savior Industrial Complex is a valve for releasing the unbearable pressures that build in a system built on pillage. Cole refers to Haiti and Nigeria, two countries that have borne the brunt of the American governments harshness. You could list most central American countries in that category too, including Venezuela. So Long Dr. Seuss of Dartmouth, You Did it to Yourself No more Dr. Suesss Sleep Book before bedtime, I guess. I once read the book myself in bed--as the instructions at the beginning of the book required (this book is to be read in bed)--and I used to read it to my son. I still have the book and, Ill admit it, I look at it now and then. I still am fascinated by the Biffer-Buam Birds, the Oft Aloft and I imagine what it might be like to be able to sleep in the Bed of the Jed, The softest of beds in the world it is said. It still makes me sleepy. And then there is the Cat in the Hat Comes Back. I read that book often myself and then, like Dr. Seusss Sleep Book, I read that to my son too. I used the book to explain to my young one some of the intricacies of particle physics. You could not see VaVoom but you could see the results of its presence: The ink disappeared and so particle collisions, interactions must have taken place. Anyway, those were the only two Dr. Seuss books I really favored. The rest were too preachy for me. Little did I realize that racialist undertones permeated many of the books and, alas, I was not politically or culturally attuned, like millions of others in the United States and around the globe, to the the dismal facts set forth in a study by Ramon Stephens and Katie Ishizuka titled the Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss Childrens Books. Their study has garnered 163,626 downloads and has had the positive effect of causing the publishers of Dr. Seusss books to stop pushing out the titles with the most offending cartoons. Stephens and Ishizuka also noted that a mere 2 percent of Dr. Suesss characters were not White, or appeared to be non-White. In the fifty Dr. Seuss childrens books, 2240 human characters are identified. Of the 2240, there are 45 characters of color representing 2% of the total number of human characters. That small act of atonement by Seusss publishing house will not matter though. Ultimately, Dr. Seusss (Ted Geisel) titles will be banned by public and in-school libraries. As a childrens book collection, they will become oddities used for further studies by enterprising critical literary and racial theorists for further analysis. The same fate awaits thousands of titles authored by Whites to include novels, cinema titles, cartoons, and corporate products displaying implied racial insensitivity. Personally, Im fine with exposes like that of Stephens and Ishizuka as long as they are not in-your-face, vengeful, punitive efforts at dumping on those in the 21st Century who had no earthly influence on the events of world history before 600 to the present. Racism (to include discrimination against LGBTQ+, in group versus out group, etc.), sadly, is endemic to the human species. We may rid ourselves of this maddening scourge probably around the same time as we eliminate nuclear weapons.Or, perhaps, Climate Change will get us all first. Stay in Your Whatever Lane Beyond correcting racial, discriminatory narratives, the core issue in these matters seems to me to be, To what extreme will cultural erasure go? Will Chairman Maos or the Red Guards model be adopted here in the United States or elsewhere? At what point does racial and cultural awareness turn into a vindictive purge against all things Whiteness or against those other colors, religions that oppressed the weary? Does an erasure movement become regressive, anti-free speech and inhibit creativity? How far back in history does this dig travel? Who will be the inquisitors, guardians overseeing what clearly is a purge, a reeducation campaign? Should White people be eliminated? At what point does racism reverse to Black on White, Hispanic on Black, and so on. You get the idea. People in the United States obviously would not be the first to pull down the statues of those who engaged in enslaving people and looked the other way while many of the oppressed were hanged/murdered simply because of their skin color and class position in society. Statues of Stalin, Lenin, and Sadam Hussein were all brought down by citizens, mainly the young and middle class, in the former Soviet Union and the old Iraq, who lived under tyrannical rule and were hustled off to gulags or persecuted because of culture-religion or class position. The conquering Americans got into that culture changing gig during the second invasion of Iraq pointing to an interesting fact about human history: the conquerors usually determine the rules and the historical narratives. That changes over time as the conquered assimilate the conquerors or eventually overtake them by revolution. And so the cycle repeats itself. At some point in the future, the same will happen to the United States. So just how should an author of novels, a screenwriter or a childrens storyteller go about their craft these days? Perhaps characters should be created and colored representing the demographics of the country in which the creative person is a citizen. Take, for example, a person who lives in the United States decides one day to write an epic novel of love, hate and redemption. That work would have the percentage of its characters mirror the Census.Gov demographics. To wit, the novel should contain: White, 60.1 to 76.3; Hispanic or Latino, 18.5%; Black, 13.4%; Asian, 5.9%; Two or more races, 2.8%; American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.3% and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 0.2%. And approximately 4% identify as LGBTQ+ These percentages reflect the population of the United States and so shouldnt authors, scriptwriters, filmmakers make sure theyve included the exact percentages? Would that be acceptable to critical race, literary theory. Probably not. There is another issue here: Authors, scriptwriters, and filmmakers must adhere to the no lane change rule; that is, a White author cant have characters that are Black, Hispanic/Latino or Asian because he/she/person cant get into that persons color or look invalidating the characters credibility. On the other hand, Blacks, Hispanic/Latino or Asian authors cant create White characters, the same way that Asians cant have characters who are Black, and so it goes. The next matter of concern, lets say for an AMAB author, or assigned male at birth, beyond the racial and stay in your lane matters, is to be cognizant of the identifiers of sexuality or asexuality and the percentage of LGBTQ+ in the United States (4%). Some include: ACE for asexual; Cisgender, aperson whose biological sex matches with their gender identity; and Polyamorous: A person who finds themselves romantically, physically, and/or sexually attracted to multiple individuals, and finds that pursuing multiple relationships is the most satisfying course of action in their lives. Revolutionary Zeal Required There is literally no field of study that is not being probed or scrubbed for racist, discriminatory tendencies and, hence,censure and erasure. Consider classical music, for example. According to Nebal Maysaud: It is time to let classical music die. Western classical music is not about culture. Its about whiteness. Its a combination of European traditions which serve the specious belief that whiteness has a cultureone that is superior to all others. Its main purpose is to be a cultural anchor for the myth of white supremacy. Beethoven was actually a revolutionary in his time and place. Well, no more 4th Piano Concerto, I guess. Math, architecture, Greek and Roman studies, physics, medicine are all undergoing scrutiny. In order to truly purge these and other fields from Whiteness, a Red Guard mentality is likely needed going forward. Purging the United States of White Supremacy, White Saviorism, and Whiteness is a herculean task. That effort might be assisted by reading Making Civilizations: The World Before 600 by Harvard Press (2020). Race, religion and violence have been powerful forces in the development of humanity. Completing the work of eradicating all three from society will take thousands of years and an evolutionary leap; or, perhaps, a world catastrophe. John Stanton can be reached at jstantonarchangel@gmail.com The Web Summit is to hire 50 more people as it begins licensing its conference software amid a global shutdown in the physical conferencing business. Paddy Cosgraves company has announced a first customer for its licensing scheme, the United Nations Development Programme. The body will use the software later this month for an event in Turkey. The in-person global conferencing business has ground to a halt worldwide and is not expected to recover this year. While Zoom and other online video platforms have stepped in, a handful of online conferencing software systems are beginning to emerge as larger, fit-for-purpose alternatives. The startup Hopin, which counts Irish investors such as Des Traynor and Paddy Cosgrave as investors, is now valued at $5bn. Last year, both the Web Summit and its US sister conference, Collision, were held online using Mr Cosgraves companys software. However, its Hong Kong conference, Rise, was cancelled. The company says it still intends to hold an in-person conference in November this year in Lisbon, although its unlikely that many potential customers from outside Europe will travel for in-person events. In December, the Web Summit announced a series of expansion deals and plans. It signed a five-year deal with Japanese officials to host a new event called Web Summit Tokyo from September 2022. The in-person conference will be called Web Summit Tokyo. It also announced a Web Summit conference to be held in Brazil in 2022, with two cities Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre involved in discussions to host it. And it said that its Rise event, held in Hong Kong for the last five years, is to move to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from March 2022 after a three-year deal was struck with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation to host in-person conferences. The Web Summit currently employs 231 people in Dublin and other cities. Today, it announced that it aims to hire another 50 people this year in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and San Francisco. This is a milestone for Web Summit, said Paddy Cosgrave of its software licensing deal with the UNDP. Weve agreed to run an event in March for the UNDP on our platform. Its been a long journey and weve taken it slow, perfecting the software over years. Were in no rush for new customers, and we will take our time. In 2022, we hope to partner with other great events. He said that over the last year, the software hosted 32,000 attendees at Collision in June 2020, followed by 104,000 attendees at Web Summit in December 2020. The United Nations Development Programmes Istanbul Innovation Days event aims to engage with individuals, communities, organisations and policy makers. Boris Johnsons plan to cut air passenger duty (APD) on domestic flights has been branded enormously disappointing by public transport and environmental groups. The Prime Minister said he wants to build back better after the coronavirus crisis in a way that brings every corner of the UK closer together. He will launch a consultation this spring on reforming APD a tax on passenger flights from UK airports as part of efforts to improve transport connecting all four nations which includes upgraded rail, road, sea and air links. Andy Bagnall, director general of industry body the Rail Delivery Group, urged Mr Johnson to encourage people to make greener choices to get from A to B such as taking the train. He went on: Rather than considering a cut to air passenger duty in isolation, Government should ensure there is a level tax playing field across cars, planes and trains with each paying according to the environmental impact they have. Paul Tuohy, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: This is enormously disappointing, especially coming a week after a rail fare rise and fuel duty freeze, and makes a mockery of our climate commitments. The Governments own green agenda is veering badly off course and without a rethink it threatens to undermine all its previous efforts to tackle carbon emissions. Dr Doug Parr, chief scientist for Greenpeace UK, commented: The Government needs to face up to the unavoidable reality that the aviation industry has to be smaller than it was before the pandemic, and get on with the vital job of making that process as painless as possible for the workers, and with the lowest possible impact on the climate. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association said cutting domestic flight duty flies in the face of the Governments climate commitments. General secretary Manuel Cortes urged the Government to invest in truly green public transport, such as rail, which is the most effective intercity connection taking people to the heart of our towns and cities. The aviation industry has long called for APD to be reduced or even abolished, claiming it is an unfair burden on passengers and one of the highest taxes of its kind in the world. Regional airline Flybe, which collapsed in March 2020, blamed APD for contributing to its financial struggles. Rates for most UK domestic flights are 13 in standard class, adding 26 to the price of a return ticket. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson said: It seems wrong that someone flying from Belfast to London and back pays more UK tax than someone flying from Dublin to London and back. Isnt it time to harvest that Brexit dividend, and cut Air Passenger Duty? So we will do just that, subject to consultation in the usual way. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, an association representing UK-registered carriers, said the potential cut would provide a welcome measure of relief to domestic carriers facing an existential threat from the impacts of Covid. He continued: It will help to sustain current domestic connections including into Heathrow, our national hub, as well as all the regions of the UK, which is essential to achieving economic growth and supporting the Governments global Britain agenda. Karen Dee, boss of the Airport Operators Association, commented: The recognition of the detrimental impact of Air Passenger Duty and a commitment to review domestic APD to reduce its impact is very welcome. Domestic aviation suffered a double hit in the last year, with the collapse of Flybe and the Covid-19 pandemic, and this offers a glimmer of hope for the future. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 The short film contest titled OklaHomies 2: Still at Home features cash prizes in four categories: Short Film, Short Short Film and, new this year, the Indigenous Short Film and Student Short Film for grades k-12. Scorpene-class submarine INS Karanj was commissioned into the in Mumbai on Wednesday. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Admiral (Retired) VS Shekhawat were present at the ceremony. Addressing the event, the Navy Chief said that hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'atmanirbharta' (indigenisation). "The impetuous to atmanirbharta or indigenisation is a fundamental tenet of Indian Navy's growth story and future trajectory," the Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh today. He also said that the has been a strong proponent of indigenization and self-reliance in defence over the past seven decades. "At present, out of 42 ships and submarines on order, 40 are being constructed in Indian shipyards," the Navy chief 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.) Michelle DePass knew what she signed up for when she ran for the Portland school board in 2019. The Black City of Portland employee called her white predecessor before filing the necessary paperwork. Paul Anthony told DePass hed sometimes commit up to 80 hours per week to his board duties. She was unfazed. During their conversation, DePass had cooked dinner for 10 people. Tomorrow, all I have to do is heat up the lasagna, DePass remembers telling Anthony. Im going to multi-task. Months later, she won the school boards Zone 2 seat in the districts most competitive race of the year. DePass spent $35,000 to get elected, as much as the three other board members elected that year combined. She also became the lone person of color on the governing body that steers the states largest district. Portland Public Schools enrollment is 43% students of color, including 16% Latino and 9% Black. Serving on its board with six other members who are white is an experience thats at once isolating and fulfilling, DePass and former Portland school board member Julie Esparza-Brown, a Latina professor, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. From 2001 through 2012, the Portland school board most often had two members who were Black, Indigenous, Latino or Asian. For a two-year period beginning in 2003, three of its seven members were two of them Black men and one a South Asian woman. But since 2011, when voters chose a Native American candidate, Esparza-Brown and DePass have been the only two people of color elected to the board. In 2013, Martin Gonzalez, a Latino multicultural programs coordinator, lost his reelection bid to Steve Buel, a white former teacher whod served on the board during the 1980s. The barriers to board service for non-white people, particularly those who arent retired or who work service jobs and have children younger than teenagers, have proven nearly insurmountable over the past decade, current and former board members of color told The Oregonian/OregonLive. School board Chair Eilidh Lowery, a white pastor, has made no secret of the fact that she scaled back hours at her full-time job before she began her term as a board member in 2019. She tapped an inheritance to supplant the lost income. She ran pledging to serve a single term and empower a person of color to take her place in 2023. Had a person of color mounted a challenge in 2019, Lowery said, she would have stepped aside. Everybody else has to figure out their own path, but I knew I couldnt do it all, Lowery said. And I knew I was coming from a privileged position. Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson swore DePass in when she took office on July 12, 2019. DePass said she was spurred to run when the Oregon Secretary of State's audit of Portland Public Schools said the district systemically shortchanges Black children. LONE VOICE When the Portland school board agreed to pay $1.2 million to staff the districts nine high schools with armed city police officers in late 2018, only one of its members voted no: Esparza-Brown. For many of us, theres fear when we see uniformed police rather than a feeling of safety and comfort, she told her peers on the school board at the time. Four board members voted to fund the program. One abstained. Another was absent. The school board later overturned its own decision. But Esparza-Brown said the episode was illustrative of her experience for four years as the lone person of color on the board. Its just tough on your emotions the battles sometimes, she told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Both she and DePass ran for school board because of their experience working with marginalized communities. Esparza-Brown is a professor of special education at Portland State University . DePass worked for several city bureaus in Portland prior to her election, including agencies devoted to equity and human rights. Both women said navigating board politics required a steep learning curve, which was particularly pronounced when Lowery was elected board chair last summer. Board members typically campaign to fellow board members for the position or do so on behalf of a fellow member all out of the publics view. DePass said she was largely left out of those discussions in 2020. She was perturbed when one board member, whom she declined to name, called her aggressive. Another told her the board chair was one among equals. One fellow member asked if she would be allowed committee assignments for abstaining from the final vote to elect Lowery. To call a Black woman aggressive and to say the position doesnt have any more power than the other seats on the board? Why would anyone want it, then? she asked. DePass pointed out that board chairs set the agenda and direct meetings. They also dole out committee assignments. By the end of the meeting, she called for greater transparency in the process of appointing a chair. Even as a school board member, Im not even sure how it happens, DePass said. I havent been included in these pre-conversations. And if its not clear to me, its not clear to the public. Board members at the time signaled their willingness to review the process and its one of many items on the agenda for a coming board retreat. Of course, pushing for reform in the way a school board conducts its business means getting elected in the first place. And that comes with its own hurdles. Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, serves on the Reynolds school board and was also elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2020. (Photo by Dave Killen/Staff)The Oregonian BARRIERS HIGH FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR TO CAMPAIGN Ana Gonzalez Munoz, a Latina family and community engagement specialist, wasnt ready to ask for money when she ran for her seat on the Reynolds school board in 2019. She knew campaigning would require her to knock on doors, hand out fliers and host an event or two. That meant paying a printer and making trips to CostCo to buy snacks and refreshments. And Munoz didnt have the $3,500 that took just lying around, according to state campaign finance records. Shed have to ask for donations. It isnt something shes used to. Munozs family immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and instilled in her a work ethic that made asking for donations difficult. Theres a lot of pride in asking for money, Munoz said. We come here to work very hard and earn our own money and buy our own things. We dont want to owe anything to anyone. And it isnt just fundraising thats extra-challenging. School board members of color told The Oregonian/OregonLive they encounter hurdles in campaigning their white peers rarely confront. Munoz has spoken to several potential candidates for the four seats up for election in her district this spring. As of March 9, only one person had filed to run for any of them. Among the most common questions Munoz gets from interested parties is how she navigated negativity on the campaign trail. Theres a real fear of bigotry and racist attacks, she said. People dont want to be exposed. Ricki Ruiz, another Latino member of the Reynolds school board who also serves in the Oregon House of Representatives, said many people he speaks with are concerned about the time campaigning and, eventually, serving, take. Single parents have it nearly impossible to do something like this, he said. Its not fair they have to work three times harder than colleagues who dont have to worry about holding down an hourly job and parenting. Like DePass and Esparza-Brown, Munoz and Ruiz said they felt compelled to run when they noticed their school board didnt quite reflect the demographics of the district they now represent. Reynolds is 69% students of color, including 42% Latino. It makes sense to have more (Black, Indigenous and other people of color) sit on the school board, Ruiz said. We have different life experiences we bring forward. But how to lower the high barriers? All four current and sitting board members have suggestions. From right to left: Andrew Scott, Shanice Clarke, DePass, Sam Thompson, Deb Royal and Robert Schultz were the main speakers at a forum for Portland school board candidates at Maranatha Church in April 2019. Thompson moderated the event, while the other five answered questions from the audience.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff NO SILVER BULLET Ruiz recently suggested school board positions should come with a stipend or other compensation. The proposal drew criticism that doing so could open the door for corruption or compel candidates to run so they could turn a profit. But Ruiz sees it as a potential equalizer. A stipend could pay for a babysitter twice a month to free up time for meetings or other board work. It could pay a phone or internet bill necessities for school boards to do their work virtually and when theyre communicating with constituents. Compensation really is an equity issue, Ruiz said. We should be asking what we can do as a state or as a school district. He and Munoz credit a political action committee based in east Multnomah County for lowering some of the barriers they faced in 2019 and 2020. East County Rising provided them both with training Ruiz when he decided to run for House and Munoz in her bid for school board. Luz Reyna, the organizations executive director, said getting members of historically underrepresented communities to seriously consider running for office is a heavy lift. First, theres a feeling of, Am I qualified? Should I ever run for office? I dont even look like a typical politician, Reyna said. Potential candidates tell her theyre nervous about raising money. They worry they dont have what it takes to get elected. Thats why East County Rising offers training for candidates it endorses. Those candidates tell Reyna the camaraderie they feel in those sessions and during their campaigns empowers them to keep going. When you create a space for BIPOC communities to be a part of politics, theyre here to stay, she said. The organization focuses its attention on politics east of Portlands Southeast 82nd Avenue. Very little of Portland Public Schools boundaries fall within that border. But DePass, Esparza-Brown and Lowery say theyre open to helping prospective Portland school board candidates get started. Lowery offered the remainder of her campaign war chest from 2019, about $1,000, for any candidate of color interested in running. DePass pointed to training and resources from the Multnomah County Democrats, the group now known as Imagine Black and Emerge Oregon that helped her along the way. In the end, she and other school board members of color stressed that their experience has been fulfilling despite the hurdles. And the decisions they make, from hiring superintendents to which schools are next up for renovations, have long-term impacts. People should know this is as important a job as a city councilor, DePass said. --Eder Campuzano | 503-221-4344 | @edercampuzano | Eder on Facebook Eder is The Oregonians education reporter. Do you have a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email ecampuzano@oregonian.com. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. An Uber driver in San Francisco, US was assailed by a woman who along with two others hailed his vehicle. Subhakar Khadka, 32, was coughed upon and assaulted by three women who also racially abused him after he denied them service for not wearing facemasks. The attack, captured on Khadka's car camera, shows one of the women coughing in his direction before hunching forward to snatch his phone and then rip off his mask. The women can be seen berating the driver using expletives. The Uber driver also said that another woman then pepper sprayed inside the car and towards him after leaving the vehicle. The shocking incident happened on Sunday, March 7. Meanwhile, the San Francisco police affirmed that they are probing the matter and asking for help in identifying the women riders. Meanwhile, Uber has said it has suspended the account of the woman who hailed the ride. In the footage, three women are seen sitting in the back seat of Khadka's vehicle. When he pulls over to tell them to wear their facemasks, the women can be heard telling the driver: "F*** the masks." As they continue to scream at Khadka, one of them bends forward to grab his mobile phone before ripping off his facemask. See video here: UBER RIDERS COUGH ON, ASSAULT, PEPPER SPRAY DRIVER Driver Subhakar Khadka, who is South Asian, says he believes he was targeted because of his race. He picked up 3 women in the Bayview yesterday afternoon on San Bruno Avenue. https://t.co/Tzr7kTfyKQpic.twitter.com/f8PiHDZ9CZ a Betty Yu (@BettyKPIX) March 9, 2021 Also Read: Unregistered Uber driver rapes 26-year-old woman in Greater Noida; accused arrested "I never said anything bad to them, I never cursed, I was not raised that way. I don't hit people, I am not raised that way, so they were not getting out of my car," Khadka told CBS. He further stated that he neither said anything bad to them nor cursed. He said that the argument started when he asked one of them to put her mask on, when she refused, he pulled into a gas station so that the woman could buy one. It was then that the women began with their rants insulting Khadka and hurling racial slurs. Following this, one of them even pepper-sprayed him as they left the vehicle. The Uber driver, who moved to the US from Nepal eight years ago to support his family, said, "You guys are animals to treat other human beings like this." Also Read: Uber sees slowest recovery of ride business in home US market "She pepper-sprayed inside my car, from the passenger window that was open a little bit, that was the only window open in my car," Khadka added. "If I was another complexion, I would not have gotten that treatment from them. The moment I opened my mouth to speak, they realised I'm among one of them, so it's easy for them to intimidate me," he told the channel. "Since you were born and raised here in the United States, don't think the other person is less human," Khadka told the women. Meanwhile, Uber said in a statement that the "behaviour seen in the video is appalling. The rider no longer has access to Uber." The cab aggregator has also given Khadka $120 in cleaning funds. China and Russia have agreed to build a new lunar space station together, according to a statement by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). CNSA and Russian federal space agency (Roscosmos) leaders signed a "memorandum of understanding" on Tuesday to move forward with plans to construct a lunar research station, according to Jessie Yeung with CNN. MARS ROVER DOCUMENTARY: 'Good Night Oppy' will tell the story of a Mars rover that refused to give up "China and Russia will use their accumulated experience in space science, research and development as well as the use of space equipment and space technology to jointly develop a road map for the construction of an international lunar scientific research station (ILRS)," CNSA said. A statement from Roscosmos said the two space agencies plan to "promote cooperation on the creation of an open-access ILRS for all interested countries and international partners, with the goal of strengthening research cooperation and promoting the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes in the interests of all mankind," Yeung wrote. Neither statements from the CNSA or the Roscosmos provide a target date for the ILRS. NASA isn't far behind with its plans to send astronauts to the moon and "establish sustainable exploration by the end of the decade," according to the space agency's Artemis program. Back in October, NASA signed the Artemis Accords to work with eight other nations and several partners in the private sector on future moon explorations, according to Mike Wall with Space.com. A company called the Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC) has set its sights on constructing the first commercial space station by 2025. Russia and China, however, are not part of the Artemis agreement to work with the United States on their race to the moon, according to Wall. While Russia has collaborated with the U.S. through the International Space Station, China is prohibited from collaborating on space projects unless Congress approves the partnership in advance, Wall said. China also plans to send astronauts to the moon by the 2030s, and if they succeed, they will be only the second country after the U.S. to accomplish such a mission, Yeung wrote. New Delhi/Kolkata, March 10 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned noted Bengali artist Subhaprasanna and Trinamool Congress MLA Samir Chakraborty for questioning in connection with its probe into the Saradha chit fund case, the probe agency said on Wednesday. The fresh summons to two more people in the case comes just eight days after the financial probe agency questioned Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghose. According to ED sources, the agency wants to quiz them in connection with the money laundering probe. The source said the agency has asked Subhaprasanna to appear before the agency sleuths on March 15 and the Trinamool Congress MLA from Taldangra on March 12 for questioning. Their statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, ED officials remained tightlipped on the developments. According to ED sources, Subhaprasanna was quizzed regarding certain financial transactions done with the Saradha Group through his bank account with regard to the sale of a television channel to Sudipta Sen, the chief of Saradha group, who is in prison. According to ED sources, Rs 6 crore transaction between Subhaprasanna and Sen had happened. Subhaprasanna has been questioned in the case in 2019 and 2015 also. His daughter was questioned in 2016 in connection with the case by the ED. Meanwhile, Samir Chakraborty, who has been denied a ticket for the 2021 Assembly polls in the state, has also been asked to appear. The ED had earlier questioned Subhaprasanna in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam case in March 2015. The artist, known to be close to West Bengal's ruling party Trinamool Congress, was interrogated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for four hours in 2015. The CBI and the ED, which are probing the ponzi scam, have interrogated a number of Trinamool Congress leaders and close aides of the party in the last few years. On December 27 last year, the CBI in an application in the Supreme Court informed that the CM Relief fund had regularly paid the amounts -- at the rate of Rs 27 lakh per month -- for a period of 23 months from May 2013 to April 2015. It said that a total of Rs 6.21 crore was paid to the Tara TV Employees Welfare Association from the Chief Minister Relief Fund of West Bengal. In recent times, the CBI also recorded the statement of West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee's wife Rujira Banerjee and her sister Menka Gambhir in connection with the illegal coal smuggling case. The central agencies' actions have turned the heat on in the poll-bound West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP are engaged in a bitter war of words. Polling to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in eight phases, on March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29. Counting will take place on May 2. The AstraZeneca rollout is starting in New South Wales with Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant all getting their jab. The three figureheads who have led the state through the COVID-19 pandemic for the past year are stepping up to get vaccinated against the deadly virus. The politicians will be the first to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian receives her Covid-19 jab at St George Hospital in Kogarah, Sydney on Wednesday Taking it on the chin: Ms Berejiklian bore a cheeky grin as she received her dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at St George Hospital in Kogarah in Sydney's south The trio, who have hosted countless press briefings over the past year about the state of the virus in NSW, will get the jab at St George Hospital in Sydney's south as the AstraZeneca rollout begins in NSW. Almost 22,000 people have already received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in NSW since February 22, with frontline workers and the elderly and vulnerable the first in the queue. NSW hasn't had a case of COVID-19 in the community for 51 days. Ms Berejiklian received her dose in the wake of her branding sudden state border closures a 'complete over-reaction' and demanding a more measured response to Covid outbreaks. She was furious with other premiers when they closed their borders in December over a handful of cases on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Speaking at the AFR business summit on Tuesday, she said their reactions were unnecessary and damaging. New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant receives the AstraZeneca vaccine at St George Hospital 'It's a complete overreaction... I think it is an embarrassment,' she said. Ms Berejikian urged premiers to scrap their aim of keeping Covid case numbers at zero because the country needs to open up once vaccines are rolled out and the public health risk is reduced. 'There will be a time where we are left behind if we don't adjust our thinking,' she said. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce agreed and noted that students and tourists 'will go elsewhere' if the nation's border remains closed for too long. The jabs come after Ms Berejikian urged premiers to scrap their aim of keeping Covid case numbers at zero Ms Chant smiles as she receives her dose. The AstraZenica coronavirus vaccine is administered in two doses, 12 weeks apart 'We have to get the Australian population to move away from zero cases. We need to be part of the world economy again,' he said. 'What are we waiting for?' Australia's borers are shut until at least June and the government does not expect widespread travel until the end of the year. Mr Joyce made three demands of state premiers regarding domestic border closures. Kapil Sharma, who is known as the king of comedy, has been entertaining the audiences on television with his popular show The Kapil Sharma Show. Now, the comedian will soon foray into digital platform. Recently, he had announced his digital debut with a funny video posted on his social media accounts. Fans are super excited to watch him on OTT platform. As per Pinkvilla report, the ace comedian will start shooting for the comedy special from April. It is being said that Kapil, who is currently recovering from his back injury, will apparently be travelling to Dubai for his Netflix show. A source was quoted as saying, "Kapil has already begun working on his material for the show, and is doing regular reading sessions with his team. He is currently recovering from his back injury, and will be travelling to Dubai next month to shoot for the special which will feature his trademark comedy style." Meanwhile, The Kapil Sharma Show went off-air and the show's actors have moved on to other projects. Although there are reports that the show might be back after a short break, it was said that the show might be moved to digital platform. When Kiku Sharda was asked about it, he said that he has no idea about the same. The actor told Bollywoodlife, "This is news to me. I have not heard to this effect. I have not been in touch with channel people of late as the show is off air." Also Read: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11: Erica Fernandes, Sharad Malhotra & Mohit Malik Approached For Rohit Shetty's Show? Also Read: Divya Agarwal Worked In Student Of The Year & As Katrina Kaif's Body-Double! A former state prison guard pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal felony charges related to the 2018 beating death of a prisoner at Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mount Sterling. Willie Hedden, 42, of Mount Sterling entered the plea to two counts of civil rights violations and one count of providing misleading information in the subsequent investigation of the May 17, 2018, injuries suffered by 65-year-old Larry Earvin. Earvin was flown from the prison and died five weeks later at a southern Illinois prison infirmary. An autopsy ruled the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma. The two civil rights counts each carry penalties of as much as life in prison. In exchange for his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Richard Mills, the government agreed to seek dismissal of three other counts involving destruction of or falsifying records in an investigation and intimidation of a witness. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Bass indicated during Tuesdays hearing conducted by video conference that Hedden has agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation, in which two of Heddens Illinois Department of Corrections colleagues face similar charges. Hedden was charged in December 2019 in the death of Earvin, along with correctional Lt. Todd Sheffler of Mendon and officer Alex Banta of Quincy, on charges of conspiracy to deprive civil rights, deprivation of civil rights, obstruction of an investigation, falsification of documents and misleading conduct. Sheffler and Banta have pleaded not guilty. Mills scheduled Heddens sentencing for July 21, though he agreed to consider Bass request to delay sentencing until after Sheffler and Bantas trial. Later Tuesday, Mills set their trial for June 28. On both civil rights charges, Hedden faces up to life imprisonment and fines of $250,000 each. The charge of engaging in misleading information carries a prison term of up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine. The indictment alleged that on May 17, 2018, Hedden, Sheffler and Banta were forcibly moving Earvin from residential housing to the Mount Sterling prisons segregation unit when they beat him, without justification, while he was handcuffed behind his back and posed no threat. An autopsy determined Earvin suffered 15 rib fractures, a punctured colon, and two dozen or more abrasions, hemorrhages and lacerations. Surgery to remove a portion of his bowel followed the injury. Earvin, who was serving a six-year sentence for robbery in Cook County and was scheduled to be paroled in September 2018, died at a Centralia Correctional Center hospital on June 26. Hedden remains free on bond upon Bass recommendation, given his agreement to cooperate and recent health problems. The Illinois Department of Corrections put Hedden, Sheffler and Banta on suspension without pay pending judicial verdict in December 2019. Employees in Heddens position typically face a Corrections Department discharge hearing, the results of which must approved by the states personnel agency, the Department of Central Management Services. "Today, we remember the millions of precious lives lost to COVID-19 and countless more families suffering the impacts of the pandemic. Yet, even as we mourn, we look ahead with hope to the many lives that will be saved with the rollout of the vaccine," said Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision U.S. "Now as we focus on getting the vaccine to as many people as possible here in the United States, we also must not forget people living in some of the poorest countries in the world, each precious in God's sight. Unless we consider their well-being as important as our own, COVID-19 will remain a threat, here and everywhere." Within hours of the pandemic declaration, World Vision launched the largest global response in its 70-year history reaching more than 59 million people, including 26 million children with relief and virus prevention. World Vision partnered with more than 124,000 pastors and faith leaders, in more than 40 countries to disseminate accurate health information, activating the network used in the past to combat Ebola, HIV/AIDs and Zika. We helped communities slow the spread through providing handwashing stations and provided support to health systems by providing PPE and training to healthcare workers to care for the sick. In the United States, we have distributed nearly three million fresh food boxes through the USDA Farmers to Families program, reached nearly 500,000 families with emergency food and essentials and provided over 2.5 million units of PPE to schools, healthcare workers and first responders. "This incredible work could not have been done without our valuable church partners. The Church has been a force for good living outside its four walls, and working hand-in-hand with their neighbors to distribute life-saving food, PPE, and other essentials that saved lives. Pastors and faith leaders will continue to play a critical role as the most trusted leaders in their communities. They are essential to vaccine acceptance and reaching the most vulnerable still suffering the impacts of this deadly pandemic," said Sandoval. While virus numbers in the U.S. continue to decrease, hunger and food insecurity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. The World Food Program estimates an additional 10,000 children will die of malnutrition each month, the number of people who are food insecure has doubled to more than 270 million people, and 30 million people are in Emergency (IPC4) levels of food insecurity in 36 countries. Extreme poverty has risen for the first time in 22 years, and unemployment has increased dramatically. The World Bank predicted that COVID-19 will add as many as 150 million extreme poor in 2021, half of them children. Statistics from World Vision programs also show child marriage and violence against women and girls is on the rise, due to the aftershocks of the pandemic. As we enter year two of the global pandemic, World Vision will focus on addressing these secondary impacts while also encouraging vaccine acceptance. This will include scaling up assistance to families facing hunger while also supporting restoration of livelihoods as a sustainable solution. We will also focus heavily on ensuring that communities are accurately informed on the nature and purpose of vaccines, community and faith leaders are equipped to support their constituencies, and public health decision makers understand vaccine acceptance barriers and the science of reducing vaccine hesitancy. "The secondary impacts of the virus on the world's poorest people especially children are deadly and long-lasting. As we fight to protect people from the virus, we must also protect them from the deadly aftershocks of the pandemic. That is where World Vision will be focused. We are fully committed to empowering people living on the margins to fulfill their God-given potential," Sandoval said. SOURCE World Vision U.S. Related Links http://www.worldvision.org The contentious debate over the SkyStar Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park was sent by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to its Rules Committee at Tuesdays regular meeting, leaving the recently granted four-year extension for the attraction in doubt. The supervisors voted 11-0 on a motion by Supervisor Aaron Peskin to punt the issue to committee. The issue reached the board after both the Recreation and Park Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to grant the attraction operated by SkyView Partners of St. Louis a four-year extension on the original contract, which ran from April 2020 to March 21. Within hours of that approval, Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond District, and Peskin intervened, claiming that a business contract with an outside vendor requires the approval of two-thirds of the Board of Supervisors. Theyre seeking to shorten the wheels stay in Golden Gate Park to 2022. Both Chan and Peskin have also sought to link the Ferris wheel to City Halls still-unfolding corruption scandal. Last month, they urged the City Controllers office to probe the finances of the San Francisco Parks Alliance, a group that receives a portion of the proceeds gathered from ticket sales on the Ferris wheel. The Parks Alliance was one of several businesses and organizations subpoenaed by the City Attorneys Office last year in an attempt to trace how nonprofit groups may have acted as intermediaries for money as it flowed from contractors angling for city business to city departments, who may have used the money to pay for employee parties. The Parks Alliance has denied any wrongdoing. A measure introduced by Chan and Peskin calls for the SkyStar to be allowed to continue operating in the Music Concourse until Feb. 7, 2022, with the site to be completely restored by March 15, 2022. It should get a sympathetic reading because Peskin and Chan form two-thirds of the Rules Committee. A long line of callers were given two minutes each to voice their opinion and they were equally divided between those for granting the extension as an economic engine to help bring the city out of the fiscal morass of the pandemic, and those who believe a brightly lit, loudly churning ride that costs $18 a turn, has no business in the park and should never have been approved in the first place. One caller took it all the way back to the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. There was a Ferris wheel at the fair, which supplied a precedent, but the caller offered up proof that park superintendent John McLaren was against it. A third cluster of callers used their full two minutes deriding the board for taking up precious meeting time with an issue as silly as a Ferris wheel when there are issues like affordable housing to solve. These callers were more than happy to give advice on how to solve these larger problems. Im embarrassed that we are still talking about this, said caller Jane Natoli, who prefaced her comments by noting that her advocacy group Grow the Richmond had gathered more than 1,000 signatures in support of the SkyStar. Due to pandemic-related shutdowns, the SkyStar had operated for only 39 days before it was granted approval to resume operation last Thursday. It costs $18 for adults and $12 for seniors and children, with underrepresented groups invited to ride it for free. Among those calling in eager to see it continue was Sheri Sternberg of Mercenary Productions. Allowing the big wheel to keep on turning will give jobs to individuals who have been devastated by the pandemic and need this work, she said. Terminating the contract would have an impact on the long-term viability of events in San Francisco, and we need the promise of hope that events will bring to our community. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @samwhitingsf AUSTIN, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of the Navy is hosting the sixth iteration of its HACKtheMACHINE event from March 23 26, 2021. The competition, which is free for registrants, has $95,000 of prize money for winning teams and will be conducted virtually with its base at NavalX in Alexandria, VA. It is designed to foster engagement between the Navy and the public and private sectors who have limited familiarity with the military and are interested in tackling the Navy's toughest challenges. "HACKtheMACHINE is an opportunity to test your skills against the best in the world and problem solve for the Navy while helping to bolster our national security and defense systems," said Rear Admiral Jason Lloyd, NAVSEA's Chief Engineer and Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration, Naval Engineering and Logistics. "It's our responsibility to keep the Navy's ships and systems secure from attacks from malicious actors, and events like this help keep us abreast of the level and scope of threats we're facing. This broad community truly helps enhance our combat power and meet our national defense missions." This year's event features three separate tracks: Track 1 - Maritime Cyber: Contestants will compete against world class hackers to overtake and breach the U.S. Navy's 2021 cyber games by working to hack into the Grace Maritime Cyber Testbed and attempting to crash one of the tools the Navy is considering for its cybersecurity monitoring environment. This track is a capture-the-flag style event played virtually on a full bridge navigation suite and a fly-by-wire propulsion system. Track 2 - Data Science: Contestants will be challenged to create algorithms that support the analysis and modeling of games derived from the COVID-19 crisis. Contestants will face challenges around spectrum labeling, rule set integration and optimizing resources. The ideas generated could directly impact preparations for future global health emergencies and pave the way for artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that enable better decision-making. Track 3 - Heavy Metal: Contestants will accelerate the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing using metallic 3D printing in the U.S. Navy. In the near future, and in part because of HACKtheMACHINE, metallic 3D printing capabilities will enable ships and shipyards to keep the fleet ready for tight national security timelines and replace critical components that fail while a ship is on mission. At the Navy's discretion, the government may award a procurement contract to the winners because the Navy does not currently have a ready supplier for the part in this challenge. "Each track was specifically designed to tackle a real-world problem the Navy and Marine Corps want to solve," Rear Admiral Lorin Selby, Chief of Naval Research, said. "The Naval Research Enterprise is laser-focused on reimagining naval power -- and efforts like this year's HACKtheMACHINE, along with the Naval X program, new tech bridges and more, are going to play a vital role in that mission. We are looking forward to seeing some great new ideas from this challenge." Across four days, attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from five U.S. Navy Admirals that will share insight into and analysis of the proceedings and discuss the important impact the event has on our nation's defense systems. Admirals scheduled to appear include Vice Admiral William Galinis, Commander NAVSEA, Rear Admiral Jason M. Lloyd, Chief Engineer and Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration and Naval Engineering, Rear Admiral Seiko Okano, Program Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, NAVSEA, Rear Admiral Kurt Rothenhaus, Program Executive Officer for PEO C4I and Rear Admiral Lorin Selby, Chief of Naval Research. HACKtheMACHINE is led by NAVSEA with participation from Navy Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group (NCWDG), Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) and the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I). The competition powered by Fathom 5 and Booz Allen Hamilton is currently accepting registrations for the virtual event. To be placed on a team, competitors must register by midnight on March 22. To register or learn more about the competition, you can visit hackthemachine.ai/home. About HACKtheMACHINE HACKtheMACHINE is a Department of the Navy-sponsored technology competition. In its sixth iteration, HACKtheMACHINE has several objectives: promote partnerships between the Navy, commercial technology companies, and the innovation ecosystem, gain insights that accelerate the Navy's technological objectives and highlight the Navy's role in supporting entrepreneurs and innovators. About Fathom5 Fathom5 is an Austin, Texas based software company working to secure the digital future through building secure pipelines and tools for industrial technology. The company was founded in 2018 by Zac Staples and has grown to 35 employees. Fathom5 specializes in cyber-physical testbeds, industry 4.0 solutions, DevOps to the edge and digital services. The company is the onboard digital integrator for the largest U.S. flag shipping line driving digital transformations for the U.S. Navy. It was the recipient of the VA Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award in 2020. To learn more about Fathom5 you can visit https://www.fathom5.co/. About Booz Allen For more than 100 years, business, government, and military leaders have turned to Booz Allen Hamilton to solve their most complex problems. As a consulting firm with experts in analytics, digital, engineering and cyber, we help organizations transform. We are a key partner on some of the most innovative programs for governments worldwide and trusted by the most sensitive agencies. We work shoulder to shoulder with clients, using a mission-first approach to choose the right strategy and technology to help them realize their vision. With global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, our firm employs about 27,200 people globally, and had revenue of $7.5 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2020. To learn more, visit www.boozallen.com. (NYSE: BAH) Media Contact: Elizabeth Christian Public Relations Laura Bowman or Walter Zaykowski Laura: 512.913.6624 Walter: 202.503.5108 SOURCE HACKtheMACHINE Sponsored by #EcommerceDay2021: How the growth spurt in e-commerce is affecting digital lending in SA In the third episode of our E-commerce Focus geared towards the launch of E-commerce Day on Wednesday, 10 March 2021, we are joined by Trevor Gosling, who is the CEO and co-founder of Lulalend, a South African fintech company and online provider of business funding for SMEs and small businesses. He explains how the company addresses some of the traditional challenges that SMEs face when applying for funding, the pros and cons of running a digital lending business in SA, as well as advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The inaugural E-commerce Day launches on 10 March 2021, with a special editorial focus on Bizcommunity for the week. E-commerce Day is an initiative by ecommerce.co.za. Honeywell, a global technology leader, has been awarded a contract for the installation of integrated building management systems across all Mouwasat Medical Services (MMS) hospitals. The contract, which supports the kingdoms focus on advancing the countrys healthcare sector, will enable MMS to optimise its energy usage and building maintenance across its six hospital locations in Saudi Arabia. Honeywells contract is part of MMS digital-first approach and involves the deployment of the companys Honeywell Forge enterprise performance management solution to enable better management of assets. This includes: Honeywell Forge Energy Optimisation, which autonomously and continually optimises a building's internal set points across hundreds of integrated assets constantly evaluating weather, occupancy levels, tariffs, time of day and other data and makes adjustments every 15 minutes to improve a building's HVAC system for peak efficiency, without compromising occupant comfort. It can increase comfort performance and improve energy savings by double digits. The solution also provides intuitive dashboards as well as full visibility of energy performance across all six MMS buildings and facilities in the kingdom. Honeywell Forge Digitised Maintenance, which changes the way buildings and assets are maintained through a proactive maintenance process of curated recommendations. Using sensors and system integration to analyse building controllers and mechanical assets, intuitive dashboards provide near real-time insights to track building performance and reduce unplanned reactive work on building systems. In addition to the Honeywell Forge solutions, Honeywell will also integrate proprietary and third-party systems across the six MMS locations, including its Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) building management system to improve building system control, and a portfolio of security and fire alarm systems to maximise occupant safety. George Bou Mitri, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Building Technologies, Middle East, Turkey and Africa said: With more than 60 years experience in hospital environments and in Saudi Arabia, we understand the complex, challenging and highly regulated world of healthcare within the kingdom, and our collaboration with MMS demonstrates our commitment to furthering the governments vision for the healthcare sector. We are proud to build on our long-term relationship with MMS to deploy fully integrated solutions to further its strategic goals for enhanced patient experience and energy saving optimisation in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. At Mouwasat Medical Services our mission is to provide sustainable, first-class medical services that will aid the economic advancement of the countrys healthcare sector. At the heart of this mission is our digitalisation drive across all aspects of our operations, to enhance efficiency, and ultimately to help us deliver the best possible care to our patients. This latest agreement with Honeywell is a reflection of our commitment to digitalise operations, helping us optimise energy consumption and maintenance that will lower operating cost, increase comfort and maximise uptime across our facilities, added Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Saleem, Managing Director at MMS. MMS is a leading healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia, with its facility in Al Khobar City being the first digital hospital in the Eastern Province. Honeywell has previously played a key role in the digitalisation of the MMS Al Khobar and Madinah hospitals, and its long-term care facility at Dammam, through the installation of building management systems, and security, fire, voice alarm, intrusion detection and video surveillance solutions. Honeywell continues to strengthen its footprint in the kingdom, playing a vital role in advancing the development of the countrys industries and localisation efforts that aid its transformation to a knowledge-based economy. Recent Honeywell developments in the Kingdom include the scheduled openings of two new facilities that will produce gas detection devices, natural gas as well as liquid fuel, and create new employment opportunities open to Saudi nationals. -- Tradearabia News Service (Alliance News) - Europe's medicines watchdog said Wednesday a preliminary probe showed that a batch of AstraZeneca PLC vaccines used in Austria was not to blame for the death of a nurse who received a jab. "There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine," the European Medicines Agency said in a statement, also referring to another nurse who was hospitalised after being vaccinated. Shares in AstraZeneca closed 1.0% higher at 7,200.00 pence on Wednesday in London. source: AFP Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with the high command of the Armenian military. The PM said on social media that his speech to the militarys top brass will be published later. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Press Release March 10, 2021 GRACE POE's HEARING TRANSCRIPT PORTIONS Senate Committee on Public Services ON DITO Atty. Adel Tamano: In the one day that we had, one full day that we have had the commercial rollout in the 15 cities in Mindanao and Visayas, we have a total signup of 22,748 persons. This is the online signup. The qualified, meaning those who have compatible phones in the proper areas were 6,597, which is nearly 30 percent of the total online signups. Now adding to this, the SIM purchases from our partner stores, and from other digital channels, as of March 9, 11:59 p.m., we have a total of 7,586 in terms of subscribers. Of course, that number is increasing as we speak, because of the online and the other outlets that we have. In regard with the rollout, Your Honors, perhaps General Santiago if you'd like to give an update. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago: For the rollout to meet our second-year commitment by July of 2021. We are confident, Ma'am, that we can meet the population coverage required of us of 51 percent, because right now we're nearing 45-percent population coverage. And that we are very aggressive in our five-year rollout, that would allow us to maintain the 55 mbps minimum average broadband speed. Sen. Grace Poe: So, basically what you're saying, Mr. Santiago, is that you've actually surpassed the 37-percent coverage that you initially committed to, am I correct? Santiago: Yes, Ma'am, for our first-year commitment. What we have sent, reported to NTC is the 37.48-percent population coverage to meet our first-year commitment. However, in our internal simulation conducted, after the testing where we determined that we're more than 40 percent already and right now we are approaching the 45-percent population coverage. Poe: Well that's good news. About my question on compatibility with the different phones? What's the issue there? Why can't you be compatible with all types of phones? Santiago: I should clarify that the compatibility list, those models that were included in our compatibility list, have undergone a collaborative, meaning, with the manufacturers, a collaborative test of their compatibility to our network. And because this is collaborative. We are assured that the manufacturers are confident that the brands that have undergone this testing are 100-percent compatible. Poe: Okay, I see the hand of Engineer Galla, do you have a comment on that? Eng. Pierre Tito Galla: Yes, Ma'am. I'm actually surprised that Dito Telecommunity restricted their list. I mean it's a pretty restrictive list on their website with regard to what phones are compatible. The reason why there is this question with regard to compatibility is because of the type of frequencies that were licensed to Dito Telecommunity. They do not have 900 megahertz. They do not have 1800 megahertz. And these are the workhorse frequencies for 2G. What they do have are frequencies for 3G, LTE, 4G and 5G, 3500 megahertz they have that already. Now, phones that are older than 2014-2015 about that time will probably not be compatible with these smartphones because they do not carry a technology known as voice over LTE, but phones that are the smartphones that are newer now have that technology so there's really not much to worry about. What we need to worry about, however, is that the feature phone market in the Philippines, meaning they are not smartphones is still very high in the country. And typically, they only have lalo na yung mga those used by our kababayans who are socio-economic class D and E. These are the dumb phones, the feature phones that only run on 2G frequencies. So they are about 60 percent of our population. We cannot expect them to be able to access the frequencies and technology that were licensed to Dito Telecommunity. So, to your question, Ma'am, about compatibility it's nothing to worry about if you're using a smartphone. But if you're not using a smartphone then there's an issue there. Poe: How would you rectify that because you know when you speak of underserved and unserved areas, a lot of those belong to a demographic that might not be able to afford a smartphone. So how do you plan to provide service in those areas if their phones aren't compatible? So do we end there? Engineer Galla again? Galla: Unfortunately, that cannot be answered by Dito Telecommunity for as long as Globe and Smart, essentially a duopoly over 900 and 1800 megahertz. And as I've informed the Chair, so many times before, until we have spectrum management reform that means that the NTC will be able to claw back, and then reassign for frequencies to be more equitably assigned to those who will use them, we will remain in the situation. So that's a matter for a lot of reforms down the line that the Chair is aware of. Poe: But how much now is the most, or maybe the cheapest smartphone that maybe compatible with Dito? Galla: Off the top of my head, Ma'am. There's already some in the, I'm speaking, Ma'am, as somebody who sometimes assembles his own cell phones. You can get one for approximately, P2,000-P3,000, even less. The technology is getting cheaper by the day. So that if perhaps Dito Telecommunity will review some of the subsidized programs that they have deployed in India by Reliance Geo or by DTAC in Thailand, they can probably offer it cheap. Poe: Okay, I understand what you're saying, this is a whole range of reforms that needs to be undertaken. But we don't want to punish a company who's coming in, without the same pool of resources as the other ones. So, yes, you're right, it could be probably a subsidized partnership. We have Cherry Mobile on one of the stock companies that are less expensive but let's say those with an iPhone, because I don't think you mentioned it as part of the ones that are available, would they be able to use Dito? Galla: I believe the iPhone can, there's nothing stopping an iPhone user from using their technologies, in fact, the iPhone of two generations ago was already ready for the frequencies and the technology that's been because it... Poe: Hindi kasi doon sa listahan ng Dito, I don't think they mentioned the Apple gadgets. Galla: I don't know why they made it restrictive. Tamano: If we may. That is only just a partial list, and the reasoning behind it, that General Santiago will give the technical reason. But the more commercial reason is because we want to protect the consumers from not wasting their money. We don't want them to waste their money by our SIMs, by our services, and they cannot fully utilize their phones, because of phone compatibility. The partial list that we have provided, are these phones in which we as a company have had extensive testing as well as coordination with handset manufacturers. So, we optimize the use of the Dito phone. Santiago: Ma'am, 'yun pong compatibility list namin, it is a list sabi ko nga po kanina that those that have undergone a collaborative test with the manufacturers to provide both the manufacturer and Dito the confidence that there will be no technical issue if a subscriber will use those phones. 'Yung pong wala sa list hindi po natin sinasabi that they're not compatible. But what we're saying is that hindi po ito nag-undergo ng collaborative tests with the manufacturer and therefore, to protect the public there may be technical issues that are unforeseen. We just wanted to say na nag-a-undergo pa rin kami ng collaborative testing para ma-expand yung mga models na nandun po sa compatibility list. Poe: Okay, as long as we know that's open-ended and doesn't mean that if they're not the primary list, it's not compatible. Now, is it true? Well, if I want to get a Dito SIM, where can I get it? Tamano: There are two ways to get it, Your Honor. First, offline, meaning to go to one of the currently, one of the 10 outlets that are open in Visayas and Mindanao or through online. Now we encourage online, of course, because online, we go through a series of questions in order to find out, number one is your phone compatible; number two, is your phone SIM lock; number three, is your phone blacklisted; and number four, whether or not you are in the 15 cities that are part of the commercial launch. Poe: You can do it online. Atty. Tamano: We are actually encouraging people to do it online. Poe: Do you have it in SM outlets? Atty. Tamano: Yes, I can provide the 10 outlets in which they are available, Your Honors Poe: When you say that it's available in SM, it's actually your Dito physical store, am I correct? Atty. Tamano: No, these are our handset partners. So, we will be having the Dito signature stores opened perhaps in a month or so. Poe: What do you mean by handset partners, let's say Samsung, ganun? Atty. Tamano: Yes, those would be. Poe: Okay so, but it's only the Samsung being sold in SM, how about in the other malls? Atty. Tamano: Well, right now these are the 10 partner stores in which it's available. I can provide the list if you would like I can read it. Poe: Can you read them quickly? Atty. Tamano: Your Honor, in Visayas, it is available in SM Consolacion. It's also available in SM City Cebu, in Gaisano Grand Mandaue Center, in SM City Cebu, and also Ayala center Cebu Business Park. In Mindanao, it is available in Gaisano Mall of of Davao, as well as SM Ecoland and City Mall, Your Honor. Poe: Okay, that's good. At least you know, there are different outlets and not just one company. One type of company. ... Poe: For Dito, what is your debt-to-equity ratio now? Tamano: Your Honors, we have, we can present that if you'd like us to present the debt-to-equity ratio. Poe: Can't you just say what it is? Tamano: It's... 77 percent to 23 percent. For this type of industry, Your Honor, which is capex-intensive, that's quite a healthy standard. Poe: So your debt is about 77 percent and then about 23 percent is your equity? Tamano: Yes, Your Honor. Poe: Well, I know that this is capital-intensive but earlier Commissioner Cordoba is requiring a different ratio for the broadcast industries. So, Mr. Cordoba do you we have an exception when it comes that? NTC Comm. Cordoba: Your Honors, I think maybe Attorney Tamano is stating their current equity. What we have is the, they submitted po kasi every April so what we have is their 2019 debt equity. We're still going to receive the 2020 debt equity. As of 2019 their debt-to-equity ratio is 8.02 percent to 91.98 percent so maybe they can improve before they submit to us, Your Honors. Poe: Oh, so last year eight percent lang ang debt nila? Cordoba: Ano po ito as 2019 audited financial statements which we received 2020 and then 'yun pong 2020 they will have submitted this 2021? Poe: Because the reason for that, obviously they use that capital to be able to roll out... Cordoba: Tama po kayo 8.02 percent to 91.98 percent. ... ON R.G. MANABAT & CO. Sen. Grace Poe: Let me go through the checklist of Dito. I want you to confirm if they've actually delivered on that...They said double download speeds by one year of operations and quadruple it by year 2 and achieve 84-percent population coverage by 2025. I know... we're moving too much ahead of this commitment schedule, but are they on track to be able to deliver that or if not what are the obstacles? Manabat: Yes, Your Honor. So we can only provide in terms of the result or the actual findings based on the one-year audit, and as mentioned by Depcom, they were able to meet the committed level of service specifically on national population coverage and the minimum broadband speed. Poe: Okay, so... here it is... 37.3 percent of the population coverage. They said they surpassed that, am I correct? Manabat: The one in the memorandum circular, Your Honor, will be 37.03 percent to be exact, and they were able to achieve 37.48 percent and that's also based on the Form A that they have submitted to NTC. Poe: Okay, next. Minimum average broadband speed of 27 mbps, were they able to reach that? Manabat: Yes, Your Honor. So we covered 4G and 5G pursuant as well to the CTCN and the coverage for this test, so they were able to achieve 85.9 mbps for 4G and 507.5 mbps for 5G side. Poe: Their operation expense... in billions is about P150 billion? Did you cover this in your audit report? Manabat: Not on this year of test, Madam Chair, because they are not commercially live yet, and the only level of service for year 1 are the two: national population coverage and the minimum average broadband speed. So that will be subject in future audit. ... ON DITO DELIVERABLES Poe: When we talk about the deliverables it seems that... Dito Telecommunity has actually delivered... so when I defend this franchise before the body, I can say that this was also actually audited by an independent advocacy group, hindi lamang NTC at 'yung auditor hired by Dito. ON APPROVAL AT COMMITTEE LEVEL Poe: To Dito and all other franchises, congratulations. The hearing is now adjourned... The Australian Republic Movement will unveil by the end of this year its preferred constitutional changes to sever ties with the royal family. The shift in stance by the ARM, which since the failed 1999 referendum has advocated for a republic without specifying what the model should be, is intended to sharpen public focus over whether an Australian should replace the British monarch as head of state. Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex have revealed the depth of familial dysfunction in the House of Windsor. Credit:AP It will also reopen the wounds of 20 years ago, when republicans cruelled their own cause by splitting over whether an Australian president should be directly elected by voters or appointed by Parliament. Republicans have seized on the latest travails of the Windsors, exposed by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey where the couple claimed an unnamed member of the royal family had expressed concerns about the skin colour of their unborn, mixed-race son. The first person to be infected with HIV was a starving World War One Congolese soldier who caught the virus while hunting chimpanzees in Cameroon, an expert claims in a new book. The soldier was among 1,700 Congolese fighters who had been 'forcibly' recruited by Allied forces to invade neighbouring Cameroon, which was then a German colony. Epidemiologist Jacques Pepin explains in an updated version of his book the Origin of Aids that this soldier had been forced to hunt chimpanzees for food because there was little else to eat while stuck in the remote forest around Moloundou, in Cameroon. He suggests that one soldier caught HIV after cutting themselves while trying to kill a chimp. This infected person then spread the virus in their home country before this chain of transmission worked its way across the world. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 documentary series The Jump, Professor Pepin said, 'My hypothesis is that the very first person infected, the patient zero, was one of the soldiers that were dispatched to south-east Cameroon, got infected when hunting a chimpanzee.' His theory prompted presenter Chris van Tulleken, who is also a doctor, to say that the virus was 'given an opportunity by colonialism' before going 'unnoticed for more than 60 years. AIDS, which is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) was first detected in 1981, among the gay community in the United States. It went on to spread across the world and has claimed the lives of 33million people. 'It is finally detected in the gay community... and they have nothing to do with the origins of this virus, but of course they get all the blame,' van Tulleken added. The first person to be infected with HIV was a starving World War One Congolese soldier who caught the virus while hunting chimpanzees in Cameroon, an expert claims in a new book. Pictured: Soldiers are seen standing beneath the German flag in Cameroon in 1916, when it was a German colony Before the outbreak of war, native hunters in the region would have hunted with bows and arrows but would never have hunted chimpanzees because it was 'far too dangerous' without access to a rifle. But Professor Pepin said that 'all of a sudden' there were 1,700 soldiers, each one with a rifle 'plenty of ammunition'. It meant that the level of hunting 'went up tremendously' and one soldier may have cut themselves while killing a chimpanzee infected with the virus. Dr Jacques Pepin put forward the hypothesis in his book the Origin of Aids The location of the vastly increased hunting, at the confluence of the Sanga and Ngoko rivers in Cameroon, was the same place where an ancestor of HIV was first found in a troop of chimps in 2006, backing up Professor Pepin's theory. During the First World War, Germany's colony of Cameroon was invaded by British, Belgian and French soldiers. One invasion route saw 1,600 soldiers from Leopoldville up the River Congo and its tributary the Sanger River before reaching the final destination in Cameroon on foot. This path took them to the remote town on Moloundou, the location which previous studies had speculated was the site of the very first HIV infection. The normal population of the entire South-East region of Cameroon in the 1920s was around 4,000, living off cassava, other crops and bushmeat. These people fled when the soldiers arrived. As a result, the soldiers soon ran out of food and were reliant on supplies sent by river from Brazzaville and Leopoldville. However, the river only went so far and 'bearers', poorly-paid locals, were employed to manually carry food, wine, ammunition and weapons to Moloundou. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 documentary series The Jump, Professor Pepin said, 'My hypothesis is that the very first person infected, the patient zero, was one of the soldiers that were dispatched to south-east Cameroon, got infected when hunting a chimpanzee.' His theory prompted presenter Chris van Tulleken (pictured), who is also a doctor, to say that the virus was 'given an opportunity by colonialism' before going 'unnoticed for more than 60 years Daily treks of up to 25 miles carrying a 25kg (55lbs) payload and insufficient nutrition led to half of these souls perishing, Professor Pepin estimates. The logistical issues led to mass starvation and forced soldiers to venture into the forest to hunt for any animal that could be eaten. Professor Pepin told van Tulleken: 'On both sides the soldiers were forcibly recruited. 'The soldiers were African, they knew next to nothing about the conflict that was going on in Europe. And of course the officers were all European. 'So they had 1,600 African soldiers, about 100 European officers. And then they had what they also called bearers people who had to transport luggage and ammunition on their backs. 'These people were also forcibly recruited. They had between 3,000 and 4,000 such bearers who were grossly underfed.' Professor Jacques Pepin believes a hungry World War One soldier forced to hunt chimps for food when stuck in the remote forest around Moloundou, Cameroon in 1916 - the 'cut soldier' theory. Eventually, the soldier, after the war, went back to Leopoldville (now named Kinshasa) and probably started the very first train of transmission in Leopoldville itself. From here, the virus spread and eventually was exported to the US, where it later went global 'So all of a sudden within this very specific part of Cameroon, instead of having a few hunters, you had 1,700 soldiers. 'Each one of them with at least one rifle and plenty of ammunition. So the level of hunting in that region went up tremendously. 'My hypothesis is that the very first person infected, the patient zero, was one of the soldiers that were dispatched to south-east Cameroon, got infected when hunting a chimpanzee.' He added: 'So basically the hunter was probably a cut soldier and that person was not Cameroonian but was a Congolese. WHAT IS HIV AND AIDS? According to the NHS website, HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that damages the cells in the immune system, making it harder to fight infections and disease. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and is used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus. AIDS cannot be transmitted but the HIV virus can. While there's no cure for HIV, effective drug treatments have developed to enable people living with the virus to live a near-normal life. Advertisement 'So one could say that maybe chimpanzee zero was Cameroonian but patient zero was a Congolese soldier. 'This Congolese soldier, either from the French Congo or the Belgian Congo, went back to his own country around 1916 and started a chain of transmission to the rest of the world.' Previous research showed that HIV started spreading to a lot of people in Leopoldville, now known as Kinshasa, which is now the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 900km to the south of the forest in Cameroon. In the acclaimed first edition of his book published in 2011, Dr Pepin concluded HIV likely infected a hunter in Cameroon at the start of the 20th century, before spreading to Leopoldville, now known as Kinshasa. Another expert, Dr Beatrice Hahn, carried out research in 2006 which suggested that the HIV virus may have originated in chimps. She was among researchers who studied faeces from primates living in the same forest where the Congolese soldiers were forced to hunt. In the droppings they found a virus closely related to HIV. Simian immunodeficiency virus can be fatal to chimps and is exactly the same as HIV, the only difference between the two is the host it lives inside. Dr Hahn told van Tullekin: 'We know HIV came from chimps. We can look at the sequence of the chimp virus. The expert added: 'And there is a good reason to believe that the virus travelled down a major 'highway' which is the Congo river which is a known conduit of travel and trade. However, the AIDS virus was not detected until 1981, when it was found among the gay community in the US. Asked why the virus was able to 'stay under the radar' for so long, Professor Pepin said: 'It's not like all of a sudden you're saying 25 cases of aids this month, the cases of the strange disease were distributed over time and then slowly the number of cases increased.' Van Tullekin pointedly replied: 'So this is a virus given an opportunity by colonialism, war, hunting, extreme poverty, it manages to go unnoticed while it infects millions of people over more than 60 years.' Professor Pepin believes that once the virus had a foothold in the human population, it initially spread slowly, confined to what was the then capital of the Belgian colony. In a previous interview with MailOnline, he estimated that the one case of zoonotic transmission in 1916 led to around 500 infected people in the early 1950s. The spread of HIV at this point was primarily driven by the reuse of dirty needles in hospitals, the result of resource shortages and limited disinfection capabilities. During the First World War, fighting raged between European nations in Africa, where many countries were under colonial rule. Pictured: Members of the British Expeditionary Force In Freetown, Sierra Leone, preparing to embark on an attack on German forces in Cameroon in 1916 In 1960, the Congo shed the shackles of European colonialism, triggering an influx of refugees and migrants to the city. The population of Leopoldville was about 14,000 at the start of the 20th century and now Kinshasa is home to 14 million people a 1,000-fold increase in a century. However, the newly named city proved the perfect breeding ground for HIV as it created a lopsided sex divide, with ten men living there for every woman. This led to poverty and rife prostitution, which helped the sexually transmitted virus spread among the city's population. Professor Papin's book The Origin of Aids is published by Cambridge University Press 'Every year prostitutes would have up to 1,500 clients. That was perfect for the sexual amplification of HIV between these high volume sex workers and their clients,' says Professor Pepin. 'That's when really sexual transmission became accelerated in the 1960s.' The hub of Leopoldville was integral in the spread of HIV globally, Professor Pepin adds, saying by the 1960s a handful of cases were seen in other parts of the former Belgian Congo. A Haitian technical assistant that came to the country after the nation's independence caught the virus in this region, and eventually took it home where it then spread among gay men. 'Within a few years it was re-exported to the US and in the US it spread among gay men and IV drug users and from the US it went to Western Europe,' Dr Pepin said. Dr Jacques Pepin's book 'The Origins of AIDS', published by Cambridge University Press, is available to buy now for 19.99 RRP. A rich economy and a fully developed future are in store for China's southernmost province of Hainan, which stems directly from the country's development goals for the island. Last June, China's economic planners issued a roadmap for Hainan to be transformed from a holiday island destination into a major trade hub and free trade port (FTP). This will effectively turn Hainan into China's largest special economic zone, competing with the likes of regional hubs such as China's Hong Kong and Singapore. Logistics and international trade will undoubtedly be at the core of Hainan's economic future, with places like the Yangpu Port playing a significant role. Ye Yang, deputy director of the Hainan Yangpu Economic Development Zone. /CGTN "The Yangpu Port is a state-level economic development zone, home to a modern services industry and a high-tech industry," explained Ye Yang, deputy director of the Hainan Yangpu Economic Development Zone. "China has put forward a new development pattern, with the domestic market as the main body, and then international circulation, such as the Belt and Road Initiative," Ye said. "For Hainan, we're adjacent to Southeast Asia and have the rest of China to the north. We intersect these markets. The Yangpu Port accounts for 60 percent of the province's foreign trade. We also have the most open free trade port policy here. So from these respects, Hainan will be a window of China's reform and opening-up," he noted. Being well positioned between the rest of China and Southeast Asia, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, logistics and cargo transport industries are strategically poised to benefit at the Yangpu Port. The area is open for shipping business over 300 days a year, housing 42 shipping berths with a total shipping capacity of over 100 million tonnes. Local authorities, however, still believe a lot can be improved and upgraded at the Yangpu Port, which is relatively small to other coastal transportation hubs in the country. "We have to learn from other advanced regions, especially when it comes to management expertise and matured markets. Once we absorb these skills from other free trade zones, we'll be able to better serve enterprises here." Chen Shiwen, deputy general manager of Hainan Harbor Logistics. /CGTN Chen Shiwen, deputy general manager of Hainan Harbor Logistics, agrees that a learning curve is in place for the port. "Yangpu is a new experimental zone for Hainan and the free trade port, and as the free trade port continues to develop, more enterprises will set up shop here, and port conditions will improve," he said. "So for logistics enterprises, the opportunities are growing. Yangpu Port is part of China's reform plan, so policy-wise, it will have greater advantages compared to other hubs." Meanwhile, under Hainan's FTP Plan, logistic flows will be eased. The plan includes a trial policy of tax rebates for departing goods at the port, and even export rebates for domestically built ships that are registered for international transport. This policy more or less lines up with China's often long-term and meticulous economic planning, including the nation's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). That future role of trade significance resonates with investment analysts, seeing China's reform and opening up as not only inward-oriented but also active in attracting foreign investment. Giovanni Lovisetti (R), a senior associate at professional services firm Dezan Shira & Associates. /CGTN "Foreign investment has been about $3 billion, doubling the figure of $1.5 billion in 2019," said Giovanni Lovisetti, a senior associate at professional services firm Dezan Shira & Associates. "One of the highlights of the Hainan Free Trade Port is a very low corporate income tax (CIT) and individual income tax rates. Specifically of the period to 2025, there will be a reduced 15 percent CIT rate, to be applied to enterprises registered in the Hainan Free Trade Port that are engaged in encouraged industries." The province's plans are clearly outlined, with Hainan estimated to be a leading business environment in China by 2025. Then, provincial authorities believe the Hainan FTP will reach a mature stage of operation by 2035. Finally, at its fully completed stage in 2050, the FTP is forecast to be a hub with strong international influence. Following a dramatic intervention on live radio, the first official landing of Rescue 118 on Sligo University Hospitals new Helipad took place 30 mins later than planned. As Niall Delaney was interviewing Captain Paraic Slattery, pilot of Rescue 118 and Robert Tatten, General Manager CHC Ireland, live on his Ocean FM radio show, Rescue 118 was called out. Niall's interview was cut short but as he said himself thats what the Coast Guard service do, when they are called they go. We were on route to Roscommon when we were stood down and we returned to base, said Paraic Slattery Captain of 118, this can happen from time to time its all a part of the job. Robert Tatten, General Manager of CHC Ireland, who have provided Search and Rescue services to the Coast Guard for over 20 years stated, It was very dramatic on live radio to be called out on a mission but it was a reminder to anyone listening that we go immediately when we are called, nothing gets in the way of the mission. We would be on route 15 minutes or less after receiving an emergency call. Our brilliant staff are always in readiness 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. The new helipad at Sligo University Hospital Fortunately at 11.30 the first official landing on Sligo University Hospital's new Helipad took place and was given the seal of approval by the crew of Rescue 118. There is no doubt that the investment of 300,000 on the new Helipad will make ours and the Hospital staffs jobs easier and assist in saving many more lives, said Paraic. Since 2018 patients were landed in Sligo Airport and taken by Ambulance to the Hospital, which was never ideal. With direct access to the Hospital from the helipad we believe the benefit to patients we carry on board will be immense, said Robert Tatten, CHC. They Should Have Walked Him: Kale Stevenson's clutch homers spark Post 17 to doubleheader sweep Switching her career to start her own textile and personal protective equipment (PPE) company, a female mechatronics engineering graduate from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology is now leading a firm of nearly 400 employees. Nguyen Yen, 35 years old, is the co-founder and CEO of Nam Duong Textile Garment Production Trading JSC, which is based in the Vietnamese capital. In a recent inteview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Yen shared her thoughts on running such a business while being a mother of two children. According to Yen, Nam Duong JSC has exported 90 percent of its products, namely face masks and PPE, to the U.S. and Europe. In 2020, the company shipped nearly five million sets of protective gear to such big markets as the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, Yen said. 2020 might be a year of success for Yen, but there were tough times when the woman shouldered the pressure of both her work and maternal duties. But in the end, I overcame all that pressure, said Yen. Nguyen Yen (3rd right) and her business partners are pictured during a charitable activity. Photo: G. Hoang / Tuoi Tre Like many Vietnamese entrepreneurs, Yen often spares her busy time for charitable and community activities. In January, when the new COVID-19 outbreak began in northern Hai Duong Province, Yen and her business partners donated 20,000 sets of protective clothing to medical workers on the front line of the coronavirus fight and support in other forms to people in need. We acknowledge that we are lucky while many others are not," Yen said. "Therefore, we decide to give the community a helping hand in this arduous journey against the pandemic. The woman revealed that her companys goal is to expand its markets internationally. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Charges against a Deptford Township police officer arrested in a domestic violence incident at the Jersey Shore last year will be dismissed after he completes programs addressing alcohol abuse and family violence, a municipal court judge ruled Tuesday. Lt. David Grogan was charged with simple assault and resisting arrest following an incident outside of the Exit 6 bar in North Wildwood on Sept. 26. Video released by police shows Grogan running after his girlfriend, who had just left the bar, and pushing her to the ground. North Wildwood officers who were nearby at the time rushed over to intervene. Grogan, 35, allegedly pulled away from an officer while being handcuffed, prompting the resisting charge. His attorney, John Tumelty, told the court in January that Grogan would take steps to address an alcohol issue by complying with New Jerseys Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Act and would complete a batterers intervention program. Grogan has completed 22 weeks in a recovery program as well as a 10-day inpatient treatment program in Florida to address the alcohol matter, the attorney reported Tuesday. Grogan will also graduate from a family violence prevention program at the end of this month. Judge Louis J. Belasco Jr. granted a motion to dismiss the charges, conditioned on Grogans successful completion of that program. The woman involved in the September incident identified herself to police at the scene as Grogans girlfriend and refused to cooperate with officers, saying he had done nothing wrong. She suffered a minor cut to her hand but did not seek a domestic violence restraining order and remains in a relationship with Grogan, municipal prosecutor Ronald Gelzunas noted at the January hearing. Deptford officials previously confirmed that Grogan, a 13-year veteran of the department, had been placed on transitional duty following his arrest, but would not elaborate on what that entailed. On the night he was arrested, several of Grogans friends, some identifying themselves as police officers, gathered around as he was taken into custody and berated the arresting officers, body camera footage shows. No one else was charged in the incident. Deptford Police Patrol Lt. David Grogan was honored for his response to a May apartment fire.(Deptford Police Department) Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 42 Master's in Public Relations Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 208 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 208 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 42 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Public Relations Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-public-relations-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Public Relations Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American University Arkansas State University Ashland University Ball State University Baylor University Boston University Concordia University, Saint Paul DePaul University Drexel University Florida International University Full Sail University George Washington University Georgetown University Hofstra University Iona College Lasell University Liberty University Marist College Maryville University Michigan State University Montana State University, Billings Montclair State University Murray State University New York University Purdue University Quinnipiac University Rowan University Seton Hall University Southern New Hampshire University Suffolk University Syracuse University Texas Tech University University Of Alabama University of Arkansas, Little Rock University Of Denver University of Florida University of Maryland Global Campus University of Miami University of South Florida University Of Southern California Washington State University Western New England University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Bengaluru, March 10 : Bengaluru police on Wednesday arrested three computer programmers from Nagaland who allegedly hacked former Karnataka top cop Shankar Bidari's email ID and conned Rs 25,000 from one of his friends. The police said that the accused had operated more than 60 accounts in various banks and a large number of documents - rent agreements, Aadhar cards and PAN cards were recovered from them. The police added that the accused were not only experts in hacking websites but had also floated a fake human resources company to lure unemployed youth from the North East states. According to the police, the arrested were identified as Thia Samong, 31 years, Seropa Sesai, 27 years and Esther Konyak aka Rubika, 28 years. The police added that all the accused are from Mon district of Nagaland but Rubika was working in Bengaluru in a beauty salon for the last couple of years. Mon district is bordering Myanmar. The police said that the accused belong to the Konyak tribe who are very skilled in the art of making firearms as well as handicrafts like baskets, cane and bamboo work, brass work etc. The police said that these accused had come in contact with two persons - James and Peter - on social media sites like Facebook and under their guidance they carried out this phishing attack. "At present James and Peter are on the run," the police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police, (South-East Division) Sreenath Joshi told reporters that Rubika used to be the face of the racket. Showing her as the employment officer in high profile companies, Thia and Seropa used to collect documents such as Aadhar cards and PAN cards from gullible unemployed youth in Nagaland and other North East states, which were used for opening bank accounts here. The police said that after carrying out the attack, these accused used to transfer money into different accounts. "Their modus operandi was simple, hacking well-known personalities' email or social media site IDs. They also used to create fake profiles on social media sites, then they used to seek financial help from the friends of these personalities. Thinking that their 'VIP friend' is in trouble, most of them used to transfer money," the police explained. The police said that this network came to light after former Karnataka DG and IGP Shankar Bidari became the victim of a phishing attack and lodged a complaint in this regard last month. In previous research, ancient massacre sites found men who died while pitted in battle or discovered executions of targeted families. At other sites, evidence showed killing of members of a migrant community in conflict with previously established communities, and even murders of those who were part of religious rituals. But a more recent discovery by a research team -- that includes two University of Wyoming faculty members -- reveals the oldest documented site of an indiscriminate mass killing 6,200 years ago in what is now Potocani, Croatia. "The DNA, combined with the archaeological and skeletal evidence -- especially that indicating systematic violence, perhaps even execution-style -- demonstrates an indiscriminate massacre and haphazard burial of 41 individuals from an early pastoralist community in what is now eastern Croatia," says James Ahern, a UW professor in the Department of Anthropology and associate vice provost for graduate education. Ahern was a nonsenior co-author of a paper, titled, "Genome-Wide Analysis of Nearly All the Victims of a 6,200-Year-Old Massacre," that was published March 10 in PLOS ONE. The journal accepts research in over 200 subject areas across science, engineering, medicine, and the related social sciences and humanities. Mario Novak, a research associate with the Institute for Anthropological Research in Zagreb, Croatia, was the paper's lead author. Ivor Jankovic, a UW adjunct professor of anthropology and assistant director of the Institute for Anthropological Research, also was a nonsenior co-author of the study. Other researchers who contributed to the paper were from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain; Harvard University; Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb; University of Vienna; Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School. In 2007, the Croatian site underwent a "rescue" excavation that occurred when the burial was uncovered during the construction of a garage on private land, Ahern says. Archaeologists, led by Jacqueline Balen of the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, working nearby on a cultural resource impact assessment related to the construction of a motorway, were called in to investigate. In 2012, Ahern and Jankovic, then a research scientist at the Institute for Anthropological Research, were invited by the archaeologists in charge of Potocani discoveries to analyze the skeletal remains. The skeletal remains needed to be cleaned and inventoried, and basic analysis -- such as estimation of age and sex, recording of preserved elements, and basic documentation of pathologies and trauma -- was conducted by Jankovic, Ahern and Zrinka Premuzic, a Ph.D. student at the University of Zagreb. "This is the oldest known case of indiscriminate, mass killing that we know of," Ahern says. "In some ways, it goes against the conventional wisdom about early agriculturalists -- the Neolithic and Eneolithic -- who have long been thought to have lived in small villages or herding groups. "The DNA evidence indicates just a few close relatives in such a large sample, meaning that, not only was the violence seemingly indiscriminate, it involved a subset of a much larger local population." Prior research shows that some early farmers lived in large settlements, such as at Catalhoyuk in Western Asia; and some later Eneolithic peoples, such as those who lived at the Vucedol site in the Balkans. However, Potocani is approximately 1,000 years older than the latter settlement. The genetic analysis revealed that 70 percent of the analyzed skeletons did not have close kin among the deceased. Additionally, there was no sex bias, as the number of males and females found at the site were almost equal in number. This indicates the massacre was not the outcome of inter-male fighting one would expect in battles, nor was the result of a reprisal event targeting individuals of a specific sex. Cranial injuries were found on 13 of the 41 individuals massacred at the site, according to the study. "Although we do not have evidence on the cause of death for the other individuals, their deaths were almost certainly violent," Ahern says. "Multiple radiocarbon dates, as well as the sedimentology of the burial, all indicate a single burial event. "Furthermore, a majority of violent deaths do not leave clear evidence of trauma in the preserved skeletal remains," he continues. "Individuals could have been strangled, bludgeoned, cut or stabbed in soft-tissue areas or in manners that did not damage underlying bones." The study also considered the potential role of climate change in the mass burial event. When climate changes, resources such as water, vegetation -- including feed for cattle and other livestock -- and game animals become less predictable. Furthermore, hazards, such as unpredictable extreme weather, become more common. "These factors tend to disrupt human lifeways, and groups sometimes try to take over others' territories and resources," Ahern explains. "Increases in population size cause groups to overextend their local resources and require expansion into other areas. Both climate change and population increase tend to cause social disruption and violent acts, such as what happened at Potocani, that become more common as groups come into conflict with each other." Data in the study reveal how organized violence in this period could be indiscriminate, just as indiscriminate killings have been an important feature of life in historic and modern times. The history, development and causes of human violence are crucial to our ability to understand and reduce violence in our own society, Ahern says. "Perhaps, because of the long history of human violence and warfare and its contemporary relevance, the public is engaged by the sort of narrative about the deep human past that we've been able to recreate through our scientific research," Ahern says. "Furthermore, DNA, heredity and human ancestry are issues that touch everyone's lives. Our research also highlights UW's global engagement and research enterprise." ### Neptune Energy and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has announced a scientific collaboration to test a first-of-its-kind approach for measuring oil and gas methane emissions from offshore oil and gas facilities. EDF will coordinate a team of international researchers that includes Scientific Aviation, a provider of airborne emissions sensing, and Texo DSI, a UK-based drone platform provider, to evaluate advanced methods for quantifying facility-level offshore methane emissions, identify key sources and prioritise mitigation actions. Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is a potent greenhouse gas. To meet the Paris Agreement climate goals, methane emissions need to be reduced from production and throughout the gas value chain. State-of-the-art drone, aircraft and methane sensing technologies will be deployed on the Neptune-operated Cygnus platform in the UK Southern North Sea to provide a close-up view of operations typical of a North Sea offshore facility, such as gas separation, drying and compression technology, and flaring and venting. Global investment firm The Carlyle Group, a shareholder in Neptune Energy, is supporting and observing the project to help drive research learnings and improved standards. Pete Jones, Neptune Energys VP Operations Europe, said: Neptune Energy already has one of the lowest methane intensities in the sector, at 0.01 per cent, compared with the industry average of 0.23 per cent. But we want to go further and have set a target of net zero methane emissions by 2030. This study will help us identify where we need to take further action and how we can apply new measurement techniques across our global operated portfolio. Data transparency is paramount, said Mark Brownstein, EDFs Senior Vice President for Energy. Oil and gas companies have made commitments to tackle emissions, but you cant just assert strong environmental performance. You must show it. Having credible data is the first step and we recognise Neptune Energy for valuing emissions reporting that is based on rigorous science. Last October, the European Commission introduced a strategy that calls for oil and gas methane regulation in the EU and gives consideration to a performance standard for gas used or sold in the EU. The EU is the worlds largest natural gas importer, with 85 per cent of its consumption coming from outside the EU. A key research objective is to establish a reliable benchmark for assessing total oil and gas methane emissions in an offshore environment. Studies show that official inventories can often underestimate overall emissions because reports are based on desktop calculations versus empirical data. Neptune is a member of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) and is a signatory to OGMPs new 2.0 framework, which aims to improve the reporting accuracy and transparency of methane emissions. Organised by the UN Environment Programme, the European Commission, the Climate & Clean Air Coalition and EDF, OGMP will create a robust set of measures for participating companies to document and report their emissions performance to better inform customers and regulators. Currently, there are 65 global oil and gas companies participating in OGMP. The study is due to commence in July this year with initial results expected in October. The outcomes will be published in a scientific peer-reviewed paper in 2022. Tradearabia News Service COVID-19: Ivermectin tablets to be distributed among Uttarakhand residents Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand opens portals after winter break, no pilgrims allowed due to Covid Tirath Singh Rawat sworn in as new CM of Uttarakhand India oi-Madhuri Adnal Dehradun, Mar 10: Tirath Singh Rawat was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand today, with just a year to the election. The oath of office was administered on Rawat by Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya at a simple ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan here in the presence of a host of dignitaries. Rawat alone was sworn-in on Wednesday, which means the members of his Cabinet will be sworn-in later. Who is Tirath Singh Rawat? New Uttarakhand Chief Minister Rawat is currently the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Uttarakhand''s Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency as well as a national secretary of the party. He headed the Uttarakhand BJP unit from 2013-15. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Known as a simple and down-to-earth leader, Tirath Singh Rawat takes over the rein of power in Uttarakhand at a time when the BJP is preparing for the state Assembly polls due early next year. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form He confirmed that his hit Netflix show, Down To Earth, would finally be returning for season two in 2021. And on Wednesday, Zac Efron was pictured filming a segment for the new season in the luxury fine dining restaurant Quay in Sydney, which he attended with girlfriend Vanessa Valladares. The 33-year-old - who relocated to Australia last year - was spotted hysterically laughing on the balcony of the popular eatery, before folding his arms to show off his muscular biceps. Only the best for Zac! On Wednesday, Zac Efron was pictured filming a segment for the new season in the luxury fine dining restaurant Quay in Sydney, which he attended with girlfriend Vanessa Valladares He then sat down to enjoy a spot of lunch alongside his co-star Darin Olien, sampling some of the elite cuisine by Quay Executive chef Peter Gilmore. Usually, a six course set meal at the venue starts from $240 per person. As well as its delicious menu, the award-winning restaurant - owned by Leon Fink - is known for its unrivaled views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making it the perfect backdrop for his new show. Zac's girlfriend Vanessa, 25 - who is understood to be starring in the show alongside him - was pictured leaving the restaurant. Something funny? The 33-year-old - who relocated to Australia last year - was spotted hysterically laughing on the balcony of the popular eatery Beaming: The High School Musical actor then folded his arms to unleash his bulging biceps Delightful: Zac then sat down at a table where he enjoyed a spot of lunch alongside his co-star Darin Olien, sampling some of the elite cuisine with Quay executive chef Peter Gilmore Here she is: His girlfriend Vanessa Valladares, 25 - who is understood to be starring in the show alongside Zac - was later spotted leaving the restaurant Pricey: Usually, a six course set meal at the venue starts from $240 per person Perfect: The iconic venue is known for its unrivaled views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making it the perfect backdrop for his new show Casual: Zac appeared in high spirits as he enjoyed a sit down meal with a glass of water For the occasion, Zac wore a denim shirt, khaki trousers and a pair of white trainers. His girlfriend opted for a casual blue jumper and baggy beige trousers. Zac's brother Dylan, 29, is reprising his role as producer on the show, shortly after completing a mandatory 14-day quarantine after jetting in from the US. Hunk: For the occasion, Zac wore a denim shirt, khaki trousers and a pair of white trainers Keeping it in the family: Zac's brother Dylan, 29, is reprising his role as producer on the show, shortly after completing a mandatory 14-day quarantine after jetting in from the US The High School Musical actor will mainly star alongside wellness expert Darin, as the duo search for healthy, sustainable ways to live on earth as well as embrace the local food, culture and customs of the country. Zac confirmed the second season on Tuesday, sharing a picture of himself and Darin during a Welcome To Country ceremony lead by an Aboriginal Elder. The pair both wore paint on their faces, while wearing a traditional red headband. 'Here we go - Down to Earth season 2!' Zac wrote alongside the photo. It was easy to root for Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship last weekend. The little boy who learned to play golf left-handed by standing opposite his right-handed dad and mirroring dads swing has long been a crowd favorite. He is not only immensely gifted; he is imaginative and willing Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1. Chinese military vehicles carrying DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially capable of sinking a US Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in a single strike, travel past Tiananmen Gate during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, September 3, 2015. REUTERS/Andy Wong/Pool China fired off multiple mid-range missiles into the South China Sea in August. The head of INDOPACOM said Tuesday that China fired off DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles. He said the move was intended to "hone PLA warfighting skills and send an unmistakable message.' Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. The top US admiral in the Indo-Pacific region told lawmakers Tuesday that the Chinese military fired multiple carrier killer missiles into the South China Sea last year to send an "unmistakable message" about its ability to threaten American aircraft carriers. Last summer, the Chinese armed forces fired off four mid-range ballistic missiles into the South China Sea during a training exercise. The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, which first reported the launches, identified some of the missiles as DF-21D anti-ship missiles. Adm. Philip Davidson, the combatant commander currently leading US Indo-Pacific Command, provided additional clarity on Chinese activities on Tuesday, explaining to the Senate Armed Services Committee that last August, "the [People's Republic of China] conducted coordinated DF-21D missile launches into the South China Sea." Commonly referred to as "carrier killer" missiles, "these mid-range, anti-ship ballistic missiles are capable of attacking aircraft carriers in the western Pacific," he said Watch: Expert uncovers new Chinese nuclear missle sites Davidson told lawmakers that China's use of such weapons "during a large-scale [People's Liberation Army] exercise demonstrates the PLA's focus on countering any potential third-party intervention during a regional crisis." The commander said that the PRC "is not merely developing advanced weapons systems but is increasingly employing them in training and exercise scenarios to hone PLA warfighting skills and send an unmistakable message to regional and global audiences" about China's capabilities. Story continues Davidson characterized China's actions, specifically the incorporation of advanced assets into realistic training scenarios, as "critical steps as the PLA prepares for modern warfare." There are still a lot of unknowns about the military exercise last summer in which Chinese forces fired off multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles, but in November, Wang Xiangsui, a retired Chinese military officer, claimed that the anti-ship missiles struck a moving training vessel, SCMP reported. The retired officer, whose knowledge of the exercise is unclear, reportedly described the exercise as a "show of force" and a reaction to American provocations in the region. The US Navy deploys carrier strike groups into the contested waters of the South China Sea regularly. It sometimes conducts dual carrier operations, as it did most recently in February. Last July, as the Navy's Ronald Reagan and Nimitz carrier strike groups conducted joint operations in the disputed waterway, China's state-affiliated tabloid Global Times wrote that "China has a wide selection of anti-aircraft carrier weapons like DF-21D and DF-26 'aircraft carrier killer' missiles." The tabloid, citing unnamed analysts, wrote that the "South China Sea is fully within the grasp of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and any US aircraft carrier movement in the region is solely at the pleasure of the PLA." The US Navy responded to the Global Times article on Twitter, writing that the carrier strike groups operating in the international waters of the South China Sea "are not intimidated." The DF-21D is a conventionally-armed variant of the DF-21 intermediate-range missile specifically designed for targeting ships, particularly the aircraft carriers that have long served as key elements of US power projection. The missiles have an estimated range of around 1,000 miles and are an important part of China's anti-access/area-denial strategy. Read the original article on Business Insider Watch: Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi oil heartland Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. By Ho Quoc Tuan - Lecturer, Bristol University Figures from Vietnams General Statistics Office showed that only 3.8 million foreign visitors set their feet onto the nations land last year, a drop of nearly 80 per cent compared to 2019. Over 96 per cent of those who came to Vietnam, arrived in the first quarter last year when the coronavirus pandemic had yet to become a global threat. These figures indicate how severe the damage to the regions tourism sector was, as well as to relevant industries like aviation. In this context, scaling up the number of international visitors and simultaneously promoting inbound tours are both important to resurrect this industry. Re-opening travel and international flights between nations have therefore become vital targets to several economies in 2021. The largest bottleneck to the efforts on re-opening national borders and luring in visitors is the isolation time required from visitors to ensure safety. To reach the target that all airlines and authorities are working on entrance and exit formalities at airports could require precise information about the health status of each passenger, as well as whether they have been tested and vaccinated. One of the initiatives to tackle this dilemma is the International Air Transport Associations (IATA) Travel Pass solution, a charge-free mobile app to help travellers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. The IATA Travel Pass is expected to be rolled out in late March. Empowered by blockchain technology, the mobile app is supposed to help tackle three weaknesses that current health certificates are facing. Firstly, it helps shirk forged documents on negative COVID-19 testing being found in many countries at present, particularly those using paper-based certificates, but not digital tools. Such fake certificates could be acquired easily in several countries. Secondly, the IATA expects that the system could help international visitors not to be lost in the matrix of different entrance requirements that each country applies related to COVID-19. Thirdly, the IATA Travel Pass could ease users minds as the threat of personal data leaking will be dramatically reduced. The IATA currently assumes that the data on each passengers COVID-19 health status will only be stored on the users mobiles and only accessed at airports for verification purposes. Other health records would remain private. Assuming that the IATA Travel Pass solution will be running without a hitch, a bunch of issues would need to be fixed. For instance, the credibility of the testing results in different countries as well as the trust about the safety levels for the community when allowing foreign visitors to enter the country. It also remains concerning, that nobody can be entirely sure whether foreign visitors, even with negative COVID-19 test results and vaccinations, are absolutely safe as the efficiency ratio of vaccinations never reaches 100 per cent. There is always a trade-off between saving health and rescuing the economy in opening international flights. In the past, when Thailand decided to open its border gates and attract visitors, there were burning disputes about the move. People at popular localities had concerns as foreign visitors came and left, and if one visitor was COVID-19 positive, the local community would suffer the most, but not travel firms, airlines, or the visitor. If having to choose between keeping their meals or saving their health, many would prefer the second option. From another angle, vetoing international flights could not bring the assurance that no infection is spotted in the community as besides air routes, people can break into the country through border gates or waterways. Also, no one can be certain about the nonexistence of infections in the community. Considering this point, some people might go with keeping their meals. The travel pass, thereby, is not the panacea to troubleshoot all these issues. However, this pass is the choice made by heads of nations based on the information provided thus far by doctors, scientists, and economists. With consensus from all stakeholders, the issue remains anything but easy. Amid current complexities, all decisions are risky by nature. Most importantly, we need to have remedy plans ready that will work in case community infections return. A fire broke out at a leading French web hosting service Wednesday, disrupting services for thousands of sites and leaving some clients worried that they may have lost data. OVHcloud's facility in the eastern city of Strasbourg caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday, completely destroying one of four data centres and damaging a second. The French firm offers services similar to Amazon and Microsoft, such as hosting websites, as well as internal systems like email and other computing resources, and has sites around the world. While firms like to promote the safety of storing data in the "cloud", the cloud is in reality a network of data centres that are vulnerable to threats such as fires and flooding. OVHcloud apologised to clients and promised to quickly to have two of the four data centres back up and running by Friday, and a third on Monday. The firm told AFP that 12,000-16,000 clients suffered impacts, some only temporary, including a French government public data site, the Centre Pompidou museum and bitcoin trading site Coinhouse. British video game studio Facepunch said that 25 servers running its survival game Rust were knocked out and that data on player progression were completely lost. OVHcloud said it could not confirm any complete losses of data, as various backup protocols were subscribed to by clients. apz/rl/spm Umbrella Man has his umbrella again. The downtown public artwork called Allow Me -- a 36-year-old statue of a well-dressed businessman holding an umbrella over his head as he tries to hail a cab -- lost his protection from the elements late last year. The bronze sculptures umbrella shaft was bent in October by an unknown vandal or vandals, and the following month the non-profit organization Regional Arts & Culture Council removed the umbrella for repairs, leaving the man holding only his brollys handle just as the rainy season started. The "Allow Me" businessman lost his umbrella last fall. (The Oregonian) The statue, popularly known as Umbrella Man, has been a signature presence rain or shine in Pioneer Courthouse Square since 1984. The work was created by J. Seward Johnson Jr., a sculptor who, wrote The New York Times, may be responsible for more double takes than anyone in history thanks to his countless lifelike creations in public places. Johnson, the grandson of a founder of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, died of cancer last year at 89. A worker puts the finishing touches on the "Allow Me" sculpture repair. (Photo courtesy of Regional Arts & Culture Council) Workers reattached the umbrella to the Allow Me figure on Sunday, Regional Arts & Culture Council communications manager Heather Nelson Kent told The Oregonian/OregonLive by email. We will be returning to touch up the weld points on the top of the umbrella with paint, Kent said. She added that the organization also would give the man in his bespoke suit a thorough cleaning sometime in the spring. -- Douglas Perry dperry@oregonian.com @douglasmperry At 6:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 800 nurses at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts began an open-ended strike. This is the first strike at the hospital in 20 years by nurses. They are members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and have been working without a contract since 2019. St. Vincent nurses are demanding improved staffing ratios because the current ratio of 5 patients to 1 nurse on medical-surgical floors is unsafe, leading to preventable complications, injuries and deaths. Nurses want the ratio set to 4 to 1. The staffing ratio has been their main concern since contract negotiations began in November 2019. In order to meet this demand, Tenet Healthcare, the Dallas, Texas-based conglomerate that owns St. Vincent Hospital, would have to hire more permanent nurses. This would run counter to Tenets commitment to maintaining a strong cash position, even amidst a pandemic. Tenet posted a $414 million profit in 2020, and St. Vincent has made four times the average profit of other hospitals in Massachusetts. St. Vincent is the conglomerates most profitable facility. Nurses on the picket line at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts (Credit: MNA Facebook) On February 11, a day after nurses overwhelmingly voted to authorize the strike, St. Vincent management offered to improve ratios on two unitsfar short of nurses demands. Now, by spending millions of dollars on replacement nurses, who make twice as much as nurses normally do, Tenet has demonstrated its intent to continue exploiting its nurses and sacrificing patient outcomes. Nurses have described the replacement nurses as mercenaries. As health care workers across the country have experienced throughout the pandemic, nurses at St. Vincent have been asked to take on duties and perform work that stretches their capacity to provide quality care and which goes beyond their training. Early in the pandemic, they had to operate respiratory machines without having the requisite training and monitor patients receiving high flow rates of oxygen, which was also beyond their scope of practice. Nurses were forced to reuse disposable personal protective equipment, risking further transmission and their own exposure to COVID-19. To procure more masks or gowns, nurses had to request them from reticent managers, who kept them under lock and key. Along with the number of nurses, the level of support staff, such as secretaries and personal care assistants [PCA], are also critical to patient care. As one nurse on the picket line described to the WSWS, she is not above answering the phone on the ward. But as St. Vincents profit margin was four times the state average, she wondered why they cant staff [enough] secretar[ies] to answer the phones. They cant staff a PCA for 20 patients? Its unreasonable. Ed Adamiak, a nurse of 42 years, told the WSWS how the scarcity of critical PPE has forced nurses tending to highly contagious patients to remain with those patients in order to not contaminate others. However, this meant less critical patients receiving less care, which could lead to preventable complications. This is what nurses want to avoid by instituting safe staffing ratios. In spring 2020, when Massachusetts was undergoing the first major spread of the novel coronavirus and patients were flooding emergency rooms, St. Vincent installed a screening system to segregate patients with COVID-19 from those without it. Since then, the hospital has abandoned this practice, co-mingling all patients while awaiting test results. The obvious outcome of this is that staff and COVID-negative patients are unnecessarily exposed to the pathogen. Without enough nurses and support staff, such as personal care assistants and patient observers, more patients are falling down and injuring themselves, developing bed sores, waiting hours at a time for time-sensitive medication and having to lie in their own waste. Stretched as they are and after a year of the worst public health emergency in modern history, health care workers face a future of post-traumatic stress. Julie Pinkham, executive director of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, said nurses have seen more people die than most of the military has. I dont want to see anyone blown up, but I dont want to see anyone guppy breathing for hours on end either. Its like watching somebody drown before your eyes no matter what you do. Diane Waters, a nurse with more than 30 years experience, explained the reason for hospital policies that on face-value appear totally unreasonable. Profit comes firsthas always been that way. When asked about the punitive management culture that has been reported by the local press, Waters described her manager as by far one of the worst and someone who is very bullying and micromanages she will just yell at you. As of this week, UFCW Local 1445, the union for support staff, secretaries and housekeeping workers at St. Vincent, let its contract expire without being renewed. The union has floated the idea of joining the MNA nurses in their strike. These workers represent a layer even more exploited than nurses, with many earning poverty wages. To understand how nurses view their struggle within the greater context of the pandemic and the ruling class response to it, WSWS reporters asked nurses what they thought about the drives to reopen schools and the economy. While nurses correctly referred to the aerosolized nature of the virus, some believed that a strict adherence to masks would be sufficient in suppressing transmission in reopened schools. In response, WSWS reporters cited the Columbia University study that found that the closure of New York City schools significantly reduced general transmission, and a Canadian study that found a strong correlation between in-person classes and community spread. In fact, nurses and teachers face a common struggle in terms of workplace safety and the defense of their health and that of their patients and students under their care. However, the MNAs strategy is not based on uniting workers and challenging the for-profit health care system exemplified by Tenet Healthcare, but on calling on their adversary to do the right thing by abandoning their vast resources. They have also welcomed the support of Democratic politicians like Senator Ed Markey, fostering illusions that they will defend them. The nurses unions have a record in the pandemic of organizing isolated protests and limited strikes to blow off steam, while acceding to the demands of the health care conglomerates. The unions give hospitals advance warning of their strike dates, allowing the hospitals to prepare by bringing in traveling nurses as replacements as nurses walk the picket line. Strikes are then quickly settled with little changes to the conditions they face. Nurses should reach out for support for their struggle, beginning with the support staff, secretaries and housekeeping workers in UFCW Local 1445 at St. Vincent. The large health care workforce in Massachusetts and beyond, along with teachers and other workers, must be mobilized behind the St. Vincent nurses. Nurses and health care workers should organize rank-and-file safety committees, independent of the unions and the pro-corporate Democratic Party, to fight for safe conditions in hospitals to defend the rights and health of patients and health care workers alike. Leaving the response to the pandemic in the hands of the government and corporations like Tenet Healthcare has been a catastrophe, leading to more than 500,000 deaths in the US alone. In contrast, the program of the Socialist Equality Party and its sister parties calls for an international response to the pandemic, the cessation of work in non-essential industries and the unification of all workers struggles. This program is based on socialism, not the profits of the financial oligarchy, and genuine socialized medicine. Join the Socialist Equality Party today to take forward this struggle. [March 10, 2021] PitchBook Increases Coverage of European Companies and Valuations by More Than 145% SEATTLE, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PitchBook , the premier data provider for the private and public equity markets, today announced it has significantly expanded its coverage of European companies, valuations, and dealmaking activity within the PitchBook Platform. Building on its already expansive coverage across European private and public financial markets, PitchBook added over one million new datapoints to provide greater transparency into the region's privately backed companies, deals, investors and funds. The combination of PitchBook's expansive global data coverage and institutional grade research makes PitchBook a central resource for critical client workflows like discovery, fundraising, due diligence, benchmarking and deal execution. The expanded coverage comes at an opportune time for institutional investors as rising valuations and record-breaking investment activity have rapidly increased demand for comprehensive and transparent financial data within the European market. According to PitchBook's latest European VC Valuations Report, multibillion-euro valuations have become increasingly common as capital inundates the region's venture capital market, undeterred by economic pressures from events like COVID-19 and Brexit. For more information about PitchBook's Research and Data Collection processes, click here. "We're always looking for ways to improve the PitchBook Platform and empower our customers with the tools, expert support and information they need to win," said Matteo Madrigali, European Dataset Team Lead at PitchBook. "We understand how vital it is to have access to quality and easy-to-integrate data when making decisions and identifying opportunities, especially during periods of volatility. The added depth and breadth of PitchBook's regional data, made possible by our dedicated EMEA research team, unlocks unrivaled insight into the growing and evolving public and private capital markets in Europe." PitchBook will continue investing heavily in global data expansion initiatives to provide clients with a competitive edge in the markets where they operate. EMEA remains a major area of focus in 2021, with plans to hire additional researchers in PitchBook's London office and expand comprehensive coverage of more nascent markets across Europe. These ongoing initiatives will further bolster 2020 European data expansion milestones, including: Increased private company valuations by 146% Increased total number of tracked companies by 65% Added over 60,000 new financing rounds Increased company profiles with financials by over 150% Increased fund coverage by 17% Tracked nearly 6,000 new Europe -based investors PitchBook's European data enhancements come at a time of rapid growth within the private market. European VC valuations grew across all financing stages despite macroeconomic disruptions like rising unemployment and stagnant economic growth stemming from COVID-19, PitchBook Institutional Research Group analysts found in the 2020 European VC Valuations report, also released today. Startups across financing stages demonstrated both pandemic-proof and pandemic-induced growth in sectors reliant on technology, while new angel and seed startups tackling rapidly evolving challenges secured capital from investors seeking the next big opportunity. The expanding variety of startups in the ecosystem has resulted in a wider pool of nontraditional investors entering the market at different stages aligned to their overarching operational sectors or investment areas, furthering the need for comprehensive data across verticals, strategies and regions. To download the 2020 European VC Valuations report, click here. About PitchBook PitchBook is a financial data and software company that provides transparency into the capital markets to help professionals discover and execute opportunities with confidence and efficiency. PitchBook collects and analyzes detailed data on the entire venture capital, private equity and M&A landscapeincluding public and private companies, investors, funds, investments, exits and people. The company's data and analysis are available through the PitchBook Platform, industry news and in-depth reports. Founded in 2007, PitchBook has offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York and London and serves more than 50,000 professionals around the world. In 2016, Morningstar acquired PitchBook, which now operates as an independent subsidiary. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pitchbook-increases-coverage-of-european-companies-and-valuations-by-more-than-145-301244735.html SOURCE PitchBook [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Two people associated with prison gangs have been arrested in connection with the seizure of more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine, according to Laredo police. As part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics activity, investigators from the LPD Juvenile and Gang Enforcement Task Force, also known as JAGET, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal investigation division executed a search warrant at about 5:45 p.m. March 4 at a residence on 1303 Philadelphia St. Apartment No. 10. Dog the Bounty Hunter and fiancee visit Colorado church, witness powerful move of God Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Duane "Dog" Chapman and his fiancee, Francie Frane, attended church together in Colorado this month and felt "so blessed" by their experience. The famous bounty hunter and reality TV star, along with his wife-to-be, shared photos on Instagram over the weekend while at the 970.church in Grand Junction, Colorado. They called their experience "amazing." "Dog and I were so blessed to be a part of this powerful move of God with @robbydawkins at 970.church last weekend!" Frane wrote on her Instagram along with photos. 970.church is affiliated with the Rocky Mountain District of the General Council of the Assemblies of God USA. The photos showed the couple speaking in front of a group and getting prayed over by the ministry leader, Robby Dawkins, and his team. "Forever in awe of Jesus," she testified. Chapman and Frane came together while both grieving the loss of a spouse. Their Christian faith is what helped them bond. Chapman lost his wife, Beth, in June 2019 after a battle with cancer. Meanwhile, Frane's husband, Bob, also died of cancer shortly before Beth. The couple announced their engagement in 2020 but did not set a wedding date due to the coronavirus pandemic. In an interview with The Christian Post last year, the 68-year-old said he and his fiancee believe in the power of shaping their world with their words. He spoke of the scripture in Proverbs 18:21 that says, "death and life are in the power of the tongue." As you know, I have my new [girlfriend] Francie. She's a very devout Christian and believes like I do about speaking her words and her lips, he told CP. It's really funny because I'm dating her, and I wake up not feeling good. She'll go, Hi, how are you feeling? And I go, 'Hold on, let me get the phone in the other ear.' 'Are you feeling alright?' And I'm like, Yeah. Do you have anything? No. So it's funny that when you have someone that's close to you, that you love, that believes the same way in the same tongue, it really works, it's really happening. Chapman had a COVID-19 scare last month and told Dr. Mehmet Oz that he thought he might die. "I think anybody right now in America that gets a bad cold or a little bit of a flu, ... the COVID alarm goes off in your mind. Fear, 'Oh no! I'm over 60, am I gonna make it?'" he told the popular doctor. "So yeah, I thought, 'Here we go COVID versus the Dog here we go.' But, I didn't have it, so thank the Lord." Chapman told Oz that he thought he was "almost dying," admitting, "I was saying my last prayers." However, Chapman is healthy now and spending some of his time in the house of the Lord. Guest Column Responsibilities and Opportunities to Save Myanmar Anti-regime protesters call for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) from the UN in Yangon on March 7. / The Irrawaddy Over the past week or so, the illegal junta which seized power on Feb. 1 has unleashed increasing violence on unarmed protesters, who are demanding justice and democracy in Myanmar. At least 60 people have been killed, and the death toll keeps rising. The people of Myanmar are demanding protection, but who will provide it? The countrys Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) have crucial roles to play. Bold action now could help redefine the EAOs position and prospects, in a rapidly changing Burma. The Responsibility to Protect In 2005 the UN World Summit Outcome Document endorsed the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), according to which international actors may intervene in situations of acute crisis, in order to prevent, mitigate or otherwise respond to widespread rights violations. The R2P doctrine endorses intervention in four instances: the threat or acts of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. Arguably, all of these violations are present in Myanmar today. I am not a lawyer, but the deadly suppression of protests on the streets of Myanmar most closely fits the definition of crimes against humanity, while decades of attacks on ethnic nationality communities actually constitutes ethnic cleansing. The Myanmar Armys brutal campaign against the Rohingya, which the previous government did little to stop, is arguably a case of genocide. The R2P doctrine has been contested especially by some authoritarian states. Nevertheless, it has become a widely cited (if imperfectly understood) doctrine. However, in international law, the R2P doctrine relates solely to activities initiated by the UN Security Council, which may mandate UN agencies or others to act under its authority. There is an important discussion regarding what types of international intervention are useful and possible, beyond the necessity of targeted economic sanctions. In the meantime, human rights activists have long sought to mobilize the R2P doctrine more broadly, in order to justify a range of rights-based interventions. Unfortunately, international human rights and humanitarian law, including doctrines such as R2P, rarely acknowledges the agency of local actors whether that is engaged citizens, civil society actors or non-governmental organisations. In the unique circumstances of Myanmar today, EAOs have important roles to play and, arguably, a responsibility to protect the public. The roles of EAOs As discussed in The Irrawaddy on Feb. 24, the Karen National Union (KNU) released a statement day after the coup. On Feb. 13, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) became the first EAO to explicitly stand with the people, issuing a statement unequivocally denouncing the coup and supporting the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). The next day the KNU issued a similarly strong statement. On Feb. 2, the day after the military coup, the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST, coordinating group of 10 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement signatory EAOs) issued a statement expressing grave concerns. This was followed on Feb. 20 by another PPST statement, confirming Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory groups did not recognize and could not engage with the State Administration Council (SAC). Although not explicitly cancelling the NCA, this statement effectively suspended the agreement during the period of illegal military government rule. Meanwhile, EAOs in the north and west of Myanmar (most of which are not NCA signatories) have arguably had little room to maneuver, given reported pressure from China not to intervene. Nevertheless, the Kachin Independence Organization also issued a statement on Feb. 17 supporting the peoples efforts and calling for protection of protesters. Several EAOs have also responded with practical interventions. The KNU has said it will protect protesters, and the KNUs Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) has intervened to protect and allow free passage of protesters, in a number of Brigade areas. For example, on March 5 KNLA and KNU members were seen protecting civilians in Kamamaung, Papun and Kawkareik, and probably elsewhere also. On March 8, troops from the KNLAs 4 Brigade in Tanintharyi Region led a peoples protest march from Myitta to Dawei. When EAO personnel join the protests, this sends an important symbolic message of solidarity, showing that groups like the KNU stand with the people. So far, there have been no instances of EAOs participation in the protests exacerbating the situation, providing a pretext for further attacks by the junta forces. Nevertheless, great caution is required to avoid any escalation of the violence. Furthermore, while the KNU can offer some protection to protesters in regions close to its areas of operation, there is little that EAOs can do to help people on the streets of Yangon or other major cities. All of this has happened against the background of increased Myanmar Army aggression in some ethnic areas. Since mid-December, the Tatmadaw has launched a series of violent assaults on civilian communities in northern Karen State and eastern Bago Region, in the context of increasing militarization building new roads and resupplying army bases which are perceived locally as occupying forces. According to the Free Burma Rangers and other sources, Myanmar Army shelling and attacks on civilians have driven more than 8,000 Karen Internally Displaced People to flee since mid-December. There have also been recent attacks on the KIO in Kachin and northern Shan States. With the increasing suppression of protests and attacks on civilian communities in urban areas, Myanmar Army aggression may force more people to flee. The KNU and NMSP and other EAOs have both established committees to receive any refugees (technically, Internally Displaced People) from the protests, should violent crackdowns lead to a repeat of Burmas 1988-1990 experience, when protesters fleeing violent oppression in the cities fled to EAO-controlled border areas. Arguably, one has to go back to 1988 to find another series of events of comparable importance in Burma. This is indeed the mother of all critical junctures, with the potential to inspire a deep transformation of peace-building in Myanmar. The present crisis could be an opportunity to change the narrative and re-imagine Myanmar, transforming relationships between different communities in their struggle against the new junta. The protests have seen an important emerging alliance or coalition between NLD members and activists, ethnic nationality individuals and groups, and the Gen-Z youth. One result of the SAC juntas oppression of the people is to provide a common experience, bonding different elements of Myanmar society together in new and creative ways, based on bonds of solidarity. These alliances in the struggle against the illegal military coup could prefigure transformed relationships between different stakeholders, including members of the Bamar majority community and ethnic nationality or minority peoples. The way in which Myanmars EAOs (and especially the KNU) have stood up to defend the people should ensure that they play a leading role in such debates and discussions. Ashley South is an independent analyst, and a Research Fellow at Chiang Mai University, specializing in politics and humanitarian issues in Burma and South-East Asia. His views are his own. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Anti-Regime Protests Go On Despite Crackdowns and Detentions Another NLD Member Dies While Detained by Myanmar Junta Forces Myanmar Media Groups Vow to Defy Juntas Publishing Bans An investigation is underway after a fatal shooting in Lanett over the weekend. Lanett police responded at 11:58 p.m. Sunday to the 3300 block of 16th Avenue S.W. on a report of gunfire. When they arrived on the scene, they found a 45-year-old Valley man Johnny Barnes suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person, authorities said, was shot in the foot. No arrests have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to call Lanett police at 334-644-5295 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, or via the P3 tips app. The Volvo Construction Equipment company has announced that it is building a $4.3 million training center in the Shippensburg area. The training center for the construction equipment manufacturer, is expected to open by the end of next year and will provide a space to develop and deliver in-person and virtual trainings. Construction is expected to begin later this year on the facility in Southampton Township, Franklin County. The $4.3 million expansion will include the addition of several new machine bays, classrooms and virtual laboratories used for creating and hosting virtual trainings. The training center will include technical courses on equipment as well as training and demonstrations on electric machines, automation and connectivity. The virtual laboratory will allow for the use of video, augmented reality and other technologies to support virtual training courses for dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Training will primarily be for Volvo dealer technicians, but it will benefit customers who visit Shippensburg by providing a holistic view of what the company is doing to support their operations with training for operators and technicians, plant tours, the ability to interact with Volvo CE experts and more, the company said in a press release. The training facility will be an extension to the Volvo CE Customer Center at the companys North American headquarters in Shippensburg. The customer center, which opened in 2014, sits on 40 acres with a full machine demonstration area used for dealer and customer events. This investment demonstrates Volvo CEs commitment to our dealers and customers as well as the future of the construction industry, Stephen Roy, president of Region North America, Volvo CE said in the press release. Equipment and technology are constantly changing and improving. These training opportunities will help prepare new technicians for successful careers and help veteran technicians keep up with the latest developments. --Business Buzz You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like him on Facebook. Outline of the work by Moreno et al., published in Current Biology. Credit: Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona Often, humans display biases, i.e., unconscious tendencies towards a type of decision. Despite decades of study, we have yet to discover why biases are so persistent in all types of decisions. "Biases can help us make better decisions when we use them correctly in an action that has previously given us great reward. However, in other cases, biases can play against us, such as when we repeat actions in situations when it would be better not to," says Ruben Moreno Bote, coordinator of the UPF Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory. In these cases, decisions are guided by tendencies, or inclinations, that do not benefit our wellbeing. For example, playing the lottery more regularly after winning a small consolation prize is a common bias that unfortunately does not tend to improve our financial situation. The aim of the research was to establish how biases arise in decision-making using mathematical models and neural recordings A study led by professor Ruben Moreno Bote's laboratory, with Grabriela Mochol, researchers at the Center for Brain and Cognition (CBC) at the UPF Department of Information and Communication Technologies (DTIC), in collaboration with the experimental laboratory of professor Roozbeh Kiani of New York University (USA), has studied how biases arise in decision-making using mathematical models and neural recordings in primates. The study was published by the authors on 26 February in the journal Current Biology. A task dealing with the perception of visual stimuli The experimental block of the study consisted of a visual perception task in which a monkey observed a certain stimulus, specifically moving dots. The primate had to decide whether there were more dots moving to the right or to the left. Trial after trial, the animal performed this monotonous decision-making process. The authors found that primates developed two types of bias: a 'slow' tendency to indicate right (or left) that lasted several minutes, despite not having any net tendency in the set of stimuli used, and a 'fast' tendency that lasted scarcely a few seconds, resulting from the actions had just been made in the previous decision. The neural representation of biases is similar to the neural representation of relevant information for solving a certain task "For this research, we study how the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial in decision-making, encodes the two identified biases (slow and fast). The main result of the study shows that the neural representation of biases is similar to the neural representation of relevant information for solving a certain task. This would seem to indicate that the format in which biases and information are coded in the brain are very similar, so similar that it is difficult to distinguish them," points out Moreno Bote, study principal investigator. He adds: "We still have much to understand, but the results of this research could explain why biases are so prevalent in decision-making, and why, much to our regret, they are so difficult to eradicate." Explore further A study reveals that the brain distributes sensory information highly efficiently More information: Gabriela Mochol et al, Prefrontal cortex represents heuristics that shape choice bias and its integration into future behavior, Current Biology (2021). Journal information: Current Biology Gabriela Mochol et al, Prefrontal cortex represents heuristics that shape choice bias and its integration into future behavior,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.01.068 Provided by Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona A court in Moscow has fined well-known Russian actress Aglaya Tarasova for taking part in a rally protesting the arrest of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny. The Timiriyazev district court said on March 10 that Tarasova was found guilty of taking part in an unsanctioned public event and fined 10,000 rubles ($135). Tarasova was among protesters detained at a pro-Navalny rally in Moscow on February 2. The nationwide demonstration was against the arrest of Navalny, who was detained at a Moscow airport on January 17 upon his arrival from Germany, where he was recovering from an attack with what several European laboratories concluded was a military-grade chemical nerve agent in Siberia in August. Navalny has insisted that his poisoning was ordered directly by President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied. Tarasova was detained along with hundreds of other demonstrators, hours after a court in Moscow ruled that while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an old embezzlement case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. Navalny's 3 1/2-year suspended sentence from the case was converted into a jail term, though the court said he will serve 2 1/2 years in prison given time served. Overall, more than 1,500 people were detained in Moscow and several other Russian cities that day. Thousands more have been detained in other similar rallies in support of the Kremlin critic and anti-corruption campaigner. Tarasova is known in Russia for acting in several major film and television roles, including the popular series Bomb and Interns, as well in the movies Ice and Ice 2. Based on reporting by Meduza and Vedomosti They recently reunited in London and shared a sweet family selfie in celebration on Sunday. And Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas enjoyed a socially distanced stroll with their parents in the British capital on Tuesday. The actress, 38, and musician, 28, were joined by Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra, and Nick's parents Paul and Denise Jonas. Loved-up: Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas enjoyed a socially distanced stroll with their parents in the British capital on Tuesday Priyanka, who is currently filming the movie Text For You in London, cut a low-key figure in black leggings and a white knitted 'love' jumper. The actress teamed the look with a pair of black trainers, a cream padded jacket and oversized brown sunglasses for the stroll. Priyanka styled her brunette locks into a sweptback hairdo, she added just a slick of make-up. Elsewhere Nick opted for black skinny jeans, an oversized grey hoodie, white trainers and a dark ribbed beanie hat. Sweet: The actress, 38, and musician, 28, were joined by Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra, and Nick's parents Paul and Denise Jonas The couple's family appeared in great spirits as they enjoyed the London stroll after reuniting last week. On Sunday, Priyanka and Nick grabbed a socially distanced selfie with their family as they marked the celebration on Instagram. Nick recently returned to the UK from New York and confirmed on social media that they were able to meet after self-isolating and testing for the novel coronavirus. Priyanka beamed for the candid snap alongside her mother Madhu, Nick's parents Paul and Denise, and their friend, Cavanaugh James. Love: Priyanka cut a low-key figure in black leggings and a white knitted 'love' jumper, which she teamed with a cream padded coat Nick captioned the Instagram photo: 'After isolating and testing I'm so happy to finally have some family time!' Following new rules implemented in February, all arrivals have to take three gold-standard PCR coronavirus tests before being allowed to freely move around the UK. All incomers from 'red list' countries must stay in the rooms for 10 days, costing 1,750 each - with a supplement for people sharing rooms - including food and drink and their testing bill. Arrivals from dozens of high-risk countries on the 'red list' have to test negative 72 hours before travelling, and then be screened again twice, on day two and day eight. Back together: On Sunday, Priyanka and Nick grabbed a socially distanced selfie with their family as they marked the celebration on Instagram Staying safe: Nick recently returned to the UK from New York and confirmed on social media that they were able to meet after self-isolating and testing for the novel coronavirus Failure to stick to the hotel quarantine will be punishable with a fine of up to 10,000, Mr Hancock said. Meanwhile, all other travellers also have to show a negative result before coming to the UK, and then face two more tests while isolating at home or in other private accommodation. The government has not said how much that will cost although typically it is around 120 per test. The test and release scheme - which allows non-'red list travellers' to leave isolation if they test negative after five days is in place. However, Mr Hancock suggested even though they are not be subject to quarantine after the five-day test, they are still required to have tests on day two and days eight. That means they could be screened four times in total. Scotland announced in February it would go even further and require hotel quarantine for all arrivals. Despite recent measures limiting international travel, Priyanka announced she will be opening her own restaurant called SONA, across the pond in New York. The 38-year-old actress made the news public by posting a trio of images to her Instagram account on Saturday. Priyanka wrote a lengthy message in the post's caption where she expressed enthusiasm over her new business venture, which is based at 36 East 20th Street in the city's Flatiron district. Trying something new: Priyanka announced that she would be opening a restaurant in New York City called SONA in a post made to her Instagram account on Saturday She began her message by writing, 'I'm thrilled to present to you SONA, a new restaurant in NYC that I poured my love for Indian food into.' She then explained the concept behind her restaurant and noted that 'SONA is the very embodiment of timeless India and the flavours I grew up with.' The Isn't It Romantic actress emphasised that she aimed to take diners 'on a food journey through my amazing country.' Priyanka also included two photos from a puja that had been held in the restaurant's space in 2019; her husband, Nick, was featured in one of the snaps. Getting started: The actress also included two snaps of a puja that had been held inside the restaurant's space in 2019; her husband Nick was featured in one of the snaps The same day, the star's business partner Maneesh K. Goyal made a post to his own Instagram account to make his feelings about the soon-to-open restaurant known. He stressed that SONA was not planned out by one person in particular and wrote that 'Opening a restaurant is a team effort for sure.' He then spoke about Priyanka's dedication to providing a space for her culture to be appreciated, writing that 'There is no one who betterand more boldlypersonifies "global Indian" than Pri.' Maneesh also noted that the actress was very hands-on while the restaurant's concept was being developed. 'From the design, to the menu, to the music, to even the name, Priyanka has her fingerprints all over SONA,' he wrote. Getting hands-on: Chopra's business partner Maneesh K. Goyal wrote that the actress was very involved in the development of the restaurant and wrote online that 'Priyanka has her fingerprints all over SONA' GOVERNMENT received a total of $7.37 billion from oil, gas and quarrying/mining companies in fiscal 2018, with the largest payment of $2 billion coming from majority State-owned National Gas Company (NGC). However, for the period 2019 to 2020, unaudited figures indicate a declining trend in revenue. Gasparian indicated at the same time that he will step aside and not hold on to his post until a court ruling on his unconstitutional dismissal. Pashinian petitioned President Armen Sarkissian to relieve Gasparian of his duties on February 25 immediately after Armenias top general and 40 other high-ranking officers issued a joint statement demanding the governments resignation. He rejected the demand as a coup attempt. Sarkissian refused to sign a relevant decree on February 27, saying that it appears to be unconstitutional and would deepen the unprecedented political crisis in the country. Pashinian resent his motion to Sarkissian in another attempt to get him to fire Gasparian. The president again refused to sign the decree drafted by the prime ministers office. But he decided not to ask the Constitutional Court to invalidate it, effectively paving the way for Gasparians removal. Citing Sarkissians failure to appeal to the court, the Armenian government stated on Wednesday morning that Gasparian has automatically ceased to be the chief of the General Staff. The defiant general issued a statement early in the afternoon describing the government statement and the entire process of my dismissal as unconstitutional. He said it shows that only Pashinians resignation and the holding of snap parliamentary elections can end the political crisis in the country. Gasparian made clear that he will not continue to perform his duties and has instead asked the Administrative Court to reinstate him as army chief. I will continue my service to the homeland and the Armenian people in another capacity, he said. Gasparian went on to urge Armenian military personnel to continue your selfless and patriotic service. In a separate statement released shortly afterwards, the militarys top brass reaffirmed support for Gasparian and said it stands by its earlier evaluations of the existing situation in the country. There is only one solution to the situation and it is mentioned in [Gasparians] appeal, read the statement. Meanwhile, Pashinian moved to replace Gasparian by another general, Artak Davtian. President Sarkissian did not immediately sign a relevant decree requested by the prime minister. Davtian already served as chief of the General Staff from May 2018 to June 2020. The focus of the Assembly elections in four states and a Union territory has centred around West Bengal and the big question is whether the BJP under PM Modi will breach the final barrier, as it were, for the right-wing saffron party. (AP/Bikas Das) The focus of the Assembly elections in four states and a Union territory --starting at the end of this month and spread over the whole of April in West Bengal and Assam in the east, and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala in the south has centred around West Bengal and the big question is whether the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will breach the final barrier, as it were, for the right-wing saffron party. It has turned out to be a battle between West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamul Congress and Prime Minister Modi of the BJP. As has become the norm with the Modi-centric BJP in the past seven years, the laurels for the victory always go to Mr Modi because the party is but a symbol for the most domineering politician in the country today. The reality, of course, is much more complicated and the magic factor of Mr Modi has huge limitations. Though the party had won Assam in 2016 for the first time, the right-wing majoritarian sentiment in that state was well represented by the Congress and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) from 1985 onwards. The breakthrough for the BJP in Assam in 2016 has nothing radical about it. Assam, however, poses its own set of challenges for the BJP this time round. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), with its vicious Hindutva slant, is a sore point in the state where Bangladeshi migrants whether Hindu or Muslim are the source of local resentment and discontent. The Hindutva rhetoric does not mean much here. West Bengal remains the big prize in the east for the BJP. It has eluded the party with its majoritarian colours. The party considers this election as the final push at the final frontier. That is why it has become much too loud and much too bitter. The CPI(M)-led Left Front and the Congress still remain marginal players. And the battle between Mr Modi and Ms Banerjee, despite the Prime Ministers pan-Indian standing, is reduced to a local tussle. If Ms Banerjee prevails, it will be a huge blow to Mr Modi. And the bets are hugely hedged in the matter. In Tamil Nadu and in Kerala, the BJP is a small player. It is reconciled to play second fiddle to the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu and confined to the 20 Assembly seats allotted to it. It would have to ride to victory on the back of the AIADMK because it has no presence of its own. The BJP cannot hope to give wings to its Hindutva ideology in the state because the Dravidian politics (anti-Hindi and indirectly anti-North Indian variant of Hinduism represented by the BJP) and the Hindutva nationalism, again a North Indian concoction does not pass muster. Even the Congress, with its benign pan-Indian outlook, has become a small player in Tamil Nadu and it has been given just 25 seats in these elections by the dominant regional Opposition party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). After the death of the icons, the DMKs Karunanidhi and the AIADMKs Jayalaltihaa, it seemed the spell of Dravidian politics would end, and national parties like the Congress and new entrants like the BJP would become the big players. The seat allocation for the two national parties by the dominant reginal parties is a clear indication that the local in terms of ideology outflanks the national in Tamil Nadu. Tamil and Dravidian nationalism are unlikely to fade away simply because the stars who represented them have died. Unlike in West Bengal, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI(M) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Congress in Kerala leave no space for a new player with a north Indian ideology to break into the crowded political space in the country. Kerala is a complex mosaic of castes and communities, where the Nayars and Ezhavas on one hand, Christians and Muslims and the Communists jostle with each other. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been fighting a fierce and bloody battle with the Marxists in parts of northern Kerala. Political violence is as rampant in Kerala as it is in West Bengal. The RSS and the Marxists have been hacking each others cadres with ruthless regularity. The BJP has been trying to use the RSS base to make headway, but it has not succeeded in any major way. The dominant parties in all these poll-bound states are forced to reckon with the smaller political formations. In Assam, the BJP cannot afford to ignore the Bodos. When the Bodo Peoples Front broke away from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the BJP had to find place for the United Peoples Party Liberal, and the Congress has to accommodate the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal. India is infuriatingly diverse for hegemonic national parties like the BJP and the Congress. The Assembly elections are a time for the rest of the country to know how each state has its own identity and politics and that it is not a referendum for the ruling party at the Centre. It is this entrenched democratic pluralism that checks the free run of parties such as the BJP with their regimented mindsets forged in RSS shakhas. The BJP is struggling to come to terms with the political diversity and pluralism of this country. The authoritarian populism as practised by Mr Modi and his second-in-command, Union home minister Amit Shah, serve only as a stumbling block in the Assembly elections, especially in places like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and to a great extent in West Bengal and Assam. Even in Puducherry, after engineering defections from the ruling Congress, the BJP did not find it very easy to come to power. The right-wing party is learning the hard way that multitudinous India is a multipolar political field. And there is no option but to adapt to Indias political multiverse. This is why the majoritarian tyranny of the BJP kind has to give way to rainbow coalitions. Assembly elections in India are always a lesson in democratic politics. New Delhi: Two persons, including a 21-year-old man who assaulted a policeman on duty at Red Fort with a spear on January 26, has been arrested in connection with the violence at the historic monument. With this, the total number of arrests made in connection with the case of violence at the Red Fort on Republic Day stands at 14, the police said. It may be noted that various teams of the Crime Branch Unit, probing the Red Fort violence case, have been conducting regular raids at different places in Delhi and Punjab in search of the culprits. The duo, Maninderjit Singh, 23, and Khempreet Singh, 21, which was actively involved in the violence, were arrested on Tuesday. According to the police, Maninderjit Singh, a Dutch national, settled in Birmingham, UK, was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport while trying to flee from India on forged travel documents and posed himself as Jarmanjit Singh. Two persons -- Maninderjit Singh (a Dutch national settled in Birmingham, UK) (in pic 1) & Khempreet Singh ( in pic 2) -- have been arrested in connection with the Jan 26 Red Fort violence case: Delhi Police Crime Branch (Photo source -- Crime Branch) pic.twitter.com/kawXEygA11 ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 He originally belongs to a village in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. As per his plans, he was to fly first to Nepal from Delhi and then head to the UK. A lookout circular was also issued by the police against him in connection with the case and he is previously involved in two criminal cases, they said. Another accused Khempreet Singh, a resident of northwest Delhi's Swaroop Nagar, who police said had assaulted a policeman on duty inside the well area of the Red Fort with a spear, was absconding and willfully evading his arrest. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Monika Bhardwaj said, The presence of the accused, Maninderjit Singh, at the Red Fort was established through electronic evidence. There is video footage on record, which shows his presence alongside the unlawfully assembled unruly riotous mob at the Red Fort carrying a spear during farmers agitation on January 26. During an investigation, an electronic map was drawn to figure out the possible route taken by the accused to reach the Red Fort on the date of the incident, which transpired that Maninderjit alongside the mob, started moving from the Singhu Border, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Burari, Majnu ka Tila and finally reached the Red Fort. "Electronic evidence further corroborates the fact that he had also visited the Singhu Border protest site on different dates and took an active part in the violence at the Red Fort," the DCP said. The officer said that during the analysis of videos available in case record, Khempreet Singh, along with his associates, was seen carrying a spear in his hand and assaulting a policeman on duty inside the Red Fort (well area). "With the help of technical surveillance, regular raids were being conducted at the possible hideouts of Khempreet. Local informers were also deployed in the vicinity of the available whereabouts of the accused and finally, on Tuesday, his location was traced to an area in west Delhi's Khayala, where he was hiding in a house of one of his relatives. A raid was conducted and he was arrested from there," she said. During an investigation, Khempreet Singh disclosed that on January 26, he along with his associates, joined the mob from Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar and finally reached the Red Fort after breaching the barricades at Burari and Chatta Rail, the DCP added. The police said Maninderjit Singh, along with his family, is settled in Birmingham and is employed as a labourer in a construction field. In December 2019, he visited India and due to lockdown last year, he could not go back. He was produced before a court and his four days of police custody remand has been taken. Khempreet Singh, who along with his family, resides in Swaroop Nagar. He will be produced before a court on Wednesday. He is also a close associate of already arrested accused Maninder Singh, they added. Live TV Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has started the delivery of homes at its key development, Shaista, a well-connected residential and commercial condominium in the heart of Dubais new growth corridor, Al Furjan. Spread across its 12 residential floors, Shaista is home to 284 units comprising 137 studios, 124 one- and 15 two-bedroom apartments, 8 penthouses and 7,100 sq. ft of retail space. The inauguration comes in light of Azizis plans to hand over 46 projects comprising over 10,000 units and more than 11,204,623 sq. ft of built-up area this year alone, said a statement from the developer. It has already handed over its 479-unit, mixed-use development in Jebel Ali - Aura - earlier this year and is now looking forward to celebrating the inauguration of Mina later this month. Other 2021 deliveries include several buildings in the first phase of Riviera, its flagship master planned French Mediterranean-inspired waterfront community in MBR City, Creek Views I in Dubai Healthcare City and more of its renowned developments in Al Furjan. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Founder and Chairman Mirwais Azizi said: "It fills us with immense joy to hand over the keys to yet another exceptionally well-built, lifestyle-enhancing 284 units today residences that will be home to hundreds of happy families." "We have set a very ambitious, yet realistic, delivery schedule for this year with more than 10,000 units to be completed this underpins our commitment to deliver distinguished value to our investors in the UAE and beyond swiftly and with the highest quality standards adhered to," he stated in the presence of CEO Farhad Azizi and deputy CEO Fawad Azizi. Al Furjan, now one of the most desirable and growth-inclined addresses in Dubai, is home to contemporary architecture that is carefully blended with natural green spaces and state-of-the-art infrastructure, said the developer. New amenities, from small convenience stores to educational institutions, are opening, while its excellent network of roads that offer immediate connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road grant residents near-instant access to Dubais key points of interest, it added.-TradeArabia News Service It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. 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Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. The interview by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has caused consternation in the Commonwealth nation of Jamaica, where Elizabeth II still reigns. Locals in Kingston on Tuesday expressed anger and concern about the revelations made by Harry and Meghan in the interview with Oprah Winfrey. Most were left particularly shocked by the couple's claims that an unidentified family member had raised concerns" about the colour of their baby's skin. Buckingham Palace on Tuesday said that the allegations were concerning" and would be addressed privately by the royal family. But one local said the explosive royal revelations showed Jamaica "should jump up and get rid of the Queen as the head of state". (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 The Most Affordable Colleges for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 17,169 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 17,169 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top The Most Affordable Colleges. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/most-affordable-colleges/ 2021 The Most Affordable Colleges featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Berea College California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles City College of New York City University of New York, Baruch College City University of New York, Brooklyn College City University of New York, Hunter College City University of New York, Queens College Dickinson State University Dine College Drury University East Central University Elizabeth City State University Farmingdale State College Ferris State University Fort Hays State University George Mason University Harvard University Indiana University Northwest Iowa State University Lake Superior State University Lehman College Marywood University Miami University Minot State University Mississippi Valley State University Montana Tech New Mexico Highlands University New Paltz Northern Arizona University Northwest Missouri State University Oklahoma State University Oregon Institute of Technology Slippery Rock University Snow College State University of New York at Oneonta State University Of New York, Oswego Suny College At Old Westbury Truman State University University of Alabama, Huntsville University of Louisiana, Monroe University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of Tennessee, Martin University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley University of Wisconsin, Parkside University of Wyoming Weber State University Westminster College About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. John MacArthur is respected for many reasons, but his attitudes about both Charismatic Christians and the fight for religious freedom are not among them. MacArthurs book about Charismatic Christianity was titled, Charismatic Chaos. His recent remarks infer that he sees religious freedom as unworthy of defense. MacArthur said, in a conference of church leaders: 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? If the State of California refused the right to exist of Charismatic churches or others not in lockstep with his theology, would MacArthur not fight for their freedom? Can he not see the implications for himself and his church? Source:The Christian Post HELENA Seeley-Swan High School graduates Gabrielle "Gabby" Sexton and Nicole Williams were among 81 Montana students who received a $1,000 Reach Higher Montana Scholarship for use in the 2021-2022 academic year. Scholarships were awarded to Montana students and must be used at accredited Montana colleges. Reach Higher Montana Programs Manager Rhonda Safford said this year they had more than 800 applicants for the 81 scholarships. "It is quite competitive," Safford wrote in an email. More than 50 volunteers - consisting of retired teachers, board members, partners and community members - score each application twice. The final score is the average of those two scores. "This gives the student the option of two perspectives by two different evaluators," Safford wrote. Sexton graduated from SSHS in 2018 and is attending Montana State University with a major in Agricultural Education. She applied for the scholarship because Reach Higher Montana promotes and supports students who are reaching higher in their education, career and life. She also has been saving for college since she sold her first 4-H animal at the age of 10 so she could pay for college on her own without much assistance from her parents. This scholarship would help with that cost. Safford said Sexton did a great job of explaining her career aspirations of being a high school Agricultural Education teacher. She gave details on her educational plan to meet this goal while at Montana State University and included some meaningful achievements including making the Dean's list and how that related to her future goal. Williams graduated from SSHS in 2019 and is currently attending Carroll College working towards a degree in English Writing. She applied for the scholarship after receiving an email from her college. "I figured that it would be a good idea to apply," Williams wrote in an email. "I honestly didn't really expect to get it since I applied on the last day!" Safford said Williams shared in her application how her education contributed to who she is today by her love for literature and writing. Williams said this scholarship would help her reach higher while attending Carroll College and would allow her to focus more on her schooling and less on finances. "They both had overall outstanding applications," Safford said adding both Sexton and Williams have outstanding GPAs, each application had interesting content told in a compelling story format and both of their grammar and spelling were perfect. "These two young ladies are an inspiration to us all." "It's definitely a great honor and I'm really happy to have it so that I can continue my education," Williams wrote. "It feels truly amazing to have received this scholarship," wrote Sexton in an email. "It is affirmation that all my hard work and dedication towards getting a degree in Agricultural Education is paying off. I want to thank Reach Higher Montana for giving myself and other students the opportunity to apply for this scholarship," Sexton wrote. "I would also like to thank my family and other Seeley Lake community members who have helped me get to this point in my college education!" The Reach Higher Montana Scholarship program annually awards 81, $1,000 scholarships to Montana students. Thirty awards are made to graduating high school seniors, and 50 awards are made to students who are continuing their postsecondary education. In addition, one award is given to a Montana student with military experience in honor of Carl Valvoda, a Montana service member who tragically lost his life to cancer in 2015. This year's Carl Valvoda Scholarship recipient is Kevin Watson, a Great Falls High School graduate attending Helena College. The complete list of scholarship winners is available at www.ReachHigherMontana.org (Newser) Allan McDonald, the engineer who refused to approve the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, has gone to his grave with a clean conscience. McDonald. the engineer in charge of the booster-rocket program at NASA contractor Morton Thiokol, risked his career by resisting pressure from NASA and his bosses to approve the launch. He warned that freezing overnight temperatures could compromise the O-ring gaskets at the booster rocket joints. "If anything happens to this launch, I wouldn't want to be the person that has to stand in front of a board of inquiry to explain why we launched," he recalled saying on Jan. 27, 1986. He was overruled by his supervisor, who signed the approval form. An O-ring failure caused the space shuttle to explode 72 seconds after the launch the next morning, killing all seven crew members. story continues below Relative say McDonald, 83, died Saturday from complications from a fall at his Utah home, the New York Times reports. Mark Maier, director of a documentary about McDonald's decision, tells NPR he was a hero both for trying to halt the launch and for exposing NASA's attempts to cover up the facts. Morton Thiokol demoted him after he told the presidential commission investigating the disaster that the launch was only approved after execs, under pressure from NASA, overruled engineers. After Congress objected, he was reinstated and put in charge of redesigning the booster rocket. After his retirement, he held ethics seminars for engineers. Maier says he stressed his "laws of the seven R's." "It was always, always do the right thing for the right reason at the right time with the right people," and "you will have no regrets for the rest of your life," Maier says. (Read more Space Shuttle Challenger stories.) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 16:06:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close FUZHOU, March 10 (Xinhua) -- From sailing with his grandfather as a boy to turning deserts into fishery complexes off the coast of Mauritania, 58-year-old Lan Pingyong has long worked to improve life by the sea. As the founder of China's leading offshore fishery firm Hongdong Fishery Co., Ltd. and a lawmaker at the ongoing annual session of China's top legislature, Lan proposes ramping up financial support for Chinese firms to do businesses in Belt and Road countries and incorporating offshore fishery bases into national development planning. His proposals are the result of a lifetime by the sea. Born into a fishing family in China's coastal county of Lianjiang, Lan started tagging along on fishing trips when he was 11. In those days, fishing was an ordeal in engineless sampan boats and without weather instruments. "Once a storm, my grandfather would urge me to throw away the net with the fish in it, or we would lose our lives," said Lan. The wooden boats in Lianjiang began to be replaced by ironclad boats in the late 1980s, when economic growth picked up. China's budding consumer market at the time was in need of more seafood than Lan could offer by fishing near his hometown. In 1999, he established his offshore fishery company. He had just two boats which were manned mostly by local fishermen. Fishing well into the Pacific Ocean, Lan's crew had to stay onboard for as long as two years at a time with very limited medical assistance. As his business expanded, he began looking for better options. In 2009, an exhaustive search for new ventures led Lan to his final stop -- Mauritania. The African country is covered by vast deserts and blessed with abundant marine resources, but is lacking infrastructure. Off the coast of Nouadhibou, Lan and his team fought unthinkable odds to build a fishing and processing complex, shipping in mortar and steel bars from Spain while generating electricity and freshwater by themselves. "Local people were amazed at how we did the 'impossible,'" said Lan. The dock was completed within 18 months, and refrigerated warehouses, processing plants and shipyards soon followed. With a total investment of 300 million U.S. dollars, the complex is currently one of China's largest offshore fishery bases. "The first thing on my mind has always been what my business can leave for the local people," said Lan. The complex has hired over 2,000 local workers and trained them in sailing, fishing and processing. Approximately one in 10 local workers are women. Lan has also learned a lot about sustainable fishing from locals, and Lan's fishery firm abides by rigorous rules for fish size and the mesh in fishing nets, among others. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Lan has had all hands on deck to keep the workers safe, staying up late to talk to his managers in Mauritania. Although the pandemic cost him around 500 million yuan (about 76.8 million U.S. dollars) last year, he is determined to keep everyone on the payroll and the business running. The company has been expanding its global footprint in recent years, buoyed by the development of the Belt and Road. According to Lan, a processing base in Guyana began its pilot run last month, while future projects in Oman, Angola and Suriname are in the pipeline. Lan hopes that more offshore fishing businesses will be able to play a bigger part in Belt and Road partnerships in the following five years. 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). Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. BURBANK (dpa-AFX) - Walt Disney Co.'s streaming service Disney+ now has surpassed 100 million paid subscribers globally, with the company achieving the milestone within sixteen months of its U.S. launch. This was revealed by Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek during the company's virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The landmark could be reached as millions of people, who are stuck at home around the world due to lockdowns related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, are spending more time online. The company had in 2019 expected that Disney+ would have 60 million to 90 million subscribers around the world by the end of fiscal 2024. However, the 100 million mark has been breached at least nineteen months ahead of that. Disney+ recorded 28.6 million paid subscribers globally in less than three months of its launch in the U.S. and 50 million global paid subscribers in just five months of its launch. Disney+ was launched in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019. The service was also launched in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India and Latin America as well as eight Western European counties including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. Disney+ provides high quality content from brands such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Star and National Geographic. Disney+ is currently available in 59 countries across North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America. In the U.S., Disney+ costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, while Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app for $4.99 per month. In comparison, the monthly charge for Netflix and Amazon Prime is around $8.99. Apple Inc. launched its original video subscription service Apple TV+ in November 2019, adding to the competition. The service is available in more than 100 countries and regions. Last month, Disney+ added more content with the addition of the Star brand, which launched on the platform across Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe. Disney+ with Star will continue its global rollout in new markets later this year with Latin America, Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX WALT DISNEY-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de A WA Police officer has been convicted of drink driving for a second time after attracting the attention of her colleagues by driving down a South Perth street with her car boot open. Kelly Susan Taylor, 48, was pulled over for a random breath test on South Terrace about midday on Monday, February 15, after police were alerted to a vehicle with items falling out of its boot. Kelly Susan Taylor outside Perth Magistrates Court. Credit:Nine News Perth The off-duty state crime senior constable blew a blood-alcohol reading of .238 grams more than four times the legal limit. During an appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Taylor pleaded guilty to drink driving, was fined $1850 and had her drivers licence disqualified for 18 months. This picture taken in 1942 shows Jewish deportees in the Drancy transit camp, their last stop before the German concentration camps. (-/AFP via Getty Images) Anti-SemitismThe Bigotry Whose Form Changes, but Whose Essence Doesnt Commentary Our divided political environment has generated many charges of bigotry. One of the most important tasks is to define anti-Semitism. To accomplish this, I concentrate on both the group definition and the causes. Who Is Jewish? Jews are generally regarded as an ethnoreligious group or a spiritual version of an extended family in which members are related by blood and/or religion. Occasionally outsiders join, in which case the adoption is accomplished by conversion. Traditional Judaism recognizes the mother as the prime determinant of Jewishness, even if the individual adopts another faith or no faith. Liberal (Reform) Jews generally accept someone as Jewish if either parent is Jewish, but in the case of a Jewish father, the child must identify as Jewish. All traditions within Judaism allow conversion. Once converted, the convert remains Jewish even if the faith is abandoned later. The Bases of Anti-Semitism Overview. Every group, whether defined by ethnicity, religion, or sexual preference is going to have some number of people who behave badly. Bigotry occurs when theres an extreme exaggeration of this normal phenomenon, combined with a belief that this behavior is a direct consequence of membership in the group. Over many centuries, Jews have been expelled from about 80 countries and have been subjected to countless pogroms, that is organized violent attacks initiated, encouraged, or tolerated by the government. They have faced the hostility of major religions and nations, culminating in the Holocaust. Theological. First, they have been attacked for failing to adopt the theology of the Christian and Muslim faiths. In fact, most Jews throughout history have seen merit in the theology of these faithsthey just didnt want to convert. As one example of this tolerance, Jews have always held that non-Jews who live moral lives can share in the blessings of the afterlife. Separateness. Jews have been a relatively closed group for thousands of years. There have been three Jewish states: ancient Judah, ancient Israel, and modern Israel. Jews have not made significant efforts to seek converts. Accordingly, DNA evidence indicates that most are descended from common ancestors in ancient Palestine. Left of Center Voting. Jews are perceived as left of center, because the most visible ones are secular. But if Judaism is integral to their lives, theyre generally right of center: citizens of Israel, whose physical lives are on the line, religious Jews, and, increasingly, European Jews. Education and success. Jews were isolated in ghettos for much of their existence. Accordingly, they made their own arrangements for education, and since the religious authorities (rabbis) were the most educated and had the largest families, the culture was passed on to succeeding generations. The result was significant economic success that, human nature being what is, caused resentment. Emphasis on strong families, necessary for survival in a hostile environment, may have helped also. What Part of the Political Spectrum Poses the Greatest Danger? I should note that anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry such as that directed against gay people and African Americans do not necessarily correspond to either end of the political spectrum; they are simply character flaws. But I will concentrate on elements of the political spectrum, right versus left. The right. Donald Trump moved the capital of Israel to Jerusalem; other U.S. presidents had promised to do so but didnt. By gutting the unenforceable Obama/Biden Iran deal, he strengthened Israeli securitylocal Arab states realized they had more to fear from Iran than Israel. Trump expanded the definition of anti-Semitism to provide much needed protection for Jewish students subject to increasing harassment on college campuses. Evangelical Christians are generally politically conservative and pro-Jewish (philo-Semitic). This is not because they believe that the creation of modern Israel will accelerate the return of Christ; they simply see it as an extension of their belief in the Bible, which assumes a role for Jews in human history. Charlottesville events were falsely presented to the public. Transcripts (and video) completely verify that Trump condemned totally neo-Nazis: Im not talking about the neo-Nazis and the white nationalistsbecause they should be condemned totally. The reference to many fine people reflected his belief that good people could disagree as to whether Confederate statues should be torn down. Sadly, the left piled on, and Joe Biden made this the centerpiece of his campaign. He also at least twice compared Trump to Joseph Goebbels, Hitlers chief propagandist. The left. If I were a zookeeper, and a leopard escaped, I would concentrate on capturing it; the fact that lions are more powerful would be irrelevant if they were confined. That is the problem on the leftanti-Semitism is being mainstreamed. Undoubtedly, underlying this is the leftist belief that if a group is successful, it must have become so improperly. First, the charge that anyone disagreeing with the left is a Nazi or fascist has cheapened these terms enormously. Nazism, which stands for National Socialism, is in fact a phenomenon of the left since it is a totalitarian ideology. Second, in Congress several Democrats, with no condemnation, have engaged in blatant traditional anti-Semitism, such as the charges that American Jews have a dual allegiance to Israel and pro-Israel members of Congress are being paid off by Jewish donors. One member attempted to rewrite Holocaust history. Mindless analogies are made between people entering the U.S. illegally and the Holocaust. This is falseJews were kidnapped and killed simply for who they were. If they did manage to migrate, it was to save their lives, and they would have accepted asylum from any willing country, wealthy or poor. Louis Farrakhan, a well-known anti-Semite who has referred to Jews as termites, Hitler as a very great man, and Judaism as a gutter religion, has been photographed with President Barack Obama. Obama referred to the terrorist murder of Jews in a Paris kosher deli (which specially prepares food for religious Jews) as a random shooting of a bunch of folks, thereby denying that the murderers were terrorists who were intentionally killing Jews. People with no interest in general anti-Semitism in society have suddenly jumped to the defense of activist George Soros, a totally secular Jew. Books have been written about the slander of Israel, but I will provide a small number of examples. Criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitism, but the compellingly false statements and double standards propagated by the left are. The land of Israel comprises just two tenths of one percent (0.2 percent) of the land mass of the Middle East. Jews did not steal this land but had a continuous presence since Roman times; this can be verified by historical records, archeological discoveries, and DNA evidence, without using religious scripture. Indeed, the term Palestinian meant Jews for almost 2,000 years, until the term was revised by Soviet disinformation in 1964. By improving the desolate land, Jews provided jobs to local Arabs that increased their numbers substantially. Israel was one of many countries created in the area after World War I by the League of Nations, which was authorized to do so by the victors when the Ottoman Empire was defeated. If Israel is illegitimate, so are the rest of the Middle Eastern countries. Encouraged by their Arab neighbors, some local Arabs left during the first war against Israel in 1948. However, the number was smaller than the number of Jews expelled from Arab countries, which themselves were originally controlled by Jews before Islam conquered them. These expelled Jews and their descendants comprise around half of Israels population; since they are olive skinned like other Middle Eastern peoples, the charge that Israel is white is false. There is no occupation. Occupation requires that a nation attacks another one. Israel did not attack and Palestine is not a nation. Land acquired in defensive actions is in an entirely different category. In any case, over 98 percent of the Palestinians are under self-rule. As a gesture of peace, in 2005, Israel removed 8,000 Jews from Gaza. This gesture resulted in at least 10,000 rocket attacks; the left provided no condemnation. A recent example is the libel that Jews are improperly avoiding vaccinating Palestinians. But the Palestinian Authority has the legal obligation to do so, as Palestinians are not Israeli citizens. Israel later provided several thousand doses anyway, and continues to provide routine medical care to both Palestinian leaders and Palestinian terrorists imprisoned in Israel even though both are dedicated to destroying Israel. Israeli Arab citizens have full access to COVID-19 vaccinations. The great majority of United Nations resolutions condemn Israel even though only one out of a thousand people in the world live in Israel and there are many countries with ghastly human rights abuses who escape criticism. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (known as BDS) is an attempt by the left to destroy Israel economically. It is widely supported at colleges and has some support in Congress. The left is the source of organized anti-Semitism. If the Jewish people suffer another massacre, it wont be because a few morons dress up in Nazi uniforms, it will be because of leftists. Arthur Wiegenfeld is an independent investor in New York. He has training in economics, finance, physics, and computer simulation. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Papua New Guinea forced to wait for vaccines as virus spirals out of control Papua New Guinea is rocked by the vaccine hesitancy despite the country facing unrestrained spike in infections. The rumours in social media that citizens are immune to the virus even without the vaccination has had authorities scratching their heads. PNG is not expected to receive the vaccine at least until next month even as the infection surge is forcing hospitals to shut their doors on the patients. By global standards, the number of confirmed cases in PNG is low: 1,670. But fewer than 50,000 tests have been carried out across PNG population nearly 9 million for the entire pandemic, and the actual rate of infection is higher. Read here Let's look at the global statistics Global infections: 117,556,326 Global deaths: 2,610,135 Nations with most cases: US (29,094,540), India (11,262,707), Brazil (11,122,429), Russia (4,293,750), United Kingdom (4,241,858). Source: John Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center Sputnik vaccines backers demand an apology after an E.U. official likens it to Russian roulette Russia's vaccine Sputnik V supporters have demanded an apology from the head of European drug regulator, who compared the vaccine to a Russian roulette. The episode highlighted a deepening rift between Russia and the West over accusations of belittling each others vaccines. Three member countries Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have approved or are considering approving Sputnik V. The head of European Medical Agency said that they should hold off until her agency finishes reviewing the vaccines safety and efficacy. Moving ahead before that, she said, was "somewhat comparable to Russian roulette." Read here Italy reaches 100,000 deaths Italy surpassed a grim milestone of 100,000 confirmed deaths, with an addition of more than 300 in the previous 24 hours. The tally was crossed one year after former Prime Minister Conte announced a national lockdown, as the country became the first in the West to be severely affected by the virus. The country is currently facing a large wave of coronavirus infections driven by new variants. Intensive care units are filling up, and the government is scaling up restrictions across the country. Read here China rolls out vaccine passport, aiming to revive foreign travel Vaccine Passports, where those who have been vaccinated will have a badge or proof from the government for traveling without restrictions, are the next flashpoint among countries in response to the coronavirus. The idea is that it helps in resuming international travel, open workplaces and employees can feel safe when they know that everyone beside them is vaccinated. Even as the world is debating the idea, China went one step further and launched the passports in a bid to travel foreign travel. Read here Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Overview: The continuously flourishing the automotive industry is likely to offer the most lucrative opportunities for growth in the coming years. Additionally, the aerospace industry is adopting the natural rubber-based tires, which is augmenting demand for rubber vulcanization. Swiftly changing the aerospace industry is fueling the growth of the global rubber vulcanization market. Furthermore, natural rubber is extensively used in the production of aircraft tires for its better quotient of heat resistance. The vulcanization process modifies the properties of the rubber and adds elasticity and strength by forming a crosslink between the long chain of molecules. These properties make the material suitable for several end-use industries. Thus, the market for rubber vulcanization is likely to witness robust growth in the coming years. Rubber Vulcanization Market Analysis is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 11,219.7 million by 2025 by exhibiting a growth rate of 4.94% over the estimated timeframe from 2018 to 2025. This growth is primarily attributable to the high demand for rubber from pharmaceutical, automotive, and consumer goods industries. Get a Free Sample @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/7894 Market Scenario and Growth Factors: Additionally, thriving construction and infrastructural development globally and especially across emerging countries is propelling growth of the global rubber vulcanization market. Growing demand for the products including natural rubbers in gloves, rollers, injection parts, tubes, mammary prostheses, and the pacemaker is positively impacting the growth of the market. Further, the demand for the seals & gaskets, pipe, O-rings, tubing, hose, washers, grommets, sleeves and rubber bladders, connectors, couplings, and fittings in the oil & gas industry is propelling growth of the market. Competitive Analysis: The Key Players Operating In the Global Rubber Vulcanization Market: LANXESS, Arkema SA, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Kumho Petrochemical, Duslo, a.s., Willing New Materials Technology Co., Ltd, Shandong Stair Chemical & Technology Co., Ltd, King Industries, Inc. Industry News: The automotive industry is trying to offer advanced featured vehicles such as self-seal tires. In these kinds of tires, the inner liner and covers the tread area. For instance, Ford Motor Co. announced the offering of a self-sealing version of Michelin Primacy A/S. Segmentation: The Rubber Vulcanization Market is segmented based on type, technique, end-user industry, and region. In terms of type, the global rubber vulcanization market is categorized into the vulcanizing agents, accelerators, activators, and others. The vulcanizing agent segment is further categorized into sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and metallic oxides. The accelerators segment is sub-segmented into dithiocarbamate, sulfenamides, dithiophosphate, and xanthates. Of these, the accelerators type segment dominated the global rubber vulcanization market and is estimated to procure a value of USD 4,710.0 million by the end of the forecast period. Based on the end-use industry, the market is segmented into automotive & transportation, industrial, consumer goods, healthcare, and others. Of these, the automotive & transportation segment held more than 58% share in 2017 and is estimated to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. Based on the technique, the market is segmented into sulfur vulcanization and other curing techniques. Of these, the sulfur vulcanization technique segment dominated the market in 2017 and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. Regional Analysis: By region, the market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. Of these, Asia Pacific held the lions share in the overall market in 2017 and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.68% over the forecast period. Among these, China accounted for 30% of the share in 2017. Indian market is likely to grab a value of USD 927.1 million during the forecast period. As per the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), countries including India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and others are producing around 91% of global rubber production in 2017. Browse Related Report @ https://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/signaling-analyzer-market-2020-global-analysis-by-size-growth-factors-emerging-trends-development-strategy-company-profile-future-plans-and-regional-forecast-to-2023_503209.html https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/signaling-analyzer-market-2020-global-analysis-by-size-growth-factors-emerging-trends-development-strategy-company-profile-future-plans-and-regional-forecast-to-2023-2020-08-20 http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4781018 https://www.wboc.com/story/42523907/signaling-analyzer-market-2020-global-analysis-by-size-growth-factors-emerging-trends-development-strategy-company-profile-future-plans-and-regional-forecast-to-2023 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 23:22:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia will tap partnership potential in the space sector and promote practical cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said on Tuesday. "We will make the interaction in the space sector an exemplary area of bilateral cooperation in the field of high technologies," Zhang said in a written interview with Russia's Interfax news agency. Over the past 30 years, he noted, the two countries have constantly deepened and expanded areas of cooperation, and achieved substantial results in areas including Earth observation, lunar and deep space exploration, aerospace electronic components, and monitoring of space debris. Zhang recalled that China and Russia signed two pacts in September 2019 on cooperation in lunar and deep space exploration. The two documents have been efficiently implemented, which has laid a solid foundation for China-Russia cooperation in lunar and deep space exploration, the diplomat said. Enditem Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Sometimes, the greatest gifts arrive in the most innocuous packaging. Late into the night of March 3rd on a partisan vote of 220-210, the Democrats passed the Orwellian-designated For the People Act (or H.R. 1) -- with all Republicans voting nay save for two who did not vote and all Democrats voting yea save for one lone stray. That stray Democrat is none other than Representative Bennie Thompson for Mississippis 2nd congressional district -- not exactly a household name but a House lifer since 1993, nonetheless. Now, Bennie is no ordinary stray. Although not as visible nationally as other progressives, he was an original cosponsor of H.R. 1 which only makes his change of heart all the more breathtaking. A dutiful foot soldier in the progressive movement for close to 30 years, govtrack ranks Thompson 37th among the most politically left representatives -- right up there with the most pious Poputchiki (fellow travelers) of the American left: Ocasio-Cortez, Jackson Lee, Grijalva, Jayapal, Schakowsky, Tlaib, and so forth and so on. You can view Thompsons full report card here. What caught my attention is his reason for switching to a no vote. In comments to Fox News, Thompson explained My constituents opposed the redistricting portion of the bill as well as the section on public finances and "I always listen and vote in the interest of my constituents." Take that in for a moment. Thats not something we hear very often. While members of Congress are ineluctably obligated to listen to their constituents and vote their will, they routinely govern with a top-down-we-know-better-than-you philosophy where their votes of conscience ride roughshod over their constituents wishes. They have a grandiose view of their role as elected representatives and an elevated misperception that their conscience and sense of morality trumps anything that can be fathomed by the useful idiots they represent on the left or the deplorable Neanderthals on the right. But the fact is, if their conscience conflicts with the expressed interests of their constituents, they are duty bound to vote consistent with the latter or resign. Heres what so fascinating. Much of the pushback to H.R. 1 that Bennie faced in his district, had to come from his black constituency. Mississippis 2nd district is 65.6% black and 31.1% white. Even if his entire white constituency voiced opposition to the bill, it wouldnt be sufficiently meddlesome for him to defy the party and walk back his support. For that, he would need considerable backlash from the black community. He had to feel so under siege politically from so many of his black constituents, that he had no choice but to reverse course. This is potent political information: recognizing the damage H.R. 1 would pose for election integrity, loyal black voters who supported Bennies progressive agenda 14 times rebelled against it with such ferocity that he bailed on his own bill. Even more compelling is that he made this bold move against Pelosi as a lone defector -- again, he must have really felt the heat. In the end, he likely had her blessing -- his vote wouldnt change the outcome but ignoring his constituents could imperil his 2022 run -- a loss she couldnt risk. As the 37th most progressive Democrat in the House who filed a lawsuit against Trump for violating the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, guys like Bennie arent playing for our team anytime soon. But his gift is the revelation that tiny fissures exist in the Democrat bulwark: even for progressive voters who have re-elected a progressive candidate 14 times, there is a tipping point if the proposed legislation goes too far. If they remonstrated against the For the People Act, maybe they would do the same for the Equality Act, the Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act, the filibuster, taxes, maybe even Dr. Seuss. If there is one Bennie Thompson, there are undoubtedly others -- vulnerabilities the Republicans must identify, target, and exploit. They must root out potential Bennies and blast their districts with ad campaigns highlighting the deleterious impacts these bills have. Constituents must be encouraged to contact their Bennies with spoon fed emails, letters, phone call scripts, and contact information made readily available. H.R. 1 requires 60 votes to pass in the Senate which, if successful, would eviscerate longstanding constitutionally-granted state powers regulating the time, place and manner of elections. Steny Hoyer insists Chuck Schumer is going to do everything in his power to make sure it passes. That can only mean they either reach a compromise, which Republicans dont seem inclined to do; or, more likely, kill the filibuster -- which would explain the March 7th email from MoveOn.org and Elizabeth Warren announcing their putsch to destroy the filibuster -- "a procedural loophole that lets a minority of senators block bills that have the broad support of the American people. Masterful. Calling 50 Republican senators tied with Democrats a minority blocking bills everyone else wants! To save the filibuster, Republicans must put into action the lessons learned from Mississippi. Politics is not a spectator sport. It requires time and effort that many conservatives are reluctant to give. The mentality that participatory representative government doesnt require our vigilance, only our votes, must give way to the kind of activism Democrats employ. As Pelosi famously quipped: We dont agonize, we organize. Shored up by a vast network of well-funded organizations focused on action, Democrats have a highly-effective machine to rouse participation and get favorable results. Traditional conservatives, on the other hand, tend to agonize, not organize. They are the Woody Allens of politics. But Mississippis 2nd District informs us that a viable path to defeat progressive legislation exists and reminds us that our involvement is critical. By way of example, senators Sinema and Manchin need the support of their Republican constituents: Arizona has 1,520,328 registered Republicans, 1,380,405 registered Democrats, and 1,360,898 others; and West Virginia has 445,132 registered Republicans, 435,694 registered Democrats, and 270,576 declaring no party. On legislation that is unpopular in their states, like H.R 127 (guns) or H.R. 1 (elections), they need to feel a Bennie-like squeeze from their districts that is so forceful, they will bend to their constituents will, not Nancy Pelosis or their conscience. The pressure should additionally come from people outside of their districts who are also affected by the legislation -- turning hundreds of daily complaints to thousands, compounding the pressure and overwhelming their offices. Even if these senators fail us, they will be rattled and acutely aware that their legislative votes might jeopardize their re-elections. I dont put much stock in Manchin, who seems to enjoy teasing Republicans with his pivotal votes and always finds a way to leave Republicans in the dust, as just happened with the COVID relief bill where he brokered a compromise to keep the enhanced weekly unemployment benefit at $300 -- as if that were the only problem with the $1.9 trillion pork-laden measure. We keep Dems like Manchin and Sinema in our sights not because theyre really one of us, but because of Bennie Thompsons gift that has, like Dorothys ruby slippers, been there all along: constituents paying close attention who will pressure their representatives to listen and vote in their interests. As things currently stand, that might just be our only hope to save the filibuster and push back against the Democrat agenda. Image: AFGE President Joe Biden's administration is once again sweating confirmation of a prominent nominee as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin phoned lynchpin senator Joe Manchin to talk up Pentagon nominee Colin Kahl. Austin's call to the West Virginia Democrat Tuesday night came amid apparent reservations the powerful West Virginia Democrat holds about the nominee, who served during the Obama Administration. Kahl served as national security adviser to Democrat Biden when he was vice president, and is his first Pentagon nominee to come under serious pressure after Republicans portrayed him as hyper-partisan. Democratic Senator from West Virginia Joe Manchin (L) and Republican Senator from Texas John Cornyn (R) walk to the Senate chamber as the Senate begins a so-called 'vote-a-rama' on more than 40 amendments to President Biden's Covid relief package 'I've reached out to Republicans who he's worked with and who he's worked under,' Manchin told Fox News. He told the network he was 'gathering all that information' and had made no final decision. Manchin also said reached out to former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Politico reported. Biden nominated him to hold the top policy advisor position at the Pentagon. Kahl apologized during his Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing last week after GOP senators brought up his past tweets during the Trump era. 'There were a number of positions that President Trump took that I strongly opposed,' Kahl said. 'I think the language that I used in opposing those was sometimes disrespectful, and for that, I apologize.' That is a characterization that Kahl's supporters firmly reject. A committee vote on Kahl could come as early as this week. If he advances, he would face confirmation in a 50-50 Senate where a single Democratic can sink a nominee if Republicans maintain unified opposition. Manchin helped sink the nomination of Neera Tanden to run the Office of Management and Budget following her own tweets about GOP senators Colin Kahl, center, chats with United States Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat of Connecticut), right, and Kim Quarantello, left, prior to a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing regarding his nomination to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy it was a scenario that helped sink Biden's top budget nominee Neera Tanden, whose nomination was withdrawn amid opposition from Manchin. Manchin's office did not respond to a request for comment. The Biden administration would need to ensure Kahl at least has half the votes on the committee in order to advance his nomination to a full Senate vote. 'This is a critically important position ... And Dr. Kahl is eminently qualified to fill it,' Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing. 'The secretary fully supports his nomination and wants him installed as soon as possible.' Republican Senator Tom Cotton, during Kahl's March 4 confirmation hearing, lambasted Kahl for warning on Twitter of the risk of conflict with Iran after the Trump administration killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last year. He said Kahl had spent 'the last four years warning about impending wars that never happened.' Cotton also pointed to a tweet by Kahl describing Republicans as 'the party of ethnic cleansing' after Trump abruptly ordered a Syria withdrawal in 2019, in a move that many said put at risk ethnically Kurdish allies. Kahl apologized in the hearing and said the last several years had been 'pretty polarizing on social media.' 'I'm sure there are times that I got swept up in that,' he said. Michele Flournoy, a former senior Pentagon official who enjoys strong bipartisan support on the Senate Armed Services Committee, stressed that Kahl had proven himself as the top Pentagon policy official for the Middle East from 2009-11. 'Colin Kahl has a clear track record of effective, nonpartisan leadership in the Department of Defense,' Flournoy said. 'His behavior and actions in public service should be given more weight than a selective reading of his tweets.' Kahl is one of several Biden nominees to be scrutinized over his Twitter feed. Neera Tanden withdrew from consideration last week as Biden's nominee for Office of Management and Budget director after criticism for previous social media posts. Vanita Gupta, Biden's nominee for the Justice Department's No. 3 post, was accused by a top Republican at her confirmation hearing on Tuesday of excessive partisanship over her Twitter posts criticizing Republicans. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Grant McCool) NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of XL Fleet Corporation ("Gannett" or the "Company")(NYSE: XL). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether XL Fleet and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 3, 2021, Muddy Waters published a report on the Company entitled "More SPAC Trash." Citing interviews with former employees, the Muddy Waters report asserted that XL Fleet's management systemically inflates the Company's backlog and grossly overstates XL Fleet's customer base, with at least 18 of 33 touted customers being inactive. The Muddy Waters report also alleges that the Company significantly exaggerates sales projections and overstates its technological capabilities. On this news, XL Fleet's stock price fell $2.09 per share, or 13.1%, to close at $13.86 per share on March 3, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 March 8 is International Womens Day (IWD), and the theme for this years celebration is Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world. We recognize the tremendous contribution and leadership demonstrated by women and girls around the world in shaping our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and a more sustainable future. UN Women China Qinghai programme has benefited local women. (Photo/UN Women) A global review of the progress achieved towards commitments made at the Fourth World Conference on Women 25 years ago in Beijing, conducted by UN Women in 2020, reveals that no country has fully delivered on the Beijing Platform for Action, nor is close to it. Globally, women currently hold just one-quarter of the seats at the tables of power across the board and are absent from some key decision-making spaces, including in peace and climate negotiations. This reality is despite the advances that we can see globally: there are now more girls in school than ever, fewer women are dying in childbirth, and over the past decade, 131 countries have passed laws to support womens equality. However, progress has been too slow and uneven. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is further exacerbating pre-existing inequalities and threatening to halt or reverse the gains from decades of collective effort with data revealing that the pandemic will push 47 million more women and girls below the poverty line globally. We also witness new global challenges emerging from the pandemic, such as increased reports of violence against women trapped in lockdown throughout the world, forming a Shadow Pandemic. Women with disabilities are facing further obstacles in accessing essential services. Women have lost their livelihoods faster, being more exposed to hard-hit economic sectors as they make up the majority of informal sector workers. Access to technologies has become a necessity, but the gender digital divide lingers, particularly in the least developed countries. But in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, women have stood tall at the frontlines, serving as health workers and caregivers, where they make up 70% of the global workforce. Women also lead in their capacities throughout government and civil society to give vital assistance, bringing their irreplaceable perspectives and skills to the table. Answering these complex global challenges while tearing down the barriers to womens participation and leadership now requires bolder political commitment backed up by adequate resources and targeted approaches to accelerate progress towards parity through legislation, fiscal measures, programmatic change, and public-private partnerships. China has made progress in safeguarding womens rights and promoting gender equality. Notably, Chinas poverty alleviation achievements have had a multiplier effect on advancing womens empowerment beyond alleviating poverty among women. Advances in girls education, access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, social protection and assistance are admirable - and important not just for the advancement of womens rights - but in creating a moderately prosperous Chinese society with a bright shared future for all. Yet, as in many countries, there are still challenges that persist across the course of womens lives. The newly enacted Civil Code offers opportunities to strengthen legislation, including judicial mechanisms, law enforcement and service delivery for addressing sexual harassment, sexual abuse and violence against women and girls. Robust implementation of the provisions for ending sexual harassment and abuse will be a step towards Chinas demonstration of zero tolerance towards ending all forms of violence against women and girls. The 14th Five-Year National Development Plan, 2021-2025 and the new 10-Year Plan on Development of Women and Children, 2021-2030, also present opportunities for China to ensure gender equality and womens empowerment are at the center of the development agenda and address the remaining gender gaps and challenges in the country. The world now looks to China for continued leadership on the SDGs and the Beijing Platform for Action. We welcome the Chinese governments recent commitment to prioritizing womens empowerment in its future development cooperation and global engagement. This comes at a time, when we need stronger global action and multilateralism to alleviate the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19 and accelerate actions towards the achievement of the SDGs. As we look at womens rights issues that many countries are grappling with poverty, maternal health, livelihood and food security, access to continued education, to name a few are also the areas where China has seen the most progress domestically. South-South cooperation enables China to share its lessons and continue learning from others, to achieve genuine empowerment for women and girls around the world. We recognize that gender equality and womens empowerment are drivers for transformative change and a prerequisite for the achievement of all SDGs. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, 2021-2025, signed between the United Nations System in China and the Chinese government, is underpinned by this principle and prioritizes the advancement of womens rights as a key programming area of its own. As the UN Country Team (UNCT), we stand ready to support and continue to work with the Government of China and all national actors for our concerted efforts towards advancing gender equality and womens empowerment. 2021 is only the beginning of our journey on the Decade of Action for the SDGs. We have an unprecedented opportunity to do things differently for current and future generations of women and girls. On International Womens Day, we call upon our partners and supporters to celebrate the leadership and contribution of Chinas women, and become advocates, champions, and influencers that promote gender equality and womens empowerment today, and every day. Siddharth Chatterjee is UN Resident Coordinator in China. Smriti Aryal is Head of Office, UN Women in China Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 00:52:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on Wednesday said 51 Ethiopian refugees have returned home. "16 ethnic Anuak Ethiopian families, who had been refugees in South Sudan and Kenya for years, spontaneously returned home through the Raad border crossing point in Ethiopia's western Gambella region," said a UNHCR report. "Of the 51 individuals, 36 came from Gorom Refugee camp in South Sudan while the remaining 15 were refugees in Kenya's Kalobeyei refugee camp," the UNHCR report further disclosed. The UNHCR said the Ethiopian returnees are currently sheltered at a college in Dimma locality, Gambella regional state. Plans are to eventually disperse them to their respective homes. The UNHCR report also disclosed 1,142 refugees from Somalia have entered Ethiopia in recent days. Ethiopia currently hosts nearly 802,000 refugees from 21 countries. Enditem A number of 103,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive on Thursday at the "Cantacuzino" National Institute for Medical-Military Development Research, informs a press release of the National Coordinating Committee for Vaccination Activities against COVID-19. According to the quoted source, the transport is provided by the manufacturing company, and the vaccine doses will be brought to Bucharest by land. Doses will be stored at the National Storage Center of the Cantacuzino Institute.Thus, the vaccination process continues both in the centers in Bucharest and in the country, the doses being distributed as follows:* Bucharest National Storage Center: 27,600 doses;* Brasov Regional Storage Center: 12,600 doses;* Cluj Regional Storage Center: 14,900 doses;* Constanta Regional Storage Center: 11,500 doses;* Craiova Regional Storage Center: 9,700 doses;* Iasi Regional Storage Center: 16,000 doses;* Timisoara Regional Storage Center: 10,900 doses.On March 8, following the recommendations of the Scientific and Medical Group of the National Steering Committee for Vaccination Activities against COVID-19, of the Ministry of Health and of the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices in Romania, it was decided to renounce the age limit for inoculating the vaccine produced by the company AstraZeneca."With the support of the Special Telecommunications Service, appointments for vaccination with AstraZeneca serum can be made on the electronic platform, as a result of the elimination of the age restriction. The vaccine is addressed to persons over 18 years of age who, according to the National Anti-COVID 19 Vaccination Strategy, are part of the second stage, respectively the persons with chronic diseases and the persons with disabilities," the press release also reads. National fondue restaurant franchise Melting Pot is looking to expand in several southeastern states, including Alabama. The Florida-based brand, which has 97 locations in 31 states and Canada, currently has another 17 restaurants in development. The company is looking to expand into Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Melting Pot began in Maitland, Fla. in 1975. Billing itself as the worlds largest fondue franchise, Melting Pot allows guests to customize the menu with up to four courses. Restaurant experience is not necessary, but preferred. Franchise owners must have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and meet the minimum liquid assets required of $400,000. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, the franchise instituted a menu change last year along with national promotions that owners said substantially increased per person average sales and guest satisfaction. The innovations from this past year have set us up for this strong start in 2021, Bob Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands, the restaurant management company for Melting Pot, said. In addition to endearing us with our guests, the momentum behind our brand puts us in the right spot to attract high quality restaurant franchise investors. We are in a strategic expansion mode and looking to bring on talented owner/operators that have the experience and infrastructure to grow with us. For more information, visit the website. You cant find coq au vin on every corner quite yet, but this much is undeniable: French food is finding its way back into San Antonios dining landscape after a decadelong drought. A slow but steady Gallic march across the city began in earnest two years ago with the March 2019 opening of Bistr09 in Alamo Heights and has continued through Decembers launch of Brasserie Mon Chou Chou at the Pearl. Along the way weve also gained Julias Bistro & Bar in Beacon Hill and the French-leaning Europa Restaurant & Bar near the South Texas Medical Center. If its drinks and French-inspired bar nibbles youre after, dont forget the near East Side cocktail lounge Pastiche, a tribute to the late 19th century Belle Epoque in Paris. With those newcomers joining Southtown bastion La Frite Belgian Bistro and downtown bakery and cafe La Boulangerie, San Antonios lineup of of French-inspired establishments is the most robust its been in about 10 years. When most folks think of French dining in the U.S., they think of white tablecloths, intimidating wine lists and a check that rivals your mortgage. S.A.s previous batch of French fare such as Andrew Weissmans celebrated Le Reve, Jean-Francois Poujols Le Midi, both downtown, and Scott Cohens Brasserie Pavil on Loop 1604 near Stone Oak were all examples of Old World extravagance and elegance and came with a hefty price tag as well. But America has become more casual, and this new generation of French restaurants exemplifies that. No dress codes, no stuffy service and menus that focus more on classic French comfort food or fun Franco-Texas mashups than traditional haute cuisine. In other words, theres nothing froufrou at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Its not like Im serving frog legs. We have steak frites, rotisserie chicken. Its not pretentious. Its not complicated. The brasserie was really the blue collar food of the Parisian. I like to think were serving French comfort food, said Philippe Place, general manager and partner. Weve been amazed and surprised at how good the reaction has been from the public. This is magical. This is exactly what I had hoped for. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio is having a big fried chicken sandwich moment. Heres why and where to eat them But theres more to whats happening in San Antonio than customers with a sudden craving for a warm, loving hug from grand-mere drenched in cream, butter and bread. Watel said its a confluence of the right people in the right place at the right time. And theyre all French, including Watel. Watels launched several French eateries in the city over the past two decades. The team behind Brasserie Mon Chou Chou Place, Jerome Serot and Laurent Rea have been attached to several French restaurants over the same period of time here. Julias is helmed by longtime San Antonio restaurateur Jean-Francois Poujol, whos owned several French spots himself. Is there a new appetite for French food in San Antonio? I dont think so. I think the usual suspects are back at the rendezvous. Theyre getting the itch and going for it, Watel said. Its just a question of timing as to when theres support financially or emotionally. Bars and restaurants are going to make a comeback, no doubt. Theres definitely some positive aspiration that business is going to be back to normal. And its not just San Antonio crying Vive la France! The James Beard Foundation noted a wave of restaurants serving classic, gutsy French cuisine as far back as late 2016 in food-centric cities like Los Angeles and New York and predicted more to come. Chefs and restaurateurs here have long anecdotally joked that this city is roughly five years behind national food and beverage trends, so the resurgence actually is right on schedule. On ExpressNews.com: The new trends in San Antonios restaurant dining scene as its been impacted by coronavirus pandemic And its perfectly timed as Texans hungry to dine out after a year of pandemic isolation increasingly venture out, bolstered by COVID vaccines and the lifting of the states emergency business restrictions. And that sense of conviviality is exactly the spirit of a casual French restaurant, according to Poujol. A place where friends, family and lovers alike connect to share the light and dark of life. And the food, he said, should not be the star of the show. Its the communal thing. Its not just food. It has to be the social aspect of it, as well, Poujol said. My parents would never go out just to eat. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer It was a different story a decade-plus ago in San Antonio. At the time, Poujol was operating Soleil Bistro & Wine Bar near Blanco and Bitters and Le Midi, Watel owned Chez Vatel Bistro in Olmos Park, Place was satisfying the citys sweet tooth at Coco Chocolate Lounge & Bistro at Loop 1604 and U.S. 281, and Weissman was earning accolades at Le Reve, considered at the time to be the best French restaurant in Texas. All those spots were focused on fine dining and were fueled by a bullish clientele flush with cash in the late 90s through the aughts. On ExpressNews.com: Review: Bistr09 French restaurant meets and beats expectations for French food in San Antonio And then the Great Recession hit. Le Reve closed in 2009. But Poujol and Place both cite the 2010 closure of Brasserie Pavil, an opulent, expansive and short-lived love letter to all things French on the citys far North Side, as the confirmation that San Antonios fancy French food scene was doomed. Le Midi closed in 2011. At the time there was momentum, and the French restaurants were getting a lot more attention, but the housing bubble changed everything, Poujol said. The recession dried out a lot of savings, and people could just not go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a meal. For years following the financial collapse, La Frite and Chez Vatel Bistro were the only spots in town for classic French food. Watel opened La Frite in 2006 in Southtown and sold it to former employee Miles Donnelly and his mother in 2009; its still open. Watel was able to hold on longer to Chez Vatel Bistro, closing it in 2017 amid a lawsuit against his landlord. La Frite, Donnelly said, was able to weather the economic storm in part because of its hip Southtown location but also because of the casual type of French food La Frite serves. Weve always been number one, affordable, and number two, approachable, Donnelly said. Its French street food, and you dont feel like youre engulfed by the restaurant. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Donnelly welcomes a revival of French fare in San Antonio. Modern foodie culture, he said, thrives on variety, with customers constantly seeking out a wide range of dining experiences instead of settling on a single place to become their regular spot for a nosh. Having competition in the French food field means more people will think of coq au vin, steak frites and escargot as an option as a regular alternative to tacos and enchiladas for a night out. On ExpressNews.com: Review: La Frite Belgian Bistro a romantic slice of Europe in San Antonios Southtown Were seeing an overall renaissance of food culture in San Antonio, and French food has always been the base of that, Donnelly said. Most people who go to culinary school have been trained in French food, and I think the classical French technique always sticks with you. While its hard to say if San Antonio will see more French-influenced restaurants open in the coming years, Donnelly, for one, would welcome the newcomers with open arms. I think were at a good balance. But having different types of French food, taking a country approach or Parisian approach, will help us all, Donnelly said. I think having different ideas and echelons of places makes French food more comfortable in general. pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen Mumbai, Mar. March 10 : A day after Vimla M. Hiren, the widow of slain Thane businessman Mansukh Hiren pointed an accusing finger at Mumbai Crime Branch officer Sachin Vaze, the government has transferred him, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said here on Wednesday. "Assistant Police Inspector (API) Vaze is currently serving with the Crime Branch...We have decided to remove him from there to another department," Deshmukh said. However, Bharatiya Janata Party's Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Darekar said this was not enough and reiterated the demand to immediately suspend and arrest Vaze - attached to the elite Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of Crime Branch. The development came a day after Vimla Hiren' statement to the Anti Terrorism Squad on March 7 said: "I suspect (API) Vaze must have murdered my husband" and demanded an investigation." Hiren's SUV Scorpio, with 20 gelatin sticks and a purported typewritten threat note, was found abandoned near Antilia, the multi-storied residence of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Announcing Vaze's transfer, Deshmukh urged the Opposition that if they have any documents pertaining to the case, they can submit it to the government or the ATS, which is now probing the Hiren case. On Tuesday, the Centre abruptly transferred the SUV case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the state ATS will probe the businessman's death case. The twin issues have been rocking the Maharashtra Legislature with Leader of Opposition (Assembly) reading out Vimla Hiren's FIR statement in the lower house, leading to an uproar. She said in her FIR reply to the ATS that since Nov. 2020, the SUV was given by her husband to API Vaze, who returned it on Feb. 5 as its steering wheel was getting jammed. On Feb. 17, he had left his Thane home for Mumbai in the same Scorpio but the steering got jammed and he left it near the Mulund Toll Post and took off in a private taxi. The following morning, Hiren and a mechanic returned to the spot but the SUV was missing and he lodged a complaint with Vikhroli Police Station on Feb. 18. Barely a week later, the missing/stolen SUV shot into national headlines after it parked mysteriously near Antilia in the wee hours of Feb. 25 and recovered after around 12 hours. The case became further compounded when 10 days later, Hiren's body was fished out of the marshes in the Thane Creek near Mumbra on March 5. The move to strip Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son of their security had nothing to do with the Palace's stance on Archie becoming a prince, it emerged last night. Prince Harry claimed in the Oprah chat that when the Sussexes were in Canada he was told 'at short notice security was going to be removed'. Meghan also claimed the decision not to make her son a prince meant he would not get police protection. But round-the-clock police protection is understood to have been taken away when they stepped down as working royals after a meeting of the government body that oversees protection. Prince Charles then reportedly said he would not fund their private security out of his own money. The assumption by Harry that taxpayers would fund security after he and Meghan left the UK was branded 'arrogant' and 'unworkable' yesterday. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said the couple's plans were 'utterly unrealistic' and could have put British police at risk. Mr Davies said he was 'gobsmacked' that the couple expected British taxpayers to pick up the bill estimated at 4million a year. He added: 'It was utterly unrealistic to think they could continue to have their royal protection team working in America in fact it would have put their [police] lives at risk.' The move to strip Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son of their security had nothing to do with the Palace's stance on Archie becoming a prince, it emerged last night The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with security detail, during their three-week tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji Archie's title - or future title - was at the centre of the Sussexes bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday. Meghan described her 'pain' officials had denied him the title of prince and accused Buckingham Palace of failing to protect him by denying him 24/7 security. She said Archie becoming a prince was neither her nor Harry's decision and said it was Palace officials who revealed Archie 'wasn't going to receive security'. Protection received by Royal Family members FULL 24/7 PROTECTION Queen (295) Philip William (220) Kate (126) Charles (521) Camilla (194) PROTECTION ON OFFICIAL DUTIES Anne (506) Edward (308) Sophie (236) NO PROTECTION Andrew (274) Harry (201) Meghan (83) Zara Beatrice Eugenie Numbers denote 2019 engagements for best comparison due to pandemic in 2020 Advertisement Sources told the Telegraph the reason the couple lost their security privileges was because they stepped down as working royals. An insider told the newspaper: 'Security was a big issue for them because there had been specific threats made against them.' And another source told The Times: 'The point they were making was stupid. A baby that can't crawl wouldn't get protection in its own right. It doesn't need it. 'The baby doesn't go anywhere independently, it's with Harry and Meghan all the time.' The couple were escorted from Canada to California last March by UK police, but the officers were then summoned back to London. Media mogul Tyler Perry, whose house they used in LA, then brought in private security for them. They now pay for their own protection after moving into their own mansion in Montecito. The couple's friends are reported to have said the cost of the bodyguards is 'exorbitant'. A friend of the Sussexes told The Telegraph the couple were annoyed Prince Andrew's children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie get treated differently. The source told the paper: 'There do appear to be different rules on security when it suits.' The Royal and VIP Executive Committee authorises the budget for security for royals, VIPs and former PMs. The government committee's control over it means the Queen does not have the right to dish out protection. A former senior officer in the Met told the Telegraph the move was made by senior police and Homes Office staff after consulting with the Palace. The Sussexes reportedly fear the Duke of Cornwall (pictured in London yesterday) will scrap this under plans for a slimmed-down monarchy In 1917, the then King issued a written order ruling that only grandchildren of the monarch who are in the direct line of succession could be made a prince What is the George V convention? In 1917, the Queen's grandfather issued new letters patent that limited the number of royal family members with an HRH title. These stated that 'the children of any Sovereign of these Realms and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour'. In 1917, the Queen's grandfather issued new letters patent that limited the number of royal family members with an HRH title This means that when Prince Charles become King, his grandchildren - including Archie - will all automatically become princes or princesses. It was also decreed that 'grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line ... shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms' (i.e., Lord or Lady before their Christian name).' In addition the letters stated 'save as aforesaid the style title or attribute of Royal Highness, Highness or Serene Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess shall not henceforth be assumed or borne by any descendant of any Sovereign of these Realms. Advertisement It comes as reports claim Harry and Meghan think Prince Charles will not make their son Archie a prince when he becomes king. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to believe the Prince of Wales plans to change the rules when the Queen dies. Archie was not born a prince due to an order by King George V in 1917 ruling only royal offspring in the direct line of succession could be made a prince or princess. Under the Letters Patent the child would still be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when Charles accedes to the throne. But the Sussexes reportedly fear the Duke of Cornwall will scrap this under plans for a slimmed-down monarchy. When asked if it was 'important' for Meghan that Archie be called a prince, she said she does not have any attachment to the 'grandeur' of official titles. She said it was about 'the idea of our son not being safe' and the idea 'the first member of colour in this family not being titled in the same way'. In 1917, King George V - the Queen's grandfather - issued a written order ruling only royal offspring in the direct line of succession could be made a prince or princess. The Letters Patent read: '...the grandchildren of the sons of any such sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of these our realms.' Under the rules, only Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's eldest son Prince George - as a great-grandson of the monarch down the direct line of succession to the throne - was originally entitled to be a prince. The Queen stepped in ahead of George's birth in 2013 to issue a Letters Patent to ensure all George's siblings - as the children of future monarch William - would have fitting titles. Under the George V rules, Archie would still be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when his grandfather Charles, the Prince of Wales, accedes to the throne. But the Times reports the Sussexes are concerned Prince Charles will change the rules when he is king - meaning their son will not carry the title. The newspaper cited a section of Meghan's chat with Oprah, in which the Duchess said: 'While I was pregnant they said they want to change the convention for Archie.' It said her claims have not been verified by sources in the Palace, with one saying they had not heard about these talks. Prince Charles is said to have long had a desire to have a 'slimmed-down' Royal Family, with a greater focus on the direct line of succession. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have insisted their interview with Oprah Winfrey would be the 'last word' on them quitting as senior royals No way they could keep their bodyguards: Former royal security unit chief blasts 'arrogant' assumption Harry and Meghan could retain their protection after stepping back The assumption by Harry that tax- payers would fund security after he and Meghan left the UK was branded 'arrogant' and 'unworkable' yesterday. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said the couple's plans were 'utterly unrealistic' and could have put British police at risk. UK officers cannot carry guns under US laws or access intelligence about potential threats. Donald Trump, who was then president, made it clear the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would have no US-funded Secret Service bodyguards after the couple moved to California from Canada in March 2020. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, described the couple's hopes of security in the US 'unworkable' Harry told Oprah Winfrey they were informed at 'short notice' that their Met police security detail would be cut off. The prince said, 'Their justification was a change in status', adding that he 'pushed back'. Mr Davies said he was 'gobsmacked' that the couple expected British taxpayers to pick up the bill estimated at 4million a year. He insisted: 'It shows you their naivety and sense of entitlement. 'It was utterly unrealistic to think they could continue to have their royal protection team working in America in fact it would have put their [police] lives at risk. 'There is a reciprocal agreement in place with the US for occasions like official state visits, but British officers couldn't just carry on working there, unable to bear firearms and with no access to integrated intelligence from the security services. It was unworkable.' He added: 'It was simply arrogant to presume they and their baby would get protection.' Russell Stuart, a former California State Guard officer turned celebrity bodyguard, pointed out that Harry and Meghan had increased their threat level by moving from Vancouver. He said: 'This is America. We're a nation of gun owners, we've got a lot of weapons. We're ten times the population of Canada. 'California is a much bigger place, it's more dangerous, you have a lot more potential threats than back in Vancouver.' Initially when they went to Canada, the couple's royal protection officers were given assistance by Canadian mounties, but this was only ever intended as an interim measure until other arrangements could be made. The Canadian Government later confirmed it would stop providing security assistance to the family 'in keeping with their change in status'. Aside from the legal and practical difficulties of protecting a royal living abroad, the financial burden would have been astronomical. The cost of a close protection team and static security at events was estimated at more than 1million a year when officers' salary, overtime payments, overseas allowance, pensions, flights and accommodation costs were added up. An armed team made up of at least six people including a principal personal protection officer and back up close protection officers accompanied the family at all times. They work in pairs and if the couple travelled separately or attended separate engagements it required at least four of them to do the job as they work on relay shift patterns. Many of the Scotland Yard officers who protected them had families in the UK and it would have been unfair to expect them to travel back and forth. Such a vast expense would have been untenable at a time when Scotland Yard had already nearly doubled its flight budget to cover the escalating cost of protecting of globe-trotting Royals on official visits and holidays in 2019. The Royals who DON'T get full protection: How hard-working members of The Firm like Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex don't have 24/7 security despite hundreds of engagements a year Some Royal Family members receive no or partial security while others get 24/7 taxpayer-funded guards, it was revealed today after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle complained about losing their protection. The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate all get round-the-clock protection - while Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie are guarded only on official duties and engagements. Senior royals carried out 3,567 engagements in 2019 - including 295 by the Queen, 521 by Charles, 194 by Camilla, 220 by William and 126 by Kate. In the same year, Harry did 201 and Meghan carried out 83 - while Anne did 506. Other royals including the Queen's granddaughters Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie do not have state-funded security, while Prince Andrew lost his after stepping down from royal duties in November 2019. Beatrice and Eugenie's security is no longer paid for by the British taxpayer, despite them being princesses and grandchildren of the monarch, because they are not working royals and have full-time jobs instead. Beatrice and Eugenie had police protection costing 500,000 until 2011 when this was removed amid a row over the cost, with the Queen having made it clear that she expected them to pursue their own careers after university. Princess Diana also famously jettisoned her police protection team in 1993 after her divorce from Charles - despite the Metropolitan Police making efforts to get her to change her mind before she died in Paris in August 1997. The budget on air travel for royal bodyguards hit 4.6million in 2018-19, while their hotel stays cost 2million in 2017-18. Anti-monarch group Republic estimates that taxpayers foot a 106million annual bill on royal security. It comes after Harry's assumption that taxpayers would pay for their security after the Sussexes left the UK was branded 'arrogant' and 'unworkable' by an expert after he spoke about the issue in the Oprah Winfrey interview. The Duke of Sussex said in the chat, shown on ITV on Monday, that he had to cut deals with Spotify and Netflix after his family cut him off financially and stripped his security, forcing him to foot the multi-million bill himself. This graphic shows how the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate all get round-the-clock protection - while Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie are guarded only when on official duties and engagements The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke to Oprah Winfrey in a bombshell interview which was first aired on CBS on Sunday But in reality the couple, who now live in Montecito, California, had moved to a country where their royal protection officers would have been legally unable to carry out their duties and therefore their lives could have been put at risk as British officers cannot carry guns under US laws or access intelligence about potential threats. And if an officer harmed someone in the course of protecting the Sussexes, they could have found themselves facing an expensive lawsuit or even criminal charges as they had no legal basis to operate in a foreign country. The level of protection given to royals is based on a threat assessment conducted by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, reported The Times. The JTAC gathers intelligence from security services in Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - known as the 'Five Eyes partnership' - and then makes recommendations to to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which is chaired by former civil servant Sir Richard Mottram. Scotland Yard provides automatic protection to only the most senior royals and members of the Government, but the force will also give protection for any individual who faces a big enough risk, according to the newspaper. Meghan claimed in the bombshell interview that she was told her son Archie would not receive security because he would not be a prince. Harry also told Oprah: 'I never thought that I would have my security removed, because I was born into this position. I inherited the risk. So that was a shock to me. That was what completely changed the whole plan.' But those familiar with royal protection have criticised both claims, with one police source telling The Times: 'If you cease to be a royal, you lose your HRH and you go to another country like America, your threat level is going to reduce quite considerably because basically, who wants to kill you? 'You're not a royal. It still will exist - there still will be a threat against Meghan and Harry but it won't be high. And the threat against their children is non-existent so the notion that her son should get protection just because they were born to Meghan and Harry is nonsense, really.' Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said that Harry and Meghan's plans for royal protection after they moved to North America were 'utterly unrealistic' and could have put British police officers at risk. Donald Trump, the then US president, made it clear they would have no US-funded secret service bodyguards shortly after the couple moved to California from Canada last March. He tweeted: 'Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the US will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!' Russell Stuart, a former California State Guard officer turned celebrity bodyguard, pointed out that Harry and Meghan had increased their threat level by moving from Vancouver: 'This is America. We're a nation of gun owners, we've got a lot of weapons. We're ten times the population of Canada. California is a much bigger place, it's more dangerous, you have a lot more potential threats than back in Vancouver.' Initially when they went to Canada, the couple's royal protection officers were given assistance by Canadian mounties, but this was only ever intended as an interim measure until other arrangements could be made. Harry said they were told on 'short notice' that their Met police security detail would be cut off. 'Their justification was a change in status,' the Duke said, which he 'pushed back' at. But effectively when their senior royal status officially ended at the end of March last year, they were on their own. The Canadian Government confirmed it would stop providing security assistance to the family 'in keeping with their change in status'. This week Mr Davies, said he was 'gobsmacked' the couple expected British taxpayers to pick up the bill. Aside from the legal and practical difficulties of protecting a royal living abroad, the financial burden would have been huge. The cost of a close protection team and static security at events was estimated at more than 1million a year when officers' salary, overtime payments, overseas allowance, pensions, flights and accommodation costs were added up. An armed team made up of at least six people including a principal personal protection officer and back up close protection officers accompanied the family at all times. They work in pairs and if the couple travelled separately or attended separate engagements it required at least four of them to do the job as they work on relay shift patterns. Many of the Scotland Yard officers who protected them had families in the UK and it would have been unfair to expect them to travel back and forth. Such a vast expense would have been untenable at a time when Scotland Yard had already nearly doubled its flight budget to cover the escalating cost of protecting of globe-trotting Royals on official visits and holidays in 2019. When Harry and Meghan first announced they were breaking from the Royal Family, a statement appeared on their website saying they were classified as 'internationally protected people which mandates this level of security.' But hours later, the phrase 'internationally protected people' disappeared as it quickly transpired that would never be the case. Following their move, a joint committee made up of the Home Secretary, the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection command chief, and palace officials decided their 24-hour protection could not continue now they were no longer working royals living in the UK. On Monday, Mr Davies said: 'It shows you their naivety and sense of entitlement. 'It was utterly unrealistic to think they could continue to have their royal protection team working in America, in fact it would have put their lives at risk. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduce their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at Windsor Castle in May 2019 'There is a reciprocal agreement in place with the US for occasions like official state visits, but British officers couldn't just carry on working there, unable to bear firearms and with no access to integrated intelligence from the security services. It was unworkable. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, described the couple's hopes of security in the US 'unworkable' 'Other royals and their children do without protection. They aren't working members of the Royal Family, why should they have it? It was simply arrogant to presume they and their baby would get protection..' Meghan said she and Harry wanted Archie to be a prince so he would have security and be protected, and she suggested he was not given the title because of his race. But Archie, who is seventh in line to the throne, is not entitled to be an HRH or a prince due to rules set out more than 100 years ago by King George V. He will be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when the Prince of Wales accedes to the throne. At the time of his birth, a royal source said Harry and Meghan had decided he should be a regular Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. But Meghan told Oprah this was not correct, adding: 'It was not our decision to make.' Yet Harry had always previously stressed the importance of wanting to be seen as normal, and he was thought to have wanted to give his baby the opportunities of an ordinary life that he never had, without the burden of being a prince. He once said he was always more comfortable being Captain Wales in the Army than being Prince Harry. As the first-born son of a duke, Archie was actually entitled to have become Earl of Dumbarton - one of Harry's subsidiary titles - or have been Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. But a source said after Archie was born in May 2019: 'They have chosen not to use a courtesy title.' Being a prince or princess does not automatically mean royals have police protection. But as a full-time working royal, Harry and his family would have been entitled to 24-hour security by Metropolitan Police protection officers. Final decisions are taken by the Home Office, in consultation with Buckingham Palace. In recent years, the royal family has shifted towards a slimmed-down monarchy, focusing on those at the top of the line of succession. Archie, who will move down the succession list if the Cambridge children have their own families, was never expected to be playing a key role in royal duties when older. When Harry and Meghan quit as senior working royals and moved to the US, it changed the situation. The prospect of the couple and their son living permanently in the US and not carrying out royal duties, but also having Metropolitan Police protection officers, paid for by British taxpayers, at their side was untenable. But the royal family could have agreed to foot their security bill privately, and used a private firm. AMHERST School officials here expressed some measure of grief with the state education commissioners call to return high school students this year to full-time, in-person learning. Massachusetts Education Commissioner Jeffrey Rileys mandate does reserve the right of parents and caregivers to determine whether they want their children at school, or learning remotely, for remainder of the academic year. The state is expected to reveal in the coming weeks when high school students must return to the classroom. Superintendent Michael Morris said Rileys decision has undermined the districts plan for grades 9-12. The Amherst-Pelham regional school administration wanted to keep the high school focused on remote-only learning through June. At a recent board meeting, Morris said that keeping the remote system in place made the most sense at high school. He said the remote path was premised in part on local public health guidance that high school age students are potentially more prone to come in contact with those with COVID-19 than younger children. The school board had voted last week for kindergarten to grade 2 beginning full time in person no later than April 5; grades 3-6 no later than April 12. Morris had said grades 7 and 8 could begin late next month using hybrid of two days per week on campus; three days remote. My preference is to come back in two weeks with an update on grades 7-12 in-person planning, Morris said at the March 9 meeting, and look at the full constellation. This is one of those moments we have a lot of competing interests, he said. At a March 23 meeting, the school administration will present a grade 7-12 in-person plan, according to board chair Allison McDonald. Related content: Parisian brand Veja (pronounced vay-ja) was founded in 2005 and has since carved out a niche for itself in the sustainable footwear market. Its strong eco-credentials mean its a certified B Corp: a company that meets the highest stands of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Chances are, if you cast your mind back to 2017, you hadnt heard of the brand. But after being seen on the likes of Emma Watson, Meghan Markle and Emily Ratajkowski, the seemingly simple lace-ups have reached cult status. Read more: The B Corp brands you need on your radar With the distinctive V logo in varying colours and styles, Veja sneakers quickly became a wardrobe staple. The brand was established with the mission to create a shoe that would stand the test of time because, despite being one of the most-worn items in the world, trainer production and distribution is home to myriad unsustainable practices. Refusing to choose between design and sustainability, founders Sebastien Kopp and Francois-Ghislain Morillion took matters into their own hands and began producing a collection of shoes using the most ecological materials and ethical suppliers they could find. Veja offers full transparency into every stage of its shoe production, from the chemicals used to the wages it pays. By working directly with small-scale producers in Brazil and Peru, it cuts out the middle man and agrees on a price for the cotton and rubber in advance, making sure producers can live decently and reinvest into their farms. The Parisian brand also upcycles materials wherever possible and is constantly researching ways it can improve its practices. With so much hype around the brand, it can be difficult to work out if the trainers are for you. Luckily, were on hand to answer your questions and pick out the styles that we think you should add to your basket now. You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent. Are Veja shoes vegan? What are they made of? Veja produces a range of different styles using leather and non-leather materials. While each design is made from something different, materials include organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, vegetable-tanned leather and recycled plastic bottles. Dedicated to making sure its practices have as little impact on the planet as possible, materials are sourced sustainably and in a socially conscious manner. For example, the leather comes from audited tanneries that are certified gold by the Leather Working Group. One in three of Vejas models are 100 per cent vegan and it has a dedicated section on its website for these shoes, which include the classic V-10, condor 2 and the UCRA CWL. Are Veja trainers comfortable? When it comes to comfort, it all comes down to personal preference. Some people may find the shoes need to be worn in a little, while the tongue, which is on the long side, can take a while to get used to. But, for the most part, Veja trainers are a comfortable and reliable choice. Do they fit true to size? Size guide (Veja) When it comes to sizing, Veja trainers are usually spot on, so wed definitely recommend ordering your usual. As with most leather footwear, it may take a few wears to break them in and, if youre between two sizes, wed suggest sizing down. Are Veja shoes good for running? The French brand released its condor tainers (130, Veja-store.com) in 2019, setting a benchmark for sustainable running shoes they are made from 53 per cent recycled materials. This is particularly pertinent considering 99 per cent of running shoes on the market are made from plastic. (Veja) Veja has since expanded its range to include the condor 2 trainers (144.99, Zalando.co.uk), which are made from 58 per cent bio-based and recycled materials, and the lining, laces, backloop and cords are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. But is this Veja shoe good for running? Well, considering the fact it landed a spot in our review of the best womens running shoes, we think so! Great for short runs, the outsole has excellent traction and feels like it will have good durability, important when so many trainers go to landfill too quickly, noted our writer. Are they worth it? If all this has left you wondering whether they are worth the price tag, with styles starting at 75, then the answer is yes. The higher cost can be attributed to the brands strong sustainable and ethical credentials, from sourcing its materials fairly to continually researching better practices, so youll be supporting the brand on its mission to create a better future for all. And, unlike many trainers on the high street, Vejas shoes are made to stand the test of time, reducing the need to rebuy, which is better for the planet. Which trainers to buy? Invariably, youre now left wondering which Veja trainers to buy, which is why weve rounded up our favourite styles below. From classic, clean-lined designs to nippy running sneaks, weve got you covered. Veja V10 trainers: 114.99, Zalando.co.uk (Veja) This is the pair of trainers that Meghan Markle wore during her trip to Australia, catapulting the brand from start-up business to fashion staple. The V10 style is a classic that will go with everything in your wardrobe and comes in a range of colours, from pink and black to gold. These featured in our guide to the best womens shoes for spring, so you can trust that they are a worthy investment, with our writer noting that these distinctive kicks are the perfect transitional shoe. Buy now Veja V12 trainers: 115, Office.co.uk (Veja) Very similar in design to the V10, the main difference here is that the V12 tends to be more narrow, so if you prefer a tighter fit, these are a great option. With a chunky sole, theyre a solid trainer that will stand the test of time. Plus, owing to the sleek, fresh style, they can be worn on both off-duty days and in the office. Buy now Veja campo leather trainers: 115, Net-a-porter.com (Veja) Another classic pair of treads, the campo design featured in our guide to the best womens white trainers. While our writer reviewed the vegan alternatives, she noted the retro-inspired design and the fact its a supportive and smart shoe thats office worthy make them ideal for when we have to return to commuting. Coming in a range of colours, theres a style available for every taste. Buy now Veja esplar leather trainers: 95, Thewhitecompany.com (Veja) As with most of Vejas trainers, these offer the brands signature minimalist design and feature the classic V logo. With a slimmer sole and fit compared to the campo, the esplar trainers are a great choice for those with narrow feet. Wear with your favourite pair of jeans and a linen shirt; the perfect spring-ready outfit. Buy now Veja venturi recycled trainers: 130, Laredoute.co.uk (Veja) With outdoor socialising still the order of the day, chunky and comfortable trainers should be your priority. This pair is made from recycled materials the upper is 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, the lining is 100 per cent recycled polyester, and the midsole is made from 40 per cent sugar cane. Its a perfect dad trainer that will provide the perfect contrast point to a floral, ditsy summer dress. Buy now Veja condor 2 trainers: 130, Veja-store.com (Veja) Featuring in our guide to the best womens running shoes, our writer praising these shoes for being both very comfortable and stylish. They are made from 37 per cent bio-based and recycled materials, with components made from rice waste, banana oil and sugar cane. We were also impressed to see the lining, laces, backloop and cords are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, noted our writer. Buy now Looking for outfit inspiration for 21 June? Read our guide to everything youll want to be wearing for those dinner dates and nightclub evenings IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. [March 10, 2021] AM Best to Deliver Keynote Presentation on Innovation Criteria at 2021 Insurance Innovators USA Conference AM Best Chief Rating Officer Stefan Holzberger will deliver the first-day keynote address, titled, "Scoring and Assessing Innovation: View from AM Best," at the 2021 Insurance Innovators USA Conference, taking place March 16-25, 2021. AM Best believes the increased pace of change in society, climate and technology has made innovation increasingly critical to the long-term success of all insurers. In March 2020, AM Best formally integrated its criteria procedure, "Scoring and Assessing Innovation," into its rating process, which outlines how AM Best explicitly will consider an insurance company's innovation efforts. The criteria procedure is available at http://www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.asp. Holzberger will discuss M Best's model for assessing and scoring innovation as it relates to an insurers' financial strength and offer insights on how companies should prioritize their innovation initiatives, as well as look at how COVID-19 has shifted innovation efforts. The online session will take place at 10:10 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, March 16. The 2021 Insurance Innovators USA Conference will be presented online in six full-day episodes and will feature representatives from a broad cross-section of the insurance industry who will gather to discuss the latest innovations. The conference will feature more than 60 speakers. To learn more about the event, please view the conference website. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2021 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005847/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Mediterranean Sea, where at least 41 people have drowned following the latest shipwreck off the coast of Tunisia. UNHCR/Markel Redondo The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are deeply saddened by the latest loss of life in the Central Mediterranean, after two boats capsized off Tunisias shores on Tuesday, 9 March. At least 39 people drowned in a shipwreck off Kerkennah island. One hundred thirty-four survivors, most of them from Cote d'Ivoire, were brought to shore by Tunisias coast guard. The rescue operations are still ongoing, hampered yesterday by harsh weather conditions. A second shipwreck took place off the coast of Jebeniana city in Sfax governorate. The boat had 70 persons on board, including four children, who were all taken to shore. These are the latest in a string of shipwrecks off Tunisias coast. IOM and UNHCR work with partners in the country to give emergency assistance and health support to survivors. In 2021, the Tunisian authorities have carried out 21 sea rescue operations sometimes of boats departing from Libyas coast. The approach adopted by Tunisia shows that its not only necessary but possible to guarantee the safety of those rescued, while providing for the health and security of the host communities, said UNHCRs Representative in Tunisia, Hanan Hamdan. We commend the search and rescue efforts of the Tunisian authorities and will continue to support them in providing urgent humanitarian assistance to those rescued at sea, added IOMs Chief of Mission in Tunisia, Azzouz Samri. Some 190 people have died while crossing the Central Mediterranean in 2021, while some 5,700 others arrived in Italy from North Africa. This is an average of almost three deaths per day. The Central Mediterranean continues to claim lives as thousands of people embark on these perilous journeys, whether fleeing extreme poverty, conflict, or in search of a better life, added Samri. We continue to call for proactive search and rescue in the most dangerous sea crossing in the world, and the establishment of clear and safe disembarkation for people rescued at sea. The agencies stress that prosecuting smuggling groups and traffickers who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of people and put them on risky journeys must be a priority. For more information on this topic, please contact: IOM: IOM Tunisia, Riadh Kadhi, [email protected] +216 28 787 805 +216 28 787 805 IOM Geneva, Safa Msehli, [email protected] +41 79 403 5526 UNHCR: The union that represents electrical workers at Manitoba Hydro served notice of strike action as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, an email to employees said. The union that represents electrical workers at Manitoba Hydro served notice of strike action as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, an email to employees said. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers met with Manitoba Hydro on Tuesday and rejected its latest offer. On Sunday, the union served the Crown corporation with 48 hours' notice of a possible strike. It posted a message to its members saying the union will provide two hours' notice of a strike. The Crown corporation sent an internal "Hydrogram" email to employees saying it tabled a formal offer to the IBEW "in an effort to successfully conclude contract negotiations and avoid a labour disruption. The offer follows months of negotiations, most recently conducted with the aid of a conciliator, while abiding by the financial mandates provided by the provincial government to all government agencies and Crown corporations," the internal email said Tuesday. "Manitoba Hydro has a contingency plan in place to ensure it can continue to provide its essential service to customers and maintain public safety around its facilities and infrastructure," it said. IBEW 2034 represents approximately 2,300 Hydro workers, including employees in generation transmission and distribution. A union spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rotating strikes are planned, with customer service staff in Winnipeg being the first to walk out, commencing at the end of day today (Tuesday) for 24 hours, spokesman Bruce Owen said. The offer contained a number of improvements to clauses in the previous IBEW contract, with no wage increase for the first two years of the three-year term, there is a 0.75 per cent wage increase retroactive to Jan. 1, the company said. No IBEW employee would be laid off should their position be eliminated as a result of the contracting out of the work normally performed by that employee for the fiscal year ending March 2022, the internal email said. Workers would be eligible for "wellness days" with a maximum of two days of sick leave per fiscal year for wellness purposes and no explanation or documentation will be required. "In addition, there are over 15 other items that will also benefit employees and we encourage our employees to review the offer in its entirety on Hydrogram..." NDP Leader Wab Kinew issued a statement after the strike began. "We stand in solidarity with IBEW members who have faced wage cuts, freezes and layoffs from this government the very same workers who responded to Manitoba's ice storm in 2019. Just this week, we revealed that Hydro has more than doubled their expected profits for this year, proving that (Premier Brian) Pallister's unconstitutional wage freeze is unnecessary and unfair. "As we learned from tragedies like the storm in Texas, affordable and reliable access to hydroelectric power is critical. Yet rather than showing these workers respect, the Pallister government is causing disruptions and putting Manitoba Hydro at risk." carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! The federal governments vaccine rollout could take months longer than anticipated if it does not accept an offer from NSW to increase the number of vaccination hubs. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her state was ready to extend the use of 99 hospital hubs in the next phase of the rollout, as she received one of the first AstraZeneca doses at St George Hospital on Wednesday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian receives the AstraZeneca vaccine at St George Hospital. Credit:Getty Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, and Health Minister Brad Hazzard also received the jab, while a twin vaccination hub opened at Hornsby Hospital. I would like to see all of those 99 sites remain open ... otherwise, its likely to take months longer than what was anticipated, Ms Berejiklian said. I dont want us to be held back. [March 10, 2021] Groove Strengthens Revenue Intelligence Capabilities with Real-Time Opportunity and Pipeline Management Groove, the leading sales engagement platform for enterprises using Salesforce, today announced that it has expanded its revenue intelligence capabilities with real-time opportunity and pipeline management and enhanced ROI reporting. With this latest release, sales managers and reps can collaborate on opportunities, conduct live pipeline reviews, and assign next steps in one interactive workspace powered by real-time Salesforce data. According to the 2020 Salesforce State of Sales Report, high-performing sales teams are 1.5 times more likely to base forecasts on data-driven insights. However, all too often, sales teams have an incomplete picture of deals in play and overall pipeline health. In fact, Forrester (News - Alert) Consulting found that nearly two-thirds of B2B decision makers firms struggle with CRM data that is stale, distorted, or limited in nature, in a July 2020 study. "We had major issues with getting our sales teams to document what they were doing in Gmail, and this is where Groove really shines," said Bart Johnson, Director of User Engagement & Training at Aquent. "Groove isn't just a huge timer saver for our reps, it also gives them 'cross-vision' into the different orgs and groups selling into account." "From incomplete sales activity data to out-of-date information stored in shadow CRMs, there are many challenges that prevent sales organizations from trusting their pipeline and cnducting comprehensive reviews," said Chris Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of Groove. "Today's release solves a critical usability challenge that Salesforce users have faced since the platform's inception." Because Groove is native to Salesforce, it can pull live account and opportunity data into a collaborative workspace where team members can run live pipeline reviews and instantly push updates back to Salesforce. With this latest release, Groove provides revenue teams with an easy-to-use alternative to spreadsheet collaboration that can lead to deals falling through the cracks and the proliferation of shadow CRM. Learn more about Groove's revenue intelligence capabilities on its website. About Groove Groove is the leading sales engagement platform for enterprises using Salesforce, specializing in ease-of-use, ease-of-administration, and cross-team collaboration. Built for the needs of full-cycle sellers, Groove automates non-sales activities so that pre- and post-sales reps can spend more time building relationships and generating revenue. On average, Groove gives revenue teams 20% of their time back to focus on higher-value activities. Groove's Salesforce-native architecture can be customized to align with industry-specific workflows while ensuring more accurate reporting and forecasting, lower compliance risk, and streamlined administration. Over 50,000 sales representatives use Groove at some of the world's largest and fastest-growing companies, including Google, Uber, and Capital One (News - Alert) . Groove has earned the highest customer satisfaction rating on G2 in the sales engagement category for over two years in a row. Groove was named one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2020 and is one of the 2020 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. Groove also ranks #16 on the San Francisco Business Times' "fastest-growing private companies in the Bay Area in 2020" and #191 on the Deloitte (News - Alert) 2020 Technology Fast 500 list. Founded in 2014, Groove is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in San Diego and Seattle. To learn more, visit groove.co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005288/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Armed Citizen Stops Robbery Suspect at Chick-fil-A in Atlanta: Police An armed person stopped an attempted robbery in Atlanta this week, police said. On March 8 around 3:03 p.m., officers responded to a Chik-fil-A on Peachtree Street. Upon arrival, officers spoke with witnesses who stated a black male walked inside, produced a firearm and demanded money from several employees. The employees fled and the suspect exited the business a short time later. Several nearby citizens confronted the suspect as he was leaving. One of the citizens was armed and at some point, during the confrontation, the citizen fired several shots. The suspect ran on foot and was apprehended nearby, by the citizens and held until police arrived, the Atlanta Police Department said in a preliminary update sent to The Epoch Times. The suspects weapon was recovered. No one was struck by the gunfire and charges are pending against the robbery suspect. No charges have been filed against the citizen and the investigation continues, the department added. The suspect was identified as Willie Gloston IV, 23. The arrest report does not show an address for Gloston. The suspect was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held in the Fulton County jail. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly characterized the crime as a burglary. The Epoch Times regrets the error. BOSTON (AP) Victims of a massive global hack of Microsoft email server software estimated in the tens of thousands by cybersecurity responders hustled Monday to shore up infected systems and try to diminish chances that intruders might steal data or hobble their networks. The White House has called the hack an active threat and said senior national security officials were addressing it. The breach was discovered in early January and attributed to Chinese cyber spies targeting U.S. policy think tanks. Then in late February, five days before Microsoft issued a patch on March 2, there was an explosion of infiltrations by other intruders, piggybacking on the initial breach. Victims run the spectrum of organizations that run email servers, from mom-and-pop retailers to law firms, municipal governments, healthcare providers and manufacturers. While the hack doesnt pose the kind of national security threat as the more sophisticated SolarWinds campaign, which the Biden administration blames on Russian intelligence officers, it can be an existential threat for victims who didnt install the patch in time and now have hackers lingering in their systems. The hack poses a new challenge for the White House, which even as it prepares to respond to the SolarWinds breach, must now grapple with a formidable and very different threat from China. I would say its a serious economic security threat because so many small companies out there can literally have their business destroyed through a targeted ransomware attack, said Dmitri Alperovitch, former chief technical officer of the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. He blames China for the global wave of infections that began Feb. 26, though other researchers say its too early to confidently attribute them. Its a mystery how those hackers got wind of the initial breach because no one knew about this except a few researchers, Alperovitch said. After the patch was released, a third wave of infections began, a piling on that typically occurs in such cases because Microsoft dominates the software market and offers a single point of attack. Cybersecurity analysts trying to pull together a complete picture of the hack said their analyses concur with the figure of 30,000 U.S. victims published Friday by cybersecurity blogger Brian Krebs. Alperovitch said about 250,000 global victims has been estimated. Microsoft has declined to say how many customers it believes are infected. David Kennedy, CEO of cybersecurity firm TrustedSec, said hundreds of thousands of organizations could have been vulnerable to the hack. Anybody that had Exchange installed was potentially vulnerable, he said. Its not every single one but its a large percentage of them. Katie Nickels, director of intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Red Canary, warned that installing patches wont be enough to protect those already infected. If you patch today that is going to protect you going forward but if the adversaries are already in your system then you need to take care of that, she said. A smaller number of organizations were targeted in the initial intrusion by hackers who grabbed data, stole credentials or explored inside networks and left backdoors at universities, defense contractors, law firms and infectious-disease research centers, researchers said. Among those Kennedy has been working with are manufacturers worried about intellectual property theft, hospitals, financial institutions and managed service providers who host multiple company networks. On the scale of one to 10, this is a 20, Kennedy said. It was essentially a skeleton key to open up any company that had this Microsoft product installed. Asked for comment, the Chinese embassy in Washington pointed to remarks last week from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin saying that China firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms and cautioning that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not groundless accusations. The hack did not affect the cloud-based Microsoft 365 email and collaboration systems favored by Fortune 500 companies and other organizations that can afford quality security. That highlights what some in the industry lament as two computing classes _ the security haves and have-nots. Ben Read, director of analysis at Mandiant, said the cybersecurity firm has not seen anyone leverage the hack for financial gain, but for folks out there who are affected time is of the essence in terms of of patching this issue. That is easier said than done for many victims. Many have skeleton IT staff and cant afford an emergency cybersecurity response _ not to mention the complications of the pandemic. Fixing the problem isnt as simple as clicking an update button on a computer screen. It requires upgrading an organizations entire so-called Active Directory, which catalogues email users and their respective privileges. Taking down your e-mail server is not something you do lightly, said Alperovitch, who chairs the nonprofit Silverado Policy Accelerator think tank. Tony Cole of Attivo Networks said the huge number of potential victims creates a perfect smokescreen for nation-state hackers to hide a much smaller list of intended targets by tying up already overstretched cybersecurity officials. Theres not enough incident response teams to handle all of this. Many experts were surprised and perplexed at how groups rushed to infect server installations just ahead of Microsofts patch release. Kennedy, of TrustedSec, said it took Microsoft too long to get a patch out, though he does not think it should have notified people about it before the patch was ready. Steven Adair of the cybersecurity firm Volexity, which alerted Microsoft to the initial intrusion, described a mass, indiscriminate exploitation that began the weekend before the patch was released and included groups from many different countries, (including) criminal actors. The Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency issued an urgent alert on the hack last Wednesday and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted about it Thursday evening. But the White House has yet to announce any specific initiative for responding. Tucker reported from Washington and OBrien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. AP writer Alan Suderman contributed from Richmond, Virginia. The chief of terrorist outfit Al-Badr was killed in an encounter at Tujjar Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Tuesday evening, officials said. The police said that on receiving a specific input, an operation was launched at Tujjer Sharief. After establishing contact, the army's 22 RR and the 179 BN of the CRPF also joined the operation. The police said that during the search operation, as the presence of a terrorist got ascertained, he was given opportunity to surrender. However, he fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated, leading to an encounter. "In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of the encounter. The slain terrorist has been identified as Ab Gani Khawaja alias Skinder, a resident of Khawaja Mohalla Kralgund, who was the chief of the proscribed terrorist outfit Al-Badr," the police said. The police said as per its records, the killed terrorist was involved in several terror crime cases, including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities besides being the main recruiter of innocent youth into terrorists ranks. "Dozens of terror related and other crime cases were registered against him in north Kashmir, which include grenade blast at the Sopore bus stand, in which 19 civilians had sustained injuries in October 2019; riffle-grenade attack at a police post in Warpora, in which two police personnel were injured in March 2019; attack on the joint patrol party of police/CRPF at Bismillah Colony in Sopore in July 2020, in which four CRPF personnel got seriously injured with one succumbing to his injuries. "The list also includes an attack upon a CRPF naka party in Sopore in which three CRPF personnel were killed and two got seriously injured in Aptil 2020; killing of one civilian in June 2020; and attack on a police party at Warpora Chowk, in which one SPO and one civilian were killed in Marh 2020. He was also involved in the killing of civilians and grenade attacks on police/SFs establishments," the police said. The police added that Khawaja was also involved in providing arms and ammunition to terrorist associates for carrying out subversive activities in the area. He was operating in the areas of north Kashmir, including Langate, Upper/Lower Qaziabad, Handwara, Sopore, Zainageer, Tujjar, Barahampora etc. Incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe his complicity in other terror crimes. "The last rites of the killed terrorist shall be performed after conducting his medico-legal formalities and his nearest family members shall be allowed to participate in the funeral," the police said. --IANS zi/arm (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.) By Anna J. Park As Hana Financial Group is on its way to setting up an asset management company in Singapore sometime within this year, attention is now on whether the Southeast Asian country is emerging as a new battleground for Korean financial giants' overseas expansion. Singapore's attractiveness among Korean financial companies has increased, as Hong Kong's long-held status as Asia's financial hub could be facing further risks over geopolitical concerns. Hana Financial Group is currently in the process of obtaining a license to open its asset management company in Singapore. A company official said the group aims to complete the licensing process within the first half of this year. Market watchers believe Hana's attempt to expand into Singapore's asset management market coincides with the group's long-term goal of growing into one of the world's top 40 global financial institutions by 2025. Hana also plans to expand its overseas profits to account for up to 40 percent of its total profits, from the current level of around 21.7 percent. The financial group is also said to be considering an option of acquiring a local asset manager to further increase its presence in Singapore, once the new subsidiary is stabilized, hoping to create a synergy effect in global businesses. Hana's plan to expand into the Singaporean market could be met with competition there from KB Financial Group, which was the first major Korean financial group to set foot in the asset management market in the Southeast Asian country. KB Financial Group, which has already been operating an asset management subsidiary there since 2017, has been running a long-short mutual fund worth $58 million, investing mainly in key Asian markets. The financial group plans to expand its Singapore-based mutual funds, while aiming to upgrade its financial business license to a higher grade, which does not limit the size of the assets under management (AUM). KB Asset Management's expansion into the Singaporean market will likely be strengthened, as KB Financial Group places greater focus on a two-track strategy for its global business plan placing the same priorities in both developed markets and Southeast Asian countries. Singapore is not only home to major global asset managers' Asian headquarters, but also provides a gateway to emerging markets in the region. "The company will build a broad business portfolio in the Asian market, ranging from real estate, infrastructure investment, private debt to private funds," KB Asset Management CEO Lee Hyun-seung said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lawton, OK (73501) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Bharat Biotechs Covaxin on Wednesday got the nod from the subject expert committee (SEC), an independent panel set up by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to advise it, for a restricted emergency use of the Covid-19 vaccine. Covaxin was granted restricted use approval in clinical trial mode in January by the DCGI. At that time, the phase 3 trial on 25,800 volunteers was underway. The decision to allow a restricted emergency use of Covaxin is based on the interim data from phase 3 trials, said a source. The SEC met on Wednesday to review the application of The removal of the tag clinical trial mode may result in greater acceptance of the vaccine, which has not found many takers. States like Chhattisgarh and Union Territories like Chandigarh had indicated in January that they were not comfortable with using Covaxin on their healthcare and frontline workers (part of the beneficiaries in the initial rounds) until complete data about the efficacy of the vaccine was available. ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: Maharashtra reports 13,659 new cases, 54 deaths in a day Earlier this month, the Hyderabad-based firm had released interim data from its phase 3 clinical trials, showing the vaccine had 81 per cent efficacy. The approval in clinical trial mode meant that beneficiaries would have to give their consent and there would be regular follow-ups. Such people would not receive the placebo. The drug regulators decision had created a furore among the medical community and citizens. The government machinery had to spring into action to clear the air, with the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Balram Bhargava, saying that while phase 3 was still ongoing, immunogenicity data generated through phase 2 serves as a surrogate for efficacy. The ICMR has developed the vaccine along with Krishna Ella, chairman and managing director of Bharat Biotech, had shown confidence in his product and said Covaxin had demonstrated 100 per cent results in animal challenge studies (non-human primates). This means that when exposed deliberately to the pathogen after vaccination, animals did not get the disease. Covaxin has also shown to generate an immune response against the UK strain of the virus. The whole virion (virus) inactivated Covid-19 vaccine candidate has shown efficacy of 80.6 per cent in a phase 3 study covering participants between 18 and 98 years of age. This included 2,433 people over the age of 60 and 4,500 people with co-morbidities. The interim analysis included a preliminary review of the safety database, which showed that severe, serious, and medically attended adverse events occurred at low levels and were balanced between vaccine and placebo groups. (@FahadShabbir) As soon as the Spring Festival holiday wrapped up, a textile workshop in a mountain-locked northwestern Chinese town reopened LANZHOU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :As soon as the Spring Festival holiday wrapped up, a textile workshop in a mountain-locked northwestern Chinese town reopened. The machines rumbled as locals were speeding up the work to deliver the first orders in the year of the Ox. Ma Tingxiao, 32, was carefully inspecting several spools of polyester sewing thread that had just rolled out. This 200-ton batch was heading to the eastern port city of Qingdao before being shipped to its final destination in Indonesia. The workshop is a poverty-alleviation program in Daban County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Jointly established by a local government-funded company and several private enterprises outside Gansu, it offers jobs exclusively to local women, most of whom are "left-behind" wives whose husbands work far away from home as migrant workers. Ma joined the workshop when it opened last June. Thanks to her hard work and meticulous attention, she was promoted from a maintenance worker to a quality control inspector in just three months. "We have to be really focused in our work as we must judge whether a product has met all the criteria," said Ma. She's now able to earn at least 3,000 Yuan (about 460 U.S. Dollars) every month, as well as a bonus for not missing any days. In addition to bringing up her two children, Ma also had to care for her husband's parents as he went to work in other cities to provide for the family of six. Before beginning work at the shop, an ordinary bottle of facial cream was a luxury for Ma. With an increased income, the young woman is now able to afford many things on her wishlist, including new clothes, a motorbike and some home appliances. "I used my first month's salary to buy a washing machine as a gift to myself. I could finally be done with hand-washing."Ma's parents-in-law, who are still in good health, now share in the housework to help support her with focusing on work, she said. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. NY bill could force schools to teach sex ed to kindergartners, gender identity to 2nd graders Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A new bill introduced in the New York Senate, sponsored by a freshman Democrat, could make comprehensive sex education compulsory to children as young as five in public and charter schools and force schools to teach kids about gender identity by the end of second grade. Sen. Samra G. Brouk introduced Senate Bill S2584A, which seeks to require comprehensive sexuality instruction for students in grades K-12. The bill would require the instruction of model curricula for comprehensive sex education that conforms to the content and scope of national sexuality education standards. "Comprehensive sexuality education covers issues like healthy relationships, body image, and self-esteem," Brouk wrote in a justification of the bill. "In kindergarten, that looks like basic lessons about friendship and communication, providing students with the building blocks they need to tackle issues like consent and sexual health years later in middle and high school. At older ages those lessons include health matters like preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)." The bill seeks to link the states schools to recommendations on sex education by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, described as a liberal-leaning interest group that advocates for Sex Ed for Social Change. The groups current standards propose that public and charter schools teach gender identity to kids as young as second grade. According to the organizations standards chart, children by the end of the second grade should be able to define gender identity and gender-role stereotypes. Students at that age should also be able to discuss the range of ways people express their gender and how gender-role stereotypes may limit behavior. By the end of fifth grade, the councils standards call for students to be able to explain differences between cisgender, transgender, gender nonbinary, gender expansive and gender identity. They should also be able to explain that gender expression and gender identity exist along a spectrum. Also, by the end of fifth grade, the standards expect that students can describe the role hormones play in the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional changes during adolescence and the potential role of hormone blockers on young people who identify as transgender. By the end of eighth grade, students should be able to define sexual identity and explain a range of identities related to sexual orientation (e.g., heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, twospirit, asexual, pansexual). Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy their own sexual and reproductive freedom, the council contends. Quality sex education goes beyond delivering information. It provides young people with opportunities to explore their own identities and values along with the values and beliefs of their families and communities. Assemblyman Michael Reilly, a Republican member of the education committee, was quoted by The New York Post as saying that outsourcing our curriculum to this outside organization is a concern. Additionally, Manhattan family law attorney Ken Jewell, who has two kids who attend New York City public schools, called the bill inappropriate. These are things kids that age are not capable of comprehending yet, he told the newspaper. The bill is opposed by the students' rights advocacy organization New York City Parents Union. New York City Parents Unions Sam Pirozzolo said that the state constitution does not guarantee we have to prepare our kids to change their sex if they want to. We have schools where 95% of kids cant read or do math at grade level, and now they want to bring in these complicated social justice issues? He told The New York Post. Like 22 other states, New York currently doesnt have a statewide sex-education requirement, allowing local school districts to decide. Last December, many raised concerns after the United Nations Population Fund released new guidance on comprehensive sexuality education, providing a sex education framework for school-aged children outside of the classroom setting. After listing a variety of scenarios where parents and guardians learn comprehensive sexuality education alongside their children and train other parents in such curriculum, the guidance expressed concern that parents wish their children to conform to prevailing gender norms (which are usually unequal), The guidance stressed that programmes must therefore help parents/guardians to model more equal gender attitudes and norms. Dr. Rebecca Oas, director of research for the socially conservative Center for Family and Human Rights, called it an effort to ensure that students around the world receive the U.N.s controversial sex education, wherever they are. One of the major problems with this is that comprehensive sexuality education is trying to teach a comprehensive education through the realms of sexuality as opposed to teaching a comprehensive education of which that is a part, Oas told The Christian Post in December. Not everything comes back to that. EuroSheep - stakeholders identify issues to improve flock health and nutrition EuroSheep is an EU-funded thematic network to encourage knowledge exchange on flock nutrition, health and management between European sheep sector stakeholders in many countries. Delegates from Ireland, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Turkey participated in the first EuroSheep TransNational WorkShop which took place virtually. First TransNational Workshop - EuroSheep The first EuroSheep TransNational WorkShop took place recently, virtually. Delegates from Ireland, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Turkey, encompassing both meat and milk sheep systems of production participated in the virtual workshop. Speaking following the event, Dr Tim Keady, Teagasc sheep researcher based in Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland said: The aim of this workshop was to discuss what are the main needs, issues and challenges of stakeholders involved in sheep production in relation to nutrition, health and management of their flocks in the EuroSheep countries. These needs/challenges had been identified in an online survey undertaken by stakeholders from across Europe, including farmers, advisors, veterinarians, researchers. The stakeholders were asked about their needs/challenges relating to sheep and lamb nutrition, ewe and lamb health, and flock management. The Needs/challenges identified by stakeholders were similar across many countries. For example, in relation to ewe nutrition, from a choice of 12 options, Irish farmers identified grazing management, knowledge of nutrient requirements, mineral and vitamin supplementation and forage feed value as their 4 main needs/challenges. Meanwhile all other EuroSheep countries identified knowledge of nutrient requirements, grazing management, forage feed value and mineral and vitamin supplementation as their 4 main needs. For lamb nutrition the main needs identified were grazing management, lamb performance targets and knowledge of nutrient requirements. The main needs/challenges identified by Irish farmers, many of which are similar to many countries, for ewe and lamb health were lameness, internal parasites and clostridial diesases. Mastitis and joint ill were also identified as major needs/challenges in ewe and lamb health, respectively. The main needs/ challenges identified for flock management were flock health plans, anthelmintic resistance, and sheep shed management. Dr Keady said: The next step of EuroSheep is to identify solutions and tips and tricks to respond to these needs/challenges identified by stakeholders in all EuroSheep countries. Each country will identify best practices that could address the needs/challenges identified by stakeholders in other EuroSheep partner countries. Thus a true cross-exchange approach is been employed. The next transnational workshop will be the opportunity for farmers to select the best solutions, before testing them on their own farms which is the true test of any technology. The first EuroSheep TransNational WorkShop took place recently, virtually. Delegates from Ireland, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Turkey, encompassing both meat and milk sheep systems of production participated in the virtual workshop. Speaking following the event, Dr Tim Keady, Teagasc sheep researcher based in Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland said: The aim of this workshop was to discuss what are the main needs, issues and challenges of stakeholders involved in sheep production in relation to nutrition, health and management of their flocks in the EuroSheep countries. These needs/challenges had been identified in an online survey undertaken by stakeholders from across Europe, including farmers, advisors, veterinarians, researchers. The stakeholders were asked about their needs/challenges relating to sheep and lamb nutrition, ewe and lamb health, and flock management. The Needs/challenges identified by stakeholders were similar across many countries. For example, in relation to ewe nutrition, from a choice of 12 options, Irish farmers identified grazing management, knowledge of nutrient requirements, mineral and vitamin supplementation and forage feed value as their 4 main needs/challenges. Meanwhile all other EuroSheep countries identified knowledge of nutrient requirements, grazing management, forage feed value and mineral and vitamin supplementation as their 4 main needs. For lamb nutrition the main needs identified were grazing management, lamb performance targets and knowledge of nutrient requirements. The main needs/challenges identified by Irish farmers, many of which are similar to many countries, for ewe and lamb health were lameness, internal parasites and clostridial diesases. Mastitis and joint ill were also identified as major needs/challenges in ewe and lamb health, respectively. The main needs/ challenges identified for flock management were flock health plans, anthelmintic resistance, and sheep shed management. Dr Keady said: The next step of EuroSheep is to identify solutions and tips and tricks to respond to these needs/challenges identified by stakeholders in all EuroSheep countries. Each country will identify best practices that could address the needs/challenges identified by stakeholders in other EuroSheep partner countries. Thus a true cross-exchange approach is been employed. The next transnational workshop will be the opportunity for farmers to select the best solutions, before testing them on their own farms which is the true test of any technology. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Europe's medicines watchdog said Wednesday a preliminary probe showed that a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines used in Austria was likely not to blame for the death of a nurse who received a jab. Austria on Monday announced it would stop using doses from the batch, made by the British-Swedish firm with Oxford University, after the 49-year-old nurse died of "severe blood coagulation problems" days after receiving an anti-COVID shot. A second woman was also hospitalised after developing a pulmonary embolism and was now recovering, the European Medicines Agency said. Two other reports of "thromboembolic event cases had been received for this batch," the Amsterdam-based EMA said. However "there is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine," it said in a statement. Four other EU countriesEstonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourghave also suspended vaccinations from this batch, sent to 17 European countries and consisting of one million jabs. "Although a quality defect is considered unlikely at this stage, the batch quality is being investigated," the EMA said. Since inoculation campaigns began in earnest, isolated cases have been reported in some countries of people dying shortly after receiving a vaccine. None has been linked to the vaccine. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Sam and Billie Faiers have been left 'heartbroken and devastated' after losing their grandfather Mick, just six weeks after the death of their nanny Wendy. It's understood The Mummy Diaries stars' grandfather passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. A source close to the family told MailOnline: 'The girls have been grieving the loss of their nan and now that their grandad has passed away in such short space of time, the girls are absolutely heartbroken and devastated.' It comes just six weeks after the reality TV siblings lost their nanny Wendy, 77, who passed away on January 27 after a short battle with pneumonia. So sad: Sam and Billie Faiers have been left 'heartbroken and devastated' after losing their grandad Mick, six weeks after the death of nanny Wendy (pictured with their grandparents) Sam, 30, previously shared a snap with both of her grandparents ahead of a series of The Mummy Diaries returning. Mick could be seen beaming as he was surrounded by the sisters and their mum Suzie as well as his late wife Wendy. Mother-of-two Sam penned: '#MummyDiaires season finale TONIGHT! Big thank you to everyone who tuned in this series! We a had ball! Bring on series 7 @itvbe 9pm x (ps love u nanny & grandad) x.' (sic) After Wendy's death in January, Sam paid a heartwarming tribute, sharing collage of snaps to Instagram as well as a sweet message which read: 'I will love you forever'. Family: It's understood that the sisters' grandfather sadly passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer (pictured alongside their mum Suzie and both late grandparents) 'Love u nanny & grandad': Sam previously shared a lovely family picture with her grandparents Her tribute came hours after older sister Billie, 31, also honoured their beloved nanny, with a moving message and a throwback Karaoke video of Wendy singing. Former TOWIE star Sam captioned her post: 'Nanny Wendy, a week today the lord called you home to heaven. 'I will love you forever nan, you was such a huge inspiration to Billie and I. From day one we was your Miss Worlds you spoke positivity over us our whole life. You loved us unconditionally. You truly was the best nan ever.' So missed: Both sisters paid heartwarming tribute to their nanny Wendy after her death at the age of 77 in January (pictured with Wendy and their mum Suzie) She continued: 'I can hear your voice everyday, hello my darling, how are you. You would call us almost everyday for a chat, you would come to all the parties and events with us, I have thousands of special memories with you, nan you are a legend.' Going on to detail the impact Wendy had on her, Sam concluded: 'Im so blessed that I had you in my life, you was infectious, everyone loved you. 'I will continue to make you proud nannny. Until we meet again.. for a coffee and doughnut or a Pina colada.' [sic] Sam's message came shortly after sister Billie shared her own touching tribute to her grandmother, sharing a clip of Wendy singing karaoke to her Instagram alongside a sweet message saying how much she missed her relative. Looking back: Sam shared a collage of throwback snaps to Instagram in honour of her nanny well as a sweet message which read: 'I will love you forever' following her sad passing Lovely words: Captioning her post, which she also shared on her stories, Sam penned: 'Nanny Wendy, a week today the lord called you home to heaven' The reality star uploaded a heartwarming video of Nanny Wendy singing karaoke just two days before Billie's Maldives wedding to Greg Shepherd in 2019. In the clip, a confident Wendy took centre stage as she belted out her 'favourite song', Crazy by Patsy Cline, to rapturous applause from the crowd. Writing alongside the video, Billie paid a touching tribute to 'My beautiful nanny Wendy'. She penned: 'I struggle to understand why you have been taken from us so soon. Memories: While Billie remembered the happy times with Wendy, sharing a sweet clip of her belting out her 'favourite song', Crazy by Patsy Cline, to rapturous applause from the crowd 'All I can hold onto in my heart are the many amazing memories with you nanny and this one has to be one of my favourites that I will cherish forever Here you are in the Maldives just 2 days before my wedding, singing your favourite song, only you could capture a crowd like this my precious nanny wendy ' The former TOWIE star went on to say how much she cherished many years with her beloved nan, adding: 'I am so grateful I had you in my life for 31 years, you have been the most encouraging, loving, funniest, one of a kind, special nanny that we could ever wish for... 'Your Miss worlds you would always call Samantha and I, I know how proud of us you are, you told us every day. I miss you terribly and Im heartbroken. I will love you forever and ever .' Billie also did not feature in that week's Dancing On Ice show following the tragic loss. The star later withdrew from the series after suffering a concussion. Bible-Based Fellowship Church partnered with the Pasco County Health Department, and Army National Guard to assist residents who are 65 and older to administer the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine on February 13, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Octavio Jones/Getty Images Black clergy are working to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on their communities. Some are hosting vaccination clinics at their churches to help expand access. So far, only 7% of those who have been vaccinated are Black, compared to 65% who are white. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. Black clergy members across the US are filling in the gap of COVID-19 care by hosting testing and vaccination clinics. Black Americans have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with adults more than twice as likely to die from the virus. However, clergy members have said there are still limited resources in the communities that need them most. In an effort to address the disparity, the Revs. Al Sharpton and Calvin Butts have been working with the United Way of New York City on the Choose Healthy Life Black Clergy Action Plan, which was launched in New York City, Newark, New Jersey, Detroit, Michigan, Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC. The initiative is aimed at working with churches and religious leaders to help address the COVID-19 disparity as well as other health inequalities, with many churches acting as COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites. Black clergy members told Insider what it means for the Black church to play a role in the effort. "The Black church has always been the most prominent institution in the African-American community, where a large assembly of people have gathered. For years and years and years it has been the primary institution that is located directly in the community that represents an asset that is owned by people of color," Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, said. Sheena Wright, CEO of United Way of New York City, explained that for many in the Black community, the church is more than just a place of worship. "During COVID and certainly beyond COVID, the Black church is the place that people go to get help," Wright said. Story continues At the beginning of the pandemic, clergy like the Rev. Horace Sheffield of Detroit's New Destiny Christian Fellowship fought for more accessible testing in their communities. After contracting the coronavirus himself and finding it difficult to access a test last March, Sheffield started the first community testing site. He said the site offered free testing for people who normally might not have a primary care doctor to write them a prescription, or even transportation to get to testing sites further away. Now, many churches are working to obtain vaccines to administer in their communities. As of March 1, only about 7% of those who received at least one dose of the vaccine were Black, compared to the more than 65% who were white, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark told Insider at the end of February he expects a shipment of vaccines so they can start inoculating residents there. Jefferson said there's been a lot of communication and work to get people in the Black community confident about getting a vaccine, especially since they are significantly impacted by the virus. Jefferson said there were already 1,000 people registered to get the vaccine before they had supplies and they anticipate vaccinating between 200 to 250 people a day. Vaccinations will take place three days a week, on the same days the church also hosts testing. Both Jefferson and Sheffield cited a lack of adequate access to the healthcare system, but also years of mistrust, due in part to the medical malpractice that was the infamous Tuskegee experiment of 1932 to 1972. It's for those reasons that they've taken up the mantle of vaccine advocacy for the Black community. The Tuskegee experiment recruited over 600 Black men under the guise of providing free medical care, but was instead used to study the long-term effects of syphilis, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease which, at that point, had no cure. The people conducting that study were not forthcoming about the true purpose of the experiment. Wright said many in the Black community were distrustful of the speed with which the vaccine was developed, and also generally wary of President Donald Trump's administration. She emphasized how important it was for those in the community to see Black leaders getting vaccinated. Jefferson said the examples that church leaders set has helped those in the community develop trust, but he said they must also understand the science behind the vaccine. "This is not just saying: 'Hey, blind faith, trust us', but it's scientific. And I think that's helping a lot," he said. He said the program has navigators whose main role is to "create, develop, and provide information into the broader community that will educate people so that they know the research." "I mean, everybody's not going to do the research," Jefferson said. Sheffield said more work is needed to address the inequities that allowed Black people to initially be so disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. He said he's not convinced the issues and disparities widely discussed as a result of COVID-19 will be entirely addressed once the pandemic is over, but he's hopeful Black people could start to make changes that are within their personal capacity. "I believe that when we embrace choosing life and make a decision that we're going to make the best of the life we've been given, become better stewards, we're in a much better position to fight those systematic, structural things that contribute or exacerbate the bad choices," Sheffield said. Read the original article on Business Insider 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results A coalition hoping to remove San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin from office has been cleared by election officials to begin collecting signatures for a recall vote, a significant step in the recall process coming just over a year after Boudin took office. The group will be required to collect 51,325 signatures 10% of the citys registered voters by Aug. 11 for the campaign to qualify for a special election. Richie Greenberg, a former Republican mayoral candidate and a main proponent of the recall effort, said the campaign is fueled by public sentiment that the city has been overrun by criminals who face no consequences for their actions. Boudin, a progressive prosecutor whose policies seek reduce mass incarceration, has emerged a prime target for those who believe that the city has become increasingly more dangerous. That position is largely at odds with city crime statistics, which show a drop in overall crime and particularly violent crime. The state of criminal justice here is completely decimated, said Greenberg, who serves as the committees spokesperson. We see it almost every day someone getting robbed, shot at; brazen daytime home invasions. Residents are sick of it. Despite recent high-profile cases of fatal hit-and-runs, robberies and murders, overall crime throughout the city is actually down by 32% over this time last year. Most types of violent crimes, including rape, robbery and assault, have fallen, compared to crime data from last year. Homicides, however, have risen compared to the same time period a year ago, from four to seven. . Some types of property crimes like burglary and motor vehicle theft have also risen, while others like car break-ins have dropped, according to police data. Kate Chatfield, a Bay Area attorney and advocate for criminal justice reform, said critics have been gunning for Boudin since before his inauguration. The fact of the matter is crime rates overall in San Francisco have dropped overall in a pandemic thats just true, she said. Boudins critics, she added, stoke peoples fear and definitely play on race-baiting and fear tactics. Boudin declined to comment on the recall effort. Now that theyre permitted to collect signatures, the next step for the group seeking to recall Boudin will be a significantly steeper hurdle, said San Francisco political consultant Dan Newman. The D.A. is exactly who he said he would be and who voters thoughtfully and purposefully chose, Newman said. It is extremely expensive to get (a recall) on the ballot when you dont have any support from voters. Boudin isnt the only high-profile progressive to face a recall campaign in California. Opponents of his predecessor and newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, and of Gov. Gavin Newsom, have launched similar efforts. The last time the San Francisco Department of Elections approved a recall campaign for certification was 2017, when a group moved to unseat then-Mayor Ed Lee, election officials said. Former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein was the last city officeholder to have a recall effort make it to a ballot an ultimately unsuccessful campaign in 1983. EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated to correctly state how many homicides have occurred in San Francisco in 2021, compared to a year earlier. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy This past week the national average price for regular gasoline rose to $2.71 per gallon. That marks an increase of $0.46/gallon since the beginning of the year. On a daily basis I see accusations on social media that this price rise is a consequence of Joe Biden winning the presidential election. I am going to explain why this is ludicrous, but I would pose the following to those who believe this to be the case. (I feel the need to insert a caveat here, because many people dont seem to make it past this point before stamping their feet and sending me hate mail. I am not saying his policies will never impact gasoline prices. I am saying that there hasnt been time for them to yet, and we have good explanations for why prices have risen). Since Bidens inauguration, daily Covid-19 cases have fallen by two-thirds. Daily deaths are down by nearly half. Is Joe Biden responsible for this? If you say No, or you feel the need to hedge or qualify your answer, then you probably realize that cause and effect isnt quite as simple as that. The same holds true for gasoline prices. The main reason I can say that Biden isnt responsible for the rise in gasoline prices is that we understand pretty well why those prices are rising. Those reasons (mostly) have nothing to do with him. Factor 1: Rising Oil Prices The single biggest factor influencing changes in gasoline prices is almost always underlying changes in the price of oil. Show me a time that gasoline prices spiked or plunged, and the vast majority of the time you will find that oil followed the same pattern. On the first trading day of January 2021, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at $47.47 per barrel (bbl). Two months later, on the first trading day of March, the price closed at $60.54/bbl. During the time gasoline prices rose by $0.46/gallon, the price of oil rose by $0.31/gallon. Related Video: Top 5 Uses of Petroleum But gasoline prices often lag oil prices. In the past six months, the price of oil has risen by $0.56/gallon, while the price of gasoline is up $0.50/gallon. In other words, the vast majority of the gasoline price rise can be accounted for by the rise in the price of oil. I will explain other factors influencing the price of gasoline below, but why are oil prices rising? Is Biden responsible for that? The are two factors that have driven up the price of oil. One is that demand collapsed last year as pandemic measures were implemented and people stopped traveling. The price of oil plummeted. That, in turn, ended up idling 3 million barrels per day (BPD) of U.S. oil production relative to a year ago. As the end of the pandemic nears, oil demand is bouncing back. Supply doesnt respond as quickly, and therefore that puts pressure on prices. If you think Biden is responsible for hastening the end of the pandemic, then you can place some blame for the rise in oil prices on him. But thats because the economy is beginning to recover, which is a good thing. Second, unlike a year ago, OPEC and Russia recently decided to cooperate by extending most of the current output cuts. Despite some recovery in demand, Saudi Arabia kept in place a 1 million BPD cut. That decision sent oil prices sharply higher, and will likely ensure additional gains in gasoline prices. Vitol Group, the worlds largest independent oil trading house, pointed the finger directly at OPEC. Mike Muller, head of Vitols Asia division, said The market is telling us that OPEC+ have control. Were going to get a stock-draw that is going to accelerate through the second quarter and thats why the market is doing what its doing. Factor 2: Loss of Refining Capacity Beyond oil prices, what other factors can impact gasoline prices? One of the most significant is any event that limits refinery capacity. If the crude oil cant get refined, then gasoline supplies will start to run low. That, in turn, will cause gasoline prices to rise. This often happens when a hurricane is churning through the Gulf of Mexico, but it also happened last month when the winter storm swept through Texas. During the first two weeks of February, refinery utilization in the U.S. was at 83%. Then the winter storm negatively impacted about a dozen refineries in Texas. By the last week of February, refinery utilization had plunged to 56%. Once again, its hard to pin that on Biden. Related: Oil Trader Mercuria Gets Painted Bricks, Not Copper In $36 Million Scam There are only a couple of mechanisms by which a President could have a short-term impact on gasoline prices. If they signed legislation changing the gasoline tax, which currently accounts for about 21% of the cost of gasoline, then that would quickly impact gasoline prices. Or, if a President announced a major release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, that could cause oil prices to temporarily dip and might impact gasoline prices short-term. Longer term, there are certainly things Biden can do to impact gasoline prices. Some of the moves he is making now may eventually impact prices. Cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, for example, could eventually impact gasoline prices. But those are long-term impacts. Other than the two mechanisms I mentioned above (or, I suppose he could also escalate military action in the Middle East), a President just doesnt have a mechanism for sharply moving gasoline prices. Factor 3: Transition to Summer Gasoline Where are prices headed from here? Undoubtedly higher. One final fact that impacts gasoline prices is whether the U.S. is in winter or summer gasoline season. Winter gasoline blends are cheaper to produce, and demand is lower. By summer, gasoline blends cost more to produce and demand is higher. Hence, the price of gasoline typically rises between January and May. Last year was a notable exception caused by the pandemic, but higher gasoline prices headed into summer is the norm. By Robert Rapier for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close LANE COUNTY, Ore. -- The near $2 trillion coronavirus relief package is set to pass, sending checks up to $1,400 to millions of struggling Americans and added relief to thousands of struggling businesses. While this package is not the biggest relief set we've seen, it was the most contentious in the Senate and House. KEZI 9 News talked to Chris Stout, Asociate Political Science Professor at Oregon State University, who said this is for a few different reasons. "We know the first act -- the CARES Act was over $2 trillion -- so this bill is smaller, and we know it got unanimous support in the U.S. Senate," said Stout. There's also so much that's different about it, starting with the child tax credit. As it stands now, for every child under 16, a family gets $2,000 in tax credits. If the bill passes, that will go up to $3,000 for kids between the ages of 5 and 17 and $3,600 for kids age 5 and younger. "Some economists say it will cut child poverty in half," said Stout. The unemployed get a break as well. "In the previous bills, unemployment was taxed. In the newest bill, you won't be taxed for federal unemployment up to $13,000," he said. He also said people will be bringing home more money this time around, but fewer people will get the stimulus. That's because phaseouts also differ this time. In the past, they began at $75,000 and ended with those making $100,000. Now, for every $1,000 of income more than the base $75,000, you get $280 less, bottoming out at $80,000 of income or more. Abdul Wahled, who owns a food truck in Kesey Square, said he hasn't even gotten his last stimulus check, but he also said it's not all bad. "Speaking for my business -- since the pandemic, we've had about 25% more business," he said. It's due in part to the nature of a foodtruck being that you don't sit down inside to eat. Dependents also get an opportunity to cash in this time. "In the previous bills I believe it was capped at 16 or 17 or younger were the dependents who received it so it left this loophole where college students who didn't make enough money didn't get any stimulus money," said Stout. Now college-aged people 23 and younger who don't make $75,000 will get the full $1,400 stimulus, which is a sigh of relief for for those who had been left out. University of Oregon student Alex Fletcher said these last two times, she's received nothing. "I've actually lost my job twice now. Once when we shut down for the first half and I wasn't eligible for anything," Fletcher said. "It makes up for essentially three months I was not able to actually work," she said. A woman is facing a 10,000 fine for breaching Covid-19 rules after family and friends gathered to release balloons as a tribute to her father-in-law who died from the virus. Former miner Ian Stephenson caught Covid and died last November, prompting friends and family to gather in his memory in County Durham during England's four-week lockdown. At the time no more than two people were allowed to meet each other outside. Mr Stephenson's daughter-in-law Vicki Hutchinson, from Peterlee, has received a court summons as she stands accused of holding a gathering of more than 30 people. The 34-year-old salon owner says she was not the organiser, but her Facebook account was used to create the event. Ahead of her court appearance next month, the mother-of-three said: 'I'm not paying you anything.' Vicki Hutchinson's Facebook account was used to create an event in memory of her father-in-law during England's November lockdown. The mother-of-three insists she was not the organiser of the event, but is due to appear in court accused of holding an event with more than 30 people Ms Hutchinson whose partner James, 30, is Mr Stephenson's son, had a letter land on her doormat this week explaining she has been charged to appear at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in April. The maximum fine for the offence is 10,000, but defiant mum-of-three Vicki has said 'I'm not paying you anything.' Ms Hutchinson, who owns a sunbed salon, explained that her Facebook account had been used to create a balloon release event in honour of Mr Stephenson on what would have been his birthday - but insists she wasn't the organiser. She said: 'I understand we were in Tier Four but to hit a family who have just lost their father, how are you expecting families to pay these sort of fines? Former miner Ian Stephenson, 58, died from Covid-19. Family and friends gathered in County Durham last November to release balloons in his memory, despite England being under lockdown at the time 'I asked people to social distance and wear a mask, I thought if everybody was distanced I didn't see what the problem would be, they fill supermarkets up. 'I thought with it being outside there was lots of social distancing on a massive field at St Mary's Church. 'I'm not paying you anything. There's lots of people out there struggling, businesses have been locked down left, right and centre, James has lost his dad and you want to take 10,000 off people. 'I think it's absolutely horrendous.' Ms Hutchinson says she intends to plead not guilty when she appears at Peterlee Magistrates Court next month Ms Hutchinson said she plans to plead not guilty and said she believes the fine doesn't make sense, citing how 'thousands of people' lined the streets for her father-in-law's funeral days later. She added: 'How are we expected to pay this sort of money? We are not celebrities, I'm a normal person who lives in Peterlee. 'People have parties and get a 200 fine, I have done something for someone who has just passed away and we get a 10,000 one, how does that work out?' Peterlee Magistrates' Court confirmed Ms Hutchinson is listed to appear in court next month. Durham Police has been contacted for comment. Answer Questions for the Chance to Win a Pantone Validated ColorPro VP2768a monitor BREA, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewSonic[1], a leading global provider of visual solutions, and Pantone, the leading global color authority, together announce a lucky draw online campaign, "Become a Color Expert". Starting March 10th, 2021, those who correctly answer fun facts related to Pantone and ColorPro VP68a monitors on the campaign webpage will have the chance to win a Pantone Validated ColorPro VP2768a professional monitor and other special Pantone prizes. "We are glad to partner with Pantone to host this creative campaign, inviting everyone to join to improve color-related knowledge and also have a chance to take home our Pantone Validated ColorPro VP2768a monitor," said Oscar Lin, Head of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. 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Participants are required to answer four questions related to Pantone fun facts and ColorPro VP68a monitors. Those who answer all the questions correctly will be entitled to join the lucky draw. There is not only a chance to win a ColorPro VP2768a monitor, but also special prizes designed in Pantone's Color of the Year 2021, PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. ViewSonic ColorPro VP68a monitors are geared towards discerning content creators who value color accuracy and precision. The series has been rigorously tested to surpass the Pantone Validated benchmark based on the full range of Pantone Formula Guide colors, featuring 100% sRGB color coverage for superior color accuracy. VP68a monitors offer hardware calibration via ViewSonic's Colorbration+ software, ensuring long-term consistency and accurate colors, bringing users the highest quality color calibration possible. Visit the campaign webpage for more details by clicking here. The prizes include the following: Grand Prize ViewSonic ColorPro TM VP2768a 27" monitor x2 ViewSonic ColorPro VP2768a 27" monitor x2 Second Prize Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Color Formula Guide x7 Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Color Formula Guide x7 Third Prize Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Mug x7 Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Mug x7 Fourth Prize Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Notebook x7 Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Notebook x7 Fifth Prize Pantone Color of the Year 2021 Limited Edition Keychain x7 [1] The Contest is hosted and sponsored by ViewSonic International Corp., located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. ViewSonic International Corp. is a subsidiary of ViewSonic Corp. located in California, USA. * View Terms and conditions About ViewSonic Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and the myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com. About Pantone Pantone provides the universal language of color that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. More than 10 million designers and producers around the world rely on Pantone Products and Services to help define, communicate and control color from inspiration to realization - leveraging advanced X-Rite technology to achieve color consistency across various materials and finishes for graphics, fashion and product design. Pantone Standards feature digital and physical color specification and workflow tools. The Pantone Color Institute provides customized color standards, brand identity and product color consulting as well as trend forecasting inclusive of Pantone Color of the Year, Fashion Runway Color Trend Reports, color psychology and more. Pantone B2B Licensing incorporates the Pantone Color System into different products and services, enabling licensees to communicate and reproduce Pantone Values and improve efficiencies for their users. Pantone Lifestyle brings color and design together across apparel, home, and accessories. Learn more at www.pantone.com and connect with Pantone on?Instagram,?Facebook, and?LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1451104/Pantone_Validated_ColorPro.jpg Throughout history, leather has been a popular material for clothes and many other goods. However, the tanning process and use of livestock mean that it has a large environmental footprint, leading consumers and manufacturers alike to seek out alternatives. An article in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, details how sustainable materials are giving traditional leather a run for its money. Traditional leather goods are known for their durability, flexibility and attractive finish, with a global market worth billions, writes Associate Editor Craig Bettenhausen. Despite leather's popularity, the modern tanning process uses potentially harmful chemicals and creates a large amount of wastewater. In addition, most hides come from the meat and dairy industries, which have sustainability problems. Leather-like materials, often called vegan leather, are gaining traction among high-end manufacturers, defying the negative perceptions of synthetic "pleather." These leather alternatives are made from an array of base materials, including plants, mushrooms and even fish skin, each with a unique take on sustainable production. Plant-based materials are currently the most advanced leather mimics because of their straightforward manufacturing process, which combines inexpensive natural fibers and polymers that are rolled into sheets. A company based in Mexico has created a leather made from prickly pear cactus, which is ground into a powder and combined with a biobased polyurethane. Mushroom leather mimics the texture of cowhide leather very well, but production needs to scale up substantially to make an impact. Although not a vegan alternative, fish skin is poised to replace exotic leathers such as snake and alligator skin. Cell-culture leather is also in early development, which could disrupt the traditional leather market even further. Experts are confident that these materials are viable alternatives, and manufacturers plan to scale up their efforts going forward. ### The paper, "Sustainable Materials Make a Play for the Vegan Leather Market," is freely available here. For more of the latest research news, register for our upcoming meeting, ACS Spring 2021. Journalists and public information officers are encouraged to apply for complimentary press registration by emailing us at newsroom@acs.org. The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS' mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. The Society is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a specialist in scientific information solutions (including SciFinder and STN), its CAS division powers global research, discovery and innovation. ACS' main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio. To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org. Follow us: Twitter | Facebook Written by ACM *Strasbourg+Iraq (via Press Video-Conference)/Angelo Marcopolo/(Partly UpDated)/- Pope Francis seems to Believe so Strongly that the Human Family must and can be urgently reUnited Together Nowadays, also thanks to InterReligious Dialogue, that he practicaly Dares Risk even his own and his Friends' Lives in a Highly Symbolic, but More Dangerous than initialy expected, 1st Trip of the Spiritual Leader of more than 1,4 Billions of Catholic Christians, and Universaly Recognized Head of Vatican State to Iraq, where Clouds of various Violent Conflicts, (including Bombs, Rockets and other Explosions, Army Moves, etc)., are Gathering anew these Last Days, be it from Turkey, Baiden, or Iran, etc., provoking Concern and showing the Desired Peace as a kind of Miracle, Hard but badly Needed by the People of that Strategic Area of Historic Cross-roads, where too Many have notoriously Suffered too much recently... -------------------- - However, in Practice, it's, apparently, just the fragilized, but Aspiring to a ReVival, Iraqi State, and Vatican itself, which officially assumed the Responsibility to Guarantee an elementary Security for the Pope and the People that such Exceptional Events usualy attract, as Dominican Priest, Shia specialist, and Paris' Christian University Professor, Brother Ami Jaje, an Iraqi Christian himself, (from the Most Ancient Church in the World, establised since the 1st Century, by Apostles Thomas and Thadeus, that of Chaldean Christians, united with Rome Catholics, and slightly more Numerous than the Assyriacs, united with Constantinople's Orthodox, since a remote Past, but closely Cooperating Today : Comp. Reply to Patriarch Sako, Head of the Chaldean Church, at an earlier "Eurofora" Question in a Previous Press Video-Conference, at: ..., etc). However, when, Suddenly, this occurs, not only amidst various Remnants of Hidden former ISIS, Al Queda, and/or Other xxsuch Deadly Islmist Armed Terrorist Gangs, But Also among several and fast Growing Bombs, Drones, Rockets, Military Invasions, Airplane Bombardments, etc, by various pro-Iran Shia Armed Popular Groups, Iraqi pro-Government Forces, or Turkish Military Invasion//Occupation Armed Units, etc, Each-one Reacting to the Others' alleged Provocations, Threats, Explosions or Deadly Strikes, etc., Spreading Crater and Ruins, Wounded or Killed People, etc. throughout all Iraq-related Territories, ... then, Obviously, the OverAll Security Situation Becomes much More Dangerously Fluide... Thus, among Many and Various Other Such Incidents, Escalation became Obvious, when New US' White House's Press Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, experienced former State Department's Press Attachee, curiously spoke about a ..."Timely" (sic) Reaction from President Joe Biden, for choosing to Reply to an obscure and initially unnoticed alleged pro-Iranian Shia' Group's strike at an US Base at Iraq (where a Philippino Contractor was Wounded and Later Died) Back on February 15, with an USA Air-Strike at the ...End of that Month (Evening of 25 Feb), i.e. while Pope Francis' Iraq Trip had been, meanwhile, Confirmed, Hitting at a strategic Iraq-Syria Borders' Crossing point, where More than 20 People might have been Killed, according to Foreign Medias, in an Area Liberated from ISIS' Terrorists cowardly Targetting even innocent Civilian People, (at almost Equal Distance from Syria, Iraq and Turkey's Central Land). => In less than a Week, on March 3, (i.e. Only 2 Days Befora Pope Francis' Arrival to Bagdad !), more than 10 Rockets Hit anOther USA Military Base, inside Iraq, and anOther Contractor, Wounding also several People... And Biden's Administration reportedly Vowed to "Reply" Again, asap.... => Meanwhile, in such Exceptional Circumstances, Pope Francis' predecessor, nowadays Emeritus Pope Benedit, felt Necessary to make a very Rare Derogation from his Official Stance, not to give Public Statements, (unless in order to Fight "for the General Interest of Humanity" : see relevant "Eurofora"s Suggestion, and Pope Benedict's Last-Minute Acceptance, during the Events of 2013, at : ...., ...., etc. F.ex. in order to Mark his Refusal to Artificialy Fabricate Human beings inside Technocrats' Labos", as he Denounced on 2019), by, Surprizingly, speaking to Mainstream "Corriere de la Serra" Newspaper in Rome, on the occasion of his Successor's, Pope Francis' Trip to Iraq : Among its main Key Points, this Exceptional Move included also the Fact the Biden's real Stance on LGBD+ Controversial Issues -including imposing UnPopular "Same Sex Marriage", and/or Submission of Children to the Power of Homosexuals, etc, his Recent "Executive Order" for "TransGender", even among Kids, at the Sport, and the Army !- are "Not those of Catholic Christians"", (contrary to what Biden fallaciously Claims to be himself, in private), "But Only of the Dems' Party, that he Follows in Politics".... Many Shia Muslims, of Iraq and/or Iran Traditions, Notoriously have, more or less, Similar Positions to Christian Catholics, here, on Issues related to "Natural Family", etc. - and this Might be one of the Reasons for which More than 3.000 Shia People had Reportedly Asked to Attend the Public Meeting Pope Benedict had Organized in his 2012 Visit to Lebanon, as the Experienced Mgr Gollnisch, CEO of Humanitarian "Oeuvre d'Orient" NGO (Established 1860) recently told Journalists, including "Eurofora", at a Previous Press Video-Conference with Paris: See ..., etc). => In Consequence, Benedict, Nowadays, launched a vibrant Call to ..."Pray for Pope Francis !" and his Dangerous Trip to Iraq... A Call almost Immediately Endorsed, inter alia, Also by the Christian Catholic Bishops of France, etc., (Partly UPDATED). --------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Some aspects of such Global BioEthical Issues seem Not without Political Dangers, since, inter alia, it's a Fact that Popular former Pope JOHN-PAUL II, just After Succeeding to Help Adopt a landmark UN Assembly Resolution against Genetic Cloning of Human Embryos at New York (2004), preparing to Reply to EU's and CoE's new Invitations to Speak on such and other Topical Issues in Strasbourg, fell suddenly ill and passed away. + Just 1 Year Earlier, on 2003, the Vatican-Friendly Franco-Brazilian Sergio de MELLO, a Popular and Brillant UN Senior Officer on Refugees, HeadQuartered at Nearby Geneva, (Famous for having Helped the Return of Many Refugees at their Various Countries of Origin, accross the World) and Recently Appointed as UNO's High Representative for Human Rights in general, who was Reportedly expected to Become Soon Candidate for New UN Secretary General at the Top, was Named UN Representative at Iraq, where he Quarelled with an US Ambassador and Turkey about a UN-sponsored Plan for the Return of 400.000 Kurds a.o. Back at their Ancestral Lands, mainly at Northern Iraq, Facing Turkey's Borders. Shortly Afterwards, he was Murdered, killed Together with his Stuff, in a Bomb Explosion at his Office in Bagdad, and that Kurdish Refugee Return UN Plan was Droped. Then, the USA had Notoriously entrusted to Controversial former UK "New Labour" PM Tony "the Bliar" [as Families of Soldiers Killed at Iraq had Nick-Named him] the Responsability for the "European" Aspects of the Global Iraqi Conlict, where Bliar had Heavily Pushed the USA to Intervene, including with Gross Lies, the "Suicide" of a Dissident Top UN Expert at London, etc). (Already, after the First Artificial Fabrication of "Test-Tube" Babies in USA and the UK, during the 1970ies, Followed by France, etc. on 198Oies, JP2 had tried to make a Spectacular, GeoPolitical and Doctrinal "U-Turn" with an Historic Attempt to "ReVive" the Christian Church, mainly through Europe, by Launching a Stronger than before "Ecumenical" Movement towards the ReUnification of Christians, including also Russian and Greek Orthodox, from Moscow to Constantinople, etc., [f.ex. Russia acceding into the PanEuropean CoE on 1986, etc]. However, a Sly but Brutal Attempt to Stop that was marked by the 1981 Murder Attempt by a Turkish Extremist attacking and Wounding the Pope wth a Knife, who was caricaturily Disguished, at the Beginning, as if he might be a ..."Bulgarian" pro-Moscow Leftist, while he was Simply a Turkish Nationalist ! That Incident marked JP2's Health for the Rest of his Life, made him Subject to various Medical Risks, and Obviously Eased his Sudden, Tragic Death, at a moment of Crucial Importance, as that of 2004 : Comp. Supra). + His successor (and long-time Collaborator), Emeritus Pope BENEDICT, when he Published his Famous Encyclic "Caritas in Veritate", with a Strong Criticism against Risks to Abuse some Controversial Genetic Tecnologies Manipulating Human Embryos, Back on 2009, (Welcomed, among others, then, als with an Elogious Article by Mario DRAGHI, future ECB President, and Now, new Italian Prime Minister : Comp. Draghi's Replies to "Eurofora" Questions f.ex. at : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/ecbpresidentinterestedinbrics.html, http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/euronewfaceandnewphase.html, etc), suddenly, he faced 2 Exceptional Violent Incidents successively hitting his Right Hand, followed by an UnPrecedented Mass Medias' Slandering against the Catholic Church, added, soon afterwards, to notorious Pressure against himself too. ++ Even his successor, current Pope FRANCIS, when he made some Landmark Statements in favor of the UnBorn Children's Lifes, after Visiting a Symbolic Monument in South Korea on 2014, his Family Relatives in Argentina were suddely Wounded, and some Killed, by a Truck of "Monsanto" MultiNational Bio-Tech Company, which came from a Region famous for a Social Conflict, then, with the Local Population struggling Against alleged Risks to Human Health, particularly on Human Embryos, related to Controversial Monsanto "GMO"s, (See : ... + ..., etc). -------------------------------- * Moreover, also from a GeoPolitical point of view, Astonishingly, but Significantly, US' Biden's strange Choice for his Deadly Strike against Alleged pro-Iran Shia Groups, on February 25, at a Strategic Crossinng Between Iraq and Syria, (Comp. Supra), widely Mirrors also the Recently Growing Turkish Military Aggressions at Northern Iraq, particularly Near Sinjar Mountain strategic Crossing, which links, inter alia, also to Nineveh Valey, Historicaly Christian, etc, but also towards Turkey's Borders to Iraq and Syria, traditionaly inhabited by Kurds too : I.e., in Both Cases, there are renewed Attempts to Hinder the Area's Free Crossings towards a European Direction ! And, in Both Cases, such Obstacles had been, initialy, Raised by ISIS' Terrorist cowads targetting also Civilian People, (Notorioiusly Backed by Turkey, their Logistics' Center), or by Turks themselves, directly, (as Recently, when ISIS was Defeated, by the International Coalition, with the Help of Syrian Kurds))... But, Now that ISIS Largely Vanished, while at Aghanistan the situation Changes, will that Area be Free to Develop elementary Democratic Structures and an UnHindered, Friendly Relation in Direction to its Historic and GeoPolitical Neighbout : Europe, or, on the Contrary, Again Blocked by Turkey and its Proxies ? - Until Now, it's Strange : "There is Tension with Iran", USA, But Also "Turkey : Ankara is Currently Deploying its Military inside Iraq, But we doN't Hear Enough in the (Establishment's) Medias !", righfully Criticized the Experienced CEO of Christian Humanitarian NGO "L'Oeuvre d'Orient", Mgr Gollnisch, speaking Today to Journalists, including "Eurofora"... -In Fact, Turkey was Blocking Europe's Links to the Middle-East Already since the Armenian Genocide, so that Young Minister (then) Churchil had to Help Arabs DisMantle the Former Turkish-Othoman Empire in order to Change the situation, with the Emergence of National Arab States, (like Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, UAE, etc) : the Famous Era of "Saint Laurence of Arabia" (etc).... + Turkey was even in Front of late Pope John-Paul II, when he Tried to make an U-Turn towards "Ecumenism", i.e. the various Historic Areas located at the East of Europe, (Comp. Supra), But a Turkish Nationalist Thug cowardly soon Aggressed and Stabbed the Holy Father with a Knife, Wounding him Seriously, back on 1981... ++ Sergio de Mello,... +++ Turkey could have been, once Again, in front of late Pope John-Paul II, also on 2004, when a strong Supporter of Ecumenism, and Vatican-Friendly, Orthodox ArchiBishop of Alexandria (responsible for all the African Continent), Petros, was Suddenly Killed, by a Brutal Crash of his Helicopter, Together with 16 others among his Hosts, on his Road towards the International Area of World-Famous "Athos" Monasteries, up in Greece's Northern Mountains, near Thessaloniki : Indeed, "Petros of Alexaneria", Notoriously Multi-Active throughout All Africa, (from Johanesburg up yo Egypt, etc) and well Beyond, stemed from a Family of Cyprus' Refugees, obliged to Abandon their Home and Ancestral Land in order to Flee the Turkish Military Invasion and Occupation at the Northern Part of the Island, precisely from Kyrenia : the SeaPort City that Ankara, notoriously, does Not Intend to Return Back to its Lawful Inhabitants in any eventual UN Peace Plan... He was, also, Expected, then, to be one among the, reportedly, Most Important (if not THE Most Important) Candidate to the Top Job of New ArchiBishop for All the Orthodox Church, (f.ex. also Ukraine, and, then, Russia Included), soon ! According to an Investigation, then made by "Eurofora"'s co-Founder, the Trajectory of that fatal Helicopter had to Cross, just Before the Deadly Crush, also an Aegean Sea Area which was, then, Fiercely Contested and Revendicated by Turkey too, (to the point that Opposed Military Airplanes were Charged to Monitor that Area, Both from Greece and from Turkey)... No Official Cause for Peter of Alexandria's Helicopter's Crash was ever announced, until now (2004-2021) ! Only 2 Years Earlier, a previous Helicopter Crash had Also Killed even the Chief of Military Defense in Cyprus, General Florakis, together with the Head for Aegean Sea and Cyprus Air-space, Greek Officer Demenagas, and others, back on 2002, exactly ...the Same Day that EU Parliament had just Started to Discuss in Public and Vote, for the 1st Time, on a Resolution for the Creation of a "Single European Sky", which Included also several "Hot" Amendments concerning EU Member Greece's and EU Candidate Cyprus' AirSpace Blocks, fiercely Revendicated by Turkey. And just 1 Year After ArchiBishop Petros of Alexandria's Non-Elucidated Killing (Comp. Supra), on 2005, a Private Company "Helios" Civil Airplane, full of Families with many Children, due to Flight from Cyprus (Larnaka) to the Czech Republic (Praga), Suddenly Faced undetermined Problems When it Crossed Near the Turkish Borders, Lost Control over the Aegean Sea, and unexpectedly Crashed North of Athens, Killing all passengers... (See "Eurofora" Co-Foundet's Publication, then, at "TCWeekly", [also for the Victims of a French Airplane, Which crashed in Other Dircumstances, Elsewhere, but almost at the Same Time], from Bonn, in Germany, during a Global Christian Gathering, Earlier Inaugurated by then new Pope Benedict : "WYD 2005). - Turkey came, Also, (in a Similarly Brutal way), in Front of the Previous Attempt, by Now Emeritus Pope Benedict, to Reach towards the Eastern, and more Ancient Christian Churches, between 2010 and 2012 : Indeed, at the Eve of a landmark Collective Gathering of Various Christian Representatives from Neighbouring Countries at EU Member Cyprus, suddenly, the Head of the Catholic Christian Community in Turkey, (an Italian Bishop), is Atrociously Murdered, inside his own Home, his Neck Cut with a Knife, by a long-time Turkish employee, crying "Allah Akbar", (the Day before a planned departure for the Island) !... + And shortly After a special Synod at the Vatican in Rome, notoriously, ISIS' Extremist Cowards Targetting even Innocent Civilian People, slyly Attacked a Christian Assyriac Cathedral in Bagdad, Iraq, (provoking Indignation also among "Shocked" Iraqi Muslims for such a Horrible Massacres of simple Civilian People, inside a Religious Shrine, and during a Religious Ceremony, according to Mgr Gollnisch : It's by Visiting this Tragic Cathedral, that Pope Francis' 2021 Visit will practicaly Start in Nowadays Iraq, among Religious and People)... ------------- + But, Meanwhile, Turkish Obstructionism, against Europe's outreach towards the Christian People of the South-East, is almost Everywhere, also - and Particularly - Nowadays : - Even among NATO Member Countries, f.ex. in order to Check against Prohibited Arms-Trafficking towards a still Divided Libya, by Controling Suspicious Cargo Ships for Smuggling : After "just anOther' French Monitoring Ship, anew "Blocked" by Turkey, Recently it's Even a German Monitoring Ship which was reportedly ''Blocked" too, by the Turkish Defense Minister ! + As for the Usual Claims about Turkey's alleged "Big Army", etc., added to NATO's Overall Potential, and so on, (that Some, Mechanically Repeat, from theles Past, until Nowadays), they should Better UpDate their Clock's Hour to the Contemporary Era, and particularly to the Post-"Putch 2016" Era ! Simply Because, in Fact, Contrary to a Remote Past, Turkey does No More seem to have Any Real Army as it Was Before, But Only a Lot of ...Raped Young Conscripts, Killed or Lynched former Guards or Officers, Prosecuted, Condemned and Jailed Former Soldiers, ImPrisoned former Officers, Dismissed or Fired former Military Staff, Fugutifs or Refugees among Former Army Officers, Now Dispersed Abroad, some Terrorized, Hidding Behind their Desks, Former Military Staff, Nowadays Reduced to a State of Submitted, Powerless and Fearful Low Bank-Employees like Individuals, Added to some Dirty Thugs or Cronies, UnAble to do Anything Except Steal, and more Stupid than Pigs, who Profited from a Unique Occasion to get Army Jobs for which they are Blatantly UnFit.... All Others are Hidding someplace, In or Out of Turkey, in one way or another, Waiting for this Nightmare to End. => That's Why, After and Since 2016, during All the Numerous subsequent Aggressive War-mongering in which Turkey engaged, practicaly Nobody hasN't ever Seen, no more, any normal Army ever Fighting at the foreFront (No Videos, No PhotoDrones>, (More Falling Down, than Flying above, by the way..., f.ex. in Libyas) ! Only some, hasty-made, bas-class <, etc); just a Few Ugly "Turkish Tanks" (if you are lucky) to amuse yourself by taking them as Targets to Explode ... (f.ex. in Syria's Kurdish Regions, etc); and a lot of Stupid-looking, Cro-Magnon style, "Proxy" Mercenaries, notoriously Recruited among Former ISIS, Al-Queda, etc. Arabs or Pakistani, Africans, etc., Recently Complaining Not to be Paid Enough, not even what they had been Promised by Turkey, (f.ex. in Libya, Nagorno-Karapach, etc), Eager to Steal some Cows or Chicken, (f.ex. in AFRIN), Ready to Cowardly Kill any Isolated and DisArmed POW, Or Rape, Strangle and Cowardly Desecrate any Isolated Woman with a Serious Political Personality for a Peaceful and United Future of Syria, (f.ex., Kurdish Regions of Northern Syria), Arrest, Kill and Cut the Head of UnArmed, Old Civilian People in Occupied Armenia, Publishing atrocious Photos at the Internet, (f.ex. Nagorno-Karabach), etc. => So that, practicaly, one of the Rare Opportunities to Still See a few of Turkish Soldiers during a Post-2016 Conflict seems to be mainly the Strange but recently Repeated Phenomenon of a Bunch of Tanks, Hidden Down in a Hole Underneath the Surface of the Land, and far Behind the Borders, but with their Canons Turned Upwards, so that they can Bomb a nearby Foreign Land, by Remotely thrown Rockets, (following their Trajectory at a covered Computer Screen), withOut being Visible by Anyone there !... (f.ex. at Kurdish Regions of Northern Syria, and some Turkish Borders to Iraq, in divided Libya, etc). --------------------- + Concerning particularly Iraq, several Warnings had been Launched, Already from Last Year (2020), that 2021 Risked to Become the Year of Systematic Turkish Attacks inside Iraki Territories, (f.ex. "Le Monde"), etc, as a "Next Step" After various Similar Turkish Military Invasions and Occupations, Recently, at AFRIN (2018), at the Northern Kurdish Regions of Syria (2019), at Libya (2020), Nagorno-Karabach (2021), etc. Already since 2017, Turkey reportedly Established Several "Military Bases" inside Iraq, Nowadays Reaching about 37 !... On 2019, Ankara launched a Military Operation in Iraq, nick-named "Tiger's Claws" (sic !), which reportedly aimed to Penetrate Further Inside the Country. + Since June 2020+, Turkey Kick-Starts a Series of more than 100 Targers in the Kurdish Area of Iraq, Deploying a lot of Special Forces with Many Bombings, nick-named "Eagle's Claws", which Kills Civilian People and Desertifies Hundreds of Villages, including on February 2021. => In Consequence, the Inhabitants of Dozens of Iraqi Villages were, reportedly, Obliged to Evacuate their Family Homes and Flee Elsewhere, in Harsh Conditions of everyday life, (Often Reminiscent of ECHR's landmark Case-Law in the Famous "Akdivar" affair, of a Kurdish Family in Turkey, Obligged to Flee the Destruction of her Home and Livelihood, Becoming Refugee/Displaced People, with fragile Children Suddenly thrown under Conditions of "Inhuman/Degrading Treatments", at Far-Away Smyrna/Izmir's Aegean Seabord City's imPoverished Suburbs... Turkey now Reportedly Targets more the Sinjar Mountains Area, which is Traditionaly inhabitted by the Yazidi People, (Near to Christians), who notoriously Suffered the Worst Threats of Systematic Extermination under ISIS' Terrorists' joug, until the Kurds Helped Both to Protect them and to Organize and Train them in order to Become Able to Defend themselves as Independent People. + In Addition, the Strategic Sinjar Mountains Crossing at Northern Iraq is very close to the Nineveh Valley, an Historic Christian stronghold in Iraq, near Mosul, where Pope Francis is notoriously due to make the Greatest Number of Visits, towards the Last Day of his Official Trip to Irraq, including an Open Air Mass at Ebril Stadium, where his Security, and of all People who are with Him, will be under the Official Protection of the Regional Iraqi-Kurd Administration, as scheduled, creating an obvious and inevitabke Concern, (given, particularly, the Notorious "Osmose" between Turkey and ISIS' Deadly Terrorists)... Taking into account also the Fact that such Coward Deaely Terrorists, Targetting Even innocent Civilian People, May Also Strike even After the End of the Official Events, placed under Enhanced Security, (as, f.ex., the case of the 2012 Bombing in an Iraqi Cathedral at Bagdad, the Day After a landmark Vatican Synode for the Middle East's Historic Christian Communities had just Concluded in Rome, had Tragicaly shown)... + Meanwhile, it's Also the International Organisation of the Arab Ligue, Meeting at the Egyptian Capital of Cairo, which reportedly Dealt Officially with such Growing Tension, "illegitimate Interferences", and Threats provoked by Turkey inside Iraq, but also Other Arab Countries Nowadays : The Meeting was reportedly organized by the "Ministerial Committee on Monitoring Turkish Interferencies", during the "Arab Ligue"'s Council session. Among the Official Participants, were the "United Arab Emirates", Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, as well as Iraq itself, etc., together with the Arab Ligue's Secretary General. Among the several "Military Manouvers by Turkey during Internal Clashes in Arab Countries", Critcaly Discussed there, reportedly were also the cases of the "Libyan Civil War", the "Conflict between the Syrian Government and Extremist Groups", "Operations of Harassement of Kurds inside Iraq, by Ankara, which Accuses them for Troubles in South Turkey", (etc). But Many Also Denounced Ankara's "Collaboration with Extremist Jihadist Armed Groups inside the Syrian Conflict", in Addition to "Sending into Libya Mercenaries earlier linked with ISIS or Al Quaida", etc. ------------------------------ ++ Extending also well Beyond the current Arab Ligue, i.e. at Neighbouring Iran, when its Ambassador to Bagdad, suddenly Warned Turkey that Ankara's forces should Not "pose a Threat or Violate Iraqi soil". - "We (Iran) do Not Accept at all, be it Turkey or any Other Country, to Intervene in Iraq Militarily, or advance or have a Military Presence in Iraq," Ambassador Masjedi was quoted, according to "AFP", in an INTW Published on Saturday. + Meanwhile, Turkish President Erdogan's recent Threat that Ankara could launch (even More) Military action to get Rid of Terrorists ("PKK") in the area (of Northern Iraq), was also Slamed : - On the Contrary, "the Security of the Iraqi Area should be maintained by Iraqi Forces, and (Kurdish) Region Forces, in that Area" in particular, added the Iranian Ambassador, according to "Arab News". - What has Sinjar got to do with Turkey ? he asked. Iraqis themselves must resolve this issue", according to "AFP". - "It has no bearing on Turkey to threaten or make a decision on this. Therefore, we Reject any Threat, be it from Turkey or any other side., added Masjedi, according to USA's "Breitbart". Therefore we believe the Turks must Return to their International position and be Stationed there, and the Security of Iraq be maintained by Iraqis. - Such Turkish Operations in Northern Iraq "have Recently drawn Anger from Bagdad, over Territorial Violations by Ankara's Forces and Aircraft", according top "Arab News">. + Citting f.ex. "an Academic and Analyst at Oxford University, Samuel Ramani", they observe, indeed, that "Iran is trying to Capitalize on Latent DisContent in Baghdad, with expansive Turkish Military Operations that Violate Iraqi Sovereignty'. ++ And Turkish Interior Minister Soylu's Claim that, in Addition, there were 525 Terrorists in Iran, itself, was Rejected as "Unacceptable" by Irani Officials. >>> In Fact, "Since June 2020, Turkey has launched 3 Major Air and Ground Operations, establishing new OutPosts Deep inside the Kurdistan Region" of Irak, USA's "Breitbart" Denounced on 2021. + Moreover, Nowadays, "Masjedi said Turkey is Planning an Operation in the Sinjar region against Yazidi militants" trained by Kurds "Breitbart" Warned. "The Yazidis, a small ....religious Minority, (Near Christianism), were almost Exterminated by ISIS. Hundreds of Yazidis Volunteered for military training with Kurdish militia groups in Syria and Iraq so they would be better able to Defend themselves in the future. Yazidi militias became generally known as Sinjar Resistance Units, named after the Mountainous region where most of the Yazidi population lives''. >>> In Other Words, after having, Previously, Exploited ISIS' Bloody Terrorism against Yazidi, Armenian, Kurdish, Christian, and other People that Turkey did Not Want near its Borders, Now it's even Threatening to Attack them Openly, by its own Military and Proxies, in order to Invade and Occupy a Part of its Neighbouring Countries... In Fact, it's, more or less, mutatis-mutandis, ...one and Same, Old and New Story, Played Again and Again, there, as far as Christians' History is concerned : From Alexandreta/Iskinderum (the Historic "Gate to Syria", Founded by Ancient Greek King "Alexander the Great", Key Part of UNO's Mandate for Syria, entrusted later to France), which was Invaded and Occupied by the Turkish Army on 1938, the Year of "Munich" Cowardice, with All its Armenian, Greek and "Christian Arab" ancestral Inhabitants Expulsed by the Turkish Army, which Usurpated their Family Homes and Ancestral Land. By an Historic Coincidence, precisely ...80 Years Later, on 2018, its Adjacent Region : AFRIN, the most Peaceful Kurdish Region of Syria, (with an wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwIncredibly Dense European Historic Identity), was, also Scandalously, abandoned to be Invaded and Occuppied by the Turkish Army and its Proxies ! (See : ...). The Follow-up is Known : From the Next Year, 2019, the Most Important "BattleGround" Kurdish Regions of North-Eastern Syria, (which had Just Succeeded to Win the War against "ISIS"' Islamist Deadly Terrorist Cowards Targeting Even Civilian People, until they Liberated also Raqqa, etc), are Partialy Abandoned to Turkey's Army and its Proxies, including some Historicaly Christian areas. During 2020-2021, it's Nowadays the turn of Iraq's Northern Mountains, adjacent to Turkey, and particularly of the Yazidi Mountain Crossing of Sinjar, with the Neighbouring Historic Christian stronghold of Nineveh Valley, (Near Mosul, Kirkuk and Ibril), which are Currently Threatened by Turkish Tanks, Air-Bombings and Military Invasion/Occupation, (Comp. Supra) : It's the remnants of the Southern Outline of the Biggest Christian Empire in Human History : that of the Over-Millenary Greek-Byzantine Empire (330 - 1.453), of which, Turkey diN't Left Nowadays, but Only...the Smalest Percentage of Christians in the Total Population among All Middle-Eastern Countries !... (See relevant "Le Monde/AFP" Graphic 2021, Attached Herewith)... ---------------------------------------------------- + Meanwhile, at Iraq, on Late February 2021, an Iraqi Political Leader from a a Popular Party, according to"ABNA" Media, Already Warned that the "Turkish Army appears to be preparing for an Incursion into Sinjar Mountains in northern Iraq near the Syrian Border", and Urged to Dare Face it by the necessary Iraqi National Force, if needed : - "Hadi al-Amiri, Chief of Fatah (Conquest) Alliance at the Iraqi Parliament, said while Iraqis expected Turkish troops to Withdraw from the Town of Bashiqa, Deep inside Iraq and recently Occupied border Territories, Turkey was primed for a Further Invasion and Occupation of the Arab Country": - <>, he said in a statement carried by "al-Sumaria" TeleVision Network. => - He Called on the Iraqi Government to "Take all necessary Measures to Prevent any Encroachment on the Iraqi Territory." - Amiri reportedly observed that "Iraqi Armed Forces, Security agencies and the Popular Mobilization Units ("PMU" : Comp. Supra), commonly known as "Hashd al-Shaabi", are Capable of Defending their Homeland against any possible Turkish Incursion". + In Addition, "Iraq's al-Nujaba movement, which is part of 'Hashd al-Shaabi" (Comp. Supra) ...Criticized the Government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi for its perceived Laxity in the face of Turkey's actions in Northern Iraq". - The Resistance group urged Turkish forces to reconsider their calculations before targeting Sinjar in Iraqs Nineveh Province. It also called on the Iraqi Government, parliament and related organizations to take a Unified stance Against any act of Foreign Aggression". -"The Turkish army must take a Lesson from the Fate of American Occupiers who had More facilities, weapons and troops," al-Nujaba said, pointing at the Outward Trend of US Army, progressively Leaving Iraq, (while Even Ommiting to remind Also the Fact that USA had No Problem with Kurds, Yazidi, and various Others Iraqi factions, But Only Turkey did)... - "If the government remains silent, the Iraqi People and the Resistance will take a clear position, as they are Able to confront and Repel the Occupiers," Nujaba warned. ------------------------------------------- >>> - Pope Francis' 2021 First Official Visit to Iraq aims to "Support All Good Will Iraqis, Against those who Made them Suffer", resumed Today the Experienced Christian Humanitarian NGO "Oeuvre d'Orient" (Established since 1860), Mgr. Gollnisch, speaking to Journalists, including "Eurofora", via a Press Video-Conference from Iraq. + Adding from a GeoPolitical point of view, he Timely observed that French President "Macron has Recently Reached Iraq, just After Visiting Lebanon". - France had Refused to Participate to that Intervention in the Past, and even Condemned it. Former French Foreign Minister (and Future Prime Minister) Dominique de Villepin was Notoriously Fighting against that in New York's UNO Headquarters, and former President Jacques Chirac was Opposed. ++ Moreover, Pope Francis is known to be more in Favour of a Multi-Polar World, instead of a Dual World view, traditionaly focused on the West, (from which he keeps a Distance, and he has Even been Criticized for that, he pointed out). +++ Significantly, already Back on 2003, "the Pope (then John-Paul II) was Not Eeven Informed Officialy about that Military Intervention, But Only 1 Day Later, and Through the Italian Government (sic !)... >>> At any case, Nowadays, f.ex. French Bishops use to Visit Iraq for Direct Contacts with Religious People. Politicians may play their War Games, but Not Manipulate Religious People, which is anOther Issue... => Future Visits by Shia => may be in order to prepare to sign a Joint Text (as at Al-Azhar in- Abu Dhabi) in the foreseable Future. (../..) ("Draft-News") The unprecedented discovery of an ancient lamprey growth series, published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature, is overturning long-held ideas as to what modern lampreys may tell us about the origin of vertebrates (all animals with a backbone such as goldfish, lizards, crows and people). "Lampreys and modern hagfish are the only jawless fish alive that branched off from the family tree of vertebrates before they got jaws," says Dr Rob Gess from the Albany Museum in Makhanda, who discovered the ancient fossils. "This makes them very interesting for researchers attempting to understand the earliest stages of vertebrate history." Until now, it was commonly believed that modern lampreys were swimming time capsules that could give unique insights into the biology and genome (DNA) of a truly ancient lineage. This belief was supported by the discovery, published in Nature in 2006, of an exquisitely preserved lamprey fossil (Priscomyzon) at the 360-million-year-old Waterloo Farm black shales near Makhanda/Grahamstown, South Africa. The discovery was met with excitement worldwide as it was the oldest lamprey ever found, yet it appeared to have been essentially almost identical to modern adult lampreys. Modern lampreys are bizarre fish, eel-like in shape, that feed by latching onto other fish with a sucker around their mouth, securing their grip with circles of teeth and then drinking their victim's blood after rasping a hole with special teeth on their tongue. Therefore, adult lampreys are clearly successful, having arisen before the first four-legged-animals moved onto land and survived, with little change, ever since. In many ways, modern lampreys indeed provide unique insights into their ancient ancestry. But new evidence shows that this is not the case when it comes to the juvenile larval stage. Since the 19th century, biologists have treated the larvae/juveniles of modern lampreys as a relic of deep evolutionary ancestry. These blind, filter-feeding, worm-like larvae (ammocoetes) burrow in stream beds and filter water for minute food particles before slowly transforming into free-swimming, eyed, actively feeding adults. Crucially, this strange life history was thought to echo transformations some 500 million years ago, which gave rise to all fish lineages, including the one that ultimately led to humans. Hence, the last invertebrate ancestor of vertebrates is often portrayed as ammocoete-like, and the earliest vertebrate as being lamprey-like. But for this to be a reasonable model, both ammocoetes and lampreys would need to hark back to the dawn of our (vertebrate) history. However, the new fossil discoveries contradict the conventional wisdom that our long chain of ancestors ever included a lamprey-larva-like fish. Painstaking excavation of shale samples from Waterloo Farm has revealed a growth series of Priscomyzon illustrating its development from hatchling to adult. Remarkably, the smallest preserved individuals, barely 15mm in length, still carried a yolk sac, signalling that these had only just hatched before entering the fossil record. Of crucial importance: even the hatchlings were already sighted with large eyes and armed with a toothed sucker, much like the blood-sucking adult phase of modern lampreys, and completely unlike their modern larval counterparts. This drastically different structure of ancient lamprey infants provides evidence that modern lamprey larvae are not evolutionary relics. Instead, the modern filter-feeding phase is a more recent innovation that allowed lampreys to populate and thrive in rivers and lakes. A less complete (previously unpublished) partial growth series of three types of slightly younger lampreys from North America support the finding. Therefore, distant human ancestry seemingly did not include a lamprey-larva-like stage. Modern lampreys now appear to be a highly evolved side branch, which shared a common ancestor with us - probably a jawless fish enclosed in bony armour. Truly a new entry for the textbooks. ### NORTHAMPTON School committee members will vote Thursday on a proposal to ban displays of the Confederate flag in city schools. If passed, the measure which cites a documented history of substantial disruption to the learning environment involving the flag would ban displays of the flag by students, staff and visitors on school property, at school-sponsored activities and during virtual events and learning. It would allow the flag to be shown in library and other learning materials, during lessons or as a part of an assignment supervised by a teacher. The Northampton Association of School Employees a union representing the teachers, administrators and staff at Northampton schools and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School said in a Feb. 25 Facebook post that it had asked the committee to put a discussion of the ban on its agenda. They agreed to put it on the March 11 meeting agenda, the post said. Please plan to speak at both meetings. We must take a stand that symbols of hate have no place in our schools! The discussion comes after John F. Kennedy Middle School Principal Desmond Caldwell created a video in February addressing student concerns about displays of the Confederate flag during remote learning. Shortly thereafter, a JFK White Student Union page appeared on Facebook, with posts accusing Caldwell of being an anti-American tyrant. The people behind the page said they would be ensuring the protections of civil liberties for white students in Northampton. On Feb. 24, nearly 200 people rallied outside the school to denounce white supremacy and support Caldwell and his efforts to educate the school community about the history of racism associated with the flag. The following day, Northampton Public School Superintendent John A. Provost alerted the FBI about the Facebook page and said he was concerned it was a tool to recruit students into white supremacist groups. That evening, a number of people spoke during the public comment period of a school committee meeting, urging the adoption of a policy banning the Confederate flag. Jacqueline Johnson, a current resident of Springfield and graduate of the Northampton public schools, described displays of the Confederate flag as a hate crime at the Feb. 25 meeting. To think for a moment that we would not ban such a hate crime to me, its a hate crime or a symbol of hate would literally shatter me. This cannot be my Northampton. This cannot be the case, said Johnson, who credited the district for her accomplishments. Yes, Im asking with the deepest level of love and commitment that we please ban this because I have been able to thrive as a Latina/Black woman coming from this community because Northampton poured in so much love and care into my identity. Willa Polin, an eighth grader at John F. Kennedy Middle School, said she has seen the Confederate flag while walking through the hallways at school and sometimes in the background during online lessons. This symbol hurts me and people that I care about like my teachers and friends. This is a symbol of hate in a place thats supposed to be safe. It doesnt belong in our schools, said Polin during the meeting. I believe that a better world is possible and I believe banning the Confederate flag is one step closer to that better world. Discussion of a potential ban poured over into social media. On Instagram, the account TalkThirtyToMe put out a call to action asking its more than 250,000 followers to pressure Facebook to remove the JFK White Student Union page and write letters to the school committee, asking for a ban. The post had more than 10,700 likes and more than 170 comments, with many people saying they sent emails to the district. The vote is scheduled for 9:55 p.m. at the Thursday, March 11 school committee meeting, according to the agenda. Public comment on the matter is slated for 9:25 p.m. The proposed language reads: Given the documented history of substantial disruption to the learning environment in the Northampton Public Schools caused by displays of the Confederate Flag, including the negative impact to the health and safety of students who have a right to equally access the learning environment and have credibly reported feeling unsafe when it is displayed, and the ongoing disruption to the learning environment that is reasonably anticipated to continue by its display, neither students, staff, nor visitors to the schools shall, at school (whether in person or online), on school property or at school-sponsored activities, display or transmit images of the Confederate Flag (in any medium, including clothing, jewelry, posters, stickers, flyers or buttons). Images and symbols covered by this policy are permissible in library or other approved learning materials, or in a classroom setting, (e.g., a history class discussion of the Civil War or the Civil Rights Movements) as part of a learning assignment supervised by a teacher. Related content: New Delhi: Nine people were killed and nine others were injured after a private bus fell into a deep gorge in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district on Wednesday (March 10). The accident occurred at around 10:15 am at Colony Mod, in Chamba's Bhanjraru which falls in Teesa sub-division. The injured were rushed to Medical College Chamba. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has ordered an inquiry to find out the cause of the accident. Speaking during the ongoing budget session in the state assembly, Thakur expressed grief over the deaths in the accident. Deputy Commissioner of Chamba District, D.C. Rana, informed that immediate relief of Rs 20,000 each has been given to the families of the deceased, while Rs 5000 has been given to the injured persons. Live TV ADVERTISEMENT A youth group under the auspices of the Nigerian Youths Movement for Tinubu (NYMT) on Tuesday urged the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, to join the 2023 presidential race. The Director-General, NYMT, Mukhtar Mukhtar, while addressing the media in Abuja said the legacies and ideologies of Mr Tinubu clearly portrayed him as a national leader, who was a rallying point for progressives in the country. Mr Mukhtar, represented by the groups North West coordinator, Mustapha Abdrahman, called on the two-time governor of Lagos state to use his experience in fostering unity, peace and progress in the country and contest for the position of president in the 2023 general election. Over the years, Tinubu has been a vanguard of true federalism and national integration even as he pays attention to the development of our dear nation. He is a pacesetter, a mentor, nation builder, a unifier and de-tribalised politician, he said. The call comes two weeks after another group of young professionals donated N10 million to support Mr Tinubus candidacy. A political phenomenon According to Mr Mukhtar, if Mr Tinubu joins the presidential race it will enable him consolidate what President Muhammadu Buhari has done and is still doing in the country. Asiwaju possess undeniable passion for Nigeria. He is consummate democrat and a progressive to a core. A political phenomenon, an astute administrator and successful businessman, who has within his political sojourn, become the political colossal in Nigeria. It is in our quest for the progress of Nigeria as a nation that we have called on an outstanding personality in person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to vie for the position of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he said. Also, Abu Ibrahim, a senator who represented Katsina South in the eighth National Assembly, extolled the qualities of Mr Tinubu and his contributions towards the growth of APC. Mr Ibrahim, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mustapha Ahmed-Ibrahim, said Nigerian youth will support the national leader of the APC if he decides to contest for presidency in the next general election. He, therefore, stressed the need for Nigerians to unite and support credible representatives to lead the country. Also, General Secretary, NYMT, Olugbenga Pius, said the group was made up of various representatives of youth associations who were after the peace and progress of the country, hence will mobilise Nigerians to support Mr Tinubu, if he decides to join the race. We the leaders of various youth groups and volunteers pledge to ramp up efforts to fully implement strategies and Platforms for Actions, should Tinubu decide to run for presidency in 2023 general elections, he said. (NAN) San Jose Demonstrators Say "No More Killer Cops Like Derek Chauvin!" by Hope for a Conviction Tuesday Mar 9th, 2021 11:46 PM In San Jose--a peaceful protest to highlight the start of the trial for Derek Chauvin, the man accused of killing George Floyd. Members of Bay Area social justice groups came to speak as a collective voice for justice. At the end of the scheduled program, a smaller group moved into the intersection at Santa Clara Street and 4th St to block traffic and bring attention to the cause. On March 8 in San Jose City Hall Plaza, protesters remembered George Floyd and called for justice for stolen lives. Monday marked the beginning of jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin for killing George Floyd. Rallies were planned nationwide. A protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan led to eight arrests for various misdemeanors. In Minneapolis, on the site of Floyd's murder, over 1,000 people gathered. Speakers in San Jose said that while convictions of police officers are rare, they hope that a jury will find the video of Floyd's death convincing and that Chauvin will be convicted. Alarmingly, there is a case similar to Floyd's in the San Francisco Bay Area. Navy Vet Angelo Quinto died in the city of Antioch after a police office knelt on his neck on December 23, 2020. San Jose demonstrators spoke about the Antioch case, and called for investigation into the death of a Black youth, George Johnson, a student at San Jose State University who died under mysterious circumstances in 2008. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Use budgeting tools One solution is to jot down these expenses, should you happen to have paper, pen and a place to write every time you spend money. A more practical way would be to use various budgeting apps, such as Mint, a free budget planner and credit monitoring tool. Honeydue is a free app for budgeting with your partner. Nerdwallet has a free app that will help you track your spending, your credit score and your net worth. And you can always use the online budgeting tool from AARP. If you track your spending, you'll get a good idea of where your money is going, and how you can save more of it. For many people, the budget busters are generally small things that add up over time, says Ray Ferrara, a financial planner for Provise Management Group in Clearwater, Florida. Most people fail to account for the creepers,' Ferrara says. Those are the things that creep into our spending habits. We go to the grocery store and buy things that are not on the list. We can't say no to the grandkids latest toy/video game. All of these are spur-of-the-moment decisions that, in and of themselves, do not seem to bust the budget, but when added up over the course of the year have the potential to do so." A budget is something you can't just write down and forget: If you want to make good use of it, you have to track it and see where you go off course. For the most part, people spend more than they anticipate, says Jeffrey Corliss, a financial adviser in Westport, Connecticut. In a way, it's like piloting a boat, he says: You can make changes before you end up in the ocean." One way to make things easier is to automate your saving, rather than writing a check every month. There's not a financial institution in the world that wouldn't be glad to tap your bank account at regular intervals. Set up an automated savings plan with a bank, brokerage or mutual fund company and don't alter it, if you can. Putting it together The idea behind a budget is to have savings, and the idea behind savings is to have money when you need or want to spend it. It's useful to think of having several buckets of saved money. (Some people call them envelopes, after the old-fashioned system of putting cash into various envelopes marked for different spending needs.) You should have at least two savings buckets for money that's available when you need it: one for emergencies, and another for retirement. You can divide emergencies into two sub-buckets, if you like. A smaller one $1,000 or so is for the inevitable car repair, dishwasher replacement or emergency vet visit. If you keep this in good shape, you won't have to charge these expenses. The other emergency fund is for a major expense, which generally means a fund for paying the bills if you lose your job. Most financial planners recommend a fund equal to three to six months worth of expenses. This is a terrifying amount to many people, but remember: It's for your fixed expenses, not your entire paycheck. If you have $3,000 in monthly take-home pay and $2,000 in fixed expenses, then you'll need $6,0000 to $12,000 in your emergency fund. This is still somewhat terrifying, but it's a goal: Set aside a certain amount toward it each month. How much to save for retirement depends on how old you are, how much you have already saved and what other resources you may have, such as Social Security or a pension. You can use the AARP retirement calculator to help you figure out how much you'll need for retirement. But again: The idea is to start saving, or increase saving, from the money you've saved by creating a budget. The final savings category is the best one: money to make your life better. This could be for a new car or a home renovation. The sky and your budgeting prowess is the limit. Working for a living and not spending on things you enjoy can make life a drudgery. Creating a workable budget means you can not only remove the worry of running out of money, but you can spend it in a way that brings you happiness. Washington Rep. John Katko is among five House Republicans who helped pass a sweeping overhaul of labor laws that makes it easier for workers to join and form labor unions. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House late Tuesday by a vote of 225-206. Only one Democrat voted against the bill. The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is a priority for President Joe Biden, who has pledged to support an expansion of labor rights. The bill is supported by the AFL-CIO and most large labor unions but opposed by more than 150 business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers. The PRO Act gives the National Labor Relations Board the authority to levy fines against employers and gives collective bargaining rights to independent contractors. The bill also gives union organizers access to the contact information of workers, who could be reached outside of work as part of a union drive. The House passed the legislation amid a large union-organizing drive in the South where labor groups are pushing to unionize a 6,000-worker Amazon warehouse near Birmingham, Ala. Katko, now in his fourth term in Congress, has been supported by Central New York labor unions in his election campaigns. In September, Katko picked up the endorsements of large local unions, including local affiliates of the Teamsters, Plumbers and Steamfitters, and Laborers International Union of North America. Katko said in a statement after the House vote that he has supported bipartisan efforts to strengthen worker rights. While this measure is far from perfect, I believe it is crucial we put in place fair and uniform policies that ensure workers are able to exercise their right to organize, Katko said. With the pandemic still creating economic hardship and threatening the livelihoods of many local workers, I believe its more important than ever to stand up for our local labor community. The other four Republicans who voted to pass the bill Tuesday night were Reps. Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith of New Jersey; Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania; and Don Young of Alaska. The bill now faces a tough battle to gain passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate because the measure requires 60 votes to advance. The Senate is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris can break ties by casting the deciding vote for Democrats. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 [March 09, 2021] Franklin Resources, Inc. Announces Month-End Assets Under Management Franklin Resources, Inc. (Franklin Templeton) (NYSE: BEN) today reported preliminary month-end assets under management of $1,500.5 billion at February 28, 2021, compared to $1,494.4 billion at January 31, 2021. This month's increase in AUM primarily reflected the positive impact of markets and long-term net inflows,1 partially offset by cash management net outflows. By Asset Class: (In USD billions) Preliminary 28-Feb-21 31-Jan-21 31-Dec-20 30-Sep-20 29-Feb-20 Fixed Income1 $656.7 $665.4 $669.9 $656.9 $239.7 Equity 503.1 490.2 495.7 438.1 243.6 Multi-Asset 144.5 139.7 141.1 129.4 117.2 Alternative 129.1 128.9 127.1 122.1 45.6 Long Term: 1,433.4 1,424.2 1,433.8 1,346.5 646.1 Cash Management 67.1 70.2 64.2 72.4 10.4 Total $1,500.5 $1,494.4 $1,498.0 $1,418.9 $656.5 1 Inclusive of $1.3 billion of outflows from the previously disclosed non-management-fee-earning India credit funds. Following the $1.3 billion outflow, the remaining AUM in our closed India credit funds was $2.4 billion as of February 28, 2021. About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience. The company posts information that may be significant for investors in the Investor Relations and News Center sections of its website, and encourages investors to consult those sections regularly. For more information, please visit investors.franklinresources.com. Forward-Looking Statements The financial results in this press release are preliminary. Some of the statements herein may include forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Such statements are provided under the "safe harbor" protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and generally can be identified by words or phrases written in the future tense and/or preceded by words such as "anticipate, "believe," "could," "depends," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "potential," "preliminary," "seek," "should," "will," "would," or other similar words or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. While forward-looking statements are our best prediction at the time that they are made, you should not rely on them and are cautioned against doing so. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other possible future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. These and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors are described in more detail in our recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, in Risk Factors and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and our subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q: Our business and operations are subject to adverse effects from the outbreak and spread of contagious diseases such as COVID-19, and we expect such adverse effects to continue. Volatility and disruption of our business and the capital and credit markets and adverse changes in the global economy may significantly affect our results of operations and may put pressure on our financial results. The amount and mix of our assets under management ("AUM") are subject to significant fluctuations. We are subject to significant risk of asset volatility from changes in the global financial, equity, debt and commodity markets. Our funds may be subject to liquidity risks or an unanticipated large number of redemptions and fund closures. A shift in our asset mix toward lower fee products may negatively impact our revenues. We may not effectively manage risks associated with the replacement of benchmark indices. Poor investment performance of our products could reduce the level of our AUM or affect our sales, and negatively impact our revenues and income. Harm to our reputation may negatively impact our revenues and income. Our completed acquisition of Legg Mason, Inc. remains subject to integration risks. Our business operations are complex and a failure to perform operational tasks properly or comply with applicable regulatory requirements could have an adverse effect on our revenues and income. Failure to establish adequate controls and risk management policies, or the circumvention of controls and policies, could have an adverse effect on our global operations, reputation and financial position. We face risks, and corresponding potential costs and expenses, associated with conducting operations and growing our business in numerous countries. Our focus on international markets as a source of investments and sales of our products subjects us to increased exchange rate and market-specific political, economic or other risks that may adversely impact our revenues and income generated overseas. We may review and pursue strategic transactions that could pose risks to our business. Failure to properly address the increased transformative pressures affecting the asset management industry could negatively impact our business. Strong competition from numerous and sometimes larger companies with competing offerings and products could limit or reduce sales of our products, potentially resulting in a decline in our market share, revenues and income. Increasing competition and other changes in the third-party distribution and sales channels on which we depend could reduce our income and hinder our growth. Any failure of our third-party providers to fulfill their obligations, or our failure to maintain good relationships with our providers, could adversely impact our business. We may be adversely affected if any of our third-party providers is subject to a successful cyber or security attack. Our ability to manage and grow our business successfully can be impeded by systems and other technological limitations. Any significant limitation, failure or security breach of our information and cyber security infrastructure, software applications, technology or other systems that are critical to our operations could disrupt our business and harm our operations and reputation. Our inability to recover successfully, should we experience a disaster or other business continuity problem, could cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, legal liability, and/or reputational harm. We depend on key personnel and our financial performance could be negatively affected by the loss of their services. Our ability to meet cash needs depends upon certain factors, including the market value of our assets, our operating cash flows and our perceived creditworthiness. We are dependent on the earnings of our subsidiaries. We are subject to extensive, complex, overlapping and frequently changing rules, regulations, policies, and legal interpretations. We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations or by changes in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. Global regulatory and legislative actions and reforms have made compliance in the regulatory environment in which we operate more costly and future actions and reforms could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Failure to comply with the laws, rules or regulations in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could result in substantial harm to our reputation and results of operations. Changes in tax laws or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Regulatory and governmental examinations and/or investigations, litigation and the legal risks associated with our business, could adversely impact our AUM, increase costs and negatively impact our profitability and/or our future financial results. Our contractual obligations may subject us to indemnification costs and liability to third parties. Failure to protect our intellectual property may negatively impact our business. If a circumstance occurs after the date of this press release that causes any of our forward-looking statements to be inaccurate, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, we undertake no obligation to announce publicly the change to our expectations, or to make any revision to our forward-looking statements, to reflect any change in assumptions, beliefs or expectations, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any forward-looking statement is based, unless required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309006080/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Georgia Harrison looked sensational as she joked about her love life in a fun video shared to Instagram on Wednesday. The former Love Island star, 26, put on a very busty display in a tiny pink lingerie set as she admitted she was 'still single' but 'still trying'. Georgia showcased her svelte figure in a plunging bralette adorned with lace detailing, she teamed the item with a matching thong and garter belt. Wow: Georgia Harrison looked sensational as she joked about her love life in a fun video shared to Instagram on Wednesday The reality star styled her blonde locks into a glossy curly blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up. In the video, Georgia lipsynced to someone saying: 'You're single? You're too cute to be single' to which someone else mimics: 'Too cute to be single, I f**king know, I'm trying!' The TV personality captioned the Instagram video with: 'Still single, still trying' followed by a crying laughing emoji. Georgia is currently living in Dubai, away from the UK's current restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic. Work it: The former Love Island star, 26, put on a very busty display in a tiny pink lingerie set as she admitted she was 'still single' but 'still trying' Goodness: Georgia showcased her svelte figure in a plunging bralette adorned with lace detailing, she teamed the item with a matching thong and garter belt The reality star had recently taken a short break from social media after dealing with past traumatic relationship drama. In a tearful video, she vowed to remain silent until she could 'speak her truth' after her ex-boyfriend Stephen Bear was arrested. The reality star, 31, was arrested for allegedly filming them having sex without Georgia's consent and posting the video online. While Georgia didn't name her ex in the video, she appeared to issue a stark warning by saying she would 'scream every second of her story from the rooftop' after keeping silent since her ex Stephen was arrested. Traumatic: The reality star had recently taken a short break from social media where she vowed to remain silent until she could 'speak her truth' after her ex-boyfriend Stephen Bear was arrested She wrote: 'Cannot wait until the time I can speak my truth about everything I'm going through the lies, the heartbreak, the deception, the manipulation. 'Being stripped of my privacy and laughed at. Imagine having young daughters and supporting that sort of abuse on a social platform. How embarrassing.' She said: 'At the end of the day anything that happens in the dark eventually gets shed light on, you might be able to get away with things for a little bit, but karma always gets you. Always.' After taking a brief social media break in February, Georgia has returned to social media where she has been posted updates from her life in Dubai. Volunteer worker Pete Graham, left, helps direct newly arriving volunteers to a health screening station, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University in Seattle near the end of his shift. After finishing his shift, Graham was able to get the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in return for his labor. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) When Seattle's largest health care system got a mandate from Washington state to create a mass COVID-19 vaccination site, organizers knew that gathering enough volunteers would be almost as crucial as the vaccine itself. "We could not do this without volunteers," said Renee Rassilyer-Bomers, chief quality officer for Swedish Health Services and head of its vaccination site at Seattle University. "The sheer volume and number of folks that we wanted to be able to serve and bring in requires 320 individuals each day." As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in so vaccination sites run smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shot. Many people who don't yet qualify for a vaccineincluding those who are young and healthyhave been volunteering in hopes of getting a dose they otherwise may not receive for months. Large vaccination clinics across the country have seen thousands trying to nab limited numbers of volunteer shifts. It's raised questions at a time when supplies are limited and some Americans have struggled to get vaccinated even if they are eligible. But medical ethicists say volunteers are key to the public health effort and there's nothing wrong with them wanting protection from the virus. Sally Avenson, a nurse working as a volunteer at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, holds up a sign to indicate she needs more doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at her station, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Ben Dudden, 35, of Roanoke, Virginia, volunteered at a mass vaccination clinic in the nearby city of Salem on a day off from his part-time job at the Roanoke Pinball Museum. His wife, a nurse practitioner who was administering doses, encouraged him to volunteer in case he could get vaccinated. He spent that January day helping people fill out questionnaires, not knowing if he might get the coveted dose. "It wasn't an official thing like, 'Everybody who needs a vaccine come this way.' I kind of had to ask," Dudden said. "At end of day, I found whoever was in charge of that." He got what he was hoping for and still wants to volunteer again. "It was a little bit of a selfish thing'I'm gonna get the vaccine if I do this'but for me, it wasn't the only factor," Dudden said. At the Seattle vaccination clinic, Swedish Health Services considers volunteers part of the state's Phase 1 vaccination group. About 5,000 have been inoculated, and about 1,000 of them have come back to work again, Rassilyer-Bomer said. Wearing colored vests, volunteer workers sit socially distanced as they take part in a training session before a shift working at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) During their shifts, volunteers are handed colored vests matched to their skill level and experience. The majority wear orange for general tasks, which includes sanitizing clipboards, asking people to fill out forms, taking temperatures and monitoring the newly vaccinated to ensure no dangerous side effects. Some may question whether it's fair for volunteers to get to the front of the line for what's often clerical work. Nancy Berlinger, a bioethicist at the Hastings Center, a research institute in Garrison, New York, said the bottom line is that volunteers are interacting with the public and there's nothing wrong with them wanting protection. They also go through training and other obligations. "There would be easier ways to game the system," Berlinger said. "If that was really your goal, this could take more work I think than some other routes I can think of." Pete Graham, right, receives the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from a volunteer worker, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University in Seattle. Graham was able to get the vaccine because he had worked a shift at the clinic as a volunteer earlier in the day. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) While many volunteer shifts are several hours on weekdays, Berlinger said that doesn't necessarily mean only people of a certain class or demographic can sacrifice that much time. "That could apply to students, it could apply to people who are unemployed, people who are retired. It could be people who are family caregivers," Berlinger said. On a chilly January night in suburban Phoenix, Lou Ann Lovell, a 67-year-old retiree, got the Pfizer vaccine after volunteering from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. at a state-run site at State Farm Stadium, where the Arizona Cardinals play. Her daughter persuaded her and other relatives to volunteer. Lovell committed before realizing those 65 and older would be eligible for vaccines days later. Still, she's glad she did. "For the first time, I felt I was part of something that was really important and big," said Lovell, who has since volunteered a second time and hopes to do it a third. "You stand there and see all these headlights and people are just continually pouring in there." Volunteer worker Art Pasette checks in for his shift as a volunteer worker at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. Pasette said he already has been vaccinated for COVID-19, but as states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus and volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly, volunteer workers are often given a shot in return for their work,including those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) The stadium and another state-run site in metro Phoenix require a combined 3,900 volunteers a week. HandsOn Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit handling online volunteer recruitment, opens 1,400 to 2,000 spots a few times a week, and interest hasn't waned, CEO Rhonda Oliver said. Between 10,000 and 15,000 people try to sign up every time new spots open, she said. Volunteers who have nabbed shifts say they shouldn't be lumped in with those who believe they're entitled to a vaccine. In the Seattle area, three King County hospitals came under fire last month after revelations that donors, board members and some hospital volunteers used their connections to get shots. The King County Council approved a measure calling on state lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee to make it illegal to grant special access to the vaccine. In this Feb. 17, 2021, photo, volunteer Laquane Glover, center, waits to sanitize chairs as people wait at a coronavirus vaccination site in Las Vegas. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. (AP Photo/John Locher) Wearing colored vests, volunteer workers talk with people in line for their appointments at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Shawn Brown, right, receives the second does of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from a volunteer worker at left, at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. Brown got his first dose of the vaccine in January after a broken freezer storing the vaccine led to an urgent call over social media and other channels for people to rush in and be vaccinated before the doses expired. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) In this Feb. 17, 2021, photo, volunteer Janna Hudson takes a person's temperature while checking them in at a coronavirus vaccination site in Las Vegas. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. (AP Photo/John Locher) Volunteer worker Sarah Sheets wears a T-shirt touting the safety of vaccines as she waits to start her shift, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Alcohol swabs, adhesive bandages, and heart-shaped stickers that read "Swedish COVID Hero" are shown at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University put on by Swedish Medical Center, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Volunteer workers have their temperatures taken as they arrive at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Wearing colored vests, volunteer workers staff stations at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) A checklist for people receiving the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines is held to a window with adhesive bandages at a mass vaccination clinic at Seattle University, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Seattle. As states ramp up vaccination distribution in the fight against the coronavirus, volunteers are needed to do everything from direct traffic to check people in to keep vaccination sites running smoothly. In return for their work, they're often given a shotincluding those who are young and healthy and may not have otherwise been able to receive the shot until later in the year. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Berlinger said there's a clear delineation between a connected official and a volunteer at a vaccine clinic getting a shot. "The volunteers we're talking about at registration centers are people who are part of the public health effort. They are performing a crucial role," Berlinger said. "It's easier to help people who already have privilege. The thing about COVID is we have to push away from that and we have to say, 'No, we must allocate vaccine and vaccination.'" Lovell, the retired volunteer in Arizona, said critics should target the healthy 20-somethings she saw trying to get the vaccine the night she volunteered. "If you want to volunteer, volunteer and work," she said. "If you say, 'I don't want to do that,' then wait until your number comes up." Explore further Seattle hospitals rush out vaccines after freezer failure 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Charli DAmelio and her sister Dixie are two famous faces on TikTok. They were once normal teens living in Connecticut, but these days, they are bona fide social media stars. As influencers, Charli and Dixie have various ways to make money. During a recent appearance on David Dobrik and Jason Nashs podcast Views, the sisters revealed they once made money in a weird way. Charli and Dixie DAmelio | Jim Spellman/WireImage David Dobrik shared with the DAmelio sisters the craziest way he made money Before the DAmelio sisters shared their stories, Dobrik told them about the craziest way he once made money. I got a call once, and this kid was having a 16th birthday party, Dobrik said. And this guy was like, Hey, this family wants you out there. They have $10,000 in cash. Can you just show up? And I was like, F*** yeah. Dobrik revealed that he was at the party for an hour and a half. When he was about to leave, the father offered him $4,000 to stay for 30 more minutes. Dobrik continued to stay at the party for over an hour. By the end of the night, he managed to get around $24,000. That was the craziest paycheck Ive ever gotten for something so stupid, he said. Charli and Dixie DAmelio revealed they went to a hotel room with a stranger to entertain his kids RELATED: Charli DAmelios TikTok Fame Used to Make Her Sister Dixie Embarrassed After hearing Dobriks story, Charli and Dixie shared their own. Charli revealed that a father once offered the sisters money to do a call with his kids. However, Charli turned him down because she felt uncomfortable taking the money without meeting the kids in real life. We actually ended up running into him, and the dad was feeling very excited to just hand us stacks of cash, she said. Half of it was U.S. dollars, and half of it was Canadian cash. Dixie, then, explained that the man requested the sisters also go up to his hotel room to meet his kids. However, they noted that they were with their mom and a friends mom, so it did not seem like a dangerous situation. In the end, Charli and Dixie got to meet the kids, though Charli recalled that it was definitely a weird experience for her. What are Charli and Dixie DAmelio worth? RELATED: Fans Slam TikTok Stars Charli and Dixie DAmelio for Acting Spoiled In a New Video Based on the way they told the story, it seems that meeting random kids for money isnt a common occurrence in Charlis and Dixies lives. The sisters earn a living doing other things. For example, they are huge stars on TikTok, so Charli and Dixie often promote products on their accounts. They endorse brands in other ways as well, such as appearing in advertisements. Charli and Dixie also have a podcast together, called 2 Chix. Additionally, Charli has written a book, and Dixie has released songs. Thanks to the work they put in, the sisters have amassed quite a bit of money. Charli reportedly has a net worth of $4 million. Meanwhile, Dixies net worth is $3 million. Karvy Default: SEBI Initiated Proceedings against NSE, Says Anurag Thakur Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has initiated proceedings against National Stock Exchange (NSE) in the Karvy Stock Broking Ltd (Karvy or KSBL) default matter, the Lok Sabha was informed. Replying to a question , Anurag Thakur, minister of state for finance, says, "SEBI has initiated proceedings against NSE in the matter of KSBL for violating provisions of SEBI circulars pertaining to monitoring of brokers and oversight of members." Further, SEBI has already initiated the action against the directors and key management personnel (KMP) of KSBL as per the provisions of SEBI Act, 1992, Securities Contract Regulation Act, 1956, SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market) Regulations, 2003 and SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulation, 1992, the minister says. Members of Parliament (MPs) Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas, Bholanath (BP Saroj), Sangamlal Kadedin Gupta and Upendra Singh Rawat has asked questions on the Karvy fraud worth Rs2,500 crore. In his reply, Mr Thakur, the minister says, "During the inspection of Karvy, it was observed that securities worth about Rs2,300 crore of more than 95,000 clients were pledged with banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs)." SEBI passed an ex-parte-ad-interim order in the matter of KSBL on 22 November 2019. Following this order, securities belonging to 82,559 clients worth around Rs2,000 crore were transferred to respective fully paid-up clients of KSBL. The interim order was confirmed by SEBI on 24 November 2020. NSE declared KSBL as a defaulter on 23 November 2020 and initiated claims as per the by-laws of the Exchange, he added. According to the minister, during 22 November 2019 to 22 November 2020, funds of 232,323 clients aggregating Rs125.20 crore and securities of 157,769 clients aggregating Rs2,345.82 crore were settled. Further, he says, as on 19 February 2021, an amount of Rs81 crore has been paid to 3,398 clients from Investor Protection Fund (IPF) of NSE as per the by-laws of the Exchange. Responding to a question on complaints from investors, the minister says, complaints have been received against KSBL with respect to non-receipt of payment of funds and delivery of shares. He says, "Some of the complaints have been found to be in the nature where illegal transfer of shares in beneficiary accounts and non-transfer of money to actual beneficiary after the death of the shareholder is alleged. All such complaints have been forwarded to NSE for resolution." Karvy Stock Broking was disabled (trading rights withdrawn) on 2 December 2019. At that time, NSE had said, "In coordination with other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) and under the guidance of SEBI, it transferred securities to respective clients, invoked bank guarantees deposited with clearing corporations and liquidated securities held by Karvy group companies." In November 2019, Karvy had unauthorisedly transferred securities worth Rs2,300 crore of more than 95,000 clients, into its account, by misusing the power of attorney (PoA) given by its clients. On 22 November 2019, SEBI barred Karvy from taking new clients in respect of its stockbroking activities and also prevented it from using the PoA given by clients after the broker was found to have allegedly misused clients' securities. Karvy had, instead of pledging its own shares, pledged shares belonging to clients and utilised them to raise funds. Some of these funds were, in turn, transferred to its sister concerns such as Karvy Realty Ltd. [March 10, 2021] Juniper Networks Demonstrates Industry Leadership with Two MEF Proof of Concept Showcase Awards SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, today announced its Juniper Paragon Automation solutions received top honors in the Q1 2021 MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept (PoC) Showcase. Juniper Paragon Active Assurance was recognized in two categories for its unique ability to help service providers deliver a superior quality of service experience, underscoring the market demand for modern automation solutions that embed active assurance to proactively identify and solve network problems before customers are impacted. Juniper's Orchestrated Multi-edge Clouds (PoC 131) solution received the Market Game Changer Award, which recognizes use cases with the largest potential impact on the service provider market. The solution demonstrates how communications service providers can accelerate adoption of enterprise multi-edge cloud services through the orchestration of IoT applications and connectivity on open edge compute platforms. In this PoC, in addition to Paragon Active Assurance, Juniper provided the SD-WAN, LAN (Access Points and EX switches) and Juniper Mist Cloud, boosting scale and agility through an API-centric, modern microservices cloud architecture while offering ground-breaking services, such as Juniper Mist Assurance (Wi-Fi, Wired and WAN) and Marvis, the virtual network assistant for proactive AIOps. Juniper's Revolutionizing Live Events (PoC 132) was also granted the Judge's Choice Award, which recognizes the best presented PoC, both in the showcase itself and through diital presence. The solution demonstrates a differentiated viewing experience for live events, enabled over an optimized network slice, to deliver customized and immersive video content. It leverages the latest in video technology, edge compute-based AI and machine learnings, MEF-based network slicing and network-based quality of experience (Juniper Paragon Active Assurance) to both autonomously generate content and deliver personalized and unique video views over the enterprise network. Juniper, along with ADVA and Equinix, partnered with Spectrum Enterprises, who led the winning PoC. Juniper Innovation Momentum Continues Released last month, Juniper Paragon Automation is a portfolio of cloud-native software applications that deliver closed-loop automation in the most demanding environments. Paragon solutions translate business intent into real-world performance across the lifecycle of a network and services, eliminating manual tasks and processes while empowering operations teams to work more quickly, efficiently and accurately across the network. Juniper Paragon Automation builds on Juniper's existing capabilities in bringing assured service experience to service providers. Last year, Juniper acquired Netrounds, a programmable, software-based active test and monitoring platform suitable for fixed and mobile networks. Netrounds enhances Juniper's automated WAN by automating the validation of end to end service quality expectations throughout the service life cycle. Supporting Quotes: "This recognition is an important step toward realizing the promise of Experience-First Networking. With our Paragon Automation portfolio, Juniper Networks is on the front lines of helping service providers differentiate by delivering a superior service experience to their customers while also improving operations speed, accuracy and efficiency now more important than ever with the increase in traffic, end-points and emerging services." - Sally Bament, Vice President of Cloud and Service Provider Marketing at Juniper Networks "The concepts presented in our PoC showcase present an exciting glimpse into the power of MEF-defined services, and business and operational automation. They give the industry an opportunity to visualize real-world MEF 3.0 Framework use cases that service providers, technology suppliers and enterprises are currently implementing, as well as the leading-edge concepts that accelerate digital transformation. This showcase demonstrated an outstanding level of collaboration and innovation." - Daniel Bar-Lev, VP Strategic Programs at MEF The MEF 3.0 Proof of Concept Program drives collaborative work within MEF, where members can partner to demonstrate use cases based on current and developing standards. This year's PoCs demonstrated how MEF 3.0-based network slicing, 5G, LSO orchestration, SD-WAN, Active Service Assurance and SASE can be leveraged to transform user experiences. The showcase featured 18 companies joining forces in seven demonstrations over seven days. This year, the MEF 3.0 PoC Showcase Awards judging panel included analysts from Atlantic ACM, AvidThink, Dell'Oro Group, Omdia, TeleGeography and Vertical Systems Group. Additional Resources: About Juniper Networks Juniper Networks challenges the inherent complexity that comes with networking and security in the multicloud era. We do this with products, solutions and services that transform the way people connect, work and live. We simplify the process of transitioning to a secure and automated multicloud environment to enable secure, AI-driven networks that connect the world. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Juniper, Junos, and other trademarks listed here are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/juniper-networks-demonstrates-industry-leadership-with-two-mef-proof-of-concept-showcase-awards-301244746.html SOURCE Juniper Networks Siklu Joins Industry Leaders to Deliver Innovative Technology Solutions for America's Most Valued Treasures SAN JOSE, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To boost safety and situational awareness for the National Mall and surrounding monuments and memorials, Siklu a wireless Gigabit solutions provider, joins Convergint Technologies, a global leader in service-based systems integration, in a total donation of $3.3+ million for a state-of-the-art security system to the National Park Service. Siklu Joins Convergint Technologies in $3.3+ Million Donation to Boost Visitor Safety at the National Mall in Washington, DC Siklu, along with eleven industry partners, have donated and deployed the technology infrastructure necessary to improve safety at the National Mall and surrounding historical monuments, which experiences more than 35 million visits annually. Convergint Technologies led the donation to the National Park Service and United States Park Police in early 2019. "Siklu is thrilled to be collaborating with Convergint Technologies and other industry leaders to help deliver innovative technology solutions to the National Mall and surrounding monuments," said Ronen Ben-Hamou, CEO of Siklu. "We look forward to working together and sharing our industry expertise to improve safety and situational awareness for the thousands of individuals who visit annually." The donation enhances and expands security coverage, upgrades technology from legacy systems, and allows the National Park Service to use real-time information and communication technologies to respond to issues quickly. Phase one of the project included the enhancement of a centralized monitoring center, intercom stations, public address capabilities and upgrading from analog to IP-based cameras. Phase two will further extend situational awareness at various monuments by adding additional IP-based cameras back to their headquarters. "We are incredibly grateful for our technology partners that worked shoulder-to-shoulder with us to give back to one of our country's busiest and most iconic sites," said Tony Varco, vice president at Convergint Technologies. "It is an honor to support the mission of the National Park Service, which is to preserve our natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. This effort is a true partnership and collaboration to enhance the current technology and enable real-time information and communications when needed." "The National Park Service and the United States Park Police greatly appreciate the comprehensive security system for the National Mall donated by Convergint Technologies," said Major Mark Adamcik, Commander of the National Mall's Icon Protection Unit for the United States Park Police. For more information on the donation for the National Park Service, please visit www.convergint.com/nps-donation. About Siklu Siklu delivers multi-gigabit wireless fiber connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Operating in the mmWave bands, Siklu's wireless solutions are used by leading service providers and system integrators to provide 5G Gigabit Wireless Access services. In addition, Siklu solutions are ideal for Smart City projects requiring extra capacity, such as video security, WiFi backhaul, and municipal network connectivity, all over one network. Thousands of Siklu carrier-grade systems are delivering interference-free performance worldwide. Easily installed on street-fixtures or rooftops, these radios have been proven to be the ideal solution for networks requiring fast and simple deployment of secure, wireless fiber. www.siklu.com. Press Contacts Shiri Butnaru Dave Sumi Director of Marketing, Siklu VP Marketing, Siklu [email protected] [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453517/300_dpi_800px.jpg Related Links https://www.siklu.com/ SOURCE Siklu St. Lukes Hospital-Easton campus now has a state-of-the-art, surgical services suite and gastrointestinal testing, according to its owner, St. Lukes University Health Network. The suite will allow for specialty services such as general surgery, urology, gynecology, gastroenterology and orthopedic and vascular care, according to a St. Lukes news release. The hospital in Wilson Borough known as Easton Hospital for the past 130 years became St. LukesEaston campus when St. Lukes bought the hospital in July. The $15 million purchase went through despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Easton campus is once again a full-service, community hospital offering the great majority of what people need, close to home, said Robert Bloch, the chief of surgery at St. Lukes-Easton. The hospital also has an upgraded lobby and new exterior signs, according to hospital president Linda Grass. The improvements represent the continued investment that St. Lukes has made in the community, Grass said. Easton Hospital CEO Linda Grass poses for a photo just inside the entrance to Easton Hospital on Aug 28, 2020. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Last year Grass told lehighvalleylive.com to expect improvements by 2021. She was quoted in a news story about the hospital purchase and its effect on the community. This commitment to the highest level of care for Easton-area residents assures them that they will continue to receive quality, compassionate care in a community hospital setting with access to specialists throughout the St. Lukes network, Grass said. Prior to the recent upgrades, the hospital offered inpatient and emergency room care, radiology and lab services. Bloch spoke to lehighvalleylive.com in a story about the history of the hospitals transition from nonprofit to for profit under Community Health Systems and Steward Health Care and back to nonprofit under St. Lukes. Bloch joined the hospital about 18 years ago. He said its important for Easton patients to have access to a host of specialists throughout St. Lukes vast network. The network has about a dozen hospitals, numerous outpatient centers and about 16,000 employees. Im pleased that we can offer patients easier access to exceptional surgical care without making them travel out of the area; were able to build a lasting relationship with patients, earning their trust and putting their health and well-being first, Bloch said. Also, St. Lukes Endoscopy CenterTwin Rivers (formerly Twin Rivers Endoscopy Center) and St. Lukes GastroenterologyTwin Rivers (formerly Twin Rivers Gastroenterology), are joining St. Lukes University Health Network. We are pleased for our patients and our team to be a part of St. Lukes, said Dr. Shanker Mukherjee. St. Lukes plans future unspecified expansions at the Easton campus, the release says. To learn more about the Easton campus and expanded services, call 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537). Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Girl Born With Heart Beating Outside Chest Defies Odds and Is Now a Thriving 11-Year-Old Warning: This article includes content some readers may find disturbing When a little girls rib cage and abdominal muscles did not form properly in the utero, doctors feared she may not survive to full term or through birth. However, the now-pre-teen who has her heart developed out of her chest has defied her prognosis. Now 11, Virsaviya Borun-Goncharova from Florida is thriving, and is quite literally one in a million. The extremely rare condition that Virsaviya suffers from is called Pentalogy of Cantrell. While not chronically painful, the condition is not without risks. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Pentalogy of Cantrell affects 5.5 in 1 million live births, and 64 percent of babies born with the condition die within days of being born. Doctors told me that my daughter would die during pregnancy or during the birth, Virsaviyas mother, Dari Borun, 31, said, according to 7 News. She truly is a miracle and I love the way she is, she continued. She is absolutely unique. Mom of two Dari relocated from Russia to Hollywood, Florida, in 2015, hoping that surgery could repair her daughters secondary condition, conoventricular VSD, otherwise known as a hole in the heart. However, high blood pressure made surgery impossible. Yet, the young girl is determined not to let her heart hold her back. I love staying active and singing and dancing with my friends My heart is different, but it makes me completely unique and I love that, she shared. Nonetheless, Virsaviya has to be careful and often wears a protective covering, as a mere bump to the chest could prove fatal. [Virsaviyas heart is] really exposed and fragile, since it is just below the surface of the skin, Dari explained. At times it can cause both myself and Virsaviya anxiety to know just how vulnerable she is. The rare condition has prompted several long hospitalizations. After being hit by accident while at school in December 2017, Virsaviya was rushed to the hospital. She was vomiting, said Dari, complaining that she feels pain in her heart, belly and head, and that she feels cold, the Mirror reported. At the beginning of 2020, Virsaviya experienced dizziness and breathlessness as a result of sudden drops in her blood oxygen level. She was stabilized in hospital, and now sometimes uses a portable oxygen concentrator when active to maintain optimal oxygen saturation. Sometimes it can be difficult when my oxygen levels are low and I feel lightheaded and dizzy, she admitted. This past year has been boring because we havent been able to go anywhere or do anything, but spending time with my brother has been nice. Virsaviyas brother, Ervin, is perhaps her biggest fan. Far from shying away from his sisters visible difference, the toddler loves to get close to her heart, touch it, and even rest his face against it. He thinks her heart is something magical and beautiful, Dari explained. He will just lie on Virsaviya so that he can feel her heart beating against his skin. Its beautiful to watch. As her journey continues, Virsaviya is bolstered by messages of support on her Instagram page where she has amassed over 28,000 followers. Besides her determination to live a full life, she is happy that her story is also helping others. As early as 2017, Virsaviya felt that her unique heart was something to love about herself. I know why I have a heart outside, she told Daily Mail. Because Jesus wants to show he can make special things like me. 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 Bengaluru: Google celebrated the 89th Birthday of Professor Udupi Ramachandra Rao, with a doodle on its home page featuring an animated image of the renowned Indian space scientist with a background of the Earth and shooting stars. "Happy Birthday, Prof. Rao! Your stellar technological advancements continue to be felt across the galaxy," reads the description on Google Doodle's website. Born in a remote village of Karnataka on this day in 1932, Rao began his career as a cosmic-ray physicist and protege of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, a scientist widely regarded as the father of India's space programme, it said. After completing his doctorate, Professor Rao brought his talents to the US, where he worked as a professor and conducted experiments on NASA's 'Pioneer' and 'Explorer' space probes. On his return to India in 1966, he initiated an extensive high energy astronomy programme at thePhysical Research Laboratory, India's premier institution for space sciences, before spearheading his country's satellite programme in 1972. Motivated by the practical applications of aerospace technology to solve societal problems such as poverty and food shortages, Prof Rao supervised the 1975 launch of India's first satellite Aryabhataone of over 20 satellites he developed that transformed much of rural India by advancing communication and meteorological services, it said. From 1984 to 1994, Professor Rao continued to propel his nation's space programme to stratospheric heights as Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation. Here, he developed rocket technology such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has launched over 250 satellites. Prof Rao became the first Indian inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame in 2013, the same year that PSLV launched India's first interplanetary mission Mangalyaana satellite that orbits Mars today. He passed away on July 24, 2017, in Bengaluru. Kore Mining Launches Exploration Programs to Follow Up Successful Target Generation at Imperial Posted by Publisher Internet ORE Mining Ltd. (TSXV: KORE | OTCQX: KOREF) (\KORE\ or the \Company\ https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/kore-mining-ltd/) is pleased to announce that, due to the success of its target generation work, the Company has launched multiple new field programs to systematically explore the Mesquite-Imperial-Picacho gold district (\District\), part of the Imperial Gold project (\Imperial\). The new programs will continue to refine drill targets between KORE\-\-s Imperial deposit and the operating Mesquite mine (Equinox Gold TSX: EQX) for testing in the second half of 2021 and extend the exploration model to the east of Imperial towards the past producing Picacho mine. Imperial Exploration Work Program Recent interpretation successfully proved \fingerprinting\ target strategy for making new discoveries in the District o Geophysical \fingerprint\ of Imperial present below recently discovered soil anomalies o Creates multiple high priority drill targets o More targets expected as work continues along the District\-\-s 28-km trend Launched new exploration programs to expand claim coverage of successful strategy, including: o Detailed soil sampling around initial gold anomalies between Mesquite and Imperial o IP geophysics program to infill Mesquite to Imperial and step-out east towards Picacho o Commissioned satellite survey looking for additional signs of surficial oxidation and other gold alteration types Results from these programs expected through H1 2021 Scott Trebilcock, CEO of KORE states, \Our exploration strategy for making new discoveries at the Imperial project is coming together nicely. The targeting strategy is working well, and KORE has commenced new programs to expand the strategy across priority areas at Imperial. Our local Imperial County and Vancouver based teams are working hard to explore as much ground as possible ahead of planned drilling in H2 2021. More targeting results are expecting in the coming weeks and months including a first look at prospecting work on the eastern, Imperial to Picacho, part of the District.\ Imperial Target Interpretation Details KORE is pursuing value enhancement to the work completed in the 2020 Imperial preliminary economic assessment (\PEA\) through resource expansion and District-wide exploration of the 28 km gold trend centered on Imperial. The three main District deposits Mesquite, Imperial and Picacho were all discovered by outcrop, while the remainder of the District is under alluvial cover and is largely unexplored. KORE is using Induced Polarization (\IP\) geophysical surveys to interpret controlling fault structures that host mineralization in the District\-\-s deposits and look under the alluvial cover. Soil sampling from dry riverbeds (arroyos) is being used to further prioritize drill targets on the fault structures. Figure 1 shows the Mesquite-Imperial-Picacho District claims including geophysical interpretation and surface sample results. First pass IP was completed in H1 2020, first over the Imperial deposit and then stepping out toward Mesquite. Having the intact Imperial deposit to \tune\ or \fingerprint\ the geophysical signatures, greatly enhances the confidence to target new discoveries under the alluvium in the District. Details of the work were released January 7, 2020 and April 29, 2020. Interpreted faults traced were traced continuously from Mesquite to Imperial. KORE followed up the IP geophysics in H2 2020 with mapping and first pass soil sampling along the 28 km District trend to further define discrete drill targets. Results from the Imperial-Mesquite portion of the District were released December 8, 2020. All samples from that program are at the lab and further results are in the coming weeks from the Mesquite-Picacho area. Figure 2 and Figure 3 compare IP cross sections below two District stream sediment gold anomalies to an IP cross section of the Imperial deposit. The IP \fingerprint\ of the Imperial deposit geophysics and its alignment with surface gold anomalies clearly matches the patterns of the two District stream sediment gold anomalies. Both areas are therefore high priority drill targets. KORE\-\-s exploration team is excited about the success of this targeting strategy and expects to generate more targets as the program continues. KORE is currently permitting a 168-pad drill program via a Plan of Operations (\PO\) process with the Bureau of Land Management local office. Permits are expected in mid-2021. Drill testing of the highest priority targets is planned to start in H2 2021, subject to permitting. KORE is committed to operate within the stringent environmental and labour standards of California. KORE plans to concurrently reclaim drill pad locations and ensure measures are taken to mitigate any impacts to biological and cultural resources. KORE has designed the drill programs to maximize the existing public road/trail network in the area so as to limit any new disturbances, and the Company will be adjusting our drill pad locations as needed to avoid any sensitive sites should any be encountered. About Imperial Gold Project KORE owns 100% of the Mesquite-Imperial-Picacho District which consists of 26,323 acres on 1,007 claims capturing the entire 28-kilometer trend from the operating Mesquite mine (Equinox Gold TSX:EQX) to the closed Picacho mine and including KORE\-\-s Imperial project. The Imperial resource, which was the subject of a economically robust 2020 PEA released April 6, 2020, is located roughly in the center of the District. KORE is planning to move the Imperial PEA mine plan into permitting in mid-2021 once drilling permits are received. In the District, gold is hosted in local fault structures related to a series of regional faults connecting the known District deposits. Those three District deposits (Mesquite, Imperial and Picacho) were discovered in exposed outcrops and from placer workings. The rest of the District is covered by alluvium and has never been systematically explored using modern techniques. Imperial is a structurally controlled intermediate sulfidation epithermal gold deposit. The 100% oxide gold deposit is currently defined at 2.44 kilometer long and up to 0.75 kilometer wide and is open both along strike and downdip. It is hosted in a shallowly southwest dipping, amphibolite grade metamorphic rock suite along a west-northwest trending low-angle regional thrust fault system. The thrust fault system controls the regional geometry of mineralization. East-west striking, post-mineralization normal faults control the property scale geometry of mineralization. Geophysical characterization of the deposit and regional controlling structures is an essential component of exploration for additional resources. Imperial has a mineral resource estimate with a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (\PEA\), released April 6, 2020, having the following highlights: Robust economics: C$ 642 million NPV5%* post-tax with 52% IRR at US$1,600 per ounce gold; Low capital intensity project with only US$ 143 million pre-production capital cost; 146,000 ounces gold per year over 8 years for 1.2 million ounces total production; and Technically simple project: shallow open pit, run-of-mine heap leach with existing infrastructure. About KORE Mining KORE is 100% owner of the Imperial and Long Valley gold projects assets in California. Both projects have positive economic assessments put KORE on the path to up to 350,000 ounces of gold production. KORE is supported by strategic investor Eric Sprott who owns 26% of KORE\-\-s basic shares. KORE management and Board are aligned with shareholders, owning an additional 38% of the basic shares outstanding. KORE is actively developing its Imperial Gold project and is aggressively exploring across its portfolio of assets. Further information on Imperial and KORE can be found on the Company\-\-s website at www.koremining.com or by contacting us as info@koremining.com or by telephone at (888) 407-5450. Technical information with respect to the Imperial Gold Project contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by?Marc Leduc, P.Eng, who is KORE\-\-s COO and is the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical matters of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as \will\, \may\, \should\, \anticipate\, \expects\, ?intends?, ?indicates? and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements.? Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: final results of future exploration work, including further mapping and sampling and the timeline for completion, the results of the PEA, including future opportunities, , the projected NPV, permit ?timelines, and the ability to obtain the requisite permits, the market and future price of and demand for gold, and the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including the all levels of government. Such forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.? Such factors include, among others: risks related to exploration and development activities at the Company?s projects, and factors relating to whether or not mineralization extraction will be commercially viable; risks related to mining operations and the hazards and risks normally encountered in the exploration, development and production of minerals, such as unusual and unexpected geological formations, rock falls, seismic activity, flooding and other conditions involved in the extraction and removal of materials; uncertainties regarding regulatory matters, including obtaining permits and complying with laws and regulations governing exploration, development, production, taxes, labour standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, land use, environmental protection, site safety and other matters, and the potential for existing laws and regulations to be amended or more stringently implemented by the relevant authorities; uncertainties regarding estimating mineral resources, which estimates may require revision (either up or down) based on actual production experience; risks relating to fluctuating metals prices and the ability to operate the Company?s projects at a profit in the event of declining metals prices and the need to reassess feasibility of a particular project that estimated resources will be recovered or that they will be recovered at the rates estimated; risks related to title to the Company?s properties, including the risk that the Company?s title may be challenged or impugned by third parties; the ability of the Company to access necessary resources, including mining equipment and crews, on a timely basis and at reasonable cost; competition within the mining industry for the discovery and acquisition of properties from other mining companies, many of which have greater financial, technical and other resources than the Company, for, among other things, the acquisition of mineral claims, leases and other mineral interests as well as for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees and other personnel; access to suitable infrastructure, such as roads, energy and water supplies in the vicinity of the Company?s properties; and risks related to the stage of the Company?s development, including risks relating to limited financial resources, limited availability of additional financing and potential dilution to existing shareholders; reliance on its management and key personnel; inability to obtain adequate or any insurance;? exposure to litigation or similar claims; currently unprofitable operations; risks regarding the ability of the Company and its management to manage growth; and potential conflicts of interest.? In addition to the above summary, additional risks and uncertainties are described in the ?Risks? section of the Company?s management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019 prepared as of April 27, 2020 available under the Company?s issuer profile on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.? There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resource will be converted into mineral reserve. It is uncertain if further exploration will allow improving the classification of the Indicated or Inferred mineral resource.? Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The firm is the only Canadian public company licensed to work with the full range of psychedelics and to produce and extract psilocybin from mushrooms Weve got lots of horsepower thats going to be difficult to emulate, says Dr Evan Wood. Numinus chief medical officer Warren Buffett popularized the concept of economic moats, though the idea pre-dates its articulation by the Sage of Omaha. The theory goes that the best businesses are those with a competitive advantage that helps protect the long-term investment potential of said companies. After talking to Payton Nyquvest, the chairman and chief executive of Numinus Wellness Inc ( ) ( ), and Dr Evan Wood, its chief medical officer, it is easy to see why they believe they have a well moated operation. Numinus is one of the leaders of Canadas flourishing psychedelics industry. In Wood it has one of its key opinion leaders, as well as some impressive partnerships. Providing a further edge is the fact that it is the only Canadian public company licensed to work with the full range of psychedelics and to produce and extract psilocybin from mushrooms. None of the above can be replicated overnight, which puts some clear blue water between it and the emerging competition. Weve got lots of horsepower thats going to be difficult to emulate, says Wood. Three prongs There are three prongs to the business: Health, Bioscience and R&D (research & development). The health operation is buoyed by the acquisition of two Montreal clinics already offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and a Vancouver-based centre providing non-psychedelic treatments. It has designed a full range of therapy programs using psilocybin, ketamine and MDMA, with protocols and the active staff training required to support this sort of cutting-edge drug-plus-therapy approach. At this point, it is worth noting Numinus tie-up with MAPS, or the Multi-Disciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. MAPS remit is to research and educate on developments medical, legal, and cultural. Not only has it supplied Numinus with support, help and advice, but the two are also working on key projects together. They are in the areas of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress, which is being offered on a compassionate basis, and psilocybin for substance use disorder. MAPS is the reason why psychedelics are where they are today, says Nyquvest. Normalizing therapeutic psychedelics Turning to the R&D arm, the Numinus CEO describes it as essentially the jet fuel propelling forward efforts to normalize the therapeutic use of psychedelics. By that he means the operation is developing psychedelic-assisted therapeutic protocols to embed in mainstream healthcare, bolstered by Numinus medical leadership, research and policy reform experience. Finally, the bioscience division of the business is the revenue-generating portion. If you think about it, the operation also sits at the hub of the psychedelics industry with its ability to supply the full gamut of drugs, and, in the case of psilocybin, cultivate and extract it. Thus far weve looked at Numinus the company and barely touched on the sector, which on some estimates could ultimately morph into a US$100 billion a year industry as former recreational drugs such as MDMA, psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline are rolled out to treat addiction, PTSD and depression. Driving mainstream acceptance Parallels with cannabis are considered by those in the psychedelics space as spurious. The green gold rush has been and gone and left Canada cultivating far more weed than it can actually consume. In following the blueprint developed over decades by the life sciences industry, psychedelics are not only joining the mainstream, but they will also in time overcome reputational issues and concerns over efficacy and safety. It is hoped the work by companies such as Numinus and groups such as MAPS will support the work of physicians and psychiatrists who need to wholeheartedly embrace new uses for these well-known psychoactive drugs for the industry to take off. Wood is hopeful this will happen. Much like Canada was one of the first countries to legalize the adult use of cannabis, I expect that Canada will be one of the pioneering countries when it comes to allowing for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The medications themselves we know are safe, and there's studies to show that the risk comes with the lack of trained health professionals not adhering to therapeutic protocols. So, there's a whole host of things we are putting in place to protect patient safety, but they need to be the industry standard. Recognized team The appointment of Wood as chief medical officer last May underlines the approach taken by Numinus in aligning itself with very credible, well-respected scientists. Over a 20-year career, Wood has gained international recognition for his work on addiction, most recently as the executive director of the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use. He has and he is modest about this been influential in shaping Canadas considered and world-leading approach to the therapeutic use of psychedelics, says Nyquvest, particularly around the issue of special access drug programs. He has a deep relationship with a lot of the policy people, the Numinus CEO adds. And so back to our moats. In each of the operations health, biotech and R&D - a number exist. In R&D for, example, there are a limited number of qualified researchers and facilities; in biotech, the complex and time-consuming licensing process acts as a barrier, while regulation and access to drugs are two more significant roadblocks. As Nyquvest points out: We are not trying to figure this out at the 11th hour; we know what we are doing. As mentioned, the business is already generating revenue and has $30 million in the treasury, which provides it with a significant runway. Its last fundraiser was a $17 million bought deal. So, what did Numinus new base of investors like about the business? They saw the industry-leading partnerships and the robustness of the business, and the revenue lines are already there, says Nyquvest. They certainly liked the people, and I would argue we have the best-suited team in the space from a scientific perspective, definitely; but also in implementation and operations. Angela Harmantas contributed to this report Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas They say a picture is worth a thousand words. However, many women artists - and the stories their works tell - comprise less than 4 per cent of total art sold at auction and fail to attract high selling prices compared to male artists. A world-first international study by researchers at Monash University, Maastricht University (The Netherlands) and Artnet Worldwide, based in New York City, found that a staggering 96.1 per cent (2,572,346) of all artworks sold at auctions worldwide between 2000 and 2017 are attributed to male artists. However, work by female artists are on average 4.4 per cent more expensive after controlling for artwork and transaction characteristics. This factor contributes to higher barriers for women to enter the art market, researchers say. Despite commanding a higher average price for their work, women artists are almost exclusively absent from the top echelons of the total value of art sold at auction. Forty-two men occupy the top 0.03 per cent of the market, where 40 per cent of the sales value is concentrated. Just one woman artist, Joan Mitchell, cracks the top 50. Findings of this study were published in the Journal of Cultural Economics. Dr Marina Gertsberg, Lecturer in Banking & Finance in the Monash Business School and co-author of the study, said even with a near equal share of women and men pursuing fine art degrees, women find it more difficult to turn that interest into saleable artwork. "Women might feel discouraged by their market prospects at the very top, or they might experience discrimination by dealers and buyers who ascribe higher potential to men at the very top. Increasing the visibility of female artists and giving them the chance to compete early on in their careers is therefore most important in improving female representation," Dr Gertsberg said. "There is currently some movement in this direction. Museums and galleries are increasing the share of female artists on display. This helps buyers to be acquainted with female art and gain more confidence in it." At the same time, Dr Gertsberg says it is important not to segregate female and male artists. "For example, 'women-only' exhibits do not allow the audience to compare artworks by males and females and pushes female art to a niche category. Women should be given the chance to compete side-by-side with men," she said. "The fact that the auction prices are higher for artwork by women than artwork by men, after accounting for artwork style and other characteristics that affect prices, shows that women can compete in the market when given the chance." This investigation considered the prices paid at auction for artworks created by male and female artists based on birth-identified sex, and how these prices have evolved over time. Their dataset comprised almost the full population of global art auction transactions from 2000 to 2017, covering more than 1800 auction houses. In the top echelon of the art market - for sales of greater than $1 million - artworks by male artists sell for 18.4 per cent more than those by female artists. The top 40 artists, consisting solely of men, represent 40 per cent of total market share. Artworks by female artists represent just 3-5 per cent of major permanent collections in the USA and Europe. While there are about 110,938 male artists with work on display and up for auction at major galleries, there are only 5612 female artists present. The proportion of female artists is highest for contemporary art (9.3 per cent) and the least for artwork from the 'old masters' period (2.9 per cent). Dr Gertsberg said the career trajectories of female and male artists are likely to diverge very early, and in order to formulate policy, it is important to identify when female artists encounter barriers that forces them to drop out of the profession. "The fact that we observe higher median prices for female artists indicates that buyers perceive quality of artworks by female artists as overall better than the artworks of male artists. We would not expect this difference in quality if men and women faced the same difficulty in entering the market," Dr Gertsberg said. "It might seem counterintuitive, but we would like to see the average price for artworks produced by women fall to the level of men. This would imply that the quality of male and female artists is similar and suggest that the playing field is truly equal." ### This study was a collaboration involving Dr Marina Gertsberg (Monash Business School), Fabian Bocart (Artnet Worldwide Corporation) and Rachel Pownall (Maastricht University). To download a copy of the research paper, please visit https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1007/ s10824-020-09403-2 MEDIA ENQUIRIES Leigh DawsonT: +61 455 368 260 E: media@monash.edu Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) Vice President Leni Robredo condemned what she called a "massacre" of nine activists and the arrest of six others in Calabarzon during simultaneous police raids over the weekend, but Malacanang maintained she must provide evidence for such claim. "There is no other way to describe this: It was a massacre," Robredo said in a statement on Monday, noting that the Sunday crackdown only came two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered state forces to kill communist rebels and "ignore human rights." Duterte publicly pronounced in a gathering last Friday that the police and military must "shoot and kill" rebels during encounters if they see them with firearms. Only those who surrender will be given free house and lots and livelihood assistance. Robredo stressed the need to conduct a clean and independent probe to ensure that those behind the killings "will be held responsible" and that "justice will be served" to the victims and their families. "The Filipino people deserve better than this murderous regime," Robredo added. But in his briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson once again threw a tirade against Robredo and said she must present proof behind her "massacre" claim. "Unang-una, kung personal na nakita ni Vice President yung pangyayari, aba'y magbigay siya ng ebidensiya, kasi ang pananalita niya parang nakita ng dalawa niyang mata kung ano 'yung nangyari doon sa mga patayan na yun," Roque said. "'Pag hindi siya nagbigay ng ebidensiya, baka siya ang makasuhan." [Translation: First of all, if the Vice President personally saw what happened, then she must provide evidence, because she's speaking as if she saw the killings with her own eyes. If she can't provide evidence, she might be charged.] Roque earlier assured there will be an investigation, noting those killed "were unarmed," a statement which was contrary to the narrative of the Philippine National Police. READ: Malacanang vows probe on deaths of activists in Calabarzon Renato Reyes, Secretary General of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan said all those arrested and killed in the operations were legal activists and were unarmed. Laguna Police Spokesperson PltCol. Chitadel Gaoira previously claimed the raids were "legitimate," as they seized explosives and assorted firearms during the operations. READ: 9 dead as police crackdown vs activists in Southern Tagalog Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced on Monday that they will look into the deaths through the agency's panel on extrajudicial killings. Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay, who was present in the Malacanang briefing, added that they will also look into the implementation of the search warrants and whether the fatalities were part of cause-oriented groups "engaged primarily in legitimate dissent." The Commission on Human Rights will also hold its own probe through its Calabarzon office. Meanwhile, Roque claimed that the police are already conducting training on how to use body cameras during operations. He reiterated that search warrants must be conducted with representatives of local government units as standard protocol. Children wearing face masks play with a ball at a park in Hong Kong, south China, March 9, 2021. Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported 21 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking its total tally to 11,120. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai) HONG KONG, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported 21 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking its total tally to 11,120. The new cases included eight local infections, of which three were untraceable, according to the CHP. There were also nearly 10 preliminary cases. COVID-19 virus variants were found in seven out of the 13 new imported cases, bringing the number of new variant cases to 67 in Hong Kong. According to Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, 205 COVID-19 patients remain hospitalized, with 14 of them being in critical condition. Some 103,800 Hong Kong residents have taken the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine under a government inoculation program starting Feb. 26. Enditem 4 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] A tourist attraction boss has called for Stonehenge to be 'returned' to Wales - where its inner circle of stones are believed to be from. Farm park owner Lyn Jenkins says Welsh people should 'reclaim' the 5,000-year-old stones and have them as a tourist attraction for millions of visitors across the border. If Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not agree to move the stones, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford should send 'a bill for a few million pounds' as compensation, Mr Jenkins said. Experts believe the bluestones at the monument's centre originated from the Preseli mountains in Wales. They were then taken 175 miles to their home at Salisbury Plain. A tourist attraction boss has called for Stonehenge (pictured) to be 'returned' to Wales - where its inner circle of stones are believed to be from Archaeologists in 2014 discovering a series of recesses in the rocky outcrops of Carn Goedog and Craig Rhos-y-felin, in Pembrokeshire, that match Stonehenge's bluestones Mr Jenkins likened returning the stones to Wales to Greece reclaiming the Elgin Marbles. He told ITV: 'Greece is trying to reclaim the Elgin Marbles. What if Wales tries reclaiming Stonehenge?' How was Stonehenge built? Stonehenge is one of the most prominent prehistoric monuments in Britain. The Stonehenge that can be seen today is the final stage that was completed about 3,500 years ago. According to the monument's website, Stonehenge was built in four stages: First stage: The first version of Stonehenge was a large earthwork or Henge, comprising a ditch, bank and the Aubrey holes, all probably built around 3100 BC. The Aubrey holes are round pits in the chalk, about one metre (3.3 feet) wide and deep, with steep sides and flat bottoms. They form a circle about 86.6 metres (284 feet) in diameter. Excavations revealed cremated human bones in some of the chalk filling, but the holes themselves were likely not made to be used as graves, but as part of a religious ceremony. After this first stage, Stonehenge was abandoned and left untouched for more than 1,000 years. Second stage: The second and most dramatic stage of Stonehenge started around 2150 years BC, when about 82 bluestones from the Preseli mountains in south-west Wales were transported to the site. It's thought that the stones, some of which weigh four tonnes each, were dragged on rollers and sledges to the waters at Milford Haven, where they were loaded onto rafts. They were carried on water along the south coast of Wales and up the rivers Avon and Frome, before being dragged overland again near Warminster and Wiltshire. The final stage of the journey was mainly by water, down the river Wylye to Salisbury, then the Salisbury Avon to west Amesbury. The journey spanned nearly 240 miles, and once at the site, the stones were set up in the centre to form an incomplete double circle. During the same period, the original entrance was widened and a pair of Heel Stones were erected. The nearer part of the Avenue, connecting Stonehenge with the River Avon, was built aligned with the midsummer sunrise. Third stage: The third stage of Stonehenge, which took place about 2000 years BC, saw the arrival of the sarsen stones (a type of sandstone), which were larger than the bluestones. They were likely brought from the Marlborough Downs (40 kilometres, or 25 miles, north of Stonehenge). The largest of the sarsen stones transported to Stonehenge weighs 50 tonnes, and transportation by water would not have been possible, so it's suspected that they were transported using sledges and ropes. Calculations have shown that it would have taken 500 men using leather ropes to pull one stone, with an extra 100 men needed to lay the rollers in front of the sledge. These stones were arranged in an outer circle with a continuous run of lintels - horizontal supports. Inside the circle, five trilithons - structures consisting of two upright stones and a third across the top as a lintel - were placed in a horseshoe arrangement, which can still be seen today. Final stage: The fourth and final stage took place just after 1500 years BC, when the smaller bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle that can be seen today. The original number of stones in the bluestone circle was probably around 60, but these have since been removed or broken up. Some remain as stumps below ground level. Source: Stonehenge.co.uk Advertisement The Elgin Marbles are a controversial collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, inscriptions and architectural members taken to Britain by The 7th Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce. They remain in the British museum, despite Greece seeking their return - with the British Government insisting they were acquired 'completely legally'. Mr Jenkins said the stones could be taken to the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park - which he owns' - which has views of the Preseli Hills in the distance. It has long been known that the famous Neolithic monument is made up both of local stones and some sourced from much further away, in Wales' Preseli Hills. It is unclear why the stones were taken from Wales and not from a quarry closer to the landmark. He added: 'If not, why doesn't Mark Drakeford send Boris Johnson a bill for a few million pounds? After all, Stonehenge is an extremely lucrative tourist attraction.' Mr Jenkins wrote to his local Pembrokeshire newspaper with his call to repatriate the stone circle. He said that 'being a historian' Boris Johnson 'may well point out that the 5,000-year-old monolith was not received by the English, since they have only been in what is now England for a mere 1,500 years.' He added: 'It was already well-known that the bluestones at the centre of Stonehenge are originally from the Preseli Hills of north Pembrokeshire. The geological evidence proves that. 'However, if they were once part of an edifice in Waun Mawn, Preseli Hills, Wales, then they must have been physically moved by man, not by ice during an Ice Age, as many have surmised. 'How Welsh forefathers, 'Ancient Britons', moved such massive stones from west Wales to Wiltshire is absolutely amazing.' Meanwhile a petition has been set up by Welsh nationalists also calling for the stones to be returned to Wales. Organiser Iwan ap Dafydd wrote: 'The circumstances of this removal are impossible to determine therefore it would be prudent that they should be returned to their original location. 'The return of these stones will be an economic and social benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire and Wales.' Earlier this year, researchers claimed Stonehenge was originally built in Wale before being dismantled and rebuilt 175 miles away in Wiltshire. It was already established that the 5,000-year-old monument in Salisbury contains bluestones brought from a Welsh hillside. However, new research suggests that they were recycled from a dismantled circle called Waun Mawn in the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. Analysis of Waun Mawn reveals that it may be the oldest known stone circle in Britain, dating from about 3400BC, and that it was also one of the largest, with up to 50 standing stones. University of St Andrews experts uncovered the remains of Waun Mawn while filming for an upcoming BBC documentary, fronted by Professor Alice Roberts, who quipped that the discovery suggests Stonehenge 'is a second-hand monument'. If it were still intact today, the Waun Mawn stone circle would be the third largest in Britain after Avebury in Wiltshire and Stanton Drew in Somerset. The long-dismantled stone circle was found in the area where the smaller 'bluestones' found at Stonehenge are known to have come from. The team behind the discovery said there are key elements linking Stonehenge to the Welsh monument, one of the biggest stone circles ever found in Britain. They suggest its bluestones could have been moved as the ancient people of the Preseli region migrated, even taking their monuments with them, as a sign of their ancestral identity, and re-erecting them at Stonehenge, 175 miles away. And it could explain why the bluestones, thought to be the first monoliths erected at Stonehenge, were brought from so far away, while most circles are constructed within a short distance of their quarries, the experts said. Archaeological investigations as part of the 'Stones of Stonehenge' research project, led by Professor Mike Parker Pearson of University College London, previously excavated two bluestone quarries in the Preseli Hills. Analysis of Waun Mawn reveals that it may be the oldest known stone circle in Britain, dating from about 3400BC, and that it was also one of the largest, with up to 50 standing stones. The remaining stones are circled The Welsh circle has a diameter of 360ft (110m), the same as the ditch that encloses Stonehenge. Both are aligned on the midsummer solstice sunrise Archaeological investigations as part of the 'Stones of Stonehenge' research project, led by Professor Mike Parker Pearson of University College London, previously excavated two bluestone quarries in the Preseli Hills They suggest its bluestones could have been moved as the ancient people of the Preseli region migrated, even taking their monuments with them, as a sign of their ancestral identity, and re-erecting them at Stonehenge, 175 miles away Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient stone circle in Wales which they believe could have been dismantled and rebuilt as Stonehenge The team used a technique called optically-stimulated luminescence dating to determine the age of the Welsh stone circles. One of the empty stone sockets at Waun Mawn has an unusual cross-section which matches one of the bluestones at Stonehenge, and chippings in that hole are of the same rock type as the Stonehenge stone, said Dr Kinnaird study co-author. Researchers were able to date the soils that infill the dismantled stone sockets with surprising results and found the stones were removed immediately prior to the known date of construction of Stonehenge 1 - at around 3000 BC. 'It is the hidden information preserved in the soils that provides the chronology for the construction,' said Kinnaird. They then looked at the dismantlement of the Waun Mawn stone circle and its date - which happened just before similar stones were put up at Stonehenge. MUNICH, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, supplies its central inverters to EnBW's 187 MW solar park in Werneuchen, Brandenburg, Germany. The solar park will be the largest subsidy-free project in Germany, located 26 kilometers northeast of Berlin. The project "Weesow-Willmersdorf" has received 42 units of Sungrow's SG3125HV central inverter solutions and 21 units of 7.2MVA medium voltage skids including transformers and switch gears. The product solutions well meet the strict German norms and enable ease of maintenance as well as long-term cost savings. The inverters are prefabricated with inputs for DC-coupled storage solutions which could be added at a later stage. The site has a planned operational life of 40 years. It is expected to supply electricity to 50,000 households and reduce 129,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Based on the PPA method, the German utility EnBW realized the project without state funding and plans to market the electricity generated at the park itself. "Sungrow's customized solution has made a significant contribution to make this project a reality," said Stefan Lederer, Project Manager at EnBW AG. Robert von Wahl, Key Account Manager of Sungrow Germany said, "We are very happy to be part of this project with EnBW. EnBW's choice to use Sungrow inverters for this very important project shows the trust the German market has in Sungrow and its high quality and state-of-the-art products." Sungrow entered the German market 10 years ago and established a comprehensive local team offering industry-leading sales, technical support, after-sales service. With the unsubsidized market taking another step forward in Germany, Sungrow keeps increasing involvements in decarbonization actions to meet local renewable targets. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 154 GW installed worldwide as of December 2020. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452615/Sungrow.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg Mumbai, March 10 : Actor Rajkummar Rao penned an emotional note for his mother to mark her fifth death anniversary. The actor said his mother taught him to be compassionate and never lose faith even in unfriendly situations. Rajkummar took to Instagram to share a photograph from his childhood, where he poses with his mother. "It's been 5 years, Maa, since you left us, but, there has not even been a single day since, wherein, I haven't felt your presence. Nothing in this world would have been possible for me without your blessings and I know your blessings are still there with me. Mothers are the best and there is nothing in this world more valuable than a mother. I see you in every mother out there. I know you are happy wherever you are and you must be having a great time with papa and blessing us from there. I'll always try and make you proud Mummy ji. Thank you,for teaching me the two valuable lessons -- 1) Compassion 2) To always have faith despite the unfriendly circumstances I am proud to be your son." Rajkummar's mother breathed her last in March 2016. She reportedly succumbed to a heart attack. At the time, the actor was shooting for his film "Newton". The actor's latest film "Roohi" hits the theatres on March 11. The horror comedy film helmed by Hardik Mehta also features Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma. by Felix Machado The Secretary General of the Bishops Conference, a former undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, speaks about the journey by Christians and Muslims noted by the Pope in his trip to Iraq. Asia is multireligious. The approaches must differ, writes the prelate. But there is no alternative to dialogue. It is a do or die, survive or perish situation. Mumbai (AsiaNews) What does the dialogue Pope Francis has with the Muslim world tell the countries of Asia starting with the recognition of the common human fraternity which, after the signing of the Abu Dhabi Declaration in 2019, has recently been proposed again in his trip to Iraq? Archbishop Felix Machado, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and former undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, reflects on this issue for AsiaNews. Mgr Machado emphasises the importance of this journey, but also the need to place it in the specific Asian context, to ensure that dialogue with the Muslim world is perceived as a conspiracy against other religious traditions. The approaches must differ, he explains, and the contexts must be seriously taken into account. But there is no alternative to dialogue. it is a do or die, survive or perish situation. Pope Francis has begun the Human Fraternity project, and the Holy Father wants to go all the way with the Muslim community (the Holy Father is not excluding other religions). Once the Pope puts his hands on anything, he wants to go all the way to the root. It is important that we implement at our local levels what the Vicar of Christ has begun. Contextualisation is very important at the grassroots level. Dialogue with Muslims in our part of the world is very important. The Pope has encouraged us and we must follow him. It is difficult but so is the challenge of the Christian mission. The difficulty should be overcome and it cannot become an excuse. Fruitful dialogue can happen if one wants it. So many have done this. In India there is an Islamic Study Association (ISA). This is a Catholic organisation. Catholic members come together and support each other and encourage one another to engage in a meaningful Christian-Muslim dialogue. This organisation is quite old and I have actively worked in it and always encouraged it when I worked in Rome. What we need to be careful is that Asia is a multireligious and multicultural continent. However, every Asian country has dominant religion: India has Hinduism; Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar have Buddhism; Pakistan and Bangladesh have Islam, Indonesia has Islam; Japan and Korea have Buddhism; but Korea has strong influence of Shamanism; and Japan has strong influence of traditional religion. Therefore, bilateral dialogues are a very delicate proposition; it is immediately construed to be a conspiracy. So multilateral dialogues are a safer proposition in Asia. When Christians come together with Muslims, it can be misunderstood. After all is said and done, we must find our approach to dialogue. Pope Francis is bold and daring. Christians in the Western World did not dare what Pope Francis is doing. The Pope is acting on studies Jesuit and White Fathers Islam experts have done and they were discouraged or taken less seriously. The Pope wants to solve the problem and not just conveniently domesticate it so that we can just continue to coexist. Asia, as I have said above, is not a monolithic continent. For that matter, India is not. Approaches must differ and the contexts must be seriously taken into account. But there is no alternative to dialogue. It is a do or die, survive or perish situation. This is also true for our country. We look at dialogue as a choice whether to go for it or leave it. That is very risky. Let us go with Pope Francis. He is a genuine, wise and spiritual person. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vladimir Titov held a conversation with Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Annika Soder on March 10, Trend reports citing the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on the regional situation in South Caucasus, including the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh, touched upon some topical issues of Russian-Swedish bilateral relations, the Russian MFA said. Police are investigating an arson attack in Londonderry on Tuesday evening after a car was set alight. The incident happened in the Leafair Park area of the city on Tuesday at around 10.35pm. Sergeant McConnell from the PSNI said it involved a parked black Mercedes car, with four masked men fleeing from the scene following the incident. In a statement he added: "The front passenger window of a black Mercedes car parked in the area was smashed. "It is believed that accelerant was then poured into the car and set alight. Four masked men are believed to have made off from the scene following the incident. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1847 09/03/21. Alternatively, 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." It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Drishyam 2 Star Mohanlal Shares Pictures From The Hospital After Receiving The First Jab Of COVID-19 Vaccine South superstar Mohanlal on Wednesday said he has received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The Drishyam 2 actor took to Instagram to share pictures of him receiving the first jab of the vaccine at Amrita Hospital. In one of the photos, he is seen flashing the victory sign. Mohanlal, best known for films like Nadodikkattu, No 20 Madras Mail, Odiyan and Lucifer, thanked the government and healthcare staff for their support. "Took the first shot of Covid vaccine from Amrita Hospital. I take this opportunity to thank the Government of India, the companies which are producing the vaccine & the medical fraternity, including all hospitals, for their relentless assistance and cooperation shown towards the COVID Vaccination Drive," he captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal) The 60-year-old actor is the latest Indian celebrity to have received the COVID-19 vaccine, after veterans like Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal, Satish Shah, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Anupam Kher, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and comedian Johnny Lever. On March 1, the government launched the nationwide drive of getting everyone above 60 years of age -- and those aged between 45-59 with co-morbidities -- get vaccinated. All of which raises a crucial question: Does the movement among investors toward companies that rank highly for environmental, social and governance issues pose an existential threat to bitcoins success? After all, Laurence Fink, chief executive of BlackRock the largest money manager in the world, with $US9 trillion under management has said that all investments the company makes in the future will be evaluated, in part, on how they plan to meet the climate challenge. Perhaps more important, investors are clamouring for companies to disclose their carbon footprint, and a group called the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures is working on creating a global standard. If thats the case, how will investors view the likes of PayPal, which has been a vocal proponent of climate initiatives but last fall announced plans to allow customers to conduct transactions in bitcoin? Or what about Square, the payments company founded by Jack Dorsey? It has become one of the most public proponents of bitcoin, both dealing with transactions and also keeping the cryptocurrency on its own balance sheet. It holds about 5 per cent of its cash reserves in bitcoin, whose price has historically been deeply volatile. Then there is Tesla a company whose entire premise is to help reduce climate change through lower carbon emissions which has invested more than $US1.5 billion of its balance sheet in bitcoin. How would its bitcoin holdings affect its sustainability score? Other companies are also considering whether to add bitcoin to their balance sheets. And financial firms like Guggenheim Partners have already invested in bitcoin while Bank of New York Mellon says it will start financing bitcoin transactions. As bitcoin becomes more mainstream, its environmental impact could pose a problem for investors. Credit:Louie Douvis Even Finks BlackRock has started to, in the words of a senior executive, dabble in the cryptocurrency by potentially allowing two of its funds to invest in bitcoin futures. Rick Rieder, the firms chief investment officer of fixed income, cited investors interest in the asset and its increasing adoption by younger, tech-savvy customers. So far, bitcoins carbon problem hasnt slowed down its price, which is hovering around $US50,000 for a token, up from about $US8,000 a year ago. Several companies are working on some counter-intuitive ideas to turn bitcoin green. On Monday, Seetee, an investment company involved in cryptocurrency, said it planned to invest in bitcoin mining operations that transfer stranded or intermittent electricity without stable demand locally wind, solar, hydro power to economic assets that can be used anywhere. In other words, the company plans to build wind and solar in places that might not be perfectly situated for the technology and will use the extra power to mine bitcoin, making money in the process. bitcoin is, in our eyes, a load-balancing economic battery, and batteries are essential to the energy transition required to reach the targets of the Paris agreement, the company said in its announcement. Loading There are also new ways to conduct greener bitcoin transactions. For example, users could batch transactions on something called a Lightning Network, essentially a payment channel between two users that would use less power to process transactions. PayPal, too, argues that those new protocols may change bitcoins carbon footprint: Not only are we assessing the climate impact of cryptocurrency, which is concentrated on bitcoin, but also the entire industry is evolving in the assessment and measurement standards of the potential environmental impacts and more energy-efficient protocols are emerging. A two-island strategy is needed between Ireland and the UK to manage the Covid-19 crisis, according to Mary Lou McDonald. The Sinn Fein leader said the administration in Belfast and the government in Dublin need a common purpose on the issue. She stated the border on the island is an issue under these circumstances and added; For now, we need an agreed strategy and approach island-wide. She added this includes agreeing with Britain, our neighboring island" on a "two-island strategy to keep the population safe. Read More Speaking on Ireland AM, Ms McDonald, also criticised the current restrictions for visitors entering the country. She described the restrictions as a pick and choose system, criticising the 5km travel limit while simultaneously allowing visitors into the country. When the new strains and variants are proving so difficult for us, its crazy to allow a scenario where you would be importing more of the virus, she said, and urged the government to capitalise on Irelands status of an island. "The government and the state have to get in right in terms of vaccination and travel. Ms McDonald also criticised the governments efforts in exploring every option in terms of acquiring excess vaccines in and out of the European system. "We've had success but the approach to vaccination is certainly flawed, she said. A year on, in the circumstances were in, for the government to say, were looking into it really doesnt cut the mustard. The idea that other countries are going to hand back vaccines is a bit far-fetched", she added. 404 ROME, MAR 10 - An Italian volleyball player was cited by her club for breach of contract after getting pregnant. Lara Lugli, 39, was sued for damages by Serie B side Pordenone after she got pregnant in March 2019. The club argued she had broken conditions she had agreed to in her contract, namely not the get pregnant. Lugli, who had a miscarriage shortly after taking time off from the team, is counter-suing, arguing that the club has caused her emotional damage. The case has sparked an outcry, especially among women's rights groups and female politicians. Senate Speaker Elisabetta Casellati on Wednesday called the case "violence against women". She said "motherhood has an irreplaceable personal and social value". (ANSA). Memphis, Tenn. (March 10, 2021) - The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recently awarded Jonathan H. Jaggar, PhD, Maury Bronstein Endowed Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), a $2.3 million grant for his study titled "PKD proteins in endothelial cells." The proposal's goal is to provide a new understanding of how endothelial cells regulate blood pressure. Blood vessels provide all of our organs with oxygen and nutrients and determine blood pressure in the body. Endothelial cells, which line the inside of all blood vessels, can cause blood vessels to relax or contract, thus controlling the body's blood pressure. Endothelial cells stop working properly during vascular diseases such as stroke and high blood pressure (hypertension), but how this happens is not fully understood. Dr. Jaggar's project is focused on identifying the functions of two proteins in endothelial cells called PKD1 and PKD2. His lab has new evidence that PKD1 and PKD2 physically couple in endothelial cells to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. His group also found that that PKD1/PKD2 signaling is altered during hypertension, which in turn inhibits their ability to relax blood vessels. In this proposal, Dr. Jaggar's team will test the hypothesis that physiological stimuli activate PKD1/PKD2 coupling in endothelial cells. They will investigate what causes this to happen and how it produces vasodilation. They will also study the relationship between hypertension and the breakdown in PKD1/PKD2 channel signaling and the vasodilation it makes possible. This project, which is being funded for four years, will provide significant new information about vasoregulation by endothelial cell PKD1 and PKD2 proteins. "We are excited to drive this new research direction to better understand how PKD1 and PKD2 control our body's blood pressure and determine what happens that prevents these proteins from lowering blood pressure during hypertension," said Dr. Jaggar. ### As Tennessee's only public, statewide, academic health system, the mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is to bring the benefits of the health sciences to the achievement and maintenance of human health through education, research, clinical care, and public service, with a focus on the citizens of Tennessee and the region. The main campus in Memphis includes six colleges: Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. UTHSC also educates and trains medicine, pharmacy, and/or health professions students, as well as medical residents and fellows, at major sites in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville. For more information, visit uthsc.edu. Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/uthsc, on Twitter: twitter.com/uthsc and on Instagram: instagram.com/uthsc. The Biden administration has thrown its support behind a $1 billion natural gas pipeline in the midst of a Supreme Court battle that will shape the future of natural gas and pipeline construction projects across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court decided last month that it would hear the appeal of the PennEast Pipeline Company, which is seeking to build a 120-mile natural gas pipeline that would originate in Pennsylvania and traverse through western Hunterdon County and Mercer County. The company is seeking to overturn a 2019 federal appeals court decision that ruled that PennEast could not use eminent domain powers to seize land owned by New Jersey for pipeline construction. The brief filed under the Biden administration upholds the status quo established by its predecessor, as the Trump administration previously urged the Supreme Court to overturn the decision in December of last year. In the brief filed on Monday, the Justice Department argued that provisions in the National Gas Act enable the construction of the pipeline. Specifically, lawyers said that the Federal Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit lacked the jurisdiction to determine whether the Natural Gas Act authorizes PennEast to condemn certain properties. According to the brief, the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to push the project forward is only reviewable by the federal appeals court on direct review, not by a ruling. The (Natural Gas Act) provides exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals conducting that direct review to affirm, modify, or set aside the Commissions order in whole or in part, and makes that courts judgment final, subject to review only by this Court, the brief states. Moreover, lawyers concluded that the Natural Gas Act authorizes pipeline companies to condemn state-owned property determined by FERC to be necessary for the construction of an interstate pipeline, without exception for property in which a state may claim an interest. They argue that while the Eleventh Amendment precludes a State from being subject to suit, States consented to suits like this one in the plan of the Convention meaning that right of eminent domain has been held by the United States since its birth. As the Court has long recognized, the Constitution conferred that authority on the federal government, including the authority to take State-owned land, for projects within the governments enumerated powers, the brief states. And since before the Founding through the present day, the right of eminent domain has been understood to encompass authority for private parties to exercise the right for projects the sovereign deems in the public interest. Several other oil and gas industry groups in the United States also filed briefs in support of PennEast on Monday, including Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC; Marcellus Shale Coalition and Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association; and, jointly, the Natural Gas Association of America, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute. Patricia Kornick, spokesperson for PennEast, said the company appreciates the continued support of the United States in a case that cuts across party lines. As the United States brief cogently explains, Congress language in the Natural Gas Act very clearly authorizes a private party to obtain all land necessary to construct a project that has been determined to be in the public need and safe for the environment, Kornick said. FERC was very thorough in its multi-year review, a review in which New Jersey participated, when deciding to grant a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the PennEast Pipeline Project. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal declined to comment for the article, but asked the Supreme Court not to hear PennEasts appeal earlier this year. Federal approval granted to PennEast in 2018 expired last year. One day before President Joe Biden took the Oath of Office, FERC delayed taking action on PennEasts latest project proposal, which split the pipeline project into two phases. Longtime opponents to the project weighed in on the Biden administrations brief, including the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners. Sue Soloway, director of the Board of Commissioners, issued a letter to Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Tom Malinowski urging them to ask President Biden to reverse the decision supporting the Supreme Court appeal. The planned pipeline route would disturb a 53-acre well service area in Holland Township and over 2,000 acres of Hunterdon County farmland and conservation easements, according to Soloway. President Biden may not be aware of the serious issue of allowing PennEast to take land that state and county taxpayers have paid to preserve and the negative affect of using eminent domain to interfere with farmland in the county, Soloway said in a press release shared with NJ Advance Media. Tom Gilbert, campaign director for New Jersey Conservation Foundation and ReThink Energy NJ, said the brief is not supportive of the pipeline project but instead focused on a narrow set of legal issues. Gas experts have shown that the pipeline is not needed now, and will be even less needed in the future as New Jersey transitions away from gas to a clean energy future, Gilbert said. This project is not consistent with the climate goals of the Biden administration or the Murphy administration. Echoing Gilbert, Jennifer Danis, senior fellow at Columbia University Law Schools Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, said the office of the Solicitor General varies little with each new administration, and hence does not reflect the Biden administrations climate policy or its environmental priorities. In contrast, advocates for the project believed the latest development could be demonstrative of this administrations analogous support for the pipeline. Ron Morano, the executive director of Affordable Energy for New Jersey, said he is encouraged by the news today, which he hoped to be indicative of this administrations future positions on our energy independence. We learned in February that the Supreme Court rightly recognized the significance of the PennEast pipeline, and today the Biden DOJ agreed, Morano said. This project would reduce utility customers bills, increase our much-needed gas capacity and provide the type of energy security to avoid self-imposed blackouts like California or weather-related ones like Texas. David Holt, president of Consumer Energy Alliance, noted that the Supreme Court case is about much more than a single pipeline project, but also the federal governments power to regulate interstate commerce. We are pleased that the Biden administration has put the environment and consumers, families and senior citizens across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast above politics, Holt said in a press release shared with NJ Advance Media. For too long, consumers in the region have been saddled with high energy prices, largely because of state-level obstruction and activism that disregards ignores common sense, science and concern for costs for ordinary people and businesses. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com Officials in Austin, Texas, are defying Governor Greg Abbott by continuing to require masks after the statewide mandate expires on Wednesday. The Austin City Council announced its order on Tuesday, saying that it stemmed from recommendations by Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott. 'In Austin, we're committed to saving lives. Period,' Austin City Councilmember Greg Casar said, according to KXAN. 'If state officials don't want to do their jobs protecting people from the virus, then we will. 'This action is both legal and the right thing to do. If state officials choose to sue, they'll be going out of their way to harm the health of Texans.' Abbott announced an end to the statewide mask mandate - effective March 10 - and business capacity limits last week under a sweeping rollback of coronavirus restrictions, declaring: 'It's time to reopen Texas 100%.' On Tuesday the governor adhered to the mandate on its last day as he visited the border city of Mission to hold a press conference about illegal immigration. Officials in Austin, Texas, are defying Governor Greg Abbott by continuing to require masks after the statewide mandate expires on Wednesday. Abbott adhered to the mandate on its last day on Tuesday as he visited the border city of Mission to hold a press conference (pictured) The Austin City Council announced its local mask mandate on Tuesday, saying that it stemmed from recommendations by Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott. Pictured: People without masks stand outside a bar in Austin on March 4 Abbott was seen disembarking from a helicopter in Mission's Anzalduas Park wearing a black mask after an aerial tour of the border wall. Meanwhile state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have launched a campaign to limit his emergency powers during declared disasters in response to criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and snow storms that left thousands of Texas residents without power last month. Several pieces of legislation aimed at that goal have already been filed, including Senate Joint Resolution 45, which would require the governor to call a special session with lawmakers if he wanted to renew a disaster declaration beyond 30 days or issue a new order related to an existing disaster declaration. 'The biggest thing on my plate is emergency powers and rebalancing the role of the Legislature with the executive branch,' State Sen Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), who filed the resolution, told KWTX. Fourteen other senators from both parties have signaled their support for Birdwell's bill. Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, speculated that Abbott is taking major steps to reopen the state to appease Republican lawmakers. 'He did see some of these bills filed in the early days of the Legislature and wanted to take some of the air out of the balloon,' Jillson told KWTX. 'Rather than allow the Legislature to sort of angrily limit his authority, he's saying: "Let's work together to do this."' Abbott was seen disembarking from a helicopter in Mission's Anzalduas Park wearing a black mask after an aerial tour of the border wall on Tuesday (pictured) Abbott announced an end to the statewide mask mandate - effective March 10 - and business capacity limits last week under a sweeping rollback of coronavirus restrictions, declaring: 'It's time to reopen Texas 100%.' Pictured: A woman removes a sign reminding patrons to wear masks at a public library in Plano, Texas, on Tuesday Austin Mayor Steve Adler had issued a statement after Abbott's announcement last week, saying that the state should follow 'science and data', which supports continued mask-wearing. Casar, the councilmember, accused Abbott of 'endangering Texans' lives so that he can score political points'. 'Locally, we are working around the clock to care for the sick, we're wearing masks and we're providing help to those who need it, despite the recklessness and cowardice of our governor,' he said. In an interview with KXAN, Casar urged Abbott not to try to overrule Austin's mask mandate. 'I hope that the state government keeps focusing on vaccine distribution and things that protect people's health, rather than using their limited resources to come and try to mess with Austin again,' he said. 'We're doing our best to actually keep the level of infections and hospitalizations amongst the lowest of the big cities in the state, and that's what we want to keep on doing. I hope the state will support us in that, rather than continuing these legal challenges and fights.' Escott, the county's top health official, explained how the local mask order will be enforced at a press conference on Tuesday. 'If an individual enters a business that requires a mask and is not wearing a mask, and they are asked to leave and they do not, they're trespassing,' Escott said. 'That's a crime they can be arrested for. They can't be arrested for not wearing a mask. They can be arrested for trespassing. If that trespassing involves violence or threats, it's going to increase the level of the crime that's involved.' Casar urged anyone who witnesses a mask violation to call 311 so the city can send out code enforcement officers. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization's chief on Tuesday called for action on boosting COVID-19 vaccine production in developing countries as several members of the global trade watchdog urged her to hold urgent talks with manufacturers to do so. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister who was until recently chair of the board of global vaccine alliance GAVI, took on the top job at the global trade watchdog last week. She has said health and vaccine access would be a top priority. "The fact is that each additional day the vaccine shortage continues, people will pay with their lives," Okonjo-Iweala said at a two-day summit focused on COVID-19 vaccine production, adding that around 130 countries were still waiting for vaccines. She added that new vaccine manufacturing sites could be prepared in six to seven months or less than half the time previously thought. In a sign that her ideas are gaining traction, seven of the body's 164 members released a document on Tuesday urging her to hold urgent talks with COVID-19 vaccine developers and manufacturers on boosting production. The WTO chief has few executive powers and members' support is essential. "... The WTO should rapidly make use of its resources to the full extent to foster a prompt, pragmatic and tangible acceleration in the global response to COVID-19, and particularly the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines," said the document co-sponsored by Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, Norway and Turkey. In parallel, WTO members are also due to discuss a possible waiver for intellectual property rights for COVID-19 drugs on Wednesday that could allow producers in more countries to begin manufacturing shots. However, talks are currently deadlocked with several wealthy countries opposing the waiver, saying it would undermine the expensive research that allowed the production of COVID-19 vaccines in the first place. Okonjo-Iweala also said in her speech that pandemic-related export restrictions had fallen in recent months, urging countries to drop or reduce the remaining ones or set timelines for their phase-out to help minimise problems in the vaccine supply chain. The COVAX vaccine-sharing programme, created to provide vaccines for poor and middle-income countries and backed by the GAVI alliance and the World Health Organisation (WHO), late in February began rolling out delivery of doses to African countries. It said earlier this month that it would deliver 237 millions doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccination to 142 countries by the end of May. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Franklin Paul and Jonathan Oatis) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Of all the everyday priorities that changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, few became more crucial than the need to stay connectedto the internet, to teachers and to doctors. Efforts to expand broadband internet access, and especially systems that could connect individuals to their health care providers, have long benefited from bipartisan support, even if Republicans and Democrats disagree over exactly how to best achieve those expansions. Broadband and telehealth were often discussed but rarely prioritized, the rare instance in which both parties agree on something, only to have it overshadowed by unrelated disagreements. Not so once the pandemic hit. Suddenly, expanding broadband and telehealth became key priorities for both parties as connectivity became what Jamie Susskind, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at the Consumer Technology Association, calls "universal primary issues of importance." "With the shift to working at home and kids learning at home, a brighter light was shone on some of the issues that already existed," Susskind told CQ Roll Call. Only 11 percent of U.S. consumers used telehealth services in 2019, according to an analysis by the consulting firm McKinsey. Only months into the pandemic, however, the figure rose to 46 percent, with more than three-quarters of Americans expressing interest in using telehealth services going forward. McKinsey estimated that $250 billion in health care costs could be virtualized. The need for broadband, especially for school-age children, also expanded. The Joint Economic Committee estimated in 2018 that roughly 12 million students lacked the ability to do their homework because they could not connect to the internet at home, with cost being the prohibitive factor. Estimates say that number has likely risen to around 17 million as a result of the pandemic. Now, with the number of positive cases falling and vaccine distribution on the rise, lawmakers and advocates are beginning to think about how to build on progress made during the pandemic. "COVID has heightened the importance of both of those issues for everyone," said Susskind. "Now they're trying to think about how to look at this more holistically, to figure out how to get broadband out to everybody, universally. And how to balance the different needs of schools, homes, urban America and rural America." Broadband For John Windhausen Jr., who runs the nonprofit Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition, the pandemic laid bare a decade of failure by the government to adequately execute the National Broadband Plan, which Congress created as a result of the Great Recession. The idea behind the plan was to alleviate the effects of another national emergency on the so-called "digital divide." "We've made progress, but we were supposed to have solved the problem by now," Windhausen said. "We need a multifaceted, coordinated national, state and local effort to invest in high-capacity broadband everywhere. And we ought to do that in the next five years, before the next pandemic." Last December, Congress approved a $3.2 billion fund that would provide $50 a month for internet access to low-income families and individuals who lost their jobs or were furloughed as a result of the pandemic. Also included in the package was $1 billion to deploy broadband on tribal lands and $300 million for broadband in rural areas. More recently, Congress responded to the pandemic by investing in technology for schools, including more than $7 billion in online learning subsidies that could be made law as soon as this week after the Senate passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package over the weekend. Democrats, in control of the White House and Congress, want to continue investing in broadband as the pandemic tapers. Bicameral legislation introduced last month by Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., would direct the Federal Communications Commission to update the National Broadband Plan and analyze the effects of the pandemic on broadband policy. Democrats want big spending on broadband too. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., recently said he will soon reintroduce legislation to provide $100 billion for broadband initiatives, including $80 billion for rural broadband. Telehealth Unlike broadband access, the lack of telehealth access prior to the pandemic wasn't an emergency. But over the past year, the expansion of telehealth access has been a rare bright spot. And it's become so popular that lawmakers and policy advocates alike are eager to make it a part of the new normal. "The pandemic has really been a great lab experiment and has shown that we can expand this benefit," said Rene Quashie, CTA vice president for digital health policy. Prior to the pandemic, the main obstacles in the way of telehealth expansion were high cost estimates and questions about whether remote care could properly substitute for in-person health appointments. Before COVID-19, Medicare's existing telehealth program was available only to individuals living in rural areas, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could not pay for telehealth services received while an individual was in their place of residence; they had to travel to a clinic or a hospital in order to participate and have telehealth services covered. Last March, former President Donald Trump waived those requirements. All of a sudden, Quashie said, "you could be in the densest part of New York City or in the plains of North Dakota and still receive those services." "What the pandemic has done is amplify the fact that telehealth increases access and that patients seem comfortable using telehealth," Quashie said. "In fact, when you look at a lot of [telehealth] patient satisfaction surveys, they're really generally uniformly very positive." Now, lawmakers from both parties are clamoring to make those changes permanent by doing away with the geographic restrictions on the program. Bicameral legislation authored by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., would also give the Health and Human Services Department the ability to waive other telehealth requirements in the event of a future emergency. Like the broadband bill backed by Markey and Eshoo, the telehealth proposals would commission a study on the use of telehealth during the pandemic. "Our health care system needs to catch up to the advances in technology," Windhausen said. "And rather than being a barrier, they should be embracing these technologies and realizing that they provide much greater flexibility for both patients and for doctors." The post One year in, broadband access and telehealth are two big winners under COVID-19 appeared first on Roll Call. Explore further AMA pushes for widespread telehealth adoption 2021 CQ Roll Call Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Is the goal to turn Hong Kong into another Chinese city one thats politically indistinguishable from, say, Shanghai or does the leadership still want Hong Kong to be distinct? The framework that has always been used to describe Hong Kong post-handover is one country, two systems. Many people understood the two systems part to be twofold: Not only was Hong Kong capitalist while China was socialist, but Hong Kong also was relatively politically free, while the mainland was not. Chinese officials still insist that theyre committed to one country, two systems. But their focus seems very much to be on keeping Hong Kong as a separate, hypercapitalist system, not on keeping its separate political identity. Many Hong Kongers have long said that they expected their city to become just another mainland metropolis eventually. I have a hard time seeing how this story ends with anything other than victory for Chinas leaders and defeat for the pro-democracy movement. Do people within the movement see any reason for optimism? Ever since the security law was enacted, the mood within the pro-democracy movement has been bleak. I expected at least some people to offer fiery defiance and remind people that there is still hope if only just as a rallying cry, whether they believed it or not. But pretty consistently across people I talk to, the consensus is that theres not much they can do to change the situation, at least for now. SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global enteral feeding formulas market size is expected to reach USD 9.3 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia, chronic liver disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and diabetes is projected to drive the demand for products that support patients with oral intake issues. In addition, the rise in preterm births is one of the significant factors boosting the demand for enteral feeding formulas to meet the nutritional requirements of newborns. Key suggestions from the report: The market is anticipated to grow over the forecast period owing to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rise in preterm births The standard formulas segment dominated the market in 2020, owing to the availability of a wide variety of standard formulas coupled with increased demand for low-cost nutrient formulations The intermittent feeding flow segment dominated the market in 2020, owing to better tolerance in patients shown by intermittent flow as compared to bolus feeding Adults accounted for the largest revenue share in the market in 2020 owing to the rising adoption of tube feeds in the adults and the availability of a large number of tube feeds or products for adults on the commercial level Other indications followed by cancer care accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2020. The increasing prevalence of cancer and other health conditions associated with cancer is likely to promote market growth The homecare segment accounted for the highest revenue share in the market owing to the rising number of patients that receive home enteral feeding due to growing awareness about complete and balanced nutrition North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 29.7% in 2020 owing to the growing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and other neurological conditions Read 118 page research report with ToC on "Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Flow Type, By Stage (Adult, Pediatric), By Indication, By End-user, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/enteral-feeding-formulas-market Based on product, the standard formulas segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.0% in 2020. This high share is attributable to the availability of a vast variety of standard formulas coupled with increased demand for low-cost nutrient formulations. In addition, the demand with respect to standard tube feeds is significant among the volume-sensitive patients or the patients on fluid restrictions. Such conditions include renal failure, congestive heart failure, and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH). In 2020, based on flow type, the intermittent feeding flow type segment accounted for the highest revenue share in the market because intermittent feeding has shown better tolerance in patients as compared to bolus feeding. Moreover, this type of feeding does not require feeding pumps, which is helpful in allowing greater mobility in between the feedings. This is expected to increase its adoption among the hospital as well as homecare settings, thereby affirmatively impacting the segment growth. In 2020, based on stage, the adults' segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 88.4% in the market. The segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The rising adoption of tube feeds in adults is one of the crucial factors driving the growth. In addition, the availability of large number of tube feeds or products for adults on a commercial level also contributes to the large share held by the segment. Glucerna, Osmolite, TwoCal, Vital, Promote, and Jevity are some of the popular brands by Abbott Nutrition for adults. Based on indications, other indications, followed by cancer care accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2020. The increasing prevalence of cancer and other health conditions associated with cancer is likely to promote market growth. For instance, according to GLOBOCON 2020, there were around 19.3 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2020. Europe accounted for about 23.4% of total cancer cases and Asia had the highest population suffering from cancer, which was about 60%. In 2020, based on end user, the homecare segment accounted for the highest revenue share in the market and this segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing number of patients that receive home enteral feeding due to growing awareness about complete and balanced nutrition is one of the key factors contributing to the growth of this segment. For instance, according to a recent survey conducted in the U.K., there were 187 patients on home enteral tube feeding out of the total 257 patients. This suggested that approximately 72% of patients were on home enteral tube feeding. North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 29.7% in 2020 owing to the growing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and other neurological conditions. Furthermore, increasing preference for home-based enteral therapy has decreased the number of patient visits to hospitals and clinics. In addition, increasing malnutrition is expected to further boost the demand for enteral feeding formulas in this region. In addition, the rising number of COVID-19 cases in various geographies coupled with the large geriatric population, susceptible to various health conditions, are among the factors contributing to the growth of the market. For instance, according to an article published in Europe PMC in 2020, enteral nutrition is generally preferred over parenteral nutrition for COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICUs. In addition, it should be provided within 48 hours of admission. Hence, such instances signify increasing adoption of enteral feeding formulas during the pandemic. Grand View Research has segmented the global enteral feeding formulas market based on product, flow type, stage, indications, end-user, and region: Enteral Feeding Formulas Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) Standard formula Disease-specific formula Enteral Feeding Formulas Flow Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) Intermittent feeding flow Continuous feeding flow Enteral Feeding Formulas Stage Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) Adult Pediatric Enteral Feeding Formulas Indication Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) Alzheimer's Nutrition Deficiency Cancer Care Diabetes Chronic Kidney Diseases Orphan Diseases Dysphagia Pain Management Malabsorption/GI Disorder/Diarrhea Others Enteral Feeding Formulas End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) Hospitals Cardiology Neurology Critical Care (ICU) Oncology Others Home Care Enteral Feeding Formulas Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2028) North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany Italy France Spain Russia Asia Pacific Australia China Japan South Korea India Singapore New Zealand Latin America Mexico Brazil Argentina Middle East Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE List of Key Players of Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Abbott Danone SA Fresenius Kabi Nestle Victus, Inc. Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Meiji Holdings. Co., Ltd. Rickett Benckiser Group Plc. Find more research reports on Pharmaceuticals Industry, by Grand View Research: Medical Foods Market The global medical foods market size is anticipated to reach USD 30.34 billion by 2028 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to 2028. by 2028 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to 2028. Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics Market The rising base of the target population suffering from relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis coupled with the increasing demand for novel potent drugs is a key factor driving market growth. Preterm Birth and PROM Testing Market Rising incidence of preterm births, increasing geographical reach by market players, high demand for effective diagnosis of preterm births, and advanced drug delivery devices are expected to drive the market. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. ARMONK, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and EGYPTAIR Tourism and Duty Free Co. announced today a new agreement in which the airline will leverage IBM Cloud to scale and modernize EGYPTAIR Duty Free back-end operations and host its SAP Travel Retail System. By adopting IBM Cloud, EGYPTAIR will also leverage IBM Watson Assistant to create an AI virtual agent to help transform their travelers' shopping experience. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the airlines industry started to look for new technologies to reinvent their services and unlock an array of new experiences for their customers. EGYPTAIR Duty Free selected IBM as its technology provider for cloud architecture. With a hybrid cloud approach from IBM, EGYPTAIR Duty Free will migrate its ERP workload to IBM Cloud while staying connected and fully integrated with the Frequent-Flyer Program of EGYPTAIR Airlines and Star Alliance companies to provide shopping services from EGYPTAIR's duty free outlets and help attract new customers. For example, EGYPTAIR Duty Free customers will make all payment transactions through a secured point of sale that is part of IBM Cloud infrastructure. With IBM Cloud, EGYPTAIR can leverage IBM's industry-leading security capabilities, which can include confidential computing and encryption capabilities backed by the highest level of security certification commercially available1. This gives enterprises the ability to retain control of their own encryption keys so IBM clients are the only ones who can control access to their data. As part of this engagement, IBM will provide technology and industry expertise to enhance the digital services for EGYPTAIR Duty Free by using IBM Watson Assistant, running on IBM Cloud. The AI virtual agent will be designed to provide EGYPTAIR Duty Free customers with a differentiated shopping experience, enabling them to do online shopping through the Duty Free website including order placement, payment and delivery inside the plane, thus providing a smooth retail experience. "The new technology will help us to reinvent our services and unlock an array of new choices for our customers," said Mr. Reda Metwally Chairman and CEO, EGYPTAIR Duty Free "With IBM and SAP technology, we will modernize our operations through the supply chain to meet the evolving needs of our customers and suppliers." "In choosing a hybrid cloud approach and migrating to IBM Cloud, EGYPTAIR can provide its customers with a secured and enhanced retail experience. IBM has decades of experience driving transformation within the travel industry, and looks forward to helping EGYPTAIR modernize their operations to meet the needs of today's customer," said Harish Grama, General Manager, IBM Cloud. This collaboration comes within the framework of EGYPTAIR's strategy in line with Egypt's digital transformation roadmap to create an easy, digitized and personalized customers' experiences. IBM has a long history of working with the airlines industry as well as with leading travel and transportation companies around the world. For decades, IBM has collaborated with EGYPTAIR to host core applications on both IBM hardware and software. About IBM For more information, please visit https://www.ibm.com/eg-en/cloud/public 1 - Based on IBM Hyper Protect Crypto Service, the only service in the industry built on FIPS 140-2 Level 4-certified hardware. Contact: Suzanne Cross IBM Communications [email protected] SOURCE IBM Related Links www.ibm.com To enhance coal production and reduce imports, Ltd (CIL) has identified 15 new projects with a capacity to produce 160 million tonnes per annum, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. Ltd (CIL) aims to achieve 1 billion tonnes of coal production by 2023-24. "The focus of the government is on increasing domestic production of coal and to achieve these targets through the allocation of more coal blocks, pursuing with the state government for assistance in land acquisition and co-ordinated efforts with railways for movement of coal... 15 greenfield projects identified with a capacity of about 160 MTPA (Million Tonnes per Annum) to be operated by mine developer cum operator mode," Coal and Mines Minister told Lok Sabha. In order to enhance domestic production, 25 per cent of coal production has been allowed for the sale of coal for the newly-allocated captive coal blocks, he said and added that commercial mining, with a provision for 100 per cent foreign direct investment, has been allowed by the government. In order to enhance coal production and achieve coal production targets, CIL has initiated a number of steps, including introduction of mass production technology in underground coal mines. Another coal producing company Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is planning to open 11 new mines, including two in Talcher in Odisha, the minister said. He said an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted in the Ministry of Coal for the purpose of coal import substitution with representatives from the Ministry of Power (MoP), Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal Companies and Ports as its members. "This committee provides a platform for discussions on a larger forum with the administrative ministries so as to guide them to encourage the coal consumers of their respective sector to eliminate imports of coal. Nine meetings of the IMC have been held so far. "IMC has also directed for development of an import data system by the Ministry of Coal to enable the ministry to track the imports of coal. CIL has also started an online portal to register the requests of coal consumers willing for import substitution of coal," the minister said. To reduce coal imports, the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) of the power plants have been increased up to 100 per cent of the normative requirement in those cases where the ACQ was earlier reduced to 90 per cent of normative. "CIL has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under import substitution for about 12 MTPA coal with the power plants linked with CIL. Accordingly, CIL has allocated 9.53 MT coal to the power plants till February 2021 under import substitution," the coal minister said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday (March 10) announced the list of 83 candidates out of 85 seats it is contesting in the upcoming Assembly polls in Kerala. Five ministers of the Kerala Government and 33 sitting MLAs of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) will not be in the fray. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) convenor and acting CPI-M state secretary A Vijayaraghavan said, "Out of 83 candidates 74 candidates are contesting in party symbols, nine candidates are CPI-M supported independent candidates." "With regard to two seats Manjeshwaram and Devikulam we will announce the names later," he said adding that the decision is due to a large percent of linguistic minorities and Tamil migrant workers in these constituencies respectively. Vijayaraghavan said, "As the lone candidate from Kerala to the Pondicherry Legislative Assembly, CPI-M is going to support N Haridas who is to contest as an independent from Mahi Constituency." He also said that the Students Federation of India (SFI) All India President VP Sanu will contest as CPI-M candidate in the Lok Sabha by-election of Malappuram constituency. "With regard to the age factor, we have 4 candidates below 30 years, 8 candidates below 40 years, 8 candidates between 30 and 40 years, 13 candidates between 41 and 50 years, 33 candidates between 51 and 60 years and 24 candidates above 60 years," he said. "Five ministers and 33 sitting MLAs of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government will not contest the upcoming polls," he further said. CPI(M) heavyweights Industries Minister EP Jayarajan, Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac, Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran, Law Minister AK Balan and Education Minister C Raveendranath will not be in the fray. For CPI-M work in the legislature and work among the masses are equally important. A new section of leaders should be there in the Assembly and in Lok Sabha to express properly the ideology and principles of the Left front," he explained the decision. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will contest from the Dharmadam constituency in the Kannur district. KK Shailaja will contest from Mattannur constituency in Kannur district. Other ministers who will be contesting are J Mercykutty from Kundara in Kollam district, MM Mani from Udampanchola in Idukki, Kadakampally Surendran from Kazakuttam in Thiruvananthapuram and CPI-M supported independent K T Jaleel from Thavanoor in Malappuram. Live TV Meanwhile, posters had earlier appeared in Alappuzha urging Sudhakaran and Thomas Isaac to contest polls, both leaders distanced themselves from it and toed the party line. Protests were held in Ponnani in Malappuram and Kuttiady in Kozhikode over candidate selection. The election for the 140-member Kerala Assembly in 14 districts will be held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes will be held on May 2. Past.am reports that Russia is concerned about the events in regard to the Armed Forces of Armenia. Today Minister of Defense of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan and Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, army general Sergey Shoygu had a phone conversation. According to the official press release, the counterparts touched upon several issues related to the countries military cooperation, the course of implementation of the mission of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues. However, Past.ams insider from Moscow reports that there was actually one occasion for the phone conversation, that is, the Russian side is keeping the events regarding the Armed Forces of Armenia in its focus and is concerned about them. Shoygu told Harutyunyan that Russia wont tolerate destruction of the Armenian Army and views it as the plan of the West, and the Armenian authorities encroachments against the army ordered by the West. Harutyunyan tried to assure that there is no aim to destroy the army and that the only problem is Onik Gasparyan and the servicemen who have gone against the countrys leadership. However, according to Past.ams sources, Shoygu warned rather harshly that, besides Onik Gasparyans dismissal, Russia will view other dismissals within the prism of destruction of the army something that is inadmissible for Russia since the Armenian Army is of strategic significance for Russia in this region and is the army of a member state of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, as reported on the website. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists who spread COVID anti-vaccination claims will face harsh penalties, including being stripped of their ability to practise, by the medical watchdog. The national medical boards and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) released a joint directive warning healthcare practitioners that they risk regulatory action if they spout false or deceptive misinformation to patients or on social media that could undermine the national vaccination program as the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout begins. There is no place for anti-vaccination messages in professional health practice, and any promotion of anti-vaccination claims including on social media, and advertising may be subject to regulatory action, spokesman for the medical boards and Pharmacy Board chairman Brett Simmonds said. The joint statement was supported by every national health professional board, including the medical, nursing and midwifery, pharmacy, dental, chiropractic, Chinese medicine, paramedicine and osteopathy boards of Australia. PALO ALTO, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 70% of high school teachers are very confident to teach personal finance, according to a study released earlier this month by Dr. Melody Harvey of University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Carly Urban of Montana State University. This study demonstrates the significant changes in the personal finance instruction and professional development since an earlier 2009 study, which found that only 9% of teachers felt well qualified to teach personal finance (Way and Holden, 2009). Here are the highlights of the study which was based on a sample of 504 teachers most likely to teach personal finance if a mandate passed in their state: Significant expansion of personal finance instruction with this study finding 83% of teachers surveyed teaching personal finance as a standalone course, teaching it as part of another course or had taught it in the past. This compares with 30% in the 2009 study. with this study finding 83% of teachers surveyed teaching personal finance as a standalone course, teaching it as part of another course or had taught it in the past. This compares with 30% in the 2009 study. Dramatic increase in teacher participation in professional development with 54% participating in some PD in the past year vs. 19% in 2009 (over a three-year period). The researchers note the expansion of free or low-cost professional development opportunities for educators which was practically non-existent in 2009. with 54% participating in some PD in the past year vs. 19% in 2009 (over a three-year period). The researchers note the expansion of free or low-cost professional development opportunities for educators which was practically non-existent in 2009. Strong commitment from educators to increase access to financial education with 86% agreeing with the importance of all high school students taking a one-semester personal finance course before crossing that graduation stage. Dr. Carly Urban, Montana State University, summed up the findings: "States often talk about lack of teacher preparation as a reason for not including personal finance instruction in high school graduation requirements. Our research suggests that this isn't actually a problem. Even teachers licensed in areas unrelated to personal finance, who may be the ones available to teach the class, are pretty confident in their ability to deliver a solid financial education program." Dr. Melody Harvey, University of Wisconsin-Madison, explained: "Of course, these trends correlate with the overall expansion of high school financial education. Few states either offer professional development as part of their legislative requirements, or offer them through partnerships between state departments of education, state treasuries, and/or state councils of economic education. Yet, many professional development programs for personal finance instruction arose independently. Thus, policymakers can at least easily refer their potential personal finance teachers to these programs." Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), noted, "This research confirms what we see every day in our work at NGPF. 7,000+ teachers have invested 120,000+ hours of their time honing their craft, learning new content and collaborating with peers since March 2020. They are talented, passionate and eager to do more to achieve Mission 2030, when all students will graduate high school with the financial skills they need to thrive." About Next Gen Personal Finance Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), has become the "one-stop shop" for more than 43,000 educators looking for free, high-quality, engaging personal finance curriculum to equip students with the skills to thrive in the future. NGPF curriculum has a broad reach, with more than 7 out of 10 U.S. high school students attending schools where a teacher utilizes NGPF resources. NGPF supports educators with the most comprehensive suite of PD: 7,000+ teachers participated in more than 120,000 hours of NGPF professional development in 2020. The non-profit has been recognized by Common Sense Education as a " Top Website for Teachers to Find Lesson Plans " and " Best Business and Finance Games ." NGPF is funded through an endowment so that all curriculum and professional development are provided at no cost. Contact: Christine Yoo, 818-744-8491, [email protected] SOURCE Next Gen Personal Finance Related Links ngpf.org Donald Trump Jr. penned a gushing tribute on social media to his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle on Tuesday, as the former Fox News host celebrated her 52nd birthday. 'Happy B-Day to everyones favorite MAGA Princess... well at least mine,' Don Jr, 43, wrote. 'KG, no one is more steadfast and loyal plus you kick ass at everything you do and you put up with me... what more could I ask for?' Sharing a slideshow of images of Guilfoyle, including snaps of her strutting while holding two red MAGA caps and smiling alongside Trump Sr. on Air Force One, Don Jr. added: '#HappyBirthday and I love you princess.' It's not immediately clear how the couple celebrated Guilfoyle's birthday this year, but the last two have involved lavish dinner parties at Mar-A-Lago - with even then President Donald Trump stopping by on both occasions. 'Happy B-Day to everyones favorite MAGA Princess... well at least mine,' Don Jr, 43, wrote. 'KG, no one is more steadfast and loyal plus you kick ass at everything you do and you put up with me... what more could I ask for?' An undated photo shared by Don Jr. showed him and Kimberly holding up a 'K' and and 'G' cake Sharing a slideshow of images of Guilfoyle, including snaps of her strutting while holding two red MAGA caps and smiling alongside Trump Sr. on Air Force One (above), Don Jr. added: '#HappyBirthday and I love you princess' Celebrations may have been somewhat derailed for Guilfoyle this year, after Don Jr. accompanied his father Sunday on a two day jaunt to Trump Tower, before flying back to Palm Beach late Tuesday afternoon. Trump, 74, was said to have returned to the Big Apple to 'look under the hood' of his family firm as New York prosecutors continue a probe into the business. Don Jr. posted a thank you message to his father's fans who had gathered outside the building with a large Trump 2024 flag the day before. 'New York Deplorables, @realdonaldtrump is watching!' he wrote alongside a picture of Trump watching the crowd from his office. 'This was a really cool sight to see yesterday with POTUS 45 and he was truly thankful and appreciative. Thanks to all these great NYC Patriots.' Guilfoyle, meanwhile, has been relatively quiet on the subject of her birthday on social media, though she did re-share a series of tributes from others to her Instagram story. She also retweeted a post from the founder of the Truth Gazette, which read: 'Happy Birthday to the Conservative Queen herself, @kimguilfoyle.' Another tribute from conservative commentator Madison Gesiotto Gilbert, read: Happy Birthday to my dear friend @kimguilfoyle who continues to shine and always looks 25! We love you, KG! #bossbabe.' Of the wider Trump clan, only Lara Trump, wife of Eric, uploaded a public tribute to Guilfoyle, sharing a snap of them together to her story, accompanied by a party hat and kiss-face emoji. It's not immediately clear how the couple celebrated Guilfoyle's birthday this year, but the last two have involved lavish dinner parties at Mar-A-Lago (pictured in 2019) Celebrations may have been somewhat derailed for Guilfoyle this year, after Don Jr. accompanied his father on a two day jaunt to Trump Tower on Sunday, before flying back to Palm Beach on Tuesday afternoon Of the wider Trump clan, only Lara Trump, wife of Eric, uploaded a public tribute to Guilfoyle, sharing a snap of them together to her story, accompanied by a party hat and kiss-face emoji Don Jr. and Guilfoyle, who have previously been referred to as 'the prom king and queen of MAGA land' first started dating in 2018, but had been friends for several years prior. They were first introduced by mutual friends in 2007, and were later photographed together at events in New York City. At the time, both were involved in other relationships. Guilfoyle was married to Democratic politician Gavin Newsom from 2001 to 2006, and she was first lady of San Francisco during his time as mayor. After they divorced, she married businessman Eric Villency in 2006 and had a son in 2007, before divorcing again two years later. Don Jr., meanwhile, married model Vanessa Haydon in 2005. They divorced in March 2018 and have five children together. A decade later, Guilfoyle resigned from her co-hosting spot on the Fox News show, The Five, in 2018 and joined the pro-Trump super PAC America First Policies. Guilfoyle departed the network amid accusations of sexual harassment, for which the network paid her former assistant a multi-million dollar settlement. By June of the same year, the couple had made their relationship Instagram official, referring to one another as their 'significant other'. In the years since, Guilfoyle has appeared with Don. Jr at a number of rallies for his father and played an active role on the campaign trail for the 2020 election. Don Jr. and Guilfoyle, who have previously been referred to as 'the prom king and queen of MAGA land' first started dating in 2018, but had been friends for several years prior In the years since, Guilfoyle has appeared with Don. Jr at a number of rallies for his father and played an active role on the campaign trail for the 2020 election Two weeks ago, the couple appeared together on stage as they addressed CPAC on February 26, 'The Republican Party is being reborn thanks to President Trump,' Guilfoyle declared. 'It is being reborn as a party of the working class of minorities, of hard working American men and women, the party of America First, the party of President Trump.' Trump Jr., meanwhile, used his remarks to slam Representative Liz Cheney, one of the 10 House Republicans to vote in favor of his father's second impeachment trial. 'Speaking of bombing the Middle East. have you seen Liz Cheney's poll numbers,' he said. He also slammed her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney. 'Liz Cheney and her politics are only slightly less popular than her father is at a quail hunt,' he said, referring to a 2006 hunting accident where Dick Cheney accidentally shot a man, who was not badly hurt. The response to his remark was tepid. 'What?,' he said. 'Fact checkers: please have at it!,' which got more applause. Donald Trump Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle previewed Donald Trump's return to the political stage when the duo addressed CPAC last month On Wednesday, Guilfoyle tweeted support for an initiative launched by Ivanka Trump to help farmers struggling amid the pandemic. 'The farmers to families food box is an amazing program that must be continued!,' she wrote. '@IvankaTrump created this beautiful initiative to support farmers and families struggling because of COVID19.' The tweet shared a link to a Fox News article, showing Ivanka helping to deliver food boxes in Apopka, Florida. It marked the first time Ivanka has been seen publicly since her father left the White House. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City public schools will reopen buildings to high school students later this month after they were closed since mid-November due to rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. High schools are slated to reopen to students on Monday, March 22. Teachers and school staff will be able to return to school on March 18 and 19 to prepare classrooms for students. We are ready to go, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his Monday press conference. We have all the pieces we need to bring high school back and bring it back strong, and of course, to bring it back safely. The mayor pointed to the successful return of students in elementary and middle schools, as well as students with disabilities in District 75 schools. Elementary schools and District 75 schools that serve students with special needs have been open since December. Middle schools reopened Feb. 25. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** New York City closed all school buildings temporarily for teaching and learning starting Nov. 19 when the coronavirus positivity rate surpassed 3%, the threshold to close schools. At that time, all public school students transitioned to fully remote learning. Schools had only been open for in-person instruction since mid-September first to special education and preschool students on Sept. 21, followed by students in K-8 schools and middle and high schools the following week. Now, elementary and middle school students are back in class, as well as District 75 students. High school students will return March 22. Heres what you need to know about high schools reopening. Who will return to school buildings? High school students will return to their buildings beginning March 22. If you opted into blended learning, either at the start of the 2020-2021 school year or during the opt-in period that ended in November, you will be able to return to school later this month. School principals will reach out with the new blended learning schedule. According to the city Department of Education (DOE), about 55,000 students in grades 9-12 who opted into in-person learning will return to school. All 488 high schools will reopen, with 17,000 school staff returning. If Im a remote learner, can I opt to go back to in-person learning? Students who opted to be a full-time remote learner, and didnt opt into blending learning, will continue to learn remotely full-time. Currently, there isnt another opportunity for students to opt back into blended learning. The mayor said the city is not there yet, when asked if there will be another opportunity for New York City students to opt into blended learning, but said it is possible before the end of the 2020-2021 school year. How many days a week will students go to school? For the 2020-2021 school year, New York City families had the option of full-time remote learning or blended learning, learning a few days a week in-person at school buildings and remotely the rest of the time. Now, the city is moving in the direction of increasing in-person instruction to five days a week for schools that are able to mostly because 70% of New York City public school students opted for full-time remote learning. Any school that has the space and ability to move to a five-day-a-week in-person instruction model will aim to follow this preferred model. Incoming Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter, currently the Bronx executive superintendent who will replace Chancellor Richard Carranza on March 15 said that half of the citys high schools will be able to resume in-person learning five days a week for all or most students. With a 0.57% positivity rate, our schools are the safest place to be and we are ready to reopen schools for our high schoolers, Porter said. Approximately half of our high schools will be offering in-person learning five days a week to all or a majority of their students. And we will continue to ramp that up the same way we did with elementary and middle schools. What will in-person instruction look like at some high schools? Due to the complicated nature of scheduling classes, many high school students will still learn virtually from teachers. It will be similar to what some high school students experienced when they first went back in October at schools including Tottenville High School and Susan E. Wagner High School. Students will be seated in a classroom, but tune into their lessons via a device. Students will still be able to receive in-person supports, like counseling, social work, and occupational and physical therapies. What safety measures are in place? Safety protocols at schools involve social distancing, face coverings and more. Desks will be seated six feet apart, and face masks will be required at all times, except when eating. Before entering school buildings, students and staff must fill out a daily health screening before entering. Students will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer more often. Social distancing markers will be placed throughout school buildings to remind kids to keep their distance. Students will be required to stay in pods together throughout the day as much as possible, and limit contact with other classrooms to contain any potential spread of the virus to other parts of the school. Schools will be thoroughly disinfected every night, with custodians using backpack sprays or an electrostatic disinfectant. High-touch surfaces will be cleaned throughout the school day. The DOE is supplying schools with cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks. Students are also required to consent to weekly coronavirus testing. Will I have to give consent for my child to undergo testing at school? For students who plan to return to school buildings, families are required to submit the consent form for weekly in-school coronavirus testing. Mandatory in-school testing of 20% of the school population will occur weekly for a random selection of staff and students in all reopened school buildings. If you have already submitted consent, the DOE encourages parents to submit the consent form again to ensure your child has the latest form on file. There are two ways to submit the consent form: New York City Schools Account (NYCSA): Log into your account, click your students name, click Manage Account, and when a dropdown menu appears, click Consent Forms. Read the page and choose the consent option at the end for your student. Print and sign the form and bring it to your childs school on the first day he or she is back on campus. A printable PDF file is available in 10 languages at the DOEs COVID-19 testing page. What if I need an exemption for testing? Exemptions are only granted in certain limited cases, including: Students who need a medical exemption due to a health condition that makes it unsafe to undergo testing. You will be able to submit a separate form for consideration. This form must be signed by a physician and you must submit medical documentation from a health-care provider. For students with disabilities who cannot be safely tested in school due to the nature of their disability, you will be able to submit a separate request for an exemption. What if I dont submit consent? You must submit consent by the day that your child returns to his or her school building, according to the DOE. This is the due date, and all students must participate. If your child comes to school on his or her first day back for in-person instruction without a consent form on file, principals and school staff will contact you to obtain consent. After that, those students without a consent form on file who dont have a medical or disability-based exemption must move to fully remote instruction. What if I dont send my child to school? According to the DOE, students who opted for blended learning are required to attend in-person on a consistent basis. Your school will reach out if your child isnt attending in-person regularly, and transition your child to fully remote learning if irregular in-person attendance continues. This will allow schools to maximize in-person instructional days for students who are attending in-person. What is the protocol if there is a positive coronavirus case at my school? Instead of New York City closing all schools when the coronavirus positivity rate hits 3%, school buildings will only shutter if there are multiple confirmed cases. According to de Blasio, the protocol for closing individual classrooms or school buildings if there are positive coronavirus cases will remain the same. Heres a closer look at what happens if there are confirmed coronavirus cases in a school: One confirmed coronavirus case in a classroom, or at least two cases linked together in the same classroom, would be enough to quarantine the entire class of students for 10 days. The school would remain open. At least two cases in the school in separate classrooms would quarantine both classes for 10 days, with additional school members quarantined based on where exposure was in the school. The school would close for an initial 24 hours. At least two cases linked together by circumstances outside of school would close the school for an initial 24 hours, and all students would quarantine for 10 days. At least two cases not linked together, but exposure was confirmed for each one outside of the school setting, would close the school for an initial 24 hours and quarantine all students for 10 days. If a link is unable to be determined for at least two cases, the entire school building would be closed for 10 days. The city Department of Health, in partnership with the city Test & Trace Corps, will conduct an investigation into any close contacts of those who have a positive test result, and those people will be asked to quarantine and not report to school buildings. All close contacts are referred to the Test & Trace Corps for monitoring during the quarantine period. Schools will communicate to all families and students within school any time a case is laboratory confirmed. When a school closes or a classroom quarantines, students and teachers move to remote learning. The DOE created a daily COVID case map that shows all known cases of coronavirus at public schools. School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. By Hyunjoo Jin SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - LG Energy Solution aims to build advanced battery cells for Tesla Inc electric vehicles in 2023 and is considering potential production sites in the United States and Europe, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Tesla has not yet agreed to a deal that would expand LG's role in its supply chain beyond China, one of the sources said. Last week, the Korean battery maker told Korean reporters it plans to build a U.S. factory where it would make battery cells for EVs and energy storage systems, to cater to U.S. and global customers as well as startups. It did not identify potential customers then, but one of the sources said it was hoping Tesla would buy the batteries. In September, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk announced an ambitious plan to develop new cells in-house, prompting suppliers like LG and Panasonic to embrace the unproven technology or face risks of losing a major customer for the longer term. The Korean supplier, a unit of LG Chem, has made samples for the so-called 4680 large-format cylindrical cells, said the sources, who asked not to be identified. It faces technological hurdles and the challenge of scaling up production, people familiar with the matter said. "LG plans to produce 4680 cells at its new U.S. factory. They plan to build a new 4680 cell line to supply Tesla's Giga Berlin in Europe," one of the sources said, adding Spain is one of candidate for the European plant. One of the sources said LG has never mass produced such large-format cylindrical cells, although increasing battery capacity is the correct call. "Tesla is a major customer, and LG can take risks," another source said. He said LG has not yet secured orders from Tesla for the 4680 cells, still under development. For now, Tesla is sharply boosting orders for 2170 cells used in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made in China, the source said. LG declined to comment, and Tesla officials could not be reached for comment. Story continues Tesla's September plan to develop the new 4680 battery cells is meant to reduce production costs, improve battery performance and increase driving range. This would help with Tesla's push to boost electric vehicle production significantly around the world. Tesla is running a pilot factory for the new battery cells in California, and preparing to build those cells at newer plants in Texas and Germany. Musk said recently Tesla is in talks with battery suppliers about developing 4680 batteries. He said Tesla will use the current cells for at least a few years, but will "retire" those cells over time. LG currently supplies smaller cells to Tesla in China, as does Chinese battery maker CATL. Panasonic has partnered with Tesla in a $5 billion battery "gigafactory" near Reno, Nevada. LG currently has a $2.3 billion joint venture with General Motors Co in Lordstown, Ohio, to make pouch-type electric vehicle batteries for future GM electric vehicles. GM said separately it is considering building a second U.S. battery factory with LG. The unusually candid comments from LG and GM came after another Korean battery supplier, SK Innovation, hopes the White House would overturn a recent U.S. trade ruling favoring LG, saying it threatens to disrupt battery supplies to Ford Motor and Volkswagen. Tesla rival Lucid Motors, which has a multi-year supply deal with LG Chem, and is considering whether to make its own cells in house, said it is interested in different cell formats, Chief Executive Officer Peter Rawlinson earlier told Reuters. Panasonic plans to start a test line for 4680 cells in Japan in the business year beginning April 1, according to a person familiar with the matter. The two companies have not said if they plan to collaborate on production of the 4680 cells. Tesla may need to push out the timeframe for mass production, or work with partners at its newer plants in order to get cell production up and running quickly, said Caspar Rawles, an analyst at researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. (Additional reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit, Tim Kelly in Tokyo and Heekyong Yang in Seoul; editing by Ben Klayman and David Gregorio) For example, less than 7,000 Novas manufactured in 1972 came with a sky roof, and the most common combination was with black paint. In 1973, the production dropped to a little over 3,200 units, so overall, finding an original Nova with a sky roof isnt as easy as it sounds.Especially when the model in question is painted in blue, that is, as Chevrolet installed a sky roof on just 164 models leaving the factory with this finish.And yet, eBay seller usstev_x5ibe has listed for auction a Nova coupe painted in blue and coming with the factory sky roof, explaining that everything in the car works, including the radio and the horn.As you would expect for a car this old, it doesnt come in its best shape, so while it starts, drives, and stop, the gas tank is no longer in place, so it gets the fuel from a container under the hood. Theres obviously some rust here and there, but the sky roof is what sets it apart from the rest of the Novas out there, especially since its one of just 164 1972 examples that ever got this option.The VIN reveals this Nova got fitted from the factory with a 307ci (5.0-liter) 2bbl engine, and it was assembled at Chevrolets Willow Run plant in Michigan.According to the owner, the car has just 30,920 miles (49,760 km) on the clock, and of course, its believed theyre all original, as it hasnt received any big changes.The car's price is something that only the internet can decide, as the Nova is listed for a no-reserve auction and whoever pays the highest price can take it home. At the time of writing, the top bid is a little over $5,100, less than 24 hours until the auction comes to an end. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Government has this evening confirmed that, as of March 7, 525,768 vaccine doses have been administered to residents and staff at long-term residential care facilities, to frontline healthcare workers and to people aged over 70 years. According to this evening's statement "Irelands programme is only limited by supply" and "the rollout plans must be flexible to accommodate unforeseen events, such as changes to supplies from manufacturers. Certain manufacturers have guided on maintaining a buffer of vaccines in order to ensure the availability of a second dose." As it stands 95% of available vaccines are being administered within seven days of arrival in the country. While the statment also confirmed that Ireland has contracts in place for more than 18 million vaccine doses, sufficient to fully vaccinate 10 million people, however this is all "subject to regulatory approvals and manufacturers delivery commitments being achieved" On a final note, "The Taskforce and the Department have been alerted to various offers around the procurement of vaccines outside of the Advance Purchase Agreements, from non-government suppliers. These mainly relate to Astra Zeneca, and the company has confirmed it is focused on global commitments to governments and international health organisations. It has advised the Department of Health that there is currently no private sector supply, sale or distribution of its vaccine. It has cautioned that if someone offers private vaccines, they are likely to be counterfeit" As of this evening, the Limerick Leader have been in contact with the HSE in relation to the exact figure of vaccines administered in Limerick. We are awaiting a response. IceCube detection of high-energy particle proves 60-year-old physics theory MADISON - On December 6, 2016, a high-energy particle hurtled to Earth from outer space at close to the speed of light. The particle, an electron antineutrino, smashed into an electron deep inside the ice sheet at the South Pole. This collision produced a particle that quickly decayed into a shower of secondary particles, triggering the sensors of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a massive telescope buried in the Antarctic glacier. IceCube had seen a Glashow resonance event, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960. With this detection, scientists provided another confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics. It also further demonstrated the ability of IceCube, which detects nearly massless particles called neutrinos using thousands of sensors embedded in the Antarctic ice, to do fundamental physics. The result was published March 10 in Nature. Sheldon Glashow first proposed this resonance in 1960 when he was a postdoctoral researcher at what is today the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he wrote a paper in which he predicted that an antineutrino -- a neutrino's antimatter twin -- could interact with an electron to produce an as-yet undiscovered particle through a process known as resonance. The key was that the antineutrino had to have a precise energy to produce this resonance. When the proposed particle, the W-minus boson, was finally discovered in 1983, it turned out to be much heavier than what Glashow and his colleagues had expected back in 1960. The Glashow resonance would require a neutrino with an energy of 6.3 petaelectronvolts, almost 1,000 times more energetic than what CERN's Large Hadron Collider is capable of producing. No human-made particle accelerator on Earth, current or planned, can create a neutrino with that much energy. Yet the enormous energies of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and other extreme cosmic events can generate particles with energies impossible to create on Earth. Such a phenomenon was likely responsible for the antineutrino that reached IceCube in 2016, which smashed into Earth with an energy of 6.3 PeV -- precisely as Glashow's theory predicted. "When Glashow was a postdoc at Niels Bohr, he could never have imagined that his unconventional proposal for producing the W-minus boson would be realized by an antineutrino from a faraway galaxy crashing into Antarctic ice," says Francis Halzen, principal investigator of IceCube and professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the headquarters of IceCube maintenance and operations. Since IceCube started full operation in May 2011, the observatory has detected hundreds of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and has produced a number of significant results in particle astrophysics, including the discovery of an astrophysical neutrino flux in 2013 and the first identification of a source of astrophysical neutrinos in 2018. The Glashow resonance event is noteworthy because of its extremely high energy. It is only the third event detected by IceCube with an energy greater than 5 PeV. This result was a collaborative effort achieved by a team of three scientists: Lu Lu from Chiba University in Japan, now at UW-Madison, Tianlu Yuan from UW-Madison, and Christian Haack from RWTH Aachen University, now at TU Munich. The Glashow resonance detection is the first individual neutrino proven to be of astrophysical origin. It also demonstrates IceCube's unique contributions to multimessenger astrophysics, which uses light, particles and gravitational waves to study the cosmos. The result also opens up a new chapter of neutrino astronomy because it starts to disentangle neutrinos from antineutrinos. "Previous measurements have not been sensitive to the difference between neutrinos and antineutrinos, so this result is the first direct measurement of an antineutrino component of the astrophysical neutrino flux," says Lu, one of the main analyzers of this paper. "There are a number of properties of the astrophysical neutrinos' sources that we cannot measure, like the physical size of the accelerator and the magnetic field strength in the acceleration region," says Yuan, an assistant scientist at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center and another main analyzer. "If we can determine the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, we can directly investigate these properties." The result also demonstrates the value of international collaboration. IceCube is operated by over 400 scientists, engineers, and staff from 53 institutions in 12 countries, together known as the IceCube Collaboration. The main analyzers on this paper worked together across Asia, North America, and Europe. To confirm the detection and make a decisive measurement of the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, the IceCube Collaboration wants to see more Glashow resonances. A proposed expansion of the IceCube detector, IceCube-Gen2, would enable the scientists to make such measurements in a statistically significant way. The collaboration recently announced an upgrade of the detector that will be implemented over the next few years, the first step toward IceCube-Gen2. Glashow, now an emeritus professor of physics at Boston University, echoes the need for more detections of his eponymous resonance events. "To be absolutely sure, we should see another such event at the very same energy as the one that was seen," he says. "So far there's one, and someday there will be more." ### This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation (grants OPP-1600823 and PHY-191360. -- Madeleine O'Keefe, (608) 515-3831, press@icecube.wisc.edu This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Cyber Hafnium hack poses extended threat Government IT teams still reeling from the massive supply chain hack involving SolarWinds are now tasked with evicting any adversaries that penetrated their networks through recently discovered vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Exchange software. While updating software will protect systems not yet affected, "patching and mitigation is not remediation if the servers have already been compromised," the National Security Council said in a March 5 tweet. "It is essential that any organization with a vulnerable server take immediate measures to determine if they were already targeted." Agencies that do not find and root out all vestiges of the Hafnium hack will leave themselves open to the continuing attacks from previously installed backdoors. In fact, other bad actors are starting to take advantage of Exchange Server vulnerabilities. Four more groups have joined in, and the original Chinese hackers have dropped the pretense of stealth and increased the number of attacks theyre carrying out, according to a March 6 report in MITs Technology Review. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has posted a Remediating Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities web page that provides specific steps both leaders and IT security staff should take to protect their systems. Previously, CISA posted a script that allows potentially impacted organizations to scan their Exchange log files for indicators of compromise, A CISA spokesman said that the agency has received reports from a "majority" of civilian agencies. "Currently, agencies continue to patch affected servers and investigate for indications of compromise," he continued. A spokesman for the Pentagon said that the Defense Department "currently assessing our networks for any evidence of impact. We are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation." Independent security researcher and journalist Brian Krebs reported in his blog that up to 30,000 organizations in the U.S. may have been affected by the vulnerabilities. This article was first posted on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site. Arthur D. Little (ADL) today announced the promotion of seven of its consultants to the rank of Partner, in recognition of the expertise and depth of experience that each one brings to the company. These appointments represent a major milestone for ADL, with the company now boasting over 100 Partners within its global team. Over the past five years, ADL has doubled in size by pursuing a dynamic growth path, and one of the key tenets of its ongoing success is the development and promotion of its internal talent. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005042/en/ Arthur D. Little has reached the 100+ partners milestones, with the promotion of seven partners. (Photo: Business Wire) The latest appointments to Partner are as follows: Matteo Ainardi, Partner, Automotive and Manufacturing (AMG) and Strategy & Organization (S&O) Practices. Matteo joined ADL in 2016 and currently leads the companys global Aerospace & Defense Center of Competence. His main focus is on supporting clients in the A&D ecosystem, focusing on strategy definition, organizational redesign and innovation management. Lokesh Dadhich, Partner, Telecommunication, Information, Media & Electronics (TIME) and Operations Management (OM) Practices. Lokesh joined ADL in 2007 and is based out of the companys Dubai office. His main areas of expertise are in Digital Strategy, Customer Experience, and Operations Excellence topics. He advises clients in the TIME industry and beyond on strategy, operations, and transformation challenges. Naoya Furuta, Partner, Operations Management (OM) Practice. Naoya joined ADLs Tokyo office as a Manager in 2016, and has experience across multiple industries, with a particular focus on manufacturing and construction. His main areas of expertise include company-wide strategic planning, corporate management, corporate reform, M&A advisory and PMI. Trung Ghi, Partner, Energy & Utilities (ENUT) Practice. With more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Trung currently leads ADLs ENUT Practice in South-East Asia, and has been responsible for opening a number of key accounts. He has been a driving force in positioning ADL as a go-to management consulting firm within SEAs energy sector. Max Scherr, Partner, Strategy & Organization (S&O) Practice. With over 20 years of experience in strategy consulting as a senior executive, Max joined ADL in 2018 and leads the companys S&O Practice in its Vienna office. His specializations include Digital Transformation, Information Security, Growth and Corporate Strategy. Ben Thuriaux-Aleman, Partner, Energy & Utilities (ENUT) and Technology & Innovation Management (TIM) Practices. With over 20 years of consulting experience, Ben has played a major role in developing ADLs TIM Practice, and currently runs the companys Global Innovation Excellence Benchmarking diagnostic. His particular focus is on aligning innovation with corporate strategy, and working on national innovation initiatives. Marten Zieris, Partner, Strategy & Organization (S&O) Practice. Marten joined ADL in 2010 and is based out of its Frankfurt office. He is responsible for the companys competence center Organization & Transformation in Central Europe and supports international clients in large-scale transformations end to end, from concept development to implementation. Marten also has a specialist focus on consumer products businesses. Ignacio Garcia Alves, Chairman and CEO of Arthur D. Little, comments: I would like to congratulate these new Partners and welcome them as the first members of ADLs Generation 100! Each promotion is richly deserved and a recognition of the vital contribution that each Partner makes to our company. At ADL, we strive to employ and develop consultants who are both entrepreneurs and team players, and aspire to deliver consultancy at the highest level as such, having over 100 Partners within ADL truly is a momentous achievement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005042/en/ Photo of the main entrance of New Yorks Sherrys restaurant in 1899 where Indian chef J. Ranji Smile introduced Americans to authentic India food for the first time. (James R. Osgood and Company, Boston/Wikimedia Commons photo) NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Adopting tree species online at Gongqing Forest Park on Arbor Day By:Liu Xutong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-03-10 16:11 Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park launched five kindsof tree species for social adoption this year(cherry blossom, peach blossom, crabappleand 2 kindsof cedar). This scheme replacesthe offline adoption model. The online adoption is unified by the Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park. Citizens can adopt trees conveniently, and receive a commemorative electronic adoption certificate. It also introduced some camphor trees for adoption by enterprises and institutions. For those wishing to adopt a tree registration starts on March 12 and ends on March 31. In addition, on March 13th, Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park will host a free greening and conservation experience event for families. Alaska Becomes 1st State to Open CCP Virus Vaccines to Anyone 16 and Older Alaska on March 9 became the first U.S. state to drop eligibility requirements and allow anyone 16 or older who lives or works in the state to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Gov. Mike Dunleavy hailed the move to open up eligibility as a historic step. The Republican governor on Feb. 24 tested positive for the CCP virus. Dunleavy said individuals 16 or older who live or work in the state can get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, while the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines will be administered to individuals who are at least 18 years old. This historic step is yet another nationwide first for Alaska, but it should come as no surprise. Since day one, your response to the pandemic has been hands-down the best in the nation, Dunleavy said in a statement. I couldnt be prouder of Alaskas response. From being the first state to offer widespread testing, to maintaining one of the lowest mortality rates in the country, to rolling out vaccinations to every willing Alaskan, we got here by working together. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker shows Alaska leading states in the percentage of its population to have received two doses of a vaccine. Alaska also has one of the lowest death tolls nationwide, with 301 COVID-19 related deaths as of March 8, according to figures from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Coronavirus Response Hub. Dunleavy encouraged all Alaskans that are thinking about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so, adding that it gives us the ability now in Alaska to far outpace other states. We want to get our economy back up and running. We want to get our society back up and running, the governor said. We want to put this virus behind usas far as possible, as soon as possible. On March 3, Dunleavy opened up COVID-19 vaccines for essential workers, people with underlying conditions, and those aged 55 and above. Dr. Anne Zink, Alaskas chief medical officer, said the move marks a gigantic milestone. The website for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services currently states that while appointments are limited, more open up regularly, with new appointments added every Thursday. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A fake Uber driver says it was impossible to force women to touch his genitals because he needed both hands to hold his stomach out of the way. Sampath Sandaruwan Sandaranayake, 44, admitted posing as an Uber driver to lure women from one of Brisbane's busiest party precincts in the early hours in September 2018. Five separate women gave evidence claiming he forced them to touch him on the ride home. He also allegedly touched, kissed and exposed himself to the women, with some claiming they had been locked in the car. Sampath Sandaruwan Sandaranayake, 44, admitted posing as an Uber driver to lure women from one of Brisbane's busiest party precincts back in September 2018 Sandaranayake denied the claims in the Brisbane District Court, pleading not guilty to charges including sexual assault and deprivation of liberty. He also denied trapping the women, saying the locking mechanism could not stop passengers from getting out. 'They were free to get out and leave any time they wanted,' he told the jury. The father of two took the stand on Wednesday, admitting Uber rejected his application because his 2007 Land Rover was considered too old. Sandaranayake denied the claims in the Brisbane District Court, pleading not guilty to charges including sexual assault and deprivation of liberty The full-time chef said he was under financial pressure and needed a second job to pay to have skin folds removed when he started his own rideshare scheme. He would trawl the nightclub precinct looking for passengers waiting for Uber drivers and offered to take them home for a cash fee. Sandaranayake would discuss his weight loss and how conscious he remained about the 25 to 30 kilos of skin folds left on his body. He claimed the women enjoyed chatting, and his alleged victims tried to touch him to comfort him. The fake Uber driver also allegedly touched, kissed and exposed himself to the women, with some claiming they had been locked in the car '(One woman) was aggressive and said to me, 'I understand your situation, no problem. I can help you',' he said. 'When I pull up my shirt, she can't even see ... my stomach is not like a normal stomach. 'I had to grab my stomach with both hands (to allow her to touch him),' he told the jury. In closing, crown prosecutor Sandra Cupina said it was unlikely that five separate women would offer a 'sympathy' sex act to a total stranger, and the jury should reject his evidence. 'It's implausible that they would touch his body in any way unless he forced them,' she said. Defence barrister Peter Nolan said his client had behavioural issues. 'He obviously had issues that caused him to act in a way that you might find a bit odd or bizarre, but that doesn't mean he is criminal,' Mr Nolan said. Judge Tony Moynihan summed up the case before the jury retired on Wednesday afternoon. [March 09, 2021] Cloudwise and HUAWEI CLOUD Jointly Launch Cloudwise APM Solution BEIJING, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) solution provider, Cloudwise, and HUAWEI CLOUD jointly launched Cloudwise APM today, an intelligent application performance management platform, which will be powered by HUAWEI CLOUD. The two parties also announced a plan for comprehensive cooperation in solution development and product marketing for Cloudwise APM based on HUAWEI CLOUD, with the aim to provide better services to customers around the world. Mark Chen, Director of the International Business Department at HUAWEI CLOUD; Lu Yanping, Director of Asia Pacific HUAWEI CLOUD Ecosystem Development Dept; David Liu, President of Cloudwise; and Jonson Li, Vice President of Cloudwise attended the launch ceremony. Today, a wave of digital transformation has swept across the world. As IT systems become larger and more complex, the task of ensuring their continuity tends to get more challenging. One of the most important responsibilities of a company's IT department is to guarantee steady performance and continuity or the company's application systems and also use the latest technologies to drive business growth and boost productivity. It is crucial to the company's success, now more than ever. When it comes to application performance, availability, and user experience assurance, the IT department often performs poorly in terms of proactive management of user experience. Cloudwise APM proactively monitors application system performance as well as end user experience. It helps customers discover and handle anomalies that occur anywhere in their application systems in a timely manner, ensuring that the application systems can reach their service level goals. Cloudwise APM is based on HUAWEI CLOUD's architecture and is powered by HUAWEI CLOUD's global resources. Its primary target market includes countries and regions in Asia Pacific. Ms. Lu Yanping, Director of Asia Pacific HUAWEI CLOUD Ecosystem Development Dept, said, "HUAWEI CLOUD is ready to work with SaaS companies around the world to help customers run their application systems with ease. Powered by a robust HUAWEI CLOUD infrastructure, Cloudwise APM will be able to provide better services to global customers." She added, "By providing technical support, marketing support, and other business support, HUAWEI CLOUD is committed to help SaaS partners like Cloudwise expand into the global markets, so that together we can drive digital transformation forward for enterprises." David Liu, President of Cloudwise, said, "Cloudwise APM is a mature, intelligent application performance management platform, and its performance has been proven in countless deployments. The launch of Cloudwise APM is a shining example of the productive cooperation between Cloudwise and HUAWEI CLOUD. It also allows us to serve the digital needs of customers in a larger market." Mr. Liu added, "I believe that through a partnership with HUAWEI CLOUD, we can develop a more robust portfolio of intelligent AIOps solutions for our customers around the world to help them accelerate digital transformation." SOURCE HUAWEI CLOUD [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Connecticut State Police on Wednesday joined the law enforcement agencies involved in the search for a missing 11-year-old Massachusetts boy that approached the state line. Aiden Blanchard was last seen Feb. 5 around 11:30 a.m. when he was walking in the Willamansett area of Chicopee, Mass., according to Massachusetts State Police. He was believed to be headed toward the Medina Street boat launch along the Connecticut River. The boy was described by police as 5-feet, 100 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a red ski jacket and black ski pants. The Connecticut State Police have been requested to assist in the search of Aiden, State Police Trooper First Class Pedro A. Muniz said. You can expect to see a police presence on the Connecticut River today. Chicopee police and various other local and state agencies in Massachusetts have been actively searching for Blanchard for more than a month, with a focus on the Chicopee and Connecticut rivers. On Monday, Chicopee police urged residents to leave the search and recovery efforts to the professionals after word spread requesting kayakers help search for the missing boy. We have spoken to Aidens mother as well as other family members and they are in agreement that the river is dangerous, police said. This search poses many safety concerns from the temperature of the water, ice, debris and the strength of the current. The safety of everyone is our upmost concern. The Chicopee Police are requesting everyone to please stay off the river. All agencies involved will continue with the recovery efforts. Divers, boats, drones and helicopters are among the resources law enforcement officers have used during the search. Massachusetts State Police said a flight crew from the agencys Air Wing did an aerial search along the Connecticut River last week from its banks from the Massachusetts Turnpike down to the Connecticut state line, but found no evidence related to the boys disappearance. The operation remains focused on locating Aiden, or any evidence showing his direction of travel or whereabouts, Massachusetts State Police said. All evidence known thus far suggests Aiden was alone and near the river when he went missing. Based on the information currently known to detectives, no foul play is suspected at this time. All leads continue to be investigated. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have created a missing persons poster for Blanchard. Anyone with information is asked to call Chicopee police at 413-594-1740, or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST. To: RNS Date:10 March 2021 LEI Number: 231801XRCB89W6XTR23 From: BMO Real Estate Investments Limited Board Changes The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Gates as an independent non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 10 March 2021. Rebecca is an experienced property professional who has spent the last 23 years of her career in a variety of roles within the real estate investment management business and is currently Head of UK Property Asset Management for LaSalle Investment Management. The Board further announces that Andrew Gulliford who joined the Board of the Company on its launch in 2004 has retired from the Board, effective 10 March 2021. There is no information required to be disclosed pursuant to LR 9.6.13R. All enquiries to: The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Trafalgar Court Les Banques St. Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745403 MERIDEN A disgruntled former Hunters Ambulance Service employee was in police custody on Tuesday to face charges for the Meriden portion of an alleged Molotov cocktail firebombing spree last month. Meriden police charged Richard White, 37, of Torrington, on Tuesday with criminal attempt to commit first-degree arson, manufacturing of bombs, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal mischief. White is accused of setting off one bomb in a workers breakroom at a Hunters office in Old Saybrook and then allegedly throwing a bomb that smashed into the side of the Hunters office on West Main Street. Fires were then set at a firehouse and a residential property in Roxbury, state police have said. No injuries were reported. White had been the subject of a disciplinary hearing at work the day of the incidents, Feb. 27, and been placed on administrative leave before reportedly getting into a fight with another Hunters worker and leaving, police have said. Whites bail was set at $250,000. nsambides@record-journal.com203-317-2279Twitter: @JrSambides Shimla, March 10 : At least six persons were killed when a private bus in which they were travelling veered off the road and rolled down in a gorge in remote Tissa in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district on Wednesday, police said. Deputy Commissioner D.C. Rana told the media that six passengers died on the spot. The injured were shifted to the Medical College in district headquarters Chamba, some 450 km from the state capital. The casualties were expected to rise, he added. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. CARTERSVILLE, Ga., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ORPHEUM Property, Inc. (OTC: PLFF)(the "Company") today announced that KLMKH Inc. has entered into a tax free share exchange under IRS Section 368 (a) also known as a Reverse Merger with Orpheum Inc, effective January 29, 2021. The Companies anticipate that on or about March 28th the Company will change its name to KLMKH Inc; while its ticker symbol, PLFF, will remain unchanged and the common stock of Orpheum Inc will reverse-split by a ratio of 1 to 0.304233 upon becoming effective. About KLMKH Inc. KLMKH, Inc. is a privately-owned diversified energy company focused on the oil, gas, and solar industries. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, KLMKH is rapidly expanding operations through acquisitions and property leasing in the Midwest. KLMKH is maintaining its traditional focus on oil and gas exploration and production while expanding into solar production on its owned lands. KLMKH acquires and develops traditional oil and gas properties, many of which have "proven but undeveloped reserves" at the time of acquisition. Using up to date techniques and proprietary practices they resuscitate old wells using new technologies and marrying the old with the new. Our goal is to take decades old fields and squeeze the viable reserves out of the wells not traditionally favored by larger producers. This strategy provides the company with the proven assets to develop and produce oil and natural gas with tremendously decreased risk, cost and time involved in traditional exploration. More information about KLMKH is available at www.klmkh.com. KLMKH employees use their knowledge and expertise to increase production volumes. The combined company will focus on extending these business practices into solar production and eventually into greener diesel products. KLMKH, Inc. currently operates in northeastern Kansas and operates on an exclusive basis in the only oil and gas field in the region. KLMKH operates in the upstream of oil and gas production with plans to acquire and develop additional assets. As part of its growth strategy, KLMKH is developing resources in geological formations deep below the surface of the strata in which it currently operates. The Company's leadership anticipates this merger will significantly enhance the ability and timeline for KLMKH to meet future development and expansion goals. Forward-Looking Statements: Statements herein express management's beliefs and expectations regarding future performance and are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, raising working capital and securing other financing, responding to competition and other risks. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. SOURCE KLMKH Inc Related Links http://www.klmkh.com The State Department says they vow to put renewed pressure on Iran on what happened to Robert Levinson, on what is the 14th anniversary of his disappearance. "The secretary committed to the Levinson family that finding answers, long overdue answers, as you alluded to, will be an absolute priority for us," said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. "We will press the Iranian government for those answers, as we have said, in the context of Americans who are being unjustly detained in Iran today." Price's comments came after Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on the Iranian government to provide "credible answers" surrounding the abduction and likely death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson. Levinson vanished on March 9, 2007, when he was scheduled to meet a source on the Iranian island of Kish. For years, U.S. officials would say only that Levinson was working independently on a private investigation. But a 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that Levinson had been sent on a mission by CIA analysts who had no authority to run such an operation. In 2020, Levinson's family said information U.S. officials had received had led them to conclude he was dead. Neither the government nor the family described that information. The death is believed to have occurred before the recent outbreak of the coronavirus that has gravely affected Iran and another countries, according to a statement from Levinson's family. "Our approach to Iran is one that recognizes the necessity of diplomacy. And diplomacy in this case requires that we have channels for communication," said Price. "We will use every single one of those channels as appropriate to press the case for those Americans who are unjustly detained in Iran today and for answers when it comes to Bob Levinson. Now, those channels of communication are one important tool. We also have other tools and means at our disposal to try and find those answers. We will use every single one of them." (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while addressing a press conference on Wednesday said that a commission will be set up to examine sub-categorisation of OBCs. Jaitley further added that the commission will submit a report within 12 weeks once the chairperson of the commission is appointed. Commission will submit a report within 12 weeks once the chairperson is appointed, he said. The Union Cabinet has also raised 'Creamy Layer' income cap among OBCs to Rs 8 lakh per annum from existing Rs 6 lakh for central govt jobs, Jaitley said. Cabinet has approved framework for consolidation of public sector banks, the Finance Minister added. While replying to a question whether Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will quit or not, Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a final call on the matter. Prime Minister will take a decision on whatever request the railway minister has made, he said. A Commission will be set up to examine sub-categorization of OBCs: Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/zqsYqytSgb ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 On a question related to phasing out Rs 2000 notes, he said that till now there is no discussion within the government on the issue. No discussion within government on phasing out Rs 2,000 notes, he added. Cabinet has approved framework for consolidation of public sector banks :Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley after cabinet meeting pic.twitter.com/4boE2Xg2t1 ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 ALSO READ | Demonetisation, NIA crackdown on foreign funding have made recruitment difficult for separatists: Arun Jaitley For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. White evangelicals are the least likely faith group in US to get COVID vaccine: Pew Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment White evangelicals are the least likely faith group in the United States to get vaccinated for COVID-19, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. Additional data sent to The Christian Post from a Pew survey conducted in February of 10,121 U.S. adults found that 54% of white evangelicals definitely or probably plan on getting vaccinated or already have received at least one vaccination shot, the lowest of any religious demographic surveyed. Overall, 64% of black Americans surveyed said they would definitely or probably get vaccinated or already have been, along with 77% of Catholics and 71% of the religiously unaffiliated. Of all the religious groups, atheists are the most likely to say they will get vaccinated, with 90% saying they plan to or already have gotten vaccinated. Eighty percent of agnostics said the same. Among the religious nones, 64% said they would definitely or probably get a vaccine or already received at least one vaccine shot. The survey, which has a sampling error of plus or minus 1.6 percentage points, also found that white evangelicals are also the least likely faith demographic to consider their overall community's health effect when it comes to deciding whether to get vaccinated. Just 48% of white evangelicals said they would consider community health effects a lot compared to 70% of black Protestants, 65% of Catholics and 68% of unaffiliated Americans. According to the survey, 83% of Democrats either plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or already have been, compared to 56% of Republicans. COVID vaccines have been a controversial subject among some Christian groups. Some religious leaders and critics have warned that vaccines contain fetal tissue or microchips, while others have connected the vaccines with the mark of the beast. But others, including Pope Francis and Southern Baptist Convention ethicist Russell Moore, have urged people to get the shots. In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, Moore and National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim argued that vaccines are a cause for Christians to rejoice and to give glory to God, identifying medicine as a common grace, discovered by human beings but given by God. We have all lost much during this pandemic. For Christians, one of the most awful aspects, apart from the deaths of those we love, is the isolation we have had from one another, along with our feelings of powerlessness to change the situation," the two evangelical leaders wrote. "The vaccines change that equation. By getting vaccinated as soon as our time is called, we can actively work for what we have been praying for churches filled with people, hugs in the church foyer, and singing loudly together the hymns we love. Kim and Moore contend that the vaccines help express our love for neighbor especially the sick and elderly by reducing the chance that we might inadvertently pass along a virus that could kill them. All we are asked to do is to get a shot, they contend. As evangelical Christians, we should all hear that challenge and say Amen. Dr. Francis Collins, a Christian physician-geneticist and the director of the National Institutes of Health, has repeatedly discussed the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. He has encouraged Christians to seek out the truth about vaccines instead of misinformation and conspiracy theories. I know people are tired of hearing these messages and having to be acting upon them, but the virus does not care that we are tired, he said during an online conversation about COVID-19 vaccines with Moore. The virus is having a wonderful time right now spreading through this country, taking advantage of circumstances where people have let their guard go down. We need to be just absolutely rigorously adherent to things that we know work. But they dont work unless everybody actually sticks to them faithfully without exception. A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has quashed all criminal convictions against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former president. The decision means the countrys left-wing icon may have his political rights reinstated and be able to run for election against the far-right President Jair Bolsonaro next year. In a statement, defence lawyers for Mr da Silva, widely known as Lula, said the decision was recognition that [they] were right all along in the legal battle to clear the ex-presidents name. The annulment was lauded by international leftist figures, including Alberto Fernandez, Argentinas president, who said justice has been done. The Sao Paulo stock exchange slipped amid fears of a divisive 2022 election. In a TV interview, Mr Bolsonaro said that he was surprised by the decision, but believed the Brazilian people do not want a candidate like [Lula] in 2022. Opinion polls take a different view, as a recent Ipec survey showed a groundswell of support for a potential Lula candidacy in next years election. Fifty per cent of respondents indicated they would consider voting for the leftist figurehead, while only 38pc said the same about Mr Bolsonaro. Lula served as Brazils president from 2003 to 2010, overseeing a period of dramatic growth and poverty reduction. When he left office, he did so with an 83pc approval rating, the highest in Brazils history. In 2017, a controversial trial saw Lula convicted on corruption and money-laundering charges and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. Subsequent evidence surfaced that showed prosecutors and judges had illegally collaborated to convict and imprison Lula. He spent 580 days in jail before being released in late 2019 to await appeal. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] CLEVELAND, Ohio Famed conservative radio and television commentator Geraldo Rivera is exploring a run for U.S. Senate in Ohio as a Republican, telling cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer that he thought he could run a campaign outside the normal bounds of politics. Rivera, 77, has been a staple on television and radio since the 1970s as both a correspondent and conservative political pundit. Rivera, who lives in Shaker Heights, tweeted Wednesday afternoon he was mulling running for Republican Sen. Rob Portmans seat after Portman announced he would not seek re-election. In an interview with cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer, Rivera said he was serious about the endeavor and planned on traveling the state on a listening tour in the coming weeks to solicit feedback about his potential candidacy. He said he and his wife, Erica Levy, a Democrat, would talk it over in the coming weeks as they decide. I think thats a crucial seat, Rivera said. Were very concerned about the future of Ohio and the nation and we think we have a role to play. Rivera said he would self-fund at least the first part of his campaign to get it off the ground. He said he viewed himself as a Republican in the mold of Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Rocky River Republican whos come under attack for his vote to impeach Republican President Donald Trump for the presidents role in the deadly riot that engulfed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Rivera, who said he considered Trump a friend, has interviewed Trump numerous times throughout the years, offering both praise and criticism. He did not vote for Trump in 2016. Rivera said he disapproved of Trumps post-election actions, but thought he could run a campaign focused on unifying the Republican Party as well as attracting new voters. Hes been a friend of mine forever. I have been very public in my disapproval of his actions post-election and certainly condemn in the most vigorous way what happened on Jan. 6, Rivera said. However, I think President Trump is not only redeemable, but hes a force of nature who has been a lifelong friend in my adult life. I would expect he would approve of this. We can resolve our issues and help heal the Republican Party. Rivera said he and his wife admired Portman, but was also complimentary of Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and GOP former Gov. John Kasich. The latter two are often the focus of scorn by Republicans in the state, but Rivera said, should he decide to run, he would focus on pulling ideas from all wings of Ohio politics. Itd scare the bejesus out of the Democrats and the far-right wing of the Republican Party, he said. That would include a platform attractive to minority voters, a population the Republican Party until recently hasnt focused on heavily. Black and brown people are hungry for a voice that encourages responsibility and entrepreneurship and participation in the great American dream, Rivera said. I think Ohio deserves more than, how can I say this, the traditional politicians who are trudging their way saying its their turn to run for this. Rivera, should he enter, would be the third Republican aiming to succeed Portman, who surprised many in January when he announced he would not seek re-election in 2022. Former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken and former Treasurer Josh Mandel both announced in February, with both focusing almost exclusively on promoting their closeness and loyalty to Trump. So far, no Democrats have entered the race, though Rep. Tim Ryan, a Niles Democrat, and former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton are considering running. Rivera, a New York native, is widely known for his distinctive mustache and five decades in journalism. Over the years, hes reported for news magazine programs, including ABCs 20/20. In 2001, he joined Fox News, becoming one of the conservative networks most widely known anchors, including hosting his own show, Geraldo at Large. He currently broadcasts his syndicated radio show, Geraldo in Cleveland, out of WTAM 1100s station in Cleveland. Rivera has flirted with the idea of entering politics in the past. In 2013, he considered a bid for U.S. Senate from New Jersey, though ultimately declined to run. A visualization of the Glashow event recorded by the IceCube detector. Each colored circle shows an IceCube sensor that was triggered by the event; red circles indicate sensors triggered earlier in time, and green-blue circles indicate sensors triggered later. This event was nicknamed "Hydrangea." Credit: IceCube Collaboration On December 6, 2016, a high-energy particle called an electron antineutrino hurtled to Earth from outer space at close to the speed of light carrying 6.3 petaelectronvolts (PeV) of energy. Deep inside the ice sheet at the South Pole, it smashed into an electron and produced a particle that quickly decayed into a shower of secondary particles. The interaction was captured by a massive telescope buried in the Antarctic glacier, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. IceCube had seen a Glashow resonance event, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960. With this detection, scientists provided another confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics. It also further demonstrated the ability of IceCube, which detects nearly massless particles called neutrinos using thousands of sensors embedded in the Antarctic ice, to do fundamental physics. The result was published on March 10 in Nature. Sheldon Glashow first proposed this resonance in 1960 when he was a postdoctoral researcher at what is today the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he wrote a paper in which he predicted that an antineutrino (a neutrino's antimatter twin) could interact with an electron to produce an as-yet undiscovered particleif the antineutrino had just the right energythrough a process known as resonance. When the proposed particle, the W- boson, was finally discovered in 1983, it turned out to be much heavier than what Glashow and his colleagues had expected back in 1960. The Glashow resonance would require a neutrino with an energy of 6.3 PeV, almost 1,000 times more energetic than what CERN's Large Hadron Collider is capable of producing. In fact, no human-made particle accelerator on Earth, current or planned, could create a neutrino with that much energy. But what about a natural acceleratorin space? The enormous energies of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and other extreme cosmic events can generate particles with energies impossible to create on Earth. Such a phenomenon was likely responsible for the 6.3 PeV antineutrino that reached IceCube in 2016. The electron antineutrino that created the Glashow resonance event traveled quite a distance before reaching IceCube. This graphic shows its journey; the blue dotted line is the antineutrino's path. (Not to scale.) Credit: IceCube Collaboration "When Glashow was a postdoc at Niels Bohr, he could never have imagined that his unconventional proposal for producing the W- boson would be realized by an antineutrino from a faraway galaxy crashing into Antarctic ice," says Francis Halzen, professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the headquarters of IceCube maintenance and operations, and principal investigator of IceCube. Since IceCube started full operation in May 2011, the observatory has detected hundreds of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and has produced a number of significant results in particle astrophysics, including the discovery of an astrophysical neutrino flux in 2013 and the first identification of a source of astrophysical neutrinos in 2018. But the Glashow resonance event is especially noteworthy because of its remarkably high energy; it is only the third event detected by IceCube with an energy greater than 5 PeV. "This result proves the feasibility of neutrino astronomyand IceCube's ability to do itwhich will play an important role in future multimessenger astroparticle physics," says Christian Haack, who was a graduate student at RWTH Aachen while working on this analysis. "We now can detect individual neutrino events that are unmistakably of extraterrestrial origin." The result also opens up a new chapter of neutrino astronomy because it starts to disentangle neutrinos from antineutrinos. "Previous measurements have not been sensitive to the difference between neutrinos and antineutrinos, so this result is the first direct measurement of an antineutrino component of the astrophysical neutrino flux," says Lu Lu, one of the main analyzers of this paper, who was a postdoc at Chiba University in Japan during the analysis. "There are a number of properties of the astrophysical neutrinos' sources that we cannot measure, like the physical size of the accelerator and the magnetic field strength in the acceleration region," says Tianlu Yuan, an assistant scientist at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center and another main analyzer. "If we can determine the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, we can directly investigate these properties." A schematic of the in-ice portion of IceCube, which includes 86 strings holding 5,160 light sensors arranged in a three-dimensional hexagonal grid. Credit: IceCube Collaboration To confirm the detection and make a decisive measurement of the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, the IceCube Collaboration wants to see more Glashow resonances. A proposed expansion of the IceCube detector, IceCube-Gen2, would enable the scientists to make such measurements in a statistically significant way. The collaboration recently announced an upgrade of the detector that will be implemented over the next few years, the first step toward IceCube-Gen2. Glashow, now an emeritus professor of physics at Boston University, echoes the need for more detections of Glashow resonance events. "To be absolutely sure, we should see another such event at the very same energy as the one that was seen," he says. "So far there's one, and someday there will be more." Last but not least, the result demonstrates the value of international collaboration. IceCube is operated by over 400 scientists, engineers, and staff from 53 institutions in 12 countries, together known as the IceCube Collaboration. The main analyzers on this paper worked together across Asia, North America, and Europe. IceCube sits on the South Pole, waiting to see particles from the cosmos. Credit: Yuya Makino, IceCube/NSF "The detection of this event is another 'first,' demonstrating yet again IceCube's capacity to deliver unique and outstanding results," says Olga Botner, professor of physics at Uppsala University in Sweden and former spokesperson for the IceCube Collaboration. "IceCube is a wonderful project. In just a few years of operation, the detector discovered what it was funded to discoverthe highest energy cosmic neutrinos, their potential source in blazars, and their ability to aid in multimessenger astrophysics," says Vladimir Papitashvili, program officer in the Office of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation, IceCube's primary funder. James Whitmore, program officer in NSF Division of Physics, adds, "Now, IceCube amazes scientists with a rich fount of new treasures that even theorists weren't expecting to be found so soon." Explore further Upgrade of a research IceCube More information: Detection of a particle shower at the Glashow resonance with IceCube, Nature (2021). dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03256-1 Journal information: Nature Detection of a particle shower at the Glashow resonance with IceCube,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03256-1 Pre-colonial dress is an important part of Philippine fashion that shouldnt be overlooked. As with any material archive, examining the clothing of our ancestors can give us a peek into their complex world. For one, visual evidence of the pre-colonial Filipinas place in society can be found in her fashion choices. Whereas the Western world had strict female clothing standards in the 1500s, Filipinas wore relaxed, light, and functional clothing, ones suitable for their work and climate. In the 16th century, a time when gender inequality was a pervasive but often ignored issue in many parts of the Western world, Filipino women are reported to have possessed the agency to act regardless of their gender. Dont be surprised, but in precolonial PH, the Filipina was revered, says the Ayala Museum in a tweet. They enjoyed the same rights and privileges as men did. Women were given leadership positions usually as babaylan, entitled to property, possessed the ability to divorce, and take up work. A garment that gives a good glimpse into the everyday tasks of women are garments styled as skirts. Specifics in the garment's silhouette show its day-to-day usage, and the textile from its design to intricacy holds significant cultural meaning. As an archipelago, unique circumstances exist depending on region, so multiple variations of Philippine skirts exist. But due to their visual and structural similarities, its somewhat easy to lump all local bottoms together and mistake one for the other. In actuality, from the lufid of Bontoc to the patadyong of Panay, all these are unique bearers of historical and cultural significance. A close-up of a yellow malong beside a unique tapestry called the langkit, woven by Maranaos. Photo by JL JAVIER Malong The malong is a multi-purpose tubular garment used by the people of Maranao and Maguindanao. Depending on how its styled, it can also be used as a skirt, dress cape, wrap bag, or turban. The garment is also used in the traditional dance Kappa Malong Malong, wherein steps showcase the various uses of the malong. Worn by both males and females, the garment is deeply ingrained in the lives of the Maranao and Maguindanaon even acting as a cradle for newborns and a wrap for the dead. Traditionally, the garment is handmade on backstrap looms: a portable loom made of sticks and rope with a strap attached to the weavers waist. Different weaving materials are used depending on the occasion. On formal events, such as ceremonies, theyre made with silk thread woven into elaborate designs. For everyday wear, cotton thread is fashioned into plaid and striped textile. In pre-Spanish Mindanao, the malongs textile didnt only vary depending on the occasion but also class. Colors and designs acted as a signifier of social standing; local royalty wore yellow, while red and purple could be worn by many. Today, this is no longer the case. Women commonly wear yellow, while men prefer red. A woman sporting the patadyong while working in a rice field in Motag Living Museum, Aklan. Photo by JAMES BEN Patadyong Visayan women, specifically those living in Panay, wore patadyongs. These rectangular one-piece skirts are structurally similar to the malong, but instead of batik patterns, theyre set apart by their distinct checkered or plaid patterns. They are also just as functional as the malong, sometimes worn as workwear for planting rice, as a curtain for bathing in rivers, or a carrier for infants. The textile used for the patadyong is hablon, a term that comes from the Visayan word habol or blanket. To create hablon, weavers use different colored threads in a loom called the habulan a large wooden loom activated by a foot pedal. A group of Igorot dancers wearing the lufid. Photo courtesy of THE IGOROT PERFORMERS/FACEBOOK Lufid The lufid is a rectangular wrap skirt worn in the Mountain Province by Bontok women. Before, women wore these skirts alone, opting to go topless and adorning their upper body with intricate tattoos. Depending on the occasion, women wear different variations of the lufid. For working in the fields, they wear the more practical kinarchago, a knee-length two-paneled skirt. On special occasions, they put on a longer, more detailed three-paneled skirt called the inorma. Theres also a skirt specifically worn by the dead, which is a dark-colored kayin. Besides the silhouette and paneling, the skirts textile is also a carrier of meaning. The Bontoc textile revolves around the idea of centeredness, which symbolizes permanence, order, and balance, key factors in the life of the Bontoc people, wrote Franz Sorilla IV in an article for the Philippine Tatler. Weavers demonstrate this idea through the direction of their weave, from the edge to the middle, to the symmetry of the cloth construction and the repeated warp-striped design. Visit The Igorot Performers page here. An 18th century Kapampangan woman using a tapis as a bottom. Photo from THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY. Tapis The tapis is a light garment, typically fashioned as a wrap skirt by Filipino women living in Luzon. Its worn around the waist or right under the breasts, and the wrap is secured simply by knotting two ends together. Traditionally, women use the tapis simply as a loose cover-up to hide their genitals. The fabric used for the skirt is usually light, even somewhat see-through, to complement the countrys warm climate. The garment is still commonly worn today, but in its refashioned form overskirts for modern Filipiniana dresses. Its usage as an overskirt began in the early colonial period. The Spanish found it immodest for Filipina women to wear the tapis alone, so they required them to wear another layer underneath. However, its also worth noting that Cordillerans still wear the tapis in a traditional style today, but they use the term alampay to describe the skirt. A Bagobo Klata woman wearing the Kinna-inno. Photo courtesy of VEN BATO. Ginayan or Kinna-inno A specialty of the Bagobo of Mindanao, the ginayan or kinna-inno in Bagobo Klata is a skirt composed of three panels one ine or mother piece beside two bata or child pieces. Creating the ginayan is a laborious task. As the garments centerpiece, the ine is weaved separately from the bata pieces, and it usually has very detailed motifs ranging from 20 to 100 counts. Because of the lengths it takes to make the ginayan, the skirt can act as a prized heirloom, passed on through generations. Due to their intricate nature, the female master weavers of ginayan were esteemed in Bagobo communities, and they were given exclusive tasks. The most senior weaver in a Tagabawa Bagobo community was the single person traditionally entitled to reply to the war cries of a returning raiding party, says Cherubim Quizon in a chapter of From the Rainbow's Varied Hue: Textiles of the Southern Philippines an illustrated book exploring Mindanaos textile traditions. This woman was the one who possessed the knowledge of making the finest ginayan skirts, the true test of a weaver's superiority and leadership. The New Orleans Healing Center has obtained a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to finance a four-part "Daring Discussions" lecture series during 2021, with group discussions that touch on humanities topics pertinent during a global pandemic with pressing social and environmental change, and greater public interest to understand art and cultural connections. All programs will be livestreamed through Facebook and may also be presented via other platforms. The Daring Discussions schedule opens with "The Cultural Legacy of Ronald Lewis," by Rachel Breunlin, director of the Neighborhood Story Project at UNO with moderator Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, at 6 p.m. March 11. Ronald W. Lewis assembled a Lower 9th Ward museum, the House of Dance and Feathers, that represents many New Orleans societies: Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Bone Gangs and parade krewes. "Losing Home: The Price of Climate Change in Louisiana," will present Rachelle Sanderson, of The Capitol Regional Planning Commission, with moderator Amy Clipp, at 6 p.m. May 13. Sanderson will discuss coastal change how Louisianians are grappling with the difficult conditions and how the states approach is evolving. "Art Influenced By Black Lives Matters," will feature Gia Hamilton, executive director of the New Orleans African American Museum, with moderator Leona Strassberg Steiner, at 6 p.m. Sept. 9. Hamilton's past exhibitions have addressed spirituality, political issues, a troubled past, and how people can connect around commonalities and explore our differences. "Coping with Covid: Art in and about a Pandemic," will present Anna Mecugni, an art historian at UNO, with moderator Nick Stillman, at 6 p.m. Nov. 11. Mecugni will discuss how the creative community has been at the forefront of renewal efforts to the pandemic. This tool, however, is gradually losing effectiveness, the agency says. Lithuania's Military Intelligence says Russia has been making use of "frozen conflicts" to interfere in the internal affairs of the neighboring countries. "The Department of State Security and the Military Intelligence of the Republic of Lithuania have published a joint 'National Threat Assessment 2021.' In the context of Ukraine, Lithuanian colleagues are focusing on the Russian-occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which have been identified as a 'center of military instability on the threshold of NATO,' the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (SZRU) reports. The SZRU has noted the factors on which Lithuania's intelligence analysts focus. "The 1st (Donetsk) and 2nd (Luhansk) Army Corps, subordinated to Moscow, consisting of brigades, battalions, companies and smaller units, numbering approximately 30,000 to 35,000 servicemen, operate in the Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. At this, most of the servicemen are locals motivated by financial rewards. These units in organizational terms correspond to the model of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, being commanded and trained by Russian officers and instructors. The Corps are equipped with Russian weapons, gear, communication systems, and operating based on the Russian military statutes. Thus, they can be seamlessly integrated into the Russian forces or they can interact with the units deployed from Russia. Moscow can easily increase its military pressure on Kyiv by using military formations that are fully and unconditionally controlled by Russia. Some of the military who took part in hostilities against the Ukrainian Armed Forces or served in those Army Corps had been recruited by Russian private military companies (such as the Wagner PMC), as part of which they had performed tasks in the interests of the Kremlin regime and oligarchs in other conflicts (Syria, Libya, etc.)," reads the report. Read also"We are fighting": Zelensky speaks of war on Russian propagandaLithuanian intelligence concludes that since the collapse of the Soviet Union, "Russia has been exploiting 'frozen conflicts' to interfere in the internal affairs of the neighboring countries." "However, this tool is gradually losing effectiveness," the report adds. "Moscow's attempts to impose its conditions on Kyiv in the context of forcing the reintegration of Donbas with Russian-controlled local authorities in place remain unsuccessful." It is noted the Kremlin will be unable to use the lever of its control over Donbas to influence Ukraine's foreign and domestic policies as long as Moscow's demands remain unacceptable to most Ukrainians. Reporting by UNIAN Though you may know and follow basic security measures on your own when installing and managing your network and websites, you'll never be able to keep up with and catch all the vulnerabilities by yourself. Vulnerability scanners can help you automate security auditing and can play a crucial part in your IT security. They can scan your network and websites for up to thousands of different security risks, producing a prioritized list of those you should patch, describe the vulnerabilities, and give steps on how to remediate them. Some can even automate the patching process. Though vulnerability scanners and security auditing tools can cost a fortune, there are free options as well. Some only look at specific vulnerabilities or limit how many hosts can be scanned but there are also those that offer broad IT security scanning. Nessus Essentials Nessus Essentials, formerly Nessus Home, from Tenable allows you to scan up to 16 IP addresses at a time. The company offers a 7-day free trial of its profession edition, which can perform unlimited IP scanning and also adds compliance checks or content audits, live results, and the ability to use the Nessus virtual appliance. Nessus Essentials installs on Windows, macOS, and a variety of Linux/Unix distributions. On the web GUI, you can easily see which scanning types are included--host discovery plus vulnerability scans. Youll also see, listed but inaccessible, scan types that are available in the profession edition: vulnerability scanning for mobile devices and compliance scanning. With the free edition you can schedule one auto scan, but thats not a restriction with the professional edition. You can also configure email notifications, discovery settings, assessment and report preferences, and some advanced settings. You can also review plugins and the vulnerabilities or exploits they are looking for related to the scan. After a scan runs you can access an overview of what it found on each host and dig down to details about vulnerabilities and possible remediations. You can also utilize Policies to create custom templates defining what actions are performed during a scan. Plus, you can utilize Plugin Rules to hide or change the severity of desired plugins. Overall, Nessus Essentials is solid and easy to use, but because it is limited to scanning up to 16 IP addresses at a time, its usefulness in larger organizations is questionable. Nexpose Community Edition Nexpose Community Edition from Rapid7 can scan networks, operating systems, web applications, databases, and virtual environments. Its good for a year, after which you have to apply for a new license. The company also offers a 30-day free trial of its commercial editions. Nexpose installs on Windows, Linux, or virtual machines and provides a web-based GUI. Through its web portal you can create sites to define the IPs or URLs youd like to scan, select the scanning preferences, scanning schedule, and provide any necessary credentials for scanned assets. Once a site is scanned, youll see a list of assets and vulnerabilities. It shows asset details including OS and software information and details on vulnerabilities and how to fix them. You can optionally set policies to define and track your desired compliance standards. You can also generate and export reports on a variety of aspects. Nexpose Community Edition is a solid full-featured vulnerability scanner thats easy to setup. OpenVAS The Open Vulnerability Assessment System (OpenVAS) is a Linux-based network security scanner platform, with most components licensed under the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). They name the totally free offering the Greenbone Source Edition (GSE), and their commercial offering the Greenbone Security Manager (GSM), which comes with a free 14-day trial. The main component of OpenVAS is the security scanner, which can only run in Linux, but it can be run on a virtual machine inside Windows as well. It does the actual work of scanning and receives a daily update of network vulnerability tests, of which there are more than 85,000. There are slight differences in the scanner features, but theres more of a difference between the feeds offered for each edition. OpenVAS Manager controls the scanner and provides the intelligence. The OpenVAS Administrator provides a command-line interface and can act as full-service daemon, providing user management and feed management. There are a couple clients to serve as the GUI or CLI. The Greenbone Security Assistant (GSA) offers a web-based GUI. The Greenbone Security Desktop (GSD) is a Qt-based desktop client that runs on various OSs, including Linux and Windows. And the OpenVAS CLI offers a command-line interface. OpenVAS isnt the easiest and quickest scanner to install and use, but its one of the most feature-rich and broad IT security scanners that you can find for free. It scans for thousands of vulnerabilities, supports concurrent scan tasks, and scheduled scans. It also offers note and false positive management of the scan results. However, it does require Linux at least for the main component. Qualys Community Edition Qualys Community Edition allows you to monitor up to 16 assets with Qualys Cloud Agent, scan up to 16 internal and three external IPs with Vulnerability Management, and scan a single URL with Web Application Scanning. You initially access it via its web portal and then download its virtual machine software if running scans on your internal network. Qualys also offers a 30-day free trial of its commercial edition. Qualys supports a variety of scan types: TCP/UDP ports, password brute forcing, and vulnerability detection for hidden malware, missing patches, SSL issues, and other network-related vulnerabilities. You can also provide authentication details so it can log into hosts to extend the detection capabilities. The web GUI provides a step-by-step list of how to perform a scan. This includes entering the IP addresses to scan, downloading a virtual scanner or setting up a physical scanner if scanning the local network, and then configuring the scan settings. Once a scan is complete you can view many different types of reports, such as such as an overall scorecard, patches, high severity, Payment Card Industry (PCI), and executive reports. Since Qualys limits scanning to 16 assets and IPs, its not something a larger organization will find very useful. For those, consider using another solution for day-to-day use and periodically run Qualys for smaller networks or segments. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager provides a free edition thats fully functional for scanning up to 25 Windows or macOS computers. Unlike most of the other scanners listed here, this one is designed mostly for computer scanning and monitoring, although there is some scanning offered for web servers. They also offer a 30-day free trial of their paid editions, plus another product (Desktop Central) that gives you even more general computer monitoring that can integrate with this vulnerability scanner. The server portion of the ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager is only installable on Windows machines, but the web GUI can be accessed elsewhere. Unlike the other scanners, this one requires you to add endpoint agent software to the systems you want to scan, and its available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. Once you setup the endpoint agents, youll start to see detected items categorized by software and zero-day vulnerabilities, system and server misconfigurations, high risk software, and port audits. Plenty of explanation is given for each item and possible remedies for issue. You can also manage and push patches, as well as view basic computer specs and stats, such as the installed OS, IP address, and last reboot times. The ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager proved to be a good long-term vulnerability monitoring solution at least for computer systems. Due to having to install the software agents, its likely not a good fit if you want to perform a one-off scan. In addition to the free version, ManageEngine also offers a 30-day free trial of their paid editions, plus another product (Desktop Central) that provides even more general computer monitoring that can integrate with its vulnerability scanner. Eric Geier is a freelance tech writer. Hes also the founder of NoWiresSecurity providing a cloud-based Wi-Fi security service, Wi-Fi Surveyors providing RF site surveying, and On Spot Techs providing general IT services. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Kolkata, March 10 : The Election Commission (EC) has sought a detailed from the West Bengal chief secretary and its special observers in the state Ajay Nayak and Vivek Dubey, in regard to the incident in which chief minister Mamata Banerjee received leg injuries while campaigning in East Midnapore's Nandigram. Meanwhile, West Bengal director general of police P. Nirajnayan also asked for a report from East Midnapore police superintendent on the chief minister's injury. It is also being looked if there was security lapse, police sources said. "I was standing outside my car with the door open. I was about to go to a local temple to offer my prayers. A few people suddenly came and pushed the door. It hit my leg," said Banerjee. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)Lok Sabha MP from Barrackpore Arjun Singh said that Banerjee was lying and their drama was targeted at drawing attention and gaining public sympathy. "She does it every time to draw public sympathy. This is nothing but her drama," said Singh. Trinamool Congress Ranja Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy issued a statement, saying: "There was a massive response from people everywhere. At about 6.15 p.m., when she was about to leave Birulia Anchal after performing puja in a temple, a few unknown persons pushed her to the car and forcibly shut the door, as a result of which she sustained injuries in her left leg and also suffered severe pain in the waist. She, thereafter, left for Kolkata to get proper treatment." Roy further said after widespread response from the people of Nandigram Block-1 on Tuesday, Banerjee visited several places of Nandigram Block II after filing her nomination at Haldia. She also offered prayers in one after another temple. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the incident. He tweeted: "I strongly condemn the attack on Mamta Didi. Those responsible shud be immediately arrested and punished. I pray for her speedy recovery." Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Md Salim demanded a probe into the incident. "We condemn any kind of attack. The incident proves that Mamata Banerjee still remains the same. She is always surrounded by security personnel all the time wherever she travels. Then how come such incident take place?" he said. (Newser) "It was terrifying." So recalls Daysi Marin of watching her husband struggle to breathe for two days during the prolonged power outage in Texas. Mauricio Marin, 44, had been sent home from the hospital in Richmond with an oxygen machine as he recovered from COVID-19, reports ProPublica. But when the power went out, so did his lifeline. The Marins say Mauricio might have died had a neighbor not responded to a Facebook plea and showed up at their door with a six-hour supply that sustained him until the power came back on. As the story explains, Marin is not alone. In the days and weeks before the power grid failed, overwhelmed Texas hospitals sent home thousands of COVID patients with breathing equipment. It isn't clear if any of them died during the blackout, but many were forced out into the storm to return to hospitals. story continues below "It was really devastating for them," says Dr. Bela Patel, chief of critical care medicine at UTHealths McGovern Medical School. "They were panicking because they weren't getting enough oxygen, their oxygen levels were dropping, and they were trying to figure out what they could do." In Mauricio's case, the couple felt travel in their area was too dangerous. And while Mauricio finally got a needed boost of oxygen, the hours he spent trying to parcel out his supply likely put a strain on his already taxed respiratory system, which could prolong or even endanger his recovery from the virus. Others are in the same boat. Already, at least three COVID patients, including Mauricio, have filed lawsuits against state energy officials and their power companies because they say the outage worsened their cases. (Click to read the full story.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The head of the technology company which developed StaySafe said his team has done whats necessary for the turnover of the contact tracing app to the government, but claimed the same cannot be said about those in charge at the Department of Health. Weve tried our best to do the donation, but it so happens that we found out that they need to prepare first from their end, David Almirol, CEO of Multisys Technology Corporation, told CNN Philippines on Wednesday. It has been nine months since StaySafe was designated as the governments official contact tracing app. Almirol said the digital platform now has about 15 million users nationwide. Its donation to the government, however, is not yet complete. Almirol said among the main problems is the location where the technology would have to be transferred. A national COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force resolution states that all data collected through StaySafe should be migrated to and stored in the COVID-Kaya system, which was developed by the DOH and the World Health Organization. But when we tried to donate and transfer the technology, they told us the COVID-Kaya is not yet ready that time, Almirol said. But during a joint House committee hearing on Tuesday, Director Eric Tayag of the DOHs Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service said app modifications being introduced by Multisys are one of the reasons the turnover process is dragging on. READ: StaySafe app donation not yet finalized Almirol denied the allegation, saying Multisys had also been informing Tayag of the updates but that the details were not being relayed to the IATF. We dont know whats going on, because we felt like hes not into accepting StaySafe, Almirol said. We felt like were not actually supported by his group, to be honest." He added that they have submitted all the needed documents. Almirol also claimed the issues they're having with the health officials are not an isolated case. He said other members of the information technology industry dealing with the department are also having problems with Tayags team. There are several IT groups that donated systems to DOH that is not actually accepted by DOH, because [of the] same problem: Dr. Tayag's team is actually not ready to take over, and they're trying to dribble us in the documentation thing, and that's so frustrating, to be honest, he said. Earlier, contact tracing czar Benjamin Magalong likewise expressed frustration over the slow turnover completion, saying it is negatively affecting the governments COVID-19 response. Besides problems with the modifications, Tayag told lawmakers the donation cannot be finalized yet pending certification of security from the Department of Information and Communications Technology. During its Tuesday hearing, the House committees on health and on information and communications technology adopted a resolution urging the IATF to establish a unified national contact tracing protocol to ensure a more effective health emergency data monitoring system in the country. CEO of the HSE Paul Reid said that 0.2pc or one in 500 tests returned positive in the latest serial testing round in nursing homes. The latest round of serial testing in nursing homes has yielded just 0.2pc positivity in what HSE CEO Paul Reid said were great signs of the impact in vaccinations. The percentage of cases in healthcare workers has also fallen from 16pc to 4pc due to the impact of the vaccine on this cohort. Mortality, infections and transmissions levels are down, along with hospitalisations and ICU, Mr Reid said. A total of 523,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered up to last Saturday with 373,000 people having received at least one dose. As of 8pm last night, the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 fell to 371 from 397. There are 93 people in ICUs with Covid-19 as of 7:30am this morning. For the first time in months, five counties recorded no new Covid-19 cases. Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Cavan and Leitrim all had zero new cases while 17 of the 26 counties had fewer than 10 new cases on Tuesday. HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry has admitted that the delays to the vaccine rollout are frustrating. While its disappointing in terms of the secured stocks coming into the country, what were seeing is a real impact of the vaccination programme to date who are most vulnerable, Dr Henry told Morning Ireland. We are beginning to see real impacts in nursing homes, residential care homes and in our hospitals among healthcare workers. Were seeing collapsing rates far beyond what would be explained by falling community transmission. Dr Henry said there were 1,000 positive cases among healthcare workers in the week ending January 17 and said the most recent week showed just 45 positive cases. The Chief Clinical Officer said the HSE are seeing an almost disappearance of Covid-19 as a serious illness in nursing homes. Dr Henry said that the deployment of antigen tests to schools wasnt in action right now as they are most effective to outbreak settings such as hospitals and meat plants where there has been an outbreak and symptomatic cases were recorded. He said the accuracy of such tests diminishes where there are no symptomatic cases when asked would antigen tests be deployed to schools in the wake of the Irish Independent exclusive that one in eight Covi-19 cases has been among those under-18. People then may act on the basis of false reassurance rather than accuracy, Dr Henry said. Sativa Wellness Group Inc's ( ) Geremy Thomas talks to Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam about its coronavirus (COVID-19) testing business which has now achieved over 1.1mln worth of bookings in less than four months since opening its first clinic in Bath, UK. The company now has 17 operational clinics throughout the UK testing for COVID-19, in line with its target to have 30 clinics by the end of April. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A voting rights group is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider its lawsuit that aimed to make mail-in ballots available to all Indiana voters for last falls election. Attorneys for the advocacy group Indiana Vote By Mail argue in the petition filed Friday that the state law allowing no-excuse mail balloting by those ages 65 and older infringes on the constitutional rights of those younger. Indianas mail-in voting law limits such ballot to those who fall into one of 11 categories, including being 65 or older, having a disability or being absent from their home county or working throughout Election Day voting hours. Bill Groth, an attorney representing voters named in the lawsuit, said even though the 2020 election is over, his clients are still seeing their constitutional rights infringed by Indiana law. Younger voters thus have less opportunity to vote than older voters, Groth said. The group sued Indiana election officials last year, seeking a court order to extend the no-excuse mail-in balloting that Indiana allowed for the spring 2020 primary because COVID-19 exposure risks at polling sites to the general election. Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and other state GOP officials rejected such an extension and a federal appeals court ruled in October that state officials had discretion in how to allow mail voting. Republicans who dominate the state Legislature have turned aside attempts by Democrats during this years legislative session to allow no-excuse mail balloting. Republican lawmakers maintain that that voters have plenty of opportunity to cast ballots without excuse at in-person early voting sites for nearly a month ahead of Election Day. The state attorney generals office didnt immediately reply Monday to a request for comment on the appeal. Voting rights groups and both political parties contested election rules in many states ahead of last year's election, with many lawsuits over expanding access to mail-in voting. More than 200 lawsuits were filed across the country over voting procedures. It is uncertain whether the Supreme Court will consider the Indiana case, as it only hears a small percentage of the appeals it receives. The Indiana groups appeal argues that the justices should decide how the 26th Amendment that lowered the voting age to 18 should apply to mail-in voting. The appeal says bill have been introduced in at least nine states to restrict mail-in voting, either by eliminating no-excuse mail voting or narrowing the allowed reasons. These proposals, if enacted into law, may result in large numbers of voters losing their right to vote by mail including losing that right on account of their age, the appeal said. In 1986, Malaysias Home Ministry banned Christians from using the Arabic words Allah, or God, Baituallah (house of God), Solat (prayer) and Kaabah in non-Islamic religious publications, citing threats to national security. Today, the Kuala Lumpur high court has ruled that the ministry had acted unreasonably, illegally and irrationally at the time and declared the ban invalid. Judge Noor Bee Ariffin said this while delivering her decision in the case of a Sarawak Christian woman who had her CDs confiscated by authorities because they contained the word Allah. Jill Ireland filed a judicial review of the ban 13 years ago. After 12 adjournments, Ireland and other fellow Christians finally earned their right to use those words. The applicant is guaranteed to practice her faith without discrimination, the judge said today, noting that Ireland had presented affidavits from three Muslims saying that they were not confused by Christians using the word Allah. The ban previously forced Christian publications to adopt the Malay word tuhan when referring to God. Ireland filed for the judicial review in 2008 when eight of her CDs that used the words Allah in the titles were seized by customs officials at the airport. The court only heard her constitutional challenge four years ago. Her CDs were returned to her in 2015. In her application, she had sought a declaration that it was her constitutional right to access those religious publications. She also asked that the court declare the Home Ministrys 1986 government directive via a circular to ban the word Allah in Christian publications unconstitutional and unlawful. Mahathir Mohamad was Malaysias home and prime minister when the circular dated Dec. 5, 1986 was issued. Other stories to check out: Selangors law against gay sex unconstitutional: Federal court This article, Christians in Malaysia can now use the Arabic word Allah in religious publications, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Wise: Arlene Foster at one stage showed good leadership on the protocol There has been a flurry of political activity over the past week, most of it generated by the DUP and their unhealthy courting of the Loyalist Communities Council. The LCC's purported aim, whenever it was launched in 2015, with the backing of the UDA, the UVF, the Red Hand Commando and Jonathan Powell, the former chief adviser to Tony Blair, was "reversing the perceived neglect of loyalist working-class communities". It was a good initiative and well-intentioned, but like many other similar schemes it has failed to achieve the objective of ending for good loyalist paramilitary organisations and their parasitic control, over some working-class loyalist areas. As the Independent Reporting Commission's third annual report has highlighted, there is an impasse in terms of continuing paramilitarism: "paramilitarism is still having a negative impact on life in Northern Ireland". This is not just loyalist paramilitarism, but also dissident republican paramilitarism. However, at the moment, it is the loyalist groupings that have captured the limelight, thanks very largely to their public meeting with the leadership of the DUP, including Arlene Foster. The DUP leader was wrong to meet with this loyalist umbrella group. Stephen Farry, the high-profile Alliance MP for North Down, described this meeting as sending out "a terrible mixed message". He added: "Meetings like this instead give the impression that paramilitary organisations are legitimate stakeholders." By meeting with the LCC ,the DUP gave them a respectability and a status, that they do not deserve. Following that meeting, the LCC wrote to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, indicating that, because of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the loyalist groupings were withdrawing their support for the Good Friday Agreement. They stated in their letter, referring to the protocol, that it "undermines the basis on which the combined Loyalist Military Command agreed their 1994 ceasefire and subsequent support for the Belfast Agreement". Whether this declaration by them to the Prime Minister is simply sabre-rattling, or a sinister prelude to some sort of paramilitary action is unclear, but it is nonetheless unsettling, as it probably was intended to be. With its sinister tone, it threatens peace and stability within the community. Nonetheless, the PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, has stated to the Policing Board, that he did not believe loyalists are likely to return to violence. He saw the letter as a "political move". The DUP meeting with the LCC is troubling. A constitutional party should not be meeting with a loyalist umbrella organisation with clear links to both the UVF and the UDA, and has rightly brought about strong criticism of itself from the Alliance Party and the SDLP. This meeting reflects poor judgment by the DUP. It would be different if the UDA and the UVF were redundant organisations, but they are clearly not. In the past few weeks, we have witnessed on our television screens, the UVF allegedly marching in paramilitary formation through Pitt Park in east Belfast. This meeting is in stark contrast to the public rejection by the DUP of a statement of support by the LCC for the DUP and the UUP in the run-up to the 2017 Westminster general election. Why did the DUP feel it necessary then to reject the LCC's support? And why did they feel it necessary to meet with them now? How would the DUP react if the SDLP met with an umbrella group associated with dissident republican paramilitaries and discussed with them their views on a land border between north and south? Would that not cause great outrage on the part of the DUP and other unionist parties against the SDLP? At the heart of all this, is the failure of unionist politicians to give imaginative leadership. Arlene Foster had the makings of good leadership in early January, whenever she wisely suggested on the Andrew Marr Show, that she took a pragmatic view of the protocol. Commenting generally on the UK-EU Brexit trade deal, she stated that, "there is a gateway of opportunity for the whole of the UK and for Northern Ireland". She bluntly stated, that she, "didn't want the protocol, but it is here". She added: "I have to mitigate against that and my job from now on is to mitigate against those excesses." That was a smart move, but suddenly that intelligent and imaginative approach has been compromised. That is not good leadership, but rather a sad surrender to the lowest common denominator within the DUP. Confident leadership sets out attainable goals. It seeks to make a well-thought-out compromise like the protocol work for all. It is a wise and patient leader, who takes just one bite of the elephant at a time. State officials are warning residents to destroy any aquarium moss balls after it was discovered this week that they might contain the highly invasive zebra mussel. On March 1, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey learned that zebra mussels were found attached and inside moss balls sold as aquarium plants. While the mussels in the product are invasive, the moss ball is not. Zebra mussels are considered one of the most destructive invasive species in North America. Check your aquarium, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said in social media post on Tuesday. DEEP said if theres a moss ball in it, to destroy it immediately. It may contain the very invasive zebra mussel, DEEP said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said since zebra mussels are in several states, officials need the publics help to ensure this species doesnt spread further. As of March 4, zebra mussels have been reported on moss balls in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Washington. Zebra mussels can quickly take over once they get established in a body of water and can cause significant damage, including disrupting the food chain, changing the chemistry of the water and clog water intake and delivery systems, officials said. In this case, with the mussels being found in something kept in an aquarium, officials said the concern is that live mussels could be released into a storm drain or flushed down a toilet and introduced to a waterway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said zebra mussels are native to eastern Europe in the Black, Caspian and Azov seas. It is unknown whether contamination is occurring within the supply, distribution or retail chains, the agency said. At this time, we do not know the full extent of stores or products containing zebra mussels. Officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said recently purchased moss balls should be destroyed and disposed of immediately. They should not be disposed of in drains, waterways or gardens. To destroy the mussels, officials said the moss ball can be put in a freezer in a sealed plastic bag for at least 24 hours or the ball can be boiled in hot water for at least one minute. The mussels can also be destroyed by submerging the ball in chlorine bleach or undiluted white vinegar for 20 minutes. If vinegar, boiling water or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed down a household drain just not a storm drain where it could damage local waterways. The moss ball and any of its packaging should be disposed of in a sealed bag in the trash. Then, the aquarium must be drained and cleaned. Officials said fish and any other living organisms should be put in another container with a separate, uncontaminated water source. The contaminated aquarium should be sterilized by adding a quarter of a teaspoon of bleach for each gallon of water, officials said. Once the water has sat for 10 minutes, it can be dumped down a household drain. Any accessories should also be cleaned. After getting rid of the mussels and cleaning the tank, officials recommend another water change within a week and continue to monitor for any unusual aquatic life. Click here for additional tips from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State officials have struck a deal with The United Illuminating Co. for a $46.5 million COVID-19 relief bill credit from the Orange-based company, a move that Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said Wednesday will decrease and stabilize electric rates into 2023. The deal between the utility and the state will only result in about a $1 average decrease on a typical residential customers monthly bill, depending upon how much electricity they use. But UI has also told state officials they will not seek an increase in distribution rates until sometime after May 2023. The last time the electric distribution company changed its distribution rates was in July 2019. The agreement is subject to review and approval by the states Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). United Illuminating serves 341,000 customers in 17 municipalities in the Bridgeport and New Haven areas. For families and businesses who have been struggling with high energy costs during the pandemic, this agreement promises more affordable, predictable rates, Lamont said in a written statement. When I signed legislation to reform utility accountability, I called on the utilities to put ratepayers above profits. Todays settlement, achieved through ratepayer-focused negotiations by our state agencies, represents a positive step by UI in that direction. Tong said the Connecticut residents pay far too much for our energy. Families need and deserve stability as we emerge from this economic and public health crisis, he said. United Illuminating came to the table prepared to make real concessions, including contributing millions of their own dollars to ease the burden on local ratepayers. It makes such a difference to have corporate leadership firmly committed to Connecticut. Frank Reynolds, president and chief executive officer of UI, said the settlement allows us to provide meaningful benefits to our customers, many of whom continue to be impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If approved, it will not only avert a bill increase in the near term but will also help keep rates stable in the foreseeable future, Reynolds said in a statement. The monthly savings will come in the form of a bill credit based on the number of kilowatt hours used each month, according to Ed Crowder, a UI spokesman. If PURA approves the agreement, credits will begin appearing on bills starting May 1 and will last through Dec. 22, 2022, state officials said Crowder said officials at the utility had initially anticipated an increase of between 6 and 8 percent in federally mandated charges that UI is required to collect, which would cover the costs associated with using the electric transmission grid as well as a power purchase agreement that the utility has with the owner of the Millstone nuclear plant. But that was before the negotiations began in earnest. UI contributed $5 million to support customers, in addition to an accelerated return of $41.55 million of accumulated savings from federal tax cuts to offset that would have resulted in the increase, according to state officials. The increase would have begun in bills on May 1. Katie Dykes, commissioner of the state Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), said the relief to UI ratepayers comes not a moment too soon. This bill credit will help to offset pressure on other parts of the energy bill, while better enabling PURA to implement performance-based regulation of UI, Dykes said in a statement. Richard Sobolewski, the states acting Consumer Counsel, said the plan allows for the costs that were deferred last summer to be recovered without a bill increase. Sobolewskis office represent the states consumers in utility rate cases. Further rate relief is on the way for UIs residential customers, according to state officials. On Tuesday, PURA ordered UI to provide an updated filing on how it plans to distribute $3.6 million in overearnings that is due to residential ratepayers. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com As COVID-19 deaths and cases reach record levels in Paraguay, mass demonstrations have erupted for a second consecutive week over the disastrous response to the pandemic by the government of the countrys fascistic President Mario Abdo Benitez. Teachers were the first to protest last week, with many refusing the mandatory return to school on Tuesday, March 2. The following day, nurses, doctors, patients and family members demonstrated outside of the main COVID-19 hospital in the capital of Asuncion to protest the lack of medicines, including sedatives for intubating patients, and vaccines, even for front-line workers. While Paraguay faces a massive surge in the pandemic that has filled all ICU beds in public hospitals, the country has received only 4,000 vaccine doses for a population of 7 million, and officials have no estimate for when more doses will arrive. Paraguay has confirmed almost 170,000 cases and 3,343 deaths. Nurses protest for health supplies (Photo: Twitter) Amid these explosive conditions, the initial actions by teachers and medical workers triggered widespread marches and roadblocks across the country. The hashtag #EstoyParaElMarzoParaguayo2021 was widely used to rally protesters, referring to the month-long protests of the Paraguayan March 1999. Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni resigned last Thursday in an unsuccessful attempt to head off the growing unrest. On Friday, in the biggest demonstration so far, over ten thousand people flooded the streets of Asuncion demanding the ouster of the President Abdo Benitez and the entire Colorado Party government with the chants, Out Marito! and All of them will leave! The use of tear gas and rubber bullets by anti-riot police set off a series of confrontations with young demonstrators. One 32-year-old man was killed under unclear circumstances, and 21 others were injured on Friday. Demonstrations and roadblocks have been particularly large in the second most populated city, Ciudad del Este, next to the Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil and Argentina. As the repression continued on Saturday, Abdo announced the firing of his chief of staff, Juan Ernesto Villamayor, the minister for women, Nilda Romero, and Education Minister Eduardo Petta. Demonstrators had attacked Petta, in particular, over the reckless reopening of schools. The new health minister, Julio Borba, said yesterday that the government was considering a two-week suspension of in-person instructiona wholly inadequate measure. Medical experts such as Gloria Meza, president of the main doctors association, insist that only a return to strict lockdown measures can contain the surge in cases. The governments announcements and reshuffling have done little to appease the protest movement, which expresses a broader, international intensification of the class struggle against the almost universal policy of placing profits and social austerity over lives during the pandemic. Even more fundamentally, protesters have made clear that their anger is being fueled by the staggering levels of social inequality exposed by the crisis. Magui, a Paraguayan demonstrator, explained to the World Socialist Web Site that it all began with a march organized on social media due to the presidents horrible management even before the pandemic. The health care system collapsed years agothere are no beds, no medicines, we help each other. There are no medicines for the people! We are sick of the Colorado Party, sick of being governed by a son of the dictatorship like [President Abdo], she said, referring to the fact that Abdos father was the personal secretary of the fascist dictator Alfredo Stroessner. Magui added: I hope that the protests spread. I think almost all Latin America is facing the same situation. I believe a unified struggle would have a great impact. Opposition parties around the Great Renewed National Alliance (GANAR), led by the right-wing Liberal Party and the pseudo-left Guasu Front of ex-president Fernando Lugo, have so far struggled to control the unrest. They have introduced futile motions in Congress to impeach Abdo, without having enough votes to proceed. Liberal leader Efrain Alegre feigned support for the protests and made demagogic and vague calls for a new model, while Fernando Lugo has promoted the impeachment drive while declaring, We dont agree with changing people, we demand a change of the face of the country. The pandemic has shown, however, that whatever the political colors, or ostensible model, including that of Lugos close Peronist allies in Argentina, all capitalist governments across the region and beyond have advanced fundamentally the same response of reckless reopenings at the behest of the financial oligarchies. What is most important for Abdo, is the support of Washington. In a March 1 letter, US President Joe Biden thanked Abdo for congratulating him on his election, adding: I appreciate your governments engagement on security issues and coordination with regional partners. Subsequently, the White House has remained quiet on the repression of peaceful protests by the Paraguayan authorities. Abdos disastrous pandemic response In late March, 2020, Abdo implemented a strict lockdown, including night curfews and the shutdown of nonessential activities. The general director of Health Care Services, Juan Carlos Portillo, explained later, We were conscious that our health care system is weak. As early as May 4, however, an Intelligent Confinement was implemented to gradually lift restrictions. Even by June 15, when restaurants and bars opened, only 13 coronavirus deaths had been reported. In late July, movies, religious services and other cultural gatherings were permitted, and the remaining restrictions were lifted by early October. Contrary to most of the region, schools were allowed to reopen on a "voluntary" basis. Predictably, cases and deaths saw a massive surge starting in July that has continued until today. During 2020, according to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America, the limited social assistance for nonessential workers and those going unemployed to shelter at home was on average just 34 percent of the poverty line. In a country where one-fifth of households live under official poverty and 60 percent of workers depend upon the unprotected, informal sector, the meager assistance compelled workers to return to work as soon as possible to avoid total immiseration. The IMF estimates that Paraguays GDP fell 1 percent for 2020, much less than neighboring countries. While most countries in the region saw daily cases drop by late February after a holiday surge, Brazil and Paraguay continue to set one record after the other. In the last month, Paraguays seven-day moving averages jumped from 700 to 1,345 daily cases, and from 16 to 21 daily deaths. The evolution of the pandemic in Brazil and Paraguay constitutes a grave warning for the world. Experts have suggested that the surge is a result of the spread of the more infectious variants from Brazil after thousands traveled there for the holidays; however, this has not been confirmed due to the lack of genetic tracing of the virus. Paraguays Colorado Party has held power almost continuously since the Higinio Morinigo Martinez dictatorship took power in 1940, supporting the Nazis until their defeat in World War II, and then quickly shifting its allegiance to US imperialism by accepting a few months of democratic liberties. Protesters in the center of Asuncion, March 6 (Photo: Twitter) In 1947, the Colorados prevailed in a bloody civil war against rebelling soldiers, workers and youth that the Stalinist Communist Party helped subordinate to a popular front alliance led by the oligarchic Liberal Party and the Febreristas, who had just left the Morinigo regime. The Colorados received military support from the Truman administration in the US and Juan Domingo Perons government in Argentina. Continued factional disputes within the military, especially between the US-backed Stroessner wing and the Peron-backed wing led by Epifanio Mendez Fleita, were settled in a 1954 coup supported by the Eisenhower administration. Stroessner then consolidated control until 1989 through a fascist terror regime, involving death squads, concentration camps, widespread torture and the crushing of the CP, the trade unions and a guerrilla movement. The coming to power of Stroessner was facilitated by the efforts of the Stalinists to subordinate all opposition among workers and peasants since the early 1930s to the Liberal Party and one or another faction of the military brass. The Liberal Party is the twin party of the Paraguayan capitalist oligarchy and, like the Colorados, is subordinated to US imperialism and its financial and geopolitical interests. The U.S.-backed Stroessner regime also carried out systematic massacres and land grabs from the indigenous populationsincluding the physical destruction of the Ache tribe and, like the left nationalist Juan Domingo Peron in Argentina, rescued and sheltered numerous Nazi officials in the post-war period. Fernando Lugo was elected in 2008 in a coalition led by the Liberal Party and backed by the Stalinists. While using Lugo to channel opposition behind bourgeois politics, the ruling class, fearing growing expectations of social reform, overthrew Lugo in 2012 with the backing of the Obama administration. The continued support by the Paraguayan ruling class and US imperialism for the political descendants of the barbaric Stroessner regime is a warning for workers and youth everywhere about the shift toward dictatorship and fascism by the capitalist ruling classes internationally in response to the pandemic crisis. This was most clearly shown by the January 6 coup attempt by Donald Trump in Washington itself. Citing declining COVID-19 cases, Lehigh Valley Health Network is allowing visitors to return to select areas at their hospitals and medical offices. Pennsylvanias coronavirus case rate has settled between 2,400 and 2,700 cases a day, based on seven-day averages, compared to the 10,000-plus daily cases in mid-December. LVHN announced the visitor changes go into effect Wednesday, March 10. Visitors are not allowed for patients with COVID-19, except for patients who are in end-of-life care. For adult inpatient units, including critical care, medical-surgical and low-level monitoring units: Visitors are allowed from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership. Visitation is limited to one visitor at a time. All visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times and should remain in the patients room. Patients are permitted to eat and drink with visitors in the room. However, visitors should not eat or drink in the patients room. Visitors should visit the cafe to eat or purchase a drink. Elevator capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. In pediatric areas, including the childrens ER, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric inpatient unit: Two parents/guardians may remain at the bedside at all times. One additional, designated support person is allowed at the bedside from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children under the age of 12 may not visit. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): Parents/guardians may designate up to four support adults who may visit one at a time with a parent/guardian in attendance from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bedside visitation is limited to two individuals at a time; one individual must be a parent/guardian. No visits from children under the age of 16. In obstetrical areas: In mother-baby and perinatal units, one support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children under the age of 12 may not visit. From 8 p.m.-noon, only the support person is allowed. In triage: A support person is allowed only until an admission decision is made. In labor and delivery: One support person and one additional visitor at a time are allowed. Children under the age of 12 may not visit. During the second stage of labor and delivery, only the support person is allowed to be with the laboring patient. In behavioral health units: No visitors are allowed on adult units. One visitor per day is allowed on adolescent units. For all outpatient appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for an outpatient appointment, procedure, same-day surgery or LVPG office visit. Visitors must wear a face mask at all times, have their temperature taken and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. In some cases, the health network said exceptions may be considered and approved by patient care services leadership. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. After weeks of negotiations, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Wednesday that will provide billions in aid to states and cities, schools and more along with a third round of stimulus checks. The bill passed through a 220-211 vote, with only one Democrat voting against it. The bill will now be sent to President Joe Biden, who has already said he will sign it into law as soon as he can. Related story: How much new stimulus money will you get? Use this easy calculator Republicans in Congress have criticized the bill for being too large in terms of dollars and too widespread in how the money is being used. Especially when it comes to projects or plans not related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The GOP has also argued that Americans will be paying for the bill down the road. Its certainly good politics to say, Hey, were going to hand you a check for $1,400, said Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina. But what they dont talk about is what this bill costs. Democrats say the bill is needed as millions of Americans continue to struggle during the pandemic thanks to the ongoing uncertainties caused by the virus. That uncertainty is why Democrats say the $1,400 stimulus checks, increased child tax credit and other financial commitments in the bill are so necessary. Today we have a decision to make of tremendous consequence, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a decision that will make a difference for millions of Americans, saving lives and livelihoods. The $1,400 checks are likely to begin showing up in mailboxes and bank accounts in the next week, but could be delayed slightly as the checks are also being sent out in the middle of tax season. The stimulus checks were a major talking point regarding the bill as income thresholds to qualify were lowered significantly from the original plan. The House wanted limits of $100,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples, but the U.S. Senate dropped those to $75,000 and $150,000 respectively. The House signed off on those changes by voting to approve the bill Wednesday. However, the bill differs from previous ones in that dependents over the age of 16 now qualify for checks, meaning parents or caregivers who qualify will receive additional monies that werent available to them under prior stimulus plans. The child tax credit is also significantly larger, jumping from $2,000 per child to $3,000 for children between ages 6 and 17 and $3,600 for children 5 and younger. Heartbreaking details have emerged about the father who was critically injured in a school bus crash that killed his son yesterday. Alan Stevens, 68, was driving a 4WD with his son in the passenger seat when it collided with a school bus near Gympie, in Queensland, on Tuesday afternoon. Josiah Stevens, 29, sadly died at the scene before it was uncovered that Mr Stevens reportedly lost another child, Clancy, in a trail bike accident in 2013. The father is still in a critical condition with multiple broken bones, while the twenty-six school children and a female bus driver, 53, involved escaped without any serious injuries. The tragic past of a man who lost his 29-year-old son Josiah (pictured) and is critically injured after the 4WD he was driving had a head on collision with a bus has been revealed Alan Stevens has now lost two of his sons in tragic circumstances as his other son Clancy reportedly died from a trail bike accident in 2013. Pictured: Josiah Stevens 'It appears the 4WD has come out through a give-way sign into the path of the oncoming bus,' said Acting Sergeant Peter Cowan on Wednesday. Six students were treated for minor injuries and the Goomeri driver was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries, reported 7NEWS. The crash occurred at around 3.40pm but the two Goomboorian men were still stuck in their ute at 5.10pm. The bus driver was hailed as 'heroic' after a witness said she saved the 26 children before the collision. 'There's nothing she could have done to avoid him,' the witness said. Mr Steven was driving a blue Toyota Landcruiser when it collided with a school bus at an intersection near Wolvi near Gympie at around 3.45pm on Tuesday afternoon The driver allegedly prevented the accident by swerving to the side and pulling into an embankment before locking the wheel. Mr Cowan said the accident 'could have been a lot worse' if she had not avoided the vehicle. 'She did take evasive action and attempted to avoid impact with the vehicle, but it was not able to be avoided,' he said. He is still in a critical condition with multiple broken bones while twenty-six school children and a female bus driver, 53, have escaped serious injury Pictured: The road where the accident occurred in Wolvi, near Gympie which is an hour drive north-west from Noosa Heads, QLD 'It certainly could have been a lot worse. 'Fortunately, the contracted school bus was fitted with seat belts, which provided the safety for the children.' When the bus stopped, older children helped the cohort escape by breaking the emergency exit while the driver was unable to move. Queensland Police have said they are investigating the crash. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. KANSAS CITY, Kan., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OmniLife VR today announced an initiative with the Kansas City Kansas Public School District. The Educational Virtual Reality (E-VR) program was unveiled during a special celebration at Carl Bruce Middle School, one of three schools participating in the pilot program. "We are looking forward to integrating this cutting-edge technology into our curriculum. Benefits to our learning communities are limitless" said Dr. Alicia Miguel, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "This technology couldn't arrive at a better time. It will help close so many gaps as we continue to explore how to deliver first-class education in new ways" said Christal Watson, head of the District's Foundation for Excellence. This technology does not replace professional staff; it merely supplements what they can accomplish. Each school will apply competencies and standards to support lessons with 250 different learning experiences. "E-VR creates educational opportunities that were unimaginable with legacy technologies," said Canise Salinas-Willich, principal of New Chelsea Elementary. "E-VR transports students from their desks to the Roman ruins, lets them mix chemicals and see the reaction without being physically harmed, and allows them to not only see but interact with virtual worlds." Each of the three schools piloting the program will receive headsets and wireless controllers provided by OmniLife VR to make students feel like they are controlling what is happening in the VR simulation. Marco Stanich is the owner and CEO of OmniLife VR, a local Kansas City company with a global reach. "We are honored to support the Kansas City Kansas School District with this top-tier technology. This is big news for education during COVID-19, in an urban district, and in the heartland of the US: Kansas City! If we can do this here, we can do it anywhere," Stanich said. Stanich says that international research shows a 100% increase in attendance and a 30% improvement in test scores. E-VR enabled students also learn faster, remember longer, and make better decisions, and benefit from boosts to mental and physical wellness. The investment is funded through a CARES ACT grant and the Barton P. Mary D. Charitable Trust acquired by the Foundation for Excellence. Two video cameras and 130 headsets are included in the pilot. With 23,000 students in District Schools, Watson says, "We are already looking at opportunities for funding future purchases." As a bonus, one project partner is outfitting a 48 ft mobile trailer to take the technology to schools and neighborhoods alike. This will be a "Game Changer" for students who are exploring career pathways," said Dr. Clemons, Director of the Future Leaders Outreach Network (FLON). OmniLife VR is a Kansas City based educational technology company with global reach, and a proud member of the North Kansas City Business Council. Contact: Tim Truesdale [email protected] 816-916-6829 Related Links OmniLife VR Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Foundation for Excellence SOURCE OmniLife VR Island steps up position on ozone depleting substances Increased measures to protect the Earths atmosphere from ozone depleting substances, under an international treaty, have been extended to the Isle of Man. Having ratified the original Montreal Protocol the latest amendments bring the Island in line with the UK with immediate effect after their Government accepted the Islands request. The treaty limits the production of an array of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and compounds known as Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases) that contribute significantly to global warming and found in items such as fridges and fire extinguishers. The five amendments were given effect in Manx law in 2020 so there will be no additional impact on people and businesses who produce, recycle, use, destroy or trade in them. As a fully signed up member to the Montreal Protocol, the Island will be able to ship items that contain the ozone depleting substances to the UK for appropriate disposal. This has been illegal since July 2017. Pennsylvania has fully vaccinated more than 1 million people against COVID-19, a sign the states troubled inoculation campaign is gaining momentum. Thats Pennsylvania Department of Healths count, which does not include shots given in Philadelphia, the states most populous county and its own vaccine jurisdiction. More than 3.5 million total vaccine doses have been administered to date, including Philly. The 2,594 new coronavirus cases and 43 deaths in the departments daily update Wednesday bring the statewide total to at least 955,630 infections and 24,439 lives lost. The majority of those who have died were over the age of 65, more than half lived in nursing homes. That includes 59,120 cases and 1,438 deaths in the Lehigh Valley. Lehigh and Northampton counties combined for 174 new cases and four deaths reported by the state in the last day. (Cant see this map? Click here.) Meanwhile, vaccination efforts continue across the state. Teachers are first in line for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine starting this week. Others are getting the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The U.S. is expected to buy another 100 million more doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine, according to a Wednesday announcement by the White House. It is currently under contract to provide 100 million doses by the end of June. At least 3.1 million doses had been given through Tuesday, the health department reported, including 2.1 million first-doses and 1,016,979 boosters. That breaks down to 87% of Pennsylvanias first-dose allocation and 58% of its boosters administered. The states total allocation through March 13 is 4.17 million doses. Philadelphias now booking 6,000 daily vaccine appointments at a FEMA vaccination site at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The city reports it has administered 297,030 first-doses and 124,578 boosters as of Tuesday morning. The mass vaccination site is still figuring out how to best distribute the vaccine left over from no-shows, BillyPenn reports. Some lucky Philadelphians, who are currently eligible for vaccination, have managed to score a vaccine by showing up at the end of the day and waiting. Lehigh Valley Health Network plans to vaccinate up to 3,600 people on Thursday at its largest COVID-19 mass-vaccination clinic to date. All appointments for the Dorney Park clinic are currently booked. Enrolled Lehigh Valley veterans can get the COVID-19 vaccine through the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. Veterans enrolled for services through the center can call to schedule an appointment at 570-830-7076 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Shots are being administered at the medical center and at the community-based outpatient clinics, including the ones in Allentown and Northampton County. The center serves veterans from 18 counties in Pennsylvania, including Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Carbon counties, and Tioga County in New York state. American medical providers are racing to vaccinate as many people as possible as new coronavirus variants gain traction, raising fears about a fourth virus surge in the coming weeks. Pennsylvanias current coronavirus outlook shows slow improvement after a deadly holiday season. Case trends remain on par with the viruss spring peak. (Cant see this map? Click here.) After weeks of declining new cases, Pennsylvanias seven-day average of daily cases has plateaued between 2,400 and 2,700. Thats far below the 10,000-plus daily cases the state saw in mid-December, but still above the spring peak. Locally, Northampton Countys daily case rate over the past week continues to drop steadily, while neighboring Lehigh Countys hovered between 70 to 80 new cases. Hospitalizations continue to trend down with 1,551 COVID-19 patients per day over the last week. This is well below the December peak of almost 6,200 patients, but on par with the height of the spring peak in May. (Cant see this chart? Click here.) The rate of reported deaths continues to fall: An average of 39 deaths were reported daily as of Tuesday, down from 55 deaths a day a week ago. December remains the pandemics deadliest month with 6,350 lives lost, followed by 4,660 people in January, according to state data on the date deaths occurred. There were 1,772 lives lost in February and 159 thus far in March. Death reporting tends to lag by several weeks. New projections from the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation show Pennsylvania is likely to see 3,308 more COVID-19 deaths by July 1, but the toll could be as much as 19.6% higher depending on virus variants, how mobile people are this spring and mask-wearing habits. The health department estimates 91% of Pennsylvania coronavirus patients have so far recovered, meaning they have survived at least 30 days since their first positive test. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) container terminal in Sri Lanka, also became the first gateway terminal in the country to adopt the Blockchain Technology by collaborating with TradeLens, a digital platform jointly developed by A.P. Moller Maersk and IBM. This move will help in accelerating the digitisation agenda of shipping industry in Sri Lanka by transforming manual, paper-based and time-consuming administrative processes into His Instagram boasts hundreds of mostly shirtless selfies. But Will Stokoe has finally added an image of girlfriend Bella Varelis, in a skin-baring snap of the couple uploaded on Tuesday. Both members of the genetically-blessed duo showed off their supremely toned figures in the mirror selfie. There she is! His Instagram boasts hundreds of mostly shirtless selfies. But Will Stokoe has finally added an image of girlfriend Bella Varelis, in a skin-baring snap of the couple uploaded on Tuesday Of particular note were Will's shredded abs, while Bachelor star Varelis showed off her wild side in an animal print bikini. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that the new Bachelor, Jimmy Nicholson, 31, dated 2020 runner-up Bella shortly after her heartbreaking rejection from last season's Bachelor Locky Gilbert, 31. Former Survivor star Locky filmed his finale with Bella in July, and she appeared to test the waters with Jimmy in the months that followed. Case of the ex: Channel 10's new pilot Bachelor Jimmy Nicholson (pictured) dated Varelis shortly after placing runner-up on Locky Gilbert's season in 2020 'We were chatting and went on a couple dates towards the end of last year, we got set up by a friend,' Bella told The Wash on Thursday. She added: 'Hes a really lovely human, definitely deserves to find love! While the rest of Jimmy's dating history is yet to be revealed, Bella has previously been on dates with other Bachelor stars in the past. 'We went on a couple dates towards the end of last year': After being rejected by Bachelor Locky Gilbert (left) in July, Bella (right) dated Jimmy after being set up by a friend 'He's really lovely human, definitely deserves to find love! Bella only had kind words to say about Jimmy (pictured) to the publication She was rumoured to have gone on a few Bondi dates with Adam Todd (Becky and Elly Miles' 2020 Bachelorette season) last year, and was in a brief relationship with Samuel Johnston from Georgia Love's 2016 Bachelorette season. Bella and Samuel both share Jimmy as a mutual friend on Instagram. Interestingly, Sam's brother is a pilot, so that could be how the pair met or became friends. While Jimmy is looking for love on the 2021 Bachelor season, Bella went Instagram official with photographer beau Will in February. Off the market: Bella went Instagram official with photographer beau Will (right) in February after weeks of dating speculation Reality TV connections: Bella and Bachelorette star ex Samuel Johnston both share Jimmy as a mutual friend on Instagram. Interestingly, Sam's brother is a pilot, so that could be how the pair met or became friends Grounded: Jimmy was most recently working as a first officer for Jetstar Australia, but was stood down from his job due to the coronavirus pandemic Jimmy was most recently working as a first officer for Jetstar Australia, but was stood down from his job due to the coronavirus pandemic. He told Sydney Confidential he'd signed up for The Bachelor because his career had made it difficult for him to find a long-term partner. 'I was never in the same spot for too long,' he explained. The new Bachelor is of New Zealand and Fijian heritage, and has not appeared before on The Bachelorette or any other dating show. The Bachelor is coming soon to Channel 10 in 2021 Two fishermen have bravely gone toe-to-toe with a rabid shark in shallow waters off a remote island just off Australia. Kane and Josh Hutchins were forced to furiously stab the water with their rods to avoid an attack on Cocos Keeling Island - a group of coral enclaves 2,750 kms northwest of Perth, Western Australia. 'Get out! Get out of here!', the pair yelled as the reef shark frantically slammed into them during a routine fishing trip. 'Bloody hell, he was so close to biting me then', Josh can be heard saying on the footage which emerged on social media on Tuesday, March 9. The shark retreated back into the ocean after it attempted to attack the two fishermen The anglers were filming a fly fishing documentary when the terrifying encounter played out just metres from shore. The friends were catching bonefish when the beast lurking nearby suddenly jetted towards them taking them by surprise. 'The sharks were eating everything we hooked,' Kane said. The reef shark slammed into Josh while he was just knee-deep in the pristine ocean off Australia's west coast. 'This particular shark chased the fish all the way into Joshs leg and was so fired up that it hit his legs and went straight through', Kane said. Josh began to furiously stab the water with his fishing pole as the beast repeatedly went in for the attack. He frantically leaped on the spot, thrashing his fishing pole to scare the monster away. Angler Josh Hutchins was bone fishing on Cocos Keeling Island when a shark emerged in the water Josh began to furiously stab the water with his fishing pole as the beast repeatedly went in for the attack Mr Hutchins quickly jumped on the spot, thrashing his fishing pole into the water to scare away the shark Kane was then forced to kick the animal as it honed in on his legs in another attempt to claim a victim. The footage, posted on Twitter, received widespread praise from fellow fishermen and swimmers. 'I had the same thing happen to me when I was in less than knee deep water off a small island and was chased by a Bull shark to shore', one man tweeted. 'The little shark was chasing something and big feet got in the way', another said. 'If there isnt wildlife trying to kill you, are you really in Australia', another replied. In the wake of last years scandalous destruction of Aboriginal sacred site Juukan Gorge the consequences for Rio Tinto have been widespread, including the resignation of its CEO, chairman and senior executive team. But what now? The Minerals Council of Australia has told its members it will require them to adopt a system of guidelines in place across Canada and seven other countries known as the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative. Designed to rebuild trust, the initiative would require miners to report on their dealings with First Nations people, as well as the climate impacts of their projects. On this episode of Please Explain, national editor Tory Maguire and climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley discuss the impact of the Juukan Gorge destruction on the future of Australias mining sector. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In Feb. 2021, around 1.194 million locally-produced PVs (referring to cars, MPVs, SUVs and minibuses) were handed over to consumers in China, representing a year-on-year surge of 368.4%, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The robust hike was mainly credited to the low base for the prior-year period caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Compared to the previous month, China's PV retail sales in Feb. slumped 45.2% by reason of the Chinese New Year holiday. For the first two months of 2021, China's PV deliveries totaled 3.375 million units, surging 69.6% year on year, the highest-ever growth for the corresponding period since the data was first released in 2005. The CPCA said the blooming increase was primarily due to the year-ago low base as well. Besides, the Jan.-Feb. retail sales remained flat compared to the same period in 2019, while grew slower than that of the second half of 2020 mainly because of the weaker demands in rural markets as lots of migrant workers didn't return to their hometowns for the control of coronavirus pandemic. The retail sales of luxury cars in Feb. dropped 45% over the previous month, while jumped 36% compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting the robust demands of replacing old cars with premium ones. Last month, the retail sales of Chinese indigenous brands also tumbled 45% over a month ago due to the Spring Festival, while slid 6% compared to Feb. 2019. According to the association, local brands accounted for 38.8% of the domestic PV retail sales in Feb., 0.1 percentage points higher than that of the prior-year period. The champion and the runner-up automakers by Feb. PV retail sales were still FAW-VW and SAIC VW. Compared to Jan. 2021, Changan Auto and SGMW moved up one and three spots respectively to the third and fourth places. Among the top 10 PV makers, there were three Chinas self-owned companies, namely Changan Auto, Geely Auto and Great Wall Motor. As to wholesale performance, automakers in China sold 1.147 million PVs in February, which shoot up 406.9% from a year earlier, while fell 43.8% from the previous month. The year-to-date PV wholesales totaled 3.187 million units, up by 72.8% year on year. The rankings of the top 10 automakers by Feb. wholesales had some differences compared to Jan. 2021. Both Changan Auto and Geely Auto climbed two spots to the No.2 and No. 3 places. SAIC VW plunged five spots to the seventh. In addition, SAIC-GM, SGMW and Dongfeng Honda dropped one, two and one places respectively to the fourth, the ninth and the tenth. WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTHI) - Starting tomorrow the Indiana State Police will join forces with five other state police agencies. The effort is known as the six-state trooper project. Drivers will see an increased number of state troopers on the highways of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. According to a news release from the Indiana State Police, this project is aimed at creating a larger net to catch criminals who use our highways. If you see high-risk driving behavior, suspect impaired driving or suspect criminal activity, please call 911. We are encouraged to be aware of the need to move over or slow down to give troopers room to work safely. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Law enforcement authorities at Capitol Hill are still on guard around the area after the deadly breach that took place on Jan. 6. Many of the suspects were already apprehended, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation has released new footage showing days leading to the deadly event. The footage reportedly shows the pipe bomb suspect near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee offices in Washington D.C. This was the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington D.C., according to an ABC News Go report. FBI said that the suspect is carrying a backpack, with pipe bombs inside, according to what investigators believe. Steven D'Antuono, FBI's assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office, said that these pipe bombs are viable devices that could have been detonated. It would then result in serious injury or death. The FBI official then asked for the public's help in capturing the pipe bomb suspect. "We need the public's help to identify the individual responsible for placing these pipe bombs to ensure they will not harm themselves or anyone else," the FBI official was quoted in a report. READ ALSO: 7 More People Federally Charged in Connection to Capitol Riot Pipe Bomb Suspect The suspect was seen on the footage standing in a residential neighborhood on South Capitol Street with the bag. The suspect shorty set it on the ground as a man walking his dog passed by. Shortly before 8 a.m., the suspect was seen seated on a bench in front of the DNC. The first pipe bomb was placed under a bush and walked away. At 8 a.m., the person was seen in an alley near the RNC, where the second pipe bomb was found. The FBI said that the pipe bomb suspect was wearing a pair of Nike Air Max Speed shoes. The explosives were made with 1x8-inch threaded galvanized pipes, a kitchen timer, and homemade black powder, according to the FBI. D'Antuono said that they still believe there is someone who has information that they may not have realized to be important. Officials cannot confirm if the suspect in the video is a man or a woman, adding hopes that someone in the general public will notice the person's walk and could provide a useful tip, according to a Daily Mail report. "We know it can be a difficult decision to report information about family or friends - but this is about protecting human life," D'Antuono was quoted in a report. A reward worth $100,000 is waiting for any person that could provide information leading to the suspect's arrest. U.S. Capitol Hill Meanwhile, months after the violent riot that erupted at the Capitol, the Pentagon is set to approve the extension of National Guard deployment at the establishment for two more months. Defense officials said that there are still possible threats of violence remaining around the area, according to an Associated Press report. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is seen to give final approval to have Guardsmen continue securing the establishment at the request of Capitol Police. Officials added that some details are being finalized. READ NEXT: West Virginia Lawmaker, Man Photographed at Pelosi's Desk Among First To Be Charged Over Capitol Riot WATCH: FBI: Pipe Bombs Found In DC Planted Night Before Capitol Riot -from NBC Nightly News Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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 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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 (Newser) People in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and Quebec, Canada, claim to have witnessed an asteroid breaking up in the sky on Sunday, which turned out to be rattling. Many people reported hearing a rumble or sonic boom as a 10-pound bowling ball-sized chunk of an asteroidtraveling at 42,000 miles per hour, or almost 55 times the speed of sound, per Live Science"fragmented violently, producing a pressure wave that rattled buildings," according to NASA. WCAX reported receiving a flood of calls from people describing "a loud boom and a body-rattling vibration." story continues below Hundreds of skywatchers had first witnessed a "fireball" that appeared some 52 miles above Vermont's Mount Mansfield State Forest around 5:38pm. It had proceeded northeast toward the Canadian border when "about 30 miles up, the pressure difference between front and back exceeded its structural strength," says NASA, which puts the force of the fragmentation at 440 pounds of TNT. The space rock broke up some 33 miles above Vermont's Orleans County, which borders Quebec, per NBC News. "A nice little firework, courtesy of Mother Nature," as NASA put it, noting tremors were observed by seismic instruments. (Something similar happened in the UK, followed by a spectacular discovery.) New Delhi: The protesting farmer unions on Wednesday called for a Bharat bandh on March 26 as they would complete four months of their agitation at the Delhi borders against the Centre's three new farm laws. Farmer leader Buta Singh Burjgill said, "We will observe a complete Bharat bandh on March 26, when our protest against the three farm laws completes four months. The peaceful bandh will remain effective from morning till evening," He also said that the farmers along with trade unions will protest the hike in fuel prices and privatisation of railways on March 15. While on March 19, the farmers will observe "Mandi Bachao-Kheti Bachao" day. The farmer unions have also decided to celebrate 'Shaheedi divas' of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, Burjgill added. Farmers leaders also said that copies of the new farm laws will be burnt during 'Holika Dahan' on March 28. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the borders leading to Delhi; Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur for nearly four months, demanding the repeal of three farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the 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. At least 50 members of the state Legislature say they have heard enough. They say Gov. Andrew Cuomo should resign after multiple women have accused him of sexual misconduct. We have allegations about sexual harassment, a toxic work environment, the loss of credibility surrounding the COVID-19 nursing home data and questions about the construction of a major infrastructure project, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the most prominent state official to call for his resignation, said March 9. We need to govern without daily distraction. Recent polls show a significant chunk of the electorate thinks Cuomo should resign, but a majority of voters want him to stay in office as an investigation overseen by state Attorney General Letitia James continues. The governor has obvious reasons to want to slow down calls for his resignation despite the half-dozen times when he said other embattled electeds ought to just give up and go. There are allegations and then there are allegations, he told reporters March 9. There is a spectrum of allegations. Whether at his urging or not, dozens of state lawmakers, pastors and other political notables say they feel the same way. I have been a friend of the Cuomo family for 47 years, reads a March 10 statement from former Rep. Nita Lowey, issued through the state Democratic Committee. Attorney General Letitia James has appointed two outstanding attorneys to conduct an independent investigation. At least until they have reported their conclusions, the Governor should remain in office. James has signaled that the investigation will continue whether or not Cuomo steps down. A growing number of elected officials, clergy and political notables are pushing back at calls for Cuomos resignation by saying they are trying to help James not him. They say it is a matter of moral principle that she gets a chance to give Cuomo the due process they say he deserves, even if that has clear political benefits for the increasingly embattled governor. My position has nothing to do with Andy Cuomo, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the most prominent Black legislator to explicitly say Cuomo should not step down, told Spectrum News. Its a principled position. It has all to do with the fact that there is due process in the court systems and all too often people dont get to have that, she said. As you can see, I am an African American woman. This is no offense against anyone else, but I am of a people who have in this county for generations been found guilty of things before we were properly tried. She is one of nearly two dozen female legislators who released a letter making the argument that calls for Cuomos resignation were premature and that they undermined James ability to demonstrate how an independent investigation handled by outside attorneys could find the facts, whatever that means for her political future. We agree with their position that the Attorney General should not be undermined as the chief law enforcement officer in the State of New York by preventing the investigation or, as we would put it, rendering such an investigation moot, reads a March 9 letter sent in support of the lawmakers by two dozen clergy leaders from across the state. City & State attempted to contact all of them. Most did not respond to requests for comment, but Omar Jolly, lead pastor at the Sanctuary of Elmont on Long Island, said in an interview that he signed the letter after seeing it circulated in an informal online network of Christian ministers. There needs to be a fair trial or process when it comes to (the) investigation, he said. He added that applies with the current accusations of unwanted touching and inappropriate comments against Cuomo, the litany of sexual harassment and assault allegations against former President Donald Trump, or anyone else. Thats what I wholeheartedly believe in, he said. A review of the location of each pastors church found that about 2 in 3 were represented by state lawmakers who have not called for Cuomo to resign. Just who exactly has been behind efforts to push back against calls for Cuomo to resign by arguing the merits of due process remains a bit of a mystery. A Cuomo spokesperson and female legislators have denied that the governor had anything to do with their recent letter. A Cuomo representative did not respond by publication time about the level of involvement he might have had with the letter from the clergy, but the attorney general was not involved, according to her office. It does look like something the ministers organized on their own, said a spokesperson for Peoples-Stokes. Whether the ministers meant it or not, their efforts to help James are helping Cuomo in the way that he appears to want the most. He is in the fight for his political life, and whatever James investigation might find, a little time hardly hurts in living to fight another day. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 5 Tips for Making Sure Your Marriage Survives the PandemicAccording to Relationship Experts For better or for worse, the pandemic has thrust many spouses into spending more time together than in pre-pandemic times. Normal, mundane concerns about money, domestic chores, and child-rearing have taken a backseat to more overwhelming concerns about health and even mortality. Not to mention, remote working, reduced freedoms, and the confines of a shared living spaceall of which are pushing many relationships to the brink. Psychologists and relationship experts have come forward in droves to offer advice for stressed-out spouses. Here are five tips that many agree are crucial for keeping a marriage strong amid a global crisis. 1. Remember, this is not normal. An Ipsos poll released on Aug. 4, 2020, found that one in five married or partnered people were fighting more with their significant other during lockdown. Yet the long-term effects of the pandemic on cohabiting couples remain unknown. People are asking themselves, What if I get sick? What if my partner gets sick? What if we cant get enough food? What if we lose a job?, Berkeley psychologist Robert Levenson told Greater Good Magazine. This is a crucible that people are being thrust into, and its just not business as usual. Thus, keep vigilant and be proactive about how you handle your relationship (the subsequent tips may help). And remain hopeful that life will return back to normal, as it should. 2. Allow yourself to feel bad. As routines are disrupted and tempers fray over being stuck indoors, it stands to reason that moods, energy levels, and productivity suffer. Everyone right now is experiencing some form of stress. And while these responses are incredibly common, many people negatively judge themselves for having them, said Iris Mauss, an associate professor of psychology at Berkeley. Yet, she added, research shows that the more people allow themselves to feel negative emotions, the quicker they resolve themselves and the less damage they cause. And dont forget self-care; the roles of gentle exercise, sleep, and meditation have never been more important. 3. Watch out for these 4 behaviors in yourself. Psychologist John Gottman highlights four destructive behaviors he calls the Four Horsemen in his research-based approach to relationships. Those horsemen are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. These four behaviors have ample opportunity to thrive in a lockdown situation, but if spouses find themselves at loggerheads, it is imperative for both to take a step back and work out how to meet halfway. Being able to identify the Four Horsemen in your conflict discussions is a necessary first step to eliminating them and replacing them with healthy, productive communication patterns, advised Ellie Lisitsa of The Gottman Institute. (Illustration Marta Ortiz/Shutterstock) 4. Watch out for unequal power dynamics The extra burden on women to manage the household and children, and the expectation that this is the case, explicitly or not, can create an unequal power dynamic that values one persons work more than the others, Dr. Jessi Gold, psychiatrist and assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis, told The New York Times. Resentment can fester, warned Gold, yet while some disparity in parenting roles is unavoidable, some isnt. Child psychologist Dr. Cynthia Rogers, Golds colleague at Washington, encourages spouses to talk openly about ways the partner with fewer responsibilities can both acknowledge and support the person taking on more. 5. Communicate, communicate, communicate New York Times columnist Vanessa Marin, a licensed psychotherapist, advises partners to check in with one another daily and be intentional about spending time together, while carving out separate working spaces if possible. It remains important, said Marin, to ask your partner how they are doing on an emotional level. Levenson firmly believes that the lockdown could strengthen some marriages, but only if spouses are willing to work at it. For most of us, this is going to be one of the single, defining social moments in our relationship, he said. Its a lot like that very challenging stage of a relationship when you first move in together after dating, and youre discovering things about yourself and your partner as a couple that are really important building blocks for the kind of life youre going to have together, Levenson reflected. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter here: TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) State-owned entities REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have entered into a pact with Bhutan-based Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd (KHEL) to finance a 600-megawatt hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse in the neighbouring country. KHEL is a 50:50 joint venture between SJVN India and Druk Green Power Corporation (Bhutan) set up for developing the 600-MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project in the eastern Bhutan, REC Ltd said in a statement on Wednesday. REC Ltd along with PFC has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 9, 2021, with Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd for financing of 600-MW hydroelectric project at Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, the REC statement said. 'The project is proposed to be funded in a debt-equity ratio of 70:30 and as per the MoU, REC would extend rupee term loan of Rs 2,029 crore. The balance debt shall be extended by PFC (Rs 2,029 crore), NPPF, Bhutan (Rs 200 crore) and Bank of Bhutan (Rs 200 crore),' it said. REC also said the project is being executed as per an inter-governmental agreement signed between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) in April 2014, to undertake the implementation of four hydroelectric projects in Bhutan through a JV model to be formed by PSUs of the two governments. KHEL is the first JV being undertaken between the two governments for implementation of the 4x150 MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project. REC and PFC, both under the administrative control of the power ministry, are non-banking financial companies in the power sector. PTI ABI HRS hrs 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. Post-Brexit customs, Vat and tariff costs are a ticking time bomb for Irish consumers as companies have yet to factor them in to prices. Although the EU-UK trade deal eliminated tariffs and quotas on most goods, tax experts warn that import duties and other administrative costs are stacking up. A lot of the import and export costs arent really reflected in prices yet and thats going to be a nasty surprise, said Rose Tierney, principal at Monaghan-based Tierney Tax Consultancy. Thats a real practical difficulty, particularly where there isnt a lot of margin to play with in businesses. The final costs may not become clear for years, until companies face an audit. Companies are making poor decisions, based on lack of information, lack of understanding, said John OLoughlin, a partner with PwC. Ultimately, that will only ever be picked up in an audit, which will probably be 18-24 months down the line and in that case, you have an inherent risk, a systemic risk built in which, ultimately, will then end up in the payment of significant duties. For instance, import duties are payable twice in the case of machinery made in Germany, using UK steel, which is then re-imported to Ireland. Clothing, toys or electronics coming into Ireland from China, via distribution centres in the UK, also face double duty, unless companies avail of reliefs or transit exemptions in existing customs legislation. Meanwhile, complex rules of origin tariffs could be slapped on goods that contain above-legal thresholds of foreign materials. Irish bakers have already warned of a possible 9pc increase in the cost of bread due to the high Canadian wheat content of the UK flour they use. Businesses need to be keep watch over the customs agents and logistics firms putting paperwork through on their behalf, accountants warned. That, no doubt, will be audited in time and it may well not stack up, said Ms Tierney. Traders need to be very aware and be prepared to challenge a supplier and learn to prepare the customs documentation as to whether or not theres proof of that origin, so that theyre not going to be landed with an unexpected bill at some point. Other administrative costs, including the hassle of registering for Vat in the UK or obtaining EU licences for regulated products, could also prove too costly for some businesses. Sally Jones, the trade strategy and Brexit lead at consultants EY, said Canadian actor William Shatner who has an online business selling Star Trek memorabilia has pulled out of the UK because of onerous Vat requirements. Meanwhile, Ms Tierney said that a chink has been left open in Northern Irelands trading regime, allowing Irish hauliers and businesses to profit from unfettered access to mainland Britain while certain grace periods are in place. "Its a bit of a free-for-all, she said. The longer it goes on, in relation to not having the right checks and balances in place, the more scope there is for fraud. The comments were made at an event on Tuesday organised by the Irish Tax Institute, the UKs Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Association of Tax Technicians. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Dimension Data Middle East and Africa CEO Grant Bodley will step down at the end of the month and will be replaced by current COO Werner Kapp. Bodley will stay on beyond 31 March for a few months to work with Kapp to ensure a smooth transition. Kapp has been with Dimension Data MEA for just over 20 years and has been the companys Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2015. In this role, he has been instrumental in delivering integrated solutions to clients across the Middle East and Africa region. He started his career in the IT industry in the nineties and joined Dimension Data in 2000, working in its services division. He was responsible for the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng regions. Over that time and in these roles, he gained experience in client, revenue and people management. Kapps appointment is part of Dimension Datas succession plan, which is designed to ensure business continuity and growth. Im thrilled to be taking on the new role of CEO and look forward to progressing our leadership position in IT services across the region, said Kapp. I am especially excited about our One Dimension Data operating model as I believe that it is a critical part of our differentiation in the market. Werner has a law degree from the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, a Masters in Business Leadership from the UNISA School of Business, and completed the NTT Global Leadership Development Program at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. Now read: Dimension Data breaks ground on new data centre in Joburg Across the United States, COVID-19 vaccinations are changing older Americans lives. The coronavirus health crisis forced many people in the high-risk group to be separated from family and friends for the past year. But today, many older Americans are visiting family members. They are eating at their favorite restaurants and visiting stores without fear of becoming severely ill. Two weeks after receiving her second COVID-19 vaccine shot, Sylvia Baer spent a day getting an eye examination, having her nails done and buying food at a market. Before the crisis, such a day would have been completely normal. The 71-year-old Baer lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and works as a college professor. She became emotional at her eye doctors office. It marked the first time in nearly a year that she had stepped inside a building that was not her own home for more than a few seconds. I was so happy, she said. She also commented how happy she was to walk into a food store again later that day. She bought some of her favorite sweet and salty foods. But the rise of new, possibly more easily spread versions of the coronavirus is causing some vaccinated seniors to return to their usual lives more slowly. And the effects of so many deaths among people they knew -- plus the mental harm that comes with months of being separated -- will not disappear soon. Eighty-year-old Linda Dobrusin expects to welcome three friends into her home in Southfield, Michigan. All of them have been vaccinated. The friends plan to restart a weekly card game of canasta, which they have not done since last spring. For many seniors, the best part about being vaccinated is being able to see family again, after missing weddings, births, holidays and other celebrations. Older Americans often face other health risks. They have felt the loss of a full year deeply. Seventy-six-year-old Sharon Halper of Warwick, New York expects to receive the second of her two-shot vaccination in the middle of March. Two weeks after that, when researchers say the full effect of the vaccine is reached, she plans to cook a big meal. She is going to invite her grandsons for dinner at her home. I cant wait to hug them again, said Halper. Lonnie Hanauer is 85 years old. He and his wife, Bette, are leaving their home in West Orange, New Jersey this week and flying to Florida to visit their daughter. They have not seen her since November 2019, when they celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday together. Thanksgiving 2020 was the first holiday the two had spent alone, without their children, in more than 50 years. When you get old, you dont know how many more holidays you have, Hanauer said. The usual becomes special Even everyday activities have taken on new importance for vaccinated seniors. People are now permitted to sit in groups of four and have face-to-face discussions inside the Pennswood Village retirement community in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Resident Judy Yaskin, who is 79, hopes eating together will be permitted again soon. That would bring an end to eating meals alone in her living area. She also hopes events such as speaking series and movies may also return to the retirement community. Who knew that eating lunch could seem so exciting? she said. Some seniors say they do not plan to return to some usual activities anytime soon. Arlene Schimmel, a 70-year-old who lives in New York City, said she would still not go to an indoor movie or a restaurant. She said she would only visit friends who have also been vaccinated. Such caution is understandable, experts say. Scientists are still studying the vaccines effectiveness against other coronavirus versions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday released new rules for vaccinated individuals. The health agency says vaccinated people can safely meet indoors without masks in small groups. But it added they should still wear masks in public and avoid large gatherings. The CDC said about 60 million Americans, or 18.1 percent of the population, had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday. Nearly 55 percent of those individuals were 65 years or older. Im Ashley Thompson. And I'm John Russell. The Reuters news agency reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. __________________________________________________________ Words in This Story nails n. (pl.) the hard covering at the end of a finger or toe senior (citizen) n. an older person who is near, at or older than retirement age hug v. to put your arms around someone to show love or friendship resident n. a person who lives in a particular place caution n. care taken to avoid danger or risk; a careful way of behaving Digicel has signed an agreement with the Government of Curacao under the School Digitalisation Project that will see 118 schools receive high-speed fibre optic internet connectivity. The Ministry of Education will oversee the initiative together with the regulator, the Bureau of Telecommunication & Post (BT&P), after they found Digicels proposal to be the most economically and technically practical. The Curacao Chronicle reported that the project will use networks belonging both to Digicel and its TRES Networks subsidiary to deliver three levels of connection speeds via fibre optic infrastructure, with each level based on the number of students that attend each school. As reported by TeleGeography, the base speeds have been set as Metro Ethernet connections of 100Mbps, 200Mbps and 300Mbps. Every school participating in the initiative will be connected to shared bandwidth via a main data centre, which will be able to control access to web content. Digicel has confirmed that the first phase, which will deliver fibre connectivity to 60 schools, can be completed within a week. New York: An accountant witnessed meetings between Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez and a drug trafficker in which they planned the trafficking of cocaine to the US, federal prosecutors in New York said. Assistant US Attorney Jacob Gutwillig said during his opening statement at the trial of accused Honduran drug trafficker Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez on Wednesday (AEDT) that the accountant was present when Hernandez allegedly said he wanted to shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos. They plotted to send as much cocaine as possible to the United States, Gutwillig said of the President and Ramirez. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez speaks to reporters in Washington in 2019. Credit:AP Ramirez was arrested in March 2020 in Florida. He is charged with drug trafficking and arms possession. (Photo : Screenshot From Pxhere Official Website) Microsoft Email Hack Could be Bigger than Thought of as Estimations Dictate Tens of Thousands Just a week after Microsoft had initially announced that its very own widely used email server program has reportedly been hacked. Experts are also reportedly not encouraged by what they have been able to find. Red Canary cybersecurity firm comments According to the story by NBC News, Katie Nickels, the acting director of intelligence at a certain cybersecurity firm known as Red Canary noted that in short, it has just gotten "really messy." It was noted that they were actually seeing no signs of everything slowing down. The cybersecurity community decided to spring into action after Microsoft had initially announced a new series of vulnerabilities that would let hackers directly break into the company's very own Exchange email and calendar programs. China has reportedly used it in order to spy on a number of industries in the US. These range from medical research all the way to law firms and even up to certain defense contractors, according to the company. China has officially denied responsibility for the incident. Microsoft's announcement attracts more hackers Things still don't stop there, however, as Microsoft's very own announcement, in itself, has made things more complicated. With the efforts to fix all of the flaws, it seems like the move attracted more hackers to move towards exploiting the organizations that have yet to put up an updated software. Nickels has also noted that she has seen indications from five very different hacker groups, whose identities remain unknown. The list of the victims is now growing, according to Ben Read, the current director of threat analysis over at a certain cybersecurity company known as Mandiant. Ben Read comments He noted that the situation is "big" saying there are above 40 incidents that they have responded to and these are just the current customers that they have. It was then noted that they are over 500 likely victims that were based on confirmation of the likely sources. Although there is still no available official public list of the said victims, a complete tally, according to Read, puts the estimate at "definitely" within tens of thousands. It was also noted that there is definitely also a number of small and medium sized entities as well. It was noted that that is actually the customer base of Exchange. Read Also: Microsoft Hacked UPDATE: Researcher Reveals 'China Owns the World,' Thousand Servers Get Compromised Per Hour White House National Security Council comments A particular spokesperson coming from the White House National Security Council noted in an email statement saying that the administration is now undertaking a "whole-of-government" type of response in order to address and assess the total impact. It was also noted by the spokesperson that the situation is still an active threat developing. While the Microsoft hack was indeed large, it seems like the situation has transformed into something bigger as even smaller companies are now being targeted by malicious hackers. Despite being cautious, since Microsoft itself was hackers, small and medium companies should also be careful since the whole scope of the attack is still currently under investigation. Related Article: Russian Hacker Site Maza Gets Hacked: Usernames, Email Ads, and Passwords Compromised This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Emirates Group has appointed Steve Allen as the executive vice president of Dnata, its global air services subsidiary. Allen will be responsible for all of Dnatas businesses, which cover ground handling, catering and travel operations across six continents. He will also assume responsibility for managing Emirates Groups relationships with its associated businesses, including MMI, Emirates CAE Flight Training, and Premier Inn. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Prior to joining the Emirates Group, Steve Allen spent 16 years with British Airways in various financial, regional and operational roles. He has been with the Emirates Group for the past 12 years in various operational and support roles. Since 2016, he has been overseeing Dnatas ground handling and cargo operations and airport hospitality services in the United Arab Emirates as divisional senior vice president. For the past nine months he has also been leading Dnatas travel businesses. In his new role, Allen will continue to report to Gary Chapman, president of Dnata, until his retirement at the end of March. Thereafter, Allen will report directly to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman & chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group. Sheikh Ahmed said: In his various management roles at the company Steve has delivered outstanding results and demonstrated excellent leadership skills, making a significant contribution to the success of Dnata and its customers. Im confident that, under Steves leadership, Dnata will cement its position as a global leader that consistently provides service excellence and the highest level of quality and safety across all its businesses. A newly opened bar in Australia has apologised after adopting a Vietnam War theme, with social media users describing it as hurtful and insensitive. In a series of online posts, which have since been removed, the Rickshaw Bar in Richmond, Melbourne, used imagery relating to the Vietnam War, including pint glasses full of bullets, fallen military aircraft, dog tags and references to Agent Orange a chemical weapon used by the US against the Vietnamese during the war. Prospective customers were invited to settle into a booth or bunker down at the bar, adding theres no smoke without fire. The bar, which opened up in a part of the city known as Little Saigon due to its high population of Vietnamese residents, has faced calls for its boycott following the incident. Liminal magazine an online space aimed at exploring and celebrating the Asian-Australian experience wrote on Twitter: Imagine a war where over a million people died, & then imagine deciding to create an aesthetic out of it, to sell cocktails filled with bullet shells, with an Agent Orange theme. In a year where anti-Asian racism has risen dramatically, this bar has opened *in Richmond*, a suburb with a strong Vietnamese population, including people who would have *literally fled this war*. This is horrific. Another user wrote on Instagram: Just gonna say it louder for those out the back: VIETNAM WAR ERA IS NOT AN AESTHETIC. You are trivialising other peoples trauma. My family is still suffering PTSD and you thought it was a good idea to capitalise on their pain. The bar has since removed its website and all images from its social media account. (Instagram) On Wednesday morning, it posted an image on Instagram which reads: We have taken down our content and apologise to anyone that was offended or found the content inappropriate. We have revised our tone and are working hard to make this right. It added: Sorry for any distress caused it was never our intent. The Vietnam War began in 1955 and went on for almost 20 years. It claimed the lives of at least 1.3 million people, with unexploded landmines and traces of Agent Orange continuing to cause deaths and illness throughout Vietnam. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Asian people have experienced a major surge in violent attacks and hate crime across the US, Australia and UK. Police data indicated a 300 per cent increase in hate crime reports from British Chinese, East and South East Asians in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. The House debate on Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package descended into a fiery showdown over Black Lives Matter on Wednesday. It came after one Democratic congresswoman hit back at a Republican colleague's claim that the group 'doesn't like the old-fashioned family'. 'How dare you!' Virgin Islands Rep. Stacy Plaskett fired back at Wisconsin Republican Glenn Grothman after he made the comments. 'How dare you say that we are not interested in families in the black communities,' she continued. Rep. Grothman had made the statement during his own two-minute pushback on the relief bill, in which he also accused Democrats and Black Lives Matter of introducing a 'marriage penalty' by increasing the earned income tax credit for single people. Grothman and other Republicans voted against the bill, which passed shortly afterward by 220-211, with just one Democrat voting against. Scroll down for video 'How dare you!' Virgin Islands Rep. Stacy Plaskett (right) fired back at Wisconsin Republican Glenn Grothman (left) after he said BLM 'doesn't like the old-fashioned family' on Wednesday Plaskett also voiced her anger on Twitter where she shared the video of the exchange In his argument against the bill, Grothman blamed the influence of Black Lives Matter for the increased 'marriage penalty' as he slammed President Biden's inaugural speech as 'divisive'. 'First, one of the things that hasn't been mentioned here, the increase in the earned income tax credit for single people has a marriage penalty in it,' Grothman began. 'I bring this up because I know the strength that Black Lives Matter had in this last election. I know it's a group that it does not like the old-fashioned family. 'I'm disturbed that we have another program here in which we're increasing the marriage penalty,' he continued. After he had yielded to Rep. Plaskett, she appeared immediately angered by his comments and used her chance to debate the bill to instead answer to his claims. 'I hope my colleague from Wisconsin will not leave at this time as he's talked about Black Lives Matter,' she began. 'How dare you! How dare you say Black Lives Matter, black people do not understand old-fashioned family. 'Despite some of the issues, some of the things that you've put forward, that I've heard out of your mouth in the oversight committee, in your own district, we have been able to keep our families alive for over 400 years,' she continued, 'and the assault on our families to not have black lives, or even have black families.' 'How dare you say that we are not interested in families in the black communities. That is outrageous and that should be stricken down,' she continued. 'I was going to talk about the American rescue plan - we know that this is going to provide relief to not only black lives, black Americans, but all Americans, that we are interested in children and in their welfare,' Rep. Plaskett concluded. She later tweeted her anger at Grothman again as she shared a video of the exchange. '#BlackLivesMatter and I had to let my Colleague from Wisconsin know that in so many words today,' she wrote. Plaskett was supported by other Democrats, including Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin who sided with her over her state's congressman (as pictured above) Grothman's fellow Wisconsin congressman Rep David Bowen also sided with Plaskett DNC Chair Jamie Harrison told Grothman 'stop trying to divide us' 'Thank you to Stacey Plaskett for reminding all Americans of history on the House floor,' added presidential historian Michael Beschloss in a tweet (pictured above) Rep. Grothman has not yet commented again on his statements or Plaskett's response. She was supported by other Democrats, including Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin who sided with her over her state's congressman. 'Systemic racism is real. Even on the floor of Congress. I stand with @StaceyPlaskett and thank her for speaking truth to power,' the Democrat wrote on Twitter. Grothman's fellow Wisconsin congressman also sided with Plaskett. 'Thank you, Rep., @StaceyPlaskett for speaking truth to power for Black Families everywhere that deserve to be invested in & not erased due to the disparaging mindset of Rep. Grothman & others!' wrote Rep David F Bowen, a Democrat representing Milwaukee. 'YES, WE MATTER, and for over 400 years we have endured proving that time & time again!' he added. 'The contrasts couldn't be any clearer. The racial derogation is disgusting,' DNC Chair Jamie Harrison stated. 'This week GOPers have gone after black voters, black Farmers, & now black families. They are desperate but they should know this- we aren't going back! Stop trying to divide us!' 'Thank you to Stacey Plaskett for reminding all Americans of history on the House floor,' added presidential historian Michael Beschloss. In a 220-211 vote on Wednesday, the House voted to pass the latest $1.9 trillion COVID relief package with not a single Republican voting in favor of the legislation Pelosi gave a thumbs up to the chamber after the package passed as she received applause from its supporters when announcing the vote to send the legislation to the president The spat between Plaskett and Grothman came in the lead up to the House passing the COVID relief bill which Biden is expected to sign on Friday. It marked a major legislative and policy win for Biden on the 50th day of his presidency. Not one Republican crossed the aisle to vote on passing the final version of the legislation, as several of them lamented they were not welcomed to the negotiating table and had no say in the massive package. 'Heaven forbid that they vote for something a Democratic president wanted,' House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer grumbled about his GOP colleagues. Several Republicans denounced the legislation as a 'ram job' being forced through Congress by Democrats without any attempt at bipartisanship. Democrats passed it under special budget 'reconciliation' rules that allowed it to get through the Senate without being subject to a Republican filibuster. By doing so, they avoided protracted negotiations over a stimulus package that former President Barack Obama and Biden experienced at the start of Obama's term. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit First minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to step back from daily Covid briefings during the upcoming Holyrood election promising not to abuse her position as she campaigns for the SNP. The SNP leader said she would not lead the daily events on the public health crisis in the run-up to the Scottish parliament election in May but could still make appearances for major announcements. Opposition parties have argued Ms Sturgeons lunchtime appearances give her party an unfair advantage. Scottish Tory and Scottish Labour politicians previously wrote to the BBC to complain about live coverage of her updates. You will undoubtedly not have me doing daily briefings every day the way I have been doing them previously, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs on Wednesday. But if there are big decisions that we are having to make during the election period, then I have a duty to communicate to the public what they are. Recommended SNP MP Patrick Grady steps down as chief whip amid sexual harassment allegations Ms Sturgeon added: I fully understand the importance of the election and democratic process and it is not in my interest in any way to be seen as abusing the position of first minister and I will absolutely not do that. The first minister said the Scottish government had not yet come to a final decision on exactly when she would step back from the daily briefings. Scots will vote on 6 May, with a recess for the election campaign set to begin on 25 March. Appearing before MSPs on Holyroods Covid committee, Ms Sturgeon said she hopes all of parts of Scotland can see a substantial easing of lockdown measures when the country returns to the regional levels system at the end of next month. The first ministers comments come as a vote of no-confidence in her deputy first minister, John Swinney, is set to take place in the Scottish parliament later on Wednesday. It follows Mr Swinneys admission that records of meetings between Ms Sturgeon, permanent secretary Leslie Evans and the Scottish governments legal counsel about the unlawful Alex Salmond investigation cannot be found. Nicola Sturgeon with deputy John Swinney (PA) The Scottish Tories said it was inconceivable these minutes dont exist, while Scottish Labours deputy leader Jackie Baillie said Mr Swinneys failure to provide a record was utterly despicable and repugnant. The minister is expected to survive the vote due to backing from the pro-independence Scottish Greens. Ms Sturgeon remains under pressure over the Salmond saga, with the Holyrood committee inquiry continuing to gather evidence on the Scottish governments botched handling of complaints against the former first minister. Mr Salmond has claimed WhatsApp messages from senior SNP figures would substantiate his claims of a malicious and concerted plot against him. A source with knowledge of the content of the messages handed over to the committee last week told The Scotsman on Wednesday that they turned out to be mince. The unnamed committee figure stated: Mr Salmond put high store in us finding some elaborate conspiracy in these text messages, but really they turned out to be mince. They are actually just private conversations that we probably had no business intruding on. Credit: CC0 Public Domain There were no significant differences in health outcomes for pregnant women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes or their babies using two different clinically recommended screening methods, according to results from a large-scale clinical trial conducted by Kaiser Permanente researchers and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Although there is evidence that treating pregnant women for gestational diabetes leads to improved health outcomes for mothers and their infants, there is no scientific consensus on how best to screen for gestational diabetes. Two different approaches are recommended and used in clinical practice in the United States: a 1-step protocol that requires women to fast prior to the test (currently preferred by the American Diabetes Association) and a 2-step approach that does not require fasting for the initial test (currently recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). This study was the first head-to-head trial comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes of the two methods. "We know that screening and diagnosing women with gestational diabetes improves outcomes for mothers and babies," said lead author Teresa Hillier, MD, MS, investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Integrated Health Care Research. "Our trial was designed to determine whether there were any differences in outcomes between the two approaches. The one-step method diagnoses twice as many women, typically leading to treatment of women with milder gestational diabetes, but we found no evidence that this higher diagnosis rate led to differences in outcomes." The study involved nearly 24,000 pregnant women from Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii and from the Northwest in Portland, Oregon, all of whom were randomly assigned to the 1-step or the 2-step testing protocol to screen for gestational diabetes as part of their clinical care. This head-to-head study design compared outcomes across the entire population in a "real-world" clinical setting, allowing generalizability to everyday clinical practice. The women were enrolled between May 28, 2014, and December 31, 2017, and data on outcomes were collected between 2014 through 2018. The outcomes evaluated included rates of gestational diabetes diagnosis, large-for-gestational-age infants, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, primary cesarean section, and a composite measure of several adverse perinatal outcomes that included stillbirth and neonatal death. The study found: Among the 94% of women who completed screening, a larger share (92%) of women randomized into the 2-step protocol were adherent than those randomized into the 1-step approach (66%). There was a significant difference in diagnosis of gestational diabetes; 16.5% of women were diagnosed in the 1-step approach compared to 8.5% in the 2-step protocol. There were no significant differences between the two gestational diabetes screening approaches in the primary Rates were also similar between groups across a range of secondary and safety outcomes, including preterm birth and admission to neonatal intensive care. "What this large-scale clinical trial illustrates is that the 2-step screening method appears to be preferred by patients and providers, and had a lower screen-positive rate, and led to outcomes that were not different from the 1-step method," explained Keith Ogasawara, MD, chief perinatologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. Explore further Research finds increased first-trimester exercise may reduce gestational diabetes risk NEW DELHI: In a strange turn of events, renowned Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshans recent tweet got one of his superfans a year's worth of free AC service! All the actor tweeted was - "At your service, ma'am", and the fan was gifted free AC service by Urban Company! Here's how the Twitter thread unfolded: On March 2, Hrithik's fan Rupali had tweeted, "Garmi aa rahi hai, Beardo accessories se beard set karke Arrow ki shirt aur Paragon ki chappal pehno, Mountain Dew piyo, Zebronics ke headphones lagao, aur HRX workout karo. Make sure you install Plasto tank in your home so that you get nice water and learn coding on Whitehat Jr." Here, she referred to all the brands associated with the actor and cleverly compiled them into the tweet. Later, Urban Company, a home services company, cheekily replied to her tweet saying, "Itna kar rahe ho toh AC service bhi kara hi lo #SummerEssentials." Rupali continued the funny thread and roped in Hrithik into the conversation. She wrote, "@iHrithik hope you have serviced your AC too, coz you're too hot." Urban Company decided to take the thread to the next level and told Rupali that if Hrithik replied or liked her tweet, she would receive free AC service from them for a year! Rupali, excited about the offer, replied to a tweet by the Super 30 actor and requested him to help her get free AC service. On March 9, Hrithik took everyone by surprise when he replied to her tweet saying, "At your service Ma'am!" Consequently, Urban Company followed up on their promise and wrote to Rupali, "Its magic! Its magic! Magic wand. Weve got the power-jet youll need. AC service for a year and UC vouchers are all yours!" On the work front, Hrithik Roshan is set to begin shooting for the film Fighter directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring Deepika Padukone. Its set to release on September 30, 2022, and would mark the third collaboration between Roshan and Anand, after the 2014 film 'Bang Bang!' and the action-thriller 'War'. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (SBB.T/SGSVF.OTCQX), (Sabina or the Company) has announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets, under which the underwriters have agreed to buy on a bought deal basis 18,000,000 common shares (the Common Shares) at a price of C$1.95 per Common Share for gross proceeds of approximately C$35 million (the Offering). The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable at the offering price for a period of 30 days following the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 15% of Common Shares issued to cover over-allotments, if any. The Offering is expected to close on or about March 16, 2021 and is subject to Sabina receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement between the Company and Zhaojin International Mining Co., Ltd. (Zhaojin) dated December 19, 2017 as amended, upon notice from the Company, Zhaojin has elected to exercise its participation right to purchase up to 2,414,311 Common Shares at of the Company at C$1.95 per Common Share by private placement to maintain its 9.9% holdings in Sabinas Common Shares (if the over-allotment is exercised in full). Zhaojin may also subscribe for up to 18,653,307 Common Shares as is equal to 33% of the Common Shares sold under the Offering and prior private placements in which Zhaojin did not participate at the 33% level. The net proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares will be used to advance development of the Companys Goose Project at the Back River Gold District with the objective of funding critical path activities needed to be completed in order to maintain the targeted production schedule, including the purchase of certain mining and construction equipment, site infrastructure facilities, structural steel for process plant building and other structures, winter-ice-road equipment, bulk construction supplies, completion of select earthworks at Goose site, construction activities related to bulk fuel storage at the Port and Goose sites to prepare for Project fuel requirements, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Common Shares will be offered pursuant to the Company's base shelf prospectus dated May 15, 2020. The terms of the Offering will be described in a prospectus supplement to be filed with securities regulators in each of provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec and the Common Shares may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States. The Common Shares offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the Common Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Sabina Gold & Silver Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is well-financed and is an emerging precious metals company with district scale, advanced, high grade gold assets in Nunavut, Canada. Sabina recently filed an Updated Feasibility Study (the UFS) on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that will produce ~223,000 ounces of gold a year (first five years average of 287,000 ounces a year with peak production of 312,000 ounces in year three) for ~15 years with a rapid payback of 2.3 years, with a post tax IRR of ~28% and NPV5% of C$1.1B. See National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report 2021 Updated Feasibility Study for the Goose Project at the Back River Gold District, Nunavut, Canada dated March 3, 2021. The Project received its final major authorization in June 25, 2020 and is now in receipt of all major permits and authorizations for construction and operations. In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencores Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett Rivers silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter. For further information, please contact: Nicole Hoeller, Vice-President, Communications: 1 888 648-4218 nhoeller@sabinagoldsilver.com This news release has been authorized by the undersigned on behalf of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. Bruce McLeod, President & CEO Suite 1800 Two Bentall Centre 555 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V7X 1M7 Tel 604 998-4175 Fax 604 998-1051 http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (the forward-looking statements), including, but not limited to, statements related to the expected use of proceeds of the Offering and the projections and assumptions of the UFSresults of the UFS. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and assumptions include, among others, the uncertainty of production, development plans and costs estimates for the Back River Gold Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs; the interpretation of drill, metallurgical testing and other exploration results; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; the effects of general economic conditions, commodity prices, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government and regulatory authorities; and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with exploration and project development; the need for additional financing; the calculation of mineral resources and reserves; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary licenses and permits; environmental liability and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers or directors; the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; labour disputes; competition; dilution; the volatility of the our common share price and volume; future sales of shares by existing shareholders; and other risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the Back River Project and general risks associated with the mineral exploration and development industry described in our Annual Information Form, financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities l Mr Andrews has been temporarily replaced by Deputy Premier James Merlino. Environment Minister Lily DAmbrosio praised Mr Merlino at the governments press conference on Wednesday. She said Mr Merlino, who is also the minister for education and for mental health, was up to the task for as long as necessary. James Merlino is a consummate politician and hes doing a fantastic job as acting Premier, she said. Another Labor MP told The Age that theres no doubt Daniel is a strong leader, but hes a leader of a team. Regardless of how people have elevated his persona through coronavirus, it will be business as usual, the MP said. Its not the first time Daniel hasnt been there for a parliamentary sitting and James has run the ship plenty of times. He [Merlino] is a popular guy every single MP is talking to him about education and now mental health issues. A senior government source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Mr Andrews recovery certainly wont be quick, with a more precise time frame dependent on the impending decision of The Alfred hospital trauma centre doctors on surgery. Surgeons told The Age a recovery time of six to 12 weeks was likely. The government source confirmed the Premier, who is said to be in good spirits, had fractured his T7 vertebra, which could require screws to be inserted and a months-long recuperation period. Concerns over the seriousness of Mr Andrews condition have gradually increased since he was taken to hospital early on Tuesday after slipping on wet stairs at a holiday home in the Mornington Peninsula while getting ready for work. He broke ribs on his left and right sides but has been cleared of internal injuries such as a punctured lung. The Premier has not sustained head injuries and was conscious and speaking on Wednesday, the government source said. Premier Daniel Andrews at a press conference on March 4. Credit:Jason South He was initially treated at the Peninsula Private Hospital in Langwarrin and had a range of scans, but on Tuesday evening, after an MRI was assessed by specialists, it was decided to move him to The Alfred. The T7 is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage and muscles of the chest. Leading orthopaedic surgeon John Cunningham who is not Mr Andrews doctor said based on the description of the Premiers injuries, he would expect him to be out of work for anywhere between six and 12 weeks, depending on the type of treatment he opted for. This is my bread and butter; I see these sorts of fractures all the time, Mr Cunningham said. They really knock people for six. Even after successful treatment, they can have lingering symptoms for some time. He will likely be able to recover from this, but its going be a while before hes standing up in Parliament or in front of the press for hours on end. Regardless of the decision on surgery, Mr Andrews is expected to remain in intensive care for several days and will almost certainly be absent for next weeks sitting of Parliament. Mr Andrews absence comes as Ms Neville has taken leave until late May to receive treatment for Crohns disease. A decision on when Victoria will reopen its hotel quarantine program to international arrivals remains pending after Mr Andrews indefinitely paused flights last month due to a leakage of COVID-19 from a quarantine hotel. Mr Cunningham said for injuries such as Mr Andrews, the common treatment was to have corrective surgery soon after the injury. Alternatively, a patient could use a high back brace around the thoracic spine, helping them stay upright and preventing spinal deformity while their fracture heals. Mr Cunningham said it appeared the Premier had avoided a worst-case scenario of spinal cord damage. The question of whether or not to operate now and I say this in general terms is to do with the chances of him developing an ongoing deformity or what we call a kyphosis, he said. Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. Mr Cunningham said there was a very small risk of paraplegia or permanent neurological injury from surgery. It is very difficult to be prescriptive when it comes to spinal trauma, he said. Youve got to really take into account a patients whole general health, their workplace and how much time they can take off. I would think that Daniel Andrews would be a man who wants to take the least amount of time off work as possible. Melbourne neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon Michael Wong said the length of the Premiers recovery depended on the severity of his fracture. In the event of a minor fracture, you dont really need surgery. You just need to put the patient in the brace and they would still expect to have pain for quite some time and go through a period of rehabilitation, he said. For more severe fractures, the spine can become unstable, and surgery is required. Loading If the fracture is so bad that some of the bone fragment has basically come apart and is now impinging onto the nerves of the spinal cord, then you have to operate to protect the spinal cord, said Dr Wong, who specialises in treating people with chronic pain. He said surgery involved using some sort of spinal instrumentation, such as metal screws, to stabilise the spine. The surgery itself is not a small surgery, he said. It is a significant surgery that someone will face when they have spinal fracture. Net asset value per share rose by 5.7% to 311.9p, while the dividend for the year went up 2% to 7.55p PLC ( ) reported few problems with rent collection during 2020 and said the value of its portfolio of European commercial property rose by 1.4% even with a dip in the UK. The FTSE 250 group confirmed 99% of rents were collected during the year, up slightly on the year previously with 98% collected in the first quarter of 2021. Net rental income in the year to end-December was flat was at 109.8mln (2019: 110.6mln) with rental increases from net acquisitions offset by COVID-19 related weakness in hotels and student accommodation Germany was the best performer within the portfolio rising in value by 8.6% through what CLS describes as positive letting activity and other asset management, with France up 0.3% and the UK down 2.6% Net asset value per share rose by 5.7% to 311.9p, while the dividend for the year goes up 2% to 7.55p. Fredrik Widlund, chief executive, said: "The strengths of our diversified business model and close relationships with our tenants proved invaluable during a challenging year and led to the delivery of positive financial results with EPRA EPS and EPRA NTA both increasing. Our active management approach resulted in our country teams in the UK, Germany and France delivering on leasing transactions, refurbishments and strong rent collection despite the backdrop of the pandemic. "Our portfolio is strategically well placed for the future, concentrated on great locations and offering high quality, flexible space and leases. CLS' balance sheet remains strong and once the six most recent acquisitions complete, which were exchanged at the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, contracted annualised rent will increase to 115mln." HAMILTON, ON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Bruno Paquin as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO appointment has taken effect on March 4, 2021. Dr. John Thornback, Chair of the Board of Directors said, "We are pleased to announce that Bruno Paquin has been appointed CEO of CPDC with immediate effect. The Board feels that Bruno has done an excellent job as interim CEO over the past few months and we are looking forward to working with Bruno, and everyone in the CPDC family, our clients and employees, as he leads us through the next phases of development to a successful future. Dr. Paquin joined CPDC in 2018, where he supported the Centre as Senior Director of Business Development. Prior to joining CPDC, Bruno was VP Business Development at Immuni T from 2011 to 2018, where his role was central to the growth of the company and to building a pipeline of sponsored research programs. Prior to Immuni T, Bruno started as the Head of the Technology Development Unit at Genizon Biosciences to become the Executive Director, Head of Business Development, from 2000 to 2011. Bruno received his PhD in Biochemistry from Universite de Montreal. Bruno Paquin said, "I am honoured to be named CPDC's CEO and thankful to the Chair and all the members of the Board of Directors for their confidence. The CPDC is an exceptional organization transforming patients' life by fostering the development of revolutionizing drugs. With the support of the leadership team and that of all the employees, I look forward to leading CPDC to its continuing success and shaping its bright future." About CPDC The Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) is a private, not-for-profit company dedicated to improving patient's lives by advancing drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Created in 2008, with the support of multiple stakeholders, including the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), McMaster University and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), CPDC has become a global leader in the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals. With an established pipeline of products and a robust and reliable manufacturing unit, CPDC supplies innovative diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals that are used daily in Canada and around the world. CPDC currently employs over 110 staff in Hamilton and Toronto. For more information about CPDC, please visit: www.imagingprobes.ca or contact [email protected]. SOURCE Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization Related Links imagingprobes.ca Under HBI's "School-to-Skills" program, eligible schools would receive funding to assist in creating or enhancing their construction trades programs with the inclusion of HBI's Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum. To apply, school officials should visit www.hbi.org/s2s . HBI trains skilled workers for the building industry. Its PACT curriculum is one of only three pre-apprenticeship programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. The nonprofit organization's programs are customized to meet the employment needs of the local building and construction businesses in the communities where they have been established. The new certification allows secondary schools in Ohio to license the PACT curriculum. "The state's certification of HBI's curriculum means more opportunities for good paying jobs for young Ohioans," said Ed Brady, HBI's President and CEO. "The demand is huge right now for skilled labor in construction, across Ohio and the entire U.S., and it will continue to grow significantly over the next decade." With the national jobless rate just under seven percent at the end of 2020, the housing industry was a clear bright spot and job creator. According to government data, the home building industry is short more than 200,000 workers as 2021 begins. A recent study from the Brookings Institution projects that nearly half of all openings over the next decade will be for "middle-skill" jobs, those requiring more than high school but less than a college degree. "As is true throughout the country, the Ohio building industry needs more skilled trade workers. The white-, green-, and blue-collar jobs in residential construction create good wages and bright futures for workers, which benefit their families and the communities in which they live." said Mark Zollinger, president of the Ohio Home Builders Association (OHBA). "With the certification of HBI's curriculum, more Ohio students will gain the skills and hands-on experience they need to build careers in construction and related fields." According to the OHBA, building one hundred new single-family homes creates 297 full-time jobs, generates $11.1 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue, and produces $28 million in business and wage revenue. HBI is the country's leading, nonprofit provider of skills training for the building industry. It offers pre-apprenticeship training, job placement services, certification programs and online learning across the U.S. to high school students, at-risk youth, veterans and transitioning military, displaced workers, justice-involved youth and adults and others who seek to be a part of America's trained workforce. HBI is the largest, national training partner in the U.S. Department of Labor's Job Corps program. Prior to becoming HBI's CEO in 2018, Ed Brady Ed Brady was a Bloomington, IL-based builder and developer and 2016 Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. Visit www.hbi.org for more information and follow on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. SOURCE Home Builders Institute (HBI) Related Links https://www.hbi.org/ Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Wabash Township Trustee Jennifer Teising abruptly cancelled her funding meeting with members of the fire department Tuesday evening. As we previously reported, Trustee Teising made an announcement to the fire department that she intended to go forward with creating a fire district as the new funding source for the department. She said this would require the members of the volunteer fire department to get 6,000 signatures from property owners of the unincorporated area of Wabash Township. She had originally scheduled this meeting for Saturday, but postponed it to Tuesday since the funeral of former Boswell Town Marshall Kevin McCombs' funeral was also scheduled for Saturday. They were supposed to have this meeting outside. From the start, this meeting was not intended to be a public meeting. We were told by an anonymous source that members of the media refused to leave the area when she asked them to leave and that a Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Deputy who was called out also did not force them to leave. Our source said they were told by Trustee Teising that the meeting would then move to zoom and that she would be on her office computer. This then led to a bit of an argument about who would take the podium that was set up inside. "In an effort to bring the podium inside, she knocked it over and broke it," said our source. "She then cancelled the meeting completely and requested help bringing it in." Our source said she was clearly frustrated and angry and did not give a reason for cancelling the meeting. After the podium got inside, our source said the firefighters asked if they could just hold the meeting then and there since they were all inside the same room. "She refused telling us we could all go home," our source said. "There was then a bunch of yelling going on between her and various members of the department. There was yelling on both sides, it was by no means one sided." Our source said most of the firefighters stayed, hoping to still have the meeting once everyone had cooled off, but they said Trustee Teising ultimately left and eventually so did the rest of the crew. An anonymous source also shared the following email with News 18 sent by Trustee Teising to the department members after the incident. "The unprofessional and threatening behavior of some of the members of the fire department this evening was completely unacceptable. I can not imagine what would make you think it is acceptable to scream at me or make baseless accusations against me. I have followed all of the laws and regulations of my office and I am not going to be bullied by the media, former employees or members of the fire department. I am not resigning because people have participated in a smear campaign against me. Any accusations regarding problems with my residence are not true. If you wish to have a meeting with me so that I can present you with options for a permanent funding plan then please let me know what time, place and date of an outside meeting. I am also available via zoom. This should be a private discussion at this time and I will not attend if the media is present. If you no longer want to work towards a permanent funding plan then I will be forced to make the necessary reductions to the budget. This would include eliminating all paid staff positions. If I do not hear from you by Friday March 12 at 5 pm I will begin the process of helping our staff members find alternative employment. I encourage each of you to decide what is important to you and focus on the best interests of the township." Trust has been deteriorating for months between Trustee Teising, the Wabash Township Board and the fire department members. After former Fire Chief Ed Ward was abruptly fired and not given due process, and accusations arose that Trustee Teising had moved to Florida, the board voted for her to resign. The members of the volunteer fire department also boycotted several days of work in protest of Ward not getting due process. Board members also say she damaged relationships with neighboring departments and elected leaders, ruining chances to join forces with them to help solve their funding issues. As we previously reported in February, the Wabash Township Firefighters Association voted unanimously for no confidence in Trustee Teising and called for her resignation. We have reached out to Trustee Teising for a comment or explanation as to why Tuesday's meeting was cancelled. We are waiting to hear back from her. The Commander of the US-Pacific Command, Admiral Philips Davidson recently acknowledged the state of affairs between India and the US, and said that it is a historic opportunity to deepen the bilateral defense ties and strengthen the 'defining partnership of the 21st century.' He was addressing the lawmakers where he pointed that the United States strongly supports India's establishment of an information fusion center while maintaining focus on maritime domain awareness. This he suggested will enhance the maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The top US commander said that India and America are now also involved in information exchange, in a secure manner, while "India has substantially increased its acquisition of US defense equipment." The Admiral pointed that information sharing has enhanced after the two nations signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018. 'Defence sales are at all-time high' Referring to the Apache and MH-600 missile defence system that India agreed to acquire from the US in February, he was quoted by PTI as saying "The defense sales are at an all-time high with India operating US-sourced platforms such as P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s, AH-64s, CH-47s, Precision Guided-Excalibur Munitions, and M777 howitzers." He further mentioned that the US expects progress on information sharing, joint military-to-military cooperation and "exercises like TIGER TRIUMPH and MALABAR." The Admiral then sought an increase in quadrilateral collaboration between the four nations India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Agreements India signed with the US It must be noted that Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandu had recently told PTI "India has signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), Industrial Security Annex and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) to facilitate mil-to-mil cooperation." [March 10, 2021] Tetrate, Started by Istio Founders, Raises $40 Million to Help Enterprises With Cloud-Native Application Networking Platform Tetrate announced today that it has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by Sapphire Ventures. Other new investors, Scale Venture Partners and NTTVC, and existing investors, Dell Technologies Capital, Intel Capital, 8VC, and Samsung NEXT, participated in the round. The Series B funding will be used to develop advanced capabilities within Tetrate Service Bridge, the only cloud-agnostic, hybrid cloud applications networking platform. Funding also will support a new SaaS (News - Alert) offering: an Istio-based platform that makes the application service mesh easier to consume. Additionally, Tetrate will expand go-to-market activities in the Americas and initiate go-to-market teams in Europe and Asia. Varun Talwar, CEO and co-founder of Tetrate, is the co-creator of Istio and gRPC. He started Tetrate with Jeyappragash (JJ) Jeyakeerthi, who previously led Twitter's (News - Alert) Cloud Infrastructure Management Platform. Jai Das, Sapphire Ventures President and Partner, will join Tetrate's Board of Directors. "We're excited to have Sapphire's support and Jai's membership on our board," said Talwar. "Jai's experience will be invaluable as we take Tetrate to the next level of growth and success." Talwar called the funding round a "major milestone for Tetrate - capping off a record year where we've doubled our team and had a 10x increase in customer base and revenue." "Sapphire Ventures is thrilled to back Tetrate, the company behind enterprise Istio and Envoy," said Das. "As the microservices revolution picks up steam, it's indispensable to use Istio for managing applications built with microservices and deployed on containers. Both the product and background of the founding team lead us to believe that Tetrate is poised to bring Istio into the mainstream for enterprises by making it easy to manage and deploy on multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. The applications we use daily require a lot of work in the background, and Tetrate helps make that happen with its Istio-based service mesh technology, which helps route traffic between microservices, add visibility and enhance security." Rapid Expansion and Service Mesh Leadership Formed in 2018, Tetrate's $12.5 million Series A funding round in March 2019 enabled the company to rapidly expand its open source leadership and deepen its contributions to the open source community. Today, Tetrate is one of the largest contributors to the Istio open source project and second largest to Envoy Proxy. Adopted by customers including Fortune 200 financial services, telco, retail, media, and US federal government organizations, Tetrate is the only platform-neutral and cloud-neutral company to provide commercial support for Istio - also building a service mesh platform that's based on Istio and Envoy. Tetrate partnered with NIST to define service mesh security standards and to implement NIST's authorization framework, Next Generation Access Control. Customers Modernize for Operational Efficiency Service mesh adoption is expected to steadily increase as enterprises and governments expand microservices architecture across their systems. Customers have leveraged Tetrate's solutions to meet critical infrastructure needs across multiple on-premises and cloud deployments. US Department of Defense (DoD) "We partnered with Tetrate to help secure and smoothly operate Platform One with Istio. Platform One works with the most critical systems across the DoD. The Tetrate team has provided world-class expertise, trained our team members, reviewed our platform architecture and configurations, and helped with debugging and upgrades. We're getting excellent production support for running our platform smoothly, and we rely on them and their platform for a critical layer of our stack." - Nicolas Chaillan, Chief Software Officer, US Air Force FICO "Tetrate, via Istio and their platform, has enabled end-to-end encryption and PCI (News - Alert) compliance for our AWS EKS workloads and also helped improve our operational efficiency." - Jeet Kaul, VP Engineering, FICO Square "Square's infrastructure relies heavily on best-of-breed open source service mesh technologies Envoy and Istio that are fast becoming de facto standards. We rely on these both in the datacenter (for Square's Seller business) as well as in the cloud (for CashApp) to provide a high degree of reliability in load distribution, service discovery and routing, with industry-leading security features. Working closely with Tetrate has helped us achieve these benefits."- Manik Surtani, Engineering Director, Square About Tetrate Started by Istio founders to reimagine application networking, Tetrate is the enterprise service mesh company managing the complexity of modern, hybrid cloud application infrastructure. Its flagship product, Tetrate Service Bridge, provides a comprehensive, enterprise-ready service mesh platform built for multi-cluster, multitenancy, and multi-cloud deployments. Customers get consistent, baked-in observability, runtime security and traffic management in any environment. Tetrate remains a top contributor to the open source projects Istio and Envoy Proxy. Find out more at www.tetrate.io. Please contact us with questions. Follow us on Twitter, @Tetrateio. About Sapphire Ventures Sapphire Ventures is a leading venture capital firm that partners with visionary teams and venture funds to build companies of consequence. For nearly two decades, Sapphire has been investing capital, resources and expertise in innovative startups and technology-focused venture funds around the world. With more than $5.7B in AUM across Sapphire Ventures, Sapphire Partners and Sapphire Sport, and with team members in Austin, London, Palo Alto and San Francisco, Sapphire is well-positioned to help scale companies and venture funds, elevating them to become global category leaders. To learn more about Sapphire Ventures, visit: https://sapphireventures.com/. About Dell (News - Alert) Technologies Capital Dell Technologies Capital is the global venture capital investment arm of Dell Technologies. The investment team backs passionate early-stage founders who push the envelope on technology innovation for enterprises. Since inception in 2012, the team has invested in more than 110 startups, 6 of which have gone public and more than 50 have been acquired. Notable investments include Adallom, Arista Networks, Cylance (News - Alert) , Docusign, Graphcore, Humio, JFrog, MongoDB, Netskope, Nuvia, Nutanix, Packet, RedLock, RiskRecon, TwistLock, Wavefront, and Zscaler. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Dell Technologies Capital has offices in Boston, Austin, and Israel. For more information visit www.delltechnologiescapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005295/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] No one knows better about living the dream than Emil and Liliana Schmid, a couple from Switzerland that are the record-holders for a series of very inspiring and awesome Guinness World Records. They have been traveling the world since 1984 in their trusty 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60, the real star of this story.Since March is autoevolutions Toyota Month , no virtual Toyota party is complete without a mention of this iconic Land Cruiser, the fulfiller of dreams and one of the most reliable and hard-worked vehicles in the world. The journey that started 37 years ago as a whim is still going on as we speak. The car is still running even though, as of the moment of press, its been left in Argentina due to current travel restrictions, while the couple continues their journey by plane and using other means of transport.Back in 1984, Emil and Liliana had saved up some money and, since they had no kids and had not even owned a house, they thought they could give themselves a one-year sabbatical to explore North America. They decided that their 82 bright blue Land Cruiser would be the vehicle of choice , so they flew into North America while the Toyota followed them by ferry.The vehicle had been equipped for the adventure, of course. To this day, its fit for everyday living, including sleeping, eating, and spending leisure time, with storage for water, propane gas cooker, extra storage for fuel, cutlery, clothes, makeshift bed, you name it. Emil and Liliana dont live out of the car and often resort to hotels and the kindness of strangers to spend one or several nights, but when they have to sleep inside the Toyota, they can.Once the year was over, Emil had made up his mind: he wanted to keep going. Liliana wasnt so sure. I am pretty persistent, so when I convinced Liliana to embark on this journey she was very hesitant, Emil once said. In the end, she agreed.Since then, they have been traveling the world for 37 years without stopping. As of 2017, they still hold the Guinness record for the longest driven journey in the world: 741,065 km (460,476 miles) across 186 countries. But they also hold records for the most miles done in a single car and the most countries visited in a single car.More importantly, they have no plans of stopping. The Land Cruiser went through its third rejuvenation in March 2017 and, as you would imagine, hundreds of flat tires, dozens of shock absorbers and batteries, one engine mounting, and too many to count cosmetic scratches and dents. Emil hopes it will continue running until they decide or have to stop traveling.Not that theyre planning to do so anytime soon. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take your breath away, Liliana once mused. Its little things that make it worthwhile its a flower, its a bird, its a mountain.Thats inspirational stuff alright, but how in the world is anyone able to pay for decades of travel? You have to have a very relaxed but practical attitude about it, it seems. Emil and Liliana often do end jobs to make extra money, or they rely on support from communities or, perhaps more important of all, financial backing from sponsors.Whether its a couple of nights at a discounted price at a hotel, a free overnight stay at some strangers house, or donations from local Toyota dealerships and Toyota groups, every bit counts. Emil, now in his mid-70s, has his government pension to rely on, and they also had some money inherited from their parents. But if you live as they do, you only need very little except money for gas.If you have some time to kill, do check out their website : its a treasure trove of pictures and stories. It takes some getting used to because of the old interface, but its enough to get you feeling wanderlust. The texts are packed with details and with a clear focus on them: these two dont have time to write elaborate stories. Theyre too busy living the life with their trusted Toyota Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. TOLEDO, Ohio, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tackling the living kidney-donor shortage, Kidneys for Communities , a nonprofit, has launched the first-ever national community-directed donation program to increase the pool of living kidney donors in the United States. The pandemic has impacted living kidney donations across the U.S. According to the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), living kidney donations in 2020 dropped to just 5,237, the lowest number in just over two decades. "We are battling end-stage renal disease on all fronts," said Ira Brody, executive director of Kidneys for Communities. "End-stage renal disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. While prevention through kidney-health education is key, those who are in the final stages of chronic kidney disease are currently relying on a small pool of living donors a year, made even smaller by COVID. More than 240 people on dialysis die every day because they could not find a donor, so expanding the pool of living kidney donations could mean survival for many." The Kidneys for Communities model addresses the significant shortage of living kidney donations in the U.S., where more than 100,000 people are in immediate need of a kidney transplant, according to the OPTN. Based on OPTN data, of those who receive kidneys from living donors, approximately 95 percent know or are associated with the donor through their community network. The community-directed donation model increases living kidney donations by allowing potential donors who belong to membership-based associations to direct their lifesaving donation to someoneeven a potential strangerbased on a community they want to support. Kidneys for Communities is harnessing the power of community through proactive outreach programs that drive education and awareness about living kidney donations. Celebrating National Kidney Month, Kidneys for Communities is asking leaders of membership-based associations and community organizations to sign up for its "Put Your Kidney Where Your Heart Is" toolkit to empower members to learn more about kidney donation and support others in their organizations. With this program in place, Kidneys for Communities is working to make the living kidney donor shortage a thing of the past. To further increase living donor and recipient matches, Kidneys for Communities partners with leaders in the renal transplantation field, including Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation, which matches willing but incompatible kidney donor and recipient pairs through paired donations. Through Kidneys for Communities and Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation, a person can donate their kidney on a community member's behalf, similar to a voucher concept; the member in need is then entered into a pool, where they're matched with a viable donor. This creates a chain that allows for at least two people in need to receive a kidney: the member of the respective community and another recipient in need. "We put the daunting task of finding a living-donor on the shoulders of patients suffering from end-stage renal disease," said Founder and CEO of Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation, Michael Alan Rees, M.D., Ph.D. "Kidneys for Communities wants to change this by tipping the scales back in the direction of donors through the power of a common cause. We believe this commonality shifts the idea from helping a stranger, to helping someone, whom they have not yet met, but with whom they share a powerful connection the community connection." Paired donation is based in part on Nobel Prize winner and Stanford Economist Alvin Roth's contributions to algorithms that help match patient-donor pairs to one another, so that each patient receives a transplant of a well-matched kidney. "Kidney donors save lives," said Roth. "Living kidney donation is often left to happenstance or a hopeful recipient's individual outreach efforts. Kidneys for Communities opens up the idea of donating based on mutual community affiliation. Together with paired donation, it means that donors can help members of their community while also helping others, in a streamlined process." About Kidneys for Communities Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit that partners with organizations to impact the lives of their members by offering resources about living kidney donations that are shared with membership, increasing the chances of matching those who are in need of a kidney with those who want to help. Kidneys for Communities addresses the shortage of living kidney donors needed for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients through proactive community outreach programs. Kidneys for Communities is unlocking the connections created through membership-based communities that can increase the number of living kidney donors in the U.S. The leadership team includes innovative leaders and partners in the field of nephrology and renal transplantation, including Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation. Individuals who medically pre-qualify will be referred to Kidneys for Communities' primary partner, the Alliance for Paired Kidney Donation, or other paired kidney exchange programs that offer vouchers and financial-reimbursement benefits. To find out more, visit kidneysforcommunities.org. Sources: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, OPTN and CDC/Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative SOURCE Kidneys for Communities Related Links https://kidneysforcommunities.org Some 2,300 National Guard troops will remain deployed to Washington, D.C. until at least May 23, the Pentagon announced Tuesday night. The deployment extension, approved after a request from the U.S. Capitol Police, will stretch the Guard mission to protect the nation's capital to nearly six months. "Nearly 2,300 National Guard personnel will continue the support mission.This represents a reduction of nearly 50 percent of the current support force," Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. "This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness." Close to 5,000 Guard troops from around the country are now deployed to D.C., down from the nearly 26,000 who converged on the capital ahead of President Joe Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration. Guard members from every state and territory were mobilized after a Jan. 6 pro-Trump rally turned violent, and rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, forcing lawmakers to shelter in place for hours. While the inauguration was completely peaceful, it's not clear when the Guard mission will be brought to a close. A task force headed by retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore called this week for the establishment of a permanent National Guard quick-reaction force in the district. "This could be done by mobilizing military police from Guard elements across the U.S. on rotations of three to six months," a report released by the task force proposed. "Another option would be to create a QRF that permanently resides within the D.C. Guard by reestablishing a military police battalion and staffing it with active Guard reserve troops who live in or near the city year-round, perpetually on active duty." Kirby said in the Tuesday night statement that defense officials would work with U.S. Capitol Police during the extended deployment "to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow." "We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. -- Steve Beynon contributed to this report. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Six of the 20 justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria will retire in the next 33 months, adding to a vacuum created by the death of Sylvester Ngwuta. Only in November last year did the court recover from a downward trend that had brought the number of justices of the court to an all-time low in 2020. Within five years, President Muhammadu Buharis lukewarmness towards judicial appointments helped the number of judges of the court to fall to 12 with the retirement of Paul Galumje in April 2020. Although five judges were appointed to the countrys highest bench between November 2016 and January 2019, the number was just half of the 10 that retired between February 2016 and the time Mr Galumje retired. With a backlog of cases dating back to 2010 still in the courts docket, some of the few remaining judges, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Tanko Muhammad, began to seize various opportunities to speak publicly about their heavy workload and the need to urgently fill the vacancies on the bench. The downward trend was, however, stemmed in November 2020 when eight justices were inaugurated at a go, drastically jerking the number up to an unprecedented 20. The appointment ignited hope that the apex court would soon, for the first time in history, attain the full complement of 21 justices. But instead of reaching the full complement, the number, four months later, is slipping back into a reverse trend, starting with Justice Sylvester Ngwutas death on Sunday. Six more judges to exit Unlike in the United States where the appointment is for life, justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria statutorily retire when they reach 70 years in age. Mr Ngwuta died three weeks before his retirement was due on March 30. He will be followed out of the court by the second most senior judge of the court, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, who will be 70 on March 22. As Mr Rhodes-Vivour bows out on that date to bring the number of judges of the court to 18, five of his colleagues, including the CJN, Mr Muhammad, will also be exiting within the next 33 months. Mary Odili, who will become the second most senior justice of the court when Mr Rhodes-Vivour leaves, will also retire on May 12, 2022. Just 11 days after Ms Odilis retirement, Ejembi Eko will follow her out of the door on May 23, 2022. The CJN himself will retire on December 31, 2023, about seven months after President Buhari would have completed his second term in office. If Mr Buharis tardiness in treating judicial appointments persists till the end of his tenure, it means that by the time the president who inherited a Supreme Court with 17 Justices in May 2015 is leaving office in May 2023, the number of the justices would have again plummeted to 14. Persistent delays The appointment of judges for federal courts has seen major delays under Mr Buharis administration. His handling of the appointment of the last set of eight justices of the apex court typifies it. ALSO READ: Senate confirms eight Supreme Court Justices In June 2019, when the court had 16 justices, the president wrote the CJN, asking him as the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as contained in the Nigerian Constitution. ADVERTISEMENT The NJC immediately swung into action, and by the end of October 2019, the body had recommended four Justices of the Court of Appeal to the President for elevation to the apex courts bench. Mr Buhari refused to act on the list for almost one year. While the list of four nominees was still pending, the NJC recommended another four candidates to the president for appointment to the Supreme Court bench in August 2020. Mr Buhari still did not take any action until September when he merged the old and new lists and sent the eight names to the Senate for confirmation. The Senate confirmed the appointments on October 13, 2020, but they would not be sworn in until about three weeks later on November 6 due to what our reporter understood to be a communication gap between the NJC and the presidency. By the time the eight justices were inaugurated in November, they were not enough to push the number of judges on the apex court bench to the full complement of 21 that Mr Buhari had set out to achieve in 2019. The appointment of the immediate-past CJN, Walter Onnoghen, also followed the same pattern of delay. While the NJC recommended Mr Onnoghen to the President on October 13, 2016, Mr Buhari refused to forward his name to the Senate till the retirement of then outgoing CJN, Mahmud Mohammed, who retired on November 10, 2016. The president subsequently named Mr Onnoghen as the acting CJN and refused to act on the NJCs recommendation for months. It took the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who was then Acting President during Mr Buharis medical vacation abroad, to forward Mr Onnoghens name to the Senate for confirmation. The Senate subsequently confirmed Mr Onnoghens appointment on March 1, 2017, and he was subsequently sworn in by Mr Osinbajo on March 7. The appointments of the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, his predecessor, the late Adamu Kafarati, and the present President of the National Industrial Court, Benedict Kanyip, also suffered months of unexplained delays caused by the president. The last set of 12 justices of the Court of Appeal waited for about seven months before their recommendation by the NJC was approved by President Buhari and they were subsequently inaugurated in June 2018. Impact of delayed appointments The delay in the appointment of judges has a direct negative impact on the justice system. The CJN, Mr Muhammad, made this point at the valedictory court session held in honour of then retiring justice of the apex court, Amiru Sanusi, on February 3, 2020. As of that time, Mr Sanusi was leaving 13 justices behind on the bench, while the recommendation of four candidates to fill the vacancies was pending and unattended to by Mr Buhari. The CJN warned that retirement without due replacements would leave the court more overburdened as the court received more cases on a daily basis. The CJN said, You will recall that barely seven weeks ago, being Thursday, December 12, 2019, we assembled here to honour our brother, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, in a similar valedictory session. That ceremony painfully occasioned the depleting of our ranks at the Supreme Court. In a similar fashion, this session, too, is billed to further drastically reduce the number of Supreme Court justices as low as 13. This is not cheering news in view of the ever-increasing number of appeals that floods the court on a daily basis. Who is next CJN after Muhammad? Going by the succession by seniority tradition that dictates who is appointed the heads of various courts in Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola currently the fourth most senior judge of the apex court with Mr Ngwutas demise, is positioned to emerge as the most senior after the incumbent CJN retires on December 31, 2023. Born on August 22, 1958, Mr Ariwoola, who hails from Iseyin in Oyo State, is currently next in rank to Ms Odili, who is due to retire in May 2022. The 62-year-old who was appointed to the apex court bench on November 22, 2011, will be the second most senior judge of the court for over a year and half till the retirement of the CJN in December 2023. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, he should emerge as the CJN when Mr Muhammad retires and should hold the office till August 2028. One year after Standardbred horseman John Brennan passed from complications of the novel coronavirus, his absence from the New Jersey and New York harness racing communities remains every bit as glaring as it did in that moment. On March 10, 2020, Brennan was the first individual from New Jersey to perish from COVID-19, the disease caused by infection with the virus. Since his passing, almost 24,000 more New Jersey residents have followed, and over half a million across the United States. A year after Brennan breathes his last ventilator-aided breath at Hackensack University Medical Center, horsepeople continue to share stories of their interactions with Brennan as a way to preserve his memory not as a mere statistic, but as the big-hearted gentle giant he was. He had the biggest heart of anybody Ive ever known, driver Jordan Stratton told Mike Kelly of northjersey.com recently. He would take his shirt off his back and give it to anybody. Brennan, who won 197 races as a trainer before harnessing his last starter in 2009, served as the horsemen's representative for the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, liaising with Yonkers Raceway management on behalf of the trainers and drivers who compete there. And, without a wife or children of his own, the harness racing community became Brennan's family. Youll probably hear this from 10 people that they consider him their best friend, said trainer-driver Jeff Gregory. People looking from the outside might think he was a miserable son of a gun. But the more he busted your chops, the more he loved you. He had a very rough exterior, but he was a kitten on the inside. He was like chocolate candy with a hard covering and a soft, gooey centre. Brennan's lasting impact will be recognized with a series of memorial races at Yonkers Raceway this spring, and in June 15 months after his passing his family and friends hope to finally hold a proper memorial mass for him at the Long Island parish where he grew up. If Florida doesnt make significant reforms to its medical marijuana program, it could have another opioid crisis on its hands, a Republican lawmaker argued in a House committee Tuesday. Rep. Spencer Roach, R-Fort Myers, made this case while advocating for a bill hes sponsoring that would limit the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medical marijuana products offered to Florida patients. We do know that people, doctors and patients, are taking advantage of our medical program to do two things: get rich, and get high, Roach told the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee. We have seen this play out here before in Florida, and we know how it ends. We dont need a sequel. Opioids have killed tens of thousands of Floridians. Medical marijuana has killed zero. And when asked, Roach could provide no evidence of any adverse reactions to high-THC marijuana among Floridas more than 500,000 medical cannabis patients. Roachs bill cleared the committee with every Republican voting in favor of it and every Democrat voting against it. The measure will need the approval of at least two more committees both of which are controlled by Republicans before it heads to the House floor. The Senate version of Roachs bill, SB 1958, has yet to be heard in a committee. Proponents of the bill say even if patients arent overdosing on medical marijuana, high-potency versions of the drug come with consequences. They argue prolonged use of high-potency marijuana is associated with cases of psychosis. Cannabis that has high amounts of THC the active ingredient in marijuana which primarily causes the drugs euphoric effects also has a negative effect on the developing brain, they argue. (The bills THC caps would not apply to terminal patients.) And they say the system is currently being abused. Roach told the committee that just a few doctors were referring a disproportionate percentage of patients to dispensaries. To Roach, this constituted echoes of the opioid crisis. Story continues Cannabis patients, many of their doctors and the states burgeoning medical marijuana industry are staunchly opposed to Roachs bill. They argue the state is interfering with the doctor-patient relationship in the name of an ideologically driven hostility to cannabis. Weve got some major problems here, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando said. Reefer madness is the ideology that is prevailing in this legislation. The bills most controversial provision would limit the amount of THC in smokable cannabis products to just 10% of the plant by volume. Today, most smokable forms of medical cannabis contain a higher percentage of THC than that. All other forms of cannabis except edibles concentrates and powders, for example would be limited to 60% THC. Roachs bill would also allow the Florida Department of Health to test the marijuana grown at state cultivation facilities to ensure the plants comply with the potency limits. Industry advocates say thats an unreasonable regulatory obstacle because its difficult to ensure a given harvest has less than 10% THC. Doctors worry that patients suffering from severe pain will inevitably turn to the illegal marijuana market if the state caps the potency of their medicine. Medical marijuana is already more expensive than street marijuana, said Michelle Beasley, a physician from Pensacola who has 3,200 patients who use cannabis under the states program. What do you think is going to happen? The states medical marijuana program was enacted after Floridians overwhelmingly voted in 2016 to allow medicinal use of the drug. Ever since then, the program has had opponents in the Republican-led Legislature. Former Speaker Jose Oliva of Miami Lakes, for example, was a proponent of the THC caps. A 2020 proposal that mandated a 10% cap for product sold to patients younger than 21 passed the House in 2020 before dying in the Senate. But prominent Democrats have campaigned and even won on expanding access to cannabis. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat, urged lawmakers in a tweet Tuesday to vote down Roachs bill. Medical marijuana is medicine, Fried said. Its improved lives, Floridians voted for it, and Americans support it. Education Minister Peter Weir has defended pulling out of an appearance before Stormonts Education Committee to answer questions over pupils returning to school. Mr Weir had been asked to attend by the committee, but said his absence was the result of other Executive business. It is understood that the Minister had been requested to attend an Executive away day and had informed the education committee five days ago that he would be unable to address members of the committee. Other Ministers had also cancelled appointments. Mr Weirs camp have been left frustrated at the accusations and the way some have elected to play party politics over the Ministers non-appearance. Read More A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: The Education Minister was due to attend the Education Committee this morning. Unfortunately on this occasion the Minister was unable to attend due to an Executive meeting at which all Ministers were required to attend. The Department offered to send officials in the Ministers place. The Department informed the committee on March 5 that the Minister could not attend and provided a number of alternative dates in March. The Minister will now be attending the Education Committee on March 23. That failed to stop committee members voicing anger and frustration at being unable to question the Minister, with SDLP member Daniel McCrossan accusing him of going wandering, as usual, nowhere to be seen, when there are important issues to discuss. The frustration to this is overwhelming, Mr McCrossan told the committee. The Minister is returning schools and yes, we all want our children back, but safely. I have 101 questions to ask this Minister about what he has put in place to ensure that kids have returned safely, that teachers have returned to the classroom safely. Its no secret I have very little confidence in this Minister for Education, but every principal in my constituency and beyond, right across the north, are asking me questions and I cant get answers because Peter Weir wont answer them. Describing Mr Weirs absence as really frustrating, Mr McCrossan added: We should be working together but this Minister doesnt want to work with this committee. Its very clear. DUP committee member Maurice Bradley hit back and warned Mr McCrossan to tone down his language. The Minister told the committee he is away on other important Executive business, he replied. That doesnt suggest hes off wandering around anywhere. If I had 100 questions the first person I would be going to is the Minister, not waiting until a committee day. I share the frustration that the rest of the committee has that we cant meet the Minister coming up to a vital time, but we need to moderate our accusations and language. Sinn Fein member Pat Sheehan said there were other issues over the availability of the Minister, especially at a time when the education budget is coming under pressure and all the talk is of building a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Its disappointing when we see announcements in the media and the proper procedures in the Assembly are not used, he said. In contrast the Health Minister seems willing to come to the Assembly quite often, probably more often than any other Minister, and while I have issues with the Health Minister around the whole pandemic, certainly, in terms of his availability both to the Assembly and to committee, he is in stark contrast to this Education Minister. SDLP member Justin McNulty accused the Minister of playing truant, This has been a big week for schools and there are big decisions ahead, he said. I had so many questions to ask the Education Minister on behalf of parents, teachers and staff. The Minister has told the Education Committee hes too busy to come before us. Hes playing truant. By Binsal Abdulkader ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Mar, 2021) As the Emirates Mars Mission, Hope Probe, is going to commence science data gathering in April, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has said the UAEs mission will contribute to the efforts towards "a better understanding of habitable environment on Mars." In a statement issued to Emirates news Agency (WAM) on Wednesday, JAXA explained that as the Hope Probes objective is to observe the Martian atmosphere, Japan's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission "aims to return samples from Phobos [one of the two moons of Mars] to reveal the delivery process of water and organic matters to terrestrial planets, which is thought to be essential for the birth of life." Various missions offer multiple perspectives on Mars MMX will also conduct atmospheric observations of Mars, the statement added. "By bringing together the outcomes accomplished by various spacecraft, we will be able to uncover the dynamics of the Martian atmosphere and its evolutionary process from multiple perspectives, which will lead to a better understanding of the sustainability of habitable environment on Mars," JAXA affirmed. The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) announced on Tuesday the completion of its commissioning and testing phase and its readiness for transition to its science orbit. Hope Probes ahead of schedule science data gathering "We have completed 21 orbits of Mars since we arrived at the Red Planet," said EMM Project Director Omran Sharaf on Tuesday in a statement. "We will commence science data gathering earlier in April than we had originally planned and I think its fair to say there is huge excitement now in our science team and among Mars scientists around the world," he added. The Hope Probe, launched in July 2020 was successfully inserted into orbit around Mars on 9th February, marking the Arab worlds entry to the global space race and placing the UAE as the fifth in the world to reach the Red Planet. Big step forward during golden jubilee JAXA congratulated the UAE "on achieving the feat of reaching Mars in the memorable year of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the country." Internationally, Mars has been set as the next manned exploration target, a highly challenging target following lunar missions, the agency pointed out. "In order to achieve this, it is necessary to deepen our knowledge of Mars through cooperation activities for unmanned exploration, while conducting on-orbit and surface technology demonstrations in lunar programmes. The Hope Probe, therefore, is a big step forward, and JAXA is looking forward to its further successes." Since its establishment in 2014, the UAE Space Agency has successfully implemented major space projects, including UAEs astronauts reaching the International Space Station (ISS) and Hope Probe, the agency noted. "JAXA would like to express our deep respect for the fact that these achievements have been produced in only six years. This year, we are looking forward to seeing the UAE enhancing its international presence in the space development area, as a host of the International Astronautical Congress 2021 in Dubai." One country alone cannot handle everything on space The Japanese agency emphasised that one country alone cannot handle everything on space. "International cooperation will become increasingly important in space exploration. The exploration area being farther away from the Earth, it will require more transportation and communication costs, causing higher technical risks. It will be impractical for one country alone to handle everything," JAXA explained. "Therefore, we believe that international collaboration among multiple countries to share mission opportunities, information, and data will be a key to the success of future space exploration," the agency asserted. on Wednesday approved a Bill to amend the law that would ensure all stakeholders get a chance to seek an unconditional stay on enforcement of arbitral awards where an agreement is induced by fraud or corruption. The and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on February 12. It will replace an Ordinance issued on November 4, 2020. Replying to a discussion on the Bill in the Upper House, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the changes in the Bill would avoid payment of tax payers money as an award in cases where the agreement or contract is induced by fraud or corruption. He said, Section 36 of the Act provides that the award would be set aside if it is against the public policy. The contracts or agreements induced with corruptions and would be considered against public policy. There was a provision under Sector 36 that there would not be direct stay as somebody has to challenge that to get the stay (on the award). Today we are saying that if an award is challenged and if prima facie the court finds that it is induced with fraud or corruption then the court would stay the award. The minister said, I don't understand why they get agitated by the mention of corruption. Should such (arbitration) awards be given in India which are induced with corruption and where CBI inquiry is on? Such people by collusive agreement get the award through taxpayers money. We only want that there should be fair arbitration in India. Our only intention is that people should not loot taxpayers money through arbitration awards. Immediately after the passage of the Bill, Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the Rajya Sabha till Monday as Opposition parties continued raising slogans demanding discussion on the three Central farm laws. The Scottish government has described the tunnel as a 33bn "vanity project". "It's now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together," Boris Johnson was on a collision course with the Scottish government and environmental groups as he unveiled plans for a Northern Ireland-Scotland rail tunnel and to cut air passenger duty on UK internal flights. The plans from the Prime Minister also included upgrades on roads across the country to improve the countrys travel infrastructure. Johnson wants better links between the different parts of the country to help it cope better outside of the European Union, but environmental groups said reducing air duty is at odds with climate change objectives. The Scottish government meanwhile gas described the tunnel as a 33bn "vanity project". "It's now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together," said the PM. "We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map. Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy, said to be a trusted ally of the PM, headed the team that prepared the "Union Connectivity Review". Johnson added: This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road. "And I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country." The PM first mentioned the idea of a rail tunnel between Stranraer in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland in 2018. Next steps are to get engineers to assess the feasibility and costing of a tunnel, said Hendy, which would be a similar length to the Channel Tunnel. A20mln funding package has been earmarked to upgrade rail and road infrastructure around the proposed location. On air passenger duty, Sir Peter said the government is keen for the UK routes affected by the collapse of Flybe last year to see flights resume. NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new and exciting era in long term teen travel to Israel has begun with the launch of Jewish National Fund-USA's (JNF-USA) DREAM ISRAEL: Teen Travel Initiative. JNF-USA's DREAM ISRAEL will make grants of up to $7,500 available per teen on selected programs. Students at JNF-USA's High School in Israel The initiative will reignite long-term Jewish teen travel to Israel, bringing leading Zionist movements, the Conservative and Reform movements together with JNF-USA. Supported by JNF-USA's Boruchin Center, DREAM ISRAEL will enable students to access various levels of grant funding toward their travel to Israel while learning about the act of tzedakah (charity). For example, if a teen raises $2,500 in funds, they receive $3,750 in grants for a minimum four-week program in Israel. If the program they choose is at least eight weeks long, they can raise $5,000 in funds to receive $7,500 in grants. There are currently four programs that students can attend using DREAM ISRAEL grants: Alexander Muss High School in Israel, JNF-USA Roots Israel, URJ Heller High, and Ramah TRY. JNF-USA Boruchin Center Chairman Mike Lederman said: "JNF-USA's Boruchin Center continues to play a leading role in maintaining and promoting the historic connection between the American and Israeli people. We look forward to broadening and deepening our impact by nurturing lifelong connections to Israel among teens and thereby inspiring our next generation of community leaders and changemakers." President of the Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Rick Jacobs said: "The Reform Movement is committed to creating the spark that connects young people to the land and people of Israel. A core part of that connection is impactful and educational long-term teen travel to Israel as well as building ties to Reform Movement institutions within Israel. We are pleased to be one of the launch partners of JNF-USA Boruchin Center's DREAM ISRAEL initiative." CEO of USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal said: "All of us in the Conservative Movement are thrilled that more and more of our young people are interested in spending significant time in Israel on our programs. We are grateful to JNF-USA's Boruchin Center for its innovative approach to youth philanthropy." Director of Israel Immersives URJ/Youth Rabbi Loren Sykes said: "DREAM ISRAEL is going to make a high school semester in Israel a reality for more students than ever before. Participating in longer, more immersive experiences will lead teens to deeper, lifelong connections to Israel and Israelis." Ramah TRY Jerusalem High School Director and Head of School Jonathan Madoff said: "The generosity of JNF-USA will make it easier for hundreds of teens to spend a high school semester on Tichon Ramah Yerushalayim (TRY), journeying through Jewish history and modern Israel, and making Jerusalem their home." President of Alexander Muss High School in Israel, Ron Werner said: High School in Israel has been transforming teen lives with our immersive educational experience for nearly 50 years. Our programs teach Jewish history as a tool to inculcate Zionistic and Jewish values while setting students up for further academic success. We are so excited about the creation of DREAM ISRAEL and believe it will reenergize long-term teen travel." DREAM ISRAEL Manager Josh Samet said: "Now more than ever, it is crucial that Jewish students feel an attachment to their ancestral homeland. With this initiative, future leaders will feel a strong connection to Israel that will last a lifetime." For more information, go to jnf.org/dreamisrael or contact Josh Samet at [email protected]. Media Contact: Stefan Oberman, JNF-USA Director of Communications E: [email protected] P: 212.879.9305 x222 SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA Related Links https://www.jnf.org In this photo from January 2020, Penticton-born actor Piers Bijvoet is pictured with Lance Henriksen at the premier of "Falling," at the Sundance Film Festival. "Falling," which is now available on all major streaming services, deals with issues including dementia, homophobia and family relations. The claim: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is worth more than $1 million Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has supported raising the minimum wage, forgiving student loan debt and increasing taxes for the wealthy. Now, in recent social media posts, Facebook users are raising questions about the New York congresswomans personal wealth. In a post shared more than 14,000 times, a Facebook user claims that Ocasio-Cortez was broke when she was first elected to Congress in 2018 but now has a net worth of more than $1 million. How does that happen??? the user asked. Fact or fiction?: We're fact checking the news and sending it to your inbox. Sign up to get that here. Financial disclosures that members of Congress are required to file show that it didnt. Ocasio-Cortez reported assets of between $2,003 and $31,000 in her most recent financial disclosure, filed in September 2020, and student loan debt between $15,000 and $50,000. While an analysis of financial disclosures by the Center for Responsive Politics last year found that the majority of members of Congress are millionaires, Ocasio-Cortez would not be one of them. Two Facebook users who shared the post did not respond to requests for comment. AOCs net worth Ocasio-Cortezs story of bartender-turned-congresswoman after upending an incumbent Democrat in a safely blue New York district is well documented. Through most of her 20s, Ocasio-Cortez lived paycheck to paycheck, according to Time. When she took office in 2019, Ocasio-Cortez reported in her first financial disclosure that she had a checking account, a brokerage account and a 401(k) plan through the National Hispanic Institute that were worth between $3,003 and $45,000. Her student loan debt through the U.S. Department of Education at the time was listed as between $15,001 and $50,000. During a September 2019 hearing on student loan debt, Ocasio-Cortez said she made a payment that had reduced her student loan debt to $19,000. Story continues Income from the taco restaurant where she tended bar and from her 2018 congressional campaign totaled $25,463. Members of Congress are paid $174,000 a year. Fact check: Viral posts make false claims about Friday the 13th, the next full moon After that report, the Center for Responsive Politics OpenSecrets.org ranked Ocasio-Cortez as one of the poorest members of Congress, where more than half of members have a net worth of at least $1 million. The congresswoman filed her next financial disclosure in September 2020. By then, she reported that the same three accounts held between $2,003 and $31,000 and that her student loan debt remained the same at between $15,001 and $50,000. Based on the $19,000 in student loan debt Ocasio-Cortez said she had in September 2019, she could be in the hole to the tune of nearly $17,000. Or her she could be worth up to $12,000. Ocasio-Cortez spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said the financial disclosure reports are accurate but provided no additional comment. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., attends a House Oversight Committee hearing on high prescription drugs prices shortly after her private meeting with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, July 26, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Political fundraising takes off While financial disclosures show that Ocasio-Cortezs personal wealth has not skyrocketed during her time in Congress, her political fundraising has taken off alongside her national profile, according to Federal Elections Commission filings. During the 2020 election cycle, Ocasio-Cortezs reelection campaign spent $17.3 million after raking in $21.2 million. That left her with about $4.3 million in her campaign coffers, according to the FEC. When she scored a surprise victory during the 2018 Democratic primary, Ocasio-Cortez spent about $1.8 million of the $2.2 million she raised. The Courage to Change political action committee the congresswoman launched last year to back progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats spent about $335,000 out of the $842,000 it raised, according to the FEC. She also raised about $5 million in February for Texans hit by a winter storm that left millions in the state without power, CNN reported. Our ruling: False We rate the claim that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has racked up more than $1 million in net worth as a member of Congress FALSE, based on our research. In her most recent financial disclosure, filed in September 2020, Ocasio-Cortez reported between $2,003 and $31,000 in assets, compared with student loan debt of between $15,000 and $50,000. Our fact-check sources: Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's net worth doesn't top $1M Syracuse, N.Y. -- Nascentia Health on Wednesday became the first agency in Central New York to provide at-home Covid vaccinations. The Syracuse-based health network said it has begun giving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the organizations eligible clients and the clients live-in caregivers. Andrea Lazarek-LaQuay, Nascentias chief clinical officer, said the organization expects to administer its entire supply of 300 doses of the one-shot J&J vaccine by Tuesday, March 16. The vaccine is being given only to Nascentia Health clients who are eligible under the states rules and are unable for health or mobility reasons to get to a public vaccination site, the organization said. The organization said it is contacting eligible clients to offer the vaccine shots. Lazarek-LaQuay said it said it cannot offer the shots to people who are not clients of Nascentia Health. The state Department of Health authorized the health network to provide the vaccinations at home, and Onondaga County provided the 300 vaccine doses, she said. Nascentia said it is the only health care provider in Central New York authorized to provide the vaccinations in home. The health network formed in 2017 from the merger of VNA Homecare, VNA Homecare Options, Home Aides of Central New York, and all of their respective affiliated organizations and foundations. Its services include in-home nursing and medical services, home health aides and elder care. Most of its 1,200 at-home clients are elderly and many have health conditions that qualify them for the Covid vaccine. This batch of vaccines is a wonderful start toward vaccinating our elderly and disabled patients who are not able to visit mass vaccination sites or local clinics, said Lazarek-LaQuay. We are hopeful that additional vaccines will be allocated to us so we can continue to reach out to those underserved by other vaccine options. Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 . Sanjeev Guptas is battling to negotiate a reprieve on its debt obligations to Greensill Capital as the unraveling of its biggest lender threatens to take down the metals group. A debt standstill agreement with Greensill, which filed for administration on Monday, would help GFG stave off insolvency and avoid an asset fire sale, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. Gupta is separately seeking to raise new financing to replace Greensills loans, they said. The abrupt collapse of Lex Greensills business has shuttered funds run by Credit Suisse Group AG and forced Japans SoftBank Group Corp. to write down its $1.5 billion investment in the supply-chain finance firm. Now it risks dragging down GFG, with governments from London to Paris monitoring the threat to 35,000 jobs across a business that spans steel to renewable energy. In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons administration is in constant contact with Guptas steel division over the impact on British factories and jobs, a person with knowledge of the matter said. GFG employs about 5,500 people across the UK, including at an aluminum smelter in Scotland. In France, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the government would support GFG employees and its industrial sites, if Greensills difficulties jeopardized them. GFG started to default on its obligations after Greensill stopped lending to the group at the beginning of March, according to court documents. Greensills exposure to the metals group was $5 billion, one of the people said. UK unions met with GFG executives on Tuesday amid fears of job losses across Guptas empire. The Indian-born former commodities trader had previously been called the savior of steel for his tendency to buy unloved mills and smelters. GFG, a loose group of he owns, spans 30 countries. While Greensills difficulties have created a challenging situation, we have adequate funding for our current needs, GFG said in an emailed statement, adding that attempts to secure alternative financing will take some time to organize. The negotiations on a debt reprieve may not lead to a deal, the people said. Partners at Grant Thornton were appointed as joint administrators of Greensill on Monday. A spokesperson for Grant Thornton declined to comment. The collapse of Lex Greensills eponymous firm has cast a shadow over Guptas business, which relied heavily on its funding for a $6 billion acquisition spree over five years. In Mondays court filing, Greensill said that its largest customer by value has fallen into severe financial difficulty, and had warned last month it faced insolvency without its funding. The that Greensill has filed for administration is extremely concerning to the unions and the workforce, a spokesperson for the U.K.s National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee said. Government must take an active role to facilitate a comprehensive solution. The Australian Workers Union has been meeting with management at GFGs Whyalla steelworks in South Australia on a rolling basis, National Secretary Daniel Walton said in an emailed statement. GFG took ownership of Whyalla in 2017 with a bold plan to increase production and invest in renewable power to reduce energy costs. The steelworks are now profitable and the global prospects for steel demand are good, Walton said. A spokesperson for Australias Industry Minister Karen Andrews said the government was monitoring the situation closely, though declined to comment further about the potential impact of Greensills difficulties. Two lawmakers of the ruling in poll-bound Assam quit the party on Wednesday after they were denied tickets to contest in the coming state poll. The two - former deputy speaker Dilip Kumar Paul and controversial MLA Shiladitya Dev in separate press conferences alleged conspiracies against them in the party. On Sunday, cabinet minister in Assam Sum Ronghang joined the opposition Congress after he was denied ticket from Diphu constituency. Paul announced his decision to quit the saffron camp at a press conference at Silchar and said that he has sent his resignation letter to state unit president, local leaders of the party as well as its national leaders. "With a heavy heart, I am taking a hard decision at a very crucial juncture of my life. I am leaving BJP," he said. "There are people who are running the party (BJP) and have conspired against me. The chief minister is a very good man and is ably running the state. But he is helpless," Paul, who has been a member of BJP since 1983, said. Without naming anyone, the MLA from the prestigious Silchar constituency alleged that the persons involved in syndicate in Assam are running the party affairs at present. BJP has fielded Dipayan Chakraborty to contest from Silchar, which will go to the polls in the second phase on April 1. Dev, an MLA from Hojai, too alleged that a conspiracy was on within the party for four years against him. "I am resigning from the party. I will start my new journey from tomorrow," he said without elaborating. The controversial MLA, who has put the party in embarrassing situations on a number of occasions, further said that he has been "politically murdered" only to "benefit a few people" because he spoke about Hindutva. Dev had announced to quit the party in July last year alleging neglect and groupism by the leaders, but later called off his decision. The BJP has announced the names of 74 candidates, which does not include 13 sitting MLAs of Assam Assembly. The saffron party has formed an alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL). Out of the 126 Assembly seats, the BJP has left 26 for AGP and 8 for its allies UPPL respectively. (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.) Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Piers Morgan, who drew intense scorn in Britain for his upbraiding of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, since her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, resigned on Tuesday as an anchor for ITV news after storming off the set of the networks morning show. The hosts hasty departure from Good Morning Britain punctuated a turbulent 24 hours for Mr. Morgan, who inflamed viewers on Monday when he cast doubts about Meghans account to Ms. Winfrey that members of the royal household had discouraged her from seeking mental health treatment when she confided in them that she had had thoughts of suicide. Mr. Morgans vociferous criticism of Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, who Mr. Morgan said had orchestrated a two-hour trash-a-thon of our royal family in their interview, drew more than 41,000 complaints to Ofcom, Britains communications regulatory authority. The agency announced on Tuesday that it had opened an investigation into Mr. Morgans comments under its harm and offence rules. Then, on Tuesdays broadcast of Good Morning Britain, the strife came to a head when another co-host, Alex Beresford, admonished Mr. Morgan for his frequent sniping at Meghan. Mr. Beresford told Mr. Morgan that he had an ax to grind with Meghan because he previously had a rapport with her and she cut you off. Odisha forest fires: 'Central government to send expert panel,' says Prakash Javadekar India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Bhubaneswar, Mar 10: The central government has said that it will send an expert committee to Odisha to provide technical assistance for effective management of forest fire incidents in the state. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar said this in a statement after Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MPs from Odisha met him in the national capital. "@moefcc is sending a committee of experts to Odisha to give technical advise & help out state forest dept. in effective management of forest fire incidents in the region," tweeted Javadekar. Javadekar further tweeted that the experts will work in coordination with the deployed team for early and effective dousing of fire. "Will be reviewing the situation with my team at @moefcc on a daily basis," he said. Similipal forest fire: Odisha claims no loss of life, issues SOP to regulate blaze In the memorandum, the BJP MPs said it is critical to address these ongoing forest fires immediately with swift and coordinated action between the Central and state forest departments while coming up with a long-term plan for prevention and mitigation of further forest fires in Odisha. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News "We seek your personal intervention in convening a meeting with officials of your Ministry and the state government for launching urgent measures to contain and subdue the forest fires in Odisha, assess the damage to forest land, flora & fauna as well as communities dependent on forests for their livelihood and take suitable remedial and reparative actions in this regard," the MPs urged. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 18:03 [IST] Exposing New Zealands shameful maternal suicide and perinatal depression statistics is the aim of a short film launched today in Parliament by a group of experts demanding policy change. The short film Who Holds Our Mothers? has been created by Mothers Matter founder Chloe Wright and a New Zealand Canadian-based filmmaker Moonshine Films, on behalf of the campaign group of experts and health professionals who includes Chloe Wright ONZM, Dame Lesley Max, Nathan Wallis, Dr Anil Sharma and Tracy Macfarlane. The hard-hitting dramatisation of the silent and lonely struggles of having a baby, pre and post-birth, brings the stark realities of maternal suicide and perinatal depression to light. New Zealand has a maternal suicide rate five times higher per capita than the United Kingdom (PMMRC Annual Report 2019), and one of the worst postnatal depression, family abuse and child homicide records in the world (UNICEF). Postnatal depression affects up to 15 per cent of mothers with lack of support recorded as a factor (depression.org.nz). Mothers Matter members have tried repeatedly to meet with various Government Ministers for more than three years, but despite their pleas have never been granted a meeting or an opportunity to talk. The film was launched at a breakfast event at Parliament today, with speakers including science advisor Sir Peter Gluckman, wellness advocate Gemma McCaw, paediatrician Dr Johan Morreau, trustee of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA) Joanne Rama, and midwife Tish Taihia. Politicians, and experts and stakeholders from across the perinatal health sector attended the event that demanded Government pay attention to this crisis. Enough is enough, says Mothers Matter Founder Chloe Wright. Our mothers cant wait any longer for the care they so desperately need. Mothers already have a right to at least 48 hours of postnatal care but are often not receiving it because of overloaded hospital maternity units. There are constant headlines for all to see of code - red alerts in our maternity units across the country, not to mention the documented poor treatment of birthing mothers during this Covid-19 period. What will it take for the Government to listen to us and the many voices on our social media channels? How many deaths? How much mental trauma? Only Government can make the changes needed to protect the health and wellbeing of pregnant and new mums, through policy and legislation so urgently needed, says Dame Lesley Max. We are calling for equitable perinatal care across New Zealand via a targeted ring-fenced fund that is determined by the mothers choice about the care she needs and receives. This should include funding for obstetrician-gynaecological health checks, pre-birth and post-birth, with wraparound services to meet her needs and those of her whanau. High obstetric risk women should be directed to appropriate facilities. If were serious about making intergenerational change in maternity care in our country, we must start at the beginning and look after our mothers. The scientific research into the first 1000 days of a childs life and its impact on the rest of their life is irrefutable. People will be able to get involved by Raising the Red Flag by wearing a badge in the shape of the campaigns red flag, sharing red flag graphics on Facebook, or writing to your local MP. People can find out more on the Mothers Matter website www.mothersmatter.nz WHERE TO GET HELP Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354 Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757 Gambling Helpline - 0800 654 655 Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116 Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666 Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz 0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz. Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Mayor Eric Papenfuse formally kicked off his bid for a third term as Harrisburgs mayor, telling PennLIve in an interview on the filing date for the May 18 primary he wants one last term to complete what he believes has been a successful turn away from the citys debt-ridden past. When I ran the first time, I had a goal, which was to bring the city back from the brink of bankruptcy and prepare for a sustainable fiscal future for the city, Papenfuse said. I wasnt sure how long that was going to take, and its almost been achieved but not quite. My first term was really about stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the city financially. My second term was marked by getting... the structural deficit solved and getting the city in position to refinance our debt, which were going to be doing this year. Papenfuse said he expects to complete that journey in a third term, after which he will turn the reins over to a next generation. Hes going to have to work for it. Four rivals filed for the Democratic primary ballot Tuesday and will challenge Papenfuse for the top City Hall job, including: Otto Banks , a former City Council member who went on to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development in former President George W. Bush Department of Housing and Urban Development. Midtown resident and HMAC general manager Kevyn Knox. Dave Schankweiler, founder and retired publisher of Central Penn Business Journal and the founding board chairman of Harrisburg University. Wanda Williams, current City Council President. As of the close of business Tuesday, county records showed a sixth mayoral hopeful, community activist Lewis Butts Jr., had not filed. Papenfuse said his Democratic opponents each in their own way would represent a turn back to the dysfunction that marked the end of former Mayor Stephen R. Reeds tenure. I want to stay forward-looking, and I want to continue to help bring the city to an unprecedented level of prosperity, and were beginning to see the fruits of that, Papenfuse said. In his current term, the mayor took credit for working with the states Republican-controlled legislature to extend Harrisburgs authority to collect an enhanced local services tax from workday commuters, and building cash reserves that the city was able to tap for local rent relief and small business assistance programs last year. He touted passage of proposals to enhance public safety with the creation of a new community services division in the police bureau, along with a deeper investment in embedded mental health co-responders to provide on-scene support and case follow-ups where needed. Papenfuse also noted his administration has begun work to refinance existing debt to save on interest payments and has additional plans to borrow new funds - a first since the incinerator debacle - to support major infrastructure projects, including a citywide street repaving project. Some Papenfuse critics have consistently argued hes been a mayor for the downtown and midtown districts, but is rarely seen in many of Harrisburgs other neighborhoods outside of election years. He made no excuse for his style Tuesday. Sometimes people want to be able to touch the mayor and see the mayor out and about, and I get that. But in reality, you have to manage a workforce of hundreds of people, you have to manage a $100 million budget... I go to work every day working hard to make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Papenfuse said the city has put public dollars into major projects in Allison Hill (Mulder Square), Uptown (The Hub), and the South Side (the relocation of families whose street was rendered unusable by a sinkhole on South 14th Street), while most new development in Midtown and downtown is private investment that will ultimately raise the tax base. Co-owner of The Midtown Scholar Bookstore with his wife, Catherine Lawrence, Papenfuse launched his political career as a whistlebower against Reeds bond deals, and he defeated then-Mayor Linda Thompson in the 2013 Democratic primary. The Democratic primary has often been decisive in Harrisburg in the current political era. There is, however, also one Republican Party candidate on the primary ballot, Timothy Rowbottom, a city resident whos blamed Papenfuses administration for quashing his plans to develop a parcel of land on South 18th Street in Allison Hill. As the only candidate on the Republican ballot, Rowbottom should be a lock for the November ballot. Addis Ababa, March 10 : More than 131,000 people are displaced in 39 accessible locations in Ethiopia's conflict-affected Tigray and the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. The UN migration agency, in its latest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) survey released on Tuesday, said almost 70 per cent of the reported displaced people, or 91,046, are in Tigray, reports Xinhua news agency. Afar and Amhara regions accounted for 34,091 and 6,453 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), respectively. It also indicated that many of the displaced people, including women and children, are reportedly in need of emergency shelter, food and access to clean and safe drinking water. The IOM, however, indicated that the data are not indicators of the total number of persons displaced due to the crisis, but rather represent only the number of IDPs in sites accessible to DTM surveyors. The latest assessment was conducted from December 22, 2020, to January 14, 2021. The DTM gathers and analyses data on population estimates, vulnerabilities, and the needs of displaced populations. In the three regions, the IOM identified 30,383 displaced households. Last week, the Ethiopian government disclosed that humanitarian aid was provided to some 3.8 million people in Tigray. The government has also allowed humanitarian access to Tigray, stressing that all entities operating in the state should abide by the laws of the land. Months of fighting between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which used to rule the Tigray regional state, and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces have reportedly left thousands of people dead, hundreds of thousands of others displaced, and millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. According to Ethiopian government figures, the conflict has displaced around 2.2 million people, while 4.5 million people are in need of emergency aid. Three years ago, Walmart offered hundreds of thousands of its U.S. workers a new perk to keep them from quitting. Employees loved it. Rivals copied it. Now Walmart has reached a conclusion: It hasn't quite worked as expected. The perk is an app that gave employees the ability to tap their wages before payday, along with a bevy of other tools that helped them save more and forecast their earnings. It was supposed to help employees feel less stressed while boosting retention. But it turns out employees who often choose to get paid sooner -- without using some of the app's other tools -- turned over faster, a recent internal review found. That's got the world's largest retailer rethinking how it pitches the app. "Our associates are out there in the front lines every day helping to feed and clothe America," said Adam Stavisky, senior vice president for U.S. benefits at Walmart. "If we can have them focus more on their customers and less on some of the stresses that we all have in our lives, that's good for our associates and, again, it's good for our company." Walmart's mixed results illustrate the complexity of offering perks across a U.S. workforce of 1.5 million. While rivals like Target and Costco have boosted starting wages to at least $15 an hour, Walmart has declined to budge beyond the $11 floor it set three years ago, instead dangling benefits like college tuition for $1 a day and expanded adoption and parental leave. To evaluate the app, Walmart studied 269,000 employees hired over a seven-month stretch in 2018. One result was instantly clear: The perk was popular among new employees. One-quarter of those eligible to enroll did so within the first 60 days of work. It's since grown to be Walmart's second most popular benefit, behind only the 401(k). Walmart then took a closer look at those employees who took advantage of the on-demand pay feature every other pay period. Among those workers, if they checked the app less often, the retailer found that more than half were expected to quit within their first six months. For those checking the app more often, that number dropped to 30%. "At the end of the day, most consumers don't want access to their pay every day; what they want is financial stability," said Leslie Parrish, a senior analyst at Aite Group. "So earned wage access is providing that in the short term but they really need a broader set of tools to become financially sufficient." The findings are important because where Walmart goes, many other employers follow. After the retailer debuted the perk in 2017, other major companies jumped to offer similar options, including the country's largest traditional grocery chain Kroger, and Flynn Restaurant Group, the largest U.S. franchise operator and owner of hundreds of Applebee's, Arby's and Panera locations. For Walmart, the study presents a bit of a Catch-22. The retail giant wants to ensure its workers are taking advantage of the app's savings and budgeting methods. But it's clear that allowing access to wages sooner was what drove adoption. The trick will be to convince more employees to regularly use the tools in the app that help with personal finances. "Many times, HR and businesses start lecturing people, 'You don't know how to manage finances,'" said Safwan Shah, CEO of PayActiv, one of the startups that helped Walmart offer the app. "If you don't give them this tool then they won't go into the app, because then it's just a lecture on how to save money. And nobody wants that." In some ways, though, the need for budgeting and savings tools has never been more clear. About a third of U.S. consumers regularly run out of money before payday, Aite Group found. Roughly 37% of Americans say they cannot deal with a $400 shortfall with the cash they have on hand. For now, Walmart is analyzing the ways it advertises financial-wellness perks to employees and hopes to focus more of that marketing on financial counseling or credit building, Stavisky said. The findings will also be shared with executives who oversee financial offerings to customers. Separately, Walmart has said it is creating a startup that could provide banking services for employees and the public. "The key takeaway for Instapay should not be: Don't offer it. The key takeaway should be: You have to offer it within the context of giving people good information," said Jon Schlossberg, co-founder and executive chairman of Even Responsible Finance, another startup behind Walmart's app that provides the budgeting and savings tools. "They don't need to use it that often when they are given good information." PM Phuc holds virtual summit with Cambodian, Lao counterperts Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his counterparts from Cambodia and Laos held virtual summit on Wednesday to discuss ways to consolidate cooperation between and among the three countries. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith hold virtual summit on March 10, 2021. Photo: VGP During the summit initiated by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the leaders emphasized that the special tripartite solidarity is the valuable asset of the three nations, which has served as an impetus for them to stand side by side in the past struggle for national independence and the current cause of national development. They spoke highly of the outcomes of cooperation in such fields like politics, defense and security, border management, trade and investment, education and training among others. The PMs vowed to continue sustaining the efficiency of the existing cooperation mechanisms, accelerating exchanges between border provinces, effectively implementing border management agreements, fostering coordination in ensuring security along the shared border line and combating trans-national crime. They pledged to step up the implementation of the tripartite economic connectivity plan through 2030, focusing on mobilizing resources from development partners for their transport projects like Ha Noi-Vientiane Expressway, Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway, and HCMC-Phnom Penh Railway. The three countries agreed to boost construction of border markets, goods distribution centers, and commercial warehouses; facilitate customs clearance of goods and people through border gates. The PMs also agreed to coordinate in widening access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries, fruitfully realize the initiatives adopted by ASEAN in 2020, including ASEAN Travel Corridor and ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies. They committed to working with other ASEAN member States to promote ASEAN community building process and cooperation within subregions in ASEAN, and advocating ASEAN centrality. Regarding regional and international issues of common concerns, the PMs shared their wish that Myanmar would soon restore stability and that divergences should be addressed through peaceful dialogues for the benefits of Myanmar and for peace and stability in the region. Underlinging the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, the leaders agreed to coordinate in building a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea in line with international law; promote sustainable management and use of the Mekong water resources and collaborate in settling issues relating to hydropower development in the Mekong river basin and in clean and renewable energy development. If members of the provincial government need a reminder of the scale of the pandemic tragedy within the Maples Long Term Care Home, they need only look around and count the number of seats within the legislative chamber. If members of the provincial government need a reminder of the scale of the pandemic tragedy within the Maples Long Term Care Home, they need only look around and count the number of seats within the legislative chamber. Manitoba has 57 MLAs. The COVID-19 death toll at the Maples home is 56. The stark image is worth pondering. That 56 victims of the virus died in a single care home should motivate the government to pinpoint accountability for the deaths. It should also prompt government reflection on the larger context of whether for-profit homes Maples is owned by Revera Inc. are in the best interest of vulnerable Manitobans. Manitoba Minister of Health and Seniors Care Heather Stefanson last Friday released a plan responding to the Maples deaths but, as expected, her plan continues the provincial governments pattern of dodging two crucial questions: Whos responsible for the 56 deaths? And would Manitobans be better served if all long-term care homes were public? MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Minister of Health and Seniors Care Heather Stefanson It was unsurprising Ms. Stefanson avoided those hot-button questions, even though they are vitally relevant and of abiding interest to Manitobans, because the government in which she serves has in the past declined to accept responsibility for the Maples plight. The ministers plan is based on 17 recommendations from a review the province commissioned and restricted to terms with which the government is comfortable. The plan, which Ms. Stefanson says is "looking to the future," will review the licensing of care homes, form a standard pandemic plan for such homes and increase the number of unannounced inspections. The review speaks of rebuilding trust with families who complained of scant communication as their loved ones died. Such talk about trust is too little, too late, however, for some of the Maples victims families, who announced last week they are organizing a volunteer task force to probe the Maples outbreak. They are also calling for a public inquiry into the matter, echoing a demand made earlier by the Opposition NDP. The families are trying to do what the government wont, but should: probe deeply to determine responsibility for the Maples calamity, providing a bedrock of facts on which appropriate changes to practices and policies can be built. The suspicion is that the for-profit ownership of Maples was a major factor. The review found a critical shortage of trained staff, which many people attribute to the corporations goal of maximizing profit by minimizing staff costs. Like it or not and it seems clear the Manitoba government does not the conversation about whether to abolish forprofit homes is ongoing across Canada. Such speculation is backed up by a national report released last December by the Canadian Medical Association, focused on the risks of COVID-19 deaths in care homes. It found outbreaks were far more likely in for-profit homes than in publicly run homes. The death rate was nearly double in for-profit homes. Many voices, including the federal NDP, have called for the system of for-profit care homes to be abolished, bringing all such care under the Canada Health Act and making it federally regulated. Such advocates typically summarize their distrust of private care homes with emotional statements such as, "People shouldnt profit from the deaths of seniors." Like it or not and it seems clear the Manitoba government does not the conversation about whether to abolish for-profit homes is ongoing across Canada. Manitoba should initiate an independent, impartial study of the issue of for-profit care homes in this province and invite public feedback. It would be an apt way to honour the 56 Manitobans who perished while mistakenly trusting that the care they were paying for would be compassionate and competent. Up to a dozen garda vehicles were involved in a pursuit within County Kildare yesterday, it was claimed at Naas District Court today. Eoin Murphy, 21, whose address was given as 28 Rosconnell Square, Newbridge, and Daniel Kelly, 23, whose address was given as 59 Cedarwood Park, Newbridge, face allegations of criminal damage of a car at Oaktree Avenue, Kildare and assault at the same location. They are respectively charged with alleged possession of a knife and a crowbar at Oaktree Avenue, Kildare. Daniel Kelly faces an allegation of dangerous driving at Great Connell, Newbridge, on March 9. Paddy McDonagh, 20, whose address was given as 136-137 Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7 faces allegations of criminal damage, assault and possessing a crowbar, all on March 9. Read more County Kildare news Brigid McDonagh, 18, whose address was given as 494 North circular Road, Dublin and Willows Gate, Naas Road, Newbridge and stated to be a Patricks sister, faces allegations of criminal damage, possession of a blade and assault on March 9. Sgt Jim Kelly said the injured party suffered a broken nose and bruising and had to have stitches to his face. The criminal damage allegation refers to a car. Garda Danielle Farragher said the motive for the incident was unclear and it was being alleged that alcohol was driven to a location and a false 50 note was produced. Garda Dave Marshall said that up to a dozen garda vehicles were involved in a chase for a distance of 15 kilometres. He said that air support was summoned but could not be provided because of the weather conditions. The defendants were granted bail, subject to conditions and Judge Desmond Zaidan adjourned the matter. AGs Swedish truck brand Scania has investigated and discovered evidence that employees in India were involved in bribing local officials for bus contracts. The company has taken measures to address the suspected corruption, Scania spokeswoman Karin Hallstan said by phone. Managers who were potentially involved have left the company and Scania has stopped selling buses in India. Bribes of as much as 65,000 euro ($77,300) were allegedly paid to officials at state bus in India in at least 19 cases, German public broadcaster ZDF reported earlier Tuesday, citing an internal investigation report. Scania is also alleged to have falsified vehicle documents and registration papers for 100 trucks in order to be able to sell them to a state-owned coal mining company in the country, according to the report. Scania found a number of incidents where there were suspicions of bribery, and a few cases in which there was evidence that private dealers have paid bribes, which is completely unacceptable, he told Swedish public broadcaster SVT. The company found misconduct related to bus orders from local authorities between 2013 and 2017, VWs commercial-vehicle unit Traton said in an emailed statement. Traton comprises the Scania and MAN brands as well as a smaller truck operation in Brazil. Traton said the US Justice Departments external monitor related to its diesel-emissions scandal was informed of the case a year ago. Jersey Shore star Jenni JWoww Farley has announced her engagement to boyfriend Zack Clayton Carpinello. Farley, 35, shared photos from the proposal on Instagram Tuesday. On 2.27 I said yes on the top of the Empire State Building, she said. Clayton Carpinello, 26, a professional wrestler who goes by Zack Clayton, shared the same pictures on Instagram. My always and forever, he said. You made me the happiest Ive ever been. I love you more than anything. In October 2019, Farley and Clayton Carpinello did not appear so blissfully happy. Farley temporarily called it quits with him after seeing an episode of Jersey Shore revival series Jersey Shore Family Vacation in which he gropes cast member Angelina Pivarnick (now Angelina Larangeira). While Farley appeared in the same episode even the same scene, sitting next to them she was apparently too intoxicated to notice what was happening at the time. Farley said she realized what had happened when the footage aired. After seeing tonights episode Im pretty hurt, Farley said in an Instagram post at the time. I feel disrespected by someone I called a friend and by someone who stated they loved me, she said, referring to Pivarnick and Clayton Carpinello. For 5 months I was kept in the dark about this. For 5 months I was naive, probably laughed at and made into a story line that will forever haunt me. My heart hurts on so many levels. One thing I learned from tonights episode is know your value. Dont ever lower your standards. Farley and Clayton Carpinello later reconciled. The wrestler, younger than the Jersey Shore Family Vacation cast, who left their 20s behind in Seaside Heights, was originally nicknamed 24 on the show (because thats how old he was at the time). From 2015 to 2019, Farley was married to Roger Mathews, the father of her two children, Meilani, 6, and Greyson, 4. They formerly lived together in Toms River. Farley rose to fame in 2009 on MTVs Jersey Shore. When the show ended in 2012, she starred in a Snooki & JWoww spinoff on the same network followed by Jersey Shore Family Vacation, which is still on the air. The cast, sans Nicole Snooki Polizzi, who left in 2019, is now reportedly filming the second half of the fourth season in the Poconos after spending previous episodes in a quarantine bubble at a Nevada hotel. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter. Israel and China have great potential to cooperate in post-pandemic era: Israeli ambassador 15:52, March 10, 2021 By Kou Jie ( People's Daily Online Irit Ben Abba, the new Israeli ambassador to China. Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral ties between China and Israel continue to thrive in multiple areas. Irit Ben Abba, the new Israeli ambassador to China, told Peoples Daily Online Monday that in the post-pandemic era, the two nations are expected to hold more high-level political and economic dialogues, as well as various cooperation projects, to further strengthen their bilateral ties. Having served as the minister of the Israeli embassy in Beijing 25 years ago, Ben Abbas return to China comes at a difficult time as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the world. She noted that Israel would like to work with China to resume long-paused people-to-people exchanges and international travel, creating a mutual health certificate recognition mechanism that allows for the safe and orderly flow of personnel, pending a decision by the health authorities. According to Ben Abba, currently, 50 percent of Israels 9 million citizens have been fully vaccinated, while about 40 percent have received their first jab. Schools and restaurants are now fully opened. A green passport system has been established to indicate citizens health data, which can be used as a valid international travel document. The ambassador also stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis, and as two nations that have effectively curbed the spread of COVID-19, China and Israel can deepen their cooperation in scientific research and data sharing to help the world tackle the pandemic. Comparing her impression of China 25 years ago with the modern nation she sees now, Ben Abba praised China for its unbelievable achievements in becoming a modern country, saying that China has taken a great leap forward. The ambassador also noted that there is great potential for China and Israel to cooperate in multiple areas in the post-pandemic era, with innovation being one of the top priorities. China and Israels innovation cooperation dates back to 2014, when the two nations established a joint committee mechanism. In March 2017, the two countries established an innovative comprehensive partnership during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to China. And in 2019, China's first provincial-level innovation center opened for trial operation in the Israeli central city of Tel Aviv, with the aim of working as a bridge and platform to further enhance the innovation cooperation between the two countries. Ben Abba is especially interested in the rural vitalization strategy China put forward in its 14th Five Year Plan, which she believes can bring more cooperation opportunities for innovative Israeli tech companies. Currently, Israel is working on alternative food products, as well as new technologies that can improve productivity on overused land. Such technologies are all vital for Chinas rural vitalization. Israel Chemical has been working with its Chinese counterparts in Yunnan to produce green fertilizer. Future cooperation between our two nations in such areas is promising, she added. Ive heard that when a Rabbi and a Confucian scholar communicate, there is no language barrier, as their thoughts are connected. There are similarities and links between ancient civilizations like ours, and I believe our relations will continue to thrive. During my tenure, I will promote high-level political dialogues between our two nations, and also accelerate our economic and cultural cooperation, said Ben Abba. Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browser Disable in this text field Edit Edit in Ginger Edit in Ginger Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browser Disable in this text field Edit Edit in Ginger Edit in Ginger Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browser Disable in this text field Edit Edit in Ginger Edit in Ginger Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection or reload the browser Disable in this text field Edit Edit in Ginger Edit in Ginger 33087 MATCH supermarket chain has chosen Openbravo WMS as a critical component of its supply chain transformation. FREMONT, CA: MATCH, a supermarket chain in Luxembourg has chosen Openbravo WMS, a part of the Openbravo Commerce Cloud platform, as a critical component of its supply chain transformation. To facilitate the renovation of its warehouse operations, which manage 20,000 SKUs and supply 28 stores in Luxembourg, the retailer, which is part of the Louis Delhaize SA food retail group, required a more advanced warehouse management solution. This transformation's ultimate aim is to enhance the company's service to stores and customers. "MATCH needed a solution that could support a new layout of its distribution center to allow the much more effective use of storage space and capacities," says Luc-Pierre Maes, Managing Partner at aXialyze, the Belgium and Germany-based partner that implemented the project for Openbravo. MATCH desired to implement a very-narrow-aisle (VNA) warehouse model, which involves paying close attention to the order picking process's arrangement and the complex replenishment of choosing locations to minimize total travel distance and ensure optimum product availability. This new requirement was too much for the legacy WMS to manage. The Match is increasing the productivity of its 50 warehouse employees by implementing Openbravo WMS, which includes a smart tasks management function that automatically displays a list of tasks organized by priority and travel sequence on the operatives' mobile devices. "We were looking for a solution to support the transformation of our warehouse operations and implement the VNA model in order to optimize warehouse space and reduce significantly the time spent moving goods in the warehouse. We are very satisfied with Openbravo WMS as it has given us the agility we needed at a very competitive cost, allowing us to transform operations in a record time." says Laurent Vanden Brande Supply Chain and ICT Director of Match. About MATCH The MATCH supermarket chain is owned by the Louis Delhaize Group SA, a leading regional food retailer headquartered in Belgium with operations in north-eastern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Romania. The MATCH chain employs approximately 800 people in Luxembourg, with 13 Match-branded supermarkets and 15 smaller-format Smatch outlets. In the hustle to score an elusive vaccine appointment, the leftover dose has become the stuff of pandemic lore. Extra shots which must be used within hours once taken out of cold storage have been doled out to drugstore customers buying midnight snacks, people who are friends with nurses and those who show up at closing time at certain grocery stores and pharmacies. At some larger vaccination sites, the race to use every dose sets off a flurry of end-of-the-day phone calls. In every case, if the leftover dose does not find an available arm, it must go into the trash. Now, a New York-based startup is aiming to add some order to the rush for leftover doses. Dr. B, as the company is known, is matching vaccine providers who find themselves with extra vaccines to people who are willing to get one at a moments notice. Since the service began last month, more than 500,000 people have submitted a host of personal information to sign up for the service, which is free to join and is also free to providers. Two vaccine sites have begun testing the program, and the company said about 200 other providers had applied to participate. Dr. B is just one attempt at coordinating the chaotic patchwork of public and private websites that allow eligible people to find vaccine appointments. Critics have said the current system is confusing, unreliable and often requires access to the internet, as well as the time to prowl websites for the rare appointment. In many places, it also largely ignores people who are not yet eligible for a shot, wasting the opportunity to get them on a formal waiting list. While Dr. B does not solve all of those broader problems, if it scales up the way some hope that it will, it could serve as a model for a better, more equitable way of scheduling vaccinations. I think thats a great idea, said Sharon Whisenand, administrator of the Randolph County Health Department in rural Missouri. Whisenand said that 60 to 80 people failed to show up to the countys first mass vaccination event in late January, prompting her staff to make dozens of calls at the end of the day to people on a waiting list. We sounded a little like a call center for a bit, she said. The workers eventually found enough takers to administer most of the extra doses, but some shots were thrown out. Dr. B is a for-profit effort, set up as a public-benefit corporation that includes efficient and equitable vaccine distribution in its mission. But its founder, Cyrus Massoumi, a tech entrepreneur, has not yet described Dr. Bs business model. He said he was financing the project out of his own pocket and had no plans to collect revenue. The company is named after his grandfather, who was nicknamed Dr. Bubba and became a doctor during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Massoumi is a founder and former CEO of ZocDoc, which helps patients find available doctors appointments, and the founder of Shadow, a company that reunites lost pets with their owners using technology and local volunteers. Like both of those efforts, Dr. B seeks to make connections between groups that need something from each other. Ultimately, patients need this vaccine, and theres providers who need help getting it to the people of priority, Massoumi said. Thats my motivation. After coming up with the idea for Dr. B in January, Massoumi recruited several engineers from Haven, a now-defunct health care collaboration among Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and J.P. Morgan, to build its website and underlying database. Amazon also donated web services, Massoumi said. The half a million people who have signed up for the service entered basic biographical information, such as their date of birth, address, underlying health conditions and the type of work they do. If vaccine providers near them have extra doses, they will get notified via text message and have 15 minutes to respond. Then they must be willing to quickly travel to the vaccination site. The companys database sorts people by local rules about vaccine priority, giving providers better odds of administering their leftover shots to those in the greatest need. For many providers, that orderly procedure would be a welcome change from the haphazard systems they are using now. At some pharmacies and supermarket chains, workers have resorted to combing the shopping aisles to find people willing to get a last-minute vaccine. At other locations, vaccine hopefuls wait in line at the end of every shift, which could pose an infection risk, particularly to the most vulnerable. Despite some grumbling about younger, healthier people skipping the line by snapping up leftover doses, public health experts and many ethicists say the most important thing is that the vaccines do not go to waste. Earlier in the vaccine rollout, some politicians, such as Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, threatened sanctions against providers for not precisely following priority rules, and a doctor in Texas lost his job after he gave expiring doses to people with medical conditions, including his wife. For those who are offered a last-minute vaccine, that person should not say no because they want it to go to someone else, said Dr. Shikha Jain, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago, and a co-founder of IMPACT, a group that has been working to improve the equitable distribution of vaccines. However, its really important to be intentional and to be equitable, she said. Massoumi said he had taken several steps to ensure that the service will be equitable. That has included turning down early media requests from mainstream publications and instead promoting Dr. B on Zoom calls with representatives for groups like Black churches and Native American community groups, given that the pandemic has disproportionately affected nonwhite groups. It was really important for him to let these communities have potentially a place at the front of the line, or to get the information early, said Brooke Williams, who is Black and a member of the Resistance Revival Chorus in New York. She joined one of the early Zoom calls and began spreading the word. Hearing about shots that were getting thrown out was just heartbreaking and infuriating, she said. The service suffers, however, from some of the same barriers that have marred vaccination efforts so far. Although signing up is simple, doing so requires an internet connection as well as ready access to a cellphone. Because of the last-minute nature of leftover doses, participants must have flexible schedules and access to transportation. Its still heavily internet dependent, so it will depend on who hears about it, said Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York Universitys Grossman School of Medicine. It seems hes trying to solve a problem and do some good, but Im sad that governments counties, cities, national organizations didnt prepare for this and then didnt react more quickly to give advice and guidance. Massoumi noted that the site allowed for people such as community volunteers to sign up on others behalf. The site is also available in Spanish. He noted that the programs setup, which allows people to sign up, then wait for a notification based on priority, is better than other sites that require hours of refreshing websites in the odds they may luck into a rare opening. Some local health authorities, including in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, are shifting to a similar preregistration system, which can help to level the playing field. There is this feeling where you dont know where you stand, and the only way to secure your place is by refreshing a browser, said John Brownstein, a Boston Childrens Hospital researcher who runs VaccineFinder.org, an online portal that helps people book vaccine appointments. For Brittany Marsh, who owns a pharmacy in Little Rock, Arkansas, figuring out what to do with leftover doses was a daily headache. She said the number of no-shows had increased as vaccines have become more available, and others have had to cancel at the last minute because they developed COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who did. Although sometimes people do call, she said, more times than not, we just have a no-show. Marsh has been testing Dr. Bs service for a few weeks and said it saved her workers the hassle of calling a waiting list of other customers to quickly fill the open slots. With Dr. B, she said, I know that theyre calling at least what we think is the right group of people to come get those shots, so that we dont have to ever waste any. Dr. B has revealed few details about which providers have expressed interest in using its platform, other than to say the providers are based in 30 states and include doctors offices, pharmacies and the medical departments at large academic institutions. The company collects sensitive personal information that it vows to closely safeguard, even though, because the company is not itself a medical provider, the data is not protected by the federal health care privacy law known as HIPAA. When asked about his long-term plans for the company, Massoumi demurred, noting that the race to vaccinate was not going to end anytime soon. Right now, we just want to get the vaccines allocated in the best possible way, he said. I cant think of a better use of money to help solve the pandemic, so were just heads down, focused on that. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. HELSINKI (dpa-AFX) - Finland's industrial production rose in January after falling in the previous month, data from Statistics Finland showed on Wednesday. Industrial production rose 1.0 percent month-on-month in January, after a 0.7 percent fall in December. In November, output grew 0.8 percent. Manufacturing output increased 0.2 percent monthly in January, while production of mining and quarrying industry declined 9.1 percent. Among industries, production in metal industry and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply production grew by 1.5 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively. On a yearly basis, industrial output gained 0.9 percent in January, after a 2.2 percent fall in the previous month. Separate data from the statistical office showed that the industrial orders decreased 6.3 percent yearly in January, following a 15.1 percent decline in December. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Trivendra Rawat submitted his resignation to governor Baby Rani Maurya at Raj Bhavan in Dehradun on his return from New Delhi Sensing that his resignation could upset his supporters, Rawat told Nadda it was a collective decision taken by the party leadership. ANI New Delhi: Facing discontentment from a section of BJP MLAs and ministers over his style of functioning, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Tuesday tendered his resignation as the partys top brass did not want the growing dissension to dent the partys poll prospects. With the Assembly polls just 10 months away and the Congress, the main Opposition party, now in disarray, the BJP leadership did not want to take any chance to give strength to the Opposition camp, including the AAP, which has decided to contest the polls this time. Mr Rawat would have completed four years in office on March 17. Sensing that the CMs resignation could upset his supporters and his constituency, Mr Rawat, who had held a meeting with BJP president J.P. Nadda in New Delhi on Monday, said it was a collective decision taken by the party leadership that someone else should lead the state now. Mr Rawats Cabinet colleague Dhan Singh Rawat, who is also his batchmate from college, is said to be the frontrunner to succeed him. The names of Union minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni and senior leader Ajay Bhatt are also doing the rounds. Mr Trivendra Rawat submitted his resignation to governor Baby Rani Maurya at Raj Bhavan in Dehradun on his return from New Delhi, where he had met the BJPs central leadership. After submitting his resignation, Mr Rawat said the Uttarakhand BJP Legislature Party will meet at the state party headquarters Wednesday to choose his successor. Central observers Raman Singh and Dushyant Kumar Gautam are due to land in the state late on Tuesday to oversee the process of the change of guard in the state. Earlier, before going to Raj Bhavan, Mr Rawat was closeted with his associates at the CMs residence, including Cabinet minister Madan Kaushik and Mr Dhan Singh Rawat. After submitting his resignation, Mr Rawat addressed a press conference at his residence and said the party had collectively decided someone else should lead the state now. I feel really honoured that my party gave me the opportunity to serve Devbhoomi for nearly four years, said Mr Rawat. He said that during his tenure, several steps were taken for the empowerment of women, including a recent ordinance giving ownership rights to women in the ancestral property of their husbands. State BJP chief Bansidhar Bhagat, Mr Dhan Singh Rawat, Vikas Nagar MLA and chief spokesman Munna Singh Chauhan, Cantt area MLA Harbans Kapoor and Dehradun MLA Sunil Uniyal Gama were also present at Mr Rawats last press conference as chief minister. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 17:29:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- A paramilitary police officer killed a fellow officer before shooting himself dead in a camp in Trans Nzoia County in northwest Kenya, authorities said. The General Service Unit (GSU) officer also injured two of his colleagues following an altercation that erupted on Tuesday evening. Endebess Criminal Investigation Officer Peter Ochieng said the police corporal, Paul Kuria, disagreed with his senior over a routine change over deployment and started shooting sporadically at Chepchoina GSU camp. Ochieng said the rogue officer later shot himself and died instantly. "The shooter turned the gun on himself and terminated his life," Ochieng told Xinhua. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Kuria had opposed a decision by his senior to move him to neighboring Turkana County. "The officers were being assigned various responsibilities and working stations, and Kuria was deployed to work in Turkana county but opposed," said an officer at the camp. "And this is when he picked his gun and started shooting." Enditem Mayfield Man Jailed on Meth Possession Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff GRAVES COUNTY - A Mayfield man was arrested Tuesday night on methamphetamine charges.The Graves County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky State Police were conducting a Traffic Safety Checkpoint on US 45 South and KY 1748 around 10:00 pm when deputies came in contact with 35-year-old Michael Townsend. Townsend was arrested for driving on a DUI suspended license.During a search of Townsend's vehicle, a deputy reportedly found methamphetamine. Townsend was lodged in the Graves County Jail on charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a DUI suspended license. TRINIDAD and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) executive director, Nigel Edwards, says the changes the 39-year-old financial institution is undergoing at this time are transformational. The UTC is now in the middle of a three-year cycle of strategic changes that will culminate in 2023 and beyond, he said. Further feasibility study on the idea of a 'Boris Bridge' An official feasibility study into the possibility of building a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland has been slammed as a "pipe dream" by Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill. The deupty First Minister described it on social media as a "smokescreen" for the current situation that has developed surrounding Brexit. In her tweet, Mrs O'Neill said: "The pipe dream bridge between the North and Scotland is a smokescreen for the Brexit fallout amongst the unionists who engineered it on both sides of the Irish Sea." The idea of a tunnel or bridge between the two nations has previously been welcomed by figures in the unionist community, with Sammy Wilson saying Boris Johnson can "win back the trust" of unionists by building it. The report, by Network Rail boss Sir Peter Hendy, has tasked two experts to lead a "discrete piece of work" to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. Saying devolution had led to a lack of attention to connectivity, Sir Peter said the aim of the review was to level up the whole of the UK. Read More The news of the official feasibility study on Tuesday has been dismissed by the SDLP's Nichola Mallon. Branding the review as a gross breach of trust, Mrs Mallon suggested the resources around a bridge or tunnel could be spent better and said the government should focus on "commitments already made" for projects in Northern Ireland. I have engaged with the Connectivity Review in good faith, she said. I fundamentally believe that connecting our communities and working together to tackle the climate crisis is in the substantial common interests of all the people we represent. Expand Close SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) The narrow focus of the review on Tory manifesto pledges, however, represents a total breach of trust. I have consistently made clear that the enormous resource required to establish a fixed link bridge or tunnel could be much better spent addressing the priorities of people in our communities. I am bitterly disappointed with the attitude of the British Government, which is obsessed with centralising spending power in areas of devolved responsibility. I remain open to working with Ministers in London but there needs to be a marked change of attitude and priority to meet the needs of people here. That must start with respect. Respect for devolution and for locally elected, locally accountable Ministers. Looking into wider aspects of connectivity throughout the UK, a consultation is also to be launched this spring looking into reforming air passenger duty - a tax on passenger flights from UK airports - in a bid to improve transport connecting all four nations. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the plans were part of his desire to build back better after the coronavirus crisis. He also added that he wanted to bring every corner of the UK closer together. We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map, said Mr Johnson. This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road. I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country. Nearly four years ago, designer Conor McGlauflin was trying to come up with a birthday present for his niece. Around that time, he also recalled losing five socks in a row. Thinking of how ridiculous it was to keep losing socks, he had the idea to make a story about it. After a year and a half of workshopping, trading feedback with his family and others, and refining the project with his agent, his debut picture book, Sock on the Loose, was launched by Macmillans Roaring Brook Press imprint on February 23. McGlauflin said he aimed to create a relatable mystery, something that would be fun to go through and read with your kid. The sock-filled adventure follows Blue Sock, who journeys in search of its missing half but ends up discovering much more. The book, which McGlauflin both wrote and illustrated, has garnered much attention due to a digital campaign with the hashtag #SockOnTheLoose. Created by Morgan Rath and Kenya Baker from Macmillans publicity and marketing teams, respectively, the campaign was designed to be a fun family activity. A group of parenting bloggers were recruited and received copies of the book along with a single sock. The idea was to decorate the sock and post a photo of it in the hopes of finding its other half. Bloggers would browse other accounts, using the hashtag #SocksontheLoose, to look for their matching sock, commenting on the posts and following each others accounts along the way. One thing I really loved [about the campaign] was that it really tapped into a core message of Sock on the Loose, which is the idea that although losing a sock can be frustrating, it can also be an opportunity to be creative, McGlauflin said. Rath agreed, saying: The second Kenya and I read Sock on the Loose we knew we wanted to do something creative and out of the box, matching the silly nature of the book. Dozens of bloggers took to social media with their decorated sock and personalized stories: Kathy Minas of The Caterpillar Corner and her daughter Lucy created the bedazzled, fabulous-haired Koolba, who left for a hair appointment and now really misses her other half; Ashley Silvera of Bookish Realm had lots of fun coloring, planting kale, and even sunbathing with pink-haired Tyler; Lauren Neil of Picture Book Playdate and her daughter made the most of the Texas snowstorm with the aptly named Starry. Bloggers across the country enjoyed the inventiveness of the challenge. People were intrigued by the whole idea of socks going on adventures and being on the loose Silvera said. And Minas said she loved how a seemingly simple and relatable issue like losing a sock became such an amazing experience. As of March 1, most every sock had found its match. I havent heard back from a few, but thats okay too, McGlauflin said with a laugh. Even if a match wasnt found, the kids Bookstagram community had a new means of interacting through this challenge. We were visiting the Instagram accounts of many other bloggers who were equally as passionate about books and reading, Minas said. From the outside looking in, seeing bloggers from around the country connect with each other through socks was a fun bonus element, Rath added. A large component of the campaign was the involvement of children. One of the best things about all this is that theres a prompt for more silliness and creativity with kids, something that was directly connected to my hope for this book, McGlauflin said. During a time where no physical book launches can take place, McGlauflin stated, campaigns like this are necessary and really magical in being able to overcome limitations. McGlauflin gave Rath and Baker for a big shout-out for inventing a new easy way of launching books and taking people along for the ride. Fans of Sock on the Loose can look forward to more books from the author-illustrator. One Im working on right now is the mystery of where thoughts come from, McGlauflin said. Sock on the Loose by Conor McGlauflin. Roaring Brook, $18.99 Feb. 2021 ISBN 978-1-250-30457-5 ORLANDO, Fla. Florida manatees are dying at an alarming rate in the first two months of 2021, more than tripling the normal amount of fatalities seen during the same period over the last five years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has posted in its preliminary manatee mortality statistics that from Jan. 1-Feb. 26, the state has recorded 403 manatee deaths, the majority of which have not had a necropsy to determine cause of death. Brevard County by far leads the way with 186 of those deaths. The five-year average for the same time period is 129 manatee deaths. The FWC said it was investigating the high mortality in the central and south Atlantic coastal regions of Florida. Most of the deaths are occurring in the Indian River Lagoon. Environmental conditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern, the FWC posted on its manatee program site. Preliminary information indicates that a reduction in food availability is a contributing factor. We will continue with a comprehensive investigation and share information as it becomes available. The FWC has always done a rigorous and thorough job at investigating threats to manatees. According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, a reduction in seagrass in the lagoon could be the primary cause. The district cites that since 2009, 58% of the seagrass has disappeared, mostly because of an increase in nutrients in the water that come from runoff into the lagoon. The decline didnt happen overnight. The stunning water views, the fishing and recreational opportunities that drew people to the area have resulted in the water quality conditions we see today, reads a statement from the districts executive director Ann Shortelle. Too many nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, are entering the lagoon from overfertilized lawns, faulty sewage treatment and leaching from septic tanks. Floridas manatee population gathers in warm-water regions such as the lagoon during the winter months, so FWC states that as the temperatures climb, and manatees migrate naturally away from Brevard and around the state, that their situation may improve. This dispersal should lead manatees to better habitats, FWC stated. The state recorded 637 deaths across all 12 months of 2020, according to preliminary FWC data. Thats a little higher than the five-year average of 578. More than 100 of the 2020 deaths, though, including 40 in Brevard,, came in December as well, feeding into the continued mortality seen in January and February. FWC recorded only 405 manatee deaths for the entire year in 2015. Despite the deaths, FWC estimates the manatee population in the state to be around 7,000, which is much higher than its low 30 years ago. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services estimated population low of 1,267 manatees in 1991 has improved to the point that the manatees status was changed in 2017 from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. FWC is continuing its manatee rescue program, though. If you see an injured or dead manatee, you can call the FWCs Wildlife Alert number at 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC on a cellphone. ___ Richard Tribou of the Los Angeles Times wrote this story. 2021 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday (March 10, 2021) said that 755 FIRs, 1829 arrests and 353 cases were charge sheeted in cases related to riots in northeast Delhi. The Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy gave an update to the Rajya Sabha saying that nearly 755 FIRs had been filed out of which 62 heinous cases were investigated by the crime branch's special investigation teams. "Delhi Police has informed that in connection with the riots of North-east District of Delhi, total 755 FIRs have been registered, out of which 62 heinous cases are investigated by Special Investigation Teams (SITs) in Crime Branch, one case is investigated by Special Cell to unearth the criminal conspiracy behind the riots and the remaining 692 cases are investigated by North-East District. 1829 persons have been arrested and charge sheets in 353 cases have been submitted in the Ld. Court for trial," he said. Reddy told the Rajya Sabha that the investigation was carried out based on facts and evidence, using the latest scientific techniques, and without any regard to the affiliation or identity of the alleged accused in all the cases. On February 24, 2020 riots erupted in northeast Delhi after clashes were reported between the supporters of citizenship law and protesters which spiraled out of control. The violence left at least 53 people dead and also led to destruction of property. Michigan reported 954 new coronavirus cases and 29 new deaths Tuesday, March 9. Of the 29 deaths reported Tuesday, eight previously occurred and were identified through a vital records review. These reviews are completed three times a week. The state is averaging 1,250 new coronavirus cases per day and 20 deaths per day over the last week. This is the first day-over-day decline since March 3. Since the pandemic began, Michigan has reported 598,968 confirmed cases and 15,699 deaths related to COVID-19. The state has also reported 60,922 probable cases and 993 probable deaths, in which a physician and/or antigen test ruled it COVID-19 but no confirmatory PCR test was done. (The above chart shows Michigans 7-day rolling average of new confirmed coronavirus cases. You can put your cursor over a bar to see the number. You also can click on the option just below the headline to see the actual number of new cases reported by day.) Of Michigans 83 counties, 58 reported new cases on Tuesday. Wayne County led in new cases with 146, followed by Oakland with 144 and Macomb with 93. Other top reporting counties for cases included Kalamazoo with 66, St. Clair with 38, Genesee with 37, Saginaw with 34, Washtenaw with 29 and Ingham with 20. Fourteen counties reported new deaths including Wayne with 9, followed by Saginaw with four and Kent with three. Oakland and Macomb reported two new deaths each. Of the following counties, each reported one new death: Genesee, Calhoun, Cass, St. Joseph, Monroe, Roscommon, Tuscola, Barry and Benzie. (The above chart shows Michigans 7-day rolling average of deaths involving confirmed coronavirus cases. You can put your cursor over a bar to see the number. You also can click on the option just below the headline to see the actual number of new deaths reported by day.) Hospitals across Michigan were treating 937 patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, including 217 patients in the ICU. This is slightly down from March 2, when hospitals were treating 939 such patients with 228 in the ICU. Of the 17,518 diagnostic tests processed Monday, 6% came back positive for SARS-CoV-2. This is the highest positivity rate since Feb. 1 when the rate was also at 6%. The average positivity rate over the last seven days is 4.2%. As of Monday, Michigan had administered more than 2.64 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. This includes about 1.69 million first doses, and 950,178 second doses. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines recommend two doses administered weeks apart. Case reporting First is a chart showing new cases reported to the state each day for the past 30 days. This is based on when a confirmed coronavirus test is reported to the state, which means the patient first became sick days before. You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases. (In a few instances, a county reported a negative number (decline) in daily new cases, following a retroactive reclassification by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In those instances, we subtracted cases from the prior date and put 0 in the reported date.) The next chart below shows new cases for the past 30 days based on onset of symptoms. In this chart, numbers for the most recent days are incomplete because of the lag time between people getting sick and getting a confirmed coronavirus test result, which can take up to a week or more. You can call up a chart for any county, and you can put your cursor over a bar to see the date and number of cases. For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here. To find a testing site near you, check out the states online test finder, here, send an email to COVID19@michigan.gov, or call 888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Read more on MLive: First Michigan case of South African COVID-19 variant identified in Jackson County boy What you need to know about COVID-19 variant first identified in South Africa and now in Michigan Michigan lists 166 new coronavirus outbreaks and 427 ongoing clusters in March 8 report Whitmer orders flags lowered on anniversary of Michigans first COVID-19 cases State to release 35,800 COVID-19 vaccine doses to 22 entities for more equitable distribution Tuesday, March 8, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Daily average of new cases up 56% since Feb. 20 Selena Gomez has been single since she split from Justin Bieber three years ago. And now the beauty, who has a new Spanish-language EP entitled Revelacion coming out this week, has told the April cover for Vogue magazine that it is hard to trust people. 'I cant meet someone and know if they like me for me,' the 28-year-old shared about how her fame complicates dating. 'To be honest, I just want to start over. I want everything to be brand-new. I want someone to love me like Im brand-new,' she added. Trust is hard: Selena Gomez has been single since she split from Justin Bieber three years ago. And now the beauty, who has a new Spanish-language EP entitled Revelacion coming out this week, has told the April cover for Vogue magazine that it is hard to trust people Her ex: Bieber has a new album to promote as well; his is titled Justice She also said her split from Bieber was so hard she sought professional help. When she went to a center she said she started thinking about her 'personal life, and I'm like, What am I doing with my life? and it becomes this spiral,' added the star. In 2018 he shocked fans when he wed Hailey Bieber after splitting from Selena months earlier. Gomez was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and she touched on that too: 'Once the information was there, it was less scary,' she said. Lonely: 'I cant meet someone and know if they like me for me,' the 28-year-old shared about how her fame complicates dating. 'To be honest, I just want to start over. I want everything to be brand-new. I want someone to love me like Im brand-new,' she added One way she stays healthy is by stepping away from social media. 'I woke up one morning and looked at Instagram, like every other person, and I was done,' she shared. 'I was tired of reading horrible things. I was tired of seeing other people's lives. After that decision, it was instant freedom. My life in front of me was my life, and I was present, and I could not have been more happy about it.' But Selena maintains her posts are done by her and not a manager. The beauty, who was photographed by Nadine Ijewere, also talked about how lockdown has been hard for her. 'I watch CNN, but I try not to do it too much, because I'm empathetic to the point that I'll cry at anything. I cried a lot during quarantine, just for the pain of everyone else,' she said. Tough love: She also said her split from Bieber was so hard she sought professional help. When she went to a center she said she started thinking about her 'personal life, and I'm like, What am I doing with my life? and it becomes this spiral,' added the star And she said she felt the Trump administration was responsible for 'so many pointless deaths.' As far as Black Lives Matter protests she said: 'I thought, Who am I to talk? Am I going to post a picture and say, This is important? No, I need to learn; I need to figure out people's pain.' She turned over her Instagram account to Kimberle Crenshaw and Alicia Garza, and also interviewed Stacey Abrams for the digital organization She Se Puede. 'My first engagement with Selena was revelatory: She expressed an honest disengagement with traditional politics while also showing a hunger for solving real, painful problems,' said Abrams. 'In that, she embodied the most powerful voterone who comes to participation because she knows better is both possible and her right.' He is a married man now: Soon after he split from Gomez, Justin wed Hailey Baldwin And Gomez also discussed her acting career: 'I haven't even touched the surface of what I want to do. I can't wait for the moment when a director can see that I'm capable of doing something that no one's ever seen.' As far as being a Disney kid she shared: 'That was my job in a wayto be perfect. You're considered a figure kids look up to, and they take that seriously there.' Gomez added, 'I think I spent so many years just trying to say the right thing to people for the sake of keeping myself sane... I'm just such a people-pleaser.' But she hopes Hollywood sees her as more. 'I still live with this haunting feeling that people still view me as this Disney girl,' Gomez added. She is currently shooting Only Murders In The Building with Steve Martin and Martin Short. New tunes: She just released the music video for her song Selfish Love. She worked with Bieber pal DJ Snake who created Let Me Love You for Justin Last week Gomez unveiled the track listing for her upcoming EP Revelacion and a new article of album art. The songwriter first teased a Spanish-language project in 2011 but made little reference to the idea over the next few years. On January 14, the performer released the single De Una Vez, which seemingly confirmed suspicions that she was following through with her past statement. That same day, a music video for the song premiered on Gomez's official YouTube account and received critical praise for its visuals. Further speculation regarding the project was raised when murals featuring various song titles were installed in the coastal Mexican town of Sayulita. The upcoming release will be comprised of seven songs, three of which include features from artists Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers and DJ Snake. Revelacion is set to be released on March 12. Aerial view of The Knob and Quissett Harbor in Woods Hole, Mass., with greater Buzzards Bay in the distance. Buzzards Bay is approximately 28 miles long by 8 miles wide and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and tourism. Credit: Fish Hawk Films A long-lasting, successful relationship between scientists at the MBL Ecosystems Center and the citizen-led Buzzards Bay Coalition has garnered a long-term record of water quality in the busy bay that lies west of Woods Hole. That record has already returned tremendous value and last week, it was published in Scientific Data, a Nature journal. "We hope getting this data out will encourage scientists to use it to test new hypotheses and develop new insights into Bay health," said Rachel Jakuba, science director of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and lead author of the journal article. Since 1992, a large and dedicated team of citizen volunteers, dubbed Baywatchers, has been collecting water samples from more than 200 sites along the coast of Buzzards Bay. The samples have been analyzed at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) since 2008 under the direction of Chris Neill, a former MBL scientist who is now at Woodwell Climate Research Center, and MBL Senior Research Assistant Richard McHorney. The goal is to document the effects of nitrogen pollution in the Bay, including low oxygen levels that threaten marine life, in order to inform policies to improve Bay health. "Baywatchers data directly influence policy by documenting impaired waters, making the public aware of long-term water quality trends, and importantly, documenting how water quality improves when communities upgrade water infrastructure, like fixing antiquated wastewater treatment plants," said Neill. "They also show the Bay's waters are warming rapidly." The main sources of nitrogen pollution in the 430-square-mile Bay are private septic systems and underperforming wastewater treatment plants. Collaborations such as the MBL-Buzzards Bay Coalition's are essential to move science toward societal solutions. From left, The southeastern Massachusetts coast; Buzzards Bay; The Elizabeth Islands, Woods Hole and Falmouth, Mashpee and Bourne; Vineyard Sound and Martha's Vineyard, from the International Space Station in 2003. Credit: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center "Scientists can provide information on the causes and consequences of excess nitrogen loading and suggest alternatives, while citizens groups can push for action and help bring together citizens, regulators, and policy makers to achieve a solution," said MBL Ecosystems Director Anne Giblin. Giblin and MBL Senior Scientist Ivan Valiela were among a group of scientists who helped the Coalition formulate and establish the Baywatchers program in the early 1990s. Baywatchers data have been used to identify nearly 30 bodies of water around the Bay that do not meet federal standards under the Clean Water Act, evaluate wastewater discharge permits, support the development of targets for reduction of nitrogen pollution, and develop strategies for reaching those goals. And the Baywatchers program itself elevates public awareness and generates support for actions to control nutrient pollution and improve water quality. "With a program like Baywatchers, every one of those citizen volunteers not only collects samples, they go out and talk to their friends about the nitrogen issue. That is a huge public education benefit. By making sure those volunteers are well educated in the scientific facts, you get this tremendous informal education program going," Giblin said. Baywatchers is one of the largest and longest-running water quality monitoring programs in the country, and its dataset on water quality in Buzzards Bay keeps growing. "Over the past 30 years, the Coalition has prioritized our commitment to comprehensive water quality monitoring above all elseplacing sound science at the core of our work and successes in restoring and protecting the Bay. It is a function that continues to develop as we expand the density of our monitoring stations, parameters measured, methods for collection, and scientific collaborations. Making our entire dataset available through peer-reviewed publication is an important step and I'm indebted to the many scientists, citizens, and funders who got us to this milestone," said Rasmussen. Explore further Study reveals climate change impacts on Buzzards Bay More information: Rachel W. Jakuba et al, Water quality measurements in Buzzards Bay by the Buzzards Bay Coalition Baywatchers Program from 1992 to 2018, Scientific Data (2021). Rachel W. Jakuba et al, Water quality measurements in Buzzards Bay by the Buzzards Bay Coalition Baywatchers Program from 1992 to 2018,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41597-021-00856-4 Advertisement Dr Anthony Fauci is finally giving Americans his blessing to have fun this spring break but warns not to throw all caution to the wind and coronavirus cases and deaths continue to decline in the U.S. 'We want people to have a good time on spring break, but don't put your guard down completely,' the nation's top infectious disease doctor said on CNN Tuesday. 'But don't let your guard down completely. Just be prudent a little longer. We are going in the right direction, we are almost there.' In spite of Dr Fauci's own warnings that decline in new COVID-19 cases in the US are stalling again the average number of daily infections is now below 60,000 with 57,417 diagnosed with the infection on Tuesday. That marks a nearly 50 percent decline from daily case rates just a month ago. The average number of deaths per day has fallen by 40 percent in the past 30 days and 1,947 fatalities were reported on Tuesday. Dr Fauci at long last admitted that it's 'totally understandable' that people want to travel and be in a 'festive atmosphere,' but he isn't ready to throw all caution to the wind, saying that relaxing all restrictions is 'inviting' another surge. We want people to have a good time on spring break, but don't put your guard down completely,' Dr Fauci said on CNN Tuesday Dr Fauci took a lighter tone with spring breakers, but urged them to still socially distance and wear masks - which many already partying in Miami (pictured) are not doing 'It's a concern when you start doing things like completely putting aside all public health measures as if you're turning a light switch off, that's quite risky, we don't want to see another surge,' Dr Fauci said. The nation's top infectious disease doctor isn't abandoning his cautious principles and remains a waring voice, but his tone is starting to lighten. Health officials also this week finally told Americans who are fully vaccinated that they can begin to resume some semblance of normal life. New CDC guidance advised Americans who have had two doses of Moderna's or Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines that they can safely see other vaccinated people indoors without masks, or see low-risk people from one other household. But the health agency cautioned vaccinated people that they still should not travel, dampening the hopes of grandparents with out-of-state grandkids as well as to spring breakers, most of whom are not yet eligible for vaccines yet any way. Americans as a whole may also be taking the pandemic more seriously than they seemed to last year, when spring break was a free for all in popular destinations like Florida. This year, only about one in eight Americans said they had a spring break trip planned, according to data from the U.S. Travel Association. Despite the threat of variants spreading in the U.S. there is good reason for a more optimistic outlook. Yesterday marks the eighth Tuesday in a row that the seven-day rolling average of cases has declined in the U.S., falling 76 percent from the 219,000 case a day the country was seeing as of January 12. The average number of daily deaths has declined steeply too, though less consistently. There were an average of 3,288 coronavirus fatalities a day in the U.S. on January 12. As of yesterday, that average had fallen to 1,752, marking the fourth week in a row of declines. Even Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr Rochelle Walensky had a more positive outlook on Wednesday. 'The recent plateau of cases may be starting again to trend downward,' she said during the White House response team's tri-weekly briefing. She noted that hospitalizations have declined too, with an average of 4,900 COVID patients admitted per day last week. 'All of this is really good news,' Dr Walensky said, but added: 'The numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are still too high.' Mobility in the US is back on the rise as vaccinations increase and spring breakers ignore health officials' advice to vacation - but it's no wherenear the holiday peaks As spring breakers set their sites on destinations near and far, cases and infection risks are still high in much of the country. Risks of contracting coronavirus are still considered 'high in every U.S. state except Washington, Oregon, Missouri, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, where there is a 'medium' risk, according to Covid Act Now. And in New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, the risk remains 'critical' because outbreaks are considered active in those states. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also said Wednesday that 51 percent of new cases in the metropolis are due to more infectious variants that emerged initially in the UK and in New York. He said that 39 percent of samples tested for mutations there were positive for the UK mutations, while about 12 percent were positive for the quickly spreading New York City variant. These variants - as well as those that have arrived in the U.S. after emerging in South Africa and Brazil - are the heaviest threat looming over the American fight against the pandemic. CDC warned in January that the UK's 70 percent more infectious B117 variant would likely become dominant in the U.S. this month. It's certainly gaining ground, with 3,283 cases confirmed in 49 states and territories, according to CDC data. According to tracking of viral genome sequencing - the lab process scientists use to identify cases of variants - suggests that 30 percent of worldwide coronavirus cases and four percent in the US are caused by the UK variant, according to Outbreak.info. However data from Florida, which is a hot spot for spring breakers and coronavirus variants alike, has 'encouraged' scientists there that the UK variant won't cause a fourth surge after all. The state has more confirmed cases caused by B117 than any other, at 689. It is thought to account for 30 percent of all cases. But daily infections there are staying level, at around 5,300 cases a day. They've even fallen slightly compared to last month. Spring breakers, though at lower volumes, will undoubtedly head to Florida and other warm destinations like California and mask-free Texas. The coming weeks may give a clearer picture of whether coronavirus variants and travel are mightier than the accelerating vaccination effort. After declaring victory in eradicating absolute poverty, China is finding ways to ensure that the people's movement up the economic ladder is sustained and no one backslides into poverty. During the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's lawmakers pondered next steps for cementing the hard-earned achievement. A major effort for building on the victory against poverty will be pushing for higher-level development in China's rural areas. In this year's government work report, Premier Li Keqiang announced that China will set up a robust long-term mechanism to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation through the dovetailing rural vitalization drive. Zhu Youyong, a deputy to the 13th NPC, said, "Shaking off poverty is just the first step, and creating better lives needs continued efforts." After years of hard work, impoverished areas have seen better living environment with support from outside, said Zhu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a plant pathologist. "To make development sustainable, rural areas need to create their own growth drivers by developing local businesses." For the areas that were lifted out of poverty, the government needs to keep its policies consistent, and offer follow-up support for those in need, Zhu said. He stressed that rural areas should explore business strategies based on local conditions, and recruit professionals and develop a talent pool with technological, marketing, and business management skills. According to the government work report, a five-year transition period will apply for regions that were lifted out of poverty. Major assistance policies will remain unchanged during this time. Li Jian, a deputy to the 13th NPC and director of the poverty alleviation and development office in Guizhou province, said it is important to establish a dynamic monitoring and assistance system to forestall a large-scale reemergence of poverty. Through big data technologies, officials in poverty relief departments can closely monitor major data on areas such as healthcare, education, and housing to identify and find causes for people at risk of falling back into poverty, and offer timely and targeted assistance, Li said. Li also called for government agencies to provide employment aid and vocational training for those who find it hard to land a job, and support local business development to increase rural income. Last month, China established a new government body for promoting rural vitalization, which replaced the country's anti-poverty agency that oversaw poverty relief programs in rural areas over the past years. The debut of the new administration marked the transition of China's policy focus from poverty alleviation to promoting rural vitalization across the board, said Wei Houkai, a deputy to the 13th NPC. "Anti-poverty and rural development should be our long-term goal," Wei said. "Although we have eradicated absolute poverty under the current standards, relative poverty will continue to exist due to economic imbalances and the income gap." As director of the Rural Development Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Wei said he found that China's rural productivity is still low compared to other agricultural powers, and the gap between urban and rural income is relatively wide. As urbanization gathers pace, the influx of young and middle-aged rural residents to the city has left an increasing proportion of senior residents behind in rural areas, he said. "But infrastructures and facilities in large fall short of the needs with the aging population there." Wei called for more efforts to retain young rural residents, including helping them find jobs and start businesses in their hometowns. He also said businesses in urban areas should be encouraged to establish operations in the countryside through policy incentives and subsidies, so that those businesses can bring capital, technology, marketing, and branding solutions to rural areas. Tang Renjian, minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said that as rural development comes to a new stage, China will make more practical plans to improve the living and working conditions of rural residents, and provide better public services in areas such as education, healthcare, and senior care to meet their needs. On the heels of a heated standoff between platforms and publishers in Australia, U.S. lawmakers reintroduced a piece of legislation that would allow the news industry to collectively negotiate content deals with tech companies. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act is sponsored in the Senate by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Kennedy (R-LA) and in the House by David Cicilline (D-RI), Ken Buck (R-NY) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA.). The legislation was first introduced in 2019, but the bipartisan cluster of lawmakers hope to breathe new life into it during the Biden era. The bill would create an exemption from existing antitrust laws that would allow news organizations to collectively negotiate favorable terms with tech companies like Facebook and Google. That special treatment would open a 48-month window for publishers, in theory boosting their leverage to better the industry as a whole. The U.S. isn't the only country grappling with tech platforms' publishing dominance. Last month, Facebook dramatically pulled links to news content in Australia as it pushed back against new regulations that could force tech platforms to pay for more content. Specifically, Facebook objected to a final arbitration clause that would set the price for news automatically if tech platforms and news publishers couldn't agree on terms. "We must enable news organizations to negotiate on a level playing field with the big tech companies if we want to preserve a strong and independent press," Sen. Klobuchar said of the bill, which she argues would give publishers a "fighting chance" in dealing with tech platforms. "A strong, diverse, free press is critical for any successful democracy," Rep. Cicilline said. "Access to trustworthy local journalism helps inform the public, hold powerful people accountable and root out corruption." Story continues Both Cicilline and Klobuchar sit in powerful positions, chairing the House and Senate's respective antitrust subcommittees. In the coming months, those committees will play a major role in shaping legislative proposals that could rein in big tech's many excesses. Balancing the power of colossal tech platforms against the priorities of a shrinking news industry is just one piece of that puzzle. View this document on Scribd By Hyunjoo Jin SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Energy Solution aims to build advanced battery cells for Inc electric vehicles in 2023 and is considering potential production sites in the United States and Europe, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. has not yet agreed to a deal that would expand LG's role in its supply chain beyond China, one of the sources said. Last week, the Korean battery maker told Korean reporters it plans to build a U.S. factory where it would make battery cells for EVs and energy storage systems, to cater to U.S. and global customers as well as startups. It did not identify potential customers then, but one of the sources said it was hoping would buy the batteries. In September, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk announced an ambitious plan to develop new cells in-house, prompting suppliers like and Panasonic to embrace the unproven technology or face risks of losing a major customer for the longer term. The Korean supplier, a unit of Chem, has made samples for the so-called 4680 large-format cylindrical cells, said the sources, who asked not to be identified. It faces technological hurdles and the challenge of scaling up production, people familiar with the matter said. "LG plans to produce 4680 cells at its new U.S. factory. They plan to build a new 4680 cell line to supply Tesla's Giga Berlin in Europe," one of the sources said, adding Spain is one of candidate for the European plant. One of the sources said LG has never mass produced such large-format cylindrical cells, although increasing battery capacity is the correct call. "Tesla is a major customer, and LG can take risks," another source said. He said LG has not yet secured orders from Tesla for the 4680 cells, still under development. For now, Tesla is sharply boosting orders for 2170 cells used in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made in China, the source said. LG declined to comment, and Tesla officials could not be reached for comment. Tesla's September plan to develop the new 4680 battery cells is meant to reduce production costs, improve battery performance and increase driving range. This would help with Tesla's push to boost electric vehicle production significantly around the world. Tesla is running a pilot factory for the new battery cells in California, and preparing to build those cells at newer plants in Texas and Germany. Musk said recently Tesla is in talks with battery suppliers about developing 4680 batteries. He said Tesla will use the current cells for at least a few years, but will "retire" those cells over time. LG currently supplies smaller cells to Tesla in China, as does Chinese battery maker CATL. Panasonic has partnered with Tesla in a $5 billion battery "gigafactory" near Reno, Nevada. LG currently has a $2.3 billion joint venture with General Motors Co in Lordstown, Ohio, to make pouch-type electric vehicle batteries for future GM electric vehicles. GM said separately it is considering building a second U.S. battery factory with LG. The unusually candid comments from LG and GM came after another Korean battery supplier, SK Innovation, hopes the White House would overturn a recent U.S. trade ruling favoring LG, saying it threatens to disrupt battery supplies to Ford Motor and Volkswagen. Tesla rival Lucid Motors, which has a multi-year supply deal with LG Chem, and is considering whether to make its own cells in house, said it is interested in different cell formats, Chief Executive Officer Peter Rawlinson earlier told Reuters. Panasonic plans to start a test line for 4680 cells in Japan in the business year beginning April 1, according to a person familiar with the matter. The two have not said if they plan to collaborate on production of the 4680 cells. Tesla may need to push out the timeframe for mass production, or work with partners at its newer plants in order to get cell production up and running quickly, said Caspar Rawles, an analyst at researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. (Additional reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit, Tim Kelly in Tokyo and Heekyong Yang in Seoul; editing by Ben Klayman and David Gregorio) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two males had earlier made off in the black coloured Ford Kuga car. Detectives in Lurgan are appealing for information following the theft of a car earlier today, which was later found burnt out. It was reported that a man was approached by two men at Lurgan Tarry at around 2.30pm on Tuesday afternoon, who threatened him and ordered him to give them his car keys. The keys were handed over and the men made off in the mans black coloured Ford Kuga car. The car was found burnt out a short time later on the Tullydagan Road. The first man was described as being around 61 tall, heavy build and was wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing. The second man was slightly shorter and wore a black face mask and dark clothing. Anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with the investigation, is asked to call detectives in Lurgan on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 963 09/03/21, or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) Moldova has confirmed side effects after vaccination with the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine in 3.6 percent of those already inoculated, the national public health agency said on Wednesday. The country started its vaccination drive using the AstraZeneca vaccine on March 2 and has already vaccinated 7,367 people. "Since March 2, when the vaccination began, and till this day, we have registered 271 cases of vaccine side effects. Let me note that this is 3.6 percent. All side effects showed within 24 hours after vaccination and disappeared in a day or two," the agency's epidemiologist, Laura Tsurkan, said at a briefing. According to the scientist, those vaccinated complained about headache, fatigue, feeling sore at a spot where a shot was administrated, shivers and higher temperature. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, during an official visit to Chisinau at the end of last year, vowed to provide Moldova with 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine as humanitarian aid; the first batch of 21,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Chisinau on February 27. Earlier in the month, Moldova became the first European country to receive coronavirus vaccine doses free of charge through the international COVAX facility launched by the World Health Organization with the arrival of 14,400 AstraZeneca vaccine doses in the country last Thursday. Concordia University, St. Paul "We can help make a meaningful difference for professionals who help people deal with extremely challenging trauma-related circumstances for better outcomes. - Dr. Eric LaMott, Provost & COO Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) today announced two new graduate program options specifically focused on trauma, resilience, and self-care. The new programs, launching in Summer 2021, will offer highly focused curriculum specific to professionals who provide direct care and emergency response, intervention, support, and teleconsultation services. CSP will offer two new options for graduate students: A 15-credit graduate certificate that includes five courses that can be completed in 10 months. A Master of Arts degree with an Emphasis in Human Services Trauma, Resilience, and Self-Care that includes 36 credits of coursework completed over 22 months. The 15-credit certificate program can be associated across a wide range of graduate degree programs, including forensic behavioral health, criminal justice, law, nursing, and other human services-related fields of study. These options were created to address the growing demands on professionals who work directly with people affected by traumatic experiences, empowering them to address real-world challenges they will face while working with people in crisis. The expanded curriculum options are modeled after CSPs existing Trauma & Resilience in K-12 Education graduate program and certificate offerings. The extended focus of the new program will provide relevant and timely knowledge through coursework focused on: The foundations of trauma disorders and stressor-related disorders The impact of childhood trauma on the developing brain Forensic behavioral health aspects of trauma The impact of trauma on family systems Trauma-informed practice, self-care, and resilience strategies Many professions, from law enforcement to health and human services and the legal community, face extraordinary human challenges compounded by their personal traumatic experiences. Too often, professionals are unable to provide effective trauma-informed care, said Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Program Director at CSP. Issues related to complex trauma, toxic stress, and childhood adversity are growing at alarming rates. The challenges are compounded by the emotional toll of COVID-era confinement and isolation along with months of civil unrest locally and nationally, which contribute to increased fear, anxiety, worry, and depression for many individuals needing support services. The law enforcement community, in particular, has unique opportunities to deploy more modern approaches when responding to person-in-crisis situations, said Janina Cich, department chair of Criminal Justice & Forensic Behavioral Health at CSP. By better understanding the root causes of crisis behaviors, law enforcement officers in the field can better assess immediate situations. Concordias new program can help facilitate real-world change across the spectrum of law enforcement and criminal justice. Such skills can help law enforcement leaders be more responsive to increased public demand for new models of policing. Our university continues to pioneer relevant, real curriculum that helps our students bring exceptional value in the job market, said Eric LaMott, provost and COO, Concordia University, St. Paul. Our faculty continually develops innovative academic programs that align with our students needs for job-relevant skills to help them stand apart from others. With this new program, we can help make a meaningful difference for professionals who help people deal with extremely challenging trauma-related circumstances for better outcomes. The content within the new Trauma, Resilience and Self-Care programs is not intended for use in diagnosis or treatment. Instead, this program is designed to enhance a students professional competencies and promote learning, processing in ways to identify signs and symptoms, when to take action, and where to refer those needing intervention and support. About Concordia University, St. Paul Founded in 1893, Concordia University, St. Paul is a private Lutheran liberal arts university that delivers academic programs that are responsive to the needs of our students and relevant to the demands of the job market. One of the most affordable private universities in Minnesota, Concordia St. Pauls student body consists of more than 5,500 students representing all 50 states and 29 different countries. For more information, please visit csp.edu. Approximately two years after establishing a human cerebral organoid system to study Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), National Institutes of Health researchers have further developed the model to screen drugs for potential CJD treatment. The scientists, from NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), describe their work in Scientific Reports. Human cerebral organoids are small balls of human brain cells ranging in size from a poppy seed to a pea; scientists use human skin cells to create them. CJD, a fatal neurodegenerative brain disease of humans caused by infectious prion proteins, affects about 1 in 1 million people each year. It can arise spontaneously, result from a hereditary mutation within the prion gene, or arise due to infection, for example, from eating contaminated meat products. A notable example of this occurred in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s following an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. There are no preventive or therapeutic treatments for CJD. The lack of a completely human CJD model has been a considerable barrier hindering the discovery of potential therapies. Studies in mice have failed to identify treatments that were then effective when tried in patients. The human cerebral organoid CJD model holds promise that this barrier can be eliminated. Cerebral organoids have organization, structure, and electrical signaling systems similar to human brain tissue. Because they can survive in a controlled environment for months to years, cerebral organoids also are ideal for studying nervous system diseases over lengthy periods of time. Cerebral organoids have been used as models to study Zika virus infection, Alzheimer's disease, and Down syndrome. The CJD study was conducted at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. Scientists tested pentosan polysulfate (PPS) to determine its potential preventive and therapeutic benefits. In the experiments, PPS treatment reduced the disease indicators by 10-fold or more without causing tissue death. PPS is a benchmark anti-prion compound in laboratory experiments, but it is rarely used clinically because it requires direct administration into the brain. While it may extend a patient's life, PPS has not been shown to improve quality of life. However, using the anti-prion properties of PPS with the new human organoid CJD model allowed the researchers to assess the value of this model system for drug discovery. The scientists showed that the human organoid model can be used to screen compounds that may be useful for preventive treatment. Such treatment could be used for people carrying genetic mutations that cause the disease, but who have not yet developed symptoms, or for people who may have been exposed to infectious prion proteins that might cause CJD. The model further proved useful for screening drugs against established CJD after a patient is diagnosed and starts showing symptoms of disease. The scientists are working to expand the organoid model for screening larger numbers of novel drug candidates. Their goal is to find treatment options for people who are susceptible to CJD because of their genetics or who accidentally are exposed, as well as for those who develop sporadic disease. They are optimistic that with their fully human model of disease, they can now identify compounds with promise for benefitting patients with CJD. Italian Foreign Minister on March 9 said that the nation strongly disapproves of any deal to reunify ethnically divided Cyprus that doesnt conform to an already agreed-upon federal framework thats spelt out in UN resolutions. According to AP, Luigi Di Maio said that he assured his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, that Italy very resolutely rejects any peace proposals that fall outside the parameters of existing agreements and the UN decisions. The Republic of Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is ethnically divided between Greeks and Turks. While Turkey and Northern Cyprus have suggested that a two-state solution was the only way out of the islands conflict, the other side does not doesnt support such a formula. Both Cyprus and Greece, have called for a "bizonal federation" as the only solution for the reunification of the Mediterranean island. On Tuesday, Di Maio said that he and his Cypriot counterpart discussed bolstering energy cooperation as Italian energy company Eni and partner Total of France have secured oil and gas exploration and drilling rights in seven of 13 offshore blocks inside Cyprus exclusive economic zone. He also said that he underscored his complete solidarity with Cyprus over provocations and unilateral actions that harm the islands sovereign rights and which cannot be tolerated. Further, the Italian minister made it clear that Italy stands by the side of Cyprus and Greece against any violation of their rights. UN-backed meeting with Cyprus, Turkey and Britain Meanwhile, next month, the UN chief Antonio Guterres will host an informal meeting on Apr. 27-29 in Switzerland. The meeting would be attended by foreign ministers of Cyprus' three guarantors Greece, Turkey and Britain. Cyprus has expressed a strong will to get on common grounds with Ersin Tatar, who was chosen as the President of breakaway Northern Cyprus in 2019. The meeting would mark the latest attempt to get both sides ink an accord to establish peace on the Island. The meeting is also jeopardized by Ankaras recent shift from its call on establishing a federal system consisting of Greek and Turkish speaking nations to the establishment of a sovereign state. Besides, the issue of Cyprus, Turkey and Greece have been at loggerheads on a variety of other matters such as control over a sliver in the Meditation Sea. (Image: AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a press conference before the opening of a mass vaccination site in the Queens borough of New York on Feb. 24, 2021. (Seth Wenig/Pool via Reuters) Cuomos Top Legal Counsel Leaving the Administration On Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the resignation of his top lawyer Kumiki Gibson, the latest in his administration amidst the dual scandals of COVID-19 nursing home deaths and numerous sexual harassment allegations. Gibsons statement included with Cuomos announcement said that her decision wasnt a sudden one. I informed the Executive Chamber a month ago that I planned to leave State service and have accepted a position at a nationally prominent not-for-profit organization, she said. It has been an honor and privilege to work for the Governor and the people of the State of New York. I remain deeply impressed with the talent and dedication of my legal team and will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to serve New Yorkers, she added. Gibson was named Cuomos legal counsel on Sept. 3, 2019. Previously, she served as Vice President Al Gores Chief Counsel and the Vice President and General Counsel of John Hopkins Univerity. Her last day with the Cuomo administration will be Friday. Beth Garvey, Cuomos special counsel and senior advisor, will be taking her place as acting counsel in the meantime. Some of Cuomos staffers have resigned in the past few days. Two of Cuomos aides, press secretary Caitlin Girouard and interim policy adviser Erin Hammond, have announced that they are leaving the administration. They both announced that they made the decision months ago. Girouard is the spokeswoman who delivered a statement last week denying the sexual harassment allegations made online against Cuomo by former staffer Lindsey Boylan. New York COVID-19 task force member Gareth Rhodes, a top aide who regularly sat on the governors briefing panel throughout the pandemic, announced last week that hes leaving his post for his former position as deputy superintendent and special counsel to the state Department of Financial Services. Another press secretary Will Burns announced last week that he will leave his post to attend law school. In the meantime, dozens of New York State Assembly members released an open letter calling for New York Attorney General Leticia James to conduct a thorough investigation into Cuomo. They requested that James be allowed the appropriate time to complete her investigation, the letter read. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is deploying 500 Texas National Guard troops to the border to crack down on migrants trying to cross into the United States, which he blames on Democratic President Joe Biden. 'There is a crisis on the Texas border right now with the overwhelming number of people coming across the border,' Abbott said at a press conference Tuesday, according to Stars and Stripes. 'This crisis is a result of President Biden's open border policies. It invites illegal immigration and is creating a humanitarian crisis in Texas right now that will grow increasingly worse by the day.' Abbott's actions come as Republicans in Washington stir up concerns about the onslaught of migrants, with Sen. Lindsey Graham warning on Tuesday night that it's a 'great way for terrorists to come into our country.' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he will deploy 500 Texas National Guard Troops to the border to crack down on migrants trying to cross into the United States Asylum seeking migrants are shown being apprehended by a Texas State Trooper after they crossed the Rio Grande River into Penitas, Texas from Mexico on March 9 'Word is out that the Trump policies are being replaced by the Biden administration [policy] that if you get one foot in America, you are never going to leave,' Graham said on 'Hannity.' The Texas National Guard mission is separate from the 3,600 federal National Guard troops and active duty service members who have been deployed to the border since April 2018 under a Trump order. That order continues under Biden, Stars and Stripes reported. Stars and Stripes also reported that a Government Accountability Office report revealed that the Department of Homeland Security expects that mission to go on for at least another three years. Data from Customs and Border Protection shows that southwest land border encounters are up over the past three fiscal years. There's usually a downturn of crossings during the winter months and an uptick in spring. But crossings from October to January were consistently higher, likely due to the economic unrest thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In January, more than 41,000 more people crossed over the border than in the same month in 2020. In Texas' Rio Grande Valley sector, Abbott said that Border Patrol apprehended about 90,000 people last year. The total this year was already 108,000, the Texas governor said. 'We will work to step up and try to fill the gap that the federal government is leaving open by making sure we deploy every resource, whether it be Department of Public Safety or Texas National Guard, whatever we need to do,' Abbott said. 'Texas is going to fight for the safety and security of our state.' One change under Biden is that unaccompanied children are taken into custody, as opposed to being swiftly removed, which is still the policy for adult migrants. Biden also changed Trump's 'remain in Mexico' policy for asylum seekers. Unaccompanied children in Border Patrol custody are supposed to be turned over to Health and Human Services facilities within 72 hours. Because of the crush of kids, on Friday the Biden administration had to open back up to pre-COVID-19 levels because there wasn't enough space to house them. (ANSA) - GENOA, MAR 9 - Police from Genoa on Tuesday arrested 29 people, 15 Italians and 14 Albanians, on charges of smuggling drugs from the Balkan country to Italy under the aegis of the Puglia mafia, the Sacra Corona Unita (United Holy Crown, SCU). The gang moved some seven tonnes of hashish, marijuana and cocaine, police said. The gang used powerful speed boats, with 500 horsepower engines, driven by expert SCU smugglers, to dodge police sea patrols, police said. Some 32 other people have been placed under investigation in the probe. The drugs, above all marijuana, were stocked in Puglia and Molise and then moved on to northern Italy, France and Germany, police said. Police said the marijuana was souped up with other chemicals to make it comparable in effect to cocaine. As well as supplying pushers in Bologna, Florence, and Genova, the gang also supplied the Rome drugs market, police said. (ANSA). Purchase Health Dept. Moving to 60+ Vaccinations By West Kentucky Star Staff WESTERN KENTUCKY - Starting Thursday, the Purchase District Health Department will begin to schedule vaccinations for anyone 60 or older as part of phase 1c in the statewide vaccination plan.Those 60 and older can call 866-624-0366 to make an appointment. Everyone should be patient because call volume will be high.The health department also said that starting Monday, Baptist Health Paducah will begin scheduling phase 1c, which includes anyone 60 or older and all essential workers. An online form must be used, and is available at www.scheduleyourvaccine.com . Checking the website often is suggested, as more appointments become available.Officials said the majority of those who registered with the health department as 60-plus and high risk have been contacted. They will be contacting others who registered and are over 60 in the order in which they registered.The vaccination form on the health department's website is closed due to the influx of vaccine providers and the transition to phase 1c. Anyone who used the form will still be contacted. To find a full list of vaccine providers, visit www.vaccine.ky.gov or call 855-598-2246.A supply of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been requested by the health department, with hopes of serving those who might have difficulty getting to two vaccine appointments.Although several businesses have requested on-site vaccination clinics for their employees, these will not take place. The health department said their standard allotment of the vaccine is enough for their weekly clinics, but no more than that. The results of the Third Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey with National Overlay show the commercial rent situation continues to worsen for businesses in Hawaii and across the country. A partnership between the Seattle-based Center for Housing Economics, the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and others in Hawaiis business community, expanded its research scope at the end of 2020 to include data from businesses across the United States. The top-level findings confirmed: Survey results reflect consistent need for commercial rent assistance in Hawaii and across United States. Many businesses permanently closed their doors and laid-off employees in 2020 due to the burden of commercial rent compounded with the costs of doing business in the new normal. Many businesses do not expect to survive through the end of 2021 without government-funded rent relief. More specifically: A total of 1,205 business owners across 19 primary industries were polled with the majority of the respondents (93 percent) being from Hawaii. 60 percent of businesses have closed due to the pandemic, while only 49 percent have partially or completely reopened. Two in three businesses were significantly impacted or closed due to government restrictions in 2020. Three in five businesses do not expect to survive through the end of 2021. 27 percent of businesses expect their annual revenue to decline by more than 50 percent in 2021. 56 percent of businesses are being impacted significantly by COVID-19. Economic Hardship Endures Despite Federal and State Relief Programs The vast majority of businesses surveyed said they received federal assistance with 83 percent benefiting from support of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and/or the Small Business Administration relief programs. Nonetheless, 49 percent expect to miss at least one full rent payment between January and June 2021 and only 5 percent have been able to restructure their leases. Alarmingly, a mere 15 percent of businesses surveyed indicated they have received a reduction in rent, while 42 percent of businesses said they received a meager $3,000 or less per month in rent assistance. In sum, 63 percent of businesses do not believe they will survive in 2021 without government-funded commercial rent relief. This is based on data showing 49 percent of businesses surveyed did not pay rent in full from April to December 2020. Concerted Call For Wider Government Safety Net Businesses used government stimulus funds to finance a portion of their expenses in 2020 but the amount and timing of financial support was too little, too late for many businesses that had to close their doors permanently. Hardest hit businesses have not been able to pay rent, continue to add to their rent burden, and expect to miss further rent payments in 2021. Businesses face increased headwinds due to a projected gradual economic recovery, safety regulations affecting business capacity and service, and businesses already operating with thin margins continue to struggle to break even. This is in addition to deferred payments of accumulating back rent. Unfortunately, the rollercoaster ride for thousands of businesses is reflected across the nation for the foreseeable future until truly meaningful help from the government can be provided, said Ryan Tanaka, Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey organizer and president of Island Business Management. Ive personally spoken to more than one hundred business owners since the start of this survey and it is clear the situation is dire. Many do not know how much longer their businesses will be able to survive. Roger Valdez, founder of Seattle For Growths Center for Housing Economics, said collaborating with Hawaiis business leaders on this national survey was intended to combat misinformation about housing with better data, better ideas, and with a hope of changing the narrative. The big picture is that commercial and residential real estate are tightly woven together, said Valdez. When businesses close, individuals lose their jobs and their income, which ultimately translates to the inability to pay their rent. Everyone is impacted which is why commercial rent relief is so critical to sustain our economy right now. The full results of the Third Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey with National Overlay is available at https://tinyurl.com/hcrs3us. About the National Commercial Rent Survey The Third Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey with National Overlay is an effort to gather actionable data and information on the direct impacts that COVID-19s is putting on businesses across the country. Originally created by a coalition of Hawaii-based business leaders as the Hawaii Commercial Rent Survey, the survey is made possible with the support of Island Business Management, LLC, the State of Hawaii Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Center for Housing Economics, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), NAIOP Hawaii Chapter, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaii Restaurant Association, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Hawaii Executive Collaborative, First Hawaiian Bank, Central Pacific Bank, American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, Nareit Hawaii, and others. Detailed survey results are anonymous and only aggregated totals and averages calculated from the respondents were used in the analysis. Panasonic AI-driven cameras empower an expanding vision of new uses Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. Thats the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonics 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The companys i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonics image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonics current approach. The companys i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies, says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers needs. At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend, said Gerard Figols. He adds, For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organisers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety. Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications, said Gerard Figols, adding However, it doesnt mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe its more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for. As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realised that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver, said Gerard Figols, adding I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing. i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the worlds perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue. Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behaviour before incidents occur. A federal judge has ruled the Al Bahr Shriners of San Diego are barred from recovering most damages from the U.S. government relating to the destruction of their summer camp in the Laguna mountains in 2013. The Shriners lost virtually everything in their camp on July 9, 2013, when the Chariot fire rose from the desert floor and burned across Sunrise Highway in the Cleveland National Forest. The 7,000-acre fire destroyed the nearly century-old Al Bahr Shriners Camp. The 87-year-old lodge, a dining hall, a caretaker cabin, two dormitories and five rental cabins burned, as did more than 100 small cabins that were privately owed by Shriners. Several other structures outside the camp were also either partially burned or destroyed. The fire had started three days earlier in the desert when, according to state investigators, a Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officers Jeep Wrangler accumulated brush beneath its carriage. The brush made contact with the Jeeps catalytic converter and caught on fire. As the brush burned, it destroyed a fuel line and as the jeep drove around the desert small spot fires began. Those fires eventually burned together, creating the Chariot fire. The lawsuit which is seeking $20 million in damages, is still ongoing and has other defendants that include the makers of the Jeep argued that because it was a federal employee who started the fire, the government, under state law, should be on the hook for the damages at the camp. Advertisement However U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia ruled last week that federal law, not state law, applies. The ruling concludes that the Shriners had operated their camp since the 1920s under a series of Special Use Permits granted by the Cleveland National Forest. One of the conditions of the permits is that the Shriners would be responsible for all damages the camp might sustain for any reason. The practical effect of the Term Special Use Permits is that the United States agreed to allow Plaintiffs to use public land for their private recreational use in exchange for Plaintiffs assuming all risk of loss to the structures they chose to place in the Cleveland National Forest, the U.S. Attorneys Office argued in court papers. Had the United States intended to assume the risk of loss to Plaintiffs improvements, the Forest Service would have needed to charge much higher fees to the Plaintiffs to protect against potentially significant liability. Lawyers for the Shriners tried to argue that the special permits were with the forest service and unconnected to the Bureau of Land Management, but the judge said both are part of the U.S. government. Since the 2013 blaze, the camp has remained mostly vacant and gated. A forest spokeswoman said negotiations between the Shriners and the service are ongoing about a new permit, but there has been little movement in that direction in the past year. The judges decision does not cover damages suffered by individual Shriners who lost personal property in the fire, but appears to exclude the federal government from being responsible for the loss of almost all of the 150 buildings that burned because they were all built under the terms of the special permits. Kristen Barton, one of the attorneys representing the Shriners, said what qualifies as personal property will be determined during further litigation. The Cleveland National Forest was created in 1908. Advertisement A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office said it cannot comment because the lawsuit, and nearly a dozen others related to the fires brought by insurance companies trying to recoup losses, are still active. Advertisement jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones SIP Global Partners (SIP), a US-Japan headquartered VC firm, today announced the first close of $75M of commitments for its debut fund, targeting $150M in total commitments. SIP invests in breakout early-stage US technology companies and supports their expansion across Asia. To date, SIP has made five investments for its debut fund. SIP was built to unlock value at the intersection of emerging US technology companies and overwhelming demand for Asian market access. While the US has the most active startup ecosystem in the world, it still only comprises 4% of the global population. SIP provides US startups a unique entry point to scalable market opportunities in Asia, starting with Japan. The opportunity for US startups in Asia is enormous, with Japan often becoming their #1 foreign market, said Shigeki Saitoh, SIP Global Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Its no longer axiomatic that a US startup waits until a Series C or D round to enter Asia markets. In fact, we see as early as US seed stage startups already in Asia, and over 90% of our pipeline is expanding or actively considering expansion. SIPs cross-border ecosystem across the US and Asia drives access to the fastest-growing companies in the US. Its teams' deep experience of building global companies over the past several decades helps accelerate market expansion for its portfolio companies in Asia. To date, SIP has both led rounds and been brought in by leading VCs for Asia market access. Weve dedicated our careers to US-Asia cross-border business as operators and investors, and weve only seen this demand for Asia market access grow over the last several years, said Jeffrey Smith, SIP Global Partners General Partner. SIP was launched by four veteran operators and investors: Shigeki Saitoh (Tokyo) brings a long track record of growing US technology companies in Japan, including involvement with Netscapes, Amazons, Infoseeks and Charles Schwabs market entry. He has also led innovative Japanese tech companies, including Digital Garage (Representative Director), and incubated Kakaku.com. He was formerly the director of the Japan Venture Capital Association. Justin Turkat (Tokyo) has helped lead investments in high profile Japanese technology companies, including Royal Gate (Board Member, acquired by Daiwa House Group) and iSpace (the largest Series A round in Japans history at time of investment). He has also driven Japan market entry for US startups (including Flashpoint and GlassView). Jeffrey Smith (Boston) has been a CEO and principal of 12+ public and private technology companies across the US, EU and Asia. Notable exits include GENSYM and Flight Landata (acquired by KEYW Corp.). Matthew Salloway (NY, GCC) has served as the CEO of a top-tier global family office for five years and led direct and fund investments in venture capital, often with a strategic market expansion focus into the Middle East. The firms debut fund invests in companies poised for large scale growth in Asia across three key themes: Creativity (AR/XR, Synthetic media, Web-based platforms), Productivity (AI/ML, Edge Computing/IoT, Semiconductors) and Safety (Digital health, Information security). SIP has invested in five US tech startups alongside top-tier co-investors, featuring a serial unicorn founder, a startup incubated by the Father of the Personal Computer and a world-renowned chip and game designer. Our integrated team sources a highly targeted pipeline in the US as we assess significant market demand in Asia. We then conduct due diligence of US startups and add value post investment on a local and global scale by leveraging our network of end users across the US and Asia, said Matthew Salloway, SIP Global Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner. SIPs portfolio includes: Fable, a web-based, full-stack motion design tool; Croquet, an ultra- low latency, collaboration platform; Tilt Five, an AR platform set to revolutionize gaming; Parallel Wireless, a next-generation O-RAN technology company; and KINETIC, an industrial IoT technology focused on workplace safety and productivity. One of the most unique advantages of partnering with SIP is they can accelerate our worldwide expansion, especially into strategic markets in Asia," said KINETIC CEO and Co-Founder Haytham Elhawary. "We selected SIP as a strategic investor because of their Asia market expansion capability, as well as their operational expertise, knowledge and insight. Were very excited about our initial portfolio and look forward to supporting our startups as a trusted in partner in the US and Asia, said Justin Turkat, SIP Global Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Though international travel is limited today due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities in Asia persist, and we look forward to helping companies unlock those opportunities. About SIP Global Partners SIP Global Partners invests in transformative US technology startups poised for large scale growth in Asia. SIP leverages its dual-headquarters in the US and Japan, its principals' 40-year history of building global companies and unique market access to accelerate growth for portfolio companies in Asia, including Japan, ASEAN and the GCC. For more information, visit sipgp.com. Press Contact: Mia Carbonell, mia@sipgp.com Vaccine roll out heading in the right direction despite vaccine supply issues This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2021 Wales will still see vaccine supply issues in the coming weeks, however an uptick and more steady rate of supplies is then expected. The vaccination process is currently focusing on priority groups 1-6, with health boards aiming to meet the Welsh Government milestone of offering all the top nine groups a vaccine by April 19. This covers everyone over the age 50 and those aged between 16 and 64 with underlying health conditions which put them at more risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. Yesterday Wales reached the milestone of administering more than one million first dose vaccines to members of the public. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales this morning Dr Gill Richardson, chair of the Wales COVID-19 vaccination program, said that the rollout is heading in the right direction. In recent weeks a national shortage, caused by central vaccines production capacity, has caused a drop in the number of vaccines being administered across the UK. Asked today whether supplies are set to improve in recent weeks, Dr Richardson said that Wales will see a very large delivery of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week which will be distributed to health boards. She added that the allocation of first doses of the Pfizer vaccine have now been used, with second doses now being administered. Earlier this morning Wrexham.com reported that the AstraZeneca vaccine being provided this week to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is more than double than it has been of late. As result there will be be an acceleration of the vaccination rollout across the network of primary care partners in the region. However despite the increase this week, Gill Harris, deputy chief executive the health board warned that supplies of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to be less. At this afternoons Welsh Government briefing we asked Health Minister Vaughan Gething what is causing the yo-yoing vaccine supplies and when it can be expected to level off, and if there was any figures or context to increases and decreases. Despite earlier comments from Dr Richardson about an increase in AstraZeneca vaccines on the way, Mr Gething indicated that supply issues may continue after this week before levelling off. He said: We will see a step backwards in the supply that we have of AstraZeneca for a period of time well then see a much more steady rate, thats our expectation of vaccine supply. Ive had conversations with AstraZeneca and Pfizer, but also a regular conversation with the UK Government vaccines minister. The challenge will be making sure that we can deliver when we have the supply. I think we will be able to do that, which youll see that on the figures this week, and then managing public expectations about when the supply becomes slightly less. Even in the last few weeks when we had a reduced supply, were still been seeing thousands and thousands of people every day getting a first and a second dose. So even in the reduced areas of supply, if you think back to where we were in January, were regularly doing on a daily basis more than we were doing in a week at the start of the vaccination program. That does show how our suppliers have scaled up their activity to deliver more of that and whats really important, is our vaccine teams are then going to successfully deliver that into peoples arms. Theyre doing it really quickly and in way that I know from the patient feedback Ive seen, is something that people are really impressed with both the process and also the level of care and interaction theyre having with those staff at that time. I cant give you exact figures on where we are, were publishing information every week on vaccine supply and well continue to do that to be as open as we possibly can be. The annual session of the National Peoples Congress opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5. Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report. According to the report, China was the worlds only major economy to achieve growth in 2020, with its GDP growing by 2.3 percent year-on-year, and the country has achieved complete victory in the fight against extreme poverty. Lets look at some highlights! China aims to expand its GDP by over 6 percent in 2021, with more efforts on reform, innovation and high-quality development. China plans to create more than 11 million new urban jobs this year, and to keep the surveyed urban unemployment rate within 5.5 percent. Chinas consumer price index (CPI) will be maintained at around 3 percent in 2021. It also plans to cut the ratio of its deficit to GDP to around 3.2 percent this year. Meanwhile, China will implement a rural vitalization strategy, promote steady development of agriculture and increase incomes of rural population. For global partnerships, China will pursue high-level opening-up, and promote stable and improved performance in foreign trade and investment. China will further shorten its negative list for foreign investment. The country will promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and also strengthen bilateral, multilateral, and regional economic cooperation. The fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 5, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] Also, China will make meticulous preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Innovation continues to be a key priority for China. Chinas R&D spending will grow by over 7 percent annually during the 14th Five-Year Plan period 2021-2025. In the next five years, China aims to raise the proportion of permanent urban residents to 65 percent of the population. Also, the Chinese government aims to increase life expectancy of Chinese citizens by one year in the same period. China will make concrete efforts to achieve the peaking of carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon-neutrality by 2060. If youre looking for more on this years Two Sessions, youve come to the right place! Stay tuned on Peoples Daily Online! Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to talk about corruption in the country during his first state of the nation address in his second term which he delivered on Tuesday March 9. Madam Gizella who is a sister of former Foreign Affairs Minister Hannah Tetteh said that corruption is a serious matter in the country hence it would have been prudent for the president to have mentioned a word or two on it especially regarding how he is dealing with the menace. Speaking to TV3 after the presidents address, she said He didnt talk about corruption and he himself remembers unless he has forgotten that corruption was a big issue. Mr Akufo-Addo said among other things in his address that Ours is not a government that shies away from public scrutiny. Far from it. That is not the NPP way. That is why, in 2001, under the outstanding leadership of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, and with me as his Attorney General, the Criminal Libel Law was repealed to protect and expand media freedoms in the country, and, in 2003, the Public Procurement Act was introduced to protect the public purse. That is why it was my government that took the bold steps in 2018 to bring about the establishment of an independent prosecutor, with the setting up of the Office of Special Prosecutor. That is why it was my government that, in 2019, enacted the Right to Information Act, which had been shirked by previous administrations, despite decades of agitation by journalists and civil society groups. That is why, within two years of being in office, we more than doubled funding for accountability institutions of state, like CHRAJ, EOCO, the Judiciary and the Auditor General. Government and the people expect those in charge of our governance institutions to do their work with professionalism and good faith. Indeed, the institutions of our nation, whether the Executive, Legislature or Judiciary, are working. The Supreme Court, for example, last week determined the challenge to the validity of the 2020 presidential election, and affirmed its validity in a unanimous decision. The Court has spoken. It is time for all of us to move on, and, in a united manner, confront the problems of post-COVID Ghana. Let me, in conclusion, Mr Speaker, recall the following statement I made in my very first Message on the State of the Nation on the Ghana I hoped to help construct, a statement which is at the heart of everything Government has sought to do since I took office in 2017. Source: 3news.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 Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 She's back in Los Angeles after a lengthy stay in her native Brazil. And on Tuesday, Alessandra Ambrosio was posing up a storm on the beach in Malibu for a photo shoot with her abs on full display and her best pout in place. The model, 39, showed off her impressive abs in a white crop top and stripy lemon pants on the photo shoot, while also warming up with a striped shawl. Working it: Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her impressive abs in a white crop top and stripy lemon pants as she posed for a photo shoot on the beach in Malibu on Tuesday Alessandra had on a lemon yellow shirt that left unbuttoned and held onto a large blue striped shawl draped across her shoulders. Her tanned and toned stomach was stealing the show as the crop top sat high above the waistline of the high-rise trews. Her brunette hair was styled back from her face in a half ponytail. She went barefoot in the sand as the female photographer snapped away. Alessandra ensured her make-up was perfectly applied to finish off her preened yet beach model look on the shores. Model: The model, 39, showed off her impressive abs in a white crop top and stripy lemon pants on the photo shoot, while also warming up with a striped shawl On a shoot: The former Victoria's Secret Angel went barefoot in the sand as the female photographer snapped away Aside for working hard on the shores, the former Victoria's Secret Angel has been at the center of relationship rumors after not being seen with longtime boyfriend Nicolo Oddi since December. The couple were together on their trip to Brazil in late 2020 but have not been seen together since. And later on Tuesday, Alessandra added fuel to the fire as she enjoyed a dinner date with model Richard Lee. The pair held hands as they left an eatery in Santa Monica and snuggled up together as they waited for their car at the valet station. New romance? Later on Tuesday, Alessandra enjoyed a date with model Richard Lee amid speculation she's split from Nicolo Oddi. They held hands as they left a Santa Monica eatery Mystery man: The pair appeared very close with eyes only for each other Smooched: Alessandra and model Richard snuggled up together as they waited for their car at the valet station In February, Alessandra sparked split speculation when she shared several Valentine's Day posts that did not mention Oddi. Alessandra began dating Nicolo not long after ending her engagement to Jamie Mazur from whom she split in March 2018 after 10 years together. They share daughter Anja, 12, and son Noah, eight. Still together? The model has been at the center of relationship rumors after not being seen with longtime boyfriend Nicolo Oddi since December (pictured in an old Instagram snap) Turkeys government is seeking a thaw in relations with the Arab world after a long cold spell. Ankara seems especially keen on improving ties with Cairo. Ibrahim Kalin, the spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, told Bloomberg: A new chapter can be opened, a new page can be turned in our relationship with Egypt as well as other other Gulf countries to help regional peace and stability. If Kalins assertion reflected a change in tone, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu went farther, offering Egypt at least one specific benefit from improved relations: A boundary agreement on the maritime zones claimed by the two countries in the gas-rich eastern Mediterranean. Reports in the pro-government Turkish media suggest Ankara is opening channels to Cairo with a view to resolving their maritime-zoning conflicts. Egypt has not publicly responded to these overtures, but tea-leaf readers in Cairo also see signs of a thaw with Turkey over Libya, where the two countries have been on opposite sides of the civil war. They point to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis warm reception of Libyas new prime minister, Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, who is close to Ankara. Nevertheless, it would be premature to predict a warm Turco-Egyptian embrace. The reality is more complex, because tensions between the two countries were always tempered by their material interests. That said, some degree of friction is likely to persist given their competition for influence in Libya, Ankaras support for Islamists and historic differences between Turkey and Egypts other partners in the Mediterranean. A number of external factors in 2020 led Egypt to reevaluate its foreign-policy priorities, focusing on particular challenges while deescalating other areas of competition. These factors include the electoral defeat of U.S. President Donald Trump, military setbacks for Egyptian allies in Libya, the failure of American mediation of the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the normalization agreementsbetween several Arab states and Israel, which threaten Egypts claim to being the Wests mediator of choice in Palestine. The reduction of tensions with Turkey is to some extent the consequence of the overall recalibration of Cairos concerns. The differences between the two countries remain unresolved, but they matter less in the new scheme of things. The biggest bone of contention is Turkeys support for the Muslim Brotherhood. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan roundly condemned the coup that overthrew the Brotherhood-led government of Mohamed Morsi and brought General Sisi to power. Erdogan has continued to aim rhetorical broadsides at Sisi ever since. The Egyptians have responded in kind. But throughout the war of words, Ankara and Cairo were careful not to cut off all ties. While Egypt joined the embargo of Qatar again, in large part because of Dohas support for the Brotherhood there was no attempt to sever relations with Turkey. On the contrary, trade between the two countries grew steadily. Their free-trade agreement, signed in 2005, remains in force, even though Egyptian politicians have complained it favors the Turks. Trade continued largely unhindered even when Turkey intervened in Libya, which the Egyptians regard as being in their sphere of influence. The Sisi government, along with the United Arab Emirates, Russia and France, had backed the eastern rebel forces under Khalifa Haftar against the internationally recognized government in Tripoli. Haftar looked almost certain to seize the capital when Turkish military support allowed the government to strike back, sending Haftar into headlong retreat. At one point, Sisi was so alarmed by the success of the Turkish-backed forces that he threatened direct Egyptian military intervention on Haftars behalf. This may have helped to halt the Tripoli governments advance, but the fear however fleeting of having to put Egyptian boots on the ground in Libya encouraged Cairo to put more diplomatic effort into ending the fighting. Mexico's lower house of Congress voted Wednesday in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use, in a step towards transforming the land of the drug cartels into a huge regulated market. The legislation, which still needs final approval by the upper house, is partly aimed at curbing drug-related violence that claims thousands of lives each year in the Latin American nation. The law would make Mexico, home to 126 million people, one of just a few countries, including Uruguay and Canada, to legalize cannabis for recreational use. "In theory, it will create the largest legal market in the world due to Mexico's production capacity," said Lisa Sanchez, director of Mexico United Against Crime, a non-governmental organization. In Mexico, "marijuana grows in natural conditions without the energy investments that are made in Canada, for example," she said. The lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the bill by 316 votes to 129. The legislation was already approved by the upper house, the Senate, in November, but it will be sent back for another vote following changes by the lower chamber. - 'Achieving peace' - The opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and conservative National Action Party (PAN) voted against the bill. But they are outnumbered by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Morena party and its allies in both chambers, and the legislation looks almost certain to be approved. "The law would contribute to achieving peace," Morena lawmaker Ruben Cayetano said. PRI legislator Mariana Rodriguez, however, voiced concern that legalization would increase "the rate of consumption and addiction." A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2015 opened the door to the recreational use of marijuana in Mexico. But it is still illegal to carry more than five grams (0.18 ounces). The amount would increase to 28 grams under the proposed law. Up to eight plants would be allowed to be grown at home for personal consumption. Story continues Pro-legalization activist Genlizzie Garibay said that although Mexico is "entering the discussion late," the law is "a step forward" for society, producers and consumers. But she described it as an "elitist law... written from fear, stigma and positions of power." Activists are concerned that cannabis would remain on the list of prohibited substances under the health law, and would not be decriminalized for possession of more than 28 grams. - Fines and arrests - "The production and sale will be legal, but possession will still be subject to the threat of police action, fines and possible arrests," said Sanchez. "It does not solve one of the main problems in Mexico: the misuse of security and justice resources," she added. The reform may also end up preventing farmers from marginalized and poor areas from entering the legal business, activists say. They warn that labeling, production and seed requirements are standard for established companies, but not for traditional producers. Legalization also risks a backlash from drug cartels who control the lucrative illegal trade. In 2020, Mexican authorities seized 244 tons of marijuana. Lopez Obrador sees the legalization of some drugs as a way to improve security in a country plagued by drug-related violence. More than 300,000 people have been murdered since the government deployed the army to fight the cartels in 2006. bur-nc-sem/dr/to MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images/MediaNews Group via Getty Images Salesforce, the citys largest private employer, has canceled its 325,000-square-foot lease at the unbuilt Parcel F tower in San Franciscos Transbay neighborhood, as first reported by the San Francisco Business Times. The company announced in February that more than half of its workforce will continue working remotely or on a flexible schedule after the pandemic is over. It is also subleasing part of its offices at 350 Mission St., according to the San Francisco Chronicle. (SFGATE and The San Francisco Chronicle are both owned by Hearst but operate independently of one another.) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is accused of killing George Floyd last May by pressing his knee against the Black man's neck, listened during his trial at the Hennepin County District Court on Tuesday morning. As the case moves forward, the third jury who will be serving the case has been chosen despite prosecutors asking the Minnesota Court of Appeals to halt Chauvin's trial. The selection process ended after the third juror was seated. According to an ABC News report, the first batch of possible jurors was brought into the courtroom after 9 a.m. local time while prosecutors and attorneys for Derek Chauvin introduced themselves. Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill said he plans to keep the jury selection process until the appellate court tells him to stop. RELATED ARTICLE: Court Thinking to Reinstate Third-Degree Murder Charge vs. Derek Chauvin Jury Selection Process on Derek Chauvin's Case A woman and two men have been chosen to serve on the jury of Derek Chauvin's trial. The first selected juror for the cast is a chemist in his 30s. The said juror was also a resident of Minneapolis and is engaged to be married. The first juror said he has a generally favorable view of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, adding that he believes that all lives matter equally. He also noted that he does not believe that the movement is necessary in the case. The man claimed that he had never watched the video showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck before, according to an Insider report. The second juror is a woman from northern Minnesota, who said she was excited to be part of the hearing as she was fascinated by the court process. The woman noted that she had seen Chauvin's video that gave her a somewhat negative opinion on the defendant. However, she said it could be proven wrong when presented with complete evidence. The second juror also supports the BLM movement, but she noted that companies turned it into a marketing ploy to get people to buy products. She said that she also felt the same way about the pro-cop countermovement. The third juror was a financial auditor and had a somewhat negative belief of Derek Chauvin as he was involved in a death. But he noted that he would base his findings in the case only on the trial's evidence. George Floyd's Death As seen on a viral video shot by bystander Darnella Frazier, Floyd was pinned down by Derek Chauvin and was seen pressing his knee into the back of Floyd's neck while he was handcuffed, lying face down, New York Post reported. Floyd can be heard telling the police at least a dozen times that he cannot breathe and asked Derek Chauvin to remove his knee off his neck. Even bystanders, including a grocery clerk, pleaded with the officers to let Floyd get up. Medical officials reportedly spent an hour trying to revive George Floyd. However, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 9:25 p.m. Police called EMTs around 8:30 p.m. Derek Chauvin is facing a second-degree unintentional murder charge and a manslaughter charge. He has pleaded not guilty to all these charges. The former Minneapolis cop had faced 10 conduct complaints before over his 19 years in service. However, he had never faced any disciplinary action. READ MORE: Former Police Officer Derek Chauvin Charged With George Floyd's Killing Released on Bond WATCH: Watch live: Jury Selection in Derek Chauvin Trial Begins - From KSDK News As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 04:10:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VILNIUS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government on Wednesday decided to allow all shops with direct street access, and museums and galleries to reopen next week. Starting Monday, stores, kiosks or pavilions with direct street access will be allowed to reopen if they can ensure at least 20 square meters of floor space per customer or serve only one customer at a time, according to the government. Visits to museums, galleries and other exhibition spaces will also be allowed, on the condition that visitors buy tickets online or be registered in advance and operators will have to ensure at least 30 square meters per visitor. Visits to these facilities in groups are limited to no more than two persons, except for members of one family or one household. The government may also consider allowing large shopping malls and leisure centers to reopen in the near future if the COVID-19 situation does not deteriorate, said Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte at a press conference. Starting next week, 59 primary schools in 25 out of Lithuania's 60 municipalities will be able to reopen and follow a mixed mode of distance learning and classroom learning. The second nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was declared in Lithuania on Nov. 7, 2020 and later extended until March 31, 2021 due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the Baltic country. So far, Lithuania has registered 203,386 COVID-19 cases and 3,351 deaths, according to the Department of Statistics. The incidence rate in the last 14 days stands at 231.4 cases per 100,000 residents. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in an increasing number of countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. So far, 88,247 people in Lithuania have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine. Meanwhile, 263 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 81 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 9. Enditem New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to attend BJP Bhagao, Desh Bachao rally which is being organised by Lalu Prasad Yadav on August 27. It is said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi will not attend the rally. A senior party leader that they support RJD and party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Nabi Azad will be attending the rally. Rahul Gandhi had earlier indicated that he might be present at the Patna rally as Lalu has been a long-time friend and supporter of the Gandhis. Their presence at his rally, however, may affect its prospects as Lalu and his son are embroiled in cases of corruption, analysts said. Lalu is attempting a major show of strength after he was ousted from the Bihar government with the JD-U moving out of the grand alliance and joining back the NDA fold and the government with the BJP. (With PTI Inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 00:50:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, March 10 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) on Wednesday said the Asian Citrus Greening disease poses a serious threat to the citrus production in the country, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the entire continent. The DALRRD said even though the country does not have the disease, they have established a preparedness and response action plan and related measures to minimize the risks of introduction of the disease into the country. "It is the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide, causing serious yield losses to producers in countries where it currently occurs," said the DALRRD spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo. "The occurrence of this disease, together with its primary vector, is a major concern to the continent because infected citrus trees cannot produce edible fruit and will decline and die; thus, a major concern for food security and the loss of market access due to a major loss in the production of required fruit volumes," he said. The Asian Citrus Greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), has been detected in Ethiopia and Kenya and the insect vector has been detected in Kenya and Tanzania. Ngcobo said they have met Kenyan officials to minimize the transitions of the disease into the country. "It is imperative that all role players involved in the citrus industry observe all precautionary measures in terms of the relevant legislative prescripts to help minimize the risks of introduction of Asian Citrus Greening and its primary vector Asian citrus psyllid into South Africa," Ngocbo said. Ngocbo said importers of plants and plant products must follow all the proper import procedures to minimize the introduction, establishment and spread of any potential harmful species in the country. South Africa is the second-largest global citrus exporter in 2020. Enditem (Natural News) The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch a million-dollar mission in an attempt to lessen space debris floating in low Earth orbit. The project, named ClearSpace-1, will launch an experimental four-armed robot to the low Earth orbit that will attempt to collect a piece of space debris. The mission, which is set to launch in 2025, is estimated to cost around $133 million. According to the ESA, the first target of the ClearSpace-1 mission is Vespa, a piece of debris that came from the ESAs Vega launcher in 2013. The Vespa only weighs around 100 kilograms, making it a perfect first mission for the project. The garbage-collecting robot is designed to hug its target and then drag it as it dives into the atmosphere, which will burn up both the robot and the debris. Although the costly project can only take out one piece of space junk per robot, the ESA believes that this would help clear up debris from low Earth orbit and encourage other nations to start innovating ways to reduce space debris. The space debris issue is more pressing than ever before. Today, we have nearly 2,000 live satellites in space and more than 3,000 failed ones. And in the coming years, the number of satellites will increase by an order of magnitude, with multiple mega-constellations made up of hundreds or even thousands of satellites planned for low Earth orbit, said Luc Piguet, CEO of ClearSpace which is the ESAs partner on the mission. Prior to coming up with the ClearSpace-1 mission, the ESA had already attempted a clean-up mission called e.Deorbit. The mission was to remove Envisat a defunct satellite of the ESA that weighed eight tons. But the project was unsuccessful even after 10 years. Space debris is becoming a big problem According to the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), there are millions of pieces of space junk in low Earth orbit, each moving at speeds that can reach up to 18,000 miles per hour. This junk comes from pieces of spacecraft, rocket parts, defunct satellites and debris from collisions between other objects in space. The agency added that the low Earth orbit is currently viewed as the largest garbage dump in the world, with over 6,000 tons of different materials. Some of the biggest events in space that have contributed to the buildup of space junk include the destruction of Chinas Fengyun-1C spacecraft in 2007 and the collision of an American and Russian spacecraft in 2009. According to NASA, those events increased the amount of space debris by approximately 70 percent. In addition, the debris from the destruction of the Chinese spacecraft heavily damaged a Russian satellite in 2013. The presence of space debris or space junks poses a threat to future space exploration, as these may collide with spacecraft and satellites. With the speed that the debris is traveling, even one small piece can cause significant damage to important objects in the low Earth orbit, including the International Space Station. Space cleanup is a responsibility of space-faring nations According to NASA, there are currently no international laws that govern space debris, nor are there laws that hold the countries responsible for the debris accountable. As such, the agency is calling on space-faring countries to take responsibility for any debris created by their space missions. In 1979, the agency launched the NASA Orbital Debris Program, which was aimed at lessening orbital debris and advocated the invention of equipment that can act as space cleaners. Meanwhile, in 2018, a Chinese study proposed firing lasers at space debris. The researchers found out that an orbiting laser with roughly the same orbit as the debris it was targeting would be effective at removing it. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, on the other hand, is proposing the use of an electrodynamic tether, which uses current to slow down the speed of space debris. Slowing debris down would cause it to leave orbital velocity and fall back to Earth to burn up in the atmosphere. Visit Space.news to learn more about recent developments on space missions. Sources Include: LiveScience.com NASA.gov Space.com 1 Phys.org Space.com 2 Destinations U.S. Discourages Spring Break Travel to Mexico Currently, popular beach vacation destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta, CancAn and Playa del Carmen, are yellow on Mexico's Covid stoplight, meaning community transmission level is moderate in these areas. Mexico City - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans should reconsider their spring break plans and nonessential travel to Mexico this month, the U.S. Embassy said through a health and safety advisory issued on March 4, 2021. In the advisory, the U.S. government warned that, in most of Mexico, the number of coronavirus cases and COVID-related hospitalizations remain high. As of March 8, Mexico had confirmed 2,130,477 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. However, access to COVID-19 testing is limited throughout Mexico, making health experts believe the real number of cases could be three times higher than the official count. Mexican authorities have a color-coded - red, orange, yellow, green - 'stoplight' system, which tracks how each state is faring based on four factors: case number trends (whether new infections are increasing, decreasing or stable), hospital admission trends, hospital occupancy levels, and positive testing rates. Currently, popular beach vacation destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are yellow on Mexico's Covid stoplight, meaning community transmission level is moderate in these areas, and hotels are allowed to operate at 60% capacity. The U.S. embassy in Mexico also warned that Return travel to the U.S. also has some limitations. The border is partially closed until at least March 21. If returning through land ports of entry, only U.S. citizens and legal residents are allowed to cross the land border. People with tourist visas can still travel to the United States from Mexico by air. However, people returning to the U.S. by plane must show a If travelers have had COVID-19 recently - as far back as three months - they can submit medical documentation showing they have been released. Additionally, travelers must submit an affidavit stating they are not coronavirus carriers. All this documentation must be submitted to airline staff at check-in. If you DO decide to travel to Mexico this month, the Mexican government encourages people to continue wearing masks, respecting social distancing measures, washing their hands frequently, and coughing or sneezing in the inner part of the elbow to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A variety of prevention measures can be found at Sources: Dallas Morning News - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans should reconsider their spring break plans and nonessential travel to Mexico this month, the U.S. Embassy said through a health and safety advisory issued on March 4, 2021.In the advisory, the U.S. government warned that, in most of Mexico, the number of coronavirus cases and COVID-related hospitalizations remain high.As of March 8, Mexico had confirmed 2,130,477 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. However, access to COVID-19 testing is limited throughout Mexico, making health experts believe the real number of cases could be three times higher than the official count.Mexican authorities have a color-coded - red, orange, yellow, green - 'stoplight' system, which tracks how each state is faring based on four factors: case number trends (whether new infections are increasing, decreasing or stable), hospital admission trends, hospital occupancy levels, and positive testing rates.Currently, popular beach vacation destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are yellow on Mexico's Covid stoplight, meaning community transmission level is moderate in these areas, and hotels are allowed to operate at 60% capacity.The U.S. embassy in Mexico also warned that consular services for American citizens are limited in many locations because of the pandemic.The border is partially closed until at least March 21. If returning through land ports of entry, only U.S. citizens and legal residents are allowed to cross the land border. People with tourist visas can still travel to the United States from Mexico by air.However, people returning to the U.S. by plane must show a negative COVID-19 test performed no more than three days before their scheduled flights.If travelers have had COVID-19 recently - as far back as three months - they can submit medical documentation showing they have been released. Additionally, travelers must submit an affidavit stating they are not coronavirus carriers.All this documentation must be submitted to airline staff at check-in.If you DO decide to travel to Mexico this month, the Mexican government encourages people to continue wearing masks, respecting social distancing measures, washing their hands frequently, and coughing or sneezing in the inner part of the elbow to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A variety of prevention measures can be found at coronavirus.gob.mx. Sources: mx.usembassy.gov Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Named for the fictional caves in an E.M. Forster novel, Marabar has been the centerpiece of the National Geographic campus for 35 years. Underground pumps send water coursing between the boulders like a 50-foot stream flowing through an urban canyon. It has been altered only once: When National Geographic installed a ramp for a pair of mallards who began raising ducklings in the pool each spring. This is a great conclusion to this unfortunate controversy, said Outerbridge Horsey, a member of the review board who had chided National Geographic for not being a better steward of the critically acclaimed artwork. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a nonprofit that says one part of its mission is to draw attention to threatened landscapes, had campaigned to save Marabar, soliciting more than two dozen letters of support from collectors, major architects and museum leaders such as Adam D. Weinberg, director of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. In late May, the Washington review board voted to have National Geographic return for another hearing and to explore the possibility of retaining Marabar when building the new pavilion. The final location for the sculpture has yet to be determined. The society had made plans to relocate Marabar to a spot several miles south of downtown Washington known as Canal Park, an open plaza with public art, a fountain and a winter ice rink going so far as to sign a memorandum of understanding with the board that governs it. But Zimmerman, who lives in New York, said she had not been consulted and when she traveled to Washington last month to view the site, she deemed it inappropriate, citing a lack of security and potential for skateboarders to damage the carefully polished and shaped granite boulders, the largest of which weighs more than 250,000 pounds but is only six inches thick in some places. Incredible photos show a huge goliath stick insect the size of a branch pulling its abdomen out of its old skin. The enormous insect was seen moulting as it hung from its enclosure in Queensland, Australia. Insect enthusiast Lisa Van Kula Donovan said shared the photos of her female pet stick insect last month. Incredible photos show a huge goliath stick insect the size of a branch pulling its abdomen out of its old skin 'I wasn't expecting it at all, she told Storyful. 'She was nearly done, had swung up to hold on to her own moult and was pulling her own abdomen/tail out of the moult.' Moulting is a natural process for goliath stick insects to grow with each shedding allowing for it to get bigger. The insects go through five moults during a typical lifespan. 'Pretty cool! I never knew they did that and I've raised these for years!', Ms Donovan said. The huge stick insect looked like a branch rather than a stick hanging from the roof of its enclosure BLOOMINGTON, Ill -- The Illinois National Guard is being deployed to assist McLean County's health department's expansion of a local vaccination site in Bloomington. The site will be open to those who live or work in McLean County. Im proud to deploy Illinois National Guard teams and additional state resources to McLean County to ensure residents can receive their vaccines as efficiently and equitably as possible, said Governor JB Pritzker. Nearly one in five Illinoisans have already received their first dose of vaccine, and as the federal government prepares to increase Illinois' deliveries to over 100,000 a day in the coming weeks, IDPH and our 97 local health departments are prepared to meet the moment. In the meantime, I encourage all Illinoisans to wear their masks and stay vigilant as we power through to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 9 there were about 1,300 Illinois National Guard service members assisting with COVID-19 vaccinations in Illinois. There are now more than 880 vaccination locations in Illinois open to the public. While the state is working to increase the number of vaccines administered daily, it is limited by the amount of vaccine available and allocated by the federal government. There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are only available by appointment at this time. For more information on how to make an appointment to receive the vaccine, updates on the states plan and eligibility, and answers to frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to coronavirus.illinois.gov. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Israel's High Court has given Israeli officials until April 22 to explain a series of issues related to Jerusalem's controversial aerial cable car project. In the meantime, all work on the project has been suspended. The Feb. 24 ruling dealt a hard blow to the Jerusalem municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Tourism Ministry, which have all invested a great amount of effort and time on the project, which is expected to cost around 200 million to 220 million shekels ($60 million to $66 million). The proposed gondola system would stretch over 1.5 kilometers (nearly a mile) from western Jerusalem to the walls of the historic Old City in what is called an effort to help relieve traffic congestion and increase accessibility to the area of the Holy Basin. The municipality said the system would transport 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction, using 73 carriages, with three stops. Over the past three years, the court has convened several times to examine petitions against the project. In their Feb. 24 ruling, the justices asked the State of Israel to explain why the project was discussed and approved through a special procedure at Israels National Infrastructure Committee, unlike other urban projects that went through Jerusalems District and Planning Committee. Had the project been brought to Jerusalem committee, citizens would have been invited to offer their opinions and submit their reservations and objections. The justices also questioned the government definition of the cable car project as predominantly a transportation one rather than a tourism one. While the state has insisted there were no flaws in the special approval process, it appears the National Infrastructure Committee may not have been in possession of all the necessary data when the decision was made for it to take up the project. For example, the committee did not present professional opinions substantiating the definition of the project as a transportation infrastructure project. Had the project been defined as predominantly touristic, it could not have been transferred to the National Infrastructure Committee for approval. In addition, the justices wondered why the route of the cable car could not modified in oder to avoid harming or desecrating an ancient Karaite cemetery in the vicinity. Among those objecting is the nongovernmental organization Emek Shave, which works to prevent the politicization of archaeology in the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts context. Then there are Palestinians living in Jerusalem, the Karaite international community and many architects and urban planners. In March 2019, 27 international architects including Ron Arad, Moshe Safdie, Santiago Calatrava, Peter Eisenman and Thom Mayne signed a letter calling on the government to halt the plan. They fear it will irrevocably damage the citys skyline. With such a long list of groups and individuals objecting to it, the cable car project might never have been approved had it been processed through Jerusalem's District Planning and Building Committee. Lawyer Sami Ershied is representing residents of the Palestinian Silwan neighborhood, just outside the Old City. They have objected the project from the beginning. They say the project would empty the village of its tourists, who would instead be transported directly above the neighborhood. As far as the residents of Silwan are concerned, this project should not have been born in the first place. It critically and disproportionally damages their life fabric. It substantially hurts the Old City of Jerusalem and its environs. The cable car wont serve the populations living in Jerusalem, but will deepen the damage to the Palestinians living in Silwan and the Old City. Foreign motives were behind the decisions taken [to advance the project] without any consultation or respect for the residents of Silwan or the Old City, Ershied told Al-Monitor. Lawyer Neria Haroeh represents the Karaite community. He told Al-Monitor that should the cable car pass above the communitys cemetery, this will desecrate the burial ground and render it unusable. The Karaite cemetery is a unique heritage site. For hundreds of years, leaders of our community were buried there. We have no other site and we have no intention of parting from it, which is what will happen should the cable car project get realized. It is unclear why the Jerusalem Development Authority insists on that route, he said. Haroeh said that by pushing the cable car project forward, authorities are first and foremost interested in advancing another project of a visitor center near the Western Wall. That center, he claims, is privately funded, but the cable car is funded by the public. For him, this means that the cable car is being advanced for unacceptable foreign motives. Emek Shave, which championed the legal petition against the project, expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling, but warned that this is just a first step. The battle ahead is still long, said the group. The cable car project should never have seen the light of day. Jerusalemites and many Israelis, including a long list of organizations, have been asking for three years the same questions as the High Court put forward today but have been ignored. The flaws outlined by the High Court prove that Jerusalem must be protected from those who wish to destroy the city and harm its residents. We expect the developers of the project to show responsibility, internalize the criticism and stop wasting public resources on such a destructive vision for Jerusalem, the group said. Pro-abortion activists arraigned for disrupting pro-life mass at Ohio Catholic cathedral Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pro-abortion protestors who disrupted a pro-life themed Catholic mass at an Ohio cathedral earlier this year were recently arraigned in court for misdemeanor charges. Jordyn Close, Michelle M. Davis and Mason Hickman were arraigned Friday while Anne Morrice, another activist involved in the incident who faces a charge of criminal damage, will be arraigned on March 18, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The activists pleaded not guilty to the charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Pretrial hearings are slated to take place later this month and in April. As with every incident, evidence must be collected and reviewed for each defendant, said Meredith Tucker, spokeswoman for the city attorney's office, as reported by the Dispatch. After evaluating the available evidence, including surveillance videos, witness statements, and more these were the four defendants we had sufficient evidence to move forward with charges. On Jan. 22, the anniversary of the controversial 1973 United States Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus held their annual Respect Life mass. During the service, a group of at least eight pro-abortion activists stormed the sanctuary, holding protest signs and chanting things like two, four, six, eight, this church teaches hate. Signs held by the protestors included "Fund abortion, not clinic harassment and Abortion on demand, end Hyde now, referring to the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortion with some exceptions. The protesters continued to shout obscenities at security after being removed from the sanctuary, with one demonstrator shouting: "If Hell was real, you would burn in it. Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Columbus, who celebrated the Respect Life mass, released a statement soon after the incident thanking law enforcers for their actions. I want to express my great admiration and thanks to all those attending the Mass whose respectful and prayerful response reflects the joy, hope, and mercy that marks our pro-life witness. I also apologize to the families present whose children were exposed to this, Brennan stated at the time. On this day, in remembrance of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, I ask all to continue to pray for the unborn who died, for all those who have experienced the pain of abortion, and for those who cannot understand our divine and steadfast calling to champion this cause. Roger Mudd, a longtime CBS News political correspondent who reported on the Pentagon's profligate spending, whose interview with Ted Kennedy ended the senator's White House prospects and who briefly shared the anchor job at his onetime rival, NBC News, died March 9 at his home in McLean, Va. He was 93. The cause was complications from kidney failure, said a son, Jonathan Mudd. Mudd spent almost 20 years covering Capitol Hill, political campaigns and corruption scandals for CBS News. He did special reports on the Watergate scandal and its fallout, including the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. His 1979 interview of Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., was credited with crushing the senator's presidential ambitions just as he was preparing to challenge President Jimmy Carter for the 1980 Democratic nomination. Kennedy awkwardly offered incomplete, rambling answers to basic questions about his family and personal life and was stopped cold when Mudd asked him directly: "Why do you want to be president?" There was a long, awkward pause before Kennedy could say a word. When Mudd asked what distinguished him from Carter, Kennedy did not provide substantive answers to fundamental questions, giving viewers the impression that the senator was ill-prepared for the job of commander in chief. The interview remains one of the most devastating in political history. Kennedy - whose brother John was president and whose brother Robert was assassinated on the campaign trail - lost his bid for the nomination and never mounted a run for the presidency again. For years, Mudd cultivated a straightforward, almost folksy manner on camera, and he was long considered the heir apparent at CBS to the venerable evening news anchor Walter Cronkite. Mudd sat in the anchor chair on weekends and during Cronkite's vacations, but when CBS announced Cronkite's retirement in 1980, Mudd's onetime Washington-bureau colleague Dan Rather received the nod. Mudd quit the network for NBC, where he shared the anchor desk for a year with Tom Brokaw before being pushed aside in 1983. By his own admission, Mudd's greatest strength was not at the anchor desk, but as a reporter covering elections and the halls of Congress. New York magazine media writer Desmond Smith pronounced him "the best Washington broadcast reporter of his generation." Mudd joined the CBS Washington bureau in 1961 at a time when CBS was considered the premier network for news. He became nationally known for his coverage from the Capitol during a two-month filibuster of what would become the Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation in history. Beginning during a late-March snowstorm, Mudd reported day after day on the filibuster and on the senators, most of them Southern Democrats, who refused to yield the floor. Mudd's "continued presence at the scene of Washington inaction has personalized and dramatized the halting process of our Government to the average viewer in a way no amount of words or secondary reports could have," New York Herald Tribune television critic John Horn wrote. "A viewer could identify with Mudd, stand on the steps with him and have brought home in a compelling way the Senate stall and sit-down against effective government by Southern Democrats." In 1968, Mudd covered the presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy and was present at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when Kennedy was assassinated on June 5 that year. After the shooting, he saw Kennedy's wife, Ethel, standing by herself. He put his arm around her waist and elbowed his way through the milling crowd, guiding her to her husband. "She hugged me as if I were an oak tree - just something to cling to," Mudd wrote in his 2008 memoir, "The Place to Be." "I recall forcing some screaming, bellowing men to give way so that Ethel could reach the side of her dying husband." Mudd also became known at CBS as the host of in-depth investigations, which were once a common prime-time presence on the major networks. In 1971, he was the narrator and chief reporter of "The Selling of the Pentagon," which raised questions about extravagant military spending and the Pentagon's $30 million annual public-relations budget during the Vietnam War. "On this broadcast, we have seen violence made glamorous," Mudd said, "expensive weapons advertised as if they were automobiles, biased opinions presented as straight facts. . . . This propaganda barrage is the creation of a runaway bureaucracy that frustrates attempts to control it." The broadcast was criticized by the Pentagon and hawkish politicians. A House committee called for an investigation - not of unchecked military spending but of CBS. Rep. Harley Staggers, D-W.Va., issued subpoenas to the network, demanding that it turn over its raw footage and other materials related to the documentary. CBS refused. Frank Stanton, the network's president, testified before a congressional panel and was threatened with a citation for contempt. In the end, Congress backed down. "The Selling of the Pentagon" came to be seen as a landmark achievement in TV investigative reporting. Mudd received one of his five Emmy Awards for the program, which also won the Peabody and George Polk awards for journalism. Among the program's sharpest detractors was Vice President Spiro Agnew, who called it "a clever propaganda attempt to discredit the defense establishment." Mudd went on to cover Agnew's resignation in 1973 after the vice president pleaded no contest to income tax evasion. Roger Harrison Mudd, whose father was as a cartographer and engineer, was born on Feb. 9, 1928, in Washington. The family was distantly related to Samuel Mudd, a Southern Maryland doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Mudd was a 1950 graduate of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. He received a master's degree in history in 1953 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began working at the Richmond News Leader newspaper and later at a radio station owned by the paper, WRNL. His broadcasting career got off to an inauspicious start when he was reading a bulletin on the medical condition of Pope Pius XII. "To my horror," Mudd recounted in his memoir, "I heard myself saying, 'The condition of Pipe Poeus has grown steadily worse and they have summoned to the Vatican bedside the Pipe's doctor and two Swish spesulists.' " Mudd came to Washington in 1956 as a radio and TV reporter for WTOP, then a CBS affiliate. Five years later, he joined the network's Washington bureau. Mudd admitted in his memoir that he could be "a pain in the neck and elsewhere," sometimes angering his corporate bosses at CBS. After a 1970 speech at Washington and Lee, in which he criticized TV news as a "crude" medium that devalues thoughtful coverage, he was removed as Cronkite's backup for two years. In 1980, when Rather was named Cronkite's successor as anchor of the "CBS Evening News," the move was seen as a slight to Mudd. He left the network for NBC, where his contract promised him the top job at "NBC Nightly News" if then-anchor John Chancellor should step down. But to keep rising star Tom Brokaw from jumping to another network, Mudd waived the clause in his contract that called for him to become NBC's sole anchor. In an awkward succession, Chancellor stepped down in 1982 to do commentary for the network, while Brokaw and Mudd became joint anchors of "Nightly News." The arrangement pleased no one, least of all the viewers. "Nightly News" was languishing in third place among the three legacy networks when Mudd was eased out of the anchor seat after a year to return to reporting. Being an anchorman, he later wrote, was "among the most boring jobs in television news" and little more than "hood ornaments for their companies." In 1987, after NBC bought out Mudd's contract for a reported $3 million, he became a correspondent for the "MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour" on PBS, then worked as a host on the History Channel from 1995 to 2004. In 2010, Mudd donated $4 million to Washington and Lee to endow a center for ethics that bears his name. He and his wife of 53 years, the former Emma Jeanne "E.J." Spears, lived for decades in McLean, Va. She died in 2011. Survivors include four children, Daniel Mudd of Greenwich, Conn., Maria Mudd Ruth of Olympia, Wash., Jonathan Mudd of Washington and Matthew Mudd of McLean; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mudd's memoir was widely praised as an unvarnished look inside TV news and politics. His 20 years in the CBS Washington bureau, he wrote, were the high point of his professional life. "Even during the six years I spent at NBC, trying my best to beat CBS," he wrote, "there was always a little hitch, perhaps a slight choke, in saying, 'I'm Roger Mudd, NBC News, Washington.' "I had never truly ceased being a CBS man." RALEIGH, N.C., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FDH Infrastructure Services, LLC (FDH), has partnered with Marshall University on a multi-year contract with the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). The contract scope centers on the use of nondestructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies to characterize the lifecycle of embedded gate anchorages in large dams along navigable rivers. The aim of the research is to develop a simplified method, and eventual product, that dam owners can use to predict the performance of steel anchor rods, along with remediation and repair strategies that impact lifecycle performance, resulting in lower maintenance costs and decreasing the potential for loss of life and property damage due to flood hazards. This research effort builds on work that the Marshall-FDH team had previously done for ERDC. "Our partnership with Marshall University in support of the Corps of Engineers has been very rewarding work," says FDH CEO Greg McCray. "Our research is generating the inspection and monitoring products the Corps needs to perform predictive analyses of their structural assets and employ reliable remediation techniques that reduce costs, enhance safety, and extend the lifecycle of those assets." FDH's role on the project is to perform the predictive analyses that identify potential failure modes, develop a simplified but robust tool for estimating the likelihood of failure, and demonstrate how NDT and SHM technologies can inform lifecycle performance. Project principal investigator and team lead for Marshall University is Dr. Wael Zatar, professor, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. The Marshall team will review relevant research and conduct laboratory testing to validate the numerical models in this study. Marshall will also investigate the factors contributing to stress corrosion cracking and identify maintenance and repair strategies and their expected impact on lifecycle performance. Dr. Zatar notes, "This research uniquely examines the behavioral characteristics of anchor rods, providing dam owners with an exceptionally diverse tool for managing risk, as well as an enhanced understanding of the factors that contribute to performance deficiencies and failure." In addition to this study, FDH and Marshall are currently collaborating on research for the Corps to determine underwater inspection methods, including NDT techniques, to properly evaluate the condition of wood and steel pile foundations embedded in soil. The Corps has also contracted with FDH since 2009 to validate an NDT method using FDH's proprietary dispersive wave technology to replace the costly and hazardous hydraulic lift-off test method for its inventory of large dams. Results have consistently shown FDH's NDT solution to be accurate within 3% of the lift-off test method, significantly safer, and 10x faster, resulting in a 90% overall cost savings. This effort underscores FDH's leadership in pursuing R&D that extends the lifecycle of critical infrastructure while reducing costs. About FDH Infrastructure Services FDH Infrastructure Services, LLC, is an engineering, nondestructive investigation, structural health monitoring and construction services company that supports critical infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C, FDH offices are located nationwide and in London (U.K.). FDH professionals hold licensure throughout the United States and several U.S. territories. www.fdh-is.com CONTACT: Ladson Brearley, PE Vice President, Commercial Management [email protected] 919-755-1012 SOURCE FDH Infrastructure Services Related Links https://www.fdh-is.com Former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has reacted to comments made by the partys Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi. Using a song to illustrate his point, Mr Jacobs said some elements in the party have the audacity to behave the way they do because theres no leader to take charge of affairs. He said the absence of such a leader has contributed to what he described as a mess in the party, akin to Mr Gyamfis comments against the partys leadership in parliament. When there is no leader at home, children will have their way to destroy things, he said The former party stalwart also said he was no longer in the NDC hence whatever happens in the party isnt his business. Mr Gyamfi recently took to his Facebook page to accuse the Speaker of Parliament and the NDC leadership in parliament of betraying the party. His accusation followed the Houses voting and subsequent approval of all of the presidents nominees vetted for ministerial positions. 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, portions of his post read. But, Mr Jacobs on Adom FMs morning show Dwaso Nsem Tuesday said, it was important that the ruling government is respected and given the necessary support to build the nation. You want the country to stand still when there is a government? We are building a nation; we are not worshipping personalities, he said. He said certain policies by the Akufo-Addo government have been beneficial to Ghanaians including him hence those cant be truncated because of some peoples selfish interests.
JoyNews/AdomNews Allotey Jacobs interesting reaction to Sammy Gyamfis outburst
Source: adomonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A common sense solution should be found to Northern Ireland Protocol problems like the supply of soil, a former Irish tanaiste said. The Republics ex-attorney general and justice minister Michael McDowell said his jurisdiction faced many of the same challenges which concerned unionists, like obtaining seed potatoes from Scotland. He questioned why the European Commission was pursuing legal action over the UKs unilateral extension of post-Brexit grace periods and called for better cooperation. There is a common sense to easing the new arrangements into existence. The idea that plants cannot be moved from Britain to Northern Ireland in particular without removing the soil from them; these are the kind of issues that common sense would suggest should be addressed in a common sense way. I do not see what threat there is from British soil. He said Ireland was also affected by red tape surrounding the import of Scottish seed potatoes. The unionist concerns, all the paperwork concerns, also apply in Dublin and in Rosslare as well. We are not on opposite sides of experience in relation to these matters. Practical outcomes are the important thing. He said the European Commission launching legal action was not the right decision. They should sit down and work out what the problems are and what the common sense solutions to them are. He said it was naive to think that the end of the Brexit transition period in January would go smoothly. Relaxation of the grace periods is probably a sensible thing to have happened. Mr McDowell gave evidence to Stormonts Executive Office Committee. The former leader of the Progressive Democrats, who were minority partners in previous Dublin coalition governments, appeared in his role as a member of Irelands Seanad. The DUP boycotted the meeting as part of its protest against the Protocol, which it argues undermines the countrys integral place in the UK and its internal market. Ulster Unionist Doug Beattie was the sole unionist present and claimed his communitys views had been ignored by Dublin ministers. The unionist concerns have been sneered at by your Government Doug Beattie Members of the Seanad Select Committee on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU gave evidence to Stormonts Executive Office Committee. Mr Beattie said he told his Irish counterparts: The unionist concerns have been sneered at by your Government. Sinn Fein Assembly member Martina Anderson said there should be no no-go areas on north-south matters. The scale of the damage done to lives and livelihoods caused by the Brexit mess is absolutely breathtaking, not just in the south but particularly in the north of Ireland. Some of that has yet to play itself out. News Bulletin (No.2, 2021) 2021/03/08 On 7 March 2021, at a press conference on the margins of the Fourth Session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People, H.E. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions from Chinese and foreign media about China's foreign policy and external relations. Here are some of the highlights: 1. China-Africa Relations: China-Africa cooperation stands as a model of South-South cooperation and a fine example of international cooperation with Africa Wang Yi: China and Africa enjoy a profound friendship forged during the struggle for national independence and liberation. We are comrades-in-arms as well as brothers and sisters. This bond of friendship is growing ever stronger as time goes by. China and Africa are perpetual good friends and good partners with a shared future. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of FOCAC last year. Over the past two decades, we have formulated and implemented ten cooperation plans and eight major initiatives to promote China-Africa cooperation. Our two-way trade has increased 20 times, and China's direct investment in Africa has grown 100 times. There are now 150 pairs of sister cities between China and Africa. China-Africa cooperation stands as a model of South-South cooperation, and a fine example of international cooperation with Africa. To help African countries fight the pandemic and bring the economy back on track is a top priority for China-Africa cooperation at the current stage. Last year, President Xi Jinping initiated and hosted the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, and announced a host of new support measures. We have provided close to 120 batches of emergency supplies to Africa and sent medical expert teams to 15 African countries. We have started to provide COVID vaccines to 35 African countries and the African Union Commission. The construction of the Africa CDC Headquarters, a project for which we are glad to provide assistance, has started, and cooperation between 30 pairs of Chinese and African hospitals is well underway. The FOCAC meeting to be held this year in Senegal will serve as another opportunity for advancing China-Africa cooperation. We will support Africa's efforts to defeat the virus and strengthen public health governance; to accelerate industrialization and build up capacity for self-generated development; to speed up African integration and embrace the trend of economic globalization; and to find political solutions to hotspot issues and maintain peace and stability on the continent. We will work with Africa to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and build an even stronger community with a shared future to drive Africa's development and revitalization. 2. Hong Kong Issue: Ensuring "patriots administering Hong Kong" is constitutional, lawful and justified Wang Yi: First I want to make it clear: the move to improve Hong Kong's electoral system and ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong" is necessitated by the need to advance the One Country, Two Systems cause and maintain long-term stability in Hong Kong. It is a constitutional power and responsibility of the NPC, and is totally constitutional, lawful and justified. Loyalty to the motherland is a basic political ethic of all public office holders and aspirants anywhere in the world. Hong Kong is no exception. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, a part of the People's Republic. How can we expect someone who does not love his motherland to truly love Hong Kong? Loving Hong Kong and loving the motherland are consistent requirements. Under the colonial rule, there was no democracy to speak of in Hong Kong. Over the past 24 years since Hong Kong's return, no one has cared more about Hong Kong's democracy and continued prosperity and stability than the Central Government of China. Hong Kong's shift from chaos to stability fully serves the interests of all parties. It will provide stronger safeguards for protecting the rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and the lawful interests of foreign investors. We have the resolve to continue to implement One Country, Two Systems under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. We also have the confidence to usher in a brighter future for Hong Kong. 3. Xinjiang Issue: Certain Western countries' depiction of Xinjiang is just a rumor fabricated with ulterior motives, and a lie through and through Wang Yi: Speaking of genocide, many people would have in their minds the native Americans of the 16th century, African slaves of the 19th century, the Jewish people of the 20th century, and the aboriginal Australians who are still struggling even today. The claim that there is genocide in Xinjiang couldn't be more preposterous. It is just a rumor fabricated with ulterior motives, and a lie through and through. Over the past four decades and more, the Uyghur population in Xinjiang has more than doubled from 5.55 million to over 12 million. In 60-plus years, Xinjiang's economy has grown by more than 200 times, and the average life expectancy has increased from 30 to 72 years. Many foreign friends who have been to Xinjiang have spoken up, stressing that the Xinjiang in their own eyes is totally different from what certain Western media have depicted. A French author Maxime Vivas wrote a book entitled Uyghurs: To Put an End to Fake News. Based on his two trips to the autonomous region, Vivas tells a real Xinjiang that enjoys prosperity and stability. He expressly pointed out in his book that those who have never been to Xinjiang are the ones fabricating fake news and piling up lies about Xinjiang. Some Western politicians chose to believe in the lies made up by a few, instead of listening to the voice of 25 million Xinjiang residents of various ethnic groups. They chose to dance with the few anti-China elements in their clumsy dramas, instead of acknowledging the progress in Xinjiang. This only shows that they do not care about the truth. They are only interested in political maneuvering, and creating the so-called Xinjiang issue to undermine security and stability in Xinjiang and hold back China's development. 4. Taiwan Issue: Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory Wang Yi: I want to make three points on the Taiwan question. First, there is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. This is a historical and legal fact, and a common understanding of the international community. Second, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait must be and will surely be reunified. This is the trend of history and the collective will of the entire Chinese nation. It will not and cannot be changed. The Chinese government's resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity is rock-firm. We have the capability to thwart separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" in whatever form. Third, the one-China principle is the political foundation of the China-US relationship, a red line that should not be crossed. On the Taiwan question, there is no room for compromise or concession from the Chinese government. We hope the new US administration will appreciate the great sensitivity of the Taiwan question, and will abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques. We would hope to see a clear departure from the previous administration's dangerous practice of "crossing the line" and "playing with fire", and we hope that the Taiwan question will be handled prudently and properly. 5. COVID-19 Vaccine: Making vaccines truly benefit the people Wang Yi: Vaccines are a powerful weapon against the virus and bring hope for saving lives. They should serve the entire world and benefit all humanity. China is a firm believer in making COVID vaccines a public good. China was among the first to pledge that its vaccines, when available, will be made a global public good, and China has worked in real earnest to improve vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China is a committed front-runner in promoting international vaccine cooperation. We have carried out vaccine R&D and production cooperation with a dozen or so countries, attracting more than 100,000 volunteers of over 100 nationalities. Altogether, 17 Chinese vaccines have entered clinical trials. More than 60 countries have authorized the use of Chinese vaccines. The safety and effectiveness of Chinese vaccines are earning recognition across the world. China is prepared to discuss with other countries the feasibility and protocols for mutual recognition of vaccination. China is a steadfast advocate for equitable vaccine distribution. We have joined COVAX, under which China has undertaken to provide an initial 10 million doses for emergency use in developing countries. So far, China has donated or is donating COVID vaccines to 69 developing countries in urgent need, and is exporting vaccines to 43 countries. Responding to a UN appeal, we have donated vaccines to peacekeepers from various countries. We are also ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to provide vaccines to Olympians. It is our hope that Chinese vaccines will inject more confidence and hope into the global fight against the virus. A number of vaccines are now available around the world. It is up to each country to decide which one to choose. Whether it is a Chinese vaccine or not, it is a good vaccine so long as it is safe and effective. China opposes "vaccine nationalism". We reject any "vaccine divide" or any attempt to politicize vaccine cooperation. We hope that all capable countries will do what they can to provide vaccines to countries in need, especially developing countries, so that people all over the world will have access to affordable vaccines, vaccines that truly benefit the people. 6. UN Reform: China's vote in the UN always belongs to the developing world Wang Yi: Fifty years ago, the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to restore the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN. The audience broke into rapturous and long applause. Many from brotherly countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America cheered and hugged each other in celebration. Representatives from 57 countries took the podium to extend congratulations. That was indeed a historic moment. With a major country of one-fourth of the world's population rejoining the family of nations, the organization finally achieved universality in a real sense. From that day on, the People's Republic of China has contributed its share to world peace and development as a trustworthy and reliable participant in this noble cause. Over the past half century, China has firmly safeguarded the UN-centered international system, and the international order underpinned by international law. China has joined almost all international intergovernmental organizations and acceded to over 500 international conventions. Today, China is the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, and has sent more peacekeepers to UN missions than any other permanent member of the Security Council. China champions equity and justice, and stands for equality among all countries regardless of their size. China's vote in the UN always belongs to the developing world. Given the profound evolution of the international situation, the international community is expecting the UN to keep pace with the times and improve itself through reform. In our view, no matter how the situation may evolve and how the reform may proceed, the following principles must be preserved: First, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The Charter sets out basic norms for interactions among states and for settling international disputes. Acts in violation of the Charter bring damage to world peace and stability. Second, preserving the central role of the UN in the international system. As the most universal, representative and authoritative international organization in the world today, the UN's role should only be strengthened, not weakened. All countries must be willing to defend the authority of the UN. Third, keeping to the basic rule of equal-footed consultation at the UN. The UN is not a club for big or rich countries. All countries enjoy sovereign equality, and no country is in a position to dictate international affairs. We should increase the representation and voice of developing countries in the UN to better reflect the shared aspiration of the overwhelming majority of countries. Standing at a new historic starting point, we in China will earnestly act upon the major initiatives and measures announced by President Xi Jinping, take a more active part in UN activities, and work toward the UN's vision for a world in which nations beat swords into ploughshares and enjoy lasting peace without the scourge of war. 7. Multilateralism: Working together to light up humanity's way forward with the torch of multilateralism Wang Yi: President Xi Jinping delivered two important speeches four years apart. Both are major declarations made at crucial junctures in the evolving international situation. And both carry a global significance and far-reaching impact. Four years ago, in response to the debate over whether to continue globalization, President Xi stepped forward to send a strong message in support of economic globalization. Four years later, in response to the uncertainties of the future of multilateralism, President Xi shed light on the issue by putting forward China's proposal for upholding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind. The two important speeches have pointed the way forward for our times and cleared doubts for many in the world. Both are widely commended by the international community. Multilateralism has remained a firm commitment of China, a commitment that has never wavered despite changing times or circumstances. The way to address the various challenges in our world is for countries to uphold true multilateralism. China believes that true multilateralism means observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, upholding the UN-centered international system and promoting democracy in international relations. It means openness and inclusiveness instead of closeness and exclusion; equal-footed consultation instead of supremacy over others. Multilateralism is a banner, not a pretext; a conviction, not a rhetoric. Building small circles in the name of multilateralism is in fact "group politics". Multilateralism with one's own interests taking precedence is still unilateral thinking. "Selective multilateralism" is not the right choice. China hopes that all members of the international community will work together to light up humanity's way forward with the torch of multilateralism. 8. Belt and Road Initiative: Turning Belt and Road cooperation into a journey toward common development and prosperity for all Wang Yi: Since last year, the pandemic has affected the world in many respects. Yet despite the headwinds, Belt and Road cooperation has not paused, but forged ahead with new outcomes, strong resilience and great vitality. We have honored the principle of joint discussion. A number of meetings including the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation as well as over 30 sectoral events were held, galvanizing greater support for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We have acted on the principle of joint construction. Thanks to our dual commitment to COVID response and economic reopening, not a single key BRI project was suspended during the pandemic. Projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway, the China-Laos railway, and the Budapest-Belgrade railway are making good progress, contributing significantly to stabilizing the local economy and improving the lives of the local people. We have prioritized the principle of joint benefit-sharing. In 2020, the China-Europe Railway Express set a new record in both freight services and cargo volume; the volume of goods ferried through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor doubled from the previous year. All these contributed to the stability and smooth functioning of international industrial and supply chains. The pandemic may have disrupted personnel flow, but it has not stopped BRI partners from supporting and investing in this joint endeavor. Together, we are building a Health Silk Road. Our cooperation on pandemic response has turned the Belt and Road into a corridor for life-saving supplies. We are building a digital Silk Road, a corridor of smooth information flow that will keep BRI partners digitally connected. We are also building a green Silk Road, under which we have intensified cooperation on green energy, green infrastructure and green finance. Our goal is to make the BRI a robust engine for low-carbon transformation and green recovery in the post-COVID world. COVID-19 has changed the world in profound ways, but the need for Belt and Road cooperation has not subsided, and China's commitment to cooperation has not changed. As we pursue a new development paradigm, we will explore better pathways for Belt and Road cooperation and offer greater opportunities to BRI partners. We are ready to work with all stakeholders to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with renewed commitment and greater resilience. Together, we can turn Belt and Road cooperation into a journey toward common development and prosperity for all. 9. China's New Development Paradigm: Welcoming all countries to get on board and move toward a future of shared prosperity Wang Yi: The purpose of fostering a new development paradigm is to adapt to the new development stage in China. We hope the strategy will enhance China's capacity for self-sustained development and achieve high-quality development in the country, and at the same time, promote further opening-up to connect the Chinese market with the international market and better coordinate import and export. This promises more development opportunities, greater market space and broader cooperation prospects for all countries. With a more pro-business environment and opening-up at a higher level, China will work with all countries to accelerate the building of an open world economy. To use a train analogy, China in the new development stage is like an express train with greater driving force and load capacity accelerating toward a new goal. We welcome all countries to get on board and move toward a future of shared prosperity. 10. China-US relations: Difference in system should not be the ground for antagonism or confrontation and China is ready to work with US to bringing the relationship back on track Wang Yi: Non-interference in each other's internal affairs is an explicit principle in the Charter of the United Nations and a basic norm governing international relations. It must be faithfully observed by all countries, including China and the United States. The Chinese people are in the best position to tell whether China is doing a good job. The Chinese people can best decide what is the right thing for China to do. In the meantime, we are willing to communicate with all sides on the basis of respect for sovereignty to enhance mutual trust, remove misunderstanding, and share relevant facts. But we will not accept groundless accusations or defamation, and we will not allow our core interests to be breached. For quite some time, the United States has been willfully interfering in other countries' internal affairs in the name of democracy and human rights. This has created lots of trouble in the world and, in some cases, turbulence and conflict. It is important that the United States recognize this as soon as possible. Otherwise, the world will remain far from being a tranquil place. As two countries with different social systems, China and the United States naturally have differences and disagreements. What matters most is to manage them effectively through candid communication to prevent strategic miscalculation and avoid conflict and confrontation. China and the United States are the world's two largest economies. As our interests converge, the two countries may also see a competitive element in our relations. This is normal. What matters is that the two sides should advocate healthy competition on a fair and just basis for the purpose of self-improvement and mutual enhancement, rather than finger-pointing or zero-sum competition. More importantly, in the interest of the two countries and the whole world, cooperation should be the main goal for both China and the United States. The list of areas where the two countries can and should cooperate is very clear, including COVID response, economic recovery, climate change and many others. We are open-minded to explore and deepen cooperation with the United States. We hope that the United States will move in the same direction and remove all its unreasonable restrictions on bilateral cooperation as early as possible, not create new obstacles. On the Chinese New Year's eve last month, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Joe Biden. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and pointed the way forward for bringing the relationship back on track. We are ready to work with the United States to follow through on the outcomes of this important phone call, and set China-US relations on a new path of healthy and steady growth. The full text of H.E. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets the Press can be accessed at: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/wjbz_663308/2461_663310/t1859138.shtml Comal Countys mandatory protections against the spread of COVID-19 will become only recommended protocols for county departments after the go Five US congressional Democrats visited the Amazon fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, last Friday to encourage workers to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). A vote on union certification began at the facility on February 8, and workers have until March 29 to mail in their ballots, with the vote being tallied the day after. If the workers vote to certify the RWDSU, then the Bessemer site will become the first unionized Amazon workplace in the United States. The congressional delegation was made up of US Representatives Andy Levin of Michigan, Jamaal Bowman of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri, Terri Sewell of Alabama, and Nikema Williams of Georgia. Bowman and Bush are members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and closely aligned with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her squad of so-called progressive Democrats. Levin is the scion of a family of longstanding Democratic Party politicians with close ties to the United Auto Workers and the AFL-CIO. The visit follows President Bidens extraordinary statement on February 28, in which he for all intents and purposes called on Amazon workers to vote for the union. As the World Socialist Web Site explained, Biden, who has spent his entire political career serving the interests of corporate America, has not suddenly become pro-worker. Instead, his endorsement was aimed at salvaging the RWDSUs effort to unionize the Alabama facility and using the unions to contain the growing militancy of the half-million US workers at the giant corporation, which plays a strategic role in the US and world economy. Congressional delegation at RWDSU headquarters in Alabama (Source: BAmazonUnion Facebook) We see you, we hear you, Alabama workers, and we are with you, declared Sewell, who represents the congressional district that includes the Amazon facility, as she stood with her fellow Democrats and RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum at the rally last week. Levin added, This is the most important election for the working class of this country in the 21st century. This is the biggest election in the South in a generation. Like Biden, the speakers sought to present the Amazon workers struggle primarily as a racial issue, noting the majority black population in Bessemer and likening the union vote to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. The world is watching Alabama once again, said Sewell. Birmingham, Bessemer, its so important that the world knows that once again Alabama is standing up for civil rights and human rights. Bowman went even further, likening the unionization drive to the fight against slavery. [Amazon has] created a plantation work environment thats abusive, he said. Bowman later tweeted a message to Jeff Bezos, in which he said, Our fight isnt just about a higher wage. Its about restoring the dignity to work and giving labor a seat at the table, the same table youve sat at as youve decided to reduce your workers to chattel. The promotion of racial politics by Bowman and the other Democrats is designed to conceal the fact that what workers at Amazon face are primarily class issues, not issues of race. The giant corporation and its billionaire owner profit from the capitalist system of wage slavery, not chattel slavery. Under this system, which is loyally defended by the Democrats and the unions, workers of all colors and nationalities are exploited for the profits of the private owners of the giant industries and banks like Bezos. Bowmans disparaging remarks about higher wages are significant. Far from seeking the abolition of wage-slavery, the unions want a seat at the table to negotiate the terms of the exploitation of the working class and to get a cut from it in the form of union dues, seats on corporate boards and other bribes. It is telling that neither the congressional Democrats nor Appelbaum nor any other union official made any concrete demands of Amazon during the event. The website set up for the unionization campaign in Bessemer only provides vague arguments for certification, claiming unionization would enable workers to negotiate the highest safety standards and protocols, protect workers from arbitrary termination and institute specific procedures to have their grievances redressed. This only underscores the fact that the union is being imposed from the top, not through an upsurge of rank-and-file workers who have made their demands for higher wages, better working conditions abundantly clear. If the RWDSU is brought in, it will immediately seek to stifle rank-and-file militancy and sign a deal that is fully acceptable to the corporate giant. This has been the bitter experience of workers in the South over the last two decades. In 2003, the UAW won representation rights at the Freightliner truck plant in Cleveland, North Carolina by means of an agreement with management to use the card check procedure, whereby union recognition is granted if a majority of workers in a bargaining unit sign an authorization form. Unknown to the workers, however, the UAW had signed a secret agreement with the company in 2000, pledging concessions in exchange for a neutrality agreement on unionization. When the newly elected bargaining committee started negotiations for a new contract in 2007, it was not aware of the pre-conditions agreed to by the UAW in exchange for union recognition. With the company demanding an expanded two-tier wage structure, cuts to retiree health care, a pay freeze for the majority of workers and mass layoffs at the plant, the bargaining committee, which had attained a 98.4 percent strike authorization from the members, voted unanimously for strike action, and a walkout began on April 2. Within a few hours, the UAW intervened to squelch the strike, bypassing the elected local leadership and accepted concessions, which had previously been rejected. When the membership voted down the contract, the UAW intervened to force a re-vote. After intense threats and browbeating of the membership, the union secured ratification on the second try. With the tacit agreement of the UAW, 11 members of bargaining committee were fired by the company, and another 700 workers who participated in the four-hour walkout faced disciplinary charges. In June 2019, workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee rejected the UAW in a union recognition vote for the second time in five years. In 2014, the union was also defeated after workers learned that the UAW and the VW agreed to a neutrality pact in exchange for a sweetheart deal in which the union agreed to maintaining and where possible enhancing the cost advantages and other competitive advantages [Volkswagen] enjoys relative to its competitors in the United States and North America. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, workers at Bessemer and other Amazon facilities will still confront the challenge of building an independent organization, democratically controlled by the rank and file, to fight for their class interests. This includes breaking managements dictatorship, abolishing the rate system and constant monitoring by the bosses. It means the workers themselves must assert ever greater control over line speeds, working conditions, health and safety. Amazon workers must unite with FedEx, UPS and US Postal Office workers to stop the relentless downward pressure Amazon has put on the wages of logistics workers. They must fight for a doubling of Amazon workers pay, with full medical and retirement coverage. Bessemer workers should join the growing national network of rank-and-file committees, including Amazon workers at the companys BWI2 fulfillment center in Baltimore, educators in Alabama, New York, California and other states, and autoworkers in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. At the same time, workers must maintain their complete political independence from both corporate-backed parties. Even when they could still win certain advances through the unions, largely through the mass struggles led by socialists and left-wing militants in opposition to the labor officials, the unions were incapable of organizing and improving conditions for workers in the South because of their political subordination of the working class to the Democratic Party. By 1953, the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) shut down Operation Dixie, a campaign to unionize the South, because the CIO leaders did not want to encourage a political break by the working class against the Democratic Party, which was the party of Jim Crow segregation and lynch law in the Southern US states. In preparation for its merger with the AFL in 1955, the CIO also carried out a vicious anti-communist witchhunt against left-wing unions like the Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, which had a large base of support among militant workers, black and white, in the steel mills of Birmingham and Bessemer. Bidens administration embodies the Democrats decades-long abandonment of any connection to the social reforms of the New Deal era. Its promotion of racialist politics is aimed at covering up its anti-working class character. It is noteworthy that Andy Levin, who led the congressional delegation in Bessemer, started his political career in the Clinton administration, which destroyed welfare benefits as a basic social safety net while deregulating the Wall Street banks. Levin served as a staff attorney for Clintons Presidential Commission on the Future of Worker-Management Relations, which further integrated the unions into the structure of corporate management and the state as the ruling class offensive against the working class was intensified. At an even more basic level, the promotion of the unions by the Democratic Party is aimed at building a firewall against socialism under conditions where millions are being radicalized under the impact of the pandemic. The ruling class rightly fears that conditions are being created for the emergence of a mass, socialist working class movement. This more than anything else is shaping the response by the Democratic Party to the vote in Bessemer. Recent decision-making by IFA headquarters in Dublin has ruffled feathers among representatives in the regions, the Farming Independent understands. The launch of a new grassroots-led roadside poster campaign to promote farm families and local produce in Ulster / North Leinster and the announcement of regional staff restructuring in Munster have emerged as particular sticking points this spring. While organisers say the poster campaign has received a hugely positive response Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue even commended the initiative in Dail Eireann last week it is understood that the associations head office has not yet fully endorsed the campaign. IFA Ulster / North Leinster regional chairman Nigel Reneghan said: If you look at adverts for Tesco, Lidl, Aldi or Dunnes Stores they include farmers because they want to make that link between consumer and the farm. So why shouldnt we put up posters to promote ourselves and what were doing? Expand Close Longford IFA promote county's dairy farmers in poster campaign / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Longford IFA promote county's dairy farmers in poster campaign While Dublin might want to do it differently, the book stops with me in my own region. Almost every county chairman is supportive, he said, adding that IFA president Tim Cullinan has backed the initiative. Posters highlighting mighty milk, lovely lamb, beautiful beef are currently on display in counties Longford, Monaghan and Donegal, with Westmeath, Louth and Meath to kick off campaigns shortly too. Expand Close Family farms in Longford highlighted by IFA poster campaign / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Family farms in Longford highlighted by IFA poster campaign IFA Longford chairman Gavin White said: Every county is pointing out its highlights to make consumers aware of what is being produced within their own counties. He said that young farmers in the county are energised by the posters, while also outlining that YouTube sensation and contractor and tillage farmer Farmer Phil (Philip Stewart) is on Longford IFAs Rural Development Committee too. A lot of young farmers are coming on in Longford and when they see this positive message from IFA it gives them encouragement. They know there is a good farm organisation to advise and get behind them, he said adding this is not a flash in the pan job. Expand Close Longford's poultry farmers highlighted in IFA poster roadside initiative / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Longford's poultry farmers highlighted in IFA poster roadside initiative We will keep this message out there to counter negative posters about agriculture. We would love to see it pushed out nationally, but if that doesnt happen well continue to drive on with it in our own region. Munster restructure Meanwhile, Cork North Chairman Anne Baker said the loss of a development officer solely dedicated to Cork is a blow to the farmers in the county and the move by IFA to restructure the Development Officer roles in Munster had "created career opportunities for staff members when support for farmers is what's really needed at this crucial juncture in agriculture". Cork, she said, accounts for 1.2m in membership levies for the association, with over 100 branches, and its Development Officer Sean Clarke retired last summer. "We were given a commitment that Sean Clarke would be replaced and only found out two weeks ago that he was not being replaced." "The organisation has said it is disappointed with the closure of some rural Bank of Ireland branches, but IFA is doing the same here in Cork with reducing supports." IFA recently announced a staff restructure for Munster, with the appointment of two new Regional Executives, one for Cork and Kerry and one for Tipperary, Limerick and Clare. On announcing the restructure plan IFA said: Under the new structure, we will be increasing our engagement with farmers on the ground right across Munster. IFA did not respond to Farming Independent queries on the poster campaign or the staff restructure in county Cork. STRASBOURG - In Malta "the conditions in which migrants are held in hosting and detention centers appear close to inhuman and degrading due to the negligence of authorities" and in several situations it is "so problematic" that it goes beyond that limit, said the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) in a report released on the visit it conducted on the island in September. In the report, the committee asked "Malta, with the help of the European Union and its member States, to adopt a system to manage immigration that respects the humanity and dignity of people". The CPT highlighted that it has been asking Malta since 2004 to reform the way in which it handles migrants who arrive on the island. It observed that "factors driving migrants to undertake such dangerous trips are much stronger than the dissuasive effects that can have the harsh conditions in which they are held in Malta". Tirupati, March 10 : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy said on Wednesday that he has filed a defamation suit against vernacular Telugu daily 'Andhra Jyothi' for allegedly publishing false material against the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of the Sri Venkateswara shrine at Tirumala. The defamation suit reportedly seeks a compensation of Rs 100 crore. "It is necessary to set an example. Andhra Jyothi has crossed the limits of telling lies. Therefore the notice was served. If it is ignored, we will fight the matter in the court," Swamy said in the temple town, flanked by a bevy of lawyers. Swamy said the defamation suit encompasses both criminal and civil dimensions. Under the criminal dimension, Swamy has invoked IPC Sections 153, 295 and others, which entail serious offences relating to creating enmity between communities. "In terms of dues that should be paid, it will be a civil litigation in which I myself will appear on behalf of the TTD, because they want me to take up the case," he said. Swamy said that he visited Tirupati on Wednesday for some signing and certification work related to the Andhra Jyothi case, and promised that he would keep seeing the journalists in this state quite often before beginning the question and answer session after his presentation. While interacting with local journalists, Swamy cut them off several times and categorically rejected considering social media, YouTube videos and other data in connection with the Andhra Jyothi case. To a reporter's question on whether the TTD is employing 100 per cent Hindus, the BJP leader said that only Hindus should execute religious duties in the temple, but he would not care for the religion of a supplier who drives in a truck with supplies. "Somebody brings provisions from the market in a truck... he may be a Christian, I can't stop it. I won't stop it, as it is unconstitutional. But if the symbol of any other religion appears during a religious function in Tirupati, I will take up the matter," observed Swamy. When the reporter said that many TTD employees have converted to Christianity, Swamy said that is an allegation and demanded the reporter to give it in writing to him. "That is your allegation, give it to me in writing. I don't know if you are telling a lie or not," Swamy shot back. As the reporter tried to reason out with Swamy that the daily had written reports only because the BJP had carried out an agitation, and questioned him if he would file a case against the party too, Swamy said that it was not his job as the national party had its own president and a disciplinary cell. "No, why should I? The BJP has a disciplinary cell of its own. This should be brought to their notice," he said. When the reporter asked as to why he was going after only one newspaper which covered the BJP's allegations as news reports, the senior leader said that it is not correct and claimed that he has the paper cuttings which did not bear references to the BJP. Brushing aside the reporter's contention about some alleged technical problems in TTD, Swamy said that he is essaying the role of an advocate with the facts given to him. Nicolas Cage is taking a chance on love again. The 57-year-old action movie star clearly isnt afraid of commitment. This is the fifth time hes tied the knot, though it may be one of the most controversial celebrity weddings yet. Cage married 26-year-old Riko Shibata in Las Vegas in March 2021. Fans are a bit leery of the couples age difference, plus the fact that Cage has been married four times previously. Theres nothing standard about the Face/Off alums relationship with Shibata. Reports say their courtship and engagement were atypical, though perhaps expected in the age of coronavirus. Nicolas Cage proposed to Riko Shibata via FaceTime Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata | Michael Kovac/Getty Images Due to the global pandemic plus their physical distance, Cage and Shibata didnt have a normal courtship. The Academy Award winner discussed details of their romance during a radio interview with his brother, ET Online reported. She left New York and went back to Kyoto, Japan, and I went back to Nevada, the National Treasure star told Marc Coppola of Q1043 New York. I hadnt seen her for six months, and we [were] really happy together really excited to spend that time together, he continued. So I finally just said, Look, I wanna marry you, and we got engaged on FaceTime. Cages engagement ring presentation was unexpected Nicolas Cage | Noam Galai/WireImage RELATED: Lisa Marie Presley Threw Her $65,000 Engagement Ring From Nicolas Cage Into the Ocean This is the fifth marriage for Cage and the first for Shibata. So he was especially attuned to what she wanted and tried to make the engagement special for her. He described how his Kyoto-based future bride loved the color black so much she wanted to incorporate it into her wedding plans. And, instead of presenting the jewelry in person, Cage was forced to improvise. Her favorite color is black, so she wanted the black gold, and the black diamond, he shared. So I found it and customized and personalized it. And I actually sent it to her Fedex. So were engaged! The actor got married in Las Vegas for the second time Luckily, Cage and Shibata were able to unite in person for their nuptial ceremony. They tied the knot in Las Vegan on Feb. 16, 2021, a date chosen to honor Cages late father August Coppola. ET reported that Shibata wore a handmade Japanese bridal kimono and walked down the aisle to Winter Song by Kiroro. Cages ex-wife Alice Kim was one of the guests along with the couples son Kal. Nicolas Cage has 4 ex-wives Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley | L. Busacca/WireImage via Getty Images Perhaps fifth time is the charm for Cage. The actor was married to fellow actor Patricia Arquette from 1995 until 2001. His second marriage was even more famous as Cage wed Elvis Presleys daughter, Lisa Marie Presley for 107 days in 2002. Cage is on good terms with his third wife Kim, who he was married to from 2004 until 2017. The Leaving Las Vegas star then wed Erika Koike in Las Vegas while he was allegedly intoxicated in 2019. The two annulled their union just four days later saying it was all a big mistake. Time will tell if this marriage lasts longer than the others. An Iran-affiliated group of Afghani mercenaries has shaken up its positions in eastern Syria, according to Baladi News. The Afghan Liwa Fatemiyoun militia, affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, made several changes to its positions in the city of Al Bukamal, east of Deir-ez-Zor, and issued a set of decisions on the orders of Hajj Askar, the militias security official in Al Bukamal. The amendments and new decisions included opening some neighborhoods in Al Bukamal and allowing civilians to return to them. Liwa Fatemiyoun had previously established closed security bases for themselves and their members as well as warehouses for their weapons. The opposition website added that the militia allowed the return of some residents to the outskirts of the al-Jamiyat and al-Maari Street neighborhoods, as well as removed one of its checkpoints and evacuated some headquarters within the security square, while keeping the schools of al-Maari and al-Sharia under their control. According to the same source, the militia moved five headquarters to the al-Katef and al-Sukkariyah neighborhoods, where they control canteens, homes, and orchards on the shore of the Euphrates River. Liwa Fatemiyoun established headquarters for one of its security squares and an observation point on the bank of the Euphrates River, in addition to warehouses for weapons and ammunition coming from Iraq through illegal crossings supervised by the Hezbollah militia. Liwa Fatemiyoun is a military brigade, made up mostly of Shiite mercenaries from Afghanistan. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. A playground fire at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Huntsville has people in the community shocked, and the district with thousands of dollars worth of damage to repair. The spokesperson for Huntsville City Schools, Craig Williams, says Tuesday morning, the campus security officer discovered a smoldering fire on the playground. After reviewing surveillance footage, the school saw people playing with matches near the playground on Monday just before the fire started. The fire only damaged the turf in one area of the playground, but according to Williams, repairs will have to be made to the entire playground, which will cost the district at least $10,000 to repair. Grandparents told WAAY 31 theyre shocked this happened, with one even saying it's terrible somebody would do this. Williams says he's not sure if the person responsible meant to set the fire, and the incident is currently being investigated by the district and Huntsville police. "Regardless of how the fire started, it shouldn't have happened. Events like this, they disrupt the school day. They disrupt the playground. They disrupt the teaching environment that we maintain every single day at Huntsville City Schools," Williams said. Williams says at this point in the investigation, he is not able to say if they were able to identify who set the fire on their surveillance footage, but wanted to assure the community the incident is not being taken lightly. Acts like this wont be tolerated. We take a lot of pride in our school buildings. We take a lot of pride in maintaining a safe and healthy atmosphere for our students. Incidents like this wont be tolerated," Williams said. Williams says they will work to repair the damage as quickly as possible. This was the second fire set in the playground area in just a matter of months. In January, a trash can was also set on fire just feet away from where the recent fire occurred. In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis TN elections 2021: Kamal Haasan announces MNM-SDPI alliance; Allots 18 seats India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Chennai, Mar 10: Ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) joined hands with radical outfit Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) with the two parties arriving at a seat-sharing pact. Haasan has decided to give 18 seats to the SDPI. As per sources, the outfit had earlier demanded at least 25 seats in the alliance after which it settled for 18. TN elections 2021: Will target anyone who is an 'enemy' to people, says Kamal Haasan Talking to reporters, Tamil Nadu SDPI in-charge Abdul Majeed said that they have demanded 25 seats while Haasan has agreed for 18 seats. Earlier, the BJP condemned it with spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy saying, "This alliance between MNM and SDPI in Tamil Nadu is a highly condemnable one. We've been demanding the ban of SDPI across the nation." Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Earlier, SDPI was in alliance with TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) but party leaders felt that he may align with the BJP or that the BJP is controlling his political plans and for this reason, they were sceptical of forming an alliance with the party. A nine-year-old girl climbed out of a Nissan sedan as it filled with tear gas in an unexpected end to a dramatic California car chase. The driver of the Nissan, a 30-year-old woman, had evaded LA sheriff's deputies by brazenly smashing into other vehicles during a madcap chase in Diamond Bar. Once brought to a standstill, she refused to exit the Nissan even when deputies fired rubber bullets and pestered her with a drone and a SWAT team. But the hours-long standoff finally ended when cops fired tear gas at the car, prompting a little girl to run from the Nissan into the arms of deputies who had not realized she was inside. Brazen: Helicopter footage showed the red Nissan sedan barging its way through other vehicles during a dramatic chase by LA sheriff's deputies on Tuesday Unexpected ending: Hours after the Nissan was surrounded, the figure on the right finally emerged - but it turned out to be a young girl that authorities did not know was there The girl's appearance came as a shock to both authorities and watching Fox11 TV anchors, one of whom exclaimed: 'Oh my God, is that a child?'. The presenter initially thought that the adult driver had walked out, only realizing it was a child when one of the deputies picked her up and lifted her onto his shoulder. Moments later, deputies surrounded the open door of the car and finally extracted the driver , who was taken into custody. LASD lieutenant Todd Knight said that 'nobody knew the child was in the car', adding that there had been 'multiple efforts' to speak to the suspect. The child, whose relationship to the driver was not revealed, was taken to a local hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries. Chase: Followed by TV helicopters, the Nissan barged its way through stationary cars and careered into other vehicles before it was finally brought to a halt Boxed in: The red Nissan sedan was surrounded after darkness fell but hours passed between the car being stopped and the driver finally being taken into custody The standoff had ensued after a hit-and-run involving the Nissan near Diamond Bar Boulevard which led deputies to give chase on Tuesday afternoon. Followed by TV helicopters, the Nissan barged its way through stationary cars and careered into other vehicles before it was finally brought to a halt. 'In a split second, she came flying down, hit me and hit another car beside me and then I guess her car totally stopped,' said Brian Avalos, a driver whose car was hit. Avalos said he was injured in the shoulder, neck and back, saying that the suspect 'should have been more mature' when deputies told her to stop. Tear gas: Sheriff's deputies fired the irritant towards the car after rubber bullets, K9 units and a circling overhead drone had failed to force the driver out of her car Damaged: The front of the car after it brazenly smashed into other vehicles while trying to evade sheriff's deputies on Tuesday Another witness, Ranen Alamawi, said everyone was shocked to find there had seemingly been a little girl in the car all along. 'I know everyone's going to be hurt about that little kid because they tear-gassed the car, they shot the rubber bullets, and that's really scary,' Alamawi said. The driver, whom authorities had described as a 'deadly weapon suspect', was taken into custody after darkness fell but further details about her were not given. The neighborhood was finally declared safe soon after 7pm, more than three hours after the pursuit began. LA county sheriff Alex Villanueva said: 'Our deputies did not know there was a child in the car. The child is now safe, and the suspect is in custody. 'Bringing this barricade situation to an end and restoring order to our community.' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle think Prince Charles will not make their son Archie a prince when he becomes king, reports say. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to believe the Prince of Wales plans to change the rules when the Queen dies. Archie was not born a prince due to an order by King George V in 1917 ruling only royal offspring in the direct line of succession could be made a prince or princess. Under the Letters Patent the child would still be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when Charles accedes to the throne. But the Sussexes reportedly fear the Duke of Cornwall will scrap this under plans for a slimmed-down monarchy. It comes as it was revealed the move to strip the couple and their son of their security had nothing to do with the Palace's stance on Archie becoming a prince. Round-the-clock police protection was taken away when they stepped down as working royals after a meeting of the government body that oversees protection. Prince Charles then reportedly said he would not fund their private security out of his own money. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured in 2019) are said to believe the Prince of Wales plans to change the rules when the Queen dies The Sussexes reportedly fear the Duke of Cornwall (pictured in London yesterday) will scrap this under plans for a slimmed-down monarchy In 1917, the then King issued a written order ruling that only grandchildren of the monarch who are in the direct line of succession could be made a prince Archie's title - or future title - was at the centre of the Sussexes bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday. Meghan described her 'pain' officials had denied him the title of prince and accused Buckingham Palace of failing to protect him by denying him 24/7 security. She said Archie becoming a prince was neither her nor Harry's decision and said it was Palace officials who revealed Archie 'wasn't going to receive security'. What is the George V convention? In 1917, the Queen's grandfather issued new letters patent that limited the number of royal family members with an HRH title. These stated that 'the children of any Sovereign of these Realms and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour'. In 1917, the Queen's grandfather issued new letters patent that limited the number of royal family members with an HRH title This means that when Prince Charles become King, his grandchildren - including Archie - will all automatically become princes or princesses. It was also decreed that 'grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line ... shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms' (i.e., Lord or Lady before their Christian name).' In addition the letters stated 'save as aforesaid the style title or attribute of Royal Highness, Highness or Serene Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess shall not henceforth be assumed or borne by any descendant of any Sovereign of these Realms. Advertisement When asked if it was 'important' for Meghan that Archie be called a prince, she said she does not have any attachment to the 'grandeur' of official titles. She said it was about 'the idea of our son not being safe' and the idea 'the first member of colour in this family not being titled in the same way'. In 1917, King George V - the Queen's grandfather - issued a written order ruling only royal offspring in the direct line of succession could be made a prince or princess. The Letters Patent read: '...the grandchildren of the sons of any such sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of these our realms.' Under the rules, only Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's eldest son Prince George - as a great-grandson of the monarch down the direct line of succession to the throne - was originally entitled to be a prince. The Queen stepped in ahead of George's birth in 2013 to issue a Letters Patent to ensure all George's siblings - as the children of future monarch William - would have fitting titles. Under the George V rules, Archie would still be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when his grandfather Charles, the Prince of Wales, accedes to the throne. But the Times reports the Sussexes are concerned Prince Charles will change the rules when he is king - meaning their son will not carry the title. The newspaper cited a section of Meghan's chat with Oprah, in which the Duchess said: 'While I was pregnant they said they want to change the convention for Archie.' It said her claims have not been verified by sources in the Palace, with one saying they had not heard about these talks. Prince Charles is said to have long had a desire to have a 'slimmed-down' Royal Family, with a greater focus on the direct line of succession. Constitutional expert Craig Prescott outlined the George V convention to MailOnline yesterday. He said: 'The Letters Patent of 1917 established the practice that sons and daughters of the monarch, and those whose father is a son of the monarch, are entitled to be called Prince. 'The Queen issued further Letters Patent in 2012 so that all children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would become Princes or Princesses, because one day, they will be children of a future monarch. 'The Queen could have made the same decision for the children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have insisted their interview with Oprah Winfrey would be the 'last word' on them quitting as senior royals Mr Prescott added it was Charles's hopes for fewer working rules that made it 'always' unlikely Archie would have a major role as a royal. He added: 'It's notable that the Sussexes have decided not to use the title Earl of Dumbarton, for Archie, which they could have done. 'However, once Charles becomes King, Archie, if he wished could then be given the title of HRH and Prince.' Meanwhile it was revealed the move to strip the couple and their son of their security had nothing to do with the Palace's stance on Archie becoming a prince. Prince Harry claimed in the Oprah chat that when the Sussexes were in Canada he was told 'at short notice security was going to be removed'. Meghan also claimed the decision not to make her son a prince meant he would not get police protection. But sources told the Telegraph the reason the couple lost their security privileges was because they stepped down as working royals. An insider told the newspaper: 'Security was a big issue for them because there had been specific threats made against them.' They were escorted from Canada to California last March by UK police, but the officers were then summoned back to London. Media mogul Tyler Perry, whose house they used in LA, then brought in private security for them. They now pay for their own protection after moving into their own mansion in Montecito. The couples friends are reported to have said the cost of the bodyguards is 'exorbitant'. They are believed to have said the couple are annoyed Prince Andrew's children Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie get treated differently. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee authorises the budget for security for royals, VIPs and former PMs. The government committee's control over it means the Queen does not have the right to dish out protection. A former senior officer in the Met told the Telegraph the move was made by senior police and Homes Office staff after consulting with the Palace. This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of the last public concert I played with the San Francisco Symphony onstage with my wonderful colleagues. On Friday, March 6, 2020, we played Mahlers Sixth Symphony, and we had no idea how much its awful power foreshadowed what was to follow. This was the last public concert at Davies Symphony Hall. Take your things, they said. The next night was Mahler Symphony No. 9 at the Mondavi Center in Davis, and it portrayed the opposite of the previous night, fading away softly at the end as people all over the world retreated to their personal quarantines, not knowing what was safe, but hoping for the best. Afterward, I walked back to my car with a colleague, neither of us knowing how how bad it would get. Mostly we wondered why the management had not yet canceled our European Tour, due to start a week later. What would happen if we got trapped in a foreign country, we asked, international borders snapping shut behind us. The following Wednesday, I called my doctor after being informed that a friends husband had possibly been exposed to the virus at a convention in New Orleans. When my doctor called back, I was just pulling into the Civic Center parking garage two blocks from the Davies Hall stage door, on the way to a morning rehearsal. She told me to go home and quarantine. I remember calling our personnel manager from the roof of the parking garage, far from anyone else, scared and uncertain. The next day, I watched an orchestra meeting remotely on Facetime at Davies through a colleagues phone as the tour was canceled, and we disbanded, not knowing when we would next see each other in person. The thinking was a couple of months if we could flatten the curve. We didnt count on a criminal and incompetent administration in Washington, more interested in sweeping the unfolding catastrophe under the rug than heading off the looming disaster, more interested in denying the reality of what was happening than to face it head on. It is no secret that the community of performing artists has been hammered. The big orchestra musicians in this country (aside from the Metropolitan Opera orchestra, whose management has inexcusably refused to help them) have limped along. But freelancers and members of smaller organizations have been left to twist in the wind. Some have tried to help their fellows, forming nonprofits to support those whose paychecks have dried up. Some have left the business, putting instruments in their cases, perhaps permanently, and changing careers. What the Arts look like on the other side of the pandemic is anyones guess. What I miss most after a year is the sense of community founded in shared purpose. Onstage, the orchestra is a living organism where all the parts communicate through musical telepathy, each of us knowing what the other will do almost before they do it, like a murmuration of swallows, banking and swooping as one. What emerges is glorious, spontaneous music. I miss our community of friendship, in my case from being a part of my orchestra for more than four decades, since our concert hall first opened in 1980. I miss the opportunity to bring joy and excitement to the loyal patrons who attend our concerts, to feel the buzz after our concerts as we walk side by side to the parking garage. And in a larger sense, I miss the community of our nation, in a historic moment when we are sharply divided, unable to agree on such basic facts as the results of a presidential election. To layer this split on top of the pandemic is deeply wearying, destructive and dangerous, and I feel like I am driving in dense fog, my headlights shining only a few feet ahead of me. Perhaps, if all goes well for the next few months, we are two-thirds through this disaster. But to make it back into the concert hall, back into the schools, back into our normal lives, we have to be smart, follow the scientists, realize that wearing a mask is not a political statement. I hope that common sense prevails, that our human empathy can carry us through, that we realize that together we are stronger. I wish you all good health, safety and an imminent vaccination appointment. Robert Ward has been a member of the San Francisco Symphony since 1980 and principal horn since 2007. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Technological Advances Facilitating Research Across Preclinical Disease Models" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Technology benchmarking and roadmap, market trends, capabilities, and applications targeted: Build a robust strategy by defining the universe of preclinical disease models opportunities and setting key priorities. Stakeholder activities, influence, industry initiatives: Evaluate opportunities by describing the main participants in the industry, analyzing potential outcomes and generating competitive intelligence Investment environment and funding support: Support execution by connecting specific strategies with milestones, targets, owners, and deadlines based in funding and investments Industry evolution and business analytics: Preclinical disease models overall industry evolution and business models For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4dsag1 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com London: Meghans father Thomas Markle says he does not think the British royal family is racist, and hopes that an alleged remark from a family member about the darkness of the skin of Meghans son was just a dumb question. Meghan said that her son Archie, now aged one, had been denied the title of prince because there were concerns within the royal family about about how dark his skin might be when hes born. I have great respect for the royals, and I dont think the British royal family are racist at all. I dont think the British are racist, I think Los Angeles is racist, California is a racist, but I dont think the Brits are, Markle told ITV on Tuesday, local time. The thing about what colour will the baby be or how dark will the baby be; Im guessing and hoping its just a dumb question from somebody ... It could be somebody asked a stupid question. Rather than being a total racist. DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said there are cases of COVID-19 in the county jail and among his department. During a news conference today, Welden said there are currently nine correction officers who are sick and another five in quarantine. He would not, however, disclose how many inmates have tested positive. When it gets into a facility like this, its very dangerous, Welden said, before adding that inmates who need medical care are receiving it immediately. Theres people that are getting paid $11 an hour over there taking care of people that are doing the best of their ability. Welden said the jail only saw two COVID cases last year. We were one of the last detention centers in the state to be impacted by it, he said. And that is because of diligent work by our staff. The DeKalb County Sheriffs Office saw two of its staffers die from COVID-19 complications over the last year. Mickey Bowen, 49, had served 21 years with the sheriffs office, working both in the Detention Center and most recently as a transport deputy. He died in October. Jeff Bain, who died in January, was a senior lieutenant and patrol supervisor. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. High Grade Copper intersected at Horse Well Prospect Melbourne, Mar 10, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cohiba Minerals Limited ( ASX:CHK ) is pleased to provide results for two of the drill holes from the exploration drilling program at its Horse Well project in South Australia (Figure 1*).Highlights:- Assay results received from latest two drill holes at Cohiba's Horse Well Project in the prolific Gawler Craton, the world's premier address for IOCG deposits.- The Gawler Craton is host to BHP's Olympic Dam Cu-U Mine, Oz Mineral's Cu-Au Mine and BHP's Oak Dam West copper discovery which is directly adjacent to Cohiba's Horse Well project.- Hole HWDD04 was assayed over a length of 473.6m (950 to 1,432.6m) from 950m depth and encountered persistent low-level copper throughout.- High grade intersections included 0.9m @ 1.85% Cu from 974m; 0.8m @ 12.15% Cu from 1033m; 0.4m @ 0.97% Cu from 1089m and 0.5m @ 2.58% Cu from 1225.5m.- Assay results have provided a strong incentive for Cohiba to continue its targeted exploration activities in the Horse Well area with further deep drilling programs being developed.- Cohiba remains very well capitalized to pursue its exploration objectives with a cash balance of ~$7m at 31 December 2020.Cohiba's CEO, Andrew Graham says, "The results from the Horse Well drilling program, particularly drill hole HWDD_04, have provided significant encouragement that we are drilling in the right location. Cohiba will expand its exploration efforts at Horse Well to further investigate these target areas as well as additional new targets that have been identified. We remain focussed on identifying one or more IOCG deposits to generate significant value for our shareholders. The company is also committed to its other projects at Pernatty C and Lake Torrens and is planning to conduct programs of work at these locations as well."Cohiba commenced the targeted exploration program at Horse Well in the prolific Gawler Craton in early 2020. Following extensive geophysical reconnaissance and other work which identified a moderately deep-seated target approximately 450m below the surface the Company moved to the drilling phase. Four deep holes designed to test distinct IOCG target zones have now been drilled.The two latest holes, HWDD_03 and HWDD_04, encountered rock types typical of an IOCG environment with HWDD_04 also returning some spectacular copper grades.Issue of optionsThe Company will include a resolution in the next notice of general meeting to seek approval from shareholders for the proposed issue of 15 million unlisted options to each of the Directors of the Company with each option being exercisable at $0.04 (4 cents) per option and expiring 3 years from the date of issue. All of the options will be subject to a vesting condition being that the Company's market capitalisation must reach $200 million for a minimum period of 7 consecutive days prior to the expiry date.*For full details, tables and figures, please visit:About Cohiba Minerals Limited Cohiba Minerals Limited (ASX:CHK) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the primary focus of investing in the resource sector through direct tenement acquisition, joint ventures, farm in arrangements and new project generation. The shares of the company trade under the ticker symbol CHK. The Company recently acquired 100% of the shares in Charge Lithium Pty Ltd, which holds exploration licences in Western Australia. Grief is a common, if not universal, human experience. But that doesn't make it simple. It's psychological, but it affects people physically. It's a matter of science, but scientists who discuss it can sound poetic. Dr. Katherine Shear, professor of psychiatry at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York, calls grief "the form that love takes when someone we love dies." COVID-19 has both brought grief and disrupted the way people experience it. But researchers have been examining grief since well before the pandemic. Simply defining it can be difficult. Shear, who also is director of the Columbia Center for Complicated Grief, said "there are pretty much as many different definitions of grief as there are people." Commonly, it's thought of as a feeling, like sadness. That's not wrong, she said, but it's more accurate to call it "the response to loss," a complex and multifaceted thing with yearning and longing at its core. Its health implications are serious. A 2014 study in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that within 30 days of their partner's death, people ages 60 and older had more than twice the risk of a stroke or heart attack compared to people who hadn't suffered such a loss. That followed a 2012 study in the American Heart Association journal Circulation showing the danger of a heart attack was highest in the first 24 hours after the death of a loved one and people with existing cardiovascular problems might be at particular risk. Other research has linked grief to disrupted sleep, immune system changes and the risk of blood clots. Dr. Lisa M. Shulman, professor of neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, said much of the physical effect of grief stems from how our brains respond. The stress from the death of a loved one jolts our personal identity, our view of how we fit into the world, Shulman said. It sounds like a philosophical problem, but the brain is built to perceive an existential threat as a threat to our very existence. This triggers what most people know as the "fight or flight" response. Stress hormones course throughout the body. "Your heart starts racing, your blood pressure increases, your respiratory rate increases, you become sweaty, as the body marshals defenses for you to protect yourself, one way or another," Shulman said. Someone who has experienced a traumatic loss, she said, might feel such a response kick in when they enter a restaurant that reminds them of a loved one, or even when someone brings them up in conversation. But people don't grasp why. "Instead, you just feel this incredible, physiologic response and a rising sense of anxiety, or even panic. And you're flummoxed by it." Shulman understands this firsthand. Her interest in the neurobiology of grief followed the loss of her husband, Dr. Bill Weiner, a fellow neurologist, who died of cancer in 2012. Despite her prior experience in dealing with grieving patients, she was unprepared for it herself. The first two years, she said, were particularly difficult. At times she felt disoriented, confused, in a fogresponses that are the brain's attempts to dissociate itself from emotional pain. Such reactions can make a bereaved person feel isolated, she said, because people feel their problems are unique. But after writing the book "Before and After Loss: A Neurologist's Perspective on Loss, Grief and Our Brain" and giving regular talks on the subject, she's found talking with others can help. That is why the pandemic has made things extra difficult for people who've been cut off from the comfort of others. Many people have identical experiences with grief, she saidright down to the same dreams. "People do respond very positively to the message that the experience of grief and loss can be normalized by understanding why and what you're feeling," she said. Grief can reinforce brain wiring that effectively locks the brain in a permanent stress response, Shulman said. To promote healthy rewiring, people need to strengthen the parts of the brain that can regulate that response. That can involve "a whole range of creative and contemplative practices," from painting to meditation or expressions of faith. Journaling helped her. By writing about disturbing memories or troubling dreams, "you can read it over in your own words and annotate it over time. And as you do that, you are becoming increasingly aware of these unprocessed thoughts, memories and emotions. And that is the way you start to rebuild more positive neural connections." Shear said having someone to confide ineven if it's by video call, phone or letteris important. Grief, she said, is a lengthy path, marked with milestones people must faceand detours where they can get stuck. Her center offers a website full of information about grief. So does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grief never just goes away, Shear said. "If the loss is permanent, then so is the grief, because we're defining it as a response to loss." But the way people experience grief is fluid. It can shift over the course of a day or an hour. "It will naturally kind of surge and then recede," she said. "We sort of oscillate between confronting the pain of the loss, and then being able to kind of set it aside or compartmentalize it." Eventually, it can evolve to a place where it resides mostly in the background, with only occasional periods of stronger, noticeable thoughts and feelings about the person who died. And in time, people find ways to let good memories in without triggering stress. "We never have no response to the fact that someone we love died," she said. "But it does change its form over time." Explore further A greater need for grief support due to COVID-19 More information: American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org. Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine , Circulation Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:10:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Wednesday launched an online child protection campaign called "Kit Kou Kon", aiming at raising awareness of the danger of digital platforms on children and providing useful tips to parents about preventing and solving related problems. Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth said research showed that 26 percent of the Internet users in Cambodia have experienced online harassment and a majority of them are children. He said online harassment towards children is increasing rapidly around the world, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, children have changed their study environment and have used the Internet more often. "In order to ensure that Internet connectivity and usage are safe and beneficial to Cambodian children, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC) has launched the campaign to provide useful tips and information to parents, guardians, teachers and the public about protecting children from online risks," he said in a video clip marking the campaign launching. Vandeth said that people can follow Kit Kou Kon's and MPTC's Facebook pages to receive actionable advice on how to protect their children when they go online. The Southeast Asian nation has seen a rapid rise in Internet users in recent years. Enditem The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market will witness a negative impact during the forecast period owing to the widespread growth of the COVID-19 pandemic. As per Technavio's pandemic-focused market research, market growth increased in 2020 as compared to 2019. With the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, organizations across the globe are gradually flattening their recessionary curve by leveraging technology. Many businesses will go through response, recovery, and renewal phases. Building business resilience and enabling agility will aid organizations to move forward in their journey out of the COVID-19 crisis towards the Next Normal. This post-pandemic business planning research will aid clients to: Adjust their strategic planning to move ahead once business stability kicks in. to move ahead once business stability kicks in. Build Resilience by making effective resource and investment choices for individual business units, products, and service lines. making effective resource and investment choices for individual business units, products, and service lines. Conceptualize scenario-based planning to mitigate future crisis situations. Download the Post-Pandemic Business Planning Structure Key Considerations for Market Forecast: Impact of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, demand destruction, and change in customer behavior Optimistic, probable, and pessimistic scenarios for all markets as the impact of pandemic unfolds Pre- as well as post-COVID-19 market estimates Quarterly impact analysis and updates on market estimates Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports by using Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Report on Energy Include: Global Powerships Market - Global powerships market is segmented by type (oil-fired and gas-fired) and geography (MEA and ROW). Get an Exclusive Free Sample Report Global Oil and Gas Pipeline Market - Global oil and gas pipeline market is segmented by type (gas and oil), application (offshore and onshore) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, MEA, and South America). Get an Exclusive Free Sample Report Major Three Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder Market Participants: Aygaz AS Aygaz AS operates its business through segments such as Gas and petroleum products, Electricity, and Other operations. The company offers a wide range of small cylinders and household gas cylinders. China Huanri Group Co. Ltd. China Huanri Group Co. Ltd. operates its business through segments such as Plumbing Valve, Plumbing Fitting, Cylinder, Tank, and Gas valve & Accessories. The company offers a range of LPG cylinders such as HR40001 14LB, HR40002 20LB, HR40003 30LB, and HR40004-1. Hebei baigong high-pressure vessel Co. Ltd. Hebei baigong high-pressure vessel Co. Ltd. operates its business through the Unified segment. The company offers ISO11120 Cylinder series that comply with the international standard of ISO11120. If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extract FREE! Get report snapshot here to get a detailed market share analysis of market participants during COVID-19 lockdown: https://www.technavio.com/report/liquefied-petroleum-gas-cylinder-market-size-industry-analysis Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market is segmented as below: Type Metal Composite Geography APAC North America MEA Europe South America The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market is driven by the increasing use of LPG in many applications. In addition, other factors such as rising subsidies offered by governments to promote LPG use are expected to trigger the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market toward witnessing a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. Get more insights about the global trends impacting the future of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder market, Request Free Sample @ https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR44277 Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ Report Link: https://www.technavio.com/report/liquefied-petroleum-gas-cylinder-market-size-industry-analysis SOURCE Technavio Hegmataneh Hill one step closer to World Heritage registration 03/10/21 Source: Tehran Times Iran is completing an all-inclusive dossier for the mysterious Hegmataneh Hill to have it registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list, deputy tourism minister Mohammad-Hassan Talebian has announced. He made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of seven tourism-related projects in Hamedan on Monday, which was attended by the Iranian president Hassan Rouhani via video conference. See more photos by Pouria Pakizeh, ISNA here and here The documentation and mapping projects of the area are being finalized and the dossier is being prepared to be submitted to UNESCO, Talebian added. However, there are some problems and issues that the tourism ministry is doing everything possible to remove some of these obstacles, he added. The ruined Hegmataneh (Ecbatana) which is partly beneath the modern city of Hamedan (the capital city), is widely believed to be once a mysterious capital of Medes. According to ancient Greek writers, the city was founded in about 678 BC by Deioces, who was the first king of the Medes. French Assyriologist Charles Fossey (1869 - 1946) directed the first excavation in Tepe Hegmateneh for six months in 1913. Erich Friedrich Schmidt (1897 - 1964), who was a German and American-naturalized archaeologist, took some aerial photos from Hamedan between 1935 and 1937. According to the Greek historian Xenophon of Athens (c.430-c.355), Ecbatana became the summer residence of the Achaemenid kings. Their palace is described by the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis. He writes that the city was richer and more beautiful than all other cities in the world; although it had no wall, the palace, built on an artificial terrace, according to Livius, a website on ancient history written and maintained since 1996 by the Dutch historian Jona Lendering. An inscription, unearthed in 2000, indicates that Achaemenid king Artaxerxes II Mnemon (404-358) built a terrace with columns in Ecbatana. Some twelve kilometers southwest of Hamedan is Gandj Nameh, where Darius I and his son Xerxes had inscriptions cut into the rock. Polybius, a Greek historian of the Hellenistic period noted for his work The Histories, tells that the builders used cedar and cypress wood, which was covered with silver and gold. The roof tiles, columns, and ceilings were plated with silver and gold. He adds that the palace was stripped of its precious metals in the invasion of the Macedonian king Alexander the Great and that the rest was seized during the reigns of Antigonus and Seleucus. Later, Ecbatana was one of the capitals of the Seleucid and the Parthian Empires, sometimes called Epiphaneia. Ecbatana is deemed to be remaining a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, for decades or even centuries to come as the site of the ancient city lies partly within the modern city of Hamedan, which has never been excavated before. Ever since Nov. 3, and in fact for many months before Election Day, Donald Trump railed on and on about the existential danger to democracy that mail-in voting presented. It was, of course, all self-serving hooey. Trump voted (for himself) in Florida by mail in the March 2020 presidential primary and then again in an August 2020 primary, his family routinely votes by mail, and a quarter of all American ballots cast in the 2016 electionwon by Trumpwere cast via the post. But Trumps voting lies got bigger and bolder, and now a significant portion of the Republican Party doesnt trust the 2020 election result and is using this concocted suspicion to make it harder to vote in Republican-controlled states across the country. Their biggest target? Mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in a galaxy far, far away, Donald Trump requested a mail-in ballot last week for a local Palm Beach County municipal election held on Tuesday, marking the third time Trump has done so in his short history as a resident there. The request was made nearly a week after the deadline to have a ballot be sent by mail. Mail ballots can be requested through Tuesday but must be picked up in person by the voter or a designee, the Palm Beach Post reports. It is likely that Trump had an associate pick up the ballot in person on his behalf, as he did for the presidential primary last March and for the August primary. Dani Dyer has revealed that her actor dad Danny was so furious when he learned she'd signed up for Love Island back in 2018 that he stepped talking to her for weeks. The TV personality, 24, shot to stardom on the hit ITV2 show, which saw her get into a romance with Jack Fincham before the couple went on to win the series. However, in a candid chat with EastEnders star Danny, 43, on their Sorted With The Dyers podcast, Dani revealed that her dad was initially far from happy about it. Upset: Dani Dyer has revealed that her actor dad Danny was so furious when he learned she'd signed up for Love Island back in 2018 that he stepped talking to her for weeks Broaching the subject, Dani admitted: 'I loved being a dental nurse but it wasnt somewhere I wanted to be forever. Then Love Island happened.' Danny said: 'Everything was going all lovely and you were getting on with it and all of a sudden you sat me down.' Explaining her decision, Dani went on: 'I wanted something different, I never took risks and I thought this could be a good one.' Danny then quipped: 'You really did roll the dice baby didnt you. It didnt go down well at first.' Stardom: The 24-year-old TV personality shot to stardom on the long-running hit ITV2 series Things went frosty between the pair when rumours started to swirl that Dani was signing up for the show, before she'd even decided to do so. 'You hated me,' Dani said, prompting her dad to clarify: 'I didnt hate you, I never hated you ever.' Recalling his annoyance, Dani said: 'He didnt like me. We didnt really talk. It was very awkward. Oh my god, Id walk into the room and it would be so awkward.' He conceded: 'No we didnt talk. I think I was upset because we were very close and youd spoke about it to everyone, I was the last fu**er.' 'Because you kept saying to me, it sort of came out a couple of months before that I was supposed to be going on Love Island and in my brain I wasnt,' explained Dani. Fuming: In a candid chat with EastEnders star Danny on their Sorted With The Dyers podcast, Dani revealed that her dad was initially far from happy about her appearing on the show Then you said to me "am I going to go on Love Island?" and I was like, "no its all a rumour". But that was a rumour then and then I sat there and thought maybe I should consider it.' Even as screen star Danny waved his eldest offspring off on her flight to Spain, he remained peeved, as he said: 'I set you off, I put your suitcase in the boot all fu**ing angry and I said, "go on just f***ing go and do what you got to do."' However, all of his fears soon became pride, as he watched his daughter become one of the show's most popular contestants. He admitted: 'I was petrified but it turned out well. I just became a viewer like everyone else and I didn't have any contact with you and I just watched this very authentic vulnerable thing unfold. "If you could write a script for doing eight weeks on Love Island that would be the script you would write, because you were loyal in there and you turned your life 'round.' Love Island victors: While on Love Island, Dani into a romance with Jack Fincham before the couple went on to win the series. They eventualluy went their separate ways in April 2019 While Dani would win the show with then-boyfriend Jack, they would go on to break up in April 2019. Jack welcomed his daughter Blossom just nine months later. Dani eventually rekindled her romance with Sammy Kimmence, and the pair became parents earlier this year, when they welcomed son Santiago. She recently has told how she and Sammy 'didn't plan' on falling pregnant, admitting that it was a 'shock' when she discovered they were expecting. The TV personality also told how her actor dad Danny Dyer gets 'so emotional' around her new arrival. Speaking to OK! magazine about her pregnancy shock, Dani told of the moment she informed beau Sammy she was with child. Unexpected joy: Dani recently told how she and partner Sammy Kimmence 'didn't plan' on falling pregnant, admitting that it was a 'shock' when she discovered they were expecting She said: 'We didn't plan it. It was more a case of if I fall pregnant then that's fine, so it was a shock really. I remember Sammy was downstairs playing FIFA while I was upstairs and I just thought I'd take a pregnancy test. 'I remember going "babe I'm pregnant!" He just looked at me like "really?!" with the control still in his hand.' Danny added that though it was an 'exciting time' for the couple, the prospect of becoming partners was 'so scary'. Despite not expecting to fall pregnant when she did, Dani added that she'd been maternal since she was 16 years old and wanted a child young as she's best friends with her parents, who had her in their teens. Speaking of her EastEnders star parent, Dani told how despite his hardman persona on TV, Danny is a softy when it comes to baby Santiago. New mama: 'We didn't plan it,' said Dani of her pregnancy. 'It was more a case of if I fall pregnant then that's fine, so it was a shock really' She explained: 'Dad is so emotional around Santi. The other day he was nearly crying like "I love babies and that, but your baby... I've never felt anything like this". Santi's his first grandchild and I feel like that's hit him more after the birth.' The reality star also added that her mother Joanne Mas is 'obsessed with him'. The beauty also discussed Santiago's difficult birth and told of her disappointment within herself as she had to have an emergency c-section after the umbilical cord became wrapped around Santiago. She said: 'I felt like my body failed me. I was so upset with myself and really beat myself up about it. Looking at myself for the first week, I hatred myself.' Shock: She said, 'I remember Sammy [Kimmence, pictured] was downstairs playing FIFA while I was upstairs and I just thought I'd take a pregnancy test' Dani insisted that she soon moved past her feelings and 'accepted' what was as she realised that her baby being 'healthy and happy' was the important thing. 'But it's all worth it I have my beautiful boy, I am trying to eat more healthier just so I do feel better about myself!' However, Dani insisted she's trying not to worry too much about her weight while she is still a new mother. 'But I'm not stressing too much about the weight, being a mum is a full time job. My body can wait.' Panthera has a diverse portfolio of gold exploration assets One of our challenges is that we have so many opportunities in front of us, says Mark Bolton, the managing director of ( ). It only takes a quick glance over the companys portfolio of assets to see what he means. Theres the Bassala, Laboloa, Bido and Kassala gold projects in West Africa, all held either directly or through a 46.2% stake in the private Irish company Moydow Resources, as well as the Bhukia and Taregaon gold and copper-gold projects in India. All told, the portfolio already contains over 1.7mln ounces of gold, with countless prospects across all projects crying out for further exploration work. There isnt one of them that I dont value as an investment proposition, says Bolton. Every one of our projects deserves to be drilled this year. However, time and resources being what they are, there has to be a focus, and with an ongoing dispute hampering work in India for the time being, for the time being, its West Africa thats getting all the attention. In West Africa we have potential scale and we have identified mineralisation, either through artisanal working or through previous drilling, continues Bolton. These projects now need to be drilled to see whether they will scale up. Fortunately the company isnt short of funds, having just booked a chunky profit on the sale of a tin asset in Germany. That sale injected around 1.17mln in new money into the companys coffers at the end of February, cueing it up nicely to get to work in earnest this year. Bolton is particularly keen to highlight encouraging recent and historic exploration results at Bido in Burkina Faso, where Panthera holds licences over 80 square kilometres of ground. Previous drilling returned gold intercepts of 16 metres grading one gram per tonne, 10 metres at two grams, and 2.5 metres at eight grams. More up-to-date soil sampling, the results of which were announced in January, has provided equally encouraging data, although theres now an added spin. According to Bolton, the thinking now is that previous exploration work at Bido, though it hit gold, missed the main target and hit instead a secondary vein. If thats true, the upside at Bido could be much greater than was previously thought. Hence, of course, Boltons impatience to get drilling. Not far away, at Kwadema South, theres an enormous area of artisanal workings that until recently hadnt been looked at in any systematic way. Pantheras gone in and taken a serious look though, and identified the Teiekouyou target, which Bolton describes as fabulous. Nearby Beredo also looks promising, and all told Bido, Kwadema South and Teiekouyou will all be the subject of investigation by the drill bit this year. A little bit of preparation work will be needed first, in the shape of induced polarisation surveys, and this will allow Panthera to zero in on where exactly to place the rigs. But the main point, says Bolton, is that there are so many targets. You have so many bites of the cherry, he says. Meanwhile, at Bassala in Mali, the company is sitting on a potentially huge structure not far away from Endeavours Kalana mine and the locally-owned Kodema mine. The Bassala structure is distinct from the Kalana one, but that may not count against it. Were looking for another structure like the Kodema-Kalana structure, explains Bolton. Geochemistry on Bassala will be finished imminently, and thus far its shown two major structures intersecting, so so far so good. The presence of artisans also adds to the prospectivity, and previous RAB drilling ceased with mineralisation at the end of the hole. Here too, induced polarisation will be first, before the drill rigs are set turning late in May. I like this project, says Bolton. Its got scale, its got good geology and its got nearology. With these projects under its belt, Panthera is already looking like an attractive proposition. But add in the West African portfolio of Moydow and the lottery ticket of India, as Bolton calls it, and theres upside in all sorts of directions. The Bhukia project in India is reckoned to contain upwards of ten million ounces of gold, and if it can get clear of the legal issues around it the uplift to Panthera would be significant. Bolton himself has much experience working in India, through his previous work as finance director for Oilex. Will it get sorted? well, thats the lottery ticket that you get for free with your substantial and meaningful African exploration portfolio. The delegation of NATO Allied Land Command led by Commander Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier has begun a visit to Ukraine. A visit of a delegation of the NATO Allied Land Command to Ukraine has begun today. A meeting with my colleague, NATO Allied Land Commander Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier, has just ended. We discussed a number of issues regarding the development of military cooperation between the Land Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said at a joint press conference with Roger Cloutier in Kyiv. He noted that the visit of the NATO Allied Land Commander proved that political and military leadership of NATO and the Allies saw Ukraine as a strategic and predictable partner aiming to become a full-fledged member of the world's most powerful collective security system. As noted, the parties paid special attention to the development of military cooperation and acquaintance of the Alliance representatives with the process of combat training of units and subdivisions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the reform of the Land Forces. In turn, Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier informed that his visit to Kyiv was the final stage of a multinational tour to acquaint partners with NATO land forces and their leadership. "I am here to understand the structure of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their tasks, as well as to strengthen our cooperation with the Land Forces Command, which has already begun, and with Ukraine as our important land partner," Cloutier said. As Lieutenant General Roger Cloutier noted, Ukraine is one of the six NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Partners, having an opportunity to enjoy enhanced access to interoperability and training programs, as well as access to information, including NATO experience. "As the NATO Allied Land Commander, who is responsible for bringing NATO to combat readiness and for interoperability, it is a great privilege for me to help the Ukrainian Land Forces take advantage of this unique opportunity and assist in their development," Lieutenant General Cloutier said. Photo credit: lc.nato.int ol EgyptAir Tourism and Duty Free has signed a new agreement with IBM to leverage IBM Cloud capabilities to scale and modernize EgyptAir Duty Free back-end operations and host its SAP Travel Retail System. By adopting IBM Cloud, EgyptAir will also leverage IBM Watson Assistant, an AI virtual agent, to transform their travellers shopping experience. The agreement was signed by Wael Abdoush, General Manager IBM Egypt and Reda Metwally, head of EgyptAir Tourism and Duty Free Co, in the presence of Pilot Roshdy Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding Chairman and CEO, a group of leaders of the two companies, and Atef Roshdy, ECS Company manager - Agent of SAP Company, which participated in setting up the project. With a hybrid cloud approach from IBM, EgyptAir Duty Free will migrate its ERP workload to IBM Cloud while staying connected and fully integrated with the Frequent-Flyer Program of EgyptAir Airlines and Star Alliance companies to provide shopping services from EgyptAir's duty free outlets and attract new customers. For example, EgyptAir Duty Free customers will make all payment transactions through a secure point of sale that is part of IBM Cloud infrastructure. As part of this engagement, IBM will provide technology and industry expertise to enhance the digital services for EgyptAir Duty-Free by using IBM Watson Assistant, running on IBM Cloud. The AI virtual agent will provide EgyptAir Duty-Free customers with a differentiated shopping experience, enabling them to do online shopping through the Duty-Free website including orders placement, payment and delivery inside the plane, thus ensuring seamless retail experience. Pilot Roshdy Zakaria said: "We have a long history of cooperation with IBM, as our partner for more than 30 years. The technology transformation journey has included many progressive steps to develop our operations, by leveraging IBM Cloud capabilities and providing our customers with a world-class personal experience." "The new technology will help us to reinvent our services and unlock an array of new choices for our customers, said Reda Metwally Chairman and CEO, EgyptAir Duty Free. With IBM and SAP technology, we will modernize our operations through the supply chain to meet the evolving needs of our customers and suppliers. In the era of Covid-19, maximizing capabilities and developing new opportunities are critical business opportunities for the aviation sector. Were very pleased to partner with EgyptAir Duty Free in their digital transformation journey, said Wael Abdoush, General Manager, IBM Egypt. Through technologies like hybrid cloud and AI, EgyptAir will take their customers relationship to the next level, surfacing distinct new trends to change travellers experience and ensure security, agility and operational efficiency. IBM has a long history of working with the airlines industry as well as with leading travel and transportation companies around the world for over 70 years. IBM has collaborated with EgyptAir for over 30 years hosting core applications on both IBM hardware and software. TradeArabia News Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 21:36:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- When the Japanese invasion plunged China into peril in the 1930s, a renowned Chinese historian pondered and asked the famous question that had vexed him for long: Can the Chinese modernize? The answer to the question has long been available. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has initiated a top-level design to promote China's socialist modernization, unveiling a two-stage plan to make the world's most populous country a "great modern socialist country" by the mid-21st century. The modernization goal that the Chinese have been striving for since the modern era is no longer out of reach. According to the plan, the CPC will basically realize socialist modernization in the first stage from 2020 to 2035, before developing China into a great modern socialist country that is "prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful" by the middle of the 21st century. Although modernization theory has its origins in the West, modernization by no means is equal to Westernization. The world's second-largest economy is becoming increasingly aware that there has never been a uniform path to modernization. China's peaceful rise has in fact shown that the Western style is not the only viable route to modernization. SUPER-SCALE The modernization China seeks involves a massive population base and a rapid pace of realization. It could be seen as a super-scale human development practice. In China's modernization drive, new models of industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization will develop simultaneously. China will endeavor to achieve within decades what took the West centuries to achieve. The scale and speed of modernization in the world's most populous country are unprecedented and will inevitably have a profound impact on the world. China bases its development on its own situation and taps into the potential of its massive population and accordingly, massive demands and markets. According to a blueprint for its development in the next five to 15 years, which is under review at the "two sessions," China will accelerate forging a new development paradigm of "dual circulation" in which domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other with the domestic market as the mainstay. The world's largest developing country will give full play to the advantage of its super-large market and continue to expand it by boosting domestic consumption in its modernization drive. GREEN DRIVE China is seeking a modernization in which the construction of economic, political, cultural, social and ecological civilization are jointly promoted. The unbalanced advancement of modernization can cause estrangement and conflict. Economic growth does not necessarily do away with social difficulties. On the contrary, certain types of growth actually cause these problems. China rejects such types of modernization path. With its GDP exceeding the 100-trillion-yuan (about 15.42 trillion U.S. dollars) mark in 2020, China has explicitly stated that it will strive to keep its economy running within an appropriate range during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period rather than setting a numerical goal. The move echoed the country's strategy of focusing on promoting high-quality development which is key to its modernization drive. Although the modernization of the West has created unprecedented material wealth, it has also led to the waste of resources and environmental damage. Having taken notes from the West, China will not choose a development path that consumes a large quantity of non-renewable natural resources in the process of its modernization. In the modernization China is striving for, people and nature exist in harmony. In its latest development blueprint, China has vowed to stay true to the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," and to significantly lower the energy consumption per unit of GDP and its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP. A modernization path featuring green development has become a consensus of the Chinese, with sound progress made in recent years. PEOPLE-CENTERED China's modernization involves not only a drastic increase in economic production capacity, but also comprehensive social progress. China seeks a people-centered modernization that is different from the Western model in which capital is the primary driver and dominant logic. That is best illustrated by China's massive poverty alleviation campaign and its handling of the pandemic. China has always insisted that the vast majority of society should be the starting point for system design and policy formulation. The nation's unique concepts and practices such as "No one should be left behind" and "People first, life first" express the essence and characteristics of Chinese-style modernization, which is centered on people. It is worth mentioning that people-centered modernization is in line with the highest ideals and value pursuits of Marxism, whose goal is to benefit the people and ultimately achieve the full development of each individual. PEACEFUL, WIN-WIN China's modernization will be a road of peaceful development and will adhere to win-win cooperation. It will not follow the Western path of aggression, colonization and expansion, neither plundering and colonizing foreign countries nor transferring domestic conflicts and crises abroad. The modernizing China, which does not subscribe to the notion that a strong country will inevitably seek hegemony, has blazed a trail of revitalization. China has pledged to open up new prospects for win-win cooperation and provide digital assistance to less developed countries in terms of technology, equipment and services, according to its development blueprint. The modernization China seeks is one based on the country's national conditions and independent development. There is no one-size-fits-all development model, and modernization theory needs to be enriched as modernization practices unfold. Alan MacFarlane, a Cambridge professor who proposes "modernity with Chinese characteristics," believes that the civilization of Britain, the first so-called modern country in the world, was based on individualism, while China's civilization has been based on collectiveness since ancient times. Different traditions and histories make the modernization path of each civilization different. Every country has the right to choose its own modernization path. The Chinese model of modernization offers a new option to other countries and nations who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence. It also offers Chinese wisdom and a Chinese approach to solving the problems facing humanity. Enditem Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 REDDING State Department of Agriculture officials seized several goats from a local residence Wednesday after receiving a complaint about injured goats and general care issues, according to a statement issued by the department. Department of Agriculture officials Wednesday morning were taking the goats off the property one at a time and evaluating them at tables, photographing and tagging them on before moving them into a trailer. Cross Highway, where the property is located, was closed in the early morning according to a town announcement. Redding police said in a statement they were assisting with the execution of a search warrant at the property. State officials said they planned to take the animals into department custody for transportation to a state rescue and rehabilitation facility in Niantic. The animals will be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian and will remain in [the Department of Agricultures] custody and care until the case is adjudicated in the court system, the release said. Property owner Nancy Burton, who was on the property, did not immediately comment. In addition to a complaint received last October about general care issues, the department received complaints dating to 2017 regarding roaming goats and the number of goats on the property, according to the Department of Agriculture statement. The departments release said local and state animal control officers made multiple visits to the property in attempts to assess and resolve the situation. The Department of Agriculture ultimately resorted to obtaining a search and seizure warrant. Based on citizen complaints and surveillance that revealed animal welfare concerns, including mobility issues due to untrimmed hooves, excessive manure, lack of sufficient water, and structures in poor condition that did not provide adequate protection from the weather, the Department of Agriculture applied for, and was granted a search and seizure warrant for the goats in question, the release said. Removal of the animals is a last resort after attempting to work with the owner to voluntarily improve the standard of care, officials added. Burton first adopted a goat Katie the Goat in 2008, according to court documents Burton has filed, including an appeal against Reddings Zoning Board of Appeals and a complaint against the town of Redding and First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton. The goat had lived in Waterford, about five miles from the Millstone nuclear power plant. Katie the Goats milk had been tested for radiation and Burton moved her to the Redding property to initiate a milk-sampling project downwind of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, N.Y., she stated. [Burton] later rescued two other goats from southeastern Connecticut and since that time the goat population at [Burtons] property has expanded, she wrote in a complaint against the Zoning Board of Appeals. In the zoning appeal, dated January 2018, she stated the milk-testing continued after Katie the Goats death in 2012 and that the goat population on the property expanded to some 50 adult goats, but that she was working with a nonprofit organization to have them adopted. The population has been reduced to date by 20. A total of nine adult goats are allowed on Redding properties before the Zoning Board of Appeals has to approve additional goats. In a 2019 complaint against the town and Pemberton, Burton argued she should be allowed to keep 30 goats on the property. The case was supposed to have a status conference Wednesday, but did not go forward due to the unavailability of the plaintiff, Burton. Pemberton spent much of her morning observing the states action from the road. She said recent surveillance confirmed the towns concerns. Anyone can observe, from the road, that theres a shed with manure stacked so high that the goats can barely get into the shed, Pemberton said. They shouldnt be living, standing on a pile of [manure] barely getting out of the cold. Its deplorable, she added. Pemberton said she doesnt know if Burton will get her goats back but personally hopes she doesnt. Staff photographer John Voorhees contributed to this report. HONOLULU (AP) Heavy rains caused a dam to overflow on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and and nearby residents in the community of Haiku are being evacuated, county officials said Monday. The National Weather Service reported 13.2 inches (33.5 centimeters) of rain fell in the Haiku area of Mauis North Coast between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. About six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, according to Maui County Mayor Michael Victorinos office late Monday. He urged people to be vigilant amid evidence of landslides. Resources are being pushed into this area right now, Victorino said during a live address on Facebook. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a real flooding situation we have not seen in a long time. In fact, some of the residents have told me that this is the worst theyve seen in over 25 years, he said. The Maui Fire Department responded to more than a dozen calls for help from residents trapped by rising waters. Shan Tsutsui, the chief operating officer of Mahi Pono, a co-owner of the dam, said water over-topped the reservoir but it hadnt failed. At this time, the over-topping of the dam has ceased. However, our crews are actively monitoring the situation and will continue monitoring the water levels until it returns to a safe level, Tsutsui said in a statement. He urged anyone who needed to shelter to go to evacuation centers that were set up at Hana High School and the Paia Community Center. If you have family and friends and you can get out of the area, that is probably preferable. But be careful if you see high water, turn around and go back, Victorino said. Do not try to cross it at this time. He also urged tourists to stay in their hotel rooms or other lodging and not go out Monday evening. County spokesman Brian Perry said he didnt know how many people were downstream of Kaupakalua Dam, which is in the town of Haiku. A state website says the earthen dam was built in 1885 and is 57 feet (17.4 meters) in height and 400 feet (122 meters) in length. It belongs to the East Maui Irrigation Company, which was created to divert water from streams to feed sugar plantation lands. Mahi Pono, which grows a variety of crops on former sugar cane land, co-owns East Maui Irrigation with Alexander & Baldwin Inc., a commercial real estate developer with roots in the sugar industry. The state regulates 132 dams across Hawaii, most of which were constructed as part of irrigation systems for the sugar cane industry. Of these dams, 93% are classified as high hazard potential, which means a failure could result in significant loss of life or property, according to a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. A dam failure turned fatal in Hawaii in 2006, when seven people were killed after the Ka Loko dam on the island of Kauai collapsed and hundreds of gallons of water rushed downhill. About the photo: Floodwaters sweep over Hana Highway near West Kuiaha Road in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii, on Monday, March 8, 2021. Heavy rains caused a dam to overflow on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and and nearby residents in the community of Haiku are being evacuated, county officials said Monday.(Kehaulani Cerizo/The Maui News via AP) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. South superstar Mohanlal receives COVID-19 vaccine; Thanks government, medical staff India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Kochi, Mar 10: South superstar Mohanlal on Wednesday said he has received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The "Drishyam 2" actor took to Instagram to share pictures of him receiving the first jab of the vaccine at Amrita Hospital. In one of the photos, he is seen flashing the victory sign. Mohanlal, best known for films like "Nadodikkattu", "No 20 Madras Mail", "Odiyan" and "Lucifer", thanked the government and healthcare staff for their support. "Took the first shot of Covid vaccine from Amrita Hospital. I take this opportunity to thank the Government of India, the companies which are producing the vaccine and the medical fraternity, including all hospitals, for their relentless assistance and cooperation shown towards the COVID Vaccination Drive," he captioned the post. Coronavirus vaccination: BJP President JP Nadda receives first shot of COVID-19 vaccine The 60-year-old actor is the latest Indian celebrity to have received the COVID-19 vaccine, after veterans like Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal, Satish Shah, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Anupam Kher, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and comedian Johnny Lever. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News On March 1, the government launched the nationwide drive of getting everyone above 60 years of age (and those aged between 45-59 with co-morbidities) get vaccinated. Victoria Beckham labelled Kim Kardashian 'the perfect Posh' on Instagram on Tuesday, after the reality star shared a throwback snap dressed as the Spice Girl. The fashion designer, 46, appeared impressed with Kim's efforts to recreate Posh's iconic look for a High School talent show. The throwback picture showed a teenage Kim, now 40, dressed in a skintight black bandeau leather dress and matching strappy heels. Wannabe: Victoria Beckham labelled Kim Kardashian 'the perfect Posh' on Instagram on Tuesday, after the reality star shared a throwback snap dressed as the Spice Gir Kim posed alongside four pals who all dressed up as the four remaining members of the nineties girl group; Ginger Spice, Sporty Spice, Scary Spice and Baby Spice. Resharing the snap, Victoria wrote: 'The perfect Posh!'. Kim previously shared her love of the Spice Girls and told her followers as she posed a snap dressed as Posh: 'I'm so Thankful that me & my friends were the Spice Girls for our high school talent show! The Spice Girls got me through a lot! #ForeverThankful.' Signature look: The fashion designer, 46, appeared impressed with Kim's efforts to recreate Posh's iconic look for a High School talent show Impressed: Resharing the snap, Victoria wrote: 'The perfect Posh!' Earlier this week, Victoria paid tribute to 'all the ladies and young girls out there' in a short, empowering video message shared with her 28 million Instagram followers to celebrate International Women's Day. Addressing the camera, she said: 'Happy international womens day to all the ladies and young girls out there. Today its all about us, and OK and its good to celebrate us. 'Over the years Ive had so many incredible women influence me and I feel so blessed to have the incredible team of women at Victoria Beckham and Victoria Beckham Beauty, you inspire me every day. I feel very, very lucky, I feel very, very blessed.' It's all about us: Earlier this week, Victoria paid tribute to 'all the ladies and young girls out there' in a short, empowering video message to mark International Women's Day Adding a shirt caption the fashion designer also urged women across the world to take a stand, writing: 'Burn your bras! To all young girls and women all over the world, today is to celebrate us!! Kisses and Happy International Womens Day.' Recognising the most important females in his life, David, 45, credited Victoria, their daughter Harper and his devoted mother Sandra in a series of Instagram posts. In the first, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England midfielder pictured himself Harper, nine, the youngest of his four children with Victoria. Beckham also included separate images of his wife and daughter, alongside a fourth image of himself and mum Sandra attending an event. Captioning the images, he wrote: 'Ive been so lucky to have such incredible and strong women inspire me throughout my life. Today and everyday we celebrate all women around the world Happy International Womens day' Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Back in November 2020, the Air Force Museum of New Zealands Trust Board signed an agreement with the NZ Warbirds Association Inc. at Ardmore, for the loan of ex-RAF English Electric Canberra B(I)8 WT346. Part of this agreement involves this aircrafts sympathetic restoration to static display condition; once restored, ownership should officially transfer to NZ Warbirds. The RNZAF Museum Trust Board purchased WT346 from a British scrap dealer in 1993 and shipped the historic aircraft to New Zealand, effectively saving her from certain destruction. The intention at the time was to use the nose, or possibly the complete airframe, in some way to represent a RNZAF B(1)12 variant. However, a later policy review prioritized projects with actual RNZAF provenance in line with the Museums mission, coupled with the fact that a Canberra was already on display at the Museum, meant that any effort directed towards the ex-RAF Canberra would be a low priority. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. To have a strong brand is one of the key objectives of any business. Irrespective of industry, having a strong brand is undeniably linked to success. With informal trade stealing much of the spotlight from formal retail trade in recent years, companies seeking to build a strong brand in the informal markets are now pivoting into the spaza and wholesale arenas aggressively. Most, if not all South African brands, are trying to work out how best to capitalise on this rapidly growing business opportunity. Namely, how to establish a brands reputation with lower LSM shoppers, how to stand out from competitors where planogramming is not a formal opportunity, how to reinforce loyalty and trust with spaza shop owners and shoppers alike and, finally, how to uplift sales. Robot Tuck Shop, before and after Pick the right marketing/advertising agency Establish a network of high performing spaza and wholesalers nationally Offer a professional team of national installers Provide good design and print point of sale material (like store name signage and posters) Professionally install said material. Use field sales technology (not WhatsApp groups) so track and measure executions and give you real-time feedback Lubisi Tuck Shop, before and after Research your target audience Al-Mubarake Tuck Shop, before and after Create a connection between your brand and the consumer Be consistent Supermarket on uMhlandlothi Street, before and after Get the data Traditional trade in South Africa accounts for a few hundred billion rand on an annual basis. This makes it a very lucrative market for South African brands to play in. The big question brand managers must ask themselves is: How do they penetrate this volatile market and how do they measure their return on investment (ROI)?From the big agencies to the fly by nights, there are a lot of people who say they can do it. And by do it, we mean the following:It is imperative to understand how challenging this environment can be, how stubborn the merchants can be and how hard it is to pull off a job like a spaza branding. Partnering with a company that has many years of creditable experience should be your number one priority when embarking on a journey like this.Choose your townships wisely. Township consumers have a very different behavior to overall South African consumer behavior and, therefore, marketers need to differentiate their strategy and product offering (think pack sizes that act as top-ups for those who cant afford full pack size refills before month-end). Understanding the diverse lifestyle segments within townships is critical to brand owners as this allows them to get an understanding of what brand loyalty really means in these different regions. According to Maria Petousis, an executive at Ask Afrika Market Research company, research indicates that brand loyalty in the township market has been increasing steadily since 2015. Every year, Ask Afrika issues a comprehensive report called Kasi Star Brands: SAs Number One Township Brands, which is typically published in widely read news journals like the. A piece of publication not to be ignored.Simply put, consumers need to know that you care about them. Some would find it surprising that many township consumers find it more important that brands speak their language (both literally and figuratively) and that price point comes second! What matters most, is how the brand communicates both their lifestyle and their lifestyle aspirations. Other ways to create connections is for brands to get involved on a community level, like stokvel drives and big church events. It is vital for brands to communicate regularly to build an emotional connection and trust between themselves and the consumers.A 2019 study by Lucidpress shows that consistent branding and messaging across all platforms and channels can increase market returns by 33%. Brand consistency is crucial to securing customer trust and raising your ROI. It shows consumers you are reliable and makes your brand more recognisable. This needs to be considered when embarking on a project like spaza branding.Brand owners ideally want to get their hands on sales data from before and after their branding efforts to measure their ROI. Whilst this is not always possible, marketers want to be able to rely on their agency partner to follow up with the store merchants and find out if sales have increased since, for example, the spaza has been branded. Again, it is important here to work with a company who has a network of trustworthy teams on the ground who use field sales applications that are capable of taking photos and conduct surveys (have a look at ConnectGroup as a good example) as this information is the holy grail for strategy and future campaigns.A great way to grow your brand presence in the informal sector is to brand spaza shops. It helps create emotional connections with the spaza owners and members of the community while your brand aesthetically uplifts the environment. If you are looking for a trustworthy supplier with 16 years experience, please visit MegaVision Media . MegaVision Media specialises in township branding and spaza data collection technology, which helps offer brands insights on pricing, stock and on-shelf presence.011 803 8433 | az.oc.aidemvm@ofni Jessup Membership drive: Jessup Hose Company 2 Ambulances yearly membership drive is underway. Residents are asked to read the letter inserted in their packet for a summary of what the company was able to accomplish during the pandemic. If you have not received a membership packet, call 570-489-1141 and leave a message so one can be delivered to you. Regional Job fair: Pennsylvania National Guard Associations Virtual Job Fair, March 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., job seekers are welcome and can participate for free, employers can participate by contacting PNGAS@PNGAS.org; registration for job seekers is open: https://pngas.org/mission/jobs-board. Virtual presentation: University of Scrantons Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities virtual presentation titled Hope and Healing for Ugandan Youth: Educating Amidst Environmental Degradation, Food Insecurity, and Poverty Through the Bethany Land Institute March 18, 11:30 a.m., lecture presented by the Rev. Emmanuel Katongole, professor of theology and peace studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, the talk, part of the 2020-21 Humanities Forums at Scranton, is open to the public and can be viewed on Zoom at http://bit.ly/3bApVZU, or on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2Ipj8Hv. [March 10, 2021] Aurigo Software Appoints Former Head of Montana DOT to Lead Transportation Strategy AUSTIN, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurigo Software, the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, today announced it had appointed Michael Tooley, former Director of the Montana Department of Transportation, as Senior Director, Industry Strategy. Tooley will lead Aurigo's transportation strategy and strengthen the firm's penetration into the state and local transportation marketplace. Tooley led Montana's DOT for 8 years, being appointed by Governor Steve Bullock and confirmed by the Montana Senate in 2013. He served in that role until the end of Governor Bullock's term in 2020. During his tenure, transportation safety was a major focus for the DOT and the state reduced serious injury and fatal crashes by 35% under his leadership. Another interest of Tooley's is the modernization of DOT internal infrastructure, makin transportation programs more efficient and effective. "We're excited to welcome Michael to our growing leadership team," said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software. "Michael understands the opportunities and challenges our customers will face as the United States prepares for a massive investment in its infrastructure over the next several years. Michael's strong background in public safety, coupled with over 8 years of experience leading Montana DOT, will be invaluable to sharpening our strategy to help America build back better with industry-proven enterprise cloud software." Tooley brings decades of public sector leadership to a team already bolstered by several prominent new hires over the past year. Prior to his position at the Montana DOT, Tooley ran the state's Highway Patrol division, and has also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve force for many years. He is a graduate of Grand Canyon University and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In his new role, Tooley will focus on building relationships with executives managing some of the largest capital programs in North America, including at departments of transportation, public works agencies, and water and wastewater authorities. "Infrastructure agencies need innovative but reliable solutions to help plan, build and maintain their assets safely and efficiently," said Tooley. "Aurigo will continue to act as a trusted advisor to capital program leaders across the country, helping them make better decisions on how to invest their funds and maximize the impact these programs have for their constituents. I'm excited to be part of this journey with Aurigo." About Aurigo Software Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence, build with quality, and maintain their assets efficiently. With more than $300b of capital programs under management, Aurigo's solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and government on over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held US corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurigo-software-appoints-former-head-of-montana-dot-to-lead-transportation-strategy-301244156.html SOURCE Aurigo Software Technologies [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The logos of mobile apps Facebook and Google on a smartphone in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2020. (The Epoch Times) Bipartisan Bill Aims to Empower Independent, Local Newspapers to Compete With Big Tech In a bipartisan effort to support and preserve journalism, members of Congress on Wednesday introduced a bill that would allow small news publishers to collectively negotiate with tech giants such as Google and Facebook for their share of digital advertising profits. The proposed legislation (pdf), formally called the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, was introduced by House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and ranking member Ken Buck (R-Colo.). Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. One of the bedrock values of our country is a free press, but we have seen thousands of news organizations crushed by the monopolistic power of Big Tech, Buck said in a statement. Citing a Pew Research Center survey conducted last year, the lawmakers noted that nearly 90 percent of Americans rely on digital devices to get their news on a day to day basis. Facebook and Google, which account for the vast majority of online referrals to news sources, have formed a digital ad duopoly that is pushing traditional news industry, particularly independent and local news outlets, to the edge of extinction. The lawmakers also expressed concerns that the diminishment of traditional journalism is undermining the Americans ability to be informed, since Big Tech companies ultimately decide what their users read, whether the content is clickbait, political commentary, or quality news stories. If passed as is, the measure would allow any print, broadcast, or digital news organization to collaborate with each other to get better deals from Facebook and Google during a 48-month safe harbor when they would not be subject to antitrust laws, as long as their negotiation is directly related to promoting trust and quality journalism. This bill will give hardworking local reporters and publishers the helping hand they need right now, so they can continue to do their important work, Cicilline said in a statement. The House Antitrust Subcommittee, which he chairs, is going to have a hearing about the bargaining power of news organizations this Friday. The U.S. bill comes weeks after its Australian precursor sparked a fight between Facebook and the Oceanic nation. In response to the Australian governments new law that requires digital platforms to pay local media outlets and publishers to display their content in news feeds, Facebook blocked users across the region from sharing or viewing news content on the platform. The ban, which took place just days before Australia started distributing CCP virus vaccines, covered many non-news pages including Australian health and emergency authorities. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Residents of Athy are pay their respects this morning to a man whose body was recovered from the River Barrow in Athy after being missing for nearly a week. Declan Reid, 34, was kayaking with his eight-year-old son Aaron on Sunday, February 28, when their kayak capsized near Ardreigh Lock on the Barrow. The boy was rescued from the water by a passerby who spotted them in trouble. Declan, late of Moorefield Drive, Neilstown, Clondalkin, is predeceased by his mother Patricia. He will be sadly missed by his son Aaron, his partner Fiona, his father Paul, sister Roisin and extended family, neighbours and friends. Declans funeral cortege is passing along the Carlow Road, Emily Square and Leinster Street areas at 9.20am on Wednesday morning en route to the funeral Mass in Clondalkin. People are welcome to stand along the route with social distancing being observed at all times. Search A search for Declan was carried out by garda divers who were later joined by local gardai and over 80 members of the Civil Defence from Kildare, Laois, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford. Search and rescue teams from Meath, Mallow, and Dublin were also involved in the search operation along with local kayakers. Gardai said the last week in Athy has been a difficult one for the community and thanked everybody who joined in the search efforts for Mr Reid. Gardai also said the Reid family have expressed much gratitude for finding Declan. They added: May we send our deepest sympathy to all Declan's family and friends. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 New Delhi, March 10 : India's man-made fibre (MMF) industry is poised for fast growth with the potential to capture $20 billion worth of business in the segment's global trade, said the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) on Wednesday. AEPC Chairman A. Sakthivel said that the MMF garment industry in India will grow as the government has agreed to promote the sector. "The government has announced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for MMF segment and creation of seven mega textile parks in the country," he said. "These measures will increase production and export of MMF garments from India." Sakthivel was speaking at a virtual B2B meeting on 'Improving MMF Fabric Options for Indian Apparel Exporters' held between MMF garment exporters, buying houses and fabric suppliers organised by AEPC. At present, MMF globally is a $200 billion industry. The meeting was attended and actively participated by about 100 major players from the three key segments. Besides, MMF garment exporters said that while they have huge orders they found it difficult to get proper fabrics, and were forced to import these. They said that long delivery time and issues of quality consistency of MMF fabric were the main constraints in increasing apparel exports from India. I know that they cant necessarily control what happens on the outside, what students do or post, but if theyre making accounts like this there are likely LC students that have the mindset of spreading hate and discrimination, Magdziarz, who assumed the account was made by a Lake Central student, said. I think what they can do if they cant find the culprit is either hold more meetings among students and staff to encourage inclusivity of race, gender, religion, sexuality, those type of things, or they need to more closely monitor how students treat each other in the hallways since its most likely not happening in class in front of the teachers. In the midst of a pandemic that has claimed more than 2 million lives worldwide and disrupted nearly every facet of society since it appeared more than a year ago, understanding the factors that create and facilitate disease outbreaks is more important than ever. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have determined that cognitive biases -- patterns of errors in thinking that affect judgments and behaviors, often unconsciously -- can help create and worsen foodborne disease outbreaks. Unethical behavior isn't always intentional; conflicts of interest and other unconscious motivations can lead people to behave in ways that help outbreaks emerge and spread. If we can understand what motivates a store owner to re-open too early or a food producer to cut corners, then we can create better policies and regulations that nudge people in the right direction without restricting their freedoms." Harvey James, Associate Director, Division of Applied Social Sciences, Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) James and Michelle Segovia, an assistant professor of agricultural and applied economics in CAFNR, were eager to apply the science of behavioral ethics to the field of food safety. Behavioral ethics examines why people make ethical and unethical decisions; to see how those choices might contribute to a foodborne disease outbreak, the researchers turned to the case of Jensen Farms. In 2011, the Colorado cantaloupe producer was found to be responsible for an outbreak of Listeria at its packing plant that led to one of the worst foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history, resulting in 33 deaths across 28 states. The outbreak occurred despite Jensen Farms having recently audited their food safety procedures and installed new cleaning equipment. To explain this contradiction, the researchers identified several forms of cognitive bias at work. Motivated blindness, for instance, encourages a person or company to advance their own interests without accounting for conflicts of interest. In the case of Jensen Farms, James and Segovia theorized that motivated blindness was to blame for the choice to hire a lenient auditor that deemed the company's food safety procedures "superior." In addition, the researchers emphasized the unconscious nature of cognitive biases with an example of omission bias, in which the lack of action, rather than a specific harmful action, can create unfortunate consequences. Though Jensen Farms possessed equipment capable of cleaning cantaloupes with an antibacterial wash, the antibacterial function was not used prior to the outbreak. "Jensen Farms believed they were making their cantaloupes safer even as they failed to take actions that could have prevented an outbreak," James said. "This is a perfect example of the fact that unethical behavior does not need to be a conscious act. There isn't always an easy 'villain,' so if laws and policies only address people who are intentionally propagating an outbreak, we are missing a big part of the picture. This study is a step toward recognizing the immense consequences of inadvertent and unintentional behavior." While COVID-19 is not considered a foodborne illness, James believes that the lessons learned about cognitive biases from the study are relevant to the current pandemic. Motivated blindness, for example, could explain why some restaurants and other businesses have refused to abide by lockdown orders for fear of losing business. Herding behavior -- a bias that occurs when people follow the crowd even if they disagree with the crowd's behavior -- explains the surge in demand for certain essential items and subsequent nationwide shortages. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Six months ago, many Liberals were hoping that their increasingly erratic NSW Nationals colleague John Barilaro would not return from a period of self-imposed mental health leave. Barilaro had few friends in the Liberals. The Nationals leader had just led his troops to the precipice in protest against a then little-known koala planning policy, which had been causing simmering tensions in the Coalition for months. Premier Gladys Berejiklian held her nerve and told him to back down or she would appoint an all-Liberal cabinet. The Nationals surrendered and Barilaro was left battered and bruised. He took four weeks off but the Berejiklian-Barilaro relationship has never recovered. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has decided not to quit politics. Credit:Edwina Pickles The Liberals (and even some Nationals) were nonplussed, convinced Barilaro would ultimately quit Parliament and their problems with the crash-or-crash-through leader would end. They were wrong. Barilaro has this week made the commitment to remain as Nationals leader and Deputy Premier and intends to contest the 2023 state election. After 71 years of celebrity status informing the American people, youd think Dan Rather would be ready for a peaceful retirement, but a quiet retreat for his autumn years isnt what the journalist is working on these days. After rising to national prominence joining the CBS News team in 1962, he was a trusted voice on the news to millions of Americans until 2006, when he ultimately left CBS. Rather has repeatedly expressed a desire to continue doing what he loves reporting the news. With that goal in mind, as traditional news media has struggled to maintain relevance, he has become a master of social media. In nearly 16,000 tweets over the past decade, Rather has wittily and often incisively shined a light on darker aspects of American politics and society. Dan Rather | Charles Sykes/Getty Images Where did Dan Rather go to college? The audio of Trump with the Georgia secretary of state. Wow. Its like telling the Nixon tapes to hold my beer. Dan Rather (@DanRather) January 3, 2021 According to Biography, Dan Rather was born in 1931 in Wharton, Texas. Rather was interested in English and journalism from a very young age. He attended Sam Houstons Teachers College. Funding this education by working with the Associated Press and at the college radio station, he carried significant journalism experience before graduating with a degree in journalism in 1953. He spent the next decade in local news in Texas until CBS News noticed him from his reporting on hurricane Carla in 1961. In 1962, Rather began a 6-month trial contract with CBS in New York, before being transferred back to Texas as chief of CBS Southwest bureau. In this role, he would provide historic coverage of news from the civil rights movement, JFK assassination, and the Watergate scandal. He would continue to rise in prominence over the decades, eventually joining the correspondents of 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News. Over the course of 44 years, he was one of the most trusted news reporters in the country. His straightforward, rational speaking style engendered trust from the American people, and his deep-dive reporting on controversial issues kept viewers returning to his broadcast evening after evening. How did Dan Rather sign off? RELATED: Ted Turners Net Worth: How the Famous CNN Founder Made His Money In 2004, this very style of deep-dive reporting would begin a scandal that would ultimately lead to Rathers departure from CBS. On September 8th, Rather reported on 60 Minutes that CBS had obtained a series of authenticated memos that proved that then-President George W. Bush had gone AWOL during his service in Vietnam, and had covered up blemishes on his military record. Though Rather claims the legitimacy of his sources and documents to this day, the administration of the sitting President opposed the story viciously, and CBS eventually withdrew the story. In the aftermath of the scandal, four separate producers working on the story were asked to resign. Rather was told he was being pulled from TV and offered a desk job with the news management team. Rather said of the scandal in a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, They overwhelmed CBS they overwhelmed us who reported it by making the focus not on the hard-rock truth of the story, but rather the process by which we arrived at that truth. Rathers final broadcast on CBS was March 9th, 2005. An entire generation had known no one but rather as the face of CBS Evening News. In his farewell speech he returned to a sign-off he used from his youth-the word courage and according to the Academy of Arts and Television said in a now-famous speech, To our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in dangerous places. To those who have endured the tsunami, and to all who have suffered natural disasters and who must now find the will to rebuild. To the oppressed, and to those whose lot it is to struggle in financial hardship or in failing health. To my fellow journalists in places where reporting the truth means risking all. And to each of you. Courage. Dan Rather has a hilarious Twitter The last time this much British tea was spilled there were man-of-war ships in Boston harbor. Dan Rather (@DanRather) March 8, 2021 For a journalist who cut his teeth in divisive times such as the Nixon Impeachment or civil rights movement, Courage ranks highly in personal values. Rather has long believed in the importance of freedom of the press, and has braved much to report the truth. From early in his career, events like the desegregation of schools and wartime coverage taught him to never yield to intimidation at the expense of truth. Rather did not stop reporting the truth after leaving CBS. Getting involved in various online news publications and social media Rather would form News and Guts Media, continuing his theme around the word courage. Rather became an avid poster on Facebook and Twitter, gaining millions of followers commenting on everything from the current political climate to musings about his childhood. While Rathers tendency to be witty and more verbose than most on social media was endearing to the public, his social media presence would change after the election of former President Donald Trump in 2016. Fiercely concerned about attacks on a free press, Rather was direct in his political commentary of the self-styled Twitter President. Throughout Trumps term, Rather would continue posting scathing criticisms with enough sass and wit that it gained him a significant following. Announcing a new article publication for BIO Integration journal. In this article the authors Jingdun Xie, Zhenhua Qi, Xiaolin Luo, Fang Yan, Wei Xing, Weian Zeng, Dongtai Chen and Qiang Li; from Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China discuss integration analysis of m6A regulators and m6A-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation of eukaryotic mRNA is involved in the progression of various tumors. This study comprehensively analyzed m6A regulators and m6A-related genes through an integrated bioinformatic analysis, including expression, clustering, protein-protein interaction, and prognosis, thus providing novel insights into the roles of m6A regulators and m6A-related genes in HCC. 192 candidate m6A-related genes and 3 m6A regulators, including YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and YTHDC1 were obtained. The expression of these genes and regulators differed significantly in different stages of HCC. Based on Cox regression analysis, 19 of 98 m6A-related prognostic genes were obtained to construct a risk score model. The 1- and 3-year area under the curves (AUCs) among HCC patients were greater than 0.7. Based on analysis of mutation differences between high- and low-risk score groups, the authors determined that TP53 had the highest mutation frequency in the high-risk HCC patient group, whereas titin (TTN) had the highest mutation frequency in the low-risk HCC patient group. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. A U.S. admiral has warned that China aims to invade Taiwan within the next six years ahead of the Biden administration first meeting with the country's officials in Alaska next week. U.S. Navy Admiral Philip S. Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, also told the Senate Armed Services Committee of fears among the U.S. military that the Chinese government centered in Beijing could overtake America's global leadership role in the coming decades, NBC News reported. 'Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions,' Davidson told the committee on Tuesday. 'And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years.' He added: 'I worry that they're [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order. They've long said that they want to do that by 2050. I'm worried about them moving that target closer.' Admiral Davidson's warning warning comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to meet with Chinese officials in person for the first time next week. Blinken plans to meet with Chinese officials for the first time next week in the U.S., Bloomberg News reported. Admiral Philip S. Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, appears before a hearing of the Senate Committee on Armed Services Tuesday China did not immediately react to Davidson's claims, but a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the U.S. should halt arms sales to Taiwan. 'China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory,' Zhao Lijian said in Beijing on Tuesday. China considers the democratic government of Taiwan to be an illegitimate breakaway province. When the nation's civil war between the Communists and Nationalists ended in 1949, the defeated Nationalists set up a rival government in Taipei, Taiwan's capital. The Chinese Communist Party has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks from the State Department in Washington, D.C., on March 3 Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a visit to a Naval base in Keelung on March 8. She thanked all naval personnel for their dedication in protecting Taiwan amid renewed threats from China and vowed not to loss 'any single inch' of territory President Tsai Ing-wen vowed during her visit not to lose 'any single inch' of territory to China The U.S. has no official relations with Taiwan, but maintains extensive informal ties with the island off the southeastern coast of China. The CIA World Factbook said Taiwan is expected to have a population of about 23.57 million as of July 2021. China recently increased its military activity near the island in response to what it called 'secessionist forces' and 'collusion' between Taipei and Washington. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in a landslide vote last year on a promise to defend the island's democracy and hold off China. The United States and China remain at odds over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, territorial claims in the South China Sea, human rights abuses against the Uygher population in Xinjiang and China's control of Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been rocked by pro-democracy demonstrations since China began to clamp down on the former British colony after the UK's 99-year lease there ended in 1997. Hong Kong was granted a form of co-existence with China under the principle of 'one country, two systems' that provided significant autonomy. Protesters took to Hong Kong's streets beginning in June 2019 over plans, canceled in September, to allow extradition to the mainland from Hong Kong in what was perceived as a crackdown on democratic dissent. A proposed new security law believed to target democracy activists has further inflamed tensions in the major economic hub, which is a little over 435 miles from Taiwan. Chinese troops march during a military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on on Oct. 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China Blinken, America's new top diplomat who was confirmed by the Senate on January 26, said earlier this month that China represented America's 'biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century.' The U.S. relationship with China will be 'competitive when it should be, collaborative when it can be, and adversarial when it must be,' Blinken said. At China's massive annual political congress in Beijing, State Councilor Wang Yi struck a tough line on Taiwan Monday. The top diplomat warned there was no room for compromise and the new U.S. government should drop the previous administration's 'dangerous acts of playing with fire.' The U.S. Navy's Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group transits in formation with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the South China Sea on Feb. 9. The Roosevelt and Nimitz groups conducted operations during their deployments to the 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet Taiwan tank troops line up for photographs after a drill in Hsinchu military base ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday on Jan. 19, 2021 Former President Donald Trump angered Beijing by sending members of his cabinet to Taiwan in a show of support for the democracy. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Monday said the U.S. remains 'rock solid' in its commitment to Taiwan. 'Our position on Taiwan remains clear,' Psaki said. 'We will stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values in the Indo-Pacific region.' Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen gestures during a visit to the ROCS Lan Yang (FFG-935) frigate in Keelung, Taiwan, on March 8 (ANSA) - ROME, MAR 10 - Premier Mario Draghi on Wednesday signed a 'pact' for the innovation of the civil service and social cohesion with Italy's trade unions. The premier and former European central banker stressed how important dialogue with the unions was to him. "During the course of the talks I have had the opportunity to express to you how much I care about these talks and this dialogue," he told the leaders of CGIL, CISL and UIL, the big three union federations. Draghi said the pact marked the start of investing in new blood and reform in the civil service, which has been requested by the European Union as a condition for receiving COVID recovery funding. "The pandemic and the recovery plan require new professionalism and new forms of work," he said. "New professionalism requires investment and new rules. "That is what we are beginning today". Draghi, credited with saving the euro during his stint at the Euroepan Central Bank, has vowed to achieve long-called-for civil service reforms to cut business-stifling red tape. He has also pledged to speed up Italy's notoriously slow civil justice system, another big drag on foreign investment. "There is a lot to be done," 'Super Mario' said at the pact signing, adding that reforms would also target the average age and staff training in the service. Civil Service Minister Renato Brunetta also hailed the pact as "a breakthrough". Brunetta convened the unions to talks Friday to begin discussions about how to implement the pact. (ANSA). is trying to keep things private as the fallout of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's explosive interview with continues to dominate headlines in the UK on Wednesday, including some female parliamentarians considering a debate in the House of Commons. In a brief statement released in the wake of shocking revelations by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex around racist undertones within the royal ranks related to their son Archie's mixed-race heritage and lack of mental health support for a struggling new bride Meghan, the palace tried to draw a line under the matter by indicating that was saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years had been for her grandson Harry and his wife. While acknowledging the seriousness of the claims, there was a clear palace stand that the couple's revelations are only a version of the events. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members," read the palace statement on Tuesday. Opposition Labour Party MP Holly Lynch, who had coordinated a cross-party letter from 72 female members of Parliament in support of the 39-year-old former actress and against the colonial undertones of her coverage in the British media in 2019, is among those exploring a Commons debate around issues of racism and mental health strains raised in the couple's interview with the American chat show host in California. A lot of media outlets have not heeded those calls for a change, which is why we might start needing to think about a case to government about how we stop hounding women in public life and put them in a position where they feel suicidal, Lynch told the Guardian'. The original letter highlighted that many MPs believed Meghan had been subject to racist treatment by the press. We are calling out what can only be described as outdated, colonial undertones to some of these stories, it read. Lynch noted: The letter clearly did not make the significant difference to the conduct of some members of the British press that we had hoped that it would. So it is a timely reminder to us to use our voices as women legislators to say what next? The role of the media was further heightened as a senior UK breakfast television host for ITV's Good Morning Britain', Piers Morgan, was forced to resign from his post after an on-air tirade against Meghan and her interview, saying he did not believe her. "On Monday, I said I didn't believe Meghan Markle in her Oprah interview. I've had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still don't. If you did, OK. Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on, he said, after stepping down. ITV, the channel where the American CBS network interview was broadcast in the UK on Monday night, said it had accepted his decision and had nothing further to add. The polarising effect of the issue was also reflected in opinion polls, which showed a clear generational divide over the matter with younger Britons on the side of Meghan and Harry and older ones more cautious. A poll by YouGov found that 48 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds sympathised more with the Sussexes, while just 9 per cent of over-65s sided with the couple. Only 13 per cent of the youngest age group backed the royal family, compared with 50 per cent of pensioners. The Queen's role as the head of state of some former British colonies of the Commonwealth, such as the Caribbean countries of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, has also come under some scrutiny. The fear in the Palace must be that the issues around race may have an impact on public opinion, in the Caribbean in particular. This will provide ammunition for the republican cause in the Caribbean, Professor Philip Murphy, director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, told The Times'. Harry and Meghan, who stepped back as frontline royals and relocated to the US last year, had revealed their reasons behind that move and also shared how there were concerns raised over the skin tone of their first-born son, Archie, even as they were told he would not be given a royal title and therefore not provided with security. Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle, is among those who believes the comment about skin colour has been blown out of proportion. He told ITV: I have great respect for the royals. I don't think the British royal family are racist at all. I don't think the British are racist. The thing about what colour will the baby be, or how dark will the baby be It could be somebody asked a stupid question, rather than being a total racist. Meanwhile, the palace has made it clear that it will not be drawn into any of the specifics. The Sun' quoted a royal source to say that palace aides would be looking into Meghan's claims that she asked for mental health support but was refused help. One of the things that will be looked at is why on earth did poor Meghan go to the Palace HR department for help and not to senior members of the family? They have medical households full of medical experts that could have helped with everything, the source 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.) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Questions on China. On the Middle East. On the crisis at the Southern U.S. border and the surge of immigrants entering the country illegally, including kids and teens, some of whom have been sent to a facility in Texas, which is renewing criticism of kids in cages a direct result of Bidens policies and campaign speeches advocating for opening the nations doors. 2019 British Academy Britannia Awards - Arrivals - Beverly Hills, California, U.S., October 25, 2019 - Piers Morgan. (Photo : REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni) Journalist and television presenter Piers Morgan left his high-profile breakfast slot with the broadcaster ITV on Tuesday after his long-running criticism of Prince Harry's wife Meghan reached a crescendo over the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey. ITV confirmed the departure in a terse statement. Advertisement Morgan, 55, a former presenter on CNN, has accused the couple of damaging the royal family and seeking publicity on their own terms without accepting the responsibility and scrutiny that come with their position. Morgan dubbed Meghan "Princess Pinocchio" in a tweet, and said on Monday that he did not "believe a word she said" in the interview. Meghan had accused the royal family of pushing her to the brink of suicide and said someone in the royal household had raised questions about the colour of her son's skin - allegations that have prompted questions about the future of the monarchy. Morgan's comments triggered more than 41,000 complaints to Britain's media regulator, which announced an investigation under its "harm and offence" rules. Morgan, a prolific tweeter who has 7.7 million followers on the platform, posted a ticking clock shortly before ITV's statement. Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of ITV, had said earlier that she believed Meghan "completely". VERACITY Morgan did qualify his original comments on Tuesday, saying: "I still have serious concerns about the veracity of a lot of what she (Meghan) said, but let me just state for the record about my position on mental illness and on suicide. "They should be taken extremely seriously and if someone is feeling that way they should get the treatment and help that they need every time, and if they belong to an institution like the royal family and they go and seek that help they should absolutely be given it." Morgan joined ITV six years ago, bringing no-holds-barred interrogation to British breakfast television. Government ministers, celebrities and members of the royal family have all felt the lash of his tongue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has pressed the government repeatedly to explain why Britain has one of the highest death rates in the world. Ministers boycotted the show for months. Such is his influence that many newspapers write daily stories on his Tweets and comments. Morgan made his name in the cut-throat world of the British popular press, the "tabloids", becoming the youngest editor of a title at 28 when Rupert Murdoch appointed him at the News of the World. He later ran the Daily Mirror. Morgan later moved into television, appearing as a judge on the reality shows America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent, and spent three years hosting a poorly received chat show on CNN, replacing Larry King. Education Minister Peter Weir has defended pulling out of an appearance before Stormonts Education Committee to answer questions over pupils returning to school. Mr Weir had been asked to attend by the committee, but said his absence was the result of other Executive business. It is understood that the Minister had been requested to attend an Executive away day and had informed the education committee five days ago that he would be unable to address members of the committee. Other Ministers had also cancelled appointments. Mr Weirs camp have been left frustrated at the accusations and the way some have elected to play party politics over the Ministers non-appearance. Read More A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: The Education Minister was due to attend the Education Committee this morning. Unfortunately on this occasion the Minister was unable to attend due to an Executive meeting at which all Ministers were required to attend. The Department offered to send officials in the Ministers place. The Department informed the committee on March 5 that the Minister could not attend and provided a number of alternative dates in March. The Minister will now be attending the Education Committee on March 23. That failed to stop committee members voicing anger and frustration at being unable to question the Minister, with SDLP member Daniel McCrossan accusing him of going wandering, as usual, nowhere to be seen, when there are important issues to discuss. The frustration to this is overwhelming, Mr McCrossan told the committee. The Minister is returning schools and yes, we all want our children back, but safely. I have 101 questions to ask this Minister about what he has put in place to ensure that kids have returned safely, that teachers have returned to the classroom safely. Its no secret I have very little confidence in this Minister for Education, but every principal in my constituency and beyond, right across the north, are asking me questions and I cant get answers because Peter Weir wont answer them. Describing Mr Weirs absence as really frustrating, Mr McCrossan added: We should be working together but this Minister doesnt want to work with this committee. Its very clear. DUP committee member Maurice Bradley hit back and warned Mr McCrossan to tone down his language. The Minister told the committee he is away on other important Executive business, he replied. That doesnt suggest hes off wandering around anywhere. If I had 100 questions the first person I would be going to is the Minister, not waiting until a committee day. I share the frustration that the rest of the committee has that we cant meet the Minister coming up to a vital time, but we need to moderate our accusations and language. Sinn Fein member Pat Sheehan said there were other issues over the availability of the Minister, especially at a time when the education budget is coming under pressure and all the talk is of building a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Its disappointing when we see announcements in the media and the proper procedures in the Assembly are not used, he said. In contrast the Health Minister seems willing to come to the Assembly quite often, probably more often than any other Minister, and while I have issues with the Health Minister around the whole pandemic, certainly, in terms of his availability both to the Assembly and to committee, he is in stark contrast to this Education Minister. SDLP member Justin McNulty accused the Minister of playing truant, This has been a big week for schools and there are big decisions ahead, he said. I had so many questions to ask the Education Minister on behalf of parents, teachers and staff. The Minister has told the Education Committee hes too busy to come before us. Hes playing truant. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 By John Miller ZURICH (Reuters) - A World Trade Organization (WTO) council is meeting this week to discuss a proposal by India and South Africa that COVID-19 vaccine patents be suspended to speed up technology transfers to manufacturers with spare production capacity. The idea seems simple, but some experts say it's not so clear cut. Below we lay out the reasons. WHAT'S BEING DISCUSSED? In October, India and South Africa proposed suspending provisions of the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights, or TRIPS, contending they hinder the COVID-19 fight and curb access to drugs. Some 100 nations have expressed support, as has Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "If a temporary waiver to patents cannot be issued now, during these unprecedented times," he said, "when will be the right time?" MSF has said countries could immediately scale up production, speeding deliveries to poorer nations that just now, via the COVAX vaccine sharing scheme led by the GAVI vaccines alliance, are getting shots after wealthier nations were first in line. The WTO's TRIPS Council, designed to monitor and resolve IP issues, is expected to address the proposal at meetings on Wednesday or Thursday. WHY IS IT AN ISSUE NOW? It has gained more support and attention as concerns grow about getting shots to the world's poorest people while shortages of supplies are hampering rollouts in even the wealthiest regions of the world. A report by anti-poverty campaigners published last month said that rich countries have secured more than a billion more doses than they need, highlighting the divide between rich and poor. WHO'S AGAINST IT? Big drug companies oppose patent waivers, with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, saying there is no evidence it would boost vaccine production or access. It said in a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden on March 5 that eliminating protections would undermine the global response to the pandemic, including efforts to tackle new variants, create confusion that could hurt public confidence in vaccine safety and create a barrier to information sharing. "The proposal marks a significant escalation in anti-IP global activism and will further polarize legitimate conversations on countries' engagement to combat the pandemic," PhRMA said. Britain, Switzerland and the United States, home to big pharmaceutical industries, dislike it too. Industry contends that appropriate patent protections ensure that private investors have an incentive to pump money into research and development. IS THERE A PRECEDENT FOR THIS? Two decades ago, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe issued compulsory licences for HIV/AIDS drugs, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil, which meant that governments were allowed to waive IP rights without the licence owners' consent. These moves, after talks with drugmakers failed, drastically cut AIDS drug costs and boosted access. Advocates including South Africa and India hope their current waiver push reaps similar results, contending "unhindered global sharing of technology and know-how" will expand the COVID-19 response to neglected areas. IS THERE A CASE OR A NEED FOR IT NOW? Big Pharma, and even some groups pushing to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine deliveries to developing nations, say vaccine-making is difficult, so suspending patents alone won't bring more shots. The Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), which pushes for more manufacturing in poorer nations, agrees giving away IP for the pandemic's duration is not the answer. Unlike the simpler-to-make AIDS drugs of two decades ago, complex vaccines require deep cooperation between developers and manufacturers, DCVMN President Sai Prasad said. "It's not a single, monolithic IP that can manufacture these products," said Prasad, also an executive at Indian vaccine maker Bharat Biotech. Oxford University's Sarah Gilbert, who partnered with AstraZeneca on its vaccine, told British lawmakers much the same. "I really want to get rid of the idea that we should just be sharing the IP and let everybody make their own vaccines," Gilbert said. Vaccine makers are already cooperating, too, with Novartis, Merck and Sanofi pitching in to help numerous vaccine makers with manufacturing and fill-and-finish capacity. Richard Hatchett, who leads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), an alliance promoting vaccine development, said this week IP barriers were "not an acute problem", and that bottlenecks like raw material shortages were a bigger concern. WHAT MIGHT BE THE OUTCOME OF THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS? Newly installed WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has hinted at a compromise, what she called a "third way", to broaden patent sharing within the existing framework of multilateral rules to speed the COVID-19 response. She said in a speech on Tuesday that the TRIPS Council discussions were vitally important, but "the fact is that each additional day the vaccine shortage continues, people will pay with their lives". Her idea has won support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an influential U.S. business lobby. (Reporting by John Miller in Zurich, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Josephine Mason and Nick Macfie) (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.) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 02:14:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will receive an additional four million doses of BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March to address the need in virus hotspots, the European Commission announced on Wednesday. The executive arm of the EU reached an agreement with the manufacturer for the extra doses to be delivered in the next two weeks to its member states, in a bid to "tackle coronavirus hotspots and facilitate free border movement," said an EU press release. The release noted that new variants of the coronavirus have caused increased infections in hotspots like Tyrol in Austria, Nice and Moselle in France, Bolzano in Italy and some parts of Bavaria and Saxony in Germany. "The BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine has proven highly effective against all currently known variants" of the coronavirus, the release added. The additional jabs will help the EU member countries keep the virus spread under control, and help ensure or restore free movement of goods and people, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Finland, Denmark and Sweden have shut down national borders to tackle the new variants. The European Commission has urged them to replace the travel ban with more proportionate and targeted measures. The extra doses will be available to all EU member states "on a pro-rata basis according to their population," said European Commission spokesperson for health Stefan de Keersmaecker. The commission has ordered 600 million doses of BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine, the biggest early purchase agreement among the six ones that secure 2.6 billion doses in total for the EU. With three COVID-19 vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, the bloc has rolled out a vaccination campaign aiming at inoculating 70 percent of the adult population by Sept. 21. Meanwhile, 263 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 81 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain, and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Tuesday. Enditem Pfizer's management knew last year there was "a mold issue" at the Kansas facility now slated to produce the drugmaker's urgently needed covid-19 vaccine, according to a Food and Drug Administration inspection report. The McPherson, Kansas, facility, which FDA inspectors wrote is the nation's largest manufacturer of sterile injectable controlled substances, has a long, troubled history. Nearly a decade's worth of FDA inspection reports, recalls and reprimands reviewed by KHN show the facility as a repeat offender. FDA investigators have repeatedly noted in reports that the plant has failed to control quality and contamination or fully investigate after production failures. The 1970s-era manufacturing site has had persistent mold concerns over the years and been the focus of at least four intense FDA inspections since Pfizer took over its operations in late 2015, when it acquired Hospira. At the end of the January 2020 inspection, FDA investigators appeared to be growing frustrated. Pfizer's plant managers told investigators they knew they had either bacteria or mold throughout the facility at various times of the year. In a Jan. 17, 2020, establishment inspection report obtained by KHN, one of three FDA experts who visited wrote that Pfizer said it addressed problems and added "more cleaning activities in response to mold" after a 2018 inspection and "yet, there are still unexplained discrepancies." After the January 2020 inspection report, Pfizer immediately developed and put in place a corrective action plan, company spokesperson Eamonn Nolan told KHN. Neither Pfizer nor the FDA responded to requests to provide a copy of the plan. Nolan, in an email last week, said "significant investments have been made" in resources, equipment and the facility. He stated all improvements related to covid manufacturing would be completed before vaccine production begins. He declined to provide details on when production of the vaccine would begin, but said the site is currently operating in a state of good manufacturing, which means it has met a regulatory standard enforced by the FDA. "We are confident in the McPherson site's ability to manufacture high-quality COVID-19 vaccine," he wrote. Large clinical trials have found Pfizer's vaccine to be safe and 95% effective against covid. News that the plant will be a fill-and-finish site for the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine means more watchful eyes focused on the facility. "That alone should be helpful," said Barbara Unger, a former pharmaceutical industry executive who now does manufacturing audits for companies. It is unclear whether FDA investigators have returned to check on production practices in McPherson or plan to visit before vaccine production begins. The FDA did not respond to specific questions. FDA spokesperson Abigail Capobianco wrote in an email that the public "can be assured that the agency used all available tools and information to assess compliance." Pfizer's emergency use authorization letter for its mRNA vaccine includes safeguards, such as quarterly reports to the FDA and a quality analysis from the company for each manufactured drug lot at least 48 hours before it is distributed. The plant's manufacturing issues can be traced in FDA reports dated from 2011 to last year. Several former FDA staffers and industry experts said the ongoing challenges in McPherson highlight how agency officials must balance aggressively going after a company's manufacturing practices with the need to keep the supply of medications flowing to patients. "I do not envy the FDA choices," Unger said, describing a balancing act. "Which has the more significant public health risk?" The site produces a wide array of sterile, generic medications used in hospitals, and its troubles have played a role in some big health system shortages, specifically for injectable opioid analgesics, according to a 2018 FDA statement. The FDA rejected Pfizer's biosimilar version of Amgen's anemia drug Epogen because of concerns about the fill/finish plant in 2017. The same year, John Young, who was a group president at Pfizer, told investors the company had submitted a "corrective and preventative action plan" for the facility. That is the same language used after the January 2020 inspection, which said there were contamination concerns for the site but not in the medicines. And it was Young, now Pfizer's chief business officer, who last month told Congress that Pfizer had added production lines at the McPherson site to help meet covid-19 vaccine demands. The facility's record of recalls and field alerts include vials of medication that contained glass and cardboard particles and, as one customer complained, a "small insect or speck of dust." A 2017 FDA warning letter which is a strong rebuke for the agency said the contaminants such as cardboard and glass found in vials posed a "severe risk of harm to patients" and indicated that the facility's process for manufacturing sterile injectable products was "out of control." FDA records show that multiple batches of vancomycin hydrochloride, a drug injected into hospital patients who have an infection that penicillin won't treat, were recalled in 2016 and 2017. John Avellanet, an FDA compliance expert and principal at Cerulean Associates, reviewed the 2020 inspection reports. He said he fears the fixes have been little but "window dressing." "They may have solved it in one instance, like the cardboard particles. But for some reason, they were never able to solve the contamination," Avellanet said. "Whatever they are doing for quality control testing doesn't appear to be working, because if it was working they wouldn't continue to have these contamination problems." Pfizer shut down McPherson's manufacturing in December 2017 even though the FDA had visited two months earlier and improved the facility's inspection rating. McPherson's management suspended production and rejected batches of finished products after finding mold on equipment in a filling area, according to an FDA inspection report. The facility returned to production weeks later. When the FDA came back to inspect in late summer 2018, it found that procedures to prevent microbiological contamination of drugs were lacking. It also noted a lack of employee training, employees not following procedures, obstructed surfaces and in-house testing that did not guarantee drugs met standards. In 2019, when CEO Albert Bourla took the helm at Pfizer, he told analysts it would be another hard year for U.S. hospitals to get their hands on sterile injectables because of ongoing work at the McPherson plant. Since then, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the FDA's ability to inspect plants, according to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The agency halted non-urgent foreign and domestic inspections in March 2020 out of concerns for staff safety and has since resumed select visits to domestic plants. John Fuson, a partner at the law firm Crowell & Moring and former associate chief counsel at the FDA, said the agency has sent surveys to manufacturers to help it prioritize inspections. While not speaking directly about the Pfizer plant, Fuson said the FDA lacks the resources to do all the inspections "we might like it to do." It is unclear what oversight Pfizer's McPherson facility has had in the past year. In 2020, the pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences signed a multiyear agreement with Pfizer to produce its covid treatment remdesivir in the Kansas plant. Gilead spokesperson Arran Attridge wrote in an email that Gilead "evaluates our manufacturing partners' facilities" to make sure they follow regulations. FDA inspectors visited the McPherson plant annually before the pandemic, according to public FDA records. The plant was given ratings of VAI, or voluntary action indicated, or OAI, official action indicated, depending on the inspection. John Godshalk, a former FDA investigator who worked on vaccines, said a VAI is one of the most common inspection ratings given. That means the FDA is "trusting the company to fix" the observations made during the inspections, he said. The FDA assigned Pfizer's McPherson facility a VAI rating in January 2020 and company executives were so pleased they reported in their third-quarter financial filing that the agency had "upgraded" the plant. Before January 2020, the McPherson plant appears to have been operating with the more severe OAI rating since its 2018 inspection, according to FDA reports. Former FDA investigator Godshalk said an OAI puts the company on notice. It's "what you don't want as a company," he said. Pfizer employs about 1,500 people at the McPherson plant, plus contractors. Kasi Morales, executive director of McPherson Industrial Development Co., said the facility is the largest employer in the industrial town about an hour north of Wichita, Kansas, and not far from Interstate 70, a major east-west thoroughfare across the country. The 2020 inspection report that led to McPherson's "upgraded" rating listed repeat observations that involved quality control procedures not being fully followed and "contamination" with mold and bacteria on surfaces because of humidity and cleaning practices. No contamination was found in the medications themselves during the inspection, but investigators described seeing operators "leaning over and talking over sterilized items being unwrapped." Notably, the 2020 inspection report states early on that Pfizer had made "significant management changes" since the previous inspection in 2018. That latest inspection spanned three weeks from December 2019 to January 2020 and inspectors wrote "management was cooperative and no refusals were encountered." Christopher Smith, vice president of quality operations for Pfizer's U.S. and European Union sterile injectables, was at the McPherson facility periodically during the visit. In the end, he "expressed discontent" with several of the 2020 observations made by investigators and "repeatedly sought clarifications." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. British Queen Elizabeth II's statement on explosive racism claims by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dominated British media on Wednesday, with some saying she needed to give a stronger response. Several tabloids ran front-page headlines picking up on the 94-year-old monarch's much-anticipated response, issued late Tuesday afternoon. "We will always love you," wrote The Mirror, while Metro went with "Our royal sadness". The Sun, however, used a quote of the Queen's that appeared to cast doubt on Meghan and Harry's account: "Recollections may vary". In an interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey, Meghan and Harry said an unnamed royal asked how dark their baby's skin would be. Meghan also suggested there were moves to deny their son Archie privileges because he is mixed-race. The queen's statement said the family was "saddened" and that "the issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning". It said that "some recollections may vary," but the claims "are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately." The statement "sought to draw a line under damaging racism claims," wrote The Guardian, a leftwing broadsheet. The Independent, a newspaper that gives little coverage to royal matters, called it a "rare intervention" from a monarch who "has historically kept quiet on matters of controversy". Former royal correspondent Peter Hunt told BBC radio the 61-word statement was "the bare minimum" at a time when the royals found themselves in an "enormous hole". "In my judgement, it was too little and it was too late," he said. There were varying interpretations of what exactly the queen meant by "recollections may vary". "It could refer to remarks over Archie's skin colour, or, perhaps, the fact the couple believed protocol was to be changed to deny their son the automatic title of prince when Charles accedes the throne," wrote The Guardian. Story continues Most assumed it referred to the racism claim. The Times, a rightwing broadsheet, called this "a sign that the Palace will refuse to let everything the couple said go unchallenged". In a commentary piece, the newspaper also said the claims -- and the furore it has caused -- was "a soft-power disaster for Britain", and dragged the royal family in to the US "culture war". The Telegraph, another conservative broadsheet, said the statement "suggests the individual has been identified", amid fevered speculation about the possible culprit. But it said the public is unlikely to learn more as this was "expected to be Her Majesty's final word on the matter". am/phz/dl Its on one of the most popular streets in Glencoe, and the home had a really beautiful backyard, set high up, said listing agent Susan Maman of @properties, who represented the seller. And it had an elevator, which is another great thing, and then they were able to have five bedrooms on the second floor, with all bedrooms really generously sized. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Union Home Ministry on Tuesday told Lok Sabha that since August 2019, 627 persons including separatists, overground workers, stone pelters were detained at various points of time in "Out of these, based on regular review and ground situation, 454 persons have been released till date," the ministry added. The Government of has further reported that no person is under home arrest under Public Safety Act. The Central government on Tuesday said that terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced significantly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and only 594 terrorist incidents were reported in 2019 and 244 in 2020 and a total of 15 such incidents were reported up to Feb 20. The Ministry of Home Affairs in the Lok Sabha gave this information in a written reply to questions put forth by BJP Lok Sabha MP representing Sambalpur (Odisha) Nitesh Ganga Deb, Lalganj (UP) MP Kaushal Kishore and Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh) MP Riti Pathak. The written reply by the ministry also informed that five civilians, whereas 27 security personnel were killed during the operations against the terrorist operations in 2019. "Six civilians, whereas 33 security personnel were killed during the operations in 2020 while one security personnel has been killed up to February this year," the ministry said. "The Government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and has taken various measures, such as strengthening of security apparatus, strict enforcement of the law against anti- elements, intensified cordon and search operations to effectively deal with the challenges posed by the terrorist organisations. Security Forces also keep a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to terrorists and initiate action against them," it added in its written reply. SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon Symphony previewed it's 2021-2022 season and it's 125th anniversary celebration March 9,. With new acoustics in its Portland location, the symphony has programming planned to incorporate classics and Disney favorites and the theme is recognizing the heritage of it's composers and soloists from all around the world. The President and CEO of the Oregon symphony, Scott Showalter, says by the time the orchestra gather's in October, it will have been over a year since they've been able to play together in person. "The health and safety of our musicians, staff, and all of our patrons remains our top priority, so we know full well going into next season we're not only looking at the guidelines by the CDC, governor, and OHA, but we're ensuring the industry's highest standards for disinfections." Showalter says the symphony has every reason to believe the live in person season beginning in the next few months will be safe for musicians and those coming to listen. Tickets for upcoming events for all ages can be booked on the Oregon Symphony website. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the Lagos State government may possibly commence the administering of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday. Mr Sanwo-Olu said this on Wednesday when the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, paid him a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja. He said the Federal Government had given the state a total of 507,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and that plans were in place to begin administering. We are truly grateful that they (Federal Government) can give us that number. We want a lot more. We have the Vaccine Steering Committee that we have put in place, which has both the private sector and public sector practitioners. They have designed a robust vaccine implementation strategy, and identified the various levels of our citizens and what order we are going to be administering the doses that we have. With all of that now and working with the Primary Health Board at the state level, we will start administering it, may be from tomorrow or as they planned. We have a robust process that shows we are ready and capable to administer those things in the days, weeks and months ahead. We need to explain to our citizens and help them see that indeed, the vaccine is needed, helpful and will help the level of resistance, especially the first-line health workers, those with underlining health issues and the senior citizens among us, Sanwo-Olu said. He said that COVID-19 came at a time the world did not have a clear understanding of the consequences but that Lagos State was able to respond early enough. The whole idea is that you will not wait for the problem to come. You anticipate the problem and build the capacity, so that when it finally comes, you have the response. Now the second wave appears to have flattened, we are watching, we are not stopping at the level of tests that we need to conduct; we still have isolation centres that need to be treated. We still have oxygen cylinders that we procured, and drugs in stock, we bought everything that we needed to buy because we feel that it is a public health issue and we are facing it frontly, the governor said. Earlier, Mr Mulombo commended the governor and his cabinet for the prompt manner in responding to emergencies, health, transportation, and the states contributions in making Nigeria polio-free. He said the prompt response of the Lagos State Government on COVID-19 made Nigeria a reference point and urged other African countries to follow the Nigerian approach to the COVID-19 response. According to Mr Mulombo, Lagos State Government is among the first to show courageous measures to contain the pandemic. I can see the testing rate, other interventions and how the testing capacity increased in a short time. I can see how oxygen provision was expanded and I am really proud to have Lagos work under your leadership. ADVERTISEMENT Nigeria is going through the second wave and new tools are becoming available. This year is about COVID-19 vaccine, which is important to economic development. We are hopeful that with the vaccine rollout, our economy will gradually reopen. We look forward to that leadership that Lagos has shown in the early phase of response to the virus; we expect it to show same leadership in the vaccine rollout and administration, Mr Mulombo said. (NAN) The single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine should begin arriving in Ireland next month, the Tanaiste said (Brian Lawless/PA). The single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine should begin arriving in Ireland next month, the Tanaiste has said. Leo Varadkar anticipates supplies will be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Thursday, it is understood. The Coalition has been under pressure over the speed of its inoculation programme as Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK races through priority groups. Mr Varadkar told Fine Gaels parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday evening that Covid-19 as a severe disease in nursing homes is almost gone and there have been very good results in frontline healthcare workers. He said case numbers were going down slowly and the number of patients in hospital intensive care units has fallen below 100. Mr Varadkar said all countries would need their own supply of vaccines for several months yet. He predicted the pipeline will continue to improve. The Tanaiste said no decision on easing restrictions would be made until the week leading up to April 5. He warned the focus would be not to jeopardise schools and childcare. Ireland is to receive an extra 46,500 Covid-19 vaccines by the end of the month, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed. It comes following a deal reached by the European Union to secure an additional four million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will be supplied across EU countries. Mr Martin said the vaccines would arrive by the end of March. Pleased this morning to have confirmation from Commission President @vonderleyen that Ireland will secure an additional 46,500 Pfizer BioNTech vaccines before the end of March. When they get here, they will be administered quickly. Efforts ongoing to increase production. MicheAl Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 10, 2021 He tweeted: Pleased this morning to have confirmation from Commission President (Ursula von der Leyen) that Ireland will secure an additional 46,500 Pfizer BioNTech vaccines before the end of March. When they get here, they will be administered quickly. Efforts ongoing to increase production. The announcement will be widely welcomed by public health officials who have expressed frustration over vaccine supply lines. HSE chief executive Paul Reid said that the first-quarter target was reduced to 1.1 million from an initial 1.7 million. New data has revealed a big jump in the number of people moving around in the last month. New figures show that retail and recreational mobility is up 16%, workplace mobility up 7% and footfall in Dublin city up 29%. A Government official said that meant an increase of nearly 900,000 people on the move. People found travelling more than 5km from their homes for non-essential journeys could be hit with a fine. So far, great signs of the impacts of vaccinations. Serial testing in nursing homes at 0.2% positivity. Percentages of cases in healthcare workers down from 16% to 4%. Mortality, infections and transmissions levels down, along with hospitalisations and ICU. @HSELive #COVID19 Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) March 10, 2021 To date, around 12,000 fines have been issued by gardai for a range of Covid-19 breaches. Another 47 people have died with Covid-19 in Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) said. It was notified of 631 more confirmed infections. In 1979 at Sydneys Luna Park a fire broke out in the historic Ghost Train ride. Tragically six boys and one man perished in what was attributed to an electrical wiring fault. But a new 3 part documentary Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire will uncover new evidence and hear from eyewitnesses that will contradict the official version by authorities. The investigating police officer announces the day after the fire. smoke is coming off the ground and the police officer conclusively determines the cause of the fire, says ABC investigative reporter Caro Meldrum-Hanna. How on earth any police officer could determine a conclusive cause of a multi-fatality fire so quickly, is beyond comprehension. It just does not add up. Meldrum-Hanna who recently produced Exposed: The Case of Keli Lane, has spent 2 years investigating a case that has long been forgotten, except by survivors at the heart of the story. They include Jason Holman, a friend to schoolboys Jonathan Billings (13), Richard Carroll (13), Michael Johnson (13) and Seamus Rahilly (13); and Jenny Godson, the widow of John Godson (29) and mother to sons, Damien (6) and Craig (4). There are also elderly parents, patrons who were in attendance, former Luna Park staff and emergency workers. Meldrum-Hanna and journalist Patrick Begley conducted dozens of interviews, and trawled over archival photos, videos, documents and plans to piece together that fateful night and a possible cover-up. Its 40 years later, the tyranny of time can often kill stories like this. Are people going to remember? How fresh are the memories? Many people would have passed on by now. But it wasnt that at all, we realised very quickly that there are so many people still out there. Their memories were so vivid and so fresh, she explains. Many of them in the first phone calls would burst into tears Many of them in the first phone calls would burst into tears and say, Ive been waiting for someone to contact me about this. Thats when we knew theres something much bigger at play here. Episode 1 recounts the night of the fire and the stories behind the victims, who were out for a night on the town. Meldrum-Hanna hears from those in attendance and surviving family members -many still living with guilt. In Episode 2 it takes a big, gritty shift. Patrick and I are on the hunt for answers. We tear into the police investigation. Who was leading that investigation? What were they telling everyone? What did they really know? What were eyewitnesses telling them? You will meet people who have held onto these silences, but also who were silenced at the time. Their allegations are very serious, but what they heard and saw, never saw the light of day. Never came out in the inquiries. Theyve felt that the truth has never been told and have carried this terrible sense of injustice for years. Back in those days, it was, Dont make a fuss, trust the police Back in those days, it was, Dont make a fuss, trust the police. Leave it to the authorities. Get on with your life. There was no such thing as counselling, she continues. Theyre still having nightmares and night terrors. They can still hear screaming, they can smell the fire. In tracking down dozens of people linked to that night, Meldrum-Hanna is also able to share new facts with them, bringing a sense of relief to those who have been haunted by memories in isolation. You mean Im not alone? The police didnt tell me that We tell them, You know youre not the only one who saw that, youre not the only one who heard that? They say, No. You mean Im not alone? The police didnt tell me that. They told me something opposite. Weve done almost 80 interviews -more than what the police, the inquest and the National Crime authority investigation did after the fire. She cautions on the revelations and allegations that will unfold as the series unfolds, shocking even the most seasoned of reporters. As a journalist, you shouldnt be brought to a speechless point As a journalist, you shouldnt be brought to a speechless point. But it happened in interviews for episode two and three. The allegations are so serious. What theyre saying they experienced is so shocking, that we were all just sitting there, she reveals. I didnt find the words. I was so stumped, asking Im sorry. Could you repeat that?' But recreating the story for television was not without its challenges. Luna Park in 2021 looks very different to 1979, and substitute ghost train locations are not exactly commonplace. ABC built a massive part of the ghost train ABC built a massive part of the ghost train: the carriages, the skeletons, the spiders. We had multiple locations. We were in studios for parts and then we were out in a quarry for the final remainder of the shoot where we had pyro-technicians and the fire brigade. She adds, ABC Production Designer Andrew Raymond is an absolute genius. What he managed to do on an absolute shoestring Filming of the series also was challenged by COVID restrictions, with sensitive interviews that could not be filmed on Zoom meetings. But the immersive doco series, co-created with producer Jaya Balendra, places Meldrum-Hanna into the story as she hears it. She hopes it will bring justice to those who have lived with pain, guilt and potentially, lies. You see the ripple effect You see the ripple effect. Yes, we have these families whose lives were destroyed. But then all of those other people that were there have all carried this piece of that night with them, for all this time. You see a lot of redemption in it, too, says Meldrum-Hanna. I feel shame or I feel guilt or I feel fear. But they all have suspicions of what went down that night. Even after all these years, they cant hush it up. In the words of someone in Episode Three after theyve been presented with all of our findings . It stinks to high heaven. These families deserve a public apology and an inquiry must be reopened.' Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire airs 8:30pm Tuesday on ABC. Related Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Mohanlal, the complete actor of Malayalam cinema received the COVID-19 vaccination. As per the latest updates, Mohanlal got the first dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine from Amrita hospital, Kochi on March 9, 2021, Tuesday. The update was revealed by the management of Amrita Hospital, through their official Twitter page recently. "Superstar #Mohanlal received his first dose of #COVID #Vaccine today at #AmritaHospital, Kochi. He urged everyone to follow the government's advice and get vaccinated. He said the drive will surely help individuals, families, and the society at large in the fight against COVID," reads the statement issued by the hospital. Mohanlal's pictures which were clicked during the vaccination are now going viral on social media. Also Read: Drishyam 2 Enters IMDb's The Most Popular Movies Of 2021 List; Becomes The Only Indian Film To Enter! As reported earlier, Mohanlal has always been highly active with the movements against coronavirus, implemented by the Government of Kerala. The complete actor had donated Rs. 50 Lakh to the Chief Minister's relief fund, in April 2020. Vishwashanti Foundation, the NGO which is headed by Mohanlal has also been highly active with the philanthropy words during these tough times. Coming to his acting career, Mohanlal is currently on a high with the huge success of his latest release Drishyam 2. The emotional thriller, which has been released on Amazon Prime Video, has emerged as one of the most-loved Indian times of recent times. The complete actor's performance as the central character George Kutty in the movie has been highly appreciated by the cine-goers. Mohanlal recently wrapped up the shooting of Aaraattu, the upcoming mass entertainer. The superstar is playing the central character Neyyattinkara Gopan in the movie, which is slated to hit the theatres as an Onam special release. As reported earlier, Mohanlal will soon kickstart the shooting of his highly anticipated directorial debut Barroz. Also Read: Mohanlal's Aaraattu To Hit The Theatres On August 12: Reports Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham Leads Malayalam Cinema At 67th National Film Awards With 7 Nominations! BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will meet the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress on Thursday afternoon. Li will take questions from Chinese and foreign reporters via video link in consideration of epidemic prevention and control and public health protection. The press conference will be broadcast live by the China Media Group and on xinhuanet.com. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Russias state-owned heavyweight Rosneft plans to sell three southern oil field assets to focus its resources on developing its Vostok Oil project in Eastern Siberia, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The assets in question are Stavropolneftegaz, Ingushneft, and Dagneft, which together produce about a million tons of crude annually, the Reuters source said. This compares with a total output of 205 million tons for Rosneft. Vostok Oil, in Russias Far East, comprises several groups of oil fields holding an estimated 44 billion barrels of oil. Work on the project began in January this year. The total cost of its development has been estimated at $170 billion over the lifetime of the fields. The project is expected to create 400,000 jobs and involve building 15 new industrial towns and 800 km of new pipelines. Because of the massive cost of Vostok Oils development, Rosneft has been looking for foreign partners. Commodity trading major Trafigura said last December it had acquired a 10-percent stake in the project, getting access to high-quality crude oil resources from a major new onshore oil-producing region in Siberias Taymyr province. Reports from January had it that the Russian state giant was also negotiating with Trafiguras peersGunvor, Glencore, and Vitolto also participate in the project. Vostok Oil has been touted by Rosnefts Igor Sechin as one of the companys large projects which are low cost, high-margin, with high-quality resources and a low carbon footprint. Vostok Oil is scheduled to be pumping some 600,000 bpd by 2024, or a total of 30 million tons by that year. According to plans, this should rise to 50 million tons during the second phase of the project, or 1 million bpd, and 100 million tons during its third phase, or 2 million barrels daily. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Picture this: Youre working away in your home office when you realize that once again, youve lost your AirPods. Instead of getting up and poking around your sofa cushions, you simply look up and say, Alexa, come here. Dutifully, your Echo Bot (thats my name for it) rolls up, peering at you with a camera embedded on a retractable pole, as its been described in a recent Business Insider story reported on by SlashGear that claims more than 800 Amazon employees are working on the project as a top priority. Alexa, find my AirPods, you say, and the Echo Bot dutifully spins around and begins scouring your living room for the lost earbuds. Soon enough, the Bot returns. I found your AirPods, Ben, Alexa says, displaying a snapshot of the missing accessories nestled on your couch (of course). Also, would you like to join your 12 oclock Zoom meeting? Sound far-fetched? Well, maybe not so much. Rumors of an Amazon-made robot have been simmering for years now, with Bloombergs Mark Gurman (a reliable Apple-leak reporter) checking in once a year or so with a status report on Vesta, the purported code-name for the bot. As described by Business Insider, the goal of the Vesta team is to create a robot thats like a Fire Tablet mounted on wheels, handy for conducting video conferences while you stroll from room to room. About the size of two small cats (Im not making this up), one Vesta prototype thats being considered includes a screen, microphones, and an array of cameras, according to the report. Even more intriguing is the possibility of such add-ons as temperature and humidity sensors, while Vesta could even have (as I mentioned above) a retractable pole and a camera that could be used to find missing items, like keys and wallets. A small compartment to carry objects is also being considered, Business Insider says. Vesta might sound a little nuts, but Amazon has never been afraid to think outside the boxsometimes way outwhen it comes to Alexa and smart home devices. Who can forget the Echo Look, a voice-activated camera that captured your look and dispensed fashion advice. And just last year, Amazon-owned Ring unveiled the Always Home Cam, an automated, camera-equipped drone that flies around inside your house, looking for intruders, open windows, unattended stove burners, and other signs of danger. Ring has yet to ship the product. Then theres the Echo Frames, the Alexa-powered eyeglasses now widely available, and the Echo Loop, an Alexa ring that Amazon just stuck back in a drawer. Heck, even the more conventional Echo Show 10, which just started shipping, has a motorized display that can follow you as you move around the room. Of course, Business Insider points out that Vesta might never see the light of day, or that it could arrive only to languish in an invite only limbo like the Echo Frames and Loop did. But if Vesta truly is in a late-prototype stage, it might eventually trundle up during one of Amazons hardware parades. So, are you ready for a rolling Alexa? DARIEN As dining restrictions begin to lift across Connecticut, Darien residents will have some new choices for cuisine beginning in April. Restaurant LOstal, to open at 22 Center St. at the former Center Street Public house, is a Provencal restaurant rooted in history and tradition celebrating the cuisines of Southern France and its boundaries according to its website. The restaurant was originally based in Manhattan but closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the closure, Chef Jared Sippel and his wife Lindsey came back to her home of Connecticut where they bought a house in Darien, had their first daughter Lennon, as well as found a new location for Restaurant LOstal. According to the restaurants general manager, Joe Cracco, Sippel felt this was the perfect opportunity to open his restaurant closer to home. Sippels two-decade culinary career has taken him through working with several James Beard Award winners and Michelin starred restaurants. His journey has taken him from Colorado to Provence, France, and Italy before returning to San Francisco and then ending up in New York to ultimately open his own restaurant, rooted in Southern French tradition, that he now brings to Darien. Cracco is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary institute and is a certified sommelier, having served in that role at the three-Michelin-star Le Bernadin. He said the restaurant is projected to open at the beginning of April. Also coming to Darien in early April is Parlor Pizza & Bar, to add to The Corbin District family of eateries. Owner and Wilton resident Tim Labant is founder of the critically acclaimed Schoolhouse at Cannondale and the original Parlor in Wilton. Parlor in Wilton was named best new restaurant, best pizza and best wine list in Westport, Wilton and Weston in 2020 by Moffly Medias Best of series. Parlor opened in Wilton in late 2018. A review from Connecticut Magazine called Parlors pizzas superb and simple yet flawless. It will open 1020 Post Road in the former location of Bistro Baldanza. Parlor offers a variety of salads, brick oven specialty pizza, housemade potato chips and specialty desserts. Like the Schoolhouse, seasonal products influences the menus offerings. Parlor also features a a full bar, specialty cocktails and craft beers and a specialty wine list. It is a point of pride of ours to present extremely compelling wines at reasonable prices and in a fun, unpretentious environment. Think jeans and crystal decanters, Parlors website states. Labant said as a lifelong Wilton resident, he can really relate to the small-town feel and community of Darien. He said he has been hoping to open another pizza place but didnt want a long commute. I really value being close to home, he said. I was able to ride my bike there today. Labant said he has been looking for a further way to transition from the fine dining of the Schoolhouse, which has remained closed throughout the pandemic, and was looking for the right fit. He aims to open the restaurant the first week of April. More than two-thirds of insurance customers are now digitally transmitting photos or videos when filing property claims, decreasing claim cycle times and helping drive the highest overall satisfaction scores ever measured, J.D. Power said. The market-research firms 2021 U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Study found that homeowners who filed property insurance claims ranked satisfaction with their claims experience at an average of 883 on a 1,000-point scale. J.D. Power said that was the highest average score in the 14-year history of the annual survey. Metlife ranked highest of 19 carriers that were rated with a score of 904, followed by Auto-Owners Insurance at 900 and Chubb at 896. Homesite ranked last at 862, with Auto Club of Southern California a notch higher at 865 and Eire Insurance at 869. USAA also received a top rating of 904, but it was not included in the rankings with the other carriers because it sells only to military families. J.D. Power said it surveyed 6,112 homeowners who filed a property claim within the previous nine months. Customers were asked to rate their satisfaction with (listed in order of importance): settlement, claim servicing, first notice of loss, estimation process and repair process. Insurers were increasing use of self-service apps to transmit claims data even before social distancing measures were imposed last spring, but the trend accelerated during the pandemic, the survey shows. Insurers have been touting digital first notice of loss, mobile apps and software for pre-claim home content inventory cataloging, but customer adoption stayed stubbornly lowuntil COVID-19 hit, said Robert Lajdziak, senior consultant for insurance intelligence at J.D. Power, stated in a press release. Overall use of technologyparticularly on behalf of the carriersincreased significantly during the past year, creating direct benefits such as faster claims and secondary benefits such as a more consistent claims process for all customers. Lajdziak said in an email that 68% of customers sent photos or videos to claims adjusters during the pandemic, compared to 65% in early 2000, before social distancing measures were imposed. The percentage of claims with customer photos increased from 56% in 2018 to 62% in 2019. Carrier use of those photos also increased. Lajdziak said carriers accepted 63% of the photos transmitted to them in the prior-year survey. The acceptance rate was 61% in early 2020, but jumped to 68% post-pandemic. Most of the time, claims were resolved faster when customers transmitted their own photos. Lajdziak emailed a graphic that showed that for homeowners who engaged fully in digital claims processing, including accepting the insurer estimate and digitally transmitting the first notice of loss, payments were sent in 9.7 days on average. Customers who did not send photos or a digital FNOL received payment in an average of 14 days. Claim resolution was slower when the digital chain process is broken, such as when customers did not accept the insurers estimate or the insurer did not accept the materials sent to them. Lajdziaks graphic shows the initial payment was received in 15.2 days when the customer submitted photos or videos but did not accept the insurers estimate. Payments were made in an average of 11 days when the customer accepted the insurer estimate. Lajdziak said when photos were transmitted digitally but not accepted by the insurer, the initial payment took longer than if no photos has been transmitted at all. He said insurers need to be address lingering issues that create breaks in the digital claims process. The process breaks when digital reverts to an offline experience and customers spend more time and energy to achieve the same outcome, he said. Empty vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are displayed at the regional vaccination center in Germany in this Jan. 22, 2021, photo. AFP-Yonhap The European Union will receive an extra four million BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine doses over the next two weeks to be deployed to Covid-19 "hotspots," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday. The delivery over and above already agreed supplies from the vaccine-maker will go to affected border regions within the bloc to "help ensure or restore free movement of goods and people," she said in a statement. The announcement came as the commission attempted to persuade at least six member states including her home country Germany to lift virus-related border restrictions deemed by Brussels to be excessive. It also follows a trip by the leaders of Austria and Denmark to Israel to form a vaccine-producing alliance that exemplified broad criticism of the lack of deliveries so far under the commission's pre-purchasing scheme. Von der Leyen said the four million extra BioNTech/Pfizer doses will be delivered "before the end of March" and will help member states deploy "their targeted use where they are most needed, in particular in border regions." She said they would go to "tackle aggressive variants of the virus and to improve the situation in hotspots." Von der Leyen pointed to steep rises in infections and hospitalizations in Austria's Tyrol region, France's Nice and Moselle regions, Bolzano in Italy, and parts of Germany's Bavaria and Saxony regions. Those had led to "stringent measures" by some member states "and even in certain cases to impose new border controls," it said. The statement pointed out that BioNTech/Pfizer's mRNA vaccine was showing itself to be "highly effective" against the new variants. It added that the four million extra doses would be made available for member states to buy according to their population size. Escalation plans Von der Leyen called the additional agreement "quick and decisive action" on the part of her commission, and emphasized that restoring freedom of movement within the EU was "key for the functioning of health systems and the Single Market." Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin hailed von der Leyen's announcement, saying it would mean an additional 46,500 BioNTech/Pfizer doses for his country. "When they get here, they will be administered quickly," he tweeted. The Netherlands' Deputy Prime Minister Hugo de Jonge tweeted that the extra delivery would mean 169,000 more doses of that vaccine for his country. France's European affairs minister, Clement Beaune, said the agreement meant "nearly 600,000" extra doses for his country. EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton, who heads a task force to clear vaccine production bottlenecks, said on Tuesday before von der Leyen's announcement that the bloc was expecting delivery of 55 million doses of different vaccines in March. Von der Leyen has said that deliveries would jump to 100 million doses per month in April, May and June. Her goal is to have 70 percent of adults in the EU fully vaccinated by mid-September. (AFP) Los Angeles' long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will tackle the Oscars' "problematic history," from racism over "Gone With The Wind" to the recent #OscarsSoWhite campaign and snubbing of female directors, officials said Wednesday. The Oscar-awarding Academy first envisioned a museum dedicated to the magic of movies almost a century ago, and its doors are finally set to open in September after numerous delays, most recently caused by the pandemic. On the day voting for this award season's Oscar nominees closes, last year's best supporting actress winner Laura Dern took journalists on a virtual tour of the museum. "We will not shy away from problematic histories, including #OscarsSoWhite, the lack of female representation, and Hattie McDaniel's mistreatment at the Oscars ceremony," said Dern. McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar for "Gone With The Wind" in 1940, but was forced to sit at a segregated table away from her white fellow nominees. Other controversies to be addressed include the harassment of actress Sacheen Littlefeather when she accepted Marlon Brando's Oscar as a protest against Hollywood's portrayal of Native American, and the casting of white actresses to play Chinese characters in 1937's "The Good Earth." "We didn't want to erase films and artists and moments that may be uncomfortable. We wanted to confront them and contextualize them, throughout all of our core gallery spaces," said museum director Bill Kramer. The 300,000 square-foot museum -- including 50,000 square feet of gallery space -- is set to host iconic Hollywood treasures from Judy Garland's "Wizard of Oz" ruby slippers to Dracula's cape, as well as a giant orb-shaped theater designed by Renzo Piano for premieres and screenings. - 'Introduced to cinema' - Spike Lee and Pedro Almodovar will be among the first directors to curate temporary galleries devoted to the works of individual filmmakers. Story continues "I want to see yellow school buses double-parked in front of the museum, and these young, beautiful minds get introduced to cinema," said Lee. In the Oscars history section, 20 statuettes awarded from silent-era classics such as Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau's "Sunrise" (1927) through to Barry Jenkins' shock 2016 winner "Moonlight" will go on display. Other galleries will honor crafts from animation and directing to hair and makeup, where the exhibition will "talk about black face and yellow face makeup, specifically designed for white actors to play certain roles," Kramer said. A section devoted to iconic costume designs will feature the African-inspired outfit worn by Danai Gurira in 2018's seminal superhero movie "Black Panther." "The inclusion of Okoye's uniform in the Academy's museum is incredibly powerful because the history of Hollywood doesn't look like the cast of 'Black Panther,'" said Gurira. "But through the immortalization of this iconic film, and this iconic character at the museum, it gives me hope that the future of Hollywood will." Kramer admitted the museum "will not open if it's not safe" but said the building was now fully ready to receive visitors, and expressed optimism that California's vaccination roll-out and decline in Covid-19 cases would allow the museum to meet its September 30 date. Until then, the museum will run virtual pre-opening events, including talks with women who achieved historic Oscars milestones such as Sophia Loren, Whoopi Goldberg, Marlee Matlin and Buffy Sainte-Marie. amz/bgs/dw Vern Decoux collection One of thirty bound scrapbooks of Decoux clippings The goings on in the Crowsnest Pass were religiously documented by Vern Decoux for many years. Vern was the Crowsnest Pass correspondent for the Lethbridge Herald from 1950 to 1985. He wrote news stories, took photographs, dealt with circulation, sold advertising and looked after the areas paper carriers. His son Bruce told me that at one time there were as many as 80 paper carriers for the Lethbridge Herald. Im sure there are some of you out there nodding your heads right now and remembering your route. Fortunately for us, Vern and his wife Florence clipped and scrapbooked every single Pass news item reported from 1951 to 1976 in what was called the Crows Nest Pass Bureau section of the Herald. Yes, it was spelled that way back then! They are beautifully bound 12 by 15 books that provide a perfect cross section of what was happening in our valley year by year. I thought it might be interesting to look back 70 years ago, through the first scrap book, and revisit some of the stories. The very first item posted in the very first scrap book had to do with complaints of coal and street dust- August 1st - Clouds Of Dust Bring Complaints Homes Resemble Coal Tipple One must remember that back then the No. 3 highway passed through what we call Italian town (2nd street) in Coleman. It seems that the roadway had been washed out for years by annual spring thaws and was patched up with gravel. This mixed with coal dust from passing coal trucks (as many as 28 a day, probably hauling Tent Mountain coal) brought the following commentary, Homes of residents living in the area have a faint semblance to the interior of a coal tipple with everything covered in fine dust. continued below ... I found it interesting that interspersed amongst the myriad of stories heading into 1951 the writer chose to use the terms, Called by Death or Death Removes Pass Resident for those who had passed. Journalism bylines have changed a lot through the times. I never thought of people who had passed as Being Removed but I guess thats what it is. The question is, where are they removed to? If I am called I aint answering. There was always some interesting news to report for Vern. An August 11th clipping. Pass Chinese Beaten, Robbed and following that, :Two Held In Pass Robbery revealed that the culprits in this incident were soldiers from Wainright Camp. Later in the scrap book a clipping shows that both got sentences of a year at hard labour for their beating and robbery of 54-year-old cook , Chu Fun Fung. As I mentioned in my last column, I am proceeding with a compilation of those lost in McGillivray Mine and in August of 1951 one of those on the list was profiled in the paper. Mine Worker Dead When Doctor Arrives describes 53-year-old Joseph Gardecki. It was the one and only Doctor Aiello who was called in to check him. An inquest revealed no apparent cause to his internal injuries and determined he may have been rolled (squeezed) between a coal car and a timber as the car moved down the track. He will be acknowledged, that is my promise. As usual Vern went deep into his life story which makes for some interesting reading. continued below ... Vern had a nice touch with words. Here is an August 15th intro into the ongoing dust story. The article is titled, Coleman Women Threaten Blockade Street As Last-Ditch Dust Protest. Titling ( a mini-version of what is to unfold), was the hook for drawing ones attention to a particular story. His intro reveals his education and humour. It reads, Gathering her brow like a gathering storm; Nursing her wrath to keep it warm, wrote Robert Burns. He goes on to write, Luckless old Tam OShanters wife had nothing on the ladies of 2nd Street, alias No. 3 Highway, in Coleman. For weeks now, while smothering clouds have risen off the broken pock-marked surface of the street, the housewives have been shouldering as they wielded their dust mops and fought a losing battle to keep their homes clean. This, of course, was slowly being resolved and the construction of the new No. 3 Highway route was proceeding down Fourth Street, through the rock cut and on to the west side of Flumerfelt Park. It in itself raised the ire of locals and council and there are several articles complaining about this large grading of the road between the cut and the overpass at the park. Elevating the roadway with, hundreds of tons of bedrock. They undoubtedly used the rock from the rock cut bluff for fill. Drainage, lack of access, parking and even access to coal bins were issues. So, as many of us have wondered, we now know that this new route was built in 1951. continued below ... A cultural clipping caught my eye, given the recent push on the Roxy Theater rescue. It is titled, Ukrainian Folk, Music, Dances Feature Program. It was a gathering of Canadians of Ukrainian descent that came to a Coleman for a special event at the Roxy. He goes on to say they were here observing the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the first Ukrainian settlers in Canada. Canadians of Ukrainian origin from the Crowsnest Pass, Fernie, Natal-Michel, Lethbridge and Calgary paid tribute to the pioneers who first came to Canada 60 years ago and proudly claimed to be an inseparable part of Canada. Drama, music, singing and dancing. Wow! I can just imagine what an amazing cultural event this was. There is a small clipping in early September about Blairmore visitor Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ducklow. They were the parents of Sergeant Vernon Rupert Ducklow who was one of the seven that died at the DC-3 plane crash in 1946. We have heard stories occasionally about items found up there related to the men lost. A ruby ring, a watch engraved on the back and so on. In this case while visiting the crash site, five years after the accident , Mrs. Ducklow found the blade of a burned ice skate. She kept it as a keepsake, believing the blade belonged to a pair of skates owned by her son. Imagine how that felt? In the fall Vern often reported on a shortage of cars for shipping coal, as the grain shipments ramped up. It was sometimes an occasion for idle miners to grab their hunting rifles and head for the bush. It was a chronic problem for the mines. October saw two more coal mining casualties reported, Allen Carey died in the International Mine in an event similar to Gardecki, being crushed between an air locomotive and a mine prop. A week later Melvin Brooks was crushed by a collapsing coal wall in the Hillcrest-Mohawk strip mine. He was a driver for the Southern Trucking Company. His father Roy had died only 7 months earlier being crushed under a coal truck he was repairing. continued below ... The headlines are so varied and significant. I had no idea that in 1951 Bushtown was not officially part of the town of Coleman. This was the year the amalgamation of the Hillcrest-Mohawk, the International and the McGillivray mines began and was ultimately called Coleman Collieries. The town of Frank got its power from Blairmore from the West Canadian Collieries power plant and was switching away to Calgary Power. I could do a dozen columns on the stories and their significance. The scrapbooks are fantastic annual windows into our amazing Crowsnest Pass. It was a year of huge immigrant influx as Europeans sought a new life elsewhere from their war-ravaged countries. There is a November report of Verns that says the National Employment Service reported 75 Central Europeans, mostly Germans, had been successfully placed in our mines and bush camps. Two of those who came that year and built new lives were Gunter and Franz Koci. You can read all about Gunters coming here in the series, Tales from the Cookie Box, in my on-line archives in 2019. At the end of 1951 came a rather disturbing headline clipping which read Communist Extortion Racket Reaches Into Crows Nest Pass. There were in fact letters sent from China to three local Chinese restaurant owners here designed to extort atrocious sums of money to guarantee the safety of relatives and families living in China. One restaurant owner had received descriptions of relatives being subjected to torture in ways too disturbing to relate here. Not sure how all this ended. Perhaps Ill find out in the 1952 scrap books. As so it went in 1951. Dust, immigration, fatalities, construction, cultural events and a veritable cornucopia of everyday life in the Pass. Verns work will stand as the front line coverage of our lives here in the Pass for decades to come. HOME PAGE A paramilitary police officer killed a fellow officer before shooting himself dead in a camp in Trans Nzoia County in northwest Kenya, authorities said NAIROBI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :A paramilitary police officer killed a fellow officer before shooting himself dead in a camp in Trans Nzoia County in northwest Kenya, authorities said. The General Service Unit (GSU) officer also injured two of his colleagues following an altercation that erupted on Tuesday evening. Endebess Criminal Investigation Officer Peter Ochieng said the police corporal, Paul Kuria, disagreed with his senior over a routine change over deployment and started shooting sporadically at Chepchoina GSU camp. Ochieng said the rogue officer later shot himself and died instantly. "The shooter turned the gun on himself and terminated his life," Ochieng told Xinhua. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Kuria had opposed a decision by his senior to move him to neighboring Turkana County. "The officers were being assigned various responsibilities and working stations, and Kuria was deployed to work in Turkana county but opposed," said an officer at the camp. "And this is when he picked his gun and started shooting." Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) today released its regular weekly Net Asset Value ("NAV") and performance returns on its website, https://www.pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/weekly-navs/. The NAV and returns were computed as of the close of business on Tuesday, 9 March 2021. PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 9 March 2021 was 47.86 USD 34.45 GBP and year-to-date performance was 5.3%. Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft). Performance is presented on a net-of-fees basis and reflects the deduction of, among other expenses: management fees, brokerage commissions, administrative fees and accrued performance fees, if any. The performance figure includes the reinvestment of all dividends, interest and capital gains. Depending on the timing of a specific investment, net performance for an individual investor may vary from the net performance as stated herein. Net performance is a geometrically linked time weighted calculation. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. All investments involve risk including the loss of principal. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American domiciled companies. Category: (PSH:WeeklyNAV) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005970/en/ Contacts: Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk A man on Tuesday morning shuffles past The Heralds office, which is about 20 metres from the old Victory Church emergency shelter. Hes been a regular visitor the past few weeks. Susanna Reid said Good Morning Britain will be very different but shows go on as she addressed the abrupt departure of her co-host Piers Morgan. Morgan left following a backlash against his incendiary comments about the Duchess of Sussex and her headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey. ITV announced the presenter and journalist was leaving the news programme on Tuesday with a brief statement. Expand Close Piers Morgan has decided to leave Good Morning Britain (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Piers Morgan has decided to leave Good Morning Britain (PA) Morgan had earlier stormed off the set of the show following a heated discussion with his colleague, Alex Beresford, about Meghan. Reid, opening Wednesdays programme, addressed her former co-stars leaving and nodded to his often divisive presence. She said: A number of people will know the news and many of you will not and will be surprised that Piers Morgan is not here this morning. Now, Piers and I have disagreed on many things and that dynamic was one of the things viewers loved about the programme. He is without doubt an outspoken, challenging, opinionated, disruptive broadcaster. He has many critics and he has many fans. You will know that I disagreed with him about Meghans interview. He himself clarified his comments about her mental health on the show yesterday. Reid said there are many voices on Good Morning Britain and everyone has their say. Read More She added: But now Piers has decided to leave the programme. Some of you may cheer and others may boo. He has been my presenting partner, Monday to Wednesday, for more than five years and during Brexit and the pandemic and other issues, he has been a voice for many of you and a voice that many of you have railed against. It is certainly going to be very different but shows go on and so on we go. Ranvir Singh, Reids co-presenter for the morning, replied: Well said. She described Morgan as a big character and said many viewers will be absolutely gutted. Singh called Morgan Marmite and acknowledged his role in Good Morning Britains success. Following Tuesdays announcement he was out, Morgan signalled he had no regrets and tweeted: Thinking of my late, great manager John Ferriter tonight. Hed have told me to do exactly the same thing. He added the hashtag #TrustYourGut. GREENVILLE Seniors might just have one quasi-normal month of school this year before it's all over. With teacher and staff vaccines at Greenville County schools still weeks away, Superintendent Burke Royster said there remains a chance that five-day, face-to-face classes will resume at high schools during the final month of classes. Royster said the district would make an announcement about school employee vaccines later this week and that the second round of a two-dose vaccine will likely occur shortly after spring break ends April 9. With a couple more weeks packed in to let the vaccines take effect, Royster said the district would be ready to take another look at high school attendance in May, albeit with safety protocols in place. "To say we would not consider that, no, I wouldn't say that," Royster told school board members at their March 9 committee of the whole meeting. The last day of school is June 4. Schools spokesman Tim Waller clarified after the meeting that time is running short to get kids back into high schools full time but that the district is entertaining the possibility. "If we can find a way to get kids back to school even with a month remaining, we'll do it," Waller said. Meanwhile, Royster said, individual schools are working with the assistant superintendent for high schools, Scott Rhymer, on what end-of-year activities will be possible for seniors. Rhymer said he has reached out to 51 schools around the state, and about half of those who have responded so far have canceled proms. He urged seniors to tell principals their ideas about end-of-year activities, including graduation and yearbook signing. It was a crumb of good news in an hour otherwise fraught with tension between the superintendent and Angie Mosley, one of the newest school board members. Royster faced sharp questions from Mosley about coronavirus safety protocols during an all-day session that otherwise focused mostly on budget and curriculum issues. The school district in Greenville, Mosley said, is perpetuating an "irrational fear narrative" around the coronavirus for which "our kids are being punished." For the first time since last fall, Royster provided his 12 school board members with no official COVID-19 update. But Mosley had submitted questions ahead of the meeting that ranged from the availability of tickets at spring games to a request to know when board members would hear from mental health professionals on the impact of coronavirus protocols on children. She said her constituents are ready for a return to "normal" after Gov. Henry McMaster dropped coronavirus restrictions last week on public gatherings. With the vaccine likely widely available for adults by this summer, she said, she saw no reason for any safety protocols to still be in place come fall. Royster said he could not commit to a rollback on mitigation protocols such as masks and plexiglass with the start of the 2021-2022 school year still five months away. The school district has, since the pandemic's outbreak a year ago, planned its response according to what "the institutions of public health and medicine" have advised to keep students and staff safe, he said, "not the anecdotal or individual opinions of a particular physician, or other individual, but the institution representatives." "Are you suggesting these are the best and the brightest medical professionals that we have?" Mosley said. "I mean, I guess I'm trying to understand why we are required to listen to one medical narrative and not another." Mosley complained that a presentation at the board's February meeting where public health officials said the Greenville school district's protocols would keep students safe did not provide enough opportunity for give-and-take with board members. The single question she was allowed to submit in advance, she said, was not answered. "I have confidence in the Medical University of South Carolina, Prisma, in Bon Secours St. Francis and in DHEC," Royster responded. Sign up for our Greenville weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Upstate. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Greenville news staff. Email Sign Up! A vaccine strategy for children has not rolled out yet so it is premature, Royster said, to discuss what will be best for students next year. All of the vaccine strategies rolled out so far by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control pertain to those who are 16 years old and older. "Are you seriously considering sitting here telling me that we potentially could be masking children and with plexiglass, and distancing for the foresee ... well, into next school year?" Mosley asked. Royster started to answer, saying, "what I'm telling you seriously, because this whole thing is serious," before Mosley cut him off and continued with an admonition that parents are in the best position to make decisions for their children's safety, not the school district. "I would argue with your notion here, respectfully, that it is our job to keep the community safe," Mosley answered. "It is our job is to educate children. We're not doing a very good job of that right now. I'm sorry, we're not, especially at the high school level." Royster reiterated what public health officials told the board last month: That schools were safe so long as the district stuck to its current coronavirus protocols. That presentation was in answer to thousands of parents who signed a petition earlier this year questioning the district's return to in-person classes after a spike in cases during the holidays. "I'm not here to argue with you," Royster said to Mosley. "There's drama around all sides of this issue, considerable drama. We can't work from the basis of emotion, we can't work on the basis of drama. Mosley, who was elected in November to represent the county's east side in a three-way race that ousted that area's incumbent, ran on a platform that emphasized a return to five-day schooling for those families who are comfortable with it. Within days of that election, elementary schools were back full-time, and middle schools launched five-day classes a few weeks later. High schools remain at 75 percent because classes are too large for students to socially distance at full attendance. Mosley said she has heard accounts from parents and spoken with multiple mental health professionals about depression and anxiety being on the rise, especially among teens. The superintendent said the school district is trying to strike a balance between hard science on how to stop the spread of infectious disease and the general sense that learning environments during the pandemic have not been ideal for the emotional, mental and social well-being of children. "I'm not saying it's not an issue," he said. Mosley said she was seeking clarity on whether classes would be back to normal in the fall of 2021 because some of her constituents are making decisions now over whether to give up on public schools and enroll their kids in private schools. A virtual option is available to anyone uncomfortable with attending school in person, she said. And she said the "goal posts" keep moving, and that the school district has said it was concerned about the health of school staff and community spread, especially among the elderly. "That was the argument last year that we were protecting, you know, little Johnny's grandmother," Mosley said. "At some point, what is the endgame? What is the end?" Royster said the school district would bring in someone to talk about mental health issues among students at the April 13 or May 11 committee of the whole meeting. No other board members weighed in on the exchange, except for a brief protest from Lisa Wells after Mosley dug into details about school activities. Board members, Wells said, need to steer clear of administrative issues. This story was originally published by HuffPost and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. In October 2019, New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland led a House subcommittee hearing on the effects of anti-government extremism on federal land management officials. The Government Accountability Office had recently documented more than 350 incidents of threats and assaults targeting land management employees between 2013 and 2017. As the watchdog group noted, even that data did not capture the full picture, in part because not all incidents are reported. Some officials told investigators they consider receiving threats a normal part of their job. Advertisement Haaland, then in her first congressional term, stressed that these extremist ideologies did not develop in a vacuum. She read aloud a quote from former Nevada Sen. Dean Heller on the 2014 armed standoff between federal agents and militias at Nevada rancher Cliven Bundys ranch, in which Heller praised the armed men as patriots. And she noted that Nevada state Rep. Michele Fiore had supported the militants who took control of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon in 2016. Fiore, a Republican, dismissed the Bureau of Land Management at the time as a bureaucratic agency of basically terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Bundy warned that he and his allies would walk towards guns if the new administration attempted to collect long-overdue grazing fees and round up his cattle. Now, Haaland is about to take the reins of the Interior Department. A Senate committee advanced her nomination Thursday, and she is expected to get a final vote within the next few weeks. She would make history as the first Native American Cabinet secretary and the first Native American to lead the federal agency that employs more than 70,000 people, manages 500 million acres of federal landroughly a fifth of the U.S.and sets policies for natural resource extraction. Advertisement Haalands ascent comes at a particularly volatile moment, in the wake of a violent Capitol insurrection that included members of many of the same anti-government groups that have waged war on the Interior Department. And it comes after four years of the Trump administration, which coddled anti-federal land zealots and prioritized natural resource extraction over all else. All of this has public land advocates and experts who track far-right groups worried about the risk of armed conflict between federal agencies and anti-government rioters. Steve Pedery, conservation director at Oregon Wild, expects that Haaland will be tested early. Its unfortunate, but I guarantee well see the Bundys pull something again, he said. Advertisement In fact, Bundy has already threatened violence. In an interview in January, days before President Joe Bidens inauguration, Bundy warned that he and his allies would walk towards guns if the new administration attempted to collect long-overdue grazing fees and round up his cattle. Thats what the Obama administration tried unsuccessfully to do in 2014. Bundy has now been grazing his cattle illegally on public lands for over two decades. Advertisement Bundy also praised the violent mob of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. On Facebook, Bundy wrote that you cant clean the swamp by standing off at a distance and smelling ita nod to Trumps campaign claims that he would drain the swamp of special interests in Washington. Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the Colorado-based conservation group Center for Western Priorities, worries the powder keg is now just waiting for a light. I do think its not an if, but a when, he said. Trumps four years in office greatly empowered anti-government extremists. His Interior Department repeatedly hosted people who want to see federal lands sold off. Fierce critics of endangered species protections and federal land management were tapped for powerful department posts. William Perry Pendley, a conservative lawyer with extreme anti-environmental views who spent his career lobbying for the sale of federal lands, was put in charge of Interiors Bureau of Land Management. Advertisement Advertisement Trump issued pardons for people like Utah state Rep. Phil Lymanwho in 2014 led anti-federal land protesters on an illegal ATV ride on public lands that were off limits to off-road vehiclesas well as Dwight Lincoln Hammond Jr. and Steven Hammond, the father-son Oregon ranchers whose arson conviction preceded the armed takeover of the Malheur refuge. On the final day of Trumps presidency, thenInterior Secretary David Bernhardt restored the Hammonds grazing permit, which had been revoked after the two men were convicted of intentionally setting fire to federal land. Trump at times applauded violent radicals, including the pro-Trump insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol, as patriots, in addition to pardoning some of their criminal activity. Advertisement On the flip side, Trump administration officials derided environmentalists as domestic extremists. Ryan Zinke, Trumps first interior secretary, blamed environmental terrorist groups for catastrophic wildfires in the West. And decades before joining the Trump administration, Pendley and his organization, the Mountain States Legal Foundation, set up a hotline for the public to report acts of environmental terrorism and held conferences on eco-terrorism, as HuffPost previously reported. Pendley was once a key figure of the so-called wise use movement, a group of anti-government organizations that gained momentum in the 1980s and pushed to boost mining, drilling, and logging on federal lands, vilifying environmentalists along the way. Advertisement The Biden administration has vowed to put public lands to use as it pursues aggressive federal action to combat the climate and extinction crises. It has issued a slew of early executive orders, which among other things temporarily paused new oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters and canceled a key permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline. It also set a goal of protecting 30 percent of Americas lands and waters by 2030, an effort thats expected to kick off with Biden restoring protected sites that his predecessor dismantled, including the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah. Advertisement Right-wing groups are already busy generating opposition and outrage to Deb Haaland. Bidens environmental agenda has infuriated lawmakers from fossil fuelproducing states and could ultimately collide with extremist organizations like the Oath Keepers and Three Percenters, two of the militia groups that flocked to the Bundy ranch in 2014, to Malheur in 2016, and to the Capitol riot in January. Both groups have long records of threatening violence against public land officials in the West, and a DeSmog investigation last year revealed that numerous Three Percenters members work in oil fields in various Western states. As the new administration comes in and tries to enforce rules, theres the potential for violence on a greater scale, said Montana author Betsy Gaines Quammen, who published a book last year on the Bundy family and the religious roots of the antipublic lands movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans whose campaigns are bankrolled in no small part by extractive industries have turned to some familiar rhetoric to attack Haaland. GOP senators, including Montanas Steve Daines, who has a history of railing against what he calls fringe environmental extremists, have painted Haaland as a far-left ideologue and radical threat to the American way of life, citing her support for the Green New Deal and previous statements opposing hydraulic fracturing, oil pipelines, and new fossil fuel leasing on federal lands. It is interesting to me how much of the opposition to her is inextricably linked to the fact that shes an Indigenous woman, and that opponents assume that if she is confirmed and advocates for Indigenous interests on public lands, it would automatically be bad for them, said Pedery, of Oregon Wild. Kind of a tacit acknowledgement that the exploitation of public lands for logging, oil and gas, mining, and cattle in the Western U.S. over the last 150 years is inextricably linked with a history of racism and genocide against Indigenous people. Advertisement Right-wing groups are already busy generating opposition and outrage to Haaland online. On MeWe, a social media platform where extremists and conspiracy theorists are rampant, a user recently circulated a post from the group Montana & Conservative Values about how Daines had exposed Haalands hostility to Western energy jobs and industry. In reality, during her confirmation hearing, Haaland told Daines and other lawmakers shed fight for fossil fuel workers, that she understood the importance of oil and gas revenue to funding community services, and that fossil energy does and will continue to play a major role in America for years to come. Advertisement Elsewhere, folks like Sam Faddis, a former CIA agent and Republican congressional candidate, have peddled a conspiracy theory that the Communist Party of China may have hand-picked Haaland for the post. Advertisement More broadly, at least one of the Biden Interior Departments early actions has garnered the attention of gun rights groups and the far right. Last month, the agency rescinded the Trump administrations eleventh-hour decision to restore the Hammonds grazing permits. The Left simply cannot wait for more bloodshed, the Oregon Firearms Federation, a pro-gun group, wrote in a MeWe post that linked to the Oregonians coverage of the permit revocation. If ever there was a patriot group #BFYTW kind of moment, this is it, conservative Oregon radio host Bill Meyer wrote on Facebook, using an abbreviation for Because fuck you, thats why. The news also sparked outrage on the private Facebook page of Timber Unity, an anti-environmental group with logging industry funding and ties to militia groups and other extremists. Members of Timber Unity chimed in below a post to ask, How much longer until we stand up and fight? and to comment Is anyone surprised. 2A, according to screenshots shared with HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement When an issue gains traction with the Second Amendment crowd, its often a first step toward a larger mobilization of the so-called patriot movement, said Hampton Stall, a senior researcher at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project and founder of MilitiaWatch, which tracks the militia movement and far-right ideologies. Over the past year, this movement has been busy confronting the Black Lives Matter protesters, throwing fits over COVID-19 mask mandates and other pandemic restrictions, plotting to kidnap Michigans Democratic governor over the states coronavirus lockdown, and, of course, attempting to violently overturn the 2020 presidential election. But as the armed standoffs at the Bundy ranch and Malheur showed, armed militias are always looking for the next issue or event to rally behinda phenomenon that extremism experts call cause shopping. Advertisement In Oregon, which is home to a thriving militia movement, the far right tends to mobilize around public land and environmental issues in part because thats where the [financial] support and political legitimacy for them come from, Pedery said. Two decades ago, militia groups descended on Klamath Falls to support farmers in their feud with the federal government, which at the time blocked farmers from accessing irrigation water in order to protect endangered suckerfish habitat. This is a very risky time for the United States, and what we witnessed on Jan. 6 is just a small taste of what this group is interested in dishing out. Former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell And in 2015, months before the Malheur occupation, a dispute between two gold miners and the Bureau of Land Management led to an armed standoff that lasted for weeks. The Oath Keepers were key players in that episode, which, as the Oregonian reported, helped galvanize the militia movement. Advertisement John Temple, author of Up in Arms: How the Bundy Family Hijacked Public Lands, Outfoxed the Federal Government, and Ignited Americas Patriot Militia Movement, told HuffPost the Biden administration likely has some serious challenges ahead in terms of advancing its environmental and public lands goals. Certain people are going to feel theyve been trampled by the administrations policies, he said. As for the possibility of an armed standoff arising, Temple noted, it could depend on whether a certain issue is reduced to a simple bumper sticker or a face to rally behind. With the Bundys, it was the government coming to take away the cattle of a rugged individualist rancher. With the election, it was the false narrative that the vote had been rigged and Trumps rightful victory stolen. Advertisement As Temple sees it, the landscape today is very different than it was during the Bundy standoff in 2014. Where then a mob of people taking up arms against federal officers seemed like an atrocity, now it feels sort of inevitable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Adding to the tension, Ammon Bundy, Clivens son who led the armed occupation at Malheur, has spent the past year building up a vast network of militia members and other far-right radicals to fight COVID-19 mandates. He and other leaders of the group, known as Peoples Rights, have made vague warnings about a looming conflict, telling members to prepare for the force that is evident to come upon us, the Idaho Press reported in December. Advertisement I think its just a matter of time before some of these folks start to pivot away from COVID-19 organizing and focus their attention on the Bureau of Land Management yet again, said Stephen Piggott, a researcher with the Portland, Oregonbased nonprofit Western States Center. I could see a lot of this stuff coming to a head in the near future. With Haaland poised to assume control of the 172-year-old Interior Department, experts and advocates say dealing with this domestic threat will require additional resources and a different law enforcement response. Exacerbated by new political polarization and by Trump, right-wing armed groups have been mobilizing and gaining an increased sense of impunity since the 1990s, Vanda Felbab-Brown, director of the Brookings Institutions Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors, wrote in a January piece on countering right-wing armed groups. She noted that the governments leniency toward the anti-federal-government Bundy group during the Malheur takeover further emboldened such groups. Advertisement Advertisement While more than a dozen participants in the Malheur occupation pleaded guilty to criminal charges, and four were convicted by a federal jury, Ammon Bundy and six other leaders were ultimately acquitted. In 2018, a judge also declared a mistrial and dismissed all charges against Cliven Bundy and his sons stemming from the 2014 standoff at the family ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada. There have to be consequences, and above all else, you cant give these folks the microphone, Weiss said. Letting them turn it into a media circus, letting them hold press conferences, giving them a megaphone to amplify their antipublic land message was a huge mistake. That cannot happen again. In a recent podcast interview with the Center for Western Priorities, former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who led the agency through both incidents, defended the governments decision to back down during the 2014 standoff at the Bundy ranch, saying it was the only way to avoid bloodshed. At the same time, she acknowledged errors in the government prosecution. Advertisement Until we dish out the consequences that they deserve for this kind of activity, we are just emboldening a group of well-armed, ideologically extreme people that will continue to provide a domestic terrorism problem until they are brought to justice, Jewell said. This is a very risky time for the United States, and what we witnessed on Jan. 6 is just a small taste of what this group is interested, frankly, in dishing out. Advertisement Advertisement Haalands office declined to be quoted for this story. The Interior Department told HuffPost it is making strides to implement the recommendations in GAOs 2019 report, which called on federal land management agencies, including BLM, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, as well as USDAs Forest Service, to take steps to assess and address ongoing security risks. BLM, for example, has hired a full-time security specialist to meet GAOs recommendations. Interior is taking concrete steps to strengthen security protocols and mitigate the risks our employees face, including law enforcement who are on the frontline of protecting the public, our staff, our facilities and millions of acres of federal public lands, Jennifer Van der Heide, Interiors chief of staff, said in a statement. Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, which has oversight of the Interior Department, told HuffPost that the committee looks forward to working with Haaland and the rest of the Biden administration to find ways to address anti-government extremism. The whole country has already seen the terrible things that happen when this kind of talk turns into action, Grijalva said in an email. The Biden transition is a perfect time for the Interior Department and its agencies to take stock of their security needs, make the appropriate requests of Congress, and spend time with stakeholders to assess the risks they face in a new political world. Campus Activities Details All Mount St. Marys students, staff, alumni and family are invited to a travel to Spain next year, during spring break, 2022 (February 23rd - March 6). Join the trip and experience Spains remarkably rich and vibrant culture - and fascinating blend of Christian, Islamic and Jewish heritage - enjoy incredible landscapes, wonderful food, and old and new treasures. Your adventure awaits in one of Europe's top travel destinations! Members on the trip, organized by Dr. Mike Miller and Dr. Diana Rodriguez-Lozano, will visit 6 wonderful cities (Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Sevilla, Cordoba and Madrid), tour stunning palaces, cathedrals and mosques, enjoy a flamenco show and other cultural activities, and take a Spanish cooking class overlooking the Mediterranean! Participants will travel throughout Spain on private motorbuses and stay in top hotels. The cost is $2,250 for double-occupancy, plus the cost of group airfare on United from the DC area to Madrid. Students receive 1 credit in either Spanish or Philosophy. The trip connects with Dr. Millers PHGE 335: Islamic Philosophy, but participation in the course is not a requirement (although special benefits exist for participants who do take the class!). Information meetings will be held at 5 pm in Laughlin Auditorium on Wednesdays, March 10th and 31st or join us on Zoom. Applications and a $250 deposit are due April 15th. Contact Drs. Rodriquez-Lozano or Miller for more information and the application. The trip is being planned now with the expectation that international travel is permitted/safe; refunds will be returned if the pandemic continues. Public Health England has today published a study claiming the controversial rapid tests being used on millions of schoolchildren are 'very good', despite fears the kits may be hugely inaccurate. The real-world research looked at 1.7million lateral flow test results, for which people swab their own noses and throats and put the samples into small cassettes. Millions of lateral flow tests are being used among NHS and care home staff, across businesses, schools, asymptomatic testing sites and at-home testing for the families of school pupils. Critics have blasted the Department of Health and PHE for putting too much trust in the cheap kits, which they say are bad at detecting the virus, and for not being clear with people that a negative result is not a certain sign they are virus-free. But in a report published today produced by PHE's own medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins, who has fiercely defended the use of the tests, and two members of staff from NHS Test & Trace officials said rates of false positive results were very low. Scientists had been concerned that false positive results when a test says someone is infected but they aren't would lead to entire classrooms being sent home for no reason and to families being forced into isolation. But the PHE paper claims only 0.03 per cent of all test results are false positive. This is the equivalent of 450 people wrongly told they have the virus for every 1.5million tests carried out. Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: 'These rapid tests are extremely accurate and are helping dramatically curb Covid cases.' Health Minister Lord Bethell said: 'People should use them reassured theres a minimal chance of a false positive and that they are helping us fight the virus.' School pupils all over the UK now regularly carry out rapid swab tests for coronavirus (Pictured: A student at a high school in Cheshire) The PHE report said it found the specificity of the rapid tests was, on average, 99.97 per cent. It looked at the results from 1.7million tests taken at official testing sites. 25,779 positive results were matched to 24,147 people who tested positive with a proper PCR swab afterwards, with the figure adjusted to work out how many of the rapid test positives were wrong. The study reported on specificity, which measures how successfully a test detects people who don't have the virus and how often it wrongly tells people they do. A specificity rate of 100 per cent means everyone who gets a negative result is truly negative for the virus. Whereas 60 per cent specificity would mean 40 per cent of results that should be negative come out as positive because the test wrongly detected the virus. The 0.03 per cent specificity found in the study means three in a thousand tests would be false positives. PHE experts assessed the accuracy of the Innova lateral flow test, on which ministers have spent more than 800million. They did not look at the sensitivity of the test, which considers the proportion of positive people that it successfully picks up. And they did not compare the accuracy of the test if someone swabbed themselves versus if a trained healthcare worker did their swab. Other studies have found they are significantly more accurate when professionals carry out the tests, but this is not the Government policy in the UK. Dr Hopkins said: 'Lateral flow devices are effective at finding people with high viral loads who are most infectious and most likely to transmit the virus to others. 'Weve looked very carefully at the evidence thats emerging from LFD tests that have been delivered at home and in testing sites over recent weeks, and real life scenarios suggests they are at least 99.9 per cent specific which means that the risk of false positives is extremely low less than one in a thousand - which is a very good test.' Mr Hancock added: 'This new data further confirms what we know these rapid tests are extremely accurate and are helping dramatically curb Covid cases.' The use of rapid tests in schools has been fiercely debated by scientists. NHS REBRANDED SWAB KIT AS A 'SELF-TEST' The Department of Health is repackaging controversial rapid coronavirus tests as NHS self-tests in what critics claim is a 'bizarre' move to get around manufacturer instructions which say they are for professional use. One of the main tests being used only detected 41 per cent of Covid cases in a trial in Liverpool where people swabbed themselves, and the manufacturer insists they are only 'intended for use by trained clinical laboratory personnel'. MailOnline revealed that the kits are being bought and repackaged as a self-test by the Government. Ministers have spent more than 825million buying the lateral flow tests from American firm Innova. Innova says that a medic should use the test on someone with Covid-19 symptoms within five days of those symptoms starting, but the Department of Health is rolling them out for the public to test themselves when they don't have any symptoms at all. This is despite Public Health England's own study finding the tests are at least 20 per cent less accurate when people do them themselves, and top scientists urging the Government to stop using them, warning they are unfit for purpose as self-tests. In order to override the original instructions, the Department of Health has listed itself as the manufacturer despite the fact it plays no part in making the device so it could have 'flexible' use of the test with the blessing of the regulator, the MHRA. Scientists described the move as 'bizarre' and warned that the use of low quality rapid testing will potentially give tens of thousands of people a false sense of security by wrongly telling them they are negative when they actually have coronavirus. Testing experts including Professor Jon Deeks, from the University of Birmingham, have repeated called for the Government to stop using the Innova test Professor Deeks said today that officials are suggesting to people the test is better than it is. Advertisement Some experts worried that the tests were not sensitive enough and would miss out people who were infected but didn't get spotted by the kits government scientists said those people wouldn't have been tested any other way so nothing was lost. Researchers also warned that people would be lulled in a sense of false security by testing negative, when the result was not a certainty but Whitehall experts insisted people testing negative would not get any extra freedoms. Ministers have pressed ahead despite the concerns and the tests are now used twice a week by all teaching staff and school pupils, as well as being offered to the families of school children. They are also available to members of the public through their workplace or through local council testing centres in some areas. NHS and care home staff also use the swabs, and care home visitors are also allowed into the homes if they regularly test negative with rapid kits. The Department of Health, defending plans for the ambitious Operation Moonshot, said today: 'Testing using LFDs should be a regular habit. Clinical advice is to be tested twice a week every week, which is the same policy for NHS and care home staff.' Teaching unions had been sceptical about the plan and angered that it was happening, but yesterday appeared to row back and admit the system had gone smoother than expected. Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, had expressed concerns about how mass on-site testing would work with the Government's 'big bang' reopening. But last night she said the return to schools appeared to have 'gone very, very calmly' and the use of rapid lateral flow tests seemed to be 'going well'. She said that 'maybe this is one occasion where Gavin Williamson [the Education Secretary] is right and I am wrong'. Secondary school pupils are being asked to take three voluntary Covid-19 tests on-site and one at home over the first fortnight. They will then be sent home-testing kits to use twice-weekly. Primary school children are not being asked to carry out Covid-19 tests. Some unions had previously called for home testing kits to be supplied in order to avoid schools being turned into 'field hospitals'. Ms Bousted was asked during an interview on Times Radio what she had picked up about how the first day back had gone. She said: 'Very good news, actually. The reports we are getting is that it has gone very, very calmly. 'The children are delighted to be back, the teachers are really pleased to see them. 'The lateral flow testing to be going well in schools and seems to be going very calmly. 'And the new thing in secondary schools is mask wearing, generally that appears to be going well as well.' The full PHE report is published online. Sloths, rodents and primates some of the largest and smallest mammals on Caribbean islands are among those most vulnerable to extinction. Credit: David Rini, Johns Hopkins University A new study by a team of international scientists jointly led by Stony Brook University Professor Liliana M. Davalos, Ph.D., and Professor Samuel Turvey of the Zoological Society of London, reveals that the largest and smallest mammals in the Caribbean have been the most vulnerable to extinction. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, help predict future extinction risk and inform the conservation strategies needed to prevent future biodiversity loss. Most past studies find that larger mammals go extinct more often, so this study's findings are unusual. Titled "Where the Wild Things Were," the paper looked at past extinction patterns across the Caribbean mammal fauna in order to help scientists understand the factors that predispose species to extinction. With mammal extinction, what they found is that size does indeed matter in life. The islands of the Caribbean have long been a source of fascination for scientists and conservationists. They were once home to a diverse array of land mammals including sloths, primates, unusual insectivores, and giant rodents, but the arrival of different waves of human colonists from around 6000 years ago onwards instigated the largest series of human-caused mammal extinctions since the end of the last Ice Age. Only 11 native Caribbean rodents and two insectivores still survive todayincluding the two solenodons, large shrew-like mammals that have the unique ability to inject venom into their prey using modified grooved teeth. Both solenodon species are the only representatives of an ancient mammalian lineage that diverged from the ancestors of all other living mammals during the time of the dinosaurs, approximately 76 million years ago. Davalos, a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution in the College of Arts and Sciences, designed and completed the statistical analyses that led to the findings. By carrying out the study at the level of mammal populations instead of species, the team's methods were able to account for the effect of varying environmental conditions across different islands on species' chances of survival. Conducting a huge-scale analysis that included records of extinction patterns for 219 land mammal populations across 118 Caribbean islands, the study went beyond previous research into Caribbean mammal extinctions, which has largely focused on reconstructing last-occurrence dates for extinct species and matching them with specific historical events. This study instead sought to identify wider ecological patternssuch as the relationship between body mass and extinction riskthat influence a mammal's chance of survival in response to human activities. They found that medium-sized Caribbean mammalslike the solenodonshave been less sensitive to extinction compared to both their smaller and larger counterparts. According to Davalos and co-authors, this overall discovery is likely to reflect the fact that larger species were more vulnerable to past human hunting, whereas smaller species were more vulnerable to predation or competition by introduced species such as mongooses and rats. "To answer questions such as 'what traits predispose species to survival?" Or 'what island features are associated with extinction?," we studied each population on an island as a natural experiment," says Davalos. "With enough of them, patterns that have often been discussed but couldn't quantify start to emerge. Without the large database of many natural experiments in the Caribbean and powerful computing approaches, there is no way to answer these questions. "The analyses also showed that Caribbean mammals of all sizes were less likely to survive on the earliest-colonized islands by humans and more likely to survive on tiny, low-elevation offshore islands, meaning that their future survival could be at risk from climate change and rising sea levels unless measures are put in place to protect these vital natural refuges." "Preventing the extinction of highly endangered species requires an awareness of not only the immediate risks to their survival, but also the history of human-caused biodiversity lossand the unique insights that the past can provide about species' vulnerability or resilience under differing conditions," adds Professor Samuel Turvey of ZSL's Institute of Zoology. "The Caribbean islands are home to unique mammalian biodiversity, which has tragically been almost completely wiped out by past human activities. Our study clearly highlights the importance of learning from the past to make the future betterwe must use information from the historical, archaeological and recent fossil records to inform current-day conservation, or else we risk losing these remarkable species forever." Explore further Fossils reveal how bizarre mammal beat extinction More information: Samuel T. Turvey et al. Where the wild things were: intrinsic and extrinsic extinction predictors in the world's most depleted mammal fauna, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Samuel T. Turvey et al. Where the wild things were: intrinsic and extrinsic extinction predictors in the world's most depleted mammal fauna,(2021). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2905 Avid adventurers have uncovered what could be described as the best hidden waterfall in Australia - although not for much longer, it seems. The spectacular waterfall lies deep within the Brisbane Water National Park at Woy Woy on the New South Wales Central Coast, however it is not the famed Kariong Brook Falls which is located nearby. The natural wonder is billed as the perfect spot to cool off in after a day of bushwalking with the water cascading down into a striking trough pool. A spectacular waterfall north of Sydney that cascades down into a trough pool has been uncovered by avid adventurers The striking waterfall is accessible by walking from a parking spot at the intersection of Tunnel Fire Trail and Woy Woy Road Adventure blog Walk My World has pieced together a step-by-step guide to finding the waterfall. Tourists can access the stunning location by walking from a parking spot at the Tunnel Fire Trail turn off on Woy Woy Road. The walk to the waterfall is about 5.4kilometres round trip and is not described as being difficult as most of the route is flat. From the parking spot, there is about a 1km walk down the fire trail until bushwalkers reach a gate they can walk through. About 700metres later, tourists will find a junction with signs for a number of trails including the Tunnel Track and Rocky Ponds. Walk My World advises bushwalkers to turn left and continue down an unmarked track to a dead end with a pylon. The waterfall is located at Woy Woy on the New South Wales central coast and is easily accessible on foot although bushwalkers are advised to take safety precautions The entire walk to the waterfall is about 5.4kilometres round trip and is mostly flat, although there are some narrow pathways The waterfall is located within the Brisbane Water National Park on the New South Wales central coast (location pictured) To the right of the pylon is a path that continues down to a shallow creek that bushwalkers can follow to where they catch a glimpse of the trough pool. About 100metres down the creek there is a dead end. To the right is a narrow and rocky bush track - which can become muddy after heavy rainfall - taking bushwalkers down to the waterfall and pool. The final stretch is a narrow ledge which can become wet and muddy. Tourists are advised to take safety precautions when jumping in for a dip as the ledge beside the pool is narrow and drops down to large rocks underneath. The area surrounding the pool is also described as being small and not conducive to large crowds. While the pool is said to be perfect for a waterfall shower and to cool off, it is too small for swimming. Hefei, the capital city of east China's Anhui province, made efforts to optimize its business environment and inject vitality into its industrial development and economic growth, said Ling Yun, a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC). Ling Yun, also mayor of the city, said Hefei's innovation-driven development has prioritized optimizing the business environment, which has delivered positive results in its technological and economic development. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), Hefei's per capita GDP surpassed 110,000 yuan (US$ 16,863), with the city climbing the national economic aggregate rankings. A series of technological achievements were made, such as the quantum satellite Mozi and the Dark Matter Particle Explorer "Wukong," making the city a leader in the field of science and technology. Ling said that Hefei has simplified the process for individuals and businesses to deal with government affairs. For example, by unifying standards and sharing information, the city shortened the time for the establishment of businesses to only one day. The time needed for property registrations was also reduced from five working days to three. To maximize the role of information technology in enhancing efficiency, Hefei established an online platform based on big data technologies. It integrated nearly 200 government service systems, allowing citizens to access single-window inter-agency services in one go. The city also actively worked to integrate into the online platform for government services in the neighboring Yangtze River Delta region. This enabled access via one website and remote processing of 65 government service items, so that more matters can be handled without the need for people to travel. In 2020, the city added more than 200,000 newly registered market entities, raising the total number to over 1.1 million. Ling said it is of crucial importance to carry on institutional innovation, solve difficulties holding back business operations, and further revitalize the market. For example, Hefei has been committed to building an online transaction platform for public resources, which has helped allocate public resources in a more efficient way. In 2020, the trade volume of public resources in Hefei reached 372.226 billion yuan, up by 6.63% year on year. By providing targeted financial policy support, the government made it easier for enterprises to access financing and reduced their overall financing costs. A total of 346 enterprises received a combined financing of 396 million yuan. In 2020, the inclusive finance lending to micro and small businesses reached 162.84 billion yuan. In addition, the city also focused on strengthening intellectual property protection. China (Hefei) Intellectual Property Protection Center was set up in 2020, and the city has been building a complete IP-related system that ranges from creation, application, protection to management and services. Ling said that, to better serve businesses, the government should understand their needs and help them to better leverage policies. With these efforts, major headway has been made in the city. Since the China (Anhui) Pilot Free Trade Zone was inaugurated in 2020, the number of newly established enterprises in the FTZ's Hefei area had reached 2,656, and the registered capital of domestically funded enterprises had reached 51.3 billion yuan by the end of January this year. Meanwhile, 232 projects had been signed with a total investment of 107 billion yuan. New Delhi, March 10 : A global report has identified 'self-love crisis' for women around the world, with one in two women feeling more self-doubt than self-love, and 60 per cent wishing they had more respect for themselves. According to The Body Shop Global Self Love Index, while India ranked 10th marking its position almost in the middle, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and France rank lowest for self-love, whereas Denmark, Australia, and the US rank the highest. The study, designed by The Body Shop and market research firm Ipsos, ran between November and December 2020 with over 22,000 people in 21 different countries. The Self Love Index comprises a number of academic measures of self-worth, wellbeing, and happiness, and reveals how age, gender, country, and living standards impact how people feel about themselves. Meanwhile, The Body Shop is launching a global movement called the "Self Love Uprising", supported by British activist and actress Jameela Jamil internationally. Jamil said: "I see the lack of self-love as an emotional pandemic, and one which is sadly hitting younger generations the most. Self love is an inside job, so let's all take just one positive action towards loving ourselves. As a woman, being proud of yourself and believing you are 'enough' as you are, is an act of social and political resistance." The brand has joined hands with three Indian change makers aka the Leading Lights -- Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, Alex Mathew and Ankita Chaturvedi who will support the cause. Key findings of The Self Love Index include: People in India have a Self-Love Index score of 52, 1 point below the global average score (53) Self-Love increases somewhat with age in India. Those under 35 are more likely to be in the lowest 25 per cent of the Self-Love scores (37 per cent compared to 20 per cent of those 55 and over). People who are single have lower Self-Love, with an average score of 49. Those living in the North have a lower Self-Love Index score (50) than those living elsewhere in the country. People from minority groups are more likely to have a low self-love score, with an index of 46 compared to 54 among those not in minority groups. 54 per cent of those with disabilities are in the lowest 25 per cent of self-love scores. Economic status impacts Self-Love with 40 per cent of those who are not financially comfortable in the lowest 25 per cent of self-love scores, both with a Self-Love Index score of 46. Those who have been educated to a higher level had a more self-love, with those educated to degree level scoring 53, compared to 47 among those who did not go to university. The connection we see globally between social media usage and self-love scores in which the greater the use of social media, the lower the self-love score is likely to be, is not in evidence in India. There is no significant difference in self-love scores between those who use social media for more than two hours a day and those who use it less. 65 per cent of people in India say they always or usually get the social and emotional support they need. Women (68 per cent) and people who are married are more likely to feel supported (69 per cent) According to the findings, Covid-19 has had a slightly more positive impact on women's self-love than negative. However, women with low self-love were six times more likely to say Covid-19 had a negative impact on their self-love, and women with financial worries also say Covid-19 had a negative impact, suggesting that the pandemic has compounded self-esteem issues for the most vulnerable women in society. Resilience is also linked to self-love: the higher a person scored, the more likely they were to say they are quick to bounce back from tough times. One divisive issue when it comes to self-love is social media. Heavy users of social media are twice as likely to say they get the emotional support they need compared to non-users, indicating social media networks may play a valuable role in providing support networks for women. However, the research also shows that heavy social media users have lower levels of self-love, are more likely to compare themselves to others, and are often more unhappy with their body. Gummaraju, said: "Before self-love comes self-acceptance. It could mean coming to terms with your queerness. It could mean allowing oneself to be loved by someone, just as one is. One has to start somewhere, and I strongly believe everyone has that inherent ability, no matter how hard to access. I feel when marginalised individuals love themselves, a revolution begins. The Body Shop India, in an attempt to bring about this revolution is backing up a meaningful campaign -- Self Love Uprising that I honestly resonate with." Mathew said: "Self-love for me means finding and accepting my own uniqueness. Every time I face a situation, my first priority is to safeguard my happiness and positivity. Unhappy and unsatisfied living by the societal norms to please others, drag as an art form came to my rescue and helped me understand myself better. Maya comes from a place of love, kindness and fierceness. The moment you accept your true self; you will start falling in love with yourself. Surrounding yourself with positivity is the biggest step one can take on their path to self-love and lastly, always listen to your intuition and not just your inner critic." (N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Free Dump Days May Slow US-60 Traffic Near Marion By West Kentucky Star Staff MARION - Traffic will likely be affected by free dump days in Crittenden County on Thursday through Saturday.The Crittenden County Convenience Center says the free dump days are set for March 11, 12, & 13. Traffic will likely be congested in the area of the county road department, which is about .7 miles east of Marion on US Highway 60.Drivers should be alert for heavy traffic between 8 am and 3:30 pm on Thursday and Friday, as well as from 8 am to noon on Saturday.Emergency response personnel may be present to help with traffic control.Crittenden County residents bringing materials for disposal are reminded to carefully secure loads on trailers or pickup trucks. No household garbage will be accepted during the free dump days event. New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that India had held the largest COVID-19 vaccination drive with 20 lakh inoculation shots administered. Dr PK Misra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress on Tuesday (March 9) evening. This meeting To meeting was held to review the status and progress of Covid-19 vaccination across states and Union Territories (UTs). According to an official release, the meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries and the officers involved in the vaccination effort in the states/UTs, secretaries to the Government of India from ministries/ department of Health, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Health Research, Member (Health), NITI Aayog and CEO (NHA) were also present during the high-level review meeting. "Health Secretary apprised the meeting on India achieving the landmark of administering more than 20 lakh doses in a single day. The country is approaching 2.5 crore total vaccination coverage, powered by the fastest recent growth in vaccination globally," the release said. Misra commended all officials across the Central and state governments, for their critical role in the now successful rollout of the worlds largest vaccination drive, and also reinforced the need to continue this momentum in a sustained manner. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba who also attended the meeting advised the states to ramp up the speed of vaccination, to cover as many eligible people as possible, in as short a duration as possible; especially given the large population to be covered. "States were asked to prepare a detailed roadmap for the next three months for achieving the same. Chief Secretaries/ senior officials of the states and UTs briefed about the progress of vaccination in their respective jurisdictions, giving valuable feedback and suggestions," the release added. Live TV PARIS and BOSTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Livestorm, which is transforming online events with its end-to-end video communication platform, announced today that it has been ranked #91 on the FT 1000, the Financial Times annual list of Europe's fastest-growing companies. The company was #9 for France. The FT 1000, compiled with research firm Statista, ranks the European companies that achieved the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2016 and 2019. The minimum CAGR to make the list was 35.5 percent this year, slightly lower than last year's 38.4 percent. Livestorm had an absolute growth rate of 1,354.5 percent and a CAGR of 144.1 percent over the period. Livestorm enables businesses to leverage video to connect, engage and capture actionable insights in one place. The browser-based platform doesn't require a download or set up, and allows businesses to host meetings or events for two to thousands of participants in a browser (desktop or mobile). 4,000+ companies from startups to the Fortune 500 rely on Livestorm, including brands such as Honda, Pipedrive and Intercom. Livestorm now operates in 100 countries and has more than one million connected users on its platform each month. The four-year-old company has raised $35M in funding to date and grew its revenue by 8x between its Series A in 2019 and its Series B in November 2020. After tripling its workforce in one year, in 2021 Livestorm is hiring 100 more professionals across engineering, sales, support and marketing. Livestorm Co-founder and CEO Gilles Bertaux said, "We are honored to have made the FT 1000, and I give credit to our amazing team. Our solution struck a chord in the corporate world, which was tired of legacy conferencing solutions that require a download, are designed for simpler meetings and don't enable end-to-end management of video experiences." Bertaux notes that 2020, which was not reflected in the FT numbers, was the company's best year so far in terms of growth. "In 2020, we were inundated with demand as companies around the world turned to video as their primary means of communication, both internal and external," he said. "Livestorm rose to the occasion, and we've been working hard to improve and elevate the platform to meet the needs of customers in this new world. We're excited to continue driving innovation in this space in 2021 and beyond." About Livestorm Livestorm is transforming online events, with the easiest way to incorporate video into any type of communication, to connect and engage their audience. Livestorm is the first video communications platform that allows businesses to host meetings, webinars or events with two to thousands of people completely in a mobile or desktop browser. The Livestorm platform manages online events from end to end, from promotion and registration through post-event ROI analysis. More than 4,000 companies from startups to Fortune 500 companies rely on Livestorm, including brands such as Honda, AB Tasty, Pipedrive, Spendesk, Front and Revolut. Learn more at https://livestorm.co. Media contact: Kerry Metzdorf Big Swing Communications 978-463-2575 [email protected] Related Images livestorm-is-transforming-online.png Livestorm is transforming online events with its end-to-end video communication platform Livestorm logo SOURCE Livestorm [March 10, 2021] A Groundbreaking Initiative in Israel's Banking System - A Bank and a Fintech Company Join Forces: Leumi and Tarya Fintech Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Jointly Develop an Innovative Core System for Leumi's Mortgage Operations TEL AVIV, Israel, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leumi (TASE: LUMI) and Tarya Fintech have joined forces in a strategic initiative to develop and adapt Leumi's (core) mortgage system, as part of the Bank's modernization project. The synergy between Tarya Fintech's innovative technology and unique DNA and Leumi's technological leadership, experience and knowledge will lead to the creation of an innovative, agile and customizable digital mortgage platform. The system will be developed with a holistic view of customers' needs and financial decisions at various stages of their lives. Although mortgage credit is one of the major areas of activity in the banking system (more than 30% of banks' credit portfolio is comprised of mortgages), the process of taking out a mortgage loan is often highly cumbersome. The new system will alter the way mortgages are obtained, giving customers a state-of-the-art, user friendly and transparent experience across the entire process, at the time and place of the customer's choosing. The system will offer unique capabilities, new to the world of banking, with the aim of cutting red tape, shortening underwriting processes and simplifying the various approvals required - in order to offer customers a concise, speedy response, tailored to their needs. The system, which is currently under development, will be available for use by Leumi and Tarya Israel in Israel; Tarya Fintech will be able to use the system to serve its customers worldwide. Leumi, one of Israel's leading banks, is considered a pioneering innovator in the field of banking: as early as 2016, it became the first bank in the country to use cloud technology; in 2017, it established PEPPER, Israel's first digital bank; and recently, it launched a fully-digital mortgage loan, which also enables customers to obtain mortgage consulting services over Zoom. Jointly developing the system with Tarya will allow the Bank to make a groundbreaking leap in the field of mortgages. Tarya was established in 2014 and has become Israel's largest P2P lending company. Tarya leads the market through its digital system for alternative investments, most of which ar backed by real estate collateral; among other things, the company has extended mortgages totaling approx. NIS 1 billion to the general public. Since its inception, over NIS 4.5 billion has been processed through Tarya's platform. The company's outstanding loans portfolio, backed by the company's real estate collateral, totals over NIS 2 billion. Founded by Eyal Elhayany, Varda Lusthaus and Assaf Shlush, Tarya has gained traction with a series of unique technological developments. Among other things, the company has developed a smart algorithm that generates a virtual credit rating that is able to predict the borrower's repayment capacity. In December 2020, it was reported that Tarya Israel is expected to go public, by way of a merger into public company skeleton Luzon Real Estate, controlled by businessman Amos Luzon. Hanan Friedman, President & CEO of Leumi: "Leumi leverages its technological-digital strategy - which has proven itself over the past year - through collaborations with fintech companies. This is key to tomorrow's banking, that is all the more relevant given the imminent entry of the open banking reform, which we regard as an opportunity. Leumi intends to be a leader in collaborations and the first choice of fintech companies, in order to bring innovative service value to customers of all banks. The collaboration with Tarya will further strengthen our business focus on mortgages and allow us to take another leap forward in the rapid launch of disruptive products". Jaime Schcolnik, Head of Leumi's Technologies Division: "Leumi is in the process of technological innovation, which includes building a technological architecture that enables a leap into the future. In this framework, we leverage technological collaborations with fintech, enabling them to connect to the Bank's systems, as part of the open banking reform. The unique collaboration with Tarya will lead to the development of a modern mortgage platform that will provide a swift, varied response to customers' needs". Tarya Israel CEO, Shahaf Erlich: "I welcome the important deal with Bank Leumi, which is reflective of the new world of banking. Together with Leumi, Tarya will develop a cutting edge technology to improve customer experience and revolutionize the mortgage market". Assaf Shlush, Founder and CEO of Tarya Fintech: "We are proud to lead the first-of-its-kind joint initiative between a fintech and a leading bank. For the first time in Israel, a fintech with a proven financial technology platform and extensive international experience joins forces with an Israeli bank which is at the forefront of substantial modernization, as a true fintech partner, to jointly develop a core system. We thank Leumi - which champions an innovative approach to digital banking - for choosing Tarya Fintech to lead the development of the core mortgage system. We believe that this joint initiative is the first step in a strategic cooperation aimed at leveraging strengths, boosting joint growth and creating significant added value for customers in Israel". Contact: Adi Molcho Weinstein VP, Investor Relations, Leumi InvestorRelations@bankleumi.co.il View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-groundbreaking-initiative-in-israels-banking-system---a-bank-and-a-fintech-company-join-forces-leumi-and-tarya-fintech-sign-strategic-partnership-agreement-to-jointly-develop-an-innovative-core-system-for-leumis-mortgage-oper-301244308.html SOURCE Bank Leumi [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] CNN tapped a San Antonio restaurant owner to discuss the state of the industry as Texas reopens at full capacity without a mask mandate on Wednesday. Mike Nguyen owner of Noodle Tree, joined CNN Newsroom With Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto Wednesday around 8:40 a.m. as the state marked the first day free of COVID-19 restrictions in roughly a year. The Noodle Tree owner told MySA.com this CNN appearance was his fourth in the pandemic. Nguyen said he landed in the national spotlight after local media outlets reported on the risks he faces as business owner diagnosed with cancer. Nguyen offered criticism for Abbott during the Wednesday interview. RELATED: Receipt left at Comfort Cafe 'hits hard' against volunteer-based restaurant staff "I will say that the governor doesn't have us Texans' interest at play at this point. I think it's more of a personal interest, I think the decision to drop the mask mandate is selfish and cowardly and there's no reason to do it. Dropping the mask mandate will not help the economy, it will not help us open and a lot of us feel that he's putting a lot of us in danger," he said in the national broadcast. "At a time where we need him to be a leader, he's not being a leader. A leader needs to make hard decisions, a leader needs to lead and he's basically saying, 'You know what, we're going to leave the decision on y'all because if something goes wrong its going to be on y'all it has nothing to do with me." He told CNN he fears a spike brought on by the reopening. "My business may not survive this," he said of another surge. Off-air, Nguyen told MySA.com he was initially hesitant to discuss the controversial executive order on national television, fearing the reactions. "I had some hesitation just because of the backlash, but at the end of the day, it needed to be said," he added. He decided to accept the interview request after seeing the phrase "RIP Texas" trend from out-of-state sources on Twitter. READ ALSO: San Antonio restaurant owners dish on Gov. Abbott's ruling to fully reopen Texas "That kind of upset me," he added. "As a Texan, I know we're resilient and we band together when we're in need. This has created a lot of division." The owner said he hasn't received too much criticism for his rebuke of Abbott's order in the initial hours after the broadcast, but he knows it's imminent. "I just don't want us to backtrack," the owner continued. "My No. 1 stance has always been the safety of customers, my employees and myself over profit. This has been working for us." He said he's "100 percent" pleased with how the local struggle business owners are facing was presented on CNN. He also said Mayor Ron Nirenberg called him after the spot to offer words of encouragement and sources for small business owners. Noodle Tree, located at 7114 UTSA Blvd., will continue to require masks and will operate at 75 percent capacity. Nguyen will monitor the COVID-19 case loads and transmission rates before deciding to extend to full capacity. Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday said the large investments in equipping the countrys security services was inspired by the recognition that peace and stability were critical for national development. He said the security services had been retooled and re-equipped substantially under his administration to ensure development. Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo said the first four units of four storey blocks of 16 flats under the Barracks Regeneration Project had been commissioned, and the remaining part of a 40, 2-bedroom self-contained accommodation units for the Six-Battalion of Infantry and AirBorne Force, in Tamale, had also been completed. He said Pick-ups, SUVs, trucks, high occupancy buses, ambulances and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) had also been added to the inventory of the Armed Forces over the period, as well as the imminent completion of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. And, in response to the creation of additional ranks within the Military, Government reviewed salaries and allowances for the Ghana Armed Forces and Civilian Employees upwards, effective 1st January, 2020. The President said the capacity of the Ghana National Fire Service had been raised with the procurement of five sets of extrication equipment and two hydraulic platforms. When I took office in January 2017, the Police Service had a total of 492 serviceable cars. Government has, since then, procured for the police some 735 additional vehicles, including 15 operational buses, a feat unprecedented in the history of the Service. He added that 320 housing units were being constructed at the National Police Training School to reduce the accommodation deficits of the Service while, modern communication equipment and fragmentation jackets had been procured and delivered to the Service to protect officers and ensure effective policing. Also hangers being constructed at the Police Depot, Accra, for four helicopters already procured for the Service, were 99 per cent complete. An air-wing unit has been established by the Ghana Police Service, and six pilots have been trained and passed out to man the wing. A new K-9 Unit has been established with 30 dogs and 30 police officers. President Akufo-Addo said the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had been equipped with a digital forensics laboratory and, for the first time in the history of the Department, crime officers were given a monthly allowance to support their investigations. We are retooling the CID Forensic Science lab. The CID building has also now become disability- friendly and there is continuous training of CID officers, he said. The President said 84 apartment units being constructed at Odorkor, in Accra, for the Immigration Service, were 98 percent complete, to help reduce the accommodation challenges faced by officers and men of the Immigration Service. He added that government was also constructing an 800 inmate capacity remand prison at Nsawam, which was 60 percent complete, to reduce further overcrowding in the prisons, as remand prisoners would now be kept separately from the convict population. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Kolkata, March 10 : Amid sharpened attacks from BJP heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari, Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday filed her nomination from Nandigram in East Midnapore, the high-profile constituency where the two seasoned politicians will cross swords in the coming Assembly elections. Banerjee took part in a 2-km long roadshow in Haldia before filing her nomination at the sub-divisional office there, accompanied by the party's state President Subrata Bakshi. Hundreds of locals walked with Banerjee enroute the SDO office, beating improvised drums and other instruments. The Chief Minister also offered prayers at a temple near the Reyapara locality before filing her nomination. The Trinamool supremo had been contesting polls from her home seat of Bhawanipore so far. Earlier, she had declared at a rally in Nandigram in January this year that she would be contesting from the high-profile seat this time, saying: "I will contest from Nandigram. It is my lucky place." Nandigram is a stronghold of newly-inducted BJP leader Adhikari, who was elected from the seat in 2016 before becoming a minister in the Mamata Banerjee-led state cabinet. Adhikari had joined the saffron brigade in December last year. The rebel Trinamool leader had claimed earlier that he would defeat Banerjee by over 50,000 votes in Nandigram. Seizing the opportunity, the saffron brigade also announced Adhikari's name as the party's candidate from Nandigram. As a result, the Nandigram Assembly constituency has virtually turned into a high-octane battleground for the warring Trinamool and BJP camps with the state's two political titans - Banerjee and Adhikari - locking horns with each other. Adhikari said on Wednesday that the people who have been duped by multi-crore chit fund scams in West Bengal would get their money back if the saffron party is voted to power, holding the Trinamool leadership responsible for the scams which looted crores of rupees from the public. "Now Banerjee has stopped saying Inshallah. We saw that she took an offence to the Jai Shri Ram chant during Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth centenary celebrations in January this year. Yesterday, she wore a slipper inside a temple. She is a Banerjee, a Brahmin, then why does she have to say that she is a Hindu," Adhikari asked at a public rally in Nandigram, after inaugurating the BJP's election office. At the rally, Adhikari also played recordings of Chandipath (holy chant) and then replayed Mamata Banerjee's version. "All her mantras were wrong," he said, mocking Banerjee's incorrect chanting of holy texts. The BJP's Nandigram candidate further attacked Banerjee for using the Hindu religion for politics. "I have requested Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to come to Nandigram and deliver a speech. Yogi-ji can chant the correct mantras, he should be brought here once to correct Mamata Banerjee's chants," Adhikari said. He also took potshots at the West Bengal Chief Minister, terming her as an outsider in Nandigram. "I am a 'bhoomiputra' (son of the soil) in Nandigram and a regular voter here. She does not even cast her vote in Nandigram. I know this place and its people for several years, unlike Banerjee who has come to Nandigram only for the elections," he said. Adhikari further said that he would file his nomination from Nandigram on a BJP ticket on Friday (March 12). "Union ministers Smriti Irani and Babul Supriyo are likely to be present with me at the time of filing the nomination," he said. Sources said other big names like Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and newly-joined BJP face and veteran Bollywood superstar Mithun Chakraborty may also be present at Adhikari's rally on Friday. LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruth Rizkalla, Partner at The Carlson Law Firm, has been selected to serve on the Plaintiffs' Leadership Committee in the Multi-District Litigation for injured consumers involving Teva Pharmaceuticals birth control device, Paragard. Rizkalla was appointed by the Honorable Leigh Martin May for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. "I'm honored to have joined this group to fight for the justice of the many women that have been hurt by the drug manufacturer's negligence," Ruth said. "I look forward to working alongside other members that are fighting for a successful outcome for these women that trusted Teva Pharmaceuticals. Medical device manufacturers like Teva must be held accountable for the injuries that they cause when they put profits over the health and safety of people." Many patients who took ParaGard chose it because it is the only intrauterine birth control device that is non-hormonala favored choice among women during their childbearing years. However, the device and drug manufacturer failed to properly warn patients about the following potential dangers associated with ParaGard: IUD breaks upon removal and causes: Infections Severe inflammation Scarring and damage to other organs IUD gets stuck in the uterus and requires surgery for removal The Carlson Law Firm is accepting a growing number of clients who have been hurt by ParaGard. Rizkalla has been in leadership positions in multiple mass tort proceedings. She has recently been appointed to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in the Elmiron Products Liability MDL and served as Co-lead in The Xarelto Products Liability JCCP. The Carlson Law Firm is a nationally recognized injury firm that has 14 locations in Texas and an office in Los Angeles, California. Visit carlsonattorneys.com for more information. Media Contact: Alyssa Ochoa Marketing Communications Assistant 254-526-5688 SOURCE The Carlson Law Firm Related Links https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/ Nandigram : , March 10 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was allegedly attacked in Purba Medinipur's Nandigram on Wednesday. Banerjee was rushed to Kolkata as she sustained leg injuries. "There were about four five men who did it... See how it is swelling up..." she said while pointing at her legs. She also alleged that it was a "conspiracy". "Of course it is a conspiracy... There was no security men around me," the Trinamool supremo added, when asked if it was a planned attack on her. Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, who was here, as the Chief Minister's scheduled visit was to continue till Thursday earlier, issued a statement. "After widespread response from the people of Nandigram Block-1 yesterday (Tuesday), Mamata Banerjee visited several places of Nandigram Block II after filing nomination at Haldia. She offered Puja in one after another temple. "There was a massive response from people everywhere. At about 6.15 p.m., when she was about to leave Birulia Anchal after performing puja in a temple, a few unknown persons pushed her to the car and forcibly shut the door, as a result of which she sustained injuries in her left leg and also suffered severe pain in the waist. She, thereafter, left for Kolkata to get proper treatment," ray said. She was scheduled to return to Kolkata on Thursday but was immediately rushed back to the state capital. A dishevelled-looking Banerjee, sitting in the front seat of the SUV, spoke to the media just before her convoy left for Kolkata. Earlier, after filing her papers for the Nandigram Assembly constituency seat, Banerjee took part in the two-km-long roadshow at Haldia. She was accompanied by party state president Subrata Bakshi. Following the incident in Birulia Anchal, sources said that Banerjee was immediately taken to her temporary residence at Reapara, before heading back to Kolkata. The Trinamool supremo had been contesting polls from her home seat Bhawanipore constituency, but this time chose Nandigram, a stronghold of Trinamool turn-coat Suvendu Adhikari who joined the BJP last year. A pitched battle was being expected from the word go. This is wicked stepfather Robin Armstrong who forced himself upon his eight-year-old stepdaughter, Joanna. The twisted 44-year-old pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court last month to five counts of sexual assault of a child and a further count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His victim, Joanna Burton (16), has waived her right to anonymity to expose her filthy stepfather who repeatedly attacked her in the family home in Ballymoney. Speaking to the Sunday World along with her mother Cara Hill, who consented to her daughter bravely speaking out, Joanna says she was devastated when her attacker was only handed a suspended jail sentence. Expand Close Joanna Burton bravely waived her right to anonymity to let the world know of her twisted stepdads abuse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Joanna Burton bravely waived her right to anonymity to let the world know of her twisted stepdads abuse I couldnt believe it when the judge jailed him for three years but then said it was being suspended so he wont spend a single night behind bars for what he did to me, says Joanna. He thinks he can get away with it and carry on living his life without anybody knowing because he abused a member of his family. Thats why Im waiving my right to anonymity to expose him to the world for what he really is a disgusting child pervert. When he reads this I want him to hear me saying, karmas a bitch. I hope he rots in hell. Joanna says during early court hearings of the case when Armstrong was denying all the charges he laughed and grinned at her in the courtroom. He still thought he had total and utter power over me back then but hopefully now he has had that smile wiped off his face, she told us. In Northern Ireland sex abusers who target family members cannot be identified to protect the identity of their victims. But Joanna and her mum were keen to expose Armstrong and signed forms drawn up by a solicitor to waive that right to anonymity. Joannas mum Cara also told this paper that Robin Armstrong need to be exposed publicly so other women would know what hes like. Hes so arrogant, he thought he could do whatever he liked and because of the circumstances nobody would know, says Cara. Im so proud of Joanna for speaking out because it means we can warn the women of Northern Ireland not to get involved with this man ever especially if you have kids. Now you have met Joanna and I think you can see shes a strong independent woman who makes her own calls Im just here to support her decision to speak publicly. She has every right to have her say he had his say when the perverted bastard decided to get into bed with an eight-year-old girl. And she has absolutely nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed of. Armstrong, with an address of Ferryquay Place, Coleraine, committed the multiple offences between January 2013 and June 2016. Joanna says she agreed to a plea deal meaning the most serious charge of sexual assault, which included penetration, was left on the books. I wanted the case to be over, I would have given evidence in the witness box but was glad I didnt have to, says Joanna. I still thought he would be sent to prison. If I thought for a second he wouldnt Id have refused the plea deal and gone into court. I was devastated when he was allowed to walk free. His twisted campaign of terror started when Joanna was just eight years old and continued until she was 11. Cara and Joanna say calculated Armstrong waited until his wife was sleeping before attacking his stepdaughter in her own bed. I had no idea this was happening to Joanna until she told me about it in 2018, says Cara. Expand Close Brave Joanna Burton waives right to anonymity to expose her former stepfather / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brave Joanna Burton waives right to anonymity to expose her former stepfather I was devastated. I had married and then separated from Robin by then and it affected me mentally very badly because I had brought him into the house and had no clue what he was doing. I had five kids and was exhausted so I went to bed early. Hed wait an hour until he knew I was asleep and then go into Joannas bed. Its sickening. He doesnt deserve to be in society. No real man would ever hurt a lady never mind do this to a child. Cara says Armstrong had appeared to be a different person when they first met but she now wonders if he had targeted her because she was vulnerable and had young daughters. When I first met Robin back in 2006 he was so charming and caring, says Cara. Robin was like a guardian angel. He was exactly what I needed at the time but now looking back I wonder if he always had this in him and I fear he targeted me because I had daughters. Cara (36)says things changed when they had their first child together. He became more aggressive and seemed to be jealous of the baby because he wasnt getting as much attention as he did before. He started losing his temper and the relationship started to go downhill. We got married in 2014 but we split up two years later. The abuse of Joanna started in 2013. Joanna said: I blocked it out of my mind for a couple of years and only told my mum when I was 14. By then my mum and him had separated. I went to the police and made statements and he was arrested shortly afterwards. He denied it for ages and like I say, he laughed at me in court. He must have thought he would never be convicted or that I wouldnt be strong enough to go through with it. I would just like to say to any girl or woman going through something like this dont suffer in silence speak out. Armstrong was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for three years on each of the six counts he pleaded guilty to. Cara said: In court they made more of his learning difficulties and gave him credit for pleading guilty even though he didnt plead guilty for years. They even mentioned he had suffered a heart attack and needed a stent put into his heart. You would have thought he was the victim the way they were getting on. I just wanted justice for Joanna and was shocked he wasnt sent to jail. My message to any woman out there is dont go near this man. He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and is barred from working with children and must not have any contact with any children unless supervised by social services or other officials designated by the court. He is subject to a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) for the next five years. Bengaluru, March 10 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday unveiled 'Xcelerator Bengaluru' to help women entrepreneurs grow across the state. "The 'Xcelerator Bengaluru' initiative will help 50,000 women entrepreneurs across the state to grow their business over the next 3 years," said Yediyurappa on the occasion. Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), Ubuntu Consortium and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) have jointly developed the Xcelerator Bengaluru to focus on women entrepreneurship as the growth driver in the southern state. Ubuntu is a consortium of 25 women entrepreneurs' associations in the country to bring all women entrepreneurs under one umbrella and grow their business to contribute to the national economy. Recognising the potential of women entrepreneurship as a force multiplier for economic growth, the chief minister said entrepreneurship had been a major driving force of the state's economy and plays a key role in building an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). "The state's budget for ensuing fiscal (2021-22) has a robust policy framework and a vibrant ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The Xcelerator initiative will provide an impetus women entrepreneurship in the state," said the Chief Minister. "With the country's economy emerging out of the Covid pandemic, the Xcelerator programme is aimed at supporting and scaling 24 women-owned businesses for customer acquisition and capacity building in people and infrastructure, said Ubuntu's founder-president and state's former chief secretary K. Ratna Prabha. Xcelerator Bengaluru is co-created by ecosystem actors, including women entrepreneurship development organisations, academics, industry associations and seasoned entrepreneurs. The Xcelerator Bengaluru Taskforce is headed by Bhairavi Jani, director of SCA Logistics and founder of IEF Entrepreneurship Foundation. "Empowering women entrepreneurship is an important agenda for the state. FKCCI is committed to support the initiative with resources and infrastructure for implementing Xcelerator across the state," said its president P.K. Sundar. A dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is prepared in Orange, Calif., on March 9, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Orange County Gets Another Supply Injection With Arrival of Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Orange County has begun incorporating the Johnson and Johnson vaccine into its inoculation efforts. Some of the 16,000 doses received March 5 are being distributed at various point of distribution (POD) sites, while others will go to local teachers. The FDA authorized the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on Feb. 27, making it the third federally approved CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus vaccine in the country. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which require two shots a few weeks apart, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires one dose. However, the latter vaccine is also the least effective option. The FDA says the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is about 67 percent effective in preventing moderate to severe or critical COVID-19 at least two weeks after inoculation. Pfizer is 95 percent effective, and Moderna is 94 percent effective, according to the FDA. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is 85 percent effective in preventing severe or critical cases at least 28 days after vaccination, according to the FDA. Pfizer is 95 percent effective and Moderna is 94 percent effective after vaccination, the FDA said. Supervisor Don Wagner recognized the discrepancy but said the Johnson and Johnson vaccine still had merit. The efficacy of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine appears to be lower than the Pfizer and Moderna, he told The Epoch Times. But it does seem to be extremely effective against the most severe consequences of the disease. Another Johnson and Johnson shipment is expected at the end of the month. I would urge anybody, if they have an opportunity to get any of the vaccines, to get it, Wagner said. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. New Delhi, March 10 : The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed 'The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2021' amid sloganeering by the Opposition over the demand for suspension of Business on the issue of farmers' agitation and fuel price hike. Following the pandemonium, the Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till March 15. Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu rejected the notices given by the Opposition on the ongoing farmers agitation and fuel price hike. Congress MPs Deepender S. Hooda and Rajiv Satav, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha and DMK MP Tiruchi Siva gave notices on farm laws while Bahujan Samaj Party MP Ashok Siddhartha's notice was on about the fuel price hike. "The opposition will have ample time on these issues during the Budget and appropriation Bill discussion, also the farmers' issue has been discussed during the first leg of the Budget Session, so notices are not allowed," Naidu said. The Chairman said: "You want discussion or disruption?" The House was first adjourned due to pandemonium till 12 noon. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said: "It will not be fair not to discuss the issue when farmers have been agitating in the country." The farm protests have entered its fourth month after it started on November 26 last year at various borders along the national capital. The logjam in the Upper House has been continuing since the beginning of this week, when the second leg of the Budget Session began. Last week, I was saddened to learn that among the Dr. Seuss books to have been canceled in recent weeks is And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. It's a special book for my 11-year-old son and me, as we both read it for the first time together years ago. This was one of his early favorites, and I have fond memories of him happily sounding out the words of the story over and over. This was Seuss's very first children's book to be published, and it is excellent. It tells the story of a young boy who's walking home from school, pondering his father's stern warnings to keep his head below the clouds and not to tell such fantastic tales. He spies a plain horse and wagon on Mulberry Street, however, and finds that simple sight to be much less interesting than the giant, zany parade that he challenges himself to create in his imagination. What's purported to be racist in the book is its seemingly innocuous depiction of a "Chinese man who eats with sticks" involved in the parade. Suffice it to say, if this image alone is enough to warrant attempts to extract the book from circulation and expunge it from culture, I'd suggest you pick up a copy of Breakfast at Tiffany's while you still can still find one on Amazon or eBay, because that piece of celebrated art will undoubtedly find its way to this woke mob's social pyres soon for Mickey Rooney's portrayal of the landlord, Mr. Yunioshi. There is a certain irony in legions of woke leftists supporting the cancelation of these books, because Theodor Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss, was certainly a man of the progressive left, and this messaging often drips from the pages of his books. Yertle the Turtle, for example, could either be read as a simple fable about fairness or a screed in support of labor unions who seek to topple the greedy capitalists that are profiting, literally, on the backs of those beneath them. In fact, not long ago, the book's characters and quotes were banned from usage by a teachers' union in Canada during a dispute for being "too political." Now, call me old-fashioned, but I'm inclined to believe that a free society shouldn't be celebrating the figurative burning of books and that government or corporate oligarchs shouldn't be pressured by morality mobs to limit access to them in a free market. But if we absolutely must cancel a Dr. Seuss book, it shouldn't be Mulberry Street, which no child in a million years could ever be politically radicalized by reading. It should be Seuss's antifree market opus, The Lorax. The tale begins in a barren and dark landscape, where a young child pays the Once-ler to tell him all about the fabled Lorax. The Once-ler takes his coin and regales him with a morality tale about the dangers of greed and excess. "Back in the days when the grass was still green," the story goes, the Once-ler rode into a lush paradise in a covered wagon and proceeded to hack down the beautiful Truffula trees to make garments called Thneeds. The Lorax, best described as a a tree nymph, I suppose, tells the Once-ler that he "speaks for the trees" and continually castigates him for his greed. Undeterred, the Once-ler builds factories to produce the Thneeds, which contaminate the environment. Eventually, the Lorax and all the creatures leave the greedy Once-ler in the once beautiful land that he had destroyed, having chopped down and consumed the very last Truffula tree. In a somber glimmer of hope, the Once-ler drops a Truffula seed to the young boy, who can maybe return the land to its Edenic state, if only he heeds the lesson of his greedy and insatiable ancestors. Like Yertle, one might be inclined to take this as a fable to highlight environmental awareness, but as is usually the case with artists venturing into the realm of anti-capitalist allegory, it's all a bit on the nose. It is a children's book, after all, and the message is impossible to miss. The story is meant to feed a social awareness that industrious individuals' ravenous desire for profits leads to the mismanagement and destruction of resources. This lesson has certainly been imbibed by a generation of young people reassuring itself that "we are the ones we've been waiting for" and demanding that government, not greedy capitalists, manage the world's resources for them. The problem isn't just that this is all entirely false, but that it's an incredibly dangerous fallacy. The Industrial Revolution led to unquestionably the greatest advancement of human well-being in all of our history as a species, yet it is often associated with negative imagery, such as environmentally destructive factories run by robber barons, carelessly consuming resources until the point of eventual exhaustion. This is the basis for the kind of anti-capitalist environmental zealotry promoted by The Lorax, but it's spectacularly untrue. In fact, the free-market dynamics that have largely prevailed (particularly in the West) since the Industrial Revolution have been instrumental in the conservation and proliferation of resources, not their exhaustion. Given that there has never been, in all of human history, more of what humans need to live or relative luxuries for them to enjoy than what we have today, this truth is self-evident. A healthy market requires, writes Max Borders at the Foundation for Economic Education, three components: private property, profits, and prices. Prices are "information wrapped in an incentive," so "when the price of some resources goes high enough," he continues, "[property] owners have the incentive to do any number of things. They might use less of it (i.e., conserve it), they might find new creative ways to increase the supply of the resource, or they might find a substitute, which ends up conserving the resource." American free markets are certainly the enviro-socialists' greatest enemy, but how good have American capitalists been at hacking down all the trees in America's forests, 63 percent of which are privately owned? Actually, as good as they've been at cutting them down, they've been even better at planting and sustaining them to ensure forests' long-term usefulness and profitability, and as such, there are many more trees today than 100 years ago. But it's not just trees. If the logic of The Lorax were applied to other resources that are ostensibly exploited by greedy profiteers to make consumer goods, cattle barons would have driven the tasty cow into extinction long ago. But they haven't. And, as Borders observes, the unowned bison once roaming the public plains by the millions aren't nearly as abundant as the cows that are owned and raised by free-market profiteers on privately owned lands, where their property is secured by barbed-wire boundaries and legal protections. There is tremendous danger in the proliferation of the out-and-out lie that communal ownership and socially engineered distribution of resources is morally preferable to private ownership of property and the control mechanisms of the free market, which include the profit motive. That notion is the core belief driving communism, which left over 100 million corpses in its wake in the twentieth century, and few books are guiltier of demonizing free markets and profits for impressionable children than The Lorax. I'm not in favor of censoring beloved children's books to meet the demands of ever-evolving cultural standards, to be clear. But if we absolutely must be in the horrible business of canceling Dr. Seuss books, perhaps The Lorax would be the best choice. Though something tells me that this isn't the kind of censorship that today's woke Marxists promoting historical revisions and the cultural destruction of America's past have in mind. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The European Union delegation to the Philippines welcomed the move of the national government to investigate the deaths of nine activists in Calabarzon over the weekend, but it also reminded the country of its commitment to hold all human rights violators liable. "The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines welcomes the announcement by the Government of the Philippines to investigate the killings of nine individuals by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 7 March 2021," the EU delegation said in a statement. "Reports on the use of excessive force against unarmed individuals and alleged irregularities in the law enforcement operations have raised concerns." "We recall the commitment undertaken by the Philippines at the Human Rights Council to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, in accordance with due process under national courts of the law and in full compliance with its international human rights obligations," it added. Malacanang earlier said the government is obligated to probe the killings, which happened during simultaneous police operations in the region last Sunday. But the Palace maintained that President Rodrigo Duterte's order to shoot and kill armed rebels is "legal." Police also claimed their operations were "legitimate" as the suspects carried explosives and assorted weapons with them. Among those killed were Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Pagwawasak ng Kalikasan at Kalupaan staff Chai Lemita-Evangelista and Ariel Evangelista, SIKKAD K3 members Michael Dasigao and Mark Lee Bacasno, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Cavite secretary general Manny Asuncion, and Dumagat tribe leaders Puroy dela Cruz and Randy dela Cruz. The United Nations on Wednesday also expressed concern over the incident, which also led to the arrest of six others. Businesses have been proactively injecting capital into agriculture and rural development in the past five years. How has this sector lured in investors? Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development After nearly 30 years of economic reforms, Vietnam is now home to more than 750,000 businesses, part of whom has gathered an extensive experience in management, finance, and aspiration to effectively tackle key issues in the agricultural sector. Nevertheless, Vietnam has still tremendous potential to spur agricultural development. Each year, the country rakes in more than $40 billion from the export of agricultural products, of which processed items only account for 11 per cent, signifying the vast room that remains to scale up export value through raising the share of processed products. Current policies and orientations are very open. Our 63 provinces and municipalities have also been constantly taking measures to coax investors. In the past five years, promoting investment into agriculture has been set a priority in investment attraction by localities. For instance, the leaders in Gia Lai province in the Central Highlands region had come to where the aircraft landed to greet businesses. This indicates the high commitment of localities. These factors have created a synergy, attracting more businesses to invest in agriculture and rural development. Between 2015 and 2020, companies joining this field had almost quadrupled, rising from 3,640 units to more than 13,280, located in all areas of the country. Many of these have been establishing firm positions and helping to ramp up the countrys agricultural production value. By virtue of deeper processing, the raw export ratio has fallen to 70 per cent at present from 90 per cent previously. Foreign investment into agriculture remains modest, accounting for just about 1 per cent in the total committed foreign direct investment (FDI) capital, with the number of projects in deep agricultural processing rather low. How can the sector attract more investors into this field? Up until now, most foreign investors have not been keen on doing business in this field. By the end of 2019, just $3.5 billion of FDI were poured into agriculture, making up 0.97 per cent of Vietnams total FDI value compared to the global average of 3 per cent. Most foreign invested projects are small in size and concentrated in seafood and vegetable and fruit processing in some localities. However, things have been slowly changing in the past two years with a remarkable increase in the number of firms joining thanks to policy incentives and the vast growth potential in agriculture. Last year alone, 17 projects with a capital value surpassing VND20 trillion ($869.5 million), had kicked-off their construction and inaugurations, helping to change the landscape of private investment into agriculture. Only a handful of firms have engaged in deep processing, so it remains important to encourage more of them to invest in this field, providing efficient support to Vietnams 8.6 million farmers. The enforcement of the Law on Public-Private Partnership Investment could motivate further investments in agriculture. A decent and firm legal framework surrounding public-private partnership projects could also push up investments as the agricultural sector still has great potential for development. It is also necessary for localities to work on maintaining stable input material growing areas, as well as close ties between farmers and businesses that can develop more alliances in the chain of production, processing, and consumption of agricultural produce in their areas, particularly where there is a large potential to become growth engines for the whole region. Meanwhile, harmony between the interests of all stakeholders should be fostered. The growth of local groups has contributed to brightening Vietnams agriculture and rural development picture. Which issues should be tackled to further enhance the role of local businesses and sharpen the sectors competitiveness? Local businesses play an increasingly important role in diverse agricultural fields. Compared with the global scale, however, Vietnamese agriculture possesses many weaknesses with a minuscule production scale. Increasing links between farmers in cooperatives, suppliers, and distribution businesses are crucial, particularly in the face of deepening international integration. The enforcement of free trade agreements can also bring diverse benefits in the long run, yet also entails many challenges as we must compete head-on with nations with a more developed agriculture or with investment streams from global giants. These challenges must be taken into account, so that we can take measures to gradually perfect the regulatory system and raise implementation efficiency. Filmmakers from Cairns and Townsville have commenced production on their short documentary projects, as part of Authentic a Screen Queensland initiative with Screenworks. Authentic is a fully funded $4,000 opportunity for three filmmaking teams, based in Far North Queensland and extending to North Queensland, to produce short films about significant personalities in their region. Each team will work closely with a mentoring producer from ABC to refine their shooting scripts, production planning, rough cuts and final edits, with potential for completed work to be greenlit to screen on ABC platforms. Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer Jo Dillon said, We are delighted to announce Cairns teams Janne Rytkonen with Samantha Martin, and Shontell Leah Ketchell with Ewan Cutler, alongside Townsville-based creative Robert Crispe, as recipients of the Authentic initiative. By providing access to mentoring from expert decision-makers at ABC, were actively growing local screen know-how in northern parts of our state, while opening pathways for emerging practitioners to develop strong concepts with broadcast potential. Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch said, This program is designed to develop the professional skills and capabilities of regional screen practitioners based in the North and Far North, and should lead to more local stories and productions being made in the region. Screenworks is delighted to partner with Screen Queensland to continue offering these types of invaluable opportunities and ongoing support for the burgeoning screen industry in FNQ and beyond, he said. Director of ABC Regional & Local, Judith Whelan, added, Local storytelling is at the heart of everything the ABC does in regional Australia and this initiative from Screen Queensland and Screenworks gives us the opportunity to foster and develop the storytellers of tomorrow. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity for this years recipients to enhance their filmmaking skills, but also it gives back to our audiences in North and Far North Queensland by relaying the stories of prominent people in their communities. Related Ukrainians are ready to defend their land, delegation chief stresses. Within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, Ukraine will put forward for consideration a settlement plan. If it is not accepted, more pro-active efforts to repel Russian aggression will be pursued, which implies defense, not an offensive, says Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of Ukraine who now heads the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG. Intelligence agencies and the military are aware of the Russian proxies' plans so "there are no surprises", Kravchuk told Dom TV. "We know that more troops are being deployed, that drills and exercises are underway. But the Ukrainian Army is no longer the same as five years ago we're ready to defend our land," said the chief of the Ukrainian delegation. Kravchuk added, Ukraine "will never attack first," and therefore the delegation initiates a peace plan to be considered by the TCG. Read alsoAbkhazia scenario: Russia could deploy its troops in Donbas as "peacekeepers", Ukraine official admits"But if the other side refuses, then we have only one thing left to defend," he said. He stressed that the country's forces would act based on realities, and that "we cannot turn a blind eye to the threats they're out there." "And we will respond to them adequately, we will provide a mirror response, but without provoking any actions that would threaten people's lives," concluded Kravchuk. Donbas: Other reports Reporting by UNIAN The European Union is investing billions of euros in fundamental and core technologies as part of efforts to strengthen its technological sovereignty and reduce its dependence on the United States and China. The Fraunhofer Institute, a state-backed German research agency, defines technological sovereignty as the ability of a state to provide technologies that it considers critical to its welfare, competitiveness and ability to act, and be able to develop them without unilateral structural dependence. Europe is currently heavily dependent on foreign technology, but the continent's leaders want to change that. Strengthening Europe's digital sovereignty is a key component of our digital strategy, a representative from the European Commission told CNBC. However, Europe is currently lagging behind when it comes to critical technology infrastructures such as semiconductors and ultra-fast telecommunications networks. For 61.6 per cent, the island should not even import Chinese-made anti-coronavirus drugs. Taiwan is open to renewed talks with China, but on an equal footing. The Quad is moving against Chinese vaccine diplomacy. EU Council president slams propaganda from Xi Jinping's regime. Taipei (AsiaNews) About 76.1 per cent of Taiwanese do not want COVID-19 vaccines made in China, this according to a recent survey by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership. The survey also shows that 61.6 per cent of respondents do not want Chinese anti-coronavirus drugs to be imported into the island. The government of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has made it clear several times that it will not buy Chinese vaccines. Reacting to former President Ma Ying-jeou, from the nationalist and pro-China Kuomintang party, who asked the government to accept Chinese vaccines, Taiwanese Health Minister Shih-chung said that there is not enough data on their effectiveness and safety. The international scientific community has also expressed doubts about the final testing of Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, now on the market. These concerns have resurfaced in recent days. Two Hong Kong citizens have died after receiving the first dose of Sinovac. For one of the deceased, local health authorities have ruled out any connection to the vaccine, blaming the death on pre-existing conditions. For the other, considered healthy at the time of the jab, an answer will come once autopsy results are released. Survey results indicate that most Taiwanese back Tsai. About 76.1 per cent of the people contacted by the Association of Chinese Elite Leadership support the president when she says that Taipei is willing to reopen talks with Beijing, but only on an equal footing. Communist China has boycotted Taiwan since Tsai took office in 2016. The Taiwanese leader has never said she wants Taiwan to obtain formal independence, but has always refused to recognise the one China principle. Because of this position, she is seen by Chinese leaders as a dangerous pro-independence leader. Beijing views the island is a rebel province to be forcibly conquered if necessary. Analysts say China might use vaccine diplomacy to further reduce Taiwan's international presence. At present, the island has full and formal diplomatic relations with only 14 states. To contain the growth of Chinese influence in the world, the four Quad countries (Quadrilateral Security Alliance) have confirmed that they want to cooperate to provide anti-COVID vaccines to developing nations. The leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia will sign the agreement next Friday during an online summit. The European Union is also critical of Chinese vaccines and their exploitation for geopolitical purposes by Beijing. In a tough speech, European Council President Charles Michel yesterday said: We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others. Michel points out that available data indicate that China and Russia have so far administered half as many doses as the European Union per 100 inhabitants. Europe, he said, will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes. We promote our values. Over the past three weeks of hearings lawyers representing Gibril Massaquoi, alias Angel Gabriel, in his war crimes trial have focused heavily on inconsistencies in witnesses testimonies in an apparent effort to discredit the prosecution case. On Tuesday, defence lawyer Kaarle Gunmerus played sections of a recording made during Finnish investigators interviews with a witness in 2020. Despite protests by the prosecutor, Mr Gunmerus convinced the presiding judge to play 30 second portions of the tape 13 times to make very clear the difference in the witnesss two testimonies. The witness, code named Civilian 62 by the court to protect his identity, had told the investigators that he didnt know the leader of the soldiers carrying out atrocities in Waterside during the period as Gibril Massaquoi, but rather as Angel Gabriel. During cross-examination on Tuesday, Civilian 62 told the court that he heard the name Gabriel Massaquoi from the man who informed him that some Finnish people were in town and were interested in hearing his account of what occurred in Waterside. I told him I didnt know that name but the name that was ringing in Waterside at the time was Angel Gabriel and he said it is the same person, Civilian 62 said. However, the witness had earlier told the court that it was a lady who was captured alongside him who told him Gibril Massaquoi was his real name while Angel Gabriel was a war name. I was asking why are they calling him Angel Gabriel when he is not doing anything good? The woman next to me said, Gibril Massaquoi is his real name, Angel Gabriel is his war name, Civilian 62 told the court. In another inconsistency, the witness told the court Tuesday that he was 14 years old in 2001 when he was held captive by the soldiers in Waterside, where he and his older brother had gone to look for rice to buy to sell. But he had informed the Finnish investigators that he was between the ages of 15 to 16 at the time of the incident. When pressed by defence lawyer Mr Gunmerus on why he gave the investigators a different age, the witness said he may have been confused at the time. In order to secure a guilty conviction, prosecutors must convince the four-judge panel that Mr Massaquoi is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. By highlighting these inconsistencies, Mr Massaquois defence is hoping to sow doubt in the judges minds. Mr Massaquoi, 51, is currently on trial in Finland for committing and inciting the murders of civilians and enemy fighters, rape and other war crimes and human rights violations during the second Liberian civil war. He denies all the allegations, saying he was not in Liberia at the time the events occurred. Mr Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean national, has lived in Finland since 2008 where he was relocated in exchange for devastating testimony that he gave to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Experts say Mr Massaquois testimony was instrumental in the conviction of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other leaders of the Sierra Leone civil war. Mr Massaquoi was arrested in Finland in March last year after Swiss advocates, Civitas Maxima, working with Global Justice Research Project, alerted prosecutors to Mr Massaquois alleged crimes in Liberia. The Finnish Court moved to Liberia to hear the testimonies of witnesses more than 45 for Liberia. The court will also hear testimonies in Sierra Leone. Civilian 62 said he and his older brother had gone in search of rice to sell. His brother gave him the money and sent him to wait at their usual spot in the Waterside area where they often bought rice. The witness said he saw a group of men bursting a store to loot. He went there and also grabbed a bag of rice. On his way out of the shop, he heard a heavy sound and people began to shout, Angel Gabriel men coming again ooh. He then saw a pickup truck full of soldiers who began shooting into the store. ADVERTISEMENT When these guys came, Angel Gabriel and his guys jumped out of the pickup. He said, kill anyone you see coming out with rice. They were shooting for about one minute, 30 seconds. Some people died. Some people hid themselves. He gave the order that they should search the store to see who was alive and pretending to be dead, he said. His brother was among those who were shot and killed at the store. Unfortunately, my brother that I left behind. I saw them bringing him outside, he said. Civilian 62 said there were women with babies on their backs in the store. They were all thrown in the back of the pickup truck and taken to an unfinished building on the Waterside bridge. When we got there, Angel Gabriel took a girl by the hand and said, Im carrying her, shell be my wife. He said, yall take the other girls and enjoy yourselves, the witness said. He said a girl who had resisted following one of the soldiers was shot by Angel Gabriel. She fell on my lap and he walked close to me and bent down. He asked me Do you want to see God? I shook my head because I was afraid. While they were being tortured at the bridge, a soldier came in a pickup truck and began to ask the soldiers why they were holding civilians captive and torturing them according to the witness. He said, This is not the reason I brought you here. I brought you here to help me, not to kill innocent people. The witness said this Liberian soldier seemed to be higher in rank and was being referred to as Chief 50 or General 50. Benjamin Yeaten, who served as the Armed Forces of Liberias deputy commander and director of the Special Security Service during the presidency of Charles Taylor, was widely known by his own radio call sign 50. He was a Liberian militia leader and mercenary. His whereabouts remain unknown. Mr Yeaten was mentioned in testimony last week. A previous witness told the court that the Liberian soldiers who came in a pickup truck to the Waterside checkpoint to their rescue informed Angel Gabriel and his men that they were sent by Benjamin Yeaten. The trial continues on Wednesday (today). This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. In the "August 10" criminal case, the Minister of Justice can request for the administrative procedures to be verified, and, if new evidence is found, criminal investigation can be resumed, declared on Tuesday evening, for public broadcaster TVR1, the minister of Internal Affairs (MAI), Lucian Bode, according to AGERPRES. "I have never commented and I do not comment the decisions of the court. (...) but (...) we cannot pretend to not see what the entire world has seen, what happened on August 10. Once the dismissal order was published, I believe that together with the Minister of Justice - I had a discussion with the Minister, on behalf of president Klaus Iohannis - a working group formed from our structures from the Secretariate General, from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and the Ministry of Justice has met and ... I can say the following, but it is a hypothesis: the Ministry of Justice can notify the Judicial Inspection for verifying the administrative procedures during the criminal investigation. This, on the one hand. Also, if new evidence is identified, they can make a new request for resuming the criminal investigation," Lucian Bode declared. He added that he intervention request can be formulated in the case, for those that had to suffer and opened criminal cases. "Here, after all, from my point of view, it is an act of will which needs to be manifested by both the Ministry of Justice, as well as MAI. I am willing, through all our structures, to contribute to this action. The very core of the matter, without passing the responsibility, is obviously, at the Ministry of Justice and, following a close analysis of the motivation, we will have a point of view. There are also many criminal cases opened by citizens, who suffered, are victims in what happened then, on August 10 (...) including on this component we can analyze the possibility of formulating an intervention request in the interest of those that are involved in this trial and to admit their complaint and reopen the criminal investigation. There are choices, after all," Lucian Bode said. On March 2, the Bucharest Court rejected the request of the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) of reopening the case against the former heads of the Gendarmerie in the "August 10" case. A sign from Alberta Health Services instructs people on good hygiene at Golden Acre Home and Garden centre in Calgary, Canada, on April 14, 2020. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press) Alberta Crown Prosecutors Continue to Drop COVID-19 Tickets, More Withdrawals Expected Prosecutors in Alberta are continuing to withdraw tickets issued to residents who had defied COVID-19 public health orders. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom, a charity law firm that defends Canadians Charter Rights, announced on Tuesday that Alberta provincial Crown prosecutor has dropped three tickets, and a municipal crown prosecutor has revoked one. Public health officials are not the supreme law of the landthe Constitution is, said Jay Cameron, litigation director for the Justice Centre. A significant portion of the arbitrary and confusing public health orders which have so oppressed Canadian society are, on their face, unconstitutional and cannot be justified. As a result, many of the tickets issued for the supposed violation of such orders will never be prosecuted. Cameron said the mass withdrawal of COVID-19 tickets is likely to continue as prosecutors across the country correctly decide to stay charges. The organization is representing nearly 100 people who were ticketed for violating provincial public health orders in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. The Justice Centre said the Crown prosecutor has withdrawn all COVID-19-related tickets issued to all of its clients who had participated in protests against government lockdown measures. Cases of Withdrawn Tickets In one of many cases, Trevor Marr was given a $1,200 ticket under the Public Health Act after randomly joining a protest rally on Dec. 19, 2020, in downtown Calgary. On Feb. 25, the Crown notified the Justice Centre that the ticket was withdrawn. I agreed with what the speaker was saying, the restrictions resembled Communist China more than freedom-of-speech-Canada. It felt good to live in a democracy where I thought we were free to protest! Marr said, according to the Justice Centre. Bernie Driedger, a primary care paramedic, was issued a $1,200 ticket on Dec. 22, 2020, for not wearing a mask while shopping at a grocery store in La Crete, Alberta. Driedger said a nosy out-of-towner was taking pictures of residents who refused to wear masks, and he believes the photo was sent to the provincial authorities. On a personal level, I believe wearing a mask is unnatural, unsanitary, and predominately anti God I believe it to be symbolic. Wearing a mask shows the world I am easily compliant and am a willing participant in orders unsubstantiated by proper science or reason, he said, according to the Justice Centre. Driedger was suspended from work for three days because of the picture. His ticket has since been withdrawn by the Provincial Crown Prosecutor. In Calgary, Ryan Audette was issued a $50 ticket for allegedly not wearing a mask while attending a demonstration against lockdowns in November 2020. Audette was ticketed for not wearing a mask in a public premise as ordered in the Calgary Face Covering Bylaw. The Justice Centre said Calgary Police Service Constable L. Clarke, who issued the ticket to Audette, was confused about the Bylaw mandated mask-wearing rule. On March 2, Calgary Crown Prosecutor Maggie Burlington ordered the ticket to be dropped. Justice Centre President John Carpay said in a recent speech posted online that when you violate those rights and freedom, the onus is on the government to show that those measures are actually doing more good than harm, and they have not met that onus. According to its website, the Justice Centre has filed court actions in five provinces to end what it believes to be Charter-violating lockdowns. Bidens broader plan for trade with China may not become more apparent until domestic issues are softened. Photo: AFP A document released last week on the new US trade direction formalised statements made by Joe Biden and members of his team in the last few months on how they will handle China and other trade priorities. The Biden administration is conducting a comprehensive review of US trade policy towards China as part of its development of its overall China strategy, read the report. Addressing the China challenge will require a comprehensive strategy and more systematic approach than the piecemeal approach of the recent past, it added. The report outlined a few detrimental actions from China, such as barriers to re-strict market access and unfair subsidies. They also include coercive technology transfers, illicit acquisition, and infringement of American intellectual property, censorship and other restrictions on the internet and digital economy, and a failure to provide treatment to American firms in numerous sectors comparable to the treatment Chinese firms receive in those sectors in the United States, the document said. Bidens administration will cooperate with partners and allies to make sure that China lives up to its trade obligations. It will work with such allies to implement necessary reforms to the World Trade Organizations substantive rules and procedures to address the challenges facing the global trading system, including growing inequality, digital transformation, and impediments to small business trade, the report explained. The release of the document comes as Katherine Tai, Bidens nominee for US Trade Representative, awaits Senate confirmation. Tai said last week she would work to address a range of issues concerning Chinese trade and economic practices including intellectual property protection, market access restrictions, and censorship, reported Reuters. If confirmed, Tai will inherit a long list of unresolved trade and tariff disputes from former President Donald Trumps administration. The list includes elevated tariffs that the US and China slapped on each others goods during Trumps term, as well as Chinas lagging purchases of US goods under the phase one trade deal. Resumption in talks The trade pact signed by the US and China last year put a pause to a tariff fight that threatened the global economy. Among other things, the deal requires China to buy $200 billion more in US goods and services on top of its 2017 purchases. According to the Peterson Institute of International Economics, China fulfilled just 58 per cent of its purchasing goals in the first year of the deal. Although it beat its targets for pork, corn, cotton and wheat, it fell behind on soybeans, sorghum, lobster, and other agricultural products. Its purchases of American energy products also fell short, achieving just 40 per cent of the 2020 commitment. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded saying the US should scrap the tariffs, end the suppression of Chinese technology firms, and lift its restrictions on science research institutes. The most recent substantial talks between the two were in August, when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and then US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer agreed to continue implementing the deal. Although there has been no top-level contact on the trade front since then, insiders said talks have continued at a working level. We hope the consultation mechanism can resume as soon as possible, said Lu Xiang, a senior fellow of US studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The phase one deal was an important sign of goodwill for China to improve the trade balance with the US, but the decline in US supply during the pandemic and Washingtons policies towards China undermined the consultation mechanism. There will be no positive outcome if the US continues with its strategic competition with China. Some time may have to pass until results or major decisions are made in terms of the trade dispute in particular, with the Biden administrations making pandemic recovery the top priority and focusing on the American worker, according to the 2021 Presidents Trade Agenda and 2020 Annual Report. Workers will have a seat at the table as the Biden administration develops new trade policies that promote equitable economic growth by including strong, enforceable labour standards in trade agreements that protect workers rights and increase economic security, as outlined in the agenda. The administration will engage allies to secure commitments to fight forced labour and exploitative labour conditions, and increase transparency and accountability in global supply chains, it added. Bidens trade priorities will also include negotiating and implementing strong environmental standards and seek to promote equitable economic growth through trade. The tech tussle Meanwhile, the presidents team is moving to put semiconductors, AI, and next-generation networks at the heart of US strategy towards Asia, according to Bloomberg, attempting to rally what officials are calling techno-democracies to stand up to China and other techno-autocracies. This new framing for the US rivalry with China has been given added urgency by the sudden global shortage of microchips needed in products such as cars, mobile phones and refrigerators. The strategy would seek to rally an alliance of nations fighting for an edge in semiconductor fabrication and quantum computing, upending traditional arenas of competition such as missile stockpiles and troop numbers. Current and former government officials, along with outside experts, said the administrations plans in the technology sphere are a microcosm of its broader plans to take up a more alliance-oriented but still hostile approach to China after a more unpredictable approach under President Trump. Theres a newfound realisation about the importance that semiconductors are playing in this geopolitical struggle because chips underlie every tech in the modern era, said Lindsay Gorman, a fellow for emerging technologies at the German Marshall Fund of the US. Its an effort to double down on the technological comparative advantage that the US and its democratic partners. It is an approach partly based on denying China access to certain technology for as long as possible, Gorman said, looking to quash Chinese juggernauts like Huawei and even taking a page from the Communist Party of Chinas playbook by boosting government involvement in key industries when needed. As the US prepares a review and legislation that would ultimately strive to bring chip manufacturing back home and to invest more in technology, the focus in US talks with China should be on ways that the two countries can cooperate and reduce the worst effects of the trade war, according to Chinese fintech expert Sara Hsu writing in The Diplomat. The ongoing trade war is costly and should be addressed now, and time should be taken to carefully address these issues through a series of meetings between the US and China. MADISON, Wis. (AP) The trial for an 18-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin was pushed back Wednesday by seven months and could be delayed even longer. Kyle Rittenhouse's trial was scheduled to begin March 29, but both sides told a judge that they needed more time to prepare. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder set a Nov. 1 trial start date, with a May 17 status hearing. Rittenhouse faces multiple felony counts, including reckless homicide and reckless endangerment. He also faces a misdemeanor count of being a minor in possession of a firearm. Rittenhouse appeared with his attorney during the court hearing broadcast over Zoom. He only spoke when the judge asked him if he had any problem with the delay, which would push his trial start to more than a year after the shootings. No, your honor, Rittenhouse said. He was seated behind his attorney and wearing a mask. The judge cautioned that the trial could be pushed back even further, saying the November date was not written in stone. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said both sides needed more time, citing a number of outstanding issues," including DNA testing. Rittenhouse's attorney, Mark Richards, agreed to targeting the fall for a trial start. Were interested in moving this matter forward but whatever the court decides, well abide by," he said. According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse, who is white, traveled to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, on Aug. 25 after a local militia posted an online message seeking help protecting businesses from protesters. Kenosha was in the throes of several nights of chaotic protests after a white police officer shot Jacob Blake, who is Black, in the back during a domestic disturbance. The shooting left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, opened fire on protesters Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz with an AR-15-style rifle. Rosenbaum and Huber were killed. Grosskreutz was wounded but survived. Story continues Grosskreutz and his attorney also attended the hearing but did not speak. Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the three protesters attacked him. Police let him walk through their lines in the moments following the shootings, even though Rittenhouse still had his rifle slung over his shoulder and protesters were screaming that he had just shot three people. Conservatives have rallied around him, painting him as a symbol for gun rights. They generated $2 million for his bail in November. Black Lives Matter supporters have worked to define him as a trigger-happy white supremacist. Richards told Schroeder last month that Rittenhouse has received threats and has moved into a undisclosed safe house. ___ Associated Press writer Todd Richmond contributed to this story. Bible scholar and Christian author Dr. Michael Brown urged Pro-Life evangelicals who voted Biden into office to repent of their blind spots and to seek reconciliation with other pro-Trump evangelicals and Catholics. In response to "Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden's" open letter stating their disappointments on the Biden administration - particularly on the issue of abortion and the exclusion of Hyde Amendment in COVID-19 relief packages, Dr. Brown pointed that during the electoral campaign, the current President has made his positions clear. On the issue of abortion, Biden said that he's running as a president who won't support pro-life initiatives. As for the Hyde Amendment, Dr. Brown linked to the news headline ran by the New York Times back in 2019 which clearly spelled out Biden's position. He added another link from the Democratic platform highlighting the statement, "We will repeal the Hyde Amendment, and protect and codify Roe v. Wade." Dr. Brown questioned Biden-supporting evangelicals' statements that they were "shocked" and that they feel "used and betrayed." Brown called it "willful ignorance." Dr. Richard Mouw, leader of the Pro-life evangelical for Biden campaign said that they supported the President's candidacy under the condition that there would be dialogues on the issue of abortion and the Hyde amendment. "I don't see any reason why a Catholic president like Joe Biden who certainly has understood the teachings of the church could not at least say we want to cut back on the number of abortions, we don't want to federally fund abortions except in extreme circumstances," Mouw told CBN. "Some of the things that Mr. Biden has said have been very moving, but at the same time some of his actions seem to go against that," Mouw added. Brown argued that these Christian leaders should have seen what was coming when they chose to support Biden and now that it's here, they're expressing regret. Brown said that there were plenty of warnings before on the grave consequences of simply riding on the Democrat leaders' promises, and enumerated several incidents that these warnings were put forth. Nonetheless, the pro-Biden evangelicals did not heed them. "Surprise, surprise. And in this case, I don't mind saying that we told you so in advance. These are grave matters indeed, and that's why our warnings were grave as well," Brown wrote. The renowned Christian author also did not fail to contrast Biden's failure to deliver on his promises against former President Trump who listened to the counsels of evangelicals. "Ironically, for all of President Trump's failings, he did what no other recent president has done, namely, kept his promises to evangelicals and kept his door wide open to them. In fact, to my understanding, a key reason he kept so many of those promises was because of the influence of the evangelical leaders who frequently had his ear. They helped him to do the right thing." Noting how things could likely get worse under the Biden administration, the scholar encouraged pro-life evangelicals to do the following: Ask God's forgiveness for helping empower this radical, pro-abortion agenda. Reach out to pro-Trump evangelicals and Catholics to rebuild bridges and find common ground. And then, as one, to unite in transcending the political parties and, once and for all, turn this nation to embrace the sanctity of life. Rather than wallowing in despair over "shame" and whining over "betrayal," Dr. Brown calls for a turning to "life-giving repentance." "Only repentance can bring mercy from the screams of the unborn whose fates you have helped seal," he said at the end of his critique. WASHINGTON As prominent Democrats call for the party to rally behind Gov. Gavin Newsom amid his mounting recall threat, the White House declined Wednesday to detail what it might do to support him further. Weve spoken out in support of Gov. Newsom and against the recall, so that remains our position, press secretary Jen Psaki told The Chronicle at the White Houses daily briefing. Psaki declined to answer whether President Biden might personally offer more backing to Newsom if the recall makes the ballot, which its supporters say theyre confident it will. Were not quite there yet, Psaki said. The nonspecific endorsement came as pressure is increasing on Democrats to meet Republicans efforts to nationalize the recall effort. Donations to the recall campaign have poured in from national sources, and conservatives are eager to make the race a referendum on Democrats coronavirus policies. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a progressive with a dedicated grassroots following, urged prominent Democrats to recognize the politics and rally to Newsoms cause. Right-wing Republicans in CA are trying to recall @GavinNewsom for the crime of telling people to wear masks and for listening to scientists during COVID. Extremist Republicans have done enough to undermine democracy already. We must all unite to oppose the recall in California, the Vermont Independent senator tweeted this week. A dozen Asian American California officials held a news conference Wednesday decrying the recall drive as a partisan political power grab, echoing a line that Newsom debuted the night before in his State of the State speech. The politicians painted the campaign as a right-wing, Republican, Trumper effort that would result in far worse leadership for the Asian American community. This is really the Republicans only chance, if the recall is even successful, to get a Republican governor elected in California, state Controller Betty Yee said. Growing vaccination numbers and an influx of billions of dollars in stimulus cash from the federal government could help Newsom weather an eventual campaign. But for both the governor and Biden, the political problem of school closures and restless parents remains. California schools say the additional federal dollars wont necessarily help them open any faster, as logistical and consensus-building issues are unresolved. Psaki said the issue would be the No. 1 priority of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. He will be working with school districts, including Im sure in California and San Francisco and others, to work to address what they feel the challenges are to reopening, whether its funding thats needed, whether its consensus building, Psaki said. The president wants schools to be open, five days a week, he wants kids to be learning in school and were going to do everything we can to ensure thats happening. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 09:23:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the National Health Commission said Wednesday. Five new imported COVID-19 cases were reported on Tuesday, said the commission in its daily report. Three new suspected cases arriving from outside the mainland were reported in Shanghai, but no new deaths related to the disease were reported, it added. On Tuesday, eight COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals following their recovery. By the end of Tuesday, a total of 5,104 imported cases had been reported on the mainland. Among them, 4,932 had been discharged from hospitals following recovery, and 172 remained hospitalized. No deaths had been reported among the imported cases. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland reached 90,007 by Tuesday, including 177 patients still receiving treatment. A total of 85,194 patients had been discharged following recovery on the mainland, and 4,636 had died of the disease. There were three suspected COVID-19 cases on the mainland by the end of Tuesday, and 4,699 close contacts remained under medical observation. Tuesday also saw 16 asymptomatic cases newly reported, all arriving from outside the mainland. On the same day, no asymptomatic cases were re-categorized as confirmed cases. A total of 251 asymptomatic cases, all arriving from outside the mainland, were under medical observation. By the end of Tuesday, 11,120 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 202 deaths, had been reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), 48 cases had been reported in the Macao SAR, and 977 cases, including 10 deaths, had been reported in Taiwan. A total of 10,662 COVID-19 patients in the Hong Kong SAR had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, 47 had been discharged in the Macao SAR, and 932 had been discharged in Taiwan. Enditem Nation eases path for multinationals From:ChinaDaily | 2021-03-10 06:43 Overseas companies welcome new investment policies For multinational corporations grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, China emerged as a silver lining to their balance sheets last year. The nation has launched favorable policies to stabilize and attract foreign investment, and this was underlined on Friday when Premier Li Keqiang announced a series of opening-up measures in his Government Work Report. Li delivered the report to the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body. According to business executives, foreign companies will benefit from China's latest plans to shape its role as a global growth engine in a test of locally adapted innovation and a venue for generating best business practices. These plans include further cutting the negative list for foreign investment, opening the services sector in a well-regulated way, formulating a negative list for cross-border trade in services and advancing the Hainan Free Trade Port. One of the companies to benefit is the German chemicals giant Covestro, which produces a variety of polyurethane and polycarbonate-based raw materials used in industries from automobiles to electronics. China contributed to more than 20 percent of Covestro's annual sales last year, regaining its position as the company's largest single market after being overtaken by the United States a year earlier. Holly Lei, president of Covestro China, said: "The country was the 'backbone' for our performance last year. In the company's eyes, China was definitely the first to enjoy growth and lead the global recovery." She attributed these achievements to the effective pandemic control measures implemented by the Chinese government, which led to a swift rebound in manufacturing and broader economic activities. "We, as a foreign enterprise, welcome such policies highly and have benefited a lot," Lei said. The string of opening-up measures is good news for foreign companies operating in China. Premier Li said the country would promote steady growth of imports and exports this year, increase credit support to small and medium-sized foreign trade companies, and encourage the development of new forms of trade, including cross-border e-commerce. Executives said such efforts would create a high-quality business environment and promote economic globalization. The Chinese government is committing ongoing genocide against ethnic Uyghurs in violation of the UN Genocide Convention, according to an expert report published on March 9. The report from the Washington-based think tank Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy provides an independent analysis of the Chinese states legal responsibility, finding Beijings policy toward its Uyghur population has violated "each and every act" of the Genocide Convention. China has already faced condemnation for placing more than 1 million Uyghurs and members of other mostly Muslim ethnic groups in western Xinjiang Province into concentration camps, which Beijing calls reeducation and training centers needed to combat separatist terrorism and extremism. Locked Up In China: The Plight Of Xinjiang's Muslims Radio Free Radio/Radio Liberty is partnering with its sister organization, Radio Free Asia, to highlight the plight of Muslims living in China's western province of Xinjiang. In one of its final acts, the outgoing administration of President Donald Trump declared in January that China is carrying out genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. State Department spokesman Ned Price said on March 9 that President Joe Bidens new administration has not seen any developments that would change the U.S. assessment. Last month, Canadas House of Commons voted to label Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs as genocide hours after China claimed its treatment of the minority group was a "shining example" of human rights progress. The Genocide Convention was approved following the tragedies of World War II, with most countries, including China, as signatories. It lists multiple acts that constitute genocide, but in the broadest terms defines it as the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. While violating just one part of the convention can meet the definition of genocide, the Newlines report alleges Chinese authorities are in "breach of each and every act prohibited" by the definitions. According to the report, the acts of genocide committed include but are not limited to the intent to destroy, killings, mass internment, restricting and preventing births, forceable transfer of children, and eradicating Uyghur identity and community. The ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs is a logical result of a series of sequential and cumulative acts, evolving from the collection of biometric data of Uyghur residents, to the assignment of [Communist] party cadre teams to monitor Uyghur families, to the destruction of Uyghur cultural and religious sites, language, literature, and poetry -- all the foundations of Uyghur life and identity -- to the criminalization of Uyghur religious practices, the construction and expansion of internment camps and detention facilities across every populated area of the region, the cycles of mass Uyghur internment and forced labor, to systematic forced abortions and the sterilization of Uyghur women of childbearing age, widespread rape and sexual abuse, and the forcible separation of Uyghur children from their disappeared parents, the report said. It said the policy has been orchestrated from the highest levels of the state and Communist Party down the bureaucratic line all the way to internment camp guards. The nature of these interconnected and composite acts inescapably demonstrates the clear, effective, and firm control of the state over the ongoing genocide, the report said. In compiling the report, Newlines had dozens of experts in fields ranging from international law to Chinese ethnic policies examine the available evidence regarding treatment of Uyghur people and the legal aspects of the Genocide Convention. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) Sixty-one lawyers, judges, and prosecutors have been killed under the Duterte administration, according to an independent tally released by the Free Legal Assistance Group on Wednesday. The lawyers' group said 43% or 26 of these killings are "deemed work-related," or connected to the victims' legal practice. The crimes happened between July 2016 and January 2021, based on news reports and monitoring of the Lawyers Rights' Watch Canada. "The fact that almost half of the killings were due to work-related or possibly work-related motives is an indicator of the growing danger of practicing the legal profession in the country," FLAG said in its report. "This, along with the fact that no one has been arrested in 73% of the killings, are indications that the government has failed to fulfill its obligation to adequately safeguard lawyers who are threatened as a result of discharging their functions." Fifteen of the killings are considered drug-related since the victims either represented accused drug personalities, or were implicated in the illegal drug trade themselves. The rest of the 27 incidents were believed to involve personal motives, such as debts or robbery, and other unknown reasons. FLAG also provided a breakdown of the victims 32 were into private legal practice, 21 were incumbent public officials, eight were former or retired public officials, and four were public interest lawyers. Slain public officials included eight prosecutors and five judges. FLAG noted that two of the public interest lawyers represented political prisoners, activists and peasants, and were previously red-tagged or accused as members or supporters of communist rebels. While around a dozen of lawyers were being killed yearly for the past four years, not one conviction has been made, according to FLAG. "The government investigated most of the incidents," FLAG said, but noted that suspects have been arrested only in 13 of the killings, and charges have been filed only in nine cases so far. Forty-eight of the legal practitioners were killed by motor-cycle riding assailants. The perpetrators were later identified in five of these killings. In four killings, the suspects were police officers. In one of these cases, charges against the cops were dismissed by the Department of Justice. In a circular from the Office of the Court Administrator on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered all judges of first and second level courts to fill out a nationwide survey meant at creating an inventory on pending cases involving harassment, threats, attacks, and killings of lawyers. The judges were given 10 days to do so. Since last week, lawyers have been reiterating their call for the Supreme Court to take action following another attack on a legal practitioner. Human rights lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen, one of the counsels for petitioners against the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act, was stabbed by two unidentified men in Iloilo City on March 3. READ: Supreme Court told: Dont wait for another lawyers killing Lawyer Evalyn Ursua said President Rodrigo Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, should publicly denounce and call for an end to the attacks on legal practitioners. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Northern Data AG (XETRA:NB2, ISIN: DE000A0SMU87) has appointed Jens-Philipp Briemle as Head of Investor Relations to further strengthen its Investor Relations activities. Heading the Company's strategic communications to enhance Northern Data AG's global positioning in the capital markets, Jens-Philipp Briemle will report directly to CEO Aroosh Thillainathan. Jens-Philipp Briemle has a deep background in Investor Relations. He joins Northern Data from MDAX-listed Gerresheimer AG, a leading international provider of high-quality primary packaging where he was heading the IR department. Prior to that, he worked for SDAX-company Schaeffler AG, one of the leading automotive suppliers, and held various management positions at DAX-listed RWE AG, one of the world's largest companies for renewable energies. Jens-Philipp Briemle started his career at UBS Investment Bank after completing advanced studies in business administration at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz and the University of Paris-Sorbonne. "Jens-Philipp's expertise, personality and many years of experience make him the ideal match for positioning Northern Data as a growth company on the capital market," said Aroosh Thillainathan, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Data AG, and continued: "I am very happy that Jens-Philipp is joining our management team with his strong track record and background from leading IR positions in companies with international operations. He will make a difference in our strategic communication." Jens-Philipp Briemle, Head of Investor Relations at Northern Data: "I am joining Northern Data with great enthusiasm. It's bound to be an exciting journey with a clear strategic roadmap and I am pleased to be part of this fantastic team." About Northern Data: Northern Data AG develops and operates global infrastructure solutions in the field of High- Performance Computing (HPC). With its customer-specific solutions, the company provides the infrastructure for various HPC applications in areas such as bitcoin mining, artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, IoT or rendering. The internationally active company was formed from the merger of the German company Northern Bitcoin AG and the American company Whinstone US, Inc. and is today a leading provider of HPC solutions worldwide. Northern Data offers its HPC solutions both in large, stationary data centers and in mobile high-tech data centers that can be set up at any location worldwide. The company combines self-developed software and hardware with intelligent concepts for a sustainable energy supply. The Northern Data group currently employs around 200 people. Investor Relations: Jens-Philipp Briemle Head of Investor Relations An der Welle 3 60322 Frankfurt am Main E-Mail: jens-philipp.briemle@northerndata.de Phone: +49 171 557 6989 Press Contact: Dr. Hans Joachim Durr Head of Corporate Communications An der Welle 3 60322 Frankfurt am Main E-Mail: hans.duerr@northerndata.de Phone: +49 69 348 752 89 Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities of Northern Data AG and does not constitute a prospectus of Northern Data AG. The information contained in this press release is not intended to form the basis of any financial, legal, tax or other business decision. Investment or other decisions should not be made solely on the basis of this press release. As with all business and investment matters, please consult qualified professional advice. SOURCE: Northern Bitcoin AG View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634622/Northern-Data-AG-Appoints-Jens-Philipp-Briemle-as-Head-of-Investor-Relations Police have seized 2080 cannabis plants and arrested four people, including the man they say directed the criminal syndicate. More than 2000 cannabis plants have been seized at a NSW property as police swooped on an organised crime group. Officers executed a search warrant at the semi-rural property at Schofields on Sydney's northwest fringe about 7am on Tuesday morning. They found 2080 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $5.8 million and arrested two men and a woman at the property. Police have seized 2080 cannabis plants and arrested four people, including the man they say directed the criminal syndicate (stock picture) An hour earlier, a 28-year-old man had been arrested at a unit in the Sydney suburb of Rhodes, where police also seized mobile phones and cannabis. Police say the 28-year-old is the ringleader of a large organised crime syndicate involving the cultivation and supply of cannabis across the state. All four have now been charged. The arrests are part of Strike Force Hyperion, an almost year-long investigation into outdoor cannabis cultivation across Sydney. Strike force detectives seized 2379 cannabis plants from a Campbelltown property last month, making five arrests. Police say that property was linked to the same syndicate. 'Just across two properties, this criminal syndicate has earned in excess of $12 million from cultivation of cannabis,' Detective Acting Superintendent Jayne Doherty told reporters on Tuesday. 'We're confident there have been a number of cultivations from each of the properties.' Both properties just looked like regular rural properties growing plants, Ms Doherty said. But the electricity at the Schofields property had been bypassed and the house was used to propagate juvenile cannabis plants. 'These groups are funding other criminal activity within our country and that's why we will take every step address them and to cut them off,' she said. The 28-year-old was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday. The three others were refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Kia is recalling nearly 380,000 cars to fix an issue that can cause the vehicles to catch fire. The automaker also warned owners to park their respective cars outdoors and away from structures until it fixesthem. What Causes Kia Cars to Catch Fire? According to Consumer Reports, this issue is due to a potential short-circuit in the vehicle's hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) that is a part of the braking system. Before this happens, drives might be able to notice various illuminated warning lights on the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, including the tire pressure warning light, ABS warning light, or check engine light. There may also be a burning or melting smell or smoke coming out from the engine compartment. The New York Times reported that the advisory was given Tuesday from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator about Kia automobiles' recall. The NHTSA advisory stated that until these Kia cars have not been repaired or recalled, owners might consider parking their cars outside and not on their respective garages for the meantime. The NHTSA, a U.S. Department of Transportation unit, also stated that the affected vehicles are models not equipped with Smart Cruise Control. In documents provided to the NHTSA, Kia said that it is unaware of fires, crashes, or injuries in U.S.-related recalls. However, multiple recalls from others involves fires in both Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Although Hyundai and Kia are separate brands, they are both under the same parent company and their cars often share parts, designs, and engineering. Also Read: 2017 Kia Picanto: Could This Be The Best Small Car Of The Year? Kai Responds to Car Recall Kia, the South Korean automobile manufacturer, issued a recall Tuesday for Sportage compact sport-utility vehicles made between 2017 to 2021 and Sportage sedans from the same period, over concerns before the electronic compartments could short-circuit and cause fires. CNN reported that owners of the vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail beginning April 30. Owners can also visit the safecar.gov website and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number, or VIN, to check if their vehicle is subject to a recall. Meanwhile, Kia dealers will be able to provide services in replacing fuses to prevent power from going to the affected circuit boards of the cars. In some cases, Kia's vehicle software will also be updated. Customers will not be charged for the repairs. Steps to Follow if Kia Cars Might Catch Fire These are the steps Kia car owners can take if their cars catch fire or there is a warning about potential fire. First, pull over and shut off the engine to stop the flow of fuel. Then, get yourself and other passengers out of the car as quickly as possible and make sure to stay at a significant distance from 100 to 150 feet or more from the vehicle. Call 911 or any first responders to your location and get emergency services on their way as soon as possible. Also, never open the hood or trunk if there is a suspicious fire there; the additional airflow could make the fire bigger. Related Article: 2018 Kia Stinger Braves Nurburgring Nordschleife Race Track As it stands, just 6.5 percent of people in the European Union have been inoculated, compared with nearly 58 percent of Israelis who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The figure is 33 percent for people in Britain, and 18 percent for the United States, according to data collected by OurWorldInData. Whether to reveal the extent of E.U. exports has been hotly debated in the corridors of the European Commission, the blocs executive branch, which is at the heart of procuring the vaccines and has suffered the biggest political blow for the underwhelming rollout. But several senior E.U. officials argued that revealing the immense export efforts that are keeping countries around the world vaccinated and helping the world economy restart might help Europes reputation after last weeks dispute. Italy was able to block the shipment to Australia last week under a new emergency rule that allows any E.U. member to halt exports of the vaccines produced in the bloc. Italys decision was a bold, if symbolic move to push the bloc to make more demands of pharmaceutical companies. (The companies have contracts with countries around the world, but the details of the deals are often secret, making it difficult to know what deliveries have been promised to various countries.) Rickie Andersen took a brief break from work in March after she fell ill. Her cough, fever and chills were typical Covid-19 symptoms, but coronavirus tests were so scarce she could not obtain one to confirm the diagnosis. After Andersen returned to her job as an information systems project manager in the San Francisco Bay Area, she struggled with profound fatigue, cognitive difficulties and other disabling complaints. For six months, she tried to keep awake during meetings and finish basic tasks that took much longer than before. Finally, she decided to retain legal help so she could take advantage of the disability insurance coverage offered as an employee benefit. "I realized this is not going to be a short-term thing," Andersen said. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are experiencing what is being called "long Covid" a pattern of prolonged symptoms following an acute bout of the disease. Many have managed to continue working through accommodations like telecommuting, cutting down on hours and delegating responsibilities. Others have found it impossible to fulfill their professional obligations and are making the tough decision to stop working and seek disability benefits. But as they pursue the application process, they are discovering a particular set of challenges. Given the lack of testing in the first months, many "long haulers," like Andersen, have no laboratory proof of infection. While antibody tests can provide such evidence, their accuracy varies. Moreover, many of the reported symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment, are subjective and not clearly linked to specific organ damage. Beyond that, compiling a thorough record for a disability application and navigating the bureaucratic hurdles require sustained brain power, something many long-haul patients can no longer muster. Barbara Comerford, a New Jersey disability lawyer, said she received dozens of inquiries starting last fall from long haulers seeking advice on filing for disability and often citing what is being called "brain fog" as their main complaint. "Most are people calling to say, 'I thought I could do it. I can't. My mind doesn't function for more than really brief periods of time,'" Comerford said. She gave a presentation to the New Jersey State Bar Association in mid-February on how to develop evidence for such cases. In the U.S., close to 30 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus, although many cases of infection are asymptomatic. What proportion might be affected by long-term illness isn't known. Scientific understanding of the phenomenon is in its infancy. In January, The Lancet reported that around three-quarters of more than 1,700 Covid patients who had been hospitalized in Wuhan, China, reported at least one ongoing symptom six months later. More recently, investigators from the University of Washington reported in JAMA Network Open that around 30% of 177 patients who had tested positive for the coronavirus still reported symptoms when they were surveyed one to 10 months later. The Social Security Administration provides long-term disability to American workers who qualify under its strict criteria, but applicants often get turned down on the first try. A few states, including California and New York, provide short-term disability benefits, in some cases for up to a year. Tens of millions of Americans also have private disability coverage, most often as part of their employment benefit packages. The maximum currently available to an individual through the Social Security Disability Insurance program is just over $3,000 a month. A typical private long-term disability plan might cover 60% of a beneficiary's base salary, with a much higher maximum amount. Sandy Lewis, a pharmaceutical industry researcher, fell ill last March with what she assumed was Covid. She recovered but relapsed in April and again in May. Through her employer-based insurance coverage, she received short-term disability for November and December, but the insurer, Prudential Financial, rejected her request for an extension. Soon after, she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, or ME/CFS, a debilitating illness that can be triggered by viral infections. Lewis, who lives outside Philadelphia, is planning to appeal Prudential's rejection of the short-term extension and apply for long-term disability. But the matter is unlikely to be resolved before fall. The situation has left her feeling "devastated," she said, and in serious financial distress. "This has been such an arduous journey," she said. "I have no income and I'm sick, and I'm continuing to need medical care. I am now in a position, at 49 years old, that I may have to sell my home during a pandemic and move in with family to stay afloat." In Lewis' case, a Prudential reviewer noted that her symptoms were "subjective" and that there were no physical exam findings to correlate with any ongoing functional limitations, according to Cassie Springer Ayeni, an Oakland disability lawyer who is representing her as well as Andersen. Prudential would not comment on a specific case. Evan Scarponi, chief claims officer, said in a statement that "our collective understanding of Covid-19 and any associated long-term effects are still evolving" but that Prudential is "well-versed in evaluating both subjective and objective aspects of disability claims." Lawyers and advocates in the field expect the numbers of Covid-related long-term disability applicants to rise this year. But it's still too soon to detect any such increase, said a spokesperson for the American Council of Life Insurers, a trade association. Workers typically must be unable to work for half a year before becoming eligible for long-term disability benefits, and applying can itself be a lengthy process. Brian Vastag, a former Washington Post science and health reporter with ME/CFS, stopped working in 2014 and then sued Prudential after it rejected his long-term disability claim. Insurance companies, he said, can easily find reasons to dismiss applications from claimants with chronic illnesses characterized by symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment. "The insurance companies will often say, 'There's no objective evidence, so we have nothing to support your claim,'" said Vastag, who won his case against Prudential in 2018. "I'm worried about the long-Covid patients who can't work anymore." Claimants can appeal a rejection. If the insurer rejects the appeal, claimants have the right to sue, as Vastag did. However, most such cases fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Because this federal law requires a losing insurer to pay the unpaid claims but does not provide for punitive or compensatory damages, critics argue it incentivizes the denial of coverage. In the event of litigation, the court's role is to assess the already existing evidentiary record. That means it is essential to present a robust case in the initial application or during the administrative appeal before any litigation begins, said Ayeni, the disability lawyer for Andersen and Lewis. "It's the only shot to build a record for the courts, to develop a full body of evidence," she said. However, a successful disability case ultimately depends on documenting inability to work, not on obtaining a specific diagnosis. To augment the medical evidence, Ayeni often sends clients for neuropsychological testing, investigations of lung function and other specialist assessments. She also gathers affidavits from family members, professional colleagues and friends to confirm patients' accounts. In Rickie Andersen's case, the strategy worked. Recognizing how complicated the application process was likely to be, she sought legal help early on. The insurer contracted by her employer approved her for short-term benefits late last year and granted her application for long-term benefits in February. "I knew all of it was completely exhausting, so it wasn't something I thought I could do on my own," Andersen said. This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Huey Harrison (March 10) praises the courage of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge for not voting with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill. Coronavirus cases in the US are dipping and the number of daily vaccinations is rising. But public health experts are pressing two key concepts they say show that Americans still need to mask and distance for a while longer: First, case levels are still as bad as they were during a difficult summer. Second, clues increasingly suggest a more transmissible variant is about to cause trouble. The country has averaged about 57,400 new Covid-19 cases a day over the last week -- down 14% from the week before, and way below the country's pandemic peak of about 255,380 a day in early January, according to Johns Hopkins University data. But the current level is similar to that of last summer, on either side of a July peak of more than 67,000 new cases daily -- and higher than a September valley of 32,500 from which a torrid fall and winter surge launched. "We were talking about those numbers (above 50,000) back in the summer with horror. We've just gotten so used to astonishingly high levels of transmission, and now it's down to a roar, but it's still quite a bit," Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital, told CNN Tuesday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has touted getting daily new cases down to well below 10,000 to lower the risk of surges. Signs suggesting a highly contagious B.1.1.7 variant that was first detected in the UK could cause another rise in cases is another concern. Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, has said the B.1.1.7 variant is showing up in 30% to 40% of the Covid-19 cases examined in US surveillance checks, up from just 1%-2% just weeks ago. When the saturation reached 50% in Europe, cases surged, he said. In Houston alone, the variant was found in surveillance testing of wastewater at 21 of the city's 31 treatment plants on February 8; two weeks later, it was found at 31, the city's chief medical officer, Dr. David Persse, said Monday. "With these new variants on the rise, we have to be really cautious. ... This is not a time to be relaxing those restrictions," Hotez said Tuesday. Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sounded a similar note Monday. "We're not done yet, Covid isn't done with us. The variants are still a risk," Frieden said. "You don't declare victory in the third quarter." Dr. Chris Murray, director of the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), said his team's projections show "things will slowly but steadily get better." "But in our worst scenario, where people stop wearing masks faster, start having gatherings faster, then you can see a surge in April," he said. You asked, we answered: Your top questions about Covid-19 and vaccines Hospitalizations and deaths also have been declining Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths also have been dropping. The number of Covid-19 patients in US hospitals was around 43,100 as of Sunday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services -- nearly half the number seen a month ago. The country has averaged 1,502 Covid-19 deaths a day in the last week -- down 22% from the week prior, the the lowest level since November 30, according to Johns Hopkins. Another state leader announces eased restrictions Despite experts' warnings about the dangers that persist, a series of states last week unveiled plans to loosen Covid-19 restrictions. Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon announced he will lift the statewide mask requirement and will allow bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms to resume normal operations, starting March 16. "I ask all Wyoming citizens to continue to take personal responsibility for their actions and stay diligent as we look ahead to the warmer months and to the safe resumption of our traditional spring and summer activities," the governor said in a statement on Monday. A face-covering protocol will stay in place for K-12 schools, he added. Other state leaders, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also announced earlier this month they were doing away with mask mandates. Health officials including Fauci and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky have urged Americans to continue masking up and staying Covid-19 safe even as states move to eliminate restrictions. "Listen to the recommendations of the CDC regarding mitigation methods, wearing of masks, physical distancing," Fauci told the National League of Cities on Monday. "Listen to what their recommendations are." About 60% ages 65 and older have received at least one vaccine dose While the number of Americans who have been vaccinated grows every day, the country is still likely a few months away from herd immunity -- the point at which enough people are protected against a disease that it cannot spread. So far, more than 61 million people in the US have gotten at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to CDC data. More than 32.1 million are now fully vaccinated, the data shows. That's roughly 9.7% of the US population. About 60% of Americans ages 65 and older, meanwhile, have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, CNN analysis of CDC and US Census Bureau data indicates. That's a notable proportion, because the risk of severe disease and death increases significantly as a person gets older. People ages 65-74 are 35 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 1,110 times more likely to die from Covid-19, than someone who is 5-17 years old, according to the CDC. People ages 75-84 are 55 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 2,800 times more likely to die; the likelihood is even higher for ages 85 and above. The CDC on Monday released new guidelines for fully vaccinated people, saying they can safely visit with others who have been vaccinated, as well as small groups of unvaccinated people in some cases -- but safety precautions are still needed. The guidance says fully vaccinated people can visit other vaccinated people indoors without masks or physical distancing, can visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without masks or physical distancing -- if the unvaccinated people are at low risk for severe disease -- and can skip quarantine and testing if they're exposed to someone who has Covid-19 but are asymptomatic, but should still monitor for symptoms for two weeks. Read more about the new guidance here The CDC also noted its travel recommendations have not changed: it says people should delay travel and stay home. The guidance will continue to be updated, Walensky said on Monday. MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo said he had received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine as part of the country's vaccination program. "I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Belisario Porras school... I am proud of the great team that is hosting the biggest vaccination day in history," the 68-year-old politician wrote on his Twitter page. Currently Panama residents over 60 are being immunized against COVID-19. Panama currently uses the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer / BioNTech for vaccination. In February, the Russian Embassy in the Central American country told Sputnik that Panama also intended to purchase Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and that the country's Ministry of Health was holding talks about that. Overall, 345,236 cases of COVID-19, including 5,934 fatal cases, have been reported in the Central American country with a population of 4.2 million. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. China managed to get the strategic Chushul heights vacated on the cheap but India is portraying the partial disengagement as victory by Ashok K Mehta With five State elections planned over the next few months by accident or design, India might have hit a strategic sweet spot: Defusing its two-front standoff against China and Pakistan. With a partial and selective disengagement secured on Chinas terms, India is portraying this as victory in sync with its policy of resolute response to force the Chinese withdrawal from heights astride the Pangong Tso, leaving other Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) intrusions from Depsang to Demchok intact. Last Thursday MEA spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava, sounding abundant caution, said it was Indias expectation that China will work with it to complete disengagement in the remaining areas which will lead to de-escalation in East Ladakh. That alone will lead to peace and provide conditions for progress in bilateral relations. Last Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was singing an old tune on the rights and wrongs of the standoff, blaming India and reiterating that neither country was a threat to the other. After the standoff, China has adopted a substantially different position by not placing the border dispute as central to bilateral relations. On February 25, Wang informed Foreign Minister S Jaishankar of some wavering and back-pedalling affecting practical cooperation between the countries. This is reason enough to delay future meetings to defuse other friction points. It is fair to assume that for China, the disengagement process is over with Beijing managing to get the strategic Chushul heights vacated on the cheap. The reference to difficulty in practical cooperation will make future military and civilian dialogue on restoration of status quo ante April 2020 highly unlikely certainly not before July 1, the Chinese Communist Partys centenary conclave. Indias readiness to make concessions to China comes straight out of Jaishankars book The India Way: Strategies For An Uncertain World. No one knows the numbers involved but approximately 2,000-3,000 troops (a brigade) from each side have pulled back, not pulled out. Both sides have 50,000-70,000 soldiers posted on the front lines. The additional deployments and capital costs as well as maintenance and logistics put together for one year are estimated to be nearly Rs 30,000 crore (Rs 21,000 crore in capital expenditure alone). Then there is the cost of re-posturing troops from Pakistan to Chinas front which is work in progress. This level of additional expenditure has never been incurred on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the revenue cost will further undercut modernisation. Chinas defence budget has crossed $200 b, roughly four times Indias. Its internal security bill is even higher as it is the main driver of internal cohesion. The India-China capability gap can be measured from the investment differential and willingness on the part of China to use the power quotient for coercion on the LAC. Indian Generals prominent reference to Chinese disengagement from the lakes as loss of faith was seen as insulting (and beginning of practical difficulties). The PLAs withdrawal from the Fingers area was traded for vacation of the strategic Chushul heights they had occupied for the first time since 1962. Yielding the key bargaining chip for an immediate political imperative provincial elections may prove costly. But this give-and-take was necessary for the Narendra Modi Government to depict the disengagement as victory against China. The Government has utilised the militarys strategic prowess Uri (2016), Doklam (2017), Balakot (2019) and now Ladakh (2021) as political success stories against China and Pakistan. The backchannel talks with Pakistans NSA Moef Yusuf, which India has denied, took place after the Galwan clash because the two-front situation began to hot up. It was a wise move, coming as it did after Indian security planners decided to switch four divisions facing Pakistan towards the North. The ceasefire could lead to a new India-Pakistan normal. Suddenly, pieces of the two-front puzzle are seen coming together despite the absence of a national security strategy. That says something. New Delhi is on the threshold of major defence reforms: The India Way without an Integrated Review or Strategic Defence and Security Review. Military commanders in charge of these reforms must not trivialise the process by allowing symbolism and politicisation to creep in to please the political elite. Last week the tri-service commanders were lined up in Gujarat for their review meeting in front of the towering statue of Iron Man Sardar Patel, when that photo-op should have been with the images of military icons like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh, because the PMO wanted it. Regrettably, military ethos and traditions are alien to most Indian politicians and civil servants. But the partial disengagement deal, achieved by the Foreign Ministers under conditions of power asymmetry, reflects Indias willingness to accept that the price of a pragmatic settlement (with China) will be less than the cost of a difficult relationship. (The writer, a retired Major General, was Commander, IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, currently the Integrated Defence Staff. The views expressed are personal.) New Delhi, March 10 : Ashish Kaul's "StreeDesh: The Forgotten Women Of Kashmir" is said to be the first research-based film that has chronicled the life of 13 legendary women from undivided Jammu and Kashmir. The film is an attempt to bring forth the iconic legacy of the women as well as their contribution to social, economical, military and political upliftment of the erstwhile state. The film was premiered here at Indira Gandhi National Centre for The Arts (IGNCA) on the occasion of Women's Day on Monday. Present at the event was Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, illustrious educationist and Member Secretary of IGNCA, who also chaired the premiere. Dr. Sushma Jatoo, Project Director, IGNCA, for "StreeDesh", and media personality Sharad Dutt of Doordarshan, besides Dr. Kumud Sharma of Delhi University, were other dignitaries at the event. Talking about the film, director Kaul said: "Today, on this Women's Day, I feel like a father to these 13 women who were forgotten by history and our own country. The world needs to know that the greatest achievements in the world, which included the world's first network of public distribution of food grains, the first cooperative banking system, the world's first paid army, the world's first commando force, counter intelligence mechanism, the greatest war strategy ever created -- the guerrilla warfare, the parliamentary form of government, tax reforms among many others, were a gift by the women of Jammu and Kashmir. Regrettably, the glory of our women was eradicated by historians and various biased governments who felt threatened by women who asserted themselves." The film is produced and presented by Dr. Sachidanand Joshi. It was shot across historical locations all over Kashmir, Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri. Apart from directing the film, Ashish Kaul has scripted, handled cinematography and managed production of the film. "StreeDesh" is now the first research-based historical documentation of the life and times of these 13 women, right from 5BC to 11th century, and is thus a herculean effort of documenting over 5,000 years of the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Kaul added: "The project took me across challenging geographical regions of the world including Afghanistan and Iran in search of our history over the last six years. Apart from the film and the research monograph, 'Project Streedesh' includes 13 independent books that chronicle the life and times of these 13 incredible women. Didda, the warrior Queen of Kashmir, which was released by the legendary star Amitabh Bachchan, was the first book in the series." "Women of Jammu and Kashmir constitute almost half the population, and unlike any other states our women are highly educated and full of resolve. Sadly, the government has never paid attention to opening a dialogue with the women of the state. Reintroducing them with their own unparalleled history will play a catalyst in removing the menace of terrorism. We have been only talking to men and our conversations are male-centred when it comes to Kashmir. It is time to change the goal post and create women-centric points for restoration of peace and prosperity of the state." Daniel Andrews may be forced to undergo excruciating back surgery and be left out of work for months after slipping on wet stairs and fracturing his spine. The Victorian Premier fell while getting ready for work at a rented holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday morning. He was placed in intensive care after scans revealed he cracked multiple ribs and injured the T7 vertebrae in the middle of his spine, before he was moved to the specialist trauma centre at Alfred hospital in Melbourne overnight. Doctors will decide whether the 48-year-old will need surgery on Wednesday, but orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Cunningham said the injuries are significantly worse than initially anticipated. He is likely to endure significant pain and have reduced mobility for many weeks, the expert warned. Pictured: Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to the media on March 2, just one week before his accident Orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Cunningham (pictured) said the Victorian leader's injuries could be significantly worse than initially anticipated Mr Cunningham, while not Mr Andrews' doctor, has been working at the Royal Melbourne hospital for a decade and based his analysis off the description of the Premier's injuries. He described the accident as 'tragic'. 'From what I've heard of his injuries I think he'll be in a lot of pain and discomfort for some weeks to come,' he told NCA NewsWire. 'It may depend on whether he requires a brace or an operation on his back, but I expect as the injuries have been described to me that this accident will leave him with greatly reduced mobility.' Back surgery would require inserting screws or pins into his spine, with recovery expected to take several weeks. Daniel Andrews fractured his T7 vertebrae (pictured), which is in the middle of his spine Pictured: Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine. Mr Andrews said his wife and children were grateful to paramedics for supporting his family after the fall A statement from Mr Andrews on Tuesday revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan (pictured) He explained that patients with spinal trauma are either sent to Alfred or Royal Melbourne - meaning that Mr Andrews' transfer from Peninsula Private Hospital on Tuesday may indicate a 'significant spinal injury'. The Victorian Premier's office initially said the fall on Tuesday morning was 'concerning' but the leader had not suffered any head injuries. But a statement from Mr Andrews that afternoon revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan - leaving him in hospital for several more days. Mr Andrews had been due to attend a press conference on Tuesday morning and would have travelled from the holiday home. 'Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,' he said. Mr Andrews (pictured) had been due to attend a press conference on Tuesday morning and would have travelled from the holiday home Mr Andrews' transfer from Peninsula Private Hospital to Alfred hospital (pictured) on Tuesday could indicate a 'significant spinal injury' 'A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days. 'James Merlino will serve as Acting Premier while I recover over the next few days. 'I hope to be able to provide another update later this week. For now, we'd like to ask that our family's privacy is respected.' He added that his wife Catherine and their three children Grace, Noah and Joseph were grateful to paramedics who 'showed such care and kindness to our family this morning'. The state leader thanked friends and colleagues who sent messages of support throughout the day, and hopes to provide another update later this week. STAMFORD Stamford Healths COVID-19 clinic is already doling out between 700 and 900 doses primarily of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine on weekdays. On weekends, that number climbs as high as 1,200, according to Stamford Health officials. But the shared goal of the hospital, the city and legislature is to continue increasing that capacity and get more shots in arms. That ramping up in distribution will be, in part, supported by federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that would send direct aid to individuals, cities and states. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was a proponent of the bill, which passed the Senate this weekend and is awaiting approval from the House of Representatives and ratification from President Joseph R. Biden. Both of those approvals could happen this week, Murphy said Tuesday morning, on a tour of Stamford Healths vaccination clinic, where he was joined by Mayor David Martin, Stamford Health Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Bailey and Chief of Infectious Disease Michael Parry, among other hospital staff. Obviously, the issues right now are simply supply, Murphy said, standing outside of Stamford Hospitals Wheeler Building, a formerly decommissioned part of the hospital complex that was re-purposed during the pandemic. We need to produce more vaccine. Stamford has the ability to distribute more. We need to get more into the city and into the state. According to Murphy, the bill includes funding for increased vaccine production and distribution, as well as money for existing clinics to expand as more doses become available. The total amount of vaccine in Connecticut, Murphy said, would likely be greatly increased by April. And Parry said the hospital and city, which have partnered in the distribution of the vaccine, are looking to open a second, more capacious facility in Stamfords South End. But for now, Parry said the Wheeler Building has served its purpose as a vaccination hub in the city. Patients enter the building through a tented-off section near the hospitals Emergency Department. Theyre checked-in on the first floor, then go to the second floor, the south side of which is a designated vaccination area, Parry said. After receiving a dose, patients then move to the north side of the building, where they are observed for a brief period and appointments for a second shot are scheduled. Generally, Parry said, people are in and out within 30 minutes. It really is a very logical flow, Parry said. The same is true for teachers, for whom the city, hospital and public school district have organized large clinics, the first of which was held over the weekend. Additional educator clinics are scheduled for weekends through the end of the month, in an attempt to get all teachers and school staff at least their first dose of the vaccine by March 31. According to Martin, the city is on pace to hit that target. In order to keep up with demand especially since March 1, when educators and residents over age 55 became eligible Bailey said the hospital had hired more than 200 people to staff the clinic, which operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Murphy was visiting to thank the hospital staff that enabled the clinic to function, as well as to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act, which he said would have a direct impact of Connecticut and Stamford residents. The plan would extend the Paycheck Protection Program Loan, potentially helping hundreds of small businesses in Stamford, Murphy said. It would enable low-income families with kids to qualify for an extended child-tax credit and would expand unemployment benefit programs. Stamford Schools will receive millions from the bill to aid in reopening. And, it includes an additional $1,400 rescue check for individuals making under $75,000 a year, which Murphy said could start being distributed in the next two weeks. The economic assistance in this bill is especially important in a high-cost part of the country like Fairfield County, Murphy said. In total, Stamford is expected to receive just shy of $50 million in aid from the legislation a crucially important boost for the city, Martin said. I believe that the city of Stamfords economic recovery will be very strong in large part to the American Rescue Plan, Martin said. Not only the aid but the certainty of the aid which is now coming to fruition. And yes, its helping with a lot of people at the low end of the economic spectrum, but its also helping with the schools and the city and how weve struggled through this pandemic, both from the health side as well as from an economic side. justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586 Upcoming JTBC series "Law School" has unveiled its first main poster! This star-studded drama will depict the story of the students and professors of South Korea's top law school, who will later on be involved in an unexpected case. "Law School" Cast Members Look Smart and Powerful in the New Poster On March 10, JTBC posted on their official social media accounts the new high profile poster of the drama "Law School." It can be seen in the poster the ten lead characters Kim Myung Min, Kim Bum, Lee Jung Eun, Ryu Hye Young, Lee Soo Kyung, Go Yoon Jung, Hyun Woo, David Lee, Gil Hae Yeon, and Oh Man Seok. Fans now can't wait for the drama to air and the characters to be introduced. "Law School" is slated to premiere in April. Get to Know the Characters of "Law School" Award-winning actor Kim Myung Min will be playing the character of Yang Jong Hoon, a criminal law professor. "Parasite" actress Lee Jung Eun is expected to portray the role of a civil law professor, Kim Eun Sook, and also known as the head of the law school's legal clinic. Gil Hae Yeon will star as Oh Jung Hee, the president of the school. Oh Man Seok is Kang Joo Man, a constitutional law professor and a hard working school vice president. Audience will be more interested in watching this drama because new and familiar faces will be appearing in every episode. Korean heartthrob and "Tale of the Nine Tailed" star Kim Bum will be portraying the role of Han Joon Hwi, a brilliant student who is also popular for consecutively having high grades in school. Meanwhile, to make the story complicated yet enthralling, there are two students in the law school with the same name but are very different from each other. Kang Sol (1), to be portrayed by Ryu Hye Young, is a first-year law student who came from a poor family but was able to overcome poverty due to her ability and determination in studying. Kang Sol (2) will be played by Lee Soo Kyung, opposite to the life of Kang Sol (1). She was born in a rich and known family. David Lee will be playing as Seo Ji Ho, who is also struggling in life but going to law school is an opportunity for him to change his status in life. Go Yoon Jung will star as Jeon Ye Seol, a good-looking student who is loved by many due to her charm. And last but definitely not the least, Hyun Woo will be playing the role of Yoo Seung Jae, a doctor but finds another interest in the field of law. One of the drama production members shared, "These new characters with amazing talents, and intellectual charisma are gathered together to give a perfect legal bond in the upcoming legal drama." He added that the viewers should look forward to the unique plot of the series and how the characters will be entangled with each other as the story begins to unfold. This new squad of future lawyers in "Law School" will be dominating the small screen on April 14 at 9:00 p.m. (KST). Are you excited to see the characters of "Law School"? Let us know in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Shai Collins. NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI The father of a 16-year-old Newaygo High School student who detonated an explosive at the school Monday was arraigned on multiple related charges. David Robert Daniel Saylor, a 33-year-old Brooks Township resident, was charged in Newaygo County District Court on Tuesday, March 9, with one felony count of manufacturing explosive devices and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor by manufacturing those devices with his son. RELATED: Additional explosive devices found at Michigan home after homemade bomb injures six at school The two are alleged to have made multiple devices between the months of January and March in Brooks Township. If convicted, Saylor could face up to four years in prison on the manufacturing charge. He is due back in court on March 18 for a probable cause conference and a preliminary hearing on March 25. The defendants son was hospitalized Monday after detonating a homemade explosive he had brought to school. According to Newaygo County Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay, Saylors son lost parts of both of his thumbs in the explosion. For lack of a better word, his thumbs were blown off both hands, Stay said. Four other students and one teacher also were treated for injuries in the incident. Stay told Newaygo County District Judge Melissa Dykman it was fortunate the others did not suffer more serious injuries. Related: High school student accidentally ignited homemade bomb, injuring 6, police say The Michigan State Police said Monday the explosion was caused by the 16-year-old student who accidentally detonated a homemade explosive he brought to the school. Stay described the explosive material in court as, not so much of a device, but a material, wrapped up. Saylor responded, Yes sir to the description, at which point he was advised by Dykman to not speak. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there was any ill intent, the prosecutor said. On Monday, Newaygo Public Schools Superintendent Peg Mathis issued an initial statement that said the student had brought some type of firework device to school that he lit in a classroom which caused an explosion. It has been reported that this was not an attack or designed to be something malicious, but a serious lack of judgment, she said in a since-deleted Facebook post. Stay said based on conversations with Saylors son, investigators learned Monday the teen had been making and exploding improvised explosive devices at the familys home on 95th Street in Brooks Township. A search warrant executed at the home Monday led to investigators from the Newaygo County Sheriffs Office, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and the ATF and FBI finding multiple other explosive devices. Saylor, arrested as a result of the investigation and charged with manufacturing and possessing Molotov cocktails, was arraigned via video link Tuesday afternoon from the Newaygo County Jail. He started sobbing when the prosecutor described the injuries to the 16-year-old and stated how the teenager was almost killed by the blast. He also said he would lose his job if he wasnt at work Friday. When told by Dykman he had put his son at risk as well as other children at school, and many others throughout Newaygo County had concerns for the safety of their children, as well, Saylor said, my son did it. He was then cut off by the judge, who kept talking. Dykman, while issuing a $100,000 cash or surety bond, told Saylor he had also put his neighbors at risk, too, with the explosive devices he kept at home. He would explode them on his property, authorities said. A number of the devices were detonated Monday night while investigators were at the property, according to nearby residents some of whom described the blasts as enough to shake their homes. Newaygos police chief told 9&10 News on Monday that he believed the intention of the child bringing the explosive to school was not to harm people. It was an isolated incident and not intended to hurt people we do not believe, its under investigation, so we have new facts coming in, but it was not something they intended to have happened, Police Chief Georgia Andres said in the 9&10 News report. Also on MLive: Ohio kidnapping suspect stopped by MSP via rolling roadblock on Michigan freeway Michigan reports 954 new coronavirus cases, 29 deaths Tuesday, March 9 Detroit Lions reportedly will not use franchise tag on Kenny Golladay China is now firing back at German academic Adrian Zenz, whose research has exposed the vile human rights abuses that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to enforce against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The Foreign Ministry of China has spoken up about Zenz's reports that has exposed "slavery, indoctrination, and family separations," saying that it had caused "significant financial damage" to the Xinjiang economy, as per Breitbart. As a communist state, China's businesses have direct ties to the government, implying that the expose on their human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic groups have in fact affected Beijing's economy. The intelligence brief in question is the German academic's work published with the Center for Global Policy, which was titled "Coercive Labor in Xinjiang: Labor Transfer and the Mobilization of Ethnic Minorities to Pick Cotton," released in December 2020. In it, Zenz reveals how China developed "poverty alleviation" apps for mobile phones to assist companies in staffing their manufacturing centers with Uyghur slaves. The intelligence brief also revealed how about 500,000 people are currently working as slaves in China's cotton-picking industry, and how advanced technology was being used to transfer these slaves from government custody and place them in the hands of government-approved businesses for labor. In 2019, the German academic accused China of denying the existence of its concentration camps despite evidence of "re-education facilities" in Xinjiang. He wrote, "Government claims that Xinjiang has no 'concentration camps' are both semantically and technically false, and contradicted by the state's own terminology." Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department Deputy Director Zhao Lijian admitted that Zenz's name was often came up during meetings with the government and that the German academic was "hiding behind the banner of academic research [to spread] anti-China rumors, with Xinjiang as his particular obsession." Zhao said that the German academic's reports on CCP's abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang had "zero credibility and academic integrity" and was part of "political manipulation by forces with ulterior motives." He admitted that following Zenz's expose on CCP's abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, businesses in the region "suffered heavy losses." Zenz's report highlighted communist China's forced labor, forced sterilization, eradication of ethnic minorities' culture, and genocide, all of which Zhao denied, saying it was merely "frivolous and preposterous farces aimed to discredit and smear China." U.S. non-profit Freedom House Research Director for China, Sarah Cook believes that the lawsuits filed against the German academic for his reports on CCP's abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang may "set a worrisome precedent," Reuters reported. Cook explained that this string of lawsuits "could send a signal to foreign companies or others who might be considering being more outspoken or changing business practices due to what is happening in Xinjiang." For Zenz, however, he believes that his report on CCP's abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang has made an impact. He said, "That's probably the most direct statement that some of these companies are incurring economic losses as the result of my publication." A judge has been urged not to convict a professional mixed martial arts fighter who repeatedly punched a taxi driver in a row over a fare as it will stop him in his tracks in terms of his career. Dylan Tuke (24) called the taxi driver a sap and a fool and told him you're not in your country now before he punched him in the head and face, breaking the man's front teeth. The assault occurred in the early hours of December 16, 2018 after Tuke hurriedly jumped into the taxi without asking if he was available and told him to go to the city centre, Garda Elaine Duffy told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The taxi driver was uneasy by Tuke's behaviour and asked him to pay the fare upfront, which led to the argument. After Tuke assaulted the driver and got out of the cab, he briefly returned to the car, causing the driver to run into a nearby fast food restaurant. Tuke then left the scene in another cab. Another taxi driver who witnessed the assault said it was horrific and that Tuke was like a man possessed, the court heard. After dash cam images of Tuke were circulated among gardai, he was identified by a garda who recognised him from the media, the court heard. Tuke, with an address at Edenmore Ave, Raheny, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to the driver at Main Street, Swords. He has no previous convictions. At his sentence hearing on Tuesday, Tuke addressed the court directly, telling Judge Pauline Codd there was no excuse for his behaviour that night. My grandad was a taxi man and I'm so ashamed I did that, he said. ...Violence is never the answer. In a victim impact statement handed up to court, the victim said he now feels defenceless while driving his taxi and he no longer enjoys his work. He said his two front teeth were broken in the assault and he still suffers from headaches and has a facial scar. Garda Duffy told defence barrister, Aidan McCarthy BL, that she believed Tuke was acting out of character that night, after he had a few drinks. She said he was extremely remorseful when interviewed by gardai and he cried while watching the dash cam footage of the incident. Mr McCarthy said Tuke became a professional mixed martial arts fighter at the age of 19 and has travelled abroad to partake in the sport. He is not currently competing as he is helping to bring up his two younger siblings. The court heard his parents are both drug addicts and Tuke's childhood was marred by violence and addiction. He was mostly raised by his grandmother, who was in court to support him. Mr McCarthy said it was to Tuke's credit that he has never been in trouble with the gardai before, despite his difficult upbringing. He said that on the night in question, Tuke got drunk at a Christmas night out with his club, which was unlike him given his profession. Mr McCarthy urged Judge Codd to consider imposing a sentence on Tuke that will avoid giving him a criminal conviction. A conviction could stop him in his tracks in terms of his chosen career, he said. It could prevent him travelling to competitions abroad, which are the main source of his income. Tuke had 1000 in court as a token of remorse for his victim. Judge Codd adjourned the sentence to October 11 to allow Tuke to raise more compensation. I'm not making any guarantees, she said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The EU has conceded the UK did not ban vaccine exports after Boris Johnson slapped down the European Council's president in a fresh row over Covid jabs. The Prime Minister spoke out after Charles Michel on Tuesday made the astonishing claim that the UK had 'imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines.' 'Let me be clear,' Mr Johnson said at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 'we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine component.' When asked about the claims later on Wednesday, a European commission spokesman acknowledged there was no such ban, but declined to comment directly on the claims made by Mr Michel, the former prime minister of Belgium. 'We know that different countries have got different measures in place that doesn't concern vaccines, as far as we understand, coming from the UK,' the spokesman said, according to The Guardian. However, officials did point to a lack of vaccine exports coming from the UK when compared to the EU, with one saying 'we need some transparency on that'. Figures seen by The Guardian newspaper show that of the 34,090,287 doses exported out of the EU, 9,106,162 went to the UK. The EU's climb-down comes after after the EU charge d'affairs was summoned to the Foreign Office to 'clarify' the situation earlier today, and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a rebuttal in a letter on Tuesday night. The row is just the latest in a series of increasingly bitter spats between the UK and EU over vaccines, as Britain powers ahead with one of the world's fastest jabs programmes and Europe presides over one of the world's slowest. The United Kingdom has given about 35 percent of its adults a vaccine shot while the EU is further behind with just 9.5 percent. Boris Johnson has slapped down EU president Charles Michel in a row over Covid jab exports, saying Britain has not blocked a single vaccine or component from going overseas Britain has now vaccinated 34.37 people per 100, while the EU nations have managed just 9.11 per 100 EU rumours, unproven, of British hoarding of vaccines at the expense of the continent have always been there, but Michel issued a statement Tuesday saying that 'the facts do not lie. 'The United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory,' he wrote. After the initial EU denial, Michel, refused to fully back down and insisted any ban could come in many guises. 'Different ways of imposing bans or restrictions on vaccines/medicines,' he tweeted. 'Glad if the UK reaction leads to more transparency & increased exports, to EU and third countries.' Ursula von der Leyen said she is 'tired of being the scapegoat' in vaccine shambles Ursula von der Leyen says she is 'tired of being the scapegoat' of Europe's vaccine shambles. The EU commission president, who was in charge of buying Europe's vaccines, instead continued to point the finger of blame at drug-maker AstraZeneca - vowing to 'keep up pressure' on the firm to deliver jabs. Von der Leyen also insisted EU was 'particularly quick' to sign vaccine deals, saying it put pen to paper with AstraZeneca a day before the UK did, in August last year. In fact, the UK had a pre-contractual agreement with the drug-maker dating back to May, before signing a final contract in August. Von der Leyen also denied that the EU blocking AstraZeneca jabs going to Australia was 'protectionist', insisting that it is about getting Europe's fair share. 'We want AstraZeneca to start by delivering vaccines for Europe,' she said. Advertisement Mr Johnson told the House of Commons: 'The whole House can be proud of the UK's vaccination programme, with over 22.5million people now having received their first dose across the UK. 'We can also be proud of the support the UK has given to the international Covid response, including the 548 million we have donated to Covax. 'I therefore wish to correct the suggestion from the European Council president that the UK has blocked vaccine exports. 'Let me be clear: we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine components. 'This pandemic has put us all on the same side in the battle for global health, we oppose vaccine nationalism in all its forms.' Covax is the UN's jabs-buying programme which aims to distribute Covid vaccines to poorer countries. EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen refused to comment on the row Wednesday, though her office said that Mr Johnson had previously given assurances that there is no export ban in place. An EU diplomat added that such rows between the UK and Europe are 'the new normal', and that 'economic divergence and more competition' will place additional pressure on Brexit agreements. The row erupted after Mr Michel published his weekly newsletter to 20,000 subscribers across the continent on Tuesday, rejecting charges of 'vaccine nationalism' after Italy used new EU laws to stop a shipment of jabs leaving the continent to Australia. Mr Michel said he was 'shocked' by the charge, before adding: 'The United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory. 'But the European Union, the region with the largest vaccine production capacity in the world, has simply put in place a system for controlling the export of doses produced in the EU.' While the EU later acknowledged that no such ban existed, some officials have spoken out against a perceived disparity between the number of vaccines sent from the EU to the UK, and vice-versa. Peter Liese, a German member of the European Parliament and key ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said on Wednesday that even if there is an export ban from the U.S., even worse is the case in the U.K. because we know that significant amounts of the AstraZeneca vaccine went from the continent to the U.K.' One such example, he claimed, is 'from the plant in Dessau IDT Biologika in Dessau, Germany, and still the company is not ready to give vaccine that is produced in the U.K. to supply the European Union.' The EU's programme has been much slower than those of former member Britain or the United States, and the bloc has also faced criticism abroad for so far doing less than China, Russia or India to supply vaccines to poor countries. It is the latest in a series of ugly vaccine spats since Britain fully left the EU in January. While the EU is under pressure over its much-criticised Covid-19 inoculation strategy, Britain has been largely praised for its vaccine rollout and is eyeing a total easing of restrictions by June. In his newsletter to 20,000 subscribers across the EU, Charles Michel (pictured on March 5) rejected charges of 'vaccine nationalism' levelled against the EU after the 27-member bloc found itself under fire at home for a vaccine roll-out The EU partly blames Anglo-Swedish firm AstraZeneca for failing to fulfil its order due to production problems in its European factories. It has since imposed export controls that allow it to block doses of vaccine made in Europe from going overseas until its own orders have been fulfilled. The bloc has also been putting pressure on drug-makers to up their orders, and on Wednesday trumpeted the news that Pfizer will deliver an additional 4million doses later this month - over and above its already-agreed orders. Von der Leyen said the doses would be used to help member states deploy 'their targeted use where they are most needed, in particular in border regions'. She said they would go to 'tackle aggressive variants of the virus and to improve the situation in hotspots'. Von der Leyen pointed to steep rises in infections and hospitalisations in Austria's Tyrol region, France's Nice and Moselle regions, Bolzano in Italy, and parts of Germany's Bavaria and Saxony regions. Brussels, Dublin and London were plunged into chaos on January 29 when the EU unveiled plans to unilaterally undo elements of the Brexit deal's 'Northern Ireland protocol' in order to prevent vaccines leaving the bloc. The special post-Brexit trade rules - painstakingly negotiated since Britain's 2016 decision to split from the bloc to guarantee peace in Northern Ireland - had been operating for less than one month. An outcry from Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland forced the EU into a speedy U-turn - reversing a plan now widely considered to have been a diplomatic bungle. Michel's lengthy statement on Tuesday afternoon also defended the bloc's strategy. He said that without Europe, it would not have been possible to develop and produce several vaccines in less than a year, and EU solidarity had ensured that poorer countries of the bloc received their first doses. He took aim at the 'highly publicised' supply of vaccines by China and Russia to other countries. 'We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others.' Michel also noted that China and Russia had both vaccinated fewer people at home than the EU. 'Europe will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes. We promote our values,' he said. Michel also defended a system to control the export of doses produced in EU countries, invoked by Italy last week to block a shipment of AstraZeneca shots to Australia. 'Our objective: to prevent companies from which we have ordered and pre-financed doses from exporting them to other advanced countries when they have not delivered to us what was promised,' Michel said. 'The EU has never stopped exporting.' He said the EU would become the world's leading vaccine producer in the coming months and was the best equipped to adapt vaccine output quickly to virus mutations. Already uneasy bedfellows during Britain's 47 years of EU membership, things got progressively worse since the 2016 referendum when the United Kingdom voted to leave the bloc. After acrimonious departure talks, the split became official last year, but both sides then started fighting over a trade agreement. A deal was reached on Christmas Eve but still need to be approved by the European Parliament. In the meantime, both sides are fighting from anything over the diplomatic status of the EU in London to the import-export regime between both sides. The EU is considering taking legal action over the U.K. not respecting the withdrawal agreement that underpins the Brexit divorce. Britain, meanwhile, has refused to grant the EU's first-ever ambassador to the country full diplomatic status. London says the EU is an organisation, rather than a country. The EU immediately latched on to that issue too in the latest spat since it said the ambassador couldn't make the Wednesday morning meeting because of the fight over his status. Instead, the EU sent a lower-ranking envoy. The row is the latest in a series of ugly vaccine spats since Britain fully left the EU in January. While the EU is under pressure over its much-criticised Covid-19 inoculation strategy, Britain has been largely praised for its vaccine rollout and is eyeing a total easing of restrictions by June. Pictured: Doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (file photo) Meanwhile, weekly deaths involving coronavirus in the over-80s in England and Wales have fallen 79 percent since a peak five weeks ago, figures showed on Tuesday. There were 1,118 Covid-19 deaths in adults aged 80 and over which took place in the week ending February 26, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This is a fall of more than three-quarters since the week ending January 22, when 5,326 deaths involving coronavirus took place in this age group, according to PA news agency analysis. Deaths in adults aged 75-79 have dropped 79 percent over the same period, while for 70 to 74-year-olds the fall was 76 percent. Some deaths in the latest week may not yet have been fully recorded. The fall in Covid-19 deaths among the over-80s up to the previous week, ending February 19, was still significant, at 66 percent. Adults aged 80 and over were included in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's second priority group for the vaccine, followed by those aged 75 and over, and 70 and over. Doses were first offered from early December. By mid-February, the Government said it had offered the jab to everyone in these groups. A total of 2,914 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending February 26 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, a drop of 29 percent on the previous week. The figure is the lowest total since the week ending December 25. The Senate confirmed Merrick Garland as attorney general Wednesday afternoon. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell voted in favor of Garland, after holding up the federal judge's Supreme Court nomination for 10 months to prevent Democratic President Barack Obama from replacing the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia. For the top Justice Department job, Garland received a 70 to 30 Senate vote. The Senate confirmed Merrick Garland on Wednesday to be President Joe Biden's attorney general with a vote of 70 to 30 Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell voted in favor of Garland for attorney general, after holding up his nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016 for 10 months Merrick Garland was able to earn the votes of all 50 Democrats and an additional 20 Republicans, including the leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell Garland became a national political figure in March 2016, when Obama nominated him to fill the seat of Scalia, who had died the month before. McConnell, who was then the majority leader, immediately announced that he would block Garland's nomination, pointing out that it was an election year and the American people should have a 'voice' in the process. GOP President Donald Trump won the election in November 2016 and picked conservative judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the seat, making the announcement 11 days after he was sworn in. Later, at the end of Trump's single term, McConnell allowed Justice Amy Coney Barrett to be confirmed eight days before the 2020 presidential election, which President Joe Biden won. Garland's name leaked as Biden's pick for attorney general the morning of the January 6 insurrection. The president-elect only finalized the decision after Democrats won the two run-off races in Georgia, securing a Senate majority for when Biden would be sworn-in. Despite Garland's nomination looking like a way Biden was trolling his old Senate colleague, McConnell, the AG nominee was able to convince 20 Republicans to vote in his favor. Now, he'll have big decisions to make atop DOJ and he'll have to fix some of the reputational damage the agency suffered under Attorney General Bill Barr. Garland will have to decide whether to look at Trump's role in the January 6 insurrection as he's already vowed to fully prosecute the 'heinous' crimes. He'll also have to figure out how to handle an FBI probe into Biden's son Hunter's taxes. During the nomination process, Garland vowed to not let politics seep into the agency. 'The president made abundantly clear in every public statement before and after my nomination that decisions about investigations and prosecutions will be left to the Justice Department,' Garland said. 'That was the reason I was willing to take on this job.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made a dig at Trump - who had Barr and before him, Jeff Sessions, leading the Justice Department - as he spoke on the floor Wednesday about Garland. 'After Donald Trump spent four years - four long years - subverting the powers of the Justice Department for his own political benefit, treating the Attorney General like his own personal defense lawyer, America can breathe a sigh of relief that we are finally going to have someone like Merrick Garland leading the Justice Department, someone with integrity, independence, respect for the rule of law, and credibility on both sides of the aisle,' Schumer said. DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Competitive Market Leaders - When and Why Vendors Win" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The goal of this report is to provide the retail community with the most detailed and complete picture imaginable of the retail technology landscape. It aims to assist retailers in vendor selection and to help the industry understand the trends, drivers and barriers that are fundamentally transforming our industry. Who is really winning among IT Vendors? Are retailers really shunning Amazon Web Services (AWS)? Who are customers increasing business within 2021? Does that differ by segment? How are solution provider's customers performing? Which vendors have customers best positioned for 2021? Who is getting the largest deal sizes in 2021? This is just some of the data that is included in this research. This is what they said who is winning their business and why. This is a ranking of vendors, but it's not a popularity contest. This was one additional question in a survey of 300 major brands about who they were increasing business with, decreasing business with, don't do business with, or won't do business with. The result is a series of rankings. Rankings include the following: Amazon (AWS), Aptos, Blue Yonder, CDW, Cisco, Dell, Fujitsu, GK Software, HP Inc., IBM, Infor, JDA, Manhattan Assoc., Microsoft, NCR, Oracle, SalesForce, SAP, Shopify, Toshiba GCS, Sensormatic Retail and Zebra. Retailers are encouraged to use these charts in discussions with their vendor partners. It is the intent that they provide unique insights into vendor strategy and provide thought-provoking questions as we all move through and prosper in the Era of Intentional Innovation. Key Topics Covered: Overview Top Vendors Increasing Market Share in 2021 - Overall Top Average Deal Leaders for 2021 - Overall Top Vendors Increasing Market Share in Food/Drug/Mass Merchants/C-Stores 2021 Top Vendors Increasing Market Share in GMS for 2021 Rank for Average Deal Size in Food/Drug/Mass Merchants/C-Stores 2021 Rank for Average Deal Size in GMS for 2021 Who are Winning Retailers Increasing Business Within 2021 Average Deal Size in Winning Retailers Vendor's Whose Customers Are Growing the Fastest? Vendors Whose Customers Are Increasing Profits Fastest? Vendor Rank Based on Customer Sales Increase Expectations for 2021 Vendor Rank Based on Customer Profit Expectations for 2021 Rank by 2021 Customer Expected Sales Growth Rank by 2021 Customer Expected Digital Order Growth Rank by 2021 Customer Expected Digital Orders for Store Fulfillment Rank by Vendor for Total Store Fulfillment of Orders in 2021 Companies Mentioned Amazon (AWS) Aptos Blue Yonder CDW Cisco Dell Fujitsu GK Software HP Inc. IBM Infor JDA Manhattan Assoc. Microsoft NCR Oracle SalesForce SAP Shopify Toshiba GCS Sensormatic Retail Zebra For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mbea1c Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com REED CITY The Osceola County Board of Commissioners voted to extend the local state of emergency once more with disagreement from some commissioners. The extension passed during a recent meeting in a 5-2 vote with Commissioners Sally Momany and Jill Halladay voting "no." The emergency will run through April 6. In his report to the board, Mark Watkins, Osceola County's emergency manager, said the Emergency Operations Center remains operational primarily to assist the health department and vaccination clinics in the vaccination process, and the state of emergency was necessary to continue that support. The vaccination process consists of the internal clinics as well as the ones they are doing at both the Reed City and Marion offices, Watkins said. I cant say enough about what the health department is doing with the vaccination process given the resources and constraints they have been given. They are doing an excellent job serving the community. The EOC is helping out with scheduling and we have coordinated with them so that maintains itself after March 15, he added. With all the vaccination clinics ongoing, I believe a local state of emergency is warranted until April 6, which is another 30-day extension. Commissioners expressed concerns that continuing the state of emergency declaration would inhibit the ability of businesses, schools and county offices to begin opening to the public. Partial closures have been in place for months due to the continued spread of COVID-19. During our last meeting we passed a resolution about the whole COVID-19 pandemic, so I have a hard time now turning around and supporting the continuing of the state of emergency, Momany said. In my opinion, it is time to open things back up and move forward. During a meeting in February, the board adopted a resolution calling upon the Michigan Legislature to restore the checks and balances essential to our democracy, and supporting a challenge to the legality of the orders and restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watkins reassured the board the state of emergency was not in place to keep things closed, but rather to assist them in opening safely. I totally understand the position on that, but right now the state of emergency has nothing to do with shutting anything down, Watkins said. In fact, it is helping open things up. There is a difference between the state of emergency and the executive orders shutting things down. Our services are helping with safety plans to keep things open, as well as providing services to schools and other places to remain open. County Administrator Susan Vander Pol reminded commissioners that without the state of emergency declaration, it would not be legal for them to conduct virtual meetings beyond March 31. The Open Meetings Act was amended to allow for virtual meetings through March 31 for any reason. Beyond March 31, there are specific guidelines for participating in a public meeting virtually. The is a limit, right now, as to any type of public gathering, so if you werent able to Zoom your board meetings, there would be issues with your compliance to the open meetings act, Vander Pol said. The executive orders and recommendations from DHHS and MIOSHA limit the number of people that can attend meetings in person, and that those in attendance maintain the six-foot social distancing recommendation. Commissioner Timothy Michell said it was his understanding that townships and schools, as well as other public bodies, are being told they cannot conduct meetings with a large number of people in the same room right now. We still cannot get in the same room together, so how can we possibly have an open meeting if we cant do it personally? Michell asked. If somebody wants to come to our meeting, by law we have to allow that. Watkins told the board the shutdowns and open meetings issue have almost nothing to do with the state of emergency. The Open Meetings Act, I understand is a bit of a concern, however, a lot of people are tagging that to the state of emergency because there was a law put into place that under a local state of emergency you can continue to meet remotely, Watkins said. Regardless of whatever people believe about COVID-19, the fact remains that we still have emergency preparations in place. There are still vaccination clinics and public health needs support that is not available through the standard safety net. In addition, there are financial processes ongoing that will decrease the burden on the county, the cities and the municipalities." Michell asked if the county would lose future federal funding if they were not in a state of emergency. I understand there is more money coming, and there is still money left over from last year that they dont know what to do with, Michell said. If there is federal funding available that can relieve the tax burden on our citizens, then I am all for it. Watkins said they would "absolutely" lose federal monies, and he believes the efforts of the EOC are currently allowing them to maximize available funding. All the state of emergency is doing is allowing us to maintain our staff to help the community be safe and to continue to address these COVID-19 related issues, he said. If the state of emergency drops, then those support functions will have to be redistributed to the respective county departments and will no longer be supported by the EOC. I firmly believe that is not in the best interest of the county. HOUSING PROGRAM UPDATE In other business, the board addressed the possibility of moving the Housing Rehabilitation Program to a third party contractor. The housing rehabilitation program, currently within the Community Economic Development department, provides funding for home repairs to low-income residents. Community development director Dan Massy told the board he did not believe moving the administrative responsibilities to a third-party contractor would be a good decision. Osceola County currently has a contract with the Big Rapids Housing Commission to perform functions related to housing rehab grant, but the community development department does the administrative tasks that allow it to maintain oversight of the program, Massy said in a letter to the board. The county will lose oversight of the program but will remain responsible for ensuring the Community Development Block Grant is properly managed, Massy said. Vander Pol said the guidance from the grant document indicated that the county can contract out for someone else to do work, but ultimately, a county employee is responsible for the grant. The state of Michigan will not recognize a third party administrator for oversight of the grant, she said. In addition, Massy said, the income to the county for each project is only 2%, which amounts to around $381 a year. I dont think you can get anybody to give this program the interest it deserves at that price, Massy said. If the person doesnt give you the oversight and run the program as it should be done, the county is going to end up with a program it is responsible for but has no authority over. My recommendation is to keep it in house. The board agreed to maintain the program as it is for now, until further investigation can be done as to the best way to handle it in the future. During the meeting, the board also approved the following: The EMPG-S COVID-19 Supplemental grant application. Updates to the county Insurance and New Employee Information policies. A quote from Phelps Plumbing and Heating, Inc for the replacement of cast iron piping in the basement of the jail not to exceed $10,900. The United Way Grant 2021 application for Commission on Aging. The Tyler Technologies Software Service agreement for the Register of Deeds department. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain As of March 8, four COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for emergency use in Canada. Two of them, the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, were approved for use in Canada in December 2020. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was approved on Feb. 26, followed by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on March 5. A fifth vaccine was submitted on Jan. 29 by Novavax for approval in Canada. If approved, the vaccine would be produced in Canada. How effective these vaccines may be in ending the COVID-19 pandemic has been equated to their "efficacy rates." It's important to know what these numbers mean to understand what can be expected from these vaccines and the ones that follow. What is a vaccine's efficacy rate? The high efficacy rates of the first approved vaccines made headlines, but what do these numbers actually mean? Efficacy rates indicate how well a vaccine met specified primary and secondary "end point(s)," which, in lay terms, are the goals determined at the outset of a clinical trial: what the study is measuring. In the case of COVID-19 pandemic, these goals had to do with the ability of the vaccines to lower the risk of a symptomatic diseaseespecially a severe onehospitalization and death. The term efficacy, as opposed to effectiveness, specifically refers to a drug or vaccine's performance under clinical trial conditions, by meeting the primary and secondary end points. For example, in the case of the Pfizer/BioNTech Phase 3 clinical trial, the primary end point was the efficacy rate of the vaccine in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 (including mild, moderate and severe disease) with the onset at least seven days after the second dose. The secondary end point on this trial was the efficacy rate against severe COVID-19. In the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one shot, the primary end point was defined as protection against moderate and severe COVID-19, assessed at day 14 and day 28 after the vaccination. So the efficacy rates of these vaccines, as determined from their Phase 3 clinical trials, indicate protection against different forms of symptomatic COVID-19 (mild, moderate and/or severe disease), and outcomes of the disease (hospitalization and death). What do the vaccines protect against? In general, a vaccine teaches the body to recognize a specific pathogen (virus or bacterium) without having to experience a disease. As a result, future exposure to the pathogen leads to a fast immune response whereby the body recognizes the pathogen by its antibodies (humoral response) and can destroy the pathogen and the infected cells through the means of specialized immune cells (cellular response). Moreover, the vaccines can also induce long-term immune memory of the pathogen whereby dormant specialized immune cells reactivate and produce a humoral response. In the case of the approved COVID-19 vaccines, or those currently awaiting approval, the efficacy rate indicates how well these vaccines protect against symptomatic COVID-19 disease. Indeed, a study in Israelwhere 42 percent of the population had received at least one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the time of the studyfound that this vaccine is 87-96 percent effective in preventing severe cases (the study has not yet been peer reviewed). Does vaccination prevent infection? Although the reported efficacy rates are a reflection of the vaccine's ability to protect against symptomatic COVID-19 illness, it is not currently known whether these vaccines protect against infection: whether a vaccinated person's immune response can eliminate the virus before it replicates in the body. If the novel coronavirus can infect a vaccinated host (replicate within that host), it can also use that host to "jump" to another host, and lead to further transmission of the virus, and possibly illness if other hosts are not vaccinated. By the same token, if you are not vaccinated and are surrounded by people who are vaccinated, they may not catch the disease (they will not get sick). However, they can catch the virus from you and pass it on to others who are not vaccinated and who may get sick as a result. However, all these vaccines, through their interaction with the immune system, are expected to reduce infection (virus replication) and hence virus transmission at some level. Oxford/AstraZeneca, Novavax and Moderna have all reported that their vaccines reduce virus transmission. These preliminary data appear to be supported by countries that have vaccinated a large portion of their population, such as Israel and the United Kingdom. Israel, which has vaccinated 75 percent of its older population, reported a 33 percent decrease in the transmission rate in this age group. In a nutshell, while the current COVID-19 vaccines provide immunity to the disease, their impact on transmission of the virus has yet to be fully determined. We must understand their impact on the pandemic to protect those who have underlying health conditions and may not respond to vaccination or cannot be vaccinated. How do COVID-19 vaccines compare to other vaccines? Many existing vaccines work in the same way as the approved COVID-19 vaccines: they protect us from diseases, but they do not eliminate the virus during the replication process (or prevent infection). The smallpox vaccine is the poster child among the vaccines that do prevent infection, also referred to as vaccines that induce sterilizing immunity. That is how smallpox was eradicated after 200 years of vaccination efforts. A few other vaccines that induce sterilizing immunity are the measles vaccine and the human papillomavirus vaccine. However, vaccines against many diseases such as hepatitis B, rotavirus and polio (all caused by viruses), or whooping cough or chlamydia (both caused by bacteria) do not prevent infection (replication of the virus in the body), but they prevent their respective diseases. The World Health Organization explains that, "Many vaccines are primarily intended to prevent disease and do not necessarily protect against infection." However, all these vaccines rely on high vaccination coverage and vaccine efficacy rates to protect the population from the disease through herd immunity. Where the vaccination rate is low, we get outbreaks, as is the case of mumps in recent years. Will immunity lead to eradication of COVID-19? There is still more to learn about the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. One thing for certain is that the current vaccines provide immunity at various efficacy rates against symptomatic COVID-19. Eradication often is reached when there is sterilizing immunity, induced by the virus or by a vaccine. While the coronavirus and the COVID-19 vaccines are not believed to elicit sterilizing immunity, they are likely to reduce infection and hence transmission. So high vaccination coverage with a vaccine with a high efficacy rate, and compliance with existing prevention measures, are key to protecting the general population from COVID-19, but not necessarily eradicating the virus. Do the vaccines protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants? Considering the potential impact of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, WHO recently provided the definitions for variants of concern and variants of interest in order to assess their public health relevance. Variants of concern are those that show an increase in transmissibility or severity of the disease, or a reduction in vaccine effectiveness. Variants of interest are those that call for research and closer monitoring based on community transmission (a number of outbreaks) or detection in a number of countries. Because the Phase 3 clinical trials were carried out at different times coinciding with the emergence of different dominant virus variants in different participating countries, efficacy rates of different vaccines cannot translate directly to their ability to protect against different variants of concern. However, Johnson & Johnson Phase 3 clinical trial shows that its vaccine has an efficacy rate of 60 percent against moderate to severe COVID-19 caused by the B.1.351 variant (dominant in South Africa) and 66 percent against moderate to severe COVID-19 caused by the P1 variant (dominant in Brazil). The vaccine has an overall efficacy rate of 85 percent against severe COVID-19 across these variants. The Novavax vaccine fared very well against B.1.1.7, which is dominant in the U.K., with an efficacy rate of 85.6 percent against symptomatic COVID-19, but only 60 percent against B.1.351 (after removing the HIV positive volunteers). The mRNA vaccines' Phase 3 clinical trials were done in the United States only, at a time when there was no circulation of any of those virus variants. Both Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech have shown their vaccines have a reduced efficacy rate against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants, compared to the non-variant strain, but their efficacy is still considerable. Recently, Oxford/AstraZeneca reported that its vaccine is efficacious against B.1.1.7 but not against B.1.351. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the New Economy Daily newsletter, follow us @economics and subscribe to our podcast.Australias central bank maintained its policy settings as it prepares to decide on extending its yield target and quantitative easing programs, with a Covid-19 lockdown complicating the outlook.The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate and three-year yield target at 0.10% in Sydney on Tuesday, as expected. It will make a decision in July on whether to extend the yield target and undertake further quantitative easing. A weeklong shutdown in the nations second-largest city adds a layer of uncertainty to the outlook.Despite the strong recovery in the economy and jobs, inflation and wage pressures are subdued, Governor Philip Lowe said. The board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target.The Australian dollar edged lower, trading at 77.41 U.S. cents at 2:53 p.m. in Sydney from 77.62 cents just before the release.The case for Lowe to maintain the April 2024 bond as the target maturity had been strengthening amid strong hiring, sentiment and investment plans. This was reinforced by the government keeping open the fiscal spigot in the May budget as it joins the RBA in seeking to drive down unemployment to revive wages growth and inflation.Progress in reducing unemployment has been faster than expected, Lowe said in his statement. There are reports of labor shortages in some parts of the economy.Risks AheadYet the RBA may be encouraged to err on the side of caution if Melbournes outbreak worsens and extend both of its bond programs to keep maximum support for the economy.An important ongoing source of uncertainty is the possibility of significant outbreaks of the virus, although this should diminish as more of the population is vaccinated, Lowe said. The board continues to place a high priority on a return to full employment.Globally, central banks are beginning to edge away from emergency monetary settings. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand surprised markets last week in presenting projections of its official cash rate rising in the second half of next year.Back in Australia, economists predicted ahead of data Wednesday that gross domestic product rose 1.5% in the first three months of the year from the prior quarter, and advanced 0.6% from a year earlier.Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy, in testimony to a parliamentary panel earlier today, said partial data showed around 56,000 workers had lost their jobs in the four weeks following the end of the governments JobKeeper wage subsidy that expired March 28.He said strong employment data and forward indicators continue to give us confidence that the labor market has the underlying strength to absorb workers transitioning off the JobKeeper payment.End of Australias $68 Billion Job-Saving Stimulus Tests EconomyLowe estimates Australias jobless rate will need to fall to close to 4% before driving economy-wide pay increases. It stood at 5.5% in April.The governor expects wages growth will need to increase at a pace faster than 3% -- more than double the current rate -- for inflation to return sustainably to the central banks 2-3% target.Lowe reiterated that this is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.(Updates with further comments from governor throughout text.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) is set to confirm a new law for Hong Kong that will drastically alter the citys electoral process. Since large-scale protests erupted in 2019, Beijing has enacted a number of anti-democratic measures to rein in any opposition in the city. The central government hopes to silence demands for increased democratic rights in order to prevent a larger eruption of discontent in the working class in Hong Kong and on the mainland. The NPC will formally reveal the new law on Thursday when its session concludes. The changes include expanding the number of seats in Hong Kongs legislature, known as the Legislative Council (LegCo) from 70 to 90, but reducing the proportion of directly elected representatives from 50 to 20 percent. Until now, the other half of the LegCos membership has been elected from so-called functional constituencies, narrowly representing various professions and industries and favouring establishment figures with ties to Beijing. Police in Hong Kong detain a protester after pepper spraying him, July. 1, 2020 (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) In addition, anyone wishing to stand for election to the LegCo would have to be chosen by the same election committee that selects the chief executive, the local leader of Hong Kong. Beijing uses this method to ensure the chief executive is loyal to the central government. It has also been the source of frustration and anger for Hong Kongers, including during the 2019 protests, as demonstrators demanded the right to directly elect the top government executive. In addition to covering elections for the chief executive and the LegCo, the new law will apply to candidates running for local district councils. In November 2019 district elections, pro-Beijing candidates were heavily defeated, with the official opposition pan-democrats securing 390 out of 452 seats. Beijing has justified the new law saying only Chinese patriots should be able to run for office. Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, stated on Sunday, Loyalty to the motherland is a basic political ethic of all public office holders and aspirants anywhere in the worldHong Kong is no exception. Since the start of the protest movement in 2019, Beijing has denounced outside forces, namely the United States and the United Kingdom, for stoking the demonstrations while accusing the pan-democrat legislators of collaboration with the US and UK. While many within the pan-democrats have ties to Washington and London, Beijings accusations were aimed at discrediting the legitimate demands of broad layers of protesters for democratic rights as well as to distract from the underlying social and economic inequality driving mass discontent. While the current election legislation is aimed at restricting the pan-democrats access to political office, it is a direct attack on the democratic rights of the population. Beijing has also enacted a number of new laws and measures to clamp down on political opposition in the city. This includes the national security law enacted last summer outlawing sedition and other forms of anti-government speech. In January, 47 activists were rounded up in police raids and charged under the new law on February 28. They face lengthy prison sentences if convicted. LegCo elections were delayed last July as Beijing feared a similar trouncing of its candidates as in the previous district elections. The pan-democrat bloc, however, does not represent a progressive way forward for Hong Kong workers and youth. They represent a section of the political and economic elite in Hong Kong, with some, like the flagship Democratic Party, seeking accommodation with Beijing. Others attempt to appear radical or even anti-capitalist in order to prevent youth and workers from breaking with the pan-democrats and capitalism as a whole. When workers started to move into open struggle in the summer of 2019, the pan-democrats worked to sow confusion by painting the struggle as Hong Kong versus the mainland, as well as generating illusions that Washington or London would defend democratic rights. Like the pro-Beijing faction in Hong Kong, the pan-democrats are hostile to the broader democratic social demands of students and workers. Achieving these demands necessarily requires a break with capitalism and the realization of socialism, which both Beijing and the pan-democrats oppose. Beijings concern is not the pan-democrats themselves, but that any criticism of Beijing and the misnamed Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will fuel broader social discontent in Hong Kong and on the mainland. The Chinese ruling elites greatest fear is that the Chinese working class enters into a united and independent struggle to assert its own political interests against capitalist exploitation. At the same time, Beijing is not indifferent to the machinations of Washington. President Joe Biden and his administration in Washington are continuing in the footsteps of his predecessors Barack Obama and Donald Trump, further ramping up military and economic pressure on China. On Friday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price denounced the election law, saying, These are a direct attack on Hong Kongs autonomy, Hong Kongs freedoms, and the democratic processes, limiting participation, reducing democratic representation, and stifling political debate in order to defy the clear will of the people of Hong Kong and to deny their voice in their own government and governance. The US is exploiting the situation in Hong Kong, as well as other regions like Xinjiang and Taiwan, in an effort to surround and isolate China. Biden is also pushing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, between the US, Australia, India, and Japan, which amounts to a military alliance against China. The leaders of the four countries are due to hold their first joint meeting this week. Last Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called China the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to seriously challenge the US. He evoked Hong Kong as well as Xinjiang to justify the continued military build-up against China. US imperialism has for decades exploited human rights to justify regime change operations and wars to further its interests, while maintaining close ties with autocratic regimes. Now it is preparing for war with China which it regards as the chief threat to its global hegemony. Washington is desperate to arrest its own relative economic decline in relation to China, especially as the US economy falters in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. by Francis Khoo Thwe The railway workers among the first to adhere to civil disobedience movement. The country's economy, largely in the hands of the military, is suffering with a boycott of products linked to foreign companies, especially from Singapore and China. The Japanese Kirin breaks its contract with a holding company owned by the junta. At least 100 policemen who fled to India seek political asylum: their superiors told them to "shoot [the demonstrators] until they die". Yangon (AsiaNews) - The security forces have launched a raid on a series of buildings where railway workers are striking. Railway workers were among the first to initiate the civil disobedience movement which includes doctors, nurses, government and bank employees, factory and shop workers and employees. Because of this, the countrys economy, largely in the hands of the military, is suffering greatly. Meanwhile, a new demonstration is taking place today in Mandalay. But security force violence increases hand in hand with the demonstrations. According to the Association for Aid to Political Prisoners, more than a month after the coup d'etat at least 60 demonstrators were killed and more than 1,900 people were arrested. In the country, the population has decided to undertake a boycott of products linked to foreign companies that indirectly collaborate with the junta, in particular products from Singapore and China. Japanese beverage company Kirin has cancelled its contract with the military-linked holding company Mehl. There has been a clear condemnation of the coup by many Western countries and also part of the UN Security Council, but China and Russia are holding back a motion for a sentence and even using the word "coup." Even the ASEAN countries, close to Myanmar, have so far only asked for an end to the violence and the resumption of the "inclusive" democratic path, without condemning anyone. According to US Department of Justice documents the junta has hired the Israeli-Canadian lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm Dickens & Madson Canada to urge countries and even the UN to look favourably on the military coup. The list of countries to be targeted include the US, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Israel and Russia. However, the junta is also crumbling within. In addition to the 600 soldiers who abandoned the army and other law enforcement departments, the story has recently emerged of at least 100 policemen who fled with their families across the Indian border and are now seeking political asylum. Some of them said they had decided to give up their duties and flee after receiving orders from their superiors to "shoot [the demonstrators] until they die". In an interrogation with the Indian police they said: "In a similar scenario - we do not have the strength to shoot at our own people, who are demonstrating peacefully." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (CNN) The mayor of Maui has asked some residents to evacuate and others to shelter in place due to flooding that threatened to cause a dam failure earlier Monday and has already damaged or destroyed at least half a dozen homes. The Maui Fire Department reported it received more than a dozen calls for help from residents who were trapped in their homes because of rising flood waters, according to an update from the County of Maui. "The current weather situation has created very dangerous flooding situation throughout the County of Maui, especially in east Maui," Maui Mayor Mike Victorino said during a press conference Monday afternoon. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a real flooding situation we have not seen in a long time," adding that some residents told him that this is the worst flooding they've seen in over 25 years. More than 1,300 customers have no power Heavy rains caused the water in the Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku to crest early Monday, and breach around 3:21 p.m. local time, according to a statement from the County of Maui. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency ordered those downstream to evacuate and three shelters were opened for those in need. The National Weather Service said that additional heavy rainfall could lead to a short-notice flash flood warning for areas downstream of the dam and advised residents to follow instructions provided by Maui emergency management officials. The governor said he was ready to assist the area during evacuations. "The state is standing by to support the County of Maui as residents and visitors downstream of the Kaupakulua Dam evacuate at this hour. Please stay out of the area until the danger has passed and continue to monitor local media for updates," Hawaii Gov. David Ige said in a statement. A bridge in Maui County was wiped out by the community's ongoing flooding. "Flood waters destroyed Peahi Bridge and heavily damaged Kaupakalua Bridge in Haiku," the county announced in a public notice. Victorino, Maui's mayor, said Tuesday that homes and bridges have been severely damaged in the community's flooding emergency. "This has been unprecedented flooding, and we will be making damage assessments today," Victorino said in a statement. Power was knocked out to more than 1,300 customers. Maui officials said the county has been able to reopen most public parks on the island. A flash flood watch remains in effect for all of Hawaii until 6 a.m. HST Wednesday. Meantime, a flash flood emergency was also issued for Haleiwa, on the north shores of Oahu in Honolulu county on Tuesday until 6:15 p.m. HST, according to NWS, and the community was ordered to evacuate. "Catastrophic flooding from Opaeula Stream. Evacuate now from Haleiwa town," the Honolulu County government said in an emergency notice Tuesday afternoon. "You are in danger. Leave now." Residents describe flooding On Monday, Carmen Gardner told CNN said she has lived in the area for 40 years and has never seen flooding this bad. She recorded videos showing how quick and forceful the water has flooded the area She said she was safe above the Kaupakalua Dam. "Winter of 88-89 was some flooding during a downpour but never anything close to this," she told CNN. "Kaupakalua Road looked like the Colorado River. It is below us, but there is a flash flood ongoing at the bottom (lower) edge of our property that appears to have already taken out one of the unpermitted structures they rented out." Gardner said the rentals below her appeared to be "damaged heavily." Ana Paula DeCarlo told CNN her family was safe although they were stuck at home due to the roadway washing out. She recorded video that showed water rushing over the roadway that used to have a small stream under it. "Yes, it's like a bridge, small one over a stream," she said of the road. "It hasn't stopped raining one second. We are about 15 minutes away from the dam." "This is our street right now. We can't go anywhere. The street disappeared, it's gone!," she posted on Instagram. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Heavy rainfall in Hawaii's Maui damaged homes, sparked evacuations and worries over possible dam failure." Russia's media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has imposed restrictions on Twitter by slowing down, or throttling, its speed across the country for its "failure" to remove banned content. Roskomnadzor said in a statement placed on its website on March 10 that the measure is meant "to protect Russian citizens from the influence of illegal content." It threatened to fully block the U.S. social network if it did not act. The action comes amid efforts to tighten control of social media and a clampdown on platforms that have been used to organize protests in support of jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. According to Roskomnadzor, as of March 10 Twitter had 3,168 posts with banned content on its site, including more than 2,500 posts encouraging suicide among minors. The Roskomnadzor statement also referred to content on illegal drugs and pornography. "One hundred percent of mobile gadgets and 50 percent of non-mobile devices will be affected by the measure to slow the service down. If Twitter continues to ignore the requirements of the law, enforcement measures will be continued in line with the response regulations [up to fully blocking the site]," Roskomnadzor's statement added. Roskomnadzor deputy chief Vadim Subbotin confirmed to the Interfax news agency on March 10 that the watchdog had the "technical capacity" to slow Twitter inside Russia and that it had already started to do so. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the government had "no desire to block anything," but added that it was "quite reasonable" for the authorities to enforce compliance with the law. Twitter said it was "deeply concerned by increased attempts to block and throttle online public conversation" and said it did not support unlawful behavior. "We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding child sexual exploitation," Twitter said in a statement, adding that it is against Twitter's rules to "promote, glorify or encourage suicide and self harm." While Twitter users may have found slower service, a number of government websites -- including the Kremlin's -- were unavailable altogether for some Russian Internet users, though officials quickly noted they were not caused by new restrictions imposed on the social network. Netblocks, a web-outage monitor, confirmed the slowdown on Twitter. "Real-time network data show elevated latency to Twitter servers from #Russia with high impact to mobile internet providers and some fixed-line networks, consistent with targeted traffic shaping or throttling; incident ongoing," Netblocks said on Twitter. Roskomnadzor's Subbotin warned that "it is possible" similar measures could be imposed against other social networks such as Facebook in the future if they did not follow Russian regulations, Moscow has been trying to curb social media in recent years amid increasing protests among Russias, especially younger ones, and social media's role in amplifying dissent. Officials in January accused foreign Internet companies of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs over their failure to take down calls to participate in rallies in support of Navalny. The government has previously moved to tighten control of social media by requiring online services to store the personal data of Russian users on servers in Russia. Facebook and Twitter have been fined for failing to comply with the law. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova late last year accused Facebook and Twitter of "open censorship" after they blocked Russian accounts and content and after Twitter labeled government and state-affiliated media accounts. Late last month Roskomnadzor demanded Twitter explain why it removed 100 accounts linked to Russia. Twitter said in response that the accounts "amplified narratives that were aligned with the Russian government, focused on undermining faith in the NATO alliance and its stability," and targeted the United States and the European Union. On February 1, a Russian law came into force that states social networks must themselves find and delete content banned by Russian law. If a social network is unable to determine if content contains banned materials, it must send the content to Roskomnadzor for an evaluation. With reporting by Interfax. AFP, and AP You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Advertisement An outstanding east London state school has overtaken Eton College and other top private schools in the fierce competition for Oxbridge offers. Brampton Manor, an academy in Newham, announced yesterday that 55 of its pupils had received conditional offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge. Eton College, alma mater of Boris Johnson and no less than 19 other prime ministers, secured 48 - a fall from 69 last year. Many private schools which traditionally sent high proportions of their students to both universities have been feeling the pinch in recent years. Brampton Manor, an academy in Newham, East London, has revealed 55 pupils have received conditional offers to study at Oxford or Cambridge students. Pictured above are 41 students at the school who got Oxbridge offers in January 2019 Three students at Brampton Manor - Kiara Scotland, Esther Oloyede, and Adaam Sise - celebrate their A-level results in August 2019 Eton College (pictured), alma mater of Boris Johnson, secured 48 conditional offers from Oxford and Cambridge this year This is due partly to aggressive efforts of Oxbridge to shed their elitist image and dramatically increase diversity. Brampton Manor said on Twitter: 'Delighted to announce that a record 55 students have received conditional offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge universities in autumn 2021. Massive congratulations to our highly motivated, ambitious and capable students. 'Despite the Covid pandemic, a record number of students have shown resilience and determination to secure offers from two of the most prestigious universities in the world.' In 2014, only one Brampton student received an Oxbridge offer. By 2018 it had reached 25, and 41 in 2019. Meanwhile Eton has been forced to defend its performance. In a letter to disappointed parents, the school's deputy head Tom Hawkins wrote: 'Each year we see very strong Etonian applicants disappointed, and unfortunately there have been more boys in this position this year. 'Whilst the admissions process has some way to run, there are strong results at other leading UK universities,' he added in a letter reported by the Telegraph last month. Brampton Manor set up its sixth form in 2012 in the hope of getting more disadvantaged students into top institutions. Many of its former pupils have been the first in their family to attend university. The majority are from ethnic minority backgrounds, in receipt of free school meals (FSMs) or will be the first in their family to attend university. Eton versus Brampton Manor: How a typical day at 42,500-a-year private school that has taught prime ministers and high-flying state school compares SCHOOL ROUTINE Brampton Manor: Pupils are expected to be in the Sixth Form Centre by 8.10am each morning and in form rooms by 8.15am. The first of five hour-long lessons starts at 8.35am, with a short 20-minute break at 10.35am and 40 minutes for lunch. The school day ends at 2.35pm but afterschool clubs run until 5pm. Eton: Awake at 7.30am for breakfast before Chapel. Students then have three classes (known as schools) before break (known as Chambers). They they have two more lessons before lunch at 1.15pm. After this, sport and activities take place. There are two more lessons before 6.15pm, when they have Quiet Hour working in their rooms until dinner at 7.30pm. Students then divide into their houses for evening prayers at 8.20pm before bed each night at 9.30pm. Four lessons also take place on Saturday. LUNCH MENU Brampton: Lamb korma, hunter's chicken and beef burger Eton: Roast Dingley Dell pork, lamb kleftiko and Jamaican jerk chicken SUBJECTS OFFERED Brampton: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Literature, Fine Art, French, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish Eton: English Literature, Mathematics (Single or with Further Mathematics), Biology, Chemistry, Physics , Ancient History, Latin, Greek, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, History (medieval, early modern or modern), History of Art, Geography, Design, Art , Music, Theology, Theatre Studies, Economics, Government and Politics, Music Technology, Computer Science UNIFORM Brampton: Boys must wear a plain, black, formal, business-like suit, with a black belt and Brampton Manor tie. Girls must also wear a suit, the suit skirt must match the jacket and be knee length. Eton: Black tailcoat and waistcoat, false-collar and pinstriped trousers FEES Brampton: Free Eton: 42,500 a year Advertisement From 2015 to this year, state school intake has gone up from 62.3 per cent to 70 per cent at Cambridge and 55.6 per cent to 68.7 per cent at Oxford. Sonja, who plans to study human, social and political science at Cambridge, said: 'Being the first person in my family to submit an application to university, let alone get an offer from the University of Cambridge, feels incredible. 'My family were so full of joy when they found out about my offer and we are all so excited for the next chapter in my life.' Harun Shekoni, who received an offer to study politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford, is also a first-generation applicant to university. He faced additional pressures at home which made studying remotely last year particularly difficult. 'I don't always have adequate resources to study and I don't have a proper work station at home,' he said. Harun said: 'Here at Brampton, what was actually an eye-opener for me is the fact that there are so many like-minded students who are so motivated and they all come from similar backgrounds to me. 'So I come from a low-income single-parent household and I was thinking 'OK I'm going to be the odd one out'. 'But there are many others who actually have the same background to me and we all kind of push each other on to say that there's no reason why our background should hinder us from actually reaching success.' Daniel Harry, who received an offer to study law at Cambridge, told PA: 'In general, it definitely feels great to finally see that state school students are getting the recognition that they really do deserve. 'I guess it's just the fact that talent from underrepresented backgrounds are finally being recognised. It's finally being seen as a good thing for students of all backgrounds to get into the top universities.' Daniel has not yet been able to visit the prestigious university. He said: 'It feels like a world apart from where I live currently, being an inner-city kind of child, but at the same time it definitely is something that I would like to experience given the academic and cultural history that Cambridge does have.' Delveen Nyarko-Sakyi, who has been offered a place to study chemistry at Oxford, is the first in her family to go to university. She told PA: 'We never looked at Eton and said 'oh we want to be like them', it was just about the individual working hard.' Delveen added: 'I think it's important for us to encourage other people like me who wouldn't see themselves going to Oxford or Cambridge to apply as well.' Chloe Wills, an offer holder for natural sciences at Cambridge who is eligible for FSMs, is convinced that instilling self-belief in students is a crucial way to widen access to elite institutions. She said: 'An important part of applying to top universities is believing that you actually have a chance, which Brampton reassures you of from the beginning.' Sam Dobin, director of sixth form at Brampton, said self-belief is just one piece of the jigsaw that enables students to succeed. He added: 'There is a lot of misconception about what a 'typical' Oxbridge student is like and we work hard to dispel the myth that they need to look or sound a certain way. 'The best universities are looking for the most academically able students; our school community is full of exceptionally bright students, and our job is to empower them to achieve to their potential, knowing that if they do this nothing will stop them from reaching the highest of heights.' VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Tracker Ventures Corp. ("Tracker" or the "Company") (CSE:TKR)(OTC PINK:TLOOF)(FWB:B2I) announced that Contakt LLC ("Contakt World"), a technology company modernizing public health and safety, has released the sixth episode of the "Contakt World: Truth in Health" podcast. The podcast is available on iHeartRadio and other popular streaming sites for podcasts. Listen Now Here "Many people are unaware of the physical and mental consequences a viral infection can have on the body, if it is avoided and not properly taken care of," said Deepti Pahwa, Chief Innovation Officer of Contakt World and co-host of the podcast. "The first half of this episode highlights Kemoy Campbell who watched his long-distance running career end right before his eyes due to a viral infection and his advice to athletes on how to take care of themselves during the pandemic." "The second part of our episode highlights the constant information and misinformation surrounding the pandemic that clouds our social media channels and plays a significant impact on people's knowledge about public health," said Justin Beck, Founder and CEO of Contakt World. "This is a major issue in today's society that needs to be addressed, and we were honored to discuss this topic with Dr. Seema Yasmin, pinpointing how to restore trust from past and current instances of medical racism and how to be mindful of the information we choose to share on our individual platforms." A description of the sixth episode can be found below. "Contakt World: Truth in Health" Podcast Episode 6: Likes, Clicks, Faves vs Saving Lives "Who's right? And furthermore, who decides what is right? It's the fundamental question of our times, not only in terms of ethics, but also systems of information. In this age of COVID, misinformation and social media, there's a lot to contend with. So, how do we navigate it? Join our hosts Justin Beck, Catherine Delcin and Deepti Pahwa, as they speak with Dr. Seema Yasmin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, poet, medical doctor and author who discusses the direct effects of Facebook on public health. We also hear from Kemoy Campbell, a retired Olympic distance runner from Jamaica, who educates athletes on the importance of heart health, and how to properly listen to your body, especially in the age of COVID. As always, we'll talk about how to help our local health departments - and encourage innovation and technology integration - all while remaining empathetic, plus keeping an eye toward health equity for all." "Contakt World: Truth in Health" is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and also available on Apple and Spotify. For video previews, highlights and full-length episodes, please visit Contakt World on YouTube. * No content within or related to this podcast has been evaluated by the FDA. Any information presented by Contakt World or its guests is not intended to treat or cure any disease, and no claims are made as to the accuracy or sufficiency thereof. Contakt World - Tracker Transaction Tracker and Contakt World are parties to a definitive amalgamation agreement pursuant to which Tracker will indirectly acquire (the "Acquisition") a 100% interest in Contakt World. For further information respecting the Acquisition, please refer to the Company's news release dated December 8, 2020. Trading of Tracker's shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") has been halted in connection with the announcement of the Acquisition and is not expected to resume until the CSE has approved a Form 2A Listing Statement for the resulting issuer from the Acquisition. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will be completed on the terms proposed in the amalgamation agreement or at all. About Contakt World Contakt World is a technology and media company innovating public health agency connections with their community, with the goal of becoming the most trustworthy, accessible and scalable digital public health and safety platform globally - addressing the needs of a post-pandemic world. Contakt World combines aggressive research and development, human-centered design, next-gen data integrations, and strategic health partnerships to empower and build mutual trust within communities, contributing towards health equity for users around the world. Contakt World's first suite of tools emerge from the urgency surrounding coronavirus to manage the pandemic through innovative contact tracing and case management spanning multiple modes of communication. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.contakt.world. Tracker Ventures Contact Geoff Balderson CEO and Director Direct: 604-602-0001 Media Contact Kevin Harrington Account Director - 5WPR contaktPR@5wpr.com Investor Contact Lucas A. Zimmerman Senior Vice President - MZ North America Direct: 949-259-4987 contakt@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE: Tracker Ventures Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634505/Contakt-World-Truth-in-Health-Podcast-Unveils-Sixth-Episode--Featuring-In-Depth-Interviews-with-Emmy-Award-Winning-Journalist-Dr-Seema-Yasmin-and-Retired-Olympic-Distance-Runner-Kemoy-Campbell-Entitled-Likes-Clicks-Faves-vs-Saving-Lives Planning is well underway for the BBG (Ballinagar, Ballycommon and Geashill) Zoom St Patricks Day Event on Sunday next, March 14. From 11.30am to 1.30pm there will be an online event which will cover such elements such as a virtual parade, a wonderful display of art from Cappagh, Ballinagar and Geashill National Schools, brown bread making together with some history about St Patrick's Day. Most importantly it is all about being proud to be Irish and being connected to Ireland and its rich colourful cultural heritage. So if you want to join please contact Mary OConnor on 083 3160492 or check out facebook BBGTT page @bbgtowntwinning Now add lawsuits to the mix. Between varying waves of lockdowns and struggling to pay employees, and going back and forth with indoor vs. outdoor dining and table size, lawyers are circling like sharks in the water. Plaintiffs attorneys are seeking patrons who have had COVID-19. Restaurants especially those that are small and family-owned places are easy targets. Big chains can afford lawyers. Mom and Pop places cannot. Imagine investing your life savings in a family-owned restaurant and then be forced to pay large settlements up front just because you cant afford to go to court. They cant afford legal representation or expert witnesses to testify that any particular measure was flawless in preventing coronavirus transmission. Many will just give up and declare bankruptcy. Research conducted by the Littler Mendelson law firm found nearly 2,000 COVID-related liability suits had been filed since the beginning of the pandemic. These numbers have been steadily increasing as the pandemic has drawn out. Where one lawyer is successful, many more follow. People attend a national flag raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, Sept. 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Gang) BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Improving the electoral system in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will ensure Hong Kong residents better realize their democratic rights and freedom, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Tuesday. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a routine press conference in response to comments by certain U.S. lawmakers on the matter. The U.S. lawmakers were interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs, Zhao said, adding in improving the electoral system of Hong Kong, the NPC is exercising a power as well as fulfilling a duty conferred on it by the Constitution. The move will advance the cause of "one country, two systems" and help maintain the long-term stability of Hong Kong. "It is completely constitutional, legal, justified and reasonable," said Zhao. Fixing the flaws of the current electoral system of the HKSAR will provide a guarantee for Hong Kong residents to better realize their democratic rights and freedom, he said. The spokesperson stressed that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, and the electoral system of the HKSAR is China's local electoral system. "Its design, development and improvement fall entirely under China's internal affairs. No country is entitled to make irresponsible remarks," said Zhao. Endocannabinoids are a likelier intoxicant, these scientists believed. Similar in chemical structure to cannabis, the cannabinoids made by our bodies surge in number during pleasant activities, such as orgasms, and also when we run, studies show. They can cross the blood-brain barrier, too, making them viable candidates to cause any runners high. A few past experiments had strengthened that possibility. In one notable 2012 study, researchers coaxed dogs, people and ferrets to run on treadmills, while measuring their blood levels of endocannabinoids. Dogs and humans are cursorial, meaning possessed of bones and muscles well adapted to distance running. Ferrets are not; they slink and sprint but rarely cover loping miles, and they did not produce extra cannabinoids while treadmill running. The dogs and people did, though, indicating that they most likely were experiencing a runners high and it could be traced to their internal cannabinoids. That study did not rule out a role for endorphins, however, as Dr. Johannes Fuss realized. The director of the Human Behavior Laboratory at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany, he and his colleagues had long been interested in how various activities affect the inner workings of the brain, and after reading the ferret study and others, thought they might look more closely into the runners high. They began with mice, which are eager runners. For a 2015 study, they chemically blocked the uptake of endorphins in the animals brains and let them run, then did the same with the uptake of endocannabinoids. When their endocannabinoid system was turned off, the animals ended their runs just as anxious and twitchy as they had been at the start, suggesting that they had felt no runners high. But when their endorphins were blocked, their behavior after running was calmer, relatively more blissed-out. They seemed to have developed that familiar, mild buzz, even though their endorphin systems had been inactivated. Mice emphatically are not people, though. So, for the new study, which was published in February in Psychoneuroendocrinology, Dr. Fuss and his colleagues set out to replicate the experiment, to the extent possible, in humans. Recruiting 63 experienced runners, male and female, they invited them to the lab, tested their fitness and current emotional states, drew blood and randomly assigned half to receive naloxone, a drug that blocks the uptake of opioids, and the rest, a placebo. (The drug they had used to block endocannabinoids in mice is not legal in people, so they could not repeat that portion of the experiment.) Angola, IN (46703) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High around 65F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A steady rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low 56F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. UM psychology researchers have been studying the role of dark personality traits narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism in predicting responses to the pandemic. Their results have yielded insights on varying perceptions of COVID-19 threat, emergency beliefs, and positive and negative responses to the virus.. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global upheaval, with lives lost, vanished jobs, social instability and other detrimental effectsand some people might find a bit of enjoyment in all the disruption. That is one conclusion from a recent study at the University of Mississippi, where psychology researchers assessed the role of dark personality traits in predicting responses to the pandemic. They studied a group of Americans on the Dark Tetrad personality traitsnarcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadismas well as perceptions of COVID-19 threat, emergency beliefs, and positive and negative responses to the virus. With the pandemic more than a year old, disease and safety protocols such as mask wearing and social distancing continue to affect daily life. Research on personality and responses to COVID-19 is essential, both for addressing differences in how individuals respond to the pandemic and for understanding how personality traits predict how people feel, think and act when faced with a novel environment, the researchers said. "Some of the main findings for the study were that we did see some differences in how people with these traits have operated during the pandemic," said Lauren Jordan, a graduate instructor from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and one of the study's authors. "While those high in narcissism and Machiavellianism felt unstable during the pandemic, sadists especially seemed to be thriving." Sadistic people, who tend to be cruel toward others for pleasure or dominance, may experience more positive emotions in situations such as the pandemic because all the turmoil appears to negatively affect the quality of people's daily lives. "This could reflect the idea that while narcissists and Machiavellians work within the system and around people to accomplish their goals, those high in psychopathy and sadism tend to be more antisocial and work within their own systems," said Jordan, who is pursuing her Ph.D. in experimental psychology. The study's results suggest that dark personality traits may be separated in part by their relationship to social stability. "My favorite finding is that individuals scoring higher in Machiavellianism and narcissism report feeling more negativity and perceive that COVID-19 is threatening to a sense of stability in the world," said Carrie Smith, UM assistant professor of psychology and one of the study's authors. "I think this is very interesting. "We interpreted this as these people needing the world to be predictable and consistent for them to be most effectivenarcissists are great in their domain; Machiavellians know how to achieve their ends in their domain. "When that gets upended, and these people are unable to interact with people in known ways or unable to engage in particular behaviors, I imagine that it is profoundly unpleasant. With people scoring high in psychopathy, they are also experiencing less positive affect, which I think is related. The world has changed for them, too, and they have less opportunity to be impulsive and do what they want." Besides Jordan, joining Smith on the study was Ben Hardin, a senior psychology major from Booneville. The researchers noted a positive finding: most people reported that they are following basic social distancing and other recommended precautions to combat the health crisis. The study also found some interesting pandemic-related behaviors among the different personalities. "Since almost all of our participants reported that they had been following protocols and social distancing, we could not analyze whether there was any relationship between dark personality traits and compliance with health recommendations," Hardin said. "We did find some interesting relationships with other behavioral outcomes, though. "For instance, those who were higher in narcissism were more likely to report that they had engaged in volunteering activities to help those affected by COVID-19." The study found that Machiavellianism predicted a greater fear of being infected with COVID-19, and the dark personalities showed some predictive ability in explaining some pandemic-related behaviors, such as more frequent cleaning, but not others, such as social distancing. People higher in narcissism and psychopathy reported being less likely to clean regularly touched surfaces in their home, which could reflect their tendency to be impulsive and devalue the future consequences of their actions. Shining a Light on Dark Personalities Two Canadian psychologists first introduced the term Dark Triad in 2002 to describe three overlapping personalities: narcissism, characterized by self-aggrandizement and desire for attention; Machiavellianism, characterized by a willingness to manipulate others; and psychopathy, characterized by impulsivity and callousness. In 2009, sadism was added to the threesome, creating the Dark Tetrad. While these dark personalities are often assumed to be problematic, contexts exist where a dark personality might have its benefits, such as in political leaders or business executives, Smith said. "In addition, I think some people may assume that some of their traitssuch as a lack of empathymake them immune to threats to well-being, like the pandemic," she said. "Similarly, I don't think that is true, and our findings suggest that people with dark personalities are not unaffected by the upheaval caused by the pandemic." Smith was already studying dark personalities when the pandemic struck in early 2020. She has continued that work, but with a different approach. Since the laboratory was already exploring dark personality, the group started asking questions about how people who have a dark personalitynot necessarily rule-followers or concerned about the welfare of othersmay be reacting in a time of national unity and sacrifice, but who also are being asked to limit interaction and follow safety protocols. To avoid studying Ole Miss students, the group recruited a national sample of people from around the country. The 402 participantsfrom 43 states and the District of Columbiafilled out a series of questionnaires concerning their personalities and their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in response to the pandemic. All study procedures were approved by the UM Institutional Review Board, and all involved gave consent before participating. "I think we were inspired by the initial response to the pandemic," Jordan said. "So many people were anxious and fearful and tasked with making difficult decisions about shutting down and visiting local businesses, about how to work and about handling child care. "We saw people put their own health on the line to help others, but we also saw pictures of grocery stores completely empty and everyone hoarding toilet paper. We wondered if personality, and Dark Tetrad traits in particular, could explain some differences in these behaviors." Explore further Narcissists have the most crowdfunding success, research reveals More information: Benjamin S. Hardin et al. Is the COVID-19 pandemic even darker for some? Examining dark personality and affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, Personality and Individual Differences (2020). Journal information: Personality and Individual Differences Benjamin S. Hardin et al. Is the COVID-19 pandemic even darker for some? Examining dark personality and affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110504 President Akufo-Addo has revealed that Cabinet has granted policy approval for the establishment of a National Flag Carrier (Home Based Airline) with strategic partner participation. The most recent state carrier Ghana International Airlines collapsed in 2010 after the governments withdrawal of funding. At the time, the airline claimed that the government was not simply refusing to provide money, but also preventing potential private investors from doing so. This followed the failure of Ghana Airways in December 2004. In his State of the Nation Address delivered on Tuesday, March,09, 2021, President Akufo-Addo however told the Chamber, the House will be duly informed on developments in this area. The countrys location gives it a potential strategic advantage as a regional air hub for West Africa. The Kotoka international airport has been renovated and expanded to include a new terminal following its potential for air passenger traffic growth. Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo says the construction of the second and third phase of the Kumasi Airport, second phase of Tamale Airport, and rehabilitation of the Sunyani airport, are all progressing steadily. He added: A decision on the siting of the proposed airport in the Central and Western Regions is imminent. Source: kasapafmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Nutrition Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 206 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 206 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Nutrition Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-nutrition-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Nutrition Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Adelphi University American University Andrews University Arizona State University Auburn University Benedictine University Case Western Reserve University Colorado State University Cornell University East Carolina University Eastern Michigan University Framingham State University Iowa State University Kansas State University Michigan State University Mississippi State University New York Institute of Technology North Carolina State University North Dakota State University Ohio State University Purdue University Russell Sage College Rutgers University South Dakota State University State University of New York, Stony Brook Texas A&M University, College Station Texas Tech University Tufts University University Of Alabama, Birmingham University of Arizona University of California, Davis University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Kentucky University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Nebraska University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of North Dakota University of North Florida University of Southern Mississippi University of Texas, Austin University of Utah University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison Utah State University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Lloyd Austin will visit India next week along with Japan and South Korea, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday, in the first overseas trip of a senior member of the new Biden Administration. This is for the first time that India has been included in the itinerary in the first overseas trip of a "Austin will meet with his counterparts and other senior officials to discuss the importance of defence relationships and reinforce the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for rules, laws, and norms," the Pentagon said. Austin will embark on his first overseas trip on March 13 to visit US Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Hawaii, US troops and senior government leaders in Japan and the Republic of Korea, and senior government leaders in India, it said. The date of Austin's visit to India has not been announced. However, it would be the last leg of his maiden foreign trip. "In India, Secretary Austin will meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the US-India Major Defence Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries for a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region," the Pentagon said. In Japan, Austin will join US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken for the US-Japan Security Consultative Committee ('2+2'), hosted by Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, to emphasize that the US-Japan Alliance has never been more resolute and resilient the cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of long-term competition with China, it said. In South Korea, Austin and Blinken will attend a US-South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministerial ('2+2'), hosted by Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defence Minister Suh Wook, to reaffirm the United States' ironclad commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea, and emphasise that the USSouth Korea alliance remains a linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and around the world, the Pentagon 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.) Mar. 9U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and several colleagues are pushing the Federal Maritime Commission to protect the access of exporters to ocean carriers amid surging demand during the coronavirus pandemic. Ocean carriers bring in highly valuable consumer electronics, apparel, building equipment and other finished products from Asia to the U.S. Containers have traditionally then gone to rural areas of the Pacific Northwest and have been loaded with products such as hay cubes, potatoes and lumber, before being sent back for export, said Peter Friedmann, the executive director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition. But demand is high for consumer imports, which earn ocean carriers a higher freight rate. The pandemic and uneven economic recoveries around the world have led to a shortage in containers and a dramatic increase in shipping costs. Carriers have opted to send containers back to Asia empty to expedite the import of more high-value consumer goods. "The steamship lines are all private companies all around the world," Friedmann said. "They apparently don't care about the U.S. exporter, and they don't really care about the consumer either. They're just carrying the cargo and maximizing profits." The Federal Maritime Commission ordered ocean carriers and marine terminal operators to provide information determining whether legal obligations related to detention and demurrage under the Shipping Act of 1984 are being met. Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, and 23 other senators wrote the head of the commission, calling for appropriate action against ocean carriers. "The need is urgent, especially with record container volumes at the nation's major ports," the senators wrote. "These volumes, and the resulting congestion, will only grow as the global economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Producers rely on competitive access to foreign markets, and the reported actions by certain (container carriers) to undermine this access pose significant ramifications for agricultural exporters and the industry at large." Story continues A representative of Wyden's office said the senator has not heard back yet regarding the fact-finding mission. One of the exporters affected is Hampton Lumber, which exports premium wood products to Japan through Tacoma and Seattle. Kristin Rasmussen, a spokeswoman for Hampton, said the company is even more affected by the carrier issues when trying to import specialty construction products. "The container shortage is creating major supply problems in the U.S.," she said in a statement. "It's a big factor limiting home construction at the moment because so many building products come from China. Something as simple as a door jamb is in short supply right now." The Chinese government has previously taken action to control freight rate increases. "We want the U.S. to be as aggressive in supporting our exports as the Chinese have been aggressive in supporting their exports," Friedmann said. Hyundai Gives First Look at All New Kona N First glimpse reveals a powerful stance and high-performance design elements The hot SUV will combine the driving fun of a Hyundai N model with the comfort and convenience of an SUV All-new KONA N features the modern design of the new KONA with the bold and dynamic language of the companys N division SEOUL - March 9, 2021: Hyundai Motor has revealed a glimpse of the all-new KONA N without its camouflage disguise. In a series of teaser images, fans and enthusiasts can enjoy a first look at the latest member of the brands high-performance N range. The all-new KONA N will be the latest addition to the Hyundai N brand line-up, and the first N model with an SUV body type. As the first images reveal, the hot SUV boasts a sporty appearance, further emphasised by its wide, low stance. For the very first time, the Hyundai N division and Hyundai Design Center worked together to develop on an SUV body type, creating a product that clearly represents a powerful presence and driving fun. The all-new KONA N combines the modern design of the recently launched new KONA with the bold and dynamic language of the companys N models. The front view is dominated by large, sporty and iconic air intakes, and the new light signature gives Hyundais latest high-performance model an aggressive, powerful appearance. The lower grille defines the character of the bumper fascia: its shape is inspired by an aeronautic fuselage and extends to the side of the car, emphasising its aerodynamic efficiency and speed. An N logo on the unique upper grille completes the look. At the rear, a large double-wing roof spoiler for enhanced downforce gives spice to the rear view. It also incorporates a third, triangular brake light, as is customary with N models. Large N dual exhaust mufflers fully express the models high-performance spirit. Lower down on the rear bumper, a large diffuser enhances the airflow departure. The sporty appearance is further emphasised through body-coloured fenders, bringing KONA N visually closer to the ground. The all-new KONA N is equipped with the eye-catching features reserved for N models, such as exclusive alloy wheels and red accents that embellish the side sills. The all-new KONA N will be the latest addition to the Hyundai N family, Hyundais high-performance, motorsport-inspired line-up. It will also expand the successful Hyundai SUV family. More information will be revealed soon. Omitting ethnic minorities from the vaccine priority list is putting these groups at a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 illness and death. Public health doctors, writing in a commentary published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, say that the UK's colour-blind vaccination model disregards the unequal impact of the pandemic on minority ethnic groups and is worsening the racial inequalities that the pandemic and the wider governmental and societal response have harshly exposed and amplified. The commentary describes how COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, resulting in higher rates of infection, hospitalisation and death. People from minority ethnic groups are more likely to live in crowded and multi-generational households where there may be increased risk of transmission. They also comprise a higher proportion of the high-risk and low-paid essential workers, especially in urban areas, thereby increasing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. Calling for targeted vaccination of all high-risk groups, the lead author of the commentary, Professor Azeem Majeed, of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London, said: "Prioritising essential workers for vaccination will preserve the healthcare system, accelerate re-opening of society, help revive the economy and enable the operation of essential community services." He continued: "If insufficient numbers of individuals from BAME communities are vaccinated, the virus will continue to spread amongst these groups, putting the general population at risk." The authors say that ineffective vaccine allocation strategies are likely to play a role in the high levels of vaccine hesitancy observed across ethnic minorities. The UK Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has highlighted the significant risk of low COVID-19 vaccine uptake in ethnic minorities, advising better understanding of the barriers that contribute to low uptake. Prof Majeed said: "Lack of trust in some ethnic minority communities as a result of cultural and structural racism, low confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, and limited endorsement from trusted providers and community leaders are likely to be key factors." He went onto describe lack of vaccines, transport access and inconvenience of appointments as other factors hindering vaccine uptake in these communities. Prof Majeed concluded: "Dismissing the racial and socioeconomic disadvantages that ethnic groups face may result in devastating impact lasting far beyond the end of the pandemic. Controlling further outbreaks and, ultimately, ending the pandemic will require implementation of approaches that target ethnic minorities as well as ensuring vaccine allocation strategies are effective, fair and justifiable for all." ### Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Very hot. High 106F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow Abundant sunshine. High 106F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global in-vitro fertilization market size is expected to reach USD 33.9 billion by 2028, based on a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the market is driven by the continuous efforts of the market players, government initiatives to make available better reimbursement policies, and an increase in the incidence of infertility due to lifestyle changes. Expansion of fertility procedures such as ICSI for treating infertility is expected to positively impact market growth in the near future. Key suggestions from the report: Culture media dominated the market for IVF in terms of revenue in 2020. A number of research activities are being undertaken to improve the efficiency of culture media. For instance, Vitrolife showcased its research on SpermFreeze solution at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) that established the effectiveness of its solution for sperm recovery and sperm-hyaluronic acid-binding Europe dominated the market for IVF in 2020. Adoption of advanced technologies such as time-lapse microscopy by the clinics, availability of affordable treatment, and adherence to medical standards contribute to market growth in the region The APAC region is expected to witness increased demand for IVF owing to fertility tourism and the availability of funding for the treatment. In Japan , eligible couples can apply for co-funding for a maximum of three cycles with USD 1,920 for each cycle The developing countries in Asia Pacific are undertaking legal reforms to promote treatment adoption in the region. For instance, in February 2020 , the Government of India approved a bill for the regulation of clinics offering reproduction assistance services, including IVF, artificial insemination, and surrogacy In January 2020 , Merck received Marketing Authorization (MA) from the European Commission (EC) for its recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone, GONAL-f (follitropin alfa) 150 IU pen Read 120 page research report with ToC on "In-vitro Fertilization Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Instrument (Disposable Devices, Culture Media), By Procedure Type (Fresh Donor, Frozen Donor), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028'' at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/in-vitro-fertilization-market Moreover, the availability of genomic testing facilities that enable the prevention of the transfer of genetic disorders during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is further expected to drive the market. The insurance providers are providing coverage to IVF procedures owing to an increase in the number of IVF treatments. This has led to competitive pricing and has moderated the IVF treatment costs as the procedure has been a successfully practiced technology, driving the market with more treatment automation and standardization. A decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a result of factors such as a behavioral shift in society. These factors include a shift from rural to urban societies, the increased age of the first birth, an increasing number of women in the labor force, postponement of marriage, and lower marriage rates. The in-person fertility treatments in U.S. and Canada were suspended in March 2020 by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and American Society of Reproductive Medicine due to the COVID-19. However, treatment is resuming in many countries with ease of COVID-19 restrictions, including the developing nations. Medicover Fertility, IVF center in India, in July 2020 announced to resume the IVF procedures after initial COVID risk assessment. Grand View Research has segmented the global in-vitro fertilization market on the basis of instrument, procedure type, end-use, and region: IVF Instrument Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Disposable Devices Culture Media Capital Equipment IVF Procedure Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Fresh Donor Frozen Donor Fresh Non-donor Frozen Non-donor IVF End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) Fertility Clinics Hospitals & Others Setting IVF Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K. Belgium Netherlands Switzerland Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa & South Africa List of Key Players of In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market OvaScience EMD Serono Inc. Vitrolife AB Irvine Scientific Cook Medical Inc. Cooper Surgical Inc. Genea Biomedx Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Progyny, Inc. Boston IVF Find more research reports on Medical Devices Industry, by Grand View Research: In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market The global in-vitro fertilization microscopes market size was valued at USD 80.8 million in 2019 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.43% from 2020 to 2027. The global in-vitro fertilization microscopes market size was valued at in 2019 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.43% from 2020 to 2027. Infertility Treatment Devices & Equipment Market The global infertility treatment devices and equipment market size was valued at USD 206 . 7 million in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.3% over the forecast period. The global infertility treatment devices and equipment market size was valued at . 7 million in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.3% over the forecast period. Hospital Acquired Infections Diagnostics Market The global Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) diagnostic market size was estimated to be USD 3.6 billion in 2015. HAIs have been of increasing concern in healthcare facilities across the globe. Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. Whistleblowers have exposed a 'toxic culture' of bullying, racism and sexual harassment at Britain's largest nuclear plant. Workers said the abusive behaviour could lead to a 'disaster' at the Sellafield site in Cumbria. One employee claimed bosses did nothing when he was 'racially taunted' by a driver going through the plant. A woman said a senior manager asked if she had performed sexual favours to get ahead in the job. Another claimed a line manager called his autistic worker a 'mong', while a Muslim staffer said a trainer said the biggest threat was 'bearded men in flip-flops'. In a letter to bosses, they said: 'He then singled me out and mockingly looked under the table at my shoes.' Experts blasted the alleged behaviour as a 'toxic culture' and a 'recipe for disaster' due to the dangerous chemicals kept on site. Workers said the abusive behaviour could lead to a 'disaster' at the Sellafield site in Cumbria (file photo) Alison McDermott, a senior consultant working on an equality strategy, told the BBC: 'When I started working there, it quickly became apparent there was rampant bullying in the organisation. 'This is a nuclear site, where many employees are demoralised, bullied and scared to speak out. 'You've got toxic materials and a toxic culture, if you put those two together then you've got a recipe for disaster.' She noted an internal staff survey from 2018 which found just 54 per cent of staff thought they 'could speak out about doing the right thing without fear of reprisals'. Ms McDermott is taking Sellafield to an employment tribunal as she claims she was sacked for whistleblowing. She lost her job in October 2018 - having started in 2017 - just days after her internal report slammed the human resources team. Alison McDermott, a senior consultant working on an equality strategy, told the BBC : 'When I started working there, it quickly became apparent there was rampant bullying in the organisation' Sellafield, which is owned by the government's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and has a 10,000-strong workforce, reject her claims. A spokesman said: 'We're committed to ensuring all of our employees are respected... and able to perform at their best.' But it added that it had 'more work to do'. They continued: 'We're committed to ensuring all of our employees are respected, included, and able to perform at their best. 'We are working hard to improve our processes so employees can have confidence that when issues are raised, they are dealt with. 'We accept we have more work to do in this area but we remain as committed as ever to eradicating unacceptable behaviour from our workplace.' You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close March in Japan is a time of winding down, celebrating and preparing for new beginnings. The school year comes to a close, graduation ceremonies fill up the month and workers prepare for the annual shuffle dance of moving to a new outpost. In the backdrop, the annual ritual and spectacle of cherry blossom season bursts into view. March is a busy but feel-good month. At precisely 2.46pm on Friday, March 11, 2011, an earthquake so powerful that it shifted the world on its axis, struck Japans north-east coast. The ensuing tsunami, which devastated multiple prefectures tethered to the Pacific coastline, killed nearly 20,000 people. As is well known, the earthquake and tsunami were part of a triple blow, leading to the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima Daichi power station on the coast more than 200km north of Tokyo. Indeed, Fukushima, like the Chernobyl disaster before it, has become a byword for the pitfalls of nuclear power generation. Ten years on and the events of 3/11, as it is known in Japanese, are seared into the nations collective memory: everyone who can remembers where they were when the earth literally shook. Earthquakes, or tremors, are a regular occurrence in Japan. Disaster drills are an important part of the countrys significant disaster preparedness plans, but nothing really prepares you for the big one and with a magnitude of 9.0, the March 11 earthquake was the biggest recorded in Japan since records began around 1900. At the time I was hundreds of kilometres away in Osaka, half asleep at a desk in a teachers staff room. The entire building shook and shook again I had never, ever felt anything like it. A colleague shouted jishin earthquake and that was the first I knew of what was happening. Precisely an hour later the tsunami, measuring nine metres in places, crashed down on the coastline north of Tokyo. The images of vans fleeing the wave, of tankers and houses being knocked around like they were made of paper, were beamed around the world as it happened. Akira Yamauchi, an IT specialist now living in Cork, recalled being on the 33rd floor of a Tokyo office building. The building shook a lot, especially the top floor which shook like we were on a ship, slowly and loudly. Some people even got sick. Unable to make contact with his family, Mr Yamauchi joined thousands of other Tokyo workers on the hours-long walk home as public transport had shut down. Will Ryan, a Tipperary native who runs An Solas pub in central Tokyo, was out running in the capital when the first tremor hit and he ducked into the entrance of a bank. I remember me and the security guard looking out at the street and it was like somebody had lifted up a duvet and shook it up and down a few times. I swear to God, I absolutely Shunsuke Miwa, a close Japanese friend of Mr Ryans, was in Iwaki City, Fukushima, working at the fish-processing plant he runs. The steel frame of the building shook and the ground tore open in places. As news of the earthquake broke, a tsunami warning quickly followed. Luckily the fish factory was located a few kilometres inland, but Mr Miwa was worried about his relations who lived on the coast, all the more so because it was impossible to reach them by phone. It was the next day before he finally located his cousin, whose first floor had been submerged in water. It was devastating, Mr Miwa said, recalling the destruction from the aftermath of the tsunami. Like thousands of others he decided to temporarily evacuate from Fukushima to Tokyo, especially as he lived within a 50km radius of the nuclear power plant. That journey was fraught with difficulty: petrol stations were closed, highways blocked and the region was still in the grip of winter weather. Meanwhile, the entire country was glued to TV screens and smartphones as the meltdowns set off explosions at the power plant. On the other side of the world in Achill, Lisako Ni Chionnaith-Fukuda, orginally from Kyoto, was nursing her two-week-old daughter while watching the city of Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture go up in flames on NHK World. It was scary watching all these images, said Ms Ni Chionnaith-Fukuda. As the days went on and the situation got worse and more sad news came in, the worry I had for friends at home just kept increasing. Mina Isihara, a book binder from Osaka living in Galway, recalled how unsettling and difficult it was being so far away from her home country while being inundated with news from the disaster. Ms Ishihara said they never had a strong Japanese community in Galway prior to the disaster, but for St Patricks Day, shortly after the quake, a few got together and organised a fundraising event, which they called Japan Day. We were really well supported by local people, and it bound the Japanese community together. It was a small bit of fortune in what was a huge tragedy, she said. When I first saw the images of the tsunami on the TV, it was just surreal, recalled Miwa Watanabe, a Japanese teacher from Tokyo living in Cork. Like many, the surreal scenes reminded her of a disaster movie. My family were in Tokyo and there was no serious damage, but they told me how terrifying it was. Indeed, Tokyoites who could were leaving the Japanese capital in droves; the French embassy issued an advisory to its citizens to leave. Chief among everyones concern was the growing alarm over what was happening at the three stricken reactors at Fukushima as the TV news relayed images of helicopters doing fly-bys and dropping seawater on to the reactors. Kenro Taura, an executive director of Kiko Network, a Japanese environmental NGO, was in Osaka attending a climate change summit. The building swayed so much he thought the epicentre was nearby, when it was hundreds of kilometres away. Mr Tauras organisation had been campaigning for Japan to wean itself off its nuclear power dependency long before the quake and tsunami struck. When it did, all of Japans 54 nuclear reactors were put offline. Ten years later, less than a dozen are back online. The disaster that befell Japan has been the costliest ever in the world: the government has spent $360bn in its recovery programme. Subsidies to those most affected have been a strong part of getting people in the region to come back, or stay, and get back on their feet. Shunsuke Miwa says life for him and his family has for the most part returned to normal, but there have been significant changes. The fish sent to his processing plant are now tested for radiation to ensure safety and maintain consumer confidence. Another major concern is the radioactive water at the power plant. An avid surfer, Miwa takes to the waves off Fukushima whenever he can. But if the contaminated water is ever released back into the ocean, it will be another sad chapter to the devastating events set off on March 11, 2011. New Delhi, March 11 : Both Houses of the Parliament were adjourned till March 15 on Wednesday as little business could be conducted during the second leg of the Budget session amid the Opposition's uproar over fuel price hike and farmers' issues. Addressing a press conference jointly, Congres leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Anand Sharma, Akhilesh P Singh, Deepender Hooda and Nasir Hussain alleged that the Opposition is not being allowed to raise the issues of public importance. Deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma said, "This government is guilty of monumental mismanagement of the Indian economy. It is not allowing the normal functioning of the highest institution of Indian democracy. The opposition is being deprived and denied continuously of their right to raise issues, which concern the people of India." The Congress leaders said that they have a right to ask questions, alleging that they weren't allowed to raise important issues even in the first leg of the Budget session. "Parliament proceedings are not meant only for the transaction of government businesses. Notices are given under the rules, which have to be respected. We respect the rules, and had given the notices following them," Sharma said. The Congress leaders also alleged that bills were passed in violation of the established rules, as the Opposition was not allowed to speak. The Congress leaders said that the government must change its attitute for the remaining part of the Budget session and hear the Opposition leaders, who are all public representatives, so that people can be reassured that the Indian democracy is functioning properly. Joel Clelland - Centric's new CEO After studying the protocol last summer, I believed I had glimpsed the future of money. I am thrilled to join this incredible project and team and drive us toward protocol consensus. Centric Foundation is pleased to introduce Joel Clelland as the companys new Chief Executive Officer. With over twenty years of diverse career experience, Clelland brings an impressive track record of leadership in various industries and capacities, including finance, education, and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, Clelland built and led a successful sales, marketing, and distribution agency at World Financial Group. He also serves as the board chair for Project Boon, a nonprofit empowering the underserved in Southern California and neighboring Mexico. Clelland holds a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies and a Masters Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Networking with other professionals has been a hallmark of Clellands careera skill he will leverage to expand Centrics partnerships. He will also oversee the upcoming deployment of CENPAY, Centrics merchant payment solution, featuring lightning fast, no-fee transactions with Centrics native currencies, Centric Cash and Centric Rise. Everything I have accomplished in my career has been enhanced and supported through building and extending relationships. Today, Centric remains relatively unknown to the public at large. As a networker, educator, and communicator, I plan to change that as we pursue mass adoption, said Clelland. Clelland initially discovered Centric as an individual investor. After studying the protocol last summer, I believed I had glimpsed the future of money, he explained. I am thrilled to join this incredible project and team and drive us toward protocol consensus. Sharing the Centric vision through media appearances and among the community sits high among Clellands initial priorities. I am an educator at heart. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or across the table from a client, I strive to convey a solid grasp of the fundamentals. I will continue this approach as we lead the way in inviting new participants into the cryptocurrency space, said Clelland. Clelland will introduce himself to the Centric community in the coming days, and he looks forward to keeping the community up-to-date as the project develops. Centric Foundation thanks Gabriella Davis, who served as acting CEO since December 2019, and wishes her well in her future endeavors. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 14:13:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) LHASA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Migrating to pastures new in the depths of winter is tough, but traveling across a frozen lake with thousands of sheep in tow poses extra challenges, and that is exactly what is happening at Puma Yumco Lake, one of the world's highest lakes. In the coldest time every year, at Dowa village, 5,070 meters above sea level, thousands of sheep are taken across frozen water to islands on Puma Yumco Lake. Herders usually spend a month with the animals on the islands, where grass grows to waist height. When spring draws near, the herds of sheep will be taken back to their former habitat, by walking across the frozen lake again before the melting of the ice. Such herding practices have lasted for a thousand years at Dowa village. Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a view of Dowa village in Nakartse County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) A herd of sheep are led to leave an island on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) A villager leads a herd of sheep along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, on March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Sun Fei) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) A herd of sheep walk on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) A herd of sheep are led to leave an island on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) A herdsman holding lambs stands by the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Purbu Zhaxi) Villagers spread cow dung and stove ashes to make a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows an island on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Sun Fei) Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows a herd of sheep walking along a safe path on the frozen Puma Yumco Lake during their annual migration in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) The Economic Community of West African States on Saturday urged all parties in Senegal to exercise restraint, after days of clashes between police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko Dakar, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :The Economic Community of West African States on Saturday urged all parties in Senegal to exercise restraint, after days of clashes between police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. At least four people have died in protests that began on Wednesday after Sonko, 46, was arrested on charges of disturbing public order in the capital Dakar. Police arrested the him after scuffles with opposition supporters broke out while Sonko was on his way to court to answer to a separate rape charge -- which he says is politically motivated. Violent clashes continued in the capital Dakar through Friday, in the worst unrest the country has seen in years, before easing off. The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called in a statement on Saturday for "all parties to exercise restraint and remain calm". It also urged the government "to take the necessary measures to ease tensions and guarantee the freedom to demonstrate peacefully". Sonko, who is considered a challenger to President Macky Sall, is due back in court on Monday to answer to the rape charge. The rape allegation against him comes amid uncertainty over whether Sall, 59, will seek a third term. Senegalese presidents are limited to two consecutive terms, but Sall launched a constitutional review in 2016, raising suspicions he intends to run again. Senegal, a former French colony of 16 million people, is often heralded as a beacon of stability in a volatile region. Priti Patel yesterday came under pressure from a Cabinet colleague to order an independent inquiry into alleged misconduct and criminality in Scotland Yards disastrous VIP child sex abuse probe. Justice secretary Robert Buckland said very important questions needed to be answered about Operation Midland, the 2.5 million inquiry into false claims of a murderous Establishment paedophile ring. But he carefully sidestepped questions on whether there should be a new probe, saying it was a matter for the Home Secretary, Miss Patel. Priti Patel yesterday came under pressure from a Cabinet colleague to order an independent inquiry into alleged misconduct and criminality in Scotland Yards disastrous VIP child sex abuse probe His comments came after six former home secretaries signed a joint letter demanding a fresh investigation into Midland led by former deputy assistant commander Steve Rodhouse and the watchdog which controversially cleared five detectives of misconduct. Four of the officers accused of wrongdoing were not even interviewed by investigators at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), before they were exonerated. In an unprecedented joint intervention, the cross-party group of ex-home secretaries said confidence in the police has been seriously damaged by the case and urged Miss Patel to establish a new independent probe into it. They spoke out after former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques, who completed a scathing report on Midland in 2016, wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary published in the Mail last month demanding a new investigation into alleged misconduct in the police and the IOPC, whose report was lamentable and a whitewash. His comments came after six former home secretaries signed a joint letter demanding a fresh investigation into Midland led by former deputy assistant commander Steve Rodhouse (pictured) and the watchdog which controversially cleared five detectives of misconduct Asked to comment on the letter signed by the ex-home secretaries, Mr Buckland told LBCs Nick Ferrari: The questions that have been raised not just by that letter but indeed by the report of Sir Richard Henriques, the former High Court judge, are very significant. For me, it is not about individuals, its about actually the system itself. That making sure that while its vital that the victims of sexual abuse can come forward in confidence and be supported, I think the language of belief is something that we need to be very careful about. Because, ultimately, these are matters for the court or for a jury. I think its right for the police to say we are gathering evidence, the evidence is strong, we are continuing to gather it. I think that sort of approach is absolutely the right one. But what we saw with Midland was, Im afraid, a departure from that sensible approach. And the results were all too painful, particularly for the family of the late Lord Brittan, and other victims. Explaining the letter, Lord Howard told LBC that police had misled a court to obtain search warrants to raid the homes of former Armed Forces chief Lord Bramall, ex-home secretary Lord Brittan and former Tory MP Harvey Proctor. Each man had been falsely accused by serial liar Carl Beech, aka Nick, (pictured) now serving 18 years in prison Asked whether he supported the idea of a fresh inquiry, he said: Ultimately thats a matter I think the Home Secretary would consider. Pressed by Mr Ferrari, he added: I will put it like this. The questions that they raise are very important ones. Answers will be needed. His comments came after former Tory home secretary Lord Howard branded the watchdog inquiry which cleared the detectives as botched and completely inadequate. The peer was one of the six former home secretaries who signed the joint letter in The Times on Monday. Justice secretary Robert Buckland (pictured) said very important questions needed to be answered about Operation Midland, the 2.5 million inquiry into false claims of a murderous Establishment paedophile ring Explaining the letter, he told LBC that police had misled a court to obtain search warrants to raid the homes of former Armed Forces chief Lord Bramall, ex-home secretary Lord Brittan and former Tory MP Harvey Proctor. Each man had been falsely accused by serial liar Carl Beech, aka Nick, now serving 18 years in prison. Last year an inspectorate report was highly critical of how the Met Police, under the leadership of Dame Cressida Dick, had responded to the recommendations made by Sir Richard in his devastating report on Midland. Hackers have broken into a security camera company in Silicon Valley, spying on real-time surveillance camera footage from inside Sandy Hook school, Equinox gyms, hospitals, police stations, prisons and a Tesla factory in Shanghai. The hackers were part of an international group, and begun their attack on Verkada - which also offers facial recognition capabilities - on Monday morning, they said. They spied, in real time, on seemingly private residences marked as 'condos', shopping malls, credit unions, multiple universities across America and Canada, pharmaceutical companies, marketing agencies, pubs and bars, breweries, a Salvation Army center, churches, the Professional Golfers Association, museums, a newspaper's office, airports, and more. Tillie Kottmann, one of the hackers, told Bloomberg they did it for fun, and accessed 150,000 cameras. 'Lots of curiosity, fighting for freedom of information and against intellectual property, a huge dose of anti-capitalism, a hint of anarchism - and it's also just too much fun not to do it,' Kottmann said. A group of computer hackers have accessed 150,000 security cameras owned by Verkada The Silicon Valley-based startup (pictured) say they now have the attack under control Verkada told Bloomberg that they have now blocked the hackers' access. The hackers said that, when Bloomberg approached Verkada for comment, their access was suddenly cut. 'We have disabled all internal administrator accounts to prevent any unauthorized access,' a Verkada representative said in a statement. Verkada offer a range of internet-accessible surveillance cameras for the home and office 'Our internal security team and external security firm are investigating the scale and scope of this potential issue.' Verkada told Vice's tech site, Motherboard, they had alerted law enforcement. Verkada, founded in 2016, sells security cameras that customers can access and manage through the web. In January 2020, it raised $80 million in venture capital funding, valuing the company at $1.6 billion. The hackers gained access to Verkada through a 'Super Admin' account, allowing them to peer into the cameras of all of its customers. Kottmann said they found a user name and password for an administrator account on the internet. Kottmann said the security level was 'abysmal'. A source within the company told Bloomberg that Verkada's chief information security officer, an internal team and an external security firm are investigating the incident. The company is said to be working to notify customers and set up a support line to address questions. Staff at Verkada were fired in October for abusing their own technology, installed in the company office, to harass coworkers. They were caught joking about women colleagues identified by the cameras and making sexually explicit jokes about them. The hackers provided a spreadsheet to Motherboard which showed more than 24,000 unique entries in the 'organization name' column. Verkada's sophisticated surveillance cameras are capable of identifying particular people across time by detecting their faces, and are also capable of filtering individuals by their gender, the color of their clothes, and other attributes. Verkada's cameras were accessed on Monday morning, the hacking group told Bloomberg Calling themselves 'Advanced Persistent Threat 69420' - a reference to the designations cybersecurity firms give to state sponsored hacking groups and criminal cybergangs - the group even accessed footage showing a live feed of Verkada's offices. Some of the cameras, including in hospitals, use facial-recognition technology to identify and categorize people captured on the footage. The hackers say they also have access to the full video archive of all Verkada customers, and some audio. In a video seen by Bloomberg, a Verkada camera inside Florida hospital Halifax Health showed what appeared to be eight hospital staffers tackling a man and pinning him to a bed. At Wadley Regional Medical Center, a hospital in Texarkana, Texas, hackers say they looked through Verkada cameras pointed at nine ICU beds. Hackers also say they watched cameras at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, in Arizona, and were also able to see a detailed record of who used Verkada access control cards to open certain doors, and when they did so. Another video, shot inside a Tesla warehouse in Shanghai, shows workers on an assembly line. The hackers said they obtained access to 222 cameras in Tesla factories and warehouses. The hackers also obtained access to Verkada cameras in Cloudflare offices in San Francisco, Austin, London and New York. Hackers had access to live feeds from the cameras until Bloomberg asked Verkada for comment The cameras at Cloudflare's headquarters rely on facial recognition, according to images seen by Bloomberg. Inside a police station in Stoughton, Massachusetts, a man in handcuffs is being questioned, in a clip also seen by Bloomberg. Also available to the hackers were 330 security cameras inside the Madison County Jail in Huntsville, Alabama. Cameras inside the jail were hidden inside vents, thermostats and defibrillators, and used to track inmates and correctional staff using the facial-recognition technology. They accessed 17 cameras inside Arizona's Graham County detention facility and found that videos were given titles by the center's staff and saved to a Verkada account. One video, filmed in the 'Commons Area,' is titled 'ROUNDHOUSE KICK OOPSIE.' A video filed inside the 'Rear Cell Block' is called 'SELLERS SNIFFING/KISSING WILLARD???' Another video, filmed inside 'Drunk Tank Exterior' is titled 'AUTUMN BUMPS HIS OWN HEAD.' Two videos filmed from 'Back Cell' are titled 'STARE OFF - DONT BLINK!' and 'LANCASTER LOSES BLANKET.' Kottmann said their group was able to obtain 'root' access on the cameras, meaning they could control the cameras or hijack them to launch a future attack. The hack 'exposes just how broadly we're being surveilled, and how little care is put into at least securing the platforms used to do so, pursuing nothing but profit,' Kottmann said. 'It's just wild how I can just see the things we always knew are happening, but we never got to see.' Alumni Spotlight: Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred March 10, 2021 Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania is a small town about two hours east of Pittsburgh that, just like many similar small towns across Appalachia, lacks an abundance of legal counsel. Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred, a Hollidaysburg native and 2017 Carnegie Mellon alumnus who is currently in his second year in Yale Law School, plans to address the issue. Its a town that doesnt produce many people that go to a university like Carnegie Mellon, or certainly to the number one law school in the country, Witkovsky-Eldred said. To the extent that it produces anyone that does achieve that, those people almost never come back and serve their communities. They typically go to New York and DC and Los Angeles and San Francisco, those big legal markets that have high-paying jobs that have nothing to do with the people that formed me and supported me and raised me my entire life. I decided that I didnt want to be a part of that. The combination of Carnegie Mellons reputation, the kindness of the people he met while visiting, and its emphasis on interdisciplinary study enticed Witkovsky-Eldred. That final part was of particular importance: He triple-majored in Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Ethics, History, and Public Policy. I think most colleges advertise that to some degree or another, he said. But as soon as I got there, there are things like the fact that starting out freshman year, youre intermingled with people from all sorts of departments and encouraged to make connections and friendships that expose you to different, substantive areas. Witkovsky-Eldred spent his childhood surrounded by books his mom is a librarian and his dad a writer and he initially wanted to write novels. When he arrived on campus, he discovered his passion for politics and advocacy and decided to apply his writing skills there. A freshman year internship confirmed those passions. After classes ended at 3 p.m., Witkovsky-Eldred spent the next six hours making calls and knocking on doors for Allyson Schwartz, a member of the House of Representatives who was running for governor of Pennsylvania. She was someone I really, really believed in, he said. The connections that I made, with myself and really confirming that this was an area of society that I was so interested in being a part of, but also some of the relationships that I built during that campaign have continued to be really important to me. Those relationships paid off two years later, when Witkovsky-Eldred participated in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program. They helped him land an internship in the office of Brendan Boyle, who replaced Schwartz as the representative of Pennsylvanias 13th district. He was a freshman congressman at the time, so it was kind of like, you are getting into this congressional office at the time where I felt like being an intern could be the most impactful, because you are surrounded by people who themselves are learning the ropes and just getting started, Witkovsky-Eldred said. You got a lot of exposure as an intern to more substantive work. The semester in Washington exposed Witkovsky-Eldred to the breadth of careers accessible with a law degree, and he became convinced that law school would give him the platform to engage in the advocacy he cared about. Im very proud of my creative writing degree and my time in the creative writing program was very important to me. Witkovsky-Eldred said. I decided being a lawyer is a way to use those skills and that passion for writing in a pretty employable setting. Typically, Witkovsky-Eldred said, second-year law students intern with large law firms. He interviewed, but decided they werent for him. Instead, hell be spending his summer at the Pittsburgh office of the Community Justice Project, a civil legal aid organization specializing in legal advocacy to benefit low-income people in western and central Pennsylvania. After law school, he wants to come home and help communities without easy access to legal counsel, a burden which falls disproportionately on the poor, who average one civil legal issue per year. There are so many rural communities in Pennsylvania and all around the country that have almost no lawyers working there, so people who end up needing legal representation, especially in civil cases where theres no constitutional guarantee of legal representation, just have nowhere to turn, he said. Witkovsky-Eldred advised students with any interest in politics or policy to apply for the Washington Semester Program, the opportunity that helped him discover his career calling. It is an unforgettable opportunity to gain unmatched professional experience, but its also pretty accessible to most students, he said. In that regard, its just a really great experience, and you get to take very interesting classes that you wouldnt otherwise get the chance to take. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. SAN FRANCISCOThe Utah legislature last week passed HB72, which requires manufacturers to add porn filters to all cellphones and tablets sold to Utah customers. HB72 sponsor Rep. Susan Pulsipher claims the billonly introduced in late Decemberis a new tool to help parents keep minors safe from damaging and harmful early exposure to adult content. No one wants to see young teens exposed to pornography before theyre ready. But the data doesnt support the idea that this problem is prevalent or pernicious enough to warrant broad restrictions on free speech. Dr. Jacob Gibson and Chris McKenna recently gave public comments in favor of the bill. Gibson, a South Jordan family therapist, said he regularly sees patients and their families who are dealing with the consequences of too-early exposure to explicit adult material. Because (children) are not developmentally ready to handle that type of material, it leads to the problems of depression, anxiety and all the problems that go with that including and up to its most extreme form, suicide ideation and attempts, Gibson said. But is that true? The research on the influence of porn on kids is less robust than the research on adults and porn for obvious ethical reasons. The studies that can be found show accidental child exposure to pornography to be wildly overstated. The average kid in America sees internet porn for the first time when theyre around 13 years old, after they sought it out intentionally. It shouldnt be surprising that kids would seek out porn around the time theyre entering puberty, just a few years before their first sexual experience, which is around 15 years old on average. So then does looking at porn cause kids to suffer from depression, anxiety or suicide attempts? Theres no evidence to support that conclusion. In fact, the research is mixed on whether porn influences young peoples attitudes or behavior at all. Some studies show a clear and consistent link between exposure to pornography and sexually aggressive attitudes and behaviors. Others show null or inconclusive findings. One problem with researching porns impact on children is that correlation does not equate to causation. Kids who are sexually aggressive, delinquent, sensation seeking, risk tolerant, depressed or who are victims of sexual assault are more likely than average to seek out and consume large quantities of porn. Theres a lot more research on porns impact on adults. It shows that while there is a small minority of people who are negatively impacted by pornographyas well as violent movies and video gamesthese people nearly exclusively have severe pre-existing trauma and personality disorders. But for the vast majority of users, pornography has absolutely zero measurable negative impact on their lives. Most evidence for so-called porn addiction comes from therapists who are on average uncomfortable talking about pornography and have a hard time seeing anything positive about looking at porn. This is especially true of particularly religious counselors. Porn addiction is virtually non-existent in people who arent already morally opposed to pornography. Nearly every harm researchers have associated with overuse of porn, including anxiety, shame and guilt, can be directly tied to shame and stigma around pornography use, and not the pornography itself. For example, theres absolutely no evidence that porn replaces sex for most users. In fact, studies show watching porn is actually associated with greater arousal for and sexual interest in a partner. What creates problems in relationships isnt porn. Problems arise when people shame and stigmatize their partners porn use. There really isnt the science to demonstrate that porn is in and of itself harmful and addictive, said Ian Kerner, a licensed psychotherapist and sex counselor. That has not been, in my estimation, scientifically or clinically proven. And the research available on kids indicates similar results. A small minority of already troubled children will develop problematic relationships with porn. But no measurable negative effects have been observed on the vast majority of kids exposed to pornography. Regardless of the evidence, courts are likely to strike down HB72 should Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sign it into law. First Amendment attorney Larry Walters says bills like HB72 are political grandstanding meant to pander to voters who are concerned about access to adult materials. The anti-porn lobby has been pushing these adult content filtering bills for years, and has finally pushed one through, Walters said. If signed into law, the bill would certainly be challenged on First Amendment grounds. Congress tried for years to impose some form of age verification or mandatory filtering legislation, but the laws that were passed were struck down on First Amendment grounds. The states also tried to pass state-level age verification laws after Congress failed. Those were all struck down as a violation of the dormant Commerce Clause and the First Amendment. Only Congress can legislate in the area of internet regulation. "Unfortunately, these ill-fated bills are being circulated to legislatures throughout the country," Walters added. "Lawmakers may simply conclude that it is easier to let the courts strike down the laws than to do their jobs by honoring constitutional constraints. The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah concurs, noting on Twitter that "The U.S. Supreme Court has never upheld this level of government regulation in this arena," along with hashtags including "#overreach" and "#nannystate." The ACLU of Utah joins public policy advocacy group NetChoice in opposing the bill. The constitutional problems with this bill are numerous, VP and General Counsel Carl Szabo said in testimony before lawmakers. Ashcroft v. ACLU says that this bill is unconstitutional. Its like saying a car manufacturer could be held liable if someone drives the car to the store to buy pornography. Silicon Slopes Commons said the bill would cause unintended consequences for manufacturers, retailers and carriers. Many of those companies already provide content filters, monitoring and management programs for parents to use at their discretion, the group wrote in an emailed statement. Content filtering is a specialty of hundreds of third-party products as well. As written, the current bill sets a standard that would hamper, restrict and further make Utah companies liable for actions that are potentially out of their control. It would be tough for law enforcement to decide who in the consumer electronics supply chain to hold liable for putting in and activating the filters, according to Utahs Business and Labor Interim Committee. If the goal is for kids to grow up to have healthy sex lives, comprehensive, medically accurate sex education is the research-supported solution. Not only are there hundreds of studies showing that kids who receive sex education dont have earlier or more sex, but plenty more show it effectively reduces the risk of adolescent pregnancy, HIV and other STIs and sexual assault. Yet only 30 states require any sex education at all. Of those states, just 17 require medically accurate instruction. And just nine states require sex education to address consent. Schools in 35 states are required to stress abstinence in sex education. In 2014, 76 percent of U.S. high schools taught that abstinence is the most effective method for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs. This is despite the fact that study after study shows abstinence-only sex education doesnt work. It doesnt reduce teen pregnancy, delay sex, or lower rates of STIs. Rather, abstinence-only sex education is linked with earlier and riskier sex. Its no surprise then that between 2011-2013, only 55 percent of boys and 60 percent of girls between 15 and 19 years old received any instruction about birth control. And six states have no promo homo laws which require teachers to portray LGBTQ people in a negative light or prohibit teachers from mentioning them. The evidence shows that the problem is less that kids are seeing porn too early and more that porn serves as many American kids only sex education. Photo By Henry Wang / Wikimedia Commons Mar. 10Hawaii Department of Health officials today reported 42 new infections, bringing the state's total since the start of the pandemic to 27, 977 cases. State health officials reported no new coronavirus-related deaths as the statewide death toll remains at 445. The state's official coronavirus-related death toll includes 353 fatalities on Oahu, 53 on Hawaii island, 35 on Maui, one on Kauai, and three Hawaii residents who died outside the state. The U.S. coronavirus-related death toll today was more than 527, 000 and the nationwide infection tally is over 29 million. Today's new statewide infection cases include 16 on Oahu, 18 on Maui, seven on Hawaii island, and one state resident diagnosed outside of Hawaii, according to health officials. The statistics released today reflect the new infection cases reported to the department on Sunday.RELATED : The total number of coronavirus cases by island since the start of the outbreak are 22, 147 on Oahu, 2, 356 on Maui, 2, 289 in Hawaii County, 186 on Kauai, 108 on Lanai and 27 on Molokai. There are also 864 Hawaii residents who were diagnosed outside of the state. Health officials also said today that of the state's total infection count, 645 cases were considered to be active. Officials say they consider infections reported in the past 14 days to be a "proxy number for active cases." The number of active cases in the state decreased by three today. By island, Oahu has 328 active cases, Maui has 256, the Big Island has 56, and Kauai has five. Molokai and Lanai have no active cases. Health officials counted 3, 669 new COVID-19 test results in today's tally, for a 1.14 % statewide positivity rate. The state's 7-day average positivity rate is 1.1 %, according to the Hawaii COVID-19 Data dashboard. Of all the confirmed Hawaii infection cases, 1, 905 have required hospitalizations, with one new hospitalization reported today by state health officials. Story continues Eight hospitalizations in the statewide count are Hawaii residents who were diagnosed and treated outside the state. Of the 1, 897 hospitalizations within the state, 1, 638 have been on Oahu, 144 on Maui, 101 on the Big Island, eight on Kauai, five on Lanai and one on Molokai. According to the latest information from the department's Hawaii COVID-19 Data dashboard, a total of 24 patients with the virus were in Hawaii hospitals as of Monday morning, with five in intensive care units and three on ventilators. The state's Hawaii COVID-19 vaccine summary said today that 416, 034 vaccines have been administered of the 535, 950 received by the state. About 17 % of the general population in Hawaii has received at least one dose of the vaccine, while about 52 % of those ages 59 or younger and 48 % of those over the age of 60 received at least one dose. Of the administered vaccines, 392, 139 were given to the general public and 23, 895 were distributed through the federal pharmacy program, officials said. Oahu moved into the less-restrictive Tier 3 of the city's four-tier economic recovery plan on Feb. 25 after being in Tier 2 since Oct. 22. Tier 3 permits social and outdoor recreational gatherings of up to 10 people, and restaurants to seat 10 people at a table, up from five now. Tier 3 also allows funeral services with up to 25 attendees, and group fitness classes indoors with up to 10 participants. Gym capacity can increase to 50 %. Restaurants and spiritual services can operate at full capacity as long as the establishments maintain 6 feet of distancing. To gauge whether Honolulu will move to a different tier, the city takes a "weekly assessment " of two key COVID-19 numbers each Wednesday. To move from Tier 3 to the least-restrictive Tier 4, the 7-day average of new cases must be below 20 on two consecutive Wednesdays. Also, the 7-day average positivity rate must be below 1 % on those two Wednesdays. The earliest that Oahu could move into Tier 4 would be late March since it needs to stay in each tier for at least four weeks. Today's seven-day average case count for Oahu is 24 and the seven-day average positivity rate is 0.9 %, according to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.------This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.------ A new University of Washington study links helpful behavior during the pandemic, such as donating medical supplies, to individuals feelings of connection to others. Credit: Dennis Wise/U. of Washington During the COVID-19 pandemic, people who recognize the connections they share with others are more likely to wear a mask, follow health guidelines and help people, even at a potential cost to themselves, a new University of Washington study shows. Indeed, an identification with all humanity, as opposed to identification with a geographic area like a country or town, predicts whether someone will engage in "prosocial" behaviors particular to the pandemic, such as donating their own masks to a hospital or coming to the aid of a sick person. The study, published March 10 in PLOS ONE, is drawn from about 2,500 responses, from more than 80 countries, to an online, international study launched last April. Researchers say the findings could have implications for public health messaging during the pandemic: Appealing to individuals' deep sense of connectedness to others could, for example, encourage some people to get vaccinated, wear masks or follow other public health guidelines. "We want to understand to what extent people feel connected with and identify with all humanity, and how that can be used to explain the individual differences in how people respond during the COVID-19 pandemic," said author Rodolfo Cortes Barragan, a postdoctoral researcher at the UW Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, or I-LABS, who co-led the study with postdoctoral researcher Nigini Oliveira at the Paul G. Allen School for Computer Science and Engineering. In psychology, "identification with all humanity" is a belief that can be measured and utilized in predicting behavior or informing policy or decision-making. Last spring, as governments around the world were imposing pandemic restrictions, a multidisciplinary team of UW researchers came together to study the implications of how people would respond to pandemic-related ethical dilemmas, and how those responses might be associated with various psychological beliefs. Researchers designed an online study, providing different scenarios based in social psychology and game theory, for participants to consider. The team then made the study available in English and five other languages on the virtual lab LabintheWild, which co-author Katharina Reinecke, an associate professor in the Allen School, created for conducting behavioral studies with people around the world. The scenarios presented participants with situations that could arise during the pandemic and asked people to what extent they would: Follow the list of World Health Organization health guidelines (which mostly focused on social distancing and hygiene when the study was run between mid-April to mid-June) Donate masks of their family's to a hospital short on masks Drive a person exhibiting obvious symptoms of COVID-19 to the hospital Go to a grocery store to buy food for a neighboring family Call an ambulance and wait with a sick person for it to arrive In addition to demographic details and information about their local pandemic restrictions, such as stay-at-home orders, participants were asked questions to get at the psychology behind their responses: about their own felt identification with their local community, their nation and humanity, in general. For instance, participants were asked, "How much would you say you care (feel upset, want to help) when bad things happen to people all over the world?" This bar chart shows that identification with all humanity had a larger effect size than any other variable on cooperative behavior during the pandemic. Credit: Barragan et al., 2021, PLOS One Researchers found that an identification with "all humanity" significantly predicted answers to the five scenarios, well above identifying with country or community, and after controlling for other variables such as gender, age or education level. Its effect was stronger than any other factor, said Barragan, and popped out as a highly significant predictor of people's tendency to want to help others. The authors noted that identifying with one's country, in fact, came in a distant third, behind identification with humanity in general and one's local community. Strong feelings toward one's nation, nationalism, can lead to behavior and policies that favor some groups of people over others. "There is variability in how people respond to the social aspects of the pandemic. Our research reveals that a crucial aspect of one's world viewhow much people feel connected to others they have never metpredicts people's cooperation with public health measures and the altruism they feel toward others during the pandemic," said co-author Andrew Meltzoff, who is co-director of I-LABS and holds the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Chair in psychology. Since last spring, of course, much has changed. More than 2.5 million people worldwide have died of COVID-19, vaccines are being administered, and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, especially regarding masks, has evolved. If a new survey was launched today, Barragan said, the research group would like to include scenarios tuned to the current demands of the pandemic and the way it challenges us to care for others even while we maintain physical distancing. While surveys, in general, can be prone to what's known as self-serving biasthe participant answers in ways that they believe will make them "look good"researchers say that's not evident here. They point to the sizeable differences between responses that identify with all humanity, and those that identify with community or country, and note there would be little reason for participants to deliberately emphasize one and not the others. The project is part of a larger multidisciplinary effort by this same UW research team to bring together computer scientists and psychologists interested in decision-making in different cultural contexts, which could inform our understanding of human and machine learning. An eventual aim of the study is to use tools from artificial intelligence research and online interactions with humans around the world to understand how one's culture influences social and moral decision-making. "This project is a wonderful example of how the tools of computer science can be combined with psychological science to understand human moral behaviors, revealing new information for the public good," said co-author Rajesh Rao, the Hwang Endowed Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the UW. For COVID-19 and future humanitarian crises, the ethical dilemmas presented in the study can offer insight into what propels people to help, which can, in turn, inform policy and outreach. "While it is true that many people don't seem to be exhibiting helpful behaviors during this pandemic, what our study shows is that there are specific characteristics that predict who is especially likely to engage in such behavior," Barragan said. "Future work could help people to feel a stronger connection to others, and this could promote more helpful behavior during pandemics." More information: Rodolfo C. Barragan et al, Identifying with all humanity predicts cooperative health behaviors and helpful responding during COVID-19, PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE Rodolfo C. Barragan et al, Identifying with all humanity predicts cooperative health behaviors and helpful responding during COVID-19,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248234 Three people floating on Lake Michigan Tuesday afternoon were rescued - although they didnt initially want assistance - from what could have become a deadly situation, authorities said. The adults were in a small inflatable raft, floating about 100 yards from shore at Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee, Wis., the South Milwaukee Fire Department said in a news release. Around 4:30 p.m., the fire department responded to a report that those in the raft were possibly in distress. Authorities deployed an inflatable rescue raft and made contact with the boaters. None of them were wearing life jackets, authorities said. Initially, they didnt want the fire departments assistance. They agreed to be escorted back to shore after they were educated on the dangers of being out on Lake Michigan in a small, inflatable raft without a personal floatation device. Air temperature = 55F. Lake Michigan water temperature = 34F. With these temperatures, a person that is in the water... Posted by South Milwaukee Fire Department on Monday, March 8, 2021 No one was injured, the release said. At the time of the incident, the air temperature was 55 degrees and the water temperature was 34 degrees, the release said. In those temperatures, a person in the water can suffer from exhaustion and become unconscious in 15-30 minutes. If you plan on venturing out onto Lake Michigan, educate yourself about safe boating and, especially, the dangers of being out on a Great Lake, authorities said. READ MORE: Wednesday, March 10, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Positivity rates for Wayne, Macomb, Genesee, Ingham back over 5% FBI investigating Standish-based surveying company for allegations of wire fraud, money laundering Consumers Energy wants to raise rates; attorney general questions whether its exorbitant Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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 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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The beloved Disney Store, which has occupied a corner storefront at the Staten Island Mall in New Springville for decades, will shut its doors for good by the end of this month. Disney announced the closure of at least 60 of its retail stores in North America, including the one inside the Mall. The move will affect 20% of Disneys brick-and-mortar locations, which are expected to close on or by March 23. While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer, said Stephanie Young, president of Consumer Products Games and Publishing for the Walt Disney Co. Over the past few years, weve been focused on meeting consumers where they are already spending their time, such as the expansion of Disney Store shop-in-shops around the world. We now plan to create a more flexible, interconnected e-commerce experience that gives consumers easy access to unique, high-quality products across all our franchises. The Disney store at the Staten Island Mall, circa 1995. (Staten Island Advance/ Michael McWeeney) According to multiple reports, Disney plans to improve its current ShopDisney website and increase its product assortment to include more adult apparel collections, streetwear, premium home products and collectibles. There are about 300 Disney Stores located worldwide. Two other Disney Stores in the area one in Riverhead, N.Y., the other in Freehold, N.J. also are among those set to close. Representatives for the Staten Island Mall did not respond to a request for comment on what could replace the long-standing Disney Store on the second level. Disney Store cast member Bettyann Dinardo shows Bobby Simmons (3 1/2 yrs.) a few stuffed animals from The Lion King. 10/19/95 (Staten Island Advance/ Michael McWeeney) The Staten Island Malls Disney Store officially opened its doors in October 1995 when the Walt Disney Co. decided to take its quaint in-parks-only souvenir business and dabble in the world of nationwide, mall-based retail. The store received a massive makeover in 2009. The Disney Store in the Mall was, at one time, located across from the Warner Bros. Studios Store, which also was beloved by many Staten Islanders. The Staten Island Disney Store can be reached at 718-494-1032. Hotels.com said "spontaneity" will be the buzzword for travelers in 2021 due to the unpredictability caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. gettyimagesbank By Jun Ji-hye Demand for last-minute searches for hotels has surged, with an increasing number of people looking for spontaneous travel, as social-distancing rules remain in place amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, according to global online travel agencies. Hotels.com said "spontaneity" will be the buzzword for travelers in 2021, citing its new global report "The 2021 Upgrade" that revealed 87 percent of travelers around the world intend to be more impulsive than ever in their choices for excursions. The study showed that travelers in Korea will display similar behavior, with 84 percent of the respondents planning to be more spontaneous this year. The findings from the report were based on research conducted in December last year on 12,300 people in 15 countries. Hotels.com said the trend for spontaneous trips comes in response to the unpredictability caused by the public health crisis. More and more travelers are opting to go on trips on the spur of the moment, because it has become difficult to make long-term plans in advance due to the possibility of sudden and unexpected changes in quarantine rules. The travel agency noted that 2021 will also see the emergence of so-called "revenge travel" as people who are fed up with lockdowns embark on overseas trips with a vengeance. This trend is expected to have a dramatic impact on hotel bookings, with the study indicating that 32 percent of the respondents in Korea wish to stay in luxurious lodgings with a nice view, compared to the global average of 27 percent. The findings in Korea also showed that 29 percent intend to make reservations at fine restaurants in their hotels that they would have normally avoided, whereas only 18 percent of global respondents would. The desire for travel among Koreans appeared to be very strong as nearly a quarter of the respondents (23 percent) said they would be willing to give up alcohol for a month just to go on holiday again. It is not just alcohol they are willing to give up. The research revealed that Koreans would give up smoking (22 percent), and even chocolates and sweets (21 percent) for a month to go on holiday. "2020 was a year of staying home and cancelling trips. One thing we can all agree on is that monotony of the year has given everyone the desire to seize the day when travel returns and go on trips they missed out in 2020," said Jason Kim, the regional director of marketing of North Asia at the Hotels.com. "Understanding these needs, Hotels.com will continue to offer flexible booking options along with free cancellation policies on most hotels to give customers added peace of mind if something unexpected happens." Agoda said there is growing demand for last-minute searches for hotel stay on the day of search as more people are opting for spontaneous trips. gettyimagesbank He is one of the most desirable leading men in Hollywood. And Michael B Jordan showed why while going shirtless in a smoldering new photo-shoot for Men's Health magazine. The 34-year-old put his musclebound torso on display as he went without a top and posed in lotus position in front of a dazzling ocean view. Desirable leading man: Michael B Jordan showed why while going shirtless in a smoldering new photo-shoot for Men's Health magazine Michael demonstrated his strength in another sizzling shirtless snap that showed him hauling a lava stone while walking underwater. In a more casual picture he modeled a white tank top with olive green trousers and a bit of jewelry, lounging against the side of a car. The That Awkward Moment star flashed his megawatt smile for the camera in the photo-shoot which was accompanied by an interview. Michael, whose Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman succumbed to cancer last year aged 43, reflected on how bereavement has shaped him. Juicy details: He revealed he likes to listen to B.B. King Freestyle by Lil Wayne and Drake while exercising - and that during a cheat meal he will indulge in lasagna He confessed: 'I think about legacy a lot. What I leave behind is something that I think about a lot. This past year brought a lot of that to the forefront of my brain. Everybodys had their share of loss in one way or another.' Michael explained: 'I lost a friend in Chadwick. There are a lot of things that I want to accomplish, and I know time is limited and life is short, [so] I try to not take it for granted. Its really made me focus on that.' The Hollywood heartthrob is currently dating Steve Harvey's daughter Lori but has in general been scrupulously tight-lipped about his private life. However he has developed a relaxed view of public opinion and now feels: 'For all the success that Ive had, theres going to be negative reactions and opinions thrown at me. That just comes with it. When youre younger, youre just frustrated, but when you start to realize that this is what it is, you start to understand.' Sizzling sensation: Michael demonstrated his strength in another sizzling shirtless snap that showed him hauling a lava stone while walking underwater Michael added: 'Im never going to make everybody happy. People are always going to have their opinions about me. People can make up something completely false that has no f***ing substance or anything, and theres going to be 100,000 people that are going to believe it and thats going to be their opinion of me.' He noted: 'I cant do anything about that, and Ive just got to accept that and keep moving in my purpose. People that know me know my heart. But people that know me for my work...they know what I allow them to know.' Michael declared: 'The fact that Ive been so closed off about a lot of parts of my life was a personal choice. As Ive gotten older and a little more mature and comfortable in my own skin, Ive become less concerned about it.' Movie star: The That Awkward Moment star flashed his megawatt smile for the camera in the photo-shoot which was accompanied by an interview The Creed star also let his fans into some details about his workout regimen including that his cardio of choice is swimming. 'It's low impact, full body,' he dished. 'You work your upper body, your core, your legs, your breathing. Your breath is so important for your mental state, staying calm. Swimming really helps me, because I've had so many injuries; the water keeps my joints comfortable. I often use it as a warmup for my strength workout.' He revealed he likes to listen to B.B. King Freestyle by Lil Wayne and Drake while exercising - and that during a cheat meal he will indulge in lasagna. 'I think about legacy a lot': Michael, whose Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman succumbed to cancer last year aged 43, reflected on how bereavement has shaped him Michael's new interview comes a couple weeks after Steve Harvey appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and joked about his daughter's boyfriend. 'Well, first of all let's be clear about something. He is a nice guy but he is NOT the sexiest man alive to ME at ALL,' he vamped. 'Who is the sexiest man alive to you?' Jimmy asked Steve to which the Family Feud host vamped: 'Me!' before saying seriously of Michael: 'I like him, man.' Wildfires have burned more than 2,300 acres of land across Alabama in recent days, forestry officials said Monday as firefighters battled two dozen blazes statewide. Fire charred 560 acres in St. Clair County, and two 400-acre fires burned in Cullman and Cherokee counties, according to a statement by the Alabama Forestry Commission. Another fire burned 200 acres in Escambia County. No significant rain is forecast for the rest of the week, so anyone burning debris or starting any outdoor fire needs to be careful, the agency said. Although no burn restrictions have been issued, the Forestry Commission encourages everyone to be very cautious until conditions improve, State Forester Rick Oates said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Alabama Homeowners are being scammed out of tens of thousands of pounds by a wave of rogue locksmiths who 'bully' their victims into submission. Families are being warned against a new crop of cowboy tradesmen who promise quick-fix jobs before threatening to lock people out of their homes if they don't pay extortionate bills. Online giant Google is profiting from the scams by promoting the conmen through paid-for advertising, it is understood. One rogue company is believed to be paying to be promoted on the tech firm's search results. Trade body the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has received more than 800 complaints about rogue or fake locksmiths over the past year and in two-thirds of cases, customers are being overcharged by 200 or more. Families are being warned against a new crop of cowboy locksmiths who promise quick-fix jobs before threatening to lock people out of their homes if they don't pay extortionate bills Experts say the racket has reached an 'industrial scale' due to the pandemic. The trade is unregulated and professionals are now demanding protection for cheated homeowners. Fraudsters typically use a tactic known as 'bait-and-switch', in which they quote a cheap call-out price before ultimately charging ten times that of a regular locksmith. In one example, a locksmith quoted an initial price of 49, but the final bill came to 1,604. Conmen often intimidate homeowners into paying up or withhold keys to locks they've already fitted. Jane Mason, 45, was scammed out of 1,000 for a botched new lock, which she now has to replace to maintain her home insurance. Standard prices for changing or replacing a lock are around 100. Jane, who owns a fashion recruitment business, had wanted a new lock before she moved into her new home in Surrey. Inquiries that are diverted to a call centre and not answered by a locksmith are also red flags because details about who will be doing the job are harder to obtain After an online search, she contacted what appeared to be a local, family-run firm and booked two days in advance. She gave her mother-in-law, Irene, 200 to pay for the job while she was helping her move home. But the locksmith gave Irene an invoice for 1,000, which didn't include a breakdown of costs. The locksmith demanded instant payment and - intimidated by their behaviour - Irene, 69, paid by credit card. When Jane contacted the company to ask for her money back, she was told 'all the prices are told by our locksmiths in advance', which was not the case. Jane says: 'My mother-in-law is no shrinking violet, but even she was scared and felt like she had no choice other than to pay. 'This company shouldn't be allowed to get away with charging such extortionate amounts for a simple lock change.' Irene's credit card company has returned her money. Peter Winyard, a locksmith from Gerrards Cross, Bucks, says there has been 'a surge in scam stories from people who have been well and truly ripped off by drill-happy pseudo-locksmiths'. He adds: 'They strike quick, lie, and bully their victims into paying extortionate amounts for ridiculously poor service.' Winyard says he came across one job in which a female victim had been locked out of her home with her baby still inside. Quoted 50 but CHARGED 1,000 Private tutor Ruth Leveson paid more than 1,000 to a rogue locksmith Ruth Leveson lost more than 1,000 after being caught out by a rogue locksmith she found through an advert on Google. The private tutor from North London had landed at Heathrow after a night flight when she received a call from her tenant saying the front door lock had broken. In the taxi home, Ruth, 68, searched locksmith Edgware on Google, and called Local Locksmith 24 Hours, which appeared at the top of the search results. A call centre answered and quoted her around 50. Krasimir Boshkilov, from Krasko Construction, arrived at the property half an hour later and called Ruth to say the job was more complicated than he thought and would cost 400. Ruth reluctantly agreed. An hour later, he called again and demanded an extra 400. When Ruth protested, he screamed at her and threatened to take the lock out and leave. Ruth felt she had no other option so paid. The final invoice was 782. She spent 120 winning her case at the small claims court in February last year, but hasnt received any money. She sent in bailiffs to no avail, costing another 150, taking her total past 1,000. The website, local-locksmith24h.co.uk, is now defunct. Boshkilov resigned as a director of Krasko Construction in September. Krasko Construction was contacted for comment. The mother called a 'locksmith', who promised an immediate response, but after more than an hour realised she had been lied to and called Winyard. He says: 'I arrived five minutes later, opened the door and was tidying up when the "locksmith" turned up. 'He was a large and very intimidating man and - following a heated argument - it was only after my threat of calling the police that he left the property. I can imagine how a lone victim is bullied into paying up.' He adds: 'It's about time the UK locksmith industry got some strict regulations in force. There's always been a rogue element, but it's on an industrial scale now. 'The best way to get a decent locksmith is to use the Master Locksmiths Association website, but most people don't have time to do that, especially if they're locked out - and that's when they're vulnerable.' Steffan George, managing director of the MLA, says the lack of regulation means it's easy to set up as a locksmith with no training, experience or insurance. He adds: 'There are already hundreds of uncertified people working in the industry.' The MLA believes the pandemic may have caused a spike in activity as cash-strapped homeowners are tempted by bargain prices and unemployment pushes people towards unscrupulous activities. It says homeowners should be wary of locksmiths quoting unusually low prices, being vague about experience and how they'd carry out the work. Inquiries that are diverted to a call centre and not answered by a locksmith are also red flags because details about who will be doing the job are harder to obtain. Dodgy locksmiths should be reported to Action Fraud. A Google spokesman said: 'We take dishonest business practices and misleading ads very seriously and consider them to be an egregious violation of our policies. When ads do not comply with our policies; we take immediate action to remove them.' m.dilworth@dailymail.co.uk (Natural News) Another corrupt politician imposing draconian Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions on the public has been exposed for having direct financial ties to Big Pharma. Eileen de Villa, Torontos medical officer, is holding hostage the city of nearly three million people under one of the strictest lockdowns in North America. Meanwhile, her husband, Richard Choi, is taking cash from AstraZeneca and Pfizer, two pharmaceutical giants that are aggressively pushing Chinese virus vaccines. Since Jan. 13, Torontonians have been ordered to stay at home. Most businesses throughout the city have been forcibly shuttered since Oct. 9. And Choi, a cardiologist, has financial interests in two multinational corporations that are profiting heavily from all the Wuhan flu hysteria. At a panel discussion on June 12, 2020, Choi admitted that he has a vested interest in both AstraZeneca and Pfizer. A doctor at the Riverside Clinic in Toronto, Choi was described by a moderator for the panel discussion as having conflicts with the pharmaceutical industry. These conflicts are about to bring about a huge payday for Choi and his wife as Health Canada just agreed to purchase two million doses of AstraZenecas Chinese virus vaccine, which was granted emergency use authorization (EUA) by the World Health Organization (WHO) back in mid-February. De Villa has come under fire in recent days for refusing to move Toronto out of its Grey Zone lockdown status, even though only 0.004 percent of the citys population has been hospitalized for an alleged Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. On March 3, a mere 108 patients in the city were being hospitalized after testing positive for the Chinese flu. Of these, a mere 43 out of more than three million total residents were in an ICU. Even so, de Villa ordered all Torontonians to continue staying home for another two weeks. All unelected public health officials like Eileen de Villa need to have their perceived power stripped from them At a press conference, de Villa was asked to cite the data she used to justify this extended lockdown, which is killing small businesses, destroying childrens childhoods and collapsing society. She was unable to provide an answer and simply said the goal was to protect public health. Criticisms of de Villa are prolific both on traditional and social media. Many recognize that this tyrant is not only illegitimately imposing restrictions on Toronto, but also doing so at great benefit to herself and her husband. This is the very definition of corrupt politics. Strange how so many public health members supporting #lockdown have these interesting connections, wrote Lysander Murphy in a posted tweet. The group Bright Light News also issued a statement rightfully condemning de Villa and her husband for their cronyism. Like Ontario Science Table member, David Fisman, who took money from a teachers union to argue against school reopening, Dr. de Villa stands in clear conflict of interest with her power to stoke public fears and, consequently, increase demand for Pfizer and [AstraZeneca] vaccines, the group said in a statement. It is important to note that de Villa is a non-elected official who was appointed to her position rather than voted into it. She has no accountability to the public, notes Christine Colebeck, vice president of the Canadian chapter of Childrens Health Defense (CHD). They say, theres a virus, and they have completely unregulated power, Colebeck warns. Los Angeles is suffering under a similar lockdown situation, which is likewise being abused without prejudice to keep residents locked away in their homes presumably forever or until they decide to take a stand and break free from the tyranny. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) and the corrupt politicians that are using it as an excuse to get rich can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is honored to welcome renowned Russian economist and political scientist Dr. Vladislav Inozemtsev as a special advisor to MEMRI's Russian Media Studies Project. Commenting on the beginning of his academic cooperation with MEMRI, Dr. Inozemtsev said: "I am hugely honored and privileged to accept the invitation to join MEMRI's team in the capacity of Special Advisor to MEMRI's Russian Media Studies Project (RMSP) and thus involve myself in the Institute's evolving Russia program." His full statements can be viewed here. Dr. Inozemtsev is the director and founder of the Center for Post-Industrial Studies in Moscow and a member of the Scientific Council of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). Until 2016, he chaired and taught at the Department of World Economy at Moscow State Lomonosov University's Faculty of Public Governance, and also taught at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. From December 2011 to March 2012, Dr. Inozemtsev was a senior adviser to then-Russian presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov and drafted Prokhorov's presidential platform. He served as a member of the Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation from 2013 to 2016, and from 2013 to 2014 was a senior member of the Russian center-liberal party Civilian Power. Between 2013 and 2019, Dr. Inozemtsev served as Senior and Distinguished Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, at the Polish Institute for Advanced Studies in Warsaw, and at the German Council for Foreign Affairs in Berlin. Dr. Inozemtsev has authored more than 20 books, which have been translated into English, French, Chinese and Polish, as well as numerous articles published in Russia and abroad. He has contributed articles to leading newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Le Monde, Financial Times, The Independent, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, La Razon, La Repubblica, Gazeta Wyborcza, and on various media outlets, including Project Syndicate. Dr. Inozemtsev adds: "In joining MEMRI's team, I hope to avoid the most typical shortcomings of current Russia studies. I will do my best to depict 21st-century Russia as it is - as a truly unique social system that should not be regarded as some 'deviation' from any possible 'norm' (a la 'imperfect democracy' or 'soft authoritarianism') and that must be studied by looking deep into its social fabric... As time passes, MEMRI's readers will draw their own conclusion as to whether I have succeeded or not." ABOUT THE RUSSIAN MEDIA STUDIES PROJECT The methods and approaches of MEMRI's research in the Arab and Muslim world are applicable to other global areas. In January 2016, MEMRI launched the Russian Media Studies Project, expanding coverage to Russia by launching the Russian Media Studies Project. This project publishes translations from Russian media in addition to original analysis, focusing on the discourse within the Russian political and defense community as the country further expands its role and influence throughout the Middle East. Subscribe to receive emails from the Russian Media Studies Project here. ABOUT MEMRI Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, and Turkish media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends. Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is located in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish and Hebrew. MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: www.memri.org MEMRI TV - www.memri.org/tv Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) - www.memri.org/jttm Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) - www.memri.org/cjlab MEMRI In the Media - www.memriinthemedia.org Contact Information: MEMRI media@memri.org 202-955-9070 www.memri.org SOURCE: Middle East Media Research Institute View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634825/MEMRI-Welcomes-Dr-Vladislav-Inozemtsev-as-Special-Advisor-to-Russian-Media-Studies-Project VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 9, 2021 / Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (CSE:GLM)(OTCQB:GOLXF) ("GLM" or the "Company") reports the following changes to the final numbers of the recently closed private placement (see PR dated March 5th, 2021). The Company issued 22,345,404 units (formerly 22,305,404) (the "Units") at a price of $0.45 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,055,431.80 (formerly $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. Finders' fees of $407,296.46 (formerly $406,216.46) cash and 905,101 (formerly 902,701) finders' warrants were paid to arm's length parties. Shares issued pursuant to the Financing are subject to a four-month hold period according to applicable securities laws of Canada. The Company further announces it has set 2.85 million options to directors and consultants of the Company at $0.45 for a period of 2 years in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. 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 "Mike England" Mike England, CEO & Director For Further Information, Please Contact: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: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/634527/Golden-Lake-Exploration-Amends-Financing-Numbers The Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) inaugurates today its new Level 3 laboratory (CL3), which propels research on numerous pathogens. CL3 will enable research teams to handle pathogens of concern to public health in Quebec and around the world, such as SARS-CoV-2, West Nile virus and the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, in safe conditions. This leading-edge laboratory, located at the Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie Research Centre of INRS, is directed by Professor Laurent Chatel-Chaix. It will allow in vitro research on several high-risk pathogens under infectious conditions close to those of the diseases they cause. A promising infrastructure With an INRS investment of nearly $300,000, the laboratory will allow INRS to continue to stand out as a leader in health research, in addition to fostering collaboration with academic and private partners. "The past year has demonstrated the importance of research to ensure the well-being of societies and populations. To meet today's public health challenges, it is essential to provide our research teams with the best scientific facilities so that they can evolve in an environment conducive to the development of knowledge," said INRS Chief Executive Officer Luc-Alain Giraldeau. "This leading-edge research environment will foster interdisciplinary and collaborative research, sharing of knowledge and tools, creativity and know-how. In addition, it will contribute in the training of the next generation of high-level health researchers," added INRS Director of Research Pascale Champagne. "In the very short term, INRS researchers will be able to begin their work in these facilities. There are, among others, two projects funded by the internal financial support program for research on COVID-19 that require a level 3 laboratory". Professors Alain Lamarre and Steven Laplante with their "Combined SARS-CoV-2 treatments" project, will test the therapeutic efficacy of a bank of molecules, already safe for the human body and accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. In addition, Professors Geraldine Delbes and Laurence Charton also have a project underway as part of this program launched in January 2021. The project " Perinatal and transition to parenthood during COVID-19 - from the social level to the molecular level" will focus on the impact of CoV-2 SARS on placental functions. Professor Chatel-Chaix will participate in the work of these two research teams, among others, in the CL3 laboratory. "Access to a level 3 laboratory, accredited by the Public Health Agency of Canada, is a way to remain leaders in fields such as virology or immunology," adds Claude Guertin, Director of the AFSB Centre. 'Above all, this certification will allow us to complete research cycles by pushing them to the next stage, i.e. in vitro research. We will thus be able to collaborate with external partners, providing them with the safe facilities they need to develop new drugs or vaccines". CL3 also allows for an increase in the spectrum of pathogen types that the various INRS teams will be able to study. The CL3 with controlled access Containment level 3 (CL3) allows the handling of risk group 3 agents, i.e. pathogens, including those transmissible through air. Although they generally have a low infectious dose, it is sufficient to cause serious or even fatal disease. "The laboratory received its CL3 accreditation in February of this year. The accreditation requires that the facility meets design standards and a number of stringent measures, including inward-flow airflow only, high-efficiency filters to treat the discharged air, and other stringent requirements," Mr. Guertin adds. "Pathogens that will be studied generally cause serious human illness or with serious consequences for public health and the economy," warns Professor Chatel-Chaix. "Right now, we're talking a lot about SARS-CoV-2, for obvious reasons. But while the scientific exploits of COVID-19 illustrate all the human genius in a syringe, the discovery of vaccines against COVID-19 is part of an upstream research process that began in academia many years ago. What we will do as CL3 research may therefore be a precursor to new discoveries for West Nile virus, tuberculosis or any other emerging or resurgent pathogens in the future". ### Kelly Ripa proved that she and her mother Esther could have really be mistaken for twins at one point. The 50-year-old Live with Kelly and Ryan host took to Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a side-by-side photo of her and her mother, both in their 30s. She shared that the photo on her left was her mom from 1980, when she was 39, while the right photo was Ripa from 2005, when she was 35. Look alike: Kelly Ripa proved that she and her mother Esther could have really be mistaken for twins at one point Daughter: The 50-year-old Live with Kelly and Ryan host took to Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a side-by-side photo of her and her mother, both in their 30s Ripa was born and raised in Berlin, New Jersey to Esther, a homemaker, and Joseph Ripa, a labor union leader and bus driver. Kelly took to Instagram back in June to share yet another throwback snap, and to wish her mother a happy 79th birthday. 'Happy Birthday Mom! Even though you are no longer acknowledging your age, Id like to acknowledge your wisdom,' she began. Parents: Ripa was born and raised in Berlin, New Jersey to Esther, a homemaker, and Joseph Ripa, a labor union leader and bus driver 'You are very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very wise. I love you and this photo of you with gram and pop pop,' she added. She started her performing career as a regular dancer on Dancin' on Air and Dance Party USA, before starting her acting career. Ripa landed the role of Hayley Vaughn on the soap opera All My Children in 1990, where she met Mark Consuelos in 1995. They started dating shortly thereafter, and eloped in May 1996, with the couple celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Ripa and Consuelos share three children, Michael Joseph, 23, Lola Grace, 19 and Joaquin Antonio, who celebrated his 18th birthday just a few weeks ago. Ripa shared a video montage of photos of her son, adding, 'Joaquin 18!!!! Happy birthday to the light of our lives!' Mom: Ripa and Consuelos share three children, Michael Joseph, 23, Lola Grace, 19 and Joaquin Antonio, who celebrated his 18th birthday just a few weeks ago 'You fill everyday with joy, and make everything better! We love you to the moon and beyond,' she added. Ripa and Consuelos will be heading back to their roots, with the couple executive producing a primetime reboot of All My Children entitled Pine Valley. The show will follow a young journalist trying to expose the murderous history of Pine Valley, getting entangled in a feud between the Kane and Santos families. Stassi Schroeder thinks being pregnant while she dealt with the fallout from her racism scandal '100% saved' her from going down a dark path of drugs and alcohol. The former Vanderpump Rules star, 33, lost her part on the hit reality show, her Straight Up With Stassi podcast, was dropped from endorsement deals and was let go by her PR agency after former castmate Faith Stowers revealed Schroeder and fellow SUR regular Kristen Doute falsely reported her to the police. But the self-proclaimed 'basic b****' credits daughter Hartford Charlie Rose with stopping her from resorting to 'alcoholism' or abusing 'Xanax.' 'I think [it] made me so much better to be pregnant while I was going through a hard time,' Schroeder said in the clip from her podcast, The Good, The Bad, The Baby with husband Beau Clark posted to her Instagram Story on Tuesday. Saving grace: Stassi Schroeder says her pregnancy '100% saved' her from resorting to drugs and alcohol after racist behavior from her past was rehashed last summer, causing her to lose her role on Vanderpump Rules, her podcast, endorsement deals and her PR representation 'If I wasn't pregnant, I probably would have just like gone to alcoholism, Xanax. I would have lashed out, dark passenger-ed. And I think our baby 100 percent saved me.' Stassi's pregnancy was revealed on June 13th, just days after she was fired from Vanderpump Rules. Following the backlash, the New York Times Bestselling author addressed her behavior in a social media statement. 'Racially insensitive comments from my past have resurfaced. It is important that I continue to take accountability for what I have said and done, while pushing myself to do better,' she wrote. 'I have grown significantly from the person I was then, and I am still filled with remorse and regret for the hurt I caused.' 'I am grateful for the people in my life that continue to check me and push me to evolve into a more educated person.' Dark path: The self-proclaimed 'basic b****' credits daughter Hartford Charlie Rose with stopping her from resorting to 'alcoholism' or abusing 'Xanax' Thankful: 'I think [it] made me so much better to be pregnant while I was going through a hard time,' Schroeder said in the clip from her podcast, The Good, The Bad, The Baby with husband Beau Clark posted to her Instagram Story on Tuesday And now that she's a mother, Stassi is striving to set a good example. She and Beau officially welcomed baby Hartford on January 8, but did not reveal their child's arrival on social media until January 21. 'Beau & I have spent the last couple of weeks enjoying every moment with our daughter. Every cuddle, every sound, every poop, all of it,' captioned the star, who included a peaceful snapshot of the newborn. 'Its her two week birthday and I feel like Im finally ready to share my little girl. Meet Hartford Charlie Rose Clark, the best thing thats ever happened to me. 'My heart is so freaking full. I cant believe I get to keep her.' Busy: Stassi's pregnancy was revealed on June 13th, just days after she was fired from Vanderpump Rules. She's seen at 25-weeks along above Mommy: She and Beau officially welcomed baby Hartford on January 8, but did not reveal their child's arrival on social media until January 21 Stassi had a grandmother called Rosemary who died in 2019 and Beau's father is named Charlie, hence the baby's middle names. The couple got married in September in a small casual outdoor ceremony after their big wedding plans had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. 'We went and did it anyway. Married sept 2020. Hopefully Italian dream wedding oct 2021,' Stassi revealed in an October post to Instagram. They got engaged in July 2019, and the proposal aired on the last season of Vanderpump Rules before Stassi was fired. CHICAGO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "IoT Professional Services Market by Service Type (IoT Consulting, IoT Infrastructure, System Designing and Integration), Organization Size, Deployment Type, Application (Smart Buildings, Smart Transport and Logistics), and Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the size is projected to grow from USD 98.8 billion in 2020 to USD 149.9 billion in 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of the IoT Professional Services Market include rapidly growing number of IoT connections leading to increased data traffic, increasing internet ubiquity and development of wireless technologies, rising need to increase operational efficiency in various industries, and government initiatives in R&D activities related to IoT. Browse in-depth TOC on "IoT Professional Services Market" 348 - Tables 49 - Figures 325 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=93273117 Based on service type, the system designing and integration service segment to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period System designing and integration services offer a wide range of designs for IoT ecosystems and enable the integration of IoT solutions with organizations to support their operational systems and business activities. Providers of system design services sketch complete IoT systems to reduce business complexities and enhance the profitability of organizations. These service providers also offer customized services based on the requirements and budgets of clients to manage their workflows easily. These services also offer IoT solutions and connectivity designing, wireless network designing, and IoT infrastructure designing. Integration services include the installation of IoT software and solutions in IoT ecosystems of organizations. Based on IoT consulting service, the business consulting service segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period Business consulting services cover the fundamental aspects of business strategies and the planning associated with the implementation of IoT technology in organizations. Business consulting services help clients develop strong business mechanisms and enable improved decision-making. Types of business consulting services include business analytics and development, technology and operations, and advisory services. Business consultants help organizations in building resilient and scalable functional business processes; improving their interactions with customers; amending their policies; carrying out business automation; transforming their functional areas such as supply chain, finance, and human capital management; and simplifying their business transformations. These consultants also plan, analyze, and report improvements in the business flow to generate increased revenues. Based on organization size, the SMEs segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period SMEs experience niche requirements for services that help manage customer data using business intelligence and online transaction processing. The SMEs segment uses IoT technology to automate business operations and provide customer-centric services. SMEs have realized that immediate response, quick business decisions, and customer satisfaction are the most important features needed to expand business, generate more revenue, and ensure the desired outcome. SMEs are typically more flexible in using and adopting emerging technologies, such as IoT, cloud, analytics, and several other disruptive technologies, as their existing IT investments are not huge. Hence, they can adopt any technology at a faster pace. Based on deployment type, the on-premises segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period The on-premises IoT professional services are installed and hosted in an organization's IT infrastructure and are managed by its internal IT staff. Organizations deal with sensitive and confidential data and information related to their products. An organization using on-premises IoT professional services can have total control over the security of information related to their products. Several enterprises that have traditional legacy tools are better suited to traditional on-premises-based services. Several enterprises that give importance to latency prefer to keep their data local resulting in real-time decision-making at a local level. Based on application, the smart transport and logistics segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period Smart transport and logistics involve the integration of advanced technologies with the existing transportation and logistics infrastructure to deliver real-time online information related to traffic flow, asset tracking, and passengers/commuters. It is also used for traffic management, supply chain and logistics management, inventory management, passenger information system management, fleet management, freight management, cargo and container tracking, ticketing management, and parking management. IoT professional services help companies operating in the transportation and logistics sectors to achieve automation by deploying IoT technological solutions. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=93273117 North America to hold the highest market size during the forecast period North America comprises the US and Canada and is expected to hold the largest share of the global IoT Professional Services Market. These countries have sustainable and well-established economies, which empower them to strongly invest in R&D activities, thereby contributing to the development of new technologies. The region is technologically developed, and a number of government initiatives have been adopted, including smart cities and Industrial IoT (IIoT). Owing to the early adoption of trending technologies, such as IoT, cloud, AI, big data, and mobility, North American organizations are keen to integrate IoT technologies into their processes. The advent of SMEs and the adoption of digitalization in manufacturing sectors among large enterprises are expected to drive the growth of the market in North America. IBM, Cognizant, DXC Technology, and AT&T are some of the leading vendors of IoT professional services operating across North America. Major vendors operating in the IoT Professional Services Market include Accenture (Ireland), Atos (France), IBM (US), Cognizant (US), DXC (US), Deloitte (UK), Capgemini (France), TCS (India), NTT DATA Corporation (Japan), Infosys (India), AT&T (US), Wipro (India), Happiest Minds (India), Mindtree (India), General Electric (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Oracle (US), HCL (India), Virtusa (US), Vodafone (UK), Tech Mahindra (India), EY Global (UK), Prodapt Solutions (India), Unisys (US), Siemens Advanta Consulting (Germany), and ORBCOMM (US). Browse Adjacent Markets: Digitalization and Internet of Things (IoT) Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: IoT in Manufacturing Market by Component (Solutions (Network Management and Data Management) and Services (Professional and Managed)), Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Application, Vertical (Process and Discrete), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/iot-manufacturing-market-%20129197408.html IoT Cloud Platform Market by Offering (Platform and Service), Deployment Mode (Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid), Organization Size, Application Area (Building & Home Automation and Connected Healthcare), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/iot-cloud-platform-market-%20195182.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/iot-professional-service-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/iot-professional-service.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg The splashy timing and setting of Gov. Gavin Newsoms State of the State address, delivered Tuesday evening from Dodger Stadium, made it look like the opening pitch of his campaign to endure an increasingly likely recall election. More than any speech, the coronavirus vaccines and all their attendant benefits from spectator sports to amusement parks may yet inoculate Newsom against a potential threat to his political career while, more importantly, saving Californians lives. First the governor must overcome the attention deficit and administrative drift that continue to dog his pandemic response, including what he called the most robust vaccination program in America. Months into the pivotal logistical challenge of his tenure, Newsom is still tinkering with the management and priorities of the vaccination program, irritating local officials and frustrating the public. If the disarray persists, it could compound the sense of disorder that has pervaded Newsoms ricocheting between closing and reopening the economy, his administrations struggle to ramp up testing capacity, and the state bureaucracys floundering under a surge of legitimate and fraudulent unemployment claims. The governors latest major adjustment to vaccinations reserved 40% of doses for neighborhoods designated as disadvantaged in an attempt to address disparities in distribution while expediting business reopenings once vaccination benchmarks are reached. But it caused an uproar among Bay Area officials who complained that the region was being shortchanged, forcing Newsom to renegotiate the new policy with legislators and local officials this week as the change was poised to take effect. The prioritization of disadvantaged Californians followed a series of earlier recalibrations to target other populations, including older people, health care and emergency personnel, farmworkers, and teachers. Another significant change just ushered in by the administration, a contract with the insurer Blue Shield to manage statewide vaccine distribution, has met even more pushback. Santa Clara County is one of several local governments resisting the arrangement on the suspicion that it would only complicate regional vaccination efforts. Just one of the states 58 counties has signed a contract with the company. Californias success in vaccinating its population compared with its counterparts has improved but remains underwhelming. The state ranks near the middle of the pack in share of population vaccinated, at 18.5%, and in the bottom third in proportion of doses administered, 77.8%, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. California has lost more lives to the pandemic than any other state over 54,000, or nearly as many as Dodger Stadium can hold but fewer than the nation and most states as a share of its population. The governors latest and fastest reopening, which could put fans back in stadium seats in a few weeks, risks accelerating the virus in an uncertain race with the vaccinations. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Jennifer "Jen" Kem describes herself first and foremost as a mom and a wife - the fact that she's the CEO of an 8-figure company feels almost too natural to mention. A self-identified brand futurist, Jen leads Master Brand Institute, a company focused on helping service-based entrepreneurs get seen, heard, and paid more online. "I'm originally from Hawaii, from a tiny town on the North Shore and descendent from Filipino immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking bigger opportunities and a better life. I spent the first decade of my career in the corporate world, leaving my marketing and strategy executive job to pursue a life on my own terms and built a few businesses along the way. In between those, I learned a lot of lessons and overcame lots of personal challenges that taught me that I was more resilient than I ever thought possible," Jen recalls. Now, Jen lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and focuses all her attention on building brands. She wholeheartedly believes that entrepreneurship is the key to changing the world and creating the economies that help people in need. Through MBI, Jen is able to do just that, by building experiences that make brands attract their ideal customers over and over again, allowing educators and experts to turn their knowledge into a profitable online business. "There was a moment when I realized that my experience in developing & launching corporate product lines and brand initiatives could genuinely help entrepreneurs. Once that idea got into my brain, I knew this business is where I had to focus my time and energy. During the start-up phase, entrepreneurs don't know where to put their own time, energy and money, and we demystify all of the things that don't work and point them to the strategies and structures that do," Jen says. With the immense confidence Jen speaks with, it's hard to believe she thinks there's no such thing as being fearless. In fact, Jen says fear is actually one of the requirements needed to build a successful story, as long as it's separate and defined from danger. "Danger is like walking in the middle of a busy freeway or putting your finger in a light socket. Those are reasonable risks to completely avoid. But fear is not danger. It's a gauge and temperature check, not a stop sign. Discernment and nuance are important skills to gain as you learn to navigate fear and courage," Jen outlines. With this navigation in check, the path towards success becomes clear. Jen sees success as the journey driven by values, rather than shallow goals. Her ability to be authentic, and to monetize her ability to be seen, heard, and paid to be 100% herself, is the key to her unique and bountiful success. She acknowledges that finding success certainly involves finances, but she's clear that this is only a part of it and never the whole point. "If I'm not having fruitful relationships, feeling vital and healthy, and taking time for exquisite self-care and reflection, I'm not feeling good or happy. In my 20s my gauge for success was definitely more rooted in my title, bank account and other trophies that defined my success. Now, I'm measuring it based on - how did I make a decision that aligned with my values of autonomy, justice, generosity, legacy and leadership - and did it support my holistic success? If I can get that right 80% of time, I know I'm being successful," Jen says. In the coming year, Jen is looking forward to four big projects: bringing more high-value entrepreneurial education on YouTube and LinkedIn, helping at least 1000 entrepreneurs get more confidence through the Confidently Online program, working on The Master Brand Method book,and gathering entrepreneurial womxn leaders through virtual gatherings. Jen can be found at her website online, as well as her Instagram for more up to date insights. CONTACT: Paula Henderson 561-768-4444 phendersonnews@gmail.com About VIP Media Group: VIP Media Group is a hybrid PR agency. Their diverse client base includes top-class entrepreneurs, public figures, influencers, and celebrities. SOURCE: Jennifer Kem - Strategic Bran Advisor View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634653/How-Jennifer-Kem-Runs-An-8-Figure-Company-That-Helps-Service-Based-Entrepreneurs-Find-Greater-Success It will be for research and will be open to other nations. The Chinese are investing heavily in their space program. The US is working on its own project for a new human moon landing and at the Lunar Gateway station. Russians and Chinese strengthen their partnership in an anti-Western key. Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - China and Russia will build a space station on the moon, the Russian space agency Roscosmos and the Chinese space administration announced yesterday. The project plans to create research facilities on the lunar soil and perhaps also in its orbit. Beijing and Moscow specify that the station will be made available to other nations. It will focus on exploring the satellite and using its resources. It is Chinas biggest collaboration in the space sector. Under a law passed by the US Congress in 2011, the United States cannot in fact cooperate with Beijing in this area. The Chinese have given a strong impetus to their plans for space. In December, the Chang'e-5 spacecraft managed to collect and land samples of lunar material. With this move, the Chinese and the Russians have announced their challenge to Washington, whose Artemis program aims to bring its astronauts back to the moon by 2024: the first human moon landing since 1972. The US is also working on its own lunar station. Lunar Gateway is a project carried out by NASA with its counterparts from the European Union, Canada and Japan. Russia, which for years has also transported US astronauts to the International Space Station, has refused to join the Lunar Gateway initiative in order to seal the project with the Chinese one. According to several observers this is a further sign of the Sino-Russian willingness to deepen the bilateral partnership in opposition to the Western front. It is no coincidence that on March 7, on the side-lines of a session of the National People's Congress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and Russia should work together to fight possible new "colour revolutions": a reference to the democratic uprisings that in the last 20 years have broken out in many former Soviet nations. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Despite the service shifting more resources toward the ARRW program last year, the missile failed its first flight test a few... Vietnam is expected to get 5.657 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 in March and April, with most of them to be delivered by the COVAX Facility. The first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Vietnam for the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign which was launch on March 8. According to the National Expanded Immunization Programme, Vietnam is due to receive 1,373,800 doses in March and a further 2,803,000 doses in April. These are the first batches of COVID-19 COVAX vaccine Vietnam is poised to get over two months. The COVAX Facility has agreed to roll out 30 million doses of AstraZeneca for Vietnam this year. COVAX, the overarching effort to accelerate development and access to COVID vaccines, is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO) working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, manufacturers and civil society organizations, and others. In addition, another 1.48 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the Ministry of Health is purchasing from AstraZeneca will arrive in Vietnam in April. Late last month, the first batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine numbering 117,600 doses arrived in Vietnam for the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. AstraZeneca has reached a deal with the Ministry of Health to supply 30 million doses to Vietnam this year. The first AstraZeneca vaccine doses were administered to hundreds of frontline healthcare workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and in high-risk areas of Hai Duong, the epicenter of the countrys latest coronavirus outbreak, on March 8. The government of Vietnam has planned to vaccinate all of its citizens to protect them from COVID-19. Besides 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, it is negotiating with Pfizer of the United States to purchase another 30 million this year. The Ministry of Health is currently considering importing two more COVID-19 vaccines produced by Moderna of the United States and Generium of Russia. VOV Vietnam striving to be self-sufficient in COVID-19 vaccines Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long has said that Vietnam will focus on the research and production of homegrown COVID-19 vaccines alongside imports, viewing this as a long-term strategy. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. After a two day weather-related stop the Artsakh authorities re-launched search operations for missing servicemen and casualties of war, the interior ministry said. So far, Artsakh rescuers retrieved the remains of 1490 casualties (15 of whom are civilian victims) since the ceasefire was declared. On March 10, the search and rescue mission will continue in Martuni and Varanda. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Advertisement Police looking for missing Sarah Everard were today combing through woodland and the 200,000 house in Deal, Kent belonging to the serving Metropolitan Police officer and woman they arrested. Forensic investigators were carefully searching the area as a tent set up to preserve evidence was put up outside the property. The arrested pair's 20,000 black Seat Exeo estate car was also collected by a low loader truck and taken away as part of the fast developing missing person's probe. Police say the officer arrested was not on duty at the time of her disappearance and had not been involved in the week-long effort to find her. Sarah, a 33-year-old marketing executive, 'vanished into thin air' after leaving a friend's house in Clapham, south London at around 9pm on Wednesday, March 3. Her stunned uncle Nicholas told MailOnline: 'It's shocking and very upsetting. We were not expecting a development like this and it's difficult to make sense of it. 'I found out that a police officer had been arrested through the media last night. I spoke to my brother straight away and he was as shocked as me. The whole family is and all our friends. I spoke to him again this morning and we are waiting for an update from the police. 'The police are doing everything they can and we are grateful to them. We are expecting an update from them later today. I could never have imagined that the investigation could have taken such an unexpected twist.' Sarah Everard, 33, 'vanished into thin air' after leaving a friend's house in Clapham, south London on Wednesday night Officers from the Metropolitan Police looking for Sarah search near to Great Chart Golf and Leisure in Ashford, Kent A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been arrested in Deal, Kent, in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Everard A black SEAT Exeo was lifted off the drive way and forensics officers entered the house where the arrests were made Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave this morning refused to say what the officer had been arrested on suspicion of, in a departure from usual arrest details disclosed by police forces. But he did say outside Scotland Yard: 'Our inquiries suggest that this officer was not on duty at the time of Sarah's disappearance.' Mr Ephgrave would not say if the officer was known to Ms Everard. The Metropolitan Police officer, arrested in Kent in connection with the disappearance, today remained in custody at a London police station. A woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender at the same location and was also detained at a London police station. Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: 'This is a significant development in our inquiry. This is a fast moving investigation and we are doing everything we can to find Sarah. 'We have seen an overwhelming response from the public and I repeat my request for anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem.' Police officers conduct a fingertip search of Poynders Road outside Poynders Court on the junction with Rodenhurst Road as they continue the search for Sarah Everard Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave added: 'The arrest this evening is a serious and significant development. 'We will continue to work with all speed on this investigation but the fact that the arrested man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing. 'I understand there will be significant public concern but it is essential that the investigative team are given the time and space to continue their work.' The Metropolitan Police added the Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the arrests and Sarah's family has been notified of the developments. Miss Everard vanished after leaving a friend's home in Leathwaite Road, Clapham to walk home to Brixton at around 9pm last Wednesday. She was last seen wearing a green rain jacket, navy blue trousers with a white diamond pattern and turquoise and orange trainers. It is also believed she was wearing green earphones and a white beanie hat. Josh Lowth, 33, is the boyfriend of missing Sarah Everard, the woman seen walking between Clapham Junction and Brixton. The couple spoke for around 15 minutes on the phone before Sarah's disappearance Last night, a Metropolitan Police officer was arrested in Kent in connection with the disappearance. Pictured: The search outside Poynders Court A woman was also arrested at the same address on suspicion of assisting an offender Missing for a week: The Sarah Everard investigation so far March 3: Sarah vanished 'into thin air' after leaving friend's home Clapham around 9pm March 6: Met Police raise alarm, saying Sarah was thought to have walked through Clapham Common, heading towards Brixton home, a journey of 50 minutes March 7: Police release footage of Ms Everard was walking alone on A205 Poynders Road towards Tulse Hill. March 8: Specialist officers are drafted and 120 calls from public March 9: Police search gardens near Ms Everard's route and nearby Oaklands Estate. Officers also search a pond in Clapham Common and drains along the A205 Cordon around the Poynders Court housing complex on Poynders Road, forensics officers on scene 11.59pm, March 9: Met police officer arrested in Kent. March 10: Specialist police search team arrives in Kent Advertisement Footage from a doorbell camera last captured images of Miss Everand as she walked along the A205 Poynders Road towards Tulse Hill at around 9.30pm. Officers yesterday sealed off a block of flats as they began a forensic investigation close to where the Durham University graduate was last seen. A short stretch of the South Circular was closed along Poynders Road, where the block of flats are, between Cavendish Road and Rodenhurst Road. Forensic officers were seen looking through hedges and along the street as they searched for any evidence that could aid them in their search. The Met also yesterday released two new images of the missing woman. Met Police tweeted on Tuesday: 'Were you driving in the Poynders Road area after 9.30pm on Wednesday 3rd March? 'PLEASE check and double check your dash and door cams for footage.' The search continued after it was revealed Miss Everard spent a quarter of an hour on the phone making plans to see her boyfriend Josh Lowth the following day, before her mobile was either switched off or ran out of battery. Mr Lowth, 33, whose LinkedIn says he is Marketing Director at MA Exhibitions, later raised the alarm to police when she failed to meet him as she had arranged, her aunt confirmed. Speaking at Mr Lowth's family home in Sidcup, Kent, his father Chris told MailOnline: 'We are concerned, like everybody is. We really, really want to see her back.' 'The whole family is obviously very worried about her and just wants her home safely. 'We're all pulling together and praying that this awful situation is quickly resolved. We want to thank the media for all their help.' Forensic teams from Met Police were outside Poynders Court along the South Circular this evening after Met Police raised a 100-metre cordon during the search for missing Sarah Everard Her family and friends released a plea for her return, saying: 'Sarah, we are here for whenever you are ready' Teams were seen looking through bushes outside the block of flats as locals looked on. Met Police has urged anyone who was in Poynders Road at around 9.30pm last Wednesday to get in touch Forensic officers could been taking pictures of marked areas outside Poynders Court on Tuesday evening, as the search continues Forensic officers were outside a block of flats in Poynders Road this evening, six days after Ms Everard disappeared last week Mr Lowth shared a Facebook post appealing for anyone who knows where Miss Everand is to get in touch with police. He wrote: 'Sarah is still missing. Please share this post to help us to find her. Today, more than ever, we miss our strong, beautiful friend.' The 33-year-old is understood to have left her friend's house through a back gate onto the A205 South Circular at around 9pm on March 3. She then began walking to her home address in Brixton, and should have returned home 50 minutes later. Miss Everard was last seen on CCTV at around 9.30pm last Wednesday. Her father Jeremy, 67, a professor of electronics at York University, and mother Sue, 64, a charity worker, are understood to have travelled to London from their home in York. They are being helped in the search by her sister Katie and brother James. In a statement, the family said: 'With every day that goes by we are getting more worried about Sarah. A poster is seen as police search teams work their way through the reeds in Mount Pond on Clapham Common An appeal poster in Brixton, south London, for information on missing Sarah Everard, 33 Officers were carrying out door-to-door enquiries as they searched outside homes in Brixton for any trace of the missing marketing executive Investigators believe Sarah walked across Clapham Common towards her home in Brixton, and was last seen on CCTV in Poynders Road before disappearing. Officers are searching outside homes in Brixton yesterday Family say they are getting 'getting more worried about Sarah,' with each passing day, as officers were seen combing through hedges to spot for evidence yesterday '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. '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.' Ahead of the arrests on Tuesday, Ms Goodwin, who is leading the investigation, said there was no information to suggest Ms Everard had 'come to any harm'. She added: 'We've released two new images of Sarah as we continue to search for her. 'Please take a look at them and consider if you saw her on the night she went missing. I am interested in hearing from people who may have been in the area from 9.30pm onward. 'I want to remain clear that at this time we have no information to suggest that Sarah has come to any harm and we retain an open mind as to the circumstances. 'We share the wish of her family and friends to have her back safely with her loved ones.' Police said they had received more than 120 calls from the public and visited 750 homes as part of their investigation into Miss Everard's disappearance. While searches were carried out in Brixton earlier yesterday , officers in nearby Clapham have set up a 100-metre cordon outside a block of flats Mr Lowth, 33, raised the alarm to police when his partner failed to meet him the following day as they had arranged. Officers have continued their desperate search for the missing woman, looking through bins outside homes in Brixton for any evidence that could help find her In a statement, Sarah's family said: ''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' Ms Goodwin added: 'We have seized a number of CCTV recordings but we know that there are likely to be many more out there. 'Please, even if you're not sure, check your doorbell or CCTV footage just in case it holds a clue. 'I'm also asking delivery drivers or anyone with dashcam footage who would have been in the Poynders Road area at approximately 9.30pm on Wednesday to come forward.' The investigation is being treated as a missing person's enquiry, but due to its complex nature it is being led by the Met's Specialist Crime Command. Superintendent Kris Wright, from the Met's Central South Area Command Unit which covers Clapham, said on Tuesday: 'I know that Sarah's disappearance is weighing on people's minds and the local community is, of course, concerned about her and may even feel worried. 'I want them to know that they should expect to see more police officers on patrol in the area as we continue to search for Sarah and talk with the community. If you want to approach them about any concerns you have, please do so. 'We are here to support the community and we genuinely want to help in any way we can.' Anyone who has seen Sarah or who has information that may assist the investigation should call the Incident Room on 0208 785 8244. Information can also be provided to detectives using the Major Incident Portal or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. The 2021 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week has officially concluded with the completion of the $10,300 Super MILLION$ Main Event. Even though it fell short of the $10 million guarantee by 24 entries, the 976-entry strong field was the biggest the flagship High Roller tournament on GGPoker has ever attracted. After just two and a half hours, the final table wrapped up and the UK's Ben Ward defeated 2019 WSOPE Main Event champion Alexandros Kolonias in a short-lived heads-up battle. Both players collected seven-figure paydays as Ward earned the top prize of $1,242,332 while Kolonias walked away with $1,000,991. Javier Gomez turned the second-shortest stack at the start of the final table into a third-place finish for $818,576. The Spanish pro was one of four players who bowed out in the span of just 15 minutes as the tournament raced to a rapid conclusion. Final Result 2021 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week $10,300 Main Event Place Winner Country Prize (in USD) 1 Ben Ward United Kingdom $1,242,332 2 Alexandros Kolonias Greece $1,000,991 3 Javier Gomez Spain $818,576 4 Sebastian "Weizen" Gaehl Germany $669,403 5 Shankar Pillai United States $547,414 6 Krasimir Yankov Bulgaria $447,657 7 Thomas Muehloecker Austria $366,078 8 Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot France $299,366 Final Table Action After the elimination of Ole Schemion on the final table bubble and the departure of Wei Zhao in the final hand of the night, only eight players remained. Ben Ward was the narrow chip leader ahead of Krasimir Yankov and Alexandros Kolonias while the four players at the bottom of the leaderboard were separated by a mere 12 blinds. The first hour was very tense and no all-in showdown took place. Shankar Pillai won a big three-way pot with a flopped set of fives to take over the lead for a few hands. However, the American subsequently was not able to keep up the momentum and dropped back into the bunch of short stacks. Upon returning from the first break, Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot was the lowest in chips and eventually got it in with ace-ten against the pocket tens of Thomas Muehloecker. No ace or sufficient broadway cards appeared and Chalot became the first casualty. Muehloecker jumped into third place but he would be the next player to go. In a pivotal flip that set the pace for the remainder of the final table, the Austrian came up second-best with ace-king against the queens of Ward. Thomas Muehloecker Ward assumed control and it took another half an hour for the next elimination. Yankov, who started second in chips, never got much going and lost a flip to Kolonias. The Greek then also knocked out Shankar Pillai and Sebastian "Weizen" Gaehl within the next few minutes to get almost even in chips with Ward. Javier Gomez had navigated his short stack masterfully until then to not only ladder up but mostly stay out of trouble. When Ward jammed blind-on-blind, he called with ace-queen only to see Ward's queen-jack get there thanks to a jack on the flop. Heads-up lasted just over ten minutes in total and Kolonias won just four pots. He eventually four-bet jammed pocket nines into the ace-king suited of Ward and there was an ace in the window to seal the victory for the current Mexico resident. Runner-Up Alexandros Kolonias The final table action was also live-streamed on the GGPoker.tv Youtube and Twitch channels with cards-up coverage and commentary by Randy "nanonoko" Lew and Kevin "RotterdaM" van der Kooi. That wraps up the PokerNews live reporting from the high-stakes festival on GGPoker. SCRANTON Diane Yoder arrived in town Saturday to begin converting the newly purchased Marywood South campus into the Patriot Resource Center at Marywood. The new facility will assist veterans and community first-responders in need. Nearly three dozen local veterans greeted her, ready to lend helping hands to her organization, the Jarett Yoder Foundation that bought the property, she told a crowd of over 150 people at a ribbon-cutting Tuesday. When I came here on Saturday, there were 35 veterans here to help me clean up, Yoder said, her voice choking with emotion. That meant so much. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the vacant campus, the former Scranton State School for the Deaf. Marywood University acquired the 10-acre property, which straddles Scranton and Dunmore, from the state in 2011 for $500,000, but never used it and started trying to sell it in 2015. Sister Mary Persico, I.H.M., Ed.D., president of Marywood University, said over 300 prospective buyers looked at the campus. Recent proposals, including an artists apartment complex from a Los Angeles developer, and a plan for an art school and retreat center by the Elysian Sanctuary, fell through. The Patriot Resource Center will return the campus to one of service that carries on the sacred legacy of what it always was, Persico told the crowd. The right buyer is here with us today, the person who is going to make this land sacred again by serving people who have served us for many, many years and in many, many ways, Persico said. Thank you, Diane, for being the right buyer. Yoder founded the Berks County-based charity after her son Jarett died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2013, as he served the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The Patriot Resource Center will be open to active military, veterans and first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical service workers and police officers. Valhalla Veterans Services, which offers counseling services, will relocate from Electric Street to a Patriot Resources Center building at 1800 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton. The North Washington Avenue building, the newest of the several structures on the campus in Green Ridge, is largely move-in ready, Yoder said in an interview after the ceremony. The other buildings on the campus, situated in Dunmore, will require renovations phased in over time, Yoder said. Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Director David Eisele likened the new Patriot Resource Center to a key piece of a puzzle of assisting veterans in need. This is a godsend, Eisele said of the new center. We are a huge veteran-oriented community. We have a lot of great organizations and for you guys to put it in one stop and make it so easily accessible, its going to be great for the community and wed like to welcome you. The property had a list price of $2.2 million last year. Yoder and Persico declined to divulge the sales price. Yoder said the Patriot Resource Center will dedicate a room in honor of veteran Beau Biden, the late son of President Joe Biden, whose boyhood home is nearby in Green Ridge. Portland had more than 150 straight nights of protest after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, and The Oregonian/OregonLives visual journalists chronicled night after night. The Scripps Howard Awards competition announced Tuesday that The Oregonian/OregonLives photography entry was a finalist in the Excellence in Visual Journalism category. The two other finalists are Marcus Yams portfolio for the Los Angeles Times and Newsdays protest photography. Following a year that challenged journalists to navigate a global pandemic, societal unrest and intense partisanship, its more important than ever to recognize journalists roles as the eyes and ears of our communities, said Liz Carter, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Foundation. We see a common theme in the reporting recognized tenacity to hold the powerful accountable, protect our democracy and inform fellow citizens. The entry was photographs from The Oregonian/OregonLives Beth Nakamura and Dave Killen. Winners will be announced in a virtual ceremony April 21. The competition drew nearly 900 entries. The government of ethnically split Cyprus came under fire on Tuesday over a decision to lay razor wire along a section of a U.N. controlled buffer zone. It says the move is needed to stem migrant inflows from the islands breakaway north, but critics say the plan is ineffective and only feeds the fear that partition will be cemented, amid a renewed push to resume dormant peace talks. Crews began laying the razor wire on the southern side of the buffer zone some 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of the capital, Nicosia, earlier this week. Critics, including the communist-rooted opposition party AKEL, said the move only leaves huge question marks since it implies the delineation of borders and entrenching our homelands division. Farmers authorized to cultivate land inside the buffer zone initially voiced some concern over access to their plots, but the government said it would act to ease access. Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkish Cypriots in the islands northern third declared independence nearly a decade later, but only Turkey recognizes it. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the southern part, where the internationally recognized government is seated, enjoys full benefits. Cypriot government officials say the country has the highest per-capita number of asylum applications in the European Union. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) LOS ANGELESIn a lengthy and comprehensive online discussion last week, attorney Corey Silverstein delivered one consistent message for adult industry performers especially cam performers and others operating their own businesses. Protect yourself. What that means, Silverstein explained, is keeping detailed records, and if necessary, contacting a lawyer. But he also emphasized that there are no shortcuts to maintaining those crucial records. When I see questions like, Is there an app for that, thats not the way you should be looking at it, Silverstein said in the online Night Court event. The way you should be looking at it is, you are investing in your own product. Your product is the most important thing. When youre a performer doesnt matter what you are, a cam star, solo model, it doesnt matter your content is everything. Its no different than if you were a gold collector. You wouldnt leave your gold on the front porch of your house. Youd put it in a safe. Silverstein, whose practice has represented adult industry clients exclusively since 2006, answered questions and dispensed his legal wisdom in the Zoom event hosted by adult industry educator and former cam performer, Nikki Night, on March 4. The first line of protection for any performer using a cam site, clip store, or any type of platform including social media sites such as Twitter according to Silverstein, is to understand that specific platforms terms of service agreement. And that isnt as simple as it sounds. Responding to a question from an audience member, Silverstein cautioned online sex workers to always remember that anytime you sign up for a platform, you are using that platform at their discretion. It is not being provided by the government, so if they take it away from you, you do not have some sort of First Amendment challenge. You are subject to the terms that you agreed to. What are those terms? They can change at any time, often without notice, leaving sex workers frozen out even if they thought they were complying with a sites requirements. There is, however, a way to get ahead of those sudden changes, Silverstein advised. One thing you should do is, when you first sign up for a platform, in those terms there will be a provision that says, modification, or amendment. Something like that. What youll see in there is how that website is going to notify you in the event of changes. Some sites may announce modifications to their terms of service with an email notice. Others may use some other method. But courts have ruled in recent years, according to Silverstein, that users of any site must actively agree to the terms of service by clicking on a button or taking some similar action. Sites that fail to require active acceptance of the terms, may not be able to enforce them. Silverstein also advised caution with other services such as payment processors and web hosting services that may discriminate against adult businesses, after another audience member asked what sex workers can do to fight back against those companies. The longtime adult industry lawyers answer was, basically, not much. You have to remember, payment processors, website providers, no matter how big they are, they are still private companies. They have the right to do business with whoever it is they want, Silverstein said. I know that sucks, and I know that is one of the worst things in the world to hear. Thats why I always encourage everyone in the adult industry to work with adult-friendly people. Rather than setting up a website on a server from a company that doesnt often deal with adult content providers, go to a company like MojoHost, where you know their predominant business is adult hosting, and you know theyre going to look out for you. There is no real way to fight back against anti-sex worker discrimination on the part of big online companies, who are free to pivck and choose their clients. Case in point, look at Facebook, Silverstein said. Facebook has made it very clear that adult entertainers are not very well liked over there, and are not welcome. But they have that right, and unfortunately from a legal standpoint, there is little to nothing that can actually be done other than writing letters to them, putting pressure on them, tweeting them, saying, Hey, why am I being called out? Why wont you allow me on there? The greatest area of legal vulnerability for adult performers, however, comes from themselves, and their own failure to obtain and use proper documentation prior to shooting any type of content. That documentation includes model release forms, and 2257 documents verifying that each model in an adult shoot is at least 18 years old. Performers staging shoots with partners and groups need to obtain those documents for everyone involved in a scene. But even performers creating only solo content need to complete and retain those forms, as well. You may be a solo performer today. But a week from now, two weeks, or a year from now, someone might come to you and say, I want to buy your content library, Silverstein noted. The first thing the big company is going to ask you for is your model releases and your 2257 record-keeping. Even if youre a solo performer, you have to have documentation just for yourself. Because you have to prepare for a potential purchase down the line. Its not just about protecting multiple people. Its about protecting yourself. Simply filling out the form is not adequate, either, SIlverstein said. Those forms must be the right ones written in legally correct language specific to the current era, and the performer using the forms. I am troubled by how many bad forms there are in this industry floating around. I have seen documents that, I swear, someone must have written it in 1982. There are some horrific forms out there. Guys, Im telling you right now, write this down, the attorney told the Night Court audience. Forms are a nightmare. They are built for someone else. They are built for multiple purposes. They will not work for your specific needs. You have to build a form around you. Forms may be written under outdated laws, or laws that are not applicable in the region where a particular shoot takes place. If you dont go to me, go to your own lawyer and have a proper contract written out. Your model release documentation should be built to specifically cover you. Older forms may have been written in an era before social media, before tube sites, possibly even before the advent of 2257. Youve got to think about this before you just take up some random form, Silverstein said. Just as important, the lawyer creating the model release form should be one familiar with the adult industry. Dont just get a wills and trust lawyer to write your model release, Silverstein warned. Among the other advice for adult performers self-protection offered by Silverstein in the Night Court webinar: Form a corporation or other legal entity for your business but set up that company in Delaware, or another state that does not require the owners real name to become public record. Do not enter into business relationships with customers. Let them be your customers, he said. There are users out there, and they are experts at it. They are master manipulators. They are con people, and they know how to draw you in. When choosing a stage name, make sure it bears no resemblance to your real name. People on the internet today are very resourceful, Silverstein said. Dont make it easier for them. From the start, do things to protect yourself. Find a private lawyer to be your mouthpiece. Photo By Adult.Law Vimeo Screen Capture Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. New guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday eases back on mask-wearing and other COVID-19-related restrictions for vaccinated individuals, reflecting the continued vaccine rollout across New Jersey and the nation. However, an infectious disease specialist in New Jersey said the updated regulations do not adhere to the standards previously established by the agencys experts, and may not guarantee the health and safety of those who follow them. Fully vaccinated people are now allowed to gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask, as well as go without a mask with unvaccinated people from one other household as long as those people are not at an increased risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19, according to the CDC. The CDC has said a person is not considered fully vaccinated until at least two weeks have passed since they received their final dose (or a single dose of a vaccine such as the kind developed by Johnson & Johnson). The CDC also said fully vaccinated people exposed to someone with COVID-19 do not need to quarantine themselves or get tested unless they are symptomatic or live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home). David Cennimo, an expert from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said these new guidelines should not be interpreted as full-proof science, but as a middle ground. Part of the problem is many people saw vaccines as Throw open the doors and everything returns immediately back to normal, Cennimo said. Its almost like a negotiation ... I think the CDC decided they had to have some concessions, or its all going to fall apart. Are we still sure were protecting everybody else? I dont know, he added. Cennimo mostly approved of the agency signing off on fully vaccinated people being maskless around other fully vaccinated people due to the fact that their shots largely prevent them getting sick. However, he said he was a little uncomfortable with the CDC approving of vaccinated people not wearing masks around unvaccinated people from another household, and not getting tested or quarantining even after they have been exposed to COVID-19. Why? Because experts not only remain uncertain as to how effective vaccines are against emerging variants of the virus, but also how effective they are in preventing someone from continuing to spread the virus to other people two facts the CDC acknowledges even while issuing the new guidance. I think Im safe, I do. Ive been vaccinated, presumably the vaccine works ... and I do believe that even if I were to contract COVID-19, I wouldnt get that sick, Cennimo said. But I ingrained it in myself and in so many others that what we were doing was wearing a mask to protect others. And thats why Im not comfortable taking off my mask in these settings, because I dont know that Im still protecting others. While the CDC only recommends being maskless around people at low risk for severe illness from the coronavirus, it does not acknowledge that these people may be able to unwittingly contract the virus themselves and transmit it to others vulnerable to illness or death. Those are the data we need to know: can you be an asymptomatic after getting the vaccine? And the answer is probably yes, Cennimo said. Its probably a small number, but its probably possible. Cennimo noted that the nuances of CDCs guidance also creates the potential for its misinterpretation by the public. (Its about) not telling those people that they have free rein in the world, just because theyre probably not going to get that sick, Cennimo said. So I think theres a little bit of a dichotomy there thats hard to describe. Despite these updates in its latest guidance, the CDC continue to recommend fully vaccinated individuals take precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces while in public, gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one household, and if they visit or live with an unvaccinated person who is particularly vulnerable to the virus. When asked about if there are new scenarios in which residents can go without masks prior to herd immunity being achieved, Cennimo said he was uncertain if widespread vaccinations should even be the marker of safety for the U.S. population. Im not at all certain we will truly ever achieve herd immunity, Cennimo said. But when a combination of immunity, decreased transmission, better therapies all come together and when you can make this COVID-19 clinical infection less dangerous than an average flu year then were kind of done. Moreover, he expressed his belief that masks could and likely should continue to be worn in certain contexts long into the future because of their utility in preventing illnesses beyond the coronavirus. Looking at the data from this year on influenza and on (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infection in children, and even a norovirus infection, I would be hard-pressed in the future to go through at least a winter viral infection season without wearing masks in large, crowded spaces, Cennimo said. Because look at how well we did, how many things were OK how many different viruses had much lower infection rates, Cennimo said. There definitely is something to this enhanced hygiene and precautions. Tell us your COVID-19 vaccination stories, send us a news tip or questions about the vaccination process on our tip form. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Caroline Fassett may be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com The US military has asked Congress to double its budget in the Pacific as part of an unprecedented military buildup aimed at China. The Pentagon submitted the request as part of its so-called Pacific Deterrence Initiative centered around fielding a network of precision-strike missiles in Taiwan and Japan targeting China, with the capability to sustain combat operations for extended periods. In this Feb. 10, 20201, photo, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool) In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, head of the Indo-Pacific Command, made it clear that the military buildup is aimed not only at threatening China but in fighting a war. We absolutely must be prepared to fight and win should competition turn to conflict, Davidson said. In a striking statement of the imminence of a conflict between two of the worlds leading nuclear powers, Davidson made clear that the timetable for a major conflict is not in decades, but in years. I worry that theyre accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order, which theyve long said that they want to do that by 2050. Im worried about them moving that target closer, he continued. Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before then. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years. Last week, Davidson echoed his remarks at the American Enterprise Institute, where the admiral stressed that the period between now and 2026, this decade, is the time horizon in which China is positioned to achieve overmatch in its capability, and when Beijing could, could, widely choose to forcibly change the status quo in the region. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also last week singled out China as the singular US adversary. Several countries present us with serious challenges," he said, "including Russia, Iran, North Korea but the challenge posed by China is different. China is the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to challenge the United States." The Pentagons plans for a military buildup in the Pacific make clear the content of Blinkins words. The response of the United States to Chinas growing economic weight is the threat of military aggression. The US missile buildup in the Pacific follows Washingtons withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, the most significant nuclear arms reduction treaty of the 20th century. The INF treaty unnecessarily constrained the United States, Senator Jim Risch, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Nikkei. While the INF treaty was signed with the Soviet Union and applied to Russia, the primary target of the US in withdrawing from the treaty was China. With the Pentagons Pacific Defense Initiative, it is clear what the withdrawal will look like in practice: the planned deployment of missiles within just minutes of flight time to Chinas major coastal cities, placing the US and China on a hair trigger for war. Risch told Nikkei that the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific is a great and increasingly necessary area of discussion for the United States and Japan to explore. This move is both insane and criminal. Japan, the only country in which nuclear weapons were ever used in wartime, would be used as an unsinkable aircraft carrier in a missile standoff between the worlds two most powerful military powers. If the missiles were ever used for their intended purposes, the collateral damage would be Japanese lives. On Tuesday, a novel titled, 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, portraying the buildup to a war between the United States and China, went on sale. It was co-authored by Adm. James Stavridis (ret.), former supreme allied commander of NATO, and former Marine Special Operations Officer Elliot Ackerman. Commenting on the book, Stavridis observed, The novel lays out a pretty plausible ladder of escalation that goes from a conventional attack to a second conventional attack to a third conventional attack to America deciding to pull a tactical nuclear weapon and use it... Thats more real [a prospect] than I wish it were. In this Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 photo, art appraiser Mary Jane Clark uses an ultra-violet flashlight to detect touch-ups to the over 150-year-old painting of Daniel Webster by Joseph Desire Court that she was examining at the Webster Cottage in Hanover, N.H. As layers of oil paint dry over a period of years, they sometimes crack and flake leaving underlayers exposed which are later touched up. (James M. Patterson/The Valley News via AP) (James M. Patterson) Supplier News 10 March 2021 Oakland, Calif. - The world came to a standstill in 2020. With stay-at-home orders and closed borders, the hospitality industry found itself in unchartered territory. Hospitality was one of the industries most impacted by the pandemic, with many businesses closing their doors for the first time in history and millions of employees being furloughed. Where in the recovery process are hotels, restaurants, casinos, and attractions today? Join Beekeeper on Tuesday, March 23rd at 1:00 p.m. EST to find out. In its first webinar of 2021 titled "Reality Check: Where Are We in the Recovery?" the mobile-first collaborator for frontline workers will explore where hospitality leaders find themselves in the recovery process. Joining Beekeeper Head of Hospitality Andrada Paraschiv in the discussion are Melissa Milione, Corporate Director of Events for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts; Amy Weber, Community Engagement Specialist for MOD Pizza; and Sarah Sorbel, HR Manager at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. This expert panel will recap some of their biggest learnings from 2020, and they will identify obstacles they expect to encounter in the days ahead. Hear how these successful operators of hotels, restaurants and casinos will mitigate anticipated challenges via a digitalized workforce. To register for "Reality Check: Where Are We in the Recovery?" click here. About Beekeeper "While it is wise to learn from personal experience, it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others," Paraschiv said. "In this webinar, some of hospitality's brightest operators will share their best practices for communicating and maintaining employee engagement during times of uncertainty. It's a long road to recovery, but by sharing insights into key areas to focus on in 2021 we can shorten the time it will take hoteliers and restaurateurs to get back on their feet and begin operating profitably again. We encourage all hospitality leaders to join us for this engaging event." Beekeeper, the leading operational communication platform for hospitality, is transforming the way frontline hotel employees work with a mobile-first communication platform that reaches every shift, location, and language through real-time one-on-one and group messaging. Hailed as "the most innovative tool in hospitality," this heavily awarded, and highly regarded platform uses dedicated streams to deliver important operational communications to the entire workforce or specific subgroups. Managers keep staff productive and turnover low by automating workflows and messaging to their teams, while leveraging an analytics dashboard to measure engagement. Quick to implement and even easier to use, Beekeeper integrates with the existing operational systems you rely on and makes them accessible to everyone in one central access point. Learn more at beekeeper.io. The company is based in Zurich and San Francisco and supports users in more than 130 countries. Clients include Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Radisson Hotels, Concord Hospitality, MOD Pizza, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Website: www.beekeeper.io, Blog: www.beekeeper.io/blog, Twitter: @beekeepersocial Chahid El Hafed , March 09, 2021 (SPS) - The President of the Republic, Brahim Gali, said Tuesday, in his speech, by videoconference at the high-level meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union that "the African Union is called upon to fulfill its responsibility to play an essential role with regard to this African issue." To say that the Union should not play a leading role in this matter together with the United Nations is a statement contrary to historical truth and contradicts the responsibility of the African Union to uphold its principles and objectives, as the body that laid the foundations on which the 1991 UN / OAU joint settlement plan was based, Brahim Gali reaffirmed in its address. Sahrawi President pointed out that the persistent Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara and the continuous obstruction of international efforts forced the Saharawi people to take up arms, as a legitimate right protected by international conventions. He underlined that SADR holds the Kingdom of Morocco fully responsible for this new escalation and the threat it represents to peace and stability in the region. SPS 125/090/TRA Helen Cherniga tried umpteen numbers, but hasnt hit the jackpot. They take your name, date of birth, phone number and thats it, she told me in a phone interview on Tuesday. I havent heard anything back from any of them. Some days I make five or six calls in one day. So far, no luck. Im ready to give up. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a game of chance for many Pennsylvanians, but if youre a senior citizen with no internet access, vaccinations are the new toilet paper. The shortages of paper goods and other commodities that plagued the early months of the pandemic have been eclipsed by the opaque obstacle course some seniors must navigate to get inoculated. Helen is 88 and lives in the Midvalley. She doesnt own a computer and her cellphone doesnt have internet access. Helen has no family in the area. A pair of nephews in Florida are trying to schedule her for a vaccination online, but Helen and a small group of friends feel left out of a vaccine rollout thats supposed to prioritize our most vulnerable neighbors. The Times-Tribune reported Tuesday that 14% of Lackawanna Countys estimated population of 209,674 is fully vaccinated the fourth highest rate in the state. About 11% of Luzerne Countys population of more than 317,000 are fully inoculated the 11th highest. Sharon Javid was not impressed. Helen and her friends are longtime clients at S.J. Designs, Sharons beauty salon in Dickson City. A frequent contributor to letters to the editor, Sharon said the improving numbers dont reflect the fear and frustration of her friends. They are trying every day, five times a day, and theyre being told theyre not doing scheduling by phone, you have to go on the internet, Sharon said. None of them have computers, and the newspaper isnt reporting that. So here are these poor souls calling every day, and theyre not getting anywhere. Theyre in their 80s, and theyre never going to get vaccinated because they dont have a computer so they cant sign up. They can sign up, and via a landline, said Jason Kavulich, director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. Seniors who dial 211 and follow a series of prompts will be connected with counselors who will hook them up with vaccine providers, he said. Its definitely not perfect, and we dont pretend it be, but from the eighth of February through the eighth of March weve connected 4,840 individuals to lists where they know theyll be able to get the vaccine once theres more supply in the community. Supply is a nagging problem, but Kavulich assured me the 211 line is a safe, effective path to vaccination. The average interview takes about 30 minutes. The average age of callers is 75, he said. Recent call volume suggests the number is catching on. Were getting about an extra 120 to 180 calls a day, so theres a lot of scared folks out there, Kavulich said. Were trying to keep them calm and get them connected the best we can. Most 211 callers say they prefer to receive shots at an independent local pharmacy like DiPietros in Dunmore, Kavulich said. Hes really just stepped up so much, he said of owner Tom DiPietro. Hes helping us get the high-rises finished. There are 55 physical locations we have to visit in the county, and he did three last week. It really helps us get done that much quicker. DiPietro told me he sees the infection risk to residents of senior living centers as similar to residents of nursing homes. He said his focus on high-rises has sparked customer complaints, but hes doing his best to serve the most immediate needs through risk stratification. We have all of these elderly people living in the same building, DiPietro said. God forbid, if somebody gets (COVID), its going to spread throughout the whole building. My grandma lives in a house. Believe me, my grandma deserves to get vaccinated, but she lives in a house alone, and that doesnt jeopardize her. Its all risk stratification. I get screamed at by people who are like, Im 40, and I smoke and I say, Yeah, I understand that, but the person thats 80 and gets the disease is 60 to 90 more times more likely to die from it. DiPietro said he wont take appointments until hes sure he can get the doses to honor them. Demand is far outpacing supply. Even with an internet connection, be prepared to wait. The CDC-backed VaccineFinder website can tell you who has shots in stock, but when you try to make an appointment, most doses are already spoken for. I promised to check back with Helen later this week and urged her to give 211 another try. Weve all been through a long, grueling slog of a year, but last March, the idea of a vaccine was a pipe dream. Today, we have three. Spring is coming. This is no time to give up. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. WASHINGTON The latest COVID-19 relief package has now passed the Senate and House, and will soon be on it's way to President Joe Biden's desk. The legislation, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, includes $1,400 stimulus checks, billions of dollars for vaccines, and money to reopen schools. While Biden and Democrats are cheering the bill as a victory in the quest to fight the impacts of the coronavirus crisis, Republicans say the bill is wasteful and full of provisions that don't address the virus. No Republicans vote for the bill in either chamber of Congress.. Here are some takeaways of the bill's passage through Congress and what happens next: First partisan piece of COVID relief legislation The American Rescue plan made it through Congress with only Democratic support, making it stand out from the bipartisan COVID relief plans Congress passed over the last year. Though the two sides squabbled over priorities in each of the previous packages that cleared Congress, all were approved with members of both parties in support except the one approved Wednesday. More: Biden's relief bill isn't getting bipartisan support like previous stimulus bills. What do Republicans dislike so much? Live updates: Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus plan expected to get final passage Wednesday The final vote Saturday in the Senate was 50-49 with all Republicans voting against the measure and all members of the Senate Democratic caucus supporting it. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, was not present for the vote. In the House, it didn't earn a single Republican vote in the two times the bill came to a vote. Biden ran on his ability to broker bipartisan efforts on Capitol Hill, drawing on his 36 years in the Senate and eight years as vice president. Republicans have viewed the bill as a betrayal of the bipartisanship Biden embraced and spoke of during his campaign. Surrounded by Democratic House and Senate committee chairs, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., sign the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill during a bill enrollment ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden, who will sign the bill into law Friday. 'Socialism': GOP reactions to legislation passing Story continues Republican lawmakers described the stimulus plan as a "clunker," "bad politics" and wildly expensive." House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., described it as a "laundry list of leftwing priorities" that "do not meet the needs of American families." "It is very liberal," he said. "They called this the most progressive piece of legislation in history. For those who are watching, progressive means socialism." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., called the legislation a progressive wish list forced down by the Democrat party. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., said in a statement he was "glad to know" his constituents would get a stimulus payment and other benefits of the bill, but explained why he voted against it. But the legislation passed today is one of the largest expenditures in American historywith spending unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic and Republicans were left out of all negotiations," he continued, saying the legislation "still manages to spend way too much money". Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., the House Republican Conference chair, said in a statement the bill "does far more harm than good, and the damage it does will only make our recovery efforts more difficult." 1 Democrat voted against the bill twice The bill sailed through the House despite complaints from progressive Democrats who believed too many concessions were made to moderate Democrats when the bill passed Senate on Saturday. The final vote was 220-211, with one Democrat Rep. Jared Golden of Maine opposing it, saying it would borrow and spend far more than is needed. Borrowing and spending hundreds of billions more in excess of meeting the most urgent needs poses a risk to both our economic recovery and the priorities I would like to work with the Biden administration to achieve, like rebuilding our nations infrastructure and fixing our broken and unaffordable healthcare system, Golden said in a statement on Wednesday. Golden also opposed the House's first vote on the legislation in late February before it went to the Senate. The bill had to go through the House one last time because of changes made in the Senate. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., voted against the first bill in February, but supported the Senate's modified legislation during Wednesday's vote. Republicans tried to slow the bill down With Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress, some Republicans pulled out all the stops in attempts to delay voting on the legislation. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., forced the Senate to begin reading all 628 pages of Biden's COVID bill aloud on the Senate floor Thursday. More: Republican Sen. Ron Johnson forces Senate to read all 628 pages of Biden's COVID bill aloud Johnson said his tactic was about educating the American public on what was in the $1.9 trillion package, which he has derided as full of provisions unrelated to COVID relief. The entire process took more than 10 hours. Then senators were allowed to bring up amendments to the bill. The rapid succession of votes on each proposed change is dubbed a "vote-a-rama." Republican Senators filed nearly 600 amendments, but only brought forth a fraction of those for debate. It was enough to draw out the voting session for more than 24 hours, keeping senators voting from from Friday morning into Saturday. More: Senate OKs extension of $300 weekly unemployment benefit after long delay One issue, unemployment insurance, was stalled by Democratic senators for most of the day Friday as they negotiated behind closed doors, focusing on the vote from Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia who expressed interest in plans from Republicans and Democrats. During the House's session on Wednesday, before lawmakers began debating on the legislation, Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene forced the House to delay debating and voting on the stimulus bill by forcing a vote to adjourn House proceedings ahead of the debate. The effort failed. A big win for Biden Signing COVID-19 relief has been Biden's chief legislative priority since he began his presidency. He's stressed the aid is sorely needed for Americans battling the economic impacts of the pandemic and repeatedly pushed for Congress to pass the bill quickly. More: With passage of COVID-19 relief plan imminent, Biden delivers a final sales pitch On the campaign trail, and in the first hours of his presidency, Biden promised to pass massive relief in Congress. In announcing the American Rescue Plan on the same day as his inauguration, Biden called the smaller, bipartisan legislation passed in December "a down payment." The White House described the new legislation as "ambitious, but achievable, and will rescue the American economy and start beating the virus." Several polls show the latest package enjoys wide popularity, particularly the direct payments to Americans. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., praised the bill as part of Biden's legacy, calling it the "Biden American Rescue Plan." We will get to work immediately to deliver lifesaving resources springing from this bill as soon as it is passed and signed as we join President Biden. in his promise that at last help is on the way," she said. More: Polls find most Americans support Biden's COVID-19 stimulus package Republicans successfully changed portions of the bill Republicans in the Senate were successful in changing several key portions of the legislation. Some House Democrats griped over the modifications made to the legislation particularly the removal of a $15 federal minimum wage hike when the bill came back to their chamber for a vote Wednesday. But those peeved progressives set aside their misgivings, and approved the Senate changes. A federal hourly minimum wage increase was included in the version of the relief bill that was approved by the House last month. But it was stripped from the Senate version after the Senate parliamentarian found it to be against budget rules. Senate Democrats' attempt to reinsert a $15 minimum wage provision Friday also failed when eight Democratic caucus members voted with all Senate Republicans against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders proposal. More: Some House progressives aren't happy with Senate version of COVID relief package. Here's what changed. Like the House version, the Senate bill includes $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans but it lowered the income eligibility for taxpayers getting the payments. Under the Senate bill, the checks phase out for individuals making $80,000 per year and $160,000 for couples. Roughly 8 million fewer households will get a check under the Senate bill compared with what the House passed, according to an analysis from the Tax Policy Center. More: $1,400 checks are coming in the new coronavirus relief bill. Here's who will get them, and who won't. The House bill extended federal unemployment benefits through August and increased that aid to $400 a week, but the final bill only extends the enhanced unemployment benefits through August at $300 a week. What happens next? The House vote was the final legislative hurdle for the legislation. It now goes to Biden, who will sign the bill into law Friday, the White House said. More: $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill with $1,400 stimulus checks passes House, heads to President Biden for signature "This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going a fighting chance," Biden said in a statement following the vote. "On Friday, I look forward to signing the American Rescue Plan into law at the White House a peoples law at the peoples house." After the bill is signed into law, the IRS may begin delivering stimulus checks within one to two weeks. "Middle-class Western New York households will be getting a $1,400 check in the mail in about two weeks," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "They should get them by the end of March, so it'll be a nice Easter present for everybody." Here are the major parts of the legislation Provides most Americans making up to $75,000 a year with another direct payment this time for $1,400. Sends $350 billion to state and local governments whose revenue has declined because of COVID-19 social distancing measures. Allocates $130 billion to help fully reopen schools and colleges Allots $30 billion to help renters and landlords weather economic losses Sets aside $50 billion for small-business assistance Appropriate $160 billion for vaccine development, distribution and related needs Allocates $14 billion for eligible airlines Establishes a $28.6 billion revitalization fund for restaurants that will help them cover pandemic-related losses. Businesses will be eligible for up to $5 million each. More: With the economy healing, is Biden's $1.9T COVID-19 relief package too much? Contributing: Michael Collins, Nicholas Wu, Sarah Elbeshbishi, Christal Hayes, Ledyard King This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: COVID stimulus passes House: Takeaways from President Joe Biden's bill Most Woolworths self-serve checkouts have been restored after an outage affecting stores nationwide led to customers waiting in lines for half an hour to buy groceries. Frustrated Australian shoppers discovered they would need to line up to have their goods scanned by supermarket staff after an IT glitch stopped them from self-serving for hours on Wednesday afternoon. Woolworths has apologised for the blackout and said the matter is expected to be resolved before Thursday. Most Woolworths self-serve checkouts have been restored after an outage affecting stores nationwide led to customers waiting in lines for half an hour to buy groceries Woolworths has apologised for the blackout and said the matter is expected to be resolved before Thursday 'The majority of our self-serve checkouts have returned to normal operation nationwide, with the rest expected to follow later this evening after they were affected by an IT issue,' Woolworths tweeted. 'We apologise for the inconvenience and thank our customers for their patience as we worked to fix this.' Customers at the store in Town Hall, Sydney, were allegedly notified of the outage over loudspeaker at around 5pm on Wednesday. The Daily Mail Australia spoke to stores in New South Wales and Western Australia who confirmed their self-serve systems were down too. Frustrated Australian shoppers discovered they would need to line up to have their goods scanned by supermarket staff after an IT glitch stopped them from self-serving for hours on Wednesday afternoon One social media user told a community Facebook group in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, there were 'lines for miles' outside one store. 'Don't go to Woolworths,' they wrote. 'Self serve not working, bugger all register staff lines for miles. Complete [chaos].' Wait times at Caboolture South Woolworths in Moreton Bay, Queensland, were more than 30 minutes long, reported local Facebook page Moreton Alerts. 'Please be patient staff don't need to be abused over this,' the alert said. 'We have been advised that this is a state issue and is also affecting Big W stores as well.' The Woke New University Commentary Historically, universities were institutions devoted to the pursuit of truth. It was a search guided by Socratic humility and Pascals dictum that we know too much to be skeptics and too little to be dogmatists. Contrary to romantic myths, there was never a time of cozy accord in university life, and academic disputations are well-known for their ferocity. But until recent years, intellectual opponents could respectfully disagree. Professors believed in argumentation and disputationwhat the Greeks called the dialecticas the way to truth. Scholars kept in mind the Biblical injunction Come, let us reason together. Professors engaged in civil debate, avoiding ad hominem attacks while recognizing superior reasoning and better evidence. Disagreements could, of course, be explosive. Nevertheless, there was a tacit agreement about intellectual norms, including the spirit of generosity. One listened respectfully to intellectual adversaries, conceding when they had a better argument or better evidence. Western universities are currently suffering from a series of self-inflicted wounds that mock such old-fashioned liberality. Notable is the abandonment of objective truth and the growth of an enervating relativism that refuses to maintain distinctions of enduring worth. There is a narrowing of acceptable views and a rancorous intolerance for ideas that fail to conform to the prevailing orthodoxies. The widespread embrace of a therapeutic education model has infantilized students by indulging them with trigger warnings and safe spaces. The arrival of a managerialist class of administrative busybodies undermines the universitys educative mission, while adding a costly burden to the taxpayer. The brazen commercializing of research labs has led to the predictable corruption of science. Simultaneously, the misguided belief that university courses must be profitable from a business and industry perspective furthers the notion that the universitys primary function is preparing students for careers. None of this is news. But the past decade has seen a militant turn toward making universities bastions of woke political correctness. The universitys quest for truth is now passe; its new mission is to seek social justice, an alarming development that threatens the university as never before. In their book, Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay state the case baldly: There is a problem that begins in our universities, and it comes down to Social Justice. The authors claim that the quest for social justice is leading universities to the precipice by a toxic admixture of postmodernism and the Old Testament righteousness of social justice warriors. Social justice has seeped from the campus into the broader society to become the culture wars driving force. The authors believe that the secular, liberal, and democratic societies born of the Enlightenment are still the template to measure human prosperity and happiness. The well-being of democratic societies is intricately bound with the universitys fate. Ultimately, in defending the liberal university, one protects the core values and culture of liberal democracies, including respect for the value of viewpoint diversity and honest debate [and] respect for evidence and reason. They state that we have reached a point in history where liberalism and modernity at the heart of Western civilization are at great risk on the level of the ideas that sustain them. In brief, it is liberal democracy itself, not just the university, that is under siege by social justice activists. How did we arrive at such a juncture? The problem arises from the fact that, according to Pluckrose and Lindsay, the progressive left rejects objective truth as a fantasy dreamed up by naive and/or arrogant Enlightenment thinkers who underestimated the collateral consequences of Modernitys progress. The authors are scathing about the canons of social justice, particularly the Foucauldian insistence that all of history is reducible to power relations. Wherever we look, goes the argument, we encounter illicit power and oppression. Ultimately, any form of authorityincluding the intellectual kindis illegitimate. Reason and science are nothing more than the daydreams of privileged white men who have used their position to maintain power and status. Likewise, the Western canon is merely the scribblings favored by the powerful to maintain their status and privilege. The authors compare liberalism with the siren call of the social justice activist: Liberalism respects people both as individuals and as members of the human race. It does not respect identities or collectives per se; it values the individual and the universal; the human and humanity. Pluckrose and Lindsay urge us to maintain a belief in liberalism and stand up to something with a lot of power. At days end, the quest for social justice hasnt produced liberally educated men and women but indoctrinated wokesters parroting banalities about racism, sexism, transphobia, Islamophobia, or other modes of oppression. Meanwhile, those who challenge or scorn such shibboleths are de-platformed or canceled. In the name of diversity, hiring committees ignore scholarly merit and hire candidates based on non-scholarly criteria such as race, ethnicity, or gender. The university is at a weird juncture. In the name of social justice, everyone in the university community is on edge. Even distinguished professors know that their careers can be ended by a disgruntled undergraduate or a spiteful apparatchik. That professors are now answerable to undergraduates and bureaucrats is a sure sign that something is amiss. The quest for social justice seems innocuous. After all, who can be opposed to justice? But social justice is no mere harmless diversion, but a subversive toppling of the universitys historic mission. As Pluckrose and Lindsey urge, we need the courage to defend liberal values in scholarship, activism, and everyday life. This is a tall order given our cultural moment. But such nerve is necessary to save both the university and liberal civilization itself. Patrick Keeney, Ph.D., is an academic, columnist, and associate editor of C2C Journal. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19 than women without the condition, new research led by the University of Birmingham has revealed. Researchers are now calling for healthcare policy to specifically encourage women with PCOS to adhere to COVID-19 infection control measures while the global pandemic continues. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting around one in 10 women in the UK. The three main symptoms are irregular periods, high levels of "male" hormones which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair, and a cystic appearance on an ultrasound or MRI scan of the ovaries which is caused by follicles becoming increasingly fluid filled as they fail to develop and release an egg normally to be ready for fertilization within a women's menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure, all of which have been identified as risk factors for COVID-19. To investigate whether the increased metabolic risk in PCOS translates into an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, the team carried out a population-based closed cohort study in the UK during the first wave of the pandemic between January and July 2020. Using UK GP patient records, the study included 21,292 women with PCOS and 78,310 female 'controls' without PCOS matched for age and general practice location. Results revealed a 51% increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in women with PCOS, compared to those of the same age and background of those without PCOS. A 26% increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in the PCOS cohort persisted - even after adjustment for individual cardio-metabolic risk factors known to cluster within PCOS, which have recently been directly linked to increased COVID-19 susceptibility, including obesity, impaired glucose regulation and hypertension. The research, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, showed that incidence of COVID-19 in women with PCOS was almost twice the rate than in women without PCOS (18.1 cases per 1,000 person years in women with PCOS, compared to 11.9 cases per 1,000 person years in women without PCOS). Given the high prevalence of PCOS, these findings need to be considered when designing public health policy and advice as our understanding of COVID-19 evolves." Anuradhaa Subramanian, First Author, University of Birmingham Joint senior author Dr Krish Nirantharakumar, of the University of Birmingham's Institute of Applied Health Research, said that COVID-19 shielding strategies for women with PCOS should also carefully consider the need to protect mental health. "The risk of mental health problems including low self-esteem, anxiety and depression is significantly higher in women with PCOS, and advice on strict adherence to social distancing needs to be tempered by the associated risk of exacerbating these underlying problems," he adds. Co-author Dr Michael O'Reilly, of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, explains: "Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, women with PCOS consistently report fragmented care, delayed diagnosis and a perception of poor clinician understanding of their condition. "Women suffering from this condition may fear, with some degree of justification, that an enhanced risk of COVID-19 infection will further compromise timely access to healthcare and serve to increase the sense of disenfranchisement currently experienced by many patients." Joint senior author Professor Wiebke Arlt, Director of the University of Birmingham's Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, said: "The pandemic has already dramatically altered our current healthcare delivery models, and although the increased rollout of virtual consultations and methods of delivering remote healthcare have been commendable, for many patients with PCOS these will not be an appropriate substitute for the traditional clinician-patient live consultation." Professor Arlt, who leads DAISy-PCOS - a large Wellcome Trust-funded research programme on metabolic health and "male" hormones in women with PCOS - adds: "Women with PCOS have recently been highlighted as an overlooked and potentially high risk population for contracting COVID-19. "However, our study does not provide information on the risk of a severe course of the COVID-19 infection or on the risk of COVID-19 related long-term complications of COVID-19 and further research is required." Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Libyan lawmakers continued consultations Tuesday aimed at confirming a newly appointed government that would lead the war-wrecked country through elections by the end of the year. More than 130 members of the House of Representatives met in the coastal city of Sirte after Prime Minister-designate Abdul Hamid Dbeibah last week presented his proposed Cabinet to Speaker Aguila Saleh. During this second session, representatives continued to put their questions to Dbeibah about his new government of national unity. Lawmaker Issa Al-Araibi said Dbeibah provided details of his government's proposed program, and that representatives had "reached consensus" on more than 80% of it. The session will continue Wednesday morning, parliamentary spokesperson Abdullah Blaihek said, and there will be a vote on granting confidence to the government. If confirmed, the newly appointed government would replace two rival administrations, one in the east and one in the west, with each backed by an array of militias and foreign governments. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment To be totally candid, it was hard for me to believe the headline was real. Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden: We feel used and betrayed. Seriously? They feel used and betrayed because the pro-abortion president they helped put in office did exactly what he said he would do? They feel used and betrayed because he carried out his campaign promises? They feel used and betrayed because he stayed true to the Democratic Platform? I could understand feeling embarrassed and ashamed and humiliated at their extreme naivety. But used and betrayed? Joe Biden made it absolutely clear that he was running as a pro-abortion president. His running mate, Kamala Harris, was even more extreme in her positions. Yet, somehow, these evangelicals, some of them high quality Christian leaders, actually believed that Biden would moderate his position if he was elected. Talk about being self-deceived. Talk about being used and then spit out. And talk about being complicit in deepening Americas blood guilt. During the campaign, I challenged these leaders, saying that there was no way they could call themselves pro-life and yet vote for Joe Biden. After all, on July 6, 2019, the New York Times ran the headline, Joe Biden Denounces Hyde Amendment, Reversing His Position. And the Democratic platform plainly states, We will repeal the Hyde Amendment, and protect and codify Roe v. Wade. Yet when the presidents COVID-relief package was put forward without reinforcing the Hyde Amendment, these Biden-supporting evangelicals were shocked: We feel used and betrayed and have no intention of simply watching these kinds of efforts happen from the sidelines. We call on President Biden to honor his commitment to us and immediately demand that the House of Representatives apply the Hyde language to the American Relief Package. Please. This is willful ignorance. Candidate Biden made himself perfectly clear, and these Christian leaders should have known what was coming. As their homepage announced during the campaign (and in all caps): AS PRO-LIFE EVANGELICALS, WE DISAGREE WITH VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM ON THE ISSUE OF ABORTION. BUT WE BELIEVE A BIBLICALLY SHAPED COMMITMENT TO THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE COMPELS US TO A CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE THAT AFFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE FROM BEGINNING TO END. My brothers and sisters, you knew this was coming. The president promised it. The platform spelled it out. And the vast majority of those who voted for Biden-Harris wanted them to carry these things out. That means that the Democratic leaders you worked with, the leaders who assured you things would be different, simply duped you, plain and simple. Ironically, for all of President Trumps failings, he did what no other recent president has done, namely, kept his promises to evangelicals and kept his door wide open to them. In fact, to my understanding, a key reason he kept so many of those promises was because of the influence of the evangelical leaders who frequently had his ear. They helped him to do the right thing. Now, sadly, these pro-Biden evangelicals have said, As pro-life leaders in the evangelical community, we publicly supported President Biden's candidacy with the understanding that there would be engagement [with] us on the issue of abortion and particularly the Hyde Amendment. The Biden team wanted to talk to us during the campaign to gain our support, and we gave it on the condition there would be active dialogue and common ground solutions on the issue of abortion. There has been no dialogue since the campaign. Surprise, surprise. And in this case, I dont mind saying that we told you so in advance. These are grave matters indeed, and thats why our warnings were grave as well. Had you simply stated that, in conscience, you could not vote for Trump and were voting for a third party candidate, I would have respected that. Had you simply emphasized the need for Christians to engage in pro-life work on the grassroots level, I would have added my amen. But how could you vote for Biden in the hope that he would reverse (or, at least, moderate) his position? To repeat: that is willful ignorance, in some cases, driven by overt hostility towards Trump. It would be similar to an evangelical Christian who supported illegal immigration voting for Trump in the hope that he would change his position. At a townhall meeting one month before the elections, candidate Biden said that should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, the only thing, the only responsible response to that would be to pass legislation making Roe the law of the land. That's what I would do. As for Vice President Harris, she is the most radically pro-abortion person ever to sit in the White House. And yet, with full knowledge of who she was, you helped empower her, to the point of being one heartbeat away from the presidency. What on earth made you feel her administration would suddenly change? One of the leaders of this coalition, Richard Mouw, wrote, Right now we feel like the best thing that we can advocate is not to lose the restrictions that we already have, and we felt betrayed. Furthermore, they did not give us a heads up on this, there was no sense of accountability to evangelicals and Catholics who took a lot of risks in saying publicly that they were going to vote for Mr. Biden. To repeat: yes, you got used, big time, tragically so. And this only highlights why calling yourselves Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden was oxymoronic from the start. Mouw continued, I don't understand where he's going with this... why he would be so open now about wanting to dump the Hyde Amendment language which for many of us was a boundary that we don't want to cross. Really, words fail here. You dont understand where hes going? With all respect, Prof. Mouw, hes going exactly where he said he would be going in order to get the support of his party. To the radical left. The Hyde Amendment language was a boundary you didnt want to cross? By voting for Biden, you crossed that boundary. In fact, you helped push the whole nation across that boundary. And, quite likely, things will only get worse from here under this current administration, although we fervently pray that it will not be so. At this point, I would encourage you to: 1) Ask Gods forgiveness for helping empower this radical, pro-abortion agenda. 2) Reach out to pro-Trump evangelicals and Catholics to rebuild bridges and find common ground. (Yes, that rebuilding has to go both ways. Humility is required from all.) 3) And then, as one, to unite in transcending the political parties and, once and for all, turn this nation to embrace the sanctity of life. Let the sense of shame and betrayal you are feeling turning into life-giving repentance. A man conned hundreds of thousands of euro out of two elderly women including the life-savings of one by telling them a series of sob stories, a Dublin court has heard. Gerry O'Brien (41) convinced his victims that he was due to receive a substantial pay-out from an insurance claim before he stole 107,286 and 27,254 from the women over a number of months. His wife, Joanne O'Brien (39), stole a total of 900 from one of the women on two occasions. Gerry O'Brien told the women various stories to convince them to hand over money in the form of cheques and cash, including that he needed a deposit for a house, needed medical care, needed to drill holes in his walls for an oxygen machine and had been evicted. He convinced his victims that he would pay them back with the fictitious pay-out. At one point, O'Brien paid a young fella to pose as a solicitor and phone the women to confirm this tale, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. Gerry O'Brien, of Belmont Close, Ballyguile, Co Wicklow pleaded guilty to one count of stealing 107,286 in cash and cheques by deception from Beryl Tilson (then aged 77) at an address in Sandyford between July 2017 and November 2018. Read More He also pleaded guilty to one count of stealing 27,254 in cash and cheques from Rosemary Fitzgerald (then aged 73) by deception at an address in Blackrock between August and November 2018. Joanne O'Brien, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from Ms Tilson on December 23, 2017 and July 12, 2018. Detective Garda Paul Kane told the court that Gerry O'Brien first called to Ms Tilson's door in July 2017 and told her a sob story about being put out of his house. He told her he was a Traveller from Wicklow with a number of children. Ms Tilson gave him 100 in cash and he returned a few days later looking for more money. Over the following 16 months, she regularly gave him cash and cheques for a range of fictitious reasons. She also gave Joanne O'Brien money on two occasions when she called to the house. In relation to Ms Fitzgerald, the court heard Gerry O'Brien called to her house and told her he was the son of a Traveller woman who she used to help 25 years ago. She was also persuaded to give him money on a number of occasions. On one occasion, the fake solicitor who rang both women about the insurance claim also told Ms Tilson that O'Brien had been kidnapped up the mountains and needed ransom money. Ms Tilson replied that she had already given O'Brien all her money. The offences in relation to Ms Tilson came to light in November 2018 when a bank worker became suspicious about the activity on her account and gardai were contacted. Coincidentally around the same time, Ms Fitzgerald confided in her son about O'Brien and he also contacted gardai. In a victim impact statement read out in court, Ms Tilson's daughter said her mother was a hard-working and kind woman, who had always given generously to charity and taught her children to do the same. She said the O'Briens exploited her mother's kindness with their sob stories and asked her for more and more money. She was subjected to a barrage of intimidating and begging phone calls and had no peace in her own house. At one point, she said her mother went without heating oil in winter as she was short of money as a result of the offence. Her children only discovered the thefts when the gardai became involved. Gerry and Joanne conned mum out of most of her life savings, Ms Tilson's daughter said. In a victim impact statement read out by the prosecution counsel, Ms Fitzgerald said she had been left distraught by the thefts. She said she had only one question for Gerry O'Brien: Have you no conscience?" The court heard Gerry O'Brien, who is in custody, has 68 previous convictions, including theft, fraud and assault. Joanne O'Brien has 28 previous convictions, almost entirely for road traffic offences. The couple have four children. Seoirse O Dunlaing BL, defending Gerry O'Brien, said his client was extremely remorseful for his actions. A psychological report and a letter of remorse were handed into court. Judge Pauline Codd said the letter contained no remorse to the two ladies whose kindness he exploited. This letter is just about his woes, she said. Marc Murphy BL, defending Joanne O'Brien, said his client had repaid the 900 she stole from Ms Tilson. Judge Codd adjourned the matter to May 17 for sentencing. After the resignation of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Tirath Singh Rawat, the Lok Sabha MP from Garhwal constituency, as the state's new Chief Minister. Rawat comes from a staunch Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) background. Despite playing an important role in the Sangh and the BJP's organisational structure for a long time, he is a leader who believes in keeping a low profile, staying away from the limelight. He served as a full-time RSS worker for a period of five years. He was the first Education Minister of Uttarakhand after the state assumed its new, separate entity. Rawat,56, has done post-graduation in Sociology from Birla College, Srinagar, Garhwal in Uttarakhand and also holds a PG diploma in the field of journalism. His wife is a college lecturer by profession. Born on April 9, 1964 in Seeron village of Pauri Garhwal, Rawat joined the Sangh's student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his student days. Rawat has served as the Student Union President of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. He was also the ABVP's state organisation Minister in Uttarakhand and later also held the post of ABVP's national organisation minister. From 1983 to 1988, he took up the responsibility of being a full-time RSS worker. After successfully discharging the responsibilities associated with the Sangh, he got an opportunity to enter mainstream politics with the BJP. In 1997, when Uttarakhand was a part of undivided Uttar Pradesh, he was elected a Member of Legislative Council. After the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, he became the first Education Minister of the hill state in 2000 under the BJP dispensation. Rawat became the BJP's Uttarakhand state General Secretary in 2007. He also served as the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Natural Disaster Management Advisory Committee. In 2012, he became an MLA from Chaubattakhal Assembly constituency in Uttarakhand. At the same time, the BJP's national leadership made him the state president of the Uttarakhand BJP in 2013 due to his expertise in building the organisation. He was the state President of Uttarakhand BJP on 31 December, 2015. Union Home Minister Amit Shah appointed him as BJP's National Secretary in 2017 during his tenure as the party's National President. The saffron party had fielded him from the Garhwal constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and he won the election by a margin of more than 2.85 lakh votes. A senior Uttarakhand BJP official told IANS,"Tirath Singh Rawat does not believe in factionalism. He believes in working hard and not creating a ruckus. He efficiently discharged his responsibilities being associated with both the Sangh and the BJP as an organisation. That is why on Wednesday, the party has handed over the Chief Ministers's post to him." Since the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy, the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg is launching a support programme to get local businesses back up on their feet. The goal of the Member Benefits Club is to relaunch the Luxembourg economy, says Chairman & CEO Paul-Michael Schonenberg, speaking to RTL Today over the phone. Partnered businesses, who can sign up to AmCham's programme, get free publicity via the Chamber's website and could attract a member base with well over 10,000 people. The pandemic has had a severe impact on people and companies, explains Schonenberg: "Many of the retailers are really suffering because they can't get people into stores and sell. They don't have as much money to reward employees with the great job they've been doing." He uses the example of promotions, which some employees may have been expecting, that ultimately fell through due to the crisis. With the aim of contributing to the relaunch of the local economy, AmCham brainstormed what initiative they could put forward to speed up the process. The result is a benefits programme: members will receive a minimum 10% discount (sometimes even 20%) at all participating stores, of which there are many: over 100 are already taking part, and the list will most likely keep growing. Ranging from your local barber shop to independent retailers to the country's giants, including Pizza Hut and EXKI establishments - all have joined the initiative. An Opel garage offers a 25% discount on tyres, for example, or guests are guaranteed a 15% discount off their stay at the City Hotel. "First we identify companies that are already in our ecosystem and happen to be retail focused. It is business-to-customer activity for the moment", explains Schonenberg, but opening up business-to-business partnerships could follow suit. "They are partners that we consider reliable, honourable companies", the Chairman says. Open to the Greater Region and family members Every paid membership receives a certain number of free cards: Chartered Members receive 20 cards, Corporate Members 10 cards, Small Entrepreneurial Companies 5 cards, and Students, Senior, Micro Co, Affiliates will each get 2 cards. Additional cards for employees and their spouses can be ordered from AmCham for 10 per card. The support programme should not be limited to a country's borders, believes Schonenberg. AmCham is also open to having retailer establishments in the Greater Region participate in the project as well. Most retailers are not necessarily within the anglophone community, and contracts in Luxembourg are offered in both English and French. "We have the Duty Free Store at Luxembourg airport signed up. The owner also runs other duty free shops at European airports. If this programme could extend to the Duty Free Store at Zurich Airport, then why not?" jokes Schonenberg. Become a participating business by contacting Mbc@amcham.lu, and find the full list of businesses on amcham.lu. Today the terms left or right as applied to political positions in either the Republican or Democratic Parties are outdated. The left has become Progressive and the right has become Conservative. The extent to which those terms have further been expanded is also a hotly contested topic of debate in this modern era. The above original terms came into existence in France by King Louis XVI over 200 years ago. The monarch was forced under pressure to convene a form of French parliament for the first time in over a century. When the delegates assembled the more radical ones took up seats on the left of the King while their conservative counterparts sat on his right. Thereafter liberal views have been referred to as from the left and conservative ideas as from the right. In America, the division in Congress has been designated according to the political parties of Republican and Democrat. In less heated debates, constituents of the opposite party are often congenially referred to as my colleague across the aisle. (Excerpts from The Little Book of Answers Author Doug Lennox (2003) MJF Books New York, NY 1001. ECU If you want to make your Dakota faster, Holley is much obliged to help you with that. The pickup truck before your eyes flaunts a 392 HEMI from a 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack, a 6.4-liter V8 that belts out 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet (644 Nm) of torque in bone-stock flavor. Holley offers a swap kit for any Gen III HEMI engine, making the swap that much easier for just under $400, including shipping. Every package includes mounting brackets for the V8, a transmission crossmember, and a transmission isolator. No fewer than five transmission adapter brackets are available to order, ranging from the A727 to the outgoing 8HP.The demo rig built by Holley sends the suck-squeeze-bang-blow to the rear wheels with the help of a Hughes Performance-built Chrysler 46RE. Priced at $1,580.95, including shipping, the Holley Terminator X Maxgoverns the powerplant, variable valve timing, and four-speed automatic.Hooker stainless-steel headers with a tri-Y layout add $734.95 to the tally, the alternator relocation kit costs $489.95 including the alternator, the flexplate is $91.75, the fuel pump will set you back $387.95, and the digital instrument cluster is currently listed at $1,853.95. Excluding the engine-transmission combo of your liking, these upgrades total approximately $5,450.But the list of upgrades doesnt end here. Customers with deeper pockets can spruce up the Dakota with a universal air intake and various Gen III HEMI components such as seals, valve covers, and an oil filter relocation kit.On a related note, have you heard that Ram is developing a successor to the Dodge Dakota? Now expected as a 2023 model at the earliest, the all-new pickup is rumored to feature bits and bobs from the Jeep Gladiator. OLD SAYBROOK The Torrington emergency medical technician accused of using Molotov cocktails to set fires at emergency services facilities across Connecticut, including Roxbury, last month is returning to the state Tuesday to face charges, according to police. Officers with the Old Saybrook Police Department went to Northumberland County Jail in Coal Township, Pa, on Tuesday morning to pick up Richard White, a 37-year-old EMT from Torrington, officials said. Police Chief Michael A. Spera said White will be charged with third-degree arson and third-degree burglary. He will be held on $150,000 bond and appear Wednesday in state Superior Court in Middletown. Today is the first step in Connecticut holding Richard White accountable for his crimes against public safety, Spera said. Any person who seeks to do harm to those responsible for saving human lives is a danger to society. Authorities said White allegedly set four fires on Feb. 27 that damaged a Roxbury home and emergency services facilities in Old Saybrook, Meriden and Roxbury. Hours before the fires, officials said White got into a fight with a fellow Hunters Ambulance employee after being placed on administrative leave in a disciplinary hearing in Meriden. White fled the state after the fires, police said. He was taken into custody in Pennsylvania that night about 230 miles from Roxbury. He was held since his arrest as a fugitive from justice in Pennsylvania, police said. On Tuesday evening, Meriden police said White had been charged with first-degree criminal attempt to commit arson, manufacturing of bombs, second-degree breach of peace and criminal michief. The charges stem from an attempted arson at the Hunters Ambulance base on Main Street, Meriden police said in a Facebook post. White is being held on $250,000 bond, according to Meriden police. WTNH reported White was taken to Old Saybrook Police Department on Tuesday. His vehicle was also taken to the department, the TV station reported. The warrant held by Old Saybrook officers stems from one of the Feb. 27 incidents that targeted a Hunters Ambulance facility on Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, according to police. Spera said White illegally entered the facility where he lit and threw a Molotov cocktail that started a fire. White is also the subject of a warrant held by Meriden police, Spera said, charging him with criminal attempt at first-degree arson and manufacturing of bombs. Arrest warrants are pending with other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut. Old Saybrook police also served a search-and-seizure warrant to take possession of Whites vehicle, which Spera said he used to flee the state the night of the incidents. The warrant also allowed police to seize Whites clothing and other items, Spera said. Perhaps youre wondering what the hell is going on with Andrew Cuomo. Of course you are. Youve been in deeply dull pandemic lockdown for more than a year. And now, heres a drama involving politics, ethics, sex and remorse featuring one of the biggest political names in the country. In which citizens are challenged to decide whether, say, kissing a female subordinate on the mouth after a private meeting could count as a customary way of greeting. Can I hear you say Nah? Cuomo was the hero of an earlier stage of the pandemic the truth-telling, Trump-challenging star who won an Emmy for his daily coronavirus briefings. Remember when you deliberately tuned in to watch the New York governor show you a bunch of charts? We will think of this in retrospect as the era when people were buying the Andrew Cuomo Celebrity Prayer Candle on Amazon. But how fast things changed. It turns out that the stellar accomplishments Cuomo was pointing to every day were fudged. Somewhat. The question was whether a nursing home patient who is hospitalized and dies counts as a nursing home fatality. Obviously, if youre the patients family, that doesnt matter a heck of a lot. But if youre a governor trying to demonstrate how well you oversee the nursing homes, its a big deal. Cuomos star power was dimmed, for people who were paying attention. But this new scandal has gotten everybodys interest. New York has a long record of this kind of political crisis. In 1881, enemies of Sen. Thomas Platt managed to grab a hotel room next to the one where Platt was having an assignation. They watched the whole thing over the transom and dutifully reported all the details to an Albany newspaper. Much, much later, Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned from office after voters learned he was an enthusiastic patron of prostitutes. (That was only 13 years ago, but gee, it seems like forever. George W. Bush was in the White House; Indiana Jones was headed back to movie theaters; and the Republicans were about to choose a new superstar, Sarah Palin, as nominee for vice president.) Spitzer was succeeded by Lt. Gov. David Paterson. A day after he was sworn in, Paterson and his wife announced they had both had extramarital affairs. There were also lots of terrible/embarrassing/cringe-worthy stories on the lower rungs, many based on the theme that nothing that happens in Albany counts back home. (Lawmakers: How many times do we have to tell you not to watch porn with your interns?) Part of the problem is that New York has had a pathetic record of putting women in high office. Weve elected only seven to statewide jobs, none of them governor. Maybe this will help change that pattern. If it does, credit goes first to the women who came forward to tell their stories, knowing the governor had control of the party in which they were trying to make their careers. Ultimately what will matter is will they get punished for speaking out, said Debbie Walsh of the Center for American Women and Politics. All three had a lot to lose. Charlotte Bennett, a young former aide, told The New York Times that when she was alone in an office with Cuomo, he started asking unnerving questions about her personal life and volunteered that he was open to relationships with women in their 20s. (People, do you think this was ... boasting? Sort of wondering if it wouldnt be nice to hear a politician tell a wary young woman that he liked partners of all ages, up to about, say, 80.) The beat went on. Lindsey Boylan, who is running for Manhattan borough president, recently reported that once, as she was leaving Cuomos office when she was his aide, he stepped in front of me and kissed me on the lips. I was in shock, but I kept walking. Anna Ruch, who worked in Democratic politics, met the governor at a wedding, exchanged pleasantries and then felt his hand on her lower back. Ruch removed said hand. Cuomo was in a sensitive situation. How do you think he resolved it? A) Saying, Oh, sorry I was reaching for a cookie. B) Sighing and muttering, God, Ive got to stop doing this stuff. C) Placing his hands on her cheeks, calling her aggressive and asking rather loudly if he could give her a kiss. Yeah, I know you know its C. Theres a photo of the moment, and if Cuomo ever tries to run for office again, I guarantee you that voters will be seeing the stunned look on Ruchs face on his opponents billboards. Last week, Cuomo held a news conference in which he confessed only to having made others feel in ways I never intended. Doesnt that sound a little too close to an innocent mistake? In a perfect world, he might have added: You know, its a tough time right now, and part of it for me is realizing how I can really be a jerk with women. GAIL COLLINS writes for The New York Times. has marked 10 years of Chromebooks by unveiling new features for Chrome OS (operating platform), including a new Phone Hub feature that connects an Android phone to a Chromebook. Phone Hub will allow users to respond to messages, check phone's battery life and cellular signal, turn on its hotspot and even locate it from their Chromebooks. "Phone Hub also shows the Chrome browser tabs you last opened on your Android phone, so you can pick up right where you left off," the company said in a statement late on Tuesday. In 2011, launched the first Chromebooks in partnership with Acer and Samsung. said it has also extended Wi-Fi Sync to work with more devices, making it easier and faster to get online. Your Chromebook can now automatically connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks you've used on your Android phone and other Chrome OS devices when signed in with the same Google Account. "In the coming months, you'll also be able to use Nearby Share to instantly and securely share files between your Chromebook and other Chrome OS or Android devices," the company informed. Nearby Share lets you send and receive without sharing contact details, so your information and files stay private. The new 'Screen Capture' tool in 'Quick Settings' menu will let you take precise screenshots and screen recordings without needing to remember keyboard shortcuts. The company said it has also streamlined Chromebook setup for parents and guardians to highlight two important tools. Now when parents set up a new Chromebook using their child's personal Google Account (managed with Family Link), they can immediately add a school account. Their child can then use school apps like Google Classroom while Family Link controls on their device still apply, so parents can supervise while they do homework. "They can also assist their child in creating a PIN during setup, so signing in to their Chromebook is easier," Google said. With its new Clipboard, Chromebook now saves the last five items copied so you can easily paste any or all to a new page without needing to switch between windows. Aside from new features, Google has also enhanced several existing ones. For instance, you can now share files, images and links between apps in fewer steps, the company said. --IANS na/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kody Brown and his third wife, Christine Brown, fought constantly on the last season of TLCs Sister Wives over Kodys plan to move all four of his wives under one roof in Flagstaff, Arizona. Janelle Brown was all in favor of Kodys idea, but Christine wanted nothing to do with it. On the most recent episode of Sister Wives, The Basement Wife, it became clear that the marital issues between Christine and Kody are far from resolved. Christine sat down with Kodys fourth wife, Robyn Brown, to discuss the reality behind her refusal to move in with her sister wives ever again. Robyn, Meri, Kody, Christine, and Janelle Brown in 2012 | Ethan Miller/Getty Images Christine told Robyn she often worried that her sister wives didnt like her In a recent Brown family meeting, Christine opened up about why she didnt like family gatherings or even conversations with her sister wives anymore. Kodys third wife admitted that she often felt her sister wives hated her. The 48-year-old mom of six also confessed that she found it excruciating to be vulnerable with others. Robyn headed over to Christines house on the latest Sister Wives episode to make it clear that, at least from her end, there was no hatred whatsoever directed at Christine. As for Christine, she admitted that she didnt always have the healthiest thoughts in her head when she was at family gatherings. She told Robyn she worried constantly that her sister wives or other family members were angry with her. But Robyn told Sister Wives producers that she believed Christines concerns were unfounded, though she couldnt be sure. I wouldnt think anyone in the family hates Christine, because I dont see that kind of behavior from them, Robyn said, adding: But I dont know. Maybe somebodys a really good actor, I dont know. RELATED: Sister Wives: Meri and Kody Brown Seem to Have Very Different Ideas About Their Marriage Kodys third wife admitted she never felt like Queen Wife back in Utah Robyn and Christine went on to discuss the elephant in the room: Christines adamant refusal to live under the same roof with her sister wives ever again. Christine explained that her feelings of loneliness, isolation, and neglect when faced with the constant reality of Kodys other marriages went back to the familys time in Utah. In Lehi, the Browns lived together and Christine never felt like she was appreciated or cared for there. I never felt like I was Queen Wife or Queen Mom, the Sister Wives star told Robyn of the familys time in Utah. Everybodys needs came before mine. Janelle was often working outside the home, so Christine stepped in at the time and filled the mothering role for her six children as well. As a result, she felt her own kids often didnt get enough of her time or attention. My kids came last, Christine recalled. Christine even felt that she was the basement wife both literally and figuratively. In the plural community, theres certainly a basement wife mentality, she explained. If you have a wife thats Queen Bee, theres another wife that goes in the basement, and she doesnt matter as much. I put myself in the basement and became a basement wife. The Sister Wives stars discussed Robyns arrival in the family When Robyn came into the picture in 2010, many Sister Wives fans thought Christine and Kodys marriage suffered as a result. Instead, Christine revealed in her heart-to-heart with Robyn, she actually felt empowered by seeing Kodys youngest wife stand up to him. Christine never felt she could do so in her role as a third wife, and she called it inspiring. But, according to Christine, everything went bad in her marriage to Kody after she refused to move into one home. She felt Kody started to see her as a traitor when she went against his dream. As for Kody, he disagreed with his wifes assessment. Instead, he insisted to Sister Wives producers, Christine was twisting their past into something negative to suit her own emotions and opinions. Cynet logo Cynet (http://www.cynet.com), provider of the worlds first autonomous XDR platform, today announced it has closed a $40 million Series C funding round led by Greenfield Partners with participation from existing investors Norwest Venture Partners, Vintage Investment Partners, BlueRed Partners and Deutsche Telekom. The investment will be used to meet the vigorous demand for Cynets Autonomous XDR Platform from companies of all sizes, including those with small security teams in need of more holistic and efficient cyber solutions. Following a steep rise in sales in North America during 2020, Cynet is poised to maintain its rapid expansion in the North American and European markets. Faced with a growing barrage of sophisticated cyberattacks, organizations are forced to deploy more threat prevention and detection technologies, add more solutions to automate and orchestrate security operations and acquire additional security expertise. However, doing so is costly and complex, which is further exasperated by the well-known shortage of cybersecurity talent. Cynet solves these problems by natively combining multiple security controls and sophisticated response automation on a unified autonomous XDR platform that does not require additional staff to operate. Cynets platform is backed by a proactive 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service that is included for all clients at no extra cost. All of this enables organizations with even the smallest security teams to manage their threat protection on autopilot without manual intervention. Cynet is also announcing that recognized cybersecurity researcher Chris Roberts is joining the company in the role of Chief Security Strategist. Roberts will leverage his 20+ years security experience to assist and guide organizations of all sizes that are looking to simplify their cyber-security solutions and services through consolidation and automation. I empathize with security teams stationed in resource-constrained organizations that are struggling to protect their people and companies from the continuous barrage of digital threats, said Roberts. I look forward to working with these clients to develop and implement enterprise-grade defense and risk reduction techniques using a combination of pragmatic operational practices and modern, integrated technologies such as Cynets automated, consolidated protection platform. The massive surge in interest and demand for Cynets offering confirms that organizations of all sizes need intuitive and affordable approaches to cybersecurity, said Avery Schwartz, Partner at Greenfield Partners. Cynet proves that effective breach protection doesnt have to be costly and complex by simplifying, consolidating and automating the critical technologies required to protect against modern day threats. Cynet has experienced exponential growth by solving a real problem, eliminating the complexity involved with effective cybersecurity, said Eyal Gruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynet. This round of financing will allow us to expand our team to meet client and market demand. About Cynet Cynet 360 is the world's first Autonomous Breach Protection platform that natively integrates XDR endpoint, user and network attack prevention and detection capabilities with an incident engine that fully automates investigation and remediation actions, backed by a 24/7 world-class MDR service. End to end, fully automated breach protection is now within reach of any organization, regardless of security team size and skill level. Visit: https://www.cynet.com. About Greenfield Partners Greenfield Partners is an Israel-based investment firm focused on exceptional early growth stage technology and tech-enabled businesses. With a dual presence in Tel Aviv and New York, the Greenfield team fuses investment and operating experience, deep local Israeli roots, and an expansive global network to support entrepreneurs in their quest to build thriving technology companies. Greenfields roots date back to 2016, when it was established by TPG Growth as an investment platform for early growth technology investments in Israel. An independent fund since 2020, its culture remains grounded in this heritage, bringing the rigor and depth of private equity to early growth investing. The Greenfield team continues to serve as Senior Advisors to TPG Growth, and in this context seeks opportunities for collaboration on selected large-check, growth stage investments in Israel. Its portfolio includes such companies as Guardicore, Avanan, Quali, BigPanda, and Vast Data. Visit: http://www.greenfield-growth.com Dear TCM, Imagine my surprise last week when I clicked on the cable listing you'd posted for a primetime airing of Gone with the Wind and found, in place of the brief synopsis you customarily provide, a trigger warning that the film contained "imagery and depictions that may be offensive to modern audiences." Just to be sure, I checked with my local cable provider to see if this was their doing and confirmed that the wording for the listing was indeed furnished by TCM. A quick web search later, I learned that this treatment was part of a month-long promotion TCM would be running for March, titled "Reframed: Classics in the Rearview Mirror," in which your on-air cast of 30- and 40-something woke sherpas would be revisiting a handful of Hollywood's greatest productions from Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady to Psycho and The Searchers to retroactively enlighten us on why these classics, the films we've all come to love, are "problematic." This comes on the heels of cancel culture's collective scalpings of Dr. Seuss, Mr. Potato Head, Pepe le Pew, and Mallard Fillmore as insidious avatars of violent insurrectionist, toxically masculine, militant white supremacist America cultural touchstones every bit as dangerous to the nation's youth and delicate sensibilities as boxes of razor wire and fentanyl-laced Tootsie Rolls handed out by Pennywise on Halloween. As we watch the world collectively clutch its faux pearls and feign outrage at books, films, characters, songs, and comic strips that were, less than a year ago, widely accepted in even the most liberal outposts of society, many of us felt we at least had one place we could turn to where we could tune out the madness and conflict and enjoy a couple of hours of respite in the darkened sanctuary of our living rooms. That was TCM. The incisive commentaries your hosts routinely provide before and after movies have always offered fantastic context, history, and windows into behind-the-scenes drama. They were as enjoyable for what they included as for what they generally avoided: politics. Because while I always imagined it safe to surmise the party affiliations of most of your on-air talent (hint: most likely aren't bookmarking this website), they tended to be pretty careful about keeping things focused on the films, appealing to the widest possible audience, and leaving the editorializing at home. Up until now, that is when your master class in classic film became an Oberlin or Sarah Lawrence course in critical film theory. In checking the cable listings for the evening of that Gone with the Wind showing, it's funny that none of the other programs airing in that same time slot gems including MTV's Floribama Shore, WE's Growing Up Hip Hop in Atlanta, and TLC's My 600-lb. Life, to say nothing of the bottomless trough of violent, crude, sexually exploitative garbage airing on the various movie channels included the same trigger warning as Victor Fleming's masterpiece. And you know what? They should never have to. Because in the end, we're all grown-ups, particularly the demographic tuning in to your channel all of us sentient beings versed enough in history and culture to be able to contextualize and understand our nation's evolution over time, to be able to recognize the beauty, strength, and vulnerability of Hattie McDaniel's Oscar-winning performance against the backdrop both of our nation's most painful chapter and the age of segregation in which Gone with the Wind was filmed. As a country inherently given to introspection, we're not blind to our nation's past sins. To the contrary, we amplify them every day in a way that no other nation does. By the same token, we also see the greatness that this country represents around the world and the freedom and opportunity it offers that draws millions to our shores each year. Film has always been a remarkable medium for telling this story the inspiring, the hysterical, the heartbreaking. And part of its beauty and the beauty of TCM over the years has been to let the audience judge its merits and shortcomings for themselves. While we appreciate the perspectives your hosts offer, we don't need them to tell us that Mickey Rooney's Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast at Tiffany's was an inaccurate or insensitive portrayal of Asian-Americans; that Anthony Perkins's Norman Bates would somehow lead us to believe that all transgender people are homicidally unhinged; that Dan Duryea's various cads and Rex Harrison's Henry Higgins were a tacit endorsement of chauvinism; that Gone with the Wind was all but an exultation of slavery; or that somehow Sidney Poitier, one of the greatest treasures of any generation (of any background), was somehow unacceptable in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, because white audiences adored him and he wasn't "black enough." To "reframe" these giants of cinema many of which not only entertained, but moved the medium and culture inexorably forward is to no longer allow them to stand on their own as artistic feats or to recognize the context in which they were created, but to reduce them by unfairly judging them against today's "evolved" woke standards. It doesn't create a new job, cure a child's suffering, alleviate poverty, or bring us closer together. Instead, in this eerily Orwellian age, as with the tearing down of statues; the renaming of countless buildings and schools; and the overnight banning of books, commerce, and speech, it further divides and works to consign yet another piece of our national story to the memory hole. All we wanted to do was turn off the lights and enjoy a damn movie. Sincerely, A Concerned Viewer David Lazar is a lover of old movies and a higher ed communications professional in Boston. Farmers ready to continue protest on Delhi borders till Modi govt lasts: Tikait India oi-Deepika S Muzaffarnagar, Mar 10: Farmers are ready to stay put on Delhi borders to protest against three agri laws for the remaining three and half years of the Modi government''s second term and the stir cannot be "culled" any which way the Centre tries, legendary farm leader Mahendra Singh Tikait''s son Narendra Tikait says. Narendra, who does not hold any official position in Bharatiya Kisan Union, formed by his father in 1986, and mostly focusses on the family''s farming activities but is as vocal on issues concerning farmers as his two elder brothers Naresh and Rakesh Tikait who are leading from the front in the agitation that has been continuing for more than 100 days. Speaking to PTI at his home in Sisauli, Muzaffarnagar district, 45-year-old Narendra also said his two brothers and the entire Tikait family would leave the protest if even smallest of any wrongdoing is proved against even a single family member, as he rejected allegations by some quarters that they have built properties and made money from the agitation. The eldest brother Naresh Tikait is BKU president, while Rakesh Tikait holds the position of national spokesperson of the organisation, which under Mahendra Singh Tikait''s leadership in 1988 had laid a virtual siege to Meerut in pursuit of higher prices for sugarcane, cancellation of loans and lowering of water and electricity rates. The same year, BKU held a week-long protest in Delhi''s Boat Club to focus on the plight of farmers. After Mahendra Singh Tikait''s death in 2011, Naresh and Tikait have been leading the main organisation in various roles, though a number of faction groups have emerged in various parts of the country over the years. Farmers agitation will continue till three farm laws are withdrawn: Rakesh Tikait Narendra said the Centre is under any misconception that it can "cull" the farmers'' protest like it has "culled" other agitations in the past using various tactics. "I am here in Sisauli but my eyes are there at the protest," he said, adding that he keeps visiting Ghazipur border where hundreds of farmers and BKU supporters are camping since November 2020. "This government has a misconception, probably because it never faced such kind of protest, but we have seen agitations and been part of those for 35 years. This government only has an experience of facing smaller protests and of getting those culled through various tactics," he said. "They cannot crush this protest by any means. This will continue for as long as our demands are not met. This government has a tenure of three and a half years left, and we can continue the movement till the end of its term," he asserted. The younger and less publicly known Tikait said farmers would vacate the protest sites only after their demands are met completely and not on the basis of any future assurance or partial agreement on demands. "If the government keeps saying again and again that crops would be bought at MSP, then why cannot they give this in writing? They keep harping about giving subsidies on LPG cylinders, but that subsidy is also gone," he said. Tikait alleged that the Centre has done the same to the school education sector where private institutes are thriving and minting money while the condition of government facilities keep getting poorer and poorer. "Now they want business houses to store crops, hoard those and later sell at desired rates. Their push is for business and that''s the agenda," he said, adding farmers are already reeling under the high cost of labour and fuel prices. Asked about allegations that the Tikait family holds land worth hundreds of crores and that BKU is involved in hooliganism in the region, he said, "There is nothing that they (the government) could find against us and therefore this (levelling allegations) is happening. If they find a single fault in any member of our family, then we will return from Delhi." He also rejected allegations of hooliganism by BKU as incorrect. "Why would we do it? Some even say that we are taking money for the protest. More than 200 of our farmers have sacrificed their lives during the protest. People are donating money even during the last rites of those who have died. There is no question of we taking money for protests as we are not short on any resources," he said. Describing his family''s position as Chaudhary or head of Balyan Khap (the Balyan caste council), Tikait said this Khap leads 84 villages in the region as per traditions continuing for ages. His eldest brother Naresh Tikait is the head of the Balyan Khap, which makes him de facto head of ''Sarv Khap'' (all caste councils). "We have 84 villages (belonging to the Balyan Khap). By that measure, we have 3 lakh bigha of land. When our father passed away, he had passed on the responsibility of 84 villages to us. We are Chaudhary of 84 villages and all this is ours only. What are we going to do by seeking more money," he said. Tikait also hinted at a ''Sarv Khap'' meeting in Soram in near future to further mobilise regional support if protests continued further on Delhi''s borders and the government does not agree to farmers'' demands. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Thousands of farmers are camping at Delhi's border points in Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur with a demand that the Centre repeal three farm laws that were enacted in September 2020 and make a new law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The farmers fear the new laws would destroy their livelihoods and leave them at the mercy of corporations. The government, which has held 11 rounds of formal talks with the protestors before the discusses broke down, maintains that the laws are pro-farmers. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later at night. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. When President Joe Biden's administration declared tycoon Ihor Kolomoyskiy persona non grata, formally barring him from entering the United States over corruption concerns, the decision was generally cheered by people pushing for economic and political reforms in Ukraine. Somewhat obscured was the fact that the United States chose not to impose financial sanctions on Ukraine's eighth-richest businessman -- a footnote to some, but to others a sign that the administration's move against a magnate seen as holding powerful political influence in his home country was largely symbolic. It also raised a question: Why not? Experts said the decision may have been dictated in part by concerns that sanctions against Kolomoyskiy -- who owns stakes in dozens of companies in Ukraine, ranging from airlines and media to energy producers and metals firms -- could harm the country's fragile economy and have unforeseeable consequences. The lessons learned from sanctions imposed on Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska and his aluminum company Rusal, which unsettled the global metals industry three years ago, may have guided the U.S. decision, analysts and observers say. Washington was "spooked by the sanctions leveled on Deripaska and what that did to the aluminum market," John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who is the director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, told RFE/RL. "So there's a certain reluctance to use it. I think that may be the principal factor. But that doesn't mean that it couldn't happen in the future." The United States imposed sanctions on Deripaska and Rusal along with several other Russian businessmen, officials, and entities in April 2018 as punishment for what Washington called the Kremlin's "malign" activities around the world, including its aggression against Ukraine. Global aluminum prices surged to a seven-year high as the punitive measures affected companies around the world that use the metal in their production. The United States later withdrew the sanctions tied to Rusal after Deripaska agreed to give up control of the company. Array Of Assets Were the United States to hit Kolomoyskiy with financial sanctions, they would apply to any company in which he owns a stake of 50 percent or more. The United States could also apply them to companies in which he owns less than 50 percent but exercises de facto control, said Brian O'Toole, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former senior adviser at the U.S. Treasury Department. Financial sanctions would prevent U.S. individuals and companies, such as banks and tech firms, from conducting business with Kolomoyskiy and the companies he controls. According to an article published by the news outlet Hromadske in 2019, Kolomoyskiy owned stakes in dozens of Ukrainian companies employing thousands of people, including oil and gas producers, an oil refinery, alloy smelters, a chemical company, and more. He also owns stakes in three airlines -- Ukraine International Airlines, WindRose, and Dniproaero. Depending on his level of control, that could prevent Boeing and other leading U.S. aerospace industry companies from doing business with them. Airline industry sanctions are a "huge problem" because navigation systems and airplane parts often come from U.S. companies or are considered U.S.-controlled goods, said O'Toole, pointing to the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran's airline industry. U.S. financial sanctions against Kolomoyskiy could also impact another Washington-friendly country in the region. The tycoon owns one of Georgia's largest manganese mines, a smelter, and the hydropower plant that supplies energy to the operations. Some of the metal is exported to the United States. Like Ukraine, Georgia has been targeted by Moscow in military actions -- Russian forces drove deep into the country in a five-day war in 2008 and remained afterward in two breakaway regions -- and has a fragile economy. Though O'Toole said the U.S. government might have been concerned about the economic ramifications of placing sanctions on Kolomoyskiy, he did not think tycoons were off-limits. "I don't like the concept that there's anybody too big to sanction because...then you're essentially granting impunity to anybody with a certain level of wealth. But you have to know what kind of disruption you're going to have and whether those kind of knock-on effects can be dealt with effectively," O'Toole said. Impact In Court Daria Kalenyuk, executive director of the Kyiv-based Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), told RFE/RL that financial sanctions could have an impact on crucial civil cases against Kolomoyskiy in international courts and might explain why Washington refrained from using that blunter tool. Kolomoyskiy is embroiled in legal battles in Britain and the United States, where he has made substantial investments over the years. The FBI is investigating him in connection with the $5.5 billion bailout of PrivatBank, once Ukraine's largest lender; Kolomoyskiy and a business partner are accused of embezzling billions of dollars from the bank they owned through fraudulent loans and using some of the proceeds to buy assets in the United States, including real estate and metals plants. The United States is seeking the seizure of three commercial real-estate properties owned by the two tycoons and allegedly purchased with the embezzled funds. They deny it. Separately, PrivatBank is suing the pair in civil cases in the United States and Britain to recoup the money it claims they stole. A British judge has frozen billions of dollars in assets as that case proceeds in London. "The U.S. government probably didn't want to harm these proceedings" by potentially enabling Kolomoyskiy to claim in court that he is being politically persecuted, Kalenyuk said. U.S. financial sanctions could also backfire if they damaged Kolomoyskiy's assets and thus hurt PrivatBank's chances of recouping its losses should the state-owned lender win any of its cases against the tycoon, Serhiy Fursa, an analyst at Kyiv-based Dragon Capital, told RFE/RL. Kalenyuk and Fursa said the State Department's move to blacklist Kolomoyskiy was really about sending a signal to the Ukrainian government and the magnate's associates that the United States is serious about fighting graft in the country. Political Pull Reform advocates in Ukraine and the West have been complaining for years that Kolomoyskiy has been using his loyalists in parliament, government and the judiciary to block some of the tough reforms necessary to put Ukraine on a path toward integration with the European Union. Kolomoyskiy's close ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a former comic and TV personality, have also long caused concern among Ukrainians and Western officials who worry that the magnate has undue influence. The tycoon owns the television channel that broadcast Zelenskiy's popular sitcom before his election in 2019. Western officials have been alarmed by Kolomoyskiy's persistent legal attempts to regain control over PrivatBank, which the government nationalized amid the bailout. In the March 5 announcement of the decision to ban Kolomoyskiy and his immediate family from entering the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the tycoon of "involvement in significant corruption" during his tenure as governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region in 2014-15. Kolomoyskiy "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," Blinken said in a statement. "I also want to express concern about [Kolomoyskiy's] current and ongoing efforts to undermine Ukraine's democratic processes and institutions, which pose a serious threat to its future." Blinken blacklisted Kolomoyskiy under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which allows the United States to ban issuing visas to foreign officials involved in "significant corruption" or a "gross violation of human rights." Unlike the Global Magnitsky Act, which can be applied to foreign officials involved in "serious human rights abuses" or "corruption," Section 7031(c) does not also incorporate economic sanctions. However, of the 77 individuals publicly blacklisted in connection with Section 7031(c) as of April 2020, nearly half had also been targeted for financial sanctions, mainly under the Global Magnitsky Act, according to Congressional records. While it was not made public, Kolomoyskiy had already been barred from traveling to the United States, a former State Department official familiar with the situation told RFE/RL last year. In a sign of the difficulties Kolomoyskiy had entering the United States in the past, he hired legal consultancy and lobbying firm Arent Fox in 2017 for $50,000 to help him get an E-2 investor visa, according to filings. There is no indication the lobbying helped Kolomoyskiy get one. Arent Fox declined to comment. The State Department did not respond directly to a question on why it did not choose to apply Global Magnitsky sanctions, saying that it "will continue to use this authority [7301(c)] and all available tools to combat corruption globally." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 10 : ED searches linked to former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Ekta Party (PEP) founder Sukhpal Singh Khaira and his son-in-law Inder Veer Johal in connection with drugs money and fake passport racket case concluded on Wednesday, an official said. An ED official related to the probe told IANS, "Searches in Punjab and Chandigarh at the premises linked to Khaira was concluded on Tuesday evening." While the searches in Delhi at the premises linked to his son-in-law Johal concluded on Wednesday, he added. During the searches the ED seized several electronic equipments and documents related to bank transactions and the companies owned by Johal. The Enforcement Directorate officers searched eight locations -- one in Chandigarh, five in Punjab and two in Delhi. Sharing details of the case, the ED official said that the drugs case was registered in Punjab's Fazilka in 2015 after 1,800 grams of heroin, 24 gold biscuits, two weapons and some live cartridges, some Pakistani SIM cards were recovered. The case was registered by the Punjab Police and conviction has already happened. The official said that Khaira was associated with some of the convicted in this drugs case, and that was the reason why the financial probe agency carried out searches at his premises. Sharing the details of the fake passport racket case, the officer said that in this case also Khaira has been associated with the people named in the case. When asked about the role of Khaira's son-in-law, the officer said, "He used to help his father-in-law in money laundering through his company which works in the field of Wi-Fi systems." At the time of the raid Khaira was present at his Chandigarh Sector 5 home along with his lawyer son. He is a legislator from Bholath and former Leader of Opposition. The official said that the agency was looking after the property papers as well as banking transactions of Khaira. Khaira has denied any wrongdoing. His counsel blamed that the raids were carried out as his client was supporting the ongoing farmers' agitation. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Joe Biden called it a crisis and worse. When children travel hundreds of miles to reach the United States without their families, in the hands of criminals in the 21st century, he said of unaccompanied minors surging across the nations southern border, thats a tragedy we all must take responsibility for. And, to clarify but not offend, he took care to explain who should take responsibility for that tragedy: the country from which they come, and the country to which they are headed. He was the vice president then -- June of 2014 -- as he undertook a tour of Central and South America. There was no pandemic at the time. Unlike today, Biden also spoke at length about the illegal immigration challenge. Now, as president, he remains relatively mum, even as the Border Patrol detains a record number of kids and overall detentions in February soared to nearly 100,000 the most in that month since 2006. Is there a crisis at the southern border? Thats the question RealClearPolitics put to Biden last week as he walked out of the State Dining Room at the White House. No, he replied. We will be able to handle it, God willing. The new president is not the only one who wont call it a crisis. That same day and subsequently, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has repeatedly described the situation as a challenge. Were going to approach this without labeling, she said. Were going to approach this with policy, with humanity and with a focus on what we can do to keep these kids safe. In policy and rhetoric, the new administration has adopted a more compassionate approach than the previous one, relying less on deterrence. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas summed up that perspective recently, telling reporters at the White House that loving parents were sending their children to the U.S.-Mexico border. We are not apprehending a 9-year-old child whos come alone, who has traversed Mexico, whose parents whose loving parents had sent that child alone; we are not expelling that 9-year-old child to Mexico when that childs origin, country of origin, was Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador. Biden also talked about parents six years ago. But at a press conference in the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Guatemala, he said those parents were being reckless. The children who would leave their homes in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, Biden told reporters at the time, were among the most vulnerable. He said the Obama administration estimated that up to 80% rely on very dangerous, not-nice, human smuggling networks that transport them through Central America and Mexico to the United States. These smugglers and everyone should know it, and not turn a blind eye to it these smugglers routinely engage in physical and sexual abuse, and extortion of these innocent, young women. Placing children in their care, the vice president said, is a reckless and dangerous undertaking for any parent to do. Despite the warning, many didnt listen. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of unaccompanied minors apprehended would swell to more than 68,000 by the end of 2014. More than 3,200 migrant children are now in Border Patrol facilities, CBS News reported Monday, as the administration struggles to prevent that number from growing out of control. Another 7,000 unaccompanied children, meanwhile, were transferred to the custody of the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement in the month of February alone. Sensitive to criticism that they are putting kids in cages as they reopen detention facilities that operated during President Trumps tenure, the administration has sought new ways to house migrant children. Reuters reports that the Pentagon is considering a military base in Virginia. The White House has insisted that the majority of migrants will be turned away. The message has been muddled, however. We are not saying dont come, Mayorkas said of those with asylum claims. We are saying dont come now. Asked to clarify that statement, Psaki blamed the last occupant of the White House. When we say, Its not the time to come now, she told reporters, the reason is, we are still digging our way out of a dismantled, immoral and ineffective immigration policy that was being implemented by the last administration that was largely based around funding for a border wall. It will take time, she added, to modernize the immigration system, an effort that includes creating a pathway to citizenship. Finding a way to similarly accommodate those who entered the United States illegally was also the stated goal of the Obama administration. But Biden was nonetheless more pointed in his messaging six years ago. The Department of Justice and DHS were streamlining removal proceedings, he said at that Guatemala press conference. Those who are pondering risking their lives to reach the United States should be aware of what awaits them, Biden told reporters. It will not be open arms. It will not be Come on. It will be, Were going to hold hearings with our judges consistent with international law and American law, and were going to send the vast majority of you back. Poland has declared a Belarusian diplomat persona non grata a day after Minsk expelled a Polish consul for taking part in an event honoring Polish forces who fought in World War II. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz announced the decision on March 10, saying on Twitter it was in response to the "hostile and unjustified" actions of the Belarusian authorities toward the Polish consul in the southwestern city of Brest. Przydacz did not identify the Belarusian diplomat. Minsk on March 9 announced it was expelling the Polish consul, Jerzy Timofejuk, saying he had taken part in an unofficial event honoring the so-called "cursed soldiers" in Brest on February 28. The Polish fighters initially fought against Nazi occupation and later turned against Soviet occupiers. But they often acted violently against non-Poles, especially Belarusians. Belarusian prosecutors said on March 10 they had opened a criminal case into the event for actions aimed at inciting national, religious enmity, and hate based on nationality, religion, language, as well as actions aimed at glorifying Nazism. The Day of Cursed Soldiers has been commemorated in Poland on March 1 since 2011. Relations between Belarus and Poland have been strained recently after protests broke out against the disputed reelection in August of Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Poland has sheltered Belarusian activists who have fled across the border to escape a crackdown on the opposition. With reporting by AFP The incharge ministers who are holding separate meetings with employees unions every day could convince them that the TRS government will give the PRC and other benefits soon after the MLC polls. Representational image Hyderabad: The TRS is upbeat over the support extended by various employees unions to the party candidates for the upcoming graduate elections to the Legislative Council. As the March 14 polling day nears, the unions are announcing their support to the TRS one after the other, contrary to reports that employees are angry with the government for delaying the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) report and the hike in retirement age. TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Raos 'strategy' in deputing ministers as election incharges to negotiate with employees unions is yielding results in the form of support for the elections. The incharge ministers who are holding separate meetings with employees unions every day could convince them that the TRS government will give the PRC and other benefits soon after the MLC polls. The idea behind these meetings is to convey the message to employees unions that the TRS government will remain in power until December 2023, irrespective of the outcome of the MLC polls and its the TRS government that has to give PRC or any other benefit. Employees unions also want to avoid a confrontation with the TRS government which still has more than two-and-a-half years of its term left. Major employees unions such as Telangana Gazetted Officers Association (TGOs), Telangana Non Gazetted Officers Assocation (TNGOs) have expressed support to the TRS. The biggest teachers union, Telangana Progressive Recognised Teachers Union (PRTU), has also announced its support. The Contributory Pension Scheme Employees Association comprising 1.3 lakh employees announced support to the ruling party candidates. On Tuesday, another major union, the Telangana Udyogula Sangham, extended support to the TRS. The ministers pointed out to the unions that Chandrashekar Rao had given the highest ever 43 per cent fitment during PRC in 2015. Besides, the government had also paid a special increment and they would get similar benefits if employees ensure victory of the TRS in the MLC polls. Ministers are trying to strike an emotional chord with employees unions, reminding them how teh TRS and employees unions had together achieved statehood with their joint struggle. Anticipates Endeavour Silver Corp. Becoming Largest Shareholder This News Release is not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / VanGold Mining Corp (the "Company" or "VanGold") (TSXV:VGLD) is pleased to announce it has closed its non-brokered private placement of units ("Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit announced December 23, 2020 (the "Private Placement") and expanded on January 19, 2021, January 25, 2021, and February 17, 2021. The Company has issued a total of 56,500,000 Units for gross proceeds of $16,950,000 with each Unit consisting of one common share of the Company and one half (1/2) of a common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.45 within three years of closing, subject to acceleration in certain events. The Company would like to thank the over 180 subscribers, large and small, who have participated in this private placement. We welcome them to our adventure of potential mineral discovery and future production of silver and gold in Guanajuato Mexico. VanGold would especially like to acknowledge the investment and backing of Endeavour Silver Corp., VBS Exchange Pty. Ltd, and renowned precious metals investor Mr. Eric Sprott. Endeavour Silver Corp. is a mid-tier precious metals company that operates three underground silver-gold mines in Mexico and upon closing of the acquisition of the El Cubo mine and mill announced December 18, 2020, Endeavour will become VanGold's largest shareholder with approximately 11.3% ownership of the Company. VBS - or 'The Victor B. Smorgen Group' - is led by Australian entrepreneur Peter Edwards and is active in the gold mining sector as part of its expansive business empire. VBS now owns approximately 5.5% of VanGold. Mr. Eric Sprott, a well-known and influential leader in the resource investment community has invested $2,000,000 in this private placement and now owns approximately 3.5% of VanGold. The Company appreciates the strong endorsement from these investors for VanGold's business plan to source mineralized material from both of the past producing El Pinguico and El Cubo mines for processing at the El Cubo mill. It should be noted that Directors of the Company also subscribed for 8,494,273 units (or $2,548,282) representing approximately 15% of the Private Placement, with directors now controlling approximately 16.5% of VanGold. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used to, among other things, complete the acquisition and refurbishment of the El Cubo mine and mill near Guanajuato, Mexico, carry out additional exploration and definition drilling at El Cubo and El Pinguico and fund general corporate and working capital expenditures. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four month hold period expiring July 10, 2021 and the Company has paid finder's fees totalling approximately $395,152 cash, 518,139 common shares and finder warrants to purchase up to 1,648,669 shares on the same terms as the Warrants in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About VanGold Mining Corp. VanGold Mining is an exploration and development company engaged in reactivating high-grade past producing silver and gold mines near the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. The Company's El Pinguico project is a significant past producer of both silver and gold located just 7 kilometers south of the city. The Company remains focused on the near-term potential for development and monetization of its surface and underground stockpiles of mineralized material at El Pinguico, and in delineating silver and gold resources through underground and surface drilling on projects located in this historic mining camp. Hernan Dorado Smith, a director of VanGold and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "James Anderson" Chairman and CEO For further information regarding VanGold Mining Corp, please contact: James Anderson, Director, +1 (778) 989-5346 Email: james@vangoldmining.com Continue to watch our progress at: www.vangoldmining.com This new release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, which relate to future events or future performance including, but not limited to, the successful acquisition of El Cubo on the terms and conditions contemplated, the proposed use of proceeds from the Private Placement, the ability of VanGold to successfully re-start the El Cubo mill and supply sufficient mineralized material from El Cubo and El Pinguico for processing through the El Cubo mill at projected rates, the ability to generate positive cash flow from the El Cubo mill as contemplated or at all, the exploration and development potential of El Cubo and El Pinguico and the potential existence of additional mineral resources thereon. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, currency rate fluctuations, actual results of exploration and development activities, unanticipated geological formations and characteristics, environmental risks, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental or regulatory approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that VanGold will successfully complete the acquisition of El Cubo on the terms contemplated or at all or, if acquired, that the Company will be able to re-start the El Cubo mill to process mineralized materials in the amounts and at the costs anticipated. In addition, there is uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access El Pinguico or El Cubo or procure equipment, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by law. VANGOLD MINING CORP. PH: +1(778) 989-5346 E: info@vangoldmining.com W: vangoldmining.com CA: Suite 2820 - 200 Granville Street, Vancouver B.C. V6C 1S4 MX: Carretera - Guanajuato - Silao km 5.5, Int 4, Col. Marfil CP36250, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico SOURCE: VanGold Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634558/VanGold-Closes-16950000-Private-Placement--Welcomes-New-Shareholders-Eric-Sprott-and-VBS A Dublin man has been jailed for six years after attempting to abduct a 70-year-old woman while she was going for a morning walk. Martin Gallagher (21) grabbed the pensioner from behind and forced her into the boot of his car during the attack near the Phoenix Park last year. He made several failed attempts to close the lid of the boot while the woman struggled inside, and later told gardai it was a "joke that went wrong". Gallagher, of Rusheeney Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin, had pleaded guilty to assaulting and falsely imprisoning the victim on Blackhorse Avenue on January 6, 2020. This morning Judge Martin Nolan said the victim was going for a walk when suddenly and terrifyingly, for some unknown reason, Gallagher grabbed her. Judge Nolan said it was a "sinister crime" and that the only inference which can be drawn is that Gallagher was going to drive off with her in the boot, but for the intervention of a good Samaritan. The judge said he was disregarding Martin Gallagher's explanation that he thought it was a male friend, saying it was clear he was dealing with a woman. He sentenced the accused to six years in jail for the false imprisonment, and two-and-a-half years for assault causing harm to run concurrently. At the time of the attack the woman was caring for her now deceased husband who had dementia and in the aftermath of the ordeal he was unable to comfort her. Evidence was given that she was walking along Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7, at around 7.30am when she came across a man standing beside a car with the boot open. Detective Garda Paul Kirwan, of Blanchardstown Garda station, said that as the victim passed by, she was grabbed from behind and thrown into the boot of the car. The court heard Martin Gallagher said nothing as he made three or four attempts to close the boot but couldn't as the woman's legs were dangling out. The victim was then dragged out and Gallagher tried to put her into the back seat as she continued "kicking and screaming for her life". After the struggle he then threw her face first to the ground towards a wall before fleeing the scene. A passer-by on his way to work saw the incident and at first thought it was a man fighting with his child, before stopping and coming to the woman's aid. She was taken back to her home and gardai later noted she had severe bruising to her eye sockets, a cut to her face and bruising to her shin bones. Later that day, at 5.45pm, the accused was witnessed driving a car matching the description of the vehicle involved and arrested. At first he denied the allegations but later admitted to them, claiming it was a joke that went wrong. Gallagher told gardai he thought the victim was a friend that he wanted to frighten, saying: "I am really sorry for what I done. It was a joke that went wrong." The court heard he only gave his friends first name and that the victim in this case was 5ft tall. Gallagher also told gardai that he had been drinking that day and the previous night while driving around the area. The accused's DNA was recovered from the victim's fingernails and he was later charged in relation to the incident. In her victim impact statement, the woman said that she still has nightmares and frightening thoughts "about what would have happened if I had not got out of that boot of that car. She said that she was caring for her husband at the time who suffered with dementia and passed away last October. "I've had to go through all of this and my husband couldn't even comfort me," she said in her statement read to the court by Detective Sergeant Maeve Ward. "My husband didn't know why I was crying all the time and why my face was black, blue and swollen. When I think back to the life I had, I can't stop crying," the woman said. "I want to make it clear about this, he took me from behind. I looked into his face as I lay in that boot. I was afraid for my life," she added. In mitigation, Gallagher's defence counsel said that he had not previously come to the attention of gardai for criminality, having only one previous conviction for a speeding offence. Counsel also said that Gallagher was remorseful and shameful for what he had done, and that he was taking drugs at the time of the incident. The court also heard he has been in custody for over a year and hadn't tried to make a bail application to the High Court. WASHINGTON (AP) Striking a delicate balance, the United States and South Korea have agreed Seoul will pay 13.9% more this year for hosting American troops as part of a multiyear deal crafted to keep Seoul's share of the overall cost within historical norms, officials said Wednesday. The deal, which had been announced earlier this week but without financial details, ends a long stalemate that had strained relations between allies after the Trump administration demanded a five-fold increase in Seoul's contributions. President Joe Biden's willingness to quickly accept smaller increases is cast by the State Department as evidence that the Biden administration wants to repair relations with key allies in East Asia as it focuses on regional unity in confronting China and North Korea. The State Department announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tokyo and Seoul next week for security consultations to reaffirm the United States commitment to strengthening our alliances. Blinken will be joined in both meetings by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who also will visit India. On his way home, Blinken will stop in Anchorage, Alaska, to join Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, for talks with senior Chinese officials, the State Department said. American and South Korean officials, in separate briefings for reporters in Washington and Seoul, said the 13.9% increase will apply to the South Korean government's payments this year. In each of the following four years, the increase will match increases in Seoul's national defense budget. The previous agreement had expired at the end of 2019; the new deal covers 2020 retroactively by keeping South Korea's payment the same as 2019 at about 1.04 trillion Korean won, or the equivalent of about $910 million at current exchange rates. For this year, Seoul agreed to pay 1.18 trillion won, or about $1 billion. That is a 13.9% increase, which a State Department official said is the largest since 2004. Overall, South Korea will be paying about 44% of the overall cost of having American troops based on the peninsula, not counting U.S. military and civilian salaries. The State Department said that is similar to Seoul's share over many years. The U.S. has about 28,500 troops in South Korea. Changes to customs charges and postal requirements People are being reminded that postal goods, received from outside of the UK, may now be subject to import duties. It comes after Isle of Man Customs and Excise reported an increase in queries since changes were introduced from 1 January 2021 following Brexit. The changes include the charge of Customs Duty, Excise Duty and VAT on goods arriving from the EU. The Customs and Excise Division is responsible for collecting any charges due on goods arriving through the post and, if applicable, will send a letter detailing any payment required. The goods will not be released until all tax and duties have been paid. The charges can easily be paid using Government Online Services at https://services.gov.im. Further details on customs and excise is available at www.gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/customs-and-excise. Is that all there is? Is that all Royal Communications has got? Buckingham Palaces press shop released a 61-word statement on March 9, saying the whole family is saddened by news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not enjoying royal life. It took the crackerjack PR team quite a while to say nothing. The PR understatement comes on the heels of the explosive March 7 Oprah Winfrey interview that aired on CBS, in which Harry and Meghan ripped the royals to shreds. Meghan, who is biracial, said there was concern among the royals about the shade of the skin of her unborn child. She also claimed that she was denied counseling after thinking suicidal thoughts because it wouldnt be good for the institution. Harry also played the racist card. He said the royal family failed to support the couple after racist articles and headlines ran about Meghan at the time of their 2018 wedding. He talked about being trapped in the system and his father, Prince Charles, cutting off all communications. Another blockbuster: Harry and Meghan secretly got married three days before the official bash at Windsor Castle. The UK press went ballistic over the interview. The Times called the interview worse than whatever the family was expecting. A review in The Telegraph said the interview contained enough bombshells to sink a flotilla. Chris Ship, royal editor of ITV, said the couple effectively loaded a B-52 bomber, flew it over Buckingham Palace and then unloaded their arsenal right above it, bomb after heavily-loaded bomb. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said: "Its probably the most damning condemnation of the royal family and how they operate Ive ever heard. All is apparently calm in the rarified air of Buckingham Palace. According to the statement issued on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen: The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members. The interview is a PR disaster for the royals. Their weak tea response is pathetic. CBS and Republic, an anti-monarchy group, are beneficiaries of the interview from hell for the royals. CBS cashed in. The network paid Winfreys Harpo Productions an estimated $8M for the rights to air the two-hour program. The program attracted more than 17M viewers, making it one of the top-rated shows during the TV season. Ad buyers report that CBS doubled the price for a 30-second commercial to about $325K. Republic received priceless PR for its cause. It said the devastating interview rocked the institution and is the worst crisis for the monarchy since the 1936 abdication. While most people in the UK dont give the monarchy much thought, it is tolerated because of clever PR, according to Republic. The interview gave people a clearer picture of what the monarchy is really like. And it doesn't look good. With the Queen likely to be replaced by King Charles during this decade the position of the monarch has rarely looked weaker, said Republic. The group calls for an honest debate about the monarchy. Honesty about the democratic alternative, honesty about royal corruption, honesty about costs, tourism and every other bit of nonsense trotted out by royalists for years. Republic says the monarchy will also be part of British history, but it doesn't have to be part of the future. Amen to that. America should thank Joe Biden for rolling back the cultural war, according to Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne. Rather than getting bogged down in the Dr. Seuss kerfuffle that has been raging on Fox News, the president has kept his eye on the twin goals of combatting COVID-19 and passing the $1.9T American Rescue Plan Act. While president Trump politicized the wearing of masks as an attack on personal freedom, Biden speaks for the three-quarters of America that view mask-wearing as part of everybodys responsibility to stop the spread of the pandemic. Biden has another thing going for him, according to Dionne. A 78-year-old white guy is harder for the radical right to demonize than, say, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. 2021-03-10 Maeci On 10 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, held telephone talks with the Secretary of State for International Trade of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth Truss. The talks centred on the G20 and G7 presidencies and the co-presidency of COP26. Also on the agenda were the strategies against Covid19, the WTO reform and the bilateral dialogue on trade and investment attraction. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Like a staff sergeant in overalls, Devin Monaco oversees one of the oldest, most colorful squads to ever strut their stuff at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Were talking, of course, about the peacocks. For more than 120 years, peacocks have graced the grounds of Fort Sams historic Quadrangle, a tradition just a couple of decades removed from the old Army posts own founding at the very spot in 1876. Today, close to 40 of those flamboyant birds brighten up the courtyard, roosting in a tree that overlooks a pond and fanning out their long iridescent and eye-spotted feathers in contrast to the quads limestone walls and watch tower. A handful of deer, ducks and geese also share the idyllic space. But its the peacocks that turn the most heads, civilian and soldier alike. They do steal the attention for sure, said Monaco, a prior Army serviceman who has been a Fort Sam animal caretaker since October. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer At ceremonies in the Quadrangle, the birds often upstage the honors, whether its poking around seated guests, squawking with ceremonial gunfire or pecking at their own reflections in the dark doors of secret service vehicles. It adds a little humor and informality to the occasion. Nobody seems to get too terribly upset about it, said Jacqueline Davis, director of the Fort Sam Houston Museum located in the Quadrangle. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio, Texas was home to biggest flying 'dinosaur' ever: Quetzalcoatlus: named after Aztec god Technically, Fort Sams beautiful birds are Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), a ground-dwelling bird of the family Phasianidae. The peafowl is native to India and Sri Lanka, but has been introduced to countries all over the world. Fort Sam Houston Museum And as long as were splitting feathers here, the term peacock just refers to males. Thats right, its the fellas who rock those extravagant green and blue tail feathers, which reach lengths of up to 5 feet and actually are called covert feathers that grow from their back. The Fort Sam peafowl also have made an impression on visitors over the years at least those who saw the birds back in the days before 9/11, when the public could just drive in to Fort Sam by way of North New Braunfels Avenue for a straight shot to the Quadrangle. And while never the same rite of passage as going to Kiddie Park or the San Antonio Zoo, visiting the Quadrangle still resonates with those lucky enough as kids to have seen whats inside the walled off courtyard. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer A lot of visitors would tell us that they came to see the Quadrangle with their parents. I guess it was a thing in San Antonio, said John Manguso, former director of the Fort Sam Houston Museum from 1978 to 2011. My parents took me there often. I certainly consider it to be a very vivid memory of my childhood, said Tiana White, a 45-year-old San Antonio resident who works in diagnostic imaging. White moved to San Antonio when she was around age 4. Back then, her family often drove to Fort Sam for picnics in the Quadrangle, where theyd also feed the peafowl. It was almost like a hidden gem, and it felt that way, she said. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer During his three decades at the museum, Manguso recalled seeing a good share of Quadrangle visitors who ranged from families to busloads of elementary school students. At least one generation of San Antonians likely has a memory or two of a school field trip to see the posts proud plumage. Davis scoured the museums archives for the earliest images and documentation she could find on the Fort Sam peafowl. In addition to some old photos that date back to 1920, she also found what she believes to be the earliest mention of the birds: a couple of Daily Light newspaper articles from 1898. Both articles mention Captain Robert R. Stevens, a quartermaster whose procurement duties included securing the Quadrangle with deer, swans and peafowl. Davis believes Stevens added the peafowl and other exotic animals to dress up the surroundings. It was something that officers used to do in the late 1800s or early 1900s, she said. Theres a grace to them. Theyre aesthetically appealing, and just make for a nice, graceful looking area. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer But there may also have been a more practical reason Stevens made peafowl a Fort Sam fixture. In 1898, the Spanish-American War had the Army scrambling to provide soldiers. Davis noted such troop demands at the time reduced Fort Sams population to less than 20. On ExpressNews.com: Fort Sam Houston has fired a cannon every morning and night for 125 years Enter the peafowl, aka Fort Sams most unexpected defenders. They may have been put in here as a method of security system, Davis said. Not only are peafowl some of the largest birds that fly, they also make all sorts of unholy noise when they sense danger. Their loud squawks can be heard more than a mile away, which rings right up there with Fort Sams morning and evening cannon blasts, another post tradition more than a century old. Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer For now, the Fort Sam Quadrangle is closed to the public due to the ongoing pandemic. But its just a matter of time before visitors can once again marvel at all the peafowl and other wildlife. This is kind of like a hidden wonder, Monaco said. When we are open from COVID to be able to have everyone come, (they will see) a public place where everyone can get with nature for a little bit and get stuff off their mind. And some of Fort Sams most decorative sentries will be waiting. rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguz The United States Secretary of Defence, General Lloyd J Austin will visit India from March 19 to 21 2021, the government said in a statement. During his visit, Secretary Austin is expected to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries of the government. Both sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Discussions regarding defence cooperation would also focus on how both countries could consolidate military-to-military cooperation and defence trade and industry cooperation. Secretary Austins visit to India as part of his first overseas travel emphasises the strength of the India-US strategic partnership, the government said. Austin will embark on his first overseas trip on March 13, to visit US Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Hawaii, US troops and senior government leaders in Japan and the Republic of Korea, and senior government leaders in India, said the US Dept of Defence. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. All entries to the parliament building and the Baghramyan Avenue and Demirchyan Street are blocked by the Homeland Salvation Movements demonstrators who are demanding the resignation of the Pashinyan Administration. The Homeland Salvation Movement said in a statement that they intend to continue their domestic political struggle with new momentum. The movements supporters spent the night in tents outside the parliament building. They said they are blocking all entrances to the parliament in order not to allow any lawmaker to enter the building because they dont have anything to do there. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan 404 Gardai have arrested a man in connection with possession of a stolen caravan in Longford on Monday March 8. As part of Operation Cress, the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) carried out a search of a property on Athlone Road in Longford on July 6, 2020. During this operation three caravans were seized. Also read: Garda assault accused to reappear before Longford District Court Since the search it has been established that one of the caravans seized, a Cosmos Lunar Caravan, had been stolen from Staffordshire in the UK. Shortly before 8.30am on Monday, March 8, a man in his early 40s was arrested in Longford town in connection with possession of a stolen Cosmos Lunar Caravan on July 6, 2020. He was detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and has since been released without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. An investigation is ongoing. Also read: Come out and fight me baldy: tiktok fame for Edgeworthstown's @2BigLugs 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. Heads of parliaments of Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic called on Germany to review the border control measures introduced by the country in February to stop the spread of coronavirus and its mutations BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) Heads of parliaments of Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic called on Germany to review the border control measures introduced by the country in February to stop the spread of coronavirus and its mutations. The official request was launched with the acting Bundestag president Wolfgang Schauble and members of the committee on internal affairs. According to the document, as quoted by Die Welt newspaper, the effects of these measures "contradict our common goal of minimizing further economic losses after the pandemic." Among others, coronavirus-test requirements imposed on heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers hinder cross-border deliveries due to a limited period of validity of such tests. "We would also like to question the proportionality of these measures compared to measures in place in other German border regions," Die Welt quoted the letter to Schauble as saying. The issue came to the forefront as Germany introduced new rules for crossing the border with French Moselle region, which currently apply only to passenger transport. In February, Germany has reinstated border controls with certain regions of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria which it classified as "virus mutation areas." Berlin extended the restrictions until March 17. In his latest attempt to prevent the remnants of the Trump administration from choking his own agenda, President Joe Biden fired Sharon Gustafson, general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on Friday. Biden had previously requested Gustafsons resignation, but she refused to step down. Instead, she accused the president of targeting her because of her support for religious liberty. Republicans have rallied behind Gustafson, echoing her accusation that Biden violated norms in a malicious or even discriminatory manner. Advertisement This narrative is curious for several reasons: First, by tradition, the EEOC general counsel, a political appointee, steps down upon the inauguration of a new president; it was Gustafson who violated this norm by burrowing into her position. Second, the EEOC defended religious freedomfor both Christians and religious minoritieslong before Gustafsons appointment; if anything, she took a narrower view of the issue, focusing on the rights of Christians at the expense of all others. Finally, it is no secret that Gustafson was an ineffective general counsel who sought to curtail her agencys litigation against both LGBTQ discrimination and systemic racism. Career attorneys at the EEOC told Slate that her removal is a necessary step toward restoring the agencys mission, badly damaged by Trump appointees, of safeguarding civil rights for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. When Donald Trump first nominated Gustafson, Democrats sounded the alarm about her views and qualifications. As a nominee, she would not commit to protecting LGBTQ rights and expressed limited understanding of the EEOCs work. (Democrats nonetheless supported her confirmation in a voice vote.) The EEOC interprets and enforces civil rights law, bringing lawsuits against employers accused of discrimination; as general counsel, Gustafson had the power to initiate or approve litigation, as well as amicus briefs weighing in on cases that do not directly involve the office. The general counsel also holds substantial influence over policies and guidance outlining the agencys legal positions. Before she was appointed, Gustafson worked as a solo practitioner representing individual plaintiffs, usually in cases involving religious liberty or pregnancy discrimination. Some of the work was certainly admirable, but it did not equip her to oversee a large agency that handles the full range of discrimination cases, including class actions. Advertisement Upon joining the EEOC, Gustafson committed herself to the cause of religious liberty above all else. But she took a very narrow approach to the concept, in line with the Trump administrations broader conception of religious freedom as a weapon to limit other rights, especially reproductive autonomy and LGBTQ equality. Gustafsons suggestion that the agency previously failed to safeguard religious exercise in the workplace was false; under President Barack Obama, for example, the agency routinely brought lawsuits on behalf of devout employees, including Christians. Obamas EEOC famously won a major victory at the Supreme Court in favor of Muslims right to wear religious apparel on the job. But it also litigated cases on behalf of Christians, including Seventh-day Adventists who observed the Sabbath and evangelicals with specific workplace needs (such as a man who refused to use a biometric hand scanner because he associated it with the mark of the beast). Advertisement Advertisement A staunch abortion opponent, Gustafson seemed more interested in quintessential culture war cases that involved Christian employees demanding a right to discriminate. Two current employees of the EEOC told me that she directed attorneys to find me a case involving a religious hospital that was penalized for refusing to perform an abortionso she could weigh in on the side of the hospital. And she took the highly unusual step of supporting employers seeking a ministerial exception from civil rights law to discriminate against workers who did not share their faiths. Gustafson also expressed discomfort with LGBTQ rights, even after the Supreme Court affirmed the EEOCs long-standing position that the Civil Rights Act bars workplace discrimination against gay and transgender employees in 2020s Bostock v. Clayton County. At an agencywide meeting after Bostock came down, career staff celebrated a triumph years in the making. Afterward, a current EEOC attorney told me, Gustafson delivered a brief address in which she downplayed the victory and defended those who disagreed with the decision. Shortly before Trump left office, the EEOC also pushed out a new compliance manual on religious discrimination that was produced at record speed with virtually no public input. The manual, which Gustafson helped draft, strongly suggested that religious employers hold a right to discriminate against LGBTQ people in the workplace on the basis of their beliefs. Dozens of civil rights groups filed objections to the manual, pointing out that it would dramatically undermine civil rights law. The EEOC appears to have ignored their protests and adopted the manual on Jan. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Equally problematic was Gustafsons hostility toward class-action lawsuits, a highly effective tool against systemic discrimination. For decades, the EEOC has represented large groups of employees who faced the same kind of bias at worka class of Black employees, for instance, who were denied promotions by the same manager despite their undeniable qualifications. When attorneys brought such cases to Gustafson for approval, she would often slash the size of the class for no apparent reason. Gustafson would reduce the number of plaintiffs in a case from dozens to a handful, for no purpose other than her skepticism toward class actions. EEOC lawyers who spent months or years building a strong case of systemic workplace racism were forced to tell multiple victims that they could no longer participate in the lawsuit. Gustafsons approach was consistent with her broader habit of micromanaging employees, despite their superior experience and understanding of civil rights law. She held a fundamental mistrust of her own staff, which demoralized career attorneys who simply wanted to do their jobs free of political interference. Advertisement On Jan. 20, many EEOC employees assumed Gustafson would step down rather than serve under Biden. Although she was appointed to a four-year term in 2019, the general counsel traditionally steps down when a new president enters office. So the agencys staff was surprised when Gustafson carried on business as usual. Then, unbeknownst to them, the White House requested her resignation on March 2. Remarkably, she refused to resign. In a letter to Biden, she implied that the president had caved to those who oppose my advocacy on behalf of employees who experience religious discrimination and warned that her removal would prompt suppression of our work promoting religious freedom. On March 5, the White House formally removed her from her post. Advertisement Advertisement David Lopez, who served as EEOC general counsel under Obama, told me he was surprised by Gustafsons refusal to resign on Jan. 20 or upon Bidens request. If Mitt Romney had been elected in 2012, I wouldve resigned, he told me. Its an issue of norms. My predecessors resigned during the transition to a new administration. I certainly never thought I had a right to stay. Like other Trump appointees who essentially forced Biden to fire them, though, Gustafson portrayed her intransigence as a principled stance, and depicted Bidens actions as the real norm violation. Her supporters, including Trump-appointed EEOC Commissioner Andrea Lucas, have echoed this framing. They have also charged Biden with undermining the independence of the agency, which, they assert, was meant to be free from political interference. Advertisement If the EEOC were a true independent agency, the president would not be able to fire top political appointees without just cause. But it isnt. Congress provided no such protections to either EEOC commissioners or the general counsel. In light of that decision, as well as Supreme Court decisions diminishing agency independence, Biden plainly held the power to fire Gustafson. Her termination removes one obstacle to the restoration of a well-functioning EEOC, especially since Gwendolyn Young Reams, a highly qualified career attorney, promptly took her place on an acting basis. Advertisement Advertisement But another obstacle remains: Trumps three appointees to the agencys commission, a five-member board that holds ultimate power to overrule the general counsel on litigation and set policy, still hold a 32 majority. Unless Biden fires a Republican member of the commission, he will not establish a Democratic majority on the board until July 1, 2022, when Republican commissioner Janet Dhillons term ends. Advertisement Dhillon, who served as chair under Trump, has been disastrous for the EEOC. A management-side attorney who specializes in crushing workers rights, Dhillon has sought to subvert the agencys mission at every turn by pushing out career attorneys, forcing plaintiffs into stingy settlements, and vetoing LGBTQ cases. She has also covertly met with the attorneys of employers being sued by the EEOC to undermine those lawsuits. As long as Dhillon remains on the commission, thereby maintaining Republicans majority, she and her allies can stymie efforts to effectively combat all forms of illegal discrimination. One regional attorney with the agency, who requested anonymity for fear of retribution, told me she has found Dhillons behavior shocking. Dhillon is working against us, she told me. Ive never seen that level of one-sided advocacy for employers. Its astonishing. It almost seems like she doesnt believe discrimination exists. At least Sharon [Gustafson] was not hideous to us. Dhillon is hideous all the time. Shes made enough enemies, but boy, is she effective at doing a lot of harm. Biden has already taken a leap toward reestablishing a fair and productive EEOC. But he cannot right the ship while Dhillon remains on board. Gustafsons ouster may thus be a preview of a broader battle over the presidents prerogative to remove an executive official who is attempting to sabotage the mission of her own agency. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 167 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 167 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-organizational-psychology-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Organizational Psychology Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Adler University Albizu University Angelo State University Anna Maria College Auburn University Austin Peay State University Baker College Bellevue University California Southern University California State University, San Bernardino Capella University Chicago School Of Professional Psychology Colorado State University Colorado Technical University Eastern Kentucky University Elmhurst University Fairleigh Dickinson University Franklin University Golden Gate University Grand Canyon University Johnson & Wales University Kansas State University Kean University Liberty University Minnesota State University, Mankato Missouri University of Science and Technology National Louis University Northcentral University Northern Kentucky University Purdue University Global Sacred Heart University Saint Cloud State University San Jose State University Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville Southern New Hampshire University State University of New York, Albany Texas A & M University, College Station Thomas Edison State University Touro University Worldwide University of Central Florida University of Hartford University of New Haven University Of Phoenix University of South Florida University of the Incarnate Word Valdosta State University Vanguard University Walden University Western Michigan University William James College About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. The city of Nagpur in Maharashtra has a special significance in the Ambedkarite social consciousnessit is the site of the mass historic struggle for reclaiming the Buddhist tradition, symbolised by Deeksha Bhoomi. Nagpur also symbolises both the wound of a massacre (the brutal, collective murders of four members of the Bhotmange family in Khairlanji) and the mass resistance against it. So when women rooted in the PhuleAmbedkarite ideology decided to take out a march on the 110th death anniversary of the pioneering reformer Savitribai Phule on 10 March 2017, Nagpur was the chosen destination. Thousands marched to protest the increasing violence against women from marginalised sections. Violence that is invariably an outcome of the ideologies of Brahminism, Manuwad and Hindutva, all of which have provided the legitimating force to hierarchies, subordination, discrimination and subjugation of women as the ideal form of social order. The women marchers commemorated and saluted the contribution of Savitribai and Fatima Sheikh (a teacher and supporter of the Phules) towards womens emancipation. The Chalo Nagpur campaign signified that the struggle against gender oppression was simultaneously a struggle against caste discrimination and class exploitation, as well as a struggle against subjugation/erosion of democratic voices. Moreover, this was a struggle against the commoditisation of women, the physical and sexual abuse they encountered, and the multiple forms of enslavement they confronted. Preparations and Discussions An event of such a magnitude would not have been possible without a lot of groundwork and prolonged exchange of ideas, as well as debates within the womens groups involved in organising it. The deliberations went on for over six months, and involved debates over a number of issues: articulation of common concerns, and symbols of struggle; the ways of addressing gender question; the perspective from which to oppose Brahminical culture and politics, the perception about the nature of oppression, subordination and violence that women suffer and the nature of their struggle. Furthermore, since the notion of difference and the diversity of approaches to address the gender question are firmly rooted in the gender discourse, any collective action was bound to reflect this heterogeneity. Some of us who draw on the PhuleAmbedkarite perspective are firmly rooted in understanding the intersectional character of womens subordination and the violence they suffer. We are aware of the interlinks of caste and gender subordination, exploitation, subjugation, and the vulnerabilities and violence women encounter at the intersections of caste and class. For us, the question of violence, subordination, and exploitation against women is not just a gender concern, but a caste and class question. Hence, the issues we were addressing and our attempts aimed at challenging the multiple forms and intersectional character of vulnerabilities that women confront. Gender Politics as a Quest We view gender politics as a quest in which visibility and representation are necessary aspects of politics (vis-a-vis the question of omission and silencing). Yet there is a need to consciously move beyond these aspects to address the structural and intersectional nature of the violence and suppression women experience and fight. We believe that there is a need to effectively struggle against violence, and build consciousness about the systemic, institutional character of multiple forms and dimensions of violence, abuse, and vulnerability, as opposed to addressing the question of justice and dignity by living under and remaining within the boundaries of structures and orders of injustice. The quest for justice cannot be addressed without questioning the systems that breed indignity. We cannot achieve justice by remaining within and becoming visible through the structural boundaries which create injustice and indignity. It is the very structure of social, material and cultural enslavement that needs to be challenged and destroyed to genuinely address the question of freedom and emancipation. Trafficking and Criminalising Victims This understanding informed our views on trafficking and the worst forms of exploitation and brutal violence against women from the lower castes, lower classes, Adivasi communities and other vulnerable sections. This perspective made us consider violence and abuse against women, including prostitution, as a systemic, structural and institutional form of violence, which in our society intersects with caste, class, and ethnicity as with other forms and systems of oppression of underprivileged persons. We believe that women cannot achieve the goal of freedom and emancipation by remaining within the bounds of this structural violence and by attempting to gain visibility and dignity within the very structures and institutions that are rooted and thrive on their exploitation and abuse. We also wish to assert that the struggle against prostitution must be strengthened as it is rooted in brutal exploitation which is simultaneously based on violence and enslavement involving gender, caste and class. Women from the oppressed and exploited sections do not enter into prostitution willingly, or as a matter of choice but are forced into it due to social and economic vulnerabilities. Women and children should not be forced to live with prostitution. We, PhuleAmbedkarite women/men firmly reject the systems of violence and exploitation. When we resolutely challenge the systems and structures of oppression we do not seek to criminalise or exclude victims of violence and exploitation. Rather we seek to work towards collective consciousness against such systems. Those who contribute to the politics of visibility or in reality induce women from the oppressed sections to live with their exploitation and abuse, are actually agents of violence against them. Those who justify prostitution do not live and experience the violence and abuse. It is through these agents of exploitation and violence that abuse and oppression become normal and natural conditions of existence. To take another poignant example, people engaged in manual scavenging too are forced to do so in order to earn for their own and their families survival, but that does not, therefore, make manual scavenging normal. Those who demand dignity for the manual scavengers even as they continue to do the scavenging are actually agents of violence. Likewise, the struggle for womens right to dignity and justice has to be rooted in a firm denial and rejection of the system of oppression. An Egalitarian Universe The Chalo Nagpur campaign was a historic attempt that represented women from all over India who are attempting to forge a collective struggle ahead towards building interactions, connections and to dialogue with women across the world for an egalitarian universe. We submitted this resolution at the conclusion of the campaign: (i) We, the women of India, have come together to fight the repressive ideologies of Brahmanwad, Manuvad, Hindutva, and the social orders of power and domination that they constitute and control. (ii) We profoundly recognise and salute the efforts of Savitribai Phule, Jyotiba Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar for their efforts to emancipate all deprived sections of India, in general and women, in particular. (iii) We also salute those who have selflessly fought and continue fighting for the cause of the larger humanity both in the past and present contextthe mothers who have lost their children due to the ideologies of Brahmanwad, Manuvad and Hindutva. We salute the struggle waged by Irom Sharmila in centring the issue of women rights. (iv) Together we resolve to fight against the Brahminical ideology which has victimised Dalit women on account of caste-based public patriarchy and has made them face brutal violence and oppression at the hands of upper caste patriarchy. It is necessary to note that according to the National Crime Records Bureau, from 2000 to 2015, the reported cases of rape against Dalit women in India stood at 20,300; and these women continue to be deprived of justice. (v) Many educated women have become victims of domestic violence, shaped by Brahminical and Manuvadi ideology; the legal mechanism in this regard, has favoured menthe perpetratorswho are also victims of Brahminical and Manuvadi ideology. We resolve to work towards ending this violence. (vi) We condemn all ill practices and structuressocial, political, economic and culturalsuch as forced prostitution, manual scavenging, demanding dowry, religiously sanctioned sexual violence as seen in the Devadasi system, witch-hunting, etc, which have enslaved women for ages and are the outcome of Brahmanvad and Manuvad. We resolve to fight against those who trap women confronting multiple vulnerabilities into prostitution as well as those who ignore the structural and institutional forms of enslavement, including caste, class, and gender, which make these women vulnerable; as well as those who work in inculcating a sense of indifference towards their conditionsexploitation and brutal oppression of the women victimised by the above-mentioned ideologies and order. Instead of making these women conscious of their slavery, they are being made to speak the language of willing prostitution. We condemn this as a form of violence against women and resolve to work against those who make the oppressed seemingly live happily with the violence and subordination in their lives. (vii) We consider it necessary to collectively combat against all forms of slavery against women by all ideologies of domination and power, and we would wish to accord priorities in arresting atrocities attempted on those who are the most vulnerable. We hope to carve out the existing legal system in such a way that no woman will face subjugation and imposition. (viii) While we have an effective legislation against rape, this legal measure will need to provide special attention to Dalit womens victimisation and multiple vulnerabilities, with special punitive actions. Similarly, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 will also note the priority and specificity of the Dalit woman as the most vulnerable among vulnerable and will have stringent punitive action. We will also work towards the strict implementation of all laws created for ensuring justice for women by going beyond the rhetoric of mere pronouncements. (ix) We support the principle of difference as a feminist practice so that women from all castes, tribes, religions, ethnicities, genders and sexualities may express themselves freely as citizens of this land and will become autonomous beings. (x) We, as the collective voice of all women of India, will forge ahead to end all ideologies, structures, and contexts of enslavement in Indian society in the near future, and that each and everyone will fight to end slavery encountered by everybody. (xi) We value the principle of representation and the policy of 33% reservation. We demand that it should be raised to 50% as women comprise half of the total population. In this too, we assert, priority will be accorded to women from the most victimised/socially, economically and culturally deprived sections in India. (xii) We appreciate the fact that women of the deprived sections, that is, Dalit, Adivasi, Other Backward Classes and minorities, have selflessly participated in and have helped the struggle for womens liberation in India by making womens protest visible, and heard, in the public domain. We observe that so far women from the deprived sections were/are considered to be in the add-ons category by relatively less-deprived women. We resolve to end such patron- client categories and relationships in the process of emancipatory struggles. (xiii) We stress that the ideals and values of justice, freedom, and dignity as claims of all women and men will be enshrined in social and institutional practices, part of family upbringing and educational institutions, and a part of public domains, such that a discriminatory, iniquitous and hierarchical society is arrested and healthy human society is nurtured in its place. (xiv) This Chalo Nagpur initiative by women on 10 March 2017 marks an effort on part of women to commemorate the 120th death anniversary of Savitribai Phule, the first trained woman teacher, who dared to liberate all women from the bonds of enslavement by educating them; we recognise and salute all women from international communities, as well as menmale feministswho support and participate in this emancipatory project. Let us work towards a transversal politics to combat all enslavements against all women in the world. Telecom Armenia has begun construction on a new fibre-optic Next Generation Network (NGN) in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. A former unit of Veon now trading as Beeline, Telecom Armenia expects the NGN to offer speeds of up to 10Gbps. Deployment has commenced in the Davidashen district of the city, although the operator does not expect to switch the network on for several months. CommsUpdate quoted Telecom Armenia CEO Hayk Yesayan as saying: We are taking a new leap into the next century by creating a new fibre-optic network that will be one of the best in the world. In existing networks, the main backbone is shared among multiple users, while in our new network, each subscriber will receive a fibre-optic channel using fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. WABASH VALLEY, IND. (WTHI) - We are days away from the one-year mark of the nationwide COVID lockdown. This last year, mental health experts saw a significant rise in depression and anxiety. Many local students have felt the impact of the pandemic on their well-being and mental health. They assume we are doing ok because we understand how to use technology and can communicate with each other without being face to face, Baylee Pitts, a Freshman at St. Marys College of the Woods said. In reality, I feel like it is much harder for us because things keep changing and we have to keep adjusting. We are just not used to it. According to Mental Health America, the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression increased over 90% in 2020. This is mainly due to increased isolation and lack of social interaction. We do have some kids who have really struggled throughout this year, Emily Owens, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer at Hamilton Center said. This is a critical time in young peoples lives especially as they prepare for the future. It doesn't feel like the right world, Pitts said. It feels like a lot of tension and isolation. I know that I feel personally, that I am alone and I think that is a really bad feeling to have especially when you are struggling with mental health Local experts believe that although things are still tough now, life is beginning to return to normal. There is hope for a better future for students. We are hopeful that having this interaction and getting back into a routine will help them overall with their mental health, Owens said. Students, like Pitts, want to remind us that there is help out there for everyone who needs it. There is always someone who cares and you can talk to and there will be an end of the pandemic, hopefully soon, Pitts said. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, experts at the Hamilton Center are available for you. Experts are available 24 hours a day by phone at (800) 742 0787. has sounded an alarm about Chinas regional intent ahead of the May 12 summit of the grouping, which also includes India, Australia and the US, that is likely to take place later this week. In a pro-active move, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide spoke for around 40 minutes with his Indian counterpart where the two leaders recognised that it was increasingly important to recognise the importance of a 'Free and open Indo-Pacific'. In plain language, the two leaders were focused on the threat posed by China to the status quo in the Indo-pacifici, a geographic space on either side of the Malacca straits. The Malacca straits link the Indian and the Pacific Oceans and is major choke point of the east-west international trade. The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday night formally announced that PM Modi will participate with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden in the 'first Leaders' Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework, being held virtually.' Besides discussing regional and global issues of shared interest, the leaders will 'exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific'. Significantly, the Leaders' dialogue will go beyond security issues and discuss establishment of new supply chains an issue that was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic after the world realised the dangers of critical overdependence on China. The summit will be an opportunity to exchange views on 'contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change,' the statement added. Supplies of Covid-19 vaccines in the Indo-Pacific will be another top priority during the summit. The leaders will also review efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region,' the statement said without giving details. PM Modi and Suga also agreed to advance not only the India- relationship, but also cement bonds of the Indo-Pacific 'The two leaders shared the recognition that cooperation towards realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly important and to this end, shared the view to steadily advance both Japan-India bilateral cooperation and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. quadrilateral cooperation,' a press statement of the Japanese foreign ministry said. Naming China, the strongly worded statement said that 'Prime Minister Suga expressed serious concerns regarding unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Sea, China's Coast Guard Law and the situation in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).' 'Prime Minister Suga also asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue by North Korea. Furthermore, the two leaders confirmed that they have grave concerns over the situation in Myanmar and they would closely work together in this vein.' The conversation of the two leaders comes ahead of the widely expected Quad summit later this week. US President Joe Biden has spoken to the prime ministers of all three countries-- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Premier Suga. But a joint meeting of the four leaders would give a collective Indo-Pacific strategy a high-octane push. China is the elephant in the room which had apparently triggered an energetic response from the four democracies. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, China has been visibly asserting itself in a strategic arc stretching from the Pacific to the shores of the Indian Ocean in Africa, and everything that falls within. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday declared that the country's military must be 'prepared to respond' to the current 'complex and difficult situations' which remain largely unstable and uncertain. 'The current security situation of our country is largely unstable and uncertain. The entire military must coordinate the relationship between capacity building and combat readiness, be prepared to respond to a variety of complex and difficult situations at any time, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and provide strong support for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist state,' the South China Morning Post quoted Xi as saying during a panel discussion attended by armed forces representatives in Beijing. Amid heightened frictions with China the Indian Navy and its partners in the Quad after the summit will engage in complex interoperability exercises involving carrier strike groups, anti-submarine warfare aircraft and attack submarines in Aprili, a move aimed at projecting their dominance from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Straits as reported the Hindustan Times. Quad's strategic allies France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be part of this exercise. The UAE will be joining India and France for the first time in a trilateral naval exercise in the strategically important Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in late April under the Varuna banner. This is scheduled between April 25 and 27. UAE's naval chief confirmed his country's participation in the Varuna trilateral exercises. During their conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan-India relations and concurred that they would continue their effort to materialise the 'Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership' through cooperation in such areas as security and defence, economic relationship including digital fields and people-to-people exchanges. Suga and Modi also welcomed the progress on the high-speed rail project and the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on specified skilled workers. (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.) U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan didnt mince words while slamming congressional Republicans during a fiery speech in favor of a pro-union bill on the House floor Tuesday, even name-dropping a Massachusetts native whose works have been subject to much controversy as of late: Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company focused on preserving the Springfield authors legacy, announced last week it it would stop publishing six of his books for their racist imagery. The decision was made after months of talks with educators and experts in childrens literature. The move drew criticism, though, from several congressional Republicans, including House leader Kevin McCarthy and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. In a series of confusing tweets, the latter tried to pin the blame on the childrens books no longer being published on Democratic President Joe Biden, despite the fact that it was the choice of a private company to halt publishing the books. Along with pointing out the decision was made by a private company, Democratic lawmakers and others have argued Republican legislators criticizing the move should be focused instead on more pressing policy matters, like raising the minimum wage and providing economic relief to Americans, particular during the coronavirus pandemic. Ryan was one such Democrat. Now stop talking about Dr. Seuss, and start working with us on behalf of the American workers, Ryan yelled on House floor. It had to be said. Our Republican colleagues are busy talking about Dr. Seuss when they should be working with us to help the American people. pic.twitter.com/Mc7IwFlb25 Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) March 9, 2021 Ryan ran in the partys presidential primary in 2019 and has been floated as a potential Senate candidate to run against incumbent Republican Sen. Rob Portman next year. The Ohio Democrat was debating the Protecting Right to Organize Act when he made the comments criticizing members of the GOP. The PRO Act, which passed through the Democrat-majority House of Representatives on Thursday, aims to enhance workers ability to organize and collectively bargain for improved wages, benefits and working conditions. The proposals passage through the more moderate Senate remains uncertain. The bill is strongly supported by Democratic President Joe Biden, though, and numerous members of his party, including Ryan, spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor, while multiple Republicans argued against it. Rep. Rick Allen, a Georgia Republican, called the legislation a radical proposal aimed at appeasing big union bosses who fund the far-Lefts political agenda. His comments were met with scorn from Ryan. One of the earlier speakers said, This is the most dramatic change in labor law in 80 years, and I say, Thank God, " Ryan said. In the late 70s, a CEO made 35 times the worker. Today, its three- to four-hundred times the worker, and our friends on the other side [are] running around with their hair on fire. Heaven forbid we pass something thats going to help the damn workers in the United States of America. Heaven forbid we tilt the balance that has been going in the wrong direction for 50 years. We talk about pensions, you complain. We talk about the minimum wage increase. You complain. We talk about giving them the right to organize. You complain. But if were passing a tax cut here, youd be all getting in line to vote yes for it, he continued. Now stop talking about Dr. Seuss, and start working with us on behalf of the American workers. I yield back the balance of my time. Related Content: Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More Nearly 30,000 Macs in 153 countries have been infected with a new malware strain that security researchers are calling Silver Sparrow. Discovered by researchers at Red Canary, the malware has been sitting on it hosts waiting for a payload that never arrived. "Though we haven't observed Silver Sparrow delivering additional malicious payloads yet, its forward-looking M1 chip compatibility, global reach, relatively high infection rate, and operational maturity suggest Silver Sparrow is a reasonably serious threat, uniquely positioned to deliver a potentially impactful payload at a moment's notice," Red Canary Intelligence Analyst Tony Lambert wrote in a company blog Thursday. Although researchers at Malwarebytes have identified 29,139 macOS endpoints infected by Silver Sparrow, many more machines could be hit by the malicious software, maintained Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at Eset. "Based on what was first seen, the malware may be more widespread than is called out in the disclosure," he told TechNewsWorld. "The 30K number comes from a single security vendor as opposed to the entire macOS environment." However, Malwarebytes Director of Mac and Mobile Thomas Reed maintained the bad app may be coming to light as it's about to go dark. "This may be an infection that's already run its course," he told TechNewsWorld. "There's a file that triggers the malware to self-delete," he explained. "That file is making up most of our detections at the moment. The creator seems to be sending the self-destruct command now." Blocked by Apple In a statement provided to TechNewsWorld, Apple said that upon discovering the malware, it revoked the certificates of the developer accounts used to sign the packages, preventing new machines from being infected. Apple also noted that there is no evidence to suggest the malware identified by the researchers has delivered a malicious payload to infected users. It added that the company has a number of measures in place to provide a safe experience for its users, including technical mechanisms, such as the Apple notary service, to protect users by detecting malware and blocking it so it can't run. That service, though, has been less than perfect in the past, maintained Joshua A. Long, chief security analyst at Intego, maker of security and privacy software for Macs, in Austin, Texas. "It is more significant that, according to our own research at Intego, this is at least the sixth major time that Apple's notarization process has failed to detect malware families that have either been distributed in the wild or uploaded to VirusTotal," he told TechNewsWorld. "Notarization is specifically supposed to identify and block new malware before it can ever infect Macs," he continued, "but Apple's automated notarization process has repeatedly notarized dozens of malware samples that Apple has failed to detect as malicious." Poisoned Searches How the infected machines came into contact with the malware is a mystery at the moment. "Malware researchers have not yet conclusively identified the exact delivery method," Long said. "One theory is that end-users may have encountered the malware via poisoned Google search results -- search results leading to legitimate sites that have been compromised by a threat actor or malicious sites that rank highly for particular searches," he added. Another possibility is malicious browser extensions, Red Canary Director of Intelligence Katie Nickels noted during a live streaming session on Twitter on Monday. Long added that there are two versions of the malware, also known as Slisp. One is compiled for Intel Macs. The other is a universal binary that runs on both Intel and ARM-based M1 machines. "It's worth noting, however, that M1 Macs can often run Mac malware compiled only for Intel, due to Apple's Rosetta technology which enables Intel binaries to run on M1 Macs," he added. "We can expect that virtually all Mac malware from this point forward will be designed to run on both architectures," he predicted. Malware ARMs Race Lambert agreed that Apple's M1 architecture will be a future target of bad actors. "The inclusion of a binary compiled for use on systems running Apple's new M1 ARM processor is important, because it suggests that the developers of Silver Sparrow are thinking ahead rather than simply writing their malware to be compatible with those chipsets that currently have the largest share of the market," he told TechNewsWorld. Christopher Budd, senior global threat communications manager at Avast, of Prague in the Czech Republic, a maker of security software, including antivirus programs for the Mac, explained that malware authors are essentially business people. They adapt based on market trends. "Making this malware functional on new M1 systems shows that these authors believe there is or will be enough of a market for that platform to make it worthwhile to devote resources to it," he told TechNewsWorld. "The fact that macOS malware and adware authors are compiling binaries for M1 was obvious, expected, and does not warrant the recent sensationalism," added Eset Detection Engineer Michal Malik. Novel Install Targeting Apple's ARM architecture isn't the only way Silver Sparrow distinguishes itself from most Mac malware found in the wild. "Most of the malware we observe for macOS systems ultimately delivers adware and related payloads," Lambert explained. "They tend to use preinstall, postinstall, or other shell scripts inside PKG and DMG installers," he continued. "While we've seen legitimate software use the macOS Installer JavaScript API, it's not something we've ever observed with macOS malware." Eset's Anscombe noted that the persistence and unconventional method of installation are notable aspects of Silver Sparrow, but there are more dangerous malware samples already in the wild. "The danger of this malware depends on the actions of the author to deliver a payload and it's intent," he said. "There is also the risk that another bad actor could try and leverage the mechanism and take control of it," he added. Myth of the Invincible Mac What can consumers do to protect themselves from Silver Sparrow? Lambert recommends turning to third-party protection. "As a general rule, we typically recommend that users run third-party antivirus or antimalware products to supplement the existing antimalware protections maintained by operating system manufacturers," he said. "While we're talking specifically about macOS in this case," he continued. "this advice is just as applicable to Windows machines." That advice may be dubious to Mac owners who've been told their machines are immune from infections from malicious software. "It's not that difficult to infect a Mac," Reed observed. "The only thing that has stood in the way in the past has been market share." "Why would you want to invest your time in creating malware for a system that has fairly low market share compared to Windows?" he asked. "But as Macs have increased their market share, they've become an increasingly popular target, especially because a lot of the people who have Macs are people who you would want to target, like CEOs and other well-paid professionals." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A British man in Hanoi has set up a charity group to help homeless people overcome difficulties. Christopher Axe. The Help Hanoi's Homeless Club gathered on Thursday every week in front of Hanoi Railway Station to prepare food and other necessities before they spread out to the streets. The club was set up four years ago by Christopher Axe. Axe said that their presence on the streets would be some help for the homeless who are bullied, robbed and abused by other people. He hoped they could encourage other people to do the same to help homeless people. One of the most memorable cases was when Axe met a grandmother and her grandchild. Before the club members arrived, someone poured hot water on the grandmother and scared the grandchild. Luckily, the group carried medicine with them. Axe tried to soothe the girl and asked her to make some animal noises. Meeting at Hanoi Railway Station. As of now, the grandmother and her grandchild were admitted to a social protection centre and the girl is able to go to school and became more confident. When she met Axe occasionally, she was happy and made the animal noises they used to make. Axe said they all felt happy to be able to help them for a long time and gain their trust. Even though the club could help homeless people with some minor health problems but they couldn't do anything if their health turned worse. Because of Covid-19 pandemic, the club has to travel in small groups of less than four people, wear face masks and have hand wash. They also made plans and contacted firms for help. If Hanoi is locked down again, Axe said, he would tell people in need to come to him and give them enough food, face masks, hand wash and clothes for a week. Some people had come to him for help during the previous outbreak. Not only did they receive help, but they were also told to return when things ran out. Helping the homeless. Axe said it broke his heart when he heard stories about people being starved for days when cities were locked down for Covid-19 prevention. Pham Phuong Mai, a club member, said, "I've participated in the club for two years after reading a post on social media. I felt scared at first because of all sort of people you might run into during the night but I became stronger and more active through the clubs activities." Upon receiving reports about homeless people in Hanoi, the club will scout out the area before preparing plans for help. Dung, a homeless woman in Hanoi, said she set up a tent by a public toilet near Thong Nhat Park to sleep at night. "I have lived like this for years and I feel self-pity but what can I do. They often come here to help me. I'll never forget their kindness during this hard time," she said. Dtinews Volunteers help homeless people On a stormy Friday night, Nguyen Thi Van, 80 something, shivered in her worn out raincoat. Leaning against a wall on a quiet Hanoi street, she wiped her dark and wrinkled face. Photo: The Canadian Press A plane's fuselage is seen through the canopy of forest at a crash site on Addenbroke Island, B.C., in a July 26, 2019, aerial handout photo. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says a decision to continue flying in poor weather led to the float plane crash that killed four people and injured five others. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Royal Canadian Air Force, 442 Squadron, *MANDATORY CREDIT* The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says a decision to continue flying in poor weather to a remote British Columbia fishing lodge in July 2019 led to a float plane crash that killed four people and injured five others. The TSB says the plane left Vancouver airport's water aerodrome on July 26, 2019, for Calvert Island on B.C.'s central coast despite poor weather forecasts for the area. The investigation report says the pilot continued flying in bad weather and reduced visibility, and was not able to determine the Cessna 208 Caravan's proximity to rising terrain, crashing into a hillside on Addenbroke Island, about 17 kilometres from the fishing lodge. The TSB says the float plane was equipped with flight data monitoring equipment but was not required by regulation to establish a flight data monitoring program. The TSB investigation says air operators with flight data monitoring equipment that do not actively monitor their flight operations may drift toward unsafe practices that increase the risk to flight crew and passengers. The pilot died in the crash and the three male passengers who were killed were from South Carolina, Washington state and Germany. The TSB says four passengers were seriously injured and one received minor injuries. CORINTH, Miss. (WTVA) -- Corinth police charged three people with capital murder and are looking for a fourth in connection with the death of a man in 2017. Captain Dell Green says Sharmarick Payne, 24, was found dead in his home on Glover Drive on April 17, 2017. Recent information in the case lead to the arrest of Antonio Reyes, 29, Ricky "Steven" Patterson, 26 and Zachariah Tays, 27, all of Corinth. All three are charged with capital murder. Green says Payne has been shot in the back of the head and the house had been ransacked. He says investigators believe the motive was robbery. He says following recent arrests Reyes and Patterson on unrelated charges, the two admitted to being at the Glover Street home when Payne was shot. Green said Tays was contacted by investigators to come in for questioning and also admitted to being the house. He says investigators consider Patterson to be the person responsible for shooting Payne. Green says they have issued a warrant for Sanchez Sorrell, 23, who is currently out of state. The U.S. Air Force has begun constructing prototype shelters in anticipation of someday housing its next-generation bomber, B-21 Raider. The service has erected a temporary prototype "Environmental Protection Shelter" at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, one of a few mock-up models that Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-21 Program Office are testing to find the most effective and affordable option for the Long Range Strike Bomber, according to release. "Environmental Protection Shelters help extend the life of the aircraft and reduce required maintenance by limiting UV exposure, limiting snow accumulation and melt, and limiting icing/de-icing operations experienced by the aircraft over time," Col. Derek Oakley, the command's B-21 Integration and System Management Office director, said in the release Read Next: As the Navy Moved to Fire Capt. Crozier, Other Leaders Rallied Around Him "These shelters also help us generate sorties more quickly by eliminating the need to always have to move aircraft in and out of hangars," he said in the March 3 announcement. Air Force Magazine reported last week that the shelter is 200 feet wide and 100 feet deep, which is also big enough for the B-2 Spirit bomber. While the B-2's wingspan runs 172 feet, it's unknown how long or wide the B-21 aircraft may be. The Air Force has said deliveries of the Raider, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, will begin in the mid-2020s. But the service has been careful not to broadcast details in order to protect its technology. The Air Force is weighing just how many prototype shelters to place at each of the chosen B-21 bases. In 2019, the service named Ellsworth to become the first operational B-21 base; it will also host the bomber's first formal training unit. Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is the service's preferred alternative. Dyess and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, are expected to receive B-21 Raiders "as they become available," the service said at the time. Following an environmental study, the Air Force will make its formal decision this summer on the final bases to host the B-21. The service chose Ellsworth as its first EPS hangar location because its "weather conditions offer the opportunity to collect the most diverse amount of data," according to the release. "We will collect a few years of data on these shelters and then incorporate that data into the final Environmental Protection Shelter design," Oakley said. Any needed bomber maintenance will occur in indoor maintenance hangars, which is routine, he added. In January, service officials held a virtual B-21 industry day to discuss various construction projects. Other facilities the B-21 will need, such as a low observable maintenance hangar to repair stealth coating and a general maintenance hangar, are in the planning stages, officials said. The Air Force has said it plans to procure at least 100 Raiders, rounding out its bomber inventory to 175, including its B-52 Stratofortress fleet. However, Gen. Tim Ray, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, has often proposed a bomber force of more than 200 aircraft. "We've said publicly that we think we need 220 bombers overall -- 75 B-52s and the rest B-21s, long term," Ray told Air Force Magazine last year. The Raider passed its critical design review in December 2018, a pivotal milestone for the program. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: The Air Force Plans to Retrain Weapons System Officers to Be B-21 Bomber Pilots Buckingham Palace on Tuesday (March 9) released a statement on behalf of the Queen after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made damaging racism claims by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan during an interview. According to reports, the Queen had expressed concerns over allegations of racism and said that issues will be dealt "privately" by the royal family. The statement said, "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members." Some of the biggest claims in the interview by Meghan and Harry included the royal family's concern about Archie's skin colour. While Harry refused to get into the details of the conversation he had with his family, off-camera he informed Winfrey that neither his grandmother the queen or grandfather Prince Philip had made the racist comment. According to royal experts, this is the first time Buckingham Palace has come under mounting pressure since Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana, in the 1990s. Notably, Oprah Winfrey's two-hour interview with Harry and Meghan was watched by over 17 million viewers on Sunday night, March 7, when it was broadcasted for the US audience. Reportedly, more than 11 million people also tuned in to watch the interview on ITV aired on March 8, for the Britain audience. For the unversed, Meghan and Harry quit the royal life in 2020 and now live in California with their young son, Archie. The couple also revealed during the interview that they are expecting their second child, a daughter, this summer. ALSO READ: Meghan Markle Opens Up About Suicidal Thoughts, British Press And The Firm In Interview With Oprah Winfrey ALSO READ: Dispute With Kate To Archie's Race, 5 Biggest Revelations From Meghan-Harry's Interview With Oprah Winfrey Land Minister Byeon Chang-heum bows ahead of a press briefing at the Government Complex Seoul, March 4. He apologized for alleged speculative land buying by some employees at the Korea Land & Housing Corp. using confidential information. Yonhap By Kim Rahn Land Minister Byeon Chang-heum had to make a public apology even before he took office. Since he was nominated to lead the nation's real estate policy on Dec. 4 last year, public criticism against his past inappropriate remarks and his following apologies have made bigger headlines than his policies. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The Department of the Interior and Local Government is not keen on bringing back quarantine and documentary requirements for local travel despite the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing told lawmakers on Wednesday that local government units have the option of requiring inbound travelers to undergo an RT-PCR test. What's more important, Densing said, is ensuring that travelers strictly observe minimum health standards, such as wearing face masks and face shields, and observing physical distancing. "The traveler practices minimum health standards and this I emphasize with our local officials, there's 95% chance of less transmissibility," he said at the hearing of the House committee on transportation. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases released a resolution in February approving uniform travel protocols across all LGUs. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/27/iatf-uniform-travel-protocols-covid-19.html Under IATF Resolution No. 101, travelers still have to undergo COVID-19 testing if required by the LGU of their destination -- the provincial government, and authorities of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities. In which case, only an RT-PCR test will be honored. Travelers, however, are no longer required to go on quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arriving at their destination. They also don't need to secure a travel authority from the police's Joint Task Force COVID Shield, or even health certificates prior to their trip. Meanwhile, Densing said the DILG approved the request of Ilocos Norte, Sarangani and Baguio City to use antigen test results as basis for allowing the entry of travelers instead of an RT-PCR test. The corresponding executive orders will be issued by the LGUs, he added. The country's COVID-19 daily case count has been rapidly increasing, with the number of active cases or currently ill patients at over 44,000 -- the highest since October. Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- The second plenary meeting of Vietnams 13th-tenure Party Central Committee concluded in Hanoi on Tuesday morning after nearly two days of working, with all of the set agenda items completed. Society -- The Ministry of Health recorded no COVID-19 cases on Wednesday morning. The countrys tally remains at 2,526, with 2,004 recoveries and 35 deaths. -- Coronavirus vaccination was initiated in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on Tuesday, with vaccine shots given to health workers at the Gia Lai General Hospital and a makeshift infirmary for COVID-19 treatment. -- Vietnam is expected to receive more than 1.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University on March 25, as part of the COVAX scheme co-led by the World Health Organization, the countrys Expanded Program on Immunization said on Tuesday. -- Two workers were killed after a rain gutter collapsed during the renovation of the abandoned Franciscaines monastery in Da Lat, a tourist city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, on Tuesday. -- A violent confrontation broke out between a group of security guards and family members of a patient at the Tuyen Quang General Hospital in the namesake northern province on Tuesday afternoon. -- Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Vo Van Hoan said at a meeting on Tuesday that a campaign will be carried out from now until the end of the year to deal with noise pollution in the metropolis. -- Police in the southern province of Binh Duong confirmed on Tuesday they were hunting for a Chinese man who had escaped from a local quarantine facility. Business -- The World Bank, acting on behalf of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has signed a $11.3 million grant with the State Bank of Vietnam to support the development of a commercial financing market for industrial energy efficiency investments. -- Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery exports hit $6.17 billion in the first two months of 2021, up 16.6 percent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! CAIRO Egypts Minister of Transport Kamel al-Wazir and Jordans Ambassador to Cairo Amjad Adaileh met in Cairo on March 1 to discuss bilateral relations. The two officials also stressed the importance of a protocol signed previously between the two countries and Iraq to operate a land route to transport passengers between the three countries. The route would start in Cairo and continue to Amman and Baghdad at a fare of $130 per passenger, including the ferry service fare between Egypts Nuweiba and Jordans Aqaba. The Egyptian Ministry of Transport said in a March 1 statement the deal was signed between Egypts Domestic and International Land Transport Regulatory Authority, the Arab Union Superjet Company (a Cairo-based company affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Transport), Jordans Jett Company, and Iraq's General Company for the Transport of Passengers and Delegations. This is the first time the protocol is publicly announced. There are no details on when and where it was signed between the three parties, and no information has thus far been revealed about its potential cost or about the start of its implementation. Al-Monitor tried to contact the Ministry of Transport, but it refused to comment. The ministry added in its statement that the land route aims to facilitate movement between the three countries and the travels of Egyptian workers and students to Jordan and Iraq. According to the ministry statement, the Egyptian and Jordanian sides discussed during the meeting the possibility of supporting trade between the two countries by overcoming all obstacles in both of their ports, in a bid to facilitate the transport of Egyptian products to Amman and from there to neighboring countries, including Syria and Iraq and vice versa. The parties stressed the need to develop the Arab Bridge Maritime Company owned by the three countries of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. The Arab Bridge Maritime Company was established in 1985 and has headquarters in all three countries. Its aim is to promote maritime transport in the Red Sea region and beyond, and it seeks to become an Arab bridge linking Arab Asia and Arab Africa, according to its website. Since the end of 2020, the three countries have been seeking to consolidate mutual cooperation and coordination in the framework of achieving Arab integration, which was reflected in several meetings between the three parties. The latest meeting was held in Cairo on Feb. 8 between the foreign ministers of the three countries to discuss tripartite coordination and ways of cooperation in different fields. In this context, Ayman Samir, a professor of international relations at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor, The announcement of the establishment of this land route comes as part of the 'New Sham project, which includes a number of economic projects serving the peoples of the three countries, and taking advantage of their resources and assets. The New Sham is a project put forth by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi during the tripartite summit between Iraq, Jordan and Egypt in Amman on Aug. 25, 2020. The project provides for the establishment of a common economic base for the three countries that secures long-term investment partnerships and a broad trade exchange contributing to enhancing the Arab market, based on oil abundance in Iraq, and the human capital in Egypt, with Jordan as a link between the two. Samir considered the New Sham project a political plan between the leaders of the three countries to achieve integration between them at the economic level, which would entail several projects, including the reconstruction of Iraq in exchange for oil. Both Egypt and Jordan are already engaged in development projects in Iraq, with Egypt receiving oil imports in return. The two countries are also involved at the security level with Baghdad, based on cooperation in combatting terrorism afflicting the region. Samir said Egypt could benefit from the landline project, which would pave the way for the return of Egyptian workers to Iraq as was the case prior to 2003 when nearly 4 million Egyptians worked in Iraq. This would represent a major shift in Egyptian income, which heavily depends on Egyptians remittances, he added. He said, If this venture proves to be successful, other countries could come on board in the future, especially since the three countries have the necessary capabilities to form a strong bloc in the political and economic sphere. Yaman al-Hamaki, a professor of economics at Ain Sham University in Cairo, told Al-Monitor via phone, Generally speaking, there are economic and political challenges facing Arab countries, which could only be overcome through solidarity and [securing] common interests. This could be done by exchanging investments and benefiting from the free trade areas, which would strengthen relations between governments and businessmen in the three countries. Commenting on the land route, Hamaki said, Transport routes are at the basis of trade in addition to supporting the movement of tourists from the three countries, especially between Egypt and Jordan, where tourism is one of the main state resources. This could be beneficial for both Amman and Cairo. She said the land route will contribute to Egypts greater exploitation of the Agadir Agreement it had signed with Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia back in May 2001, providing for the establishment of a free trade area between the four countries, which would consolidate integrated cooperation between the signatories and then lead to exports to Europe. Hamaki said Iraq has enormous investment opportunities for Egypt through the reconstruction projects that can be provided by Egyptian companies, which could bring in hard currency to the country. Iraq, on the other hand, would benefit from the highest efficiency at the lowest cost through cooperation with Egypt in this regard, she added. Egypt and Jordan, on the other hand, enjoy strong relations. On the political level, the two countries share the same vision on most regional issues. And a large Egyptian community lives in Jordan, estimated at about 800,000 people who make up one of the largest Egyptian communities in the world. Moreover, the value of Jordanian investments in Egypt stands at about $2 billion in various sectors, while Egypt maintains significant investments in Jordan amounting to about $1 billion, according to the figures on the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Egypt also maintains good relations with Iraq. On the political level, the two countries have exchanged many official visits since June 2013. On the economic level, the volume of trade between the two countries amounted to about $486 million in 2019 $479 million in Egyptian exports and $7 million in imports from Iraq, according to the government-owned State Information Service website. Tariq Fahmy, a professor of politics at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor via phone, The announcement [on the land route] conveys an important message that the alliance between the three countries has entered into implementation through economic projects and is no longer limited to political work only." An Iowa jury acquitted a journalist on Wednesday in a highly unusual trial of a reporter who was arrested last spring as she covered a protest against racism and police violence. Andrea Sahouri, a public safety reporter for The Des Moines Register, was arrested May 31 while covering a sometimes chaotic demonstration near the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines. Police officers ordered protesters to disperse and used pepper spray against them. Ms. Sahouri, who said she had identified herself as a reporter, was arrested along with her boyfriend at the time, Spenser Robnett, who had accompanied her that day. Ms. Sahouri, 25, pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges of failing to disperse and interference with official acts, each punishable by up to 30 days in jail. On Wednesday, a six-person jury found Ms. Sahouri and Mr. Robnett not guilty of both charges. Im thankful to the jury for doing the right thing, Ms. Sahouri said in a statement after the verdict. Their decision upholds freedom of the press and justice in our democracy. The coronavirus disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), first emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan City, China. Scientists believe that the virus jumped from an intermediate animal host to humans. To date, the virus has sickened more than 117 million people and killed over 2.61 million worldwide. It is, therefore, crucial to determine how the virus spreads and evolves to develop vaccines and therapies. Researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 variants rapidly emerge in animal hosts, hinting at the potential risk for human reinfection. The study, published on the preprint server bioRxiv*, highlights the need to study viral evolution and pathogenesis in human and animal hosts. This could help prevent future outbreaks that may mimic the magnitude of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Study background Over the years, cross-species transmission events or spillovers, which challenge pathogens to survive in new host environments, result in species-species adaptations. The severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2002, the Middle East respiratory syndrome in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and the current COVID-19 pandemic, all emerged from a spillover event. Though bats were most likely the reservoir of coronaviruses, the intermediate hosts include civet cats, camels, and pangolins, among others. Cross-species transmission events are rare, and in natural settings, they typically fail to result in an epidemic spread. In contrast to most species, humans move globally and regularly come into contact with domestic and peridomestic animals. Thus, when a novel virus spreads through human populations, this may cause a spillback into a wide range of companion and wild animals, which has occurred during the current coronavirus pandemic. Given that reverse zoonosis has been reported in animals like cats and dogs from households where people are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the risk of transmitting the virus to animals is plausible. The study The study aimed to assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during three rounds of expansion of strain USA-WA1/2020 in Vero E6 cells, followed by changes happening during the primary experimental infection in four mammalian hosts. The researchers compared variants of cell culture-expanded SARS-CoV-2 inoculum and virus recovered from four species following exposure to the virus. They also compared variant proportions, insertions, and deletions occurring in genomes of SARS-CoV-2 obtained from dogs, cats, hamsters, and ferrets. SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution differs across species, gene regions, and individuals. (A) Each point indicates the number of unique variants detected at 3% frequency in SARS-CoV-2 genomes recovered from individual animals. There is no significant difference in the number of unique variants detected in different species (ANOVA, p=0.22). (B) Analysis of variant distribution within species reveals that the majority of variants were detected in just one individual within each species. Subplot (a) shows the distribution for all variants, while (b) illustrates only variants not occurring in the P3 inoculum at >3%. (C) Variants are distributed across viral genes in relation to each genes length as a proportion of the entire genome length (linear model, R2=0.69, p<0.0001). The spike protein contained a notably higher proportion of all variants in comparison to its share of genome length. Grey shading represents the 95% confidence interval for the slope of the regression line. (D) SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variant residues of concern are in N terminal domain (NTD), receptor binding domain (RBD) and 670 furin cleavage site. Blue indicates NTD, Yellow indicates RBD. The furin cleavage site and adjacent residue 686 are in the indicated loop, which was not resolved in this structure. The team found five chances in nsp12, S, N, and M genes near fixation in the inoculum. Still, it returned to wild-type sequences in the ribonucleic acid (RNA) recovered from the animals about one to three days after exposure. The researchers detected 14 emergency variants in viruses recovered in the animals, including substitutions at spike positions N501, H69, and D614. The speed of in vitro and in vivo SARS-CoV-02 selection shows residues with functional importance during host-switching. Pathogens are under strong selective pressure to propagate in the host environment, while host defenses are aligned to prevent pathogen replication, the team explained. This host-pathogen arms race results in varied outcomes that can lead to increases or decreases in virulence and transmission, they added. Hence, the study findings illustrate the potential for spillback reservoir hosts to hasten evolution. Further, the results highlight the plasticity of viral adaptation in animal models. The findings may guide scientists to prevent future outbreaks that may emerge in animals and jump to humans. To date, the coronavirus disease continues to ravage across the globe. The United States remains the country with the highest case toll, reaching over 29 million, followed by India, with over 11.24 million cases, and Brazil, with over11.12 million cases. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Despite being informed about the Council for American-Islamic Relations origins, ties to terrorist organizations, anti-Semitism, and racism, the Charities Review Council refuses to remove CAIR from its list of worthy nonprofits. The Charities Review Council (CRC) is a nationwide organization that matches donors with not-for profit organizations that meet its accountability standards. Established in 1946, CRC claims to strengthen nonprofits internal policies and accountability and prides itself that every precious dollar goes to strong, ethical, and trustworthy nonprofits. They claim to educate nonprofits about transparency and how being transparent is crucial in meeting its rigorous accountability standards. Its strategic priorities include culturally responsible giving and being a model for integrity. In November the executive director of CRC, Kris Kewitsch, admitted in a telephone discussion that she was unaware of CAIRs origins or its ongoing support of terrorist organizations and anti-Semitism. She welcomed the opportunity to be informed. She was provided information about the FBIs wiretapped evidence from a 1993 meeting of Hamas leaders discussing the formation of CAIR. She was sent links about U.S. prosecutors identifying CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator in the federal case against the Holy Land Foundation raising money for Hamas in the United States. She was shown that United Arab Emirates, a pious Muslim country, designated CAIR a terrorist organization. She was informed that the State of Arkansas passed a House Resolution suspending outreach and contact with CAIR because CAIR officials were sentenced to prison on terrorism charges. She was advised that the Commerce Departments Census Bureau severed its partnership with CAIR because of its ties to the terrorist group Hamas. CRC specifically lists CAIR-Los Angeles and CAIR Philadelphia as meeting its Accountability Standards. CRC was presented with information how the Anti-Defamation League exposed CAIR-Los Angeles Executive Director Hussam Ayloush history of anti-Semitism, including calling Israel a cancerous tumor and implying that denying the Holocaust is morally equivalent to supporting Zionism and its ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. (The Palestinian Arab population has increased since the establishment of Israel). Ms. Kewitsch was sent a link to an article CAIR-Philadelphia executive director Jacob Bender wrote in which he said Jewish Americans will argue that slavery is dwarfed by the Holocaust and accused them of counting the corpses competition. Benders statement is in line with numerous other examples of CAIRs anti-Semitism. The organization urged supporters to lobby against the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2019, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Education to adopt the same International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism that the U.S. State Department embraced in 2016. All this was sent to CRC. CRC was informed that when the Philadelphia branch of the Muslim American Society (MAS) uploaded a video of children singing, We will chop off their heads, and liberate Al-Aqsa Mosque, Bender said the incident was not an example of radicalization. And when Imam Abdelimohsen Abouhaab delivered three anti-Semitic sermons at the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in North Philadelphia, CAIR-Philadelphia rewarded the mosque leader by hosting him at its upcoming banquet. CRC was also advised that CAIR had temporarily lost its tax-exempt status for failing to disclose funding from foreign governments. Kewitsch seemed grateful for all the information and promised to present it at the board of directors January meeting for their review. She also invited additional information that might help form the boards decision. Kewitsch was informed about Jacob Benders baseless, racist remarks about the Capitol police in the wake of the Capitol Hill riots on January 6. Bender wrote We can only imagine the number of rioters that would have been killed by the Capitol police had hundreds of Black men and women stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Or if the rioters had been American Muslims, how many would have been shot by the police. In the same article he attacked pro-Israel commentators even though the riots on Capitol Hill had nothing to do with Israel. In February, Kewitsch was given addition information about CAIR Philadelphias Board Chair Osama Al-Qasem, whose name is mentioned on CRCs website. His father, Anis-Al-Qasem was one of the co-founders in 1964 of the terrorist Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It was explained to Kewitsch that at that time the area commonly known as the West Bank, where Palestinians say they would like to have their own state, was under the control of Jordan. Therefore the only purpose for the establishment of the PLO was to destroy the Jewish state of Israel. AnisAl-Qasem also helped financially support jailed Palestinian terrorists. Since November numerous voicemails were left and many emails were sent to CRC. All were ignored. Yet CAIR Philadelphia and CAIR Sacramento remain two of CRCs highly regarded nonprofits that meet its accountability standards, its transparency standards and models for integrity. By continuing to endorse CAIR the Charities Review Council legitimizes extremism and provides a platform for anti-Semites, terrorists, and racists. Leonard Getz is the Philadelphia Associate with the Counter-Islamist Grid, a project of the Middle East Forum. Hes also the author of the film book From Broadway to the Bowery Image: Charities Review Council Louisiana insurance regulators have approved rate and form filings for Farmers Insurance in advance of California-based insurers re-entry into the Louisiana market. The Louisiana Department of Insurance reported that Farmers is returning to the Louisiana market in March with auto, homeowners, condo and renters insurance. Farmers began selling homeowners policies in Louisiana in 1999. Its market share in Louisiana peaked in 2007 when it became the seventh largest homeowners insurer in the state with 4.1% of the states policies and $56.2 million in direct written premium. But the insurance group began shedding policies in the difficult market after Hurricane Katrina and exited in 2014, leaving only a subsidiary, Foremost Insurance Co., doing residential property business in Louisiana. The LDI said Farmers decided to return to Louisiana as part of a national expansion to the East and South. In the past decade, it has expanded into Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Mississippi. Louisiana will be the 40th state where the company sells insurance under the Farmers brand. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Farmers Insurance Group was the ninth largest property and casualty insurer by premium in 2019, the most recent year for which data is available. Farmers will do business in Louisiana under the names Farmers Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange. Farmers plans to offer policies in all 64 parishes. With Farmers returns to the market, the Louisiana Department of Insurance will have recruited 32 new property insurance companies to Louisiana since 2006. Source: LDI Topics Louisiana Agribusiness Two giraffes including the popular Waffles have been killed after a blaze at a Virginia zoo on Monday evening. A two-story barn at Roer's Zoofari in Reston caught fire around 5.30pm Monday night which has left the zoo staff 'devastated'. Waffles and his unnamed companion were found dead after firefighters brought the blaze under control. A two-story barn at Roer's Zoofari caught fire around 5.30pm Monday night which has left the zoo staff 'devastated' Waffles (pictured) and his unnamed companion were found dead after firefighters brought the blaze under control The six-year-old giraffe had been brought to the zoo in 2016 and was a popular animal with locals. The other giraffe was Waffles' new companion, who had not been at the zoo long enough to be named. No other animals were injured, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said. Staff arrived within minutes after the fire was reported to help care for the other 20 animals housed in the same area as the giraffes. Staff arrived within minutes after the fire was reported to help care for the other 20 animals housed in the same area as the giraffes The zoo's website said the fire took place after the zoo had closed. 'We are all devastated by this incident,' said Vanessa Stoffel, an owner of Roers Zoofari. She added: 'Waffles was a favorite with our visitors and our team. We are heartbroken.' A cause for the fire wasn't immediately determined. The six-year-old giraffe had been brought to the zoo in 2016 and was a popular animal with locals A Facebook post from the zoo said it would be closed until further notice, adding: 'Grief counselors are being made available for staff, who are devastated by this tragedy and who cared deeply for these members of the Zoofari family.' One commenter Erika Edith Klein wrote on Facebook: 'I am so very sorry and so sad. We have known Waffles for years, since my daughter was an infant, thanks to him my children have learned about the beauty of giraffes and so many lessons and memories have been made throughout the years. 'We love Waffles and this is really hard to believe. I am so sorry. You are so loved and will be terribly missed.' From Pracharak to CM: A look at Trivendra Rawat's journey India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 10: From an obscure RSS 'pracharak' to the chief minister of Uttarakhand -- it has been quite a journey for Trivendra Singh Rawat who had to quit the top office on Tuesday ahead of next year's state assembly polls, following a "collective decision" by the party. Sworn in as CM on March 18, 2017 when the BJP stormed to power after winning 57 out of 70 seats, he had just nine days left to complete four years of his tenure when he had to call it quits. At the press conference soon after his resignation, Rawat described himself as a man with humble beginnings who never imagined that the party will give him the honour of serving Uttarakhand as its chief minister. The rise of an ordinary man like me to the top office is something that can happen only in a party like the BJP," he said. Uttarakhand cheif minister's resignation an eyewash to hide government's failures: Congress In the 2017 election, Rawat won the Doiwala seat for the third time, wresting it from the Congress which had bagged it in a bypoll in 2014. He defeated his rival by 24,869 votes. The highlights of his term as chief minister were granting Gairsain in Chamoli district the summer capital status and the ordinance that gave co-ownership rights to women in their husband's ancestral property. The ouster from the CM's post was sudden and rather unceremonious. Exactly what triggered it is still not known. But resentment against him has surfaced now and then with some MLAs even writing to the party's central leadership, complaining that they were not being heard. Rawat was born in 1960 in a family where serving in the armed forces was a tradition -- his father Pratap Singh Rawat was in Garhwal Rifles. Young Trivendra studied at a school with mud walls in his native village of Khairasain in Pauri Garhwal district. Though average in studies, he had a keen interest in social and political affairs from an early age. Impressed with the Sangh's ideology, he joined the RSS when he was just 19. Six years later he was appointed an RSS pracharak for Dehradun city. After being actively involved with the RSS for about 14 years, Rawat became the BJP's state-level organisation secretary. He also took party in the agitation for statehood for Uttarakhand and was arrested several times. In 2002, he was elected from Doiwala, in the state's first assembly elections in 2002. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News He won the seat again in 2007 and was made the state's agriculture minister. On the strength of his organisational skills, Rawat was made the party's national secretary in 2013. His successful stint in that capacity earned him the post of co-incharge of party affairs in Uttar Pradesh just a year later. He is the ninth and the youngest of his siblings. One of his brothers is the post master of the post office at Khairasain village. Another brother grows aromatic plants on a piece of land near Jaiharikhal. Rawat keeps visiting his village now and then to relish millet (manduwa) rotis, his brother Veerendra says. The former CM is a post graduate in Journalism from Garhwal University's Srinagar campus. Partner with us for Press release distribution and get best in class service, guaranteed postings on tier 1 media and maximum reach MBABANE The Mozambican man who killed a taximan and dumped his body next to the road has been sentenced to 33 years imprisonment. Paito Nyampiri, who was 18 years old when he committed the murder and other offences, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Nkululeko Hlophe. Judge Hlophe said he had no hesitation that Nyampiri would have had to be given a capital sentence if it were not for the fact that he was found to be immature when he committed the offences. Capital punishment is also known as the death penalty. Accomplice Nyampiri was in the company of a companion, who was turned into an accomplice witness, when they hired and shot the taximan, Victor Ncabeni Dlamini, in the back of the head as he drove the taxi, a Honda Fit. The convict was believed to have accepted an order from a Mozambican soldier for the delivery of the car to him. He dumped the taximans body next to the road and stole the vehicle and other belongings of the deceased. The Mozambican was found guilty of murder, robbery, theft, unlawful possession of a firearm and live rounds of ammunition and being in the country without a valid permit. For murder, he was sentenced to 18 years, 15 years for robbery and five years for theft. He was also sentenced to five years with an option of a fine of E5 000 for unlawful possession of a firearm, three years or E3 000 for unlawful possession of live rounds of ammunition and six months with an option to pay a fine of E600 for being in the country illegally. Judge Hlophe ordered that the murder and robbery sentences should run concurrently. The other sentences, according to the court, will run concurrently with the sentence for theft. The court also ordered that the murder and robbery sentences, which are to run concurrently, should run consecutively with the sentences that run concurrently with the theft sentence. In total, it means Nyampiri will spend 33 years in prison. The period he spent in custody, according to the court, will be taken into account when computing the sentence. Judge Hlophe said Dlamini was killed like an animal. The judge said the taxi man was not asked to surrender his car and he did not refuse to do anything he had been commanded to do, which could have justified Nyampiri and his companions action. He lost his life because the accused and the person he was with felt they should kill him in order for them to appropriate his car and cellphone to themselves. This court needs to pass a sentence that sends an unequivocal message to all and sundry that such conduct has no place in this country and that it should be nipped in the bud, said the judge. Judge Hlophe said he had no doubt that the sentence would deter other would-be offenders from even daring to contemplate the commission of this offence. The judge pointed out that even the manner in which the body of the deceased was disposed of invoked disgust. Having mercilessly and callously killed an innocent man in the manner described, they discarded his corpse by the roadside like they were getting rid of a carcass. This exposed the accused and his accomplice as miscreants or animals that have no place among human beings and thus deserving to be put away from among others for a very long time. The judge said matters entailing the loss of innocent lives through senseless violence were on the rise and were prevalent in societies, calling upon the court to pass sentences that were harsher than normal in order to send an unequivocal message that such conduct is not welcome in court society. The seriousness of the matter, according to the court, was complicated by the fact that the murder and robbery in question were committed against a taxi operator who had done no wrong but believed the two to be genuine customers who required his services. The court also noted that incidences where taxi operators were hijacked, robbed of their cars and belongings or even killed were prevalent and were growing at an alarming rate. Special This necessitates that our courts pay particular and special attention towards this growing scourge with a view to exterminating it. This particular and special attention should entail the imposition of harsher-than-normal sentences on the perpetrators of such crimes so that the taxi services sector can continue to freely and competently provide this invaluable service to the public knowing that predators like the accused have been excluded from society. Judge Hlophe said the murder and robbery were premeditated. He said the evidence showed the extent to which the accused and his accomplice went into in preparing and planning the said offences. For instance, Judge Hlophe said, it was agreed at the planning stage that as the robbery was being committed, the driver of the taxi was to be killed, and the plan was carried into effect. As a consequence, we now have not only the senseless death of the taxi operator whose car is, instead of at least being used to earn his family an income for an improved lifestyle, rotting away while parked and kept as an exhibit awaiting finalisation of the matter in court. Again, the need for a harsher-than-normal sentence is being underscored. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Qatar exported its first oil cargo to a neighboring country in the Arab Gulf since Saudi Arabia and some of its close allies restored diplomatic ties with the tiny nation in January, after three and a half years of economic embargo and strained relations. Qatar, a small oil producer especially compared to Saudi Arabia, shipped some 700,000 barrels of its oil to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in early March, according to Bloomberg tanker-tracking data. Qatars first oil delivery to a neighbor marks the start of recovering trade relations after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt restored diplomatic ties with Qatar in early January. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia and five other Arab nations severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism and destabilizing the region. Back then, Saudi Arabias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it had made the decision to sever ties with Qatar as a result of grave violations committed by the authorities in Doha. The Saudis and their close allies were concerned that Qatar had become too close to Saudi Arabias regional rival, Iran. The Saudi-led boycott of Qatar resulted in the closure of airspace for Qatar Airways, suspension of trade, and closing of borders. Related Video: Can Saudis Defend Aramco from Houthis? After diplomatic efforts from Kuwait and the U.S., early this year Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain restored diplomatic ties with Qatar, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman saying that the agreement to return to normal relations affirmed our Gulf, Arab and Islamic solidarity and stability. During the Saudi-led embargo on Qatar, the tiny Gulf nation quit OPEC as of January 2020. Qatar exports around 500,000 bpd of oil and condensate, a tiny amount compared to Saudi Arabias exports, but Qatar is a world-leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. Last month, state firm Qatar Petroleum took the final investment decision to build what it says would be the worlds largest LNG project in terms of capacity, as the tiny Gulf nation aims to raise its annual production by 40 percent by the end of 2025 and be the biggest LNG producer in the world for at least the next two decades. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: RTHK: Blinken, Austin start new jobs with Asia trip Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will travel to Japan and South Korea next week, the State Department and Pentagon said on Wednesday, in the first overseas and in-person trip by top cabinet members of the Biden administration. Blinken and Austin will hold 2 plus 2 dialogues with their Japanese and South Korean counterparts on March 15-18, the State Department said in a statement. Austin's trip will start earlier on March 13, and will also include Hawaii and India, the Pentagon said. The choice of Asia as the destination for Blinken and Austin's first visit reflects Biden administration's priority to reinforce alliances in Indo-Pacific in the face of growing concerns about an increasingly assertive China. Days before the trip, President Joe Biden is expected to hold an online meeting on March 12 with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, the first leader-level meeting of the "Quad," a four-country group seen as part of efforts to balance Beijing. Bidens administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China in consultation with allies, as the worlds two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during the Trump administration. Blinken and Austin's trip to Asia escalated speculation if there could be a meeting with Chinese officials. On Tuesday, The South China Morning Post cited a source as saying that the two countries were in discussions about a meeting in Alaska between Blinken and China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi. A senior Biden administration official said on Tuesday that the United States was in talks with China about a possible "near-term" senior-level meeting between the two countries, after the White House said it had no "finalized" details to announce. Biden spoke to President Xi Jinping last month and Blinken also spoke with his Chinese counterpart, but there's been no in-person contact between Washington and Beijing since Biden took office on January 20. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close (Natural News) A Mississippi judge has ruled in favor of repeating elections in the city of Aberdeen following the discovery of overwhelming evidence of vote fraud. Judge Jeff Weills 64-page order said there was undeniable evidence of fraud and criminal activity during a Democratic runoff election. Some of the aspects of the past election marred by fraud included the handling of absentee ballots, the counting of votes and activities by certain individuals at the polling place. Weill called for a repeat of the Democratic runoff elections in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Robert Devaull and Nicholas Holliday are vying for the position of alderman in Aberdeen Ward 1. Holliday originally won the Ward 1 seat by a 37-vote margin, but Devaull challenged the results. In his ruling, the judge said 66 of 84 or 79 percent of absentee ballots cast during the June 2020 runoff were invalid and should not have been counted. In addition, the magistrate also found that 83 regular ballots were counted without being initialed by election workers. Weill also issued a bench warrant for notary Dallas Jones, who handled absentee ballots. She admitted violating her duties, adding that she notarized about 30-something ballots at a former Aberdeen alderwomans residence. Jones has since been released on bond. The judge added that there was clear evidence of voter intimidation and harassment at the polling place on Election Day. Weill said Holliday, Police Chief Henry Randle and former Aberdeen Mayor Maurice Howard violated the law because of their presence there. According to state election laws, candidates and supporters must stay at least 150 feet away from the polling location. Court filings on the matter said there is probable cause that several individuals involved in the disturbances during Election Day at the polling precinct willfully and corruptly violated one or more of the above criminal statutes. The filings also noted: The court will leave to the appropriate authorities to determine whether the actions of Howard, Randle and Holliday amounted to prosecutable crimes. (Related: Antifa threatening the President, his supporters and the legal system as courts review widespread election fraud.) Unfortunately, Weills ruling does not extend to the whole United States Devaull expressed hope that Weills order for a new election would mean a fair contest for the Ward 1 alderman seat. It was always a lot of distraction in Ward 1. I would like to see, going forward, that [elections] be cleaned up, people being able to come and go [and] vote for who they want to, he said. Walter Zinn, the Aberdeen City attorney who represented Holliday, said in a statement on March 1 that both he and his client were left offended and befuddled by the court ruling. Zinn slammed the courts findings of fact as grossly inconsistent with [the] testimony of witnesses. The city attorney reiterated that he and Holliday will explore all the legal remedies afforded under the law. Such a ruling would have been a game-changer given the results of the November 2020 general elections. Last years polls saw President Joe Biden enter the White House as the top official of the land amid allegations of vote fraud in key battleground states. Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have worked double time to file lawsuits challenging the fraudulent results in different states. Attorney Sidney Powell is among the lawyers who have fought to overturn poll results in battleground states such as Wisconsin and Arizona. However, the U.S. Supreme Court formally rejected her lawsuits challenging the results in these two states on March 1. The highest court of the land did not comment about its dismissal of Powells lawsuits. The petitions for writs of mandamus are denied, it stated. Powellls Telegram page has not posted any updates on the matter as of writing. The dismissal of the two suits followed the conservative lawyers withdrawal of an earlier filing back in January, which challenged the election results in Georgia. (Related: Powells Kraken lawsuit in Georgia reveals voluminous extent of alleged voter fraud.) Check out VoteFraud.news to learn more about irregularities in all levels of U.S. elections. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com WCBI.com TheEpochTimes.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Washington: China has adopted an increasingly assertive military posture to exert pressure and expand its influence across the region and the Chinese expansionary territorial ambitions are also on display along its western border, where its troops have been engaged in a standoff with Indian forces, a top American commander told lawmakers on Tuesday. During a Congressional hearing, Admiral Philips Davidson, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the greatest danger for the United States in this competition with China is the erosion of conventional deterrence. He said that a combat-credible, conventional deterrent posture is necessary to prevent conflict, protect US interests, and to assure its allies and partners. Admiral Davidson told lawmakers that China has adopted an increasingly assertive military posture to exert pressure and expand its influence across the region. This is particularly stark concerning Taiwan, he said, adding that Chinese expansionary territorial ambitions are also on display along its western border, where the PLA (People's Liberation Army) has been engaged in a standoff with Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since May 2020. "The standoff was predicated by clashes over construction activities near the disputed border PLA ground manoeuvre and support elements subsequently forward-deployed roughly 50,000 soldiers along the LAC, leading to a counter-deployment by the Indian Army, he said. "The PLA has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions it seized following the initial clash, and the consequent escalation of tensions between the PRC and India has resulted in casualties on both sides. This large-scale PLA mobilisation - which is particularly notable considering the elevation, terrain, and distance involved - has stoked regional concerns that the People's Republic of China (PRC) will increasingly use force to achieve desired outcomes, Davidson said. China moved over 60,000 well-armed troops who were mobilised for annual exercises, to contentious areas like Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh in May last year, prompting India to match the PLA's mobilisation which led to an over eight-month-long standoff. After lengthy rounds of talks, the two sides simultaneously withdrew troops from Pangong Tso area last month while talks are on for the withdrawal of soldiers from the rest of the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Davidson said that A combat-credible, conventional deterrent posture is necessary to prevent conflict, protect US interests, and to assure its allies and partners. "Absent a convincing deterrent, the PRC will be emboldened to take action to undermine the rules-based international order and the values represented in our vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The combination of the PRC's military modernisation program and willingness to intimidate its neighbors through the use, or threatened use of force, undermines peace, security, and prosperity in the region, he said. "US Indo-Pacific Command's approach for addressing Great Power Competition centers on advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific by focusing on four critical areas: increasing Joint Force Lethality, Enhancing Design and Posture, Strengthening Allies and Partners and modernizing our Exercises, Experimentation, and Innovation Programs, he added. Live TV Leading figures in American media have shown their support for British television presenter Piers Morgan after he left his high-profile breakfast slot with the broadcaster ITV following his strident criticism of Meghan Markle. CNN anchor Jake Tapper and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly have praised Morgan and said he had been treated unfairly. Fox News host Tucker Carlson and political and media commentator Ben Shapiro also weighed in with support for Morgan. Morgan, a former presenter on CNN and Daily Mail editor at large, had accused Meghan and Harry of damaging the royal family and seeking publicity on their own terms without accepting the responsibility and scrutiny that come with their position. Morgan dubbed Meghan 'Princess Pinocchio' in a tweet and said on Monday that he did not 'believe a word she said' in her and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Morgan, the host of Good Morning Britain, has been fiercely critical of the Sussexes for years Morgan on Tuesday clashed with his co-host, Alex Beresford (pictured) and then stormed off Morgan left the set of Good Morning Britain following his heated argument with Beresford Morgan abruptly quit his Good Morning Britain breakfast show on Tuesday amid the fallout from the extraordinary Oprah interview. He is understood to have been ordered to apologize but he refused and quit, saying he had the right to tell viewers his 'honestly held opinions' and declaring: 'Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on'. Standing firm, Morgan told reporters outside his West London home: 'If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it.' His views, and his refusal to back down in the row, had sparked more than 41,000 complaints made to Ofcom, fueled by an orchestrated social media campaign spearheaded by his critics including several Labour MPs. Following news of his departure, CNN's Jake Tapper described the Ofcom investigation as 'insanity'. 'This is what happens when you live in a country where there is no First amendment. Insanity,' he said, linking to a Variety article entitled: 'U.K. media regulator Ofcom launched an investigation after more than 41,000 people complained about Piers Morgan's comments on Meghan Markle.' When Tapper was attacked by Morgan's critics, he concluded: 'OK, British friends. We disagree.' Megyn Kelly also sprung to Morgan's defense, tweeting: 'I don't know what happened w/ @piersmorgan at GMB. 'What I do know is he & Susannah have been a brilliant team that took risks & became must-watch TV. 'In an era of free speech being stifled everywhere, Piers fearlessly speaks his mind. We need more, not fewer like that in media.' Ben Shapiro also took a swipe at Morgan's departure, tweeting: 'Real victims are actresses who become princesses, whine to Oprah about their difficult life as royalty from a $14.5M estate, issue complaints to broadcasters about those who criticize them, and get those people fired.' Tucker Carlson also addressed the controversy during his Fox News show on Tuesday night when he said it was absurd no one was allowed to make fun of Meghan's claim that she was silenced. In response to Markle saying she was silenced, Carlson told viewers: 'A rational person might consider this claim absurd, but amazingly no one else seems to think it is. Oprah clearly doesn't think it's absurd. 'You're not allowed to make fun of this. 'Our friend Piers Morgan did that on television in the UK and had to resign from his job.' Celebrity Sharon Osbourne also weighed in, tweeting: '@piersmorgan I am with you. I stand by you. People forget that you're paid for your opinion and that you're just speaking your truth.' Jake Tapper, CNN anchor, said the Ofcom investigation into Morgan was 'insanity' Kelly appeared on Morgan's show with Susanna Reid to discuss the Oprah Winfrey interview Sharon Osbourne, a long-term friend of Morgan's, tweeted her support for the presenter Morgan, a prolific tweeter who has 7.7 million followers on the platform, posted a ticking clock shortly before ITV's statement confirming his departure. It was retweeted by Kelly. Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of ITV, had said earlier that she believed Meghan 'completely'. In the two-hour Oprah interview, Meghan spoke of feeling suicidal and turning to the Palace for help but being rebuffed. She told Winfrey that she felt incredibly lonely and isolated, and had insufficient support from the royal family. Prince Harry said that racism had played a large part in forcing them from the U.K. and said he and his father stopped speaking for some time. Asked about his relationship with his brother, Harry said it was 'space'. After the interview aired, Morgan had a heated argument with his co-host Alex Beresford, which ended with Morgan storming off the set. Meghan had accused the royal family of pushing her to the brink of suicide and said someone in the royal household had raised questions about the color of her son's skin - allegations that have prompted questions about the future of the monarchy. Morgan did qualify his original comments on Tuesday, saying: 'I still have serious concerns about the veracity of a lot of what she (Meghan) said, but let me just state for the record about my position on mental illness and on suicide. Morgan and his co-host, Susanna Reid, have helmed the show for the past six years 'They should be taken extremely seriously and if someone is feeling that way they should get the treatment and help that they need every time, and if they belong to an institution like the royal family and they go and seek that help they should absolutely be given it.' Morgan joined ITV six years ago, bringing no-holds-barred interrogation to British breakfast television. Government ministers, celebrities and members of the royal family have all felt the lash of his tongue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has pressed the government repeatedly to explain why Britain has one of the highest death rates in the world. Ministers boycotted the show for months. Such is his influence that many newspapers write daily stories on his Tweets and comments. Morgan made his name in the cut-throat world of the British popular press, becoming the youngest editor of a title at 28 when Rupert Murdoch appointed him at the News of the World. He later ran the Daily Mirror. Morgan later moved into television, appearing as a judge on the reality shows America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent, and spent three years hosting a poorly received chat show on CNN, replacing Larry King. YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. Shortly after being dismissed by virtue of law as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan issued a statement saying that his dismissal is unconstitutional and that he is filing a lawsuit to the administrative court. My position is unchanged: both the statement [on my dismissal], as well as the entire process of the dismissal are unconstitutional, which once again affirms that the only way to ensure this crisis solution that would contribute to our country would be as a result of the Prime Ministers resignation and early elections of parliament, Gasparyan said in the statement published by the General Staffs information department. He said he has applied to the administrative court with the purpose of ensuring the rule of law and the Constitution in the Republic of Armenia, and exercising the [virtue of law] based exclusively on law." I will continue my service to the country and people in another status. Dear generals, officers, and soldiers, the exclusive mission of the armed forces is to ensure the countrys security, therefore I am calling upon you to continue your selfless and [patriotic] service exclusively to your country and people, for the development of the armed forces and the strengthening of Armenia and Artsakh. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan The University of South Florida is being honored on a national level for its commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion. Today the university was selected as a recipient of the Jesse L. Moore Supplier 2021 Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and only print diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that take proactive steps to support and engage with minority-owned businesses through supplier diversity offices, unique programs and leading initiatives. Recipients were selected based on their efforts to engage and retain suppliers from underrepresented groups. The University of South Florida is proud to be recognized for our strong commitment to supplier diversity, said USF President Steve Currall. Supporting diverse and minority-owned businesses in our community is not just good for equity, its good for the business climate in the Tampa Bay region. Having a diversity of contracts increases both the value and quality of the universitys purchasing decisions. Since USF launched its strategic initiative to enhance supplier diversity in early 2017, the university has spent more than $120 million with businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans. The amount represents nearly eight percent of the universitys competitively sourced purchases. Prior to the new initiative, USF spent approximately $18 million per year with diverse suppliers and that amount has grown to as high as $34 million in recent years. Another important part of USFs efforts is to engage the community, including the establishment of USFs Supplier Diversity Day, which brings together and educates hundreds of local diverse suppliers interested in doing business with USF, and the creation of the USF Supplier Diversity Champion Awards, which recognize USF employees, suppliers and community advocates who contribute to the success of the universitys supplier diversity program. We are so honored to receive this award. As the inaugural appointee to lead the USF supplier diversity program, I have had the pleasure, along with my amazing team, of building this initiative from the ground up. The support of our senior leadership has been a catalyst for the program growth that we are experiencing, said Terrie Daniel, USF Office of Supplier Diversity assistant vice president. This recognition validates that USF is moving in the right direction and we know this is just the beginning of our commitment to grow opportunities for diverse suppliers across the Tampa Bay region. USF previously earned statewide recognition for its supplier diversity and community engagement efforts by receiving the 2020 Doing Well While Doing Good Humanitarian Award from the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. Daniel and her team continue to focus on outreach efforts and expanding programming opportunities for businesses to learn more about the universitys procurement processes. The Office of Supplier Diversity also educates USF staff and faculty on best practices for considering minority, woman and veteran-owned businesses when making purchases. Tourists abandoned Bratislava Region and the capital; tourism organisation is calling for help Bratislava Region Tourism has addressed both the state and people. Font size: A - | A + Bratislava Region together with the capital experienced the largest drop in the number of tourists of all Slovak destinations. In the entire region, the number of accommodated guests fell by 68 percent year-on-year, while the city of Bratislava registered a drop of 71 percent y-o-y. The occupancy rate of accommodation facilities in the region decreased by 65 percent, and in the capital by 68 percent. Their revenues thus fell by more than 70 percent, the TASR newswire reported. The regional tourism organisation is calling for help. Address to state and people We appreciate the Transport Ministrys state assistance, said Frantisek Stano, executive director of Bratislava Region Tourism organisation, as quoted by TASR. But the pandemic situation has worsened significantly since this measure was passed, and the payments can no longer be considered a recovery injection. They only preserve the state of clinical death. Related article Tourism industry drops to levels from 20 years ago Read more The tourism organisation is thus calling for systemic aid from the state and the preparation of other recovery processes. Slovak tourism is not competitive with foreign destinations in tax and payroll tax burden, in VAT and promotion as a destination for tourists. This is why they are calling for both one-off payments and a change in the states attitude. It has addressed the Finance Ministry, the Transport Ministry (responsible for the tourism agenda), and the Economy Ministry. Bratislava Region Tourism also turned to people in Slovakia, asking them not to avoid Bratislava and the region when planning their holiday. It has pointed to several places they can visit. 10. Mar 2021 at 17:46 | Compiled by Spectator staff People in Hanoi and Gia Lai Province will receive the first Covid-19 vaccine shots on March 9 according to the Ministry of Health. Illustrative photo Deputy director of Hanoi Centre for Diseases Control (CDC), Khong Minh Tuan said that the city has received 8,000 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines from the Ministry of Health and would first give injections to 30 health workers at Thanh Nhan Hospital on March 9. After that, some 300 staff members of Hanoi CDC and those with high risks of virus infections in the city will get vaccinated. Vietnam launched a national Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the first three selected locations on March 8. Frontline healthcare workers at the Hanoi-based National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and people in the Covid-19 hotspot of Hai Duong Province were selected to receive their first shots. This is the first national Covd-19 vaccination campaign, using more than 117,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine imported last month. The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases have been given 450 doses, the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases 900 doses and Hai Duong Province 32,900 doses. The vaccination will continue in 18 other localities in the coming days, the ministry said. The vaccine has passed quality tests by leading professionals from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and their counterparts from South Korea. Top priority will be given to the safety of the vaccine, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said at a meeting on Sunday, adding doctors have been equipped with necessary knowledge to deal with possible emergency cases. The vaccination will be monitored by representatives of foreign organisations in Vietnam. Foreign media workers will be also invited to give news coverage of the event. Vietnam imported more than 117,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in late February. This is the first batch of the 30 million doses that Vietnam is expected to receive from AstraZeneca this year under a recently-signed deal with the manufacturer. It is anticipated to receive another 30 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine this year from COVAX, a Covid-19 vaccination mechanism co-led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), GAVI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Vietnam is negotiating to import a further 30 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the United States this year. The country reported no new Covid-19 infection cases in the past 12 hours to 6:00 am on March 9. As of Tuesday morning, the country recorded 2,524 patients including 1,586 domestically-transmitted infections. Dtinews/VOV About halfway through our Thursday night Zoom happy hour, our Director of Content Marketing tried to take a sip directly from an elaborate wine decanter, on camera. He missed his mouth entirely, sending his Bordeaux streaming out of frame and, presumably, all over the floor, and I got pictures. You might say the night went well. The Bordeaux and all our other wine came from Firstleaf, a customizable wine subscription that delivers a box of wine to your door every month, with a selection curated for your personal tastes by a quiz you take when you first sign up. Firstleaf is offering your first box at an introductory $40, with each subsequent box priced at $90, but this is offset by the fact that you get to rate each wine you receive. The longer you keep your Firstleaf subscription, the more the wine will be tailored to your specific likes and dislikes. Choosing wine with Firstleaf Despite putting no more planning into this evening than we would a normal virtual happy hour, our team ended up enjoying a diverse collection of alcohol, though we all had a slightly different experience with how the wines lined up with our preferences. The process begins with a simple quiz: You select wines you like, followed by wines you dont, and then answer about a dozen related questions on food and how gastronomically adventurous you are. Naturally, being stalwart journalists, most of us chose adventurous. I chose a mix of red and white, leaning toward not sweet, Director of Content Marketing Ryan Craggs said. So far, his selection seemed satisfying: Ive only dipped into the Bordeaux and the Chardonnay. The Bordeaux was fine, but I surprisingly enjoyed the ChardonnayI take this recommendation as a win, because otherwise I might not have ever thought to try this wine. Others were a bit more confused about how the algorithm made its choices. I leaned towards red, but got a mix, says Director of Business Development Nyasha Bass. I actually went through the quiz a few times because I didnt like my options the first time. I chose sweeter wines, like Riesling (my favorite) during the initial taste analysis quiz, said Senior Commerce Editor Ana Suarez. You get the option to thumbs down wines you do not like, and I did that for every Chardonnay they tried to send my way. Im not a wine snob by any means, she continued. I drink wine 90% of the time when I do drink, but I have a habit of sticking to the same thing. Despite her preferences, the algorithm did try to send a Chardonnay, though she was able to remove it before hitting submit. My selection of wines was probably the most in line with my preferences for wine, since I selected a bunch of red wines that seemed familiar and received a box of red wines that, so far, has been completely delicious. But as you can tell by that last sentence, my palate is probably the least sophisticated of the group, and I might not even notice if they sent me a wine that I had precluded from my list. Still, I know what bad wine tastes like, and I havent located a drop of it in my Firstleaf box and I tasted quite the sample size during the Zoom happy hour. This is in stark contrast to Craggs, who said some would call me a snob; Ive lived in Spain and Italy and used to be a travel editor, so I fancy myself as knowing a few things about viniculture. But I also recognize Im an idiot and most people who think this about themselves are putting on airsme included. I enjoy the discovery aspect of wine. Joshua Sargent / SFGate If youre a wine newbie like me, youre going to be happy to try a bunch of stuff youve never heard of, and maybe develop some more precise interests. If you already have a preference, you might nitpick the quiz resultsbut luckily, youre able to revise the order before it goes through. Firstleaf delivery Its rare for any review to give unmitigated praise, but in this case, its absolutely warranted. Firstleafs delivery was quicker than any of us anticipated, especially considering the brutal snowstorm we endured: We all placed our orders on a Friday, and received a fresh box of wine by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. What comes with your Firstleaf delivery Each wine comes with a note card featuring a photograph of the vineyard, an explanation of the region of the wine's origin, and the flavor profile you can expect. My card for La Belle France Bordeaux Rouge, for example, explains that the Gironde River flows directly from the Atlantic Ocean into the region, separating the area into Left Bank and Right Bank. The separation via the river creates uniqueness and individuality. Beneath that, it offers ratings for Body, Acidity, Sweetness, Fruit and Tannin, as well as suggesting pairings (in this case, filet, roasted chicken, and comte cheese) as well as the perfunctory stats like the wine's ABV (13.5%) and non-member price ($24). The note cards are real fun (Bass also selected them as a stand out part of the experience), adding an air of sophistication to the wine-drinking experience, providing valuable context for connoisseurs while being accessible enough for wine-newbies like myself to really feel like were learning something. Who will enjoy Firstleaf? At $90 for six bottles of wine, a Firstleaf subscription shakes out to $15 per bottle. Thats the price range of low- to mid-shelf wine in my neighborhood, and the stuff we got in our Firstleaf box would never be confused with bottom-shelf wine. In other words, Firstleaf seems tailored toward people who have a limited understanding of viniculture and want to expand their knowledge by jumping, mouth open, into the deep end. After a few months if youre not an expert, at least youll have gleaned enough buzzwords off these note cards to be able to convincingly fake it. President Klaus Iohannis and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had a phone call today, in preparation for this year's NATO Summit and in the context of the NATO 2030 forward-looking reflection process, according to AGERPRES. According to a statement from the Presidential Administration, the two top officials stressed the importance of advancing, in the coming period, allied talks on strengthening the Alliance's role and profile, supporting the common vision for a stronger and more effective Alliance at the 2030 time horizon. In this regard, President Iohannis pointed out that the 2021 NATO Summit, the first to be attended by the new US President Joseph R. Biden, is an extremely important milestone in shaping NATO's adaptation process and strengthening the security of allies, emphasizing that for Romania, reaffirming allied unity and the solidity of the transatlantic relationship represent central themes in this context. The head of the state also stressed the need for this year's Summit to adopt decisions that allow for a consistent and coherent continuation of strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense stance on the Eastern Flank, increase allied resilience and maintain NATO's technological edge. President Klaus Iohannis indicated that Romania fully supports the NATO 2030 strategic reflection process, to which it will make an active contribution, and appreciated the coordinating role of the NATO Secretary General in managing the process, as well as his efforts to coordinate and involve the allies in the process. Klaus Iohannis also highlighted the importance of efforts to increase the resilience of the Alliance as a whole as well as of its member states, and underscored Romania's determination to get actively involved in supporting these efforts, noting in this regard the initiative to set up and host the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Center (E-ARC). In his turn, the NATO Secretary General thanked and expressed appreciation for Romania's role within the Alliance, terming it as a responsible and valuable ally, with substantial participations and contributions to conceptual debates, allied projects and initiatives, as well as in NATO's theaters of operation. Jens Stoltenberg thanked Romania for its willingness to get actively involved in the strategic reflection process and reiterated interest in this leading to a consolidated profile of the Alliance for the next decade, including by updating its official master strategy document, the Strategic Concept. Regarding resilience, an increasingly important topic on the allied agenda, the NATO Secretary General appreciated Romania's initiative regarding the creation of a resilience-dedicated Center, the Presidential Administration release states. Former president Donald Trump recently requested a mail-in ballot for a municipal election in South Florida, according to Palm Beach County records, voting again by mail despite months of repeatedly promoting false claims of election fraud without evidence. Records from the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, first reported by The Palm Beach Post, show that a mail-in ballot for the town's local election this week was requested on Friday for the former president's residence at Mar-a-Lago. The completed ballot was received Monday, before Tuesday's election. The county elections website shows that the request was made about a week past the Feb. 27 deadline for voters to request a mail-in ballot. Because county rules state that mail-in ballots requested through Tuesday could be delivered at a voting location in-person, Trump probably had someone drop off his ballot Friday at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, less than three miles from his Mar-a-Lago Club. Judy Lamey, a spokeswoman for the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, told The Washington Post that she could not comment on Trump's ballot, citing a Florida statute prohibiting her from doing so. Trump spokesman Jason Miller did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday morning. Trump's latest request for a mail-in ballot is yet another instance in which the former president's actions have sharply contrasted with his rhetoric on vote by mail, often lobbing baseless claims that election fraud was responsible for his loss to President Biden. Despite his history of falsely claiming that mail-in voting leads to widespread fraud, it's at least the third time Trump has voted by mail in recent years - the first in New York in 2018 and the other last March for Florida's primary. Much as with Trump's voting for the Palm Beach municipal election, an associate was allowed last year to pick up and deliver the absentee ballots for him and wife, Melania, during the primary. Although Trump has sought to make a distinction between the absentee ballots he's requested and the mail-in voting he's denounced, the two terms are used interchangeably. In Florida, which the Trumps made their official residence in October, the state simply refers to the practice as "vote by mail." He commended Florida in August for its vote-by-mail system as "safe and secure," saying the state's Republican lawmakers made mail-in voting "different from other states." "Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida the election system is Safe and Secure, Tried and True," Trump tweeted at the time. "Florida's Voting system has been cleaned up (we defeated Democrats attempts at change), so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote by Mail!" Trump joined at least 126,000 voters in Palm Beach County who had requested mail-in ballots as of Friday, accounting for more than one-third of eligible voters for Tuesday's municipal election, according to The Palm Beach Post. The county's elections website shows that Trump mailed his ballot out Friday, the same day he received it. County records indicate that Trump's mail-in vote was processed before Tuesday's election: "Ballot 1 Has Been Counted." SC says 30% pendency due to cheque bounce cases, forms panel for early disposal The Supreme Court on Wednesday constituted a committee headed by former Bombay High Court judge to explore measures for early disposal of cheque bounce cases across the country. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde decided to set up a committee after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, agreed in principle to the court's suggestion to establish additional courts for expeditious trial of cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act. The bench, also comprising Justice L. Nageswara Rao, B.R. Gavai, A.S. Bopanna and S. Ravindra Bhat, noted that cheque bounce cases constitute almost 30 per cent of total pendency of cases at trial courts and High Courts. The bench added this pendency is causing a logjam at all levels, particularly at the trial court and High Court levels. "The Union of India has responded positively to the suggestion of this court for establishment of additional courts for better administration of cases under NI Act. The Solicitor General in principle accepted the need for establishment of such courts, after the modalities are worked out", said the bench. The top court said former judge of Bombay High Court Justice R.C. Chavan will be the chairman of the committee. The other members of committee include officer from the Department of Financial Services not below the rank of Additional Secretary; officers from Department of justice, corporate affairs, expenditure, Ministry of Home Affairs, member nominated by RBI governor etc. The top court's decision has come in the suo motu case to work out a mechanism for expeditious and just adjudication of cases connected with dishonoured cheques. The committee would have to submit a report within three months. The top court asked Mehta to submit the names of other members of the committee by March 12. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra had assisted the court as amicus curiae in the matter. The top court had told the Centre that under Article 247 of the Constitution, it has the power to establish additional courts to deal with cheque dishonour cases under provisions of Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act. "There is no doubt or dispute about the fact that matters under the N.I. Act have posed what by now has become an intractable problem/accounting for close to 30 to 40 per cent of the pendency in the trial courts and a very high percentage in the High Courts also", the bench had observed in a previous hearing. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. [March 09, 2021] Amorepacific becomes the first Korean beauty company to join RE100 SEOUL, South Korea, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Amorepacific has become the first Korean beauty company to join the global RE100 initiative with a goal to source 100% renewable energy to power all of its production sites and offices (HQ, R&D, logistics, and production centers) by the year 2030. RE100 is a global collaborative initiative among companies committed to using 100% renewable energy. The program was launched by the international non-profit organization, The Climate Group, in partnership with CDP, in 2014. As of March 2021, over 290 companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Apple, have joined the initiative. Amorepacific is the first from the Korean beauty industry to become a member of the global RE100. Amorepacific began addressing environmental issues by setting its sustainable management goals in 1993. The company started voluntarily tracking its GHG emissions inventory in 2008 and has made continuous investments to begin its transition to renewable energy sources. To participate in climate action, it has improved energy efficiency for its buildings, reduced per-unit GHG intensity, and created an internal 'Energy Innovation' task force. In 2020, Amorepacific sourced 5% of its electricity from renewable sources, including solar power and geothermal heat. It plans to further add renewable energy generation facilities on the rooftop of its production plants and idle surfaces to increase renewable energy supply. Located in Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea, the Amorepacific global HQ building is rated first-level in G-SEED (Green Standard for Energy and Environmental Design) and energy efficiency. It is also certified as the gold grade in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). It achieves 37.6% less energy consumption than its estimated energy demand using eco-friendly systems. The combined effort of Amorepacific employees also creates a positive impact. Specialists responsible for energy consumption from the company's HQ, R&D, logistics, and production sites formed the 'Energy Innovation' task force in 2019. The team conducted a campaign for energy saving and reducing GHG emissions and efficiently converted all lighting modules in the company's globally operated production centers - including those located in Shanghai, China, and Osan and Daejeon, Korea - to LED lighting. An AI system was also implemented to increase energy efficiency. As a result, Amorepacific's GHG emissions decreased by 7.4% in 2019. To achieve the 100% renewable energy goal, Amorepacific will utilize advanced technologies to manufacture products at lower temperatures, thus reucing the environmental impact in all of the development and production stages. It will also develop more low-carbon footprint products using ingredients and packaging materials with lower GHG emissions based on LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) results. In addition, Amorepacific will utilize 3rd party PPAs and green contracts operated by the Korean government. In February 2021, Amorepacific purchased the Green Premium policy, which will replace 30% of the 2021 estimated power demand for its production center in Osan with renewable energy. Suh Kyung-bae, Chairman and CEO of Amorepacific Group, said, "Amorepacific agrees that resolving the climate issue is an essential agenda not only for corporate sustainability but for the survival of humanity. By achieving the RE100 goal by 2030, we hope to contribute to international climate action. As a global corporate citizen, we will cooperate to reduce our carbon footprint." Aleksandra Klassen, RE100 Senior Impact Manager, The Climate Group, said, "We are delighted that Amore Pacific has become the first beauty company in South Korea to join RE100, the global initiative led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP. By committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, Amore Pacific is taking an important step toward improving its sustainability, joining a growing number of companies committed to driving market change. This sends a powerful message that renewable electricity makes good business sense, and we encourage others to follow." Ousam Jin, President of RE100 Committee of KSNRE, the RE100 Regional Delivery Partner in South Korea, said, "Amorepacific, one of the most beloved companies in the cosmetic industry, is proudly joining RE100. Its customers will be proud of their participation in the journey to solving climate challenges." He added, "We believe Amorepacific's joining RE100 will surely impact the consumer-facing businesses in Korea, which we hope leads to taking action." About Amorepacific Since 1945, Amorepacific has had a single, clear mission: to present its unique perception of beauty namely what it calls 'Asian Beauty' to the world. As Korea's leading beauty company, Amorepacific draws from its deep understanding of both nature and human to pursue harmony between inner and outer beauty. With its portfolio of over 20 cosmetics, personal care, and health care brands, Amorepacific is devoted to meeting the various lifestyles and needs of global consumers around the world: Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East. Amorepacific's research hubs located around the world are dedicated to sustainable R&D that combine the best of natural Asian ingredients and advanced bio-technology. With its world-class products, Amorepacific is acclaimed for the innovative ways in which it is transforming global beauty trends. About RE100 RE100 is a global initiative bringing together the world's most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable power. Led by international non-profit the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, the group have a total revenue of over US$6.6 trillion and operate in a diverse range of sectors. Together, they send a powerful signal to policymakers and investors to accelerate the transition to a clean economy. #RE100 About the Climate Group The Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action. We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, New Delhi and New York. We are proud to be part of the We Mean Business coalition. Follow us on Twitter @ClimateGroup. About CDP CDP is a global non-profit that drives companies and governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests. Voted number one climate research provider by investors and working with institutional investors with assets of over US$106 trillion, we leverage investor and buyer power to motivate companies to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. Over 9,600 companies with over 50% of global market capitalization disclosed environmental data through CDP in 2020. This is in addition to the hundreds of cities, states and regions who disclosed, making CDP's platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are driving environmental change. CDP is a founding member of the We Mean Business Coalition. Visit https://cdp.net/en or follow us @CDP to find out more. About KSNRE KSNRE is a non-profit corporation, whose purpose is to expand the understanding of renewable energy through industry-academia-research collaborations such as academic and technical research and development, information exchange, events and business support. KSNRE is the campaign partner for RE100 in the Republic of Korea, providing information to companies on the aims and benefits of RE100 and supporting the interests of Korean and international RE100 members locally. SOURCE Amorepacific [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Opinion Policies Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue. Feedback policy If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). 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Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions. Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020 Waykanan.go.id scored 55 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 9 Feb 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. The total number of people who shared the waykanan homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the waykanan homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the waykanan homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the waykanan homepage on Twitter + the total number of waykanan followers (if waykanan has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the waykanan homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if waykanan has a Facebook fan page). Basic Information PAGE TITLE Situs Resmi Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Way Kanan - Propinsi Lampung DESCRIPTION Pemerintah Kabupaten Way Kanan.. KEYWORDS waykanan, way kanan, way kanan lampung, waykanan lampung, situs waykanan OTHER KEYWORDS way kanan, kanan, peringatan, peringatan hari, peringatan hari bela negara, peringatan hari bela, hari bela negara CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. Domain and Server DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER nginx (PHP/5.3.19) OPERATIVE SYSTEM The language of waykanan.go.id as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for waykanan.go.id by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Kabupaten-Way-kanan/85040942039?ref=search DESCRIPTION LIKES PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT PAGE TYPE TIMELINE PAGE NO TIMELINE Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit back on Tuesday night against the European Council president Charles Michel after he claimed the UK had imposed an 'outright' ban on coronavirus vaccination exports. Britain also summoned the EU's UK delegation as Raab wrote to European Council chief after he made the claims in his newsletter published earlier on Tuesday. 'The United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory,' Michel wrote, sparking anger in London and resulting in the letter of complaint from Raab. 'I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components,' Raab wrote in the letter, according to the Foreign Office. 'Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together.' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (pictured outside Downing Street last month) hit back on Tuesday night against the European Council president Charles Michel after he claimed the UK had imposed an 'outright' ban on coronavirus vaccination exports In his newsletter to 20,000 subscribers across the EU, Michel rejected charges of 'vaccine nationalism' levelled against the EU after the 27-member bloc found itself under fire at home for a vaccine roll-out. The EU's programme has been much slower than those of former member Britain or the United States, and the bloc has also faced criticism abroad for so far doing less than China, Russia or India to supply vaccines to poor countries. The ministry added that Britain had summoned the EU's representative in London over the issue of Michel's claims of an export ban. 'Given that this false claim has been repeated at various levels within the EU and the Commission...a representative of the EU's delegation to the UK has been summoned to a meeting... to discuss the issue further,' it said. It is the latest in a series of ugly vaccine spats since Britain fully left the EU in January. While the EU is under pressure over its much-criticised Covid-19 inoculation strategy, Britain has been largely praised for its vaccine rollout and is eyeing a total easing of restrictions by June. The EU partly blames Anglo-Swedish firm AstraZeneca for failing to fulfil its order due to production problems in its European factories. Brussels, Dublin and London were plunged into chaos on January 29 when the EU unveiled plans to unilaterally undo elements of the Brexit deal's 'Northern Ireland protocol' in order to prevent vaccines leaving the bloc. The special post-Brexit trade rules - painstakingly negotiated since Britain's 2016 decision to split from the bloc to guarantee peace in Northern Ireland - had been operating for less than one month. An outcry from Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland forced the EU into a speedy U-turn - reversing a plan now widely considered to have been a diplomatic bungle. Michel's lengthy statement on Tuesday afternoon also defended the bloc's strategy. He said that without Europe, it would not have been possible to develop and produce several vaccines in less than a year, and EU solidarity had ensured that poorer countries of the bloc received their first doses. In his newsletter to 20,000 subscribers across the EU, Charles Michel (pictured on March 5) rejected charges of 'vaccine nationalism' levelled against the EU after the 27-member bloc found itself under fire at home for a vaccine roll-out He took aim at the 'highly publicised' supply of vaccines by China and Russia to other countries. 'We should not let ourselves be misled by China and Russia, both regimes with less desirable values than ours, as they organise highly limited but widely publicised operations to supply vaccines to others.' Michel also noted that China and Russia had both vaccinated fewer people at home than the EU. 'Europe will not use vaccines for propaganda purposes. We promote our values,' he said. Michel also defended a system to control the export of doses produced in EU countries, invoked by Italy last week to block a shipment of AstraZeneca shots to Australia. 'Our objective: to prevent companies from which we have ordered and pre-financed doses from exporting them to other advanced countries when they have not delivered to us what was promised,' Michel said. 'The EU has never stopped exporting.' He said the EU would become the world's leading vaccine producer in the coming months and was the best equipped to adapt vaccine output quickly to virus mutations. The row is the latest in a series of ugly vaccine spats since Britain fully left the EU in January. While the EU is under pressure over its much-criticised Covid-19 inoculation strategy, Britain has been largely praised for its vaccine rollout and is eyeing a total easing of restrictions by June. Pictured: Doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (file photo) Meanwhile, weekly deaths involving coronavirus in the over-80s in England and Wales have fallen 79 percent since a peak five weeks ago, figures showed on Tuesday. There were 1,118 Covid-19 deaths in adults aged 80 and over which took place in the week ending February 26, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. This is a fall of more than three-quarters since the week ending January 22, when 5,326 deaths involving coronavirus took place in this age group, according to PA news agency analysis. Deaths in adults aged 75-79 have dropped 79 percent over the same period, while for 70 to 74-year-olds the fall was 76 percent. Some deaths in the latest week may not yet have been fully recorded. The fall in Covid-19 deaths among the over-80s up to the previous week, ending February 19, was still significant, at 66 percent. Adults aged 80 and over were included in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's second priority group for the vaccine, followed by those aged 75 and over, and 70 and over. Doses were first offered from early December. By mid-February, the Government said it had offered the jab to everyone in these groups. A total of 2,914 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending February 26 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, a drop of 29 percent on the previous week. The figure is the lowest total since the week ending December 25. Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden say they feel used and betrayed' by president on abortion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment CORRECTION APPENDED Leaders affiliated with the Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden initiative have expressed disappointment with the Biden administrations support of a measure to remove a legal statute limiting taxpayer funding of abortion. The Biden administration recently declared support for a COVID-19 relief bill that would repeal the Hyde Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortion in most instances. In a statement posted on the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden website, the evangelical leaders and scholars argued that they feel used and betrayed. But, they have no intention of simply watching these kinds of efforts happen from the sidelines. Many evangelicals and Catholics took risks to support Biden publicly. President Biden and Democrats need to honor their courage, the statement reads. We call on President Biden to honor his commitment to us and immediately demand that the House of Representatives apply the Hyde language to the American Relief Package. Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden went on to declare that this is no time for radical change to longstanding abortion policy and called on certain Democrats in Congress by name to demand the Hyde Amendment be included. They warned that if this is not done, it will raise the question of whether or not we are still welcome in the Democratic Party. As pro-life leaders in the evangelical community, we publicly supported President Biden's candidacy with the understanding that there would be engagement [with] us on the issue of abortion and particularly the Hyde Amendment, the statement explains. The Biden team wanted to talk to us during the campaign to gain our support, and we gave it on the condition there would be active dialogue and common ground solutions on the issue of abortion. There has been no dialogue since the campaign. Signatories to the letter include Fuller Seminary President Emeritus Richard Mouw and Evangelicals for Social Action President Emeritus Ronald Sider. In October of last year, the group released a statement urging pro-life evangelicals to vote for Biden despite the Democratic Partys views on abortion. Sider, a longtime evangelical figure and an advocate for biblical solutions to social and economic injustices, also edited a book released last year called The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump in which 30 evangelical Christians talked about why they opposed the former president. Tony Perkins, president of the Christian conservative advocacy organization Family Research Council and Trump supporter, responded to the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden statement by contending that the group can't say they weren't warned. Everyone in America knew where Joe Biden stood on abortion because he told them. In 13 debates, multiple campaign ads, and a Planned Parenthood townhall, Perkins wrote in a statement on Monday. If Evangelicals for Biden want to say they never saw this COVID bill and its abortion funding coming, then they were the only ones. Perkins quoted Biden, who had said on the campaign trail that while he had supported the Hyde Amendment for years while in Congress, he could no longer do so. Once they ate of the fruit the Biden campaign was offering the damage was done. The Biden team got what they wanted in 2020: cover for their unbiblical, anti-faith position on abortion, continued Perkins. the people who argued that evangelicals needed to either back away from Donald Trump, sit out the election, or vote for Joe Biden own this and all of the other ungodly, evil policies flowing from Capitol Hill. Weeks before the presidential election, Sider and Mouw wrote an opinion column published by The Christian Post touting the pro-life evangelical coalitions statement of support for Biden. A key point of their argument was that while Biden was pro-choice, his positions on other issues such as racial reconciliation, healthcare reform and immigration made his platform more consistent with biblical values. we believe that on balance, Joe Bidens policies are more consistent with the biblically shaped ethic of life than those of Donald Trump, declared the statement in part. Therefore, even as we continue to urge different policies on abortion, we urge evangelicals to elect Joe Biden as president. Correction:Wednesday, March 10, 2021 A previous version of this article stated incorrectly that the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden statement expressing disappointment in the Biden administration was backed by Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Although Hunter would like for the Hyde Amendment to be protected, he contacted CP to state that he did not sign the letter "since President Biden was clear about his intentions in his pre and post-election communications on the matter." Soroti District Woman MP-elect Anna Ebaju Adeke has dropped a bombshell by revealing that she was recently sexually harassed by a fellow legislator during a foreign trip. Ms Adeke cited an incident where she had gone on an official foreign trip and a male MP she had travelled with allegedly fondled her breasts, to her disbelief. A male colleague, who is much older than me, I think I shouldnt say much but I think in 1990, he had already joined the bar, came and tapped my chest as I was looking through the mirror. He came and held my breast like this.and I was so shocked, MP Adeke narrated on Monday evening at a function in Kampala organised by Uganda Law Society to celebrate female lawyers joining the next Parliament. Read more: https://bit.ly/3chwgdh Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The Philippine National Police will look into a viral video of a police officer planting a gun beside the body of an alleged drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in Bukidnon. "We will investigate that one. I will talk to the Public Information Office to investigate the matter," PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas told reporters in a briefing on Wednesday. Sinas was referring to the video which showed a plainclothes police officer firing a gun three times, before putting it beside the body the slain drug suspect. In a report by GMA News Online, the cop was identified as Police Corporal Benzon Gonzales, while the suspect was named Pol Estanol, who allegedly fought it out with authorities before he was killed in a buy-bust operation on February 20. CNN Philippines has requested further details on the matter from Sinas and PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana. Sinas said he will provide an update once he gets sufficient information. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the video, if properly authenticated, can be useful for the case. He added that the DOJ-led review panel will include this case in their investigation into deaths during drug operations "The video would be a very useful and relevant piece of evidence in determining where liability lies. So lets wait and see how the PNP authorities would deal with this situation," he said in a message to reporters on Wednesday. "The (DOJ) panel will certainly give special attention to this particular incident in Valencia City." Last month, Guevarra told the United Nations Human Rights Council that law enforcers "failed to follow standard protocols pertaining to coordination with other agencies and the processing of the crime scene" in anti-illegal drug operations. Guevarra formed an inter-agency review panel in June 2020 that looked into more than 5,600 anti-drug operations that resulted in deaths. The DOJ report has also been forwarded to police officials. Sinas said they have begun internal investigations and recommended administrative and criminal actions. BOGOTA, Colombia Colombias defense minister said Wednesday that several young people were at a rebel camp recently attacked by the military, but would not confirm reports that children were among those killed, an allegation that fueled deep outrage in a nation reeling from decades of war. In an interview on W Radio, the minister, Diego Molano, said that young combatants, who had been recruited and transformed into machines of war by criminal actors, were present at a military operation meant to target a violent armed group. But he declined repeatedly to reveal the ages of the dead, amid reports from local officials and news outlets that one or more of those killed were minors, including a 9-year-old girl. In the interview, Mr. Molano called that information illegitimate and part of a political war to give information that sought to delegitimize our military. On the program, the host read out the names of those reported dead in local news reports. The accusations instantly resonated in a nation scarred by decades of brutal internal war involving the U.S.-backed government, left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries and powerful drug cartels fighting that frequently included child combatants and claimed many civilian casualties. Today, the country is divided over a 2016 peace deal that sought to put an end to that era, but has had only limited success. In a bizarre incident, a woman was tied to her seat on a flight after she repeatedly tried to take off her underwear mid-flight. The shocking episode is said to have taken place on a Russian flight, about 15 minutes after it had left the Russian city of Vladivostok, the Daily Mail reported. Also read: Woman Refuses To Wear Mask On Plane, Coughs On Passengers, Yells "Everyone Dies" When Deplaned Screengrab/YouTube According to reports, the 39-year-old woman appeared disoriented on the flight and began to wander aimlessly around the cabin and refused flight attendants directions. She then began to take off her clothes and put them back on. After being insisted multiple times to stop, the woman paid no heed and continued with her antics. The cabin crew was left with no option, but to take the drastic measure. With the help of passengers, cabin crew restrained the woman using a rope, seatbelt and sticky tape. The woman was tied to her seat for the remainder of the flight. The woman was arrested when the plane arrived at its destination, Tolmachevo airport in Novosibirsk, Siberia. Also read: Unruly Passenger Makes Woman Smell His Sock After She Complains Of Foul Odour MVD Media/Newsflash She allegedly told police she had taken a synthetic drug prior to boarding the flight in Vladivostok. Russians interior ministry said the woman was taken for a medical examination to determine how intoxicated she was. She faces charges of petty hooliganism and police investigations are continuing, the Daily Mail reports. Also read: Another Unruly Passenger Creates Ruckus, Walks Out To Plane's Wing 'To Get Some Air'! Tiffin Metal Products Developed the Panel-Free Frame Were happy for our clients and for the Outdoor Advertising Industry that Formetco will carry on the Tiffin product line. Tiffin Metal Products announces the sale of its Outdoor Advertising Products Division to Formetco, Inc. of Duluth, GA. Tiffin will transfer the production of Outdoor Advertising products to Formetco. The deal officially closed on March 8, 2021. Both parties sales and engineering departments are working together to ensure a seamless transition with products manufactured according to Tiffins standards. Customers will have the exact same products with expert service from Formetco. We wanted to ensure our billboard clients continued to have access to our products and replacement parts into the future. The logical choice was to reach out to the industrys largest full-service supplier, Formetco. Were happy for our clients and for the Outdoor Advertising Industry that Formetco will carry on the Tiffin product line, commented Matt Dysard, CEO of Tiffin Metal Products. Formetco and Tiffin have been competing in the Outdoor Advertising industry for over 50 years. When asked about how the two came together for this purchase, Matt Xander, CEO of Formetco said, Tiffin has been in the industry for almost a century. We were honored when they approached us about purchasing their billboard products division. After 93 years of manufacturing innovative billboard products, Tiffin Metal Products Co. will now shift its attention to the global sales of their lines of material handling systems and lockers. The Material Handling division has seen such rapid growth that they added a 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Schmitten, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, they announced a 74,000 square foot expansion in Tiffin, Ohio to keep up with demand. Converting our existing billboard manufacturing operations was necessary to accommodate growth. While we are excited about the direction we are headed, weve made a lot of great relationships over the years and our immediate focus is making sure our customers needs are being met, further remarked Dysard. Careers for Humanities Majors Topic of UW Discussion March 17 A University of Wyoming discussion on current research that demonstrates the way students move from majoring in the humanities to employment will be presented virtually Wednesday, March 17. Scott Muir, project director for the study from the National Humanities Alliance, will discuss Careers for Humanities Majors from 3-4 p.m. The program can be accessed at https://uwyo.zoom.us/J/95447879143, using the passcode: careers. Muir will highlight steps students can take to communicate individual skills to potential employers, and make the most of job opportunities in spite of a challenging job market. UWs Career Champions program sponsors the program. Career Champions is a training program for faculty and staff that is geared toward developing key individuals across campus who are knowledge disseminators about enhancing career opportunities and helping students become career ready. For more information, email Rachel Sailor, the interim director of UWs American Studies Program, at rsailor@uwyo.edu. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken / AP-Yonhap By Kang Seung-woo U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit South Korea next week, the foreign and defense ministries announced Wednesday, marking the first trip to the country by senior members of the Joe Biden administration. According to the ministries, Blinken and Austin will arrive in Seoul, March 17, for separate bilateral meetings with their South Korean counterparts Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook. The following day they will hold a two-plus-two dialogue, the first in five years since 2016. This dialogue format was first instituted in 2010 to highlight the alliance's posture against North Korean military threats. During the meeting, they are expected to discuss bilateral issues including relations between South Korea and the United States, the North Korea nuclear issue and the transition of wartime operational control of South Korean troops from the U.S. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin / UPI-Yonhap The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. CHICAGO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this U.S. precision parts market report. The U.S. precision parts market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during the period 2020-2026. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: 1. With around 45% of the cost involved in the raw material procurement, the accessibility to the same and at lower prices decides the margins of vendors. 2. CNC machines witnessing widespread adoption and the requirement of skilled labor has increased thereby, impacting the overall labor dynamics in the U.S. precision parts market. 3.North America (mainly US) has the highest number of airports, which are currently undergoing infrastructure expansion and modernization, worth more than USD 120 billion. The requirement for heavy equipment is expected to be high post 2020. 4. The trade dispute between the US and China over the tariff imposed on certain goods is expected to impact the market in the short term. These disputes are expected to be resolved by the end of 2020 and provide impetus to the market after that. 5. The price trends of steel and iron ore expected to be volatile during the forecast period as the investments to expand capacities for steel production units are witnessing a delay. 6. The market is expected to see more traction in the automotive industry on account of autonomous vehicles, new mobility solutions, and electric vehicles. The slow phasing out of diesel cars in many countries and by automotive manufacturers is expected to provide more opportunities for the vendors. 7. The industry is characterized by a high degree competition. In the present scenarios where COVID-19 has dealt a strong blow to the industry, more aggressive joint ventures is expected to be a strong proposition to beat the market uncertainties and sustain for a longer time period. 8. The end-users are looking at procurement price renegotiation to overcome the high raw material cost. A realignment of the agreement is expected to save the end-users significantly if the order volumes are high. Hence, it is recommended for the vendors to look at cost reduction and efficient inventory and operational planning at their end. Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2020-2026 Market Dynamics - Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation - A detailed analysis by end-users and geography Competitive Landscape - 7 key vendors and 23 other vendors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-states-precision-parts-market-research-analysis U.S. Precision Parts Market - Segmentation Automotive, healthcare, electronic and semiconductors, aerospace, watching making, defense, marine & offshoring are the major end-users for precision components. U.S. auto manufacturers are increasing the focus on the development of electric and hybrid variants. The US healthcare industry took new strides in 2020. Several technical advances such as telehealth, online consulting, AI-based surgical planning are key driving factors expecting to propel the demand for precision components during the forecast period. The growing concern over quality in medical treatments and government initiatives in offering public health insurance significantly increases the spending toward the healthcare segment. The demand for US manufactured electronics and semiconductors has increased at a steady pace in recent years. Advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the expected adoption of the 5G network communication across the US are expected to influence electronics and semiconductors' growth. U.S. Precision Parts Market By End-user Automotive Light, Medium, & Heavy Commercial Vehicles Light Vehicles Two and Three Wheelers Healthcare Medical Imaging IVD Patient Monitoring Others Electronic and Semiconductors Semiconductors Electronic Aerospace Watchmaking Others Industrial Equipment Defense Heavy Equipment Marine and Offshoring Power Tools Electric Others U.S. Precision Parts Market - Dynamics Precision parts manufacturing in the aerospace industry experiences high development in terms of its aftermarket services such as maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services and the manufacture and delivery of aerospace aftermarket spare parts. The aerospace aftermarket business provides various products and services for major turbine engine manufacturers, commercial airlines, and the military, such as aircraft engine component MRO services and other services. Activities in the aerospace aftermarket often require the manufacturing and delivery of spare parts for the aerospace aftermarket, under which some manufacturers have an exclusive right to supply specified aftermarket parts over the life of specific programs for aircraft engines. Such facilities also require precision components due to breakage and other supporting services. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Rising Prominence of EVs in US Application of Additive Manufacturing Across Industries Demand from Automotive and Other Industrial Machinery Demand in Healthcare Applications U.S. Precision Parts Market - Geography The western region of the country includes states such as Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, California, Alaska, Hawaii, and others. The rapid growth in the rate of urbanization and the residential construction industry in most states was one of the key drivers for the rise in demand for precision parts. Growing investments and increasing sales volume of IT and consumer electronics manufacturing industries have significantly propelled the precision manufactured components market in Washington. In addition, Washington dominated the market in terms of sales volume of aircraft spares and investment in the aerospace industry. In 2020, the aerospace industry in the US was valued at approximately $95.4 billion, owing to the increasing public-private partnership in airlines and carrier flights. Furthermore, most precision parts manufacturers in Seattle and Tacoma are involved in manufacturing components for defense equipment and the aircraft manufacturing sector. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-states-precision-parts-market-research-analysis U.S. Precision Parts Market by Geography US North East West South Midwest Major Vendors Barnes Group Inc. NN, Inc. Martinrea International Linamar WM Berg Renishaw ARC Group Worldwide Other Prominent Vendors Petersen Precision E-Fab Inc. AccuRounds Lampin Corporation WSI Industries Inc. Precision Castparts Corp (PCC) Greystone Tessa Precision Products Hoppe Technologies Doncasters Consolidated Precision Products ZOLLERN Impro Hitchiner Fritz Winter KERN-LIEBERS BERGER Group IPE Group Paradigm Precision Anton Haring KG Pacific West America, Inc. Caldwell Beere Precision Products Explore our industrial machinery profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: Industrial Motors Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Electric Drives Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Machine Tools Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Precision Parts Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025 About Arizton: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Mail: enquiry@arizton.com Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) Health protocols should continue to be practiced and enforced even as the COVID-19 vaccination program rolls out nationwide, an official from the World Health Organization said on Tuesday. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to the Philippines, noted instances where a nation has vaccinated a significant number of its population but continue to record spikes in new infections. He said this is because these countries loosened quarantine and minimum health protocols as they held their inoculation drives. "We need to make every effort to rollout the vaccine as quickly as possible... That needs to be accompanied with continuing adherence to protocols because if we don't do that, we see surges. Let's learn from that global experience and not make the same mistake," he told a media briefing. The WHO official cited Israel was successfully able to bring down severe cases and COVID-related deaths by 90% after they vaccinated their healthcare workers, elderlies, and people with other serious ailments. Abeyasinge said the Philippines is set to receive 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines by late March or early April through the COVAX facility after the government completed most of the requirements of the American pharmaceutical company. He added an additional 4.5 million additional doses of AstraZeneca vaccines will be delivered to the country by April or May. The Philippines has so far received a total of 1,125,600 doses of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca brands, which were donations from China and a number of European nations through COVAX. The Ph.D. degree prepares nurse scientists to advance knowledge through research that improves health, translates into policy, and enhances education. However, as the role of the nurse has changed, and health care has grown more complex, there is a need to re-envision how Ph.D. programs can attract, retain, and create the nurse-scientists of the future and improve patient care. To begin the dialog about the future of Ph.D. education in research-intensive schools, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) invited 41 educational, governmental, professional, and philanthropic institutions to a summit in 2019. During the summit, participants collaborated on re-envisioning how nursing Ph.D. programs can successfully advance nursing science and situate research-focused nursing Ph.D. graduates for success in academia and beyond. An upcoming issue of the Journal of Professional Nursing features manuscripts from that forum, which offer a broader, overall strategy for informing stakeholder groups that shape nursing Ph.D. programs in research-intensive institutions. "This synthesis of discussions, considerations, and challenges affecting research-focused doctoral programs of nursing serve as a basis and catalyst for further discussion and action to ensure Ph.D. research-focused programs are preparing successful nurse scientists of the future," says Antonia M. Villarruel, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Professor and Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing. "Re-envisioning of research doctorate programs is urgently needed to ensure the advancement of science and the development of new knowledge to situate our graduates for successin academia and beyond," says Julie A. Fairman, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Endowed Chair, Nightingale Professor in Honor of Nursing Veterans. Villarruel and Fairman were guest editors of the issue. Advancing Nursing Science Through Re-envisioned Ph.D. Programs Ph.D. programs, in general, remain fairly traditional in approach and scope, instigating few changes in programmatic offerings and moving existing curriculum online. The Penn Nursing summit in 2019 was held to address these issues. The article "Invitational Summit: Re-envisioning Research-Focused Ph.D. Programs of the Future" shares the questions used to survey the summit attendees before the program and the responses. The article outlines the challenges facing research-intensive nursing Ph.D. programs, emerging innovations within programs, and suggested changes to re-envision the future education of nurse scientists. Fairman and Villarruel co-authored the article with Kathleen McCauley, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FAHA, Professor Emerita of Cardiovascular Nursing at Penn Nursing; and Nicholas A. Giordano, Assistant Professor, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Approaching Doctoral Nursing Education in Novel Ways The rapid growth of science and the need to prepare the next generation of nurse scientists call for innovative approaches in educating and supporting them throughout their careers. Aside from curricular changes, a new Ph.D. education model for nurses should include new approaches to mentoring, funding, and networking supports. Equally important are rigorous process and outcome measures for innovations to inform changes to doctoral programs. The article "Innovations in Ph.D. Education to Prepare Nurse Scientists for the Future" outlines those recommendations and includes the need to structure faculty development earlier in professorial careers, develop team models of advisement, and longitudinal follow-up of alumni graduates from Ph.D. programs to examine the effectiveness of innovations. Villarruel co-authored the article with Marion E. Broome, Duke University School of Nursing; and Hilaire J. Thompson, University of Washington School of Nursing. Advancing Nursing Science Through Ph.D. Programs Nurses are well-positioned to be groundbreaking researchers, scientists, leaders, and innovators to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Thoughtful consideration is required about the preparation of Ph.D. nurse scientists to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skill sets to meet the needs of society and to ensure the relevance and competitive status of nursing science. The article "Ph.D. Programs and the Advancement of Nursing Science" outlines three aspects of Ph.D. education and nursing science. These include examining important elements to support nurse scientist development; identifying key gaps in science that the discipline needs to address in educating the next generation of nurse scientists; and preparing nurse scientists for the competitive funding environment. Authors of the article include Therese S. Richmond, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Andrea B. Laporte Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean for Research & Innovation at Penn Nursing; Paule V. Joseph, of the National Institute of Nursing Research; and Linda McCauley of the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Leveraging Insight from Funders and Sponsors Re-envisioning Ph.D. education at research-intensive institutions to produce the nurse scientists of the future is imperative for the discovery of solutions for current and complex health care challenges facing the country. Philanthropic funders and sponsors of Ph.D. nursing education have important insights into how investments in Ph.D. education have direct and positive impacts on health care and bring important perspectives to emerging roles for Ph.D.-prepared nurses. The article, "Emerging Roles for Research Intensive Ph.D.-Prepared Nurses as Leaders and Innovators: Views from Funders/Sponsors" reports on the ideas these funders shared, including the importance of increasing the focus on formal leadership preparation and training in innovation. Co-authors of the article include Nancy A. Hodgson, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Professor & Chair of the Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences; MaryJoan Ladden, formerly of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Elizabeth Madigan, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing; Ahrin Mishan, Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation; and Wanda Montalvo, Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare. Preparing Nurses for Nontraditional Career Paths Advancing the health of patients and communities depends on preparing the next generation of nurse scientists to pursue career trajectories outside of traditional academic institutions. Redesigning nursing Ph.D. curricula must include preparation for careers in many sectors of health care, professional organizations, government, or industry. During the summit, executives from health systems and organizations shared their career trajectories, experiences, and perspectives for revamping Ph.D. curriculum and offered educational experiences to broaden the scope of academic rigor to inspire and prepare future nurse scientists for nontraditional research positions in practice. Their thoughts regarding why research-intensive Ph.D. programs must address the Ph.D. study milestones to enable their graduates to be competitive in seeking positions in emerging roles outside of academic institutions and recommendations for achieving these milestones are included in the article "Emerging Roles for Research Intensive Ph.D. Prepared Nurses: Beyond Faculty Positions." Rosemary C. Polomano, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Associate Dean for Practice Professor of Pain Practice, is the lead author of the article. Co-authors include Nicholas A. Giordano, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing; Suzanne Miyamoto, American Academy of Nursing; Deborah Trautman, American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Sheila Kempf, Penn Medicine Princeton Health; and Paula Milone Nuzzo, Massachusetts General Hospital. Pedagogical Innovations in Ph.D. Nursing Education Over the past decade there have been numerous innovations in Ph.D. programs that have redesigned the curricula and delivery of research-focused doctoral nursing education. The article, "Opportunities and Challenges Presented by Recent Pedagogical Innovations in Doctoral Nursing Education," explores core issues resulting from key program changes such as expanding both 3-year and Ph.D. programs and BSN to Ph.D. programs. This paper makes the case for a national effort to evaluate the effects of these program modifications on the development of nurse scientists and, ultimately, the nursing discipline. Understanding the impact of pedagogical innovations will inform ongoing improvements essential to educate the next generation of nurse scientists to conduct high quality research in an increasingly multidisciplinary environment. Authors of the article include Mary D. Naylor, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Marian S. Ware Professor in Gerontology & Director of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health; Peggy Compton, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, van Ameringen Chair in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing; Nicholas A. Giordano, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing; Paule V. Joseph, National Institute of Nursing Research; Carol Ann Romano, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; and Mariann R. Piano, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Ph.D. Programs of the Future Over the last 20 years, the number of research-focused doctoral programs in nursing has nearly doubledfrom 78 programs in 1999 to 145 programs in 2019. Yet, despite this significant increase in programs, the number of students pursuing the Ph.D. (or equivalent programs) in nursing has declined over the past five years. From recruiting strategies and subject areas to evaluation methods and funding, discussions at both the Penn Nursing summit and the AACN Doctoral Education Conference authors identified opportunities for improving research-focused doctoral programs for nurses. The article "From Vision to Action: Next Steps In Designing Ph.D. Programs of the Future" synthesizes those discussions and outlines next steps in refining doctoral education in general and in research-focused programs in particular. Villarruel is lead author with co-authors Fairman and Deborah Trautman, American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Explore further Dismantling structural racism in nursing Eskimo Hut announces the 33rd opening of a new store at 9001 Spencer Highway, Deer Park, Texas. Eskimo Huts growth stems from the high demand for premium, handcrafted daiquiris, tasty jello shots, booze-loaded gummies, and more! With the option to customize every drink, the possibilities remain endless. Our idea of a frozen daiquiri shop goes beyond the concept of selling alcoholic adult slushes. It is our opportunity for our guests to taste and feel the original daiquiri, Texas style, with the best handcrafted drinks, jello shots, and a wide variety of loaded gummies we are proudly dubbed the Home of the Loaded Gummy Bears! Thats just one of the many reasons why our customers say we rock, said Kevin Morgan, CEO. Select handcrafted, favorite drink combinations include the Fuzzy Memory, Tiger Blood, Bluebonnet, and Cactus Juice. Customers often add a Texas Dozen of loaded gummy bears, loaded gummy rings, and tasty jello shots to enhance the insta-worthy experience. In addition, the Deer Park location will offer crave-worthy snacks, and other customizable alcoholic beverages. Voted the best tasting daiquiris time and time again and being home to the only entirely customizable daiquiri experience around, says Morgan, makes us proud of the opportunity to continuously serve guests for 25 years! For more information about Eskimo Hut and its delicious drinks, please visit eskimohut.com or find your nearest hut at eskimohut.com/find-a-hut. About Eskimo Hut Eskimo Hut is a chain of frozen beverage stores that specialize in handcrafted, frozen daiquiris and margaritas, and loaded gummies to-go. Many stores offer additional convenience store related items and have drive-thru service. Eskimo Huts creative approach to alcoholic drinks and snacks to-go drives growth into surrounding Texas and Oklahoma areas. The Eskimo Hut was founded in Amarillo, Texas in 1996, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its inception, Eskimo Hut currently operates 33 locations in Texas and Oklahoma, looking to expand further, and serves over a million customers each year! (@FahadShabbir) London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :The collapse of British finance firm Greensill has sparked panic and threatened 50,000 jobs, in particular at the sprawling steel empire of Indian-British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta. Greensill specialised in short-term corporate loans via a complex and opaque business model that ultimately sparked its declaration of insolvency on Monday. The bankruptcy marks a major fall from grace for a company that won a key $1.5-billion investment from Japan's SoftBank in 2019 -- and employs former British Prime Minister David Cameron as advisor. Its demise has now created massive uncertainty for clients, who depended on its finance services to pay their bills and could now potentially default on payments and lead to further turmoil. "For companies reliant on its service, the great scramble has begun to find other ways of covering the looming cavern in their finances," said Susannah Streeter, an analyst with financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown. "Those investors who had bought the debt sold on the market are now staring at potentially big losses." Greensill's failure has put 50,000 jobs at risk, both at the London-headquartered group and across its customer base. One that could be hit hardest is Gupta's GFG Alliance empire, which has 35,000 staff worldwide, including Britain where its Liberty Steel division employs 5,000 people. Bloomberg news reported that Greensill had close links with Gupta, who told the financial news agency in October that it was the company's biggest lender. Sanjeev Gupta himself met for "productive" talks with trade unions in Britain on Tuesday, GFC said in a statement. The company is seeking "additional working capital facilities to support the business" and continues "to work closely with the unions and our employees to identify the most effective ways of supporting the business and preserving jobs". A Downing Street spokesman said the news "will be very worrying for employees", adding the UK government was following the matter closely. GFG also operates three large sites in France, comprising Ascoval steelworks, Hayange rail plant and an aluminium facility in Dunkirk. "We are obviously afraid of a domino effect ... and the risks are high for jobs at the French sites," said Stphane Destugues, an official at French trade union CFDT. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Tuesday he was not worried about job losses at Ascoval and other industrial sites. "In any event, will be behind the industrial sites and behind the staff," Le Maire told France 2 television. Greensill crashed Monday into administration, or the process whereby outside expertise is called upon to minimise job losses, amid mounting doubts over the value of its assets. Administrator Grant Thornton is seeking to sell Greensill's intellectual property and a technology platform for $60 million to private equity firm Apollo, according to a source close to the matter. In a beautiful moment, 2 Pakistani Hindu brides who were married to Rajput Indian men were finally reunited with their husbands, 2 years after they got married, as per a report in The New Indian Express. When they reached their in-laws' homes in Barmer and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, they were welcomed in the traditional manner. It was a joyous occasion and the festivities were up in full gear. EPS Married back in 2019 Chagan Kanwar married Mahendra Singh while Kailash Bai tied the knot with Nepal Singh Bhati back in 2019. But they could not come to India because of the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot airstrike. Due to the tensions, the couples had to live apart on either side of the border. Despite being married for over two years, I was stuck in Pakistan. With the visa being denied, my parents were deeply worried about my future. Now that Ive come over to India, I finally feel as if I am married. The last two years were very tough but now I am very happy to have come over to India, said Chagan. "The last two years were like a nightmare for us. We stayed in Pakistan for three months after our wedding but we could not get a visa for my wife. I came back to India alone but we kept making all possible efforts to get my bride to India. I am very happy now and it feels as if Ive just got married today, said Mahendra. PTI Both brides got the Long Term Visa by the Indian consulate in Karachi. It allowed them to go to Wagah and enter India on March 8. They initially wanted to come by train but services are yet to resume. However, the couples are together and finally can begin their actual married lives. A tie-up between leasing giants AerCap and General Electric unit GECAS would reshape global air finance and reunite entities torn apart in one of Ireland's most spectacular corporate collapses three decades ago. Dublin-based AerCap has confirmed talks with GECAS to combine the leasing industry's two largest aircraft portfolios in Ireland's biggest ever corporate acquisition. "It creates a leasing colossus with 2,000 aircraft under one brand," said independent industry adviser Bertrand Grabowski. A deal would reconcile estranged branches of the collapsed leasing empire of the late Irish leasing baron Tony Ryan, which rose to dizzying heights in the 1980s only to be laid low by over-expansion in the wake of the 1991 Gulf War. In a schism whose reverberations rumbled through the sector for decades, Ryan's empire was split between U.S.-based GE Capital, which took over prime assets worth $1.3 billion to form GECAS, and a rump eventually acquired by Dutch-based AerCap. The split is set to be reversed with AerCap, now based in Dublin and already the world's largest lessor, ready to regain the dominance once occupied by Ryan's Guinness Peat Aviation. In between, leasing has evolved from the freewheeling risk-taking of Ryan - who later made a second fortune with Ryanair - to a disciplined asset class, basking in recognition from investors looking for solid returns backed by air travel. For airlines, the sideshow became so attractive that some strayed beyond the business of transporting passengers to compete with their own lessors. They speculatively ordered extra planes to rent out, before stumbling when markets headed lower. Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. Most tellingly, as AerCap and GECAS fine-tuned their possible mega-transaction last week, budget carrier Norwegian Air quietly folded its own leasing experiment by cancelling a related order for Airbus jets. It is not the first time AerCap has taken control of a major competitor under Aengus Kelly, the candid and tenacious CEO who started as an accountant at what was left of GPA. In 2013, he agreed to buy International Lease Finance Corp, founded by Ryan's arch rival and fellow leasing pioneer Steven Udvar-Hazy, after it was weakened by the financial crisis. Much of today's leasing industry is run from Dublin by GPA veterans. Many lost small fortunes during the company's downfall and built their reputations on cautious decision-making. But experts say risks remain in aircraft leasing, which depends on constant access to competitive funding and staying on the right side of a sometimes brutal industry cycle. TIMING CONCERN "AerCap are doubling down here; it's a gutsy move and I sense them thinking 'we're too big to fail,' but a few banks have thought the same," said a senior industry executive. Another said the new group, representing one-fifth of the world's leased fleet, would require tough cost-cutting. For AerCap, the crisis delivers a chance to bulk up in an industry that rewards scale, though much will depend on the price it pays for assets and the risk of future writedowns. For GE, the move would complete an exit from direct involvement in aircraft finance and leave it focusing on GE Aviation, whose jet engines tend to hold their value for longer than airframes. GECAS has been in focus for years. In 2019, Apollo Global Management worked on an offer worth up to $40 billion. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported talks with AerCap, pegged the new deal's value closer to $30 billion, highlighting the current plight of the airline industry. "In terms of asset value, it's probably not the best moment for the seller, but it does take advantage of the fact there's a lot of liquidity," Grabowski said. A new entity combining a fifth of all leased jets could help meet new competition from China, one industry executive said. It would also remove an umbilical cord between GE and GECAS, a captive in-house financier for its engines. GECAS has already started diversifying into jets powered by Rolls-Royce. Questions remain over reactions of airlines and planemakers. Airbus and Boeing have relied on a strong leasing industry to keep deliveries flowing during the pandemic, but now face a more powerful buyer. Regulators could also take a chunk out of the new venture by forcing it to sell planes in a weak market. Merging the top two players could speed consolidation at the next tier down, with HNA-controlled Avolon sitting in a distant second place and already said to be itching for a move. The deal may also send a chill through smaller players that flocked to the industry in the past few years looking for promising yields but are ill-equipped to deal with a downturn. AerCap's Kelly has described such leasing industry small-fry as "tourist capital." US President Joe Biden's top aides will hold their first talks with China next week in Alaska, after Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed Wednesday to seek "tangible" outcomes from meeting with the nation he has called the greatest threat. In a sign of Biden's strategy to rally allies as a bulwark to China, Blinken will first travel to Japan and South Korea with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who separately will head onward to India. Blinken will then join Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi. "This is an important opportunity for us to lay out in very frank terms many concerns that we have with Beijing's actions and behavior that are challenging the security, prosperity, the values of the United States and our partners and allies," Blinken told the House Foreign Affairs Committee. China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the talks are happening "at the invitation of the US". Blinken said he would also look for areas of cooperation with Beijing but did not necessarily intend follow-up meetings. "Those engagements, if they are to follow, really have to be based on the proposition that we're seeing tangible progress and tangible outcomes on the issues of concern to us with China," he said. In a flurry of diplomacy, Biden will also hold a three-way virtual summit Friday with the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan -- nations deeply suspicious of China's growing influence. Biden and Blinken have both already spoken by telephone with Chinese leaders, with the president saying he pressed Xi Jinping on human rights, trade and regional assertiveness in an unusually long two-hour call last month. The Alaska talks will be the first between the Pacific powers since Yang met Blinken's hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii -- a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals. Story continues The Biden administration has generally backed the tougher approach to China initiated by former president Donald Trump, but has also insisted that it can be more effective by shoring up alliances and seeking narrow ways to cooperate on priorities such as climate change. In a speech last week, Blinken called China "the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century" as it alone can "seriously challenge the stable and open international system." - Signal to allies - The Biden team has been deliberately hesitant to start the hectic travel schedules that traditionally herald a new administration as it tries to set an example by discouraging travel in a bid to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Blinken had his first foreign "trip" on February 25 as he met virtually with his counterparts from Mexico and Canada, complete even with a videotaped crossing of a bridge over the Rio Grande. Biden and Blinken, both known as Europhiles, have also moved quickly to ease tensions with European allies that soured during Trump's turbulent presidency. The United States and the European Union have declared a ceasefire in a bitter trade dispute over aircraft subsidies, and Biden has sharply reversed course from Trump by backing diplomacy on Iran and climate change. His climate envoy, former secretary of state John Kerry, is on a visit this week to Europe. Blinken and Austin will start their trip in Tokyo on Tuesday for joint meetings with their Japanese counterparts. The top US diplomat, appearing virtually even while in Tokyo, will also address Japanese business leaders and journalists and highlight "the role of a free press in promoting good governance and defending democracy," said State Department spokesman Ned Price. Biden has pledged a renewed focus on democracy amid what advocates say is a deterioration of media freedom and democratic principles around the world. In Seoul, Blinken will similarly speak virtually with South Korean youth and journalists and consult on Biden's review of policy toward Pyongyang in the wake of Trump's splashy summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Pentagon said Austin will meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and seek a deepening partnership in India, whose relations with China have worsened following a deadly Himalayan clash last year. India, a fierce opponent of the Taliban, is also a key player as Biden decides whether to go ahead with Trump's agreement with the Islamist insurgents to pull all US troops from Afghanistan by May. sct-rox/lb/qan Canberra, March 10 : Australian Opposition leader Anthony Albanese on Wednesday has called for a major overhaul of city planning as more people were still working from home because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a speech to the Australian Financial Review Business Summit, the Labor Party leader said that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on how people work should force a significant rethink of urban planning, reports Xinhua news agency. "There is a potential transformation from the hub-and-spoke model of the city, with its large daily inflows and outflows between suburbs and CBDs, to a more distributed and dispersed city," he said. "Changes like these may disrupt our cities and our settlement and living patterns. Hollowed-out CBDs could diminish the benefits of agglomeration. "If we are going to build back stronger from Covid and recession, we need to reimagine our cities and reinvigorate our cities policy," Albanese said. He said that the pandemic "offers us a once in a lifetime opportunity to use these accelerated trends to move towards cities that are more productive, sustainable, and liveable, and cities that are more resilient to future shocks, as well". Instead of traditional cities, the Opposition leader said he envisages "20-minute neighbourhoods" that give residents access to everything they need within a 20-minute walk. Albanese, who served as the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport from 2007 to 2013 and as Minister for Regional Development from 2007 to 2010, said that the suburban precincts would "serve local populations and offer skilled and secure jobs". "Likewise, for many workers, technology will reduce the need for the daily commute, relieving congestion and offering the scope for areas beyond the CBDs to experience similar levels of dynamism," he said. In this file photo taken on Oct. 1, 2019, Chinese troops march during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People?s Republic of China. AFP China could invade Taiwan within the next six years, as Beijing accelerates its moves to supplant American military power in Asia, a top US commander said Tuesday. Democratic and self-ruled Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China, whose leaders view the island as part of their territory and which they have vowed to one day take back. "I worry that they're (China) accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050," said Washington's top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson. "Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," he told a US Senate committee. Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Ben Affleck looked like he traveled back in time on the set of his new movie. The 48-year-old was spotted rocking a retro costume and lighting up a cigarette while filming The Tender Bar in his hometown of Boston on Wednesday. George Clooney directs the upcoming drama which is based on a New York Times best-selling memoir of the same name. Vintage vibes: Ben Affleck was spotted rocking a retro costume and lighting up a cigarette while filming The Tender Bar in his hometown of Boston on Wednesday Stepping on set as his character in the film, Uncle Charlie, Ben sported fluffy tousled 1970s hair, tight light washed jeans, a retro polo shirt and vintage brown leather jacket. The actor also rocked some aviator sunglasses and was smoking a cigarette as he walked to an old car. Looking thinner than usual, Ben's high cheek bones were visible above a thick brown beard. The Tender Bar is a coming-of-age story based on J. R. Moehringer's best-selling memoir of the same name. Affleck plays a bar owner who looks after his nephew. In character: Stepping on set as his character in the film, Uncle Charlie, Ben sported fluffy tousled 1970s hair, tight light washed jeans, a retro polo shirt and vintage brown leather jacket The film: The Tender Bar is a coming-of-age story directed by George Clooney based on J. R. Moehringer's best-selling memoir of the same name It's being filmed in Affleck's neck of the woods near Boston where he grew up alongside brother Casey Affleck and best friend Matt Damon. 'Ben is excited to be in Boston,' a source recently told People. 'He and George are happy to be reunited and working together again.' A production source also said that 'Affleck comes prepared and ready to film. He and George are great to work with.' Method: Affleck plays a bar owner who looks after his nephew in the upcoming film which is shooting near where Ben grew up in Boston It was added that the Batman star, 'is in a good place.' The director of the movie is Clooney, who has been behind the camera for the hit projects The Midnight Sky, Catch-22, The Monuments Men, The Ides Of March, Leatherheads, Good Night, And Good Luck as well as Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. And George was a producer on Ben's hit film Argo, which Ben directed and starred in. The Oscar winner is fresh off of a breakup with actress and former co-star Ana de Armas. 'Ben is excited to be in Boston,' a source recently told People. 'He and George are happy to be reunited and working together again.' (pictured in 2013) Armas and Affleck, who met on the set of Deep Water, began dating in March 2020 and were practically inseparable during lockdown. The 'painful' split was reported to be 'as amicable as can be' with sources insisting the pair still have 'a lot of love' for one another. An insider previously said: 'There is a lot of love still between the two of them. The split is as amicable as can be.' Meanwhile, Ben has three kids - daughters Violet, 15, and Seraphina, 12, and son Samuel, eight - with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Moving on: The Oscar winner is fresh off of a breakup with actress and former co-star Ana de Armas who he met on the set of Deep Water (pictured in June) Ben and Jen have as amiable a relationship as exes can have as they share co-parenting duties. The actress was also supportive of her ex during his most recent battle with substance abuse, even going so far as to drive him to a rehab facility for treatment. Garner recently changed her mind on one of her famous quotes from the early days of her separation from Ben Affleck. The 48-year-old actress told Vanity Fair in 2016 that 'I lost the dream of dancing with my husband at my daughters wedding.' However in a new Hollywood Reporter interview she smiled and said: 'When our kids get married, we'll dance, I know that now.' If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Biden administration health official Rochelle Walensky announced Monday that vaccinated Americans can visit with others who are vaccinated in small groups at home. But when Walensky was asked about visiting grandchildren, she said no, unless the kids are local. Even vaccinated people must avoid traveling. "Every time there's a surge in travel, we have a surge in cases in this country." The Biden administration is making one exception. It's OK to wade across the Rio Grande River and enter the U.S. illegally. Even if you have COVID-19, you can get on a bus in a Texas border town and travel to any part of the U.S., including New York, Baltimore, Miami and Los Angeles. Never mind how far and wide COVID-infected migrants spread the virus as they fan out. On the travel question, the double standard is mind-boggling. It's no to Grandma, but OK for illegal immigrants. Since Joe Biden took office, he's rapidly dismantled Trump administration policies that kept migrants in Mexico during the pandemic. Some 100,000 migrants surrendered to U.S. border officials in February, up from 78,000 in January. It's likely to reach 1 million overall in 2021, if the trend continues. Some single adults are sent back to Mexico, but families are permitted to stay. After a few days of processing in a detention center, they're given documents to travel and released into a Texas border town. There, nonprofits like Catholic Charities help them get food and bus tickets to anywhere in the U.S. Here's the hitch. The federal government refuses to test migrants before release unless they're visibly sick, even though COVID-19 continues to rage in Mexico. Biden's press spokesperson, Jen Psaki, explained that the administration considers testing a state or local responsibility. As if not knowing migrants are spreading the disease absolves the Biden administration of any culpability. Sorry, that's ridiculous. Some cities, like Brownsville and El Paso, are using rapid tests to identify migrants with the virus. Others cities do not. But either way, city officials explain they have no authority to stop infected migrants from traveling. In Texas, only the feds can do that. When Brownsville officials tested migrants last month, over 6% tested positive. Some were willing to quarantine at local hotels paid for by charities, but many boarded busses for other parts of the country. Six percent sounds small, but 6% of 1 million migrants adds up to 60,000 -- a steady stream of spreaders being knowingly dispersed throughout the nation. And exposing bus riders en route. Last week, Greyhound CEO David Leach demanded an assurance from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that undocumented migrants boarding busses in Texas have tested negative. So far, no answer. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has put the brakes on Americans returning to normal life. Anthony Fauci is warning this is no time to relax. Biden accused the governor of Texas of "neanderthal thinking" for ending the mask mandate. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns Americans "to avoid all travel" to Guatemala and other Central American countries. Yet, when it comes to illegal border crossings, any mention of disease threat is slammed as racist. What hypocrisy. Travelers flying into the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding, and another negative test is recommended after landing. But illegal immigrants get a free pass to bring the coronavirus to a bus terminal near you. Why is this happening? The White House is being taken over by minority advocacy groups who get what they demand, no matter how extreme. Instead of working with Congress and being forced to hear about the dangers of open borders, Biden issues executive orders, shutting out any debate. Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, whose district runs along the border, warned that White House officials "should not only listen to the immigration advocates and activists," but also to the public affected by open border policies. The facts prove they're dangerous to our health. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM After the request from the Capitol for police assistance, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin granted the National Guard troops extension at the United States Capitol until May 28. Pentagon Extends National Guard Deployment According to Fox News, around 2,300 guardsmen will continue serving at the Capitol, which is a security force reduced by more than half from the current 5,000 troops assigned in Washington, D.C. The extension of more than two months aims to assist the security concerns in the seat of Democracy. On Tuesday night, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby shared that the decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of the potential impact on readiness. He also added that the extended period is intended for officials to work with the US Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow. This follows the Jan 6 Capitol siege, wherein supporters of former President Donald Trump breached the capitol which resulted to the death of five individuals. The attack prompted the deployment of 25,000 National Guardsmen to Washington in order to provide increased security through the inauguration of President Joe Biden. In addition, the number of deployed troops in the area was gradually reduced with the intention of removing all of the guardsmen by the middle of March. However, a source shared that last month it was naive to think that in the middle of March the troops would go away. Moreover, the Pentagon could not confirm whether there was any potential risk that needs the National Guard troops extension or remain permanently at the US Capitol. Also, Kirby mentioned on Tuesday that he thinks no one can answer the question right now. Read also: UN Chief Urges Liberation of Trapped Protesters in Myanmar Meanwhile, numerous lawmakers remained concerned regarding the online threats made by QAnon supporters, who claimed that Donald Trump would again rise to power on March 4, the date of the original Inauguration Day before it was changed to January 20 in 1937. Others have also called for improved conditions at the Capitol and for troops to be sent home. In a letter written by Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, he stated that the troops have proudly answered the call and served the country. He also emphasized that the troops do not demand a five-star resort or expensive food, but they also deserve meals that are safe to consume. The statement of Bergman regarding the meals came after he received reports of 50 service members having gastrointestinal issues due to inadequate food in their deployment. He also added that it is time to get the troops in their families. The request for National Guard troops extension by the Capitol Police was met with push, as some governors in numerous states refused in prolonging the deployment of their troops in Washington, D.C. The guardsmen who will be retained in their posts at the capitol will come from various states across the US, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Officials from the Pentagon told lawmakers last month that they did not believe a threat to the Capitol persisted. Robert Salesses, the acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security testified that they are obviously working with their law enforcement partners in determining the threat as it continues to evolve, Military Times reported. Related article: Biden Promotes Two Women Generals To Four-Star Posts @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Now Open 10 March 2021 Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre is pleased to open its doors and welcome guests to the city's new urban hotspot. Located in the heart of the historically famous city Rouen, the hotel will offer memorable guest experiences, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a holistic wellness center. Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre is the perfect base for history and culture lovers to be able to explore Normandy's capital, Rouen and its rich cultural heritage. The city lies on the river Seine and is home to many Gothic churches such as Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen as well as the famous Rouen Cathedral of Notre Dame. Guests can stroll through the cobblestone pedestrian center and visit several renowned cultural destinations within the city such as the Museum of Fine Arts. The vibrant hotel features 93 spacious rooms and suites with balconies, Le Jehanne restaurant, a stylish bar and social space, as well as six meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology and natural daylight to accommodate a range of meetings and events. After a long day exploring the city, guests can retreat to the hotel's wellness center, which includes a sauna, hammam sensory shower, fitness room, and treatment rooms for guests who would like to pamper themselves with a massage or a treatment. Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre's destination restaurant, Le Jehanne is open to locals and in-house guests serving bistronomy-style French cuisine for lunch and dinner. The menu has been created using only the freshest local products and ingredients, bright colors, and bold flavors. Guests can enjoy long, delicious breakfasts and the hotel's signature breakfast buffet, Les Brunchs du Jehanne on Sunday. The restaurant's wine cellar offers an impressive selection of over 560 bottles of wine allowing guests to choose from a varied wine list. As part of the preparations for its opening, Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre has implemented Radisson Hotel Group's Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. This program of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection procedures, made in partnership with SGS, ensures the continued health, safety and security of guests, team members and partners. For more information and reservation, please visit our website. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed amended charges against a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, from whom huge sums of money in foreign currencies were recovered in 2017. But Mr Yakubu, who has already started his defence at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has rejected the amended charges. The trial judge, Ahmed Mohammed, listened to the arguments canvassed by the defence and the prosecution on Wednesday, and adjourned till April 15 for ruling on whether to accept the amended charges or not. How it got here Mr Yakubu was arraigned in 2017 before Mr Mohammed on charges relating to the $9,772, 800 and 74,000 recovered in cash from him by the operatives of the EFCC in February 2017. The EFCC operatives, acting on a tip-off, raided Mr Yakubus house located on Chikun Road, Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on February 3, 2017, when they recovered the funds kept in a safe. The former NNPC boss was subsequently charged with six counts including failure to make full disclosure of assets, money laundering and intent to avoid a lawful transaction, having unlawfully transported, at various times to Kaduna, an aggregate sums of $9,772,800 and 74,000. The EFCC had closed after calling witnesses and tendering the documents including the ones indicating the lodgments of the money at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). But Mr Yakubus legal team subsequently raised a no-case submission which was upheld in part by the judge, who had dismissed two of the six counts in a ruling delivered on May 16, 2019. The Court of Appeal in Abuja also in an April 24, 2020 judgment, affirmed Mr Mohammeds ruling and dismissed two additional counts. Mr Yakubu was left with only counts 3 and 4 to defend. Arguments on amendment of charges At the resumed hearing in the case on Wednesday, the prosecution said it had filed amended charges dated March 8, 2021 and sought the leave of court to validate it. The prosecuting counsel, Halima Shehu, prayed the court to grant the application. She, however , said the defendant through his counsel refused service. Replying the prosecuting counsel, the defence counsel, Aliyu Usman, said he refused to accept service of the amended charges based on the April 24, 2020 decision of the Court of Appeal which ruled that the defendant should enter his defence only in respect of two counts. It is only in respect of Counts 3 and 4 that there is a prima facie case to answer, we are bound by the appeal, he said. He urged the court to refuse the application and allow the defendant to continue with his testimony. But Ms Shehu, in her response, argued that the law allows the prosecution to amend charges at any stage of the proceedings before judgement. Citing judicial precedents set by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, she said any court may alter or add any charge before judgment is given. ADVERTISEMENT The judge thereafter adjourned till April 15. One of the newly introduced counts in the amended charges reads, That you Andrew Yakubu ( while being the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation- NNPC) some time 2012 and 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to avoid a lawful transaction under law transported at various times to Kaduna the aggregate sum of $ 9,772,800 ( Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) only when you knew or reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 7(4)(b)(ii) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 under punishable under Section 7(5) of the same Act. Firefighters Put Out Electrical Fire at DOE Plant By West Kentucky Star Staff WEST PADUCAH - Multiple fire departments responded to the Paducah Department of Energy plant in western McCracken County on Tuesday afternoon.A person at McCracken County Emergency Management told West Kentucky Star that the plant's fire department responded, with Concord Fire and West McCracken Fire Departments responding and staging nearby if needed.A public affairs person for the DOE's Portsmouth-Paducah Project Office released a statement Tuesday evening. At about 2:15 pm, workers saw smoke at the C-532 switch house, which is affiliated with the C-531 switchyard deactivation. Workers evacuated the area and plant firefighters responded to the scene.The fire was contained to the switch house, and West McCracken Fire personnel stayed to help put out the electrical fire and check for hot spots. Concord Fire Chief Bob McGowan said they were staged out and left the scene without entering plant property.There were no reported injuries and no impact to site operations. The DOE will investigate the incident. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Luyen and her husband spent VND1.2 billion to buy a 80 square meter house for salangane, which brings annual turnover of billions of dong. Luyen and her houses for salanganes Nguyen Thi Luyen, born in 1969, is well known in Dau Tieng district in Binh Duong province. According to the deputy chair of Minh Tan commune, Nguyen Thi Thin, Luyen is one of three households in their commune that have succeeded in developing homes for salanganes. At noon, after taking her daughter to school, Luyen stops at three houses for salanaganes located in the rubber fields, 500 meters from her house. Of the three houses, only one can produce a profit. The other two houses have just been built, so they still cannot attract many birds. At the time when we built the first home for salanaganes, there were very few houses of this kind, so the house was chosen by many birds. But as too many houses have arisen, it is difficult to attract salanganes. My other two houses can lure a few young burds, she said. Old birds only stay in familiar places. They dont want to move to other places, she said. Luyen and her husband are from the northern province of Vinh Phuc. In 1991, when arriving in Binh Duong, they bought two land plots and set up a tent to live. My husband stayed at home, took care of children, reclaimed land for growing cashews, raising fowl and did field work. I was a factory worker. It was a hard time, she recalled. Later, in addition to the field work, they also sokd goods at markets and planted rubber, but the outcome was unsatisfactory. In 2010, Luyen heard that a household in her commune could make high profit from salanganes and she decided to try the business model. As Luyen and her husband did not have knowlege about salangane raising, they visited Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc to learn about this. But they did not dare make an investment in salangage houses. Only when meeting a household in Dau Tieng district which had nine salangane houses did Luyen decide to develop salangane houses. They promised that they would build houses, share experience with us and only receive money from us if the houses lured salanganes, she recalled. One year later, Luyen and her husband harvested the first salanganes nests. At first, they had only several hundreds of grams of salanganes nests each time. Later, they harvested several kilograms. And now they sometimes can get 20-40 kilograms. Quyen, her husband, now specializes in building salangane houses for other households in the commune as he knows what kind of wood to use, where to build houses to have the best wind, and how to install a sound system. Tu Anh More efforts needed to attract FDI into hi-tech farming The Vietnamese government holds high hope for a green and safe agricultural sector that could be a driving force for growth just like the manufacturing and processing sector. Agartala, March 10 : The Opposition CPI-M on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly for giving "wrong credit" to the BJP government for setting up of the projects in Tripura, which were either undertaken or completed during the Left Front's regime and were inaugurated and laid the foundation stones by Modi on Tuesday. The Prime Minister on Tuesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of nine mega projects worth Rs 3,518 crore including the 1.9-km-long "Maitre Setu" (friendship bridge), built at a cost of Rs 133 crore over river Feni connecting southern Tripura with Bangladesh's Ramgarh to get access to the Chittagong international sea port. The Communist Party of India-Marxist state secretary Gautam Das has lashed out at the "totally false speech of the Prime Minister" delivered virtually to mark the third anniversary of the BJP led government. Das said that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while virtually addressing Tuesday's Feni Bridge inaugural function clearly stated that the proposal for the 'Maitre Setu' had been made by then Chief Mminister Manik Sarkar in 2010 through the union external affairs ministry, and she had accepted the proposal then. "The previous Left Front government had also made financial allocation for the vital bridge. But the Prime Minister took the credit for this and prasied the BJP government in Tripura. Similarly, the PM gave wrong statement on the Agartala-Akhaura railway project, which was proposed by the then Left government and agreed by the erstwhile Congress led UPA government and Hasinia approved it when she visited New Delhi in 2010," said Das, also a CPI-M central committee member. He said that in 1952, CPI-M MPs Biren Dutta and Dasharatha Deb had raised the state's connectivity issue in Parliament and after many decades the Left Front government had succeeded in approving the Agartala-Akhaura project. Das said that most of the other projects either inaugurated or laid foundation stones by the Prime Minister had initiated by the previous CPI-M led government. "The credit for all the works of these projects are being sought to be taken by the BJP government falsely and the Prime Minister, wrongly briefed by his partymen, endorsed the falsehood but the people of the state know everything and will draw their own conclusion," the Left leader said. He alleged that during three years of BJP governance in Tripura instead of development, people only witnessed "destruction". King Salman Energy Park (Spark), a fully-integrated industrial city coming up near the Saudi city of Dhahran in the Eastern Province, said it has secured four ISO certificates from Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification. These are ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 55001 Asset Management System certifications. With these certifications, Spark has adopted an integrated management system approach to business risks, including quality, health & safety, and environmental management. Spark has protected the value of their physical and non-material assets. Spanning an area of 50 sq km, Spark is being developed with a vision to become the leading gateway to the regional energy sector, offering a complete spectrum of services to support business growth in the kingdom. It offers infrastructure with international specifications for global investors in crude oil and gas industry and refining, petrochemical industries, electric power, and water production and treatment. On the key achievement, Saif Al Qahtani, President and CEO, said: "We at Spark are extremely proud of achieving ISO certification, showcasing to our customers, investors and partners that our services operate at the highest quality standards." "Spark and its employees are committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that we are dedicated to developing and improving the processes and systems required to maintain our ISO accreditation," he noted. Bureau Veritas said it has contributed to the sustainability agenda of Spark with integrated management system certification and asset management system certification. "Since 1828, Bureau Veritas mission has been to shape a world of trust. We are very proud to strengthen our relationship with Spark for their strategic project by supporting them to adopt best practices in line with the most recognized international standards while safeguarding assets, maintaining value and ensuring customer trust and personnel safety," remarked Hanna Jabour, the director for I&F MER District at Bureau Veritas. "Through independent auditing, certification and verification, the energy park has successfully completed the certification process," he added.-TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Mar 10, 2021 - 16:37 | All, 3/11 Fukushima, Japan, Feature Michiyo Suzuki remains undecided on whether to return to her hometown of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture, where the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is located. When a massive earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011, her family was unable to find a space in an evacuation center and was forced instead to spend the night in their car. The next morning, they were simply instructed to "flee to the west." Only after she reached an elementary school in the city of Fukushima did Suzuki learn of the tsunami-triggered explosion at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, a situation that turned her hometown into a radiation no-go zone. Even though she settled two years later in Iwaki, a seaside municipality some 45 kilometers south of Futaba, and her former home 3 km from the nuclear plant ha been torn down to help build a storage facility, the 48-year-old has kept her resident status in her former hometown so she does not sever her links to the area. "Emotional connections cannot be easily cut off," she said. Futaba residents will be allowed to return as early as spring next year to a limited zone in the town with radiation levels that are deemed safe, but it is an area Suzuki had little to do with before the disaster, giving her little motivation to go back. Kazumi Endo, a 42-year-old volunteer firefighter in the city of Soma, recalls a recurring nightmare he suffered in which a huge wall moves in his direction, something he links to his experience witnessing a tsunami sweep through pine groves from aboard a fire engine a decade ago. In his neighborhood, 251 people, or more than 10 percent of residents, died when the massive surges of water and debris arrived. His boss and eight colleagues at the local fire service were among the victims. As he moved to higher ground while urging people to move away from seaside areas that were being devastated by the seawater inundation, Endo saved a boy who he heard faintly calling for help, finding the boy wet, trembling and in shock. The experience renewed his resolve to continue volunteering as a firefighter, with him deciding on that while attending his boss' funeral. He recalled the dead man's prescient warning during the disaster to not to work alone, as being in a team is much safer. "It is my mission to convey precisely the behavior of people and myself on the day," said Endo, believing studying their collective reaction will allow lessons to be learned. For Runa Hoshiyama, born as aftershocks shook the hospital four hours after the magnitude-9 quake struck, it has become normal to hear the siren that rings out in the memory of disaster victims on her birthday. The siren scared her as a small girl but it now reminds her to offer a prayer. Her parents had to leave a Futaba hospital some 4 km from the Fukushima nuclear plant on a bus, with their mewling newborn in their arms, when police officers arrived early on the morning after the quake clad in protective gear to tell them to evacuate. "Why is no-one around this town," Runa asked quietly last summer, according to her mother Mayumi Hoshiyama, when the family drove along a road leading to the nuclear plant to visit a grave. The roadside is still littered with traces of the disaster such as crumbling buildings, piles of waste from decontamination work and barricades. But the scale, impact and scars of the disaster to which she is inextricably linked have not dissuaded Runa from wanting to build a life in the town where she was born. The soon-to-be 10-year-old has pledged to become a teacher so she can bring smiles to residents' faces once again. Related coverage: High school students want to hand down 2011 disaster experience FEATURE: Fukushima nuclear crisis evacuees face unresolved issues 10 years on FEATURE: Japan tsunami survivors trying to return favor 10 yrs on It is grotesque abuse: a government seizing foreign nationals and imprisoning them - separating them from their families, often without legal redress -- to gain leverage over another country. A broad coalition of nations has now formally come together to denounce the practice. Led by Canada, fifty-eight nations, including the United States, Australia and Japan and almost all the members of the European Union, have endorsed a declaration condemning state-sponsored arbitrary detention of foreign nationals for political purposes. The declaration affirms the principles of human rights and the rule of law concerning arbitrary detention as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The declaration affirms that its signatories stand in solidarity with States whose nationals [including dual citizens] have been arbitrarily arrested, detained or sentenced by other States seeking to exercise leverage over them and acknowledge the need to work collaboratively to address this issue of mutual concern at the international level. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Canada for leading the way on this important issue and for obtaining the endorsement of many countries. In a statement, he called arbitrary detentions in State-to-State relations a heinous act against the human rights of the individuals in question, and an affront to international diplomatic norms. At a virtual declaration announcement ceremony hosted by Canada and attended by high-level officials from dozens of countries, Secretary Blinken called the practice completely unacceptable: This kind of arbitrary detention goes against the human rights of the people being held. It brings anguish to their families. And its a threat to anyone who travels, works, or lives abroad. 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. The fact that so many countries are endorsing this declaration is a sign of its strength, Secretary of State Blinken said. Now lets keep the momentum going. I urge more countries to join us in making it clear that arbitrary detention has absolutely no place in state-to-state relations. Human beings are not bargaining chips. This is a matter of human rights and the rule of law. Well stand up for both - together. The interview by Britain's Duke and Duchess of Sussex continues to generate reactions around the world. In Kenya, the revelations made by Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have been dominating the headlines. In particular the allegations of racism have hit a nerve in the Commonwealth country. The foreign editor for the daily The Star newspaper on Tuesday said that if the claims were true, "a wrong" had been done. Josephine Mayuya went on to say that in that case, the royal family should "re-examine itself". Doing so would make it "stronger, more compassionate" and would benefit both the UK and the Commonwealth. In the interview, Meghan said that an unidentified member of the family had raised concerns" about the colour of her baby's skin when she was pregnant. Buckingham Palace on Tuesday said that the allegations were concerning" and would be addressed privately by the royal family. Despite the controversy, Mayuya said she believed that the interview was unlikely to affect relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom. Still, it was likely to dominate the newspaper pages for a while longer, she went on to say. "The Star is definitely going to watch this story. This is huge. It may have a number of ramifications, and it could be history in the making," she explained. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Overcast with rain showers at times. High around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results Every boom or bust can send students rocketing up or down the leaderboard. The annual Stock Market Challenge, a competition run by the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy, gives players $100,000 of pretend money to buy and sell stocks. The top three teams in each division of each county receive real cash prizes. The program, which teaches students about investing and encourages financial literacy through hands-on activities, started Feb. 15 and will run through April 23. The council uses the Personal Finance Lab, a stock market simulation from Stock-Trak, which is free for teachers and students. In addition to trading stocks, the year-long curriculum includes a personal finance course and training webinars. The learning is the most powerful part, said Carolyn Shirk, vice president of the council. The simulation allows the students to have a whole different experience and they often dont forget it. Personal finance education is something that individuals will use all their lives. Through the third week of the 10-week competition, a team from Lakeland guided by Jennifer Pietryka leads the high school rankings in Lackawanna County with $160,537.17, and a team from North Pocono guided by Donna West leads the middle school rankings in Lackawanna County with $107,138.81. Shirk is thankful for the support from Fidelity Bank, which sponsors the teams in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. West, a seventh-grade math teacher at North Pocono Middle School, remembers the early days of competition before technology took hold. When I started back in the late 1990s or early 2000s, it was a pencil and paper version and we would mail it in, she said. Now, students get instant updates on the status of their stocks. I think the biggest excitement for the students is to see how their ranking is compared to their classmates, West said. One of my students has made $26,000 so far. I havent asked her what her secret is, but shes doing fantastic. West aims to help students learn the basics of investing while having some fun along the way. My goal is to give them a sense of financial awareness and how everything that happens in the world is impacted on the stock market. Its also a nice break from our textbook once in a while. West feels its important to pass along her knowledge of the stock market to the next generation. My father was always into investing, so he got me into it and when we saw this competition I knew it was something I wanted to bring to my students, she said. Confidence and strength in economic development are what Chinas government work report this year has signaled to the international community, and also what make the world believe that the countrys economic certainty will bring more confidence, power and hopes to the global economy. International observers commented that Chinas goal of reaching a growth rate of over 6 percent is like a beam of light in the long dark tunnel of the world economy haunted by the COVID-19 pandemic, lighting up the path leading to global recovery. They said the goal demonstrated Chinas resolution and confidence, and the China engine will keep revitalizing the global economy. COVID-19 is still spreading around the world, making international situation more unstable and uncertain. To expel the dark cloud covering the economy and bring development back to normal is a common responsibility shouldered by all countries. China, as the only major economy that secured positive growth over the past year, is widely anticipated by the international society to drive the global growth. The government work report of the country recently released sent out a series of inspiring messages to the world. The Chinese economy has recovered momentum of stable growth. In the extraordinary year of 2020, China achieved major strategic results of pandemic prevention and control, and its economy grew by 2.3 percent year-on-year. The Chinese economy just left a remarkable v-shape last year by delivering a 6.5 percent growth in the last quarter. Though the country still faces risks and challenges this year, the fundamentals sustaining stable and long-term economic growth remain unchanged. China announced a series of goals and decisions in its government work report, which were considered as positive signals of the countrys economic recovery by the international society, such as targeting a growth of over six percent this year, lowering budget deficit ratio to 3.2 percent, and no longer issuing additional COVID-19 government bonds. Chinas economy maintained high-quality development. According to the government work report, targeting at expanding its GDP by over 6 percent, China has taken into account the recovery of economic activity. A target of over 6 percent will enable the country to devote full energy to promoting reform, innovation, and high-quality development. Besides, the government work report also called to promote high-quality development of the real economy through innovation and foster new growth drivers, expand domestic demand as a strategic move and fully tap the potential of the domestic market, and promote continuous environmental improvement. The international public opinion believes that a moderate growth target will enable a government to focus on both the quality and quantity of growth, which indicates that China will enhance its efforts on further lifting the quality of its development. This further explained that China is a reliable partner, a partner that can bring hopes, said deputy director Alexander Lomanov of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences. Chinese economy is now more closely connected to the world economy. The government work report revealed that China will open up more sectors of the economy in a more thorough fashion and participate more fully in international economic cooperation. Besides, it will also promote steady growth of imports and exports, use foreign investment more effectively, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and deepen multilateral, bilateral, and regional economic cooperation. This fully indicates Chinas aspiration to work for win-win results with the rest of the world. Foreign direct investment into China grew 4 percent year on year in 2020, making the country the largest destination of foreign capital. Besides, in the first two months this year, China's foreign trade surged 32.2 percent from a year ago. Facts prove that only through open cooperation can countries create more momentum for economic development. China is bound to promote common development with high-level opening up. China will have an accurate understanding of the new stage of development, fully apply the new development philosophy, and accelerate its efforts to create a new development pattern to promote high-quality development. By doing so, it will set the stage for building a modern socialist country in all respects. The world has every reason to believe that pursuing high-standard opening up and promoting stable and improved performance in foreign trade and investment, China will surely inject constant momentum into global economic development. As the centennial anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) approaches, national political advisors have appealed to improve "red tourism," in which Chinese people visit locations with significance of revolutionary history. Revolutionary spirit is a precious resource of the CPC and is the motivation for members to devote themselves to their work, said Wu Degang, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former deputy director of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee. "Over the past century, the CPC has not only led the Chinese people to material prosperity, but has also fostered a series of revolutionary spirits - the Jinggangshan Spirit, the Long March Spirit, and the Yan'an Spirit which have demonstrated CPC members' great character," he said. One way to learn about these sprits is to go back and visit their places of origin. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to the protection and utilization of red tourism resources and the inheritance and promotion of red culture. According to statistics published in 2019, the total number of tourists received by national red cultural tourist attractions had reached 5.17 billion since 2012, and the comprehensive income of red cultural tourism had reached 1.35 trillion yuan ($207.36 billion). The national red cultural tourism industry directly employed 1.3 million people and indirectly employed 5.1 million people. Cao Hui, a national political advisor and vice chairman of Fuyao Group, said as China is pushing a "dual circulation" development pattern, the tourism industry must play a fundamental role in the consumption field. "To construct the new development pattern, we must take care of an important task to accelerate the internal circulation of China's tourism industry. This is not only an expedient measure to expand domestic demand, but also a long-term strategic move." In particular, he pointed out that some old revolutionary base areas are rich in red culture, ethnic culture, and green ecological resources, so a number of key rural tourism villages and high-quality routes have been formed. "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The development of red tourism can achieve multiple win-wins," he noted. But some problems still exist for red tourism. Zhu Xiaojin, a national political advisor and vice president of Nanjing Normal University, said the development of some red tourist sites lacks scientific and unified planning. Zhu suggested the establishment of a leading government organization for the protection and development of red tourism resources to strengthen overall planning, while innovating the promotion and marketing model to expand the influence of red tourism. Also, he said, China should strengthen supervision, management system and mechanism construction to improve services, and ensure healthy development. Song Jirong, another member of the 13th CPPCC National Committee and head of the Cultural Relic Hospital at the Palace Museum in Beijing, told China.org.cn that she had joined a tour to inspect the preparations and construction of the Long March culture parks in various locations last year. "I saw local governments attach great importance to the protection and utilization of revolutionary cultural relics. For example, both Gansu and Shaanxi provinces have set up revolutionary cultural relic offices," she said. "Along the Red Army's Long March route, there are old sites, memorial halls, and lots of stories and they are testimonies to the history of Chinese revolution." But she said scientific protection and the utilization of revolutionary cultural relics is an urgent problem to be solved at present. She suggested setting up a revolutionary cultural relic protection and restoration standards committee to formulate restoration standards for various immovable and movable cultural relics and strengthen the preventive protection of various cultural relics. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. YEREVAN -- Armenia's top brass has again called for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's resignation as opposition supporters blocked the parliament building shortly after he announced that a top general had been relieved of his duties. The army General Staff on March 10 reiterated that early elections are the only way out of the ongoing political crisis in the South Caucasus country and repeated a demand that Pashinian step down after President Armen Sarkisian refused to endorse his dismissal of the chief of the General Staff, Onik Gasparian. At the heart of the turmoil is a Russian-brokered deal Pashinian signed in November that brought an end to fighting over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh at a heavy cost for the Armenian side, which suffered territorial and battlefield losses from Azerbaijan's Turkish-backed military. The deal saw Armenia cede control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and all seven surrounding districts that had been occupied by Armenian forces since the early 1990s, prompting protests from the opposition and parts of the military. In light of what they perceived as a national humiliation, Gasparian and other top brass on February 25 called for the departure of Pashinian, who in turn accused the military of a coup attempt and promptly fired Gasparian. The move triggered an ongoing standoff between the government on the one hand and the opposition backed by top military officers on the other hand, with President Sarkisian adding to the tension with his repeated refusal to endorse Gasparian's dismissal. Both opposition supporters and Pashinian's backers have been holding rival rallies in the capital since the crisis broke out. Pashinian on March 10 announced Gasparian's departure, arguing that the general's dismissal automatically took force after Sarkisian failed to sign the dismissal decree submitted by Pashinian and did not appeal it at the Constitutional Court within the legal time frame. Opposition demonstrators who had surrounded the government building since March 9, engaging in occasional scuffles with police, gathered in large numbers on March 10 and blocked access to the parliament building. Pashinian has defended the November deal as the only way to prevent the Azerbaijani military from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to monitor the agreement. Pashinian, whose My Step faction dominates parliament, has offered to hold snap parliamentary elections later this year but refused opposition demands to resign. With reporting by Reuters, AP, Interfax, and TASS PUYALLUP, Wash., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodcreek Provider Service is a medical practice management company in Washington that provides support to pediatric clinics and urgent care centers owned and operated by MultiCare Health System, including some that were previously owned and operated by Woodcreek Healthcare. Woodcreek Provider Services contracts with Netgain Technology LLC to host its information technology network and computer systems. In late 2020, Netgain Technology suffered a ransomware cyber-attack. The attackers may have had access to personal information and/or protected health information of Woodcreek Provider Services employees, healthcare providers, applicants, contractors, and individuals receiving services delivered by MultiCare Health Systems and/or Woodcreek Healthcare. The information included names and addresses, medical record numbers, dates of birth, social security numbers, health insurance policy and identification numbers, insurance claims, explanation of benefits, statements, clinical notes, referral requests, laboratory reports, decision not to vaccinate forms, authorization requests for services, treatment approvals, records requests, immunization information, vaccine records, prescription requests, release of information forms, subpoena records requests, medical record disclosure logs, incident reports, invoices, correspondence with patients, student identification numbers, bank account numbers, employment related documents, court documents, Drug Enforcement Agency certificates, payroll withholding and insurance deduction authorizations, benefit and tax forms, employee health information and some medical records. Woodcreek Provider Services has taken steps to improve the security of data under its control by taking steps to enhance cybersecurity protocols and practices. Woodcreek Provider Services has also received written assurances that Netgain Technology has added security enhancements within its network to proactively safeguard against future threats. Woodcreek received confirmation of the data involved in the incident on January 18, 2021 and is sending written notification to each affected individual offering identity theft protection services and/or complimentary credit monitoring services. If you have any questions about this incident, please call 1-833-726-0944 or visit https://response.idx.us/woodcreek SOURCE Woodcreek Provider Services Since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria a decade ago, over 11 million Syrians have been displaced, with about half of them fleeing the country. Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, all bordering countries, have received most of the refugees. Yet, although largely unnoticed, Sudan had been also welcoming tens of thousands of Syrians, especially since it became the only Arab country that did not require a visa. For years, Syrians arriving to Sudan could reside, work, start a business and access services, like education and health care, on equal footing with Sudanese citizens. Syrians did not even have to process residence permits as they were considered neither refugees nor residents but guests, said Adham Aldaham, director of the Khatwa Initiative for Syrians in Sudan, an organization working with refugees. This situation, however, is rapidly changing under Sudans transitional government. Since it took the reins of the country in 2019, the authorities have been gradually issuing new regulations that are making the access to residence, jobs and services increasingly difficult for foreigners, including Syrians. In December, the process reached a whole new level when an entry visa was imposed for the first time on Syrians arriving from Syria. When I went [to Sudan] in early 2018 and 2019, it was very easy. Syrians were able to enter freely; they did not need a visa, they had no work permit restrictions, they were able to access the Sudanese society as Sudanese, said Sarah Tobin, a professor at the Christian Michelsen Institute researching Syrian refugees in Sudan since 2018. She told Al-Monitor, With the transitional government, this has all been slashed. Syrians started to arrive in Sudan in increasing numbers in 2014. By then, other countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey had been barring the entry of Syrians one after the other, by closing their borders and imposing visas. Sudan was the only exception. The people are what make Sudan a good place to live. It is a tough economic situation and conditions are different, but what makes it a good place are the people, Salam Kanhoush, a Syrian living in Sudan since 2016, told Al-Monitor. Because of this hands-off policy, there are no official figures on how many Syrians reside in Sudan. Aldaham told Al-Monitor that, according to unofficial statistics by the Office of the Syrian Diaspora in Sudan, there were some 250,000 Syrians in the country in 2016. Local media have reported the same number. As of Jan. 31, the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, had registered 93,496 Syrians, yet Aldaham believes that the current number does not exceed 70,000. Under the Islamist regime of Omar al-Bashir, Syrians and other foreigners also had the possibility of obtaining the Sudanese nationality, which gave them greater mobility than the Syrian passport and, ultimately, the possibility of flying to other countries. According to the Sudanese Nationality Act of 1994, last amended in 2018, foreigners could apply for citizenship by naturalization after having resided in Sudan for at least five years, among other requirements. In 2014, Aldaham said that Bashir, in accordance with the powers conferred upon him by the act and the constitution, approved an exception by which Syrians, Palestinians, Yemenis and Iraqis who had resided in Sudan for six consecutive months could be granted Sudanese nationality through naturalization. In practice, obtaining the Sudanese passport through legal procedure was not easy, and the granting of the Sudanese nationality largely depended on a corrupt network whose connections reached Bashirs brother, according to an investigation by journalist Abdulmoneim Suleiman. It is thus not clear how many Syrians obtained the Sudanese nationality. There was corruption. Syrians and especially businessmen could come here and within a week, or in one month, get a Sudanese passport. They bought it, Kanhoush said. This whole situation has drastically changed under the Sudanese transitional government, which has complained about the lack of accurate information about foreigners in the country and has gradually moved away from the old regime's hands-off approach toward refugees. The consequences of this policy shift are heavily affecting Syrians. In September 2019, members of the Syrian community in Sudan held a meeting with the director of the Foreigners Control Police to learn about their new legal status. A statement from the Committee for Supporting Syrian Families stated at the time that Syrians had to start obtaining a residence permit and that employers had to start issuing work permits for their workers, with the exception of those who had acquired nationality. Since then, the authorities have launched a number of raids and inspections against Syrian businesses, and those who do not have their documents in place risk being sent to prison on high bails unless they allegedly engage in bribery with the police. The transitional government has also turned to businesses of Sudanese nationals who did not acquire the nationality through birth. On Nov. 2019, Anadolu reported that Sudans Ministry of Industry and Trade banned foreigners from practicing commercial activities in areas of imports and exports. Syrians really attributed this change to economic success that Syrians were feeling better economically and that this is what prompted the social shift, said Tobin based on her research. There was jealousy, a sense of unfairness, maybe even corruption that the Sudanese perceive, and what is perceived as a competition in the labor market, which is enough to turn notions in a negative way toward visiting populations. In parallel, Sudans Ministry of Interior announced Dec. 9 that the chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, had issued a decree to withdraw citizenship from 3,548 people who had obtained it by naturalization without meeting the conditions stipulated in the law. It is not clear how many of them are Syrians, but they are believed to represent the majority. In July 2020, national IDs had been frozen and the renewal of passports for those who had acquired nationality between January 2014 and April 2019 were suspended, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior. Sudanese authorities had previously announced the formation of a committee to review the files of foreigners who had been granted Sudanese nationality between 2014 and 2019, Aldaham said. The Sudanese Ministry of Interior also announced Dec. 9 that the country would start imposing an entry visa on Syrians arriving from Syria. Entry visas for Syrians traveling to Sudan from countries other than Syria had already been imposed before. Kanhoush said that fees for immigration procedures have been increased 100% this year. He noted that the consequences of all these measures are already noticeable. Many people have started leaving from Sudan to Syria. My family is an example of this. Two of my brothers have gone back. And when I go to Khartoum, there are less [Syrians] there, he added. People who are running businesses are still working and functioning, but these are old businesses. The workers are suffering now and salaries are very low. The government needs to make it easier for them." Tobin concluded, If the transitional government is going to require things like visas for entry, residence permits, work permits, then efforts need to be made to incorporate Syrians into local societies and the economy of the country. If you make it transparent and legal, you can also make it human and safe." EDWARDSVILLE A Granite City woman was charged with child abduction Friday after violating a custodial order. Shernese M. McLorn, 30, was charged March 5 with child abduction, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on March 4 McLorn violated a court order by removing the child from the courts jurisdiction during a supervised visit and fleeing the area. Bail was set at $50,000. Other felony cases presented March 5 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Dustin E. Freytag, 33, of Cottage Hills, was charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony; aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony; and domestic battery (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on March 3 Freytag allegedly strangled and struck a pregnant household or family member. It was noted he had a previous conviction for domestic battery out of Madison County in 2019. Bail was set at $60,000. Terry L. King Jr., 35, of Collinsville, was charged two counts of aggravated domestic battery, both Class 2 felonies; and unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County States Attorneys Office. On March 4 King allegedly strangled a household or family member, and prevented them from leaving a residence. Bail was set at $75,000. Amy L. Finazzo, 36, of Granite City, was charged with disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Feb. 28 Finazzo allegedly filed a false domestic battery report. Bail was set at $15,000. Geneva, March 10 : The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that although February 2021 has been colder than the average of the same months in the last two decades, "none of that negated climate change or reversed the long-term rise in temperatures". February 2021 was "much colder" than its average since 1991, especially in the northern hemisphere in countries such as Russia and the US, Xinhua news agency quoted the WMO as saying in a statement on Tuesday. In the US, temperatures for February were lowest since 1989 as Texas was particularly affected by cold waves, with Dallas city having a record-low temperature of minus 19 degrees Celsius. However, Clare Nullis, spokesperson of the WMO, warned at a press conference on Tuesday that what happened in February could be an exception rather than the norm. "Cold records, cold waves are becoming rarer," she said, adding that "heat waves, heat records are becoming much more frequent". The Geneva-based organization also warned that temperatures in the Arctic and the rest of the world were "much warmer than average" for February 2021. According to the WMO, colder temperatures at the beginning of 2021 could be attributed to the "weakening of the polar vortex", an atmospheric phenomenon that saw an area of cold air generally trapped in the poles be released into mid-latitudes, while warmer air entered the Arctic. The WMO expects climate change to continue despite "mixed patterns" for early 2021. Compared to the pre-industrial era, the year 2020 is believed to be 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer, said the Organization. On January 15, the WMO declared 2020 as "one of the three warmest (years) on record". Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (NEW YORK) -- Here are today's In Crisis headlines: House scheduled to vote on COVID-19 relief bill today The House of Representatives is scheduled today to vote on President Bidens $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that the Senate passed over the weekend. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyers office announced Wednesday morning that the vote will come between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. ET today. Despite polls showing the legislation is popular among a majority of Americans, the bill is still not expected to get any Republican support, mirroring the absence of GOP votes to pass the Senate version. The 600+ page bill, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, includes an extension of supplemental unemployment benefits through September 6, and a new round of relief payments for Americans struggling with the pandemics ongoing economic impact. President Biden is eager to sign the bill into law this week before current federal unemployment benefits expire on March 14. The White House says Americans can expect to see their $1,400 checks by the end of the month. COVID-19 numbers Here's the latest data on COVID-19 coronavirus infections, deaths and vaccinations. Latest reported COVID-19 numbers globally per Johns Hopkins University Global diagnosed cases: 117,660,021 Global deaths: 2,612,360. The United States has the most deaths of any single country, with 527,705. Number of countries/regions: at least 192 Total patients recovered globally: 66,692,308 Latest reported COVID-19 numbers in the United States per Johns Hopkins University There are at least 29,096,450 reported cases in 50 states + the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. This is more than in any other country. U.S. deaths: at least 527,705. California has the greatest number of reported deaths in the U.S., with 54,628. U.S. total people tested: 367,015,805 The greatest number of reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is in California, with 3,607,891 confirmed cases out of a total state population of 39.51 million. This ranks second in the world after England, which has 3,703,136 cases. Texas is third, with 2,704,790 confirmed cases out of a total state population of 29 million. Latest reported COVID-19 vaccination numbers in the United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a total of 123,232,775 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been distributed in the U.S. Of those, 93,692,598 doses have been administered, with 61,088,527 people receiving at least one dose and 32,102,061 people fully vaccinated, representing 18.4% and 9.7% of the total U.S. population, respectively. The Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines each require two doses to be effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires a single dose to be effective. COVID-19 cases, deaths declining in the US The U.S. has seen a significant decline in its COVID-19 metrics over the past two months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services. There has been an overall 77% drop over the last eight weeks, with approximately 400,000 new coronavirus cases and just under 12,000 deaths reported in the last seven days. Two months ago at this time, the country had reported over 20,000 COVID-19 deaths and 1.7 million cases in a single week. With a current average of 57,600 new cases a day, the seven-day average of daily cases continues to drop nationwide, declining by 13.6% since last week. White House to announce new push for additional COVID-19 vaccines President Biden will announce later this afternoon a push to procure 100 million additional doses of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, to be delivered later this year. Biden will announce that hes directing the Department of Health and Human Services to procure the doses at a meeting today with executives from Johnson & Johnson and Merck, meant to highlight the landmark partnership, brokered by the White House, between the rival companies thats accelerating vaccine manufacturing. That partnership enabled Biden to declare enough vaccine will be available for every American adult to be immunized by the end of May -- around 260 million people. The additional 100 million doses being announced today will not be delivered before that deadline, and a White House official declined to provide a specific timeline. However, The New York Times reports the doses will be delivered sometime in the second half of this year. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. State Police Recruiters in Paducah Thursday By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Kentucky State Police recruiters will visit the campus of Heartland Worship Center Thursday to find candidates for its upcoming Cadet Class #101.Troopers will be at the Heartland Worship Center Youth Center from 10 am until 1 pm to speak with anyone interested in pursuing a career with the Kentucky State Police.Heartland Worship Center is located at 4777 Alben Barkley Drive in Paducah across from West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Three members of the pro-talk United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), including one of its leaders, have been arrested for an alleged plot to assassinate the state's Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, police said. "On Monday a secret input was received from a reliable source that a group of ULFA (pro-talk) militants along with some unidentified members of the group conspired to assassinate the Finance Minister of by using firearms and explosives," the Chief Public Relation Officers of Police said. Pradip Gogoi, vice-chairman of the rebel outfit ULFA was among the three arrested. The trio were produced in a city court on Tuesday and remanded to three days of police custody, police sai.d. The development comes ahead of the three-phase assembly election in the state that begins 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.) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Purdue University technology to assist nonverbal children on the autism spectrum is helping families around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced schools and clinics to rely more on remote options. The award-winning SPEAKall! application functions as a smart device communication board and language learning platform that teaches students to associate words and images. In the application, students choose digital cards and move them to the speech bar, then the application reads the sequence aloud word by word. Hearing how the words sound can encourages the autistic learner to make an attempt at saying the word with his or her own voice. Users, caregivers and clinicians can upload their own photos or images into the application and pair it with pre-recorded or iPad-generated speech to personalize the program for each learners individual needs. It is estimated that up to 50% of the over 2 million individuals on the autism spectrum are initially nonverbal or minimally verbal and need augmentative communication technology such as SPEAKall! to meet daily communication needs. It has been heartwarming and rewarding to see how our technology is helping to develop better speech and language and provide a much-needed resource during this pandemic that has deprived many families affected by autism of proper therapeutic services, said technology inventor Oliver Wendt, professor and chair of cognitive and emotional disabilities at the University of Potsdam, Germany, who created SPEAKall! in his former Purdue research lab in the departments of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Educational Studies. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the world have shifted therapy to telehealth platforms, which can be challenging for nonverbal autistic children and their parents. Especially young children on the autism spectrum often experience an intense disruption in services, which can lead to worsening autism symptoms and increased family distress. It is marvelous when parents can be trained to use proper technology such as SPEAKall! and continue therapy during and after remote sessions. Thus, we can ameliorate some of the COVID-19 impact. The technology has received international recognition for moving speech-language pathologys traditional communication boards onto mobile devices. A first prototype was developed through a collaboration with Purdues EPICS program. Later technology development was supported by a National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders grant, an AWS Foundation grant, the Purdue Trask Innovation Fund, and a Kontos Faculty Fellowship from the Purdue Center for Families, among others. We are extremely thankful to be using the SPEAKall! technology, said Noel Nyquist, the parent of a child on the autism spectrum who learned to implement SPEAKall! during teletherapy sessions. Its an amazing application that I know will help so many children and families. I share my daughters progress with so many people who seem to be at such a loss for how to help their children learn to speak. The technology can be licensed through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. For more information, contact OTC at otcip@prf.org. An open access research article providing implementation examples is available here. A video with more information about SPEAKall! can be found here. About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office is housed in the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus. In fiscal year 2020, the office reported 148 deals finalized with 225 technologies signed, 408 disclosures received and 180 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 5 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu. Writer: Chris Adam, cladam@prf.org Source: Oliver Wendt, wendto@purdue.edu The father of a boy found beaten to death inside his Harlem home has accused his ex of 'letting the devil in' after her new boyfriend was charged with his murder. Ayden Wolfe, 10, was found unconscious at his family's fourth-floor apartment in the Saint Nicholas Houses on Saturday afternoon. He was taken to Harlem Hospital where he died shortly afterwards. His stepfather Ryan Cato, 34, has since been charged with murder. Court papers reveal police had been called to the home a day before the boy's death on Friday after a neighbor heard shouting and banging - but officers left after failing to figure out where the noise was coming from. Prosecutors say the neighbor who called 911 on Friday told law enforcement they heard a man screaming: 'Do you want me to beat your a** too?' A woman - believed to be Ayden's mom - was heard saying 'stop' as her son moaned. The shouting and banging is said to have lasted for 40 minutes. The boy's mom, 32, is also set to face charges over his death, NBC reports, but it is unclear what she will be accused of. Now Ayden's biological father, Darnell Wolfe, 34, has told The New York Daily News: 'You let the devil into this house. She made a deal with this devil. It's impossible that you don't know what's happening with our child.' Darnell said his son had 'charisma' and 'just shined'. Ayden Wolfe, 10, pictured with his biological dad Darnell, was found unconscious at his family's fourth-floor apartment in Harlem on Saturday afternoon; he later died at hospital His stepfather Ryan Cato, 34, has since been charged with murder. Court papers reveal police had been called to the home Friday after a neighbor heard shouting and banging but officers left after failing to figure out where the noise was coming from The NYPD has said it is now looking into whether the proper procedures were followed by officers who were called out to the home Friday. By Saturday police were called again after a neighbor reported hearing a man shouting: 'You thought yesterday was something? You think this s*** is a game?' A boy - believed to be Ayden - was heard moaning for a second day running, according to court papers. Commissioner Dermot Shea said: 'To be clear, the person allegedly responsible for Ayden Wolfe's death is Ryan Cato, who has been charged with murder in the second degree. 'Nonetheless, I have directed the Office of the Chief of Department to review the police response on Friday to determine if the officers' actions were consistent with all department procedures and whether our current procedures need to be revised.' Prosecutors say the neighbor who called 911 on Friday told law enforcement they heard a man screaming: 'Do you want me to beat your a** too?' A woman - believed to be Ayden's mom - was heard saying 'stop' as her son moaned. The incident is said to have lasted for 40 minutes Shea added of the Friday call: 'Two officers responded to the call and checked the fourth floor hallway. The officers went through the hallway, listened at doors, and checked the stairwell for any sound of a domestic dispute in progress. 'They remained in the hallway for approximately 12 minutes. They used their department smartphones to read the narrative of the 911 call and confirmed that no apartment number had been given. 'The officers dialed the callback number related to the 911 call twice, several minutes apart, to determine if the caller could provide what direction the noise had come from but got a voicemail message both times. After not detecting any ongoing dispute or contact with a caller, they resumed patrol.' Cato, right, also has a history of domestic violence arrests, including charges he choked the mother of his own children Cato was arraigned Monday and is due back in court Friday It was Cato who is reported to have called police after Ayden became unresponsive; he is said to have told officers Ayden had suffered the injuries outside of the home. But security footage shows Ayden had not left the house; he suffered a lacerated spleen, a lacerated liver, a lacerated kidney, rib fractures on both sides of his body and bruising between his toes. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said: 'Covered from head to toe with bruises. He had bruises on both arms and hands, both legs, his head and his face, including behind his ears, his chest, his back, and even between the toes. 'The child had ribs broken on both sides of his body. Some ribs had multiple fractures.' She said the boy 'had been inside of that apartment for months without in-person interactions with teachers, counselors or school nurses' due to the pandemic. Cato was arraigned Monday and is due back in court Friday. Darnell Wolfe said his son had 'charisma' and 'just shined'. The youngster had suffered a lacerated spleen, a lacerated liver, a lacerated kidney, rib fractures on both sides of his body and bruising between his toes A woman who claimed to be a cousin of Ayden said the little boy was 'super smart, super intelligent,' and wanted to become a professional YouTube gamer A complaint had been filed against the boy's mother in 2010 soon after he was born. The complaint involved the city's child welfare agency and concerned alleged child neglect. Cato also has a history of domestic violence arrests, including charges he choked the mother of his own children. Neighbors said they had heard about domestic problems involving the family. 'From the information I have, people knew the family had been through trauma and in a bad situation,' Sheba Simpson, a neighbor and a candidate for the NYC Council, told News10. 'Where are the services and resources that would have mitigated this murder?' In December, Cato was arrested after allegedly choking the mother of his own kids in front of their two children inside their apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On that occasion, Cato was charged with assault, menacing and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Cato is alleged to have hit the children's mother in the face several times before putting his hands around her neck and applying pressure. Cato was also charged in February with assaulting the driver of a yellow school bus in Brooklyn. Ayden Wolfe, 10, was found unconscious at his family's fourth-floor apartment in the Saint Nicholas Houses, pictured, on Saturday afternoon A woman who claimed to be a cousin of Ayden said the little boy was 'super smart, super intelligent,' and wanted to become a professional YouTube gamer. 'He was very technologically savvy, well-mannered,' said the woman who identified herself only as Jennifer A to the New York Times. Jennifer said Ayden was his mother's only child and that she doted on him. 'They were always together,' she said. She said Ayden's mother had survived brain cancer as a teenager and that it had left her disabled. 'She's very protective over him she was a good mom,' Jennifer said. 'I don't understand what went wrong.' 'I've never seen a bruise, fracture, anything on him,' she added saying that she had never noticed any signs of abuse. Sinn Fein have rolled out an advertisement campaign today in the US calling for a referendum on Irish Unity. The ad campaign organised by Friends of Sinn Fein is supported by a number of Irish American groups seeking support for a United Ireland Referendum. A United Ireland - let the people have their say, half-page ads placed in the New York Times and the Washington Post were headlined, while full page ads featured in Irish American newspapers such as the Irish Echo and the Irish Voice. The adverts run ahead of St Patrick's Day next week and highlights the ties between Ireland and the US, seeking support for a United Ireland. Read More One of the ads read; We appeal to the Irish Government to promote and plan for Unity. As Americans, we call our government and public representatives to urge the British Government to set the date for the Unity Referendum. This is the time for the people of Ireland to have their say. With your support, we can be the first generation of Americans to visit a free and United Ireland. Irish American groups in support of the ad campaign include the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish American Unity Conference, and the James Connolly Irish American Labor Coalition. The ad focuses on the Good Friday Agreement saying it has changed Ireland for the better and twenty-three years on Ireland continues to seek the full implementation of the agreement. It also highlights Irelands position as a member of the European Union. Chiang Mai snags most polluted label THAILAND: Chiang Mai yesterday (Mar 9) received the most undesirable accolade of becoming the most polluted city on the planet. environmenthealthpollution By Bangkok Post Wednesday 10 March 2021, 11:03AM Polluted Chiang Mai. Photo: Bangkok Post file. The grim news from the IQ AirVisual air monitoring website came as authorities revealed that the situation had caused 30,000 people to go to hospital because of respiratory illnesses over the last three months. The Chiang Mai provincial public health office said 31,788 patients suffering from air pollution-related illnesses from January to March 5 this year, said Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoen, director-general of the Department of Health under the Public Health ministry. Chiang Mais air quality has been ranked one of the planets three worst cities for pollution since the start of March. Then, IQ AirVisual yesterday announced that the city had in fact been the very worst place in the world for many straight days with a USAQI of 195, followed by Beijing on 182. USAQI is an Air Quality Index used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Yesterday morning, the level of PM2.5 in Chiang Mai rose above 200 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3), according to IQ AirVisual and the Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD)s air monitoring station gave similar findings. At noon yesterday, the level of PM2.5 recorded at Chang Puek Road in Muang district rose to almost 200 g/m3. The Thailand Meteorological Department yesterday warned the air pollution would last for another week. That is because the southern west wind current would be too weak to blow away the dust particles and these were trapped by the cool weather in the evenings. The main contributor to the deteriorating situation in the North is said to be the considerable heat from wildfires caused by open burning in Myanmar forests and locally. The northern region yesterday had 910 hotspots - 617 in protected areas, 293 in forests and 16 in individual farm plots. Mae Hong Son had the most hotspots at 442, followed by Chiang Mai at 211 and Tak 108. Wildfires and haze in the upper North have started to impact peoples health in six provinces: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Phayao. Deputy commander of the Third Army Area, Maj Gen Thanadpol Kosaisewee, said 60 patrol officers have been dispatched to five districts in Chiang Mai until tomorrow. Sandra Zuniga, the former director of San Franciscos Office of Neighborhood Services, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and will cooperate with the continuing federal investigation into City Hall corruption, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday. Zuniga, 45, was charged last June after prosecutors alleged she conspired for years with former city Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru to launder the proceeds of his alleged fraud. Prosecutors say Nuru is at the center of a complex web of alleged bribery at San Francisco City Hall. Hes accused of being the key player in a scheme involving contractors, department heads and nonprofit groups that allegedly took or offered bribes in exchange for insider help on city contracts. Other figures charged in the alleged schemes include former Public Utilities Commission chief Harlan Kelly and former Recology executive Paul Giusti. Prosecutors said Zuniga, at one point a romantic partner to Nuru, deposited the proceeds from alleged bribes into her own bank account. Those funds, federal officials said, were later used to make mortgage payments on a vacation home Nuru owned in Colusa County. Prior to her resignation, Zuniga led city agencies that liaised with community organizations and worked to tackle quotidian quality-of-life issues in San Francisco neighborhoods. While last Junes complaint said the alleged conspiracy began in March 2014, prosecutors on Monday filed new court documents alleging it went back much further at least as early as 2010 and continued until last January, when Nuru was first arrested. He faces charges of fraud and lying to the FBI. Zuniga, who was also San Franciscos Fix-It Teams director, thought she could circumvent the law, IRS Special Agent in Charge Michael Daniels said in a statement. Through numerous financial transactions, over a period of almost ten years, she attempted to hide the true source of Mohammed Nurus funds, Daniels said. Zunigas attorney, Galia Amram, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Zuniga is the latest figure embroiled in the City Hall scandal who has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators a list that includes restaurateur Nick Bovis, who pleaded guilty last year after he was arrested on charges that he tried to bribe an airport commissioner with Nuru. Prosecutors said the bribe was intended to secure a concession at San Francisco International Airport for a chicken restaurant that Bovis would oversee. Walter Wong, a permit consultant charged with paying for trips Nuru took to China and South America in exchange for preferential treatment, pleaded guilty in June 2020 to charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Balmore Hernandez, a construction CEO who admitted to supplying Nuru with $250,000 worth of building materials for his Colusa County vacation home, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud in September. Tom Hui, the former head of the citys Department of Building Inspection, resigned last year following allegations raised by the City Attorneys Office that he gave Wong preferential treatment and access to department policymaking decisions. Hui was not charged with any crime. Former City Administrator Naomi Kelly resigned in January, weeks after federal officials alleged her husband, Harlan Kelly the former general manager of the citys Public Utilities Commission took bribes from Wong in exchange for preferential treatment. Both Harlan and Naomi Kelly have denied the allegations. Harlan Kelly resigned last November. If you are involved in public corruption, reach out to the FBI before the FBI reaches out to you, FBI agent Craig D. Fair said in a statement. Michael Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: michael.williams@sfchronicle.com or Twitter: @michaeldamianw County library to unveil story walk project in Vanderbilt The Otsego County Library is hosting a ceremony Saturday to formally open the latest story walk project. European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova has warned of "worrying developments" for media freedoms in Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia, as lawmakers in Brussels debated the matter at a plenary session. Addressing the European Parliament on March 10, Jourova cited last month's removal from the airwaves of Hungary's liberal-leaning radio station Klubradio, which had been critical of the right-wing government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. She also mentioned protests in Poland from independent outlets over plans by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's nationalist government to impose an advertising tax for nonstate outlets that they said would restrict pluralism. On Slovenia, which will take over the EU's rotating presidency in July, Jourova pointed out attempts by Prime Minister Janez Jansa's government to "undermine the sustainable funding and the independence of the national press agency, and frequent verbal attacks against journalists." "For each of these cases, the commission has been in contact with the national authorities and continues to monitor the situation," the EU official said. "And let me assure you that the commission will act when there are issues about the compliance of national laws or decisions with EU rules." No resolution is expected to be passed during the plenary session. The EU has long criticized Hungary and Poland's nationalist governments for undermining democratic freedoms, media, nongovernmental organizations, and the rule of law. The lawmakers' debate comes a day after the Civil Liberties Union for Europe warned that "authoritarians" in Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia "abused the pandemic to continue eroding democratic standards." "The worst changes happened in countries with longer-standing problems with democracy and the rule of law, such as Bulgaria and Romania, and countries ruled by governments with authoritarian tendencies like Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia," the advocacy group said in a report. Governments in these countries "used the pandemic as an excuse to weaken democratic standards further," while freedom of association and independence of the courts were also curtailed, according to the document. Former Polish dissident Adam Michnik, the editor-in-chief of the leading Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, warned in an editorial on March 8 that the attacks against media freedom in newer EU member countries such as Poland and Hungary amount to "an all-out assault" against the fundamental values of the European Union. Michnik, one of the leaders of the Polish democratic opposition during the communist era, decried what he called "the aggressive rhetoric employed by the governments in Warsaw and Budapest" and called for a more vigorous defense of democratic values. "History showed us what happens to states and nations who do not stand up to fight for their democracies. Without those willing to defend them, democracies are always lost," Michnik wrote. With reporting by AFP and Reuters A man walks at the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, U.S. November 10, 2020. (Photo : REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo) At the urging of President Joe Biden's administration, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a dispute over the legality of one of former President Donald Trump's hardline immigration rules that barred immigrants deemed likely to require government benefits from obtaining legal permanent residency. Advertisement Biden, who has criticized Trump's immigration approach, is widely expected to dump the policy known as the "public charge" rule. A coalition of immigrant rights groups that along with New York, Connecticut and Vermont had challenged the rule said Tuesday's action clears the way for the policy, which they denounced as an illegal "wealth test," to no longer be enforced. The justices on Feb. 22 had agreed to hear an appeal filed by Trump's administration of a ruling by the Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the rule likely violated federal immigration and administrative law by impermissibly expanding the definition of who counts as a "public charge" and greatly increasing the number of people who would be rejected for residency. Two other cases involving the rule that had been pending before the high court were also dismissed. Those challenging the rule agreed with Biden's administration that the litigation should be thrown out. The administration made the request earlier on Tuesday. "Immigrant families can now access life-saving healthcare, food and housing assistance for which they are eligible without fear that they will lose the chance to obtain lawful permanent residence, because the actions today mean that the harmful Trump public charge rule will again be blocked," the groups said in a statement. Trump's hardline stance toward immigration was a hallmark of his presidency. Primarily at issue in the various challenges filed in federal courts across the country was which immigrants would be eligible for legal permanent residency, known as a "green card." U.S. immigration law has long required officials to exclude people likely to become a "public charge" from permanent residency. U.S. guidelines in place for the past two decades had said immigrants likely to become primarily dependent on direct cash assistance or long-term institutionalization, in a nursing home for example, at public expense would be barred. Trump's policy expanded the public charge bar to anyone deemed likely to receive a much wider range of benefits for more than an aggregate of 12 months over any 36-month period including the Medicaid healthcare program, housing and food assistance. In the New York case, a federal judge blocked the rule in 2019, and last August the 2nd Circuit upheld that decision. Separately, the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last June upheld an injunction against the rule there. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in December upheld injunctions involving 18 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia. Traffic comes to a standstill on the northbound and the southbound lanes of the Interstate 405 freeway near Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 23, 2011. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Los Angeles Has Two of the Worst Traffic Corridors in Nation: Study LOS ANGELESEven with a reduction in driving caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Los Angeles had two of the worst traffic corridors in the nation last year and is ranked as the fifth most congested city in the United States, according to an annual study released March 9. Drivers on the Hollywood (101) Freeway to the Harbor (110) Freeway and the San Diego (405) Freeway to the Glenn Anderson (105) Freeway wasted 19 hours per year at peak hours in congestion, respectively, according to the 2020 Global Traffic Scorecard released by transportation analytics firm Inrix Inc. During the previous year, the Santa Ana (5) Freeway topped the list at 80 hours of daily delay but dropped completely out of the top 25 of 2020. COVID-19 has completely transformed when, where and how people move, said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at Inrix. Government restrictions and the continued spread of the virus led to shifts in travel behavior seemingly overnight. Morning commutes in cities across the world went without delay as people reduced auto and transit travel to offices, schools, shopping centers and other public spaces. Los Angeles moved up one slot in the rankings of the most congested urban areas in the country, with the average commuter in the L.A. metro area losing 45 hours per year to congestion, costing an average of $664 per driver in time lost, according to Inrix. The city ranked the 37th most congested city in the world, the study found. New York, with 100 hours lost due to congestion, ranked as the most congested city in the United States, followed by Philadelphia (94 hours) and Chicago (86 hours), despite a 28 percent to 40 percent drop in congestion from 2019. Washington, D.C. (29 hours) saw the largest decrease globally in congestion, down 77 percent compared to last year. Americans lost on average 26 hours due to congestion in 2020, down from 99 hours in 2019, resulting in savings of $51 billionor $983 per driver, the report estimated. Although travel to downtowns has been the most affected by the spread of the virus and subsequent government restrictions, the reduction in congestion has resulted in quicker commutes for essential workers, more reliable deliveries and streamlined freight movement, all of which are vital to the economy, Pishue said. We expect downtown trips will continue to lag suburban and rural travel through 2021. Drivers in Bogota, Columbia lose 133 hours a year, ranking it as the most congested city in the world. Washington and Beijing are in talks about the first senior level meeting between the two superpowers since Joe Biden came to office. A senior US administration official said the meeting will take place in the 'near term' but will not involve the countries' presidents. Current discussions center around a meeting in Alaska between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi. Washington and Beijing are in talks about the first senior level meeting between the two superpowers since Joe Biden came to office, potentially involving Secretary of State Antony Blinken (pictured) China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi (pictured), a Politburo member of the Communist Party of China, could feature in the talks National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese foreign minister Yang Wi could also take part in the talks. Any such meeting would be the first such contact since President Joe Biden took office in January. Washington is being considered because Blinken could return to Washington via Anchorage from his upcoming trip to Japan and South Korea, according to the Financial Times. The US state is being considered as a possible location because Blinken could return to Washington via Anchorage from his upcoming trip to Japan and South Korea. If both Sullivan and Blinken meet with Yang and Wang it would be the first time a US Secretary of State and national security adviser gathered together with Chinese officials. National security adviser Jake Sullivan (pictured) and Chinese foreign minister Yang Wi could also take part in the talks The Biden administration official told Reuters: 'We are in conversations about high-level dialogue with China. I just really can't say any more than that. But I would say in the near-term,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki, asked about the report on a possible meeting in Alaska, told a regular news briefing earlier that the administration was 'directly engaged' with China, but that she didn't have 'any details finalized or confirmed at this point.' 'We don't hold back about our concerns, but we also look for opportunities to work together,' Psaki said. The State Department also did not offer any details. Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China Biden's administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies toward China, as the world's two largest economies navigate frosty relations that sank to their lowest depths in decades during the Trump administration. Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi last month called for a reset to relations under Biden, but also urged Washington stop 'smearing' the ruling Communist Party, and stop interfering in the country's internal affairs. He warned Biden not to cross the 'red lines' of Taiwan, the treatment of Uighur Muslims and the crackdown against pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Biden raised a number of issues in his first phone call with President Xi Jinping (pictured) including the treatment of Uighur Muslims Biden had raised all those issues in his first call with President Xi Jinping. The State Department then accused Beijing of trying to avert blame for its actions, especially over the 'genocide' of the Uighur Muslims in its western Xinjiang region. The Biden administration also has signaled that it will maintain pressure on China over what it deems its 'coercive and unfair' trade practices. The United States is due to hold its first ever leaders' meeting of the Quad group of countries, which includes the United States, India, Japan and Australia, on Friday, as it looks to boost its diplomacy in Asia to counter China's growing influence. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Jobandtalent has developed technology to provide tailored matches between workers and companies in a range of sectors including logistics, e-commerce, warehousing, and manufacturing. As the marketplace grows, the technology is able to learn and make even better matches - meaning more workers in good jobs, and happy companies. The goal is to make it easy for people to find regular, dependable work and have the security and perks typically associated with full time employment - including pensions, sick and holiday pay, health insurance in some markets, and training courses. Workers can apply for roles, submit paperwork, and sign contracts entirely within the Jobandtalent app. In the past year alone, more than 80,000 workers have used Jobandtalent to find temporary roles. "There are 500 million temporary workers around the world, and we saw an opportunity to use technology as a way of helping these workers find reliable, consistent jobs," said Juan Urdiales, co-founder and co-CEO of Jobandtalent. "We want to help match these workers with the right roles at the right companies, and make sure they have the benefits and security of employment. The past year has shown us how critical these jobs are to keeping our economies running, and we think there is a huge opportunity to treat workers well and help businesses fill the roles they need." "Jobandtalent is addressing a crucial challenge facing the modern workforce - how to balance flexibility with high quality, reliable job opportunities," said Yanni Pipilis, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. "The company has developed a data-driven platform that has a track record of providing high fulfilment and low attrition staffing for businesses with temporary roles to fill, while securing income stability and benefits for workers. We are incredibly excited to partner with Juan, Felipe, and the team on the next phase of the company's growth." More than 850 companies - including XPO, Ceva Logistics, eBay, Ocado, Sainsbury's, Bayer, and Santander - use the Jobandtalent platform to easily and efficiently match temporary roles with the right workers. Jobandtalent employs the workers directly and manages all of the back-end administrative processes including payroll, timesheets, and legal compliance. Through the platform, companies can monitor worker satisfaction, which helps reduce attrition, and follow metrics like absences or late arrivals. "CEVA Logistics is always looking to implement the latest technological advances in our business, and that commitment extends even into how we find and manage our temporary workforce," said Frederic Pleeck, global procurement leader for CEVA Logistics. "We started using the Jobandtalent platform last year and have since expanded that cooperation into four markets - France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain. The platform allows us to find the right people for the right job and then track their satisfaction, which is a critical metric for us at CEVA Logistics as our people are one of our competitive advantages." Since its launch in 2009, Jobandtalent has expanded to eight markets: Spain, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Mexico, Colombia, and Portugal. The revenue run rate of the business has grown from 5 million in 2016 to 500 million in 2020, resulting in a positive EBITDA. The company continues to grow more than 100% year on year. SoftBank Vision Fund 2 joins previous investors including: Atomico, Seek, DN Capital, InfraVia, Quadrille, Kibo, and FJ Labs. Jobandtalent has raised 310 million to date. 1. As of the date of this press release, SoftBank Group Corp. has made capital contributions to allow investments by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 ("SVF 2") in certain portfolio companies. The information included herein is made for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy limited partnership interests in any fund, including SVF 2. SVF 2 has yet to have an external close, and any potential third-party investors shall receive additional information related to any SVF 2 investments prior to closing. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452126/Jobandtalent_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452127/Jobandtalent_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452124/Jobandtalent_3.jpg SOURCE Jobandtalent Related Links https://www.jobandtalent.com A cheap heat pack, some training and simple pain relief is all it takes to treat many cases of severe back pain in hospital, allowing doctors and nurses to cut the use of dangerously addictive opioids. Thats the key finding from a major new effort to improve the way patients with back pain are cared for in hospital. Former opioid user Leah Dwyer says the drugs give a sense of euphoria and control. Its opium thats the part I think people forget. They make you not care about the pain. Credit:Rhett Wyman A 2013 Cochrane review generally considered the gold-standard for scientific evidence found there was no evidence opioids are better than cheap anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen for chronic back pain. But studies have shown plenty of evidence of harm, including extremely high levels of addiction. Cracked windows of a Terradyne light armored patrol vehicle is shown at the Boulder Police Department in Boulder, Colo., on March 7, 2021. (Boulder Police Department/City of Boulder via AP) Authorities to Seek Charges After Violent Boulder Party Authorities promised Sunday to pursue criminal charges after a massive party near the University of Colorado in Boulder devolved into a violent confrontation with police that left three officers injured. Hundreds of people flooded the streets in an area known as the Hill on Saturday night and when told to leave threw bottles, rocks and other objects at police and firefighters, police said. At least one car was damaged when the mob flipped it over, and police brought in a SWAT team and used tear gas to break up the crowd that numbered 500 to 800 people at its peak, said Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold. Images shared by local media showed no social distancing and most without masks despite the coronavirus pandemic. Fireworks were set off in the middle of the street and a law enforcement armored vehicle and a fire truck were damaged, according to police and local media. At one point Herold said a tactical decision was made to withdraw some officers when a group of about 100 people started to rush them. It took more than three hours to disperse the crowd, according to a timeline she provided. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty described the rowdy behavior amid the coronavirus pandemic as shameful. I hear people refer to it as a party. I dont regard flipping over a car as a party and I dont regard people who throw bottles and rocks at firefighters and police as a party, he said. Those are criminal acts and will be treated as such. The smashed windshield of a Terradyne light armored patrol vehicle is shown at the Boulder Police Department in Boulder, Colo., on March 7, 2021. (Boulder Police Department/City of Boulder via AP) No arrests were made at the scene, police said. Officers were reviewing officer body camera footage and shared social media videos and photos to identify the individuals involved. They also set up a portal on the citys website to allow the public to submit additional video footage or other evidence from the disturbance. Herold said it was a calculated call not to make any arrests immediately, out of worry that sending in officers would agitate the large crowd. She added that the department had excellent videos to help it pursue those responsible for the violence. The three injured officers were recovering, including one who was struck in the hand and another who was hit in the face but was wearing a gas mask, Herold said. City vehicles suffered thousands of dollars in damages and private property also was harmed, she said. The Hill neighborhood has been known for decades for sometimes raucous parties and there have been previous confrontations that resulted in violence, including 12 officers injured in a 1997 riot near the school. But city officials said during a Sunday press conference that the stakes from Saturdays events are particularly high amid the pandemic, with potentially dire consequences. Health officials advised anyone who participated to quarantine for at least 10 days and to get tested for COVID-19. CU Boulder students returned to campus for hybrid and in-person learning in mid-February. University officials apologized to Boulder residents who live near the school and said students who were involved in violence, property damage or failing to disperse would be held accountable. If they cant meet our expectation, they are not welcome at the university, said CU Boulder Chief Operating Officer Patrick ORourke. He added that the university knows its students were involved and We are not going to try to shift the blame. After the party broke up, other students came to the scene with garbage bags to pick up the large amounts of trash left behind. By Matthew Brown The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Katko is also leading a separate bill that seeks to improve mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would provide $100 million annually over five years to the National Institute of Mental Health. The federal institute would examine the mental health effects of the pandemic. There would be several targets of the research, according to the bill. The institute's research would include the mental health impact of the pandemic on health care providers, the effectiveness of digital mental health services and how the pandemic affected certain populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities and children. Katko joined with U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, a New York Democrat, to introduce the bill in the House. The legislation has been introduced by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Amy Klobuchar. "This bipartisan, bicameral bill will fund targeted research to strengthen our nation's mental health response and examine the toll of this pandemic on frontline health care workers," Katko said. The pandemic's impact on mental health has been a longstanding concern. A poll released by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 53% of U.S. adults reported that their mental health was negatively impacted by COVID-19. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT A nun went down on her knees in front of police in a northern Myanmar town pleading for a stop to the armys violent crackdown on protesters, before shots rang out. She later said a child was shot in the head. Video showed Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng in a white robe and black habit kneeling on a street in the town of Myitkyina on Monday, speaking to two policemen who were also kneeling. I begged them not to shoot the children, she says on the video. I begged them not to hurt the protesters, but to treat them kindly like family members, she told Reuters in a later telephone interview. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Homeworking will be one of the major and lasting outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Cardiff University academic predicts. Professor Alan Felstead was commissioned by the Senedd's Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee to compile a report for their inquiry into remote working. His findings have fed into their concluding report, which has come up with a series of recommendations for the Welsh Government as it develops its remote working policy. Last year, it set a long-term target that 30% of Welsh workers would be working from home or near to home in the future. Professor Felstead's most recent analysis of data from the UK-wide Understanding Society COVID-19 Study shows the appetite for working at home has increased over time. Nine out of ten (88%) employees who worked at home in June 2020 reported that they would like to continue working at home in some capacity. The same question asked in September 2020 showed a rise to 93%. Two-fifths (41%) of homeworkers reported in June 2020 that they were able to get as much work done as they had six months earlier and more than quarter (29%) said they got more done. The September 2020 data suggest that 85% of employees who continued to work at home were just as productive, if not more, than they were before the pandemic. The equivalent figure in June 2020 was 70%. Nearly half (46%) of full-time homeworkers put the increase in their productivity down to fewer interruptions, and around three out of ten (28%) put it down to not having to commute to and from work. But the report also shows homeworkers found it more difficult to reconcile home and work life, were working longer hours than they used to, and were more frequently feeling drained and isolated. It notes a fall in air pollution has been seen since the increase in homeworking as well as a negative impact on town and city centers, with fewer people visiting. Professor Alan Felstead, based at Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences, said: "Coronavirus will have a long-lasting effect on the way we work. Even when social restrictions are fully lifted, it is unlikely there will be a full return to the traditional office setting. Instead, the last twelve months has revealed a strong appetite for homeworking among employees and has proved to employers that flexible working can bring business benefits. "However, these changes are not going to be straightforward. We will need to rethink and reimage our notions of home and work, the nature of our towns and cities, and assess whether our transport and telecommunications infrastructure is fit for purpose. By setting a target for remote working and launching an inquiry into the phenomenon, Welsh Government and the Senedd are leading the way. Today's report marks the start not the end of that process." In Wales, the number working exclusively at home rose from 56,000 people before the pandemic to 485,000 in April. It fell back to 231,000 in September before rising to 308,000 towards the end of the year. The potential for homeworking in Wales is much lower than elsewhere in the UK. ONS data shows more than half of workers Wales (56%) would not be able to work at home even if they and their employer wanted them to do so, compared to 44% in the Midlands, the nearest comparable English region. Those who work at home in Wales are disproportionately more likely to have better quality jobs as measured by the level of skill they exercise and the pay they receive. It has also been strongest in sectorssuch as banking and financewhere Wales has disproportionately fewer workers and slowest in sectorssuch as public administrationwhere Wales has more than its fair share of workers. But the growth of homeworking has been spread more or less equally by gender, disability and ethnicity. Professor Felstead added: "Homeworking brings benefits to the environment, businesses and workers, but there are challenges too, not least for those who find it difficult to work in this way. "Nevertheless, the Welsh Government's target of '30% of Welsh workers working from home or near to home' is certainly achievable given that it has been exceeded on many occasions in the last nine months. Greater clarity is now needed around what precise type of working arrangement the Welsh Government is intending to encourage, how the target will be monitored, and how its benefits and drawbacks will be assessed." Russell George MS, Chair of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee said: "The office isn't dead but remote working is here to stay, and it comes with risks. The "Great Homeworking Experiment" has busted myths and demonstrated huge environmental benefits. But the Welsh Government's ambition for 30% of workers to continue working 'at or close to home' has far-reaching implications. "The widespread hope and expectation is that a healthier hybrid model of flexible working will emerge, and that this will be a good thing. However, a lot of work is needed by the Welsh Government to maximize the potential benefits of remote working. It will need to address risks by supporting communities though the transition, protecting all workers' rights, ensuring that managers have the right skills to support healthy remote working, and preventing the development of a "two tier" workforce. "It's vital that as we recover from COVID-19 that we get the balance right for our communities and that no one is left behind." Explore further Productivity could be improved by a permanent shift towards remote working, research shows More information: Remote Working: Implications for Wales. Remote Working: Implications for Wales. senedd.wales/media/nbbhxbrn/cr-ld14202-e.pdf Cardinal Thomas Collins delivers at online Good Friday service in an empty St. MichaelOs Cathedral in Toronto, Canada, on April 10, 2020. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) Toronto Archbishop Urges Parishioners to Contact MPs About Arbitrary COVID-19 Restrictions at Churches The Archbishop of Toronto is calling on parishioners to contact their representatives about using a percentage of capacity instead of an arbitrary number to limit COVID-19 restrictions at churches, saying the current rules impose inequities facing our faith communities. The province has relaxed restrictions in Grey (Lockdown) regions, with retailers permitted to operate at 25 percent capacity. Yet places of worship, regardless of whether they seat 100 or 1,000 people, must remain at a hard cap of 10 people, Cardinal Thomas Collins wrote in a letter (pdf) to parishioners on March 5. Next week, a funeral at St. Michaels Cathedral (capacity 1,500) will be capped at 10 people, while around the corner dozens can enter the local liquor store and thousands will visit the Eaton Centre. This makes no sense, he added. Collins was referring to the Ontario governments announcement last week that Toronto and Peel Regions will move into the grey zone of the provinces COVID-19 reopening framework on March 8 at 12.01 a.m., with the stay-at-home order lifted as well. In the grey zone, all retail stores will be allowed to open at 25 percent of their indoor capacity. Supermarkets and other stores that mainly sell groceries, and convenience stores and pharmacies will be allowed to open at 50 percent capacity. On the other hand, religious services rites or ceremonies including weddings and funerals, where physical distancing can be maintained, are capped at 10 people indoors or outdoors regardless of venues capacity. Collins said that the Archdiocese of Toronto has been working closely with the provincial government to comply with the restrictions, but that churches are not treated fairly. I do not believe that our elected officials and medical officers of health consciously intend to suppress religious freedom; I realize that they are in an extremely difficult position. We do, however, ask to be treated equitably, Collins wrote. In recent days, it is becoming more difficult to believe that is happening. He cited the contrasting examples of how a movie scout contacted one of their churches, asking if the basement hall could be used to feed a crew of 50 people given they have dispensation from the province and strict protocols will be enforced versus a priest who presided at a funeral in the same church later in the week, but limited to 10 people insideincluding himself. Which of these do we consider more essential? Collins asked. The archbishop urged parishioners to write to their local MPPs to request that any restrictions for places of worship use a percentage of capacity as opposed to an arbitrary number. It is now appropriate for us to respectfully amplify our concerns, Collins wrote. This is an interfaith initiative with participation from many faith communities. The Conservative London mayoral candidate has been accused of politicising the disappearance of Sarah Everard. Shaun Bailey said his wife and daughter have to live in fear in the capital but vowed that he would work to deliver for the safety of women and girls if he wins Mays contest. Liberal Democrat rival Luisa Porritt said Mr Baileys comments were utterly grotesque following the disappearance of Ms Everard, who was last seen in south London on March 3. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. A police officer held over the disappearance of 33-year-old Ms Everard has been arrested on suspicion of murder. On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said the man, who is in his 40s and is part of the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, was being questioned over suspected kidnap and murder. Ms Everard is thought to have walked through Clapham Common towards her house in Brixton a journey which should have taken around 50 minutes. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. She was last captured on a doorbell camera walking along the A205 Poynders Road towards Tulse Hill at around 9.30pm on March 3. Mr Baileys comments were made following the arrest of the officer in connection with the case but before police said he was being held on suspicion of murder. Mr Bailey said: As a father and husband it breaks me to think that my wife and daughter have to live in fear in their own city. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. It doesnt have to be this way. As mayor, Ill ensure that we are working to deliver for the safety of women and girls in London. Ms Porritt said: I find it utterly grotesque that (Shaun Bailey) is politicising the disappearance of a young woman. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Her disappearance has nothing to do with his campaign and he should apologise immediately. My thoughts are with Sarah Everard and her loved ones today. Labour MP Catherine West said: This is really not the time for cheap, political point scoring. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The Hornsey and Wood Green MP added: All our thoughts should be with Sarah, her family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time. Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, said: Like so many Londoners across our city, my heart goes out to the family and friends of Sarah Everard, who are so desperately worried about her. Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening becoming more widespread overnight. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 64F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. India: Rs 3.5K cr outlay for development of fishing harbour and landing centres March 10,2021 | Source: Daiji World The Centre has set an outlay of Rs 3,490 crore for the development of fishing harbours and fish landing centres. The duration kept for the work is till year 2025, Giriraj Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, informed the Parliament on Tuesday. "The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) envisages substantial investments to the tune of Rs 3490 crore for development of fishing harbours and fish landing centres during the period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25," the Minister responded to a query. The query was raised by Singhas own party members. Dr Jyanta Kumar Roy, Member of parliament (MP) from Jalpaiguri, West Bengal and Vinod Kumar Sonkar, MP from Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. The answer to the queries posed further noted that in the budget 2021-22, development of 5 Major Fishing Harbours namely Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghat has been announced as hubs of economic activities. "Besides, development of inland fishing harbours and fish-landing centres along the banks of rivers and waterways has also been announced in the budget," the answer tated. The Minister also informed the parliament that under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund(FIDF), concessional finance is provided to the state governments/UTs to undertake development of fishing harbours and fish landing centres. "Till date, 14 fishing harbour projects worth of Rs 3451.32 crore have been approved under FIDF," he added. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Transportation Department has granted approval for a new airline led by David Neeleman, who started JetBlue Airways two decades ago. Breeze Aviation Group has up to one year to begin flights using up to 22 planes, the company said Wednesday. According to an application submitted last year, the airline plans to fly to neglected, forgotten markets using smaller planes to reduce costs. Company representatives said that many parts of the country have seen air service decline as big airlines focus on major airports. Neeleman, 61, co-founded Morris Air, which was sold to Southwest Airlines in 1993. In 1998, he started New York-based JetBlue and served as its CEO until 2007, then left to found Brazilian airline Azul, where he remains chairman after stepping down as CEO in 2017. A company filing in September reported that Neeleman owns 36% of Breeze and is its CEO. Breeze plans to start service using 118-seat Embraer jets that it will lease from Azul and aircraft-leasing companies. Breeze said it has agreed to buy 60 Airbus 220-300 planes, which hold 130 to 160 passengers. Breeze will be headquartered in Darien, Connecticut, while flight operations will be based in Salt Lake City. Maintenance work will be done in Islip, New York, and at an Embraer facility in Nashville, Tennessee, according to the filing. "The PureFlo 3000 offers true value through high efficiency, durability, compatibility and improved safety" said Rahul Arora, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "Optimized for maximum mobility, the series combines respiratory with head, face, eye, and optional hearing protection for use in light-to-medium duty environments. In addition, the series eliminates snag hazards because it has no belts, hoses, or cables, and its loose-fitting design ensures it can be safely used by individuals with beards or prescription eyeglasses without requiring extensive fit testing." Significantly, Gentex manufactures its protective hoods from a range of disposable materials to suit different industries and applications. In addition to application versatility and user comfort, the series enables a lower total cost of ownership. For example, the PureFlo 3000 offers a pre-filter and spark arrestor to reduce hazards and extend the filter life, reduces maintenance costs, and has fewer breakable and replaceable parts. Another customer-focused feature of the PureFlo 3000 PAPR series is its miniaturized, fast-charging lithium-ion battery that offers four to five hours of run time in high-performance environments. Gentex's successful performance highlights its ability to leverage customer engagement to achieve greater penetration in industrial sectors. By having a finger on the pulse of customer needs, Gentex continually enhances its head top design, weight, quality, battery run time, and level of protection. "Gentex has met the PAPR needs of a wide range of industries by uniquely offering integrated head, face, eye, and hearing protection solutions, along with respiratory protection in a single device," noted Rahul Arora."The company continues to set itself apart from the competition through an outstanding value proposition, wherein it leads with innovative products, is solution driven, and ensures the best customer experience." Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased return on investment (ROI) it gives customers, which, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Claudia Toscano P: 210.477.8417 E: [email protected] About Gentex Corporation (Gentex) With a history of innovation that spans over 125 years, Gentex Corporation is a leading supplier of products that advance personal protection and situational awareness for global defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high-performance environments. Our portfolio includes helmet system platforms, hearing protection and communications products, and capability upgrades for defense and security forces sold under the Gentex and Ops-Core brands, as well as PureFlo industrial respiratory protection systems. Privately held, Gentex is headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and supports its global customers through a worldwide distributor network and six other facilities in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.gentexcorp.com. Contact: Nora Musgjerd P: +1 570.282.8418 E: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com ADVERTISEMENT The Japanese government announced on Tuesday that it would provide 41 million dollars as aid to Asia-Pacific countries that were struck by the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The Japanese Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. According to the statement, 25 countries will receive through the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) channels refrigeration equipment and transport means to expand peoples access to vaccines against COVID-19. The ministry recalled that Tokyo already provided a total of 200 million dollars for the COVAX Facility. This is supposed to facilitate vaccine transportation to all those in need in developing countries. (NAN) Beauty and personal-care company Unilever said on Tuesday that it would no longer use the word normal on its products and in its advertising, following a study that revealed it makes most people feel excluded. Unilever, a London-based company that owns Dove, Axe, Sunsilk and Vaseline, among other personal-care brands, also said it would not digitally alter the body shape, size and skin colour of models in its advertising as part of its Positive Beauty initiative, according to a news release. And the company promised to increase the number of ads featuring underrepresented people, without specifying which groups. An aim of these steps and others, Unilever said, was to better challenge narrow beauty ideals. Dove-maker Unilever says it has more than 200 products that include the word normal on the label. The advertising changes came after the company commissioned a 10,000-person study across nine countries, including Brazil, China, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United States. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! When Tha Peng was ordered to shoot at protesters with his submachine gun to disperse them in the town of Khampat on February 27, the police lance corporal said he refused. The next day, an officer called to ask me if I will shoot, he said. The 27-year-old refused again, and then resigned from the force. On March 1, he said he left his home and family behind in Khampat and travelled for three days, mostly at night to avoid detection, before crossing into Indias northeastern Mizoram state. I had no choice, Tha Peng told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday, speaking via a translator. He gave only part of his name to protect his identity. Reuters saw his police and national ID cards which confirmed the name. Tha Peng said he and six colleagues all disobeyed the February 27 order from a superior officer, whom he did not name. In such a scenario, we dont have the guts to shoot at our own people who are peaceful demonstrators, he said. Reuters could not independently verify his or other accounts gathered near the Myanmar-India border. The description of events was similar to that given to police in Mizoram on March 1 by another police lance corporal and three constables who crossed into India, according to a classified internal police document seen by Reuters. The document was written by Mizoram police officials and gives biographical details of the four individuals and their account of why they fled. It was not addressed to specific people. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, security forces fired tear gas and surrounded hundreds of anti-junta protesters at two places in Yangon, witnesses said, prompting the US Embassy to call for their withdrawal. The U. N. Security Council failed to agree on a statement that would have condemned the coup in Myanmar, called for restraint by the military and threatened to consider "further measures". More than 60 protesters have been killed and more than 1,900 detained so far, according to reports. Reuters has not been able to confirm the figures independently. Among the detainees is Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the civilian government. DOZENS FLEE Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official. Several have taken shelter in Mizorams Champhai district bordering Myanmar, where Reuters interviewed three nationals who said they had served with the police. As well as his ID cards, Tha Peng showed an undated photograph of him wearing a Myanmar police uniform. He said he joined the force nine years ago. Tha Peng said that, according to police rules, protesters should either be stopped by rubber bullets or shot below the knees. Reuters could not verify police policies. But he was given orders by his superiors to shoot till they are dead, he added. Ngun Hlei, who said he was posted as a police constable in the city of Mandalay, said he had also received orders to shoot. He did not give a date, nor specify whether the order was to shoot to kill. He did not give details of any casualties. The 23-year-old also gave only a part of his full name and carried his national ID card. Tha Peng and Ngun Hlei said they believed police were acting under orders from Myanmars military, known as the Tatmadaw. They did not provide evidence. The other four Myanmar police agreed, according to the classified police document. ...the military pressured the police force who are mostly constables to confront the people, they said. Ngun Hlei said he was reprimanded for disobeying orders and transferred. He sought help from pro-democracy activists online and found his way by road to Mizorams Vaphai village on March 6. The journey to India cost him around 200,000 Myanmar kyat ($143), Ngun Hlei said. Although guarded by Indian paramilitary forces, the border has a free movement regime, which allows people to venture a few miles into Indian territory without requiring travel permits. DONT WANT TO GO BACK Twenty-four-year-old Dal said she had worked as a constable with Myanmar police in the mountainside town of Falam in northwestern Myanmar. Reuters saw a photograph of her police ID and verified the name. Her job was mostly administrative, including making lists of people detained by the police. But as protests swelled in the wake of the coup, she said she was instructed to try to catch female protesters - an order she refused. Fearing imprisonment for siding with the protesters and their civil disobedience movement, she said she decided to flee Myanmar. All three said that there was substantial support for the protesters within Myanmars police force. Inside the police station, 90% support the protesters but there is no leader to unite them, said Tha Peng, who left behind his wife and two young daughters, one six months old. Like some who have crossed in recent days, the three are scattered around Champhai, supported by a network of local activists. Saw Htun Win, deputy commissioner of Myanmars Falam district last week wrote to Champhais top government official, Deputy Commissioner Maria C. T. Zuali, asking for eight policemen who had entered India to be returned to them in order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbour countries. Zuali confirmed she had received the letter, a copy of which has been seen by Reuters. Zoramthanga, Mizorams chief minister, told Reuters that his administration would provide temporary food and shelter to those fleeing Myanmar, but a decision on repatriations was pending with Indias federal government. Tha Peng said that although he missed his family he feared returning to Myanmar. I dont want to go back, he said, sitting in a first-floor room overlooking rolling green hills that stretch into Myanmar. Police raid houses of striking workers Myanmar security forces early Wednesday raided a neighbourhood in the countrys largest city that is home to state railway workers who have gone on strike to protest last month's military coup. Police sealed off the neighbourhood in Yangon where the Ma Hlwa Kone train station and housing for railway workers are located. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. March 10 : The team of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 including the lead actors Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani has wrapped up the film. The team was shooting in Manali for quite some time. Directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Murad Khetani and Krishan Kumar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a comedy horror film, and a standalone sequel to Priyadarshan's 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which starred Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. Besides, Kartik and Kiara, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also stars Tabu in a pivotal role. An emotional Anees Bazmee took to his Instagram handle and shared two posts as he captured the memories of filming to cherish it forever. In the first post, the director shared a picture, wherein Kartik and Kiara can be seen with Bazmee and Murad Khetani. Anees Bazmee also thanked the team after completing the film. Capturing and preserving emotions & cherished memories from the shoot of #BhoolBhulaiyaa2. Thank you everyone for all the blessings and love! @kartikaaryan @kiaraaliaadvani @muradkhetani. In the next post, Anees Bazmee can be seen behind the camera, filming a song from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 featuring Kartik and Kiara. Cinema is everything to me and I have always surrounded myself with films. I don't know if the camera likes me, but I do like the camera. I am more relaxed when I'm behind the camera and I love that. Here's a candid shot during the making of the song from #BhoolBhulaiyaa2, Bazmee wrote. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 rolled on October 9, 2019 in Mumbai. When it was filming in Lucknow in March 2020, shooting was halted due to COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. Immediately after the lockdown, the film couldnt resume shoot as Kartik was busy shooting for another film. The film finally completed its last schedule in Manali. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is scheduled to release on November 19, 2021. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / NHS Industries Ltd. (CSE:NHS) (the "Company" or "NHS") announces that it will be seeking the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") approval to consolidate all of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "NHS Shares") on the basis of one (1) post-consolidated NHS Share for every four (4) pre-consolidated NHS Shares (the "Consolidation"). In accordance with the Company's articles, shareholder approval will not be required for the proposed Consolidation. The proposed Consolidation has been approved by the Company's board of directors. The proposed Consolidation would result in the number of issued and outstanding NHS Shares being reduced from the current outstanding 96,163,602 NHS Shares to approximately 24,040,897 NHS Shares. The Company has outstanding warrants to purchase 8,000,000 NHS Shares reserved for issuance, equal to 2,000,000 NHS Shares on a post Consolidation basis. The Company also has outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 3,850,000 NHS Shares reserved for issuance, equal to 962,500 NHS Shares on a post Consolidation basis. The Company's board of directors believes that the Consolidation will provide the Company with greater flexibility for the continued development of its business and the growth of the Company, including financing arrangements. There is no change of business associated or being effected with respect of the Consolidation. In addition, the Company will not be changing its name during the Consolidation. The Company has obtained a new set of new CUIP and ISIN numbers (CUSIP: 62914H206, ISIN: CA62914H2063) for the Consolidation. The effective date is March 11th and record date for the Share Consolidation will be March 12th, 2021. Generally, with respect of a consolidation, the shares would commence quotation on the CSE on a consolidated basis on the first trading day prior to the record date, being the effective date and the CSE would issue a bulletin to dealers advising of the share consolidation and effective date of trading on the consolidated basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consolidation is subject to regulatory approval, and the board of directors may, at its discretion, determine to amend the terms or to not to move forward with the Consolidation. About NHS Industries Ltd. NHS is an agri-food holdings company focused on innovative products and technologies in the food services industry. For further information about NHS, please consult the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Robert Nygren Chief Executive Officer info@nhsindustries.ca (800) 970-2389 WWW.NHSINDUSTRIES.CA This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward- looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to completion of planned improvements on schedule and on budget, the availability of financing needed to complete the Company's planned improvements on commercially reasonable terms, delays in obtaining statutory and/or regulatory approval for production plans, the ability to mitigate the risk of loss through appropriate insurance policies, among others. These forward- looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. SOURCE: NHS Industries Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634806/CORRECTION-NHS-Industries-Ltd-Announces-4-for-1-Share-Consolidation There are calls for the limits on the number of people allowed to attend a funeral to be raised. David McGowan, a funeral director in Ballina in Co Mayo, believes the limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral should be raised to 35. He says upping funeral limits to 35 would account for extended family members of the deceased in most cases. Mr McGowan said: "This is not talking about a building site, this is something that happens us all. "This is one of the most heartbreaking experiences any human being will experience in their lifetime, the loss of a loved one. "This has to take precedent over everything else out there because this is all about protecting the family and letting them grieve." Under the current Level 5 restrictions, only 10 people are able to attend a funeral, and Mass services must be held online. Mr McGowan added: "You can cancel a wedding, you can cancel a confirmation, you can cancel all of those things, but you can't cancel death. It's the one thing you can't cancel." Earlier, Irish archbishops called on the Government to immediately lift the current cap on funerals. Four bishops met with Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday, where they called for the return to normal services including the reopening of Mass. Restoring mass services is currently only allowed from Level 2 restrictions and Catholic leaders say that the funeral limit should be increased to 25. They are asking for the restrictions to reflect those of Northern Ireland where 25 people are allowed to attend a funeral but no gatherings permitted before or after the event. In a statement, the bishops said: The current restriction places immense burdens on grieving families, compounding the pain of their loss. Consideration must also be given to peoples mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. For people of faith, gathering for worship is fundamental to their identity and to their spiritual lives, they added. Read More Ministers still backing Stephen Donnelly despite vaccine target failures Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, says the current limit is causing anguish for families. Picture: John McElroy Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, says the current limit is causing anguish for families. Bishop Dempsey told Newstalk: "We're obviously going through a very difficult time at the moment with Covid-19, but to have a bereavement on top of that is just huge for a family. "We believe that just allowing 10 people at a funeral is just compounding that grief and that loss. "Surely to goodness, it's just fair and just to maybe allow at least 25 people within a large church building to be able to attend a funeral." The bishops are urging Catholics to contact their local representatives to make their views on these issues known, and have also noted they wish to remain responsive to public health messaging so, therefore, recommend postponement of First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies for the time being. Aontu party leader, Peader Toibin, said: "Many of the governments restrictions are not making sense. Picture: Collins Meanwhile, Aontu party leader, Peader Toibin, has called for an ease of funeral restrictions which the TD says are "cruel, especially for families who consist of more than ten siblings". Mr Toibin said: "Many of the governments restrictions are not making sense. "Churches are typically the biggest buildings in each town yet there is a cruel 10 people limit at funerals. "While at the same time people can stand in a queue for wine and crisps in their local shop." Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Love Island's Anna Vakili may be putting her days of pouting in pictures behind her as she's on a mission to perfect her smile with invisible braces. The reality star, 30, stepped out with her sister Mandi, 28, for a trip to the dentist in Kentish Town, London on Tuesday. Anna looked stylish in leather leggings and a Ralph Lauren cap as she strolled along the sunny street after her consultation. Pearly whites: Love Island's Anna Vakili stepped out with her sister Mandi, 28, for a trip to the dentist in Kentish Town, London on Tuesday She paired the leather leggings with a matching belted leather jacket and a simple white T-shirt. Anna completed the low-key look with a beige Ralph Lauren cap that she wore over her long chestnut tresses. Her influencer sister, Madi, opted for a similarly casual look and wore a baby blue Playboy jumper with jeans. The raven-haired beauty toted a digital camera attached to a small tripod, which the pair had been using to capture footage of their appointment at the dentist. Low key: Anna looked stylish in leather leggings and a Ralph Lauren cap as she strolled along the sunny street after her consultation In the videos, posted to her Instagram stories, Anna said: 'Today I've started my Invisalign journey... After seeing Mandi's teeth I decided it's time for me to do mine, 'Basically, what I'm going to do us get a wider smile and also hopefully reduce my overbite as well, 'Once the Invisalign has done it work - it'll be 4 months I have them - then I'll be ready to get some new veneers, 'I'm excited,' smiled Anna as she told her followers they'd be receiving regular updates on her dental progress on her Youtube channel. Stylish: She paired the leather leggings with a matching belted leather jacket and a simple white T-shirt And Madi didn't hold back snapping pics of her older sister in the dentist's chair for her followers. 'Anna Vakili joining the Invisalign club getting hers today!' the influencer wrote about her sister's decision to get invisible braces. The 28-year-old then explained how the treatment had helped her with her overbite. 'Today I start my Invisalign journey': Anna is undergoing treatment to get a wider smile and reduce her overbite Family affair: Anna follows in her sister Madi's footsteps who has had the invisible braces for the last two months 'I've always been obsessed with my overbite and it being my biggest insecurity I can definitely see a difference! '2 more months go to perfect the straightening and to widen my smile and reduce my overbite,' she said. An important attribute for the Vakili family, Madi once famously said Anna's Love Island co-star Jordan had been 'lying through the gaps in his teeth,' when he betrayed her sister in the 2019 villa. 'I can't believe that this 23 year old Shrek lookalike has been playing a game this whole time. He's been lying through the gaps in his teeth,' she fumed on Instagram at the time. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. U.S. House passes huge pandemic relief plan The $1.9 trillion stimulus package, President Joe Bidens first major legislative undertaking, won final approval in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Mr. Biden is expected to sign the bill on Friday. The American Rescue Plan will send direct payments of up to $1,400 to Americans and extend a $300-per-week unemployment benefit until early September, as well as substantial benefits for low-income Americans, including an expanded child tax credit. It also includes provisions to address the pandemic, such as testing, contact tracing and genomic sequencing. The measure, which passed by a vote of 220-211, cements one of the largest injections of federal aid since the Great Depression. Republicans have attacked the plan as wasteful and excessive, but 70 percent of Americans support it, according to a Pew poll. Related: The Biden administration intends to secure an additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons Covid-19 single-shot vaccine by the end of this year. Close NASA veteran astronaut Mark Vande Hei will be joining two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz spacecraft for the upcoming ISS mission, set for an April 9 launch. Vande Hei will be joining Russian spacemen Olegy Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov as the flight engineer, with the three being members of the ISS Expedition 64/ 65 crew. The upcoming flight is a collaborative effort between the Houston-based space infrastructure developer Axiom Space, NASA, and the Russian space agency Roscosmos. READ ALSO: The International Space Station Marks 20 Years of Continuous Human Presence In Space About the ISS Expedition 64/65 A Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft will be used, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Marking the 146th crewed Soyuz flight, Novitskiy will serve as the Mission Commander, and Dubrov will be the Flight Engineer 1. In a Roscosmos press release, dated March 9, it announced the change in the lineup to include Mark Vande Hei - taking the place of Russian cosmonaut Sergei Korsakov - in the main flight. The request also included NASA astronaut Anne McClain to replace Dimitriy Petelin in the backup crew. In the press release, Roscosmos explains that the change was done "at the urgent request of the American side." Since NASA expressed its desire to add American astronauts to the upcoming flight at the end of 2020, the Russians had to adjust its original lineup. "Roscosmos agrees to this decision, reaffirming its commitment to joint agreements and the spirit of joint use of the International Space Station," the statement read. Upon their landing at the International Space Station, Vande Hei will be working on various experiments for the benefit of life on Earth and in space. NASA announced in a statement that among the projects members of Expedition 65 would work on include studies on Alzheimer's disease, cotton root systems, and a demonstration of the Butterfly IQ Ultrasound - a portable device that is used together with a mobile computing device in space. Additionally, the Expedition 15 crew - with their April 2021 arrival - will also work on the expansion of the Russian orbital segment of the International Space Station. In July 2021, the Multipurpose Laboratory Module, commonly known as Nauka, is set to arrive and dock at the ISS. Later in the year, the Russian segment also expects the arrival of the UM Prichal module. Vande Hei: Back In Space According to the NASA release, Vande Hei was first chosen as an astronaut back in 2009, completing his first spaceflight mission as a part of Expedition 53/ 54 back in 2018. Since he launched as a crew member on September 13, 2017, Vande Hei has spent 168 days in space - including four spacewalks with a total of 26 hours and 42 minutes - before returning to Earth on February 28, 2018. The Virginia-born spaceman was raised in New Jersey and Minnesota and is a retired colonel in the US Army. He completed his bachelor's degree in Physics from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, before completing a master's degree program in applied physics from Stanford University. Aside from his military career, Mark Vande Hei also served as an assistant professor of physics at the United States Military Academy at West Point starting in 1999, before he was chosen as a NASA astronaut. RELATED ARTICLE: Russia Reports "Non-Standard" Air Leak in ISS Check out more news and information on NASA in Science Times. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Krber One empowers businesses worldwide with unmatched breadth of technologies for the entire logistics workflow HAMBURG, Germany, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Korber announces the evolution of its flagship technology platform, Krber One, at its annual supply chain user conference, Elevate Americas. A three-year initiative advances the platform to strengthen and expand the capabilities of Krber's unique suite of supply chain solutions. Supply chains must handle more products, suppliers and distribution channels. Combined with rising consumer expectations and a global pandemic, supply chain complexity is higher than ever. Krber's unique depth of technology and expertise - spanning software, automation, mobility, robotics, and material handling equipment - overcomes this. Key to this is Krber One. Krber One serves as the backbone for supply chain innovation. The platform enables modernization of logistics workflows and the technology architecture, while putting power in customers' hands. Using low-code adaptability solutions, this is achieved through the adoption of next-generation technologies. Unlike similar solutions, the platform abstracts away the complexities of technology, so businesses can take full advantage of new capabilities without going through a difficult implementation or migration. The result is the simplicity, reliability, and adaptability required for today's and tomorrow's demands. "Today's supply chain demands harmony technology, equipment and staff working in tandem," said Sean Elliott, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer Software, Korber Business Area Supply Chain. "Korber is the single supply chain partner to make this possible. With Krber One, we uniquely integrate our advanced software solutions and automation technology with the entire IT ecosystem. Our approach is designed to overcome the complexities of any business size, strategy or goals, so you can capitalize on this new era of supply chain." Krber will accelerate innovation through its end-to-end suite of supply chain solutions via Krber One. The first round of innovations will focus on enhanced visibility, improved planning and stronger monitoring. This includes: Warehouse simulation and design to compare manual shifts, traditional automation and the most popular autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) available via modern, 3D facility models. Enhanced AI-based slotting for inventory density and labor efficiency. Gamification, turning employees' daily goals into competitions while providing a new means to assess workforce efficiency. Advanced management and integration of automation technology through a new, cloud version of the K.Motion Warehouse Control System. "If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that supply chains must be able to adapt in an instant," said Chad Collins, Chief Executive Officer Software, Krber Business Area Supply Chain. "This means adding new, emerging technology for broader challenges and day-to-day tasks. At Krber, we empower your evolution to 'state of the art' through the path and at a pace catered to your goals - delivering the solutions and technology backbone to make it possible." This initiative comes one year after the consolidation of 12 leading-supply chain companies under the Krber brand. To learn more about Krber's unique supply chain solution portfolio and customer success, join Krber's annual user conference, Elevate. Register now for Elevate Americas held virtually today through March 12, 2021 and on demand the next 90 days. Events in Europe and the Asia Pacific to follow. About the Korber Business Area Supply Chain Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Korber uniquely provides a broad range of proven, end-to-end supply chain solutions fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. Capable of delivering not just software, but automation, voice, robotics, and materials handling plus the expertise to tie it all together. We are a global partner not just for today, but also as the needs of supply chains continue to evolve. Conquer supply chain complexity with Korber. The Business Area Supply Chain is part of the global technology group Korber. Find out more on www.koerber-supplychain.com About Korber We are Korber an international technology group with about 10,000 employees, more than 100 locations worldwide and a common goal: We turn entrepreneurial thinking into customer success and shape the technological change. In the Business Areas Digital, Pharma, Supply Chain, Tissue and Tobacco, we offer products, solutions and services that inspire. We act fast to customer needs, we execute ideas seamlessly, and with our innovations we create added value for our customers. In doing so, we are increasingly building on ecosystems that solve the challenges of today and tomorrow. Korber AG is the holding company of the Korber Group: www.koerber.com CONTACT: Heather Smith, 6052030605, [email protected] SOURCE Korber Supply Chain Related Links https://www.koerber-supplychain.com Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later at night. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Interesting report on plea realities impacting severity of sentences for sex trafficking offenses in Massachusetts | Main | Misreporting of the Sessions Memo and the challenge of nuance in prosecutorial charging policies May 12, 2017 AG Sessions issues new tougher charging and sentencing guidelines to federal prosecutors As reported in this official Justice Department press release, "Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the attached memorandum [available here] establishing charging and sentencing policies for the Department of Justice." The press release further reports: This policy was formulated after extensive consultation with Assistant U.S. Attorneys at both the trial and appellate level, as well as U.S. Attorneys and Main Justice Attorneys. It ensures that the Department enforces the law fairly and consistently, advances public safety and promotes respect for our legal system. Attorney General Sessions will issue further remarks on the new policy later this morning. This memorandum is relative short and to the point, and here is some of its key language: Charging and sentencing recommendations are crucial responsibilities for any federal prosecutor. The directives I am setting forth below are simple but important. They place great confidence in our prosecutors and supervisors to apply them in a thoughtful and disciplined manner, with the goal of achieving just and consistent results in federal cases. First, it is a core principle that prosecutors should charge and pursue the most serious, readily provable offense. This policy affirms our responsibility to enforce the law, is moral and just, and produces consistency. This policy fully utilizes the tools Congress has given us. By definition, the most serious offenses are those that carry the most substantial guidelines sentence, including mandatory minimum sentences. There will be circumstances in which good judgment would lead a prosecutor to conclude that a strict application of the above charging policy is not warranted. In that case, prosecutors should carefully consider whether an exception may be justified. Consistent with longstanding Department of Justice policy, any decision to vary from the policy must be approved by a United States Attorney or Assistant Attorney General, or a supervisor designated by the United States Attorney or Assistant Attorney General, and the reasons must be documented in the file. Second, prosecutors must disclose to the sentencing court all facts that impact the sentencing guidelines or mandatory minimum sentences, and should in all cases seek a reasonable sentence under the factors in 18 U.S.C. 3553. In most cases, recommending a sentence within the advisory guideline range will be appropriate. Recommendations for sentencing departures or variances require supervisory approval, and the reasoning must be documented in the file. This AP article about this new AG Sessions' memo provides this brief and effective account of what these directions change: The directive rescinds guidance by Sessions Democratic predecessor, Eric Holder, who told prosecutors they could in some cases leave drug quantities out of charging documents so as not to trigger long sentences. Holders 2013 initiative, known as Smart on Crime, was aimed at encouraging shorter sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and preserving Justice Department resources for more serious and violent criminals. Though Holder did say that prosecutors ordinarily should charge the most serious offense, he instructed them to do an individualized assessment of the defendants conduct. And he outlined exceptions for not pursuing mandatory minimum sentences, including if a defendants crime does not involve violence or if the person doesnt have a leadership role in a criminal organization. This development is a very big deal, although it is not especially surprising and the thousands of federal prosecutors who implement this policy around the nation will ultimately determine how dramatically federal charging and sentencing practices change in the months and years ahead. (And one interesting point for the historical record: the AG Sessions charging and sentencing memo is dated May 10, but it would seem the brouhaha over the Comey firing delayed its official public release.) Prior recent related post: May 12, 2017 at 08:58 AM | Permalink Comments Sessions needs to just resign already. Posted by: kat | May 12, 2017 9:15:03 AM Just what we need: more people in prison for longer times. Maybe certain folks in the White House should be concerned Posted by: Michael R. Levine | May 12, 2017 9:16:43 AM Obama might not have done enough in the minds of some, but the ready alternatives as compared to the ideal ones, appear to be worse. This is not really germane, but fyi, if you don't know: http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2017/05/court-rejects-commerce-clause-challenge.html [Dylan Roof] It probably is appropriate as a matter of law, but as a matter of policy, I do think it is a stretch. I continue to think this should have been left to South Carolina. Posted by: Joe | May 12, 2017 10:39:15 AM Joe, that's an interesting discussion for another post, I would imagine. Regarding this, it's not surprising. In fact, it is, generally speaking, what they still do. The Sorbanes-Oxley fish case was an example of that where the SG's office said that the policy is generally to not have discretion, but to charge the most serious charge they can prove. Narrow exceptions were exceptions. Obviously, it's directly counter to trends and scholarly opinion, but a "law and order" President appointing a very conservative "law and order" AG should be expected to do something like this. I never understood anyone who thought Pres. Trump's administration would at all support or encourage criminal justice reform. Posted by: Erik M | May 12, 2017 11:26:42 AM Post a comment Spruce Forest opens for season through a new door With the crashing of the trees, three of the cabins were destroyed, along with damaging the village church and other buildings as well. Comic Relief has revealed its line-up for this year's comedy fundraiser. The company will work with English National Opera to teach five comedians to learn opera, aided by soprano Charlotte Church. Keira Knightley, Michael Sheen and KSI will perform in a special 2020: The Movie tribute, while stage star Lenny Henry will join Michael Sheen and David Tennant for a special episode of Staged. Back to the Future the Musical will perform "Put Your Mind To It" live on stage ahead of their West End run. Rege-Jean Page will play Prince Charming in a new panto special, while Normal People and Fleabag join forces, with Andrew Scott appearing alongside Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. You can watch a clip below: An internal emergency has been declared at two Queensland hospitals, one in the states north and the other at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital. Overnight on Tuesday, a code yellow was declared at Cairns Hospital, which is struggling to cope with an influx of COVID-19 patients from Papua New Guinea. A code yellow has been declared at Cairns Hospital following in influx of PNG COVID-19 patients. Credit:Brian Cassey The same code was declared at the RBWH hours later, where a worker said the situation was becoming unsafe and the shortage of beds was dire. The increase in coronavirus patients at Cairns Hospital came at the same time as a spike in road crash victims, pushing the hospital to capacity. [March 10, 2021] Deakin University, Australia and O.P. Jindal Global University announce exclusive Dual Degree Pathway program for Indian Students NEW DELHI, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Deakin University, Australia and O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat (JGU) have announced an innovative pathway study option for Indian students which will allow them to get two degrees on successfully completing the four-year program in Business Analytics. The program was signed off virtually by both partners on 10th March 2021 in the presence of senior representatives including Vice Chancellor Professor Raj Kumar and Professor Rajesh Chakrabarti, Dean of Jindal Global Business School from JGU and Professor Gary Smith, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), Professor Mike Ewing, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business & Law and Ms Ravneet Pawha, Deputy Vice President (Global) from Deakin University, Australia. The signing was witnessed by Mr Brett Galt-Smith, Counsellor (Education and Research), Australian High Commission, New Delhi. In the current situation when travel is suspended and students are uncertain of an overseas higher education opportunity, Deakin University, Australia and O.P. Jindal Global University have jointly developed a unique program that will allow students to transfer their studies after 2 years to a campus in Australia to study for another 2 years and complete an undergraduate degree in Business Analytics. After successful completion of the four-year program, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration from JGU and a Bachelor of Business Analytics from Deakin University, Australia. Speaking at the launch Mr Brett Galt-Smith elaborated that academic collaborations like this are an important pillar for the future for any bilateral relationship. This is particularly so under the India Australia Comprehensie Strategic Partnership which agrees to expand education and research collaboration between the two nations. Such academic partnerships will be extremely beneficial to leverage current initiatives of both governments to maximise the return on emerging needs and opportunities in the education sector. This collaboration aligns with, and is a step forward in, the Indian Government's National Education Policy and its intention to promote the internationalisation of Indian education. Deakin University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) Professor Gary Smith, said, "At Deakin University, we are continuously innovating our offering and with the current challenges presented by the pandemic COVID-19, a hybrid pathway program like this would help students keep their study and career goals on track. We are very excited about this joint program with O.P. Jindal Global University, which will allow students to study the initial part from their home country with a pathway to achieve an international degree on-shore at Deakin University in Australia for a truly global experience." Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (Prof.) Dr C. Rajkumar, said, "The unique program fits in very well for students of our newly launched BBA - Analytics along with our existing management programs. Given the current situation, students will be able to achieve an educational portfolio that blends the best of both universities which offers a highly supportive and personalised student experience. It will also enhance their academic qualifications by securing two degrees and also study in two campuses in India and Australia through the dual degree program. I am confident that as partners we will be able to develop many pathway programs to provide JGU students with opportunities to develop a global mindset and international learning experience." This is a one-of-its-kind initiative where students will earn 100% credits of prior learning at a leading Indian university before transferring to a Deakin University campus in Australia. As a part of the arrangement, students while studying the first two years of the program at OP Jindal and will pay local India tuition fee. This simply translates into better academic success for students with global careers and an education that saves them huge costs. To apply for this exclusive pathway program, commencing in August 2021, please write to vstomar@jgu.edu.in or call + 91-83969 07440 About Deakin University Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves. With internationally recognised quality of research and teaching, Deakin University is currently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities by the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). With over 40 years of experience as one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, Deakin has won numerous awards and teaches over 60,000 students each year. Deakin's South Asia operations commenced in 1994 in New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education providers to set up operations in this region. Locally, Deakin engages with the government, industry and academia to share its vibrant culture of education and research. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/713572/Deakin_University_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Tuesday approved a request to keep about 2,300 National Guard troops in Washington to help protect the U.S. Capitol for two more months. The number is about half of the 5,200 National Guard troops currently patrolling the Capitol. Since the Jan. 6 attack on the seat of the U.S. Congress by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, National Guard troops have been dispatched to the grounds and tall fencing has been erected to extend the security perimeter. "This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness," the Pentagon said in a statement. It added that over the next two months, the Pentagon would work with Capitol Police, who made the request, to reduce the troop presence "as conditions allow." The Capitol Police said in a statement it was "extremely grateful" for the Pentagon's support. "The National Guard has played a critical role to the department's enhanced security posture," the statement said. Some U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said they are not aware of intelligence that requires a large military presence around the Capitol. Federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people for involvement in the Jan. 6 attack that led to five deaths, including that of a police officer. Those arrested include members of armed militia groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters. A report unveiled on Monday recommended using "mobile fencing" to protect the Capitol and urged the creation of a rapid-reaction response force in Washington, while calling the Capitol Police poorly prepared for the attack on the building. While there was concern about right-wing extremists attempting to launch another assault on the Capitol last week, only a smattering of followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory gathered. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Peter Cooney and Himani Sarkar) Looking for the best no-frills home cooking in all of Texas served with bottomless cups of coffee and maybe a salty server on the side? Head to the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls. TEXAS-MADE: The best Texas-made kombucha The beloved cafe was recently awarded the first place ranking in Texas when Cheapism compiled its list of The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Diners in Every State. That the Blue Bonnet was named the states superior all-day breakfast spot certainly comes at no surprise to its extremely loyal clientele, many of whom regularly wait in long lines on weekend mornings for a cozy booth or one of the coveted spots at the counter. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer Its so nice to hear, owner David Plante said upon receiving the news of this accolade. Plante attributes the Cafes enduring appeal in part to a sense of nostalgia. You know, we hear all the time from customers about how they remember their parents taking them to the Blue Bonnet, and now they love taking their kids here. The Blue Bonnet Cafe first opened in 1929 on Main Street in Marble Falls, and in 1946 moved to its current location on Highway 281. In-the-know patrons will gladly disabuse newbies of the notion that the Cafe is named after the iconic Texas wildflower; in fact, the title is derived from the actual blue bonnet or hat, not the blossom. Billy Calzada /Staff photographer Although the Blue Bonnets decor, marked by dull beige tones and simple furniture, makes for an ostensibly drab setting, the Cafe nevertheless has a certain interior sparkle. Perhaps its from the glossy platters piled high with biscuits and gravy or glistening French toast. Perhaps its from the shiny bakery case, stacked with Blue Bonnets famous mile-high pies in flavors like coconut meringue and chocolate cream. But most likely, its from a certain energy emitted by jolly customers tucking into a piping hot, cooked-to-order meal, and servers cajoling their regulars into ordering an extra side of home fries. That priceless ambience renders Blue Bonnet a state treasure and most deserving of its hole-in-the-wall honor. As Andrew Cuomo reels from a torrent of sexual harassment claims and is probed over the nursing home scandal, a potential new crisis has emerged for the already embattled governor: the alleged cover-up of serious flaws in a bridge he named after his late father. The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which replaced the rickety Tappan Zee Bridge in Tarrytown, in 2017, has 'structural safety' issues that could lead to its collapse, a report published by the Albany Times Union has found. The report alleges that the contractor for the $3.9 billion twin span 'covered up' structural issues, including faulty bolts that are supposed to pin down the bridge's suspension cables - posing a potentially fatal risk to the public. 'Tappan Zee Constructors, the private corporation building the bridge for the state authority, may have committed fraud by concealing the fact that large numbers of bolts had been breaking due to either improper installation techniques, manufacturing defects, or both,' the report reads. Amid a torrent of sexual harassment claims and a probe into his alleged cover-up into nursing home deaths during the pandemic, a potential new crisis has emerged for Gov. Cuomo The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which replaced the rickety Tappan Zee Bridge in Albany, in 2017, has 'structural safety' issues that could lead to its collapse For structures like bridges and high-rises, experts say even a few broken bolts can result in a catastrophic collapse. In January 2016, an iron worker was struck in the face by a segment of one bolt which had snapped as he was attempting to tighten it with a wrench. The shard of metal ricocheted off an overhang and split his lip open. 'When you look at them, bro, the heads of them were like hollow, bad spot, sometimes the shank-lead to the thread has got a hollow spot,' Iron worker James McNall told the Times Union. McNall, who was fired later that year after issues with the bolts persisted, secretly recorded conversations with engineers and iron workers responsible for assembling the bridge. He later played those recordings for a quality-assurance inspector at Alta Vista, a private firm hired by the New York State Thruway Authority. During that meeting, McNall told the inspector that Tappan Zee Constructors may have committed fraud. He recounted witnessing bolts spontaneously breaking, due to either improper installation techniques, manufacturing defects, or both, and said his recorded conversations with workers 'appeared to confirm' that the contractor's team had hidden the matter from inspectors. In addition to the suspension cable bolts, dozens of bolts had also similarly broken at the port assembly site and even on some pieces that had been installed on the bridge for more than a year. One bridge expert, Ahmad Itani, found 'the volume of bolt failures on the bridge to be unprecedented and highly alarming,' the TU reported. 'There are no normal or acceptable circumstances that would produce the number of bolt failures that have occurred at the bridge,' he continued. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo drives a 1932 Packard as his then girlfriend, TV chef Sandra Lee, blows a kiss as they cross the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in September, 2018 The report alleges that the contractor for the $3.9 billion twin span 'covered up' structural issues, including faulty bolts that are supposed to pin down the bridge's suspension cables, which could pose a potentially fatal risk to the public Andrew Cuomo named the bridge after his late father, Mario Cuomo (right), who severed as Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994. The Times Union obtained records stemming from a False Claims Act case filed by McNall in the state Supreme Court, but the case has remained under seal since 2017. Republican State Sen. Joseph Griffo, of Rome, New York, authored a letter to the Senate's Government Operations Committee calling the structural flaws a 'clear and present danger,' and demanded an investigation. The offices of the New York inspector general and the attorney general have since launched probes into the matter. The AG investigation 'devolved from seeking an incisive probe of the bolt failures to pursuing an effort to arguably downplay the severity of the allegations, including any potential structural threat to the bridge,' according to the Times Union. A confidential report carried out by the New York Thurway Authority (NYTA) put the likelihood of the bolts failing at one percent, but also listed a snapping rate as high as 50 percent as a 'worst-case scenario,' the outlet reported. Since 2018, neither the inspect general's nor the attorney general's offices have spoken publicly about their investigations into the bridge. In a statement to the NY Post, the NYTA, which reports to Cuomo's office, denied any concerns over the safety of the bridge, insisting it 'has and continues to be safe'. A follow up statement to Insider, read: 'FACT: There was no state cover-up: The Thruway Authority learned of the allegations of bolt failures in 2016 and immediately informed the Inspector General. 'We spent more than $1 million and engaged world-renowned subject matter experts, developed a testing program, conducted extensive studies, and examined more than 500 bolts. The tests confirmed that the bolts met or exceeded the requirements set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials, which sets standards that govern the industry.' When quizzed by Insider whether it would be in favor of unsealing court documents pertaining to the investigations, NYTA said: 'As much as we would like to share more information, we are unable to discuss it further at this time.' One bridge expert, Ahmad Itani, found 'the volume of bolt failures on the bridge to be unprecedented and highly alarming' New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge, in August 2017 New York Governor Andrew Cuomo drives a 1955 Chevrolet Corvette with World War II veteran Armando Gallela during the dedication ceremony Andrew Cuomo named the bridge after his father, Mario Cuomo, who severed as Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994. He died in 2015. The dedication of the 3.1 mile bridge was officially made to his father in 2018, and Andrew Cuomo ceremoniously drove across it during the formal opening in September that year, with his then girlfriend, TV chef Sandra Lee. Less than three years on, and the safety of the bridge is just one of a myriad of scandals currently facing Cuomo, who has so far refused to resign. On Tuesday, a sixth woman came forward to accuse him of sexually harassment. The accuser, a former aide whose identity has not yet been revealed, claimed Cuomo touched her inappropriately during an encounter at his executive mansion last year when she had been summoned for work. In response, Cuomo doubled down on comments he made last week, saying: 'I never touched anyone inappropriately.' Two more former aides came forward over the weekend to accuse the Democrat of sexual misconduct. Ana Liss, 35, said that when she worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015, Cuomo called her 'sweetheart,' once kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend. She said he sometimes greeted her with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. Liss, who never made a formal complaint about the governor's behavior, said she initially thought of Cuomo's behavior as harmless, but it grew to bother her and felt it was patronizing. Ana Liss, 35, (pictured left) previously served as Cuomo's policy and operations aide between 2013 and 2015 but claims he subjected her to sexual misconduct during her time in his administration. Karen Hinton (right) claims the governor summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000 before she managed to escape In an interview with WROC on Monday, Liss said she wasn't sure if her interactions with Cuomo were sexual harassment but did describe it as inappropriate. 'For me there was one occasion where I was asked if I had a boyfriend by the governor. Those interactions I thought at the time were harmless flirtations, and 'that's how he is'. Other women went along with it and reacted kindly and bashfully to that kind of treatment. What really did me in, in state government, was the broader work environment which was hostile,' she said. 'It was toxic, retaliatory, hostile. There was screaming, there was name calling. There was a sense of fear in the air that you could say or do the wrong thing at any moment and you could lose your job.' Karen Hinton, 62, spoke to the Washington Post on Saturday about about an incident in which Cuomo allegedly summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000. Hinton said that she tried to pull away from Cuomo but that he allegedly pulled her back and held her before she backed away and escaped the room. The governor's office quickly denied that the incident in the hotel room ever took place. Peter Ajemian, Cuomo's director of communications, told the Post that Hinton is a 'known antagonist of the Governor's who is attempting to take advantage of this moment to score cheap points with made up allegations from 21 years ago'. 'All women have the right to come forward and tell their story - however, it's also the responsibility of the press to consider self-motivation. This is reckless. Former adviser Lindsey Boylan, 36, said he made inappropriate comments on her appearance, once kissed her on the lips at the end of a meeting and suggested a game of strip poker as they sat with other aides on a jet flight. Another former aide, Charlotte Bennett, 25, said Cuomo asked if she ever had sex with older men and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair. Anna Ruch, 33, who did not work for the state, described Cuomo putting his hands on her face and asking if he could kiss her after they met at a wedding. Ana Liss, 35, said that when she worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015, Cuomo called her 'sweetheart,' once kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend Charlotte Bennett (above), 25, worked as an aide for Cuomo. 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 leg Anna Ruch claimed Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her just moments after they met at a September 2019 wedding in Manhattan. After seeing the above photo, dozens on Twitter called Cuomo a 'Sexual Frankenstein' In a news conference last week, Cuomo denied ever touching anyone inappropriately but apologized for behaving in a way that he now realized had upset women he worked with. He said he'd made jokes and asked personal questions in an attempt to be playful and frequently greeted people with hugs and kisses, as his father, Mario Cuomo, had done when he was governor. 'I understand sensitivities have changed. Behavior has changed,' Cuomo said. 'I get it and I'm going to learn from it.' The state's attorney general has hired an outside law firm to investigate the sexual harassment allegations. Several senior lawmakers in Albany have called for Cuomo's resignation in light of the claims. However, the governor has remained defiant, insisting there is 'no way' he will step down. Instead, he said he's waiting for the full investigation into the matter to be concluded. Cuomo is also facing scrutiny amid claims he purposely under reported coronavirus deaths in nursing homes by omitting those who died in hospital after being transported from their respective facilities. The controversy stems from an executive order from March 2020, when hospitals were told to release patients who had tested positive for coronavirus back to their nursing homes upon discharge. Cuomo has denied the claims, insisting allegations suggesting otherwise amount to nothing more than 'conspiracy theories.' The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Selects NWN to Provide Cloud Communications and Devices to State Agencies NWN Corporation, a leading Cloud Communications Service Provider (CCSP) delivering solutions for today's work-from-anywhere environment, has been awarded two contracts by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under the statewide contracts ITT72 (category 2-9) and ITC73 (category 3), NWN (News - Alert) can provide state agencies with unified communications and contact center services, as well as computers, devices, security and support, respectively. NWN is one of just a few Massachusetts-based companies awarded these competitive contracts. "We're very proud to support state and local governments - especially in our home state," said Jim Sullivan, CEO of NWN. "Our technology solutions will enable state agencies to deliver thehighest quality employee and constituent experiences." As both private and public organizations work in a distributed environment due to the pandemic, leaders are facing greater urgency to deliver more agile, secure, cost-effective and collaborative digital communications experiences for their employees, customers and constituents, and others within their supply chains. NWN supports this new work imperative - integrating and managing all best-in-breed technologies to maintain secure connectivity and enhance the employee and constituent experiences. For more information about NWN, visit www.nwnit.com. About NWN NWN Corporation is a leading Cloud Communications Service Provider (CCSP) focused on transforming the customer and workspace experience for commercial, enterprise and public sector organizations. The Company offers solutions-as-a-service that help organizations work from anywhere securely. With over 1,400 customers throughout the U.S., NWN provides integrated cloud communications, security, contact center, managed devices, connectivity, and advanced technology solutions. To learn more about NWN's solutions and offerings, visit www.nwnit.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005110/en/ It is an honor to join the other innovative companies, recognized by Tech & Learning, who also stepped up to ensure that teachers had what they needed for success in these new learning environments. K-12 publishing company TCI announced today that its Social Studies and Science Blended Learning Solutions are honored as Best Remote/Blended Learning Tools for both primary and secondary grades in a new award program from Tech & Learning. The program recognizes technology solutions that supported schools during the pivot from in-person to remote and blended learning over the past year. Judges deemed the products named in this new offering in the magazines legacy Awards of Excellence program as standouts for helping students, parents and teachers succeed in these new learning environments. Despite the many challenges schools have had to face this past year, technology continues to be one of the key drivers for innovation, said Tech & Learning Group Publisher Christine Weiser. The winning products recognized here have supported continuous instruction throughout the pandemic, and we expect this momentum to continue into next year and beyond. Used by more than 200,000 teachers in 50,000 schools around the country, TCIs science and social studies curriculums and services for educators are based on proven teaching strategies and practices that bring education to achieve consistent and positive classroom results. Available on a digital platform, TCIs programs allow teachers to deliver interactive lessons from any device their laptop or tablet. In March 2020, it became immediately apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to have a dramatic impact on schools around the country. At TCI, we quickly announced free digital access to our social studies and science program as well as resources to support instruction to help teachers ease the transition to remote learning, said Bert Bower, founder, and co-CEO, TCI. It is an honor to join the other innovative companies, recognized by Tech & Learning, who also stepped up to ensure that teachers had what they needed for success in these new learning environments. The companys elementary program, Social Studies Alive! teaches students about the world around them and how cultures were created through interesting and engaging activities and lessons. TCIs middle school program, History Alive! transforms school social studies class into a multi-faceted learning experience. TCI lessons start with a big idea Essential Question and incorporate graphic notetaking, groupwork, and step-by-step discovery. TCIs in-depth, online social studies curriculum for high school students is robust, engaging, and results focused. Students complete collaborative projects, writing assignments and critical-thinking challenges as they explore topics, such as geography, world history, American history and government, and economics. TCI's Bring Science Alive! programs for elementary and middle school students are designed to guide learners to observe and understand how the world works around them. From introducing students to the power of gravity to how plants and animals can impact their environments, Bring Science Alive! focuses on big picture concepts and teaching students how to do sciencerather than memorize facts. Many of the integrated experiments and activities are easy for students to implement in a home-learning environment. About TCI TCI is an award-winning online K-12 publishing company created by teachers, for teachers. For more than 30 years, the company has partnered with the education community to fundamentally change classroom instruction. TCIs K-12 programs are based on proven teaching strategies and practices that bring learning alive and achieve consistent, positive classroom results. TCI believes that the best education marries great content, meaningful technology and interactive classroom experiences. More than 4.5 million students in 5,000 school districts around the country achieve and succeed with TCI. For more information, visit http://www.teachtci.com. Delhi Police have arrested two more people in connection to the January 26 Red Fort violence, including a Birmingham-based Dutch national who is of Indian-origin. While the Dutch national has been identified as Maninderjit Singh (23), the second arrested person is Delhi resident Khempreet (21) who had a policeman with a spear inside the Red Fort premises. The two men were arrested on Tuesday night. According to the police, Maninderjit Singh was trying to flee the country with forged documents and posing himself as Jarmanjit Singh Khabbe Rajputan from Gurdaspur, Punjab. A Look Out Corner notice was issued against him. and as per his plan and arrangements, he was to fly first to Nepal from Delhi and then to the UK. Maninderjit Singh was previously involved in a riots case registered with the Rangar Nangal police station in Gurdaspur and also has a case of cheating at Indira Gandhi International Airport Police Station in New Delhi. "The accused Maninderjit Singh was involved in the Red Fort violence case. There are video footages on record, which shows the presence of the accused alongside the unlawfully assembled unruly riotous mob carrying a 'bhaala' (spear) during the farmers' agitation on January 26," Monika Bhardwaj, DCP Crime, said. Delhi Police further said that electronic evidence corroborates the fact that the accused had also visited Singhu border protest site on different dates. "He holds a Netherlands passport. Presently, the accused along with his family is settled in Birmingham, and is employed as a construction labourer. In December 2019, the accused visited India and due to the 2020 lockdown, he could not return to the UK," the officer added. He was produced before a court and his four days of PC remand has been taken by Delhi Police. Meanwhile, the second accused Khempreet was also actively involved in the Red Fort violence, according to the police. During analysis of videos available on case record, he along with other associates was seen carrying a big spears and assaulting police personnel on duty inside the Red Fort. So far, a total of 14 people have been arrested in connection to the Red Fort violence. The designer Max Zinser, 33, got his start building sets for the fashion industry. After graduating from N.Y.U., where he studied psychology and architecture, he would take unpredictable, often chaotic, freelance jobs sourcing props (for, say, a Dutch masters-themed Valentino photo shoot) and constructing elaborate runway environments for brands including Marc Jacobs. After a certain point, I wanted to work on projects with more permanence, he says. But the work helped him identify a path by which he might parlay his passion for design, first nurtured during childhood he grew up in Washington, D.C., with an architect father and a painter mother into a profession. He began designing store interiors, and by 2017 had become a coveted creator of the brick-and-mortar experience, responsible for signature spaces such as the beauty brand Glossiers blush pink and cherry red New York outpost, which he realized with his then-partner Kate McCollough. In 2019, he established his own design studio and embarked on projects including a sophisticated showroom outfitted with vintage furniture for the Row at the Dallas-based boutique Forty Five Ten. And though he would worry, at times, that his portfolio was perhaps a bit too wide-ranging and lacked the kind of instantly recognizable imprint critical to the success of many young makers in a rapidly shifting visual culture ruled by social media he now sees this as a strength. Ive come to appreciate and be grateful for the breadth of my work, he says. Its a reflection of my ability to find beauty and excitement in so many different worlds. DGAP-News: SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE N.V. / Schlagwort(e): Hauptversammlung SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE N.V. PUBLISHES AGENDA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS 2021. 10.03.2021 / 21:35 Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. NOT FOR DIRECT OR INDIRECT RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN. SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE N.V. PUBLISHES AGENDA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS 2021. Venlo, 10 March2021. SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE N.V. ("SHOP APOTHEKE EUROPE" or the "Company") has today published the agenda for the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "AGM") to be held virtually on 21 April 2021. The convocation announcement and the agenda, the accompanying explanatory notes and other information/documentation are available on the corporate website of the Company (http://shop-apotheke-europe.com) under Investor Relations / General Meeting / Annual General Meeting 2021 and via the link http://shop-apotheke-europe.com/en/investorrelations/hauptversammlung/ The AGM will take place on 21 April 2021 starting at 10:00 CEST, and will take place fully virtually this year on the basis of the Dutch Temporary Law Covid-19 Justice and Safety (the "Emergency Law"). The Company believes that a virtual meeting is the most prudent decision in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and considering the current guidelines of the Dutch government regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. This means that no visitors or shareholders can attend the meeting in person. The Company's shareholders, who are entitled to participate and exercise voting rights, can take part in the annual general meeting via the webcast on 21 April 2021 and can vote virtually during the meeting, in each case via an online platform provided by the Company's service provider for annual general meetings (such online platform, the "Virtual AGM Platform"). Furthermore, shareholders can ask questions either during the meeting and/or prior to the date of the meeting. The terms and conditions regarding virtual general meetings are available on the virtual AGM platform and apply to all shareholders who wish to attend, participate and vote at the meeting via the Virtual AGM Platform. Please refer to Section 3 (General Information) of the convocation announcements for further details regarding how to submit questions, attend, participate and vote at the AGM via the Virtual AGM Platform. Should the Emergency Law no longer apply on 21 April 2021, the Company will not be able to hold the annual general meeting fully virtually and, therefore, the annual general meeting will then take place on the same date and at the same time both virtually via the virtual AGM Platform and with limited access in person at Dirk Hartogweg 14, 5928 LV Venlo (such meeting, the "Hybrid Meeting"). In the event that the annual general meeting must be held in the form of the Hybrid Meeting, the Company urges all its shareholders to carefully consider whether they wish to attend the annual general meeting in person at the venue in Venlo in view of possible health risks relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Company gives top priority to the health of its employees, shareholders and other stakeholders and, therefore, the Company strongly encourages its shareholders to take part in the annual general meeting via the webcast on 21 April 2021 and vote virtually during the meeting, in each case via the Virtual AGM Platform, and not to attend the Hybrid Meeting in person. This way, the Hybrid Meeting can take place with only a limited number of core attendees and health risks for those attendees can be limited as much as possible. If the annual general meeting this year will need to be held in the form of the Hybrid Meeting, the Company will announce that on the Company's corporate website before 21 April 2021. Council Elections The Daily Sentinel will be profiling candidates for Grand Junction City Council throughout this week. The candidate profiles are grouped by district and based on a questionnaire the candidates returned to the Daily Sentinel. To read their full responses or to view profiles on other candidates visit gjsentinel.com. Council elections are April 6. Clearview AI has been faced with a massive lawsuit that goes against the company's recent venture of creating one of the world's largest databases for human faces, as immigrant-rights groups argue it to be "invasive." Human faces stored in the database are claimed to have no consent from their rightful owners says the lawsuit claims. The artificial intelligence company has been assisting law enforcement in the recent attack in the US Capitol, which identified the identities and whereabouts of some perpetrators, leading to their arrest. While the initial aim and purpose of Clearview's technology is to help society and make it safer, the groups have argued that they feel "less safe" with the use of their photos from social media. Clearview has taken photos of people across the world, pooled them into a database, and compiled them within the company's files which were taken from social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. The lawsuit claims that these photos and identities were taken without consent and that the company has stakes over a person's privacy. Read Also: China Plans to Defeat US Supremacy in AI, Quantum Computing With Five-Year Plan Clearview AI Lawsuit: Invasion of Privacy and Unsafe According to CBS News' report, Clearview AI having stakes over human identity and presence on social media makes these immigrant-rights groups from California feel less safe with their online personas. Moreover, the groups argue that the move by Clearview was a clear invasion of their privacy and that it gives away human identity to interested parties. Currently, Clearview AI has ties to various "government, government agencies, and private entities" which has access to the world's largest database for human faces and identities. With the wrong hands, this information can potentially be dangerous and risky for its user, especially as privacy and security are what's at stake. The company has been operating since 2017, and they have amassed a total of 3 billion photos from users of various social media platforms, and its database is larger than the FBI, says the claims. The company has more than 2,200 law enforcement agencies that have requested access to the database which is a powerful tool. Clearview AI's Tech Can Identify a Person within Seconds According to the lawsuit, Clearview AI's database can also pull any photo from the internet, especially if that person is a suspected figure, and use its technology to search the person on the internet. This could lead to the immediate identification of a specific person, and lead to their real-time locations when captured by any camera. The company's technology sounds like it was taken from a highly-sophisticated spy movie that uses face tracking in catching the perpetrator as it strolls in public. Facial recognition and the artificial intelligence behind it would help in properly detecting the rightful identity of the person, at any time and place, making this a potentially helpful or dangerous tool. Related Article: American Civil Liberties Union Files Case Against Clearview AI for Violating Privacy This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 6238332501001 English weatherman Alex Beresford has gained recognition this week after confronting Piers Morgan on ITV's Good Morning Britain. After Morgan, 55, made disparaging on-air remarks about Meghan Markle and her revelations about her mental health during her recent sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, Beresford spoke up and called his co-panelist's behavior "pathetic" and "diabolical." The move prompted Morgan to storm off set during the Tuesday broadcast, and later that day, it was announced that he would be leaving his post at the morning news show. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (2) "I wish I had the privilege to sit on the fence," Beresford tweeted following the confrontation with Morgan. "In order for me to do that I would have to strip myself of my identity and that's not something I can do. It's not any of our places to pick apart claims of racism in order to make us to feel more comfortable." For more on Piers Morgan's exit, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day. Keep reading to learn more about the 40-year-old TV personality, who has made it a habit to speak up for what he believes is right. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. He's been with Good Morning Britain since its inception. Beresford was born in Bristol, England, to a white mother from Britain and a Black father from Guyana. He began his television career in 2004 as a teleprompter operator for ITV's regional news program before retraining as a weather forecaster the following year, according to The Guardian. In 2012, he presented the weather on the morning show Daybreak, before the program was replaced with Good Morning Britain in 2014. He stayed on through the transition and has remained in his post since the show's inception. RELATED: Meghan Markle Filed Complaint Against Piers Morgan Over His Comments on Her Mental Health S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock He's spoken out on the show before. In 2019, Beresford intervened during a debate about a violent knife crime, during which one of the guests, the chairman of the Police Federation, began to argue that building more prisons could be a solution. Story continues "Prison doesn't work, though. It does not work. I've grown up in some of these communities you guys are talking about. Some of these boys don't fear prison," Beresford said, the Independent reported at the time. "If we don't change the environment, we won't change anything," he continued. "If you don't show these boys a different environment, you won't change anything." Less than two weeks later, he announced that his own cousin had recently been stabbed to death. He later created a documentary called Knife Crime & Me, in which he traveled across the country to investigate the issues behind the violent crimes. RELATED: Piers Morgan Stands by Controversial Meghan Markle Comments After His Good Morning Britain Exit He and Morgan have previously sparred on air. In 2017, Morgan teased Beresford after the weatherman stood in front of him while delivering his forecast. "Get back in your weather box, now," Morgan said, to which Beresford replied, "I'm so not going to do that now that you've said it." During a broadcast two years later, Beresford walked off the set after he chimed in on a conversation and Morgan told him, "You know what, mate, you're doing the weather your job is the weather." "Look at him, little drama queen," Morgan snarked as Beresford walked away. "Go on, off you go." RELATED: Jameela Jamil Says She 'Almost Killed Herself' Due to 'Relentless Campaign' of 'Hatred' by Piers Morgan He's committed to fitness. Beresford is passionate about working out and even created a fitness account on Instagram where he tracks his training sessions. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "A strong body can fuel a healthy mind!" his bio reads, noting that he's a physical therapist "in training." Last month, he shared an update on his mindset during the U.K.'s COVID-19 lockdown. "Emerge Stronger!" he wrote alongside a photo of him, shirtless, doing push-ups. "Strong in body, strong in mind.: "You can flip that the other way round too, but for me personally, I feel much better in my mind when I feel better in my body see how the two merge?" he continued. "Ultimately I need both." As Kern County begins to receive more allotments of the COVID-19 vaccine, residents will be able to get vaccinated at Cal State Bakersfield an STL announced the appointment of JS Deepak to its Board of Advisors. An IAS officer from the 1982 batch, JS Deepak will work closely with the STL leadership team and its Board of Directors to advise the company on its strategic roadmap. For India to become Atmanirbhar in digital, it needs a seamless policy environment that leverages technology advancements to generate economic gains. JS Deepak will counsel STL in key policy-related areas that can help India drive digital infrastructure investments and further the broadband goals outlined in National Digital Communications Policy. A driver of technological adoption, JS Deepak has previously worked as Secretary Telecom and Secretary Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. The first ever harmonization, sharing and trading of spectrum in India happened on his watch in 2016-17. As Joint Secretary, Telecom from 2008-10, JS led the design and conduct of the first ever 3G/4G spectrum auctions in India. He was also Indias Ambassador & Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at Geneva for 3 years and Additional Secretary, Commerce. He has an MBA degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad and pursued an advanced course in Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA. About working with the STL executive team, JS Deepak commented, India is in a unique position to leapfrog with digital infrastructure. STL, with its strong capability to build future-ready networks and digital ecosystems, is set to define the digital journey of billions in India and across the globe. It is very exciting to work with such a forward-looking company centred on innovation and help it create and implement growth strategies. Speaking on JS Deepaks appointment, KS Rao, CEO, Network Software and Services Business, STL, said: STL has been building digital infrastructure across the country for rural and urban citizens, telecom and defence networks. A conducive policy environment will surely pave the way for making India an Atmanirbhar, digital leader. I would like to welcome JS Deepak who has been an agent of positive change across his career in ministries, regulatory bodies, and as a representative of India at WTO. I am joined by the STL leadership in welcoming him and we look forward to his counsel. 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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 Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. ADVERTISEMENT The Court of Appeal in Gombe, Gombe State, has ordered the fresh trial of a former Minister of Science and Technology, Abdu Bulama, and four others, who were accused of money laundering involving N450million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the former minister and his co-defendants of receiving and sharing the money allegedly provided by Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election. A judge of the Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State, Isa Dashen, had earlier discharged and acquitted the defendants after upholding their no-case submission which they filed after the prosecution closed its case. But a statement by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, stated on Wednesday that the appellate court upturned the decision of the trial court in a judgment delivered on March 3. Ruling on the prosecutions appeal against the trial courts decision, the Court of Appeal ordered that the case be re-assigned to another judge of the Federal High Court for retrial. Backstory EFCC had, on May 29, 2018, arraigned Mr Bulama and his co-defendants before Mr Dashen on seven counts of money laundering to the tune of N450 million. His co-defendants are Mohammed Kadai, a former Commissioner for Integrated and Rural Development in Yobe State and Deputy Coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Abba Gana Tata, Muhammad Mamu and Hassan Ibn Jaks. EFCCs prosecuting counsel, Mukhtar Ahmed, had presented six witnesses and tendered documents that were admitted in evidence by the court. At the close of the prosecutions case, the defendants opted for a no case submission which the judge upheld by discharging and acquitting them. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC filed an appeal, asking the appellate court to side aside the decision of the lower court. A panel of the Court of Appeal in its judgment of March 3, 2021 upheld the argument of the EFCC that the lower court erred in discharging and acquitting the defendants. The judgment read by Tunde Awoteye, held that the charge No. FHC/DM/CR/25/2018 FRN VS DR ABDU BULAMA & 4 OTHERS is ordered to be remitted back to the lower court to be reassigned to another Federal High Court Judge other than Hon. Justice Isah H. Dashen to be heard de novo. EFCC also quoted the court as saying that there is inferential evidence against the respondents which should not be brushed aside. Grimco and ND Graphics Recognized for Incredible Supplier Relationship CARROLLTON, Texas, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise with more than 750 locations in nine countries worldwide, presented the U.S. Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco and the Canadian Vendor of the Year Award to ND Graphics at the 2021 Virtual FASTSIGNS/Signwave International Convention. FASTSIGNS 2021 Virtual Convention The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year is selected by FASTSIGNS franchisees and is based on the integrity of business practices, product quality, and having a long-term commitment to the FASTSIGNS network. This marks the sixth consecutive year Grimco has received this recognition which is bestowed on Grimco by FASTSIGNS franchisees who selected this Vendor as their supplier of the year. This also marks the inaugural year for recognizing the Canadian Vendor of the Year. "The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year Award for the US, and this year adding Canada, recognizes a supplier that delivers outstanding service and consistently provides excellent support to our franchisees," said Mark Jameson, Chief Support and Development Officer. "We're happy to recognize Grimco and ND Graphics, and we appreciate all that they do for our franchise network." For the past 15 years, Grimco has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and visual graphic materials and products which includes equipment and everything from Signs and Blanks to Digital Media and LED's. "2020 was a very different year for everyone. COVID really affected how everyone worked, did business and pivoted to keep their businesses moving forward," said Julie McClain, Director of National Accounts at Grimco. "To be recognized by FASTSIGNS as the Vendor of the Year for 2020 is truly an honor in such a tumultuous year. We appreciate what everyone at FASTSIGNS has done for us from the Centers to the Corporate office, and we are excited to move forward into 2021 with a new outlook on business and life. Our main focus is to continue to provide excellent service, move forward with our Green product line initiative and create new programs for FASTSIGNS." Story continues For the past 10 years, ND Graphics has been working with FASTSIGNS centers, supplying sign and visual graphic materials and products. This includes equipment and everything from sign supplies to digital media and electrical solutions. "It is an honor for ND Graphics to be awarded the Canadian Vendor of the Year from FASTSIGNS," said Amber Mundy with ND Graphics. "After an unprecedented year, we appreciate working with such an incredible group of people. It has always been a pleasure to support FASTSIGNS and their growing success. At ND Graphics, we are fortunate to have 10 locations across Canada dedicated to serving Canadian businesses. As an industry leader, we pride ourselves on our exceptional team, extensive experience, and specialized knowledge to assist on every project. We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with the FASTSIGNS network for years to come." About FASTSIGNS FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 750 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in 9 countries including the United States and Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touchpoints. FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as a top franchise opportunity. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks FASTSIGNS as #44 overall the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. In 2021, FASTSIGNS was named one of Franchise Direct's Top 100 Global Franchises and Franchise Gator recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the Top 100 Franchises . In 2020, Entrepreneur magazine named FASTSIGNS a Top Growth Franchise and one of the Top Franchises for Veterans . Additionally, FASTSIGNS was ranked on Franchise Times' annual Top 200+ list and Franchise Business Review named FASTSIGNS one of its Top Franchises for Second Careers and Top Franchises for Veterans . In 2019, the brand was named to America's Best Franchises to Buy list by Forbes magazine. Franchise Business Review has also recognized FASTSIGNS as one of the "Best of the Best" for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years, as well as one of its Top 50 Franchises for Women and Top Service Franchises lists in 2019. FASTSIGNS has also received the Canadian Franchise Association Franchisees' Choice for 8 consecutive years. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC the parent company of NerdsToGo, an emerging IT services franchise brand. Learn more about sign and graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com . Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns , Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS . For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679). Contact: Leah Edwards FASTSIGNS Corporate Communications 214.346.5792 leah.edwards@fastsigns.com FASTSIGNS logo (PRNewsFoto/FASTSIGNS) Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastsigns-international-inc-names-us-and-canadian-vendor-of-the-year-301244958.html SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who led the effort to impeach President Donald Trump after the Capitol riot, wrote FBI Director Chris Wray Wednesday demanding a briefing on white supremacist 'infiltration' of law enforcement after the bureau refused to provide one last year. Raskin rapped the bureau for failing to testify at a hearing on the topic last year which would have addressed the topic in advance of the riot that has the Capitol being protected by thousands of National Guard troops. 'The Bureau also rejected my invitation to testify at a hearing on the matter and effectively disavowed the warnings of an earlier FBI threat assessment, which had asserted that infiltration by white supremacists can lead to investigative breaches and can jeopardize the safety of law enforcement sources and personnel,'" he wrote. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) wrote the head of the FBI Christopher Wray Wednesday to press him about white supremacist 'infiltration' of law enforcement The Maryland Democrat cited documentation on the more than 300 arrests since the Jan. 6th riot, where at least 18 have been identified as current or former members of police forces, firefighters, or retired military. Video of the riot shows some displaying police insignia and urging U.S. Capitol Police to let them into the building. The Capitol Police said last month 35 of its officers were under investigation following the riot. The Capitol Police union called it a 'witch hunt.' Raskin pointed to a 2006 FBI assessment that white supremacists can lead to investigative breaches and can jeopardize the safety of law enforcement sources and personnel. In this file photo taken on January 6, 2021 Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington DC Protesters clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S, January 6, 2021 Two Rocky Mount, VA officers placed on administrative leave after photo surfaces of them posing the Capitol statuary - Thomas Robertson, Jacob Fracker In Senate testimony last week, Wray pointed to racially motivated extremism among some of the rioters. Raskin wrote FBI Director Chris Wray about 'infiltration' of law enforcement by white supremacists Among those arrested in the wake of the riot are members of far right groups including the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. Raskin continued: 'This assessment further warned that infiltration could give white supremacists increased access to restricted areas vulnerable to sabotage and to elected officials or protected persons, whom they could see as potential targets for violence."' Wray in testimony before the Senate this month called the riot an act of 'domestic terrorism.' He blasted the bureau for turning down his invitation last year. 'I invited the FBI to testify at that hearing, but the Bureau refused to participate,' he said. 'The Bureau instead told Subcommittee staff that it did not believe that this threat was supported by evidence and that there would not be any utility in the Bureau offering testimony. In a briefing with staff, the FBI again claimed that the infiltration of law enforcement departments by white supremacists was not a substantiated threat.' In his testimony, Wray pointed to racially motivated extremism among some of the rioters. 'One of the things that is happening as part of this is that as we build out the cases on the individuals when we arrest them for the violence, we're getting a richer and richer understanding of the different people's motivations,' he testified. 'But certainly as I said, militia violent extremism and some instances of racially motivated violent extremism, especially advocating for the superior of the white race.' Victoria has recorded no new local coronavirus cases for the 13th day in a row and none in hotel quarantine. There are now three active cases remaining across the state. More than 20,000 tests were completed in the past 24 hours. The vouchers, which can be spent on entertainment, aim to kick-start the citys economy. Credit:Tim Carrafa The state also recorded no new internationally acquired cases on Thursday. Victorians are being encouraged to head to hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes and entertainment venues after a third release of the $200 travel voucher scheme on Friday - the latest round of vouchers aimed at bolstering the citys ailing hospitality and accommodation sector. Kenya Moore and Marc Dalys marital woes continue to play out on-screen on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Moore recently spoke in an interview about how she didnt meet Dalys parents prior to their wedding. Kenya Moore and Marc Daly | Michael Tran/FilmMagic Kenya Moore and Marc Daly have split Moore and Daly got married in June 2017. In 2018, Moore revealed that they were pregnant with their first child. Brooklyn Doris Daly, the couples daughter, was born on Nov. 4, 2018. The two named her Brooklyn because they first met in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Dalys restaurant is also located in Brooklyn. Moore and Daly also broke up in 2018. and Moore said she was filing for divorce. However, it appeared that they remained together for a while continued to co-parent Brookyln together. In November 2019, Moore told US Weekly, I do think that things could get back on track if you have two people that want to. Its good. Were very cordial, very kind to each other right now. Were working really well together and just being there for our daughter. I cant really hope for anything else right now in terms of how were co-parenting. Its been really wonderful so far. At this point, they seemed to be trying to work things out. However, as time showed, they ended up breaking up and things did not pan out for the couple. RELATED: RHOA: Sheree Whitfield Claps Back at LaToya Ali After Ghetto Remark Kenya Moores relationship with Marc Dalys parents In a new episode of Watch What Happens Live, Moore spoke more about the fact that she and Daly did not meet each others parents before their wedding. She was asked if she thought it was a red flag that she and Dalys parents didnt meet. Moore explained, Not immediately. Because he didnt meet my family either until much later when my grandmother passed [in July 2017]. And his family lives in another state, so you know, it happens when you have family that live[s] all over. This is the second time that shes spoken publicly outside of a The Real Housewives of Atlanta episode about not meeting Dalys parents. In a Watch What Happens Live appearance in April 2020, Moore said, Yeah, I met them before. They came to my baby shower. We were in communication then. I just think that whatever happened in that relationship is between them. I get answers, but the answers that I get dont quite make any sense and, so its like, could he be able to pick up the phone and call my mother? Thats how he looks at it. But he has his own issues that he needs to work out, and I just dont get in the middle of it. On the show, she noted the relationship in an episode from last season. I just feel like its just always been this block up with him, not letting me completely into his life, she said. Its just a lot of things I felt I was in the dark about. For example, Im not allowed to speak to his mother or father. The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sunday nights on Bravo. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! UW Faculty Members Contribute to Study of Victims of 6,200-Year-Old Massacre The upper layers of the Potocani mass burial shows numerous commingled skeletons. James Ahern, a UW professor of anthropology and associate vice provost for graduate education, contributed to a paper that reveals the oldest documented site of an indiscriminate mass killing 6,200 years ago in what is now Potocani, Croatia. The paper was published in PLOS ONE March 10. (Jacqueline Balen Photo, Archaeological Museum in Zagreb) In previous research, ancient massacre sites found men who died while pitted in battle or discovered executions of targeted families. At other sites, evidence showed killing of members of a migrant community in conflict with previously established communities, and even murders of those who were part of religious rituals. But a more recent discovery by a research team -- that includes two University of Wyoming faculty members -- reveals the oldest documented site of an indiscriminate mass killing 6,200 years ago in what is now Potocani, Croatia. The DNA, combined with the archaeological and skeletal evidence -- especially that indicating systematic violence, perhaps even execution-style -- demonstrates an indiscriminate massacre and haphazard burial of 41 individuals from an early pastoralist community in what is now eastern Croatia, says James Ahern, a UW professor in the Department of Anthropology and associate vice provost for graduate education. Ahern was a nonsenior co-author of a paper, titled, Genome-Wide Analysis of Nearly All the Victims of a 6,200-Year-Old Massacre, that was published March 10 in PLOS ONE. The journal accepts research in over 200 subject areas across science, engineering, medicine, and the related social sciences and humanities. Mario Novak, a research associate with the Institute for Anthropological Research in Zagreb, Croatia, was the papers lead author. Ivor Jankovic, a UW adjunct professor of anthropology and assistant director of the Institute for Anthropological Research, also was a nonsenior co-author of the study. Other researchers who contributed to the paper were from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain; Harvard University; Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb; University of Vienna; Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School. In 2007, the Croatian site underwent a rescue excavation that occurred when the burial was uncovered during the construction of a garage on private land, Ahern says. Archaeologists, led by Jacqueline Balen of the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, working nearby on a cultural resource impact assessment related to the construction of a motorway, were called in to investigate. This photo shows perimortem penetrating injuries on the right side of the skull of a young adult female at the mass burial site in Potocani, Croatia. (Mario Novak Photo, Institute for Anthropological Research) In 2012, Ahern and Jankovic, then a research scientist at the Institute for Anthropological Research, were invited by the archaeologists in charge of Potocani discoveries to analyze the skeletal remains. The skeletal remains needed to be cleaned and inventoried, and basic analysis -- such as estimation of age and sex, recording of preserved elements, and basic documentation of pathologies and trauma -- was conducted by Jankovic, Ahern and Zrinka Premuzic, a Ph.D. student at the University of Zagreb. This is the oldest known case of indiscriminate, mass killing that we know of, Ahern says. In some ways, it goes against the conventional wisdom about early agriculturalists -- the Neolithic and Eneolithic -- who have long been thought to have lived in small villages or herding groups. The DNA evidence indicates just a few close relatives in such a large sample, meaning that, not only was the violence seemingly indiscriminate, it involved a subset of a much larger local population. Prior research shows that some early farmers lived in large settlements, such as at Catalhoyuk in Western Asia; and some later Eneolithic peoples, such as those who lived at the Vucedol site in the Balkans. However, Potocani is approximately 1,000 years older than the latter settlement. The genetic analysis revealed that 70 percent of the analyzed skeletons did not have close kin among the deceased. Additionally, there was no sex bias, as the number of males and females found at the site were almost equal in number. This indicates the massacre was not the outcome of inter-male fighting one would expect in battles, nor was the result of a reprisal event targeting individuals of a specific sex. Cranial injuries were found on 13 of the 41 individuals massacred at the site, according to the study. Although we do not have evidence on the cause of death for the other individuals, their deaths were almost certainly violent, Ahern says. Multiple radiocarbon dates, as well as the sedimentology of the burial, all indicate a single burial event. James Ahern Furthermore, a majority of violent deaths do not leave clear evidence of trauma in the preserved skeletal remains, he continues. Individuals could have been strangled, bludgeoned, cut or stabbed in soft-tissue areas or in manners that did not damage underlying bones. The study also considered the potential role of climate change in the mass burial event. When climate changes, resources such as water, vegetation -- including feed for cattle and other livestock -- and game animals become less predictable. Furthermore, hazards, such as unpredictable extreme weather, become more common. These factors tend to disrupt human lifeways, and groups sometimes try to take over others territories and resources, Ahern explains. Increases in population size cause groups to overextend their local resources and require expansion into other areas. Both climate change and population increase tend to cause social disruption and violent acts, such as what happened at Potocani, that become more common as groups come into conflict with each other. Data in the study reveal how organized violence in this period could be indiscriminate, just as indiscriminate killings have been an important feature of life in historic and modern times. The history, development and causes of human violence are crucial to our ability to understand and reduce violence in our own society, Ahern says. Perhaps, because of the long history of human violence and warfare and its contemporary relevance, the public is engaged by the sort of narrative about the deep human past that weve been able to recreate through our scientific research, Ahern says. Furthermore, DNA, heredity and human ancestry are issues that touch everyones lives. Our research also highlights UWs global engagement and research enterprise. Kathmandu, March 10 : Nepals Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has put a ban on taking and circulating pictures, videos and filming of other climbers or members of expedition teams on Mt Everest other than of oneself starting this season. Issuing a notice on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism put the ban, saying that each climber can take, share and make images and videos of their group or of oneself but they will face action if they take, make and share photos of other climbers without the department's consent. In the wake of a picture that went viral on May 20i9 about the "traffic jam" on Mt Everest taken by one record holder climber, Nirmal Purja, Nepali officials have been facing other similar kinds of criticism by the international media over threat to the Himalayan eco-system. The mountaineering community and some international media have criticized the hollow management of the Nepal government in managing the expedition on Mt Everest after the photo, "traffic jam in Everest" went viral. Later, several other climbers took pictures of other climbers, filming at the top of Mt Everest and circulated them on the Internet. Officials said some other attempts were made to defame Mt Everest's tourism management by circulating the pictures like piling of garbage at Everest base camp, an avalanche in Everest during the earthquake in 2015. "Such activities have given negative publicity about the Everest so we decided to put a ban on taking pictures, movie and filming in the Everest by others," Mira Acharya, an official at Nepal's Tourism Department told the Nepali media, "to stop these kinds of negative publicity, we have come up with the new guideline that includes other mountains in the country as well". Nepal has eight mountains whose heights are higher than 8,000 metres and Nepal witnesses a huge rush of mountaineers during the climbing season that generally falls in mid-May. Similarly, the new guideline also stated that any climber should have appropriate medical and health conditions for climbing the mountains. In the past, due to some climbers, who did not have the appropriate health and medical conditions to climb the mountains, emergency rescue operations had to be mounted. "We honour the personal freedom of climbers but that does not mean they can post images and videos of others without their consent. Either through commercial cameras or mobile sets, all such activities have been banned," Acharya told the Nepali media here. If anyone intends to disseminate still photographs and videos of people, avalanches and even dead bodies on the mountain among other things, they must secure consent from the Department of Tourism, the government agency that issues Everest climbing permits, the Kathmandu Post quoted the official. According to Ang Tsering Sherpa, former president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, though, it would not be possible to prevent the dissemination of videos or photos taken on Everest because millennials stand out for their use of technology, and even the older generation has embraced digital life. "You make a click here and in an instant, your photo goes around the world," he told the newspaper. A total of 6,507 mountaineers have climbed Everest from the Nepal side since Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander Edmund Hillary first set foot atop the world's highest peak in May 1953. The year 2019 was significant in terms of records set on the world's tallest peak. On May 22 and 23, a total of 223 and 212 climbers reached the summit, which has been recorded as the highest and the second-highest number of climbers on the top of Everest on any particular day. There were no expeditions last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused Nepal loss of millions in revenue, while thousands of people in the Himalayan region were rendered jobless. Foreigners pay $11,000 for a permit to climb Everest and spend anywhere between $40,000 and $90,000 for the entire expedition. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following a host of delays ranging from catastrophic storms to ongoing pandemics, two of the three new Staten Island Ferry boats are now expected to arrive in New York in 2021. Following reports earlier this month that the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis ferryboat had moved to a new shipyard in Port St. Joe, Florida for completion, a representative from the Department of Transportation (DOT) told the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com that the Ollis boat, as well as the Sandy Ground boat, are expected to be completed and delivered sometime this year. The first two ferries are expected to be delivered this year and we will keep you posted as we get more details on the timeframe, said DOT spokesperson Lolita Avila. While Avila said that the new boats are expected to be delivered in 2021, she did not provide a timeline for when the boats would be commissioned and put in service. The Ollis boat was initially scheduled to arrive in the New York Harbor in fall 2019, with the vessel originally set to be commissioned and put in service in early 2020. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. The Florida shipyard, operated by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc., where the newest Staten Island Ferry vessels are under construction, was badly damaged by Hurricane Michael in October 2018, delaying the arrival of the new boats. In October 2019, the DOT said that delays associated with the damage from the storm pushed the Ollis boats expected arrival back to August 2020. Then, in July 2020, the department announced that the arrival of the new boat had been delayed again, this time as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the DOT did not provide an updated timeline on the vessels delivery. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the delivery date for the Ollis ship has been impacted, a DOT spokesperson said at the time. Further details on the delivery dates are forthcoming. The coronavirus-related delays can be attributed, in part, to international travel restrictions that prevented a team of German engineers from entering the country to inspect the boats. COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented certain key technical personnel from attending the construction shipyard as originally scheduled, causing delays in the commissioning and delivery schedule, Avila said. Following a push from Borough President James Oddo and former Rep. Max Rose, the four engineers were granted a National Travel Exception (NIE) allowing them to travel to the country to inspect the boats. ABOUT THE NEW BOATS The Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis and the Sandy Ground are the first two of three new Staten Island Ferry boats being constructed by Eastern Shipbuilding Group. The third new ferryboat remains nameless for the time being. The Ollis boat is named after the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan. The Sandy Ground is named for the historic community settled by freed slaves in Rossville. The new storm-resilient vessels, which will replace the Kennedy, Andrew J. Barberi and the Samuel I. Newhouse boats, will be more capable of operating in a wide range of weather conditions and locations -- and can also be used in emergency evacuations. The ships were modeled after the John F. Kennedy boat, popular for its outdoor promenades and extended foredecks. The Birmingham City Schools system has dropped its plan to start school in July. The Birmingham Board of Education this week revised its proposed calendar for the upcoming academic year. Under the new plan, students will have 180 days of instruction with school starting on Aug. 2, 2021. Last month, the district had proposed starting the school year in mid-July and having breaks of eight to 10 days between grading periods. We have listened to our parents and employees, said Superintendent Mark Sullivan. They agree that we need to have an intentional and strategic plan for remediation and enrichment as we emerge from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they want us to do something different from our original proposal. Most parents and employees who took school district surveys indicated they were opposed to those changes. By starting the school year a few days earlier and using breaks between grading periods to help students catch up or get ahead, we can help address academic problems that developed because of the impact of COVID-19, Sullivan said. The proposal was presented to the Board of Education during its regular meeting on Tuesday. The board is expected to study the proposal and vote at a later date. The district has asked parents and employees to review the updated proposal and complete an online survey by noon on Friday, March 19. A politician has been slammed for making 'racist, sexist and misogynistic' comments about Oprah Winfrey online following her interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Lindsay Ash said the talk-show host looked like 'Ian Wright dressed up as Mrs Doubtfire' during the two hour show. Deputy Ash, assistant treasury minister on the Channel Island of Jersey, denied the comments were racist and apologised to 'anyone offended' by his remarks - but described the incident as a 'storm in a teacup'. He tweeted on Monday, March 8: 'This Harry and Meghan interview seems to have caused a bit of a furore, what baffles me is why Ian Wright dressed up as Mrs Doubtfire to do it'. Lindsay Ash, assistant treasury minister on the Channel Island of Jersey, has denied being racist after making comments about chat show host Oprah Winfrey online following her interview with Meghan and Harry After posting his initial Tweet, Deputy Ash defended his actions on Twitter, describing his initial post as 'observational comedy'. He wrote: 'It will amuse some and offend those who wish to find it offensive. 'I am not a career politician and will not merely walk a populist line to appease as many as often as possible. To quote the song, "I am what I am".' He later said: 'I apologise to anybody who was offended by it.' But Twitter users were quick to criticise Deputy Ash, describing the tweet as insensitive and offensive. The politician said the talk-show host looked like 'Ian Wright dressed up as Mrs Doubtfire' during the two hour show He later apologised 'to anyone offended' but went on to defend his comments on Twitter Deputy Ash later issued a statement on his social media page saying he had deleted the Tweets as it could 'distract' from the 'vital work' the Government was doing in Jersey Colin Lever wrote: 'Lyndsay Ash's contribution to International Women's Day... Wrong on so many levels. 'Racist, sexist and misogynistic, and this guy's assistant minister in two departments.' Andrew Wicks added: 'Why would you mock anyone for their looks? Reprehensible from anyone but you're a government minister.' And Lee Carpenter said: 'International women's day and you decide to mock a woman for her looks. Nice.' Deputy Ash replied to a few comments, including the last one, to which he wrote: 'I would have mocked a man for his looks as well.' He later issued a statement on his social media page saying he had deleted the Tweets as it could 'distract' from the 'vital work' of the Government in Jersey. Deputy Ash said: 'The issue of my Tweet has been raised with both the Commissioner of Standards and the Chief Minister who both concluded I had breached no rules. I have though decided to remove the Tweet from my account. 'I am doing this as both the CM & I feel that it detracts from the vital work the Government are now involved in for the good of the Island. 'Amongst which is the delivery of a new Hospital which is at a crucial juncture [and] I would hate to be the cause of such a distraction.' Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. TUCSON, Ariz., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RightSure, an independent insurance agency offering insurance in 42 states, unveiled its new RATEGuard digital insurance app for iOS and Android users last week. Powered by artificial intelligence, RATEGuard is an unprecedented insurance management platform that automatically shops with more than 40 carriers to guarantee policyholders receive the most competitive insurance rate available. This capability, which was already a gamechanger, is even faster in this latest app, placing policyholders in the driver's seat with complete control of their insurance investments with 24/7 access to all their policy information. The RATEGuard app empowers policyholders to be smarter about their insurance with the following digital capabilities: View policies and request policy updates. Manage premium payments. Download insurance cards. Instantly shop rates with more than 40 carriers. Proactively manage renewals. "Remote policy management is particularly important during the pandemic when people are staying home and budgets are tight," says RightSure President, Jeffery Arnold, who is also the author of "How to Beat Your Insurance Company," available on Amazon. "RATEGuard helps everyone feel confident that they have the best rates and coverage available, year after year. This digital platform is all about fairness, transparency, keeping insurance companies honest and being smart about getting the most for your insurance dollars," he adds. The RATEGuard app is available to everyone, throughout the U.S., free of charge and is compatible with iPhones, 10.0 or later and with Android phones, 5.0 and up. Even those who are not RightSure customers can download the app, shop for coverage and quickly compare the RATEGuard offer with their current policy and premium. About RightSure Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, RightSure is a full-service independent insurance agency providing insurance products to families and businesses in 42 states. By using a unique, client-centered approach combined with superior technology, RightSure presents clients with a wide range of insurance options and a seamless purchasing process. RightSure is known for leading with technology and facilitating a positive, tech-forward workplace. Founded 13 years ago, RightSure earned recognition as a Top Insurance Workplace for 2020 by Insurance Business America (IBA) and also made the Insurance Journal's list of the 2020 Best Independent Insurance Agencies to Work For. In addition, the agency was recognized as the North American Insurance Firm of the Year by Insurance Magazine To learn more and see if you can save money, visit https://www.rightsure.com or call 520-777-1125. Media Contact: Megan Kossow [email protected] 520-901-7010 SOURCE RightSure Related Links https://www.rightsure.com Russia plans to hold a conference in Moscow on March 18 to discuss Afghanistan as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban stall, although it was unclear if the United States would attend. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a March 9 statement that the United States, China, and Pakistan are invited to Moscow for talks meant to advance intra-Afghan negotiations. An Afghan government delegation, Taliban representatives, and Qatar, which has hosted Afghan peace talks, are invited as well. The plan is to find a way to reduce the level of violence and end the armed conflict in Afghanistan, establish this country as an independent, peaceful and self-sufficient state, free from terrorism and drug-related crimes, Zakharova said. Earlier, Russia's special presidential representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, told Interfax that the meeting aims to give an impulse, an impetus, so that substantive talks, but not just contacts, would begin in Doha. The Russian diplomatic effort comes as the administration of President Joe Biden seeks to secure a cease-fire and revitalize talks begun in September between the Kabul government and Taliban militants ahead of a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops by May 1. It also comes amid a flurry of unconfirmed reports that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani suggesting that the May 1 deadline for the U.S. troop pullout is still on the table, as outlined in the U.S. agreement with the Taliban. A surge in fighting in past months has sparked concerns that an exit may spark greater bloodshed and chaos. The Blinken letter also suggests a summit in Turkey bringing together Afghan government and Taliban representatives to accelerate peace talks. Blinken is also pushing for a UN summit of foreign ministers and envoys from the United States, Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and India to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan. Reuters and AP reported a U.S.-drafted peace plan presented last week to the Afghan government and Taliban called for the current government in Kabul to be replaced with an interim administration until a new constitution is created and elections held. Ghani has refused to step aside for a transitional government. The State Department did not confirm the contents of any proposals. Spokesman Ned Price said it is too early to say how Afghan peace talks were going but that Washington believes progress is possible. Based on reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, Interfax, Reuters and TASS * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation with the senior officers of the Armed Forces at the Ministry of Defense. Among the attendees were Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan, the deputy chiefs of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan and others. During the consultation, the Prime Minister stated the following: Citizens and government officials cant underestimate the unforgettable services that several generals, officers, subalterns, sergeants and privates of the Armed Forces have provided and continue to provide to Armenia. I would like to record that together we still bear responsibility and am certain that we will bear it with honor. I would also like to state that the needs of the Armed Forces are and will remain in the governments focus. This means that we must discuss, analyze and answer several questions and form a general vision for the future of the Armed Forces. Once again, I would like to express gratitude to everyone for their services. You are aware that Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan has been relieved of the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces by virtue of law. I would like to express gratitude to Mr. Gasparyan for his services to Armenia. You are also aware that I have submitted a petition to the President of Armenia to appoint Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Davtyan was the chief of the General Staff in 2018-202 and is known to everyone for his work. I am certain that together we will be able to overcome these trials and tribulations. I would like to ask everyone to continue to provide their services as army generals and officers and as guarantors of Armenias security and territorial integrity. The Prime Minister added that there will be a more detailed conversation during the meeting to be held in regard to the appointment of the new chief of the General Staff. Simultaneously, the head of government emphasized that the most important thing in this difficult period is national unity which is necessary for the Republic of Armenia and its people. SITEKI About 200 Eswatini Beverages employees are in a precarious situation of losing their jobs due to the continued suspension of alcohol sales and distribution by government. Government has extended the partial lockdown by another two weeks. Eswatini Beverages Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs Mpumelelo Makhubu said the announced two-week ban on alcohol sales and distribution had exacerbated the damage to the company, considering the seven-month ban accumulated last year. Makhubu said the pressure to protect jobs of employees and the livelihoods of over 15 000 people in the companys value chain was now almost unbearable. Distribution He said even though his company supported the enforced governments measures, but it did not believe that the total ban on alcohol sales and distribution was the optimal solution to effectively manage the delicate balance between lives and livelihoods. As a business, we understand and appreciate the precarious position that our government has to navigate in an attempt to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our people. While we support measures that curb the spread of the pandemic, we do not believe that the total ban on alcohol is the optimal solution to effectively manage the delicate balance between lives and livelihoods, he said. He further mentioned that the continued alcohol ban promoted criminal smuggling syndicates (black market). We know that there are other tried and tested solutions that ensure that the alcohol ban does not adversely hurt the economy, put a further burden on the health system through the consumption of illicit alcohol, and promote criminal smuggling syndicates, which become a gateway to other illegal activities. The announced two weeks of lockdown extension further exacerbates the damage to the business considering the seven-month ban in 2020, he emphasised. Makhubu said the company had already lost two months of business since the year began. When asked to quantify the loss incurred by his company, Makhubu said that information could not be shared with the public. It does not help that we are now the only country in Africa with total restrictions on the sale of alcohol, and the conversations with the owners of the businesses are increasingly becoming more difficult. The unpredictable manner in which the lockdowns are announced makes it difficult and costly to plan and do business with some level of certainty.That said, we will take necessary measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business and continue engagements with government, particularly on the way forward, he said. Meanwhile, Eswatini National Liquor Traders Association Secretary General Thamsanqa Hlatshwayo said government should review its stance on the matter. Hlatshwayo said the continued ban on alcohol sales had promoted the black market. Pleaded He pleaded with government to act on the matter as more job losses would be incurred and poverty and criminal activities would increase. I engaged Eswatini Beverages and they mentioned that they had stock, but due to the ban, their business was not doing well. The ban also promotes the smuggling of alcohol as our neighbours have opened the sale of alcohol. We have that challenge as businesses in this sector as we are the most affected. Government has to make a decision because the economy is suffering and more people are subjected to poverty with the rise in job losses. If the company closes shop, that will mean an increase in prices as we have to source the product outside the country, he said. Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Very hot. High 106F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow Abundant sunshine. High 106F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Air passenger duty on domestic flights could be cut under plans to improve connectivity within the UK set out by the Prime Minister (Chris Ison/PA) New way: what a proposed bridge to Scotland could like A major transport review of connectivity across the UK is to examine the feasibility of a tunnel or bridge linking Northern Ireland to Scotland. An interim report by Network Rail boss Sir Peter Hendy has been published assessing ways transport can better connect all parts of the UK. Read More The report set out how a UK Strategic Transport Network would deliver the ambition upgrading direct transport links, reducing delays and stimulating growth across the four nations. Sir Peter Hendy met with various stakeholders in Northern Ireland during a number of meetings. He heard about the need for better connectivity in terms of ferry travel between NI and GB as well on improving road links between Belfast and Derry as well as to the Republic. The idea of a bridge or tunnel has been widely derided with many pointed out it may not be possible given the weather and the difficulty of crossing the millions of tonnes of munitions and nuclear waste dumped in Beaufort's Dyke. In the report, Sir Peter said he has asked two experts to lead a discrete piece of work to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. Former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee and Gordon Masterton have been tasked with leading the technical review into such a link, with the PM in the past repeatedly suggesting the idea of a connecting bridge. Under the plans air passenger duty on domestic flights could be cut within the UK. Boris Johnson said he wanted to build back better after the coronavirus crisis in a way that brings every corner of the UK closer together. He will launch a consultation this spring on reforming air passenger duty a tax on passenger flights from UK airports in a bid to improve transport connecting all four nations. The Government will also commit 20 million to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links and explore new requirements to offset emissions and decarbonise aviation. The money will be spent on exploring the development of projects including improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England; upgrading the A75 between Gretna, Dumfries and Stranraer; faster rail links from England to Scotland and rail improvements in south-east Wales. But the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said that cutting domestic flight duty flies in the face of the Governments climate commitments. General secretary Manuel Cortes urged the Government to invest in truly green public transport, such as rail, which is the most effective intercity connection taking people to the heart of our towns and cities. Expand Close Sir Peter Hendy has commissioned two experts to consider the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland(Clive Gee/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sir Peter Hendy has commissioned two experts to consider the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland(Clive Gee/PA) Mr Johnson said: Its now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together. We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map. ...the sinews of pan-UK transport have atrophied, with inadequate connections, needless bottlenecks and endless delays on the vital links between one part of the UK and another Boris Johnson This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road and I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson said the UK had suffered by not having a UK-wide transport strategy, and had instead lost out by leaving it to the EU under its TransEuropean Transport Network. The result is that the sinews of pan-UK transport have atrophied, with inadequate connections, needless bottlenecks and endless delays on the vital links between one part of the UK and another, Mr Johnson said. He added: Its currently quicker to get a train from Cardiff to Paris than from Cardiff to Edinburgh. With some bypasses, better track and signalling, as Sir Peter believes, we could run services from Glasgow to London in about three hours, and carry more freight too. Expand Close Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also emphasised the importance of quality infrastructure (Tolga Akmen/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also emphasised the importance of quality infrastructure (Tolga Akmen/PA) Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: As we build back better from Covid, it is more important than ever that we level-up every corner of our great country. Quality transport infrastructure is key to achieving that, which is why we are committed to boosting connectivity and bringing communities across the UK even closer together. Sir Peter said: Devolution has been good for transport but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding. A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this, with its core objective centred around levelling up across the whole of the UK. House Gives Final Approval to Bidens $1.9 Trillion Pandemic Relief Bill The bill, which President Biden is expected to sign on Friday, sends direct payments to many Americans, expands a child tax credit and extends a $300 weekly unemployment supplement. The Senate confirmed more members of the presidents cabinet. With House passage, Congress clears the nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus plan for President Bidens signature. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 2:19 - 0:00 transcript House Vote Clears Pandemic Relief Bill for Bidens Signature House Democrats prevailed over Republican opposition to give final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package in a 220-to-211 vote, clearing the legislation for his signature. Every day, constituents in my district are asking when the $1,400 survival checks are coming, and when they can get help with their rent so that they dont become homeless. They are suffering and they need help now. The American Rescue Plan is a real plan to crush the virus by speeding vaccine distribution and increasing access to health care. This will not only mean safer families, but also safer classrooms for teachers and students. It means a continuation of $300 a week checks in unemployment insurance. And it supports our businesses so they dont close. With over half a million dead, we need a way to end this crisis and help our people. That is exactly what todays bill will do. At $1.9 trillion in new spending, the so-called American Rescue Plan is the most expensive single bill in American history. This isnt a rescue bill. It isnt a relief bill. Its a laundry list of left-wing priorities that pre-date the pandemic, and do not meet the needs of the American families. Today, we have a decision to make of tremendous, tremendous consequence, a decision that will make a difference for millions of Americans, saving lives and livelihoods. And with all the decisions, it is a decision that we will have to answer for. We will give the American Rescue Plan a resounding and hopefully bipartisan vote to reflect the bipartisan support that it has in the country. And we will get to work immediately to deliver lifesaving resources springing from this bill as soon as it is passed and signed. On this vote, the yeas are 220, the nays are 211. The motion is adopted. [applause] Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. House Democrats prevailed over Republican opposition to give final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package in a 220-to-211 vote, clearing the legislation for his signature. Credit Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Congress gave final approval on Wednesday to President Bidens sweeping, nearly $1.9 trillion stimulus package, as Democrats acted over unified Republican opposition to push through an emergency pandemic aid plan that carries out a vast expansion of the countrys social safety net. By a vote of 220 to 211, the House sent the measure to Mr. Biden for his signature, cementing one of the largest injections of federal aid since the Great Depression. It would provide another round of direct payments for Americans, an extension of federal jobless benefits and billions of dollars to distribute coronavirus vaccines and provide relief for schools, states, tribal governments and small businesses struggling during the pandemic. This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going a fighting chance, Mr. Biden said in a statement. He said he looked forward to signing what he called a historic piece of legislation on Friday at the White House. The vote capped off a swift push by Mr. Biden and Democrats to address the toll of the coronavirus pandemic and begin putting in place their broader economic agenda. The bill is estimated to slash poverty by a third this year and potentially cut child poverty in half, with expansions of tax credits, food aid and rental and mortgage assistance. Mr. Biden and congressional Democrats planned an elaborate effort to promote it throughout the country, seeking to highlight an array of measures including tax credits for children and enhanced unemployment aid through Labor Day. The effort will begin on Thursday with a prime-time address by Mr. Biden. The campaign is intended to build support for provisions they hope to make permanent in the years to come, and to punish Republicans politically for failing to support it. Rather than haggle with Republicans who wanted to scale back the package, Democrats fast-tracked their own measure through the House and Senate without pausing to court Republican support. They stayed remarkably united in doing so, with just one Democrat, Representative Jared Golden of Maine, voting against the final measure. This is the most consequential legislation that many of us will ever be a party to, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said at a news conference after the bills passage. Earlier, she had dismissed the lack of Republican support and said opponents would not hesitate to claim credit for the popular elements of the plan, saying, Its typical that they vote no and take the dough. As if to make her point, Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, tweeted approvingly just hours after the bill passed about the $28.6 billion included for targeted relief for restaurants. His post did not mention that he had voted no. Im not going to vote for $1.9 trillion just because it has a couple of good provisions, he later told reporters. The measure will provide $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments; $10 billion for critical state infrastructure projects; $14 billion for the distribution of vaccines; and $130 billion to primary and secondary schools. The bill also includes $30 billion for transit agencies $45 billion in rental, utility and mortgage assistance; and billions more for small businesses and live performance venues. It provides another round of direct payments to American taxpayers, sending checks of up to $1,400 to individuals making up to $80,000, single parents earning $120,000 or less and couples with household incomes of no more than $160,000. Merrick Garland is confirmed as attorney general. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:45 - 0:00 transcript Senate Confirms Garland as Attorney General The Senate confirmed the veteran judge Merrick B. Garland by a 70-30 vote, placing him at the helm of the Justice Department as threats of domestic extremism are on the rise. Senate will come to order. The question is on the Garland nomination. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be. The clerk will call the roll. Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Booker, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Brown, Mr. Brown, Mr. Burr, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Cardin. Anyone, any senators wishing to change their vote or vote? If not, the yeas are 70, the nays are 30, and the nomination is confirmed. The Senate confirmed the veteran judge Merrick B. Garland by a 70-30 vote, placing him at the helm of the Justice Department as threats of domestic extremism are on the rise. Credit Credit... Stefani Reynolds for The New York Times The Senate voted to confirm Merrick B. Garland on Wednesday to serve as attorney general, giving the former prosecutor and widely respected federal judge the task of leading the Justice Department at a time when the nation faces domestic extremist threats and a reckoning over civil rights. Mr. Garland was confirmed 70-30 by senators, with 20 Republicans joining all 50 Democrats in supporting him. He is expected to be sworn in at the Justice Department on Thursday. Judge Garland has vowed to restore public faith in a department embroiled in political controversy under former President Donald J. Trump, who sought both to undermine federal law enforcement when it scrutinized him and his associates and to wield its power to benefit him personally and politically. At his confirmation hearing, Judge Garland, 68, said that becoming attorney general would be the culmination of a career I have dedicated to ensuring that the laws of our country are fairly and faithfully enforced and the rights of all Americans are protected. Judge Garland has amassed decades of credentials in the law. He clerked for the Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., worked for years as a federal prosecutor and led major investigations into the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and others before being confirmed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1997. He was chosen by President Barack Obama in 2016 to join the Supreme Court only to see his nomination held up for eight months in an audacious political maneuver by Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader at the time. The move ultimately allowed Mr. Trump to choose his own nominee to fill the seat. Department employees have said that Mr. Garlands performance at his confirmation hearing, a largely amicable affair, made them hopeful that he would restore honor to the agency and lift up its 115,000-person work force demoralized by the Trump-era rancor. Restoring trust inside and outside the Justice Department will be key, as Judge Garland will immediately oversee politically charged investigations, including a federal tax fraud inquiry into President Bidens son Hunter and a special counsel inquiry into the Russia investigation. The department will also be involved in civil and criminal cases related to issues that have bitterly divided the country, including systemic racism, policing, regulation of big technology companies, L.G.B.T.Q. rights and other civil liberties matters. Judge Garland will also confront the rise of domestic extremism as law enforcement officials continue investigating the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. His first briefings this week were expected to be with the F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray, to discuss the threat and with Michael R. Sherwin, the outgoing top prosecutor in Washington who has led the Justice Department inquiry. Advertisement Continue reading the main story A G.O.P. senator tweets approvingly about part of the stimulus bill, without mentioning one detail: his no vote. Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, voted against the stimulus bill, yet tweeted approvingly about the targeted relief for restaurants. Credit... Brandon Bell for The New York Times Before the House gave final approval to a $1.9 trillion stimulus package on Wednesday without any Republican support, Speaker Nancy Pelosi admonished Republicans for their opposition to the measure, declaring, Its typical that they vote no and take the dough. As if to make her point, Senator Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi, tweeted approvingly just hours after the bill passed about the $28.6 billion included for targeted relief for restaurants. His post did not mention that he had voted no. Independent restaurant operators have won $28.6 billion worth of targeted relief. This funding will ensure small businesses can survive the pandemic by helping to adapt their operations and keep their employees on the payroll.https://t.co/Ob4pRb9Xh4 Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) March 10, 2021 Im not going to vote for $1.9 trillion just because it has a couple of good provisions, he later told reporters. Mr. Wickers post received an unwelcome reception on Twitter, prompting thousands of responses, many of them pointing out that he had voted against the measure, known as the American Rescue Plan. Representative Debbie Dingell, Democrat of Michigan, wrote in her own tweet that she had worked with restaurants in my district for almost a year to secure aid they desperately need, adding, Republican senators, including @SenatorWicker, rejected this critical aid. Too many have closed & many more are suffering, she said of the restaurants. Just happy we got them help today despite his objections. Another tweet, from an account run by Senate Democrats, offered a reminder of how a certain vote was cast: The American Rescue Plan will deliver for American families and small businesses and Senator Wicker voted NO. Emily Cochrane and McConnell, amid Trumps threats, tells G.O.P. senators their political operation has out-raised the former presidents. After a grudging four-year partnership, the relationship between Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, and former President Donald J. Trump has rapidly deteriorated. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Senator Mitch McConnell, the minority leader, boasted privately to fellow Republicans on Wednesday that their fund-raising efforts had outperformed Donald J. Trumps, after the former president took aim at the partys committees in a bid to control its financial future. The comments from Mr. McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, at a weekly party lunch, which were described on condition of anonymity by three people briefed on the meeting, represented a response of sorts to Mr. Trump trying to throw down the gauntlet on fund-raising. The former president has recently suggested that he would be a better steward of the Republican Partys money, and that he would use the resources to target incumbent Republicans he finds insufficiently loyal. Mr. McConnell weighed in after Senator Rick Scott of Florida, the head of the partys Senate campaign committee, gave Republicans a presentation on the efforts of the committee, which typically backs incumbent senators in their races. Mr. McConnell said several times that the Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC that backs the Republicans Senate efforts, had out-raised Mr. Trumps super PAC in 2020, the people said. To underscore his point, the usually taciturn minority leader shared data he had prepared on small cards headlined Super PAC money raised that he distributed to Republican senators. It showed the totals raised by the Senate Republican super PAC and for the two Georgia Senate races that cost the party its majority. Total: $612+ million. In 3 cycles: nearly $1 billion, the card said. Below that were the former presidents statistics: Trump: $148+ million, referring to America First, the outside group that was formed to support Mr. Trump in 2020. David Popp, a spokesman for Mr. McConnell, declined to comment. Jason Miller, an adviser to Mr. Trump, rejected the clear implication that Mr. Trump was responsible for the Republican losses in a pair of Senate runoff elections in Georgia, instead implying Mr. McConnell was to blame for his refusal to support a more generous stimulus bill. A better side-by-side comparison would be the $2,000 stimulus checks that the Democrat candidates promised in Georgia versus the $600 stimulus checks that the Republicans offered, which led to us losing both seats, Mr. Miller said. Just think, if we had done that one thing differently, Republicans would be in control of the Senate right now. The flap began when Mr. Trump sent out on Monday a statement saying that he was opposed to RINOs a derisive acronym for Republican in Name Only and urging people to donate to his new entity, Save America. After a day of consternation, he walked it back somewhat, saying he supported Republican committees but still opposed RINOs. One person familiar with the events said that Mr. McConnells goal in responding appeared to be less about escalating a fight with Mr. Trump, who loves to brawl, than reassuring senators that they would have ample support should the former president try to target them. Still, after a grudging four-year partnership, the relationship between Mr. McConnell and Mr. Trump has rapidly deteriorated in the aftermath of Mr. Trumps election loss. The two men are no longer speaking. Mr. McConnell angrily denounced Mr. Trumps claims of widespread election fraud, excoriated him for the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and Republicans loss of the Senate, and has tried so far unsuccessfully to steer the party away from its former leader. Mr. Trump, in turn, savaged Mr. McConnell last month as a dour, sullen and unsmiling political hack. The Senate Leadership Fund typically accepts money from wealthy Republican donors with close ties to Mr. McConnell and is run by his allies. Mr. Scott was set to meet with Mr. Trump at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. later this week during a fund-raising swing, a person familiar with his plans said. He is the latest senior Republican official to go to the presidents club for a face-to-face meeting in recent weeks. The top two House Republicans, Representatives Kevin McCarthy of California and Steve Scalise of Louisiana, have both paid visits. So did Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, who was re-elected to another two-year term in January with Mr. Trump support. Maggie Haberman and The Senate has confirmed Michael Regan to lead the E.P.A. Michael S. Regan will be the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Credit... Brandon Bell/Reuters The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Michael S. Regan to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, putting a former top environmental regulator for North Carolina in charge of driving some of the Biden administrations biggest proposals to combat climate change. Mr. Regan, who began his career at the E.P.A. and then worked in environmental advocacy before becoming secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, will be tasked with rebuilding an agency that lost thousands of employees and rolled back dozens of clean air and water protections during the Trump administration. He will be the first Black man to serve as E.P.A. administrator. The final vote was 66 to 34, with 16 Republicans joining Democrats in supporting Mr. Regans nomination. Central to Mr. Regans mission will be putting forward aggressive new regulations to meet President Bidens pledge of eliminating fossil fuel emissions from the electric power sector by 2035 and significantly reducing emissions from automobiles. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, said it was high time the Senate confirm someone like Michael Regan, who has made environmental protection the cause of his career. At 44, Mr. Regan will be one of Mr. Bidens youngest cabinet secretaries and will have to navigate a crowded field of older, more seasoned Washington veterans already installed in key environmental positions particularly Gina McCarthy, who formerly led the E.P.A. and is now the head of a new White House climate policy office. Those potentially overlapping authorities have already provoked criticism from Republicans, some of whom voted against Mr. Regans confirmation because they said they did not know who was truly in charge of the administrations climate and environment policy. But most of the opposition centered on Democratic policy. Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, called Mr. Bidens agenda a left-wing war on American energy. Mr. Regan has plenty of experience, Mr. McConnell said. The problem is what hes poised to do with it. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Marcia Fudge, Bidens pick to head HUD, is confirmed by the Senate. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:10 - 0:00 transcript Marcia Fudge Sworn In as HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge was sworn in as secretary of Housing and Urban Development by Vice President Kamala Harris, taking over a department facing the loss of many career staff members and an affordable housing crisis. Left hand on the Bible, raise your right hand and repeat after me, please. I, Marcia Fudge, ... I, Marcia Fudge, ... ... do solemnly swear, ... ... do solemnly swear, ... ... that I will support and defend ... ... that I will support and defend ... ... the Constitution of the United States ... ... the Constitution of the United States ... ... against all enemies, ... ... against all enemies, ... ... foreign and domestic, ... ... foreign and domestic, ... ... that I will bear true faith ... and allegiance. ... ... that I will bear true faith and allegiance ... ... to the same, ... ... to the same, ... ... that I take this obligation freely, ... ... that I take this obligation freely, ... ... without any mental reservation, ... ... without any mental reservation, ... ... or purpose of evasion, ... ... for purpose of evasion, ... ... and that I will well and faithfully discharge ... ... and that I will well and faithfully discharge ... ... the duties of the office ... ... the duties of the office ... ... upon which I am about to enter, ... ... upon which I am about to enter, ... ... so help me God. ... so help me God. Congratulations, Madam Secretary. Congratulations, congratulations. Marcia Fudge was sworn in as secretary of Housing and Urban Development by Vice President Kamala Harris, taking over a department facing the loss of many career staff members and an affordable housing crisis. Credit Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times Marcia Fudge was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday, becoming the first Black woman in decades to run an agency that will be at the forefront of the administrations efforts to fight racial inequity and poverty. Ms. Fudge, a Democratic member of Congress representing the Cleveland area and the former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, earned the support of all the chambers Democrats and many top Republicans, including that of Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader. The final vote was 66 to 34. For a fleeting moment on Wednesday, her two jobs, in two branches, overlapped: Ms. Fudge voted by proxy in favor of the administrations $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. Ms. Fudge was confirmed by the Senates banking committee last month by a 17-to-7 vote, with two key Republicans Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rob Portman, from her home state supporting her nomination despite their misgivings about her progressive agenda. Ms. Fudge, 68, inherits an agency with big plans and big problems. Her predecessor, Ben Carson, oversaw a massive exodus of career staff, gutted fair housing enforcement and did little to address a nationwide crisis in affordable housing exacerbated by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Carson, a former surgeon with no prior housing experience, did silly things at the department, Ms. Fudge said in an interview last December. If the agency was not at the forefront of Mr. Trumps policy initiatives, it became a focal point of his political messaging. The former president attacked an Obama-era effort to eliminate local zoning regulations that discriminated against Black people and other groups that have faced prejudice, in a blatant pitch to white suburbanites. Proponents of the program criticized Mr. Trumps actions as racist. President Biden and Ms. Fudge have suggested they would push ahead with the program. Ms. Fudge has said she would use her time at HUD to address long-term issues, including racism, the affordability crisis in major cities and homelessness. But her immediate priority is preventing evictions caused by the loss of income during the pandemic. The administrations pandemic bill includes $21.5 billion for emergency rental assistance, $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers, $5 billion for anti-homelessness programs and $850 million for tribal and rural housing. In the past, Ms. Fudge, who is Black, has complained that the top position at HUD was too often used to project the false impression of diversity rather than to drive policy. You know, its always we want to put the Black person in Labor or HUD, she told Politico shortly after the election last year. When you look at what African-American women did in particular in this election, you will see that a major part of the reason that this Biden-Harris team won was because of African-American women, she added. HUD was, in fact, not her first choice. After Mr. Biden was elected, she lobbied publicly to be named agriculture secretary, an agency that oversees food relief initiatives, as well as farm subsidy programs. But that job was offered to Bidens ally Tom Vilsack. Ms. Fudge was a surprise, late add to his list of nominees, supplanting Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, who had been an early favorite to lead HUD. Two whistle-blowers claim a Justice Department official improperly promoted an employee in the final days of Trumps term. Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official, has been accused by two whistle-blowers of improperly elevating an employee who was seen as loyal to the former president. Credit... Susan Walsh/Associated Press Two whistle-blowers on Wednesday accused Jeffrey Bossert Clark, a former Justice Department official, of politicizing the hiring process in the waning days of President Donald J. Trumps tenure by improperly elevating an employee who was seen as loyal to the former president. Mr. Clark, who headed the Environment and Natural Resources Division and was acting head of the departments Civil Division, promoted an employee days before he left the department in January. The employee had previously worked on a case, Garza v. Hargan, that involved the Trump administrations effort to bar pregnant teens who were in federal immigration custody from obtaining abortions, the whistle-blowers said in a letter to the Justice Departments inspector general and to members of Congress. Few career employees at the department had been willing to work on the case, according to the whistle-blowers letter. And the policy was ultimately deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. On Jan. 12, Mr. Clark announced that the person who had worked on the Garza case had been hired to be an assistant director over two candidates who were more qualified, the whistle-blowers said in their letter. The whistle-blowers letter was earlier reported by NPR. The whistle-blowers claimed that the Civil Division changed its longstanding practices around hiring for that type of position in order to allow a political appointee to select the finalists. They said that Mr. Clark then engaged in perfunctory 15-minute interviews with each of the candidates before choosing the one and only candidate who volunteered to defend one of the Trump administrations most controversial policies. Mr. Clark abused his authority by injecting himself into the career staff promotion process, the whistle-blowers said in their letter. They called the hiring process a sham selection process. Mr. Clark said in a statement that managers in the Civil Division sent him three candidates to interview, each of whom they rated well-qualified. I interviewed all three using the same process I had used for other positions, Mr. Clark said. I think its very unfortunate that the disappointed applicants would attack their own colleagues selection. That candidate had strong leadership qualities and was the best qualified. Mr. Clark described the decision by the whistle-blowers to highlight that the lawyer who was promoted had worked on the Garza litigation as a baseless attempt to cast aspersions. David Z. Seide, a lawyer for the whistle-blowers and a senior counsel at the Government Accountability Project, said in a statement that Mr. Clarks last-minute politicization of the D.O.J. hiring process called for immediate, close and transparent oversight and investigations. Mr. Clark made headlines in January for his efforts to help Mr. Trump overturn the results of the election, a plan that nearly led to the ouster of the acting attorney general and a mass resignation at the top of the agency. Mr. Clark denied any wrongdoing and said that the discussions reported by The New York Times had been distorted by colleagues who had improperly shared them. The Justice Departments inspector general is investigating the incident. Blinken will meet Chinas foreign minister in Alaska next week. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 0:59 - 0:00 transcript Blinken to Meet Senior Chinese Officials in Alaska Next Week Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that he and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, would lay out concerns about Beijings actions and explore possible areas for cooperation. This is an important opportunity for us to lay out in very frank terms the many concerns that we have with Beijings actions and behavior that are challenging the security, the prosperity and the values of the United States and our partners and allies. So we intend to raise, and we will raise, the host of issues, some of which have already been touched on today, that concern us. Well also explore whether there are avenues for cooperation. And well talk about the competition that we have in China with China to make sure that the United States has a level playing field, and that our companies and workers benefit from that. This is not a strategic dialogue. Theres no intent at this point for a series of follow-on engagements. Those engagements, if they are to follow, really have to be based on the proposition that were seeing tangible progress and tangible outcomes on the issues of concern to us with China. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Wednesday that he and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, would lay out concerns about Beijings actions and explore possible areas for cooperation. Credit Credit... Pool photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Jake Sullivan, President Bidens national security adviser, will meet next week with two senior Chinese government officials, the Biden administrations first in-person diplomatic encounter with its chief foreign rival. In a statement on Wednesday, a State Department spokesman said that Mr. Blinken and Mr. Sullivan would meet in Anchorage on March 18 with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, and its top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. The announcement comes days after a speech by Mr. Blinken and a White House national security strategy document identified China as a top threat to the United States. In his speech, Mr. Blinken called China the one country able to seriously challenge the stable and open international system. U.S. officials expect to compete with Beijing in areas ranging from technology to trade to political influence but also aim to cooperate on matters like climate change, the coronavirus and the global economy. Testifying on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Blinken said the meeting would be an opportunity to lay out in very frank terms the many concerns that we have with Beijings actions and behavior, including economic effects on American workers. But he said that he and Mr. Sullivan would also explore whether there are other avenues for cooperation. Mr. Blinken added that the meeting was not the start of a strategic dialogue, and that follow-up meetings would depend on tangible progress and outcomes on Washingtons concerns. U.S. officials did not describe a specific agenda for the meeting. Mr. Blinken said on Twitter that he looked forward to engaging the Chinese officials on a range of issues, including those where we have deep disagreements. Mr. Blinken will be on the return leg of his first foreign trip, to Asia, which the State Department also announced on Wednesday. He will depart on March 15 with planned stops in Tokyo and Seoul, and return to Washington from Anchorage on March 19. In a statement about the Asia trip, Ned Price, a State Department spokesman, said that Mr. Blinken would reaffirm the United States commitment to strengthening our alliances and to highlight cooperation with allies in the region. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Biden announces his intention to secure another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:34 - 0:00 transcript Biden Orders 100 Million More Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Doses President Biden announced on Wednesday that the government would secure another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and touted a joint production deal between the company and the pharmaceutical giant Merck. Today, were seeing two health companies, competitors, each with over 130 years of experience, coming together to help write a more hopeful chapter in our battle against Covid-19. During World War II, one of the countrys slogans was, We are all in this together. We are all in this together. And the companies took that slogan to heart. For example, one automaker didnt have the capacity to build enough Jeeps. The competitors stepped in to help. The result is that were now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every American adult by the end of May, months earlier than anyone expected. And today, Im directing Jeff and my H.H.S. team to produce another 100 million doses and purchase another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. On Saturday, we hit a record of 2.9 million vaccinations in one day in America. And beyond the numbers are the stories. A father says he no longer fears for his daughter when she leaves to go to work at the hospital. The children are now able to hug their grandparents. The vaccines bring hope and healing in so many ways. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel of the past year, but we cannot let our guard down now or assume the victory is inevitable. Together, were going to get through this pandemic, and usher in a healthier and more hopeful future. President Biden announced on Wednesday that the government would secure another 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and touted a joint production deal between the company and the pharmaceutical giant Merck. Credit Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times President Biden said on Wednesday that he was directing the federal government to secure an additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnsons Covid-19 single-shot vaccine, a move the White House said could help the country vaccinate children and, if necessary, administer booster doses or reformulate the vaccine to combat emerging variants of the virus. Mr. Biden made the announcement during an afternoon event at the White House with executives from Johnson & Johnson and the pharmaceutical giant Merck, where he praised them for partnering to ramp up production of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine a deal brokered by the White House. During World War II, one of the countrys slogans was, We are all in this together, Mr. Biden said. And the companies took that slogan to heart. In announcing the agreement between Merck and Johnson & Johnson last week, Mr. Biden said that the United States would now have enough vaccine available by the end of May to vaccinate every American adult roughly 260 million people. But Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said on Wednesday that the administration was trying to prepare for unpredictable challenges, from the emergence of dangerous virus variants to manufacturing breakdowns that could disrupt vaccine production. We still dont know which vaccine will be most effective on kids, she said at the White Houses daily briefing. We still dont know the impact of variants, the need for booster shots and these doses can be used for booster shots, as well. She said the decision to purchase a surplus of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was driven by a desire for maximum flexibility. Its a one-shot vaccine, she said. It can be stored in the fridge and not a freezer. Its highly effective as the others are as well against hospitalization and death. Mr. Biden said on Wednesday he was directing the White Houses pandemic response team and the Department of Health and Human Services to finalize the supply increase. The White House had initially intended to hold Wednesdays event at the Baltimore manufacturing facility of Emergent BioSolutions, another company that partners with Johnson & Johnson to make coronavirus vaccine. But Mr. Biden canceled his trip after The New York Times published an investigation into how Emergent used its Washington connections to gain outsize influence over the Strategic National Stockpile, the nations emergency repository of drugs and medical supplies. Ms. Psaki has since said that the administration will conduct a comprehensive audit of the stockpile. Emergent officials did not attend Wednesdays session. In explaining the change in plans, Ms. Psaki said that the administration thought the White House was a more appropriate place to have the meeting, which it is billing as a celebration of what Mr. Biden has called the historic partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Merck. Last August, Johnson & Johnson signed an agreement with the government to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine, and in an emailed statement on Wednesday the company said it is on track to meet that commitment. The government has the option to purchase additional doses under a subsequent agreement. The administration says the collaboration with Merck will increase manufacture of the vaccine itself, and will also bolster Johnson & Johnsons packaging capacity, known in the vaccine industry as fill-finish two big manufacturing bottlenecks that had put the company behind schedule. Wednesdays announcement is in keeping with Mr. Bidens aggressive efforts to acquire as much vaccine supply as possible, as quickly as possible. Before Mr. Biden took office, he pledged to get 100 million shots into the arms of the American people by his 100th day in office a timetable that seemed aggressive at the time, but more recently has looked tame. He has been trying to speed it up ever since. At the time, two vaccines one made by Moderna and the other by Pfizer-BioNTech had been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. In January, Mr. Biden said the administration would have enough vaccine to cover every American by the end of summer. Last month, the president announced his administration had secured enough doses from those two companies to have enough to cover every American by the end of July. The recent addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received emergency authorization in late February, opened a path for the administration to move up the timetable yet again. But Johnson & Johnson and its other partners, including Emergent, were behind schedule, which prompted the administration to reach out to Merck. Noah Weiland and Annie Karni contributed reporting. Scrambling to address a surge of migrant children at the border, the U.S. turns to an Obama-era program. Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:43 - 0:00 transcript U.S. Aims to Deter Dangerous Travel by Central American Children The Biden administration on Wednesday restarted a program allowing children in Central America to apply to join parents in the U.S., offering a path for them to reunite without making the dangerous journey north. Today, we are announcing the restarting of the Central American Minors Program for children to be reunited with a parent who is legally in the United States. This program was ended abruptly by the previous administration, leaving around 3,000 children already approved for travel stranded. In Phase 2, well be working to improve the CAM program to expand safe and legal avenues for to the United States. I want to be clear, neither in this, neither this announcement nor any of the other measures suggest that anyone, especially children and families with young children, should make the dangerous trip to try and to enter the U.S. in an irregular fashion. The border is not open. Going forward, we will continue to look for ways to provide legal avenues in the region for people needing protection, while we continue to enforce our laws. The president has committed to seeking $4 billion over four years to address the root causes of migration, including corruption, violence and economic devastation exacerbated by climate change. As part of that plan, we will address the causes that compel individuals to migrate, including improving governance and providing a foundation for investment and economic opportunity, strengthening civilian security and the rule of law. Working across the whole of government, we will look at access to international protection and refugee resettlement. And rethinking asylum processing to ensure fair and faster consideration. Only by addressing those root causes can we break the cycle of desperation, and provide hope for families who clearly would prefer to stay in their countries and provide a better future for their children. The Biden administration on Wednesday restarted a program allowing children in Central America to apply to join parents in the U.S., offering a path for them to reunite without making the dangerous journey north. Credit Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times The Biden administration took steps on Wednesday to address surging migration to the border, restoring a program allowing some Central American children to apply from their home country for admission to the United States and searching for additional housing for the increasing number of young migrants who have been detained after crossing from Mexico. Facing intensifying pressure over the prolonged detention of migrant children, Roberta S. Jacobson, a special assistant to President Biden overseeing border issues, announced the restart of an Obama-era program that allowed children in Central America to apply for protection remotely and avoid making the dangerous journey north to join parents already in the United States. That program and a $4 billion investment in Central America have been framed by the administration as crucial tools to addressing the poverty, persecution and corruption that have for years pushed vulnerable families to seek sanctuary in the United States. But the long-term strategy to deter illegal migration is running up against the immediate challenge of how to process thousands of migrant children at the U.S. border a situation that has drawn swift backlash from Republicans and Democrats. Troy Miller, the acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said on Wednesday that 9,457 children were detained at the border without a parent in February, up from more than 5,800 in January. Detentions of unaccompanied minors in February more than doubled compared with the same period in 2020. Mr. Biden now faces the challenge of processing migrant children quickly out of border jails and into shelters. By Monday, the number of children stuck in border detention facilities had tripled to more than 3,250, according to federal immigration agency documents obtained by The New York Times. More than 1,300 of those children were held longer than the three days allowed by law before they are required to be moved to shelters managed by the Health and Human Services Department. We continue to struggle with the number of individuals in our custody, especially in a pandemic, said Mr. Miller, who declined to provide the latest number of migrants stuck in border facilities. Most of those migrants continue to be rapidly turned away under a Trump-era pandemic emergency rule, but Mr. Biden has broken from the previous administration in letting unaccompanied children into the United States. Mr. Biden was briefed on Wednesday by top administration officials who had visited the border this past weekend, according to Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The founder of the Oath Keepers militia is said to be under investigation in connection with the Capitol siege. Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the citizen militia group known as the Oath Keepers, speaks during a 2017 rally outside the White House in Washington. Credit... Susan Walsh/Associated Press F.B.I. agents and federal prosecutors are investigating Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers militia, for any role he might have played in the storming of the Capitol two months ago, according to court documents and a law enforcement official with knowledge of the matter. While the inquiry is in its nascent stages, the official said, its existence shows that investigators appear to be targeting the senior leadership of the paramilitary group that Mr. Rhodes has run for more than a decade. If he were ultimately charged, it could amount to a crippling blow to the militia. The Oath Keepers, who largely draw their members from the ranks of former military and law enforcement personnel, have from the start been a central focus of the sprawling investigation into the Capitol riot, which has led to charges against nearly 300 people. Eleven members of the group stand accused of a variety of crimes stemming from the siege, most prominently an alleged conspiracy reaching back to shortly after Election Day to break into the Capitol and interfere with Congresss Jan. 6 certification of the Electoral College vote. As three cases against his subordinates have moved through the courts, Mr. Rhodes, a former Army paratrooper, has been mentioned at least six times in legal filings as Person One, effectively putting him on notice that investigators are examining his conduct. Prosecutors have noted, for example, that two days before the Capitol attack, he issued a call for action on the Oath Keepers website, urging all patriots who can be in D.C. to stand tall in support of President Trumps fight to defeat the enemies foreign and domestic who are attempting a coup. In the same communique, Mr. Rhodes announced that the Oath Keepers would be sending multiple volunteer security teams to provide protection to V.I.P.s at events surrounding Mr. Trumps speech and rally in Washington earlier on the day of the riot. The New York Times has identified a group of Oath Keepers who worked as security guards for Mr. Trumps close ally and adviser Roger J. Stone Jr. at such events, and this week two of them Roberto Minuta and Joshua A. James were arrested in connection with the Capitol attack. In court papers filed on Monday night, prosecutors significantly raised the stakes against Mr. Rhodes, saying that they now have evidence that he was in direct communication with some of the plot suspects before, during and after the assault on the Capitol. Mr. Rhodes did not respond on Wednesday to messages seeking comment; he told The Washington Post that his group had no plan to enter the Capitol. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment, as did an F.B.I. spokeswoman. Alan Feuer, Adam Goldman and Collins feuds with Schumer over his comments on the Great Recession, calling him an obstacle to bipartisanship. I know hes a baseball fan. I hope he remembers three strikes and youre out, Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, said of Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader. Credit... Anna Moneymaker for The New York Times A long-simmering feud between Senator Susan Collins and Senator Chuck Schumer flared in public on Wednesday, as the moderate Maine Republican accused the New York Democrat and majority leader of standing in the way of bipartisanship. In remarks to reporters on Capitol Hill, Ms. Collins lashed out at Mr. Schumer for comments he made about her on CNN Tuesday night, in which he said Ms. Collins deserved some of the blame for an insufficiently large economic rescue package Democrats pushed through in 2009 amid the Great Recession. We made a big mistake in 2009 and 10 Susan Collins was a big part of that mistake, Mr. Schumer said. We cut back on the stimulus dramatically and we stayed in recession for five years. His remarks were then shared on Twitter by Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff. Ms. Collins, one of only three Republicans who supported the 2009 stimulus after insisting that its size be pared back, unloaded on Mr. Schumer for the comments, suggesting that he held a political grudge against her. President Obama urged me to vote for a stimulus bill that passed that year, and indeed called me afterwards to thank me for my vote, Ms. Collins recalled. For Chuck Schumer, who was intimately involved in the negotiations as the assistant leader, to somehow criticize me for taking the same position that he did is simply bizarre. I think it reflects, regrettably, his inability to accept the fact that despite pouring $100 million into defeating me, the people of Maine, said no, and re-elected me to a historic term, she added. The bitter back-and-forth reflected the anger among moderate Republicans at being cut out of the stimulus negotiations, and how difficult it will be for Mr. Schumer to persuade them to cross party lines and join him on other proposals that will need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. It also highlighted a nasty rivalry between the two senators that has persisted for years, as Mr. Schumer has sought her vote on crucial legislation while repeatedly and unsuccessfully trying to recruit a candidate who could unseat her in what has become an increasingly blue state. It grew particularly toxic this past year after Mr. Schumer attacked her during her latest re-election race. She rarely misses a chance to remind him of her victories. Chuck Schumer has tried to take me out three times now, Ms. Collins said in a recent interview with The New York Times, in which she called ads he ran against her in 2020 deceptive and shameful. I know hes a baseball fan. I hope he remembers three strikes and youre out. She also noted that she has a close relationship with President Biden, whom she served with in the Senate and regards as open to bipartisan compromise, but sees Mr. Schumer as an impediment. I am going to continue to work with President Biden and his administration, she said on Wednesday, naming a major infrastructure initiative as a common goal. I just hope that Senator Schumer does not continue to be an obstacle to bipartisanship. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the No. 3 Senate Republican, said Mr. Biden should speak out against what Mr. Schumer had said about Ms. Collins. It doesnt help bipartisanship when Chuck Schumer goes on Anderson Cooper, as he did last night, and attacks the most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, who is Susan Collins, he said. Thats not a way to work together with people or find common-ground solutions. Advertisement Continue reading the main story * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Only 13 states in India are allowed to conduct lottery legally. Nagaland and West Bengal are among those states. Nagaland's evening lottery Sambad, which is also known as 'Dear Eagle' is extremely popular and the winners can access their results in the PDF format on nagalandlotteries.com. The results of this lottery will be released in 3 rounds 11:55 am, 04:00 pm and 08:00 pm. 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The Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries conducts 7 weekly lotteries-Dear Flamingo, Dear Parrot, Dear Eagle, Dear Falcon, Dear Vulture, Dear Ostrich and Dear Hawk. Also read: Kerala Lottery result today: Steps to check 'Win Win W-606' result; where, when to check All you need to know about West Bengal State Lottery West Bengal Lottery Sambad 'Dear Bangalakshmi Raidak' is a popular weekly lottery held every Wednesday, with tickets selling a price of Rs 6. First prize winner gets Rs 50 lakh whereas the second prize winner receives Rs 9,000. The third prize worth Rs 500 and the fourth prize worth Rs 250 are awarded to various winners. Fifth prize worth Rs 120 is doled out to ticket holders and a consolation prize worth Rs 1000 will also be awarded to valid ticket holders. Ticket holders can check their results at the official West Bengal State Lottery Department's official website. The West Bengal State Lottery Department organises 7 weekly lotteries-Dear Bangalakhmi Teesta, Dear Bangalakhsmi Torsha, Dear Bangabhumi Raidak, Dear Bangabhumi Bhagirathi, Dear Bangabhumi Ajay, Dear Bangasree Damodar and Dear Bangasree Ichamati. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The White House confirmed Joe Biden's cantankerous canine won't face the death penalty after biting and injuring an unfamiliar person. During the daily briefing, a White House reporter asked press secretary Jen Psaki to reassure the American public that Major Biden, 3, would not be euthanised as a result of the attack. Well certainly Major Biden is a member of the family so I can assure you that, Ms Psaki said. Ms Psaki confirmed that the president's youngest dog caused minor injuries to an unfamiliar person", as they were still getting acclimated to their new surroundings and new people. She stopped short, however, of saying whether it was a member of the secret service as previously reported. Major was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual, which was handled by the White House medical unit with no further treatment needed, Psaki said. While the two dogs, Major and Champ, were moved to the president's hometown of Delaware, they would return to the White House "soon". It had been previously planned already for the dogs to be cared for by family friends in Delaware during Dr Bidens travels to military bases this week, Ms Psaki said. While the stay of execution means the two dogs will eventually return to the White House, it's unclear if they'll return to find their walk-in privileges to the Oval Office usurped be a new feline friend. Images from outside the White House showed a dog's bed unceremoniously discarded out the side of the building. Asked about Mr Biden's pledge to purchase a cat for the White House, Ms Psaki said she didn't have a readout on the status. I dont have any update on the cat, she said. "[but] we know the cat will break the internet. A teenager who started a campaign for a detox centre in Londonderry following the death of her mother from addiction said she will press the chief executive of the Western Trust for action when they meet next week. A petition calling for a detox facility in Derry was launched by Tamzin White (18) in the days following her mother Louise's death. It received 9,000 signatures and was presented to Health Minister Robin Swann this week. Mr Swann told Ms White in a letter he would like to meet with her but due to the pressures of dealing with the current coronavirus pandemic, this was not possible. Instead he asked the Western Trust CEO, Ann Kilgallen to meet with Ms White on his behalf. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Ms White said despite a previous campaign for a facility in Derry a few years ago, the decision was taken to open one in Omagh instead. "I think Omagh should have a detox centre. I think every city should have a detox centre - but Derry needs a detox centre more than ever," said Tamzin. "I will ask Ann Killgallen why the detox centre was not opened in Derry and I will stress how much it is needed. My family is evidence of how much it is needed and what the cost can be if people don't have the help on their doorstep. "My mammy wanted help so much and I am convinced she would still be with me and my two wee sisters if there had been a detox centre to help her. "Robin Swann said he would make addiction services a priority and I hope he will but I am going to continue with this campaign until there is help for people in Derry." Overweight people more likely to die from COVID-19; lockdowns made things worse: study Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Overweight people are more likely to die or become hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions on treatments for obesity, such as physical activity, made health outcomes worse for people struggling with the disease, according to a new report from the World Obesity Federation. The report, released this month, highlighted data from several countries ringing the alarm on the risks associated with being overweight, including studies conducted in China, the U.S., U.K., Spain, France, Sweden, Italy, Kuwait, Brazil and Mexico. As we show in this report, increased bodyweight is the second greatest predictor of hospitalization and a high risk of death for people suffering from COVID-19. Only old age rates as a higher risk factor. The unprecedented economic costs of COVID-19 are largely due to the measures taken to avoid the excess hospitalization and need for treatment of the disease, President of the World Obesity Federation, John Wilding, and Chief Executive Johanna Ralston wrote in a foreword for COVID-19 and Obesity: The 2021 Atlas. Reducing one major risk factor, overweight, would have resulted in far less stress on health services and reduced the need to protect those services from being overwhelmed. We show that in those countries where overweight affects only a minority of the adult population, the rates of death from COVID-19 are typically less than one tenth the levels found in countries where overweight affects the majority of adults. We also show that the drivers of overweight especially high levels of consumption of processed foods are associated with mortality from COVID-19, they added. As of Wednesday morning, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center reported more than 117 million coronavirus cases globally. Of the nearly 2.6 million deaths caused by the virus, the U.S. reportedly leads the world with more than 525,000, followed by Brazil which has almost half the number of deaths in the U.S., with just over 265,000. This report shows that in countries where less than half the adult population is classified as overweight, the likelihood of death from COVID-19 is a small fraction around one tenth of the level seen in countries where more than half the population is classified as overweight. Of the 2.5 million COVID-19 deaths reported by the end of February 2021, 2.2 million were in countries where more than half the population is classified as overweight, the researchers behind the report said. The public health advocates from the World Obesity Federation called for overweight to be recognized as a major risk factor for infectious diseases including respiratory viruses. To prevent pandemic health crises in future requires action now: we call on all readers to support the World Obesity Federations call for stronger, more resilient economies that prioritize investment in peoples health, they said. Researchers cited data from the International Monetary Fund showing that COVID-19 will cause a loss of at least $10 trillion in global output over the period 2020-2021, and accumulating to $22 trillion over the period 2020-2025. Based on the U.K. experience, where an estimated 36% of COVID-19 hospitalizations have been attributed to lack of physical activity and excess body weight (Hamer, Kivimati, et al 2020), it can be suggested that up to a third of the costs between $6 trillion and $7 trillion over the longer period might be attributable to these predisposing risks, the report said. It was noted that data collected over the last two decades on the impact of MERS, H1N1 influenza and other influenza-related infections show worse outcomes linked to excess bodyweight when compared with COVID-19. An overweight population is an unhealthy population, and a pandemic waiting to happen. In anticipation of the next novel infectious disease, we urge governments and health service providers to adopt the policies outlined in our ROOTS Call for Action, the report said. It called for the development of obesity prevention strategies to be developed, tested and implemented across the life course, from pre-conception, through childhood, and into older age, including: "primary and secondary obesity prevention efforts to be continued and enhanced for all without discrimination, as a critical means to increase population resilience to pandemics; co-creation and implementation of policies to reduce childhood obesity, working with young people and acknowledging that, for many children, COVID-19 control measures have increased risk; and equity-based obesity prevention strategies focusing on populations most affected by the systemic interactions between COVID-19, poverty and race." During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, preliminary data released by New York City showed the coronavirus killed black and Latino people at twice the rate that it killed white people. Nationwide data also reflected a similar trend. Researchers urged treatment of obesity through various interventions including, "behavioral, pharmacological, digital, nutritional, physical activity based and surgical interventions." They also called for, among other things, routine obesity treatment and management services not to be restricted during COVID-19, but instead invested in and prioritized to enhance equitable access. Various studies show that many people gained weight while enduring lockdowns amid the pandemic. In a Kings College London and Ipsos MORI survey of 2,254 people, for example, 48% of respondents said they gained weight during lockdown, and a similar percentage reported feeling more anxious or depressed than usual. Some 29% reported drinking more alcohol. Kyle Rittenhouse's trial was scheduled to begin March 29, but both sides told a judge that they needed more time to prepare The trial for an 18-year-old from Illinois who is accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin was pushed back Wednesday by seven months and could be delayed even longer. Kyle Rittenhouse's trial was scheduled to begin March 29, but both sides told a judge that they needed more time to prepare. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder set a November 1 trial start date, with a May 17 status hearing. Rittenhouse faces multiple felony counts, including reckless homicide and reckless endangerment. He also faces a misdemeanor count of being a minor in possession of a firearm. Rittenhouse appeared with his attorney during the court hearing broadcast over Zoom. He only spoke when the judge asked him if he had any problem with the delay, which would push his trial start to more than a year after the shootings. 'No, your honor,' Rittenhouse said. He was seated behind his attorney and wearing a mask. The judge cautioned that the trial could be pushed back even further, saying the November date was 'not written in stone'. Scroll down for video Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said both sides needed more time, citing a 'number of outstanding issues,' including DNA testing. Rittenhouse (left) is seen with his lawyer (right) during a court appearance Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said both sides needed more time, citing a 'number of outstanding issues,' including DNA testing. Rittenhouse's attorney, Mark Richards, agreed to targeting the fall for a trial start. 'We're interested in moving this matter forward but whatever the court decides, we'll abide by,' he said. According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse, traveled to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, on August 25 after a local militia posted an online message seeking help protecting businesses from protesters. Kenosha was in the throes of several nights of chaotic protests after a white police officer shot Jacob Blake, who is black, in the back during a domestic disturbance. The shooting left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, opened fire on protesters Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz with an AR-15-style rifle. Rosenbaum and Huber were killed while Grosskreutz was wounded. He survived. Grosskreutz and his attorney also attended the hearing but did not speak. According to prosecutors, Rittenhouse (pictured on August 25), traveled to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, on August 25 after a local militia posted an online message seeking help protecting businesses from protesters Rittenhouse is accused of fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum (right) and Anthony Huber (left) during a demonstration on August 25. He is also accused of shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm. Grosskreutz survived Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the three protesters attacked him. Police let him walk through their lines in the moments following the shootings, even though Rittenhouse still had his rifle slung over his shoulder and protesters were screaming that he had just shot three people. Conservatives have rallied around him, painting him as a symbol for gun rights. They generated $2million for his bail in November. Black Lives Matter supporters have worked to define him as a trigger-happy white supremacist. Richards told Schroeder last month that Rittenhouse has received threats and has moved into a undisclosed safe house. Advertisement Forget FOMO (fear of missing out). Britons are now experiencing JOLA the joy of looking ahead, according to a study Forget FOMO (fear of missing out). Britons are now experiencing JOLA the joy of looking ahead. According to a study, this trend has been sweeping the nation since the Prime Minister unveiled the roadmap out of lockdown on February 22, with Britons anticipating and fantasising about the very first thing they will do with their new-found freedom post-lockdown. The survey revealed that in fact, over half of the population (52 per cent) are experiencing JOLA. This feeling has been born out of lockdown and is allowing millions to remain optimistic and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, the study said. The research, by Chessington World of Adventures Resort, also revealed that Britons are keen to swap home comforts for new excitements, with almost one in three (30 per cent) of the 2,000 people polled admitting the mundanity of lockdown has yielded a yearning to try more thrill-seeking activities as soon as they're able to. These are glad tidings for Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in Greater London, and so is the revelation from the survey that two million Britons want to make a theme park visit the priority trip when lockdown eases. Chessington said its website traffic trebled in the immediate days after No10 issued the roadmap. The resort is planning on reopening on April 12 and visitors will be able to experience the first new ride there since 2013 a drop tower called the Croc Drop. Snap happy: New for 2021 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort is Croc Drop (pictured) Chessington World of Adventures Resort is planning to reopen on Monday April 12, with tickets starting from 32 The resort's website says: 'Set to "drop" in spring, those daring will plunge 25m [82ft] into the giant jaws of a crocodile, Sobek, the ancient Egyptian Crocodile God and protector of the Nile, who has been possessed by evil spirits, transforming him into a cruel deity.' Tim Harrison-Jones, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, commented: 'After an incredibly difficult year, it's important that we all have something to look forward to with optimism and excitement, which is why we coined this feeling JOLA. Whilst the smallest joys continue to bring us pleasure, such as a dinner with friends and popping to the shops, I'm also extremely reassured to see that the nation hasn't lost its sense of adventure and we can't wait to reopen our gates to guests and see them "drop" on our new ride.' A statement from the resort added: 'In line with the Government response to Covid-19 and its four-step plan, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is planned to reopen on Monday April 12 with tickets starting from 32 at Chessington.com, where short breaks can also be booked with Chessington's Book with Confidence Guarantee.' Amaravati, March 11 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and maverick politician Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday opined that privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel plant is not a good idea. He said this while interacting with the media after calling on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Voicing his opposition to the Centre's privatisation plans for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Swamy recalled that even in the past, he had opposed the privatisation of Air India. Swamy opined that blindly privatising public sector companies is not a good thing, and said it should be attempted only if there are "sufficiently strong reasons". Clarifying that he is in favour of market systems, Swamy felt the government should consider divestment on a case by case basis. The moves to privatise the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh has been evoking strong opposition across the state. Both the ruling as well as the opposition parties have been agitating for rollback. Swamy also complimented Jagan Mohan Reddy for his decision to bring TTD accounts under the ambit of CAG. He felt that conditions should be made amenable for devotees to be able to manage the affairs of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. OLYPHANT Firefighters Mike Hughes and Vince Orlowski looked on Tuesday as an excavator ripped apart their former century-old firehouse on Willow Avenue. A lot of history went on here, said Hughes, the president of Olyphant Hose Company 2 and a 15-year member. Olyphant Hose Company 2 moved out of its dilapidated firehouse in the rear of 113 Willow Ave., behind the borough building, in the fall after converting the former Jon Pierres American Bistro at 590 Burke Bypass into its new headquarters. Fire Chief Christine Powell said Olyphant Hose Company 2 was founded in 1898. Construction on the firehouse was underway four years later, according to a Nov. 24, 1902, edition of The Scranton Tribune. Olyphants first paid fire chief operated out of the company, Powell said. More than a century later, the old station had become too small and would have been too expensive to renovate, she said, but the 18-year company member choked up as she discussed their longtime firehouse. Its going to be a sad day, she said. (There are) so many families that had history there. Orlowski, the first assistant chief and a 17-year member, reminisced with Hughes about installation dinners and card games as they watched bricks cascade from the second floor, collapsing into a pile of dust and debris. Workers from Jacobeno Excavating started tearing down the firehouse Tuesday afternoon. Josh Jacobeno estimated it would take three days to demolish the building. To prepare the building for demolition, the borough contracted with a firm to remove a small amount of asbestos near the stations chimney, borough engineer Lou LaFratte said. The 2,800-square-foot cinderblock building was structurally sound, he said. He estimated the total demolition project would cost about $10,000 to $11,000. Once the hose company moved out, the borough didnt have much use for the building, council President Jimmy Baldan said. Olyphant already has garages, and the borough building is next door, he said. The amount of money that it would take to upgrade that building isnt feasible for the borough to do anything with it, Baldan said. Although nothing is set in stone, Baldan said the borough is looking into turning the property into a parking lot with handicap spaces. The Olyphant Borough Buildings handicap entrance is in the back of the building near the old station. Baldan and LaFratte estimated the parking lot would add about 10 spaces to expand their limited parking near the borough building. If the borough settles on a parking lot, Baldan hopes to have it finished by the end of summer. To memorialize their former firehouse, Powell said they removed various keepsakes from the building an old ticker tape system that would alert the company of fire calls, the fire alarm system, the fire pole and some of the bricks. The company also donated several items, including giving its stove to the nearby Rescue & Restore Church. They plan to incorporate the bricks into their new building, Powell said. That building will always be a part of us, she said. Managing Editor Rebecca Huntington has worked for newspapers across the West. She hosts a rescue podcast, The Fine Line. Her family minivan doubles as her not-so-high-tech recording studio. Cairo, March 10 : Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that the inauguration of the New Administrative Capital (NAC) and the relocation of the government's headquarters to the new city will mark the "birth of a new state". Sisi's remarks came during a symposium here on Tuesday honouring the late armed forces personnel, Xinhua news agency reported. "There will be a birth of a new state by inaugurating the new capital," the President said, reiterating that the inauguration will mark "a declaration of a new republic". Sisi hoped that the inauguration will be done later this year if no delay would be caused due to the fight against Covid-19. Being built some 45 km east of the current capital Cairo since 2015 on an area of 714 square km, the new capital is planned to accommodate 6.5 million people, starting with half a million in the first stage, making some space in the congested and overpopulated Cairo that is home to about one fifth of the country's 100 million population. It will also be home to most government buildings including the cabinet headquarters and ministries, in addition to Parliament, and is expected to accommodate in the first stage from 40,000 to 50,000 government employees that are planned to be increased to 100,000 three years after inauguration. The government also expects the NAC to create around 2 million job opportunities. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Monday that trial operation of government buildings in the new capital will start in August through gradual relocation of employees, expecting the inauguration of the NAC to be held by the end of the year. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close New Delhi, March 10 : In an extraordinary act of bravery, a Delhi Police constable, despite being shot in the leg by two bike-borne criminals, managed to overpower the two miscreants near the BRT corridor in Defence Colony, here on Wednesday morning. Constable Naveen from the Defence Colony police station, who was coming from the BRT side towards the police station, spotted a bike without a number plate and started chasing it. He also gave a call to constable Manish, asking him to cordon off the area. Manish almost nabbed the suspect pillion rider, but the latter took out a country made firearm and opened fire, injuring Naveen in the process. When they tried to escape, Manish entered the service lane and immediately hit the duo with his bike. In the impact, both the suspects fell down and were overpowered. "The suspects opened fire on Naveen who sustained a bullet injury in his leg. But both Manish and Naveen managed to overpower the two suspects and recovered the pistol from the criminals," said Atul Thakur, DCP, South Delhi. The suspects have been identified as Dharmender and Navdeep. On interrogation, the accused have disclosed about committing robberies and snatching. They had come to the Defence Colony area with the intention of snatching and committing robberies. Flexible and adaptive microelectronics is considered an innovation driver for new and more effective biomedical applications. These include, for example, the treatment of damaged nerve bundles, chronic pain, or the control of artificial limbs. For this to work, close contact between electronics and neural tissue is essential for effective electrical and mechanical coupling. In addition, potential applications arise from the production of tiny and flexible surgical tools. An international team led by Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt, head of the Institute for Integrative Nanosciences at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW) Dresden and holder of the Professorship of Materials for Nanoelectronics at Chemnitz University of Technology and initiator of the Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), as well as Boris Rivkin, a PhD student in Prof. Schmidt's group, has now demonstrated for the first time that such adaptive microelectronics are able to position themselves in a controlled manner, manipulate biological tissue, and respond to their environment by analyzing sensor signals. The results, with Rivkin as first author, have appeared in the journal "Advanced Intelligent Systems". Different properties for dynamic processes combined for the first time in adaptive microelectronics Until now, it has not been possible for microelectronic structures to both sense and adapt to their environment. Although there are structures with a strain sensor that monitor their own shape, microelectronics with magnetic sensors that orient themselves in space, or devices whose motion can be controlled by electroactive polymer structures, a combination of these properties for application in a dynamic changing organism at the micrometer scale, i.e. well below a millimeter, has not been reported so far. Adaptive and intelligent microelectronics At the heart of these applications is a polymer film, just 0.5 mm wide and 0.35 mm long, which acts as a carrier for the microelectronic components. By comparison, a 1-cent piece has a diameter of around 16 mm. In their publication, the team from Chemnitz University of Technology and the Leibniz IFW in Dresden now presents adaptive and intelligent microelectronics that use microscopic artificial muscles to reshape and adapt to dynamic environments thanks to the feedback of appropriate sensors. The sensor signals are fed through electrical connections to a microcontroller, where they are evaluated and used to generate control signals for the artificial muscles. This allows these miniature tools to adapt to complex and unpredictable anatomical shapes. For example, nerve bundles have always different sizes. Adaptive microelectronics can gently enclose these nerve bundles to establish a suitable bioneural interface. Essential for this is the integration of shape or position sensors in combination with microactuators. Adaptive microelectronics are therefore manufactured in a so-called "monolithic wafer-scale process." "Wafers" are flat substrates made of silicon or glass on which the circuits are manufactured. Monolithic production allows many components to be manufactured simultaneously in parallel on one substrate. This enables fast and at the same time more cost-effective production. Artificial muscles generate movement - use in organic environment possible The movement and reshaping of adaptive microelectronics is achieved by means of artificial muscles, the so-called "actuators". These generate movement by ejecting or absorbing ions and can thus reshape the polymer film. This process is based on the use of the polymer polypyrrole (PPy). The advantage of this method is that manipulation of the shape can be carried out in a targeted manner and with already very low electrical bias (less than one volt). The fact that artificial muscles are also safe for use in organic environments has already been demonstrated by other groups in the past. This involved testing the performance of the micromachines in various environments relevant to medical applications, including cerebrospinal fluid, blood, plasma, and urine. Going for even more complex microelectronic robots in the future The team from Dresden and Chemnitz expects that adaptive and intelligent microelectronics will be developed into complex robotic microsystems in the medium term. Boris Rivkin says: "The crucial next step is the transition from the previously flat architecture to three-dimensional micro-robots. Previous work has demonstrated how flat polymer films can reshape into three-dimensional structures through self-organized folding or rolling. We will add adaptive electronics to such materials to develop systems such as robotic micro-catheters, tiny robotic arms, and malleable neural implants that act semi-autonomously following a digital instruction." Dr. Daniil Karnaushenko, group leader in Prof. Oliver Schmidt's team, adds, "Such complex microrobots will require a large number of individual actuators and sensors. To effectively accommodate and use electronic components in such a density is a challenge because more electrical connections are needed than space is available. This will be solved by complex electronic circuits that will be integrated into adaptive microelectronics in the future to pass the appropriate instructions through to the right components." This work also contributes to the emerging field of robot-assisted surgery, which could enable less invasive yet more precise procedures. Smart surgical tools that generate reliable feedback about their shape and position could become indispensable in treating delicate tissue. ### About team leader Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt Oliver G. Schmidt was appointed Chair of the Professorship of Materials for Nanoelectronics at Chemnitz University of Technology in 2007 and is also Director of the Institute for Integrative Nanosciences at the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW) Dresden. Schmidt is a pioneer in the field of microrobotics and micromotors. He and his research team's work in nanoscience bridges disciplines in physics, chemistry, materials science, electronics, and microsystems engineering. Schmidt has demonstrated the application potential of his scientific findings in microrobotics, photonics, sensor technology, medicine, and energy storage in numerous research papers. In 2010, he and his former colleagues have built the smallest man-made jet propulsion system and in 2020, the smallest microelectronic robot. In 2018, he was honored with the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize - the most important research award in Germany - for his outstanding work on the research, production, and innovative application of functional nanostructures. Schmidt is a member of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) (German) and is one of the most highly cited scientists worldwide. About Boris Rivkin Boris Rivkin studied physics at the University of Heidelberg and has been working on his PhD as part of Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Schmidt's group since 2017. His research interests are in the field of flexible microsystems, and the shape control and integration with electronic functionalities thereof. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer could face criminal charges for her handling of coronavirus deaths in nursing homes in the early days of the pandemic, a county prosecutor says. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido made the astonishing claim on Monday as the state attorney general launched an investigation into fatalities at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Lucido said he's been unable to get information about those deaths because of strict laws that shield patients' health care details and urged Michigan residents whose loved ones died from the virus while living in care homes to seek out the information themselves. It came as Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Charles LeDuff filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS), in which he alleged that the agency was hiding data about 'possibly preventable deaths related to the State's COVID-19 response'. LeDuff said that he filed multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to nursing home data in January, but all were denied. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido (right) on Tuesday claimed that Gov Gretchen Whitmer (left) could potentially face charges over her handling of coronavirus deaths in nursing homes Lucido, a former Republican state senator, said that his office's investigation of the issue has been limited because of privacy laws in an interview with Detroit TV station WXYZ. But he said that criminal charges could be brought - potentially against Whitmer - if the probe finds evidence of wrongdoing. 'If we find there's been willful neglect of office, if we find there's been reckless endangerment of a person's life by bringing them in, then we would move forward with charges against the governor. Of course, we would. Nobody's above the law in this state,' he said. Earlier this month state Republicans announced that they will hold hearings regarding allegations that Whitmer, a Democrat, used 'hush money' to buy the silence of three officials who may have been forced out of her administration amid the pandemic. Steve Gray resigned as director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency in November after falling out of favor with Whitmer and received $85,872 in severance. Robert Gordon, former director of the Department of Health and Human Services, resigned January 22 and received a $155,000 severance deal. Sarah Esty, a deputy director of the MDHHS, also signed a separation agreement on January 29, a week after Gordon's exit, in which she was placed on paid administrative leave until February 26, when she resigned. Whitmer defended the unusually large severance deals on March 2 and denied that they constituted 'hush money'. 'I really bristle at that characterization. The nature of the separation agreement is that when someone leaves, there are terms to it and you cannot share every term to it. That's simply what it is,' the governor told WJBK. She was forced to defend herself once again on Tuesday after Lucido spoke out about potential criminal charges. In a statement to WXYZ, Whitmer's office called the prosecutor's comments 'shameful political attacks based in neither fact or reality'. The Michigan attorney general reportedly opened an investigation into COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes this month. Pictured: Members of City Impact, a faith-based organization from Cedar Springs, sing and pray for residents at Metron of Cedar Springs nursing home on April 1 The office also claimed that one of Lucido's former Republican colleagues admitted they 'have not seen any evidence or testimony that says that a nursing home was forced to take someone against their will'. 'The administration's policies carefully tracked CDC guidance on nursing homes, and we prioritized testing of nursing home residents and staff to save lives,' the statement read. 'Early in the pandemic, the state acted swiftly to create a network of regional hubs with isolation units and adequate PPE to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within a facility. 'In addition, we have offered 100 percent of nursing home resident priority access to the vaccine. Both the former head of AARP, as well as an independent U-M study, praised our work to save lives in nursing homes.' Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles LeDuff (pictured) filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service on Tuesday, in which he alleged that the agency was hiding data about 'possibly preventable deaths related to the State's COVID-19 response' LeDuff first revealed his plan to sue MDHHS in an interview with Fox News last week, where he described how he's spent months trying to get answers about virus-related deaths in nursing homes. 'You can't get them. I've been asking for months,' he said. He being represented in his lawsuit by the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation. The complaint filed Tuesday accuses MDHHS of violating FOIA and asks the court to order the release of all the records LeDuff requested. 'This case deals with a matter of tremendous public importance, namely, the need for transparency in connection with the State of Michigan's COVID-19 response,' the complaint states. 'To date, while the State has published certain statistical information relating to COVID-19 deaths in Michigan, it has repeatedly refused to provide the records and information used to formulate the statistical data being provided.' 'The need for transparency in this particular area has already been established, in another state, thanks to recent revelations that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration had intentionally withheld data from disclosure due to concerns about the resulting political fallout. 'Recognizing significant similarities between the policies adopted by Governors Cuomo and Whitmer, Plaintiff filed a FOIA request ... to determine whether the data reported by the state of Michigan was similarly inaccurate.' More Border Force officials are needed at Heathrow Airport where coronavirus checks are sparking six-hour queues for passengers at immigration halls, MPs have been told. Airport boss Emma Gilthorpe has called for more resources so that all the border desks could be manned to reduce the waiting time customers are facing. She told the Commons Home Affairs Committee today that Border Force was already under a 'huge amount of pressure' at the airport and there were 'unacceptable levels of queueing'. The airport - which typically sees 80 million passengers in a year - presently has around 10-15% of its normal volume of travellers, the committee heard. The aim is for EU passengers to wait no longer than 25 minutes, or 45 minutes for non-EU travellers, at the border. But Ms Gilthorpe said: 'We are seeing significant pressure on the border and we are seeing very long queues and that is a worry.' She later added: 'Now it is not uncommon to see queues of three hours and we have had queues extending out to nearly six hours on occasion. With the queue moving at a 'snail's pace,' many passengers resorted to sitting on the floor and waiting for some movement (pictured: Heathrow on February 28) Staff handed out water to delayed passengers, but they say there was no food and no room for social distancing. One person warned: 'This is how you spread the virus' 'The extra layers that have been introduced are crippling the resourcing capability that Border Force has in place.' Earlier this year chaos struck the airport as passengers queued for six hours to get through passport control with no social distancing, food or water. Heathrow pinned the blame for the delays on the Home Office, saying Border Force desks were not sufficiently staffed to deal with arrivals and Covid-19 checks. The Home Office vehemently denied that only two Border Force staff were working, stating that employees work in socially-distanced bubbles, and that other desks were open for arrivals. Airport boss Emma Gilthorpe has called for more resources Delays have increased ever since the London Olympics in 2012, and queues of up to two hours before the pandemic were common so there had been a 'big push', with the Home Office and Border Force to improve the situation, Ms Gilthorpe said. Covid compliance checks - such as ensuring travellers have filled in a passenger locator form, have pre-departure test results, can justify their travel and whether they need to go into hotel quarantine after coming from a red list country - need to be made digital 'rapidly' so that E-gates can reopen and boost capacity, she added. Ms Gilthorpe told MPs: 'We need a systematic and sustained focus on how we are going to resource so we can stop passengers having to queue for unacceptable lengths of time. 'We do all we can at Heathrow ... but ultimately, we need to get flow moving through the border far, far better than we have at the moment.' Committee member Adam Holloway described the delays as 'absolutely staggering' and asked how this could be possible if officers were dealing with far fewer travellers at the moment. One woman said the queue was 'hell on earth' as they waited to pass through border control on Sunday evening. Some were left 'in tears,' as they waited on February 28 Ms Gilthorpe said: 'Ultimately it is for Government to provide the resources,' adding: 'The Border Force officers that we have need to be on those desks and it is deeply frustrating as the operator of the airport when you have a queue full of people and you only have two desks open, and it is rare to see all the desks manned, and we have to find our way to how we make that happen so we can get that flow.' She said if every desk was open, as was the case during the Olympics, then 'even with these additional measures, we would not be seeing three- and four-hour queues, let alone six-hour queues'. Ms Gilthorpe warned the country could miss out on 'economic resurgence' if the problems are not solved, telling MPs: 'We have to make sure that we are capable of receiving people, because if you have a poor experience at the border then there is a risk you're not going to come back again. 'And that traffic will go to Charles de Gaulle (airport), it will go to Frankfurt, and we will miss out on that economic resurgence because we know Heathrow is key for that business and trade as part of that recovery.' Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-09 23:50:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The plateau region in southwest China will celebrate its 70th anniversary of the peaceful liberation this year. People in Tibet certainly have a lot to cheer for with a substantially enhanced sense of gain, happiness and security. BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- National lawmakers and political advisors from Tibet Autonomous Region are joining those from the rest of China in deliberating the country's development plans at the ongoing "two sessions" in Beijing. Such a democratic practice was unimaginable for the region before 1951. Thanks to a series of historical events, it has become a reality. The peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951, the democratic reform in 1959 and the establishment of Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965, have paved way for the remarkable development in the region and improvements in the lives of people of all ethnic groups there. Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2013 shows pigeons flying at the square of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Chogo) The plateau region in southwest China will celebrate its 70th anniversary of the peaceful liberation this year. People in Tibet certainly have a lot to cheer for with a substantially enhanced sense of gain, happiness and security. The elimination of extreme poverty in the region last year is just one example of its historic progress in economic, social and human rights fields over the past 70 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). With historic leaps in development, people in Tibet have enjoyed a much better life. Those who shook off poverty no longer worry about their needs of food, clothing, housing, education and medical care. The region offers 15 years of free education. Besides, traditional culture has been effectively protected and inherited, and medical and health care has greatly improved. Sonam Drolma, 109, talks with her great granddaughters in the courtyard at home in Reguo Village of Gyaca County in Shannan, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, March 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Some anti-China external forces, however, have intentionally turned a blind eye to the remarkable progress. Moreover, they keep using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. A U.S. act, the so-called "Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020," passed in December last year, for example, maliciously distorts Tibet's social development, makes groundless accusations, denigrates China's ethnic and religious policies, and interferes in the normal reincarnation procedure of living Buddhas under the pretext of human rights and religion. The fact is that the peaceful liberation in 1951 marked an epoch-making turning point in the social development history of Tibet. The democratic reform in 1959 abolished the centuries-old feudal serfdom in Tibet, where serfs had little food, scanty clothing and no human rights at all, and they struggled hopelessly on the very bottom rung of society and suffered from massive exploitation and oppression by privileged government officials and lamas. Nijia (1st L) and his family members pose for a photo in front of their house at the Rongma relocation settlement, a local poverty alleviation project, in Gurum Township of Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) Before the peaceful liberation, there were no highways in Tibet. Today, the total length of highways has neared 120,000 km in the region along with railways and airports. The population of Tibet has increased from 1.23 million in 1959 to 3.5 million in 2019, with ethnic Tibetan people accounting for over 90 percent of the region's total. The average life expectancy in Tibet reached a record high of 71.1 in 2020, doubling the figure in 1951. Today's Tibet is marked by ethnic unity and religious and social harmony. There are 1,787 sites for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism and more than 46,000 resident monks and nuns in Tibet. Traditional religious activities are held normally. Ever since ancient times, Tibet has been an integral part of China, and the Tibetan ethnic group has been a communal member of the Chinese nation sharing a common destiny. China will never allow any malicious foreign interventions of any form in the region's religious affairs or allow anyone to sabotage the stability and prosperity of the region, under the guise of religious freedom, human rights or whatever. WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig reintroduced her bipartisan legislation to improve the Small Business Administrations 504 Loan Program. This legislation, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act, was introduced with Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH), Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Young Kim (R-CA) to improve the loan guaranty program and enhance the ability of small manufacturers to access affordable capital. The bill would increase maximum loan amounts, streamline the loan process and provide additional support to manufacturers who apply for the loan from local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Offices among other provisions. Representative Craig is also the lead cosponsor of the bipartisan 504 Credit Risk Management Improvement Act with Representatives Dan Bishop (R-NC), Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Young Kim (R-CA) which clarifies provisions of the 504 loan program and the role of the Office of Credit Risk Management in the 504 Loan program. The bill would make improvements to the overall oversight of the 504 loan program making it more accessible and secure for small manufacturers to participate in. Together, these bills would make improvements to a program that promotes the economic development of small manufacturers, job creation and retention and expansion of small businesses through a three-part partnership. As our small businesses continue to struggle with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, we must do everything we can to support small manufacturers and ensure that the SBA programs available to them are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible, said Representative Angie Craig. Im proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation in the 117th Congress and look forward to getting it over the finish line for Minnesotas small manufacturers. Small manufacturers in Kansas and across the country have faced enormous challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, and many are relying on SBA programs to keep their businesses afloat. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Craig, Chabot, and Kim to help improve the 504 Loan Program and make it more accessible for the small manufactures who need it, said Representative Sharice Davids. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many small businesses struggling over the past year through no fault of their own. We must do everything in our power to provide our small businesses the resources and support they need to keep their doors open, said Representative Young Kim. The 39th District of California is home to many small manufacturers that produce everything from the clothing we wear to technology powering our lives, and these businesses are the source of hundreds of good-paying jobs. I am proud to introduce these two important, bipartisan bills with my colleagues to improve the SBAs 504 Loan Program and help our small businesses get the relief they deserve. Specifically, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act: Increases the maximum loan amount to $6.5 million for small manufacturers Requires SBA District Offices to partner with SBA Resource Partners to provide entrepreneurial development assistance to small manufacturers Decreases project costs for small manufacturers and adjusts the job creation/retention requirements for small manufacturers Adjusts building occupancy standards, collateral requirements, and debt refinance parameters for small manufacturers Streamlines numerous administrative processes associated with the 504 loan closing process by allowing accredited Certified Development Companies to perform numerous closing-related tasks, such as reducing project costs. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The British pound has rallied significantly against the Japanese Yen yet again during the trading session on Tuesday, as we have cleared the 151 level. At this point, the market does look a bit stretched but we have recently consolidated and killed some time right around the 150 level. This is exactly what you need to see, so I do think that a rally is probably somewhat sustainable in this area. Remember, this pair is very volatile, so it will rise and fall right along with risk appetite, but if we do see a certain amount of risk on trading, that should continue to push this pair higher over the longer term. GBP/JPY Video 10.03.21 Looking at the 150 level, and now looks as if it is going to be supportive, and perhaps the bottom of the market. I think that is your floor, so as long as we can stay above there, I think that you have to be a buyer of dips and cannot look at shorting this market anytime soon. I do believe that we will eventually go looking towards the 152.50 level, possibly even the 155 level. Looking at the longer-term charts, that certainly would make quite a bit of sense, so I do like the idea of taking advantage of dips to get to that area. Having said that, if we were to break down below the 149 level, then I would be concerned about the market pulling back much deeper. In the short term though, I do not think that is a major concern, so I like the idea of taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. For a look at all of todays economic events, check out our economic calendar. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1. The first batch consists of 700,000 doses. Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says the first batch of a coronavirus vaccine developed by China's Sinovac Boitech Ltd is to arrive in Ukraine by the end of March. It will include 700,000 doses, the RBC Ukraine news agency reported. Read alsoReuters: Ukraine approves China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine "According to information from [the intermediary company] Lekhim, the first 700,000 doses are expected by the end of March. But this is preliminary information," the minister said. Earlier it became known that the first batch of the CoronaVac vaccine, according to the contract, was supposed to arrive in Ukraine no later than March 7. However, the supplier did not fulfill the terms of the contract and thus is facing a fine. Vaccination campaign in Ukraine Ukraine started COVID-19 vaccinations on February 24, 2021, but only 19,118 first shots had been given by March 9. The first stage of the vaccination campaign covers healthcare workers handling COVID-19 patients, ambulance crews, lab personnel, the military in Donbas. Ukraine uses the Indian-produced Covishield vaccine. Reporting by UNIAN PHOENIX, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy will present a free online webcast, The Holy Grail: Can Social Media and Civil Discourse Coexist? The complimentary webcast will feature Monica Anderson of Pew Research Center and Beau Kiniry of BuzzFeed on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 2 p.m. EDT. Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy The Holy Grail: Can Social Media and Civil Discourse Coexist? will offer a provocative look at the intersection of social media and civil discourse. The expert panel will explore the impact that social media outlets and often contentious speech play on society, including its economic impact, consumer boycotts, the "cancel culture" phenomenon, relationships among friends, family and colleagues, as well as the positive benefits of social media. The webcast is presented by the Institute under its LAB 102 initiative, a social experimentation laboratory to cultivate civil discourse and civic engagement for Millennials and GenZ. The program is named for the 102nd U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Monica Anderson is an Associate Director of Research at Pew Research Center and primarily studies internet and technology issues. Much of her recent work has focused on the impact of the digital divide, the gulf between those who have ready-access to computers and the internet and those who do not, the role of technology in the lives of teens, and activism in the age of social media. Beau Kiniry is a senior social media strategist at BuzzFeed in Los Angeles where she leads the publishing team that works on social video content strategy for BuzzFeedVideo, As/Is, Unsolved Network, Cocoa Butter, Goodful, and BuzzFeed Celeb. Guest moderator for the forum will be Ian Curtiss, a member of the Institute's Emerging Leaders Network Executive Council and Assistant Dean at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. After 10 years of experience working in global government affairs including U.S.-Chinese tech, data and information policies at the American Chamber of Commerce in China, his current areas of focus include global strategy, tech-policy and organizational innovation. Following her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor founded the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy. The nonpartisan nonprofit organization advances American democracy through civil discourse, civic engagement and civics education. For more information and to register for the free webcast, visit www.OConnorInstitute.org. Media Contact: Heather Schader | 602-730-3300 x8 | [email protected] | @SDOInstitute Related Images oconnor-institute-lab-102.png O'Connor Institute LAB 102 SOURCE Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy Whatever Howards intention, it is true enough that Victoria, like Massachusetts historically in the United States, has emerged as the nations heartland of enlightened progressive politics. In fact, we might go even further to say that under Andrews leadership the state has become a kind of laboratory for social democratic experimentation in Australia. Coming from Howard, this characterisation of Victoria was meant less as a compliment than a consolation message for the local Liberal Party in the context of its continuing record of under performance in the state. In other words, he was comforting Liberals by saying that Victoria was simply unamenable to the partys conservative values. It was in the wake of the resounding re-election of Daniel Andrews Labor government in November 2018 that the former Coalition prime minister, John Howard, christened Victoria the Massachusetts of Australia . Evidence abounds of the quiet (or perhaps not so quiet) revolution being unleashed by the Andrews government. Consider the gargantuan public works program that it has instigated since coming to office in 2014. Given the public relations appellation of Victorias big build, that program encompasses a dizzying suite of projects. They include the removal of scores of level railway crossings, the Melbourne metro railway project, an airport rail link, a suburban rail loop, and an array of road extensions and upgrades headed by the West Gate tunnel and North East link projects. Victorians are constantly reminded of this building frenzy when travelling around Melbourne and the states regions. Yet it is not just the scale of the infrastructure investment that is striking, but the way in which the government is financing it. The Andrews administration is interring the nostrums of neoliberalism under a mountain of public debt. It is unashamedly a big government regime. The Andrews government has instigated a gargantuan public works program since coming to office in 2014. Credit:Joe Armao Then there is Labors adventurous social reform agenda. The Andrews government has burnished its progressive credentials through a raft of measures. For example, establishing the states first drug injecting room, strongly supporting the Safe Schools program, appointing a Royal Commission into Family Violence, legislating protection zones around abortion clinics and, most recently, banning LGBTIQ+ conversion practices. In addition, following an attempt by the Northern Territory to legalise euthanasia in the 1990s a move thwarted by the Howard government under the Andrews government Victoria became the first Australian jurisdiction to successfully introduce a voluntary assisted dying regime in 2017. Perhaps most fascinating of all the initiatives being currently pursued by the Andrews government is its pioneering of a process for concluding a treaty with the states Indigenous communities. Since 2019, an elected First Peoples Assembly has been in place that is invested with the responsibility for creating the framework for treaty negotiations. Only this week, as part of the treaty process, the government announced a truth-telling commission. This body will inquire into injustices committed against First Peoples dating back to the earliest days of colonisation and may investigate the potential for reparations being paid to Indigenous Victorians to make amends for historical wrongs. These steps sharply contrast with the federal Coalition governments decision to spurn proposals contained in the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart by Indigenous Australians for a treaty and a truth-telling commission. EU special representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar left for an official visit to Azerbaijan, according to Klaar's Twitter. "Takeoff from chilly but sunny Moscow for Baku. Preparatory meetings for GID 52 completed. Looking forward to substantive meetings in Azerbaijan," he wrote. EU special representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries, as well as on issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The government of the Republic of Mauritius has implemented Covid-19 public health protocols and placed the country in temporary confinement until 25 March 2021 to keep the Indian Ocean country as safe and secure as possible. This follows the reporting of 15 cases of Covid-19 cases in the community. International and domestic inbound and outbound passenger flights have been suspended until 25 March 2021. Cargo flights will continue. All 1.4 million citizens and residents as well as visitors to the country have been asked to stay at home or in their booked accommodation for the next two weeks and follow public health guidelines to allow for testing and other public health protocols to be completed. Public health officials have already implemented track and trace protocols and have successfully located and isolated those that may have been in close contact with individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19. Nilen Vencadasmy, Chairman of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said: Mauritius number one priority is to keep our country safe and secure for all. Although just 15 cases of Covid-19 have been detected across the whole island, we have decided to implement the nationwide lockdown to make sure that there is no risk of it spreading further. These public health measures, whilst precautionary, are applicable to everyone and all visitors to Mauritius must follow the rules. Mauritius is looking forward to welcoming visitors back later in 2021 in the knowledge that we are a safe and secure destination. Mauritius started their Covid-19 vaccination programme in January 2021 and in one of the worlds most ambitious vaccination programmes, the government of Mauritius has expanded its Covid-19 vaccination programme to all citizens and residents over the age of 18 including long-term international visitors who hold the Premium Visa. Mauritius is using the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Temporary visitors in the country on short-term tourism visas are eligible for a visa extension or to transfer their visa to the long-stay Premium Visa. Mauritius is the only country in the world to offer both long term visas and the vaccination free of charge and is part of the national campaign to help keep Mauritius Covid secure. Further information on the Premium Visa and application process is available at: https://mauritiusnow.com/premium-visa All visitors currently in Mauritius are reassured that any necessary support or emergency medical help is available to them. Visitors to Mauritius are advised to liaise with their airlines, hotels, tour operators and insurance companies to make appropriate arrangements. Visitors should notify their national diplomatic representatives in Mauritius that they are currently in the country. Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is working with hotel operators, tour operators, airlines, industry associations and others across the tourism sector to ensure that their customers and operations comply with the public health rules and to provide support to the sector. Where hotels are required to close, international visitors will be provided with assistance. Further public health updates will be provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at: https://health.govmu.org MTPA will provide further updates on travel advisories: https://www.mymauritius.travel Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Jacob Rees-Mogg has launched a staunch defence of the Queen and denied that Harry and Meghan's dramatic interview has damaged the monarchy. The Commons leader waded into the row over the bombshell move from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, insisting 'sensible' people still support the Royal Family regardless of what 'chat show hosts in the US' are told. In his regular MoggCast for the ConservativeHome website, Mr Rees-Mogg also dismissed the idea that the couple's son Archie had been denied a title, saying his treatment was 'perfectly normal'. The remarks came despite Boris Johnson determinedly avoiding giving his view on the extraordinary row sparked by the Sussexes' interview with Oprah Winfrey. Downing Street revealed yesterday that the PM has finally watched the programme - but his spokesman refused to say what he thought of it. Climate minister Lord Goldsmith has delivered the most direct response so far, tweeting that Harry was 'blowing up his family'. Mr Rees-Mogg admitted he 'didn't see the interview', but insisted: 'I don't think it does any damage to the Royal Family or the monarch.' Jacob Rees-Mogg has launched a staunch defence of the Queen and denied that Harry and Meghan's dramatic interview has damaged the monarchy The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have insisted their interview with Oprah Winfrey will be the 'last word' on them quitting as senior royals An official statement was released on behalf of The Queen on Tuesday evening, following the bombshell interview, which aired in the UK on Monday night He said: 'Her Majesty is held in enormous affection. 'She has been a model of duty since she made that statement in South Africa aged 21 about how her whole life, whether it be long or short, would be spent in the service of the whole imperial family. 'That is what she has done. She has done her duty. I think she is loved across her realms for that. 'And I don't think interviews with chat show hosts in the United States makes a great deal of difference to that.' Mr Rees-Mogg said that under rules set out by George V in 1917 the only great-grandchild of a monarch could be referred to as a Royal Highness. He said: 'Their son has a title. He is Lord Dumbarton, Earl of Dumbarton - he is entitled to use his father's subsidiary title if he so chooses. 'And his sister as I understand it is coming along the way, will be Lady Christian Name Mountbatten-Windsor. 'And that is a perfectly normal constitutional process in line with what has always been the case before. He said 'nothing constitutional has happened' and that 'most sensible people in this country want the monarchy to continue'. Buckingham Palace finally responded to the interview last night in a statement released on behalf of the Queen. Itsaid: 'The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 'The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. The Prime Minister(pictured in Downing Street last night) has been avoiding commenting on the interview Climate minister Lord Goldsmith - a close ally of Carrie Symonds - waded into the raging controversy earlier this week, tweeting that 'Harry is blowing up his family' 'Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.' At a press conference on Monday night, Mr Johnson then flatly refused to take sides, merely stating his 'admiration' for the Queen. The premier's spokesman disclosed this afternoon that Mr Johnson has now watched the Oprah Winfrey interview, which aired in full on ITV last night. 'He did but you have the PM's words from the press conference last night and I won't be adding any further to what he said,' he said. The spokesman refused to be drawn whether Mr Johnson agreed with climate minister Lord Goldsmith's tweet that Harry was 'blowing up his family'. Asked if the minister was speaking for the Government, the spokesman said: 'All I can do is echo what the Prime Minister said in the press conference last night.' No10 also dodged questions on the White House's response to the interview, whether it may affect the UK's reputation around the world, and whether the nation has a duty of care to the monarchy. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. The plan to build a new $100 million pool at the WACA ground and go ahead with a broader $1.5 billion Perth City Deal could be delayed for months over a tiff between different levels of government. City of Perth councillors will decide this month whether a business case will be prepared for the pool after concerns were raised over the design and ongoing costs associated with the future community asset. Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has been railing against the local government being caught out with high maintenance costs for running a pool at the WACA. WAtoday understands the City of Perth is concerned state and federal governments want to push ahead with the pool when the project has not been green-lit at any council meeting by elected representatives, despite ratepayers being on the hook for at least $25 million. Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has been vocal about not rushing into the project after it was revealed no business plan had been ticked off by the previous council administration before it became part of the city deal purportedly committed to by the local, state, and federal governments. The armies of and on Wednesday began a 10-day military exercise in Uttarakhand's Chaubatia as part of efforts to bolster bilateral defence and security ties, officials said. Forty-five soldiers each from and Indian armies are participating in the "DUSTLIK II" exercise. "This joint exercise will definitely provide impetus to the ever growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations and also reflects the strong resolve of both nations to counter terrorism," the defence ministry said. It is the second edition of the annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies. The first edition of the exercise was held in in November 2019. "Both contingents will be sharing their expertise and skills in the field of counter-terrorist operations in mountainous, rural and urban scenarios under UN mandate," the ministry said in a statement. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advertisement Derek Chauvin is seen above in a Minneapolis court for the second day of jury selection on Wednesday The judge presiding over the Derek Chauvin trial must consider adding a third-degree murder charge, Minneapolis Supreme Court has ruled. Chauvin's lawyers had asked for the charge to be removed from consideration after prosecutors demanded it be added in a bid to increase the chances of the former cop being found guilty of a serious offense. But the Supreme Court Wednesday denied the appeal and now Hennepin County District Court judge Peter Cahill must consider adding it. Chauvin is currently charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors fear he will escape the murder charge and will only be convicted of manslaughter, so they want third-degree murder added as an option for the jury. The judge informed attorneys he will discuss the Supreme Court decision further Thursday morning. An Appeal Court decision on the States request to halt jury selection until the matter is resolved is still pending. The ruling came after the first black man had been seated on the jury after telling the court he once lived in the same area where George Floyd died, adding: 'It could have been me.' The juror, the fifth to be seated, is a married IT manager in his thirties who emigrated from West Africa to the United States 14 years ago. Like other jurors, he said that he supported the ideals of the Black Lives Matters movement but went further than his peers saying, All lives matter, but black lives matter more because they are marginalized. He also voiced support for Blue Lives Matter and when questioned by the prosecution said he was strongly opposed to defunding the police, stating that the presence of police made him feel safer. 'I believe our cops need to be safe and feel safe in order to protect our community,' he said. He told the court that he believed in the countrys justice system and wanted to serve on the jury because it was his civic duty. 'I also believe that to make the justice system work I think we need people that are part of the community to sit as a juror,' he said. He said that he was not on social media but had seen the video of Floyds death and formed a slightly negative view of Chauvin. He added that he was conscious that he did not know what had happened before or after the short clips he had seen. Chauvins attorney pressed the potential juror on one answer that he had written in response to the jurors' questionnaire. He stated that, while discussing Floyds death with his wife, he had said, It could have been me. Asked what he meant by that the juror explained that he used to live in the area where Floyd died and said, 'It could have been me or anyone else. It could have been anybody. It could have been you, thats what I mean.' Chauvin is seen on the left on Monday and on the right on Tuesday. Jury selection got underway on Tuesday in his trial Earlier on Wednesday, a fourth juror was seated after he agreed to postpone his wedding. It was also learned that another juror was dismissed because he feared protesters would target his home and family. The fourth juror selected is a white, Minnesotan male in his thirties, who is in sales management. He joins the two white men and one woman of color seated in yesterdays proceedings. Describing himself as a very logical person who tries to eliminate emotion as much as possible, he told the judge that he was willing to postpone his wedding plans to take part in the case. He is due to marry on May 1. He claimed to have watched the video of Floyd dying once in full and a couple of times partially and that he could set aside his personal opinions. He admitted to knowing one potential witness, a forensics officer with the BCA, and has a cousin formerly in law enforcement. He also said that he was sensitive to the notion that people are treated differently due to their color, having taken a couple of civil rights courses in college. The juror also said that he had 'strongly favorable' views of the Black Lives Matter movement. 'In my college years, I took a couple of great courses following the Civil Rights movement, and they really just led me on the path of racial injustice throughout our history,' he told the court. He said he was an avid sports fan and supported the right of black football players to protest police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem before games. The defense used three more of their peremptory strikes, leaving them with 10 in total, while the prosecution used two, leaving them with six. Among the potential jurors struck by the defense was a married father-of-two who described himself as an advocate for prison reform, revealed that his brother was a former Minnesota judge and also shared that he has a retired medical doctor for a brother-in-law. Wrapping up his voire dire Nelson said, Its clear to me you have some pretty strong feelings about social justice and opinions on this case and youve thought enough about the Fifth amendment that youve brought it up. You say you can follow the rules and set that aside, but when the rubber hits the road can you? Meanwhile the State used their strikes to excuse two female potential jurors including one a practicing attorney and mother to a two-year-old daughter who agreed when asked if it was fair to say that she had a, Deep respect for law enforcement. She also agreed that, sometimes police officers dont get the respect they deserve from society. Court proceedings closed with the defense striking the final potential juror of the day a church leader who described Chauvin as having murdered Floyd with a choke hold, and considered himself an advocate for racial justice who would view being on the jury as walking into the lions den. The second day of jury selection got underway less than 24 hours after one person who was rejected for the panel by prosecutors expressed concerns that rioters sympathetic to Floyd would attack his home and come after his wife and children if they learned of his identity. State prosecutors used their first of nine peremptory challenges to strike 'Juror #8' - a military veteran from the National Guard who said that it was wrong to 'second-guess [a police] officer's decision. 'I have a lot of respect for police... and I know they go through training,' the prospective juror said. On his questionnaire, the prospective juror wrote that he was concerned that in the aftermath of Floyd's death, when riots and looting were rampant in Minneapolis, his friends moved out of a condominium downtown. He also said that he and his wife have actively avoided going downtown since then, according to Fox News. When asked about the viral video in which Chauvin is seen pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, the prospective juror responded that he had a 'strong opinion' about the clip, though he added that he believe he could put his opinion aside to examine the facts of the case. The prospective juror wrote that while he does not support Black Lives Matter, he does believe the concept that 'black lives matter.' Prosecutors eventually decided to dismiss the juror after he said he feared a pro-BLM mob would come after his wife and children if they learned he served on the jury. The prosecution is permitted to strike eight more jurors without giving a reason while the defense is permitted to strike 13 more. Chauvin, who has been out on $1million bond since October, wore his third different suit in as many days. A woman walks near the makeshift memorial of George Floyd in Minneapolis before the second day of jury selection begins in the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin who is accused of killing Floyd A man clears the makeshift memorial of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Wednesday The city of Minneapolis is on edge as the Chauvin trial gets underway. Three other officers involved in Floyd's arrest will be tried separately this summer The makeshift memorial in Minneapolis includes flowers, plants, pro-BLM signs, paintings, drawings, and messages of support and condolences for Floyd A man removes dead flowers from the makeshift memorial of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Wednesday The makeshift memorial is seen from across the street in Minneapolis on Wednesday A man walks past the mural of George Floyd near the makeshift memorial in Minneapolis on Wednesday George Floyds maternal aunt, Kathleen McGee, took the solitary seat set aside for his family. Yesterday three jurors were selected: a white chemist who thinks BLM is too extreme and hasnt seen the George Floyd video, a woman of color whos related to a cop and thinks BLM has turned into propaganda and a white man who works as an auditor. However, prosecutors have filed a request to the states Appeal Court to delay the case in bid to get judge Peter Cahill to reinstate the third degree murder charge. The judge tossed the third-degree charge last year, after Chauvin had agreed to plead guilty to it, and imposed a tougher charge of second-degree murder. But the Appeal Court ordered him to reinstate it on Friday after it agreed to look at a similar case where a police officer shot dead a woman who called 911 to report a sexual assault. National Guard troops were seen outside the heavily fortified courtroom in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday A protester is seen above holding signs in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday - the first day of jury selection in Chauvin's trial Several protesters are seen in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday to mark the start of Chauvin's trial The Appeal Court will not even begin to hear that full case until June and may now stop the Chauvin case going ahead to await the outcome if the third degree charge is not reinstated. STATE OF MINNESOTA V DEREK CHAUVIN - THE CHARGES Second-degree murder Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, which in Minnesota can be 'intentional' or 'unintentional.' The second-degree murder charge requires prosecutors to prove Chauvin caused Floyds death while committing or trying to commit a felony in this case, third-degree assault. Prosecutors must convince the jury that Chauvin assaulted or attempted to assault Floyd and in doing so inflicted substantial bodily harm. Prosecutors dont have to prove that Chauvin was the sole cause of Floyd's death - only that his conduct was a 'substantial causal factor.' If the prosecution can prove Chauvin committed third-degree assault on Floyd, he can be convicted of Floyds death. Prosecutors are fearful that Chauvin will escape conviction for second-degree murder, that carries a maximum 40 year sentence. But because Chauvin does not have any prior convictions, sentencing guidelines recommend he serve no more than 25.5 years behind bars. Second-degree manslaughter The manslaughter charge has a lower bar, requiring proof that Chauvin caused Floyds death through negligence that created an unreasonable risk, and consciously took the chance of causing severe injury or death. In other words, Chauvin should have been aware that through his actions he was placing Floyd at risk of dying even though it may not have been his intent to kill him, according to prosecutors. If convicted of second-degree manslaughter in Minnesota, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. But sentencing guidelines for someone without a criminal record call for no more than four years behind bars. Third-degree murder* Third-degree murder would require a lower standard of proof than second-degree. To win a conviction, prosecutors would have to show only that Floyds death was caused by an act that was obviusly dangerous, though not necessarily a felony. That would result in a maximum sentence of 25 years. But there are caveats. Chauvin has no criminal history, which means he will probably end up serving about 12.5 years whether he is convicted of second or third-degree murder. Judge Peter Cahill must rule whether to allow prosecutors to add the charge against Chauvin. *Possible charges pending Advertisement Judge Cahill has set aside three weeks to screen jurors, aware that most people have heard of Chauvin and seen the bystander's video showing him with his knee on the dying Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. Three jurors were seated on Tuesday after saying they could put aside their misgivings about Chauvin: a white man who is a chemist at an environmental testing lab; a woman who appeared to be of mixed race who said she was 'super excited' to serve on a jury; and a white man who works as an auditor. Six others in the jury pool were dismissed, including some who said they would not be able to set aside their views on what happened. One woman who was dismissed said: 'I definitely have strong opinions about the case. I think I can try to be impartial - I don't know that I can promise impartiality.' The three jurors who were selected - two men and one woman - all said they had heard some details about the case against Chauvin but would be able to put aside what they heard or opinions they had formed and make a decision based on evidence in court. One of the selected jurors said he hadn't seen the widely-viewed bystander video of Floyd's arrest at all, while the others described seeing it minimally. One woman who saw the video said she doesn't understand why Chauvin didn't get up when Floyd said he couldn't breathe. 'That's not fair because we are humans, you know?' she said. She too was dismissed. The exchanges between potential jurors, attorneys and the judge illustrate the challenges in seating a jury in such a well-known case. In addition to asking questions about their ability to keep an open mind, attorneys asked about how they resolve conflicts, their views on the criminal justice system, and whether they felt safe serving on the jury. One potential juror expressed anxiety over the divisiveness of the case, while another feared his family could be targeted; both were dismissed. The first man who was selected to serve on the jury, a chemist who says he works to find facts and thinks analytically, said he has never watched the video of Floyd's arrest but that he has seen a still image from it. When asked if he could decide the case based on the evidence, he said, 'I'd rely on what I hear in court.' The man, whom prosecutors said identifies as white, said he supports the Black Lives Matter movement, but views the organization itself unfavorably. He also has an unfavorable view of the Blue Lives Matter movement. He said everyone should matter the same. 'The whole point of that is that all lives should matter equally, and that should include police,' he said. The races of the second and third jurors selected were not made clear in court, though reports indicated that the second juror chosen is a woman of color in either her 20s or 30s. She also said that one of her uncles is a police officer. She described herself as a 'go-with-the-flow' person who could talk with anyone about anything. The woman, who is related to a police officer in greater Minnesota, said she initially had a negative perception of Chauvin because of what she saw in the bystander video, but said she doesn't know him and could be proven wrong. 'That video just makes you sad,' said the woman. 'Nobody wants to see somebody die, whether it was his fault or not.' She said there could be many reasons why Chauvin would pin Floyd to the ground, and that while she has heard Floyd had drugs in his system when he died, she understands that may not have been a factor in his death. The third juror selected, an auditor, also told the court he would be open-minded. When asked how he resolves conflicts on teams at work, he said: 'We use more facts over emotions in those cases.' Chauvin's attorney, Eric Nelson, exercised two of his 15 peremptory challenges on potential jurors who identify as Hispanic, which led prosecutors to object that the jurors were being rejected because of their race. Cahill disagreed, noting that the second Hispanic juror to be dismissed had martial arts experience and referred to Chauvin's restraint as an 'illegal' move. The judge also said that man made it clear he would stick to his opinions until someone told him otherwise, improperly shifting the burden of proof to the defense. Cahill set aside at least three weeks for jury selection. Opening statements are scheduled no sooner than March 29. The trial on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges is seen as a landmark case on police violence against black people in the United States, a country where police officers are rarely found to be criminally responsible for killing civilians. Jury selection is proceeding despite uncertainty over whether a third-degree murder charge will be added. The state has asked the Minnesota Court of Appeals to stop proceedings until that's resolved, which could mean a delay of weeks or months. Chauvin, 44, is white, and Floyd, who was being arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes, was a 46-year-old Black man who grew up in Houston before moving to Minneapolis. Prosecutors say Chauvin should face an additional charge of third-degree murder over the objections of Chauvin's defense lawyers, a dispute that is being hashed out in appeals courts while the District Court presses ahead with jury selection. Chauvin and the three other officers who made the arrest were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department the day after Floyd's death, which was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. Chauvin's lawyers say he stuck to his police training and did not use excessive force. Fatal shooting appeal that could delay Chauvin trial Mohamed Noor (left) was convicted in 2019 of third-degree murder in the 2017 fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond (right), an Australian woman who called 911 to report a possible sexual assault The Derek Chauvin trial may be delayed until the outcome of an appeal by another former Minneapolis police officer is known. Mohamed Noor was convicted in 2019 of third-degree murder in the 2017 fatal shooting of an Australian woman who called 911 to report a possible sexual assault. His lawyers have launched an appeal because they say third-degree murder applies only when a defendants actions put multiple people at risk. Chauvins attorneys will likely argue the same thing since he brought no harm to other bystanders and was not 'eminently dangerous to others.' If the Supreme Court were to overturn Noors third-degree murder conviction, Chauvin's charge could also be dismissed. On July 15, 2017, Justine Damond called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her home. Officers Matthew Harrity and Noor responded and, finding nothing, they prepared to leave when Harrity is startled by a loud noise near the squad car. Noor, in the passenger seat, shoots past Harrity, striking Damond through the drivers side window. At trial, the jury convicted Noor of third-degree murder and manslaughter, and acquitted him on the more serious charge of second-degree intentional murder. Noor filed a petition last month asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn his conviction in the death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, after a Court of Appeals panel upheld the jurys decision. The states highest court granted the petition just days later and agreed to hear the case in June. Legal analysts said that it normally takes months for the Supreme Court to hear a case, but the expedited decision was made in light of the implications for the Chauvin case. Some legal experts say the third-degree murder charge applies only when a defendants actions put multiple people at risk, but the appellate panel said it can apply when a defendants actions are directed at one person. On July 15, 2017, Damond, a yoga teacher with dual American-Australian citizenship, called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her home The judge in Chauvins case had dismissed a third-degree murder count last October, saying it didnt apply because Chauvins actions were directed at Floyd alone. But prosecutors are seeking to have it reinstated, saying the appellate decision shows the third-degree murder count can apply to Chauvin as well. Noor claims his actions only targeted a single individual and did not harm anyone else except Damond. His lawyer claims that since Noor's actions only harmed a single individual, the third-degree murder charge clause, 'an act eminently dangerous to others,' would not apply in his case. Chauvin's attorneys will likely argue the same thing. Since Chauvin brought no harm to any other bystanders he was not 'eminently dangerous to others.' If the Supreme Court were to overturn Noors third-degree murder conviction, Chauvin's charge would also remain dismissed. The Minnesota Court of Appeals last week ordered the judge in the Chauvin case, Peter Cahill, to reconsider adding a third-degree murder charge against the defendant. A three-judge panel said the Hennepin County district judge Peter Cahill erred last fall when he rejected a prosecution motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge against Chauvin. The panel said Cahill should have followed the precedent set by the appeals court last month when it affirmed Noor's third-degree murder conviction. The appeals court sent the case back to Cahill for a ruling consistent with its ruling in the Noor case, giving the judge some leeway to consider other arguments that the defense might make against reinstating the charge. 'This courts precedential opinion in Noor became binding authority on the date it was filed. The district court therefore erred by concluding that it was not bound by the principles of law set forth in Noor and by denying the states motion to reinstate the charge of third-degree murder on that basis,' the appeals court wrote. Chauvin has the option of appealing the ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which would force Cahill to delay the trial, said Ted Sampsell-Jones, a criminal law expert at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. But if Chauvin decides not to appeal, the professor added, 'then Judge Cahill will almost certainly reinstate the third-degree charge.' A reinstated third-degree murder count could increase the prosecutions odds of getting a murder conviction. Cahill ruled last October that third-degree murder under Minnesota law requires proof that someones conduct was 'eminently dangerous to others,' plural, not just to Floyd. Cahill said there was no evidence that Chauvin endangered anyone else and threw out the charge. But the Court of Appeals rejected similar legal reasoning in Noors case, ruling that a third-degree murder conviction can be sustained even if the action that caused a victims death was directed at just one person. The appeals court rejected the argument by Chauvin's attorney that the Noor ruling shouldnt have the force of law unless and until it's affirmed by the Minnesota Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments in Noors appeal in June. Cahill used similar reasoning last month when he rejected the states initial motion to restore the third-degree murder count, prompting prosecutors to ask the Court of Appeals to intervene. Three other former officers Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. They're scheduled for trial in August. Prosecutors want to add charges of aiding and abetting third-degree murder against them, but that question will be resolved later. Officers Matthew Harrity and Noor responded and, finding nothing, they prepared to leave when Harrity is startled by a loud noise near the squad car. Noor, in the passenger seat, shoots past Harrity, striking Damond through the drivers side window. Noor is seen above at his sentencing with attorneys Peter Wold (left) and Thomas Plunkett (right) in June 2019 Advertisement The three other former police officers involved are to go on trial on charges of aiding and abetting Chauvin later this year. Chauvin was released from jail on a $1million bond last October and is being tried in a courtroom in the Hennepin County Government Center, a tower in downtown Minneapolis now ringed with barbed-wire fencing and concrete barricades. Protesters chanted anti-racism slogans and blocked traffic on Monday, but few appeared in the largely deserted downtown streets on Tuesday. Chicago Med is doing something right. Fans love it. The show is in its sixth season, and theres no end in sight. Medical dramas are extremely popular when done right, and Chicago Med is done right. But the show is doing something else right, something thats harder to see. Its changing expectations for actors. Dominic Rains was born in Iran, and moved to London as a child. But his character on the show is as far from that as it gets. Dominic Rains played a fixer in Burn Country RELATED: Why Are Colin Donnell and Norma Kuhling Leaving Chicago Med? In 2016, Dominic Rains starred in the film Burn Country. He would win awards for his performance, including Best Actor at the Tribeca Film Festival. The movie itself reflected a lot of Rains own experiences. In it, he played an Afgani fixer fleeing war in a sleepy California town. A fixer in war-torn places like Afghanistan is a person who accompanies foreign journalists and filmmakers. The movies director, Ian Olds, wrote the movie as a kind of tribute to a fixer he knew personally. While filming a documentary in Afghanistan, Olds fixer and friend was captured and executed by the Taliban. Olds wrote the continuation of his story, as a way of seeing what his friends life would have been like if it werent tragically taken from him. Rains knew what life was like in a war-torn world, and he also knew about being a stranger. That made him perfect for the role in Burn Country, and the movie launched his career. As a child, Dominic Rains fled from war RELATED: Chicago Med: Ethan Choi Isnt Making Any New Friends But He Is Creating Tension According to an interview in Harpers Bazaar, Rains felt like his childhood gave him some experiences that aligned with his Burn Country character. His family fled Iran during the Iraq-Iran war in the 1980s. He doesnt remember much of war, since he left at two. But he remembers enough to understand the trauma of a fixer. Rains remembered bombs going off, and getting hauled into closets to stay safe. Despite the fact that he was only two, that kind of uncertainty can affect anyone at any age. Then theres Rains family. Even though he was out of danger at 2, his family was still dealing with the trauma of war. He used his father for inspiration for his character. He was a big part of my preparation, because I saw this man who had to leave his country and make ends meet and provide for his family. There was a lot of added pressure. It had to mean something, just like Osman says in the film: This isnt just me coming. It has to mean something.' Dominic Rains wasnt afraid of being typecast Dominic Rains as Crockett Marcel | Elizabeth Sisson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank RELATED: Chicago Med: Coronavirus Will Be a Major Theme Next Season After his role in Burn Country, Rains was in danger of being typecast. He was a young Irani-American playing a Middle Eastern, some people may have gotten the idea that hes a one-trick pony. Nothing could be further from the truth, and Chicago Med gave Rains the chance to prove his range. His character on the show, Crockett Marcel, is a Louisiana-born resident, complete with a Bayou accent. Rains shines in the role, just as much as he shone in Burn Country. The Chicago Med producers looked past Rains resume and personal history, and cast him based on talent alone. Thats something a lot of producers wouldnt do. Its a tactic that ends up making for a better show, as the most talented actors are the ones who make it on screen. For his part, Rains thought Burn Country was more important than the danger of typecasting. Yes, Im an American and I am very much a western boy, and I identify with being an American, but I am also grateful for the vast, rich culture that I was born into in Iran. Thats beauty and that is part of what this is and I accept that. Im willing to take on whatever of that region, as long as there is substance to it. Chennai-based Company on Wednesday launched the 2021 edition of its model Apache RTR 160 4V with price starting at Rs 1,07,270 (ex-showroom Delhi). The bike powered by a 159.7 cc single-cylinder engine delivering a power of 17.63 PS will be available in two variants, with disc brake version priced at Rs 1,10,320 and the drum brake variant priced at Rs 1,07,270 (ex-showroom Delhi), Co said in a regulatory filing. The 2021 edition Apache RTR 160 4V has become lighter with a 2 kg weight reduction, with the disc variant weighing 147 kg and the drum variant weighing 145 kg, it added. Besides, it comes with a new dual tone seat with carbon fibre pattern and LED headlamp with claw styled position lamps adding to its overall premium appeal, the company said. Co Head - (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles Meghashyam Dighole said, "We are confident that these enhancements will further strengthen the success story of our TVS Apache RTR 160 4V " Backed by 38 years of racing pedigree, Dighole said, "The new 2021 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V offers best-in-class performance with enhanced power to weight ratio and increased torque, offering our customers better-riding experiences along with advanced technologies. (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.) County library to unveil story walk project in Vanderbilt The Otsego County Library is hosting a ceremony Saturday to formally open the latest story walk project. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. In February, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) announced the results of the National Political Committees vote on the organizations priorities for the next three months. As our top external priority, the statement declares, DSA will embark on a national campaign to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). The statement characterizes the PRO Act as transformative legislation that gives power to unions to organize workers. The statement is framed entirely around the claim that the passage of the bill would be a historic win for workers of color and for immigrants. In a video statement released last week, the DSA goes a step further, claiming that this miracle bill is also the key to solving climate change. In fact, the PRO Act was crafted by Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee to bolster union bureaucracies that facilitate the suppression of working-class struggles. The bill was first rolled out in 2019 and immediately gained 100 Democratic Party co-sponsors in the House and 40 in the Senate. It was then featured in Bidens campaign platform. Since its reintroduction to the House of Representatives this February, the number of cosponsors has risen to 209, including three Republicans. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking to striking workers at the Bronxs Hunts Point Produce Market in New York City on January 20, 2020. (Photo: Twitter) The central purpose of the bill is to prop up the trade unions, which have lost millions of members over the last four decades due to the collaboration of the AFL-CIO bureaucracy with the governmentcorporate assault on workers jobs and living standards. The aim is to undercut the development of workers struggles independent of and outside the framework of the pro-capitalist, nationalist trade unions. From the Wagner Act to the PRO Act To understand the purpose of the PRO Act, it is necessary to place it in its historical context. The act consists of a series of amendments to the National Labor Relations Act (also known as the Wagner Act), which was passed in 1935 and signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Wagner Act was passed under conditions of explosive class struggle in the United States during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and only 18 years after the Russian Revolution, which had a powerful impetus on the growth of the class struggle internationally. Just a year before the passage of the Wagner Act, in 1934, general strikes erupted in three major citiesSan Francisco, Toledo and Minneapolis. A faction of the ruling class, of which Roosevelt was a part, saw a regulated and pro-capitalist labor movement, along with the New Deal social reform measures, as critical to containing the threat of social revolution. In particular, the Wagner Act, which established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), was aimed at controlling the strike wave and directing it into a legal framework that could be regulated and controlled. Just over a decade after the Wagner Act was passed, in 1947, Democratic Party politicians united with Republicans to impose the Taft-Hartley Act, an amendment to the Wagner Act. The bill, passed just after the end of World War Two and the massive postwar strike wave, explicitly banned wildcat, political and solidarity strikes (secondary boycotts), and included an anti-communist loyalty oath. It also gave the president the right to outlaw strikes he declared a threat to national security. The same year Taft-Hartley was passed, President Harry S. Truman, a Democrat, invoked it against American workers a dozen times. With the emergence of the Cold War, the unions embraced the anti-communist crusade of American imperialism and carried out a purge of left-wing and socialist elements. This was solidified in the unification of the AFL and CIO in 1955. During the first decades following the Second World War, however, the unions remained a focus of the militant resistance of workers to the encroachments of big business. The years between 1969 and 1975 saw an enormous upsurge in working class militancy, including among coal miners, postal workers, steel workers, auto workers, teachers, and other sections of the working class. Even then, many of the most significant struggles took the form of a rebellion against the pro-capitalist union apparatus. In the spring of 1970, 210,000 postal workers launched a wildcat strike, at the time the largest walkout ever against the federal government. In 19771978, coal miners entered into a 111-day nationwide strike. President Carter, a Democrat, attempted to impose a Taft-Hartley back-to-work order on the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). The miners ignored the order and remained on strike. As the global hegemonic position of the US began to falter, the ruling elite shifted from a policy of limited social reform to social counter-revolution, utilizing the methods of plant closures, union-busting and labor frame-ups. In 1981, the Republican Reagan carried out a plan worked out by the Democrat Carter and brutally smashed the strike by 13,000 members of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) in 1981. PATCO also was a nodal point in the degeneration of the unions. The struggle by the PATCO workers was isolated and betrayed by the AFL-CIO bureaucracy, which refused to mobilize its millions of members in a broader struggle despite persistent calls among workers for a general strike. The unions proceeded to isolate, suppress and defeat a series of struggles during the 1980s while integrating themselves ever more directly into the framework of corporate management. Throughout the 1980s, the unions ever more openly adopted the policy of corporatism, based on the supposed identity of the interests of management and labor through the integration of the governments with the corporations and the unions, based on defense of capitalism and the nation-state. By 1995, the portion of American workers in unions had fallen to 13 percent overall and 10.4 in the private sector, a staggering decline compared to 1958, when a third of all American workers were unionized. Strikes, which had once been a common feature of American life, virtually disappeared. In 1995, there were only 34 work stoppages involving 1,000 workers or more in the US, compared to 187 in 1980 and 424 in 1974. Since the late 1970s, wages for the bottom 70 percent of earners have been essentially stagnant, while CEO pay has increased 10-fold. Had the income distribution remained what it was during the period from 1945 to 1975, American workers in the bottom 90 percent would have received additional income of $2.5 trillion in 2018. The top 1 percents share of total income has risen from 9 percent in 1975 to 22 percent in 2018, while the bottom 90 percent have seen their share fall from 67 percent to 50 percent. Key provisions of the PRO Act It is in this framework that one must understand the effort of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party to bolster the unions and cement them even more directly to the state and global operations of US imperialism. The organizations they are attempting to shore up are not workers organizations, but arms of corporate management. They are not instruments for class struggle, but instruments for the suppression of class struggle. It should first of all be stated that the PRO Act is not going to pass Congress in its present form. Republicans (who generally favor dispensing with the unions altogether) remain opposed to the measure, and the Democrats would require 60 votes in the Senate to overcome procedural hurdles. Several items have been thrown in to give the bill the appearance of protecting workers engaged in militant struggles. It would, for example, overturn the Taft-Hartley Acts ban on secondary boycottsi.e., solidarity strikesand prevent employers from permanently replacing strikers. If anything does end up being enacted, however, it will be those elements of the bill that are aimed at strengthening the role of the unions in suppressing the class struggle. A central element of the bill is the reclassification of contract workerslargely made up of gig-workers at companies like Lyft, Uber and DoorDashas employees. However, the law specifically sanctions the category of independent contractor and redefines workers as employees only for the purpose of unionizing them. Employers will still be able to cheat these workers out of unemployment insurance, workers compensation, Social Security and other benefits. They will be free to impose various out-of-pocket costs on their employees and fire them at will. While the workers were relegated to a form of industrial servitude, the unions would be in a better position to organize them, that is to extract union dues while functioning essentially as cheap labor contractors. The bill would circumvent right to work laws by enabling employers and unions to establish fair share clauses, which would force all workers, including those who opt out of union membership, to pay dues to cover the cost of representation, collective bargaining, contract enforcement, and related expenditures. This would pad the already bloated salaries of the union executives. In 2020, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) collected $185 million in dues and spent zero on strike benefits. On the other hand, it lavished nearly $100 million on salaries, benefits and other expenses for the union bureaucrats, including $435,453 in salary and disbursements for AFT President Randi Weingarten. Several measures are designed to facilitate the unionization of workplaces. The bill would streamline the union recognition process, eliminating the balloting of employees in favor of card check certification. The unions would only need to get 51 percent of workers to sign cards in favor of a union to gain recognition. At the same time, employers would be required to provide unions seeking bargaining rights with their employees information, including jobs, shift information, cell phone numbers and home addresses. It would make required attendance at an employers anti-unionization campaign meetings an unfair labor practice. The bill seeks to tie up workers in the debilitating straitjacket of labormanagement laws, designed to suppress rank-and-file militancy. For example, if an employer refuses to agree to a first contract after unionization, the issue will immediately be sent to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and then to an arbitration panel that would impose a binding agreement, thereby blocking workers from striking to enforce their demands. Other disputes would be channeled to the National Labor Relations Board, which the unions have long used to preempt struggles and impose the dictates of management. The Democratic Party responds to growing social unrest In its efforts to shore up the unions, the Democrats are responding to the efforts of workers to break free from their organizational stranglehold. Even before the immense social crisis was vastly accelerated by the pandemic, working class militancy was on the rise. In 2018 and 2019, a wave of strikes broke out among teachers in the US and around the world against relentless austerity and the historic transfer of wealth to the rich. The strikes emerged in direct confrontation with the trade unions. In 2019, 48,000 workers at General Motors launched a 40-day strike, the first major national auto strike in the US in four decades, which pitted workers against the bought-and-paid-for corrupt gangsters in the UAW. When the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world in 2020, it was acting upon an already explosive social situation. Now, a year after its onset, under conditions in which the social crisis in the US and internationally is reaching unprecedented depths, the ruling class is becoming ever more nervous that it will not be able to suppress class conflict with the usual mechanisms. The Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site have played a leading role in the fight for independent organizations of working-class struggle, rank-and-file committees to develop a united counter-offensive of the entire working class. The Biden administration, speaking for a particular faction of the ruling class, is seeking to implement measures to strengthen union control over the working class. This was expressed most sharply in Bidens unprecedented intervention into the vote on Amazon workers unionization effort in Alabama last week in which he issued a video statement fully backing the efforts of the Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union (RWDSU) to unionize workers at Amazons Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse. The forceful intervention of Biden, a trusted representative of the ruling elite, in promoting the unionization campaign had nothing to do with the interests of Amazon workers. Rather, it expresses the concerns of a significant faction of the ruling class that is increasingly sensitive to, and fearful of, the mass radicalization of workers and young people in response to the reckless and criminal handling of the pandemic. The second, though no less fundamental consideration of the ruling class, is bound up with its geostrategic interests. The US ruling class is determined to maintain its global hegemonic position through the use of military force. The Biden administration is carrying out an increasingly confrontational policy toward Russia and, in particular, China. The threat of a major military conflict is growing. In the event of a major great power conflict, the pro-capitalist unions will be critical in promoting national chauvinism and suppressing the class struggle. War abroad requires a disciplined labor movement at home. What is behind the DSA campaign to pass the PRO Act? The campaign being whipped up by the DSA to pass the PRO Act once again underscores the organizations complete subservience to the political needs of the Democratic Party establishment, and through it, to American capitalism. In the face of the greatest economic, social and political crisis in the US since the Great Depression, about which the DSA has had next to nothing to say, the organization is bending over backwards to assist the Democrats in their efforts to thwart working-class resistance to their right-wing policies. The DSA seeks to corral workers into the official trade unions in order to trap workers inside organizations that have assumed the character of corporatist syndicates. Their efforts to undermine the ability of workers to organize an industrial and political offensive against the ruling class take many forms. Virtually everything the organization writes is couched in identity politics, aimed at dividing workers along racial, gender, ethnic and national lines. The DSA National Political Committees statement on the organizations priorities, which introduced the campaign around the PRO Act, began with such appeals. The statement opens: DSA must be a political home that attracts, retains, and supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) organizers. This starts, they write, by acknowledging the pain experienced by BIPOC members caused by a white supremacy culture in our practices, recognizing the overburdened work that falls on BIPOC organizers to repair these issues, and by educating and practicing the simple fact that a socialist movement will fail without leaders of color. In order to serve BIPOC organizers the DSA claims that every effort has to be made to pass the PRO Act. In reality, the DSA leadership speaks for and is oriented to a section of the upper-middle class that is seeking positions and a seat at the table within the existing political framework, including within the very union bureaucracies it is seeking to bolster through the PRO Act. Indeed, DSA members are already playing prominent roles in several unions, particularly educators unions in major US cities. It is on this basis that identity politics is employed so ferociously. Positions will undoubtedly be granted to DSA figures who prove their loyalty to the political establishment by policing the workers. The DSA will subsequently celebrate the diversity among the oppressors as a victory for the left. The DSA union strategy has already been decisively exposed, particularly since the reemergence of working-class militancy in the US over the past several years. The DSA directly participated in the sellout of the Chicago teachers struggle to prevent a return to in-person learning at the start of 2021. The organization provided a cover for the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) by promoting it as a vehicle for social justice unionism, organized on the basis of identity politics. Similarly, in the Hunts Point produce market strike in January, the DSA and its co-thinkers in Jacobin magazine effectively functioned as the press agency for the Teamsters union, promoting the illusion that the Teamsters and the Democrats were standing on the side of the workers. Under conditions in which the coronavirus pandemic has comprehensively exposed the reality of capitalism, accelerating a broad-based political radicalization among workers, the DSA is performing a valuable function in the service of the ruling class: providing a left gloss to the Democratic Party as it moves ever more sharply to the right. The DSA has no interest or intention of fighting in the interests of the working class, let alone fighting for socialism. Quite the contrary, the DSA seeks to keep workers from acquiring a genuine understanding of what socialism is and how it can be achieved. However, it is exactly such a political program that is required for workers to achieve their aims. What the ruling class fears most of all is that the growing radicalization of workers will acquire a socialist leadership and political program. OAKVILLE, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Spark Power Group Inc. ("Spark Power" or the "Company") (TSX:SPG) today provided an update to its press release of March 5, 2021, in which Spark Power announced that it would refile its unaudited condensed interim financial statements for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 (the "Previously Filed Interim Financial Statements") together with the corresponding management discussion and analysis (the "Previously Filed Interim MD&A"). Amended and Restated Interim Financial Statements As an update to the March 5, 2021 press release, the Company provides the following additional detail: In connection with the filing of the prospectus in respect of the Offering, Spark Power engaged its auditors to perform a review of the Previously Filed Interim Financial Statements and the Previously Filed Interim MD&A. During the auditor's review, the Company identified a Balance Sheet classification error. The classification error relates to the treatment of the Company's non-revolving term loan and revolving acquisition line, totaling approximately $38.3 million and $24.4 million, respectively, which were categorized as long-term liabilities; being debts that are due more than one year from the date of the statements. The maturity of these debts was stated in the Previously Filed Interim Financial Statements as September 30, 2027. However, both loans are actually due and payable on September 30, 2021, with amortization ending in September 2027. Since the debts are actually due to mature exactly one year from the date of the Previously Filed Interim Financial Statements, they are required to be shown as current liabilities on the balance sheet. As a result, the full amounts drawn under these facilities are required to be presented as current liabilities as at September 30, 2020 and the Previously Filed Interim Financial Statements will be amended and restated to reflect this change in categorization (the "Amended and Restated Interim Financial Statements"), the notes thereto updated, and an amended and restated management discussion and analysis (the "Amended MD&A") thereon will also be refiled. This Balance Sheet reclassification does not change the results of operations for the period, or the total assets or liabilities as of the period-end, as reported by the Company. As a result of this change in categorization, the Amended and Restated Interim Financial Statements are required to include a note that there is a level of uncertainty that may cast doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company believes that it has the appropriate plans to mitigate the above noted event, however these plans have not yet been completed. Commentary on Debt Maturities and Loan Syndication As a further update to the Company's debt syndication process with its senior lender, the Company provides the following details: The Company's senior lender is Bank of Montreal ("BMO"). The Company commenced discussions with BMO on a syndication of its debt facility in early 2020. With the outbreak of the pandemic this process was put on hold through the balance of 2020. During this time the Company worked with BMO in successfully securing amendments to its existing credit facility to support the Company through challenging times brought on by the pandemic, and the Company has continuously managed within those amended terms. The objective of the syndication process is to re-finance the above noted non-revolving term loan, revolving acquisition line and all credit facilities into longer-term credit facilities and expand the Company's borrowing facilities to support the future growth of the business. As an interim step to the syndication, BMO is presently seeking to extend the maturity date of the non-revolving term loan and revolving acquisition line from September 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022. While there is no assurance the maturity date will be extended, Spark Power expects the extension will be successfully formalized this week. Should BMO approve the extension of these maturities, all amounts outstanding on these loans will again be presented as long-term liabilities in the financial statements of the Company in relation to periods ended after the date of this extension, to the extent repayments are not then due within 12 months. Bought Deal Status On February 18, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to complete a $20.0 million bought deal public offering (the "Offering") of 7.50% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due 2026 with a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters") led by Raymond James Ltd. As a further update to the Offering, the Company provides the following details: The Company is in ongoing discussions with the underwriters respecting the completion of the Offering. The Offering will not close on March 11, 2021 as originally contemplated. The Offering has not been terminated, however there is no assurance that the Offering will be completed, on the currently announced terms, or at all. The Company will provide further information with respect to the filing of Amended and Restated Interim Financial Statements, its Amended MD&A, and details of the Offering as more information is available. About Spark Power Spark Power, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spark Power Group Inc. (TSX:SPG), is a leading independent provider of end-to-end electrical contracting, operations and maintenance services, and energy sustainability solutions to the industrial, commercial, utility, and renewable asset markets in North America. We work to earn the right to be our customers' Trusted Partner in Power. Our highly skilled and dedicated people, located in the communities we serve, combined with our knowledge of the power industry, technology expertise, and commitment to safety, ensures we deliver the right solutions that keep our customers' operations up and running today and better equipped for tomorrow. Learn more at www.sparkpowercorp.com. Investor and Regulatory Inquiries Dan Ardila, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer dardila@sparkpowercorp.com +1 (905) 829-3336 x127 Media Inquiries Kim Samlall, Director, Marketing Communications media@sparkpowercorp.com +1 (905) 829-3336 x185 SOURCE: Spark Power Group Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634574/Spark-Power-Provides-Update-on-Q3-Financial-Statement-Restatement-BMO-Debt-Facility-Maturity-Extension-and-Convertible-Debenture-Offering College campuses have seen an influx of students battling mental health disorders since the pandemic began, with about 80% saying in a Healthy Minds survey that COVID-19 had negatively affected them. It's a problem few schools, if any, were equipped to handle. Founder and CEO of Grit Digital Health and the YOU at College well-being platform Joe Conrad recognizes the importance of using digital platforms to make mental health resources more accessible. "There definitely is a mental health crisis; campuses can't keep up with the demand of their students," Conrad told ABC News. "I think innovation and digital support, has to be part of the solution." MORE: Pandemic's mental health burden heaviest among young adults In 2016, Conrad was approached by Colorado State University after school officials saw an increase in on-campus suicides. Using a student-centered design process, Colorado State and Grit Digital Health partnered to build prototypes and asked students for feedback, which led to the creation of YOU at College. "There are three parts to the platform -- succeed, thrive and matter -- but most of the resources being accessed are in 'thrive,' for mental and behavioral health," Conrad explained. PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a student looks at a mobile phone. (Getty Images, FILE) Plans to launch the app along West Coast colleges during the early stages of the pandemic didn't come to fruition because of California's lockdown. But the students who did get to try YOU at College responded positively, Conrad said. "The feedback was great -- we got 50% of the student population at Long Beach," Conrad added. "That's 17,000 students who created accounts on the new platform within the first eight weeks of that launch." The personalized platforms are tailored for each unique campus and the resources they can offer. "We really put students at the center of the experience and designed it just for them," he said. "We published a lot of COVID content -- it ranged from mental health to physical distancing, loneliness and remote learning." Story continues PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a phone shows the logos for various apps. (NurPhoto via Getty Images, FILE) YOU at College is at 160 campuses around the country, and NOD, another offering from Grit Digital Health recently developed to help combat loneliness and build connections on campuses, is at about 10 campuses. The two apps can be used with each other or on their own. 'I saw that there was a need' Being college students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in March and April of 2020, Alice Kim, Meagan Jenkins and Tyler Huang noticed a huge gap in the communication between students and the kind of counseling services that were being offered. "Everything was unprecedented, and no one really knew how the isolation would affect us," Kim told ABC News. "I saw that there was a need for more mental health support." Over the summer, the students said they asked themselves how they could help. "I could sense that a lot of students were struggling with quarantine and isolation. It was taking a huge toll on their mental health," Kim added. MORE: UC Davis offers students money to not travel during spring break Since all three of them are part of the Student Counseling Services Student Advisory Board, they reached out to the Student Counseling Services Director Dr. Angela Stowe. Their conversations led the development of the B Well app. "Numerous focus group discussions across campus occurred, to get input about features students wanted, and that is what informed the features that are now part of the app," Stowe told ABC News. "There are future developments already in progress, including enhancing notifications and providing in-app access to relaxation video and audio exercises, yoga and mindfulness exercises." B Well is now available to all UAB students and faculty. "Taking the time to take care of yourself is really important," Jenkins said. "And so that's what I mostly use the app for." 'I reached out' Dartmouth graduate Sanat Mohapatra took a different approach. "I noticed that a lot of students that used anonymous forums at Dartmouth weren't really interested in traditional mental health resources. I reached out to a lot of them to see if I could help them in any way," Mohapatra told ABC News. Mohapatra noticed the popularity of Yik Yak on campus during his freshman year. When the anonymous messaging app shut down, he saw the need for another and began to build Unmasked, tailoring it toward mental health. PHOTO: This Dec. 7, 2020, file photo taken in Santa Ana, Calif., shows the CA Notify app. (Orange County Register/MediaNews Group via Getty Images, FILE) "Over the years at Dartmouth, I saw that a lot of students were struggling with mental health issues, but didn't talk openly about their struggles just out of fear of judgment or discomfort," he said. Unmasked allows students to talk freely and serves as a gateway for them to seek professional mental health services. "This app is created by students for students," Mira Ram, a Dartmouth student studying computer science, told ABC News. Ram leads the app's design team. "I think the value is that we're creating intimate communities where someone that you pass by on the walk to class could also be really helping you on this platform, but you might not know each other at all." Unmasked is now at 45 college campuses, with plans to expand it to more, Mohapatra said. Each forum at each school is moderated by students who apply to become moderators. They're responsible for reading through the message board and looking for malicious content or any content that violates community guidelines. "They make sure that the app remains a safe space for students to feel comfortable being vulnerable about their mental health issues and their struggles," Mohapatra said. "They want to take an active role in improving their campus." These young Americans created apps to help address mental health crisis among peers originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The sisters of a barbershop assassin laughed in court as they watched their bloodied brother swear while talking about the stabbing murder with police. Alfredo Isho was seated and gowned at Classico Hair Studio in Bossley Park, in Sydney's west, on January 11 2019, when Fredon Laith Botrus burst through the door. Having circled the block on a motorbike four times to identify his target, the then 18-year-old was still wearing a helmet when he fatally punctured his victim's artery and right lung. The trial in the NSW Supreme Court ended in a 20-year jail sentence on Tuesday, but on Wednesday it was revealed the killer's sisters Valnten and Valy Botrus could not stop laughing in court as a video of their bloodied brother played. Fredon Laith Botrus (pictured) was bloodied as he spoke to police after the grizzly murder Pictured: Alfredo Isho who was sitting in a barber when he was viciously stabbed and killed Upon realising the siblings were giggling during the trial in September 2020, solicitor Alen Sahinovic tried to subtly tell them their behaviour was not appropriate. When that didn't work, he texted the pair during court proceedings: 'Please stop laughing, it's a very bad look.' 'We are in a murder trial.' Half the members of the jury appeared to notice the laughter, with two or three shooting the women a look of 'clear disgust,' Mr Sahinovic noted, according to ABC. One of the sisters replied to the message to apologise, to which the solicitor replied: 'That was a disaster.' Botros circled the block on a motorbike four times (pictured) to identify his target, who was seated and gowned in a barbershop Pictured: CCTV footage of Alfredo Isho (upper right) moments after he was stabbed in the chest while having his hair cut in a Bossley Park barbershop on January 11, 2019. He died later that day The defence team made an application to have the entire jury discharged on the grounds that jurors could decide the killer's family did not take murder seriously, potentially harming his case. But the Crown opposed the motion, claiming jury members were engaged and attentive throughout proceedings. Mr Sahinovic later visited his client in jail, where Botrus broke down and said, 'that's why I told them not to come'. Jurors were told to cast observations from the court room from their minds because it was not part of the evidence presented. Botrus, now 20, was jailed for 20 years with a non-parole period of 14 years. Pictured: The crime scene in Bossley park after Mr Isho was fatally stabbed in a hairdresser Mr Sahinovic later visited his client in jail, where Botrus (pictured) broke down and said, 'that's why I told them not to come' While accepting Botrus hadn't intended to kill, Justice Michael Walton said the attack was brazen, targeted and senseless. The court had no evidence of any remorse, motive or animosity between the two men before the murder. 'It must be found the deceased had no warning of the attack and was unable to defend himself,' Justice Walton said. Mr Isho's family had earlier told the court their kind, gentle and smart Alfredo had never been in trouble nor said anything bad about anyone. 'The longest walk you will ever take is the one down the road of grief,' his mother, Khalida Thom, said at his sentencing hearing in February. Botrus denied being the disguised attacker from the moment he was arrested wearing a jumper covered in Mr Isho's blood on the day of the fatal attack. Khalida Thom (right) the mother of Alfredo Isho speaks to media outside the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney on Tuesday He also denied being the person behind the wickr account 'YoCatchMe', which received a message before the stabbing about the barbershop. Using a mix of Arabic, English and emoji, the message said in effect: 'Yo brother there's a dog at the hairdresser's.' After the stabbing, the account replied by saying 'I went and (sh)anked him' and 'is that bad'. Consistent with the jury's verdict in September, finding Botrus guilty of murder, Justice Walton found Botrus was behind the message. But Botrus's dysfunctional childhood, which included being kidnapped in his native Iraq and dealing with the more recent suicide of a brother in Australia, reduced his moral culpability, the judge found. 'Whilst the offending was not spontaneous, there was evidence of limited planning without long premeditation,' Justice Walton said. Botrus will be eligible for parole in January 2033. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Mumbai, March 10 : Lending major ICICI Bank on Wednesday announced that it will provide Covid-19 vaccination for its employees and their immediate family members free of cost. According to the bank, this initiative is aimed at safeguarding the lives of its employees and their dependent family members from the Covid-19 pandemic. "It is also a humble gesture to appreciate the dedication, perseverance and passion portrayed by the employees of the bank to ensure seamless services to millions of customers during the pandemic," the bank said in a statement. Accordingly, the bank will reimburse the cost of the two mandated vaccine shots for its employees and their dependent family members. ST. LOUIS, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported the company's 2020 business results. For the year, Graybar's net sales totaled $7.3 billion, a 3.4 percent decrease compared to 2019. The company's income from operations was $224.8 million, an increase of 0.5 percent. Net income attributable to Graybar was $121.8 million, a 15.7 percent decrease from the previous year. This decrease was primarily due to a non-cash pension settlement charge of $27.7 million that the company recognized in 2020. "I am extremely proud of the way Graybar employees rose to the challenge in 2020. With remarkable teamwork and resilience, our employees moved our company forward, while caring for our customers, our communities and each other," said Graybar's Chairman, President and CEO Kathleen M. Mazzarella. "Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, along with effective management of our business, Graybar finished the year in a strong financial position and continued investing in strategic priorities that will drive our long-term success." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of 292 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact: Tim Sommer (314) 578-7672 [email protected] SOURCE Graybar Related Links http://www.Graybar.com ADVERTISEMENT The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Musa Istifanus, has reiterated the ministrys support for the armed forces and the new service chiefs to enable them discharge their constitutional duties effectively. Mr Istifanus gave the assurance when he led directors of the ministry on a familiarisation visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the work of the ministry was dependent on the activities of the armed forces, adding that the ministry had the responsibility of ensuring that the military meets its obligations. I am assuring you that we will provide you with all the tools and support you need. For us to do that, we need to build a complete family, work together as a team in order to safeguard the country. The purpose of the visit today is to listen to you and go back and reenergise to be able to offer the best that we have to support you. I must say that the ministry appreciates you for so much that you are sacrificing every day and we are here to tell you that we thank you and support you, Mr Istifanus said. Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, a general, commended the permanent secretary and ministry for the positive interactions that had taken place between the Defence Headquarters and the ministry so far. Mr Irabor urged the ministry to fast track all the requests of the armed forces that had been put forward as requirements for their operations. He said the relationship between the ministry and DHQ so far had given him confidence that the armed forces would meet its operational needs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DHQ briefed the permanent secretary and his team on the organisational structure of the defence services and various operations currently being undertaken in different parts of the country and internationally. Mr Irabor explained that some of the operations were also being undertaken and coordinated by the various services. (NAN) The Madre de Dios River watershed in southeastern Peru is a tropical biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon and home to uncontacted Indigenous peoples, which has come under threat in recent years due to an expansion in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Through a NASA grant under the Land-Cover/Land-Use Change Program, researchers from Dartmouth, Wake Forest University and the Centro de Innovacion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA) in Madre de Dios, will use remotely sensed data and machine learning techniques to evaluate and monitor the impact that gold mining has had on land cover change in the region. The area has been subject to deforestation, with over 100,000 hectares of forest consumed by mining. Previous research has also found mercury contamination in watersheds near artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas in the region can pose risks to humans, wildlife and the environment. Mercury is used to extract gold from sediment. As it is burned off to amalgamate the gold flakes, it enters rivers and streams and travels downstream. While the Peruvian military has attempted to curb illegal timber harvesting and mining activities, efforts to prevent long-term mining have been relatively unsuccessful. With COVID-19, there's been a rise in illegal gold mining in the Madre de Dios, as military efforts to combat mining have been redeployed in order to focus on the pandemic. Clandestine mining activities are resuming in past settlements with some under the cover of forest canopies. These are activities which cannot be seen on satellite data. "Through the use of finer scale data from commercial satellite data and optical and radar imagery obtained from locally flown drones, our research team will be able to identify small-scale forest harvests and other illegal small scale gold mining activities that have previously been overlooked," explains principal investigator David A. Lutz, a research assistant professor and lecturer in environmental studies at Dartmouth. "This project will create an accurate, scalable methodology for assessing land cover change and development in the Madre de Dios and provide policy recommendations that can be used to put science into action." The research team also plans to apply object detection algorithms to satellite and drone imagery, which will enable them to identify if trucks or other equipment and machinery are being used at a mining site. These techniques will provide insight into whether miners are complying with local requirements and if an area previously closed is being re-mined. "Typical satellite imagery, which is moderate in resolution, provides basic data on deforestation but underestimates both the scale of deforestation and dynamics of aquatic sediments, which may contain mercury runoff," adds Lutz." As technology improves, each time that higher resolution data has become available previous research has shown that deforestation in the Madre de Dios has often been underestimated by nearly 25%." Postdoctoral fellow Evan Dethier, who collaborated with Lutz on earlier research on artisanal gold mining in the region, serves as a researcher on the three-year project. The total grant award is $739,828 and the team began work in January. As part of the team, researchers at Wake Forest University in biology and computer science, and undergraduate students, will apply methods in ecology, data science, and artificial intelligence to discern information from a plethora of remote sensing data. Project team member, Miles Silman, a professor of biology at Wake Forest, notes that "Madre de Dios is a place where the world is being taken apart by gold mining. Understanding the types of land conversion and changes in land use and the intensity of such impacts, is the first step in a restoration process that addresses environmental degradation and allows for people to live on the land in a sustainable way." The project will partner with CINCIA, a research center focused specifically on research and solutions related to reforestation and restoration in the Peruvian Amazon. The project will also assess the effectiveness of Peruvian federal policy to control illegal and artisanal gold mining and a policy workshop with government, public and private stakeholders will be held during the final year of the study. The researchers will provide recommendations to control and mitigate forest degradation and improve restoration efforts in the Amazon basin, which can be applied more broadly to the region. Lutz is available for comment at david.a.lutz@dartmouth.edu. ### Job ads have returned to their pre-pandemic level in a fresh sign the recovery from the recession is consolidating but there are warnings people in low wage occupations are being left behind and could face extended periods out of work. Data from SEEK shows ads on the online platform through February were 12.4 per cent up on the same month last year, when Australia started shutting its international border to protect the country from COVID-19. Job ads in every state and territory have climbed back above their pre-virus levels for the first time. Credit:Louise Kennerley Ads were 4.1 per cent up on January, with ads in every state and territory now showing annual job growth for the first time since the virus outbreak. In NSW, ads lifted 7.4 per cent through February to be 3.6 per cent up over the past 12 months, while in Victoria the annual growth rate is now 7.8 per cent after a 7.1 per cent improvement last month. UK universities and colleges are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to cut jobs and attack pay and conditions for teaching staff. At least 12 universities are planning redundancies. At the University of Leicester 60 jobs are being cut, with 47 jobs being cut at the University of Liverpool and 34 jobs at the University of Dundee. Redundancies are expected at the University of Leeds, Newcastle University, the University of Central Lancashire, and Solent University and the University of London. University administrations claim that job losses are required in order to remain financially sustainable and to deal with the fallout from the pandemic. At the University of Liverpool, 47 jobs are to go with management claiming it will increase academic quality. The reality is that the cuts are central to the marketisation and privatisation of the sector that has proceeded apace under the framework of the 2017 Higher Education and Research Act. Manchester University staff and students protest at the Oxford Road campus during the national pensions and pay strike in 2020 Dozens of jobs are to go due to the planned closure Newcastle Universitys London campus. The campus opened just six years ago, with the university promising that staff recruited to work there would be part of a permanent workforce. The university is allowing only permanent higher education lecturers the option of relocating to the North East. Redundancy announcements have sparked opposition from further and higher education staff. Strikes and industrial action ballots are in progress at a number of institutions. Last week, University of Central Lancashire staff voted to strike to oppose job losses. Nearly four fifths of University and College Union (UCU) members (79 percent) agreed to back the strike, and 88 percent backed action short of a strike. In February, UCU members at Chichester College Group began balloting against plans by the institution to axe 10 full-time equivalent jobs in maths and English40 percent of that entire department. The college also intends to make more cuts by reducing in-person teaching permanently. Jo Grady, the General Secretary of the UCUC, said of the raft of planned job losses: it is absolutely contemptible for some universities to exploit the pandemic by threatening to make staff redundant. It is only due to the UCUs collaboration with university and college management that these attacks are able to be enforced. Events at Solent University reveal the role of the UCU as a reliable partner of management. The university announced November 2 its intention to make 219 staff redundant. The union dragged its feet for three months by calling a consultative ballot, held from November 26-December 6, for strike action. Only then did they hold an actual strike ballot, held over January 6-January 20. Both returned overwhelming yes votes, one showing 94 percent in favour. Instead of launching a strike, the union entered negotiations with the university and came back with a deal on February 15 delivering none of the workers demands. The union sought to obtain a promise from the university to make no compulsory redundancies, only voluntary ones. Management refused to offer even this concession. The deal allows the university to progress with a number of dismissals already in progress and merely postpones the rest until 2022. In addition, and what the UCU was really after, the agreement provides for disclosure of information to recognised trade unions in any future restructure or redundancy situation, including financial informationthus ensuring that the union bureaucracy maintains its cosy relationship with management in order to be able to sell job losses and other cuts to its members more effectively. Staff began a strike on February 22 at the University of East London (UEL) in response to the sacking of four members of staff. As opposed to other disputes, the UCU felt it necessary to allow action to go ahead due a particularly intransigent management, which refused even to enter negotiations mediated by the pro-employer Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Two of the staff targeted are the UCU branch chair and UCU vice-chair. The union is trying to paint the dispute as an attack on female black and minority ethnic staff, thus undercutting the class unity of members facing the same attacks on their jobs as thousands of others across the education sector and millions in other sectors nationally. Goldsmiths University in London plans 6 million in cuts, which could result in as many as 120 job cuts. Another 472 lecturers in temporary positions are in danger as the university reportedly plans on not renewing their contracts. In response, around 700 lecturers have started a marking boycott, refusing to mark any student work until management commits to no redundancies for at least two years. Such demands reveal the bankrupt role of the UCU, which will accept any voluntary redundancies at the drop of a hat. Goldsmiths staff and students from the university have been holding a virtual picket during the last week. Supporters were urged to post an image or a video with a protest sign and tag it with #SaveGoldsmith. The picket garnered wide support from workers, reaching over two million people on social media. The UCU nationally has mostly ignored the dispute, with no attempt to mobilise other branches in support and no information about the boycott on its website. Its only intervention has been to utilise identity politics to divide lecturers, by emphasizing that female and BAME staff will be most affected by the cuts, as they are more likely to be on temporary contracts. Similar attacks are happening in Northern Ireland, where all further education colleges have agreed to offer lecturers a pay increase of just 7 percent spread over 4 years. The UCU noted, Overall, the offer amounts to an annual pay rise of just 1.2% over a nine-year period and a real terms pay cut. The union has declared a dispute with the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, claiming that colleges cannot pay staff more unless Stormont increases funding. The UCU is threatening to ballot members for industrial action. As part of reopening the economy, even at the cost of thousands of lives, Boris Johnsons Conservative government reopened colleges campuses to millions of students in England aged 16-18 years old from Monday. This can only lead to a surge of new cases as the only safety measures in place are that college students will be asked to wear face coverings in classrooms and be tested weekly with rapid tests of dubious quality. Face coverings by themselves are not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Universities can also reopen campuses for students who require practical teaching, specialist facilities or on-site assessments. The government will review plans for the return of all other students by the end of the Easter holidays. Last autumn, the Tories recklessly reopened further and higher education, leading to at least 65,000 students and 8,000 staff being infected with coronavirus. The UCU sanctioned the reopening, making only a few criticisms of safety precautions at several universities. The current reopening plans are predicated on using lateral flow tests to quickly test students and quarantine those testing positive. Latest evidence suggests that lateral flow tests only pick up around 60 percent of positive cases, and in some settings even fewer. This means that some people will be told they do not have coronavirus, when in fact they do, allowing them to continue to spread the virus to others. Experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the accuracy of the tests and warned that using them to manage outbreaks without isolating close contacts risks increasing the spread of the virus. Agreeing to let even a small number of students on campus in these conditions is nothing short of criminal. To oppose the grave danger to their safety and that of students and to fight mass redundancies, university and college education workers, as well as students, must form rank-and-file committees, independent of the education unions. The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is leading this struggle and urges staff and students to contact us about establishing a fighting and democratic committee on your campus to defeat the attacks on jobs and safety. Colorado officials have not yet identified any more cases the South African variant first identified in a state prison, but more samples from other inmates will be fully processed in the coming days. Unlike many of the United States traditional Cold War allies, Canada never officially joined the U.S. intervention in Vietnam. But while many Americans of draft age fled for Canada to avoid the war, some Canadians came the other way. Of the thousands of Canadians who became Vietnam veterans, 134 never made it back home. Long after the war ended, Canadas Parliament failed to pass a bill to build a memorial for those vets who died in service. Three American Vietnam veterans built one anyway -- with their own money. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation estimates that 20,000-40,000 Canadian citizens crossed the border to join the U.S. Army, hoping to see action in Vietnam. The Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association estimates 12,000 of those enlistees served in combat. When the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built in Washington, D.C., in 1982, the names of the 134 Canadians were included on the wall -- along with the 58,145 others who died in the war for a total of 58,279, according to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. But since the Canadian citizens werent wearing the uniform of the Canadian Forces, the legacy of Canadian Vietnam veterans has been in question in Canada ever since the end of the war. The Canadian government never has acknowledged them. The Royal Canadian Legion, the countrys largest veteran service organization, took almost 20 years to accept them. In 1986, two American Vietnam veterans formed a committee with the goal of building a monument to their Canadian counterparts. Ric Gidner and Ed Johnson of Michigan originally formed the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Committee. They wanted to hold an event to welcome Canadians home, even if it wasnt on Canadian soil. On July 4, 1989, the committee held a welcome-home parade at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, hoping to raise enough money to build the memorial. But Gidner and Johnson, joined by Chris Reynolds, were dedicated to erecting a monument to fallen Canadian soldiers, in Canada, by any means necessary. They formed a new committee, the appropriately named MACV -- Michigan Association of Concerned Veterans -- to design, fund and build it. How many American sons came home because of a Canadians supreme sacrifice? the group asked. The MACV formed partnerships with other nonprofit organizations inside Canada, designed the memorial and even secured the same granite used on the American Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall for the Canadian version. In 1994, a bill was introduced in Parliament that would recognize these veterans and build a memorial, but it failed to pass. So Gidner, Johnson and Reynolds paid for the entire memorial themselves. They maxed out their credit cards, liquidated their retirement funds and took out second mortgages on their homes to fund what became known as The North Wall, the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1995, then-Windsor, Ontario, Mayor Michael D. Hurst asked the MACV whether they would build the monument there. They agreed, and the memorial was dedicated on July 2, 1995. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. New Delhi, March 10 : The Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC) has moved the Supreme Court challenging the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT) decision to appoint an administrator to run the day-to-day affairs of the club. On February 15, the NCLAT had ordered the suspension of the club's General Committee (GC) and directed the Centre to appoint an administrator to manage its affairs. In an appeal before the Supreme Court, the club and GC members said: "There are no reasons accorded as to why the appointment of an Administrator for running the day-to-day affairs of the DGC, which is a private recreational club, would be required." The plea contended that there was no need to replace club's GC, which was duly elected at the AGM held on December 31, 2020. The plea said DGC is a private club and NCLAT exceeded its jurisdiction by directing the government to appoint an administrator to take over all affairs without assigning any reasons whatsoever for the requirement of appointing an administrator. "The NCLAT erred in referring to the perpetual lease granted to the DGC as 'State largesse'. It is submitted that 'largesse' means generosity in the grant of gifts and the grant of perpetual lease to the DGC herein can under no circumstances be termed as 'largesse' as the lease was granted for a specific purpose, which the DGC continues to maintain," said the plea filed through advocate Vikalp Mudgal, from Sikri Law Chambers. The plea argued that a perusal of the impugned order shows that the NCLAT, as well as the NCLT, has seriously misconstrued concept of public interest while adjudicating upon the dispute at hand. The appeals before the NCLAT were against an interim order of the NCLT which directed Centre to appoint two nominees of its choice as members in the GC of the club to monitor its affairs along with its other members and give suggestions to the GC. Criticizing the appointment of an administrator, the plea said this direction has been given despite there being no evidence put on record by Centre as to why the interim directions given by the NCLT were ineffective in tackling the purported mismanagement. "Such a direction not only seeks to usurp the authority granted to legitimately elected members of the GC, who as per the AoA (Articles of Association) are bound to manage the affairs of the DGC but vests the same in a single individual which is onerous and detrimental to the interests of the club," the plea added. The NCLAT had held that the Centre is entitled to "final relief" of replacement of directors of the DGC with nominees of the government to conduct the affairs of the club. The plea said this conclusion of the NCLAT at the interim stage is akin to grant of final relief and contrary to settled proposition of law. "Further, the same is contrary to the finding of the NCLT at para 14 which clearly indicates that no violations under the Companies Act stood established. Such categorical conclusion arrived at by the NCLAT, though baseless, is instrumental in completely replacing the management of the club by a single Administrator," added the plea, urging the top court to set aside the NCLAT order. The NCLAT had said the club's policy under which membership of a person attains hereditary character and general public seeking membership being made to wait for decades, is certainly prejudicial to the public interest. The club's plea said the AoA, clearly provide for user rights to the children of the members in their independent/individual capacity from the age of 13 years leading to their permanent membership after 21 years of age. According to sources in the club, the administrator has hired services of senior advocate Harish Salve. When I read over the weekend that Iran-backed Houthis attempted to mount a 12-drone attack on Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia (the world's biggest oil port), I wanted to check with the New York Times but there was nothing to check on. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported the attack, but for the Times, it was not "news that's fit to print." I wonder why. Of course, the business publications had to report it because the failed (or repelled) attack made the markets nervous and briefly sent the price of crude to over $70 per barrel. But there are other ramifications to the story, too; after all, Bloomberg filed its report under the "Politics" rubric. Is it this "politics" aspect that the Times would rather wish its readers did not know? Indeed, the attempted attack by an Iranian proxy does not look good for Biden's attempts to re-establish ties to Iran and to get back into Obama's Iran deal. Houthis are armed by Iran, the world's worst state supporter of terrorism, and take orders from it. Publicizing Iran's proxy attack on the major oil supply hub does not exactly help the task of making Iran look not as bad as it is, especially because the attack came shortly after Biden administration removed Houthi designation as a terrorist entity, in a clear signal to Iran of Biden's desire to lower the temperature and get back into the deal, a goal the New York Times fully supports. Clearly, when deciding on what to put into the paper and what to leave on the cutting floor, the "paper of record" guides itself by the expected impact of what the reader will see reported. In terms of priorities, informing the reader is a distant second to influencing him a classical modus operandi of a propaganda sheet. We now know about the mental climate in the Times newsroom thanks to the McNeil scandal. The Times recently fired its veteran reporter, Donald McNeil, for uttering the N-word while answering a question on whether its use was ever justified. McNeil did not stay silent, and his long and detailed account is fascinating not so much as proof of his innocence as it is a vivid depiction of the paranoid culture at the Times, with its obsession over how the words may look rather than whether they are factually true. Just like the non-story of the foiled attack on the Saudi port, the story of McNeil's firing is about mind control prioritized over informing the reader. Read McNeil, and you'll see that the New York Times is a place of incredible oversensitivity, of thin skins and easily bruised egos. A brusque journalist unearthing hidden truths and heroically bringing them to the public is a thing of the past. Nowadays, a New York Times journalist is no brash fellow in search of sensational disclosures. He is a hypersensitive who, before uttering a word, needs a long consultation with a lawyer and a consoling talk with a shrink afterward. Can such insecure neurotics inform and enlighten us? I don't think so. The New York Times' recent story of Donald McNeil, and its non-story of the attempted attack on Ras Tanura, is solid proof. Image: N.Y. Times. The high-level Peoples Court in Hanoi has upheld capital punishment and jail terms handed down to six defendants for causing the death of three police officers in Dong Tam Commune last year. The court on Tuesday rejected the appeal of the six defendants who were previously convicted of murder and obstructing on-duty officers. During the first-instance trial in mid-September 2020, the Hanoi Peoples Court sentenced Le Dinh Cong, 57, and Le Dinh Chuc, 41, to death for murder. Le Dinh Doanh, 33, was given a life sentence, while Bui Viet Hieu, 78, and Nguyen Quoc Tien, 41, were condemned to 16 and 13 years in prison, respectively, for the same offense. The court also handed down a six-year jail term to Bui Thi Noi, 63, for obstructing police officers. More than 20 other defendants were also given sentences of between 15 months of probation and six years in prison for obstruction during the first trial. Cong, Chuc, Doanh, Hieu, Tien, and Noi later filed their appeal, stating that their penalties were too harsh. According to the indictment, a man named Le Dinh Kinh, along with multiple other individuals, established the so-called group of consensus on Dong Tam Commune in 2003 to trick local residents into claiming land illegally, slandering the government, and disturbing public order. The group also posted video clips and live-streamed their complaints on social networks, threatening to bomb power stations and kill 300 to 500 police officers. On January 9, 2020, police officers entered Hoanh Village in Dong Tam to carry out their missions and were attacked by members of the group of consensus, who were armed with petrol bombs, grenades, and knives. Cong, who was among the key members of the group, directed and contributed money to buy petrol and grenades, guided others how to make petrol bombs, and directly threw the explosives toward on-duty officers. During the incident, three police officers, Nguyen Huy Thinh, Pham Cong Huy, and Duong Duc Hoang Quan, fell into a pit. Chuc and Doanh then poured gasoline into the pit and killed the officers by setting them on fire. At the trial of the second instance on Tuesday, the jury stated that the defendants actions were dangerous to society and left behind very serious consequences, thus stern punishments were necessary. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Meghan Markle made formal complaint about Piers Morgan to ITV Is there more behind Piers Morgans exit from UK television show Good Morning Britain? The British talk show host (and former Americas Got Talent judge) quit ITV on Tuesday after ranting about Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys interview with Oprah Winfrey. Im sorry, I dont believe a word she says, Meghan Markle, Morgan said. But according to multiple reports, the Duchess of Sussex made a formal complaint about Morgan after he dismissed her comments about feeling suicidal, warning how it could impact viewers with mental health issues. E! News reports Markle isnt alone, either, as more than 41,000 people lodged complaints about Morgan, who quit Tuesday after storming off set. Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain, the TV network said. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add. On Monday, I said I didnt believe Meghan Markle in her Oprah interview. Ive had time to reflect on this opinion, and I still dont. If you did, OK. Freedom of speech is a hill Im happy to die on. Thanks for all the love, and hate. Im off to spend more time with my opinions. pic.twitter.com/bv6zpz4Roe Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 10, 2021 MORE BUZZ: Morena Baccarin, Ben McKenzie welcome second child ( ET Cast revealed for live-action Powerpuff Girls ( E! Beatles producer George Martin: Secret EDM pioneer? ( RS Chloe Sevigny reveals she secretly married a year ago ( ET Disney+ passes 100M subscribers 16 months after launch ( SF Jersey Shore star Jenni JWoww Farley is engaged ( E! Zayn slams Recording Academy: F--- the Grammys ( BB House of Gucci first look: Adam Driver, Lady Gaga in Ridley Scott film ( ET Zac Hanson, wife welcome baby No. 5 ( E! Peacock orders Da Vinci Code spinoff Langdon ( SF Khloe Kardashian made embryos with Tristan Thompson, delayed baby plans ( ET Paris Jackson shuts down rumors shes dating Emile Hirsch ( E! Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. Such is the popularity of the app that some users in the kingdom are offering to sell Clubhouse invitations on Twitter, highlighting a repressed appetite for debate and discussion despite the fear of surveillance Political reform, racism, transgender rightsthe audio app Clubhouse has unleashed unbridled debates about topics deemed dangerously sensitive in Saudi Arabia, but surveillance fears have spooked users in the authoritarian state. Banned by the censors in China, the invitation-only app is gaining traction in parts of the Gulf, sparking bold conversations in countries known to curb free speech. The most provocative appear to be happening in chat rooms focused on Saudi Arabia, where nationalist trolls and a government crackdown on online critics have largely stifled debate on other platforms. Such is the popularity of the app that some users in the kingdom are offering to sell Clubhouse invitations on Twitter, highlighting a repressed appetite for debate and discussion despite the fear of surveillance. "Clubhouse is thriving because there's a plethora of Saudi intellectuals interested in debating multiple topics that could be considered taboo or censored in the public realm," Amani al-Ahmadi, a US-based Saudi-American activist, told AFP. But after Ahmadi recently hosted a chat on "racism in Saudi Arabia", Twitter was splashed with screenshots and videos revealing the identity and opinions of the participants, alongside conspiracy theories about their motives. The tactic, which sparked fears that app users were being monitored, marked a breach of the rules set by Clubhouse, which forbids the recording of conversations. A similar Clubhouse room created to discuss the recent release of jailed activist Loujain al-Hathloul had to be shut down after some speakers threatened to expose them publicly, according to two sources privy to the session. A picture shows a woman checking the Clubhouse app on her phone in the Saudi capital Riyadh "I see some Saudi trolls taking Clubhouse conversations to Twitter by recording and hash tagging people," said Ahmadi. "This is still a new platform and there are many concerns when it comes to security." Clubhouse did not respond to AFP's request for comment on the reported breaches. 'Free thinking' In a sign that some may already be self-censoring on the platform, many begin their talks with the proviso "I'm inside" the kingdom or "I'm in a sensitive place", a Saudi user of the app told AFP. But despite the risks, many Saudis are participating in free-wheeling discussions that capture the zeitgeist of a largely young population. In one chat room, a Saudi woman bemoaned the lack of civil liberties in the absolute monarchy. "Thinking freely carries a great cost, it can cost your life, can send you to prison," she said, according to participants. In this file photo taken on January 28, 2021 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during a conference in a virtual session in the capital Riyadh "We are not barn animals... It is our right to think and our right to protest like any other nation. This is the simplest right of citizens." In another, a Saudi lauded new employment opportunities for women in the kingdom, but said they came at a huge cost. "We are now walking down the path to equality," she said. "But many Saudi men have become resentful and ask: 'Why is it that women have more job opportunities than me?'" And in another, a transgender woman from the kingdom shared her chilling experiences of being publicly groped and harassed, according to app users. 'Filling a void' Such unrestrained conversations have sparked furious calls for state regulation from government supporters. "The acrimony that its discussions can generate could harm society as a whole without any organisational or ethical constraints," Salman al-Dossary wrote in a Saudi newspaper column titled "Clubhouse's moral dilemma". Clubhouse has unleashed unbridled debates about topics deemed dangerously sensitive in Saudi Arabia, but surveillance fears have spooked users in the authoritarian state In an online video, Saudi academic Fahad al-Otaibi went as far as to say that Clubhouse posed a risk to the kingdom's national security. There was no official comment from Saudi authorities. Saudi app users say it is only a matter of time before pro-government trolls assert control over the platform's activitiesjust like they did with Twitter. Pro-regime cyber armies have infiltrated Twitter, intimidating the kingdom's critics and distorting online narratives while also harnessing the platform to promote ambitious government reforms. In recent years, regime critics have been jailed over tweets, underscoring how social media has become a weapon of authoritarian rule, campaigners say. "Clubhouse is filling a massive void right now, and its popularity in the Gulf shows that people have been waiting for a new avenue to express their opinions, explore ideas and debate freely and without censorship," said Ahmed Gatnash, co-founder of the Middle East activist group Kawaakibi Foundation. "I do fear that the Saudi government will either crack down by banning the app, or surveil rooms and arrest people for exercising their right to free speech, as they did with Twitter in recent years," Gatnash told AFP. Explore further Clubhouse competitor: Twitter launches rival audio chat rooms feature Spaces on Android 2021 AFP For the past 24 nights, Myanmar residents have experienced the same pattern: The internet is mostly off, and then in the morning, it pops back on. Then, tens of thousands of people in the country quickly jump on the Psiphon app and others that circumvent filters and blocks put up by the military government so they can reach popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter and others. The nightly shutdowns are conducted by the Myanmar military government. The internet wasnt designed to be turned off and turned on, said Michael Hull, president of Psiphon, a circumvention tool like a virtual private network that allows users to go to sites without being detected. Psiphon works with news organizations such as VOA. You have to do a lot of work to pull that off, he said. Myanmar is just the most recent country to experience internet shutdowns. Throughout the world, governments are employing similar strategies during times of crisis. In 2020, there were 155 internet shutdowns in 29 countries, according to Access Now, a digital rights group. While that is fewer than shutdowns in the prior two years, blockages are used more for political control, said Raman Jit Singh Chima, Asia policy director and senior international counsel at Access Now. India, with 109 shutdowns mostly in Indian-administered Kashmir, had the highest number. In Belarus, the internet went down for 61 hours in August after the presidential election. In addition to shutdowns, some governments are installing new censorship and surveillance capabilities on their networks. Cambodia is setting up an internet gateway to give the government the ability to surveil and censor internet users. Governments typically argue that an internet shutdown helps maintain security in a time of crisis, including limiting the spread of misinformation. Some are looking to cybersecurity legislation to give the government more latitude to control the network, limit what people see and track peoples digital movements. Such moves raise serious concerns, Chima said. You need to be cautious about a cybersecurity move by any government, he said, because often, unfortunately, it has free expression and other human rights impacts. It is unclear why the Myanmar military government, which seized control on February 1, is conducting nightly internet shutdowns. Theories include that the government is using the off-line period to install technology so it can more easily block, censor and track users when it powers the network back on. Another is that the military is using the period of limited communication both inside and outside the country to arrest people. David Kaye, a former United Nations special rapporteur and a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, said he did not know why the military is shutting down the network, but it is troubling. The problem is that all the internet stuff is just a kind of prelude to something else, he said. Prelude to greater crackdown, harsher use of force, more detentions. Internet shutdowns come with economic costs as much as $4 billion, according to a recent study by Top10VPN. And there are political risks, particularly in nations that do not have diverse sources of information. They must really want to shut down the information flow because people rely on the internet in Myanmar, Kaye said. One of the most contentious claims made in Meghan Markles interview with Oprah Winfrey this week was that one about race. A member of the Royal Family is alleged to have raised questions or concerns about how dark the skin of Meghans child might be. And the uproar that ensued has been deafening, with the word racist recurring in almost every news report. But I would ask for a moments pause and reflection. Before we leap to the conclusion that this was a vulgar, racist question, we should recognise that we know neither the context nor the intent behind the supposed inquiry. Im drawing on first-hand experience here. My wife Julia and I were asked exactly the same question in a spirit of benign interest by my mother-in-law Muriel shortly before the first of our two daughters was born in 1980. I should point out here that, like Meghan and Harry, I am black and Julia is white. The Duke of Sussex and The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa, arrive at the Audi Sentebale Concert at Hampton Court Palace on June 11, 2019 Resolve My late mother-in-law, excited about the arrival of her first grandchild, was getting her knitting needles out and simply wanted to know what colour baby clothes would suit the newborns complexion. She asked in much the same way that any of us might wonder: will the baby have her mothers hair or her fathers nose? Absolutely no offence was intended or taken. The context of that conversation was a loving family, its intent to resolve the question of buying wool which goes to show that unless you know both context and intent of what people say, you must keep an open mind. In light of this interview, I feel desperately sad that, after our collective response to Covid shone such a warm light on the British values of community, the nation is now in grave danger of being divided by the question of racism. In 2015, Her Majesty The Queen appointed me as Her Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London the first British-born non-white holder of this ancient post. In that capacity I support the Queen and the Royal Family, helping them to build bridges, to connect people and organisations and enhance Londoners sense of belonging to an inclusive capital. The Prince of Wales goes to shake the hand of Sir Kenneth before he changes to use a Namaste gesture, as he arrives at the annual Prince's Trust Awards 2020 As a result, I have had the privilege of meeting all of the members of the Royal Family on many occasions and I can confirm that they are charming and inclusive. That is not just my perception it is one shared by the many thousands of people whom I have seen react to the special pixie dust which a royal visitor sprinkles over those they meet. As head of the nation, the sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; she gives a sense of stability and continuity. Her close links with, and affection for, the Commonwealth remind us of her affiliation to all her subjects, no matter what their colour or creed. I was born in 1951, in a two-up, two-down in the poorest area of Nottingham, raised by my single white mother after my father a Nigerian law student returned to his native Lagos. We had an outside loo and a tin bath, I had free school meals at my state school, but my mother instilled in me those British values of self-belief and hard work and I was fortunate to win a scholarship to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University. What a shock! I remember thinking, as I sat down to my first candlelit banquet in a venerable wood-panelled room, that there was more silverware at my place setting than we had in our entire cutlery drawer at home. Alien though it was, I always felt welcomed by fellow students and dons alike. Of course, growing up, I did encounter racism and prejudice. Remember this was the post-Windrush era when lodging houses barred their doors to blacks and Irish. Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Kenneth at the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in October 2018 Divisions My first girlfriends father was appalled that she was dating a black man and forbad her from seeing me (although he had never even met me!) an injunction we blithely ignored. So, in my lifetime our attitudes to race have come a long way, and this is encapsulated for me in two images from last year. Consider first Patrick Hutchinson, the British Black Lives Matter protester who, during clashes with a far-Right white activist, saved a man from being beaten by a mob of angry black youths before handing him safely over to the police. The image of Mr Hutchinson carrying his would-be assailant to safety abides, a spectacular demonstration of hope for a future in which humanity supersedes racial divisions. Another powerful image of our time comes from Her Majestys commemoration of the Centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. Because of lockdown, the Queen was accompanied only by her Equerry. The photo shows her standing in silent contemplation as Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, who was born in Ghana, knelt to lay a wreath beside the tomb. Duty and inclusion exemplified in sacred surroundings. We have made progress since the day that my father arrived from Lagos. But I am the first to concede that although our direction of travel has been so positive, we have a long way to go. And, as Black Lives Matter reminded us, we need to pick up speed. Sir Kenneth arrives for a service at Westminster Abbey in London in 2019 to mark 750 years since Edward the Confessor's original church was rebuilt under the reign of King Henry III To do that we need to learn to talk about racism real and perceived. For example, I believe many white business leaders in the UK do nothing to further the cause of racial diversity for the very reason that they are afraid to discuss it, in case they inadvertently cause offence. That is why we must always concentrate on the context and intention of peoples comments before we judge them. We should not feel afraid to address matters of race and skin colour even if we make blunders as long as our objective is benign. Clumsy I think back to a military dinner I attended as Lord-Lieutenant when my co-host told me he had quite recently come to the conclusion that Enoch Powells Rivers Of Blood speech was wrong! I could have reacted in two ways: either been deeply hurt that he had ever believed it contained a truth, or accepted it as a somewhat clumsy attempt to make me feel welcome at a gathering where I was the only person of colour. I chose to do the latter. I did not take offence. And this, I believe, is the way forward. In the course of my career as a businessman and philanthropist, I have learned not to be affronted by well-meant errors wherever they occur. Actually, when I was in Nigeria for a business meeting recently, I was amused when a hotel check-out clerk who did not raise her head from her keyboard said: You cant be called Olisa. Thats a Nigerian name and youre a white Englishman. Oprah With Meghan And Harry. In my years of working closely with the Royal Family I have never once encountered the slightest hint of racism I assured her, however, that my father was Nigerian and then asked her about her own name Blessing on her badge. Aha! I said, Blessing is an English name, but youre obviously Nigerian. Dont you have a Nigerian name? Yes, she said, its Ngozi. And what is that in English, I asked, feeling pleased with myself. Blessing, she replied. We had both fallen into the trap of making glib assumptions. But were either of us being racist? No. Of course not. And I dont have to go to Africa to discover this truth. Before lockdown, Julia and I were on holiday and encountered a chap handing out leaflets at an ecclesiastical building. He seemed mildly incredulous when my wife told him that I was Lord-Lieutenant of London. Oh, which borough? he asked; the unspoken sub-text being that I a black man could not hold a particularly elevated title. So when Julia explained that my role encompassed all the boroughs he seemed embarrassed. Later, as we were leaving, he rushed over to tell me: Sir, Ive read all about you in the Court Circular. He seemed to think an apology was necessary. But really I didnt mind one whit. His error was a benevolent one. He was kind and civilised. And I still believe that, by and large, our nation is, too. Certainly, we take our lead from our monarch and indeed all the Royal Family who remain a shining example of probity, inclusivity and decency. In my years of working closely with them I have never once encountered the slightest hint of racism. Indeed, in all they do, they strive to repair rifts, not create them. I do hope that when we contemplate recent events, we will remind ourselves of what is wonderful about our nation, recognise the strength of our collective values, acknowledge how far we have come and then press the accelerator pedal to speed up the process of celebrating our talents. You are here: Business China is developing faster bullet trains to operate at higher speeds, according to a top railway industry official. Lu Dongfu, president of China State Railway Group, also a deputy to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said the company has launched the CR 450 technological innovation project, which aims to develop a new generation of Fuxing bullet trains that are faster, safer, smarter, more environmentally friendly and save more energy. Fuxing bullet trains, China's domestically manufactured bullet trains, can travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. By 2020, China had 1,036 Fuxing bullet trains running at speeds from 160 to 350 km/h. "People have never stopped pursuing a higher speed. China's bullet trains run up to 350 km/h, ranking top in the world," said Lu Chunfang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a railway expert. He noted that, based on research, bullet trains can travel at speeds higher than 350 km/h. "China has conducted fundamental research, has technologies and has also carried out experiments, in laboratories and on site. We have acquired much data from those experiments, which are very helpful for further research," he said. In 2016, two trains ran at a speed of 420 km/h when they passed each other along the Zhengzhou-Xuzhou High-Speed Railway. In 2010, an experiment was carried out to run a train at a speed of 486.1 km/h along the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. More smart Fuxing bullet trains will be put into operation before July 1, Lu Dongfu said. The trains will run on lines from Beijing to Shanghai, Beijing to Harbin, Beijing to Guangzhou, and Chongqing to Chengdu. China's domestically developed and built smart Fuxing bullet train was first put into operation on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway in December 2019. The smart Fuxing bullet train makes less noise and consumes less energy, he said. Before July 1, Fuxing bullet trains will be operated in the Tibet autonomous region, meaning that all provincial-level regions in the Chinese mainland will have access to high-speed train services. China's high-speed railway network had a total track length of 37,900 km by the end of 2020, ranking top in the world. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Gaia Metals Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV:GMC)(OTCQB:RGDCF)(FSE:R9G) is pleased to announce its plans to complete a 16-line km induced polarization and resistivity (IP-Resistivity) geophysical survey this spring at the Company's wholly owned Freeman Creek Gold Property (the "Property"). The Property is located 15 km northeast of Salmon, Idaho, and is road accessible year-round. The objective of the survey at the Carmen Creek Prospect is to locate any additional and yet to be discovered parallel trending mineralised structures, as well as further trace them along strike. In addition, the survey will probe to depths of approximately 120 m and allow for further discrimination of targets along the strike of the structure(s). The data obtained will be integrated with the Company's existing datasets, and used to confirm and prioritize the initial drill hole plan for the Carmen Creek Prospect. The objective of the survey at the Gold Dyke Prospect is to further define the trend of the mineralization, and to prioritize and refine drill hole targets, to follow-up the successful 2020 drill program, where gold mineralization was encountered in each drill hole, highlighted by FC20-003 which returned 4.11 g/t Au and 33.0 g/t Ag over 12 m, within a wider interval of 1.12 g/t Au and 9.0 g/t Ag over 47.6 m (see news release dated January 12th, 2021). The results of the 2020 drill program at the Gold Dyke Prospect indicate that a wide-spread, low-grade gold mineralized envelope is present, which also contains a high-grade component of unknown extent. The high-grade precious metal mineralization present in drill hole at the Gold Dyke Prospect is indicated to be primarily associated with quartz veining rich in sulphide (pyrite, galena, sphalerite), hosted within heavily altered metasediments. President & Director Blair Way commented: "A fundamental key to success in mineral exploration is to utilize the best-suited tools at one's disposal to optimally qualify targets ahead of drilling. At Carmen Creek, the IP survey should do exactly this and help us further focus in on the most prospective segment of the structure(s) present. At Gold Dyke, the Company's inaugural drill program confirmed the historical drill hole intersections and has refined our exploration model and approach. The pending geophysical survey at Gold Dyke should allow us to better understand the trend of the high-grade mineralization and further prioritize drill targets ahead of follow-up drilling at the Prospect." The Company has engaged TMC Geophysics to carry-out the field survey, a leading geophysical services provider to the mineral exploration industry with a head office in Canada, as well as satellite offices in the United States and Mexico. The Company has also retained Dynamic Discovery Geoscience Ltd., an expert geophysical group based in Ottawa, ON, to assist with survey design and interpretation. IP-resistivity is a ground geophysical survey well suited to detect near-surface disseminated sulphide mineralization (IP anomalies), as well as areas of alteration and/or silicification (resistivity anomalies). This geophysical tool is commonly used in gold and base metal exploration and is often effective at qualifying drill targets initially developed from surface mapping and sampling. The IP-resistivity survey will be completed over both, the Carmen Creek Prospect (~10-line km) and the Gold Dyke Prospect (~6-line km), with the primary objective to further prioritize targets for an inaugural drill program at Carmen Creek, and to refine drill hole locations for follow-up drilling at Gold Dyke. The surveys are expected to elucidate a chargeability response reflective of the sulphides present, which are associated with gold and silver mineralization at both prospects. This association is strongest at Carmen Creek, where sulphide content is greatest. Areas of silicification or alteration, associated with the precious metal mineralization, may also elucidate a resistivity response. The geophysical responses over the currently defined mineralized zones will be used as markers to detect similar responses over the area, which may represent additional, yet to be discovered zones of mineralization. The sampling to date at Carmen Creek indicates the presence of multiple, closely spaced, parallel trending mineralized structures/vein(s) over a mapped strike length of at least 1.2 km, spanning a corridor of 300+ m, and is open at both ends. The trend has no known historical records of drill testing, having only been evaluated at a reconnaissance scale by the Company. The mineralization (oriented ~135/65) is characterized by chlorite mica-schists with quartz veining, magnetite, and common malachite and sulphides (bornite, chalcopyrite, pyrite). Field prospecting along the trend has returned numerous samples that range in grade from 2.0 to 25.5 g/t Au, 10 to 269 g/t Ag, and 0.13 to 32% Cu. The Company is fully permitted to carrying out a follow-up phase of drilling at the Gold Dyke Prospect in 2021, pursuant to its declared Notice of Intent on file with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Permitting for an inaugural drill program at the Carmen Creek Prospect is progressing to plan, and is expected to be completed by late spring/early summer this year. Qualified Person Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration for the Company and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. About Gaia Metals Corp. Gaia Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects containing base and precious metals, including platinum group elements, and lithium. The Company has two flagship assets; the Freeman Creek Property, located in Idaho, USA, and the Corvette-FCI Property, located in the James Bay Region of Quebec, Canada. The Freeman Creek Property hosts two major advanced targets; the Gold Dyke Prospect with a 2020 drill hole intersection of 4.11 g/t Au and 33.0 g/t Ag over 12 m, and the Carmen Creek Prospect with surface sample results including 25.5 g/t Au, 159 g/t Ag, and 9.75% Cu. The Corvette-FCI Property includes the wholly owned Corvette claim block, and the FCI East and West claim blocks held under Option from O3 Mining Inc. The claim blocks are contiguous and host significant gold-silver-copper-PGE-lithium potential highlighted by the Golden Gap Prospect with grab samples of 3.1 to 108.9 g/t Au from outcrop and 10.5 g/t Au over 7 m in drill hole, the Elsass and Lorraine prospects with 8.15% Cu, 1.33 g/t Au, and 171 g/t Ag in outcrop, and the CV1 Pegmatite Prospect with 2.28% Li2O over 6 m in channel. In addition, the Company holds the Pontax Lithium-Gold Property, QC; the Golden Silica Property, BC; and the Hidden Lake Lithium Property, NWT, where the Company maintains a 40% interest, as well as several other assets in Canada. For further information, please contact Adrian Lamoureux, CEO & Director at Tel: 778-945-2950, E-mail: adrian@gaiametalscorp.com or visit www.gaiametalscorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, "ADRIAN LAMOUREUX" Adrian Lamoureux, CEO & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Statements: Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Gaia Metals Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634437/Gaia-Metals-to-Complete-IP-Resistivity-Survey-at-the-Freeman-Creek-Gold-Property-Idaho-USA Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The most important thing the United States should do is to just stop, drop the tariffs on Chinese products, because these are irrational, John Ross, a senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, said in an interview with Shenzhen TV, adding that the irrational tariff policy of the Trump administration not only harmed China's interests, but also resulted in extremely high costs for American companies and consumers, and had a negative impact on the world economy. Commenting on questions about human rights raised by some Western journalists at a press conference by the Foreign Ministry of China on March 8, Ross said that when it comes to issues such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, some Western countries are not just making fake news, they are inventing facts. John Ross (Photo/sztv.com.cn) According to Ross, issues regarding Xinjiang is an invention by the west. There is no genocide in Xinjiang. This is completely ridiculous lie. He said this is typical of the United States. When the United States wants to integrating aggressive actions, it just invents things. In the 1960s, the U.S. invented the claim that the North Vietnamese ships attacked American warships and used this to justify the launch of the Vietnam War. There was a claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Later, it became true that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. Ross emphasized that the current priority for the world is cooperationfighting against COVID-19, the global economic recession, and coping with climate change together. On the question of Hong Kong, Ross noted that people have to accept the one country, two systems. Some people in the west want to ignore the fact that when Hong Kong was returned to China, the agreement was one country, two systems. They want to remove the one country and just emphasize two systems, but this isn't what it was agreed from the fact that Hong Kong has always historically been part of China. Regarding the electoral system in Hong Kong, he said some Western countries have expressed their concerns, but he believes that's an internal affair of China. All countries that I know of have when you want to have office, you have to take oath of loyalty. It differs in different countries on exactly what you have to swear allegiance to. The president of the United States upon being inaugurated has to swear allegiance to the constitution of the United States. A member of the British parliament has to swear allegiance to the Queen. (Natural News) Grocery chain Giant Foods, also known as Martins Food Markets, has gone woke with a new labeling scheme that indicates on price tags which products are made by companies with non-white owners. Located throughout the Northeast in states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, Giant stores now feature black-owned tags on products like Neillys Teriyaki Rice Mix, and Hispanic-owned tags on products like Goya Medium Grain Rice. The only products without race-based labels on them are those made by companies with light-skinned owners, which the Landover, Md.-based chain has chosen not to recognize. Men are also excluded from Giants labeling scheme, which features everything from women-owned soups to LGBT-owned fruit spreads basically everything except products from companies that are led by white men. The labels will inform customers about items from companies that are women-, Black-, Asian-, Indian-, Hispanic-, LGBT-, Asian-, Pacific- or veteran owned, an announcement explains. More than 3,100 food and nonfood products will feature the updated shelf labels across Giants 164 stores in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The retailer said the items come from 281 minority-owned businesses in its network of vendor partners. Part of the Ahold Delhaize USA group, Giant is proud of the new labels, which are part of its supplier diversity efforts. Giant Food is proud to better highlight our diverse suppliers, company president Ira Kress is quoted as saying. Were committed to making it easier for customers to identify product attributes that are important to them by fostering a diverse and inclusive network of suppliers that reflects the unique backgrounds and experiences of our Giant family, our customers and our communities. Hating white people is a leftist virtue Martin Luther King Jr. is probably rolling in his grave, seeing as how he advocated against this type of thing. King tried to teach people that skin color is of no importance, but rather it is the character of a person that truly matters. In todays identity politics nightmare, however, skin color is everything and if yours is too light, then you do not matter. If you are white and male, you have no worth, no dignity, and will receive no recognition for your existence or efforts, thanks to the rabidly anti-white leftist agenda. Labeling products based on the race of their owners in 2021 America is not much different than labeling stores owned by Jewish people in 1930s Germany. Both serve the purpose of identifying people based on race for the purpose of vilifying one while propping up another. In this case, white people living in America are being denigrated in the same way that Jewish people living in pre-World War II Germany were denigrated. Soon all white Americans will probably be told they need to wear a white armband with the word privileged written on it. Im sure Hitler would be proud, wrote one Twitter user in response to the news from Giant. The U.S. has been under attack for a while now as the parasitical subverters that control it seek to divide, then subdivide, and ultimately conquer it by pitting the races against one another. The target, of course, is white people. And the endgame, if this evil agenda is allowed to persist, is their destruction. Meanwhile, we still cannot get stores like Giant, or the manufacturers of the products they carry, to properly label which products contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Talk about misplaced priorities. Theyre creating hostility towards products that didnt exist previously, wrote one commenter at The Right Scoop. America is over, wrote another. Were at the point now where we see if it is going to be a slow or quick death. More related news stories about rampant anti-white racism in Americas new normal can be found at Libtards.news. Sources for this article include: TheRightScoop.com NaturalNews.com ADVERTISEMENT Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) marched into the National Assembly on Wednesday to protest against moves by lawmakers to remove minimum wage matters from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list. This is in reaction to a bill that passed second reading at the House of Representatives in February. The bill seeks to remove minimum wage matters from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. It passed the second reading in the House of Representatives on February 23. Should the bill become law, the federal government will not have exclusive jurisdiction to determine a national minimum wage and states will now have the power to determine their own minimum wages, The sponsor of the bill, Garba Mohammed (APC, Kano), had said the bill is to allow both the federal and state governments to freely negotiate minimum wage with their workers in line with our federalism. But Nigerian workers unions are opposing the bill. They argued that some states are currently trying to reduce the N30,000 minimum wage recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari. The protesters gathered at the National Assembly arcade with many carrying placards with different inscriptions. Some of the placards read On national minimum wage we stand, No to relocation of minimum wage to Concurrent List, Yes to minimum wage on exclusive list. NLC President Ayuba Wabba, who led the protest, decried how little and insufficient the current minimum wage is, especially with the current exchange rate. He described the bill as an attempt by some lawmakers to undermine Nigerias working class. Also, the TUC President, Quadri Olaleye, made the same call as he condemned the failure of some state governments to implement the new minimum wage. ALSO READ: Nigerian lawmakers to empower states to determine minimum wage The groups further demanded that state governments yet to implement the new national minimum wage should commence negotiations with the Joint Negotiation Council in their respective states to avoid a declaration of a trade dispute. They also sought financial autonomy for states. Messrs Wabba and Olaleye presented their letters of demands to the Senates Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, and House Majority Leader, Ado Doguwa. The lawmakers who received the letters promised to relay their concerns to the National Assembly leadership. Plans to install brightly-lit billboards on a footbridge in central Sydney have triggered tensions between the owners of a heritage-listed pub building and the NSW government, which is pushing to erect more of the signs across the city to raise revenue for the states transport agency. Sydney Trains is pursuing plans to attach 12-metre by three-metre digital advertising billboards to both sides of the Wynyard Walk pedestrian bridge that goes over Sussex Street and links Barangaroo to the western side of the CBD. Bill Lloyd, 69, has owned his terrace in the same building as the Sussex Hotel, next to Wynyard Walk, since 1992. Credit:Kate Geraghty But the owners of the Federation-style Sussex Hotel, and a residence that shares the state heritage-listed building on the street beside the footbridge, are arguing their outlook will be severely impacted by the signs. These huge commercial signs will clutter the streetscape with Las Vegas-style advertising and poison the main pedestrian entrance to Barangaroo, said resident Bill Lloyd. Puducherry elections 2021: BJP claims NDA going ahead with full coordination to win polls India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Puducherry, Mar 10: The NDA, comprising AINRC AIADMK and the BJP, is going ahead with a clear vision and in full coordination to romp home in the April 6 Assembly elections here, BJP in-charge of Puducherry Nirmal Kumar Surana said on Wednesday. Already, Surana told reporters, the NDA has finalised that AINRC would contest in 16 out of the total 30 seats here. The AIADMK and BJP which have been earmarked the remaining 14 seats would decide soon the number of seats the two parties would share between themselves. South superstar Mohanlal receives COVID-19 vaccine; Thanks government, medical staff "We are going ahead with full coordination and in a smooth manner. Our alliance is now carrying out our poll- related works under the leadership of AINRC founder-leader and former Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who is an experienced leader and knows Puducherry fully," he said. He had said on Tuesday that the NDA would function in the Union Territory under Rangasamy's leadership. Surana said, "Our aim is to ensure that the Congress-DMK alliance is totally defeated and should not garner even a single seat in the forthcoming polls." TN elections 2021: Kamal Haasan announces MNM-SDPI alliance; Allots 18 seats He declared open the election office of the BJPtoday. Among those present on the occasion included former PWD Minister A Namassivayam, who joined the BJP after quitting the Congress in January; president of the Puducherry unit of BJP V Saminathan; and former legislators A John Kumar and E Theeppainjan. Namassivayam, speaking at the inauguration of the election office ofBJP, said the party had emerged as a strong political party in Puducherry. "No dispensation will be possible without BJP in the Union Territory," he said. He called upon the rank and file of the parties attached to the NDA to put in hard work to ensure that it formed the next government here. Meanwhile, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) which announced to fight the forthcoming polls on its own forwarded to the party founder S Ramadoss the list of its candidates for 15 constituencies for approval. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News Convenor of Puducherry unit of the party K Dhanaraj said in a press release that the list of names relating to 12 constituencies in Puducherry and three segments in Puducherry was forwarded to the party founder for his approval. PMK had announced to fight the polls on its own as it was not associated with the seat-sharing exercise by the BJP for Puducherry polls. The Houston office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, was selected by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) as a 2021 Diversity in Business Award honoree. According to HBJ, the Diversity in Business Awards program honors organizations and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as in business leadership. Greenberg Traurig is fully committed to living and breathing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and around the globe, said Mary-Olga Lovett, Senior Vice President and Co-Regional Operating Shareholder of the firm's Texas offices. The firms Houston office has long been a leader in advocacy for inclusion and embodies the same diversity seen throughout this great city. Having a diverse workforce allows us to better serve our clients. We are thrilled to be recognized by the HBJ. Greenberg Traurig Houstons recognition is in the Outstanding Diverse Organizations category. This category identifies organizations that have contributed to harnessing diversity within their workforces. It also honors those that have actively taken the lead to promote and champion the business case for diversity within the community or their industries. HBJ will host a virtual award ceremony on March 25 and will issue a special publication in the upcoming March 26 edition. About Greenberg Traurigs Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. Through its Social, Racial, and Economic Justice Action Plan, the firm has committed $5 million over five years to help combat systemic racism and support impoverished communities. In addition, the firms efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 3.0 certification, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners. Web: https://www.gtlaw.com/en/general/our-firm/diversity Twitter: @GT_Drives. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Texas: Texas is important to Greenberg Traurig, LLP and part of its history. With approximately 130 Texas lawyers in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Greenberg Traurig has deep roots in the Texas business, legal, and governmental communities. Greenberg Traurig Texas works with clients to address their interdisciplinary legal needs across the state utilizing the firms global platform. The Texas attorneys are experienced in industries key to the states future, including: aviation, chemicals, construction, education, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, health care, hedge funds, hospitality, infrastructure, insurance, media, medical devices, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, real estate, retail, sports, technology and software, telecommunications, transportation, and video games and esports. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com China's rural tourism embraced rapid development in recent years. In 2019, over 300,000 entities running agritourism businesses had been established in the country, generating total revenue of 850 billion yuan ($130.28 billion). Last year, rural tourism created 11 million jobs and benefited over eight million rural households. Rural tourism destinations also saw huge numbers of visitors during this year's Spring Festival holiday. To keep the authentic rural features is what many regions trying to do when developing rural tourism. At present, China's rural tourism sector is becoming more subdivided and characteristic, with higher quality. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) noted that it will further optimize the rural tourism industry and build a batch of high-quality projects. According to Zhou Yezheng, deputy director of MARA's Department of Rural Industries, 400 villages and townships have been selected for the demonstration of the "one village, one product" project aiming at boosting local industrial development, which will help foster contiguous development. Besides, the country also issued a list to recommend featured rural products and craftsmen, as a way to help rural areas market their featured industries. Feng Xi, after working in Shanghai for two years, decided to go back to his hometown in Jiuhuashan, east China's Anhui Province. Helping his parents with his family's agritainment business at first, Feng sensed the bright prospects of rural tourism, and persuaded his parents to upgrade their facilities and launched online services of customized tours. "Most of the visitors come here for leisure activities and to spend holidays, so I hope I can offer them more personalized services," Feng said. Apart from providing tour services, Feng is also cooperating with a few young people around him to sell local specialties online. During this year's Spring Festival holiday, they for the first time livestreamed the scenery of Jiuhuashan Mountain. Envisioning a bright future of rural tourism, more and more young entrepreneurs like Feng are going to the countryside to start their businesses. The new business philosophies and development modes they brought are huge wealth for the country to develop rural tourism. To attract more high-level professionals in the cultural and tourism sector is an inevitable step for the upgrade of China's rural tourism. Huang Xihua, a deputy to the National People's Congress and general manager of Guangdong Provincial Tourism Holdings Co., Ltd., proposed that the country establish an institution of higher learning of rural revitalization to cultivate more professionals for rural tourism. Sandia National Laboratories geoscientist Hongkyu Yoon holds a fractured 3D-printed rock. Hongkyu squeezed 3D-printed rocks until they cracked and listened to the sound of the rocks breaking to be able to identify early signs of earthquakes. Credit: Rebecca Gustaf Geoscientists at Sandia National Laboratories used 3D-printed rocks and an advanced, large-scale computer model of past earthquakes to understand and prevent earthquakes triggered by energy exploration. Injecting water underground after unconventional oil and gas extraction, commonly known as fracking, geothermal energy stimulation and carbon dioxide sequestration all can trigger earthquakes. Of course, energy companies do their due diligence to check for faultsbreaks in the earth's upper crust that are prone to earthquakesbut sometimes earthquakes, even swarms of earthquakes, strike unexpectedly. Sandia geoscientists studied how pressure and stress from injecting water can transfer through pores in rocks down to fault lines, including previously hidden ones. They also crushed rocks with specially engineered weak points to hear the sound of different types of fault failures, which will aid in early detection of an induced earthquake. 3D printing variability provides fundamental structural information To study different types of fault failures, and their warning signs, Sandia geoscientist Hongkyu Yoon needed a bunch of rocks that would fracture the same way each time he applied pressurepressure not unlike the pressure caused by injecting water underground. Natural rocks collected from the same location can have vastly different mineral orientation and layering, causing different weak points and fracture types. Several years ago, Yoon started using additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, to make rocks from a gypsum-based mineral under controlled conditions, believing that these rocks would be more uniform. To print the rocks, Yoon and his team sprayed gypsum in thin layers, forming 1-by-3-by-0.5 inch rectangular blocks and cylinders. However, as he studied the 3D-printed rocks, Yoon realized that the printing process also generated minute structural differences that affected how the rocks fractured. This piqued his interest, leading him to study how the mineral texture in 3D-printed rocks influences how they fracture. "It turns out we can use that variability of mechanical and seismic responses of a 3D-printed fracture to our advantage to help us understand the fundamental processes of fracturing and its impact on fluid flow in rocks," Yoon said. This fluid flow and pore pressure can trigger earthquakes. For these experiments, Yoon and collaborators at Purdue University, a university with which Sandia has a strong partnership, made a mineral ink using calcium sulfate powder and water. The researchers, including Purdue professors Antonio Bobet and Laura Pyrak-Nolte, printed a layer of hydrated calcium sulfate, about half as thick as a sheet of paper, and then applied a water-based binder to glue the next layer to the first. The binder recrystallized some of the calcium sulfate into gypsum, the same mineral used in construction drywall. The researchers printed the same rectangular and cylindrical gypsum-based rocks. Some rocks had the gypsum mineral layers running horizontally, while others had vertical mineral layers. The researchers also varied the direction in which they sprayed the binder, to create more variation in mineral layering. The research team squeezed the samples until they broke. The team examined the fracture surfaces using lasers and an X-ray microscope. They noticed the fracture path depended on the direction of the mineral layers. Yoon and colleagues described this fundamental study in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. Sound signals and machine learning to classify seismic events Also, working with his collaborators at Purdue University, Yoon monitored acoustic waves coming from the printed samples as they fractured. These sound waves are signs of rapid microcracks. Then the team combined the sound data with machine-learning techniques, a type of advanced data analysis that can identify patterns in seemingly unrelated data, to detect signals of minute seismic events. Sandia National Laboratories geoscientist Hongkyu Yoon and his team 3D-print rocks with reproducible faults and then squeeze them until they crack. Listening to the sound of the rocks breaking provides the team with the data they need to train a deep-learning algorithm to identify signals of seismic events faster and more accurately than conventional earthquake monitoring systems. Credit: Rebecca Gustaf First, Yoon and his colleagues used a machine-learning technique known as a random forest algorithm to cluster the microseismic events into groups that were caused by the same types of microstructures and identify about 25 important features in the microcrack sound data. They ranked these features by significance. Using the significant features as a guide, they created a multilayered "deep" learning algorithmlike the algorithms that allow digital assistants to functionand applied it to archived data collected from real-world events. The deep-learning algorithm was able to identify signals of seismic events faster and more accurately than conventional monitoring systems. Yoon said that within five years they hope to apply many different machine-learning algorithms, like these and those with imbedded geoscience principles, to detect induced earthquakes related to fossil fuel activities in oil or gas fields. The algorithms can also be applied to detect hidden faults that might become unstable due to carbon sequestration or geothermal energy stimulation, he said. "One of the nice things about machine learning is the scalability," Yoon said. "We always try to apply certain concepts that were developed under laboratory conditions to large-scale problemsthat's why we do laboratory work. Once we proved those machine-learning concepts developed at the laboratory scale on archived data, it's very easy to scale it up to large-scale problems, compared to traditional methods." Stress transfers through rock to deep faults A hidden fault was the cause of a surprise earthquake at a geothermal stimulation site in Pohang, South Korea. In 2017, two months after the final geothermal stimulation experiment ended, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook the area, the second strongest quake in South Korea's recent history. After the earthquake, geoscientists discovered a fault hidden deep between two injection wells. To understand how stresses from water injection traveled to the fault and caused the quake, Kyung Won Chang, a geoscientist at Sandia, realized he needed to consider more than the stress of water pressing on the rocks. In addition to that deformation stress, he also needed to account for how that stress transferred to the rock as the water flowed through pores in the rock itself in his complex large-scale computational model. Chang and his colleagues described the stress transfer in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. However, understanding deformation stress and transfer of stress through rock pores is not enough to understand and predict some earthquakes induced by energy-exploration activities. The architecture of different faults also needs to be considered. Using his model, Chang analyzed a cube 6 miles long, 6 miles wide and 6 miles deep where a swarm of more than 500 earthquakes took place in Azle, Texas, from November 2013 to May 2014. The earthquakes occurred along two intersecting faults, one less than 2 miles beneath the surface and another longer and deeper. While the shallow fault was closer to the sites of wastewater injection, the first earthquakes occurred along the longer, deeper fault. In his model, Chang found that the water injections increased the pressure on the shallow fault. At the same time, injection-induced stress transferred through the rock down to the deep fault. Because the deep fault was under more stress initially, the earthquake swarm began there. He and Yoon shared the advanced computational model and their description of the Azle earthquakes in a paper recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. "In general, we need multiphysics models that couple different forms of stress beyond just pore pressure and the deformation of rocks, to understand induced earthquakes and correlate them with energy activities, such as hydraulic stimulation and wastewater injection," Chang said. Chang said he and Yoon are working together to apply and scale up machine-learning algorithms to detect previously hidden faults and identify signatures of geologic stress that could predict the magnitude of a triggered earthquake. In the future, Chang hopes to use those stress signatures to create a map of potential hazards for induced earthquakes around the United States. Explore further Q&A: Behind the scenes with an earthquake scientist More information: K. W. Chang et al. Hydromechanical Controls on the Spatiotemporal Patterns of InjectionInduced Seismicity in Different Fault Architecture: Implication for 20132014 Azle Earthquakes, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2020). K. W. Chang et al. Hydromechanical Controls on the Spatiotemporal Patterns of InjectionInduced Seismicity in Different Fault Architecture: Implication for 20132014 Azle Earthquakes,(2020). DOI: 10.1029/2020JB020402 Liyang Jiang et al. Mineral Fabric as a Hidden Variable in Fracture Formation in Layered Media, Scientific Reports (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58793-y Kyung Won Chang et al. Operational and geological controls of coupled poroelastic stressing and pore-pressure accumulation along faults: Induced earthquakes in Pohang, South Korea, Scientific Reports (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58881-z Journal information: Scientific Reports Makeup guru Huda Kattan has called on beauty brands to disclose when social media snaps have been edited. The millionaire, 37, who lives in Dubai and is founder of her eponymous brand Huda Beauty, took to YouTube to reveal she is 'angry' by the number of beauty brands promoting their products with highly edited images. She has led the charge by launching a petition and by sharing unedited snaps with the hashtag #NoPhotoshop. Speaking to her over 4 million YouTube subscribers, Huda said: 'Let's remove the beauty standard and let's remove all the b******, all the Photoshop, all the Face Tune, all the filters. 'Let's get back to the place where we all except each other and embrace each other.' Huda Kattan, 37, (pictured) who lives in Dubai, took to YouTube to gather signatures for a petition demanding that the beauty industry disclose when images are edited Huda (pictured) wrote #nophotoshop #noediting in the caption of a photo showing her E Girl chic make-up look Since releasing the 8-minute clip, Huda has released a petition demanding that brands have to disclose when beauty images are edited. She has racked up over 3,000 signatures, with many praising her for sparking the movement. Explaining the dangers of making edited snaps seem realistic, Huda said: 'I think the beauty industry is amazing and it's changed my life but there is some things that are still there and if we don't change them soon, they're going to get worst. 'I'm not here to attack the entire beauty industry. There are so many people out there who are being so real, so honest and trying to make a difference and I applaud them so much. 'But there are some ugly aspects of the industry where it has been used to capitalize. People have come into the beauty industry literally not caring at all about beauty, wanting to make money of the industry. She continued: 'We need to democratize beauty. It's not for any brand to own but for each person to feel. Huda (pictured) recently shared an unedited snap on Instagram for a post sharing her fitness journey, racking up almost 70,000 likes Huda (pictured) was dubbed 'stunning' by her followers in another snap with no editing 'When we were about to launch Wishful, I remember looking into everything in the skincare industry. I remember seeing some skincare brands just recently launched and I was really, really frustrated because I saw these ads. 'I too wanted beautiful skin. Just flawless, poreless, smooth skin that all the influencers and celebrities had and a few ads came out from some brands and I saw makeup in them. 'I saw Photoshop in them. I got angry, really mad. I told my team I want to film the Wishful campaign without Photoshop and without makeup. I'm ready. 'This is what we need to see. Why do we need to use these things if the products work and they do work.' Fans praised Huda's stance. One person wrote: 'I'm only 15-years-old in England right now it's a national lockdown, so I've been constantly scrolling and looking at all these pics of girls who are so beautiful and m confidence levels have dropped to an all time low. Hearing an influencer like Huda actually talk about these issues is so enlightening. I hope others do it too.' Another said: 'Thank you for this! Everyone needs to hear, that they are beautiful with or without makeup! Love yourself first, taking care of yourself on the inside first reflects on the outside. Putting makeup to enhance your natural beauty is the best feeling.' Like the F-16 before it, the F-35 is spearheading NATO's air power and ensuring strategic integration of allied combat airpower. The vital interoperability of the 5th Generation F-35 binds 13 allies and partners with the United States in air dominance and enabling critical joint capabilities. The F-35 will serve as a force multiplier for Denmark, allowing the Royal Danish Air Force to train and fight alongside NATO allies and create a strong deterrent. "Achieving the first flight of Denmark's first F-35 is major milestone for the Denmark F-35 program and a testament to the outstanding abilities of our dedicated and highly trained joint industry and government team," said Bill Brotherton, acting F-35 vice president and general manager. "This team's focus on delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter in the world will ensure the sovereign protection of Denmark and strengthen allies and partners through the NATO F-35 coalition." L-001 is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force in April and will be flown to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, later this year for pilot and maintainer training. F-35s will arrive in Denmark in 2023 and be based at Royal Danish Air Force's Fighter Wing Skrydstrup where it will safeguard the skies over Denmark and its NATO allies. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation. SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Related Links https://www.lockheedmartin.com/ ALBANY Members of the state Assembly Republican conference are calling for a federal investigation into the structural integrity of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge after an eight-month Times Union investigation raised questions about the thoroughness of the state's response to an alleged cover-up of bolts that broke in significant numbers during the construction process. Members of the chamber's minority conference wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation's inspector general requesting "an immediate investigation to ensure the bridge is safe and that state officials, private contractors and others involved in the bridges completion acted appropriately," according to a news release. Based on conversations with individuals involved in both the bridges construction and attorney generals investigation, the Times Union report raises serious and numerous concerns over the bridges safety and whether political intervention influenced the investigation, the letter states. The slow movement of the inquiry, the unusually low financial settlement reached with (Tappan Zee Constructors, the consortium that built the bridge for the state Thruway Authority), the political considerations at play in finishing the project as quickly as possible and the failure to publicly release the conclusions of the states findings all raise serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation. Read the full letter: In 2017, the New York state attorney general launched an investigation into concerns raised by a whistleblower regarding the structural integrity of bolts used in the construction process of the bridge. That investigation, conducted by the Thruway Authority and the state Inspector General's office, recently resulted in a $2 million settlement with the state, although most documents in the case remain under a sealing order. Tappan Zee Constructors has appealed the recent decision by the judge in the case to lift the seal. Democratic Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti, who represents Westchester County, said that he is in the process of gathering more information about the investigations that were conducted by the state and the whistleblower's legal team. "I want to talk with the other people who represent this area and work on a strategy to ensure that this bridge is safe," Abinanti said. "I want to review what the Republicans are suggesting and I want to talk to the other state elected officials on this and see if we can arrive at a uniform and joint approach." Earlier this week Tappan Zee Constructors issued a statement affirming its position that the bridge is safe. "TZC unequivocally stands by the quality of our work and the safety of the bridge. The construction companies that make up TZC and its bridge designer have built many of the major crossings in the New York area, including the former Tappan Zee Bridge, and have a long history of excellence," the company said. "TZC performed additional testing and inspection measures of the high strength bolts on the bridge. This was in addition to the independent sampling and testing methods completed as part of the fabrication, construction, and quality assurance processes. The testing, including the testing performed by the laboratory retained by the state as part of its investigation, has confirmed that the bolts are in conformance with applicable industry standards." Jamey Barbas, the Thruway Authority's project director for the bridge work, issued a statement this week disputing the bridge has any structural issues. "Upon learning of the allegations of bolt failures in 2016, not only did the Thruway Authority immediately inform the inspector general, we spent more than ($1 million) and engaged world-renowned subject matter experts, developed a testing program, conducted extensive studies, and tested well over five hundred bolts," Barbas said. "The tests confirmed that the bolts met or exceeded the requirements set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The very small number of bolts that were broken is not a cause for safety concern on such a large bridge consisting of more than one million bolts." The state Inspector General's office released a statement Monday defending the thoroughness of its investigation. The deficiencies of the Mario Cuomo Bridge, as outlined by the Times Union expose, are not only an extreme danger to public safety, they also serve as a microcosm for the lack of transparency and accountability exhibited by the government, said Assemblyman Dave McDonough, R-Long Island. ... I have deep concerns about the timetable in which this project was completed, and the quality of the bridges structural integrity. The investigation into the fraudulent activities surrounding the construction and alleged shortcuts demands unbiased and thorough attention. "Further, experts suggest the bridge is likely to deteriorate faster as more bolts break," McDonough continued. "State officials have been aware of the deficiencies for years and have failed to act on it, neglecting to publicly release the conclusions of the states findings and essentially waiting for a disaster to occur. A Malaysian Muslim activist holds a religious booklet, while waiting outside court during an earlier hearing on the controversy Christians in Muslim-majority Malaysia can use the word "Allah" in publications, a court ruled Wednesday, overturning a decades-old ban after a lengthy legal battle that fuelled religious tensions. The Arabic word for God has long been divisive in Malaysia, with Christians complaining attempts to stop them using it highlight creeping Islamisation. But some Muslims accuse Christians of overstepping boundaries. Wednesday's case began 13 years ago when officials seized religious materials in the local Malay language from a Christian at Kuala Lumpur airport that contained the word "Allah". The woman -- Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, a member of an indigenous group -- then launched a legal challenge against a 1986 ban on Christians using the term in publications. After repeated delays, the Kuala Lumpur High Court finally sided with her, ruling she had the right not to face discrimination on the grounds of her faith. The judge also ruled the ban on Christians using "Allah" was "unlawful and unconstitutional", her lawyer Annou Xavier told AFP. Malaysia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Christians in Malaysia say they have used the word "Allah" for centuries. But authorities had argued against using the term in non-Muslim literature, saying it could confuse Muslims and entice them to convert. In another high-profile case in 2014, Malaysia's top court dismissed a bid by the Catholic Church for the right to use the word "Allah" in the Malay-language edition of a church newspaper. Malaysia has largely avoided overt religious conflict in recent decades, but tensions have been growing. In 2014 a church was hit with petrol bombs, while Islamic authorities have seized Bibles containing the word "Allah". In 2017 a Christian pastor was dragged from his car by masked men and kidnapped. He is still missing, with a public inquiry concluding he was probably snatched by "agents of the state". Less than 10 percent of Malaysia's 32 million people are estimated to be Christians, coming from mostly ethnic Chinese, Indian or indigenous backgrounds, while 60 percent are Muslim ethnic Malay. jsm-sr/leg We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form India on Tuesday, March 9, called in British envoy Alex Ellis to lodge a strong protest against the debate on farmers' protest and press freedom in the UK parliament that saw lawmakers critiquing the Indian government's handling of the agitation. Calling it "gross interference" and "votebank politics", Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla issued a demarche to British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis, expressing strong opposition to the "unwarranted and tendentious" discussion on India's farm laws in the British Parliament. Also Read: One-sided, false assertions: India slams UK lawmakers' debate on farmers' stir "Foreign Secretary made clear that this represented a gross interference in the politics of another democratic country. He advised that British MPs should refrain from practising vote bank politics by misrepresenting events, especially in relation to another fellow democracy," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted. The Indian High Commission in London had also denounced the Westminster Hall discussion by some British legislators "over press freedoms and safety of protestors in India", held on Monday, March 8. The 90-minute debate was held in response to a public plea that garnered over 1,15,000 signatures and saw Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democratic and Scottish National Party legislators urging the Boris Johnson government to express their concerns about the handling of the protest and media freedoms with the Indian dispensation. Although several British MPs recognised the Indian government's agri reforms were its internal matter, they noted that their constituents had close links with India's farm sector and were perturbed by what they stated as the use of force against the agitating farmers. The Indian mission in the UK called the discussion "one-sided", based on "false assertions". In this file photo taken on Oct. 1, 2020, supporters of China's Muslim Uighur minority wave flags of East Turkestan and hold placards as they gather at the Beyazid square during a demonstration to protest China's Uighur treatment in Istanbul. AFP Chinese authorities' treatment of Uighurs in China's northwest meets every criteria of genocide under the United Nations' Genocide Convention, said a group of experts in international law, war crimes and the Xinjiang region in a new analysis. Published on Tuesday by Washington-based think tank Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, the report marked the first independent legal analysis of the applicability of the Genocide Convention to Chinese authorities' actions against the Uygur people. "China's policies and practices targeting Uighurs in the region must be viewed in their totality, which amounts to an intent to destroy the Uighurs as a group, in whole or in part," researchers wrote. The analysis drew on public and leaked government statements, individual testimonies, public satellite imagery and other information to reach its conclusions. Among the evidence cited to accuse intent were remarks made openly by government officials about Uighurs, including calls by a religious affairs official to "break their lineage, break their roots, break their connections, and break their origins". "The intent to destroy the Uighurs as a group is derived from objective proof, consisting of comprehensive state policy and practice, which President Xi Jinping, the highest authority in China, set in motion," the researchers wrote, citing Xi's launch of the "people's war on terror" in Xinjiang in 2014. Violation of any one of the Genocide Convention's five clauses is sufficient to constitute a determination of genocide. Researchers said that all five conditions, which include killing or harming the members of a group, had been met, and placed culpability for the violations at the hands of Chinese government entities. 404 Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy early followed by increasing clouds with showers developing later in the day. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Northeast Syria, where the majority of the countrys oil reserves are located, is suffering from an acute fuel shortage. The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration that controls northeastern Syria is not producing enough oil and gas to meet the demand, and civilians living under its control are accusing it of corruption and inequitable distribution. I stood in line for an hour until I got 26 liters of diesel, which is much less than what I need, but there is no alternative, a man living in Western Qamishli told Al-Monitor under the pseudonym of Sirwan Hami. Ive also been looking for a gas cylinder since the beginning of February, and I have yet to find one, he said. Diesel and gas are essential supplies for families in the area. More than one out of five of northeast Syrias residents are internally displaced people, according to an estimate by the UN Humanitarian Needs Assessment Program in November 2020. Many of them live in informal or substandard accommodations, leaving them especially vulnerable to Syrias cold winters. Temperatures dropped as low as 17 degrees Fahrenheit this year. Though the administration devised a plan to distribute free diesel in northeast Syria, intending to give each family three 440-liter rations of diesel, residents complained to Al-Monitor that they had only received one ration while others had received no fuel at all. Hami, for example, said that his neighbor had received two rations while he had received only one and complained that corrupt individuals in the administration were playing favorites. Another resident from the city of Amuda said that officials had charged him nearly double the official price of gas with no explanation for the price increase. The administration sells subsidized diesel and gas, but shortages have meant that residents have had to buy from regime distribution points, which charge up to three times the subsidized price for gas and have a reputation for filling cylinders halfway. Other residents turn to the black market, where the quality of the gas is suspect and prices are also higher than the subsidized rates: 3,500 vs 7,500 Syrian lira ($0.89 vs $1.92). Every winter we suffer from a diesel shortage, but this time we dont know the causes, Hami said. We heard that the Autonomous Administration is cracking down on [oil refining] with the excuse of protecting the environment, but smuggling continues to the regimes areas. The administration smuggling crude oil to regime-held territory has long been an open secret and is tacitly condoned by the United States, which issued a waiver to a US company Delta Crescent Energy to develop the refining and extraction capacities of northeast Syria. Sadiq Mohammad al-Khalaf, co-minister of fuel for the Autonomous Administration, said that the fuel crisis is under control and that it was the low production capacity of oil refineries and gas plants that was creating the fuel crisis in the northeast. The oil refineries we have are basic and not up to global standards; they do not create good quality [fuel]-so we had a crisis. We also are in need of a million gas cylinders per month to give each family one cylinder our problem is that there are no oil refineries or gas plants," he told Al-Monitor. Khalafs statement hits at the heart of the dilemma facing the Syrian oil industry, where the de facto geographical division of the country into three zones of control has prevented what was once Syrias most lucrative industry from getting back on its feet. The oil fields lie under the control of the Autonomous Administration, but the refining equipment lies in regime-held territory, constraining the capacity of both authorities from fully utilizing the resources at their disposal. Smuggling is a natural consequence of this dilemma but comes at the expense of civilians, who face increased fuel prices as war profiteers maintain chokepoints for the oil, lining their pockets in the process. Before the Syrian revolution began in 2011, Syria produced 368,000 barrels of oil a day. Today the number is much lower, with estimates of daily production ranging from 100,000 to 89,000 bpd. The administrations 2020 budget breakdown reveals that oil revenues were somewhere under $37 million last year, though the exact figure is unknown because the data provided includes agriculture and customs revenue. Notably, this was a slight decline from last years oil-related revenues in the Kurdish-led authority. To increase its fuel and oil production in general, the northeast needs to repair and construct new oil refineries. The administrations budget readout mentions a coming oil refinery project, but gave no other details. Delta Crescent Energy is supposed to help develop the areas oil refining capacity, but its unclear how or when this will occur. To make up for its own oil shortage, the Syrian regime has imported massive amounts of crude, importing an average of 53,000 barrels per day from Iran in January and signing tenders with Russia to import 180,000 tons of petrol over the coming months. The regime can then refine the oil and sell it to its citizens, as it holds the countrys refineries. The Autonomous Administration, by contrast, has no such ability to import fuel from international allies and thus must achieve self-sufficiency or reach a deal with Damascus, perhaps as part of greater political negotiation regarding the status of the autonomous area. Northeast Syrias fuel shortage comes as the value of the Syrian lira plunges to unprecedented lows, dropping to 3,960 per US dollar on March 2, severely undercutting the already diminished purchasing power of Syrian civilians amid the countrys spiraling economic crisis. The area is also suffering from a wheat shortage that has left some of the areas poorest residents hungry. The result, as Sirwan Hami put it, are streets made of bread, diesel and gas queues. Mohammad Abdulsattar Ibrahim contributed to this article. Its been more than a month since Rio Tintos freshly minted chief executive Jakob Stausholm hit the road to lead the Australian leg of the companys reputational revival tour. It was a gruelling schedule spanning the east and west coasts and quite a departure from the kind of roadshow typically undertaken by a new chief executive whose focus would normally be on meeting with large investors in Melbourne and Sydney skyscrapers. Jakob Stausholm toured the country - listening to Rio detractors. Rather than pushing the companys financial prospects, it was Stausholms credentials as a chief executive with the character and the emotional intelligence to spearhead a cultural revolution that were being marketed. And for the most part Rios stakeholders were buying. [March 10, 2021] Infinidat Announces Customer Award Winners WALTHAM, Mass., March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Infinidat, a leading provider of enterprise-class storage solutions, today announced the winners of its annual award program. It recognizes customers who have made remarkable advancements in digital transformation initiatives, competitive advantage, technological expansion and the impact of data storage on the world in 2020. Our customer award winners have shown extraordinary diligence, traction and commitment to serve their own customers. Its satisfying to know Infinidat has been able to play a role in support of their efforts over the past year, said Steve Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Sales, Americas at Infinidat. These organizations are using storage technology as a strategic asset to propel them forward. We equip our customers with the data storage and recovery capabilities they need to succeed. The following are the winners by category and region: Service Provider of the Year The Service Provider of the Year Award from Infinidat recognizes the service provider that continuously empowers competitive advantage for their customers. Flexential was awarded the Service Provider of the Year Americas. As a service provider, Flexential solves hybrid IT challenges with a national data center platform offering colocation, cloud, connectivity and disaster recovery services. We are intensely focused on driving competitive advantages for our customers who trust us for the scalable data storage that is mission-critical, eliminating risk of downtime and data loss while ensuring consistent, secure access, said Mike Fuhrman, COO, Cloud & Managed Services at Flexential. We appreciate being recognized by Infinidat as Service Provider of the Year in the Americas. Flexentials services and expertise, matched with Infinidats state-of-the-art storage technology, are a winning combination for our customers. Innovator of the Year The Innovator of the Year Award from Infinidat recognizes the customer who has pushed new technological boundaries leveraging Infinidat solutions. US Signal was awarded the Innovator of the Year Americas. As a data center services provider, US Sgnal offers network, cloud, colocation, data protection and managed and professional IT services. Winning the award from Infinidat for innovation speaks to the exceptional value that we bring to our customers, incorporating Infinidats flexible and cost-effective consumption model into our solutions, said Amanda Regnerus, EVP Business Development at US Signal. Not only does Infinidat enable us to offer 100 percent data availability to our customers, but Infinidat has also worked well with us to address the needs of organizations under increasing pressure to reduce capital budgets and consolidate data storage systems during the current global pandemic. The Pioneer The Pioneer Award recognizes the customer who has successfully leveraged Infinidat solutions towards the implementation of digital transformation initiatives. Thrive was awarded The Pioneer Americas. As one of the largest managed service providers (MSPs) in the U.S., Thrive focuses on SMB, mid-market, and enterprise clientele with a strong concentration in the Financial Services sector. Thrive also serves life sciences, healthcare, higher education, retail, and other industries known for having extensive storage needs and strict security requirements. We are honored to receive The Pioneer Americas award, said Michael Gray, CTO at Thrive. Its exciting to be recognized for our vision as a premier provider of Next-Generation Managed Services. Infinidat is an integral part of our story with the Thrive Cloud ecosystem. We have been able to successfully work together to maximize our differentiation in a competitive space, thanks to InfiniBoxs petabyte-scale performance capability, which enables us to deliver enterprise-class storage performance, availability, and security to our customers worldwide. About Infinidat Infinidat helps enterprises and service providers empower their data-driven competitive advantage at scale. Infinidats software-focused architecture delivers sub-millisecond latency, 100% availability, and scalability with a significantly lower total cost of ownership than competing storage technologies. The company was founded by storage industry pioneer, Moshe Yanai, in 2011 and has shipped over 7.1EB worldwide to date. The corporate headquarters are based in Herzliya, Israel, and U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.infinidat.com. Connect with Infinidat About Infinidat Read our blog Follow us on Twitter Join us on LinkedIn Visit us on Facebook See us on YouTube Be our partner Media Contact Infinidat Sapna Capoor Director of Global Communications scapoor@infinidat.com I Mobile: +44 (0) 7789684159 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 20:56:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Aerial panoramic photo taken on Sept. 12, 2020 shows the Houhai area in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian) BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- When the COVID-19 pandemic drained global economic confidence last year, China's dynamic market brought a sense of certainty. Now at the ongoing annual "two sessions" where lawmakers and political advisors nationwide pool their wisdom into China's modernization drive, China reaffirms its decades-long commitment to opening-up. China is ready to open more broadly and confident in its ability to do so, building on its strong recovery momentum. Last year, the country pulled ahead of the major economies to achieve positive growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising 2.3 percent year on year. Photo taken on Nov. 5, 2020 shows the industrial robots of Nachi company from Japan at the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology exhibition area during the 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Li Renzi) Anticipating bullish growth in 2021, the country has set its annual GDP target at over 6 percent, boosting morale while leaving room for policy maneuver. Market expectations and forecasts by major international organizations point to higher growth. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development projected that China's GDP will rise 7.8 percent this year. No doubt, the China locomotive will continue to inject impetus to the pandemic-hit global economy. China's integration into the world showed that there is no reason for the country to shut its doors. It is crystal clear that openness leads to prosperity, while closed doors invite obscurity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization. China has continuously contributed to the process of globalization and achieved win-win results alongside the rest of the world. Over the past two decades, the country's average annual contribution to world economic growth has neared 30 percent, while its overall tariff level has dropped from 15.3 percent to below 7.5 percent. At this historic development juncture and the starting point of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), China's economy has embarked on a new journey with three major driving forces: scientific and technological innovation, the expansion of domestic demand, and reform and opening-up, which will help further unleash the vitality of the country's huge market. Delegates from China and Switzerland sign an agreement at the booth of STOR-H TECHNOLOGIES SA from Switzerland during the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) China will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and steadily promote the opening-up of financial sectors including banking, securities, insurance and futures, according to the draft outline of the new five-year plan. In addition to opportunities, opening-up also brings new challenges. How can the world's second-largest economy continue to flourish amid intensified global competition? "Facing new problems and challenges brought by globalization, we should not retreat into protectionism, isolation or decoupling, but work together to make globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all," State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during this year's "two sessions." The House on Wednesday passed Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, delivering a major legislative and policy win on the 50th day of his presidency. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the 220-211 vote result from the chair, prompting the bills supporters to burst into applause. Just a single Democrat voted against it. Her glee at the outcome was evident even though she had a mask on. She executed what her daughter Christine called a 'shimmy' as she gaveled down the vote in a chamber where a five-vote majority gave her very little wiggle room. As the House passed the biggest relief bill so far, the Dow soared to a record high with prospects of a more promising market with inserted stimulus. The Dow jumped 464 points, or 1.5 per cent, reaching 32,297 points. The broader S&P index rose by more than half a percentage point. Biden will sign the bill on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House. The president then plans to travel the country to sell the plan after signing it into law. He will be hitting the road, she said. Not one Republican crossed the aisle to vote on passing the final version of the legislation, as several of them lamented they were not welcomed to the negotiating table and had no say in the massive package. Heaven forbid that they vote for something a Democratic president wanted, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer grumbled about his GOP colleagues. Several Republicans denounced the legislation as a ram job being forced through Congress by Democrats without any attempt at bipartisanship. Democrats passed it under special budget reconciliation rules that allowed it to get through the Senate without being subject to a Republican filibuster. In a 220-211 vote on Wednesday, the House voted to pass the latest $1.9 trillion COVID relief package with not a single Republican voting in favor of the legislation House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bangs the gavel Wednesday afternoon as the House approved the Senate version of the American Rescue Plan Pelosi gave a thumbs up to the chamber after the package passed as she received applause from its supporters when announcing the vote to send the legislation to the president White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House Wednesday as the bill passed that President Joe Biden will sign it on Friday By doing so, they avoided protracted negotiations over a stimulus package that former President Barack Obama and Biden experienced at the start of Obamas term. Pelosi pointed to provisions in the package beyond immediate coronavirus issues including a boost in the child tax credit meant to shore up struggling families amid the economic fallout. How do you say no to lifting 50 per cent of impoverished children in America, out of poverty? she asked in her floor speech. An administration-wide effort will sell the plan to the public. 'He will be hitting the road, the vice president will be hitting the road. The first lady will be hitting the road. We will have people out communicating directly in communities,' Psaki said. Democrat Jared Golden of Maine was the sole Democrat who voted against the bill he also voted against the first version that passed the House. In a statement on his vote, Golden said: 'Borrowing and spending hundreds of billions more in excess of meeting the most urgent needs poses a risk to both our economic recovery and the priorities I would like to work with the Biden Administration to achieve, like rebuilding our nations infrastructure and fixing our broken and unaffordable healthcare system.' Biden said in a statement: 'For weeks now, an overwhelming percentage of Americans Democrats, Independents, and Republicans have made it clear they support the American Rescue Plan. Today, with final passage in the House of Representatives, their voice has been heard.' He added: 'This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going a fighting chance.' Representative Marcia Fudge of Ohio cast her last vote as congresswoman by proxy shortly after being confirmed by the Senate to join Bidens cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She provided notice of her resignation immediately after voting in favor of the bill. Democratic leaders were already planning a ceremony Wednesday afternoon to celebrate passage and formally enroll the bill, notwithstanding Greene's demand for additional time to consider 'enslaving' Americans with more debt. The quick ceremony being organized by Pelosi was meant to convey urgency to get the measure to Biden's desk, while trumpeting its extension of unemployment benefits, aid to states and local governments, and influx of cash to push out vaccine distribution. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy denounced the bill as a 'ram job', claiming 'Democrats have abandoned any pretense of unity' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stalled the final vote Wednesday by forcing a tally on a motion to adjourn so her colleagues could 'pause' and consider the legislation further. 'There is no need to enslave the American people... in more debt,' she lamented Several Republicans denounced the legislation as a 'ram job' being forced through Congress by Democrats without any attempt at bipartisanship. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said during floor remarks on Wednesday that the legislation is a prime example of how 'socialism works' while claiming the bill only benefits those in 'the swamp'. 'I know the Democrats in the House are excited,' McCarthy started. 'From H.R. 1 to voting to defund police, House Democrats have abandoned any pretense of unity,' McCarthy charged. 'It passed three major bills in one month with zero bipartisan support.' 'Today, they plan to pass another,' he said ahead of the vote. Greene has emerged as a prominent member of the House GOP while rankling some of her colleagues with her repeated procedural motions and past expressions of support for the QAnon conspiracy theory. 'This Congress is ramming through unbelievable things at a rapid pace,' the Georgia Republican representative lamented. 'This must be stopped.' She continued: 'We have to give pause and consideration to what we're doing. This is a waste of money and a complete waste of time. Reopening America is a much better way to go.' 'Mr. Speaker, I ask for a motion to adjourn,' she demanded. Despite a resounding 'no' in the chamber, Greene requested a roll call vote, which pushed back consideration of the legislation. The House met Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. to take up the massive American Rescue Plan marked up by the Senate over the weekend. The vote Wednesday delivers President Joe Biden a massive win on Day 50 of his presidency The bill passed despite disappointing some Democrats with a pared back boost in weekly unemployment benefits of $300 rather than $400 in an earlier House-passed bill. That change was made to get it through the 50-50 Senate. Passage delivered President Joe Biden a major win on Day 50 day of his presidency. The final vote got briefly delayed by Greene's demand for a roll call vote on her motion to adjourn, and it wasn't immediately clear if she would try to offer more. 'There is no need to enslave the American people, our children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren and generations going forward in more debt,' she said. McCarthy took aim at the size of the legislation during floor remarks denouncing the one-sided nature of the process now that Democrats hold a majority in the House and Senate. He detailed that the average American will end up contributing more toward funding the nearly $2 trillion package than they will receive in direct benefits from the American Rescue Plan one in a series of massive relief and stimulus bills passed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 'The so-called relief bill will end up costing every hardworking taxpayer in America more than $5,000 each,' McCarthy said. 'You send the government your tax dollars, but you only get a fraction of what you pay for, at the very best.' 'You know, we warned people on the internet about email scams. It's like one of those emails where you get a promise you'll get millions of dollars, but first you have to wire them some money. That's exactly what's happening here today. This is the reality of this bill before us. It showers money on special interest, but spend less than 9 per cent on actually defeating the virus.' The Republican California congressman added: 'Interesting how socialism works.' Direct checks in the amount of $1,400 could begin distribution as early as next week after Biden signs the bill Friday. The president told reporters Monday that he would sign the bill 'as soon as I get it.' The lower chamber had to vote on the Senate version of the bill, which passed midday Saturday after an all-night vote-a-rama Friday night. Although the Democrat-led House did accept the changes there were a few added provisions that many, especially progressives, did not support. In particular, far-left Democrats are not happy with the boosted unemployment benefits number being reduced by $100 per week and the Senate deciding to change the salary eligibility requirements for direct checks. President Joe Biden said he will sign the American Rescue Plan as soon as it hits his desk meaning $1,400 direct checks could be sent out as early as next week What's in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus bill heading to Joe Biden's desk? Relief checks President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats tightened eligibility for the $1,400 payments to secure support from wavering Democratic senators. But under the Senate bill being voted on in the House Wednesday, the phaseout stops at $80,000. Under the earlier House-passed version, the cash payment would have phased out for singles with incomes between $75,000 and $100,000. Under the original House bill, the cash payment for married couples phased out between $150,000 and $200,000. But under the Senate bill heading to Joe Biden's desk, the phaseout stops at $160,000. Most Americans will still be getting the full amount. The median household income was $68,703 in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Roughly 8 million fewer households will get a check under the Senate bill compared with what the House passed, according to an analysis from the Tax Policy Center. Money for state and local governments The Senate-passed bill provides $350 billion for state and local governments but adds the stipulation that the money can only cover costs incurred by the end of 2024. The Senate bill also prohibits states from using the money to offset tax cuts, nor can it be used to shore up a pension fund. The bill also requires that small states get at least the amount they received under virus legislation that Congress passed last March. Lawmakers are looking to focus the money on covering costs and revenue shortfalls arising from the pandemic. Aid for the jobless The Senate-passed bill extends enhanced unemployment benefits through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. Also, the first $10,200 of benefits would non-taxable. The provision applies to households with incomes under $150,000. Passage came after a compromise that knocked down the House-passed higher payment of $400 per week, with the extension running until Aug. 29. Thats on top of what beneficiaries are getting through their state unemployment insurance program. More money for hospitals Hospital trade groups lobbied senators to tack on more money for hospitals to help maintain sufficient staffing and purchase personal protective equipment while caring for large numbers of critically ill patients. The Senate bill being taken up by the House adds $8.5 billion for rural providers for COVID-19 relief. Health insurance help Workers who lose their job can remain on their companys health plan for up to 18 months under a law known as COBRA, but they typically must pay the full monthly premium. The House bill temporarily subsidized 85% of the insurance premiums, which can be expensive. The bill that passed the Senate include a 100% subsidy of COBRA health insurance premiums to ensure that the laid-off workers can remain on their employer health plans at no cost through the end of September. Provisions for children and students The bill provides $7.5 billion for vaccine distribution, along with $48 billion for testing and contract tracing. It provides $39 billion for child care, amid studies showing women have been disproportionately kept out of the workforce due to schools closing in-person learning. Schools and universities also get $160 billion in direct aide, but there are provisions meant to ensure it gets spent in the next few years. It also expands the child tax credit to $3,000 per child in a provision projected to cause a steep drop in child poverty. It is an increase of $1,000 from the current credit, which is fully refundable on tax returns. There is an additional $600 for children under six. Amtrak and other winners Amtrak would get an additional $200 million on top of the $1.5 billion in the House bill, for a total of $1.7 billion. Theres also an additional $510 million for homeless services under the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $175 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. All COVID-19 student loan relief would be tax-free. No $15 minimum wage hike The Senate-passed bill being voted on in the House does not include an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. It got stripped out after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the minimum wage increase violated strict budget rules limiting what can be included in a package that can be passed with 51 votes rather than the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster. - AP Advertisement Republicans proposed a series of amendments to the legislations that were rejected by the slim Democrat majority Senate but a few provisions snuck in there with the help of centrist Democrat Joe Manchin, who says he wants more bipartisanship in the federal legislature. With a 50-50 split Senate, any Democratic member essentially has veto power over legislation in which they do not agree, giving a lot of power Manchin, arguably the most conservative Democrat in the upper chamber. While those who associated their bank account with their tax filings will receive the $1,400 checks by direct deposit, those who opt for a physical check will not see President Biden's name on them. Former President Donald Trump wanted his name on the stimulus checks that were sent out to Americans last year, which held up the first round of payments as the Internal Revenue Service had to reprint the physical checks. 'Well, we are doing everything in our power to expedite the payments and not delay them, which is why the president's name will not appear on the memo line of this round of stimulus checks,' said White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday. 'This is not about him. This is about the American people getting relief.' It took more than two weeks for the IRS to begin sending the first $1,200 electronic payments to taxpayers last April after Trump signed the $2.3 trillion CARES Act relief package into law on March 27, including a three-week lag for paper checks, after changes were made to print Trump's name on it. Former President Donald Trump had his name inked on the stimulus checks that were given out to Americans as part of the first COVID-19 stimulus last spring, which delayed the payments for three weeks Trump was running for re-election at the time. The White House, which estimates nearly 160 million households will get payments, has been promising that the $1,400 checks will start going out this month. Republicans, however, have raised concerns that certain people will unjustly receive the checks. The relief bill notably does not exempt incarcerated people, people with non-citizens spouses or relatives of those who died in 2020 from receiving the payments. Psaki said Tuesday that Treasury officials are 'working to ensure more people can get them [checks] electronically,' which should expedite the process. She also said that the checks wouldn't be delayed so Biden's name could be displayed on the paper versions. 'He did not think that was a priority or a necessary step,' Psaki said. The U.S. government could start delivering $1,400 as early as this week, compared with the lag of several weeks experienced in April 2020. The bill also includes an expanded child tax credit of up to $3,000 per child, or $3,600 for each kid under the age of six. The IRS will pay part of this in monthly installments of $250 or $300 from July through December, adding a benefits distributor role to the revenue collection agency's responsibilities. The IRS, which has more than 70,000 employees, handles over 190 million individual and corporate tax returns a year, but it has been hobbled by budget cuts and obsolete technology in recent years. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, as the COVID-19 relief package is called, includes $1.46 billion for the agency, which is running into its busiest season, as the April 15 deadline for individual taxpayers approaches. A U.S. Treasury spokeswoman said the Biden administration's priority was to speed relief to Americans, adding: 'Treasury stands ready to implement the direct payment check program as soon as the American Rescue Plan is passed.' Making one-off payments to those who regularly file tax returns should not be a struggle for the IRS, said Janet Holtzblatt, senior fellow with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. 'They have already ironed out many of the snafus that slowed the previous rollouts,' Holtzblatt said. 'The IRS continues to surprise me in its ability to step up to these challenges.' The year-end $900 billion stimulus was signed by Trump on Dec. 27, a week after Congress passed it. The IRS began sending electronic payments out two days later. Biden left the IRS plenty of wiggle room after the Senate passed the Democratic-backed bill on Saturday, saying his plan 'would get checks out the door this month.' But Democrats in Congress, including Senator Bob Casey, were more optimistic on Sunday. Payments will go out 'in very short order,' Casey said. 'The Treasury Department is prepared for this. They've been dealing with this issue since last March.' Another key priority for the next round will be signing up more people for electronic payments, including those earning too little to file tax returns or those not getting other federal benefits, who were left out of past payment rounds. Homeless people and those without internet access will be difficult to reach, but Holtzblatt said community outreach groups that were shut down last spring due to the pandemic could now provide some help in signing them up. President Donald Trump, who was running for re-election last year, wanted his name written on the paper checks that went out to Americans, giving them stimulus funds during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic The child tax credit changes are a vast undertaking, tax experts say. All taxpayers earning under $200,000 with children 17 or under living with them at least half the year can claim the credit. Biden's bill increases the credit to $3,000, from $2,000, for each child aged 6 to 17 for parents earning under $75,000 each and allows the monthly installments to supplement incomes and reduce child poverty. Nina Olson, executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights in Washington and the IRS' national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019, said a key challenge would be determining whether the children actually lived with their parents, which could hold up the payments. The IRS also needs to change its culture to reflect a changing mission, she said. 'The IRS needs to recognize that it's not just a revenue collector, but it is a social benefits administrator, and it needs to staff itself and organize its training accordingly,' Olson said. The Peace Tower is pictured on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on Jan. 25, 2021. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Canadians Whove Recovered from Depression Urge MPs to Vote Against Bill C-7 Canadians who had recovered from depression are urging MPs to vote against amendments to a bill that would expand access to medically assisted deaths for people suffering from mental illnesses. In a press conference co-hosted by Conservative MPs on Monday, witnesses expressed concerns about the Liberal governments latest amendments to Bill C-7, which would allow people who are suffering solely from mental illnesses, but are not close to a natural death, to receive medical assistance in dying (MAiD). This could mean Canadians whose sole condition is depression could be offered medical death. This is significant expansion beyond Bill C-7 as was debated by members of Parliament, as was studied in the Justice Committee, and as was ultimately passed in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Rob Moore said in his opening remarks. Bill C-7 was introduced to bend the federal law into compliance with a 2019 Quebec Superior Court ruling that declared the reasonable foreseeability of natural death to MAiD eligibility to be unconstitutional. When the Commons passed Bill C-7, mental illness was explicitly excluded as an eligibility criterion for accessing MAiD. But on Feb. 17, the Senate passed its own version of the bill, in which senators approved amendments that would allow people with mental illnesses to receive a medically assisted death. Now at the final stage of Parliamentary process, the Liberals wanted to dramatically expand this bill, and rush it through with virtually zero scrutiny from members of Parliament, this is, of course, absolutely unacceptable, Moore said. He also noted that one of the amendments will remove a safeguard and automatically expand MAiD to cover people with mental illnesses within 24 months if this version of Bill C-7 is passed into law. Moore said he is preparing to move a motion at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for a review of what he called the Liberals attempt to rubber stamp the bill on a matter of life and death. Savanna Beatch, who was diagnosed with depression at 19, said at the press conference that people may not understand the strength they have at the time when the mental illness has overpowered them, but they truly want to live. The fact is people are very resilient. People whos being through mental illnesses are incredibly resilient, they fight day-to-day, and they do recover, Beatch said. Wayne Wegner, a Saskatchewan resident, said he had considered suicide when a series of misfortune befell him three years ago. He had serious financial troubles, his marriage was falling apart, his son got into a car accident, and his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Wegner said hes concerned about medically assisted suicide because people who could have overcome their difficulties may needlessly take the option, which unnecessarily puts Canadians at risk. People will take the option if offered it in their most difficult and vulnerable times, Wegner said. When they are given hope, they will see overtime that life has offered a permanent solution to temporary problems. We need to send people to places of hope, and not medically assisted deaths, Wegner said. Russia is staking its future on Artificial Intelligence as President Vladimir Putin puts the technology at the heart of the nations digital transformation. With the US, China and Europe all investing heavily in AI, the scene is set for a global battle for supremacy. As Putin has said, the nation that leads in AI will be ruler of the world. In a speech to the AI Journey Conference 2020 held in Moscow in December, Putin told 10,000 online delegates that AI is one of the greatest technologies ever created by humanity. He promised that AI would become deeply embedded into the nations infrastructure as part of a new Russian revolution. Observers have warned about the use of the technology in military and internal security applications amid fears of a new AI-powered global stand-off. Russia has trialled the Uran-9 unmanned robot tank in Syria and aims to have 30% of combat capability powered autonomously by 2030. But it is in the civil sphere that AI promises a profound transformation of everyday life. South Korea has agreed to pay 13.9 percent more towards the cost of the US troop presence on the peninsula, its foreign ministry said Wednesday, in a six-year deal resolving an issue that festered under the Trump administration. The financial dispute had bedevilled the two allies' security alliance after former president Donald Trump -- who had a transactional approach to foreign policy -- repeatedly accused South Korea of freeloading. Washington stations around 28,500 troops in South Korea to defend it from the nuclear-armed North Korea, which invaded the South in 1950, and protect US interests in northeast Asia. Under the new deal, Seoul has agreed to pay 1.18 trillion won ($1.03 billion) for 2021, with annual increases thereafter linked to its defence budget. The sum represents a 13.9 percent increase on the roughly $920 million Seoul was paying under the previous agreement, which expired in 2019 -- but is a far cry from the Trump administration's initial demand of $5 billion a year. The new pact "again reaffirmed the need for a stable presence of US troops in Korea," Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it resolved a vacuum that had lasted for about 15 months. Both governments announced earlier this week that they had reached an agreement in principle, but the amounts involved were only confirmed on Wednesday. The new deal must still be approved by the South Korean legislature. The agreement came as Seoul and Washington kicked off their annual military training on Monday, which has been scaled down from the usual level due to the pandemic, with no large-scale physical troop involvement. The nine-day exercise is still likely to infuriate North Korea, which has long considered such drills rehearsals for invasion. North Korea has put itself under strict self-imposed isolation to try to protect itself against the pandemic, adding to the pressure on its moribund economy. Analysts will be watching to see whether Pyongyang will use the military drills to launch provocations against Washington as it seeks to test the new Biden administration. cdl/slb/am/mtp From the outside, the marriage of convenience between white conservative Christians and Donald J. Trump looked like a devoted one: White evangelicals voted for Mr. Trump overwhelmingly in 2016 and stuck with him in 2020, brushing aside perpetual lies and sexual impropriety to support a man they saw as their protector. However, not everyone was content. Now, one of the most prominent white evangelical women in the United States is breaking with her longtime denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, citing the staggering disorientation of seeing its leaders support Mr. Trump, and the cultural and spiritual fallout from that support. There comes a time when you have to say, this is not who I am, Beth Moore, told Religion News Service in an interview published on Tuesday. I am still a Baptist, but I can no longer identify with Southern Baptists, she added. Her stature in the movement poses a serious challenge for the Southern Baptist Convention, which has already been embroiled for years in debates not just about Mr. Trump, but about racism, misogyny and the handling of sexual abuse cases. Its membership is in decline. Russia accidentally shut down some of its own government websites after a move to slash Twitter's internet speeds backfired, Web pages for Kremlin.ru and several other government departments failed to load for about an hour shortly after Roscomnadzor, Russias communications watchdog, said it had started slowing down Twitters services over its refusal to remove harmful content. Roscomnadzor claimed that the US company has failed to delete posts depicting teenage suicide, pornography and drug use despite having been sent more than 28,000 takedown requests. But some believe the harmful content refers to posts by supporters of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny calling for anti-government rallies. Roskomnadzor, Moscow's media watchdog, said the disruption was intended to 'protect Russian citizens' after the platform failed to comply with thousands of requests to delete the illegal content. The watchdog said the disruption would amount to a 'slowdown in service speed' for all mobile users and half of desktop users, later adding that it would only affect photo and video content. The Kremlin has been cracking down on US tech giants, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, in recent months for hosting content which supports jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting inside the Kremlin yesterday. In January he warned against the increasing influence of large tech companies, saying they were 'competing' with sovereign states Twitter headquarters in San Francisco, California. Russia accused the firm of failing to remove thousands of posts relating to child pornography, suicide and drugs Roskomnadzor did not reference any posts relating to the massive protests over Navalny's detention that angered officials earlier this year. Instead, it objected to 3,168 posts relating to 'illegal content' which it said Twitter had not taken down despite warnings. It comes after Kremlin officials accused foreign internet companies of interfering in Russia's domestic affairs over their failure to take down calls to participate in rallies in support of Navalny. In January, President Vladimir Putin warned against the increasing influence of large tech companies, saying they were 'competing' with sovereign states. The watchdog today warned that if Twitter ignored Russian law it could face further restrictions, including a complete ban. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted Russia had 'no desire to block anything' and said the measures forcing companies to comply with Russian laws were 'quite reasonable'. According to tech monitoring website Downdetector there was a spike in disruptions reported by Russian Twitter users on Wednesday morning. Twitter did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Lawmakers on Wednesday welcomed the regulator's decision, warning that other social networks may be next. 'I am sure Twitter will lose big money,' said Anton Gorelkin, a lawmaker on a parliamentary telecommunications committee. CEO of Twitter Jack Dorsey testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington in January He told the Interfax news agency that Facebook could be the 'next candidate' for restrictions. Another lawmaker Alexander Bashkin said the decision would be 'sobering' for YouTube and other platforms. Moscow also recently raised concerns about the Chinese video sharing app TikTok that was flooded with calls to demonstrate in support of Navalny in January. Russia's government has spent years tightening its control over the internet in the name of fighting extremism, terrorism and protecting children. Officials have repeatedly fined Google for failing to remove content and last year fined Twitter and Facebook for refusing to store the personal data of Russian citizens on local servers. A demonstrator holds a picture of Russian jailed pposition leader Alexei Navalny during a protest demanding freedom for political prisoners, attended by Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and organized by a Belorussian cultural association, in Lisbon, Saturday, March 6 A 2019 law proposes a 'sovereign internet' aimed at isolating the country online, a move activists fear will tighten government control of cyberspace and stifle free speech. Moscow has already banned a number of websites that refused to cooperate with authorities, such as video platform Dailymotion and professional networking website LinkedIn. Lawmakers also attempted to block the Telegram encrypted messaging service but lifted the ban because it was not being fully enforced. To finish off tonight we share a not-so-long ago peek at hottie Lucy which inspires us to take hold of community news, pop culture and top headlines we want to share as well. Downtown Kansas City Cheerleaders Demand Constant Comeback Refrain Redux Downtown KCMO businesses ready to rebound with Big 12 Tournament KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As visitors make their way to the Kansas City metro for the Big 12 Tournament, bars and restaurants anticipate confusion over mask wearing. But the businesses are prepared to pick up where they left off. Guv Kelly Inspects COVID Vaxx Site In KCK Gov. Kelly visits KCK mass vaccination center, hoping to reach minority communities KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Transparency, communication and flexibility were a few of the main themes discussed during Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's visit Tuesday to the National Guard Armory mass vaccination site in KCK. Local leaders hope the site will serve as blueprint to improve vaccine processes statewide. Meth Town Hero Starts Unlikely Show-Me State Campaign Marine Corps veteran from Independence announces Senate candidacy A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lives in Independence will run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate during the 2022 election cycle. Maj. Lucas Kunce announced his candidacy one day after Sen. Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican, announced he would retire after his current term expires. Kansas City Crash Course Report Tonight Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries in crash on Interstate 35 at The Paseo KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A motorcyclist is in serious condition following a crash Tuesday afternoon in Kansas City, Missouri. Police responded just before 1:30 p.m. to the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 at The Paseo, where the driver of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is believed to have lost control and fallen off of the motorcycle, according to an accident investigation report. More Homeless Inside The Loop Downtown loft residents still struggling after mass evacuation Residents at the 132-unit Professional Building Lofts at 1103 Grand Ave. say they are having trouble understanding their future living situation after an evacuation more than two weeks ago due to a flood in the building.The Alexander Company on Tuesday walked back a mass cancellation of leases at the property after a growing pressure campaign with a list of demands from an organized group of residents. Hottie History Exposed Page 3 girls who've dated A-list men - from Kelly Brook to Kathy Lloyd WHEN it comes to getting over a difficult break-up, there are few ways that would beat dating a stunning Page 3 girl. And Olivia Wilde's ex Jason Sudeikis is now said to be growing close to English model Keeley Hazell, months after his split from the actress. D.C. LOCKDOWN FOREVER!!! Pentagon Extends National Guard Presence At The Capitol subscribe to The NPR Politics Podcast podcast The Pentagon has approved a request to continue National Guard support at the U.S. Capitol through May 23, 2021. About 2,300 troops will remain at the Capitol, which is about half the number currently deployed, the Department of Defense said Tuesday evening. Widespread Patriotic Double Cross After Insurrection Dozens of Capitol rioters were turned in by childhood friends, family members, colleagues and ex-lovers who watched them storm the building After Chris Ortiz posted a series of Instagram stories from inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, authorities say he got an Instagram message from a high school friend. "CHRIS WHAT ARE YOU DOING," the message said, according to court documents. Ortiz responded, "Participating in government!" Everybody Votes Their Wallet Senators who voted against a $15 minimum wage represent three-quarters of the workers who would benefit, study says A new report from the Economic Policy Institute looks at who would benefit from a $15 minimum wage. It found that 24 million of the workers who would are in states where senators voted against it. The wage hike wasn't included in the stimulus package after 7 Democrats voted against it. Kansas City Vaxx Spikes Some KC pharmacies now getting COVID-19 vaccine from state Missouri is ramping up its COVID-19 vaccination efforts with 15% of the state's doses going directly to pharmacies. Some locations have yet to get their doses, but more are on the way. Taco Tuesday Redux With its authentic flavors, KCK praised as true taco capital of the US in Forbes KANSAS CITY, Kan. - When you think of Kansas City cuisine, your mind may go straight to barbecue, but it's the metro's tacos that are getting national acclaim. Forbes named KCK the taco capital of the US. Alan Carr, the executive director of Visit KCK, said he's excited the city's Mexican food and community are [...] Tomorrow Forecast Warm Wednesday with storms possible in the evening Hide Transcript Show Transcript THROUGH THE REST OF THE EVENING EVENING FORECAST LOWER 70S NEXT FEW HOURS UPPER 60S BY SEVEN COOLING INTO THE LOWER TO MIDDLE 60S BY THE LATE EVENING AND INCREASING CLOUDS. And this is the OPEN THREAD for tonight . . . Coal has no future, US climate envoy John Kerry has warned UK ministers amid growing international concern over plans for a major new coal mine in Cumbria. Following meetings on the climate crisis with government ministers, Mr Kerry described coal as the dirtiest fuel in the world, and urged action from the worlds biggest polluters, including the UK, to rapidly cut emissions. Mr Kerry told the BBCs Newsnight programme: The marketplace has made a decision that coal is not the future. He added: All over the world people have made a decision to move to cleaner fuel than coal, which is the dirtiest fuel in the world. In America and elsewhere most banks will tell you were not going to fund a new coal plant. Critics have warned the governments failure to call in the planning decision on the project undermines its authority as it prepares to host the UNs Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow in November. While in London, Mr Kerry held meetings with senior members of the UK government including Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the foreign secretary Dominic Raab and president of Cop26 Alok Sharma, as he seeks to build international momentum on taking collective action to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. Mr Kerry said the 20 top polluting countries create 81 per cent of all our planets emissions and urged the UK as well as other large economies to prioritise decarbonisation programmes and deliver emissions cuts. China, the US, Russia, India, the EU, Korea, Japan and others all have to be part of this effort, he said. Twenty countries. Eighty one percent of the emissions. The visit to the UK ahead of the international summit is the latest sign of a major push by Joe Bidens government to deal with the climate crisis following the inactivity and stripping of environmental protections seen under Donald Trumps administration. Mr Kerry is on a tour of European capital cities in an effort to make contact with governments and build greater levels of ambition before the summit. His trip will also see him meet EU leaders in Brussels, and Emmanuel Macrons government in Paris. In April Mr Biden will also host a leaders summit on the climate crisis. Following his meetings in London on Monday, Mr Kerry and Mr Sharma issued a joint statement saying the US and the UK would work closely on the issue, and as well as hitting net zero by 2050 would help other countries reduce their impacts on the environment and adapt to the challenges posed by the changing climate. They said: We resolved today to work closely together to reduce our own emissions and to rally all countries, and most especially the worlds major economies, to strengthen their climate ambition. President Bidens upcoming Leaders Summit on Climate and the G7 leaders meeting to be hosted by the UK are both critical opportunities to build momentum on the way to Cop26 in Glasgow. Our countries are fully committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. We urge all countries to take the steps needed to keep a 1.5C temperature limit within reach, including through ambitious nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies to cut emissions and reach net zero. We also resolved to work with other countries to help the worlds most vulnerable adapt and respond to climate impacts and to scale up finance and private investment for both mitigation and adaptation. We also look forward to working with all countries to finalise the Paris Rulebook and successfully advance wider negotiations issues. Strong progress on all of these fronts is critical to ensuring the success we need in Glasgow. Doctors fighting COVID-19 should be supported by their profession and their government, not suppressed. Yet today physicians are smothered under a wave of censorship. With coronavirus variants and vaccine hesitancy threatening a prolonged pandemic, the National Institutes of Health and the broader U.S. medical establishment should free doctors to treat this terrible disease with effective medicines. For centuries, doctors have addressed emerging health threats by prescribing existing drugs for new uses, observing the results, and communicating to their peers and the public what seems to work. In a pandemic, precious time and lives can be lost by an insistence on excessive data and review. But in the current crisis, many in positions of authority have done just that, stubbornly refusing to allow any repurposed treatments. This departure from traditional medical practice risks catastrophe. When doctors on the front lines try to bring awareness of and use such medicines, they get silenced. Ive experienced such censorship firsthand. Early in the pandemic, my research led me to testify in the Senate that corticosteroids were life-saving against COVID-19, when all national and international health care agencies recommended against them. My recommendations were criticized, ignored and resisted such that I felt forced to resign my faculty position. Only later did a large study from Oxford University find they were indeed life-saving. Overnight, they became the standard of care worldwide. More recently, we identified through dozens of trials that the drug ivermectin leads to large reductions in transmission, mortality, and time to clinical recovery. After testifying to this fact in a second Senate appearance the video of which was removed by YouTube after garnering over 8 million views I was forced to leave another position. I was delighted when our paper on ivermectin passed a rigorous peer review and was accepted by Frontiers in Pharmacology. The abstract was viewed over 102,000 times by people hungry for answers. Six weeks later, the journal suddenly rejected the paper, based on an unnamed external expert who stated that our conclusions were unsupported, contradicting the four senior, expert peer reviewers who had earlier accepted them. I cant help but interpret this in context as censorship. The science shows that ivermectin works. Over 40 randomized trials and observational studies from around the world attest to its efficacy against the novel coronavirus. Meta-analyses by four separate research groups, including ours, found an average reduction in mortality of between 68%-75%. And 10 of 13 randomized controlled trials found statistically significant reductions in time to viral clearance, an effect not associated with any other COVID-19 therapeutic. Furthermore, ivermectin has an unparalleled safety record and low cost, which should negate any fears or resistance to immediate adoption. Our manuscript conclusions were further supported by the British Ivermectin Recommendation Development (BIRD) Panel. Following the World Health Organization Handbook of Guideline Development, it voted to strongly recommend the use of ivermectin in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and opined that further placebo controlled trials are unlikely to be ethical. Even prior to the BIRD Panel recommendations, many countries have approved the use of ivermectin in COVID-19 or formally incorporated it into national treatment guidelines. Several have gone further and initiated large-scale importation and distribution efforts. In the last month alone, such European Union members as Bulgaria and Slovakia have approved its use nationwide. India, Egypt, Peru, Zimbabwe, and Bolivia are distributing it in many regions and observing rapid decreases in excess deaths. Increasing numbers of regional health authorities have advocated for or adopted it across Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa. And it is now the standard of care in Mexico City, one of the worlds largest cities. Its time to stop the foot-dragging. People are dying. The responsible physicians of this country, and their patients, need to be able to rely on their government institutions to quickly identify effective treatments, rather than waiting for pristine, massive Phase III trials before acting. At minimum, the NIH should immediately recommend ivermectin for treating and preventing COVID-19, and then work with professional associations, institutions, and the media to publicize its use. If it doesnt, the organization will lose credibility as a public institution charged with acting in the national interest and doctors will ignore its guidance in the future. My story is not unique. Physicians across the country are fighting a pernicious campaign to denigrate all potential treatments not first championed by the authorities, and others have faced retaliation for speaking up. Sadly, too many of our institutions are using the pandemic as a pretext to centralize control over the practice of medicine, persecuting and canceling doctors who follow their clinical judgment and expertise. Actually following the science means listening to practitioners and considering the entirety and diversity of clinical studies. Thats exactly what my colleagues and I have done. We wont be cowed. We will speak up for our patients and do whats right. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear walks to the podium during a media conference at the states Emergency Operations Center at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., to provide an update on the novel coronavirus on May 3, 2020. (Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP) Brewpubs and Restaurants Sue Kentucky Governor Over COVID-19 Restrictions A group of brewpubs and restaurants in Kentucky sued Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday, seeking to nullify Beshears COVID-19 executive orders, which severely harmed plaintiffs businesses. The lawsuit also called for limiting the governors power to issue indefinite emergency declarations and executive ordersdefendants should be temporarily and permanently enjoined from issuing and enforcing new orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the complaint (pdf) said. While the governor does have the authority to respond to emergencies, that power isnt unlimited and cant be used forever, said Oliver Dunford, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. Pacific Legal Foundation is representing the plaintiffs free of charge. The Foundation called itself a national nonprofit legal organization that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. The legislature has the constitutional obligation to weigh in on the Commonwealths emergency powers and ensure they are not used to arbitrarily restrict individuals and businesses. Even during times of crisis, the government must adhere to the separation of powers to protect peoples individual liberty and freedom, continued Dunford in a statement. Dunford claimed in the complaint that after the state legislature overrode the governors vetos of House Bill 1 (HB 1), Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), and Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the Governors orders of COVID-19 restrictions expired on Mar. 5 and is no longer binding. The governor and the legislature are fighting in court over the legislations validity. HB1 states that any business may remain open and fully operational for in-person services so long as it meets guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or from the executive branch, whichever is least restrictive. SB 1 states that the Governors executive orders shall be in effect no longer than thirty days unless the state legislature approves an extension. SB 2 requires the government to meet higher burdens before adopting emergency regulations. All three bills were passed in both chambers of the state legislature in early January. However, Beshear vetoed all three bills on Jan. 19, saying (pdf) the bills unconstitutionally interferes with the Governors power and responsibility to confront emergencies. The Republican-controlled state legislature voted overwhelmingly to override the governors vetoes on Feb. 2, and the three bills became law. The Kentucky State Capitol on Jan. 9, 2014. (Kittugwiki/CC BY-SA 3.0) Beshear brought a lawsuit afterward to challenge the validity of the three laws. On March 3, Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd issued an order temporarily blocking the implementation of the three laws. Respectfully, Judge Shepherds order is in error and does not bind the Plaintiffs here, Dunford said in the complaint. Dunford pointed out in the complaint that as the Kentucky Supreme Court recognizes, the General Assemblythe state legislature of the Commonwealth statehas the power to limit the duration of the Governors emergency powers. Beshears office didnt respond to a request for comment. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: By Nam Hyun-woo Kumho Tire said Wednesday it will invest 340 billion won ($297.6 million) on expanding its plant in Vietnam in order to increase its North America-bound exports, and respond to anticipated U.S. anti-dumping duties. According to the tiremaker, its board agreed to invest 339.8 billion won into the Vietnamese plant from the third quarter of this year to the first quarter of 2023. Kumho Tire said it will use idling land at the plant, which will be able to produce 9.3 million tires a year after the expansion, up 3.8 million from current capacity. The company did not state how it would finance the investment, but sources said the company's owner, Doublestar of China, will be responsible for financing. "After considering our plan to increase North America-bound exports and potential U.S. anti-dumping duties, we came to the conclusion that increasing the capacity of the Vietnamese plant would be the best solution," a Kumho Tire official said. Other Korean tiremakers are also facing increased anti-dumping duties on their exports to the U.S. The Department of Commerce there is currently investigating anti-dumping allegations raised by the United Steelworkers, and reached a preliminary determination to impose a 27.81 percent duty on Kumho Tire products exported from Korea. At the same time, the department set a 10.08 percent rate on tires produced in Vietnam, giving an advantage to companies having production facilities there. Mark Northway is chairman of ShareSoc, a group that champions and lobbies on behalf of individual investors. Here, he outlines what rights shareholders have over companies they own and how crucial it is to use them. Corporate culture: Using your shareholder rights will mould the character, behaviour and thinking of a company board for the better Shareholder stewardship has dwindled in recent years, allowing board director self-interest to develop to the point where many have come to regard shareholders not as owners, but as just one of many tiresome stakeholders. A clear symptom of this governance drift can be seen in the egregious increases in executive remuneration which have been a feature of listed companies for some time. The diligent exercise of shareholder rights by both individual and institutional shareholders is essential, and below I explain what those rights are and how using them will mould the character, behaviour and thinking of a company board for the better. What are the roles of shareholders and company executives? Stock market investing relies on the separation of roles between the owners, or shareholders, of a listed or quoted company and its operators, the executives. This separation allows the company to pursue its business independently of ongoing ownership changes through share transactions on the stock exchange. Oversight of the day-to-day business is delegated by shareholders to an elected board of directors. Mark Northway: Very few individual investors attend AGMs or vote their shares The board is tasked with acting in way likely to promote the success of a company for the benefit of its members shareholders as a whole. The board is responsible for the strategic direction of a company, for its culture, and for monitoring and controlling the companys executive, in all cases acting as agent for the shareholders with a fiduciary responsibility to them. Like any complex system, the successful operation of a listed or quoted company relies on a set of checks and balances. Under this system the companys executives are beholden to the board, and the board is beholden to the shareholders. The board is required to report to its shareholders on a regular basis, generally through the AGM, and the shareholders are provided with several levers of influence and control shareholders rights. What are shareholders' rights? Key amongst them are the right to attend general meetings of the company, the right to vote at those meetings, the right to propose change, and the right to call a general meeting. These are enshrined in the Companies Act 2006. However, the importance of the AGM and of stewardship in general has declined for various reasons. Shareholder rights come with corresponding stewardship obligations, and these really do matter. Yet regrettably, very few individual investors attend AGMs or vote their shares. The propensity of brokers and platforms to hold customers assets in pooled nominee accounts, combined with flaws in the Companies Act, is largely to blame for this, although shareholder indifference undoubtedly plays a part. Why does holding shares in nominee accounts affect your rights? What are nominee accounts, and how do you exercise your rights if you have one? If you own shares via an online platform, you don't automatically get a say on important company business because your stock is held on a 'pooled' basis, writes This is Money. But most platforms do have systems in place allowing you to vote if you take steps to let them know your wishes beforehand. Ian Sayers, chief executive of trade body the Association of Investment Companies, rounds up how to do so depending on which platform you use here. Under UK law, investors who hold shares via nominee accounts are not the legal owner of them, and therefore do not enjoy the rights which accompany ownership. The law provides for 'information rights' for beneficial owners, but it is the choice of the nominee as to whether these are supported. In most cases they are not. The Companies Act deals with information and voting rights under nominee arrangements. Crucially, it provides only that such rights MAY be passed to the beneficial owner. 'May' is not the same as 'must', and rights are not rights where they are subject to the discretion of an intermediary. This means that companies are not able to communicate effectively with their owners. With few exceptions, communications mandated by law for the benefit of shareholders simply never reach the beneficial owner. These owners, unless they specifically request it (often on a case-by-case basis and at a cost), dont receive annual reports, dont get invited to AGMs and dont get asked to vote. Its a nonsense, but a nonsense which has been allowed to persist for many years. Will shareholders start exercising their rights again? The good news is that the recent increased focus on 'environmental, social and governance' (ESG) issues and sustainability has sparked a renewed focus on responsible stewardship within society and within governments. Hopefully, this will translate into improvements in the legal and market framework, matched by an increased long-termism and responsibility on the part of individual investors. So, when you buy shares, please bear in mind that share ownership brings important rights, and that those rights come with equally important obligations. Its your company, and you should think and behave as an owner and as a steward. You should care how it behaves and use the levers of influence and control available to you. Its only right. President Dutertes policies are popular at home but a source of criticism and disappointment overseas. Duterte has tried to negotiate settlement deals with China, which claims large areas of Filipino EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) waters in the South China Sea. Duterte points out that the Philippines lacks the military power to effectively oppose Chinese territorial claims. One reason for the Filipino military vulnerability is Dutertes reaction to American and Western criticism of his most popular domestic programs that have dramatically reduced the crime rate and illegal drug use. He has also eliminated most of the Islamic terrorist, Moslem separatist and leftist rebel violence. Suppression of drug gangs and communist rebels has led to criticism from Western countries that the security forces were too violent. That criticism sometimes expressed itself in sanctions against Filipino politicians that support these security programs. That led to Duterte retaliating against foreign critics when there was an opportunity. One recent example was demanding large, but unspecified, compensation from the United States to renew the existing VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement). Without the VFA any American troops entering the Philippines will have to apply for a visa. This is a time-consuming process but that is not all. Without VFA American military personnel are subject to Filipino courts and legal proceedings. As a general rule the United States requires something like the VFA, usually called a Status Of Forces (SOF) agreement, before it will allow U.S. troops to enter the territory of a friendly nation. The Philippines still has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and that could still be invoked by the Philippines if needed. The more immediate damage from no VFA is American military assistance during an emergency, usually of the natural disaster variety. The closest American aid us usually the U.S. Navy which can quickly provide helicopters, medical care, electrical power (from docked warships) as well as radio and other communications gear brought ashore for a disaster zone. Without a VFA/SOF such emergency aid is limited depending on the risk from corrupt local justice systems and politicians. There are fewer problems with American troops visiting the Philippines to provide training assistance or, as has often happened in the last few decades the U.S. forces provide additional intelligence and aerial surveillance support. Without the VFA these troops have restrictions on their activities. They are usually restricted to the bases they are working from as well as travel restrictions. The Filipino military opposes the VFA cancellation threats. The U.S. is trying to accommodate Duterte with more military aid. Efforts to appease China have been an embarrassing failure. As is their custom, the Chinese promise much and deliver little. Chinas offer of negotiations over South China Sea disputes produced nothing for the Philippines. Chinese offers to provide the SinoVac covid19 vaccine backfired when it was discovered that China was charging the Philippines three or more times per dose as other customers in east Asia and Africa were paying. Moreover, the SinoVac vaccine appears to much less effective than Western vaccines also available to the Philippines. Worse, all these negotiations and delays in Chinese deliveries have meant that the Philippines will be the last nation in the region to receive enough vaccine to suppress the covid19 threat. Despite all the foreign criticism Filipinos feel very safe, according to a 2020 Gallup Global Law and Order survey. The safest country was nearby Singapore with a rating of 97. The Philippines had a rating of 84, as did Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. rating was 85. Afghanistan was the least safe, at 43. The annual in-person surveys were conducted in late 2019. A representative same of the population was asked how safe they felt, how much confidence they had in local police and if they had a been a victim of crime in the last 12 months. The covid19 quarantines that went into effect during early 2020 reduced the crime rates in the Philippines 47 percent, and other nations had similar reductions so the 2020 rankings should be the same. President Duterte is considered responsible for the increased feeling of safety. In 2015 the Philippines rating was 76 while the highest rating was 89, for Singapore. The lowest was 40 for Liberia. Duterte was elected in 2016 because his previous experience as a big city major showed that he might actually be able to carry out his campaign promises to reduce corruption and drug related crime. According to recent polls Duterte still has the highest approval and trust ratings of any Filipino president, especially this late in his term of office. Many other Filipino presidents got elected on the basis of promises they could not or would not keep. After two or three years such failure to perform was reflected in approval polls. Duterte used vigilante tactics to reduce the ability of drug gangs to terrorize the areas where they operated and openly bribed police and other officials. This is what most Filipinos disliked most about the illegal drugs, in addition to children or kin turning themselves into anti-social addicts. After five years most Filipinos still rate Duterte as effective and able to deliver on campaign promises. This was less true with the other campaign promise; to reduce corruption. The high levels of corruption make it easier for drug gangs to operate and Duterte went after anyone found to be corrupt for whatever reason. This included longtime friends and political allies as well as senior police commanders. The success of these tactics showed up in the latest international corruption surveys. In Southeast Asia the Philippines has the most problems with corruption and Duterte demonstrated that the Filipino situation was not hopeless. Despite the progress against corruption, there proved to be a lot more of it than generally thought. Making a major dent in corruption is more difficult that reducing violent crime and making people feel safer. March 7, 2021: In the north (outside Manila) soldiers and police conducted half a dozen dawn raids to arrest suspected NPA members or supporters. Nine suspects were shot dead and six arrested. Foreign critics of operations against the leftist NPA accuse the government of murdering leftist critics the government under the pretense that they are actually NPA members. There are more arrests of NPA suspects since December 2020 when the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and NPA (New Peoples Army) were designated as terrorists under the New Anti-Terrorism Act. The NPA has been suffering a massive decline in popular and communist party support. Increasingly most NPA units must depend on extortion, theft and other criminal activity to survive. This is causing much anger and protest in areas where the NPA still operates for the good of the people. Yet the NPA can no longer do much political work when their very survival is at risk. The government is trying, without much success, to negotiate a peace deal with the NPA. The leadership, as well as the commanders of various armed factions, are split on which peace terms are acceptable and most are continuing to operate (fighting and stealing). The NPA, to most Filipinos, have become bandits with a veneer of communist ideology to justify their crimes. The banditry option is not working well enough to assure long-term survival. This can also be seen when factions run short of money. Less cash and popular support led to more desertions. The army will grant amnesty to NPA members who surrender, especially if they bring their weapons and some useful information with them. Information on the location of NPA camps, weapons storage sites or covert supporters is considered useful and the fact that more NPA camps are being attacked, weapons storage sites seized and key supporters arrested indicates that the NPA is losing secrets as well as people and popular support. Some NPA leaders feel this is all a temporary setback and that a peace deal would enable a revitalized Philippines Communist Party to become a major political power. These delusions make negotiating a peace deal more difficult. Meanwhile the NPA has maintained its status as a major source of criminal, as opposed to Islamic terrorist activity in the country. Most of the NPA senior leadership live in Europe and are considered somewhat out of touch with the reality of what the NPA has become in the Philippines. The exiled NPA leadership still have some support in Western nations, which contributes to criticism of the Filipino tactics used to suppress NPA criminal activity. March 4, 2021: The U.S. has approached Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines about their willingness to host island based American surveillance and anti-ship missile bases to contain Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The United States would spend nearly $5 billion on establishing these bases and provide personnel and financial support to keep them operational. It may be a while before these three nations respond. China will promptly denounce the idea and pressure the three proposed host nations to reject the American offer, or else. Freely available commercial satellite photos show China continuing to build and expand its military bases in the South China Sea, most of them located on artificial islands created by dredging nearby sandbars for sand to build reefs into islands. March 3, 2021: In the south (Sulu province) Jaber Binuri, an Abu Sayyaf leader, and six of his associates surrendered. Binuri, an eight-year veteran of Abu Sayyaf, was persuaded to seek amnesty because of the unrelenting pressure by the security forces. That included an operation in February that arrested nine women in Sulu suspected of volunteering to be suicide bombers. One of the women was Binuris wife, who lied to interrogators by claiming her husband was dead. Before we start speculating, lets check out the hard evidence. The Japanese company has taken a week in advance to kick off the teasing campaign for a new model, only mentioning something about a small glimpse of its upcoming X prologue.We do know the exact timing of the reveal, as it has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 17th, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. CET (4:00 a.m. ET). And, just in case anyone likes countdowns, theres also a dedicated online portal that will probably host more information once the curtain is lifted.Fortunately, were not in this for the long haul, unlike some other carmakers who are teasing electric models that will only arrive in... 2026. Speaking of electrons, our first speculation is that Toyota has finally decided to catch up to the competition and showcase a battery-powered electric vehicle focused on the Old Continent.Taking a step further in traditional rumor mill fashion, we can even imagine that were dealing with something thats small and affordable since the company carefully emphasized the fact that its giving us a small preview of whats coming next.Sure, the X prologue could also be the already-promised Aygo successor scheduled to arrive sometime in the near future as part of Toyota's commitment to Europes A segment. That one is going to use the GA-B architecture just like the popular Yaris and its upcoming Yaris Cross sibling.The chances for that are slim, though, if we look at the only accompanying shot, which clearly has a closed grille designat least in the area where the Toyota logo resides because the rest of the front fascia isnt visible just yet. Instead, the image focuses on the X prologues creative headlight design, which seems to have the LED baguette stretch all the way across to the other side. It may sound like little pings, but the latest recording shared by NASA is Perseverance firing off its laser for the first time on Mars. The sounds of 30 impacts can be heard during the audio recording, which were shot from the rover's SuperCam instrument and captured by a microphone attached to the rover. The technology, located on the mast, releases pulses capable of vaporizing rocks from up to 20 feet away - and is a key component for investigating the Jezero Crater for signs of ancient life. Perseverance eyed an area 10 feet away, shot its laser and the ground team was able to analyze the target's composition, which proved to be mostly volcanic rocks. NASA says 'variations in the intensity of the zapping sounds will provide information on the physical structure of the targets, such as its relative hardness or the presence of weathering coatings.' It may sound like little pings, but the latest recording shared by NASA is Perseverance firing off its laser for the first time on Mars (concept drawing) Perseverance, nicknamed Perky, landed on Mars February 18 following a 239-million mile journey. It is now making its way to Jezero Crater that was a former lake flowing with water 3.5 billion years ago and is strapped with a slew of high-tech instruments to help it uncover the crater's secrets. SuperCam is mounted on Perseverance's 'head,' or mast, and fires laser beams that heat a target to 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to transform the solid rock into plasma that can be imaged by a camera for further analysis. Attached to the mast is also a 12-pound sensor had that is designed to perform five types of analyses to investigate Mars, along with help scientist determine which rocks the rover should sample. The laser system is essentially a next-generation version of the Curiosity rover's ChemCam. Perseverance chose the target Maaz, which is Navajo for 'Mars,' which sat 10 feet away from its location. NASA intercepted the pulses for a further analysis that determine the rocks were mostly volcanic NASA shares that the first acoustic recording of laser impacts on a rock target on Mars from March 2. Perseverance chose the target Maaz, which is Navajo for 'Mars,' which sat 10 feet away from its location. Perseverance is currently exploring an area of Jezero that the team has named Canyon de Chelly, after a national monument on Navajo land in northeastern Arizona. Combining two images, this mosaic shows a close-up view of the rock target named 'Yeehgo' from the SuperCam instrument on NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars. The component images were taken by SuperCam's Remote Micro-Imager (RMI). To be compatible with the rover's software, 'Yeehgo' is an alternative spelling of 'Yeigo,' the Navajo word for diligent Picture is an image of delta near Jezero Crater that is a raised area of dark brown rock in the middle of the ground. Perseverance now making its way to the crater that was a former lake flowing with water 3.5 billion years ago SuperCam team member Naomi Murdoch, a researcher at the Institut Superieur de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace in Toulouse, France, said during a live webcast Wednesday: 'These recordings have demonstrated that our microphone is not only functioning well, but we also have a very high-quality signal for our scientific studies.' 'In the SuperCam team, we're extremely excited about the perspectives and the scientific investigations that we're going to be able to do with the microphone data.' After analyzing the pulses, the team determined that Maaz has basaltic composition, which are volcanic rocks found here on Earth, Space.com reports. The sounds of 30 impacts can be heard during the audio recording, which were shot from the rover's SuperCam instrument and captured by a microphone attached to the rover However, it is not yet clear if the area was once volcanic, said SuperCam principal investigator Roger Wiens of Los Alamos National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy facility in New Mexico. Wiens notes it is possible that Maaz 'is a sedimentary rock composed of igneous grains that were washed downriver into Jezero Lake and cemented together.' 'It is amazing to see SuperCam working so well on Mars,' said Wiens. 'When we first dreamed up this instrument eight years ago, we worried that we were being way too ambitious. Now it is up there working like a charm.' Along with the first lasers fired, NASA previously shared the rover's first sounds from Mars Perseverance captured two days after landing on the Red Planet. The sound clip is just about 10 seconds, but is the first sounds of the Martian world. 'Imagine yourself sitting on the surface of Mars and listening to the surroundings,' said Dave Gruel, lead engineer for Mars 2020 Perseverance's EDL camera and microphone subsystem at JPL said during a February news briefing. 'It's cool, really neat. Overwhelming, if you will.' Perseverance is one of two NASA rovers currently operating on the Red Planet, joining Curiosity which has been trundling along Gale crater since August 2012. So far the Perseverance has driven 230 feet in search of a safe area to drop off the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity - that will be given a higher view of the Martian surface. NASA said it will test the Ingenuity helicopter brought along with Perseverance after it determines where to deploy it. 'We're not on a specific path at this time, since we still need to figure out where we're going to do it,' said deputy mission manager Robert Hogg. 'We hope to get the whole helicopter thing done before spring is over.' COVID-19 inactivated vaccine products are packaged at a packaging plant of the Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) PHNOM PENH, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective with no serious side effects in Cambodia, the country's Health Ministry secretary of state and spokeswoman, Or Vandine, said on Tuesday. The Southeast Asian nation has begun a COVID-19 vaccination campaign with the Sinopharm vaccine since Feb. 10 after receiving the first shipment of the vaccine from China. As of Monday, some 171,073 people in the priority groups had been inoculated with the vaccine, according to an official data. "We have not seen any serious side effects after the inoculation. There have been only a few cases of mild and short-term side effects such as slight fever and little itching or redness where they had the injection," said Vandine, adding that the inoculation has been well prepared with detailed guidelines on the usage of Sinopharm vaccines. A team of Chinese vaccine specialists had provided training to Cambodian medical staff on how to use the vaccines in early February ahead of its arrival. Cambodia has registered a total of 1,060 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the onset of the pandemic in January last year, with zero death and 538 recoveries. The Health Ministry on Tuesday announced 49 new infections, including 48 locally-transmitted cases and one imported case. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Chief Minister on Wednesday announced facilitating free pilgrimage for Delhi's to the in Ayodhya and asserted that his government follows 10 principles inspired by the concept of 'Ram Rajya' to the serve the people. The 10 principles listed by him are providing food, education, medical care, electricity, water, employment, housing, security for women and honouring the elderly. Kejriwal's announcement about the pilgrimage came a day after his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government presented a Rs 69,000-crore budget themed on "patriotism" under which installation of 500 flag masts and programmes on the lives of freedom fighters are planned across the city. It also announced a "deshbhakti curriculum". The AAP dispensation already has a 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana' that allows from Delhi to undertake a free pilgrimage. All expenses related to travel, food and accommodation are borne by the Delhi government. Addressing the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, Kejriwal took potshots at the Yogi Adityanath government over the alleged deteriorating condition of government-run schools in Uttar Pradesh. He said that he saw on social media a video of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspecting a school in "Manish Sisodia-style". "I am happy that chief ministers and ministers are visiting schools now," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister said his deputy, Sisodia, went to Lucknow recently to inspect an Uttar Pradesh government-run schools after a minister of the state "challenged" him. "But the minister chickened out and the UP Police stopped Sisodia from inspecting the schools himself." "I am a devotee of Lord Ram and Hanuman. We have been following 10 principles inspired by the concept of 'Ram Rajya' to serve the people of Delhi," Kejriwal said during a discussion on the address to the House by the Lieutenant Governor earlier this week. "We have taken many steps to honour our elderly, the most important being sending them on free pilgrimages. I want to tell all in Delhi that I will send you to in Ayodhya once the construction work is completed." The construction of the in Ayodhya is expected to be completed in 36-40 months. Elaborating on the 10 principles listed by him, the chief minister said no one should sleep on an empty stomach in Delhi. "Every child, irrespective of the social status, should get quality education and every person should get the best possible medical treatment," he said. The Delhi government has been providing free drinking water up to 20,000 litres to each household, Kejriwal said, adding, "We give free electricity up to 200 units to everyone. Delhi is the only city in the world where people get round-the-clock free power supply." The AAP government has taken a number of steps to generate employment, provide housing facilities to the poor and ensure women safety, the chief minister said. The work done in the education sector in Delhi in the last six years is being seen as a "revolution", he asserted. Kejriwal also appealed to all residents of Delhi to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination drive and said the members of the Delhi Assembly should go to hospitals, stand in queue and take vaccine just like common people. The Delhi government on Tuesday announced in its annual budget that the COVID-19 vaccine would be administered to the people free-of-cost at its hospitals in future phases of the inoculation drive. Currently, vaccination at the hospitals run by the Centre and the Delhi government is free for senior citizens and those in the 45-59 age group with comorbidities, while Rs 250 is being charged at private hospitals. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the UK variant, is spreading globally. With observed heightened transmissibility, it and can spread faster than previous variants. To date, the variant has reached many countries, with the United States reporting more than 3,000 cases. Researchers at the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and other institutions estimate that the B.1.1.7 variant may be dominant in Switzerland by March. Study: Quantification of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in Switzerland . Image Credit: joshimerbin / Shutterstock In the study, published on the medRxiv* server, the researchers performed whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples obtained from a large diagnostic laboratory every week for genomic surveillance. The UK variant In December 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) variant, also called B.1.1.7, was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple variants were also reported alongside the emergence of the B.1.1.7 variant. These include the South African variant (B.1.351) and the Brazilian variant (P.1). The B.1.1.7 variant spreads faster and more efficiently across populations than previous strains. Though initial studies have shown that the variant causes only mild to moderate illness, new evidence has suggested that this variant might be associated with an increased risk of death. Meanwhile, the B.1.351 variant may be more resistant to vaccines and some therapies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The P.1 variant, on the other hand, emerged in early January and has already reached other countries, such as the US and Japan. The study The researchers performed whole-genome sequencing-based on Violler AG's samples, an extensive diagnostic lab processing SARS-CoV-2 samples from across Switzerland, to arrive at the study findings. Each week, SARS-CoV-2 samples were randomly selected for sequencing among all positive test samples at the laboratory. For each sample, the researchers know the test's date and the canton in which the test was performed. Further, the team also used data from Dr. Risch medical laboratories, which screen their samples for the 501Y mutation by a variant-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. They conducted analyses for the seven economic regions. The team quantified the transmission fitness advantage of the UK variant for two datasets. The first data set allowed the researchers to get estimates for the seven Swiss economic regions. The study findings showed that a logistic growth rate of around 0.09 to 0.10 per day for Switzerland. By March, the B.1.1.7 will be dominant in Switzerland, based on the Swiss data tracking 501Y mutations. As of today, the majority of new infections may already be caused by the B.1.1.7 variant since cases are confirmed 8 to 11 days after infection. The team also showed that in the first half of January, the absolute numbers of the UK variant increased, while the absolute numbers of all other cases declined. Overall, the study demonstrated a consistent signal for a considerable transmission advantage of the UK variant in Switzerland. The estimates coincide with the rates from UK, Denmark, and Switzerland. The B.1.1.7 transmission rates appear to have slowed down in February globally, which may be due to adherence and compliance to mitigation measures against COVID-19. About 4.9 percent of all confirmed cases over the study period were characterized through whole-genome sequencing. The team plans to continue their sequencing efforts every week with all data to be submitted to GISAID. The team aims to help and facilitate the global tacking of SARS-CoV-2 and to monitor the spread of new variants. To date, the number of cases worldwide has reached 117.60 million, with over 2.61 million deaths. The United States reports 29 million cases and about 527,000 deaths. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. 5 Otter Literary agents and partners Olga Filina, Ali McDonald, and Cassandra Rodgers launch market-focused consulting firm 5 Otter Editorial, providing services and workshops for writers. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / 5 Otter Editorial (5OE) provides editorial and consulting services for writers at all stages of their careers, as well as hosting workshops on various aspects of publishing. Partners Olga Filina, Ali McDonald, and Cassandra Rodgers bring their expertise as literary agents with over forty years combined experience in the book business to supporting writers in developing their craft and achieving their publishing goals. "One of the major challenges for writers is obtaining professional feedback on how their project may fit into the marketplace," says Olga Filina, Chief Executive Officer. "We are 'reinventing writing' by providing the guidance between technical execution and emotional engagement, along with the up-to-date knowledge of what is currently being sought by traditional publishers." Services offered by 5 Otter Editorial include sample and full manuscript, picture book text, and non-fiction proposal evaluations; substantive and line editing; publishing contract review; open consultations; and mentorships. Workshops are currently being offered online on topics such as query letter writing, non-fiction proposal development, publishing contracts, and author-platform building. Additional services and workshops will be offered in future to correspond with changes in the market landscape, as well as seasonal promotions. All three partners are also available for speaking engagements. "As practicing agents, we are in a unique position to advise writers on shaping their work for publication. Our editorial and consulting services have the added benefit of considering the audience, from agents to editors, and ultimately, readers," says Ali McDonald, Chief Operating Officer. 5 Otter Editorial further offers free resources for writers on their blog, covering insights into query letter writing, kidlit audiences, market trends, and writing tips, among other topics. A new post is published weekly. "We take a customized approach to each project and have the expertise to work with a wide range of clients from the novice writer to the published author-at any stage of their manuscript. Our consulting services offer clients the option to work with us on any topic, from the craft of writing to the business of publishing," says Cassandra Rodgers, Chief Financial Officer. 5 Otter Editorial and 5 Otter Literary are separate entities under the 5 Otter umbrella brand. To learn more about 5 Otter Editorial, visit fiveottereditorial.com. To learn more about 5 Otter Literary, visit fiveotterliterary.com. For more information, contact Olga Filina at olga@fiveottereditorial.com. Media Contact: Olga Filina olga@fiveottereditorial.com 4167376023 SOURCE: 5 Otter Editorial View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634470/New-Solutions-for-Writers-with-Literary-Consulting-Firm-5-Otter-Editorial A Queensland opposition MP has been criticised for claiming the Duchess of Sussex is trying to damage the British monarchy because she 'married the wrong prince'. The Queen says the royal family is saddened by the challenging experiences of her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and promised to privately address claims about a racist remark about their son. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on US television on Sunday, Meghan accused the royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son Archie's skin might be and ignoring her pleas for help while she considered self-harm. A Queensland opposition MP has been criticised for claiming the Duchess of Sussex is trying to damage the British monarchy because she 'married the wrong prince' In an interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on US television on Sunday, Meghan accused the royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son Archie's skin might be and ignoring her pleas for help while she considered self-harm Liberal National Party MP and staunch monarchist Jarrod Bleijie claims Meghan's vendetta against the institution of the monarchy only started after she found out she wasn't in line to be a queen Liberal National Party MP and staunch monarchist Jarrod Bleijie claims Meghan's vendetta against the institution of the monarchy only started after she found out she wasn't in line to be a queen. 'The problem started when American actress Meghan Markle was told William would be King not Harry. It was at this time that she realised that she married the wrong prince,' he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. 'So if she can't be the future queen, she'll attempt to take down the institution. The Crown will prevail!' Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said Mr Bleijie's comments are disappointing coming so close to International Women's Day earlier this week, and send the wrong message for young people and especially girls. 'It is disappointing that during a week where we are celebrating the success of women around the world, that we have a member in this House who is essentially saying that Meghan Markle is a gold digger,' Ms Grace told parliament on Wednesday. 'Meghan Markle is not who she married. She is a strong, successful woman in her own right. 'The young people of today deserve better.' Mr Bleijie - who was momentarily out of the House when Ms Grace spoke - gasped 'What?' as he returned to his seat. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) Couples are now prohibited from showing public displays of affection amid rising COVID-19 cases in different parts of the country. Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, told CNN Philippines' Balitaan on Wednesday that this will be part of their intensified efforts to ensure the observance of minimum health and safety protocols in localities, commercial, and recreational establishments. "Isa lang ho ito sa mga panuntunan na na-mention even in the past on the implementation of health and safety protocols," he said. "Hindi po ito naiba, nire-reiterate lang ito ng PNP." [Translation: This is just one of the rules that we have mentioned in the past on the implementation of health and safety protocols. This is not any different, the PNP just wants to reiterate this.] Aside from couples, close friends and family members who are seen showing different acts of physical intimacy including holding hands, kissing, and embracing each other in public will be called out by authorities, he said. No formal sanctions will be imposed on violators for now, but the PNP said it hopes that Filipinos can already exercise self-discipline without the need to be reprimanded. "Sisitahin lang po," Usana said. "Siguro sa tingin lang ng pulis, baka madala na sila. O kung lalapitan, pwedeng kausapin, sasabihing ''di pwede iyan.'" [Translation: We will just reprimand them. Maybe with just one look from the police officer, they will stop. Or if we have to approach them, we'll just remind them that it's not allowed.] In a separate briefing, PNP Chief Debold Sinas expressed a similar sentiment, noting that authorities were not as strict in the past especially when the economy was just starting to reopen. He added that more police officers may be deployed soon in malls, restaurants, plazas and other public establishments. Meanwhile, the government continues to remind the public to wear masks, face shields and observe physical distancing especially when going out. The Health Department reported that the country has surpassed 600,000 COVID-19 cases with more than 2,600 new infections as of Tuesday. OCTA Research previously warned that the country could even see as many as 6,000 new COVID-19 infections a day by month-end, and the daily case count in Metro Manila could further rise to 3,000 before April based on the virus current reproduction number of 1.66 in the region. Page Content The City of Johannesburg has stepped up its efforts to END TB by 2030 as per World Health Organisations END TB strategy. As part of our efforts to eliminate TB, the Health Department in the City of Johannesburg will create awareness and screen patients for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/Aids. The important part of this years outreach is to improve access to TB/HIV services and find TB/HIV missing patients who were diagnosed but did not start or continue with their treatment. Activities will include community campaigns, engaging communities using community radio stations and webinar sessions that will be streamed live on City of Johannesburgs social media platforms. As the world marks World TB Day on 24 March 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said an estimated 10 million people become ill from TB in 2019 in 198 countries and 1.4 million died from this disease in the same period. About also 465 000 fell ill from the severe form of TB known as drug-resistant tuberculosis in 2019 globally. According to the WHO, South Africa is among eight countries that accounted for two-thirds of the global total in the world, contributing 3.6% to this total in 2019. This years South African theme is Cheka Impilo: Its time for Health Care Workers and Legislators to lead the fight to end TB and the global theme is The clock is ticking. TB screening and treatment is free at all City of Johannesburg clinics. The City of Johannesburg Health Department urges residents to visit their nearest clinics if they notice any symptoms of TB. The most common TB symptoms include a cough that continues for more than two weeks or any duration if you are HIV positive, fever that last longer than 14 days; unexplained weight loss, night sweats and fatigue. TB is curable. To prevent the spread of TB, patients need to take their treatment every day for a minimum period of six months even if they feel better. Always go back to see your healthcare worker if you experience any side effects. Edwin Madibogo, City of Johannesburgs Public Health Manager, urges families to support and encourage TB/HIV family members to finish their treatment. It also urges communities to STOP stigma against these patients. Send a WhatsApp message TB to +27 60 012 3456 to screen yourself for TB. Written by Lesego Lala Mr. Bidens vow to allow the department to operate free from political pressure will soon be tested in cases that Ms. Monaco would oversee. The U.S. attorneys office in Delaware is investigating Mr. Bidens son Hunter on suspicion of federal tax fraud, and the U.S. attorneys office in Minneapolis is carrying out a civil rights investigation into the death of George Floyd, the Black man whose death last year after a police officer knelt on his neck set off nationwide protests. Ms. Monaco said the Justice Departments efforts to combat domestic extremism would be among her top priorities, especially in light of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. She said the department needed to understand how we could have such an attack that I personally never thought I would see in my lifetime. She pledged to deploy law enforcement resources to learn what motivated the insurrectionists and to prevent a repeat, calling the Justice Departments sprawling investigation into the attack nothing less than the defense of our democracy. While Ms. Monaco was well received by committee Republicans, the inquiry is likely to present her with several politically difficult issues should she be confirmed. Pieces of the investigation have drawn closer to Mr. Trumps inner circle; defendants have said they acted at his behest; and the attack has prompted fears that Mr. Trump has fueled domestic extremism even as he maintains his grip on the Republican Party. And civil libertarians have raised questions about how the F.BI. will investigate extremists for activities protected by the First Amendment. Ms. Monaco also said in response to questions from Republicans that she would ensure that the special counsel examining the origins of the Russia investigation, John H. Durham, receive all resources necessary to complete his work. Republicans on the committee reserved their sharpest questions for Ms. Gupta, who was a vocal critic of the Trump administrations immigration policies, judicial appointments and civil rights work. 's ( ) Nigel Ferguson speaks to Proactive's Andrew Scott after signing a binding offtake agreement with Shenzhen Chengxin Lithium Group Co for the supply of spodumene concentrate (SC6) from the Manono Lithium and Tin Project in the DRC. As part of the deal Chengxin has agreed to purchase up to 180,000 tonnes of SC6 annually for an initial three-year term following the start of production with mutually agreed options to extend. President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday inaugurate the N16 billion newly-completed office complex of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, announced this while briefing reporters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Mr Akpabio said that the building which started in 1996 witnessed slow pace of work until 2019 when Mr Buhari committed to its completion. The road to completion of the over N16 billion NDDC office edifice started when I visited the building in 2019 and learnt that the project commenced 25 years ago in 1996. After the visit, I briefed President Buhari and told him that we can make the building the focal achievement in his effort to reposition NDDC. Immediately, President Buhari graciously approved and work commenced on the building as part of his commitment and passion to the people of Niger Delta. The completion and inauguration of the building on Thursday shows that the government can work only if it has the right determination and focus, Mr Akpabio said. Mr Akpabio said, although the building had been completed, he would still meet with the Federal Executive Council to approve a contract for its furnishing. He berated past administration and NDDC boards which he said preferred to pay N300 million yearly to rent its old office, rather than focus on completion of the office building. He said for over 15 years the NDDCs old office was not connected to the public supply of electricity but preferred to buy diesel to power its generators. Rather than connect the old NDDC building to the national grid, some people preferred to award contracts for supply of diesel. We discovered that all that was needed to connect the building to the national grid was a mere N16 million. In the finance department alone, you need 26 signatures to pay a single contractor, and sometimes it took five to six years for contractors to get their money. We cannot allow such to continue, and so, we are making sure that money coming into NDDC must be used to develop the Niger Delta as President Buhari directed, he added. The minister said after the inauguration, the ministry, National Assembly and others would meet to re-jig the operations of the NDDC. I can also assure you that by the time the forensic audit concludes, NDDC will change for the good. The Interim Administrator of NDDC, Efiong Akwa, thanked President Buhari and Mr Akpabio for their passion to reposition the commission and the region. He said the building completion was seen by many as a great achievement for the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Akwa also commended past administrations, NDDC boards, staff members, Rivers State Government, and host communities for contributing to the completion of the building. The new NDDC office, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is equipped with facilities including hospital, banking hall, conference hall and restaurant. (NAN) The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty are likely to open higher on Wednesday on the back of positive global cues firm trading at Nifty futures on the Singapore Exchange. The SGX Nifty was trading 118 points or 0.78 per cent higher at 15,263.50, indicating a positive start at Dalal Street. Among the individual stocks, shares of BPCL, Reliance, Future Retail, Indian Bank, HPCL, HUDCO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI Cards, Power Finance Corporation and Max Financial Services and others will be in focus in Wednesday's trading session. Also read: Stock Market Updates Today: Sensex opens 363 pts higher, Nifty above 15,200; BPCL, Reliance in focus Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Wednesday's trading session. Reliance Industries Ltd: The telecom arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Reliance Jio, has rolled out integrated fibre connectivity and digital solutions for medium, small and micro businesses (MSMBs) under JioBusiness. The service offers enterprise-grade voice and data services, digital solutions and devices to small businesses. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd: BPCL shares will be in focus on Wednesday's trade after BPCL Trust sold shares worth over Rs 5,525 crore in state-owned oil company through an open market transaction. BPCL Trust sold over 12.60 crore shares of BPCL at a price of Rs 438.41 apiece, according to a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Future Group: Shares of Future Group will be in focus as Reliance Industries has reportedly agreed to extend operational support to Future Retail Ltd to avoid the collapse of debt-laden company. The Rs 24,713 crore Reliance-Future Retail deal has struck in legal battle with Amazon. Kotak Mahindra Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank has said that its board will meet on March 12 to take a call on the payment of dividend on 8.10 per cent non-convertible perpetual non-cumulative preference shares with a face value of Rs 5 each. Indian Bank: State-owned lender has said its committee of directors has given nod to raise up to Rs 4,000 crore through share sale. Shareholders of the bank on 2 March had given approval for raising capital through qualified institutions placement (QIP) in one or more tranches. HPCL: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) will set up a compressed biogas (CBG) project at Badaun in Uttar Pradesh. The plant, that will have the capacity to generate 5,250 tonne of compressed biogas, will be developed by Praj Industries, the Pune-based process and project engineering company. SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd: A subsidiary of SBI, SBI Cards and Payment Services plans to raise up to Rs 2,000 crore through the issuance of debt securities in one or more tranches. The company's board will take a final call on the proposal in its meeting on March 12. HUDCO: Fitch Ratings affirmed the state-run company's long-term foreign and local-currency issuer default ratings at 'BBB-'. The rating on HUDCO's Rs 5,000 crore medium-term note programme has also been affirmed at 'BBB-'. Power Finance Corporation Ltd: The state-controlled financial company has set 22 March as the record date to ascertain the eligibility of shareholders for the payment of interim dividend for financial year 2020-21. Max Financial Services Ltd: The promoter of the company, Max Ventures Investment Holdings, sold 9.34,138 shares or 0.27 per cent stake in Max Financial Services Ltd through open market operations. Following the stake sale, Max Ventures' shareholding in the company came down to 16.99 per cent. Also read: Top gainers today: 6 shares rise up to 4%; Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Bajaj Finance Also read: Stock Market Highlights: Sensex gains 581 pts to end above 51k, Nifty at 15,098; bank, IT stocks lead rally New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. BEIJING, Mar. 10 -- In response to the common security threats and challenges, the Chinese military has conducted exchanges and cooperation with the militaries of various countries and provided a wealth of international public security products in recent years. Chinese military has always been a staunch force for maintaining world peace, said the military deputies and members to Chinas two sessions. "China pursues a defensive defense policy and implements active defense, which has been clearly formulated in Chinas National Defense Law and has become a basic policy, said He Lei, former deputy head of the Academy of Military Sciences of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). He stated that China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence, nor will it engage in any arms race or threaten other countries despite the increasing defense spending and modernized development of the military. At present, China has more than 2,500 peacekeepers performing missions abroad. It is the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Senior Captain Xu Jianfeng, political commissar of a naval frigate flotilla under the PLA Northern Theater Command, said that the Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark has sailed abroad nine times, visiting more than 40 countries and regions and providing medical services for more than 230,000 people over the past ten years. The Chinese PLA Navy has dispatched 37 escort taskforces to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somali, protecting more than 6,900 Chinese and foreign ships. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Chinese military has provided support and assistance to the international community. As of February 2021, the Chinese military has provided anti-epidemic materials such as masks and respirators to the armed forces of 50 countries, including Mozambique, Serbia, Cuba and Laos, sent medical expert teams to four countries, including Cambodia and Pakistan, and held video conferences on epidemic prevention and control experience with militaries of 18 countries and international organizations, including Russia and Singapore. The Chinese military members are willing to join hands with their neighboring friendly countries and militaries to jointly fight the epidemic and make new contributions to building a community of common health for mankind and maintaining world peace and stability, said Colonel Feng Wei, a deputy regiment commander of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command. Julian Edelman, a prominent Jewish athlete, has extended a dinner invitation to Meyers Leonard in an open letter. The Miami Heat forward used an anti-Semitic slur on a Twitch stream earlier this week and is away from the team indefinitely. On Wednesday morning, Edelman wrote him a thoughtful message, explaining that hate is like a virus. Even accidentally, it can rapidly spread. Edelman expressed the belief that Leonard used the slur out of ignorance, not hate, but explained how dangerous that can be. He ended the letter with an invitation for a Shabbat dinner the next time hes in Miami. Heres Edelmans full message: An open letter to Meyers Leonard So weve never met, I hope we can one day soon. Im sure youve been getting lots of criticism for what you said. Not trying to add to that, I just want to offer some perspective. I get the sense that you didnt use that word out of hate, more out of ignorance. Most likely, you werent trying to hurt anyone or even profile Jews in your comment. Thats what makes it so destructive. When someone intends to be hateful, its usually met with great resistance. Casual ignorance is harder to combat and has greater reach, especially when you command great influence. Hate is like a virus. Even accidentally, it can rapidly spread. Im down in Miami fairly often. Lets do a Shabbat dinner with some friends Ill show you a fun time. JE This isnt the first time Edelman has spoken up for the Jewish community. When DeSean Jackson posted something anti-Semitic on social media last summer, Edelman offered to take the wide receiver to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. to educate him, and then visit the Museum of African American History and Culture. Afterwards, well grab some burgers and we have those uncomfortable conversations, Edelman said after extending the invitation to Jackson. This world needs a little more love, compassion and empathy. Take care. Former Dell Executive Trisa J Thompson Joins CIBO Board of Directors bringing with her 20 years of experience at global tech leader in circular economy Trisas deep experience in technology and corporate social responsibility is a great match for CIBO, said Daniel Ryan, chief executive officer at CIBO Technologies. As a nationally recognized leader, she will further strengthen our next stage of growth. CIBO, the technology company that accelerates regenerative agriculture with decision-ready insights on U.S. cropland and the first direct-connect agricultural carbon credit marketplace, today announced the appointment of former Dell executive and nationally recognized business leader Trisa J. Thompson to its Board of Directors. Trisas deep experience in technology and corporate social responsibility is a great match for CIBO, said Daniel Ryan, chief executive officer at CIBO Technologies. As a nationally recognized leader, she will further strengthen our next stage of growth. Thompson brings to CIBO twenty years of experience at global tech leader Dell, where she was a senior vice president and chief responsibility officer. Under Thompsons leadership, Dell was recognized for many awards, including 2018 CES Innovation Award, 2017 Environmental Leader Award, 2017 Fortune Change the World List, 2014 Keep America Beautiful Award, and the 2015 World Economic Forum Circular Award. A national award-winner herself, Thompson has been a speaker, panel member, and advisor to many national organizations including Melinda Gates Pivotal Ventures and the World Economic Forum, and featured in Fortune, Forbes, GreenBiz, and The New York Times, among others. Currently, Thompson serves as an advisor to Pledgeling Inc., a charitable giving platform. Prior to her time with Dell, Thompson was a partner with Seyfarth Shaw in Washington, D.C. She earned a J.D. with honors from The National Law Center, George Washington University. I am so excited to be joining the Board of CIBO, said Thompson. CIBO has game-changing technology in the field of regenerative agriculture, with the ability to scale carbon markets globally. ### About CIBO CIBO was founded by Flagship Pioneering with the idea of using advanced technologies to deliver a deep understanding of land and agricultural systems to help secure the future of agriculture. The companys solution, CIBO Impact, is focused on driving and accelerating the transition to sustainable agriculture by providing a deep understanding of land and agricultural systems, incenting regenerative management practices, and delivering a powerful solution for managing and monitoring large portfolios of land. Learn more at cibotechnologies.com. The company plans to drill a series of holes designed to intersect the interpreted down-dip extension of known mineralisation at the base of the existing Reids Ridge mine. The next drilling program at Warriedar project will test Reids Ridge and Mt Laws prospects. ( ) has had a program of work approved with upcoming drilling consisting of 40 holes for 5,000 metres to test for high-grade extensions to the Reids Ridge gold system at the Warriedar Project in Western Australia. The drilling is expected to commence in 4-6 weeks once a drill rig is secured with the program to take in Reids Ridge as well as the Mt Laws prospect. These plans follow the company completing phase 1 drilling at the Eureka Project near Kalgoorlie, drilling 11,441 metres from 89 holes with assay results expected by early April. TNT plans to start geological modelling and interpretation for a second phase of drilling at Eureka immediately after the Reids Ridge drill program is completed. Reids Ridge objectives At Reids Ridge, a series of holes have been designed to intersect the interpreted down-dip extension of the known mineralisation at the base of the existing Reids Ridge mine, where to date very little exploration below a depth of 150 metres has been carried out. Mineralisation at Reids Ridge is hosted in a NE-SW trending sub-vertical fault structure and associated with intense silicification and sulphidation up to 2.5 metres in width with the strike extent currently unknown. The fault can be mapped at a surface over 2.5 kilometres in strike extent and hosts several other gold occurrences including the Commodore mine 600 metres north of the Reids Ridge mine. Mt Laws exploration As part of the upcoming program, the Mt Laws occurrence will be tested along strike to the east and west of previously completed drilling. The mineralisation at Mt Laws is associated with contact between a thin BIF unit and the surrounding dolerite. RC drilling completed by Norwest Minerals ( ) at the main Mt Laws prospect returned 4 metres at 3.48 g/t gold, 2 metres at 3.32 g/t and 2 metres at 3.09 g/t which TNT Mines believes warrant follow-up work. PFB Custom Homes Group was honored as the 2021 Manufacturer of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Building Systems Councils (BSC). The award was given during the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Awards virtual ceremony held on March 4, 2021. PFB Custom Homes Group was honored as Manufacturer of the Year for their contribution to the systems-built housing industry as well as their innovation and world-class products and services. By integrating their in-house design, log and timber materials, Insulspan structural insulated panels, and Advantage ICF System in all their projects, PFB Custom Homes Group creates beautiful and highly energy efficient homes. Being named the BSCs Manufacturer of the Year is an honor and a direct result of the efforts and dedication of our great employees, said James Banner, president of PFB Custom Homes Group. Exceeding our clients expectations is our primary goal, and we take pride in every home we create. Since 1986, the BSCs awards program has promoted excellence in systems-built housing. Front runners in the industry are honored at the annual awards presentation for their unique designs and innovative marketing strategies. ABOUT PFB CUSTOM HOMES GROUP: PFB Custom Homes Group includes the following brands: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes, Riverbend Timber Framing, M.T.N Design, TimberScape, and Point Zero Homes. Offices are located in Meridian, Idaho; Blissfield, Michigan; Carson City, Nevada; and Calgary, Alberta. PFB Custom Homes Group is a subsidiary of PFB Corporation, a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Visit http://www.pfbcustomhomes.com to learn more. ABOUT THE BSC: The Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders is made up of manufacturer, builder, and associate members who advocate building with concrete, log, modular, or panelized systems. Systems-built homes are constructed to the same code standards and reflect the same, and often enhanced, quality levels as any site-built construction. The advantage of systems-building is its done in a fraction of the time, with a fraction of the waste, which can significantly reduce costs. Many systems-built homes also are inherently environmentally friendly adding a green label to the finished home. ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year. #### Jeremiah Johnson dumps ministry name for new one in fallout from false Trump prophesy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Two months after publicly apologizing for inaccurately predicting former President Donald Trump would win a second term, Jeremiah Johnson says hes dumping his Jeremiah Johnson Ministries brand for a new one called The Altar Global that will be in line with a new direction God is taking his ministry. After much prayer and the clear direction of the Lord, we are officially terminating, Jeremiah Johnson Ministries. All of our social media accounts will be deleted over the next week, Johnson announced in a letter to his followers on Facebook Monday. Johnsons Jeremiah Johnson Ministries website is already redirecting his fans to The Altar Global, which bears a footnote that it is formally Jeremiah Johnson Ministries, which began taking shape in 2010. Shortly after he graduated from Southeastern University with a bachelor's degree in Church Ministries that year, Johnson planted Heart of the Father Ministry in Lakeland, Florida. That ministry flourished under his leadership until he moved with his family and staff to Charlotte, North Carolina, to oversee "Jeremiah Johnson Ministries" in 2020. Johnson, who promoted himself on his old ministry website as having the privilege of walking in a strong prophetic anointing since he was a little boy, admitted to falsely prophesying that Trump would win a second term. His decision to apologize prompted death threats, including from some Christians who believe the 2020 election was stolen from Trump. I have received multiple death threats and thousands upon thousands of emails from Christians saying the nastiest and most vulgar things I have ever heard toward my family and ministry. I have been labeled a coward, sellout, a traitor to the Holy Spirit, and cussed out at least 500 times. We have lost ministry partners every hour and counting, Johnson revealed in January. I have been flabbergasted at the barrage of continued conspiracy theories being sent every minute our way and the pure hatred being unleashed. To my great heartache, Im convinced parts of the prophetic/charismatic movement are far SICKER than I could have ever dreamed of, he explained. I truthfully never realized how absolutely triggered and ballistic thousands and thousands of saints get about Donald Trump. Its terrifying! Its full of idolatry! If I helped to prop up this ideology concerning him, I will need to repent again and stir up even more hell. Last month, he announced the suspension of his online ministry after a visitation from God. And now he says he has a new vision. In his letter Monday, Johnson insisted that adopting a new name for his ministry isnt simply a rebranding but a decision to embrace the power of the Cross into this new season and step away from commentary on politics. I am not discouraged nor am I drawing back from my calling. Quite the opposite. I feel God is launching me, my family, and our ministry team further into His purpose for us. In response to Gods gracious correction, refinement, and empowerment, Im choosing to refocus my gaze upon Jesus and the eternal realities of His Kingdom like never before. "For many years, I offered commentary on various political and world events. But now, I am shifting my attention to the preparation of the Bride for the return of our Bridegroom. I will be turning my attention away from social media in order to focus on what God requires of me. Yet I am thrilled to commission our incredible staff to run with, 'The Altar Global' on social media, Johnson explained. This is not a name or brand change but rather a complete shift of our ministrys identity and focus. It requires a gigantic leap of faith for our team to embrace this mandate from God. We are hopeful, terrified and excited about what God is leading us into. Our vision and mission according to Revelation 22:17 is to help prepare the global bride of Christ for the return of our glorious bridegroom, King Jesus. We have been instructed to build an altar to help this generation get ready for the great wedding day, he added. Taking Off in a Pandemic LONDON and PARIS, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JetClub, a new business aviation brand, founded by Vishal Hiremath and Glenn Gonzales, former Honda and Gulfstream executives, is launching in Europe. The company's sister brand, Jet It, has been successfully operating in the US for the past two and half years and the Group now operates a fleet of eleven HondaJet aircraft, globally, making it the largest HondaJet operator in the world. The company is based upon a fractional ownership model in which club members purchase a share of the jet in return for a certain number of days and not hours, which is a unique innovation in this space. JetClub aims to make business aviation more accessible at a lower cost, superior customer service and no administrative effort on the part of the owner. "We have designed JetClub to be easy-to-access, intelligent, safe, and financially savvy. Owners pay only 2500 per hour including handling and landing fees with no positioning fees. Launching in a pandemic is an opportunity to get businesses back to work, providing a mechanism that empowers industry to rebuild some of the economic losses caused by the pandemic. Providing access from separate terminals, away from crowded airports along with our advanced COVID precautions and adherence to local guidelines, we are confident that our solution is a good fit for Europe at this time and well into the future," Vishal Hiremath, Co-Founder and CEO, JetClub Group and co-founder of Jet It. Demand for safe, responsible, practical travel has soared through the pandemic as reflected in the demand for private flights globally, evidenced in our US business experiencing a growth of 400% year over year. European businesses and individuals understand the value proposition of business aviation while having expectations for sustainable, well-priced, and transparent choices. The HondaJet is one of the lightest, quietest, and most fuel-efficient in its category, burning four-times less fuel than a larger jet. With 70% of all private flights being less than 3 hours in duration with less than 4 passengers, it is a more sustainable, economical, hygienic, safe, and comfortable way to fly. The aircraft will be based at various sites across mainland Europe for commercial operation. With a Maltese Air Operating Certificate and license, a highly experienced, locally based team and experienced HondaJet pilots. More aircraft will join the fleet this year. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453967/JetClub2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453968/JetClub6.jpg In 2017, Outcome became a Chicago tech success story when it secured major funding and rose to a $5.5 billion valuation. Two years later, federal prosecutors charged Shah, Agarwal and two other executives in connection with an alleged fraud scheme to obtain about $1 billion from clients, lenders and investors. Farmers have been encouraged to buy the right insurance policy as a way to protect their sheep from the growing issue of livestock worrying. Dog attacks on livestock are on the rise across the country, and work is underway to change the outdated Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. At a recent webinar hosted by the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW), farmers heard that buying the right insurance policy could help alleviate the issue. A minor addition to existing sheep cover could cost as little as 3 a year and cover the financial burden of losses incurred due to a livestock attack. This is according to FUW Services Account Executive Gwenno Davies, who said it was important for farmers to protect livestock assets. Whilst an insurance policy for such incidents doesnt take away the heartache or the stress of dealing with the situation, knowing that it wont negatively impact you financially can be a relief. "All farm businesses are different so a client would need to check their insurance policy specifically," she said. "But to add the extra cover for such a low cost, should be considered especially for that piece of mind. To make a claim, farmers would need a completed claim form, provide a vet letter confirming the injuries sustained in line with incident details, and a valuation from someone like an auctioneer. Ms Davies said she would highly recommend farmers to take photographs and video evidence as well. "If you do know the owner of the dog and have proof, you can also claim against them on their house contents insurance, instead of taking the loss on your own policy, she said. Farmers who tuned into the webinar also heard how the North Wales Rural Crime Team are using technology to fight rural crime and gather evidence of livestock attacks. Ten farms in Dyfed-Powys and 8 in North Wales have now been fitted with wildlife cameras, with footage soon to be broadcast live online allowing people to see the protection they are providing. Having evidence to support your claim is always good," Gwenno Davies explained to farmers. "If you can install such technology on your farm it will help with your claim and police investigation. "Whilst there is no silver bullet to fix the situation straight away, we must make sure to use every tool in the toolbox and having the right insurance in place is part of that." India has been at the forefront of supporting nations with vaccines and has already gifted millions of dozes to smaller nations across continents - helping them kickstart their inoculation campaigns. (Dhananjay Yadav/IANS photo) In this file photo from 2016, a young Afghan boy looks through a razor wire fence at the Roszke refugee camp on Hungary's border with Serbia. UNHCR/Zsolt Balla UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, deplores the recent decision of the Hungarian government to extend a decree that authorizes the police to automatically and summarily remove anyone intercepted for irregular entry and stay. As a result of this decision, people who may be in need of international protection are denied access to territory and asylum procedures. Since 2016, the Hungarian authorities have forcibly removed more than 71,000 people. The decree of 2016 declaring a crisis situation due to mass immigration, covering the entire territory of Hungary, was further extended on 27 February. This decision comes at a time when arrivals to the European Union, including Hungary, continue to decrease each year. The numbers of those arriving to the EU by sea and land in 2020 (95,000 people) decreased by 75 per cent when compared with 2016 (373,652). This latest decision follows a string of concerning developments impeding access to asylum. In May 2020, the Government of Hungary introduced other extraordinary legislative provisions in response to the COVID-19 situation, requiring people seeking international protection to first express their intent to seek asylum at the Hungarian Embassy in neighbouring non-EU countries before they may be able to access territory and asylum procedures in Hungary. We urge the Government of Hungary to withdraw these legislative provisions and ensure that people who wish to seek international protection, many of whom are fleeing war, violence and persecution, have effective access to its territory and to the asylum procedure. UNHCR stands ready to support the Government of Hungary to review its asylum system to bring it in line with international refugee and human rights law, said UNHCRs Europe Bureau Director, Pascale Moreau. Todays challenges of forced displacement require global and regional responses, in the spirit of solidarity, and not standalone initiatives that erode the international protection system. This system, now 70 years old, has withstood the test of time and many situations of crisis. There is a collective responsibility to safeguard this system. The right to seek and enjoy asylum is a basic human right guaranteed by international law and is supported by the legal framework of the 1951 Refugee Convention. When States introduce legitimate measures to control their borders, it must be done in a manner which is consistent with their obligations under international law, including the principle of non-refoulement and respect for the right to seek and enjoy asylum. For more information on this topic, please contact: ADVERTISEMENT The Senate has asked the federal government to help return residents of Ogun States who have fled to neighbouring Benin Republic as a result of rising attacks in the state. This was a sequel to a point of Order raised by Tolu Odebiyi (APC, Ogun West) who decried the spate of insecurity in the state and the state governments inability to tackle the menace alone. In his debate, the lawmaker referred to recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on communities in the Yewa Area of the State. He said the attacks not only generated fear among residents but controversies among political players after a group asked herders to vacate the state. Mr Odebiyi said many of these attacks by suspected herdsmen on the area remain perennial, owing to the near absence of police and other security personnel in the affected communities. The attacks, he explained, were also carried out in communities like Asa, Oho Agbooro, Moro, Ibeku and Agbon Ojodu. He said many residents have been forced to flee and relocate to a refugee camp in Pobe area of Benin Republic in search of safety, with many of them forced to live in very unfavourable conditions in the refugee camps. The state government alone, cannot be left with the onerous task of resettling these displaced citizens, hence, the need for support from the federal government to effectively return the affected citizens back to their various communities. If the Benin Republic that is a neighbour to Nigeria could accommodate Nigerians, give them food and set up a refugee camp for them, Nigeria needs to positively step up on how we treat our citizens who are victims of an internally induced crisis, he said. The Senate thereafter called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) to undertake an on the spot assessment of the affected communities with a view to determining the extent of the problem and providing relief to the affected persons. They urged concerned authorities to put necessary mechanisms in place for the reparation and relocation of the affected peoples and communities. The lawmakers also asked the authorities of the Nigerian Police to see to the provision of police posts and ensuring police presence in these communities, so as to ensure security and rekindle the peoples confidence. Chennai: "Mark Twain said politics is the last resort of the scoundrels and we're here to change that," said actor and politician Kamal Haasan, as he announced his outfit Makkal Needhi Maiam's first list of 70 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls. While the actor's name was not in this list, the notable names include former Tamil Nadu IT secretary Dr Santhosh Babu and V. Ponraj who served as an advisor to President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Speaking at the event, the actor said that the DMK was portraying itself wrongly as the saviour of Tamils and that the incumbent AIADMK was accusing the DMK of being a dynasty party. He added that the BJP was making attempts to divide the state on communal lines. Haasan said that even as a politician he would continue to be a firm defender of the freedom of language, speech and culture, keeping in line with his views as an actor. Introducing the candidates, which included a considerable number of women, Haasan said that almost all of them were self-employed. He added that winning and entering the legislative assembly was not their end goal, but that they aspired to fulfil at least 50 per cent of their promises during their tenure if elected. Lashing out at the DMK and AIADMK which had made announcements on providing income for homemakers, he said that the MNM was not meant to make lists of ideas for the two Dravidian majors, but was meant to oust them. MNM's candidates will be contesting from 154 seats, whereas their allies AISMK and IJK will be contesting 40 seats each. In addition to this, the actor's party is also said to be in talks with the SDPI for an alliance. US President Joe Biden's massive relief plan is on track to cross the finish line Wednesday with a final House vote, stimulating an economy digging out from the coronavirus pandemic and offering a lifeline for millions of families. The $1.9 trillion package, broadly popular with Americans and approved by the Senate at the weekend, is expected to narrowly clear Congress days before a crucial deadline, culminating a weeks-long negotiation over its cost and scope. If it reaches his desk, Biden -- who made the American Rescue Plan his top legislative priority -- could sign the historic bill into law by week's end. But the plan that funds Covid vaccines, preserves unemployment benefits for millions, and sends relief checks of up to $1,400 to most Americans can afford very few Democratic defections. All Republicans are in lockstep against the package, and Democrats enjoy the smallest majority in years in the 435-seat House of Representatives. A Tuesday vote laying out the parameters of the next day's action on the bill augured its narrow path to success. The tally was 219 to 210 in favor of proceeding, with no Republicans in support and one Democrat joining the GOP in opposition. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, chairman of the House Democratic caucus, said he was "110% " confident the bill will pass. In an effort to drive home how this sweeping package helps the economy, Biden Tuesday visited a business billed as Washington's oldest hardware store, which has benefitted from the Paycheck Protection Program begun under Donald Trump's administration to help businesses stay afloat during the crisis. "We're going to continue this," Biden said of the PPP as he chatted with store owner Mike Siegel. The president took a jab at Trump, though, saying that "a lot of money went to people who shouldn't have gotten help" through the PPP because some companies were too large and therefore not supposed to qualify. Biden's administration will tailor the program so that it focuses on businesses with 20 employees or fewer, he said. The last Congress plan to fight the coronavirus, which has to date left more than 527,000 dead in the United States and brought the economy to its knees, was enacted in December. It expanded unemployment payments by $300 a week, and extended them through March 14. That deadline has loomed as Biden and congressional Democrats crafted their latest package, but it appears they will meet it and extend the benefits until early September. 'Remarkable, historic' "It's a remarkable, historic, transformative piece of legislation which goes a very long way to crushing the virus and solving our economic crisis," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters. "It is so exciting as you know because of what it does: vaccines in the arms of the American people, money in their pockets, children safely in schools, workers safely back to work." The bill funds Covid vaccine distribution and research, pours billions into state and local governments, continues eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, increases food aid and the child tax credit, and sets aside $130 billion for schools. Progressive Democrats had pushed for higher supplemental unemployment benefits of $400, but after a last-minute standoff with a moderate Democrat, the Senate kept the payments at $300. The White House said stimulus checks to Americans would be rushed out as soon as possible -- without Biden's name on them. "This is not about him," press secretary Jen Psaki said. "This is about the American people getting relief." With the bill's passage likely, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development sharply raised its 2021 global growth forecast Tuesday amid greatly improved economic prospects. OECD says it now expects the global economy to grow by 5.6%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from its December forecast. And it sees the US economy climbing by 6.5% this year, nearly double its previous forecast. But Republicans remained opposed. Number two House Republican Steve Scalise said Democrats were "pushing a socialist agenda" while "bankrupting the next generation with mountains of debt." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. [March 10, 2021] Decama Capital Ltd's Sale of 10.5 Million London Property Becomes Largest Lot Sold by Allsop in an Auction LONDON and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Decama Capital Ltd (TASE: DCMA), a leading Israeli investment company headquartered in the UK and listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, is delighted to announce the sale completion of a 10.5 million property in Ruislip Manor, London. The lot, comprised of a freehold parade, was sold via leading UK property consultancy company Allsop at its December online commercial auction, becoming the largest lot sold by the company on a digital auction contract to date. Key features of the Ruislip Manor property include a parade of 14 shops, 18 flats and land to the rear, a total accommodation extending to 2,084.75 sq. m (22,440 sq. ft), and a total site area of 0.83 acres (0.335 hectares). The property alo sits adjacent to Ruislip Manor Underground Station (Metropolitan Line). The announcement comes as Decama Capital Ltd looks to expand and explore new investment opportunities, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Nate Lorenzi, CEO of Decama Capital Ltd, said: "The sale of this property is a milestone event for Decama Capital Ltd and we look ahead to continuing to grow our investment portfolio over the coming year." About Decama Capital Ltd Decama Capital Ltd is an Israeli investment company listed on the Tel Aviv stock exchange and headquartered in London. Decama Capital engages in real estate activities, management and operation of properties for rent and sale. Link: https://www.decama.com/ View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/decama-capital-ltds-sale-of-10-5-million-london-property-becomes-largest-lot-sold-by-allsop-in-an-auction-301244356.html SOURCE Decama Capital Ltd Panama has passed a cruel bill that would ban same-sex couples from adopting children. The government of Panama passed bill number 120 which aims to protect children and minors from being separated from their biological family. The bill allows for children to be adopted by both single parents and married couples. However, same-sex marriages are not yet legal in the Central American country. Additionally, sections of the bill define married couples, who are eligible to adopt children, as those who are composed of different sex partners. The bill, which passed the National Assembly, now goes to Panamas president Laurentino Cortizo to be signed into law. Cortizo does still have the legal authority to veto or change all or part of the bill. Cristian Gonzalez Cabrera, LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said the exclusion of same sex-couples as adoptive parents in the bill is not only stigmatizing, but also compounds the violation of not having their relationships acknowledged or protected in the first place. Categorically barring children from being adopted into loving and supportive families is also inconsistent with the principle of the best interest of the child, Cabrera said. HRW called on Cortizo to dismiss the articles which perpetuate prejudices about lesbian, gay and bisexual people. It added the articles violate international human rights standards on non-discrimination, respect for private and family life and the rights of the child. The human rights organisation also said the bill flies in the face of recent statements by the Panamanian government that it would not tolerate violations of the rights of LGBT+ people. The ministry of public security of Panama tweeted in July that its government establishments are respectful of human rights and reject all types of violence, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia or discrimination, regardless of who it comes from. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Same-sex adoption is legal in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. However, other countries in Central and South America including Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Venezuela only allow adoptions by single LGBT+ people. ITHACA, N.Y. - Since 2013, a mysterious phenomenon has been killing apple trees across North America, leaving growers panicked and scientists bewildered. The phenomenon has been named rapid apple decline (RAD) for its sudden onset, which causes apple trees to quickly deteriorate and die. Now, two Cornell University scientists are on a mission to track down its cause. This effort is thanks to a recent $299,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The three-year project, "Root Traits and Rapid Decline of Apple Trees in High-Density Orchards," is one of the first federally funded projects to research rapid apple decline in the United States. In Geneva, New York, two researchers at Cornell AgriTech first teamed up in 2018 to explore potential causes of RAD, such as pathogens, insects, cold weather injury and root systems' interactions. While their findings revealed no direct above-ground causes, they noticed that a weaker root system could potentially contribute to the trees' decline. "So very little is known about the below-ground root system of apple rootstocks right now," said Awais Khan, co-principal investigator and associate professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology. "By performing a comprehensive analysis of these systems, we are hopeful that this project will uncover the answers the apple industry has been looking for." He and Marc Fuchs, professor of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, will hone in on the complex dynamics of apple root systems and explore the behavior of viruses in commercial apple orchards. Khan and Fuchs will be working with commercial growers in the Hudson Valley, Capital District and Lake Ontario regions to compare physical samples of both declining and healthy trees from different orchards and soil systems. They will also obtain trees from nurseries in New York state and beyond for analysis. As part of his research, Khan will explore a possible connection between high-density orchard systems and RAD. Fuchs will establish whether the presence of viruses in these nursery trees may weaken the root system of declining trees. Khan and Fuchs will also examine a wide variety of commonly used commercial apple rootstocks to determine whether there is a connection between RAD and specific rootstocks being used by growers. "Ultimately, we want to help growers make good decisions about using cultivars that do not have viruses present on the right rootstock and in the right site," Fuchs said. ### A cosmetic clinic owner has been jailed in Russia after a female patient nearly died during a nose job. Karolina Sarkisyan visited the clinic of Dr Gulnara Shah, 57, in the Russian capital Moscow in 2018. She said she had a deviated septum that made it difficult to breathe and she also wanted to remove a hump in her nose so it was more curved. Karolina Sarkisyan visited the clinic of Dr Gulnara Shah, 57, in the Russian capital Moscow in 2018 Russian woman Karolina Sarkisyan (pictured with her mother) who almost died after having a nose operation in the capital Moscow where the surgeon has now been jailed Gevorg Stepanyan, the plastic surgeon who performed the operation on Karolina Sarkisyan who almost died after having a nose operation in capital Moscow According to local media, the operation was performed by plastic surgeon Gevorg Stepanyan who Sarkisyan chose herself based on his experience and numerous positive patient reviews. During the operation, the patient started to bleed profusely and clinic staff could not stop it so they called an ambulance. Sarkisyan was admitted to the hospital where she reportedly slipped into a coma for nine days. In total, she was in hospital for three weeks. Russian woman Karolina Sarkisyan pictured after the operation. She said she had a deviated septum that made it difficult to breathe and she also wanted to remove a hump in her nose so it was more curved Russian woman Karolina Sarkisyan pictured after the operation Russian woman Karolina Sarkisyan pictured before the operation, above After the incident, a criminal case was launched and investigators inspected the clinic and found it did not have a medical lisence to provide plastic surgery services, according to local media. In addition, necessary medical equipment was not available and staff could not provide round-the-clock monitoring of patients. During the investigation, clinic owner Gulnara Shah was transferred from a pre-trial detention centre to house arrest while Dr Gevorg Stepanyan fled Russia and is on the international wanted list. The court subsequently found Shah guilty and sentenced him to one year and 10 months in prison. He was also order to pay 5,455 (RUB 560,000) to the victim as compensation. Gandhinagar, March 10 : The Gujarat government informed the state assembly on Wednesday that it will pay over Rs 1600 crore as premium to the insurance companies for crop insurance for the two-calendar year period of 2019 and 2020. During the same period, the insurance companies paid the farmers under Rs 150 crore against crop failure claims. Junagadh MLA Bhikhabhai Joshi had asked in a written question to the agriculture minister, as to how much was the premium paid to various insurance companies under the Pradhan Mantri Bima Fasal scheme for the two years till December 31, 2020. Out of that how many claims by the farmers were settled and how much money was paid to them. In reply, Agriculture Minister RC Faldu said that over Rs 1600 cr is to be paid as premium for crop insurance for the two year period till December 31, 2020. The maximum premium of Rs 620,45,78,663 will be paid to the Reliance General Insurance Limited, Rs 396,93,31,438 to be paid to Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited, Rs. 356,62,57,808 to be paid to Agriculture Insurance Company of India, Rs 208,97,22,218 to be paid to Bhatti Aksha General Insurance Company Limited, Rs 19,19,95,444 to be paid to Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited and Rs 5,43,91,884 to be paid to United India insurance Company Limited. The Minister also informed that less than Rs 150 cr was paid by the insurance companies against the claims made by the farmers. Out of this, a total of Rs 37,78,45,409 was paid for the Rabi season crops in 2018-19, Rs 111,52,15,275 was paid for the Kharif crop claims in 2019 and Rs 10,20,820 for farmers claims for the Rabi season 2019-2020. Thereafter the Pradhan Mantri crop insurance scheme had been stopped. A total of 23,707 farmers benefited in Rabi 2018-19, 91,606 farmers in Kharif 2019 and 209 farmers benefited in season 2019 -20. The Congress however alleged that the farmers of the state have not benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana nor benefited from the Mukhymantri Kisan Sahay Yojana. Vicky Pattison has paid tribute to her late best friend Paul Burns as she marked his birthday on Tuesday night. The television personality, 33, took to Instagram to pen a touching tribute to the popular Newcastle bar boss who died, aged 37, on June 2 2018. Vicky emotionally said in her post that 'grief is the price we must pay for loving someone worth losing' and that she was marking the day by remembering all of their 'amazing' memories. Heartbreaking: Vicky Pattison has paid tribute to her late best friend Paul Burns as she marked his birthday on Tuesday night Posting a collection of throwback pictures with her late best friend Paul, the former Geordie Shore star penned: 'I will always really miss you Paul, we all will.' In the lengthy heartfelt post, Vicky added: 'Happy Birthday to my Best Friend. 'In these moments of heartbreaking grief, I remember the only reason we have an empty space is because we were blessed with someone who loved us so beautifully it occupied an entire part of our soul and that brings me some solace. 'I don't know if I expected things to get easier as I got older and more time passed since we lost you but it doesn't.. And I have to remind myself that grief is the price we must pay for loving someone worth losing.' Sad: The television personality, 33, took to Instagram to pen a touching tribute to the popular Newcastle bar boss who died, aged 37, on June 2, 2018 Grief: Vicky emotionally said in her post that 'grief is the price we must pay for loving someone worth losing' and that she was marking the day by remembering all of their 'amazing' memories Vicky emotionally continued: 'Grief is after all just love with nowhere to go. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. 'All that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes, in the lump in your throat and the hallow part of your chest. In whatever form it takes Paul, we'll never stop loving you..' Vicky said that she was marking Paul's birthday by remembering all of their 'amazing' memories, 'laughing' about their good times and 'cringing' over their past wardrobe. She added: 'I'm spending today remembering all of our amazing memories, laughing about the good times, cringing about some of our style decisions (I honestly don't even know how to explain what was happening in slide 8). 'Feeling incredibly lucky to have ever known such an amazing person and mostly just really missing you... I will always really miss you Paul, we all will. Tribute: Posting a collection of throwback pictures with her late best friend Paul, the former Geordie Shore star penned: 'I will always really miss you Paul, we all will.' Emotional: Vicky said that she was marking Paul's birthday by remembering all of their 'amazing' memories, 'laughing' about their good times and 'cringing' over their past wardrobe 'I hope they're throwing you a shindig good enough for the king of the Newcastle up there petal.. Im sure you'll have everyone laughing like you always did..' Vicky emotionally signed off her post with: 'We miss you and love you Burnsy son, and we always will. Happy Birthday.' In June, the TV personality paid tribute to Paul on the second anniversary of his tragic death. Paul had finished his shift at The Botanist at around 11pm on June 1 2018, before going out with pals in the city centre, but an inquest heard that the evening ended in tragedy when the 37-year-old collapsed. Upsetting: Vicky emotionally signed off her post with: 'We miss you and love you Burnsy son, and we always will. Happy Birthday.' Coroner Karen Dilks said in the early hours of June 2 2018, Paul was seen by a member of the public 'sitting on a wall and appeared to be swaying with his head in his hands'. 'A short time later he was seen lying unresponsive on the pavement,' she said. Paramedics attended the scene and attempted to resuscitate him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Ms Dilks said a post-mortem examination showed no obvious signs of natural disease. She said a toxicology report confirmed the presence of MDMA - also known as ecstasy - in his system. Advertisement Hes got a high-flying career and a high-flying hobby. Nick de Jonge flies Boeing 737s for KLM. And in his spare time, he sends his drone up to take landscape photographs with results so breathtaking hes scooped over 20,000 Instagram followers. The 34-year-old first officer, from Haarlem in the Netherlands, revealed however that his pilot training didnt help with flying his drone, but did make him more aware of airspace restrictions and usage. He told MailOnline Travel: Flying a drone does take a lot of practise. You first need to learn how to fly and operate the drone and feel confident to fly around. Be sure to know the drone rules for the area you are flying in. Nick has taken pictures all over the world, but here we showcase some of his incredible shots of his home country, taken from the air and at ground level. Scroll down and youll spot a theme. As Nick said: Driving around the countryside is always very enjoyable. Add some morning fog and windmills and Im a happy man! This ethereal image shows the 18th-century Overwaard windmills at the village of Kinderdijk, which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997 An eye-catching shot of windmills at the town of Aarlanderveen, just south of Amsterdam. In the days of yore, the Dutch landscape harboured around 10,000 windmills. Today they number about 1,200 A mesmerising picture of a green and pleasant landscape in the province of North Holland. Nick describes this image as one of his favourites and has included it in his 2021 calendar Another magical shot of the Overwaard windmills at Kinderdijk. These windmills scoop water from the Lower Basin at the village to the Upper Basin The stunning picture on the left shows a pathway leading to mist-enveloped windmills at Kinderdijk. One of Nick's Instagram followers, 'ryanleebanks', was moved to describe the image as 'unreal'. On the right is a bloomin' wonderful shot taken in North Holland Nineteen of the 1,200 or so windmills in the Netherlands can be found at Kinderdijk, pictured here. The village lies about 30 minutes by waterbus from Rotterdam On the left is a dreamy image taken at Grootschermer village, while on the right is a beautiful picture taken in the village of Schermerhorn that Nick captioned on Instagram: 'A scene from a beautiful spring morning' Wisps of mist hover over the water and around windmills at Zaanse Schans, which became a 'living museum' after various historic buildings from around the Netherlands were transported there in the 1960s and 70s and renovated. Zaanse Schans is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions Rolling fog smothers the village of Grootschermer in an aerial shot described by one of Nick's Instagram followers as 'absolutely stunning' Windmills poke up out of the mist in Schermerhorn (left). Nick's caption on Instagram for the image on the right reads: 'Beautiful reflections at the mills of Aarlanderveen. These mills are actually still in operation. They are slowly pumping out excess water out of the polder. The land (polder) where the water is being pumped out from is 5.4m (17.7ft) below sea level' Play misty for me photo: One of the windmills at Zaanse Schans is the star of this enchanting image Zaanse Schans (pictured) attracts around a million visitors a year in normal times. The site's official website says: 'The Zaanse Schans offers a look into the heyday of the Zaan district: the 18th and 19th centuries. In the Zaan district, the oldest industrial area of Western Europe, there were once some 600 windmills active at the same time. This was a direct result of trade in the Dutch Golden Age (17th century)' Mist drifts over the windmills at Kinderdijk. The village's website explains that a thousand years ago the whole area 'was one big peat bog trapped between raging rivers'. But over the centuries the waterlogged landscape was tamed using dykes, sluices, windmills and pumping stations Behold the Lakes of Loosdrecht, between Utrecht and Amsterdam. This series of interconnected lakes contain ribbons of tree-lined sand islands, some of which host holiday homes Nick said 'the countryside during the early morning with slight fog is my favourite landscape'. Pictured is Schermerhorn This captivating picture was taken in an area of heathland called the Zuiderheide in North Holland. Nick said in his caption for it: 'I tried to use some leading lines to take the eye to the subject of the photo; the hiker' This is one of Nick's favourite shots from the 2020 tulip season. It was taken near the city of Alkmaar Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Falcon 6X Completes Maiden Flight Saint-Cloud, France, March 10, 2021 - Dassault Aviation today announced that the company's widebody Falcon 6X has successfully completed its first flight as planned in the first quarter of 2021, demonstrating the maturity of the program and opening the test campaign for certification. "Today's flight is another milestone in Dassault history, made all the more satisfying by the remarkable efforts of the entire Dassault organization and its partners over the challenging past year," said Dassault Aviation Chairman/CEO Eric Trappier. "We dedicate today's achievement to Olivier Dassault, who died tragically on Sunday," continued Trappier. "Olivier was a Falcon pilot who perfectly embodied his family's boundless passion for aviation." "The 6X is the latest example of the fusion of military know-how and business aviation expertise for which Dassault Aviation is so respected," added Trappier. "The new capabilities in efficiency, performance and safety it offers will set a new benchmark in the long-range segment. This airplane will also set a new standard in terms of cabin comfort and spaciousness, as demanded by our customers." With test pilots Bruno Ferry and Fabrice Valette at its controls, aircraft 6X s/n 01 lifted off from Dassault Aviation's Merignac plant near Bordeaux at 2:45 PM. This about two-hour-thirty maiden flight was executed per the test plan, with pilots testing aircraft handling qualities, engine response and the behavior of key aircraft systems. The aircraft topped out at 40,000 ft and reached a speed of M0.8 before returning to its base. "The 6X flew exactly as predicted by our models. From a pilot's perspective, it flies like a Falcon, which is to say with perfect precise handling in all phases of flight," said Ferry. "Fabrice and I are honored to have made the latest first flight in another fantastic Falcon." Serial number 01's next flight will combine test activities with a hop to Istres, near Marseilles, where the Dassault flight test center is located and the bulk of the testing program will take place. Falcon 6X s/n 02 and 03 are scheduled to take to the air in the coming months. * * * ABOUT THE FALCON 6X: The Falcon 6X will set a new standard for widebody comfort, with the tallest and widest cabin in business aviation. Measuring six feet, six inches in height and eight feet, six inches in width, the 6X will be the first ultra-widebody purpose-built business jet in the industry. With an intercontinental range of 5,500 nm, the aircraft will fly from London to Hong Kong or Los Angeles to Moscow nonstop. And it will feature an advanced version of the pioneering digital flight control system first introduced on the Falcon 7X and further refined on the Falcon 8X. Dassault's revolutionary FalconEye combined vision system will be standard on the 6X, providing enhanced safety and situational awareness on approaches in darkness or poor weather. The 6X will also be the first Falcon equipped with the FalconScan advanced diagnostics system, which monitors and reports on 100,000 maintenance parameters. And as with all Falcons, it will offer superior operating flexibility, thanks to its unparalleled performance on steep approaches to short runways. The aircraft is powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines, which in addition to outstanding flight safety and performance will provide double digit improvements in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. ABOUT DASSAULT AVIATION: With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft PRESS CONTACTS: Corporate Communications Stephane Fort - Tel +33 Mathieu Durand - Tel +33 Falcon Communications Vadim Feldzer - Tel +33 HD photos: mediaprophoto.dassault-aviation.com HD videos: mediaprovideo.dassault-aviation.com NB: new images of the first flight will gradually be integrated into these photo and video databases at your disposal. Attachment See the NewsBlaze story at: https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/features/learn-to-magically-mix-cocktails-in-zoom_175993/ NewsBlaze reader special promo code PRALLEN2021 entitles readers to $10.00 discount at https://www.aneveningofmagic.com/event-details/an-evening-of-magic-presents-magic-mixology The story invites adults young and old (over 21) to pull up a barstool and join in the mirth-making and the cocktail-making. Introducing the leading magician, MC Will Roberts said, "Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Magic & Mixology welcomes the side splitting, jaw dropping magic of Matt Donnelly: The Mind Noodler." Matt Donnelly draws inspiration from Penn & Teller, who asked Donnelly to join in a run of shows called "Penn and Friends" in Las Vegas. The Magic & Mixology series will be produced and streamed live from the same state-of-the-art professional production studio with multi-cameras, professional lighting, and sound, as used for the successful Zoomfield Follies shows promoted by NewsBlaze and Will Roberts last year. The NewsBlaze story describes the Magic and Mixology crew's offering of thematic evenings, each with carefully selected craft cocktails that can be arranged by contacting Will Roberts. The thematic evenings include: The Roaring 20's, Happy Days, Saturday Night Fever, Totally Tubular, and The Silver Screen. As one example, the Saturday Night Fever evening subheading is "If you can remember the 70's you didn't LIVE the 70's." It features The Harvey Wallbanger The Pina Colada The Brandy Alexander Matt Donnelly Matt Donnelly is co-host of Penn's Sunday School, the Ice Cream Social & Abbracababble Podcasts and the Head Writer/Producer for 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us,' CW's all time highest rated television show ever." RJ Owens RJ Owens is a comic and magician rolled into one, who began performing at age 11. He has long-running shows in San Francisco, including "Magic at the Rex", at the Hotel Rex in Downtown San Francisco. Now he can be seen performing as the iconic Bebe Francois in Mystere by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Chris Herren as Faust Chris Herren as Faust is a member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA and The Magic Circle in London, England. His cirque-style performance won two international competition awards and the coveted 2018 & 2019 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians, 1st Place Gold Medal Award in Parlor Magic. About Will Roberts and ZoomfieldFollies Will Roberts is the creator of Magic & Mixology, ZoomfieldFollies and resident magician at BasicsOfMagic.com, where aspiring magicians learn how to make magic. Roberts is also an equal partner with NewsBlaze in acting and movie auditions sites. About NewsBlaze NewsBlaze was founded in 2004 as an independent online newspaper and information portal, forming relationships with other publishers and wire services. NewsBlaze covers broad topics of interest to readers worldwide, which helps build a loyal, global following of readers, especially in Australia, North America and Europe. In addition, as the lead Syndicate Partner of the World City Press Network, NewsBlaze provides news, editing and content services, including news features, with the publishers that make up the World City Press Network. Visit https://NewsBlaze.com to learn more. Media contact: Alan Gray, [email protected], +61 8 8531 0254 SOURCE NewsBlaze Related Links https://newsblaze.com Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, speaks during a rally on the National Mall in Washington on Dec. 12, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell Says Hes Launching Social Media Website After Twitter Ban My Pillow founder Mike Lindell said hes launching his own social media website after his personal and MyPillow accounts were suspended by Twitter. Every single influencer person on the planet can come there. Youre going to have a platform to speak out, Lindell announced last week on Charlie Kirks podcast. Were launching this big platform so all the voices of our country can come back and start telling it like it is again. Lindell said that with his unnamed social media website, you will not need YouTube. You wont need these places. It will be where everything can be told, because weve got to get our voices back. People will be able to talk and not walk on eggshells. Lindell said his social media website will launch in four to five weeks but didnt elaborate on the nature of the website or how it would function. Lindells site would compete with the likes of Parler and Gab, which have attracted conservatives and supporters of former President Donald Trump. Trump and his advisers have said hes considering starting his own social media company. The former presidentwho was suspended by Twitter, Facebook, and otherssaid that Twitter has become very boring in recent days, asserting that millions of people are leaving the platform. Lindell, also in the interview, also said that Google canceled me on some things and took tens of thousands of dollars in ad revenue from him before he was shut down. The MyPillow CEO told Business Insider that he lost 20 retailers that cost him $65 million this year that I wont get back. He told the outlet: Theres your story. Print it right. Dont try and twist this. It came as Dominion Voting Systems last month filed a $1.3 billion lawsuit against Lindell alleging he defamed the firm. A key argument in Dominions lawsuit was that Lindell used election-related claims to boost his brand and sell products. Lindell, meanwhile, told media outlets that he welcomes the Dominion lawsuit, as it would provide him a means with which to prove his claims. Other than Lindell, prominent conservatives including Michael Flynn, Sidney Powell, and Lin Wood were suspended by Twitter, forcing them to move to other platforms such as Telegram. And last week, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis YouTube account was banned from uploading new content for two weeks. We removed content from the Rudy W. Giuliani channel for violating our sale of regulated goods policy, which prohibits content facilitating the use of nicotine, and our presidential election integrity policy, a YouTube spokeswoman said in a statement to Bloomberg and other outlets on March 1. [March 10, 2021] Maxar Completes SPIDER Robotic Arm Critical Design Review Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR), a trusted partner and innovator in Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure, today announced that the SPace Infrastructure DExterous Robot (SPIDER) it is developing for NASA completed its Critical Design Review (CDR). SPIDER is a robotic assembly and manufacturing demonstration included on NASA's upcoming On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing-1 (OSAM-1) mission. With the CDR complete, Maxar remains on track to deliver the SPIDER hardware to NASA in the first half of 2022. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005292/en/ This SPIDER rendering shows the robotic arm assembling individual antenna reflector components into one large reflector. Image Credit: Maxar Technologies SPIDER will demonstrate the ability to robotically assemble and reconfigure spacecraft components while on-orbit. This revolutionary process could allow satellites, telescopes and other systems to use larger and more powerful components that might not fit into a standard rocket fairing when fully assembled. SPIDER will be integrated with the spacecraft bus Maxar is also building for OSAM-1, which will refuel a government-owned satellite that was not originally designed to be serviced on-orbit. Specifically, for OSAM-1, SPIDER will assemble in space seven individual antenna reflector elements to construct one large, precisely shaped antenna reflector. Maxar has previously delivered six robotic arms for NASA's Mars rovers and landers, including the Sample Handling Assembly robotic arm on the recently landed Perseverance Rover. The SPIDER CDR took place over a four-day period in February and demonstrated that the arm design meets NASA mission requirements. NASA missions undergo multiple rigorous technical and programmatic reviews as they proceed through the phases of development prior to launch. The CDR is one of several NASA mission milestones, culminatin with the spacecraft's launch. "The innovative robotics technologies we are developing for SPIDER have the potential to enable an entirely new era of space infrastructure," said Robert Curbeam, Maxar's Senior Vice President of Space Capture. "SPIDER is one of many game-changing programs we have at Maxar. We hope to see this technology leveraged for a multitude of commercial and government space missions, including commercial satellite servicing, in-space telescope assembly and human exploration on the Moon and beyond under NASA's Artemis program." As part of the OSAM-1 mission, SPIDER will also demonstrate in-space manufacturing using Tethers Unlimited's MakerSat. MakerSat will manufacture a 10-meter lightweight composite beam, verifying its capability to form large spacecraft structures for future missions. As it manufactures the beam, MakerSat will measure the beam's straightness and mechanical properties to determine if it is built to prescribed requirements. Maxar first announced it was selected by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate to perform an in-space assembly demonstration using a lightweight robotic arm in January 2020. Maxar is working in partnership with the West Virginia Robotic Technology Center on independent verification of SPIDER's capabilities through multiple performance studies to increase the reliability of in-space assembly tasks. About Maxar Maxar is a trusted partner and innovator in Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure. We deliver disruptive value to government and commercial customers to help them monitor, understand and navigate our changing planet; deliver global broadband communications; and explore and advance the use of space. Our unique approach combines decades of deep mission understanding and a proven commercial and defense foundation to deploy solutions and deliver insights with unrivaled speed, scale and cost effectiveness. Maxar's 4,300 team members in over 20 global locations are inspired to harness the potential of space to help our customers create a better world. Maxar trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and other information included in this release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. Statements including words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "plan", "potential", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate" or "expect" and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties, as well as other statements referring to or including forward-looking information included in this presentation. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this presentation. As a result, although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and other disclosures about the Company and its business included in the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with U.S. securities and Canadian regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov, under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this presentation or other specified date and speak only as of such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this presentation as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005292/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] We know this, Haidle was saying, but the remarkable thing is that most of us are still are willing to risk our love--to borrow a line from the songwriter Steven Schwartz--in what little time we have. More beautifully than in perhaps any play Ive seen, Haidle was arguing for this seemingly illogical choice, arguing that its the only way for us to find meaning. What made the play so striking and beautiful was the palpable authenticity of the pain in the writing. When Kendrick Johnson of Valdosta, Ga., didnt come home the night of Jan. 10, 2013, his family called the police. The next morning, students at Lowndes High School found Kendricks body head down and wedged inside a heavy gym mat in the schools gymnasium. Within months, the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office concluded the death was an accident: Kendrick had suffocated after he became stuck in the mat, trying to retrieve a shoe that had fallen inside. His parents, however, said they believed their son, a popular athlete at the school and, at 17, the youngest of five siblings, had been murdered. For years, they pleaded with local and federal authorities to re-examine the case. Last Friday, the current Lowndes County sheriff, Ashley Paulk, who was not in office when a previous sheriff had concluded that the death was accidental, decided that his office would reopen the case, which continues to confound residents of Valdosta, a city of about 56,000 in southern Georgia, eight years on. The first time we tested it when we cooked it in the soup, it was very sweet, it was inedible and tasted completely of pineapple, he said. The successful attempt was based on separating the juice from the fruit during cooking, which removed the sweetness that would otherwise overpower the beef flavor. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 One person was killed, and two others injured during a shooting early Wednesday inside the Red Roof Inn in Bessemer. The Jefferson County Coroners office identified the slain man as Cory Lamont Peterson. He was 35 and lived in Bessemer. Police responded to a call of shots fired at the hotel at 12:05 a.m., said Lt. Christian Clemons. When they arrived at Red Roof, which is on Academy Court, they found Peterson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to UAB Medical Center West where he was pronounced dead at 1:38 a.m. Red Roof Inn Academy Court in Bessemer Two other gunshot victims showed up at UAB West by private vehicle. Investigators determined they were shot during the same incident. They were both treated and released and are expected to be OK. A shooting at the same hotel late last year left another man dead. Torrandine James Robert Harris, 26, shot was shot to death in October 2020. Harris was found lying in a parking lot of the Red Roof Inn. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead on the scene at 2:40 a.m. Peterson is Bessemers sixth homicide this year and the third in six days. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 29 homicides including the six in Bessemer. Anyone with information is asked to call Bessemer police at 425-2411, the Tip Line at 205- 428-3541 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The chairman of Pennsylvanias Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday said he wants to halt plans to toll nine major bridges on interstates around the state. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, introduced a bill to require legislative authorization of any proposed transportation project with a user fee, even it is approved by a public-private transportation board lawmakers created in 2012. The bill also aims to create a new process for informing lawmakers and the public about a proposed project that the state Department of Transportation brings to the Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board. The board is composed of appointees of the governor and top lawmakers. The tolling idea was developed for the Major Bridge P3 program, previously approved by the Public Private Transportation Partnership in November. The program allows PennDOT to give bridge construction and maintenance to a private company, and charge tolls to pay for the repairs or replacement. The department named nine bridges last month, including an Interstate 78 bridge in Berks County and two Interstate 80 bridges in Luzerne and Carbon counties. Some lawmakers are unhappy over it. PennDOT is facing an urgent, significant funding issue, PennDOT Alternative Funding Director Ken McClain said when announcing the proposed bridges, adding the departments investments needs are outgrowing the available funding. Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian has told lawmakers that the aging bridges are in need of major reconstruction and the department needs more money to keep up with its public safety obligations. The tolls could be between $1 and $2 per passenger car for both directions of travel, would raise about $2.2 billion and last from the start of construction in 2023 for three or four years until construction is finished, Gramian told lawmakers last month. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Queensland had six times as many active cases of COVID-19 as Victoria after another five people were diagnosed with the virus in the northern state overnight. On Wednesday there were 37 active cases in Queensland, compared with six in Victoria. There were more than 7000 tests conducted in Queensland on Tuesday. Credit:Getty Images Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the new cases in Parliament on Tuesday and said all were in hotel quarantine. In the past five months we have had 170 cases that were overseas acquired and detected in hotel quarantine, she said. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form During the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council on March 9, Ukraine joined the statement of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden on the downing of flight PS752 by Iran, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reports. It is just over a year since the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752. That crash, caused by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles, killed 176 people many of whom were traveling home for the holidays or returning to school. We continue to mourn this devastating loss, the statement reads. In February, Special Rapporteurs Agnes Callamard and Javaid Rehman released a letter to the Iranian government, which outlined a number of very serious allegations. Chief amongst their concerns is that the right to life of the 176 passengers and crew members was violated. We proceed from the fact that Iran has not responded to this letter. Irans alleged violation of these human rights obligations is extremely troubling. This is compounded by allegations of entirely unacceptable harassment and threats made against family members of some of the victims, the signers noted. In this regard, they call on Iran to reply to the letter as soon as possible and certainly in advance of the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur Callamard at HRC47; immediately stop any harassment and intimidation of the victims families, both in Iran and elsewhere; ensure a full and transparent criminal investigation and impartial judicial proceedings as part of their obligation to provide justice for the victims of this tragedy; and provide a comprehensive account of the events that led to this tragedy. On January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. There were 176 people on board nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK). On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner. On January 5, 2021, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine had received from Iran a draft technical report on the circumstances of the crash of flight PS752, and should prepare its comments by the end of February. On February 20, Iran announced the completion of the investigation into this case. ish L ike the House of Windsor has found, without trust nothing much works. This certainly applies to the 2019 UK-EU withdrawal agreement, which has now, once again, been unilaterally suspended by one side, this time the UK. The secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, has announced that certain checks and procedures that were soon to be imposed on goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland will be suspended, with the agreed grace period for adjustment being extended apparently indefinitely by the UK. Lewis may be reminded of a famous remark he made the last time the UK threatened to agree the treaty, only last autumn, which was that it was indeed a breach of international law, albeit in a specific and limited way. A few weeks ago the EU unilaterally announced it would invoke Article 16 of the withdrawal agreement and suspend the Northern Ireland protocol, to the shocked surprise of everyone. The backlash from all parts of Ireland caused a hasty retreat. Since then the war of words and sniping has ground on. Last weekend the new British minister for Brexit, Lord (David) Frost accused the EU of sulking. We never sulk came the reply. Maybe everyone is sulking. Now, the European Union has said it will see Britain in court. Two courts, in fact. The EU is about to initiate two separate lines of attack. First, it will serve formal notice that it is to trigger infringement proceedings against the UK, which will in due course end up in the Court of Justice of the European Union, though that has no jurisdiction, formally, over the UK in fresh judgments. A man struck the owner of a wine bar in the head with his umbrella when he was asked to keep his voice down. Andrew Norry appeared before Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with assaulting James McDaid. The court was told that 50-year-old Norry and his partner were drinking at The Wine Bar, at The Mall in Ramelton. At one stage Mr McDaid went over to Norry and asked him to keep his voice down. The accused, of Bridgend, Ramelton replied that nobody would tell him to keep his voice down and struck Mr McDaid on the temple with his umbrella. Norry pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Mr McDaid on August 5th, 2019. Read More Judge Paul Kelly asked Norry if he was working and he was told that Norry was a carer pre-Covid but was not currently working. The Judge asked Norry's solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian if his client was willing to make a gesture of 500 to his victim. Mr Dorrian said he was. "Any suggestion you make will be discharged," Mr Dorrian told Judge Kelly. He said his client regretted the entire matter. The case was adjourned until March 22nd to allow Norry to bring the sum of compensation to court. [March 10, 2021] AMS FULFILLMENT Named a Multichannel Merchant Top 3PL for 2021 AMS FULFILLMENT has been named a MCM Top 3PL for 2021, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its sixth annual directory. 3PLs, already growing in importance prior to COVID-19, have seen significant growth in 2020 as the massive shift to ecommerce fuels significant demand for outsourced fulfillment and logistics operations. This unique resource from Multichannel Merchant, a searchable directory that can be sorted by various criteria, helps ecommerce and DTC companies vet qualified, experienced 3PLs. "Ecommerce and DTC merchants need expeienced, qualified 3PL partners as they handle unprecedented growth in their online business, and lack the internal resources or expertise," said Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager of Multichannel Merchant. "Each company has been selected based on their industry experience, services offered, performance and range of capabilities." The company profiles in the MCM Top 3PL directory include vital information to help merchants in their selection process, including key services, average annual client order volume, top merchandise categories handled, facility locations and more. The directory is available throughout the year. When AMS (News - Alert) CEO Jay Catlin was asked why he believes AMS was selected as a leading 3PL provider, he responded, "Our approach to client service and technical support is really quite unique in our industry with AMS serving our valued clients as pro-active operational partners, vying for their success. We understand that their success breeds our own." He further explained, "AMS is extremely adept at both wholesale/B2B as well as high volume E-commerce/B2C fulfillment. There aren't many fulfillment companies that route orders to nearly every major retailer out there + boutique stores, while at the same time shipping 25,000+ E-commerce orders per day, and 65,000+ per day during peak periods." About Multichannel Merchant Multichannel Merchant reaches key decision makers responsible for ecommerce, management, marketing and operations at companies that sell merchandise through multiple channels - including ecommerce, mobile, social, and catalog. Multichannel Merchant delivers original research, as well as in-depth analysis of trends and best practices, news, tactical/how-to, executive summaries, technology and supplier comparisons, tip sheets and resource information to help companies sell & deliver products wherever and whenever the customer wants them - at home, work, store or other locations. About AMS Fulfillment AMS Fulfillment is a leading full-service order fulfillment company operating as a third-party resource for order management, fulfillment center management and complex fulfillment services. AMS provides a full suite of fulfillment and distribution services to consumer products companies focused on serving the B2B retail (brick-and-mortar), online retail, and direct-to-consumer channels. With over 1M square feet of operating space, the Company Headquarters is in Valencia, CA (News - Alert) , with facilities in Valencia; New Holland, PA; New Castle, DE; and Newark, DE. For more information, please contact AMS at (661) 775-0611 or visit www.amsfulfillment.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005253/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Andrew Cuomo has said a tax rise is still 'on the table' in New York even with the $23.5 billion from Joe Biden's COVID relief bill. The embattled governor - who was on Tuesday accused by a sixth woman of sexual harassment - told The New York Post Sunday: 'Tax increases are on the table...because you have damage to repair.' There is a $14.5 billion budget deficit in New York state as a result of the pandemic, Fox Business reports. Protesters had gathered outside the governor's office on Wednesday, calling on him to resign amid the growing number of women accusing him of sexual harassment and allegations his office manipulated nursing home COVID death data. The House on Wednesday passed Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. It includes $350 billion earmarked for state and local governments. Breaking down the figures, the New York state government will get around $12.7 billion; New York City will get $6.1 billion; the state's counties will get $3.9 billion; $825 million will go to the state's smaller cities, towns and villages. But Cuomo told reporters Sunday: 'It's the difference between $12.5 billion and $15 billion, and don't get me wrong $12.5 billion is very, very helpful. 'We needed $15 billion, in my opinion, so we do have a gap there, and tax increases are on the table.' Andrew Cuomo has said a tax rise is still 'on the table' in New York even with the $23.5 billion from Joe Biden's COVID relief bill. The embattled governor - who was on Tuesday accused by a sixth woman of sexual harassment - told The New York Post Sunday: 'Tax increases are on the table...because you have damage to repair' He said in a press conference Sunday: 'The federal government providing the federal relief is a major, major boost for this state. 'This does not mean this is going to be an easy budget. It means it is now a possible budget, not an easy budget. 'Why? You still have tremendous needs that COVID created. Rent needs, assistance needs, daycare needs, job and employment needs, so you have tremendous needs. 'Also, this budget is going to raise two big questions. It's going to raise the question of taxes, how much do you need to raise in tax revenue given the federal bill, and what are the smartest and best ways to raise revenue?' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was back in New York on Sunday to promote what he said would be the plan's $100 billion impact on his home state. 'I say to beleaguered New Yorkers, help is on the way,' the Democrat said, detailing aid that he said would be headed to schools, small businesses, museums, restaurants, theaters and local governments. 'As majority leader I did all I could to make sure that New York was helped in every different aspect,' Schumer said. Activist with VOCAL-NY block traffic on 3rd Ave. outside New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, Wednesday in New York. The activists were demanding Cuomo's immediate resignation and a state budget that funds housing, health care and economic relief for everyday people Protesters had gathered outside the governor's office on Wednesday, calling on him to resign amid the growing number of women accusing him of sexual harassment and allegations his office manipulated nursing home COVID death data New York Police Officers arrest activists with VOCAL-NY after they blocked traffic on 3rd Ave Several of those demonstrating outside his office in New York City were arrested Wednesday. Pictures show they held banners which read: 'Cuomo canceled New York' The protest was organized by VOCAL-NY. They tweeted: 'We are here demanding his immediate resignation! And a NYS budget that funds housing, health care & economic relief for everyday ppl.' They added: 'Tax the rich: house the poor' Several of those demonstrating outside Cuomo's office in New York City Wednesday were arrested. Pictures show they also held banners which read: 'Cuomo canceled New York.' The protest was organized by VOCAL-NY. They tweeted: 'We are here demanding his immediate resignation! And a NYS budget that funds housing, health care & economic relief for everyday ppl.' They added: 'Tax the rich: house the poor.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the 220-211 vote result from the chair, prompting the bill's supporters to burst into applause. Just a single Democrat voted against it. The House passed on Wednesday Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. It includes $350 billion earmarked for state and local governments Biden will sign the bill on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at the White House. Direct checks in the amount of $1,400 could begin distribution as early as next week after Biden signs the bill Friday. Several Republicans denounced the legislation as a 'ram job' being forced through Congress by Democrats without any attempt at bipartisanship. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said during floor remarks on Wednesday that the legislation is a prime example of how 'socialism works' while claiming the bill only benefits those in 'the swamp' Besides the direct payments and jobless-benefit extension, the measure has hundreds of billions for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, schools, state and local governments and ailing industries from airlines to concert halls. Cuomo is under increasing pressure to resign after a sixth woman said the governor inappropriately touched her. He also faces a federal investigation into claims of a cover up of the true COVID-19 death toll in nursing homes and an independent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment by former aides. Saying he was 'not aware' of the new accusation, Cuomo repeated that he would await the results of an independent investigation into the allegations, overseen by the state Attorney General Letitia James. 'Let the investigation get the facts and we'll take it from there,' Cuomo said during a telephone briefing called shortly after the new charge was published. Surrounded by Democratic House and Senate Committee Chairs, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sign the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill during a bill enrollment ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday The Times Union, a newspaper in the state capital of Albany where the New York legislature is based, said the allegation had been made by an unidentified employee of the governor, and that the incident took place at his official residence last year. She did not file a complaint, the newspaper said, but her allegations were forwarded to the governor's legal department and the state attorney general's office. Karen Hinton, 62, and Ana Liss, 35, both made their separate allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo, 63, on Sunday. Prior to Liss and Hinton, Charlotte Bennett, 25, revealed this week that Cuomo had questioned her about her sex life and whether she had relationships with older men. Charlotte Bennett, 25, worked as an aide for Cuomo. 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 leg Lindsey Boylan also revealed in a February Medium post that the governor had tried to kiss her on the lips in his office and suggested they play strip poker during a 2017 flight. Cuomo's office has said these claims are false. A third accuser, Anna Ruch, 33, then came forward telling the New York Times that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her after meeting her at a September 2019 wedding. The governor apologized for making the women feel uncomfortable during a press conference last week and claimed that the actions were part of his general behavior with everyone. He has denied touching anyone inappropriately, and said some of the allegations are false. [March 10, 2021] Strategy Analytics: 71% of Smartphones Sold Globally in 2021 will be AI Powered Strategy Analytics in a newly published report, Smartphones: Global Artificial Intelligence Technologies Forecast to 2025, finds that on-device Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being rapidly implemented by smartphone vendors. AI is used in various functions inside smartphones such as intelligent power optimization, imaging, virtual assistants, and to enhance device performance. The report highlights the fact that AI has become the most important technology in modern smartphones. The push to add on-device AI computational power to enable Edge AI computing is a priority for smartphone and chipset vendors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309005885/en/ Figure: Global Smartphone Virtual Assistant Penetration in 2021 (Graphic: Business Wire) " Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) estimates that 71% of all smartphones sold worldwide in 2021 will have on-device AI," says Associate Director Ville-Petteri Ukonaho. "Advantages of on-device AI computing include lower latency, better data privacy and overall lower power cnsumption." An Artificial Intelligence (AI) smartphone is one that uses an AI core / processor designed to run machine learning and deep learning tasks. AI smartphones run AI tasks locally on the device with the help of dedicated AI cores and AI co-processors with little or no data transmitted to the cloud. Examples of AI smartphones include Apple's (News - Alert) iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. "Artificial Intelligence has become a key technology in higher-end smartphones," says Ken Hyers, Director at Strategy Analytics. "A smartphone equipped with on-device AI can significantly improve important tasks like helping users take better pictures, deliver longer battery life through efficient power management, improve the speed of response by digital assistants, and power Augmented Reality, among other tasks. This makes smartphones more useful tools for users." "Modern smartphones give consumers access to their own personal AI powered super-computer," says Ville-Petteri Ukonaho. "With the help of on-device Artificial Intelligence, virtual assistants like Siri and Google's (News - Alert) Assistant have become more intelligent and aware of their environment." Strategy Analytics new report estimates that in 2021 over 80% of smartphones globally will have virtual assistants and the share will grow to 97% by 2025. "With the enhanced AI capabilities on-device, virtual assistants have become more intelligent and aware of their environment," comments Ken Hyers. Strategy Analytics' report finds that Google's Assistant is the top virtual assistant in 2021 with over 60% share followed by Apple's Siri. On-device AI is powered by physical silicon cores such as Apple's Neural Engine or distributed software frameworks such as Qualcomm Neural Processing Engine (NPE) that use algorithms to offload AI computation to several processors (CPU, GPU and DSP). "Physical AI cores have greater capability to handle complex AI computations, thus those are being introduced by all major chip vendors such as Mediatek, Samsung (News - Alert) and HiSilicon," says Ville-Petteri Ukonaho. "Camera AI has become one of the key selling points of imaging focused smartphones," says Ken Hyers and continues, "Artificial Intelligence features such as object recognition or motion detection are becoming growingly important in premium smartphones." In the report Strategy Analytics concludes that over 30% of smartphones already have AI enhanced camera functionalities. Strategy Analytics finds in its latest report that technologies such as 5G will greatly benefit from the new capabilities improved by AI and vice versa. With the help of 5G and AI, smartphones have become integral part of a large device ecosystem enabling them to share data and communicate with each other. The report Smartphones: Global Artificial Intelligence Technologies Forecast to 2025 is available to Strategy Analytics clients. About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. is a global leader in supporting companies across their planning lifecycle through a range of customized market research solutions. Our multi-discipline capabilities include: industry research advisory services, customer insights, user experience design and innovation expertise, mobile consumer on-device tracking and business-to-business consulting competencies. With domain expertise in: smart devices, connected cars, intelligent home, service providers, IoT, strategic components and media, Strategy Analytics can develop a solution to meet your specific planning need. For more information, visit us at www.strategyanalytics.com. Source (News - Alert) : Strategy Analytics, Inc. #SA_Devices View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309005885/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Dublin, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Navigating the Medical Device Post-Market Maze and Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic - Learn what FDA is really thinking on regulation and guidance documents" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Post-Market activities, Complaint Handling, MDRs, and Recalls are expensive, time-consuming, and often lead to more serious financial consequences. Over 80% of FDA Inspection target observations for lack of compliance in these areas. By attending this seminar, you will discover: How to overcome one of the biggest obstacles device manufacturers face How the FDA expects you to develop and implement proper handling of complaints reportable or non-reportable, product complaint handling, and documentation How and when to file Medical Device Reports (MDR), effective and appropriate communication with the appropriate regulatory agencies in the event of a recall. How to conduct correction and removal actions to avoid a recall crisis, including required recordkeeping, expectation from FDA and other regulatory agencies in the event of a recall, and key factors in implementing and maintaining compliance with the regulations and real-life experiences of FDA. **New course materials have been added, updated content will include: Creating Standard Operating Systems (SOPs) for Post-Market Quality Systems and What to expect from the changes in ORA with Inspection Structure Realignment This Seminar will have you stop spinning your wheels with nonessential activities, and leave you with a comprehensive learning package that only Rita Hoffman, a former FDA CDRH Recall Branch Chief with experience across the device, drug, and veterinary industries can provide. Learning Objectives: Understand how to comply with complicated Complaint Handling, MDR and Recall requirements Firms MDR reporting and FDA's handling of reports Company preparation in the event of a Recall, recall strategy, notification letter and communicating with the FDA Minimize your risk of regulatory enforcement actions Assist with the creation and maintenance of effective procedures for handling complaints, reportable events and recalls Understand the relationship and interaction with other quality system elements as they relate to complaints and reportable events Walk-through of case examples Step-By-Step guide to designing Standard Operating Systems for communicating process for firm's success Discussion of FDA's New Guidance's on Risk and how it interacts with Recalls Who Should Attend: This course will benefit anyone in the medical device industry that handles functions involving product complaints, recalls, medical device reporting. Regulatory Affairs QA/QC Project Managers Regulatory Professional Risk Managers Complaint Handling Teams CAPA Teams Agenda: Day 01 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT) Introduction (15 mins) Session 1 Complaint Handling and FDA Expectations (90 mins) Break (15 mins) Session 2 Continuation Complaint Handling and FDA Expectations (30 mins) Medical Device Reporting Procedures (MDR) Regulations, Procedures, and Malfunctions (60 min) Lunch Break (45 mins) Session 3 Continuation of Medical Device Reporting Procedures (MDR) Regulations, Procedures, and Malfunctions (60 min) MDR reporting by the firm, agents Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting (VMSR) and eMDR Discussion (30 min) Break (15 mins) Session 4 Guidance Documents Update (30mins) Being Recall Ready (30mins) Questions and Recap (10 mins) Day 02 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT) Session 1 Recalls, Definition and Legal Authority Overview (60 mins) Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA) (30 mins) Break (15 mins) Session 2 Health Hazard Evaluations HHE/HRA (30 mins) Elements of a Correction and Removal -- 806 Reporting (45 mins) Lunch Break (45 mins) Session 3 Developing Effective Strategies / Communicating and Negotiating with FDA (45mins) Notifications Letters and Press Releases (20 mins) Silent Recalls / Product Enhancements and Enforcement Actions (20 mins) Break (10 mins) Session 4 Product Retrieval (20 mins) Status Reports (20 mins) Effectiveness Checks Follow-up Planning (20 mins) Terminating a Recall (15 mins) Wrap-up (5 mins) Speakers: Rita Hoffman, RAC Regs & Recall Strategies, LLC Rita Hoffman, RAC. Managing Partner Regs & Recall Strategies, LLC .Ms. Hoffman has more than 36 years of FDA experience across the device, drug and veterinary industries. She has an intimate understanding of FDA regulatory and compliance issues from the perspective of both FDA and regulated industry. As an FDA compliance consultant, she provides clients with regulatory insight, advises on critical compliance deficiencies, performs compliance and new product audits, provides insight and guidance on recall strategies to the medical device industry, and advises on jurisdiction determinations for combination products. Ms. Hoffman retired from the FDA in January 2011 as the Recall Branch Chief for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), where she was responsible for oversight and review for all medical device recalls. Ms. Hoffman held several positions including the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Jurisdiction Review Officer (providing guidance on drug/device product designation, combination products and co-packaging), Acting Associate Ombudsman, Small Business Liaison, and was a Policy Analyst for eight years in the Office of the Commissioner. She served as co-chair of RAPS' Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter for 2-terms, and in 2008 was presented with the Special Recognition Award by RAPS. For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ddo6iq About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Japan to fund cold chain for Vietnam, other countries for Covid vaccines A cold storage facility at the Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) in HCMC for Covid-19 vaccine. Photo courtesy of VNVC. Japan has announced it will provide $41 million to 25 countries, including Vietnam, to set up cold chains and medical equipment to combat Covid-19. The emergency grant will enable the countries, all of them in Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia and the Pacific, to vaccinate their populations. It would be provided through UNICEF, Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. "This emergency grant aid is aimed at delivering vaccines to each and every person in the all corners of developing countries, which will complement the efforts of the Covax Facility," it said. Covax is a global mechanism for developing, manufacturing and procuring Covid-19 vaccines and supplying member countries. Vietnam began its vaccination campaign on Monday, starting with prioritized categories of people like frontline workers in 13 cities and provinces recently facing coronavirus outbreaks. It has ordered 30 million doses from British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca, and around 117,600 arrived late last month. It will receive another 4.1 million AstraZeneca doses through Covax by April. The coronavirus tally so far in Vietnam is 2,526, with 483 active cases. Russia will try to intensify inter-Afghan negotiations once again. This time through the mediation of regional players. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow will host a conference that will bring together representatives of China, Pakistan, the U.S. and Russia on March 18. Qatar, which has hosted Afghan peace talks, has been invited to the Moscow meeting as an honored guest. Zakharova said the negotiations will focus on "ways to help advance inter-Afghan talks in Doha, reduce the level of violence and end the armed conflict in Afghanistan and help it develop as an independent, peaceful and self-sufficient state that would be free from terrorism and drug trafficking." The announcement to hold the conference in Moscow was made after the U.S.-proposed "peace plan" to replace the current Afghan government with an interim power-sharing government between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's Cabinet, the Taliban and the rest of the forces. An initiative directed to all three parties should give impetus to the stalled Qatar talks on a political settlement of the conflict. Russia, by the way, supports the U.S. idea of a transitional inclusive government as part of a peace deal. Will external players be able to reconcile the Afghans? Former Russian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats Andrei Baklanov believes that the aggravated situation in Afghanistan makes a diplomatic breakthrough necessary. "We must once again try to give impetus to political contacts aimed at a settlement in Afghanistan. There is at least dual power, but in fact there is multiple power. There is little subordination on the ground. And power is mainly held by Taliban (an organization banned in Russia) and other associations. They practically solve all the issues on their own. The country is falling to pieces. And this is very dangerous, especially since there are military-political problems, the system's struggle against drugs, etc. We need peace. This will not be easy to achieve, but everyone is already tired of the war. And this is the main factor that contributes to possible success in Moscow," the diplomat told Vestnik Kavkaza. He proceeds from the fact that external forces, including Russia and the United States, can achieve the formation of a provisional government: "Despite the fact they are highly decentralized, if the main political forces come to some kind of agreed decision and provide some positive agreed changes in the capital, then we can move far along the path of normalization. In the east, the role of the capital is very high - everyone looks at the capital". At the same time, Baklanov clarified that a compromise of forces within Afghanistan is needed to advance the political process. It remains to be seen what it will be like; a long and painstaking work is needed to achieve it. "(The conference in Moscow) is not a wrap-up meeting, but a working meeting in new surroundings. When everyone is clearly tired of the war, a compromise, albeit temporary, is possible," the orientalist added. Canadian-Pakistani political scientist Waqar Rizvi believes the success of the Moscow talks depends on the readiness of external forces to refrain from imposing their will on the Afghans. "It depends on what the approach at the summit will be. If attendees expect that the international community can dictate to the Afghan government and/or the Taliban about who can or cannot rule Afghanistan in the future, then that is a starting point which neither will accept. The constant fear is a Taliban takeover, but that isnt in Americans or anyone elses hands really. The fact that we are at this point all these years later means the Taliban are a lot more ingrained than external powers would like to admit," he told Vestnik Kavkaza. Americans won't be in Moscow Despite receiving the invitation to the Moscow meeting, the United States has not yet confirmed its participation in it. "The United States has met in the past with Russia in support of the Afghanistan peace process. Recently we have discussed scheduling a meeting, but the United States has nothing to confirm at this time," a State Department spokesperson said. In 2020, U.S.-Russian relations have deteriorated over Afghanistan. U.S. intelligence accused Moscow of offering bounty to Taliban militants (the organization banned in Russia) for killing U.S. soldiers. Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov denied the accusations, saying "we are not interested in victory of terrorism in Afghanistan." Andrei Baklanov believes that Washington and Moscow can work together to resolve the Afghan crisis. "Afghanistan is one of the topics on which we could interact, especially, there were precedents. In the early 2000s, consultations were held on an ongoing basis, there were counter-terrorism working groups. But at the initiative of the West, these groups stopped working. But in my opinion, we had very reasonable, business relations with the Americans, with the European counter-terrorism representatives in the group which I attended. Now the situation is a little different, and I admit that we can establish cooperation in the Middle East". Waqar Rizvi recognizes competition between Russia and the United States in Afghanistan, but he is confident that cooperation between them will benefit both centers of power. "The geopolitical tensions between the two make it tough. However, the resolution of the issue would be to the benefit of both. The Americans badly need a save-face solution to leave, and realize that the money, effort and military involvement has not so far resulted in the desired outcome. That is not to say that nation-building, in the way the Americans and others may have wanted for Afghanistan, was ever meant to be a simple undertaking. The previous Russian experience, as well as its good relations with Iran, a vital neighbour of Afghanistan, and others, may play a helpful role. The focus must remain a holistic approach, and not just a fight over who will maintain influence over either Kabul or the Taliban (the group banned in Russia)," the expert stressed. The peace deal reached by the Trump administration committed the U.S. to withdrawing its 2,600 troops from Afghanistan by May 1. The experts cited by Bloomberg suggest reconsidering this deadline, since Taliban-led violence continues to destabilize Afghanistan. More than 8,000 civilians were killed or injured in Afghanistan in 2020. If Joseph Biden withdraws troops, and the country sinks into another wave of civil war, it will call into question all U.S. efforts to establish democracy in this country and make almost $1 trillion spent on the Afghan campaign meaningless. Rizvi doubts that the Americans will be able to meet the May 1st deadline. The fact is that since the Doha talks and agreement, there hasnt been enough of an intense follow-up, especially by the Americans. Kabul did all it could to delay the release of Taliban prisoners, and the prospects of direct talks were always in doubt due to Kabuls apprehensions. "Without respecting that initial Doha deal, it is hard to see how the Taliban and Kabul can work together long enough to sit down at the same table for negotiations, and an interim government seems like a wholly far-fetched idea at this time," the political scientist noted. A property which was listed for $12million had its value drop to just one dollar due to proposed land zonings. Theo Koutsomihalis' home's value plummeted after the NSW Government rezoned land surrounding the airport at Badgerys Creek - which is due to open in 2026. Mr Koutsomihalis' four hectare Bringelly property went from rural land to 100 per cent environmental land designated as a green space. 'This 100 per cent green space has rendered my property worthless,' he told the ABC. 'I've had my property officially valued and with nobody acquiring my land, it has been valued at $1 and unsaleable. This loss of value is theft. I've lost all my equity in my home.' Mr Koutsomihalis' 4-hectare Bringelly property went from rural land to 100 per cent environmental land designated as a green space, rendering his property worthless More than 200 furious locals turned up to a public meeting at Luddenham Showground on Tuesday to call for an Upper House Parliamentary inquiry into the Aerotropolis planning He said planning firm Urbis, which had initially valued his then-enterprise land at $11million, informed him the property would now be 'unsellable'. 'I'm stuck now with a property worth $1 for the next 20 or 30 years, if it ever sells,' Mr Koutsomihalis told The Daily Telegraph. 'The other day I literally had to pull the car over and have a panic attack for 45 minutes. My kids' future is gone.' More than 200 furious locals turned up to a public meeting at Luddenham Showground on Tuesday to call for an Upper House Parliamentary inquiry into the Aerotropolis planning. The concerned residents confronted NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay, Camden MP Tania Davies and Mulgoa MP Peter Sidgreaves. Many residents were shocked to find out their land could be worthless under plans to turn it into parks and green space. Pictured is an artist impression of the proposed green space Theo Koutsomihalis' home's value plummeted after the NSW government rezoned land surrounding the airport at Badgerys Creek - which is due to open in 2026 Ms Davies blasted the move as 'theft' and said she refuses to 'parrot the government line'. 'At the end of the day, I'll be really ticked off if the Government continues on this way. It's a fact, it's theft,' she told the crowd. 'It is completely undemocratic and un-Australian for the Government to think people such as yourselves will hand over your land for free and no compensation whatsoever'. The local council doesn't have to offer compensation to buy land earmarked for riparian parkland or nature parks under the Environment, Planning and Assessment Act's current zoning laws. Planning minister Rob Stokes said the government vision for a parkland city needed parks, and discussions with residents about acquiring private land had been upfront and transparent. The minister recently unveiled its latest infrastructure and precinct plans for the Aerotropolis and Western Parkland City. The concerned residents confronted NSW Opposition Leader Jodi McKay (pictured), Camden MP Tania Davies and Mulgoa MP Peter Sidgreaves 'After more than two years of planning and community consultation, we are shaping a strong vision for a new city with green neighbourhoods within 30 minutes of jobs and the necessary infrastructure to support growth,' Mr Stokes was quoted in the government media release. Meanwhile, taxpayers won't know any time soon what changes are needed in the wake of revelations the Federal Government spent 10 times the market value on a land deal for a new airport. The government paid almost $30million for a 12-hectare plot for the Western Sydney Airport in 2018. The inflated figure came to light through a scathing auditor-general's report which found the land was worth only $3million and the federal infrastructure department fell short of ethical standards. The land is not needed until 2050 when the airport's second runway is to be built. Australian Federal Police are investigating the deal over possible fraud. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. -The world's largest workspace operator signs ground-breaking deal with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation LUXEMBOURG, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IWG announces a record start to 2021, adding half a million users to its network so far this year as well as penning its largest ever deal with NTT, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. The deal will provide NTT's 300,000 employees across its portfolio of companies and global network with access to IWG's more than 3,300 workspaces globally. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact in accelerating the changes in the way in which are all working, but now companies of all sizes are indicating that hybrid work is here for the long term. The agreement with NTT comes closely on the heels of IWG's previous biggest ever deal with financial services organisation, Standard Chartered for 95,000 employees as well as global agreements signed in the past week with multiple large enterprises. These innovative deals reinforce IWG's leadership position in the hybrid workspace industry, where the business is supporting workers from all industries with every type of hybrid work solution. Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG Plc said, "This ground-breaking deal with NTT provides their global workforce with choice and flexibility and reinforces that office life has not only completely changed, but will never return to how it was pre-COVID. One of the lasting legacies of the pandemic will be the ability to work in different ways, in different places and more companies will have distributed workforces empowering their teams to work closer to or from home." The reason for the rapid adoption of hybrid work is not hard to pinpoint. "Research has shown time and again that hybrid work is very popular with employees. They enjoy being able to work a mix of from home, at an office closer to home and occasionally from a corporate HQ," said the IWG Founder. "Employees have realised that they have been wasting an hour or two commuting to an office that they don't need to be in, whilst businesses have realised that a hybrid model not only means happier and more engaged employees, but also a significant saving for the bottom line. A study reported by EY shows that companies can save about $11,000 for each employee that works in a hybrid manner," added Dixon. NTT, a leading global technology services company is an existing IWG partner providing the world's largest workspace operator with IT and business solutions. Mark Laneve, CEO NTT Global Sourcing commented, "Our partnership with IWG will deliver innovative technology solutions to their network, helping millions of people have a great day at work. The benefit of these solutions will extend far beyond the employee experience and will have a positive impact on our individual and collective carbon footprint by empowering people to work closer to home. "At NTT, we see the many advantages of partnering with IWG to support our 300,000 employees and empowering them in new ways of working. These will not only reduce commute times, but lower travel costs and provide a safe and convenient location for our people, added Laneve from NTT." Companies of all sizes see addressing the need for their people to commute to work as the single greatest contribution they can make to reducing their carbon footprint. They understand that by bringing work into the heart of communities, they will immediately and significantly reduce the weight of traffic on roads and in cities across the world. For IWG media enquiries:Simon Condon, Group Head of Communications, IWG. Simon.condon@iwgplc.com, 0800 060 8703 Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, legal counsel for the estate of the late Joann "Mama B" Bashinsky, the beloved Alabama philanthropist, announced several developments in the case of the permanent guardianship petition that haunted her for the last 18 months of her life before she passed away on January 3, 2021. On Friday, Bashinsky's counsel filed an appeal with the Alabama Supreme Court on one motion challenging an order issued by Judge A. Lee Tucker to pay a guardian ad litem fees for his own attorney on a prior matter. Following their appeal, Judge Tucker hastily ruled on numerous motions that have been delayed for weeks. Most notably, Tucker made a highly unusual ruling to deny the motion to dismiss the case in light of Mrs. Bashinsky's death, further highlighting the numerous conflicts of interest among those involved in the case, including the judges and petitioners. The family is now forced to have to go to the Alabama Supreme Court once again because Judge Tucker won't let the case die. "These new decisions by Judge A. Lee Tucker are extremely disheartening, and confirm the corruption within the Jefferson County guardianship system at the hands of temporary conservator Greg Hawley and guardian ad litem Ken Guin, as directed first by Judge Alan King and now by Judge Tucker," said attorney Susan Walker. "In my opinion, his latest rulings show that this court is failing to provide justice and fairness, as the Judge continues a case that has tormented the friends and family of Mama B, who suffered great distress for the last months of her life because of the permanent petition for guardianship and for conservatorship that threatened her finances and independence." The case has taken many unseemly twists and turns from the first day Mrs. Bashinsky's fomer employees, John McKleroy and Patty Townsend, filed a petition to place her under a guardianship the very day she appropriately terminated them. On July 2, 2020, the Alabama Supreme Court issued an opinion declaring the emergency petition failed to establish an emergency and holding Mrs. Bashinsky was denied her constitutional due process rights. Since her death, the burden of exorbitant and unnecessary expenses on her family has endured as they navigate a case that would have typically died with the subject. "Since the Alabama Supreme Court last saw this case, in my opinion it's clear that petitioners McKleroy and Townsend along with former temporary conservator Hawley and guardian ad litem Guin are not acting in the best interests of Mrs. Bashinksy, but in their own financial interests, especially considering that they continue to pursue the assets of an elderly widow no longer alive to defend herself," said attorney Walker. "There is no plausible explanation in my opinion as to why Judge Tucker would drag out the case of a deceased woman other than that it's in the best interests of his friends in a system ripe with corruption and financial exploitation." There is currently unprecedented national attention on the issue of guardianship abuse, spurred on by major motion pictures, documentaries, and passionate opinion pieces from national political leaders like Gov Mike Huckabee, who called conservatorship abuse of seniors "a nationwide epidemic" deserving of "bipartisan reform and a grassroots campaign" when speaking of Mrs. Bashinsky's legal battle against predatory and exploitative petitioners. People are becoming aware of the injustices suffered by vulnerable individuals, and they're ready to come to the defense of those who have been subjected to abusive treatment by a system that was supposed to help, not hurt them. People can help by reaching out to their elected officials, calling the Attorney for Jefferson County and their state legislators and demanding justice for Mama B, and starting conversations within their spheres of influence "Every person in the state of Alabama who has an elderly loved one should pay close attention and realize the implications of this case," said Walker. "With a national spotlight on guardianship abuse currently, there's never been a better time for reform," she concluded. Reference: CASE NO. 19BHM02213 For more information about Joann Bashinsky and guardianship abuse, go to: https://bashinsky.com/ GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE - FOX NEWS: Britney Spears case she makes headlines but guardianship abuse too often ignored FORMER NYPD COMMISSIONER BERNARD KERIK - NEWSMAX: The Silent Epidemic Preying on America's Elderly SOURCE The estate of Mama B Bashinsky Related Links https://bashinsky.com Welsh renewables firm Dulas celebrated International Womens Day by demonstrating their commitment to equality of opportunity, which is unusual among companies in STEMM industries (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics). Nearly half of all its employees are female, as are two of the five board members including the Managing Director and women occupy several other key positions. These include the Commercial Lead for Wind Monitoring, Engineering Project Manager for Hydro, New Delhi, March 10 : The government on Wednesday said that the railways will be carrying out the techno-economic feasibility studies for the redevelopment of six railway stations in Bihar, three in Jharkhand and one in Jammu and Kashmir. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal said, "Buxar, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Rajendra Nagar railway stations in the Bihar, Bokaro Steel City, Ranchi and Hatia stations in Jharkhand and Jammu Tawi station in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been identified for conducting techno-economic feasibility studies towards redevelopment of stations." He said that station redevelopment projects are generally taken up in a Public Private Participation (PPP) mode. The Minister said that Indian Railways has planned for redevelopment of stations by leveraging real estate potential of land that can be spared and air space in and around the stations. He said that railway conducts techno-economic feasibility studies of stations across the country and based on the outcome of these feasibility studies, stations are taken up for redevelopment in phases. Goyal pointed out that the works of redevelopment of Habibganj and Gandhinagar railway stations are in an advanced stage of completion while works for the redevelopment of Gomti Nagar and Ayodhya stations are in progress. The Minister said that requests for qualification (RFQ) have been finalised for right stations -- Nagpur, Amritsar, Sabarmati, Gwalior, Puducherry, Tirupati, Nellore and Dehradun. He also said that the RFQ have been invited for three stations -- New Delhi, Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Ernakulam. The European Commission has adopted a new document, which aims to boost the bloc's humanitarian aid policy, EU high representative for foreign policy, Josep Borrell, said Wednesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) The European Commission has adopted a new document, which aims to boost the bloc's humanitarian aid policy, EU high representative for foreign policy, Josep Borrell, said Wednesday. "The college has adopted an important communication proposed by my colleague [European Commissioner for Crisis Management] Janez Lenarcic that will boost the European Union's humanitarian aid policy. Humanitarian aid is a fundamental pillar of our external action and of our foreign policy, and humanitarian needs are higher than ever because we live in a world where the combination of conflicts, climate change, environmental degradation and the coronavirus pandemic have deteriorated an already fragile situation," Borrell said at a press briefing. As Borrell and Lenarcic spoke, the European Commission published a press release outlining the new humanitarian aid measures proposed by EU leaders, which includes the creation of a new European Humanitarian Response Capacity. "The EU will set up a new European Humanitarian Response Capacity in order to intervene directly in humanitarian crises, when traditional humanitarian delivery mechanisms via EU partners or their capacities may be ineffective or insufficient. This will aim to facilitate logistics including transport, enabling the pooling of resources and facilitating their deployment in the field," the press release read. The bloc will also redouble efforts to monitor violations of international humanitarian law, and scale up its work with "development and peace-building actors" to find long-term causes to humanitarian crises, according to the press release. The European Union is the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid, accounting for roughly 36 percent of all global humanitarian assistance. More than nine in 10 EU citizens believe that it is important for the bloc to fund humanitarian aid activities, according to a fresh Eurobarometer study published by the European Commission earlier on Wednesday. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Detectives named an ex-husband as a person of interest in the killing of four people whose bodies were found some of them dismembered in a pickup truck at the Albuquerque International Sunport last week. Rebecca Atkins, an Albuquerque police spokeswoman, said 47-year-old Sean Lannon of Grants is wanted for questioning in the deaths of Jennifer Lannon, 39, Matthew Miller, 21, Jesten Mata, 40, and Randal Apostalon, 60. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Authorities say Sean Lannon, who shares three young children with Jennifer Lannon, is also a suspect in a New Jersey killing that happened Monday. Chief of Detectives Tom Gilbert of the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office said Sean Lannon is being sought in the slaying of a man in his 60s in East Greenwich Township. He said that it was not a random act, and that Lannon and the man knew each other. In a separate incident, Lannon is charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing entry into a building in Monroeville, New Jersey, on Monday. Gilbert said authorities believe Lannon, last seen in Camden, New Jersey, is still in the area and is armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. We have to approach as though hes still within our grasp, he said. We feel hes a very significant danger to the community here. Last Friday, a foul odor led Sunport security to discover the bodies of Jennifer Lannon, Miller, Mata and Apostalon in a truck on the top level of the airport parking garage. Police say that the four were not killed at the Sunport and that its unclear whether they were killed in the city. Grants police Lt. David Chavez said that the bodies, which had decomposed, were not whole and that at least two were in pieces. Chavez said Miller, Mata and Jennifer Lannon knew one other. We havent figured out how Randal (Apostalon) fits into this, he said of the fourth victim, who lived in Albuquerque. Along with Sean Lannon, Chavez said Daniel Perro Lemos, 45, is also wanted for questioning in the case, and both men knew Miller, Jennifer Lannon and Mata, who all lived in Grants. According to court records, Sean Lannon filed for divorce and sole custody of the couples children in 2018, citing his wifes long-standing difficulty with drug use and issues with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. The Grants Police Department started looking for Miller after he disappeared Jan. 24. Dasie Castillo, Millers aunt, said she heard Miller was last seen leaving to give two friends, Mata and Jennifer Lannon, a ride. There was a lot of rumors that were going around, and it had these cops in every different direction, she said. Millers truck was found abandoned in Grants on Feb. 9 and, a day later, Grants police said they were looking for Jennifer Lannon and Mata for questioning in Millers disappearance. On Feb. 18, Grants police said Miller, Lannon and Mata were all missing, and on Feb. 26, that Lemos was wanted for questioning. Castillo said that Lemos is related to her husband and was friends with Miller and that she doesnt know of any reason somebody would harm Miller, who was quiet and respectful. I dont see it. He was good; he was harmless, she said. I can say that over and over until Im blue in the face, but its the truth. Anybody that knows Matthew will say the same thing. Nun kneels in front of police to stop Myanmar violence: 'Kill me instead' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Amid escalating violence between the military and protestors in northern Myanmar, a nun went down on her knees in front of police, pleading with them to stop shooting and spare the children, offering up her life instead. A now-viral video shows Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Xavier congregation, in a white robe and black habit kneeling, her arms spread, on a street in the town of Myitkyina, speaking to two policemen who were also kneeling. I knelt down begging them not to shoot and torture the children, but to shoot me and kill me instead, she said, according to The Guardian. I begged them not to hurt the protesters, but to treat them kindly like family members, the nun told Reuters. I told them that they can kill me, I am not standing up until they give their promise that they will not brutally crack down on protesters. The unrest began on Feb. 1, when the military detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and put a commander in charge of the country. Violence has escalated in recent weeks as Myanmars military junta continues to use force, teargas, rubber bullets, and live rounds to silence protestors. Tawng told UCA News that she was working in a church-run clinic when she spotted military personnel chasing, beating, and arresting protestors wearing hard hats and carrying homemade shields on the street. I thought today is the day I will die. I decided to die, she told Sky News. The 45-year-old ran outside to confront the police and told the UCA News that she had prepared herself to give my life for the Church, for the people and for the nation. Tawng said she had received assurances from senior officers that they were just clearing the road. However, gunfire started soon afterward, and at least two protestors were killed and several others injured. We heard loud gunshots, and saw that a young kids head had exploded, and there was a river of blood on the street, Tawng said. The children panicked and ran to the front I couldnt do anything but I was praying for God to save and help the children. The nun told Reuters that she tried to bring some of the victims to the clinic before she was blinded by tear gas. Our clinic floor became a sea of blood, she said. We need to value life. It made me feel so sad. Over 60 people have been killed and more than 1,800 detained in the crackdown on anti-coup protests, The Associated Press reports. As thousands continue to protest the coup, the military has imposed a nighttime curfew and conducted mass arrests to disperse the crowds. Christians make up about 6% of the majority-Buddhist nation. Formerly known as Burma, the country is ranked No. 18 on Open Doors USAs World Watch List of 50 countries where it's most difficult to be a believer. Rights groups have warned that the militarys consolidation of power in the coup will only make things worse for religious minorities and have urged the international community to take action against the abuses being perpetrated by the military regime. The military is notorious for its relations with the ultranationalist ultra-Buddhist group the Ma Ba Tha, International Christian Concern's Southeast Asia Regional Manager, Gina Goh, said. The military together with Ma Ba Tha has targeted the Muslims in the country, but they also go after Christians. Once they get a hold of the power, they might resort to things they were doing before they passed the power to the civilian government. They kill. They rape minority Christians. In Myanmar, the military holds immense power and controls 25% of the government, according to the countrys Constitution. Military leaders are nationalists who support the countrys majority religion of Buddhism. [The coup is] a power play," said Goh. "The military is almost like a gang. They can use their power to intimidate people. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee On Foreign Affairs on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 10, 2021. (Ting Shen-Pool/Getty Images) Blinken Says No Concessions Whatsoever to Beijing Ahead of Meeting With Top Chinese Officials U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on March 10 he intends to lay out in very frank terms the United States deep objections to the Beijing regimes behavior in a meeting with top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials next week. He added that the United States wont make any concessions to China to get its cooperation on implementing the Paris climate agreement. Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan will meet with the top CCP official in charge of foreign affairs, Yang Jiechi, and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 18the first high-level in-person meeting between the two countries since President Joe Biden took office. Blinken, at a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on March 9, said the meeting is an important opportunity for us to lay out in very frank terms, many concerns that we have with Beijings action. Reiterating previous remarks, Blinken described China as the United States most consequential relationship, saying the regime uniquely has an ability militarily diplomatically, economically, to undermine the international rules-based system. So were going to be very making very clear to our counterparts in China, the deep concern objections that we have to some of the things that theyre doing, and to see if they will address those concerns, he said. Blinken also said he would explore whether there are avenues for cooperation. When later asked by a congressman whether the secretary was contemplating concessions to the CCP in exchange for cooperation on the Paris climate deal or other matters, Blinken responded, No concessions whatsoever to the Communist Chinese Party. He said that the meeting wont be a strategic dialogue and there were no plans at this stage for follow-up engagements, adding that any future talks would be based on the proposition that were seeing tangible progress and tangible outcomes on the issues of concern to us. Responses to Genocide in Xinjiang The secretary faced multiple questions on how the Biden administration will respond to the CCPs repression against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, which the Trump administration designated a genocide; Blinken has said he agreed with this declaration. The secretary confirmed that he would raise the CCPs abuses in Xinjiang in the meeting next week. Blinken said the United States would respond first by speaking out forcefully on the issue and would work to build a coalition of like-minded countries who share these deep concerns about human rights abuses in China. In addition, the United States would be calling for the regime to open up Xinjiang to investigators from the United Nations, he said. There are also a number of practical actions that we can and should do, Blinken said. They include sanctions and visa restrictions on those responsible for the rights violations, barring exports of U.S. technology that aids in the repression, and banning imports of goods made from forced labor from Xinjiang. The Trump administration imposed sanctions on several CCP officials over their roles in overseeing the persecution in the region and banned all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang, citing the use of forced labor. Meghan Markle's Suits co-star Wendell Pierce claims he was misinterpreted when he criticized the Sussexes for conducting their bombshell TV interview in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pierce took to Twitter on Tuesday night declaring that he told the Duchess that he would always be her friend, despite the fact he had no interest in her scandalous sit-down with Oprah Winfrey. 'I just discovered my words are being used as an attack. Well done British Press. Clarity: The British monarchy is archaic in my American eyes. If slavery, colonialism and apartheid didnt educate you that they are racist, you failed history,' he wrote. 'I was fortunate to tell Meghan personally I wish her all the best. Predicting this hellacious maelstrom I also told her she would always have a friend in me. Because I had no interest in the interview doesnt change that.' Earlier on Tuesday, the actor told radio station LBC that Meghan and Harry's bombshell interview evoked Shakespeare's famous phrase 'full of sound and fury signifying nothing'. He also claimed that the sit-down was a distraction amid the COVID-19 pandemic , stating: 'Today 3,000 people are going to die in America from COVID. A couple of hundred people are going to die, even this hour, in the UK.' Meghan Markle's Suits co-star Wendell Pierce claims he was taken out of context when he criticized the Sussexes for conducting their bombshell TV interview in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic The actor, who said he had not spoken to the Duchess since 2019, added: 'It was quite insensitive and offensive that we are all complicit in this sort of palace gossip in the midst of so much death. I think it is insignificant.' Asked who he included in this criticism, he said 'everyone' including Oprah, US network CBS, ITV, Prince Harry and Meghan, and the Palace. As of Tuesday evening, more than 525,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, while 125,000 Britons have succumbed to the disease. Elsewhere during his LBC interview, Pierce stated that the monarchy should not get involved 'in this sort of conversation' and instead 'focus on the throes of death that we're in'. The actor -who previously appeared in the Emmy-winning HBO drama The Wire - revealed he and Meghan had not talked much about race as they filmed Suits, despite the topic featuring in their roles. He said: 'We didn't have long discussions about it, besides what was in the script and what was happening in our personal lives.' Pierce also shared a third message on Twitter Tuesday night claiming his lack of interest in Meghan's interview did not mean he was dismissive to her revelation that she felt suicidal during her time in the UK. The actor stated that his family has lost a member to suicide and that he supports the Duchess and 'wishes her the best'. Wendell Pierce, 57, starred in Suits with Meghan Markle for four years; he played her character's father Wendell Pierce (pictured), who worked with Meghan for four years in his role as her character's father, said the broadcast was 'insignificant' as Covid death tolls continued to rise Pierce said the interview evoked Shakespeare's phrase 'full of sound and fury signifying nothing' Pierce took to Twitter on Tuesday night declaring that he told the Duchess that he would always be her friend, despite the fact he had no interest in her scandalous sit-down with Oprah Winfrey Several of Meghan's other Suits co-stars, including Patrick J. Adams and Abigail Spencer, publicly defended the Duchess last week amid claims she 'bullied' staffers while living in the UK. The show's executive producer, Silver Tree, and its creator, Aaron Korsh, also took to Twitter to praise the actress. However, none of those stars have followed up by posting supportive messages to Twitter in the wake of Meghan's interview with Oprah. The Queen broke her silence on the interview on Tuesday, saying in a statement that 'while some recollections may vary' the 'whole family is saddened' to hear of the couple's 'challenging few years'. Her Majesty said an alleged racist comment made about what colour the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby Archie would be was 'concerning' and will be 'addressed by the family privately'. The monarch will reportedly speak to senior royals - including Charles, Camilla, William and Kate - behind closed doors over the couple's allegations. Her statement added that Harry and Meghan - using their names rather than titles - and their son 'will always be much loved family members'. It is understood the Queen waited until Tuesday to comment on the devastating interview with Oprah Winfrey so Britons had the chance to watch it first - but 'the Firm' is not expected to make any further comments. Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the Queen on Tuesday Her Majesty said an alleged racist comment made about what colour the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby Archie would be was 'concerning' and will be 'addressed by the family privately'. The monarch will reportedly speak to senior royals - including Charles, Camilla, William and Kate - behind closed doors over the couple's allegations Elsewhere on Tuesday, Meghan's estranged father Thomas denied his daughter's claims to Oprah that he had 'betrayed' her before branding his son-in-law Harry as 'snotty'. Mr Markle told Good Morning Britain that he's apologised '100 times' for doing a deal with a paparazzi photographer before the Royal Wedding in 2018 and urged the couple to see him with Archie now they only live '70 miles away' from his Mexico home. He said: 'We all make mistakes - but I've never played naked pool or dressed like Hitler like Harry did'. And in a further attack on Harry, Mr Markle said that his daughter's admission she was suicidal while living in the UK reflected badly on his son-on-law. He said: 'It really did upset me, like I said, it would have been easy for her to reach out to me, any of the rest of her family, who she claims she doesn't know. But the other thing is that I would think that she could turn to her husband.' When noted she did speak to Harry, Mr Markle said Meghan's husband Harry had 'obviously not supported her that well'. Mr Markle then said of his daughter's decision to refuse to see or speak to him: 'The biggest problem here is she's pretty much ghosted all of her family'. Thomas Markle has had his say on Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview to defend himself and the Royal Family, who he says aren't racist, before laying into Harry claiming he had failed to properly support his daughter Meghan Markle's father appeared on Good Morning Britain after his daughter accused him of 'betraying' her in her bombshell Oprah interview The 76-year-old also denied the Royal Family - or Britain - is racist, saying if it is true an unnamed royal asked about how 'dark' Archie's skin would be, it was probably just a 'dumb question', before calling Meghan and Harry's claims 'bulls**t'. Mr Markle, who has watched the entire two-hour CBS interview, said he was 'upset' when he saw his youngest daughter tell Oprah that royal life was so stressful she was suicidal and 'couldn't be left alone' - but then said Meghan's husband Harry had 'obviously not supported her that well'. During the interview with Oprah, Meghan said she could not fathom hurting her son Archie in the way her own father 'betrayed' her, admitting she 'found it hard to reconcile' with Thomas. She said: 'I look at Archie, I think about this child, and I genuinely can't imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child'. Mr Markle said that while he did let her down, she had 'let me down too' by cutting him off after heart surgery almost three years ago. He said: 'The bottom line is she didn't lose me, she made a statement saying she lost me, she didn't lose me, I would've always been there for her, I'm there for her now if she wants me'. He added: 'We all make mistakes - but I've never played naked pool or dressed like Hitler like Harry did'. Mr Markle was referencing Harry's decision to wear a Nazi uniform to a party when he was 20 and seven years later in 2012 the prince was photographed wearing nothing but a necklace with a naked female playmate hiding behind him having just played a game of strip pool in his VIP Las Vegas hotel suite. The fallout from Sunday night's bombshell interview with Oprah (pictured) is continuing into its third day Hudson County and its 12 communities will share in more than $424 million in new COVID-19 relief funding, Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced Wednesday. The new $1.9 trillion plan, called the American Rescue Plan, was expected to gain final approval by the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon. This badly needed federal funding will not just keep the lights on at City Hall, it will also help our communities get more vaccines in peoples arms, keep our first responders, teachers and other essential workers on the job, maintain our infrastructure and critical services, help our small businesses stay afloat, and put us on a smoother path towards economic recovery after the pandemic, Menendez said. The Hudson County share of $424,614,802, second only to Essex Countys $463.7 million allotment, is part of $10.2 billion awarded to counties and municipalities across the state. A year after the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in our nation, the health and economic impacts continue to ripple across the country, said Democratic Rep. Albio Sires, who represents a large portion of Hudson County. As we continue to grapple with the effects of this virus, the American Rescue Plan lays out a bold vision and provides the necessary funding and relief measures to provide real, much-needed relief and resources to residents of the 8th District and to the American people. Among the recipients, Hudson County government will receive $130.4 million, while Jersey City will get $145.8 million. The announcement did Menendez said the direct funding can be used by to pay COVID-related expenses; cover lost revenues due to the pandemic to maintain critical services and avoid layoffs of essential workers; provide additional assistance to residents and small businesses; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. In the midst of the greatest public health and economic crises of our lifetimes, it is unacceptable New Jersey schools, hospitals, small businesses, and workers faced the additional threat of budgetary shortfalls, Booker said. Here is the breakdown of the American Rescue Plan funding for the county and its 12 communities: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) listens during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on Feb. 24, 2021. (Tom Brenner/Pool via AP) Collins Says Schumer Had Absolutely No Interest In Bipartisanship In Relief Bill Negotiations Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said Wednesday that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) showed absolutely no interest in trying to negotiate a bipartisan agreement on the COVID-19 relief bill, calling into question the sincerity of the pleas for unity from President Joe Biden and the desire of Democrats to work with Republican members of Congress. Collins made the remarks after Schumer said in a Tuesday interview on CNN that Democrats moved to pass the American Rescue Plan via budget reconciliation, a process that allowed them to sidestep the Senate filibuster and so not require any GOP buy-in, because Republicans were not negotiating in good faith. What was offered by the Republicans was so far away from whats needed, so far away from what Biden proposed that he thought that they were not being serious in wanting to really negotiate, Schumer said Tuesday. The New York senator also took a dig at Collins directly, saying it was a mistake for Democrats to work with Collins during the Obama administration on efforts to formulate a relief package following the 2008 financial crisis. We made a big mistake in 2009 and 2010, Schumer told the outlet. Susan Collins was part of that mistake. We cut back on the stimulus dramatically and we stayed in recession for five years. Collins led a recent GOP delegation to the White House in a bid to negotiate a smaller rescue package than the sweeping $1.9 trillion bill that Republicans argued was packed with non-pandemic related spending and panned as a liberal wish-list. I have a very good relationship with President Biden, Collins said of the effort, adding, We dont agree philosophically, but we could certainly work together. Collins said that after she and a group of ten Republicans went to the White House and had an excellent, worthwhile, productive two-hour meeting with Biden, at which they presented him with a very specific plan for $618 billion in COVID relief. The Maine senator then said that the day after the White House meeting, Schumer announced the Democrats would pursue the budget reconciliation process to get the relief bill passed, which Collins alleged was done in order to shut out the Republicans altogether. He showed that he had absolutely no interest in trying to negotiate a bipartisan agreement despite our very sincere effort to put forward an initial package that could serve as the basis for negotiation, Collins said, adding that in 2020, Congress acted in a bipartisan fashion to pass five different COVID-19 relief bills totaling nearly $4 trillion. Yet as soon as Chuck Schumer takes over as Majority Leader, we pass a highly partisan bill, much of which has nothing to do with fighting this terrible pandemic, Collins said. Republicans have opposed the American Rescue Plan, calling it excessive and wasteful. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the package is too big at a time when the virus is showing signs of easing and the economy is poised to come roaring back. And rather than working across the aisle toward unity, as Biden promised, McConnell said Democrats are ramming through what they call the most progressive domestic legislation in a generation, citing the White House chief of staff. They explained their intent very clearly: to exploit this crisis as a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision, McConnell said. The American Rescue Plan is the first COVID-19-related relief bill that has had zero support from Republicans in the House or Senate. In a March 5 press conference, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), and several other Senate Republicans criticized what they said was a partisan process around passing the bill, calling Bidens previous calls for unity hollow, and denouncing the package as bloated, wasteful, and partisan. Theyve chosen a partisan path. And the reason were not doing it together now is they dont want to do it together. Theyve got a wish list thats unrelated to COVID that none of us are going to buy into, Graham said. They see this as an opportunity to appropriate money for their liberal wish list using COVID as the reason. Reporters asked Collins whether she plans to work with Biden on other priorities like the big infrastructure planrumored to be worth at least $2 trillionthat is in the pipeline. I am going to continue to work with President Biden and his administration, Collins said, and I just hope that Senator Schumer does not continue to be an obstacle to bipartisanship. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) defended Collins in an interview on CNN on Wednesday, saying it doesnt help bipartisanship when Chuck Schumer goes on Anderson Cooper as he did last night and attacks the most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate, who is Susan Collins, attacked her by name, and essentially said she was responsible for five years of a recession under President Obama. Barrasso added that he hopes Biden will speak out against Schumers remarks about Collins. Shes a spine of steel, shes a hard worker, shes not going to be bullied or bribed by Chuck Schumer, he said. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today A few showers early with scattered thunderstorms arriving for the afternoon. High 78F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday demanded that and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and said the move would benefit the state governments as well as the Centre. He also assured the government's support on this move if it is implemented. Speaking in the state Legislative Assembly while replying to a debate on the budget, Pawar, who is the Finance Minister, said, "The central government should bring and diesel under the purview of The move will be beneficial to the state governments and the Centre." He said he has restored the state legislators' salaries, which was cut by 30 per cent during the COVID-19 lockdown last year, and increased the MLA fund from Rs three crore to Rs four crore. Pawar, who had presented the state budget on Monday, said he has amended the proposal to increase the excise duty on branded and non-branded country liquor to all kinds of country liquor. "The increase will be 220 per cent of the manufacturing cost or Rs 187 per proof litre, whichever is higher," he said. The budget proposals and the Appropriation Bill were passed by a voice vote on Wednesday. Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, during his speech on the budget demands, said, "Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray often recalls what was spoken behind closed doors, but why doesn'the speak about what he promised to the farmers." He alleged that the Jalyukt Shivar, a micro-irrigation scheme launched by his BJP-led government was scrapped by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) dispensation "out of political vengeance". "This government did not respond to any queries regarding the scheme asked by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)," 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.) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday received the first dose Made in India COVID-19 vaccine along with the First Lady and other senior government officials. Hun Sen was administered the India-made Covishield vaccine, which has been developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and is produced by Serum Institute of India. The Indian Embassy in Cambodia informed that the President of the Assembly, Health Minister, and Public Transport Minister also received the vaccine jabs along with PM Hun Sen. Cambodia PM Hun Sen receives shot of Made in India Covishield vaccine: Embassy of India in Cambodia pic.twitter.com/u4pZFedFAO ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 Earlier last month, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh announced that the government of India has approved the supply of 1,00,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots to Cambodia. According to reports, the Cambodian Prime Minister had dialled his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in February, requesting the supply of vaccine shots to the South East Asian country. The supply has been assured through the Serum Institute of India despite innumerable competing requests from partner countries and our commitment to our domestic population. The decision is a testament to Indias appreciation for Cambodia as an important partner and its concern for the health and prosperity of the people of Cambodia, the embassy had said in a statement last month. India's vaccine diplomacy In the past few months, India has stepped-up its vaccine diplomacy in the region and beyond by supplying COVID-19 vaccine jabs to partner nations, prioritising neighbours such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Seychelles. As of last week, India had supplied 46 million vaccine doses to the global community, of which 7.1 million were supplied as grants and the rest on a commercial basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India has emerged as one of the key responders to the health crisis, living up to its title of "world's pharmacy". A storefront on Roncesvalles Avenue displays a "for lease" sign as part of a protest against the Ontario government's pandemic lockdown rules in Toronto, Canada, on Nov. 24, 2020. (Jody White/The Canadian Press) Canada Ranks High in Misery Index Regarding COVID-19 Response, Economic Impact: Study Canada is ranked among the most miserable when it comes to how governments have responded to the COVID-19 and the economic consequences that followed from those decisions, a study indicates. The study released on Monday by think tank Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) found that the Canadian governments performance amid the pandemic fares well below average, with particularly poor results in our public health response and managing the economic impact. Overall, Canada ranks 11th out of 15 countries of similar economies that the MLI selected for comparison, using a misery index that measures the performance of the governments in protecting the health and prosperity of their citizens during the pandemic. Countries with higher scores indicate higher levels of misery. The ranking is derived from data collected across three main categories in the index that capture the misery caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, government response, and economic impact, based on 16 metrics including mortality rates, number of infections, lockdown stringency, vaccination rates, unemployment, public debt, and more. For each metric, a score from 0 to 100 is allocated depending on the performance. Specific to pandemic response, Canada is placed at 14th with a total score of 65.7, only better than Netherlands who takes the last position at 74.54 points. As for economic impact, Canada is ranked 13th, which the study suggests that this countrys inefficient approach to the virus was more costly than in other countries. In this category, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland took the top three spots respectively. But when it comes to curbing the virus misery, Canada fares better at six out of the 15 countries measured, just behind Germany. While Canada was spared the worst ravages of the disease, our response to it has brought significant misery, largely attributable to quite strong restrictions in behaviour and a lagging vaccination program, wrote author Richard Audas, professor of Health Statistics and Economics at the University of Newfoundland. The study noted that Canadas vaccine program is lackluster compared with peer countries, particularly the United States and the UK as the country has been slow in rolling out the vaccines. Also, the author said that although the restrictive measures do work, a more targeted approach may have yielded comparable results without the concomitant misery brought on by a reduction in our personal freedoms. The economic misery has been severe, and the projections are that Canadian taxpayers will be paying this bill for some time to come, Audas added. This has come about with the continuous rise in unemployment in Canada through 2020, with the government borrowing heavily to sustain the economy that increases the countrys debt as a percentage of GDP, which the study expects to rise further through 2022. Norway has the best ranking based on the misery index overall. New Zealand came in second, followed by Australia. Taiwan's exports to the mainland and Hong Kong rose by 14.8 percent year on year to 11.26 billion U.S. dollars in February, the island's finance authority said Tuesday. The figure accounts for 40.5 percent of Taiwan's total exports last month, the authority said in a press release. The island's imports from the mainland and Hong Kong in February also soared by 39 percent year on year to 4.61 billion U.S. dollars. Taiwan's total exports in February reached 27.79 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.7 percent over the same month of 2020. Its total imports climbed by 5.7 percent year on year to 23.28 billion U.S. dollars. The island saw a trade surplus of 4.51 billion U.S. dollars in February, while its trade surplus with the mainland and Hong Kong totaled 6.65 billion U.S. dollars. The department attributed the moderate growth of exports in February to the continuous demand for emerging technologies and long-distance communication and the revived demand for traditional export products. The island's exports in the first and second quarter of 2021 may maintain stable growth due to the recovery of the global economy, the competitive edge of Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing industry and improving raw material trade in the international market, it said. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Showers early, becoming a steady rain later in the day. High 63F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight A steady rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low 56F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Ximen Mining Corp. (TSXV:XIM)(FRA:1XMA)(OTCQB:XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") is pleased to announce results from prospecting samples collected its properties at Nelson in southern British Columbia. Photograph of the Ymir-Protection mine dump from which sample D0004168 assayed 13.1 grams per tonne gold and 145 grams per tonne silver. Longitudinal section of California mine showing target area. Analytical results were received for the remainder of rock samples collected last season on claims surrounding the company's Kenville Mine near Nelson, BC. A total of 16 rock chip samples were collected of which 8 samples returned significant values for precious metals. Four samples returned significant results from the first 9 samples analyzed (as announced in a news release dated February 12). Four additional significant results were obtained from the remaining samples (see table below). Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Copper % Nearby Showing Rock Type Sample 13.1 145 0.16 Ymir-Protection Quartz float, pyrite and galena, mine dump D0004168 8.4 14.1 N/S California Quartz vein in mine, pyrite D0004171 3.78 11.3 N/S California Quartz grab, pyrite D0004172 2.82 1.61 N/S Good Hope Quartz float, pyrite D0004165 9.04 72.8 1.27 Venus Quartz float, chalcopyrite D0004152* 8.81 0.26 N/A Oro Fino Quartz float, pyrite D0004162* 3.99 1.88 N/A Pingree Quartz float, pyrite D0004155* 1.76 41.0 1.01 Josie Quartz vein, chalcopyrite D0004154* N/S = not significant, g/t = grams per tonne; * previously announced The highest precious metal values were obtained from a sample of the Ymir-Protection mine dump (13.1 grams per tonne gold and 145 grams per tonne silver). This historic mine was operated intermittently between 1899 and 1973 and produced 10,719 ounces of gold, 82,824 ounces of silver and significant lead and zinc from 14,788 tonnes mined. The deposit consists of shear-hosted quartz veins mineralized with gold, pyrite, galena and sphalerite. Two samples containing high gold values were collected from the California mine (8.4 and 3.8 grams per tonne gold). This historic mine operated intermittently between 1910 and 1947 and produced 2,258 ounces of gold, 3,942 ounces of silver and significant lead and zinc from 1,454 tonnes mined. Mineralization consists of multiple quartz veins containing free gold, pyrite, galena and sphalerite. At the west end of the No. 3 level, a potential tonnage was identified in a block measuring 91 metres long and 1.1 to 1.5 metres in width, with an average grade reported from historic samples as 29.0 grams per tonne gold (BC Assessment report 11027). Photo of open hole on California property where sample D0004171 assayed 8.4 grams per tonne gold. The Good Hope historic mine was developed as early as 1911 and produced 90 ounces of gold and 80 ounces of silver from 48 tonnes reported mined. Mineralization consists of bands and lenses of quartz that locally contain pyrite and chalcopyrite with free gold in oxidized portions of the mineralized zones. Quartz mineralized with pyrite from Good Hope prospect that assayed 2.82 grams per tonne gold. Ximen is now submitting applications for exploration permits for the California and other areas surrounding the Kenville mine property. At the Kenville mine project, Ximen expects that permitting of new underground mine development will be finalized this spring. Analyses disclosed in this release were conducted by ALS Global - Geochemistry Analytical Lab in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. ALS is an independent, fully accredited commercial laboratory. Gold was determined by the fire assay method using a 50-gram sample weight and ICP finish, with over-limits checked using a 50-gram sample weight and gravimetric finish. Other metals were analyzed as part of a 48-element package using a four-acid digestion and determination by ICP-MS. Over-limits for silver were determined by the fire assay method using a 50-gram sample weight and ICP finish, and over limits for silver, lead, zinc and copper by specific four-acid digestions with ICP-AES finish for high grade materials. Readers are cautioned that historical information including the assay and production results referred to in this News Release have been examined but not verified by a Qualified Person. Further work is required to verify that historical records referred to in this News Release are accurate. Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Ximen Mining Corp. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, approved the technical information contained in this News Release. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Christopher R. Anderson" Christopher R. Anderson, President, CEO and Director Investor Relations: Sophy Cesar, 604-488-3900, ir@XimenMiningCorp.com About Ximen Mining Corp. Ximen Mining Corp. owns 100% interest in three of its precious metal projects located in southern BC. Ximen's two Gold projects The Amelia Gold Mine and The Brett Epithermal Gold Project. Ximen also owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project adjacent to the past producing Huldra Silver Mine. Currently, the Treasure Mountain Silver Project is under a option agreement. The option partner is making annual staged cash and stocks payments as well as funding the development of the project. The company has recently acquired control of the Kenville Gold mine near Nelson British Columbia which comes with surface and underground rights, buildings and equipment. Ximen is a publicly listed company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XIM, in the USA under the symbol XXMMF, and in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Stock Exchanges in Germany under the symbol 1XMA and WKN with the number as A2JBKL. This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval and the exercise of the Option by Ximen. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the possibility that the TSX Venture Exchange may not accept the proposed transaction in a timely manner, if at all. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Ximen Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634515/Ximen-Mining-2020-Prospecting-Samples-up-to-131-gt-Gold-Historic-Nelson-Mining-Camp Mar. 10RICHMOND Voters rejected one zoning amendment while approving others in Tuesday's election at Veteran's Memorial Hall, as well as electing various officers. In the lone contested race, for a three-year term on the selectboard, incumbent Andrew Wallace beat Carol Jameson, a former board member, 189-110. Voters narrowly rejected a proposed amendment to the zoning code that would have reduced the setbacks required in the wetlands conservation district from 75 feet to 25 feet, in a 146-134 vote. They did approve a separate change to the wetlands conservation district by replacing one word. Where previously the ordinance stated the district's purpose was to prevent development that "would contribute" to surface water and groundwater pollution, it will now read "could contribute." And a third article changed the definition of wetland in the ordinance to conform with the state's definition. Voters also approved removing a word from the section on ruined buildings and an article related to time periods for occupying an RV. However, the RV article won't take effect because proper notice wasn't given to voters, according to Town Clerk Annette Tokunaga. Elected without opposition were John A. Lewis for a three-year term as library trustee; Stacie Maillet and Kathryn D. McWhirk for three-year terms on the planning board; Karen A. O'Brien for a three-year term as town clerk; and Rostislav Eismont for a three-year term as trustee of trust funds. With no declared candidates for a three-year position as cemetery trustee, Larry Richardson won with 10 write-in votes. Three hundred of the town's 891 registered voters cast ballots. The annual business meeting is scheduled for April 10. ADVERTISEMENT The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to halt appropriation of 4.2 million recovered from a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori. The resolution followed a unanimous adoption of a motion by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP-Delta) at plenary on Wednesday. The motion was co-sponsored by nine other lawmakers from Delta State. The United Kingdom government will in the next two weeks return to Nigerian government about 4.2 million recovered from Mr Ibori, his associates and relatives. Representatives of both the U.K. and Nigerian governments signed an agreement for the return of the money to Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who signed on behalf of Nigeria, said the money would be used to finance three major projects, namely the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Road and the Second Niger Bridge. In the motion, Mr Elumelu said the 4.2 million, being proceeds of looted funds recovered from Mr Ibori, was being transferred to the coffers of the federal government for appropriation. According to him, this is without recourse to the Delta State Government. The lawmaker said the money belonged to the people of Delta and should be refunded to the coffers of the state government for developmental purposes. Mr Elumelu said assets seized by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from other states were returned to those states as the case in Bayelsa and Abia. If the federal government is allowed to appropriate the fund without recourse to the Delta Government, the people of the state will be short-changed. They will be deprived of their legitimate resources to improve on the economy of the state as well as provide the requisite infrastructure for their benefit, he said. The House mandated its Committees on Finance, Justice and Recovered Funds to investigate the matter. It also urged the Ministry of Finance to stop disbursement pending the final determination of the matter by the House. The House also requested the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General of Federation to furnish it with all particulars relating to the money. In his ruling, Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary session, mandated the committees to conclude investigations and report to the House within two weeks. (NAN) Humble ISD staff members and many students must continue to masks or face shields while on district property after the districts school board unanimously voted Tuesday to keep current safety protocols in place. The decision means all but one of the Houston areas larger districts will require face coverings following the expiration Wednesday of Gov. Greg Abbotts statewide mask mandate, which required that staff and students older than 9 wear masks while on public school property, with limited exceptions. School board members in Magnolia ISD, home to about 13,300 students and 1,900 employees, voted Monday to end the districts mask requirement as of April 1. I think our teachers will feel a lot safer, our kids will be in school, and thats what we want, Humble Trustee Nancy Morrison said. The Texas Education Agency issued guidelines last week declaring that staff and many students still must wear masks on school property, but local school boards could opt out of the requirement. Nearly all Houston-area school boards chose not to vote on spurning the state. Humble trustees, however, gathered Tuesday to consider the districts mask policies. Headed into the meeting, Humbles COVID protocols suggested families would decide whether their children would wear masks if Abbotts statewide mandate lapsed. Ultimately, board members raised several concerns Tuesday about making masks optional. Some worried that removing the mandate would lead to an increase in staff forced to quarantine due to possible COVID exposure, potentially causing classroom or campus closures. A few worried that some students would switch to less-effective virtual classes. Others said they wanted to give employees more time to get COVID shots, which became available to all school staff and childcare workers last week. Until more of our faculty and staff have the opportunity to be vaccinated, I believe we should stay the course to the end of the school year, Humble Trustee Martina Lemond Dixon said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the use of masks in schools is one of many important mitigation strategies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many medical experts herald the benefits of on-campus face coverings. However, some parents and guardians say masks are unnecessarily uncomfortable and distracting for their children, while others argue students and staff should have the choice to wear one. Compared to some other Houston-area districts, Humble is home to a larger share of politically conservative residents, who national surveys show oppose mask mandates at higher rates than those who lean liberal. Still, national polls have found broad support for requiring masks in public settings. Humble Board President Robert Sitton said he is 100 percent in favor of parent choice, but temporarily continuing a mask mandate is in the districts best interest. I am all about revisiting this before the end of the school year, Sitton said. I would like to see a finality date. Humble administrators and trustees moved earlier than many others across Houston to reopen campuses to start the 2020-21 school year, arguing that the benefits of in-person classes outweighed the public health risks. Humble has reported among the highest rates of COVID cases among students and staff, though it is not clear whether resuming in-person classes contributed to that tally. Several local health authorities have reported low rates of on-campus COVID transmission. Humble also has nearly 80 percent of its students back on campus, one of the regions highest total. A few Houston-area school boards that gathered Monday and Tuesday to consider mask protocols raised similar concerns as Humble leaders. Concerns about vaccine availability prompted school board members in Willis ISD, located in northern Montgomery County, to unanimously vote Monday to keep mask mandates in place for the rest of the 2020-21 school year. District officials said employees will get access to an initial shot next week, with a second dose scheduled four weeks later. This means that our staff who choose to be vaccinated are only just now presented with that opportunity, and wont be fully vaccinated until at least early May, Willis ISD officials said in a statement. Until our teachers have had the opportunity to obtain both doses of the vaccine, it would be irresponsible to discontinue our current practices. In Clear Creek ISD, the Houston areas 11th-largest school district, board members unanimously voted Monday to ask their back-to-school safety committee to reconvene and issue a recommendation for mask protocols. Trustees expect the committee will report back by mid-April, with mask requirements remaining in place indefinitely. Magnolia ISD officials did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday about the districts decision to lift its mask mandate in three weeks. jacob.carpenter@chron.com SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A Walnut Creek man with the memorable name Rocky Lee Music faced the music Monday in federal court in San Francisco, where he pleaded guilty to a count of carjacking and was sentenced to 60 months in custody. April 19 of last year was a big day for Music. At about 7:30 a.m. he was observed in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland "driving a van erratically, swerving across lanes of traffic, and then driving through brush and partially into the lake," according to the government sentencing memorandum. When bystanders went to help, he fled the scene. He was arrested the same day and booked into Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on suspicion of auto theft. However, at 7:23 p.m., he was released from jail by Alameda County authorities as part of a California Judicial Council policy, created in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, of releasing without bail people arrested for misdemeanors and low-level felonies.to reduce overcrowding at county jails. By 8 p.m., Music had made his way to the 5200 block of Campus Drive in Dublin, where he saw a Toyota Prius parked on the side of the road. The driver was sitting in the car. Music attacked the driver and pulled him out of the car, then drove away, even as the driver tried to hang on, prosecutors said. Dublin police responded and subsequently found a security camera that contained footage of Music approaching the car and then driving it away. Music was not done for the day. Less than a half hour later, San Ramon police responded to a call reporting an attempted carjacking at the San Ramon Library. A woman had been sitting in her Toyota Scion talking to a friend on her phone when a man later identified as Music approached the car and attempted to open the door. The woman's door was locked and she was able to drive off, according to a government filing. The police found the Toyota Prius taken in the first attack in a nearby Valero gas station parking lot. By 9:17 p.m., an officer found and confronted Music. When Music ran, the officer released a K-9 dog to stop him. Music assaulted the K-9 before he was subdued and arrested. Music has a history of playing musical chairs with the criminal justice system. The government noted that this was not the first time Music "has engaged in new law violations while on release or other forms of supervision. Instead, it has been a recurring theme in his criminal history." Music's "record includes several failures to appear, probation violations, and revocations." In the last 10 years he has "sustained eight felony convictions," according to the government's sentencing memorandum, which include drug and theft charges as well as "a violent felony in 2016 when he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon." Music's back story is one full of drugs and alcohol, according to the sentencing memorandum he submitted. His father was an alcoholic who stopped working as a result of injury when Music was 5 and stayed at home with the kids while his wife worked. Music began drinking when he was seven or eight years old and "by the time he was in his twenties, he was consuming a couple of quarts of vodka per day," a habit that continued through the offenses of April 19. He also used methamphetamine, combining it with alcohol, "in order to balance himself." According to his sentencing memorandum, "the system continued to arrest and release Mr. Music, and Mr. Music continued to cycle in and out of jail, each time trying unsuccessfully to control his addiction on his own." Given the violent nature of the carjacking and his prior offenses, the federal sentencing guidelines suggested a range of 77-96 months. However, because Music pleaded guilty before trial, the prosecutors recommended a sentence of 60 months. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers concurred. 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 SGX Nifty was trading 65 points higher at 15,225 on Wednesday, indicating a firm start for the benchmark indices. Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in focus today: Godrej Properties: The company, on Tuesday, launched a qualified institutional placement (QIP) issue to raise up to Rs 3,750 crore through the sale of shares. Vodafone Idea: The telecom operator is in the advance stages of processing order for network capacity expansion in six circles through Chinese telecom gear makers, according to industry sources aware of the development, a PTI report said. Max Healthcare Institute: The company closed its QIP issue and finalised the issue price at Rs 195.40 per share. AU Small Finance Bank: The lender launched its qualified institutional placement (QIP) issue on March 9 and fixed the floor price at Rs 1,181.06 per share. PFC: board to meet on March 12 to consider interim dividend for FY21. Magma Fincorp: The shareholders of Magma Fincorp approved the company's plan to raise up to Rs 3,456 crore by issuing preference equity shares to Adar Poonawalla-controlled Rising Sun Holdings Ltd (RSHPL) and two members from the promoter group. Power Grid: Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has acquired Ramgarh New Transmission Ltd (RNTL), the Project SPV (special purpose vehicle) to establish transmission system strengthening scheme for evacuation of power from solar energy zones in Rajasthan (8.1 GW). Indian Bank: The state-owned lender, on Tuesday, said its committee of directors has given approval for raising up to Rs 4,000 crore through share sale. Shareholders of the bank on March 2 had given approval for the capital raising. BPCL: ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund picked up 13.8 million shares of for a total of Rs 608 crore. Trust sold 126 million shares of the company. Names of other buyers couldnt be ascertained. Adani Ports: The acquisition of Sarguja Rail and a 31.5 per cent stake in Gangavaram Port by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) will not materially affect credit quality, Moody's Investor Service said on Tuesday. Bank of Baroda: Aquaculture technology venture Aquaconnect on Tuesday said it has partnered with state-owned Bank of Baroda to provide loan access to 1.6 million aquaculture farmers. Bharat Forge: The company has made further investment of Rs 4 crore in its associate company - Aeron Systems by way of purchasing 39,000 equity shares of face value Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 1,015.64. Consequently, the company's stake in Aeron has been increased from 26 per cent to 36 per cent. Nalco: The company board will meet on March 15 to consider interim dividend for FY21. Jubilant Foodworks: The company's wholly owned subsidiary, Jubilant Foodworks Netherlands B.V., has successfully completed the acquisition of 100% of Fides Food Systems Cooperatief U.A., Netherlands which holds 32.81 per cent equity shares in DP Eurasia N.V. New Delhi, March 10 : The government on Wednesday said that the railways has sanctioned the work of carrying out detailed project report (DPR) for the seven new high speed rail corridors across the country to the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) but work for the none of the new corridors have been sanctioned till date. In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said, "Railways has assigned the work for the preparation of DPR for the seven new High Speed Rail (HSR) corridors to NHSRCL." The seven new proposed high speed rail corridors are -- Delhi-Noida-Agra-Kanpur-Lucknow-Varanasi, Delhi-Jaipur-Udaipur-Ahmedabad, Mumbai-Nasik-Nagpur, Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad, Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore, Delhi-Chandigarh-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Amritsar and Varanasi-Patna-Howrah. Goyal said, "None of the above seven High Speed corridor is sanctioned as yet." He said that the decision on sanctioning any HSR project depends on the outcome of DPR, techno-economic feasibility, availability of resources and financing options. The Minister said that the preparation of DPRs is still in progress and alignment or route for the corridors has yet not been finalised. Currently, the NHSRCL is executing the 508 km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. Your what hurts? Via: CBC: A new outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the Cottonwoods Care Centre in B.C.s Interior Health region where staff and residents had already received vaccines, the provincial health officer announced Monday The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has confirmed on its website that 82 per cent of residents had been vaccinated as of Feb. 15. The centre does not provide information about how many staff were immunized. In a live news conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said being vaccinated doesnt mean transmission will be stopped and that precautions must remain in place for seniors and care homes. You can have transmission even when people are fully vaccinated, she said. The illness seems to be milder and doesnt transmit as much [and we] wont see rapid explosive outbreaks. State-owned Indian Bank on Tuesday said its committee of directors has given approval for raising up to Rs 4,000 crore through share sale. Indian Bank said that the Committee of Directors has accorded approval for raising of equity capital of the bank aggregating up to Rs 4,000 crore (including premium) through qualified institutions placement (QIP) in one or more tranches. The fund raising would be subject to all statutory and regulatory approvals, it said. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 9 March 2021. Shares of Indian Bank fell 2.94% to settle at Rs 135.30 yesterday. Indian Bank is a public sector bank. The Government of India held 88.06% stake in the bank as on 31 December 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of lawmakers in Ghana want to criminalise the promotion of LGBT+ rights, a move that comes weeks after a community centre for sexual minorities was shut down following strong opposition from politicians and church organisations. Parliamentarian Samuel Nartey George from the opposition National Democratic Congress said he and seven other MPs hoped their private members bill to ban LGBT+ advocacy would be passed before the parliamentary session ends on March 31. We owe it to ourselves and the people of Ghana to uphold that which gives us our identity as a people ... May we unite in this fight against the scourge and perversion that homosexuality presents. So help us GOD, George wrote on Facebook on Monday. Government officials in the West African nation often make homophobic remarks, and the lawmakers backing the draft law come from various political parties, suggesting it could garner broader support. Rights campaigners said the plan suggested various sectors were working together to create a hostile environment for LGBT+ people in the country, where persecution is widespread and gay sex is punishable with up to three years in jail. Ghana has not prosecuted anyone for same-sex relations in years, but LGBT+ people face frequent abuse and discrimination, including blackmail and attacks, human rights researchers say. The legislative initiative follows outrage from church groups, politicians and anti-gay rights groups in February after the opening of the countrys first LGBT+ community centre. On Feb. 24, the centre offering paralegal services, counselling and training through workshops was shut down by security officials, said LGBT+ Rights Ghana, which runs the facility. In an open letter to Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, LGBT+ Rights Ghana called for an end to the harassment of sexual minorities. Mr President, our plea is not one which seeks to institutionalise same sex civil unions. Ours at this very point is to have some peace in our country and to feel safe, said the letter issued on Monday. Ours is asking that the state protect us from harm and that our sexual identifies do not become weaponised as a tool of oppression in violating our rights as established under the constitution. Organisations such as Amnesty International, Pan Africa ILGA and CIVICUS have also spoken out over recent events in Ghana. CIVICUS is extremely concerned at the proposed tabulation of an anti-LGBTQI+ bill and the wave of intolerance against the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana, said Mawethu Nkosana, LGBTQI+ Advocacy Lead at CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations. Various institutions are working together to create a hostile environment by amplifying violent rhetoric and suppressing LGBTQI+ voices of dissent who are speaking out and seeking justice, Nkosana told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Last week, actor Idris Elba and model Naomi Campbell have joined 65 other British celebrities, designers and politicians in calling for Ghanas president to engage with LGBT+ community. Source: Reuters 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 You always have had a vision of your dream home, but in a market where inventory is low, it may seem like the perfect place goes under contract within 24 hours of it being listed. Fear not, because some of the best homes are hidden gems that need someone with vision to see their potential. Here are five signs that a home you overlooked actually could be the right place for you. The curb appeal doesn't match your style. The exterior details of a home are your first impression. If the home is a style that doesnt match your vision, it can be hard to see past that to the great things inside. Dont let this deter you. Instead, consider how you will live in the space first and know that you can update the exterior to match your style over time. Elise Polli, an award-winning Realtor and owner of a realty located in Vermont, has this to say about this especially common occurrence with raised ranch-style homes: I think there is a stigma with the raised ranches of the 1970s. However, they often feature two levels of finished living space and lots of windows and natural sunlight. Even if the exterior aesthetics of a raised ranch don't excite you, the easy flow of the floor plan should. And due to their design, they often lend themselves well to room additions off the back deck of the home." Its a bit of a fixer-upper. So often the fixer-upper looks like a project that seems too big to tackle. But like any project, if you break it down into smaller goals, it soon becomes manageable. In a hot market like this, it may be a good idea to consider a fixer-upper. Elise explains, It will be priced to sell and will allow you to build instant equity with updates. Lean into the shag carpet or dated oak kitchen cabinets and know that you will update them as time and budget allow. Elise also explains how there are great renovation loans out there and how they can really benefit you in the buying process: I suggest that you chat with a few loan officers to see what they recommend to buyers who intend to renovate. Many lenders offer loan programs with the fixer-upper in mind. Rocket Mortgage has a team of live experts available seven days a week to help take the guesswork out of understanding your options when it comes to your mortgage loan. They can help you understand the loan options that make most sense for you and factors like contingencies that are especially important in fixer-upper purchases. Their expert advisers are available by phone, text, and live chat for a no-obligations conversation to find out what you qualify for and which loan types make the most sense for you. It needs cosmetic upgrades. When you have a clear vision in mind, it can be hard to see past a less-than-perfect paint job or carpets that have seen better days. Try shifting your mindset when it comes to these smaller fixes. Rather than seeing the need for new paint or flooring as a problem, try to look at it as an opportunity to tailor the inside of your new home to your exact taste. It can be exciting and fun to pull a room together to make it yours. Its just a little too small. If you are planning on growing your family in the coming years, but the inventory for 3- and 4-bedroom dream homes in your area is constrained, consider looking at a starter home. It can help you build equity and prepare you for purchasing again in a few years. Alternatively, reconsider homes that may not have the exact layout youre looking for, but lend themselves to additions that can be added over time. If you know from the outset that youre willing to take on an addition in a few years, you might find yourself falling in love with a place that can grow with your family. Filming on Season 3 of How to Stay Married is set to wrap next week and here is a first look photo. Filming has been underway in Melbourne since February 1st with star, creator and writer Peter Helliar also directing some episodes. The comedy again follows Greg (Peter Helliar) and Em Butlers (Lisa McCune) valiant but often misguided efforts to keep their marriage afloat in a sea of teenage dramas, painful other parents, turtle funerals, career wobbles, strident sex therapists and social media faux pas. Peter Helliar said, It has been super exciting to be shooting a third season of How To Stay Married and with the way last year panned out, we were jumping out of our skin to see our Aussie cast and crew back doing what they do best. Our wonderful characters return with some new ones played by some much-loved Australians. The series is due later this year on 10. Related San Francisco coalition Grow SF is sponsoring a petition to make Shared Spaces the pandemic program that allowed outdoor dining and retail in public spaces permanent. The petition, which was posted on Action Network and is directed to the citys Land Use Committee, is seeking 400 signatures and had gathered 330 as of midday Tuesday. The Shared Spaces program, which began last June, is set to expire June 30. Supervisor Matt Haney has helped lead the charge to develop a permanent proposal, and both Mayor London Breed and the Small Businesses Commission have endorsed the idea. On Tuesday afternoon, Supervisor Ahsha Safai tweeted in response to the petition, Ive been working on legislation with the Mayors office to make the Shared Spaces program permanent. We will be introducing the legislation soon. Grow SF describes itself as a nonprofit organization whose goal is to get tech professionals involved in local issues and vote. It has also pushed for more housing, inclusionary zoning, and making San Francisco a transit-first city. Its members include fellow transit advocate Jane Natoli and former tech CEO Sachin Agarwal. Small businesses and restaurants have seen the program as a lifeline during the pandemic, which left many restaurants shuttered and droves of employees out of work. Almost 2,000 small businesses had been able to set up outside to offer services since the program began. However, some parts of the city, often in the most underserved neighborhoods, have been slower to see the benefits. The city has been working to correct the inequity. What do you think? Should outdoor dining become permanent? Share your thoughts in The Chronicles poll: Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain Chair of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel stands on stage while addressing the Republican National Convention at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington on Aug. 24, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Republican Leaders Commit to Working With Trump Amid Spat Over Fundraising The leaders of the three key Republican committees in a statement on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with former President Donald Trump amid a tiff over the use of his name and likeness for fundraising. Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman (NRCC) Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) released the statement shortly after Trump issued one affirming his support for the committees and the GOP. The RNC, NRSC and NRCC are grateful for President Trumps support, both past and future. Through his powerful agenda, we were able to break fundraising records and elect Republicans up and down the ballot. Together, we look forward to working with President Trump to retake our Congressional majorities and deliver results for the American people, McDaniel, Scott, and Emmer said in a joint statement. At the core of the feud is Trumps plan to support primary challengers against the Republicans who voted in favor of impeachment, a gambit that is counter to the GOP standard practice of backing Republican incumbents. In his own statement earlier on Tuesday, Trump again directed supporters to donate to his campaign website and political action committee (PAC), while expressing support for the GOP and the committees. I fully support the Republican Party and important GOP Committees, but I do not support RINOs and fools, and it is not their right to use my likeness or image to raise funds. So much money is being raised and completely wasted by people that do not have the GOPs best interests in mind. If you donate to our Save America PAC at DonaldJTrump.com, you are helping the America First movement and doing it right. We will WIN, and we will WIN BIG! Our Country is being destroyed by the Democrats! Trump said. Trump sent letters to the RNC, NRSC ,and NRCC on March 5 demanding that the three committees stop using his name and likeness to raise funds. The RNC responded by brushing aside the concern and suggesting that the fundraising wrinkle had already been ironed out by Trump and McDaniel since Trumps missive was sent. President Trump and Chairwoman McDaniel enjoy a close relationship, and we understand that President Trump reaffirmed to her over the weekend that he approves of the RNCs current use of his name in fundraising and other materials, including for our upcoming donor retreat event at Palm Beach at which we look forward to him participating, the RNC letter, obtained by The Epoch Times, states. The RNC has not sent any fundraising requests in President Trumps name or used his image since before he left office, nor would it do so without his prior approval. Trump on March 8 appeared to respond to news reports about the RNCs response with a statement reviving the back-and-forth. No more money for RINOS, Trump said in a statement, using an acronym for Republicans in Name Only. They do nothing but hurt the Republican Party and our great voting basethey will never lead us to Greatness. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. This resulted in a nationwide cancelation of traditional St. Patricks Day festivities the first of many holidays that would be impacted by this pandemic. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising against attending large gatherings once again this St. Patricks Day. Often, St. Patricks Day is a time when many generations come together and celebrate. Please remember to keep your families safe. You dont want to get your parents or grandparents sick with COVID because they will be at the highest risk. Continue to practice the same precautions you have done to get us to the state we are in now, said Bill Walsh, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center. At the end of 2020, the first of three COVID-19 vaccines was developed and 80.5 million doses have been given in the U.S. since then with 27 million people fully vaccinated to date. Many people are wondering if the St. Patricks Day restrictions still apply to them if they have been vaccinated. Ultimately, the answer to that is yes. Even if you are vaccinated and all of the people you plan to gather with are vaccinated, there still is a significant risk. We are not sure exactly how risky that is however, you could spread COVID amongst yourselves, and then spread it to other loved ones or people at your workplace or other people you may interact with, Walsh said. Understandably, many Americans are feeling pandemic fatigue and plan to celebrate St. Patricks Day in some way. Dr. Walsh urges people to celebrate safely while continuing to practice the CDC guidelines a little while longer, and to get the vaccine when it is your turn. Just because youre feeling fatigued does not change how the virus behaves. The virus is going to do what it does whether you are fatigued from the pandemic or not. So continue to gather in small groups to discourage the spread, continue to wash your hands, keep your distance, and wear your masks, Walsh said. If all of these practices remain in place, the end of this pandemic will come sooner than if people begin to let their guards down too soon. If we continue to do this, the vaccine will continue to work and continue to prevent people from getting sick and we will get ahead of this pandemic and bring it to an end, Walsh said. The CDC offers safe alternatives to traditional St. Patricks Day festivities. In addition to decorating your home in St. Patricks Day colors, shamrocks, and leprechauns, you can celebrate by making Irishinspired recipes, having an outdoor neighborhood celebration with guests at least six feet apart and wearing masks, or by watching a virtual celebration. If you do plan to celebrate with others, the CDC reminds us that outdoors is safer than indoors. A parcel of land on Town Hill Road in Sandisfield is at the center of a debate between neighbors and Sama Productions, LLC, a company that is looking to build a marijuana greenhouse and manufacturing plant in the area. On Thursday, the towns Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a draft of cannabis bylaws. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has said that ethnic Serbs favor abolishing the Office of the High Representative (OHR) for Bosnia-Herzegovina and holding a referendum on the status of the country's predominantly Serbian entity if their views are not respected. Dodik, the Serbian member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency and its current chairman, was speaking on March 10 at a special session of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. Dodik said it was unacceptable that foreigners decide the fate of the Balkan country and that "people in Bosnia are treated as objects" rather than "subjects in international relations." Valentin Inzko, the current high representative, confirmed in December he would leave the position and that German politician Christian Schmidt was a candidate to succeed him. Inzko has held the position since 2009. He served as Austria's ambassador to Sarajevo for three years beginning in 1996, the year after the signing of the Dayton agreement, which put an end to the 1992-95 Bosnian civil war and created the Republika Srpska as one of two constituent states within Bosnia. Dodik said that the OHR had interpreted the Dayton agreement "by punishing politicians or ordering the National Assembly of Republika Srpska what to do." In light of the possible selection of a new high representative, it is extremely important for Republika Srpska to get acquainted with all aspects of extending the representative's mandate "and to take a stand and adopt conclusions on how to address this issue," he said. The high representative is appointed by the UN Security Council. The OHR's duties include overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton agreement. The Republika Srpska has no hidden intentions, Dodik insisted, adding that its actions are primarily focused on respecting the Dayton agreement and building peace and stability. The Bosnian Serb leader, who has repeatedly threatened to try and secure independence for the Republika Srpska, also said he would propose a referendum on the status of the entity in a year or two. "I really don't care what anyone says," he said. European Union foreign-policy chief Peter Stano told RFE/RL that the EU's position on how Bosnia works had not changed. "The position of the EU is not in line with the views of one or another politician but is in line with international law and is based on EU values and principles," Stano said in response to Dodik's statements. Stano also confirmed that EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell would meet with Bosnian Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic on March 10, and that all current issues are likely to be discussed, including and the initiative to close the OHR. Chinese leaser Xi Jinping (L) raises his hand to vote for the reports with China's former leader Jiang Zemin at the closing of the 19th Communist Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2017. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Political Conflicts Spread Into Economy Families of Chinas leader Xi Jinping and a rival faction led by former leader Jiang Zemin have been involved in business conflicts, leading to speculation that there are warring factions within the CCP. As a one-party state, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) monopolizes power in China. The leadership, however, is not monolithic. After taking office, Xi sought to consolidate his power in the party, avoiding being hamstrung by factional politics, like his predecessor Hu Jintao was. In Xis anti-corruption campaign, many high-ranking officials associated with the Jiang Zemin faction have been arrested. Even though Jiang is now retired, he remains a force behind the scenes. Xi has seemingly gained the upper hand over the Jiang faction, as the Jiang faction seems powerless to stop Xi amending Chinas constitution. However, a halt to Ant Groups IPO indicates that conflicts continue in the business world, one U.S.-based political commentator said. Beneficiaries Behind Ant Group Xi scuttled Ant Groups $35 billion initial public offering two days before the Hong Kong and Shanghai dual debut was scheduled in November 2020, because he believed the real beneficiary may be the Jiang faction. The ownership structure of Ant is complex, revealed firstly by Chinas state-run media Caixin on Aug. 27, 2020. One of the investors is Boyu Capital, a private company founded in part by Alvin Jiang Zhicheng. He is the oldest grandson of the former regime leader Jiang Zemin. Boyu holds the shares through a private equity firm, Beijing Jingguan Investment Center. Another shareholder linked to Jiangs network is Li Botan, the son-in-law of the former head of a top-level Communist Party advisory committee, Jia Qinglin. Li invested in Ant through Beijing Zhaode Investment Group. This year, Alvin Jiangs Boyu Capital was moved from Hong Kong to Singapore and Shanghai according to The Wall Street Journal on Feb. 22. The transition of the business to Hong Kong started in late 2019, coinciding with the time when Xi tightened control over Hong Kong. Key executives of the Hong Kong base have moved to its Singapore office, including the CFO Vincent Fok. Shanghai is the base of the Jiang faction, which is also known as the Shanghai Gang, because most of its members hail from Shanghai and the surrounding area. Commentator Li Linyi interpreted the suspension of Ants IPO and the transfer of Boyu as a sign that the factional conflicts have been transferred to the economy as Xi tries to bring the curtain down on Jiangs era. Xis High Roller Cousin On Feb. 9, the WSJ reported that Australias largest casino operator Crown Resort had been found unfit to run its Sydney casino. Crown has been dogged for years by allegations of illegal activity, such as money laundering and junkets bringing in high spending gamblers from Asia. Chief among its high rollers is Australian citizen Ming Chai, one of Xis cousins. He was under a broad investigation as part of broader organized crime and money laundering probes, the WSJ reported. Chai is not the main target of the investigation, according to Australian officials. His ties to Tom Zhou, the millionaire Crown junket operator, were the focus of investigators. Both men were aboard when Australian federal agents searched a private jet with high-stakes gamblers in 2016. Officials also looked at the source of Chais money. Chai spent $39 million over 18 months starting in June 2012. The next year, according to gambling turnover, he was listed among the top 50 customers. He was described as a VVIP, a very, very important person in a trove of thousands of files leaked from Crown. Chais father is a former high-ranking chief of the Chinese Peoples Armed Police service. Before Chai become an Australian citizen, he held a senior position in ZTE, the telecommunications company closely linked to CCP, which was subject to bans by the United States over national security concerns. A month later, the WSJ reports co-author, Wong Chun Han, was expelled from mainland China. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Amid a major legal battle between Kishore Biyani's Future Group and Jeff Bezos' Amazon, Reliance Industries Ltd has decided to provide operational support to the cash-strapped retail chain. The Rs 24,713 crore deal signed between Ambani and Biyani is still awaiting the National Company Law Tribunal approval. The law tribunal will hear the matter on March 15. In the meantime, RIL subsidiary Reliance Retail has extended the internal deadline to secure regulatory approvals and complete the deal marred by legal cases by six more months, LiveMint reported. To make it easy for Future Retail to run operations amid these crises, some lease agreements that were scheduled to expire have been renewed in the name of Reliance Retail. The integration, including training of Future employees, has also started between the two companies. Besides, rebranding and soft-launch exercises are also going on in full scale, the daily reported. Also read: Future deal dispute: Amazon should not be a perpetual objector, says NCLT Both Reliance Retail and Future Group have not come up with any official statement on this so far. Future Group owns about 1,500 Big Bazaar and fbb stores, employing about 70,000 people.The NCLT will likely pronounce its verdict on March 15. On February 22, the Supreme Court had put a pause on the RIL-FRL deal, also stopping the NCLT from giving its nod till further orders. The SC will also hear the matter on March 19. The Kishore Biyani group is struggling to repay about $2.5 billion in dues. Any more delay could put its future plans in jeopardy as regulatory disapproval could force Reliance to walk away from the deal. Also read: Amazon demanded $40 million to forego its right of first refusal: Future Group In 2019, Amazon bought a 49 per cent stake in Future Coupons, with a right to buy into Future Retail in 3-5 years. Amazon received a blow in August 2020 when Future Group announced the sale of its retail, logistics, warehousing and wholesale business to Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Retail for Rs 24,713 crore. Amazon later dragged Future Group to arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre against the deal, saying the Reliance-Future deal violated the Amazon-FRL pact and that it had the right of first refusal. Also read: 'Dog in a manger': Kishore Biyani's description of Amazon On October 25, SIAC passed an interim award in favour of Amazon, barring FRL from taking any step to dispose of or encumber its assets or issuing any securities to secure any funding from a restricted party. Amazon also approached the Delhi High Court, seeking the enforcement of an interim order of the emergency arbitrator at the SIAC. On February 8, the Delhi High Court stayed the implementation of single-judge order to Future Retail Ltd and various statutory authorities to maintain the status quo regarding the deal. Amazon on February 12 moved the Supreme Court (SC) in a bid to block the deal. The scheme of arrangement had already received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), with no objection from SEBI and bourses, following which it approached NCLT Mumbai on January 26, 2021. Also read: ED investigating Amazon for FDI violations in Future Retail deal Also read: Months before RIL-Future deal, Amazon devised Rs 6,000 cr rescue plan for Biyani's company It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. After the 2011 disaster, Japan built new neighborhoods, parks and schools. But the scale of loss is beyond any policy response. Today, many of those who remain in hard-hit coastal towns are haunted by all that was lost. When the tide finally receded, the world had changed. Trucks and houses had been swept aside like childrens toys, leaving the living to comb through a wasteland of mud and debris for their dead. Ten years on, the living are still searching, their grief never subsiding. A father lives alone in a house at the end of a long driveway lined with cherry trees. He surrounds himself with books on the disorder that isolated his younger son in his room, unable to flee even when his mother begged him to evacuate as the tsunami roared toward them. A mother is haunted still by the cries of stranded children, maybe even her own, calling out for help in the darkness. Even now she carries around a laminated schedule of her daughters kindergarten bus, as if to prove that her 6-year-old should still be alive. A wife never gave up hope that her husband would return to her. In scribbled letters on the back of calendars, she chided her husband for staying away, sometimes writing his imagined response encouraging her to go on without him. The 10th anniversary of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami will be a nationally televised event, with dignitaries in black suits gathering at a theater in Tokyo, where they will bow their heads and mark the moment of the disaster. For many survivors, the day will be marked by quiet prayers and family visits to gravesites. A giant wave tosses large vehicles like childrens toys in the Japanese city of Miyako City after an earthquake struck the area March 11, 2011. Photo: Mainichi Shimbun/via Reuters But for others, the day will feel little different than any other date on a calendar. They remain suspended, trapped in those frantic hours a decade ago. The earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 20,000 people on a stretch of Japans Pacific coast more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) northeast of Tokyo. The disasters also triggered multiple meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant, which forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. The central government pledged to rebuild the region and has spent around 31 trillion yen ($286 billion) on reconstruction. In the span of a few years, Japan built new neighborhoods, parks and schools. But the scale of loss here is beyond any policy response. Thousands of residents have moved away from the hardest-hit cities, with many of those who remain haunted by all that was lost. While some survivors look backward, the larger Japanese public is preparing to celebrate the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, an event the government is intent on using to showcase its recovery from the disaster. In Rikuzentakata, a city that lost almost a tenth of its population in the tsunami, a 12.5-meter (41-foot) sea wall encircles the coastline, a project designed to protect residents from future floods. Instead, the city can feel like a fortress where the concrete wall obscures any view of the ocean. On a chilly night in March, a howling wind drowned out any sound of lapping waves. In the darkness, only a slither of the sea was visible above the slabs of concrete, its serene surface concealing the noiseless churn of water below. Yoshihito Sasaki, 70, can see the ocean from his front room, but he has long ago given up fishing or taking walks by the sea. He moved into his current home after the tsunami swept away his old house here, where he lived with his wife and two sons. Massive walls built to withstand a future tsunami can obscure any view of the ocean in the hard-hit coastal towns. Photo: Reuters In March 2011, Sasaki was a few weeks shy of retirement, working as a principal in an elementary school built on higher ground in Hirota, a fishing village half an hours drive from his familys home. After making sure that all of his students were safe, and learning that his older son, Yoichi, had survived, Sasaki began searching for the rest of his family. He had already assumed the worst about his other son, 28-year-old Jinya, who had been a hikikomori for a decade, a Japanese term for people who withdraw from society. When the disaster hit, Jinya hadnt left their house for two years. I thought maybe my wife had survived, so when I went to shelters, I asked them if they saw a woman who had lost her mind, Sasaki said quietly, averting his eyes. He knew that leaving her son behind in the tsunami would have destroyed Mikiko, his wife. Sasaki was unable to find Mikiko in any of the evacuation centers. Her body was recovered weeks later. Later, he learned that his wife had tried to coax their son out of the house as the water kept rising. Jinya refused to leave, saying until the end that he didnt want to see other people. Mikiko finally ran out of the house, taking shelter on a neighbors roof with their elder son. From there, they watched the wave swallow their home. Sasaki took off his glasses and busied himself with a pile of newspaper clippings on his table. A warm orange light filled the room, which was still cluttered with boxes his surviving son left behind when he moved out in December. For almost a decade after the disaster, Sasaki and his son lived together but never discussed the day of the tsunami. The two men finally talked over sushi a few months ago, when his son was preparing to move away. I asked my son what my wife said to him at the end, Sasaki said. The last time his son saw her, she was holding onto a piece of wreckage in a black tide, yelling out to him. He told me that she was screaming for him to live, he said, sighing. She told him to survive. Yoichi held onto wreckage and drifted for hours in the tsunamis waters before he was finally rescued. Sasaki cradles photos of his family that were damaged in the disaster and recovered by volunteers. He now lives alone after his surviving son moved out recently. They finally talked about what happened the day of the tsunami, 10 years later. Photo: Reuters After the tsunami, Sasaki bought dozens of books about his late sons condition, out of regret that he had not done more to support his late wife. Turning on the fluorescent light in his room, Sasaki pulled out a folder full of newsletters that he has written in the past decade about the hikikomori. He also moderates a support group for parents every month where he listens to others vent and cry about their reclusive children. Even so, Sasaki is plagued by regret. Several times, he repeats that his surviving son may still blame him for not doing more to help his wife with Jinya. I thought maybe time would solve things, but I know now thats not the case. There are things you want to forget but cant, he said, with a pause. Some memories, those key memories in your mind, are actually more vivid now. In Ishinomaki, a coastal city in neighboring Miyagi prefecture, nearly 3,200 people died in the disaster. One of them was Airi, Mika Satos daughter, who loved playing with her little sister and wanted to be a TV presenter when she grew up. Airi was at a local kindergarten when the earthquake struck. Shortly after, teachers put Airi and four others on a bus, which took them down the hill and closer to the coast. It took three days for Sato to find Airi. She walked through a field of rubble where thin plumes of smoke still smoldered between bits of plywood and metal. One of the other parents eventually found the charred remains of a yellow school bus hidden under what had been the metal roof of a house. By the time we found them, all that was left of her was as small as a babys, said Sato, cradling her arms as if she were holding her daughter. We were so afraid the wind would blow them away. Sato said it wasnt until later that she heard from neighbors that they could hear children calling for help until midnight, hours after a 28-foot tsunami swept into Ishinomaki. Mika Sato, who lost her daughter Air, in the tsunami, heard from neighbors that they could hear children calling for help hours after the wave hit her town. Photo: Reuters Sato and other parents kept asking the school for an explanation of what exactly happened on the day of the tsunami. Five months after the disaster, Sato and three other families filed a lawsuit against the operator of the kindergarten. We thought we would find the truth in court, said Sato, 46. It was completely different from what we expected; we didnt get anywhere near the truth. Sato had hoped that the school would explain why it had decided to put the children on a bus toward the coast after a massive quake, but school staff repeated in court that they had not heard the tsunami siren, she said. Sato and other plaintiffs reached a settlement with the school in 2014. As part of the settlement, the school took legal responsibility and promised to provide a heartfelt apology to the families, Sato and her lawyer, Kenji Kamada, said. Though the school has sent flowers, Sato said she has never received a formal apology. A lawyer who represented the school, which is now closed, said it continued to send flowers to the families involved in the case every year. He declined to comment further on the matter, referring questions on the details of the settlement to the plaintiffs. Sighing, Sato walked to a memorial built along a busy coastal road, close to where she had found her daughter. Taking off her mask, she touched Airis name carved into stone. The anger doesnt go away, she said, adding that as a naturally shy person, she had never wanted to be a public figure embroiled in such a court case. Our precious daughter died and the fact that , she started to say, before a local man approached her, saying he recognized her from TV interviews. After reminiscing about the disaster, the man told her it was shameful that people went to court for money after the disaster. Didnt you get like 300 million yen? the man asked. Actually no, we didnt, Sato answered calmly, before the man cut her off. We all suffered and its time to move on, he mumbled before walking away. Sato shows a photo of Airi, who loved playing with her little sister and wanted to be a TV presenter when she grew up. Photo: Reuters Afterward, Sato said most locals had been supportive, but others believe survivors like her shouldnt have pursued their cases in court. The family members of four of the children who died on the bus shared a settlement of 60 million yen ($550,000), Satos lawyer said. Civil lawsuits like the one filed by Sato are much less common in Japan compared to in the United States. Ive gotten kind of used to it by now, Sato said sadly, walking back to her parked car. She wondered aloud how the man would react if he had lost his own child or grandchild in such a devastating disaster. Some people say heartless things, but people who dont understand will never understand, no matter what you say. Across Japans northeast region, more than 2,500 people are still reported missing from the disaster. In Iwate Prefecture, police officers hold monthly walk-in sessions at local shopping malls and community centers for families who havent stopped searching for their loved ones. At these meetings, police officers take down identifying details about the missing and sometimes collect DNA samples from family members. The lack of remains and the difficulty of the search have prolonged the sense of limbo for some families. Three months after the tsunami, Sachiko Kumagai began writing letters to Migaku, her husband, a beloved local fisheries worker who went missing after he left his hillside home on the day of the disaster. He was 71, and she was 69. Her letters, hundreds of them, usually written with a magic marker, start with the weather and a description of the breakfast she had set out for him, and are interspersed with her gnawing questions about where he might be. In several, Kumagai responds as her husband. Mama-chan, I wont be able to return even if you keep brooding over it Ill be waiting for you, you can do it, you can. Three months after the tsunami, Sachiko Kumagai began writing letters to Migaku, her husband, who went missing in the tsunami. His body was never recovered, and she never gave up hope he would return. Photo: REUTERS/Handout courtesy of Hitoshi Tsurizaki Hitoshi Tsurizaki, 71, first met Kumagai when he was volunteering after the disaster in Rikuzentakata. In an effort to help her process her grief, Tsurizaki offered to type up Kumagais letters and bound them in books for her. I think there are a lot of people who wish things could go back to how they were, which we know is not possible, he said. A lack of conclusive proof that their family members had died pushed some to fall into a state of magical thinking, he said, allowing them to grasp at all sorts of explanations for their loved ones sudden banishment. If typing up those letters helped her in any way process his passing, then Im grateful, he said. Makoto Kumagai, the couples 51-year-old son, said he didnt understand his parents bond until he read some of his mothers letters. In 2017, six years after the tsunami, Kumagai finally filed her husbands death certificate. Kumagai died a year later. In one of her final letters, she seemed resigned to her loss. Good morning Migaku-san. Not many days left in the year. Seems like well finish out another year without finding you Wouldnt it be a miracle if you wander back to the Ono Bay? Ive heard miracles exist, but it doesnt seem to in this disaster. "All Nevadans deserve quality care for themselves and their loved ones. Our work not only helps health facilities in the state maintain a high degree of accountability, it also assures residents, patients, and families that they are truly seen and heard. -Leah Heimbach, President and Owner of HMS The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Behavioral Health, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance, has awarded Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC (HMS) a contract to conduct federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid inspections. We look forward to continuing our important work with the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health, said Leah Heimbach, president & owner of HMS, and we value this opportunity to serve the state of Nevada again. The contract began on January 12, 2021, and continues through October 30, 2024, with renewal options for two additional one-year periods. HMS will conduct full federal recertification surveys, including emergency preparedness surveys where applicable, federal complaint surveys and federal follow-up surveys for all specified facility types. HMS will also gather documentation related to compliance with state inspections, such as background check and tuberculosis screening documents, and submit the documents to the Division for compliance assessment. HMS will support the State of Nevada with inspections in the following facility types: Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Hospice Home Health Agencies (HHA) Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) All hospital types Outpatient Physical Therapy/Outpatient Speech Pathology Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Rural Health Clinics (RHC) Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) All Nevadans deserve quality care for themselves and their loved ones, added Heimbach. Our work not only helps health facilities in the state maintain a high degree of accountability, it also assures residents, patients, and families that they are truly seen and heard as valued healthcare consumers and as human beings. About Healthcare Management Solutions, LLC HMS protects vulnerable populations and veterans. We blend our unique healthcare and technology expertise to create bold yet cost-effective solutions that federal and state agencies and our private-sector partners need to make sure your loved ones get the best possible care in nursing homes and other healthcare settings, no matter where in America they live. Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan could not resist a dig when he received a $7.3 million bill from NSW last week for putting WA residents up in hotel quarantine. He posted on his Facebook page an image of the bill going through a paper shredder, adding: We ... never sent NSW a bill for the pain and hurt caused when the NSW government let the virus go rampant off the Ruby Princess. (Queenslands Deputy Premier Steven Miles also posted on Facebook a video of himself shredding his states invoice from NSW.) Yet Mr McGowans comment is evidence in itself that NSW did pay a price for the Ruby Princess. One year after the cruise liner sailed through the Sydney Heads and spilled hundreds of coronavirus-infected passengers down its gangway after border procedures were tightened, cruise ships were banned and hotel quarantine became mandatory for returning travellers the episode continues to be raised as a symbol of ineptitude. The Ruby Princess framed the way that the pandemic was managed in ways that are still playing out. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Cyber Pentagon issues cyber tasking order in response to Exchange hack The Pentagon has ordered its agencies and commands to take actions "in line" with the emergency directive recently issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in response to vulnerabilities found in Microsoft's Exchange software. "Joint Force Headquarters - DODIN coordinated with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and then issued a Cyber Tasking Order in line with CISA's emergency directive to all DOD agencies and commands directing them to take actions necessary to protect DoD networks and IT systems," Russell Goemaere, a Pentagon spokesman, told FCW Tuesday. Goemaere added the Defense Department is also coordinating with the National Security Agency on further steps to protect its networks. Goemaere did not say what actions the order included, but CISA's March 3 emergency directive instructed federal agencies to either disconnect or update Microsoft Exchange software running on premise as well as conduct forensic analysis for indicators of compromise. CISA's authority extends only to civilian agencies, placing the Pentagon outside of its purview. The zero-day exploits discovered in Microsoft's product has prompted the White House, the National Security Council and CISA to aggressively push a public message urging U.S. organizations to not only update their systems, but check for compromise. "I would just take this opportunity to encourage any attendees at this panel, please do urgently look at guidance that my agency, CISA, has put out to mitigate this vulnerability. It is an urgent national risk and I think reflects the fact that, big or small, all organizations face significant cybersecurity risks," Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, said Tuesday during a panel hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Greg Touhill, a former Air Force brigadier general and the first federal chief information security officer, said that while CISA's authority may not include the Pentagon, the remediations necessary for military networks are not necessarily unique from civilian ones. "One of the frustrations that's out there is the fact that we do have separate lines of authorities for dot gov and then dot mil," he said. "If CISA puts something out, DOD takes a look at it. They may amplify it, they may ignore it, or they may help inform better documents coming out of CISA, but at this point, there are two distinct management teams." This article first appeared on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site. SWIFT, the worlds leading provider of secure financial messaging services, said that its KYC Registry will become the first global utility to integrate the International Chamber of Commerces (ICC) Sustainable Trade Finance Guidelines. The move will it easier for financial institutions to identify environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in their supply chains. By integrating the ICCs Sustainable Trade Criteria: Customer Due Diligence Guidelines into SWIFTs KYC Registry, which has more than 6,000 users, financial institutions will benefit from enhanced transparency and will be able to assess the sustainability of their customers trade business more accurately. Corporates with multiple banking partners will no longer have to provide ESG information in differing formats through bilateral exchanges, which is costly, time-consuming and inefficient. Instead, the inclusion of the ICCs guidelines on SWIFTs KYC Registry provides an industry standard that means corporates will only need to complete and update a single form that they can then share with their banking partners. Bart Claeys, Head of Data and Analytics Products Strategy at SWIFT, said: Never before have environmental and sustainability practices had a more significant bearing on the financial decisions made by consumers, investors, corporates and financial institutions alike. This has led to a huge increase in demand for ESG due diligence which has, due to a lack of standardisation, been difficult to provide. By integrating the ICCs Sustainable Trade Finance Guidelines into our KYC Registry, SWIFT has made it much easier, promoting transparency and helping to drive sustainability in trade finance. Andrew Wilson, Permanent Observer to the United Nations at ICC, said: The integration of the ICC Sustainable Trade Finance Guidelines into SWIFTs KYC Registry is a great show of progress towards embedding sustainability in trade finance transactions. We are delighted to have been able to partner with SWIFT to mainstream ESG considerations into customer due diligence processes. Enabling alignment of financing with global sustainability objectives is a top-order priority for ICC not least in light of lessons learned from the Covid-19 crisis. Established in 2014, SWIFTs KYC Registry is a secure global platform which helps standardise and streamline the due diligence process. To date, more than 6,000 institutions are using the KYC Registry to both publish their KYC data and receive information from their correspondents. The Registry was extended to SWIFTs corporate customers in late 2019 to help simplify the KYC process between banks and corporates. The Customer Due Diligence Guidelines were developed by the ICC Banking Commissions Working Group on Sustainable Trade Finance after extensive consultation with its members as well as selected National Committees, and validation by the Executive Committee. The ICCs due diligence guidelines cover several key areas including sustainability commitments, capacity and track record, supply chain practices and commodities. TradeArabia News Service The battle to save treasured landmark River Oaks Theatre is not over, Houston. The fight to rescue the Art Deco gem built in 1939 has just escalated into a creative new initiative. The Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) has launched an effort dubbed "Operation: Save Houston Cinema." The beauty of this plan is the sheer simplicity. Here's how it works: All you need to do is buy a ticket online or in person. The goal is to get as many people buying tickets as possible, to show their support. If you head to River Oaks Theatre (ROT) for a film screening, please note all the COVID-19 safety protocols, including masks and social distancing will be in place, Landmark said. If this is just about money, then let the money talk," HFCS president Doug Harris said in a statement. "This theater means more to a lot of Houstonians than any park, shrine or statue and nobody demands increasing ROI from trees. In a city this big, with the resources we have, we cannot and should not lose another classic theater." BATTLE TO SAVE ROT: 'Houston history is not for sale': Protesters rally to save River Oaks Theatre There's a cinematic feast at River Oaks Theatre slated for Saturday night, including a viewing of "The Father" starring Anthony Hopkins. It's "an ideal opportunity for those who are comfortable returning to theater auditoriums," Harris said. If you don't feel comfortable heading back to a theater, then there's an option for you to virtually screen the film Minari," an Oscar contender. The fate of the cherished iconic venue is in jeopardy after Weingarten and Landmark Theatres failed to reach an agreement about the lease renewal. River Oaks Theatre's lease is up at the end of March. When Chron.com contacted Weingarten about the latest efforts in reaching a possible agreement on Tuesday, the realty company's Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hendrix stated that a resolution between the two has not yet been reached. "I think we're going look at everything, so everything is going weigh into our decision. It would need to impact them, before it would impact me, because they would have to be willing to pay some rent. I continue to be very concerned whether or not their business model would support a rent that is even the same as we had a year ago." On Tuesday, Hendrix said that he had not made any plans at the present time to sign a lease with a new tenant. For Harris, he and many other Houstonians will continue to soldier on in the fight to save the beloved venue. "Everything cant be about money," Harris said. "River Oaks Theatre is in fact like a shrine or sanctuary for many Houstonians." Another Myanmar official from the party of the ousted democratic leader of the country, Aung San Suu Kyi has died while being detained by the junta forces and allegedly tortured based on the report of a watchdog group. Death of Detained Myanmar Official Raises Fear According to CNN, the death marks the second victim of the junta among officials this week. Also, the deaths of the Myanmar officials have raised concerns regarding the condition and treatment detainees are receiving while being detained by the junta. Moreover, since the military seized power on February 1 in a coup, security forces quickly moved to stifle dissent and arrested Myanmar government officials, journalists, protesters, NGO workers, and civil servants, and repressed independent media. Many individuals have been taken arbitrarily in nighttime raids and their families do not know the whereabouts of their loved ones and what are their conditions based on the statement of the United Nations. Based on the Human Rights Watch, individuals who forcibly disappeared are more likely to be the subject of torture or ill-treatment than others arrested. Zaw Myat Lynn of the National League for Democracy died in custody on Tuesday after he was arrested in the biggest city Yangon, Reuters reported. Zaw Myat Lynn, who was the head of an educational institute was mentioned in the statement released by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which is a watchdog group, that he was dead and the cause was his injuries acquired from being tortured following an arbitrary nighttime raid. The exact cause of death is undetermined; however, AAPP mentioned that the head of an educational institute was subjected to beatings. In addition, shortly before his arrest, he posted a live stream on Facebook wherein he stated that he wants to encourage all citizens across Myanmar that they will be protesting day and night for 24 hours against the dictatorship. Zaw Myat Lynn also urged the people in continuing the fight against the army and emphasized that they will risk their lives in defeating them. Read also: Schoolgirl Admits Lying That Leads To Death of Teacher He also added that they are showing to the international community including the United Nations and other agencies that the citizens of Myanmar want democracy and they value democracy as the most precious thing in their lives. The statement was followed by the death of Myanmar official, Khin Maung Latt, who is the chairman of Yangon NLD, who died while in custody on Saturday, Aljazeera reported. AAPP also stated in a news release that on the night of the arrest, Khin Maung Latt was tortured up to his death in his cell. NLD lawmaker Ba Myo Thein shared that there were reports of bruising in the head and body of Khin Maung Latt which raised suspicions that he had been abused by the junta. However, the cause of death by the two Myanmar officials Zaw Myat Lynn and Khin Maung Latt were not still verified. The military junta which was led by coup leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing received a call from the rights group to investigate the deaths. The Asia director at Human Rights Watch, Brad Adams emphasized in a statement that if they want to, the junta runs the security forces and can quickly find out who killed Khin Maung Latt, Voice of America reported. Related article: UN Chief Urges Liberation of Trapped Protesters in Myanmar @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain For Iku Nwosu, a Black medical student at Queen's, sitting in dermatology lectures, and watching slide after slide of skin conditions presented on mostly white skin tones, has been frustrating. "It's been pretty discouraging to not see my skin tone represented in the lecture materials," says Nwosu, now in third year. "Because of this, I may not be able to diagnose conditions on myself, my family members, community members, or my future kids, and neither can others in my class. "To me, it implies the university is complicit with sending out a cohort of medical students, future physicians, who don't know what things look like in a large portion of the population. I thought this was really dangerous." Similarly, Shakira Brathwaite has also felt disappointed and frustrated with the lack of diversity in teaching resources. While she was on a dermatology placement outside of Kingston, she says she was excited to see patients who looked like her, with Black skin, but at the same time, she felt unprepared to manage their cases, because she had not learned to recognize the severity of certain conditions in skin of color. "It was upsetting. I didn't feel like I was giving them optimal care at that point," says Brathwaite, noting that dermatologists have specialized training and can recognize conditions in different skin tones, but most general practitioners do not have this ability, which means patients with skin tones other than white are not given the appropriate therapies at crucial times. Because of their experiences, Brathwaite and Nwosu, along with fellow medical students, Aquila Akingbade and Eric Zhang, have sought to make change at Queen's with respect to racial representation in medical school teaching materials and curricula. Brathwaite's experience pushed her to seek funding through the Ontario Medical Student Association, a process she began in 2019, to create an interactive teaching module that provides information about various skin conditions, what to look for in different skin tones, as well as photos showing how ailments present in various skin colors. The compact, curated module will be easy to use, accessible, and available as a point-of-care resource for practitioners, Brathwaite says. Together, Nwosu, Akingbade, and Zhang decided to bring the skin representation issue up with leadership in the School of Medicine. They proposed a review of not only the dermatology lecture materials, but all pre-clerkship learning materials in undergraduate medical education (UGME). With widespread support for their project, Nwosu, Akingbade, and Zhang recruited more than 120 Queen's students to review approximately 900 learning materials, and identify learning events that needed improvement with respect to racial representation. The students found that out of 168 learning events with skin presentations, 131 of those events contained only white skin presentations. The students also flagged 89 learning events for potential improvements in Indigenous representation. "There are numerous statistics that show skin cancer is not being caught early on in Black patients, and that it is being diagnosed at a much more lethal stage," says Akingbade. "Black people represent a smaller percentage of skin cancer patients overall, but there is a much higher proportion of Black people who are likely to die from the disease. "This is something that is wholly preventable and it starts at the institutional level. We have to start teaching and normalizing what conditions look like in darker-skinned individuals." A representative image collection A key component in improving racial representation in lecture materials has been the need for a central repository of images, and one that contains a significant number of images with different skin tones. To that end, and because of the students' work and leadership involvement, Bracken Health Sciences Library has purchased access to VisualDX, a medical image database that is currently the best repository of diverse images. "The students have done a really great job of mobilizing a lot of resources, and acquiring VisualDX through the library is an important step in addressing challenges in this area," says Michelle Gibson, Assistant Dean, Curriculum, UGME, who has supported Nwosu, Akingbade, and Zhang on the review project. "At UGME, we do not want to depend on student work to support our curricular reform," says Dr. Gibson, noting that there are many different projects currently in the works to improve racial diversity in UGME curriculum. "But we are grateful to the students for their work, and we always welcome and value student partnerships. This has been a strength of our curriculum for years." Nwosu, Zhang, and Akingbade have prepared a draft framework for racial representation of learning materials in UGME, including standards that all materials should meet, and where to find images to meet the criteria. Student volunteers are also ready to help implement changes to learning materials for lecturers to use in the next academic year. For the teaching module, Brathwaite has created the script for the interactive, curated resource, and is currently in the process of gaining permissions for image use, learning more about VisualDX and how it may be used in the module, and working with dermatologists to incorporate the most up-to-date information on certain skin conditions. Interest in advocacy work Momentum behind these two projects, as well as several others, has been fuelled by the global Black Lives Matter protests in spring and summer of 2020, along with the pandemic, which the students say forced more people to pay attention to racial disparities, around the world and at a local level. Last summer, Queen's students were eager to get involved in advocacy work, and Nwosu, Akingbade, and Zhang say the group effort made a huge difference, making the time commitment to review learning materials much more feasible. "We are a smaller community and the medical school here has very involved students," Nwosu says. "I think it's important that if students see a gap, they feel empowered to propose a solution." Zhang emphasizes that their work on this project has been conducted with the understanding that the issue is not just a local one, but a national and international problem. "This is not just a Queen's problem," Zhang says. "We've always had in the back of our minds that if we can do this successfully here, then we can create resources that will be helpful to other schools across the country." Explore further More diversity needed in medical school textbooks While the judge in the federal money laundering and facilitating prostitution case against Backpage.com co-founders Michale Lacey and James Larkin awaits an appellate court decision that may force her to step down, Judge Susan Brnovich (pictured above right) in February slapped down a subpoena from Lacey and Larkin. Lawyers for the indicted Backpage entrepreneurs are demanding documents from Brnovichs husband, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich (above left). The attorney general had made statements sharply critical of Backpage, and his office had published a pamphlet openly accusing the company which was shuttered by federal agents in April of 2018 of facilitating illegal prostitution, the exact charge that Lacey and Larkin now face. Since November, the co-defendants have demanded that Judge Brnovich recuse herself from the case, due to her husbands previous attacks on Backpage. But she refused, stating in a 14-page ruling that she is an independent person from AG Brnovich, and the average person on the street would not reasonably believe that the Court would approach this case in a partial manner due to her husbands public statements regarding Backpage. Lacey and Larkin appealed her refusal to step down, and last month, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said that it would make a ruling on the case. The court had set March 3 as a date for oral arguments via teleconference, but later cancelled those arguments saying that it had all of the information it needed in the legal briefs submitted by defense lawyers and prosecutors. The Ninth Circuit did not set a date for when it may issue a ruling on whether Brnovich may remain as presiding judge for the Backpage trial. The upcoming trial has now been pushed back six times, the most recent three postponements due to concerns over how the COVID-19 pandemic could affect the legal proceedings. On February 12, Brnovich set a new trial date, postponing the trial from April 12 to August 23 in a Phoenix, Arizona, federal courtroom. Bronovich is the third judge on the Backpage case. Both previous judges recused themselves due in one instance to a personal conflict, and in the other, with no reason given. The subpoena from Lacey and Larkins lawyers demanded documents from the attorney generals office including any correspondence or records in which Mark Brnovich may have mentioned Lacey, Larkin, Backpage, or the ongoing case against them, according to a report by Frontpage Confidential, a news site owned by Lacey and Larkin, designed largely to report developments in the case from their point of view. In her four-page ruling, Judge Brnovich denied the subpoena, saying that the documents sought by Lacey and Larkin are procurable by other means, specifically, through the states Public Records Law. She also accused Lacey and Larkin of attempting to use the subpoena process as a discovery tool and attempt to embark on a fishing expedition for helpful evidence. Mark Brnovich, a conservative Republican, is believed to be contemplating a run for Arizona governor in 2022. Incumbent Republican Governor Doug Ducey is barred from seeking a third term due to Arizonas term limits in the governors office. Lacey and Larkin have claimed that the attorney generals stance against Backpage is motivated by his political considerations, and that their conviction in a trial presided over by his own wife would aid him in his gubernatorial campaign, which would certainly be based on a law and order platform. Photo By Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons New Delhi, March 10 : In a bad news for creators in India, Google-owned YouTube has announced to deduct taxes from payments to creators outside of the US. In an email to YouTubers, the tech giant said that additional tax is going to be levied on them (outside the US) by as early as June 2021. "Over the next few weeks, we'll be asking you to submit your tax info in AdSense to determine the correct amount of taxes to deduct, if any apply. If your tax info isn't provided by May 31st, 2021, Google may be required to deduct up to 24 per cent of your total earnings worldwide," Google said in the email. The move will affect YouTube creators' community in India too. YouTube has asked creators to submit their tax information to AdSense to understand the correct amount of taxes to be deducted. For example, imagine if a YouTube creator in India in the Partner Programme earns $1,000 from YouTube in the last month. Of the $1,000, their channel generated $100 from US viewers. Here are some possible withholding scenarios. If the creator doesn't submit tax info, then the the final tax deduction is $240 because the withholding tax rate is up to 24 per cent of total earnings worldwide if they didn't submit tax info. "This means that until the creator submits complete tax info, we'll need to deduct up to 24 per cent of their total earnings worldwide, not just their U.S. earnings," YouTube said on its support page. If the creator submits tax info and claims a treaty benefit, then the final tax deduction is $15. "This is because India and the US have a tax treaty relationship that reduces the tax rate to 15 per cent of earnings from viewers in the US," YouTube said. If a creator submits tax info but is not eligible for a tax treaty benefit, then the final tax deduction will be $30. This is because the tax rate without a tax treaty is 30 per cent of earnings from viewers in the US. Once Google begins withholding taxes, the creators will see the finalized amount withheld in their regular AdSense Payments Transactions Report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. As CPS Energy wrestles with more than $1 billion in debt from last months winter storm, credit rating agencies are getting nervous about the utilitys financial health. Fitch Ratings cut CPSs bond rating, and both Fitch and Moodys Investor Services changed their outlook for the city-owned utility from stable to negative. The rating agencies cited concern over how CPS will pay off bills the utility racked up buying natural gas and wholesale power at sky-high prices during last month. The bond-rating downgrade reflects CPS Energy's weakened financial profile resulting from higher purchased power and natural gas fuel costs following the unprecedented winter weather, Fitch analysts said. On ExpressNews.com: CPS Energy - and ratepayers - owe $1 billion in winter storm bills It could be nearly politically impossible to raise customers rates to cover the costs after hundreds of thousands of households citywide went without power and water for days during the storm. However, not raising rates could leave CPS in an even more financially precarious position, the rating agencies said. We know the credit ratings agencies are watching all significant activities in San Antonio closely, CPS CEO Paula Gold-Williams said. Every day we are focused on operating efficiently and are working diligently to return the outlook to Stable, across the board. CPS Energy sells bonds to cover the cost of large investments such as the construction of a power plant or other major upgrades. Investors buy those bonds, and CPS pays back bondholders with interest over a fixed time period. Rating agencies determine how likely an entity, such as CPS, is to pay off its debt on time. The agencies each issue a rating to let investors know how risky it is to buy that entitys bonds. Fitch downgraded CPSs bond rating from AA+ the agencys second highest credit rating to AA-. The lower a companys rating, the riskier it is for investors to buy its bonds. And investors expect higher interest payments on riskier bonds. In other words, CPS eventually could be forced to raise rates to cover higher debt costs. But that likely wont happen yet. Fitch and Moodys both noted CPS will be able to cover the storm-related costs in the short term with cash on hand and an additional $500 million in financing the utilitys board approved last week. The outlook could be stabilized, however, if the ultimate financial impact to be absorbed by CPS Energy is significantly below what the utility is currently estimating, Moodys analysts said. CPS officials have said they will challenge some of the expenses in court. Rudy Garza, a CPS executive, said some of its natural gas suppliers may have gouged the utility. CPS is also asking the state and federal governments to help reduce or eliminate CPS debt stemming from the storm. But if CPS is forced to pay off the $1 billion tab, it likely would spread out the cost over 10 to 20 years on customers bills. The move, if the utility makes it, could result in Moodys cutting its rating. In the event the financial impact to be absorbed by CPS is large, Moodys analysts said, there would be negative pressure on the rating given the expectation of sustained weaker credit metrics and liquidity as a result. Other municipally-owned utilities and rural electric cooperatives in Texas are also in financial trouble after buying electricity and gas on the spot market during the deep freeze. The Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, which serves about 685,000 customers across Texas, filed for bankruptcy last week. The electricity provider said it didnt have the money to pay ERCOT, the states grid operator, for wholesale power that it bought at exorbitant prices. Some expect the state to step in and protect electric companies from going off a financial cliff. On ExpressNews.com: AG Ken Paxton to investigate natural gas price spikes State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, said lawmakers should dip into the Texas Economic Stabilization Fund the rainy day fund to cover the higher energy costs. The state government of Texas has to intervene to protect Texans from utility rate hikes, Larson said in a tweet. Vistra Corp., one of the largest investor-owned utilities operating in Texas, last week recommended a condition for a state bailout: municipal and cooperative electric providers that take the states money would have to allow other electricity providers to operate in their service area. Allowing other power companies in cities such as San Antonio would help to ensure customers are protected from significant price risks, while providing the added benefit of customer choice, the company said. CPS officials dismissed that proposal. Customers across the state were affected by the winter storm regardless of their provider, Gold-Williams said. We remain focused on helping our customers. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. A man sought in connection with a homicide in New Jersey and the deaths of his ex-wife and three other people in New Mexico has been apprehended in Missouri, authorities said. Sean Michael Lannon, 47, of Grants, New Mexico, was arrested Wednesday morning in St. Louis, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office confirmed. Lannon is the suspect in a Monday killing in East Greenwich Township in South Jersey that claimed the life of a man whose identity has not been released by investigators. When he was apprehended Wednesday by the U.S. Marshals St. Louis Metro Fugitive Task Force, Lannon was driving a blue Honda CR-V reported stolen in connection with the East Greenwich killing, officials said. Lannon was also labeled a person of interest after four bodies were found Friday in a vehicle left at an airport parking garage in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is about 80 miles west of Grants. Three of those victims Jennifer Lannon, 39, Matthew Miller, 21, and Jesten Mata, 40 were previously reported missing. Jennifer and Sean Lannon, who are originally from South Jersey, divorced in 2019, according to New Mexico court records, with a judge ruling in favor of Sean Lannon. The filing sought custody of the couples children. Authorities confirmed that the children are safe. Sean Lannon is from the East Greenwich area, according to investigators. Jennifer Lannon previously lived in Clayton, West Deptford and Blackwood, according to public records searches. In addition to the homicide case in New Jersey, prosecutors announced Tuesday evening that Lannon was charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing his way into a home in Monroeville, Elk Township, while armed with a knife on Monday. Jennifer Lannon, 39, was one of four victims whose bodies were found in a vehicle in New Mexico last week. Her ex-husband is a person of interest in that case. Albuquerque police are working with Grants authorities on the investigation of the three missing-person deaths, while Albuquerque detectives are investigating the death of the fourth victim found in the vehicle, 60-year-old Randal Apostalon. Police in Grants said Jennifer Lannon and Mata had been wanted for questioning in Millers disappearance. On Feb. 26, police said Daniel Lemos, 45, was wanted for questioning in the disappearances of Jennifer Lannon, Miller and Mata. Lemos was described at the time as armed and dangerous. An aunt of Miller told TV station KOB4 in New Mexico that Lemos and Miller are related and that her nephew was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and simply giving somebody a ride. Authorities in New Mexico described the investigation as ongoing and have not disclosed how Sean Lannon may be connected to Lemos and how the victims there died. Gloucester County authorities announced Tuesday that Lannon was a suspect in the New Jersey and New Mexico cases and cautioned that he was considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Charges against Lannon in the East Greenwich homicide will be filed soon, Acting Gloucester County Prosecutor Christine Hoffman noted in announcing the arrest. The rapid and successful apprehension of Lannon is the direct result of excellent collaboration between a wide array of local, county, state and federal partners, Hoffman said in a statement. We are particularly grateful to the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force/Camden Division as well as their parallel jurisdictions between New Jersey and Missouri for deploying their resources to rapidly apprehend Lannon, who was clearly a direct threat to the public. Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the New Jersey case to contact prosecutors office Sgt. John Petroski at 856-498-6238. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Orange County Draws Nearer to a Less-Restrictive World Orange County is on track to graduate to a less-restrictive COVID-19 tier next week, according to county officials. Orange County recorded one week of improved metrics and must improve or maintain its numbers for an additional week before reaching the red tiers less prohibitive set of guidelines. Before Orange County can move to the red tier, we must meet certain benchmarks set by the state regarding daily case rate, positivity rate, and health equity rate for two consecutive weeks, which were on track to meet, Supervisor Andrew Do said in a press release. Thanks to the diligence of our residents and business operators, were on the cusp of moving to the red tier, but we must remember to not let our guard down and continue adhering to local health guidance. When Orange County enters the red tier, restaurants will be allowed to have indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, gyms will be able to open at 10 percent capacity, museums, zoos, and aquariums will be able to open at 25 percent capacity, and more. According to Blueprint for a Safer Economy guidelines released by Gov. Gavin Newsoms office, Orange County has hit key metrics that will allow it to reopen to the red tier level on March 17 at the earliest, if it can maintain its metrics. Counties that hit the red tier metrics are normally required to hold their COVID-19 case rates below the qualifying metric for weeks, but Orange County doesnt have to wait as long due to getting credit for its health equity rate and positivity rate having already been in the orange tier, said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. The countys case rate per 100,000 was hovering slightly above 7, which is the threshold to move to the red tier for that category. Counties need to have all three metrics below their thresholds to make it into the red tier, or any subsequent tier. Once Orange County hits 2 million vaccinations for the states Healthy Places index, its metric requirements will loosen, and it will be permitted up to 10 cases per 100,000. So far, it has have given about 1.7 million vaccinations. Even if our case count spikes up and it goes to 8, were still going to be OK in the red tier, Bartlett said. It really solidifies things for us not having to bounce back to the purple tier, even if our case rate per 100,000 goes up. Its a big deal for the county, which has been struggling to make it out of the purple tier for months, Bartlett said. Its a huge relief for the county and a significant milestone, because it means that with all the vaccinations that are taking place, were actually turning the corner relative to addressing the issues of COVID-19, she said. So by going from purple to the red tier, were going to be able to open up so much more of our local economy. If the county retains its downward trend, it could reach the even less-restrictive orange tier within weeks, Bartlett said. If we can get our case rate per hundred thousand down to orange-tier level, within three weeks after March 17, if we hold steady, were going to be able to move to the orange tier, she said. It could be a very quick movement from red tier to orange tier. John Kabateck, California State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), told The Epoch Times that the move is good news for struggling businesses. Were very encouraged to witness more and more of Californias communities opening up their doors for small business to thrive and succeed once again, Kabateck said. Kabateck said he believes some of the progress is due to more residents being vaccinated against the virus. Although there are still some challenges here in California, all in all, were encouraged that policymakers are doing their part to recognize that if a small business thrives, our public services thrive, because theyre the ones who subsidize health care, education, fixing our broken streets, with their tax dollars, he said. In terms of changing to red tier, were glad about that, were hopeful that things will remain safe, and we still are encouraging every small business owner to take the important measures to keep their businesses clean, safe, and healthy throughout this process so that we can make our way through the woods. But we also believe that theres not a moment too soon that we should be getting Main Street reopened, customers coming through the door, and men and women working once again. Contact Drew Van Voorhis at Drew.VanVoorhis@epochtimesca.com China and Russia have said they will build a lunar research station, possibly on the moons surface, marking the start of a new era in space cooperation between the two countries. A statement posted on the website of the China National Space Administration said the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) would also be open to use by other countries, but gave no timeline for its construction. It described the project as a comprehensive scientific experiment base with the capability of long-term autonomous operation. #China and @UNOOSA signed a declaration on international space cooperation - researchers from countries all over the world will be able to use the China Space Station. https://t.co/zalczln7Pg pic.twitter.com/cJJpdwvOCx Mission of China (@ChinaEUMission) June 20, 2018 The station would be built on the lunar surface and/or on the lunar orbit that will carry out scientific research activities such as the lunar exploration and utilisation, lunar-based observation, basic scientific experiment and technical verification, the statement said. It said a memorandum of understanding on the project was signed by Zhang Kejian, administrator of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), and Russian space agency Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin. China drew heavily on Russian expertise in the early years of its space programme, but has largely forged its own path since launching its first crewed mission in 2003. Despite that, Chinas Shenzhou spaceships closely resemble Russias Soyuz capsules and the CNSA has worked with countries around the world, apart from the US. US congress bans almost all contacts between Nasa and China over concerns about technology theft and the secretive, military-backed nature of Chinas space programme. Expand Close The base may be constructed on the lunar surface (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The base may be constructed on the lunar surface (AP) Russia and China will adhere to the principle of co-consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, facilitate extensive cooperation in the ILRS, open to all interested countries and international partners, strengthen scientific research exchanges, and promote humanitys exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purpose, the Chinese statement said. Russia is a participant in the International Space Station but its space programme has been somewhat eclipsed by those of China, the US, India and others. In its most recent development, Russia successfully test-launched its heavy lift Angara A5 space rocket for the second time in December after lengthy delays and technical problems. China has planned four crewed missions this year to work on its first permanent orbiting space station, the core module of which could be launched as soon as next month. Beijing has already launched two smaller experimental space stations, placed a rover on the little-explored far side of the moon in 2019 and has a spacecraft, the Tianwen-1, in a parking orbit around Mars in anticipation of landing a rover on the surface in the coming months. If it succeeds, China would become only the second country after the US to put a spacecraft on Mars. [March 10, 2021] AT&T Adds 5G to the First Nationwide Business-Focused Broadband Network DALLAS, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- What's new? AT&T* is adding fixed 5G wireless solutions to the first nationwide business-focused broadband network, which combines our AT&T Wireless Broadband and our leading business fiber network, now enhanced this week with the addition of new fixed 5G wireless solutions. Our leading business fiber network already connects more than 2.5M business customer locations with fixed and wireless solutions nationwide, delivering speeds 20 times faster than cable[1]. And now we're adding more 5G power to AT&T Wireless Broadband. Beginning in April, we're offering new fixed wireless router options from Sierra Wireless and Cradlepoint to give businesses better access to all the benefits of 5G and the flexibility to choose the right speeds and quality of service options for their business. Why is this important? AT&T Wireless Broadband with 5G is helping businesses boost their performance with a variety of router choices. Businesses can use it as a primary connection, a secondary connection to enhance reliability, to set up a temporary work site, or even to deliver highly secure connectivity needs for work-from-home employees independent of their home broadband connection. And AT&T Wireless Broadband has no overage charges. This fixed wireless solution is an essential ingredient we laid out more than two years ago in our pathway to 5G for businesses. Our new 5G routers, combined with the AT&T Wireless Broadband plans, give businesses the right options that make sense for how they use the service. "It is now almost a full year since the global pandemic accelerated remote work adoption by almost a decade and throughout the rapid evolution of related business needs, AT&T has been there to enable continued success," said Mo Katibeh, Chief Product and Platform Officer, AT&T Business. "And today, we're excited to build on the first, true nationwide business-focused broadband network with fixed wireless 5G connectivity. It's the ideal solution for businesses to continue to innovate, serve their customers and enable employees to efficiently and effectively work even when they can't walk down the hall to someone else's office." What are others saying? "We work in construction sites across the country, designing and building the electrical systems for new buildings, and we need to be agile for fast-moving construction projects," says Joe Meadors, Vice President of Information Services for Gaylor Electric. "While working in our trailers at these construction sites across the country, quick service turn up, reliability and flexibility, without overage costs, are hugely important. The lower latency and higher bandwidth that will come with AT&T Wireless Broadband using 5G will be perfect for keeping us connected on the job sites." Louis Malooley, Owner and General Manager of AlphaGraphics in Atlanta uses AT&T Business Fiber to keep his printing and marketing business connected. With equivalent Fiber speeds for downloads and uploads, he can reliably process huge documents and presentations that need immediate attention. With < rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3092854-1&h=4008210017&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business.att.com%2Fproducts%2Foffice-at-hand.html&a=AT%26T+Office%40Hand" rel="nofollow">AT&T Office@Hand, he can keep employees connected and productive while on the go with voice, fax, text messaging, and audio and video conferencing cloud -based services. "You guys are reliable. The service just works," he said. "At The Washington Post, we value being forward-looking especially when it comes to new ways to think about news gathering, production and immersive storytelling. As our staff works outside of the office, even in remote areas, it's critical that we have fast and reliable technology tools, such as wireless connectivity and 5G capabilities, to keep our teams connected and to ensure our readers can be quickly informed," said Shailesh Prakash, Chief Information Officer at The Washington Post. "AT&T is very strong in the global enterprise mobility services market, offering professional services, mobile platforms, devices, and managed applications, with single billing and point of care, to provide business transformation," says Kathryn Weldon, Research Director at GlobalData. "AT&T continues its investment in the breadth, densification and technical capabilities in mobile security, device management, and end-to-end gigabit connectivity options for businesses looking to transform to match today's environment. In 2020, AT&T announced a collaboration with Cradlepoint, to bring end-to-end gigabit LTE and 5G wireless WAN solutions to enterprise and public safety customers; and alliances with Nokia and Ericsson to build private cellular networks solutions over CBRS. AT&T's enterprise mobility management portfolio leverages the best platforms available, alongside professional services to manage and secure devices." Why choose "enterprise-grade" solutions? AT&T has always been focused on delivering enterprise-grade solutions. Businesses of all sizes turn to us because we're mission-tested and compete on a global scale. Dating back to March 2020, AT&T quickly saw large-scale work-from-home policies become commonplace. Enterprise-grade solutions were quickly needed for everyone working from home, and broadband connectivity was essential. And the right data plans were critical for our customers. (Hint: Shared, pooled rate plans are desired for thousands of businesses across every vertical industry. Just ask them.) We've continued delivering enterprise-grade solutions to solve real business CIO and CTO challenges collaboration tools for employees, managing networks that balance performance and privacy, and protecting its users, devices, data, and applications. This is why AT&T has been a leader supporting all shapes and sizes of businesses to help them with their unique needs. Enterprise-grade work-from-everywhere collaboration : All of us are accessing different video and voice platforms throughout the day. Businesses everywhere must ensure they have the right software-based collaboration tools to meet their needs. This is why we deliver recognized industry leading enterprise-grade options for well over a decade blending the wired and wireless worlds to ensure businesses never miss a call. And we don't limit you to only mobile solutions. AT&T creates the seamless ability for your business to be on, across all devices mobile, desk phones, tablets, personal computers in the office, or on the go. : All of us are accessing different video and voice platforms throughout the day. Businesses everywhere must ensure they have the right software-based collaboration tools to meet their needs. This is why we deliver recognized industry leading enterprise-grade options for well over a decade blending the wired and wireless worlds to ensure businesses never miss a call. And we don't limit you to only mobile solutions. AT&T creates the seamless ability for your business to be on, across all devices mobile, desk phones, tablets, personal computers in the office, or on the go. Enterprise-grade security : From small businesses to global enterprises, everyone needs unified protection against security threats for office, home office and roaming users. Businesses must protect their employees against these threats, while also restricting access to unauthorized content. We provide remote workforce security solutions, including AT&T's Global Security Gateway, to protect work-from-home capabilities. : From small businesses to global enterprises, everyone needs unified protection against security threats for office, home office and roaming users. Businesses must protect their employees against these threats, while also restricting access to unauthorized content. We provide remote workforce security solutions, including AT&T's Global Security Gateway, to protect work-from-home capabilities. Enterprise-grade customer experience: To help ensure seamless employee remote capabilities, businesses of all sizes have turned to us to help navigate the shift to work from home. In fact, from mid-March through May 2020 when the pandemic quickly dispersed the workforce to work from home, we quickly delivered over 16,000 business-critical requests for our customers. Businesses turn to us because we're mission-tested, compete on a global scale and provide trusted advice to develop the right path aligning to their needs. And, of course, because most businesses don't close on the weekends, we don't either in our 24x7 customer support. Surprisingly, some of our competitors don't do this that's an odd "customer-first approach." How can businesses learn more about AT&T's remote and home workforce connectivity solutions and sign up for AT&T Wireless Broadband? You can check out all our connectivity solutions here, and check out all our AT&T Wireless Broadband Plans and find out how your business can sign up here. *About AT&T Communications We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com. Comparison of Internet 1000 wired upload connection speed to major cable providers 1GIG cable service with uploads of 35Mbps. Telogical Systems 2/2021. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-adds-5g-to-the-first-nationwide-business-focused-broadband-network-301244733.html SOURCE AT&T Communications [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A father has been charged with murder after the man he is accused of attacking died. Timothy Walkers charge was upgraded from attempted murder after Denis Shearer (25) passed away at Belfasts Royal Victoria Hospital. The defendant (39) did not appear during a brief hearing at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Walker, a father of two from Abbey Ring in Holywood, is alleged to have murdered Mr Shearer, who the court was told was a cousin of his wife, on March 9. He is also charged with aggravated burglary at a property on Fernmore Road in Bangor on February 28. Despite police objections, Walker was granted bail. District Judge Mark Hamill adjourned the case to April 7. Somali government said Wednesday it would conduct an investigation to unearth culprits behind Tuesday's mortar attack on an international airport in Mogadishu leaving an unknown number of injuries MOGADISHU, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :Somali government said Wednesday it would conduct an investigation to unearth culprits behind Tuesday's mortar attack on an international airport in Mogadishu leaving an unknown number of injuries. The Ministry of Information said the probe on mortar attack targeting humanitarian workers at the heavily fortified Aden Adde International Airport which houses African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) headquarters will be prioritized to help bring perpetrators to justice. "The Federal Government of Somalia has since enhanced security in the area as all our institutions in charge of security continue to gather more information on the attack," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. It condemned the attack on humanitarian workers, adding that it was aimed at undermining efforts to rebuild Somalia after more than two decades of civil strife. "An attack of such nature is an attempt that seeks to undermine the outstanding support of the international community and their efforts towards building peace and long-term stability in Somalia," it said. The ministry noted that the attack made evident of the frail attempts of the weakening terror organization that have since turned to harmless humanitarian aid workers as their targets following its concerned efforts to wipe them from its territory. "The united and courageous resolve of the people and Federal Government of Somalia will not be derailed by such motives from terrorist organizations whose objectives remain deterring the partners and friends of Somalia from providing much needed support and cooperation," said the ministry. Independent sources said that two AU troops from Uganda were injured in the attack, but AMISOM did not confirm. Al-Shabab militants claimed the responsibility of the attack in which six mortar shells landed on the perimeter of the main airport. The attack came hours before Jubaland State leader Ahmed Mohamed islam (Modobe) landed at the main airport in Mogadishu and the area is also expected to host consultative forum between federal member states and the Somali government on polls. Kourtney Kardashian already has three children - Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six - with ex partner Scott Disick. But one day the 41-year-old reality TV star may want to add to her brood, she told Sarah Hyland on the show Lady Parts that aired on Ellen Tube on Tuesday. 'I froze my eggs at 39,' the POOSH founder shared as she was joined on the show by sister Khloe. 'Since everyone else was doing it I thought I may as well.' Surprise! Kourtney Kardashian already has three children with ex partner Scott Disick. But one day the 41-year-old reality TV star may want to add to her brood, she told Sarah Hyland on the show Lady Parts that aired on Ellen Tube on Tuesday Kim has already done it in the past, and used the eggs twice to have her two youngest children Chicago and Psalm with gestational carriers. And Khloe has done it too so she can have a second child with on-again boyfriend Tristan Thompson; the already have daughter True. So Kourtney - who is dating rocker Travis Barker - got caught up in the moment and did it as well, she stated. Kourtney said on the show that she is not sure if she will have a fourth child. The team: She talked with Khloe as well as Sarah Hyland and a doctor on the segment 'I froze my eggs and hopefully they are sitting there OK, you never now. I really got talked into it,' said the star who was at home by her fireplace with a blanket on her lap. Khloe added it was not easy getting Kourtney to freeze her eggs. 'I was like, "OK, whatever, Ill do it one time since everyone else is doing it. I might as well,"' said the part-time model. She did it: 'I froze my eggs at 39,' the POOSH founder shared as she was joined on the show by sister Khloe. 'Since everyone else was doing it I thought I may as well' She has done it too: Khloe froze her eggs as well but said COVID-19 has slowed her baby #2 plans with Tristan Thompson WHAT IS FREEZING EGGS? Egg freezing, also known as mature oocyte cryopreservation, is a method used to save women's ability to get pregnant in the future. Eggs harvested from your ovaries are frozen unfertilized and stored for later use. A frozen egg can be thawed, combined with sperm in a lab and implanted in your uterus (in vitro fertilization). Your doctor can help you understand how egg freezing works, the potential risks and whether this method of fertility preservation is right for you based on your needs and reproductive history. Information courtesy wedbmd.com Advertisement Sarah asked how old Kourtney was when she froze her eggs. 'I believe I was 39,' she said as she joked that they are 'top notch, top tier' eggs. 'It gave me a feeling of taking a deep breath, I was about to turn 40, everyone was like, everyone stop rushing me I don't even know if I want to have another kid or if that is in the future,' she added. The star said she liked having control over her body and a 'peace of mind' over the eggs. And the doctor wanted Kourtney to do it again to get more eggs to make sure she had enough, but she said that was it, they were getting her only once. And she is not sure if she will use those eggs. She added: 'Im someone whos like, Whats Gods plan? Am I supposed to get pregnant on my own at 41? Maybe thats Gods plan. Im more like that. Thats I think why I never did the planning. I live in a Disney world.' She did not mention that she was dating Travis. She started romancing the Blink 182 rocker after being friends for years. Khloe added that Kourtney had the attitude of: 'If it's meant to be, it's meant to be.' A source told People last week that Kourtney likes how 'mature' Travis Barker is. The beauty loves how he is 'really nice and chill'. A source told the site: 'Kourtney and Travis have a long, long history and years of friendship. They've felt like family for years, and she's really close with Alabama, who's just a cool rock star kid. Travis is a super smooth guy and women love him, but he's not a player. He's really, really nice, chill and is an adult. Kourtney is at a place in her life now where she's ready for a relationship with a more mature guy. Her sisters love him.' And a source recently claimed Kourtney is 'really happy' with Travis. Her man at the moment: She did not mention that she was dating Travis. She started romancing the Blink 182 rocker after being friends for years The ex: She has kids with Disick: Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six An insider said: 'He's always wanted to date her, but she would brush it off, and they continued to just have a friendship. Their relationship is going strong, and Travis has been treating her like a queen. He wants to do everything with her and is so excited about the relationship. It's going really well and Travis' kids love Kourtney. 'She's really happy and is having a lot of fun. They are planning a few more getaways together in the next coming months. Kourt is also helping Travis on his wellness line, and he loves hearing her input on the project ... Kourtney and Travis have been spending a lot of time together, but they're taking their time and trying not to move too fast. 'No one is surprised by their relationship. They have big modern families. Both are dedicated to their kids. They come from these modern families with modern relationships. Both of their families are supportive. It's still very new, but they are both very excited by how easy it all has been.' The economic outlook in Britain is improving faster than in Europe thanks to the rapid rollout of Covid vaccines, a watchdog said. In its latest health check on the worlds major economies, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) raised its growth forecast for the UK in 2021 from 4.2 per cent to 5.1 per cent. The 0.9 percentage point increase was far bigger than the 0.3 percentage point rise in the eurozone, which is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent this year. In its latest check on the world's major economies, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development raised its growth forecast for the UK in 2021 from 4.2 per cent to 5.1 per cent But the biggest upgrade was reserved for the United States where President Bidens 1.4trillion stimulus package is set to turbocharge the recovery. More than one in three adults in the UK have received a Covid vaccine compared with around one in ten in the European Union. Noting the slower rollout on the Continent and the impact on the economy, the OECD said the acceleration of vaccine deployment should help momentum to build particularly in the UK. The report said global economic prospects have improved markedly in recent months. It raised its global growth forecasts for 2021 from 4.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent and said it expects the US to grow by 6.5 per cent this year far stronger than the 3.2 per cent in predicted in December. President Bidens 1.4 trillion American Rescue Plan a huge stimulus package worth 8.5 per cent of national income would turbocharge the US economy, the report said. It added that the extra spending in the US would provide welcome spill overs for activity in major trading partners including Britain where it would raise output by 0.6 per cent in the first full year of the package. Bidens plan is expected to boost the US economy by 3.8 per cent and output worldwide by 1.1 per cent, with neighbouring nations Canada and Mexico the biggest beneficiaries. Vaccine deployment is finally gaining momentum and government fiscal stimulus particularly in the US is likely to provide a major boost to economic activity, the report said. The report called for vaccinations to be ramped up around the world to ensure the global economy recovers. [March 10, 2021] D.C.'s Failure to Establish Longitudinal Data System Imperils School Effectiveness, Student Progress, Learning Loss Recovery While the D.C. Public School system has enjoyed a reputation as a rapidly improving urban district, a new report by the Office of the D.C. Auditor warns that the District's failure to build a state longitudinal data system limits its capacity to identify where investment and intervention are most needed to support students and ensure educational equity across the city. At a time when the disruption of schools due to the pandemic has put even more children at academic risk, the District does not have the information it needs to accurately assess where children stand, how much learning has been lost, and what learners need to achieve their fullest potential. The District's lack of a robust data system puts the most vulnerable children at even greater risk academically. At schools with the highest populations of underserved Black students, those with disabilities, suffering homelessness or highly mobile, teachers simply do not have the information they need to best serve students' needs. Measuring What Matters: More and Better Data Needed to Improve D.C. Public Schools, concluded that the District lacks a comprehensive and vigorous approach to collecting, sharing and analyzing data on a range of critical learning and growth indicators. The dearth of consistent data on everything from student academic progress, behavior and pathways throughout school years puts the school system behind that of other states. This despite a $35 million investment from federal and local sources and a commitment by three administrations. The D.C. auditor's two-year audit of public education data was recommended by the 2015 National Research Council report, An Evaluation of the Public Schools of the District of Columbia, and mandated under the District of Columbia Education Research Practice Partnership Establishment and Audit Act of 2018. The auditor's office reviewed data practices and datasets over six school years, from 2014 through 2019, to document what education data are collected and how they are used. "As we face the urgent crises of the past year related to COVID learning loss and the legacy of racial injustice, the District does not have the capability to tap the power of a strong data system to understand where students are academically, the gaps in their learning and how best to intervene and get them on the path to success," said D.C. Auditor Kathy Patterson. "It is disheartening that, despite millions in federal and local dollars and a long-standing promise to build a robust longitudinal data system over the past 14 years, that the District has not done so. We cannot stand by and continue to mask this lack of data capacity, especially at this moment when it is essential to a strong recovery and the well-being of children." The auditor's review found that the District lacks data integrity, has not exercised its authority to develo the strong data systems needed for sound decision-making, and limited research to gauge the impact of academic programs and drive continuous improvement efforts. The findings show that the District has: Failed to build the data system capacity required under its federal grants or the data warehouse mandated by D.C. Code. Failed to provide longitudinal data across schools and districts. Perpetuated flawed systems of collecting and reporting data on attendance and chronic absenteeism. Failed to track the trajectory of large numbers of high school students assigned to alternative programs. Suppressed student college enrollment data. Failed to adequately track transfer trends of high school students who leave charter and the District's selective high schools for regular public schools. Failed to track course-taking, credit completion and other indicators that would allow for the development of an early warning system to support struggling students and keep them on track to graduation. Failed to ensure data integrity, thus raising questions about the validity of data published in school report cards. Failed to ensure other essential data collections are complete. While the auditor commended the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for the progress made in collecting essential teacher data and, this year, establishing unique identifiers for individual teachers, the report outlines disagreement with OSSE's claims that the District's commitment to data is sufficient. As a result of significant federal and local investments, the field of statewide longitudinal data systems is extraordinarily robust. Collectively, these systems offer a portfolio of established best practices and standards aimed at improving student outcomes and ensuring equity. These long-term investments continue to provide benefits at all levels of government, particularly at the intersection where education researchers and state and local policymakers do their work. These investments are not visible in the District. The report recommends a comprehensive improvement plan to address the gaps in the District's data systems and suggests legislative and oversight approaches to monitor the progress in achieving those goals. "Our students are currently facing an unprecedented degree of learning loss due to the many challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. And to address this growing issue, our school communities will need access to accurate and interconnected data in order to develop tailored student learning recovery plans," said D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh. "Unfortunately, and as was suspected, the Auditor's report has uncovered that the District is not following the established best practices around data quality. We cannot provide appropriate services and supports for our students until we address this data problem-and the need is more urgent than ever." D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has called for a public hearing with the auditor and OSSE before the Committee of the Whole on March 18 to address the findings and questions about the District's lack of a state longitudinal data system. "The most urgent matter in our city is to make our schools work for every child, regardless of race or income. Without the data to measure student progress, it is impossible to fix the deep opportunity divide for our students," said D.C. Councilmember Robert White. "What gets measured gets managed. My hope is that this report spurs our collective action to collect that right data on students, and to respond to the data in front of us on schools. Without the right data, we are guessing our way forward. We can do better than that." The U.S. Department of Education defines a longitudinal data system as one that "collects and maintains detailed, high quality, student- and staff-level data that are linked across entities and over time, providing a complete academic and performance history for each student." In the District, critical data needed to determine how the most disadvantaged children are performing over time are lacking because the state education agency has never effectively collected them, the auditor finds, despite having clear statutory authority to do so. Data on attendance, dropout rates, in-school suspension rates, graduation rates, post-high school college and career success data disaggregated by race, gender, and socio-economic status across all of our public schools over time are compromised or nonexistent, according to the report. "Knowledge is power," Patterson said. "Other districts are using robust student data to track progress-looking both backward and forward-to gain important insights into student needs. This allows for informed decisions about where resources must go to address learning loss and meet real student needs. The District is, at best, relying on anecdotal evidence and good intentions. At worst, we are fumbling in the dark." The mission of the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor (ODCA) is to support the Council of the District of Columbia by making sound recommendations that improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of the District government. Learn more at www.dcauditor.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005296/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] TORONTO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Waterfront Toronto today launched an international competition to secure a development partner for the Quayside lands. The first step in this effort is to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify potential development proponents with the proven experience, design portfolio, financial resources, and shared vision necessary to bring Quayside to reality. "The people of Toronto have told us that they want to see a bold vision realized on the waterfront that reflects the confident, welcoming, and imaginative civic spirit of our city," said Stephen Diamond, Chair of the Board for Waterfront Toronto. "We are looking for leaders in the development field that will share our ambition to create a place that fuses Quayside to the water, and provides more beauty, utility, and originality than previously imagined. We want Quayside to be timeless, adaptive, and to propel us into our rightful place among the great waterfronts of the world," Diamond concluded. Quayside will usher in a new chapter in Toronto development. It will remind people of everything they want from living in the city and demonstrate what is possible when vision, passion, and design excellence are brought together. Quayside will be a sustainable community for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. A place providing market and affordable housing options for individuals and families. It will offer opportunities for aging in place, including the supports and amenities that will allow seniors to live independently. Inclusive economic development opportunities will create jobs and spaces for business owners that reflect Toronto's diversity. Waterfront Toronto's vision for Parliament Slip is a signature piece of the project and delivers on the Corporation's promise to reorient the city to the water. "Quayside is an opportunity to reimagine a stronger economic future and create a post-pandemic landmark community that addresses many of the vulnerabilities that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed," said George Zegarac, CEO for Waterfront Toronto. "The past year has driven people apart, when they'd rather be together. We'll know we have been successful when anyone who's ever thought about moving away from the city looks at Quayside and remembers every reason they wanted to live in Toronto in the first place," Zegarac added. Key Facts The Quayside site totals 4.9 hectares (12 acres), including 3.2 hectares (8 acres) of developable land across five development blocks. It is one of the last undeveloped expanses of land steps from Toronto's downtown. Through the RFQ stage of this competition, a short list of proponents will be selected to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a winning development team that will deliver a dynamic, inclusive and resilient community, including new affordable and market rate housing, and the conditions for a diversity of businesses to succeed. To view the RFQ, proponents and interested parties can visit www.waterfrontoronto.bonfirehub.ca. The RFQ Submission deadline is May 12, 2021. Waterfront Toronto aims to select a winning proponent before the end of 2021. Visit Waterfront Toronto's newsroom for renderings of what Quayside and the Parliament Slip could look like. About Waterfront Toronto Waterfront Toronto was established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto to oversee and lead the renewal of the city's waterfront. It is mandated to deliver a revitalized waterfront that brings together the most innovative approaches to sustainable urban development, excellence in urban design, real estate development, and leading technology infrastructure. Working with the community, and with public and private-sector partners, Waterfront Toronto creates complete neighbourhoods anchored by parks and public spaces, and diverse, sustainable, mixed-use communities that offer a high quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors alike. We are transforming the waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the people of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, to foster economic growth and to redefine how the city, province and country are perceived by the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1453292/Waterfront_Toronto_Waterfront_Toronto_Launches_International_Com.jpg For Media Inquiries: Andrew Tumilty, Media Relations, Waterfront Toronto, atumilty@waterfrontoronto.ca, 437-771-9604 A heavily tattooed man with 'death before dishonour' marked on his stomach and his friend who sparked a pub brawl during a birthday party which left a man unconscious were offended after overhearing a joke about neck ink. Cameron Fox, 24, and Brayden Downie, 24, repeatedly slapped and punched the victim at the Delaney Hotel on Darby St, Cooks Hill in Newcastle at about 7.30pm on June 13, 2020. The victim was with family and friends when someone made 'a comment in jest' about neck tattoos, court documents revealed. Fox, who has roses tattooed on his neck, and snakes, skulls and a gun on his body, and Downie had been drinking at a nearby table and overheard the joke. Cameron Fox confronted the victim and asked, 'you think it's funny about tattoos mate?'. The 24-year-old slapped the man across the face at the Delaney Hotel in Newcastle Fox allegedly confronted the victim and asked, 'you think it's funny about tattoos mate?'. The victim rolled up his sleeves to display his forearms, showing the men they 'all have tattoos here'. Fox slapped the man across the face and Downie punched him on the side of the head as security approached. The 'victim was looking away towards (Fox) and could not have seen the punch being thrown', court documents confirmed. The man immediately fell off his stool as Downie continued to throw punches at the victim's head. An all-in brawl erupted between the 24-year-olds and the victim's friends as he lay unconscious on the ground. The victim was rushed to John Hunter Hospital where he 'continued to go in and out of consciousness for a number of hours'. Fox (pictured) and his friend Brayden Downie sparked an all-in brawl which left the man unconscious He has no recollection of the assault until waking up in hospital about 9.30am the following day with pain in his jaw, neck and right arm. Fox and Downie left the hotel when police and paramedics arrived, but the assault was caught on CCTV. Fox pleaded guilty in Toronto Local Court on Tuesday to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He did not have legal represenation as he told the court he believes he is guilty. Downie previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced in Newcastle Local Court. With the massive $1.9 trillion US stimulus plan approved by Congress on Wednesday, President Joe Biden is marking a dramatic shift in US social policy, with the goal of cutting child poverty in half. "The American Rescue Plan represents a powerful change in social policy in the United States," said Olivia Golden, executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy. After the economy sustained deep damage from the Covid-19 pandemic, the rescue package aims to boost US growth this year, with some economists predicting an expansion of as much as seven percent. The economic pain caused by the pandemic has shed a harsh light on inequalities in the United States, where the social safety net is inadequate for most families, and where many, especially in lower income Black and Hispanic communities, are unable to build a financial cushion. In total, $400 billion in the package will support consumer spending by sending stimulus checks directly to Americans. But the package also includes a myriad of "critical steps toward meeting the real needs of children, young people, families, and workers," Golden said. The coronavirus recession that struck in the spring of 2020 -- the worst since World War II -- has thrown millions of people into poverty, which Biden denounced repeatedly both on the campaign trail and after he took office in January. "We cannot, will not let people go hungry. We cannot let people be evicted because of nothing they did themselves," he said in January, predicting his plan would lift five million children out of poverty. - Child tax credits - The most prominent feature of Biden's American Rescue Plan are its stimulus checks of up to $1,400 per-person, and its expanded unemployment insurance. But poverty experts say its expansion of the Child Tax Credit may prove even more significant. The bill reforms the credit to be more generous, and also changes which families are eligible. The changes would make the full Child Tax Credit available to all children except those with the highest incomes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an independent research institute. Story continues The law now provides a $3,600 for each child up to 5 years old and up to $3,000 for children 6 to 17 years old, compared to $2,000 previously. The credit would be phased out for couples earning $150,000 per-year. "We find that if the plan were fully implemented this year, it may cut child poverty by more than 50 percent," said Zachary Parolin, professor at Columbia University's Center on Poverty and Social Policy. The institute also conducted a study to calculate the financial impact, and found "the $100 billion dollar investment would likely yield about $800 billion in returns through improvements in children's and parents' health (and) earnings," said Chris Wimer, one of the researchers. But for these effects to last, these measures must still be made permanent -- a change that Parolin said would be "historic." - Further reforms - Golden said the next task in improving US social policies is to "add crucial missing pieces, such as paid family leave," which the country currently lacks a federal law guaranteeing. American University professor Bradley Hardy said the government must see these steps as an investment in the future. "There is substantial social sciences evidence that access to economic resources during childhood can boost a range of longer term socioeconomic outcomes," he said. He pointed to the experience of policies implemented in Britain under former prime minister Tony Blair. More than two decades ago, Blair announced an ambitious plan to fight child poverty in Britain at a time when a quarter of children lived in poverty. A Columbia University and London School of Economics study found that the campaign, which relied on combination of tax credits, income support and government programs, cut the child poverty rate by more than half over a decade. Dt/jum/sr/hs/cs (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Unified School District and its teachers' union reached a tentative deal for children to return to school, as coronavirus containment measures are relaxed. Under the plans, preschool and elementary school students will be able to return in mid-April, and secondary school students will return at the end of April. "The agreement provides for a hybrid model combining online and in-person instruction, with students remaining in small, stable cohorts while on campus to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," a joint statement by the district superintendent, Austin Beutner, and the union president, Cecily Myart-Cruz, said. The agreement was contingent on teacher vaccinations against COVID-19, extensive health measures and the county's impending exit from California's most restrictive tier of health regulations. "The agreement is subject to the approval by the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education and ratification by the UTLA membership. If approved by both parties, the contract will be in effect through June 30, 2021", the joint statement added https://bit.ly/3t6lkWI. California's governor said earlier this month that he and Democratic lawmakers had reached a deal to fund the reopening of schools for students up to second grade, as the numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the state and country had dropped. California's $6.6 billion budget package marked an effort to get school children back in class after having been confined to home learning in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images/POOLBY: ALEXANDER MALLIN, LUKE BARR, AND ALLISON PECORIN, ABC NEWS (WASHINGTON) Merrick Garland, President Joe Biden's nominee for attorney general was confirmed Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. His confirmation comes nearly five years to the day since he was nominated by President Barack Obama to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. He was never given a confirmation hearing by Senate Republicans who said Scalia's successor should be picked by the winner of the 2016 presidential election. Garland will assume leadership of a department, and its more than 115,000-strong federal workforce, emerging from four years of being at the center of multiple politically charged controversies during the Trump administration -- in addition to being the target of a barrage of attacks from former President Donald Trump himself. Facing questions on the need for independence in the department during his confirmation hearing last month, Garland told senators that the attorney general is "not the president's lawyer," while noting that as part of the executive branch he will follow Biden's lead on policy matters "as long as it is consistent with the law. Garland added he hoped his tenure will "turn down the volume" at the Justice Department, removing it from the day-to-day political disputes that run through Washington. He said he wants to return to the days when the department does its law enforcement and criminal justice policy -- and that this is viewed in a bipartisan way. "I know that these are divisive times, I'm not naive," he said. "But I would like to do everything I can to have people believe that that's what we're doing. Garland, who has been serving as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, also worked in the Clinton Justice Department, overseeing the prosecution of convicted Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh in the 1990s. Chief among Garland's initial priorities will be a briefing on the department's sprawling investigation into the pro-Trump rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. As of this week, more than 300 suspects have been federally charged related to their role in the riot with more than 285 individuals arrested. "It looks like an extremely aggressive and perfectly appropriate beginning to an investigation," he said, adding that the United States is currently facing "a more dangerous period" than the nation faced when he was overseeing the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing. "I intend to make sure that we look more broadly -- to look at where this is coming from, what other groups there might be that could raise the same problem in the future and that we protect the American people, and I know that the FBI director made the same commitment," Garland said. FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a Senate hearing last week that the bureau currently has roughly 2,000 open domestic terrorism cases, more than double than in 2017 -- the bulk of which he said are considered "racially motivated" violent extremists. Garland also said during his hearing he expects to meet soon with John Durham, the special counsel appointed by former Attorney General Bill Barr to investigate the origins of the FBI's probe of the Trump campaign in 2016 and its ties to Russia. Several Republicans have sought assurances from Garland that he won't move to fire Durham before allowing his team to finish their work. "I don't have any information about the investigation," Garland said. "I understand he has been permitted to remain in his position, and sitting here today, I have no reason to think that that was not the correct decision." The U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware also has an open investigation into President Biden's son Hunter over possible tax fraud. Garland told senators he has never discussed the matter with Biden and said "decisions about investigations and prosecutions will be left to the Justice Department." Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Hunger is not evenly spread across the U.S., nor within its cities. Even in the the richest parts of urban America there are pockets of deep food insecurity, and more often than not it is Black and Latino communities that are hit hardest. As an urban planning academic who teaches a course on food justice, Im aware that this disparity is in large part through design. For over a century, urban planning has been used as a toolkit for maintaining white supremacy that has divided U.S. cities along racial lines. And this has contributed to the development of so-called food deserts areas of limited access to reasonably priced, healthy, culturally relevant foods and food swamps places with a preponderance of stores selling fast and junk food. Both terms are controversial and have been contested on the grounds that they ignore both the historical roots and deeply racialized nature of food access, whereby white communities are more likely to have sufficient availability of healthy, reasonably priced produce. Instead, food justice scholar Ashante M. Reese suggests the term food apartheid. According to Reese, food apartheid is intimately tied to policies and practices, current and historical, that come from a place of anti-Blackness. Regardless of what they are called, these areas of inequitable food access and limited options exist. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 54.4 million Americans live in low-income areas with poor access to healthy food. For city residents, this means they are more than half a mile from the nearest supermarket. More expensive, fewer options The development of these areas of limited healthy food options has a long history tied to urban planning and housing policies. Practices such as redlining and yellowlining in which the private sector and government conspired to restrict mortgage lending to Black and other minority homebuyers and racial covenants that limited rental and sale property to white people only meant that areas of poverty were concentrated along racial lines. In addition, homeowner associations that denied access to Black people in particular and federal housing subsidies that have largely gone to white, richer Americans have made it harder for people living in lower-income areas to move out or accrue wealth. It also leads to urban blight. This matters when looking at food access because retailers are less willing to go into poorer areas. A process of supermarket redlining has seen larger grocery stores either refuse to move in to lower-income areas, shut existing outlets or relocate to wealthier suburbs. The thinking behind this process is that as pockets in a city become poorer, they are less profitable and more prone to crime. There is also, scholars suggest, a cultural bias among large retailers against putting outlets in minority-populated areas. Speaking about why supermarkets were fleeing the New York borough of Queens in the 1990s, the citys then-Consumer Affairs Commissioner Mark Green put it this way: First they may fear that they do not understand the minority market. But second is their knee-jerk premise that Blacks are poor, and poor people are a poor market. In the absence of larger grocery stores, less healthy food options often at a higher price have taken over in low-income areas. Research among food providers in New Haven, Connecticut in 2008 found significantly worse average produce quality in lower-income neighborhoods. Meanwhile a study of New Orleans in 2001 found fast-food density was higher in poorer areas, and that predominantly Black neighborhoods had 2.5 fast-food outlets for every square mile, compared to 1.5 in white areas. Whole Foods and whole food deserts Geographer Nathan McClintock conducted a detailed study in 2009 of the causes of Oaklands food deserts. Although restricted to one Californian city, I believe what he found holds true for most U.S. cities. McClintock details how the development of racially segregated areas in the inter-war period and redlining policies afterward led to concentrated areas of poverty in Oakland. Meanwhile, decisions in the late 1950s by the then all-white Oakland City Council to build major freeways cutting through the city effectively isolated predominantly Black West Oakland from downtown Oakland. The net effect was an outward flow of capital and white flight to the wealthy Oakland Hills neighborhoods. Black and Latino neighborhoods were drained of wealth. This, together with the advent of surburban Oakland supermarkets accessible by car in the 1980s and 1990s, led to a dearth of fresh food outlets in predominantly Black districts such as West Oakland and Central East Oakland. What was left, McClintock concludes, is a crude mosaic of parks and pollution, privilege and poverty, Whole Foods and whole food deserts. Urban planning as a solution Food disparities in U.S. cities have a cumulative effect on peoples health. Research has linked them to the disproportionately poor nutrition of Black and Latino Americans, even after adjustment for socioeconomic status. As much as urban planning has been part of the problem, it could now be part of the solution. Some cities have begun using planning tools to increase food equity. Minneapolis, for example, has as part of its 2040 plan an aim to establish equitable distribution of food sources and food markets to provide all Minneapolis residents with reliable access to healthy, affordable, safe and culturally appropriate food. To achieve this, the city is reviewing urban plans, including exploring and implementing regulatory changes to allow and promote mobile food markets and mobile food pantries. My hometown of Boston is engaged in a similar process. In 2010, the city began the process of establishing an urban agriculture overlay district in the predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood of Dorchester, by changing zoning to allow commercial urban agriculture. This change has provided employment for local people and food for local cooperatives, such as the Dorchester Food Coop, as well as area restaurants. And this could be just the start. My students and I contributed to Boston mayoral candidate Michelle Wus Food Justice Agenda. It includes provisions such as a formal process in which private developers would have to work with the community to ensure there is space for diverse food retailers and commercial kitchens, and licensing restrictions to discourage the proliferation of fast-food outlets in poorer neighborhoods. If Wu is elected and the plan implemented, it would, I believe, provide more equitable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, good jobs and economically vibrant neighborhoods. As Wus Food Justice Agenda notes: Food justice means racial justice, demanding a clear-eyed understanding of how white supremacy has shaped our food systems and that nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food is a universal human right. [Insight, in your inbox each day. You can get it with The Conversations email newsletter.] Julian Agyeman, Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, Tufts University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Las Colonias Development Corp. is a confusing jumble in need of clarity Candidate profiles The Daily Sentinel will be profiling candidates for Grand Junction City Council throughout this week. The candidate profiles are grouped by district and based on a questionnaire the candidates returned to the Daily Sentinel. To read their full responses or to view profiles on other candidates visit gjsentinel.com. Council elections are April 6. New India in making, infrastructure to be no less than US, Europe in 5 years: Nitin Gadkari Mehbooba Mufti appeals to PM Modi to release all political detainees as COVID-19 threat persists Delhi High Court stays ED summons to Mehbooba Mufti India pti-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 10: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday gave an interim stay on summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate to former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, her counsel said. The matter came up for hearing before a division bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Hairam Bhambhani. The court asked the ED to not press for her personal appearance and posted the matter for March 19. The PDP leader had challenged the validity of the summons issued by the ED for appearing before it on March 15 without specifying the case for which she was being investigated. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News She asked the court to quash the summons, her counsel S Prasanna said. Paris, TX (75460) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 09, 2021] Forest Road Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of Upsized $305 Million Initial Public Offering Forest Road Acquisition Corp. II (the "Company"), a newly incorporated blank check company, today announced the pricing of its upsized initial public offering of 30,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and traded under the ticker symbol "FRXB.U" beginning March 10, 2021. Each unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and one-fifth of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one share of Class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. Only whole warrants are exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin trading separately, the Company expects that the shares of Class A common stock and redeemable warrants will be listed on the NYSE under the symbols "FRXB" and "FRXB WS," respectively. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination target in any industry, it currently intends to concentrate its search for a target business operating in the technology, media, telecommunications, and consumer ("TMTC") space. The Company is led by Thomas Staggs and Kevin Mayer who both serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairperson of the Board. Zachary Tarica serves as Chief Operating Officer, Idan Shani as Chief Financial Officer, and Jeremy Tarica as Chief Investment Officer of the Company. The team also includes strategic advisors Shaquille O'Neal, Sheila A. Stamps, Rick Hess, and Harlan Cherniak, as well as independent directors Martin Luter King III, Salil Mehta, and Keith L. Horn. The Forest Road Company, LLC, an affiliate of the Company's sponsor, is a specialty finance platform across media, real estate, and renewable energy tax credit lending as well as film tax credit administration and tax credit brokerage. Morgan Stanley and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. are serving as joint book-running managers with Guggenheim Securities serving as co-manager. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase additional units in an amount up to 15% of the units sold in the initial public offering at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, telephone: 866-718-1649 or email: prospectus@morganstanley.com or Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention Capital Markets, 499 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022, or by e-mail at prospectus@cantor.com. A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) ") on March 9, 2021. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's offering filed with the SEC. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309006111/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 10, 2021] Plug and Play Welcomes PIMCO as Newest Fintech Partner SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global innovation platform, Plug and Play, announced today its newest partnership with PIMCO, one of the world's premier fixed income investment managers. "We are excited to partner with Plug and Play and engage with the network of innovative startups as PIMCO seeks the best ideas and solutions to augment its strategic evolution in a rapidly changing industry," said John Kirkowski, PIMCO Chief Financial Officer. "We also look forward to developing relationships with strong management teams in the Plug and Play network as we evaluate a range of startup ideas and technological solutions." Throughout the firm's 50-year history, PIMCO has brought innovative strategies and solutions to clients through the active management of investment portfolios in the pursuit of superior returns in public and private markets. PIMCO looks forward to bringing a new perspective to the Plug and Play network through the firm's deep and global expertise across markets and the investment management industry. "Our partnership ith PIMCO will allow us the opportunity to further our presence across the fintech industry," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "I am excited to welcome PIMCO to our Plug and Play family and begin introducing them to our startup network." While Plug and Play will have the opportunity to connect PIMCO to some of the brightest and most promising startups in the industry, PIMCO will bring decades of experience and perspective to Plug and Play's startups and team. About PIMCO PIMCO is one of the world's premier fixed income investment managers. With its launch in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. In the 50 years since, the firm has continued to bring innovation and expertise to our partnership with clients seeking the best investment solutions. Today PIMCO has offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz SE, a leading global diversified financial services provider. About Plug and Play Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 30 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 30,000 startups and 500 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, and PayPal. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plug-and-play-welcomes-pimco-as-newest-fintech-partner-301244535.html SOURCE Plug and Play [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] South Africa: Interventions to address plight of farmworkers Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza says the department is implementing several interventions to ensure that the safety and livelihoods of farm workers are safeguarded. Didiza said this when Ministers in the Economic Cluster responded to oral questions at the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday. In terms of the safety of the farmworkers, we are working with the rural safety forum, led by the Department of Safety and Security. We also want to indicate that we use a communications platform with farmworkers to communicate our initiative. We do use izimbizo, meetings and summits to ensure that we are also hearing the difficulties that farmworkers are facing and are able to address those with the landowners, for instance. I know this may not be enough, but it is some of the interventions we are engaged on as a department in improving the livelihoods and safety of farmworkers, she said. Didiza said the department has been working with the Department of Safety and Security to come up with a rural safety strategy that also includes mediation in order to address the challenges that farmworkers have with the landowners and their employers, particularly where some of these disputes end up with eviction orders and render farmworkers landless. And I think this is a matter where we are engaging our farmers as well as landowners so that when we deal with issues of farm workers, we actually are sensitive that this is a cornerstone of development in supporting the growth in the agricultural sector, she said. Support for children of farmworkers Didiza said, meanwhile, that while the department is implementing interventions to address challenges faced by farmworkers through existing legislation, government is also dealing with support to farmworkers by supporting their children. The department has adopted a total of 14 farm schools that host children of farmworkers in six provinces the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape. Since the inception of the programme, a total of 196 learners benefited from the departments farm school bursary programme. Through this programme, learners are offered a comprehensive high school bursary from grade 10 up until they complete their tertiary education, she said. The bursary covers tuition if the learner is registered in a fee-paying school, textbooks and study guides, boarding fees if applicable and uniforms. Of the 196 learners supported, 86 have actually enrolled for various programmes in agriculture at tertiary level and 36 of them have already completed their undergraduate studies in agriculture. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Restaurants like the Courtroom restaurant in El Centro are now eligible to open for indoor dining at 25 percent capacity after the county met the metrics to allow it to move into the red tier of Californias Blueprint for a Safer Economy. PHOTO MICHAEL MARESH More than 15 years ago, so many state-level politicians were so eager for gas industry investment in Pennsylvania that they treated drillers as benefactors rather than as a heavy industry requiring rigorous regulation in the public interest. The state government consistently has played catch-up on environmental regulation and enforcement, even as Republican legislators still refuse to impose a fair severance tax on gas extraction, akin to those imposed by every other gas-producing state. Legislative majorities have been so feckless that they have refused even to ensure that Pennsylvanians who lease their land for drilling get a fair return. Existing state law says that people who lease their land for drilling are supposed to receive at least 12% of the market value of the gas extracted from beneath their land. But the Legislature has stood by for more than a decade as some drillers deduct their own postproduction costs for processing and distribution from the lease payments to landowners. In some cases, some lessors have received bills from producers, instead of royalty payments. Fortunately, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro was among those who recognized that the Legislature was going to serve the industry rather than residents. He took up the cause of aggrieved lessors of the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Landowners Alliance, and announced Monday that his office had reached a royalty settlement with Chesapeake Energy, which for years was the foremost producer in the Northeast Pennsylvania portion of the Marcellus Shale gas field. Chesapeake will pay $5.3 million in restitution to shortchanged lessors. More important, the deal calls for fair payments going forward. The bottom line here is that this settlement ... will allow landowners to take a new lease with no deductions, Shapiro said. He characterized the lawsuit accurately as standing up to powerful interests when they try to take advantage of people, something for which the Legislature clearly has no stomach. Gardai have arrested a second man in relation to an ongoing investigation into the fraudulent claiming of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). Gardai seconded to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) assisted by GNECB personnel arrested the 35-year-old man in the Midleton area of Cork today, having previously arrested a man in his 40s back in December 2020 as part of the investigation. The man is currently detained at Cobh Garda Station under the provisions of Section 50 Criminal Justice Act 2007 and he can be detained for up to seven days. In June last year, An Garda Siochana issued a warning to the public in relation to a phishing email purporting to be from Courts Service where individuals were told they had been selected for jury service. To date, 73 people have been identified as having had their details fraudulently obtained in order to claim the payment. All 73, received an email under the pretence that it was from the Courts Service Ireland looking for them to do Jury duty. This email sought personal information, which included their PPSN, name, address, date of birth and mothers maiden name. These details were then used to apply online and claim the Covid payment of 350 per person, weekly, with an estimated 187,000 paid out in relation to the 73 people. New Delhi, March 10 : The Rajya Sabha may witness disruptions on Wednesday also following the opposition's demand to hold discussions on the price hike, farmers' protest and other issues. The House has seen repeated adjournments for the last two days. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha moved the suspension of Business to discuss the ongoing farmers' protest against the farm laws. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has given zero hour notice to raise the demand for an extra chance to Union Public Service Commission aspirants due to Covid-19 pandemic. The Congress, meanwhile, will press the demand for discussion on the fuel hike. It has been raising the issue for the past two days and the chair rejected the notice of suspension of Business which led to the pandemonium and subsequent adjournments of the House. The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to start general discussion on the Budget as the reports of the committee of Commerce, Petroleum and Food & Consumer affairs will be presented. The Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will introduce the major port bill. "To move that the Bill to provide for regulation, operation and planning of Major Ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, as passed by Lok Sabha, be taken into consideration," said the Rajya Sabha Bulletin. The Central Bank has given the clearest indication yet that the 16 individuals involved in the Davy bond scandal could face personal repercussions beyond merely losing their jobs at the investment firm. However, the window of opportunity for further action against the executives and traders who pulled off the offending trade appears to be closing, and it appears there is no scope for any individual fines or bans from the regulator. Central Bank director of enforcement Derville Rowland confirmed to the Oireachtas Finance Committee yesterday that her office had had "tentative engagement" with An Garda and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) over its Davy investigation. The statement left open the possibility Davy staff whose behaviour precipitated a 4.13m fine last week could face criminal sanctions or be banned from directorships. Read More But Ms Rowland backed away from any suggestion the Central Bank investigation had found evidence of criminal wrongdoing. She said her team had considered both the evidence and their obligations and "did not form the view there were criminal reports to be made". "Now that the details are out, we are prepared to engage with other authorities," she said, later mentioning the Garda and ODCE. She said the Central Bank was maintaining continued supervisory engagement with Davy as a regulated firm and her team was keeping all its options open, but she would not be drawn to speculate about further action against individuals. Ms Rowland emphasised the Central Bank had concluded its investigation of Davy and said "we do not conclude actions unless and until we are satisfied", suggesting nothing further was coming from the regulator. Earlier in the day, the Finance Committee chairman, Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness, called for a public inquiry into Davy's conduct to determine whether other transactions carried out by the firm involved conflicts of interest or inappropriate use of staff dealing accounts. Davy was fined and reprimanded by the Central Bank over a 2014 bond sale on behalf of Belfast businessman Patrick Kearney in which 16 Davy staff were secretly buyers on the deal the firm had brokered for Mr Kearney, at a steeply discounted price. The employees later resold the bonds at a much higher price. Davy's new interim chief executive, Bernard Byrne, wrote to Mr McGuinness on Monday promising an "imminent" third-party review of matters arising from the Central Bank's findings, including "ensuring appropriate assessment of other relevant activity and to determine the adequacy of enhanced compliance, controls and governance designed to prevent possible conflicts" Mr Byrne did not say who had been appointed by the board as an external reviewer. A Davy spokesperson said the firm was "expecting clarity" on the details of the review in the "very short term". The parameters of the internal review will be important in reassuring clients, politicians, regulators and staff the company is comprehensively rooting out bad practices. Compliance sources told the Irish Independent a review would have to look at a comprehensive sampling of staff account dealing and aggressively scrutinise any bespoke deals on behalf of big private clients. The Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland issued a statement casting Davy's problems as a cautionary tale for financial firms that bypass compliance processes. "Situations such as this reinforce the absolute necessity to involve qualified compliance professionals in any decision-making process such as arose in this instance and at an early stage in any scenarios where a conflict of interest may occur," it said. "The resignations that have happened so far, the 4.1m CBI fine, the adverse publicity and massive reputational damage to the organisation serve to illustrate the true cost of non-compliance." Davy's ex-CEO Brian McKiernan, who stepped down under pressure last Saturday, could face professional disciplinary action from Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). CAI have an independent regulatory function and police the professional conduct of their members. Those who violate the code of conduct and ethical standards can face public hearings, with penalties of up to 100k and being excluded from the profession. A spokesperson said the CAI had no comment to make on Mr McKiernan but added "the reputation of the profession is very important to us and we take it seriously". Indonesia has offered its Papuan island to Elon Musk for the launch of his SpaceX project. The residents of the island do not seem to be happy about it as they have said that Musk is not welcome on their land. According to the reports by The Guardian, the residents said that Musks presence on the island would devastate the ecosystem and also drive people from their homes. Residents unhappy Papuans on Biak do not agree with the government representative who told The Guardian that the plan was being developed after consulting the Papuan government and local communities. He also believed that this development would bring positive economic impacts. The residents, however, said that this will lead to deforestation in the region and increase the presence of the Indonesian military. According to the reports by The Business Insider, Indonesia's coordinating minister for maritime and investment affairs said that Musk and the Indonesian president Joko Widodo had discussed the plans earlier in the month of December. Musk was planning to send a team to the island in January to look at the potential investments. The tribal chief of the island Manfun Sroyer said that he fears that the residents will be forced from their homes. He further added that the spaceport would cost the people their traditional hunting grounds. He also said that if people protest they will be arrested immediately. SpaceX Rocket all set to launch The SpaceX Rocket launch will be taking place on March 11th at 3:13 AM EST. This is the second rocket they are sending for the Starlink Launch this month and the 6th in total for the Starlink mission. The launch will be taking place in their Falcon 9 Rockets from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. SpaceX Launch for Starlink is being highly anticipated by everyone. SpaceX started testing its satellite web in provincial territories of the United States earlier this year. The beta testing of Starlink has seen a few outcomes that general society and the organization are content with. Musk has expressed that internet service will just improve from here. Although Americans associate royalty with Europe, its a system thats been used virtually everywhere, from the pharaohs of Egypt to the emperors of Japan and ancient Rome, to the Mayan kingdom that stretched across modern-day Mexico and the royal courts of West Africa. The Old Testament, the New Testament and the Quran all reference kings and queens. The idea that rulers derive their legitimacy from God and might pass it down to their children has been around for at least 7,000 years. For most of that time, kingship has been the dominant form of government. Today, 29 countries still have monarchies (43 if you include those in the British Commonwealth). Another reason for their enduring popularity might be their success. Dr. Guillens study concluded that monarchies tend to produce higher standards of living than republics, apparently because they do a better job protecting private property rights and provide a necessary check on pesky politicians. Constitutional monarchies, where royals throw lavish weddings but leave the actual governing to elected leaders, have some of the highest standards of living on the planet the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Japan. The fascination, the magic, the continuity, the stability that comes from a monarchy with a dynasty that has been playing this role for centuries, a lot of people find comfort in that, Dr. Guillen told me. In the U.K., thats the reason the monarchy has 55 percent support. John Jost, a New York University professor, told me that people tend to cling to traditions and longstanding social systems that justify our understandable desire for order, safety and predictability. Thats what his 2020 book, A Theory of System Justification, is all about. I also suspect that some people are simply drawn to the glamour of royalty and the fantasy that some very, very special people are living opulent, extravagant lives, and this could be a way of transcending our mundane realities, he told me. Perhaps we hope that they will protect and take care of us as a reward for our adulation? Thats how it works out in fairy tales, at least. Is it possible that people crave pomp and pine for leaders who embody grandeur? Leaders who live in fancy towers, full of gaudy gold stuff, perhaps? Leaders who are said to have been chosen by God? Donald Trump obviously thought so. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 16:25:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) Wednesday said that a total of 9.85 million reports of illegal and harmful online content were dealt with in February. The number fell 12.1 percent month on month and 6.4 percent year on year, said the CAC. Over one-tenth of the tip-offs were handled by the central and local cyberspace regulators while major Chinese websites, including Weibo and Baidu, handled the remaining 8.75 million complaints, down 5.8 percent from a year earlier. In a bid to build a sound internet environment, the CAC launched multiple channels, such as a hotline and a mobile app, for netizens to report illegal and harmful online activities. Enditem Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: Laura M. Riley, 38, and Joshua T. Riley, 36, both of 715 Locust St., Carrollton, were arrested on possession of a controlled substance charges at 12:26 a.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of East Morton Avenue. Both were also arrested for Greene County warrants accusing them of failing to appear in court. Police are investigating a counterfeit $100 bill being used at Buffalo Wild Wings at 1235 W. Morton Ave., according to a report filed at 10:52 p.m. Tuesday. Timothy J. Clark, 50, of 2327 Ash St., Springfield, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 4:36 a.m. Tuesday on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended and illegal possession or transportation of liquor by a driver. 'Complex Trajectories' will involve the participation of seven universities in Spain, France, the United Kingdom and Portugal When students enrol at a university, they are beginning a period of academic training that may be interrupted for various reasons, such as entering the workplace prior to completion of their course or a change of discipline, centre or mode of learning, among others. In circumstances such as these, which result in the formulation of complex academic trajectories, universities are able, via their support teams, to provide students with advice and guidance to help them achieve their final goal: graduation. The Erasmus+ Complex Trajectories project was developed in order to analyse the academic trajectory of thousands of university students from four European countries. In the words of project coordinator, principal investigator of the Open Evidence lab, and UOC Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences professor Josep Maria Duart, "The project aims to gather data that will help the universities' tutorial action teams provide more effective support to their students to enable them to achieve their academic goals that will define their current and future professional careers." The Complex Trajectories project, which is expected to run for 35 months and has a budget of more than 230,000, is headed up by the UOC, with participation from another seven universities - three online and four campus-based -in four different countries and one entity: the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, ??the Universitat de Valencia and the Government of Catalonia's UNEIX interuniversity platform in Spain; the Universite de Bourgogne in France; the Open University in the UK, and the Universidade Aberta and Universidade do Porto in Portugal. One of its objectives is to extend the notion of what can be considered an inclusive university, not only looking at the issue of equal access, but also analysing the progression of students within the university system, which must be taken into account to successfully establish an inclusive environment. "We will be using longitudinal data analysis to observe the behaviour of academic cohorts within various European university systems over a period of seven years, from enrolment to graduation," explained Duart. Analysis, good practices and training The project will include three primary phases: a study of the academic trajectories followed by the students, a compilation of good practices from different European higher education institutions and the development of training materials, including a number of massive open online courses, or MOOCs. According to Duart, "The MOOCs will be aimed at the university tutorial action teams, with information on providing academic trajectory support to students, which will be based on the results obtained during the earlier phases of the project." The coordinator went on to stress the relevance of the results to other European countries, aside from those represented by participating partners. As such, the data and observations collected in Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom and France will also be applicable with regard to establishing tutorial action policies across the whole of the European Union. The idea that sparked the project The idea for the Complex Trajectories study came about as a result of a 2019 research project on the UOC's contribution to Catalan society. Professor Josep Ma. Duart and Professor Manuel Castells, currently the Spanish Minister for Universities, stressed how the UOC, thanks to its unique nature, had become a fundamental part of the Catalan university system, because it lets students start in-person programmes and then go on to study online, or vice versa. "The UOC's forming part of the system aids access to university programmes and means students can continue with their studies in the long term," said Duart. "As a result we felt it would be interesting to carry out a similar study in other European countries to look at the behaviour of students over a seven-year period and provide evidence that would enable support policies to be developed in line with the academic trajectories of the students," concluded Duart. This study supports the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): no. 4, quality education, no. 10, reduced inequalities, and no. 17, partnerships for the goals. The research project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme (Project Ref. No. 2020-1-ES01-KA203-082842). ### UOC R&I The UOC's research and innovation (R&I) is helping overcome pressing challenges faced by global societies in the 21st century, by studying interactions between technology and human & social sciences with a specific focus on the network society, e-learning and e-health. Over 500 researchers and 51 research groups work among the University's seven faculties and two research centres: the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) and the eHealth Center (eHC). The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and open knowledge serve as strategic pillars for the UOC's teaching, research and innovation. More information: research.uoc.edu. #UOC25years Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Four Seasons Offers No-Obligation Estimates If you are a property manager or building owner, your job just got easier with Four Seasons no-obligation estimates to you help you make sure your commercial roofing is safe from leaks and guaranteed to last. With a range of styles, including flats, our workmanship will not only extend the life of your building but will add to the propertys aesthetics, as well. In addition to their 20 years of combined experience in foam, tile and shingle options, the professionals at Four Seasons are experts in flats, which is an important consideration for most non-residential building owners in the Baltimore area. One of our areas of specialty is flats for commercial roofing, which make up about 60% of our clientele throughout Maryland, says Alex Tugucci, owner of Four Seasons, which has successfully completed almost 500 projects totally over 910,000 sq. ft. Tugucci advises that flats are unique because they require special care so its best to hire technicians who are experienced with this style, not merely general contractors. By hiring us for all your flat needs, you can rest assured that everything will be done correctly and professionally the first time. With contractors who are not flat specialists, you dont have that guarantee, which could mean more damage is done. This could end up costing you more money and wasting more of your valuable time in the long run, says Tugucci. Four Seasons partners with only the best manufacturers and uses only top-notch installation materials. These options include: Duro-Last, Duradek, EPDM (which is made of double rubbers for extra strength and durabilitysuper for contracting and expanding in changing temperatures), Torch Down (which uses heat to adhere) and state-of-the-art TPO (one of the newest energy-efficient materials on the market). So if youre looking to save your business money and searching for the highest quality contractor and materials in the Maryland area, then our commercial roofing specialists are available for a no-hassle, free consultation. Well even respond to your email request for a call-back and can start the process by phone or in person. From installation to repair, maintenance, inspection and interior checks, let Four Seasons assist you with all your commercial roofing needs today. Visit us at https://fourseasonsroofingmd.com. About the Company: Based in Owings Mills outside of Baltimore, Four Seasons Roofing is a full-service licensed and certified business that offers a full range of services for both residential and commercial buildings, including installation, inspection, repair, gutters, shingles, attic insulation, skylights and windows. From flat to sloped, tile and metal, no building is beyond our scope of work. We use only the best materials made from the finest manufacturers. Countless testimonials speak volumes about our outstanding customer service. We offer financing and special offers throughout the year. For more information on any of our services, call us at 410-862-2975, or email us directly at info@fourseasonsroofingmd.com. The Spanish Supreme Court has taken the first steps to secure the extradition of former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont, who led an illegal attempt to secede from Spain in 2017. In a vote held on Monday but made public on Tuesday, the European Parliament voted to lift Puigdemonts immunity, with 400 votes in favor, 248 against and 45 abstentions. There were very similar votes in connection with Antoni Comin and Clara Ponsati, two Puigdemont aides who fled Spain with him following an unauthorized referendum on independence held on October 1, 2017. Without parliamentary immunity, all three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) could face extradition to Spain, where they are wanted by the Spanish justice system in connection with the illegal referendum and breakaway bid. The next legal moves are now in the hands of courts in Belgium (in the case of Puigdemont and Comin) and the UK (in the case of Ponsati, who fled to Scotland, although lately, she has been residing in Belgium). In a bid to secure the extradition of the MEPs, Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena who headed the main case into the separatist leaders asked the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for a preliminary ruling on how an extradition order for the MEPs should be interpreted by EU law. The goal of this move made just hours after the vote was made public is to get guidance on what next steps should be taken, and more importantly, to reduce the possibility of the Belgium justice system rejecting a European arrest warrant for sedition and misuse of public funds against Puigdemont, and his former aides Comin and Ponsati (who is only wanted for sedition). These warrants were placed on hold in early 2020, when the Catalan politicians became members of the EU Parliament and gained immunity. Llarena said there are no objective reasons to insinuate that Spain will violate the fundamental rights of the separatist leaders In January, the Belgian courts refused to extradite another former member of Puigdemonts cabinet, Lluis Puig. The Belgian justice system justified this decision on two grounds: first, that the Spanish Supreme Court lacked the authority to request the extradition and try Puig, arguing that this must be done by a Catalan court; and second, that there were no guarantees that the Supreme Court would respect the fundamental rights of the separatist leader, such as the presumption of innocence. The refusal to extradite Puig sounded alarm bells in the Supreme Court, prompting Judge Llarena to request advice from the CJEU. In the document, Llarena raises nine questions regarding how a judge issuing a European arrest warrant should act, the role the Belgian justice system plays in executing these orders and the possibility that these courts will reject the request. The judge specifically asks the CJEU if Belgian courts can question the authority of the court that issues the order in this case, the Spanish Supreme Court as happened in Puigs extradition case. Llarena opposed the arguments from Belgian courts that the Supreme Court did not have the authority to request Puigs extradition, and now hopes that the CLEU will support his position. The criminal system and process of another state must indeed be poorly trusted if the first thing that the acting state tries to do is cast doubt on its authority to issue a cooperative instrument based precisely on trust and reciprocal cooperation, Llarena warned, adding that there are no objective reasons to insinuate that Spain will violate the fundamental rights of the separatist leaders. Once the European arrest warrants are reactivated, the Supreme Court, in principle, will wait for a response from the Belgian courts. Legal sources say that Llarenas request for a preliminary ruling does not mean that the Belgian justice system has to stop processing the arrest warrants, although such a decision would make sense given that the CJEUs response may force it to change its arguments. If Belgium decides to go ahead without waiting for the response from the CJEU and refuses to hand over Puigdemont and his aides, Llarena could issue a new European arrest warrant if the CJEUs ruling supports his case. Court revokes flexible prison regime for separatist leaders A penitentiary court in Catalonia revoked on Tuesday the open prison regime granted to seven separatist leaders convicted for their involvement in the 2017 secession attempt. The decision affects former Catalan deputy premier Oriol Junqueras, ex-government ministers Jordi Turull, Josep Rull, Raul Romeva and Joaquim Forn; and the leaders of the civil society groups Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart. Separatist leaders return to jail on Tuesday. Albert Garcia / EL PAIS In January, the separatist leaders were granted a more flexible regime, known as tercer grado, or third grade, by the Catalan regional government. Under this regime, prisoners only have to spend nights in prison. The decision coincided with the Catalan regional elections, meaning the leaders were able to leave prison to campaign. It also came shortly after the Supreme Court revoked the open prison regime in December on the grounds that it was premature. The public prosecution, upset by the Catalan governments insistence on granting the flexible regime despite the Supreme Courts ruling, appealed the decision. Its appeal was upheld by the penitentiary court on Tuesday, and all seven leaders, with the exception of Rull, who was granted a three-day prison leave, returned to prison. English version by Melissa Kitson. Valli Arunachalam, the eldest daughter of former executive chairman M V Murugappan, and her family have moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Chennai, seeking waiver of the minimum shareholding requirement of 10 per cent to maintain the alleged oppression and mismanagement case against Ambadi Investments (AIL), the flagship company of the Rs 38,000-crore group. The has given the respondents three weeks time to reply and posted the matter for April 23. Senior Counsel P S Raman, who appeared for Arunachalam, argued that the family owns 8.21 per cent in AIL and falls short of the minimum requirement by 1.79 per cent, according to section 241 of the Act 2013. He pointed out that the NCLT, New Delhi, had given a waiver to certain firms of Cyrus Mistry from the minimum requirement for maintaining a case against Tata Sons. The main allegation is that there has been a history of gender discrimination in the Raman said the plea for equal representation in company affairs had been denied since her fathers death a few years back. Murugappan is the only family member who does not have a male legal heir. We are making a very serious allegation of gender discrimination. When Valli Arunachalams name was proposed to the board, the reply was that she was not qualified, Raman argued on Wednesday. He pointed out the main petition also seeks a fair buyout of their stake as per section 242 (2b) of the Act 2013. On September 21, 2020, AILs shareholders, largely uncles and cousins of Valli Arunachalam, voted against her appointment to the board. Arunachalam has been battling for the right to be recognised as her father's successor. Only 8.64 per cent voted in favour of the resolution, while 91.36 per cent voted against the resolution. She had alleged that the group promoters have a gender bias against women getting into the family business and, hence, she and her sister were denied a berth on AILs board. AILs board had eight members, all of them men. She had made two proposals before the other branches of the family either give a board berth to her or her sister Vellachi Murugappan, or buy her familys 8.15 per cent stake in AIL at a fair value. Under the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, women can become the karta or head of the family and daughters can become coparceners and inherit as much as sons. Arunachalam is the karta of the MVM Hindu undivided family, which holds the stake in AIL. AIL is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Systemically Important Non-Deposit Accepting Core Investment Company (CIC). As a CIC, it is primarily a holding company, with investments in its subsidiaries and other group The companys consolidated profit before tax dropped by 35 per cent in 2019-20 to Rs 637.17 crore from Rs 979.14 crore a year ago. Profit for the year stood at Rs 616.53 crore as compared to Rs 962.86 crore, a year ago, a drop of 35 per cent. Total income rose to Rs 442.40 crore from Rs 409.79 crore. Promoter holding as on March 31, 2020, stood at 45.75 per cent, while promoter group holding was 48.98 per cent. A graduate of a school in our region made a name for herself in business. Now shes the boss on a new TV series. Shes The Boss is a new docu-comedy series on USA, featuring Milton Hershey School alum Nicole Walters, her husband Josh, her executive assistant and manny Eddie and two of the Walters three children, Krissy and Ally. The children were taken in and eventually adopted by the Walters, in a move reminiscent of Milton Hersheys original founding of the boarding school that would eventually become the Milton Hershey School. As a proud graduate of Milton Hershey School, Im grateful to use this platform God has given me to show exactly what Milton Hershey did for generations of children - open up a home, love them as family, and position them to engage with and receive the best in life, Walters said in a statement via email. Im blessed to share my diverse, fun, and inclusive family with the world - and Im thrilled to have the ongoing support of the Milton Hershey Family and community. Walters graduated from the Milton Hershey School and went on to success as an executive in sales for a Fortune 500 company. She left behind her six-figure salary to found her own business, the Inherit Learning Company, which she now runs. Our alumni never cease to amaze us, said Tanya Baynham, vice president of graduate programs for success at Milton Hershey School, via email. Its clear Nicole always had big goals and was driven to succeed at MHS. She was very active in school she was in the Spartan Players drama group, International Thespian Society, 4-H Club, and threw shot put on the track team. Baynham added that the thing that stood out most about Walters during her time at the school was her dynamic personality - something that is likely to serve her well in television. She lights up any room with her huge smile and generous heart, Baynham said. As an entrepreneur and female leader, shes visited MHS in recent years to give back to our students and empower them to find their own path to success. Shes The Boss debuted on Feb. 25 on USA, and the second episode aired on March 4. Both episodes are currently available online at USAs website, and new ones air Thursdays at 10:30 EST. For more info, check out USANetwork.com. Unveiling the initial list of 21 candidates for the April 6 Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (CPI) party of the ruling Left Democratic Front ( LDF) alliance announced that they will be contesting in 25 seats in Kerala. CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said, "This time around the party would be contesting in 25 seats, two seats less than last assembly polls as seats had to be given for the new coalition partners in the LDF fold." The CPI has finalised the names for 21 constituencies. At least 12 sitting MLAs, including Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan and Deputy Speaker V Sasi, are on the first list. "We are releasing the initial list of 21 candidates. The candidates for four constituencies will be declared later," he said. Going by the party decision, those who contested two consecutive terms are not in the fray including many sitting MLA's and also Agriculture Minister VS Sunil Kumar. According to the list, GR Anil from Nedumangad, PS Supal from Punalur and GS Jayalal from Chathannur will be candidates. CK Asha from Vaikom, Mohammad Muhsin from Pattambi and Chittayam Gopakumar from Adoor will contest the upcoming election. EK Vijayan from Nadapuram, R Ramachandran from Karunagappally and V Sasi from Chirayinkezhu will contest the assembly election.K Rajan from Ollur, VR Sunil Kumar from Kodungallur and P Prasad from Cherthala are also on the list. Other candidates announced are - Pirumedu - Vazhayar Soman, Muvattupuzha- Eldo Abraham, Kaipumangalam- Tyson Master, Thrissur - P Balachandran, Manarkadu - KP Suresh Raj, Eranadu- KT Abdul Rahman, Thirurangadi - Ajith K, Manjeri - P Abdul Nazar, Kanhangad - E Chandrashekaran. Four more candidates will be announced by CPI as a second list is expected to be announced within two days. (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.) Brussels, March 10 : John Kerry, the US' Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, has underlined the cooperation between Washington and the European Union (EU) on the fight against climate crisis during his visit to Brussels. In a tweet on Wednesday, Kerry said "Constructive trip to Brussels. The US and EU are hard at work to address the climate crisis. I look forward to seeing our EU partners at the Leaders Summit on Climate on Earth Day, April 22." On Tuesday, the former Secretary of State stressed that the world is facing not only a climate crisis but also "a moment of the greatest opportunity that we've had since perhaps the industrial revolution to build better to renew ourselves and our economies", reports Xinhua news agency. He described the upcoming UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, slated to take place in November, as the last opportunity for the world to come together and "build on Paris (Agreement)". Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, hailed the return of the US climate action. He said the EU and the US would be working to make a success of Glasgow, though it will be quite an effort to "convince other major players in the world to do the right thing". Kerry attended the weekly European Commission College meeting, where the Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen recalled that President Joe Biden, on his first day in office, announced the US' return to the Paris Agreement. The EU member states agreed in December 2020 to cut the bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels. So far, half of the G20 members, such as Japan, China, South Korea or South Africa, are already committed to achieving climate- or at least carbon neutrality by 2050 or soon after. Harry Potter star Katie Leung has detailed being instructed to deny the racist abuse she suffered after shooting to fame playing Cho Chang in the movies. The Scottish actress, 33, spoke on the Chinese Chippy Girl podcast about her experiences with racism both during and after starring in four of the eight films in the franchise, which are based on JK Rowling's hit books. After revealing she discovered hate sites dedicated to her casting, she claimed that publicists for the movie told her to deny having seen these sites or their existence, in a move she agreed to but later regretted. Speaking to G-Ma, she said: 'I remember them saying: "Katie, we haven't seen these websites that people are talking about so if you get asked just say it's not true and it's not happening", I just nodded my head even though I'd seen it with my own eyes'. Tough time: Harry Potter star Katie Leung has detailed being instructed to deny the racist abuse she suffered after shooting to fame playing Cho Chang in the movies Katie starred as Harry's love interest Cho in 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. Cho catches Harry's eye and he asks her to the Yule Ball, however her heart lies elsewhere with Cedric Diggory, who is killed by Voldemort later in the film. She enjoys a fleeting romance with Harry however their union ultimately demises. While she was a standout star, Katie admitted things were darker behind the scenes. Speaking to G-Ma, whose podcast centres around the struggles of being British Asian, Katie admitted that first appearing on screens made her feel she needed to act as a role model to children with similar backgrounds to herself. Chatting away: The Scottish actress, 33, spoke on the Chinese Chippy Girl podcast with G-Ma about her experiences with racism both during and after starring in four of the eight films in the franchise, which are based on JK Rowling's hit books Pained: After revealing she discovered hate sites dedicated to her casting, she claimed that publicists for the movie told her to deny having seen these sites or their existence, in a move she agreed to but later regretted On feeling pressure to represent the Asian community, she said: 'Starting on Harry Potter where the fanbase are kids, you want to be a role model and having that hindered me freely expressing what was going on... 'You want to show them dreams do come true and all this bulls**t but there are a lot of obstacles and that is a better approach because you want to prepare them for it.' She then explained what she had first experienced when she first shot to fame, saying: 'During that time it was the rise of the internet and fandoms and when you're 16 you care what people think but then it's the whole world... Starring role: Katie starred as Harry's love interest Cho in 2005's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2007's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 'Because of how [Cho] was described in the book as she was popular and pretty and you're trying to do that in school but then trying to do it in front of the world... 'The hate stuff - there were so many positive people and I got a lot of fan mail - but it's one of those things where you forget all the positive and listen to the negative... 'I was googling myself and this website was dedicated to the HP fandom and I remember reading all the comments and there was a lot of racist s**t and someone created a hate site... 'It just said if you disagree with this casting then click on this button then there was a count of how many people disagreed with the casting. It was awful. So awful'. Instructions: On what she was told by the publicists, she said: 'I remember speaking to the publicists and I didn't get any interview or media training before I was doing them' (pictured in 2018) On what she was told by the publicists, she said: 'I remember speaking to the publicists and I didn't get any interview or media training before I was doing them... 'I remember them saying: "Katie, we haven't seen these websites that people are talking about so if you get asked just say it's not true and it's not happening"... 'I just nodded my head even though I'd seen it with my own eyes. So I said I'll say everything's fine and I mean I was grateful, I was very f**king grateful that I was in that position but that wasn't great... 'It happened it's just I keep saying I wish I'd said something but you just can't do it.' Shock: While she was a standout star, Katie admitted things were darker behind the scenes MailOnline has contacted representatives for Warner Bros. for comment. The Chinese Chippy Girl podcast is described as: ''Talking about life as a British born Chinese (BBC)/British Asian. The struggles that I've had to deal with whilst growing up in my mum and dad's takeaway in the 1980s/1990s... 'My parents are immigrants from HK/China and moved to the UK when they were teenagers. I was brought up being Chinese at home and English when I was outside of home - it felt confusing at the time as I couldn't find a sense of belonging... 'But now I am much older, I am proud of my Chinese heritage and I am proud to be British. I just want to share my story with people :)'. (Newser) The new year in Russia kicked off with mass arrests of protesters pushing back against the detention of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, an inconvenient development in a nation known for stifling dissent. Now the Kremlin is going after American social media, throttling Twitter's speed in an apparent attempt to tamp down on posts encouraging people to demonstrate. "The slowing down will be applied to 100% of mobile devices and on 50% of nonmobile devices," state communications regulator Roskomnadzor announced in a Wednesday statement, noting it had found more than 3,000 posts of illegal content on the social media platform that Twitter wouldn't take down, per Reuters. The regulator says it has asked Twitter to yank those posts more than 28,000 times over the past four years or so, reports CNBC. story continues below The unprecedented move comes on the heels of Russia accusing Twitter of not deleting posts that spur children to take part in anti-Kremlin protests. Roskomnadzor didn't cite that particular reason in the posts it was concerned over, instead noting they contained content related to drug abuse, child porn, and suicide glamorization targeted at minors. And it's not just a slowdown of the site that could take place. "If (Twitter) continues to ignore the requirements of the law, the enforcement measures will be continued ... (right up to blocking it)," Roskomnadzor warned, with Interfax noting an official there said other social media platforms could be slowed down (and ostensibly blocked) as well. "This is only the beginning. Facebook and Google are next," the head of the country's Internet Protection Society tells the Moscow Times, noting he doesn't think Twitter will "bow down" to Russia. (Read more Russia stories.) Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Overcast with rain showers at times. High around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Spain: Madrid region in crisis heading to early vote Popular party stronghold at risk (ANSAmed) - MADRID, MARCH 10 - Spain is experiencing a political earthquake: Isabel Ayuso, the president of the community of Madrid - one of the most important territories in the hands of the Popular Party (PP) - has dissolved the regional assembly and has scheduled early elections on May 4. The decision, according to sources close to Ayuso quoted by Spanish media, is aimed at avoiding a possible motion of no confidence of the current government partner, the centrist Ciudadanos party, together with the Socialist party (Psoe), that is in opposition but is the leading member of the national executive. This hypothetical motion would allow the two parties to oust the PP from government. A few hours before Ayuso's announcement, Ciudadanos and the Socialists had announced a motion of no confidence to change the government of the Murcia region, another historical stronghold of the PP. The first, so far in government with the Popular party in this autonomous community in southeastern Spain, are accusing the latter of corruption. The PP has long been dealing with an internal political crisis, marked by judicial problems over a past marked by corruption and by recent negative electoral results, most recently in Catalonia. The control of the region of Madrid over the past two years has been one of the main political tools to try to damage the national government coalition formed by the Psoe and Unidas Podemos, as proven by recent clashes on the management of the pandemic. Ciudadanos, the centrist party in government with the PP in the region of Madrid, assures that it does not intend to repeat the political step taken in Murcia with the presentation of a motion of no confidence together with the Socialist party - a member of the opposition - to oust its government ally. Ignacio Aguado, regional vice president and a member of Ciudadanos, accused president Isabel Diaz Ayuso of choosing early elections on a "personal and electoral whim" and not, as stated by sources close to her, to avoid a possible motion. Their government has so far been externally backed by Vox, a far-right party, which could increase in popularity, according to polls. Aguado's statements, reported by Spanish media, were echoed by those made by Onigo Errejon, leader of Mas Pais, a left-wing opposition party in the region. "Only Diaz Ayuso is thinking about votes at a time when we are thinking about the virus", he said. Errejon's party registered in the capital's region with the name Mas Madrid and the Socialist party have presented a motion of no confidence to try to prevent the formal announcement of early elections, causing first the collapse of Ayus's cabinet. But sources close to the regional administration say the opposition's move came too late because the document to dissolve the regional assembly had already been signed. (ANSAmed). .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE A former Espanola city councilor faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque to possession of a stolen firearm last month, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. According to court documents, Espanola police arrived at a residence on March 21, 2020, to serve a search warrant in a case in which former City Councilor Phillip Chacon was accused of stabbing a man a week earlier. Officers reported hearing a gunshot before seeing Chacon approaching them while carrying several rifles. Chacon dropped the weapons before running inside his house and barricading himself inside for several hours. One of the weapons was a Mossberg .270 rifle, which was later determined to have been stolen. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Chacon, 39, eventually gave himself up and was later charged with two counts of aggravated battery, negligent use of a firearm and receiving stolen property. Chacon is now in federal custody awaiting sentencing. His attorney did not immediately respond to phone messages Tuesday. The incident is the same one that got Rio Arriba County Sheriff James Lujan into trouble with the law. Before Chacon gave himself up, Lujan showed up at the home and allegedly attempted to take over the scene during the standoff with police. Espanola Police Chief Roger Jimenez filed a criminal complaint against Lujan, saying that he smelled alcohol on Lujans breath as soon as the sheriff arrived on the scene in plainclothes. Jimenez said the sheriff told Espanola and State Police officers to leave and that he would take care of the matter. Police video of the incident recorded Lujan saying to officers, Im not asking you; Im telling you. Lujan crossed into the hot zone inside the police perimeter when he approached Chacons home and knocked on the door, urging him to come out. Later that night, he told officers that he had been communicating with Chacon through text messages and that Chacon was no longer at the house. Lujan had his law enforcement certification suspended in July and is no longer permitted to carry a gun, but he remains sheriff in Rio Arriba County. The incident last year wasnt the first time that Lujan is alleged to have attempted to protect Chacon from the law. In 2017, the sheriff was accused of helping Chacon escape Espanola police after Chacon was involved in a high-speed chase with police during which he got away. A former Rio Arriba County deputy claims that Lujan afterward went to Chacons house and had him gather some belongings before driving away with Chacon in his patrol unit. The deputy said Lujan told him not to tell anyone else. Lujan was charged with harboring or aiding a felon and bribery of a witness in the case, which is still pending. ADVERTISEMENT Dan Orbih on Tuesday emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-south national vice chairman. Mr Orbih, who was returned unopposed at the partys zonal congress held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, polled 960 votes out of the 964 votes cast. Pledge, commendations In his acceptance speech after the inauguration of the new leadership of the party in the zone, Mr Orbih pledged to reposition the party and make it stronger in 2023. He assured that the new executive would not betray the trust and faith reposed in them by the delegates. Mr Orbih commended the PDP governors in the zone for continually keeping faith with the party. He added that South-south was proud of PDP governors in the zone whom he said had done well and showed that if its not PDP, its not PDP. Accusations He accused the federal government of neglecting the zone, and not allowing it proper representation in key appointments at the federal level. He said the way forward was to sustain the growth of the party in the zone. All states in the zone are PDP and would remain so until the presidency returns to the party. We can, and will achieve a lot through unity, Mr Orbih said. Excellent process Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki praised the party in the zone over the conduct of the congress which he described as excellent. Mr Obaseki said there was a lot of work to be done by the new executive to ensure the party remained united in the zone and produces the next president of the country. He said the party was more united than ever before. Other elected officials are Tessy Toru, zonal woman leader; Evelyn Weke, zonal treasurer; and Felix Omenu, zonal secretary. Others are Bishop Ante, zonal publicity secretary; Lloyd Owonaru, zonal youth leader; Anthony Ikuenobe, zonal financial secretary; and George Turnah, zonal legal adviser. (NAN) Midshipmen will begin to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as Thursday after the Department of the Navy authorized the Naval Academy to administer it, according to an academy announcement Monday evening. The first midshipmen to receive the vaccine will be those participating in summer training, beginning May 15, Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck said in testimony to Congress on March 2. His timeline, which he presented to the Navy, had the remaining midshipmen vaccinated in April. "The Navy has prioritized vaccinating the operational forces first, and they're developing very safe and healthy bubbles," Buck said in a statement. "For midshipmen to participate in summer training programs to meet Navy requirements, we need to begin vaccinating them now." The Naval Academy is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19, with nearly 200 midshipmen temporarily residing in local hotels to increase quarantine and isolation space within Bancroft Hall. The Naval Academy cannot release the number or estimate of midshipmen diagnosed with the disease because of operational security, said spokesperson Cmdr. Alana Garas. While the midshipmen are currently in hotels, the academy is exploring all options for isolation and quarantine space if the coronavirus continues to spread, Garas said in a Friday email. During the H1N1 pandemic, ill midshipmen were placed in squash courts that had been converted to an isolation space complete with bathrooms and showers. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, midshipmen who are allowed to leave isolation will be allowed to return to their rooms in Bancroft Hall, Garas said. "We know that there are new strains of COVID in the United States to include Virginia and Maryland," Garas said in her email. "We do not yet know to what extent these new strains are affecting us, but it would be prudent to assume that these new variants are impacting our situation and the rapid increase in cases at USNA." The Naval Academy is testing randomly weekly and any midshipmen that might be symptomatic or had close contact with someone who is sick. Midshipmen who receive the vaccine do so on a voluntary basis, as the vaccine is still on an Emergency Use Authorization. If the vaccine receives a license from the Federal Drug Administration, it could become mandatory. The press release did not say if the midshipmen will receive the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Midshipmen who opt out of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will not be able to participate in the Fleet summer cruise training, Garas said in a statement. "This decision was made to reduce the risk of infection to Fleet Sailors on operational units," Garas said in the statement. Midshipmen who were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 will need to wait 90 days before receiving a vaccine, according to CDC guidelines. The Naval Academy will continue its schedule of vaccinating faculty, staff and employees who fall under Navy Phase 1B, including those who are deploying, frontline essential workers, those older than 75 and those with jobs that fall under critical national capabilities, according to the Department of Defense. Those who fall under 1B can get vaccinated once the vaccines are available, according to the release. This article is written by Heather Mongilio from The Capital, Annapolis, Md. and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. Letters to the editor should be limited to 400 words, be signed and include a town of residence and a telephone number for verification. Letters are due by noon Monday. No thank yous or political endorsement letters. Guest Shot columns are limited to 800 words. Email editor@jhnewsandguide.com. By Leigh Thomas PARIS (Reuters) - Europe and the United States should agree on common rules to determine how "green" a financial investment is, France's finance minister said on Wednesday, after talks with U.S. President Joe Biden's climate envoy John Kerry. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said it was also important to launch discussions with Washington on carbon border tax adjustments. "I proposed to (Special Envoy) John Kerry that Europe and the United States have an identical taxonomy," Le Maire told a news conference. "It would be a shame if at the end of the day we had two sets of rules in Europe and the United States." "That would be a source of considerable confusion between our two continents." Asked to respond to the separate suggestion of a carbon border adjustment tax, Kerry said Washington was aware that a number of countries were investigating such a tool. Such a tax essentially consists of import fees levied by carbon-taxing countries on goods manufactured in non-carbon-taxing countries. "There are a number of different proposals to assign a price on carbon and the methane and the greenhouse gases creating this damage. Whether or not we think that's the right tool or not, we have not yet been able to sit down and evaluate that," Kerry said. PARIS ACCORD Former U.S. president Donald Trump pulled the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter out of a 2015 global pact to fight climate change brokered in Paris. Hours after being sworn in in January, Biden used a presidential decree to sign back up. Kerry said the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases were "not sufficiently on the road to meeting" the Paris accord's target of limiting global warming to well below 2C, preferably 1.5C, above pre-industrial levels. The special envoy said major economies needed to "make sure that the pathway to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 remained a real option". India, Japan, Russia and Brazil are also all under pressure to commit to faster emissions cuts. Story continues "The president (Biden) has already set that goal. He believes that is the target," Kerry said. An estimated $2.5 trillion to $4 trillion would be needed over the next three decades to transition to an environmentally sustainable global economy, Kerry added. Asked if he was disappointed that China had announced a new five-year plan that analysts say will see its emissions rise, Kerry said: "It's not just about China. We all have to do this." (Additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstrateten and Geert De Clercq; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Jan Harvey, Toby Chopra and Gareth Jones) Dominic Perrottet has encouraged the federal government to end its JobKeeper program. The NSW Treasurers remarks this week coincided with conversations I was having with my staff, contractors, suppliers and customers that my business would be closing permanently because operating was no longer viable. As an owner of a live music venue, we have no future in NSW without JobKeeper. Gone to the wall ... a live performance at venue 505, which will close its doors. I have run the internationally renowned, multi-award-winning live music and performance venue 505 since 2004, but I will close its doors at the end of this month. We have presented hundreds of performances a year, supporting thousands of artists, welcoming hundreds of thousands of audience members. Despite the cultural and economic contribution our sector makes we remain invisible to Perrottet. The Treasurer argued the most vulnerable sectors post-JobKeeper would be construction, manufacturing, administration and tourism. There was no mention of the event and performance industry anywhere or the $16 billion we collectively contribute to the national economy. Live music is currently operating at a tiny fraction of its usual capacity, events remain nearly non-existent and many venues have not opened since their forced closures last March. Six months ago the live music industry put out an urgent SOS to the NSW government to provide support for the states independent live music venues. Eighty-five per cent of my colleagues indicated they would close permanently if no strategic support was provided. Six months on and no support has come. And now the state is calling for the end to the one program JobKeeper that has been bolstering our businesses. MIDDLETOWN A Torrington EMTs conduct with a patient led to his suspension hours before police say he set off Molotov cocktails at several emergency services facilities and fleeing to Pennsylvania where he was captured, according to arrest warrants released Wednesday. Richard White, 37, was brought back to Connecticut Tuesday to face charges after police said he fled to Pennsylvania hours after the fires on Feb. 27 in Meriden, Old Saybrook and Roxbury. White was ordered held on a combined $400,000 bond after a brief appearance Wednesday in Superior Court in Middletown. Officials said White will be arraigned Thursday in Meriden court for separate charges filed by police there. Courtesy of Old Saybrook Police / Contributed Photo White, who appeared via video conference for the hearing, said little as the state and his defense attorney, Angela Anastasi, discussed bond. Senior Assistant States Attorney Kevin Shay told Judge Kevin Murphy the cases against White were very serious matters. They are not only dangerous to begin with, all arsons are dangerous, but they threatened each one of these communities in terms of emergency response, Shay said. Anastasi, in asking the judge for a lower bond, said it should be noted that White voluntarily waived extradition proceedings before his return to Connecticut. She said he has no means to post high bond. Murphy kept the bonds as set, $150,000 for the charges in Old Saybrook and $250,000 for charges in Meriden. Theres a significant risk of flight, Murphy said. Hes already shown that by fleeing to Pennsylvania. A woman who attended the hearing on Whites behalf declined to comment outside the courthouse. Old Saybrook police, who took him into custody Tuesday at Northumberland County Jail in Pennsylvania, have charged White with third-degree arson and third-degree burglary. Meriden police have charged White on two warrants one with criminal attempt at first-degree arson and manufacturing of bombs and the other with breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief. State police said White is also suspected of setting fire to the Roxbury EMS and fire headquarters and a nearby house. The towns fire marshal said White used to live in the house. State police have yet to file charges against White in these incidents, but said they were working with prosecutors to secure arrest warrants. According to warrants in the Meriden and Old Saybrook incidents, White appeared for a disciplinary hearing at the Hunters Ambulance headquarters where he was suspended the morning of Feb. 27. The Meriden arrest warrant indicates White was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into his conduct earlier during the day while treating a patient. Authorities did not provide further details about the incident. Hunters Ambulance Chief Operating Officer David Lowell on Wednesday said that while the actions that led to Whites suspension are confidential, they did not directly involve a patient. Lowell did not provide further comment. The warrant states that as White left the Meriden facility that day around 10:15 a.m., he was seen on surveillance video reaching into the drivers side of an ambulance where he appears to attack a male employee who is sitting in the driver seat of the ambulance. At this time, other employees intervened and stopped the assault. The employees escorted White to his vehicle, the warrant stated. The Meriden police warrant said White blamed the other employee for the investigation being done against him that led to his administrative leave. In connection with the incident with his co-worker, Meriden police have asked the courts to set conditions if White is released on bond. Police are requesting the court to prohibit White from making any threats, harassment or violence toward the other person and to stay away from the Meriden Hunters facility. Several hours after the altercation in Meriden, police said White went to the Hunters Ambulance facility in Old Saybrook and threw an ignited device into the common area around 4:15 p.m., the arrest warrant states. William Heiney, a fire investigator and career firefighter paramedic, saw a light smoke condition in the large garage bay and started to search and clear the building, the warrant states. Heiney found a glass jar on the carpet in the common room, which consists of a sitting area with couches, a television, a small kitchen and a table area, the warrant stated. He put out the fire with a water can, according to the warrant. Officers arrived and found the evidence indicated someone threw the Molotov cocktail while standing close to the doorway of the common area, the warrant said. The investigating officer contacted White, who refused to come to the police station because he needed more time to cool off, according to the warrant. Less than an hour after the Old Saybrook incident, police said White returned to the Meriden facility and threw an ignited device out his car window at the ambulance bay around 5 p.m., the Meriden warrant states. A Hunters employee at the Meriden facility found the device and put it out with a fire extinguisher. The warrant said investigators found a fire starter block and a liquid substance in the glass jar that mirrored the one in Old Saybrook. Investigators said they connected White with the Meriden incident by surveillance footage that showed him and his vehicle, the warrant states. An hour after the Meriden incident, authorities were called to a fire at the Roxbury EMS and fire headquarters. A second call came in shortly afterward for a fire at a nearby house, state police said. White has not been charged in the Roxbury fires, however, police said the evidence in those blazes is consistent with the ones that occurred in Meriden and Old Saybrook. White was arrested by Pennsylvania state police around 10 p.m. that night, about 230 miles from Roxbury. He was held in Pennsylvania until Tuesday as a fugitive from justice, authorities said. The warrant related to the Meriden fire incident requests White be placed under 24/7 GPS surveillance and only allowed to attend pre-approved court and attorney meetings if hes released on bond. The warrant from Old Saybrook police states that White has no relevant convictions. A bond commissioner said in court Wednesday that White had a criminal matter that resulted in a diversionary program in 2015. They did not specify what he was charged with at the time. VIJAYAWADA: A delegation of Dixon Technologies (India) Ltd has called on Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy at the camp office here on Tuesday to discuss matters of fresh investment. During the interaction, the chief minister said it's good that Dixon Technologies would invest in the Kopparthi electronic manufacturing cluster. He promised the firm that the government would extend its full support to all those who invest in Andhra Pradesh. The chairman and CEO of the company informed the CM that the firm would provide employment to some two to three thousand people. It would manufacture mobile phones, variables, laptops, tablets, security equipment and cameras in Kopparthi in Kadapa district. It has plans to expand the unit in Tirupati and create another 1,000 jobs. The firm will partner with Bosch company to set up a washing machine manufacturing unit under the home appliances division. Dixon Technologies India chairman Sunil Vachani, CEO Pankaj Sharma and state industries minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy were among those who met the CM. Sunil Vachani along with his team visited the APIIC office at Mangalagiri and discussed their plans with officials. Sunil Vachani said he would fully adhere to the local employment policy of Andhra Pradesh and the Make in India policy of the Union Government. MD of APIIC, K Raveen Kumar Reddy, advised Dixon Technologies to take advantage of the smart cities developed by the Andhra Pradesh government for their new product expansion. He also asked the environment wing to look into the aspects of waste disposal and management. Pre-paid Gambling Cards Being Considered in Australia Could Spark a New Adaptation Trend Published March 10, 2021 by Lee R Major jurisdictions such as Australia are looking at a new solution for player protection. Pre-paid gambling cards have moved to the forefront of discussions in Australia regarding enhancing player protections. Pre-paid Gambling Cards Using pre-paid gambling cards in pub and club gaming machines is being considered as a way to protect players, but the Aussi government is not sold on the feasibility of such a measure at this point. History of the Idea The pre-paid gambling card solution for helping players manage their gambling was introduced in late 2020 by Victor Dominello. The proposal called for players to obtain government-regulated cards where they could pre-load money and use them for gaming bets and play. Money Laundering Protection The cards have also been acknowledged by some officials as a solution to money-laundering. Gambling reform advocate MP Andrew Wilkie said the card can significantly reduce money-laundering and provide opportunities for reducing the prevalence of gambling addiction. Key Region for Experimentation The anti-money laundering voices which include Justice Patricia Bergin are primarily concentrated in New South Wales, the state which Wilkie claims is home to about half the countrys poker machines, as well as the poker machine industrys most strident advocates." AML Awareness Wilkie referred to Bergin's Crown Resorts inquiry as one of a series of developments that has raised consciousness in Australia about the threat of money laundering to the jurisdiction's gambling industry: The community now understands much more clearly the harm caused by poker machines. Red Tape Concerns about implementation remain, starting with the details of regulatory adaptation and compliance would require at this stage to integrate pre-paid gambling cards, regardless of their proposed benefits. Nationals party leader John Barilaro refutes the urgency of the cards in this delicate period of regulatory adaptation in Australia, saying that now is not the time to strangle pubs and clubs with red tape. Pandemic Impact The cards would also provide a potentially undesirable convenience: facilitating land-based gambling in a time in which public gatherings of any kind can exacerbate the global pandemic at the local and regional levels of Australia's jurisdiction. Outlook Pre-paid cards with play limits appears a potentially effective solution for protecting players online as well, with the idea likely to ring out as player protection adaptations trend through jurisdictions worldwide. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. POTTSVILLE Robert G. Leonard III appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine after his arrest for allegedly killing his girlfriend in January 2019 in Hegins Township, a state police corporal testified Tuesday. He was yelling at the wall, making comments. He was there, but he wasnt there, Cpl. Timothy J. Rymarkiewicz said on the second day of Leonards trial in Schuylkill County Court. Those would be indicators. Leonard, 46, of Lancaster, continued to watch as prosecutors presented evidence that he killed Terri L. Gee, 53, of Ephrata. State police allege he stabbed and strangled Gee in the late evening or early morning hours of Jan. 5-6, 2019, at the Rausch Creek Trail Riders campground, 183 Bear Valley Road, Hegins. Gee died Jan. 9, 2019, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, of multiple traumatic injuries, former Dauphin County Deputy Coroner Eric Bender testified. The trial, over which President Judge William E. Baldwin is presiding before a jury of seven men and five women, is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Wednesday. District Attorney Michael A. OPake, who is prosecuting the case with First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine, said he will wrap us his case today. Leonard is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, strangulation, unlawful possession of weapon, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. If convicted of the most serious charge, first-degree murder, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, which in Pennsylvania carries no chance of parole. The final witness of a day dominated by DNA and blood evidence, Rymarkiewicz said Leonard showed many signs of being on meth when he interviewed him at the Schuylkill Haven station. His speech was slurred. His face looked a little pale, said Rymarkiewicz, a patrol supervisor and drug recognition expert. His eyes were bloodshot and watery. He said Leonard also failed several, but not all, of the field sobriety tests and showed a high pulse rate. Rymarkiewicz said those are signs of a central nervous system stimulant, and the one he sees the most often is meth. When cross-examined by Assistant Public Defender Lora J. McDonald, Leonards lawyer, Rymarkiewicz acknowledged that whether a person passes or fails a field sobriety test is subjective, although he also said he evaluates several factors in making that determination. Blood had been found on Leonards pants and right sneaker and on Gees body, according to Michael Gossard, a forensic scientist at the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Blood was identified on both the left and right nail clippings of Terri Gee, he testified. Those nail clippings also had Gees DNA under them, according to Angela Schultheis, a forensic scientist formerly with the state police crime laboratory in Greensburg. Schultheis also testified Gees DNA was a major component of the blood found on Leonards pocketknife and pants. When cross-examined by McDonald, Schultheis said she could not say how Gees DNA got in the blood. Other witnesses who testified Tuesday included the following people: State police Trooper David Lock, who testified by Zoom about how he helped in the K-9 units search of the campground. State police Cpl. Thomas Leib, who identified the pocketknife that prosecutors alleged was the one Leonard used to stab Gee. This blade is a smooth blade, he said of the single-edged Sheffield pocketknife. Jillian Skola, a forensic DNA scientist at the Greensburg laboratory, who testified the blade of that knife had DNA from Gee and also from another person who could not be identified. There was not enough DNA from the second person to get a match, she said. New Delhi: "If we have to close down our government, we're building that wall," said US President Donald Trump while addressing the supporters at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump added that he will shut down the government if a fund for make Mexico wall will not collect. He told supporters at a "Make America Great Again" rally that opposition Democrats were being "obstructionist". Mr. Trump wants Congress to finance his contentious plan to build a giant wall along the United States with Mexico to control or ban illegal immigration. Republicans want the support of the Democrats to build a wall, need financial aid in a government spending bill, which has very fewer chances. Mr Trump said: Now the obstructionist Democrats would like us not to do it, but believe me if we have to close down our government, we are building that wall." He added that the American people voted for immigration control. While addressing the rally trump lashed out at media, criticized the reporting style of the media organization."These are truly dishonest people. They're bad people. Also Read: Donald Trump: US media dishonest, lobbying tool I really think they don't like our country," Trump said. "The only people giving a platform to these hate groups is the media." Adopting a glib tone, Trump said many reporters ignored his condemnation of white supremacists, including the Ku Klux Klan. "If we have to close down our government, we're building that wall," Trump said. "We're going to have our wall. The American people voted for immigration control. We're going to get that wall." In his speech, Trump has also talked about from NAFTA trade talks to the US slowdown with North Korea. He said there would be a chances that he cancel the NAFTA treaty with Mexico and Canada to jump-start negotiations, and said the standoff with North Korea over its weapons programs might have taken a positive turn. However, it was unclear whether the speech would help lay the foundation for a comeback from the deep political crisis Trump finds himself in after only seven months in office and an approval rating below 40 percent. Also Read: Trump says Pakistan has suffered from terror, but it has also been safe haven for terrorists (With Reuters Input) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The U.S. Supreme Court is seen in Washington on June 13, 2005. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Supreme Court to Hear Case of Navy Veteran Suing NYPD Officers for Malicious Prosecution The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a New York man who is suing police for malicious prosecution, after officers raided his home without a warrant to conduct a fruitless child abuse investigation and held him in custody for two days on charges that were later dismissed. In an unsigned March 8 order, the court agreed to review the case known as Thompson v. Clark, court file 20-659. Pagiel Clark is one of four New York Police Department (NYPD) officers named in the lawsuit. The other officers are Paul Montefusco, Phillip Romano, and Gerard Bouwmans. The case is an appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, which rendered its opinion on Feb. 24, 2020. The case goes back seven years. Larry Thompson, a U.S. Navy veteran who has been a postal worker for 20 years, lives in the borough of Brooklyn with his wife. At the time of the incident, the couplewho were the proud parents of a one-week-old daughterwere caring for the wifes sister, who has cognitive challenges. On Jan. 15, 2014, the sister dialed 911 to report that the baby cried when Thompson changed her diaper and mistakenly identified as signs of abuse red rashes that turned out to be diaper rash. Emergency medical technicians arrived to find the wife sitting on the couch holding the baby safely. Unaware that his sister-in-law had called 911, Thompson asked the technicians to leave and they complied, according to his petition filed with the Supreme Court. The four NYPD officers arrived and met with the technicians, who told them that the technicians would get in trouble if they didnt make contact with and examine the baby. The police went to Thompsons apartment and said they were investigating possible child abuse and needed to look at his child. Thompson demanded to speak with the officers superior, a request they refused, and then asked if they had a warrant to enter his home. The police then entered the home over Thompsons objections, threw him to the floor, handcuffed him, and conducted a search without seeking a warrant. The technicians found no signs of abuse on the infants body and took her to a hospital where the lack of abuse was confirmed. The police escorted Thompson out of the apartment building and put him in jail for two days. According to the police, Thompsons mere refusal to let them into his home without a warrant to examine his child was sufficient basis to arrest and pursue charges for resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, the petition stated. He refused offers to settle the case out of court, but prosecutors eventually unilaterally dismissed the charges against him, advising the court that the people are dismissing the case in the interest of justice. Thompson filed a federal civil rights lawsuit claiming that the police violated his Fourth Amendment rights through their warrantless entry to his home and by unreasonably seizing him pursuant to legal process. There are two issues before the court, according to court documents. The first is whether the rule enshrined in legal precedent that a plaintiff must await favorable termination before bringing a federal civil rights action alleging unreasonable seizure pursuant to legal process requires the plaintiff to show that the criminal proceeding against him has formally ended in a manner not inconsistent with his innocence, or that the proceeding ended in a manner that affirmatively indicates his innocence. The second deals with who bears the burden of proof as to the existence of exigent circumstances that allegedly justify the warrantless entry of a home. Federal appeals courts disagree. The 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeals have held that the burden to prove exigency lies with the government; the 2nd, 7th, and 8th Circuits have held that the burden to prove the absence of exigency is with the plaintiff. The Epoch Times reached out to both sides for comment. New York City Law Department spokesman Nicholas Paolucci told The Epoch Times, Well decline to comment. Amir Ali, counsel of record for Thompson, couldnt be reached for comment. Chinese officials have acknowledged the growing conflict between the communist country and the United States and in response are urging for bigger military spending. Beijing's annual legislative session recently held its second meeting, during which two generals strongly advised for increased military spending to "prepare for a possible confrontation with the U.S.," Bloomberg reported. Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang, who is communist China's top uniformed officer, as well as another general, said that a "Thucydides Trap" was coming very soon between China as a rising power and the U.S. as an established one. "Thucydides Trap" is a term coined by American political scientist Graham T. Allison to describe the risk of going to war when an emerging power threatens to displace an existing great power. Today, Chinese generals are urging for increased military spending and major efforts in preparing the military for potential conflict with the United States. Xu said that as communist China faces the "Thucydides Trap" and "border disturbances," the Chinese military must vastly improve their capabilities. He called on the military to unite, saying, "The most important thing is internal unity and cohesion and improvement of overall capabilities. If you are strong, you will have long-term stability, as well as invincibility." Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, who is also part of the Central Military Commission, said that "containment and counter-containment will be the main tone of bilateral ties between China and U.S." During the legislative session, CCP Secretary Xi Jinping admitted that China's military faced "relatively big instability and uncertainty" and urged their armed forces to prioritize military construction and war-preparedness and ensure that they are flexible enough to combat "various kinds of complexities and difficulties at any time." As China is preparing its military for potential conflict with the United States, Xi committed to build a greater military power by modernizing its armed forces by 2035 and equipping them with enough skills and tools to make them "a world-class military capable of winning wars across all theaters by 2050." China's defense spending is projected to increase 6.8% this year, an increase of 0.2% from 2020. But this does not come without challenges. Chinese Defense Minister admitted that they are at a high risk period in which there is a lot more to be done in the defense sector and military. He committed to strengthening training, war preparedness, and strategic capability across the board. U.S. analysts are already pushing for the Biden administration to prepare for potential conflict with China. Larry Wortzel, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council told South China Morning Post that working with U.S. allies is key in "meeting the challenges and potential threats posed by China's military and defence programs." Anja Manuel, a former diplomat and partner at a strategic consulting firm advised that the United States should take this moment to "get our own innovation house in order" and provide "smart tax credits" to the most innovative technology makers to help support U.S. defense. According to FOX News, Congress has already approved a defense budget of $694.6 billion for the fiscal year of 2021, thrice the amount China is allotting for military spending. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Vietnam is expected to receive over 1.3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in late March and more than 4.2 million shots in April. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) said on Tuesday that free vaccine doses provided by COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX), will arrive in Vietnam in March and April. Accordingly, 1,373,800 doses will be shipped to the country on March 25, and more than 2.8 million shots will arrive within April. All of these vaccine jabs are developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. COVAX, which aims at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, is led by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others. It consists of 92 member countries, including Vietnam. The EPI added that another 1.48 million vaccine jabs which the Ministry of Health had purchased from AstraZeneca via the Vietnam Vaccine JSC will also reach the country in April. This means Vietnam will have over 5.6 million vaccine shots developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University in March and April. The country has announced that it will try to obtain 150 million vaccine doses for the whole population this year, including 30 million through the COVAX scheme, 30 million through AstraZeneca, and the rest through negotiations with U.S. and other producers. The first COVID-19 vaccine shipment a batch of 117,600 doses landed in Ho Chi Minh City on February 24. This is part of the 30 million doses bought from AstraZeneca. COVID-19 vaccination was initiated in Vietnam on Monday. A total of 522 people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the northern province of Hai Duong, and the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai were vaccinated on Monday and Tuesday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 01:13:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic may have improved the population prospects of Finland, a government press release said Wednesday. During 2020, the decline in the Finnish birth rate seems to have stopped and net immigration has stabilized, said Anna Rotkirch, research professor at the Finnish Family Federation. The fertility rate of women rose to 1.37 from 1.35 in 2019, Statistics Finland reported earlier. However, the report commissioned by the government from Rotkirch also expressed concern about the future and urged a comprehensive approach to demographics. During the 2010s, the Finnish population development broke away from the general Nordic trend. Finland had the slowest rate of population growth in the Nordics, and the total fertility rate decreased to less than 1.4 children per woman on average. The report urged that Finland should promote balanced demographic development by supporting wellbeing, family-friendliness, and human resources throughout the course of life. According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, Finland's population was 5,537,046 at the end of January. Enditem (Natural News) Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn has accused Big Tech companies of aiding and abetting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in its bid to become a global superpower. Speaking on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 26, Blackburn said Big Tech companies have been allowing the Chinese Communist Party to spew all of their information. CPAC is the biggest annual conservative conference, which recently took place in Orlando, Florida. It concluded Sunday, Feb. 28, with former President Donald Trump speaking publicly for the first time since he left office. This years theme of the meeting was America Uncanceled. Big Tech is aiding and abetting the CCP in its push for global dominance, Blackburn said. And we are going to have to stand against it. Blackburn was talking about freedom of speech in the United States and abroad when she brought up the relationship between the countrys Big Tech companies and the CCP. China is trying to cancel the United States of America. China and Big Tech, they have a cozy relationship, Blackburn said. Conform or they will cancel you, sounds a lot like communist China doesnt it? (Related: Facebook, Twitter and Big Tech make their money in China.) The Republican senator added: This is why we have to keep blocking Huawei, which is the spy network for Big Tech; theyre trying to build a virtual you online. Blackburn talks about CCPs shenanigans and abuses The Chinese may already have spies in place across the country in the form of Confucius Institutes. They are trying to steal the minds of our children and our college students with Confucius institutes, Blackburn said. The Trump administration ramped up its scrutiny of Confucius Institutes in August last year as part of its broader concern that the CCP was using American university campuses to engage in espionage, spread propaganda and promote censorship. China claimed the aim of the institutes is purely to strengthen Chinese language learning and culture. Blackburn also discussed the human rights abuses and other abuses committed by the Chinese regime. China is carrying out human rights violations against the Hong Kong freedom fighters, Tibet, Taiwan, she said. Theyve got the Uyghurs enslaved in encampments, internment centers. Look at what they do to the economy, to American innovators. They rob, replicate, replace. On Jan. 19, a day before Joe Bidens inauguration, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Trump administration has determined that the Chinese regime committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. It was one of the Trump administrations toughest measures to condemn the CCPs severe domestic human rights abuses. Twitter trying to correct mistakes in dealing with Chinese accounts American social media platforms are blocked in China, but CCP officials and state media accounts have access to Twitter, Facebook and more. Twitter has been trying to address that the past two years. In June last year, it removed more than 170,000 accounts tied to a Beijing-backed influence operation that deceptively spread messages favorable to the Chinese government, including some misleading information about the coronavirus. The company suspended a core network of 23,750 highly active accounts and a larger network of about 150,000 amplifier accounts used to boost the content of the core accounts. According to Twitter and the researchers who analyzed the accounts, the network was largely an echo chamber of fake accounts without much further traction. The Chinese network had links to an earlier state-backed operation dismantled in 2019 by Twitter, Facebook and Googles YouTube that had been pushing misleading narratives about political dynamics in Hong Kong. In August last year, Twitter started labeling government accounts and state-media accounts from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the U.S. For transparency and practicality, we are starting with a limited and clearly-defined group of countries before expanding to a wider range of countries in the future, Twitter said in a blog post. Follow TechGiants.news for more news and information related to Big Tech companies. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 TheEpochTimes.com 2 Blog.Twitter.com Nanette Riedel-Mendez was relieved after her 95-year-old mother, who lives in a nursing home in Brenham, received the complete Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in January. But weeks after Francine Riedel was inoculated, she tested positive for the coronavirus. Then she became sick and had to be hospitalized. I was just in shock, said Riedel-Mendez. Because Im like, why does she have covid? Her mother is one of 10 residents and three staff members at Focused Care at Brenham who have tested positive for COVID-19 after they had taken either one or both doses of a vaccine. Another seven residents and three staff members also have tested positive. As state officials investigate whether the facility is complying with health and safety rules, Riedel-Mendez is seeking answers. Who exposed her? she said. How did she get it? Shes in a locked down nursing home. All these other people got it too. So, it just left a lot of questions that I was researching. As vaccinations continue to roll out, so do questions about immunity. Linda Yancey, infectious disease expert with Memorial Hermann, explained that the vaccine is designed to keep people from getting seriously sick from the coronavirus, but it doesnt outright prevent infection. For most people, she said, full immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine comes seven to 10 days after receiving their second dose. With the vaccine, people get that first dose and they somehow think theyre now bulletproof, said Yancey. That is absolutely not the case. Even after someone is fully vaccinated, like Riedel, Yancey said theres still a chance that someone could test positive for the virus. However, a person would get a much less severe case. We have yet to have a death in anybody who has been documented to have received the full dose of the vaccine, said Yancey. Fourteen of the infected residents have been moved to Focused Care at Baytown. Two residents are now staying at Kruse Village in the COVID-19 unit, while one other was admitted to a local hospital in Brenham, according to a statement from the facility. The nursing home in Brenham was doing routine testing, but started outbreak testing once a staff member tested positive on Feb. 22, according to the statement. Outbreak testing occurs every three to four days and is required by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission the facility said. The frequent testing will continue until no positive tests are returned in 14 days. After the frequent testing concludes, testing will continue twice a week for the coronavirus as part of the nursing homes policy. The state agency is also monitoring the incident. As the regulatory authority for long-term care facilities in Texas, our top priority is the health and safety of the people in these facilities, a spokesperson from Texas Health and Human Services said in an email on Wednesday. We are actively investigating this facility to assess its compliance with all relevant health and safety rules. Nursing home officials contacted Riedel-Mendez in March to let her know that her mother had tested positive. Riedel-Mendez ended up bringing her mother to her home to take care of her, but by Sunday she had collapsed and needed to be hospitalized. She said her mother, who suffers from Alzheimers, had no other underlying heath conditions but is now dealing with a cough and also has a urinary tract infection. Yancey said nursing homes remain a high risk situation. She encourages the general public to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid indoor gatherings even as more of the population gets vaccinated. Youve got a lot of vulnerable people being housed indoors together, said Yancey. Weve seen this again and again in the pandemic. Nursing homes are just so vulnerable. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you already have a print subscription, click through to verify your information to receive free access. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. Please use the button below to manage your account. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. They Should Have Walked Him: Kale Stevenson's clutch homers spark Post 17 to doubleheader sweep IF you have absolutely no urgent or emergency need to be outdoors today, then remain at home. Should you take a chance and decide to tempt fate, then it may most likely result in you being stopped and questioned by police officers and members of the Defence Force, or even find yourself charged and taken before a court. Credit: Shutterstock More than 30,000 people have signed a petition, launched by ex-Sydney school girl Chanel Contos, demanding for consent to be at the forefront of sexual education in schools. The text in the petition states: "Those who have signed this petition have done so because they are sad and angry that they did not receive an adequate education regarding what amounts to sexual assault and what to do when it happens." The petition encouraged a growing number of harrowing testimonies from young women throughout Australia about their experiences of sexual assault at parties. School principals, particularly in all-boys schools, have responded by acknowledging the need for a cultural shift. Some schools have gathered students for sessions about consent, others addressed the topic in the classroom, some have asked parents to engage their children in discussions about sexual consent and social norms. But studies show one-off conversations or education sessions about consent and rape are unlikely to influence long-term change. Interventions need to systematically and gradually address the harmful social norms that underpin a host of interrelated issues including rape culture, intimate partner violence and homophobic bullying. I evaluated a sexuality education program in Mexico City. My evaluation highlighted a number of factors that can help shift harmful beliefs and behaviors related to gender, sexuality and relationships. Engaging students in discussions Evidence from around the globe suggests that to transform the harmful gender norms that contribute to violence and sexual assault, programs should promote critical reflections about gender, relationships and sexuality. Evidence also shows such reflection takes time. A community-based organization providing sexual and reproductive health services throughout Mexico adapted their sexuality course in 2016. It was a 20 hour course, delivered weekly over one semester to 185 students in one school. Each group of 20 participants aged 14 to 17 had one facilitator. The facilitators in the course were young people (under 30 years of age). They were trained as professional health educators, and to facilitate activities that promote critical reflection among students about entrenched beliefs and social norms. Such conversations can be about things like the nature of love and behaviors that are good and bad in a relationship. In the program, students engaged in debates about romantic jealousy, and whether it was a sign of love. One student told me: "they told us [] about what is love and what is not love. I told my boyfriend, "they told us that jealousy is bad," and he replied, "that's right, because it means a lack of trust," and in this way, we sometimes talked about the course." Vignettes that were relevant to the students' lived experiences stimulated debates about gender roles and social norms. For example, student said: "One of the things my classmate said stayed with me. He said that the man has to work and the woman should stay in the house. It made me, like, think. I think that a woman doesn't need to always be at home [] as if it were a prison. I think you need to give freedom to both people in a relationship." These group conversations can be challenging. They may also be upsetting to participants, and could even provoke verbal harassment or violence. One facilitator described bullying and violence during some sessions of the course. "The group started to verbally attack each other, and it was one corner of the room against the other." This means facilitators need training not only on the concepts of gender, sexuality and relationships, but also on how best to directly address comments that may reinforce harmful gender norms or other types of violence in the classroom and use those as teaching moments to highlight the consequences of harmful social norms. Was the program successful? I saw the students become more comfortable talking about relationships and sexuality as the course progressed. One young man said, "Before the course, it made us a bit embarrassed to talk about sexual and reproductive health. But afterwards we understood, with the course, that it was, like, very natural to talk about it. It's like any other thing, and so I now feel fine talking about it." As a result of the program, some students said they directly addressed negative behaviors in their own relationships. And some even left controlling relationships. One student said: "You know the information they told us about relationships? I was thinking about that, and then I decided to talk to my girlfriend about her controlling behavior." The students also developed trust in the course facilitators over time. One young man said: "As time passed, they gave me confidence that if at any moment I need something I can ask them for help, it won't be a problem." The facilitators made referrals to health care, provided advice and support, and in one case accompanied a participant to obtain care. What needs to happen in Australia In Australia, the quality and extent of implementation of sexual education is often left up to individual teachers or schools. But many teachers called on to deliver sexuality education feel unprepared to go beyond factual biological instruction. A government mandateas seen in a handful of countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlandsis needed to ensure high quality sexuality education is delivered to all young people in Australia. But even when mandated, implementation at a national scale is challenging. To effectively deliver such programs, resources should be put towards developing a large cohort of health educators who are trained and supported to deliver quality sexual education. A nation-wide program could be implemented through a partnership between national and state governments and community-based organizations already experienced with sexuality education. Parents can get involved too As shown in the quotes above, the young people in the Mexico City course discussed topics from their sexuality course with peers, partners and parents. This suggests that, even if parents feel unprepared to educate their children about sexual health, sexuality education can provide a bridge to open and reflective conversations. These can be a two-way exchange so parents need not serve as the educator, and can themselves benefit along with their children. My research on prevention programming, as well as reviews of school-based interventions more broadly, reinforces the centrality of schools, both as settings in which violence is perpetrated, and as a site for its prevention. Schools are often heteronormative institutions and can perpetuate toxic masculinity and rape culture. Investing in good quality sexual education can prevent the "downstream" effects we are seeing now in the testimonials about sexual assault in schools and in the national parliament. Explore further Men are mentors in program for adolescent boys about healthy relationships and sexuality This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) speaks at the 5th Birthday And Beyond event at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington on June 25, 2014. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) US Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Combat Chinas Forced Organ Harvesting A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced legislation in the Senate and the House to stop Chinas state-sanctioned practice of forced harvesting of organs for transplant from prisoners of conscience. Organ harvesting is an egregiously barbaric and inhumane act that has no place in our world, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the prime sponsor of the House version, said in a March 9 statement. We must do more to put an end to the horrific abuse by international human trafficking gangs, terrorist organizations, and even some governmentsChinas communist regime in particularwho kill innocent people and sell their organs for profit. Our legislation would empower the U.S. State Department to identify and expose organ harvesters and traffickers across the world with the goal of punishing perpetrators through effective sanctions and travel restrictions. The legislation, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, would authorize the U.S. government to deny or revoke passports for people who engage in the illegal purchase of organs. Under Section 301 of the National Organ Transplant Act, the commercialism and private sale of human organs are banned. China has been one of the top destinations for transplant tourism, while Beijing has promoted its narrative in U.S. newspapers that organs are sourced from voluntary donations. The Chinese regime announced that it would stop sourcing organs from executed prisoners starting on Jan. 1, 2015, and claimed that it would executively rely on a new system of voluntary donations. Beijings claim was refuted by a June 2019 report published by a London-based peoples tribunal. The report concluded, after a year-long investigation, that the stated-sanctioned practice of forced organ harvesting was happening on a significant scale in China, with Falun Gong practitioners being the main source of organs. Adherents of Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline thats also known as Falun Dafa, have been the targets of persecution by the Chinese regime since 1999. Additionally, the legislation would mandate that the State Department report annually on forced organ harvesting in foreign countries, and identify foreign officials and entities responsible for forced organ harvesting. These officials and entities could then be subjected to possible U.S. sanctions under the legislation. The legislation would also prohibit the U.S. export of organ transplant surgery devices to these foreign entities responsible. The House bill (H.R.1592) was co-sponsored by Reps. Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), while the Senate bill (S.602) was introduced by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.). There is growing evidence that the Chinese Communist Party has and continues to harvest organs from persecuted religious groups, prisoners of conscience, and inmates, Cotton said in a statement. This bill will identify and punish CCP members involved in forced organ harvesting. Its past time to hold Beijing accountable for these heinous acts. Similar legislation was introduced in the previous session of Congress in December last year. This year, four different counties in the state of Virginia have passed resolutions condemning Chinas forced organ harvesting. NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. The representatives of many private schools in Hanoi have expressed their concern that they may go bankrupt if they are not allowed to start teaching before September 5, the official opening day of the academic year. Private schools fear they are not allowed to start teaching before September 5 When the 2020-2021 academic year was about to begin, the Ministry of Educational and Training (MOET) said that public school students would gather on September 1 and schools must not begin teaching before September 5. As for private schools, the ministry will consider amending Circular No 13/2011 on organizing and operating private schools to fit their conditions. To date, the ministry still has not opened the draft document amending Circular 13 for public opinion. The headmaster of a private school said the circular needs to be amended to create better conditions for private schools to develop their missions and not operate in the same way as public schools. Nguyen Thi Hien, chair of the board of directors of Doan Thi Diem School, said in general, private schools design a 10-month academic year instead of nine months like public schools. This is because private schools organize a lot of extracurricular activities, special training programs, foreign language intensive teaching programs, life skill courses and international cooperation programs. My school, for example, in addition to the frame program set by MOET, also runs our specific program which is the typical characteristic of our school, she said. If MOET doesnt allow private schools to start new academic year before September 5, they wont be able to run the programs. And if private schools run the same education program like public schools, parents will find it unnecessary to spend big money to send their children to private schools, Hien said. She warned that if the watchdog agency doesnt give private schools the right of self-determination, they wont be able to exist. If so, schools will have to circumvent the regulations by organizing clubs, summer camps, or something similar to gather students. The activities will help them avoid bankruptcy. Nguyen Tung Lam, headmaster of Dinh Tien Hoang High School, said private schools all want to build their brands and their special characteristics, and in order to do this, they need time. Private schools not only strive for the goals set by MOET, but also set specific goals for themselves. We want to develop students into citizens who are not only good at knowledge but also certain skills, Lam said. For compulsory learning subjects, the schools also run specific programs, and wont be able to do this if they cannot gather students before September 5. Thuy Nga Private schools in Vietnam rush to enroll students in healthcare majors The demand for doctors and medical workers is high, but the workforce for the healthcare sector is produced only by several public schools. This has prompted private schools to jump on the bandwagon. Midland's Biggby Coffee is under new ownership. Cory and Norma Psycher, along with their business partner Jim Hop, purchased the store in October 2020. Cory Psycher, who is originally from Alma, studied entrepreneurship and business management at Northwood University. He graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of business administration degree. Psycher and his wife met while he was working at a corporate job in Kalamazoo. Norma was involved in full-time ministry. I met my wife Norma in Kalamazoo while serving in youth ministry for inner-city youth, and we had our first date at no other than a Biggby Coffee, he said. After a while, Cory and Norma noticed that his job was taking him away from home too often. When my corporate job in southwest Michigan began to be too much overnight travel away from our kids, we decided it was time for a career change so that I could spend more time at home, he said. Thats when they considered opening a second Biggby Coffee location in Midland, a town that Cory had grown fond of while attending Northwood. As we began that process, we learned that the owner of the existing store was looking to retire, he said. After a quick analysis of that business, we decided to purchase that location. Last fall, they started their new adventure, Cory taking care of brand development and growth strategies, among other things, and Norma handling all of the operational activities. While they still plan to open a second Biggby in Midland, they also have plans for the existing store. Over a three-year period, we will take that location through a complete overhaul and remodel, Cory said. Some changes will include a redesign of the interior space as well as a new menu board outside. Meanwhile, as they enjoy getting to know their customers, the Psychers are committed to the Biggby philosophy of helping our team and community to live the life they love. We are a community here, and we believe that support is a two-way street, Cory said. Even though we own the Biggby Coffee, I still buy coffee from the other local coffee shops as well. We are a community first and competition second its the only way to succeed in times like this. In December, Biggby hosted a fundraiser for the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation which raised $4,000. Psycher mentioned that Biggby offers national and regional discounts as well as local promotions. He also said that they are hiring both for the existing store and the new location, which is slated to open later this year. Jim Hop partners with Cory and Norma Psycher as an owner of the local Biggby. Jim and his wife, Tina, are long-time residents of Midland. Tina is the controller for the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Jim is an assistant professor and chairs the entrepreneurship as well as franchising management departments at Northwood University. Biggby Coffee is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. The business, which also has drive-through service, is located at 957 S. Saginaw Road in Midland. A youthful-looking woman claims she looks so young strangers are often 'convinced' she is her daughter's sister. Arianna Chamberlain, 30, who lives in Nevada, has received endless comments from strangers that have confused her mother, JoLee Barnes, 52, from California, for her sister. At the age of 15, she went to Bali with her mother who would have been 36, where the stunning pair were bombarded with comments about being siblings. 'Everyone was convinced we were sisters,' Arianna recalled. JoLee Barnes, 52, (pictured left) from California, is often mistaken for being the sister of her daughter Arianna Chamberlain, 30, (pictured right) who lives in Nevada Arianna said during a trip to Bali, everyone refused to believe JoLee is her mother. Pictured: The pair in their younger years Arianna revealed men have mistaken JoLee (pictured) for being her sister and invited them both to go dancing 'No one would believe me when we told them we were mother and daughter. Even as we have both gotten older, people still confuse us to be sisters. 'When we go out to dinner together, there have been times when there have been a group of guys on a table next to us and they offer to pay for our dinner and take us dancing because they think we are sisters. 'People always comment and say how amazing my mom looks for her age when we correct them. 'I love that people compare us as sisters because I know that's also how I am going to age, so I will look just as great when I am older.' JoLee, who is over two decades older than Arianna, says it is flattering when people think that they are sisters. She said: 'People are always telling me that I must have great genes and ask me what my secret to looking young is. 'I usually respond by telling them that joy, peace and nature help with ageing. And I also swear by rosehip oil which I apply to my face every single night. Arianna (pictured left) said people always comment on how 'amazing' her mother (pictured right) looks for her age Arianna (pictured left, as a teen) revealed her friends were obsessed with JoLee (pictured right) throughout school Arianna (pictured left) said people would change the lyrics to the song Stacy's Mom to be about JoLee (pictured right) 'My daughter and I both love to practice good self-care, and she had also forced a strict skincare regime on me which is really helpful too. 'Arianna also managed to convince me to fly to Canada to get my eyebrows micro-bladed with her after she had found an amazing technician on social media. 'I was nervous but it was really great. And having them done has actually been really convenient.' JoLee who works in real estate, has always been into fashion and refers to clothing as an art form. She says she loves to dress up and has also been adventurous with her hairstyles over the years. JoLee, said: 'We both love getting ready for events. We will spend all day getting ready together and feeling glamorous. 'We always want to know what the other is wearing or doing with their hair. We have the best time. Arianna (pictured left) said she grew up borrowing her mother's (pictured right) clothes and they have continued to swap items Arianna said JoLee (pictured) hasn't had any work, but she recently taught her a skincare routine to keep her looking young JoLee (pictured left) said it's flattering when people mistake her for being Arianna's (pictured right) sister 'When there is an opportunity for us to glam it up, it's like we are stepping on a red carpet together. 'I love my daughter's style too. She keeps herself simple and classy. She always looks perfectly put together. 'I would say that we are similar in the way that we both navigate towards earthy and neutral colours.' JoLee revealed flattering compliments about her looking like her daughter's sister increased as Arianna was getting older, but she remained protective of her. She adds that Arianna's friends also wanted to be friends with her. JoLee said: 'There was this fascination with 'Ari's mom.' All of her friends also wanted to be friends with me. 'I tried to give her some and back away slightly to let her shine. 'To me, ageing is a gracious thing and I don't mind passing the baton on to Arianna. I like to push her forward and take the back seat. 'But she still wants me alongside her. JoLee (pictured right) said people often ask about her secret to looking young, revealing that she uses rosehip oil on her face every night JoLee (pictured right) said Arianna (pictured left) convinced her to travel to Canada to have her eyebrows micro bladed 'We are best friends. She is proud of her mom and I am proud of my daughter. She pushes me as a woman, and I loved that there has been a kind of role reversal. 'I feel lucky that we have such a special relationship and to have a daughter who is such a delight.' Arianna added her friends were obsessed with her mother all throughout her school years. She claims that they would change the Fountains of Wayne lyrics to Stacy's Mom to be about her mom. She said: 'They would sing 'I'm in love with Ari's mom' instead of it staying 'Stacy's mom' and talk about how attractive she was. JoLee said she loves Arianna's style and they often discuss what they're going to wear and how they are going to style their hair. Pictured: The duo when they were younger 'When I was growing up I was always trying to borrow my mom's clothes because I loved her style. Even now I like to borrow her clothes and she loves wearing mine too. 'My mom is a natural beauty. She has had no work done to keep her looking young. 'Although I have recently taught her an amazing skincare routine to keep her looking even younger than she already looks. 'She loves to keep up on her appearance, but likes to do most of her beauty treatments herself as she is quite particular.' Bishara charged with sexual assault following alleged incident in Sydney A terrified teenage girl sent frantic text messages to her friends asking for help after she was allegedly lured into a construction site by a security guard who asked her to touch his penis for $50. Zekry Bishara, 61, was charged following the alleged incident last Saturday night, which happened after the 16-year-old became lost in Sydney's CBD. Court documents revealed the teen, who had been drinking alcohol during the night, was walking up Loftus street looking for her friends after the Mardi Gras parade when she came into contact with Bishara. 'I'll take you somewhere safe,' police allege the security guard told her. Zekry Bishara, 61, was charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident last Saturday night in Sydney's CBD The girl later told police she instantly feared for her safety, so she texted the word 'help' to her friends. They responded by trying to call her but she didn't answer. Just after 11.40pm police allege Bishara opened a gate and walked the disorientated teen onto the construction site, before allegedly offering her an alcoholic drink. Police allege he said to the girl 'let me touch you, let me kiss you' before offering the youngster $50 to touch his genitals. 'No, I'm a child,' police allege the girl replied to Bishara. The court then heard the security guard allegedly exposed himself to the girl and put her hand on his penis before allegedly sexually assaulting her. The security guard denies all charges, with the due to return to Central Local Court on May 4 The teen phoned her parents following the alleged ordeal, who then took her to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for observation. Police attended the construction site a few hours after the alleged incident, with Bishara telling officers he simply 'walked the girl up the road before she ran off.' CCTV footage allegedly shows the girl entering the building site before leaving ten minutes later. After arresting Bishara at the construction site, officers searched his wallet and allegedly found a $50 note. Bishara was charged with sexually touching the girl without consent, carrying out a sexual act without consent and detaining a person with the intention of obtaining advantage. He denies all charges and is due to return to court on May 4. Roosters star Victor Radley is set to miss just one NRL game after tackling a man on the street in Byron Bay in December last year. Radley was handed a two-game suspension and was fined $20,000 by the NRL on Wednesday after the 22-year-old tackled the man outside an Airbnb on December 30. Poised to make a comeback from his ACL injury, Radley was on Tuesday omitted from the team list for the Roosters season-opener against Manly. The NRL has since confirmed his suspension will only apply to round one and two regardless of his injury, meaning Radley will miss out on one match. Old Westbury, NY--Akinobu "Aki" Watanabe, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), has secured a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Watanabe, a vertebrate paleontologist, is the first New York Institute of Technology faculty member to receive a CAREER award, which is one of the NSF's most competitive grants. Principal investigators can receive this award once in their career and may only submit a proposal three times. Watanabe's first submission was selected and is expected to receive a five-year award of $710,855. His research project, "Evo-Developmental Interactions of Craniofacial and Brain Anatomy," will tackle how the brain and skull interact over millions of years to cause evolutionary structural changes, as well as causes of brain-skull interaction in the days and weeks before birth. Combining traditional and advanced research techniques, the project is the most comprehensive of its kind to investigate brain-skull interaction over these two complementary timescales. Better understanding of brain-skull interactions may allow clinicians to prevent and treat future neurological and cranial birth defects, which can cause developmental delays, physical disabilities, and even death. In particular, findings may benefit craniosynostosis, a condition where skull joints close prematurely and prevent normal brain growth, and hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) expands brain tissue, leading to skull swelling. "The brain and skull are intimately linked physically, developmentally, and functionally, and this interaction needs to be clarified for us to gain a holistic understanding of the forces that shape the development and evolution of these structures. I will study these interactions using birds as a model system, but this topic has clinical relevance to serious birth defects in humans," said Watanabe, who has also lent his expertise to several other NSF-funded studies. While many studies analyze the brain and skull as independent structures, Watanabe will simultaneously study the evolution and development of both structures and their "tissue-to-tissue" relationship. In two complementary studies, Watanabe will analyze brain-skull interaction in birds, which, like humans, have a large brain capable of higher cognitive functions. In one study, he will use computed tomography (CT) technology, including the micro-CT scanner at NYITCOM's Visualization Center, and high-density shape modeling to analyze how brain-skull interaction has impacted the evolution of these two structures over millions of years. More than 350 species of birds, ranging from hummingbirds to ostriches, will be analyzed. The other study will pinpoint the mechanisms responsible for brain-skull interactions during early development. Using both traditional and modern techniques, Watanabe will collect samples from live chicken embryos and visualize the interaction between the brain and the skull over their 21-day gestational period. CAREER program proposals must also include an educational component. In collaboration with NYITCOM's Center for Biomedical Innovation, he will create a virtual reality game reflecting the project's research themes, which will serve as an educational tool for students in middle school through college. In a second educational initiative, he will transform the scientific data into music, which will culminate with a public recital, allowing science education to reach wider, more inclusive communities, including the visually impaired and non-scientists. The NSF is an independent agency of the U.S. government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health. NSF funding accounts for approximately 27 percent of the total federal budget for basic research conducted at U.S. colleges and universities. This project is funded by NSF CAREER Award ID No. 2045466. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NSF. ### About New York Institute of Technology New York Institute of Technology offers 90 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in more than 50 fields of study, including computer science, data, and cybersecurity; biology and biomedical studies; architecture and design; engineering; health professions and medicine; IT and digital technologies; management; communications and marketing; education and counseling; and energy and sustainability. A nonprofit, independent, private, and nonsectarian institute of higher education, New York Institute of Technology welcomes nearly 8,000 students worldwide. The university has campuses in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island (Old Westbury), New York; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as programs around the world. New York Institute of Technology embraces its mission to provide career-oriented professional education, give all qualified students access to opportunity, and support research and scholarship that benefit the larger world. More than 107,000 alumni comprise an engaged network of doers, makers, and innovators prepared to change the world, solve 21st-century challenges, and reinvent the future. MEDIA CONTACT: New York Tech Media Relations mediarelations@nyit.edu As of midnight, Tuesday March 9, the HPSC has been notified of 631 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 224,588 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Of the new cases today, 32 are attributed to Limerick. This numbers follows yesterday's case numbers of just 18. The 5 day moving average (to midnight 09Mar2021)* is now 26 in Limerick, while the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population (24Feb2021 to 09Mar2021)* is now 196. The New Cases during last 14 days are now 382. Of the cases notified today: 317 are men / 308 are women 74% are under 45 years of age The median age is 29 years old 247 in Dublin, 50 in Kildare, 44 in Meath, 41 in Cork, and the remaining 217 cases are spread across 20 other counties. * As of 8am today, 370 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 92 are in ICU. 31 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 47 additional deaths related to COVID-19. 14 of these deaths occurred in March, 18 occurred in February and 15 occurred in January. The median age of those who died was 83 years and the age range was 60 - 95 years. There has been a total of 4,499 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. On the vaccination roll out, as of March 07, 525,768 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 375,521 people have received their first dose 150,247 people have received their second dose The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community including daily data on Irelands COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Johnny Depp delves into the mystery behind the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. in the new trailer for City of Lies. Depp filmed the movie back in 2017, with the first trailer released back in May 2018, though the film was pulled from its release, reportedly due to a lawsuit filed against Depp by a location manager on the film. Now Saban Films has acquired the long-delayed film, and set it for release in theaters on March 19, followed by a digital and on-demand release on April 9, with the studio releasing a new poster as well. Trailer: Johnny Depp delves into the mystery behind the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. in the new trailer for City of Lies Poster: Now Saban Films has acquired the long-delayed film, and set it for release in theaters on March 19, followed by a digital and on-demand release on April 9. Johnny Depp and Forest Whitaker star in City Of Lies trailer The trailer was released by Saban Films on Tuesday, which marks the 24th anniversary of Notorious B.I.G.'s death, at just 24 years of age. The trailer opens with the murder of Notorious B.I.G., which happened outside of the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, following an after party for the Soul Train Music Awards. Russell Poole (Depp) has a chat with Jack Jackson, who mentions he was the lead detective on the Biggie Smalls murder case 20 years prior. Anniversary: The trailer was released by Saban Films on Tuesday, which marks the 24th anniversary of Notorious B.I.G.'s death, at just 24 years of age Russell and Jack: Russell Poole (Depp) has a chat with Jack Jackson, who mentions he was the lead detective on the Biggie Smalls murder case 20 years prior. The trailer also features news footage which suggests that the rapper (real name Christopher Wallace) was killed in retaliation for the murder of Tupac Shakur in September 1996. Poole is seen rounding up some suspects, while Jackson tells Poole, 'Biggie didn't have Tupac killed.' Poole is also seen talking to another character, Tyrell (Dominique Columbus), who says, 'A couple of brothers gets shot and nobody gives a damn, do they?' Retaliation: The trailer also features news footage which suggests that the rapper (real name Christopher Wallace) was killed in retaliation for the murder of Tupac Shakur in September 1996 Not Tupac: Poole is seen rounding up some suspects, while Jackson tells Poole, 'Biggie didn't have Tupac killed' Nobody cares: Poole is also seen talking to another character, Tyrell (Dominique Columbus), who says, 'A couple of brothers gets shot and nobody gives a damn, do they?' Tyrell was a witness who saw the car pull up and shoot Notorious B.I.G., while Jackson questions Commander Fasulo (Peter Greene) about the murders. Pool admits that, 'as long as it's an ongoing investigation, some evidence stays locked away in the dark.' The trailer winds down with several random shots of Poole and Jackson working the case, with Poole suggesting, 'it's a riddle.' Witness: Tyrell was a witness who saw the car pull up and shoot Notorious B.I.G., while Jackson questions Commander Fasulo (Peter Greene) about the murders. Evidence: Pool admits that, 'as long as it's an ongoing investigation, some evidence stays locked away in the dark' After the film was originally pulled from its 2018 date, there was a report that claimed Depp's legal troubles were serving as a 'scapegoat' for the film's delay, and that it was actually being 'suppressed' by the Los Angeles Police Department. Another report from last year claimed the film was shelved so Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace, couldn't re-open her son's murder case and sue the L.A.P.D. The film did get a limited release in January 2019, though now fans around the world will get to see it on March 19 in theaters and April 9 on VOD/digital. Scapegoat: After the film was originally pulled from its 2018 date, there was a report that claimed Depp's legal troubles were serving as a 'scapegoat' for the film's delay, and that it was actually being 'suppressed' by the Los Angeles Police Department VATICAN CITY, MAR 10 - The people of Iraq are entitled to live in peace, Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience on Wednesday. Fraternity is a challenge for Iraq and the whole world, the pontiff said according to Vatican News. Francis said he had an an "unforgettable" meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani on his recent historic visit to the Iraq, the first by a pontiff. "I strongly felt a penitential sense regarding this pilgrimage," said the Pope. "I could not draw near to that tortured people, to that martyr-Church, without taking upon myself, in the name of the Catholic Church, the cross they have been carrying for years; a huge cross, like the one placed at the entrance of Qaraqosh." Pope Francis explained that he felt this sense in a special way when he saw the still open wounds of the destruction, and even more so, when he met with and listened to the witnesses who had survived the violence and persecution. "The Iraqi people have the right to live in peace; they have the right to rediscover the dignity that belongs to them," Pope Francis stated. Recalling the country's religious and cultural roots which are thousands of years old, the Holy Father noted that Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization. Historically, he added, Baghdad is a city of primary importance, "hosting for centuries the richest library in the world." "And what destroyed it? War!" the Pope lamented. War, he explained, "is always the monster that transforms itself with the change of epochs and continues to devour humanity." "But the response to war is not another war, the response to weapons is not other weapons... The response is fraternity," Pope Francis affirmed. This, he insisted, is the "challenge not only for Iraq but for many regions in conflict and, ultimately, for the whole world." Recalling his meeting with religious leaders in Ur during his Apostolic journey, Pope Francis said that Christians, Muslims and representatives came together to pray in Ur, where Abraham received God's call about four thousand years ago. He further explained that Abraham is our father in faith because listening to God's voice promising him descendants, he left everything and departed. And at Ur, standing together under the same sky in which our father Abraham saw us, his descendants, the phrase "You are all brothers" seems to resound once again. "God is faithful to his promises," the Pope said. He "guides our steps toward peace still today. He guides the steps of those who journey on Earth with their gaze turned toward Heaven." Further emphasizing the importance of fraternity, Pope Francis noted that a message of fraternity came from the ecclesial meeting in the Syrian Catholic Cathedral of Baghdad where forty-eight people, including two priests were killed during the celebration of Holy Mass in 2010. He said that in that temple which bears the names of those martyrs inscribed in stone, the joy of encounter resounded as his "amazement at being in their midst mingled with their joy at having the Pope among them." The Holy Father also launched another message of fraternity from Mosul and Qaraqosh, on the Tigris River, near the ruins of ancient Nineveh. There, the occupation of the so-called Islamic State caused several thousands to flee for their lives, including Christians and other persecuted minorities, in particular the Yazidis. He noted that reconstruction efforts are underway and Muslims and Christians are working together to restore churches and mosques. The Pope enjoined all to pray for them that "they may have the strength to start over." He also remembered the many Iraqi emigrants and reminded them, who have left everything like Abraham, to "keep the faith and hope" and be weavers of friendship and fraternity where they are. Another message of fraternity came from the two Eucharistic celebrations in Baghdad and Erbil. Pope Francis explained that "Abraham's hope, and that of his descendants is fulfilled in the mystery we celebrated, in Jesus, the Son that God the Father did not spare, but gave for everyone's salvation: through His death and resurrection, He opened the way to the promised land, to that new life where tears dried, wounds are healed, brothers and sisters are reconciled." Concluding his remarks at the General Audience, the Pope praised God for the Apostolic Journey, and encouraged all to pray for Iraq and the Middle East where, in spite of the destruction and weapons, the palm trees, symbol of the country and its hope, have continued to grow and bear fruit. "So it is for fraternity," the Pope said. "It does not make noise, but is fruitful and makes us grow." (ANSA). Letter: Look to Colombia as example of consideration for refugees By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Germany is the top target of Russian disinformation campaigns in the European Union, a report said on Tuesday, as ties between Moscow and the West hit new lows over the poisoning and jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The EU's disinformation watchdog, which is run by the bloc's External Action Service, said in the report it had documented 700 cases of deliberately fake or misleading reporting that aimed to spread disinformation about Germany since launching a tracking database in late 2015. That compares to more than 300 cases for France, over 170 for Italy and 40 for Spain, said the watchdog, which was set up after Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and aims to combat what it sees as a deliberate smear campaign by Russia. "Germany is singled out as the main target for Russian disinformation efforts among European member states," said the watchdog, which is called EUvsDisinfo. EUvsDisinfo said the Kremlin was trying to portray Germany as a country driven by "irrational Russophobia" to draw attention away from Russia's violations of human rights and international law. "(Russia's approach) intends to create uncertainty, sow discord, give Russian officials for manoeuvre... The Kremlin doublespeak exploits Europe's, and Germany's commitment to dialogue," the report said. SANCTIONS Germany was among EU countries advocating for more sanctions on Russia over the case of Navalny, who received medical treatment in Berlin and recovered in the Black Forest after being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent last year. Navalny, an anti-corruption activist, says the Kremlin was behind the attack, which Moscow denies. He was arrested after returning to Moscow from Germany in January and is now serving a new jail sentence in a Russian penal colony. The EU last month agreed to blacklist four senior Russian officials over the Navalny case, adding to economic sanctions it had earlier slapped on Russia over the annexation of Crimea and the Kremlin's support of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Story continues EUvsDisinfo said Russia had depicted Germany as instrumental in driving the new sanctions that followed a trip by the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, to Moscow in February. While Borrell called for Navalny's release, he also played up the need for dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Russia in areas such as climate change and the Iran nuclear deal. During his visit, however, Moscow expelled four EU diplomats, including one from Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany, has long been critical of Moscow's human rights record, but Berlin has resisted U.S. pressure to block the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that would pump more Russian gas to Europe via Germany. EU leaders will discuss next steps in their troubled relationship with Russia at a summit on March 25-26. (Editing by Robin Emmott and Gareth Jones) Construction has begun on Jamboree Housing Corporations new 65-unit permanent supportive housing in San Ysidro, its first new construction development in San Diego County. Jamboree works with local municipalities to creatively leverage scarce local resources that produce high-quality housing opportunities and access to supportive services that allow chronically homeless people to rebuild their lives. Jamboree Housing Corporation announced today that construction has begun on a 65-unit supportive housing community in San Ysidro, a district of the City of San Diego, located immediately north of the U.S.-Mexico border. This is Jamborees first new construction development in the County of San Diego and adds to the nonprofit developers existing affordable housing in other areas of the county. San Ysidro Permanent Supportive Housing (San Ysidro PSH), the working name for the development, reflects Jamborees collaborative approach to create more permanent housing with supportive services. For the City of San Diego, this development reflects its investment in new housing and service options as part of its Community Action Plan on Homelessness. Supportive housing is a nationally recognized best practice in permanently ending homelessness. Its a housing model thats proven especially effective in stabilizing those experiencing homelessness who are also living with a mental health diagnosis. In fact, according to the 2017 Point in Time count, 39% of San Diego Countys homeless population has a reported mental health diagnosis. Given that, San Ysidro PSH will provide the dignity of home to dozens of vulnerable families and individuals. Jamboree is committed to providing proven solutions to chronic homelessness, said Vicky Rodriguez, Jamborees Vice President of Housing Development. We work with local municipalities to creatively leverage scarce local resources that produce high-quality housing opportunities and access to supportive services that allow chronically homeless people to rebuild their lives. In a little over a year, San Ysidro PSH will become a physical manifestation of that commitment and creativity. San Ysidro PSH builds upon Jamborees expertise in permanent supportive housing development, a unique process which includes stakeholder and community input. Jamboree is working closely with the San Ysidro Community Planning Group (SYCPG) to ensure that the development fits into the wider community vision for the diverse, working-class neighborhood. After consulting with local neighborhood organizations, Jamboree has altered the design plan for the development and increased the number of two- and three-bedrooms apartments. This community-driven design change equates to more homes for families, a population of particular concern to the SYCPG, at the new community when leasing begins in the third quarter of 2022. Jamborees approach to supportive housing is what makes our communities successful in the long-term, said Laura Archuleta, Jamboree President and CEO. We build alongside the community, ensuring that the final development serves the neighborhood in a multitude of significant ways. The widespread community support for the development is reflected in the SYCPGs unanimous support of San Ysidro PSH during the design and financing stages with both the City and County of San Diego as well as the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). The addition of new permanent supportive housing units throughout the City of San Diego, including San Ysidro, is essential to the long-term, collaborative efforts to address homelessness, said SDHC President & CEO Richard C. Gentry, who also serves on the Leadership Council for the Community Action Plan on Homelessness. The San Diego Housing Commission is pleased to be working with Jamboree on this development and looks forward to future opportunities to collaborate to create more housing opportunities. The City of San Diego Community Action Plan on Homelessness recommends 5,416 permanent supportive housing units over the span of 10 years. Jamborees new development furthers this objective, with local support critical to Jamborees ability to successfully secure multiple local funding sources. In turn, these funding sources made the overall development more competitive for 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) at the state level. In addition, SDHC awarded a loan of $4.2 million to support this development as well as federal rental housing vouchers to assist residents in paying their rents. Moreover, San Ysidro PSHs 65 affordable apartments are among housing solutions being created through HOUSING FIRST-SAN DIEGO, SDHCs homelessness action plan, a diverse funding and housing strategy that has created thousands of housing solutions in the last six years for San Diegans experiencing homelessness. San Ysidro PSH will serve households who earn no more than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Twenty-five of the units will be set aside to serve No Place Like Home (NPLH) clients through the Countys Continuum of Care system. It transforms a 1.75-acre lot that previously housed two 1930s single-family dwellings into a three- and four-story development with elevator-equipped residential space and opens onto an outdoor courtyard with nearly 2,500 square feet of open space. The property will include a 1,500-square-foot community center with a conference room, resident lounge, and counseling offices that will house onsite supportive services. The San Ysidro PSH site was chosen, in part, because of its proximity to existing community services a medical clinic, library, and public transportation are located within a mile of the future supportive housing community. Jamboree will oversee the delivery of supportive services provided by Step Up on Second, a long-time service partner that specializes in supportive housing services, including for people living with a mental illness. Step Up on Second is proud to partner with Jamboree, once again, on a transformative supportive housing development, said Tod Lipka, CEO of Step Up on Second. Well provide supportive services for the residents living at San Ysidro PSH as well as for the surrounding community, helping to leverage some of the great local resources that already exist in this neighborhood. In Jamborees ongoing commitment to sustainability, the development is designed to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Homes-certified Silver rating. This lowers energy consumption, providing a cost-saving benefit to residents, and promoting overall community health. In response to local concerns voiced about safety and security, Jamboree will incorporate surveillance and fob-restricted entry into the design of the community. The newly constructed apartments will be fully furnished and, upon move-in, will include a home starter kit of household essentials for residents, including linens, kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and other necessities. Financing for the $33.7-million development consists of a $4.2 loan from SDHC; a $5.5 million NPLH and $895,715 Innovative Housing Trust Fund (IHTF) allocation from the County of San Diego; $15.4 million in tax credit equity provided by Red Stone Equity Partners; $19 million in construction financing, and $7.1 million in permanent financing from Banner Bank. The SDHCs loan for this development consists of local and federal funds SDHC administers, including HOME Investments Partnerships Grant (HOME) funds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided to the City of San Diego and the Citys Affordable Housing Fund. # # # ABOUT JAMBOREE: Founded in 1990 and celebrating 30 years of Building for Good, Irvine, CA-headquartered Jamboree Housing Corporation is an award-winning, broad-based nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing throughout California for working families, seniors and people with special needs. A leading community development organization, Jamboree is committed to sustaining excellence with high quality affordable housing that benefits the environment, the economy and local communities. It currently has $1.1 billion in affordable housing projects in its development pipeline and a portfolio value of $3.2 billion that includes the development of and/or ownership interest in 9,300+ homes in more than 96 California communities. Currently, Jamboree offers resident services that foster learning, health and wellness, and community building at 34 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location. For more information, visit jamboreehousing.com and follow Jamboree on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @JamboreeHousing. Pfizer Inc has told the Indian government it wants to produce its coronavirus vaccine locally if assured of faster regulatory clearance and freedom on pricing and exports, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The U.S. company pulled an application last month seeking emergency approval for its product in India after the drug regulator declined its request to skip a small local safety trial. That has kept its vaccine, developed with Germany's BioNTech SE, out of one of the world's biggest drug markets. Pfizer was the first company to apply for emergency use authorisation in India, proposing to import doses from its U.S. and European facilities instead of producing locally. "U.S. companies want to produce vaccines in India under joint ventures," said one of the sources, citing Pfizer and fellow U.S. drugmaker Moderna Inc. "They want faster approvals for clinical trials and emergency authorisation use. They fear the government will introduce price control policies." Another source confirmed Pfizer was interested in manufacturing in India but Reuters could not find a second confirmation on Moderna. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. India's health ministry directed Reuters to the foreign ministry, which did not immediately respond to emailed queries. While withdrawing its application in early February, Pfizer said it would again seek emergency use approval to launch its COVID-19 vaccine in India, potentially a market of 1.35 billion people, and would provide more data as it becomes available. On the government's demand to manufacture in India, the company earlier told Reuters: "Once the pandemic supply phase is over and we enter a phase of regular supplies, Pfizer will evaluate all additional opportunities available." A Indian official told Reuters in January the government had held discussions with Pfizer and Moderna - both of which have reported more than 90% efficacy for their vaccines - to make the shots in India given its large pharmaceuticals capacity. The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker, is already bulk-manufacturing the Oxford University/AstraZeneca product and plans to start producing the Novavax Inc shot from next month. India's government has not allowed it to sell on the higher-priced private market, however, and is also controlling exports. Pfizer and Moderna, whose shots are more expensive than the AstraZeneca one being used in India's immunisation campaign, are not comfortable with strict price and export restrictions, one of the sources said. This week, Reuters reported that leaders of the Quad alliance - Australia, Japan, India and the United States - plan to announce financing agreements to increase India's vaccine manufacturing capacity at their first meeting on Friday. The initiative will mainly involve production of the Novavax and Johnson & Johnson shots for supplying to regions including Southeast Asia, where their common rival China is making gains. Also read: Pakistan to receive 45 million 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines under Gavi alliance Also read: Rollout of COVID-19 vaccine is 'India's gift' to the world: Top US scientist Dan Evans will be Roger Federers opponent for the first match of his comeback after beating Jeremy Chardy at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. Federer, who has a bye through to the second round, is playing in his first tournament since last years Australian Open after two knee operations. He has been training with Evans in Dubai in preparation for his return to the tour and the British number one will get the chance to use that inside knowledge when they meet in the second round. Evans was playing his first match since an opening-round loss at the Australian Open a month ago and had to dig deep to claim a 6-4 1-6 6-2 victory over in-form Frenchman Chardy. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The first set took more than an hour, with Evans saving all 10 break points he faced, including six in his first service game. He broke the Chardy serve in the next game and managed to hold onto his advantage. Evans defeated Chardy comfortably on the way to his first ATP Tour title in Melbourne last month but the Frenchman arrived in Doha high on confidence after a run to the quarter-finals in Rotterdam last week. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. He finally broke Evans at the 14th time of asking and, with Federer watching from the stands, won the second set with a run of five games in a row. But Evans surged into a 3-0 lead in the deciding set and, as Chardy began to struggle physically, he ensured there were no further twists. Evans said in his on-court interview: It was a difficult match. He played pretty well, served well. I didnt serve that well. Happy to come through in the third set. Its going to be a great atmosphere, great to come out and play Roger. Always good to play someone as good as him and see where my skills are. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) Government officials will ask hospitals to increase their bed allocation for COVID-19 patients if the spike in virus infections drags on, the countrys treatment czar said on Wednesday. Definitely, what we intend to do and ask the different hospitals is that they must go back to the 20% allocation of their beds and even more if there are a surge in these cases, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source. The country has been reporting an increasing trend in coronavirus cases with the DOH tallying over 3,000 new infections for four of the past five days. Vega sounded the alarm over this data, saying this may definitely lead to a possible surge in hospital admissions. Yes its kinda alarming, because this is almost the repeat of what happened in August of 2020, he said. If were not able to control this, in terms of containment of the virus, then definitely there might be a possibility of a surge in the hospitals right now. Vega said medical centers both government and privatehave already increased and expanded their bed capacity for COVID-related patients. However, he said that more beds would be needed especially with the number of non-COVID cases also going up. For instance, the health official pointed out there has been an around 20% increase in intensive care unit patients in Metro Manila alone. RELATED: ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in St. Lukes QC full, patients transferred to other branch, hospitals exec Asked about the latest projections of the OCTA research group which sees up to 6,000 new daily cases in the country by the end of the month Vega said this rise is possible, if our pandemic response isnt tweaked. If you look at the projections made by OCTA, these are actually assumptions if nothing is to be done, the treatment czar argued. In other words, if you dont do anything, if its still business-as-usual, then definitely the rise will come. The health official underscored anew the important role of local government units, particularly in the implementation of localized lockdowns and other quarantine measures. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE New Mexico would expand options for alcohol delivery and the sale of mixed drinks at restaurants under a sweeping package of liquor-law changes moving toward passage in the Capitol. The measure would prohibit the sale of miniatures at convenience stores and broadly reshape a host of New Mexico liquor regulations. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Senators adopted the legislation, House Bill 255, on a 29-11 vote Tuesday after making a series of amendments to the proposal. The House quickly agreed to the Senate amendments, sending the measure next to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. If enacted, the bill would make the most substantial changes to New Mexico liquor laws in 40 years. This is reform thats been a long time coming, Democratic Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto of Albuquerque said. The bill is about changing our relationship with alcohol. The proposal would allow package stores to apply for permits to deliver alcoholic drinks to customers homes, and restaurants could deliver alcohol with food orders. It would also establish new licenses intended to make it easier for restaurants to serve spirits and mixed drinks, not just beer and wine. Several amendments to the bill were approved Tuesday, including: Banning the sale of 3-ounce miniatures for off-site consumption. They would still be allowed at golf courses, hotels or other places where they can be consumed on site. Prohibiting the sale of hard liquor at convenience stores in McKinley County. Stripping from the proposal an earlier plan to impose a 2% tax on retail sales. Lifting the prohibition on alcohol sales at stores before 11 a.m. Sunday. Opposition The legislation has faced opposition from some holders of liquor licenses under the current system and triggered anxiety about how it might affect the value of their investment in those licenses. One fear is that the proposal by making it easier for restaurants to serve liquor will erode the distinction between bars and restaurants, in addition to damaging the value of the expensive licenses previously required to allow the sale of spirits at a restaurant. How the market will react is uncertain. Its still a bit scary for those people with the legacy licenses, said Carol Wight, CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. No matter what you do to this bill, theyre not going to know what the value of their license is until much later. Theres a lot of fear for them. Mark Rhodes, an Albuquerque attorney with 30 years of experience in the liquor industry, said he and others in the business are still evaluating the potential impact of all the changes to the legislation. The six amendments senators approved Tuesday were on top of earlier changes in committees. Many amendments have come without warning, Rhodes said, and public comment has been limited in committee hearings. Rhodes is a lobbyist for the New Mexico Package Liquor Association, whose clients are closely watching the bill. When youve spent your whole life in the liquor industry, he said, and youve built a business whether its a single restaurant or a chain of convenience stores its very difficult to have people make sweeping changes without any input and without taking public comment. Major changes The wide-ranging debate in the Senate touched on New Mexicos struggle with driving while intoxicated, deaths from exposure in McKinley County and miniature bottles littering roadways. Ivey-Soto, who presented the bill to his colleagues in Tuesdays debate, described the proposed changes as the most significant revisions to liquor laws in 40 years and even more expansive than the ban on drive-up windows 20 years ago. The proposal won bipartisan support, and opposition didnt fall along party lines either. Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, said the legislation has the potential to boost tourism and help an industry hit particularly hard by public health restrictions over the last year. Everyone has worked extremely hard on this bill, Moores said. This is really going to help out the restaurants and also modernize our liquor laws a bit. Supporters said the changes would encourage people to consume food rather than just drink and make it easier to avoid driving to pick up alcohol. But some legislators said the proposal would do more harm than good. Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, R-Belen, said he couldnt support diluting the value of liquor licenses. Some families, he said, have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to acquire them. Theres a select few license holders that, at the end of the day, should this pass, bear most of the load, Baca said. Some of the most vigorous debate came over whether to adopt a provision restricting the sale of liquor at convenience stores in McKinley County. Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, said the community in northwestern New Mexico which includes part of the Navajo Nation needs particular help addressing alcohol problems. People are dying in the streets, Munoz said. People are dying in the cold. Opponents of the amendment questioned whether it would single out Native Americans. The provision passed 34-4 and was added to the bill. The new version of the proposal went back to the House later Tuesday, and the chamber granted final approval to the bill, clearing the way for it to go next to the governor. Its a watershed moment not just in liquor policy, but politics in New Mexico that policymakers will choose the peoples interest over a special interest, said Rep. Antonio Moe Maestas, an Albuquerque Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill. Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett said the administration would need time to evaluate the amendments but has been supportive of the overriding concept throughout. The measure is sponsored by a mix of Democrats and Republicans Ivey-Soto and Reps. Maestas and Dayan Hochman-Vigil, all Albuquerque Democrats, and House Minority Whip Rod Montoya of Farmington and Rep. Joshua Hernandez of Rio Rancho, both Republicans. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-11 04:47:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is seeking 235 million U.S. dollars to help deal with food insecurity of 1.5 million people in Haiti, a UN spokesman said Wednesday. "Our humanitarian colleagues are appealing for 235 million U.S. dollars to assist 1.5 million people this year," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. More than 40 percent - or 4.4 million people - of Haiti's population face food security this year. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere was hit last year by the COVID-19 pandemic, tropical storm Laura and socio-political events, including an increase in violence, "This has led to a significant deterioration," Dujarric said. "In November last year, 69 percent of Haitian households had reported a drop in their income." The World Bank said Haiti in 2019 had a per capita Gross Domestic Product of 797 U.S. dollars and a Human Development Index ranking of 169 out of 189 countries. Pandemic impacts in Haiti include reduced access to health care, water, hygiene and sanitation services, humanitarians said. Enditem A homeless man walks outside the Maxwell Meighen Centre as the new COVID-19 variants have spread among homeless populations in and around the city during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Ontario says it will give municipalities and Indigenous communities $255 million to address an increase in COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters across the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette [March 10, 2021] Canada Invests in Wind Energy to Reduce Diesel in Northern Quebec OTTAWA, ON, March 10, 2021 /CNW/ - Reducing reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities is essential to reaching net-zero emissions. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Government of Canada remains committed to building a clean energy future that strengthens the economy, creates good, middle-class jobs and supports the natural resource sectors. Paul Lefebvre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $7.1-million investment for TUGLIQ Energy Co. to help fund the third phase of its wind energy project that will displace diesel generation in northern Quebec while creating local job opportunities. This new funding builds on the success of earlier phases of the wind farm and will enable Raglan Mine to explore adding two additional three-megawatt (MW) wind turbines and four MW of energy storage at its facility, located in the Nunavik region of Quebec. These additions could bring the mine's renewable energy capacity up to 12 MW and its energy storage up to 6 MW, totaling 6.6-million litres per year of reduced diesel. Construction of the project will create about 65 jobs, with another six jobs needed for the operation and maintenance of the wind farm over its lifetime. Renewable energy training and information sessions will also be provided to Indigenous youth in the area to share lessons learned and build local capacity. Federal funding for the project comes from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. The eight-year, $220-million program, aims to reduce reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy projects, encouraging energy efficiency and building local skills and capacity. It is part of government's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, a more than $180-billion investment over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructre, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities. TUGLIQ and the Government of Quebec also contributed to the project for a total investment of $21.9 million. As outlined in Canada's strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, ensuring Canada is a world leader in clean power is a top priority. That's why the government is investing an additional $300 million over five years to give rural, remote and Indigenous communities currently reliant on diesel the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030. Quotes "Reducing reliance on diesel lowers emissions, creates jobs and boosts our economic competitiveness. This is how we get to net-zero." Seamus O'Regan Jr. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "The success of this project will influence future Arctic investments toward less carbon-intensive energy infrastructures, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leading to a cleaner, greener future." Paul Lefebvre Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources "TUGLIQ Energy thanks the federal and provincial governments' continued support in transitioning the North's energy, enabling TUGLIQ and partners to continue reducing the Arctic's reliance on fossil fuels. Integrating ever-higher levels of renewable energy provides compelling positive returns and benefits for mining companies and their neighbouring communities." Laurent Abbatiello President and CEO of TUGLIQ Energy Corp "Operating a mine in the Canadian Arctic presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to generating electricity. Since the Raglan Mine site is not connected to the hydroelectric distribution network, we have to fulfil our energy requirements by generating our own electricity with diesel generators. The $7.1-million investment that Natural Resources Canada has given TUGLIQ Energy is a step in the right direction in improving the energy balance of businesses in the North by taking into account their geographical considerations. Government support is essential in pursuing the development of Canada's natural resources while preserving the environment in a healthy and prosperous way." Pierre Barrette Vice-President of Raglan Mine Associated Links: Clean Energy in Rural and Remote Communities Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan Investing in Canada Plan Project Map Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources TUGLIQ Energy Corp Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. 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WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT A nun went down on her knees in front of police in a northern Myanmar town pleading for a stop to the armys violent crackdown on protesters, before shots rang out. She later said a child was shot in the head. Video showed Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng in a white robe and black habit kneeling on a street in the town of Myitkyina on Monday, speaking to two policemen who were also kneeling. I begged them not to shoot the children, she says on the video. I begged them not to hurt the protesters, but to treat them kindly like family members, she told Reuters in a later telephone interview. A campaigner whose five-year-old sister was killed in the Dunblane massacre said to 'never forget the lives lost' 25 years ago as he revealed he's fighting to change gun laws in the US. Jack Crozier, 27, lost his sister Emma in the tragedy on 13 March 1996. The shooting sparked the subsequent Snowdrop Campaign, which launched a petition in for a crackdown on handguns in the UK. He has now joined forces with campaigning groups in Parkland, Florida following a mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas school in which 17 lives were lost in 2018. Appearing on Lorraine, he told that we should remember 'lessons learned' 25 years ago after teacher Gwen Mayor and 16 pupils were killed when Thomas Hamilton opened fire on them in the Dunblane Primary School. Jack Crozier, 27, lost his little sister Emma in the tragedy on 13 March 1996 and appeared on Lorraine today as he revealed he's fighting to change gun laws in the US 'It's important we never forget those we lost 25 years ago', said Jack, 'but the other thread to that is we never let it happen again and we take the lessons learned 25 years ago and make sure we remember what happened.' The Dunblane school massacre was one of the deadliest mass murders in UK history, when gunman Hamilton killed sixteen children and one teacher at Dunblane primary school near Stirling, Scotland. John Major's government introduced legislation to ban handguns over 22 calibre within a year of the shooting and Tony Blair's Labour government extended this ban to include all handguns in 1997. Jack wants other countries to follow in the UK's lead, but acknowledged that while it was a 'fight' to get handguns banned in this country, the US will be an 'insurmountable challenge'. Pictured, two children standing in front of the flower tribute to the tragic massacre that took place at Dunblane Primary School in 1996 'It wasn't the same as it is in America,' said Jack, 'People look at America and they see the gun lobby and they think about that insurmountable challenge people in America have on their hands. 'It wasn't quite the same, but we had a fight and the government at the time didn't accept the changes we wanted to bring in and we needed a change of government to bring in the changes we needed.' Following a massacre at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school, Jack was travelled to the US to campaign against the current gun laws, inspired that teens were 'standing up' to gun laws because they were 'tired of being shot in their school'. 'That was this unbelievable grassroots movement which had parallels with the Snowdrop Campaign', he said. 'But instead of it being parents and adults, it was the teenagers tired of being shot in their school, standing up and making the changes they needed to make. The campaigner told host Lorraine Kelly (pictured) he was inspired to travel to Florida following a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 2018 Jack wants other countries to follow in the UK's lead, but acknowledged that while it was a 'fight' to get handguns banned in this country, the US will be an 'insurmountable challenge' 'I'm never professing to have the solutions myself, I don't have the answers for these people. But what we have in the UK is a platform to use our voices and give power to people who have those solutions.' He went on to comment on the people at the 'top of the political tree' here in the UK and said we still need to be 'vigilant' when it comes to gun laws. He recalled an article written by Boris Johnson at the time of the massacre which said a firearms law did not save the lives of the victims and that an outright ban on firearms was a 'knee-jerk reaction'. 'We need to be so vigilant here in the UK and you need to look at people at the top of the political tree', he said. 'People like Boris Johnson, after Dunblane, before my sister was even buried, he wrote an article saying the ban on handguns was a knee jerk reaction. 'Those are the people at the top of the tree, that's what we were up against it 25 years ago, but they're still there and we need to be so vigilant.' Jack commented on the recent change in US administration, praising Biden for his 'amazing' record of gun violence prevention. 'Trump was never going to be the guy to make the changes we needed, said Jack. Joe Biden's track record on gun violence prevention is amazing. 'But it's the work of those grassroots organisations that have got gun control to the top of the political agenda in America and it's job of people like Joe Biden to enforce that change.' MIAMI, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Servitas, a leading multifamily housing developer located in Texas with offices in Miami, Florida, is pleased to announce the awarding of the City of Miami Beach's public private partnership (P3), the Collins Park workforce housing development for artists and educators. The $29 million housing development located at 224 23rd Street, at the southeast corner of 23rd and Liberty, will include 80 workforce housing units, a 32-bed dormitory for ballet dancers, and approximately 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. "As the first Class A workforce housing project in the City of Miami Beach, this development will provide great cultural benefits for many years to come and will increase our footprint as an arts and cultural destination," said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. Rendering of Collins Park workforce housing development. The housing component will offer residents a full suite of amenities at an affordable price point for households of 80% to 120% of Area Median Income. The property will contain studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom units and will offer its residents a rooftop fitness center and lounge, access to the adjacent Collins Park parking garage, and of course, very close proximity to the beach. In line with the City's multi-modal emphasis that prioritizes pedestrians, free transit passes will be provided to new residents and complimentary bike parking available on site. By providing affordable housing specifically to artists and educators, the project ensures a continual source of talent for Miami Beach and ongoing support for education and the arts, which are vital to the rich fabric of the city. The city stands to benefit economically with an innovative P3 structure that not only allows the housing to be constructed at no cost to the city, but rental revenues will provide the city with approximately $300,000 in year one, with annual increases. A non-profit partner will retain ownership of the structure until the bonds are paid off, at which time, ownership of the building reverts to the city. Christy Grimste, lead project developer at Servitas, said, "It has been an honor to work with the City on this groundbreaking development. We have not seen this unique P3 bond financing structure for housing in other cities, so we're excited to be part of this solution for Miami Beach. The housing will directly benefit the Miami Beach workforce, who are often priced out of the market and unable to afford housing near their workplace, and it will also provide much-needed revenue for the city itself." In fact, the city intends to devote the excess rental revenues to program the ground floor space with non-profit, cultural art uses that activate the streetscape. Featuring interior artwork from local artists, the project will enhance the Collins Park neighborhood, the location of Miami Beach's cultural arts campus. The second floor of the building will serve as dormitory housing for the Miami City Ballet (MCB), headquartered immediately next door to the project. With a dormitory next to its rehearsal space, MCB can provide on-campus housing for its ballet dancers of all ages, who come from throughout the globe to dance at the renowned ballet company, itself celebrated as a source of cultural tourism to Miami Beach. Minority hiring is a priority for the developer, Servitas, a 100% Hispanic-owned business, and it will remain a priority throughout the project's lifespan. The project will create at least fifty (50) jobs during construction and three (3) jobs once the building is open, all with minimum wages averaging at least $16/hour. PGAL is architect of record, with Shulman + Associates as local architect, and Plaza Construction as general contractor. Construction on the Collins Park Artist/Educator Housing project is anticipated to begin in fall 2021, with move-in planned for summer 2023. For more information, please contact: Servitas www.servitas.com 972.759.1600 | E: [email protected] 5525 N. MacArthur Blvd | Suite 760 Irving, TX 75038 Related Images collins-park-workforce-housing.jpg Collins Park workforce housing development Rendering of Collins Park workforce housing development. Related Links Servitas SOURCE Servitas A new study led by the University of Portsmouth has identified that one of the major factors of age-related brain deterioration is the loss of a substance called myelin. Myelin acts like the protective and insulating plastic casing around the electrical wires of the brain - called axons. Myelin is essential for superfast communication between nerve cells that lie behind the supercomputer power of the human brain. The loss of myelin results in cognitive decline and is central to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. This new study found that the cells that drive myelin repair become less efficient as we age and identified a key gene that is most affected by ageing, which reduces the cells ability to replace lost myelin. The study, published this week in the journal Ageing Cell, is part of an international collaboration led by Professor Arthur Butt at the University of Portsmouth with Dr Kasum Azim at the University of Dusseldorf in Germany, together with Italian research groups of Professor Maria Pia Abbracchio in Milan and Dr Andrea Rivera in Padua. Everyone is familiar with the brain's grey matter, but very few know about the white matter, which comprises of the insulated electrical wires that connect all the different parts of our brains." Arthur Butt, Professor University of Portsmouth "A key feature of the ageing brain is the progressive loss of white matter and myelin, but the reasons behind these processes are largely unknown. The brain cells that produce myelin - called oligodendrocytes - need to be replaced throughout life by stem cells called oligodendrocyte precursors. If this fails, then there is a loss of myelin and white matter, resulting in devastating effects on brain function and cognitive decline. An exciting new finding of our study is that we have uncovered one of the reasons that this process is slowed down in the aging brain." Dr Rivera, lead author of the study while he was in University of Portsmouth and who is now a Fellow at the University of Padua, explained: "By comparing the genome of a young mouse brain to that of a senile mouse, we identified which processes are affected by ageing. These very sophisticated analysis allowed us to unravel the reasons why the replenishment of oligodendrocytes and the myelin they produce is reduced in the aging brain. "We identified GPR17, the gene associated to these specific precursors, as the most affected gene in the ageing brain and that the loss of GPR17 is associated to a reduced ability of these precursors to actively work to replace the lost myelin." The work is still very much ongoing and has paved the way for new studies on how to induce the 'rejuvenation' of oligodendrocyte precursor cells to efficiently replenish lost white matter. Dr Azim of the University of Dusseldorf said: "This approach is promising for targeting myelin loss in the aging brain and demyelination diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Indeed, we have only touched the tip of the iceberg and future investigation from our research groups aim to bring our findings into human translational settings." Dr Rivera performed the key experiments published in this study while at the University of Portsmouth and he has been awarded the prestigious MSCA Seal of Excellence @UniPD Fellowship to translate these findings and investigate this further in the human brain, in collaboration with Professors Raffele De Caro, Andrea Porzionato and Veronica Macchi at the Institute of Human Anatomy of the University of Padua. The study was funded by grants from the BBSRC and MRC to Professor Butt, together with the UK and Italian MS Societies (to Professors Butt and Abbracchio, respectively), and the Swiss National Funds Fellowship and German Research Council (Dr Azim). Dr Andrea Rivera was supported by an Anatomical Society PhD Studentship (with Professor Butt), and the MSCA Seal of Excellence @UniPD (Dr Rivera). Dr Emma Gray, Assistant Director of Research at the MS Society, said: "MS can be relentless and painful, and there are sadly still no treatments to stop disability progression. We can see a future where no one has to worry about MS getting worse but, for that to happen, we need to find ways to repair damaged myelin. This research sheds light on why cells that drive myelin repair become less efficient as we age, and we're really proud to have helped fund it. By improving our understanding of ageing brain stem cells, it gives us a new target to help slow the progression of MS, and could have important implications for future treatment." jane coaston Today on The Argument, imagine if we wiped away every Americans student loan debt. Should we? The cost of higher education in America has skyrocketed in recent decades. And so have the student loans to pay for it. Americans are carrying more than $1.7 trillion in college debt. Thats more than we owe credit card companies or auto lenders. Nearly 43 million of us are still paying off our college tuition. Its a crisis with massive consequences for our economy and for millions of Americans who made, quote, the right decision to get an education. President Biden campaigned on for giving $10,000 of debt for everyone. Democrats have been pushing for more. Clearly some relief is on the table, but whats the most fair way to do it? Im Jane Coaston, and this is one of those debates I have to be skeptical of my own opinion on. As someone with sizable student loan debt that I have no idea when Ill finish paying off, my first reaction is, Yes, please cancel my debt. I will happily invest that money elsewhere in our economy. But especially when a position benefits me, I know to be extra critical. So I brought together two people who feel very strongly that the crisis is real and needs fixing, but thats about where their agreement stops. Astra Taylor co-founded an organization called the Debt Collective, which pushes for total cancellation of debts for all. Sandy Baum is a nonresident senior fellow for the Center on Education Data and Policy at the Urban Institute. She thinks universal debt cancellation isnt progressive at all. In fact, its regressive. Needless to say, they deliver on our shows title. Im still sweating. Lets start with a personal question. Do either of you have student loans or student loan debt? Sandy, you first. sandy baum I went to college many, many years ago. My kids had some student loan debt. They have paid it off. So no. jane coaston And Astra? astra taylor I actually dont have any student loan debt. But about 10 years ago, I did. So right after the Great Recession, I owed $42,000, and I defaulted. jane coaston Ah. astra taylor So I experienced that punitive measure, because overnight my balance went up 19 percent, and my credit was even worse. And then I had a change of fortune. Turned out my partner is a popular musician. He went back on the road, and he paid off my student debt. So Ive experienced both the trauma of default and the benefit of suddenly having that debt disappear. jane coaston That is the most romantic thing I have ever heard. astra taylor It was pretty sweet, right? [LAUGHTER] jane coaston Thats beautiful. So as Senator Elizabeth Warren and other people have made clear, this was not always the norm. How did we get here? sandy baum Well, the first thing is that when youre trying to judge the magnitude of student debt and where there are problems, its really more helpful to look at the amount that individual students owe than it is to look at the aggregate amount of debt. Obviously, college used to be much cheaper. The tuition prices have gone up very rapidly, and thats part of the story. And we can talk about why that has happened. Another big part of the story is many more people go to college now. When I went to college, it was very rare that people whose parents couldnt pay went to college. You didnt have older adults going back to college so much. And if you couldnt afford it, you just didnt go. jane coaston Right. sandy baum But now we have a situation where we implemented lots of financial aid programs, because we think that you should be able to go to college even if you cant afford it. You know, you should get grant aid, but borrowing to pay for college is reasonable in the sense that its an investment, and you can pay out of the return to your investment. And for most students, that works. But it doesnt work for everybody. Because for some people, it just doesnt pay off. It may be that they dont finish a degree. It may be that they went to a school that cheated them. It may be that they graduated in a really bad time. There are lots of reasons why it doesnt pay off for everyone, and we need to protect those people. But one reason that we have much more student debt is because many of the people going to college now wouldnt have the money to pay. Even if it were free tuition, they wouldnt have the money to live while theyre in college. So its a combination of it getting more expensive and partly because states and localities are not paying as much of their share as they used to. And part of it is whos going to college now. astra taylor So I would tell the story slightly differently. There is a long tradition of education as a publicly funded good in the society. It goes right back to the foundation of our land grant colleges and universities with the Morrill Act. I mean, look at something like the G.I. Bill that sent a lot of veterans to college for free. Look at the famous California master plan, which created a beautiful three-tiered system of education for the people of California. So actually whats happened is, we just took a wrong turn by using loans to finance education. There has been, as Sandy just said, a divestment. State investment in education and higher education has diminished, and tuition has filled that gap. And what weve done is, weve created this very complicated and, I think, very destructive system of lending to fill that gap. jane coaston I went to the University of Michigan, which in some ways viewed itself as being recession-proof. And you hear this in a lot of college towns, that because the university operates as this giant employment center, that is very much encouraged by the government and elsewhere, but you saw that while the state could not afford to fund University of Michigan and Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Northern Michigan there are many directional universities in Michigan that tuition and even more so the fact that tuition is in some ways backed up by federal loans, the University of Michigan is able to keep on ticking, so to speak. astra taylor But this was a political choice. If you look at California and I think its important to begin there you have then-governor of California Ronald Reagan as a political project wanting to impose tuition. He was raising the fees of this state university precisely because theres something deeper going on, which is an attack on the idea that people are entitled to an education, and an imposition of debt is part of a right wing economic project and that is now the mainstream. Now we say, OK, this is just how you do things. Student loans have to exist, instead of contextualizing it. So I think, in some ways, we can say, Oh, wow. The idea of canceling student debt is this radical demand. We can also say, no, its a return to this egalitarian tradition of providing education for everyone on equitable terms, because its good for society as a whole. So theres a way in which what were saying that sounds so out of the box now is a restoration of these foundational principles. sandy baum So I would argue that we never had an equitable system as you describe. I mean, California, there were studies that California was the poster child for a regressive financing system. It wasnt that everybody went to college. And it wasnt that everybody went to the same college. I mean, the demographics of who goes to the University of California versus who goes to the California Community College system are very different. So the state, even though tuition has gone way up, the state spends much more per student on those who go to the University of California. If you can get into Berkeley and youre going to stay there for four or five years, youre getting a huge subsidy. If you wind up at the community college, youre getting a small subsidy. And who ends up at the community college? Those people from less affluent households. So really, one of the things that makes people think that its equitable for people to pay some tuition is the distribution of those benefits, that we dont think that all these people from rich backgrounds who are going to end up being the rich people in the end deserve to have huge subsidies when we really need to help people in early childhood education. We need to fund community colleges better. But we need to fund their K-12 environments in their neighborhoods and their health care so theyll have a better opportunity to go to Berkeley themselves. astra taylor Right, but the spread between a Berkeley, then, and a junior college, a Merritt College or whatever it was then, is less probably than the spread between Harvard or Yale and for-profit colleges, which is what we have at a national level, right? Which is the system thats evolved. So I totally agree. The University of California system in the 60s and 70s wasnt sort of the ideal we should reach towards, but I think we should build on that model and that principle of public education for everyone and perfect that, instead of going further down the track were currently on. jane coaston Astra, a lot of your activism around this subject was sparked by the 2011 Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. Can you tell me a little bit about the history of the activism centered around student loan debt and why do you think this has been such a focal point? What are the things we arent doing because we are thinking about our student loans? astra taylor Yes, its 2021. Occupy Wall Street was 2011. So 10 years Ive been in this movement. And what drew me to it was a kind of insight that something in our economy has changed. We are increasingly indebted, and people are indebted for the necessities of life. So we have to debt finance our education. We have to put our medical bills on our credit cards because we dont have universal health care. And the problem is, wages have stagnated. Thats actually the bigger context for this conversation about student debt. So wages have stagnated. People are borrowing. And theres kind of an illusion of broadly shared prosperity, but in reality, households are deeply indebted. Part of what debt does is it individualizes. Its your student loans for your education. Its your bill at the end of the month to the credit card company. But this isnt tens of millions of people making bad personal choices. This is a structural issue. This is about the way our economy is organized. And so we came together at Occupy Wall Street and we said, well, hold on, what if debtors actually, instead of being isolated, instead of defaulting a loan like I did, what if we came together and made demands for a different system, a system that actually worked better for everyone? And so part of that is actually just first about getting over the stigma. People have so much shame and stress about their debt. And I see that in the Debt Collective. I mean, we have people reaching out in absolutely desperate situations economically, but also psychologically. We have people saying that they think about killing themselves because they are so indebted and they cant get by. It also, in a kind of less dramatic way than that, does influence peoples life choices. We see that people make career decisions based on their debt. Theres data showing that people graduating from law school, for example, want to go into public interest careers, but then they realize, hold on, I cant pay off my $200,000 in debt working for $50,000 or $60,000 a year at some nonprofit. So Im going to pursue corporate law. We know from professional associations that theres a crisis where there arent enough dentists or doctors in rural areas, because they have to go and pursue careers in places that are more populated, and go into specialties where they can actually pay their massive student debt. It has a perverse impact on peoples life choices. jane coaston And Sandy, doesnt that have repercussions for the economy? If people arent buying houses because they cant pay both a mortgage and their student loans, isnt that much debt bad for the economy? And hypothetically, a student-loan-free me would be more likely to be interested in making those major purchases that are the main drivers of our economy. sandy baum You really have to differentiate different kinds of debt. I mean, to me, the fact that people have medical debt, that we dont have a health care system that supplies health care to everyone instead of asking them to pay for it out of nothing, that is unconscionable. We shouldnt have that. If the movement were to forgive medical debt, Id be like, yeah, we should never have medical debt. We should make sure in the future that no one ever has to borrow for that. The income distribution of people with medical debt is really different from the income distribution of people with college debt. Youre asking about the impact? First of all, many of the studies about the impact of student debt are significantly flawed. And one problem, I think, when you ask this question is, whats the counterfactual? So if you want to say, look, people who went to college have higher homeownership rates than people who didnt because they have higher incomes and higher wealth than people who didnt. In your situation personally, if someone had paid for you to go to college and you didnt have to borrow and you have the education you have and the job you have, you would be much better off, of course. jane coaston I would be so happy. Oh. sandy baum Yeah, there are things youre not doing because you have to make loan payments. Thats true. I mean, everyone knows that. Look, so thats clear. And if you compare the financial situation of people whose parents paid to people whose parents didnt, its not just that they dont have college loans, their parents are also giving them a down payment for a house. Theyre doing all kinds of things for them that other parents dont. And thats not fair. And thats our society at large. Thats not about college. So the choice that people have to make is frequently, should I borrow money and go to college and get an education and have better opportunities? Or should I say, you know what? Im not going to take out loans. Im not going to college. People are much better off borrowing money, going to college, getting the benefit of a college education even if they have to pay back their student loans. So it would be terrible for the economy if people stopped going to college. And I just want to point out that we have income-based repayment systems. Theyre not perfect by any means. They need to be strengthened and improved and all of that. But what we need to do is make sure that if you cant afford your payments, you dont have to make them. We have a system that will forgive the debt of people who cant afford it. It really needs to be strengthened. But to suggest that nobody should be able to borrow money? I mean, who would have a house if you couldnt borrow money for a mortgage? jane coaston It would be that you would not need to borrow money to go to college. sandy baum Tuition should be cheaper, absolutely. But even if there were no tuition, whos going to pay for you to live while youre in college if your parents cant afford it? And again, the people who go to college for a long time, to expensive colleges are people who are relatively affluent. About half of the student debt that people are taking out is for graduate school. Is graduate school going to be free? Is Harvard going to be free? I mean, really, I mean, people are going to still borrow money for college because its a good investment. astra taylor So theres so much here to unpack. We have a society where you have to get credentialed to get a job. You have to get a bachelors degree to get the job used to be able to get with a high school degree. If you are Black, you have to get a bachelors degree to compete with a white candidate who lacks the same degree. So we have a system thats driving people to credentialize. Part of that, to me, is that education has been twisted into primarily job training. We think of it as, you take out your loans to invest in yourself, so you can get a job, so you can pay back those loans. I want to just break that paradigm and say, no, education is actually about education. This is why it should be free. Career training is part of that, and cultivating this kind of expertise is part of that, but theres actually something bigger, and we need to go back to this idea of funding education as something that is good for a democratic society. Sandy, I think would say that canceling student debt is regressive, because some high earners would get their debts canceled. I want to dispute that, and say student debt itself is regressive. People whose parents are millionaires and billionaires do not have to take out student loans to go to college. They pay the tuition. So they end up paying less for the same degree than people who have to borrow, who have to take out student loans, because those borrowers pay over time. They pay for years and decades, and they are charged interest. So they often pay many times more over the course of the life of their loan. So student debt itself is regressive, which is why canceling it is a progressive policy. And we do have these systems. We have systems like I.D.R., which is income-driven repayment. We have a public service loan forgiveness. To say that they kind of need to be fixed is an understatement. These programs are completely broken. I work with debtors every day who are tortured by these programs. People who have planned their entire adult lives planning to get public service loan forgiveness and then they didnt get it. Ninety-nine percent of people have been denied the public service loan forgiveness they planned their lives around. Sure, you can be on income-driven repayment and be making technically $0 a month payments on your loans, but youve still got this screwed up debt-to-income ratio. Youve still got terrible credit. Its still hanging over you. You know that you actually are worth less than zero. These fixes are complicated. Theyre bureaucratic. There are all of these unnecessary administrative costs, and its like I think the question we need to ask is like why? Why put so much energy into fixing a broken student loan servicing system instead of just going like, lets go back to something thats obvious, which is so funding education in a different way. sandy baum So if you were to forgive all student debt now, its absolutely regressive. Its not regressive because some rich people would get some money. When people talk about the racial wealth gap, about half of Black adults have never been to college. They dont have any student debt. If we wanted to give everybody a $10,000 distribution, I think that would be a great idea. astra taylor I do, too. I would do that, too. sandy baum Im not worried about the fact that were going to give $10,000 to Bill Gates. Thats OK. Give it to everybody. But do not exclude the people who never went to college. Many people never went to college because they couldnt manage to afford it for lots of reasons. They deserve this $10,000 handout as well. Think about the money were talking about spending on helping people with children. Weve got to do something about child poverty. And if we do something about child poverty, its going to help people get to and through college. I mean, I think picking on the idea that its going to help some rich people, thats not the problem. Public service loan forgiveness? No argument. Its a disaster. Of course, we have a huge problem with that. If you forgave all student debt today, then what about tomorrow? And again, free tuition is not going to eliminate borrowing. People are going to borrow for graduate school, for private colleges, and to live while theyre in college. So what about the people who just paid off their loans? What about the people who are going to borrow tomorrow? There are some people whose debts should be forgiven. So if you borrowed $10,000 and youve been trying to repay it for 10 years and you havent made any progress, we should forgive it today. We shouldnt make you wait another 10 years. If you were the victim of fraud or abuse, we should forgive your debt. If youre a parent living below the poverty line and we gave you a federal loan so you could help your kid go to college, we should never have made that loan to you. We should forgive it. But we should not forgive the trillion and a half dollars student debt and increase the federal debt that way and put all that money in the pockets of many of the people who have the most earning potential in our society. astra taylor I think that misunderstands the true economics of it. Because were not in a position where were choosing between $10,000 to the people versus debt cancellation, right? Debt cancellation is a policy that can happen because of executive actions, so the Biden Administration can do it now. sandy baum It will increase the debt astra taylor the money for student debt forgiveness sandy baum It will give $10,000 to some people and not other people. astra taylor But the money the Department of Education has lent to people is out the door. That money is already gone. And as you just said, we have systems that basically bake in debt cancellation or forgiveness. Were just punting it to decades in the future. Why not face the fact that the vast majority of this is not going to be paid off? When it is collected, its through incredibly punitive means. We garnish the Social Security payments of elderly people. We seize their tax returns. sandy baum We should not do that. We should not do that. astra taylor We put people in default, as I was put into default, and then my principle increased. We have to understand that this money, when it is recouped, is recouped through these pernicious and punishing methods. Why do that? Why not just say, lets cancel this? Even if we canceled some of the numbers on the table, $10,000, $50,000, we would still have a student loan crisis. jane coaston Were getting into solutions, and I like that we want to our last point of solution of total forgiveness first. There are a couple of stops on the road before we get there. And you just mentioned the most recent proposal from President Biden, which is a $10,000 unilateral cancellation for all federal borrowers, which would wipe out the debt for about 15 million Americans, which is not a small number of people. So Astra, what are your thoughts on $10,000? I feel like were doing a bit of an auction here, but $10,000. Take it or leave it. astra taylor Oh, absolutely. I mean, thats part of why there does need to be a group holding down the corner for full cancellation. There has to be people on that flank. I mean, $10,000 is nibbling around the edges. I think it shows, though, for me as an organizer in the space, I feel that the fact President Biden ran on that is a testament to the work of debtors standing up for themselves and saying this is a crisis. I do want to flag that he also ran on the promise to cancel student debt for undergraduates who attended public universities and historically Black colleges and universities as long as their income was under $125,000. So thats more substantial. jane coaston Some of the other proposals that have come from senators Schumer and Warren, talking about canceling $50,000 in student loans. Again, this cattle auction continues, but for those who earn less than $125,000. What do you think of these positional moves, Sandy? sandy baum Well, I would rather have them forgive $10,000 of everybodys debt than $50,000 of everybodys debt. And the share of people who owe $50,000 is small, but again, I want them to give $10,000 to everyone. And it would be a very interesting question, how many people would use the $10,000 to pay off their student loans. First of all, in terms of a stimulus or helping people right now, lets acknowledge that since the beginning of the pandemic, no one has had to pay their federal student loans. All of those payments have been deferred. You dont have to pay them. No interest is accumulating. And if they forgive your debt, theyre not handing you money. Its a stream of, you dont have to make future payments. So in terms of helping the economy right now, it doesnt help anybody right now, because nobodys making those payments. jane coaston When I get the email that tells me that my loan forbearance on my federal loans because I also have private loans, which is a more rare scenario but, you know, very fun for me when I get that email telling me I dont need to make those payments, I do think, awesome. That means that when at some point we are allowed to go places, I would have the opportunity to go somewhere, or buy a thing. sandy baum Right, right. jane coaston Or when you think about the budgeting that is done, I have spent the last decade of my life figuring into my budget that heres how much money I make. Here is how much money I actually make because of my student loan payments. But if I get that back, I am thinking we could do X thing. We could do Y thing. So I just want to press you a little bit on this, because it is not that I am literally being given $10,000. It is that my possibilities, my economic possibilities widen. sandy baum You will be a happier person, absolutely. I dont begrudge you that. jane coaston I love being happy. sandy baum But the people who are struggling most now look, think about whos lost their jobs during the pandemic. jane coaston Right. sandy baum Think about whos not sitting on Zoom going to work. I mean, the people who are struggling the most now are not the people most of them dont have student debt because they didnt go to college. Some of them do, but mostly they have lots of other problems. They have other kinds of debt. They cant pay their electric bills. So if you want to have an agenda I mean, maybe we can argue about whether we could do everything, everything, everything we want to astra taylor I want to invite you into the Debt Collective where we organize to cancel all these other kinds of debt, Sandy. Because Im 100 percent with you that all of these other debts need to be canceled, but people student debtors hold these other debts. They hold medical debts. They hold credit card debt. sandy baum But if you cancel all debt, you got to solve the problem in a different way. If people cant borrow money, people arent going to pay back their loans, nobodys going to lend them money. And we have loans for a reason, because people can distribute payments over time. We need a much more equal society. But not allowing people access to credit is not going to be a solution long term to problems. And everybody needs a home. Everybody needs a place to live. Why shouldnt we do away with housing debt? Lets forgive all the mortgage debt. voicemail from connor Hey, this is Connor calling from Brooklyn, New York. The thing Ive been arguing about is student debt forgiveness. And the way that Ive been coming at this is more from the social democratic perspective, as someone who believes in a strong welfare state. By that metric, I see debt forgiveness as more of a bailout to the elite institutions than a bailout or forgiveness to the students who were ripped off by them. Thanks. jane coaston What are you arguing about? With your family, your friends, your frenemies? Tell me about the big debate youre having in a voicemail by calling 347-915-4324. And we might play an excerpt of it on a future episode. One of the pieces of this is that only about 62 percent of people graduate from college with a bachelors degree. They do it in six years. But 38 percent withdraw, and millions of those people who withdraw, who did not finish college, who are the people who are likely by this pandemic being most impacted, the people who are not lucky enough to be able to do so much of their work at home, or for whom working at home does not exist. They still have millions of dollars of student loan debt. But for the idea of a proposal that says we will forgive about $50,000 but if you make a less than $125,000 a year, does that make that more equitable in your eyes, Sandy? sandy baum It makes it more equitable, but there are a lot of issues. Like for example, if you make $125,000 a year, what if I mean, I think people who have been trying to repay for years and havent succeeded because they have a long-term low income need to have more debt forgiveness. But if you just graduated from college and youre making less than $125,000 a year, this is a real windfall to you. So lets think about who really cant afford to pay. I dont want student loans to oppress people. People who drop out of college are the biggest problem, struggle the most. People who want to for-profit institutions. We have lots of problems that we have to solve. Whether theyre student debt or not, if you go to an institution that promises you youre going to get a job at the end of it and you cant because they just are total rip-off institution, this is outrageous and we need to do something about this, whether you borrowed money for it or not. So its not going to solve those problems to just forgive the debt of people who just left those schools. We need to solve those problems. Theyre going to be with us until we address them head-on. astra taylor Its not such a pie in the sky thing to imagine that people arent financing their education through student loans. This is something that exists in other countries. In the beginning, when student loans just began, they were conceived as like a little bonus, right? I mean, Pell grants typically covered tuition and gave people money to live on, so to address the how do people actually survive? question. Loans are not the only way we can finance education. I think that thats really important to state. I want to just say on the for-profit college front, I have organized for the last six years now with students who were defrauded by predatory for-profit colleges. And this is why I am so adamant about the fact that the attempts to fix and improve the program guerand create more oversight and have some laws or more information for borrowers, they dont work. The systems that the Department of Education are upholding are predatory. Weve got millions of people trapped in huge debt for worthless degrees. And these for-profits are the logical endpoint of this system of loan financed education and treating education as an investment and a commodity and not a public good. So I am very familiar with the trials and tribulations of the most vulnerable borrowers. And what those borrowers have helped teach me through my organizing with them is that we need a solution that actually helps everyone. We need to stop trying to divide people and say, oh, actually, well, lets not talk about this kind of debtor or that kind of debtor. Because when you do that, when you divide everybody up, it makes the problem seem smaller than it is. The fact is that for-profit college students and doctors who cant pay their debts all owe money to the same system. Theyre all connected to the Department of Education. Most of them have federally secured loans, and the same solution will help everybody, which is full debt cancellation and fixing the solution going back to free public higher education. sandy baum This is not a solution. Its not to suggest that the problems with people defrauded by their for-profit institutions are the same as the problems of doctors who are right now in residency and owe $200,000 are being neurosurgeons is absurd. I mean, they are such different situations. There are timing problems. There are problems of being cheated. And there are problems of being given opportunities. You make it sound as though it could just be a simple solution. Its not simple in the short term or the long term. astra taylor But its the problem with doctors who want to be general practitioners, doctors who want to not have to maximize their returns. sandy baum There are of course doctors who dont make a lot of money. There are lawyers who dont make a lot of money. But the idea that the average taxpayer should pay for people with lots of money to go make lots of money instead of using tax revenues to actually create opportunities for people is so much not a progressive idea. astra taylor Education has a social benefit. We live in what we call a democracy, and I think if 2021 has taught us anything, its that we want an educated populace, right? We want people to be able to learn, to learn how to think critically. So public K-through-12 education made sense in the industrial age, right? This is the 21st century. People need more time to learn, more time to explore, and more time to develop these critical capacities. jane coaston I want to interrupt there, because one of the challenges I have with this conversation is, should we be talking about greater access to education, which seems to be your point? Or is part of the issue that about 6 in 10 jobs require some education beyond a high school diploma. The fact that there are so many jobs, and I think weve all had them where you were basically required to have graduated from college, even at no point did your college education Lets just say that my history thesis on Nazi propaganda before and after the Battle of Stalingrad didnt really come up that much with a lot of my early jobs. So is the challenge, everyone should have access to this education, or obviously there are a lot of jobs that require different forms of occupational licensing, but there are a lot of jobs that perhaps shouldnt need people to have college educations in the first place. sandy baum We should worry about both of these things. Of course everyone should have access to this educational opportunity, but it shouldnt be a requirement for a living wage, right? Education of course has social benefits. And even the private benefits everyone should have access to, but it has private and social benefits. Its not a public good. Like, if I go to college, you live in a better, more educated society, but I get most of the benefits. You dont get equal benefits. Youre indifferent to whether its me or you who goes to college, but the idea that we dont have good opportunities for people who dont go to college lots of people when they graduate from high school we hope they graduate from high school, not everyone does they dont want to go sit in a classroom again. They need an apprenticeship. They need opportunities for good jobs that dont require them to go to college. And we absolutely need to focus on that. But we also need for them to have that choice, where its not financial constraints that make it impossible for them to go to college. So I think your dichotomy is like, youre pointing out two things that we need to do. If wages were not so unequal, if we didnt live in a society where the people at the top of the distribution earn so much more than the people at the bottom, then you could make a choice based on what satisfies you in life instead of thinking youre going to be poor if you make a wrong choice. astra taylor We agree on this. Good jobs dont appear because youve minted a lot of diplomas, right? We need to figure out how to create better jobs, create equity in the workforce. This isnt something that just is solved by education policy, and I totally agree that you should need this arbitrary credential to get the job that a generation ago you could get right out of high school. So I think theyre complementary problems. They overlap. And weve been on the wrong track by thinking that, oh, we can solve this problem of employment and wages just by pushing people in the door of colleges, whatever the cost is. sandy baum But I do think that thesis that you wrote probably has helped you more than you think. Its not just about the subject matter. jane coaston I mean sandy baum Its about how you learn to write and think and create, and Im sure youre using that all the time. jane coaston Horrifyingly, the subject matter came up a couple of times. I really wish it wouldnt have. [LAUGHTER] sandy baum OK, see, so. jane coaston So lets talk going forward. Because Astra, youve mentioned the idea of free public college for all, and I want to talk about solutions that are actually possible with the Congress that we currently have. So Sandy, Id like to start with you. If total cancellation isnt effective, if free public college, Im going to guess, is not what youre thinking, what do you think we can do to reform higher education so more people have access to education but arent crushed by debt? And how can we do so in a way thats fair? sandy baum So I think that the federal government can play a larger role in funding public higher education by providing money to states that matches state appropriations, so that states will have more incentive to more generously fund public higher education. The states dont just need to lower tuition. They need resources to make these institutions able to serve students. One of the problems with some of the free college proposals is, well, how are we going to educate all those students? How are we going to give them a quality environment? So the federal government can do that. The federal government can certainly increase the size of the Pell Grant, which is financial aid for low and moderate income students. So students will have more grant aid to pay. And the federal government must increase its oversight and regulation of the for-profit college industry and hold colleges and universities accountable for the quality of the education that they provide to students. jane coaston So this is a thesis I am completely prepared to be incorrect about, and you both can tell me that Im wrong. Its an exciting part of the show. Because there is an expectation that you will be able to access student loans, they can set the price at whatever they want it to be, $35,000 a year, $45,000 a year, with the understanding that you will probably qualify for federal loans. Without those loans, with those eliminated, do you think that colleges would lower their prices? sandy baum Theres been a lot of research on this. Maybe a little bit. Certainly the for-profit sector, theres a lot of evidence that you raise the loan limits, they raise their prices. But by and large, the answer to that is no, thats not what is determining college prices. I mean, if states would put more funding into higher education, then tuition at public institutions would be lower. But that is not whats driving it. And look, if we didnt have any student aid some people want to abolish the Pell Grant for that reason then probably prices would be lower. There would be fewer colleges and universities, and fewer people would go to college. Better we should have a little bit higher price and have educational institutions with resources that can educate students. Cheap isnt enough. It has to be what are you getting for your money. So this whole focus on whats the price, and wouldnt a price of zero be great? It depends. It depends on what youre going to get for your price. jane coaston Astra, I want to know what your thought is on would eliminating loans reduce the price of college, because colleges would know that you couldnt access a spare $20,000? astra taylor I think we need state funding. We need federal funding for education. jane coaston So it sounds like you kind of agree on that. More money for education! astra taylor More money for education! And theres the $66 Fix proposal in California, which basically says for a small increase in your state taxes, we can reinvest in the California system. So I think there are state possibilities, even if were not about to get college for all from this Congress. And I think that were not. The fact that were not going to get college for all from this Congress is part of why the Debt Collective is pushing for student loan cancellation via executive action. jane coaston Why free? Why free as the objective? I know you just said that were not going to get it in this Congress, but Im interested to hear why free at all. astra taylor I mean, I hear in the word free a double entendre, right? So one is free as in cost, and the other is free as in aimed at freedom. This is actually about creating a free and equal population that is capable of governing itself. Again, to me this ties back to my interest and my work on the subject of democracy. What is society for? Canceling student debt in 2021 via executive action, which Joe Biden can and should do, is one way of saying, weve made a mistake. This has been a policy failure, and were doing something about it. Of course, its not the solution. Were figuring out what the real solution is. Lets do something as a society thats saying, hold on, this is out of control. Just to show that we can actually admit our mistakes and take some little step to getting back on track and building a system that actually aims at equity and actually functions and isnt destroying peoples lives. sandy baum So I think we share a lot of the same goals in terms of the kind of society we would like to see. I think the idea of forgiving all student debt is so inequitable, it offends me so much to think of it as progressive, because I want people to be thinking this way about policies that will really help the people who need it most. And the people who need the most help are not the people who have large amounts of student debt. So its just a difference in what we see as a solution and a constructive step on the road to building a society where more people have equal opportunities and where subsidies just go mostly to people who really need them, not to people who have had the biggest benefits from our society. astra taylor But right now we have a two-tiered system where people who have family wealth get their tuition paid for. If you have student debt, you by definition do not have family wealth. Your parents arent millionaires. Theyre not billionaires. And if you are sandy baum Actually, thats not true. astra taylor economically vulnerable if you are, as the statistics say, you come probably from a Black or a Latinx household, that debt drags you further and further and further into poverty. I mean, you know this. I know you know this, Sandy. sandy baum What frustrates me, Im sorry, but its just that it is not true that people from affluent families dont have student debt. The people with the largest debts are people who went to medical school and law school and so on. And thats not the people from the low income backgrounds. So I agree with you about the plight of the people who cannot afford it. I agree with you about the race issue is huge. I mean, Black students are disadvantaged in so many ways, and the student debt problem concentrated in that community is one that we have to address in lots of ways. But the idea that if youre not needy, you dont have student loans, thats just not the case. astra taylor So I would like to re-bargain with Sandy and say, OK, you said $10,000 at some point. Im saying all. You know, lets meet at 75K. The research shows sandy baum Oh my god. [LAUGHING] astra taylor The research shows that thats the ideal amount sandy baum Oh my god, no. [LAUGHING] astra taylor Senator Warren and Schumer are saying that they want $50,000 of debt canceled because of the racial wealth gap. The $50,000 is based on research from 2016. The researchers updated the number because debt has grown, and theyre now saying actually the optimal debt cancellation to close the racial wealth gap is 75. So that gives you an example of the acceleration were facing here. sandy baum How can the solution to the racial wealth gap be a policy that leaves half of African-American households totally out? astra taylor Because African-Americans because Black people into the workforce precisely because they need to compete on an even playing field with their white counterparts. And so they disproportionately sandy baum Most debt is held by white people. astra taylor Well, yeah, because there are more white people. jane coaston Also, speaking as a Black person who went to college, Black students are more likely to turn to student loans and are more likely to default on their loans. sandy baum Absolutely. Absolutely. jane coaston The assumption here, I would think, is that this is not our only bite at the apple on trying to close the racial wealth gap. The idea would be that we would do this, but also something about housing reform, occupational licensing reform, eliminating qualified immunity. But Sandy, youre shaking your head. You are still in disagreement here. sandy baum It is true that more Black students than white students borrow. We are not going to have a successful society unless we figure out how look at the European countries that have student debt programs that work. Theyre income-driven. Theyre not that different from ours, but they withhold it from your paycheck, and its automatic, and you dont have to go through a bureaucracy. We can do that. We havent chosen to do it, but we can do it, and it will be a long term solution. If we cant structure good government programs, then were in a total mess, because were not going to solve any of these problems. jane coaston Astra, you are shaking your head vehemently. This is a very visual podcast. astra taylor So vehemently. I mean, first I want to say that Darrick Hamilton, who is the leading economist on the racial wealth gap says cancel all student debt for the maximum benefit. And he would, I know, would also say, this is not our only bite at the apple. This has to be coupled with all these policies. Why dream of some perfect bureaucracy where people take out loans and then theyre automatically enrolled in the right payment plan? I mean, lets go back to reality. The nightmares that people are living in because of these programs just make me feel like, why would we aspire to making this Rube Goldberg machine work, when we could fund things directly? We could give very generous Pell grants. Let people have the space to live. Other countries do that. What is society for? The stereotype of the doctor or the lawyer who might get their debts canceled is this canard thats got to go. We know that law school does not necessarily mean youre going to get a high paying job. If you want to go into public service, youre really, really underpaid. And the fact is, as a citizen of this country, I want there to be doctors and lawyers who arent burdened by hundreds of thousands of debt and can serve their community. Im thinking of one member of the Debt Collective, his names Armen Henderson. Hes a doctor in Miami. He grew up in Philadelphia, Black, familys right above the poverty line. He owes $600,000 for medical school, and he spends every day, going out and giving homeless people tests for Covid. I mean, why? So when you invoke this doctor who might get their debt canceled, Im like, yeah, Armen would be free to maybe plan for his retirement or buy a house. Thats not such a terrible thing in my book. sandy baum Yeah, but we cant use anecdotes like this very remarkable unusual person to set public policies. And if you forgave all student debt tomorrow, then next week there would be people with new student loans. astra taylor But thats not a reason to keep people trapped just because the systems not solved. We dont go, oh, well, you might get a break. sandy baum Its not just were talking about a huge impact on the debt and the deficit and limit and if you dont think Congress is going to do less for people in need because we just added a trillion and a half dollars over time astra taylor Student debt is out the door. Its not the same type of spending. sandy baum Of course it is. astra taylor Its out the door, and the government knows its not going to get it back. Thats why theres I.D.R. Thats why theres loan forgiveness. sandy baum No, the government expects to get student loans repaid. astra taylor It doesnt expect to get all of it back. The official estimates do not claim that all the moneys coming back. sandy baum No, all the money is not going to be paid back, but a significant share is. And on average, they expect to make money. And when it doesnt get paid back, it adds to the debt. And were not to the point where Congress says, hey, people need that, were just going to do it. There are absolutely trade-offs. And we have to acknowledge those trade-offs. jane coaston OK, this is the most Ive thought about my own student debt and anyone elses student debt in a very long time. astra taylor Welcome to my life. [LAUGHING] jane coaston So yes, student debt, it occupies your mind. Dr. Sandy Baum is a nonresident senior fellow at the Center on Education, Data, and Policy at the Urban Institute. And Astra Taylor is a documentarian, author of the book Democracy May Not Exist, But Well Miss It When Its Gone and the co-founder of the Debt Collective. Thank you both so much for joining me today to talk about this issue. astra taylor Thanks so much. sandy baum Thank you so much for having us. jane coaston You can find links to their Op-Eds about student loans in this episodes show notes. If Oprahs interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Merkel has you in your royal feelings, do what I did last weekend and take a deep dive into the work of Dr. Lucy Worsley. Shes a British historian who is the chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces. And she happens to be the queen of royal history. If youre new to Dr. Worsley, I recommend you start with her three episode mini series, Secrets of the Six Wives, about Henry VIII and his ill-fated partners. You can find all three episodes on PBS.org. And I want to recommend you watch the work of our video team here at NYT Opinion. Our Op-Docs team spotlights short form opinionated documentary films from independent producers around the world. Two of the Op-Docs are shortlisted by the Oscars for best documentary short subject. Check out a Concerto is a Conversation and Hysterical Girl and all the other op docs for free at newyorktimes.com/opdocsawards. Thats nytimes.com/opdocsawards. The Argument is the production of New York Times Opinion. Its produced by Phoebe Lett, Elisa Gutierrez, and Vishakha Darbha. Edited by Allison Bruzek, and Paula Szuchman, with original music and sound design by Isaac Jones, and fact checking by Kate Sinclair. Special thanks this week to Shannon Busta and Viki Merrick. astra taylor You know, if only Sandy and I were the poles that were debating this. That would be excellent, so. sandy baum Thats right. jane coaston Yeah. sandy baum Its true. jane coaston I think we could get comity! astra taylor [March 10, 2021] InnoPhase Signs Global Distribution Agreement with Richardson RFPD SAN DIEGO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- InnoPhase, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in extreme low-power wireless IoT solutions, signed a global distribution agreement with Richardson RFPD, an Arrow Electronics company. Richardson RFPD, a global leader in the RF and wireless communications, IoT and power markets, now offers InnoPhase's Talaria TWO System on Chip (SoC), wireless modules and development kits. The innovative RF and wireless technology offers product designers access to ultra-low-power connectivity solutions for direct-to-cloud communications in the smart home, industrial, commercial, and health IoT markets. The agreement makes these modules available to customers globally for high-volume production. "Signing a distribution agreement with Richardson RFPD is a significant step in our efforts to reach global electronics and IoT customers with our award-winning Talaria TWO solutions," said Greg Winner, vice president and general manager of the IoT Business Unit, InnoPhase. Now available to order from Richardson RFPD, the InnoPhase Talaria TWO products, including INP2045 SoC, INP1010 and INP1011 modules, winner of Electronic Products 2020 product of the year, RF category, and the newly announced INP1012 and INP1013 miniaturized-modules, provide complete solutions with wireless connectivity plus an integrated microcontroller for edge-of-network IoT designs. The highly integrated, multi-protocol single-chip platform includes Wi-Fi and BLE5 connectivity for wireless data transfer, an embedded Arm Cortex-M3 microcontroller for system control and user applications, and advanced security elements for device safeguards. Typical product applications include home automation, smart door locks, remote security cameras, sensor modules, portable patient monitoring devices, wearables and other energy-critical edge-of-network wireless IoT applications. The distribution agreement with Richardson RFPD builds on InnoPhase's momentum and 2020 industry recognitions. InnoPhase received the Red Herring Top 100 Companies in North America, EE Times Silicon Top 100 awards, and is listed as a low-power innovator and major market player in ABI Research's fourth-quarter 2020 report. To learn more visit www.innophaseinc.com and download product information or watch a product demonstration. Additionally, check out more videos at InnoPhase's YouTube channel or contact sales@innophaseinc.com. About InnoPhase InnoPhase, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., is a fabless wireless semiconductor platform company specializing in extreme low power wireless IoT solutions. It developed the award-winning Talaria TWO multi-protocol chipset with the world's lowest power Wi-Fi radio using a unique, programmable digital polar radio architecture. Customers are using it to create a wide range of innovative wireless products and solutions for the rapidly growing IoT market. For more information on InnoPhase, visit innophaseinc.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innophase-signs-global-distribution-agreement-with-richardson-rfpd-301244005.html SOURCE InnoPhase Ed U. via Yelp Berkeley institution Moe's Books, one of the few remaining classic used bookstores in the city, has voted to unionize, citing "many incidents" of unsafe COVID-19 protocols in the store. According to a press release issued by the union workers, there was "almost unanimous support" for organizing and joining the Industrial Workers of the World. On March 9, they say their union, Moe's Books Workers, was recognized by Doris Moskowitz, the store's owner. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. New Delhi, March 10 : In the run-up to the high-octane assembly election in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday approached the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and accused the state police of threatening voters in Nandigram. Questioning the conduct of the police, in a written complaint to the poll panel, BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta and Shishir Bajoria said that Banerjee was accompanied by scores of police personnel en route to the office of returning officer. Banerjee filed her nomination papers for from Nandigram earlier in the day. She is contesting against her former confidant and party colleague Suvendu Adhikari. The BJP said that they have information that police personnel in plain clothes have been threatening voters at the behest of the ruling dispensation. "This is a serious violation of blatant use of government machinery by the party in power to influence voters. Police personnel have been forced to act as party cadres of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). They are also seen visiting local clubs to gather support and solicit votes in favour of the party in power," the BJP complaint said. The BJP further wrote that the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police are holding meetings in police stations and in the company of TMC party workers. "Senior police officer Vivek Sahai and Gyanwant Singh are using their seniority to disturb and vitiate the atmosphere of free and fair elections," it said. The BJP urged the poll panel to take immediate cognisance of issues raised by it. The party demanded immediate suspension and strict action against the police officials. "The full expenditure incurred on the convoy used by Mamata Banerjee from the state exchequer must also be added to the expenditure account of the candidate," demanded the BJP. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee advanced a pair of bills in a Monday hearing one that would ban ceremonial balloon releases and another that would make utility companies responsible for the response to gas leaks. House Bill 418, introduced by Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, would impose a $500 penalty for first-time offenses when knowingly releasing balloons into the atmosphere, as in the case of celebrations and special events. Obviously, there are significant ecological impacts and theres also significant infrastructure impact when these balloons land, Yingling said. Not only are they dangerous for our habitat but they also complicate our storm sewer systems and our water systems. While the bill passed unanimously, some representatives expressed concern that the initial fine was too steep a penalty. Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, said individuals holding personal celebrations should not be subject to the penalty, while larger events such as weddings and special events should be subject to the higher penalties. I do understand the issue, but for just a general person out here who doesnt know the law to slap them with a $500 penalty because they want to release balloons because their mother died of cancer, I just think is a bit extreme, Mayfield said. Yingling said the intent is to prevent organized release of large quantities of these balloons. Yingling said he was working with representatives from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on amendments to include clarifying language, and said the fine could be decreased or eliminated for first-time offenses, or language shifted to focus more on organizational release of balloons. Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, described the initial $500 fine as a penalty enhancement. I do appreciate the sentiment of this legislation. I do think its important and whatever we can do to educate groups and organizations to stay away from balloon launches I think would be good, Butler said. House Bill 705, introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, aims to close what he described as a gap in the states environmental policy pertaining to responsibility for gas leaks. Morgan said the legislation was inspired in the wake of an investigative story that exposed methane gas leaking from a Nicor underground storage facility in LaSalle County. This legislation very simply would create mechanisms, requirements and obligations that are enforceable against utilities in the event of a leak or those that have an underground natural gas storage facility, Morgan said. Per the bill, gas companies would be responsible for a number of actions following the discovery of a facility leak, including installing monitors, offering gas-water separators, providing lodging accommodations when gas levels are deemed explosive, and undertaking comprehensive inspections. The Illinois Environmental Council spoke in favor of the bill, while Nicor Gas took no position. We want to make sure these communities are protected when these leaks occur, and our bill sets parameters on how residents and property owners are to be treated in the case of a verified leak, said Ariel Hampton of the Illinois Environmental Council. Litesa Wallace, director of government relations for Nicor Gas, said Nicor did as it should have in response to the initial leak that sparked the legislation, and conversations are continuing on how the bill could be adapted and how the company could further protect communities from gas leaks. We want to be able to make sure that its not only consistent with industry standard, with EPA, DNR, and other regulatory standards, but also does whats best for the people and families that we serve as a utility, Wallace said. The bill passed unanimously, but Morgan said he would plan to take steps to impose additional regulations on the issue moving forward. I do think that we have a gap that we need to address. This legislation does not do that, Morgan said. But I will be pushing forward with conversations with this committee and the legislature to make sure that we address it to keep peoples water safe. By Padraic Halpin DUBLIN (Reuters) - Davy Stockbrokers is under close regulatory scrutiny after a "day of reckoning" when it was fined a record 4.1 million euro ($4.9 million), a top Irish central bank official said. Ireland's largest stockbroker was fined last week after an inquiry into 16 of its staff who the regulator alleged sought to profit in 2014 by taking the opposite side of a bond deal with a client, without telling the client or compliance officials. The 16 included Davy's then chief executive, Brian McKiernan, who quit on Saturday alongside two senior executives. Davy closed its bond desk on Monday after it was dropped as a primary dealer in Irish government bonds and said it deeply regretted the shortcomings that emerged and apologised unreservedly and unequivocally for the failures. "The enforcement investigation has certainly caused a day of reckoning for Davys with respect to their governance, conduct and culture," Irish Central Bank Director General, Financial Conduct, Derville Rowland, told a parliamentary committee. Davy is a household name in Ireland, where it is also the largest wealth management firm and a corporate broker for most of the largest publicly listed firms. The bond inquiry has caused public outcry in a country where the actions of some bankers during the financial crisis a decade ago are still raw. "In terms of our very intrusive supervision, Davy themselves has confirmed there has already been significant change in respect to their governance, risk management, compliance and controls," Rowland said. Asked if any matters in relation to its investigation had been referred to the police or Ireland's corporate watchdog, Rowland said the central bank did not form the view during the case that there was a suspicion of criminal activity. Now that the full details are in the public domain, the regulator has already had tentative engagement with some other agencies and that the matters with Davy were "very much a live supervisory matter" for the central bank, she said. "We are engaged in very dynamic and significant regulatory engagement with Davy's and it is a very evolving situation. I can't be drawn on commenting on future regulatory actions against individuals," Rowland added. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Alexander Smith) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on Feb. 23, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Indian High Commissioner on Deeper Engagement With Canada Bisaria says India aims to be a bigger player on the world stage The improving relations between Canada and India have already started to pay off after the two countries struck a momentous vaccine deal, with 500,000 doses arriving in Toronto on March 3 and another 1.5 million to come before May. Indias High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria told The Epoch Times that India wants to play a more prominent role on the international stage and would welcome deeper economic ties with Canada and have it be more involved in the Indo-Pacific region. Just three months ago, Indo-Canada relations had taken a hit due to comments Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian politicians made in support of Indian farmers protests over the governments agricultural reforms. But a Feb. 10 call between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to have ironed out any lingering issues. Indias High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria (Courtesy High Commission of India) As a result, it wasnt a surprise that Trudeau lauded the way Indias government managed the farm protests using democracy and dialogue, Bisaria said. The farm [reform] bills were really passed for very good reasonsto aim at doubling farm incomes, providing access to markets, technology, Bisaria said. They were meant to be a transformation of Indian agriculture to modern conditions. There is basically a good faith dialogue being undertaken by the government with the farmers, Bisaria said. But what has been polluting the situation is some activity from Khalistani separatists who really dont want to indulge in an effort to try and understand the issue, he added. Trudeau had said back in 2018 that Canada wont support these Sikh separatists, who Indian leaders say represent fringe interests and are in the minority among Sikhs. Bisaria called India the pharmacy of the world that has brought vaccine internationalism to the fore, given its vaccine-producing capabilities and the countrys recognition of its global responsibility. India now has over 60 percent of the worlds vaccine manufacturing capacity. While multilateralism and globalization have benefited India, Bisaria said that going forward, India is looking at reforming multilateralism. The argument from India is that the current global governance systems dont answer the needs of 2021. They answer the need of 1945, and what we need to do is get together, and with a consensus, reform these multilateral structures, Bisaria said. India is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, with its term ending in 2022, and its health minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, chairs the executive board of the World Health Organization. Modi and Trudeau reaffirmed their common interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific in their Feb. 10 call. The Indo-Pacific is here to stay, as a concept as well as a geography, and therefore we all need to recognize it and deal with it in multiple ways, Bisaria said. In the face of Chinas belligerence, India has long been seen as a counterweight for Canada. Foreign policy analysts have urged Canada to place greater emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. Tech Collaboration About 1.9 million Canadians are of Indian heritage. India is Canadas 9th-largest export market and 10th-largest trading partner overall. Canadas largest exports to India are natural resource and agricultural products. But going forward, Bisaria said that focusing on the economic agenda with more joint ventures in tech can lead to a great deal of positive collaboration between the two nations. Bisaria cited the example of Indias Digit Insurance startup, which is backed by Canadian billionaire Prem Watsas Fairfax group. Digit Insurance, a fintech powerhouse, is a unicornvalued at over US$1 billion. India provides a huge market for companies with good ideas so that they can scale up, Bisaria said. Canadian entrepreneurs have long been adept at starting up companies, but the problem has always been scaling up more of them. Indias human capital has been known to be a backbone of tech ecosystems around the world, including Canada. Indian IT giant Infosys is expanding in Calgary with the promise of 500 new jobs over the next three years and doubling its current Canadian workforce to 4,000 by 2023, according to the Calgary Herald. The two countries have much in common, both being free-market democracies and having deep family and historical ties as Commonwealth brethren. Bisaria said deepening the bonds between Canada and India is a win-win partnership. Level one water restrictions continue to be necessary in Tauranga, despite spells of rain and cooler weather. Concerns remain over persisting low flow levels in the streams that supply Taurangas drinking water, causing council to keep restrictions in place for the foreseeable future. We want to thank the community for their efforts in conserving water, it made a difference which prevented the need for a hose ban, says Director of City Waters for Tauranga City Council, Stephen Burton. However, we are not out of the woods yet and need to keep restrictions in place until we reach more consistent flow in our source water streams. Stephen says stream flows are at their lowest since records began in 1975, rainfall is still significantly lower than an average year and the short spells of rain have done little to relieve the situation. Water restrictions help relieve pressure on these streams. When using water, we continue to need to ask ourselves if this is a good use of drinking water. Tauranga City Council continues to closely liaise with Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BoPRC), who are responsible for caring for the regions waterways. Their assessment is that overall conditions have not changed substantially and NIWA is predicting extended dry spells over the next three months, underscoring the need for continued restrictions. Until restrictions are lifted, the community is asked to continue to adhere to the level 1 water restrictions and practice water conservation habits. Sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned and watering of gardens can take place by hand held hose, in the cooler hours of day - between 5am and 8am and 7pm and 10pm. More tips on saving water can be found at www.tauranga.govt.nz/savingwater The latest news on our regional situation is available at https://www.boprc.govt.nz/our-projects/dry-weather-water-management. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 79F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister and a member of the first Lok Sabha Rishang Keishing passed away on Tuesday following brief illness. The veteran Congress leader was 96. Keishing, a Naga, served as the chief minister of Manipur from 1980 to 1988 and from 1994 to 1997. Keishing passed away around 8.15 pm due to multiple organ failure, doctors attending him at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) said. He was hospitalised on July 1 after his health condition worsened. He is survived by two sons and four daughters. Keishing, who hailed from Bungpa village in Ukhrul district, was elected to the Lok Sabha in the first Parliamentary elections held in 1952. He had also represented Manipur in Rajya Sabha. Read more: Adityanath govt decides to slap NSA, Goondas Act to curb power theft In Delhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the demise of Keishing, and described him as a "towering leader" from Manipur who believed in humanity, social harmony and clean politics. "I am pained by his demise, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Shri Keishing. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief", he tweeted. Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju also expressed grief. In a Twitter post, Rijiju remarked that despite being 96-year-old, Keishing "remained so fit till date". The Manipur government has declared that all government offices and educational institutions will be closed tomorrow as mark of respect to Keishing. Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla expressed her sadness and condoled the demise of Keishing. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed condolence, saying she is deeply saddened by the demise of one of the senior most leaders with a sterling record of public service of nearly 70 years. "In his death, we have lost an important connect with our glorious past that will be hard to recoup", she said. Party vice president Rahul Gandhi also mourned Keishing's demise. Read more: Alibaba's UC Browser under govt scanner over data leaks "Ex CM & Parliamentarian Rishang Keishing was a true Congressman & one of the tallest leaders of North East. Very sad to know of his passing (sic)", said a post on Rahul's official Twitter handle. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the demise of Keishing. "Saddened at the passing of Rishang Keishing a long-serving CM of Manipur in the 1980s, former RS MP. Condolences to his family and wellwishers", she said in a tweet. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 MBA in Project Management Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 185 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 185 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top MBA in Project Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-mba-in-project-management-degree-programs/ 2021 MBA in Project Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American InterContinental University Ashland University Bellevue University Brenau University California InterContinental University Capella University Central Michigan University City University Of Seattle Colorado Christian University Colorado Technical University Columbia Southern University Cornerstone University Creighton University Dallas Baptist University DeSales University Doane University East Carolina University Endicott College Fayetteville State University Florida Institute Of Technology Grand Canyon University Grantham University Herzing University IGlobal University Lamar University Lasell University Lawrence Technological University Lehigh University Liberty University Louisiana State University, Shreveport Maryville University Mississippi State University Montclair State University New England College Northcentral University Norwich University Pennsylvania State University Saint Leo University Saint Mary's University of Minnesota South College Southern New Hampshire University Southern Wesleyan University Stevens Institute Of Technology University of Louisiana, Lafayette University of Mary University Of North Alabama University Of Texas, Dallas University Of Wisconsin, Whitewater Walden University Wright State University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Under the terms of this agreement, deliveries would begin in mid-2021. Moderna, Inc has announced a supply agreement with the Government of The Philippines for 13 million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna. Under the terms of this agreement, deliveries would begin in mid-2021. The COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna is not currently approved for use in the Philippines, and the company will work with regulators to pursue necessary approvals prior to distribution. A separate agreement with the Philippine Government and private sector for the supply of an additional seven million doses is also anticipated. We thank the Government and the private sector for their collaboration to bring the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna to the Philippines, said Stephane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer, Moderna. We appreciate the confidence in Moderna, and our mRNA platform demonstrated by the Government of the Philippines. We remain committed to making our vaccine available on every continent to help end this global pandemic. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Mumbai, March 10 : Filmmaker Anand Gandhi, who shot to fame as writer-director of the globally-acclaimed 2012 release "Ship Of Theseus", has scripted and produced the upcoming web series "OK Computer". Gandhi says his new effort, about artificial intelligence (AI), explores the "legal frameworks" that have to be put in place between "organic species" and the "cloud-based intelligence system". He says the advent of AI has changed a lot of things and the series talks about the co-existence of the two. "We have witnessed, in the last couple of decades, the true potential of computers and AI in our lives, and how it has resulted in a huge number of human enterprises being replaced by computing and AI. By 2040, not only we are going to see AI perform basic tasks for us -- like finance, administration and logistics -- but we are really going to see AI surpass human imagination," said Gandhi, who recently released the trailer of his series. "We are going to see AI surpass human ingenuity, creativity and inventions. The question that's been lingering around for about a decade has been -- how do we reconcile with this new intelligence that we are creating, and how are we going to continue improving it. AI is going to provide us with pools of longevity and wellness. An important question here is what kind of legal frameworks are we going to create around this relationship, between our organic species and this cloud-based intelligence system we have invented?" Anand said. The filmmaker added that the film is more of an "ice breaker" in terms of starting conversations with the West about the development of AI. "What I am trying to say is that we have seen our peers in the West share great ideas and insights about AI, our future, and what life and living would be like in the future. That's very incredible, insightful and inspiring, but we really do want to be a part of the dialogue. We want to speak in that conversation and this is really an ice-breaker. Like my projects in the past, like 'Ship Of Theseus', and 'Tumbbad', 'OK Computer' is also an ice-breaker. It's just the beginning of a conversation and not the end of the conversation!" he said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Tanner Appears in Court on Child Porn Charges By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - A man facing 100 charges related to child pornography was in court on Tuesday.According to the McCracken Circuit Court Clerk, 30-year-old Charles Tanner appeared for a hearing. It was initially scheduled to be a Faretta hearing, which would determine if Tanner wanted to waive his right to an attorney and represent himself in court. However, Tanner withdrew his motion.A pre-trial conference was scheduled for April 19. A judge set a September 27 date for a jury trial at his February court appearance.While investigating another case in 2019, McCracken County deputies obtained a search warrant and seized electronics belonging to Tanner. While working with the Attorney General's Forensic Unit, detectives say they found nearly 2,000 photos of child pornography.He was arrested in May of 2020 and faces 99 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, and one count of use of a minor in a sexual performance. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described the verdict given by the seven-member panel of the Supreme Court on the Presidentil Election Petition filed by Former President John Dramani Mahama, as "well-reasoned and excellent". Delivering his first State of the Nation Address in his second term on Tuesday, March 9, he said I am particularly delighted as this message, the first of my second term, the validity of which was unanimously upheld last week in a well-reasoned and excellent ruling by a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by the Chief Justice of on March 4, 2021. Former President John Dramani Mahama went to the Supreme Court to challenge the results of the 2020 general elections. Blaming the electoral commission for various forms of irregularities, he appealed to the supreme court to order a rerun should they rule in his favour However, the highest court of the land by a unanimous decision dismissed the election petition brought before it by Mr. Mahama. The seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Kwesi Anin-Yeboah dismissed the petition on Thursday, March 4, saying it was without merit. Reading a fifty-eight paged ruling, the Chief Justice said the petitioner has not produced any evidence to rebut the presumptions created by the publication of CI 135. "We are therefore of no reason to order a rerun. We accordingly dismiss the petition," he added. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Combining AI and Geospatial data to enable marketers to thrive in a privacy focused world TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / EQ Inc. (TSXV:EQ) ("EQ Works" or "EQ"), a leader in geospatial data and artificial intelligence ("AI") is pleased to announce the launch of ATOM NEXT, the first Canadian geospatial cohort-based audience platform. Derived from over a petabyte of Canadian consumer geospatial data from EQ's data platform (LOCUS), ATOM NEXT enables marketers to reach their target audiences with confidence and precision in a privacy-focused world. While the abundance of available data has fueled the growth of digital advertising as a one-to-one medium, for the last five years EQ has been steadily preparing for a world of data changes by investing in data science, machine learning, and AI technologies and capabilities. "Training AI models requires time and data, it cannot be done overnight," said Dilshan Kathriarachchi, Chief Technology Officer of EQ Works. "We set out initially to build a set of technologies that made the most out of geospatial data -- which is the greatest predictor of consumer propensities and behaviors. Geospatial data is inherently cohort based - where people live, work, shop, and play - which is now proving to be more valuable to marketers than ever before." "ATOM NEXT is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of the advertising world as it moves to more of a cohort model of audience targeting" said Joe Strolz, Chief Operating Officer of EQ Works. "Cohort models protect user privacy by aggregating them into larger, more anonymized groups. Marketers need tools that provide high-confidence predictions about the relevance of one audience cohort versus another, which is what our machine learning and AI models have been trained to solve." Technology changes that are underway with Google's Chrome and Android platforms and Apple's iOS and Safari systems are changing the way the advertising industry operates. ATOM NEXT provides the tools and technology to execute cohort- based strategies that allow marketers to continue to deliver the right consumer, with the right message, at the right time. With technology rapidly changing and privacy becoming a primary focus, ATOM NEXT is proving to be a powerful tool for marketers working with brands and agencies to address their needs as the landscape continues to evolve. Engagement of Investor Relations Consultant: The Company is also pleased to announce that, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), it has entered into a consulting agreement with Venture North Capital Inc. ("Venture North") to provide strategic marketing, investor relations and business consulting services. Venture North is a Toronto based capital markets consulting firm specializing in executing strategic investor outreach campaigns. The agreement with Venture North has an initial term of 6-months and, if renewed, will be automatically renewed for 3-month terms until such time as it is terminated on 60 days' notice. Pursuant to the terms of the consulting agreement, the Company will pay a monthly cash fee of $7,000 (plus HST) and has agreed to issue 100,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"), with an exercise price at $1.75. Of the options issued to Venture North, 25,000 shall vest immediately and an additional 25,000 options will vest quarterly in arrears. ABOUT EQ WORKS: EQ Works (www.eqworks.com) enables businesses to understand, predict, and influence customer behaviour. Using unique data sets, advanced analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, EQ Works creates actionable intelligence for businesses to attract, retain, and grow the customers that matter most. The Company's proprietary SaaS platform mines insights from movement and geospatial data, enabling businesses to close the loop between digital and real-world consumer actions. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations and are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Corporation is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or otherwise. EQ Inc. Peter Kanniah Chief Financial Officer 416.260.4326 press@eqworks.com EQ Inc. Bill Mitoulas Investor Relations 416.479.9547 investor@eqworks.com SOURCE: EQ Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634564/EQ-Works-launches-Canadas-First-Geospatial-Cohort-Based-Audience-Platform Hawaii has experienced very heavy rainfall since Sunday, with some areas getting 1 to 2 feet of rain in just 24 hours. The rain caused catastrophic flooding for Maui and Oahu, which temporarily forced evacuations overnight in Haleiwa on Oahu. The Haleiwa evacuation order was canceled early Wednesday after flooding conditions subsided. All roads in the area are now open, but residents are being asked to proceed with caution as ponding water, mud and debris may be present, officials said. PHOTO: Floodwaters stream down a street in Hauula, Hawaii, U.S. March 9, 2021, in this still image obtained from a social media video. (Adam Palmer/via Reuters) Flooding in the state led Gov. David Ige to sign an emergency proclamation. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather, which is expected to continue until Friday," Ige said in a statement Tuesday. PHOTO: Floodwaters stream down a street in Hauula, Hawaii, U.S. March 9, 2021, in this still image obtained from a social media video. (Adam Palmer/via Reuters) While some of the more serious flooding has decreased, a flash flood watch for all the islands of Hawaii remains, along with a flash flood warning for Kauai. Additional rain is expected Wednesday, when 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible. PHOTO: A flash flood watch for all the islands of Hawaii remains along with a flash flood warning for Kauai. (ABC News) Rain could linger in Hawaii for a few days to come, which could result in more flooding. Meanwhile, there are two storms from California to the Great Lakes with heavy snow, rain and severe thunderstorms worth tracking. The first storm on the West Coast will bring 1- 2 feet of snow to California and heavy rain to Southern California, with up to 2 inches possible. PHOTO: The first storm on the West Coast will bring 1- 2 feet of snow to California and heavy rain to Southern California, with up to 2 inches possible. (ABC News) The second storm, will move into the Plains and the Upper Midwest. Severe thunderstorms will be possible from Kansas to Minnesota, with damaging winds, hail and even a small chance for tornadoes. Further northwest, heavy snow is expected from the Dakotas to northern Minnesota, where locally 10 inches of snow is possible. Hawaii governor declares state of emergency following major flooding originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Patna, March 10 : Bihar Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin presented the budget for his ministry in the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, with an outlay of Rs 5,803.60 crore for different road construction projects. "We have a budget of Rs 5,803.60 for the financial year 2021-22 for overall road construction in rural and urban areas of Bihar. The state government is carrying out a number of road construction projects, besides contributing to the NHAI projects in the state. We have a special plan to construct elevated roads in the urban areas besides constructing more state highways in the districts," Nabin said. "We have proposed a four-lane overbridge on river Ganga parallel to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu to provide another connectivity between north and south Bihar. The construction of this bridge will start soon. Besides, the DPR of the 24 km Danapur-Bihta expressway in Patna district has also been completed and the tendering process is underway. The construction work will start soon. As we all know, an airport is also proposed at Bihta and the bridge will provide good connectivity to it," he said. "The road construction department has also proposed an elevated road from Meethapur in Patna to Ganga pathway at Basghat. The construction of the Ganga pathway is currently underway and will be completed soon," Nabin said. It's been an exhausting two months for Acadiana's independent pharmacists as they've tried to vaccinate as many eligible people as possible against the novel coronavirus. Their voicemail inboxes have been filled with messages from people hoping to schedule a vaccine appointment or be placed on a waiting list. By the time staff return those calls, however, many people had either scheduled an appointment or received the vaccine elsewhere. Others didn't yet qualify for the vaccine. "We were having to sift through the waiting list to see who qualified and who didn't," said Courtney Pitre, owner-pharmacist of Courtney's Thriftyway Pharmacy in Arnaudville. "The pre-work has been the biggest problem, but all the pharmacists I know have been super motivated. People are getting vaccinated. That's the end goal, and that's been happening." Pitre and other local pharmacists said the expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, which went into effect at noon Tuesday, will actually make their lives a bit easier. They'll have to worry less about people gaming the system and potential waste since most of the state's adult population now qualifies for the vaccine. "I think this definitely makes things easier," said John Landry, a pharmacist at Towne Pharmacy in Broussard and Farmers Drugs and Gifts in Youngsville. "We can give the vaccine to a lot more people now, and there will be less turning people away." Acadiana pharmacists saw a slight influx in calls Tuesday afternoon following Gov. John Bel Edwards' announcement about the new criteria, which expands eligibility to adults of all ages with specific conditions, including those who are overweight or obese. Some pharmacists weren't even sure the governor had made the announcement, however, because they expected their phone lines to ring off the hook with the expanded criteria, which went into effect immediately. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "The supply is much improved," said David Melancon, owner-pharmacist of Melancon Pharmacy in Carencro. "Everything is going really good now that we're getting more of the vaccine each week." Melancon said he's scheduled to administer about 300 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week, and he has another 600 doses scheduled for next week. He's eliminated a lot of the legwork for his employees by only allowing those who qualify to be added to the pharmacy's waitlist. The majority of Louisiana adults now qualify to receive the vaccine. "In the next few days, I see us having a little bit of a larger influx in calls," said Myles Stelly, owner-pharmacist of Bon Ami Pharmacy in Breaux Bridge. "A lot of people have been patiently waiting, and they're going to schedule something as soon as they're eligible. But it won't be like it was the first few days. That was bananas. I don't see that happening again." Lafayette's new COVID-19 vaccine scheduling hotline saw an increase in calls Tuesday and, more importantly, an increase in calls that ended with a vaccine appointment. The hotline officially launched one day earlier, before those behind it realized the criteria would be expanding so soon. "With the new criteria, we didn't have to turn away as many people," said Dr. Britni Hebert, the Lafayette internist behind the hotline. "We're officially two days old, and we've scheduled 200 vaccines. Some of these volunteers are putting in 8 or 9 hours a day. It's unbelievable the work that people are putting in to help get our community back on track." In the latest revelation regarding Meghan and Prince Harrys jaw-dropping interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired on CBS on Sunday morning, the text message the Duchess of Sussex sent to the American presenter has been disclosed. Through the message that Meghan sent to Winfrey, it appeared that the 39-year-old patiently waited for the reviews of her two-hour-long sit-down talk about the challenges of living within the UK royal family, as it aired. During her follow-up segment on CBS, Winfrey revealed that Meghan texted her while the interview was being viewed by the public saying Hows it going?. In the televised interview, Winfrey said, "Well, I haven't really spoken to them since the interview because we're in different time zones," Oprah explained. "I got a text from Meghan yesterday saying, 'How's it going?' Because she was putting Archie to bed waiting on the West Coast feed and had no idea what was happening on the East Coast." She went on, "And I said, 'I don't either, from what I can tell it's going well, I know it's airing.' So I will probably have a conversation with them later today." It has now been a couple of days since the interview aired for the first time on CBS, and the remarks made by both Meghan and Prince Harry continue to reverberate across the globe. From claims of racism in the British royal family to Meghan revealing that she had suicidal thoughts, there were many instances in the extraordinary talk of the trio that is still attracting reactions. People from celebrities to colleagues of former Suits actor, politicians to netizens, everyone has weighed in on what the royals said about the The Firm they were part of until January 2020. Palace calls allegations of racism concerning The Buckingham Palace on Tuesday broke its silence on the bombshell interview of Prince Harry and Meghan, who are now completely out of the royal family. In a damming allegation against the Royal insulation, Prince Harry and Meghan also told Winfrey that there were conversations in the palace about the skin colour of their son Archie before his birth. She said that Harry told her there had been conversations about how dark her babys skin might be and what that would mean or look like. However, in a statement, the palace called the remarks concerning. A team of intensive care and trauma specialists have developed a treatment plan for Victorian Premier Danial Andrews after he sustained 'serious injuries' in a horrific fall. The Victorian Premier slipped on wet stairs and fractured his spine while getting ready for work at a rented holiday home on the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday morning. The head of the intensive care unit at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has confirmed his injuries are serious, but said he is in a stable condition and there are no immediate plans for surgery. A multidisciplinary team including intensive care and trauma specialists have developed a treatment plan for Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) after he sustained 'serious injuries' in a horrific fall The head of the intensive care unit at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has confirmed his injuries are serious, but said he is in a stable condition and there are no immediate plans for surgery 'Mr Andrews is comfortable and his pain is well-controlled,' Alfred's Director of Intensive Care Unit Associate Professor Steve McGloughlin said in a statement. 'A multidisciplinary team including intensive care, trauma and orthopaedic specialists has developed a treatment plan, along with the Andrews family. 'Mr Andrews has sustained some serious injuries, and his condition is being monitored closely. At this stage there is no immediate plan for surgery.' Mr Andrews tweeted the statement, saying 'Heartfelt thanks to the entire team at The Alfred Hospital for taking such good care of me. We're so very grateful.' Previously, Orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Cunningham (pictured) said the Victorian leader's injuries could be significantly worse than initially anticipated Mr Andrews was placed in intensive care after scans revealed he cracked multiple ribs and injured the T7 vertebrae in the middle of his spine, before he was moved to the specialist trauma centre at Alfred hospital in Melbourne overnight. Previously, orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Cunningham had said the injuries are significantly worse than initially anticipated. He is likely to endure significant pain and have reduced mobility for many weeks, the expert warned. Mr Cunningham, while not Mr Andrews' doctor, has been working at the Royal Melbourne hospital for a decade and based his analysis off the description of the premier's injuries. He described the accident as 'tragic'. 'From what I've heard of his injuries I think he'll be in a lot of pain and discomfort for some weeks to come,' he told NCA NewsWire. 'It may depend on whether he requires a brace or an operation on his back, but I expect as the injuries have been described to me that this accident will leave him with greatly reduced mobility.' Back surgery would require inserting screws or pins into his spine, if it eventually goes ahead. Daniel Andrews fractured his T7 vertebrae (pictured), which is in the middle of his spine Pictured: Mr Andrews and his wife Catherine. Mr Andrews said his wife and children were grateful to paramedics for supporting his family after the fall A statement from Mr Andrews on Tuesday revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan (pictured) The Victorian Premier's office initially said the fall on Tuesday morning was 'concerning' but the leader had not suffered any head injuries. But a statement from Mr Andrews that afternoon revealed a series of horrific injuries uncovered by a CT scan - leaving him in hospital for several more days. Mr Andrews had been due to attend a press conference on Tuesday morning and would have travelled from the holiday home. 'Early this morning, I was admitted to hospital after slipping and falling on wet and slippery stairs,' he said. Mr Andrews (pictured) had been due to attend a press conference on Tuesday morning and would have travelled from the holiday home Mr Andrews' transfer from Peninsula Private Hospital to Alfred hospital (pictured) on Tuesday could indicate a 'significant spinal injury' 'A CT scan has revealed several broken ribs and vertebrae damage, and subsequent medical advice has recommended I remain in intensive care for the next few days. 'James Merlino will serve as Acting Premier while I recover over the next few days. 'I hope to be able to provide another update later this week. For now, we'd like to ask that our family's privacy is respected.' He added that his wife Catherine and their three children Grace, Noah and Joseph were grateful to paramedics who 'showed such care and kindness to our family this morning'. The state leader thanked friends and colleagues who sent messages of support throughout the day, and hopes to provide another update later this week. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. An unknown individual placed two pipe bombs in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington on Jan. 5, 2021. (FBI) FBI Releases Unseen Footage of Suspect Planting Pipe Bombs Before Capitol Breach The FBI on Tuesday released new footage that allegedly shows the individual suspected of placing two pipe bombs in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, the evening before the breach of the U.S. Capitol building. The discovery of the two devices at the Republican committee headquarters and the Democratic National Committee headquarters triggered Congressional evacuations after midday on Jan. 6. These pipe bombs were viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in injury or death. We need the publics help to identify the individual responsible for placing these pipe bombs, to ensure they will not harm themselves or anyone else, Steven DAntuono, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs Washington field office, said in a statement. According to the FBI, the devices were planted between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 5 at the buildings that are located just a few blocks from the Capitol. One device was placed in an alley behind the Republican committee headquarters, and the other was placed next to a park bench near the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The #FBI has released a video of the person who placed pipe bombs placed near Capitol Hill between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5. If you recognize this persons gait, body language, or mannerisms, submit a tip at https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Tips can remain anonymous. @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/tCqM6ipVZz FBI (@FBI) March 9, 2021 The law enforcement agency previously released images of the suspect, including of the individuals shoes, the devices, and the kitchen timers used, in hopes that someone would come forward with additional information about them. The suspect wore a face mask, a grey hooded sweatshirt, and black and light grey Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo, and used a backpack to transport both pipe bombs. The response to the bomb found at the Republican committee headquarters was headed by Capitol police, while the Metropolitan Police Department led the response to the other device, Steven Sund, former U.S. Capitol Police chief, told senators during a joint hearing last month. It took extensive resources, he said. Two suspected explosive devices were rendered safe by the FBI and our law enforcement partners. The investigation is ongoing, the FBI told The Epoch Times in January. Shortly after the bombs were found, a mob breached the Capitol, making it all the way to the entry of the House chamber and inside the Senate chamber. The bombs were real devices with explosive igniters and timers, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, told reporters in January. The devices were very similarapproximately a foot long with end caps and wiring that appeared to be connected to a timer. Officials were investigating to see why they didnt explode. The FBI is asking the public to watch the videos of the suspect. You may recognize their gait, body language, or mannerisms. We are asking the public to come forward with any information that could assist us, including any odd or out-of-character behavior you noticed in a family member, friend, or coworker, leading up to or after January 5, the agency said. A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for information leading to the identification of the person who placed the devices on the night of Jan. 5. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or to submit online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous, the FBI said. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. A widow is suing P&O cruises over claims her husband died from inhaling fuel fumes on board a luxury ship during a dream holiday around the Norwegian fjords. Father-of-three Peter Gair, 45, from Quinton, Birmingham, passed away two months after falling seriously ill on The Ventura cruise ship in August 2018. Mr Gair and his wife Sarah started to become unwell with trouble breathing and a nasty cough during the seven-day cruise. Father-of-three Peter Gair, 45, (pictured on the right with his family - including his wife, Sarah) died two months after falling seriously ill on The Ventura cruise ship in August 2018 Despite seeking medical treatment on the ship and he died just two months after disembarking on October 13, 2018. Mrs Gair is now taking legal action against Carnival Plc, which trades as P&O Cruises, after being left to look after their three children alone. She says her husband's pre-existing medical conditions significantly worsened after he inhaled fuel fumes during their stay in a cabin on board the ship. Mrs Gair, 45, said: 'It's just devastating to lose Peter and he's fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone who knew him. 'Although he had some health problems before the cruise he was working full-time and helping to look after our three children. 'He hadn't suffered any significant problems for some time before the cruise. We just want to understand once and for all what happened to him.' Mrs Gair has since been fundraising for the Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis charity in memory of her husband. She said before the cruise, Mr Gair had answered a pre-cruise medical questionnaire indicating that he had lupus and pulmonary fibrosis lung disease. His conditions were stable and monitored by medical consultants but he brought oxygen on board to help him breathe when he needed it. Despite this, Mrs Gair says they were accommodated in a cabin where there was a strong smell of fuel oil. Mr Gair and his wife Sarah started to become unwell with trouble breathing while on the cruise ship (pictured) During the cruise Mr Gair reported to the medical centre with a shortness of breath and a productive cough and had used all of the oxygen he brought on board. When the ship docked in Southampton, he was taken straight to hospital by ambulance and he remained in intensive care until September 2018. In late September his condition worsened and he was re-admitted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital with increasing shortness of breath. He was admitted to critical care on October 10 where he was put on a ventilator but his condition did not improve. A post-mortem concluded that three factors caused Mr Gair's death - pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis and lupus. A medical report obtained by Sarah's solicitors Irwin Mitchell revealed lung samples showing chronic lung disease with inflammation. Inhalation of diesel fumes are known to cause lung inflammation and are dangerous in someone with a serious pre-existing underlying lung disease. Medical experts have said that if it is the case that Mr Gair had breathed in engine oil fumes, it is likely in his opinion, this made his condition worse. Clare Pearson, a specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 'This is a tragic case which has left Sarah and her three young children devastated. 'Peter was well and working before the cruise and was a much loved man. We are investigating what happened onboard the ship and we are gathering evidence from medical experts and engineers. 'If anyone else has experienced fumes whilst onboard the Ventura Cruise we would like to hear from them to assist with our enquiries. 'Sarah would like to know that everything has been done to investigate her husband's untimely death and that, if possible, lessons can be learned to help prevent others from going through a similar ordeal in future.' A claims management conference is being held at the Royal Courts of Justice in London today. Carnival Corporation PLC, the British-American cruise operator, has denied all allegations made. The Ventura cruise ship can accommodate up to 3,078 guests and a further 1,205 crew members on board. P&O cruises promise a family-friendly environment with lots happening onboard including sporting facilities, spas, four pools and a lavish two-deck theatre aboard the 291.4m (954ft) ship. The seven-day cruise through the Norwegian fjords lets holidaymakers experience the Northern lights, bustling cities in Norway and stunning views and landscapes. Katie Holmes was spotted this Tuesday pounding the pavement in New York City with her beau Emilio Vitolo Jr. She slipped into a striking green and black striped top and wrapped herself in a camel-colored coat before emerging from lockdown. The 42-year-old actress, who appeared to have puffy eyes, made sure to take the precaution of wearing a mask. Side by side: Katie Holmes was spotted this Tuesday pounding the pavement in New York City with her beau Emilio Vitolo Jr. Careful: The 42-year-old actress, who appeared to have puffy eyes, made sure to take the precaution of wearing a mask Sweeping her dark hair up into a high ponytail she accessorized the look with a cross-body handbag for her day out. Katie pulled on a fair of fitted jeans that emphasized her enviably svelte legs and rounded off the ensemble with sneakers. Meanwhile her sizzling boyfriend was wearing an eye-popping tracksuit done in moss green and highlighter yellow. That day he posted a black-and-white Instagram album of New York scenes - including Katie standing near a crosswalk and snapping a picture of her own. Mover and shaker: She slipped into a striking green and black striped top and wrapped herself in a camel-colored coat before emerging from lockdown Off they go: She slipped into a striking green and black striped top and wrapped herself in a camel-colored coat before emerging from lockdown 'Nothing like it,' wrote Emilio, geo-tagging New York, New York and adding some emoji of three hearts and a camera. Emilio, a heartthrob chef who runs the restaurant Emilio's Ballato with his father, has been linked to Katie since last September. While in lockdown Katie has also been spending time with her 14-year-old daughter Suri whom she shares with her ex-husband Tom Cruise. After her divorce from celebrity Scientologist Tom, Katie spent years dating Jamie Foxx, whom she split from in 2019. Street style: Sweeping her dark hair up into a high ponytail she accessorized the look with a cross-body handbag for her day out Katie and Jamie only went public as a couple in late 2017, though there had been speculation they were an item since 2013. There was a swirl of rumors that Katie's divorce agreement prohibited her from publicly dating anyone for five years after her 2012 split with Tom. The Batman Begins actress initially began dating Tom in 2005, and seven weeks into the relationship, they were engaged. Their Scientologist wedding was held at the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano in November 2006, seven months after their daughter Suri was born. Looking fab: Katie pulled on a fair of fitted jeans that emphasized her enviably svelte legs and rounded off the ensemble with sneakers Meanwhile: Her sizzling boyfriend was wearing an eye-popping tracksuit done in moss green and highlighter yellow Katie filed in 2012 for a divorce that was finalized only 10 days later, with Suri's mother retaining primary custody, though Tom could visit, according to People. Ron Miscavige, father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, told the MailOnline in 2016 that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on Suri - contributed to her decision to leave Tom. Tom has not been pictured with Suri in over seven years and an Us Weekly source alleged in 2018: 'Every person is allowed to see their child if they wanted to. He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist.' Former Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Elsie Leung receives an interview, March 9, 2021. Improving Hong Kong's electoral system is imperative and holds solid legal ground, former Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Elsie Leung said Tuesday, stressing that Hong Kong will embrace an even brighter future with the improved electoral system. (Xinhua/Li Gang) HONG KONG, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Improving Hong Kong's electoral system is imperative and holds solid legal ground, former Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Elsie Leung said Tuesday, stressing that Hong Kong will embrace an even brighter future with the improved electoral system. Leung made the remarks as a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR has been submitted to the National People's Congress for deliberation at the top legislature's annual session. The implementation of "one country, two systems" has been steady in Hong Kong with the support of the central authorities but new methods are required to address problems emerging in recent years, including the social unrest in 2019, she said. Hong Kong has resumed stability thanks to the actions of the central authorities, but if anti-China disruptors plunge Hong Kong into chaos again after the COVID-19 epidemic is controlled, the impact will be intolerable, Leung said. Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong" so that the power to administer the HKSAR will not fall into the hands of anti-China disruptors, and local instigators of unrest colluding with external forces will be prevented from endangering national security and doing harm to Hong Kong residents, she said. The legal basis of the draft decision of the NPC is solid, Leung said, adding that it is within the purview of the central authorities to form a new democratic system suited to Hong Kong's realities, including the selection of the HKSAR chief executive and the formation of the Legislative Council, in an orderly and step-by-step manner. Leung said the NPC can make the decision to address issues related to Hong Kong's electoral system when necessary, she said. "'Patriots administering Hong Kong' is not only a slogan and its implementation needs legal guarantee," Leung said. After the electoral system is improved, more patriotic and capable people can enter the power structure of the HKSAR and make joint efforts to develop Hong Kong, she said, stressing that Hong Kong will then have an even brighter future. A Bend man currently being held at a regional jail in The Dalles has been indicted on two first-degree arson charges in a 2019 fire that heavily damaged a downtown Madras law office. An official confirmed Monday to KTVZ that a sealed Jefferson County indictment was filed late last month charging Troy Patrick. He has been held since November at Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility in The Dalles since his arrest in Wasco County on burglary, theft, criminal trespass and other charges. Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins said Patrick was being held on a $200,000 warrant for the Madras charges. It wasnt immediately known if Patrick has a lawyer. The Jefferson County indictment has been sealed, at prosecutors request, saying in an order that its release could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. District Attorney Steve Leriche would not comment Monday to the news outlet on the status of the case or what led to the charges. The May 25, 2019 fire happened at the Law Offices of Glenn, Reeder and Gassner. Five months later, Madras police Detective Sergeant Steve Webb said investigators had developed potential suspects and were pursuing leads in the case. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Abuse Molestation Oregon Arson She is reportedly one of the contenders to replace Sam Armytage on Sunrise. But Sarah Harris shut down the speculation on Wednesday as she returned to Studio 10 after taking a few days off work. Her recent absence had sparked rumours she was in talks with Seven, but Sarah, 39, reassured viewers she wasn't leaving Channel 10 anytime soon. Wagging tongues: She is reportedly one of the contenders to replace Sam Armytage on Sunrise, but Sarah Harris (left, with Tristan MacManus) shut down the rumours on Wednesday 'I woke up to my phone blowing up on Monday,' she told co-host Tristan MacManus. When Tristan asked where she'd been, the mother of two teased a big announcement, then gave the real reason for her absence. 'I'll tell you where I went. You ready for this? I went to Melbourne to see my best mate,' said Sarah. She then played footage of the pals' airport reunion after a year apart. Sam had announced her resignation from Sunrise live on air on Monday, leading to a flurry of speculation that Sarah would be switching networks to replace her. Here to stay! Her recent absence had sparked speculation she was in talks with Seven, but Sarah reassured viewers she wasn't leaving Channel 10 anytime soon 'But no, I'm here,' she confirmed on Wednesday, pledging her loyalty to Channel 10. She then joked, 'The Cash Cow can't do the cha cha!' in reference to her co-anchor Tristan, who used to be a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars. The Cash Cow is a popular giveaway segment on Sunrise featuring a person in a cow costume giving away daily prize money to viewers. Reasonable explanation: When Tristan asked where she'd been, the mother of two teased a big announcement, then gave the real reason for her absence: she was catching up with a friend Just a day after Sam announced her departure from Sunrise, former Studio 10 panellist Joe Hildebrand revealed his top picks to replace her. In an editorial for News Corp on Tuesday, the 44-year-old journalist said his erstwhile colleague Sarah would be a perfect fit for Seven's breakfast show. 'It is worth noting that I have no capacity whatsoever to be objective in any assessment of television in general or morning TV in particular,' he wrote. Weighing in: Just a day after Sam (pictured) announced her departure from Sunrise, former Studio 10 panellist Joe Hildebrand revealed his top picks to replace her Joe acknowledged that Channel Seven had no shortage of talent, listing Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Monique Wright as obvious choices. 'But the dark horse is my dear friend Sarah Harris, who is in a unique position to bring both novelty and familiarity,' he continued. Announcing her resignation live on Sunrise on Monday, Sam tearfully said: 'The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different.' Favourite: In an editorial for News Corp on Tuesday, the 44-year-old journalist (right, with Sarah) said his erstwhile colleague would be a perfect fit for Seven's breakfast show Gone girl: Announcing her resignation live on Sunrise on Monday, Sam tearfully said: 'The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different' She explained she was leaving of her own choosing, and was looking forward to life away from the spotlight after a 'bittersweet' year that included the death of her mother, Libby, and her marriage to businessman Richard Lavender. Sam's last day on the show will be Thursday, but her $800,000-a-year contract with Seven doesn't expire until October. She will take an 'extended' leave of absence until then, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. Guardian Zone today announced the availability of its Physical Security Solution: Life Safety and Health in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Microsoft Azure. Guardian Zone customers can now take advantage of the scalability, high availability, and security of Azure, with streamlined deployment and management. The launch allows Microsoft Azure customers to better access and integrate Guardian Zones transformative, communication-focused security solution within their existing security frameworks. Guardian Zone is a security solutions provider that strives to bridge the gap between on-site security, law enforcement, and the public during a crisis or emergency. Its flagship cloud-based technology enables the exchange of incisive, real-time information between security professionals and civilians to provide unique insights. Seamless user-experience is at the core of Guardian Zones tailor-made offering, designed to operate in a simple, convenient manner that ensures that security officers and app users can leverage benefits quickly and easily. Our technology is critical for customers with a large public footprint. In an emergency, security officers need to quickly communicate in real-time with staff and the public, and the public may need to convey important information before, during, or after an incident to security. Guardian Zone is a solution that makes that happen, said Sheryl Maas, CEO & Founder of Guardian Zone. Through our listing on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, we hope to better connect security teams with the innovative, holistic security solutions that they need, said Maas. Through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, customers around the world can easily find, buy, and deploy partner solutions they can trust, all certified and optimized to run on Azure, said Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. Were happy to welcome Guardian Zones solution to the growing Azure Marketplace ecosystem. The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use. Guardian Zone, LLC is a woman-owned, minority-owned security software-as-a-service (SaaS) company located in Colleyville, Texas. Guardian Zone is a Microsoft for Startups Partner. Learn more about Guardian Zone on its page in the Azure Marketplace. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. According to information published by Sputnik on March 10, 2021, the Indian Navy has commissioned its third Scorpene-class submarine, the INS Karanj. Induction ceremony was attended by top Navy officials, including chief Admiral Karambir Singh. According to information published by Sputnik on March 10, 2021, the Indian Navy has commissioned its third Scorpene-class submarine, the INS Karanj. Induction ceremony was attended by top Navy officials, including chief Admiral Karambir Singh. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpene class INS Karanj (Picture source: Twitter account of TOIMumbai) Mazagon Dock Ltd, the country's biggest shipyard, delivered the boat to the Navy a few days ago after two years of sea trials. The state-owned firm is assembling six Scorpene submarines in partnership with French shipbuilder Naval Group (formerly DCNS). The Indian Navy claims the state-of-the-art technology utilised for the construction of the Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons. The Indian Navy is in dire need of submarines: while it requires 24 conventional submarines, it only has 15, which include four HDW German-origin, Shishumar-class boats that are in their fourth decade of service. This shortfall of submarines has been exacerbated by the six-year delay in Project 75, as the Scorpene programme is called. Asked about the rapid expansion of the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) and possible challenges from it for India, the Chief of Naval Staff said the Indian Navy was cognisant of it, and was focusing on boosting its overall combat prowess including by procuring niche capabilities and unmanned solutions with its available resources. The Scorpene-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines jointly developed by the French Company Naval Group (formerly DCNS) and the Spanish company Navantia. The Scorpene class of submarines has four subtypes including the CM-2000 conventional diesel-electric version, the AM-2000 air-independent propulsion (AIP) derivative, the downsized CA-2000 coastal submarine, and the enlarged S-BR for the Brazilian Navy, without AIP. The Scorpene-class submarines are in service with Chile, Malaysia, India and Brazil. Over fourteen Scorpene submarines were sold by Naval Group internationally. The Scorpene-class submarine has two diesel generation sets providing 1,250kW of power. At the top of the hull immediately above the diesel generator sets is a Dutch Breach machinery shipping hatch. The submarine has an elastically supported 2,900kW electronic engine. The Scorpene submarine can carry 18 torpedoes and missiles or 30 mines. It is equipped with six bow-located 21 in torpedo tubes providing salvo launch capability. Positive discharge launching is by an air turbine pump. It can launch anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes, as well as anti-surface missiles. The handling and loading of weapons are automated. The one-year anniversary of an international pandemic is a rather dubious thing to celebrate, even if we all could definitely use a celebration right about now. Fortunately, St. Patricks Day is just around the corner and, in keeping with a year of baking pandemic-themed loaves of sourdough and banana bread, theres a bread for that. St. Patricks Day is a great opportunity to switch things up a bit with a loaf of Irish soda bread. When baking bread during the past year, my first-stop website has tended to be the King Arthur Baking site. Its not always where I end up, but I trust it to provide a reliable foundation on which to base my final recipe choice, to gauge just how far off-base a recipe goes so I can decide if I want to risk trying it. In this case, King Arthurs Irish soda bread was, indeed, a reliable starting point. But the first stumbling block was the flour. It called for a blend of King Arthurs Irish-Style Wholemeal Flour, which it contends is closer to the flour that would be used in making soda bread in Ireland, and unbleached bread flour. I had neither. I could have ordered the Irish-style flour from the company, but I wanted to be able to bake my Irish bread before St. Patricks Day, and past experience has led me to believe King Arthur is more about delivering quality than delivering quickly. Fortunately, a footnote said whole wheat flour was an acceptable substitute, so my afternoon baking plans still were feasible. Especially when there also were multiple substitutes to be found for my similar lack of buttermilk. (Were still in a pandemic and grocery runs remain limited.) In checking out other recipes online, though, I found some variations. Some recipes called for as much as 4 tablespoons of sugar, while others barely had any. Some added dried fruit. One added Irish whiskey, while another suggested adding some Guinness. According to The Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread, the only authentic ingredients in soda bread are flour, salt, baking soda and buttermilk. Adding anything else makes it a tea cake, according to the site. By that criteria, just about all of the recipes available online are at least a bit less than authentic. The King Arthur recipe called for 3 tablespoons of sugar and cup currants or raisins. Others called for 1 cup of cranberries. Not a fan of dried fruit in baked goods and striving to end up with something at least in the neighborhood of authentic I left out the dried fruit and lowered the sugar and salt just a notch. And, in place of the buttermilk, I used a blend of milk and cream of tartar, though my attempt to blend the cream of tartar with a bit of the milk to create a slurry was less than impressive. Next time Im out of buttermilk, Ill probably try a different substitution. (The sour cream-and-milk option sounds promising, and sour cream has a way of giving a recipe a nice little boost.) My mothers preference for a lemon juice-and-milk blend also might get the nod. The King Arthur recipe also noted that substituting whole wheat flour for the Irish-style flour should involve reducing the amount of whole wheat flour used, but my final version came closer to using 4 total cups of flour, as called for in other recipes, instead of the 3.5 cups for which the King Arthur recipe called. Still, with a bit of tweaking here and there, the resulting loaf of Irish soda bread that came out of my oven proved to be flavorful and dense. Its not necessarily the go-to bread for when you want something light or when youre looking for something with a lot of nooks and crannies. But it would make an excellent accompaniment for a hardy Irish stew, shepherds pie or coddle, or something nibbly on its own with a slather of butter. Even better if its Irish butter. Irish Soda Bread 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cups all-purpose flour* 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pea-size pieces 1 cup buttermilk 1 large egg Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease 8- or 9-inch cake pan. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry fork or your fingers, work in the butter pieces until its distributed and no large chunks remain. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Pour mixture into dry ingredients and combine. If its too crumbly to hold together, add more buttermilk. If its too moist, add more flour. Knead the dough a few times and shape it into a ball. Flatten slightly and place in the cake pan. Use a sharp knife to cut a -inch-deep cross into the top of the loaf. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Will store for about two days, well wrapped, at room temperature or freeze for up to a month. * You can add up to another half-cup of all-purpose flour if the dough remains too wet, but be careful not to add too much, which will lead to a dry and lackluster loaf. Adding all-purpose flour instead of whole-wheat if more flour is needed will help with the overall density of the loaf. Tyndale Releases New Title in Visual Journey Series Tyndale House Publishers has released Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey, the second in the Visual Journey series that began with Hinds Feet in High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey in fall 2017. The inaugural book has sold over 50,000 copies, selling more copies in the last year than in its first year, according to the publisher. Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey, abridged by Jim and Terri Kraus, is Victor Hugos story of compassion, forgiveness, justice, and the will to survive amid the French Revolution. This special edition includes French-inspired watercolor paintings, decorative script, vintage imagery, and character bios. Upcoming editions of reimagined classics include A Christmas Carol: An Engaging Visual Journey (fall 2021) and The Hiding Place: An Engaging Visual Journey (spring 2022). Cook Creates Position for Action Bible Leadership David C Cook, publisher of the bestselling The Action Bible, a comic-based version of Scripture, has created a new rolev-p for the Action Bible Portfolioand named long-time DCC employee Amy Konyndyk to the position. Konyndyk joined Cook in 2008 and worked closely with illustrator Sergio Cariello and the editorial team to prepare The Action Bible for release in 2020. There is no one better suited for this new role than Amy Konyndyk, said Michael Covington, v-p of publishing and acquisitions. She has invested more than a decade in the Action Bible product line." The product line includes illustrated Bibles, curriculum, video, and devotionals, with 82 million units in print across 41 languages. RBmedia Names New Publisher, Partnerships Audiobook producer RBmedia has named Mark Warner as the new publisher for Christian Audio and leader of Christianaudio.com, its digital direct business. And it announced exclusive partnerships between its Christian Audio brand and three leading Christian publishers Warner, who led the efforts to sign the new publishing agreements, brings 15 years of experience at HarperCollins Christian Publishing to the position. He will acquire all content for Christian Audio, manage partner relations, and oversee growth for the brand. The new partnerships are with InterVarsity Press (IVP), Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing (P&R), and 1517 Media, publishing ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Doornbos to Retire from DCC David C Cook announced the retirement of Cris H. Doornbos, who has spent almost 16 years as CEO of the Christian publisher, which is based in Colorado Spring. Doornbos, whose career includes 38 years in the Christian publishing and communications industry, will end his tenure as CEO on April 2, but will remain as a consultant until August 16. COO Scott Miller will serve as interim CEO starting April 2. "We are grateful to Cris for the way his leadership has brought together three major ministry sectorsbooks, curriculum, and worship musicunder a united vision that serves the local church around the corner and around the globe, said board chairman Todd Rankin. Cook has retained Torrey N. Foster, Jr., of Korn Ferry to conduct the search for a new CEO. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) A western Indiana man has received a 16-year sentence in a case where a student at a local school became ill after eating drug-laced candy. A Vigo County judge ordered Levi Dowden, 22, of Terre Haute on Monday to serve 10 years of his sentence in prison followed by one year of work release and five years on formal probation. Dowden pleaded guilty last fall to felony charges of aiding in dealing methamphetamine, aiding in dealing cocaine, aiding in dealing a look-a-like substance and dealing in marijuana, the Tribune-Star reported. He was originally charged with 18 criminal counts involving drugs and firearms following an investigation that began in February 2019 when a Vigo County schools student became ill after eating a gummy candy that had reportedly been laced with Xanax. That student was released from the hospital after treatment, police said at the time. The investigation led police to a residence where Dowden was staying with two other people in northern Vigo County. There, police reported finding cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, ingredients for hallucinogens and more than a dozen guns. Defense attorney Jim Organ said Monday that Dowden lived at the home, but was only involved in dealing marijuana and not the other drugs and did not have any firearms in his living space. Charges are still pending against the two other defendants, who both face 18 criminal counts. The Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds supports 1,176 jobs with a direct and indirect economic impact valued at almost 100m, new findings reveal. The figures come from an economic impact assessment of horse racing, racing tourism and thoroughbred training of the Curragh area of South Kildare. The report, carried out by economist Jim Power, also said current development plans for the Curragh Racecourse will deliver a economic contribution of 110 million to both the local and national economy in just two years by 2023. CEO of the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds, Pat Keogh, said: "The 1,500 acres that make up the Curragh Racecourse and its training grounds containing 80 miles of gallops, is a driving heartbeat in what is a largely rural economy in Kildare. "The potential here is enormous and we intend to increase our racegoer number to come to our amazing new racing facility here to 94,000 people in 2022 and 101,000 in 2023. "We also expect more horses and trainers to base themselves here and make use of what is one of the best training facilities in the world. We expect the financial impact of this racing venue on the economy to exceed E110m in 2023 which compares to having a multinational in this historic equine area." Economist Jim Power said: "The Curragh makes a very significant economic and employment contribution to a rural area, and the region will continue to contribute to Ireland's stated regional economic growth agenda. "The development of the Curragh Racecourse will build the tourism potential of the area and is totally consistent with the Failte Ireland strategy to grow Irelands Ancient East as a strong tourism brand in its own right." The employment of 461 trainers and staff throughout the entire Curragh area is estimated to support another 410 secondary or indirect jobs in the local employment making the estimated total employment contribution of the racing sector at 871 jobs, which is very significant employment in what is largely a rural area. This is further bolstered by a further 305 jobs that is supported in the tourism and hospitality sector as a result of racing tourism to the immediate area. Every euro that gets pumped into the local economy gets spent again and again. The multiplier effect seeks to capture the full impact of the initial expenditure as it works its way through the economy. In 2019, the Curragh Racecourse hosted 19 meetings with the direct and indirect financial impact of the prize money paid estimated at E19.9 million. The Curragh Racecourse had turnover of 7.12 million in 2019 and when a multiplier effect of 1.7 times is applied to this the direct and indirect financial impact of the racecourse and training grounds is estimated at E12.1 million. A total of 72,872 people attended race meetings at the Curragh Racecourse in 2019 of which around 20% of those were overseas visitors. In total the economic contribution of the Curragh Racecourse and training grounds is estimated at 34.4m. Racing tourism is also a major factor taken into account and the Irish National Stud is a major tourist attraction and attracts significant visitor numbers every year. In 2019, there was 137,000 visitors to the National Stud. This would have generated entrance fee income of 1.5 million and when the multiplier effect is calculated the direct and indirect impact of the expenditure is 2.6 million. Failte Ireland research suggests that Overseas Holidaymakers on average spend 96 per day and Domestic Overnight Visitors spend 74 per day. Overseas tourists account for 40% of visitors to the National Stud and with the remaining 60% being domestic visitors, this would translate into 11.3 million in additional tourism expenditure in the region. Failte Ireland estimates that every 1 million of tourism expenditure supports 27 tourism jobs. This means that the visitors to the National Stud support 305 jobs in the tourism/hospitality sector. Failte Ireland estimates that for every euro spent on tourism, 23c is generated in tax. This means that the expenditure by tourists generate an estimated 2.6 million in Exchequer revenues. First grade teachers can find out who is on track with math and who is lagging, using an accurate diagnostic test that they can administer in the classroom. After Covid-19 school reopening, or during catch-up sessions in the holidays, this is instrument can also be useful, especially in large, multilingual classrooms. The test is supplemented by a 15-week 1-hour-a week "maths boost" invention program for first graders. The program provides teachers good instructional material to support children in an efficient way. Uniquely, the test measures numeracy skills along with listening comprehension and executive functions, pinpointing additional reasons why students improve after intervention. Six-year-olds can't really talk to adults about the problems they may experience with mathematics. It is hard for teachers to know for certain who is keeping up and who is lagging, says Prof Elizabeth Henning from the University of Johannesburg. The teacher could be facing 45 or even 60 little faces in the classroom, she says. Some children may appear to cope after a few weeks' school holiday or closures due to Covid-19. But early childhood teachers need to understand what children remember and what may have been forgotten. School reopening is a good time to find out where everyone is with math and reading, she continues. Henning is a South Africa Research Chair of the country's National Research Foundation. "When kids come to school, even for first grade, you don't know what they already know. At home they may have learned to recite number words and use them as if to state 'how many', but that does not mean that they understand number yet," says Henning. "They see their care-givers bake and cook and clean. Some children are sent to the shops before they can read. They learn some maths at home - but every home is different," she says. Many kids learn this basic math in their home languages. "Then they come to elementary school and 'parallel track' if this school teaches through medium of English. They start learning the same concepts in a new language, which in South Africa is mostly English. "When the first grade teacher doesn't know the home languages of the young learners, they can't translate or code switch when they see the kids struggling," says Henning. Prof Henning is one of the researchers in the study who adapted a Finnish evidence-based test for first graders in South Africa. In South Africa many kids learn in English at school, but most speak a variety of African languages at home. The test itself is not unique, but measuring numeracy and other relevant control measures in school-based intervention is, says Prof Pirjo Aunio. Aunio is from the Department of Education at the University of Helsinki. She is corresponding author of the study, and one of the lead designers of the original Finnish test and the 15-week 1-hour-a week maths boost programme for first graders. The study has been published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly. "The most important result in our study was that the intervention group, those children who had extra practice in early numeracy skills with the 15-week program, had a bigger and sustained increase in their numerical relational skills, compared to children who followed business as usual instruction," continues Aunio. "The effect was not a result of better language or executive functions skills, nor kindergarten attendance, but because of our intervention program," she says. "What made me extremely happy is that this program's materials are cheap and easy to use. So the program is potentially very useful on a large scale as well," says Aunio. The study provides an unusual follow-up view of first graders' progress in basic numeracy, says Henning. "We found out how reliable the test is because we tested the first graders at the beginning of their school year, again after the 15-week maths boost program and again a few months after they completed the maths boost. Children learning in English as a second language are especially responsive to the test," she says. "Many kids get lost to mathematics and science in middle school. But it doesn't have to be that way," says Henning. "Far more students can arrive at middle school with the foundation needed to graduate from high school with good math scores", she says. That means more students can go onto college for technical, business and engineering careers. The foundation starts in first grade, when the teacher digs deep to find out what is at the bottom of the kids' math knowledge, so that she can teach with different individuals' math competence in mind. One way of doing so is to test the kids at the beginning of the school year with a reliable test, such as the one in the study. Says Henning: "We like this test and 15-week intervention program because they are easy to use and they work. With a sturdy foundation in first grade, teachers in other grades can build on it in a systematic progression. But if the early building blocks are missing, it is very hard to catch upon maths lost early on." ### PHOTOS: High resolution and web size photos in 16x9 aspect ratio suitable for video, available for download from Google Drive at https:/ / drive. google. com/ drive/ folders/ 1-ZnM4b4LA8LR1i_4uf4Ib79r9eS0SlCj?usp= sharing Photo captions and credits in a separate file in the folder. INTERVIEWS: For email interviews or questions, contact Prof Elizabeth Henning at ehenning@uj.ac.za and Prof Pirjo Aunio at pirjo.aunio@helsinki.fi For radio/TV interviews via mobile phone / Skype / Zoom with Prof Henning, contact Ms Therese van Wyk at Theresevw@uj.ac.za or +27 71 139 8407 (mobile) in Johannesburg, UTC + 2 EXTENDED VERSION OF RELEASE: A longer version of the release with more discussion from Prof Henning and Prof Pirjo is available for download at A meeting between Dr. Norman Bethune (L) and Nieh Jung-chen (C), Commander-in-Chief of the Chin-Ch'a-Chi Border Region, in China in 1938. (National Archives of Canada/CP Photo) Parks Canada Seeks to Attract More Chinese Visitors to Norman Bethune Site Parks Canada is planning to celebrate staunch Canadian communist Dr. Norman Bethune by introducing programs to draw more Chinese visitors to the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site in Gravenhurst, Ont., where Bethune was born. Specifically, the federal agency aims to offer the public a much deeper understanding of Bethunes life and legacy, according to Parks Canadas Bethune Memorial House 2020 management plan. The thoracic surgeons contributions include medical innovations and his time serving as a medical adviser to the 8th Route Army of Chinas communist leader Mao Zedong in 193839 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, stated a 2018 Parks Canada news release to recognize Bethunes national historic significance. Bethune, who is revered in China, was the first to introduce the mobile blood bank to the battlefront, where he performed blood transfusions in the midst of the fighting. After visiting the Soviet Union in 1935, he joined the Communist Party of Canada and became involved in the Spanish Civil War as a volunteer for the Republicans between 1936 and 1937. In 1938, Bethune joined a few other Western doctors in China. He died of blood poisoning on Nov. 12, 1939, after operating on wounded soldiers, and was buried at the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery in Shijiazhuang. Upon Bethunes death, Mao Zedong used him as a propaganda figure. In Maos essay In Memory of Norman Bethune, he said Bethune demonstrated the spirit of internationalism, the spirit of communism, from which every Chinese Communist must learn. Parks Canada said it wants to reach a broader audience, in particular, of Chinese descent. As the birthplace of a true Canadian hero, the site also holds immense spiritual and personal meaning to visitors of Chinese descent, from Canada and abroad, decades after the events that created Bethunes legacy, the 2020 management plan says. It notes that service to the public in Mandarin will continue to be offered when possible, to meet the needs of the high percentage of visitors for whom this is their first language. To prepare the sites activities and as part of its management plan for the next 10 years, Parks Canada has held open houses and conducted online surveys, and has received input from over 60 individuals and groups from Canada, Spain, and China. Ultimately visitors will become ambassadors for the site, which in turn will contribute to partnering and volunteer initiatives, the plan says. But at least one Gravenhurst resident opposes ties with communist China. On Oct 15, 2020, the Muskoka Region published a letter from Ed Fearon calling on Mayor Paul Kelly and councillors to immediately sever ties with its sister/twin cities in China due to the countrys communist regimes part in the coronavirus outbreak. Gravenhurst must end the sister-city relationships with Baoding and Zhangjiajie, China, Fearon wrote. Gravenhurst is in relations with the totalitarian, communist regime of the Peoples Republic of China. This is the exact same communist government that enjoys lying, subterfuge, and blatant coverups, by now claiming that the United States of Americas military is responsible for the spread of COVID-19, all the while illegally detaining two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, for over 600 days; since December 2018. Gravenhurst mayor and council must do the right thing: Take a democratic leadership stance and denounce the corrupt Chinese communist government, he added. UKs Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Tuesday wrote to President of the European Council Charles Michel expressing angst over the bloc's completely false' claims that the UK banned the export of coronavirus vaccine. He summoned the EU's UK delegation to hold talks for clarification at the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. In response to the EU President'sunsubstantiated remarks, Raab said in a letter: I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components. Further, he added, Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together, according to UKs Foreign Office statement. EU and UK indulged in the fresh spat post Brexit over the COVID-19 vaccines after the EU president released a newsletter Tuesday, stating that the EU was the driving force and leading donor in the international fundraising that enabled the financing of the research into vaccines. He launched a scathing attack on the US and UK, saying that the two countries imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory. He conjured controversy, adding that the facts do not lie. Michel was defending the bloc over the shocking reports that he said he had heard in the letter about European Union's Vaccine nationalism. Stating that Europe, was in fact, more inclusive throughout the pandemic, Michel blamed the UK for competition and bidding for the COVID-19 vaccines. I am staggered to hear Europe accused of not acting in solidarity, he said, in the controversial letter. The EU has never stopped exporting, the letter stated. It's natural to be impatient, but with time we will win the war against #COVID19. The fight against #COVID19 is not a sprint: its a marathon in which Europe is well placed to lead. 5 reasons why will be a major ally in freeing the world from this virus Charles Michel (@eucopresident) March 9, 2021 EU's threats to block vaccine supply to NI Earlier in January, the EU threatened the UK of halting vaccine shipment at the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland risks reigniting one of Brexits bitterest disputes. The EU introduced checks on vaccines made in the bloc being exported to the UK post-Brexit amid the supply shortfall. While the post-Brexit-deal seeks no restrictions on exports to Northern Ireland, the EU feared that the shipments might be exported directly into the UK via NI as the backdoor, and hence, the bloc resorted to prevent the vaccine supply from entering into Northern Ireland by invoking the Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol. A medical staff prepares to inject the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for frontline workers at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, March 8 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Five of the 522 medical workers and others who got the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine have developed minor complications and are being treated in hospital. Two suffered from anaphylaxis and three others developed diarrhea, allergies and low pulse pressure, according to the national Expanded Program on Immunization. They are being treated and in stable condition. The vaccination campaign began on Monday and hundreds of medical staff in Hanoi, HCMC and Hai Duong and Gia Lai provinces have received the first dose of the vaccine developed by the British-Swedish company in collaboration with Oxford University. Initial reports said most of the vaccinated people displayed expected symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, fever, headache, chill, pain at the injection spot, and nausea. Vietnam has ordered 30 million doses, and 117,600 arrived late last month. It is also negotiating with the U.S.s Pfizer and Moderna and other vaccine manufacturers in Russia and China. In the latest outbreak of community transmission that broke out on January 28, there have been 894 cases so far, including one diagnosed on Tuesday evening in Hai Duong, its 710th. BEIJING, March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Science and Technology Daily: Two years ago, Wang Pu, CPPCC member and professor at Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Beijing University of Technology, suggested that it is crucial to own core technologies, materials and crafts. With the idea of "self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology" promoted, Wang reaffirmed the direction of his efforts and became even more energetic. "In order to deeply integrate into the global innovation network, we need to generate real self-confidence in science and technology based on self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology. Thus, China can greatly contribute "eastern wisdom" to the global challenges. Many experts we interviewed in academia and industry echoed his thoughts. "Changes unseen in a century": Is international cooperation still okay? The idea of "removing international industrial supply chains from China" has been spreading overseas. "American media have been talking about 'China Threat Theory'." Wang did not deny the challenges China is now faced with. Guo Tiecheng, scientific and technological strategy expert and Vice President of Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, gave his analysis. "Although the challenges are tough and the suppression is frequent, the opportunity of cooperation in science and technology between China and other countries is being enlarged and there is much room for manoeuvre for China's strategies." Guo noted. As China's ability of innovation is improved, the country has an advantage in rich talent pool and an economy of a large quantity and a complete range, etc. The cooperation with other countries can be full-scale or gradient depending on how the counterpart performs in the relative field. Guo suggested, "As long as we keep stable strategies and firmly stick to innovation development and reform and opening up, the influence of the restrictions caused by 'partly decoupling' will be limited and no subversive effect will take place." "Self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology": The basic logic is the prosperity of science Wang kept emphasizing, "Do not undertake tough tasks unless you have necessary skills. In the long run, we can only claim that we have a spot in the modern science system if basic theories, original concepts and technologies are to be greatly developed in China." Guo also expressed his views on the essence of "self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology": Only by taking the prosperity of science as the underlying logic can we achieve self-reliance. He further explained: "Besides, we ought to encourage some market players to take the lead in upgrading to the medium-to-high-end level, provide innovative factors of production such as human resources and data for economic development, and stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of scientific and technological experts to unleash the vitality of innovation. With this essence, self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology should become the strategic focus of our country in the coming period." Digital economy: a new innovation arena Recently, China has been focusing on the "digital economy". As to the role of data in empowering high-quality development, Xu Wei, who is the Associate Professor at Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences of Tsinghua University, highly praised China for taking the lead in putting forward "data as a factor of production". It is not easy to manage data elements, especially in data circulation, where data providers, users and even regulators are faced with high risks. However, China has practiced exploring solutions to problems at the technical level. A solution based on the underlying theoretical innovation of Academician Yao Qizhi's "multi-party computing (MPC)", which can achieve the idea that "data is available, invisible, controllable, quantifiable and supervised", is being transformed by the technology enterprise Hua Kong Tsingjiao, with Xu Wei as the chief scientist, to accelerate its application in practical scenarios such as the circulation and integration of data elements. Practice always steps ahead: new forms and features have emerged in international cooperation Guo offered his analysis, "As China gradually integrates into the global innovation network, China will be more inclined to conduct strategic cooperation on governance in the future. Apart from traditional national and international projects and international cooperation on major scientific engineering devices, more non-governmental innovation cooperation modes, such as off-shore innovation, transnational technology platform, open-source ecosystem and scientific volunteer organizations without borders, display a flexible and efficient global innovation network. "In terms of further opening up, it is possible for China to consider setting up an open 'innovative procurement fund' to carry out emerging procurement such as innovative customized procurement and pre-commercial procurement to the world." Guo suggested. Aiming to solve problems: Confident but not arrogant Wang told Science and Technology Daily reporter, "Academic papers are only a basic tool of academic communication, and partly represent the achievements of scientific and technological innovation. The fundamental criteria for the achievements of scientific research should be whether they take the lead in the frontier of scientific development or solve actual scientific or technological problems." Xu also pointed out that many investors or users of new technologies always ask him about against which the "multi-party computation" can be benchmarked. He suggested, "China is no longer a "me-too" follower in terms of innovation. We should believe in and support China's innovative edge in emerging industries, which our scientists have developed and maintained. " Written by Fang Linlin & Zhang Jiaxin. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily The CM has sought appointment with the PM at an early date to personally explain the options to revive Vizag Steel. (Twitter/file photo) VIJAYAWADA: In a fresh move to thwart the Central plan for privatisation of Vizag Steel, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is taking an all-party delegation to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and prevail on him to retain its present status. The CM has sought appointment with the PM at an early date to personally explain the options to revive Vizag Steel. A meeting is proposed between the PM and the all-party delegation. The referred to the announcement of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha on March 8 that the government would go ahead with 100 per cent disinvestment of Vizag Steel equity in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) along with its stake in subsidiaries/joint ventures through strategic disinvestment by way of privatisation. This is a matter of great concern to the people of Andhra Pradesh as also to employees of RINL and other stakeholders, the CM has said. In his letter to the PM, the CM said VSP had a good performance between 2002 and 2015, earning profits with positive net worth. The plant was pragmatically turned-around in 2002 after it was reported to BIFR as a sick company. The company has around 19,700 acres of land and the valuation of these lands alone could exceed Rs 1 lakh crore. RINL currently has a capacity of 7.3 million tonne and has taken up plant modernisation and capacity expansion. This has helped the plant take loans from banks for expansion. Owing to the unfavourable global steel cycle, the company was making losses since 2014-15 and it was having difficulty to service the debt. One of the major structural issues that also leads to a high cost of production is the absence of captive mine, thereby affecting the profitability. The Chief Minister said the plant will again become a profitable venture if some support came from the central government, instead of it taking the disinvestment route, and by implementing some turnaround measures such as allotting captive iron ore mines to bring down the input costs, swapping high cost debt with low cost debt, converting debt into equity through equity conversion and monetization of vacant land. Reddy requested the PM to consider continuing the units operations as it is, to achieve a turnaround for a further period of two years. Allotting to it some captive mines in Odisha will go a long way in reviving the plant, as also conversion of loans into equity by the banks so as to remove the interest burden and listing the entity (RINL, Vizag) on the stock exchange, giving banks the exit option through the stock exchange route and through general public and monetising the land to make the company cash-rich. The CM said, I request you to kindly give me an appointment to explain all the options as narrated above, to revive and put RINL, Visakhapatnam, back on track. I will take along with me an all-party delegation including the representatives of trade unions to represent to you directly the concerns being expressed by the people of Andhra Pradesh, the employees and various stakeholders. I seek an early appointment in this regard. (Newser) A Southern California man who killed his wife propped up her body on a sofa, told their children she was drunk and had them open Christmas presents in front of her body, a prosecutor told jurors at his murder trial, per the AP. This Christmas story does not have a happy ending, and unfortunately this is not just a story, it is real life, Heather Brown, senior deputy district attorney in Orange County, said Monday as trial began for William Wallace of Anaheim, the Orange County Register reported. Za'Zell Preston, 26, was taking college classes in hopes of becoming a domestic violence counselor when she was killed in 2011 by a man who already had served jail time for beating her, the paper said. The couple had gone to a neighbor's Christmas Eve party and a neighbor described hearing an argument later that night, Brown said. story continues below Wallace told a member of Preston's family that we were drinking and during the argument I tossed her around a bit, the prosecutor said. Brown said the next morning, Wallace dragged his wife's body from the bedroom to the living room couch, placed sunglasses on her and told the children: Mommy ruined Christmas, she got drunk and ruined Christmas. Preston was slumped over on the couch when paramedics arrived. She left a newborn son and two daughters, who were then 3 and 8 years old. Wallace's attorney argued that Preston died from injuries after she drunkenly tripped and fell into a glass table, shattering it, and says the couple's relationship was "full of arguing and yelling, but also a lot of love." Wallace, 39, could face up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder. (Read more California stories.) Meghan and Harry's bombshell Oprah interview is threatening to break up the Commonwealth as countries and commentators question whether they still want to be associated with the Royal Family. Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's former Prime Minister, led calls to ditch Britain's monarch as head of state following the interview, which saw the Duke and Duchess air claims of racism, emotional neglect, and bullying. Mr Turnbull, a long-time republican, said Australia should seriously question whether the next monarch after Queen Elizabeth 'should become our head of state'. Meghan's allegation that a member of the family asked what colour her baby's skin would be also prompted a backlash in countries including Jamaica, South Africa, Barbados and India, with some saying it recalls 'British colonial racism'. It brings the future of the Commonwealth - a community of 54 countries, many of them former British colonies, which the Queen has spent a lifetime promoting - into question in the twilight years of her reign. Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's former Prime Minister and a long-time republican, called on his country to ditch Britain's monarch as head of state after Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview Canada's Justin Trudeau (left) played down calls from opposition MPs to cut ties with the royal family, saying 'now is not the time' for those conversations, while New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern (right) gave a similar response, saying there is 'no appetite' for constitutional change Mr Turnbull led the criticism on Tuesday, telling Australian media: 'It's clearly an unhappy family or at least Meghan and Harry are unhappy. It seems very sad. 'After the end of the queen's reign, that is the time for us to say: Okay, we've passed that watershed. 'Do we really want to have whoever happens to be the head of state of the king or queen of the U.K., automatically our head of state?' Meanwhile Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's opposition New Democratic Party, blasted that the monarchy 'is in no way beneficial to Canadians in terms of their everyday life.' 'And with the systematic racism that we've seen, it seems to be in that institution as well,' he said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a more measured tone but notably did not come to the monarchy's defence, simply saying that 'now is not the time' for questions of constitutional reform. 'I wish all the members of the royal family all the best, but my focus is getting through this pandemic,' he said. 'If people want to later talk about constitutional change and shifting our system of government that's fine, and they can have those conversations, but right now I'm not having those conversations.' Reaction to Meghan's claims of racism within the Royal Family caused fury in South Africa, where an Imam who met the couple on their tour of the country in 2019 (pictured) said it recalls 'British colonial racism' Meanwhile Jacob King, culture minister of Barbados, said it is time for his country to 'break the shackles of that colonial experience' (pictured, the Queen on a visit to Barbados in 1977) Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister, struck a similar tone - saying there is 'no appetite' for a 'significant change in our constitutional arrangements'. Reaction to the interview was especially fierce in Africa - encapsulated by one Twitter user in South Africa who wrote: 'It's Britain and the royal family. What did you expect? They oppressed us for years.' Nicholas Sengoba, a newspaper columnist in the former colony of Uganda, said the interview 'opens our eyes further' on the merits of the Commonwealth and raised 'unresolved issues' within the country about relations with its former colonisers. He questioned whether the heads of Commonwealth states should still be 'proud to eat dinner' with members of the Royal Family. Meghan and Harry traveled to South Africa in 2019, where their impending split with the royal family became clearer and they even spoke of possibly living in Cape Town. Mohammed Groenewald, who showed them around at a mosque in Cape Town, was still digesting the interview, which was only shown in South Africa on Monday. But he said that, more than anything, it sparked memories of 'British colonial racism.' 'It comes out very clearly,' he said. In Kenya, a former colony where a young Princess Elizabeth was visiting in 1952 when she learned about the death of her father and thus that she would become queen, news of the interview also has begun appearing in the country's newspapers. 'We feel very angry seeing our fellow African sister being harassed because she is black,' said Nairobi resident Sylvia Wangari, referring to Meghan. She added that Kenyans in 1952 did not show Elizabeth 'any racism, and she stayed here without us showing her any discrimination.' The row leaves the future of the Commonwealth - a community of 54 countries, many of them former British colonies (pictured) - in doubt The Queen has spent a lifetime promoting the Commonwealth, and gave a speech just a day before Harry and Meghan's interview aired speaking of 'confidence and optimism' in the future Meanwhile News Americas, which owns several publications in the Caribbean, published an editorial saying it was time for the Commonwealth nations to 'emancipate themselves from the mental slavery and the last shackle of colonialism' John King, the culture minister of Barbados which has vowed to remove the Queen as head of state by the end of this year, added: 'We have to break the shackles of that colonial experience and take our rightful place as a sovereign nation.' The interview was not shown on TV in India, the Commonwealth's most populous member country with 1.3 billion people, but it still was covered by the media and drew negative reactions from the public toward the royals. 'Behind that whole elegant facade are thoughts that are not so elegant.' said fashion writer Meenakshi Singh. Lawyer Sunaina Phul said the Commonwealth 'is relevant to the royal family, of course, because it shows that they ruled so many places. I don't know why we are still a part of it.' Meghan and Harry's complaints of racism show that it is time for her country to end its relationship with the royal family, said a retired professor in Kingston, Jamaica. 'What it should mean for us is that we should jump up and get rid of the queen as the head of state,' Carolyn Cooper said. 'It's a disreputable institution. It's responsible for the enslavement of millions of us who came here to work on plantations. It's part of the whole legacy of colonialism and we need to get rid of it.' Study of Orthodox Jews May Help Guide COVID-19 Prevention in Culturally Bonded Groups Media Contact: Michael E. Newman, mnewma25@jhmi.edu The holiday of Purim is a festival of life, recalling how the Jewish people escaped the genocidal plot of an evil minister under an ancient Persian king. In 2021, Purim again marked the saving of Jewish lives, but this time from a different enemy: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Leaders of the U.S. Orthodox Jewish community -- a group devastated by COVID-19 infections and deaths following Purim social gatherings in March 2020 before preventive measures such as masking and physical distancing became commonplace -- were able before this year's holiday to promote scientifically based safety guidelines for COVID-19-free celebrations. This was possible partly because of findings from a Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study evaluating just over 9,500 Orthodox Jews in 12 states that helped define the epidemiology of the Purim 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. The study appears online March 10 in JAMA Network Open. "Because Purim in 2020 caused hundreds of Orthodox Jews to become ill or hospitalized with COVID-19 in the earliest stages of the pandemic, we realized that these patients -- who were convalescing when others were just coming in contact with SARS-CoV-2 for the first time -- were an important population to study to better understand why and how the virus spreads through a culturally bonded community," says study co-senior author Avi Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "We felt with that insight, health care practitioners could develop strategies based on scientific evidence to limit the spread of COVID-19 while still enabling important religious and other cultural practices to go on," he explains. Rosenberg and his collaborators created the Multi-Institutional sTudy analyZing anti-coV-2 Antibodies Cohort, or MITZVA Cohort (the acronym is taken from the Hebrew word for "commandment" and often refers to a "good deed"), to explore the epidemiology of the Purim 2020 COVID-19 spread within the large Orthodox Jewish communities of Brooklyn, New York; Lakewood, New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; Nassau and Sullivan counties, New York; New Haven, Connecticut; and Detroit, Michigan. Also included were Orthodox Jews who resided in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington State. Study participants were first asked to complete a survey to define their demographic characteristics; whether they had any symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection before, during or shortly after the 2020 Purim holiday; the onset of any symptoms experienced; and if they had already tested positive for the virus. Out of 12,626 people given the questionnaire, 9,507 completed it and were invited to undergo SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing in the second stage of the study. Of those participants, 6,665 (70.1%) were screened for immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies to the nucleocapsid (outer covering) protein of SARS-CoV-2 between May 14 and 30, 2020. The survey results defined the date range for possible COVID-19 symptom onset as from Dec. 1, 2019, to May 26, 2020. More than three-quarters, 77%, of the respondents reported their first symptoms between March 9 and April 1, with another 15% stating theirs began after April 1 -- indicating that they were likely exposed just before or during the Purim season. Rosenberg says the Purim link to the outbreak is further supported by the fact that the median (the midpoint date when dates were listed from earliest to latest) and mode (the date that occurred most often) for symptom onsets for study participants in all the states fell within the same period, March 17-21, 2020 (with Purim occurring March 10 and 11). Among the study participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, Rosenberg says that most (between 82% and 94% in the primary five communities examined) reported the onset of COVID-19 symptoms between March 9 and March 31, 2020. The seroprevalence rates -- the percentage of people in a population with antibodies against, and indicating infection with, SARS-CoV-2 -- were consistently higher in the Orthodox Jewish communities than those in neighboring areas during the study time period. This is consistent, Rosenberg says, with the culturally bonded nature of these communities within a neighborhood or city, and even across state lines. "Based on these findings from a large study population within culturally bonded communities, we identified parallel SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks occurring in multiple areas around the Jewish festival of Purim," Rosenberg says. "The risk to these communities was amplified by the fact that these outbreaks occurred in the early days of the pandemic prior to widespread adoption of mask-wearing and physical distancing procedures." Rosenberg says that once COVID-19 prevention measures were established and promoted by public health authorities, local and national Orthodox Jewish leaders put forth mandates for their communities to comply, and developed culturally sensitive policies to address how to safely engage in prayer services, family and communal gatherings and social support systems. "This shows that preventing the spread of COVID-19 does not have to mean giving up or limiting religious and cultural practices that are vital to the lives of so many," Rosenberg says. "We believe that our study of the Purim 2020 outbreak, and the positive actions taken in part because of those findings, can provide guidance for safely celebrating many other religious and secular holidays in the United States, including Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Christmas." Rosenberg is available for interviews. Dynamic Tool Accurately Predicts Risk of COVID-19 Progressing to Severe Disease or Death Media Contact: Michael E. Newman, mnewma25@jhmi.edu Clinicians often learn how to recognize patterns in COVID-19 cases after they treat many patients with it. Machine-learning systems promise to enhance that ability, recognizing more complex patterns in large numbers of people with COVID-19 and using that insight to predict the course of an individual patient's case. However, physicians sworn to "do no harm" may be reluctant to base treatment and care strategies for their most seriously ill patients on difficult-to-use or hard-to-interpret machine-learning algorithms. Now, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have developed an advanced machine-learning system that can accurately predict how a patient's bout with COVID-19 will go, and relay its findings back to the clinician in an easily understandable form. The new prognostic tool, known as the Severe COVID-19 Adaptive Risk Predictor (SCARP), can help define the one-day and seven-day risk of a patient hospitalized with COVID-19 developing a more severe form of the disease or dying from it. SCARP asks for a minimal amount of input to give an accurate prediction, making it fast, simple to use and reliable for basing treatment and care decisions. The new tool is described in a paper first posted online March 2 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. "SCARP was designed to provide clinicians with a predictive tool that is interactive and adaptive, enabling real-time clinical variables to be entered at a patient's bedside," says Matthew Robinson, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the paper. "By yielding a personalized clinical prediction of developing severe disease or death in the next day and week, and at any point in the first two weeks of hospitalization, SCARP will enable a medical team to make more informed decisions about how best to treat each patient with COVID-19." The brains of SCARP is a predictive algorithm called Random Forests for Survival, Longitudinal and Multivariate Data (RF-SLAM), described in a 2019 paper by its creators, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers Shannon Wongvibulsin, an M.D./Ph.D. student; Katherine Wu, M.D.; and Scott Zeger, Ph.D. Unlike past clinical prediction methods that base a patient's risk score on their condition at the time they enter the hospital, RF-SLAM adapts to the latest available patient information and considers the changes in those measurements over time. To make this dynamic analysis possible, RF-SLAM divides a patient's hospital stay into six-hour windows. Data collected during those time spans are then evaluated by the algorithm's "random forests" of approximately 1,000 "decision trees" that operate as an ensemble. This enables SCARP to give a more accurate prediction of an outcome than each individual decision tree could do on its own. "The same way that individual stocks and bonds perform better as a portfolio -- with the overall value staying strong as individual items balance each other's rises and falls in price -- the trees as a group create a flexible and adaptable forest that protect each other from individual errors," says Robinson. "So, even if some trees predict incorrectly, many others will get it right and move the group in the correct direction." Robinson says that most machine-learning systems used to make clinical prediction can only consider static data at a single point in time. "RF-SLAM enables us to be nimble and predict the future at any point," he explains. To demonstrate SCARP's ability to predict severe COVID-19 cases or deaths from the disease, Robinson and his colleagues used a clinical registry with data about patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March and December 2020, at five centers within the Johns Hopkins Health System. The patient information available included demographics, other medical conditions and behavioral risk factors, along more than 100 variables over time, such as vital signs, blood counts, metabolic profiles, respiratory rates and the amount of supplemental oxygen needed. Among 3,163 patients admitted with moderate COVID-19 during this time, 228 (7%) became severely ill or died within 24 hours; an additional 355 (11%) became severely ill or died within the first week. Data also were collected on the numbers who developed severe COVID-19 or died on any day within the 14 days following admission. Overall, SCARP's one-day risk predictions for progression to severe COVID-19 or death were 89% accurate, while the seven-day risk predictions for both outcomes were 83% accurate. Robinson says that further SCARP trials are planned to validate its performance on a large scale using national patient databases. Based on the results of the first study, Johns Hopkins Medicine has already incorporated a version of SCARP into the electronic medical record system at all five of its hospitals in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., area. "Our successful demonstration shows that SCARP has the potential to be an easy-to-use, highly accurate and clinically meaningful risk calculator for patients hospitalized with COVID-19," says Robinson. "Having a solid grasp of a patient's real-time risk of progressing to severe disease or death within the next 24 hours and next week could help health care providers make more informed choices and treatment decisions for their patients with COVID-19 as they get sicker." Robinson is available for interviews. ### SAN FRANCISCO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Monica Bua, Managing Director at leading executive search firm Morgan Samuels, has been selected for the Forbes Human Resources Council, an invitation-only community for world-class HR executives. Monica, who built and leads Morgan Samuels' Emerging Products and Technology practice, boasts a sixteen-year track record in placing outstanding executive talent in the most demanding industries, and she regularly shares her distinctive thought leadership in key areas such as diversity and inclusion, the future of talent, workforce intelligence, and talent acceleration. Other criteria for acceptance included influence as a leader in the industry and proven impact on business growth metrics. Monica, who also leads Morgan Samuels' west coast practice, joins a curated network of hand-selected peers who have all been carefully vetted by a review committee. Said Ms. Bua, "I'm excited to have the opportunity to engage with other forward-thinking leaders. There has never been a more important time for us to join forces and help accelerate the HR functions. It's no longer about the 'war for talent" externally. The 'war for talent' should be just as deliberate for internal teams and the workforce as we've approached external recruiting in the past. The only way for a company to build or continue producing outstanding results is to develop and retain game-changing leaders." Forbes Councils combines an innovative, high-touch approach to community management perfected by the team behind Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) with the extensive resources and global reach of Forbes. As an accepted member of the Human Resources Council, Monica will share her expert insights about best practices for HR leaders via articles published on Forbes.com, as well as participate in Q&A panels. About Morgan Samuels Morgan Samuels is a leading executive search firm that challenges the status quo and is revolutionizing the industry. Repeatedly recognized as a top firm by Forbes, Hunt Scanlon, and multiple Business Journals, we outperform the industry in every key metric. Our mission is to place exceptional and diverse talent in extraordinary roles across all industries and functions. With our personal, passionate, and uniquely comprehensive approach to executive search, our client organizations achieve their greatest potential. For more information, please visit www.MorganSamuels.com . Media Contact Shelley Cernel [email protected] 310.205.2234 SOURCE Morgan Samuels A national political advisor believes China needs to strengthen the protection of its core technology in medical science while improving national innovative abilities. Luo Yongzhang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and professor of the School of Life Sciences of Tsinghua University, told China.org.cn: "The core technology in the field of medicine is a hotly contested spot for the biological industry in the future." He pointed out, "It is imperative to strengthen the protection of core technologies in biomedicine and comprehensively improve China's innovative capabilities." "Innovative medicine development often faces fierce competition. Usually, it takes an average of 15 years to develop a new drug, while spending a billion or even billions of yuan, and involving the work of hundreds of people. If the protection fails, the consequences will be disastrous -- wasting enterprise investment, dampening the innovation enthusiasm of the entire pharmaceutical industry, endangering national interests and security, and weakening the country's external competitiveness," he said. He said that though China has more than 7,000 pharmaceutical companies, many of them are producing generic drugs. Luo was also concerned that, in the legislation and practice of drug registration and review, insufficient attention has been paid to the protection of key core technologies. "It may give access to some to take advantage as they are motivated by huge commercial interests to unscrupulously obtain the key core technologies of competitors, and leaks happen from time to time." Luo suggested relevant medicine supervision departments should promptly revise and update industry laws and regulations so that related national laws and regulations can be fully implemented and reflected. The political advisor also appealed in his proposal to tighten management and supervision over the full process of medicine registry and evaluation, and strengthen the punishments, even criminal liabilities on leaks. "In the work of scientific research confidentiality, we should strengthen the supervision and guidance role of the national administrative department," he continued, "We must strengthen the confidentiality awareness of medicine research and development entities and the relevant national functional departments through professional counseling, improve the professional and technical level in the implementation, enhance the supervision mechanism, and make the confidentiality of core technologies work traceable throughout the process and allowing any employee to be held accountable." Last months blackout has generated many questions about the Texas electricity market, and for good reason: The state grid is a complicated beast and puts competition above reliability. Readers are looking for answers, so here are a few things to know as our political leaders consider new policies. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Texas Blackout left scars on businesses, but other disasters lurk 1. Why did the price of electricity rise from $30 a megawatt-hour to $9,000, and how is that not price gouging? The Electric Reliability Council of Texass wholesale market price gouges by design. In 1999, the Texas Legislature created a reverse auction system where generators compete to produce the lowest-priced electricity. ERCOT oversees the day-ahead auction, offering higher and higher prices until generators meet anticipated demand. Many generators, including nuclear power and renewable energy, begin the bidding at zero. They will produce electricity no matter the price, so those operators make sure their power is taken first. Generators that can start and stop relatively quickly wait for ERCOT to raise the price before offering services. Once the price is right and ERCOT has all the power it needs, the auction is over. Every generator gets paid the highest price. Last year, the average price was $22 a megawatt-hour. At the height of summer and the depth of winter, ERCOT struggles to meet demand. The Texas Public Utility Commission raised the maximum price to $9,000 a megawatt-hour following the 2011 blackout to encourage generators to build more power plants. The PUC said the high price would encourage generators to prepare for winter and summer peaks and make regulation unnecessary. But when the polar vortex dipped into Texas last month, generators were still unprepared and shut down. During the blackout, commissioners overrode the algorithm that determines pricing from the bidding and set the price at $9,000 to encourage more generation. The problem, of course, was not money. Natural gas lines, which the Texas Railroad Commission oversees, failed due to the cold, cutting off a critical fuel supply. 2. Why did Texans overpay for electricity by $16 billion ? The PUCs decision to shut down the algorithm kept prices at $9,000 for several days. As a result, consumers paid $16 billion more than what they would have using the algorithm, according to Potomac Economics, the independent market monitor charged with making sure no one cheats. Public Utility Commission member Arthur DAndrea, the newly promoted chairman, said he thinks rolling back the price hike would be too complicated and that Texans should accept the overcharge. They (market participants) did all sorts of things that wouldnt be done if the prices were different. The results of going down this path are unknowable, he said. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is unhappy with that answer and wants the PUC to reconsider, which should be easy since DAndrea is the only PUC member who has not resigned. 3. If a power plant operator generates the electricity, and the state-regulated transmission companies deliver it, what does a retail electric provider add? Known in the industry as REPs, retail providers offer customized electricity plans. If you want the lowest price, a REP can offer that. If clean energy is important to you, a REP can sign a contract with a wind or solar facility for precisely the amount of electricity you use. Most famously, if you want to pay the wholesale electricity price, companies like Griddy can make that possible. REPs also trade futures contracts and create financial hedges to make a profit. They engage in complex financial settlements structured around ERCOTs pricing algorithm, which is why DAndrea does not want to roll back the artificially high prices. Some parts of the state do not have REPs and rely on municipally-owned utilities or public cooperatives. These old-school utilities also participate in futures, hedges and financial settlements. Retail electric providers are in deep financial trouble from the high prices and will pass those losses onto customers. TOMLINSONS TAKE: All will pay for the Texas Blackout, whether the ERCOT grid becomes reliable or not 4. Why doesnt Texas build more nuclear powerplants, which have zero emissions and are reliable? First, one of the states four reactors tripped offline during the storm because a safety device detected ice in the cooling water intake pipe, so not that reliable. Second, traditional nuclear power is the most expensive form of generation, and reactors take a decade or more to build. I would welcome advanced nuclear plants, but they are probably 15 years away. 5. How do we fix ERCOT? The quickest fix is for state lawmakers to add reliability regulations and pay generators to stand ready for emergencies. The best fix is combining ERCOT, the PUC and the Texas Railroad Commission into one entity charged with putting reliability first. Keep an eye on lawmakers in Austin because, so far, the solutions on offer are disappointing. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and politics. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo hinted on Tuesday that Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to lift COVID-19 restrictions was politically motivated and weighed in on questions about whether she might decide to run for governor. The restrictions along with Texas' statewide mask mandate ended Wednesday, despite warnings from medical experts and public health officials that doing so could lead to a fourth wave of infections and hospitalizations and delay pandemic recovery. On HoustonChronicle.com: Here's what to know as Gov. Abbott lifts COVID mask restrictions in Texas today Hidalgo, alongside Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, was quick to decry the announcement. The two leaders claimed the rollbacks were made in a move to distract Texans from the massive failure of the Texas power grid during the historic winter freeze that left millions in the dark and without water for days. Abbott previously claimed on a Lubbock-based talk show he planned to make the announcement on the last Monday in February. The winter freeze delayed the announcement further, he said. In a Tuesday podcast interview with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith, Hidalgo made more claims against Abbott's decision. The judge said Abbott first hinted at the rollbacks on social media with a Tweet touting his approval rating. "He said well thank you for the high approval rating, more coming soon,'" Hidalgo said. "So that makes you wonder is this something that is being pursued because of the approval rating? It was odd." Abbotts office said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle that the governor is focused on restoring Texans livelihoods and argued the timing to lift restrictions is now. It is clear from the recoveries, the vaccinations, the reduced hospitalizations, and the safe practices that Texans are using, that state mandates are no longer needed, the statement read. Hidalgo has made it clear she is against lifting restrictions and asserts Abbott's decision to rescind mandates now is "suspect" and "premature." "We have evidence that when the state has lifted mask mandates in the past, people stop wearing their masks. So why do that? There is just no logical explanation," she said. She admitted her decisions to require masks, issue stay home orders and close bars, restaurants and parks at the start of the pandemic were "unpopular" and directly led to political fallout for her. Despite the pushback she received, she still thinks she made the right choice and questioned Abbott's motives. "I got calls from many entities saying If you do this, we are not going to support you politically and Im like, thats OK because I am going to be able to sleep at night if you do that," Hidalgo said. "As leaders, we have a responsibility to do the best job that we can. Our responsibility is not to have the best approval rating." Hidalgo added that in addition to risking lives, the rollbacks could potentially threaten economic recovery. "To the extent that we keep playing this ping pong of open and close, that causes people to lose confidence in the economy," she said. "You cant pretend the economy will go back to normal when thousands of people are dying of this disease that is just ripping the entire community." When asked whether she would consider running for Governor of Texas in 2022, Hidalgo was quick to dispel any potential rumors. "My plan right now is to run for reelection. There is a lot that we still need to do," Hidalgo said. "I wouldnt say its something I am actively pursuing right now. The focus is on reelection." rebecca.hennes@chron.com Netanyahu visits UAE after signature of the Abraham Accords He will be received by Mohammed Bin Zayed (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, MARCH 10 - Benyamin Netanyahu on Thursday will undertake a short visit to the United Arab Emirates, the first since the signature of the 'Abraham Accords" between the two countries. The Israeli premier, according to media reports, will be received by prince Mohammed Bin Zayed. This visit (which takes place as Israeli political elections are imminent) had been in the works for weeks. It was previously postponed due to limitations related to the coronavirus. Netanyahu will remain in the Emirates only for a few hours. In the evening, he is scheduled to meet in Jerusalem with the leaders of Hungary and the Czech Republic, Viktor Orban and Andrej Babis. (ANSAmed). It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Mumbai, March 10 : In a move that could spark off a Centre vs Maharashtra political row, the Mumbai Police have booked the Administrator of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Praful K. Patel, in connection with the suicide of Dadra and Nagar Haveli tribal MP Mohan Delkar, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh announced here on Wednesday. Patel's name figures in the FIR filed by the Marine Drive police station, which is investigating the case since the past over a fortnight. Among other things, the UT Administrator has been booked under the provisions of Indian Penal Code and the Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, said Deshmukh. The development came a day after seven-time Lok Sabha MP Delkar's widow Kalaben, son Abhinav and daughter met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deshmukh and made a plea for a thorough probe into his death. On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government had said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) shall be set up to probe the death of Delkar, who was founded hanging in a Mumbai hotel room on February 22, triggering a nationwide political furore. Earlier, Delkar had released a video detailing how he was allegedly being harassed, humiliated and targetted by the UT administration, the police and various probe agencies, with attempts being made to book him and his supporters in fake cases. When he enquired the reasons for the witch-hunt, he was reportedly told that "Upar Se Order Aaya Hai" (order has come from the top). The Mumbai Police had initially registered an accidental death report, but now it has been converted into an FIR while an SIT will probe the case. In a couple of related developments, a delegation of Lok Sabha members from different parties led by NCP MP Supriya Sule called on Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum. Requesting the Speaker to take cognisance of Delkar's death and ensure that such incidents are averted in the future, Sule urged him to refer the late MP's allegations made in the Lok Sabha to the Committee on Privileges. The memorandum was signed by the MPs from other parties, including Congress' Shashi Tharoor, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, and members of Shiv Sena, DMK and BSP. The issue also figured in the Lok Sabha with Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut and Kaushlendra Kumar of the Janata Dal (U) urging the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter. Kumar and Raut demanded the sacking of the UT Administrator, Collector and Superintendent of Police, saying that they should be booked for murder. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! In early 2021 Turkey presented an unexpected modification of its German Leopard 2A4 tanks using technology from the new Turkish developed Altay tank. This hybrid consisted of the Leopard 2A4 hull using the turret of the new, and much delayed, Altay tank. This is odd because Turkey only has 345 Leopard 2A4s and wants to build a thousand Altay tanks. It is unclear how well the hybrid Leopard/Altay functions, how much it cost or how many of the are to be procured. Currently Turkey only has about a dozen Altay turrets, most of them used for the Altay prototypes used for development and testing. What is certain is that production of the Altay has been delayed by German and French arms export sanctions imposed because of Turkish treatment of Kurds in Syria and the 2020 Turkish intervention in the Libyan civil war. The Libyan operation was carried out to get one of the two Libyan factions to sign an agreement giving Turkey access to Libyan offshore waters. This agreement was illegal on several levels but the Turks insist it gives them the right to explore for oil and natural gas in offshore areas that belong to Greece. One of the side-effects of Turkey sending thousands of troops to Libya is that they can no longer obtain essential components for Altay from Germany (engine and transmission) and France (composite armor). Tukey is seeking replacement engines and transmissions from South Korea but has no alternative source of advanced composite armor tech because few countries have developed the technology and produce it. Composite armor was developed in Britain at the Chobham research facility and came to be called Chobham armor. The U.S. developed their own version using some novel new components, like depleted uranium. France has also developed a novel new composite armor technology and expected to export a lot of that expensive (to develop and manufacture) technology. Turkey was one such customer but now that deal is suspended. Altay is similar to the American M1. Both have a 120mm gun, composite armor, and high-end electronics. The two tanks are so similar because in 2011 Turkey paid South Korea $400 million for rights to much of the technology in the new 55-ton South Korean K2 tank. This vehicle was in turn based on the 1980s K1, which deliberately emulated the M1 design in many ways and did so with the cooperation of the United States. The K1 and K2 proved to be successful designs, and the Turks already had decades of experience maintaining and upgrading American M-60 tanks (the predecessor of the M1). With the addition of the South Korean tech the Altay rapidly took shape. Unfortunately, Altay evolved into a very expensive (over $13 million each) and import dependent Turkish made tank. Turkey is trying to develop local sources for tank engines and transmissions but these two components are specialist items for heavy tanks and cheaper to import than build locally. Turkey has already spent nearly a billion dollars developing Altay but the project is endangered by sanctions blocking obtaining key components. In this case China and Russia are no help, although Ukraine did supply APS (Active Protection System) technology that will be used in Altay. Ukraine and Russia can provide some novel new ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) tech and Turkey has used that to upgrade some of its M-60s but Turkey clearly prefers the superior (in many ways) advanced composite armor designs. This Altay debacle is a major fall from the situation four years ago. In 2017 the Turkish Army successfully completed acceptance tests for the Altay. This tank was similar to the modern American and European tanks and began development in 2008. The Turks wanted to buy a thousand Altays and would acquire them in four lots of 250 each. Not all of them may be needed depending on the regional military-political situation. The Turkish Army currently has about 700 German Leopard 1 and 2 tanks, 900 American M-60s (upgraded by Israel) and 1,300 American M-48s. Most (except for the Leopard 2s) are quite old and need replacing soon. Turkey doesnt really need 3,000 tanks when half the number of more modern ones would do. Altay is also similar to the Leopard 2s the Turks currently have. Most of the rest are Cold War era tanks and rapidly approaching retirement age. The later German sanctions also blocked Turkey from upgrading its Leopard from the A4 to the superior A7 standard. The K2 design was attractive to the Turks because it used a number of new electronic defenses. These include a laser detector that will instantly tell the crew the direction the enemy laser beam is coming from. Most tanks use a laser range finder before it fires its main gun. The K2 fire control system also enables the main gun (120mm) to be used to hit low flying aircraft (helicopters, mostly). There are also numerous improvements to the K1 mechanical and electronic systems, as well as more armor, both composite and ERA. This made the K2 (and Altay) easier to use and maintain. An autoloader reduces the crew to three men. The Altay is more heavily armored than the K2 and does not use the auto-loader. All those stalled Altay plans recently found a potential solution when South Korean firms offered suitable substitutes. South Korea had already developed the powerful tank engine needed for Altay but had some reliability problems with their transmission. This is a key element that enables a powerful engine to move a tank efficiently. Those problems have been fixed to the satisfaction of the Turks but a purchase contract has not been signed yet. Altay still needs someone to replace the French composite armor. South Korean composite army is of a different design than what Turkey was obtaining from the French and it is unclear if using South Korean heavy tank armor is even under serious consideration. What may kill the Altay project is cost. Since 2017 the per-tank cost has doubled as more tech was added or component costs increased. A new tank is not crucial to Turkish defense but relations with foreign suppliers of military tech is. SPRING ARBOR TWP., MI A roundabout to potentially make a Jackson County intersection near Western High School safer may be in the works. Jackson County Department of Transportation officials are considering a 100-foot-wide roundabout at McCain and Dearing roads in Spring Arbor Township, with 200-feet long splitter islands or traffic control measures in the roads to set apart opposite lanes. Because of its twisting design, crashes at this intersection have caused injuries and fatalities in the past, including the death of Autumn Coffey, and her two children in 2017. A safety grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, called the High Risk Rural Roads program, would fund $294,204 of the $326,894 construction. The county will pay the remainder. Related: Jackson officials question safety of crossroads where mother, 2 children died Signals typically have reached their limits on technology, so we cant do anything to make them safer, Kline said. So, why not change the design to keep our people safe? The county would need to purchase right-of-way from three neighboring properties to make the project possible, officials said during a Board of Commissioners public safety and transportation committee meeting on Monday, March 8. Director of Engineering Angela Kline told the board the plan is about 60% complete, meaning theres some flexibility available to change the design. The intersection is about a mile south of the Western middle and high school complex and two miles north of Spring Arbor University. Western School District Superintendent Mike Smajda said district officials, including those in the transportation department, plan to discuss the design further. Anything we can do to improve that intersection is welcomed, Smajda said. Smajda has some concern over the logistics of implementing a roundabout there, he said, because buses go through the intersection and students and young drivers can struggle with roundabouts. But Smajda said he has seen the efficiency of roundabouts and understands how fewer opportunities for crashes can make the roads safer. The current design incorporates room for school buses and fire trucks to comfortably drive through it, the engineers said. Roundabouts are safer and more efficient than traditional stoplights at intersections, transportation officials said, adding that cars can crash at 32 different points at a traffic light, while there are only eight points of conflict in a roundabout. None of those points in a roundabout are where two vehicles would cross each other, while a traffic light has 16 points where a crossing could occur, officials said. Construction may begin in summer 2022, Kline said. MORE JACKSON NEWS: Jackson seeks grant to improve part of MLK Equality Trail Student failure rates drive in-person learning increase at Jackson Public Schools Application process now open for Jackson County residents in need of a home ramp A common approach to teaching character education in schools is based on The Six Pillars. These values were developed in 1992 by a nonpartisan, secular group of youth development experts as core ethical standards that transcend cultural, religious and socio- economic differences. They are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. I always began with the first pillar, trustworthiness, as without it, the others could not be sustained. Students were taught: Be honest in communications and actions. Dont deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable: Do what you say you will do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal: Stand by your family, friends and country. Keep your promises. The lessons were supported by literary classics and fables as well as the lives and works of famous Americans. In keeping abreast of local, state and national news from various sources, it is becoming more obvious each day that a significant number of elected officials have abandoned this value. And yet, many continue to be reelected despite many transgressions. Sadly, as parents and educators, we are being stymied in our efforts to raise upstanding citizens when so many adults in leadership roles cannot be trusted. The pillar has not simply cracked, it has fallen. MARSHA MORELAND Cherokee Rose Circle Mount Pleasant Sons caregivers We thank The Post and Courier for the excellent March 6 article, There was a point where it was too much, about the heroic efforts of the nurses and aides who cared for our loved ones in COVID-19 and ICU beds. Our son, Joseph Healey Jr., who suffered from dementia in a memory facility, came down with COVID-19. He appeared to be recovering but became dehydrated and was hospitalized with pneumonia at Roper-St. Francis. He was on a ventilator in ICU for four days, was successfully removed from the ventilator, moved to a COVID-19 floor, and later moved to a regular floor. He developed complications and failed to survive. During his entire hospitalization, he received the most excellent, wonderful and loving care from the entire staff of doctors, nurses and aides. We cannot thank them enough for their heroic efforts to save our son. We received constant updates by phone from the staff, one video Facetime and, finally, an almost two-hour visit with our son and his caregivers before he died. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! God bless and thank you to all the many people whose names we know and the many whom we do not know, who cared and risked their own well-being to care for Joseph and the many suffering from this terrible disease. The caring staff on the third floor at Roper-St. Francis sent us a card in sympathy signed by members of the staff for the loss of our son. JOE and LORI HEALEY Rhetts Bluff Road Kiawah Island Malsick leaving Many people are sad to learn that Mark Malsick, the S.C Department of Natural Resources severe weather liaison, is leaving his job as weather whisperer. He made it so much fun for weather watchers near and far. CATHERINE YOUNG Tides End Road Charleston Seuss decision wrong The decision to stop publishing six books by Dr. Seuss Enterprises because of racial stereotypes and insensitive imagery puts an exclamation point on the absurdity of todays political correctness. To refer to photos depicting individuals in the period of time the book was written as racist is ridiculous. Today, nearly every word said is taken out of context and interpreted as racist. The main result of this rhetoric is to brainwash our young people and further create dissension between the races. Stop trying to change history. NICK HOWARD Hedera Court Summerville Mideast violence Im very disappointed that President Joe Biden, after less than two months in office, has seen fit to renew airstrikes in Syria. Im glad he called off the second one, but we need to stop destruction in the Middle East once and for all, and instead focus on humanitarian aid and diplomacy. Violence never solved anything, and we have enough problems in the United States to worry about. CAROL DOTTERER Robert E. Lee Boulevard Charleston Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. At Kyiv Security Forum, organized by Arseniy Yatsenyuk's Open Ukraine Foundation on Wednesday, some 12 points were presented to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. According to the document, titled "12 Points of Strategic Partnership Between the United States and Ukraine," the arrival of President of the United States Joseph Biden and the new U.S. Administration offers an opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership and commitment between the United States and Ukraine, as well as advance the interests of both states. "We, American and Ukrainian politicians and diplomats, former officials, experts and public figures, urge the governments of both countries to develop an ambitious and comprehensive agenda that will deepen our strategic relationship. This agenda should promote mutual interests, contribute to strengthening security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, promote Ukraine's further integration into the EU and NATO membership, and outline and prioritize transformative democratic reforms necessary for the full development of Ukraine's economy and its transatlantic movement progress," according to a statement. The officials said in the document that mutual dedication to strengthening democratic values must always remain at the core of the U.S. and Ukrainian relations. "This implies strengthening democracy and the rule of law, individual freedom, freedom of speech, full independence of the judiciary and anti-corruption institutions, greater transparency and accountability of government actions and open governance, independence of the media and an active civil society. Solidarity and concrete actions to promote these values are needed to strengthening mutual trust, understanding the democratic aspirations of Ukrainians and providing a common basis for cooperation between both countries," the experts said. They said the United States and Ukraine must act together to restore Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and contain further Russian aggression. "This implies expanding our strategic partnership and defense cooperation and the United States seeking new opportunities to increase defense assistance in order to strengthen Ukraine's ability to deter Russia's offensive. This means continuing to provide lethal defense assistance and strengthening the Navy. Other areas of possible military cooperation include the development of special operations forces, anti-aircraft and coastal defense," the officials said in the document. Its signatories believe that the United States and Ukraine must maintain close dialogue in order to increase the Kremlin's cost of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. The United States should also consult closely with Europe on this issue, in particular on strengthening sanctions. They believe that such negotiations, as well as negotiations with Russia on Ukraine, should be based on the principle "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine." "In consultations with Ukraine and its European partners, the Joseph Biden Administration should explore the possibilities of more active involvement at the highest level by the United States in the negotiation process, which is now being conducted by the German Chancellor and the French President, in order to break the situation and contribute to a real end to the conflict in Donbas , the withdrawal of all Russian and Russian-controlled forces and the restoration of Ukraine's full sovereignty over Donbas," the experts said in the document. The experts also said the United States and Ukraine should also consult on the political, diplomatic and economic steps necessary to bring Crimea back to Ukraine. "They must work together to ensure international compliance with the principle 'Crimea is Ukraine' and maintain the sanctions adopted against Russia for the illegal seizure of the peninsula. We welcome the efforts of the Ukrainian government to create the Crimean Platform as an initiative that will keep the issue of occupied Crimea on the international agenda of the day and remind people, including Russia, that Crimea remains Ukrainian in the eyes of the international community," according to the document. In addition, the signatories to the document believe that the United States and Ukraine should consult on steps to strengthen security and stability in the Black Sea region, in particular with the support of NATO and European partners. "The United States, together with NATO allies, should continue to regularly deploy air, land and sea forces in the region where Russia, Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans and the Caucasus converge," the experts said. It also noted that in recent years, the United States and Ukraine have become targets of Russian political intervention, disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks. "They should exchange their experience and share best practices in combating these and other forms of Russian hybrid warfare," according to the recommendations. It is stressed that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, if completed, would threaten Euro-Atlantic unity and deprive Ukraine of significant transit revenues. "The United States and Ukraine should consult on how to build and maintain a transatlantic position against the completion of the pipeline, as well as actions that Russia can take against Ukraine to lift the Nord Stream 2 sanctions. At the same time, Ukraine should undertake major reforms to improve energy efficiency and root out corruption in this and other sectors," the experts said in the statement. The experts said the United States and Ukraine must work together to advance Ukraine's NATO integration and Kyiv's ultimate goal of NATO membership. "The United States must firmly adhere to NATO's open door policy and advise Kyiv on how best to prepare for membership, as NATO leaders pledged at the Bucharest summit in 2008. Ukraine must commit to the necessary reforms and practical steps that will lead to its military and other security and defense structures are in line with NATO standards and norms," according to the document. It is noted that Ukraine's membership in NATO will strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance, contribute to the historical unification of Europe and create the preconditions for the transformation of relations with Russia. Moreover, the renewed U.S.-Ukrainian partnership is associated with the willingness of the Ukrainian authorities to quickly implement transformational democratic reforms and actively act to protect and strengthen the independence of such key institutions as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and others. "For a strong anti-corruption work, effective reforms of the prosecutor's office and the judicial system are necessary. Ukraine must also make irreversible the significant reforms already achieved, in particular in the areas of the land market, privatization of state-owned enterprises, the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine, decentralization, transparency of fiscal and budgetary policies in addition to reforms in the gas sector, reforms in the public procurement system and on the transparency of assets and incomes of civil servants and parliamentarians," the experts said in the document. In addition, important are steps to remove the excessive influence of oligarchs, establish the rule of law with fair economic norms and practices for large, medium, small and foreign businesses, as well as to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian state all this is crucial for improving the lives of Ukrainian citizens, the experts said. They said Ukraine should ensure the protection of property rights for all Ukrainian and foreign investors. "While the Ukrainian authorities should urgently focus on reform, seeing them as urgent tasks, the United States, in coordination with international financial institutions, the European Union and partners from the Group of Seven (G7), should continue to provide support helping Ukraine build a modern democratic an economy fully compatible with the standards and norms of the European Union. In this sense, Copenhagen criteria of the EU form a clear roadmap. Such assistance should directly depend on the implementation of effective reforms," according to the document. Among the American signers are Francis Fukuyama; former Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow; former Ambassadors of the United States to Ukraine John Herbst, Marie Yovanovitch, Steven Pifer, Roman Popadiuk, William Taylor, as well as members of the United States Congress, high-ranked diplomats and well-known experts. Among the Ukrainian signers are Chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum and Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-2016 Arseniy Yatsenyuk; Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk; Co-chair of Lviv Security Forum and former Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2014-2019 Oksana Syroid; former Secretaries of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Volodymyr Horbulin, Oleksandr Turchunov and Andriy Parubiy; Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the European Union Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze; public figures Josef Zissels and Myroslav Marynovych; diplomats Volodymyr Ohryzko, Danylo Lubkivsky, Valeriy Chaly, Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, Volodymyr Vasylenko, Yuri Scherbak, Oleh Shamshur, Oleksandr Motsyk, Volodymyr Handogiy, Roman Bezsmertnyi, as well as members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine from the Servants of the People, European Solidarity, Holos and Batkivschyna factions. [March 10, 2021] First Eagle Investment Management Hires Sales Leader to Help Deliver Alternative Investment Solutions to Retail Market First Eagle Investment Management, LLC ("First Eagle") is pleased to announce that Jack Snyder, Jr., has joined the firm as National Sales Manager, Wirehouse and RIA Channel, and Head of Retail Alternative Sales. He reports to Head of Retail Distribution Robert Bruno. Snyder joined First Eagle from Nuveen Investments, where he spent the better part of a decade as a Managing Director overseeing 18 cross-channel advisor consultants responsible for distributing a diverse range of investment strategies and vehicles in the firm's East Region. He also led Nuveen's closed-end fund sales efforts during his time there. Prior to moving into a leadership position at Nuveen, Snyder was a top producer for Sun Life Financial and The Hartford. He began his career in the mutual fund and annuity group at Smith Barney after earning a BS in business administration from Salisbury University. "Jack brings an impressive record of working with financial intermediaries and leading high-performing sales teams to deliver sophisticated investment strategies to customers," said Bruno. "Having Jack on board reinforces our commitment to financial intermediary partners, particularly in the growing alternative credit space. We believe alternative credit can serve as an attractive source of meaningful, sustainable income in a market hungry for it. Jack's broad-based expertise, including his background in closed-end funds, will prove invaluable as we look to provide intermediaries with the differentiated investment solutions needed to achieve their clients' goals." "First Eagle has a legacy of offering retail investors compelling strategies designed to help prevent the permanent impairment of capital and grow real wealth," said Mehdi Mahmud, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Eagle. "In a world where public fixed income is neither a safe haven nor a source of income, we believe many retail investors can benefit from exposure to prudently underwritten credit strategies. The Alternative Credit team at First Eagle has a long distinguished record serving sophisticated institutional investors worldwide, and I expect Jack will leverage this platform to address retail investors' need for sustainable income." Located at First Eagle's new satellite office in Miami (scheduled to open in April 2021), Snyder will lead a team of 16 wholesalers responsible for distributing First Eagle's investment products to financial advisors at wirehouses and registered investment advisors across the United States. Snyder will partner closely with other leaders of the firm's Retail Distribution effort. This includes Robert Milliman, National Sales Manager, Independent Channel, who two years ago was tapped to head this newly created distribution segment for First Eagle. Milliman has seen great success leading the team responsible for outreach to independent financial advisors nationwide, driven in part by his relentless commitment to developing and delivering value-add programs tailored to the specific needs of these advisors. It also includes Jim Cotchett, a 10-year veteran of First Eagle's Retail Distribution team whose contributions to the business over the years have taken him from wholesaler to Eastern Divisional Sales Manager to his new role as Head of National Accounts. Other key internal relationships will include Pete Monty, who as Western Divisional Sales Manager reports to Snyder, and Briana Fisher, who was recently promoted to Deputy Head of National Accounts reporting to Cotchett. "I am excited to join First Eagle as a member of the Retail Distribution team," said Snyder. "I look forward to working closely with Robert Bruno, Robert Milliman and all of my new colleagues to represent First Eagle's differentiated investments solutions in the marketplace and to deepen First Eagle's already strong relationships with financial intermediaries nationwide." ABOUT FIRST EAGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT First Eagle Investment Management is an independent, privately owned investment management firm headquartered in New York with approximately $109 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020. Dedicated to providing prudent stewardship of client assets, the firm focuses on active, fundamental and benchmark-agnostic investing, with a strong emphasis on downside mitigation. Over a long history dating back to 1864, First Eagle has helped its clients avoid permanent impairment of capital and earn attractive returns through widely varied economic cycles-a tradition that is central to its mission today. The firm's investment capabilities include equity, fixed income, alternative credit and multi-asset strategies. For more information on First Eagle, please visit www.feim.com. For information on the Alternative Credit team at First Eagle, please visit www.feac.com. First Eagle Investment Management is the brand name for First Eagle Investment Management, LLC and its subsidiary investment advisers. First Eagle Alternative Credit is the brand name for those subsidiary investment advisers engaged in the alternative credit business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005609/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] An influx of COVID-19 patients from Papua New Guinea has contributed to Cairns Hospital declaring its first Code Yellow in more than 18 months. More than 260 people presented at the emergency department on Tuesday, with road crash victims adding to increased pressure on services. 'A sustained high number of presentations to the ED, alongside a spike in trauma admissions and several patients needing isolation for COVID-19 had led to the hospital declaring a Code Yellow,' the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday. An influx of COVID-19 patients from Papua New Guinea has contributed to Cairns Hospital declaring its first Code Yellow in more than 18 months. Executive director of medical services, Dr Don Mackie, is expected to provide further detail on Wednesday afternoon. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said vaccination hubs on Thursday and Sabai islands were a priority to protect 'vulnerable communities'. 'It means greater protection for our communities, especially in the Torres Strait,' she said in parliament on Wednesday. The government announced a sped up vaccination roll out for the islands neighbouring PNG last week due to concern about the high levels of COVID-19 infection. 'It's only a matter of kilometres, and there's a lot of trade and commerce that usually happens, and we are seeing more and more cases, unfortunately, in Papua New Guinea,' Ms Palaszczuk said on Friday. Queensland has vaccinated almost 12,000 health and hotel quarantine workers as of Wednesday morning. The state recorded five new cases in hotel quarantine overnight, bringing the total number of active cases to 37. Flash The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 3,975,045 as of Tuesday morning, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the 55-member African Union (AU), said the death toll related to the pandemic stood at 106,095, while 3,552,813 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease. The most affected countries in terms of the number of confirmed positive cases are South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia, the agency noted. South Africa has lost 50,803 lives to the disease, the most among African countries, followed by Egypt, at 11,038, and Morocco, at 8,683, according to the Africa CDC. African countries were facing several challenges, as they were in bad need of vaccines, Africa CDC Director John Nkengasong said Sunday. Meanwhile, "our population has begun to face what is called pandemic fatigue. We have been doing this for one year and people are getting tired," he added. He also emphasized the need to strictly adhere to public health precautionary measures. Gangster Robbie Lawlor was driven to the scene of his assassination by a senior member of a well-known crime family, the High Court in Belfast heard today. A judge was also told that two people suspected of involvement in the killing in north Belfast have now left the island of Ireland. Details emerged as one of the men charged with the murder was refused compassionate bail to visit his newborn child. Lawlor (36), was gunned down outside Adrian Holland's home, at Etna Drive in the Ardoyne district, on April 4 last year. According to police a gunman emerged from the property and opened fire in broad daylight, shooting the underworld boss in the head and body. Originally from Dublin, Lawlor had been heavily involved in a bitter dispute between rival Drogheda-based factions. Previous courts were told he may have travelled to Northern Ireland because he feared he was going to be attacked as part of a deadly drugs feud. But his assassination had already been commissioned three weeks earlier at a meeting in a Sligo hotel attended by an international drugs dealer, it has been alleged. Neither Holland nor 45-year-old co-defendant Patrick Teer, of Thornberry Hill in Belfast, are accused of being the gunman. Instead, they have been charged as part of a joint enterprise to murder, based on their alleged involvement in events surrounding the shooting. As Holland sought temporary release from custody, a defence barrister described the case against him as "a masterpiece of circumstantial vagueness". Barrister Joe Brolly told the court his client was at a relative's home on the day of the murder. According to counsel the victim was brought to the location of the shooting by a man who is part of a well-known crime gang in the Republic. "He drove Mr Lawlor to the scene. Mr Lawlor was assassinated as he got out of (his) car," the barrister contended. That man has been interviewed and released by police, it was claimed, but his current whereabouts are unknown. Mr Brolley also said a previous court heard two of the people suspected of involvement in the murder have absconded. "As I understand it they are believed to be a gunman and potentially someone who was involved in the getaway," he added. Natalie Pinkerton, prosecuting, clarified when they were thought to have moved overseas. "Since the date that Mr Teer and Mr Holland were charged for the murder two persons have left the island of Ireland," she said. Holland wanted out of prison to spend a number of hours with his partner and newborn child. Denying the application, however, Mr Justice Humphreys ruled: "I cannot be satisfied that conditions I would impose in relation to this visit would be complied with." Two state prison employees have been indicted in the assault of an inmate and for false statements made to investigators after the assault. The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced the five-count indictment again Staton Correctional Facility Sgt. Devlon Williams, 34, and correctional Officer Larry Managan Jr., 39. Few details have been released about the incident, including when it happened. According to the DOJ release, the officers used their feet and a collapsible baton to assault the unnamed inmate. Additionally, authorities said, Managan walked on the inmate. Both were charged with making false statements about the assault to a state investigator, and Williams was charged with making a false statement about the assault in an official report. ADOC officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The status of their employment wasnt available. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. Managan faces a maximum of 40 years in prison. This case is being investigated by the FBIs Mobile Division and ADOCs Law Enforcement Services Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts of the Middle District of Alabama, Special Legal Counsel Mark Blumberg and Trial Attorney David Reese of the Civil Rights Division. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. The latest assays hail from two holes, which showed, significantly new VMS-style mineralization in one Last year's drilling at Johnson Tract totaled 16,418m in 32 completed holes and assays remain outstanding for ten holes Mining Inc ( ) ( ) said drilling at its Northeast Offset (NEO) target at its flagship Johnson Tract project in Alaska, had shown the area to be a distinct mineralized zone separate from the JT deposit. Wednesday's reported assays hail from two holes, which showed, significantly new VMS-style mineralization in one, with highlights including 7.8 meters (m) at 6.1% zinc, 1.6% lead, 0.2% copper, 0.7 g/t gold and 36 g/t silver. That included at intercept of 3.9m at 9.1% zinc, 2.3% lead, 0.3% copper, 0.8 g/t gold and 47 g/t silver. added that it now recognized that the mineralization is far more widespread between the JT deposit and the NEO target within the prospective Dacite Tuff stratigraphy than had been previously understood. "These advancements in our understanding of the Johnson Tract geology represent a significant turning point for the project as they highlight the potential for mineralization anywhere within the key Dacite Tuff host stratigraphy northeast of the JT Deposit, said the company's CEO Darwin Green. "Equally important, it means that the 2020 NEO drilling was centered too far to the west and the true target for the fault displaced offset of the main deposit still lies farther to the east." Green said drilling of this more easterly target this year will focus along a 600m long gap between the main JT Deposit and NEO, which has, as yet, been subject to little to no testing. Also drilled will be JT deposit expansion targets (building on the success of 2020) along with other Dacite Tuff hosted targets, including the new VMS-style mineralization, and new discovery-focused regional prospect targets, he noted. Last year's drilling at Johnson Tract totaled 16,418m in 32 completed holes. Assays remain outstanding for ten holes. The NEO target lies between 500 and 800 meters to the northeast of the JT deposit. Shares in Toronto advanced over 10% to C$1.30 each. ----Updates for share price--- Contact the author at giles@practiveinvestors.com Despite the service shifting more resources toward the ARRW program last year, the missile failed its first flight test a few... A woman's body found in the trunk of an abandoned car in New York City is believed to be a missing 26-year-old mother who vanished four months ago after a birthday party. The body was found in Queens on Wednesday morning after the trunk of the black Toyota Camry popped open as tow company employees prepared to haul the abandoned car away. Police believe the body is that of mother-of-two Destini Smothers, who has been missing since last November. They are carrying out forensic tests to confirm the woman's identity. It wasn't immediately clear how long the victim had been dead. Police believe a body found in the trunk of an abandoned car in Queens, New York on Wednesday is that of mother-of-two Destini Smothers, who has been missing since last November Police believe the body is that of mother-of-two Destini Smothers, who has been missing since last November Smothers vanished the night of November 3 after leaving a bowling alley in Queens with her boyfriend of 11 years after celebrating her birthday with friends. According to a missing person's report, her boyfriend told her family that the pair had gotten into a 'heated argument' before she got out of her 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and walked away. He said she left her purse, wallet, keys and ID behind. The boyfriend, who is the father of her two children, said he last saw Smothers a mile away at a McDonald's. The missing person's report said Smothers' car, which had New Jersey license plates, was also missing. It is not yet clear if it is the same car the body was found in on Wednesday. The body was found in Queens on Wednesday morning after the trunk of the black Toyota Camry (above) popped open as tow company employees prepared to haul the abandoned car away Smothers vanished after getting into a fight with her boyfriend in her black Toyota Camry in November. He told her family that she stormed off, leaving her purse, wallet, keys and ID behind Images from the scene show police inspecting a black Toyota Camry. The car, which was found on Lefferts Boulevard in South Ozone Park, didn't have any license plates on it. Police haven't said if they have a suspect. Her family said they became concerned when Smothers didn't show at her mother's house in the Bronx where her two children were staying while she was out. 'She would have never walked away without her things,' Destini's aunt, Shareen King, told NBC's Dateline last year. 'And in the middle of the night. It's not like her. 'She loves those children and would do anything for them. She wouldn't just leave them. 'And there's no way in hell she's not calling her mama. My sister is just devastated.' According to a missing person's report, her boyfriend told her family that the pair had gotten into a 'heated argument' before she got out of her 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid and walked away Oregon City residents elected Rachel Lyles Smith as their new mayor Tuesday, just months after they voted the old one out during a recall election. Lyles Smith, the president of the Oregon City Commission, was already serving as interim mayor, after voters ejected Dan Holladay from office in a November special election, following a months-long campaign to recall him. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the Clackamas County Elections Office had not finalized its tally, but near-final results indicated that Lyles Smith won by a landslide, with 42% of the votes. Leslie Wright Jr. placed second, with 29%. The three other candidates Alex Josephy, Damon Mabee and Phil Heppner -- trailed with 11% or less of the vote. About 7,060 voters cast ballots in Tuesdays election, bringing in about 27% of eligible voters in the county. The turnout for the election to recall Holladay was nearly double that. Holladay was the subject of several controversies over the past year. In April, he suggested that Oregon City residents defy Gov. Kate Browns coronavirus order, instead of closing businesses and ceasing other activities to slow the spread of the pandemic. An investigation last fall revealed that Holladay didnt break any laws but violated rules of the city commission. In June, Holladay came under scrutiny for downplaying police brutality against Black people. He was also criticized for a social media post asking how there could be protests, riots, looting and vandalism in Portland but the state wouldnt sanction Fourth of July fireworks in some of Oregons smaller communities. A 2016 effort to recall Holladay failed when petitioners could not gather enough signatures. For the 2020 recall, petitioners gathered 3,000 signatures well above the 2,400 needed to force a special election. -- Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) has announced the extension and part refurbishment of Bush Post Primary School in Dundalk. Mr. Martin OBrien, Chief Executive of LMETB, has confirmed that he has got approval from the Department of Education to go to tender for the extension and refurbishment of Bush Post Primary school, located on the Cooley Peninsula. Mr. OBrien confirmed that this was one of several very significant developments which are being managed through LMETBs Land and Buildings Department. Ms. Sinead Murphy, Head of LMETBs Land and Building Department described the completed extension and refurbishment as state of the art, bringing a new lease of life to the school. Reflecting on progress made by Bush Post Primary School over the past two decades, Mr. O Brien recounted his time there as Principal and the work involved in obtaining funding for the construction of the All-Weather Running Track, Community IT Facility, Community Meeting Facility and Bush Community Leisure facility. These projects together with the introduction of several new programs and the recruitment of new staff empowered Bush Post Primary School increase enrolment from 306 students in 2000 to its present level. These developments and the introduction of these new programs, at a time of scarce resources have spearheaded the way and enabled LMETB to convince the Department of Education of the need for the level of investment now secured. Principal of Bush Post Primary School, Mr. Kevin Joyce, stated his delight at this development of Bush Post Primary School as an integral part of the local community, and that he looks forward to the opportunity to teach in the newly extended and refurbished school. Cllr Antoin Watters has said staff, students, and the whole community were overjoyed to hear the announcement that construction of the extension and refurbishment will be going to tender Shortly. Cllr. Waters recounted many happy days there as a student and said this development will give the people of Cooley an incredible boost amidst the everyday difficulties of living with the restrictions. The project for Bush Post Primary School will include a new two-storey extension totalling 3140m2, that will accommodate a new entrance and general-purpose area providing a new identity for the school. The new entrance will be located directly off a new landscaped entry plaza beside a drop off zone to the front of the school. The additional accommodation will include, science labs, art room, home economics room, classrooms, library, computer rooms, catering facilities, student social areas and a special needs unit, replacing existing temporary accommodation on the school site. The school will remain operational during the construction phase and the works will be completed on a phased basis. The site works will include a new drop off zone, with designated staff and visitor parking, new ball courts and a new courtyard linking the existing building to the new extension. Reflecting on developments at Bush, Mr. O Brien noted the excellent contribution of Mr. Kevin Conroy, Ms. Teresa Mc Kevitt, and the current Principal Mr. Kevin Joyce all of whom have continued the great work and continued the growth of Bush to this day. Mr. O Brien confirmed that next year Bush will grow to 725 students and said that this was very satisfying in the context of where Bush had commenced from and a testament to all staff past and present who had served their community and LMETB so well over the years. Cllr Wayne Harding, Chair of LMETB said the repute of LMETB in delivering exceptional projects was beyond compare and once again demonstrated the dedication and determination of LMETB in delivering excellent solutions for the children of Louth and Meath. Principal of Bush Post Primary School, Mr. Kevin Joyce, stated his delight at this development of Bush Post Primary School as an integral part of the local community, and that he looks forward to the opportunity to teach in the newly extended and refurbished school. Cllr Watters has said staff, students, and the whole community were overjoyed to hear that construction of the extension and refurbishment will be going to tender shortly. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 San Antonios paid sick leave ordinance has suffered yet another setback. The Texas 4th Court of Appeals on Wednesday shot down a move by San Antonio officials to implement the ordinance while a coalition of local firms and business groups try to have the law struck down. The ordinance, which has been on hold more than a year, will stay on hold while the lawsuit makes its way through the legal system. But in the course of its action Wednesday, the three-judge panel made clear it believes the ordinance is unconstitutional. On ExpressNews.com: Appeal in San Antonio paid sick leave case won't move forward for now The law, now called the safe and sick leave ordinance, requires employers citywide to give their workers paid time off if theyre sick. The ordinance had been scheduled to take effect in December 2019, providing paid sick leave to an estimated 354,000 workers who dont get the benefit, but its implementation was blocked by a lower court. The business coalition, which includes San Antonio Manufacturers Association and San Antonio Restaurant Association, argued that the ordinance flouts the state constitution by requiring employers to do more than the states minimum wage law requires. State law supersedes local efforts to legislate on matters of employment, the coalition argued in a lawsuit. In an attempt to counter that argument, attorneys for San Antonio added language throughout the ordinance stating that paid sick leave is a benefit, not a wage. The appeals court didnt buy the citys argument. In the ruling, Justice Patricia Alvarez wrote the Texas Minimum Wage Act supersedes the local ordinance, which makes the (ordinance) unconstitutional. However, the court did not rule the ordinance unconstitutional but merely weighed in on its constitutionality as it pertains to whether the city could implement the ordinance while the lawsuit is ongoing. Nevertheless, the coalition challenging the law took Wednesdays ruling as a sign that the ordinance is ultimately doomed. This is not something that is in suspense as to whos going to win, said Ricardo Cedillo, a lawyer representing the San Antonio business coalition. Opponents of the San Antonio ordinance point out the Texas Supreme Court struck down a nearly identical ordinance in Austin last year on the same grounds. The 3rd Court of Appeals had ruled Austins paid sick leave ordinance unconstitutional because it found the ordinance conflicted with the states minimum wage law. Austin officials appealed that ruling to the state Supreme Court, which declined in June to hear the case, letting the lower court ruling stand. City Attorney Andy Segovia said the city is considering its options, but he noted council members adopted the ordinance to provide protections to some of the most vulnerable workers in our community, which has become even more critical during the ongoing pandemic. On ExpressNews.com: Garcia: Paid sick leave court battle continues without MOVE Texas The San Antonio ordinance stems from efforts by progressive groups, including MOVE Texas and Texas Organizing Project, to get paid sick leave on the November 2018 ballot. They collected more than 140,000 signatures in a petition drive. The San Antonio ordinance would require all companies and nonprofits to give part-time and full-time employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked a mandate sought by progressive activists but fervently opposed by San Antonio business leaders, who say the requirement would be too costly for some small businesses. Instead of facing the issue on the ballot that year, the City Council adopted the ordinance outright. Council members were seeking to avoid complicating a ballot that already had three contentious city charter amendments. Council members also believed the Texas Legislature would invalidate the law when lawmakers convened in 2019. But staste legislators left the capital without resolving the issue, and the business coalition sued the city in July 2019 in a quest to invalidate the ordinance. That November, state District Judge Peter Sakai issued a temporary injunction blocking the laws implementation while the suit made its way through the legal system. Sakais decision prompted the citys request to the appeals court that was rejected Wednesday. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFReports Burma NGOs Dismiss Myanmar Regime Claims of Cooperation Thousands of anti-regime protesters in Yangon to show their defiance against the junta. / The Irrawaddy. The five international organizations have denied having any discussions with Myanmars military regime after the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement announced cooperation with them. On Tuesday, a ministerial press release announced ongoing cooperation with several NGOs. The ministrys assistance director, U Ba Than, said Daw Thet Thet Khine plans to cooperate with People In Need, Trocaire, ChildFund Myanmar, Christian Aid and Mercy Corps, according to the statement. Within hours, all five NGOs said they had not attended a meeting or signed any agreements with the ministry since the February 1 coup. The ministry is being led by Daw Thet Thet Khine, who was appointed by the military regime. She was a National League for Democracy Lower House lawmaker but left the party in 2019 and established the Peoples Pioneer Party (PPP). Her party performed poorly in the November 8 general election with Daw Thet Thet Khine receiving just 7 percent of the vote in her constituency, compared to 83 percent for the NLD candidate. Trocaire, which provides basic needs to citizens in developing countries, said it had a memorandum of understanding in the process of renewal since the beginning of 2020 but denied holding talks since the coup. ChildFund Myanmar, which provides financial and technical support for child protection and education, said it was standing with Myanmars people during this time of great distress. In Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the military regime. Around 60 protesters have been killed during crackdowns by the junta. By Wednesday, around 2,000 people, including elected leaders, election commissioners, journalists, writers, actors and striking civil servants, have been detained. Around 1620 of them are still in detention or have faced charges, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. You may also like these stories: China Warns West Over Myanmar Coup, Interference Myanmar Military Regime Probes Finances of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis Charity Its been a tough year for the glam industry, especially for the young models and actors who were still finding their feet before the pandemic. While the lockdown took a real beating on their income, the biggest setback was the aftermath as fashion and film projects reduced. However, many models and actors have turned around their situations, earning their living by switching to the X-rated territory by creating sexually titillating content for adult audiences on private apps and websites. One could debate if this is a professional move to keep the wolf from their door or its their way of trying to stay relevant in these times. But one thing no one can get wrong is that none here is a victim of the situation. These empowered women are actually bringing respectability to an industry thats for as long as time worked in the shadows. No money, no honey Fans like the idea of staying in touch with glamorous models because of their sensual and outgoing nature. Mumbai-based model and actress Maushmi Udeshi decided to cash in on this outlook and choosing a paid-subscription model is the best way to stay in touch with everyone without wasting time on perverts. Currently, she is among the top five percent of adult content creators on the global website OnlyFans, which has a subscription fee is `3,600 per month. When the pandemic hit the world in March 2020, Maushmi decided not to step out of her house because of the scary COVID situation. She first cancelled all her shoots. To keep the money flowing in, I joined subscription-based portals such as OnlyFans and EscapeNow (which has a subscription fee), she adds. And on these sites, Maushmis fans subscribe to her profile and pay for her sensual pictures and videos. Making voyeurism pay Maushmi gives us a little more insight into her choice of the unusual work scenario in the times of COVID-19. Although sites such as OnlyFans are still taboo in India, Ive used it to create and share sensual creative content in my own beautiful way. I have used it to connect with my fans and online friends in an approachable manner, and I get paid to do that. I am also active on a few live-streaming apps, on which people pay a large amount to connect with celebrities and models directly, she says. For an extra fee, Maushmi also holds private cam chats and is happy to meet interested folks for coffee/dinner, although that is only in public places. I charge them for my time and keep it absolutely professional. The best thing about work like this is that it gives me full creative control and keeps the sleazy middlemen away, says the spirited woman. Whats better? Now, when she get calls from perverted casting directors or casting-couch fake producers asking for nudes/ bikini pictures to work with her, Maushmi asks them to subscribe to her platform and pay for the content instead of wasting her time. Thats what empowerment, truly is. Self-love for survival The pressure to remain good looking, pay high rents and survive in a competitive industry is not easy. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But the adage is a life hack for many models and actors who come to big cities to make their mark in the industry. Model and artist Joshna Pasrija registered on the live streaming website a few days back to share her work and earn extra bucks by chatting with people and charging people a certain amount to access her sensual content on the site. Insta(nt) stardom The pandemic helped several out-of-work glamorous social media influencers and models find instant popularity with their titillating content. Lingerie model who goes by the Instagram handle Holy Polli and works as a model and sells her professional photographs and videos online, says, I am a YouTube blogger and I do haul videos of lingerie and clothes as this work helps me travel and makes me love my body. Interestingly, Holy Pollis cue for the profession set into her mind when some guy posted her picture online without her consent. Instead of letting the situation drown her, she chose to monetise it. The whole thing made me consider this business, says the model without regrets. So she first had some photo sessions in Ukraine and later travelled with three photographers and three models in the Carpathian Mountains. One of those photographers liked me as a model and invited me for a two-week photo tour in Thailand to shoot artistic pictures. Later, I started working for an agency in Europe and now its my full-time job, she adds. Beautiful and bold For survival in a cut-throat industry, the only option for many models is to go bold or go home. For actor and model Rivvika Mani, posting bold pictures and content on websites is just another medium to reach out to more fans. In life, everything is difficult at first. You just have to work on your goal to achieve success. In the most difficult times, there is always a hidden blessing, so I think one shouldnt lose hope. One should just believe in ones talent to develop it in the right direction, says Rivvika as she explains her work mode. For me, a profile on EscapeNow or other digital platforms is just another medium to earn money and reach out to my fans. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Amid a global review of supply chains, centred on reducing reliance on countries such as China, an Australian-listed critical commodities specialist and its German-based graphite partner have joined the 500-member European Battery Alliance to provide products for the electric vehicle market. Australian-listed BlackEarth and its German partner LuxCarbon GmbH joined the alliance two weeks after US President Joe Biden ordered a review of American supply chains for products including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, car batteries and rare earth elements, which are crucial in the technology and defence sectors. Last week, Australia also unveiled a 10-year road map to boost its processing and manufacturing as part of a plan to challenge Chinas dominance in the supply of products key to the transition to clean energy. Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China. The team at BlackEarth are working toward the establishment of a downstream processing plant, and we see the European market as a key destination for our range of products, BlackEarth managing director Tom Revy said, with the company adding that the decision to join the alliance was made before Biden became president or the Australian government released its plans. Many of the existing [alliance] members are already engaged with our partner in Europe, and this provides us with enormous opportunities that are unique to BlackEarth. The alliance, launched in 2017 to secure a stable battery cell manufacturing value chain in Europe, said in a separate statement that Bidens move was reflective of its own long-held strategy to build alternative supply chains for the production of batteries that would correct the imbalance in the global ecosystem. BlackEarth has a graphite mine in Madagascar and is exploring a nickel-copper-platinum mine in Western Australia. With graphite and nickel key raw materials for the production of batteries, BlackEarth also said a significant amount from the second stage phase of its Madagascar graphite mine would be provided to alliance members for use in the development of green technology battery products for electric cars. Story continues In early February, BlackEarth reached an agreement to provide graphite to Urbix Resources, a processor based in the United States. In the global battery market as a whole, China and Japan dominate the production of lithium-ion batteries, while the US has a bigger presence in non-lithium ion battery manufacturing, according to North American industrial sourcing platform Thomas. The supply of lithium-ion batteries has become increasingly critical given its use in smartphones and electric vehicles. Globally, firms have long been looking to diversify their supply chains by establishing backup suppliers outside China in what was sometimes called the China Plus One Strategy, said RaboResearch senior economist Raphie Hayat. China could still influence the supply of batteries somewhat by pressuring countries that make battery components Raphie Hayat Bidens order may accelerate the move for US firms to source more from outside China, including Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia for semiconductors and minerals and metals like rare earth, but it is unlikely that they will be able to diversify completely, Hayat added. For general batteries, it could be a bit easier since only 26 per cent of all the batteries that are exported come from China. However, for very specialised batteries, such as those used in electric cars, China might have a much bigger share, Hayat said. Also, dont forget that China could still influence the supply of batteries somewhat by pressuring countries that make battery components. Australia, for example, is one of the worlds largest exporters of lithium, a critical component in batteries, and China is Australias number one export market. On the question of whether either China or Australia could weaponise lithium, Hayat said it would be unlikely given that it would be very hard for either party to replicate a supply chain elsewhere, much like iron ore. Australia is the worlds biggest lithium exporter, and in 2019, produced 55 per cent of the global lithium supply with most of it going to China. Australian exports such as coal, log timber, wine and barley have become casualties of a nearly year-long political conflict with China. For Australia, diverting its lithium exports elsewhere quickly would not be easy I think, in the longer term yes perhaps, but in the shorter [term] they would have difficulty finding a market as big as China, Hayat said. As for the Biden review, it would take time, money and effort to break up a tightly calibrated and intertwined global supply chain, Hayat added. In order to actually move a part of a supply chain to another country, that country has to have a combination of political stability, specialisation in the product you want to source, ease of doing business and low wages, Hayat added. The US doesnt have much experience with industrial policy, and the political consensus around this issue wont last forever Jeffrey Wright Paul Lim, president of Singapore-based supply chain and logistics networking platform Supply Chain Asia, said many firms would realise that alternative supplies lead to higher costs of production, as discovered years ago when the US started a similar process. For the immediate future, supplies will still need to originate from Asia that is China, he said. Jeffrey Wright, US analyst with political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, said Bidens review was good in theory but might face challenges with its execution. The US doesnt have much experience with industrial policy, and the political consensus around this issue wont last forever, he said. More from South China Morning Post: This article EV battery supply chain firms seek diversification as Biden order shines more light on China reliance first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2021. MADRID, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the startup ecosystem is an essential focus of job creation. Such is the case with Lingokids , which currently has 21 positions open. Lingokids' forecast is to hire up to 30 new professionals in 2021. The current jobs offered align primarily with senior engineering profiles: Senior Backend Engineer, Senior Mobile Engineer (React Native), Senior Full Stack Engineer. There are also a few positions open in data, including Data Analyst, Marketing Data Scientist, and Data Engineer. Additionally, there are several openings in marketing, content, and human resources. The company, which specializes in English learning for young children, tripled its international growth in 2020 and now has more than 25 million families around the world using its app. Launched in 2016, Lingokids is now considered one of the benchmark startups in Spain. "At Lingokids, we seek diversity and talent. To attract the best, we offer an attractive salary and social benefits, such as medical insurance for flexible remuneration, free language classes, and subsidized training, among other advantages," explains Leticia Castro, Head of People & Culture at Lingokids. To reinforce its employee-centered policy, the company has always offered the possibility to work remotely, so that geographical location is not a determining factor. The Lingokids team is currently made up of about one hundred people of twenty different nationalities. About Lingokids Lingokids is the learning app for children from 2 to 8 years old. More than 25 million families all over the world have already downloaded it. Lingokids collaborates with NGOs such as UNICEF, Red Cross, UNHCR, or Save the Children to promote equal opportunities for all children. The company has raised to date 19 million euros from investors such as Ravensburger and funds such as Holtzbrinck Ventures, JME Venture Capital, Sabadell Ventures, BigSur, Reach Capital, and business angels like Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. Lingokids has received several recognitions, such as the award for the startup with the greatest social impact in education at the enlightED Awards 2018. Additionally, LinkedIn selected the company as one of the Top 10 most promising startups in 2020. Sara Mateos-Aparicio, sara@lingokids.com, +34 638324038, website: www.lingokids.com DES MOINES, Iowa An organization representing Iowas Latino population filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging new restrictions on voting in the state, a day after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the measure into law. The League of United Latin American Citizens, represented by Washington-based voting rights lawyer Marc Elias, filed the lawsuit in state court in Des Moines. The measure, which passed with only Republican votes in the Iowa Legislature, includes numerous changes to the states voting laws that Democrats and advocacy groups said will make it harder for minority, elderly and disabled voters to cast ballots. Among the changes, the law shortens time for voters to cast mail ballots, reduces days voters can request a ballot and shortens the time polls are open on Election Day. The lawsuit claims the new law, which Reynolds signed on Monday, creates an undue burden on the fundamental right to vote, citing numerous violations of voters constitutional rights. The lawsuit claims none of the provisions of the new law will make elections more secure or increase public confidence in the electoral process. It said the law instead imposes undue and unjustified burdens on minority, elderly and disabled voters and those with chronic health conditions, who work multiple jobs, and who lack access to reliable transportation or consistent mail service. It claims the bill will suppress votes among those people. "An exercise in voter suppression" This is because the bill is an exercise in voter suppression, one disguised as a solution for a problem that exists only in the fertile imaginations of its creators, the lawsuit states. LULAC spokesman Joe Henry said the group believes some of the new laws provisions are targeted at young Hispanic voters who prefer to vote early due to work and transportation limitations. Henry said the law is the result of Republicans realizing that the Latino community is a growing voter population in the state which presents a potential threat to them winning elections. Clearly, theyre trying to knock out as many people as possible thinking that theyre going to be able to win future elections. We feel that theyre wrong and of course we also feel that its unconstitutional, Henry said. Republicans in the House and Senate quickly approved the changes over the opposition of all Democratic legislators. Republicans said the rules are needed to guard against voting fraud, though they noted Iowa has no history of election irregularities and that Novembers election saw record turnout with no hint of problems in the state. Reynolds said election integrity must be protected, claiming the law provides election officials with consistent parameters for Election Day, absentee voting and database maintenance. Spokesmen for Reynolds did not immediately respond to a message. Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley and Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said in statements that they are confident the recently passed law will survive legal challenges. No amount of politically-motivated lawsuits backed by Washington liberal elites will stop Iowa House Republicans from working to ensure the integrity of our election system, Grassley said. I am confident the new law will once again prevail in the courts, affirming our efforts to make it easy to vote but hard to cheat, Whitver said. A spokesman for Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller declined to comment. Miller is named as a defendant with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. Pate said in a statement that the job of election officials is to follow the laws passed by the legislature. My office will continue providing resources to help every eligible Iowan be a voter and understand any changes in election law. Our goal has always been to make it easy to vote, but hard to cheat, he said. Reynolds justified signing the bill with a statement saying: All of these additional steps promote more transparency and accountability, giving Iowans even greater confidence to cast their ballot. Although there is no evidence of systematic fraud, lawmakers in 43 states are debating about 200 bills that would limit ballot access, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a public policy group. Iowa was one of the first states to enact new laws. Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A Belfast man accused of harassing Jamie Bryson and another loyalist is living under a verifiable threat from paramilitaries, Londonderrys Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday. Robert Beck (53), whose address was given as a B&B in the Northland Road area of the city, was arrested on Tuesday evening after he failed to stop at a police checkpoint near Drumahoe on the outskirts of Derry. A PSNI officer told Deputy District Judge Sean OHare that when the car was eventually stopped, police found a knuckle duster inside and a knife in one of the defendants pockets. Objecting to bail, the officer said that as well as being charged over the knuckle duster and knife, Beck was charged with driving without insurance, failing to stop and driving a car with false number plates. The court was told the defendant had 11 previous convictions 10 coming in the past year and was currently on bail under a suspended sentence. Defence barrister Aaron Thompson said tensions were running so high in north Down, where his client is barred from, that it was feared that someone could be killed. He (Beck) was recently assaulted by loyalist paramilitaries in the Belvoir estate in Belfast and has taken it upon himself to challenge those responsible. These are not vulnerable people. They are well-known to the police, he added. Mr Thompson told the court his client had contacted Mr Bryson and another loyalist called David English about having a threat against him lifted. He has taken on a battle of his own decision. He has chosen to go on a certain path with this argument which has resulted in a verifiable threat being placed on him, he said. Tensions are running high in north Down and the defendant knows he has to be careful. He does not believe this was a chance stopping at a police checkpoint. He believes the police were looking for him. Expand Close Robert 'Bobby' Beck / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Robert 'Bobby' Beck Beck was released on his own bail of 500, together with a surety of 500, to reside at a police-approved address. The case was adjourned until April 1. Mumbai, March 10 : Actress Malvi Malhotra, who hit the headlines last year after a producer stabbed her thrice for rejecting his proposal, says what followed taught her that Kagnana Ranaut was a fake person while Urmila Matondakar was a woman of substance. Talking about Kangana, she said: "I approached her as we belong to the same town, and there was a relation between us. I have met her two to three times, and I thought she is powerful in industry and she can help me out. She said a lot of things on Twitter, claiming she would help me, she would come to rescue me but no one from her team approached me. That was time when I needed her help as my case was going on and I was being harassed. But no one came. She backed out from whatever she claimed," said Malvi. Actor-politician Urmila Matondarkar then took up the case, Malvi recalled. "At the same time, Urmila Matondkar came up, her team approached me and helped me out. Urmila personally came to meet me and is still in touch with me. She messaged me inquiring whether I need something or some help," said Malvi. Asked if she felt that Kangana makes bold claims on social media to hog the limelight, Malvi replied: "I am not sure whether she says stuff online to hog limelight. She has a take on every issue, be it the farmers' protest or anything, she has to say something. But when it actually comes to helping, she is never there to help. So what's the point of saying all that? It means you are not a woman of substance. Don't get me wrong, I respect her as an actor. She is a great actress, but as human-being I do not respect her at all." "Urmila Matondkar is a great woman, a woman of substance, and I am so happy she joined Shiv Sena. She deserves it. She is a woman with emotion, she connects with people. I saw pain in her eyes for me when I met her. She really felt for what happened to me. If I have to sum up the whole incident, Urmila is definitely fabulous and a woman of substance but Kangana is fake. I can say that much," added Malvi. Meanwhile, Malvi has resumed shoot of her forthcoming web series "Geisha", helmed by Raaj Verma, and co-starring Aman Verma and Tarun Khanna. Azerbaijan has long been "famous" for bribery of "necessary" persons, and has succeeded a lot in this. One of the most notorious case is the bribery of former Italian MP and ex-MEP Luca Volonte. The investigation managed to prove that they had received half a million euros from two Azerbaijani politicians and sentenced the lover of black caviar and exotic carpets to 4 years in prison. The court recognized that Volonte abused his official powers to disrupt the adoption of the PACE report on political prisoners in Azerbaijan, back in 2013. True, the Italian parliamentarian was promised 10 million and was given several times less. But this does not stop other lovers of expensive gifts. One of the Azerbaijani media published an interview with the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Roman Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, Vladimir Fekete. Of course, not having the original statements of the bishop, one would not like to accuse him of double standards and a subjective attitude unworthy of a clergyman, however, since the material has been published and there is no refutation, the bishop agrees with the point of view presented on his behalf. So. At first, the author reminds the interlocutor of the assistance provided by Azerbaijan in the restoration work in the Vatican. This is by no means talk about cultural dialogue, and Armenian News - NEWS.am has previously written about how the Azerbaijani authorities are buying Italy's friendship. But apparently, in Baku, they considered that the friendship of clergy is directly proportional to the petrodollars spent on it. As I said, Azerbaijan is undoubtedly an example of peaceful coexistence of representatives of different peoples and different religions. This is due to two key factors: a tolerant attitude towards other religions, traditional for Azerbaijani self-awareness, and the state policy of multiculturalism, which is based on this glorious tradition of the people. It is this tradition that is being developed and strengthened in Azerbaijan, the bishop says. Obviously, Fekete, who represents the Vatican in Azerbaijan for more than 10 years, does not read the media, he does not know about hundreds of captured Armenians, including women, terrible shots about atrocities against Armenians - starting with the pogroms and ending with the last war. In response to the competently constructed question that in Karabakh during the period of its occupation by Armenia, many Muslim religious buildings were desecrated and destroyed, the bishop said: This causes both regret and just indignation. There must be certain taboos in the mind of a person, which in many respects ensure what we call civilization. The desecration of religious monuments, places of worship, of course, belongs to these taboos. Those who have done this have already proved by their actions that they have nothing to do with civilization and culture. And it is all the sadder when such things are done by those who call themselves Christians, because Christ called not only not to commit evil themselves, but also not to provoke evil in others." It is unacceptable when the bishop and the representative of the Vatican act as the ideological mouthpiece of one of the parties to the conflict, accusing the other of committing criminal acts. Moreover, we did not hear from the bishop the words of condemnation of the atrocities committed against the Armenians, due to which the conflict actually began. Either the bishop's words are incorrectly stated, and a refutation will be published, or the Vatican should seriously think about the behavior of Vladimir Fekete. ADVERTISEMENT The attainment of universal health coverage (UHC) in Africa is in peril due to disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and inadequate financing, a new report has said. According to the State of UHC in Africa report, only 48 per cent of the continents population, or about 615 million people, have been able to access quality healthcare services. This is as countries grapple with the negative impacts of the pandemic that include income losses. The report was launched in Nairobi on the sidelines of the 2021 Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC), taking place virtually between March 8 and March 10. The COVID-9 pandemic has pointed at glaring gaps in African and global health systems and made a strong case for the urgent achievement of UHC, said Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Nairobi-based Amref Health Africa. The report should serve as a wake-up call for governments, donors and industry to channel additional resources toward the health-for-all agenda, he said. Through the State of UHC in Africa report, we are hoping to provide a realistic roadmap that will guide African countries on their journeys to UHC. The roadmap will also ramp up greater multi-stakeholder collaboration across the continent so that we can move from rhetoric to sustained action, Mr Gitahi said. A 19-member AHAIC commission compiled the report to take stock of the progress the continent has achieved toward attaining health-for-all goals. Colonial legacy, outdated policies, low technological adoption, poverty and a rising disease burden are derailing efforts to ensure all African citizens have access to quality healthcare services, the report said. It said only 49 per cent of African women and girls had access to modern contraceptives in 2015-2019. It stressed that policy reforms, political goodwill, innovations and robust investments are required to hasten progress toward attaining health-for-all goals in the continent. The health strengthening efforts made in response to COVID-19 provide an opportunity for African countries to make comprehensive investments in health that will strengthen the foundation for UHC, the report said. Africa can leverage on the demographic dividend, the establishment of a continental free trade area and a large pool of trained workforce to revamp healthcare systems, it said. (NAN) A woman looks through a magnifier to see a 2GB RAM from a notebook during the semi-tech show in Taipei 10 in May 2007. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images) Taiwanese Companies Accused of Recruiting Semiconductor Experts for the CCP TAIPEI, TaiwanLocal prosecutors and law enforcement officials on March 9 raided seven locations and questioned 19 individuals in an investigation over Chinas poaching of Taiwanese semiconductor experts. The 19 individuals included four Taiwanese senior executives of two Taiwan-based tech companies, WiseCore Technology Co., Ltd. and IC Link Limited, according to a press release from the prosecutors office in New Taipei City. The two companies were set up through a joint venture between an unnamed China-based semiconductor design company and a group of Taiwanese semiconductor design experts. The Chinese company had Taiwanese experts hold senior executive positions at the two companies and asked them to recruit their former co-workers. In the last three years, hundreds of Taiwanese semiconductor professionals were successfully recruited into working at the two Chinese-funded companies, according to the prosecutors. These professionals were paid an annual salary twice or higher than their original pay. However, the recruitment effort seriously undermined the development of Taiwans semiconductor industry, the prosecutors said. The prosecutors added that it was important to secure Taiwans trade secrets in the face of Chinas aggressive effort to poach Taiwans semiconductor experts. The raids resulted in the seizure of multiple pieces of evidence, including employment contracts, employee non-disclosure agreements, cellphones, laptops, and bank passbooks, according to the press release. The four senior executives were accused of violating a Taiwan law governing the relations between Taiwan and China, which prohibits any profit-making enterprise in China from engaging in any business activities in Taiwan without the approval of Taiwanese authorities. Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs has also banned China-based entities from establishing semiconductor companies or subsidiaries in Taiwan, according to the press release. According to Taiwanese media, the unnamed China-based semiconductor was Beijing-based Bitmain Technologies. Additionally, the two companies in Taiwan were set up by Bitmain and its subsidiary CVITEK, which is also based in Chinas capital Beijing, without the approval of Taiwans authorities. Bitmain, a chip designer that specializes in cryptocurrency mining, has clear ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to the official website of the Haidian District government in Chinas capital Beijing, Bitmain was a member of a business alliance that focused on party building in 2019. Additionally, Bitmain has received multiple government subsidies and funding from the Haidian District government in recent years. For example, in 2019, it received a subsidy in corporate research and development. Taiwanese daily newspaper Liberty Times reported many of the hundreds of Taiwanese semiconductor professionals recruited originated from some of the best-known semiconductor companies on the island, including chip designer MediaTek and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds largest contract chipmaker. By Wednesday afternoon, the four Taiwanese senior executives have been released after posting bail, according to local media. Aside from offering Taiwanese tech experts a big pay raise, the Chinese regime tried to infiltrate Taiwans tech sectors in a number of other ways, including corporate theft and job-recruitment programs. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) Major power distributor Meralco has reduced electricity rates for the second straight month in March. In a statement, the company said power rates for this month will be decreased by 0.3598 per kilowatt-hour to 8.3195 per kWh, meaning households consuming 200 kWh may expect a decrease of around 72 in their total bill. This is the lowest rate since August 2017, it added. Meralco will start implementing the Distribution Rate True-Up refund this month, which is the primary reason for this months rate reduction, the company noted. This is after the Energy Regulatory Commission provisionally approved in April the firms proposal to refund around 13.9 billion in 24 months or until this is fully returned to customers. The amount also represents the difference between the Actual Weighted Average Tariff and the ERC-approved Interim Average Rate for distribution-related charges for the period July 2015 to November 2020, Meralco said. This implies a refund rate of 0.2761 per kWh for residential customers that will appear as Dist True-Up in customer bills. The latest rate still includes the regulatory-approved adjustments for pass-through charges from January 2017 to December 2019. On December 29, 2020, the ERC directed Meralco to refund over-recoveries in transmission and other charges over a period of three months and to collect an under-recovery in the generation rate for 24 months. The company started implementing ERC-approved adjustments in January this year. This is a net refund of around 0.1150 per kWh from January to March 2021 for residential customers. Meralco also ascribed the reduction to the higher share of supply from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, which registered the lowest charge among suppliers. Its share was up 11.7% this March from 7.1% in February, while charges remained stable at 2.4609 per kWh. This also offset increased costs from Power Supply Agreements and Independent Power Producers of 0.0175 per kWh and 0.1338 per kWh, respectively, which was driven by depreciation of the peso and lower average plant dispatch. The power distributor also noted that transmission charge for residential customers increased 0.0022 per kWh, while taxes and other charges had a net decrease of P.0456 per kWh. Meanwhile, Larry Fernandez, head of utility economics of Meralco, said in a briefing that the country has enough energy reserves for safe storage of COVID-19 vaccines. Reserve levels have been more than adequate, he said in a briefing. We are seeing some peeking up of demand but still at levels that can be covered by existing capacity. He noted that in the past weeks, reserve levels have been more than 1,000 megawatts, which is more than enough to ensure adequate supply of electricity as the government implements is vaccination program in the coming months. Meralco Chief Commercial Officer Ferdinand Geluz also assured that they have been coordinating with the Health department to inspect and ensure that locations are geared up. Three Sydney men have been arrested as part of investigations into an international drug scheme that involved methylamphetamine and cocaine concealed within lollipops and lollies. The men, aged 21, 31 and 49, were arrested at homes in Dee Why, Macquarie Park and Collaroy Plateau on Wednesday. The drugs had been concealed within lollies and lollipops. Credit:NSW Police Police were first alerted to the scheme four months ago, when Australian Border Force intercepted three parcels that arrived in Sydney from the US containing the two drugs. In the months since, authorities have seized 5.83 kilograms of methylamphetamine and 655 grams of cocaine in 16 parcels addressed to locations on the northern beaches, as well as Parramatta, Macquarie Park, Chatswood and Ryde. [March 10, 2021] OFC 2021 Conference and Exhibition to Host Global Visionaries, Technology Innovators in an Interactive, All-Virtual Format WASHINGTON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The premier event in telecom and data center optics the 2021 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) today announced it will convene in an interactive, all-virtual format, 06 11 June 2021. Considered the hub of the industry, OFC represents the entire ecosystemfrom research to marketplace. This format, which includes technical sessions and a virtual exhibition featuring industry-focused programs, will expand engagement with the conference's global audience through live and on-demand content. "This has been a challenging year for all of us, but as the international event for the global optical communications community to move the field forward, we must ensure that the groundbreaking content is accessible to a broad audience," said Po Dong, OFC General Chair, II-VI Incorporated, USA. "OFC draws executives, technical experts, academia, media and analysts from all over the world, and this approach will allow our attendees and speakers to connect through an international schedule." "OFC's technical program remains one of the most anticipated events of the year and will continue to explore the latest in optical communications innovation in over 120 sessions," said Ramon Casellas, OFC Program Chair, CTTC, Spain. New topics trending in technical paper submissions include quantum communications and machine learning in terms of network operation and how optics supports machine learning and neuromorphic computing. Free space optical communications (FSO) technology will be the focus of several presentations in addition to photonic integration, satial division multiplexing (SDM) and 5G. OFC 2021's Symposia will focus on industry growth segments: Emerging Photonic Technologies and Architectures for Femtojoule per Bit Optical Networks MEC-based Network Architectures in Support of Enterprise Cloud Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) in the Context of Optical Communications The Role of Machine Learning in Optical Systems and the Role of Optics in Machine Learning Systems Special Sessions will highlight the following: Lessons Learned: Networks 2020 Status and Next Steps Free Space Optical (FSO) Communication is Finally Real Vision Talks: Beyond 2021 and Towards 2030 The OFC 2021 virtual exhibit will feature an enhanced exhibition experience providing the greatest opportunity to reach customers, connect with colleagues and demonstrate innovative products and solutions to the OFC community. View the OFC website for upcoming announcements on registration, schedule updates and more. About OFC The 2021 Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) is the premier conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. For more than 40 years, OFC has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward. OFC includes dynamic business programming, an exhibition of global companies and high impact peer-reviewed research that, combined, showcase the trends and pulse of the entire optical networking and communications industry. OFC is co-sponsored by IEEE Communications Society (IEEE/ComSoc), IEEE Photonics Society, The Optical Society (OSA) and managed by OSA. OFC 2021, an all-virtual event, will take place 06 11 June 2021. Follow @OFCConference, learn more at OFC Community LinkedIn, and watch highlights on OFC YouTube. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ofc-2021-conference-and-exhibition-to-host-global-visionaries-technology-innovators-in-an-interactive-all-virtual-format-301244334.html SOURCE The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A two-island strategy is needed between Ireland and the UK to manage the Covid-19 crisis, according to Mary Lou McDonald. The Sinn Fein leader said the administration in Belfast and the government in Dublin need a common purpose on the issue. She stated the border on the island is an issue under these circumstances and added; For now, we need an agreed strategy and approach island-wide. She added this includes agreeing with Britain, our neighboring island" on a "two-island strategy to keep the population safe. Read More Speaking on Ireland AM, Ms McDonald, also criticised the current restrictions for visitors entering the country. She described the restrictions as a pick and choose system, criticising the 5km travel limit while simultaneously allowing visitors into the country. When the new strains and variants are proving so difficult for us, its crazy to allow a scenario where you would be importing more of the virus, she said, and urged the government to capitalise on Irelands status of an island. "The government and the state have to get in right in terms of vaccination and travel. Ms McDonald also criticised the governments efforts in exploring every option in terms of acquiring excess vaccines in and out of the European system. "We've had success but the approach to vaccination is certainly flawed, she said. A year on, in the circumstances were in, for the government to say, were looking into it really doesnt cut the mustard. The idea that other countries are going to hand back vaccines is a bit far-fetched", she added. [March 10, 2021] OneMain Financial Appoints Phyllis Caldwell to Board of Directors OneMain Financial, the country's largest installment lender to hardworking Americans with nonprime credit, announced today that Phyllis Caldwell was appointed to its Board of Directors. Caldwell is the founder and managing member of Wroxton Civic Ventures, which offers advisory services to companies focused on housing, economic development and financial inclusion. "We are excited to welcome Phyllis to OneMain," said Doug Shulman, Chairman and CEO of OneMain. "She brings deep experience in lending, government and community development to the Board. Her passion for financial inclusion fits perfectly with OneMain's mission of improving the financial lives of hardworing Americans." Caldwell served as Chief of the Homeownership Preservation Office and implemented foreclosure prevention initiatives established through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) at the U.S. Department of Treasury during the Obama administration. Before Treasury, she served in multiple executive roles at Bank of America, including President of Community Development Banking. She also served as president and CEO of the Washington Area Women's Foundation, an organization dedicated to investing in women and girls of color in the Washington, D.C., region. Caldwell holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, where she is currently an Executive-in-Residence. About OneMain Financial OneMain Financial (NYSE: OMF) has been offering responsible and transparent loans for over 100 years. With almost 1,500 locations throughout 44 states, the company is committed to helping people with their personal loan needs. OneMain and its team members are dedicated to the communities where they live and work. For additional information, please visit OneMainFinancial.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005897/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Lindsey Graham has claimed that unaccompanied migrant children could become the terrorists [of] tomorrow, during a unhinged rant on Fox News. Trump-ally Senator Graham said an increase in unaccompanied minors arriving at the US-Mexico border wall, where figures have tripled in recent weeks, would turn into a national security crisis. People are coming by the thousands, the senator told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday night. They'll be coming by the hundreds of thousands by the summer. It's a humanitarian crisis, the senator said, and eventually it's going to be a national security crisis because they are children today, but they could easily be terrorists tomorrow. The remarks came as Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the country was being destroyed at the Southern border by Mr Biden, whose press secretary instead appealed for humanity. Read more: White House refuses to label border crossings a crisis as unaccompanied children numbers triple in two weeks White House press secretary Jen Psaki said although the situation was challenging, humanity will always be a value from the President on down, as she refused to label the situation as a crisis. The president and this administrations focus is on digging out of this dismantled inhumane immigration approach of the last administration, Ms Psaki said on Monday when asked about the border wall. On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that more than 3,000 unaccompanied migrant children were being held by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the southern border, with the figure tripping in two weeks. While the Biden administration has appealed for anyone sending unaccompanied children to cease doing so at this time, the influx has created a problem for federal agencies who are struggling to find shelters for the minors. Civil liberties campaigners as well as Mr Bidens opponents have criticised the border delays, which are believed to have been partially caused by the new administrations promise to be more compassionate towards migrants. Ms Psaki added on Tuesday that the Biden administration hopes to increase the number of Health and Human Services (HHS) shelters for children, to relieve the situation. Those facilities are also set to return to pre-Covid pandemic capacities, Ms Psaki said. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. CBRNe Summit Europe 2021 CBRNe Summit Europe is returning to Brno, Czech Republic for our 7th annual event. Many major cities across Europe have faced critical incidents over the past few years. With terrorism threat levels high across Europe and the increased use of chemical agents being used by terrorist organisations this is a key event to attend. During this international event attendees will hear perspectives from military and civil officials who deal with CBRNe incidents. Many governments across the region have realised the importance of CBRNe capabilities and preparedness and budgets have been increased to deal with the new type of threats faced to civilians. CBRNe Summit Europe will focus on a number of key topics across the whole CBRNe domain such as CBRNe capabilities of military and civil agencies, first responder techniques, asymmetrical threats, medical countermeasures to chem-bio threats, decontamination developments and techniques, countering IEDs, CBRNethreat intelligence, CBRNe forensics and many more. To be part of the largest gathering of CBRNe professionals in Europe please contact us via email at events@intelligence-sec.com or by phone +44 (0) 158 234 6706 and we will be happy to provide you further information on how you can participate either as a speaker, sponsor/exhibitor or as delegates. DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Indoor Farming Technology Market by Growing System (Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics, Soil-based, Hybrid), Facility Type, Component, Crop Type (Fruits & Vegetables, Herbs & Microgreens, Flowers & Ornamentals), and Region - Forecast to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global indoor farming technology market is estimated at USD 14.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4%, to reach USD 24.8 billion by 2026. Indoor farming is followed to bolster local food supplies and provide nutritious, fresh produce to consumers. This method of farming controls plant-fertilizing nutrients, so the food that is grown using this technique is highly nutritious. In indoor farming, a wide variety of crops such as leafy vegetables, herbs, vegetables, fruits, microgreens, and flowers can be grown. Indoor vertical farming systems provide organic food that is not contaminated with agrochemicals. These form the major driving forces for the indoor vertical farming along with the increasing consumer demand for pesticide- and herbicide-free food. Hydroponics is estimated to account for the largest share in 2020 for indoor farming technology based on the growing system segment Based on growing system, the hydroponics is estimated to account for the largest share in the indoor farming technology market in 2020. Hydroponics technology offers many benefits, including no use of soil and low cost of water, as the water remains in the system and can be reused. The nutrition levels can entirely be controlled, resulting in lower nutrient cost with stable and high yield. Hydroponics need a continuous flow of nutrients to prevent drying out of the roots, as they lack a medium to store water and nutrients which has resulted in its growing usage as an alternative source of agriculture. The fruits & vegetables in the crop type segment is estimated to account for the largest share in 2020 in the indoor farming technology market Based on crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment is estimated to account for the largest share in the indoor farming technology market in 2020. The consumption of fruits & vegetables has witnessed an overall double-digit growth in the last few decades, and this trend is expected to continue over the next few years. The ever growing population can be considered as a primary reason that has boosted the trend. The high demand for fruits & vegetables has encouraged farmers to produce higher and better yields, owing to which they adopt modern and high-end technologies. Fruits & vegetables form an important segment of the indoor farming technology market since advanced greenhouse methods and technologies are used on a large scale to grow the produce throughout the year. Using indoor vertical farms for the production of fruits & vegetables, more outdoor area is made available for the production of cereals and fodder crops. High growth is expected in the North America indoor farming technology market North America is one of the largest indoor farming technology markets due to the rapid growth in the number of greenhouses and vertical farms in the US and Canada. Cultivators have been promoting this concept of farming, which is supported by the US government. Alternative and indoor farming techniques and technologies are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas to facilitate the supply of fresh vegetables to grocery stores. Rooftop farms - such as New York-based Gotham Greens (US) - are emerging as a new trend in urban farming methods in North America. Market Dynamics Drivers Rising Demand for Fresh Foods with Higher Nutritive Value Need for Higher Yields Using Limited Space and Water Lesser Impact of External Weather Conditions Restraints High Initial Investments Limitations on the Types of Crops That Can be Grown Opportunities Development of Innovative and Cost-Effective Technologies Production of Biopharmaceutical Products Challenges Lack of Adequate Funding Shortage in the Availability of Skilled Workforce Risk of Equipment Failure and Delay in the Learning Curve Among Growers Resulting in Limited Market Growth Leading players profiled in this report: Signify Holding ( Netherlands ) ) Everlight Electronics ( China ) ) Argus Control Systems ( Canada ) ) Lumigrow (US) Netafim ( Israel ) ) Logiqs ( Netherlands ) ) Richel Group ( France ) ) Vertical Farm Systems ( Australia ) ) General Hydroponics (US) Heliospectra AB ( Sweden ) ) Harwood Engineering Company, Inc. (US) Exdin Solutions ( Poland ) ) Nexthpp (US) Universal Pure (US) American Pasteurization Company (US) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l2tg21 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for the New Economy Daily newsletter, follow us @economics and subscribe to our podcast.Australias central bank maintained its policy settings as it prepares to decide on extending its yield target and quantitative easing programs, with a Covid-19 lockdown complicating the outlook.The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate and three-year yield target at 0.10% in Sydney on Tuesday, as expected. It will make a decision in July on whether to extend the yield target and undertake further quantitative easing. A weeklong shutdown in the nations second-largest city adds a layer of uncertainty to the outlook.Despite the strong recovery in the economy and jobs, inflation and wage pressures are subdued, Governor Philip Lowe said. The board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target.The Australian dollar edged lower, trading at 77.41 U.S. cents at 2:53 p.m. in Sydney from 77.62 cents just before the release.The case for Lowe to maintain the April 2024 bond as the target maturity had been strengthening amid strong hiring, sentiment and investment plans. This was reinforced by the government keeping open the fiscal spigot in the May budget as it joins the RBA in seeking to drive down unemployment to revive wages growth and inflation.Progress in reducing unemployment has been faster than expected, Lowe said in his statement. There are reports of labor shortages in some parts of the economy.Risks AheadYet the RBA may be encouraged to err on the side of caution if Melbournes outbreak worsens and extend both of its bond programs to keep maximum support for the economy.An important ongoing source of uncertainty is the possibility of significant outbreaks of the virus, although this should diminish as more of the population is vaccinated, Lowe said. The board continues to place a high priority on a return to full employment.Globally, central banks are beginning to edge away from emergency monetary settings. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand surprised markets last week in presenting projections of its official cash rate rising in the second half of next year.Back in Australia, economists predicted ahead of data Wednesday that gross domestic product rose 1.5% in the first three months of the year from the prior quarter, and advanced 0.6% from a year earlier.Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy, in testimony to a parliamentary panel earlier today, said partial data showed around 56,000 workers had lost their jobs in the four weeks following the end of the governments JobKeeper wage subsidy that expired March 28.He said strong employment data and forward indicators continue to give us confidence that the labor market has the underlying strength to absorb workers transitioning off the JobKeeper payment.End of Australias $68 Billion Job-Saving Stimulus Tests EconomyLowe estimates Australias jobless rate will need to fall to close to 4% before driving economy-wide pay increases. It stood at 5.5% in April.The governor expects wages growth will need to increase at a pace faster than 3% -- more than double the current rate -- for inflation to return sustainably to the central banks 2-3% target.Lowe reiterated that this is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.(Updates with further comments from governor throughout text.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. In three separate court documents filed in the last week, founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group Stewart Rhodes was identified as having communicated with indicted members of the group in the lead up to and during the assault on the US Capitol on January 6. While Rhodes has yet to be formally charged, prosecutors in the documents allege that Rhodes urged his followers, who would later break into the Capitol and delay the certification of the Electoral College vote, to be prepared for violence. Prosecutors allege Rhodes instructed the group to bring non-lethal weapons to Washington D.C. and directed them to possible entrances into the Capitol. Oath Keepers militia members attend a rally at Freedom Plaza Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, in Washington DC. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Far-right militias such as the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and III Percenters played the leading role in spearheading the assault on the Capitol on January 6. Of the over 300 people charged so far, nearly 20 have claimed membership in the Proud Boys and at least 12 have ties to the Oath Keepers. An ongoing tally by NPR identifies 53 arrestees with ties to extremist or fringe groups or ideas. The allegations against Rhodes emerged in court papers filed late Monday night by prosecutors in response to a motion for release filed by defense lawyers for former Navy commander and alleged Oath Keeper leader Thomas Caldwell, 66, of Virginia. In arguing against releasing Caldwell, prosecutors disclosed text and social media communications made between him, Rhodes and fellow Oath Keepers in the months preceding the attack on the Capitol. The communications demonstrate that the actions of January 6 were not a spontaneous event, but the result of conspiracy organized by former President Donald Trump aimed at blocking certification of the Electoral College vote, overthrowing the victory of Joe Biden and paving the way for Trump to assume dictatorial powers. Prosecutors allege that Rhodes was part of a Signal encrypted text group called DC OP: Jan 6 21, along with previously indicted Oath Keeper members Kelly Meggs and Jessica Watkins, and regional Oath Keeper leaders from multiple states across the country. In the chat, members and affiliates of the Oath Keepers discussed coming to Washington D.C. on January 5 and 6 to provide security to speakers and VIPs at the events. Person One, identified by prosecutors as Rhodes, warns the group not to bring in anything that can get you arrested. Leave that outside DC. Rhodes adds, We will have several well equipped QRFs [Quick Reaction Forces] outside DC And there are many, many others, from other groups, who will be watching and waiting on the outside in case of worst case scenarios. Rhodes offers advice for circumventing D.C. gun law restrictions, telling the group he Highly recommend[s] a C or D Cell flashlight if you have one. Collapsible batons are a grey area in the law. I bring one. But Im willing to take that risk because I love em. Good hard gloves, eye pro[tection], helmet. In a pinch you can grab Mechanix gloves and a batter's helmet from Walmart. Bring something to put on your noggin. Atifa likes brikes. [sic] The prosecutors noted that these messages echoed previous calls to action authored by Rhodes. It is CRITICAL that all patriots who can be in DC get to DC to stand tall in support of President Trumps fight to defeat the enemies foreign and domestic who are attempting a coup, through the massive vote fraud and related attacks on our Republic. We Oath Keepers are both honor-bound and eager to be there in strength to do our part, including [preparing] to do whatever must be done to honor our oaths, read the Oath Keepers website on January 4. There is no doubt that far-right militias, working in concert with the Trump White House and the Republican Party, coordinated their actions on January 6, along with sections of the police, military and intelligence agencies. The Oath Keepers are closely connected to the fascistic Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) which was founded by former Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack, who is also a founding board member of the Oath Keepers. CSPOA sheriffs that have backed Trump and fascist militias include Joe Arpaio, David Clarke and Dar Leaf. It is not a coincidence that the same right-wing forces that were mobilized in opposition to the public health measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus are the same forces that instigated the assault on January 6. Trumps tweets to Liberate Michigan and Liberate Virginia were dress rehearsals for the January 6 coup attempt in D.C. Similar to Leaf justifying the attempted assassination plot of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as simply a citizens arrest, the court documents filed on Monday cite an unknown male who participated in recorded Oath Keeper radio communications justifying the storming of the Capitol by claiming, You are executing citizens arrest. Arrest this assembly [congress], we have probable cause for acts of treason, election fraud. In both instances, the Democrats have played the leading role in covering up and downplaying the fascist conspiracies, even when they are the initial target. The Democrats are terrified that exposing the plots would reveal that they are directed by the same social interests behind both the herd immunity policy which the Democrats also support. The numerous ties between the Trump White House and fascist militias was further exposed with the charging of two more Oath Keepers in the last week. Roberto Minuta, January 6, 2020 ( Credit: FBI) This past Saturday, New Jersey Oath Keeper member Roberto Minuta, 36, was arrested at his home by FBI agents. Minuta faces several charges including obstructing an official proceeding, entering a restricted building and tampering with documents and proceedings. Prosecutors allege Minuta aggressively berated and taunted US Capitol police officers, and attacked the US Capitol and obstructed Congressional proceedings with other attackers. Minuta was previously identified by the New York Times as one of the Oath Keeper bodyguards who accompanied Trump political crony Roger Stone while he was in D.C. on January 5 and 6. The Daily Beast has also confirmed that Minuta was in D.C. providing security for former Trump national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn during the December 12 pro-Trump march. Minuta was also in D.C. for the November 14 Million MAGA March, where he provided security for InfoWars founder and fascist conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who paid at least $50,000 to speak at a January 5 Trump rally in D.C. Alex Jones (left) and Stewart Rhodes (Right) at the Hyatt Place Chantilly Dulles Airport South hotel. June, 1, 2012 (Credit: Public Domain - USWGO Alternative News) In a January 2020 interview with the Virginia Mercury, Minuta revealed he had come to join 10,000 other pro-Trump gun activists and militia members during the states Lobby Day demonstration because he had heard about it on Joness show. Minuta became a lifetime Oath Keeper in May 2020 after defying public health orders by reopening his tattoo shop. In a video congratulating Minuta for violating public safety measures, Rhodes says he is honored to have him as a member of Oath Keepers. Minuta said he opened his shop as a display of defiance against a tyrannical dictator. On Tuesday, a second Oath Keeper who provided security to Stone ahead of the January 6 assault was also arrested. Joshua James, 33, was charged with obstruction of Congress and entering the Capitol without permission. In charging documents, James is identified as one of the Oath Keepers participating in the stack military formation that was seen entering the Capitol. The affidavit also notes that James was in communication with another Oath Keeper, dubbed person five during the November 12 and December 14 rallies in D.C., during which person five provided personal security detail for one or more speakers at the events, per the prosecutors. This language indicates that more information about the role of fascists in organizing the January 6 plot is yet to come. The companys closure decision comes as a flood of new renewable energy has been driving down daytime power prices and piling enormous pressure on Australias ageing coal-fired power plants, which are far more expensive to operate and, increasingly, are struggling to compete. New figures reveal baseload electricity prices in Victoria have crashed 70 per cent from about $80 a megawatt-hour in March 2020 to $24 this month. Price falls across the nations main grid have been driven largely by the pandemic-led downturn in energy demand, a cooler-than-usual summer and the accelerating rollout of wind and solar farms and rooftop solar panels. While demand is recovering, the pressure caused by the influx of cheap renewable energy continues. With four gigawatts of new wind and solar already committed to enter the grid between 2021 and 2023 and state governments in Victoria and NSW mapping out ambitious pro-renewables policies, energy analysts are projecting a huge uplift in renewable penetration that could keep prices depressed. Ultra-low wholesale prices, now sitting at levels not seen since 2015, have prompted top Australian energy supplier AGL to slash $2.7 billion off the value of its assets and warn of the elevated risk of a supply-side response. EnergyAustralia is planning a multimillion-dollar support package for workers affected by the closure. Yallourn which has been generating power for 100 years, although the current plant was built in the 1970s is the nations most carbon-intensive power generator. Ms Tanna said closing the plant would reduce EnergyAustralias emissions by 60 per cent on todays levels. Victorias own laws require it to set climate emissions reduction targets for 2025 and 2030, but these have been delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic and are likely to be announced within weeks. CFMEU Mining and Energy Victorian president Trevor Williams said workers had been expecting the announcement but still felt disappointed. He urged the government and Energy Australia to develop a comprehensive plan over the next seven years. Energy workers at Yallourn have been powering Victoria for decades and they dont deserve to be thrown on the scrapheap, he said. Melbourne University energy analyst Dylan McConnell said Yallourns closure would remove up to 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution each year, making deeper emissions reduction targets more palatable. Last year, it produced about 13 per cent of the states emissions. It should make it easier for the Victorian government and give them some imprimatur to set ambitious targets, Mr McConnell said. The early shutdown of Yallourn continues the trend of private power companies bringing forward closure dates of ageing coal-fired power stations, which are increasingly expensive to run, despite the Morrison governments insistence that coal is the key to ensuring ongoing reliable and cheap electricity. Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor has repeatedly criticised the Victorian governments push to dramatically increase the states reliance on weather-dependent renewable energy, which he says could elevate the risk of price spikes and blackouts in the event that peak demand periods such as heatwaves coincided with overcast and windless periods when conditions for renewable energy were not favourable. Environment Victoria chief executive Jono La Nauze called on the state and federal governments to create transition plans to replace all of Australias approximately 20 coal-fired power plants with renewable energy by 2030. Are we going to have 20 separate closure announcements, each one dictated by an energy company based on the whims of the market, with months of speculation beforehand? Mr La Nauze said. Governments across Australia need to step in and create a timeline to phase out all coal power stations by 2030 in order to reduce pollution and address the climate crisis. Coal and gas-fired generation remain the dominant sources of Australias energy supply, together accounting for more than 70 per cent. But a surge in investments has driven projections that wind, solar and hydro power could soon increase sharply. Latrobe City Council mayor Sharon Gibson said Wednesdays announcement had taken the community by surprise and she questioned why the company and state and federal governments had not yet begun workforce transition talks. Loading The valley cant sustain these hits, Cr Gibson said. For every direct job, theres three or four indirect jobs lost. You cannot sustain that. Local state MP Russell Northe, an independent and a former Nationals MP, called the news very disappointing for workers, their families and other associated businesses. A seven-year lead time is at least better than the six months given for Hazelwood power station. Now the onus is on supporting these workers, but moreover investing in a greater diversity of jobs in the Latrobe Valley. Victorian Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio said EnergyAustralia had committed to the government to keep Yallourn until 2028, but she would not reveal the deal she had struck with the company, citing commercial in confidence. We have received a commitment from Energy Australia that their intention is to provide minimum standards in terms of their maintenance regime, so that we can rely on the Yallourn power station being in place, operating and providing power to Victorians until the middle of 2028, she said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. She said the seven-year transition plan would give the government and the operator ample opportunity to work with employees for alternative arrangements. Environmental Justice Australia lawyer Bronya Lipski said Energy Australia was rightly supporting workers to transition but had allocated no funding to reducing health impacts of pollution over the next seven years. What is EnergyAustralia going to do about the excessive toxic emissions that continue to pollute the air in the Latrobe Valley ... and the excessive coal dust that coats their homes? Ms Lipski said. With Sumeyya Ilanbey Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 Madrid, March 10 : The European Parliament has voted to strip the immunity of former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and two former officials of his regional government, Antoni Comin and Clara Ponsati. The three separatist politicians fled to Belgium in 2017 in order to avoid arrest on charges related to the Catalan independence referendum held on October 1 of that year, reports Xinhua news agency. The Spanish Constitutional Court had ruled the referendum illegal. Other former members of Puigdemont's regional government are still serving prison terms for their involvement. In a vote held on Monday but made public on Tuesday, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted by 400 votes to 248 with 45 abstentions to lift Puigdemont's immunity, which means that Spain can reopen proceedings to request European arrest warrants for the three politicians on charges of sedition and the misuse of public funds. Spanish authorities had sought to extradite them on charges of rebellion and sedition. A previous request for an arrest warrant was rejected by Belgian courts in 2018 because charges of "rebellion" brought against the trio do not exist in Belgian law and the election of Puigdemont, Ponsati and Comin as MEPs in 2019 had given them immunity from prosecution. Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, welcomed the vote that supported Madrid's view, saying that "Catalonia's problems will be resolved in Spain, not in Europe". The decision showed that "an MEP can't use their position to avoid justice in their home country and demonstrates the solidity of the Spanish judicial system", she added. "Our drilling at El Orito is really showing that the target has very wide zones of mineralization that we feel could make it amenable to low-cost bulk mining," said Brad Langille, President and CEO. "These kinds of mineralized widths should help to rapidly increase ounces in our upcoming initial mineral resource estimate for Los Ricos North." Table 1: Drill Hole Intersections Hole ID Area From To Length1 Ag Au Cu Pb Zn AgEq2 (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) LRGO-21-007 El Orito 163.5 176.0 12.5 60.6 0.28 0.07 0.56 0.58 120.8 including 168.9 170.5 1.6 171.7 1.29 0.20 1.30 1.44 366.0 LRGO-21-008 El Orito 161.6 176 14.4 16.3 0.01 0.08 0.53 1.77 96.3 including 163.2 165.7 2.5 69.2 0.05 0.29 2.31 1.31 199.6 LRGO-21-010 El Orito 115.6 204.1 88.5 38.1 0.08 0.12 0.84 0.25 83.2 including 125.5 179.0 53.5 45.9 0.10 0.15 1.14 0.22 102.6 including 115.6 131.5 15.9 65.1 0.18 0.22 2.71 0.48 179.7 including 124.9 131.5 6.6 117.4 0.39 0.42 5.89 0.65 347.6 including 125.5 128.5 3.0 149.6 0.18 0.63 11.59 0.76 523.1 LRGO-21-012 El Orito 232.8 266.9 34.2 33.0 0.05 0.22 2.15 0.67 130.9 including 242.4 255.5 13.1 65.3 0.08 0.41 4.94 0.83 255.2 including 242.4 248.1 5.7 103.9 0.11 0.53 10.55 1.53 464.3 LRGO-21-014 El Orito 160.4 245.0 84.6 36.3 0.08 0.07 0.71 1.77 124.6 including 160.4 170.2 9.8 236.4 0.31 0.23 2.46 3.64 460.0 including 164.4 167.8 3.5 577.3 0.66 0.24 2.23 4.29 844.9 1. Not true width 2. AgEq converted using a silver to gold ratio of 75:1. Copper, Lead and Zinc converted using $3.66/lb, $0.90/lb and $1.26/lb at 100% recoveries based on a silver price of $26.00/oz 3. Hole LRGO-20-009 did not intercept any significant mineralization. Holes LRG-20-011 and LRGO-20-013 assays are still pending. The holes that the Company has drilled to date at El Orito have shown mineralization averaging 50m in width over 600m in strike length and 200m in vertical depth from surface, and is open in all directions. The El Orito deposit is located about 1,000 meters to the west along strike from the El Favor deposit. The Company's exploration team is mapping and sampling the area to determine the connection between the two deposits. The known strike length of the El Orito El Favor structure is now approaching 2,500 meters and is still open in both directions. The surface topography at El Orito is 400 to 500m lower compared to El Favor and is allowing the exploration team to see this large, mineralized structure over a vertical height of 750 meters when measured from the surface outcrops at El Favor to the intersections in the El Orito drill holes. Following are Figure 1, which shows a plan view of the Los Ricos North area from La Trini to El Favor, Figure 2 which is a plan view of the El Orito holes drilled to date, Figure 3 which shows both El Favor and El Orito in a longitudinal section, and Figure 4 is a cross section of the El Orito holes LRGO-21-010 and LRGO-21-014. Table 2: Drill Hole Locations Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Length LRGO-21-007 583524 2336969 819.9 210 -55 235.5 LRGO-21-008 583517 2336991 807.8 210 -55 252.0 LRGO-21-009 583710 2336595 788.1 212 -55 315.7 LRGO-21-010 583915 2336814 936.4 210 -53.3 259.6 LRGO-21-011 583517 2336992 807.8 210 -70 288.0 LRGO-21-012 584011 2336857 991.3 210 -50 350.5 LRGO-21-013 584070 2336871 991.8 210 -50 473.7 LRGO-21-014 583914 2336813 936.6 210 -70 312.6 VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps. Access the GoGold Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for GoGold can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/explore/decks/9404 and on the Company's website at: www.gogoldresources.com. Los Ricos District Exploration Projects The Company's two exploration projects at its Los Ricos property are in Jalisco state, Mexico. The Los Ricos South Project began in March 2019 and includes the 'Main' area, which is focused on drilling around a number of historical mines including El Abra, El Troce, San Juan, and Rascadero, as well as the Cerro Colorado, Las Lamas and East Vein targets. An initial resource on the Los Ricos South project was announced on July 29, 2020 and indicated a Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource of 63.7 million ounces AgEq grading 199 g/t AgEq contained in 10.0 million tonnes, and an Inferred Resource of 19.9 million ounces AgEq grading 190 g/t AgEq contained in 3.3 million tonnes. An initial PEA on the project was announced on January 20, 2021 indicating an NPV 5% of US$295M. The Los Ricos North Project was launched in March 2020 and includes drilling at the El Favor, La Trini, Casados and El Orito targets. During 2020, GoGold's exploration team identified over 100 targets on the Los Ricos North properties, demonstrating the significant exploration potential. The Company plans to drill 10 of these targets as part of its 2021 drilling program which is planned to exceed 100,000 metres of drilling and will be one of the largest in Mexico. Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full core is sawn with a diamond blade core saw with one half of the core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work. The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the ActLabs facility in Zacatecas, Mexico. ActLabs crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106m). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 50-gram charge by fire assay (Code 1A2-50) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code 1A3-50). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code 1F2 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code 8-Ag FA-GRAV Ag). Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified standards, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed GoGold's QA/QC protocols. Mr. David Duncan, P. Geo. is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information of this release. About GoGold Resources GoGold Resources (TSX: GGD) is a Canadian-based silver and gold producer focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring high quality projects in Mexico. The Company operates the Parral Tailings mine in the state of Chihuahua and has the Los Ricos South and Los Ricos North exploration projects in the state of Jalisco. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, GoGold is building a portfolio of low cost, high margin projects. For more information visit gogoldresources.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any of GoGold's securities in the United States. This news release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Los Ricos South and North projects, and future plans and objectives of GoGold, including the intention to undertake further exploration at Los Ricos North, and the prospect of further discoveries there, constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of GoGold and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices, the accuracy of mineral resource estimates, and the performance of the Parral project. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from GoGold's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with GoGold's projects, the failure to establish estimated mineral resources or mineral reserves, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. For additional information with respect to risk factors applicable to GoGold, reference should be made to GoGold's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with securities regulators, including, but not limited to, GoGold's Annual Information Form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release. SOURCE GoGold Resources Inc. Related Links http://www.gogoldresources.com/ WASHINGTON, D.C. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) reintroduced March 4 the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, a bill to expand clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable hydropower production in the United States and promote innovation of the next generation of hydropower technology. Newhouse, who represents Central Washingtons 4th Congressional District, and Eastern Washingtons McMorris Rodgers, 5th District, put out press releases on the bill, which would specifically recognize hydropower as renewable energy. The bill also includes a definition that specifies so-called pumped-storage projects like the Banks Lake project proposed locally. Central Washington is a prime example of how hydroelectric dams and the clean, renewable energy they produce can transform our economy and our way of life, said Rep. Newhouse. Scientists throughout our region continue to conduct world-class research to improve our dams and responsibly harness the power of our natural resources into a baseload energy resource. Supporting hydropower technology will not only increase the efficiency of power generation, but it will create good-paying jobs and ensure that we can continue to transition into a clean energy future. Passing legislation like this would strongly signal what we know to be true: Hydropower is an essential component of our nations energy portfolio, and we must continue to promote hydropower development. Hydropower is one of Americas top renewable energy sources, and it provides clean, reliable, and affordable energy to families in Eastern Washington. In fact, hydropower accounts for roughly 70% of our clean energy across all of Washington State, said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. In order to address climate change, we must prioritize the continued development of hydropower resources and promote free-market technological innovation. This legislation supports these important goals, and it will help us develop the next-generation of hydro technology needed to increase clean energy production, further decrease environmental impact, and allow America to lead on sustainability. According to the Department of Energy, the United States has the capacity to grow hydropower production from 101 gigawatts to nearly 150 gigawatts by 2050. This growth would achieve a savings of $209 billion from avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The reforms included in the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act would help the country achieve this goal. The Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act will: Expand Hydropower Production: The bill affirms the role of hydropower as an essential renewable resource and updates Federal renewable purchase requirements to include hydropower. Modernize Licensing Process: The bill designates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency for the purposes of all Federal authorizations and for complying with any required State or local environmental reviews. The bill also improves coordination among permitting agencies by setting schedules, clarifying responsibilities, and establishing mechanisms to resolve disputes among licensing participants. Promote Next-Generation Hydropower: The bill provides special licensing terms for small hydropower projects that are unlikely to jeopardize threatened or endangered species or critical habitat and expedites licensing for next-generation hydropower projects that utilize technologies that protect, mitigate, or enhance environmental resources. Reduce Market Barriers: The bill requires a report to Congress containing recommendations to reduce barriers to the development of conventional, pumped-storage, conduit, and emerging hydropower technologies. The bill also encourages proper compensation for the full range of services that hydropower provides to the electric grid, including grid reliability and the cost-effective integration of renewables. Warehouse store chain Costco can be sued for privacy violations by a Phoenix-area man who alleges a pharmacist joked with his ex-wife about an erectile dysfunction prescription he had twice canceled, the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled. The ruling allows the mans lawsuit to proceed, but sets a high bar for him to win: He must show by clear and convincing evidence that the store and its pharmacist did not act in good faith when the woman was told about the prescription. But it is an important decision, because for the first time the state Supreme Court ruled that lawsuits can be brought here under state law for violations of the federal health care privacy law commonly known as HIPAA. The company argued that the federal law does not allow private citizens to sue, but the court rejected that, saying the laws standards can be used to show privacy violations in state court. The company also argued that a state law provides broad immunity from lawsuits for providers that act in good faith, but the high court said the man has the right to have that claim tried in court. The ruling mainly upholds a 2019 state Court of Appeals ruling that revived the lawsuit the man filed after the pharmacist told his ex-wife about the prescription when she went to pick up another prescription with his approval. The man had called Costco twice to cancel the prescription before his ex-wife went to the north Phoenix store in early 2016, but the pharmacist did not do so. The trial court had dismissed the case, citing the state immunity law and because HIPPA does not allow private lawsuits. The rulings say the Phoenix-area man in his 50s received a sample for an erective dysfunction drug from his doctor in January 2016 and later got a call from Costco saying a full prescription he had not sought was ready for pickup. The man canceled the prescription, and then canceled it a second time about a month later when he called to check on an unrelated prescription and was told it was still there. The man then authorized Costco to allow his ex-wife to pick up his regular prescription refill, and thats when the pharmacist told her about the ED pills and they joked about them. The ruling says the man was trying to reconcile with his ex-wife, but after the pharmacy incident that failed. The mans attorney, Joshua Carden, wasnt immediately available Monday. But he said earlier that Costco apologized after the man complained, sending him a letter saying that telling his ex-wife this information violated both HIPPA and the companys own privacy policies. He said the pharmacist clearly had a responsibility to protect his clients privacy under both federal law and the companys policies. Costco management had no immediate comment on Mondays decision. The case now returns to a lower court for further proceedings. Carden said in 2019 he suspects the pharmacist never canceled the prescription because they may get bonuses for selling high-profit drugs like Viagra. He said that there is no other logical reason for the prescription not being canceled and hell try to show that at trial. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Arizona Privacy A COVID-19 patient in Vietnam has retested positive after being declared free of the virus at the beginning of this month. The Peoples Committee of Hung Yen Province on Tuesday issued an urgent fiat requiring relevant bodies to immediately take coronavirus prevention measures and conduct speedy contact tracing in relation to a patient who tested positive again after having recovered from the respiratory disease. D.T.H., from Yen My District of the northern province, got a positive retest result from the provincial Center for Disease Control the same day. H. was declared free of the virus and discharged from the hospital on March 1. The Peoples Committee of Yen My thus ordered grassroots agencies to identify all her direct and indirect contacts for quarantine and testing to prevent possible community transmission. The provincial Peoples Committee also demanded the fumigation of all sites in association with the case. H. has self-isolated at home since March 1 so it is unlikely she came into contact with anyone, Hoang Huu Hung, a local official, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday. We have found no one coming into close contact with her, Hung said. We have isolated her household and disinfected related locations. We have also taken samples from 28 of her neighbors for coronavirus screening. There have been no reports of recovered patients who retested positive and were infectious at the same time. Medical experts in Vietnam said that a positive retest could have picked up inactive virus fragments in the body of a patient. Vietnam has recorded 2,526 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday morning, including 1,587 local infections and 35 virus-related deaths, according to the Ministry of Healths data. A total of 1,920 patients, including 84 announced on Tuesday, have recovered from the highly contagious respiratory disease. Eight hundred and ninety-four domestic cases have been recorded in 13 provinces and cities since January 27, when the most serious wave struck Vietnam since the first-ever COVID-19 patient was announced in the country on January 23, 2020. Hai Duong alone accounts for 710 cases, while Hung Yen has registered two patients in this wave. Vietnam started its mass vaccination on Monday after receiving 117,600 AstraZeneca shots on February 24. The country expects to obtain 150 million doses for the whole population this year, with 60 million already secured from AstraZeneca and the COVAX Facility co-led by the World Health Organization. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Continues Strong Growth in Canadian Market ST. CATHARINES, Ontario, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Time Group of Companies ("Right Time" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of Atlas Service Company Inc. ("AtlasCare"). Founded in 1932, AtlasCare provides residential HVAC, air quality, plumbing and hot water services to the Ontario market from its branch in Oakville. Management and employees of AtlasCare will join the Right Time team and will benefit from Right Time's management and training capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. AtlasCare is the fifth acquisition completed by Right Time, and the first following its partnership with San Francisco-based Gryphon Investors in December 2020. Right Time continues to grow in its existing markets by providing industry-leading service to its customers. The company is intent on developing a national footprint via acquisitions or partnerships with residential HVAC replacement contractors. Right Time CEO Jeremy Hetherington said, "Right Time is very pleased to welcome AtlasCare to the Right Time family. We have long been impressed by the business that Roger Grochmal and his son, Michael Grochmal, have built at AtlasCare and are excited about this partnership. We look forward to continuing to deliver the excellent customer service that has built their reputation for integrity and reliability." "AtlasCare has a long history and a strong culture, and when it came to entrusting that legacy to a buyer, Right Time was the natural choice. Their track record of integrating strong local companies into their national brand sets them apart as the leading consolidator in the Canadian residential HVAC and plumbing industry," said AtlasCare CEO Roger Grochmal, who has owned and operated the brand since 1986. About Right Time Right Time is the leading Canadian independent heating, ventilation and air-conditioning ("HVAC") contractor focused on the residential market. Right Time now operates out of 12 locations in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia with over 450 employees and provides preventative maintenance programs, repairs and replacements of household HVAC units. For more information, please visit https://www.right-time.ca/. Right Time is majority-owned by San Francisco-based Gryphon investors. About Gryphon Investors Based in San Francisco, Gryphon Investors ( www.gryphoninvestors.com ) is a leading private equity firm focused on profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management. The firm has managed over $5.0 billion of equity investments and capital since 1997. Gryphon targets making equity investments of $50 million to $300 million in portfolio companies with enterprise values ranging from approximately $100 million to $600 million. Gryphon prioritizes investment opportunities where it can form strong partnerships with owners and executives to build leading companies, utilizing Gryphon's capital, specialized professional resources, and operational expertise. Contact: Jason Pratt, CFO Right Time Group of Companies [email protected] 519-505-2047 SOURCE Gryphon Investors The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. COVID Vaccines are being administered at the Walker County Civic Center COVID Vaccines are being administered at the Walker County Civic Center COVID Vaccines are being administered at the Walker County Civic Center Walker County has received a large shipment of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine from the state to help clear out the backlog of residents who had called the county's hotline to get on the list to be vaccinated. The Walker County Civic Center campus has been transformed into a location capable of administering over 1,100 doses on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, not every appointment has been filled. Eligible Georgia residents are encouraged to call the Walker County COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at (706) 620-0887 to make an appointment. Official said it's possible that someone who calls Tuesday or Wednesday morning will receive an appointment for this vaccination event. AND WE'RE BACK!! For us, hottie Kara offers hope of a better day and brighter future. Accordingly, her fashionista influence serves as educational inspiration for this collection of pop culture, community news and top headlines. Plague Tests Kansas City One year later: COVID-19 testing in Kansas City It's been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything including how we to tested for the virus. "The biggest change is the change in demand," said Frank Thompson, deputy director at the Kansas City Missouri Health Department. At one time-- getting a COVID-19 test in Kansas City was a challenge. South Side Opens Up Widening of Red Bridge Rd. east of Blue River receives funding By John Sharp Two long-needed street and bridge improvements in south Kansas City are finally advancing. In January the City Council passed an ordinance authorizing a $458,621 contract with HW Lochner for the final design and preparation of construction bid documents for widening Red Bridge Rd. from Blue River Rd. Useful Cowtown Info Exposed Where in the metro you can take care of all those old paint cans - for free KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Experts say the average American household has 60 pounds worth of old paint cans taking up space in the basement or the garage. Even worse, most homeowners don't have the first idea of what to do with all that old paint. Fashion Hotness Reported Kara Del Toro Has 'A Satin Moment' In Skimpy Bralette Maxim beauty Kara Del Toro tantalized her 1.6 million Instagram followers with her most recent post, a sultry trio of snaps in which she rocked a silky three-piece set. The ensemble was from the retailer Revolve, and Kara made sure to tag the brand's own Instagram page in the caption of the post as well as in the first shot. FREE MONEY APPROVED!!! House passes $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill, sends it to Biden to sign House Democrats passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Wednesday, sending one of the biggest stimulus plans in U.S. history to President Joe Biden's desk. The president hopes to sign the bill Friday after Congress formally sends it to the White House, which can take days for large bills. American Insurrection Connections Examined US narrows in on organized extremists in Capitol siege probe As members of the Oath Keepers paramilitary group shouldered their way through the mob and up the steps to the U.S. Capitol, their plans for Jan. 6 were clear, authorities say. "Arrest this assembly, we have probable cause for acts of treason, election fraud," someone commanded over an encrypted messaging app some extremists used to communicate during the siege. Right-Wing Milo Rebrand Likely Just Another Clever Troll Milo Yiannopoulos declares himself ex-gay and says he's 'demoted' husband to housemate in bizarre new interview Far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos has given an interview in which he claims to be "ex-gay" and has chosen to "demote" his husband to a "housemate". The 36-year-old, who is known for giving controversial commentary, allegedly told - a right-wing Christian news outlet - of the changes to his sexuality and marital status in an interview published Monday. NYT Stays Winning Against Former Prez Trump Judge tosses Trump campaign's defamation lawsuit against New York Times over Russia 'quid pro quo' op-ed A judge dismissed a lawsuit by former President Donald Trump's campaign that accused The New York Times of defaming it with an opinion column arguing there was a "quid pro quo" between the campaign and Russia in 2016. The dismissal, by Manhattan state Supreme Court Judge James d'Auguste, was with prejudice. Hipsters Adore Betters KC Top 5 podcast: Our battle royale over the city's stellar celebrities Have you been following the newest podcast on The Pitch Podcast Network? Did you know that we have a podcast network? Right, so many things are happening all at once! KC Top 5 podcast is a weekly show about the best of our great city, as decided by a battle to the death. False Hope Springs Eternal What Royals prospects could be up in 2021? The Royals are hoping to compete in 2021 as a team that has added multiple players this offseason. It brings a kind of weird dichotomy to people and fans outside of the Royals world that may see a team under a rebuild with a young crop of pitchers coming along but eager to see an unaccomplished group of position players looking to break through. KC Fire & Rain Forecast Expect active weather for Kansas City now through the weekend KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Active weather begins for Kansas City on Wednesday and extends all the way through the weekend. A wind advisory has been posted through 6 p.m. with wind gusts over 40 mph possible. "We will see warm conditions again with highs near 76 degrees and an elevated fire danger again today," Storm Track 5 Meteorologist Erin Little said. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. [March 10, 2021] Anne Arundel County Firefighter Donates 'Little Library' to Glen Mar Apartment Homes in Glen Burnie Morgan Properties, the nation's largest private multifamily owner, today celebrated the installation of a "Little Library" housing free books for the community at its Glen Mar Apartment Homes in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The Little Library is a donation from the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters Association and Firefighter-Paramedic, Brian Holtslander. Members of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Station 26, responded to an apartment fire on New Year's Day at Glen Mar Apartment Homes, and Brian was looking for a way to stay connected and offer support to the residents. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005107/en/ Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Holtslander stands by Glen Mar Apartment Homes' Little Library (Photo: Business Wire) "Putting out a fire isn't the end of a struggle, it's just the beginning of a long road for the families affected," said Holtslander, who began the Little Library in 2015 as a passion project to give back to the community. "Throughout my 17 years of service in Anne Arundel County, I've seen various incidents over and over and it never gets easier. At the end of the day, I'm always left thinking about other ways I can make a positive impact in the community." The Little Library came fully stocked with books for all ages, and will serve as a destination for residents and local community members to pick u or donate books of their choice. Holtslander's goal is for the residents at Glen Mar Apartment Homes to adopt the library and fill it with books that represent their diverse backgrounds and interests. The library is made out of a recycled newspaper box and has been refurbished and designed to resemble the stripes on the Anne Arundel County fire engine. "We're very much looking forward to having a Little Library in our community," said Rommy Karam, Regional Marketing Manager for Morgan Properties. "The books not only provide our 329 residents with new reading materials and a way to connect with neighbors, but also serve as a reminder of the heroes who helped protect our community from a devastating fire on New Year's Day." Morgan Properties and the Anne Arundel Fire Department celebrated the installation with a ceremony at Glen Mar Apartment Homes following all the appropriate COVID protocols. Representatives from Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters Association and Anne Arundel County Council were in attendance. The crew that responded to the apartment fire back in January was in attendance with their fire engine and fire truck, in tow. This Little Library is the first of several planned installations Holtslander will complete throughout the county in March to coincide with National Reading Month. Morgan Properties is passionate about giving back to the communities it serves through its Caring. Sharing. Giving. program that raises funds and awareness for important causes. This partnership with the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters Association to install a Little Library demonstrates Morgan Properties' appreciation for the heroes in the community, and commitment to providing a safe and healthy place for all residents. About Morgan Properties Established in 1985 by Mitchell Morgan, Morgan Properties is a national real estate investment and management company headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Jonathan and Jason Morgan (News - Alert) represent the next-generation leaders growing the platform and overseeing the business operations. Morgan Properties and its affiliates currently own and manage a multifamily portfolio comprised of 357 apartment communities and over 90,000 units located in 20 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast Region. The Company is the nation's largest private multifamily owner and the second largest apartment owner in the country. Morgan Properties is the largest multifamily owner in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. With over 2,500 employees, Morgan Properties prides itself on its quick decision-making capabilities, strong capital relationships and proven operational expertise. Learn more about Morgan Properties at www.morganproperties.com. About Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters/IAFF Local 1563: The Mission of the IAFF Local 1563 is to affirm public goodwill of the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters in order to support our members in providing the best level of service for the citizens of Anne Arundel County. Headquartered in Millersville, Maryland, the IAFF Local 1563 represents nearly 900 full-time professional firefighters and paramedics who serve and protect the 568,000 citizens of Anne Arundel County. Learn more about the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters at https://www.annearundelfire.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005107/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Russia is mulling an option of mothballing the conflict along the Abkhazian model. The Kremlin could be plotting an armed provocation aiming to ultimately deploy "Russian peacekeepers" into the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, suggests Serhiy Harmash, a Ukrainian journalist and delegate to the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas settlement, representing representative of certain areas of Donetsk region. In a Facebook post Harmash wrote as an analyst expressing his personal opinion, he recalled that the Germans and French have completed, within the framework of the Normandy Four, their work on "cluster proposals". Steps have been worked out to become the base for a roadmap for ending the war. All parties are now waiting for Russia's reaction to the steps put forward. "Being dissatisfied with the situation in the Normandy Four (Western 'cluster proposals') and seeing that they are losing the initiative, the Russians are preparing a military provocation in Donbas, which may become a pretext for the introduction of 'Russian peacekeepers' into the ORDLO [certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions]. Fearing that a provocation may cause a counter-offensive by Ukraine's Armed Forces, they're preparing for defense," Harmash wrote. In his opinion, the purpose of such provocation and the subsequent deployment of "Russian peacekeepers" is to create a new reality in Donbas, which will make the German-French "cluster proposals" that are disadvantageous to Russia no longer relevant, and allow the conflict to be mothballed along the Abkhazian model. Read alsoMore armed provocations in Donbas after Ukraine sanctions Medvedchuk Zelensky"That is, reformatting the region into what in fact will be Russia's military base under the guise of depopulated 'DPR/LPR', with the possibility of resuming hostilities at any moment Moscow finds fit," Harmash suggested. He believes that since the scenario with pushing the 'DPR/LPR' back into Ukraine doesn't work out, while the geopolitical background becomes unfavorable, Moscow "starts playing a long game". Harmash noted that in the current situation it is important to tell a provocation from an actual offensive, to correctly assess enemy moves and respond adequately, while giving no grounds for the introduction of "peacekeepers". Reporting by UNIAN Abingdon Health Plc signs distribution agreement with BioSure UK 10th March 2021: Abingdon Health, a leading international developer and manufacturer of high quality and effective rapid tests, has signed a non-exclusive sales and distribution agreement in the UK and Europe for the AbC-19TM rapid neutralising antibody test with BioSure UK, a specialist in the provision of rapid Point of Care tests (POCT) and self-testing solutions. Abingdon Health is a member of the UK-Rapid Test Consortium ("UK-RTC") Under the terms of the agreement, the Parties intend to establish a strategic distribution relationship to enable them to identify and maximise opportunities for the sale of the AbC-19TM rapid neutralising antibody test in the UK and European territories. Healthcare, workplace and pharmacy settings will be prioritised, as antibody testing becomes even more relevant as vaccination, programmes scale, Chris Yates, Abingdon's Chief Executive Officer, commented:"We are delighted to be partnering with the BioSure UK team as we continue to see increasing demand for wide scale deployment of rapid neutralising antibody tests. The nature of SARS-CoV-2 testing is changing. Where antibody tests were once predominantly used for charting the spread of infection within communities, today they emerging as a key pillar of large-scale immunisation campaigns. Rapid Antibody tests such as AbC-19TM that target the full trimeric spike can help policymakers and healthcare networks further understand immunity to COVID-19 and the effectiveness of vaccine programmes." Brigette Bard, BioSure UK's CEO, commented: "BioSure are delighted to be working with the team at Abingdon Health and to be incorporating the AbC-19 test into our range of COVID-19 testing solutions, including workplace testing. We have always been passionate about the role that antibody testing has to play in this pandemic, and with the rapid rollout of vaccines across the UK and Europe, being able to detect the neutralising antibodies generated by the immune response is now more relevant than ever." Enquiries: Abingdon Health plc Chris Yates Chief Executive Officer Via Consilium Melanie Ross Chief Financial Officer Chris Hand Non-Executive Chairman Consilium Financial PR Tel: +44 (0) 203 709 5700 Matthew Neal abingdonhealth@consilium-comms.com Mary-Jane Elliott Lindsey Neville BioSure (UK) Ltd Brigette Bard CEO bbard@biosure.co.uk Suzanne Hobday Head of Communications shobday@biosure.co.uk About Abingdon Health Abingdon Health is a world leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality rapid tests across all industry sectors, including healthcare and COVID-19. Abingdon is the partner of choice for a growing global customer base and takes projects from initial concept through to routine and large-scale manufacturing and has also developed and marketed its own labelled tests. The Company offers product development, regulatory support, technology transfer and manufacturing services for customers looking to develop new assays or transfer existing laboratory-based assays to a lateral flow format. Abingdon Health aims to support the increase in need for rapid results across many industries and locations and produces lateral flow tests in areas such as infectious disease, clinical testing including companion diagnostics, animal health and environmental testing. Faster access to results allows for rapid decision making, targeted intervention and can support better outcomes. This ability has a significant role to play in improving life across the world. Founded in 2008, Abingdon Health is headquartered in York, England. www.abingdonhealth.com About the UK-RTC The UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) was founded in response to a UK Government call for businesses to work together on a rapid antibody test to be rolled out nationally. Led by Abingdon Health, its members also include, BBI Solutions, CIGA Healthcare and Omega Diagnostics. The Abc-19TM is approved in Europe and the UK for professional use and is available for sale. About the AbC-19 Rapid Test The AbC-19 Rapid Test is a single use test for the detection of neutralising IgG antibodies to the full trimeric spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human capillary whole blood. About BioSure: BioSure (UK) Limited are the manufacturers of the first CE marked HIV Self Test for personal use giving results in minutes. Since launching in 2015, the BioSURE HIV Self Test has helped people throughout the UK and the world, to knowyourstatus. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, BioSure have pivoted their expertise and now have a range of UK developed and manufactured COVID-19 tests, which are available for professional use in the UK and international markets. Since launching the world's first approved blood-based HIV self-test, BioSure has worked with governments, communities, and individuals across the world, generating conversations, giving people a choice of being able to test themselves and know their own status on their own terms and just as importantly, giving people the confidence to make informed choices. www.biosure.co.uk A ballot is dropped off at an official ballot drop box in Monterey Park, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) Florida Lawmakers Advance Bill That Would Eliminate Voter Drop Boxes A Florida Senate committee approved a reworked elections bill that would ban drop boxes used for mail-in ballots. The panel on March 10 voted 42 to approve the proposal, known as Committee Substitute Senate Bill 90, which wouldamong other initiativesprohibit an immediate family member from picking up a voters ballot. It would also require vote-by-mail ballots to be requested during each election cycle instead of every two election cycles. The bill also increases the requirements for voter identification when requesting a mail-in ballot via telephone, and would prevent election officials from sending mail-in ballots to people who hadnt requested them first. The measures sponsor, Sen. Dennis Baxley, a Republican, stated that the proposed changes are designed to safeguard future elections. I am all about staying ahead of whatever problems could develop, Baxley told Fox35 on March 10. So, its not that there was a debacle, and we have to fix it. Do we have to wait for a debacle? Why cant we take something that is working well and put guardrails on it and keep it safe? He elaborated on the bill and why hes pushing it, telling Politico: I just want to maintain that chain of evidence from the time they vote to the time until they get counted so we dont have a mishap. He said: You can mail it or bring it to the office. Thats it. The Senate decision comes amid a push by lawmakers in various states, including Georgia, to increase the requirements for voters to obtain mail ballots and restrict the usage of drop boxes following the 2020 election. Republicans and former President Donald Trump have asserted that mail-in balloting increases the chance for potentially fraudulent activity and irregularities. In Florida, Democrats and voter rights advocates argue that there should be no tinkering with a system that isnt broken, asserting that political motives are behind the efforts in the Sunshine State and elsewhere. Changing the vote-by-mail process, especially following a major election, makes no sense unless youre looking for ways to confuse voters into not voting or to make it harder, so they dont vote, said Trish Neely on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Florida, as reported by The Associated Press. The bill also drew critical feedback from local election supervisors in Florida. Im at a loss for words, Pasco County Supervisor of Election Brian Corley, a Republican, told Politico. Its a solution looking for a problem. The move comes weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a crackdown on some of Floridas voting laws, including restricting drop-box usage and stopping volunteers from gathering and delivering vote-by-mail ballots, which is colloquially known as ballot harvesting. About 4.8 million Floridians voted by mail in November, accounting for about 44 percent of the 11 million votes cast in the state. The Associated Press contributed to this report. High levels of stress. Depression and anxiety. Alcohol abuse. A 2013 survey of Winnipeg police officers revealed troubling findings about the force's health and wellness. The results were recently obtained by the Free Press in the wake of a growing rift between the Winnipeg Police Service's rank-and-file officers and police Chief Danny Smyth exacerbated by a constable's suicide in February. Amid concerns over morale and rising anti-police sentiments, the Winnipeg Police Association is commissioning an updated review to address officers' health, which Smyth has approved, according to an internal memo from the chief. Criminologist Curtis Griffiths of the University of British Columbia, who helped conduct the 2013 survey, has been retained to oversee the updated review. A 2013 survey of Winnipeg police officers revealed troubling findings about their health and wellness. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press files) The previous survey examined the effects of police work on officers, asking respondents about stress, burnout, drug and alcohol use, job satisfaction, post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life and anxiety. It was conducted as part of a wider operational review of the service. Frank Cormier, the head of the University of Manitoba's sociology and criminology department, said first responders including police have long suffered high rates of depression, anxiety, problem drinking and suicide. "One of the big problems still is... any admission of mental health struggle within a police organization is heavily stigmatized. Theres just no question about it," he said. "Organizations are putting in place all the right things, but if individuals wont take advantage of that and theyre not supported by their colleagues... its probably not going to go over." About 420 officers responded to the 2013 health survey, but some didn't answer every question. It found 24 per cent of responding officers displayed symptoms of harmful or hazardous drinking, based on a test developed by the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, 75 per cent said they had moderate levels of anxiety, while 24 per cent had "severe" or "extremely severe" anxiety. Rates of depression weren't much different 74 per cent of respondents said they had suffered moderately, while 30 per cent reported severe or extremely severe depression. In a 2013 survey, 75 per cent of officers said they had moderate levels of anxiety, while 24 per cent had severe or extremely severe anxiety. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press files) Forty-one per cent of officers reported high exhaustion, while 62 per cent said they had a high rate of cynicism. Neither the police service nor Winnipeg Police Association responded to questions from the Free Press Tuesday. Markus Chambers, chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board, said he's supportive of the police service and union working to get "objective data" on the health and morale of officers. The board is concerned a diminished morale could impact services and officers, he said, pointing to the pandemic and rising anti-police sentiment as potential factors in diminishing confidence. New wellness survey ordered Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth has agreed with the union's demand to conduct an updated survey about police officers' health and wellness. The chief wrote about his decision in an internal memo obtained by the Free Press. Police leadership and the Winnipeg Police Association "share a common interest in supporting the health and wellness of the people who work for the (Winnipeg Police Service), and by extension their morale," Smyth wrote Tuesday. The union pushed for a survey last week as tensions reached a breaking point between the chief and rank-and-file members. "The last time an exercise like this was conducted was years ago in a very different environment," Smyth said. click to read more Winnipeg police Chief Danny Smyth has agreed with the union's demand to conduct an updated survey about police officers' health and wellness. The chief wrote about his decision in an internal memo obtained by the Free Press. Police leadership and the Winnipeg Police Association "share a common interest in supporting the health and wellness of the people who work for the (Winnipeg Police Service), and by extension their morale," Smyth wrote Tuesday. The union pushed for a survey last week as tensions reached a breaking point between the chief and rank-and-file members. "The last time an exercise like this was conducted was years ago in a very different environment," Smyth said. He said the pandemic and anger toward police over in-custody deaths and violent arrests have affected morale. "None of us have lived through a pandemic. The isolation and restrictions have been stressful for all of us and have prevented us from gathering to support one another in the way we are accustomed to." The chief also wrote about a "groundswell of animosity unleashed in the wake of the murder of George Floyd," which he said has harmed officers. "I see the impact of that constant criticism and antagonism. I see the real and lasting harm that this has done to the men and women of the WPS who continue to serve the community," Smyth said. "I have been impressed with how well you have performed in such difficult times. I will do my best to ensure you have the training and equipment to do your job, to ensure you have health and wellness supports, and that we find a way to share our story with the community," the chief's memo states. Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died during his arrest by Minneapolis police officers on May 25, 2020. On Tuesday, the first jurors were picked in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, who is accused of second-degree unintentional murder and manslaughter. Smyth's memo also addressed criticism of his leadership and for his response to the suicide of a constable last month, which sent shock waves through the ranks. "I accept that criticism and will continue to learn from this." The union said the chief waited too long to visit with the officer's family and didn't show adequate support for officers who were hurt by the tragedy. Close "There are some people who focus on abolishing police, and simply do not recognize the services... are provided by humans who are also subject to emotion and feeling. We can agree to disagree about funding or defunding, but should not de-value the work that officers do as they literally put their lives on the line," Chambers said. Cormier said the waves of organized protests against police are unprecedented in his career as a social scientist. "Police are looking at an entirely different environment right now... Naturally, I think, police are concerned about these things, that they are being scrutinized, in many cases being criticized," the criminologist said. "In some cases they might be looking at fundamental change in the way policing is carried out. If that happened in any sector, the people in that sector would be quite concerned about it." But that puts the police chief in a precarious position, Cormier said. "He has to respond to the concerns that are being expressed, and many of them are very legitimate concerns. There is a lot of evidence that fundamental changes are needed in how we do policing," he said. erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @erik_pindera A tourist has sparked outrage after throwing a plastic bottle into a hippo's mouth during a safari tour in Indonesia. The shocking incident was recorded at Taman Safari in Bogor, West Java, on Sunday. Cyntia Ayu, who was driving behind the offending tourists, saw the hippo happily open its jaws expecting food but was instead treated like a rubbish bin. A tourist has sparked outrage after throwing a plastic bottle into a hippo's mouth during a safari tour in Indonesia The hippo tried to chew the bottle but it instead became lodged in its throat and Cyntia, 32, immediately reported it to safari staff. They rushed to the distressed animal where they managed to remove the plastic waste from its mouth. Cyntia said: 'While driving, I saw an arm pop out of a car window holding a plastic cup, waving it at the hippo to apparently make it open its mouth.' Cyntia also saw the safari park visitor threw tissue paper along with the plastic that didn't go into the animal's mouth. She told Newsflash: ''I didn't expect something like that to happen, so that is why I wasn't filming from the beginning. I took my phone and started recording while we were still not allowed to get out of the car. Cyntia Ayu, who was driving behind the offending tourists, saw the hippo happily open its jaws expecting food 'I was not able to stop the woman, I tried to honk but she did not appear to have noticed me. I called the officers for help instead. 'When we arrived at the zoo's tiger station, I immediate told a security guard what happened. By then we had lost sight of the people in the car who threw the rubbish. 'We were more concerned with helping the hippo than following the car.' Cyntia said the guard handled the situation and the hippo managed to spit out the plastic from its mouth before a vet did an endoscopy in case there was something wrong. She added: 'The most important thing is that the animal is good now.' Doni Herdaru from the charity Animal Defenders Indonesia said they had identified the littering tourist. Cyntia said the guard handled the situation and the hippo managed to spit out the plastic from its mouth before a vet did an endoscopy He said that after having a conversation, the middle-aged woman apologised on video while covering her face with a mask. She said: 'I'm going to Taman Safari to apologise for what I did, and I promise not to do it again.' Taman Safari spokesman Yulius Suprihardo said the hippo was fine but they still filed a complaint to the police against the woman. He said: 'Right now the animal is fine because she vomited the litter. Had she swallowed it, the plastic cup could've killed the animal because plastic cups take hundreds of years to degrade.' The police have yet to announce if there will be an investigation into the incident. HIGH-profile PSNI officer Bobby Singleton has been promoted following the departure of the forces most senior female officer. Mr Singleton will temporarily act as Assistant Chief Constable for community safety while a long-term appointment is sought. It follows the departure of Barbara Gray, who is leaving the PSNIs crime operations department to become Deputy Assistant Commissioner with Londons Metropolitan Police. She is being replaced by Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan. Chief Constable Simon Byrne wished Ms Gray success in her new role and described her as an outstanding officer who has been a role model for us all. Mr Singleton recently led the PSNIs legacy investigations branch as Detective Chief Superintendent. He has also worked with the Paramilitary Crime Taskforce. A PSNI profile of Ms Gray described her as having a considerable range of experience, having served in many areas including the development of policy and community policing. She served as an ambassador for the Northern Ireland Community Foundation and was made an Assistant Chief Constable in 2017. The SNP was thrown into fresh crisis today as chief whip Patrick Grady stepped down amid claims he groped two men at a Christmas party. In the latest sexual harassment case to embroil the ruling party at Holyrood senior figures within the nationalist party face allegations they 'protected' the Glasgow North MP from being investigated years ago. Letters obtained by the Herald newspaper detail concerns about Mr Grady's behaviour at the SNP Christmas party on December 15, 2016 at the Phoenix Artist Club in London's West End. It is alleged Mr Grady groped two male researchers at the cabaret establishment. It is reported that letters of complaint were passed to the SNP's compliance unit in 2017 and 2018, saying 'staff are scared to come forward because he is protected by the party'. Separately, he has been accuse of sexually harassing a then 19-year-old heterosexual man in The Water Poet pub in Spitalfields in East London. The Daily Record reported that the complainant in the Water Poet case had originally decided not to report it. But after a third party raised it in 2017 he was called into a meeting with the SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Mr Grady, and 'ambushed' into accepting an apology. It's understood the party denies this claim. The lurid new allegations come as the party struggles to shake off the effects of a public battle with former leader Alex Salmond over its handling of allegations against him. The row has seen support for Scottish independence, championed by the SNP, plummet. Scottish Conservative MSP for Glasgow, Annie Wells said: 'The SNP's chief whip faces serious allegations, and it now appears these are finally being taken seriously by the party. 'But Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP chief executive Peter Murrell and other senior figures including former Westminster leader Angus Robertson also have serious questions to answer.' Patrick Grady stepped down as the SNP's chief whip last night as the nationalists launched an investigation into claims he groped two men at a Christmas party. It is alleged Mr Grady groped two male researchers at a party at the Phoenix Artist Club in London's West End. Separately, he has been accuse of sexually harassing a then 19-year-old heterosexual man in The Water Poet pub in Spitalfields in East London. The party is also facing allegations that it 'protected' the Glasgow North MP (pictured in 2015 with Nicola Sturgeon) after allegations about his conduct at a number of events in London in 2016. The hardcore Remainer who said ex-Speaker John Bercow should have Parliament room named in his honour Patrick Grady moves in the shadowy world of the whips who keep order among a party's MPs. The 41-year-old is best known for suggesting that ex-Speaker John Bercow, who was accused of having pro-Remain sympathies, should have a room in Parliament names after him for his efforts to avert Brexit. He led calls in September 2019 for the creation of a 'Bercow Room' at Parliament - after the outgoing Speaker twisted Commons rules to help a rebellion against Brexit. They suggested it would be a fitting tribute to to mark his 'reforming' legacy, having championed backbenchers in holding the government to account. However, he was also been deeply embroiled in controversy over his expenses, temper and handling of Brexit. He was accused of repeatedly bending procedures to ensure that Remainers could derail the government's policy, taking control of Commons business to pass legislation effectively ruling out No Deal. In a gushing tribute to Mr Bercow in the Commons, Mr Grady said: 'You have been a reforming Speaker... and much of the restoration and renewal will be about securing the legacy of some of those reforms in terms of making this place much more family friendly and much more accessible. 'Perhaps in the tradition of the rooms in Portcullis House, there will in the restored and renewed Parliament be a Bercow Room in which people can reflect on that legacy.' Patrick Grady was born in Edinburgh and raised in Inverness, but has lived in Glasgow since moving there as a student. He joined the SNP as a 17-year-old in 1997 and was elected as MP for Glasgow North in 2015. Prior to that he was national secretary of the party for four tears. He has been a spokesman for international development and was appointed chief whip in 2017. Advertisement An SNP spokesman confirmed today that Mr Grady had 'stood aside' from his role as chief whip, adding: 'The SNP has today received a formal complaint. 'That now allows due process to take placed and we will not be commenting further while an investigation is under way.' It comes at an already difficult time for Nicola Sturgeon's party ahead of election in May. At the weekend two polls found Scots would reject independence in a referendum - with Nicola Sturgeon hugely damaged by her public war with Alex Salmond. A majority said they backed the union in separate surveys after a long run of results suggesting separatists would win a new vote north of the border. Savanta Comres research for Scotland on Sunday gave a 52-48 per cent margin for 'no', excluding those who said they were not sure. Meanwhile, a Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times gave a 51-49 per cent split, and suggested just a third believe she has been entirely honest about in the spat with Mr Salmond. The findings will cause fresh panic in the SNP, and are a boost for after growing alarm about Ms Sturgeon's drive to break up the UK. Nicola Sturgeon's deputy is facing a dramatic vote of no confidence today as Scottish Tories urge MSPs to condemn the 'stifling' of a Holyrood probe into the Alex Salmond case. Scots politicians will hold a debate and vote on John Swinney later amid fury at the refusal to release full legal advice Ms Sturgeon received about the government's handling of complaints against Mr Salmond. The First Minister has denied breaking the ministerial code by defying lawyers and continuing to fight a judicial review brought by her predecessor. He was later awarded more than 500,000 over the way harassment complaints were dealt with, and was subsequently cleared in a trial. Holyrood has twice voted to compel the Scottish Government to release the documents to a committee of inquiry. Mr Swinney released some of the legal advice, but has claimed that no notes were taken of two crucial meetings between Ms Sturgeon and legal counsel. Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross today urged MSPs from across parties to join forces - but admitted that he expects Mr Swinney to survive. 'At the moment it looks like the parties have decided those who support independence to gang up with each other to vote this down,' he told Sky News. 'That's the Scottish Greens now just being an extension of the SNP, despite Scottish Greens and all opposition parties joining with the Scottish Conservatvies to twice vote for this legal advice to be released 'Across parties, Parliament has been stifled in its attempts to get to the bottom of this issue a crucial issue but it looks like the Greens are going to support the SNP John Swinney will survive.' By Dr. Nehginpao Kipgen and Prasanna Kumar Dr. Nehginpao Kipgen Prasanna Kumar Bengaluru, March 11 : Karnataka BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Wednesday gave a new twist to the ongoing 'sleaze CD' row, stating that a leader each from the BJP and the Congress had joined hands to indulge in such practice. Interacting with reporters at the Vidhana Soudha here, Yatnal said that there is a gang working under the two leaders who are in possession of 23 such CDs belonging to different parties. "This is a fit case to be probed by the Central investigating agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI). Nobody should indulge in such blackmail tactics," he said. Alleging that these two leaders are financing such seedy CD deals, Yatnal said, "I am neither a party to such kind of CDs, nor have I seen any of them. I am saying all this based on the information I gathered through the interactions I had with the legislators of all the parties," he said. Yatnala's statement on sleaze CD assumes significance, as he is the first BJP leader who has spoken openly on the matter. In fact, he had revealed that a CD involving Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa was the reason behind two ministers gaining entry into the cabinet on January 14. Karnataka Water Resource Minister Ramesh Jarakiholi was forced to resign last week after a CD was released to the news channels, allegedly showing him in a compromising position with a woman. In a speech during an April 2000 visit to New Orleans, President Bill Clinton singled out Karen Carter Peterson, then a 30-year-old, newly minted state representative, for a mention. Karen came up and accosted me and chewed me out over something she thought I was wrong about, and then she later thought maybe she'd gone too far. And I told her daddy that I'd be proud if my daughter could talk to the president that way, Clinton said. She wasn't disrespectful. She was just aggressive and articulate. And I'm glad to see her being so successful. Now 51 and a member of the state Senate, with two decades of public service under her belt, the scrappiness Bill Clinton spotlighted back in 2000 is seen by some as her strongest virtue, and by others as her biggest flaw. State Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, an ally, recalls a friends observation: Karen always punches up, never down. And thats an important distinction for those in power in this state. I trust that she'll always speak truth to power because it's what she's always done. Too many times it was up to Karen to speak womens truth in Baton Rouge, said Linda Kocher, a New Orleans community activist. Peterson ethics disclosure The latest financial report filed by state Sen. Karen Peterson with the Louisiana Board of Ethics But state Sen. Troy Carter, her chief rival in the race to replace Cedric Richmond in Congress, uses every opportunity to remind voters that he mixes well with others a thinly veiled jab at Petersons confrontational style, and its effect on some people. Its the second time Peterson and Carter, both of New Orleans, have run against each other for the congressional seat that traces through a thin strip of mostly Black communities along the banks of the Mississippi River, from New Orleans East to north Baton Rouge. Both ran against a weakened U.S. Rep. William Jefferson in 2006; Carter finished fifth, while Peterson made it to a runoff, then lost. This time, 15 candidates are vying for the seat. Eight are Democrats, four are Republicans, one is Libertarian, another is independent, one is without party affiliation. Richmond, who held the seat a decade, in January took a job advising President Joe Biden in the White House. Early voting continues until next Saturday. Election day is March 20 with an April 24 runoff. When I go to Washington, my job is not to agree with Steve Scalise all the time, Peterson said, referring to the all-Republican, all-white male Louisiana delegations highest-ranking member. I hear from women who tell me that issues that disproportionately impact women arent being considered by women. They want a seat at the table. And they know that Ive not been afraid to speak up, Peterson said. When it comes to domestic violence prevention, sexual assault prevention, when it comes to reproductive freedom, people know they have a champion in me and if I go to Washington, that they will be heard. Theres a distinction between me and the boys. Louisiana has elected few women to represent them in Washington. Mary Landrieu was elected to the U.S. Senate and served from 1997 to 2015, and U.S. Rep. Lindy Boggs. served from 1973 to 1991. Catherine Long won a 1985 special election after her husband, Gillis, died and served out the remaining 21 months of his term in the U.S. House. Otherwise, First Lady Elaine Edwards was appointed to the U.S. Senate for four months in 1972 after Allen Ellender died, and Rose Long was in the Senate for less than a year after her husband, Huey, was assassinated. A Republican legislature in 2011 drew the 2nd Districts lines to include as many Black voters as possible. About 61% of the districts registered voters are Black and 63% are Democrats. More than 56% of the districts voters are women, the highest share of any district in the state. +2 Claston Bernard, Gonzales Republican, seeks Democrat heavy congressional seat Former two-time Olympic decathlete and LSU track champion Claston Bernard declared Friday that freedom, faith and family are the binding roots Peterson, who would likely be closer to traditional Democrats, like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, than liberal firebrands, like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, would still be the most liberal representative Louisiana ever sent to Congress. Though most of the state is conservative in its politics and shifting ever further in that direction the 2nd District is not. In the last three presidential elections, Barack Obama received 76% of the districts votes, and both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden got 75%. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Peterson supports Medicare for All, which would provide universal healthcare insurance through the government, and backs the Green New Deal, which promotes alternative energy. She wants a higher minimum wage, more relief for small businesses, increased initiatives for affordable housing. She backs funding for historically Black colleges and universities. At the age 29, Peterson made her first run for public office in a 1999 contest between princelings of the New Orleans political elite to replace state Rep. Avery Alexander, the civil rights legend who had died. Jay Banks, now a New Orleans City Council member, was Petersons campaign manager and said the young candidate stopped by every home in the 93rd House District to win the 93rd District seat in the state House. Troy Carter backed her runoff opponent. Peterson moved to the state Senate in 2010. +2 2nd Congressional Districts candidates go to TV The top two contenders in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond launched basic television ads last week aimed at introducing themselve Peterson said she is most proud of legislation that created BioDistrict New Orleans, which incentives technical medical companies and allows universities to turn research into economic opportunities. She also helped navigate poorly performing New Orleans public schools into state control and then when schools began performing better helped lead them back to local authority. Its not always about the bills that you pass, the bills you author, but its also about the fight, Peterson said. She stood against Republican Gov. Bobby Jindals refusal to allow Medicaid to cover low-income workers and against his annual budget proposals. Sometimes I was the only senator voting against those budgets that cut higher education, healthcare, and closed mental health hospitals and underfunded senior and elderly care. Saying she was uncomfortable attending legislative meetings during the pandemic with a number of lawmakers refusing to wear masks, several catching the coronavirus and one dying from COIVD-19 Peterson missed much of the 2020 legislative session. She showed for a day in May, however, to use her senatorial privilege to force the resignation of two of Gov. John Bel Edwards senior appointees: Ronnie Jones, the chairman of the state gambling board, and Walt Leger III, the chairman of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. 'Without merit': Regulator doesn't buy Karen Carter Peterson's explanation for ousting him Ronnie Jones was shocked and angered when he saw state Sen. Karen Carter Petersons first public explanation for why she ousted him as chairma She didnt say why until months later when said she felt Jones had become too cozy with the gambling industry. Jones countered that the move came 15 months after she was forced to admit that she had a gambling problem after someone not him, he said leaked that she had violated a self-imposed ban on entering Louisiana casinos. In 2012, at 42, Peterson was the first woman elected to chair the Louisiana Democratic Party. She hired Stephen Handwerk, who became the first openly gay man to lead the partys staff. As party leader, she famously advised Edwards to step aside during the 2015 gubernatorial campaign to give a moderate Republican a chance to beat the presumed frontrunner, David Vitter. Edwards refused, Peterson came around and helped elect the only Democratic governor in the Deep South. When anti-abortion legislation was being debated in 2018, Peterson tweeted: "Embarrassing! Apologies to LA women, particularly for the disrespect to women victimized by rape or incest. But Peterson also caught flack on her left flank for not calling out the anti-abortion governor, who supported the bill, and continuing to work for Edwards reelection. On the Democratic National Committee, Peterson took a role in voter registration and anti-suppression efforts. She has received endorsements from a number of national names, including voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams; former Democratic National Committee Chair and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean; and the former Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez. Karen Carter Peterson as Democratic Party chair: She touts her role, but others see many missteps As she campaigns for an open seat in Congress, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson tells Democratic voters at every opportunity that she played a Shell be able to pick up the phone and get through to Democratic officials who already know her from her work with the party, said former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile, a Kenner native who now is a well-known political commentator. Peterson learned her politics at the knee of her father. A prominent lawyer, Ken Carter also was a major figure in New Orleans politics. He was the citys first Black tax assessor, a founder of BOLD, and was described as a combination of clear-eyed realist and starry-eyed optimist. Peterson said she used to speak to her father first thing in the morning, bouncing policy ideas off him. He died in 2018 at 74. Theres an absolute correlation between his work and my work and serving people in the Central City community and trying to uplift people out of their circumstances so that they dont have work two, three jobs to make ends meet, Peterson said. Im glad to have had my dad in my life. So many people dont have that advantage of having that influence in their life. I channel him all the time in my work. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. ENVISIA has enlarged, starting this week, its team, adding an extra strategic communications focus to further advance its cause, excellence in boards. In context, the position of Chief Communication and Public Relations Officer has been created, with Radu Magdin as the organisations first CCPRO. Radu, a consultant and entrepreneur since 2012, is a member of Forbes Business Councils, and a passionate person for excellence in corporate governance. He worked in Brussels for 5 years, in the EU affairs arena, before returning to Romania, in 2012. As an analyst, he provided risk advice to several major investor boards, and is a member of several advisory boards, in the corporate or civil society field. Through Radu Magdins appointment, Envisia Board of Directors makes a powerful commitment to excellence in communication to and for its community members: Envisia Boards of Elite. We are accessing now the next level in our strategy to penetrate the Central and Eastern Europe with the very first postgraduate Programme with academic accreditation that professionalizes the Role of the Board Director, offered by ENVISIA in partnership with the triple-accredited Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK: Postgraduate Programme in Board Practice and Directorship. We look forward to see Radus powerful insights and strategic creativity in action for the benefit of our business community and our society in all. said Carmen Micu, Founding Member & CEO. It is an honour for me to join ENVISIAs team, and participate in an important endeavour for both corporate and societal success, namely promoting governance excellence. ENVISIA is an ambitious Bucharest-based international knowledge hub, which will further expand in the months to come at a local, European and global level. Its a privilege to assist, from a stratcom perspective, these national consolidation and internationalization plans, said Radu Magdin. ENVISIA is the First Business School in Romania for Board Directors, delivering state of the art education dedicated to Chairmen, Senior Independent Directors, Non-Executive Directors, C-Suite level and high-caliber professionals, through prestigious local and international partnerships. Envisias Mission is to foster exclusive, but vibrant Generations of Board Directors that embody Professionalism, Ethical Conduct and Responsibility adding value to businesses and communities. Envisia actively promotes responsible corporate governance practices, preparing companies and its boards for the contemporary pace of unchartered challenges. "We are thrilled to welcome Atrilogy staff, employees, and technology professionals to the DIVERSANT family..." Tweet this "We are thrilled to welcome Atrilogy staff, employees, and technology professionals to the DIVERSANT family," stated John Goullet, Chairman and Co-founder of DIVERSANT. "Atrilogy's excellent reputation in the marketplace aligns with our mission to be the IT recruiting and staffing company of choice." DIVERSANT was founded in 2005 and has grown significantly. Together with Atrilogy the combined revenue will be over $225MM. The firm's services include Staff Augmentation, Direct-Hire, Managed Solutions, and Payroll Services. "I am excited that Atrilogy will be part of the DIVERSANT family, an organization that is recognized for delivering excellence to their customers," stated Dave Charest, CEO of Atrilogy. "By joining forces with DIVERSANT, we have the capability to provide additional services, resources, and opportunities to our clients, employees, and IT consultants." About DIVERSANT DIVERSANT, LLC (diversant.com), is the largest African American male-owned IT staffing firm in the United States with 15 office locations. In addition to IT staffing, the firm also provides Managed Solutions. The company has 1,300 IT professionals supporting clients in 46 states nationwide. To learn more about DIVERSANT, visit diversant.com or follow at Twitter @Diversant_LLC or connect with DIVERSANT on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. DIVERSANT is hiring! There are great things going on at DIVERSANT and we are expecting an amazing 2021! If you are an experienced salesperson or recruiter with IT staffing experience, visit our careers page to apply to join our team. Contact: Charlean Parks (470) 233-7514 [email protected] SOURCE DIVERSANT Related Links diversant.com At a meeting of the Interterritorial Council this Wednesday, 10 March, Spain's Ministry of Health will propose the perimeter closure of all regions for Easter from 26 March to April 9, but also between 17 and 21 March which is also a holiday week for many regions. In a draft document, the ministry headed by Carolina Darias also proposes that the start of the curfew during these festivities be set one hour later between 11pm and continue until 6am in the morning. Also up for discussion is the number of people who can meet, which the ministry wants to be four in closed public spaces and six in open public spaces, except in the case of people living together. The Health ministry also wants to prohibit all mass events that involve large concentrations of people and will ask the regions "not to lower the alert level" for two weeks before Easter, that is, from mid-March. Madrid, the region most reluctant to establish a common, national plan, has been more open to accepting the recommendations from the Ministry of Health but the Madrid president, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, said, I will scrupulously comply with the established norms and the law because I am neither an independentist nor an upstart, but I am reluctant to close without health reports. That is an abuse of power. "Madrid can continue to operate with the rules that are working relatively well and always calling for prudence because it is something that we have not stopped doing at any time," said the president. In practice, if all the regions agree that their borders cannot be crossed Madrid's decision to keep its perimeter open would only be symbolic. At the moment the only regions with open borders are Madrid, Extremadura, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Health minister Darias has asked for an agreement between the regions as soon as possible so that the public know what restrictions to expect at Easter. A Canadian mother was distraught when the organic food company Nature's Path discontinued its Cinnamon Maple Waffles this year because they are the absolute only thing that her almost-ten-year-old son with autism will eat. As a symptom of his autism, Jerico, from Surrey, British Columbia, has extreme food aversion issues, meaning it can often be difficult for his mother, Jenna Roman, to get him to eat anything at all but these particular Cinnamon Maple Waffles were the exception. So when Nature's Path announced that it was discontinuing the flavor, Jenna went into planning mode, setting up a GoFundMe account that would enable her to stock up on the waffles and freezers to store them in before they left shelves. But when the company learned of her plight, they did her one better, offering her the waffle recipe and a starter set of ingredients so she could make them at home. Food face: As a symptom of his autism, Jerico, from Surrey, British Columbia, has extreme food aversion issues, and will only eat a specific brand and flavor of waffles Struggle: Jenna Roman explained that she can't get her son to eat anything except Nature's Path Cinnamon Maple Waffles and he will go without food for days without them Jenna explained her son's plight on the GoFundMe page, which she launched over a month ago. She explained that her autistic son Jerico has extreme issues with oral aversion and complex eating, and has struggled with eating since he was eight months old and was first introduced to textured food. Food aversions are quite common among people with autism, who often have increased sensitivity. They may refuse to eat or only agree to eat a limited number of foods due to a reaction to taste, temperature, color, smell, or texture, For Jerico, the issue can become so extreme that he suffers from anxiety and migraines and stops eating for days. 'Ive tried everything including intense feeding therapy but it triggered major anxiety around eating, which triggered his migraines, which then he stops eating/drinking and regresses. Its a vicious cycle,' Jenna wrote. She noted that Jerico always stops eating and drinking altogether when he gets sick, and after he fell in in February 2020 with what Jenna suspects was COVID, he stopped eating anything at all for 12 days. He also stopped drinking for five. Stocking up: When the flavor was discontinued at the beginning of the year, she went on a hunt for all of the remaining boxes she could find in stores All set: She set up a GoFundMe to buy up the boxes and freezers to store them in 'It was very traumatic for our family,' the single mom of three said. 'When I was able to get him to start again, he had regressed so much he had to relearn how to drink and eat.' She managed to get him to accept a type of cinnamon waffles, which were discontinued in June of 2020. After two weeks of testing him on several more brands, she found success with Nature's Path Maple Cinnamon Waffles. Then those were discontinued, too. 'Ive tried to see if theres anything comparable around but theres nothing and nothing he will accept,' Jenna wrote. 'Not everyone understands the severity of Jericos challenge and [some] think that eventually he will just accept another kind but it doesnt work like that. 'He would go on a hunger strike if I didnt have his waffles,' she said. 'Im just trying to feed my son/ Ive been through so much around him just eating, something that would be simple for other children but its a extremely hard challenge for my son,' she added. So in an effort to buy herself time, she asked others for help. So far, $5,020 has been donated to her GoFundMe account, while some people have bought the remaining waffles at their grocery stores to deliver to Jenna. Surprise! The brand spent a month reworking its recipe so that Jenna would be able to make them herself at home All set! They even delivered a set of ingredients for her to start with She has been able to buy several storage freezers to hold her growing waffle supply, some of which was donated by Nature's Path directly. The brand had searched for remaining supply and had cases shipped to her from a warehouse in Illinois. And then she really lucked out: Nature's Path reconfigured their recipe so it would work for home use, and delivered it along with ingredients to get started to Jenna's home. Nature's Path's communications director Samantha Falk told CBS News that she personally handed off the recipe. which took the R&D team a month to come up with, since small-scale home cooking is different from cooking on an industrial level. They tested several versions to make sure both the taste and texture were perfect. 'Thank you Natures Path Team for understanding & caring to make this happen for Jerico,' Jenna wrote in a GoFundMe update. 'Most companies would not of gone this far to help and without you guys I dont know what I would of done.; Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged former President John Dramani to congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on winning the 2020 presidential election. It is not too late for Mr John Mahama to call President Akufo-Addo, whose emphatic 2020 election victory has been affirmed by the Supreme Court, to congratulate him. It is on account of this that the NPP is calling on the former President to do the needful in the collective interest of our nation, it stated in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr John Boadu. It urged Mr Mahama, who was the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2020 presidential candidate, to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court on the 2020 Election Petition as a mark of statesmanship and fidelity to the rule of law, even if he disagreed with the judgment. It said following the judgment of the Supreme Court on March 4, 2021, many had expected the petitioner, Mr Mahama, to emulate the good example of the petitioner in the 2012 Election Petition, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who disagreed with the judgment of the Supreme Court at the time but accepted the decision and congratulated the then President, Mr Mahama in the interest of the nation. It quoted President Akufo-Addo as saying after the 2012 election petition that I have called President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated him on being elected the fourth President of our country. The Supreme Court of our nation has spoken, and the results of the December 2012 presidential election have been confirmed as having been won by the candidate of the NDC, President Mahama. As I said earlier, while I disagree with the courts decision, I accept it. I accept that what the court said brings finality to the election dispute. International accolades The statement said that singular act of Nana Akufo-Addo did not only reaffirm his longstanding fidelity to the rule of law as a consummate democrat, and to his country and citizens, but also earned him and the country international accolades and plaudits. It said instead of congratulating President Akufo-Addo, Mr Mahama rather held a press conference to unleash invectives and unprovoked attacks on the judiciary and the election management body. It said the NPP agreed with Mr Mahama when he stated in 2013 that The Courts cannot give you what the people have not given you. The statement said Mr Mahama might have lost an opportunity to repeat the enviable feat achieved by President Akufo-Addo in 2013 and get his name written in the history books of consummate and patriotic democrats. It, however, said it was not too late for Mr Mahama to right the wrong. It is not too late for John Mahama to come to terms with his fate and accept the verdict of the nations Apex Court even if he disagrees with the judgment, it stated. 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 Ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping has told the country's military and armed police force to get 'combat ready' to defend national sovereignty and security, amid fears that Beijing may be planning an invasion of democratic Taiwan in the next few years. "The entire army needs to strengthen its performance so as to do a good job of ensuring a good start to the 14th Five-Year Plan, and of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the party," Xi told People's Liberation Army (PLA) and People's Armed Police (PAP) leaders, according to a Mar. 10 report in the official CCP newspaper, the Peoples Daily. Xi, who as head of the CCP's Central Military Commission (CMC), is commander-in-chief of all military forces, said the PLA had, during the course of 2020, "strengthened military training and preparations for war ... and basically met its targets for national defense and military development for 2020." He added: "We should persist in using combat to guide our work; step up preparations for war ... as well as developing a top-level strategic deterrent and joint forces combat system." Wu Qiang, a former politics lecturer at Beijing's Tsinghua University, said Xi is likely planning to make a definite move to annex, or, in the CCP's terminology, "unify with," the democratic island of Taiwan in the next five years. "Beijing is looking at speeding up a resolution of the Taiwan issue during Xi's third term as president," Wu said. "This means that, over the next few years, the Taiwan issue will become the most important story in the Western Pacific." "It is a focal issue that will trigger changes in Sino-U.S. relations sooner rather than later, and will be a flashpoint for Sino-U.S. conflict," he said. Xi has also warned that "China's security situation is highly unstable and uncertain, and the whole army must be prepared to deal with a complicated situation at any time." "Beijing is facing unprecedented military tensions in its backyard, a security situation that the CCP really didn't want to see," Wu said. "Most of this revolves around Taiwan, which is the core goal of the national rejuvenation program by 2035," he said, adding that Xi is using the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, which closes in Beijing this week, as a form of political mobilization towards this goal. A pilot prepares to take off on a F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) at an Air Force base in Tainan, Taiwan, January 26, 2021. Credit: Reuters 'Constant friction' An independent scholar surnamed Zhuang from the northern city of Taiyuan said conflict between China and its neighbors has become more and more common in recent years. "They are making a mess of our foreign relations, and there is constant friction with neighboring countries," Zhuang said. "They are continuously increasing their military spending to prepare for external conflict, and they are eager to try [annexing] Taiwan." "He is deliberately projecting an attitude of belligerence, both for the general public in China and for an overseas audience," he said. Americas top commander in the region has warned that China could be preparing to bring forward plans to invade Taiwan as early as 2027. Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Beijing could launch an invasion within the next six years. "I worry that theyre accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership in the rules-based international order, which theyve long said they want to do by 2050," he told the committee hearing. "Im worried about them moving that target closer," Davidson said. Taiwanese sailors salute the island's flag on the deck of the Panshih supply ship after taking part in annual drills, at the Tsoying naval base in Kaohsiung, in file photo taken Jan. 31, 2018, Credit: AFP China's recent incursions China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has flown multiple aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) since the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden took office on Jan. 20. The democratic island's defense ministry said recent incursions have included bombers and fast-moving fighter jets usually used for offensive purposes, linking it to the reported presence of a U.S. aircraft carrier group in the vicinity. In 2018, the Pentagon warned that the PLA is gradually preparing for a possible invasion of Taiwan, as the CCP "continued to develop and deploy increasingly advanced military capabilities intended to coerce Taiwan, signal Chinese resolve, and gradually improve capabilities for an invasion." Taiwan has never been ruled by Beijing nor formed part of the People's Republic of China, but has been locked out of international diplomacy and agencies at the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s insistence. Washington has said it will no longer seek to "appease" China on Taiwan, as the State Department announced an end to a ban on high-level official and diplomatic contact with Taiwanese officials on Jan. 9, at the tail end of the Trump administration. Under CCP general secretary Xi Jinping, China has stepped up its rhetoric claiming the island as part of its territory, and has refused to rule out a military invasion. But Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly said that the country's 23 million people have no wish to give up their sovereignty or their democratic way of life. Taiwan Navy's Perry-class frigate fires chaff during the annual Han Kuang military exercises off the east coast of Hualien, central Taiwan, in Sept. 17, 2014 file photo. Credit: AP Reported by Qiao Long and Chingman for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. New Delhi, March 10 : Hundreds of Kisan Congress activists on Wednesday marched at the heart of the capital in solidarity with agitating farmers and questioned the silence of the government on the death of over 250 farmers in last 102 days. They also demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the kin of each farmer who died during the stir. The Kisan Congress workers led by vice chairman Surendra Solanki arrived at the Vijay Chowk area near Parliament and raised slogan against the government demanding repeal of the three contentious farm laws passed by the Centre last September. Speaking to media, Solanki said, "In the last 102 days, over 250 farmers have lost their lives while sitting on protest against the three farm laws. But the government has not spoken a single word on their death." Solanki demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family members of each farmer who lost life during the protest. Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh have been sitting on protest at several borders of Delhi since November 26 last year demanding the repeal of the agri laws and also ensure the minimum support price for their produce. Several rounds of talks between farmers and the government has remained inconclusive. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was allegedly attacked by unknown miscreants in Nandigram, the Trinamool Congress strongly condemned the incident, praying for her speedy recovery. Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy who was in Nandigram when the incident happened released an official statement alleging that the TMC supremo was pushed by unknown persons onto her car during which she sustained injuries in her left leg and waist. "After widespread response from the people of Nandigram Block-I yesterday, Ms Mamata Banerjee visited several places of Nandigram Block-II after filing nomination at Haldia. She offered Puja in one after another temple. There was a massive response from people everywhere. At about 6.15 pm, when she was about to leave Birulia Anchal after performing Puja in a temple, a few unknown persons pushed her to the car and forcibly shut down the door, as a result of which she sustained injuries in her left leg and also suffered severe pain in the waist. She, thereafter, left for Kolkata to get proper treatment," said Sukhendu Sekhar Roy. Asserting that she will 'always stand tall,' TMC MP Nusrat Jahan also strongly condemned the attack. "You may try to harm her, but our Didi shall stand tall always. Pray for her speedy recovery," she said. Mamata attacked in Nandigram Earlier today, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee abruptly left her on-ground campaign in Nandigram claiming that she was attacked by 4-5 people alleging a 'conspiracy' behind the incident. The alleged attack took place as the TMC chief was returning after performing puja in a temple at Barulia Bazar in Nandigram. As per reports, she is on her way to the SSKM Hospital. Her nephew, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has also reached the hospital. "Not even one Police official was present. 4-5 people intentionally manhandled me in presence of public. No local police present during program, not even SP. It was definitely a conspiracy. There were no police officials for 4-5 hrs in such huge public gathering," she said to the reporters after the attack. #WATCH West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram says she has suffered an injury in her leg after few people pushed her when she was near her car pic.twitter.com/D1l00MU7xw ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 While the CM is yet to file an official complaint, the Election Commission of India has sought a detailed report on the incident. As per her campaigning schedule, she was originally expected to spend another day in Nandigram. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 22:46:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed the way for China, which is at a historic development juncture, by expounding on a wide range of topics at this year's "two sessions," a key political event slated to close on Thursday. -- Xi took part in deliberations with other lawmakers from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, and attended a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force. He also joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting. -- 2021 marks a historic juncture for China as it embarks on a new quest for fully building a modern socialist country. Xi's speeches at the sessions provide insights into China's development trajectory. BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed the way for China, which is at a historic development juncture, by expounding on a wide range of topics at this year's "two sessions," a key political event slated to close on Thursday. The two sessions are the country's annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the 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, participated in deliberations with national legislators and joined discussions with political advisors at the two sessions. He took part in deliberations with other lawmakers from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, and attended a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force. He also joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting. 2021 marks a historic juncture for China as it embarks on a new quest for fully building a modern socialist country. Here are some key takeaways from Xi's speeches at the sessions that may provide insights into China's development trajectory. Xi Jinping arrives for the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) GREEN GDP 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, said Xi, an NPC deputy himself. Highlighting the concept of "green GDP," Xi said that maintaining a good ecological environment is of enormous value. ETHNIC UNITY Xi stressed cementing the sense of community for the Chinese nation. He called for promoting standard spoken and written Chinese language and the use of state-compiled textbooks. Efforts should be made to facilitate more comprehensive understanding of the Party's policies concerning ethnic groups, especially among young people, Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, takes part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) PEOPLE'S HEALTH AS "STRATEGIC PRIORITY" Xi has stressed giving "strategic priority" to safeguarding people's health and 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 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. 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. QUALITY BASIC PUBLIC EDUCATION On education, Xi said China must strive to build a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system. He 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. He 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 a top priority, Xi said. Music teacher Yang Hao (1st R) holds a weekly field training session for members of Yantian Primary School's melodica band in Gaocun Town, Wanzai County, east China's Jiangxi Province, Sept. 3, 2020 (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi) HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT & PEOPLE'S WELL-BEING Xi noted that high-quality development is the general requirement for all aspects of economic and social development. It will not only be the requirement for developed regions, but will also be the requirement that entails implementation by all regions, Xi said, urging each region to pursue high-quality development based on local conditions. He urged efforts to integrate high-quality development with action in meeting people's aspiration for a better life. Xi stressed efforts to strengthen areas of weakness in people's well-being, unfailingly meet the basic living needs of the people and improve the availability and equality of basic public services. He asked local authorities to promote coordinated development between rural and urban areas, advance rural vitalization on all fronts, improve people's well-being, and build a new socialist countryside that is beautiful, prosperous and harmonious. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks when attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) COMBAT READINESS Xi stressed achieving a good start in strengthening national defense and the armed forces during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Development of the armed forces must focus on combat readiness, he said. Xi demanded efforts to step up building high-caliber strategic deterrence and joint operation systems. He called for intensified efforts and more concrete measures in the pursuit of independent innovation in science and technology, to fully leverage the role of science and technology as the strategic support for military development. Highlighting the "instabilities" and "uncertainties" in China's current security circumstances, Xi said the whole armed forces must always be ready to respond to all kinds of complex and difficult situations, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and provide strong support for fully building a modern socialist country. Advertisement Cow cuddling has emerged as a new pandemic pastime with Americans paying up to $75 an hour for a hugging session with the farm animals. Animal sanctuaries across the country are offering the service and reporting high demand as lonely hearts hit hard by the year of social distancing look for a creature comfort to get them through. 'You cannot hug your friends; you cannot hug your grandkids. At this point, we still have to be careful,' Suzanne Vullers, who owns Mountain Horse Farm in Naples, New York, told the Washington Post of the cuddling sessions. In Hawaii, James Higgins runs the Krishna Cow Sanctuary on more than 40 acres of land on the Big Island with 67 cattle, including female cows, calves, bulls and steers Higgins started offering $75 cuddling sessions about three years ago, and guests can even book through Airbnb The cow-cuddling sessions are offered by Suzanne Vullers, who is originally from the Netherlands at her 33-acre Mountain Horse Farm in Naples, New York. Pictured above, one of Vullers budding participants People are signing up to hug cows at sanctuaries across the country, many desperate for affection as the nation approaches a full year of social distancing due to the pandemic 'But as people, we have that need to be close to others. The cows are safe and they like that interaction as well.' Vullers is originally from the Netherlands where the practice is already well established and known as 'koe knuffelen'. She and her husband offer cow cuddling each year between May and October. Visitors spend an hour at a time with Bella and Bonnie, who are half-Scottish Highland and half-Angus, several days a week. According to proponents of the trend, cow cuddling can be quite soothing thanks to the animal's warm temperature and size, and the oxytocin boost it triggers can even reduce stress. Hugging cows, rubbing them, or leaning up against them can be 'incredibly soothing' because the cows are big and warm and have a slower heartbeat. 'Cow cuddling is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding. The calming effects of curling up with a pet or emotional support animal, it seems, are accentuated when cuddling with larger mammals,' reports the BBC. At Mountain Horse Farm in Naples, New York, the service has been available to guests for about three years Jeannie Whalen, 76, hugs Moothias, whom she credits with comforting her after her husband, Walter, died in May Aimees Farm cow cuddle service in Pinal County, Arizona has offered the service for about five years with around 20 calls a day from interested parties Vullers said that the first few weeks in May are already booked solid as the pandemic has caused a massive increase in demand. She told the Post that it has become particularly popular with city dwellers looking for an escape. 'Spending time with large animals like cows, it's one of the ways that you can do that,' she said. Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary in Queen Creek, Arizona, is among the other spots offering up the service. Renee Behinfar, 43, recently visited and told the Post that she began to cry when the cow lay in her lap. People take an hour out of their day and find warmth and comfort from cuddling up to cows. Luna BeLou is pictured May People are signing up to hug cows at sanctuaries across the country, including Misty Kilgore-Benit, pictured, who are desperate for affection as the nation approaches a full year of social distancing during the pandemic Instagram user Moustache_Farmer People is one of those who signed up to hug cows The bovines like to amble on over to guests for hugs and cuddles 'It was really my first real hug of the year,' said Behinfar of her encounter with Sammy the cow, who had been rescued from a dairy farm. 'In the end, I really didn't want to let her go,' Behinfar added. Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary has about 100 rescued farm animals, many with disabilities, and is also experiencing remarkable demand this year. Its sessions, which also cost $75 an hour, are booked out until July. 'They're just like happy pills, just to be around,' owner Aimee Takaha told the Post. While Takaha has offered the sessions for five years, she said that she has received significantly more calls in the past year and now can receive up to 20 requests a day about the service. She told the Post that the nine cattle on her farm - including an Angus steer that was rescued from a ditch and Moonicorn, who has one eye and one horn - enjoy strolling over to hug visitors. Those cuddling up to cows like to take a selfie or two by which to remember the experience The cows like to roll over on their sides and rest their heads in people's laps Participants often become emotional during the activity with some even vowing to become vegetarian Takaha said that visitors often become emotional, especially as the cows lie on their side and put their heads in laps, and that some who take the session have decided to turn vegetarian after meeting with the animals. Jeannie Whalen, 76, said that she met with the cows when dealing with the grief of losing her husband in May. 'It brings a smile to my face and just a wonderful sense of awe,' she said. The Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Hawaii has been offering the sessions for three years now, even giving guests the chance to book the experience through Airbnb. The farms are big enough for people to find their own bit of space and hug a cow Rugs are provided for people to sit down and nestle up against a huge furry cow Some people decide to keep wearing face masks to prevent any coronavirus transmission to animals One man is pictured hugging a cow at a sanctuary in Arizona Owner James Higgins has 67 cattle living on 40 acres of land on the Big Island, and also charges $75 an hour for sessions. Higgins, 30, told the Post that his cows love to lie down beside visiting humans. 'The people seem to love it, and the cows seem to love it,' he said. Higgins described it as an 'extremely soothing effect' to lie down with the 1,500-to-2,000-pound animals. 'They're very big,' visitor Deirdre Roney said of the cows. 'There's an intimidation factor there, but at the same time, it was a letting-go kind of experience.' The cow farm in New York is booked until May as people look to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature to de-stress People are allowed to get up close and personal with the cows allowing them to give them big hugs Participants take time to snap a selfie alongside their furry friends 'It's just really sweet and peaceful,' she added of the moment her fear evaporated and she hugged one of the cows. Higgins, who is of the Hare Krishna faith, a branch of Hinduism, explained that within his religion, cows have been revered for thousands of years. He said that it motivates him to care for the cows but that he also bonds with his guests over the experience. 'It's always an amazing experience,' he said. 'I feel like I'm best friends with the people afterwards.' Cow cuddling is just the latest in animal-related wellness trends. Several years ago, goat yoga became all the rage, with fitness fans signing up for yoga classes in which goats walked around and might even climb onto participants. Sometimes the cows appear to take quite an interest in the cellphones being used For some people it is everything they craved having endured a pandemic full of isolation Photo: (Photo : Taylor Wilcox / Unsplash ) New discoveries on the case of the beheaded teacher in France helped shed light on what may have caused the tragedy. Samuel Paty was beheaded by 18-year-old Abdullakh Anzorov, a refugee Islamist terrorist who was also shot dead during the attack. The murder happened just outside Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a school near Paris. Anzorov filmed the gruesome act and posted the video online to fellow ISIS supporters. ALSO READ: 2nd Graders Hilariously Try to Behave After Teacher Drops Out of Zoom Call Online Outrage May Have Lead to Killing of Beheaded Teacher Ten days before the attack, Brahim Chnina posted a video criticizing the history teacher branding him as a "thug." Chinina is the father of one of Paty's students. The unnamed student had told her father that Paty got her suspended for not leaving the classroom along with the other Muslim students when their teacher asked them to. According to a video Chnina posted on social media, Paty allegedly asked, "Who are Muslims, raise your hands?" and proceeded to ask them to go out of the classroom. When the student allegedly asked the teacher why, Paty was supposed to have answered that he will show images to the class that may shock them. Further, the student told her dad that Paty showed them a picture of a naked man and told them it was the Muslim Prophet. It is believed that any image of the Prophet is considered blasphemous. Chnina had also filed a legal complaint against Paty. In the complaint and video posted on social media, the father identified Paty as well as the school. He has since been arrested due to suspicion of being complicit in the terrorist killing. Prosecutors revealed there was a direct causal link between the incitement done online and Paty's murder. ALSO READ: Teacher Mom Pumping at Work Gets Criticized by Co-Worker French Schoolgirl and Classmates Reveal What Happened Students from Paty's class testified that their teacher had not asked anyone to leave. Rather, the teacher suggested that should they find the images shocking, they may close their eyes, RFI reported. Further, the student herself whose dad posted the video in anger at the teacher admitted she made false claims, BBC reported. Apparently, she was not even in class on the day the teacher showed the published caricatures of Charlie Hebdo. The student had previously been suspended the day before due to repeated absences from school. In a testimony, the student admitted she did not see the pictures, "It was a girl in my class who had showed them to me." ALSO READ: Punishing Your Child for Lying Can Cause Them to Lie More, Study Says The student has since admitted to making up the story. Investigators believe she did it to prevent disappointing her father. She has since been charged with slander. Meanwhile, her lawyer, Mbeko Tabulo argued that it is the father's "excessive and disproportionate behavior" which is to blame. The family lawyer handling Paty's case, Virginie Le Roy, also believes that the father is now saying sorry for believing in his daughter's lies is rather weak. Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said on the question of the country's safety and security, the Congress party, Trinamool Congress and the Opposition sided with the terrorists and an attempt was made to break the morale of the police with respect to the heinous act of terrorism committed in Delhi. A day after a Delhi court convicted an Indian Mujahideen operative Ariz Khan in Batla House encounter, Ravi Shankar Prasad pointed that after the encounter, Congress leaders Digvijay Singh and Salman Khursheed, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Left parties as well as the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party had termed the encounter as staged by the police and called it fake. "Now when the country's court has given its verdict of finding these terrorists guilty and sentenced him based on more than 100 witnesses, scientific evidence, and medical evidence, will all these parties apologise to the nation," he questioned'. Ravi Shankar Prasad further stated that according toSalman Khursheed, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had tears in her eyes after hearing about the killing of the terrorists in the Batla House encounter. "Is Sonia Gandhi still crying after the court found the Indian Mujahideen terrorist, Ariz Khan alias Junaid guilty? Now what will Sonia Gandhi say on the Batla House encounter," Prasad asked. Quoting a media report dated October 17, 2008, Prasad said, "Media report says that Mamta Banerjee had gone to Jamia Nagar and had said that the Batla House encounter was fake and that if it is proven that the encounter is not fake then she will quit politics. "The BJP wants to ask Mamata Banerjee, when is she quitting politics," Ravi Shankar Prasad asked. Prasad mentioned that besides the Batla House encounter case, Ariz Khan alias Junaid was also a conspirator in the Lucknow court blast case, Faizabad and Varanasi blasts, as well as in the blasts orchestrated in Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. "The Congress, Left parties, Mamtaji and the Samajwadi Party (SP) as well as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) made the Batla House encounter a national issue and tried to weaken India's fight against terrorism. Questions were also raised on the bravery and valour of the Delhi Police. Will India's fight against terrorism be weaken like this all the time in the name of vote bank politics," he said. "A coordinated and planned strategy against this terrorists, after the BJP formed the government at the centre under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Terrorist Ariz Khan was arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police from Nepal in 2018," Prasad said. (Newser) The COVID situation is grim in Brazil, as some new sets of numbers from the country's main health institute, Fiocruz, make clear. The BBC reports the country logged a record 1,972 COVID deaths Tuesday, pushing its total to 268,000that's No. 2 in the world. New cases jumped 38% from the Tuesday prior to 70,000-plus, an increase pegged to the spread of the P1 variant there, which is thought to be two times more transmittable and can possibly reinfect those who have already contracted COVID. The ICUs in 15 state capitals, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, are at more than 90% capacity, and those in two cities have hit 100%. Among the ominous quotes from Fiocruz epidemiologist Jesem Orellana: "Brazil is a threat to humanity." "The fight against Covid-19 was lost in 2020 and there is not the slightest chance of reversing this tragic circumstance in the first half of 2021." story continues below Vaccination figures are low, with just 4% of Brazilians having had their first shot. NPR reports that as of Tuesday the US' figure was 18.1%. As for how President Jair Bolsonaro is handling this situation, consider these remarks made last week after the country last Wednesday hit a then-high of 1,900 deaths. "Enough fussing and whining," Reuters quotes him as saying last Thursday. "How much longer will the crying go on? How much longer will you stay at home and close everything? No one can stand it anymore." Denise Garrett of Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington sees reason for fussing: "Brazil makes me extremely worried," she tells the Washington Post. "The country that doesnt control its outbreak is a risk for other countries in that its a breeding site for new variants." (Read more Brazil stories.) IceCube detection of a high-energy particle proves 60-year-old theory On December 6, 2016, a high-energy particle called an electron antineutrino hurtled to Earth from outer space at close to the speed of light carrying 6.3 petaelectronvolts (PeV) of energy. Deep inside the ice sheet at the South Pole, it smashed into an electron and produced a particle that quickly decayed into a shower of secondary particles. The interaction was captured by a massive telescope buried in the Antarctic glacier, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. IceCube had seen a Glashow resonance event, a phenomenon predicted by Nobel laureate physicist Sheldon Glashow in 1960. With this detection, scientists provided another confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics. It also further demonstrated the ability of IceCube, which detects nearly massless particles called neutrinos using thousands of sensors embedded in the Antarctic ice, to do fundamental physics. The result was published on March 10 in Nature. Sheldon Glashow first proposed this resonance in 1960 when he was a postdoctoral researcher at what is today the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he wrote a paper in which he predicted that an antineutrino (a neutrino's antimatter twin) could interact with an electron to produce an as-yet undiscovered particle--if the antineutrino had just the right energy--through a process known as resonance. When the proposed particle, the W- boson, was finally discovered in 1983, it turned out to be much heavier than what Glashow and his colleagues had expected back in 1960. The Glashow resonance would require a neutrino with an energy of 6.3 PeV, almost 1,000 times more energetic than what CERN's Large Hadron Collider is capable of producing. In fact, no human-made particle accelerator on Earth, current or planned, could create a neutrino with that much energy. But what about a natural accelerator--in space? The enormous energies of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and other extreme cosmic events can generate particles with energies impossible to create on Earth. Such a phenomenon was likely responsible for the 6.3 PeV antineutrino that reached IceCube in 2016. "When Glashow was a postdoc at Niels Bohr, he could never have imagined that his unconventional proposal for producing the W- boson would be realized by an antineutrino from a faraway galaxy crashing into Antarctic ice," says Francis Halzen, professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the headquarters of IceCube maintenance and operations, and principal investigator of IceCube. Since IceCube started full operation in May 2011, the observatory has detected hundreds of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and has produced a number of significant results in particle astrophysics, including the discovery of an astrophysical neutrino flux in 2013 and the first identification of a source of astrophysical neutrinos in 2018. But the Glashow resonance event is especially noteworthy because of its remarkably high energy; it is only the third event detected by IceCube with an energy greater than 5 PeV. "This result proves the feasibility of neutrino astronomy--and IceCube's ability to do it--which will play an important role in future multimessenger astroparticle physics," says Christian Haack, who was a graduate student at RWTH Aachen while working on this analysis. "We now can detect individual neutrino events that are unmistakably of extraterrestrial origin." The result also opens up a new chapter of neutrino astronomy because it starts to disentangle neutrinos from antineutrinos. "Previous measurements have not been sensitive to the difference between neutrinos and antineutrinos, so this result is the first direct measurement of an antineutrino component of the astrophysical neutrino flux," says Lu Lu, one of the main analyzers of this paper, who was a postdoc at Chiba University in Japan during the analysis. "There are a number of properties of the astrophysical neutrinos' sources that we cannot measure, like the physical size of the accelerator and the magnetic field strength in the acceleration region," says Tianlu Yuan, an assistant scientist at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center and another main analyzer. "If we can determine the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, we can directly investigate these properties." To confirm the detection and make a decisive measurement of the neutrino-to-antineutrino ratio, the IceCube Collaboration wants to see more Glashow resonances. A proposed expansion of the IceCube detector, IceCube-Gen2, would enable the scientists to make such measurements in a statistically significant way. The collaboration recently announced an upgrade of the detector that will be implemented over the next few years, the first step toward IceCube-Gen2. Glashow, now an emeritus professor of physics at Boston University, echoes the need for more detections of Glashow resonance events. "To be absolutely sure, we should see another such event at the very same energy as the one that was seen," he says. "So far there's one, and someday there will be more." Last but not least, the result demonstrates the value of international collaboration. IceCube is operated by over 400 scientists, engineers, and staff from 53 institutions in 12 countries, together known as the IceCube Collaboration. The main analyzers on this paper worked together across Asia, North America, and Europe. "The detection of this event is another 'first,' demonstrating yet again IceCube's capacity to deliver unique and outstanding results," says Olga Botner, professor of physics at Uppsala University in Sweden and former spokesperson for the IceCube Collaboration. "IceCube is a wonderful project. In just a few years of operation, the detector discovered what it was funded to discover--the highest energy cosmic neutrinos, their potential source in blazars, and their ability to aid in multimessenger astrophysics," says Vladimir Papitashvili, program officer in the Office of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation, IceCube's primary funder. James Whitmore, program officer in NSF Division of Physics, adds, "Now, IceCube amazes scientists with a rich fount of new treasures that even theorists weren't expecting to be found so soon." ### The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is funded primarily by the National Science Foundation (OPP-1600823 and PHY-1913607) and is headquartered at the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, a research center of UW-Madison in the United States. IceCube's research efforts, including critical contributions to the detector operation, are funded by agencies in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. IceCube construction was also funded with significant contributions from the National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS & FWO) in Belgium; the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Germany; the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and the Swedish Research Council in Sweden; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Fund in the U.S. + info "Detection of a particle shower at the Glashow resonance with IceCube," The IceCube Collaboration: R. Abbasi et al. Nature Science contacts: Francis Halzen, IceCube Principal Investigator Hilldale and Gregory Breit Distinguished Professor of Physics Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison francis.halzen@icecube.wisc.edu Olga Botner, Former IceCube Spokesperson Professor of Physics and Astronomy Uppsala University olga.botner@icecube.wisc.edu Lu Lu, analysis lead Assistant Professor of Physics Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison lu.lu@icecube.wisc.edu Tianlu Yuan, analysis lead Assistant Scientist Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison tianlu.yuan@icecube.wisc.edu Christian Haack, analysis lead Postdoc Technical University of Munich christian.haack@icecube.wisc.edu This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Passion Capital, one of the UKs first early-stage VCs, is to crowd-fund the final stage of its latest 45 million fund ($62.5m), Passion Capital Fund III. TechCrunch understands this is the first time retail investors have been invited to become LPs in a VC fund, at least in Europe. Passion says it will use the Seedrs platform, which is normally used by startups themselves for crowd-equity funding campaigns. The move is a highly unusual one for a VC, where LPs are normally drawn from Pension funds and family offices, rather than the person on the street. Seedrs was previously used by the Seedcamp venture accelerator in the UK to allow its founders to participate in a fund-raise, but this was allocated privately. Whats different about Passions move is that almost anyone will be able to become an LP in their new fund, albeit even a very small one. A 350,000 allocation will be made available to the public. The offer may well prove tantalizing to retail investors as their single investment would be applied across a range of startups rather than through the direct single company investment traditionally made via Seedrs. Any investors who self-certifies as 'high net worth' or 'sophisticated' will be able to invest in the fund. Passion Capitals portfolio of 83 tech investments is worth an estimated 5 billion and includes Monzo, GoCardless, Butternut Box, Adzuna, and Marshmallow. Passion says it has already made 11 new investments from Fund III, which investors via the Seedrs platform will automatically become a part of, with a further 15-20 new investments planned. Eileen Burbidge, Passion Capital partner said in a statement: Investment into a private venture fund is usually reserved for institutions. We are throwing our doors open to a much wider range of investors in this unique collaboration with Seedrs as we look to diversify our investor base and increase access for investors who might be interested in partnering with us. Story continues Jeff Kelisky, CEO at Seedrs, added: This is a very innovative collaboration for both the venture capital and the equity crowdfunding space It presents our community with another avenue to participate in SME equity finance that delivers additional investment opportunities and the potential for exceptional returns, beyond the direct investment campaigns we also run. Speaking to me in an interview, Burbidge added: Wed been seeing what's been happening in the States, with Angellist Rolling Funds and then the SEC expanding the definition of qualified investors, and, basically, this democratization of retail investors finally getting access to venture funds and to GPs. Its, kindve, breaking down these age-old dynamics of where institutional investors pick and choose these age-old fund managers, and the whole notion that venture has been this elite, inaccessible asset class for retail investors. Burbidge said she talked to Angellist about doing something similar in Europe and realized it wasnt legally possible right now, so she asked Seedrs, who confirmed they could do it. We closed the fund first in August 2019, it was 25 million, then August 2020 with another 20, so 45 million, which is the same size as our second fund. And during the pandemic. But, she says, after dealing with their LPs, they eventually found they had a 350,000 allocation left over, so this became the germination of the crowdfunding idea. I thought, we've got 350,000 left, why don't we crowd-fund it. This whole movement of letting retail investors get access to venture funds and invest - to get that exposure to a whole portfolio- I just think is a really good thing. I think it's great for everyone involved. Obviously, as long as they're educated and they know that capital is at risk and it's not pensioners putting their last savings in, and those usual kinds of warnings about crowdfunding. But I love the idea of people getting exposure to tech, and not having to do 150,000 as a minimum check. Although Burbidge declined to comment further on the subject, there is of course the implication that this allocation could be increased, if the crowd-funding takes off. She added: There's not a retail investor in the world who wouldn't want access to the latest Sequoia fund, or the Accel fund right or Andreessen Horowitz funds we think it's great to give retail investors exposure to a portfolio. I think it'd be great if more funds did it. Burbidge believes actions like Passion's will "increase the diversity of the LP base. It increases inclusion and gives people more access. It just creates more participation and breaks down the old barriers. We'll have the Seedrs platform for Q and As. It is going to be up to us how much we want to engage with that community, the same as Monzo does with its crowdfunded investors. Monzo holds a public event every year for all of its crowdfund investors. I would love to do an event it'd be great to meet people who have invested in this fashion." 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). The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Friday, March 5 8:23 p.m. Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Homer Township. 4:46 p.m. A deputy responded to a Jasper Township location for a 54-year-old man reporting a 47-year-old man had driven a tractor through his farm field and damaged his crops. The estimated value of the damaged crops was about $1,500. The deputy spoke with the 47-year-old, and he was escorted from the property. The complainant did not want to press charges and requested the incident be documented. 2:32 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash causing injuries in the area of Eastlawn Drive and Washington Street. 2:22 p.m. Officers responded to a retail fraud in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard. 1:34 p.m. Officers responded to a report of malicious destruction of property in the 300 block of East Larkin Street. 1:10 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 1300 block of Eastlawn Drive. 1:04 p.m. Deputies responded to a criminal sexual conduct incident that had occurred at a Homer Township residence to two girls, aged 12 and 14 years old, five years prior. Deputies interviewed the parents of the girls, and were told a cousin was the suspect. The report was forwarded to the Detective Bureau for further investigation. 12:12 p.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Airport Road and Sturgeon Road. 11:46 a.m. A Coleman service station reported a black SUV failing to pay for $30.23 in fuel. There was a 35-minute delay in reporting the incident, and no license plate information was obtained. 8:21 a.m. Officers responded to a car-deer crash in the area of South Saginaw Road and East Gordonville Road. 6:01 a.m. A deputy was dispatched to a Warren Township residence to complete a car-deer crash report that occurred in Warren Township earlier in the morning. 5:37 a.m. A deputy responded to a car-deer crash in Hope Township. 1:27 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to Mills Township in reference to a verbal dispute between a 34-year-old woman and a 31-year old man. While investigating this, the woman disclosed a prior incident of domestic violence. Both parties were separated for the night. A report is being sent to the PAO for the prior incident. Thursday, March 4 11:14 p.m. Deputies made a traffic stop at a Greendale Township location for a defective headlight. It was discovered the 22-year-old male passenger had multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested on a felony warrant out of Saginaw. The man was turned over to the Saginaw Police at a Freeland location. The driver was given a warning for the defective headlight. 9:47 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to the Women's Health Center in reference to a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in Lincoln Township. Deputies met with the 24-year-old victim and her mother. The victim advised she was possibly sexually assaulted after blacking out at a bonfire in Lincoln Township. A report will be sent to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review. 9:37 p.m. Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in the Village of Sanford. 9:11 p.m. A 72-year-old woman called to report that she received a phone call from someone stating her social security number was compromised and that she had a warrant for her arrest. The woman did not give out any personal information and contacted 9-1-1. 8:45 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to speak with a 25-year-old woman in reference to her 25-year-old husband posting things on Facebook stating she had an affair with another man. Deputies made contact with the man, who agreed he would stop talking about his wife. The woman was informed on how to obtain a Personal Protection Order. 7:46 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to Ingersoll Township to assist the Michigan State Police with a domestic assault between two brothers, aged 16 and 14 years old. 4:51 p.m. A 60-year-old woman came to the Law Enforcement Center to report a fraud complaint. She advised that she applied for a loan online, but fell victim to a scam. She lost a total of $1,000. 12:05 p.m. A woman visiting a friend was bitten by the homeowner's dog as she left the Homer Township residence. An isolation notice was issued to the owner. 8:06 a.m. A deputy responded to a car-deer crash in Larkin Township. 7:52 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Larkin Township residence for a reported vehicle theft. Deputies made contact with a 33-year-old Larkin Township woman, who sad her vehicle had been taken. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the caller was behind on payments and the vehicle was repossessed by the financial company. The caller was told the incident was a civil matter and she needed to contact the civil courts. 7:22 a.m. Officers responded to a car-deer crash in the area of South Saginaw Road and Salzburg Road. 3:42 a.m. Officers performed a warrant arrest on a suspect resisting arrest and in possession of heroin and crack cocaine in the 2600 block of Abbott Road. Local Journalism Initiative Later this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet his G7 colleagues with an unenviable climate record on the books. Canada has had the highest emission growth of its peers since the Paris Agreement was signed. From 2016 to 2019, Canadas emissions leapt 3.3 per cent, according to a new report authored by earth scientist David Hughes and co-published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Corporate Mapping Project, the Parkland Institute, Stand.earth, West Coast Environmental Law and 350.org. That emission creep is far more than the United States 0.6 per cent growth over that same period, and represents a major failing compared to the other five G7 countries, which managed to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 4.4 per cent to 10.8 per cent. We have politicians that are trying to please everybody and are making totally counter-productive policy decisions, said Hughes, calling it a stark contradiction between government priorities, which are building the Trans Mountain Expansion to the coast (and) reducing emissions by 40 per cent by 2030. Its going to lead to continuous growth for as long as the resource inputs hold out, and then a crash, a very painful crash, he said. In late April, Ottawa committed to a 40 per cent GHG reduction from 2005 levels by 2030 at the same time it plans to grow the oil and gas sector that is responsible for a quarter of the countrys emissions. Despite the emission jump from 2016 to 2019, overall emissions are down 1.2 per cent since 2005, says Hughes. So we've got 39 per cent to go in nine years, he said, warning that the low-hanging fruit of phasing out coal is in the rearview mirror and the next phase of decarbonization will be even more challenging. Assuming the government continues to implement climate policies, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) forecasts the oil and gas sector will cause Canada to miss its Paris Agreement target of an 80 per cent reduction from 2005 levels by 2050, let alone the target of net zero proposed in Bill C-12. Even if you reduce emissions from every other sector of the economy to zero, we'd still miss an 80 per cent reduction target by 32 per cent in 2050, said Hughes. However, we claim that we're going to get to net zero by 2050, so the numbers just don't make any sense. The report notes that under CERs pipeline export capacity forecasts neither the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion or the Keystone XL pipeline are needed, and it calls for the cancellation of both and any other pipeline projects CER deems unnecessary. Further, it says if a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry is developed in British Columbia, the provinces CleanBC climate plan would be impossible to achieve. The CER estimates oil and gas exports will grow 42 per cent and 186 per cent, respectively, by 2050, with domestic demand falling over that time. Oil production is predicted to peak in 2039 and then fall through 2050. That forecast estimates all production growth occurring in Alberta and British Columbia, at 13 and 146 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, the CERs modelling forecasts a 12 per cent decline in production in Saskatchewan and a staggering 99 per cent drop in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the modelling does not take into account Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Fureys recent attempts to attract new exploration to that provinces offshore, nor tentative plans swirling on the island to use hydropower from Labradors Churchill River to power offshore oil rigs. Clearly if Canada is to have any hope of meeting its emissions-reductions targets, the oil and gas production sector will have to reduce emissions to a level far below what is projected in the CER evolving scenario, reads the report. The only way this can be done is to radically reduce production, and cutting production will have economic impacts. The oil and gas sector represents about nine per cent of total GDP and is essentially the countrys dividing line between which provinces are making GHG progress and which arent. The oil- and gas-producing provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador all saw emissions climb from 2005 to 2019, while Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island all saw emissions fall significantly, largely owing to the phaseout of coal-fired plants. While Ottawa sets new GHG reduction targets, the report highlights that since 2000, fossil fuel companies have extracted more and paid less for it. Over that time, royalty revenue is down 45 per cent despite record production, and tax revenues from the oil and gas sector have fallen to less than four per cent in 2018 of all industry taxes, compared to over 14 per cent in 2009. These cuts represent billions of dollars of lost revenue. Hughes says the reason for lower collection is due the price of oil dropping and government incentives to encourage more drilling. Because Canada has heavy energy demands in winter not easily satisfied by existing renewable power, Hughes says the country will depend on oil and gas to some extent for the foreseeable future, which is why hes against selling the resources off for diminishing returns. It is cold up here, likely we are going to need some of that gas and some of that oil, and it's finite and industry always takes the best stuff first We're selling off the best of what we have left, destroying our emissions targets and getting nothing for it, he said. John Woodside, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, National Observer Chinese soldiers from the People's Liberation Army wear protective masks as they march after a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Oct. 23, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Xi Orders Chinas Military to Strengthen Combat Readiness Chinese leader Xi Jinping is telling Chinas armed forces to focus on strengthening its combat readiness over the next five years because of domestic and international uncertainties. In a March 9 address to delegates during Beijings annual legislative sessions, Xi, who heads the Central Military Commission, said that ensuring its armed forces are prepared for war should be the nations leading military objective. The current security circumstances of our country are largely unstable and uncertain, he said. He instructed the armed forces to heighten their sense of urgency and hurry up to accomplish the annual military objectives as outlined in the 14th Five Year Plan, the countrys latest policy roadmap. Introduced in Beijing on March 5, the proposal calls for the cooperation between the military and civilians, or what it termed civil-military fusion, to equip the armed forces with artificial intelligence-powered weapons and other cutting-edge technologies. The Chinese military as a whole must make ready to meet with various complex and difficult circumstances, and resolutely defend national sovereignty, safety, and development interests, Xi said. His order expands upon his January command, in which he called on the regimes military to focus on preparing for war, deepen the transformation of military training, build a new type of military training system, and comprehensively improve the level of combat training and ability to win. Years of continual spending growth have made China the worlds second-largest military spender after the United States. In a 2020 report (pdf), the U.S. Department of Defense described both the Chinese army and navy forces as the largest in the world, noting that the Chinese military, known as the Peoples Liberation Army, is developing capabilities to provide options for the [Peoples Republic of China] to dissuade, deter, or, if ordered, defeat third-party intervention during a large-scale, theater campaign. Over the coming year, Beijing plans to spend more than 1.38 trillion yuan ($212 billion), an increase of about 6.8 percent from 2020, according to Wu Qian, the spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of National Defense. In an interview with Chinese media on March 7, Wu justified the boost in military spending as necessary for both self-defense and protecting world peace, saying it was beyond reproach. Military delegates leave after Chinas rubber-stamp legislatures conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on March 8, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) China faces homeland security challenges that cannot be overlooked, Wu said, including rising hegemonism, power politics, unilateralismwording that Beijing frequently invokes when referring to the United Statesamong threats he said would undermine China. The world is far from peaceful, therefore our national defense must scale up, he said. While the Chinese regime has denied that its seeking to pursue hegemony, it has grown more aggressive in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Beijing is currently holding a month-long military exercise through March 31 in a zone with a radius of roughly 3.1 miles in the South China Sea, vowing that they will not lose an inch of the land that our ancestors left to us. Chinese warplanes have intruded into the air defense identification zone of Taiwan, a self-ruling island that the regime claims as part of its territory, on a near-daily basis since the start of this year. Last week, it abruptly banned the import of Taiwanese pineapple because of pests; more than 90 percent of Taiwans pineapple exports went to China last year. Wu, the national defense spokesperson, warned Taiwan in late January that independence means war. He reiterated the same position in the March 7 interview, saying that the Chinese Communist Party reserves the option to deploy all necessary measures to bring Taiwan under its fold, including using military force. Chinese diplomats have repeatedly called the regimes claim to Taiwan a red line issue that cant be crossed. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on March 7 told the Biden administration to undo former President Donald Trumps dangerous practice of supporting Taiwan, an action he said was playing with fire. Adm. Philip Davidson, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed concern that the Chinese military may be making vast advances in both its size and capabilities to supplant the United States on the world stage. He described the Indo-Pacific region as the most consequential region for Americas future, where the United Statess deterrence posture must demonstrate the capability, the capacity, and the will to convince Beijing unequivocally the costs of achieving their objectives by the use of military force are simply too high. Theyve long said they want to be that by 2050. Im worried about them moving that target closer, he said. London Police Officer Arrested in Connection With Disappearance of Sarah Everard A serving London police officer has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Sarah Everard, in a development described by senior officers as shocking and deeply disturbing. Everard, 33, was last seen a week ago, as she walked from a friends house in South London to her home near Clapham Common. On Tuesday night, the Met police announced that they had arrested one of their own in relation to her disappearance, along with a woman who is suspected of assisting an offender. The officer was not on duty at the time Everard went missing, police said. The arrest this evening is a serious and significant development, Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said in a statement. We will continue to work with all speed on this investigation but the fact that the arrested man is a serving Metropolitan Police officer is both shocking and deeply disturbing. I understand there will be significant public concern, but it is essential that the investigative team are given the time and space to continue their work. Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said it was a significant development in the investigation. We have seen an overwhelming response from the public and I repeat my request for anyone with information that may be relevant to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem, she said in a statement. Sarah Everard, wearing the coat she wore on the night she went missing. (Met Police) Police released another picture of Everard yesterday. They had previously released a number of other photos of the woman, taken on the evening by CCTV cameras and on previous occasions. Everards route home has been the focus of investigations, with police officers searching streets and nearby areas, including Clapham Common. Police say she had been at a friends house on the evening of Wednesday, March 3, before leaving at around 9 p.m. on what should have been a 50-minute walk to her home in Brixton via Clapham Common. She has not been seen or heard from since. She was last seen on CCTV around half an hour later walking in the direction of Tulse Hill. Police are encouraging motorists who passed through the area at that time to check their dashcam footage. We have seized a number of CCTV recordings but we know that there are likely to be many more out there, Goodwin said. Please, even if youre not sure, check your doorbell or CCTV footage just in case it holds a clue. Im also asking delivery drivers or anyone with dashcam footage who would have been in the Poynders Road area at approximately 21:30hrs on Wednesday to come forward. Reuters contributed to this report. Gov Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday revealed that he had a conversation with his three daughters about the sexual harassment claims against him as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the governor should resign immediately because his position is 'untenable'. The governor said he discussed the 'spectrum of allegations' with his adult daughters, Mariah, 26, Cara, 26 and 23-year-old Michaela, whom he shares with his ex-wife Kerry Kennedy. 'I told them what I told you-which is I never touched anyone inappropriately,' Cuomo said. 'I never made any inappropriate advances and no one ever told me that they felt at the time that I made them feel uncomfortable or awkward.' Meanwhile, de Blasio said during a press conference on Wednesday: 'My stance is that I don't see how the governor can continue to do his job. I think it has become untenable,' de Blasio said. 'I think more will come out still,' de Blasio said, adding that he believes people who were fearful of speaking out against the governor will come forward. 'A lot of people felt they could not speak up and now they feel they can speak up and I think you're going to see more,' de Blasio said. Scroll down for video Gov Andrew Cuomo (pictured) on Tuesday revealed that he had a conversation with his three daughters about the sexual harassment claims against him as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the governor should resign immediately because his position is 'untenable' The governor said he discussed the 'spectrum of allegations' with his adult daughters, Mariah, 26, Cara, 26 and 23-year-old Michaela (all pictured), whom he shares with his ex-wife Kerry Kennedy The governor's remarks were made on the same day as a sixth woman accused him of misconduct. The details of the allegations weren't immediately clear, but the Times Union of Albany reported Tuesday that the woman said Cuomo inappropriately touched her late last year at the governor's mansion, where she had been summoned to work. The newspaper didn't reveal her identity or detail what type of touching was alleged to have taken place. Reporters from the paper did not speak to the woman. The paper cited 'an official close to the matter' as confirming the existence of the complaint. A supervisor in the governor's office became aware of the new allegation over the weekend, the newspaper reported. The complaint was then reported to the governor's legal counsel and to the office of state Attorney General Letitia James, who is overseeing an investigation into Cuomo's workplace conduct. Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio (pictured) said during a press conference on Wednesday: 'My stance is that I don't see how the governor can continue to do his job. I think it has become untenable' When asked about the story in a news conference, Cuomo said: 'I am not aware of any other claim.' Speaking generally about sexual harassment allegations made against him, Cuomo told reporters: 'I never touched anyone inappropriately. As I said last week, I never made any inappropriate advances. As I said last week, no one ever told me at the time that I made them feel uncomfortable.' Cuomo's special counsel, Beth Garvey, also wouldn't confirm the existence of the complaint but said in a statement that 'all allegations that we learn of directly or indirectly are going promptly to the investigators appointed by the attorney general'. The attorney general's office declined to comment. Several women who worked in Cuomo's administration have said they were sexually harassed or subjected to demeaning behavior by the governor. Anna Ruch, 33, (right) claimed Cuomo behaved inappropriately at a Manhattan wedding in September 2019. Lindsey Boylan, 36, (left) claims Cuomo commented on her appearance inappropriately and kissed her without her consent Ana Liss, 35, (left) claims he subjected her to sexual misconduct during her time in his administration. Karen Hinton (right) claims the governor summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000 before she managed to escape Onetime aide, Charlotte Bennett (pictured), said the governor told her he was looking for a girlfriend, and asked her about her sex life and whether she would be open to a relationship with an older man A former economic development director, Lindsey Boylan, said Cuomo commented on her looks, summoned her to unnecessary meetings, joked that they should play strip poker and once kissed her on the lips at the end of a meeting. Onetime aide, Charlotte Bennett, said the governor told her he was looking for a girlfriend, and asked her about her sex life and whether she would be open to a relationship with an older man. Another former aide, Ana Liss, said Cuomo kissed her on the hand and cheek and made flirtatious comments that didn't initially bother her, but which she came later to see as patronizing and improper in a work environment. Karen Hinton, 62, spoke to the Washington Post on Saturday about about an incident in which Cuomo allegedly summoned her to his 'dimly lit' hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000. Hinton said that she tried to pull away from Cuomo but that he allegedly pulled her back and held her before she backed away and escaped the room. The governor's office quickly denied that the incident in the hotel room ever took place. Peter Ajemian, Cuomo's director of communications, told the Post that Hinton is a 'known antagonist of the Governor's who is attempting to take advantage of this moment to score cheap points with made up allegations from 21 years ago'. 'All women have the right to come forward and tell their story - however, it's also the responsibility of the press to consider self-motivation. This is reckless.' Anna Ruch, 33, who did not work for the state, described Cuomo putting his hands on her face and asking if he could kiss her after they met at a wedding. Cuomo has acknowledged asking people personal questions and teasing them in what he thought of as playful banter, and only later realized was making women uncomfortable. Over the weekend Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins became the first senior Democrat in New York to say the three-term governor should resign. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stopped short of demanding that Cuomo quit, but said in a statement that 'it is time for the Governor to seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York'. In a brief phone conversation Sunday prior to the press conference, Cuomo told Stewart-Cousins he wouldn't quit and they would have to impeach him if they wanted him out of office, according to a person who was briefed by someone on the call. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the call was intended to be private. Cuomo said the next six months will determine how successfully New York emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. 'I'm not going to be distracted because there is too much to do for the people,' he said, noting that the state must pass a budget within three weeks and administer 15 million more COVID-19 vaccines. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey is having ramifications across the world. The Duke and Duchess's sit-down is spurring debate about ditching the monarchy in countries that have Queen Elizabeth as their head of state. In Australia, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a well-known skeptic of the monarchy said the time was looming for a change. "Our head of state should be an Australian citizen, should be one of us, not the Queen or King of the United Kingdom," Turnbull told ABC TV on Tuesday, The Guardian reports. "We should be so proud of our country and our fellow countrymen and women that we should say only an Australian should be eligible to be our head of state. Only an Australian is eligible to be our prime minister, so why should it be any different?" he continued. CBS/Youtube Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Oprah Winfrey on CBS. Turnbull added that the Queen was still immensely popular, and that there are "frankly . . . more Elizabethans than there are monarchists," in his country. But when Prince Charles takes the throne, it will be time for a change. "After the end of the Queen's reign, that is the time for us to say OK, we've passed that watershed and do we really want to have whoever happens to be head of state, the King or Queen of the U.K., automatically our head of state?" Turnbull told ABC TV. RELATED: The Biggest Bombshells from Meghan and Harry's Oprah Interview Australia is a leading country of the Commonwealth, which is made up of 54 nations that either have the Queen, 94, as head of state or are closely linked to the U.K. The last time there was a referendum on the issue was in 1999 and it was rejected, with the "no vote" getting around 54 percent. In January, only a third of Australians favored a republic. Get the premiere issue of PEOPLE Royals for glamorous new photos and inside stories royals fans haven't seen or read elsewhere! Subscribe at peopleroyals.com/launch Story continues Anwar Hussein/WireImage Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the balcony of Buckingham Palace Apart from the U.K., the Queen is head of state of 15 countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia. One of the others, Barbados, will become a republic in November this year. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacina Ardern said that she doesn't detect "an appetite from New Zealanders for significant change to our constitutional arrangements," The Times reported on Wednesday. Australia's current Prime Minister Scott Morrison who replaced Turnbull in 2018 has not commented on the Oprah interview. Information Technology major on Wednesday announced the appointment of Pierre Bruno as chief executive officer for its Europe operations. The company expects Bruno to lead Wipros business in six distinct regions across Europe and claims that it is a bold indication of the firm's continued investment and focus on the European market, building on its momentum across the region in recent years. I am excited about the opportunity to lead Wipros operations in the European market which offers tremendous potential for growth. I look forward to furthering our commitment to European customers as they navigate their business transformation and continue to evolve and shift in a digital world, said Pierre Bruno. Pierre brings 25 years of experience in the IT Infrastructure consulting and Services sector. He has managed businesses in both hyper-growth environments and in engineering transformation. With his experience of leading large teams, Pierre is well-positioned to drive Wipros growth journey in Europe said Thierry Delaporte, CEO and managing director of Bruno joins from DXC Technology where he was Vice President and Managing Director of Southern Europe, responsible for all lines of business, including consulting, integration, apps, cloud and cyber security. Bruno also worked with Dell for 14 years in several roles across Asia Pacific, Japan, and EMEA. He played a key role in Dells transformation from selling hardware to becoming a major player in providing infrastructure solutions. He holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), with majors in Marketing and Econometrics from HEC Graduate School in Paris. He also has a Masters degree in Bio Engineering. Wipros European presence extends to six regions, comprising UK & Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Nordics, Benelux and Southern Europe, as well as three near-shore delivery locations and includes an array of marquee clients across industries, many of whom the company is helping to transform at scale. In its biggest acquisition so far, Wipro has recently acquired London-based Capco, a global management and technology consultancy, for $1.45 billion. Capco provides digital, consulting and technology services to financial institutions in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Now we know what Attorney General Jeff Landry was trying to hide when his office lied about a sexual harassment complaint against a key aide, and then sued the reporter trying to get hold of it. The complaint was released Monday by state District Judge Tim Kelley of Baton Rouge, who ruled correctly Friday in throwing out Landrys legal assault against reporter Andrea Gallo of The Advocate and The Times-Picayune. Kelley also ordered Landry to pay Gallos legal fees. The harassment complaint was made against Pat Magee, head of the criminal division in the attorney generals office. Gallo filed a public records request on Dec. 14, taking advantage of a right every Louisianan has under the state constitution. The appropriate response would have been for Landry to release the requested records and omit the names of the complainant and any victims identified in the document. Read the complaint against a top aide that Jeff Landry fought to keep from the public After Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry sued a reporter for The Advocate to conceal a sexual harassment complaint against a top deputy, a Landrys office lied about what was in the complaint, saying that redacting the names and other identifying details would result in so many erasures that the document that would be meaningless. He went to war against Gallo, filing suit against her and asking a judge to rule the complaint was secret, and make Gallo pay court costs. Kelley was wise to all that, and he took it upon himself to make the appropriate redactions and turn the complaint over to Gallo. And he acted quickly. The result was about three dozen small erasures from a complaint that stretches across four pages. What Kelley left in the complaint explains why Landry fought so hard to keep it under wraps. The complaint, filed Nov. 20, says that Magee wanted one woman attorney to be assigned to a trial because male jurors would want to have sex with her. Another attorney, he said, was not currently as pretty as she was in law school at age 20. The complainant also said Magee declined to promote a female attorney, and he would later express concern to me privately that he would not be able to control himself sexually if she worked that closely with him. Landrys office, in a statement, said it concluded that his conduct did not rise to the level of sexual harassment. But the attorney general decided Magee must have done something wrong, because he was suspended for 38 days and docked $20,000 in pay. Landry portrays himself as the states top lawman, and voters can decide for themselves what to make of the fact that all of this bad behavior occurred right under his nose, and of his conclusion that none of it amounts to sexual harassment. For our part, we can promise that our quest to get to the bottom of the case isnt over. Gallo has a pending request for documents that will show how the complaint was investigated. If Landry wants to sue her for filing that request, bring it on. The National Trust had to ask police to close roads near its properties because of an upsurge in visitors during lockdown. Heather McLachlan, the charitys Northern Ireland director, told the Assemblys Economy Committee the growing number of people at attractions such as Divis Mountain had also highlighted behavioural issues among those who were not regular visitors to the countryside. These problems include straying away from marked paths, networks and trails. Traffic is another major issue, especially with social distancing rules meaning that groups are unable to travel in the same car. There has been an increase in erosion around a number of sites... (but) parking and managing cars has been one of the biggest problems, Mrs McLachlan told the committee. One thing has been that police have had to close roads. I never thought wed be having to get police to close roads to access a beauty spot. Mrs McLachlan added it was important for the trust and tourism in general to focus on long-term sustainability, including addressing a lack of public transport to and from attractions. While she said Northern Ireland was truly blessed to have a large number of beauty spots people wanted to visit, she asked: How do we make sure we have the right transport to and from an attraction to make sure the experience isnt all about sitting in a car in a traffic jam? To cope with the flood of visitors, the trust introduced a booking system and one-way schemes. Last month, the PSNI and trust warned motorists and the public to stay away from Divis Mountain because of huge amounts of traffic and dangerous roadside parking. The trust additionally appealed for the public to exercise closer to home. The committee also heard from NI Tourism Alliance chief executive Joanne Stuart, who said she hoped for a strong summer tourism season this year, including a large number of visitors from the Republic. Lots of people come for one or two days and are not really helping the tourism economy if there are just having a day visit to the Giants Causeway and Titanic Belfast, she added. Rather than it being a day trip from Dublin, we need to (push for) longer visits and more clearly articulate that people can spend more time in Northern Ireland. Mrs Stuart also called for more clarity from the Executive around reopening dates and said attractions that were already open were drawing huge numbers of visitors. Im lucky to live near the beach, but I have to do my walk at 6.30am because it gets so busy during the day, she added. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed into law most of the Legislature-approved funding for various COVID-19 response and relief measures, but vetoed $652 million in spending and a tie-barred policy bill limiting the administrations authority to issue pandemic-related orders. The spending plan, the bulk of which comes from federal funds appropriated to Michigan by Congress, includes funding for vaccines, testing, direct care worker payments and property tax relief, as well as money for addressing learning loss and returning schools to in-person learning. I think its great news that weve been able to get some of the federal funding available to us appropriated, Whitmer said in a statement. However, the reality is that there is more work to be done and there are still billions of dollars in federal funding that we need to get out the door to help businesses and families across the state. Of the $4.2 billion plan passed out of the Republican-led Legislature, about $840 million in school funding included in 4048 was 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. And slightly more than $347 million in COVID-19 testing funds was tied to passage of 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. Senate Bill 1 hasnt made it to the governors desk yet. But Whitmer vetoed House Bill 4049 Tuesday, calling the legislation a reckless idea, poorly executed and poorly timed, and has indicated shes not supportive of signing legislation limiting her executive authority. Whitmer, who was not involved in negotiations on the package, called on the Legislature to work with her to ensure we maximize every penny that is available. Whitmer did not line-item veto the funding thats tie-barred to the policy legislation, but line-item vetoed $652 million in spending allocated by the Legislature that included a $150 million general fund deposit into the Unemployment Insurance Agency fund, $405 million in relief for property tax and fee relief for businesses, about $87 million in funds for non-public schools and $10 million for a summer school grant program. There were problems in the bills that I had to veto, and I expect the legislature to step up to fix the bill to allocate all of the money so we can get back to normal as soon as possible, she continued. Whitmer earlier this year issued her own $5.6 billion proposal for spending the funds that would have allocated all of the federal dollars without tie-bars to policy bills. Republicans have advocated for holding off on allocating all of the federal funds available, addressing pressing needs while saving some of the money for future use. Theyve also supported putting limits on the governors emergency powers due to ongoing objections to her administrations handling of the pandemic. In a statement following the vote, House Appropriations Chair Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, slammed the move as a message that Whitmer is killing off whatever hope struggling families and job providers had left. Overall this relief plan is not exactly what the governor wants or what the Legislature wants, but its what the people of Michigan need, he said. I am deeply disappointed the governor has vetoed so much of it, but not surprised...Today was just the latest example of her misguided priorities and thousands of Michigan families will suffer because of it. Senate Appropriations Chair Jim Stamas, R-Midland, echoed those sentiments, noting that he hopes the governor will work with the Legislature on how best to spend the remaining funds instead of just asking us to give her a blank check. I am disappointed the governor chose keeping her absolute power over getting more federal money out to our schools and providing relief to struggling small businesses, he said in a statement. We worked hard to put together a responsible bipartisan plan for effectively using the federal COVID-19 funding to meet our states most critical needs, and I am glad the governor has agreed to help get more people the lifesaving vaccines, increase testing, provide vital rental assistance and support our direct-care and front-line workers, he continued. State Budget Director David Massaron also sent a letter to the appropriations chairs in the House and Senate Tuesday, asking for a joint meeting no later than Friday, March 12 to formally negotiate on allocating the more than $2 billion in federal funding still available to Michigan. Related coverage: Whitmer signals vetoes likely on parts of COVID-19 relief plan that limit executive powers COVID-19 aid, confidentiality agreements, guns and LGBT rights: The week in Michigan politics Michigan House clears $4.2B COVID-19 spending plan, ties some funds to limits on health departments authority Michigan Senate approves $1.9 billion for vaccine distribution, direct care worker payments, school aid Whitmer vetoes bills that would limit public health orders and repeal governors emergency powers Paris, TX (75460) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Amaravati, March 10 : Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan and his wife Suprava Harichandan cast their votes for the first time in the state on Wednesday in the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation elections. The Harichandans exercised their franchise at the CVR GMC High School opposite the city Civil Courts Complex near the Raj Bhavan as scheduled. Likewise, actor-politician and Jana Sena Party (JSP) founder, Pawan Kalyan, cast his vote in Vijayawada for the first time in the local body elections at the Patamata Lanka polling booth. Former JSP leader V. V. Lakshminarayana exercised his franchise in Visakhapatnam. He cast his vote as a 22nd division voter in Andhra University polling booth. Kurnool District Collector G. Veerapandian said the urban local bodies in the district witnessed an overall polling percentage of 48.8 by 3 p.m. Kurnool Corporation recorded 42.3 per cent polling by that time, followed by Nandyala (55.6 per cent), Adoni (42.5 per cent), Yemmiganur (60.4 per cent), Dhone (50 per cent), Atmakur (64.3 per cent), Allagadda (72.1 per cent), Nandikotkur (71.1 per cent) and Gudur (79.4 per cent). In Ananthapuram district, 11 municipalities recorded overall polling of 45.4 per cent by 1 p.m. By the same time in Vizianagaram urban local body, there was a polling percentage of 41.5 per cent, Parvathipuram (52.3 per cent), Bobbili (54.8 per cent), Saluru (52.2 per cent) and Nelimerla (56.7 per cent). You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Hanoi Vice Chairman Chu Xuan Dung has agreed with the proposal of Hoan Kiem district to reopen Hoan Kiem pedestrian street from March 12. The Huong (Perfume) pagoda will also open one day later. Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung. At the meeting of the Hanoi steering committee for Covid-19 epidemic prevention on Monday, Vice Chairman Dung said that based on the general situation in the country and Hanoi in particular, the risk of an outbreak returning in Hanoi will remain high in the coming time. Dung pointed out several reasons: illegal migrants; the entry of foreign experts; and the current outbreak in Hai Duong province. Dung told local officials preventing epidemics is a top priority. Local agencies were requested to ensure local peoples awareness and vigilance against COVID-19. Local organizations, enterprises, and agencies must continue to strictly follow the 5K recommendation, and make medical declarations via QR Code. Relevant bodies must regularly inspect public sites and hospitals, and strictly handle violations. Local police agencies must strictly punish illegal migrants. Vice Chairman Dung agreed with the proposal of Hoan Kiem district to reopen Hoan Kiem pedestrian street from March 12, on the condition of ensuring epidemic prevention. My Duc District Vice Chairman Dang Van Canh told the meeting that district authorities plan to re-open the Huong pagoda from March 13. Hanoi Vice Chairman Dung said that the city permitted reopening of relic sites from March 8. However, district authorities should base their decisions on their actual situation. Regarding vaccinations, Dung told districts to propose lists of people for vaccination in the first phase based on the spirit of fairness and transparency. The preservation and provision of vaccines must strictly be in line with the guidance of the Ministry of Health. In the first phase of vaccination, Hanoi will be allocated 8,000 doses of vaccine. The Department of Health plans to vaccinate 7,235 people who are at high risk of exposure to the disease. Vaccinations will be conducted from March 9-18. Those who are vaccinated during this phase include people working in health facilities who have direct contact with patients or suspected cases and those who participate in epidemic prevention activities. Huong Quynh Grant Shapps today hailed plans to cut Air Passenger Duty for domestic flights - but hinted that foreign travel costs might have to rise as a result. The Transport Secretary said the current system where return journeys within the UK could face a higher levy than trips abroad was 'bizarre'. In a round of broadcast interviews, he insisted the proposed overhaul would make sure people were not 'penalised' when traveling within the UK. But he added that APD would not 'collect any less' tax overall - suggesting other aspects will need to rise to offset any reduction. The comments came after Boris Johnson said he wanted to 'build back better' from the coronavirus crisis in a way that brings 'every corner of the UK closer together'. A consultation is being launched this spring on reforming air passenger duty a tax on passenger flights from UK airports in a bid to improve transport connecting all four nations. Grant Shapps said the current system where return journeys within the UK can face a higher levy than trips abroad was 'bizarre' In a round of broadcast interviews, Mr Shapps insisted the proposed overhaul would make sure people were not 'penalised' when traveling within the UK The Government will also commit 20million to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links and explore new requirements to offset emissions and decarbonise aviation. 'Boris' Burrow': The 10billion tunnel to connect Northern Ireland to the mainland 'Boris' Burrow' is the nickname for a 25-mile, 10billion, undersea tunnel that would link Stranraer in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland. Studies are currently being undertaken by the chairman of Network Rail, Peter Hendy, to find out if the 25-mile tunnel would be possible. A direct tunnel from Stranraer to Larne would have to cross Beaufort's Dyke - where 1.5million tonnes of munitions were dumped after the Second World War Mr Hendy has already met the Prime Minster to discuss his findings and his report is expected to be released within a matter of weeks. But The Times last week reported that officials at Number 10 decided the 25-mile tunnel idea may be impractical. Instead, officials have suggested three tunnels, starting from Stranraer, Liverpool and Heysham in Lancashire, could meet at a roundabout at the Isle of Man, before a tunnel stretched on to Larne. The roundabout could be dubbed Douglas Junction - after the island's capital, according to reports. A link between Scotland and Northern Ireland was first proposed by Boris Johnson during the Tory leadership race in 2018 in the form of a bridge. What we need to do is build a bridge between our islands, he declared, during an interview that was highly critical of Theresa Mays leadership. Why dont we? Why dont we? There is so much more we can do, and what grieves me about the current approach to Brexit is that we are just in danger of not believing in ourselves, not believing in Britain. Advertisement The money will be spent on exploring the development of projects including improved rail connectivity between the north coast of Wales and England; upgrading the A75 between Gretna, Dumfries and Stranraer; faster rail links from England to Scotland and rail improvements in south-east Wales. Speaking about the APD reform, Mr Shapps told Sky news: What this is about today is this bizarre situation where you pay less tax if you are flying to say London to Barcelona than you do if you are flying London to Edinburgh and back. Which is a somewhat bizarre situation. So what we have said today is we will carry out a consultation, we will look at how we can do this more fairly, and we will ensure that people are not penalised effectively for travelling within the UK, which is what we are talking about here as opposed to paying less when you travel abroad and come home, which does seem like its the wrong way round.' He added: We will make sure overall it doesnt collect any less tax, the system overall.' The move has been welcomed by the aviation industry. But the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said that cutting domestic flight duty 'flies in the face of the Government's climate commitments'. General secretary Manuel Cortes urged the Government to invest in 'truly green public transport', such as rail, which is the 'most effective intercity connection taking people to the heart of our towns and cities'. It comes as an interim report by Network Rail boss Sir Peter Hendy, who is conducting a review of union connectivity, was published assessing ways transport can better connect all parts of the UK. The report set out how a UK Strategic Transport Network would deliver the ambition upgrading direct transport links, reducing delays and stimulating growth across the four nations. In the report, Sir Peter said he has asked two experts to lead a 'discrete piece of work' to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. Former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee and Gordon Masterton have been tasked with leading the technical review into such a link, with the PM in the past repeatedly suggesting the idea of a connecting bridge. Mr Johnson said: 'It's now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together. 'We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map. 'This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road and I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country.' The Prime Minister is set to launch a consultation this spring on reforming the tax - on all passenger flights from UK airports He is set to announce a new 20million infrastructure fund. The money will be on top of the 10billion sidelined for the 'Boris Burrow' - an ambitious undersea tunnel connecting Larne in Northern Ireland to Stranraer in Scotland (pictured: A map showing the proposed link) Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson said the UK had suffered by not having a UK-wide transport strategy, and had instead lost out by leaving it to the EU under its TransEuropean Transport Network. 'The result is that the sinews of pan-UK transport have atrophied, with inadequate connections, needless bottlenecks and endless delays on the vital links between one part of the UK and another,' Mr Johnson said. He added: 'It's currently quicker to get a train from Cardiff to Paris than from Cardiff to Edinburgh. With some bypasses, better track and signalling, as Sir Peter believes, we could run services from Glasgow to London in about three hours, and carry more freight too. Sir Peter said: 'Devolution has been good for transport but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding. 'A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this, with its core objective centred around levelling up across the whole of the UK.' BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and assured her of support for Moldova's course toward pro-European reforms, German cabinet spokesman Steffen Seibert said. "The conversation focused on bilateral relations, internal political events in the Republic of Moldova, as well as measures to respond to the coronavirus pandemic," Seibert told reporters. Merkel "appreciated the desire for pro-European reforms" in the republic and said that "the Federal government will continue to support the course for reforms," he said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... AMHERST, Mass. Professor Edwin Driver arrived in Amherst in 1948 as one of the first Black teachers hired at a flagship state university in the country. But the 23-year-old sociology instructor at what would become the University of Massachusetts Amherst says he was denied pay raises for decades, despite being one of its most published professors. Driver and his wife, who was from India, also encountered roadblocks trying to buy a house in the mostly white college town. Their three children faced racism from neighbors and school officials alike. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Theres a lot of people in Amherst that have not gotten a proper share of things, the now 96-year-old professor emeritus said at his home in nearby South Hadley recently. I ended up being the lowest paid professor in the department, but also its most productive. Driver and other current and former Black residents may one day be compensated for their hardships. Amherst, some 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Boston, is among hundreds of communities and organizations across the country seeking to provide reparations to Black people. They range from the state of California to cities like Providence, Rhode Island, religious denominations like the Episcopal Church and prominent colleges like Georgetown University in Washington. The efforts, some of which have been underway for years, have gained momentum in the wake of the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd last May. President Joe Biden has even expressed support for creating a federal commission to study Black reparations, a proposal thats languished for decades in Congress. Kamm Howard, co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, said the wide-ranging approaches could provide models for a national reparations program. Hes also not surprised Amherst, long a liberal bastion, is tackling the issue. It validates that every community in America, no matter the size, is a microcosm of the broader problem, Howard said. Youre going to find these things, if you dig. Amhersts effort started with a petition launched last summer by two white yoga instructors, which led to a town council-approved resolution in December committing Amherst to a path of remedy for Black residents injured or harmed by discrimination and racial injustice. Michele Miller and Matthew Andrews, who led the petition effort as co-founders of the group Reparations for Amherst, said they wanted to provide something tangible and healing for local Black families amid nationwide protests and turmoil. They argue that Amherst, a college town of nearly 38,000 residents, didnt become more than 75% white and just 5% Black by accident. For decades, restrictive housing policies prevented Black families from purchasing homes in desirable parts of town, according to Miller and Andrews research. Black people were also shut out of jobs and educational opportunities at UMass Amherst, one of the states largest and most prominent institutions. As a result, the median income for Amhersts white families is more than two times that of Black families, and more than half its Black population lives below the poverty line. Amherst likes to think of itself as progressive, but that idealism isnt always borne out, Andrews said. The economic and social disparities are clear. Kathleen Anderson, a former president of the Amherst NAACP chapter, said shes encouraged that white residents initiated the reparations effort. But the next step needs to come from the Black community, she said. Anderson and other Black residents are taking part in virtual conversations this spring to talk about what reparations should look like. A former school committee member, Anderson would like to see the process address a broader, systemic need, such as racial disparities in the public schools. Black teachers, she said, have complained of racist harassment and hostile work environments for years. Reparations can be more than a check, Anderson said. Amilcar Shabazz, a professor of Africana studies at UMass, said hed like to see better recognition of the local Black community in town landmarks and monuments. Celebrated authors Chinua Achebe and James Baldwin both taught at UMass but arent recognized anywhere in town, he noted. We have a lot to talk about, he said. I wonder if the town is ready for this. Can these scars be healed? Can you put a price tag on trauma? Miller and Andrews, meanwhile, have looked to Evanston, Illinois as a potential model, inviting a leading alderman from that community to speak with Amhersts Black residents next month. The Chicago suburbs reparations fund, established in 2019, is focused on housing inequities, using a 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales to help Black residents with homeownership, including mortgage assistance and funding for home improvements. Driver believes the towns higher education institutions UMass Amherst, Amherst College and Hampshire College should be part of the solution because of the role theyve played in the towns racial divide. The three institutions expressed support for the towns effort in separate statements to The Associated Press, but stopped short of committing any resources. When he was hired, Driver was the first person of color to be employed in any capacity at university. By the late 1960s, UMass Amherst had just six Black faculty members and 36 Black students in a student body of nearly 17,000, according to university historical records. Driver said hed personally like to be compensated for years of being underpaid. He earned tenure in 1954, but remained the lowest paid professor in his department until the 1970s, when a new department head sought to rectify the imbalance. We are in a position of having to admit that Driver is an extremely impressive professional with an outstanding scholarly record whom we have not sufficiently recognized locally, wrote Thomas Wilkinson to other school officials in 1970. Driver continued to lead a distinguished career. The graduate of Temple and the University of Pennsylvania has written numerous books and is currently at work on another. He served as a visiting professor at UCLA and other top colleges. He even had stints as a United Nations advisor in Iran and consulted and taught in France, India and elsewhere. Throughout, Driver remained firmly rooted at UMass, where he retired in 1987. If reparations could make up the lost salary, I would appreciate it, Driver said. I would enjoy it. I would celebrate it, but I dont think thats going to ever happen. He hopes UMass can at least acknowledge the contributions pioneering Black professors made. Driver already has a spot in mind: his first office on campus, which was tucked in the basement by the furnace, in a place where the janitor didnt even bother to empty the trash bins. If they would rename that after me, Driver said. That would be the ideal reparation. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. CHICAGO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this global COVID-19 vaccine market report. The COVID-19 vaccine market is expected to register a growth rate of over 6% during the period 20212022. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: 1. APAC accounted for the major revenue due to the implementation of large-scale immunization programs being initiated by various countries, especially in China and India. The vaccination programs are being carried out in huge volumes to fully vaccinate all the citizens of respective countries. 2. Many vendors are focusing on developing and commercializing new vaccines such as mRNA-based, DNA-based, attenuated, protein-based, and antigen presenting cell vaccines as a solution to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Protein-based vaccines are accounting for around 30% of the COVID-19 vaccine pipeline. 3. COVID-19 vaccines requiring specialized storage facilities with subzero temperature, is seen as a major challenge in COVID-19 vaccine supply chain. Many developing and underdeveloped countries lack this infrastructure to store and distribute vaccines to the patients. Vendors and governments worldwide are prioritizing to improve the storage and distribution infrastructure for safe transport of COVID-19 vaccines. 4. Most of the approved and investigational COVID-19 vaccines need to be administered in two doses. However, Johnson & Johnson's one dosage COVID-19 investigational vaccine will be a game changer post-commercialization in the COVID-19 vaccines market. 5. Developed countries such as Canada, the US, the UK, and Germany have procured COVID-19 vaccines in surplus for their population. Owing to this, some developing and low-income countries are likely to get late access to the COVID-19 vaccines. 6. India has emerged as the new vaccine development and manufacturing hub as already Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are actively engaged in distributing millions of vaccine doses to various countries. The country already sent around 5.6 million doses of domestic COVID-19 vaccines to around 47 countries. 7. COVAX plans to supply 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021. They focus on providing dosage for at least 20% of the country population, to end the acute phase of the pandemic. COVAX has delivered more than 20 million doses in their first week of distribution. Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20222024 Market Dynamics Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by technology and geography Competitive Landscape 13 key vendors and 14 upcoming companies Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/covid-19-vaccine-market-size-analysis COVID-19 Vaccine Market Segmentation Protein-based vaccines constitute the highest COVID-19 vaccine market share as they contain the purified pieces of pathogen rather than the whole pathogen to trigger the immune response. In the absence of any significant adverse effect on the human body, these vaccines are likely to observe substantial growth during the forecast period. Viral-vector-based vaccines account for the second-largest market share. The availability of well-established vaccine manufacturing infrastructure, which can help developing an effective vaccine in a short period, is a significant factor contributing to the growth of viral-based vaccines. Whole virus is used as a weakened or deactivated form of the pathogen that triggers protective immunity. Sinopharm and Sinovac both use inactivated pathogens and therefore cannot infect cells and replicate but can trigger an immune response. COVID-19 Vaccine Market by Technology Vector-based Nucleic acid-based Protein-based Whole Virus COVID-19 Vaccine Market Dynamics In recent years, outsourcing manufacturing processes have experienced dramatic changes with a surge of consolidation among Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and vaccine developers. Most COVID-19 vaccine-manufacturing companies are outsourcing their manufacturing processes. This outsourcing process keeps vaccine developers mainly focus on vaccine development. Vaccine developers mostly focus on marketing and R&D activities, turning their CMOs into strategic manufacturing partners. CMOs are capitalizing on this to evolve from simple suppliers to large markets based on partnerships with vaccine developers. For instance, Pfizer partnered with BioNTec, where Pfizer investigates vaccine manufacturing, while BioNTech takes care of the distribution and R&D. Similarly, the Oxford Research Institute is involved in the R&D of the vaccine, and AstraZeneca contributed to the production, distribution, and marketing. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Faster Regulatory Approvals of COVID-19 Vaccine Rise in Number of COVID-19 Patients COVID-19 Vaccine Initiatives Emergence of Next-Generation Vaccine Platforms COVID-19 Vaccine Market Geography In 2021, APAC accounted for around 58% of the global COVID-19 vaccine market. Vaccination in countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Japan, and South Korea started in early 2021. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are the key major revenue contributors to the COVID-19 vaccine market in APAC. There is a large difference in the COVID-19 vaccination in APAC countries. China and India are leading the COVID-19 vaccine race in APAC. India has ordered more than 1.6 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines, whereas Vietnam has not yet made any COVID-19 vaccine deals with the vendors. Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand are focusing on producing their own vaccine shots domestically. 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Mail: [email protected] Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has apologised for claiming Sinn Fein does not have senior politicians who are Protestant. On Wednesday, he told RTE the party was sectarian. Violet-Anne Wynne represents Clare for Sinn Fein in the Dail. She said: I am a Protestant and am proud to be a Sinn Fein TD. @LeoVaradkar @RTENewsAtOne I am a protestant and I am proud to be a representative for Sinn FAin. Changing facts is not the change that people voted for!! Violet-anne Wynne TD (@WynneTd) March 10, 2021 She called on Mr Varadkar to apologise for his hurtful remarks. Mr Varadkar admitted he stood corrected. He had spoken on RTE Radios News At One programme. He said a united Ireland was a legitimate aspiration and one that I share with my party. He added: What I do have a problem with is Sinn Fein is an obstacle to Irish unity. They have a relationship with unionism that is one of mutual hostility, which is a big problem, and they are sectarian. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald responded: The religious beliefs or tradition of any TD (Sinn Fein or otherwise) is none of Leo Varadkars business. I was not aware of that. I stand corrected. Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 10, 2021 The Fine Gael leader later told RTE he did not make any remarks about Ms Wynne personally. I was unaware of her religious affiliation and I stand corrected. I fully retract my remark and apologise for any offence caused. A Sinn Fein organisation placed adverts in US newspapers on Wednesday urging the Irish Government to prepare and plan for a united Ireland. Half page adverts were appearing in the Washington Post and the New York Times, with full page colour advertisements in the Irish American newspapers the Irish Voice and the Irish Echo. The advert was taken out by Friends of Sinn Fein and called for a date to be set for a referendum on a united Ireland. Ms McDonald said Irish America had been central to the signing and safeguarding of the Good Friday Agreement. London: Newspaper editors are at odds over a claim by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that the British media is racist, as journalists of colour say Meghans experience reflects the depressingly familiar treatment the British press inflicts on people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Prince Harry and Meghan told Oprah in an interview broadcast on Monday in Australia that negative press coverage was driven by the new royals mixed race and had contributed to their decision to abandon the monarchy in 2020. Newspapers outside a store in London following the Oprah Winfrey interview. Credit:AP From the beginning of our relationship, they were attacking and inciting so much racism, Meghan said. She claimed this elevated the security threat against the couple and contributed to her suicidal thoughts. They did not offer specific examples, but Meghan noted the treatment of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was generally more positive. Over 600,000 people in Northern Ireland have now received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed the news during Wednesdays Covid-19 press conference. Covid-19 Press Update - Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann, Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Matt Wills, Head of Mass Testing in Northern Ireland, address the media. Posted by Belfast Telegraph on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 He added that the largest ever delivery of vaccines has now arrived here. I can also confirm that significant quantities of the vaccine have now arrived and are currently being distributed to GPs and it is the biggest delivery that we have received to date, said Mr Swann. Supplies to GPs had slowed up in recent weeks but thats all changing. The pace of the programme will accelerate and we will be announcing the next stage of the rollout early next week. Meanwhile, Mr Swann said it will be unfortunate and regrettable if the large gathering of Rangers fans in west Belfast on Sunday leads to an increase of Covid-19 infections. Read More Hundreds of the clubs supporters defied the health and safety regulations and descended on the Shankill Road to celebrate the Ibrox club lifting its first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years. The PSNI said those involved were in clear breach of the lockdown regulations and an investigation into the scenes is currently underway. Mr Swann said the gatherings should not have happened. He added that the argument should not descend into whataboutery as the rules are there to protect everyone in the community. Somebody arguing because somebody else broke the rules that its okay for us to do it, doesn't make sense, stated Mr Swann. Two wrongs dont make a right. Expand Close Rangers fans celebrate on the Shankill Road Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rangers fans celebrate on the Shankill Road This virus does not care what foot you kick with or what sport you follow. The potential of there being spreaders within that crowd, we will wait to see now over the next few days in regards to testing and our outbreak reports reporting by Public Health Agency. It will be unfortunate and it will be regrettable if that event does lead to an increase in Covid infections within that area. Northern Irelands Chief Medical Advisor Dr Michael McBride added that those partying in the Holyland area of south Belfast need to wise up and grow up. Read More People are still dealing with the consequences of Covid-19, he continued. There are eight families grieving today, there are many, many more people in hospital, there are family members who are concerned about the outcome for those individuals. Expand Close Dr Michael McBride PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Michael McBride Read More It comes after a further eight people in Northern Ireland died after testing positive for the virus. The total death toll in Northern Ireland now stands at 2,087. The eight deaths occurred in the 24 hours up to 10am on Wednesday. Another 147 new cases of the virus were also reported by the Department of Health. Some 1,216 positive cases have been confirmed in the last week, down from 1,423 in the previous seven days. There are currently 212 Covid patients in hospitals across Northern Ireland, with 29 in intensive care and 19 requiring ventilation. Hospitals are operating at 94% capacity. A total of 16 care homes are dealing with Covid outbreaks. Read More Meanwhile, a new dashboard launched by the Department of Health also gives an update on the number of vaccinations in Northern Ireland. As of 10 March there have been 648,028 total doses of the vaccine administered. 601,101 are first doses, while 46,927 are second doses. In the last 24 hours 6,898 vaccines have been administered. Follow below for live updates: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The U.S. Interior Department is appealing directly to the public for input on potential changes to policies governing leasing and permitting for oil and gas development on federal lands. The department will host a virtual forum March 25 with representatives from industry, labor, environmental groups and more to gather feedback for an interim report to be released this summer, the department said Tuesday morning. The report will include initial findings on the governments current energy programs and policies, with recommendations on ways to improve federal stewardship of public lands and waters as President Joe Bidens administration works to transition the country to a clean-energy economy, said Laura Daniel-Davis, Interiors principal deputy assistant secretary for land and minerals management. The federal oil and gas program is not serving the American public well, Daniel-Davis said in a statement. Its time to take a close look at how to best manage our nations natural resources with current and future generations in mind. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Environmentalists welcomed the announcement as a sharp break from the past, allowing the public to weigh in on federal policies they say have, until now, been developed largely by industry lobbyists and Washington, D.C., insiders. Those groups will push for wide-ranging changes, including higher royalties and fees on oil and gas development, more land put into conservation or dedicated to outdoor recreation and renewable energy, and more industry accountability for impacts on the environment and public health, said Mary Greene, public lands attorney for the National Wildlife Federation. Were very happy the Interior Department is reaching out to hear from a diverse set of stakeholders, Greene told the Journal. Its a nice change. We havent seen real public engagement on these issues in years. New Mexico Oil and Gas Association Executive Director Ryan Flynn said that producers will likely disagree with many changes pushed by environmental groups but that theyre open to dialogue. Changes in government administrations bring changes in policy, and thats expected, Flynn told the Journal. Communication, discussion and transparency were all for it. Thats a good thing. Industry response In fact, industry is generally not concerned about a pause on new leasing activity on federal lands which Biden ordered in January to give Interior time to fully review policies and regulations going forward as long as its a short-term action that ends in a few months. If that order goes on for a long time, say a year or more, it could create major issues, Flynn said. But for now, its not really a concern. However, a separate Interior Department order in January that prohibits local Bureau of Land Management officials from issuing new federal drilling permits for 60 days is creating major disruptions in New Mexico operations, Flynn said. Producers worry that order could extend beyond 60 days. And its already impacting daily operations, because BLM officials must now send simple requests, such as right-of-way approvals needed for existing permits, to Washington, D.C., for processing. Flynn said the government should immediately rescind the restrictions on BLM authority. The Interior Department should be capable of doing two things at once: carrying out a pragmatic review that Biden has called for while at the same time continuing to do their job through BLM field offices, Flynn said. Those things arent mutually exclusive, and there are direct consequences for New Mexico from the Interior Departments order. Long-term impact As for Bidens policy review, New Mexico could face significant long-term consequences if leasing and permitting regulations are overhauled, because most oil and gas production here takes place on federal lands. The state accounts for 57% of all oil and 31% of all natural gas produced onshore on federal land in the U.S. And with about one-third of government revenue tied directly to the oil and gas industry, New Mexico could be hit hard by any major restrictions on access to federal lands in the long term. The Interior Department says that industry has stockpiled millions of acres of leases on public lands and waters but that the majority of those leases arent yet producing anything. Interior wants more public input on land management and leasing decisions, measures to address cleanup and remediation costs, and a fair return to taxpayers for use of public resources. Environmental and public advocacy groups have pushed for years to raise royalty rates for onshore oil and gas production on federal lands, which have been stuck at 12.5% since 1920, when the federal Mineral Leasing Act was approved. That compares with 18.75% the federal government charges on offshore production. The Washington, D.C.-based Taxpayers for Common Sense says the federal government would have earned about $12.4 billion more over the past decade if the land-based rate matched the offshore rate, including at least $5 billion more from production in New Mexico. And because states receive half of all royalty revenue, the state could have earned about $2.5 billion more over the same period. Environmentalists also want to raise land rental fees, minimum bid amounts to obtain leases, and bonding rates for cleanup and remediation. A number of bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress to do those things, some with bipartisan support. Industry says lower royalty rates and fees help compensate for higher costs of producing on federal lands because of regulatory burdens. The regulatory process, the number of hurdles, and the time it takes to develop operations on federal lands is much greater than on state or private lands, Flynn said. Meanwhile, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration has yet to publicly state its position on the issues. The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department asked Interior in February to clarify its recent 60-day pause on local BLM permitting authority, citing industry uncertainty caused by the order. EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst and staff from the governors office met virtually with Interior representatives Tuesday afternoon, but they didnt disclose conversation details. The meeting provided a productive space to discuss New Mexicos unique position as a major oil and gas producer on federal lands with a strong track record of success addressing climate change, EMNRD spokesperson Susan Torres told the Journal in an email. We appreciate the administrations willingness to work with New Mexico going forward. Editors Note: An earlier version of this story gave incorrect information about the amount of oil and natural gas New Mexico produces. The state accounts for 57% of all oil and 31% of all natural gas produced onshore on federal land inside the U.S. The story has been corrected. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II walks past Commonwealth flags displayed in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, Windsor, southeast England on March 5, 2021, to mark Commonwealth Day which is to be celebrated on March 8, 2021. (Steve Parsons / POOL / AFP) London: Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday responded to explosive racism claims from grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, voicing deep concern and sympathising with their troubles with royal life. "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," she said in a statement. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately." Buckingham Palace has come under mounting pressure to respond to the claims made in an Oprah Winfrey interview first broadcast on Sunday, which triggered a crisis unseen since the 1990s. It set off a whirl of speculation about the identity of the senior royal who asked how dark their child's skin would be before he was born. Meghan, whose mother is black and father is white, also spoke about how she had suicidal thoughts but failed to receive any support during her time in the royal family. The explosive racism claim has reportedly left the palace in turmoil and scrambling how best to address it. Prince Charles, Harry's father and the heir to the throne, earlier ignored a question about what he made of the interview during a public appearance. A YouGov poll of 4,656 people after the interview aired on British television on Monday indicated almost a third (32 percent) felt the couple was unfairly treated, the same proportion as those who thought the opposite. Blowing up his family Harry and Meghan's claims have brought global attention on one of Britain's most prominent families. Attempts have been made to draw in Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has himself been accused of racism. But he refused to comment, even as political calls mounted for a full inquiry and the White House and former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton spoke out. The crisis engulfing the royals has for many brought back memories of the very public collapse of the marriage of Harry's parents. His mother, princess Diana, collaborated with the author Andrew Morton in a revealing 1992 biography and gave a bombshell BBC television interview in 1995. In it, she said both she and Prince Charles had been unfaithful, that he was unfit to be king, and that she struggled with self-harm and bulimia. Meghan's estranged father Thomas Markle has defended the royals, saying he hoped the skin tone comment was "just a dumb question". "It could just be that simple, it could be somebody asked a stupid question, rather than being a total racist," he told Britain's ITV. Millions of views Over 17 million viewers watched Winfrey's two-hour interview with Harry and Meghan on US broadcaster CBS on Sunday night. More than 11 million people then tuned in to watch it in full on Britain's ITV, the channel said. The couple quit royal life last year and now live in California with their young son, Archie, and are expecting their second child, a daughter, this summer. Harry, 36, has admitted his mother's 1997 death in a high-speed car crash as she tried to flee paparazzi photographers affected his mental health and his view of the media. He and Meghan, 39, have accused newspapers of racial stereotyping, particularly set against coverage of Harry's sister-in-law, Kate, who is white. Global impact? Their comments about the strictures of royal life and claims of unwavering attitudes have wider implications for the monarchy itself and its role in the 21st century. Breakfast TV presenter Piers Morgan, who accused Meghan of fabricating the claims, quit his show Tuesday, after more than 41,000 complaints about his comments to the regulator. Neither the queen nor husband Prince Philip made the racist comment, Winfrey told CBS. But it could still be damaging as the monarch is head of the Commonwealth, an organisation comprising 54 mainly former British colonies, many of them in Africa. Mass immigration has transformed Britain under Elizabeth II's reign, with a rising number of people defining themselves as British-Asian, black-British or of mixed race. And while press and commentators have expressed shock and outrage over claims of racism in the royal family, one woman who identified as mixed-race told AFP in south London's Brixton she was "not actually surprised". "I'm happy the truth was told and I think it was a long time coming," the woman, who gave her name as Rroutes, said. Another Brixton local said Meghan's comments highlighted unresolved issues with racism in Britain and the broader western world. "Seeing Trump, seeing Brexit, just seeing everything that was maybe what people think was beneath the surface but it has always been there and now it is being exposed," David Perry said. Harry himself used a racist slur against a former military colleague and was once pictured wearing a Nazi soldier's uniform at a fancy-dress party. But he has said meeting Meghan had made him confront the issue, and he is now championing projects to tackle racism. Herzlia, Israel and Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTC Pink: INNPF) (the "Company" or "Innocan") filed an international patent application for a novel cannabis-based Anti-itch treatment. The composition is comprised of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a cannabinoid and active ingredients to aid in the relief of itching associated with insect bites, rash, cuts, burns or by exposure to various allergens. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6922/76622_be2a989bf4b118e3_002full.jpg "The Pruritus Therapeutics Market is estimated to account for over USD 19.10 Billion by 2027 from USD 11.77 Billion in 2019, registering a CAGR of approximately 6.2% through the forecast period. The Pruritus Therapeutics Market is poised to be driven by the growing prevalence of skin diseases," according to a report issued on August 2020, 2020, by Reports and Data. Innocan Pharma believes that it's expanding intellectual property portfolio of cannabis-based products to be a source of both potential breakthroughs in skin therapy and for further opportunities across a broad spectrum of inflammatory indications with currently unmet medical needs. Iris Bincovich, CEO, said: "This is another demonstration that Innocan's science-based approach quickly leads to actionable intellectual property. Innocan's R&D is consistently developing new solutions for the well-being of patients by establishing an unrivaled line of medical products through the integration of CBD, based on Innocan's exclusive intellectual property. We plan to launch the Anti-itch Spray in H2 in the EU and the US markets, following a clinical study." About Innocan The Company, through its wholly owned Israeli subsidiary, Innocan Pharma Ltd. ("Innocan Israel"), is a pharmaceutical tech company that focuses on the development of several drug delivery platforms combining cannabidiol ("CBD"). Innocan Israel and Ramot at Tel Aviv University are collaborating on a new, revolutionary exosome-based technology that targets both central nervous system (CNS) indications and the COVID-19 Coronavirus using CBD. CBD-loaded exosomes hold the potential to help in the recovery of infected lung cells. This product, which is expected to be administrated by inhalation, will be tested against a variety of lung infections. Innocan Israel signed a worldwide exclusive license agreement with Yissum, the commercial arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to develop a CBD drug delivery platform based on a unique-controlled release liposome to be administrated by injection. Innocan Israel plans, together with Professor Berenholtz, Head of the Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research of the Hebrew University, to test the liposome platform on several potential indications. Innocan Israel is also working on a dermal product that integrates CBD with other pharmaceutical ingredients as well as the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals, including, but not limited to, topical treatments for relief of psoriasis symptoms as well as the treatment of muscle pain and rheumatic pain. The founders and officers of Innocan have commercially successful track records in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors in Israel and globally. For further information, please contact: For Innocan Pharma Corporation: Iris Bincovich, CEO +972-54-3012842 info@innocanpharma.com NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Caution regarding forward-looking information Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding the markets, requisite regulatory approvals and the anticipated timing for market entry, is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions concerning the anticipated benefits of the products, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and satisfactory completion of requisite production and distribution arrangements. Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: general global and local (national) economic, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import / export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner) and availability in each market of product inputs and finished products. The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release concerning the timing of launch of product distribution. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can also be found in Innocan's public reports and filings which are available under Innocan's profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76622 Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 A survey of children who lost parents in the massive earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan 10 years ago shows that more than a third of them do not share their feelings with others. The survey was conducted by the Tokyo-based Ashinaga organization, which provides educational funding and psychological support to orphans. The group received answers from 310 people, and held a news conference to announce the results on Tuesday in Sendai City. Asked whom they talk with about their feelings concerning their parents who died or remain missing, 36.1 percent said no one. The rate was 52.2 percent among junior and senior high school students and 29 percent among those aged 18 and older. Asked to describe their feelings toward their lost parents, 51.6 percent said "regret" while 51.2 percent said "gratitude." Hagiwara Sawaha, a third-year senior high school student in Sendai, lost her father to the tsunami when she was eight years old. She told reporters that there was a time when she did not talk about her father, because she thought she could not cry as everyone else was sad. She added she was suffering alone without anyone to turn to for help. Ashinaga official Ogawa Rina says the children need a place where they can speak up when they want to talk about their parents. She also says the organization will continue to support the children because a decade has not brought them closure. New Delhi, March 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday gave a clarion call to all the BJP MPs and party workers to help eligible people in receiving Covid-19 vaccines as well as help them to reach vaccination centres. India has expanded the world's largest vaccination drive to the next stage and entered a fresh phase on March 1, covering all aged over 60 years and those above 45 years suffering from comorbidities. Modi, who took the vaccine on March 1 as the new phase of vaccination took off in the country, urged his party workers on Wednesday during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary board meeting here inside Parliament premises. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi shared Prime Minister's views after the the one hour meeting ended. "Addressing our (BJP) MPs, the Prime Minister appealed them to join people and help the eligible candidates in receiving vaccines as well as helping them in reaching vaccination centres. A clarion call has been given by the PM for all MPs and BJP workers," Joshi said. Joshi applauded the efforts of the Prime Minister in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, saying, "When the entire world was stunned, perplexed and not able to understand what to do in this crisis, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji achieved success in facing the crisis on both levels -- in saving the lives of the people and also in bringing back the economy on track". For his efforts, Joshi said, "He not only saved the lives of Indians through Covid vaccine but also dispatched vaccine dozes to various foreign countries offering the much-needed helping hand." Thousands queued up at government and private medical facilities across the country as the country further opened its vaccination programme that started on January 16 for healthcare and sanitary workers. Indigenously developed Covaxin vaccine from Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford-AstraZeneca are being administered to people in India since the inoculation drive begins here. To commemorate 75 years of Independence, Joshi further announced that a 75-week long programme will be organised from March 12 at 75 places. The Minister said that Prime Minister has called upon all the MPs to participate in the programme being started from Gujarat. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 09:36:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The newly-elected Prime Minister of Libya Abdul Hamid Dbeibah addresses the House of Representatives in Sirte, Libya, on March 9, 2021. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah on Tuesday stressed that the ministers in his proposed government will "serve all of Libya," not just the cities where they come from. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua) TRIPOLI, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the newly-selected prime minister of Libya, on Tuesday stressed that the ministers in his proposed government will "serve all of Libya," not just the cities where they come from. Dbeibah made the remarks when addressing the House of Representatives, which is convening in the city of Sirte for a vote of confidence in his Government of National Unity. "We must live to the responsibility of achieving the goal of serving our country, and not focus on just the cities or areas of origins of the senior government officials," Dbeibah said. Last month, Dbeibah presented a list of ministers in his cabinet to the House of Representatives, saying that it would be a government of "technocrats and professionals" representing all Libyans. On Monday, he called on the House of Representatives to approve the new government. The UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) recently selected a new executive authority for the country. The new authority's main task is to prepare the country for the upcoming general elections scheduled for Dec. 24, 2021, as agreed by the LPDF. Enditem Conroy Gold & Natural Resources PLC - gold exploration & development in Ireland and Finland - Reports completion of a detailed high resolution ground magnetic survey which has identified a series of drilling targets on its gold exploration acreage in the Sodankyla area of northern Finland. The company holds a total of eight gold exploration licences in Finland. The detailed high-resolution ground magnetic survey consisted of 33 lines at 100 metres separation, ranging from 1 to 3 kilometres in length, for a total of 49 line kilometres covering an area 4.5 square kilometres. "The results to date on the company's Sodankyla target are highly encouraging," says Chair Richard Conroy, "and the company is commencing preparations for a drilling programme." Current stock price: 35.55 pence, up 4.6% on Tuesday Year-to-date change: down 15% By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Vimla Hiran, the widow of Mumbai businessman Mukesh Hiran whose SUV laden with explosives was found abandoned near Mukesh Ambanis residence on February 25, has told ATS that she suspects API Sachin Waze killed her husband, as per a TOI report. The ATS is investigating the alleged murder of Hiran and is treating her statement as an FIR. She alleged that Waze had told Hiran to claim responsibility in the explosives case and assured him of being released from jail should he be arrested. She said they consulted a lawyer said they should not do so and also maintained her late husband was under a lot of stress. ATS is trying to find out the motive behind Wazes decision. Hirans body was found on March 4. In her three-page statement to the ATS, Vimala has said Waze had been using the same SUV for the past four months. Waze and her husband knew each other, she claimed. Waze declined to comment when electronic media tried to get a response from him. TOI Meanwhile, an NIA team on Tuesday met senior ATS officials and collected documents pertaining to the explosive case. The Union home ministry had on Monday asked the NIA to take over the probe into the planting of explosives. Maharashtra: National Investigation Agency begins probe in the case relating to the recovery of explosives from a car parked near Mukesh Ambani's house in Mumbai, visits the spot. ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 What happened? Vimla said her husband had purchased the car from one Peter Newton. The vehicle was, however, given to Waze, a regular client of Hirans, in November last year; Hiran has an automobiles accessories shop in Thane. On February 5, Waze had sent the car back with his driver to Hirans garage for servicing. When Hiran took the car for a drive on February 17, the steering jammed and he parked it on Airoli-Mulund Link Road, from where the car was allegedly stolen. A week later, the car was found parked outside Antilia with gelatin sticks. What the FIR says In the FIR, Vimla further alleged that it was Waze who insisted that Hiran should draft a complaint saying policemen and the media were harassing him. On March 2, Hiran had submitted a complaint to various authorities, including the commissioners of police in Mumbai and Thane detailing the alleged harassment. On March 4, Hiran returned home early and said he would be stepping out to meet one Tawde at Ghodbunder Road in Thane. She said Hiran left his home around 8.30 pm and when she called him at around 11 pm, his two mobiles were found switched off. Her brother-in-law Vinod then called up Waze, who wondered how Hiran went to meet a policeman without informing him. The next day the family lodged a missing complaint with Naupada police. India Today On March 5, her son Meet said he received a call from Mumbra police saying his fathers body had been found in the creek. When Meet and Vinod went to identify Hirans body at Kalwa hospital, they noticed handkerchiefs inside the Covid mask. She said it was impossible that her husband died of drowning as he was a good swimmer. She said Hiran had worn a gold chain, a finger ring, wristwatch and carried a purse, mobile phone with two SIM cards and five ATM cards besides other identification documents which were missing. Police suspect this has been done to mislead the investigation. Statement recorded by ATS The ATS team on Monday recorded the statement of Waze. ATS officials said on Tuesday that they may summon him in a day or two. As Wazes name has been mentioned in the FIR, we will question him about allegations made by Hirans wife. We are scanning the CCTV footage to gather more details about Hirans movement after he left home on March 4, said an official. Officials said they are trying to find out Wazes location when the SUV was found abandoned, and on the night of March 4, when Hiran left his home. ATS teams are looking for Hirans cellphone as well as the Innova car, which was tailing the SUV on February 25. From the CCTV footage, it is clear the Innovas bumpers were not painted, which is common among vehicles used by policemen and state government officials, an ATS official said. US hyping up threat of Taiwan invasion, says Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says some Americans 'continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat'. File photo: AFP Beijing on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend and justify its own military chicanery in Asia. The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said the mainland could invade Taiwan within the next six years, as Beijing accelerates its moves to supplant American military power in Asia. "I worry that they're (China) accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order ... by 2050," Davidson said. "Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," he told a US Senate committee. Beijing was swift to bat away the admiral's comments. "Some US people continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing. "But in essence this is the US searching for a pretext to increase its military spending, expand its forces and interfere in regional affairs." China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, Davidson had stressed. "Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam. He called on lawmakers to approve the installation on Guam of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile battery, capable of intercepting the most powerful Chinese missiles. Guam "needs to be defended and it needs to be prepared for the threats that will come in the future," Davidson said. In addition to other Aegis missile defence systems destined for Australia and Japan, Davidson called on lawmakers to budget for offensive armaments "to let China know that the costs of what they seek to do are too high." (AFP) Important historical milestones March 11, 1951: The first issue of Nhan Dan Newspaper was published (weekly). September 7, 1954: From Issue No.222, Nhan Dan newspaper was published twice a day. October 20, 1954: From Issue No.241, Nhan Dan newspaper was published daily. February 12, 1989: The first issue of Nhan Dan Sunday was published; February 3, 1995: Renamed from Nhan Dan Sunday to Nhan Weekend. January 1, 1997: Nhan Dan newspaper (daily) increased from 4 pages to 8 pages. May 1997: The first issue of Nhan Dan Monthly was published. June 21, 1998: The Vietnamese version of Nhan Dan Online was launched on the internet. March 11, 1999: The English version of Nhan Dan Online was launched on the internet. January 4, 2010: The first issue of Thoi Nay (Present Day) Newspaper (a publication of Nhan Dan Newspaper) was published. August 30, 2012: The Chinese version of Nhan Dan Online was launched online. June 20, 2014: The French version of Nhan Dan Online was launched online. September 1, 2015: Nhan Dan Television officially broadcast for the first time. February 3, 2017: The Russian version of Nhan Dan Online was launched online. January 25, 2019: The Spanish version of Nhan Dan Online was launched ionline. February 3, 2020: Premiere of the 90-episode television documentary series entitled Vietnam in the Ho Chi Minh Era - A Television History. The 90-episode television documentary series entitled Vietnam in the Ho Chi Minh Era - A Television History won the Special Prize at the fifth Bua Liem Vang (Golden Hammer and Sickle) Press Awards 2020. May 29, 2020: The Nhan Dan Documentary and Cinema Studio was established. Noble awards: Gold Star Order, Ho Chi Minh Order (twice), the title of Hero of People's Armed Forces, the title of Hero of Labour in the Doi Moi (Renewal) Period. Nhan Dan Newspaper has a contingent of correspondents in 63 provinces and cities nationwide. Its representative offices are located in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho and it also has representative offices in China, France, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Russia. The Nhan Dan Newspaper booth at the Vietnam Press Museum attracted visitors wanting to learn the history of the country's revolutionary journalism. Photo: Mai Chi Vu KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Century Investments, a $214 billion* global investment manager, today added to its target date lineup with the launch of the One Choice Blend+ Portfolios. The actively managed series features the firm's time-tested glide path philosophy in a competitively priced mutual fund vehicle. Each vintage will be offered in a mutal fund structure that features a variety of share classes. The expense ratio for share classes range from 0.58% for the Investor share class to 0.23% for the R6 share class. Following are ticker symbols for the Investor class vintages: One Choice Blend+ 2015 Portfolio (AAAFX) One Choice Blend+ 2020 Portfolio (AAAMX) One Choice Blend+ 2025 Portfolio (AABJX) One Choice Blend+ 2030 Portfolio (AABWX) One Choice Blend+ 2035 Portfolio (AACKX) One Choice Blend+ 2040 Portfolio (AACSX) One Choice Blend+ 2045 Portfolio (AADHX) One Choice Blend+ 2050 Portfolio (AADNX) One Choice Blend+ 2055 Portfolio (AADVX) One Choice Blend+ 2060 Portfolio (AAEFX) One Choice Blend+ 2065 Portfolio (AAEKX) Choosing a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) is one of the most important responsibilities of a retirement plan fiduciary according to Richard Weiss, Chief Investment Officer for American Century's Multi-Asset Strategies. "We understand that a prudent selection process can pose complex challenges that depend on a variety of factors, including: plan sponsor goals and objectives, participant demographics, and risk appetite. Our new series is built on our time-tested glide path philosophy, which pursues greater wealth accumulation by focusing on offering a smoother ride across market cycles." One Choice Blend+ Portfolios provide an option for plans seeking an all-active solution with a highly competitive fee structure. It features a growth-oriented tilt to the firm's risk-aware glide path, which places greater emphasis on growth during a participant's accumulation phase. It also may suit retirement plans seeking to address the potential for delayed or phased retirements for older workers. The new series is anchored by a handful of proven strategies from American Century's $27 billion** One Choice Target Date Portfolios. These strategies draw on the diverse security selection expertise of the firm's various investment disciplines. They are complemented by lower-cost strategies from Avantis Investors, which combines the potential for added value with the consistency of indexing, according to Weiss. The new series is further enhanced by active strategies from American Century, including "focused" equity strategies that target higher alpha potential as well as a unique, new low-volatility equity fund. One Choice Blend+ is managed by Weiss and co-portfolio managers Radu Gabudean, Vidya Rajappa, Scott Wilson and John Donner. The ongoing manager review process is overseen by the firm's Asset Allocation Committee. About American Century Investments American Century Investments is a leading global asset manager focused on delivering investment results and building long-term client relationships while supporting research that can improve human health and save lives. Founded in 1958, American Century Investments' 1,400 employees serve financial professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors from offices in New York; London; Frankfurt; Hong Kong; Sydney; Mountain View, Calif.; and Kansas City, Mo. Jonathan S. Thomas is president and chief executive officer, and Victor Zhang serves as chief investment officer. Delivering investment results to clients enables American Century Investments to distribute over 40 percent of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, non-profit basic biomedical research organization. The Institute owns more than 40 percent of American Century Investments and has received dividend payments of $1.7 billion since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com. *Assets under management as of 2/28/21. **Assets under management as of 2/28/21. The target date in a fund's name is the approximate year when investors plan to retire or start withdrawing their money. The principal value of the investment is not guaranteed at any time, including at the target date. Each target-date portfolio seeks the highest total return consistent with its proprietary asset mix. Over time, the asset mix and weightings are adjusted to be more conservative. In general, as the target year approaches, the portfolio's allocation becomes more conservative by decreasing the allocation to stocks and increasing the allocation to bonds. The information is not intended as a personalized recommendation or fiduciary advice and should not be relied upon for investment, accounting, legal or tax advice. You should consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The funds' prospectus or summary prospectus which can be obtained at americancentury.com, contains this and other information about the fund and should be read carefully before investing. American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor 2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: Laura Kouri (816) 516-7729 SOURCE American Century Investments Related Links http://www.americancentury.com Dingle musician Aoife Granville joined in the celebrations of International women's day this week by organising women from around the world to play an 'unladylike instrument'. A flute player and teacher as well as an academic, Aoife began a quest to look at the history of women in flute playing and found to her surprise that the instrument was very rarely played by women before the 1970s. There was a perception in Irish traditional music circles that some instruments were more 'suitable' for women and that the flute was not one of them. "It wasn't considered ladylike," said Aoife, who is herself an acclaimed flute player. The earliest recording that Aoife discovered in the Comhaltas archives was of Teresa Gardiner of Kilchreest in Co. Galway, playing an unnamed tune recorded in the late 1950s. "I hadn't been aware that it wasn't a long tradition," said Aoife. "I felt it was important to highlight these pioneering women and that people would become more familiar with their names and their faces". To celebrate International Women's Day Aoife organised and released a video of 36 female flute players playing two reels - Teresa Gardiner's, (the tune that Aoife discovered in the Comhaltas archive) and Peig McGrath's reels, a tune written by Josie Mc Dermott for Peig Mc Grath who was the first woman to make commercial recordings of the flute in the 1970s. The 36 female flute players on the recording range in age from early twenties to some of the pioneering women, now aged over 70. They come from a range of backgrounds and countries including USA, Brussels, Glasgow and London as well as the length and breadth of Ireland. "It is a real mix of fluteplayers," said Aoife . "All types of people, professional and semi-professional." The recording is available on Youtube at https://youtu.be/jIxY8VuHuI4 . Su-I Hou is a professor and interim chair of the University of Central Florida's Health Management & Informatics Department. Credit: University of Central Florida Language difficulties and cultural barriers keep an "alarming" number of Chinese Americans from asking for cancer screenings that may protect their health, according to a new University of Central Florida study. Su-I Hou, professor and interim chair of UCF's Health Management & Informatics Department, said her results show that physicians and members of the Chinese community need to improve their communication about the importance of cancer screenings. Her study was recently published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. Hou surveyed 372 Chinese adults who attended churches providing services in Mandarin in the U.S. and Taiwan to assess their knowledge of cancer risks and whether they asked their primary care provider about cancer screenings. She found that Chinese adults seldom asked about screeningseven if they had family cancer history or had been a primary caregiver for someone with cancer. Chinese adults with family cancer history asked about cancer screenings only 32.2% of the time, and those without family cancer history asked only 21.5% of the time. Chinese cancer caregivers asked about cancer screenings 48.3% of the time. Non-caregivers asked only 23.4% of the time. Hou said age was a factor in whether Chinese adults questioned their doctors about cancer screenings. Even though cancer risks increase with age and cancer screening communication is higher among the older age group, she said older Chinese participants may be the most reluctant to ask about screenings. She attributed this to traditional Chinese culture, in which questioning an expert can be regarded as disrespectful. She said younger Chinese adults may be more willing to question their healthcare providerand thus are more likely to be their own healthcare advocates. She said analysis of patient-provider communication was overall low and statistically similar between Chinese adults living in Taiwan and those who had immigrated to the United States. "Chinese culture and language difficulties are deterrents to open dialogue between these patients and their providers," she said. "The Chinese culture teaches respect to authority and in our culture, the doctor is the authority. To question a physician is seen as a sign of disrespect." The disconnect in patient-provider communication is especially alarming, she said, because cancer is the leading cause of death among Chinese Americans and that risk is growing as they adopt a more Western lifestyle, including unhealthy eating habits. She centered her research on churches, noting that many new Chinese immigrants join a faith-based organization with services in Mandarin as a way to meet fellow Chinese and engage in an environment where their native language is spoken. She said such churches can help spread the word about the importance of cancer screenings and health advocacy and can help teach parishioners how to request screenings from their providers. She said it's also incumbent upon providers to understand that their Chinese patients may be reluctant to be their own healthcare advocates. For that reason, she said, providers need to bring up the topic of cancer screeningeven if their patients do not. Many of the survey participants said they did not ask about cancer screenings because their provider did not raise the subject. Hou is part of UCF's Population Health Consortium, which includes interdisciplinary faculty from across the university who are dedicated to implementing best practices and eliminating health disparities. "We all need to work together to recognize the barriers to providing quality healthcare to all," she said. "This study is another example of the importance of understanding cultural norms as we provide care." Explore further Older Americans receive cancer screenings past recommended age TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Kingdom of Bahrain has welcomed the decision of the Libyan House of Representatives to grant confidence to the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dabaiba. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its sincere congratulations to the brotherly State of Libya, its government and people on this important historical step towards achieving security and stability in Libya. It also affirmed the solidarity of Bahrain with Libya, as well as its support for all efforts, exerted to reach a political solution to the Libyan crisis in order to meet the aspirations of the brotherly Libyan people for peace, stability and development. WellAir, a leader in delivering clean air solutions to people around the world, today announced the appointment of Kieran Hannon as Chief Marketing Officer as the Company enters its next phase of growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005059/en/ Kieran Hannon, Chief Marketing Officer, WellAir (Photo: Business Wire) "Kieran is a globally recognized, creative and innovative business strategist. His expertise will be a valuable complement to our leadership team and a driving force in the expansion of the WellAir brand as we continue to advance our air cleaning and surface disinfection product portfolio globally," said Todd M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer at WellAir. Mr. Hannon brings over 30 years of experience in successfully building award-winning and world-class consumer experiences in the Internet of Things, mobile, digital and retail sectors. He joins WellAir from Openpath, a cloud access control company, where was Chief Marketing Officer. Previously, Mr. Hannon spent six years as Chief Marketing Officer at Belkin International where he grew the company from one to four industry-leading brands (Belkin, Linksys, Wemo and Phyn) along with the subsequent sale to Foxconn. He has also served as Vice President, Marketing for RadioShack Corporation and President of Grey Worldwide in San Francisco. In 2020, Mr. Hannon was named as one of the "World's Most Influential CMOs" by Forbes and received a SXSW Valiente CMO Award in 2018. "Indoor air quality is now more important than ever before. With 90% of our time spent indoors breathing air up to 10x more contaminated than outdoor air, the opportunity to create the de facto industry brand is probably the highest of noble causes," said Kieran Hannon, Chief Marketing Officer, WellAir. "WellAir's flagship product, the Novaerus Defend 1050 which recently received FDA clearance, is a prime example of the Company's healthtech innovation. I'm thrilled to join this team to continue its impressive momentum in making the indoor world safer and cleaner." About WellAir WellAir's mission is to make the indoor world cleaner and safer. It's that important. Scientifically proven to harmonize with how we work, live and play. WellAir, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Stamford, Connecticut, and Cary, North Carolina, is a leading provider of infection control solutions. The group operates through its core business brands, Novaerus, Plasma Air, and NuvaWave. We reach our customers through multiple channels; this diversity lets them benefit from our broad range of solutions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005059/en/ Contacts: Cindy Caserta WellAir ccaserta@wellairsolutions.com 203-451-3131 Renee Volpini Westwicke/ICR Renee.Volpini@westwicke.com 917-923-8117 ADVERTISEMENT When quacks gather together to label themselves as professionals, quackery first rears up its ugly head in the uncertainty of what is being promoted: Is it Forensic Investigative Professionals or Forensic and Investigative Professionals? Let me remind Nigerians that these people started as forensic auditors and up till now, they are not sure what they are On February 10, a newly proposed piece of legislation titled, Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (Est) Bill, 2021 (SB.615), sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, came up for first reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate. There is another bill currently at the House of Representatives with the title Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (est) Bill, 2020. Within two weeks the bill passed the first, second and third readings in the Senate, and the news following on March 3 was that the Senate had passed the bill. When it gets to the House of Representative, harmonisation will take place, I was made to understand. The speed of lightening with which the Senate passed this bill shows that it is more important to them than the security challenges confronting the country presently or the current economic sufferings of citizens, none of which has attracted any bill from the upper legislative chamber. There was no public hearing on the current bill, but a mad rush, a hasty passage, designed to take the people unaware. It defies logic and reasoning how the Senate President arrived at a view that, the new institute should provide the kind of services that would ensure that corruption in public and private sectors (are) identified and nipped in the bud such that we do not need EFCC. That may be speaking from the perspective of a grand patron of the Institute, which was conferred on him during the Eighth National Assembly. As such, no answer was given to Senator Adeola when he sought clarification about the fundamental flaws in and observations pertaining to the bill, which was passed in the Eighth Assembly, but which President Muhammadu Buhari refused accent to, because of these said flaws. That was the more reason why the present bill should have passed through a public hearing to see if its inherent flaws could be addressed. The first observation concerns the unprofessionalism and uncertainty in what is being promoted a Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (Est) Bill, 2021 for the Senate and a Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (est) Bill, 2020 for the House of Representatives. When quacks gather together to label themselves as professionals, quackery first rears up its ugly head in the uncertainty of what is being promoted: Is it Forensic Investigative Professionals or Forensic and Investigative Professionals? Let me remind Nigerians that these people started as forensic auditors and up till now, they are not sure what they are the proliferators and bastardisers of the profession? Uncertainty about what they want to practice leads to the question of whether forensic is a stand-alone profession, going by international best practice? A dictionary definition of forensic is scientific methods and techniques used in connection with the detection of crime. Crime, not fraud; but what crime? Uncertainty about what they want to practice leads to the question of whether forensic is a stand-alone profession, going by international best practice? A dictionary definition of forensic is scientific methods and techniques used in connection with the detection of crime. Crime, not fraud; but what crime? Crime can be located within different professions and does not stand on its own. If it stands on its own, then it is within the remit of organs like the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to deal with. So there is no profession that detects crime like the NPF, otherwise it is a proliferation and bastardisation of the profession. If we go by the Senate Presidents view of kind of services that would ensure that corruption in public and private sectors (are) identified and nipped in the bud then prepayment audit undertaken by internal auditors of the accounting profession already does this better. But let us interrogate the crime further. An idea of the crime referred to in the forensic bill can be gleaned from what the bill seeks to empower its members to practice. Section 3(2) of the Bill provides that, members of this Institute will practice as forensic investigators in the following specialised areas of forensics (a) Fraud prevention, detection and investigation (b) Cyber and computer forensics (including digital and multimedia forensics) (c) Forensic and trace evidence analysis (d) Forensic Linguistics (e) Criminalities and crime scene investigation (f) Forensic Auditing (g) Cyber Crimes Auditing (h) Litigation Support and Expert Witness (i) Cyber Security Forensic (j) Forensic voice and facial recognition (k) Forensic Sciences (l) Forensic Investigations (m) Forensic Pathology, anthropology and Toxicology These are investigations located within identifiable and well established existing professions. For example, criminalities and crime scene investigation are within the purview of the NPF; cyber and computer forensic and cyber security forensic are within the domain of Computer Society of Nigeria; and forensic auditing is within the domain of professional accountants and there are already two professional accountancy bodies in Nigeria recognised by International Federation of Accountants. Forensic pathology, anthropology and Toxicology are within the domain of Pharmacy, Medicine and Anthropology. it becomes clear that this bill seeks to encroach, disrupt and appropriate to itself the practice of other professions in which its members are not trained, have no skills in, do not practice and therefore are non-existent. Professions derive from practice, for which prior training and certification must have been obtained. The above provides conclusive evidence of the proliferation and bastardisation of the profession, which this bill seeks to institute in Nigeria. My independent investigation revealed that all over the world there is no profession called Forensic, neither is there anything such as Institute of Forensic Professionals or Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals backed by any law; at best you have associations. This is because forensic and forensic investigation cut across all professions. It is a specialist area reserved exclusively for only experts who have attained the highest level of proficiency in their professions. It is therefore surprising that this bill is proposing that the highest level of proficiency in Medicine, Pharmacy, Accounting, Auditing, Engineering, and Architecture should be ceded to outsiders and not those who have distinguished themselves within these professions. Thus, it becomes clear that this bill seeks to encroach, disrupt and appropriate to itself the practice of other professions in which its members are not trained, have no skills in, do not practice and therefore are non-existent. Professions derive from practice, for which prior training and certification must have been obtained. It is not a theoretical reading or one that is memorised, which can be recited. Therefore, in this bill, there is a fraudulent claim to practice, which all members of the so-called forensic investigative professionals do not have, and therefore should be charged for. They are behaving in an unprofessional manner and are not worthy of being associated with a profession. I will therefore suggest that, first, the Senate President rejects the title of grand patron conferred on him by these un-professionals, so that a clear vision develops. Members of the Senate and Federal House of Representatives should disassociate themselves from this bill, lest they and Nigerians become a laughing stock among the comity of nations. Members of the so-called forensic investigative professionals should be advised to go and subject themselves to the rigorous training of those professions whose practice they seek to encroach upon, disrupt and appropriate to themselves. They should stop cutting corners, seeking the easy way out, as that is against professional behaviour. The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigerian (APBN) should intervene and advise the Senate appropriately, while calling this non-existent body to order to avoid impugning the reputation of Nigeria. Innocent Okwuosa is the Chairman, IFRS Experts Forum (IFRSEF), Nigeria. Authorities in Colombia on Friday moved to drop charges against conservative former President Alvaro Uribe over witness tampering allegations for which he was detained for two months last year. The prosecutor in the case asked a judge to end the criminal proceedings, finding no evidence the former president committed a crime. Uribe had been accused of bribing a former paramilitary member to retract damaging allegations against him. Thank God for this positive step, said Uribe, who was president between 2002 and 2010, in a tweet after the decision was announced. Prosecutors said they would detail their reasons for the decision at a yet-to-be-scheduled hearing before a judge, who can decide whether to accept the motion. The judge's eventual ruling could be appealed by Uribe or by other parties to the case. The origins of the case can be traced back to 2012, when Sen. Ivan Cepeda made allegations in Congress about Uribes ties to paramilitaries. Such groups were organized by landowners to fight leftist guerrillas, but often engaged in kidnapping, murder and extortion. The South American nation remains divided over who should be held to account for decades of violence that only diminished with a 2016 peace accord with the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish acronym FARC. Uribes supporters include President Ivan Duque, a man groomed for leadership by Uribe and whose denunciations of his mentors detention last year put pressure on a judicial system that has struggled with internal corruption over the years. As president, Uribe was known as an austere hardliner whose U.S.-backed military successes against rebels made him hugely popular. But since early in his career, he was accused of links to illegal paramilitary groups. Uribe's detention in 2020 came as part of an investigation into allegations he was involved in a scheme to sway jailed ex-paramilitaries into testifying in his favor and to say they had submitted false statements against him to support Cepeda's allegations. Cepeda responded to the new motion by saying he will file a complaint against the prosecutor for alleged obstruction of justice, accusing him of serving as Alvaro Uribes de facto defense attorney. The main witness against Uribe is an ex-paramilitary member who is son of a butler at the hacienda owned by the former presidents family. While in prison, the man claimed that a paramilitary group had been formed at the hacienda and he told the Supreme Court that one of Uribes lawyers tried to pressure him to change his testimony against the former president. Uribes defense denied the accusations, saying the man had been manipulated by Cepeda. Uribes attorney, Jaime Granados, on Friday told a radio station that the prosecutors decision was autonomous and independent work. Of course, we see that truth and justice are making their way. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) RIDGEFIELD At the beginning of COVID-9 last year, all standardized testing was canceled and while most expected it to be canceled again, officials announced it will resume with some adjustments. The state asked all school districts to continue with assessments, but there is a chance there might be some changes, Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette said at this weeks school board meeting. The state traditionally asks for at least 95 percent of the students to participate in each assessment, but it requested a waiver from the federal government to reduce that number. The state hasnt heard back yet. So we are operating as usual, Gillette said. The three assessments are the Smarter Balanced Assessment, the Next Generation Science Standards Assessment, and Connecticut SAT School Day Assessment. The Smarter Balance Assessment is given to grades three through eight and has always been taken online. There are two kinds of this assessment, but Connecticut only gives the performance task in math. The Next Generations is given online to grades five, eight and 11 and has only been given in the state two times because the standards were only recently implemented. The purpose of the two assessments is to provide a snapshot of where students are, one data point of growth and helps make educational decisions about specific students. Caution, the assessment results do not provide a comprehensive understanding of student achievement or program at the district level, and doesnt give a detailed assessment of how that student did. It does not provide a view of the whole child, Gillette said. There are traditional structures that will be followed this year. Students will use school devices, assessments will be completed during school hours and teachers will be present to proctor. Students who are in cohort c, at home or in a hybrid model will be able to take the Smarter Balances and Next Generation assessments at home. Hybrid students will also be allowed to take one part of the test at school and another at home. The state had created a secure browser and proctoring will be digital, mostly with parents as proctors. The Connecticut SAT School Day will be completed using paper and pencil, unlike the other two assessments, and is for 11th graders. It will be given on March 24. The Smarter Balance and Next Generation assessments will be given to the elementary and middle school students in Mary and the high school on April 7. There will also be a parent workshop on March 18 to review standardized testing. Board member Tin Malhotra disagreed with the states decision of forcing these tests. This has been a tough year and the fact that theyre still giving tests to kids, it goes against everything theyve talked about, Malhotra said. Emotional, mental growth, mental stability. I think its important to make this point that Im so disappointed that theyre still forcing these tests on these kids and the teachers, this has been tough for everyone. She also mentioned that parents will experience stress from proctoring and theres the issue of the validity of tests as home. I do really appreciate that you did say the SBA is a snap shot in time, that you do look at the full child, she told the Ridgefield administrators. I think its so vital that you say that because I know parents look at the scores and get worried about it. gmarku@darientimes.com Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Soriano Motori reaches a $100 million Valuation. Tweet this "We are looking to make a true difference in this industry just like we once did it, for which, our brands were recognized as the pioneers in both the automobile and motorcycle sector. Today, our EV global platform can offer true marvels in engineering, design and tech. The world will be happy to have us back to set the record straight," says adamantly Marco Antonio Soriano IV, its founder. Soriano Motori's easter eggs once again. The iconic Soriano brand, founded over 100 years ago by the known aristocrat Marquis Ricardo Soriano Scholtz von Hermensdorff, has designed and patented several items so far, including a platform that is revolutionizing the mobility sector simply put. Soriano will soon present its retro-engineered 500 scooters. He did surprise us all during his quarterly presentation this past week with its EV car Tiger Roadster model for 2023. All existing models can be preorder now at www.sorianomotori.com and they will be built in a limited-edition capacity and delivered this summer 2021 laser signed by the Founder himself. All motorcycles will be built under an exclusive process of production in an Italian artisanal fashion in the Soriano Facilities at the shores of the Lake Como, while allowing its clients to customize their dream bike. M. Soriano wants his bikes, scooters, cars to have the innovative soul, all'italiana way. All made in fiber carbon. A true modern craftmanship made in Italy. Enjoy the legacy of excellent design and engineering. SOURCE Soriano Motori Corp. Related Links https://www.sorianomotori.com/ Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 06:36:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans (R) touches elbow with John Kerry, the United States' Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, in Brussels, Belgium, March 9, 2021. John Kerry on Tuesday underlined the cooperation between the U.S. and European Union (EU) on the fight against the climate crisis during his visit to Brussels. (European Union/ Handout via Xinhua) BRUSSELS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- John Kerry, the United States' Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Tuesday underlined the cooperation between the U.S. and European Union (EU) on the fight against the climate crisis during his visit to Brussels. Kerry stressed that the world is facing not only a climate crisis but also "a moment of the greatest opportunity that we've had since perhaps the industrial revolution to build better to renew ourselves and our economies." He described the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland in November this year as the last opportunity for the world to come together and "build on Paris (Agreement)." Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, hailed the comeback of the U.S. climate action. He said the EU and the U.S. would be working to make a success of Glasgow, though it will be quite an effort to "convince other major players in the world to do the right thing." Kerry attended the weekly European Commission College meeting, where the commission's president Ursula von der Leyen recalled that Joe Biden, on his first day in office, announced the U.S. return to the Paris Agreement. The EU member states agreed in December to cut the bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 from 1990 levels. So far, half of the G20 members, such as Japan, China, South Korea or South Africa, are already committed to achieving climate- or at least carbon neutrality by 2050 or soon after. Enditem Panaji, March 10 : In yet another showdown between officials of the Goa Church and the ruling government ahead of an election, a Church-backed NGO has slammed "verbal assault" and "unruly behaviour" against a parish priest, during the ongoing municipal poll campaign. In an official statement the Council for Social Justice and Peace, which is an arm of the influential Roman Catholic Church in Goa, on Wednesday said that the threat of violence on March 6 against Fr. Bolmax Pereira, the parish priest of Chicalim, allegedly by the personal assistant (PA) of a Cabinet Minister in the BJP-led coalition government, was unwarranted and intended to create disharmony in the area. The incident had occurred after Pereira had visited the residence of a woman panchayat member, who was elected unopposed in a local village panchayat ward, when he was confronted by the Minister's PA. Polls to 11 municipal councils, one municipal corporation and bypolls in a few village panchayat wards are scheduled to be held in Goa on March 20. "The said miscreants earlier used demeaning words and tried to pressurise and bully the youth and her family, thereby creating a sense of fear and intimidation. This evil and cowardly act was distressing and shocking and has caused disharmony in the local area," the Council said in a statement by it's executive secretary Fr. Savio Fernandes. "The Council condemns the attack and expects the concerned civil authorities to take firm and appropriate action immediately in view of putting an end to such antisocial activities," the statement also said. The Goa Church and successive BJP-led coalition governments in the state have been on a collision path come election time over the last decade. In the run-up to the August 2017 state Assembly bypolls, an article in a magazine run by the influential Roman Catholic Church in Goa had liked in the BJP-led coalition government to Nazi rule in Germany, forcing then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar to respond saying that an anti-India sentiment on the rise in Goa. Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, a video of a Catholic priest late Fr. Conceicao D'Silva had also gone viral after he urged Catholics attending Sunday mass to not vote for the BJP, triggering controversy. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen receiving a shot of Made-in-India coronavirus vaccine. (Photo credit: Twitter/India in Cambodia) Phnom Penh [Cambodia], March 10 (ANI): Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and the First Lady on Wednesday received a shot of Made-in-India coronavirus vaccine. "PM Hun Sen received a shot of Make-in-India vaccine AstraZeneca along with the 1st lady and other senior officials incl President of Assembly, DPM of Interior, Minister of Health, Minister of Public Transport," said India in Cambodia in a tweet. On February 6, India had approved the supply of 1,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia. The embassy said the decision is a testament to India's appreciation for Cambodia as an important partner and its concern for the health and prosperity of the people of the country. The supply was approved in response to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen's request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in the supply of COVID-19 vaccines. From January 20 onwards, New Delhi has supplied coronavirus vaccines to several countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Bahrain, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. (ANI) After Alameda and Solano advanced into Californias red coronavirus reopening tier on Tuesday, just two of the Bay Areas nine counties Contra Costa and Sonoma remained stuck at the strictest purple level. But they are getting close, and both could move to the red tier soon if their metrics hold or continue to improve. State officials look at two key coronavirus metrics when making tier assignments: positive test rates and adjusted case rates, which reflect daily new cases per 100,000 people adjusted for a countys testing levels. Officials also consider a third metric called the health equity score: the positive test rate for low-income or otherwise disadvantaged neighborhoods. For Contra Costa and Sonoma to advance, they would need to meet the red tiers coronavirus metrics for two consecutive weeks. They could achieve that by: Reporting an adjusted case rate of 7 or fewer, a positive test rate of less than 8% for at least two weeks, and a health equity metric of lower than 8%. Reporting both countywide and health equity quartile positive test rates below 5%. A county can progress even if the case rate doesnt meet the threshold for the next tier, as long as its case rate has not changed more than 5% or is in decline. Last week, California officials said they would further loosen the tier metric requirements, tied to the number of low-income residents who have received vaccines statewide. California has immunized about 1.8 million in that group so far. The relaxed criteria kick in when the group reaches 2 million, which officials estimate could happen later this week, with another easing of the rules at 4 million people. Contra Costa County had a case rate of 9.5 per 100,000 last week and 7.9 Tuesday. The county has a 2.9% positive test rate and a health equity quartile metric of 4.9%. Sonomas case rate was 10 per 100,000 last week and 8.2 Tuesday. Its positive test rate is 3.1% and the health equity metric is 5.3%. According to the new guidelines, both counties could move to the red tier later this week, though Contra Costa County officials said Tuesday they expected to move early next week. If we remain on the same path, which we expect that we will, that means that there will be some changes for our community early next week, or by mid-next week, Contra Costa County health director Anna Roth told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Sonoma health officer Dr. Sundari Mase said at a community briefing Friday that if the countys metrics hold, it could move to the red tier by the week of March 22. Supervisor Susan Gorin said that Sonoma is en route to a better place. This is such a positive sign that our mitigation measures and campaign to get vaccines administered as quickly possible is paying off, she said. And if we can get into red hopefully we can maintain our momentum and move into the orange tier, and from there we can begin to imagine the day when this pandemic behind us. Chronicle staff writers Aidin Vaziri and Matthias Gafni contributed to this report. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang The commissioned its third Scorpene (French for scorpion) submarine, INS Karanj, into service on Wednesday. The submarine has been built at Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai under transfer of technology from French shipyard, Naval Group. In keeping with hoary naval tradition, the Karanj took its name from an earlier Foxtrot-class boat (as navies traditionally refer to submarines) that India bought from the Soviet Union in 1969 and decommissioned in 2003. The chief guest at the commissioning in Mumbai was former navy chief, Admiral V S Shekhawat, who was part of the commissioning crew of the old Karanj. He went on to become its commanding officer during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and was awarded a Vir Chakra for exceptional gallantry. The Karanj is the third of six conventional submarines (the Kalvari is the first) for which the navy signed a Rs 18,798 crore contract in 2005 with French-Spanish submarine consortium Armaris. That company was taken over by Frances Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS), and its cost went up to Rs 23,562 crore. In 2017, DCNS changed its name to Naval Group. The Scorpene building programme, termed Project 75, is running six years late. All six submarines, called the Kalvari-class after the lead vessel, will only be delivered by 2023. They will supplement the navys four Shishumar-class boats bought from German firm, HDW; and nine Russian-origin Kilo-class submarines, making up a total of 19 conventionally powered boats. In addition, the navy operates a nuclear-powered attack submarine called INS Chakra, on a 10-year lease from Russia; and an indigenously designed and built, nuclear-powered, nuclear missile submarine, INS Arihant. That is well short of the navys requirement of 24 conventionally-powered and six nuclear-powered attack submarines. INS Karanj would form part of the Western Naval Commands submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the commands arsenal, announced the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday. This means it will primarily operate in the shallow waters of the Arabian Sea, blockading Pakistani ports and naval bases in wartime and destroying enemy warships with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Submarines would also be used to blockade shipping from entering the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz. In a war with China, Indian submarines would blockade the entrances from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. The Karanj, which displaces 1,565 tonnes, is powered by a quiet Permanently Magnetised Propulsion Motor that drives it underwater at 20 knots (37 km per hour) and at 12 knots (22 kmph) while surfaced. There are plans to retrofit all six Scorpenes with advanced air independent propulsion after 2023-24. The Karanj is armed with the heavyweight, 533-millimetre, wire-guided Surface and Underwater Target (SUT) torpedo, acquired in the 1980s from Germany for the navys four Shishumar-class submarines. In addition, it packs the Exocet SM39 anti-ship missile, built by the Franco-British-Italian conglomerate, MBDA. Its combat edge is highlighted by the fact that it has six weapon launching tubes (and) 18 weapons (including) torpedoes, missiles and mines, stated a Naval Group release. For detecting enemy targets, the Karanj uses sonar and ranging equipment that is integrated into a digital Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System (SUBTICS). This includes a Low Frequency Analysis and Ranging (LOFAR) sonar, which detects and classifies targets at long ranges (exact ranges are a closely guarded secret). Its periscopes are equipped with infrared and low-light cameras and laser range finders. The are one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world More deadly and stealthier than their predecessors, these submarines are equipped with potent weapons and sensors to neutralise any threat above or below the sea surface, the MoD said. Following Project 75, six more submarines with air independent propulsion will be indigenously built under Project 75-I. After that will come Project 76, which involves the indigenous design and construction of 12 more submarines. The identities and histories of prisoners in Nazi Germany's most notorious death camp Auschwitz have been uncovered following two years of painstaking research. Historians, archivists and IT specialists at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland and the Arolsen Archives in Germany teamed up for the project. They searched though over 160,000 documents concerning the fate of around 30,000 men and women held in the camp where over 1 million people were exterminated or died from torture and exhaustion. One of those whose full details remained a mystery was Franciszek Jazwiecki, a Polish political prisoner who became known as the 'Portraitist of Auschwitz'. Deported to Auschwitz from Krakow, Jazwiecki was employed in the extermination camp's carpentry workshop and paint shop where he began sketching harrowing portraits of his fellow inmates. The identities and histories of prisoners in Nazi Germany's most notorious death camp Auschwitz (pictured) have been uncovered following two years of painstaking research To keep his drawings secret from guards, Jazwiecki hid the portraits in his bed or clothes, but they were eventually discovered by SS officer Wilhelm Boger. One of the most feared camp executioners nicknamed 'Screaming Death' by the prisoners, Boger sentenced him to three months hard labour in a penal colony. Jazwiecki died in 1946, a year after being liberated. One of those whose full details remained a mystery was Franciszek Jazwiecki, a Polish political prisoner who became known as the 'Portraitist of Auschwitz'. Pictured: Portraits of some of the prisoners of Auschwitz Pictured: Photographs of one of Auschwitz's over 1 million prisoners, found by researchers The project's leader Ewa Bazan said: 'Until now, the archives only contained an entry about his employment in the camp's paint shop. 'Thanks to new documents, it is known that in March 1943 he was transferred to KL Sachsenhausen through the Gross-Rosen camp, and on July 28, 1944 to Schonebeck, a sub-camp of KL Buchenwald.' Another prisoner was artist and French resistance fighter Leon Delarbre who had been sent to Auschwitz after being captured by the Germans in France. SS officer Wilhelm Boger nicknamed 'Screaming Death' by the prisoners. He died in 1970 after being arrested for war crimes committed at Auschwitz First sent to an internment camp in the occupied cities of Belfort and then Compiegne in France, on April 30, 1944, Delarbe was one of 1,655 intellectuals, politicians, senior officers and members of the French resistance sent from Paris to Auschwitz. Bazan said: 'No document concerning him has survived in the KL Auschwitz archives. 'As part of the project, among others, Leon Delarbre's personal cards and documents prepared at KL Buchenwald contain a photograph and information about his imprisonment in KL Auschwitz. 'Delarbre was registered in Auschwitz as prisoner number 185409. Then he was transferred to the Mittelbau-Dora camp. 'With the help of friends and fellow prisoners, he 'organized' paper and pencils and made drawings documenting the everyday life in the camp.' Delarbe was liberated in April 1945 from Bergen-Belsen. The two-year project, 'Reconstructing the identities of deportees and prisoners of KL Auschwitz based on archival data from the Auschwitz Memorial and the Arolsen Archives' focused on documentation from the Buchenwald concentration camp. In 2006, the Polish Red Cross handed the Auschwitz Museum over 47,000 digital copies of documents of Polish prisoners of Auschwitz and Buchenwald who transferred between the camps. Researchers searched though over 160,000 documents concerning the fate of around 30,000 men and women held in the camp where over 1 million people were exterminated or died from torture and exhaustion. Pictured: One of the many documents looked at during the project Pictured: One of the many documents looked at during the project undertaken by Historians, archivists and IT specialists at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland and the Arolsen Archives in Germany Buchenwald was a concentration camp set up in July 1937 near Weimar in Germany and was one of the first and the largest of the Nazi's camps in the country. The research was bolstered by another 90,000 documents including personal files, prisoner employment files, various name lists, prisoner transfers or prisoners' death from the Arolsen Archives, formerly the International Tracing Service in Bad Arolsen, Germany Bazar said: 'During the project implementation, many names and photographs of Sinti and Roma, as well as Soviet prisoners of war, were also obtained. 'The lists of Jews deported from the ghettos in Litzmannstadt and Theresienstadt, as well as French political prisoners, were also partially reconstructed. 'Documents concerning Hungarian Jews deported to the camp in the spring and summer of 1944 are also very important, because many of them were not registered in Auschwitz at all, but were transferred to other places. 'Thanks to documents from other camps, we are able to recreate their individual fates as well as the fates of entire communities.' Pictured: A sketch done by a prisoner at Auschwitz. Deported to Auschwitz from Krakow, Jazwiecki was employed in the extermination camp's carpentry workshop and paint shop where he began sketching harrowing portraits of his fellow inmates (pictured) One of those was a Hungarian family called the Hoffmans who were deported to Auschwitz at the end of May 1944. A month later on June 6, Jeno Hoffman and his brother Mora were separated from their parents and wives and transferred to Buchenwald where they were worked to the bone and brutally beaten. Bazar said: 'They very quickly became incapable of further work. On October 3, 1944, a transport of 1,191 men - Hungarian Jews - was sent from KL Buchenwald to KL Auschwitz. 'Most likely, the transport was directed to the gas chambers immediately after arriving at KL Auschwitz. 'The brothers Jeno and Mor Hoffmann were among them. The fate of their parents and wives has not been established.' Another document obtained during the project is the personal card of a Czech Roma called Johann Herak. Another prisoner was artist and French resistance fighter Leon Delarbre who had been sent to Auschwitz after being captured by the Germans in France Just 16 years old when deported to Auschwitz-Birkenhau with a large group of Roma and Sinti from Luhacovice in Moravia, the documents show that on March 19, 1943, it was assigned the number Z-4454. Bazar said: 'As a juvenile prisoner, he worked in one of the heaviest work squads - the Bauhof construction kommando from April 13, 1943 to April 9, 1944. 'Shortly after that, on April 16, 1944, he was transferred to KL Buchenwald. 'His fate could not be finally determined.' Kathmandu, March 10 The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 274,973 as of Wednesday afternoon. The ministry says 104 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours. In this period, 3,488 swab samples were tested. So far, 2 million and 203,438 people have been tested in the country. As of today, 911 cases are active. Of the total cases so far, 271,050 people have achieved recovery whereas 3,012 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 63 people have achieved recoveries whereas no death was reported. Over 50 people are quarantined across the country. By Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bitcoin uses more electricity per transaction than any other method known to mankind, and so its not a great climate thing. That was what Bill Gates recently told me. At a time when companies and investors increasingly say they are focused on climate and sustainability issues, some of them may be about to collide with the reality of another financial trend, one currently worth about $1 trillion: Bitcoin. Also read: Rush to bitcoin? Not so fast, say keepers of corporate coffers The cryptocurrency has become inescapable, with big companies like Tesla and individual investors alike rushing to stock up on the digital token. But depending on which study you read, the annual carbon emissions from the electricity required to mine Bitcoin and process its transactions are equal to the amount emitted by all of New Zealand. Or Argentina. To put this into perspective, one Bitcoin transaction is the equivalent to the carbon footprint of 735,121 Visa transactions or 55,280 hours of watching YouTube, according to Digiconomist, which created what it calls a Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index. (Critics of this comparison point out that the average Bitcoin transaction is worth about $16,000, while the average Visa transaction is worth $46.37, but you get the point.) And as Bitcoin becomes more popular, the more resources its ecosystem consumes. What is happening, in a nutshell: So-called miners verify transactions involving the cryptocurrency by using computers to solve increasingly complex mathematical equations. They earn bitcoins for their work, meaning that the more popular the currency becomes, the more competition there is to mine new tokens. Also Read: Bitcoin on your balance sheet? Here's all you need to know As the resource intensity of running Bitcoin has increased over recent years, it has become a serious concern for its potential impact on health and climate, Alex de Vries, a data scientist who put the index together, wrote in the journal Energy Research & Social Science. All of which raises a crucial question: Does the movement among investors toward companies that rank highly for environmental, social and governance issues pose an existential threat to Bitcoins success? After all, Laurence Fink, chief executive of BlackRock the largest money manager in the world, with $9 trillion under management has said that all investments the company makes in the future will be evaluated, in part, on how they plan to meet the climate challenge. Perhaps more important, investors are clamouring for companies to disclose their carbon footprint, and a group called the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures is working on creating a global standard. If thats the case, how will investors view the likes of PayPal, which has been a vocal proponent of climate initiatives but last fall announced plans to allow customers to conduct transactions in Bitcoin? Or what about Square, the payments company founded by Jack Dorsey? It has become one of the most public proponents of Bitcoin, both dealing with transactions and also keeping the cryptocurrency on its own balance sheet. It holds about 5% of its cash reserves in Bitcoin, whose price has historically been deeply volatile. Then there is Tesla a company whose entire premise is to help reduce climate change through lower carbon emissions which has invested more than $1.5 billion of its balance sheet in Bitcoin. How would its Bitcoin holdings affect its sustainability score? Also read: The future of money is digital but is it Bitcoin? Other companies are also considering whether to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets. And financial firms like Guggenheim Partners have already invested in Bitcoin while Bank of New York Mellon says it will start financing Bitcoin transactions. Even Finks BlackRock has started to, in the words of a senior executive, dabble in the cryptocurrency by potentially allowing two of its funds to invest in Bitcoin futures. Rick Rieder, the firms chief investment officer of fixed income, cited investors interest in the asset and its increasing adoption by younger, tech-savvy customers. So far, Bitcoins carbon problem hasnt slowed down its price, which was hovering Monday night around $50,000 for a token, up from about $8,000 a year ago. Its carbon problem is hardly a secret. As The Independent recently noted, Hal Finney, one of the early cryptologists, posted on Twitter in 2009: Thinking about how to reduce CO2 emissions from a widespread Bitcoin implementation. Will owning bitcoins become a status symbol or a scarlet letter for a new generation of climate-focused investors wise to the challenges it poses? The answer is complicated. Bitcoin supporters say that estimates of its carbon footprint are overstated. And if the computers that mine and help transact bitcoins are attached to an electric grid that uses wind and solar power, they add, mining and using it will become cleaner over time. We believe that cryptocurrency will eventually be powered completely by clean power, eliminating its carbon footprint and driving adoption of renewables globally, Dorsey of Square said in a statement as part of a commitment for his company to be net-zero on carbon emissions by 2030. The company committed $10 million to invest in new green energy technologies within Bitcoin mining, and aims to accelerate its transition to clean power. Also read: Bitcoin on your balance sheet? Here's all you need to know On this point Gates, who considers himself a Bitcoin sceptic unrelated to the climate issues, said it is possible that the challenges could be overcome, but he wasnt convinced just yet. If its green electricity and its not crowding out other uses, eventually, you know, maybe thats OK, he said. Several companies are working on some counterintuitive ideas to turn Bitcoin green. On Monday, Seetee, an investment company involved in cryptocurrency, said it planned to invest in Bitcoin mining operations that transfer stranded or intermittent electricity without stable demand locally wind, solar, hydro power to economic assets that can be used anywhere. In other words, the company plans to build wind and solar in places that might not be perfectly situated for the technology and will use the extra power to mine Bitcoin, making money in the process. Bitcoin is, in our eyes, a load-balancing economic battery, and batteries are essential to the energy transition required to reach the targets of the Paris agreement, the company said in its announcement. There are also new ways to conduct greener Bitcoin transactions. For example, users could batch transactions on something called a Lightning Network, essentially a payment channel between two users that would use less power to process transactions. PayPal, too, argues that those new protocols may change Bitcoins carbon footprint: Not only are we assessing the climate impact of cryptocurrency, which is concentrated on Bitcoin, but also the entire industry is evolving in the assessment and measurement standards of the potential environmental impacts and more energy-efficient protocols are emerging. In the near term, nearly two-thirds of all Bitcoin mining is taking place in China, and mining activities can also be found in regions with coal-heavy power generation, such as in the province of Inner Mongolia, according to a study in the scientific journal Joule, which also raises the idea of imposing a carbon tax. Regulating this largely gambling-driven source of carbon emissions appears to be a simple means to contribute to decarbonizing the economy. As for Fink of BlackRock, he said he was still sceptical of the entire idea of Bitcoin, before he can even contemplate the climate issues. We are watching it, he said. Right now Im more focused on efficacy. Police found two men dead in a southwest Houston apartment complex following a lengthy SWAT stand-off with an armed man who has been arrested, authorities said. Patrol officers responded shortly after 2 a.m. to the 5200 block of Arboles Drive after a neighbor reported a suspicious person with a firearm, said Chief Art Acevedo of the Houston Police Department. When officers arrived, they heard loud arguing inside an apartment and a man who was visibly armed threatened to kill officers. Someone escaped through an upstairs window and told officers that other people were inside the residence, Acevedo said. The police department's SWAT and hostage negotiation teams were called to the scene. The units made contact by phone with the armed suspect, who yelled profanities, acted irrationally and refused to come out or let others leave. Around 9 a.m., the suspect came out of the apartment and was detained after the SWAT team busted through a window. Inside, officers found two bodies, Acevedo said. Police suspect the men may have died of drug overdoses. If authorities had known that there were people in need of medical attention inside the residence, it would have "changed the dynamics" of their response. "We always have to act with the information we know," Acevedo said. It's likely the detained suspect was using drugs, Acevedo said. At least six people were in the home and no one else was harmed. It's unclear how the people were related or connected. Homicide detectives are conducting an investigation. NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here Police have not identified the victims or the suspect. Dubai, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 11th Mar, 2021) Astrophysicist Lord Martin Rees has branded entrepreneur Elon Musks plans to send humans to Mars a "dangerous delusion" during this years World Government Summit. Lord Rees who has been the UKs Astronomer Royal since 1995 and holds fellowships of several prestigious societies said that housing populations in "glass domes" on the Red Planet would be comparable to living in hostile environments like the South Pole or Mount Everest. Speaking alongside astrophysicist Neil Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson at a WGS Dialogues panel on the global space race, the renowned scientist played down suggestions that humans could live on Mars long-term in sharp contrast to SpaceX CEO Musks predictions that a million people will soon live on the Red Planet. Lord Rees said: "The only reason for humans to go to space would be for adventure. To live on Mars is not going to be easy. Mars has a hostile environment. "So, the idea of Elon Musk to have a million people settle on Mars is a dangerous delusion. Living on Mars is no better than living on the South Pole or the tip of Mount Everest." Dr. Tyson added: "To ship a billion people to another planet to help them survive a catastrophe on earth seems unrealistic. If you want to call Mars home, you need to terraform Mars, turn it into Earth. It is so much easier to make Earth return to Earth again rather than terraforming Mars. "There is no force on Earth as potent as the exploration of space that impacts our thoughts and ambitions. Thinking about the future is half of what drives the future. Space will always remain as an inspiration for young people and it is an area we need to support. "The next generation has a broader view of the world. They think globally and have embraced technology like never before. I cannot wait for them to take over the Earth and fix the problems of this world. The edge of the Earth is space and with resources available and the spirit adventure, I have high hopes of all that the next generation will bring us." It comes after the United Arab Emirates Hope Probe last month successfully entered orbit around the Red Planet and beamed its first surface-level images back to scientists on Earth. The mission will spend two years revealing new information about Mars weather, atmosphere and changing seasons, positioning the UAE as the fifth country in the world to reach the seventh-largest planet in the solar system. During the same World Government Summit panel, Dr. Tyson who is best known for his space-focused books and television appearances remarked that inter-planetary exploration is essential since the solar system is the "worlds backyard". He said: "Space is for everyone and the Solar System is the worlds backyard. So, its great to see that collaborations are becoming important in space exploration and countries are coming together to share knowledge and resources." The World Government Summit held annually in Dubai explores the agenda of the next generation of governments, focusing on harnessing innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity. In 2017, Kathy Gillcrist, newly retired from her job as a high school teacher, was wondering what she would do next. She had always known she was adopted but had never felt a strong desire to learn about her birth parents. But curiosity and a need to fill her free time overcame that ambivalence. She took a DNA test, the first step of a genealogical journey that led her to a stunning discovery: Her father was most likely William Bradford Bishop Jr., who vanished in 1976 after bludgeoning his family to death with a sledgehammer, law enforcement officials believe. It just was surreal, Ms. Gillcrist, 63, said on Tuesday. It still is surreal. What began as a casual search through 23andMe, a DNA testing company, led Ms. Gillcrist down a rabbit hole in which she discovered numerous cousins and half-siblings on her biological mothers side, leading her to reflect on how her own strong and driven personality may have been inherited from a man on the F.B.I.s most wanted list. Boosting the teachers voices in the schools operation has been a linchpin of our organizing since day one, said Chris Walz, a member of the committee thats been bargaining with the school for over a year and the president of the two-year-old union, the International Federation of Teachers Local 909. We wanted to say there are other entities, other organizations, other people who share our view that seats on the board are the right way to go. Workday Inc. Maine California Kirsten Figueroa's Baltimore Denver Baltimore Denver Maine Maine Kelsey Goldsmith Paul LePage Maine Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram Attorney General's Office Marc Malon Press Herald Justin Fecteau Augusta Government Oversight Committee Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee Maine Cathy Breen Falmouth Senate Democrats Amy Arata New Gloucester Government Oversight Committee Republicans Democrats Genevieve McDonald Stonington Nate Libby Lewiston Senate (TNS) The peppy, 46-second video promises state workers their new payroll and human resources system will provide them with greater flexibility and less paper.One frame in the video shows a male cartoon character sliding down a rainbow smiling, arms in the air, apparently freed from the burden of the paperwork required by the state's current system.It's a cheery portrayal of a cloud-based software application the state contracted withto provide but has yet to see go into effect even though the video still live on the state's website promises employees they will be able to log into the system from "almost any computer or mobile device" starting in 2020.What the video doesn't say is thathas paid-based Workday more than $21 million for the system and that Workday employees who were working to implement the system walked off the job in mid-February. Or that the company's software has prompted other large government customers to raise concerns that Workday's system may not be the rainbow slide into the future depicted in its promotional video.State officials and lawmakers remained tight-lipped Tuesday about the ongoing contract disagreement with Workday following a statement from Administration and Financial Affairs Commissioneroffice Monday that said the state may take legal action to claw back taxpayer funds paid to the publicly traded company.Workday's human resources management platform, implemented by the cities ofand, has been the subject ongoing criticism as glitches and interface difficulties have left municipal officials and workers discouraged and dissatisfied by the system, according to local media reports.In, city officials were wrestling with paychecks being issued when they shouldn't be or not being issued when they should. In, an internal audit of the system by city and county officials found data collection problems that caused some employees to miss merit pay increases while others were given raises they hadn't yet earned. Both cities have between 12,000 and 13,000 municipal employees, more than the estimated 10,000 state workers covered by the system inThe specific problems or delays in implementing the system inremain unclear. In a statement Monday, Figueroa's spokeswoman,, said Workday's shortfalls included, "failure to deliver adequate labor cost and ad-hoc reporting solutions, failure to meet certain expectations in the agreed upon statement of work, and operating in bad faith."The company was contracted under the administration of former Republican Gov.officials have repeatedly rebuffed requests for copies of the state's Workday contracts and did so again Tuesday.Goldsmith said the public documents needed to be formally requested under the state's Freedom of Access Act, which thethen promptly filed on Tuesday. Goldsmith also referred additional questions about the Workday contract to the, whose spokesman,, did not return messages Tuesday.Workday executives also have not responded to repeated requests from thefor information on their view of the dispute with state officials.The disagreement between Workday and the state also involves new allegations by state Rep., R-, who sent a letter to the Legislature'sdemanding an investigation of "sexual misconduct" and "fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer funds" although the letter fails to detail which party was accused of misconduct.According to Figueroa, who testified before the Legislature's budget-writinglast week, Workday offers what's known as software-as-a-service (SaaS) financial and human resources capital management platforms, for which the state pays a subscription fee per user. It also offers consulting and professional services to implement the software.Figueroa said state officials still believe the software platform is a viable solution for an antiquated human resources system that depends on a computer language that only two state employees, both on the verge of retirement, know how to write. She said the relationship between state workers and the Workday team assigned to implement the system in, which they have been working on for nearly five years, apparently broke down last month, when Workday walked off the job.Fecteau, who sits on the Appropriations Committee, also was one of the two lawmakers on the 13-member panel who voted against a request from Figueroa for about $8 million of ongoing funding for the platform in a supplemental budget that will go before the Legislature later this week."If budgets are moral documents, I morally object to sexual misconduct and fraud, waste and abuse, and will vote against this motion," Fecteau said during the hearing.But Sen., D-, thechair of the budget committee, said Fecteau had not provided enough evidence for her and otherto oppose the ongoing funding for the Workday project.The other committee member to vote against the proposal, Rep., R-, said Tuesday that she opposed the measure because of the overall price of the project and the lack of progress."This is a lot of money," Arata said Tuesday. "We need more information a lot more information about the management of the program and where we are at."Arata also sits on the 12-member, which includes sixand sixRep., D-, the House chair of the oversight committee, declined to comment on the issue until it comes before the committee. Sen., D-, thechairman of the committee did not return messages seeking comment. Carl J. Shapiro, the Boston philanthropist and onetime cotton king of New York Citys garment district who forfeited more than half a billion dollars in the aftermath of Bernard Madoffs Ponzi scheme, has died. He was 108. He died March 7 at his home in Boston, according to an online death notice. Ruth and Carl Shapiro. Credit: The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation The longtime head of apparel company Kay Windsor, Shapiro was among the earliest and biggest clients of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, opening an account in 1961. His son-in-law, Robert Jaffe, was vice president of Cohmad Securities, which shared offices with Madoffs firm in Manhattan and brought new investors to his business. By most accounts, Madoff was a legitimate money manager during Shapiros early years as a client. But by 2008, when Madoffs fraud unravelled, he was delivering eye-opening returns to his clients only by using money from new investors to pay off older ones - the textbook definition of a Ponzi scheme. This is the Education Briefing, a weekly update on the most important news in American education. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. More students back in class School reopening inched forward across the country this week, as middle school students went back to class in Chicago, and New York City announced that it would welcome tens of thousands of high school students back on March 22. But the real seismic shifts came on the West Coast where hesitance about in-person classes has been the greatest as some districts laid out plans to bring students back to classrooms for the first time during the pandemic. Los Angeles is the only one of the nations 10-largest school systems where classes remain entirely virtual. Our colleague Shawn Hubler looked this week at the impact on families, many of whom have struggled with remote learning. My computer doesnt want to run Zoom, said Cristofer Son, an 18-year-old senior in East Los Angeles, so I have to delete it and then reinstall it, like, every two weeks. Opalesque Industry Update - The Government of France has removed The Bahamas from the French list of non-cooperative states and territories in tax matters. The list, which is updated annually by the French Ministry of Economics and Finance, was published in the Official Diary of the French Republic on March 4. The French Government has imposed a number of sanctions on blacklisted countries, including applying withholding taxes at a higher rate on financial transactions involving blacklisted countries. This serves as a disincentive to French taxpayers, both individuals and companies, wishing to conduct business in blacklisted countries. Blacklisting also carries reputational risks and may affect a country's ability to access international markets. Minister of State for Finance, Senator The Honorable J. Kwasi Thompson stated: "The decision by France to remove The Bahamas from its tax blacklist is the culmination of extensive bilateral discussions with the French Government since we were first listed in December 2019. From the moment we learned that The Bahamas was listed, we set about to vigorously disprove France's assumptions about our commitment to the international regulatory standards on tax cooperation and exchange of information for tax purposes. Our discussions with the French authorities have been fruitful and have fostered a deeper degree of cooperation between our two countries. We have aptly demonstrated that The Bahamas is indeed doing its part in the global effort to eradicate harmful tax practices." Over the past year, The Bahamas has amplified its engagement in the international community to defend the integrity of the jurisdiction against the criticism that it is not doing enough to curb financial crimes. In March 2020, the European Union removed The Bahamas from its list of uncooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes and in December 2020, the Financial Action Task Force removed The Bahamas from its anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing watch list. Fire Officials Ask People to Change Clock, Check Alarms This Weekend STOW, Mass. State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey urges residents across the commonwealth to check smoke and fire alarms when they change their clocks for daylight savings time. "As we 'spring ahead' with daylight savings time, remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms," said Ostroskey. "Working smoke alarms are key to surviving a fire. Unless you have newer alarms with 10-year sealed batteries, this is a good time to replace the alkaline batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms." "Winter is not over, and our furnaces have been working hard. This is the time of year when something might break causing deadly carbon monoxide to leak into our homes," said Ostroskey. "Working carbon monoxide alarms are the ONLY way to detect that invisible poison." Replace Aging Smoke Alarms "Smoke alarms, like other household appliances, don't last forever," said Chief Michael C. Newbury, president of the Fire Chiefs' Association of Massachusetts. "Check the age of your alarms. Smoke alarms usually need to be replaced after 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms after 5-7. "If they are more than 10-years old, replace the entire alarm." Replacement Alarms Should be Photoelectric With 10-year Sealed Batteries The State Fire Code requires replacement battery-operated smoke alarms in older one- and two-family homes to be photoelectric and have 10-year, sealed, non-replaceable, non-rechargeable batteries and a hush feature. Ostroskey said, "Fire officials hope that if we make smoke alarms easier for people to maintain, they will take care of them. We see too many disabled smoke alarms in fires when people really needed them to work." Time Is Your Enemy in a Fire "Time is your enemy in a fire. Working smoke alarms give you precious time to use your home escape plan before poisonous gases and heat make escape impossible." said Ostroskey. "No one expects to be a victim of a fire, but the best way to survive one that does occur is to have working smoke alarms," Newbury said. In the average house fire, there are only 1-3 minutes to escape AFTER the smoke alarm sounds. "Take a few minutes to protect those you love by changing the batteries in your smoke alarms this weekend. Then take a step stool and some 9-volts to your parents' or older neighbor's and ask if you can refresh their smoke alarms," Newbury said. Home Fire Sprinklers Home fire sprinklers provide residents additional time to escape, but working smoke alarms are still needed to alert people to danger. Senior SAFE Two hundred thirty-eight (238) fire departments across the state have grant-funded Senior SAFE Programs. Seniors who need help testing, maintaining or replacing smoke alarms should contact their local fire department or senior center for assistance. Ostroskey said. "Four out of every ten people who died in fires last year were over 65. We want our seniors to be safe from fire in their own homes." CYBERSPACEAdult industry attorney Maxine Lynn, founder of Sex Tech Connect, the online discussion group dealing with the sex tech industry, has announced the return of the group for Season 2, at which time it will welcome special guest Bryony Cole. The meeting will take place at Noon ET/9 a.m. PT on March 14, 2021. All members from the various verticals of the adult industry are invited to the virtual platform to chat about the future of sex and technology. Cole will lead the discussion, drawing on her wealth of knowledge about sex tech and the industry. She is the creator and host of the top-rated Future of Sex podcast and Lovehoney's resident sextech advisor. She recently also launched Sextech School, a course for entrepreneurs looking to get started in sex tech. COVID-19 lockdowns catapulted the use of sex toys, with sales reportedly exponentially increasing across the board, noted Lynn. The adoption of sex toys by people shows no signs of stopping, and the tech will follow the growing demand. A discussion with Bryony and others in the industry will be a great and insightful dialogue. "The year 2021 is proving to be a breakout time for sex tech with so many new products and features launching, explained Cole. One of the rare bright spots of the pandemic has been the focus on intimacy. It's been incredibly exciting to hear how companies are innovating in response to lockdown. For example, the new focus on silencing toys is a direct result of feedback from toy-users who are living in close quarters with housemates, parents and is propelling industry standards further. During the online event, attendees will be able to speak directly with Cole as well as one another. People will come together from across the world to have a conversation, where they network, learn, and advocate for the industry. The discussion will be recorded and posted to the website for those who miss it. We at Sex Tech Connect are excited to continue on our mission to connect players in the sex tech industry from around the globe, said Lynn. This is the first event of many in the works for 2021. Learn more about Cole here. To register for the upcoming Sex Tech Connect event or join the mailing list, visit SexTechConnect.com. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2021) - Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (OTCQB: EFRGF) (FSE: N07) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") reported today that it has refiled its Technical Report prepared under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") for the Dugbe Gold Project in Liberia, which report was initially effective 19 August 2020 and dated 16 September 2020. The refiled technical report contains enhanced disclosure on the applicability of the personal inspection undertaken at Tuzon to the Dugbe F deposit and includes disclosure on the similarity of these deposits. In addition, the refiled technical report confirms that the limited drilling that took place in 2013 and 2014 subsequent to SRK's personal inspection did not materially contribute to changes in the mineral resources on the property and SRK has confirmed that its site visit is independent, current and sufficient to support the reporting of mineral resources for the Tuzon and Dugbe F deposits. The refiled technical report also contains enhanced disclosure on the data verification undertaken by SRK, the reliance by SRK on the data generated by the project operator, the high quality of such data and records and the approach of SRK in respect of independent sampling. All other aspects of the Technical Report remain, in all material respects, as originally filed, including the mineral resource estimate. Corrective disclosure was requested by staff of the OSC in connection with its review of the Company's continuous disclosure filings. In accordance with OSC Staff Notice 51-711 (Revised) Refilings and Corrections of Errors, ("Notice 51-711"), the Company has refiled the technical report on SEDAR for purposes of making corrective disclosure. About Pasofino Gold Ltd. Pasofino Gold Ltd. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (VEIN), OTCQB (EFRGF), and FSE (N07). Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, ARX Resources Limited, Pasofino has an option to earn a 49% economic interest (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest) in the Project, once defined feasibility studies and exploration programs have been met. Pasofino also owns a 50% stake in the advanced-stage Roger Gold-Copper Project located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt. For further information, please visit www.pasofinogold.com or contact: Ian Stalker, President & CEO T: 604 367 8110 E: istalker@pasofinogold.com Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability to raise the funds to finance its ongoing business activities including the acquisition of mineral projects and the exploration and development of its projects. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully file and obtain approval for the Qualifying Prospectus, the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals in respect of the Qualifying Prospectus, the results of exploration activities; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms and those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76677 How quickly the tables turn. Once routinely demonised by all the usual suspects as price-gouging profiteers and monopolists, Big Pharma unexpectedly found itself the hero of the moment as the pandemic spread, developing effective vaccine solutions in double-quick time. But now the industry is back in the dog house again, at least in Europe. Dont blame the European Commission for the slow pace of the vaccine rollout, an Italian MP insisted at the weekend. Blame the drug companies instead. They are the ones that have let us down. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the commission, is similarly keen to deflect the blame onto the Anglo-Swedish pharma giant AstraZeneca. Syringes filled with doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine at a private medical practice in Germany. Credit:Getty Images So please dont call it vaccine nationalism when Italy uses emergency powers to ban the export of a consignment of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine to Australia. Rather, call it standing up to Big Pharma, or determination to enforce legal contract against a firm that has negligently overpromised and underdelivered in a rush for market share. What utter tosh. The latest outbreak of recrimination is understandable enough, I suppose, given the seriousness of Europes position, with economically crippling lockdown measures likely to have to be widely extended to compensate for vaccine strategy failings. But never mind the truth, the continued blame shifting is also a travesty of sure-footed policymaking. The European Union only doubles down on the damage it is doing to itself by treating Astra as a political football. Oregon lawmakers are looking at giving themselves a raise, a proposal that supporters say would help boost diversity so the Legislature would better reflect the communities it represents. On Wednesday evening, a committee focused on modernizing the peoples Legislature will hold a public hearing on a proposal that could raise legislators annual salaries from $32,800 to roughly $55,000. The actual amount would be tied to a calculation of average wages in Oregon under House Bill 3144. Serving in the Legislature is a part-time job, with sessions that run about five months in odd-numbered years and 35-day sessions in even-numbered ones. Lawmakers hold periodic interim committee meetings outside of sessions. In practice, legislators are very active outside of official legislative sessions working with constituents, serving on task forces, and doing the research and collaborative work that is needed for good bills, wrote Rep. Zach Hudson, D-Troutdale, a freshman lawmaker and a sponsor of House Bill 3144. Last year, Oregon held three special sessions to pass police accountability and reform laws, approve COVID and wildfire relief funding and adjust the budget in anticipation of a shortfall. The result is that working people are often excluded from the Legislature not because of any rules, but because they cant afford to participate, Hudson, a public school teacher, wrote in an email Tuesday. The legislature is therefore weighted toward those who are retired, whose income comes from business or investments, or who are supported in some other way. HB 3144 would allow Oregonians from more diverse backgrounds to represent their communities without hurting their career development or suffering financial hardship. Hudson said the idea has support from the Legislatures Black, Indigenous and People of Color caucus. It originated with Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat and part-time prosecutor, in 2019, then was taken up by former Rep. Akasha Lawrence Spence, D-Portland, a small business owner who was appointed to serve one year in the House. Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, a retired public relations consultant, also supported raising lawmakers pay in 2019 and cited the need to encourage more diverse candidates to run for the Legislature. This year, Rep. Khanh Pham, an environmental justice organizer and freshman Democratic lawmaker from Portland, also signed onto House Bill 3144, which is up for a hearing at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Legislator pay is about lowering barriers that exclude who can serve, and therefore who can be a voice for Oregonians and their many needs, their many unique experiences, Pham wrote in an email Tuesday. Our current pay structure is inaccessible for many people Factor in the cyclical nature of our job, when many legislators take time away from their jobs to be in Salem, it makes it very hard to find employment situations that can accommodate such a unique seasonal work schedule. That fundamentally skews the pool of people who think they can do this job. In addition to their salaries, lawmakers are also given $151 per diem for every day they are in session, which can add up to more than $24,000 in odd-numbered years. Most other states similarly award per diems. Oregon lawmakers also are given public pensions in the way of compensation and can spend campaign contributions, which currently are not limited unlike in most states, on personal expenses including cell phones and other technology, out-of-state and international travel and meals during session that the per diem is supposed to cover. Two other bills have so far been introduced that would also raise lawmakers pay, or require a study of whether it would make sense to do so: Senate Bill 830 and House Bill 3342. Both are sponsored only by Democrats, who hold supermajorities in both chambers. Neither has yet been scheduled for a public hearing. House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, a management consultant and former legislative aide, suggested in a statement Tuesday that she would not support raising legislator pay. Is now the right time to be raising lawmakers salaries while more than 132,000 Oregonians are currently unemployed? Drazan wrote. Based on salary alone, Oregon lawmakers pay is currently roughly in the middle of legislatures nationwide. In a 2020 survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Oregon had the 22nd highest annual legislator salary among the 42 states that pay annual salaries. House Bill 3144 would move the state up to ninth, assuming no changes in other state legislatures salaries. At the same time, lawmakers pay is far lower than that of many local elected officials in the state. For example, Multnomah County Commissioners earn $117,000 a year and Portland city commissioners earn $125,700. They work full-time year-round and are prohibited from doing other paid work. Hudson said its important to him that House Bill 3144 would tie legislators pay to how Oregon workers are doing. I love the idea of basing our own pay on the Oregon mean wage because our own fortunes will be tied to those of all Oregonians, Hudson wrote. We all hope that Oregons wages will continue to rise, but if they stagnate or fall, ours will too. -- Hillary Borrud; hborrud@oregonian.com; @hborrud Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Authorities in Massachusetts say they have figured out at least one of the people responsible for the disappearance and killing of a professional gambler nearly 30 years ago. Howard Ferrini, 53, was last seen by his friends at the Raynham dog track in August 1991. The District Attorney's Cold Case Unit has now identified one of the participants as Kevin Hanrahan from a fingerprint found on the plastic bag. Hanrahan was shot dead in 1992 but the findings go some way to tying up loose ends in Ferrini's murder. After Ferrini had left the track to go to his home in Berkley he told his friends that he intended to return but as Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn's office told the Taunton Daily Gazette, he never came back. When Ferrini didn't return to the track that evening, his friends were surprised, but found they were unable to reach him. On August 22, 1991 the body of Howard Ferrini was found inside of a vehicle parked at Logan Airport in Boston. Ferrini was a resident of Berkley, and had been missing for several days before his body was discovered. He is pictured with daughter, Kelly, several years earlier A few days later, friends stopped by his home but there was no sign of him. About a week after he disappeared, Ferrini's body was found in the trunk of his own car in a parking lot at Logan International Airport. An employee had noticed a smell coming from the 1988 Cadillac parked on the fourth floor of the parking garage. Police found that Ferrini had injuries to his head, and that a plastic bag had been placed over his head and tied tightly. Investigators determined that he had been killed in his home from a hammer blow to the skull before having the bag placed over his head. His body was then driven to the airport. Because he still had his gold jewelry and about $6,000 in cash, authorities ruled out robbery as a motive. Howard Ferrini's body was found decomposing in the trunk of his car. The car had been parked in a parking garage at Logan Airport in Boston, pictured Ferrini's body was found at Boston Logan airport after an employee smelled a strong odor coming from a blue Cadillac parked on the fourth level of the airport garage At his home, police found the doors and windows to be locked. Upon gaining access, investigators found the telephone had been unplugged and there were traces of blood in the kitchen. The kitchen had been extensively cleaned and a white film of cleaning powder was found on the floor, yet cops were not able to locate Ferrini's own mop or a hammer. Police believe Ferrini was assaulted in his home before being dumped in the trunk and driven to Logan airport with at least two people involved. Despite the best efforts of the Berkley police and Massachusetts State Police, no one has ever been identified as being responsible for Ferrini's murder until now. Mob enforcer Kevin Hanrahan has now been linked to the 1991 killing.He was shot dead in 1992 New developments in scientific and forensic technology together with a rapidly developing field of genetic genealogy, which combines DNA analysis with genealogy, now allows previously unknown perpetrators of many serious violent crimes to be identified. The Cold Case Unit is reviewing every piece of evidence from every homicide over the last 45 years to determine whether new leads can be developed from employing these new methods. In this case, the DA's office said new technology combined with old-fashioned detective work helped crack the case. The DA's cold case unit, with help from state police and the FBI, matched fingerprints on the bag used to suffocate Ferrini to Kevin Hanrahan. Hanrahan was in and out of prison in the 1980s for jury tampering, intimidating witnesses, drug trafficking and counterfeiting. Hanrahan worked for the Patriarca crime family in Providence, and was a criminal associate of Frank 'Cadillac' Salemme, a former mafia boss, pictured above According to the DA's office, Hanrahan was a violent criminal known to be a freelance enforcer for the Patriarca crime family in Providence, a criminal associate of Frank 'Cadillac' Salemme and Gordon O'Brien. He was shot to death in Providence in 1992. Kelly Ferrini, Howard Ferrini's daughter, was 18 when her father was killed. She believes that because of her father's record, police did not work as hard to find his killer in the 1990s, and she was shocked when the DA's office told her they had identified someone in the killing. Now 47, she said she hopes they may find others involved who are still alive and can be held responsible. 'I know he did a lot of bad things in his time,' she told the newspaper. 'But as far as being a father, he was a very good father.' 'He spoiled me rotten,' she said. 'Anything I wanted I got.' Investigators are still looking for information on a second person that is believed to have been involved in Ferrini's murder and should call Massachusetts State Police at 508-961-1918. DARAG Group Ltd., the Malta-based legacy acquirer, announced it has signed a retrospective quota share reinsurance agreement with Protector Forsikring ASA, a multinational general insurance company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. DARAGs German risk carrier, DARAG Deutschland AG (DAG), will be the vehicle for the transaction and assume booked reserves in excess of 180 million ($213.9 million). Upon the completion of the transaction, DARAG will provide Protector with reinsurance cover for its workers compensation book of business, underwritten in Norway and Denmark. DARAG has undertaken a major expansion over the past two to three years into new markets but Scandinavia remains a key focus for our European business, said Tom Booth, group CEO. This is the second transaction with our valued partners at Protector and is testimony to DARAGs ability to handle multinational portfolios for listed companies, as well as our sixth major deal in the Nordic countries. We are very pleased to announce this reinsurance agreement with Protector and we look forward to announcing further transactions in the near future, he added. We are very glad to once again work with our longstanding partners at Protector after our first transaction in 2019, and to support their long-term business strategy by providing a reinsurance solution for their workers compensation book, commented Alexander Roth, group chief strategy officer and CEO of DAG. This deal will further diversify our existing portfolio and demonstrates our teams expertise in developing bespoke legacy solutions for companies like Protector seeking to optimize their capital allocation in an increasingly attractive live insurance market. Our deal pipeline remains strong and we are looking forward to working with established and new partners to provide effective capital relief solutions across a range of territories and classes. About DARAG DARAG specializes in the assumption of discontinued business and the provision of capital relief solutions. The group has completed 47 run-off transactions in 21 countries with a value in excess of 1.4 billion ($1.7 billion). Source: DARAG Topics Reinsurance HOLYOKE William Billy J. Glidden hasnt formally announced that hes running for mayor but his early fundraising receipts bear the hallmarks of a campaign thats full steam ahead. A close friend and former aide to Mayor Alex B. Morse, Glidden formed what he describes as exploratory committee in early February. Since recording his first donation on Feb. 5, hes raised over $13,000 in individual contributions outpacing two candidates that made formal announcements earlier this year, according to a review of filings with the states Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Glidden said he expects to make a formal announcement by early April, and he has been encouraged by the support and donations received so far. His donor list shows strong support from residents in New York City and Washington, D.C., along with local contributors. These are people who have known me for a long time and from various stages of my life, Glidden said. The fact that people like that would support me is very humbling, and means a lot to me. Candidates Rebecca Lisi, an at large city councilor, and Devin Sheehan, a school committee member, opened their campaigns in early January with formal announcements. Both have recorded over $10,000 in receipts since then, including hefty transfers from the campaign committees for their current seats. At large City Councilor Mike Sullivan, who has not formally announced a mayoral run, formed campaign committee last week and launched a website. While his mayoral committee has not yet recorded its first donation, city records for his council committee show a 2020 year-end balance of nearly $14,000. The early stages of the candidates fundraising efforts are playing out against a backdrop of an uncertain election calendar. Morse is preparing to exit the scene to become town manager in Provincetown, where he is in the midst of contract negotiations. His departure date could trigger a special election if he leaves office with more than six months in his term. But city councilors including Lisi and Sullivan are seeking to avoid a special election through a recently drafted home rule petition. The petition, introduced by Sullivan and at large Councilor Joseph M. McGiverin, would limit the mayors race to the November municipal election and any needed preliminary votes in September. Despite pleas from Lisi and Sullivan for an immediate vote, the council recently sent the petition to its Charter and Rules Committee to hash out a final version. The full City Council and the Massachusetts Legislature must approve the petition. City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee has estimated a special election and runoff could cost Holyoke taxpayers $75,000 to $100,000. City Council President Todd McGee, who will become acting mayor when Morse steps down, has emphatically stated he will not run for a full term. By the numbers Gliddens fundraising total of $13,542 as of Wednesday all in individual contributions compares to total receipts this year of $10,911.10 for Lisi and $10,368.94 for Sheehan. A $1,000 contribution to Glidden came from Washington, D.C. resident Michael Luciani, the founder of The Tuesday Company, which builds apps to help campaigns organize and communicate with supporters. Luciani was also a Hillary Clinton campaign staffer in Michigan. Morse recently contributed $250 to Gliddens campaign. Gliddens fundraising total from Holyoke residents stands at $1,855, or 13.7% of his individual contributions. His top three states for contributions are Massachusetts ($4,207, or 31.1%); New York ($2,702, or 20%); and Washington, D.C. ($1,750, or 12.9%). After Holyoke and Washington, his strongest source of support so far has been Brooklyn, New York, where donors gave $1,232, or 9.1% of his total. The state figures show that Lisis recorded receipts include $2,995.31 in individual contributions since Jan. 9, as well a $7,915.79 bank transfer shifting funds from her city council committee to her mayoral campaign. She said her first quarter contribution total, with some donations not yet reflected in the state data, is over $4,000. Lisi said contributions are coming in slow and steady. She is pleased with the current pace, and with the support her campaign has generated in the community. Our fundraising efforts have been strong, she said, adding that she raised around $10,000 from September to January. Over 69% of Lisis individual contributions have come from Holyoke residents. Meanwhile, Lisis top three states are Massachusetts ($2,645, or 88.3% of her individual contributions), Oklahoma ($200, or 6.7%) and California ($100, or 3.3%). Besides Holyoke, her other two top city campaign sources are Northampton ($250, or 8.3%) and Tulsa, Oklahoma ($200, or 6.7%). Im happy with the support weve been getting in fundraising, Lisi said. With the potential for the pandemic to subside in the coming months, Lisi and the other candidates hope to resume in-person campaigning. Her campaign now relies on email blasts, social media and online events. Sheehan said he is satisfied with the direction of his campaign, but noted how the pandemic has restricted direct contact with voters. We had a virtual coffee hour, and Ive been meeting individually, both virtually and in-person when appropriate. Once were in a different phase with COVID-19, I know I want to start knocking on doors, chatting with more residents, engaging with people, he said. Sheehans total receipts include $2,325 in individual contributions and a $8,043.94 bank transfer. His Holyoke fundraising total is $225, or 9.7% of his individual contributions. His top city so far $375, or 16.1% is Springfield, where he works as an analyst for the public school district. He received $300, or 12.9%, from Longmeadow donors. Most of his contributions $1,925, or 82.8% have come from Massachusetts, followed by New York ($150, or 6.5%) and Connecticut ($100, or 4.3%). Sheehan said his campaign boosted its online and social media presence, including ways to accept donations. Were focused on our campaign and my message to the voters, he said. Neither Lisis nor Sheehans current campaign finance data show any individual contributions of $1,000, which is the cap under state campaign finance law. Glidden and Sheehan are registered as Democrats, while Lisi and Sullivan are unenrolled. Morses congressional campaign against longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, who chairs the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, tried to harness the energy generated by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs two victories in New York. Whether Glidden would take up the progressive torch or moderate his message for Holyoke voters remains unknown. One thing is certain, though: Holyokers relish a good political fight, where friendships and alliances take vacations during campaign season. Assistant managing editor Greg Saulmon contributed research. Related content: New Delhi, Mar 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Maitri' bridge over the Feni river in Tripura and connecting Bangladesh, and said the connectivity would not only strengthen friendship between the two neighbours but also help promote business betwen the two sides. The 1.9 km long two-lane bridge links Sabroom with Ramgarh in Bangladesh and connects the Chittagong sea port. The prime minister said the bridge along with other rail and water connectivity projects, will improve connectivity of south Assam, Mizoram and Manipur along with Tripura with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. Mr Modi said that the entire region is being developed as a trade corridor between Northeast India and Bangladesh. He thanked the Bangladesh Government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the cooperation in completing of the project. Shekhi Hasina in a video message said the bridge will give an impetus to the economic opportunity in South Asia. 'Political boundaries should not become physical barriers for trade,' she said, adding that the bridge will help Bangladesh's trade with Nepal and Bhutan. Hasina said Bangladesh is ready to maximise its locational advantage as a connectivity hub between South and Southeast Asia. "We believe the cross-border transport systems that Bangladesh is developing with India is an important step in this regard and will enable us to play an important role in regional trade and commerce," she said. She remembered Tripura's contribution in the Bangladesh Liberation War and said that Bangladesh has not forgotten the contribution of India, especially Tripura during their freedom struggle. The Bangladesh premier noted that the opening of Maitri Setu on the year of 50th independence anniversary of the country would strengthen its bilateral relations and encourage foreign investment in her country. In 2010, the then Chief Minister of Tripura had requested me for the construction of a bridge over River Feni and we acted positively. After a decade, today, it has become a reality. The bridge would not only ease the access to Chittagong port, Chittagong international airport for travel for the people of Tripura and the northeast, which will be beneficial for trade, commerce and development of tourism, Hasina said. She said Bangladesh government has allowed India to use Chittagong sea port for international shipping and Mongla river port for handling and transporting goods from other parts of the country to Tripura. Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh wishes that Nepal and Bhutan also can get access to Chittagong sea port by using the facilities available in northeast India. Bangladesh wants to grow together with all its neighbours and strengthen relationship to build a vibrant economy in the region with India's support, Hasina said. UNI Team NY SRJ A new patent granted to Siemplify is just the latest one awarded to the independent SOAR leader for its innovative ability to automatically group related security alerts into a single case. Siemplify's innovative and now-multi-patented approach models disparate security data as it comes in from different security systems into a data representation in which alerts are described on a graph. Amos Stern, CEO and co-founder, Siemplify Siemplify, the leading independent provider of security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR), today announced it has been awarded a new U.S. patent (US 10,742,667 B1) for the Siemplify Security Operations Platforms ability to model multidimensional threat data into graph-based representations, enabling the solution to automatically group related alerts into threat-centric cases and reduce analyst caseload by up to 80%. The average enterprise takes in thousands of alerts per day, created by a growing variety of disparate security systems, exposing security teams to mental fatigue due to the high volume and velocity of the alerts. Siemplifys dynamic modeling approach to fielding alerts results in a significant reduction in the number of cases that a security operations center (SOC) team must process, as well as add important context that might otherwise be missed. Analysts can now prioritize potentially overlooked threats, allowing them to investigate, as one, alerts that might have been received from separate security sensors but are part of the same threat. The Siemplify Security Operations Platform is a holistic SOAR workbench that allows SOCs to navigate the full scope of security operations and incident response, from initial alert triage through remediation, by automating workflows and orchestrating security tools from the broad security ecosystem. In 2020, the platform ingested hundreds of millions of alerts for customers and decreased caseload by as much as 80%. Part of the secret sauce of the Siemplify platform is that it models data arriving from an organizations collection of security tools into a graphical form, which expresses the meaningful components of each alert for example, the source IP address in a phishing email. Machine learning can then easily crawl these graphs to isolate relationships and cluster together similar alerts into rich, aggregated cases. To best address threats, security teams need to know the full context around those threats, Amos Stern, Siemplify CEO and co-founder, said. Siemplify's innovative and now-multi-patented approach models disparate security data as it comes in from different security systems into a data representation in which alerts are described on a graph. This opens an array of opportunities for our algorithms and SOC teams to apply context and drive efficiency, leading to faster resolutions of cases and incidents. This patent complements a previous patent, awarded in 2019, which also recognizes Siemplifys ability to deliver a threat-centric approach to investigations by looking for contextual relationships in alerts and, if identified, grouping these alerts into a single case. We founded Siemplify after spending years building and training security operations teams around the world, and becoming well versed in the very real hurdles SOC practitioners face, said Alon Cohen, CTO and co-founder of Siemplify. We are honored to receive another patent for our differentiated SOAR technology a testament to our undying commitment toward constant innovation for security operations teams across enterprises and service providers. About Siemplify Siemplify, the leading independent security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) provider, is redefining security operations for enterprises and MSSPs worldwide. The Siemplify platform is an intuitive workbench that enables security teams to manage their operations from end to end, respond to cyber threats with speed and precision and get smarter with every analyst interaction. Founded in 2015 by Israeli Intelligence experts, with extensive experience running and training security operations centers worldwide, Siemplify has raised $58 million in funding to date and is headquartered in New York, with offices in Tel Aviv. Visit us at siemplify.co and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Products, service names and company logos mentioned herein may be registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. None of the hundreds of Israeli teenagers who received the Pfizer Covid vaccine suffered serious side effects, senior officials have claimed. Israel's health ministry analysed data from 600 vaccinated children aged 16 to 18 with underlying conditions that would put adults at high risk from Covid. None of the teenagers had bad reactions to the vaccine, results showed. The findings will likely prompt Israeli leaders to consider vaccinating all children as the country continues to speed ahead with its jab programme. Sixteen to 18 year olds are already being offered the jab in the nation's world-leading vaccination drive. More than half of Israelis have already been inoculated. Both the Pfizer/BioNtech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca currently being rolled out in Britain have been proven to be safe and effective at reducing Covid symptoms in adults, but neither of them has been properly trialled on under-18s. Studies focused on adults because they are the ones most at risk from Covid and it is easier to get permission to put them in clinical trials. None of the hundreds children who received the Pfizer/BioNtech Covid vaccine suffered serious side effects in the world's first rollout to youngsters, Israeli senior officials have claimed. Pictured: A teenager receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech in Tel Aviv in January Israel's health ministry has vaccinated 600 16- to 18-year-olds with underlying conditions making them susceptible to coronavirus Or, an 18-year-old teenager, receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech Covid vaccine at Clalit Health Services, in Israel's Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv on January 23 Pfizer is now conducting a study on 12- to 15-year-olds and the University of Oxford has announced plans to test its vaccine on children as young as six. But both trials are expected to last several months, meaning Israel's rollout to youngsters will offer the best insight into the vaccine's effect on children for some time to come. The head of Israel's vaccine task force, Dr Boaz Lev, told The Guardian: 'We have so far immunised somewhere around 600 children. 'We didnt see any major side-effects, even minor [ones] are quite rare. This is encouraging.' More than 80 per cent per cent of Israeli adults have already received their first dose of the vaccine and officials expect as many as three out of five to have had both doses within weeks. Why aren't children getting Covid vaccines in Britain? Both the Pfizer/BioNtech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca currently being rolled out in Britain have been proven to be safe and effective at reducing Covid symptoms in adults. But neither of them has been properly trialled on under-18s. Studies focused on adults because they are the ones most at risk from Covid and it is easier to get permission to put them in clinical trials. There is no reason to believe the vaccines will be any less effective or safe for children, however. A lack of evidence means regulators won't approve the jabs for people they haven't been tested on. The priority was to vaccinate old people because they are most at risk of dying of Covid, and officials in the UK are now working through adults in age order. Studies on children will now be done to make sure they can benefit from the jab and don't suffer bad side effects. As long as there are no hiccups, jabs will likely be rolled out to them in the future. Advertisement There is no reason to believe the vaccines will be any less effective or safe for children but they aren't being rolled out yet because under-18s weren't included in clinical trials. A lack of evidence means regulators won't approve the jabs for people they haven't been tested on. The priority was to vaccinate old people because they are most at risk of dying of Covid, and officials in the UK are now working through adults in age order. Studies on children will now be done to make sure they can benefit from the jab and don't suffer bad side effects. As long as there are no hiccups, jabs will likely be rolled out to them in the future. Israeli leaders celebrated reaching five million vaccinations on Monday the country has a population of just nine million people and the government has also begun vaccinating Palestinian laborers who work in the country. But the country's under-16s make up a quarter of the population, meaning they will need to be vaccinated for herd immunity to develop. This will require 90 per cent of people to be fully inoculated, according to US top medical official Dr Anthony Fauci. The country began vaccinating high school students aged 16 to 18, with their parents' permission, in January. It hopes to finish vaccinating all 6.75million adults by the start of April, according to prime minister Netanyahu, at which point the scheme will be expanded to children as long as the medical regulators give the green light. Mr Netanyahu on Monday appeared at a press conference in Tel Aviv with Janet Lavi-Azulay, an Israeli woman who became the five-millionth person in Israel to be vaccinated. The success of the country's vaccine drive has already given decision makers enough confidence to begin reopening stores, restaurants, health clubs and music clubs in recent days. Many of these amenities are available only to those who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus. While much is returning as the pandemic softens, nothing is returning more aggressively than brunch. A sunny Sunday in Oakland this past weekend triggered an instinctual search for Benedicts and chilaquiles for folks who, when asked, never even thought about Prosecco in the past 12 months. With the sun shining, as it does every day, they thought, naively, that it was an outdoor lunch they might go get, given that it was 1:30 p.m. The search led them to one taqueria that was out of tacos, another that was closed for the sabbath, and a bagel shop with a line that led back to San Francisco, where it likely merged with another taqueria line. And so, with benches removed across the city, and outdoor spaces promising a battle for parking and forgetfulness of how we used to get around otherwise, all roads led to the enormous outdoor deck of a delicious upscale Mexican restaurant, where, undeterred by the teeming numbers of people standing around waiting not for a table, but the perfect table, more and more people sat down to eat a taco. Brunch, second only to cruise ships as being the thing we all thought people might forget and not do anymore, is seeing an unparalleled surge that is blasting through peaks set in 2011. With brunchs return comes competition. For what continues to be a mystery, but one manifestation is, in tandem with the interests of the people who find themselves in brunch, real estate. Couples, freshly dressed in their serious workout clothes, wait for food at a precious table they found, but move quickly when a better table is cleared. Tables, so precious to the brunch ecosystem, are rarely wiped down before being claimed, resulting in more germ sharing than if we were all to go back to partying in the clubs that would have given us the hangover that we would have needed this daytime margarita for in the first place. Pre-pandemic patios, in their return to the scene, are full of tables that are definitely not 6 feet apart. While we were all guilty of trusting restaurants before to keep us safe from spoiled food, spittle and angry birds, now there are even more expectations and reliance on someone else reading Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The long history of waddling in to a dining establishment as if you had crossed the Pacific and needed refreshment before you went back into the mines was one of entitlement, and seemingly only to do with hunger, not money. Also on the rise in battered California is the confusion of the parking lot during brunch. Diners at a crepe spot in Berkeley last week saw not one but two fender-benders in the span of an hour, and inexplicably, hundreds of people inspecting their own Jeep Cherokees for no reason. Brunch food has returned, too, and this comes without complaint. California has mastered the delivery of quick-to-make dishes, often the previous nights leftovers with a fried egg nestled on top. The restaurants that used their CARES Act money to adapt to serving actual food you have to cook on Sundays are likely very sorry. The seafood place on the spacious Oakland waterfront certainly learned its lesson last week when group after group ordered, on its busiest Sunday, the crab boil that comes with a piece of butcher paper to put down on your table for all the trash it creates. The boil comes with corn, shrimp, clams and the crabs, and requires two servers to get it to the table. When the plates ran out, it was served in a bag. There are also lobster rolls on the menu, but why go convenient when you can sit for two hours at a table everyone wants and get fish guts all over the patio floor? The paper was a help, considering servers did not have time to wipe tables down when a group left and another swooped down like gulls with their own bag of fish. For the nations diners, cranky eaters and fidgety children are the price to pay for the only moment they have to actually enjoy a meal outside at a time other than evening. But with your wait time, come to expect a dark depression, despair, and, as the number on your table wobbles, a general distaste for humanity, the likes of which, one diner found, can be easily cured with one sip of a margarita. A.M. Shan is a writer living in the Bay Area. ROME, MAR 10 - The government's 'cabina di regia' COVID-19 task force met on Wednesday to assess possible new restrictions amid a rise in contagion in Italy. The task force, which features officials from the health ministry, the Higher Health Institute (ISS) and the regional governments, looked at proposed tighter restrictions from the CTS panel of experts advising the government on its response to the pandemic. The CTS has proposed closing down all non-essential shops and activities at weekends, along the lines of the restrictions imposed during the Christmas holidays, given the rise in contagion The idea is to further prevent contact between people to combat infection, even in moderate-coronavirus risk yellow zones. The panel also proposed tougher measures in high-contagion risk red zones like those adopted a year ago in the northern town of Codogno, which was sealed off after becoming one of the nation's first coronavirus hotspots. ISTAT said Wednesday that life expectancy in Italy fell by almost a year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its health and economic consequences. The national statistics agency said life expectancy at birth was 82.3 years in 2020, down from 83.2 in 2019. "COVID completely wiped out the life-expectancy gains made in a decade in the north and partially wiped them out in other parts of the country," said ISTAT's BES report on the nation's well being and its level of equality and sustainability. "This is a step backwards that will take a long time to be fully recouped". ISTAT President Gian Carlo Blangiardo said that "the indicators have registered a particularly violent impact on some of the areas of progress on health of the last 10 years, which were wiped out in just one year". COVID-19 intensive care cases have passed the critical threshold of 30% of overall cases, the National Agency for Regional Health Services (AGENAS) said in a report updated to March 9. At a national level, ICU cases are now 31%, it said. This level makes it difficult to treat other patients. The percentage was 6% up on March 1 when it was 25%. The 30% threshold has been passed in 11 regions: Abruzzo (41%), Emilia Romagna (40%), Friuli Venezia Giulia (34%), Lombardy (43%), Marche (44%), Molise (67%), Autonomous Province of Bolzano (39%), Autonomous Province of Trento (54%), Piedmont (36%), Tuscany (36%), and Umbria (57%). The percentage of COVID patients in other wards was 35%, up 5% on March 1. However, that is below the critical threshold which in this case is set at 40%. Seven regions are above this threshold: Abruzzo (45%), Emilia Romagna (47%), Lombardy (46%), Marche (54%), Molise (45%), Piedmont (42%) and Umbria (51%). There have been 22,409 new COVID-19 cases, and 332 more victims of the virus, in Italy in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said Wednesday. On Tuesday there were 19,749 new cases and 376 more victims. Some 361,040 fresh tests have been carried out in the last 24 hours, up from 345,336 Tuesday. The positivity rate has risen by 0.5%, from 5.7% to 6.2%. ICU cases have risen by 253 and hospital admissions by 489. The death toll is now 100,811. The case tally is 3,123,368. The currently positive are 487,074 (+8,191 up over Tuesday), the recovered and discharged 2,535,483 (+13,752), and those isolating at home 461,365 (+7,631 ). (ANSA). Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 10, 2021] Quantum Metric Adds Tech Visionary John Chambers to Board of Directors COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Metric , a SaaS platform that helps organizations build better digital products faster, announced today that John Chambers, current Founder and CEO of purpose-driven venture firm JC2 Ventures and former Executive Chairman and CEO of global IT leader Cisco, will join the company's Board of Directors. In his current role, Chambers helps startups from around the world grow and scale. As an investor in Quantum Metric and mentor to its CEO, Mario Ciabarra, Chambers will support the company's endeavors to scale Continuous Product Design across the globe as brands worldwide continue to adapt to the fundamental digital shift in customer engagement accelerated by COVID-19. This news comes on the heels of the company solidifying its status as the first tech unicorn of 2021 with a $200 million Series B funding round in early January 2021. "Every company needs to become a technology company if they want to succeed in the digital era, and the need for tools that facilitate digital transformation, optimization, and innovation has increased exponentially as CEOs continue to recognize that fact," said Chambers. "I've had the pleasure of mentoring Mario for over four years and believe in the vision and strategy he brings to his team. Under his leadership, Quantum Metric is solving the complexities associated with digitization in a way that I truly believe will fundamentally change the market, and I am confident this newly minted unicorn will achieve success as a valuable solution for enterprises all around the world." ccording to a recent forecasting report from Gartner, Inc. , worldwide IT spending is projected to total $3.9 trillion in 2021, an increase of 6.2% from 2020. The unprecedented speed of digital transformation over the past year has set the standard and, according to Gartner, it remains imperative for global businesses to accelerate digital plans by at least five years to survive in a post-COVID-19 world. Over the course of three decades, Chambers led Cisco from $70M in sales to $48B, 400 employees to 75,000, and reached upwards of 180 acquisitions, ultimately making Cisco the world's frontrunner in IT and positioning it as one of the most valuable companies in the world. His continued ventures have collectively established Chambers as one of the most influential leaders the technology industry has ever seen. Joining Lonne Jaffe, Managing Director at Insight Partners, and Mario Ciabarra, CEO of Quantum Metric, on the Board of Directors, Chambers will help to continue identifying opportunities for the future, with a particular focus on Quantum Metric's leading agile approach to the product life cycle, Continuous Product Design (CPD). CPD provides a data-driven and customer-defined approach to building and rapidly iterating digital products that help companies to overcome organizational silos, streamline priorities, and deliver products that improve the business and customer experience. It has already proved to be a massive success, alleviating the pressures associated with consumers' accelerated demand and heightened standards for brands' digital transformations amid COVID-19. "To say that I am delighted to welcome John Chambers to our board is an understatement," said Mario Ciabarra, CEO of Quantum Metric. "As my mentor, friend, and the model inspiration to tech entrepreneurs everywhere, John brings in heightened expertise and leadership capabilities that are essential for our larger team through enormous transition and digital transformation. Having had the opportunity to collaborate with John over the past several years, I can attest to the impact he has already had on Quantum Metric's growing footprint, and I am truly excited for all that's ahead as he now becomes a formal member of our team." Quantum Metric nearly doubled its reported revenue for the year ending on December 31, 2020, and recent market signals point to a continued rise, as the company aids the world's most established brands and enterprises in making the accelerated move towards digital. For more information about Quantum Metric, visit www.quantummetric.com About Quantum Metric Quantum Metric helps organizations build better digital products faster. Our Continuous Product Design platform gives business and technical teams a single version of truth that's automatically quantified and based on what matters most your customer's perspective. The result: Teams are aligned, learn faster, and release with confidence. In January of 2021, Quantum Metric secured its place as the first tech unicorn of the year with an above $1 billion valuation and a $200 million Series B funding round. In 2020, Quantum Metric was ranked 124 in the Inc 5000, a list of America's fastest-growing private companies. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-metric-adds-tech-visionary-john-chambers-to-board-of-directors-301244267.html SOURCE Quantum Metric [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The posters have appeared in Kilkeel, Co Down. The PSNI has been urged to investigate the appearance of sinister and threatening posters in a Co Down town. The placards in Kilkeel have an image of a man in a balaclava holding a handgun, with a message reading: Our forefathers fought for our freedom and rights. No border in the Irish Sea or we continue the fight. Anti-Northern Ireland Protocol posters and banners have appeared across Northern Ireland in recent months. Some state the 'loyalist' town or village will never accept the Irish Sea border; others target Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Taoiseach Micheal Martin; and some say 'the deal's off', as the Good Friday Agreement has been broken'. Under the UK's Brexit agreement with the EU, the protocol has led to checks on goods coming from Britain into our ports, creating a de facto Irish Sea border, something that has angered unionists and loyalists. A spokesperson for the PSNI said they are aware of reports of posters being erected in Kilkeel on Wednesday and that they will continue to monitor the situation. Sinn Feins South Down MLA Sinead Ennis said the placards display a clear threat of violence and called for their removal. The police need to investigate those responsible for putting up these posters and the motivation behind their erection, she stated. Ms Ennis added: There can be no succour given to those who would make threats or use violence. The mysteries of 'long-covid' continue to mount as new research suggests that nearly a third of people with symptoms that linger for months had none at all when they were diagnosed. The new study, from the University of California, suggests that there is no singular profile that can help doctors predict which COVID-19 patients may wind up with symptoms that last for months after infection. The researchers studied 1,400 patients from University of California hospitals who were never hospitalized. One in four of these patients had persistent symptoms two months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. The findings suggest that everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should be closely monitored for long COVID, even if they don't appear to have the symptoms we'd consider common markers of a serious case. And it may indicate that there are more long-haulers out there who don't know why they are exhausted or having sporadic fevers or other symptoms, because they have no idea they ever had COVID-19 in the first place. COVID-19 long-haulers can start their disease progression with many different symptoms, or with no symptoms at all. Nearly a third of long-hauler patients in the University of California study reported no symptoms at all in the first 11 days after diagnosis. Common symptoms among long-haulers include chest pain, difficulty breathing, anxiety, abdominal pain, and cough. But this list may miss some neurological symptoms which are also common for the group. Many of the long-haulers in the study had no visible symptoms early on, but developed them later - though the study may have missed examining some neurological symptoms that are common in long-haulers. While women appear to be at higher risk of becoming long-haulers, this prolonged condition can easily impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. Out of the 29 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the University of California researchers estimate that only one percent have been hospitalized for the disease. The vast majority of people who suffer from the disease for months without going to the hospital - or even without getting an official diagnosis to begin with. These patients are called long-haulers, and they've received increasing attention both from scientists and the media in recent months as they have advocated for better understanding and treatment. Long-haulers suffer from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, also called 'long COVID.' Recent estimates suggest that about one in ten people who become sick with COVID-19 experience this prolonged condition. A recent, not yet peer-reviewed study from researchers at the University of California sheds some light on how long COVID begins and whom it impacts. The researchers used a dataset of university patients to identify about 1,400 people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and had symptoms that matched the disease, but were not admitted to the hospital. Twenty-seven percent of those patients still saw symptoms after 60 daysleading the researchers to classify them as long-haulers. While the researchers had set out to determine if any early-onset symptoms or demographic categories might be risk factors for long COVID, they saw few clear patterns. In fact, the most common trait for those long-hauler patients was no symptoms in the first 11 day. Nearly one in three - or 32 percent - of the long-haulers had no early symptoms, according to the study. The researchers also clustered symptoms together in a mathematical model, looking for associations between symptoms such as cough and chest pain and later long COVID. Some common symptoms among the long-hauler group were insomnia, chest pains, cough, anxiety, nausea, and abdominal pain. Hannah Davis, a long-hauler and member of the self-organized long COVID research group Patient-Led Research, says the study's characterization of cases may in fact be missing some symptoms. 'It didn't ask about the most common Long COVID symptoms - like cognitive dysfunction/brain fog, sensorimotor symptoms, memory loss, post-exertional malaise, dizziness, and reproductive changes, to name a few,' she told DailyMail.com. Davis points out that the symptoms on which University of California researchers focused, such as cough and insomnia, don't match what she's seen in the broader long COVID population: 'Further, most Long COVID patients experience over a dozen symptoms at any time.' A separate study that Davis worked on with others from the Patient-Led Research group, released as a pre-print in December, suggests that many long haulers suffer from emotion-related symptoms, memory loss, headaches, loss of taste and/or smell, difficulty finding words, brain fog, dizziness/vertigo, and other similar symptoms. This study is based on a survey of over 3,700 long-haulers in 56 countries. Another group excluded by this study may be those COVID-19 patients who never actually get a diagnosis. Diagnostic tests were hard to come by in the spring and summer of 2020, and without a PCR test early on in their disease, many long-haulers may now be blocked from both treatment and involvement in research. The University of California researchers did not find many demographic indicators for becoming a long-hauler, either. Their data suggest women more likely to suffer from long COVID, but there are no associations for race or ethnicity. Long-haulers in the study included patients of all ages, with the most participants around ages 40-60. More research is needed to study different risk factors and early symptoms for long-haulers, particularly those neurological symptoms described by Davis. With the increased attention on long COVID, these answers may be on their way. The U.S. National Institutes of Health, for example, launched a national initiative to study long COVID in February. Congress has provided over $1 billion in funding over four years to support research into this critical group of COVID-19 patients. Joy Peskin at Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Never Forget Who You Are by Achut Deng (l.) and Keely Hutton. The narrative follows Deng's harrowing escape from her home village in South Sudan to a refugee camp in Kenya and finally to the U.S., where she arrived as part of a group of Lost Boys." Told through the testimony of Deng's lossesincluding her name, her family, and her homethe YA memoir is the story of how Deng struggled to overcome exploitation and abuse and reclaim the things she lost by holding on to who she is. Publication is set for winter 2022; Soumeya Bendimerad Roberts at HG Literary did the deal for world rights. Bria Ragin at Random House/Joy Revolution has bought Highly Suspicious, Unfairly Cute by romance author Talia Hibbert. In her YA debut, a snarky e-girl battles her clean-cut academic rival (and former best friend) over the course of a three-week enrichment program in the Scottish wilderness to see who's really top of their class, sparking old and possibly romantic feelings. This is the first acquisition for Joy Revolution, the imprint cofounded by Nicola and David Yoon. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Courtney Miller-Calliha at Handspun Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world rights. Sarah Barley at Flatiron has acquired This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg, a YA novel about a family on the run and their restless teenage daughter, Poppy, who's hungry for the truth. When Poppy takes a home DNA test, she not only unravels the truth of her parents' identities, but also undoes decades of careful work to keep her family anonymousand finds that the past is dangerously close to catching up to them. Publication is scheduled for winter 2022; Kerry Sparks at Levine Greenberg Rostan handled the deal for world English rights. Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought You're Breaking My Heart by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. The YA debut follows a teenager grieving her brother's death and her last words to him before he diedwho then discovers a portal to another dimension underneath New York City, one that just might offer an opportunity for a do-over as a better version of herself. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Marietta Zacker of Gallt & Zacker brokered the deal for North American and world Dutch rights. Jennie Conway at Wednesday has acquired The Charmed List by Julie Abe, a YA contemporary romance set in a magical Palo Alto, pitched as Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Jenny Han. After spending most of high school as the quiet girl, Ellie Kobata is ready to take some risks and potentially have a life-changing summer, starting with her Anti-Wallflower list13 items she is going to check off one by one. But when number four on the listrevenge on Jack Yasudagoes terribly wrong, she's certain her summer has gone from charmed to cursed. Publication is set for summer 2022; Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic did the deal for world rights. Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to On the Bright Side by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (Book Scavenger). This 1980s-set middle grade mystery features three young sleuths obsessed with E.T. and Steven Spielberg, who witness a mysterious flying object in their sleepy California town. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary negotiated the deal. Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired Naomi Teitelbaum Ends the World by S. Rose Shanker, an #OwnVoices debut middle-grade novel in the vein of Aru Shah that gives traditional Jewish folklore a modern twist. Naomi is preparing for her bat mitzvah when she receives a mysterious gift: a Golem that obeys her every command. When the Golem gets out of control, Naomi and her friends are sent on an adventure to set things right before the Golem accidentally brings about the end of the world. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Stephanie Hansen at Metamorphosis Literary handled the deal for world rights. Lisa Mangum at Shadow Mountain has bought Missing Okalee by Laura Ojeda Melchor. Her debut middle grade novel features 12-year-old Phoebe Paz Peterson, who can't seem to shine more brightly than her little sister, Okalee. Phoebe is sure that snagging the solo in the school choir will finally give her a chance at the spotlight. But when a tragic accident takes Okalee from her, Phoebe loses her beautiful singing voice and gains a terrible secret. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Danielle Chiotti of Upstart Crow Literary brokered the deal for North American rights. Sunita Apte at Reycraft has acquired world rights to a new middle grade #OwnVoices series by Salima Alikhan. In each book, a girl named Soraya takes a field trip with her classmates and embarks on an adventure. Publication for the first book, Soraya and the Dragon, is slated for fall 2021; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary represented the author. Alyson Heller at Aladdin has bought debut chapter book Sejal Battles Super Storms by Maya Prasad, first in a new series that follows an Indian American girl with an active imagination and a love of STEM, who uses science to save her family's Diwali celebration on the night of a storm. Publication is set for spring 2023; Penny Moore at Aevitas Creative Management negotiated the three-book deal for world rights. Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired two early graphic novels written and illustrated by Vikram Madan (A Hatful of Dragons) featuring Owl & Penguin, two unlikely friends who, despite their differences, flock together like birds of a feather. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for world rights. Elise LeMassena at Putnam has bought Rosie and the Pre-Loved Dress by textile designer and Unraveled author-illustrator Leanne Hatch. In this picture book, a girl finds the perfect dress at her local thrift shop; her curiosity about the previous owner leads her to discover that secondhand clothes carry far more possibilities than meet the eye. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Janine Le at Sheldon Fogelman Agency handled the deal for North American rights. Martha Mihalick at Greenwillow has acquired, at auction, The Dark by Pam Fong, a picture book about finding light in the darkness, told by way of a little fish lost in a deep ocean. Publication is slated for winter 2023; Abigail Frank at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights. Neal Porter at Holiday House/Porter has bought world rights to Pass the Baby! by Orbis Pictus Honoree Susanna Reich (Stand Up and Sing!), illustrated by 2020 Eric Carle Museum Honoree Raul Colon (Imagine!), a riotous picture book about a diverse family celebrating a meal together... and the baby who's the center of their attention. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Edward Necarsulmer IV of Dunow at Carlson & Lerner represented the author, and Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the artist. Kate Farrell and Christian Trimmer at Henry Holt have acquired world rights to The Truth About Dragons by Asian American Pacific Award recipient Julie Leung (l.), illustrated by Hanna Cha. It's a picture book about a child with a blended cultural identity who quests into two very different forests, discovering the godly, imposing Eastern conception of the dragon in one, and the fearsome, adventurous Western dragon in the other. The child learns there is no one truth about dragons, that both can at once exist in their heart. Publication is set for winter 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author and illustrator. Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought, at auction, I'm From by Gary Gray, illustrated by Oge Mora. The author's picture book debut is an exploration of the sum of all the little moments, from bus rides to pick up games, that play a special role in defining where a little Black boy is from. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House negotiated the two-book deal for world rights. Taylor Norman at Chronicle has acquired, at auction, world rights to two picture books by Chelsea Lin Wallace (l.). The first is Ode to a Bad Day, about the bad day a child is having from soggy cereal to running boring errands with a parent, illustrated by Hyewon Yum (c.). The second is A Trip to Miss Peatree, about children piling into the school nurse's office with a variety of ailments, illustrated by Alison Farrell (r.). Publication is set for spring 2023 and fall 2023 for the first and second book, respectively; Jennifer Rofe represented Wallace, Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary represented Yum, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented Farrell. Rachel Matson at Cartwheel has bought world rights to My Moms Love Me, an ode to the magic in the everyday for two mothers and their little one, written by Anna Membrino (l.) (I Look Up To) and illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz (Every Little Letter). Publication is slated for 2022; the author represented herself, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator. Maggie Rosenthal at Viking has acquired world rights to Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk (l.) and illustrated by Charles Santoso, in which a human and a unicorn pen pal pair grow and learn from new and unexpected perspectives through the exchange of art and drawings. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator. Julia Sooy at Holt/Godwin has bought Blood: Not Just a Vampire Drink by Stacy McAnulty (l.) (Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years), illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney. The nonfiction picture book is an introduction to the important role of blood in the human body, as told by a vegan vampire. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary represented both the author and the illustrator in the deal for world rights. Beth Terrill at NorthSouth has acquired world rights to The Forest Keeper, a picture book by 111 Trees and Grandmother School author Rina Singh (l.), illustrated by Ishita Jain. This nonfiction book tells the story of an Indigenous man who single-handedly planted a forest on a barren sandbar in India. Publication is set for spring 2023; Essie White at Storm Literary represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented. Rebecca Davis at Boyds Mills has bought North American rights to picture book If This Bird Had Pockets by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater (l.), illustrated by Emma J. Virjan. This picture book of poems celebrating Poem in Your Pocket Day imagines the poems a wide variety of animals might write for the holiday. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown represented the author, and Victoria Wells Arms at Wells Arms Literary/HG Literary represented the illustrator. Zhiqiao Wang at Yeehoo Press has bought world rights to Cedric's Tail by Amani Uduman (l.), illustrated by Agnes Ernoult. In this picture book, Cedric must come to terms with the advantages and pitfalls of his new limb when he wishes for a tail on his fourth birthday. Publication is planned for spring 2022 in the U.S. and mainland China; the author represented herself, and Amary Tang and Juliette Lott at IllustrationX represented the illustrator. Liza Kaplan at Philomel has acquired, in a six-house auction, Cool. Awkward. Black., a YA fiction anthology that explores the joys of and multitudes within Black geekhood from a number of Black authors, edited by Karen Strong, with stories by Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry Benton, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar R. Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Danny Lore, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, K. Arsenault Rivera, Ciannon Smart, Julian Winters, Ibi Zoboi, and one winner from a contest run by Strong. Publication is set for spring 2023; Patrice Caldwell and Jenniea Carter at New Leaf Literary & Media brokered the deal for world English rights. Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook has bought The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan (The Prince of Nowhere). This first book in a planned contemporary YA fantasy trilogy follows a young witch charged with protecting her sleepy hometown from fae mischief. But when a dark entity takes root in the wood, she must seek help from the unlikeliest of allies to form a coven reckless enough to take on the new threat. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Erica Bauman at Aevitas Creative Management did the three-book deal for world rights. Kristen Pettit at HarperTeen has acquired Cake Eater by Allyson Dahlin. In this debut YA novel, set in an alternate future Versailles, social influencer Marie Antoinette and her shy new husband Louis Auguste must right the wrongs of generations, amid rampant misinformation and capitalist propaganda, while revolutionaries are already calling for their heads. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House negotiated the deal for North American rights. Kiara Valdez at First Second has bought Gutless by Rose Bousamra. The YA graphic novel follows the last mermaid in the world, a witch princess, and a wooden knight as they embark on a journey of self-discovery while trying to stop an ancient magical being from destroying the earth. Publication is scheduled for 2024; Tamara Kawar at ICM Partners brokered the deal for world English rights. Jen Bouvier at Entangled has acquired The Gravity of Missing Things by Marisa Urgo. This #OwnVoices debut contemporary YA novel follows a bi teen who has to juggle first love and a family secret when her pilot mother's plane mysteriously vanishes, leaving her mother as the prime suspect. Publication is set for summer 2022; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary handled the deal for world rights. Jerome Pohlen at Chicago Review Press has bought Bone Quake by C.M. Surrisi, a YA nonfiction book that details the events leading to the discovery that the bones entombed in Viking warrior grave Bj581 were in fact female, and examines the fallout from that discovery and its impact on archaeologists' and historians' study of gender roles in ancient societies. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Kelly Dyksterhouse at Raven Quill Literary negotiated the deal for world rights. Caroline Abbey at Random House has acquired Strangeville School Is Totally Normal and a sequel, Strangeville School Is Definitely Not Cursed by Darcy Miller, illustrated by Brett Helquist. This middle grade series follows Harvey Hill on his first day at Strangeville School, where everything is perfectly normal... except for the giant rat roaming the halls, the black hole in the meatloaf, and the supply closet that's planning something nefarious. Publication for the first book is scheduled for fall 2021; Carrie Hannigan at HG Literary represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator. David Levithan at Scholastic has bought Alice Austen Lived Here by George author Alex Gino. The middle grade novel follows non-binary friends Sam and TJ, who, in researching their Staten Island neighborhood for a contest, discover the work and life of early lesbian photographer Alice Austen and the queer history and culture that surround them. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary brokered the deal for world rights. Susan Rich at Little, Brown has acquired The Kaya Girl by Ghanian author Mamle Wolo, a middle grade novel exploring an unlikely friendship between teens from vastly different backgrounds, whose paths cross in a bustling market in Ghana's capital city. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Charlotte Sheedy at Charlotte Sheedy Literary negotiated the deal for world rights, excluding Anglophone West Africa. Kristin Daly Rens at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought Zoodini by Horace & Bunwinkle author PJ Switzer (writing as PJ Gardner), a middle grade mystery in which a fennec fox with a penchant for escape attempts winds up at an animal rehabilitation center and stumbles on a new way to find famestopping a plot to steal his fellow residents. Publication is set for fall 2023 with a second untitled work to follow; Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary did the deal for world English rights. Taylor Norman at Chronicle has acquired Camp Whatever by debut author Sondra Soderborg. The middle grade novel follows a girl who hides her unfamiliarity with the nuances of friendship and her fear of heights behind a seemingly unflappable exterior at a middle school team-building camp. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary brokered the deal for world English rights. Siobhan Ciminera at Simon Spotlight has bought world English rights to a new early reader series, Captain Cat, by author-illustrator Emma J. Virjan (What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig). The first rhyming story, Captain Cat and the Pirate Lunch, celebrates the unexpected friendship between a cat and some charming birds; Elizabeth Barton and Nicole Fox will edit. Publication of the first book is planned for spring 2022; Victoria Wells Arms at Wells Arms Literary/Hannigan Getzler Literary represented the author-illustrator. Bethany Buck at Pixel+Ink has acquired world rights to the first two books in The Great Mathemachicken young chapter book series by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Charlie Alder, about a curious chicken who sneaks into school to see what humans actually do there, and unlocks superpowers of math and science that she uses to solve problems in the coop. Publication for the first book, Hide and Go Beak, is set for spring 2022, with the second to follow in spring 2023. Kenneth Weinrib at Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo PC represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Scroll and a second untitled picture book written and illustrated by Hui Li. This debut picture book about family and tradition stars a girlinspired by her grandfather's calligraphywho steps into a magical world where Chinese characters come to life. Publication is slated for winter 2023; Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary negotiated the two-book deal. Justin Chanda at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by author-illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins. The picture book is about a boy who adopts an out-of-this-world dog after a UFO mishap and introduces him to canine life on Earth. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management did the deal. Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has bought, in a three-book deal, author-illustrator Mechal Renee Roe's Growing Great, a garden-themed picture book about personal growth; Smart Sisters, a picture book celebration of sisterly friendship and love; and a leveled reader. Publication is planned for spring 2022, fall 2022, and spring 2023 for Growing Great, the leveled reader, and Smart Sisters, respectively. James Burns at the Bright Agency handled the deal for world rights. Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Tegen has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Maribel's Year by Michelle Sterling (l.), illustrated by Sarah Gonzales. The picture book follows a Filipina girl's first year in the U.S. as she navigates a new home through the changing months and waits for her papa across the sea to join them. Publication is set for winter 2023; Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the author, and Alexandra Levick at Writers House represented the illustrator. Emilia Rhodes at HMH has bought world rights to Cake vs. Pie by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen (l.), illustrated by Steph Stilwell, a pun-filled picture book about Cake's mission to defeat Pie as the most coveted dessert on the table. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired Pa, Me and Our Sidewalk Pantry by Toni Buzzeo (l.), illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang. The picture book is about a girl and her grandfather who build a shared sidewalk pantry to accompany their shared library, helping her neighbors in hard times with foods that can be enjoyed with favorite books. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator. Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has bought world rights to Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note by Courtney Sheinmel (l.) (the Stella Batts series) and Susan Verde (c.) (the I Am series), illustrated by Heather Ross (r.). In this picture book, one handwritten note leads to many more as Sallie realizes just how much she has to be thankful for. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Laura Dail at Laura Dail Literary represented Sheinmel, Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented Verde, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented Ross. Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has acquired Every Day's a Holiday, written by Stef Wade (l.), illustrated by Husna Aghniya. This picture book follows a girl over the course of a year as she learns about holidays like National Cheese Lover's Day and Opposites Day, all while counting down to the best day of allher birthday. Publication is set for fall 2022; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at AstoundUS represented the illustrator. Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to 1 Smile, 10 Toes and Red Hat, Pink Boots by Dutch author-illustrator Nelleke Verhoeff (The Bread Pet). The pair of mix-and-match board books invites children to create endless combinations of quirky characters while reinforcing early learning concepts. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; the author-illustrator represented herself. Jordan Nielsen at POW! Kids has acquired world rights to ABC Thankful Me, written by debut author Kyaw Lin (l.) and illustrated by Yuliya Pieletskaya (The Climbing Tree), a picture book where children learn the alphabet and practice gratitude by appreciating everyday wonders. Publication is slated for November 2021; the author represented himself, and Clelia Gore at Martin Literary & Media Management represented the illustrator. Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow has bought world rights to Lift, Mix, Fling! Machines Can Do Anything and a companion about the concept of light by Lola Schaefer, illustrated by James Yang. The two STEM picture books invite readers to explore both topics and discover how each plays a role in their everyday lives. Publication is planned for March 2022 and March 2023, respectively; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and David Goldman at the David Goldman Agency represented the illustrator. Kristen Mohn at Capstone has acquired world rights to Jubilee: The True Story of the First Therapy Horse by KT Johnston (l.), illustrated by Anabella Ortiz. The book focuses on Danish dressage competitor Lis Hartel, who was determined not to let her polio keep her from riding again. An inexperienced horse named Jubilee was just the partner Lis needed to develop a new way of ridingall the way to the 1952 Olympics. Publication is set for spring 2022; the author and the illustrator represented themselves. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday said he will go to this week to urge farmers to defeat the BJP in the West Bengal Assembly elections, but claimed he is not supporting any political party. Farmers are distressed, and election will be discussed with them, Tikait said, adding that he is not going to West Bengal to seek votes. "I will go to on March 13. The clarion call for a decisive struggle will come from We will talk to farmers there and urge them to defeat the BJP," the BKU leader said. He was in Ballia to address a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'. Replying to a query if he would meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tikait said there was no such programme. The farmer leader said a call has already been made to defeat the BJP in the five Assembly elections scheduled to begin from March 27, but asserted that he would not support any political party. Besides West Bengal, Assembly elections are going to be held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Counting of votes will take place on May 2. Tikait said the farmers' movement would continue and that he is ready to negotiate with the central government. "If the Indian government talks, we will talk," he added. Replying to a question, the farmer leader said he had no intention to contest elections. Addressing another farmers' gathering in Rasda, Tikait said a long fight will be fought and success will be achieved. Earlier, at a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Sikandarpur, about 32 km from the district headquarters earlier, the farmer leader launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government. Without taking any names, he said "robbers" have to be driven out of Delhi. In an apparent reference to the prime minister, he said, "He will prove to be the last emperor." Taking potshots at the ruling BJP, Tikait said he too belonged to Ayodhya and he is also a descendant of Lord Rama. He stressed that there is no need to divide the farmers' movement on regional lines. Stating that political parties too have now started organising Kisan Panchayats, Tikait said 2021 would be the year of the movement. The echo of the farmers' movement in India is being heard across the world, he added. Giving a call to intensify the farmers' struggle, which he said is a symbol of their self-respect, Tikait warned that if the farmers are defeated, labourers and youth will also be defeated. Stressing that the fight has to be organised with full force, he asked the farmers to mend their tractor and trolleys and be prepared. He said the call to leave for Delhi could be given any day. He also called for giving a boost to the movement in neighbouring Bihar. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shapira Scroll, an ancient manuscript first discovered in 1883 and dismissed as fake is 'actually the oldest known Biblical script', an expert claims. Jerusalem antiquities dealer Moses Willhelm Shapira told the world of the discovery of 15 manuscript fragments, said to have been found in a cave near the Dead Sea. The paleo-Hebrew script on the pieces of manuscript were nearly illegible as they had been blackened with a pitchlike substance, but Shapira claimed they were the 'original' book of Deuteronomy - maybe even the copy owned by Moses. This was disputed and after selling them to the British Museum for 1 million experts declared them fake - after which they were sold by the museum and disappeared. In a new book Israeli-American scholar Idan Dershowitz claims to have both archival, linguistic and literary evidence that prove the pieces were a true ancient artefact. Reconstructing the text from the original 19th century transcriptions and drawings, Dershowitz claims the pieces date back to the time of the First Temple - as early as 957 BC, making them the oldest known biblical artefacts ever discovered. Jerusalem antiquities dealer Moses Willhelm Shapira told the world of the discovery of 15 manuscript fragments, said to have been found in a cave near the Dead Sea THE SHAPIRA SCROLL: AN ANCIENT BIBLICAL MANUSCRIPT OR CLEVER FORGERY First revealed in 1883, the Shapira School is a manuscript that claims to carry biblical verses written in Paleo-Hebrew script. They were presented by collector and dealer Moses Shapira but have been the subject of archaeological controversy since. Shapira sold the 15 leather strips of manuscript that were found in Wadi Mujib near the Dead Sea to the British Museum - with two going on display. He sold them for 1 million but they were branded a forgery by the museum soon after, selling them for just 25 to a private collector. Recent studies have questioned the forgery claim, suggesting that not only were they real but may be the oldest biblical manuscript ever discovered. The text mirrors that of the book of Deuteronomy with some differences. For example, there are fewer 'laws' and more of a historical narrative with Moses talking to the Isrealites. There is also an 11th commandment that reads: 'Thou shalt not hate they brother in they heart: I am God, they God.' The location of the scroll is unknown. Advertisement When Shapira first announced his discovery biblical scholarship was a relatively new field of academic research - with the concept that the first five books of the bible weren't all written by Moses a new concept. The 19th century was littered with biblical forgeries coming from Jerusalem and elsewhere due to the demand for pieces. Shapiro had already sold some 260 'genuine' pieces of Hebrew manuscripts to the British Museum by the time he announced the Deuteronomy fragments in 1883. There was much excitement about the discovery and he sold the papers to the British Museum for 1 million. The museum put two pieces on display to the public - with visitors including then Prime Minister William Gladstone flocking to see the ancient biblical texts. Excitement was short lived though, as French archaeologist and 'nemesis' of Shapira, Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau, visited the museum to view the fragments on displays and quickly declared them a forgery. Museum experts were studying the remaining pieces and soon after Clermont-Ganneau made his damning verdict, they too declared them a fake. However, the question of their authenticity has remained largely unsolved as the fragments were sold for a pittance in 1885 and quickly disappeared altogether. Dershowitz, a scholar at the University of Potsdam in Germany, has been gathering as much information on the works to prove their authenticity. He says he has taken transcripts, drawings and other work from 19th century scholars and reconstructed the texts on the pieces of manuscript. The academic said not only are they real but they date to before the Babylonian Exile, from the First Temple which was built under King Solomon's reign - serving as a religious building and a place of assembly for the Israelites. If he is correct then they would present an 'unprecedented window' into the origin and evolution of the Bible as it would date to the earliest days of the work. He said the dismissal of the manuscripts as a fake 140 years ago was a 'tragedy' for both Shapira and the 'entire existence of the discipline of Bible studies.' Speaking to the New York Times, Dershowitz said: 'It's mind-boggling that for almost the entire existence of the discipline of Bible studies this text hasn't been part of the conversation.' Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940s a number of biblical scholars have re-examined the Shapira Scrolls but with little success. Until the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered - which date to about the 2nd century BC, the earliest bible manuscript was from the 10th century AD. 'As someone who spends all day reconstructing source texts, I've often daydreamed about actually finding one,' Dershowitz told the New York Times. 'But I didn't think about it as something that could actually come true.' In the Bible Deuteronomy contains Moses' farewell sermon to the Israelites before they enter the promised land, recalling their history and the importance of the ten commandments - including restating them as they appear in Exodus. The paleo-Hebrew script on the pieces of manuscript were nearly illegible as they had been blackened with a pitchlike substance, but Shapira claimed they were the 'original' book of Deuteronomy - maybe even the copy owned by Moses MOSES SHAPIRA: 19TH CENTURY DEALER IN BIBLICAL ARTEFACTS Moses Shapira was born in 1830 in Russian-annexed Poland. He was a Jerusalem antiques dealer, some of which were claimed to be forgeries including the Shapira Scroll. This is 15 leather fragments containing writing from the book of Deuteronomy - although the question of its authenticity is still being debated. Born to Polish-Jewish parents, he converted to Christianity and applied for German citizenship later in life. He opened a store and sold the usual religious souvenirs enjoyed by pilgrims including pots and scripts. Shapira quickly became a pre-eminent antiquities dealer for European collectors - some pieces real and some fake, including to national museums. He sold 1,700 fake figurines to a Berlin museum that allowed him to move outside the old city walls in Jerusalem with his family to a villa. Some of his fakes and real pieces exist in museums around the world today. Advertisement Dershowitz calls the Shapira fragments the 'Valediction of Moses' and it includes the history but no laws beyond the core ten commandments. The text may be older than Deuteronomy, a pre-cursor to the book, as it doesn't contain the divine laws and it would be 'hard to believe somebody would delete them,' according to Shimon Gesudheit of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Gesudheit said the Shapira version reads 'smoother' and looks more original than the actual Deuteronomy as included in the Bible, adding that the laws in the 'real' book 'interrupt the narrative flow between the beginning and the end'. Even the ten commandments, as shown in the Shapira version, are different - declared in the first person as if from God, rather than the third person. Dershowitz said he didn't feel it was possible that the works were a forgery as it was something that could be possible for that period of time, adding there were too many features that lined up with discoveries about the bible evolution. These discoveries weren't made or even theorised until decades later with the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Noah Fieldman, a professor at Harvard Law School as originally sceptical about the discovery, but later helped fund Dershowitz's research into the fragments. 'I said, 'You're crazy, I don't want to hear it, you're going to destroy your career, go away,' Feldman told the New York Times. 'He would keep emailing me details, and I would reply TGTBT too good to be true.' Dershowitz travelled the world investigating the validity of the scroll, including reading through Shapira's manuscripts in Berlin - discovering handwritten sheets showing the collector had attempted to decipher the fragments. 'It's amazing because it gives you a window into Shapira's mind,' Dershowitz said. 'If he forged them, or was part of a conspiracy, it makes no sense that he'd be sitting there trying to guess what the text is, and making mistakes while he did it.' Reconstructing the text from the original 19th century transcriptions and drawings, Dershowitz claims the pieces date back to the time of the First Temple - as early as 957 BC, making them the oldest known biblical artefacts ever discovered Dr Na'ama Pat-El, a linguist from the University of Texas, has since studied the text and is working on a lexicon and syntax with Dershowitz. She said it is pretty standard biblical Hebrew, similar to the 7th or 6th century texts, with some features similar to those seen in the Dead Sea Scrolls. University of Chicago professor, Jeffrey Stackert, an expert in the book of Deuteronomy said he was 'cautious' about the findings, saying he would 'like [Dershowitz] to be right' that they are real biblical texts. Dershowitz believes some of the fragments may have survived and could one day resurface, allowing scholars to read a true biblical fragment. The research has been published in the journal Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft in a paper titled: The Valediction of Moses: New Evidence on the Shapira Deuteronomy Fragments. By Christopher Perez During a developer-hosted meeting in August seeking community feedback on a development idea, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy discovered that Jersey Citys Historic Preservation Office issued a Determination of Significance in February 2020 that 500 Communipaw Ave. did not meet enough of the qualifying criteria to be protected from demolition as a historic structure. The citys legal process does not include public notification of the decisions rendered by the Historic Preservation Office. Often, the public does not know there is permission to demolish a building till the wrecking ball arrives. What has transpired with 500 Communipaw Ave. shows us where the process needs to be improved. If a board member from the JCLC had not participated in the community meeting, we could have lost an important structure to the citys history. The JCLC plans to make recommendations to the city on how to make the process public-facing. Built in the 1920s, this Art Deco-style building is an important symbol of the successful past of this commercial area. However, this buildings historic significance runs deeper than its facade, with connections to Jersey Citys political and cultural past. The last commercial use of the building was a well-known Black-owned business called the Junction Kitchen/Junction Fishery. Joyce Willis, a resident of the area since 1958, has fond memories of the Junction: My father used to go to Fields Barbershop at 490 Communipaw Ave. where West Kees Barbershop is now. There was also the Round Up where the 747 Grand St. building is now. They served milkshakes, hamburgers and hot dogs. As I grew older, I went to the Junction Fishery at 500 Communipaw Ave. every Friday. They had the best Southern-style fried fish. Mildred, the owner, would take your order and fry it up right in front of you. The Junction was named after and has acted as the junction for hundreds of years to several thoroughfares, including Bergen Point Plank Road, now Garfield Avenue/Grand Street, and Newark Plank Road, now Communipaw Avenue. Communipaw Avenue was originally a Native American route to the shoreline. John Gomez, a historic preservation expert, former board member and founder of the JCLC, had some knowledge of 500 Communipaw Ave.s history. Then the JCLC consulted with historic preservation consultant, Ulana Zakalak of Zakalak Associates for a report on additional facts that make 500 Communipaw Ave. historically significant. From the 1930s through the early 1970s, 500 Communipaw Ave. was owned by the family of John Longo, who grew up in and operated several organizations from the building, including the Longo Association. Longo was the biggest opponent of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague. Longo and the association made several attempts to liberate Jersey City of Hague. The association was also known for promoting the well-being of the city and helping the community. In 1937, in an effort to dismantle Hagues power, Longo assembled an anti-Hague slate for the Democratic primary. Hague retaliated by having him arrested on fabricated charges of filing petitions with illegal names in an effort to enter an opposition ticket in the Democratic primary. The prosecution did not bring forward any evidence of these petitions being filed, yet a Hague-appointed judge sentenced Longo to the Hudson County penitentiary in Secaucus for nine months. Hague was reelected, again. J. Owen Grundy, Longos best friend at the time, threw Longo a celebration party when he was released from prison. Hague had Longo arrested again in 1943 on charges of altering his own registration card for the 1941 primaries. Longo was eventually exonerated. Despite the obstacles Hague created, Longo persisted in his fight to oust him. He also had growing support from African-American residents to join him in his Clean House-Smash Hague Bossism movement. The Longo Association backed the change in Jersey City government from a commission form to a mayor-council plan. The association demanded that before they would throw their support behind the mayor-council plan, no matter what, Hague would not be allowed to run for mayor once the government form was changed. John Longo was one of the most important political figures in Jersey City from the 1930s through the 1960s. The building at 500 Communipaw Ave. is a testament to John Longo and his passion for clean government. This building was the home for a quarter-of-a-century of an important local civic association that had a significant role in the political history of Jersey City. Longos organization was able to bring all residents of Jersey City together, during the Jim Crow years, to defeat a boss mayor. Please support the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancys effort to protect this historic building at 500 Communipaw Ave. by making a public comment during the Zoning Board hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Zoom.com at us02web.zoom.us/j/82914397824. Or, use a regular phone, dial 646-558-8656 and enter Meeting ID: 829 1439 7824. Christopher Perez is a trustee of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com. Aerial photo taken on Feb. 6, 2021 shows Haiwen Bridge and Haiwen Bridge-Beigang Island ramp bridge in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. The ramp project recently opened to traffic. It connects Haiwen Bridge with Beigang Island, marking the end of the days when residents on the island could only travel outside by ferryboat. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) HAIKOU, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China's southern island province of Hainan plans to add 25,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) this year in its latest effort to build a national pilot zone for ecological conservation. All new buses and government vehicles including those slated to be replaced this year must use new energy, except for special use vehicles, noted a plan recently released by the provincial government. Over 80 percent of the taxis to be added or replaced this year must also be NEVs, the plan added. Hainan plans to build 10,000 charging stations for electric vehicles this year and continue to subsidize the private purchase of NEVs. The scenic island province has been promoting the use of clean energy vehicles, aiming to completely phase out the sales of conventional fuel-based vehicles by 2030. Hainan had more than 64,000 NEVs by the end of 2020, accounting for 4.2 percent of the province's total number of vehicles, ranking fourth in the country, according to the provincial department of industry and information technology. The coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech was able to combat a new variant that was rapidly circulating in Brazil, a new study has found. The research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the engineered version of the virus, containing the same mutation carried on the spike protein as the highly contagious P1 variant first identified in Brazil, was effectively neutralised among people who were given the jab. The new variants are observed to carry changes in the spike, which is used by the virus to enter the human cells. These changes, in turn, affects how transmissible the virus is and therefore, is the primary target of the many coronavirus vaccines. Scientists from the two companies and the University of Texas Medical Branch said that the neutralising ability of the vaccine on the new variant was equivalent to the effect on the less contagious version of the virus from the last year. The Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech Ltd has also shown promise against the P1 variant. The preliminary data from a study in Brazil indicated that Coronavac, as the Sinovac shot is known, was effective against the P1 variant of the virus. Pfizer in its previously published researches found that its vaccine was able to effectively counteract against the other contagious variants that were first identified in the UK and South Africa although the study suggested that the South African variant of the coronavirus might reduce the antibody protection from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by two-thirds. Pfizer has said it believes its current vaccine is highly likely to still protect against the South African variant but the scientists added there is no established benchmark to determine what is the level of antibodies that are needed to protect against the virus. The pharmaceutical giant has begun studies on the third dose of their vaccine to better understand the immune response against the evolving variants of the virus. Additional reporting from the agencies By Fei Shiting BEIJING, Mar. 10 -- Recently, the delegation of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and Chinese Peoples Armed Police (PAP) Force attending the fourth session of the 13th National Peoples Congress (NPC) deliberated the draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in groups. Military deputies said in their speeches that the armed forces firmly support this major decision and deployment and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. The deputies said that the actions and activities of the anti-China disrupters and radical Hong Kong separatists in recent years have seriously damaged the constitutional order and the rule of law in the HKSAR, seriously challenged the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, and seriously undermined national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as the overall stability of the Hong Kong society. Such actions must be resolutely opposed and effective measures must be taken to prevent and defuse risks. Since Hong Kong's ordinance amendment issue in 2019, the central government has formulated and implemented the national security law in Hong Kong to punish anti-China and radical Hong Kong separatist forces in accordance with the law. It quickly achieved the major turning point in Hong Kong from chaos to governance, effectively safeguarding national security and Hong Kongs social stability, said the deputies. The deputies believed that following the promulgation and implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong last year, revising and improving the relevant electoral system of the HKSAR at the national level is a necessary move to uphold and improve the one country, two systems principle and fully implement the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong. It is necessary and imperative to safeguard national sovereignty, security, development interests, and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The deputies expressed that China still faces many difficulties and challenges ahead with a severe security situation. The Chinese military must comprehensively strengthen the military training and combat preparations, respond to security risks in all directions and fields in a coordinated manner, and improve the strategic capability to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests. By Michelle Nichols NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council agreed on a statement on Wednesday that condemns violence against Myanmar protesters and urges military restraint, diplomats said, but dropped language condemning the army takeover as a coup and threatening possible further action due to opposition by China, Russia, India and Vietnam. The British-drafted statement, which had to be agreed by consensus, now has to be formally adopted at a council meeting. Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a Feb. 1 coup, detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party and set up a ruling junta of generals. The military complained of fraud in a November election. The election commission said the vote was fair. "The Security Council strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protestors, including against women, youth and children," according to the agreed statement, seen by Reuters. "The council calls for the military to exercise utmost restraint and emphasizes that it is following the situation closely." The council also expresses deep concern at restrictions on medical personnel, civil society, labor union members, journalists and media workers, and "calls for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily." More than 60 people have been killed and some 1,800 people detained in a crackdown on daily protests against the coup around the southeast Asian nation, an advocacy group has said. Dozens of journalists are among those arrested. The council statement "expresses its continued support for the democratic transition in Myanmar, and stresses the need to uphold democratic institutions and processes, refrain from violence, fully respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law." The negotiations over the text, which began after a closed briefing on Friday, signaled that the council could struggle to do much more on Myanmar. Russia and China, who are council veto powers along with the United States, France and Britain, have traditionally shielded Myanmar from any strong council action. Story continues An initial draft of Wednesday's statement, seen by Reuters, condemned the military coup and said the council was ready "to consider possible further measures," which is generally seen as code for sanctions. But diplomats said Russia, China, India and Vietnam all proposed amendments and that language was dropped. An independent U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar and New York-based Human Rights Watch have called on the Security Council to impose a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions on the junta. Security Council efforts on Myanmar were limited to two statements after a 2017 military crackdown sent hundreds of thousands Rohingya Muslims fleeing into Bangladesh and led to U.N. accusations of ethnic cleansing, which the army denied. In a statement to the press days after the coup, the council expressed concern over the state of emergency imposed by the Myanmar military and called for the release of all those detained. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell) Coronavirus vaccine from AstraZeneca developed by the University of Oxford. Credit: Marco Verch CC2.0 At the start of the year, one of the main causes of the EU's slow rollout of COVID-19 vaccines was lower than expected supplies from AstraZeneca. Fast forward a few weeks and the EU's vaccination program still trails far behind the UK and US, but politicians and those in public health now have something else to worry about: low uptake of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In France, over three-quarters of AstraZeneca vaccines remain unused. In Germany, the figure is two-thirds. The European Medicines Agency approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults in late January. But several European countries, including France and Germany, restricted its use in over-65s due to a lack of data about its effectiveness in older people. French president Emmanuel Macron went as far as to claim that the vaccine was "quasi-ineffective" in older age groups. Quoting an anonymous source in Germany's health ministry, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that the jab was more or less ineffective in the elderly. Real-world data since released by Public Health England suggests that these statements were unfounded. In the over-80s, a single shot of either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine appears to be over 80% effective at preventing hospitalization (though this research is a preprint, meaning it still needs to be reviewed by other scientists). The French and German regulators have both now reversed their advice not to give the vaccine to over-65s. Low uptake of the AstraZeneca vaccine partly relates to logistics. Older people have been the focus of vaccination efforts in both France and Germany and are only now getting access to the vaccine. Younger people, for whom the vaccine has always been technically available, haven't yet been targeted in large numbers, which has left a lot of stock on the shelf. But at the same time, there are also indications that the French and German regulators' prevaricationsas well as loose talk from politicians and bureaucratshave undermined confidence in the AstraZeneca vaccine. German chancellor Angela Merkel has said that there's now an "acceptance problem" with it. What's most worrying, though, is that this is not the extent of Europe's vaccine confidence problem. Rather, these are factors that compound issues of vaccine hesitancy that were already there. Skepticism an old problem Even before COVID-19, levels of vaccine confidence in Europe were worryingly low. In 2019, the Wellcome Trust released a report on global attitudes towards science. It found some of the lowest levels of vaccine confidence were in western Europe, with only 47% of the French population agreeing that vaccines are safe and 68% believing they are effective. But what explains this? In the same year, I published a study that compared levels of support for populist political parties in the European Parliament elections with survey data on vaccine confidence collected by the Vaccine Confidence Project. The results were remarkably clear: in countries such as France where anti-establishment politicians received more votes, vaccine confidence was lowestthat is, high proportions of the population disagreed with the statements that vaccines were safe, effective and important. In contrast, nations where there was little support for populists had the most positive attitudes to vaccines. At around the same time, I helped the Guardian analyze survey data that showed that 12% of voters for Macron, a political centrist, believed that dangerous side-effects of vaccines were hidden from the public, compared with 44% of voters for the far-right Le Pen. What explains this link between populism and low vaccine confidence? Both are driven by a profound distrust in established elites and experts. In the political arena, this manifests as a rejection of the center-left and center-right parties that have dominated western European democracies for the last few decades. In the sphere of public health, vaccine hesitancy is driven by distrust of elites and expertspoliticians, doctors and pharmaceutical companieswho promote vaccine programs. Support for populist politicians and parties remains strong in EuropeLe Pen is leading Macron across a number of polls for the 2022 French presidential election, for example. This reflects a broader social context that fosters vaccine skepticism. It is, therefore, unsurprising that concerns about the AstraZeneca jab have undermined confidence in it. It could have been predicted that in this climate, statements that placed elite medical expertise in doubtsuch as those from President Macron or Handelsblattwould be particularly problematic. It's helpful, too, to remember that attitudes to vaccines sit on a continuum. At one extreme are the convinced antivaxxers, who propagate wild conspiracy theories and attract great attention. But a far larger proportion of the population lie towards the center of this continuum. These "fence sitters" want to work out what's best for them and their families, have perhaps been exposed to vaccine misinformation, and are unsure whether vaccines are safe and effective. They may be particularly swayed by eye-catching statements in the mainstream media that undermine vaccinesbut they can also be influenced positively, too. Support for COVID-19 vaccines in France generally is low at 40%, but has risen significantly since November 2020, when it was just 25%. If fence sitters can be swayed, confidence can be built. Vaccines are the most important tool we have to end the pandemic. But with large stockpiles of the AstraZeneca vaccine in countries like France and Germany, it's vital that politicians look beyond the issue of supply, which is still a dominant focus. The millions of unused AstraZeneca doses highlight that it's crucial to understand how fragile vaccine confidence is in some European countries, and to make sure ill-advised comments don't undermine demand. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Loved ones of a man who was killed last month at an adult club in Mobile have set up a GoFundMe in his memory. Manchella Allen, 45, died Feb. 27, after being shot multiple times at the Cookies N Cream club at 6673 Theodore Dawes Road. He has always been there for every friend he has made and he considered all of his friends family, the creator of the GoFundMe page said. He was the epitome of a family man, father, son, husband, co-worker, and friend. Any money raised with the GoFundMe will go towards funeral expenses, mortgage payments and other expenses, according to the page. Allen left behind a wife and a few kids, including a son heading off to college. The incident is still an active homicide investigation, though Robert Abrams and his girlfriend, Breanna Cunningham, were apprehended March 2 in connection to the case. The GoFundMe has a $10,000 goal and currently has over $2,200. To donate to Allens loved ones, click here. March 10 : Actor and Bigg Boss 7 contestant Ajaz Khan, who is known for his blunt nature and huge social media following, has advised prospective grooms of the country saying that if they want to call them themselves as a true man then they should not demand dowry in their marriages and harass brides and their families. Ajaz Khan was interacting with the News Helpline to promote Dabangai along with the film's cast and crew in Mumbai. On February 25, 23-year-old Ayesha Banu Makrani died by suicide by jumping into the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad in Gujarat soon after recording a video on her mobile phone. Ayesha's husband, Aarif Khan, a resident of Rajasthan, was subsequently arrested from Pali. Police have recovered Aarif's mobile phone that revealed Ayesha spoke to him for 70 minutes before jumping to death. In the 70-minute audio recording that police have recovered, Ayesha and Aarif can also be heard talking about the dowry case. As per Ayeshas family members statement, he also pressurised her to withdraw this dowry case. As per latest development, he has been sent to judicial custody in Sabarmati Central Jail on Saturday upon completion of the police remand. After the unfortunate death of Ayesha, Ajaz released a video on social media expressing his disappointment over the unfortunate incident, at the press conference; he again talked about it, he said, I just want to urge a few media portals not to spread wrong details of that case. I feel really sad when I see such news reports because her parents are in deep pain at this moment. I also want to urge women of this country to talk with your parents if you are going through any kind of issues in your life because your parents have raised you by making a lot of sacrifices in their lives." He added, "You shouldnt give up on your life for any third person because its not a right thing to do. You should talk with your parents or your friends but dont lose your hopes because of one guy. I would also want to urge all the parents that talk with your daughters if she is going through any kind of issues in her life without thinking about what society, neighbours or relatives will think about the situation. Slamming men who demand dowry in their marriages, Ajaz said, I want to ask every guy of this country that if you are a man in true sense then dont demand dowry. Demanding dowry and torturing a girl and her family for dowry is a biggest criminal offense and I dont think God will forgive you for it. When I saw that video, it broke my heart. I have six sisters and I felt very bad for her parents. Talking about how he became part of Dabangai, Ajaz said, Sajan Agarwal (director) is like my brother. He is a brilliant director and he is like a Rohit Shetty for me. Both of us share really good chemistry. Surjeet Singh Rathore (co-actor) is also like my brother. Both Surjeet and Sajan approached me for this role as they thought that I would be a suitable actor to play the role of a person who belongs to the Gujjar community. I really like my character in the film. I have a deep respect for the Gujjar community and I have a lot of friends from that community, so I am dedicating this role to them. Talking about his role in Dabangai, Ajaz said, He is a gangster and he is a larger than life kind of personality. My character in the film doesnt listen to anyone so, there are a lot of similarities between him and me. In the film, he has killed many people and he is planning to kill a few more people. Surjeet Singh Rathore is playing the role of an emerging gangster and his (Surjeet Singh Rathore) character looks up to my character but because of a girl, our characters lock horns with each other in the film. Pallavi Singh is playing my love interest in the film and she is the reason for feud between Surjeets and my character. Ajazs look in Dabangai looks similar with Sanjay Dutts look from 1999 released critically acclaimed film Vaastav: The Reality, when asked Ajaz about comparison between two characters, he said, I have a huge respect for Sanjay Dutt and I am glad that he has recovered from his illness. He is a great actor. I hope that one day I would get an opportunity to work with him in a film. If people are finding similarities between my character in this film and his character in Vaastav then, I think that its a huge compliment for me as an actor. Dabangai is directed by Sajan Agarwal and produced by Gyanchand Devpati under the Banner of SSR films. It stars Surjeet Singh Rathore, Ajaz Khan, Pallavi Singh, Javed Haider, Rajkumar Kanojia & Rajesh Desai in key roles. Dabangai will be released on MX player. [March 10, 2021] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of SOS Limited - SOS NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /CNW/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of SOS Limited ("SOS" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether SOS and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On February 26, 2021, Hindenburg Research ("Hindenburg") and Culper Research ("Culper") released commentary on SOS, claiming that the Company 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 noted, for example, that SOS's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings listed a hotel room as the Company's headquarters. The analysts also questionedwhether SOS had actually purchased mining rigs that it claimed to own, as the entity from which SOS purportedly bought the mining rigs appeared to be a fake shell company. The analysts further alleged that the photos SOS had published of their purported "mining rigs" were phony. Culper noted that photographs of SOS's "miners" did not depict the A10 Pro machines that the Company claimed to own and instead appeared to show different devices altogether. Hindenburg, for its part, found that the original images from SOS's website actually belonged to another company. On this news, SOS's American depositary receipt ("ADR") price fell $1.27 per share, or 21.03%, to close at $4.77 per ADR on February 26, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP rswilloughby@pomlaw.com 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-on-behalf-of-investors-of-sos-limited---sos-301244106.html SOURCE Pomerantz LLP [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be Supplier News 10 March 2021 SOUTHLAKE, Texas - OYO Hotels & Homes (www.oyorooms.com) has connected its first group of UK hotels to Sabre's SynXis Central Reservations System, following a global partnership signed between OYO and Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry. More than 80 OYO hotels in the UK, representing more than 2,500 rooms, are now connected to all major GDSs through Sabre's advanced hospitality solutions. As well as direct channels, SynXis Central Reservations optimizes global distribution channels and enables greater scale and operational efficiency by delivering rates and inventory to all major GDS systems and online travel agencies (OTAs) through direct connections and switch partners. The addition of OYO hotels to Sabre's SynXis Platform means they are now available to book through Sabre's own GDS as well as others, corporates, travel management companies, and almost 900,000 travel agents and tour operators globally, significantly increasing the distribution channels and revenue opportunities for the selected properties. This first collection of OYO independently-owned UK hotels to be made available on Sabre range in size from 10 to 110 rooms and cover a wide range of areas and price points. Listed properties were chosen based on their appeal for individuals and groups travelling for leisure or business purposes. Locations cover major city hubs including London, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool; coastal resorts including Brighton, Newquay, the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth; popular destination cities such as Cambridge and Bath; and more rural locations including Loch Ness and the Cairngorms in Scotland. The intention is to make further UK OYO properties available to book via Sabre's SynXis Platform, as the portfolio continues to grow and as more hotels reopen following lockdown restrictions. "We are delighted that a wide range of OYO's UK hotels are now bookable via Sabre's SynXis CRS, making it easier for international and domestic corporates, travel agents and travel management companies, among others, to book our affordable accommodation around the UK," commented Rishabh Gupta, head of OYO Europe. "Many of our properties have immediate availability for key workers and business travelers, as permitted under current lockdown measures; and we also look forward to securing more group and leisure bookings through the trade as hospitality begins to reopen in the coming months." "OYO's new partnership with Sabre will drive a new distribution strategy in the UK, which will support OYO's asset partners and wider business goals," said Frank Trampert, Sabre Hospitality Solutions SVP and Global Managing Director, Commercial. "Our innovative hospitality technology solutions and enhanced connectivity will open up increased revenue opportunities for OYO hotel owners, allowing them to significantly broaden their reach, while giving travel agents access to a more diverse range of hotel products and ancillaries. We look forward to working closely with OYO as it benefits from the SynXis Platform's distribution and retailing solutions. As it increases its hotel inventory, this will help deliver new opportunities, grow geographic reach and increase bookings over the coming years as we see the recovery of UK and international travel." GDS users can locate OYO's properties in the UK and other international destinations through the dedicated chain code 'OY'. About OYO Hotels & Homes Opening its doors in 2013, OYO Hotels & Homes, a young hotel startup, is today the world's leading chain of hotels, homes, and spaces. The portfolio combines fully operated real estate comprising more than 44,000 hotels with over 1.2 million rooms. Through its vacation homes business, the company offers travellers and city dwellers access to over 125,000 homes around the world under OYO Home, Belvilla, Danland, Dancenter and Germany-based Traum-Ferienwohnungen brands. OYO today operates in over 800 cities in 80 countries, including the U.S., Europe, U.K., India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com. New Delhi: Rarely do a movie and real life circumstances get juxtaposed as in the case of Triple Talaq, the issue that has rocked the Muslim community in India. Nikah, the hard-hitting and forthright 1982 blockbuster produced and directed by BR Chopra, in which Chopra questions manipulation of the Sharia law on divorce and its misuse in terms of instant Talaq in Indian Muslim society, viz. practice of Talaq, Talaq, Talaq! It must be acknowledged that Chopra handled the very sensitive and controversial issue in his own, unique deft manner, highlighting the social evil regarding practice of triple talaq or divorce in the Muslim community. And coming as it did over three decades ago, the issue raised by Chopra touched a million hearts and a raw nerve among the fundamentalists. When BR Chopra almost ruined lakhs of marriages Not many know Chopras Nikaah was originally titled Talaq, Talaq, Talaq by BR himself. But it so happened that by chance one of his Muslim friends came to know about it and sent an SOS to BR. Both met where the friend told the film maker what hell would be unleashed if the film is released with the delegated title. Presume a married Muslim man goes to see the movie and back home his wife asks him where he was then he will reply that he went to see Talaq, Talaq, Talaq! Or he gets tickets to the movie and wife asks which movie he will reply Talaq, Talaq, Talaq! That is when BR Chopra changed the title to Nikah. The movie with the renewed title was a runaway hit and won Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue. Nikah synopsis Salma Agha plays the central character of Nilofar, a university student. Her classmate Haider, played by Raj Babbar is madly in love which is an unrequited one since Nilofar is engaged to and married to Wasim, played by Deepak Parashar. Theirs is not a happy marriage, and the husband is the culprit here throughout for making her life hell, and just one heated argument between the two is enough for Wasim to utter the dreadful T word three times. This means that Wasim has rendered Nilofar Haram for himself in just a few moments by saying Talaq three times, without fulfilling the very strict and fundamental conditions set up by the Islamic sharia. This happened within a year of the marriage, in fact on the occasion of their first marriage anniversary. Nilofar marries Haider and Wasim realizes the blunder he has made and wants Nilofer back but it wont be possible since she has remarried. He consults a Qazi (Muslim scholar) who gives him the solution which is nothing less than melted lead being poured down his ears. Son, you got to pay the price for the gaffe and ignorance of the Islamic laws which you so convincingly abused to throw your lawfully wedded wife out of your life. It is not an easy solution, it is Halala, which requires the divorced woman to marry another man, consummate the marriage and then her second husband divorces her so that her first husband can remarry her, all this to be in the proper ambit of the law. The message of the movie is loud and clear; men, you cant get rid of your wives merely by uttering Talaq, talaq, talaq and for this stupendous and bold experiment BR Chopra deserves many accolades. Majority of the audience were burqa-clad Muslim women, and not surprisingly they completely identified with the protagonist who thundered like a tigress when she was wronged and questioned the practice of Talaq Talaq Talaq served on a thorny platter. When Haider offers, or rather asks Nilofer to go back to Waseem, Nilofers retort cuts like a scalpel, stabs like a poniard, How conveniently you men accept and reject, marry and divorce, love and abhor, use and throw a woman as if she is not a living being. Is woman mans property? She, on their behalf, also put both her previous and current husbands in the dock and questions them until both admitted that they have wronged the woman in their own sweet sour ways. Reference to the Shah Bano Case of 1986 The Shah Bano case rocked the social and political fabric of India in the mid-80s. The case is considered a milestone as far as Muslim women's search for justice is concerned. Shah Bano, a 60-year-old woman approaches the court asking for maintenance from her husband who had divorced her. The court ruled that Shah Bano was entitled to maintenance from her ex-husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (with an upper limit of Rs. 500 a month) like any other Indian woman. Fearing backlash from the Muslim community, the then Congress government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 under immense pressure from Muslim bodies. The Act was seen as discriminatory as it denied divorced Muslim women the right to basic maintenance which women of other faiths had recourse to under secular law. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Centers for Disease Control released another study showing no statistically significant decrease in "daily case" or "death growth" rates from COVID-19 in areas with mask mandates. This comes after a similar CDC study in October indicated that mask mandates do not appear to have slowed or stopped the spread of the coronavirus at all. Still, the CDC continues to recommend that all Americans wear masks, except in certain private settings when individuals are fully vaccinated, unless the goalpost-shifting Dr. Fauci gets his way. This whole "masks don't seem to be having much effect, but wear them anyway" bureaucratic calculus may seem like a frivolous controversy to Americans preoccupied with the pandemic, but for Americans who are equally worried about the State's steady encroachment into the lives of families, mask mandates are the worst kind of noxious administrative abuse another iteration of government coercion that constricts a person's freedom while accomplishing next to nothing. It's government rule-making for the sake of rule-making whose chief purpose is to demonstrate that it is the government's job to command and each citizen's duty to readily obey. Mask mandates are the perfect metaphor for a government that demands obedience: Mask mandates are reminiscent of Barack Obama's belief that wealthy Americans should be taxed at higher rates, even if the imposition of those new taxes produces no net benefit for the federal treasury. By his own admission, Obama's insistence on increasing taxes for wealthy Americans was not about generating government revenue or reducing government debt, but rather about punishing individual Americans for having acquired too much personal wealth. It was a way for Obama to prove that he takes income inequality seriously while doing nothing about it. In the same way, our American mask mandates are not really about reducing the spread of disease or "following the science," but rather about insisting that individual Americans prove through their attire that they take COVID-19 seriously, even if masks do nothing about it. Just as Obama justifies the government's confiscation of wealth for confiscation's sake, the CDC justifies the imposition of mask mandates for imposition's sake. It is the sartorial manifestation of the government's demand that an individual submit to its power and authority. And it has unfortunately become the standard operating procedure for the American government. In poll after poll, Americans have made it clear that they strongly oppose mass illegal immigration. Ignoring their wishes, the Biden administration has set into place policies that have created a border crisis with no end in sight. In poll after poll, Americans have made it clear that jobs and the economy are more important than recklessly combatting a global temperature change of a few hundredths of a degree over the next century in the name of "climate justice." Ignoring their assessment, the Biden administration has killed off oil and gas jobs, increased the cost of gasoline at the pump, and handcuffed America's energy independence in the name of green dreams strengthening the economies of Russia, China, and Iran while impoverishing millions of Americans. In poll after poll, Americans have made it clear that they prefer increasing manufacturing and economic diversification at home to depending upon the supply chains and resources of an adversarial China. Instead, the Biden administration has actively discarded the "America First" economic policies of President Trump and reoriented America back toward the globalist initiatives of the last half-century that benefit transnational banks and Wall Street traders while crippling Main Street businesses and making America vulnerable to her enemies. For Americans who believe that the government spends most of its time doing the exact opposite of what America overwhelmingly prefers, a mask mandate that accomplishes so little in the way of public health seems like the perfect metaphor for the government's desire to shut up its own citizenry. What Big Tech censorship fails to catch in its net, Big Government catches in its own. "What were you saying about ending endless wars, America? We couldn't hear you underneath two masks. Now let's invade Syria and build democracies everywhere but here at home." Mask mandates reflect the American government's descent toward socialism: Mask mandates are also an illustration of the sharp philosophical divide straining Americans into two camps guided by conflicting worldviews. In the one are true democrats who believe that all legitimate government power is derived from individual consent, and in the other are true socialists who sanctify the exercise of government power in pursuit of collectivist goals at the expense of individual liberty. Alexis de Tocqueville contrasted these worldviews aptly: "Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom; socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude." When viewed alongside de Tocqueville's perceptive taxonomy, it is not hard to understand why mask mandates proving to have scant efficacy strike so many Americans as nothing more than the government's attempt to seek "equality in restraint and servitude." Whether a scientific study actually supports the hypothesis that coronavirus transmission can be retarded through the use of masks has become irrelevant. All that is important is that government functionaries deem the practice to be in the public's best interest. An individual is forced to abandon personal reason and judgment for those of the government, a proposition that strikes a true democrat as inherently delegitimizing of any democratic system. For Americans who believe that society should operate freely from government as much as possible and that government action should be reserved to handle only those problems that a cooperative society cannot accomplish on its own, relatively useless government dictates are absolute poison. They reinforce President Reagan's biting observation that the "nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help." Americans with a healthy suspicion of government authority have no trouble understanding this joke. They do not care about the government's "good intentions"; they detest the government's insistence on so casually and unnecessarily interjecting itself into the lives of private citizens. In a sense, mask mandates have become nothing more than dress code loyalty oaths to the same state and local governments that have claimed for themselves the extraconstitutional powers to restrict free speech, religious liberty, personal commerce, and voluntary movement beyond the home in the name of a virus. They represent Americans' symbolic acquiescence to government's mass lockdowns and economic shutdowns and their tacit acceptance that government's unconstitutional power grabs are somehow legitimate. This symbolism, not the statistically insignificant decrease in infection and death rates in areas with strict mask mandates, is what actually animates those Americans who insist on controlling what covers other Americans' faces. An American who refuses to participate in virus virtue-signaling is an American who refuses to believe that the economic, educational, and social carnage of the last year was justified. And that repudiation is just too much for proponents of bigger and more intrusive government to take in stride. Image via Pexels. India is in the process of filing an appeal against an arbitration panel asking it to return USD 1.2 billion to British oil firm Cairn Energy Plc, sources said on Wednesday. If enforcement proceedings are initiated, India is confident to address them and will strongly defend its interests, the sources said, adding it is open to a constructive settlement of tax disputes within the existing legal framework. India is in the process of filing an appeal in the Cairn's arbitration award case, they said, adding in this case, it was well within India's sovereign powers to redress the situation of Double Non-Taxation and tax abuse. Cairn chief executive Simon Thomson had last month met the then Finance Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey to discuss the arbitration award. The sources said Cairn is yet to respond based on the discussions. Cairn set up a tax abusive structure and did not pay taxes anywhere in the world on the gains that it made in India, they added. An international tribunal had in December unanimously ruled that India violated its obligations under the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty in 2014, when the income tax department slapped a Rs 10,247-crore tax assessment using legislation that gave it powers to levy taxes retrospectively. Soon after seeking Rs 10,247 crore in taxes over alleged capital gains made by the company over a 2006-07 reorganisation of India business before its listing, the tax department seized Cairn's residual 10 per cent stake in In its annual earning statement, Cairn Energy Plc had on Tuesday said it has identified Indian sovereign assets overseas, which it can seize in the event of New Delhi failing to return over USD 1.7 billion that an international arbitration tribunal has ordered after rescinding a retrospective tax demand. "Cairn is extremely confident that satisfaction of the award will be achieved either by negotiated settlement or by enforcement against Indian assets," the firm had said. So far, the government has not directly commented on honouring or challenging the Cairn arbitration award, but Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had last week indicated going in for an appeal. (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.) MBABANE We are caught in a web of debts. This was the general claim by some members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), who were once garnisheed for child support. Yesterday, this publication reported that the Manzini Magistrates Court had issued at least 30 orders for maintenance for members of the UEDF in three months. This is since mid-October 2020 to late January 2021. According to Section 11 of the Maintenance Act, a court may, on application by or on behalf of a dependant, order the respondent named in the application to maintain that dependant and in making such an order, the court shall, where the order is a monetary order, determine the amount to be paid. In random interviews with some troops who requested to comment on condition of anonymity, they claimed that their main reason for failure to maintain their children was that they were broke due to debts incurred, while others claimed the mothers of their children ended up using the money for themselves. One member of the UEDF alleged that he was still paying a loan which he took for his car. I took a loan in 2018 to pay off my car which was recently involved in an accident. I am paying for the cars repairs, claimed the soldier. As a result, he said he failed to pay for his childs maintenance. Another member of the UEDF said he disagreed with the amount that he was required to pay. He said he was required to contribute E2 000 monthly for the minors maintenance. The money is a lot for a six-year-old. I have a wife and family to take care of, and on top of that, the childs mother makes ridiculous demands for our child, which I cannot afford because I have some debts to pay, he purported. When asked if he was aware that his priority should be his children, his response was that he was fully aware. However, he said some mothers made demands just to spite them. From experience, I have learnt that the mother of my child used the money for herself, rather than on our child. This discouraged me from paying maintenance and I stopped, another soldier said. He said he had no contact with his children and did not see why he should pay unless their mother allowed them to stay with him and his wife. UEDF Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo said sanity dictated that the fulfilment of social obligations and responsibilities was an intricate and personal subject. Nevertheless, she articulated that the defence force always preached to its personnel to fulfill all social responsibilities. The UEDF can only advocate for the fulfilment of those responsibilities; we cannot enforce that. As such, the defence force has a number of structures in place which preach the gospel of encouraging our troops to conduct their personal and professional lives in a certain way, said Khumalo. She listed Chaplaincy and Social Welfare among others. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Enrollment at Kalamazoo Public Schools fell about 5% during the pandemic. Districts across the state have reported falling student populations since the pandemic forced schools into virtual learning. KPS is one of the last large districts in Michigan to remain in fully virtual mode through the remainder of the school year. Gary Start, deputy superintendent of business and finance, said KPS lost about 5%, or 690 students, from fall 2019 to fall 2020. In fall 2019, the district enrolled 12,848 students. In the fall of 2020, 12,158 students were enrolled in the district, Start said. The drop is enrollment at KPS is not at all unusual in the state and expected in light of the pandemic, he said. Obviously this has been a difficult year in many, many ways, Start said. Its not apples to apples because its pre-pandemic to now. Across the state, about 53,000 students are missing from schools, Start said. Some parents held their kindergarten-aged students home for the year, while others chose to homeschool their children of all ages, he said. The district does not have enrollment data yet from the spring count day, Start said. The loss of enrollment will cost the district more than $1 million in per-pupil funding from the state of Michigan, he said. Related: COVID-19 pandemic cuts Grand Rapids schools enrollment by more than 800 students Start said he completely expects the districts enrollment to bounce back once school resumes in the fall. Of the nearly 700 students missing from the district, about 22%, or 155 students, are missing from this years kindergarten class. I fully expect next years kindergarten class to be the largest kindergarten class of my career, Start said. Many KPS parents are fighting to get their children back into the classroom. Others have taken to social media to express their frustration with virtual school and said they are moving their children out of the district. The Kalamazoo Promise, a college scholarship program that funds up to full-tuition for students, has eligibility requirements, including that students both live and attend within the district. Michele Richards, a former KPS parent, said she moved her child out of the district for in-person instruction despite the loss of the scholarship. Her youngest child, a first-grade student with autism, struggled immensely with virtual learning, and Richards said the family will not move back into the district until it returns to in-person. Her oldest children benefitted from The Kalamazoo Promise and it was a tough decision on whether to move her youngest -- therefore forfeiting free college tuition. We deliberated for the entire summer, knowing the extraordinary value of The Promise that benefitted our two grown children, Richards said. Even knowing that, the agony and loss of learning over the spring simply couldnt be repeated; so we left. Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri has assured parents on multiple occasions that school will resume in-person full-time by fall 2021. I am giving the community my personal guarantee that all KPS schools will offer five days of in-person instruction in the fall of 2021, Raichoudhuri said. I want to make sure this is heard and understood to put to rest any anxiety, fears or concerns about next year. Even with the pandemic-induced enrollment decline, the district is still nearly 2,000 students above where they were when the Promise was announced, he said. KPS is an excellent school district, and we have the Kalamazoo Promise, Start said. Also on MLive: More than half of Portage students still learning virtually despite in-person option Student failure rates drive in-person learning increase at Jackson Public Schools Michigan teachers take to TikTok, meeting students where they already are Without President Joe Biden's name, Americans will receive a fresh series of stimulus checks, according to the White House on Tuesday. Former President Donald Trump's name was featured on the first direct payments sent following his signing of a bill Congress passed in March last year. Biden's Name Not Included in Stimulus Checks White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated on Tuesday that the next series of paper checks would bear career official at the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service's signature. According to House Democratic leaders on Tuesday, they have the votes to provide final congressional approval to the president's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. Physical stimulus checks transferred to American households in 2020 involved a note on the bottom left with Biden's predecessor. Individuals receiving electronic stimulus payments were also sent a letter signed by the former president. House Democratic leaders stated on Tuesday they have the votes to provide final congressional approval to Biden's novel coronavirus relief bill. Passage has not been in serious question. However, the leaders' confidence underscored the unity of Democrats through their efforts, reported Associated Press. The $1,400 direct payments are anticipated to be disseminated after the House of Representatives votes on Wednesday on the Senate's version of Biden's coronavirus relief package. Psaki remarked in a press conference, "We are doing everything in our power to expedite the payments and not delay them, which is why the president's will not appear on the memo line of this round of stimulus checks." She added this is not about him and that this is about the nearly 160 million of the American public receiving relief, reported The Epoch Times. Also Read: Third Stimulus Check: IRS To Start Sending Them Within Days The vote on the plan is slated on Wednesday. Four days after the Senate passed a modestly reworked version of the bill, House approval will clinch the president's most major early legislative achievement. Psaki remarked the federal government is looking to expand electronic payments. They are "substantially faster" than checks. Psaki stated Biden did not believe the inclusion of his signature on the payments was a priority or was necessary. His priority was on disseminating them as swiftly as possible instead of branding them as courtesy of Biden. Former President Donald Trump insisted in April 2020 after over $2 trillion in COVID-19 aid was approved that his name be on the $1,200 relief cheques. This was a first of any president. The media personality and the real estate tycoon plastered his name on steaks, skyscrapers, a board game, menswear, bottled water, vodka, and a real estate training program he named as "Trump University." Biden is looking to sign the plan as soon as Congress passes it. Psaki said the initial checks would be distributed before the end of the month. They will be in the form of electronic payments to individuals who have set up direct deposit with the IRS. According to the White House, Biden's proposal will invest $20 billion in a national vaccination program. This will involve initiating community vaccination centers across the country and deploying mobile inoculation units to hard-to-reach areas. Related Article: COVID-19 Relief Package: Are You Eligible for a Third Stimulus Check? @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 20:01:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- An important lesson of Fukushima is that regulators must be strong, independent and adequately resourced, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said. Nuclear safety is the key to the expansion of nuclear power, which promises to "stabilize the climate while allowing economies and societies to thrive," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in a statement released late Tuesday to mark the tenth anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Back in 2011, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan's northeastern area, killing more than 15,000 people and sparking the Fukushima nuclear meltdown. "The accident galvanised the international community," Grossi said, noting that within just a few months of the accident, member states had endorsed a comprehensive action plan to strengthen the global nuclear safety framework developed by the IAEA. "Today, virtually all member states with nuclear power plants have completed 'stress tests' and many make use of the IAEA's expert peer-review missions," he said. He emphasised that since Fukushima, "a sustained and robust global safety culture" has come into being alongside the concrete improvements in the safety of nuclear sites. The director general also pointed out that scientists have found no evidence that nuclides released into the environment after the accident caused radiation-induced health effects. Enditem We are coupling our innovative remote browser isolation cloud service with the powerful data in the Ericom Threat Intelligence Network to further simplify the use and impact of remote browser isolation for our customers. Ericom Software, a leader in cloud cybersecurity solutions for secure web and application access, today announced Intelligent Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), an innovative new capability for its award-winning cloud RBI service. Intelligent RBI simplifies the deployment and use of Ericoms Zero Trust browsing solution, providing risk-aware protection from web-delivered and email-triggered threats such as ransomware, phishing, credential theft, and other sophisticated malware designed to exfiltrate corporate data and disrupt business operations. Ericom Intelligent Isolation leverages data from the Ericom Threat Intelligence Network to dynamically assess risk of requested websites. This network normalizes URL threat intelligence data from multiple industry sources and combines it with proprietary information from the Ericom global user community to produce a real-time threat risk score each time a user attempts to visit a website. Sites with an elevated risk level are sent to Ericom RBI for secure rendering, preventing any malware on that website from compromising the users device. Ericom RBI executes the content of a website in a remote, isolated cloud-based container. When a user browses to a risky site or clicks a URL embedded in a phishing email, they are completely safe since web content does not execute directly on their device. No malware from risky sites, even sophisticated zero-days, can infect a device because Ericom RBI sends only safe-rendering information from the cloud container to the devices browser. Websites launched from URLs in emails can be rendered in read-only mode to prevent users from entering credentials, providing additional phishing protection. Additionally, files from isolated sites can be sanitized before being transmitted to devices, ensuring that malware within downloads cannot compromise endpoints. With Ericom, users remain fully protected while they stay productive with a fully interactive browsing experience. We are coupling our innovative remote browser isolation cloud service with the powerful data in the Ericom Threat Intelligence Network to further simplify the use and impact of remote browser isolation for our customers, said John Peterson, Chief Product Officer at Ericom. By dynamically assessing risk, and invoking RBI when needed to ensure endpoints, networks, and data stay protected, Ericom is delivering a best-in-class combination of web security and usability for organizations adopting remote browser isolation, which is a key part of rapidly growing security constructs like Zero Trust security and Gartners Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). In addition to Ericom Intelligent Remote Browser Isolation, Ericom announced a new SIEM integration feature for its RBI service. Organizations requiring long-term storage of logs for compliance reasons, or who analyze their web browsing activity trends, can now send logs of website traffic and web security policy enforcement actions to 3rd-party SIEM products. Ericom also reported the continued expansion of its Ericom Global Cloud platform, significantly increasing the global density of its Points of Presence (PoPs) to satisfy accelerating demand for Ericom Zero Trust security services. More on Ericom Intelligent Isolation can be found here. More on Ericom Remote Browser Isolation can be found here. More on the Ericom Global Cloud can be found here. About Ericom Software Ericom Software is a leading provider of Zero Trust cybersecurity solutions that protect organizations from advanced security threats. Leveraging innovative browser and application isolation technologies, Ericom's cloud-delivered security solutions enable simple, secure policy-driven access to mission-critical applications and resources, including the web, without impacting end-user productivity. Ericom's platform of browser isolation, remote access, secure connectivity, mobility, and virtualization technologies enhance cybersecurity and productivity while reducing cost and complexity for tens of thousands of businesses and millions of end users worldwide. The company has offices in the US, UK, and EMEA, and a global network of distributors and partners. For more information about Ericom and its products, visit http://www.ericom.com. You can also follow Ericom Software on our blog, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. A federal court in Lagos Tuesday turned down an application to vacate an interim injunction it granted last month directing 20 Nigerian banks to block the accounts of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and its subsidiaries. Judge Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, in her ruling, also summoned three of the banks secretaries and chief financial officers for allegedly disobeying the order made on February 17. The affected banks and their officials include Citi Bank Ltd, its Company Secretary Sola Fagbure and Chief Financial Officer, Sharaf Mohammed; First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, its Company Secretary Irene Netimah and Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Iyamabo; and United Bank For Africa (UBA) Plc, its Company Secretary Bill Andrew Odum and Chief Financial Officer, Ebenezer Kolawole. The judge ordered them to appear before it on the next adjourned date, on March 29, adding that she would issue a warrant for their arrest if they fail to appear. Background Aiteo Eastern E&P Company had filed a suit before the court accusing SPDC and its subsidiaries of illegally diverting 16 million barrels of crude oil. The company put the value of the diverted products to about $3 billion. Joined with SPDC as respondents in the suit are Royal Dutch Shell Plc; Shell Western Supply and Trading Ltd; Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd; and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. Aiteo, an indigenous oil firm, acquired SPDCs OML 29 after the latters divestment of its 45 per cent stake in 2015. OML 29 includes the 97-kilometre Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) with a capacity to lift about 180,000 barrels of crude per day from oilfields in Rivers and Bayelsa to the Bonny terminal. The indigenous oil firm claims there are problems with the trunk line and that Shell undercounted its oil exports. SPDC had, however, described the claims as factually incorrect, saying there was a directive from the Department of Petroleum Resources to implement a crude re-allocation programme between injectors into the multinationals joint venture Trans Niger Pipeline and injectors into the NCTL. Last month, Justice Oguntoyinbo granted a Mareva injunction directing 20 commercial banks to block SPDC and its subsidiaries accounts and barring Royal Dutch Shells Nigerian subsidiaries from withdrawing money from the banks. She ordered the banks to ring-fence any cash, bonds, deposits, all forms of negotiable instruments to the value of $2.7 billion and pay all standing credits to the Shell companies up to the value into an interest yielding account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the court. A Mareva injunction is a court order freezing a partys assets, until the determination of a case they are involved in, to stop them from taking such abroad. Compliance Meanwhile, as of the time of the courts proceedings on Tuesday morning, 17 of the banks had complied with the order. Later on Tuesday, First Bank filed an affidavit of compliance to the court. At the last hearing on March 2, the court faced three applications by the plaintiff, AITEO and the defendants, SPDC and others relating to its jurisdiction, motion to discharge its ex-parte order, and committal proceedings against the three banks. AITEOs counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, prayed the court to hear the committal proceedings first. Mr Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said it was necessary that the named persons in committal proceedings (the bank officials) be present in court because the proceedings attached to their person. He said alleged contemnors had been served and theres proof of service, adding that the quasi-criminal nature of committal proceedings made their appearance a necessity. He noted that they had not filed a response. ADVERTISEMENT Adewale Atake, counsel for SPDC, Olawale Akoni, for the banks, and Chukwuka Ikwuazom, for the four Shell subsidiaries, opposed Mr Pinheiro, praying the court to instead hear applications questioning its jurisdiction and another motion to discharge the order blocking the accounts. On Tuesday, the judge upheld Mr Pinheiros application and gave primacy to the application for committal proceedings. The committal proceedings is the appropriate application to considerI, therefore, hold that the first application to be heard is the committal proceedings, she said. The judge further ruled that the presence of the named bank officials was necessary. The alleged contemnors must be present in court at the next hearing, otherwise a warrant of arrest shall be issued against them. Ruling on the defendants application to vacate the Mareva injunction and unfreeze the bank accounts, the judge held that the ex parte order subsists pending the determination of AITEOs motion on notice. She then adjourned till March 29 for the hearing of the committal proceedings and the other applications. CloudLinux Announces Live Updates for Devices on Microsoft Azure IoT Hub CloudLinux announces that its automated, live kernel patching service KernelCare can be deployed with Microsoft (News - Alert) making it possible to update entire networks of devices and apply security patches without having to halt operations or restart devices. CloudLinux collaborated with Microsoft to create an integration for KernelCare IoT with Device Update for IoT Hub, filling a critical gap to update devices during runtime. "A tiny IoT sensor can expose your organization to as much harm as a large, physical server," said Jim Jackson, president and chief revenue officer, CloudLinux. "Effectively managing large numbers of IoT devices is challenging to say the least, while neglecting maintenance aspects such as device updates and patching leads to significant security risks. No one wants to go through re-boots and service interruptions for an entire fleet of IoT devices and KernelCare resolves that issue." Currently, KernelCare for IoT supports four Linux distributions commonly used on IoT devices - Ubuntu (News - Alert) Core, Yocto Project, Raspbian and Amazon Linux 2 on EC2 A1. Supported chipset include popular ARM processors, as well as AWS Graviton 2 and NXP processors. Due to the unique nature of every enterprise IoT deployments, free proof-of-concept evaluations are offered for enterprise IoT users. About KernelCare KernelCare is a product of CloudLinux, which has been making Linux more secure and stable since 2010. KernelCare provides live patching across many Linux distributions. Using KernelCare, enterprises enjoy rebootless kernel and library patching - increasing security, stability and availability of Linux servers and devices. KernelCare delivers a dedicated service for commercial IoT projects, including integration with Microsoft's Azure IoT Hub. Pricing is customized and determined after a proof-of-concept project. For more information, visit kernelcare.com. About CloudLinux Headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert) , California, CloudLinux Inc. develops a hardened Linux distribution, Linux kernel live security patching, extended support options for Linux, and web server security software used by enterprises, service providers, governments and universities all over the world. CloudLinux has more than 4,000 customers and partners, more than 500,000 product installations globally, and dedicated analysts and developers that together have more than 450 years' worth of Linux experience along with a passion for delivering the best customer care. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005260/en/ Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 21:06:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Uganda's Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng shows her vaccination card after receiving a shot of COVID-19 vaccine during the launch of the vaccination campaign at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, March 10, 2021. Uganda on Wednesday launched the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination campaign targeting high risk groups in the east African country. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua) KAMPALA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Wednesday launched the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination campaign targeting high risk groups in the east African country. First Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali launched the vaccination exercise at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital in the capital, Kampala. Ruth Aceng, the minister of health, said the exercise targets more than 21.9 million people who face the highest risk of the infection like the health workers, teachers, social workers and security personnel, elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. "The priority groups will receive the COVID-19 vaccination in a staggered manner. The first priority group to be vaccinated will be our health workers," said Aceng at the launch. "The AstraZeneca vaccines, which we shall be administering, are safe and protective against severe forms of disease and deaths." Aceng, senior officials from her ministry, as well as Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the World Health Organization Representative in Uganda, were among the first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine jab. "Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to counter the disease. Let's all get vaccinated," said Woldemariam. Uganda last week received the first donation of 964,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX facility vaccine sharing program and the Indian government. Uganda requires at least 45 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to get its population of 45 million vaccinated and extra doses to cater for the refugee population in the country, according to the government statistics. The Chinese government has donated 300,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to Uganda, which the Ugandan Ministry of Health is finalizing technical processes to receive. Uganda as of Tuesday had recorded 40,490 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19, 15,075 recoveries and 334 deaths since the index case was reported on March 22, according to the Ministry of Health. Enditem American Express Co said on Tuesday not all of its employees would likely return to office. Amex may consider hiring from a larger talent pool in the future from cities where it does not have offices, said Steve Squeri, the US card company's chief executive officer, at Citi's Global Property CEO Conference. "I don't think the work environment as we left it, will be the work environment we come back to," Squeri said, according to the transcript of the conference. The New York-based company in January had extended its work from home policy to Sept. 6, 2021 and Squeri hinted that the deadline could be extended till the end of the year. Also read: Flipkart to cover COVID-19 vaccination cost of all its employees The move came after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and destroying homes, with the dam's "unsatisfactory" condition leading to it being scheduled for removal this year, the land department has said. Poor weather was expected to run until Friday, according to the governor, and flood advisories stayed in place for a second day. The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawai'i, Maui, Kalawao, O'ahu, and Kaua'i, the governor's office said in a statement, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8. Video Transcript [WIND] - Ultimate Frisbee. [WATER RUNNING] - This is insane. - But I [INAUDIBLE] here trying to get the river to go that way. - Oh. - Don't build your house. - Our garden right there. [LAUGHTER] And now we've got a river. [MOTOR RUNNING] - Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Holy [BLEEP]. Holy [BEEP] Oh, my god. [SCRAPING] Tshimologong announces the 5th edition of Digital Lab Africa Digital content creators called to participate in fully online DLA#5. The fifth edition of Digital Lab Africa (DLA), the first mentorship and incubation program for African creatives in innovative and digital content, has launched its next call for applications. DLA is calling on artists, producers, designers, collectives, students or entrepreneurs from both creative and cultural industries, including from across Sub-Saharan Africa to apply. DLA aims to incubate emerging talent by offering them a springboard to jump-start and accelerate their projects with the support and expertise of the DLA ecosystem. Led and managed by Wits Universitys Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, and supported by the AFD (Agence Francaise de Developpement). The Pan-African accelerator focuses on 5 key categories: Immersive Experience, Video Games, Music, Animation and Digital Art. The programme initiated five years ago by the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) counts SACEM, TRACE, TV5 Monde Afrique, the French Embassy in Nigeria, amongst others, as partners. Applications for the animation and immersive experience (XR) categories are now open and close on 4 April, while applications for video, digital art, and music categories can be submitted between 17 May and 11 July. In 2020, DLA received more than 500 applications from over 32 countries. For its fifth edition, Digital Lab Africa is switching to a fully online format. The incubation and mentorship programs followed by the DLA#5 laureates will include online activities, online mentorship, and participation to online industry events. Chief Executive of the Tshimologong Precinct, Lesley Donna Williams, says the DLA applications reflect the vitality and uniqueness of the African continent in the field of digital cultures and new technologies. Each year the level innovation in terms of form, storytelling, content and technologies gets better. We expect DLA#5 to once again exceed our expectations and look forward to receiving quality applications. To apply, visit: https://digilabafrica.com/submit-a-project/ For more information contact Nicolas Doyard, DLA manager on email via nicolas@tshimologong.joburg. About Digital Lab Africa: Created in 2016, Digital Lab Africa is an initiative of the French Institute and the French Embassy in South Africa, managed by the South African innovation hub Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct since 2018. Digital Lab Africa (DLA) is the first platform dedicated to creative content (immersive realities, video game, animation, music, digital art) linked with innovation in Africa. The very idea of DLA is to incubate emerging talent by offering them a springboard to fast track their projects development with the support and expertise of DLA creative industries ecosystem in France and in Sub-Saharan African countries. https://digilabafrica.com/ About Tshimologong Precinct: Founded in September of 2016, as a Wits University investment in the tech and digital future of South Africa and the continent, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct works with academia, corporates, international agencies and government across all spheres to unearth, upskill and promote digital talent. Tshimologong Precinct focusses its efforts in three areas: incubation of enterprises, digital skills training and creating a marketplace for start-ups. Driven by common goals, including the desire to combine technology, innovation and creative content, Tshimologong and the French Embassy in South Africa have joined forces to create a Digital Content Hub (DCH) - and integrate and sustain the existing Digital Lab Africa Programme the first support programming for the production of digital content across sub-Saharan Africa initiated in 2016 by the French Embassy in South Africa. The DCH is the first project from cultural industries in Africa to have obtained funding from the Agence francaise de developpement (AFD) since the extension of their mandate to these sectors. https://tshimologong.joburg/ In this file photo taken on May 19, 2018, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan begin their carriage procession in the Ascot Landau Carriage after their wedding ceremony in Windsor. AFP Buckingham Palace said Tuesday that allegations of racism made earlier this week by Prince Harry and Meghan were ''concerning'' and would be addressed privately by the royal family. The comments, made in a statement issued on behalf Queen Elizabeth II, are the first from the palace since the two-hour television interview with Meghan and Harry rocked the royal family. Meghan, who is biracial, said the palace had failed to help her when she had suicidal thoughts and that an unidentified member of the royal family had raised ''concerns'' about the color of her baby's skin when she was pregnant with her son, Archie. ''The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,'' the palace said. ''The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.'' The interview, conducted by Oprah Winfrey and which aired Sunday night in the U.S. and a day later in Britain, has divided people around the world. While many say the allegations demonstrate the need for change inside a palace that hasn't kept pace with the (hash)MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, others have criticized Harry and Meghan for dropping their bombshell while Harry's 99-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, remains hospitalized in London after a heart procedure. Anna Whitelock, a professor of history and director of the Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy at Royal Holloway, University of London, said the palace's brief message was an effort to quiet the controversy. ''It's not very long, but it's very precise and it has a clear intent _ and that is to close this down as a family matter; to make clear that this is clearly a family in crisis, that there's family issues to sort out, but to separate this very clearly from any criticism or discussion about the institution of monarchy itself,'' she told The Associated Press. ''And I think time will tell whether that's a distinction that the public will accept.'' While the palace often tries to stay above controversy by remaining silent and riding out the storm, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's charges proved so damaging that the family was forced to respond. The response was likely delayed by the queen's struggle to balance her sometimes-conflicting roles as monarch and grandmother, said Angela Levin, author of ''Harry, a Biography of a Prince,'' before the statement was released. During past crises, the 94-year-old monarch has usually come down on the side of the 1,000-year-old institution she has led since 1952. ''The queen has a motto: Never complain, never explain,'' Levin told the AP. ''And she's stuck with this for decades. But I think in this climate and 2021, everything goes everywhere. There's so much social media that in this instance, she really can't not say anything.'' Harry and Meghan married in May 2018 in a ceremony at Windsor Castle that ended with a ride around the town in a horse-drawn carriage. In the early days of their marriage, the couple were seen as the fresh young face of the monarchy for an increasingly multicultural nation. But the story quickly turned sour. The couple stepped away from royal duties last year and moved to California, saying they wanted to escape racist coverage and unwanted intrusions on their privacy by the British media. During the interview, Meghan described feeling so isolated and miserable inside the royal family that she had suicidal thoughts, yet when she asked for mental health assistance from the palace's human resources staff, she was told they couldn't help because she wasn't a paid employee. She also said Harry told her there were ''concerns and conversations'' about how dark Archie's skin would be. Winfrey later said Harry told her off camera that the family member wasn't Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, sparking a flurry of speculation about who it could be. Harry also revealed that the stresses the couple endured had ruptured relations with his father, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, and his brother, Prince William, illuminating the depth of the family divisions that led the couple to step away from royal duties and move to California last year. But the most explosive issue was race. The royal family has tried to address that head on, although the rest of the discussion is likely to take place in private, Whitelock said. ''I'm sure there will be a lot of soul searching within the royal family, but this is going to be very much behind closed doors and we're not going to see dramatic statements, dramatic changes,'' she said. ''This is going to be about a family who are going to have to look at themselves and reflect on what's happened and what needs to happen and what needs to change.'' (AP) Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA 2010 The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova" an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe The fifth edition of Digital Lab Africa (DLA) has called on African creatives to apply for its mentorship and incubation programme which has now switched fully to an online format. Artists, producers, designers, collectives, students or entrepreneurs from both creative and cultural industries from across Sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to apply. The programme focuses on five key categories: immersive experience, video games, music, animation and digital art. DLA is led and managed by Wits University's Tshimolong Digital Innovation Precinct and supported by AFD (Agence Francaise de Developpement).Applications for the animation and immersive experience categories are now open and close on 4 April, while applications for video, digital art and music categories can be submitted between 17 May and 11 July. To apply visit the Digital Lab Africa's website Flash John Kerry, the United States' Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Tuesday underlined the cooperation between the U.S. and European Union (EU) on the fight against the climate crisis during his visit to Brussels. Kerry stressed that the world is facing not only a climate crisis but also "a moment of the greatest opportunity that we've had since perhaps the industrial revolution to build better to renew ourselves and our economies." He described the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland in November this year as the last opportunity for the world to come together and "build on Paris (Agreement)." Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal and Commissioner for Climate Action Policy, hailed the comeback of the U.S. climate action. He said the EU and the U.S. would be working to make a success of Glasgow, though it will be quite an effort to "convince other major players in the world to do the right thing." Kerry attended the weekly European Commission College meeting, where the commission's president Ursula von der Leyen recalled that Joe Biden, on his first day in office, announced the U.S. return to the Paris Agreement. The EU member states agreed in December to cut the bloc's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 from 1990 levels. So far, half of the G20 members, such as Japan, China, South Korea or South Africa, are already committed to achieving climate- or at least carbon neutrality by 2050 or soon after. A 21-year-old Irvington Fire Department recruit died Tuesday, days after he collapsed during a training exercise at Morris Countys public safety training academy, officials said. Victor Melillo collapsed last Thursday while training in the parking lot of the academy in Parsippany, according to a statement from Morris Countys government. Several first responders, including EMTs, rushed to help Melillo shortly after 9:30 a.m. Members of the Morris County Office of Emergency Managements Emergency Medical Services Team and paramedics brought him to Morristown Medical Center, according to the statement. He was in critical condition for five days. The countys Board of County Commissioners and staff expressed condolences and their deepest sympathies, over the death of the firefighter recruit, the statement said. Ed Donnelly, president of the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, announced the passing of the recruit to members of the firefighters union. While Victor Melillo was only starting his career, he was a member of the fire service family, and will be afforded the line of duty funeral with full honors that he deserves, Donnelly said. In a final act of selflessness, Victor, through his grieving family, donated his organs, ultimately giving his life for others, he said. By doing so, Victor showed that he had what it took to be a firefighter. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Irvington Fire Department Recruit Victor Melillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victor's family at this time. Posted by Irvington NJ Fire Officers - IAFF Local 2004 on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 Information on services for Melillo would be announced later, the county said. Irvington officials could not be immediately reached. Fire companies around New Jersey offered condolences Tuesday as news spread of the recruits death. It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Irvington Fire Department Recruit Victor Melillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Victors family at this time, the Irvington Fire Departments International Association of Firefighters chapter said on Facebook. The Members of the (Watchung Fire Department) send their deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters of the Irvington Fire (Department) for the loss of our dear brother Victor Melillo. Firefighter Melillo was just 21 years old, a social media post from the borough department said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. President Joe Biden and the Democratic-majority Congress met the moment -- and saved the day. That could well be the story, summed up, when the history of our era is written. Because its entirely possible that passage of the administrations $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package could be seen as the key to getting our nation back on course a year after the first virus-prompted lockdowns. On Wednesday, just seven weeks after Biden was inaugurated, the House passed the American Rescue Plan, the measure that had been approved by the Senate four days earlier. The bill will help the people, will aid the states, will lend a hand to needy businesses, will support parents, and will help get COVID-19 vaccines into peoples arms. Taken together, the relief package should not only get us past the lingering economic effects of the lockdowns, but will also likely spur a boom that ought to last, at a minimum, well into 2022. One could even imagine that the times might be so good that when someone in the future refers to the roaring 20s, a listener asked, Which roaring 20s -- the 1920s, or the 2020s? Biden remembers well what happened a dozen years back when the then-Democratic Congress passed a watered-down relief package in the early months of President Barack Obamas administration. The law, meant to get the nation out of the hole created by the housing collapse of a year prior, was simply not big enough to provide the kick start that the economy needed. It helped, to be sure, but not as much as desired. As a result, the economy sputtered and started and stopped and then got going again, moving ahead in its fashion, but never in the way that Obama and congressional Democrats would have hoped. Biden, who was vice president then, took that lesson to heart, obviously, and was not about to let that mistake happen a second time. Though Biden had pledged, as a candidate for president, to seek bipartisan solutions to our current problems, an early meeting he had with GOP senators proved that that just wasnt going to happen on coronavirus relief and economic stimulus. Their proposal was less than one-third the size of his plan, and that just wouldnt do. Wisely, he decided to ask congressional Democrats to go it alone. The nation should be thankful. Related Content: Alabama lawmakers again today heard from doctors both for and against a bill to make it a crime to provide puberty-blocking medications and hormones to people under 19 for transgender therapies. The Alabama House Health Committee held a public hearing on the bill by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, and Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy. The bill has already passed the Senate. Allen, repeating a position he has made to lawmakers since first introducing the legislation last year, said the purpose of the bill, the Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, is to prevent treatments that could have long-range effects on children and teenagers who are not mature enough to consent. There are no long-term rigorous studies when it comes to how these drugs affect these young children, Allen said. And we believe we need to protect children and this bill does that. At todays hearing, three people, including a pediatrician and a retired pediatrician, spoke in support of the bill. Three others spoke in opposition to the bill, including a pediatrician and a father. David Fuller, a sergeant with the Gadsden Police Department, told lawmakers the therapeutic treatments that have helped his transgender daughter transition over five years were part of a carefully paced program that he believes saved her life. Young people struggling with gender dysphoria attempt suicide at higher rates than other youth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dont just make a judgement call because you didnt know, because I didnt know five years ago, Fuller told the committee. I would have made the wrong choice, too. I honestly would have. But today, please understand that this is real. And without this health care, my daughter is not here today. Related: Father of transgender daughter tells Alabama lawmakers treatment ban is misguided But Dr. Den Trumbull, who has been a pediatrician in Montgomery for more than 30 years, urged the committee to pass the bill. Trumbull said its not uncommon for pre-adolescents to have temporary confusion about gender identity but he said most overcome that by young adulthood. Children fare better in their development if their innate biological sex is confirmed and affirmed by parents and authority figures in their life. Until recently, this was an obvious fact, Trumbull said. Gender affirming therapy is a social construct not based in medical fact. It is producing dire results nationwide, Trumbull said. Our gender confused youth desperately need mental and psychological help, but not this form of misguided therapy. Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, a pediatrician at UAB with 28 years experience, said she has worked with hundreds of transgender children. Ladinsky said about 1.5% of people have a gender identity that conflicts with their sex at birth. These youth are not mentally ill, Ladinsky said. They did not choose to be this way. Nor did their parents ask for this. But the dysphoria they experience merits specialized health care. And for them we use evidence-based, standardized medicine to keep them healthy. Ladinsky said the effects of puberty-blocking medications are 100% reversible. She said older teens can receive hormones but only after a lengthy period of informed consent and careful oversight. The bill also prohibits surgeries on the genitalia of minors to change their appearance to align with their gender identify if it differs from their sex at birth. But Ladinsky said genital surgeries are never performed on minors in Alabama. Dr. Bill Whitaker, a retired pediatrician who practiced in Pickens County and Birmingham, disputed the assertion that the effects of puberty-blocking medications are always reversible. Whitaker said there can be permanent effects if children stay on puberty blockers for years. Gender incongruence is a symptom crying for help, Whitaker told the committee. The only compassionate treatment for these children is the truth. The truth is there are only two sexes based on biology, female and male, that its impossible to change ones sex. And these vulnerable children who are suffering need watchful waiting, support, counseling and encouraging adults, not experimental, irreversible medical procedures. The Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the bill. If it passes, violations of the law would be a Class C felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. The bill also says teachers, principals, and school nurses and counselors could not withhold from parents information that their children identify as transgender. Amy Upton, a school counselor educator and former school counselor, spoke in opposition to the bill. She said it would jeopardize an important protection for students who need an adult to confide in about concerns that could already make them subject to rejection, bullying, and harassment. School may be the one safe place for students, and they assume they have a trusted adult in their school counselor, their school nurse, or even a teacher, Upton said. School counselors are professionally obliged and are required to adhere to ethical standards that protect their confidentiality with students. If this bill were to pass school counselors would be legally required to break confidentiality for a vulnerable population of students at a disproportionate risk to suffer from anxiety, depression, suicide, and homelessness. The committee did not vote on the bill after the public hearing but will vote next week, chairman Paul Lee, R-Dothan, said. American microblogging and social networking service is working on a 'big overhaul' of its TweetDeck platform, which lets users arrange lists and feeds into easy-to-read vertical rows. The company plans to share more details about the project publicly later this year, product chief Kayvon Beykpour said in an interview with The Verge on Tuesday. TweetDeck, an alternative platform owned by the social networking service, offers a number of different features, such as accessing multiple timelines in columns and scheduling tweets. TweetDeck has not received any significant updates in the last 10 years. The platform hasn't seen many changes in the way of design or major feature updates in years. The app launched nearly 12 years ago and was acquired by in 2011, and it is more or less still the same vertical grid viewer for your various Twitter feeds it started as. Mostly, Twitter has ported over new functions added to its main website and mobile apps while keeping the core TweetDeck design relatively static. Beykpour and the product team recognise that they haven't "given TweetDeck a lot of love recently," and they are actively working on a new TweetDeck they plan to show off later this year. The upcoming changes to the platform are a part of a broader push to improve Twitter's developer tools and repair its relationship with app makers, with the latter being a longtime contention between Twitter and the broader software development community. However, Beykpour did not specify whether the new TweetDeck will be released this year or simply previewed for the public. It is also unclear whether this new TweetDeck would feature a refreshed visual design, all-new features, or both. However, whatever form the new platform takes, it will be a breath of fresh air for TweetDeck's longtime users. (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.) UPDATE: See drugs, guns, ammo and cash seized by Flint police special investigative unit FLINT, MI -- Assault rifles, semi-automatic handguns, magazines, bullets, tens of thousands of dollars in cash, narcotics and other drugs were included in a display of confiscated items from multiple drug raids by the police departments special investigative unit. The display was collected in a two-week span and only represented a small sample of the work done by the unit, Police Chief Terence Green said at a Tuesday, March 9 news conference. It has been eight months since the inception of the investigative unit, which Green described as a Swiss army knife for the police department. The six officers in the investigative unit can be more proactive than other officers, Green said. They are not responsible for the 300 to 350 radio calls that come in per day so they have time to work on longer operations. The unit is assisted by the departments tactical response team, along with other branches of the department. Innocent victims get caught in the crossfire of bad drug deals, bad acts out there. It takes these firearms off these streets, Green said. It takes narcotics off the street that can lead to a lot of conflict in the community. The seizure of these items that you see before you impacts public safety in the city. The investigative unit was originally created in July under former interim police Chief Phil Hart. The announcement came at the same time as a gun buyback program, which the city says has been postponed due to COVID-19. Related: Flint will buy back guns as part of effort to combat rising violent crime Since taking on the role of police chief, Green said the special investigative unit has transitioned to focus on narcotics cases, along with gun confiscation. Basically we want them targeting the drivers of crime - narcotic dealers. Those out here who we know are committing shootings or things of that nature, Green said. We get a name of an individual we know is involved in drive-by shootings, (the special investigative unit) will target that individual. If a citizen calls and complains about a particular resident thats causing havoc within the neighborhood, theyre going to target that. Several felony arrests were made in line with the confiscation of the guns and narcotics, Green said. Felony charges included possession with intent to deliver narcotics, felony firearm, felon in possession of firearms and maintaining a drug house. Since the unit started in July, it has confiscated 169 firearms, Detective Sgt. Tyrone Booth said. In total, more than 1,000 guns were confiscated in Flint in 2020, Mayor Sheldon Neeley told MLive-The Flint Journal in January. Related: Flint grapples with pandemic-fueled surge in homicides, crime Flint officers removed 655 guns, an increase of 240 from 2019 when 415 guns were confiscated. Michigan State Police also confiscated 447 guns in 2020, an increase from 250 in 2019. The city also established a ban on reselling guns at auction, which Neeley has said will help create a safer city in the future. Guns taken off the streets in the city are now destroyed, according to the city. Read more on MLive: Police investigate fatal shooting of man in Flint Michigan man charged by AG pleads guilty to sexually abusing 12-year-old boy Police investigating third suspicious death this week in Flint Body of missing girl, 16, found along St. Clair County trail Train strikes back of car in Flint, driver suffers minor injuries Man in critical condition after being shot in the head in Flint The city of Northampton launched two online surveys Wednesday with the goal of both identifying residents internet needs and determining the communitys next steps in terms of whether it should implement a municipal broadband system. The dual surveys, one for residents and another for businesses, are designed to identify both parties current and future internet requirements, Northampton Mayor David Narkwiczs office said in a statement. Data from the questionnaires will ideally help the city evaluate the potential for municipal broadband. The residential survey, which is being made available as a paper version sent to Northampton households through the U.S. Postal Service, is also being offered in Spanish, according to the mayors office. Citizens and business are encouraged to complete the questionnaire by April 23. In his statement, Narkewicz noted the city has been exploring the concept of municipal broadband for several years, receiving significant encouragement from residents and businesses alike. Now we want a deeper understanding of what Northampton consumers expect from their internet service and to what extent those expectations are currently met, Narkewicz said. This survey data will be critical to determining our next steps on municipal broadband and I urge everyone to participate and to encourage their friends and neighbors to take the survey. The market surveys represent the next step in the exploration of the municipal broadband issue in Northampton, which began in the summer of 2016. That year, the city hired Percipio Industries, LLC to examine the communitys existing fiber network to see whether Northampton could expand into a municipal broadband system. The company advised officials to conduct a professional market study and an in-depth technical feasibility analysis, Narkewiczs office recounted. The mayor proposed funding for both initiatives as part of his fiscal years 2020-2024 capital improvement program. The Northampton City Council approved a total of $70,000 over two years to fund the study and the analysis, and late last year, the community hired Design Nine to undertake the study and a possible follow-up feasibility analysis. Explorations into municipal broadband networks havent just been limited to Northampton. The subject has been broached in Worcester as well. Particularly during the coronavirus pandemic - when inequities, technologic and otherwise, have been laid bare - the need for working WiFi has been highlighted frequently. A report released by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau last summer noted the COVID-19 public health crisis exposed many of the internet challenges the city faces, including problems related to access, price and speed. Such issues, the bureau wrote, have been exacerbated due to a regional monopoly, lack of infrastructure investment and a prioritization of profits over service. That regional monopoly, according to the bureau, is run by the broadband provider Charter Communications through the company Spectrum. In Worcester, the bureau wrote in its report, 99.9% of the population has one choice for a wired broadband provider. In January, the city and Charter/Spectrum reached an agreement with the hopes of providing better, low-cost internet for students amid the pandemic. In its report, the bureau explained how the public health crisis forced students into an online learning model, despite the fact that thousands of students do not live in internet-connected home. Municipal broadband may be the answer to some of the service woes Worcesters experiencing, officials believe. Communities that treat internet access as a core service, rather than a luxury, have seen economic and quality of life benefits, the bureau said in its reported. For more information about Northamptons efforts, residents can visit the citys municipal broadband website, email questions to mbs-survey@northamptonma.gov or contact the mayors office. Related Content: Russia has signed a deal to produce 10 million doses of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Italy this year, the Italian-Russian chamber of commerce announced on Tuesday. The deal was signed by Adienne Srl, the Italian subsidiary of a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, with the Russian Direct Investment Fund. "I believe that this is a historic agreement because it sees Italy as the first in the European context to enter into such an important agreement," Vincenzo Trani, president of Italy-Russia chamber of commerce said. Vincenzo Trani told the Associated Press that only three companies with the necessary infrastructure, know-how and technology requirements have had access to dialogue with the Russian sovereign wealth fund, although he says it is possible that other Italian companies may soon also produce the Russian vaccine. Adienne arrived earlier than other companies, according to Trani, because of its structure, which allowed for a fast decision-making process. "You know the size of medium-sized companies is adequate in some cases to take decisions quickly and I think this has been Adienne's advantage over other operators in the sector," Trani said According to the Italian-Russian chamber of commerce, Russian authorities are working on 20 similar collaborations across Europe and Sputnik V has been registered in 45 nations worldwide. The Russian Direct Investment Fund that bankrolled the vaccine and markets it abroad has said the production of Sputnik V will span several countries, including India, South Korea, Brazil, China, Turkey, as well as Belarus and Kazakhstan and possibly Iran. Kazakhstan manufactured 90,000 doses of the vaccine last month but there are few indications any large amounts of the vaccine have been produced outside of Russia so far. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) As National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) rover Perseverance examines the Mars surface, researchers looking for clues of past life on the distant planet are making use of data collected on a mission that is very much closer to home at a lake in Southwest Turkey. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says the rock and mineral deposits at Salda are the closest match on earth to those near the Jezero Crater where the rover is arrived and which is assumed by scientists to have once been drenched with water. Information collected from the Salda Lake may be of help to researchers as they hunt for skeletal traces of microbial life secured in sediment believed to have been stored around the delta and the long-vaporized lake it once fed. Salda as an Effective Analogue NASA associate administrator for science, Thomas Zurbuchen told Reuters "Salda ... will serve as an effective analog in which we can study and question." A group of American and Turkish planetary researchers did research in 2019 on the riverbank of the lake, popularly called Turkey's Maldives as a result of its white shores and sky blue water. Researchers have the belief that the sands around the lake eroded from huge mounds that are generated with the help of microbes and are therefore called microbialites.The group behind the Perseverance aircraft, the most developed astrobiology lab ever traveled to another planet, wants to research to know if microbialites also exist in Jezero Crater. Also Read: Sign of Life on Mars? Giant Sheets of Buried Ice Found on the Red Planet Matching Beach Sediments Against Carbonate Minerals The group will also match the beach sediments from Salda against carbonate minerals - created from carbon dioxide and water, which is a major ingredient for life - seen on the edges of Jezero Crater. Zurbuchen said "When we saw something at Perseverance we can revert and have a look at Lake Salda to really look at both processes, taking a look at the similarities but most importantly discords that are really within Perseverance and the Salda Lake. "So we are really pleased that we are in possession of that lake, and that is because I think it will be with us for a very long period of time". Rock drilled taken from Martian soil are to be deposited on the surface for possible recovery and carried to Earth as early as 2031 by two future robotic missions. The Salda Lake Lake Salda is often among the lakes regions in Turkey that extend throughout the inner west to southern Anatolia, most importantly Afyonkarahisar and Sparta Province, though, geographically, Lake Salda is different from the larger lakes. These larger lakes are more to the east and are separate from these tectonic lakes. The Salda lake area occupies 4,370 hectares, and its depth is 196 meters, which makes it one of the deepest lakes, if not the deepest lake in Turkey. The lake Salda sedimentary documentation reveals high-resolution climate changes that are similar to variability in solar. Related Article: Cotton Candy Dreams: Lake In Australia Turns Flamengo Pink For more news, updates about Lakes and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, even some of the most informed people knew little about coronavirusesand far less about SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that was upending the world as we knew it. But a prolonged global threat to commerce, lifestyles and millions of human lives has a way of focusing minds. Just six months into the pandemic, there was much we all learned, as scientists across the world turned their focus to the disease and shared their discoveries. People started tossing around terms such as airborne particles, social distancing and superspreaders. That was just the beginning. Since then, we've learned a great deal more. Some of that new knowledge inspires hope, even as other emerging facts continued to fuel apprehension amid growing pandemic fatigue. Many public health experts believe the light at the end of the tunnel is real, if the world remains vigilant about taking precautions, tracking cases and getting vaccines into arms. But even those optimists concede they are worried about the virus's evolution and the possibility it will "learn" to evade the immune responses already triggered by infection or inoculation. Here's a summary of some of the knowledge we've gained, and what we still hope to learn. Fauci was right about vaccines Last May, just two months into the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauciconsidered the nation's leading infectious disease expertsaid it was possible we could have a safe and effective vaccine by the end of 2020. Other experts expressed skepticism, given the difficulties encountered when trying to develop vaccines for other viruses and the novel genetic technologies being used to develop COVID-19 vaccines. But vaccine makers defied the skeptics, not once but twice. Before the year was out, vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna had been granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testing had showed each to be more than 90% effectivefar better than earlier expectationswith side effects no worse than many other successful vaccines. "I thought they weren't going to work," said Dr. Emily Landon, executive medical director of infection prevention and control at University of Chicago Medicine. "I didn't think they were going to be unsafe. I just thought they weren't going to work. And now, when they did, I was thrilled. They obviously work." Dozens of other vaccines now are being tested, with a Johnson & Johnson version given emergency use approval in late February. Decades of research paid off It typically takes years to develop a new vaccine. Traditional vaccines are based on a weakened version of the virus that triggers an immune response without causing illness. Making them is time-consuming because scientists must learn how to grow the virus and render it harmless without destabilizing it. Only then can the virus-based vaccine be tested on animals and then in human trials. But scientists have long been working to develop new kinds of vaccines that skip the first part of the process by using genetic technology to create an immune response. Decades of research had already given scientists the ability to map the genomethe genetic codingof a virus. So after the novel coronavirus emerged in China late in 2019, researchers there were able to swiftly decipher the genetic blueprint for SARS-CoV-2. Scientists then quickly identified the best target for a vaccine: a spike protein that pierces cells to allow the virus to start multiplying in the body. "It's the difference between making macaroni and cheese from a blue box that you pick up at the grocery store, where someone's already refined all of the ingredients and made it easy for you, versus starting with a cow and a sheaf of wheat," Landon said. To make the new vaccines, scientists at Pfizer and Moderna set about using a genetic tool called messenger RNA, or mRNA, to induce the body to produce the spike proteinwithout the rest of the virus cell that actually makes people sick. The mRNA is wrapped in a lipid nanoparticle that protects it from breaking down. The immune system responds to the protein by forming what are known as neutralizing antibodies. So if a person later is exposed to the coronavirus, these antibodies will bind to the structure of the spike and block the virus from entering cells. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine also targets the spike protein. But it is based on slightly different genetic technology developed in recent decades, combined with even longer experimentation with adenoviruses, which can cause common colds, as a vaccine delivery mechanism. Specially designed DNA is placed in an adenovirus that has been stripped of its ability to replicate. The adenovirus delivers DNA to a cell's nucleus, where the DNA in turn releases mRNA that makes the spike protein. That's how the Johnson & Johnson vaccine works, as well as vaccines developed in Great Britain and Russia. Trials showed these options to also be effective, although the percentages were lower than those seen in the earlier trials conducted on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. But infectious disease experts, including Fauci, warn against comparing these results, because the testing protocols differed in each case and the DNA vaccines went to trials after faster-spreading forms of the virus had emerged. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines all are highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalizations, experts say. China, meanwhile, went the old-school route, somehow producing a deactivated virus vaccine in less than a year. Although Chinese vaccines are being widely distributed throughout the world, questions remain about their efficacy. Mutated viruses are a threat The propensity of viruses to change has long vexed epidemiologists and scientists. As viruses reproduce, errors pop up in their genetic code. Most of the altered viruses are harmless, if they even survive, but sometimes they pose new problems. The virus that causes AIDS mutates so fast that attempts at making vaccines for the disease have failed to date. The flu vaccine mutates more slowly, but still fast enough that scientists must develop new vaccines every year. Coronaviruses mutate "slower than the flu but faster than other viruses like measles," Dr. Hana Akselrod of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences said during a recent forum hosted by SciLine. But the more people SARS-CoV-2 infects, the more chances it has to mutate. When mutations to the virus change the shape of the spike protein that is the target of vaccines, it's harder for the neutralizing antibodies to block the spike from entering cells. The virus also can change in ways that makes it spread faster and possibly make it more deadly. Unfortunately, all those things appear to be happening with SARS-CoV-2, which has found plenty of human hosts and had ample opportunity to mutate. Mutations that spread faster and may be more deadly have arisen and thrived in the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa. And in late February, other variants were identified in California and New York City that caused further concern among epidemiologists. So far, the major vaccines appear to be able to prevent severe disease even when someone is infected with a variant, but scientists fear the virus could "learn" to completely evade the immune response developed through vaccinations or prior infection. That means the world is in a race to vaccinate as many people as possible before that point is reached. "What we need to be doing is distributing these vaccines as quickly as possible to the arms of people so that we can decrease the ability for the virus to mutate," said Dr. Rahul Khare, CEO of the Innovative Express Care immediate and urgent care facility in Chicago and the west suburbs. Akselrod, an assistant professor of medicine, said the recent drop in cases provides "a window of opportunity" to step up vaccinations. "We are going to need to keep paying close attention to personal protection, to ventilation, to effective masking, to reducing public gatherings and doing all the public safety measures we have been doing until we can bring transmission down to manageable levels at which public health officials and local authorities will be able to keep track, test, trace and isolate people who are contagious and support them through it, despite new variants arising," Akselrod said. Meanwhile, scientists are trying to develop new vaccines that would trigger broader immunity by attacking the variants more directly and blocking other parts of the virus than just the spike protein. Akselrod said the "holy grail" is "a pan-variant vaccine." Bar higher for herd immunity Because new variants are likely to make it easier for the disease to infect people, scientists have upped the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to reach what's known as herd immunitythe point at which the virus would have little ability to spread. Early on in the pandemic, some public health experts, including Fauci, said that number was between 60% and 70%. Now Fauci and others are saying it could be as high as 85%. That goal could be difficult to achieve, given that recent polls found about a third of U.S. residents are saying they won't or probably won't take the vaccine. Doctors hope they can convince more people over the coming months that the vaccine is safe and effective. "People I've spoken to, ... their hesitancy was they just wanted to learn more about the safety," said Dr. Elizabeth McNally, director of the Center for Genetic Medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. "I think we're getting that data, day by day, week by week, (and) we're able to say it's very safe and it's very well tolerated." She added: "So I think it's going to be really important to just keep asking people again, 'Do you feel better about it now? Do you want to get it now?' " Akselrod holds out hope that we'll beat COVID-19. "In the long run, I believe the combination of our immune system memory and our response as a learning species and our behavior changes will help us bring the pandemic under control and make this virus something we can live with," she said. Living with it likely will involve booster shots at some point down the road. How long the immunity provided by vaccines lasts remains to be seen. "I think it's a question we should be watching and studying very closely," said McNally, who is studying the issue. Vaccine delivery falters in 'last mile' Developing vaccines is a complex endeavor, but so is getting them to the people who need them. Under the Operation Warp Speed program launched under former President Donald Trump, the federal government funded more than $12 billion in contracts to develop, produce and deliver vaccines. For the most part, the effort produced the desired results: multiple vaccines, hundreds of millions of doses and delivery to states and large cities. But the Trump administration left what's known as "the last mile" in logistics mostly up to the states, with little oversight. The last mile is the term for getting products from distribution points to their end destinationsin this case, health care personnel that can put shots in the arms of people. Because that's under the control of states, with the exception of doses delivered directly to pharmacies, the results are as varied as the states and cities themselves. Dr. Barry Bloom, a research professor of public health and former dean of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, described last-mile logistics in a recent Harvard forum as "total chaos of 50 state health systems in an uncoordinated, unresponsive, un-reporting system to the federal government." Less critical is Hani Mahmassani, an engineering professor and transportation specialist at Northwestern University who is studying vaccine logistics under a grant from the National Science Foundation. Mahmassani said delivery of the vaccines to the states under Warp Speed has been "phenomenal" and it made some sense to give states control over the last mile, as they are more familiar with local logistics and health care systems. "What we're seeing is that some of the smaller states have done a better job, and larger states by and large, and the large cities in particular, have really, really lacked," Mahmassani said. Illinois, which got off to a slow start, is now doing better but is still having some issues and is only doing a "middling" job, he said. Mahmassani suggested better vaccination booking procedures, more distribution points and quicker drawdown of reserve doses stored at central locations could help. And the federal government could require states to have better distribution plans, he added. "The execution leaves a lot to be desired," he said. Health inequities are glaring The pandemic has brought a long-festering probleminequities in health careto the forefront. Take the racially diverse state of Illinois as an example. Latino and Black people have contracted the disease at higher rates than white people. Death rates also have been particularly high in the African American community. And, when it comes to receiving vaccinations, the disparities continue. The percentage of vaccines going to white people exceeds their share of the population, while the percentage going to Latinos and Blacks lags. Doctors say the obvious disparities related to COVID-19 have been evident in other ways for decades, whether it's cardiovascular problems, diabetes or life expectancies. "We've known about these health inequities," McNally said. "I think we've had our heads in the sand about how much it costs us, and I don't mean just in terms of money, but in terms of years of work lost and just what people can do and be functional as Americans." Some doctors see a potential silver lining, given the increased attention being paid to stark disparities during the pandemic. That awareness, they hope, will lead to better efforts to fix the problem. Although the issue is complex and would require new initiatives on many fronts to fix, Landon believes a so-called public option in health insuranceallowing the government to compete with private insurers to drive down prices and expand coveragewould be a start. We still need better testing Testing has become far more available across the United States than it was during the early months of the pandemic, catching up to or surpassing other countries on a per capita basis. But the rate of testing is declining at a time when epidemiologists say it's crucial to reduce spread of variants. And some scientists say we're going about it wrong, given the slow speed of the most commonly used tests and the fact that people with COVID-19 are most likely to transmit the disease to others in the first five days after contracting the disease. Most of the current tests, processed through what's known as polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, technology, can take two or more days to return results. That means by the time someone gets a positive result, going into isolation won't do much to stop the spread. "If it's not frequent, and it takes a few days to return, the effectiveness to prevent transmission plummets," Dr. Michael Mina, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said during a recent forum. "My expectation is we probably have somewhere around a 5% sensitivity to actually detect people in time to help stop their onward transmission." Mina is promoting a different type of test, an antigen test that can be self-administered at home and produce results in about 15 minutes at far less cost. Although some scientists have questioned the test's ability to catch all COVID-19 infections, Mina believes they do quite well at detecting COVID-19 when a person is still contagious. And he's heartened by the new Biden administration's initial gambit on producing those antigen tests, with tens of millions to be deployed by summer. But he's advocating for even more, saying such testing will be key to halting the spread of new virus mutations that appear to be more easily transmitted. Double masking could help After initially saying it wasn't necessary for people to wear masks, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course when scientists concluded the virus was primarily spread through the air, not contaminated surfaces. Then, in early February, the CDC upped the ante, saying wearing two masksa disposable surgical mask with a form-fitting cloth mask over itcould provide added protection. At the same time, the agency noted the importance of a properly fitted mask in safeguarding the wearer. Some health experts are concerned that the double-mask suggestion may be too much for some people, especially given the continued resistance to masking in some quarters. "I don't want us to push so hard that people abort all of the public health measures and just say, 'This is getting too overwhelming,' " Mina said. Khare said he is in favor of double masks. But, he said, people typically contract COVID-19 because they don't use a mask at all, are not socially distancing or gathered in big groups for events such as the Super Bowl. "It's not because they are wearing one mask," he said. "So I just want to be careful what we're concentrating on." Landon said it's more important to stress the proper fit of a mask. "Focus on fit first," she said. "You need to have at least a couple layers of fabric, maybe three if you are really being great, and not stretch fabric, but good, tightly woven fabric," Landon said, adding that a properly fitting N95 or KN95 mask is another good option. "But they have to be snug on your face. They can't be gaping. That's the issue." Isolation takes a toll The pandemic upended lives across the globe, causing many people to struggle emotionally. Landon likens it to grappling with a major life change, such as a death in the family, a relocation or a job loss. "Everybody had to change, and change is really hard for people," she said. "People are much more likely to develop adjustment disorderslike a depression that's short-livedbecause of a change in something. But this change has been going on for so long it can't even be called an adjustment disorder. It becomes depression." Khare, whose practice includes mental health services, said people were forced to forgo contact with others that's important to mental health. "You force isolation on people, it's going to cause significant depression, increased alcohol consumption, other drug use," Khare said. "It's very obvious." One measure of the problem is the record number of overdose deaths in the U.S. last year: 81,003. A CDC study, in addition, documented higher rates of depression and thoughts of suicide. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. LONDON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Dan Dhunna, one of the UK's most esteemed and revered cosmetic doctors, explains about five of the best dermal fillers available and how they can effectively augment and beautify facial contours, as well as hydrate and re-condition the skin. With over twenty years' experience in facial rejuvenation techniques using injectable products such as dermal fillers, Dr Dan Dhunna is a leading authority on safety, efficacy and longevity of dermal filler products and only chooses highly-regarded, FDA-Approved brands, known for their unsurpassed safety records and clinically-proven formulations for the most beautiful, natural-looking results. Nowadays, dermal fillers for plumping, shaping and correcting ageing or thinning lips are hugely popular, but many people don't realise that dermal lip fillers are not simply one product and one technique. The art of augmenting the lip area is something that an already highly qualified medical professional needs to master, over many years. Dr Dan Dhunna is one of the UK's leading dermal filler afficionados and has been beautifying lips for nearly two decades. Trusted by celebrities across the globe, Dr Dan Dhunna perfected his techniques with some of the world's most esteemed cosmetic surgeons. Every dermal filler product is different and although the main components are basically, the same - hyaluronic acid (HA) in a fluid to a more viscous gel, each have their own specific quality and behaviour once injected into the lips. Dr Dan Dhunna only uses FDA-approved and CE certified products and during his many years of practice, has meticulously chosen some of the world's leading dermal filler brands. Now, Dr Dhunna has rigorously tested each product and has put together his top 5 lip filler products. Juvederm Volift - the Juvederm range of dermal fillers, by pharmaceutical giant, Allergan the makers of BOTOX are famous for their longevity, safety profile and efficacy. Using Vycross technology, which stabilizes the product for a longer, Volift is formulated to go in smooth and offer lasting results. Volift has a natural appearance when injected and can be used for the vertical lines around the mouth, nasolabial folds as well as increasing volume within the body of the lips. On average, Volift can last up to 15 months. Restylane Kysse - this is the first lip filler designed with XpresHAn Technology ( a unique cross-linking gel) for a soft and flexible movement and natural-looking volume, proven to last up to 12 months. It enhances the texture and colour of the lips and allows patients a full range of expressions. Precision is easily achieved with Restylane Kysse and those who prefer a more natural and subtle look to their lips love this product. TEOSYAL RHAKISS - The TEOSYAL RHA range of dermal filler products were created by TEOXANE Laboratories in Switzerland, following a patented process to meet the specific requirements of mobile facial areas. This revolutionary technology preserves the natural characteristics of hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules, the main component in dermal fillers, to obtain gels with extremely high purity and closer to the natural content of hyaluronic acid in the skin. TOESYAL RHA KISS offers subtle and dynamic augmentation of the lips, using a very small amount of dermal filler. The purity of the HA means that side-effects or adverse reactions are negligible. Results last between 6 and 9 months. Belotero Lips Shape and Contour- these products provide a complimentary and revolutionary approach to lip enhancement. Belotero Lips Shape adds volume and enhancement to the lips with the augmentation of both upper and lower lips. Belotero Lips Contour is specially developed to provide definition to the outline of the lips. These two products have been developed to accompany each other, just like a lipliner and a lipstick. Results are known to last between 6 and 9 months. STYLAGE Special lips - The number one lip filler in France is the first monophasic antioxidant HA-based, sterile gel which has been formulated from an animal-free and bi0compatible hyaluronan serum which magically lifts wrinkles around the mouth. The antioxidant (Mannitol) plays a vital part to eliminate the distressing effects of free radicals from the dermis of the skin, whilst stopping any gel degradation from occurring as well as the risk of post-injection inflammation. Benefits include increasing lip volume, adding definition and contour, reducing wrinkles or smoker's lines and repairing the lip water content. Result last between 6 to 9 months. Lip fillers have come leaps and bounds over the past 20 years and where once there were only a handful of reputable dermal fillers on the market, the large pharmaceutical companies continue to 'up their game', when it comes to this hugely sought-after non-surgical injectable treatment. It's still vital however, that you consult with a medically-qualified practitioner when it comes to dermal fillers and indeed, any injectable procedure, for well-informed advice and beautifully-stunning results. About the author Dr Dan Dhunna started his career as a GP, having graduated from the world-renowned Imperial College School of Medicine, University of London in 1999. Called the "Michelangelo of Botox" by the BBC and one of the leading cosmetic doctors by Sky News and the Guardian newspaper. He quickly realised that the art of facial aesthetics was his passion and, after training with some of the world's leading cosmetic masters, he began to build a portfolio of aesthetic clinics spanning both the Midlands and London. His clinics are located in Harley Street - London, Birmingham, Solihull, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bridgnorth, Dudley and Wolverhampton. Dr Dan Dhunna offers a range of facial rejuvenation treatments, which include non-surgical procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, skin boosters, fat dissolvers, dermal threads and skin peels. His treatments can be tailored to the needs of both men and women alike and his ethos is to provide natural-looking results but offering significant improvements, in a safe and clinically-regulated environment. https://www.drdandhunna.com https://www.drdandhunna.com/2019/10/get-best-lip-filler-london MEDFORD, Ore. Medford's city sister in Alba, Italy is helping students who lost everything in the September wildfires. Alba's Sister City Committee started fund raising to help raise money for fire victims of the Phoenix-Talent School District. "The fire was so devastating we were really shocked by it and that's why the crowd funding started." said Luisella Vernone, Alba's Sister City Committee President. Raising a total of $4,870, this donation will go along side the Phoenix-Talent Alumni Association to fund scholarships to students who have lost their homes in the Almeda Fire. This past year the city of Medford and Alba celebrated its 60th anniversary of being a sister cites. Superintendent Brent Barry with the Phoenix-Talent School District says that this relationship is like family. "That sister city long standing relationship between Medford and Alba we want to share how special that bond is," Barry said. "This provides hope and if anything to reduce any barrier to continue their education and this is a great partnership between Alba that is allowing that to happen." More than 137,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses will be delivered to Manitoba over the next three weeks and the province has pledged to administer them without delay as the immunization campaign swings into full gear. More than 137,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses will be delivered to Manitoba over the next three weeks and the province has pledged to administer them without delay as the immunization campaign swings into full gear. Now that the vaccine supply from the federal government has stabilized and doses no longer have to be set aside for second shots, the province will begin emptying out its vaccine freezers, said Johanu Botha, co-lead for the provinces COVID-19 vaccine task force. "Well be pushing close to zero at the end of each week in terms of what remains at each site, keeping a minimal viable inventory only to ensure all appointments can be maintained until the next shipment comes in," Botha said. However, the push to drive down inventory wont begin in earnest until late next week, when provincial officials say 7,500 doses will remain in freezers. Botha said the province will receive double the expected number of doses before the end of March, based on new vaccine delivery schedules issued by the federal government. "Were projecting approximately 4,300 doses a day, on average, through super-site, pop-up (clinics), and focused immunization teams over the next 28 days," Botha said. "That will yield approximately 120,000 (doses) through that time period." However, Botha pointed out that not all of the vaccines being shipped to Manitoba will be given out at super-sites, pop-up clinics or through focused immunization teams. A portion of the shipments will be directed to First Nations' partners who are in the midst of planning to ship vaccines to 63 reserves, beginning with those that are at risk of flooding or wildfires, to immunize entire communities. Members of other eligible communities may be transported to Thompson to receive their shots at the 'Vaxport' airport hangar. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Johanu Botha is co-lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force To keep up with supply, the maximum number of doses given daily in Winnipeg at the RBC Convention Centre super-site has increased to 4,154 with the opening of a second clinic on the third floor of the facility. On Wednesday, the province said just 1,695 doses would be given daily at the RBC Convention Centre this week. Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine? Members of the public who are eligible for a vaccine can be immunized in four different settings over the coming weeks. Mass vaccination clinics: appointments are available at mass vaccination clinics in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon and Thompson. A fourth clinic will open on March 22 in Morden and appointments are available for booking. click to read more Pop-up clinics: province is offering temporary, full- and half-day vaccination clinics in 18 communities beginning in mid-March. Full details are available at manitoba.ca Doctors and pharmacists: a small number of COVID-19 vaccines has been provided to 190 pharmacists and physicians throughout Manitoba to offer to individuals who have been prioritized by the provincial government based on age and health conditions. The complete eligibility criteria is available here: wfp.to/eligibility How do I book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment? Appointments for mass vaccination and pop-up clinics can be booked by calling 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Doctors and pharmacists offering vaccines will handle appointment bookings directly. The province has provided an online map to show which locations are accepting appointments Am I eligible? Provincial eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccine is changing regularly and can be complex, based on an individual's employment and health profile. In general, people 80 years of age and older, and First Nations people 60 years of age and older can book appointments. For all other eligibility criteria, please check wfp.to/eligibility Close The provincial government has promised to be able to deliver 20,000 doses daily beginning April 1, so long as it has vaccine supply. On Wednesday, the province claimed it could provide 18,973 daily doses if it had the vaccine supply. However, more than one-quarter of that capacity depends on doctors and pharmacies, who are expected to provide up to 5,000 doses a day. That will only be possible if enough fridge-stable vaccines AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson arrive in Manitoba by that date. Also on Wednesday, Botha said 190 clinics and pharmacies would receive a small shipment (between 50 and 200 doses) of the AstraZeneca vaccine to offer to eligible clients. Of the 190 clinics and pharmacists set to receive the fridge-stable vaccine, 118 are in Winnipeg, 29 in Southern Health, 17 in Prairie Mountain, four in the north, and 22 in Interlake-Eastern. Shots have been distributed primarily based on population, Botha said. Each clinic and pharmacist will book vaccine appointments directly with clients. The province has also published a map of all the pharmacies and clinics offering COVID-19 vaccines. Botha said the map is colour-coded, and clinics and pharmacies that can accept appointments will be green while others that do not have appointments available will be red. Download Pop-up immunization clinic details "The last thing we want is to overwhelm one of our physician or pharmacy partners where they dont have any vaccine left or they have allocated their vaccine to patients," Botha said. Based on delivery projections from the federal government, Botha said the full capacity of clinicians and pharmacists may not be tapped until later in the spring. However, the province could potentially receive enough supply to give up to 10,000 doses a day through clinics and pharmacists. To push the provincial capacity toward the 20,000 goalpost, the province will open a mass vaccination clinic in Morden, at the Access Event Centre, on March 22. Three other mass vaccine clinics are currently taking appointments, including in Thompson (670 daily max capacity), Selkirk (1,005) and Brandon (1,407). But for rural and northern Manitobans who do not have a super-site clinic nearby, the province is offering temporary, full- and half-day vaccination clinics in 18 communities in the final two weeks of March, with the capacity to give out 350 doses per week in each health region. Botha said the amount of time a pop-up clinic can remain in a community will be based on staff availability. "Ultimately, if we run a clinic for three days or one day in one area, those are days that the other town may not get a popup (clinic), especially in the early days." Johanu Botha, colead for the provinces COVID19 vaccine task force "Just like the vaccine isnt limitless, staff also isnt limitless," Botha said. "Ultimately, if we run a clinic for three days or one day in one area, those are days that the other town may not get a pop-up (clinic), especially in the early days." Appointments at pop-up clinics will be available through the Manitoba vaccination hotline, beginning on Thursday. Based on updated delivery forecasts from the federal government, Botha said the timeline to give all eligible Manitobans a first dose of the vaccine (with 70 per cent uptake) has moved into mid-June, under a low-supply scenario. With a high supply of vaccines, that target is set for mid-May, with a goal of completion by May 21. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca [March 10, 2021] DIVERSANT Acquires Atrilogy Solutions Group RED BANK, N.J., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DIVERSANT, a certified minority business enterprise (MBE) and one of the largest and fastest growing IT staffing firms in the U.S., announces that it has acquired Atrilogy Solutions Group, a California-based information technology staffing services firm. This alliance of talent and resources will position DIVERSANT to expand its presence in the U.S. "We are thrilled to welcome Atrilogy staff, employees, and technology professionals to the DIVERSANT family..." Atrilogy Solutions Group provides information technology staffing services to clients nationwide. Atrilogy has been successflly operating for more than 21 years and had earned a reputation for delivering outstanding talent and customer service. "We are thrilled to welcome Atrilogy staff, employees, and technology professionals to the DIVERSANT family," stated John Goullet, Chairman and Co-founder of DIVERSANT. "Atrilogy's excellent reputation in the marketplace aligns with our mission to be the IT recruiting and staffing company of choice." DIVERSANT was founded in 2005 and has grown significantly. Together with Atrilogy the combined revenue will be over $225MM. The firm's services include Staff Augmentation, Direct-Hire, Managed Solutions, and Payroll Services. "I am excited that Atrilogy will be part of the DIVERSANT family, an organization that is recognized for delivering excellence to their customers," stated Dave Charest, CEO of Atrilogy. "By joining forces with DIVERSANT, we have the capability to provide additional services, resources, and opportunities to our clients, employees, and IT consultants." About DIVERSANT DIVERSANT, LLC (diversant.com), is the largest African American male-owned IT staffing firm in the United States with 15 office locations. In addition to IT staffing, the firm also provides Managed Solutions. The company has 1,300 IT professionals supporting clients in 46 states nationwide. To learn more about DIVERSANT, visit diversant.com or follow at Twitter @Diversant_LLC or connect with DIVERSANT on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. DIVERSANT is hiring! There are great things going on at DIVERSANT and we are expecting an amazing 2021! If you are an experienced salesperson or recruiter with IT staffing experience, visit our careers page to apply to join our team. Contact: Charlean Parks (470) 233-7514 cparks@diversant.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diversant-acquires-atrilogy-solutions-group-301244732.html SOURCE DIVERSANT [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Twenty holes have been completed of the maiden RC program, comprising 10 shallow near-mine holes and 10 regional holes testing aeromagnetic targets along the 10 kilometres of prospective strike north of the historic nickel mine. Five more holes have been prioritised to further test shallow near-mine high-grade mineralisation. ( ) has received further high-grade nickel sulphide intersections in the latest assays from a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Nepean Nickel Project in Western Australia. Results from the first four of the 10 holes of the 3,500-metre program include: 2 metres at 2% nickel and 0.3% copper from 66 metres, including 1-metre at 2.9% nickel and 0.36% copper (NPRC043); and 4 metres at 0.77% nickel and 0.05% copper from 25 metres, including 1-metre at 0.94% nickel and 0.05% copper (NPRC042). These results are in addition to the strong intersections from the first six drill-holes which included: 3 metres at 3.70% nickel and 0.33% copper from 91 metres, including 2 metres at 5.09% nickel and 0.47% copper; 1-metre at 5.57% nickel and 0.25% copper from 60 metres; 2 metres at 3.02% nickel and 0.30% copper from 55 metres; and 3 metres at 1.35% nickel and 0.10% copper from 40 metres, within a broader zone of 18 metres at 0.76% nickel and 0.02% copper from 25 metres. Five more drill-holes have been prioritised to further test key areas of this shallow near-mine high-grade mineralisation and will be drilled immediately with results expected within the next two-three weeks. Mineralisation extends over 500 metres Auroch managing director Aidan Platel said: We are very pleased with the latest batch of results from the shallow near-mine drilling at Nepean. Drill-hole NPRC042 has delineated the continued trend of Sill 3 mineralisation to the south of the high-grade intersections previously announced, whilst drill-holes NPRC043 and NPRC044 were drilled further south again to test a modelled pinch out position of the Sill 3 mineralisation at the southern margin of the mineralised channel. The recent results have continued to build upon our understanding and geological model of the shallow high-grade nickel sulphide mineralisation that now extends for over 500 metres of strike, and with that our team has recognised the need to drill several more holes into critical areas of this mineralisation. These holes will be drilled immediately and the samples will be prioritised for assaying. Next steps A total of 20 drill holes have been completed for around 2,400 metres of the maiden RC drilling program at Nepean, comprising 10 shallow near-mine drill-holes and 10 regional drill-holes testing aeromagnetic targets along the 10 kilometres of prospective strike to the north of the historic Nepean nickel mine. The upcoming exploration programs for Nepean this month include: Another 10-15 days of drilling comprising the additional planned shallow drill holes near the historic Nepean mine; and A high-powered ground MLEM survey over critical target areas of the 10 kilometres of regional strike to the north and south of the historic mine area. Platel said: We also look forward to commencing a high-powered ground moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) survey this month over priority target areas of the 10 kilometres of strike that we have at Nepean, which we believe will generate significant high-potential targets for the next phase of drilling. Additionally, a diamond drill rig has been sourced from Seismic Drilling to test the high-priority aeromagnetic anomalies along strike from the Horn Prospect at the companys Leinster Nickel Project and is scheduled to begin next week. A newly opened Melbourne bar has been criticised for adopting a Vietnam War theme, prompting the business to delete their 'offensive' and 'tone-deaf' posts. Rickshaw Bar, located on Swan Street in Richmond, posted an apology to their 700 Instagram followers and have since deleted all of the 'problematic' photos. The significant backlash came after the bar promoted its wartime theme online, with imagery eerily similar to that from the Vietnam War era. A newly opened Melbourne bar has been slammed online for using a Vietnam War theme, prompting the business to delete their 'offensive' and 'tone-deaf' posts In deleted Instagram posts, the bar claimed it was trying to go for 'something a little more radical' with it's war-inspired concepts and theme. The bar heavily features the colour orange, which many commentators have likened to the Agent Orange chemical weapon used during the war. Lingering traces of the poisonous chemical continue to cause birth defects, sickness and deaths in Vietnam today with many calling the use of the colour 'insensitive'. A number of photos posted on the Rickshaw Bar's Instagram account - which are now gone - showed freshly poured drinks with bullets inside or around glasses filled with beer. A number of photos posted on the Rickshaw Bar's instagram account showed freshly poured drinks with bullets inside or around the glasses Another post featured a photo of a helicopter used in the final phase of the Vietnam War called 'Operation Frequent Wind'. The aircraft was used to evacuate 7,000 American civilians from war-torn Vietnam and was posted with the caption 'leave your ride at home'. Furious Instagram users have accused the bar of appropriating the Vietnam War as a theme, and re-triggering survivors with 'tacky' imagery. Many pointed out the tragic irony of the bars location in Richmond, an area where a large population of Vietnamese migrants have created vibrant communities. A photo of aircraft used to evacuate 7000 American civilians from war-torn Vietnam was posted with the caption 'leave your ride at home Condemnation of the 'tone-deaf' posts continues to play out on other Instagram accounts, namely 'Bao Ngoc', a second-generation Vietnamese restaurant located in Brunswick. 'Vietnam war era is not an aesthetic,' their post began. 'Don't use "empty bullet shells littered throughout" as decoration. Don't use the colour orange when talking about the Vietnam War. 'My family is still suffering PTSD and you thought it was a good idea to capitalise on their pain. We don't even need you to explain, we need you to rebrand.' Rickshaw Bar posted an apology to their instagram on Wednesday saying they have revised their tone and are working hard to make it right Rickshaw Bar posted an apology to their instagram on Wednesday evening. 'We have taken down our content and apologise to anyone that was offended or found the content inappropriate,' a post read. 'We have revised our tone and are working hard to make it right. 'Sorry for any distress caused - it was never our intent.' Following the apology Bao Ngoc posted to their Instagram again, saying it was incredible to see the Richmond community 'mobilise and demand accountability'. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Rickshaw Bar for comment. Today Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Tomorrow Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Alexander Group Announces First Annual Women Revenue Leaders Forum The excitement is building as Alexander Group, the leading revenue growth consultancy to Global 2000 companies, announces the first annual Women Revenue Leaders Forum, a 3-D virtual conference on April 27-28, 2021. Women revenue leaders has been a community of exponential growth and participation for the firm's renowned Annual Leadership Series of events and reflective of the increased complexity of the 24x7 customer. This Forum will span across journeys, strategies and lessons of global organizations as told by their female executives. Equal focus will be placed on these women's varying roles as business leaders, industry experts, philanthropists mentoring future generations, and resilient change agents. The powerful two-day agenda offers a first-hand view into innovative growth strategies, customer challenges and workforce solutions at CAE Healthcare, Forbes Media, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Microsoft (News - Alert) , MilliporeSigma, Otis Elevator, Pegasystems, Salesforce, Twitter, Walmart Connect, Whirlpool and many more companies! "The 2021 Women Revenue Leaders Forum is designed, attended and delivered by senior practitioners leading forward-thinking revenue, sales & marketing, operations and customer success organizations. This is an incredible opportunity to bring a world-class roster of speakers and cross-industry senior leaders together as they chart their paths forward. Our 2021 Women's Forum Advisory Committee has been a key to creating a powerful agenda and network of female trailblazers." - Gary Tubridy, Senior Vice President, Alexander Group Executives can request an invitation through Betty Corrado, Executive Director & Forum Lead - bcorrado@alexandergroup.com. Sponsor companies are encouraged to contact her for a prospectus (only 2 slots remain). View the full agenda and impressive speaker lineup here. About Alexander Group The Alexander Group provides revenue growth consulting services to the world's leading sales, marketing and service organizations. Founded in 1985, the firm combines deep experience, proven methodologies and data-driven insights to help revenue leaders anticipate change, align their go-to-customer resources with company goals and make better informed decisions with one goal in mind-to grow revenue. The Alexander Group has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, London, New York, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Scottsdale, and Vero Beach. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005809/en/ The St. Helena Public Library began a soft reopening on Monday, allowing members of the public to enter the building for the first time since late March 2020. Patrons who make an appointment and show up for their allotted 45-minute window will see all the sights theyve missed for the last year, such as neatly shelved books and DVDs, computers, welcoming staff, and Elsie the Library Cat curled up for one of her frequent naps. Theyll also notice some telltale signs that the world has changed. There are plexiglass barriers between computer terminals, no lounge chairs, separate doors for entry and exit, and bottles of hand sanitizer virtually everywhere you look. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Were happy to have people come in and get some of this stuff off the shelves again, said circulation supervisor Cecilia Raffo. Guests must wear face coverings, maintain six feet of social distance, return materials in the drop boxes outside, and make their visits quick and efficient. High-contact surfaces have been treated with a self-cleaning sealant that kills viruses and bacteria. Library staff members are still offering curbside service now with a shelter to protect materials from the rain but theyre clearly relieved to have patrons back in the building and checking out books. Fuel price hike: Ajit Pawar urges Centre to bring petrol, diesel under GST India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Mumbai, Mar 10: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday demanded that petrol and diesel be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and said the move would benefit the state governments as well as the Centre. He also assured the Maharashtra government's support on this move if it is implemented. Speaking in the state Legislative Assembly while replying to a debate on the budget, Pawar, who is the Finance Minister, said, "The central government should bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST. The move will be beneficial to the state governments and the Centre." West Bengal elections 2021: CM Mamata Banerjee claims she was 'attacked' in Nandigram He said he has restored the state legislators' salaries, which was cut by 30 per cent during the COVID-19 lockdown last year, and increased the MLA fund from Rs three crore to Rs four crore. Pawar, who had presented the state budget on Monday, said he has amended the proposal to increase the excise duty on branded and non-branded country liquor to all kinds of country liquor. "The increase will be 220 per cent of the manufacturing cost or Rs 187 per proof litre, whichever is higher," he said. The budget proposals and the Appropriation Bill were passed by a voice vote on Wednesday. West Bengal elections 2021: CPI(M) fields Minakshi Mukherjee against Mamata, Suvendu from Nandigram Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, during his speech on the budget demands, said, "Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray often recalls what was spoken behind closed doors, but why doesn'the speak about what he promised to the farmers." He alleged that the Jalyukt Shivar, a micro-irrigation scheme launched by his BJP-led government was scrapped by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) dispensation "out of political vengeance". "This government did not respond to any queries regarding the scheme asked by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)," he said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 23:22:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Wednesday that the temporary suspension of cross-border activities between Brunei and Malaysia will be extended for another two weeks. Temporary suspension on the entry of foreign nationals from Malaysia, including transits through Brunei via land and sea ports, is extended by 14 days until March 24, the PMO said in a statement. "Transit through Brunei Darussalam may only be considered for official government travels, students required to attend school, emergency services (such as ambulances, police and military) and Malaysia-registered Transport Operators with Cross-Country Permits issued by the Brunei government for import deliveries of essential goods to Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, granted that the travelers attained endorsement from the relevant Malaysian authorities for their travels," the PMO said. Located in Southeast Asia, northwest of Kalimantan, Brunei shares land and sea borders with east Malaysia. According to the PMO, the temporary suspension on the collection and delivery of private goods at checkpoints handled by operators registered in Brunei is also extended until March 24. Temporary suspension on commuters via land and sea for the purpose of employment is also extended by 14 days until March 24. "The conditions for the consideration of entry and exit travel are subject to review by the Cross-Border Affairs Steering Committee from time to time," the PMO said. A total of 51 imported cases have been confirmed in Brunei since the last local infection case was reported on May 6, 2020. There are six active cases in the country still being treated at the National Isolation Center, with one new imported case from India reported on Wednesday. Enditem ADVERTISEMENT In line with the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production, the Fertilizer Producers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has signed a second phase of agreement with Moroccos state-owned phosphate and fertilizer group, OCP, to sustain the enhanced gains in agricultural productivity that started in 2016. The current agreement, which takes the earlier one signed in December 2016 a step higher, will deepen the cooperation by the two organizations in technical support for blending operations as well as agronomic assistance for enhanced fertilizer application and agricultural productivity. A statement signed by FEPSAN President, Thomas Etuh, said the new agreement is aiming to enhance the existing arrangement that has enabled Nigerian farmers to access high-quality fertilizer at affordable prices. It will also help to improve the agriculture industry by increasing the volume of raw materials supplied to Nigerian blenders under the aegis of FEPSAN, Mr Etuh said. This new agreement, the statement said, will also include the provision of technical support by the OCP to the Nigerian fertilizer producers, especially given the expected increased appetite of the market for locally blended NPK fertilizers. Unlike the initial agreement signed in 2016 and structured for a three-year life span, the new agreement shall be on a continuous basis. It will be recalled that the first phase of the agreement was signed during the visit to Nigeria, of King Mohammed VI, and was pivotal to the start of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) that started with eight blending plants in 2016 but has increased the number to 42 accredited plants in different parts of the country. The first phase of the agreement also helped to strengthen the private sector to stand on its own during the initial three-year period and will now give way to a new private sector-led initiative, according to a new directive by President Muhammadu Buhari. While speaking on the terms of the agreement, Mr Etuh commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his initiative to revive hitherto moribund fertilizer blending plants in Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerian farmers and the national economy as a whole. The FEPSAN, who also commended OCP Morocco for its support for the agricultural policy initiatives of the government of Nigeria, said the new agreement highlights the importance of cooperation among African countries towards the growth and development of the continent. The agreements signed between, as represented by FEPSAN, and OCP Morocco, represent a laudable milestone in intra-African cooperation towards the development of the continent. We are happy that the journey that began in 2016 under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has reached new heights of values for the economic growth and development of Nigeria, especially the very critical area of food production and enhanced capacities in agricultural development, he stated. The FEPSAN President was optimistic that with the new agreement, Nigerian blenders of NPK fertilizer will be able to have access to improved supply of di-ammonium sulphate chemicals, critical for NPK fertilizer production, adding that with new benders coming on stream, Nigeria will be on the path of improved fertilizer market. When the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) was envisioned by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, we at FEPSAN were upbeat about making Nigeria self-sufficient in fertilizer production in record time, Mr Etuh said. With this new agreement that also includes the provision of technical support by OCP, our additional dream of playing a leading role in the future of the West and Central African fertilizer supplies market has been given extra fillip. He expressed the belief that Nigerian farmers and players in the agricultural value chain would soon begin to reap the benefits that, according to him, would also improve the countrys gross domestic product while also providing even greater employment opportunities that were experienced under the first phase of the agreement. The event was witnessed by Governor Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa State and Chairman of the PFI; Mustafa Terrab. Chairman of OCP and Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum resources among other dignitaries. (CNN) The leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia will meet in a virtual summit Friday, the US and Indian governments announced Tuesday. It will be the first time talks have been held between the heads of state of the four-member group, informally known as the "Quad," and comes as all four countries see heightened tensions with China over a variety of issues. "The Leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," an announcement from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office said. The White House said COVID-19, economic cooperation, and the climate crisis will also be topics of discussion. "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic forum for the four nations involved and has featured semi-regular summits and information exchanges. But the meetings have never featured the four heads of state, currently along with Biden and Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. While not a formal military alliance like NATO, the Quad is seen by some as a potential counterweight to growing Chinese influence and alleged aggression in the Asia-Pacific region. The collation has been denounced by Beijing as an anti-China bloc. Morrison previewed the talks in a news conference last week. "The Quad is very central to the United States' and our thinking about the region," Morrison said. "This will become a feature of Indo-Pacific engagement. But it's not going to be a big bureaucracy with a big secretariat and those sorts of things. It will be four leaders, four countries, working together constructively for the peace, prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific, which is good for everyone in the Indo-Pacific," the Australian PM said. Joint military exercises On the military portion of the Quad, cooperation has been increasing over the past year through bilateral agreements between Quad partners and joint military drills. Last November, Australia joined the annual Malabar exercises with the US, Japan and India. Conducted annually since 1992, the maneuvers have grown in size and complexity in recent years to address what the US Navy has previously described as a "variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific." The participation of Australia meant all four members of the Quad were involved in the drills for the first time since 2007. All four have seen turbulent relations with China over the past few years. Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a military clash along the Line of Actual Control the de facto border between the two countries in the Himalayas in June, which left troops dead on both sides after hand-to-hand combat. Relations between Beijing and New Delhi have been frosty since, with both trade and technology disputes arising. Japan and China remain at odds over the disputed Senkaku Islands. Beijing has increased the presence of its coast guard vessels near the uninhabited East China Sea islands, which are known as the Diaoyus in China. Australia and China have seen relations plummet over a series of trade disputes. The US, meanwhile, has increased the tempo of its naval and air missions in the South China Sea, while pushing back at Beijing's claims to the vast waterway. It has also stepped up support of self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Asia and China have been a key foreign policy focus of the Biden administration since it took office on January 20. Last week, a State Department official and a diplomat from Asia said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will travel to Japan and South Korea from March 14 to 18. It will be the first international trip by Biden Cabinet officials since the US President's inauguration. Japanese leader expected to visit Washington On Monday, Japan said Prime Minister Suga will visit the White House at the "earliest possible time," while taking the COVID-19 situation into account, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato. Kato said in a daily press briefing Monday the Japan-US summit meeting would happen, but the date and details have not been decided. If confirmed, Suga will be the first international leader to visit the White House under the Biden administration. Blinken this month cited the US relationship with Beijing as "the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century." He said there is a need to engage China from a position of strength which can only be done alongside allies and partners. "China is the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to seriously challenge the stable and open international system -- all the rules, values, and relationships that make the world work the way we want it to," Blinken said in the speech about the Biden administration's national security strategy. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Leaders of US, Japan, India and Australia to meet in first-ever 'Quad' summit." Kevin Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of GR0 As your employees are disconnected by much larger distances than usual, its never been more important to invest in your companys culture to compensate for the loss of camaraderie. For Kevin Miller, continuing to build GR0 in the age of Covid-19 has been anything but easy. However, as with all situations there are some benefits that can be extracted from the hardships being faced globally, particularly with the help of modern technology. Miller and his company are hard at work improving SEO for clients across the United States, but these tips are going to be beneficial to anyone operating a remote startup now or in the future. Be sure to evaluate these against your own needs and wants, as every startup presents unique challenges, but these are bits of advice that have been invaluable for Miller, and will likely be the same for you. While there are some awkward situations caused by having to implement a fully remote work culture, Miller found that there were some clear advantages that could be utilized. With GR0 being located near LA in Playa Vista, CA, remote work has enabled Miller to recruit employees anywhere in the United States, which means two important things. The first is that Miller is able to hire employees who live outside of California and therefore have lesser living expenses, so can afford lower salaries. For only 60% of the cost, GR0 has found employees who produce work of identical quality, meaning nothing is sacrificed. Secondly, those who have been displaced or laid off from other positions due to the pandemic are very grateful toward anyone willing to give them a work opportunity, and are therefore willing to work to their best for you. But, as your employees are disconnected by much larger distances than usual, its never been more important to invest in your companys culture to compensate for the loss of camaraderie. In order to compensate, Miller doubled the typical number of employee bonding and trust exercises at GR0 to help compensate for the loss of being in person. This includes weekly Zoom meetings with the entire team, weekly Zoom discussions for each department, daily stand-ups at 10 AM PST for all teams, and weekly one-on-one sessions for new employees to help them become familiar with their peers. There are other obvious opportunities beyond this, such as organizing watch parties for members of the company to tune into events like the Golden Globes, or even gathering virtually for group wellness sessions with meditation or yoga. It has never been more important to be managing your cash flows, even from day one. As this pandemic has proven anything can happen at any time, preparing for the unknown needs to be a constant priority. Ensure you always have the money on hand to last you for as long as you can, and make sure youre spending where it counts. Never be afraid to question if the spends you're making are the right ones for you, or if they can be slimmed down somehow. This might mean keeping a closer eye on your finances personally and bothering some of your accountants from time to time, but the need for it has never been higher. If you ever feel youre being a bit extra toward them, make a note to send them credit for a coffee house or lunch restaurant they enjoy so they look forward to your calls. This one might be a bit painful, but there are some notable benefits to operating your business like it might end tomorrow, every single day. The sadder reality of the pandemic and a looming recession is it can be hard to actually have a firm hold on anything in the current day, so whether your urgency is driven by those around you or yourself, it is an important thing to hold onto. A lot of larger companies are likely resting on their laurels and imagining that they are secure, but your motivation to create a strong foundation can give you an edge over them. Of course you will likely need breaks from this for your own health and sanity, so dont destroy yourself trying to maintain your competitive edge, but find a healthy balance of the Us vs. The World mentality that is rightfully earned in the face of these overwhelming odds. Finally, if youre going to operate fully remotely, then invest in automation wherever you can. Software and service companies have begun making their shift with Work from Home in mind, so there are more quality options to help automate some processes and cut down on the amount of support staff you may need in certain departments. These investments can be expensive and feel hard on our earlier tip regarding cash flows, but these solutions are the key to scaling efficiently and gaining the most with each new hire. Additionally, be sure to never become complacent with what youre using, and always keep an eye out for better, bolder, or more affordable options that can offer even greater value. An important theme throughout all of Millers advice is to keenly be aware of what resources you have and how you can maximize your efficiency with them. In the world of startups youre going to need to try and go a long way with very little, and work from home will certainly help with that. But you need to keep your wits about you and constantly be evaluating what you are doing and how you do it to try and spot places where further improvement can be made. This mental agility is the thing that being a smaller-scale company affords you, and is one of the more exciting elements of running a startup. Building a startup has always been a challenge, but a worthwhile, enjoyable one worth embarking on for anyone who loves to create things with their own two hands. But the thrill and freedom it offers is unparalleled to working in a larger company, and being able to own your destiny is certainly worth the hardships. For Miller and GR0 the journey has certainly presented some unique bumps in the road, but these obstacles were never impossible ones, and with keen thinking and smart strategy could be overcome. Additional information on GR0 is available at https://gr0.com/, or on Instagram at @gr0agency, Twitter, and Facebook. Ongoing haggles about shared news content could spark a global paradigm shift in content ownership, Le Toan As soon as the Australian administration and Facebook cleared a major hurdle in the ongoing dispute a fortnight ago, the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and other relevant entities revealed that they are planning to build a similar code of regulations that requires cross-border social media platforms like Facebook and Google to spare a sizable portion of their profits from using the content of local news publishers. Previously, Australian lawmakers argued that social media companies like Facebook and Google should pay publishers for the news content that populates their sites. Now, Vietnamese lawmakers are looking to follow this approach. Le Quoc Minh, deputy general director of the Vietnam News Agency, argued in an interview last month, We dont just watch what our neighbours do, but do the same. With that said though, haggling with transnational giants is never easy, but we should still have a route of action. However, Facebook and Google both reacted fiercely after being presented with the Australian approach, with the former removing that nations news articles for five days and the latter threatening to shut down its services entirely in the country, leading to a dispute that only calmed down last month as both sides decided to take a step towards each other. Nevertheless, up until now the question whether social media platforms should pay publishers for sharing their content remains partially unanswered, despite the fact that some ideas for long-term solutions may seem more feasible. In Vietnam, a similar regulation could even come out this year, with the first draft expected to be launched within a short time. Charging fees from tech giants is inevitable as they have been benefitting from Vietnamese newspapers for a long time, said Le Quang Tu Do, deputy general director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information at the MIC. However, should Vietnam move towards a similarly harsh regulation as Australia did in the first place, social media platforms could think again about restricting functions or removing their services altogether, only this time in Vietnam. Both, Google and Facebook argued that they support news publishers by offering an extra channel for their website traffic, and that the idea of requiring fees for displaying news content on their platforms violates the principle of open linking that the world wide web is built on. Publishers on the other hand said that they have little choice but to play the tech titans game as their role in distributing their content is crucial in the modern media landscape. The discussion is taking place not just in Australia and Vietnam but also several other countries. As someone currently delighted by the ongoing talks, competitors like Microsoft and four of Europes biggest news associations launched a joint call last month for the EU to adopt similar reforms to those in Australia. The focus of all debates lies on two key issues, content sharing, and possible copyright infringements. News agencies and governments argued that social media platforms should share some of the profit they make as they display their content while social media platforms refer back to the open approach to linking and sharing. Another issue relates to possible copyright infringements when sharing parts of articles like their headlines and excerpts on social media. Copyright laws, however, are vastly different in each country. While in the United States, the sharing of headlines and snippets is considered a fair use of content that does not need any negotiation or licensing, other legal frameworks already see an infringement in this. Deciding what fair use is remains complicated though as it entails weighing whether a snippet on a social media platform could be seen as harmful for the publisher. Two related legal precedents are a ruling by Australian judge Annabelle Bennet from 2010 who said, Headlines generally are, like titles, simply too insubstantial and too short to qualify for copyright protection as literary works. This ruling, however, still leaves out the snippets that are commonly shared on social media. In another case from 2007, the pornography publisher Perfect 10 sued Google for indexing thumbnails of its material in the search engine, claiming it would hurt its business. In the recent clash with Australian lawmakers, Google cited this case, among others, to showcase its respect for the copyrights of publishers. The issues with Facebook and Google in Vietnam have been brought to the table repeatedly yet without any legal steps by the local press as Vietnams intellectual property regulations remain vague or miss related clauses. Commenting on this, lawyer Nguyen Bao Thang, member of the Hanoi Bar Association, said the current intellectual property institutions have yet to clarify possible violations with regards to copyright infringements. Thus, Vietnams press has had a hard time bargaining with social media platforms and defending their interests. In addition, it is necessary to research related overseas laws, and policymakers should analyse what damage the press really takes if their content is shared on social media and then develop suitable adjustments to the legal framework, said Thang. Ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday released a list of 171 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. has allotted 20 seats to alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 23 seats to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). BJP will contest from Thiruvannamalai, Nagarkovil, Kulachal, Vilavankodu, Ramanathapuram, Modakurichi, Harbour, Thousand Lights, Thirukovilur, Thittakudi, Coimbatore South, Virudhunagar, Aravakurichi, Tiruvaiyaru, Ooty, Thirunelveli, Thali, Karaikudi, Tharapuram (reserved), and Madurai North. PMK has been allotted Senji, Mailam, Jayakondam, Tiruporur, Vandavasi (reserved), Neyveli, Tirupatur (Tirupattur), Arcot, Gummidipoondi, Mayiladuthurai, Penagaram, Dharmapuri, Virudhachalam, Kanchipuram, Keezhpennathur, Mettur, Salem West, Sholingur, Shankarapuram, Chepauk-Triplicane, Poonamallee (reserved), Keezhvelur (reserved), Attur (Dindugal) constituencies. There are 234 seats in the is contesting the poll in a pre-poll alliance with the BJP. MK Stalin's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has joined hands with Congress. This time actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan's party Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) is also in the fray. elections will be held in a single phase on April 6 and the counting of votes will be done on May 2. As many as 6,28,23,749 electors will choose candidates for the sixteenth legislative assembly in Tamil Nadu. (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.) Vanita Gupta, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be associate attorney general, (Photo : REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/) Vanita Gupta, President Joe Biden's nominee for the Justice Department's No. 3 post, expressed regret on Tuesday for her past "harsh rhetoric" and said she does not favor cutting police funding, as she faced sharp Republican criticism during her U.S. Senate confirmation hearing. The Senate Judiciary Committee conducted its hearing into the Democratic president's nominations of Gupta as associate attorney general and Lisa Monaco as deputy attorney general, the department's No. 2 job. Biden's fellow Democrats on the committee voiced support for both nominees, but Republicans attacked Gupta. Advertisement Senator Chuck Grassley, the panel's top Republican, read aloud past posts from Gupta's Twitter feed in which she assailed Republicans. He accused Gupta of "strident liberal advocacy" and excessive partisanship, reflecting opposition to her Senate confirmation from some Republicans and conservative activists. "Her Twitter feed has painted Republicans with a broad brush, describing the Republican National Convention as three nights of 'racism, xenophobia and outrageous lies,'" Grassley said. Gupta pledged to work with law enforcement and with Republicans if confirmed. "I regret the harsh rhetoric that I have used in the past at times in the last several years," Gupta said. "I wish I could take it back." Republican Senator Mike Lee sought to paint Gupta as a hypocrite, noting she previously urged the Senate to reject an apology by one of Republican former President Donald Trump's judicial nominees who had written racially insensitive comments while in college. "You told him that his apology was too late and too self-interested," Lee said. "Is that something that we ought to apply to you?" "I am a believer in second chances, and redemption," Gupta replied. "And I would ask for that." If confirmed, Gupta would oversee the department's civil and civil rights divisions, as well as antitrust, environmental, grant-making and community policing matters. Gupta served as acting assistant attorney general of the department's Civil Rights Division under Democratic former President Barack Obama, overseeing high-profile investigations into systemic abuses by police departments in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, the committee chairman, called Republicans hypocritical for criticizing her, noting they "sat by silently while there was no Senate-confirmed associate attorney general for nearly three years" under Trump. One conservative group, the Judicial Crisis Network, recently starting running a television ad incorrectly claiming Gupta told Reuters in a article last June she supports defunding police, a statement she did not make. "I do not support defunding the police," Gupta told the committee. Durbin called the group's attacks on Gupta "sad and pitiful" and accused it of "patently false claims." Republicans questioned Gupta on her views on racism after she said it "remains very much a live problem in America today." Republicans tried to portray her as flip-flopping on policy positions, pointing to past comments on decriminalizing drugs and eliminating the qualified immunity legal doctrine that has shielded some police officers accused of misconduct from liability. Questioned by Republican Senator John Cornyn, Gupta said her prior statements opposing qualified immunity came in her capacity as head of a civil rights group. "I don't come in supporting it - elimination - one way or another," Gupta added, saying her duty would be to follow Biden's lead on policy and engaging with interested parties on the topic. Biden's nominee for Office of Management and Budget director, Neera Tanden, withdrew from consideration last week after facing criticism for previous social media posts blasting lawmakers. Tanden had tried to delete some of the posts. Monaco, expected to face a smoother confirmation process than Gupta, is a former prosecutor who also served as Obama's homeland security and counterterrorism adviser. If confirmed, Monaco would help oversee the department's investigation into the deadly Jan. 6 rampage at the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, an event she called "an attack that cut to our country's core." Monaco pledged that she would provide ample resources to Special Counsel John Durham, named by former Attorney General William Barr to investigate Obama-era officials for their probe into Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The committee previously approved Biden's attorney general nominee, Merrick Garland. The Senate is expected to confirm him as soon as Wednesday. The company said it now has 17 operational clinics throughout the UK testing for COVID-19, in line with its target to have 30 clinics by the end of April Sativa Wellness Group Inc ( )( ) said its coronavirus (COVID-19) testing business has achieved over 1.1mln worth of bookings in less than four months since opening its first clinic in Bath, UK. The Aquis-listed firm said since opening the Bath clinic, it has opened a second company-owned facility as well as 13 in-pharmacy clinics in locations including Plymouth, Billericay, Bournemouth, Milton Keynes and Watford. Sativa also said it now has two mobile clinics that have brought its portfolio to a total of 17 operational clinics throughout the UK, in line with its target to have 30 clinics by the end of April. The group added that recent UK government plans to ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and the restarting of international travel in May, are expected to have a significant positive effect on the clinic business with growth during lockdown predicted to dramatically increase as restrictions are removed. "The clinic business has demonstrated growth even during lockdown creating a significant cash generating opportunity. As the restrictions lift in line with the government roadmap, this growth is expected to increase dramatically," Sativa executive chairman Geremy Thomas said in a statement. WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal spent some time on the phone following Wednesdays historic House vote approving the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan for COVID relief. One call was from President Joe Biden. Some things are worth fighting for, the Springfield Democrat quoted the president as saying. And we did it. Biden plans to sign the plan and its provision for $1,400 cash payments to Americans law on Friday. Neal chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee which was responsible for $941 billion, or about half, the total package said he also spoke with Gov. Charlie Baker right after the vote was final. He updated the Republican governor on the $8.3 billion in state and local aid the package promises to send to Massachusetts and its towns and cities. We partner over issues like unemployment insurance, Neal said. We partner over issues like Medicaid. Neal said he and Baker talked about money in the bill that could expand broadband internet capabilities in poorly connected parts of Massachusetts. The bill also has $30.5 billion for mass transit and $1.7 billion for Amtrak. And Neal said the government has until 2024 to spend much of the infrastructure-related money in the bill. There is going to be an opportunity for some long-range planning here, Neal said. Neal is working for an expansion of west-to-east commuter rail from Pittsfield through Springfield and Worcester to Boston. A comprehensive infrastructure bill is next on both Biden and the Congress agenda. Our infrastructure now is an embarrassment nationally and internationally, Neal said. Later, he participated with House Speaker Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and others in a ceremonial bill enrollment on the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol with the Washington Monument in the background. Pelosi thanked Neal and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, for their efforts during the livestreamed event. Between the two of them, they put almost a trillion dollars into the pockets of the American people, Pelosi said. The legislation will increase the after-tax income of the poorest 20% of Americans by 20%, according to the Democratic House majority. In the 33 years that Ive served in Congress, I dont think I have cast a more important a more consequential- vote than this vote today, Neal said from the House floor in the run up to the vote. Truly life changing. He later compared it to his vote against the war in Iraq. Enhance the Earned Income Tax Credit for workers without children by nearly tripling the maximum credit and extending eligibility. It would be the largest expansion to the credit since 2009. Expand the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for children under 6), and make it fully refundable and advanceable, meaning it could be a monthly payment. Increase the tax credit for child care. Reduce health care premiums for low- and middle-income families by increasing the Affordable Care Acts premium tax credits for 2021 and 2022. Stabilize the pensions for more than 1 million Americans, often frontline workers, who participate in multiemployer plans that are rapidly approaching insolvency. Send $350 billion in aid to state and local governments. Before the Senate vote, both Neal and U.S. Rep. McGovern, D-Worcester, released city-by-city estimates for how much local communities would get. In Neals district, that would mean $98 million for Springfield, $33 million for Pittsfield and $9 million for Westfield as examples. For McGoverns district, Worcester would get $115.1 million, Northampton $17 million and Greenfield $1.7 million. Money, either through the tax credits, direct payment or unemployment benefits, helps regular Americans pay bills in an economy still struggling to recover from the pandemic. But the money will also induce demand in the economy , spurring employment recovery, Neal said. He quoted Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her estimation that the real unemployment rate remains at 10% once workers whove left the workforce are counted. If this is done correctly we could have a very substantial growth spurt in the second half of the year, Neal said. As vaccines make their way into the arms of the American people and we reach herd immunity. A hike in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, long a progressive priority, was not included in the final bill. But Neal said he expects further negotiations with Senate Republicans led by Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and others coming up on their number. Related content: Adam Costello Costello is an independent journalist and videographer who lives in Eugene. Following George Floyds death, protesters took to the streets of Portland to demand accountability, police reform, and for some, complete police abolition. In the early days of these protests, the marchers were scattered and disorganized. Protesters didnt have proper protective equipment to handle tear gas and other riot control munitions, so they tapped their networks of friends and supporters to procure respirators and goggles for each other. This crowdsourcing evolved into a concept of mutual aid that has continued to grow. Though it never gained as much attention as the protests themselves, a hidden army of volunteers focused on helping neighbors is one of the lasting achievements of the Portland protests. Early on in the protests, a group started a donation-only barbecue booth called Riot Ribs in Lownsdale Square. Riot Ribs fed anyone in the area who was hungry. Donations to Riot Ribs grew by the thousands and the services they offered did as well. Soon Riot Ribs was stocked with personal hygiene supplies, respirators, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies. What was once a single barbecue and a fold-out table became a small camp with multiple grills, tents, canopies and coolers. Riot Ribs ultimately fell apart at the end of the summer, but the idea remained. Other groups focused on providing mutual aid began to pop up rapidly and the community started to take care of its members. Last Labor Day weekend, wildfires took over the Pacific Northwest, engulfing the area in smoke and leaving many residents unable to leave their homes. Some 40,000 people were forced to evacuate. Activists raised thousands of dollars for hotels, gas, and supplies for local relief centers. I was among those who answered a call for help from residents of a Molalla ranch. When we arrived at the dark, smoky ranch, two women were attempting to load cattle and goats into trailers to escape the fire. We quickly started to help, and before long, trucks with trailers showed up, alerted by the womens posting on a Facebook page where people help livestock owners out for free. Mutual aid was working even in the face of tragedy. By the end of fall, mutual aid was blossoming in the city as neighbors hosted free Thanksgiving dinners, winter coat drives and placed free fully stocked fridges across Portland. All over Portland, Oregonians were feeding community members, supplying clothing to those in need, fixing cars, and much more. Portlanders gathered for a mutual aid fair and turned out to feed and clothe activists who protested evictions from the Red House on North Mississippi. They set up a fully functional food truck, kitchen and closet for anyone in the area of the Red House and helped many people in the houseless community. On Feb. 11, a snowstorm hit Portland, blanketing the city and surrounding areas in up to 10 inches of snow. The storm alternated between sleet, snow, and hail, causing the area to completely freeze over. Transformers exploded into a green and red glow on the snowy sky as fallen trees took out powerlines, leaving over 300,000 people without power. The storm left the unhoused community facing the possibility of death as Multnomah County offered only three warming center locations. Activists teamed up for winter coat drives and quickly acquired enough jackets to build closets throughout Portland. Activists also raised money for tents and sleeping bags that they distributed to the homeless. During the storm, a local Fred Meyer discarded perishable items due to the power outage. A community member took to social media to let others know of the wasted food. Within minutes, mutual aid groups had started to gather and load the food into vehicles to be redistributed to Portlands many free fridges. Efforts were halted briefly after police officers arrived to guard the dumpster full of food due to an employees concern over the situation escalating. Activists returned after the officers left and collected more food. This sparked a short-lived trend in Portland of finding stores that were discarding perishable foods due to power outages, sharing it via social media, and collecting it to be redistributed. My experience over the past 10 months shows me, through crowdsourcing, we can feed, clothe and house those in need. Portlands mutual aid fed and provided equipment for thousands in the streets in front of the citys justice center. Mutual aid was able to help Oregonians when their world was burning down and when it was freezing over. Like all things, mutual aid will continue to evolve, but weve already shown how regular Portlanders working with Portlanders can be the solution we need. Sign up for our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: The United States is working to ensure that it has a safe, orderly, secure, and humane border when it comes to migration issues. Were working at this on a number of fronts, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a recent press conference. First, we have. . .to address some of the root causes of migration, particularly from the countries in the Northern Triangle Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, said Secretary Blinken: And that means working with those countries, working with Mexico, to over time deal with some of the drivers of migration, including insecurity, lack of opportunity, corruption, and other things that cause people to make that incredibly difficult decision to leave everything they know behind. . .to try to make a very hazardous journey and come to a place where they may or may not be welcomed or accepted. The way to deal with this challenge is to give people hope and opportunity for a secure and prosperous future in their own countries, said Secretary Blinken. The U.S. is looking for ways to make the asylum process safe, secure, and humane. President Joe Biden is seeking to put in place the ability to once again process asylum applications in the United States. We are also looking at ways to make sure that we can look at applications for asylum in the countries that people are coming from, said Secretary Blinken. But this will take time to put in place. Until then, Secretary Blinken cautioned migrants to wait: Now is not the time to try to come to the United States. If youre in the Migrant Protection Protocol program and you are in that process, there is now a clear process for being reviewed and being considered; but if not, there this is not the time to come, not the time to make a hazardous journey, because you will not be able to come into the United States. The United States is committed to addressing migration issues at their roots and implementing policies that are safe and humane. Postal services provider TTPost yesterday shut its branches in Port of Spain and San Fernando after dozens of people rushed to collect senior citizen pension and public assistance grants and would not adhere to physical distancing rules. Eventually, police were called to disperse the crowds. Several elderly people at the St Vincent Street branch in Port of Spain complained about not being able to collect their pension cheques because other unruly ones refused to socially distance and abide by the law amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Stella Griffith, 68, of Diego Martin, said she was adhering to rules of social distancing, but there were other people who came for their public assistance and disability grants and were refusing to listen. Queen Elizabeth reacted last night to Harry and Meghans claims about racism in the British royal family, saying their allegations would be "taken very seriously", but adding that "recollections may vary". In what is expected to be the monarchs final word on the matter, she said the family was "saddened" to hear of the extent of the couple's difficulties but that they would deal with it privately. In the most damaging claim in her televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 39-year-old duchess alleged that when she was pregnant with her son Archie, "concerns" were raised with her husband, Prince Harry, by a family member about how dark his skin might be. The palace statement is unlikely to dampen speculation about who made the comments, particularly as it suggests the individual is known, but disputes how the conversation had been portrayed. The queen's words that "recollections may vary" suggest the family does not agree with everything the Sussexes stated as fact. Buckingham Palace had come under pressure to respond to the couple's interview, finally releasing a 61-word statement at 5.26pm, 40 hours after it first aired in the US. The statement, sent on behalf of the queen, said: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members." The statement is understood to have been written on Monday, but the queen opted to "sleep on it" before rushing anything out. The 94-year-old monarch, Prince Charles and Prince William were all involved in the crisis talks. "We would rather it was considered and right, than rushed and wrong," one aide said. Charles (72) is understood to be "deeply concerned" about the racism allegations, and feels "let down" by his son and daughter-in-law, whom he had supported "more than he would care to say". A source close to him said the "incendiary" interview had caused pain and division and that trust in the couple had been eroded. Charles responded with nervous chuckle as he was asked about the interview yesterday morning while visiting a vaccine centre in London. But he did not elaborate when asked his opinion. Senior royals are understood to be concerned that the Sussexes conflated what they considered to be family matters with the "business" of being a working member of The Firm. The duchess said she had contemplated suicide but was rebuffed when she sought help from the HR department, as she "wasn't staff". It is thought the royal family will attempt to deal with the crisis by reopening lines of communication with the Sussexes in the hope they can discuss their concerns privately. The interview was watched by 12.4 million viewers in Britain and 17.1 million in the United States. It has proved divisive among the British public, with some believing it showed how outdated and intolerant the institution was, while others decried it as a self-serving assault that neither the queen nor her family deserved. Prince Harry told Oprah in the interview that the royal family had an unhealthy silent agreement with the British tabloids and that the family was paranoid about the media turning on them. There is a level of control by fear that has existed for generations, Harry said. Meanwhile, talk show host Piers Morgan has quit the Good Morning Britain after making controversial comments about Meghan. The UKs media watchdog said it had launched an investigation into the show under its harm and offence rules after getting more than 41,000 complaints about Morgans comments. On yesterdays episode, Morgan stormed off the set of the programme following a heated discussion with a fellow presenter about Harry and Meghans allegations about racism in the royal family. ITV, which produces Good Morning Britain accepted his resignation, saying: Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. More people are working from home than ever before, which has led some to level up their WFH environments with new gear, new accessories and yes, new furniture. But if you want to make your home office a more functional space, you should try to keep it neat and clutter-free as well. Here are a few recommendations from our staff that will help you organize your desk and hopefully be more productive as a result. Monitor risers Amazon We suggested getting an external monitor in a previous WFH guide, too, and for good reason. It seriously increases your screen real estate and is oftentimes easier on the eyes. However, not all monitors are height adjustable and they do take up quite a bit of desk space. A monitor stand or riser is a way to resolve that. A simple yet effective one is the Amazon Basics model, which has stackable legs for your desired height (up to 4- inches) plus an 11-inch wide storage space underneath to store your laptop or other knick knacks. If, on the other hand, you want something a little more stylish, this bamboo monitor stand from Stellar Importers is a particularly attractive one. It comes with compartments designed to fit your phone, coffee mug, stationary, notepads and more. There are also well-placed cut-outs to help manage your cords and cables. The legs attach together magnetically so its super easy to assemble. We should note that the height isnt adjustable, but in my experience its 3.5-inch range was enough to raise our monitor to eye level. This particular model also works well as a laptop stand thanks to three holes designed for optimal heat ventilation. If you really dont want a monitor on your desk at all, consider a monitor arm. This is an especially good choice if youre restless and need to change your monitor position frequently. One of our favorites is the Jarvis monitor arm by Fully, which features a 360-degree swivel. It has a removable VESA plate and a clamp mount, plus the option of mounting the arm to grommet holes if your desk has them. It accommodates 13- to 32-inch monitors and can support a max weight of 19.8 pounds. Buy Amazon Basics monitor riser at Amazon - $23 Buy bamboo monitor riser at Amazon - $25 Buy Jarvis monitor arm at Fully - $99 Laptop stands Will Lipman Photography If youre using your laptop as-is on your desk or on your lap, youre doing it wrong. Hunching your shoulders to look at your screen is harmful for your posture, which can lead to back, neck and arm pain if youre not careful. Instead, youll want your screen to be at eye level, and if you dont have an external monitor, that means elevating your laptop with a stand. This has the added benefit of giving you more desk space as well. We particularly recommend the Rain Design iLevel2. The height is easily adjustable thanks to a front slider, and its tilted design is also great for keeping your laptop cool. A slightly more affordable option is the Amazon Basics Laptop Stand, and though it has a fixed height, theres a cable organizer in the back that helps keep wires tucked away. If you do own an external monitor but dont have a lot of extra space, we recommend a vertical stand. This one from Omoton can hold your closed laptop upright, which goes a long way in keeping your desk organized. It has an adjustable width varying from 0.55 to 2.71 inches, which should fit most laptops. The stand itself is made from scratch-resistant anodized aluminum alloy and has a wide, heavy base that will prevent your laptop from tipping over. Buy Rain Design iLevel 2 at Amazon $51 Buy Amazon Basics laptop stand at Amazon - $22 Buy Omoton vertical stand at Amazon - $22 Laptop dock CalDigit Most laptops only have a limited number of ports, which could mean juggling multiple cables and cords. With a dedicated laptop docking station like the CalDigit TS3 Plus, however, you might never have to do that again. By attaching your laptop to the TS3 Plus, one Thunderbolt 3 port can turn into 15. That includes six USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C), Gigabit Ethernet, an SD card slot, optical audio, a 3.5mm jack, a DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 port. It offers up to 87 watts of power to charge your laptop and you can connect up to two 4K monitors via DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3. It can be positioned vertically or horizontally so it will likely fit in most desk setups. Buy CalDigit TS3 Plus at Amazon - $250 Phone chargers Mophie A dedicated phone stand is a great way to keep your desk clutter-free while charging your handset at the same time. If you have a phone without wireless charging, we recommend the Lamicall stand, as it has a feeder hole for the charger cord on the back. The stand is made from a high-quality aluminum alloy and the cradle can be tilted back and forth for different viewing angles. If you like, you can position your phone horizontally to watch videos. If you do have a phone with wireless charging, we strongly recommend using a wireless charger so you dont have to mess around with pesky cords. The Anker PowerWave Stand is a good option as it supports 10W high-speed charging with the latest Samsung Galaxy handsets and 5W charging with the iPhone 12. We especially like how affordable it is ($16 as of this writing), though keep in mind that you need to supply your own power brick. If you want to charge an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once, consider a multi-device charger. One of our favorites is the Mophie 3-in-1 wireless charging stand, thanks to its compact form factor. We like that it has a small divot that was designed perfectly to hold an AirPods case so that theres no risk of misalignment. Another excellent choice is the Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock, which could potentially be great for couples or those of you who own two handsets. Thats because the flat surface area for the AirPods case can also be used to charge a second phone. One way to really save some space is to get a lamp with a wireless charger built into the base. The IKEA Hektar has a classic look with a 5W induction charger, plus an extra USB port so you can charge two devices at once. For a more futuristic design, the Taotronics LED desk lamps slim style might be more your speed. It supports fast charging up to 7.5 watts (for iPhones) or 10 watts (for Samsung Galaxy phones) an extra USB port on the side; five different color temperatures; and an option for a one-hour dimmable desk lamp timer thatll turn off when you go to bed. Buy Lamicall stand at Amazon - $14 Buy Anker PowerWave Stand at Amazon - $19 Buy Mophie 3-in-1 stand at Amazon - $106 Buy 3-in-1 dock at Logitech - $100 Buy Hektar at IKEA - $65 Buy Taotronics LED lamp at Amazon - $60 Standing desk converter Fully For those who want to get into standing desks but dont have the money or space, a standing desk converter is a great alternative. It can convert any table into a work space, plus it provides additional storage underneath. The Cora from Fully is one that we like a lot, thanks to its sturdy aluminum frame. Lifting or lowering it is as easy as pressing the handles on either side, and its super lightweight so you can easily move your workspace out of sight at the end of the workday. Buy Cora desk converter at Bully - $130 Cable management Cable Clips Like most people, you probably have a mess of cords dangling behind your desk. A simple way to overcome that is with a few simple cable management tools. The easiest would be to use either twist ties or Velcro wrap ties like these, which are strong, reusable and affordable. Another option is to use a cord management organizer like these cable clips. They let you organize seven cables with a single clip, which you can then attach to your desk or wall with a self-adhesive backing. Youll never have to worry about the cord falling behind the desk. Buy Velcro wraps at Amazon - $13 Buy cable clips at Amazon - $9 Headphone stands Lamicall Over-the-ear headphones provide superior sound, but can take up a good deal of space on your desk when not in use. Instead, try hanging them on a headphone stand which, aside from keeping your space tidy, can also protect your headphones from getting scratches. This affordable one from Lamicall is made out of aluminum and ABS plastic and has a low center of gravity, which makes for a more stable base. It also has a simple and stylish bird-shaped look that will add a nice touch of flair to your desk space. Alternatively, you can also choose to keep your headphones out of sight entirely with an under-desk hook like the Anchor, which has space for two sets of headphones. Its made out of premium silicone and secures safely to your desk with 3M adhesive strips. There are optional screw mounts if you want to make the placement a little more permanent. Buy Lamicall headphone stand at Amazon - $12 Buy Anchor headphone hook at Amazon - $12 We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. - Manganese-based steel alloys see substantial uptake in automobile industry in Asia Pacific, the region to contribute sizable revenues to global market - Stringent mining regulations continue to hurt the profit margins of producers of manganese alloys, competitive dynamics increasingly fragmented and intensely competitive ALBANY, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Manganese alloys are gaining preference to metal-based alloys in numerous applications. In particular, ferromanganese finds widespread and steady demand in the steel industry, where it is used to carbon steel. The use of manganese imparts various desired characteristics to the final steel products such as combination of stiffness, hardness, toughness, hardenability, and wear resistance. Further, the use of various grades of ferromanganese aids in fabrication of steel products in the way they are forged and rolled before final shape is given. Manganese is also used as desulfurizer and an alloying agent to develop lower carbon content steels. Manganese when alloys with nickel imparts good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Request for Covid-19 Impact Analysis on Manganese Alloys Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/Covid19.php Growing volumes of manganese ore mining to meet the demand for steel industry is a key driver and accelerant for the expanding valuation of the manganese alloys market over the years. During the forecast period of 2019 - 2027, the global valuation is predicted to rise at 5.9% CAGR. Key Findings of Manganese Alloys Market Study Proliferating Use in Numerous Industries Drive Prospects The growing demand for manganese alloys in various end-use industrial applications is key to expanding revenue streams in the manganese alloys market. Grades of alloys are used in ships and boats construction, where the use of manganese imparts high tensile strength and hardenability. The use of manganese as alloys considerably improved the machinability of end-use applications of the steel industry. The unique combination of properties that manganese alloys results in lightweight automobile structures. The growing use of ferromanganese alloys in the steel industry has been driven by the rapid strides in steel manufacturing in some of the rapidly emerging economies of the world. Download PDF Brochure - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php Automotive Industry Exhibits Vast Uptake Expanding capacity of vehicle production around the world has also spurred the demand for manganese alloys in making of steel used in automobile manufacturing. Growth in both commercial and passenger vehicles productions has propelled the demand in the manganese alloys market. Rising sales of cars over the past decades have boosted the revenue generation for players in the market. A remarkable growth avenue has come from uptake in automobile manufacturing for meeting the demand among consumers in Asia Pacific. The region has been a hotbed of opportunities for manganese miners. Stringent Regulations on Mining Hampering Growth Prospects Growing concern of environmental impact of manganese mining in various parts of the world has dampened the investments on its mining. Additionally, producers of manganese alloys suffer from the high cost miners expend in meeting these norms. This eventually affects the profit margins of alloy producers. On the other hand, a thriving demand for shipbuilding has been imparting momentum to the relatively modest growth of the manganese alloys production. View Detailed Table of Contents at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/63102 Manganese Alloys Market: Key Driving Factors Rise in demand for construction industry in emerging and developed economies spurring the utilization of manganese alloys Rapid pace of urbanization in the developing geographies of the world spurs the industrial application of manganese alloys Striking pace of industrialization in Asia Pacific to spur growth prospects Manganese Alloys Market: Key Industry Participants Some of the key companies engaged in production of different types of ferroalloys and prominent steel companies in the manganese alloys market are: Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant Mortex Group Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn. Bhd. Sakura Ferroalloys SDN BHD Jindal Stainless Ltd. 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Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/manganese-alloys-market.htm Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1085206/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg Vidor Independent School District became the first in Southeast Texas to end mandatory mask requirements for students and staff, just as the statewide mask mandate was officially lifted. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Jay Killgo said masks are strongly recommended, but not required for Vidor ISD students and staff. The decision comes after Gov. Greg Abbott rescinded the statewide mask mandate effective Wednesday. The Texas Education Agency released guidance last week stating that mask requirements would remain in place for schools, unless the districts board of trustees discussed and voted to opt out. The district will continue to monitor data associated with COVID-19 cases and quarantines and make adjustments as allowed by policy, Killgo said in the letter. The cleaning protocol that was in effect when we returned to school will continue to take place at all campuses. Quarantine and other coronavirus protocols will remain in place, including contact tracing, according to the district. Related: Cheers, fears greet Abbott mask decision The decision followed a board meeting on the health guidance earlier this week. On March 8 the Vidor ISD Board of Trustees took action regarding the removal of the mask ordinance for students and staff of Vidor ISD, Killgo said in a letter shared with parents Tuesday night. There was extensive discussion and thought put into this decision by all involved. Many facets of the school process were considered before the vote was taken. Parents and students had mixed reactions to the change, with many cheering the decision as long overdue and others hesitant. I honestly wish they would have held off at least three weeks to see if there is a spike, said Tiffany Roff, who has two students in the district. Roff said she and her children will keep wearing masks but are looking forward to other restrictions being lifted. I just wish we could go eat lunch with them now, she said. They keep asking, and it is heartbreaking. Weve missed a lot as parents this year. Carol Hollingsworth, who has grandchildren who attend school in the district, said the move doesnt make sense. The virus did not go away just because the governor decided to open everything up, she told The Enterprise. People seem overjoyed about it, but I'm in a nursing home and I can see that masks do work. I see the same people coming to work every day, and that is a testament about how they work. Avagayle Geldard, a junior at Vidor High School said the lifting of the mandate wouldnt impact much, since many students havent strictly adhered to mask policies. Nobody ever really wore their masks, although it was enforced, she said. Most kids kept it on their chin or below their nose. Water fountains were supposed to be closed, but they were open all year. According to Geldard, only a few students wore masks the first day the order was lifted, although some teachers said they wouldnt help students at their desks unless they put masks on. Related: LISD votes to keep masks in early morning meeting Superintendent Killgo told The Enterprise the district consulted with Sharon Whitley, an official with the Hardin County Health Department, about the decision. Her feedback was only that the quarantine period would revert from the seven- to 10-day period to 14 days if masks were not required, he said. The district is also looking into a way to use infection/quarantine rates to place safeguards in place so that if rates exceed a certain level, masks will be put back in place. I am working with our attorney on this idea and hope to have an action item at our March 22 meeting, Killgo said. Most other districts in the region have extended their guidance, with few holding off on making a final decision until later this month. To the dismay of some, Lumberton ISD made the decision during an early morning meeting on Tuesday. I feel like it should be up to the parents and the child if they wish to continue to wear one, Tiffany LeBlanc, who has three kids in Lumberton schools, told The Enterprise. If other parents are so worried about their children being exposed to illnesses, they should stay home and learn virtually. Evadale ISD and Silsbee ISD announced that they will continue discussions later this month. The board of trustees and Silsbee ISD understand that maintaining the current COVID-19 guidelines during this time may not be a popular decision, the district said in a statement. However, we ask that you continue to support the district as we keep the safest environment possible for our students and staff. Evadale will revisit the decision during a board meeting March 15, with mask requirements staying in place until then. This was done out of an abundance of caution in order to keep everyone safe, the district said in a statement. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes A LIMERICK man was defrauded out of thousands of euro after he signed up with a fake investment company, gardai have revealed. As part of Fraud Awareness Week, gardai are highlighting various scams and fraud-related crimes which have emerged over the past number of months. "In simple terms, fraud is where a person is cheated out of money by another person. The fraud can happen either online, in person on through written correspondence," said divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch. The area of most concern at present is investment fraud. "This is where a person invests or pays a sum of money to a company for a length of time, after that time has passed they get their money back plus an added amount, a good return for their money," explained Sgt Leetch who said gardai are aware of at least one such incident in Limerick. "Last year, a gentleman in his early 60s from Corbally did some research online as he was looking to invest in cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, the website he chose was fraudulent, it was fake," she said. "He received a phone call from a scammer who offered him an opportunity to invest with the promise of a large return. The gentleman gave his bank details thinking that this company needed it to deposit the profit from his investment but instead thousands of euro were taken from his account," added Sgt Leetch. What are investment scams and how do you stop them?#FraudWeek pic.twitter.com/6gPRDpTg6h Garda Info (@gardainfo) March 8, 2021 Gardai say research here in Ireland shows that any age group can be scammed, the youngest was 17 and the oldest was 88, the average age was 45. They say scammers are very clever and often have pop-up ads falsely claiming that celebrities or well-known business people are endorsing or supporting a particular investment. "The advice remains the same though, dont give your bank account details to anybody and if you must, make sure you know exactly who is getting them by checking and checking again. If you dont know how to do this, ask for help but please pause and think twice," said Sgt Leetch. COLUMBIA The South Carolina House approved a bill March 10 that would give the state election agency more power over counties to ensure a uniform process at ballot boxes. Lawmakers voted 84-36, largely along party lines, in favor of the measure proposed by House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville, after stripping a different part of the bill that would have expanded the five-member State Election Commission with four new members appointed by the Legislature. The bill, H.3444, would empower the State Election Commission to "supervise and standardize the performance, conduct, and practices" of county election commissions and "ensure those boards compliance with applicable state or federal law or State Election Commission policies, procedures, and regulations." The vote came despite concerns from some county election officials that the measure would jeopardize their flexibility to take their own actions to fit their unique needs. In a letter to lawmakers last month, Charleston Countys elections board chairwoman, Christie Companion Varnado, wrote that "one size does not always fit all." Those concerns were amplified by several Democratic lawmakers during an hourlong debate on the House floor. State Rep. Chandra Dillard, D-Greenville, said she worried the measure would overstep the notion of "home rule" letting local governments set the laws that they think best for their own counties and cities. "What I'm hearing here is that means this board of five members four of which would be Republican, one would be a Democrat, appointed by the governor will now have control pretty much of all the elections across the state," said state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia. "I don't know if 'control' is the exact word," responded state Rep. Jay Jordan, R-Florence. "We are creating a centralized authority for the issues that come up, but we're not taking away the sincere need for the county election commissions and how they operate." Other Democrats suggested that they feared Republicans would use the broader authority at the state level to make changes that benefit their party later down the line. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Jordan emphasized that the legislation does not specify any other election changes and the General Assembly could do that at a later date. But state Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken, said the lack of clarity about how the state might use the expanded authority in the future "is why there's so much skepticism." Republican Gov. Henry McMaster threw his weight behind the bill in a letter to lawmakers on March 9, saying it "will enhance accountability at the State Election Commission and safeguard the voting process against the threat of fraud, which if left unchecked could do permanent damage to our republican form of government." After a perfunctory final vote, the bill will now head to the Senate, where some Republicans expect it will be greeted with more skepticism than it encountered in the House. State Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, has proposed a different bill that would make less substantial changes to the election process, letting the Senate confirm the governors appointees to the Election Commission but maintaining the commissions current level of authority over the counties. "I think its important to keep the ultimate authority at the county level," Campsen said. "Some do it better than others, but I think having those local officials conducting their elections mean they know what their counties need better than someone statewide." The House removed a provision of Lucas' bill that would have expanded the election commission to nine members, with four appointed by the Legislature in addition to the five appointed by the governor, which Lucas had initially said was intended to maintain the Legislature's involvement after reducing their power at the county level. State Rep. Russell Ott, who proposed stripping that part of the bill, said he thought that changes to the composition of the commission could be debated in separate legislation. "I certainly expect that we'll continue this discussion to try to figure out what makes sense as far as what the State Election Commission looks like," said Ott, D-Orangeburg. Mount St. Marys University Assistant Professor of Science Eric Sakowski, Ph.D., a 2008 graduate of the university, recently published Interaction dynamics and virushost range for estuarine actinophages captured by epicPCR in Nature Microbiology, a prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journal in the Nature portfolio that promotes the best research across the field of microbiology. Sakowski and his colleagues novel approach allows researchers to accurately identify bacteria and the viruses that infect them, as well as have a better understanding of the role these microorganisms play in maintaining the ecosystem health of the Chesapeake Bay. Eric is a wonderful example of the power of interdisciplinary training in the sciences, said Christine McCauslin, Ph.D., molecular biologist and interim dean of the Mount's School of Natural Science and Mathematics. His background in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, and molecular and computational biology resulted in a novel application of PCR technology to detect bacterial and viral interactionsthe same technology we use to test for coronavirus infection. Sakowskis approach seeks to identify the viruses that infect bacteria using their unique DNA or RNA signatures. Bacteria are often thought of in a negative light because some can cause disease. But environmental bacteria are critical to a healthy Bay ecosystem, he said. Because of this, we wanted to see what kinds of viral infections are occurring there. Growing up, Sakowski remembered being fascinated with the natural world, watching nature documentaries and reading National Geographic. But then my grandfather, once he retired, became a crabber, he recalled. I would spend some of my days on the Chesapeake Bay catching crabs, and I witnessed firsthand some of the decline of the Bay. He remembered being about six years old and catching three bushels of crabs by noon. By the time he was a teenager, hed spend all day to catch half of a bushel. Witnessing some of those declines really got me interested in pursuing environmental science, he added. After majoring in biology and biocjhemistry at the Mount, Sakowski fell in love with microbiology in graduate school. He went in search of a lab where he could do something related to the Chesapeake Bay. Sakowski received his Ph.D. in biological sciences with a concentration in molecular biology and genetics from the University of Delaware in 2015 where he worked alongside expert viral ecologists K. Eric Wommack, Ph.D., and Shawn W. Polson, Ph.D. I stumbled across Erics lab and they had this project on oysters that drew me in, he said. Their work Oyster calcifying fluid harbors persistent and dynamic autochthonous bacterial populations that may aid in shell formation was published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, a leading peer-reviewed scientific journal covering all aspects of marine ecology. Sakowski is the recipient of a University of Delaware Graduate Fellowship, Delaware Water Resources Center Graduate Fellowship and Preston C. Townsend Biotechnology Fellowship. He was a postdoctoral associate in Sarah Preheims lab at Johns Hopkins University where he researched virus-bacterial interactions and microcystin toxin detection before he returned to the Mount in Fall 2020, remembering the time he spent in labs and with his professors before receiving his bachelors degree in biochemistry and biology. It was here where his first undergraduate project became his first peer-reviewed publication: Effectiveness of Moss as a Bioindicator of Metal Contamination in Streams. Eric has a passion for biology and a great analytical mind that he is applying to solve a wide variety of ecological mysteries, said Jeffrey Simmons, Ph.D., who, at that time, was associate professor of environmental science and now is executive director of strategic planning and institutional effectiveness. He was a top student who needed an Honors project and we settled on an ambitious experiment to test the ability of mosses in a stream to absorb toxic heavy metal pollutants. Eric had to build the experimental apparatus from scratch and learn several new analytical techniques, which he did with ease, Simmons said. Since his return to the Mount, Sakowski mentors Julia Baer, a double major in biology and chemistry, recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and a 2021 Fulbright semifinalist seeking to conduct research on the biogeography of microbial communities in volcanic Antarctic habitats at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. The common theme in Sakowskis research is microorganisms in the Chesapeake Bay and understanding how theyre playing a role in maintaining the overall health of the Bay. I absolutely think my grandfather would appreciate the work Im doing, Sakowski said with a smile. A healthier Bay means more crabs and oysters. I know he enjoyed his oysters on the half shell tremendously. To the dismay of some teachers and parents, Comal Independent School District, one of the regions fastest-growing, has made masks optional for students and staff members. The board of trustees voted 5-2 Tuesday night to leave it up to families and teachers whether to wear masks on campuses. Masks have been required for the entire school year. The vote came one week after Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was lifting the statewide mask mandate as of Wednesday, and several days after the Texas Education Agency said school boards could vote to reject mask requirements, even as the coronavirus continues to spread. Northside, Northeast and San Antonio ISDs, along with others in Bexar County, have said they will continue requiring masks in their buildings through the rest of the school year. In a letter to families Tuesday night, Comal ISD board president David Drastata said that while the districts safety protocols throughout the school year have been effective at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus on campuses, the board wanted to allow parents to make their own decisions about whether their children wear masks to school. On ExpressNews.com: TEA: School districts can decide mask rules room occupancy limits for themselves We know that our success can be directly attributed to our health and safety protocols: daily health screening, social distancing, good hygiene practices, and face coverings, Drastata said in the letter. That said, we are also about giving parents choice. Short notice Families received the email from Drastata on Tuesday night and the new policy went into effect Wednesday morning, leaving parents concerned about their childrens safety little time to decide whether they wanted to change their childrens instructional model. District teachers and staff working in schools do not have much of a choice. To blindside families like that 12 hours before the school day started I thought was incredibly insensitive and irresponsible, said Faye Crowell, a district mother whose son in the first grade is learning from home. I cant understand why we cant continue to do what were doing, because its working. ... Their decision comes from a place of cowardice. During the board meeting Tuesday, District 1 Trustee Tim Hennessee, who voted against changing the mask policy, said he visited all six of the campuses in his district and asked administrators for their staffs preferences regarding masks. At each one, he said, at least 75 percent of staff said they wanted to keep the mask requirement. They are requesting that we please stay the course, Hennessee told his fellow trustees before the vote. The problem is not the kids wearing the masks. The problem is the parents who want to force their ideas about masks on their children, he said. District 4 Trustee Russell S. Garner also voted against the change. Since the board vote, parents and community members have taken to social media to express their frustration regarding the change, and some have emailed trustees and the superintendent to air their grievances. An online petition asking the board to reconsider had more than 1,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon. Comal ISD, which has more than 25,000 students, had 42 active coronavirus cases on Wednesday, according to the districts website. Comal County had 387 active cases overall. Toward the end of his letter, Drastata added that families who have not yet made a decision about masking should strongly consider following the safety protocols that have been in place all year. By choosing to have your child wear a mask, you are doing your part to keep our schools open for the next 10 weeks and provide our students the educational opportunities they deserve, Drastata wrote. Steve Stanford, executive director of communications for Comal ISD, said most students attending school in person Wednesday morning were wearing masks. About 80 percent of the districts students are learning in person, and any family can choose to switch their student to remote learning at any time. Stanford said parents seemed to be evenly split between wanting masks to be required and wanting to have a choice in the matter. We are still encouraging students to wear masks, he said. What this does is simply give parents the choice as to whether or not they would like their student to be wearing a mask in school. But for some staff and families, the change is cause for concern and a sign of disrespect from district leadership, said Kate Fraser, a Comal ISD middle school history teacher and a district parent who has advocated for more effective safety protocols since last summer. On ExpressNews.com: Texas orders vaccination priority for teachers, child care workers It really is demoralizing and devastating that the board didnt even consider the impact that this has on staff, she said. Essentially, what theyre telling teachers is that if you want consideration and respect, go to any other school district around here because youre not going to get it at Comal. Fraser and other teachers have considered resigning or retiring. Drastata said quarantine rules will still be enforced. Students and staff who are properly masked will not be considered close contacts if they are exposed to an infected person, but will still have to quarantine if they test positive. Fraser said she was worried that the mask-optional policy would make some parents want to pull their children out of in-person learning for fear that classrooms will be less safe if some students or teachers are not wearing masks. In-person instruction has proven to be more effective than remote learning for many students. In the hours following the board vote, Fraser said she had already received emails from parents saying they had decided that their children would not be in the classroom for the last nine weeks of the school year because they no longer felt comfortable with the districts safety protocols. When the board basically takes away the most effective safety protocol that we have and makes it optional, it really takes the wind out of your sails, Fraser said. I feel like were going backwards. I think were going to lose ground with a lot of our most vulnerable students. Parents dilemma Stanford said district leaders have not seen parents scrambling to pull their children out of in-person instruction, but noted that they have that option. Parents throughout the year have had the choice to go from on-campus to remote anytime, Stanford said. If there are parents today that dont feel comfortable sending their kids to school because of the new guidelines, then they have the ability to do that. But for parents like Tracy Mazur, whose daughter has special needs and is five times more at risk for complications from COVID-19, the school boards decision to give people options about mask-wearing takes away her options for her daughters education. Im a single parent; I dont know how Im going to work full time and teach her, Mazur said, noting that she was effectively forced to pull her daughter out of in-person learning Wednesday. The taking away of the mask mandate was infuriating, but the way that they did it was like a throat punch. Janelle Belk has three children in Comal ISD schools and said she was not expecting the trustees to make masks optional or for them to do it on such short notice. Being that theres only about nine-and-a-half weeks left of school at this point, I dont see why they couldnt just have continued to make the masks mandatory as they have all year, Belk said. When youre mixing those who are wearing a mask and those who are not wearing a mask, then the protection is pretty low. She said she would continue to keep her children enrolled in on-campus instruction because that is how they have learned best throughout the pandemic, but now she is worried about her kids getting infected, especially her kindergartner who still does not fully understand the importance of social distancing. I know that I could make the decision to (switch them to remote learning), but thats not as beneficial, and its not something that I and other people have the time or the ability to do, she said. Last week, TEA announced that it would continue to fund school districts based on pre-pandemic enrollment levels a lifeline for districts across Texas, which have seen enrollment drop by 3 percent on average since last school year while shelling out millions of dollars in pandemic-related expenses. But that funding extension is contingent on districts maintaining or increasing their in-person attendance rates relative to the fall. Stanford said Comal ISD has increased its in-person enrollment since the fall by about 20 percentage points, so missing out on funding was not a concern. The school district does not offer testing for the coronavirus to students or staff, but it has worked with local vaccine providers to offer vaccination appointments to staff who want one. Last week, all school staff in Texas were made eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine immediately. By the end of this week, about 90 percent of staff who wanted a shot will have gotten at least their first dose, Stanford said. Comal ISDs spring break begins Monday. andy.picon@hearst.com | Twitter: @andpicon Carmakers generally welcome students within their ranks. They have to do this, as you never know where new talent can come from. From time to time, these students' work comes out in the open for all to admire. But did you know some custom shops have their own training programs?A garage by the name Kustom Built Cars has one, and the 1953 Chevrolet 3100 truck is the result of the work four students performed throughout five months. This particular model was chosen because it provided a great inspiration and training opportunity for this group of next-generation restoration and preservation professionals, as the description of the build reads on Barrett-Jackson, where the truck is waiting for a buyer.A quick look at the thing, and you cant even tell it has been shaped this way by people who are just learning how to do this. The 3100, wrapped in a color called Desert Sage Green over a brown leather interior, is just as massaged and appealing as builds coming from established custom shops.But its the mechanical bits that impress even more. The truck gets its power from a 6.2-liter LS3 engine that works together with an automatic transmission. Power is sent to the road through a Camaro rear end, and the entire truck bounces on Mustang II independent front suspension.Inside, the driver is kept in the loop about the trucks performances employing Dolphin gauges, and comfort is ensured by a Vintage Air climate control system.As said, the 3100 is listed for sale on Barrett-Jackson , waiting to be sold during the Scottsdale, Arizona sale later this month. Navy to rethink its $500M jammer award Northrop Grummans protest of a $500 million contract to L3Harris Technologies for a next-generation radio jammer must have struck a nerve with the Navy. The service is taking a second look at its award decision. Few details are available because of the classified nature of the work. We do know the Navy told the Government Accountability Office that a corrective action is underway and the award to L3Harris has been pulled back. Because there is no current award, GAO dismissed Northrop Grummans protest. GAO did not make any ruling on whether the protest had any merit. If the Navy again makes an award to L3Harris, then Northrop is free to come back with a new protest. Northrop and L3Harris are locked in a competition to build the next generation jammer for the EA-18G Growler aircraft. The jammer -- a pod that sits under the planes wing -- allows the craft to conduct electronic warfare operations. Both companies each had contracts for phase one of the procurement. The Navy picked L3Harris for further development and early deployment under phase two. The program could ultimately be worth billions. Depending on the nature of the corrective action, it might be several months before another award is made and more protests seem likely as well. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ROME, MAR 10 - Massimo Carminati was given a 10-year term in the second appeals trial in the massive 'Mondo di Mezzo'. (Middle World) Rome corruption case while fellow ringleader Salvatore Buzzi got 12 years, 10 months. The case was initially dubbed 'Mafia Capitale' because prosecutors said the affair, in which a gang got its hands on city contracts worth millions, ranging from the running of Roma and migrant camps to waste management and maintaining green areas, regarded organized crime. But the supreme Cassation Court quashed mafia convictions in 2019 and ordered an appeals court to reset jail terms in the case. Former rightist militant and ex-gangster Carminati and former leftwing cooperatives kingpin Buzzi were given terms of 14 years and 18 years, four month in the first appeal trial. Buzzi and Carminati were released from house arrest and jail respectively last summer after a judge ruled that the maximum amount of time they could be deprived of their freedom before a definitive verdict on their case had run out. (ANSA). Police have busted what is thought to be the first magic mushroom factory found in the UK for more than 20 years. Officers from Cambridgeshire Police raided a house in Huntingdon in the early hours of yesterday morning, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and seized more than 5,500 worth of drugs. After entering the property, police found what they believe to be the first known magic mushroom factory in the county - and the first in the country since 1998. Photographs shared on the Policing Huntingdonshire Facebook page show at least 11 silver foil trays filled with soil, growing the Class A fungi. Officers from Cambridgeshire Police raided a house in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, in the early hours of yesterday morning under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 After entering the property, police found what they believe to be the first known magic mushroom factory in the county - and the first in the country since 1998 Magic mushrooms have been classified as a Class A drug in the UK since 2005 - and it is therefore illegal to have this type of mushroom for yourself, to give away, or to sell. Officers also discovered a cannabis factory inside the property - classified as a Class B drug which it is also illegal to possess or sell. The total street value of the drugs growing inside the property was over 5,500 - and police also seized cash and other drug paraphernalia. A 26-year-old man and 24-year-old woman from Huntingdon were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, production of cannabis, producing a controlled drug, money laundering and possession of drugs. They have since been bailed until 6 April. Officers also discovered a cannabis factory inside the property - classified as a Class B drug which it is also illegal to possess or sell PC Tom Russell from the Huntingdon Neighbourhood Policing Team said: 'We use information submitted by members of the public as well as our own intelligence to carry out drugs warrants. 'The public are often our eyes and ears and it's vital they continue to report information and concerns to us.' Sharing the incident on Facebook, Huntingdon Police also said: 'Officers will continue to make Huntingdon a Hostile place for drug supply.' The last known magic mushroom factory to be busted in the UK was in 1998, when vegan Richard Wilson, of Watford, Hertfordshire, was jailed for a year for growing the drug in a sophisticated factory inside an industrial unit. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:34:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Somali government said Wednesday it would conduct an investigation to unearth culprits behind Tuesday's mortar attack on an international airport in Mogadishu leaving an unknown number of injuries. The Ministry of Information said the probe on mortar attack targeting humanitarian workers at the heavily fortified Aden Adde International Airport which houses African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) headquarters will be prioritized to help bring perpetrators to justice. "The Federal Government of Somalia has since enhanced security in the area as all our institutions in charge of security continue to gather more information on the attack," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. It condemned the attack on humanitarian workers, adding that it was aimed at undermining efforts to rebuild Somalia after more than two decades of civil strife. "An attack of such nature is an attempt that seeks to undermine the outstanding support of the international community and their efforts towards building peace and long-term stability in Somalia," it said. The ministry noted that the attack made evident of the frail attempts of the weakening terror organization that have since turned to harmless humanitarian aid workers as their targets following its concerned efforts to wipe them from its territory. "The united and courageous resolve of the people and Federal Government of Somalia will not be derailed by such motives from terrorist organizations whose objectives remain deterring the partners and friends of Somalia from providing much needed support and cooperation," said the ministry. Independent sources said that two AU troops from Uganda were injured in the attack, but AMISOM did not confirm. Al-Shabab militants claimed the responsibility of the attack in which six mortar shells landed on the perimeter of the main airport. The attack came hours before Jubaland State leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Modobe) landed at the main airport in Mogadishu and the area is also expected to host consultative forum between federal member states and the Somali government on polls. Enditem New Delhi: Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, appeared before the CBI in connection with a corruption case. Karti was directed by the Supreme Court to appear for questioning before the CBI. The agency wants to examine him in connection with a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to media group INX Media for receiving funds from Mauritius when his father P Chidambaram was the Union Finance Minister. It is alleged that a firm "indirectly controlled" by him received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea. The CBI had issued a notice to Karti to appear for questioning in June but he had sought more time. Later, a lookout circular was also issued against him to prevent him from leaving the country, CBI sources said. Karti then approached the Madras High Court which had stayed the circular. The Supreme Court later put on hold the high court order. During a hearing before the apex court, Karti had told the court that he was willing to appear before the CBI to which it directed him to appear on August 23. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud allowed Karti to be accompanied by a lawyer at the CBI headquarters during the questioning. The CBI had registered the case on May 15 against Karti,his company Chess Management Services, INX Media, Advantage Strategic Consulting Services, its director Padma Vishwanathan and the Mukerjeas. The Mukerjeas, charged with the murder of Indrani's daughter, Sheena Bora, are currently in jail. Former finance minister P Chidambaram had issued a strong statement in response to the FIR, saying that the government was using the CBI and other agencies to target his son. FIPB approval was granted in "hundreds of cases", the senior Congress leader had said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty said it ended 2020 with a record order book worth around two years of revenues thanks to major new contracts in the UK and Hong Kong. A massive contract from the Hong Kong Airport Authority and deals totalling over 3billion related to the High Speed 2 rail project helped drive its order book 15 per cent higher to 16.4billion. This helped the group's share of revenues at its Hong Kong joint venture Gammon to rise 10 per cent to 985million, while its profit from operations grew by 3million to 29million despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Tunneling through: Balfour Beatty won a 3billion contract for construction on the High Speed 2 rail project after the UK Government gave the scheme a 'Notice to Proceed' in April Balfour Beatty said this was due to the city's previous experiences with viruses like SARS, the greater prevalence of mask-wearing by its residents and the generosity provided by the city authority's employee assistance scheme. By contrast, its UK arm was significantly affected by site closures, weakness in the aviation market and delays in its regional business, and it fell from a 47million profit in 2019 to a 26million loss. Yet its domestic order book more than doubled to 6.4billion as it became one of three contractors for Highways England's Smart Motorway Alliance (SMA) and gained a 197million deal to work on the Lewisham Gateway regeneration project. The company's order book has now grown about 45 per cent over the previous three years despite a slowdown in its United States construction and support service divisions in 2020. Both businesses still saw their revenues grow last year, but the former was hit by a drop in orders in the second half of 2020, while the latter saw revenues impacted by its exit from the gas and water industries. Even so, the group has vowed to pay back the 19million it claimed from the UK government's furlough scheme between April and October last year, restart dividend payments and triple its share buyback programme to 150million for 2021. Balfour Beatty's order book has now grown about 45 per cent over the last three years Chief Executive Leo Quinn said: 'Throughout the pandemic, we have protected the group's strengths, supported our stakeholders and held firm to our disciplines.' He added: 'Our leading positions in large growing infrastructure and construction markets, record year-end order book and 1.1billion investments portfolio provide confidence in future cash generation. 'This underpins our new capital allocation framework, which demonstrates Balfour Beatty's commitment to deliver enhanced returns to shareholders.' The business stated that all its sites are currently open and it is expecting underlying profits from its operations in 2021 will be broadly in line with 2019 before the pandemic hit. 'Both the UK and US governments are using the same imaginative 'Build Back Better' slogan, a prospect which clearly has Balfour salivating,' remarked Hargreaves Lansdown's William Ryder It hopes to benefit strongly from the UK's 640billion National Infrastructure Strategy (NIS) and noted 'there is strong bipartisan support for accelerated infrastructure investment' in the United States. Both the UK and US governments are using the same imaginative 'Build Back Better' slogan, a prospect which clearly has Balfour salivating,' remarked William Ryder, an equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. 'Higher government infrastructure spending will doubtless give the construction sector a boost, and it will be important for the group to make the most of it. 'In a best-case scenario, government demand is so strong that the industry's chronic pricing pressures get alleviated for a bit, which may even allow margins to fatten. 'It's been a tough year for Balfour, and a backdrop of infrastructure spending and government stimulus provides almost ideal conditions to stage a recovery. Now management just has to deliver.' Shares in Balfour Beatty closed trading 2.1 per cent lower at 285.8p today. Supreme Court sides with Christian student barred from preaching on Ga. college campus Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A former student at a Georgia college prohibited from preaching on campus can seek compensation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday. In an 8-1 decision in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski, the high court concluded that Chike Uzuegbunam can seek nominal damages from Georgia Gwinnett College. The opinion reversed a decision from the 11th U.S. Court of Appeals and remanded the case for additional proceedings following the Supreme Court opinion's reasoning. Justice Clarence Thomas authored the majority opinion and. Justices Samuel Alito, Stephen Breyer, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh and Sonia Sotomayor also sided with the majority. For purposes of this appeal, it is undisputed that Uzuegbunam experienced a completed violation of his constitutional rights when respondents enforced their speech policies against him, concluded Thomas. Because every violation [of a right] imports damage nominal damages can redress Uzuegbunams injury even if he cannot or chooses not to quantify that harm in economic terms. Chief Justice John Roberts authored a dissent opinion, arguing that Uzuegbunam and fellow plaintiff Joseph Bradford have many problems with their litigation. Roberts said those problems include the fact that they have graduated, the policies of the college were changed and the petitioners have not alleged actual damages. In the Courts view, nominal damages can save a case from mootness because any amount of money no matter how trivial can redress a past injury, wrote Roberts. But an award of nominal damages does not alleviate the harms suffered by a plaintiff, and is not intended to. If nominal damages can preserve a live controversy, then federal courts will be required to give advisory opinions whenever a plaintiff tacks on a request for a dollar. An evangelical Christian, Uzuegbunam was restricted in 2016 by school officials from preaching and handing out literature at an outdoor plaza on the public college's campus. He was told that student free speech exercises were restricted to two areas of the college's campus. He later reserved a designated free speech zone so he could distribute religious literature and speak about his beliefs. But he was approached by campus police and asked to stop because the police had received "some calls" about his preaching. The student was informed that the free speech zone was not reserved for "open-air speaking" and he was in violation of the "Student Code of Conduct." Uzuegbunam pursued legal action against Gwinnett, with fellow student Bradford joining the litigation because the restrictions hindered him from preaching on campus. Although the school changed its policy on free speech and expression since stopping Uzuegbunam from preaching, they refused to accept a penalty for their past actions. In July 2019, a three-judge 11th Circuit panel issued a per curiam decision against the students, affirming an earlier lower court decision labeling the case moot. Represented by Kristen Waggoner of the Alliance Defending Freedom, the students appealed to the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments in January. During the arguments, Waggoner argued that the students lost forever the chance to get those days back and speak their message to their peers. The Supreme Court has rightly affirmed that government officials should be held accountable for the injuries they cause. When public officials violate constitutional rights, it causes serious harm to the victims," Waggoner said in a statement Monday. "Groups representing diverse ideological viewpoints supported our clients because the threat to our constitutionally protected freedoms doesnt stop with free speech rights or a college campus." Waggoner contended during the oral arguments English and U.S. courts have for centuries "awarded nominal damages when no future threat exists, even after a plaintiff waives compensatory damages. "Officials within our public institutions shouldnt get a free pass for violating constitutional rights on campus or anywhere else," she added. "When such officials engage in misconduct but face no consequences, it leaves victims without recourse, undermines the nations commitment to protecting constitutional rights, and emboldens the government to engage in future violations. We are pleased that the Supreme Court weighed in on the side of justice for those victims. Andrew Pinson, representing the college, said at oral arguments that nominal damages can't serve as independent redress for purely past injuries, like those experienced by the students. Petitioners haven't cited a single common law case that decided the merits of a legal claim where a plaintiff had sought only nominal damages and awarding them couldn't affect the plaintiff's ongoing legal rights or interests, Pinson said at the time. Without a working theory for how nominal damages can actually redress past injuries or historical evidence for that claim, the conclusion has to be that they aren't retrospective relief that saves the case from mootness when there's no longer a threat of continuing injury. Washington, March 10 : The US is committed to reviewing the former administration's designation of Cuba as "State Sponsor of Terrorism", the White House said. "We are committed to carefully reviewing policy decisions made in the prior administration, including the decision to designate Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at a briefing on Tuesday. But she also noted that "a Cuba policy shift is not currently among President (Joe) Biden's top priorities", reports Xinhua news agency. Former President Donald Trump on January 11 added Cuba to the list of "State Sponsor of Terrorism" for "repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbour to terrorists". The designation resulted in sanctions that penalise persons and countries engaging in certain trade with Cuba; restricts US foreign assistance; ban defence exports and sales; and impose certain controls on exports of dual-use items. Democrats blasted the action, which came nine days before Trump's exit from the White House, as a "blatantly politicised designation". Cuba had been placed on the list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1982. In March 2016, Barack Obama became the first sitting US President to visit Cuba since 1928 following the warming of bilateral relations that began in December 2014, ending a 54-year stretch of hostility. But tensions between Cuba and the US worsened after Trump took office in 2014. The Trump administration has increased the trade embargo, first imposed in 1962, which has banned American flights to Cuban cities except Havana; barred cruise ships and yachts from visiting the island; and limited remittances Cuban-Americans send to their families on the island. Washington also re-instated Cuba into a list of countries that "do not fully cooperate with the US counter-terrorism efforts". The decision prohibits the sale or license for the export of defence articles and services to the nations contained in the blacklist. You are here: China The presidium of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held its second meeting Tuesday. The meeting decided to submit multiple documents to lawmakers for deliberation. The documents include the draft resolutions on the government work report, the 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 report on the implementation of the 2020 plan and on the 2021 draft plan for national economic and social development, and the budget report. The documents also include draft decisions on amending the organic law and procedural rules of the NPC, and a revised draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Li Zhanshu, an executive chairman of the presidium, presided over the meeting. The presidium's executive chairpersons met before the meeting to prepare the documents. PHILADELPHIA, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tens of thousands of duped Porsche car and SUV owners in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., who are now blocked from selling their non-compliant, excessively polluting, high-performance models due to a highly unusual, November 2020 manufacturer "stop sale order", may be eligible for compensation as a result of a federal class action lawsuit filed against Porsche. The filing (Bruce C. Turner v. Porsche North America et al., United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 2:21-cv-00914) includes at least, five different car and SUV models (the initial 911 and Panamera with Sport Chrono, plus Boxster, Cayenne, and Cayman, all with Sport Chrono packages) for production years in question from 2008-2013 in the two models to cover 2012-2016 across the five. Mr. Turner, the plaintiff, is the owner of a 2015 Boxster coupe and a 2016 Cayman, both of which are equipped with the Sport Chrono performance package. According to the complaint, Porsche revealed to its dealership network in November 2020 that when the Sport Chrono package is in use on certain vehicles, they can emit more Nitrogen oxides than what is legally permitted by federal standards. Porsche instructed its dealerships to immediately stop selling these vehicles until it can figure out how to fix the problem. Numerous owners, including Mr. Turner, were completely unaware of the issue, that it created adverse environmental impacts, and has now made it impossible for them to sell their vehicles through Porsche's highly touted "internal" re-sale network. In fact, Mr. Turner over the past year was told by his dealer that due to the company- imposed "Stop Sale Order" it would not purchase his vehicles, states the complaint. "Porsche's Stop Sale Order has indefinitely foreclosed the market for and significantly devalued Plaintiff's and the Class' Class Vehicles and resulted in lost sales opportunities," according to the lawsuit. The Plaintiff and proposed class are represented by Philadelphia based, Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C., (www.smbb.com), along with co-counsel Gustafson Gluek (https://gustafsongluek.com/), Fine Kaplan & Black (http://www.finekaplan.com), and Boni Zach & Snyder (https://bonizack.com). The Complaint seeks, among other relief, treble damages for violations of Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The complaint notes that Porsche and its parent company, Volkswagen Group, have a checkered history of successfully cheating industry regulators until their corrupt acts were exposed. While best known for its infamous emissions test-cheating scandal that resulted in VW paying $14.7 billion to settle civil claims - this latest episode is the first focused on the auto maker's gasoline engines. Prospective class members can contact the legal team at [email protected] for a no-cost and no-obligation consultation. SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C. 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Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The coronavirus pandemic has stigmatized and stranded migrants who should be vaccinated promptly and valued as essential contributors to the regions economic recovery, a senior United Nations official said Wednesday as an international conference on migration opened in Bangkok. The Asia-Pacifics migrant work force which comprises 40 percent of the worlds migrants symbolizes the regions dynamism, said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, a U.N. undersecretary-general and executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The effects [of the pandemic] on migrants have been devastating. They have lost jobs and livelihoods, Armida said in a speech to open the three-day intergovernmental meeting here. They have been stranded by closed borders. They have been forcibly returned to countries of origins and have faced discrimination, stigma and xenophobia. Migrants faced all these problems even as they were more susceptible to being infected by COVID-19 because of the kind of work they do, Armida added. Migrants will be crucial to the long-term recovery of countries and their contribution to our society must be recognized and valued. They must be included in vaccination programs because we are only safe when everyone is safe, she said. In Thailand and its neighbors, shutting the borders was the main method of controlling the pandemic, but poor messaging implied that the migrant community was a threat to public health, Don Pramudwinai, Thailands foreign minister, said in a speech at the forum. Cross-border movement was halted and when the challenges in migrants began in earnest. In fact, this pandemic has increased their vulnerability, especially the obstacle to access health care and social security, Don said. Worse still, misinformation and insensitive messaging in some cases have cast migrants as a threat to public health and security. This must be rectified. In December, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and health officials had said that foreign workers who entered the country illicitly were the likely source of a record outbreak of coronavirus cases detected then at the countrys largest seafood market complex. The complex in Samut Sakhon province near Bangkok is staffed mostly by hundreds of migrants from Myanmar, many of whom were found infected with COVID-19. Thailand hosts some 2.2 million legal migrant workers. BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, contacted Samut Sakhon health officials to find out whether, and how many, migrants had been inoculated against coronavirus since vaccinations began in late February, but they did not have that information. As of Wednesday, some 70,000 doses of the two-dose Sinovac vaccine have been sent to the province, and 33,621 people there have been administered the jab, officials said. The meeting in Bangkok, which goes through Friday, aims to review progress made and identify challenges in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-legally binding intergovernmental agreement struck in 2018 under the auspices of the United Nations, organizers said. The compact is the first-ever U.N. global agreement on a common approach to international migration. It aims to ensure that migrants have sustainable livelihoods, are provided basic services and are not discriminated against. In 2019 alone, there were almost 65 million international migrants in the region, according to ESCAP. Thailand is a regional magnet for migrants who come from neighboring countries including Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. Thailands next-door neighbor to the south, Malaysia, attracts large numbers of migrants from Bangladesh and Indonesia. Burmese migrants enter Thailand Thai authorities, meanwhile on Wednesday, defended their decision to block eight people from Myanmar from entering Thailand this week, saying they were being illegally smuggled across the border and that three showed signs of fever, which is a symptom of the coronavirus disease. With regard to the incident, officials found them illegally entering the country without medical screening, therefore, the officials enacted disease prevention measures and deported them to where they were from, Col. Sirichan Ngathong, the Thai armys deputy spokeswoman, told BenarNews via text message. We do the same at all border fronts to prevent COVID spread. According to a statement from Human Rights Watch on Wednesday, Thai authorities intercepted eight Burmese as they were crossing from Myanmars Tachileik district into Thailands Chiang Saen district in Chiang Rai province. HRW did not say the eight Burmese nationals were asylum seekers, but noted that Thai authorities did not verify whether anyone in the group was fleeing the ongoing violence in Myanmar after last months military coup. Thai authorities have closed land borders with Myanmar and other neighboring countries, HRW said, citing the countrys pandemic response. However, this policy violates international refugee laws nonrefoulement principle, which provides that no one should be returned to a country where they are likely to face persecution, torture, or other serious harm, even during a pandemic. HRW said that Thai media reported that the government had set up facilities along the border to accommodate asylum seekers from Myanmar, but that these facilities were empty. The Thai Ministry of Foreign affairs responded to that claim, saying there had been no sign of asylum seekers from Myanmar entering the country. To date, there is no indication of any large groups seeking asylum across the border in relation to recent developments in Myanmar, Tanee Sangrat, a spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters on Wednesday. Rest assured that preparations are being made in terms of different scenarios that would warrant a closer look at the reasons for fleeing over the Myanmar border, as we have always done in the past, according to our humanitarian tradition, Tanee said. Our security agencies are monitoring the situation closely and preparing accordingly. For more than 30 years, Thailand has maintained nine temporary shelters for Burmese that currently host 90,000 displaced from the country, he said, adding this is a solid testament to that and our resolve to offer solace to displaced persons in need. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. An entrepreneur and visionary, Elon Musk almost never plays things safe. Each of his projects is a piece of something bigger. Now, the billionaire is building a mega power plant in Texas very close to the Gulf of Mexico seemingly as a result of a follower's tweet. Last week, Musk reported on Twitter that he is creating his own city that he will call Starbase. It will be located in Texas, near the SpaceX, Musk's spacecraft company. It will also house Starlink (Musk's satellite internet system) and Tesla's electric vehicle facilities. According to Bloomberg, Tesla subsidiary Gambit Energy Storage is assembling the megabattery in Angleton, a city of 20,000 south of Houston. When ready, the power plant could provide 100MW of electricity to about 20,000 homes. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) assured that the site will begin operating in early June, the same outlet said. The tweet that inspired Musk's megadrum in Texas The entrepreneur already has some experience in the field of energy supply. In 2017, he built a 100MWh battery farm in South Australia. Then, last February, when much of Texas and northern Mexico were without power as a result of the weather, a Twitter user asked Musk if it would be possible to set up a battery plant, similar to the Australian one, in the Lone Star State. The businessman, who has the gift of making even the wildest projects seem easy, answered with a certain "yes." And it is - Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 18, 2021 Musk has a budget for the megabattery and more Yesterday, the Tesla CEO reportedly lost about $27 billion in a week, due to the plunge in shares of his auto company, alongside other reasons. His fortune came to $151.1 billion, leaving him in third place in the Forbes billionaires ranking. However, today, Musk's fortune seems to have reversed because, as of this writing, he has recovered about $16.5 billion, as well as the title of the second richest person in the world. We'll pay attention to any developments in the stock market to see if Musk maintains his position or continues to see ups and downs in his fortune. Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Considering the growing rate of environmental degradation, governments around the world are offering tax concessions and purchase subsidies on electric vehicles (EV). As a result, the global electric scooter and motorcycle market size will increase from $5,913.9 million in 2019 to $10,529.7 million by 2025, at a 14.4% CAGR between 2020 and 2025, according to the market research study published by P&S Intelligence. Since these automobiles do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE), they are gaining widespread public support. These supportive measures are key for the growth of the electric scooter and motorcycle market, as these vehicles are presently more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Therefore, making them cost-effective is imperative to increase their adoption among the masses, especially in developing countries, such as India and China. Key Findings of Global Electric Scooter and Motorcycle Market Report Demand for electric motorcycles to rise faster than for scooters Financial support important for market growth Last-mile delivery and ride-hailing services key opportunity areas Electric two-wheelers being increasingly bought via online channels Automakers launching new electric two-wheeler models Europe most-lucrative region for market players Get the sample copy of this report at @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/electric-scooter-and-motorcycle-market/report-sample During the COVID-19 pandemic, the electric scooter and motorcycle market has been affected negatively, as the lockdowns and restrictions on non-essential movement have led to low or no production of automobiles around the world. Moreover, with the widespread economic distress because of salary cuts and unemployment, people are not spending on unimportant things, such as automobiles. In the coming years, the scooter bifurcation is expected to continue dominating the electric scooter and motorcycle market, on the basis of product. Scooters are already cheaper than motorcycles, and more models of the former are available in the market. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) bifurcation will witness the higher value CAGR in the electric scooter and motorcycle market, of 23.2%, based on battery type, in the near future. Compared to a sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery, Li-ion variants can carry more charge, therefore offer a longer driving range. In addition, these batteries are lightweight, smaller, and safe to dispose of, and they are also witnessing a fall in their prices. Browse detailed report with COVID-19 impact analysis on Electric Scooter and Motorcycle Market Research Report: By Product (Scooter, Motorcycle), Battery Type (SLA, Li-ion), Voltage (36 V, 48 V, 60 V), Technology (Plug-in, Battery) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2025 @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/electric-scooter-and-motorcycle-market In the past, the 48 V category held the largest share in the electric scooter and motorcycle market, under segmentation by voltage. Compared to two-wheelers with batteries of other voltage ratings, those with 48-V batteries offer the highest benefit relative to their cost, which leads to the strongest preference for them. Plug-in has been the larger category under the technology segment of the electric scooter and motorcycle market till now. Such two-wheelers are cost-effective and easy to charge, requiring to be simply plugged into a domestic electricity socket. Asia-Pacific (APAC) is the most-productive electric scooter and motorcycle market, on account of the rising per capita income, rapid urbanization, and strong government support for EVs. In the years to come, the fastest growth in the market is projected to be witnessed by Europe, due to the rising environmental concerns forcing the regional governments to focus on a carbon-free economy. Make enquiry about this report at @ https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=electric-scooter-and-motorcycle-market Major players in the global electric scooter and motorcycle market are Yadea Technology Group Co. Ltd., Zero Motorcycles Inc., BMW AG, Terra Motors Co. Ltd., AIMA Technology Group Co. Ltd., GOVECS Group, Energica Motor Company S.p.A., Mahindra GenZe, Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., Vmoto Ltd., TORROT ELECTRIC EUROPA S.A., Gogoro Inc., Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd., Niu Technologies, unu GmbH, Askoll EVA SpA, cutum Logistic S.L., Lightning Motors Corp., and Piaggio & C. SpA. Browse Other Related Reports North America Electric Scooters and Motorcycles Market - https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/north-america-electric-scooters-and-motorcycles-market Asia-Pacific Electric Scooters and Motorcycles Market - https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/apac-electric-scooters-and-motorcycles-market About P&S Intelligence P&S Intelligence is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. Contact: Prajneesh Kumar P&S Intelligence Contact: +1-347-960-6455 Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.psmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1224988/P_and_S_Intelligence_Logo.jpg The organised labour in Nigeria, a coalition of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and other groups have expressed dissent over the plans to remove minimum wage from the exclusive bill by the National Assembly. Leaders of the Lagos Chapter of TUC and NLC said they are ready for war and would shut down the country, if the National Assembly does not rescind the plan to remove minimum wage from the exclusive bill. As organised labour, we are ready to resist that bill, shut down the National assembly and if need be, shut down the entire nation for this course. This is what we are saying in clear terms, unequivocally and we are not mincing words, Gbenga Ekundayo, state Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) said. Mr Ekundayo said the country should prepare for a mega strike and intense protests if representatives of the National Assembly refuse to the needful. The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sessi, said the bill to remove minimum wage from the exclusive list was sponsored by Mohammed Dati, a senator from the northern region, and the organised Labour will do everything to resist it. The organised sectors have been talking about jaw jaw and not war war, but with that bill, if the National Assembly members do not do the needful and just step it down, this will be the beginning of the war. We are sitting on the keg of gunpowder in Nigeria. People are hungry, people are tired, people are angry. They are taking all the rights and privileges from us, flaunt wealth in our faces, throw our money around and corruptly enriching themselves and their children. We are ready for war, she said. Mrs Sessi said what the country witnessed during the #EndSARS protests is a childs play compared to what will happen if the sponsored bill progresses. The Protest Hundreds of Nigerian workers on Wednesday held a nationwide protest in different states resisting the proposed removal of the minimum wage, hike in fuel and electricity prices, high rate of unemployment, amongst others. In Lagos, workers from different associations assembled at the Lagos State House of Assembly chanting solidarity songs and calling for the reversal of the proposed removal of minimum wage from the exclusive bill. Leaders of the labour organisations presented their grievances and demands to members of the Lagos State House of Assembly that came to receive them. The leader of TUC in Lagos, Mr Ekundayo, said the bill reveals the backward thinking of many of the leaders representing Nigerians at the National Assembly. We expect our representatives, our leaders to have foresight. We expect them to think ahead and be creative, we do not expect them to come with tools to kill impoverish Nigerians. The implication of what they are trying to do is down the line, all of us might not be able to manage what we will see because even now that we have a minimum wage of N30, 000, we have not been able to follow through, many people are suffering, Mr Ekundayo said. He said by the time the minimum wage is removed from the exclusive list to the concurrent list, private employers will be at liberty to do what they like. Instead of bringing obnoxious bills like these, leaders should become creative and that is what we demand of them, he added. Mrs Sessi, the Chairperson of NLC, Lagos Chapter, said any bill sponsored to remove food from Nigerians table is cruel. That senator, (Mohammed Dati), is a wicked man and people from his constituency should start the process of recalling him. ADVERTISEMENT He is a very shameless and unpatriotic Nigerian for what he has done. We hate the bill he has sponsored, we want to state it categorically that they have pushed us to the wall, the masses and the workers. We will resist them with the last drop of blood in our body. We are beggining to be fed up in this country, what we saw during the #EndSARS is going to be like a childs play if this bill goes on and those we call our leaders decide to see it to the third reading, Mrs Sessi said. She added that workers in Nigeria have the right to a living wage, and the current minimum wage does not reflect that because it is a starvation wage. We will resist the wicked, unpopular, and death policy with all the blood in our veins, she said. Many workers who marched to the statehouse on Wednesday expressed how the minimum wage is not enough to feed a man for a month, not to say a man with a family. Electricity bill is on the rise, house rent has doubled, naira has no value, yet, these people are still against N30, 000 minimum wage for a man who has four children to feed. This is the height of wickedness, this country should be ready for war, a worker, Olugbenga Olumide said. Some members of the Lagos House of Assembly, who represented the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, said the demands of the workers have been received and will be communicated accordingly. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Switzerland said on Tuesday it had bought an additional three million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, doubling the number on order to six million. "The extra doses will be delivered in stages from April onwards," the health ministry said in a statement, adding that it hoped to inoculate every adult over the coming months. The wealthy Alpine country of 8.6 million people has struck deals with several firms for almost 36 million dosesmore than enough to vaccinate the entire population twice over. "The idea behind procuring vaccines from different manufacturers is to make sure that sufficient doses of an approved vaccine are available to the public even if there are delivery problems," the health ministry said. If everything goes to plan, everyone who wants a jab will have had one by the summer, the statement said. So far, only the Pfizer jab and one made by US firm Moderna have been cleared by regulators. Switzerland has already taken delivery of 1.2 million vaccine doses in total and administered nearly 950,000, with more than 330,000 people now fully vaccinated having received their second dose. The government expects available vaccine doses to "increase sharply" over the next three months. Switzerland has also bought into the Covax scheme, which should eventually ensure a stream of vaccines for up to 20 percent of the population. Switzerland was relatively quick off the mark with the COVID-19 jabs rollout, beginning in late December. More than 560,000 COVID-19 cases and over 9,300 deaths have been recorded in Switzerland. The country plans to lift in stages the restrictions imposed to control the spread of the virus. A second wave of easing the restrictions is scheduled for March 22, when the government hopes to allow the opening of outdoor areas at restaurants and change the requirement to work from home. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP ADAMS A site in Adams long associated with industry could get back into manufacturing as a cultivation center and retail outlet for cannabis. The Adams Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday granted a variance for New Train LLC, a fledgling marijuana grower owned by a Cheshire couple, to use the former Burke Construction headquarters to grow and sell cannabis. The application was approved, despite objections from an attorney representing an abutter, SNP Holdings. The variance was needed because the property, at 6 Renfrew St., is in the towns Industrial Park zone. The variance allows an industrial use for the cannabis cultivation. The decision faces an appeal period. If it stands, the variance is a victory for property owner John Burke, who has tried for five years to sell the 6 Renfrew St. property, and a step forward for Ian Purkayastha and Jane Lowe of New Train. The property is located across Renfrew Street from a 7-Eleven at the Route 8 roundabout north of Adams center. Purkayastha said he plans to seek a license from the state Cannabis Control Commission. The project also must win other local approvals. The couple cites a background in botany and business and aims to establish a quality cannabis cultivation facility and retail dispensary while preserving the historic and scenic beauty of the frontage buildings and surrounding grounds. Ian and John.jpg Ian Purkayastha, left, is a co-owner of New Train LLC, which proposes to cultivate and sell cannabis at 6 Renfrew St. in Adams. John Burke, ri New Train says that it expects to create 20 to 25 jobs, take in $15 million in yearly revenues and bring considerable tax revenues to the town. As a cannabis company in Massachusetts, the business would charge customers special taxes, including a 3 percent levy that is paid to the municipality. Dennis G. Egan Jr., an attorney representing SNP Holdings, urged the ZBA to reject the application, arguing that it failed to meet tests that guide granting variances. None of the arguments put forward by the applicant meet that standard, he said. By definition, it fails the test. Joseph Colonna, an attorney for the applicants, lobbied for the variance, noting that one of the tests the proposal needed to meet that of hardship could be seen in Burkes long and unsuccessful effort to sell the property, due, in part, to the unique shape of the lot, just west of a rail line and east of Route 8. I dont think there is a detriment if the variance is granted, Colonna said, addressing one of the tests the proposal needed to clear with the ZBA. It couldnt be better for public access to that site. Burke told the board he had invested $1.3 million in the property and has been unable to sell it, despite listing it for less than $1 million. He said that long after one of his buildings went up in 1880, the property was included in the Industrial Park zone. My property was just lumped into the Arnold Print Works property, he said. Town Administrator Jay Green dropped by the ZBA session to brief members on the propertys history and confirm that the panel held the authority to grant a variance. Green said he has been working with Burke to find a new commercial use for the property. Johns had quite a bit of time marketing that property, Green told the board. Hes done due diligence trying to put it on the market. After closing the session to public comments, board members took up the three tests that the application faced: that the property faced a substantial hardship without a variance, that the propertys soil, shape or topography posed a burden and that the activity allowed by a variance would not prove detrimental. The boards members decided that the New Train project satisfied all three tests. In a letter to the ZBA, Purkayastha and Lowe said they had split their time between New York City and Cheshire for the past five years. But, after the coronavirus pandemic hit, they moved full time to Cheshire. [March 09, 2021] FICO Survey: 71% of Hong Kongers Prefer to Use Digital Channels to Engage with their Bank During Financial Hardship HONG KONG, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlights: 71 percent of Hong Kong consumers prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. 44 percent of Hong Kongers prefer to communicate via their mobile banking app; 14 percent use internet banking. prefer to communicate via their mobile banking app; use internet banking. 40 percent of Hong Kongers prefer to deal with just one primary bank with a further 34 percent saying that they 'somewhat agreed' this was their preference. A recent survey by global analytics software firm FICO has revealed that 71 percent of Hong Kong consumers prefer to use digital channels to engage with their bank during financial hardship. The poll conducted in December 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates the willingness of consumers to embrace digital banking and the opportunities that exist for banks to further develop their offering. More information: https://www.fico.com/en/latest-thinking/market-research/advancing-new-experiences-digital-banking The high level of high-speed internet penetration in Hong Kong meant that 33 percent of Hong Kongers preferred to communicate about hardship via internet banking; 17 percent preferred telebanking; 16 percent used their mobile banking app; 4 percent communicated via email and 1 percent wanted to use virtual conference technology. "The risk of infection and social distancing requirements made branch visits less appealing last year, accelerating a shift to digital banking channels globally," said Aashish Sharma, risk lifecycle and decision management lead for FICO in Asia Pacific. "Being able to deliver and manage numerous channels in line with customer preference and deliver a seamless and engaging experience is a challenge that is here to stay. Investment in customer management and communication tools that span these channels and product silos and can deliver personalization and improved decision making is key to making digital banking a success." Customer attitudes to new technology from banks such as debt collection automation can yield some interesting preferences and behaviors. "It is worh noting that during periods of hardship, some customers prefer to deal with the issue using intelligent, automated online services, such as our FICO Customer Communication Services (CCS) so as to avoid the embarrassment of talking to an agent about outstanding loans. If customers prefer digital channels during times of hardship, their most difficult time, it seems to me we can expect branch banking to continue its decline," explained Sharma. Importance of maintaining banking relationships Banks still have a data and relationship advantage when compared to fintech challengers. The survey revealed that across Asia Pacific, one in three consumers preferred to have all their banking needs serviced by one bank. In Hong Kong this was lower at 19 percent, with a further 54 percent saying that they 'somewhat agreed' they would like to deal with just one primary bank. "Managing multiple bank accounts or finance products with different lenders can often be a complex, time-consuming and costly process for the average banking customer," said Sharma. "Digital banking users today are looking for greater control and visibility of their financial position." When asked about their willingness to try a fintech or challenger bank, 14 percent of Hong Kongers said that they were inclined to consider a competitor with a further 45 percent relatively open to the idea. "To consolidate and strengthen main bank engagement, lenders need to offer digital banking features that compete with the challengers to ensure the stickiness and viability of long-term customer relationships," added Sharma. Most appealing reasons to switch banks When asked about the reasons they would make the switch to a competitor, 26 percent of Hong Kong consumers said their number one reason would be to secure improved personalization and controls in their digital banking service. The poll defined this as the ability to view transaction history, update personal details, reset passwords and other such functions. Interestingly, personalization and control was also the top reason for switching across Asia Pacific (31%). Other top switching drivers across Asia Pacific were; the ability to control a payment card (set transaction limits, lock/unlock); the ability to set up recurring payments; and improved security features such as biometrics and two-factor authentication. FICO's Advancing New Experiences in Digital Banking survey was conducted in December 2020 using an online, quantitative poll of 5,000 consumers across ten countries and regions carried out on behalf of FICO by an independent research company. The countries and regions surveyed were Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956 and based in Silicon Valley, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 195 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 120 countries do everything from protecting 2.6 billion payment cards from fraud, to helping people get credit, to ensuring that millions of airplanes and rental cars are in the right place at the right time. Learn more at www.fico.com. Join the conversation on Twitter at @FICOnews_APAC. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the US and other countries Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1452526/FICO_Advancing_New_Experiences_in_Digital_Banking_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/450763/FICO_Logo.jpg SOURCE FICO [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Geneva, Mar 10 (UNI) The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that efforts to ensure fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines would fail unless a deadly gap in global immunization policy and funding was filled quickly. In a press statement, the organization said "Much of the focus of governments and other donors has been on procuring and distributing vaccines between countries, including via the COVAX facility. While the procurement and international distribution of vaccines is crucial, too little thought is being given to how those vaccines will be distributed within countries, including how isolated and hard-to-reach communities will be included in immunization campaigns," IFRC President Francesco Rocca, said: Efforts to procure and distribute vaccines between governments are clearly crucial and must be supported fully by donors. However, it is not enough just to focus on this side of the equation. Initiatives like COVAX ensure that vaccines will reach the tarmacs of airports in the capital cities of participating countries. They are inarguably important." Rocca said that the efforts needed to be complemented by initiatives designed to get the vaccines off the tarmac and out into the arms of everyone who needs them. In order to fill the gap, the IFRC last month launched a 100 million Swiss franc ($107.8 million) plan designed to support the vaccination of 500 million people, but support for the plan is yet to materialize, with only about 3 percent of required funding received so far. Our plan focuses on ensuring that, once received, vaccines reach those who need them most. This involves a range of important actions, including efforts to counteract vaccine hesitancy and to build community trust in vaccines. It also involves our teams going out and identifying high-risk individuals who might, for any number of cultural, linguistic or social reasons, be invisible to authorities," Rocca said. Rocca pointed out the work of the organization "National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are already working with governments to vaccinate at-risk and isolated communities. For example, in Brazil, Red Cross volunteers and staff are vaccinating extremely isolated communities in the Amazon. In the Maldives, the Red Crescent has supported the vaccination of unregistered migrants, while similar efforts are underway in Greece and in the Czech Republic," the IFRC said. Rocca stressed the need of urgent funding Our message today is simple: we need urgent funding so that we can continue and expand vaccination efforts into all communities. Without this funding, a gap will remain between the vaccines that will ultimately end this pandemic, and some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in the world. Such a gap means that the virus will continue to circulate and mutate, and that people will continue to get sick and die," the IFRC president said. UNI XC RKM Amid a crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by Beijing, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) recently withdrew recognition for the student union, known as Syzygia, shortly after it elected its new leadership committee. After some consideration, the union disbanded. Former committee member Issac Lam spoke to RFA in a recent interview about his shock at the announcement, given that university leaders and faculty had previously been supportive of the union: The atmosphere was very harmonious at the time, and the senior management seemed to be looking forward to working with us in the coming year. The dean of students, Raymond Chan, patted all of the Syzygia committee members on the should and congratulated them on their strong counts at the ballot box. The whole thing was very silly, especially given that vice chancellor Rocky Tuan had accepting before, and had vowed in a media interview not to give up on young people. They were saying very different things to us, and to other [people]. They were actually asking other student representatives if they could help to disqualify Syzygia ... but to our faces they were just saying in meetings with us that they wanted to minimize any turbulence. Political tensions are very high on Hong Kong campuses right now. CUHK reported a graduation-day protest to police, and they have been expelling more and more students who took part in civil disobedience. They have also set up networks of surveillance cameras all across campus. I believe that these closed-circuit televisions are not only being used by CUHK, but may also be being used by organizations off campus. They are monitoring our thoughts and behavior, which is chilling. All we wanted was to work with management to improve the environment of CUHK. In the end, we became their enemies and victims of a political game. The so-called adult world turned out to be so ugly and sinister. We didn't think about it. We just elected our student union leaders, and went online to talk about our ideas. It was peaceful and rational. But we were being followed and secretly photographed. So that's what this has come to: the use of the machinery of state [against us]. We spent many nights and all night debating [whether to disband]. Whether we could find another way, or take legal action. The decision we made will affect not just Syzygia, but the entire future of the CUHK student union and the entire academic community. We couldn't take this decision lightly. In the end, we all felt guilty and ashamed for disbanding. We would just like to say thank you [for all of the public support] and to apologize. [Our hopes and goals] have all come to nothing. Reported by Cheng Yut Yiu for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. (ANSA) - ROME, MAR 10 - Italy will get over half a million more COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of March under a new European Union scheme, premier's office sources said after reports of new delays and shortfalls Monday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has negotiated the acquisition of a further four million doses from producers including BioNTech-Pfizer, the sources said, above and beyond what was already envisaged by the first quarter delivery programme. "For Italy that amounts to an additional quota of 532,000 doses which will be delivered in the last two weeks of March," the sources said. They said these additional shots would "help tackle the emergence of new contagions and variants". Italian drugs agency AIFA, meanwhile, said that a higher number of doses should be got from each phial of vaccine. And Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said Italy must guard against infiltration of the vaccine business by criminal groups. (ANSA). NSU swim coach Monanian moving on after four seasons Monanian moves on to Purdue after accepting an assistant position at their program. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. St. Patricks Day, March 17, is a day to celebrate all things Irish, so why not include a movie. Here are five options, some authentically Irish while others are more in the spirit of a Kiss me, Im Irish T-shirt or a mug of green beer: Barry Lyndon: With vast landscapes, Oscar-winning costumes and grand, candlelit rooms that look like romantic paintings, Stanley Kubricks 1975 period drama has been called the most beautiful movie ever made. The title character its not right to call him a hero is played by Ryan ONeil, whos handsome enough to fit into those landscapes, though his character is generally indifferent to anything except his own comfort. Hes an Irish commoner who believes he should be a gentleman and, once he survives the Anglo-French War, becomes one for a time through chance, deceit and charm. That hes unable to either enjoy or preserve his good fortune makes the movie as melancholy as it is magnificent. Where to watch: Streaming on HBO Max. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio is the star of Cloak & Dagger The Guard: Brendan Gleeson is a small-town Irish cop, corrupt up to a point, tasked with helping an FBI agent (Don Cheedle) make a drug bust in this 2011 movie, which should be better known. Like Beverly Hills Cop, its a fish-out-of-water tale, though theres less action and a lot more talk. Thats fine. The dialogue is profane, funny and surprisingly high-minded: The drug traffickers debate philosophy and the cop discusses Russian literature with his ma (hes partial to Gogol). Where to watch: Streaming on Starz; available to rent on Amazon Prime. Leap Year: Amy Adams is a drama queen, with six Oscar nominations for serious films such as The Master and American Hustle. She can do comedy, too. See the fab musical Enchanted or this rom-com, about a woman who travels to Ireland to make a leap-day marriage proposal to the wealthy boyfriend who so far has failed to propose to her. She hires a gruff but handsome barman (Matthew Goode, A Discovery of Witches) to drive her from Dingle to Dublin, a trip extended just long enough by a few mishaps for them to fall in love. Where to watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime. Leprechaun: This 1993 horror movie is magically repugnant. Warwick Davis, under loads of makeup, plays the title imp, who goes to great and gory lengths to get back a pot of gold that was taken from him. One of his intended victims is played by Jennifer Aniston, who had starred in a couple of short-lived TV series; she would return to TV and have some success. As movie monsters go, the Leprechaun isnt so much scary as he is fatally annoying, like a bad house guest who bites. And like a bad house guest, he doesnt leave there are seven sequels, including Leprechaun 4: In Space and Leprechaun in the Hood. Where to watch: Streaming on Peacock. Once: Guy meets girl is such a simple story that we dont even need names. He (Glen Hansard) is a lonely Dublin busker who sings Van Morrison songs for tips during the day and his own songs at night. She (Marketa Irglova) is an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who plays piano and likes those original songs. When the guy and girl start making music together, they are literally charming. Songs such Falling Slowly and When Your Minds Made Up say the things they cant, and everything falls into place the bank loan, the Thin Lizzy cover band so they can capture those songs. Real life finally breaks the spell for both, but the music is magic while it lasts. Streaming on HBO Max. jkiest@express-news.net Friends of Meghan Markle say she has no regrets about the bombshell Oprah interview and that the royal family should be 'relieved' that she didn't go into more detail about what went on behind palace doors. An insider with close ties to Meghan tells DailyMail.com exclusively, '[Meghan] said she has absolutely no regrets about what was said during the interview and that speaking with Oprah was both cathartic and transformative - the best decision she ever made, other than marrying Harry. 'Meghan said the Royal institution should be relieved that she didn't name names or go into even more details of what went on behind closed doors. She said she stands by her truth and that ultimately everyone involved wins because it's now all out in the open and from there the healing can begin.' Meghan and Harry's allegation a senior royal asked Harry how 'dark' Archie's skin would be is among the most damaging to the royals - but the couple refused to reveal who said it in order to protect them. Friends of Meghan Markle say she has no regrets about the bombshell Oprah interview and she 'couldn't be happier with the end result' The insider said, 'Meghan said the Royal institution should be relieved that she didn't name names or go into even more details of what went on behind closed doors' The source revealed to DailyMail.com, 'Meghan said waiting to share her story with the entire world seemed like an eternity and that she couldn't happier with the end result. 'Meghan said in order to preserve her well-being, especially now that she's pregnant, she will not expose herself to any toxic news stemming from the interview. She said she's moved on, but is open to communicating with anyone from the Royal family who wants to engage in a constructive conversation. 'Meghan credits her mom and Princess Diana for giving them (Meghan and Harry) the strength and courage to come forward and tell it like it is. She said it was especially nerve-wracking for Harry to show his vulnerability, and that she's incredibly proud of him. 'She added title or no title, Harry will always be her prince.' This comes as the Queen broke her silence Tuesday in a statement, saying 'while some recollections may vary' the 'whole family is saddened' to hear of the couple's 'challenging few years'. Her full statement read: 'The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. 'The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. 'Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.' It is understood the Queen waited until Tuesday to comment on the tell-all interview with Oprah so Britons had the chance to watch it first - but they are not expected to make any further comments. The Queen broke her silence on the interview Tuesday to say the couple and their son 'will always be much loved family members' The Queen also said 'while some recollections may vary' the 'whole family is saddened' to hear of the couple's 'challenging few years' In the Oprah interview, Charles was personally referenced by Prince Harry, who said he felt 'really let down' by his father after he allegedly refused to answer his calls during his time in Canada. Harry also claimed his family had cut him off financially and suggested the Queen had been badly advised and had canceled a meeting scheduled at Sandringham. Discussing his father, Harry said: 'I feel really let down because he's been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. I will always love him, but there's a lot of hurt that's happened. And I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship.' The Prince of Wales - who is said to be 'absolutely devastated' at Harry's claims he cut him off - spoke to medics, clerics and patients at Jesus House church near Brent Cross in London Tuesday. He was alone for that visit, although Camilla joined him later for trips to a vaccination center in Elephant and Castle, south London, and the headquarters of NHS England. Prince Charles wore a face mask as he toured Jesus House in Brent Cross, meeting NHS and church staff working on the vaccination pop-up clinic as well as community members due to receive their vaccine in his first outing since the bombshell interview Meghan also accused her sister-in-law Kate of making her cry; suggested senior royals plotted to ensure Archie would never have a title or adequate security; and said officials had failed to stand up for the couple against 'racist' commentary, while lying to protect other royals. Prince William seen driving through London Monday, a day after Meghan and Harry gave their shattering interview to Oprah Winfrey Meghan and Harry accused an unnamed Royal Family member of racism, suggesting the relative had asked 'how dark' their baby would be; said they had been driven out of Britain, in part, by racism; and accused the Palace machinery of failing to support a 'suicidal' Meghan. Meghan also accused her sister-in-law Kate of making her cry; suggested senior royals plotted to ensure Archie would never have a title or adequate security; and said officials had failed to stand up for the couple against 'racist' commentary, while lying to protect other royals. Harry has ruled out the Queen and Prince Philip as having made the comments about Archie but left other royals under suspicion. Charles is said to be 'deeply' concerned over the racism claims, with a source saying: 'It goes against everything the Prince of Wales believes in. He believes diversity is the strength of our society.' So determined is one young Buncrana man to mark St Patrick's Day, he is campaigning for Justice Minister Helen McEntee to change the Covid-19 legislation banning cavalcades. Adrian McMyler mooted the idea of a covid car parade through the seaside town to celebrate St Patrick's Day 2021 in a social media post which garnered considerable public support. Speaking to Donegal Live, Adrian said he was subsequently warned by An Garda Siochana, that, if the event went ahead, as the organiser, he could face prosecution. He was also told, anyone participating in the cavalcade could face prosecution too. Adrian, who is heavily involved in many community activities, including Buncrana Children's Charity and Buncrana GAA, is currently walking 100 Miles in March, in aid of the youth mental health charity Jigsaw. A disappointed but determined Adrian said: Last year, the whole country organised car parades on St Patricks Day and it was the safest event possible. Everyone stayed in their own car, in their own family bubbles. Nobody was allowed out of the cars. It was a peaceful, fun beep, which lasted half an hour maximum. It was a fantastic event. It was very emotional for people during these sad times. However, I am not giving up hope just yet for St Patrick's Day 2021. An Garda Siochana have told me that, if I can get the legislation preventing cavalcades changed, go for it. So, I am fighting for a change in the legislation. I have the complete backing of my local councillors, including Donegal Cathaoirleach Rena Donaghey, Councillor Jack Murray, as well as Donegal TDs, Padraig Mac Lochlainn and Thomas Pringle. Joe McHugh TD is also raising the matter at a Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting tonight (Wednesday) and I have just received confirmation I have the backing of Senator Eileen Flynn. I am urging Justice Minister Helen McEntee to change the legislation, in time for this St Patrick's Day. I only want to put a smile on everyone's face and give the adults and children in Buncrana something to look forward to. After all, St Patrick's Day is our national day of celebration. We need this for the good of our mental health. A cavalcade would be the safest event possible, said Adrian. Adrian said he understood the current covid-19 restrictions were in place for a good reason. He added: I am not anti rules, however, a cavalcade around the town seems to me to be the safest way to celebrate St Patrick's Day 2021, a beep with your family around Buncrana. I would love to see a change in the legislation to make it possible. ]The response I received from the people of the town to my Instagram and Facebook polls has been amazing. The majority of the people in Buncrana want it. I am asking people to raise awareness, in a sensible manner, and to urge the Government to change the legislation and let us have our very safe covid car parades, in every town around the country that wants one. I am looking for national support, so that Minister McEntee might consider changing this legislation in time for St Patrick's Day 2021. I am urging her to change it for our children, to put a smile on the faces of children everywhere in Ireland. They need something to look forward too. A cavalcade would not cause gatherings. Everyone would everyone would stick to the rules and stay in their own car, with their own family, said Adrian. The Buncrana man said last year's St Patrick's Day cavalcade put a smile on everyone's face and it was worth it. I am not anti covid, said Adrian, I just think it would be totally unfair if the Minister and the Government do not adjust this legislation to let the people of Ireland have a very safe, non gathering, car parade. One of Adrian's online supporters said: I can't see what the problem is, as long as everyone stays within 5km of their homes and in their own cars. Speaking to Donegal Live, Inspector Sean Grant confirmed that a member of the public engaged with An Garda Siochana on this matter in an advisory capacity. The current guidelines were explained and adherence to the same was encouraged, in line with current Level 5 restrictions. Any event that encourages the gathering of persons for non essential purposes, at this time, may increase the public health risk and result in prosecution for the event organiser, participants and / or persons gathered. The two sections of relevant legislation from our point of view would be the Health Act 1947, Section 31a Temporary Restrictions, Covid-19, number 10, regulations 2020, which are currently in force. In particular, you have two regulations, Regulation 8, which places a restriction on individuals who are organising relevant events outdoors and that is a Penal Regulation. And then we have Regulation 4, which also places a restriction on travel outside the home, except for a reasonable excuse and that is also a Penal Regulation, said Inspector Grant. Audi Q4 E-Tron receives a new AR (augmented reality) heads-up display that would help it have a more accurate view of the road outside. This new technology is expected to alert the drivers in sudden turns and other cars ahead of them. The new Audi Q4 e-tron. Next month Audi will reveal the Q4 e-tron without camouflage.#Audi #ElectricCars pic.twitter.com/T7hOmW5JP2 Joe Merriman (@JoeCMerriman) March 9, 2021 According to The Verge's latest report, Audi finally unveiled the interior changes it made, including a modern SUV design. Aside from this, the new vehicle also features a few new technologies. The new Audi vehicle is expected to arrive in the United States showrooms in early 2022. As of the moment, the giant car manufacturer hasn't revealed the specific price yet. However, some rumors claimed that it is expected to cost more than $50,000, which is only for the base model of Q4 E-Tron. To give you more idea, here are some of the features it could pack: Audi Q4 E-Tron's Specs The new Q4 E-Tron is an electric car that fits in the larger compact SUV segment with a short overhang wheelbase of 9.1-feet. Auto Blog reported that it is a combination of an SUV and EV that gives it a rather stout look. The new Audi Q4 e-tron. Next month Audi will reveal the Q4 e-tron without camouflage.#Audi #ElectricCars pic.twitter.com/T7hOmW5JP2 Joe Merriman (@JoeCMerriman) March 9, 2021 Read Also: Electric Vehicles Not as Popular as Believed, Survey Shows Only 4% of Australians Are Interested On the other hand, its augmented reality heads-up display has debuted on Tuesday, March 9. Sources confirmed that this innovation offers a wider field of view, as well as more accurate and advanced animations displays to properly show the outside road. Here are more capabilities of Audi Q4 E-Tron's new AR heads-up display: Turn-by-turn navigation places a bright blue arrow in the driver's field of view. The AR system placing a red line over a lane marker to let a driver know when they're drifting too far to one side. An animation that tracks the car ahead when using adaptive cruise control. How Audi Q4 E-Tron's AR Heads-Up Display Works The company's latest AR heads-up display technology works by receiving more than 1,000 signals from sensors that are efficiently placed in various parts of the car. This allows the new AR heads-up screen to accurately display the outside road. Audi also confirmed that it discovered the best areas where to put the sensors so that they will remain in place even if the new Audi Q4 E-Tron is driving over a bumpy surface. Audi's innovation is also expected to solve the issue when a heads-up display only shows static information when the car is moving at top speed, which could really affect the driver's outside view. Right now, the company didn't confirm how did it fix the issue. You can click here for more details. Related Article: GM Hummer EV SUV Launches Alongside the Electric Pickup Slateed for 2022-Preorders, Specs, and MORE Volkswagen is following the footsteps of its rival and competitor, as it debuts an online event that will showcase its new battery cell production called "Power Day"--closely resembling Tesla's Battery Day. The German automaker has been establishing its presence and pledges to produce eco-friendly vehicles that will run on electric power. The German automaker may have been late on debuting its initial designs of batteries, but now it aims to use a massive stage and platform to do so, introducing the first battery cell production leg of the company. Instead of outsourcing or ordering from other companies for its massive need for electric power cells, Volkswagen aims to create it themselves. Many companies have opted to order batteries from experts and trusted suppliers like LG and Panasonic, which has debuted one of the widely-used 18650 Li-On battery cells in the EV industry. Ford is among the companies who opted to order batteries instead of creating them, while Tesla is observing a mixed approach of self-production and ordering supplies. Read Also: 'League of Legends' Patch 11.6: Akali, Hecarim, Karthus Gets Nerfed-Other Changes in New Notes Volkswagen 'Power Day' The Volkswagen "Power Day" teaser has been posted by VW's current CEO, Hebert Diess, via LinkedIn and reposted by the Volkswagen Group's (@VWGroup) official Twitter account. The company reiterated that Power Day will not be a vehicle presentation, suggesting that there will be no cars or EVs that will debut in the event. "Join us for our global #VWGroup event online on March 15, 2021, 1 p.m. CET. Please note: This is not a car presentation.", writes our CEO @Herbert_Diess on @LinkedIn. #VWPowerDay Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) March 9, 2021 Other elements of the video showed a battery cell towards the end, and the entire theme of the clip featured electricity and power, hinting that the release will be all about the company's power cells. The company has recently announced its dedication to transitioning to electric vehicles on its 10-year plan for 2030. Volkswagen has been aiming to make the change to electric vehicle since 2019 and has been pursuing to increase its brand awareness by partnering with several companies, including Tesla. The company's I.D. series was called the NEO project, which now transitions to the "Trinity" project, taking inspiration from characters from "The Matrix" trilogy. Volkswagen's Electric Transition Volkswagen aims to produce electric vehicles and transition by 50 percent in the United States and Chinese markets, and increase by 70 percent to the European region. This means that by 2030, the German automaker's fleet in the country will be 50 percent electric, while the remaining half will either be hybrids or ICEs. The plans of the company are somehow lower and slower compared to other companies that will transition to electric mobility in the coming years. According to General Motors, its plans of electrification within the company will be complete and 100 percent EV by 2025, which is roughly four years from now. Despite that though, it is certainly interesting to see what Volkswagen will do in its so-called "Power Day." Related Article: 2022 Hummer EV SUV Unveiled, Launching Alongside Electric Pickup-Preorders Now Available U.S. prosecutors on Monday revealed they have new evidence allegedly proving the far-right Oath Keepers militia had planned to use 'force and violence' when Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 leaving five people dead. The evidence includes text messages linking the group's leader Stewart Rhodes, a former Army paratrooper and Yale-educated lawyer, to the plot. The Justice Department in a filing late on Monday said it would disclose evidence to defense lawyers this week showing that Oath Keepers members and associates were 'actively' planning violence during the Capitol riots that forced members of Congress and their staff to flee or hide. It comes as security around the U.S. Capitol remains tight, two months after the rioters attacked and breached the building, in response to intelligence suggesting further possible threats to the Capitol by militia groups. On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had formally approved an extension of the National Guard deployment at the U.S. Capitol for about two more months. According to a statement issued by the department, close to 2,300 Guard troops will continue to provide security in Washington until May 23, at the request of the Capitol Police. Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, pictured at the Capitol on the day of the riot U.S. prosecutors on Monday revealed they have new evidence allegedly proving the far-right Oath Keepers militia had planned to use 'force and violence' at the Capitol riot. Pictured, members of the Oath Keepers militia group stand at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has formally approved an extension of the deployment of close to 2,300 National Guard troops at the U.S. Capitol for about two more months. Pictured, National Guard tropps stand their posts around the Capitol on Monday The heightened security continues as U.S. prosecutors build evidence against those accused of taking part in the pro-Trump mob earlier this year and as they identify those, they believe to have planned to use force to breach the Capitol. In the filing on Monday, prosecutors said that the new evidence including messages, exchanged on the encrypted texting app Signal in a chat named 'DC OP: Jan 6 21', which were sent by individuals including Rhodes who founded the anti-government Oath Keepers group in 2009. According to the court filing, on the afternoon of January 6 Rhodes, identified only as 'Person One' in the filing but whom prosecutors named in earlier court papers, told followers: 'Come to the South Side of the Capitol on steps.' 'All I see Trump doing is complaining. I see no intent by him to do anything. So, the patriots are taking it into their own hands. They've had enough,' he said in a Signal message to a group around 1:40 p.m., authorities say. Soon after, Rhodes allegedly posted in a group chat a photograph of the Capitol with the caption: 'South side of US Capitol. Patriots pounding on doors.' In earlier messages, Rhodes had recommended equipment to bring: 'Collapsible Batons are a grey area in the law. I bring one. But I'm willing to take that risk because I love em.' He now claims he urged them to wear armor as self-defense. 'There was a bunch of chaos,' he said. 'And I wanted to make sure my guys didn't get into trouble. . . . But it was too . . . late, some of them had gone stupid and jumped inside the Capitol.' Others in the chat include two charged Oath Keepers members: Jessica Watkins, 38, an Ohio leader, and Kelly Meggs, 52, of Florida. The court filing is the clearest indication yet that investigators believe Rhodes played a significant role in instigating the attack. Rhodes, who has not responded to requests for comment, has not been publicly charged over the January 6 attack. He told the Washington Post last week that he had no advance knowledge that the Oath Keepers planned to enter the building and blamed rogue members. 'Just so we're clear on this: We had no plan to enter the Capitol, zero plan to do that, zero instructions to do that, and we also had zero knowledge that anyone had done that until after they had done that afterwards,' Rhodes said. Last month, a federal grand jury indicted nine associates of the Oath Keepers, charging them with conspiring to storm the Capitol. The Justice Department disclosed the messages allegedly sent by Rhodes in a brief arguing that Thomas Caldwell, an alleged Oath Keepers member, should be jailed while he awaits charges. According to the Justice Department, because of rules against bringing weapons into the District of Columbia, Caldwell discussed 'whether it would be possible to recruit people with boats to join the plan, so that they could participate in the quick reaction force and ferry 'the heavy weapons' across the Potomac River'. Last month, a federal grand jury indicted nine associates of the Oath Keepers, charging them with conspiring to storm the Capitol. Pictured, two of those indicted Jessica Marie Watkins (left) and Donovan Ray Crowl (center) on the front steps of the U.S. Capitol A member of the Oath Keepers is seen during the Capitol riot on January 6 Oath Keepers make up a fraction of the more than 300 charged so far in the siege that led to Trump's second impeachment. Pictured, member of the Oath Keepers on January 5 Caldwell has said he is innocent and denied being a member of the Oath Keepers. The Justice Department said in the court filing that 'there is no evidence that Caldwell participated in the chat, but the investigation is ongoing'. Oath Keepers make up a fraction of the more than 300 Trump supporters charged so far in the siege that led to Trump's second impeachment. But several of their leaders, members and associates have become the central targets of the Justice Departments sprawling investigation. It could mean more serious criminal charges for some rioters. On the other hand, mounting evidence of advance planning could also fuel Trump's and his supporters' claims that the Republican former president did not incite the riot and therefore should not be liable for it. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has extended the National Guard deployment to the U.S. Captiol for another two months Defense attorneys have accused prosecutors of distorting their clients' words and actions to falsely portray the attack as a premeditated, orchestrated insurrection instead of a spontaneous outpouring of election-fueled rage to stop Congress certification of Trump's defeat by Joe Biden. The Oath Keepers began readying for violence as early as November, authorities say. Communications show the group discussing logistics, weapons, and training, including '2 days of wargames.' 'I need you fighting fit' by the inauguration, one Ohio member, Jessica Watkins, told a recruit in November, according to court documents. 'If Biden becomes president our way of life as we know it is over. Our Republic would be over. Then it is our duty as Americans to fight, kill and die for our rights,' she said in another message later that month. After the violence on January 6, D.C. law enforcement believed a threat remained and the National Guard was called on to remain deployed in the Capitol until March. The threat was tied to the far-right conspiracy theory promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Trump would rise again to power on March 4, the original presidential inauguration day. That day passed with no problems, but law enforcement has said threats to buildings and personnel remain, causing Defense Secretary Austin to extend the deployment once again this week. Officials have been scrambling in recent days to determine if and how to fill the request, as the original March 12 deadline for them to leave Washington loomed. There are currently about 5,100 Guard troops in Washington, and they were scheduled to leave this weekend. It was unclear if any of those forces will have to stay an extra day or two while any new troops arrive and get trained and settled in. Member of the National Guard have already been stationed in D.C. for two months National Guard stand their posts around the Capitol on Monday as it is announced that up to 2,300 troops could be remaining in Washington D.C. for another two months The Pentagon said defense officials will work with the Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the number of Guard needed in the city as time goes on. The request to extend the deployment met resistance last week, as some governors expressed reluctance or flatly refused to commit their troops to more time in the city. There now appear to be enough states willing to provide Guard troops for the mission, said defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Earlier Tuesday, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the decision on maintaining a Guard presence would be based on local law enforcement concerns along with the needs of the Capitol Police. 'It's not just about a threat assessment, it's about assisting and supporting capabilities that the Capitol Police may now lack and may need to look at improving,' Kirby said, adding that the extension request was based largely on using the Guard to make up for gaps in the capabilities of the Capitol Police. Army leaders had also initially questioned whether the Capitol Police had exhausted all other options to fill the need, such as asking other federal law enforcement agencies to provide security. But officials said military leaders thought it was important to find ways to work out the details. The Guard's deployment to the Capitol has been troubled. Early on, Guard members were briefly forced to take rest breaks and meals in a nearby cold garage, sparking outrage within the Biden administration. Officials quickly found new spaces within congressional buildings for the on-duty breaks. In addition, Guard members complained of bad food, and some said they became sick. On Monday, Kirby said about 50 Guard troops had been treated for gastrointestinal issues, out of the 26,000 that deployed to Washington. He said six sought outpatient medical treatment, while the rest were treated at aid stations set up for the Capitol Hill mission. Kirby said Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, has been visiting the troops several times a week and eating with them to ensure that they were getting good food. Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman made the request to have the Guard members stay on, setting off a series of discussions with the Pentagon and National Guard leaders. In a statement late Tuesday, the Capitol Police force said it is 'extremely grateful for the Department of Defenses continued commitment to support our critical mission to protect Congress'. U.S. military officials have said the cost of deploying about 26,000 Guard troops to the U.S. Capitol from shortly after the January 6 riot to this Friday is close to $500 million. No cost estimate for the next two months has been released. The costs include housing, transportation, salaries, benefits, and other essentials. By Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News (TNS) NEW YORK A New York Supreme Court justice on Tuesday dismissed a Trump campaign lawsuit claiming the New York Times defamed the former president by publishing an opinion piece that accused him of colluding with Russia in the 2016 election. The Trump camps lawsuit failed to show that the Gray Lady acted with actual malice a high legal bar required for successful defamation actions by publishing the March 2019 piece titled The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo, Justice James dAuguste wrote in a ruling. In this regard, bias, or ulterior motive does not constitute actual malice, dAuguste wrote. A spokesman for Trump did not return a request for comment after the ruling. The opinion piece, penned by former New York Times executive editor Max Frankel, argued there was an overarching deal between the Russian government and Trumps campaign to get him elected in 2016. The U.S. intelligence community had concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election with the explicit goal of helping Trump win, and federal investigators uncovered a string of peculiar ties between Trump associates and Kremlin operatives. But Trump has denied any active collusion in Russias 2016 attack, and special counsel Robert Mueller concluded his probe without stating definitely that the former president knew anything of Moscows meddling. Ambiguities about the Russia scandal aside, dAuguste said the Trump campaign was not even close to meeting the actual malice standard with its suit against The Times. This heavy burden exists because news organizations function as a platform for facilitating constitutionally protected speech on issues of public concern and courts will not impose defamation liability against these entities absent a clear showing of actual malice, dAuguste wrote. More: Donald Trump requests mail-in ballot for local election in Florida Pa. audit confirms Biden got more votes than Trump, but cant tell us much else Gov. Charlie Baker speaks after a tour of an N95 mask manufacturing site in West Bridgewater on Wednesday morning. Advance Registration Being Launched for COVID-19 Vaccines WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. Residents will be able to register in advance for COVID-19 vaccine appointments beginning Friday and four days are being set aside specifically for educators. The new registration site is applicable only to the seven mass vaccination sites for now and is being supported through a partnership with Google Cloud. It is expected to be online by midmorning on Friday. "The preregistration system is designed to make it easier for residents to secure an available appointment, and will soon replace the current process of large numbers of appointments being posted online on Thursday mornings," Gov. Charlie Baker said on Wednesday. "People should keep in mind that it will probably still take several weeks for eligible residents to be notified that there is an appointment available for them, because we're still receiving a real limited federal supply of vaccine doses to support our efforts here in Massachusetts." Registration can take place over the website or by calling 211 and will be notified within 24 hours once an appointment is available. They will also be able to get weekly updates. This Thursday will be the last day that large numbers of appointments will be posted although residents will still be able to sign up at local or pharmacy sites as vaccines are available. "The process will hopefully ease some of the anxiety and the burden folks have been experiencing trying to secure an appointment because of the constraints apply a vaccine," said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Workers in the K-12 education system and child care workers can sign up for appointments on three Saturdays March 27, April 3, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. These are only available, at this point, at the mass vaccination sites, the closest of which is the Eastfield Mall in Springfield. The state is pushing for all or most students to start heading back into classrooms beginning in April, an effort supported by the federal government. More than 750,000 residents have been fully vaccinated since late December and 2.2 million doses overall have been administered. Baker said the state has the capacity to significantly increase that number but the bottleneck is access to vaccines through the federal government. The main issue has been production the now three main vaccine suppliers have not been able to keep up with demand. On Wednesday, the Biden administration committed to purchasing another 100 million of the single-dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. "We heard in December that we would have more supply than we had demand by February, and then we heard in January we would have more supply than we would have demand by March. And then we heard J&J and Pfizer and Moderna make commitments to Congress about where they were going to be in March, and we're basically being told that between now and the end of March we shouldn't expect any additional supply," the governor said. "And we will in April have more supply than we have demand. If we ever get to that point." Baker described it as a race against time in case of a third surge. Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said officials were informed by the federal government on Tuesday night that there would be no additional new doses until the end of March. The governor made his comments during a tour of an N95 mask manufacturing facility operated by Shawmut Corp. and Fallon Co. on the anniversary of his issuance of emergency orders that basically shut down the state because of the pandemic.. Shawmut Corp. CEO James Wyner said their plans were the mass production of high-quality and cost-effective personal protective equipment that would make the West Bridgewater facility one of the largest producers in North America. "We expect to have 500 people employed here by the end of this year, or first quarter of next year," he said. "Those are good paying, manufacturing jobs with upward mobility attached to them. ... Our vision here is to serve as many frontline health-care workers, clinics, hospitals, businesses institutions with these masks. "The need is not just COVID based. The need is going to continue afterwards. If we just supply a small portion of what's currently being imported that there'll be a robust industry for us and others here." Baker again reminded residents that the vaccine was a light at the end of the tunnel but it was critical to continue following masking, sanitation and distancing guidelines since it is not known if vaccinated people can still transmit the virus. Melbourne father Duncan McLeod, 36, told a woman he met on Tinder about the sexual fantasies he had with and in front of children A father who told a woman he met on Tinder he fantasised about having sex with children was caught after his wife found his vile messages on his smart watch. Duncan McLeod, 36, from Preston in Melbourne's north, said he dreamed about sexual acts with a child after matching with her on the platform, a court heard. McLeod - who also revealed his fantasy of having sex in front of children - was given child abuse material by another woman he met on the dating app Oasis. His now ex-wife found some of his depraved messages on his Apple Watch and reported him to police. McLeod pleaded guilty to possessing child abuse material and was given a 24-month community correction order at Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Friday. McLeod was also given child abuse material by another woman he met on the dating app Oasis His lawyer asked for no conviction to be recorded as such a ruling could harm his ability to find a job. McLeod expects Services Australia - with whom he recently found a job - to terminate his contract, The Preston Leader reported. His counsel also told the court he and his current partner wanted to have a baby through IVF treatment. McLeod - who the court heard had issues with alcohol and gambling - claimed the fantasy he told the woman on Tinder about was 'derived from a dream' but the act didn't actually arouse him. McLeod was given a 24-month community correction order at Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Friday 'The act is disgusting, it didnt turn me on,' he said. 'I dont actually want it to happen, it never actually happened.' Magistrate Felicity Broughton refused to drop the conviction and told the 36-year-old to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work. An email from a stranger brightened my day and gave me an early St. Patricks Day gift. The stranger, Gerry Dunne, wrote to say that Mrs. Jo Cruite is alive and well in her nursing home in Dublin. I havent seen her in 30 years, but my guess is that shes smiling and charming the staff. She was the hostess of a B&B homestay where I once spent two weeks taking a writing course in that beautiful, green country that has produced so many literary legends. Through the magic of the internet, Mr. Dunne found a story Id written years ago and tracked me down to say that his parents were lifelong friends of Mrs. Cruite. While her physical health is diminished, her spirit, according to Mr. Dunne, is not. I remember that spirit from 1990, when I took a summer course on fiction writing. That spirit kept a conversation buzzing around a breakfast table laden with the Irish Fry, a breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, Irish soda bread, eggs, grilled tomatoes, and pots of tea. Keeping a watchful eye on the plates of all of her guests, Mrs. Cruite ladeled out servings when she saw a blank space on the crockery. Her philosophy was more, not less. You couldnt let your guests go off hungry and faint later on when they were in class or taking a break on St. Stephens Green. She wouldnt have it. She directed the breakfast flow and chatter and ran her homestay with the joy that comes from doing what you were meant to do in this life. In Mrs. Cruites case, that was welcoming strangers into her home and treating them like it was their own. As Mr. Dunne said, Hers was a door never closed. Her guests were from all over. There was a priest from Brazil who sang in the shower. There was a honeymoon couple from Italy who whispered sweet nothings to each other. There were nursing students from Spain and one from Iceland who flirted with all the men at the table, even the priest. While we all attended classes each day, she organized her busy house where guests came and went from four bedrooms she rented out. She ran the place on good humor, Lysol, and a shelf full of brochures of tourist attractions. For those of us who rode a bus to class, shed pack a small bag of snacks in case we starved to death on our five-mile journey. She wouldnt have one of us fainting from hunger at a seminar or feeling weak out on St. Stephens Green during class breaks. Mrs. Cruites husband John was a harness-maker and there wasnt as much need for that kind of craft as before, so he helped his wife with repairs and cleanup and gave directions to the visitors.` When I took the train to join my sister in Galway, Mr. Cruite went over the train schedule with me the way you do to help strangers in your own country. But it was Mrs. Cruite who packed a snack and warned me to avoid pickpockets at the station. I ate the snack and nobody picked my pocket, not even once. The last time I saw Mrs. Cruite was the day my sister and I flew back home. She gave us shamrock handkerchiefs, saying wed want a memento from our trip. We said we might see each other againshe had relatives in New York and maybe we got up that way sometime. We wrote once or twice and then life took over. I assumed she was on that other side. Just today, I was delighted to learn I was wrong. Now I can thank her for the kindness she stirred into every cup of Irish tea. This American guest never forgot it. In a first-of-its-kind case in the UK, a 41-year-old unemployed Oxford graduate has taken his parents to court in a bizarre attempt to make them support him financially for life. Despite being a trained lawyer and having a degree from the prestigious Oxford University, 41-year-old Faiz Siddiqui claims that he is completely dependent on his Dubai-based mother and father. In court filings obtained by the press, Siddiqui describes himself as a vulnerable grown-up child due to health issues, and insists that being cut-off by his wealthy parents would be a violation of his human rights. Photo: Melinda Gimpel/Unsplash The Oxford graduate, who hasnt worked since 2011, has been living rent-free in a $1.4 million apartment owned by mother Rakshanda, 69, and father Javed, 71, near Hyde Park in central London. His parents have also been paying all his bills and giving him a $550 weekly allowance, but mean to cut him off following a serious argument they had. These long-suffering parents have their own view of what is suitable provision for their difficult, demanding and pertinacious son, the parents lawyer, Justin Warshaw QC, told British tabloid, The Sun. This isnt the first time Faiz Siddiqui makes international news headlines. Back in 2018, he was in the news for suing Oxford University, claiming that the institution had not provided adequate teaching, which prevented him from getting a first-class degree and affected his career as a lawyer. He valued his loss at $1.4 million, but his claim was thrown out by a judge. Mr. Siddiqui, who has worked for several law firms until 2011, filed a case against his parents claiming maintenance last year, but was rejected by a family court judge. It has now gone to the Court of Appeal, and is considered a landmark case that could impact the rights of every UK parent. Interestingly, Faiz Siddiqui isnt the first person to sue their parents for financial maintenance. One the other hand, weve also had parents sue their adult children for refusing to move out of the family home, so it goes both ways. As young people across the country struggle with both their mental and spiritual health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the leader of a national Christian youth conference felt God calling him to hold events across the nation free of charge. Kingdom Youth Conferences, a youth event designed to impact students and leaders and inspire them to live out their faith, will bring its conference to Texas, Arizona, Florida and Colorado, beginning this month through April. Kids need a sense of hope right now, Ryan Edberg, Kingdom Youth Conferences co-founder, told The Christian Post. I think that there's a season of revival coming in the church, and I think it's coming through the youth. Launched in 2016, Kingdom Youth Conferences have held events around the country, combining powerful worship, dynamic teachings, and mission outreach. Over the years, the conference has seen over 4,000 teens and young people come to Christ and heard testimonies of how God used the ministry to save dozens from suicide and drug addiction. Source:The Christian Post U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks about priorities for the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden in the Ben Franklin room at the State Department in Washington, on March 3, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Top Defense and State Dept. Officials Will Travel to Japan and Korea Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will meet with officials in Japan and South Korea in March in an effort to advance the Biden administrations Indo-pacific strategy, against the backdrop of an increasingly hostile China. Austin will join Blinken on March 1617, in Japan for the U.S./Japan Security Consultative Committee hosted by Japans Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi and Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi, to strengthen the two countries cooperation in an effort to keep peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific in the face of long-term competition with China. On March 1718, Austin and Blinken will attend a U.S./South Korean Foreign and Defense Ministerial hosted by Koreas Foreign Minister Chung Eui-Yong and Minister of Defense Suh Wook, to discuss security in the region and how the U.S.-Korean alliance remains a linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, a free and open Indo-Pacific, and around the world. In addition, Austin will meet with Indias Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, to discuss U.S./India Defense and how cooperation between the two countries can advance an open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region. As part of the Biden administrations focus on the Indo-pacific region, President Joe Biden will join a (Quad) meeting on Friday, March 12 with the leaders of Japan, India, and Australia in an effort to increase cooperation with U.S. allies in the region. The alliance was established in 2007 and has met periodically but this will be the first virtual gathering of all four leaders. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the meeting of the Quad countries showed the importance placed by Biden on U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. A range of issues facing the global community was expected to be discussed from the threat of COVID to economic cooperation and, of course, to the climate crisis, she said. The United States is looking to strengthen ties with key allies and partners as China adopts an increasingly assertive foreign policy in Asia and elsewhere. After President Bidens Feb. 8 call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, the White House said, the leaders agreed to continue close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Reuters contributed to this report. London, March 10 : After senior members of the British Royal family held crisis meetings, the Buckingham Palace said the issues, including that of racism", raised by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle during their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey were "concerning" and "taken very seriously", the media reported. In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Palace said: "The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan. "The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members." The statement was issued a day after the interview was aired in the UK on iTV on Monday night, just 24 hours after it was broadcast in the US on Sunday. The crisis meetings took place on Monday after the Palace had been under growing pressure to respond to the interview during which Meghan accused the Royal family of being cold and racist, especially towards her and their son Archie, which pushed the couple away, the BBC reported. Meghan said the fear for their child, for whom no security was offered by the Royal family, and the growing scrutiny also had a damaging effect on her mental health, and she claimed going through suicidal thoughts while she was pregnant. She also spoke at length about the issue of Archie's skin colour, saying that there were "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born". Meanwhile, Prince Harry in the interview said he realised how he had been "trapped" all along just like the "rest of his family". The Duke of Sussex also said that he felt "let down" by his father Prince Charles, adding that the Prince of Wales had stopped taking calls after the couple informed the Palace of stepping back as active members of the Royal family, before they had made the formal announcement in January 2020. The interview was watched by an average of 11.1 million people in the UK, the BBC said. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not comment although the Downing Street confirmed that he had watched the interview, opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said that Meghan's allegations about racism and a lack of mental health support should be taken "very seriously". Members of the Royal family are yet to make a comment. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The unprecedented scaling-up of vaccine manufacturing to counter COVID-19 has sparked dangerous shortages in the supply chain, global players acknowledged Tuesday after brainstorming how to speed up production of the jabs. Starting at zero when the pandemic began, vaccine manufacturers expect to be able to produce some 10 billion doses of various COVID-19 vaccines this yeardouble the manufacturing capacity for all vaccines combined in 2019. "This is the largest ramping up of manufacturing the world has ever seen," Thomas Cueni, the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), told a virtual press briefing. But the strain of this massive scale-up is beginning to show, Cueni acknowledged, after participating in a two-day online meeting on ways to unblock bottlenecks and rapidly boost vaccine production to combat the coronavirus that has killed 2.6 million people in 14 months. "We should not be surprised if there are bumps along the road," Cueni said, pointing out that "hundreds of raw materials (are) needed to make vaccines." "It will inevitably lead to bottlenecks that will urgently need to be addressed." The meeting, organised by the Chatham House think-tank, along with IFPMA and the Covax vaccine distribution initiative, brought together a range of players, including government delegates, pharmaceutical representatives and scientists. 'Signs of strain' Names of participants were not divulged, the World Trade Organization's new chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement she had been there and had in particular urged vaccine manufacturers to do more to ramp up production in developing countries. She described the current inequities between access to vaccines in wealthy and poorer countries as "unconscionable". Manufacturing the vaccines requires not just an unprecedented quantity of ingredients, but also items such as glass for the vials and plastic for their capsat a time when global supply chains have been disrupted by the pandemic. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which co-runs Covax with the World Health Organization and Gavi, testified to recently seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains". CEPI chief Richard Hatchett told Tuesday's briefing that companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for vaccine manufacturing". This "stuttering supply" has caused a number of countries to consider actions like imposing export controls, something he warned could be hugely problematic in an interconnected world, putting entire vaccine supply chains at risk. US restrictions 'a real problem' Hatchett pointed in particular to the use of the US Defense Production Act to fight the pandemic, basically reserving specific items for American manufacturing only. "If those items become in short supply for manufacturers that are outside of the United States and cannot be replaced, then that would disrupt vaccine manufacturing at facilities outside the United States," he said. "It is a real problem." In a statement, the meeting organisers called for the "free flow of goods and workforce" to ensure vaccine production. They also encouraged continued technology transfer and manufacturing partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers to scale up capacity, like the deal AstraZeneca has with the Serum Institute of India. But no mention was made about calls at the World Trade Organization, led by India and South Africa, to waive intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccinesa notion fiercely rejected by pharmaceutical giants and their host countries. "Everybody who knows about vaccine manufacturing... knew that IP is not the issue; the bottlenecks are the capacity, the scarcity of raw materials, scarcity of ingredients," Cueni said. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP The Palestinian Authority is trying to convince the Biden administration to support the upcoming Palestinian parliamentary elections, planned for May 22, and not to object to the participation of Hamas. Why it matters: The elections currently appear to be a low priority for the Biden administration but that will change if they actually take place, and in particular, if they're won by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Flashback: Hamas' victory in the last elections, in 2006, surprised the George W. Bush administration, which had pressed for the elections and for Hamas to be allowed to participate. The U.S. and many other Western countries boycotted Hamas after its victory and demanded the group renounce violence, recognize Israel and commit to previous agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. Hamas refused. Elections have been planned since 2006 but never held. The state of play: Many senior Palestinian officials said in recent days that the elections will indeed take place as preparations have passed the point of no return. The deadline for selecting candidate lists is March 31. Driving the news: Three weeks ago, Palestinian Civilian Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh sent a letter to Hady Amr, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel-Palestine, about the upcoming elections. Sheikh who is positioning himself as the main point of contact in the Palestinian Authority for the Biden administration following the death of former PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erekat claimed Hamas committed itself to nonviolence and agreed to the PLO parameters of the two-state solution. Yes, but: Hamas has not followed with a clear statement of its own. What's next: State Department officials stressed that the exercise of democratic elections is a matter for the Palestinian people to determine. Story continues But for now, it seems the Biden administration is sticking to the general policy of all U.S. administrations since 2006. We note that the U.S. and other key partners in the international community have long been clear about the importance of participants in the democratic process accepting previous agreements, renouncing violence and terrorism and recognizing Israels right to exist," a State Department official told Axios. The bottom line: If the elections do proceed on schedule, the Biden administration will have to shape a policy of its own or at least brace for a contentious outcome. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Haiti - News : Zapping... Weather Vigilance due to the rains On Tuesday, the level of soil saturation, according to the latest technical bulletin from the Hydro Meteorological Unit, varies from low (1%) to very high (100%) over the country. It is especially very high on the Department of the Center. Faced with this situation and in relation to the rainy activities still planned in the country, the General Directorate of Civil Protection once again reminds residents in areas at risk of flooding, landslides and landslides to remain vigilant and to respect the safety instructions. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33195-icihaiti-notice-risk-of-heavy-rains-in-the-north-and-the-north-east.html Strengthening the ULCC Saturday March 6, Hans Joseph, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) received Cristobal Dupouy, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS in Haiti), for a working session around institutional strengthening through training programs for investigators and ULCC managers. France : Rose Lumane Saint-Jean selected for the Eloquence Competition Rose Lumane Saint-Jean, winner of the 5th edition of the Human Rights Moot Competition, has just been selected to participate in the Eloquence Competition of the University of Paris 1 (Pantheon-Sorbonne, France) in association with TV5 Monde and the University Agency of La Francophonie (AUF - Caraibe) Cuba : Meeting with representatives of Haitian students Meeting with representatives of the Haitian Students Committee in Cuba (CEHC), around the Constitutional Referendum. Professor Louis Naud Pierre, Member of the Advisory Committee, highlighted the major innovations proposed in the Preliminary Draft Constitution while setting out the findings of the Constitution in force. For the Committee, the President and Secretary of the CEHC and 11 others took part in person, in a virtual manner, representing the different groups from the other Cuban provinces. Download the preliminary Draft Constitution (PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/CCI-CONSTITUTION_Projet-de-Constitution-2-fevrier-2021-20h00.pdf See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32926-haiti-flash-preliminary-draft-of-the-constitution-official-full-text.html 300 years of the town of Anse-a-Veau Ing. Nader Joiseus Minister of Public Works spoke with members of the Organizing Committee of the commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the city of Anse-a-Veau, scheduled for next July. On the agenda, road infrastructure works to be carried out over 12.7 km. Football : Preparation match, lack of transport... The Haitian Football Federation (FHF) announces that the preparation match between the Olympic selection of Grenadiers U-23 and Real Hope Academy (D1) scheduled for Tuesday March 9 at the FIFA Goal Center in La Croix des Bouquets has been canceled due to a breakdown of the bus carrying the Capoise delegation which had to turn back. HL/ HaitiLibre Satan is singing a lullaby to American churches: Pastor urges Christians to awaken to the Great Commission and to live their lives with an eternal perspective The President of Alpha Ministries and Chief Executive Pastor of Alpha Bible Churches in Asia, Brother Bennie has dedicated his lifes work to God, empowering Christian believers who are persecuted for their faith in Africa and in Asian countries over the last few decades. But over the years, hes seen a dangerous and deadly cancer metastasize in the Western Church. Satan is singing a lullaby to American churches, Bennie told The Christian Post. The majority of churches in America are so busy making themselves big. They are inwardly focused on themselves and their members. The Church has lost its focus of reaching the lost and those outside of the church. We have kept sinners out of church and have no desire to reach those on the highways and byways. We don't carry out our God-given mission mandate. As a result, the Church has lost its influence. We are on the decline and drifting away from God into our own selfish desires. The Church must be a place where people can come and get discipled and sent out, he stressed. We think if we just send money to missions, we are doing God's work. But Jesus command is to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the world. That means reaching people locally and globally. That means, we must get active in reaching the lost, both locally and globally, even if it means risking our own comfort. The firstborn son of Pastor Mathews and Grace Cherian, two pioneers of the faith in North India, Brother Bennie understands firsthand what it means to give up comfort for the sake of the Gospel. My parents lived a humble life and they invested in those people who lived around them who did not know Jesus. They were the salt and light in their community and shared the Gospel and cared for the suffering and homeless, he recalled. They would give soup and soap to the poor and share with them the message of salvation. Every day for nearly two decades, Pastor Cherian Mathews traveled from town to town on a bicycle that doubled as his familys only method of transportation. When he would reach a new town, he would hand out Gospel tracts and serve new believers. The Mathews faith came at a cost. Some of Bennies earliest memories involve watching his parents suffer for their evangelistic efforts. I was six years old, and I remember watching a religious fanatic beat my father because of his work, he said. My mother stood nearby, holding her newborn daughter in her arms, tears streaming down her face. I watched as my father took the blows, not retaliating, but trusting God with his life. I saw God remain faithful despite physical persecution, starvation, and other trials. With few funds or resources, Pastor Mathews Cherian started a church Alpha Bible Church and eventually, a Bible institute, and IMPACT leadership training was born. The results of that training by 2013 would include 27,000 trained and equipped frontline messengers, 16,000 church-planting stations, over 700 orphaned and impoverished children housed and fed in childrens homes, and thousands attending childrens Bible classes or clubs each week across Asia and Africa. Before his death in 2019, Pastor Mathews Cherian saw his work overflow beyond the borders of India and into Bangladesh, Nepal, Burma, and Africa. God took two humble followers of Jesus Christ and used their obedience to create a worldwide ministry that has blessed untold numbers of people and is still going strong, Bennie said. Bennie shares his earthly father's journey of faithfulness in his new book, My Father's Business: Making the Most of His "Must". In the book, Bennie shares the personal tests, tragedies, and triumphs his father, with the support of his mother, endured as a missionary in a field where less than one percent are Christian and persecution from religious extremists is rife. My parents had nothing and yet possessed everything because their joy was always in sharing the Gospel and serving, the people, Bennie writes. Today, Bennie serves as President of the ministry his father started but hes the first to admit he resisted Gods calling on his life for years. I was attracted to a life of comfort and luxury, he admitted. Bennie immigrated to America, where he sought to become rich and make money and be a part of the American dream. After accepting a lucrative position at a hospital in New York City, Bennie was on his way to achieving the American Dream. However, he and his wife soon found themselves struggling with infertility, and Bennie felt God nudging him into the ministry. One day, I said to my wife, What if God gives us a baby would you be willing to leave all this behind and serve God? he shared. She answered, If God gives me one child I will leave everything and follow Christ. Shortly thereafter, the couple became pregnant with their first daughter, who they named Faith-Hannah. It was a miracle, Bennie said. In My Fathers Business, Bennie recounts how God transformed his resentful and bitter heart to be able to hear and obey the calling to serve the unreached and unengaged to the uttermost parts of the world. He resigned from his healthcare job in the early 90s to become involved in the work of Alpha Ministries, where he still serves today. God blessed them with two more children Ben-Israel & Joy-Ruth. Gods faithfulness is woven throughout My Fathers Business. Bennie recounts how, on numerous occasions, God provided food and shelter when his family was in desperate need; protection from physical harm, and the resources to launch a ministry. An application points section is included at the end of every chapter, encouraging readers to consider Gods calling on their own lives. I want readers to understand that God is not dismayed by our problems or challenges, he said. God is working all things together for His perfect plan. Still, Bennie stressed that the Christian life is not an easy one and there will be challenges whenever we are following Gods calling. But the challenge in our way is also in Gods way when we are following His direction. These challenges are an opportunity to witness the miracle of God in our lives and to see His name being glorified in it, he stressed. Discouraged by the division and tribalism prevalent in many Western churches today, Bennie said part of his mission is helping Christians remove their blinders and focus on making Christ known across the world. The fear of God is lost in many Western churches, he said. We should have a real connection with the Creator God and have our ears closed to the heart of God. We need to listen to His voice, We must do as the Holy Spirit instructs us and allow God to guide and directs us. That means every day we have to do something that will outlive us for eternity." The more we read the Scriptures, the more we understand and focus on the Word of God, it will ignite a fire and passion in us to go and share His love with others. That is what we must return to. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) will be completed in a few days and will be presented publicly, on Wednesday said Prime Miniser Florin Citu, at the Parliament Palace, according to AGERPRES. "Discussions in the coalition continue on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. I think we're moving forward and we have a very good plan. Just like we built the budget, here too we focus on investments. It's going to be ready in a few days, I think, a final form, but it looks good the way it looks now," Citu said. Asked if the National Recovery and Resilience Plan would be presented to the PSD (Social Democratic Party) and also for further ratification in Parliament, Citu replied: "No. We'll introduce it to the Romanians. Romanians must know the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. We'll present it publicly. The Romanians will see the plan, it will be approved in the Government sitting, it will be transparent, so it is not only for the Social-Democrats... It's a program for all Romanians." TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Aston Bay Holdings (TSX-V:BAY, OTCQB:ATBHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Jessie Liu-Ernsting to its Board of Directors, sitting as an independent director. "I am pleased to welcome Jessie to our board," said Thomas Ullrich, CEO and Director. "Her background and expertise in the industry will add to the breadth of expertise, experience and skills from our board and advisors that will continue to grow Aston Bay." Ms. Liu-Ernsting has over 15 years of experience in the mining industry, spanning capital projects engineering, debt capital markets, private equity and corporate strategy. She is currently working at Canadian Nickel Company, joining the team in 2019. Before that, Ms. Liu-Ernsting was on the corporate development team at Hudbay Minerals, responsible for formulating and executing on corporate strategy. Ms. Liu-Ernsting previously spent over five years at Resource Capital Funds, sourcing, evaluating, executing and managing investments, gaining expertise in a wide range of commodities and mining services. Before RCF, she provided debt financing solutions in CIBC's mining corporate credit group. Prior to CIBC, Ms. Liu-Ernsting's experience at Hatch and Golder spanned all levels of mining and mineral processing operations design around the world and the development of mining innovation R&D projects. Ms. Liu-Ernsting is a Professional Engineer who holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Queen's University, and a Schulich School of Business Mining, Finance and Strategy MBA graduate. Ms. Liu-Ernsting, will be taking over Mr. Clifford Boychuk's seat on the Board. This summer Mr. Boychuk passed away in the privacy of his loved ones. "Cliff was a strong supporter and champion of Aston Bay," stated Mr. Ullrich. "He was an active member of the Board since Aston Bay's inception and he will continue to be deeply missed." For the complete list of Aston Bay Board members, visit https://astonbayholdings.com/corporate/board-of-directors/ Stock Option Grant The Company also announces it has granted incentive stock options to certain of its directors, officers and consultants to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,500,000 common shares of the Company (the "Options"). The Options are exercisable for a period of seven years, at a price of $0.05, being the closing price of the Aston Bay common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on March 9th, the last trading day prior to the date of the grant. All Options were granted in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. About Aston Bay Holdings Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for gold and base metal deposits in Virginia, USA, and Nunavut, Canada. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company has acquired the exclusive rights to an integrated dataset over certain prospective private lands and has signed agreements with timber and land companies which grants the company the option to lease the mineral rights to 11,065 acres of land located in central Virginia. These lands are located within a gold-copper-lead-zinc mineralized belt prospective for Carolina slate belt gold deposits and Virginia gold-pyrite belt deposits, as well as sedimentary VMS, exhalative (SEDEX) and Broken Hill (BHT) type base metal deposits. Don Taylor, who led the predecessor company to Blue Ridge and assembled the dataset, has joined the Company's Advisory Board and will be directing the Company's exploration activities for the Blue Ridge Project. The Company is actively exploring the Buckingham Gold Project in Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands in the area. The Company is also 100% owner of the property Storm Project, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit and has been optioned to American West Mining Limited. The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedar.com. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com (416) 456-3516 Sofia Harquail, IR and Corporate Development sofia.harquail@astonbayholdings.com (647) 821-1337 SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634643/Aston-Bay-Holdings-Announces-the-Appointment-of-Jessie-Liu-Ernsting-to-the-Board-of-Directors-Grants-Options Microstamping has reared up as gun control schemers elevate it as a sophisticated means of "gun safety," a sly euphemism for gun control. Proponents of the unworkable, unreliable and ineffective concept keep their heads in the sand regarding the feasibility of microstamping mandates because they can't face the truth. It doesn't work. Boondoggle Backstory Microstamping is unproven and unworkable technology, using a laser to imprint a shallow unique identifying code on a handgun's firing pin, transferring the mark to a spent cartridge casing once it has fired. Gun control politicians push the "technology" to "reduce gun violence." In their minds, microstamping connects the dots on crime, a criminally misused firearm and the criminal. Except that's not realistic and forcing gun manufacturers to implement microstamping on new guns, or retrofit existing firearms, only limits lawful firearm ownership. Todd Lizotte, who holds the patent for the sole-source microstamping technology, recognized this reality in a peer reviewed study. "Legitimate questions exist related to both the technical aspects, production costs, and database management associated with microstamping that should be addressed before wide scale implementation is legislatively mandated." Third-party researchers agree. Forensic firearms examiner Professor George Kristova wrote, "Implementing this technology will be much more complicated than burning a serial number on a few parts and dropping them into firearms being manufactured." The University of California at Davis, hardly a gun rights redoubt, reported, "At the current time it is not recommended that a mandate for implementation of this technology be made." A National Academy of Science study concluded that "the durability and survivability of markings on the bullet are still major concerns. Bullets would also be likely to suffer the corrosive effects of blood and other substances." An Iowa State University study stated that "legitimate questions exist related to the technical aspects, production costs and database management associated with microstamping that should be addressed before wide scale implementation is legislatively mandated." That bottom line is microstamping doesn't work. Lizotte himself agreed that alphanumeric codes are often illegible under even perfect conditions. Electron microscopes couldn't detect legible codes in testing. Even under perfect conditions, it would take at least 10 spent cartridges make an "educated guess" to piece together a legible code. ..... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Hundreds of asylum seekers gather at Chaparral Border Crossing last month in Tijuana. (Alejandro Tamayo / San Diego Union-Tribune) An estimated 3,000 young Central American migrants who were already approved by the U.S. government to reunite with parents in the United States, but were stranded when the Trump administration abruptly ended the Obama-era program, could get another chance, Biden officials announced Wednesday. The Biden administration is restarting the Central American Minors program, which enabled nearly 5,000 vulnerable youths in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala to apply from the region and join parents who were in the United States with legal status, according to the State Department. Amid a surge in unaccompanied minors from Central America coming to the border under the Obama administration, the policy was intended to discourage children and families from making the dangerous journey north to the U.S.-Mexico border. But in one of President Trumps first moves in office, he secretly shut down the program, stranding more than 2,700 children already approved and in processing, then officially terminated the program months later. A federal judge in 2019 ordered the Trump administration to resume processing some applications. In early February, President Biden issued an executive order to take steps to restore the Central American Minors program, and officials have been quietly laying the groundwork. The administration has urged patience as it takes steps to undo Trumps restrictive immigration policies and work toward an overall strategy of addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and insecurity in Central America. But officials face an immediate challenge: another rise in unaccompanied minors and families coming to the border in Bidens first few months, straining facilities still largely designed to temporarily hold single adult men. Roberta Jacobson, Bidens senior official for southwest border affairs, pointed to the restoration of the youth program Wednesday as evidence that the administration is making good on its promises, but emphasized that, especially in an ongoing pandemic, the border is not open. Story continues Neither this announcement nor any other measures mean that anyone, especially children and families with young children, should make the dangerous trip to try and enter the United States in an irregular fashion, she said. Since January, border authorities have encountered more than 15,000 unaccompanied children, an escalation of lone migrant kids coming to the border that began last year, according to statistics from Customs and Border Protection released Wednesday. They represent a small fraction of the nearly 180,000 overall encounters for those two months, many involving repeat crossers, inflating the numbers, border officials said Wednesday. Under a policy put into place by the Trump administration as part of its response to COVID-19, border authorities are quickly expelling roughly 85% of migrants arriving at the border with little processing, incentivizing recidivism, agents said. The Biden administration is no longer expelling unaccompanied minors but is still quickly removing most children traveling with their families. Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar called the restoration of the Central American Minors program an important first step to addressing the current surge in child migration, but said there is more to be done. If we want to truly address irregular migration, our southern border cannot be the first line of defense, he said in a statement. Kids in Need of Defense, an advocacy group, praised the Biden administrations move to restore the Central American Minors program, or CAM, but called for an expansion. The first iteration of the program faced criticism for being too slow when some kids applying were in imminent danger. They need to make changes so CAM reaches more children and families, the organization tweeted Wednesday. The State and Homeland Security departments will reopen the Central American Minors program in two phases: the first to process eligible applicants whose cases were closed when the program was terminated in 2017, and the second to take new applicants, according to the State Department release Wednesday announcing the restart of the program. State Department and Homeland Security agencies have already identified all suspended cases eligible for reopening and will be working with resettlement agencies to contact parents and verify that they are still lawfully present in the United States and want to move forward with reopening their childrens cases under CAM, as soon as next week, the release said. Once parents have confirmed their status and wish to continue, a State Department resettlement center in El Salvador will contact children and family in that country, as well as those in Guatemala and Honduras, to begin processing applications again. The State Department has identified more than 3,000 cases eligible for reopening, representing nearly 4,000 individuals, spokesperson Ned Price told The Times in a statement late Wednesday. Applicants who have turned 21 since initially filing their application for the minors program with the State Department also qualify, he said. For those newly eligible who have not applied before, Biden administration officials said, they are developing plans to expand the program and will provide those details as soon as they are ready. While resettlement is an important pathway to protection for some and can help alleviate the need for dangerous journeys, it is not a substitute for asylum, either legally or in terms of actually protecting people fleeing life-threatening persecution, said Eleanor Acer of Human Rights First. So far, many of the Biden administrations steps to undo Trumps immigration legacy have not addressed the thousands of U.S.-bound migrants who were left in limbo outside the country over the last four years, or who were turned away under policies later found to be illegal. But it appears the restart of the Central American Minors program could give another chance to some stymied by Trump. The intervening years and whiplash of ever-changing U.S. immigration policy, though, have had a human cost. In one case, Douglas, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in June 2017 telling him hed been approved for the program and would be scheduled for an interview. Then, the Trump administration official ended the program, and there was no more contact, he recently told The Times. So years later, still facing threats from gangs, he decided to come himself. The now-21-year-old suffered severe frostbite after being caught in the historic winter storm that slammed Texas in February while crossing the border. Initially, border authorities told his family and lawyer he would be expelled once discharged from the hospital, but ultimately they released him to family in California to pursue his case. My only thought was to see my dad, Douglas told The Times. Its the only thing that I want. Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. New Delhi: The Supreme Court's nine-judge Constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar upheld Right To Privacy as fundamental right on Thursday. All the nine judges had consensus over upholding Right To Privacy as fundamental right. A nine-judge bench ruled that right to privacy is an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 and entire Part III of the Constitution. The ruling on the highly contentious issue was to deal with a batch of petitions challenging the Centres move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes. Others members of the bench comprising Justices J Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, R F Nariman, A M Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, S K Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer also shared the same view. The nine judges unanimously overruled the two earlier judgements of the apex court that right to privacy is not protected under the Constitution. The bench overruled the M P Sharma verdict of 1950 and that of Kharak Singh of 1960. The judgement in the Kharak Singh case was pronounced by eight judges and in M P Sharma it was delivered by six judges. Justice Khehar, who read the operative portion of the judgement, said the subsequent verdicts pronounced after M P Sharma and Kharak Singh have laid down the correct position of the law. Before pronouncing the judgement, the CJI said that among the nine judges some of them have authored different orders. As it happened: # 12:56 PM The Aadhar we conceived was perfectly compatible with the Right To Privacy. It is the interpretation of this government of the Article 21 which is an invasion of Right To Privacy. No fault in the Aadhar concept, there is fault in how this government plans to use or misuse Aadhar as a tool, says P Chidambaram # 11:20 AM Path breaking & seminal judgement of Supreme Court declares Privacy as fundamental right. A great victory for liberty & freedom. S.C rejects Modi Govts attempt to whittle down the right to privacy as a fundamental right by AGs plea of no mention in Constitution, said Rendeep Surjewala. # 11:14 AM Congratulations to all lawyers, activists, others who fought this govts sinister designs to deny Indians their fundamental right to privacy. A far-reaching judgement which will have consequences in various domains, as technology is playing a greater role in our day-to-day lives. We have been opposed to mandatory Aadhaar, data misuse by foreign tech corporates. This judgement will pave the way for securing our rights. tweets Sitaram Yechury. # 11:08 AM The Supreme Court overruled its earlier decision when the court held Right to Privacy was not a fundamental right. # 11:02 AM Any law which abuses privacy is wrong, says Supreme Court # 10:56 AM The nine judge bench ruled privacy is intrinsic to freedom of life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution # 10:48 AM There was consensus among nine-judge bench which upheld Right To Privacy as fundamental right # 10:45 AM Supreme Court's nine-judge bench upholds Right To Privacy as fundamental right Centres opinion in SC- Right to privacy could be a fundamental right, but it could not be absolute, Attorney General K K Venugopal had submitted before a nine-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar. There may be a fundamental right to privacy and it has to be a qualified right since it covers diverse aspects and a sub-species of the Right to Liberty. Every aspect or sub- species cannot qualify to be a fundamental right, he had said. Right to privacy cant be one homogenous right. Its not absolute and is rather qualified to be elevated to the level of fundamental right. Privacy will be one species which comes under right to liberty, he had stated. The Centres assertion came when the bench posed a pointed query to the attorney general as to what was the stand of the government on the question whether right to privacy was a fundamental right or not. The contentious issue as to whether right to privacy was a fundamental right or not was referred to a larger bench in 2015 after the Centre had underlined the issue of two judgements delivered in 1950 and 1962 by the apex court that had held it was not a fundamental right. Supreme Courts observation so far- The Supreme Court had earlier said that there has to be "overarching" guidelines to protect an individuals private information in public domain to ensure that it was used only for an intended purpose. A nine-judge Constitution bench, dealing with the contentious issue whether right to privacy was a fundamental right, had rejected plea of a Gujarat government lawyer that misuse of personal information could be dealt with on a "case-to-case basis" and said an all-embracing guideline was needed keeping in mind the size of the population. The bench, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, also referred to the fact that India was a signatory of a 1948 international convention which recognised privacy as a human right. Referring to arguments put forward by the Maharashtra government on the issue, the court said, "Even if we accept it that the Constituent Assembly dealt with it (privacy issue) and decided against including it as a fundamental right, then how you will deal with the fact that India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which recognises it." For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Oregon Coast / Inland Campgrounds Mostly Open, Some Fee Increases Published 03/08/21 at 7:00 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oregon Coast) Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is getting back to normal at an ever-quickening rate, and is now looking hopefully towards a more normal season at campgrounds on the Oregon coast and elsewhere. Staff rehiring is taking place after many positions were eliminated, and even with a massive revenue shortfall the agency has opened up most state parks and campgrounds, with a few more to go. (Above: Cape Lookout State Park near Oceanside) However, some small camping fee increases are taking place at several state parks, though not all. Tthis time last year saw a major travel shut down, along with state parks, due to COVID emergency measures. Those shutdowns, as well as a lack of funding from Oregon lottery when bars were closed, created some serious financial issues at OPRD. Other natural disasters did not help the situation, such as the wildfires in September and ice storms last month. Campgrounds were especially affected, especially on the Oregon coast, and the agency is moving as quickly as possible to normalize operations there and in other state parks. About half of the fee increases are on the Oregon coast. However, the temporary, COVID-related surcharge that added up to an additional 30% fee to overnight stays for out-of-state campers ended March 1. Overnight camping rates will remain the same as 2020 rates except for a $3 increase for electric hookup and full hookup sites in selected parks May 28-Sept. 6. The electric hookup rate range will be $24-$35 and the full hookup range will be $26-$38 per night at the following parks: Beverly Beach State Park Bullards Beach State Park Cape Blanco State Park Cape Lookout State Park Devils Lake State Recreation Area Fort Stevens State Park Harris Beach State Park Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Nehalem Bay State Park South Beach State Park Sunset Bay State Park William M. Tugman State Park The Cove Palisades State Park LaPine State Park Tumalo State Park Valley of the Rogue State Park Wallowa Lake State Park Champoeg State Heritage Area Detroit Lake State Recreation Area L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park Silver Falls State Park State and local taxes are included in all fees, OPRD said. These rates include applicable state and local taxes. All campers in 2021 will pay the same rates. OPRD plans a future public discussion regarding out-of-state rates and making these a normal part of the overnight stay rate structure. 44 percent of OPRDs budget comes from the Oregon Lottery Fund, while 50 percent comes from park visitors, with another portion coming from recreational vehicle registrations and other sources. Six percent comes from federal funding, primarily for heritage-related programs. Revenue for OPRD is projected to be down more than $20 million by the end of the 2019-21 biennium that ends June 30. However, the vast majority of parks have already reopened and OPRD said they expect nearly all to be completely back in operation over the next few months. Although Oregon Lottery and park visitor fee revenue is projected to be down more than $20 million by the end of the 2019-21 biennium that ends June 30, nearly all state parks are open or will be in the next few months, including those parks that will reopen after usual seasonal closures. Our visitors and staff have weathered a rough 12 months, said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). None of us imagined this time last year that we would face a more than two-month shutdown of Oregon State Parks and then reopen under pandemic and safety precautions, followed by last Septembers wildfires that damaged our local communities and several state parks. This Februarys ice storm also brought down trees and limbs and damaged some facilities in northern Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge parks. Our park staff, operating with fewer employees because of a revenue shortfall that prevented us from hiring our usual seasonal staff, have rallied and are looking forward to the coming months, Sumption added. Were very grateful to them, and to all state park visitors for their patience. Park staff are evaluating the status of two park campgrounds that were temporarily closed because of wildfire damage: Collier Memorial State Park and Detroit Lake State Park. Park Manager Aaron Raines at Collier Memorial State Park and Logging Museum says the campground may open later this year, but staff are waiting for the snow to melt to continue assessing and repairing damage caused by the Two Four Two Fire and for State Historic Preservation Office approvals for some work. The Williamson River Day-Use Area and a portion of the Logging Museum are open, although no park access is available to Spring Creek or the Williamson River during restoration efforts. Raines asks that visitors look for closure signs and to not enter restricted areas for their safety. Detroit Lake State Park remains temporarily closed, although the Mongold Day-use Area and boat launch are open, says Bob Rea, park manager. Rea added that park staff continue to repair infrastructure damaged by the Beachie Fire and says the campground could open by this summer. Both Raines and Rea say campground site reservations will be available as soon as reopening dates are determined. Some pandemic-related, temporary changes remain in place based on statewide restrictions to group gatherings, including keeping group facilities and hiker/biker camping areas closed. In addition, visitor stays in yurts and cabins are followed by a one-day resting period. The resting day reduces overall availability, but staff uses the time to thoroughly clean the facilities to ensure visitor safety. Yurt and cabin visits in coastal campgrounds require a two-night minimum stay. For more information about Oregon State Parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Tillicum Campground near Yachats Camping at Cape Lookout More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Our clients are ready to act but many, especially smaller and medium-size companies, need advice and expertise to inform their response. Within this challenge is an opportunity for BMO to make a difference, to help our customers, and to drive long-term value and growth. Our ambition is clear: to be our clients' lead partner in the transition to a net zero world . Our optimism for the future is founded on a conviction that we will solve this problem by applying the same entrepreneurial spirit and innovation we've helped grow for over two centuries. The stakes are high and so is the unprecedented alignment for action we see across governments, business communities and individuals working to make change and it's going to take all of us working together. You can count on BMO helping to lead the way." - Darryl White, CEO BMO announces Net Zero ambition BMO to build unique climate analytics capabilities to be our clients' lead partner in the transition to a net zero world Introducing the BMO Climate Institute a new multi-disciplinary organization harnessing science, analytics powered by innovative technology and industry-leading expertise BMO to more than double its Sustainable Finance commitment to deploying $300 billion in sustainable lending and underwriting by 2025, and mobilizing $700 billion via Responsible advisory and investment management services by 2025 Building on its long-standing commitment to a sustainable future, support for the Paris Climate Agreement, and a track record of strong operational sustainability performance, BMO today announced a new commitment to be its clients' lead partner to a net zero world, and the comprehensive steps it will take across its financing activities and operations to drive the economic transition to achieve this critical goal. "Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and, to help tackle it, BMO is launching the BMO Climate Institute. The Institute will convene intellectual and technology resources to equip us with the data and insights needed to be the leading advisor to clients and partners on climate-related risks and opportunities facing the financial sector and key client industries," said Simon Fish, Chair of the BMO Climate Institute and Special Advisor to the CEO on ESG. Introducing the BMO Climate Institute The BMO Climate Institute will bring together science, analytics, expertise and partners to understand and manage the financial risks and opportunities related to climate change and transition for both clients and the bank. The Institute will drive thought leadership inside and outside of the bank, convene parties for climate action and provide insights and best practices for industry, government, academia and investors to unlock climate solutions. Unique to the BMO Climate Institute is a new climate analytics platform built by BMO's Sustainability team and BMO Enterprise AI Labs with external partners. Leveraging geospatial data and leading scientific modelling, the platform will generate actionable insights on the impacts of climate change on physical assets. Mobilizing Sustainable Finance Leveraging BMO's existing capabilities in sustainable finance and insights from the BMO Climate Institute, BMO will support its clients to advance sustainability objectives, including the transition to a net zero world, by more than doubling its commitment to mobilize sustainable finance. BMO's new commitment is to deploy $300 billion in capital to clients pursuing sustainable outcomes through green, social and sustainable lending, underwriting, advisory services, and investment by 2025; and to mobilize $700 billion in assets under advice through BMO GAM's responsible engagement overlay (reo) service and assets under management through BMO GAM's Responsible strategies Taking Definitive Action "Net zero is an ambition that must include every part of the economy and society. BMO recognizes that, as a financial institution, we play a critical role to catalyze climate action, finance a just transition to a lower carbon economy, and to work with our clients to understand the risks and opportunities of this critical transformation. There is a lot of work ahead of us to achieve this goal, it will require deep insights and innovative solutions. BMO's strategy will position us to be real partners with our clients on this journey and help them find solutions that drive their business strategies while achieving climate goals," said Michael Torrance, BMO's Chief Sustainability Officer. BMO is taking the following steps as it launches its ambition for a net zero world: Setting a new target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 versus a 2019 baseline using science-based approaches, building on BMO's Carbon Neutral operations (since 2010) and matching 100% of global electricity use with renewable energy purchases (since 2020) Targeting net zero financed emissions in our lending by 2050 and committing to establishing intermediate (2030) and longer-term (2050) targets for financed emission reduction in partnership with our clients. BMO will report on progress annually beginning in 2021 As one of the first major banks to sign the UN Principles for Responsible Banking, BMO is committed to aligning its business strategy with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and relevant national and regional frameworks As a member of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), BMO will begin to quantify and disclose financed emissions data leveraging the PCAF approach BMO Global Asset Management has joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Alliance and as a member of Climate Action 100+ aligned its investee engagement program with the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement, including a net zero world. BMO GAM will set an interim target toward a goal of 100% net zero assets under advisement by 2050 As a member of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, BMO GAM will work with industry peers on the development of recommended actions, metrics and methodologies for asset owners and asset managers to become net zero investors As a member of the Equator Principles Steering Committee and Chair of the Cross-Sector Biodiversity Initiative, BMO will work with partners to develop and share good practices related to biodiversity and ecosystem services in the extractive industries For more information on BMO's commitment to a sustainable future, please visit the bank's Sustainability Report . For information about the BMO Climate Institute, visit our Climate page. To listen to BMO's podcasts on Sustainability go here. For more information on BMO's Purpose, please visit our Purpose page. About BMO Financial Group Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $973 billion as of January 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets. SOURCE BMO Financial Group Related Links www.bmo.com As Russia declares readiness, Yermak says, to end the war, reintegrate the occupied territories into Ukraine and ensure the return of Ukrainian citizens, the said plan meets all the specified criteria. Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak has said Ukraine, Germany, and France have developed a clear plan toward a peaceful settlement in Donbas and are now awaiting for its approval on the part of Russia. "Today we have a common position with the German and French delegations, and we expect the same position from the Russian Federation," Yermak said March 9 during an online discussion titled "Conflict in the East of Ukraine: Prospects for 2021." "Today a specific peace plan proposed by Germany and France, and finalized by Ukraine, is on the table and we believe it is in line with the spirit and principles of Minsk [Agreements], and it meets the norms of international law," the official added. According to Yermak, today Russia declares its readiness to end the war, reintegrate the occupied territories into Ukraine and return Ukrainian citizens, and the said plan meets all the specified criteria. "Today we must clearly say: either we are following this path, or someone must say we're against this, we don't want peace in Ukraine and the whole world will see what's going on," he said. Yermak noted he remained optimistic about the processes ongoing around the peaceful settlement in Donbas. "Today we believe a very powerful step has been proposed by Germany and France within the framework of the Normandy format, which we are discussing today. And I hope it will also be the subject of a powerful discussion at a conference call in the Normandy format in a week or two these are the so-called clusters, logical steps that fully comply with the spirit and principles of the Minsk agreements, comply with international law. and may become, if agreed, the basis for a roadmap," he said. According to Yermak, the implementation of the "road map" must be aimed at actually achieving peace in Donbas, at reintegrating the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as holding local elections. Read alsoKravchuk tells how Ukraine set to react to Donbas escalationNormandy format: Background The Normandy Four is a format of talks in a quadripartite format, involving Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia, where issues of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine are discussed. The name of the format comes from a summit of the four leaders, which first took place in Benouville, Normandy region, northwestern France, on June 6, 2014. The latest summit of the Normandy Four leaders was held in Paris in December 2019. On March 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to hold separate meetings with each of the leaders of the Normandy Four (Germany, France, Russia) if the summit keeps being postponed. Reporting by UNIAN Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. (Natural News) Much of the news coverage surrounding Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans in August 2005, focused on the flooding and damage to homes caused by the storm. One aspect that didnt get as much attention were the resulting oil spills. More than a week after the storm, crude oil was still leaking from damaged drilling rigs, toppled storage tanks and broken pipelines from New Orleans down to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Shortly after that, Hurricane Rita made matters worse by pushing the oil let loose by Katrina further inland and inflicting further damage on oil tankers. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, who serves as the first responder for oil spills, 540 separate reports of spills came in during this time for Louisiana waters. More than 400 pipelines and 100 drilling platforms sustained damage. All told, officials estimate that the leaks released roughly the same amount of oil as the infamous 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which saw 10.8 million gallons of oil spilled into Prince William Sound in Alaska. That disaster prompted the Oil Pollution Act, which required state and federal agencies to work with companies who spill oil to assess the damage to natural resources and pay for efforts to restore it. The Katrina-related oil spills happened more than 15 years ago, and we still havent seen an assessment of the damage, nor have any of the 140 parties believed to be responsible for spills been hit with any types of fines or citations related to environmental violations. There have been no restoration plans drafted for the water, ecosystems, birds and fish that were impacted, and experts worry we may never know the full extent of the damage caused to the environment. However, there is no doubt that it is significant. After all, even small spills can have big impacts, with oil that seeps into marsh mud affecting snails and worms and the birds who eat them, not to mention the fish in these waters and the humans who consume the fish. Marsh plants start dying, saltwater pushes them over, and the coastline recedes further; future storms then come along and compound the issue. Not only has no one had to pay for this damage, but the oil companies who caused the spills have actually been reimbursed by a federal trust fund to the tune of $19 million. The fund allows private parties to make claims for expenses they incurred while clearing their oil spills. The companies involved only need to file papers detailing how much oil was spilled, why the spill occurred, and how they tried to capture it. Many have described the spill as caused by an unforeseeable act of God. Restoring the environment will be difficult without funding This failure to hold companies financially accountable for the spills is preventing important remediation work from being carried out. According to NOLA.com, if the companies behind these spills paid at the same rate BP paid for the oil it spilled in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, Louisiana could see its restoration budget rise by more than $700 million. A lawyer for the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office, Stephanie Morris, said that fining responsible parties can be difficult. The [oil companies] always fight with us, she said. Their position with us is always: Louisiana has a lot of spills. You have a degrading coast. Are you trying to say these injuries are from my little spill? Adam Babich, a former director of the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, said that although the act of God defense is not normally enough to free oil companies from liability, it weakens arguments for holding them accountable. It is outrageous that oil companies spilled 10.8 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and instead of paying to help the environment get back on track, they were actually rewarded financially for polluting the water. Sources for this article include: WakingTimes.com NOLA.com DETROIT (AP) Lawyers who negotiated a $641 million settlement for victims of Flints lead-contaminated water are asking a judge to set aside up to 32% for fees and expenses for years of work on the case. If granted, the request would total $202 million in fees and $7 million in expenses for dozens of attorneys who made a deal with the state of Michigan, Flint, a hospital and an engineering firm, according to a court filing Monday. Working together, plaintiffs counsel have achieved a landmark $641.25 million partial settlement in these cases that the court has rightly called `complex and `intensely litigated. Plaintiffs counsel have worked on a contingent basis for more than five years now, without compensation of any kind, to achieve this remarkable result, the lawyers said. Regulators in then-Gov. Rick Snyders administration allowed Flint to use the Flint River in 2014-15 without treating the water to reduce corrosion. As a result, lead in old pipes broke off and flowed through taps. The catastrophe in the majority-Black city has been described as an example of environmental racism. Separately, experts have blamed the water for an outbreak of Legionnaires disease, which led to at least 12 deaths in the Flint area. Michigan is paying $600 million of the settlement. Attorney General Dana Nessel said she will not take a public position on how much the attorneys should receive, a condition that was part of the deal. In the months ahead, U.S. District Judge Judith Levy will decide how much money for lawyers will be carved out of the settlement. The agreement makes money available to every Flint child who was exposed to the water, every adult who can show an injury, certain business owners and anyone who paid water bills. Flint switched back to a Detroit regional water agency in fall 2015, when a doctor publicly reported elevated lead levels in children. Attorneys representing Flint residents have said 80% of payments will go to people who were under 18 when the river water was used. The estates of people who died from Legionnaires would qualify for $300,000 to $1.5 million. Separately, Snyder and eight other people are charged with crimes in the Flint water scandal. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Harry Dunn's mother has blasted his suspected killer for offering to carry out community service and make a 'contribution' in the 19-year-old's memory - instead of facing criminal charges in the UK. Anne Sacoolas, 43, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after colliding with Harry's motorcycle outside RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire, in 2019 - while on the wrong side of the road. Her lawyer Amy Jeffress said Sacoolas has 'never denied' responsibility for Harry's death - but her client was not inclined to return to the UK to face trial because the charge would not usually result in a prison sentence in the US. Therefore, Sacoolas would be willing to offer community service because it is 'a typical sentence for offences like this' - and 'make a contribution in Harry's memory'. But Harry's mother Charlotte Charles criticized the offer, saying 'there is no price on Harry's life'. Harry Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles has blasted his suspected killer Anne Sacoolas, 43, (right) for offering to carry out community service and a 'contribution' in his memory instead of facing criminal charges in the UK Anne Sacoolas, 43, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after colliding with 19-year-old Harry's (pictured) motorcycle outside RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire, in 2019 - while on the wrong side of the road She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'I'm not willing to discuss a contribution, whatever she may mean by that. 'She needs to go through the UK justice system. 'We all know diplomatic immunity is not there to cover somebody for killing a child in the way it happened and to be able to walk away.' In the heartbreaking interview, she said she promised Harry she would get justice for him the night he died, adding: 'There are no circumstances at all under which I will break that promise.' She added: 'It's literally unbreakable - that bond never gets broken, it's never severed, the heart's in pieces, every bone in your body can hurt and it can ache. Sacoolas was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after colliding with 19-year-old Harry's motorcycle outside RAF Croughton (pictured), Northamptonshire, in 2019 - while on the wrong side of the road 'But that determination and that love for your child just holds you together and gives you everything you need to carry on.' The US Government asserted diplomatic immunity on behalf of Sacoolas following the road crash in August, 2019. She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving - but an extradition request submitted by the Home Office was rejected by the US State Department in January last year. Yesterday, her lawyer Ms Jeffress said she and Sacoolas were striving to resolve the case in a manner that would not involve a return to the UK. 'We understand that community service is a typical sentence for offences like this,' Ms Jeffress told BBC Radio 4's Law in Action programme. 'We have offered ever since over a year ago that she would be willing to serve that kind of a sentence and to make a contribution in Harry's memory, to take other steps to try to bring some peace to the family.' She said Sacoolas was 'truly sorry for Harry's family and the pain that his has caused'. 'She's willing to meet with the family to provide whatever information they are seeking; and we truly hope that we can do that and give the family some measure of peace,' Ms Jeffress told the programme. Ms Jeffress said Sacoolas had only been in the UK for 'a few weeks' when she had made the tragic mistake of 'instinctively' driving her car on the wrong side of the road and colliding with Mr Dunn's motorcycle. Sacoolas is willing to offer community service because it is 'a typical sentence for offences like this' - and would 'make a contribution in Harry's memory'. Pictured: Harry Dunn Harry's mother Ms Charles (pictured) blasted the offer, saying Sacoolas should be extradited to the UK to face trial here But she added such cases in the US were only prosecuted criminally if there was 'evidence of recklessness that rises to the level of close to intent - drunk driving, distracted driving, a hit-and-run situation or excessive speeding ... But there was none of that here'. Ms Jeffress told the BBC she understood this was one of the reasons the US did not waive Sacoolas's diplomatic immunity. She also denied reports Sacoolas had not called for help after the crash, saying she had flagged down another motorist who had called an ambulance while Sacoolas notified police at Croughton, where she worked with her husband for the US State Department. Sacoolas had cooperated with local police, Ms Jeffress said, supplied a zero-reading breathalyser test, surrendered her phone to show she had not been using it, and was interviewed by police for several hours. Ms Jeffress's comments come a week after Mr Dunn's family was given the go-ahead to proceed with a civil claim for damages against Sacoolas and her husband. A judge's ruling in Virginia has taken the Dunn family a step closer to a legal showdown with suspect Anne Sacoolas, 18 months on from Mr Dunn's death. Should there be no settlement in the case, the next legal step would be a 'deposition', in which Sacoolas and her husband would be forced to provide their account of events outside of court. Mumford & Sons have reportedly 'axed' Winston Marshall from the group after he posted a tweet praising a controversial Right-wing writer. The I Will Wait hitmakers - also comprised of Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett - are said to have held crisis talks on Sunday - a day after banjoist and lead guitarist Winston, 33, posted a tweet in support of a book by Andy Ngo, claims The Sun. The band and their management are then said to have made the decision that Winston would be asked to leave the band after 14 years. Claim: Mumford & Sons have reportedly 'axed' Winston Marshall from the group after he posted a tweet praising a controversial Right-wing writer (pictured 2019) A source close to the band told the website: 'Winston's staunchly right wing political views have been causing tension for some time now within the band. They continued that a rift had been 'forming for the past four years' saying: 'Marcus would always be an advocate for his right to free speech and for him to believe what he wants. Adding that the decision had been 'hugely difficult' the source also alleged the band thought Winston's tweet 'impacted the band's image.' Mailonline has contacted representatives for the band and Winston Marshall for comment. Hitmakers: The band- also comprised of Marcus Mumford (second right), Ted Dwane (end right) and Ben Lovett (second left)- are said to have held crisis talks on Sunday - a day after Winston, 33, posted a tweet in support of a book by Andy Ngo, claims The Sun (pictured 2019) On Saturday, fans hit back at Winston and accused him of 'endorsing fascism' when he praised Ngo's new book Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy in a now-deleted tweet. Ngo has previously come under fire for past associations with neo-fascist white nationalist organisations Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer. In his tweet Winston wrote to Ngo: 'Finally had the time to read your important book. You're a brave man' and posted a photo of the tome. The book recounts how Ngo was attacked and 'milkshaked' by militant anti-fascist protesters in 2019 - along with the history and tactics of the Antifa movement. Footage at the time showed Ngo being punched, kicked and covered in milkshake by members of the 'Antifa' movement. Alleged: The band and their management are then said to have made the decision that Winston would be asked to leave the band after 14 years (pictured October 2019) Ngo was seen attempting to get away from the crowd, some of whom follow him and throw milkshakes and other objects at his head. At least three demonstraters from Antifa, the collective term for a militant progressive protest movement, who oppose the far-right, were arrested. The writer tweeted afterwards that he was bleeding and had been robbed of his camera equipment and was heading to the hospital for treatment. He said: 'Attacked by antifa. Bleeding. They stole my camera equipment. No police until after. waiting for ambulance . If you have evidence Of attack please help.' Adding: 'On way to hospital. Was beat on face and head multiple times in downtown in middle of street with fists and weapons. Suspects at large.' Tweet: On Saturday, fans hit back at Winston and accused him of 'endorsing fascism' when he praised Ngo's new book Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy in a now-deleted tweet Backlash: Ngo has previously come under fire for past associations with neo-fascist white nationalist organisations Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer (pictured September 2019) American journalist Ngo has garned attention and been criticised for portraying left-wing activists as violent and for the accuracy of his reporting. In August 2019, a video surfaced showing Ngo with members of far-right group Patriot Prayer who later attacked patrons of a bar favoured by Antifa protestors. Ngo denied he knew the group were planning on instigating violence. Fans quickly criticised Winston for his tweet - with one writing: 'Certainly left a nasty taste in my mouth. I'll be listening to anybody but M&S from now on. Tweets: Fans took to Twitter to slam Winston's tweet - which was later deleted Another wrote: 'This is so damn disappointing and really reinforces all the bad stereotypes about what it means when you hear 'the sound of banjos.' Supporting fascism ain't a good look.' Winston was wed to Glee star Dianna Agron, with the couple splitting in August 2020 after four years of marriage. The notoriously private couple tied the knot at the Beldi Country Club in Morocco in 2016, following a whirlwind romance and lived in New York. The couple were first rumoured to be dating back in 2015 when Dianna was pictured holding hands with Winston when she joined his band on tour in Paris. Before marrying Winston, Dianna dated fellow actors Alex Pettyfer, Sebastian Stan and Thomas Cocquerel. Winston is rumoured to have dated Katy Perry just before she got together with Orlando Bloom. Sarah Catherine Hook and Imani Lewis have been cast as the leads in First Kill, Netflixs upcoming series executive produced by Emma Roberts.Hooks Juliette Fairmont is a shy, kind teenage girl who was born a vampire and determined to not be a monster. Her family has always supported her but as she comes into her own, her quest for love is challenged by her legacy.Lewis Calliope Cal Burns is a fearless, headstrong monster hunter. Behind that strong veneer is a vulnerable young teen torn between her duty to her family and the secret yearnings for love.Written by Felicia D. Henderson and best-selling author Victoria V. E. Schwab, First Kill is based on a short story by Schwab.In it, when its time for teenage vampire Juliette (Hook) to make her first kill so she can take her place among a powerful vampire family, she sets her sights on a new girl in town named Calliope (Lewis). But much to Juliettes surprise, Calliope is a vampire hunter, from a family of celebrated slayers. Both find that the other wont be so easy to kill and, unfortunately, way too easy to fall for Israel removes many coronavirus restrictions Armenia acting PM arrives in Belgium 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 Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev's Armenophobic statements 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) Yerkir.am: ARF-D Bureau member: Armenia acting PM ignored Macron's phone calls on November 9, 2020 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 The identity of the three major nations doing the best job of vaccinating their people against the Wuhan coronavirus will probably come as no surprise to readers who have been following the news on the subject. The three are Israel, the UK, and the U.S. Israel tops them all. It has administered an astonishing 98.5 doses per 100 people. The UK is a distant second with 35.1 doses per 100. Next comes the U.S. at 27.2 doses. Israel reportedly paid premium prices for vaccine, enabling it to get off to an incredibly quick start. Now, it is even vaccinating Palestinians who work in Israel around 100,000 of them per day. Still, Israels many enemies criticize it for not taking care of other Palestinians as if the Israelis have a moral obligation to vaccinate an unrelentingly hostile population, many of whose members favor destruction of the Jewish state. The UK also got off to a flying start. Brits should be grateful for Brexit. The cumbersome EU bureaucracy moved slowly on the vaccination front, and member nations are paying the price. For example, France has administered only 8.5 doses per 100 people. Spain and Italy have done only slightly better (9.6 and 9.0, respectively). The U.S. also started quickly. While the EU dithered, President Trump pushed the FDA to approve the two available vaccines quickly. Two less prominent nations also deserve mention. They are the UAE (65.1 doses per 100 people) and Serbia (23.7 doses). Serbias success seemingly is attributable to the realization that, not being an EU member, it could not rely on Brussels. The Serbs aggressively sought and obtained vaccine from wherever it was available the U.S., China, Russia, and the EU. The UAE was able to put lots of shots in arms because it rapidly approved Chinas version of the vaccine. The efficacy of that vaccine is subject to doubt, however. According to Worldometer, the number of new cases in the UAE has actually increased since vaccinations commenced. In mid-December, the UAE was reporting about 1,200 new cases per day. Throughout January, the number was steady at nearly three times that number. Now, its about double what it was in mid-December. Is the vaccine used in the UAE at least preventing deaths? The numbers dont show that it is. Deaths from the virus spiked in the UAE during February. Worldometer paints a far happier picture of the other four vaccination leaders Israel, the UK, the U.S., and Serbia. New cases in Israel are about one-third of what they were a month and a half ago. So too with deaths. In the UK the results are even more dramatic. At the beginning of the year, it was reporting more than 50,000 new cases per day. Now, the number is around 6,000. The daily death count is down from around 1,500 to around 300. But the UK was doing vastly worse than Israel pre-vaccine, so there was much more room for improvement. In the U.S., new reported cases have plummeted, as well from around 250,000 per day to around 60,000. So far, improvement in the daily death count has been less dramatic. Still, in the past two months, the decline in deaths per day attributed to the virus exceeds 50 percent. By contrast, vaccine laggards such as France and Italy arent seeing a decrease in new cases per day or a significant decrease in deaths. What about Serbia? With its odd array of vaccines, it is getting odd outcomes. New reported cases dropped from around 7,500 per day in early December to around 2,000 in January. But then, the number rose. Its now between 3,500 and 4,000. The daily death count decreased from around 50 per day in late December to around 20 per day in late January. Since then, it has held steady at about that number. Vaccines produced in Russia and China are, I assume, better than nothing. However, the numbers presented in this post tend to confirm my view that vaccines produced in the USA are vastly preferable. PORTLAND, Ore., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- There were no significant differences in health outcomes for pregnant women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes or their babies using two different clinically recommended screening methods, according to results from a large-scale clinical trial conducted by Kaiser Permanente researchers and published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Although there is evidence that treating pregnant women for gestational diabetes leads to improved health outcomes for mothers and their infants, there is no scientific consensus on how best to screen for gestational diabetes. Two different approaches are recommended and used in clinical practice in the United States: a 1-step protocol that requires women to fast prior to the test (currently preferred by the American Diabetes Association) and a 2-step approach that does not require fasting for the initial test (currently recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). This study was the first head-to-head trial comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes of the two methods. "We know that screening and diagnosing women with gestational diabetes improves outcomes for mothers and babies," said lead author Teresa Hillier, MD, MS, investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Integrated Health Care Research. "Our trial was designed to determine whether there were any differences in outcomes between the two approaches. The one-step method diagnoses twice as many women, typically leading to treatment of women with milder gestational diabetes, but we found no evidence that this higher diagnosis rate led to differences in outcomes." The study involved nearly 24,000 pregnant women from Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii and from the Northwest in Portland, Oregon, all of whom were randomly assigned to the 1-step or the 2-step testing protocol to screen for gestational diabetes as part of their clinical care. This head-to-head study design compared outcomes across the entire population in a "real-world" clinical setting, allowing generalizability to everyday clinical practice. The women were enrolled between May 28, 2014, and December 31, 2017, and data on outcomes were collected between 2014 through 2018. The outcomes evaluated included rates of gestational diabetes diagnosis, large-for-gestational-age infants, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, primary cesarean section, and a composite measure of several adverse perinatal outcomes that included stillbirth and neonatal death. The study found: Among the 94% of women who completed screening, a larger share (92%) of women randomized into the 2-step protocol were adherent than those randomized into the 1-step approach (66%). There was a significant difference in diagnosis of gestational diabetes; 16.5% of women were diagnosed in the 1-step approach compared to 8.5% in the 2-step protocol. There were no significant differences between the two gestational diabetes screening approaches in the primary maternal or perinatal health outcomes. Rates were also similar between groups across a range of secondary and safety outcomes, including preterm birth and admission to neonatal intensive care. "What this large-scale clinical trial illustrates is that the 2-step screening method appears to be preferred by patients and providers, and had a lower screen-positive rate, and led to outcomes that were not different from the 1-step method," explained Keith Ogasawara, MD, chief perinatologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. The study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Other authors on the study include Kathryn Pedula, MS, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, Honolulu; Kimberly K. Vesco, MD, MPH, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon; Caryn E. S. Oshiro, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Center for Integrated Health Care Research, Honolulu; Suzanne Lubarsky, MD, Northwest Permanente, Portland; and Jan Van Marter, MPA, RN, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland. About Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, contact: John Ogden, [email protected], 503-610-5726 Kerry Sinclair, [email protected], 310-710-0321 SOURCE Kaiser Permanente Related Links http://www.kaiserpermanente.org It was 6.38am when Piers Morgan huffed from the set of Good Morning Britain, almost parading out of the studio in either real or feigned indignation. Yet his departure - OK, Im done with this - if not planned, at least felt preordained. For much of his career, the man born Piers Stefan OMeara, has been quitting jobs, friendships and roles in dramatic fashion. Sometimes he has been given a sharp boot, but he has always managed to land on his feet. The 55-year-olds departure from ITV studios in London follows criticism of Morgan from one of his fellow presenters on the morning show, which can attract more than 1.5 million viewers. Follow Piers Morgan updates live: Ex-GMB presenter says he is uncancellable as Meghan lodges official complaint Alex Beresford had seized on comments Morgan made the day before about the Duchess of Sussex, attacking her over the interview she and the Duke of Sussex gave to Oprah Winfrey, disputing her claim to have felt suicidal when she was a member of the British royal family. Im sorry, I dont believe a word she said, Meghan Markle, Morgan had said, after the couples interview aired first in the US. I wouldnt believe it if she read me a weather report. On Tuesday, Beresford turned the focus onto Morgan, who is widely accused of being obsessed with Meghan. Everyone has right to privacy, says Meghan Markle in new clip I understand that you dont like Meghan Markle. Youve made it so clear a number of times on this programme, and I understand that you had a personal relationship with Meghan Markle and she cut you off, he said. Has she said anything about you after she cut you off? Shes entitled to cut you off if she wants to. And yet you continue to trash her. It was at that point Morgan left the set. Later in the day, ITV said that following a conversation with the presenter he had decided it was time to leave the show entirely. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add. On Tuesday, there was speculation as to Morgans future, with some suggestions he may end up on one of two new conservative news channels set to go live imminently. On one thing there appeared unanimity: that was not the last the viewing public had seen of Piers Morgan. The privately-educated Morgan, who took the name Pughe-Morgan when his mother remarried but dropped his double-barrelled surname when he started as a journalist, began his Fleet Street career in 1989 as an industrious pop columnist on The Suns Bizarre column. Styling himself as a friend of the stars, Morgan was a consummate networker and never suffered from a lack of confidence. In 1994, Rupert Murdoch made him editor of the News of the World, at the age of just 29. The following year he was made editor of the left-leaning Daily Mirror. In 2000, Morgan was accused of insider trading after buying shares that had been tipped in one of the papers business columns. He denied the claims and no charges were brought. An investigation by the Press Complaints Commission found he had acted wrongly, but he was able to keep his job. He was not so fortunate in 2004, when in the aftermath of the Abu Ghraib Iraqi prisoner torture scandal, the newspaper printed images claiming to show British troops abusing detainees. It soon transpired the images had been staged. Trinity Mirror chairperson Sly Bailey called Morgan to her office and fired him. He got called down to Sly's office this afternoon and wasnt even allowed back up to the 22nd floor to say goodbye to his staff, one insider told The Guardian. He was escorted out of the building by security. At that point Morgan turned to television, filming a series of programmes for the BBC and appearing as a judge on reality television shows, such as Americas Got Talent. In 2008, he was the winner of the celebrity version of The Apprentice, where he met a certain Donald Trump. In December of that year Morgan interviewed Trump for GQ magazine, prefacing the article with this: Donald Trump and I are pretty tight as they say in America. In 2010, Morgan was named the replacement for CNNs veteran broadcaster Larry King. The challenge of replacing King would have been vast for anyone. Morgan did his best, trying to make waves by campaigning against what he determined to be the nations mad situation in regard to firearms. But after some initial positive reviews his first guest was Winfrey the show lost ratings and he was pushed out in 2014. In 2015, back in Britain, he made his way to Good Morning Britain, co-hosting with a frequently alarmed looking Susanna Reid. Throughout he wrote a column for the Daily Mail and enjoyed a Twitter following of a little less than 8 million. Among the targets of his anger and acidity have been Jeremy Clarkson, Emily Ratajkowski and critics of the royal family. Often it appeared his comments and assertions were designed solely to stir controversy. At Good Morning Britain, he has been the subject of countless complaints to the television watchdog, Ofcom. Since the coronavirus struck, Morgan had been praised for pressing for action from British ministers, and his eventual abandonment of Trumps apparent denialism. British political activist Femi Oluwole pointed to this on Tuesday. Put aside everything else about who Piers Morgan is, he said: This government has overseen one of the worst death tolls and recessions on the planet and instead of losing their jobs, the main journalist who held them to account, lost his. Morgans intense interest in Meghan, pregnant with her second child and now living in California with Prince Harry, is said to have been triggered by his encounter with her in 2016, literally the same night she is said to have met the prince. We had two hours in the pub, she had a couple of dirty martinis and pints we got on brilliantly, he told Ryan Tubridy, host of Irelands The Late Show two years ago, explaining the Suits star was in London to see Serena Williams. Then I put her in a cab, and it turns out it was the cab that took her to a party where she met Prince Harry. The next night they had a solo dinner and that was the last I ever heard from Meghan Markle. He added: I never heard from her again Meghan Markle ghosted me. Indeed, Morgan had made little attempt to hide his contempt for her. One Daily Mail column, published six months after she and Prince Harry were married, was headlined: Meghan Markle is a ruthless social climbing actress who has landed the role of her life and is determined to milk it for all she can - and thats why the palace is beginning to turn on her. In his comments on Mondays show, Morgan had not only disputed Meghans claim of depression, but also sought to defend an alleged inquiry by a member of the royal family, made when she was expecting their first child, as to the colour of the babys skin, questioning whether such a remark would be automatically racist. His remarks led to more than 41,000 complaints to Ofcom, which said it was investing. He was also confronted on air by a fellow presenter, Trisha Goddard. Why is everybody else such an expert about racism against Black people, she asked him. Im sorry, Piers you dont get to call out what is and isnt racism against Black people. Ill leave you to call out all the other stuff you want, but leave the racism stuff to us, eh? When Morgan left the set on Tuesday morning, he did so with the words of his co-presenter, Alex Beresford, echoing in his ears. Do you know what? Thats pathetic. This is absolutely diabolical behaviour, he said. Im sorry, but Piers spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit there and listen. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (NBC News) Jury selection began Tuesday in the murder trial of Dereck Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer seen in cell phone video with his knee across George Floyd's neck in the minutes before his death. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to charges of second degree murder and manslaughter for his role in Floyd's death. The court is still considering whether a count of third degree murder could also be considered by jurors. Legal observers say that could be critical for the prosecution. "Only one police officer in the history of Minnesota has been convicted of killing someone on duty, and he was convicted on a third degree murder charge," points out civil rights attorney and former prosecutor David Henderson. Judge Peter Cahill, who initially threw the charge out in the fall, says he's waiting on an appellate court ruling before deciding about reinstating the third degree option for jurors. Chauvin's defense team has indicated if the third degree charge is included they'll file an appeal. Read more: http://nbcnews.to/3emK4Wv Bank Norwegian AS refers to the announcement on 8 March 2021. The bank has today issued two senior preferred bonds denominated in NOK and SEK with the following terms: NOK 700 million with a 4 year tenor with a call option for the issuer after 3 years and quarterly thereafter, with a coupon equal to 3 months NIBOR + 1.45% p.a. SEK 300 million with a 4 year tenor with a call option for the issuer after 3 years and quarterly thereafter, with a coupon equal to 3 months STIBOR + 1.40% p.a. The settlement date for both issues is 18 March 2021. The bonds are issued under Bank Norwegians EMTN programme, and will be applied for listing on Oslo Stock Exchange. SpareBank 1 Markets and Swedbank acted as joint lead managers. Contact persons: CFO Klara-Lise Aasen; phone +47 47 63 55 83; kaa@banknorwegian.no Head of treasury Mats Benserud; phone +47 95 89 15 39; mbe@banknorwegian.no This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act Adrian Zenz Photo: Screenshot of an online video A number of enterprises and individuals in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have directed lawyers to sue German national Adrian Zenz (who calls himself Zheng Guoen in Chinese), Xinjiang local news outlet ts.cn reported. Local people said that Zenz spread "forced labor" and other rumors related to Xinjiang, which damaged their reputation and caused them to suffer economic losses. They have filed a civil lawsuit with a local court in Xinjiang, demanding that Zenz apologize, restore their reputation and compensate them for their losses. Adrian Zenz, born in 1974, is an infamous anti-China pseudo-scholar. He is a German far-right fundamentalist Christian who believes he is "led by God" on a "mission" against China, member of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a far-right organization established by the US government in 1993, and senior fellow in a research group set up by the US intelligence community against the vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang. In 2018 when he was still a faculty member of the European School of Culture and Theology at Columbia International University, Korntal, he has gone almost overnight from an unknown researcher into a go-to pundit on Xinjiang, as the US steps up its disinformation campaign against China. In recent years, Zenz has produced multiple sensational "reports" on Xinjiang on social media platforms like Twitter, and fabricated false academic research on Xinjiang, in which he spread rumors such as large-scale monitoring of local ethnic minorities and forced labor of the Uygurs. These false claims have been pursued by Western media. Misled by such rumors on Xinjiang, some countries and companies have reduced or even halted imports of cotton and cotton products from Xinjiang, causing some cotton farmers and cotton processing enterprises in Xinjiang to suffer great economic losses. Former foreign affairs boss Peter Varghese has warned that China could further tighten the screws on international student numbers, saying universities should not be complacent about reports local Chinese authorities were encouraging agents not to promote Australia as a study option. Mr Varghese, now the current chancellor of the University of Queensland, said it was quite likely that local Chinese authorities had spoken to some recruitment agents about not encouraging students to study at Australian universities. These seem to be locally initiated messages that have gone out to some agents rather than a centralised message from Chinas Ministry of Education. That is not unusual in China, Mr Varghese, who led the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2012-16, said. Former DFAT Secretary Peter Varghese says universities should not be complacent about the possibility China could tighten the screws on the flow of international students to Australia. Credit:Paul Harris I dont think its cause for alarm, but I dont think anyone should be complacent that the Chinese government will not take any further action. Published On Mar 10, 2021 08:41 PM By Sonny for Volvo XC60 The best-selling Volvo gets smarter as part of its model year update New XC60 also gets mild cosmetic updates to the front fascia along with the latest semi-autonomous safety features. Volvo XC60 still gets a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will now be powered by Android with built-in services like hands-free Google Maps and Google Assistant. Updated XC60 could arrive in India by the end of 2021 with a turbo-petrol engine. Volvo has given the XC60 SUV the mildest of facelifts for 2021. The most significant update is to the vertically oriented, 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will now be powered by Googles Android. The infotainment system now features hands-free Google Assistant, native in-car apps via Google Play and navigation through Google Maps. This update will be offered across the Volvo range with a new Digital Services package. Details of the Digital Services package vary depending on the region but always include the aforementioned Google services (except in China and South Korea which use alternative service providers). This package also adds wireless charging and access to the Volvo On Call application in select markets. The XC60s updated infotainment system is part of the SUVs mid-life update. It also gets the latest version of Volvos Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a subtly updated grille and front bumper and new cosmetic choices for the exterior, interior and wheels. With this latest version of the XC60 scheduled to begin production in May 2021, expect Volvo to launch it in India in the second half of the year. The XC60 is currently available in India in a single, well-equipped variant with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, pilot assist, front collision mitigation, digital drivers display, ventilated and power adjustable front seats, and a 360-degree camera. The Volvo XC60 in India is presently priced at Rs 59.90 lakh (ex-showroom) while the updated version will be offered with the same turbo-petrol engine as the S60. It rivals the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Read More on : XC60 Automatic Miami - Florida, USA, March 10th 2021. Lipo Ride, a Miami based ride sharing company with strong focus on promoting an ecofriendly environment, announces the agreement with Healthy Reefs Organization in order to contribute with the Mesoamerican Coral Reef. With every ride done through Lipo platform the company will be donating to the preservation of Mesoamerican Coral Reef. Lipo is very proud to announce that the Healthy Reefs Organization is a new Australia has vaccinated 100,000 people a few weeks into the vaccination roll out, as more than half a million doses of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines have arrived in Australia. Speaking at the Therapeutic Goods Administration headquarters on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 149,000 doses of Pfizer arrived in Australia on Tuesday, following a further 414,000 AstraZeneca vaccines that arrived on Sunday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison during visited the Therapeutic Goods Administration headquarters on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Yesterday we went past the mark where 100,000 of those have been jabbed into the arms of Australians, and Im pleased to say a quarter of those vaccines have been administered to the most vulnerable of Australians, in aged care facilities and those with disabilities, he said. So the vaccination program is under way. Its sure. Its steady. Its safe. Its well planned. And its overseen by the best medical experts in the world. One fateful evening in July 2016, TV presenter Piers Morgan took a pint of bitter and an outside table at the Scarsdale Arms in Kensington, West London. He was joined there, under the pubs celebrated cascading hanging baskets, by U.S. actress Meghan Markle a stranger who had approached him on Twitter, seeking friendship and the chance to network during a visit to London. She ordered a dirty Martini cocktail. Over the 90 minutes which followed, Meghan told Piers her life history her university degree, a stint as a briefcase girl on Deal Or No Deal, and her hopes and dreams. She hoped, she said, to come on his show, Good Morning Britain, to promote her TV drama, Suits, one day. He was charmed by her beauty and her megawatt smile, and impressed by her poise and intelligence. Shes strikingly beautiful, intelligent (she has two degrees, in theatre and international relations) and has a fun, feisty personality that flits easily between serious and frivolous subject matters, he noted approvingly in his column. Then she disappeared in a taxi to meet friends for dinner who then introduced her to Prince Harry. The following night, Meghan and the Prince had their first date at Soho House, and the rest is history. Morgan never heard from Meghan Markle again. Pictured: Piers Morgan takes his daughter Elise to school in West London on Wednesday. Morgan lost his 1 million-a-year job on ITVs Good Morning Britain after Meghan complained to ITV over remarks he had made about her following her interview with Oprah Winfrey Now, Piers has lost his 1 million-a-year job on ITVs Good Morning Britain after Meghan herself complained to ITV over remarks he had made about her following her interview with Oprah Winfrey remarks Piers has refused to apologise for. He called her Princess Pinocchio and said he didnt believe her account of feeling suicidal while pregnant with Archie. It emerged yesterday that, post-Oprah, Meghan emailed the CEO of ITV, Dame Carolyn McCall, formerly of the Left-leaning Guardian newspaper, to say she was concerned by what Piers had said. According to a briefing given to the Press Association, Meghan said she was not upset personally, but was worried about how his comments could affect people dealing with their own mental health problems. This intervention one complaint among 41,000 made will have weighed heavily with McCall. Not least because only a few days earlier, she had signed off on giving Oprah 1 million for the UK rights to broadcast Meghans interview. She then sat back and waited for a bonanza of riches to rain down on the ITV network thanks to advertising that was sold during the two-hour show. And now here was the subject of that very interview complaining about being traduced on air on the same network. That was enough to boot Piers off Good Morning Britain, after five years in which he had helped to turn its fortunes around from a dire underdog of a show into a programme which has finally overtaken BBC Breakfast in the ratings. Viewing has doubled over the past two years, largely due to Pierss outspoken views. Already, ITV shares have slumped by nearly 5 per cent. Was what Piers said unsympathetic? Certainly. Provocative? Without a doubt. However, his view is that it is his opinion, and he should be allowed to express it whatever offence may be caused. Instead, he has been, at least temporarily, silenced by Meghan. The irony, of course, is that only recently Meghan was complaining about how powerless she felt in the UK media landscape, and how she had been silenced. Piers Morgan with figurines of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in ITV's Good Morning Britain studio in 2018 Facing TV cameras on his doorstep, Piers cheerfully said yesterday: If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it. I think the damage shes done to the British monarchy and to the Queen, at a time when Prince Philip is lying in hospital, is enormous and frankly contemptible. In private, hes told friends he suspects personal feelings are involved on her side. Meghan saw a chance to take me down, he told one pal. She has cancelled me. It is an outrageous thing to do. I can reveal that Piers was also not informed that Meghan was one of those who had complained to ITV only finding out yesterday after he had already left. He told pals: Shes complained to my bosses and I was sacked, which is an outrageous thing to do. She wants to be able to speak her truth, but I am not able to speak mine. My rights to have an opinion are being censored. Piers, who has described his on-screen persona as a bit of a pantomime villain, but is generally very popular among GMB staff, last year published a book called Wake Up: Why The World Has Gone Nuts waging war on woke. An insider said: Piers feels it boils down to whether he is entitled to have an opinion about the veracity of what she said. His view is that the problem with these woke battles is that you cannot prostrate yourself enough. You cannot apologise enough. People bay for blood and Piers wasnt prepared to do any more than that. It comes down to whether Piers has the right to disbelieve her. A lot of the media do not believe her, and polls suggest a lot of the British public dont either. Should he be cancelled for that? Sadly, ITV has become a place of a million woke micro-aggressions. It has positioned itself as a champion of mental health. It became too difficult to have someone with his inflammatory style on a news programme. The woke brigade are using mental health as a stick to come after anyone they disagree with. Piers Morgan (centre) speaks to reporters as he walks his daughter Elise to school in Kensington, central London, the morning after it was announced by broadcaster ITV that he was leaving as a host of Good Morning Britain. Picture date: Wednesday March 10 Insiders at ITV also say that what has happened this week needs to be considered through the prism of the broadcasters sensitivities and regrets over the suicide of Love Island presenter Caroline Flack last year. ITV simply cannot have a young, pregnant woman looking as if she is being bullied over mental health issues, says a source. Caroline Flacks death, and the criticism which came ITVs way has made them very sensitive. Yes, Piers has changed the face of breakfast TV, but that kind of tone over that subject matter wasnt acceptable to them. The seeds of the Piers crisis date back to 2018, when he started to exhibit an animosity towards Meghan, a woman who had begged him for a bit of attention, but then ignored him as beneath her from then on. Piers took regular potshots at her on GMB. He mused: She is someone I thought I was pretty matey with and bang, she met somebody more important and that was it. He criticised her over the private christening of Archie, over her broken relationship with her father, and over Harrys complaints over racist Press coverage. Piers said she and Harry were the two most spoiled brats in history. There was more ire expressed over Megxit, and her interview with Oprah both its timing and contents. He called it vile, destructive self-serving nonsense the comments that have cost him his job. On Monday morning, after the interview had aired in the U.S., a clip was played of Meghan discussing her mental health issues. Piers said: I dont believe a word she says. He added: I wouldnt believe it if she read me a weather report. The mental health charity Mind got in touch with ITV to express its concerns. Piers spoke to ITV CEO McCall and director of programmes, Kevin Lygo, on Monday afternoon and it was agreed he should clarify his comments. On Tuesday, he said on air: When we talked about this yesterday, I said as an all-encompassing thing I dont believe what Meghan Markle is saying generally in this interview, and I still have serious concerns about the veracity of a lot of what she said. Morgan reinvented himself as a TV personality on Britains Got Talent and Celebrity Apprentice, and as a celebrity interviewer, taking over from Larry King in the U.S. before returning to the UK to become a provocative and divisive figure on Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid (right) But let me just state for the record . . . on mental illness and suicide, these are clearly extremely serious things . . . and if someone is feeling that way they should get the treatment and the help they need. Every time. And if they belong to an institution like the Royal Family and they go and seek that help, they should absolutely be given it. Its not for me to question if she felt suicidal, I am not in her mind and that is for her to say. My real concern was a disbelief, frankly and Im prepared to be proven wrong on this, and if Im wrong it is a scandal that she went to a senior member of the Royal household and told them she was suicidal, and was told she could not have any help because it would be a bad look for the family. If that is true a) that person should be fired; and b) the Royal Family have serious questions that need to be answered. However, this clarification was not felt to be contrite enough. Insiders say that after the show, when Piers briefly stormed off after being criticised by weather presenter Alex Beresford, he was asked to apologise once again on air on Wednesday and refused. At this point, he and ITV agreed that he should leave the show. He said: I had a good chat with ITV and we agreed to disagree. Im just going to take it easy and see how we go. I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to be allowed to have an opinion. If people want to believe Meghan Markle, thats their right. Hes now quietly negotiating with ITV over his contract, which had another year left to run. He also presents a successful Life Stories TV interview show and is a columnist for MailOnline. With 7.8 million Twitter followers and numerous friends among the media elite, its a safe bet he wont stay cancelled for long. Speculation is raging that he will take a new job at GB News, an upcoming British TV news channel due to launch this year. Certainly, he is the king of comebacks. Having been plucked from The Suns showbusiness column to edit the News of the World, aged only 28, he made a terrible howler, intruding into the privacy of Princess Dianas sister-in-law, Victoria, Countess Spencer, when it reported on her stay in a clinic. He held on to his job, and went to the Daily Mirror, where he survived a share-tipping scandal before finally being sacked after publishing faked photos, purporting to show British soldiers abusing an Iraqi prisoner. Hes since reinvented himself as a TV personality on Britains Got Talent and Celebrity Apprentice, and as a celebrity interviewer, taking over from Larry King in the U.S. before returning to the UK to become a provocative and divisive figure on Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid. Yesterday, Reid said: He is without doubt an outspoken, challenging, opinionated, disruptive broadcaster. He has many critics and he has many fans. You will know I disagreed with him about Meghans interview. He himself clarified his comments about her mental health on the show yesterday. There are many voices on GMB and everyone has their say. But now Piers has decided to leave the programme. Some of you may cheer and others may boo. He has been my presenting partner, Monday to Wednesday, for more than five years, and during Brexit and the pandemic and other issues, he has been a voice for many of you and a voice many of you have railed against. It is certainly going to be very different, but shows go on and so on we go. ITVs Lorraine Kelly told The One Show it was certainly going to be quieter without Morgan, adding: It will be calmer. Piers said: I think its fair to say, although the woke crowd will think that theyve cancelled me, I think they will be rather disappointed when I re-emerge. I would call it a temporary hibernation. The transport secretary has once again warned prospective travellers not to book summer holidays. This morning, Grant Shapps was asked on the BBC Today programme by Mishal Hussain: Still too early to book foreign holidays? Mr Shapps said: Yes, in as much as we know that the Global Travel Taskforce that Im running reports on 12 April. Weve said that it will remain illegal to travel internationally till at least 17 May. Thats an at the earliest date. At present all holidays are banned under the stay at home rules that apply across the UK. The 17 May date in the governments roadmap applies only to travellers from England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have not yet indicated any dates. Greece and Cyprus have indicated they will open to vaccinated holidaymakers before then. The transport secretary said: Remember you will not be able to travel for leisure before 17 May. Beyond that, I would encourage people to look towards 12 April when we publish the Global Travel Taskforce report. There are lots of questions, the answers to which we simply dont know yet about how safe it will be to travel around. Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), said: I understand that government ministers have to toe the official line but the message needs to be delivered positively. People want to look forward to a summer holiday and airlines need to plan their schedules for the summer. The aviation and tourism sectors need optimism from ministers, not doom and gloom. Sophie Griffiths, editor of Travel Trade Gazette, tweeted: Why are you so hell-bent on not supporting the UK travel industry @grantshapps? It is not illegal to book a holiday and lots of people are doing so because after a horrific 12 months it gives them something to look forward to and enables them to support their local travel agent. On Monday, the prime minister appeared to indicate that the 17 May date for the resumption of international travel was a near certainty. When asked if it and other roadmap dates might be moved earlier, Boris Johnson said: I think people would really rather trade some urgency and some haste in favour of security and certainty about those dates. Labour and the SNP have warned against booking summer holidays. Meanwhile the Department for Transport has announced a continuation to public subsidy of the route from London Stansted to City of Derry airport in Northern Ireland. Loganair will receive almost 1,600 for each flight between the two. The aviation minister, Robert Courts, said: The route will provide vital connectivity from Northern Ireland to the capital, supporting economies on both sides, and helping us deliver on our commitments to level up across the UK. New Delhi, March 10 : Addressing the Delhi assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said once the Ram temple in Ayodhya is ready, the government will take Delhi's senior citizens to Ayodhya for a visit. Kejriwal said this during the motion of thanks on Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's address to the budget session. Kejriwal said his government is following 10 agendas taken from Ram's life. "I am a Lord Ram bhakt (follower) and working on 10 points of development taken from Lord Ram's life. These are the 10 agendas Kejriwal claimed his government is following to usher in Ram Rajya in Delhi: 1. Kejriwal said the first agenda of his government is to provide food for all. "We are committed to ensure that not a single person should sleep hungry in Delhi." 2. Delhi government is working to ensure that every poor child gets equal opportunity for education and also for jobs. The government has taken many steps including launching job portals. Kejriwal claimed around one lakh unemployed people have benefited so far. 3. The AAP government is working to ensure free and better health services for all people. 4. Kejriwal said that in many states electricity charges are so high despite it becoming an essential part of life. He said, "Delhi government has made a provision of free electricity up to 200 units per household. It is a part of the Ram Rajya scheme in Delhi." 5. Water is an essential commodity for human life and accepting this fact the AAP government has made a provision of 20,000 litres water free for each family in Delhi. 6. Delhi government's job portals, start-ups and many other initiatives are benefiting lakhs of unemployed people, he further claimed. 7. Kejriwal said "Jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan" is part of his Ram Rajya programme. 8. Security of women: "The police is not under the Delhi government but it should not be a matter of concern or debate. Whosoever is authorised must do it. We are doing our part of responsibility. We have installed CCTV cameras, free DTC services for women and deployed Home Guards in buses." 9. Respect for senior citizens: "Once the Ram temple in Ayodhya is ready, the Delhi government will take the senior citizens of Delhi for a religious visit there," Kejriwal said. 10. Everybody is equal under the Delhi government. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Bans on visits to care homes to protect residents from Covid-19 may be a breach of human rights, according to the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland. Eddie Lynch said his office had been contacted by families fearing their relatives were being "held hostage" or treated like prisoners. Care homes have been hit incredibly hard during the pandemic - 40% of those who died in 2020 after contracting the virus in Northern Ireland were care home residents. According to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra), the total number of Covid-related deaths up to February 26, stands at 2,816. Some 760 of them were in care homes (26%). There are currently 18 active care home Covid-19 outbreaks. Health Minister Robin Swann announced last month that the rollout of the Covid vaccine to all care homes was completed. However, normal care home visiting arrangements have been suspended throughout the pandemic. Expand Close Eddie Lynch / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Lynch Older People Commissioner Eddie Lynch expressed his concern that many residents are unable to receive face-to-face visits with family members. He insisted that visits must be permitted in care homes which are not suffering from an outbreak of the virus, and said the "denial of such a basic human right is cruel and inhumane". My office has received many requests for assistance in recent weeks from families who are desperate to visit their relatives with many describing how they feel their relative is being held hostage or being treated like a prisoner," he said. "Fortunately, in most cases, we have been able to work with care home providers to get these situations resolved. However, I remain concerned that the cases we are dealing with could be the tip of the iceberg and that many other families and residents may still be unfairly denied this important contact. I have sought assurances from authorities for many weeks that this issue is being tackled but I remain unconvinced that they know the true scale of this problem or how hard it is hitting residents and families. Given that many of these older people will be in the latter stages of their lives, it is critical that where visiting can be done safely, that it is facilitated immediately." He added: "Despite the minister stating clearly that care home visits need to happen where possible, I have become aware in recent weeks of some providers still maintaining blanket bans on visiting or only allowing window visits despite having no Covid-19 outbreak in a home," explained My Lynch. "This is not good enough and needs to change fast." The vice chair of Stormont's health committee Pam Cameron MLA said reconnecting older people with their loved ones is something which must be given priority. Health committee chair Colm Gildernew MLA expressed his "deep frustration" that there continues to be an effective ban on visitations within some care homes. A spokesperson for the Department of Health (DoH) said it is working with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to support care homes in implementing visiting and Care Partner arrangements, with more than half of homes now having these in place. The Care Partner scheme was launched last September by the DoH and allows a named person to spend time supporting staff with caring for their loved one. "Trusts have been asked to assure themselves that care homes are operating in accordance with the visiting guidance," continued the department. "Trusts are continuing to work with individual care homes to provide the support they might require to move forward with the facilitation of safely managed and meaningful visiting arrangements and implementation of the care partner concept." The DoH added that are a number of families who have not as yet been able to successfully set up Care Partner arrangements for their loved ones. "As well as Trusts, the Health and Social Care Board [HSCB] and PHA are working with those homes who are finding implementation more challenging - identifying and sharing good practice. "The PHA will continue to provide advice to homes in the event of outbreaks and both the Trusts, RQIA, HSCB and PHA will continue to provide advice and support through existing forums and directly to care homes as and when needed." For the period to March 4, 373 care homes have been paid 6.52m by the Department of Health and Trusts in funding staff support in respect of care partners and visiting. New Delhi: Over six months after a bitter split, rival AIADMK factions merged following a power sharing arrangement under which K Palaniswami will remain the chief minister and O Panneerselvam will be his deputy. Panneerselvam will also be the AIADMK coordinator while Palaniswami will be the co-coordinator of the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. A cabinet reshuffle will take place, it was announced here after weeks of hard bargaining by factions led by the two leaders who have questioned Sasikalas appointment as party general secretary. Her loyalists continued to maintain that party cadres are with Sasikala, who is in jail in a graft case, even as the fate of the sidelined leader and her nephew Dhinakaran in the party remained uncertain. According to sources, newly re-joined AIADMK is likely to call for an emergency general council meet which has the power to change or sack Sasikala. Also read: Palaniswami, Panneerselvam to seal the deal today, jailed Sasikala to be shown her place Here are the live updates: #6:15 PM: Merger brought tremendous joy to lakhs of party followers. I share the same joy: OPS after taking charge as Dy CM & Minister I congratulate Thiru O Panneerselvam & others who took oath today. I hope Tamil Nadu scales newer heights of progress in the years to come. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2017 Centre assures all possible support to CM Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami & Dy CM Thiru O Panneerselvam for the growth of TN. @OfficeOfOPS Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) #5:20 PM: It's an act of making fool of people&party cadre.Been saying that this govt is most corrupt: V Pugalendi, TTV Dinakaran & Sasikala faction #5:08 PM: Golden day in the history of AIADMK. All cadres and leaders are happy. No disappointment for me. Bad time begins for TTV Dinakaran. Whoever thinks bad for Amma's govt will be ousted: D Jayakumar Chennai: K. Pandiarajan sworn-in as minister in TN cabinet after AIADMK merger pic.twitter.com/rLK2mPQtF9 ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017 #4:47 PM: O Panneerselvam swears-in as Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu Chennai: O. Panneerselvam swears-in as Deputy CM at Raj bhawan pic.twitter.com/GxuFpw0Pcc ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017 #4:10 PM: We are happy with the merger but billion dollar question is why are they avoiding us?: CR Saraswathi, TTV Dinakaran-VK Sasikala faction #4:08 PM: CM E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam pay floral tribute at MGR Memorial in Chennai Chennai: CM E.Palaniswami & O.Panneerselvam pay tributes to former CM Jayalalithaa at her Marina Beach memorial #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/AQkIs9vTzt ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017 #4:01 PM: It will be decided after party's general body meeting: O Panneerselvam on question of VK Sasikala's expulsion from party post Chennai: CM E.Palaniswami arrives at Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina Beach to pay tributes post #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/93CR28Xfhn ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017 Visual from outside AIADMK party head office after #AIADMKMerger. pic.twitter.com/S4gNUbJCMT ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017 #4:42 PM: AIADMK general council will meet and take steps to expel Sasikala as general secretary, says Rajya Sabha MP Vaithilingam #3:35 PM: O Panneerselvam to be given portfolio of Finance & the position of Deputy CM, to be sworn in at 4.30 pm, today. #3:30 PM: O Panneerselvam on merger Differences have been ironed out, I am happy to meet all of you and my mind is clear now: O Panneerselvam Amma's blessings & wishes of party cadres made it possible. Thank CM E.Palaniswami & leaders of his faction: O Panneerselvam #3:30 PM: KP Munusamy on merger Had few difficulties in recent times,similar to what happened after MGR's demise,but both OPS & EPS came forward to unite party: KP Munusamy #3:23 PM: E Palaniswami on merger -O Panneerselvam will be convener for this party (AIADMK): TN CM E Palaniswami after merger -I will be co-convener. KP Munusamy will be deputy co-convener: TN CM E Palaniswami -Our first priority will be to retrieve the two leaves symbol. We will fulfill all the promises made by Amma: E Palaniswami after merger -Amma (Jayalalithaa) has said before that after me AIADMK will last over 100 years. We all will make sure it happens: E Palaniswami -11 member coordination committee will run the party: E Palaniswami # 3:16 PM AIADMK factions helmed by E.Palaniswami and O.Panneerselvam announce merger # 2:55PM - O Panneerselvam leaves for AIADMK party head office #2:54 PM -All demands have been met,we are happy with everything.Heading to party office, expect good news: S Semallai, #AIADMK leader (OPS faction) #2:50 PM Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami arrives at AIADMK party head office Also read: AIADMK merger delayed over ticklish issues, differences remain between EPS-OPS factions For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 21 MBA Sustainability Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 69 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 69 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 21 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top MBA Sustainability Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-mba-sustainability-programs/ 2021 MBA Sustainability Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Anaheim University Antioch University Bard College Boston University Chatham University Concordia University, Wisconsin Fordham University Franklin Pierce University Georgia Institute of Technology Maharishi International University Oklahoma State University Presidio Graduate School University of Colorado, Boulder University Of Colorado, Denver University of Michigan University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne University of Virginia Western Kentucky University Yale University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. DUBLIN (Reuters) - EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney briefed the U.S. Congress' influential Irish-American caucus on Wednesday on Britain's unilateral change to Northern Irish Brexit arrangements. The fate of Northern Ireland, closely watched by U.S. President Joe Biden, has been the most bitterly contested Brexit issue. While campaigning in the presidential election last year, Biden bluntly warned Britain that it must honour Northern Ireland's 1998 peace agreement as it withdrew from the EU or there would be no separate U.S. trade deal. London ultimately agreed a protocol which left the British-run region aligned with the EU's single market for goods when it exited the bloc's orbit. This necessitates checks on some items arriving there from elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Britain's unilateral extension of grace periods on checks last week has led to a promise of legal action from the EU and accusations from Ireland that its neighbour is not acting like a "respectable country". The meeting with the caucus took stock of Britain's "unilateral move on implementation of the Protocol" and discussed the "unique opportunities" Northern Ireland due to its full access to both the EU and UK markets, Coveney said in a statement. "The EU and the US have been unwavering partners to the peace process," Coveney said. "I would like to thank the members of the Caucus for their engagement today and their continued support for the Good Friday Agreement." The agreement largely ended three decades of violence between mostly Catholic nationalists fighting for a united Ireland and mostly Protestant unionists, or loyalists, who want Northern Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom. Coveney has sought the support of U.S. lawmakers throughout the Brexit process and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin is due to speak to President Biden next week, in lieu of the usual St Patrick's Day bilateral meeting in the White House. Story continues The Friends of Ireland caucus, a bipartisan group on Capitol Hill that weighed into the Brexit debate on Ireland's behalf before the Northern Irish protocol was agreed in 2019, requested the briefing from both Sefcovic and Coveney, the European Commission said. The group is chaired by Democrat Richard Neal, who is also the chairman of the powerful Congressional committee overseeing trade. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries in Dublin and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Nick Macfie and Toby Chopra) Crew and Equipment Mobilized for 500m Short-Hole Drill Program VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Victory Resources Corporation (CSE:VR)(FWB:VR61)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Victory" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company is set to initiate its recently permitted 500m short hole drill program on the Loner Property in Nevada. Victory Resources is currently mobilizing its crew and equipment to the Loner Property to begin a 500m drill program. The geologist will be on site spotting holes and surveying sections beginning March 10th. It is expected the drill will be readied for drilling on the property the week of March 15th. Barring weather related delays, the drilling should be completed around mid-April. The first pass drilling program at Loner Property is intended to confirm intersections of gold-bearing quartz vein that correlates with historical underground mining and mapped surficial gold occurrences. It is anticipated the drill program will demonstrate broader mineralization across the width and depth of the occurrence which remains open in all directions. Mr. David Deering is the Qualified Person for the Company's projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About the Loner Property: The Loner Property is located 35 km south of Winnemucca in the southern Sonoma Range and currently consists of 16 Federal Lode Claims covering historic workings and exposed low-sulphidation gold mineralization. Recent exploration in the area includes the Goldbanks Project, an epithermal gold project about 12 miles to the south, and the Coronado VMS Project, which has been exploring for Cu on a property about 6 miles to the southeast of the Loner Property. The area of the Loner Property is prospective for both these styles of mineralization. Victory Resources has optioned the Loner Property from Silver Range Resources (TSX-V: SNG) ("Silver Range") as announced on 23 December 2020. The Company also announced that 492,000 options have been recently cancelled with the consent of the holders, as they were no longer serving their purpose in aligning the interest of the holders with those of shareholders. For further information, please contact: David Lane, President Telephone: +1 (236) 317 2822 E-mail: IR@victoryresourcescorp.com About Victory Resources Corporation VICTORY RESOURCES CORPORATION (CSE: VR) is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation with mineral interests in North America. The company is also actively seeking other exploration opportunities. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Victory Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634549/Drill-Operations-Set-to-Initiate-Loner-Property-in-Nevada Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has lamented the failure to sustain cooperation among northern states against banditry. Mr El-Rufai stated his regrets on Wednesday while narrating the efforts his government has been making to address security challenges in the state. He spoke at the presentation of the states 2020 Annual Security Report in Kaduna. The report contained data and analyses of the main security issues in the state last year. It is sobering reading because it is a factual account of a challenging situation. It reflects the pains of individuals, families and communities, buffeted by the brutal antics of criminals and outlaws. And it explains the measures being undertaken by the Kaduna State Government to manage these tough times in the security sector with the support of our military, police, para-military and other security agencies, Mr El-Rufai said. According to him, the report also explained the nature of the security events across the three senatorial districts of the state in the period covered. As observed by the commissioner, these are official and recorded statistics, and it is quite possible that more unreported crimes may have been committed in the state. As we accept this report, we pray for the repose of the soul of those killed, pay tribute to the victims of various crimes, reiterate our solidarity with them, reaffirm our resolve to continue to protect our people, and stop the criminals. The victims of these outlaws cut across our state, even if certain narratives have tried to disguise sheer criminality in ethno-religious or regional hues, depending on the identity of the victims, he added. Highlighting the efforts of the government, Mr El-Rufai said the state has supported the federal security agencies deployed in the state with vehicles and other logistics, amongst other interventions, since 2015 when he came into power. Security incidents in the 2016-2019 period ranged from communal clashes to cattle-rustling, kidnappings, robberies and murders, he stated. He said the lessons learned from managing the incidents during his first-term informed the decision to establish the first sub-national Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. The mandate of the Ministry is to manage the state governments relationship with the federal security agencies deployed in the state and to coordinate their activities towards securing our people in an atmosphere of unprecedented challenges. This entails building strong relationships with these agencies. Through the Ministry, the state is deepening intelligence gathering from communities. It also runs the 24-hour Operations Room. Mr El-Rufai said the state government has also invested in technology to help the security agencies secure the state better. A CCTV network is being deployed in Kaduna metropolis while vigorous arrangements for consistent operations of the drones (UAVs) Mr President commissioned in 2019 are being explored. We are also building and equipping a world-class forensic laboratory to assist our security agencies in the detection, investigation and prevention of crimes. Speaking on collaboration, Governor El-Rufai said the state with Niger State and other neighbouring states in the North-west have put together resources to fund military operations against bandits in the Kamuku-Kuyambana forest range that straddles the region. However, he lamented that the initiative, launched in 2015, was not sustained or expanded into a campaign of continuous and simultaneous operations against the bandits across the region. ADVERTISEMENT Failure to contain and defeat them in one place has emboldened them to develop a near-nationwide footprint thus endangering national cohesion, he said. This newspaper had on several occasions reported security issues in different parts of the country, which range from banditry to kidnapping and terrorism. Kaduna and some other states in the North West have been major victims of bandits attacks and other violent killings. 12 Shares Share There is fear in the air. Fear that the COVID pandemic may not get under control because the virus is mutating so fast. Fear that the vaccines may not be effective against these new variants. But fear should not be the driving force behind public health policy decisions. A measured analysis of facts and data is what is important. With the WHOs approval, the South African government has let fear halt the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout program. While current studies demonstrate that some of these vaccines are less effective in generating protective antibodies against these variants, especially the South African variant, this is not the whole picture. The vaccine still provides protection against severe outcomes. Careful analysis of the current vaccine data and the scientific communitys understanding of immunity supports the strategic advisory groups view that challenged this governmental decision. South Africa made a poor ethical and medical decision that other nations should not follow. Yes, the South African variant, B.1.351, is more aggressive and more contagious. This variant is spreading quickly in South Africa and has been detected in many U.S. states, including Virginia, California, South Carolina, and Texas. While new vaccines, (e.g., Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson) might be less effective in generating effective antibodies against this variant, it does not mean that the vaccines will be ineffective. The government should encourage the public to understand and focus on the real question of vaccine efficacy Do vaccinated individuals contract severe COVID disease? In looking at the facts, the latest studies indicate that Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are over 95 percent effective. The AstraZeneca, NoVac, and J&J vaccines dramatically reduce these clinical outcomes for people infected with the original and variant forms of SARS-CoV-2, even in South Africa. AstraZeneca reported that none of the recipients were hospitalized after 22 days the time it took for an immune response to build up. Even though the J&J vaccine is about 60 percent effective in generating effective antibodies, the U.S. government has approved this vaccine as well. The capacity of a vaccine to generate antibodies is not an endpoint to measure whether a vaccine is effective. Reporting a reduced level of neutralizing anti-COVID antibodies in and of itself is an incomplete assessment of a vaccine because even reduced neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated people might still confer COVID protection. In addition, vaccine efficacy also requires the immune system to turn on specific cytotoxic cells, such as natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-cells, and memory cells that attack and kill the COVID virus and virally infected cells. In fact, many of the vaccine studies (i.e., such as Pfizer and Moderna) show that the vaccines generate the appropriate cytotoxic killer cells to destroy the COVID variants. To date, there are over 50 vaccine candidates that have, or will, enter clinical trials. Some may even turn out to be much less effective against the SARS-CoV-2 mutants. Suppose by some chance, we discover that all these vaccines are dramatically less efficacious in preventing COVID disease. In that case, the vaccine technologies that are successful against the common SARS-CoV-2 virus can be quickly redesigned to create booster shots to protect society against the South African SARS-Cov-2 variant and probably against any new variant that will arise in the future. Moderna and Pfizer announced that they would begin clinical testing of a candidate booster vaccine intended to address the COVID variants of concern. Our experience with the flu vaccine has taught Americans the unfearful concept that we may need to adjust our vaccine platforms as new variants emerge. Many scientists believe that SARS-CoV-2 variants may pose vaccine challenges, but these variants are not game-changers to achieve the end game to terminate this pandemic. The public should understand the need to vaccinate as many people as possible to achieve herd immunity and stop this pandemic. The more vaccines we have, the quicker we will achieve herd immunity. Society should be less fearful and more supportive of future research focusing on these SARS-CoV-2 variants and new vaccine platforms. We must let science, not emotions, lead when making decisions that can change the trajectory of the pandemic and, ultimately, our lives. John D. Loike is a bioethicist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Today Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Tomorrow Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that 9.2 percent of the US population has been fully vaccinated with against the novel coronavirus. Over 116 million vaccine doses had been distributed across the US as of Monday, and more than 92 million doses have been administered, Xinhua news agency quoted the latest CDC data as saying. President Joe Biden said that the country would have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for every adult American by the end of May. The FDA authorized the one developed by American drug maker Pfizer in partnership with German company BioNTech, and another by American drugmaker Moderna, in December 2020. Johnson & Johnson's vaccine was approved for emergency use on February 27. It is the first single-dose vaccine authorized in the United States. The vast majority of people need to be fully vaccinated before Covid-19 precautions can be lifted broadly. Until then, it is important that everyone continues to adhere to public health mitigation measures to protect the large number of people who remain unvaccinated, said the CDC. President Joe Biden said last week that the country would have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for every adult American by the end of May. Source: IANS There are three Covid-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use in the US by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The FDA authorized the one developed by American drug maker Pfizer in partnership with German company BioNTech, and another by American drugmaker Moderna, in December 2020.Johnson & Johnson's vaccine was approved for emergency use on February 27. It is the first single-dose vaccine authorized in the United States.The vast majority of people need to be fully vaccinated before Covid-19 precautions can be lifted broadly.Until then, it is important that everyone continues to adhere to public health mitigation measures to protect the large number of people who remain unvaccinated, said the CDC.President Joe Biden said last week that the country would have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for every adult American by the end of May.Source: IANS About 31 million people have received two doses of vaccines, the CDC data showed. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. More children slept in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services offices last month than during any other month in at least five years, officials said, as the pandemic exacerbates foster care capacity shortages. In February, 186 children across Texas, including 33 in Harris County, slept in offices under staff supervision for at least two nights because there was nowhere else to put them, said Melissa Lanford, spokesperson for the state agency. The number has crept up for years, but skyrocketed last fall. The same month last year, for example, there were 34 children without placement. Many of the youth staying in offices are teens with complex psychological or emotional needs, Lanford said. The agency tries to provide beds when possible, but children may sleep on cots or air mattresses if necessary, she said. Certainly, staying temporarily in an office building isnt ideal, which is why DFPS has expanded efforts to work with community agencies and churches to find alternatives that provide more of a home-like feel, Lanford said in a statement. The number of children without placement is a symptom of the foster care systems lack of adequate capacity, which has been a problem for years, said Katie Olse, CEO of Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, a network of organizations serving families and children in the foster care continuum. Right now, she said, the count is incredibly high. Which is a signal to all of us that we are at a crisis point with regard to being able to meet the needs of all the kids in the foster care system, said Olse, whose organization is a DFPS partner. The number of children lacking placement has topped 100 each month since October; in January, it reached 148 children. The monthly average of children without placement has climbed from 36 in 2017, 37 in 2018, 56 in 2019 and 70 in 2020, according to information from the family services department. Often, youth who lack placement in foster care are older youth with specialized needs, the department said. Employees with the family services department are working to streamline placement practices to quickly identify beds for youth waiting for placement, Lanford said. In some cases, community or faith-based organizations provide temporary placement. Beyond a bed, children who have experienced neglect or abuse in their homes require support, clinical services and therapy, as well as typical needs like schooling and play time with friends, Olse said. In the office spaces, kids are under the supervision of CPS caseworkers, not trained caregivers, she said. Theyre not homes theyre offices, Olse said. Its what you would imagine it to be like, as a child without a home living in an office. The number of children being removed by the state from their homes and entering foster care has declined in the last two years, Olse said. The number bottomed out just shy of 16,500 in fiscal year 2020 after hitting a peak of more than 20,600 children in fiscal year 2018, according to information from the Texas Alliance organization. However, a reduction in children entering the system does not necessarily equal greater capacity, Olse said. Thats because kids removed from their homes are staying longer in the foster care system and typically have greater needs, she said. Roughly half of the children removed from their homes in 2019 remain in foster care to date. Its really not just about the number of kids and the number of beds, Olse said, advocating for a holistic look at the needs of children. We do not have enough foster care placement and services for the highest needs children in care. Meanwhile, the pandemic has made it difficult to hire, train and retain a workforce in the foster care system, Olse said, as workers cope with their own personal pandemic-related challenges. Its difficult for careteakers in group home settings to help children wear masks, social distance or quarantine. Some foster care homes went offline as caretakers in high-risk groups declined to take more kids, but Olse said most caretakers are doing everything they can. The pandemic has also disrupted the courts system, slowing even juvenile and child protection court cases. The state remains responsible for implementing foster care reforms demanded by U.S. District Judge Janis Jack in the wake of a 2011 class-action lawsuit. In February, Jack said she would give state officials until May to make progress on her orders before sanctions, the Texas Tribune reported. Last year, the judge held Texas officials in contempt of court for failing to follow her orders to make reforms. anna.bauman@chron.com A tired trope has it that Georgia is a crossroads of trade and culture, a place where East meets West. The war last fall between Armenia and Azerbaijan has shaken the trade part of the equation, Eurasianet reports. Since these three countries gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has been the main turnpike for transnational trade traffic in the South Caucasus. On the narrow, mountainous road north, caravans of Armenian cargo trucks appear perennially stuck trying to enter Russia. On the main east-west highway, trucks buzz between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Freight trains chug across Georgia to and from its Black Sea ports. Zoom out and Georgia is a cog in the increasingly busy traffic extending from China to Europe. By some estimates, for every million tons of transiting cargo, Georgia receives $5 million in tax revenue. From 10 to 11 million tons of goods transit through Georgia a year by railway, and from six to seven million tons are transited by road, said Paata Tsagareishvili, head of the Transport Corridor Research Center, a Tbilisi-based think-tank. Transportation and storage make up 7 percent of Georgias modest $17.5 billion economy. Other sectors, like hospitality and construction, also benefit. Georgias role as a gateway has been defined by politics as much as geography. The early 1990s war over Karabakh sealed the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkey subsequently closed its border with Armenia. Georgia also has its own breakaway regions, which are difficult or impossible to access from Georgia proper. Goods passing through the South Caucasus need to navigate around these conflicts. But the South Caucasus may soon see more than one big intersection. During the 44 days of fighting last fall, Azerbaijan wrested control of much of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding lands. The Russia-brokered ceasefire required Armenia to provide Azerbaijan with passage across its territory to the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, sandwiched between Armenia, Turkey and Iran. This will connect Azerbaijan with its top ally and key export market, Turkey, which has announced plans to build a rail link. A Turkey-Armenia-Azerbaijan railway link will cost $434 million, according to estimates in Baku. At a meeting in January, the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia agreed to revive Soviet-era tracks connecting Nakhchivan with the Armenian and Azerbaijani capitals. This could provide Armenia with a railway connection to Russia for the first time since the Soviet collapse. Armenias loss in the war has cast the country into political crisis for now. But in the longer-term, these transportation plans could transform Armenia from an isolated nation effectively blockaded on two sides into the center of transit routes connecting big markets like Turkey, Iran and Russia. That has been Georgias preserve for decades. Indeed, there are concerns in Tbilisi that these new routes will siphon off some of the valuable cargo transit. Who needs Georgia anymore? some Russian media have asked. For its part, Georgia has been conspicuously absent from road and railway negotiations. Nothing is constant in this world and sooner or later the near-monopoly our country had in the region had to end, wrote Tornike Sharashenidze, a political scientist at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, in a commentary for Jam-News. He believes, however, that Georgian concerns are exaggerated. Mainland Azerbaijan will probably get connected to Nakhchivan fairly soon, but it is unlikely that this line alone can meet the trade and transportation needs of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Sharashenidze wrote. A bigger question is the north-south corridor. Setting up customs infrastructure and restoring the defunct segments of the Soviet-era railway from Yerevan to Russia as an alternative to the road across Georgia will take time. Security concerns will also probably dog the plans, and may explain the mixed reactions in Armenia. Even in the Soviet times trains going from Armenia through Nakhchivan were pelted with stones and the trains went on with broken windows, Aram Sargsyan, head of Armenias Democratic Party, told Russias Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper. Because of the tormented history of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Yerevan takes Bakus promises of safe passage with a grain of salt, he said. There are also concerns about Armenias ability to negotiate tariffs on shipments across its territory. Stronger powers are making plans on behalf of Armenia, Vahe Davtyan, the director of the Institute for Energy Security, told Sputnik Armenia. And will Armenian freight-forwarders switch their Russia-bound cargo from the Georgian road to the longer Azerbaijani railway? The railway will be a 500-kilometer [310-mile] detour, Tsagareishvili of the Transport Corridor Research Center told Eurasianet. Wheat, a key Russian export to Armenia, comes from Russias Black Sea region. Switching to rail would mean taking a long detour east, around the Caucasus Mountains, heading south to Baku and then circling back across all of Azerbaijan, southern Armenia and Nakhchivan before turning north to Yerevan. Nor do I expect key Armenian exports to Russia, such as brandy, to go on such a long expedition, when there is a much shorter alternative through Georgia, said Tsagareishvili. Some Georgians say the country should move fast to improve its transit infrastructure and also step up diplomacy with its neighbors to make sure it retains its role as a transit hub. Unfortunately, transit volumes through Georgia essentially plateaued for the past few years. We need to seek new ways to increase transnational shipments and remain competitive, Tsagareishvili said. Former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli told Netgazeti that Georgia needs to work actively with Turkey and Azerbaijan to maintain its role as transit hub. Optimists say that more trade will reduce conflict in general: Even if Georgia loses some revenue, ultimately everyone will benefit from the stability that new transport networks could bring. Putting the moral arguments aside, even from pragmatic point of view Georgia will also win in the long-term if Baku and Yerevan manage to normalize their relations to at least some degree, Sharashenidze wrote. TOKYO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Inc. (KMPM) announced today a five-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS). As the Preferred Cloud Provider for KMPM, AWS will support the build-out of the company's LATTICE initiative globally. LATTICE is a groundbreaking integrated diagnostic data platform that combines genomics, pathology, and radiology data along with other critical information to uncover new, clinically relevant biomarkers and create the next generation of diagnostic tests. As part of this collaboration, Amazon has made a financial investment in KMPM. "One of the most significant challenges to the advancement of precision medicine has been the lack of an infrastructure to support translational bioinformatics," said Kiyotaka Fujii, Chairman of KMPM. "With LATTICE, KMPM will be able to help our customers use the power of these unique datasets to find novel associations and signals. Leveraging the breadth and depth of AWS services, as well as its secure infrastructure, KMPM will be better positioned to innovate, collaborating with our expert team of data scientists, developers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical partners at scale, and reducing the time it takes to move from insight to discovery." KMPM is committed to advancing precision medicine for populations and individuals now and in the future. The breadth and agility of LATTICE will support global customers with clinical trials at scale and develop new ways to bring clinical grade diagnostic tools directly to researchers and clinicians. LATTICE combines KMPM's cutting edge science with the power of AWS to accelerate drug discovery by leveraging machine learning services, such as Amazon HealthLake, along with AWS storage, compute, database, and analytics services, to help clinicians deliver the right care, to the right patient, at the right time. KMPM will also leverage AWS's secure infrastructure to process, maintain, and store Protected Health Information (PHI) and comply with Medical Information Guidelines in Japan. "One of the cornerstones of precision medicine is precision diagnostics, and we are excited to collaborate with KMPM to enhance and accelerate their innovative offerings and help deliver precision diagnosis at a global scale using Amazon HealthLake," said Taha Kass-Hout, Director of Machine Learning at AWS. "We're seeing a renaissance in the healthcare and life sciences industry as more organizations leverage cloud technology on AWS to uncover new ways to reduce cost, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately save lives." About Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Inc. Konica Minolta Precision Medicine, Inc. (KMPM) is a comprehensive precision diagnostics company dedicated to advancing technologies that accurately predict, detect and treat disease. Powered by proprietary software platforms, best-in-class genomics technology from Ambry Genetics Corporation, and industry-leading radiology and pathology services from Invicro, LLC, KMPM is uniquely equipped to collect, analyze, and report on multi-modal precision diagnostic data sets. This comprehensive approach will drive clinical access to novel diagnostic assays through the company's extensive network of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical partners. Chestnut Securities, Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to KMPM in this transaction. Media Contact: Emily Seeley (202)420-8449 [email protected] SOURCE Konica Minolta Precision Medicine Related Links https://precisionmedicine.konicaminolta.com GENEVA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned of problems in efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in the world. The IFRC said in a press release that nascent efforts to ensure fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines would fail unless a "deadly gap" in global immunization policy and funding was filled promptly. "Much of the focus of governments and other donors has been on procuring and distributing vaccines between countries, including via the COVAX facility. While the procurement and international distribution of vaccines is crucial, too little thought is being given to how those vaccines will be distributed within countries, including how isolated and hard-to-reach communities will be included in immunization campaigns," the IFRC said. IFRC President Francesco Rocca, said: "Efforts to procure and distribute vaccines between governments are clearly crucial and must be supported fully by donors. However, it is not enough just to focus on this side of the equation. Initiatives like COVAX ensure that vaccines will reach the tarmacs of airports in the capital cities of participating countries. They are inarguably important." Rocca said that the efforts needed to be complemented by initiatives designed to get the vaccines off the tarmac and out into the arms of everyone who needs them. In order to fill the gap, the IFRC last month launched a 100 million Swiss franc ($107.8 million) plan designed to support the vaccination of 500 million people, but support for the plan has yet to materialize, with only about 3 percent of required funding received so far. "Our plan focuses on ensuring that, once received, vaccines reach those who need them most. This involves a range of important actions, including efforts to counteract vaccine hesitancy and to build community trust in vaccines. It also involves our teams going out and identifying high-risk individuals who might, for any number of cultural, linguistic or social reasons, be 'invisible' to authorities," Rocca said. "National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are already working with governments to vaccinate at-risk and isolated communities. For example, in Brazil, Red Cross volunteers and staff are vaccinating extremely isolated communities in the Amazon. In the Maldives, the Red Crescent has supported the vaccination of unregistered migrants, while similar efforts are underway in Greece and in the Czech Republic," the IFRC said. Rocca said urgent funding was required. "Our message today is simple: we need urgent funding so that we can continue and expand vaccination efforts into all communities. Without this funding, a gap will remain between the vaccines that will ultimately end this pandemic, and some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in the world. Such a gap means that the virus will continue to circulate and mutate, and that people will continue to get sick and die," the IFRC president said. The IFRC also released a summary of its progress and achievements over the first 12 months of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the report, the IFRC and its network of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has supported tens of millions of people over the year, adapting and expanding its services to meet the needs created by the unprecedented crisis. "For example, in response to the virus, Red Cross and Red Crescent water, sanitation and hygiene services almost tripled - rising from an estimated 38 million people reached in 2019 to more than 106 million people reached since the start of the pandemic," the IFRC said in its press release. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. BATON ROUGE Gov. John Bel Edwards declared Sunday, March 14, 2021, as a day of prayer and remembrance for those who have died in Louisiana from COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic. Louisiana confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 9, 2020, and its first death on March 14, 2020. Tragically, as of March 10, 2021, 9,812 people have died from COVID-19 in Louisiana. Sunday marks a year since the first confirmed COVID-19 death in Louisiana, and, sadly, there are thousands of empty seats at churches, Sunday dinners, family celebrations, homes, businesses and schools all across our state. As we mourn, I am calling on all Louisianans to join me and Donna on Sunday for a moment of prayer or remembrance for those we have lost and their families and friends who need our support now more than ever, Gov. Edwards said. We have lost far too many mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and daughters and sons from all races, religions and creeds. We owe it to all of them to protect ourselves and each other as best we can to continue to slow the spread of COVID and prevent even more deaths as we work to end this pandemic. Read the Governors proclamation here. Shifting away from the remote and hybrid learning methods utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts education officials are telling districts to bring younger students back to class five days a week starting next month. Parents are still able to keep children home for remote learning through the rest of this school year. But for districts, the state has laid out a timeline for the return to traditional schooling, five days a week in a classroom. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley has cited improved coronavirus metrics in the state and the effectiveness of mitigation efforts like masking and distancing as part of the reasoning to move away from remote learning. While roughly 80% of districts have some form of in-person learning as of last month, students in some districts have not seen a classroom in about a year. For districts that have been remote all or much of this academic year, this switch would be a difficult one. The state is allowing waivers to delay the transition to full-time learning for districts that have been primarily remote and for some other circumstances. Such waivers must include a timeline for the return to traditional learning this year. Officials stressed that waivers will not be granted for districts that indicate they cannot return to in-person learning because of space constraints while maintaining a distance of 6 feet. The state requires 3 feet as a minimum. Heres the states timeline: March 22: Districts seeking a waiver for the full-time return of elementary school students must submit by 5 p.m. April 5: Districts that did not receive a waiver must start full-time in-person learning for elementary school students in grades K-5 April 12: Districts seeking a waiver for the full-time return of middle school students must submit by 5 p.m. April 28: Districts that did not receive a waiver must start full-time in-person learning for middle school students in grades 6-8 Sometime in April: DESE will announce a return date for full-time in-person learning for high school students, giving districts at least two weeks notice The fall: Full-time in-person learning expected for all age groups. DESE asks districts to work directly with families of students who cannot learn in person because of medical concerns Riley is able to accelerate or delay the timeline based on consultation with medical experts and state health officials. Meanwhile, K-12 employees and early childcare workers on Thursday become eligible to make appointments to get the COVID-19 vaccine at Massachusetts sites. Educators have been able to make appointments at CVS locations since last week. Massachusetts is designating four days specifically for educators to get inoculated, officials announced Wednesday. Some 400,000 educators, school staff and child care workers will be able to get an appointment at one of the states super vaccination sites on March 27, April 3, April 10 and April 11, said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. Those workers will have to sign up using the states new pre-registration website if they want an appointment on one of the four dates. That website goes live on Friday. Related Content: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Warning: Former Sinn Fein president Des Dalton says the armed campaign is refortifying the status quo The former president of Republican Sinn Fein has said that dissident republican violence is "counter-productive and copper-fastens partition". Des Dalton said that the "shifting political sands" following Brexit had put Northern Ireland's constitutional future at the centre of mainstream debate for the first time in half a century, A continuing armed campaign by dissidents was alienating people receptive to a republican analysis, he added. He said that the murder of 29-year-old journalist Lyra McKee in Derry two years ago illustrated the "nihilistic nature of armed action for the sake of armed action". Mr Dalton succeeded Ruairi O Bradaigh to become the second president of Republican Sinn Fein in 2009. He stepped down in 2018 but still sits on the party's ard comhairle. He stressed that he was speaking personally, and not on behalf of the party. "It would be easy for me to sit back and say nothing, but it would be dishonest," he said. "I hope that by speaking out I will open up a debate about the future of traditional republicanism among its base. "This is a debate that very much needs to happen. It can literally be a case of life and death. "I think it is wrong to be sending young men and women out to take the life of others and to risk their own. "Filling British or 26 county jails is not advancing any cause. "I wouldn't even say that they are waging an armed campaign, it's just a series of sporadic attacks." Mr Dalton said he had been moved by Lyra McKee's killing: "I saw a bright young woman journalist with a great future ahead of her. I felt that this utter waste of life, and the grief that her death brought to her family and partner, summed up the nihilistic nature of armed action for the sake of armed action. "Her death was totally without purpose, and those who don't recognise that are living in a bubble and doing a disservice to republicanism." Mr Dalton said that the dissidents armed campaign was "retrenching and refortifying the status quo". He said that Ms McKee's murder had "served as a catalyst for the two governments to put pressure on the political parties to resurrect Stormont which was suspended at the time". Mr Dalton said that the current political situation presented more opportunities to republicans than they'd enjoyed in many years. "Since Brexit, the shifting political sands have put the constitutional question centre-stage on the table in a way that it hasn't been in 40 or 50 years," he said. "Even the DUP, which used to say that it was settled for generations, now admits that there is a debate. "People are more receptive to a republican analysis than they have been in a long time, and an armed campaign harms rather than helps that." But Mr Dalton cautioned against the growing nationalist belief that victory in a border poll is inevitable. "While I acknowledge how things have opened up, I think it's a big mistake for certain people to be putting all their eggs in the border poll basket," he said. "For a start, Ireland should be deciding its future as a single democratic unit, not as two separate states. "And some are getting carried away by looking at how near the unionist and nationalist vote is in elections. I suspect that many Alliance voters would support the Union in a border poll." However, Mr Dalton said that an independence referendum in Scotland could have major repercussions for Northern Ireland. "Would the Union even exist after it? What would unionists then be loyal to?" he asked. Mr Dalton insisted that by questioning the continuation of a dissident armed campaign, he was not merely copying Sinn Fein a quarter of a century later. "The leadership of the Provisional movement effectively accepted the legitimacy British state by signing up to the consent principle," he said. "What I am saying is entirely different. It is not about abandoning republican principles. It is on a par with 1962 when the leadership decided to end the border campaign and call a ceasefire to allow for a reappraisal of where the movement was at." Calls for urgent amendments to legislation to allow peat harvesting to resume on Irish bogs for horticulture purposes are mounting on midlands-based politicians. In a letter to cross-party TDS and senators, Growing Media Ireland (GMI) an association of the major horticultural peat and growing media producers in Ireland has warned that the countrys horticulture industry is in imminent danger of closure. In the correspondence, seen by the Farming Independent, GMI chairman John Neenan writes: Our largely rural industry (which supports 17,600 job) is in danger of extinction without urgent amendments to the legislation. "There will no peat supplies after September this year, which will have serious consequences for food production and biosecurity. We would be grateful if you would press for amendments to the current legislation which prohibits the harvesting of horticultural peat, he said. The letter follows the first meeting of a new working group established to examine issues identified during a recent review of the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry. The group comprised of Government departments, state agencies, industry stakeholders and environmental non-Government organisations sat under the chairmanship of Dr. Munoo Prasad last week. After the meeting a spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: At the meeting, the legislation provisions in relation to horticultural peat extraction were discussed, as well as the alternatives to the use of peat moss in the horticultural industry. The next meeting of the working group is scheduled to take place within the next two weeks. Baltics and Russia Last month, representatives of the horticultural industry including mushroom, vegetable, nursery and horticulture peat representatives attended a sitting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture. Stakeholders included: GMI, the Commercial Mushroom Producer Co-op Society, Kildare Growers and the IFAs National Horticulture Committee. In addition to emphasising the importance of the industry to rural economies, national food security and biosafety, the stakeholders stressed the need for amendments to legislation in order to allow peat harvesting for horticultural purposes to take place this year, while a just transition is being worked out. Currently, just 1,700ha or 0.1pc of total Irish peatlands are used for the harvesting of peat for the horticultural industry accounting for just 0.15pc of projected total Irish emissions of CO2 in 2020. With no alternative to native peat available, the committee heard that companies are importing peat from the Baltics and Russia to fulfil contract commitments. Mr Neenan told the committee that this situation flies in the face of the notion of reducing carbon footprint. Biosecurity is also at risk where peat and peat substitutes are imported. And despite millions of euro being spent on research by their own industry and by Teagasc, there is currently no viable alternative to peat. After September 2021 available stocks of Irish horticultural peat will be exhausted and that any peat needed by the sector thereafter will have to be imported. Carbon emissions will arise from the transport of such imports, which goes against the stated reason for the abrupt cessation of harvesting. It was furthermore claimed that a solution that complies with European and Irish law has been ignored by the current and previous Governments. This solution would have exempted peat harvesting from planning permission and bolstered the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Neenan said. Peat laws The issues regarding peat harvesting hark back to a landmark High Court ruling in 2019 which declared that harvesting peat on bogs over 30ha requires planning permission from An Bord Pleanala and a licence from the Environmental Protection Agency. The process can take up to four years to complete. The ruling has significantly affected horticulture peat producers who harvest on their own bogs, plus those that relied on horticulture peat harvested by Bord na Mona (BNM). As such, the supply shortage has been further compounded by BNMs sudden exit from peat production in January of this year. The dad who drowned after a boating accident on the River Barrow in Kildare last Sunday week has been remembered as a man who gave his life so that his son could live. Declan Reid (34), had been boating with his eight-year-old son at Ardreigh Lock near Athy beside his old family home at around 3pm on February 28 when their boat overturned. Mr Reid managed to keep his son afloat and raise the alarm, and a young man, Scott McQuaid (23), who was passing-by jumped in and made it back to the riverbank after rescuing the boy. But when he went back to save Declan, he could not be seen. Mr Reids father Paul jumped into the river in a frantic effort to find his son but by then the current is believed to have swept him downstream, and he was forced to retreat back to the safety of the riverbank. After days of searching by Gardai, the Civil Defence, and scores of volunteers, Declans body was eventually found on Saturday last. At his funeral this morning in St Peter The Apostle Church, in Dublins Neilstown, the priest paid tribute to Declan as a hero who will be remembered for his selfless act before his death. Meanwhile, Declans sister Roisin has paid tribute to all the people involved in the search for his body and for bringing him home to them. Speaking to the Irish Independent, she thanked all those who had searched the riverbed and banks for nearly a week until her brothers body was found. Everybody was fantastic. I was assured that nobody would stop until Declan was found. The search effort left us in awe of all those people that helped, she said. Many of those who searched were volunteers from far away who rang their workplaces and told them they would not be in work because they were searching for Declan. We couldnt believe their dedication and we thank them for it, she added. Garda divers were joined by more than 80 members of the Civil Defence from Kildare, Laois,Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Dublin, and local kayakers, in the coordinated searches. If we asked for any area to be searched a second time it would be done for our peace of mind. We just cant thank people enough, said Roisin. Speaking about Scott McQuaid, who jumped into the river and brought the young boy to safety, Roisin said he is a hero in their eyes. He saved my nephew, my godson. He will always be a hero to us, she explained. Roisin said Declans son, who was brought to hospital following his ordeal in the water, is now back home. He is only eight and we will be guided by him in how he deals with this, she said, adding that he is old enough to know what has happened but young enough to maybe not fully understand it. Declans partner Fiona is expecting their first child together in the coming months. The couple lived in Clondalkin. Declans family home is right beside the river where the tragedy took place, and the family live in the house that used to be the lock keepers home. Ardreigh Lock is positioned where the Grand Canal meets the Barrow and is now a popular walking trail. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 03:24:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People wearing face masks walk on a street in Rabat, Morocco, on March 9, 2021. Morocco announced on Tuesday 508 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the North African country to 486,833. (Photo by Chadi/Xinhua) RABAT, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Morocco announced on Tuesday 508 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally in the North African country to 486,833. The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 473,208 after 644 more were added. The death toll rose to 8,695 with 12 new fatalities during the last 24 hours, while 414 people were in intensive care units. Meanwhile, 4,017,087 people in Morocco have received the first vaccine shot, and 717,113 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. Enrollment of the first patient is expected in Q2 2021 - Trial will focus on patients without liver metastases, based on encouraging data in Phase Ib/II study - Trial targets indications where clinical outcomes can be improved versus standard therapeutic options and immune checkpoint inhibitors ("ICIs") - Continued clinical collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer to conduct the expanded Phase II study Regulatory News: Transgene (Paris:TNG) (Euronext Paris: TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops virus-based immunotherapeutics against cancer, today announces the expansion of a randomized, controlled study with TG4001 in combination with avelumab versus avelumab monotherapy in patients with HPV16-positive anogenital tumors (NCT: 03260023) Transgene has amended the initial Phase Ib/II trial protocol to enable a more rapid start of this important Phase II study based on encouraging Phase Ib/II trial data. This randomized Phase II trial will be supported by a continuing collaboration with the alliance of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer, which is supplying avelumab. Transgene retains all rights to TG4001. PHASE II TRIAL AIMS TO SHOW THE SUPERIORITY OF TG4001 AVELUMAB OVER AVELUMAB MONOTHERAPY The initial Phase Ib/II trial conducted in Europe (France and Spain) has been amended to include a randomized comparison of the combination of TG4001 with avelumab versus avelumab monotherapy in anogenital cancers. The submission of the amended protocol has been initiated in Europe. In addition, Transgene received US FDA clearance of the protocol under TG4001 IND. Patient enrollment is expected to start in Q2 2021. The trial will focus on patients with recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive anogenital cancer without liver metastases, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancer. This population was shown in the Phase Ib/II study to derive improved clinical benefit from the combination regimen [1, 2] Patients will be randomized to either receive the combination regimen of the therapeutic vaccine TG4001 and avelumab or avelumab alone. The primary endpoint of the trial is progression-free survival (PFS) according to RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and a series of immunological parameters. The Phase II trial will be supported by the extension of the collaboration with the alliance of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer, which is supplying avelumab for this trial. Transgene retains all rights to TG4001. An interim analysis will be performed after the enrollment of nearly 50 patients. Transgene expects to communicate the interim analysis data around the end of 2022. This timeline is based on patient enrollment starting in Q2 2021 and there being no major impact on recruitment from the Covid-19 pandemic. Commenting on this novel investigational immunotherapy regimen, Prof. Christophe Le Tourneau, MD, Head of the Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i) at the Curie Institute and Principal Investigator of the trial, added: "I am very pleased that we are now moving ahead with a new part of this Phase II study. The promising data that we generated in the Phase Ib/II part of this study, in patients without liver metastases, gives me confidence that the amended study can generate the additional data needed to confirm the treatment benefits of the combination of TG4001 and avelumab in this patient population with very limited therapeutic options." RECURRENT AND METASTATIC HPV16-POSITIVE ANOGENITAL CANCERS NEED BETTER TREATMENT OPTIONS The Phase II trial focuses on indications where standard therapeutic options and immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy. These indications represent areas of important medical need; they include cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancer. The trial will enroll patients who have received a maximum of one line of chemotherapy for the treatment of their recurrent or metastatic disease or who are not eligible for chemotherapy. Transgene estimates the number of people diagnosed annually with these cancers to be around 25,000 patients per year (US, Europe 27, UK) [3-9]. In spite of recent progress, patients with these severe and heterogeneous malignancies need better treatment options, particularly after the recurrence of the disease: median overall survival is less than 11 months [10-13] and median progression-free survival is around 2 months [10-13] Dr. Maud Brandely, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Transgene, concludes about this study: "I am pleased we have been able to use a methodologically sound trial design to move ahead with this randomized Phase II study quickly. The results from the initial Phase Ib/II study demonstrated the potential of the combination of TG4001 with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in this advanced disease setting. We observed encouraging clinical outcomes with a response rate reaching 34.8% and median progression-free survival of 5.6 months in patients without liver metastases. The observed median progression-free survival shows that this combination can induce a sustained and durable benefit, which may be based on the induction of a specific immune response. This study is expected to provide us with the data required to discuss the registration path of TG4001 About the trial The multi-center, open label, randomized Phase II trial (NCT03260023) is designed to compare the efficacy of the combination of TG4001 and avelumab versus avelumab alone in patients with advanced, recurrent and/or metastatic HPV16-positive anogenital cancers who have disease progression after a maximum of one line of systemic treatment, or who are not eligible for first-line chemotherapy. Prof. Christophe Le Tourneau, M.D., PhD, Head of the Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i) at the Curie Institute, is the Principal Investigator of the study. The trial is being conducted in collaboration with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), which are providing avelumab for the trial. Avelumab is co-developed and co-commercialized by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer Inc. Transgene will continue to be the sponsor of the trial and conduct the trial. Patients will receive TG4001 at the dose of 5x107 pfu, SC, weekly for 6 weeks, every 2 weeks up to six months, and every 12 weeks thereafter, in combination with avelumab or avelumab alone at 800 mg, IV every two weeks, until disease progression. The primary endpoint of the trial is progression-free survival (PFS) according to RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and other immunological parameters. The trial could enroll up to 136 patients until the final analysis. Patients with liver metastases will be followed in an ancillary arm and will be randomized to receive one of the treatment regimens; these patients will not be included in endpoint analyses. About the data presented at SITC 2020 and ESMO IO 2020 [1,2] The results from the Phase Ib/II parts of the trial combining TG4001 with avelumab in HPV16-positive recurrent and/or metastatic malignancies were presented at SITC 2020 [1] and ESMO IO 2020[2] The combination of TG4001 and avelumab demonstrated anti-tumor activity (23.5% ORR) in patients with previously treated recurrent and/or metastatic HPV-related cancers (including patients with oropharyngeal cancers and anogenital cancers). Presence of liver metastases had a profound impact on the outcome in terms of ORR and PFS. In patients without liver metastases, an ORR of 34.8% and a median PFS of 5.6 months were achieved. The treatment induced HPV-specific T-cell responses and was associated with increased levels of immune cell infiltration in the tumors and expression of genes associated with activation of the immune system. About TG4001 TG4001 is an investigational therapeutic vaccine based on a non-propagative, highly attenuated Vaccinia vector (MVA), which is engineered to express HPV16 antigens (E6 E7) and an adjuvant (IL-2). TG4001 is designed to have a two-pronged antiviral approach: to alert the immune system specifically to cells presenting the HPV16 E6 and E7 antigens, that can be found in HPV16-related tumors, and to further stimulate the infection-clearing activity of the immune system through interleukin 2 (IL-2). TG4001 has been administered to more than 300 individuals, demonstrating good safety and promising efficacy results [1, 2, 14, 15]. Its mechanism of action and good safety profile make TG4001 an excellent candidate for combinations with other therapies in HPV-mediated solid tumors. About HPV-Positive Cancers HPV-positive cancers comprise a variety of malignancies, including anogenital cancers [3]. HPV-positive cancers include cervical [4], vaginal [5], vulvar [6], anal [7] and penile [8] cancers, i.e., approximately 25,000 cancers at metastatic stage eligible for a first-line treatment and in second line for a locoregional disease [9] (USA, EU 27, UK). Current treatments mostly include chemoradiotherapy. However, better options are needed for advanced and metastatic HPV-positive cancers. It is thought that a therapeutic vaccine combined with other immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) could provide a promising potential treatment option that would address this strong medical need [16,17]. With immune checkpoint inhibitors, median overall survival remains less than 11 months [10-13] and median progression-free survival is between 2 and 4 months [10-13] About Transgene Transgene (Euronext: TNG) is a biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. Transgene's programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing cancer cells. The Company's clinical-stage programs consist of two therapeutic vaccines (TG4001 for the treatment of HPV-positive cancers, and TG4050, the first individualized therapeutic vaccine based on the myvac platform) as well as two oncolytic viruses (TG6002 for the treatment of solid tumors, and BT-001, the first oncolytic virus based on the Invir.IO platform). With Transgene's myvac platform, therapeutic vaccination enters the field of precision medicine with a novel immunotherapy that is fully tailored to each individual. The myvac approach allows the generation of a virus-based immunotherapy that encodes patient-specific mutations identified and selected by Artificial Intelligence capabilities provided by its partner NEC. With its proprietary platform Invir.IO, Transgene is building on its viral vector engineering expertise to design a new generation of multifunctional oncolytic viruses. Transgene has an ongoing Invir.IO collaboration with AstraZeneca. Additional information about Transgene is available at: www.transgene.fr // Follow us on Twitter: @TransgeneSA Avelumab Approved Indications Avelumab (BAVENCIO) is indicated in the US for the maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) that has not progressed with first-line platinum-containing chemotherapy. BAVENCIO is also indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Avelumab in combination with axitinib is approved in the US for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the US, the FDA granted accelerated approval for BAVENCIO for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Avelumab Important Safety Information from the US FDA-Approved Label The warnings and precautions for avelumab (BAVENCIO) include immune-mediated adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis and hepatitis [including fatal cases], colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions as a single agent or in combination with axitinib [which can be severe and have included fatal cases]), infusion-related reactions, hepatotoxicity in combination with axitinib, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in combination with axitinib [which can be severe and have included fatal cases], and embryo-fetal toxicity. Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients treated with BAVENCIO monotherapy include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction peripheral edema, decreased appetite, urinary tract infection and rash. Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients receiving BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib include diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, mucositis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, dysphonia, decreased appetite, hypothyroidism, rash, hepatotoxicity, cough, dyspnea, abdominal pain and headache. Grade 3-4 hematology laboratory value abnormalities reported in at least 10% of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma treated with BAVENCIO monotherapy include lymphopenia; in patients receiving BAVENCIO in combination with axitinib, grade 3-4 clinical chemistry abnormalities include blood triglyceride increased and lipase increased. For full US Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for BAVENCIO, please see http://www.BAVENCIO.com. References [1] Le Tourneau et al. "TG4001 (Tipapkinogene sovacivec) and avelumab for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-16+ cancers: clinical efficacy and immunogenicity." 2020 SITC Annual Meeting, 9-11 November 2020, Poster presentation [2] Le Tourneau et al. "TG4001 therapeutic vaccination combined with PD-L1 blocker avelumab remodels the tumor microenvironment (TME) and drives antitumor responses in Human PapillomaVirus (HPV)+ malignancies."2020 ESMO IO meeting, 12 December 2020, mini-oral presentation [3] ICO/IARC HPV Information Center> Prevention at a glance accessed March 2021 [4] HPV-positive cervical cancer: Globocan/IARC 2020 Cancer Fact Sheets: cervix uteri (C53) accessed March 2021; ICO/IARC HPV Information Center Statistics accessed March 2021 [5] HPV-positive vaginal cancer: Globocan/IARC 2020 Cancer Fact Sheets: vagina (C52) accessed March 2021; ICO/IARC HPV Information Center Statistics accessed March 2021 [6] HPV-positive vulvar cancer: Globocan/IARC 2020 Cancer Fact Sheets: vulva (C51) accessed March 2020; ICO/IARC HPV Information Center Statistics accessed March 2021; CDC United States Cancer Statistics: Data Visualizations accessed March 2021; SEER Cancer stat facts: vulvar cancer accessed March 2021 [7] HPV-positive anal cancer: Globocan/IARC 2020 Cancer Fact Sheets: anus (C21) accessed March 2021; ICO/IARC HPV Information Center Statistics accessed March 2021; CDC>Cancer Home>HPV and Cancer>Statistics>Rates by Race and Ethnicity>HPV-Associated Anal Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity- accessed March 2021; American Cancer Society: Anal Cancer accessed March 2021 [8] HPV-positive penile cancer: Globocan/IARC 2020 Cancer Fact Sheets: penis (C60) accessed March 2021; ICO/IARC HPV Information Center Statistics accessed March 2021; CDC>Cancer Home>HPV and Cancer>Statistics>Rates by Race and Ethnicity>HPV-Associated Cancers Rates by Race and Ethnicity accessed March 2021 [9] Company estimates based on notes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 [10] Morris et al. Nivolumab for Previously Treated Unresectable Metastatic Anal Cancer (NCI9673): A Multicentre, Single-Arm, Phase 2 Study. Lancet Oncol 2017;18(4):446-453 [11] Marabelle et al. Pembrolizumab for previously treated advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma: Pooled results from the KEYNOTE-028 and KEYNOTE-158 studies. J Clin Oncol 38: 2020 (suppl; abstr 4020) [12] Lonardi et al. Randomized phase II trial of avelumab alone or with cetuximab for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma progressed to at least one line of treatment: The CARACAS study. J Clin Oncol. 38:2020 (suppl; abstr 4051) [13] Chung et al. Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab in Previously Treated Advanced Cervical Cancer: Results From the Phase II KEYNOTE-158 Study. J Clin Oncol. 2019;10;37(17):1470-1478 [14] Harper et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Tipapkinogen Sovacivec Therapeutic HPV Vaccine in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grades 2 and 3: Randomized Controlled Phase II Trial With 2.5 Years of Follow-Up. Gynecologic Oncology 2019; 153(3):521-529 [15] Le Tourneau et al. "Phase Ib/II trial of TG4001 (Tipapkinogene sovacivec), a therapeutic HPV-vaccine, and Avelumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic HPV16 positive cancers" 2019 ESMO Annual Meeting, 30 September 2019, Poster presentation [16] Melero et al. Evolving synergistic combinations of targeted immunotherapies to combat cancer. Nat Rev Cancer. 2015;15(8): 457-472. [17] Van der Burg et al. Vaccines for established cancer: overcoming the challenges posed by immune evasion Nat Rev Cancer 2016;16(4):219-233 Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Company's activities, perspectives, financial situation, results, regulatory authorities' agreement with development phases, and development. The Company's ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product manufacturing, development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors ("Facteurs de Risque") section of the Universal Registration Document, available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgene's website (www.transgene.fr). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Transgene undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005694/en/ Contacts: Transgene: Lucie Larguier Director Corporate Communications IR +33 (0)3 88 27 91 04 investorrelations@transgene.fr Media: Citigate Dewe Rogerson David Dible/Sylvie Berrebi + 44 (0)20 7638 9571 transgene@citigatedewerogerson.com A LOCAL married prophet is under fire for bedding one of his congregants. Prophet Cherubim, real name Lucky Chakanyuka, of International Arena of Miracles, also stands accused of luring women into relationships with him in return for anointing. His illicit affair with Jaqueline Maredza has shaken the ministry amid reports by workers that they were no longer being paid on time. Prophet Cherubim is further being accused of stage-managing donations here in Zimbabwe to receive more money from his Australian wife. Prophet Cherubim confirmed to H-Metro that his affair with Maredza had left him with egg on the face. This lady Jaqueline Maredza is someone I worked with for some time and I could not admit to my affair with her over the phone that is why I requested to meet you in person, said Prophet Cherubim. She helped us in charity work and I ended up falling in love with her and I later noticed something I cannot mention that forced me to end the affair. She left the ministry and received her dues, but bitterness forced her to fight me, said Prophet Cherubim. Maredza Maredza confirmed having unholy prayers with Prophet Cherubim and said their illicit affair led the man of the cloth into hunting for more women. It is true that I once had an affair with Prophet Cherubim and I have some nude photographs to prove that, but its now water under the bridge, said Maredza. I separated with him as he cast his eyes wider and is now in the arms of another woman, although I am not sure if she is a church member. Please do not associate my name with him over his shenanigans, said Maredza. Prophet Cherubim stands accused of spending much money at a clothing shop Zanox Men owned by one Georgina Duri yet his workers are not getting their dues in time. Duri is a family friend. Apart from being a family friend, she is a business partner and I once used her Zanox shop to meet people who wanted to consult me. I am her client for suits and I used to refer a number of pastors to Zanox, for suits. Kana ndisina mari Duri ainodipa masuits ndichizobhadhara iyewo akashaya mari yebasa ndaimupa nekuti mudzimai wangu is a millionaire based in Australia and we are legally married. I am Cherubim and my wife is Seraphim, hence our foundation is named after Cherubim and Seraphim which help the poor and underprivileged. For the ministry workers to suggest that I am spending ministry funds is incorrect since the money is mine and I do not need an outside auditor to account for it. It is up to me to continue helping people or to stop and because of such allegations I have informed all workers to only report for work after receiving a call from me. Ministry workers are turning against me over money being sent by my wife and want to tarnish my image and stop that money, said Prophet Cherubim. Duri said Prophet Cherubim was a friend and was not dependent on Cherubims money. I have receipts to prove that he is Zanox client. My business is doing well that I do not depend or get assistance from prophet Cherubim. He visits my house for business meetings and we sometimes have parties together since he and his wife are my friends and at one time we met in Germany and had fun together while he was with his wife, said Duri. Reports are that Prophet Cherubim has been receiving large sums of foreign currency through a local bank and in turn splashes the money on women. H Metro White-chested alethe in Tanzania. Credit: Monte Neate-Clegg The mountain forests of Tanzania are more than 9,300 miles away from Salt Lake City, Utah. But, as in eastern Africa, the wild places of Utah depend on a diversity of birds to spread seeds, eat pests and clean up carrion. Birds keep ecosystems healthy. So if birds in Tanzania are in trouble in a warming climate, as found in a recent study by University of Utah researchers, people in Utah as well as in the African tropics should pay attention. In a new study published in Global Change Biology, doctoral student Monte Neate-Clegg and colleagues tracked the demographics of 21 bird species over 30 years of observations from a mountain forest in Tanzania. For at least six of the species, their population declined over 30 years could be most attributable to rising temperaturesan effect of a warming world. Smaller birds, as well as those that live at the lower part of their elevation range, were at higher risk for slowed population growth. "If climate change continues to cause population declines in tropical birds, these species could go extinct," Neate-Clegg says. "And what is happening to birds is almost certainly happening to other organisms." Three decades in Tanzania This story starts with William Newmark, a conservation biologist at the Natural History Museum of Utah. In 1987, he began collecting data on birds in the East and West Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania. To track the birds, he and his colleagues set up mist nets, nearly invisible nets that safely and temporarily trap birds so that researchers can gently place an identification band (or record a band number if a bird already has one) and release it again. "Understory tropical birds are also a particularly good group of organisms to assess the impact of climate change on biodiversity because they can be individually banded and thus carefully monitored over time," says Newmark. "Furthermore many tropical understory birds are poor dispersers, and thus they do not have the option to move elsewhere when their environment changes and consequently are excellent indicators of environmental change." In 2017, Neate-Clegg joined the project, and in 2019 traveled to Tanzania for 10 weeks of fieldwork. "It rained a lot which made things pretty miserable, and the length of isolation was a mental challenge, but good practice for a pandemic!" he says. But the local field team, led by Victor Mkongewa, was fantastic, he says. "They ran a tight ship and made me feel very welcome. Being in the jungle is always a magical experience and I enjoyed exploring the forests and mountains. Having hornbills as an alarm clock never got old!" Thirty years of bird observations generate a vast and powerful dataset, one that is rare in the tropics. Bird banding is a powerful tool in itself because demographic information for bird species can be derived from the rate at which previously banded birds are re-encountered. "This dataset was a great opportunity to test for long-term climate signals," Neate-Clegg says. And the location featured high biodiversity and high levels of species that were found in that area and nowhere else. "Historically the forests have been fragmented, and now climate change threatens these species as well," he says. "So it's a really important ecosystem to study, especially given how little research takes place in Africa compared to other tropical locales." Usambara double-collared sunbird in Tanzania. Credit: Monte Neate-Clegg Bird demographics The researchers examined the resulting data in a few different ways. First, they looked at how the demographics, or population characteristics, of 21 bird species changed over the study period. Specifically, they looked at population growth, including through reproduction, and survival rates. To explore possible factors behind the trends, the researchers compared demographic trends with precipitation and temperature trends, finding that for more than half of the species studied, the rising temperature was correlated with decreasing population growth rates. After more statistical analysis, they found that temperature explained demographic trends better than just the passage of time for six of the 21 species, or a little more than a quarter. Neate-Clegg was surprised that precipitation wasn't more of a factor relative to temperature. "Rainfall has been linked to demographic rates in tropical birds in Panama," he says. "More rain means healthier plants, and more insects such as caterpillars, so we expect rain to help bird demographic rates. "On the other hand," says Newmark, "the dry season in the Usambara Mountains is shorter and less pronounced than in Panama and thus there is a less seasonal change in food supply for birds in the Usambara Mountains than in Panama." Other characteristics emerged as important factors. Birds with smaller bodies exhibited lower population growth, as did birds who lived below the midpoint of their optimal elevation range. What it means for the rest of the world The declines in population growth, Neate-Clegg says, are more likely to be due to less reproduction than to bird mortality. "To survive and reproduce birds need to find food and avoid predators and parasites," he says. "If changes in temperature affect any of these processes it could affect the birds." Climate effects on insect abundance, predator activity or fruit timing, he says, could negatively affect birds. Climate change is a complex global phenomenon, with the potential for winners and losers in various corners of the animal kingdom, Neate-Clegg says. "Birds trapped in montane forest blocks such as in the Usambara mountains will likely be losers because they live in isolated habitats and so don't really have the option of escaping the temperature increases," he says. "I think montane birds throughout the tropics, and even in temperate places such as the Rockies, will be feeling the pressure of increasing temperatures." And that matters because birds are not just birds. They're integral components of their ecosystems. In forests particularly, birds participate in seed dispersal and pollination, and their loss threatens the health of forests with all the benefits to soil, air, water and wildlife that they carry. In places like Tanzania, Neate-Clegg adds, biodiversity spurs eco-tourism which supports local economies. "The world," he says, "would be poorer without this diversity." "This study highlights," Newmark says, "the importance of rapidly developing conservation strategies for tropical birds that incorporate the impact of climate change." Explore further Birds retreating from climate change, deforestation in Honduras cloud forests More information: Montague H. C. NeateClegg et al, Temperatureassociated decreases in demographic rates of Afrotropical bird species over 30 years, Global Change Biology (2021). Journal information: Global Change Biology Montague H. C. NeateClegg et al, Temperatureassociated decreases in demographic rates of Afrotropical bird species over 30 years,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15567 EDWARDSVILLE As the COVID-19 pandemic threatened college students first-year experience, students, faculty and staff at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville sprang into action and devised a creative plan to provide new students with a support system centered on near-peer mentoring. The Cougar Connectors program, inspired by the Honors Student Association (HSA) peer-to-peer mentoring program, quickly developed into a robust and effective offering. During the programs launch in fall 2020, 150 upper-class students volunteered to provide help and guidance to 1,500 first-year students (FYS). Ultimately, our aim was to provide a substitute for the kinds of natural relationships through hallway and classroom interactions that would develop between first-year students and upper-class students, said Carpentersville native Colin Boysen, a senior business administration major and HSA president. This kind of program is especially valuable and important during these trying times. Although, it has exceptional benefits even in normal times. University Honors Program Director Eric Ruckh, PhD, associate professor in the Department of History, challenged Boysen to lead the charge on developing such an initiative that would be student-led and student-serving. Boysen had just two months to scale the HSA peer-to-peer mentoring program from a support system impacting 100 students to one that would serve 1,500 FYS. I challenged Colin, because Ive had the great privilege of working with him and other wonderful students in the HSA, Ruckh said. I knew that Colin and the people around him would be able to create this program. I knew they wanted to help the institution, and if given the opportunity, they would not disappoint. To assist in guiding the student-side delivery of the program, Boysen convened a steering committee comprising upper-class students Ronald Akpan, Jacob Beebe, Leslie Kupferle and Minerva Mixon. Committee members collaborated to develop and administer the program. Core aspects of program development included building content for volunteers and messaging to participants, coordinating with the First Semester Transitions (FST) program to build on its successful foundation, and recruiting 150 upper-class volunteer mentors. Speaking to the grand challenge of producing a successful large-scale program on a short timeline, Boysen said, This wasnt just a charge from Eric. It was the Manhattan Project of mentorship. We had to remain constantly flexible with this program. Cougar Connectors demonstrated that SIUE has a dedicated student population that wants to help. Ruckh, Boysen, Honors Program Assistant Director Ian Toberman, and two volunteer mentors presented the Cougar Connectors program to the SIU System Board of Trustees (BOT) at its Feb. 11 meeting. Sophomore nursing major Alexia Burnett, of Shelbyville, served as a mentor and was paired with 10 students. She primarily used GroupMe to stay in constant contact with her mentees. It was rewarding to share my personal experiences and provide students with helpful information, she said. I loved getting to know these freshmen and helping them succeed. I answered questions about how to study for the nursing entry exam, how to use Blackboard, how to email a professor professionally and how to get involved on campus. Fellow mentor and nursing major Marcus Kwasa, of Edwardsville, found email was the most effective form of communication for his group. In spring 2021, he is again participating in Cougar Connectors, this time as an on call connector who faculty teaching FST courses can contact if they feel a student would benefit from added guidance and help. At the BOT meeting, the program received high praise from trustee Dr. Ed Hightower and system leaders. Its exciting to use this type of program for supporting, energizing and providing freshman students the confidence they need during their difficult first year, Hightower noted. Im always concerned about freshmen, as are other trustees. How are we not only recruiting, but more importantly, supporting and building their confidence? This program is an amazing personification of empathy and altruism, added SIU System Vice President for Academic Innovation, Planning and Partnerships Gireesh Gupchup, PhD. Programs like this build culture. In spring 2021, Kwasa is leading a group with goals to re-evaluate and develop the curriculum of the Cougar Connectors program. The group will use participant feedback and mentor experiences to lead improvements. The programs new curriculum will avoid duplication and complement FST content. Toberman underscored that it was students who gave Cougar Connectors life and made it soar. We had 1,500 first-year students who refused to let COVID change their college plans, Toberman said. But, we knew that part of the campus experience that makes SIUE feel special was threatened by the pandemic. We are proud to have presented Cougar Connectors as our response. Colin, Lexi and Marcus are just three of the 150 student volunteers who signed up for an idea, and made it into a program. Students yearning for a chance to lead came together with a shared identity and purpose. Cougar Connectors is a valuable contribution to SIUE that will go beyond the pandemic and help improve the first-year experience. And, students led the way. University professors and teachers always have an opportunity to learn from students, Ruckh concluded. It is deeply embedded in my experience as a professor and as an academic. Theyre the ones who will renew the future of the world. Theyre the ones who will renew the future of institutions like SIUE and the SIU System. Ruckh has plans to make the innovate program visible by promoting its success and sustainability at national conferences. But there are more pernicious reasons: they drive up the cost of running clinical trials, as their children need to be followed up, and they might push up the cost of insurance. Pharma companies worry about facing litigation. But there is no evidence pregnant women face higher risks from therapeutic trials, says Professor Norman Saunders, who heads a lab devoted to the study of inflammation during pregnancy at the University of Melbourne. Its entirely ethical, he said. Big pharma wont fund anything they cannot make money from. And they are concerned that if they turned up problems, what about legal risks? Meanwhile, the position of experts is approaching unanimity. The Australian and American colleges of obstetricians and gynaecologists, the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Vaccination Special Interest Group, the US National Institutes of Health and Medicine, and the overarching Council for International Organisations of Medical Sciences are all on board with including pregnant women in vaccine trials, and often have been for years. Dr Claudia Richartz inoculates a healthcare worker against COVID-19 in Brandenburg, Germany. Credit:Getty Pregnant women already live in a grey area, unsure if they can drink coffee or even sleep on their back. So giving them that ability to choose to do a clinical trial, or even just relevant data about the vaccine, would give them something to work with. Another friend who has just had a baby points out that pregnant women are already taught to be scared about even minuscule risks. With this in mind, it is difficult to see how any woman would opt in to a clinical trial, she says. Saying that, if I knew the risks and was pregnant, I would at least consider taking part. I think its important for global health and broader society. In an article for the New York Times, Yales Alice Lu-Culligan sets out a range of reasons why not getting vaccinated when pregnant poses a higher risk than the vaccine itself. But that relies on basic science and animal data, not human data. The ethics of this blanket exclusion are bad, she tells me. The barriers against the inclusion of pregnant women need to be reduced they should have been given the option to provide their informed consent to participate in the vaccine trials, as many doctors and patients were advocating very early on. To make matters worse, many pregnant women are going to be vaccinated anyway probably those with other risk factors such as diabetes despite there being no safety data. This leaves us in the ridiculous position of giving a drug to pregnant women that we refused to test on pregnant women. It passes the risk from scientists to individual women. Non-research research, Dr Nisha Khot, a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists council member and Western Health obstetrician, terms it. Meanwhile, government surveys indicate it is women aged 30 to 39 who are most likely to hold concerns about vaccine safety. Loading Is there a relationship? Its complex pregnancy has long been known to make women more vaccine-hesitant and we dont have any firm evidence to prove it, but leading vaccine hesitancy researcher Professor Julie Leask certainly thinks so. I dont know if the exclusion from clinical trials encourages vaccine hesitancy. But I would much rather be in a position where I have complete safety and efficacy data to inform pregnant women, says Monashs Professor Giles. CRAWFORD COUNTY, MI A Michigan woman has been charged in an August 2020 hit-and-run in which a motorcyclist was killed. Sheena Orise Brandenburg, 37, of Gaylord was extradited from Missouri and charged in Crawford County with one count of reckless driving causing death and one count of failure to stop at scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death. She was arraigned in the 46th District Court on Monday, March 8. Brandenburg is accused of striking a motorcycle driven by Troy David Lambert, 56, of Grayling from behind shortly after they both left a nearby bar at approximately 1 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2020. Lambert was thrown from the motorcycle and severely injured at the scene on Lovells Road near County Road 612 in Crawford Countys Lovells Township. He was transported to Munson Hospital in Traverse City where he later died from his injuries. An arrest warrant for Brandenburg was issued in October 2020 because she did not report the crash or stop to assist Lambert. However, she had already fled to Elsberry, Missouri before she could be arrested. Law enforcement officials in Missouri were notified of the warrant and she was arrested by the Elsberry Police Department and lodged in the Lincoln County Missouri Jail. She was later extradited and lodged in the Crawford County Jail. Her bond was set at $250,000. See Full Image Gallery >> Exotic supercars are generally uncommon at best, but the Falcon F7 is rarer than most. Seven were built, one was destroyed, and one is currently available on auction site Cars & Bids. Odds are you may have already seen it, too. Jeff Lemke formed Falcon Motorsports in 2009 to give power-hungry enthusiasts an American alternative to European supercars. Headquartered between Flint and Detroit in Michigan, the company explained it created the F7 in the messy aftermath of a crippling global recession by leveraging the Wolverine State's vast pool of talent. "I could have never built this car anywhere else," affirmed Lemke, a former designer and engineer. Visually, the F7 is low, wide, and muscular. It's not a Xerox copy of an existing design, and it manages not to look like a kit car haphazardly cobbled together. It's its own thing, with air scoops chiseled into the hood, a removable roof panel, and four round tail lights. The example listed on Cars & Bids is finished in burgundy, and it rides on 20-inch wheels. Carbon fiber exterior trim pieces hint at the lightweight chassis hidden underneath the body. We applaud Falcon for resisting the urge to fit the F7 with trick doors. They swing out horizontally, just like on a normal car, and they reveal a driver-oriented cabin with a pair of sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and six analog gauges. Even in 2014, the company had your infotainment needs covered with an iPad embedded into the center stack. It looks like it's removable. There's also a Kenwood CD player connected to a JBL sound system. Instead of designing an engine in-house, Falcon knocked on Chevrolet's door and asked for the Corvette Z06's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-liter V8. Indiana-based tuner Lingenfelter then increased the engine's output to 620 horsepower and 585 pound-feet of torque. Mid-mounted, the V8 spins the rear wheels via a gated six-speed manual transmission. Falcon quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of about 3.5 seconds, and a 200-mph top speed. Story continues Currently bid to $75,000, the example listed on Cars & Bids is the third of seven built, and it has often been used as a show car by the manufacturer. It was notably displayed at the 2014 edition of the Detroit Auto Show, and it starred in the 19th episode of the second season of How it's Made: Dream Cars that aired in March 2015. It's privately owned, and its odometer displays merely 3,294 miles. It's not perfect, but it's in excellent condition. Falcon charged about $250,000 for the F7 when it was new. It's a model that very rarely trade hands, so its value is difficult to put a number on, but we won't have to wait long to find out: the auction ends on Monday, March 15. Related Video: As researchers race to develop vaccines to combat the spread of COVID-19, many people from all walks of life want to get involved in the fight by volunteering to join clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. Health workers give counselling to a volunteer registered to join the trial of Nano Covax vaccine at the Military Medical Academy. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyet T.T.N, a teacher at Giap Bat Secondary School in Hanoi is one such volunteer. N was one of the first three people to be injected with the Nano Covax vaccine. I am really happy because I have the opportunity to offer my body for medical research and for my country, especially when the pandemic spreads around the world. It is an honour for me to be able to pass the screening and be one of the first three volunteers, she told Lao ong (Labour) online newspaper. If there was no help from the people, the 'made in Vietnam' vaccine would never come true," N explained why she got involved. N said when she talked to her close friends about volunteering they tried to talk her out of it as they worried about her health. She told her friends that she had a strong belief in Vietnamese medicine. "After the injection, I did not experience any side effects, but I always joke to everyone that the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine is to make me get hungry fast, eat more and be healthier," N said. As she is in charge of the volunteer groups, she has mobilised 52 others to register for the second phase of the trial. N said she didnt have much convincing to do as her good health was testimony enough. N.T.N.H, a volunteer from Hanoi, expressed her hope for the success of the homegrown COVID-19 vaccine so that everyone could afford it. I got motivation and willpower from the people who first joined the vaccine trial. They made me feel confident and didnt feel anxious when signing up as a volunteer. N.D.T, another volunteer, said he had absolute confidence in the Vietnamese vaccine and wanted everyone to support the trial. If no one enters the trial it will not be successful, he said. The production unit and volunteers are essential to have a made-in-Vietnam COVID-19 vaccine but the people who recruit trial participants are also very important. Tran Ba Hieu, a researcher of the Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, said more than 500 people registered for the first trial but only 60 met the requirements. When providing counselling for volunteers, we must clearly explain the benefits and regulations when participating in research to properly evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vaccines," Hieu said. As the first unit in Vietnam to conduct a clinical trial, Hieu and his colleagues felt honoured but also under pressure. The researchers have to determine if the vaccine is safe and if it is effective. "To accurately answer these questions, we have to ensure we don't bypass any stage so that people can feel secure," he said. Hieu said he received 200 phone calls and registration messages on the first day of the recruitment campaign. We are touched, impressed and thankful to the volunteers who have always accompanied us and contributed to the country, he said. Hieu also said although Nanogen Biotechnology Joint Stock Company (Nanogen Company) had evaluated the vaccine's safety on animals, no one could assure safety in humans without a trial. However, the volunteers overcame all those fears and worries. Talking about the recruitment process, Hieu said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers. Despite the fact that only people aged 18-60 were recruited for the second phase of the trial, many people over the age of 60 still registered for the vaccine trial. Many of his colleagues couldnt sleep the night before the first trial, Hieu recalled. No one dared take a nap, we just hoped that time would pass quickly to proceed with the injection and wait for the evaluation results. Fortunately, after 24 hours, none of the first three volunteers had an adverse reaction, so we were partially relieved, he said. The results of the first phase have shown that 60 participants have very good immunogenicity results and no serious side effects. When asked about his hopes, Hieu said: I think not only myself but all Vietnamese people share the desire that this vaccine will be effective and safe to put an end to the pandemic and put the Vietnamese name on the world vaccine map." Vu Ngoc Hoan, one of Hieus colleagues, said the vaccine research team was confident and had higher expectations when entering the second phase with the standard for recruiting volunteers relaxed and the age frame expanded to 12-75 years old. We expect an extensive trial injection in the community will take place in May. However, it depends on the production by Nanogen Company. It is hoped that by the end of this year we will complete the third phase of the research, Hoan said, adding that peoples consent was essential to the success of the vaccine. VNS Volunteers for vaccine trial: if people are overcome by fear, the vaccines wont succeed If everyone just sits and waits and no one dares to get a vaccine injection trial, the vaccine won't be successful, said one of the first three volunteers in the Nanocovax vaccine trial. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - Members of the NAACP were in Indianapolis on Tuesday for their annual Legislative Day. A press conference was held inside the Indiana Statehouse. NAACP Legislative Day is an annual event in which members all across the State of Indiana speak with state legislators about current bills and make their voices heard. The Indiana State Conference of the NAACP and the Indiana Legislative Black Caucus are calling for respect, civility, and accountability. With so many events being held virtually due to COVID-19, members expressed the importance of being in person at the Statehouse on Tuesday. This was to publicly show their intolerance and anger about the events that happened last month on the House floor. On February 18th, 2021, State Representatives Greg Porter and Vernon Smith were speaking in opposition of a proposed bill on the House floor. Thats when other members of the House began to boo and heckle the two representatives. Members of the NAACP say Representative Smith was then cornered and harassed in the bathroom by legislators after this event occurred. This was just one instance that was spoken about on Tuesday during the NAACPs annual Legislative Day at the Indiana Statehouse. Chairman of the Indiana Legislative Black Caucus Robin Shackleford spoke about what she would like to see happen as a result of this situation. We want to make sure that those involved are reprimanded, Shackleford said, We want to make sure that all members of the General Assembly including the House and Senate receive implicit bias training. We also wanted to make sure that all our members of the General Assembly receive security and make sure everyone is safe. Many members from the NAACP from across the Hoosier State spoke on Tuesday. We are here today because first and foremost, it is our right, President of the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP Barbara Bolling-Williams said, It is our obligation. It is our responsibility. This is the peoples house and we are the people. It is very clear that systemic oppression and structural racism exist, Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer Karrah Herring said, It is even more clear that we must continue to diligently address these issues and try to dismantle them at their core. We are facing injustice, Bolling-Williams concluded, We are facing injustice clearly, united, and jointly. We will not go back to 1921. All those who spoke at the Indiana Statehouse ended with this message: This is the time to act, this is a call to action, and we speak because silence is not an option. Three RCAF helicopters like this one will be overflying the Okanagan the next few weeks as part of a mountain training exercise. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:56:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The attainment of gender-related sustainable development goals in Africa risks becoming a mirage as the continent grapples with aftershocks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new United Nations report. The pandemic has worsened marginalization of women and girls in the continent, said the report, "Impact of COVID-19 on gender equality and women empowerment in east and southern Africa," which was launched in Nairobi on Wednesday. "Even though there are differential socio-economic impacts on women and men during the pandemic..., it has exacerbated existing inequalities between men and women in different socio-economic groups," said UN Women East and Southern Africa Officer in Charge Roberta Clarke. The report, which was commissioned by UN Women and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), analyzed data from 28 African countries between September to December 2020 to gauge the negative impact of the pandemic on women and girls. Gender-based violence, coupled with harmful practices like female genital cut and forced marriages, escalated at the peak of the pandemic amid lockdowns and school closures, the report said. More than 60 percent of women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa experienced a complete loss or decline in personal income amid economic shocks linked to the pandemic, it said. Women and girls experienced high poverty levels, food insecurity, malnutrition and declining health outcomes as governments restricted movement to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the report said. According to the UN report, the pandemic disrupted antenatal care for pregnant women while provision of HIV prevention services and contraceptives almost ground to a halt. In Kenya, nearly 60 percent of women could not access healthcare services for their children while in South Africa and Mozambique, less than 20 percent of women had access to reproductive health services including family planning commodities due to the pandemic, it said. "The pandemic has a strong gender dimension, with women at the frontline as healthcare responders, at the same time experiencing the knock-on impact on a number of fronts, including their sexual and reproductive health," said Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA regional director for east and southern Africa. She said that Africa's ability to realize a sustainable and inclusive recovery from COVID-19 hinges on active involvement of women and girls. Enditem The Russian medical professional organization Alliance of Doctors will appeal a decision by the Justice Ministry to put it on foreign agent list, as the nongovernmental group vows to continue operations. The trade union will legally challenge the controversial label and does not plan to shut down, the press secretary for the Alliance of Doctors, Alexandra Zakharova, told the website Open Media on March 9. "No liquidation. We continue to work," she said. The Justice Ministry on March 3 added the Alliance of Doctors to a growing list of organizations it says are fulfilling the functions of a foreign agent. It claimed the NGO was engaged in political activity and had received funding from citizens of eight countries: Singapore, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Norway, Belarus, and Ukraine. In comments to Open Media, Zakharova said that the organization is funded by membership fees from Russian doctors and by donations from Russian citizens who want to support the medical field. The Alliance of Doctors is headed by ophthalmologist Anastasia Vasilyeva, who has treated opposition leader Aleksei Navalny in the past. Vasilyeva was detained by police for several days in January as part of a sweep by authorities on the eve of unsanctioned mass rallies against the Kremlin critic's arrest. The organization, founded in 2018, fights for fair wages and working conditions for medical professionals. During the coronavirus pandemic, the union has been critical of the government's response to the crisis and mobilized to supply medical workers with masks and other protective equipment. Russias so-called "foreign agent" legislation was adopted in 2012 and has been modified repeatedly. It requires nongovernmental organizations that receive foreign assistance and that the government deems to be engaged in political activity to be registered, to identify themselves as foreign agents, and to submit to audits. Later modifications of the law targeted foreign-funded media, including RFE/RLs Russian Service, six other RFE/RL Russian-language news services, and Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. Human Rights Watch has described the foreign agent legislation as restrictive and intended to demonize independent groups. Even in death, Burt Pugachs love affairs are the stuff of courtroom spectacle. Pugach, who died in December at age 93, was famed for hiring men in 1959 to throw lye in the face of a woman who wouldnt respond to his romantic affections and for marrying his victim after he served 14 years for the crime. Pugachs name is in court papers again this time over an alleged affair with a woman friends say was a conniving caregiver, her permissive and gay police officer husband and their enterprising son. At stake is his $15 million estate and the battle is being fought with all the tawdry details that can fit in one lawsuit. The latest twist in the pulsating plot of Pugachs life and death is playing out in Manhattan Supreme Court, where Pugachs friends accuse his much-younger caregiver into changing his will after he suffered a stroke. The caregiver, 52-year-old Shamin Sheila Frawley, claims she gave Pugach more than care, and was actually his girlfriend in the last years of his life a relationship endorsed by her estranged husband whose own love interest was another man. More than 60 years ago, before Frawley was even born, Pugach was convicted of hiring three goons to attack Linda Riss, a 22-year-old secretary with whom the married lawyer had been having an affair. Riss was trying to break off the affair, and the enraged Pugach was determined to have his revenge. If I cant have you, no one else will have you, the lawyer warned her, and when I get through with you no one else will want you. So, the men he hired splashed lye in her face, an attack that left her blind in one eye and nearly blind in the other. Later, in interviews, Pugach claimed he wasnt as bad as he was being made out to be. He claimed he merely asked the men to beat her up. Still, Pugach served 14 years in prison for the crime, after which his story featured one of the first of many dramatic plot twists: He proposed to Linda Riss on TV after he was released and Riss married him. Story continues Pugach and sunglasses-wearing Riss were wed for nearly 40 years until her death in 2013. Their union survived even after they were burned out of their Rego Park, Queens, home in 2007. The unlikely marriage was the subject of numerous articles, a book and a 2007 documentary, Crazy Love. Enter Shamin Frawley, who, according to court records, separated from her husband in 2015. During her time with Pugach, according to court records, his will was changed five times, including once in October, two months before he died, when a foundation he had founded with his late wife for the visually impaired was taken off the list. By then the elderly socialite, who had made millions on stocks, was completely smitten with his caregiver, and was totally dependent on her for his daily care, Pugachs friends say in their lawsuit. Pugach died on Christmas Eve. The same day, $150,000 was transferred from one of his accounts to an unknown savings account, according to the plaintiffs lawyer. Pugachs assets were frozen after a judge granted his friends a temporary restraining order. While still married, with her husbands participation in the scheme, she used the romantic and sexual leverage she had over Burt Pugach to get him to change the beneficiaries on all of his accounts and in his will, the friends said in a court complaint. Shamin isolated him, mistreated him, manipulated him, and once she got what she wanted from him, she starved him to death, the complaint says. Toward the end of his life, Pugachs health became so bad that he began living in the Frawley home. But Pugachs friends said Frawleys gay ex-cop husband pretended to be her father to give the illusion that she was single. The plaintiffs also say that the couples son, Nicholas, who is also a police officer, was in on the scheme, using surveillance technology to record all of Pugachs meetings and phone calls, the lawsuit said. But Frawley insists theirs was true love an affair of the heart blessed even by her husband. William Frawley, a former NYPD officer, in his own affidavit insists their marriage was over and that he had come out as gay. Frawleys lawyer, Jonathan Strauss, insists Pugachs pals are making baseless, despicable allegations to obtain money that they are not entitled to. All the plaintiffs have on Frawley is their mere disparity in age, Strauss said in a court filing. An age disparity between two people who love each other over a long period of time is not proof [of] undue influence, the lawyer wrote. Instead such an allegation is ageism, plain and simple. A stable fly rests on a corral railing at a dairy farm in Lingleville, Texas. Credit: Pia Untalan Olafson Researchers hope to use an agricultural pest's genetic code against it to prevent billions of dollars in annual losses in the United States. Stable flies, or Stomoxys calcitrans, are spotted, tan-colored flies found around the world. They are easily mistaken for the common housefly but for one notable distinction: They bite. "If you get one in your house and it bites you, it's a stable fly," said Joshua Benoit, an assistant professor of biology at the University of Cincinnati. Stable flies don't bite so much as chomp. They are the scourge of beachgoers in Florida and recreational boaters in upstate New York. According to Thomas Jefferson, they tormented signatories of the Declaration of Independence. "You shoo it away and shoo it away but it's persistent and lands on you. And then it bites. And it's not a pleasant bite. It's a pretty vicious, painful bite," Benoit said. UC joined an international team that unlocked the genome of stable flies. Benoit and his students contributed to a fundamental research project called i5k that has the ambitious goal to sequence the genes of 5,000 species of arthropods, the group that includes spiders, insects and crabs. "It's a pretty cool project. Molecular research on stable flies is far behind many other organisms. Our goal was to jump it up so we have a good model system to understand the biology of stable flies," Benoit said. Stable flies are a scourge to livestock and wildlife alike. A Cape buffalo is tormented by a cloud of flies. Credit: Michael Miller Previously, UC worked on similar projects for bedbugs and the agricultural menaces thrips and screwworms. With stable flies, Benoit said they were looking for possible weaknesses to exploit in its genetic code. Researchers examined stable fly biology using genomic sequencing and RNA analysis over the fly's development. They also identified 1,600 genes related to stable fly reproduction, which could lead to new biological controls without the use of pesticides. "Conducting research for its own sake is reward enough, but it is always heartening when the findings generate interesting novel avenues for exploration," study co-author and UC postdoctoral researcher Christopher Holmes said. The study was published in the journal BMC Biology. Pia Untalan Olafson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture was the study's lead author. "Stable flies are arguably one of the most important pests of livestock in the United States," Olafson said. The project has huge economic implications from tourism to agriculture. Nobody can nap in a beach chair with stable flies for company. The flies cause an estimated $2.2 billion in livestock production each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cows beset by stable flies produce less milk and put on less weight. Unlike mosquitoes, both male and female stable flies bite. "It's a nonstop onslaught all the time. The flies need a blood meal to survive and reproduce. So they will keep trying to bite and trying to bite. They are very persistent," Benoit said. "When you get a thousand of these biting a cow, it can have a huge impact on agricultural productivity." Olafson said the research has implications far beyond the United States. "Worldwide, these flies have become a societal issue of public and political importance," she said. "Growing international agroindustries, like pineapple, coffee and sugarcane, produce large amounts of byproduct that are ideal sites for stable fly larvae to develop. These sites can produce upwards of hundreds of thousands of flies per acre. Livestock producers and communities that neighbor these industries feel the impact." UC's study also helps scientists better understand why some flies evolved to feed on blood while similar species didn't. The flies lay their eggs in wet or rotting vegetation like the wet hay or straw found around barns and stables that give them their associated name. By understanding the genes responsible for stable fly reproduction, researchers hope to design novel biological controls similar to methods that have worked to eradicate other pests such as screwworms. The USDA raises screwworms by the millions, releasing sterilized males over Central America to keep them from pushing north to plague North American cattle ranches. "Any targeted control like that is probably better than widescale pesticide application, which will kill all insects. So you don't have to release chemicals into the environment," Benoit said. Explore further New trap better at snaring stable flies More information: Pia U. Olafson et al, The genome of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction, host interactions, and novel targets for pest control, BMC Biology (2021). Journal information: BMC Biology Pia U. Olafson et al, The genome of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction, host interactions, and novel targets for pest control,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9 EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 Twelve U.S. States Sue To Block Green Reset Assault March 9 , 2021 (EIRNS)Since the time of the February release of the EIR Special Report, The Great Leap Backward: LaRouche Exposes the Green New Deal, to spur action to defeat the Malthusian policy of genocide called variously the Green (New) Deal, the Great Reset, and Stakeholder Capitalism, there are now certain important initiatives of opposition. In the U.S. on March 8, Missouri plus 11 other states filed suit in federal court, to block President Bidens Executive Orders mandating sweeping green reset policiesopposing both their harmful content, and their mode of enforcement by unlawful executive decree. The lawsuits arguments are straightforward. First, the lawsuit charges that the green policies will cause deep damage to the states involved and nationwide, by cutting manufacturing, suppressing agriculture, decreasing energy supply and reliability, impoverishing people and other destructive impacts, now and for decades to come. Secondly, the suit charges that the White House does not have the authority to declare policy in these areas; only Congress has the power and responsibility. Schiller Institute President Helga Zepp-LaRouche today observed the importance of this initiative internationally. This is a major break, to be used against the green onslaught. Initiatives for the public good, in particular, should be made in Europe, ground zero for the abominable EU Green Deal, and for parallel programs in Britain, host to the next UN Climate Summit in November in Glasgow. The lawsuit charges that Bidens Executive Order 13990, titled, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis, wrongfully issues binding numbers for the social cost of greenhouse gases to be then used in federal regulations as an excuse to reduce essential economic activity. One section of the lawsuit states what is at stake, domestically and worldwide: If the Executive Order stands, it will inflict hundreds of billions or trillions of dollars of damage to the U.S. economy for decades to come. It will destroy jobs, stifle energy production, strangle Americas energy independence, suppress agriculture, deter innovation, and impoverish working families.... Moreover, the suit charges that U.S. agricultural and energy productionwhich these actions [the Biden orders] would stiflehave global benefits ... which enrich the entire world, and yet the Biden Administration gave them little or no weight in its calculation of the social cost of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen oxide. The leader of the legal initiative is Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a likely Republican Party candidate for U.S. Senate, and the other states likewise have Republican Party governments, but this is not a party question, nor a mere issue. The co-plaintiffs are core states of the farm beltKansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Montana, Ohio, and Indiana, along with Missouri, plus Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. The defendants include not only President Biden, but 10 federal departments, especially Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Interior, and similar agencies. Another action forcefully opposing the global green great leap backward comes from Russia. On March 2, President Vladimir Putin held a major national meeting on the significance of coal. With all the relevant ministerial leaders present, and leaders from mining, transportation, industry, and others, Putin reviewed the economic geography and goals involved. Russia produces about 400 million tons a year, from five major regions, where some 11 million people live. He stated that half of the output is exported, and very important to the Asian Pacific region. He called for increasing coal shipments eastward from the Kuznetsk Basin by 30% between now and 2024. Putin commented pointedly about the recent energy failure in the United States, in apt remarks about how adjustments in energy policies should be made when needed, as they are being made in Russia. He said, As for the long-term prospects of the global coal market beyond the current decade, I know that there are different forecasts in this regard. It is no secret that some of them suggest a significant contraction.... We also know what is happening with this. Texas froze because of the cold weather. And the windmills had to be thawed in ways that are far from environmentally friendly. Maybe this will also cause adjustments. Meantime, the backdrop to these positive moves to defend and expand essential economic activity, is the fact that the monetarist financial system itself is crumbling and in urgent need for Glass-Steagall type financial reorganization. An indicative event in Germany is the recent failure of the Greensill Bank in Bremen. Some 50 municipal depositors, e.g., in Giessen, are in the lurch for funds they need for city infrastructure and operations. Zepp-LaRouche stressed today that in this context of imminent financial crash and the green onslaught of self-destruction of national economies, the continued pursuit of geopolitics will inevitably lead to war. There is no alternative but to get to a new paradigm. In light of this, the upcoming international Schiller Institute conference is a critical point of intervention. Spread the opportunity. Spread the momentum! It is March 20-21, titled, World at a Crossroad: Two Months Into the New U.S. Administration. For certain blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), deciding whether patients need an aggressive treatment typically hinges on a set of lab tests to identify genetic changes. Some of these tests rely on technology that was invented more than 60 years ago and has been used clinically for the past three decades. Now, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that whole genome sequencing is at least as accurate and often better than conventional genetic tests that help determine the treatment for a patient's blood cancer. Genome sequencing technology continuously is decreasing in cost and recently reached a level similar to that of conventional testing. In addition, results can be returned to patients in just a few days, making whole genome sequencing a potentially viable approach for determining the best treatment regimen for a particular patient. The study is published in the March 11 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. "Choosing the appropriate therapy for cancer patients often depends on identifying a range of different types of genetic changes in a patient's tumor cells," said senior author David H. Spencer, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine and medical director of the clinical sequencing facility at the McDonnell Genome Institute. "Our study suggests whole genome sequencing is a reliable and practical approach for detecting all of the changes that are important for assessing the risk of relapse for AML and MDS patients, using a single test. This approach can be performed when conventional testing methods are unsuccessful and also could be applied to other cancers, including solid tumors. This means that patients with other cancer types eventually could benefit from rapid clinical genome sequencing." The study focused on patients with AML, a blood cancer that arises in the bone marrow, and MDS, a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not make enough normal blood cells. Both often are deadly, but many patients can be treated more effectively if they receive the proper therapy. Patients with leukemia or MDS are divided into three risk categories based on the results of genetic testing. Favorable-risk patients are usually treated with chemotherapy only. Unfavorable-risk patients often need more intensive treatment at the time of diagnosis -- usually chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant (formerly called bone marrow transplant). For intermediate-risk patients, the optimal treatment approach is not as clear-cut, and their treatment regimens can vary, depending on each patient's state of health, personal preferences, and doctors' guidance. For nearly three decades, patients have been assigned to these risk categories based on the way their chromosomes look under a microscope. More recently, doctors have begun to incorporate the genetic sequencing of a limited number of genes into the analysis, but such sequencing does not typically identify all of the changes that are important for guiding treatment decisions. Whole genome sequencing can identify changes in chromosomes and genes, but is rarely performed outside of research studies because of its cost and the time it can take to sequence and analyze an entire genome. "For these types of blood cancers, conventional chromosome analysis is a critical part of the standard diagnostic work-up," Spencer said. "We know from research studies that whole genome sequencing can detect these types of chromosomal abnormalities, so that part of our study is not terribly surprising. What we showed is that genome sequencing has reached a point that it is now practical, fast, economical, clinically feasible and accessible for the routine testing of patients." According to the researchers, the technical costs for sequencing in this study were about $1,900 per patient. This amount is similar to the laboratory cost of conventional genetic testing for an AML patient, which typically is $1,000 to $2,000. Actual charges for clinical use of whole genome sequencing will likely be higher because of additional costs associated with implementing such testing in a clinical laboratory setting. In the new study, the researchers -- including co-authors Eric J. Duncavage, MD, a professor of pathology & immunology; Molly C. Schroeder, PhD, an assistant professor of pathology & immunology; and Timothy J. Ley, MD, the Lewis T. and Rosalind B. Apple Professor of Medicine -- evaluated blood samples from 263 patients with these blood cancers by sequencing the patients' entire genomes, and compared these results with traditional genetic tests from the same patients. The patients were treated at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. The researchers found that whole genome sequencing identified all of the same major genomic abnormalities as the conventional method -- called karyotyping -- and, importantly, it identified additional genetic abnormalities in 17% of the cases. Of the 263 patients, 117 were newly diagnosed patients; the other patients' samples were analyzed retrospectively. For the newly diagnosed patients, whole genome sequencing found additional genetic information in about 25% of the cases. This new information changed the risk category for 19 patients. Generally, changing the risk category may alter patients' treatment options. The investigators also showed that this sequencing could be done relatively quickly, returning results in an average of five days but in as few as three. One of the drawbacks of karyotyping is that some patients have inconclusive results. Karyotyping requires a sample that contains living cells, and sometimes the sample doesn't contain enough living cells to determine the patient's risk category. Whole genome sequencing, in contrast, does not require living cells. It uses only a small sample of DNA from a patient's cancer cells. In this study, the researchers found that whole genome sequencing could accurately risk stratify patients who had inconclusive results from the traditional karyotype-based analyses. According to the investigators, inconclusive results or assay failures can occur in up to 20% of AML patients. "Inconclusive results are extremely frustrating, because we want to be able to offer patients the most appropriate treatment at the beginning of therapy. Although limited genetic testing is of value, it can miss important findings that are often relevant for therapy choices. We have worked for years to streamline whole genome sequencing so that it can be used routinely," said Ley, who led the team at McDonnell Genome Institute that sequenced the first cancer genome (from an AML patient) just 12 years ago. "The sequencing of whole cancer genomes, which was first performed here at Washington University, revolutionized our understanding of cancer and how it can be treated," Schroeder said. "This project was exciting to work on because it demonstrates that whole genome sequencing has matured into an efficient, practical tool that is clinically useful for patient testing when they receive a diagnosis of AML or MDS." According to Spencer, most patients whose risk category changed based on the whole genome approach moved into less favorable risk categories. This suggests that whole genome sequencing may be able to more consistently identify patients in the unfavorable-risk category, allowing them to receive the most appropriate therapy up front. The researchers will continue to evaluate whole genome sequencing for AML and MDS patients as part of clinical trials. In addition, whole genome sequencing will be offered to patients with AML and MDS treated at Siteman Cancer Center. For those who qualify, funding for the whole genome sequencing assay, called ChromoSeq, will be provided by BJC HealthCare. "One of the most compelling aspects of this study is that the results are immediately translatable to patient care," Duncavage said. "As a collaboration with the McDonnell Genome Institute and the Department of Pathology & Immunology, we are pleased to be launching a clinical version of this assay that will be available to patients. We are proud to be able to offer whole genome sequencing for AML and MDS patients, and we hope to extend this to other cancers very soon." Peter Campbell, MD, PhD, leads cancer genome sequencing studies at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, U.K. "We stand on the threshold of an era in which we can identify every relevant genetic change in a given patient's cancer in real time," said Campbell, who was not involved in this work. "This fascinating study demonstrates, first, that this technology can be implemented in real-world clinical practice, and second, that we can make more accurate choices of treatments for patients with blood cancers. Our task is now to take this blueprint for blood cancers and apply it to all cancers." ### This work was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), grant number 3UL1TR002345-02S1; the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Research Fund, grant number 19-FY19-01; and the National Cancer Institute, grant numbers R33CA217700-01 and K08CA190815. Support for procurement and annotation of human samples was provided by the Genomics of AML Program Project of the NCI, grant number P01 CA101937. Core services were provided by the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center Tissue Procurement Core and Biostatistics Shared Resource Core supported by an NCI Cancer Center grant, number P30CA091842. Prospective sequencing was supported in part by reagents provided by Illumina Inc. The staff at the Cytogenomics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, GTAC, and the McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine also contributed to this project. Duncavage EJ, Schroeder MC, et al. Genome sequencing as an alternative to cytogenetics in myeloid malignancies. The New England Journal of Medicine. March 11, 2021. Washington University School of Medicine's 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare. You are already forgiven if you have zoned out of this Brexit carry-on amid its series of phoney deadlines, snails pace non-progress and recurring same bad-tempered rows. Add the lockdown blues and you have a perfect recipe to build your own slough of despond in the style of John Bunyans Pilgrims Progress. But heres a thing about it all. After a week of hissy-fits, the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is at last coming under pressure to normalise relations with its nearest neighbours and biggest trading partners in the EU. A semblance of sense here could help Ireland north and south enormously. Apart from not having to listen to the recurring cant, it could stave off the prospect of serious economic and political instability. Johnsons bluster about getting Brexit done wrongly suggested the EU-UK break-up was a kind of one-off destination, when it is in reality a long-running process. The divorce analogy is apt; the separated partners have to come to a sensible new relationship. This day last week things took a wrong turn in efforts to forge a new EU-UK relationship. Johnsons newly appointed hard man at the EU coalface, David Frost, just unilaterally extended the grace period delaying additional checks on goods coming into Northern Ireland from England, Scotland and Wales. The move calls into question the Norths special EU trade status in a post-Brexit world. The so-called Northern Ireland protocol, agreed in October 2019, replaced the so-called backstop that had been agreed in December 2017. It basically meant Britain could leave the EUs single market and customs union. But Northern Ireland remained in the UKs customs territory while also implementing EU customs rules and product standards to protect the single market. It meant no hard border in Ireland but some checks amounting to a border in the Irish Sea. That irked many Northern unionists and some extreme Brexiteer Tories. The unilateral London move was deemed good short-term politics. For Johnson it spoke to his base, blaming the EU for negative Brexit consequences while also allowing him give a political lollipop to disenchanted Democratic Unionist Party politicians. Now, one week on, business groups and exporters in the UK are asking Johnson to dial down the rhetoric. In essence, their message is that what might bring short-term political dividends will in the medium to longer term lose money for business. Reports in the Financial Times cite key figures in the Scottish seafood industry and others in the British food business as appealing to Frost to change tack. At the European Parliament in Brussels, Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher points to the decision by MEPs in the wake of the UKs unilateral action last week to delay ratification of the post-Brexit free trade deal which was belatedly struck last Christmas Eve. There is a growing feeling in Brussels that the EU should leave London stew for a while over all this, says Mr Kelleher, a member of the parliaments economic committee. The Fianna Fail politician also makes two further points. While the European Parliament delays ratification of the EU-UK free trade deal, there is a danger that it could expire by the end of April. There is also the most pressing and unresolved issue of continued UK financial and banking access to the EU. Anxieties in the financial hub of London will increase pressure on Johnson in the coming weeks. The poor EU-UK relationships for the first two months of what is supposed to be a new partnership bodes ill for the future. In Britain, even ardent Brexiteers and non-plussed Remainers agree it is high time to introduce a note of positivity. Last time the UK messed with the Norths special trade status was in early September of last year. It led to a talks hiatus and initial legal moves by the EU, just as we saw over the last seven days. But things got back on track and a deal was done. Theres no reason why this cannot happen again. National political advisors have suggested the establishment of a national book-reading day on Confucius' birthday to further promote China's cultural construction. April 23 marks the annual World Book and Copyright Day appointed by the UNESCO, commemorating the lives of a range of well-known writers, including Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Maurice Druon, and William Shakespeare. But Lin Yang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former editor-in-chief of China Fine Arts Publishing Group, said that the holiday currently lacks promotion of traditional Chinese cultural elements. "While we can also organize nationwide reading activities during that time, they cannot be regarded as China's own 'National Reading Day' in the truest sense. Culture is the primary and most differentiated element. Foreign celebrations cannot replace our motherland's own. Therefore, to promote national reading for all, it is still necessary to establish China's own book-reading day with its own cultural connotations," Lin said. Several of Lin's peers agreed. In a joint proposal raised by another national political advisor Zhu Yongxin and other CPPCC members, they called for the establishment of Sept. 28 as National Reading Day, the same day upon which the ancient Chinese sage Confucius was born. In 2017, the State Council issued instructions on the implementation of the inheritance and development of Chinese excellent traditional culture. Zhu Yongxin believed the instructions made comprehensive arrangements for the implementation of the project on Chinese traditional culture. "From an educational point of view, the promotion of Chinese excellent traditional culture requires a certain celebratory ceremony that pays tribute to tradition and needs a certain vehicle by which it is promoted." "Confucius was the first thinker and educator compiling cultural classics and advocated reading and learning in Chinese history," Zhu said, pointing out that "Holding all kinds of reading activities in various forms on a National Reading Day that pays tribute to Confucius will help create a positive atmosphere for reading throughout society. It will also guide the people to develop their reading interests, habits, abilities, and continuously enhance ideological and moral quality as well as scientific and cultural quality, providing strong spiritual motivation and intellectual support for the realization of the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation." This year marks Zhu's 18th consecutive year in pushing for the establishment of this day. "The history of a person's spiritual development is his history of reading. The spiritual realm of a nation depends on the reading level of the nation. A school without reading can never have real education. Only a city full of books can become a beautiful spiritual home. Only by reading and writing together and living together can we have a common language, common values, and a common vision," the political advisor explained. In order to establish a National Reading Day, Lin suggested that it is first necessary to study and explore the procedures and management practices of national days, and make them based on full research, and adapt them to the development of society and industries. He added that multi-party research should be conducted, and the feasibility of similar holidays in other countries can be used for reference. A national reading survey conducted in 2019 showed that nearly 70% of Chinese people wanted the organization of additional reading activities. A draft ordinance to promote reading in China was published by the government in 2017. Released by the Legislative Affairs Office of China's State Council, the ordinance planned to take "reading for all" as a national strategy and encourage people to form better reading habits. In the document, it instructed governments at various levels to organize reading activities on significant cultural days such as Confucius' birthday and the World Book and Copyright Day, but a national reading day has yet to be officially proposed. The Mauritanian is a Kevin Macdonald directorial film, starring Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead roles. The film released in the United States of America on February 12, 2021 and ever since then, a number of users around the globe have been trend searching where to watch The Mauritanian? and if The Mauritanian is streaming online Where to watch The Mauritanian? where is The Mauritanian streaming online? A report in Decider.com suggests that people can watch the Mauritanian in select theatres. The list includes AMC cinemas and one can check their local listings to find out what shows are available in theatres near them. According to the media portal, the movie will be available to stream online as well on various OTT platforms. Reportedly, The Mauritanian watch online option is available on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Vudu and FandangoNow. Read Also | 'High Time The Truth Came Out': Govinda After Krushna Abhishek's 'defamatory' Comments Plot The Mauritanian full movie The plot of the film follows Mohamedou Ould Salahi, portrayed by Tahar Rahim on the screen. He is captured by the U.S. government and is detained in Guantanamo Bay detention camp and is kept there without charge or trial. Salahi soon loses hope for justice but finds allies in defence attorney Nancy Hollander, portrayed by Jodie Foster and her associate Teri Duncan, played by Woodley. Together, the three of them face numerous obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with fabricated evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. As the plot of the movie progresses, a shocking and far-reaching conspiracy is revealed. The question lingers, will Mohamedou get justice or will he have to serve for a crime that he may or may not have been involved in? Read Also | Payal Ghosh Poses Question On 'credentials' Of Actors Amid Ongoing Drug Probe Rating of The Mauritanian on various platforms The Mauritanian has garnered 7.2/10 stars on IMDb by numerous netizens. The movie has got 52% rating on Metacritic and on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received 72% on the Tomatometer and 85% on the Audience Score. The trailer had created a buzz about the film ever since it released. It gave the gist of the film and claimed that it is based on a true story. Watch the trailer of the thriller film below. Read Also | Milind Soman Replies To Fan Who Asks Him To Recreate Beach Running Picture In Cold Weather Read Also | Australia's Platypus Habitat Declines By 22 Percent Over 30 Years: Study Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand opens portals after winter break, no pilgrims allowed due to Covid Never imagined this, will make efforts to meet people's expectations: Tirath Singh Rawat India oi-Deepika S New Delhi,Mar 10: Uttarakhand chief minister-designate Tirath Singh Rawat on Wednesday extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda for trusting him with the responsibility. "I want to thank PM Modi, BJP chief, Home Minister and Central leadership who trusted me, a mere party worker who comes from a small village. I had never imagined that I'd reach here. We will make all efforts to meet people's expectations and take forward work done in the last 4 years," Rawat told ANI. Pauri Garhwal MP Tirath was chosen as the leader of Uttarakhand BJP legislature party, paving the way for his becoming the new chief minister of the hill state. His name was announced by outgoing chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat after the legislature party meeting, which lasted around 30 minutes. Who is Tirath Singh Rawat? New Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat was the state BJP president from 2013-2015 and is currently the party''s national secretary. He was also an MLA from Chaubattakhal constituency from 2012-17. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News His choice by the BJP comes as a surprise as he was not among the favourites. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Medical and Coding Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 162 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 162 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Medical and Coding Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-medical-and-coding-programs/ 2021 Medical and Coding Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Albany State University Alexandria Technical & Community College Ashworth College Barton County Community College Berkeley College Bryan University Bryant & Stratton College Charter Oak State College Community Care College Cowley County Community College Dakota College, Bottineau Dakota State University Drexel University Fayetteville Technical Community College Fisher College Florida A&M University Gogebic Community College Grantham University Great Basin College Herzing University Highland Community College Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana University Keiser University Kennesaw State University Lakeshore Technical College Mercy College, Ohio Minnesota State University Minnesota West Community and Technical College Montana State University, Billings Moraine Park Technical College Northwest Iowa Community College Northwest Technical College Penn Foster College Rasmussen College Rutgers University San Juan College Santa Barbara City College Seminole State College of Florida Sinclair Community College Sullivan University Trident Technical College Ultimate Medical Academy University of Alaska, Anchorage University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of California, San Diego University of Cincinnati University of Utah Wallace State Community College Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. Associated Press President Joe Biden called out two fellow Democrats on Tuesday in explaining why he hasnt enacted some of the most ambitious elements of his agenda, noting that slim majorities in the House and evenly divided Senate have hamstrung legislative negotiations around key issues like voting rights. Biden, speaking during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, responded to critics who question why he hasnt been able to get a wide-reaching voting rights bill passed. Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House, and a tie in the Senate with two members of the Senate who voted more with my Republican friends, he lamented. The Queen with Lord Parker. - AFP He is the real-life spy master who oversaw British intelligence at the height of the 2017 terror attacks and the Salisbury poisoning a year later. But as he prepares to become the next Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer in the Royal household, Andrew Parker, former director general of MI5, can expect to have his work cut out. When he replaces the long-serving Lord Peel on April 1, the Cambridge-educated amateur ornithologist is going to have to make an eagle-eyed assessment of the fall-out from the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. While the Queen may be intent on addressing the serious and concerning issues raised privately with her family, according to Tuesdays statement, behind palace gates the institution so pointedly referred to by the couple in their two-hour tell-all undoubtedly also has questions to answer. Top of the in-tray for Lord Parker, described as Britains safest pair of hands, will be allegations that The Firm did not provide enough support to the Duchess when she flagged her deteriorating mental health to the human resources department notwithstanding the fact that members of the Royal family remain baffled the Duchess did not come to them directly. The royal household will also have to address claims of institutional racism and a climate where, according to Prince Harrys assessment, royals like the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge feel trapped. Amid talk of Sir Edward Young, the Queens private secretary, and Clive Alderton, who serves the same role for Prince Charles, being dead men walking for their role in the Megxit crisis, Lord Parker will be forced to address the thorny issue of how to resolve family disputes in way that preserves the integrity of the monarchy without alienating any of its members. As the Windsors continue to pick through the wreckage of the bombs dropped by Harry and Meghan before a global audience of millions, the 58-year-old father of two will be required to demonstrate his trademark unflappability. Story continues As one royal insider put it: Harry was right when he said the royals have become hostages to the household that is supposed to be there to serve them. This is not just a wake-up call to the institution but the family to get a grip on that household. Thats where Lord Parker will help to bring a fresh perspective. He needs to help the Royal family use this as an opportunity to have a long, hard look at how the Royal household is organised in a way that best supports and promotes a British monarchy that has been under attack. According to someone who worked closely with the senior spook, Lord Parkers ability to think strategically as well as tactically will also be a great help to Her Majesty. He comes from a background where leaking costs lives, so hell expect a much more professional approach. This is a bloke who is able to see around corners. He doesnt reveal his character easily. Hes not somebody you feel very chummy with but he is somebody you feel very secure with. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) new multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) tolling system at Ryfast, Norway, has gone live with six tolling points now successfully in operation. Kapsch TrafficCom (Kapsch) delivered the system in the Ryfast sub-sea tunnel system, which runs from the city of Stavanger to the municipality of Strand. It is one of the longest and deepest undersea road tunnels in the world, with the Ryfylke tunnel of 14.3 kilometres length and 292 meters deep. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> After implementing the high performance system in record time of only 13 weeks, the Kapsch MLFF G3 tolling system has now in operation since the beginning of February. While we have installed our systems at tunnels, bridges, cities and roadways all around the world, we are proud to be part of the Ryfast project. We are very happy that we have managed to implement a reliable and high-performing system in such a short time, says Mikael Hejel, responsible Area Sales Manager for the Nordic countries. The tolling system detects and identifies all passing vehicles with video technology, which classifies the vehicles and captures their front- and rear license plates. Through microwaves, the tolling system also detects and reads AutoPass toll tags, which are linked to the vehicles license plate number. The information captured by the tolling system is transmitted to a back-office for further processing and invoicing of the vehicle owners. Due to that a previous tolling system could not be set into operation, we had to re-tender a new tolling system and allocate a tight time schedule, says Kristian Rognskog, chief engineer of AutoPASS/Bompeng systems at Statens vegvesen. In addition, given the current Covid situation and closed borders, it was a challenging task both for Statens vegvesen and Kapsch to comply with the schedule. Therefore we are very pleased with the open dialogue and the transparency we have had with Kapsch TrafficCom, something which enabled the extremely short implementation time of the new tolling system. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) A report by an international development agency revealed that up to 40% of fish caught in 2019 in the Philippines came from illegal fishing. Based on the report published by the United States Agency for International Development and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources released on March 9, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the country ranged from 27% to 40% in 2019, which is equal to around P62 billion in annual losses. IUU fishing is any form of unlawful fishing practice by small and large-scale operators that causes great threat to the marine ecosystem. This has been a problem of developing countries, like the Philippines, which lack resources to implement better monitoring and surveillance of fishing grounds. The report also noted that 30%, or 30,000, of municipal vessels remain unregistered, and commercial fishers do not report up to 422,000 metric tons of fish per year. These statistics show the vast impact IUU fishing has on the Philippines marine ecosystem, USAID said in a statement. Data analyzed by the USAID were collected from a workshop it conducted in September 2020 with the BFAR, Rare Philippines, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, and the UP School of Statistics. More than 100 experts were included in the said workshop who estimated the quantity and value and all things related to illegal fishing in the country. Domestic response needs augmentation USAID emphasized that while the Philippine government has invested in the campaign to address illegal fishing, its operational assets have to be augmented to curb the countrys huge economic losses from destructive and unsustainable fishing practices." It added that there is a need for a strong, responsive structure to promote fisher compliance to laws and regulations, and that eliminating this problematic fishing practice requires a whole-of-society approach guided with science. For his part, BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona assured that the government is finding ways to address the matter with the ongoing development of an IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool that will be adopted in Fisheries Management Areas across the country. This tool will provide us with periodic information needed to identify other ways to encourage voluntary compliance, strategically guide law enforcement operations, and clearly communicate our progress in reducing IUU fishing in the Philippines, he added. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, total fisheries production in 2020 declined 0.3% to 4.403 million MT from the previous year. Broken down, commercial fisheries output, which accounted for 22% of total data, improved by 5% to 978,170 MT; municipal fisheries, which accounted for 25% of total output, recorded a 2.1% decrease in its total output at 1.101 million MT; and aquaculture farms that contributed 52.8% to the sector, reported a 1.5% decline in its total production at 2.324 million MT. The film academy has promised to explore areas of harm, hurt and complexity in the history of cinema when it opens its long-awaited museum (Academy/PA) The film academy has promised to explore areas of harm, hurt and complexity in the history of cinema when it opens its long-awaited museum. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is set to welcome visitors in September following a reported 388 million dollar (278 million) funding campaign. Expand Close The long-awaited Academy Museum is set to open its doors in September (Academy/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The long-awaited Academy Museum is set to open its doors in September (Academy/PA) During a virtual tour, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body which oversees the Oscars, revealed the museum, based at the historic Saban Building in Los Angeles, will not shy away from looking at controversies from its past. It promised to present conversations looking at the #MeToo movement, pay equity, Black Lives Matter, climate change and the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. The academy used the example of cartoon sailor Popeye to announce it was going to look at problematic depictions in animation, including the objectification of women. Expand Close The Academy Museum is based in Los Angeles (Academy/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Academy Museum is based in Los Angeles (Academy/PA) And it will look at other topics including racialised make-up and degrading depictions of Indigenous peoples with the aim of increasing empathy and knowledge. The Academy Museum is set to open on September 30 and will include two theatres, an education studio, restaurant and retail store. Italian screen titan Sophia Loren and independent filmmaker Haile Gerima will receive special awards at the opening gala, while actors Tom Hanks and Annette Bening and Disney executive Bob Iger will also be recognised. Some of the most famous items from cinemas history will be on display at the museum, including the Bruce the Shark model from Jaws and the ruby red slippers from The Wizard Of Oz. In April, to coincide with the Oscars, the academy has planned a series of virtual programmes, with acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and Academy Award-winning composer Hildur Guonadottir taking part in a conversation series. The building, designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Does open data impact local government? And if so, how? These questions were addressed by several mayors of Southern cities during an online roundtable last Friday.Hosted by What Works Cities, Open Data Day 2021: Southern Cities introduced a number of topics, ranging from strategies to increase community engagement to how data can be used to communicate with state and county governments.One of the roundtable's first discussions revolved around using open data to share information about COVID-19 with residents. Sharon Weston Broome, mayor of Baton Rouge, La., detailed her offices approach during the pandemic, indicating that her city realized early on that data sharing would play a key role in informing citizens.Broome's team utilized the social networking service Nextdoor to provide information to citizens about available health-care resources such as hospital beds and ventilators. The benefit of using this tool, Broome said, is it provides real-time information on programs, services and issues that impact citizens daily lives.Another perspective on communicating with residents was shared by Chattanooga, Tenn., Mayor Andy Berke, who emphasized the importance of getting information to the right people.We need to use data to highlight the underserved and unserved, Berke said.One way Chattanooga achieved this, Berke said, was that it used open data to determine which areas in the city had lower numbers of residents receiving vaccines or COVID tests.The topic of using open data to communicate with surrounding state and county governments was also discussed by the panelists.We [the city of Memphis and Shelby County] created a joint task force to respond to COVID-19, said Jim Strickland, mayor of Memphis, Tenn. Through that process, it has been a constant sharing of data and working together.Strickland said the mission of the task force is to continually assess and anticipate the needs of residents of Memphis and Shelby County and to tend to those needs as efficiently as possible.Frank Scott Jr., mayor of Little Rock, Ark., said his municipality is "a bit unique in the sense that the capital city of Arkansas is seated where government power is located. Thanks to this context, Little Rock has been able to develop strong relationships both locally and at the state level to facilitate data and information sharing.Not all cities have had the same positive experience.Its a challenge, Berke said. The feds have one point of view, while the state, county and city have a different point of view.As a result, he said, pulling all of the pieces together has made it a bit difficult to share data.As for Baton Rouges experience, Broome said the pandemic has opened up communication between city, county and state entities.We have a track record of working and communicating across government lines due to the pandemic, she said. It requires a team effort to solve problems like these.Closing out the discussion, each mayor expressed the importance of using open data to build trust among residents in their communities, highlighting key factors such as transparency and accountability.The great thing about data is that its truthful; it shows warts and all, Strickland said. It builds faith in government within a city." The growing cybersecurity company has a fresh look, refined mission, and renewed commitment to its growing customer base PITTSFORD, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / IGI Cybersecurity (OTC PINK:IMCI) announces the completion of its rebranding initiative, further establishing its place as a highly-skilled, fast-growing company that is committed to delivering premier cybersecurity services. The company's new brand includes a clear mission statement, in-demand service offerings, and a complementary logo and tagline. The changes are reflected immediately on igicybersecurity.com and all other customer and partner-facing communication. "As a company we are 100% focused on cybersecurity and we wanted our message and our brand to reflect that," said Andrew Hoyen, President and COO. "We want our customers and our partners to know that we are committed to meeting their needs in cybersecurity and will continue to innovate and grow in this ever-changing market." With the tagline "The Cybersecurity People," IGI Cybersecurity is committing to its people-first approach to cybersecurity, bridging the gaps in most cybersecurity approaches by creating strategy first then focusing on tools & tactics second. IGI Cybersecurity's mission is to create a more effective, more resilient cyber defense for businesses with comprehensive, people-driven cybersecurity. Starting with the big picture means addressing the core complexity of cybersecurity, not merely applying product for a quick fix. This approach lets customers focus on what makes them great, while the expert team members at IGI focus on their cybersecurity. IGI Cybersecurity will continue its established business partnerships with Telarus, SYNNEX, and Staples, offering its full suite of cybersecurity services through MSPs, VARs, and Agents in those sales channels. The company's services portfolio has grown significantly over the past two years, focusing on the core areas of Virtual CISO, Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Cybersecurity Assessments. Specific programs include vCISO and vCISO Essentials; Internal and External Penetration Testing; White and Black Box Penetration Testing; Compliance, Vulnerability, Cloud Security, and Work-From-Anywhere Assessments. Book a consultation, become a partner, or learn more about the company at IGIcybersecurity.com or by emailing info@igius.com. About IGI Cybersecurity Headquartered in Rochester, NY with a remote workforce spanning across the United States, IGI Cybersecurity delivers people-driven cybersecurity for personalized, resilient cyber defense focused on individualized business strategy, enterprise-wide expertise and unshakeable partnership. We are The Cybersecurity People. IGI Cybersecurity is also the OEM of the Nodeware vulnerability management solution, an award-winning SaaS platform that continuously scans networks to identify critical vulnerabilities. Learn more at igicybersecurity.com and nodeware.com. Media Contact Megan Brandow Director of Marketing mbrandow@igius.com (585) 727-0983 SOURCE: Infinite Group, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634767/Infinite-Group-Inc-Announces-New-Look-Rebrands-as-IGI-Cybersecurity Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 21:54:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has received 81,250 COVID-19 test kits from the Global Fund as the southern African nation ramps up its testing capacity, a senior government official said on Wednesday. Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said the test kits will last for over six weeks and will go a long way in boosting the country's testing capacity. "Testing remains a critical element of our response as it provides a key indicator of the progression of the pandemic as well as serves to identify individuals that need to isolate or seek treatment thereby reducing the likelihood of further spread of infection and ultimately saving lives," he said in a release. The ministry is looking to ramp up testing within the framework of "targeted testing strategy" using the available Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) platforms in order to ensure the provision of an accurate picture of the prevailing conditions in communities, he said. According to him, additional stocks of RDTs and testing reagents were expected in the country in the coming weeks to ensure commodity security for the response. Meanwhile, the country recorded 436 COVID-19 cases out of 4,634 tests done in the last 24 hours. The country has so far conducted 1,143,003 tests since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year. This brings the cumulative cases to 83,333 while 394 patients were discharged bringing the total recoveries to 79,556. The country however lost three people bringing the total deaths to 1,140. Enditem ST. PAUL, Minn. The Minnesota Supreme Court has sided with the Freeborn County sheriff in a salary dispute. In November 2019, Sheriff Kurt Freitag submitted a salary request of $113,952 to the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners. That would have been a 23% increase from his then salary of $92,403. Sheriff Freitag supported his request by detailing his responsibilities and duties, changes he has made since becoming sheriff, and comparisons with sheriff salaries in similar counties. At a December 2019 meeting, the County Board rejected Freitags request and set his salary at $97,020. Freitag appealed that ruling and a district court judge ruled in his favor. The judge stated that county commissioners explained they rejected Freitags request because of budgetary concerns and the reaction of the public and other county officials to such a large increase but they did not provide any reason for deciding on the lower salary figure. The judge ruled the countys decision was arbitrary and set Freitags salary at $113,952. Freeborn County appealed that decision and the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the district court ruling, stating the judge clearly erred in calling the countys decision arbitrary. The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned that appeals court ruling, stating the appeals court inappropriately substituted its own judgment in place of the district courts. The Supreme Court says there was reasonable evidence to support the district court ruling that Freeborn County was arbitrary in rejecting Freitags salary request and giving him less money than he requested. The Minnesota Supreme Court has now sent the case back to the appeals court to determine if the district court was correct in deciding the amount of Sheriff Freitags new salary. NEW YORK, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of CytoDyn Inc. ("CytoDyn" or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: CYDY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether CytoDyn and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On March 5, 2021, CytoDyn issued a press release providing an update on its product "Vyrologix (leronlimab-PRO 140), a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications." The press release stated, in part, that "the Phase 3 trial of leronlimab for the treatment of severe-to-critical patients with COVID-19 demonstrated continued safety, substantial improvement in the survival rate, and faster hospital discharge in critically ill COVID-19 patients." Although the press release touted purportedly positive results, industry observers and analysts quickly characterized the Company's press release as misleading. For example, on March 8, 2021, Seeking Alpha published an article by Paul Santos entitled "CytoDyn: Parsing Failure." The article asserted that CytoDyn's "leronlimab Phase 3 trial on COVID-19 severe-to-critical patients failed . . . to meet both its primary endpoint and all secondary endpoints with any statistical significance" and described the Company as having effectively "buried" the results in its press release. Santos noted that "[a] normal biotech company would have stated this clearly, both in its PR titles and in their text bodies. CytoDyn, however, did something else." As the market digested the actual significance of CytoDyn's announcement, the Company's stock price fell $1.70 per share, or 41.98%, over the following two trading sessions, closing at $2.35 per share on March 9, 2021. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Our friend Roger Kimball has tuned in to the trial of Derek Chauvin in a major way. Roger has accordingly noted the role played by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in the case, as he did in his current Spectator column Justice for Derek Chauvin. Last night Roger forwarded a message he had received in response to his column quoting one of Ellisons two contributions to the University of Minnesota Daily in 1989-90, when Ellison was a third-year law student. Ive been reporting on and writing about Ellison for 15 years now. I responded to Rogers message with the following background that I thought some readers might find of interest. There is much more where this came from. Just ask me! I started writing about Ellison on Power Line in June 2006, when he (surprisingly) won the DFL endorsement to succeed Martin Sabo at the DFL Fifth District Convention that year. Sabo favored his chief of staff Mike Erlandson. Ellison presented himself to the convention as the leftward most viable candidate and prevailed, leading essentially to a three-way primary that he won that August. The first revelation that June was Ellisons Nation of Islam columns published in the University of Minnesota Daily under the pseudonym Keith Hakim. I cant remember without going back who broke that story, but a local political reporter drew my attention to the story and I wrote about it carefully at the time on Power Line. I then got a call from an acquaintance who had been trying to get the Star Tribune to cover Ellisons extensive history with the Nation of Islam. Ellison had been a local leader of the Nation. The acquaintance who called me had a clip file documenting it, going back to the U of M Daily articles. The acquaintance called me in my office and asked if I would like his clip file. I said yes. He asked me to meet him at a corner in downtown Minneapolis a few blocks from my office for the handoff. He was my Deep Throat on Ellison. I did a lot of reporting that summer, including an interview with the Daily editor who had been forced to publish Ellisons columns under his pseudonym despite Daily policy to the contrary. He was still upset about it 15-plus years later. I also interviewed several law students who had tried to get Ellison to withdraw his sponsorship of the lecture by Kwame Toure at the law school in 1990. They were still upset about it. I kept getting calls and leads (mostly from prominent Democrats who didnt want Ellison to be the face of the DFL in Minneapolis) and doing research that year as the Star Tribune performed so pitifully. I wrote an endless series on Power Line called Who is Keith Ellison? I summarized my findings in the Weekly Standard article Louis Farrakhans first congressman just before he was elected as the first Muslim member of Congress that fall. I have a very thick file on him. You know that the usual progression is from the Nation of Islam to Islam, like Malcolm X. I read Ellisons memoir My Country, Tis of Thee the week it was published. I wrote another Weekly Standard article about the memoir. Its called The Ellison elision. I turned that article into a Star Tribune column when the book came out in paperback. Its here. I called that column Keith Ellison remembers to forget in honor of the old Elvis Presley number I Forgot to Remember to Forget. One interesting aspect of the memoir is Ellisons discussion of his conversion to Islam as an undergrad at Wayne State. Ellison omits his extensive involvement with the Nation of Islam from the memoir. He has lied so much about it. Its incredible. Its all in the clip file. I posted a few items from it in a Power Line post that was a companion to the 2006 Weekly Standard article. I called that companion post Keith Ellison for dummies. (I was thinking of the Star Tribune reporters who repeated Ellisons lies as facts.) I reposted it last year here. Ellison ignored the Weekly Standard article I wrote about his memoir, but the Star Tribune article really upset him. He attacked me as a bigot and raised funds off it. Ellison is the only guy I know whose progression ran from Islam to Nation of Islam (snd then back to Islam when it suited his political career). He has never been asked about it. Never. Its amazing. Ellisons support of the killers of Officer Jerry Haaf and his friendship with the gangbanger who planned it are the most disgraceful part of his checkered past. Everything else pales against it. That goes back to his early career in private practice after law school in 1992-1993. I am proud of the work I have done on Ellison. It all goes back to those two U of M Daily columns he wrote as Keith Hakim. I have never worked harder to less effect on anything in my life. Titular de la PCM: El gobierno de transicion y emergencia esta comprometido en la lucha contra las drogas y prueba de ello es el informe que presento el ministro del @MininterPeru, quien reporta que ya se cuenta con una Politica Nacional contra la Drogas al 2030. pic.twitter.com/6POw3J2TA4 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 18:02:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close In the past year, the global economy plunged into a deep recession, but Chinas economy has bucked the trend and performed well. How does the international community see this achievement? What are their expectations? We interviewed several ambassadors to China. Presented by Xinhuanet Produced by Xinhua Global Service Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Two accused Mongols bikies lay in wait for Melbourne fruiterer Paul Virgona before gunning him down as he drove to work, prosecutors say. Josh Rider and Aaron Ong are charged with murdering the 46-year-old father of two as he drove along the EastLink Freeway at Donvale on November 9, 2019. He was shot seven or eight times from 11 rounds fired into his van, prosecutor Angela Ellis told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Josh Rider (left) and Aaron Ong (right) are charged with murdering the 46-year-old father of two as he drove along the EastLink Freeway at Donvale on November 9, 2019 Rider and Ong allegedly drove a stolen Mercedes to Mr Virgona's Croydon home and waited until he left for a market at Epping around 2am. They're accused of following him onto the freeway, pulling up alongside him and opening fire on the van. Mr Virgona was found dead in the driver's seat with his seatbelt on and the engine running. His alleged killers then dumped the Mercedes at a Mooroolbark paddock and used a 10 litre fuel container to set it on fire, the court was told. Mr Virgona (pictured) was found dead in the driver's seat with his seatbelt on and the engine running Ms Ellis said the men left in another stolen car, at times driving up to 150km/h, before losing control of that vehicle at Bayswater and running into a park. The court was told they discarded the keys for the Mercedes along the way. A member of the public later found the keys and handed them to police. Rider, now 30, and 35-year-old Ong were arrested on January 22 last year. The gun hasn't been recovered. The court was told they attended a Mongols clubhouse the night before the shooting and drove two stolen cars to Mooroolbark around midnight. They are contesting the charges. A committal hearing, to determine if there's enough evidence for the pair to stand trial, is continuing. by Khosrow Ebrahimi The meeting between the pontiff and the Shia cleric confirms Sistanis role as world leader of Shiism. Since the founding of the Islamic Republic, Qom has tried to undermine Najaf's place. Kayhan, a newspaper close to religious extremists, mocked the meeting. Others, including some in Qom, see it as a new effort to bring peace to the Middle East. Tehran (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis's visit to Iraq on March 5-8 has had several repercussions in Iran, especially the meeting between Francis, the leader of world Catholicism, and Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most important Shia religious leaders. Some, including Mohammad Masjedjamei, former Iranian ambassador to the Holy See, mentioned Pope John Paul II's desire to visit Iraq 21 years ago and the opposition to it by then-leader Saddam Hussein. For many Iranians, the most important part of the trip was the pontiff's visit to al-Sistani, which is of great value for peace in the region and the safety of Iraqi Christians. At present, Sistani is the world's most important Shia leader, and the city of Najaf, where he lives, has been for centuries the home of Shia leaders. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran's political clergy sought to change this situation, by trying to turn Qom the main seat of Irans Shia clergy located in central Iran into the centre of world Shiism. So far, they have not been successful, and this is due precisely to Sistani's presence in Najaf where he has stayed clear of the harsh policies of Iranian Islamic clerics. In this respect, Sistani has always stressed the need for peace, the prevention of violence, and the non-interference of religion in politics. This attitude has not pleased Iranian leaders. Less than three months ago, Ibrahim Raisi, the Chief Justice of Iran, appointed by Khamenei - went to Iraq, but Sistani did not receive him. This refusal was seen as a defeat. Had the meeting taken place, Raisi could have envisaged running for the upcoming presidential election (scheduled for mid-June 2021) and could also have won. In response to Sistani's lack of "localism" and to show that he has no place in Irans Shia leadership, the Kayhan newspaper published a piece practically mocking the meeting between Sistani and the pope. Kayhan is the most important voice of the fundamentalist and extremist faction in Irans establishment, and it is very close to Khamenei. The article links the Pope's trip to Iraq to the assassination of Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad (3 January 2020), pointing out that Soleimani's activities in Iraq had been carried out with Sistani's permission. However, Sistani's office has never been confirmed this claim. The newspaper ends its article comparing Sistani's home to the Popes residence in Rome, betraying an attitude that shows how Iranian fundamentalists are not happy with this trip. The papal visit gives more and more legitimacy to Sistanis leadership among Shias, narrowing Khameneis capacity to reach that position, which he has been dreaming about and promoting for many years. Meanwhile, only a small group of Shia clerics in Qom welcomed the trip, calling it the beginning of another effort to bring peace to the Middle East. The news of the trip, however, was deliberately ignored by the state propaganda apparatus of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 404 Google on Wednesday honoured India's "Satellite Man" and renowned scientist late Udupi Ramachandra Rao with a Doodle showing him with a background of the earth and shooting stars, saying that his "stellar technological advancements continue to be felt across the galaxy". As chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Rao supervised the 1975 launch of India's first satellite "Aryabhata." Born on March 10, 1932 in Karnataka, Rao passed away in 2017. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2017. Rao started his career as a cosmic ray scientist and worked under the father of the Indian space programme, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. In association with the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory group, Rao was the first to establish the continuous nature of the solar wind and its effect on geomagnetism using Mariner 2 observations. Rao's experiments on a number of Pioneer and Explorer spacecraft led to a complete understanding of the solar cosmic-ray phenomena and the electromagnetic state of the interplanetary space. He was also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad and Nehru Planetarium at Bengaluru and chancellor of the Indian Institute for Space Science and Technology (IIST) at Thiruvananthapuram. Rao was inducted into the Satellite Hall of Fame, Washington, in 2013 at a ceremony by the Society of Satellite Professionals International. With this, he became the first Indian to be inducted in that category. He also became the first Indian space scientist to be inducted into the Prestigious "IAF Hall of Fame" at Guadalajara, Mexico. Press Release March 10, 2021 IMEE SEEKS COMPROMISE ON BARMM ELECTIONS POSTPONEMENT Senator Imee Marcos said that postponing elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will also mean a delay in developing the region and correcting the historical injustice on its people. Under the law, the BARMM elections are supposed to take place at the same time as national elections in May 2022, but several bills in the Senate and the House of Representatives have called for postponing the regional polls to 2025. Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on electoral reforms, said a balance must be struck between fulfilling the main purpose of the BARMM Organic Law and giving the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) enough time to cope with difficulties in governance wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic and thus effect a smooth turnover of authority to elected officials. "Given the purpose of this (BARMM) law, which is to rectify historical injustice - political, military, as well as economic - it is important that we conduct these elections at the soonest possible time," Marcos asserted during Wednesday's hearing of the Senate committee on local government. Marcos added that full political legitimacy in BARMM can only be achieved after elections. "Decommissioning militants and weapons and achieving a normal way of life cannot take place without full political legitimacy, without inclusive governance, without the complete exercise of the Bangsamoro people's voting rights. The election has its advantages," Marcos explained. "Only after elections will the BARMM be able to focus on normalization that has been stymied by the pandemic, and to address the region's unique and difficult circumstances," Marcos added. The BARMM elections can be held "months or a year after" the May 2022 elections, instead of three years later, Marcos recommended. "The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been aggressively preparing for the two elections in 2022, including the upgrade of SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) voter lists as well as the registration of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers)," Marcos pointed out. While the BTA is still in place, the BARMM elections will be under the control of Comelec. Marcos cited that despite the pandemic, the Palawan plebiscite on dividing the existing province into three is already set for this Saturday. "Upon the orders of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, all elections must continue as close to the stipulated dates as possible," Marcos also said. ADVERTISEMENT At least 937 people died in violent attacks and mass atrocities in Kaduna State last year, an annual security report by the state government has shown. The report released Wednesday attributed the deaths to kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities that cut across all ethnic and religious groups in Kaduna State. Victims of criminal acts like banditry and kidnapping are to be found across ethnic, religious or political leanings and persuasions, Samuel Aruwan, the states commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said while presenting the report. In his presentation, Mr Aruwan said that of the 937 killed, Igabi Local Government Area recorded the highest number of casualties (152), followed by Kajuru Local Government Area with 144 casualties. He added that Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa and Chikun local governments in Kaduna central accounted for about 50 per cent (or 468 deaths) of the entire fatalities in the state. Meanwhile, 286 died in Kaduna South from the violent attacks, which is about one third of the total. This is due in large part to sporadic clashes, alongside banditry which triggered attacks and counter-attacks, especially between June and November 2020, the commissioner said. He said 1,972 persons were kidnapped within the period under review. While receiving the report, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said the state has been using its limited resources to address the security challenges facing it. Mr El-Rufai paid tribute to the victims of insecurity, reiterating his administrations effort in protecting lives and properties of the people of the state. The Kaduna state Government has also invested in technology to help secure the state, the governor said adding that A CCTV network is being deployed in Kaduna metropolis while options for consistent operations of its drones are being explored. The governor also explained that he has been collaborating with neighbouring states to tackle the menace of insecurity. Together with Niger State and our neighbours in the North-west, we put together resources to fund military operations against bandits in the Kamuku-Kuyambana forest range that straddles the region. He, however, regretted that this collaboration which was done in 2015 was not sustained or expanded into a campaign of continuous, simultaneous operations against the bandits across the egion. Failure to contain and defeat them has emboldened them to develop a national footprint and endanger national cohesion, he said The security of our communities depend on the robust projection of state power, and that can only be done with sufficient security numbers to overawe and deter criminals, the governor added He also called for the decentralisation of policing, noting that there simply are not enough police officers in Nigeria and the idea of policing such a vast, federal republic in a unitary manner is not pragmatic. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. Photo taken on Feb. 22, 2021 shows the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) The request signaled that the Biden administration is likely to scrap the "public charge" rule on its own, said U.S. media. WASHINGTON, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to a request from President Joe Biden's administration to dismiss a case challenging the so-called "public charge" rule introduced by former President Donald Trump's government with an aim to limit access to green cards for those deemed likely to accept public benefits. The request signaled that the Biden administration is likely to scrap the rule on its own, said a news report of The Hill, which noted the White House has already mandated a review of the rule by the Department of Homeland Security in an early February executive order. The highest court agreed last month to hear challenges to the 2018 rule by a number of states and advocacy groups that argued it amounted to a wealth test for immigrants. The Trump administration insisted it was in the best interests of the United States to ensure immigrants could be self-sufficient. "Immigrant families can now access life-saving health care, food, and housing assistance for which they are eligible without fear that they will lose the chance to obtain lawful permanent residence, because the actions today mean that the harmful Trump public charge rule will again be blocked," the Legal Aid Society, Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. and others who had challenged the rule said in a release on Tuesday. The Biden administration has taken a similar posture in other major immigration cases, convincing the Supreme Court to cancel hearings on cases challenging Trump's border wall and his changes to the asylum process, according to the report. President Akufo-Addo is currently delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA), a constitutional duty being performed outside the chamber of Parliament. It is the Presidents first State of the Nation Address in his second term of office having been sworn into the highest office of the land on January 7, 2021. The SoNA is in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution which says, The President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before a dissolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video UAE: first all-women SWAT police force created Ten policewomen trained for high-risk situations (ANSAmed) - NAPLES, MARCH 10 - A gender-based limit has been broken in the United Arab Emirates with the creation of a group of 10 women who will be part of the first female SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team in Sharjah. The team including 10 women will be deployed in anti-riot operations, Gulf News reports. The newspaper said that the team will be available 24 hours a day each time there will be a critical situation requiring intervention. Duties include intervening in high-security jails to guard prisoners who could pose a threat to other detainees. The female officers are aged 22 to 24. "The 10 women SWAT commandos have undergone rigorous training which includes basic, commando and advanced skills under the guidance if professional trainers", brigadier Ahmad Abdul Aziz Shuhail, director general of Sharjah Punitive and Rehabilitation Establishment, was quoted as saying by Gulf News. "The practices adopted by Sharjah police should be among the best practices of the police", he was also quoted as saying. SWAT teams are elite groups of the police used in exceptional circumstances that require more ability and specialized tactics. "Emiratis are probably the luckiest of citizens", the SWAT team was quoted as saying by Gulf News. "Our leaders are way ahead in their vision in support of gender equality. We must thank Major General Saif Ziri Al Shamsi, commander-in-chief of Sharjah police and his support, women in Sharjah police are not only supported but offered all sorts of opportunities". (ANSAmed). Bacteria employ many different strategies to regulate gene expression in response to fluctuating, often stressful, conditions in their environments. One type of regulation involves non-coding RNA molecules called small RNAs (sRNAs), which are found in all domains of life. A new study led by researchers at the University of Illinois describes, for the first time, the impacts of sRNA interactions in individual bacterial cells. Their findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications, with the paper selected as an Editors' highlight article. Bacterial sRNAs are often involved in regulating stress responses using mechanisms that involve base-pairing interactions with a target mRNA and enhancing or repressing its stability or the amount of protein being made from the mRNA. Hfq, a hexameric RNA chaperone protein, facilitates binding between the RNAs and promotes stability of the sRNA. Although the kinetics of sRNA-mRNA interactions have been studied in vitro, the mutational impacts on base-pairing interactions in vivo remain largely unknown. "We wanted to understand how individual base-pair interactions between the small RNA and one of its mRNA targets contributed to the overall regulatory outcome and thereby, the amount of protein being produced from the mRNA in these conditions," said Illinois professor of microbiology Cari Vanderpool, also a faculty member in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), who co-led the study. "We took an approach that allowed us to visualize and count individual small RNA and mRNA molecules inside bacterial cells, giving us insight into what's happening at the molecular level." The research team involved collaborations with professor of biophysics Taekjip Ha (Johns Hopkins University) and Illinois professor of chemistry and IGB faculty Zaida Luthey-Schulten. The researchers used mathematical modeling and quantitative super-resolution imaging to examine the consequences of changing individual base-pair interactions on kinetic parameters of regulation such as the time needed for an sRNA to find an mRNA target. The study focused on the sRNA SgrS, which is made in bacterial cells when sugar transport exceeds what the cell can handle through metabolism. Previous work by the Vanderpool group demonstrated that under sugar stress conditions, SgrS binds to its primary target mRNA, ptsG, which encodes part of the glucose transport machinery. Together with Hfq, SgrS inhibits translation of ptsG and thereby prevents production of new glucose transporters to slow down transport until metabolism can catch up. To identify the key regions of SgrS important for ptsG regulation, researchers used high-throughput sequencing to analyze thousands of mutants in parallel and find those with the strongest effects on the regulatory interactions. "What we found was that individual base-pair interactions had some effect on the regulation, but they were relatively minor effects," said Vanderpool. "The much bigger effects we saw were when we saw mutations in the sRNA that disrupted its ability to interact with Hfq. If the sRNA couldn't effectively bind to the chaperone, then it was much slower in finding its mRNA target and once found, it came unbound much more quickly." "Our high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging platform was able to measure modest differences in rates of association and dissociation arising because of single base-pair mismatches between SgrS and ptsG mRNA," said Anustup Poddar, postdoctoral researcher and first author of the paper. "The fact that these values are much smaller than the thermodynamically predicted values tells us that there is a lot more to learn about the role of chaperone proteins in base-pairing mediated target search." Even with disrupted base-pairing, SgrS regulation of ptsG was still observed as long as Hfq was around. The study clearly demonstrated Hfq's important role in promoting and stabilizing the interactions between SgrS and ptsG. These findings were surprising since the biggest impacts were thought to come from disruption of the base-pairing interactions, said Vanderpool. "I learned a different way of thinking from the collaborators and realized how important and powerful mathematical modeling could be," said Muhammad Azam, former graduate student who worked on the study. The Vanderpool group has an ongoing collaboration with professor of biochemistry and molecular biology Jingyi Fei (University of Chicago) to investigate the kinetic parameters of other SgrS targets, with the overall goal of understanding the hierarchy of regulation. "We had the questions that we wanted to ask but didn't have the high-resolution methods to look at this in a quantitative way," said Vanderpool. "The best kind of collaboration is when each person brings some kind of expertise and different ways of looking at a problem to the table that makes the outcome exciting and fun." ### Vanderpool was recently elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology in recognition of her scientific achievement and original contributions towards advancing the field of microbiology. The National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation supported this work. Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global threat to human and animal health. This year's Uppsala Health Summit, which will take place online on 15-18 March, will discuss how behaviour change across various sectors of society can slow down this worrying trend. Excessive and incorrect use of medicines for humans and animals, and inadequate hygiene in healthcare, are some of the major factors behind the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Widespread antimicrobial resistance has consequences for the entire health and medical care sector. Cancer therapies, organ transplants and childbirth, for example, are more risky when infections can no longer be slowed by antibiotics. People in low-income countries with weak healthcare systems are particularly vulnerable when common bacterial infections and parasites become increasingly difficult to deal with. Uppsala Health Summit will bring together experts from many areas of science and practice to discuss how individual behaviour and organisational norms and cultures should be changed to save our medicines and ensure that they are available when really needed. "We are now in a critical phase where the development of new antibiotics has long since ground to a halt while we are still seeing these life-saving drugs being used incorrectly," says Otto Cars, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Uppsala University and founder of the ReAct network, which is a co-organiser of the summit. "What we need now is strong political leadership that addresses the problem by taking a holistic approach. We need to create an understanding in society of what is required at different levels and by different actors, and a realisation that we can all play a part by our choices and behaviours." The meeting includes plenary lectures that are open to everyone and workshops for invited experts from around the world. Some of the questions to be discussed include how to communicate with various target groups about antimicrobial resistance so that more people understand the risks and how they can contribute to change; how the food industry can help customers make antibiotic-smart, sustainable choices in the shops; and what veterinary medicine and human medicine can learn from each other about protection against infection. Although awareness about antimicrobial resistance is growing, there are still many misconceptions," "This is a complex subject that needs to be explained to different target groups in different ways. To communicate in the right way and have an impact, we need to involve more behavioral scientists and social scientists, and we need strong political leadership to push this issue in all relevant contexts." Ulf Magnusson, Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Chair of Uppsala Health Summit Programme Committee. The speakers include Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance, Sweden's Minister for Health and Social Affairs Lena Hallengren, Dr Hanan Balkhy, who leads World Health Organisation efforts on antimicrobial resistance, and Dr Eldar Shafir, Professor of Behavioural Science at Princeton University, USA. Dr Franck Berthe from the World Bank will speak on economic tools for reducing the use of antibiotics. As vaccines play an important role in reducing the transmission of disease and hence the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products, there will be a session on how to manage the growing opposition to vaccines in the world. This will include an interview with the journalists behind the Sveriges Television documentary "Vaccine Warriors" (Vaccinkrigarna). In conjunction with the summit, a report will be launched that has been produced as background for the conversations that will take place. The report gives a broad and up-to-date overview of the changes that should be made in trade, health services, the pharmaceutical industry, the livestock sector and the environment. It presents arguments on ways in which everyone can contribute, whether they are a patient, a prescribing physician, a farmer, a veterinary surgeon, a pharmacist, a healthcare worker, a politician or a consumer. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The rejection of these amendments leaves Massachusetts without even the minimum funding requirements California has. With their votes, the legislature expressed clearly that they intend to put the money into the General Fund - the equivalent of a blank check." - Jim Stergios, Pioneer Institute Advocates claim a proposed 4 percent surtax on high earners will raise nearly $2 billion per year for education and transportation, but similar tax hikes in other states resulted in highly discretionary rather than targeted spending, according to a new policy brief published by Pioneer Institute. That same result or worse is possible in Massachusetts because during the 2019 constitutional convention state legislators rejected not just one, but two proposed amendments requiring that the new revenues be directed to these purposes. After a 2012 tax hike in California aimed to increase education investments, the state legislature dedicated little more than the minimum required by law to education and redirected the majority of the funds to general government operations. The result was a soaring state payroll. The Massachusetts surtax doesnt actually require that the legislature increase spending on education and transportation, said Greg Sullivan, who co-authored Lessons for Massachusetts from Californias blank check tax on high earners with Andrew Mikula. In California, a separate amendment to that states constitution required that at least 40 percent be spent on education. There is no such requirement in Massachusetts, meaning overall state education and transportation funding is likely to remain essentially flat under the surtax, and could even decline. In November 2012, California voters adopted Proposition 30, an income tax hike on high earners, the revenue from which was to be dedicated to K-12 education and community colleges. But since it was adopted, annual funding for those purposes has exceeded Californias pre-existing constitutional minimum funding requirement by less than one-tenth of one percent. Over that same period, the number of teachers in the state increased by just a fraction of a percentage point. When the proposed graduated surtax proposal came before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) in 2018, the late Chief Justice Ralph Gants asked counsel for the state Attorney General whether it was correct that passage of the income tax hike may or may not result in any increase in transportation or education spending. Counsel responded that the Chief Justices understanding was correct. The Massachusetts Attorney Generals counsel submitted a brief to the SJC in 2018 stating that the Legislature could choose to reduce funding in specified budget categories from other sources and replace it with the new surtax revenue. In its decision, the court added, We are not entirely unaware of the possibility that, as the plaintiffs argue, funding for education and transportation were added to the initiative petition as a means to "sweeten the pot" for voters. This is exactly the flaw that was revealed when the SJC took up a similar proposal in 2018, and both the Attorney Generals Office and the late Chief Justice Ralph Gants pointed out that the measure doesnt actually require any increase in education and transportation spending, said Kevin Martin, the lead attorney in the 2018 case. Theres no reason to believe what happened in California wont happen in Massachusetts. At the June 2019 constitutional convention, two amendments (H86-1 and H86-11) sought to require that new surtax revenues go to education and transportation. They were rejected handily by state legislators, 40-156 and 39-154, respectively. The rejection of these amendments leaves Massachusetts without even the minimum funding requirements California has in place, noted Pioneer Institute executive director Jim Stergios. Through their votes, the legislature expressed very clearly that they intend to put the money into the General Fund. Its the equivalent of a blank check." The California state payroll was a major beneficiary of the funds diverted from K-12 education and community colleges. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the number of state employees in Massachusetts increased by 0.3 percent from fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2019, and by an average of 1.8 percent in the other 48 states, the number of state employees in California jumped 10.6 percent. Over the same period, state payroll spending rose 24 percent in Massachusetts, which was in line with a 24.4 percent average in the 48 other states. But over that time Californias payroll spending increased by 50.3 percent. About the Authors Gregory Sullivan is Pioneers Research Director. Prior to joining Pioneer, Sullivan served two five-year terms as Inspector General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was a 17-year member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Greg is a Certified Fraud Investigator, and holds degrees from Harvard College, The Kennedy School of Public Administration, and the Sloan School at MIT. Andrew Mikula is Economic Research Analyst at Pioneer Institute. Mr. Mikula was previously a Lovett & Ruth Peters Economic Opportunity Fellow at Pioneer Institute and studied economics at Bates College. About Pioneer Pioneers mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond. Pioneers vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation, and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent. Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 25-year-old man faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder, after he was arrested for allegedly shooting a 31-year-old woman outside a Stapleton night club last month. Jerson Matute-Rodriguez, a resident of the 100 block of Smith Place in Port Richmond, has been charged with attempted murder, criminal possession of a firearm and second-degree criminal possession of a firearm, along with numerous other felonies, according to online court records. He was arrested Tuesday morning and was arraigned Wednesday, the records indicated. Bail was set at $50,000. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea touted the arrest on Twitter today, praising the work of Staten Island detectives. After a dispute outside a Staten Island nightclub left one woman shot, @NYPD120Pct investigators were on the case, searching for the man responsible, said Shea. Thanks to their diligence, this morning he was arrested & charged w/ attempted murder. Outstanding work by your @NYPDDetectives! After a dispute outside a Staten Island nightclub left one woman shot, @NYPD120Pct investigators were on the case, searching for the man responsible. Thanks to their diligence, this morning he was arrested & charged w/ attempted murder. Outstanding work by your @NYPDDetectives! pic.twitter.com/FM9vji1NUs Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) March 9, 2021 Police responded to the incident in the vicinity of Bay and Wave streets just after 4 a.m. on Feb. 27, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. The victim of the shooting, who was shot in the foot, was transported to the hospital in stable condition following the incident, police said. It was not immediately clear if Matute-Rodriguez retained a lawyer as of Wednesday afternoon. Texas will surpass more than 7 million COVID-19 vaccination doses administered today, top public health officials told the Texas Senate as Gov. Greg Abbott lifted all capacity limits for businesses and ended government-imposed mask mandates in the state. At the same time, the health officials also offered a strong defense of the previous mask mandates, saying they reduced the chance of asymptomatic people spreading the virus and resulted in a record low year for influenza in Texas. The speed with which vaccinations are being distributed is one of the keys to Abbotts new order removing all mask mandates and allowing all businesses to re-open to 100 percent of their occupancy. Still, Texas has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, with 15.8 percent of residents having received at least one shot. We have come a long way in a very short period of time, said Imelda Garcia, a top official with the Department of State Health Services, as she testified before a committee in the Texas Senate on Wednesday morning. RESTRICTION ROLLBACK: Heres what to know as Gov. Abbott repeals COVID mask mandates Garcia reminded lawmakers that Texas didnt get its first vaccine shipments until Dec. 14. She lauded vaccine providers around the state for stepping up to administer so many shots in such a small window. They have been busting their butts in order to get shots in arms as fast as they physically and possibly can, Garcia said. Harris County alone topped 1 million doses on Tuesday. Because the majority of vaccines in Texas require two doses, the number of people fully vaccinated is just over 2 million statewide. Abbott, a Republican, had stressed personal responsibility, encouraging people to wear masks and maintain social distancing, though he says he doesnt believe the government needs to mandate them anymore. While the mask mandate is going away, the public health officials at Wednesdays hearing offered a sturdy defense of the use of masks to contain COVID-19. State Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, questioned the effectiveness of masks, saying some studies showing people who wore them still got the illness. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, said masks were effective in two ways. First, he said they appear to reduce peoples risk of being exposed to airborne droplets that could infect them. But he said another benefit is to prevent people who were asymptomatic or didnt know they had the disease yet from spreading it. It was especially effective, in my opinion, at people who had no symptoms were completely unaware they were infected but they were wearing a mask and that trapped the droplets in their respiratory tract, Hellerstedt said. He also credited the states measures on masks and social distancing as key components that have resulted in influenza cases being historically low. He said flu deaths are the lowest ever by far. Responding to criticism that the state was too defensive in battling COVID, Hellerstedt said early on with no vaccines and few effective medicines, the state had few options but to be defensive. He likened it to warfare, with the first goal to get people out of the enemys range. Garcia and Hellerstedt were testifying before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which is reviewing the states response to COVID-19 and the vaccine distribution effort. jeremy.wallace@chron.com Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema was seen visiting the scene of a series of explosions at a military barracks in the coastal city of Bata on Tuesday, as the death toll rose to 98 after more bodies were recovered according to authorities. The blasts on Sunday also wounded at least 615 people, authorities said. The government said that 316 of the injured have been discharged and 299 remain in care in various hospitals in the city. More than 60 people were also rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said. Investigations into the blast have begun, Obiang Nguema said in a Tuesday statement. The president initially said the explosion was due to the negligent handling of dynamite in the military barracks and the impact damaged almost all the homes and buildings in Bata. The vice president, who is also charged with defense and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored. Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) At a future meeting, the Huron County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to further confirm its commitment to the Second Amendment. Wendy Smith, a Bad Axe resident, has been gathering signatures for a resident created proposal for the commissioners to declare its support for Second Amendment rights, having gathered 1,465 signatures for the proposal in the past month. During her appearance at this weeks county commissioners meeting, Smith re-read a letter she sent to the commissioners, which states while she is aware of a resolution passed on Feb. 25, 2020, that affirmed their support for the Second Amendment, it does not go far enough in countering red flag laws. The Second Amendment is the only right that has been under attack for the last 20 years, Smiths letter reads. Its the only inalienable right that has been attacked without opposition. Twenty years of gun control legislation has infringed on our Second Amendment rights. It has eroded the true meaning of the rights our forefathers gave us. The letter further argues that red flag laws do not make the country safer and that the real issue is mental health, in that instances where a gun has been used to commit homicide, the person has been found to be mentally unstable, a felon committing another felony, or someone who has no legal way to obtain a firearm. The letter also claims that according to the Michigan Department of Community Health in 2018, firearms are the 68th leading cause of death in Michigan, with heart disease and malignant neoplasms the top two causes. We ask that you join us and pass a resolution that states Huron County will not sit by and watch its law abiding citizens be disarmed, Smiths letter ends. Smith also read a letter from Huron County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Rutkowski voicing his support for the proposal, and saying that the United States is at a pivotal time where there are those who want to protect our history and those who want to destroy it. Officials take the oath of office to protect the constitution, Rutkowskis letter reads. Our oath does not allow us to protect only the parts of it we like. The letter further goes into how there are forces who seek to undermine the rights of religion, free speech, and the right to bear arms, the Bill of Rights addresses the tyranny of the British government, and the right to bear arms is not a lesser right than any others. The resolution Smith presented to the commissioners says that they will declare laws and resolutions contending gun laws such as universal background checks, high-capacity magazine weapons bans, assault weapon bans, that red flag laws are in violation of the Second Amendment, that public funds will not be used to directly or indirectly restrict Second Amendment rights for Huron County citizens, and the county will declare its intent to oppose such unconstitutional restrictions. The resolution also requests that copies be sent to every other Michigan county board of commissioners, the state Legislature, the governor, and Michigans representatives in Congress. Chairman Sami Khoury noted that he also received six or seven pages of signatures in support of this measure. The resolution was passed onto the safety committee for review before being presented at the next commissioners meeting. The commissioners did note that Smith did not provide sources for other statistics she used in her letter. In other commissioners news: The commissioners unanimously elected four members to the Mental Health Services Board to three-year terms. They are Karen Currie, Patty Bock, Mary Anne Ney Carder, and Mary Babcock. The commissioners also appointed Hank Weitenberner to the Region VII AAA Board of Directors for a three-year term, Gary Osminski to the Department of Public Works for a two-and-a-half year term, Julie Epperson, Todd Talaski, and George Lauinger to the Planning Commission for three-year terms, and Mike Eisengruber to the Economic Development Corporation for a five-year term. The bikini pink bikini was traded for an equally vibrant pink dress as Kimberley Garner continued her tropical adventure in the Caribbean on Wednesday. The former Made In Chelsea star, now a successful swimwear designer, is currently enjoying a sunshine break on the paradise island of Anguilla. But after flooding her Instagram grid with bikini snaps since jetting to the West Indies in March, Kimberley, 30, opted for a sporty pink dress ahead of her latest outing. Looking good: The bikini pink bikini was traded for an equally vibrant pink dress as Kimberley Garner continued her tropical adventure in the Caribbean on Wednesday Sharing a short video with followers, the willowy blonde showed off her trim figure in the form-fitting dress while posing in her suite at the luxurious Malliouhana Auberge resort. Kimberley flew to the Caribbean island from her second home in Miami, and has wasted no time in documenting her stay with a string of Instagram posts. Taking to the social media platform on Tuesday afternoon, she caught the eye in a neon pink bikini from her own range. Striking: After flooding her Instagram grid with bikini snaps since jetting to the West Indies in March, Kimberley, 30, opted for a sporty pink dress ahead of her latest outing Wow: Sharing a short video with followers, the willowy blonde showed off her trim figure in the form-fitting dress while posing in her suite at the luxurious Malliouhana Auberge resort While international travel is currently prohibited from her native Britain, the former Made In Chelsea star has been able to fly without restriction after basing herself at her second home on the Florida coast. Kimberley has been in Miami with her boyfriend since December, after spending Christmas in Barbados. But it hasn't all been carefree partying as she took to Instagram to defend herself from backlash over her international travel. Jet-setter: Kimberley flew to the Caribbean island from her second home in Miami, and has wasted no time in documenting her stay with a string of Instagram posts Come fly with me: While international travel is currently prohibited from Britain, the former Made In Chelsea star has been able to fly without restriction after basing herself in Florida The TV star said she jetted out of the UK on December 14 a week before London moved into Tier 4 to 'check on my apartment'. She explained: 'I bought my place here this time two years ago. It was a massive achievement, still really can't believe it sometimes. I run a business - I'm not an influencer. 'I am here, but I am very very strict still. I see people in Tulum and all over going to parties and it doesn't feel right to me. Important issue: The TV star said she jetted out of the UK on December 14 a week before London moved into Tier 4 to 'check on my apartment' Here we go: Lockdown was a distant memory as Kimberley soaked up the sun on Monday 'I haven't been out to any parties and turned down invites from friends as feel it's just not right to be in a crowd - it's not OK at the moment. 'I'm really lucky to be in the sun and outdoors, and am valuing that totally, but not going to live normally as it's not a normal world at the moment. 'I really think and feel for everyone home at the moment, it really sucks, please be brave, please be kind to each other.' Exclusive: LG hopes to make new battery cells for Tesla in 2023 in U.S. or Europe - sources Visitors wearing face masks check a China-made Tesla Model Y sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the electric vehicle maker's showroom in Beijing, China (Photo : REUTERS/Tingshu Wang) LG Energy Solution aims to build advanced battery cells for Tesla Inc electric vehicles in 2023 and is considering potential production sites in the United States and Europe, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Tesla has not yet agreed to a deal that would expand LG's role in its supply chain beyond China, one of the sources said. Advertisement Last week, the Korean battery maker told Korean reporters it plans to build a U.S. factory where it would make battery cells for EVs and energy storage systems, to cater to U.S. and global customers as well as startups. It did not identify potential customers then, but one of the sources said it was hoping Tesla would buy the batteries. In September, Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk announced an ambitious plan to develop new cells in-house, prompting suppliers like LG and Panasonic to embrace the unproven technology or face risks of losing a major customer for the longer term. The Korean supplier, a unit of LG Chem, has made samples for the so-called 4680 large-format cylindrical cells, said the sources, who asked not to be identified. It faces technological hurdles and the challenge of scaling up production, people familiar with the matter said. "LG plans to produce 4680 cells at its new U.S. factory. They plan to build a new 4680 cell line to supply Tesla's Giga Berlin in Europe," one of the sources said, adding Spain is one of candidate for the European plant. One of the sources said LG has never mass produced such large-format cylindrical cells, although increasing battery capacity is the correct call. "Tesla is a major customer, and LG can take risks," another source said. He said LG has not yet secured orders from Tesla for the 4680 cells, still under development. For now, Tesla is sharply boosting orders for 2170 cells used in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made in China, the source said. LG declined to comment, and Tesla officials could not be reached for comment. Tesla's September plan to develop the new 4680 battery cells is meant to reduce production costs, improve battery performance and increase driving range. This would help with Tesla's push to boost electric vehicle production significantly around the world. Tesla is running a pilot factory for the new battery cells in California, and preparing to build those cells at newer plants in Texas and Germany. Musk said recently Tesla is in talks with battery suppliers about developing 4680 batteries. He said Tesla will use the current cells for at least a few years, but will "retire" those cells over time. LG currently supplies smaller cells to Tesla in China, as does Chinese battery maker CATL. Panasonic has partnered with Tesla in a $5 billion battery "gigafactory" near Reno, Nevada. LG currently has a $2.3 billion joint venture with General Motors Co in Lordstown, Ohio, to make pouch-type electric vehicle batteries for future GM electric vehicles. GM said separately it is considering building a second U.S. battery factory with LG. The unusually candid comments from LG and GM came after another Korean battery supplier, SK Innovation, hopes the White House would overturn a recent U.S. trade ruling favoring LG, saying it threatens to disrupt battery supplies to Ford Motor and Volkswagen. Tesla rival Lucid Motors, which has a multi-year supply deal with LG Chem, and is considering whether to make its own cells in house, said it is interested in different cell formats, Chief Executive Officer Peter Rawlinson earlier told Reuters. Panasonic plans to start a test line for 4680 cells in Japan in the business year beginning April 1, according to a person familiar with the matter. The two companies have not said if they plan to collaborate on production of the 4680 cells. Tesla may need to push out the timeframe for mass production, or work with partners at its newer plants in order to get cell production up and running quickly, said Caspar Rawles, an analyst at researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. MUSKEGON, MI Although traditional St. Patricks Day events in Muskegon have been canceled due to COVID-19 this year, there are still creative ways to honor the holiday. The March 17 holiday that began in Ireland as a way to honor the countrys patron saint is celebrated in a variety ways around the world but the pandemic has affected traditional activities. Related: Muskegons 2021 St. Patricks Day parade is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic Muskegons annual parade, 5K and the Irish music festivals party wont be held this spring. But here are some ways to safely celebrate: St. Patricks Day Outdoor Scavenger Hunt In lieu of the St. Patricks Day parade, JCI Greater Muskegon decided to host a family-friendly scavenger hunt on Saturday, March 13 at 9 a.m. The event will consist of missions that encourage families to explore Muskegon and support local businesses. Families who collect 1,000 points will be put into a drawing for various prizes. JCI Greater Muskegon partnered with Muskegon 4H and Muskegon MSU Extension to hold the free event. Registration is required, and information can be found here. Shamrockin in Your Shanty From 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, an ice shanty party will take over the downtown Muskegon social district. Community members are invited to set up an ice shanty on Western Avenue and patronize eight area bars and restaurants. The free event is hosted by JCI Greater Muskegon and the Downtown Development Authority. Participants are asked to register their shanty. Capacity limits and social distancing rules will be in place. More information can be found here. Related: Muskegons social district to host Shamrockin in Your Shanty, see what to bring JCI Greater Muskegon will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Mission for Area People during the day on Saturday, March 13. Donations can be dropped off at Unruly Brewing Company, Burl & Sprig and Mercy Health Arena. Virtual Irish Music Concert Instead of the Michigan Irish Music Festival hosting a St. Patricks Day party, they will be holding a free virtual concert on Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m. The show will stream on the festivals Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube channel. It will feature performances from Doolin, Seamus Kennedy, The Friel Sisters and Dave Curley. The Brewers Lounge at Pigeon Hill, the brewerys second Muskegon taproom at 895 4th St., will be the site of a watch party along with Smoke N Ash food truck. St. Patricks Day Cornhole Tournament West Michigan Cornhole is teaming up with Rad Dads Tacos and Tequila Bar, 470 W Western Ave. Suite A, to host a cornhole tournament on Saturday, March 13. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the tournament starts at 1 p.m. The event will take place on the concourse at Mercy Health Arena. All supplies will be provided, and it will cost $40 per team to register. Prizes will be doled out for teams in first through fourth place, including cornhole boards and bags and Rad Dads gift cards. Registration information can be found here. Check back for updates to this list. More on MLive: Muskegon art gallery folding 1,000 paper cranes in honor of COVID-19 frontline workers See peregrine falcon nests with webcams located across Michigan Rare 130-year-old steel ship to be restored, displayed at Northern Michigan park Advertisement Britain today recorded another 5,926 coronavirus cases and 190 deaths as the second wave continues to shrink and Boris Johnson faced more pressure to ease lockdown sooner. Infections are down 7 per cent week-on-week even though hundreds of thousands of extra Covid tests were carried out over the past two days because of children returning to schools. Fatalities are still falling rapidly, thanks to the combined effect of lockdown and vaccines. Department of Health figures show daily deaths are down by 40 per cent on last Wednesday's toll. Another 290,000 Covid vaccines were also dished out yesterday, with 22.8million Britons now vaccinated. And 1.2million vulnerable adults have now had both doses. With Covid metrics dramatically decreasing and the jab rollout steaming ahead, there is mounting pressure from anti-lockdown Tory MPs for an earlier easing of restrictions. The PM faced fresh anger over 'moving the goalposts' today. He admitted he was under pressure to ramp up the pace of his roadmap as infections and deaths tumble, after Nicola Sturgeon revealed that she is stepping up the loosening in Scotland. But Mr Johnson warned it is not yet possible to 'get back to normal' with the levels still 'much higher than last summer'. He also delivered a stark warning that Covid is starting to 'surge' again in Europe, with infections rising quickly in Italy. France is also seeing the virus bounce back. No10's top scientists have urged ministers to abide by the cautious roadmap back to normality, which won't see virus-controlling measures completely dropped until June 21 at the earliest. One SAGE expert today warned Britain faced 'very many deaths' if restrictions were relaxed 'too quickly'. Are holidays back on? Spain to launch vaccine passports Sunny Spanish holidays could be back on for Britons within weeks as the tourism minister revealed a vaccine passport system was planned for the middle of May. It comes after Greece announced plans to reopen to holidaymakers from mid-May and Cyprus said it would welcome fully-vaccinated Britons from May 1. But those hoping to jet off for the Early May bank holiday are set to be barred by UK authorities because Boris Johnson has said he won't allow overseas leisure travel until at least May 17. Spain's tourism minister Reyes Maroto told a radio station on Wednesday: 'We could be in a position to start implementing the digital passport (when the tourism fair FITUR starts on May 19).' Under the Government's roadmap for England, this would mean that holidaymakers could fly freely to Spain - providing they had their jabs and the country hadn't be added to the dreaded 'red list' from which entry to the UK is banned over Covid variant fears. However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps did sound a note of caution on Wednesday, saying there was no cast iron guarantee that holidays abroad may be allowed from May 17. Advertisement In other coronavirus developments today: Researchers claimed the Kent variant which is the dominant type of coronavirus in the UK may be twice as deadly as original strains of the virus; Sunny Spanish holidays could be back on for Britons within weeks, after the country's tourism minister revealed a vaccine passport system was planned for the middle of May; Boris Johnson slapped down the EU's president in a fresh row over Covid jabs, insisting the UK 'has not blocked export of a single vaccine or vaccine component'; The Prime Minister also delivered a stark warning that coronavirus cases are starting to 'surge' again in Europe as he snuffed out Tory hopes of an early end to lockdown; One of the Government's top scientific advisers warned coronavirus will kill tens of thousands of Britons every year, just like flu; Amir Khan faced questions about how he managed to jump the queue to get his coronavirus vaccination, after the 34-year-old former world champion boxer revealed on social media that he had received his jab; Public Health England published a study claiming controversial rapid tests being used on millions of children are 'very good', despite fears the kits may be hugely inaccurate. The promising figures which will inevitably be used to pile more pressure on No10 to relax restrictions sooner come after a study today claimed the Kent coronavirus variant was deadlier than original strains of the virus. Researchers analysed the lethality of the highly transmissible strain the dominant type circulating in the UK which has rapidly spread across the world. Data from around 55,000 Britons revealed the B117 variant was 64 per cent deadlier than earlier versions of the coronavirus. But scientists admitted the risk of dying may actually be twice as high for people infected with the Kent strain. Academics calculated this equated to the disease killing 0.41 per cent of everyone it infected in the study group or one in 250 people. For comparison, the original Covid strain had a lethality rate of around 0.25 per cent one in 400 people in a separate cohort matched by age and other factors which affect the risk of dying. Britain has now vaccinated 34.37 people per 100, while the EU nations have managed just 9.11 per 100 The PM today also delivered a stark warning that coronavirus is starting to 'surge' again in Europe, as he snuffed out Tory hopes of an early end to lockdown. The graph shows how infection rates have been increasing in a number of European countries recently Boris Johnson says UK 'has not blocked the export of a single vaccine or vaccine component' Boris Johnson has slapped down EU president Charles Michel in a row over Covid jab exports, saying Britain has not blocked a single vaccine or component from going overseas Boris Johnson has slapped down the EU's president in a fresh row over Covid jabs, saying the UK 'has not blocked export of a single vaccine or vaccine component'. The Prime Minister spoke out after Charles Michel made the astonishing claim that the UK had 'imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines.' 'Let me be clear,' Mr Johnson said at Prime Minister's Questions today, 'we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine component.' It comes after after the EU charge d'affairs was summoned to the Foreign Office to 'clarify' the situation earlier today, and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a rebuttal on Tuesday night. It is just the latest in a series of increasingly bitter spats between the UK and EU over vaccines, as Britain powers ahead with one of the world's fastest jabs programmes and Europe presides over one of the world's slowest. Advertisement The research, carried out by academics at the universities of Exeter, Bristol, Warwick and Lancaster, was published in the British Medical Journal. Despite the finding being worrying for the UK, scientists are adamant the current vaccines made by AstraZeneca and Pfizer will work just as intended against the strain and other troublesome variants. The Prime Minister today slapped down the EU's president in a fresh row over Covid jabs, saying the UK 'has not blocked export of a single vaccine or vaccine component'. Mr Johnson spoke out after Charles Michel made the astonishing claim that the UK had 'imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines.' At Prime Minister's Questions today, he said: 'Let me be clear, we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine component.' It comes after after the EU charge d'affairs was summoned to the Foreign Office to 'clarify' the situation earlier today, and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a rebuttal last night. It is just the latest in a series of increasingly bitter spats between the UK and EU over vaccines, as Britain powers ahead with one of the world's fastest jabs programmes and Europe presides over one of the world's slowest. The PM today also delivered a stark warning that coronavirus is starting to 'surge' again in Europe, as he snuffed out Tory hopes of an early end to lockdown. Under pressure to ramp up the pace of his roadmap as infections and deaths tumble, Mr Johnson warned it is not yet possible to 'get back to normal' with the levels still 'much higher than last summer'. 'We can see the signs of a surge of Covid among some of our European friends, and we remember how we in the UK have tended to follow that upwards curve, if a few weeks later,' he wrote in an article for the Telegraph. 'We know how fast this disease can take off, and that Monday's successful return to school will inevitably add to the budget of risk. 'The overwhelming majority of people and businesses would prefer us to take steps that are cautious but irreversible, rather than go backwards again. They would rather trade haste for certainty.' However, the Covid Recovery Group of lockdown-sceptic Tory MPs renewed its calls for Mr Johnson to move earlier, complaining that ministers are 'moving the goalposts'. Amir Khan, 34, is quizzed by fans as he gets Covid vaccine, despite being a professional athlete Amir Khan, 34, has been questioned after receiving his coronavirus vaccination early Amir Khan is facing questions about how he managed to jump the queue to get his coronavirus vaccination. The former world champion boxer, 34, revealed on Wednesday that he has received his Covid jab by posting a picture on social media. 'Finally got my Covid vaccine. Feel fantastic #Staysafe #nhs #nhsstaff #thankyou,' he wrote alongside a photo of him about to get his jab from a nurse. Khan's post led to immediate questions from fans about how he got his coronavirus vaccination early when the UK's rollout only expanded to the over 60s at the end of February and he is a professional athlete. MailOnline was told by Khan's father Shah, that he was able to get the vaccine after approaching his doctor and explaining that he is visiting his mother, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Advertisement CRG head and former chief whip Mark Harper pointed to the way Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stressed the importance of second vaccine doses in interviews this morning. He claimed ministers were now 'casting doubt on the efficacy of the vaccine' despite the UK's four chief medical officers saying the first dose brings 'substantial protection'. But Mr Johnson's tough line echoes that from medical and science chiefs Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance when they appeared before MPs yesterday. In other developments today, it was claimed that sunny Spanish holidays could be back on for Brits within weeks after the country's tourism minister revealed a vaccine passport system was planned for the middle of May. It comes after Greece yesterday announced plans to reopen to holidaymakers from mid-May and Cyprus said it would welcome fully-vaccinated Britons from May 1. But those hoping to jet off for the Early May bank holiday are set to be barred by UK authorities because No10 has said overseas leisure travel won't be allowed until at least May 17. Spain's tourism minister Reyes Maroto told a radio station: 'We could be in a position to start implementing the digital passport (when the tourism fair FITUR starts on May 19).' Under the Government's roadmap for England, this would mean holidaymakers could fly freely to Spain, providing they had their jabs and the country hadn't be added to the dreaded 'red list' from which entry to the UK is banned over Covid variant fears. However, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps did sound a note of caution today, saying that there was no cast iron guarantee that holidays abroad may be allowed from May 17. One of the Government's top scientific advisers today also warned that coronavirus will kill tens of thousands of Britons every year, just like flu. Professor Andrew Hayward, a University College London epidemiologist and SAGE member, said vaccines would stop the UK from suffering another surge of 100,000 deaths when the virus inevitably bounces back. But he claimed Covid which experts fear will strike every winter would continue to claim thousands of lives each year. Daily Covid fatalities have plummeted since the start of 2021, with fewer than 200 new victims being recorded each day, on average. It has not been that low since the end of October, before the second wave took off. Meanwhile, Amir Khan today questions about how he managed to jump the queue to get his coronavirus vaccination. The former world champion boxer, 34, revealed on Wednesday that he has received his Covid jab by posting a picture on social media. 'Finally got my Covid vaccine. Feel fantastic #Staysafe #nhs #nhsstaff #thankyou,' he wrote alongside a photo of him about to get his jab from a nurse. Khan's post led to immediate questions from fans about how he got his coronavirus vaccination early when the UK's rollout only expanded to the over 60s at the end of February and he is a professional athlete. MailOnline was told by Khan's father Shah, that he was able to get the vaccine after approaching his doctor and explaining that he is visiting his mother, who has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Washington, March 10 : The US has designated two Iranian officials over their "involvement in gross violations of human rights". In a statement issued on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the designations against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) interrogators Ali Hemmatian and Masoud Safdari "for their involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the torture and/or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment (CIDTP) of political prisoners and persons detained during protests in 2019 and 2020 in Iran". "These individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the US," Blinken added. "We will continue to consider all appropriate tools to impose costs on those responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Iran. "The US will continue to support the rights of people in Iran and demand the Iranian government treat its people with respect and dignity," the Secretary of State was further quoted as saying. In a separate statement earlier in the day, Blinken called on the Tehran government to "provide credible answers to what happened to Bob Levinson and to immediately and safely release all US citizens who are unjustly held captive in Iran". Levinson went missing from Iran's Kish Island in 2007. Media reports have said the the Central Intelligence Agency had paid him to gather intelligence inside Iran. Iran has repeatedly denied holding him. The designations come amid an ongoing stalemate over Washington's return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). President Joe Biden's administration said that if Iran returns to full compliance with the JCPOA, the US would do the same. But Iran insisted its compliance would only take place once US sanctions were removed. Last month, Tehran rejected an offer from the European Union to hold informal talks with European countries and the US over the nuclear issue. In response to the US' withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions, Iran has suspended implementing parts of its obligations under the agreement. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. An Allentown woman is facing 75 months in federal prison and an $858,000 restitution bill for being part of a scheme that stole victims identities and used them to get significant tax refunds, prosecutors said. Marien Torres-Acevedo, 38, also created fake social media threats against her and her family, federal prosecutors said. She showed the threats to investigators, who were able to trace the communications back to her. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said Torres-Acevedo, Francisco Rodriguez-Polanco, Julio Polanco Suarez and Alfred LiPuma were all part of the scheme between January 2015 to July 2016. The group stole peoples identities and used them to file fake tax returns. The returns generated significant refunds, and the trio cashed the U.S. Treasury checks at various check cashing businesses, including several in Pennsylvania. Torres-Acevedo pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government and admitted the scheme resulted in losses between $550,000 and $1.5 million. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Torres-Acevedo to 75 months in federal prison and ordered her to pay $857,729.65 in restitution. Torres-Acevedo is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and faces deportation after she serves her prison sentence. Rodriguez-Polanco was previously sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay the same amount in restitution, and Suarez pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. LiPuma was previously sentenced to three years of probation and paid $2.1 million in restitution and fines. The case was investigated by the Department of the Treasurys Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Czech President Milos Zeman has called for Health Minister Jan Blatny to be dismissed for not rushing to allow Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to be used in the country. Blatny has said the vaccine should only be used in the country after the European Union registers it, while Zeman insisted in an interview published on March 10 that the Czech authorities should move forward with vaccinating Czechs with Sputnik V. In the interview with the newspaper Parlamentni listy, Zeman said that Russian and Chinese vaccines should be allowed for immediate use in the country, which currently has the highest infection rate per capita in the European Union. "The two biggest obstacles to this are the minister of health, Blatny, and also the director of the State Institute for Pharmaceuticals Control [Irena Storova]," he said, adding that by delaying the usage of the vaccines, the two officials were responsible for people "dying unnecessarily" in the Czech Republic from COVID-19. Zeman said he would likely ask Prime Minister Andrej Babis at a meeting scheduled for March 22 to dismiss Blatny. Speaking to reporters in Prague later on March 10, Babis said, "Any personal changes in the cabinet are not on the table at this moment." He said Zeman's latest comments were "nothing new." "I think that Mr. President's opinion on this has been the same all the time. Of course, I take note of it. That is everything that I can say on this." Until recently, Zeman, who himself was vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in January, shared the point of view that the country should wait for EU approval for Chinese and Russian vaccines. In the interview, he did not give a reason for the change in his outlook, though he noted that local authorities in Hungary had approved Sputnik V, while Slovakia has already taken delivery of the vaccine as it moves toward approval. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has begun reviewing the shot for possible approval, but an EMA official has warned EU members against issuing national emergency clearance of Sputnik V. Christa Wirthumer-Hoche, the chair of the EMA's management board and the head of the Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, said on Austrian television on March 9 that EU members approving Russian and Chinese vaccines via emergency national procedures was "partly comparable with Russian roulette," citing the need to first examine data on the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the shots. "Citizens have a right to get really safe and effective medicinal products," Wirthumer-Hoche added. "We can have Sputnik V on the market here in the future if we have examined the corresponding data." The Kremlin called the comments "inappropriate." RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. In late February, Zeman told CNN that during talks with President Vladimir Putin, he asked the Russian leader to arrange Sputnik V deliveries to his country. Zeman emphasized in the March 10 interview that the Czech Republic had received an offer to produce Sputnik V together with Germany. On March 9, European Council President Charles Michel accused Russian and Chinese authorities of using the issue of vaccines in propaganda, saying that the two countries' deliveries of the vaccines abroad were limited, while such deliveries are being widely advertised for political purposes. The same day, Russia signed a deal to produce Sputnik V in Italy, the first such contract in the European Union. The number of registered coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic, a country of 10.6 million people, has reached 1.35 million, including 22,385 deaths. Associations between strong predictors of suicidal behaviors over the life course, such as adverse childhood events (ACEs), remain understudied among youth of color. Although not previously considered high risk, suicide attempts among Black youth increased 73% between 1991 and 2017. Published in the Children and Youth Services Review, University of Minnesota researchers pulled data from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) to examine associations between ACEs, school connectedness and suicide ideation and attempts among Somali, Latino, Hmong and Non-Hispanic white (NH-white) adolescents from grades 8, 9 and 11. The research found that: over 40% of students reported at least one ACE, and more girls compared to boys reported four or more ACEs; Latinas (9.6%) experienced more ACEs compared to Latino boys (4.7%), Somali boys (4.4%) and Hmong boys (2.9%); there was a similar trend in suicide behaviors, with all girls reporting more suicide behaviors compared to boys; each additional ACE significantly increased the odds of suicide behaviors for all youth, but there were notable differences; for Hmong, NH-white girls and Latinas, odds of a suicide attempt increased 60-69% but 109% for Somali girls; for Latino and NH-White boys, odds of a suicide attempt increased 70% and 80% for Somali and Hmong boys respectively; school connectedness only buffered the association between ACEs and suicidality for NH-white youth and Latinas. However, at higher levels, school connectedness was associated with a higher probability of suicide behaviors among Latinas. "Suicides are preventable with timely evidence-based interventions. However, to develop effective programs, we need adequate data to identify protective and risk factors for possible intervention," said Eunice Areba, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing. "Prevention programming should be multisectoral and multigenerational to mitigate intergenerational transmission of the effects of ACEs and trauma along the life course." Areba also noted that researchers should examine findings on suicide aggregated into broad categories -- such as Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, or Asian -- with caution. Such designations, and the dearth of research on ethnic minority youth can mask a significant rise in suicide that may go unrecognized and unaddressed. She recommends that schools facilitate connectedness by ensuring learning is meaningful and relevant to adolescents' lives and struggles (normalize their experiences), teachers' pedagogy and curricula should align with students ' lived experiences, and provide clear and consistent expectations for discipline and performance. Additionally, access to multicultural and multilingual teachers and counselors, and supports that affirm adolescents' ethnic and cultural heritage and identity development can reduce stigma around mental illness, and encourage help-seeking among vulnerable adolescents. ### (Reuters) - Kosovo's national football federation has threatened to withdraw from its upcoming World Cup qualifier away to Spain later this month if it is not allowed to display its flag or play its national anthem before kickoff. Spain is one of five European Union countries which does not officially recognise Kosovo as an independent state, along with Slovakia, Greece, Cyprus and Romania. Newspaper Marca said the Spanish state's position on Kosovo meant the two countries' flags could not be displayed together before the game, due to be held at Seville's La Cartuja stadium on March 31, and the music played would not be described as Kosovo's national anthem. Kosovo's federation had lashed out at Spain's football association in a statement on its official website on Tuesday after the Spain team's Twitter account had referred to Kosovo as a territory in a post about its upcoming qualifiers. The statement said Kosovo would insist on playing its anthem and displaying its flag, declaring "otherwise, the game will not take place". It also said it had written to the Spanish federation and would take the matter up with UEFA to "seek protection" from Europe's governing body, which it joined in 2016 along with FIFA. The Spanish football federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Kosovo federation said Spain calling Kosovo a territory was a "provocation" and "unacceptable", adding it was "an independent state, recognised by the majority of developed and democratic countries around the world". "The approach of the Spanish state towards the state of Kosovo has unfortunately been destructive since the declaration of Independence on February 17, 2008. But this approach cannot change history and reality," added the statement. The Twitter post Kosovo had taken issue with remained on the Spain team's Twitter account in the early hours of Wednesday. Spain's minister for foreign affairs Arancha Gonzalez Laya acknowledged when the World Cup qualifying draw was made in December that the country did not recognise Kosovo as a state, adding the government would work alongside FIFA ahead of the match. (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis) Officials fear new restaurant outbreak is emerging Officials fear new restaurant outbreak is emerging Damon Pang reports Hong Kong health officials are investigating another suspected Covid-19 outbreak at a restaurant, this time in Causeway Bay. A fourth person who recently ate at Coast Seafood & Grill on Cleveland Street has been confirmed to have the virus. One of the four patients had also visited Mr Ming's Chinese Dining in Tsim Sha Tsui, which has seen a major outbreak. At the daily pandemic press briefing, officials said a 56-year-old man ate lunch at the Causeway Bay restaurant on February 22. Three other confirmed coronavirus carriers were also there on the same day, including two who visited the restaurant at different times, but sat at the same table. Officials said one of the patients in this suspected cluster had also been to Mr Ming's restaurant, just days earlier. "The chance of random occurrence is a bit low. That's why...we advise them to do the testing," said Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection. She said people who ate at the Cleveland Street restaurant should contact health authorities to arrange a Covid-19 test. Around 20 environmental samples the centre took from the restaurant late on Monday all came back negative for the virus, but the premises has been asked to close nonetheless for thorough cleansing, Chuang said. This came as Hong Kong reported a total of 21 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, eight of them locally acquired and three of these untraceable. One of the patients whose source of infection is unknown is a man who works in the Civil Engineering and Development Department's laboratory in Tai Po. Around a dozen staff there are being put in quarantine. The 13 people deemed to have brought the virus into the territory with them flew in from Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Canada and Nigeria. Health officials said there were fewer than 10 new preliminary positive cases recorded on Tuesday. One of them involves a 26-year-old man who works at a care home for mentally disabled people in Kwun Tong. Around 70 residents and staff at the home have been sent to quarantine as a precaution. Victoria has recorded no new local coronavirus cases for the 13th day in a row and none in hotel quarantine. There are now three active cases remaining across the state. More than 20,000 tests were completed in the past 24 hours. The vouchers, which can be spent on entertainment, aim to kick-start the citys economy. Credit:Tim Carrafa The state also recorded no new internationally acquired cases on Thursday. Victorians are being encouraged to head to hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes and entertainment venues after a third release of the $200 travel voucher scheme on Friday - the latest round of vouchers aimed at bolstering the citys ailing hospitality and accommodation sector. Highlights OnePlus 9 series is set to be unveiled on March 23. OnePlus 9 series likely to include three models. The Pro model confirmed to get quad sensors at the back. OnePlus 9 series is set to be unveiled during the company's virtual March 23 event globally, including India. The company, ahead of the launch, is teasing features of the new smartphones in an attempt to create buzz around the unveiling later this month. The company took to Twitter to announce the presence of a Sony IMX766 ultra-wide sensor on the OnePlus 9 series. Going by some earlier leaks, the OnePlus 9 Pro is expected to pack a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor alongside a 48-megapixel wide-angle sensor and an 8-megapixel telephoto sensor. The smartphone is likely to pack a 2-megapixel depth sensor as well. It's worth mentioning that OnePlus has already confirmed that the OnePlus 9 series will use a custom Sony IMX789 sensor. We can expect the OnePlus 9 Pro to feature the Sony IMX766 and IMX789 sensors, however, there are chances that the OnePlus 9 may as well get the same ultra-wide and wide-angle sensor. We will have to wait till March 23 to find out. The company shared a dedicated page link for the OnePlus 9 series and confirmed the Sony IMX766 ultra-wide sensor in a tweet. Based on leaks so far, we know that the OnePlus 9 may get a triple camera array while the company has confirmed the Pro model's quad-camera setup. The company is teasing the new OnePlus 9 series via its dedicated page, offering the "Notify me" option for interested customers with a chance to win an OnePlus 9 series device. The company has also invited community members to join The Lab, a beta programme from OnePlus, where they get access to the device before the regular buyer. Notably, the company has done similar community exercises for previous models include the OnePlus 8T and the OnePlus 8 Pro. OnePlus, earlier this week, revealed the much-anticipated Hasselblad partnership for the upcoming OnePlus 9 series. As rumoured, the legendary camera brand and OnePlus have entered a long-term partnership for three-years. The company has announced an investment of over $150 million over the period of the partnership. OnePlus confirmed some camera features like the new "Natural Color Calibration with Hasselblad, " which offers accurate and natural-looking colours to photos taken with OnePlus phones. The next is the Hasselblad Pro Mode which will let pro users tweaks settings as well as use 12-bit RAW format. OnePlus also confirmed the new panoramic camera with a 14-degree field of view at the front. The OnePlus 9 series is likely to include three phones - OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9E/ 9R. The new OnePlus devices will be announced on March 23 at 7:30 pm IST, and you can stay tuned to India Today Tech for more info around the new series. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - The GHS Limited Partnership (GHS), one of Great Portland Estates plc's joint ventures, announced that it has let the 9,350 sq ft restaurant in Grade II listed 20 Hanover Square, W1, to Colonial Property Co., for a New England inspired concept across three floors of dining and social gathering. GHS Limited noted that Colonial has agreed a 20-year lease at an initial minimum rent of 600,000 per annum, plus a turnover top-up. Further, Colonial received a 24 month rent free, plus a landlord contribution of 600,000, paid following completion of the fit-out. The restaurant encompasses three levels, ground and two lower ground floors with a 1,100 sq ft raised external terrace overlooking the newly created 8,400 sq ft Medici Courtyard. Marc Wilder, GPE's Leasing Director, said, 'We're delighted that Colonial has chosen our world class Hanover Square development to open their first UK restaurant. The New England cuisine style and opulent fit out will combine to create the most exciting eating and drinking destination in the heart of Mayfair. We are also encouraged by the continuing strong occupier interest across a high proportion of the total remaining space within the scheme'. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Camila Morrone has been isolating with famous beau Leonardo DiCaprio. And the Mickey and the Bear actress recently stepped out for a walk with her other favorite guy - her dog Jack. She went grunge Tuesday in a black slip dress and matching combat boots as she walked her dog and hung out with her friend Micah Schifman in West Hollywood. Grunge chic: Camila Morrone went grunge Tuesday in a black slip dress and matching combat boots, as she walked her dog Jack in West Hollywood, while stepping out with her friend Micah Schifman The 23-year-old layered the look with a grey chunky knit cardigan, while taking precautions in a black face mask. She carried a $3,350 Valentino Garavani black leather handbag with gold studs and a gold chain strap over her shoulder, while walking her husky rescue. Morrone recently had to adjust to a long distance relationship with DiCaprio, 46, who was filming Don't Look Up! last month in Boston with Jennifer Lawrence. A source recently told OK!: 'It's well-known that when Leo gets into character, he's so focused that he shuts out everything and everyone else.' Cozy cardi: The 23-year-old layered the look with a grey chunky knit cardigan, while taking precautions in a black face mask Accessorizing: She carried a $3,350 Valentino black leather handbag with gold studs and a gold chain strap over her shoulder, while walking her husky rescue Long distance: Morrone recently had to adjust to a long distance relationship with boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio, 46, who was filming Don't Look Up! last month in Boston with Jennifer Lawrence (pictured in October, 2019) They said that the distance is 'grinding them down,' adding that the couple 'still talk all the time, but they're getting more cranky and reckless with the things they say to each other.' The insider continued: 'They've been solid for three years, but if Leo and Camila don't get some decent couples time soon, they could be in trouble.' The Valley Girl actress joined him in Boston to celebrate New Year's Eve, when they splurged on an Italian feast. A source told ET Online in December that Morrone might be 'the one' for the Titanic star, after they were first linked in 2017, adding: 'They are very in love. Camila is his dream girl. 'She's young, sweet, simple and it's easy because she gets along well with his family and he gets along great with hers too. They've known each other forever and it just works.' A man tracking game has been mauled to death by two young male lions that were immediately put down at a wildlife reserve in South Africa, police said Monday. The 27-year-old game tracking specialist, Malibongwe Mfila, was tracking wildlife on Saturday including elephants and lions in order to advise guides on planning game drives. He reportedly decided to stop his vehicle and continue his search on foot. As he was walking, "he was suddenly attacked and killed by two lions," said Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement. "Someone who was also driving inside the park noticed these two lions busy devouring the deceased and he then alerted the park manager who alerted the police," he added. Police said the lions were found still devouring the victim's body and were both immediately shot and killed by the rangers. Mojapelo said putting the big cats down was in line with conservation policies. "When the lion acts like that, obviously it will repeat the same deed," he said. In a statement the South African National Parks authority, SANParks, confirmed that the two lions were euthanised immediately for post-mortems. SANParks Chief Executive Officer Fundisile Mketeni said the incident had left the staff "distraught". The incident took place near the Marabata luxury lodges, situated in the Marakele National Park in the mountainous northernmost province of Limpopo. (AFP) Group Inc said on Wednesday it will invest $10 billion in an initiative to support Black women over the next 10 years, focusing on areas including healthcare, job creation and education. The bank's "One Million Black Women" initiative is a part of its commitment to impact the lives of at least one million Black women by 2030, the company said. Against the backdrop of protests over the death of African-American George Floyd last year, major companies have pledged to increase diversity, donate to civil rights groups and change their policies. Goldman will also set aside an additional $100 million over the next decade for philanthropic ventures focused on African-American women. (https://bit.ly/3qCQD9M) Reducing the earnings gap for Black women could potentially create between 1.2 million and 1.7 million jobs in the United States, the company said, citing research. Goldman created a $10 million fund last year to promote racial equity, and had then said it invested around $200 million over the decade to organizations dedicated to serving communities of color. (https://bit.ly/3ereV4m) Rosalind Brewer, chief executive officer of drugstore chain Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Lisa Jackson, vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives at Apple Inc, will sit on the advisory council of the new project. The council will also include Marc Morial, CEO of civil rights organization National Urban League, and a former New Orleans mayor. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussexs bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey has shaken the royal family institution. One of the biggest shocks was the reveal that Harry, Meghan, and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor were denied security by the family when they moved to the United States. The threats to their lives didnt dissipate when they left the United Kingdom, so why would their family let them go unprotected, even if they werent senior royals anymore? A royal expert shared their insight on why they think the decision made sense, even if harsh. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese via Getty Images Why did Harry and Meghan choose Canada? When Meghan and Harry were preparing to leave the royal family, moving out of the U.K. was the best choice for their mental health. As they told Oprah, they chose Canada because Meghan had lived there before and it was still part of the Commonwealth. They hoped to still serve Queen Elizabeth II from afar. When they moved to Canada with Archie, their security went with them. Negotiations about their future in the royal family were still ongoing at this time. Eventually, the firm decided to cut Harry off financially. This also meant losing his patronages, honorary military titles, and his familys security detaila decision he said was relayed at short notice. Their justification was a change in status, Harry said. To which I pushed back and said, is there a change in threat or risk? The answer was no. RELATED: Where Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys Baby Fall in the Line of Succession? Meghan and Harrys security costs This was all happening when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was on the cusp of shutting down the world. The couple quickly realized they needed to make a plan, or else they would be locked down in Vancouver with no protection. Meghan and Harry fled to L.A. before lockdown began because Tyler Perry offered his home and security. Senior members of the royal family receive 24/7 protection. Harry has been receiving that security his entire life, as have the other senior royals and their spouses and children. Less senior royal family members, like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, grew up with security, but they now pay for their own. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) provides all of the royal familys security detail. It is part of the U.K. police force and is paid for entirely in U.K. taxpayer money. According to the Evening Standard, it costs about $138.8 million a year, or 100 million. Queen Elizabeth, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry stand on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 2018 | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images RELATED: Meghan Markles Dress in Her Pregnancy Photo Has a Special Connection to a Royal Family Member Will Harry and Meghan pay for their own security? Royal expert Victoria Arbiter told Vox that when it comes to royal protocol, Meghan, Harry, and Archie being denied security makes sense. They were living in Canada as private individuals, she said. They then moved to the United States. They couldnt justify to the British taxpayers why they were still having taxpayer-funded security, even though they were living in another country and they were no longer senior working members of the royal family. As Arbiter continued: Now, Harry was right that the threat assessment risk hadnt dropped. He was just as much a target as he was before, but the royal family answers to the British public, and the British public needs to know that theyre getting value for their money. If they found out that their taxpayer funds were going to protect two private individuals living 6,000 miles away, there would have been an outcry. So thats why Harry and Meghan lost their taxpayer-funded security. This highlights a fundamental flaw within the royal family institution. While its understandable not to expect British taxpayers to continue paying for the couples safety in the U.S., the royals themselves could have figured out a way to help their family members instead of making them feel like they were up sh*ts creek without a paddle. Charles even stopped taking Harrys calls around this time. They left them to figure it out on their own. And figure it out, they did. Meghan and Harry are now paying for their own security. At first, they were living off of the money Princess Diana left Harry in her will. They now make money through lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify. She's no stranger to a slinky bikini. And Montana Brown looked sensational as she flaunted her toned figure in a tiny blue two-piece while enjoying the sunshine in Barbados on Wednesday. The Love Island star, 25, highlighted her enviable frame in a pair of tie-side bottoms and a matching top from her own Swim Society collection. Work it: Montana Brown looked sensational as she flaunted her toned figure in a tiny blue bikini while enjoying the sunshine in Barbados on Wednesday Montana's Mahalia bikini also featured a stylish gold ring detailing and skimmed her pert posterior to further accentuate her incredible physique. The star wore her locks down for her beach stroll and appeared to keep makeup to a minimum instead opting to embrace her natural beauty. While walking along the golden sands, Montana held onto her silver iPad and seemed engrossed in whatever was on the screen. Beach babe: The Love Island star, 25, showcased her sensational physique in the slinky two-piece which skimmed her pert posterior to further accentuate her incredible frame She even took the tablet with her for a quick dip in the water to cool off, smiling as she stepped out and back onto the beach in St James Parish. Montana has been soaking up the sunshine since she managed to escape Britain's third national lockdown when she jetted off to the Caribbean island. She recently thanked her followers for sending her 'lovely messages' and supporting her decision to travel in the midst of a global pandemic. Montana was seen leaning against a wall post as she sported a daisy embroidered one-piece from her swimwear brand as she responded to followers. Relaxed: Montana seemed engrossed in something on her iPad screen as she walked and strolled along the golden sands She wrote alongside her stunning snaps: 'Just wanted to say a thanks to everyone's lovely messages. It's hard to know where the line is with posting content and I really don't want to be upsetting anyone. 'I get the odd message with people being quite angry. I travelled well before lockdown, I've stayed out here because I can work from abroad and I started my business last year in lockdown and I'd like to give it a fighting chance to be honest. 'Sending love to you all, I am going to continue posting and again, it's not my intention to be insensitive to anybody as I know this is an awful time for a lot of people. Sending love.' (sic) Montana's outing also comes after fellow Love Islander Amy Hart defended influencers sharing sun-drenched snaps from Dubai while the UK was in lockdown. Natural beauty: She wore her locks down and donned only the lightest touch of makeup for the beach trip Toned: Montana appeared to be in great spirits as she stepped back onto the beach after a quick dip in the water The former Love Island star, 28, has insisted that being an influencer is a 'credible' line of work and described it as a new form of advertising. Amy pointed out that she did not go to Dubai during lockdown and as a result, her social media content was not as entertaining as those who did. According to The Mirror, she said: 'Influencing is a credible and valid job. People say we contribute nothing to society: look at my tax return. 'It's a new form of advertising. If someone said they worked in advertising and they had to go to Dubai, you wouldnt bat an eyelid. 'I didn't go to Dubai, and as a result, my content isn't as good as the people who did go. As a result, I'm not as good at my job.' Li Zhanshu, an executive chairman of the presidium of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the second meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The presidium of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held its second meeting Tuesday. The meeting decided to submit multiple documents to lawmakers for deliberation. The documents include the draft resolutions on the government work report, the 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 report on the implementation of the 2020 plan and on the 2021 draft plan for national economic and social development, and the budget report. The documents also include draft decisions on amending the organic law and procedural rules of the NPC, and a revised draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Li Zhanshu, an executive chairman of the presidium, presided over the meeting. The presidium's executive chairpersons met before the meeting to prepare the documents. MiddleCap has been awarded first UK Platinum Smart Building Certification. Font size: A - | A + MIDDLECAPS SOUTHWORKS OFFICE SCHEME BECOMES UK FIRST TO RECEIVE PLATINUM SMART BUILDING CERTIFICATION. SMART BUILDING CERTIFICATION IS THE FIRST TO MEASURE THE SMARTNESS OF BUILDINGS INTEGRATED BUILDING TECHNOLOGY WILL ENHANCE USERS WELLBEING. MiddleCap, the real estate-focused investment group, announced that its Southworks development in London has been awarded a Platinum Smart Building Certification. The 70,000 sq ft office scheme, which completes later this year, is the first in the UK to achieve the certification. The Smart Building Certification, which has been developed to promote wellbeing, sustainability, performance, innovation, and health and safety in the built environment, recognises buildings that have smart tech infrastructure in place to evaluate a buildings behaviour and performance. The first building awarded Platinum Smart Building Certification was EDGE Olympic Amsterdam. The Smart Building Certification is the first programme to objectively evaluate the smartness of buildings by assessing six core areas: building usage; user behaviour and collaboration; building performance; building environment; integrative design and connectivity, and health, safety and security. Southworks is the first building to be evaluated in the UK using the Smart Building Certification framework, and has achieved Platinum certification for Core & Shell. Its technology-first approach and number of integrated design and management features will create a responsive and productive environment that enhances users wellbeing. Some of these include: A single digital backbone created through applied bGrid technology links a series of sensors to the Internet of Things, which connect, measure and deliver feedback to building users. The sensors will be plugged into the HVAC system and lighting controls, and will also measure other environmental variables such as density, occupancy and noise levels. The data generated by this network is fed into the building management system, optimising the environment and ensuring it becomes completely demand-driven. A dedicated app (OfficeApp) through which occupiers will be able to directly control heating and lighting to their own preferences and book meeting rooms, creating the optimum working environment. Facilitation of more effective communication between building managers and occupiers, with messages and notifications being able to be shared in both directions through the OfficeApp. Technology optimised for risk management in the support of longer-term social distancing by monitoring the flow of people throughout the building together with real time information about indoor and outdoor air quality. The certification highlights MiddleCaps commitment to delivering state of the art buildings as the business looks to expand its UK commercial office portfolio. Tomas Jurdak, Head of Real Estate at MiddleCap, said: It is a huge achievement for Southworks to achieve a Platinum Smart Building Certification. From the outset, we wanted our first UK project to present the London office market with a best in class building that really delivers what occupiers need from their workspace today, and in the future. By harnessing the tremendous technological advances that have been developed in recent years and bringing them together in one building, Southworks raises the bar for offices across London and creates a blueprint for post-Covid workspace. Elizabeth Nelson, Head of Research and Innovation at Smart Building Certification, said: We are proud to award Southworks with a Platinum Smart Building Certification. A Core & Shell building with this extensive of an IT infrastructure is quite rare. We rarely see a Core & Shell building go this far to improve health, performance, sustainability, indoor environment, and a users ability to interact with the space. Hopefully Southworks is a look into the future of what we can expect from new builds and that progress is worth celebrating. About Smart Building Certification Smart Building Certification was founded by Elizabeth Nelson, Nicholas White and Wouter Truffino in February 2020 as an initiative to establish an honest and independent platform that appraises buildings all around the globe on the basis of how smart they are. The Smart Building Certification is: Founded in Science, refined in practice and constantly optimized by our network of experts. The certification has a strong foundation in academic research and partnerships as well as what is growing to be the largest network within the smart building space. Watch an introduction to Smart Building Certification here: video //www.youtube.com/embed/aUHGbS6qppE About MiddleCap MiddleCap Group, S.A., is an established investment and consulting company based in Luxembourg with offices in London, Bratislava, Prague, Dubai, Berlin and Monaco. In addition to providing a full range of advisory services in the areas of M&A, restructuring acquisitions and corporate finance, the group acts as a long-term investor focusing on real estate market, private equity investment, intergenerational ownership changes, start-ups and capital market investments. Over the past three years, the company has advised transactions in excess of 800 million euros. The total volume of real estate projects carried out so far exceeded 110 million euros. This article has been brought to you by: MiddleCap Real Estate. 10. Mar 2021 at 6:35 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Legend Power Systems (TSXV:LPS) and (OTCQB:LPSIF), a global leader in commercial electrical system solutions, today announced that a major multifamily residential property owner has engaged Legend Power to assess 15 additional properties with SmartGATE Insights, including new properties under construction. The customer also ordered another SmartGATE Platform, representing the fourth of its properties to install a SmartGATE solution. The organization is a privately-owned business that has developed built, and managed apartment buildings for 60 years. The client has 9,600 units across its portfolio. Legend's SmartGATE Insights and Power Impact Report is a valuable tool that provides building owners a better understanding of the financial impact the power grid is having on their buildings and how SmartGATE solutions can solve these challenges for them. The Power Impact Report delivers non-technical explanations of the negative financial effects being suffered in single buildings and entire portfolios combined with actionable solutions customized for our customers. "The customer's commitment to sustainability leadership, tenant safety, and satisfaction are evident with their investment in the SmartGATE systems," said Michael Cioce, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Legend Power Systems. "Their leadership team has engaged our solutions for the past two years, and we look forward to helping them achieve goals related to their ESG programs, environmental leadership, and tenant experiences." About SmartGATE SmartGATE is an industry-leading, turnkey solution which identifies and fixes underperformance and waste in the electrical system of a commercial building. These performance issues often impact key areas of commercial real estate metrics including occupant safety and satisfaction as well as financial performance. This waste can also lead to higher operating costs, lower net operating income and other potential financial risks to the building owner, including adverse tenant experiences. About Legend Power Systems Inc. Legend Power Systems Inc. (www.legendpower.com) provides an intelligent energy management platform that analyzes and improves building energy challenges, significantly impacting asset management and corporate performance. Legend's proven solutions support proactive executive decision-making in a complex and volatile business and energy environment. For further information, please contact: Steve Vanry, CFO + 1 604 671 9522 svanry@legendpower.com Sean Peasgood, Investor Relations + 1 647 503 1054 sean@sophiccapital.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law. SOURCE: Legend Power Systems Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634553/Legend-Power-Secures-15-SmartGATE-Insights-Engagements-and-Follow-on-Sale-of-SmartGATE-Platform-to-Large-Ontario-Multifamily-Residential-Property-Owner New York, March 10 : Quad collaboration has been upgraded to summit level and the leaders of the four nations -- the US, India, Australia, Japan -- will meet virtually on Friday with visions of expanded, outward-looking cooperation as they face the growing global threats from China. At their meeting, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga of Japan, and US President Joe Biden will discuss a broad range of issues beyond the strategic, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Biden expected discussions of issues facing the global community "from the threat of Covid-19 to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis", Psaki said at her briefing on Tuesday. "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific," she said. Till now Quad meetings have been held at the levels of Foreign Ministers and senior diplomats and boosting it to a summit is a sign of the urgency of the Chinese threat for Biden. At the same time, the broader agenda signals the Quad's move towards multifaceted cooperation to broaden their footprint, while also keeping the facade, important to India, that it is not directed against China. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a separate briefing that "maritime security is, of course, an important one, but our shared interests go well beyond that". "And I think you will see reflected in the agenda the breadth of those shared interests in the aftermath of the Quad meeting." It "will showcase the Quad's ability to pool our capabilities and build habits of cooperation to address some of those urgent challenges we face," he said. "Quad members are uniquely positioned to help lead the world out of the deep crises that we've spoken about recently," and, of course, that includes Covid-19 and "towards the more positive vision that we all seek. And it's a vision that we in large part share with our fellow Quad counterparts", Price added. Giving America's vision of the Quad's future, Admiral Philip Davidson, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said it could "build into something much bigger for the sake of the globe". He said at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Quad "could bring so much more, not only to the region (but) to the globe, not in terms of security alone, but in terms of how we might approach the global economy, critical technologies like telecommunications and 5G, collaboration on international order, more diplomatically, economically". During his campaign for President, Biden had played down the Chinese challenge either because he was not aware of it or because his predecessor President Donald Trump had sounded the alarm about it. "I mean, you know, they're not bad folks. But guess what? They're not competition for us," he had said. "China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man." But after becoming President, his outlook changed and he has turned the lunch metaphor around to highlight the competition from Beijing. "If we don't get moving, they're going to eat our lunch," the President said last month. Strategic cooperation had been the focus of the Quad, but in seeking to expand its role it goes back to its roots when the four countries came together to carry out tsunami relief and reconstruction in 2004. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue took shape from that in 2007 but fell dormant. It was revived in 2017 at the initiative of Trump, who woke up his country and the world to the Chinese threat and his administration took on the call for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific. Trump also had the US military's Pacific Command renamed as the Indo-Pacific Command to signal the broader strategic cooperation that brought India into the security concerns of the region. Several meetings have been held by officials of the country since then on a regular basis. Last year, the Quad members took the first wobbly step towards overt military cooperation when they participated in the naval exercise Operation Malabar that was hosted by India, which had to overcome its hesitancy to Australia's participation. The Quad's revival coincided with China's more aggressive posture across the region, from Taiwan and the South China Sea to the Himalayas. The Chinese challenge goes beyond the military to the economic and the diplomatic. The Asian giant's 'One Belt, One Road' economic programme of lavish loans to developing countries that make strategic assets vulnerable to takeover by Beijing. China took over Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port that it financed when Colombo could not keep up the debt payments. Japan and India have tried to offer a package to Sri Lanka to develop another port but have run afoul of domestic politics, possibly at the instigation of China. Now the Quad countries could be looking at launching a coordinated aid and development programme in the region, where each of them has aid programmes. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal New Mexico State Police wrote nearly 100 citations in a surprise operation to tackle street racing in the Albuquerque area recently. State Police spokesman Ray Wilson said Stop the Race targeted racing in the area of Balloon Fiesta Park in the early hours of Sunday and resulted in 90 citations to racers and spectators. The success of this operation is the direct result of my officers thinking outside the box, State Police Chief Robert Thornton said in a statement. Drag racing and illegal street racing has been a constant issue in the metro area, and Im proud of my officers for taking the initiative to protect the safety of our citizens. Wilson said that, just after midnight, the State Police helicopter spotted around 100 vehicles and numerous spectators holding street races near Washington and Alameda. This area was selected for the targeted operation based on citizens complaints, as well as the officers observations and previous encounters, Wilson said. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ He said the operation caught the crowd off-guard and was a success, with no use-of-force incidents or pursuits reported. Wilson said the public can expect similar operations in the future around Albuquerque to keep the community safe from the potentially deadly results of illegal street racing. Google Assistant is one of the most powerful smart assistants in the world. It can control a whole bunch of connected smart home devices from dishwashers and air conditioners to bathtubs, blinds, fireplaces, locks, doors to even pressure cookers and windows among other things. Now, it is gaining control for another smart home device: a smart doorbell. As per a report by 9To5 Google, Google has added the support for smart doorbells to the Assistant API. This means that developers can now develop smart doorbells that use Google Assistants API. Simply said, they can now create Google Assistant-powered doorbells. Doorbells can let people know someone is at the door. This device can send notifications and stream video if it has the corresponding capability, the description for smart doorbells says on the Google Assistant API page. For those of you who arent sure, smart doorbells serve two purposes in a smart home ecosystem. First, they inform users that someone is at their doors, which is like any traditional doorbell. Second, they will act like security cameras enabling users to see who is trying to get in their house or which delivery person is waiting to drop the order. As per Googles requirements, all smart doorbells need to have a latency of less than or equal to 2000ms and reliability of more than or equal to 97%. Up until now, Google Assistant featured support only for the companys Nest Hello doorbell. But with this update, Google is creating a level-playing field for companies. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Delhi, March 10 : After the resignation of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Tirath Singh Rawat, the Lok Sabha MP from Garhwal constituency, as the state's new Chief Minister. Rawat comes from a staunch Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) background. Despite playing an important role in the Sangh and the BJP's organisational structure for a long time, he is a leader who believes in keeping a low profile, staying away from the limelight. He served as a full-time RSS worker for a period of five years. He was the first Education Minister of Uttarakhand after the state assumed its new, separate entity. Rawat,56, has done post-graduation in Sociology from Birla College, Srinagar, Garhwal in Uttarakhand and also holds a PG diploma in the field of journalism. His wife is a college lecturer by profession. Born on April 9, 1964 in Seeron village of Pauri Garhwal, Rawat joined the Sangh's student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during his student days. Rawat has served as the Student Union President of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. He was also the ABVP's state organisation Minister in Uttarakhand and later also held the post of ABVP's national organisation minister. From 1983 to 1988, he took up the responsibility of being a full-time RSS worker. After successfully discharging the responsibilities associated with the Sangh, he got an opportunity to enter mainstream politics with the BJP. In 1997, when Uttarakhand was a part of undivided Uttar Pradesh, he was elected a Member of Legislative Council. After the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, he became the first Education Minister of the hill state in 2000 under the BJP dispensation. Rawat became the BJP's Uttarakhand state General Secretary in 2007. He also served as the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Natural Disaster Management Advisory Committee. In 2012, he became an MLA from Chaubattakhal Assembly constituency in Uttarakhand. At the same time, the BJP's national leadership made him the state president of the Uttarakhand BJP in 2013 due to his expertise in building the organisation. He was the state President of Uttarakhand BJP on 31 December, 2015. Union Home Minister Amit Shah appointed him as BJP's National Secretary in 2017 during his tenure as the party's National President. The saffron party had fielded him from the Garhwal constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and he won the election by a margin of more than 2.85 lakh votes. A senior Uttarakhand BJP official told IANS,"Tirath Singh Rawat does not believe in factionalism. He believes in working hard and not creating a ruckus. He efficiently discharged his responsibilities being associated with both the Sangh and the BJP as an organisation. That is why on Wednesday, the party has handed over the Chief Ministers's post to him." ABB Power Products and Systems India on Wednesday said it has won orders worth Rs 160 crore from the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) and the Central Organization for Rail Electrification (CORE). Hitachi ABB Power Grids (listed as ABB Power Products and Systems India on stock exchanges) will deliver trackside transformers rated 132 kV (kilovolt) to CORE and traction transformers rated 25 kV to CLW. The trackside transformers reduce power voltage from the utility power network to a suitable level before feeding it to the railway catenary conductors. Traction transformers route power from the catenary for essential train functions such as traction, lighting, ventilation, braking, signaling and communication. "These orders are a source of immense pride for us at Hitachi ABB Power Grids. They advance our vision of playing a pivotal role in rail electrification in India and enabling improvements in rail safety, capacity and speed," said N Venu, CEO and MD of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. "Such partnerships will help lower our dependence on imported fossil fuel and reduce both fuel costs and carbon emissions for the Indian Railways," he added. Shares of ABB Power Products were down 0.6% at Rs 1369.25 on BSE. ABB Power Products and Systems is a global leader and pioneer in power technologies. It serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the value chain, and emerging areas such as sustainable mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers. The company reported a 54.9% jump in net profit to Rs 54.96 crore on 6.90% decline in total revenue from operations to Rs 1,043.7 crore in Q4 December 2020 over Q4 December 2019. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Equality campaigners have lashed Labor leader Anthony Albaneses move to strip back its federal policy platform ahead of the next election by removing almost 40 references to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer rights. Trailblazing LGBTIQ+ rights activist Rodney Croome is among those who have raised concerns at the omission of several long-standing Labor positions from the draft platform, which will be taken to the partys virtual conference at the end of the month. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Among the deleted references that have most troubled campaigners include removing a promise to ending coercive medical interventions on children born with intersex variations of sex characteristics, ending out of pocket costs for trans and gender diverse people seeking gender-affirming care and all references to the HIV epidemic. A furious Mr Croome said Labor was keen to walk down the aisle with the community on marriage equality in 2017, but now it looks like it wants a divorce. 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. Queensland says the federal government's plan to slash airline fares to regional tourism destinations should also be available for intrastate holidaymakers. The Morrison government has unveiled a $1.2billion tourism and aviation package that will halve the cost of about 800,000 return flights to a dozen tourism destinations across Australia. The locations in Queensland include Cairns, the Gold Coast, Proserpine and Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays and the Sunshine Coast. Queensland says the federal government's plan to slash airline fares to regional tourism destinations (Hamilton Island pictured) should also be available for intrastate holidaymakers Treasurer Cameron Dick said Queenslanders would rather travel within their state than go to places like Launceston (pictured) in Tasmania Treasurer Cameron Dick is pleased more interstate visitors will come to his state but he's disappointed the package doesn't support people travelling their states. Queensland is a vast state and there's almost 1,700km between Cairns, where tourism is struggling, and the populous southeast which is 19 hours away by road. 'There are some dead-set head-scratchers in this that seem bizarre - like why can't Queenslanders be supported to travel to Queensland, why can't they go to Cairns,' Mr Dick told ABC radio on Thursday. 'Queenslanders want to back Queensland, that's why our economy is coming back and leading the pack nationally. 'People want to go, in Brisbane and in the southeast, they want to go to Cairns but this scheme says no. Instead, we have to go to places like Launceston, or Merimbula.' The treasurer said the federal government had not consulted the state about the plan at all and he had 'a theory' about why it chose some regional areas but not others. Queensland is a vast state and there's almost 1,700km between Cairns (pictured), where tourism is struggling, and the populous southeast which is 19 hours away by road Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Wednesday the 'aggressive' campaign would woo southerners to Cairns, the Whitsundays, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast He noted the NSW coastal town of Merimbula was in the Labor-held federal seat of Eden-Monaro while Launceston was in the Liberal-held Bass - both marginal electorates. Poll Should half-price airfares apply to intrastate flights too? Yes No Unsure Should half-price airfares apply to intrastate flights too? Yes 60 votes No 42 votes Unsure 1 votes Now share your opinion The state government's own programs offering $200 tourism experience vouchers for Queenslanders and $150 to students to visit the Great Barrier Reef are incompatible with the new federal travel scheme. However, the Morrison government's plan does complement Queensland's upcoming tourism marketing blitz in the southern states. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Wednesday the 'aggressive' campaign would woo southerners to Cairns, the Whitsundays, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. All are now are set to benefit from half-price flights under the federal program. However, Mr Dick warned the state government could not guarantee its borders would remain open indefinitely to support the federal scheme. 'No, we will act on the health advice ... that's been consistent the position we've taken all along and of course that was endorsed by the people of Queensland in the election last October,' he added. Inter-American Court of Human Rights to hear lesbian teacher's case against Chilean Catholic school Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Inter-American Court of Human Rights will soon adjudicate a religious liberty case that dates back to 2007 that will have implications in dozens of countries across the Americas. In Pavez v. Chile, a Catholic diocese in San Bernardo, Chile discovered that Sandra Pavez, who taught religion classes at Cardenal Antonio Samore Municipal School, had entered into a same-sex relationship. While she was allowed to maintain employment with the school, even rising to leadership ranks, the school informed her in July 2007 that it could not certify her to teach those classes. Pavez took the school to court and claimed discrimination. The Chilean Supreme Court sided with the school in 2008, holding that the church-based school has the right to certify its teachers as they see fit. Pavez claimed a violation of the American Convention on Human Rights and took the case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The commission presented Pavezs case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in 2019. The court is an autonomous legal institution based in Costa Rica that seeks to apply the American Convention across dozens of member countries. The court has set hearings for the case to be held in May. At issue is whether or not religious communities of all faiths will have the freedom to decide who is permitted to teach classes about their faiths based on how a person lives out their faith in accordance with its teachings. Parents, and the religious communities they belong to, should be free to pass on their faith to their children, and decide who will teach it on their behalf, said Tomas Henriquez, a Chilean lawyer and director of advocacy in Latin America and the Caribbean for ADF International, the international branch of the Alliance Defending Freedom, in Monday statement. International law clearly protects the autonomy of religious communities. The Church plays an important role in society, and society benefits from strong and autonomous religious communities. Whatever the regional human rights court rules later this year, the decision will impact how families can choose their children's educational environments. Religiously observant families contend that faith-based schools will have a hard time maintaining their integrity if teachers are not required to abide by their faiths teachings. A campaign called #ReligionLibre, sponsored by ADF International, has gathered signatures from families to present to the court. The campaign petition argues that human rights law recognizes as a central element of the teaching of religion the freedom of each religious community to choose who will teach it on their behalf. This has been stated by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, noting that the practice and teaching of religion or belief includes acts that are an integral part of the way in which religious groups carry out their fundamental activities. The petition further contends that the United Nations recognizes religious bodies' freedom to choose their religious leaders, priests and teachers. One of the fundamental characteristics of free societies is the existence of disagreements, even radical ones, about the fundamental morality of human acts, the petition states. The growing diversity of beliefs and life projects in our societies makes the existence of tensions as a result of these discrepancies inevitable. Men and women can disagree in good faith on central questions regarding human existence, good living and the morality of our actions. But the presence of such disagreements need not be seen as a defect to be eradicated, and certainly it should not be by coercive means that would rob individuals and communities of their freedom to sustain such disagreements and communicate them to others, including in teaching to future generations. Robert Clarke, deputy director of advocacy for ADF International, stressed in a statement that freedom of religion and belief is at stake for parents across the Americas. Human rights law guarantees the rights of parents to direct the moral and religious education of their children in accordance with their own convictions. Consequently, religious classes must reflect this guarantee, including through the appointment of teachers who are faithful representatives of those beliefs, he said. Its vital that the Court acts to protect this fundamental freedom. Ken Kramer represented the 5th Congressional District from 1979-1987 and focused on military space issues. He was a founder and first chair and CEO of the Space Foundation. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. When Democrats won the Senate in Januarys Georgia runoffs, they announced they wanted to do big, bold things with their newly unified control of government. The question was whether they could actually do anything big or bold, given their eroded hold on the House, their bare-minimum Senate majority, and a Republican opposition with zero interest in helping produce the changes Democrats envisioned. On Wednesday afternoon, thoughafter overcoming a bit of Republican procedural time-wasting in the HouseCongress sent the American Rescue Plan to President Joe Bidens desk. When Biden introduced the plan in January, as president-elect, it was unquestionably ambitious, with sweeping, expensive goals on COVID relief for individuals and businesses, first-in-a-decade improvements to the Affordable Care Act, a historic child allowance, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the scope of it all, and the thinness of the partys majorities, its $1.9 trillion price seemed like a starting point that Democrats would either whittle down to crumbs in negotiations with Republicansor squeeze down to something significantly more targeted in scope in negotiations with Sen. Joe Manchin. Instead, it was shocking to see the degree to which the American Rescue Plan stayed intact as it worked its way through Congress. Democrats passed a budget in February that gave them $1.9 trillion to spend, and on Wednesday, they spent it. Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Aside from the $15 minimum wage, which never had enough Senate support to begin with and didnt comply, in the parliamentarians eye, with fast-track reconciliation rules, everything else made it. The $1,400 checks made it. Enhanced unemployment benefits through September made it. A truly historic child tax credit, one of the biggest advances against child poverty in modern times, made it. One of the most glaring flaws in the structure of the ACA, the so-called subsidy cliff, was fixed, and pensions were saved for over a million workers. Theres money for vaccine distribution, schools, bars, restaurants, and other small businesses. States, cities, and tribal government balance sheets were more than taken care of. The costly legislation wasnt offset with spending cuts or tax hikes elsewhere, and deficit hawks were told to pound sand. Advertisement Advertisement The Manchining of the bill in the Senate wasnt too severe either, relative to the substantial changes that Senate Democratic centrists demanded in 2009 to the Affordable Care Act. While both the faster phase-out of checks and the trimming of proposed weekly unemployment benefit levels to their present amount were odd things to insist upon, and head-scratching politics on the margin, its not as if Manchin was unilaterally demanding the removal of a popular public health insurance option. According to Schumer, Manchin came around on unemployment benefits during Fridays long floor delay when Schumer warned him the bill would die if he didnt. Schumer said in an interview with Politico that if Manchin sided with the GOP on its own unemployment insurance amendment, as he was threatening to do, the bill probably couldnt have passed the House. And I told him that. And he understood that. Advertisement That story of a critical moment says everything about how the manufacture of this major piece of legislation, with effectively no room to spare, came through. Throughout the process, the party was unanimous in its agreement that members could not do anything that might keep the relief bill from being delivered. Advertisement Under those circumstances, the thinness of the Democrats majority translated into strength: No one could afford to take the blame for walking away from a bill that needed every vote it could get. That meant that negotiation was a process of discovering the amounts that Joe Manchin, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Joe Biden could all shake hands on, not about discovering whether they all could agree to do it. Senate Democrats 50-seat majority did not really give every senator a veto. It gave each senator leverage, but only up to a limit. Manchin found the limit, and got on board. Advertisement The bill was too popular to fail70 percent support to 28 percent opposition, per Pews latest survey. Republicans have been entirely unsuccessful at polarizing that support since they began trying in earnest. (House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthys tweet Friday night, in which he reads Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham, signaled a retreat from the battlefield.) Its difficult to gin up a grassroots rebellion against legislation that would deliver the additional $1,400 in checks that the figure to whom the Republican grassroots answers, Donald Trump, had pushed for near the end of his term. That it was deficit-financed, too, meant pain didnt need to be inflicted on any constituencies to offset the cost. The $470 million in relief for libraries and museums, highlighted by the GOP as a bank shot to activate certain culture-war muscles, didnt come out of anyone elses pockets. Advertisement The issue for Democrats who hope to continue checking off boxes on their big, bold agenda is that it will never be this easy again. Consider the next-easiest Democratic agenda item: another big package, focused on infrastructure, which will also serve as the vehicle for Democrats climate change agenda. This is the item that excites Manchin. He just has curious ideas about how to accomplish it. While hes interested in an infrastructure bill up to nearly $4 trillion, he wants it done on a bipartisan basisand wont give his vote to move ahead with reconciliation at the outset, as he did on the American Rescue Plan. He also wants it to be entirely paid for through tax increases, and he believes there are 10 Senate Republican votes available to raise taxes to pass a green infrastructure plan of this magnitude. There arent. Advertisement The bigger impediment to the future of Democrats agenda is the Senate filibuster. All of this heat moving out of the House on a conveyor belt in the last couple of weeksthe For the People Act, police reform, gun control, legislation to boost unionsas well as upcoming legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act is dead on arrival in the Senate so long as theres a 60-vote impediment to passing it. Advertisement Advertisement We can try to track each of Manchins brainwaves on the filibuster question to guess where hes headed, but the other votes are just not there to get rid of it. Part of the reason why the votes to ditch the filibuster arent thereand not just Manchins voteis that with the 60-vote threshold gone, all of the Houses initiatives would become live issues that Democratic senators would be responsible for passing or not passing. And many of those questions would prove far more polarizing than showering people with money. The extraordinary legislative victory of the Democrats first major agenda item required an extraordinary degree of party discipline. It was a major accomplishment for congressional Democrats and the Biden administration. Now they need to find the same kind of certainty around their less certain agenda items, or it may be their last. Presently, scientists cannot easily depend on a simple telescope for distant viewing of celestial bodies and interplanetary components. In the case of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), their very own Very Large Telescope has helped them discover the most remote quasars and black holes in space. The said facility is home to four individual telescopes with an 8.2 m primary mirror. ESO's Capability to View Distant Bodies From the Earth According to a report by Independent, the team made use of a wide range of space-viewing tools, which is primarily initiated through the Very Large Telescope, which ESO operates. Besides the perfect sighting of the quasar to aid the study of the scientists, it also let them see the rapid-growing mass of the black hole, which is 'too huge' to describe. Eduardo Banados, a staff astronomer from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany, said that they immediately saw the space region through their naked eyes upon receiving the data. This time, they already knew what they spotted is the most remote radio-loud quasar by far. Now going back to the telescopes, their primary mirror of 8.2m could not only be separately used. They could be fused so the user could come up with a 'very high angular solution.' Also, the optical telescopes were all named after the astronomical subjects read in the Mapuche language. They are specifically named Kueyen, Melipas, Yepun, and Antu. The four movable Auxiliary telescopes have a 1.8m aperture. The Very Large Telescope specializes in visibly seeing infrared wavelengths. While they are comparable to other high-end telescopes, each of them can view a fainter subject for the naked eye four billion times. Furthermore, a combined angular resolution of about 0.002 arc-second can be obtained through these four telescopes. An individual telescope has an angular resolution of about 0.005 arc-second. Read Also: Green Bank Telescope Is so Powerful it Can Reach Distant World's Surfaces The Most Recent Discovery Through the Help of Very Long Telescope According to a report by Daily Mail, the most distant radio blast has been unveiled, which comes from a remote quasar. For its light to reach the earth, it will need 13 billion years of travel. The finding is another accomplishment in astronomy. Scientists called it a 'radio-loud quasar,' which is described as a shining object full of powerful jets. The universe is believed to have emitted it when it was just 780 million years of age. ESO researchers and a group from Max Planck Institute named the discovery as P172+18, which is derived from the early construction of the vast universe. Usually, the galaxies have been the homes of the quasars, which are given energy by the huge black holes. According to the researchers, a supermassive black hole believed to be 300 million times larger than the sun was behind the power of the P172+18. "Distant radio-loud quasars at the beginning of the evolution of the cosmos also serve as beacons to study material that lies between Earth and the quasars," the co-author of the study, Jan-Torge Schindler said about the findings of the team. To view the full study entitled "The Discovery of a Highly Accreting, Radio-loud Quasar at z = 6.82," visit The Astrophysical Journal. This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The woman said she also had an AR22 rifle in the back of her minivan, but she bought the wrong magazine for it, documents state. The weapons were to protect her family after they had gotten repeated death threats, the affidavit states. White House chief medical adviser on COVID-19 Dr. Anthony Fauci stands at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., on Feb. 11, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Updates on CCP Virus: America Getting Closer to Herd Immunity Every Day: Fauci The United States is projected to reach herd immunity against the CCP virus by the end of summer or early fall, Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Wednesday, adding that people can begin to change their behaviors as more and more people get vaccinated. We dont want to get too hung up on reaching this, this end game of herd immunity, because every day that you put 2 million to 3 million vaccinations into people makes society be more and more protected. So you dont have to wait until you get full herd immunity to get a really profound effect on what you could do, said Fauci, the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a top adviser to President Joe Biden, during a White House COVID-19 briefing. Almost 33 million Americans have received full COVID-19 vaccinations as of March 10, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another 62.4 million have received one of two required doses of either Modernas or Pfizers vaccine. Texas Lifts Mask Mandate as Pandemic Sees Downward Trend Texas on Wednesday lifted its statewide mask mandate enacted in mid-2020 while also loosening several other restrictions on businesses meant to control the spread of the CCP virus. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced last week in an executive order the State of Texas is working toward removing restrictions on businesses and have them operate again at full capacity. The loosening of restrictions was announced as Texas is seeing a downward trend on patients infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, as well as hospitalizations going down to levels not seen in months. WVs Justice Announces 168 Unreported Deaths West Virginias governor on Wednesday announced 168 deaths involving COVID-19 that have previously gone unreported. Officials learned that 70 facilities across the state had not reported all of the COVID-related deaths at their facilities, Gov. Jim Justice said during a press conference. That included people who died at their homes and died in hospitals. Puerto Rico Reopens Public Schools Public schools across Puerto Rico reopened Wednesday for the first time in nearly a year despite the pandemic, with officials reporting scarce attendance amid COVID-19 concerns, the disease caused by the CCP virus. Of the islands 858 public schools, 95 were authorized to reopen because they were located in a municipality with a low number of CCP virus cases and also met a list of requirements issued by Puerto Ricos Health Department. Among them was the Ramon Marin Sola primary school in Guaynabo, where parents adjusted their childrens masks before hugging them goodbye. UK Variant Has Significantly Higher Death Rate, Study Finds A highly infectious variant of the CCP virus that has spread around the world since it was first discovered in Britain late last year is between 30 percent and 100 percent more deadly than previous dominant variants, researchers said on Wednesday. In a study that compared death rates among people in Britain infected with the new SARS-CoV-2 variantknown as B.1.1.7against those infected with other variants of the COVID-19-causing virus, scientists said the new variants mortality rate was significantly higher. Englands $32 Billion Test and Trace System Not Making Big Difference: Lawmakers Englands $32 billion test and trace system has not made a significant impact on the CCP virus pandemic and failed its key goals despite its unimaginable cost, a British parliamentary committee said on Wednesday. Despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project, test and trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic, said Meg Hillier, chair of the British parliaments Public Accounts Committee and an opposition Labour party lawmaker. The promise on which this huge expense was justifiedavoiding another lockdownhas been broken, twice. Maryland to Ease Restrictions This Week Maryland will ease restrictions on restaurants and other businesses this week, Gov. Larry Hogan said, citing improving COVID-19 health metrics and increasing vaccinations. Starting Friday at 5 p.m., capacity limits will be lifted on outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants and bars, though customers will still need to be seated and distanced, the governor said. Capacity limits also will be lifted for retail businesses, religious facilities, personal services like hair and nail salons, and indoor recreation establishments like casinos and bowling alleys. Saskatchewan Lifts Home Gathering Ban, Worship Capacity Rises Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his province is on its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic as his government lifted a ban on household visits and told places of worship that they can hold larger services, just in time for Easter. Starting on Tuesday, Saskatchewan residents can have up to 10 people inside their homes, though the provinces top doctor said they should be from the same two or three households. Zachary Stieber, Lorenz Duchamps, The Canadian Press, Reuters, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. At school reopenings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers need a way of quickly assessing first graders for retained math knowledge. Here Refilwe Ntsoane, Head of Department Foundation Phase, is testing a first grader for maths skills at the Funda UJabule school in South Africa. The teacher training and education research school is operated by the University of Johannesburg in Soweto.Teachers can see which first graders are struggling, and where to help them, with an accurate, evidence-based, diagnostic test. A 15-week "maths boost" intervention program linked to the test, provides teachers good instructional material to support children in an efficient way. The study by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Johannesburg has been published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly. Credit: Jan Potgieter, University of Johannesburg Six-year-olds can't really talk to adults about the problems they may experience with mathematics. It is hard for teachers to know for certain who is keeping up and who is lagging, says Prof Elizabeth Henning from the University of Johannesburg. The teacher could be facing 45 or even 60 little faces in the classroom, she says. Some children may appear to cope after a few weeks' school holiday or closures due to COVID-19. But early childhood teachers need to understand what children remember and what may have been forgotten. School reopening is a good time to find out where everyone is with math and reading, she continues. Henning is a South Africa research chair of the country's National Research Foundation. "When kids come to school, even for first grade, you don't know what they already know. At home they may have learned to recite number words and use them as if to state 'how many,' but that does not mean that they understand number yet," says Henning. "They see their care-givers bake and cook and clean. Some children are sent to the shops before they can read. They learn some maths at homebut every home is different," she says. Many kids learn this basic math in their home languages. "Then they come to elementary school and 'parallel track' if this school teaches through medium of English. They start learning the same concepts in a new language, which in South Africa is mostly English. "When the first grade teacher doesn't know the home languages of the young learners, they can't translate or code switch when they see the kids struggling," says Henning. Prof Henning is one of the researchers in the study who adapted a Finnish evidence-based test for first graders in South Africa. In South Africa many kids learn in English at school, but most speak a variety of African languages at home. Six-year-olds can't really talk to adults about the problems they may experience with mathematics. It is hard for teachers to know for certain who is keeping up and who is lagging. Here Refilwe Ntsoane, Head of Department Foundation Phase, is testing a first grader for maths skills at the Funda UJabule school in South Africa. The teacher training and education research school is operated by the University of Johannesburg in Soweto.Teachers can see which first graders are struggling, and where to help them, with an accurate, evidence-based, diagnostic test. A 15-week "maths boost" intervention program linked to the test, provides teachers good instructional material to support children in an efficient way. The study by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Johannesburg has been published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly. Credit: Jan Potgieter, University of Johannesburg The test itself is not unique, but measuring numeracy and other relevant control measures in school-based intervention is, says Prof Pirjo Aunio. Aunio is from the Department of Education at the University of Helsinki. She is corresponding author of the study, and one of the lead designers of the original Finnish test and the 15-week 1-hour-a week maths boost program for first graders. The study has been published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly. "The most important result in our study was that the intervention group, those children who had extra practice in early numeracy skills with the 15-week program, had a bigger and sustained increase in their numerical relational skills, compared to children who followed business as usual instruction," continues Aunio. "The effect was not a result of better language or executive functions skills, nor kindergarten attendance, but because of our intervention program," she says. "What made me extremely happy is that this program's materials are cheap and easy to use. So the program is potentially very useful on a large scale as well," says Aunio. The study provides an unusual follow-up view of first graders' progress in basic numeracy, says Henning. "We found out how reliable the test is because we tested the first graders at the beginning of their school year, again after the 15-week maths boost program and again a few months after they completed the maths boost. Children learning in English as a second language are especially responsive to the test," she says. "Many kids get lost to mathematics and science in middle school. But it doesn't have to be that way," says Henning. "Far more students can arrive at middle school with the foundation needed to graduate from high school with good math scores," she says. That means more students can go onto college for technical, business and engineering careers. The foundation starts in first grade, when the teacher digs deep to find out what is at the bottom of the kids' math knowledge, so that she can teach with different individuals' math competence in mind. One way of doing so is to test the kids at the beginning of the school year with a reliable test, such as the one in the study. Says Henning: "We like this test and 15-week intervention program because they are easy to use and they work. With a sturdy foundation in first grade, teachers in other grades can build on it in a systematic progression. But if the early building blocks are missing, it is very hard to catch upon maths lost early on." Explore further Why are so many 12th graders not proficient in reading and math? More information: Pirjo Aunio et al, An early numeracy intervention for first-graders at risk for mathematical learning difficulties, Early Childhood Research Quarterly (2020). Pirjo Aunio et al, An early numeracy intervention for first-graders at risk for mathematical learning difficulties,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.12.002 Provided by University of Johannesburg US broadcaster ABC is adapting Total Control for a pilot, to centre around an American indigenous character. Dark Horse will be written by William Jehu Garroutte (Stumptown), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, with Jessica Goldberg (The Path) as showrunner and produced by Keshet Studios, Universal Television, and ABC Signature. Executive producing are Keshets Peter Traugott, Avi Nir and Alon Shtruzmanm, Rachel Griffiths and Darren Dale and Miranda Dear of Blackfella Films. The central character Alex Irving, is described as a passionate Indigenous woman, on her unconventional journey into politics. As Alex reckons with her own troubled past, she juggles obligations to her family, to her culture, and to a political system thats never seen anybody quite like her. A second season is also due later this year on ABC, to film in Canberra, Sydney and regional Queensland. Source: Deadline Related Shanghai uncles 100,000 vintage alarm clocks By:Lu Yukun | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-03-10 13:12 More than ten years ago, Xu Dingji spent all his savings and embarked on a long journey of sorting out and selling the 100,000 mechanical clocks from the bankrupted Shanghai Clock Factory. People praised him for preserving these vintage clocks and said that he should find resources and even seek governmental help to support this cause. However, Xu Dingji didn't think so. He said frankly, "This is simply a business. It's also because I like it. It's not as noble as many believe." Recently, he has become popular on the Internet, and the number of orders for his restored clocks has soared. Some people have suggested to him more than once, "Why don't you hire someone to help you fill out the orders and do the packing?" Xu Dingji has replied, "This is a very delicate job for me. It's not exaggerating to say that this would require working as an apprentice for three years, and this will not work if I cant find someone who really likes this craftsmanship as much as I do." Xu Dingji's home is a two-bedroom house with an area of 50 square meters located in a prime area of Huangpu District. However, this comfortable space has been squeezed into a snail's house because of the alarm clocks and mechanical parts piled from the living room to the bedroom and even the toilet. One needs to cross a threshold of piled up parts to enter his room, and a careless turn may cause a small clock "debris flow". However, Xu Dingji said that in his eyes, there is a lot of stuff, but it's not chaotic. He has a map in his mind, which is very clear to him. Xu Dingji's business on Taobao has flourished. Up to now, he has sold more than 10,000 alarm clocks, and his investment has been recouped. However, the furnishings in Xu Dingjis home are still so old that his life still looks rather poor. Maybe the 100,000 clocks have left an indelible mark on his life. He prefers a pure, honest and quiet life. He completed all the jobs of his Taobao shop named "Classic ProductsShanghai Diamond Alarm Clock " by himself, including updating new products, customer service, order processing and shipping, and maintenance, day after day. Like all the old brands in Shanghai, the history of mechanical clocks and the watch industry is full of the enthusiasm and patriotism of modern national industrialists who wanted to compete with those dominant Japanese and German brands. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai already had four local brands, which were "Diamond", "Changming", "Locomotive" and "Horseshoe", while the most well-known brand since then and through reform and opening up, was the table clock brand "555". In the 1990s, the clock market became dominated by quartz clocks and electronic watches. The precision of these products brought a blow to traditional mechanical clocks. The major clock factories in Shanghai were gradually losing customers amid the modern market economy and technological progress. The clock factory where Xu Dingji worked is no exception. He said: "At that time, our factory's annual output was 10 million at the peak, and despite the poor sales prospects, it continued to produce, resulting in a serious backlog of products." Unable to follow the market trend, the surplus products were piled everywhere in the factory. Some warehouses were in disrepair all the year round and the good clocks were finally sold as scrap metal. Xu Dingji felt it was such a shame and waste. "So I bought those clocks from the factory and first set up a vending stall at the door of the factory workshop. I would move to other places once the market in a certain area had saturated. But it didnt work long as street vending was later banned due to stricter urban management. The process of setting up a stall here and there made Xu Dingji realize that some people still like mechanical clocks. Although the market is small, mechanical clocks have their own value. They must not be sold as waste products. Since 2000, every time the clock factory cleared its inventory, Xu Dingji would spend his savings to buy them and finally collected more than 100,000 alarm clocks. "The factory mortgaged a lot of valuable Xi Ma clocks (refined alarm clocks with best quality) to customers. I made a lot of inquiries and redeemed some of the mortgaged clocks. It cost me hundreds of thousands of RMB in those days." Since the video filmed about his story with the 100,000 alarm clocks went viral on internet, the sales of Xu Dingji's Taobao shop have increased a lot. "I used to sell nearly a hundred a month, but now I can sell up to forty or fifty a day." Source text and pictures by: Shanghai Observer Police in northern Vietnams Ninh Binh province have arrested a Facebook user, charging him with defaming the government and distorting its policies, in the latest of a string of arrests aimed at shutting down criticism online of the countrys one-party communist state, state media said on Monday. Tran Quoc Khanh, 61, is now being investigated for making, storing, disseminating information, documents, items and publications against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, according to the state-run Phuap Luat [Law] newspaper. Tran had posted videos defaming the government from 2018-2020 while living in Hamlet 5B, Luu Phuong commune, in Ninh Binhs Kim Son district, the state-run newspaper said, quoting Ninh Binh police. Trans postings had opposed the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the countrys system of government itself, the paper added. Vietnamese authorities have arrested or jailed five people since January on political charges, including carrying out actions to overthrow the state, making, storing, disseminating information, documents, items and publications to oppose the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and abusing the rights of freedom and democracy. Two of those arrested--journalists Phan Bui Bao Thy, 56, and Le Anh Dung, 50were taken into custody on Feb. 10 in central Vietnams Quang Tri province after Facebook pages the two men operated accused provincial officials of corruption, state media sources said in an earlier report. Nguyen Tuong Thuy, who had blogged on civil rights and freedom of speech issues for RFAs Vietnamese Service for six years, was meanwhile sentenced to an 11-year prison term on Jan. 5, with two other independent journalistslike Thuy, members of the Vietnam Independent Journalism Associationhanded lengthy jail terms at the same time. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Vietnam 175 out of 180 in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index. About 25 journalists and bloggers are being held in Vietnams jails, where mistreatment is common, the Paris-based watchdog group said. Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continue to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party Congress in January. Reported by RFAs Vietnam Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Richard Finney. Texas COVID restrictions end today, including the statewide mask mandate and limits on business occupancy. Gov. Greg Abbott announced last week that he would open Texas 100 percent, rescinding his earlier executive orders intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. That means there will no longer be any operating limits for businesses or other establishments, and local governments and law enforcement officers cannot force a person to wear a mask in public. The changes come with a few caveats: Abbott, alongside a host of other state leaders, are still strongly encouraging members of the public to wear masks and practice social distancing. The Republican governor said now is the time to loosen restrictions as vaccinations ramp up rapidly and COVID hospitalizations have declined from their mid-January peak. COVID-19 has not suddenly disappeared, Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said last week. Removing state mandates does not end personal responsibility or the importance of caring for family members, friends and your community. TEXAS TAKE: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Abbotts new order A statewide mask mandate is to be lifted, effective today. Businesses can continue to require face coverings for employees and customers. School districts can also require masks. Beginning today, all businesses are allowed to open at full capacity, including restaurants and bars. Local officials can impose limited restrictions if coronavirus hospitalizations rise above 15 percent of total hospitalizations in their region. Penalties for not wearing masks are prohibited, and businesses must be allowed to remain open at least at half of their maximum occupancy. Face masks, social distancing and other health and safety measures to slow the spread of infections are still recommended. See More Collapse Businesses may choose to continue enforcing occupancy restrictions or require patrons to wear face coverings and many across the state have said they will do so. Its a similar situation for school districts. While statewide policy has changed, our store protocol has not, H-E-B, the beloved San Antonio-based grocer, said in a statement this week. Mask use at our stores will remain. Our signs requiring mask use will remain posted at entrances and we will continue to make announcements in store. We will continue to expect shoppers to wear masks while in our stores. All told, not much is changing in practice. The mask order was loosely enforced in the first place, and many businesses were operating at 75 percent occupancy. Still, health experts fear that repealing the order could give Texans an impetus to ditch masks, and local officials have voiced concerns that lifting the mandate will lead to more in-store confrontations. AUSTIN BUCKS ABBOTT: Austin will keep enforcing mask rules with fines, flouting Gov. Abbotts order I can assure you that were going to start seeing our calls for service and conflict go up conflict that could have been avoided simply by continuing to follow the science and being patient, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a Tuesday interview with New Day. Were almost to the finish line, and I think this is a step in the wrong direction. Another caveat to the governors order: County officials can decide to reinstate COVID restrictions but are not required to if hospitalizations in their area surge. By state definition, thats when COVID hospitalizations make up 15 percent or more of a hospitals total capacity for at least seven consecutive days. In that case, local officials can implement some safety precautions, including business capacity limits, as long as establishments are allowed to operate at 50 percent or more of their maximum occupancy. Those limits cannot be applied to religious services, schools, colleges and universities, and child care services, per Abbotts order The local officials could also choose to require masks in areas with high levels of hospitalizations for the coronavirus, but they are not permitted to impose any penalties for failing to wear one. Abbott has said that no one in Texas should face jail time for violating a COVID-related restriction. The governors move to lift the COVID orders has been met with severe backlash from local officials, and one city is already bucking the decision. The city of Austin said on Tuesday that it will defy Abbotts new rules by continuing to enforce its local mask mandate, with fines of up to $2,000 for individuals who refuse to wear a face covering, or for businesses that decline to enforce the rule. The governor said that virus related policy would be guided by the data and the doctors, and we remain committed to this end, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a news release. So, #MaskUpATX. Texas reported 167 deaths due to COVID-19 on Tuesday. About 4,700 people are currently hospitalized with the virus. In total, the state has confirmed more than 2.3 million virus cases, and nearly 45,000 Texans have died. More than 2.4 million Texans have been fully vaccinated, and 4.5 million residents have received at least one dose. cayla.harris@express-news.net Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released updated final recommendations for computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screenings, lowering the starting age from 55 to 50, and adjusting smoking history from 30 pack-years to 20 pack-years.The panels previous recommendation made in 2013, recommended screenings between the ages of 55 and 80, and for individuals who have smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.Chattanooga thoracic surgeon Dr.Rob Headrick believes the benefits of detecting lung cancer as early as possible outweigh the risks. Every three minutes, someone in the U.S. dies of lung cancer. These new recommendations from the USPSTF are helpful because they increase the eligible population who can get screened, thus increasing the chances of catching lung cancer earlier. The earlier we are able to catch this type of cancer, the better. It is a step in the right direction, he said.Lung cancer is the nations leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 137,720 people dying of the disease in 2020. In addition, an estimated 228,820 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. in 2020. Because of this, Dr. Headrick wanted to find a way to make screenings more accessible and less daunting to patients.Dr. Headrick and his colleagues assembled a team and took on the task of designing and building a unique lung screening program that included a built-from-scratch bus featuring independent power, climate control, patient comfort, a portable CT scanner, and drivability. The project became known as Breathe Easy.The Breathe Easy mobile lung bus brings the imaging center to the patient. This can be at a place of employment, a church or a restaurant parking lot, said Dr. Headrick. It also makes the process quick, simple and safe. Many patients are afraid to go to the hospital, especially right now, but they are very willing to go to the bus. There is no waiting room filled with people, nor is a lot of time required. Screening exams have to be made simple or people will not get them done. We believe that if we take the technology to the people, especially those most at risk, lives will be saved.The Breathe Easy mobile has now been in operation for more than three years, with the latest version of the bus arriving this month. In March 2020, the COVID crisis began to impact lung cancer care, causing many primary care practices and hospital-based lung screening programs to close. The Breathe Easy mobile, however, continued to perform lung screenings in rural Tennessee and added diagnostic scans for patients in the nodule surveillance program. Finding lung cancer early is the key to survival. The Breathe Easy program has been successful in early detection, as 77 percent of the lung cancers found were in an early stage.This bus has provided us with the opportunity to help advance lung cancer screening, said Dr. Headrick. Its only through conversations and efforts such as the Breathe Easy program that we are going to erase the stigma surrounding lung cancer and change the survival rates.The USPSTF panel is an independent group of medical specialists whose advice helps determine federal policy. The federal Medicare program has agreed with the recommendations and private insurers will be required to include free CT screenings under the federal Affordable Care Act.The task force estimates about 15 million Americans should get CT scanning under its updated recommendation, from about eight million previously. The Mechanical Licensing Collective: What is it? As an artist, you might be curious just how mechanical royalties end up in your pocket, and what exactly the MLC has to do with it. In this piece, we shed a little on the process. Guest post by Randi Zimmerman of the Symphonic Blog Ever wonder how mechanical royalties get to you? The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective) plays a big part. Interested in learning more about them? Heres how The MLC helps hard working artists like you every single day. What is the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC)? The Mechanical Licensing Collective maintains the worlds most thorough database of music composition copyrights and their owners. Additionally, they collect mechanical royalties from digital music streaming services and transmit those royalties to copyright holders based on the ownership claims. To put it simply, they get hard-working artists like you your money from royalties. With these historical unmatched royalties and usage reports now in hand, The MLC can begin the process of reviewing and analyzing the data in order to find and pay the proper copyright owners. When does The MLC collect and pay royalties? The DSPs send sound recording usage data, and accompanying mechanical royalties to The MLC on a monthly basis. Next, the MLC matches the usage data to the musical works data in their database. Once the data is matched, they pay out mechanical royalties to music publishers, administrators, self-administered songwriters, composers, and lyricists. What do YOU need to do? Publishers and creators need to Connect to Collect and become Members of The MLC in order to collect the digital audio mechanical royalties they are owed. Learn more about this process here Want to learn more? Head over to Symphonics upcoming Live Q&A with Randall Foster & Dae Bogan from The MLC as they answer all your burning questions and provide useful information right from the source. Randall Foster (GM, Nashville & VP Business Dev at Symphonic) & Dae Bogan (Head of Third-Party Partnerships for The MLC) will be hosting a live Q&A and diving deep into royalty collection, how the platform works, how artists get their money, and so much more. Share on: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Manufacturer, B2B supplier and exporter of Dairy & Non-dairy packaged food products, Jayshri Gayatri Food Products (JGF) has recently forayed into the Indian B2C domestic market with their dairy products brand Milk Magic. The company, JGF has awarded BeanstalkAsia the entire Integrated Marketing Communications mandate for their entire portfolio of their dairy products brand Milk Magic and soon to be launched non-dairy products portfolio. BeanstalkAsia will be working closely with the leadership of JGF on their go to market strategy for each of their brands - building its brand equity through ATL campaigns, enhancing its visibility in the Indian B2C market through digital marketing, nurturing corporate and brand reputation through public relations, among others. Speaking about the domestic B2C market foray of Milk Magic, Kishan Modi, Managing Director, Jayshri Gayatri Foods, said We have been successfully producing high-quality dairy products for the overseas markets for more than seven years. The pandemic led lockdown lent us the right opportunity to test opportunity for our dairy products brand Milk Magic in the B2C market of Madhya Pradesh. As demand for packaged dairy products has started to increase in India over concerns of hygiene and quality, we see a huge potential for our brand Milk Magic to go national. Speaking about the integrated marketing communications mandate to BeanstalkAsia, Subhash Mistry, Vice President Marketing, Jayshri Gayatri Foods, said, We are very impressed with the depth of understanding that BeanstalkAsia has displayed about the segment. We are looking at BeanstalkAsia to build the brand and its attractiveness in the Indian B2C domestic market as well as in the global scenario appealing the Indian diaspora abroad. We find BeanstalkAsia to have the unique ability to develop a seamless 360-degree integrated marketing campaign that can establish the brands presence among its target consumers. Upendra Singh Thakur Founder, BeanstalkAsia, expressed, We look forward to an exciting journey with JGF to stir up the packaged foods segment with our in-depth understanding and extensive experience in FMCG, especially in the dairy category, to create impactful communication across all mediums for the brand Milk Magic. Very soon you will see an integrated marketing campaign that is all set to break the typical repetitiousness of dairy products communication. At BeanstalkAsia, we follow rigours to arrive at a consumer insight and thereafter sync this insight strategically with the brands requirements to create bespoke solutions. The wide product basket under the brand Milk Magic, includes the fresh and frozen varieties of Paneer, which is one of their most popular product offerings, Butter - salted & unsalted varieties, Pure Ghee variety, assortment of Cheese, Khoya, and Indian sweets such as Gulab Jamun, Rasgulla, Rasmalai and Kaju Katli. Milk Magic brand is very popular in Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Telangana among others and is also being subsequently launched in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and later in it will entre Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern states as well. The company has robust plans to build its own distribution channel with hubs at each City followed by company owned exclusive retailing outlets. The brand will also be available in large format grocery retail stores such Reliance Fresh and DMart, among others. Ferrari and Mercedes have taken up Bahrain's vaccination offer ahead of the 2021 season opener. We reported last week that despite the Kingdom of Bahrain offering Formula 1's entire travelling circus the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the sport turned it down. F1 explained that it has "no plans to be vaccinated as a travelling group ahead of the already established rollout of vaccines through the health system in the UK". La Gazzetta dello Sport, however, claims that Ferrari has in fact answered 'yes' to Bahrain's vaccine offer. "This means that, strictly on a voluntary basis, the staff of the team that is already in Bahrain for the pre-season test will have time to receive the double dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine," correspondents Luigi Perna and Giusto Ferronato wrote. "Ferrari first contacted the health authorities of Emilia Romagna and in the absence of any objection a total of about 100 team members have already been vaccinated," the Italian newspaper added. "Mercedes has also offered the same opportunity to its staff." (GMM) A woman holds a small bottle labelled with a "Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine" sticker in this illustration taken, (Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo) Manufacturing capacity and ingredients shortages are the main bottlenecks to expanding COVID-19 vaccine production, several global drug groups said on Tuesday, not patents that some critics are demanding be removed. "IP (intellectual property) rights is not the issue," said Thomas Cueni, who heads the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). Advertisement "The bottlenecks are the capacity, the scarcity of raw materials, scarcity of ingredients, and it is about the know-how." Cueni, who represents large drugmakers, spoke after a virtual meeting organised partly by the World Health Organization-backed COVAX vaccine sharing programme. It included manufacturers, suppliers and international organizations seeking to boost vaccine supplies. IP protections are being fiercely debated during the pandemic. Activists including from Doctors Without Borders are pushing for temporary patent waivers on certain COVID-19 technologies, while accusing rich countries of blocking vaccine production in poorer nations. On Wednesday, World Trade Organization member states open talks on a joint proposal by India and South Africa to waive such IP rules. Cueni's group, and many developed nations, oppose such steps. Others in the two-day supply chain meeting also contended that freeing up IP for vaccines was a far different proposition than compulsory licenses issued decades ago for simpler, small-molecule drugs including treatments for HIV/AIDS. Complex vaccines have hundreds of ingredients, from lipids to encase messenger RNA to modified viral vectors to deliver DNA. Giving away IP will not solve these challenges, said Rajinder Suri, chief executive of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network. "There are so many issues which one has to really understand before getting into the tech transfer," Suri said. With the push on for 10 billion-plus COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021, manufacturers and suppliers - and governments tempted to block exports - must coordinate and cooperate to avoid stumbling over each other, said Richard Hatchett, who leads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The meeting's focus, Hatchett said, "was sorting out that problem and trying to create awareness among the different stakeholders about how we can successfully navigate these bottlenecks ... rather than a conversation which was principally around intellectual property." "That's not the acute problem," he said. A man has lost his finger after intercepting a rifle that was pointed at his head during a home invasion. Kobi Drew-Smith was inside his Dural home, in Sydney's north-west, early this morning when a group of armed men entered. The 21-year-old suffered an injury to his right-hand pinky finger and fled the property, seeking refuge in a neighbouring house. Kobi Drew-Smith, 21, (pictured) suffered an injury to his pinky finger after grabbing at a firearm as it fired He lives in the house with his brother Cameron, who left alongside him, Mr Drew-Smith injuring his hip in the process. The pair ran onto the middle of busy Kenthurst road and began to flag down passing cars at around 4am, with tradesman Aaron Brown pulling over to help. 'There was a fair amount of bleeding, it wasn't the best to look at. They waved me down and ran across the road and said they needed someone,' Mr Brown told Nine. 'They asked if I could take them to hospital. He didn't have a pinky.' Kobi Drew Smith (right) had been renting the home with his brother Cameron (left) for only two weeks before the violent invasion Emergency services attended the scene and treated Drew-Smith's injuries before taking the man to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition. The brothers had been renting the property from a riding school instructor, and had only been there for two weeks. 'A number of male persons entered his residence, forcibly through his back door, entered his bedroom and some sort of altercation took place,' Acting Superintendent Gemini Bakos said. A group of up to seven armed men invaded Drew-Smith's Dural home (pictured) in Sydney's north-west Police believe the violent invasion could be a drug-related incident. A New South Wales police spokesman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the 21-year-old injured man is known to police and detectives. The spokesman also confirmed that up to seven men are wanted by police over the invasion. Officers from The Hills Police Area Command have established a crime scene and have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, signed a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy on Tuesday. Arkansas, which has the fifth highest rate of maternal mortality in the country, joins at least 11 other states that have passed complete or near-total abortion bans over the past two years in anticipation of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The new law is certain to be blocked by the lower courts, which are obligated to adhere to precedent protecting the constitutional right to abortion. But it is clearly designed to test the Supreme Courts adherence to that precedent now that conservatives hold a supermajority on the bench for the first time in 80 years. Advertisement While the other states also designed their bills as vehicles for SCOTUS to overturn Roe, Arkansas new law is even more explicit. The bill doubles as a brief to the justicesspecifically, Amy Coney Barretturging them to overturn Roe immediately. On Wednesday, I spoke with Florida State University College of Law professor Mary Ziegler, one of the nations preeminent scholars on abortion rights, about Arkansas crusade against Roe and its odds of success. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Joseph Stern: What, exactly, does the new Arkansas law do? Mary Ziegler: The new law would ban pretty much all abortions, unless a pregnant persons life is in danger. So the law includes no exception for rape or incest? Advertisement No. And its worth noting that the life of the mother exception would probably almost never apply either. I imagine Arkansas lawmakers believe, correctly, that there are not that many cases in which an abortion would be life-saving. This comes pretty close to a flat ban. Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. When does Arkansas ban begin? The law bans abortion beginning at fertilization. There are some exceptions for contraceptionit seems to say they dont intend to ban IUDs, the morning-after pill, or the birth control pill. What about fertility treatments, like IVF, that may involve disposal of a fertilized embryo? Theres no sense that those things would be legal. It seems, logically, that they would not, and theres no exception for those procedures in the bill. Advertisement Whats the penalty for abortion providers? Can patients be punished for terminating their own pregnancies? The penalty for performing an abortion is 10 years imprisonment. At least, for the moment, the law says Arkansas is not going to punish patients. Its only going to punish doctors. Advertisement When a woman in Georgia illegally purchased an abortion pill, prosecutors threatened to charge her for possessing a dangerous drug without permission. Does Arkansas new law prevent prosecutors from charging women who induce their own abortions with a similar crime? I dont think the law would preclude prosecutors from doing that, no. In Arkansas, just as in Georgia, there could easily be a loophole if prosecutors wanted to take it. The biggest hurdle to prosecutors doing that sort of thing is that the leaders of the anti-abortion movement have come to a political consensus that its suicidal, from a public opinion standpoint, to target patients. The hurdle would be the backlash that abortion opponents expect they would face. Advertisement Do you think this law is primarily designed to get the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and its successor, Planned Parenthood v. Casey? It is almost entirely about that. This law is a letter to the Supreme Court. It is 100 percent about Amy Coney Barrett. I dont think Arkansas wouldve passed this law without her. After the Supreme Court decided June Medical v. Russo, some conservatives wondered if Chief Justice John Roberts would ever really go all the way to overruling Roe. June Medical didnt suggest he was a friend to abortion rights, but it did suggest that he was not going to move as quickly as states like Arkansas would like. Amy Coney Barrett struck lawmakers in Arkansas as an insurance policy. Even if Roberts jumped ship, there would still be five justices who would overturn Roe. I dont necessarily think thats true, but thats the bet Arkansas lawmakers are making. Advertisement Advertisement Why dont you think thats necessarily true? Barrett is an intellectual and professor who takes herself seriously as a jurist. Everyones expecting her to overrule Roe the first chance she gets. I dont know if she wants to fulfill those expectations, or do something kind of Roberts-esque and gradual, to make it seem less partisan and more like a serious intellectual enterprise. What arguments do Arkansas lawmakers make to try to persuade Barrett and her colleagues? Their first argument is that Roe should be overruled because it is unsettled. By unsettled, they mean that its controversial. Arkansas says: The fact that were passing this law and we dont like Roe means its still controversial and not accepted. That allows states like Arkansas to create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Theyre upset about Roe, which means Roe is unsettled, which means Roe should be overruled. Advertisement Second, they argue that the science involving fetal life is better than it was in 1973, at the time of Roe, both on the point that life in the womb is human and that life begins at fertilization. They say people didnt really know that as much in 1973. Its not clear to me if thats actually true. If you read the briefs in Roe, neonatology was a field, and people knew that life in the womb was genetically human. Advertisement Third, they say nobody really needs abortion anyway because, they say, theres a culture of adoption that wasnt present before. There are more people willing to adopt, and adoption is more accepted. There are safe haven laws which decriminalized leaving infants with certain people, like at fire stations. So Arkansas looks at those things and concludes that women dont have to raise children if they dont want to anymore. So the burden that Roe and Casey were focused on no longer exists. Advertisement Then, in passing, theyre picking up on this argument that abortion harms pregnant people. Therefore, theres no benefit to having access to abortion to begin with. Is it true that Roe and Casey only talked about the burden of raising children, not the burden of carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term? Roe certainly talked about pregnancy, toothe discomforts and health risks associated with pregnancy. And Casey was concerned with the ability to pursue an education or a career, which could be affected by pregnancy as well as by child care. Then theres the question of how easy it would be for someone whos been pregnant and given birth to do the kinds of things Arkansas is envisioning. Generally speaking, whenever you see states trying to talk about what its like to be a pregnant person in the U.S., theyre ridiculously oversimplifying in ways that are grotesque. Is giving a child up for adoption really a solution? I dont think its that simple of a solution, and I dont think Arkansas thinks that either. I dont think thats really the point. The point is the protection of fetal rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas frames abortion as a matter of states rights, tooa state legislatures right to protect fetuses. But Im curious if you think thats the end goal. Its not. The short-term answer is getting rid of Roe. The longer-term answer would be getting a conservative Supreme Court to recognize fetal personhood or a right to life. Thats the only logically consistent goal. If you believe life begins at conception, how is it OK for abortion to take place in Manhattan or Honolulu? And historically, that was never the goal. The states rights approach emerged as a necessary second-best solution after Roe. It has never been the endgame, even for the more sophisticated incrementalist folks. They do not want legal abortion anywhere in America. Center Fruit, Nepals largest selling gum brand from Perfetti Van Melle has announced Nepalese 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 that 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 comes to the rescue of one and all delivering the brand promise of mood upliftment. Speaking on the new Campaign and partnership, 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. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) [March 10, 2021] CLEW Registered for CE Expanding its Commercial Reach in the European market TEL AVIV, Israel, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CLEW announced that it has registered its AI-powered ICU clinical management and support solution for CE, marking the company's further expansion into the European healthcare market. Registration of the full range of CLEW's advanced, AI-based predictive analytics solution will enable centralized critical care management leveraging all available patient data, providing clinical optimization for effective treatment and acuity-based resource allocation. To improve the efficiency of the European healthcare system, the innovative CLEWICU solution identifies patients with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability, prioritizes workflow and treatment, and optimizes the allocation of critical care resources. It incorporates three models of predictive screening: Hemodynamic instability (HI ): Highly accurate, time-critical notifications for patients at high risk for HI, predicting the need to initiate vasopressor or inotrope. ): Highly accurate, time-critical notifications for patients at high risk for HI, predicting the need to initiate vasopressor or inotrope. Respiratory failure (RF) : Highly accurate, time-critical notifications for patients at high risk for RF, predicting the need for intubation. : Highly accurate, time-critical notifications for patients at high risk for RF, predicting the need for intubation. Low risk (LR): Indicates patients at low risk for deteriorations that may lead to the need for clinical intervention, optimizing ICU resource allocation, and saving costs. CLEWICU solution offers hospitals and caregivers a comprehensive system integrated into the ICU workflow for improved outcomes and clinical resource allocation. It offers a full system view with advanced features in three detailed display screens and integrated audio-visual capabilities to conduct video calls or observation. Unit view : Displays patient information and status from all units, based on the CLEWICU system's prediction or manual classification. : Displays patient information and status from all units, based on the CLEWICU system's prediction or manual classification. Worklist view : Displays four separate sections for optimized patient care and workflow optimization: notifications and classifications for high-risk patients, task management, and best practices with optimal care recommendations and clinical guidelines : Displays four separate sections for optimized patient care and workflow optimization: notifications and classifications for high-risk patients, task management, and best practices with optimal care recommendations and clinical guidelines Patient view: Displays individual patient information, providing a picture of a patient's clinical status in a single view. Demonstrated value of CLEWICU during the Covid-19 pandemic The CLEW platform offers significant benefits in both clinical and operational outcomes, based on the following points: Earlier knowledge of upcoming deterioration leads to early intervention (improved quality and safety of care, less clinical complications, reduction of average LOS) Risk classification of patients allows for acuity-based staffing and resource assignment Significantly fewer false alarms may increase staff efficiency, due to less time spent on reacting to alarms, as well as reduced alarm fatigue and burnout The ability to work-from-anywhere allows shifting of resources from bedside to telehealth, as well as an option to outsource intensivist coverage. "The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for better management of critical care resources. CLEW's solution will provide the European healthcare system with the tools to effectively manage ICU operations and provide better clinical outcomes, support the decision-making process for treatment, optimize workflow and resource allocation," Gal Salomon, CLEW CEO. "With our partner CLEW, we share the same goal of improving patient care and safety and are convinced of the need to act in the prevention of clinical risks to influence the quality of care, the performance and the attractiveness of the establishments. Technology now makes it possible to analyse data, identify and anticipate risks much earlier than was previously possible. CLEWICU is an innovative solution that meets the specific needs of the healthcare actors we have been supporting as Risk Manager for more than 90 years in France, but also in Spain, Italy and Germany," Pierre-Yves Antier, Relyens group Strategy, Innovation and Transformation Director and CLEW board member. To learn more about how machine learning and AI stand to deliver meaningful impact and improve patient value, click here and watch the video. About CLEW: Founded in 2015 in Israel, CLEW provides real-time AI analytics platforms designed to help hospitals and care makers perform better informed clinical decisions by predicting life-threatening complications across various medical care settings. CLEW Medical's goal is to provide reliable and proven solutions that can improve clinical outcomes and patient safety, streamline patient care, and efficiently handle regulations and penalties, ultimately lowering the cost of care. Originally developed and proven in the ICU, CLEW will develop machine learning models that have the potential to optimize clinical resources and guide health care providers in predicting patient deterioration, across all care settings. Connect with us at www.clewmed.com , on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/clewmed/ , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CLEWMedical/, and on Twitter @CLEWMedical . View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clew-registered-for-ce-expanding-its-commercial-reach-in-the-european-market-301244235.html SOURCE CLEW [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] China is pushing a "dual circulation" development pattern to sustain growth in the coming years, building up strength in both domestic demand and foreign trade to meet challenges in a new development stage. The "dual circulation" development paradigm, in which domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay, was mentioned as a guiding thought in a blueprint for China's development in the next five to 15 years, which is under review at the "two sessions." "We will advance the building of a strong domestic market and a strong trading nation in a concerted way, based on the domestic circulation," said 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. First put forward at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in May last year, the idea is expected to guide China through the post-COVID-19 recovery and help it better connect with the world. Domestic loop The domestic circulation will be key to the new development pattern, with detailed measures to be rolled out to expand domestic consumption and smoothen supply chains. The country will remove impediments to the rational flow of production factors, and create a higher-level dynamic equilibrium where supply and demand boost each other, according to the draft outline. The draft plan also called for efforts to expand the middle-income group in order to unleash the consumption potential. With its per capita GDP above 10,000 U.S. dollars and a middle-income group exceeding 400 million, China is already an upper middle-income economy by the World Bank standard. The number is likely to double by 2035 amid government efforts to push urbanization, making China the biggest consumption market in the world, said Li Daokui, an economist with Tsinghua University and a national political advisor. A smooth domestic economic cycle also requires advancement on the supply side, lawmakers and political advisors said, calling for more policy measures to boost innovation. The country should move faster to support the upgrade of companies so that they can tackle the bottlenecks constraining their growth, said Liu Yonghao, chairman of China's agricultural conglomerate New Hope Group and a national political advisor. The domestic farming industry, for example, still depends on overseas imports in terms of breeding animals including pigs and poultry, and research on new breeding varieties could reduce external reliance and boost profitability, Liu said. The draft outline has identified self-reliance in science and technology as a strategic underpinning for national development. For the next five years, China's research and development spending will grow by over 7 percent annually, it said. Open cycle While the domestic market is key to the new development paradigm, "dual circulation" is by no means a closed domestic loop. China will work to promote the coordinated development of both domestic and external demand, imports and exports, as well as foreign and outbound investment, the draft outline said, stressing that the country stays committed to further opening-up. Ning Jizhe, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that the country would further improve the business environment for foreign investment, implementing policies including cutting the number of sectors off-limits for foreign investors and incentivizing overseas investors in participating in the high-quality development of its manufacturing industry. For Li Dongsheng, chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL Group and a national lawmaker, the "dual circulation" is not only a development strategy at the national level, but also reflects the development needs of Chinese enterprises amid rising anti-globalization sentiment. While proposing that China should step up policy support for tech innovation to smoothen the domestic cycle, Li also suggested the government mobilize resources to facilitate the global operation and layout of firms. Twitter is taking a cue from Instagram and TikTok to build a community of content creators. The efforts include a new Super Follow feature that will allow users to monetise their content, including bonus tweets and newsletters. A possible roadblock for Twitter is likely to be the 30% cut levied by Google and Apple on their app stores. During a podcast session with The Verge, Kayvon Beykpour, head of consumer product, shared his thoughts on the controversial app store tax. The way I would think of this in the context of Super Follows where were building this layer that didnt exist before even if that $10 comes down to $7 because of a 30 per cent fee, thats still $7 more than youve been able to make on Twitter than before, Beykpour said. Were not in the business of getting around platform rules. Twitter is taking a cue from Instagram and TikTok to build a community of content creators. The efforts include a new Super Follow feature that will allow users to monetise their content, including bonus tweets and newsletters. A possible roadblock for Twitter is likely to be the 30% cut levied by Google and Apple on their app stores. During a podcast session with The Verge, Kayvon Beykpour, head of consumer product, shared his thoughts on the controversial app store tax. The way I would think of this in the context of Super Follows where were building this layer that didnt exist before even if that $10 comes down to $7 because of a 30 per cent fee, thats still $7 more than youve been able to make on Twitter than before, Beykpour said. Were not in the business of getting around platform rules. He said that the company had no intention of innovating around the payment flow. He added that Twitter wanted the creators to make money from the audience.|#+| Wed rather minimise as much effort as we can around the table stakes of facilitating payments so that we can spend our energy on innovating for creators and for super fans of the creators, he explained. Google and Apple have come under fire from app developers and regulators over various issues, including the controversial 30% tax. Top platforms such as Spotify and Epic Games have taken legal routes to challenge the alleged monopoly. When you take what we earn, you dont grow together. You grow at our cost. Young cos seek tax rebates & holidays from governments. And Google takes all this money spent by Indians on other Indians apps to offshores. Depriving us of our capital investments, jobs & growth. https://t.co/SUEfZuefq1 Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) October 5, 2020 Apple appears to have softened its position on the cut it takes on the in-app purchases. The company in December last year announced an App Store Small Business Programme to offer a reduced commission. Googles app store policies have also been challenged in India. After a backlash by Indian developers, Google was forced to defer its Play Store billing policy in the country to March 2022. San Mateo has documented 80 wasted doses since receiving its first vaccine allotment. "These were mostly early in the vaccination process and when vaccine was left out too long at room temperature due to an error," Dr. Anand Chabra, the vaccination branch chief for San Mateo County Health, wrote in a statement. "We have clinical staff actively monitoring vaccine during all county-run vaccination events to ensure that not even one doses is wasted, and have many practices in place to use end-of-day doses so that none is wasted." In Santa Clara County, the largest Bay Area county, with a population of nearly 2 million, the most recent data as of Feb. 22 revealed that 506 doses out of 413,233 total doses administered were wasted, or 0.12%. Alameda, San Francisco, Solano and Sonoma counties didn't provide specific numbers beyond saying very few vaccines don't get into arms. A report by ABC 7 News last month also adds some context to the region's overall waste and revealed that roughly 600 vaccines were wasted as of Feb. 19 across Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Sonoma and San Mateo counties. Counties said waste is not only due to expired or spoiled doses but can also occur because of malfunctioning syringes or needles, problems when reconstituting, diluting or drawing out doses, or other reasons. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is threatening to sue Austin health officials for its face mask order. On Tuesday, Austin and Travis County public health leaders announced they will continue requiring residents wear masks in public. The order operates as a public health mandate under the recommendations of Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott. Not long after, Paxton looked into the order, saying he will find "every avenue available to stop" Austin officials and their face mask actions. Come Wednesday, he tweeted that health authorities and officials have until 6 p.m. to rescind its mask mandate or he will sue them on behalf of the State of Texas. RELATED: Mask on: Restaurants and shops in San Antonio that are keeping mask requirements The face mask drama comes after Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his mandate Wednesday. He said business owners should make the decision to enforce face masks for their customers and staff, not the state or local officials. Escott issued the order but didn't announce how they'll enforce it, as Abbott's order explicitly says that no jurisdiction can impose jail time or other penalties for not wearing a mask. In the release, it only states complaints about non-compliance should be referred to 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). According to an existing acting order by Escott, noncompliance could also result in a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. The order has been in place since July. READ ALSO: 'I lost my mother': El Paso Mayor sends Abbott letter on why masks are powerful "Wearing a face covering is one of the easiest ways to slow the transmission of disease in our community," Escott stated in a news release Tuesday. "While vaccine administration is underway, we are still not in a place of herd immunity and need people to wear face coverings in public and around non-household members so we can avoid another surge of cases." Austin Mayor Steve Adler clarified on Tuesday that Escott is committed to defeating COVID-19 in Travis County, adding the city will employ whatever tools are available to support his orders for the sake of all Austin schools, businesses, and residents. Paxton said in his statement to Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown that the officials and their health authorities have no jurisdiction to threaten fines for non-compliance. He noted if they go to court, they will lose. In Bexar County, local officials don't plan to defy Abbott's order but are requiring businesses to post signs letting customers know whether they require masks or not, according to Joshua Fechter from the San Antonio Express-News. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Kathmandu, March 10 The first lot of chemical fertiliser it is importing from has finally arrived in the country, almost six months after it began a procedure for that. The Krishi Samagri Company Limited says 3,400 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser have arrived at its Birgunj and Biratnagar offices. Rajendra Karki, the information officer at Sirsiya Dry Port, in Birgunj says the port received 2,500 tonnes of the fertiliser last night. Likewise, additional 900 metric tonnes have arrived at Biratnagar. The government is purchasing 50,000 metric tonnes of urea from Bangladesh as per a government-to-government agreement. Of that, 22,500 metric tonnes have reached the Kolkata port now, and the remaining quantity after that will also arrive in a day or two, it has been learned. The fertiliser will be distributed through 41 distribution centres of the company. Nepal will receive the fertiliser at three points, namely: Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, and Birgunj. The two countries had initially discussed borrowing fertiliser from Bangladesh in September last year. Later, the government decided to buy it under a government-to-government agreement. Nepal is suffering from the chemical fertiliser crisis since early last year due to different factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and the contractors failure to keep their promises. A Brazilian Supreme Court justice annulled all sentences against former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday, paving the way for him to run in the country's 2022 presidential election. Da Silva was convicted twice for corruption and money laundering. In 2017, the left-wing former president was sentenced to nine years and six months in relation to a triplex in the beach town of Guaruja. Two years later, he was sentenced to 12 years in a similar case. Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin found the federal court in the southern city of Curitiba that issued both sentences did not have the jurisdiction to try the former president. The justice determined that both cases must be relaunched at a federal court in the capital, Brasilia. Seguin, Texas (78155) Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Regulatory News: AKKA (Paris:AKA) (BSE:AKA) (ISIN:FR0004180537), a leader in engineering consulting and R&D services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dharam SHEORAN as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AKKA North America. This appointment is a valuable step in furtherance of AKKA's global expansion and diversification strategy, with North America being a key element for the Group in its bid to serve its customers across geographies. Dharam is a business and technology executive with extensive leadership experience in the technology and engineering services industry. Dharam has 15+ years of senior management experience gained from a series of senior positions he held across the US, Europe and India at Wipro Limited, a global information technology, consulting and engineering services company. His latest role at the company being; Global Head of Automotive Vertical. Prior to that, Dharam led the Aerospace Defense Vertical and headed the Strategy Large Deals functions for the Manufacturing HiTech business unit. This broad leadership experience and in-depth knowledge of the US Automotive, Aerospace, Manufacturing and HiTech markets will be strong assets for the further enhancement of AKKA's positioning in North America. In his role as CEO AKKA North America, Dharam will be responsible for leading the teams across US and Canada and for leading and expanding AKKA's presence in India, which has been identified as a key location to augment the global delivery capabilities of the Group. Dharam's main focus will be on accelerating the sales momentum towards higher value-added engineering and digital solutions, repositioning our offerings in the region to increase our margins and growing the Group's footprint across the region. Commenting on the appointment, Dharam mentioned: "I am extremely excited to be joining the AKKA Group, which has a long history of technological innovation and delivery for top industry players. Leading the teams in North America and India, I am looking forward to leveraging the deep expertise and capabilities of the Group and strengthening local organization to accelerate growth in these geographies." Commenting on the appointment, Mauro Ricci, Chairman of the board Group CEO mentioned: "Today, AKKA North America enters a new phase of transformation and development. As we had agreed on, two years after the acquisition of PDS Tech and after a transition period, Cash Nickerson steps down from his executive position and transitions to his new role as Chairman of AKKA North America to drive the strategic direction of the Group in the region. I am delighted to welcome Dharam as CEO AKKA North America. In his new function, he will lead operations in North America and focus on selling engineering solutions in manufacturing and on digital solutions. Dharam will also play a crucial role in leading and enhancing our extended teams' growth in India. I am confident that, with the support of Cash and the local teams, he will be successful in this new journey, which will result in business repositioning and margin expansion in this region." ABOUT AKKA AKKA is the European leader in engineering consulting and R&D services in the mobility segment. As an innovation accelerator for its clients, AKKA supports leading industry players in the automotive, aerospace, rail and life sciences sectors throughout the life cycle of their products with cutting edge digital technologies (AI, ADAS, IoT, Big Data, robotics, embedded computing, machine learning, etc.). Founded in 1984, AKKA has a strong entrepreneurial culture and is pursuing its fast-paced growth and international development in line with its CLEAR 2022 strategic plan. With 22,000 employees, who are passionate about technology and dedicated to advancing the future of industry, the Group recorded revenues of 1.8 billion in 2019. Following the completion of the friendly take-over bid of Data Respons launched in January 2020, AKKA now holds 100% of the company's shares; with the success of this operation, AKKA leverages the most comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions in Europe to harness the growing demand from its customers in the mobility sector. AKKA Technologies is listed on Euronext Paris and Brussels Segment A ISIN code: FR0004180537. For more information, please visit: https://www.akka-technologies.com/?lang=fr Follow us on: https://twitter.com/akka_tech?lang=fr View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005781/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Stephanie Bia Group Communications Investor Relations Director Tel: +33(0) 6 47 85 98 78 stephanie.bia@akka.eu FTI Consulting akka@fticonsulting.com Media Relations, France Emily Oliver Alexandre Sehier-Vilmart Tel.: +33(0) 1 47 03 68 65 Kantar Promotes Foged for New Combined ANZ Role In Melbourne, Kantar has promoted Jon Foged to the newly created role of Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Insights arm - he was previously CEO of the division in Australia. Jason Shoebridge, CEO of Kantar New Zealand, will leave the business in April. Foged (pictured) has worked for Kantar for seventeen years, and prior to the CEO Australia position was Chief Strategic and Business Development Officer for the APAC region, and CEO for Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. Earlier, he held MD roles in Singapore and Malaysia. He takes over responsibility for the New Zealand region from Shoebridge, who joined Kantar in 2010 and moved into the NZ CEO position five years ago. Wayne Levings, APAC President for Kantar's Insights division, thanked Shoebridge for his leadership, adding: 'Jason has ensured that Kantar New Zealand has been a leader in the strength of its relationships and profitability, and together with his team, has won several industry accolades and is steadfastly admired by clients and colleagues alike'. Levings says the creation of Foged's new role is a culmination of a multi-year transformation of the firm's presence in the region. 'Jon and his leadership teams have a clear history of building strong performing businesses across APAC. He has a core mantra focused on our people, our culture and our clients and we are looking forward to his leadership to continue the growth of our businesses in Australia and New Zealand', he adds. Web site: www.kantar.com . Dickens & Madson has a $2M agreement to represent the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to assist in explaining the real situation in the country." Myanmars military staged a coup on Feb. 1 then launched a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators that has led to at least 60 deaths. The US has condemned the military junta. We call on the military and police to cease all attacks on peaceful protesters, immediately release all those unjustly detained, stop attacks on and intimidation of journalists and activists, and restore the democratically elected government, secretary of state Tony Blinken said on Feb. 22. Dickens & Madson, which is based in Montreal, is to counsel Myanmars government and to advocate on its behalf before the Biden administration and Congress in support of humanitarian aid for its people. It also will push for the removal or modification of existing US sanctions on Myanmar. D&M, which signed its agreement with Myanmar on March 4, also represents the country in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel and Russia, as well as before the United Nations, African Union and NGOs. Detectives from the PSNIs organised crime unit seized suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of 510,000 and arrested a manon Tuesday. Suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of over half a million pounds was seized by the PSNIs organised crime unit on Tuesday at Larne harbour. A 37-year-old man has been charged with a number of drug related offences and is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday. Detectives working alongside the Border Force, HMRC, and the roads and district policing unit, stopped a lorry at the harbour at around 7.10pm. A large quantity of suspected cannabis - worth 510,000 - was seized from the vehicle during the proactive policing operation. The male has been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug, possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, and possession of an offensive weapon. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Detective Superintendent Zoe McKee said: The nature of serious and organised crime, in this case, the illegal trafficking of drugs for profit, is a very concerning and deeply impactive issue. Within PSNIs organised crime unit, we are pleased to work with partners in thwarting the activities of criminals. The harm caused by illegal drugs cannot be underestimated and neither should our resolve to continue to make Northern Ireland a hostile environment for those involved in drug dealing within our communities. These criminal elements often operate as part of a wider organised crime group and prey on the most vulnerable in order to benefit themselves. Detective Superintendent McKee added: We work better together and as part of a collective effort to monitor and target criminals who seek to exploit the common travel area, members of the Organised Crime Task Force, have demonstrated their commitment to disrupting those who seek to cause harm through the illegal importation and supply of drugs in Northern Ireland. Police also appealed to anyone with information about illegal drug use or supply, to call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, reports can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) In countries with historic ties to Britain, allegations by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that an unnamed member of the royal family had concerns over how dark their unborn babys skin might be have raised a thorny question: Do those nations really want to be so closely connected to Britain and its royal family anymore? It was expected the interview would expose more rifts in the royal family. Now it seems to be risking divisions within the family of the Commonwealth an association of 54 countries, most of them former British colonies, held together by historic ties. For decades, Queen Elizabeth II has been the driving force behind the Commonwealth. After the TV interview, shown in the U.S. on the eve of Commonwealth Day, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull cited it as another reason for the country to sever its constitutional ties to the British monarchy. After the end of the queens reign, that is the time for us to say: OK, weve passed that watershed, Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Do we really want to have whoever happens to be the head of state, the king or queen of the U.K., automatically our head of state? The value of the Commonwealth has been debated before, with critics questioning if countries and people once colonized and even oppressed should remain in such an association with a former colonizer. Its stated aim is to improve international relations, but Britains relationship with the members has been clouded by diplomatic missteps and the legacy of empire. In a speech to mark Commonwealth Day on Monday, the queen spoke of the spirit of unity. Charismatic royals like Harry and Meghan have been deployed in the past to Commonwealth-related events with young people, businesses and volunteer groups. But their interview this week opens our eyes further on the merits of the Commonwealth, wrote Nicholas Sengoba, a newspaper columnist in the former colony of Uganda. He cited unresolved issues in his country relating to the abuses of colonialism and questioned whether the heads of Commonwealth countries should still be proud to eat dinner with members of the British royal family, considering the accusations. Meghan, who is biracial, had said in the interview that an unidentified member of the royal family had raised concerns about the color of her baby with Harry when she was pregnant with her son, Archie, and that the palace failed to help her when she had suicidal thoughts. Buckingham Palace said Tuesday the allegations of racism by Harry and Meghan were concerning and would be addressed privately by the royal family. Reaction to the interview was especially fierce in Africa. It was encapsulated by one Twitter user in South Africa who wrote: Its Britain and the royal family. What did you expect? They oppressed us for years. Meghan and Harry traveled to South Africa in 2019, where their impending split with the royal family became clearer and they even spoke of possibly living there. Mohammed Groenewald, who showed them around at a mosque in Cape Town, was still digesting the interview, which was only shown in South Africa on Monday. But he said that, more than anything, it sparked memories of British colonial racism. It comes out very clearly, he said. In Kenya, a former colony where a young Princess Elizabeth was visiting in 1952 when she learned about the death of her father and thus that she would become queen, news of the interview also has begun appearing in the countrys newspapers. We feel very angry seeing our fellow African sister being harassed because she is black, said Nairobi resident Sylvia Wangari, referring to Meghan. She added that Kenyans in 1952 did not show Elizabeth any racism, and she stayed here without us showing her any discrimination. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to comment on the interview. He said many institutions in Canada are built around colonialism and systematic racism, including Parliament, and he said the answer is to listen to Canadians who face discrimination so that institutions can be fixed. The answer is not to suddenly toss out all the institutions and start over, Trudeau said. I wish all the members of the royal family all the best, but my focus is getting through this pandemic. If people want to later talk about constitutional change and shifting our system of government thats fine, and they can have those conversations, but right now Im not having those conversations. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the opposition New Democratic Party, said the monarchy is in no way beneficial to Canadians in terms of their everyday life. And with the systematic racism that weve seen, it seems to be in that institution as well, he said. The interview was not shown on TV in India, the Commonwealths most populous member country with 1.3 billion people, but it still was covered by the media and drew negative reactions from the public toward the royals. Behind that whole elegant facade are thoughts that are not so elegant. said fashion writer Meenakshi Singh. Lawyer Sunaina Phul said the Commonwealth is relevant to the royal family, of course, because it shows that they ruled so many places. I dont know why we are still a part of it. Meghan and Harrys complaints of racism show that it is time for her country to end its relationship with the royal family, said a retired professor in Kingston, Jamaica. What it should mean for us is that we should jump up and get rid of the queen as the head of state, Carolyn Cooper said. Its a disreputable institution. Its responsible for the enslavement of millions of us who came here to work on plantations. Its part of the whole legacy of colonialism and we need to get rid of it. Italians face dying a year earlier due to the pandemic while the Covid lockdown in Spain has seen births plummet to record lows. Average life expectancy in Italy fell by a year to 82.3 years, the country's national statistics office revealed on Wednesday. In Spain just 23,226 babies were born in December, a fifth less than in the same month last year, and the lowest figure since the Second World War. These record-breaking trends in life expectancy and births have been mirrored throughout Europe, including in Britain, where Covid and the draconian restrictions imposed to combat the disease have irrevocably changed demographics. In Britain, PwC has forecast there will have been just 569,000 babies born in 2020 - the lowest figure since 1900 and even worse than the numbers during the world wars. Gravediggers working in Italy at the height of the Covid pandemic which saw the north of the country ravaged by the virus. Average life expectancy in Italy fell by a year to 82.3 years, the country's national statistics office revealed on Wednesday. In Spain, just 23,226 babies were born in December, a fifth less than in the same month last year, and the lowest figure since the Second World War (stock image) Meanwhile a study by researchers at Oxford found that life expectancy had fallen by 0.9 and 1.2 years for females and males compared to the year before respectively. Life expectancy in the UK has steadily improved over the last five decades, and although it had stagnated in more recent years, to see it fall comes as a huge shock. Life expectancy was 83.5 for females and 79.9 for males in 2019, with the Oxford researchers predicting that these numbers had fallen to 82.6 and 78.7 respectively. Italy's national statistics office Istat said on Wednesday that life expectancy had fallen most in the northern regions which were hardest hit by the pandemic and the first affected in Europe. Life expectancy in Lombardy fell from 83.7 years in 2019 to 81.2 years. Before the pandemic took its toll, life expectancy across Italy had risen from 81.7 years in 2010 to 83.2 years in 2019, putting the country near the top of European Union tables. The bloc's average stood at 81 years in 2018, according to Istat, the most recent EU-wide statistic. Estimates for 2020 'suggest a sudden halt and a significant reversal of the trend of continuous improvement in life expectancy observed in recent years,' Istat said. In Madrid, the INE statistics agency revealed the lowest number of December births since 1941 which it linked to having had one of Europe's strictest lockdowns. 'Even though the number of births has been in a constant decline trend for several years, the fall has been accentuated nine months after the lockdown during the first state of (coronavirus) emergency,' an INE statement said. However, even though Spain's initial coronavirus lockdown remained in effect for the whole of April 2020, the number of babies born in January 2021, nine months later, edged up a little to 24,061. Demographics experts have been forecasting a baby bust across Europe for 2021, as young people of child-bearing age have generally suffered the worst economic hit from lockdowns to to contain the spread of COVID-19. Spain's fertility rate, the second lowest in Europe after tiny Malta, is still suffering the consequences of the double-dip recession caused by financial and debt crises in 2008-2012. Similar pandemic-associated declines in births have emerged in neighbouring European countries hit hard by the pandemic such as Italy and France. Births in Italy in December plunged by 21.6%, according to a survey released by statistics agency ISTAT, while births fell to the lowest level in France in 2020 since World War Two, according to the French statistics agency INSEE. In Spain, births were already falling fast before the coronavirus, posting a 16% drop between 2014 and 2019. As well as emotional challenges for couples wanting children, in the long run there will also be economic challenges for countries that may face years of struggle to pull themselves out of the economic slump caused by the pandemic. Fewer births means fewer and older workers. This could over time crimp economic output and strain public pension schemes and welfare systems, widening the gap between the richer north of Europe, where birth rates are higher, and the poorer south. Mumbai, March 10 : Private sector lender Axis Bank on Wednesday introduced wearable devices to carry out contactless transactions. Accordingly, the bank launched its wearable devices brand, 'Wear 'N' Pay'. "Axis Bank has become the first bank to introduce a new line of wearable devices that can be incorporated into existing accessories or worn easily to carry out contactless transactions on the go," the bank said in a statement. "These devices come in a variety of accessories like band, key chain and watch loop that factor in practical usage and are available at a fee point of Rs 750, making it affordable for customers." According to the bank, the wearables are directly linked to the customers' bank account and function like a regular debit card. "This allows purchases to be done at any merchant who accepts contactless transactions. Wear N Pay devices can be purchased via phone banking or at any Axis Bank branch. Non-customers can also enjoy Wear N Pay devices by opening an account either online through Video KYC or by visiting their nearest Axis Bank branch." The bank partnered with Thales and Tappy Technologies to design and create these products, which are exclusively available on the Mastercard platform. Nature lovers, there's a new trail to check out in San Antonio. The city's parks and recreational department announced on Monday that its newest trail, Maverick Creek Greenway, is now open. The Maverick Greenway Trail is a .7-mile trail that runs along Maverick Creek from Dan Markson Park (north of the Babcock-Hausman intersection) and continues southward, where it connects with the Huesta Creek Greenway Trail and ultimately further south, the Leon Creek Greenway Trail. RELATED: Texas State Parks expand capacity starting Wednesday In 2018, the department started planning the new trial. Construction began in May 2020. The land is mostly natural and features native trees and landscape. Along the trail, you will find an amphitheater, which was built as part of the trail project (just north of the trailhead parking). Amenities include a drinking fountain, accessible restroom, inclusive playground, and security lighting. Although the face mask mandate ended Wednesday in Texas, San Antonio is still requiring the use of them at all city-owned facilities, including parks and trails. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. BATON ROUGE Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the State of Louisiana has signed an agreement with NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility that could lead to creation of the Louisiana Space Campus, a dedicated 50-acre business park within NASAs 829-acre site in New Orleans. The space campus would target commercial office development, with contemporary amenities, for existing Michoud tenants and new prospects from the public and private sector to support Michoud Assembly Facility and other industry in New Orleans East. NASA and Louisiana Economic Development signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to mutually explore development of the space campus to its highest and best use. This year, as we celebrate 60 years of NASAs operation of the Michoud Assembly Facility, we proudly announce a new chapter in this sites storied history, Gov. Edwards said. We are excited about partnering with NASA for the development of the Louisiana Space Campus, and we look forward to the future tenants who would locate here. From the days of the Apollo missions to the development of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, we have long looked to Michoud for a glimpse at our destiny in space. The Louisiana Space Campus will help us fulfill that destiny. The main building at Michoud Assembly Facility, or MAF, encompasses 43 acres of climate-controlled manufacturing space, and hosts both government and commercial tenants, including Boeing, which is assembling the Space Launch System, or SLS, Artemis rocket; and Lockheed Martin, which is developing the Orion crew capsule. The site has an extensive history of hosting defense and civil agencies, along with contractors that support the development of technological products and services. The Louisiana Space Campus would build on that foundation with a new initiative to attract leading-edge tenants. NASA is excited to enter into this MOU with the State of Louisiana to explore the concept of the Louisiana Space Campus, said Director Robert Champion of NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility. For 60 years, NASA has enjoyed a great partnership with Louisiana that has propelled the success of our nation to launch humans into space. This MOU represents an opportunity to further strengthen that partnership as the work at MAF moves us a step closer to landing the first woman and next man on the moon. MAF has been dedicated to NASA activities since 1961, including the development and construction of space vehicles. Major achievements include building Saturn V rockets for 13 Apollo and Skylab missions; development of 135 external tanks that fueled Space Shuttle flights; and current SLS rocket and Orion crew capsule assembly. Prior to NASAs takeover of the site, Michoud served as the home of continuous government interagency activity since the 1940s, including assembly of Sherman and Patton tank engines by the Chrysler Corp. Right here in New Orleans at the Michoud Assembly Facility, the rockets to take Americans into outer space are now being built, and will continue to be built, to transport them to Mars, said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. This agreement will further drive transformative development in New Orleans East, which is already becoming a major hub for STEM in our city. With continued partnership from the state, a Louisiana Space Campus will not only provide jobs and economic opportunity, but will also inspire us all, particularly our young people, to dream big and boldly. In many respects, development of the Louisiana Space Campus would mirror the Water Campus located between downtown Baton Rouge and LSUs main campus. The 35-acre Water Campus has attracted more than $100 million in public and private investment during its first phase, with long-range plans projecting a potential 4,000 scientists, engineers, researchers and support personnel connected to the campus. In New Orleans, some 3,500 jobs already are associated with Michoud Assembly Facility operations, including the U.S. Coast Guards Base New Orleans that supports more than 900 regional personnel. The Michoud Assembly Facility is a critical asset to Americas space program as well as Southeast Louisiana, said U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise. Im pleased with todays announcement of an MOU between the state and NASA, continuing strong federal and state support for NASAs space program and the men and women who go to work at Michoud every day. Situated in Louisianas 2nd Congressional District, the Michoud Assembly Facility is a strategic asset that has long enjoyed the support of former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation, support that has helped position the state for the transformative next step of a space campus. Business investment at the space campus would not be limited to aerospace functions, but businesses in that sector would be encouraged to explore the possibilities of the new campus. NASA would have the ability to evaluate potential tenants, ensuring that there are no security or environmental concerns for the broader MAF site. The execution of an MOU between LED and NASA is an exciting development for greater New Orleans and Louisiana, said President and CEO Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. The creation of an office park for rocket scientists would not only support NASA, and Americas space mission, but would also create a physical hub for hundreds of STEM-related jobs in the region and state. A dying female mounted police officer has had her final wish granted by the NSW Mounted Police - to smell and see a horse one final time. Rita Meredith (nee Browning), 75, was overjoyed to spend precious time with NSW Mounted Police horses Hollywood and Don, which were brought by their handlers to meet her at Calvary Mater Newcastle, from their base at Redfern, Sydney. Ms Meredith, who is believed to have been the first female mounted police officer in the United Kingdom in her 20s, is not expected to leave the palliative facility. Seriously ill former mounted officer Rita Meredith (nee Browning), 75, was overjoyed to spend precious time with NSW Mounted Police horses Hollywood and Don at Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital NSW police officers Graham and Nicole were accompanied by the handsome Don and Hollywood who made Rita's day 'She thought they were absolutely beautiful, and couldn't believe that the police took the time to drive the five hour round trip just to see her,' her son, Robert Parnaby, told Daily Mail Australia. 'There were plenty of tears shed and beautiful memories made,' Ms Meredith's daughter-in-law Emily Sykes wrote in a moving Facebook post, which was shared by the NSW Police. 'Police officers Graham and Nicole were accompanied by the very handsome Hollywood and Don and they sure made Rita's day (and all the staff that were awestruck!)' 'They were amazingly patient, answered all our questions and let Rita (and the rest of us) pat them and feed them apples.' Ms Sykes wrote that her mother-in-law was 'is currently quite unwell and is not expected to return home' from the hospital. 'She is spending her days at the hospice at Calvary mater in Newcastle being very well looked after. Her main wish before she passed was to smell/see a horse for one more time.' Ms Sykes also shared a black and white photo of her mother-in-law, Ms Meredith, on horseback meeting the Queen Mother in 1967. 'After 2 years of service she decided to try the mounted police. She was the first female mounted police officer in the UK (possibly the world?) - a pretty special feat for a very special lady.' Then Rita Browning (pictured on her horse Neville) meeting The Queen Mother in 1967 in the United Kingdom, when she was one of the world's first female mounted officers Rita Meredith (nee Browning) a former mounted police officer, now 75, meets one of the animals she so loved for probably the last time 'She has done plenty of other extraordinary things in her life, but these days are always looked back at fondly and some of the best she recalls.' Robert Parnaby told Daily Mail Australia that when Rita met Queen Elizabeth, also known as The Queen Mother, her horse nibbled on her royal coat. 'When meeting the queen mum her horse Neville tried to eat the fur on the cuff of the Queen mum's coat, the queen mum laughed it off and said how wonderful it is to have a girl in that job.' He said the family arrived in Australia in 1991, and she worked tirelessly as a foster carer in this country. 'Since then she has been a foster carer for children with a disability only giving that up around 10 years ago,' Robert Parnaby told Daily Mail Australia. 'She had 61 kids through the house over the years.' Campus to double capacity to train francophone teachers thanks to partnership with new Carrefour communautaire francophone To meet the pressing need to increase the number of qualified francophone teachers in Ontario, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Education is joining with Windsor's new Carrefour communautaire francophone to expand its French-language teacher education programs. The University is investing $1.2 million to renovate and furnish new spaces for the Windsor campus at the Carrefour communautaire francophone, located at 720 Ouellette Avenue, in downtown Windsor. This community hub will bring together a variety of organizations and French-language services under one roof. The Windsor expansion will increase the campus's capacity to train educators ready to work in the region's francophone schools. "Our new facilities at the Carrefour communautaire francophone will allow us to double the number of students on campus to 120, by offering not only the primary/junior program but also adding a new junior/intermediate program with cohorts of 30 students a year for a two-year program," says Nicole Baillargeon, Windsor campus coordinator. "We will have a worthy francophone university campus for Southwest Ontario. The partnerships with the Centre communautaire francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent as well as our school partners, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde and the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, will be win-win as we move towards our shared vision." The University of Ottawa Windsor campus has operated for over 20 years in a space at the Ecole elementaire L'Envolee, part of the Conseil scolaire Viamonde. The campus is an important spot for francophone teacher education in Southwest Ontario. Initially, the teacher education program only had a handful of students. Over the years, it has developed and currently has around 60 future French-language teachers. It will continue to grow under its new roof. "The University of Ottawa is the main university for francophone teacher education in Ontario," says Richard Barwell, Dean of the uOttawa Faculty of Education. "Our Faculty has been a long-standing partner in the region's francophone community and we're proud to be associated with the Carrefour communautaire francophone, a focal point for Franco-Ontarians in Windsor. There's a major shortage of French-language teachers in the province. This project will enable us to considerably increase our capacity to educate future teachers in Southwest Ontario, and to diversify our program offerings in Windsor." The new facilities will be equipped with the latest classroom technology and meet accessibility standards. And in addition to the teacher education program, the new space will also be able to host professional development activities and a master's program. "The University of Ottawa is firmly committed to improving access to postsecondary education in French in Ontario, as indicated in the law that created it. Expanding our presence in Windsor is one more step towards our wish to play a leading role in revitalizing francophone minority communities," says Sanni Yaya, Vice-President International and Francophonie. "There is strong demand for our programs in Southwest Ontario and we've reached the saturation point with our current spaces. Increasing our capacity will ensure an active offer of postsecondary programs in French and thus close the door to assimilation." "We are very excited to welcome within our new francophone community hub the Windsor campus of the University of Ottawa," says Andre Gagnon, President of the Centre communautaire francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent (CCFWEK). "It's a solid partnership that will augment the visibility of our partners and the francophone community's capacity, in all its diversity." The new University of Ottawa Windsor campus will open in 2022. ### The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons announced today he is 'taking time away from the band' to 'examine my blindspots' after a Twitter pile-on for praising a controversial right-wing writer. Winston Marshall, the son of Brexit-supporting millionaire Sir Paul Marshall, was attacked on social media after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend, calling him a 'brave man' and hailing his 'important' book Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy. After a barrage of tweets accusing him of 'endorsing fascism', the band held crisis talks on Sunday, after which bandmates Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, along with their management, reportedly asked Marshall to leave the group. A source claimed that Marshall's staunchly right-wing views had been causing 'tension' in the band for some time, and that the decision was made to let him go in order to protect the band's 'image' in the traditionally left-leaning world of folk music. Early this morning, Marshall, whose investor father is worth 630m, said he was leaving the group after 14 years - leading one critic of cancel culture to write: 'Never appease the hate mob, you should have stood by your words'. Winston Marshall was attacked on social media after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend. In 2015, Marshall married Glee star Dianna Agron, before the couple divorced in August 2020. They are seen together in New York in 2015 Ngo's (left) book Unmasked claims to expose Antifa - the name for protesters in the US who arrive at far-right marches to oppose them - as a 'violent extremist movement'. Pictured right: Marshall's tweet Early this morning, Marshall, the son of Brexit-supporting investor Sir Paul Marshall, who is worth 630m, said he was leaving the group after 14 years Sir Paul Marshall, Winston Marshall's father, who is worth 680m Marshall, 33, said in a statement posted on Twitter: 'Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. 'I have offended not only a lot of people I don't know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry. Winston Marshall: Founding band member and son of Brexit-supporting investor worth 630m Marshall, 33, was born in Wandsworth, south-west London, and attended 25,000-per-year St Paul's school - was a founding member of Mumford & Sons. His father is the investor Sir Paul Marshall, who is worth 630m, and donated 100,000 to the Leave campaign in the run up to the Brexit referendum. In 2015, he married Glee star Dianna Agron, before the couple divorced in August 2020. The notoriously private couple tied the knot at the Beldi Country Club in Morocco in 2016, following a whirlwind romance and lived in New York. The couple were first rumoured to be dating back in 2015 when Dianna was pictured holding hands with Marshall when she joined his band on tour in Paris. Before marrying Marshall, Agron had dated fellow actors Alex Pettyfer, Sebastian Stan and Thomas Cocquerel. Marshall is rumoured to have dated Katy Perry just before she got together with Orlando Bloom. Advertisement 'As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots. 'For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention.' Mumford & Sons last irritated left-wing supporters in 2019 after posing for a photo alongside Canadian professor and YouTube personality Jordan Peterson, a well-known critic of cancel culture who has also made controversial comments about Islam and immigration. Mumford - who is married to actress Carey Mulligan, 35 - later said the post was not an endorsement of the academic's views, and argued in favour of free speech. 'We love the opportunity to disagree and I think that's something that's at risk of being quashed to too much of an extent,' he said. Today, a source told The Sun that Marshall's right-wing politics had been causing 'tension' in the band for some time. 'There has been a rift forming for the past four years with some people even going as far to say he has been ''radicalised'',' the source said. 'Marcus would always be an advocate for his right to free speech and for him to believe what he wants. 'But his tweet on Sunday was the final straw and they said they couldn't put up with it any longer because it massively impacts the band's image.' Ngo's book Unmasked claims to expose Antifa - the name for protesters in the US who arrive at far-right marches to oppose them - as a 'violent extremist movement'. Critics say it inflates the size and threat of the left-wing Antifa movement, which was a frequent target of Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Times describes the book as 'supremely dishonest'. In his tweet, Marshall wrote to Ngo: 'Finally had the time to read your important book. You're a brave man'. The book recounts how Ngo was attacked and 'milkshaked' by militant anti-fascist protesters in 2019 - along with the history and tactics of the Antifa movement. The band in 2019. Pictured from left to right: Winston Marshall, Ted Dwane, Marcus Mumford and Ben Lovett Fans took to Twitter to slam Marshall's tweet about Ngo's book - which was later deleted But there was also anger at Marshall leaving the ban, with one commentator saying, 'Never try to appease the hate mob' Footage at the time showed Ngo being punched, kicked and covered in milkshake by members of the 'Antifa' movement. Ngo was seen attempting to get away from the crowd, some of whom follow him and throw milkshakes and other objects at his head. At least three demonstrators from Antifa, the collective term for a militant far-left protest movement, who oppose the far-right, were arrested. The writer tweeted afterwards that he was bleeding and had been robbed of his camera equipment and was heading to the hospital for treatment. He said: 'Attacked by antifa. Bleeding. They stole my camera equipment. No police until after. waiting for ambulance . If you have evidence of attack please help.' Mumford is married to Carey Mulligan. They are seen together in London last year wearing a charity t-shirt to raise money for Comic Relief Andy Ngo: Right-wing 'provocateur' whose book described Antifa as a 'violent extremist movement' Andy Ngo, 35, is a conservative American journalist from Portland, Oregon, who has sparked controversy for his reporting on street clashes between left and right-wing protesters in the US. Ngo is editor-at-large of news site The Post Millennial and regularly appears on Fox News. He has also written columns for several publications including The Spectator and the Wall Street Journal. Ngo came to national attention in 2019, when he was attacked by far-left antifa protesters at a march by the right-wing extremist group the Proud Boys in Portland, Oregon. His book, Unmasked: Inside Antifa's radical plan to destroy democracy, claims to expose Antifa - the name for protesters in the US who arrive at far-right marches to oppose them - as a 'violent extremist movement'. It claimed his attack was just one example of 'a long list of crimes perpetrated by antifa' and 'tells the story of this violent extremist movement from the very beginning'. He includes interviews with former Antifa members and people who have been attacked by the group to suggest it wants to 'destroy the nation-state, America in particular'. Ngo calls the book 'a letter of gratitude to the nation that welcomed' his parents when they emigrated from war-torn Vietnam, and claims Antifa consists of 'violent leftists' who want to undermine American democracy. One of the ways it does this - Ngo - claims, is to attack 'responsible' journalists like him who are reporting on them activities in an attempt to scare them into submission. The book has been criticised by some media outlets as inaccurate. In the same year it was published, a video surfaced online of Ngo laughing and smiling alongside members of Patriot Prayer, another far-right group, who later attacked antifa members gathered at a nearby bar. At the time, Portland Mercury journalist Alex Zielinski reported that 'there's no way [Ngo] couldn't know the group was planning on instigating violence' - but Ngo denied this claim. Ngo is well known for videoing clashes between left and right wing protesters and posting them online - often with a lively commentary that has attracted criticism in some quarters. Advertisement Adding: 'On way to hospital. Was beat on face and head multiple times in downtown in middle of street with fists and weapons. Suspects at large.' Ngo has in the past associated himself with US group Proud Boys, who are self-described 'western chauvinists' and identified as a 'hate group' by anti-extremist organisation the Southern Poverty Law Centre. Mumford fans quickly criticised Marshall for his tweet - with one writing: 'Certainly left a nasty taste in my mouth. I'll be listening to anybody but M&S from now on. Another wrote: 'This is so damn disappointing and really reinforces all the bad stereotypes about what it means when you hear 'the sound of banjos.' Supporting fascism ain't a good look.' But today his departure from the band was met with anger from defenders of free speech. Australian journalist Rita Panahi wrote: 'Never try to appease the hate mob. You should've stood by your words which were perfectly reasonable & considered.' And another Twitter user said: 'This is sad. I followed you knowing that you were brave enough to say how you feel. 'How is a book that's reporting on something we can all see- be hurting anyone? Sorry you couldn't educate those who pressured you, but instead caved.' Marshall was born in Wandsworth, south-west London, and attended 25,000-per-year St Paul's school - was a founding member of Mumford & Sons. In 2015, he married Glee star Dianna Agron, before the couple divorced in August 2020. The notoriously private couple tied the knot at the Beldi Country Club in Morocco in 2016, following a whirlwind romance and lived in New York. The couple were first rumoured to be dating back in 2015 when Dianna was pictured holding hands with Marshall when she joined his band on tour in Paris. Before marrying Marshall, Agron had dated fellow actors Alex Pettyfer, Sebastian Stan and Thomas Cocquerel. Marshall is rumoured to have dated Katy Perry just before she got together with Orlando Bloom. MailOnline has contacted representatives for the band and Winston Marshall for comment. Ngo's book recounts how he was attacked and 'milkshaked' by militant anti-fascist protesters in 2019 - along with the history and tactics of the Antifa movement Ngo, who describes himself in his Twitter bio as 'hated by Antifa', is seen attempting to get away from the crowd HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th March, 2021) The Estonian government has approved a proposal by Health and Labor Minister Tanel Kiik to request the supply of an additional 660,552 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines as part of joint EU procurement to increase the rate of vaccination in the country, the Ministry of Social Affairs said in a statement. "The main obstacle to vaccination progress so far has been the limited number of vaccines that have arrived in Estonia and the uncertainty about the supply, which will decrease in the second quarter. Discussions are currently underway at the European Union level, during which we may also request additional quantities of vaccines for Estonia. We use this opportunity to speed up vaccination," the ministry quoted Kiik as saying. The total EU vaccine portfolio includes vaccines from eight manufacturers (Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, CureVac, Sanofi, Novavax, Valneva). Estonia has so far joined the EU co-procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from five manufacturers: Pfizer / BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV and CureVac. Estonia may purchase a total of 5,229,362 vaccine doses. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Observers and members of the media look on as Clark County election workers scan mail-in ballots at the Clark County Election Department in North Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 20, 2020. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Nevada Democratic Party Staff Quit After Socialists Take Leadership: Report All the staff of the Nevada Democratic Party quit after Democratic Socialist (DSA) candidates took over leadership positions. On Saturday, Judith Whitmer, who was elected Chairwoman of the Nevada Democratic Party, received an email from Alana Mounce, the partys executive director, announcing that she would be leaving her position. Mounce first congratulated Whitmer and then said she was quitting along with every other employee and consultant, who would be taking their severance packages with them, according to a report from The Intercept. Judith Whitmer, the former Clark County Democratic Party Chair and Clark County Left Caucus Chair, ran on the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) slate. Her DSA coalition won 2 vice-chairs, and a party secretary and treasurer. Regarding the mass exodus of party staff, Whitmer told The Intercept, We werent really surprised, in that we were prepared for it, But what hit us by surprise and was sort of shocking is that for a slate that claimed that they were all about unity, and kept this false narrative of division going on throughout the entire campaignin fact, they kept intensifying thatthats what was surprising about it, was the willingness to just walk away, instead of working with us. Former Clark County Democratic Chair Donna West, Whitmers predecessor who resigned last summer, said Whitmer didnt try to bridge gaps within the party. She does not listen to others opinions and really take those on board, I found that working with her could be really difficult, that she doesnt really collaborate well, and doesnt work to build consensus, West said. The Nevada Democratic Party didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comments. In the past few years, DSA-leading Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) campaign invested in Nevada to motivate young Latino voters, helping him win the Nevada caucuses in the 2020 election. Democratic presidential hopefuls former Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Sen. Bernie Sanders greet each other with a safe elbow bump before the start of the 11th Democratic Party 2020 presidential debate in a CNN Washington Bureau studio in Washington on March 15, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) After Sanders campaign closed, his supporters didnt stop, instead, they utilized the momentum to push forward, winning a majority on the states Democratic board in the summer of 2020. The Intercept said its a battle between the insurgent progressive wing of the party and whats known in Nevada as the Reid machinea tightly run operation still guided by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Then-U.S. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Capitol Hill in Washington on Dec. 8, 2016. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) In the 2016 election, Sanders organized his own supporters while Reid was working for Hilary Clinton, Sanders opponent and winner of the primary. A murder suspect from Brooklyn was released from Rikers Island erroneously in the early morning hours on Tuesday due to a clerical error. Police have now launched a manhunt to bring him back to face justice. Christopher Buggs, 26, had been imprisoned for over three years without bail while waiting for his murder trial. Christopher Buggs, 26, was released from Rikers Island due to a clerical error According to the New York Daily News, Buggs was sentenced to 30 days of time served in a separate criminal contempt case. When the paperwork was filed, however, that sentence was also listed as the final disposition in the murder case, an error that went unnoticed. Because of this, Buggs was released from Otis Bantum Correctional Center at 2am on Tuesday morning in an 'erroneous discharge,' as the Correction Department is calling it. He is considered to be armed and dangerous. Buggs was awaiting trial in the murder of Ernest Brownlee, 55, who was killed on January 29, 2018. 'They need to find this guy,' Winifred Mackins, Brownlee's widow, said to the Daily News after Buggs' release. 'I dont like this. Im angry. Im (feeling) everything.' A spokesman for the New York City Corrections department said a 'full investigation into how this happened' was now under way. 'Right now we are working with our law enforcement partners to return this individual to custody,' said Corrections spokesman Peter Thorne. Buggs was awaiting trial in the 2018 murder of Ernest Brownlee, which happened in Brooklyn Brownlee was gunned down outside of a Bedford-Stuyvesant bodega in Brooklyn, where was waiting for an order of pepper steak for lunch. His widow said: 'He was kind and generous to me and the kids. His grandkids still come to stay and say, 'Hey grandma, wheres grandpa at?'' 'He was a good man,' Alita Mackins, Brownlee's sister-in-law, told the Daily News at the time of the murder. 'He had his problems, but he did his time. He was out working hard, taking care of his wife, whos ill.' The New York City Council voted to close the Rikers Island jail by 2026 (stock) Buggs' release is not the first time the Correction Department mistakenly released a prisoner. In 2014, the New York Daily News reported that 23 inmates were incorrectly freed between 2009 and 2014. 'Any erroneous release is unacceptable,' the Corrections Department told the Daily News in response to their reporting. Most of those inmates were captured again within a few days of their release, though one, Sidney Bannister, remained free for more than two years. In 2019, the New York City Council voted to close the facility at Rikers Island by 2026. In late December, Junrell Fuentes Revilla was riding his bike along the mountains close to Cebu in the Philippines when a dog began to run after him. The dog kept barking and barking, desperate to get the attention of Revilla. The biker could notice that the dog was trying to say something to him, so he parked his bike and moved closer to the dog. Heroic Dog Rescues Baby The dog took Revilla into a waste-yard and toward a small squirming bundle on the floor. A staff member at Hope for strays, Gea Ybarita, said to The Dodo, "To the surprise of Revilla, he saw a baby covered in a brown towel. The spot where the baby was seen is isolated considering that it is located at the top of the mountain." Revilla lifted up the baby and rushed the newborn to a nearby police station, where the Department of Social Welfare got involved. All thanks to the quick thinking of the dog, the newborn was seen just in time and was still in sound health. Read Also: 205 China Dogs, Meant for Meat Trade, Rescued to Arrive in US for Adoption Heroic Story of the Stray Dog When the heroic story of the stray dog circulates to the local news, volunteers working with the rescue Hope for Strays hurried into the mountains with the hope to find the helpful dog. Rather, they met a man who affirmed strongly that the dog, whose name is Blacky, is owned by him. Ybarita said, "He led us the way to his house, and to our greatest surprise, the dog (Blacky) was there with three other dogs, we have verified that Blacky is not a stray dog at all." The Hope for Strays rescue workers were happy that Blacky had a good home, but it was obvious the dog and his family are still in need of help. "[The owner of the dog] stated, 'No matter how hard life becomes, even though I don't have money, I still manage to feed all of my dogs and take very good care of them,'" Ybarita reported. Blacky Changed His Owner's Life Blacky and his family have gotten an overflow of support from the neighborhood, which includes donations of food, pet supplies, and many more. Even though Blacky may not know how much that means, he has changed the future for his owner, himself, and one very fortunate baby girl. Similar Story of a Bird Saved by a Dog This loving dog named Hiro has always been a very good boy. But recently, Hiro showed yet again just how very good he really is. Last month, the dog and his owner, Viviana Davila, were chilling at the back of their yard in Puerto Rico when Hiro saw something on the ground beside the fence line. Hiro got up and approached to have a closer look at what it was. He had seen something, and it was a bird in need of help and wanted Davilla to know about it. Davilla told The Dodo, "I saw Hiro licking something on the ground. Hiro licked this thing and looked at me, he did it again and that gave me the sign that there was something happening over there and I got closer to Hiro." Davilla saw a bird in need of help. "I quickly looked for a towel and lifted her up, she was very helpless." Hiro had saved the bird's life with his quick action. Related Article: Homeless Man Risks Life to Rescue Animals at a Burning Shelter For more news, updates about strayed dogs and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! This past year has brought challenges for everyone. Losing loved ones, isolation and layoffs are just a few of the countless impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. As Louisiana reaches the one-year anniversary of its first announced case of COVID-19, we want to know: What, to you, will mark the end of the pandemic? We asked our readers on our NOLA.com and The Advocate Instagram accounts to answer that question and more. What has gotten you through the coronavirus pandemic? Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up When did you fully realize that the pandemic would change so much of daily life? Here our readers said: * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! KYODO NEWS - Mar 10, 2021 - 22:59 | All, Japan, Coronavirus People in Japan who received Pfizer Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine seem to have suffered anaphylaxis at a higher rate than in the United States and Europe, the minister in charge of vaccination efforts said Wednesday. "It's true, this seems to be more than in the United States and Europe," Taro Kono told a parliamentary committee. The health ministry later said an additional eight cases of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, were reported, bringing the total to 25 among around 148,000 health care workers who have been inoculated as of Wednesday. Among those who suffered anaphylaxis, 24 were women. The first male case was reported the same day. The rate compares with five cases in every 1 million doses administered in the United States and 20 cases per million in Britain, although Japan is further behind in its vaccine rollout and it could change as more people receive shots. Japan is in the process of inoculating some 4.8 million health care workers nationwide before expanding to people aged 65 or older in mid-April. People with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, and those working at elderly care facilities are slated to come next. People who take the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE are being asked to remain on site for at least 15 minutes to check for anaphylaxis and other side effects. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, symptoms experienced within five to 30 minutes of receiving a shot include sore throat, hives and difficulty breathing. All of them recovered after receiving treatment. Health minister Norihisa Tamura has said a ministry panel plans to review the matter on Friday, looking into whether the symptoms reported in Japan were as serious as those abroad. Pfizer has said clinical trials showed its vaccine to be 95 percent effective in preventing symptoms of COVID-19, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called inoculations the "decisive factor" in bringing the pandemic under control. But only 63.1 percent of respondents in a Kyodo News poll conducted last month said they want to be vaccinated, with 27.4 percent saying they do not, apparently due to concerns over side effects. Reported coronavirus cases in Japan had been falling since Suga declared a state of emergency in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other regions in January. But the decline has bottomed out in recent weeks and the emergency declaration was extended until March 21 amid lingering worries of the strain on hospitals and the spread of more infectious variants of the virus. Shigeru Omi, head of the government's COVID-19 subcommittee, said Wednesday the variants, first discovered in Britain, South Africa and Brazil, would also become the dominant strain in Japan "sooner or later." "There is no question that the process to replace the existing strain has already begun," he told a parliamentary committee, stressing the need to step up efforts to monitor their spread. The boss of pay-later giant Klarna has said he is surprised by concerns about the sector and that comparisons with defunct payday lender Wonga upset him (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The boss of pay-later giant Klarna has said he is surprised by concerns about the sector. Chief executive and co-founder Sebastian Siemiatkowski told the BBC that comparisons with defunct payday lender Wonga upset him and described his company as very different. Last month the Government announced that buy now, pay later (BNPL) credit agreements will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) following a surge in shoppers turning to such products during the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Lives Wake Up To Money programme, Mr Siemiatkowski said: To me, its slightly surprising to see the concern with buy now, pay later. I'm emotionally upset when I hear comparisons to Wonga. Klarna is very different. We've been fighting the bank establishment for years Klarna chief executive Sebastian Siemiatkowski Im emotionally upset when I hear comparisons to Wonga. Klarna is very different. Weve been fighting the bank establishment for years. Im surprised to see that theres not a more positive response. He said the company has seen 100% growth year on year in the UK and 60%-70% growth worldwide, but admitted that mistakes had been made with some of Klarnas advertising. Weve identified that theres been mistakes done. We have not always followed our own advertising principles and marketing principles. The increased interest in these products are something we obviously take to heart and have made that extra effort. BNPL agreements, provided by firms such as Klarna and Clearpay, allow shoppers to spread purchase costs interest-free at the checkout. Options often appear on fashion websites and evidence suggests they are particularly popular with women and younger adults. But they have been criticised for potentially encouraging people to spend more than they had planned and racking up debts they cannot comfortably pay back. Klarna became Europes biggest private financial technology company towards the end of the last decade, beating Monzo and Transferwise to the top spot, with its BNPL model attracting around a million transactions a day. But the Swedish giant has left a series of controversies in its wake as it sweeps across the world with a model that initially failed to capture imaginations. By 2019 the business had faced several run-ins with authorities. In his native Sweden, Mr Siemiatkowski was called in to meet the consumer rights minister, amid allegations that the company was unclear on how it handled personal data. The Swedish government was also reported to have quizzed the chief executive on why so many customers are referred to the debt collection authority. In the UK, the business allows customers to defer payments for up to 30 days. Shoppers provide their name, date of birth, mobile number, and billing and email addresses. It allows customers to get the product and see it in real life, potentially returning it, before paying. Customers use it to buy the same product in different sizes before returning the items that do not fit. These services have been reported as vulnerable to fraudsters, who can shop in someones name without them being charged for a month. Customers have also complained that they have been sent reminders to pay, with fees, without being sent an invoice in the first place. Today, Klarna is valued at around 11 billion dollars (8 billion) following a 650 million US dollar (475 million) investment round last year, led by private equity fund Silver Lake. The sector is worth 1.5 billion dollars (1.1 billion) globally, according to CB Insights, and is expected to play a major role in the future of the retail landscape. Viruses evolve under increased pressure, and new research from The Rockefeller University and University of Massachusetts Medical School in the U.S. suggests our antibodies can as well. The team found antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can mutate to have more neutralizing ability and more resilience to viral mutation. The increased antibody diversity could further protect against the new coronavirus variants circulating worldwide and future threats during the pandemic. Study: Development of potency, breadth and resilience to viral escape mutations in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies . Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio / Shutterstock The number of global cases and deaths continues to rise. To date, over 117.5 million cases have been confirmed worldwide, resulting in over 2.6 million deaths. The researchers write: Antibody maturation may be especially important as SARS-CoV-2 diversifies and adapts to the range of human antibodies in vaccinated and previously infected individuals. Moreover, a diverse set of broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 spike-elicited antibodies that exhibit some activity against divergent sarbecoviruses may mitigate the threat posed by this group of pandemic-threat agents. The study Development of potency, breadth and resilience to viral escape mutations in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies is available as a preprint on the bioRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review. Antibody mutations are beneficial against SARS-CoV-2 The researchers investigated the characteristics of six antibody lineages and the effect of somatic mutations. They collected samples from patients ranging from mild to moderately severe COVID-19 infection at 1.3 months or 6.2 months. To test neutralizing potency, the researchers exposed the antibodies to HIV-1 SARS-CoV-2 pseudotypes with single mutations that have been associated with helping the coronavirus evade the immune system. We show that somatic mutations acquired in the months after infection endow some SARS CoV-2 RBD-specific antibodies with greater neutralization potency and breadth. Most importantly, the acquisition of somatic mutations provides some antibodies with resilience to viral mutations that would otherwise enable SARS-CoV-2 to escape their neutralizing effects. Mutations in neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 included greater potency, which was observed in antibodies isolated at 6.2 months than those at 1.3 months. A benefit to diversity in B cell memory cells is the ability to detect foreign invaders that are closely related to other pathogens theyve encountered. The researchers investigated this in mutating antibodies as it could help with recognizing new coronavirus variants that differ by a few mutations. The researchers found that mutational changes in resistance were observed in 6.2 months of antibodies compared to the antibodies found after 1.3 months. This included limiting chances for viral escape and resilience of neutralization activity. The neutralizing potency remained in matured antibodies such as C549, C099, and C080 when exposed to the spike protein RBD and when slightly altered through substitutions. Matured antibodies from the C098/99 lineage also showed resistance and neutralizing ability towards RBGs with two or more mutations. Structures of class 2 and class 3 anti-RBD 1.3m antibodies. (A) 3.4 A cryo-EM density for class 2 C548-S complex (only the VH-VL domains of C548 are shown). (B) Close-up view of quaternary epitope involving bridging interactions between adjacent RBDs. (C) CDR loops mapped onto adjacent RBD surfaces. (D) Epitope of C548 highlighted on adjacent RBDs. (E) C548 paratope mapped onto adjacent RBDs. (F) Interactions between RBD and C548 with a subset of interacting residues highlighted as sticks. Potential hydrogen bonds shown as dotted lines. (G) 3.4 A cryo-EM density for class 3 C032-S complex (only the VH-VL domains of C032 are shown). (H) Overlay of C032RBD portion of the C032-S complex structure with an ACE2-RBD structure (from PDB 6VW1). (I) Epitope of C032 highlighted on the RBD surface. (J) C032 paratope mapped onto RBD surface. (K) Interactions between RBD and C032 CDRH1 and CDRH3 loops, with a subset of interacting residues highlighted as sticks. Potential hydrogen bonds shown as dotted lines. E484K mutation lowered the neutralizing potency of mature antibodies Given the increasing prevalence of several variants of concern, the researchers looked at it affected somatic mutations on antibodies. Three mutations found in variants of concern include K417N, N501Y, and E484K. The E484K mutation is most notable for its resistance to neutralizing antibodies from natural infection and vaccination. Therefore, researchers also exposed antibodies to the E484K substitution by itself. The E484K substitution, generally undermines the activity of class 2 antibodies, but substitutions found in variants of concern did not impact the activity of the matured class 1 and class 3 antibodies tested herein, writes the researchers. The researchers suggest that other antibodies may have caused the selective pressure to mutate K417, E484, and N501 in the spike proteins RBD. The presence of the E484 mutation did decrease the neutralizing ability of several lineages of antibodies such as C051 and C052. The researchers note adding more mutations may not help with stopping the mutation. Although, the C549 antibody partly had neutralizing potency. The greater neutralization potency, resilience to viral mutation, and breadth of SARS CoV-2 RBD-specific antibodies that have undergone greater degrees of somatic mutation suggests that immunization schemes that elicit higher levels of antibody mutation and diversification are desirable, concluded the research team. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. New Delhi, March 10 : Automobile manufacturer Skoda Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has commenced the Covid-19 vaccination drive for all its employees. Accordingly, the drive includes employees' dependents as well in line with the ongoing government guidelines. The company said that inoculation drive will cover both shots of the Covid-19 vaccine in phases as defined by the authorities covering senior citizens and people with co-morbidities first, followed by a wider application in the general population. "Apart from the on-roll employees, the programme will also cover the apprentices, and will be working with its suppliers to cover the third party workers," the company said in a statement. "The vaccination drive is part of the voluntary workplace wellness program and eligible employees or dependants can choose to receive the Covid-19 vaccination from their preferred private hospital, the cost for which will be covered by SAVWIPL." India, which began its Covid-19 vaccination campaign on January 16 2021, started the second phase of vaccination on March 1, 2021, under which people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years with co-morbidities will be vaccinated. -- Syndicated from IANS Congress noticed the third party aspect of this: "Given the information and testimony listed above, it appears that NASA may be seeking to procure a Russian Soyuz seat from a third-party, on a noexchange-of-funds-basis, and that a formal agreement between NASA and Russia for seat exchanges may not be in place." Keith's note: For starters Axiom Space does not have the ability to launch anything into space. They have to procure those services elsewhere. In this case Axiom clearly has some sort of deal with Roscosmos - one that Roscomos likes. Otherwise NASA would deal directly with Roscosmos as they have been for decades, right? So, assuming that the Russians are not stupid, is Axiom getting a special discount from Roscosmos as a marketing fee in exchange for selling a seat to NASA? Apparently so since they are certainly not doing this for free (they are in "business", yes?). So, why can't NASA get the same discount - without needing to use Axiom as a middleman? NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei will launch aboard the Soyuz for a full expedition aboard the International Space Station. NASA will continue to work with Axiom to fly a non-NASA astronaut Axiom designates on a U.S. commercial spacecraft." Because the services are determined to be of comparable value to both parties, the contract contains no exchange of funds. "To ensure continuous U.S. presence aboard the International Space Station, NASA has signed a contract with a U.S. commercial company Axiom Space of Houston to fly a NASA astronaut on an upcoming Soyuz rotation on Soyuz MS-18, scheduled to launch April 9. In exchange, NASA will provide a seat on a future U.S. commercial spacecraft, expected to launch in 2023, as part of a space station crew rotation mission. The "seat" on each flight includes transportation to and from the International Space Station and comprehensive mission support, including all necessary training and preparation for launch, flight operations, landing and crew rescue services. NASA says that this deal will be balanced with a reciprocal seat on a U.S. commercial spacecraft (I am assuming that means SpaceX or Boeing) and "because the services are determined to be of comparable value to both parties, the contract contains no exchange of funds." But there is not a "both parties" thing going on here. "Both" = two. NASA is getting a Roscosmos Soyuz flight via a third party i.e. Axiom. And the commercial flight via Boeing or SpaceX that NASA has already paid for means that a fourth party is involved. So "both" is the wrong word to use. And saying that no exchange of funds will happen between "both parties" does not mean that this flight is without cost. It just means that the money goes somewhere else. Since a Roscosmos seat is being used for an American astronaut, one would assume that there would be a trade for an American seat for a Russian cosmonaut, right? That is how NASA and Roscosmos have traditionally done these things. But wait - the release also says "NASA will continue to work with Axiom to fly a non-NASA astronaut Axiom designates on a U.S. commercial spacecraft." So there is another seat - one that NASA has paid for on Boeing or SpaceX. So, Axiom is getting this commercial spacecraft seat from NASA. Are they paying for it - if so how much are they paying? If Axiom is not paying NASA for his commercial seat then how is it that NASA gets a Russian seat via Axiom and Axiom gets an American seat via NASA? Is Axiom paying for the seat for their commercial astronaut? Or is Axiom buying the Russian seat, giving it to NASA and then NASA gives Axiom a seat on a commercial flight? I.e. is Axiom buying a NASA commercial seat via Roscosmos? But wait the release says that no one is exchanging funds. And who is flying in the commercial seat on SpaceX/Boeing that NASA is proving to Axiom? Is Axiom going to resell that seat to Roscosmos? Or do they have space tourist? Is Axiom going to fly someone connected to their $140 million deal with NASA to build a commercial add-on to ISS? Is there any connection to their AX-1 mission to the ISS? Or ... is all of this third and fourth party stuff being done since NASA has not managed to negotiate a reciprocal MOU with Roscosmos - as Congress suspects? Confused? I sure am. I'd ask NASA but they would just give me some sort of "its proprietary" non-answer - and Axiom simply ignores any request I make since I am a pest. I certainly hope that the NASA OIG and GAO are looking at this. This sounds like a bait and switch scheme to me. Congress is confused as well and is seeking some answers too. - NASA Wants To Buy Russian While The White House Says Buy American (Update), earlier post - Congress Inquires About NASA/Russia Soyuz Deals, earlier post Keith's update: According to this English version of a release initially issued on 9 March in Russian by Roscomos "Interagency Commission on cosmonaut selection and assigning crews of spacecraft and stations decided to exclude Sergey Korsakov from the ISS-65 long-term expedition prime crew and appointing NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei to the Soyuz MS-18 crew as Flight Engineer 2. This decision came based on the existing Roscosmos liabilities within the agreement with Axiom Space, Inc. to ensure professional NASA astronaut flight to the ISS as part of the Soyuz MS-18 crew." So ... if you can wade through the mangled English they are saying that Roscosmos already had an agreement with Axiom Space to fly a NASA astronaut on a Soyuz to the ISS. Roscosmos has admitted this. Why haven't NASA or Axiom Space said that the third party agreement was specifically for in place for the purpose of flying a NASA crew member? Or has the actual intent been lost in translation? Oh yes - sources report that this Roscosmos/Axiom/NASA deal was sealed before the election - so the Biden team is stuck with implementing a Trump deal. Caveat emptor. BACKED BY Mayor Joyce Craig, Manchester school Superintendent Dr. John Goldhardt has gone big in an attempt to restart high school in the Queen City. To be sure, Manchesters schools are struggling but Goldhardt and Craig would have us believe that the way to turn things around is to lau Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received assay results from recently completed trenching on the Evelyn Gold Project, located in the Caborca Gold Belt, northwestern Sonora. Extremely positive results have been received from the primary target areas on the property. Highlights include the results from the El Sahuaro target where a total of 12 samples returned assay values greater than 1 gram per tonne ("g/t") Au including values of 41.0 g/t Au and 9.47 g/t Au. The recent trenching and sampling expand the footprint of Au mineralization at El Sahuaro and combined with previous sampling further delineate an apparent north-northeast mineralized trend over a distance of approximately 575 metres ("m"). "We are extremely pleased with the 2021 trenching results to date. The grades we are seeing in the El Sahuaro area have only previously been attained from the Main Zone and indicate the higher-grade potential of the property. Not only has the status of the El Sahuaro target area been significantly increased, I am also very impressed by the delineation of mineralized trends and structures in the primary target areas. This, combined with the low number of less-than-detection-limit assays in 2021 data to date, clearly indicates improved targeting and understanding on the distribution of gold on the property" commented Company President & CEO Ron Goguen. Figure 1: Samples Map of Evelyn Gold Project To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/76662_c4872f8a34942a77_001full.jpg The current exploration program at the Evelyn Gold Project consisted of mechanical trenching using a CAT 330 excavator and sampling and mapping of the trenches. The program was planned to follow up on very positive results obtained from mapping, sampling, and trenching programs completed during 2020. The work aimed to expand areas of known mineralization, to confirm and further delineate emerging trends of Au mineralization, and to continue to develop an exploration model to support a near term drill program. A total of 121 samples have been collected and analyzed to date during the 2021 exploration campaign. Fifty-three of the samples returned values greater than 0.1 g/t Au, 25 samples returned values greater than 0.5 g/t Au and 16 samples returned grades greater than 1.0 g/t Au. Only 13 of the samples submitted returned values at or less than the analytical detection limit. Higher grade mineralization on the Evelyn property consists of quartz veins and veinlets, ranging from 2 - 3 centimeters up to 1.5 m hosted by fault and fracture zones with minor oxidized pyrite, iron oxide, copper bearing oxide and carbonate minerals, and locally minor to trace amounts of galena, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. Alteration of the host rocks incudes iron bearing carbonate minerals, quartz, sericite, and chlorite. Lower grade mineralization is associated with altered volcanic rocks containing minor amounts of oxidized sulfide. Mineralization is hosted dominantly by Jurassic volcanic rocks consisting of andesite and rhyolite and to a lesser extent, in the El Sahuaro target area, mineralization is hosted by Proterozoic Biotite Gneiss. Based on geological mapping completed during 2020 and previously, including many vein orientation measurements, and patterns of magnetic susceptibility derived from the Companies Drone survey completed during 2020, the interpretation that is emerging is mineralization being controlled by north-northeast trending layer-parallel faults and shear zones and by southeast striking, moderately southwest dipping fault zones. El Sahuaro Target Area A total of 61 samples were collected from the El Sahuaro target area. Thirty-two of the samples analyzed returned grades greater than 0.1 g/t Au, 12 samples returned grades greater than 1 g/t Au, and highlights include assay values of 41.0 g/t Au, 9.47 g/t Au, and 5.08 g/t Au. The 2021 trenching program has expanded the area of known mineralization at El Sahuaro to the north and west and provides significant in-fill support to the previously interpreted north-northeast mineralized trend. The north-northeast trend of mineralization is parallel with the local magnetic gradient orientation and is coincident with local magnetic highs. The Company will be further evaluating this trend at El Sahuaro as well as evaluating the significance of easterly and northeasterly trending structures evident from the Drone magnetic survey. Figure 2: Map illustrating association of mineralized samples with magnetic features at Evelyn Gold Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4269/76662_c4872f8a34942a77_002full.jpg West Evelyn Target Area Sixteen samples were collected from trenches at the West Evelyn target area and was focused on extension of an apparent north-northeast trending mineralized zone interpreted from the 2020 exploration work. Three samples with values greater than 2 g/t Au are located north and south of the previous sampling and have resulted in an extension of the north-northeast mineralized trend to approximately 130 m. A fourth sample with a value of 1.78 g/t Au provides support to the previously interpreted trend. Five small trenches were excavated north of the mineralized trend and samples from theses trenches returned values at or below the detection limit. The company is currently evaluating the interpretation that the zone of mineralization has been offset along a later easterly trending fault. Cerro Rojo Target Area The Cerro Rojo target area is characterized by the occurrence of anomalous and higher-grade samples taken over a relatively large area in the southeast quadrant of the property. The Cerro Rojo target area contains the Main Zone which is comprised of a quartz vein up to 1.5 m thick occupying a north-northeast striking and steeply east dipping fault zone. Previous sampling of the Main Zone vein has produced several high-grade assays including a high value of 43.7 g/t Au. A southeast striking and moderately southwest dipping fault zone has been mapped and interpreted along the northern Cerro Rojo target area at the contact with continuous and thick colluvium. Mineralization occurs discontinuously along the approximately 900 m strike length of the Cerro Rojo fault. A total of 30 samples were collected from trenches in the Cerro Rojo target area. The focus was on the northwestern part of the target area, west of the Main Zone, where the extension of the Cerro Rojo fault remains uncertain due to alluvial cover. Thirteen samples returned assay values greater than 1 g/t Au and confirm the overall anomalous Au grades as backdrop to higher grades at the Main Zone and elsewhere. The two northern most samples which returned grades of 0.54 g/t Au and 0.28 g/t Au are from altered andesite containing minor amounts of oxidized pyrite and are tentatively interpreted to be proximal to the unexposed Cerro Rojo fault. The Company is prioritizing trenching in this area for the discovery of vein mineralization hosted by the Cerro Rojo fault zone. Evelyn Property Next Steps During 2020 the Company implemented trenching as an exploration method to locally see through the extensive alluvial cover that characterizes the Evelyn property. The on-going trenching program on the Evelyn property is being planned and executed based on interpretation of the results from geological mapping, sampling, and trenching programs during 2020 and earlier, the Drone magnetic survey completed during 2020, and regional geological considerations. At the start of 2021 program, the Company is using a heavier excavator (CAT 330) to deal with thick and difficult cover, realize target bedrock depths, and complete the trenches at a greater rate. The next steps on the Evelyn property include: Continued interpretation of results and working towards an exploration model as a basis for a drill program. Continued trenching. Complete an IP survey. The Company is currently evaluating proposals to complete an IP survey on the Evelyn Property. About the Evelyn Property The Evelyn Gold Project is an Orogenic-type gold target located in the Caborca Gold Belt of northwestern Sonora. The property is located approximately 25 km east of Fresnillo PLC's La Herradura, Mexico's largest open pit gold mine, which produced 482,722 ounces of gold in 2019 at an average grade of 0.8 g/t Au and is approximately 9 km northeast of their Noche Buena mine which produced 127,166 ounces Au at an average grade of 0.55 g/t Au in 2019. The Evelyn property is 100% owned by Colibri and is not subject to any royalty agreements. The Company has completed geological mapping and sampling programs, trenching, a property-wide soil geochemistry, a property-wide Drone magnetic survey, and has completed 5 diamond drill holes. Sampling, Analyses, and QAQC The samples collected during the trenching program and reported here are chip samples of outcrop and sub-crop exposed in the trenches. Sample preparation and assays were completed at ALS Minerals in Hermosillo, Sonora using industry standard sample preparation and analytical techniques for Au determination. QAQC implemented by the Company includes the use of Certified Reference Materials and the completion of duplicate analyses. All samples were in the possession of Company geologist from collection to submission at the ALS Laboratory in Hermosillo. Qualified Person Jamie Lavigne, P. Geo and a Director for Colibri is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. About Colibri Resource Corporation: Colibri is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) and is focused on acquiring and exploring prospective gold & silver properties in Mexico. The Company has six exploration projects of which five currently have exploration programs being executed or planned. The flagship Evelyn Gold Project is 100% owned and explored by Colibri. Colibri has an option to acquire up to a 100% ownership interest in the Diamante Gold & Silver Project and will soon begin exploration work in preparation for a Phase 1 drilling program. Three additional projects, Pilar Gold & Silver Project (optioned to Tocvan Ventures), El Mezquite Gold & Silver Project and the Jackie Gold & Silver Project (both earn-in agreements with Silver Spruce Resources) are also currently being actively advanced. For more information about all Company projects please visit: www.colibriresource.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. For further information: Ronald J. Goguen, President, Chairperson and Director, Tel: (506) 383-4274, rongoguen@colibriresource.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76662 NEW DELHI : The country's exports are steadily recovering and it is expected to record a healthy growth rate in March, a top government official said on Wednesday. Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan said the country's merchandise exports were impacted on account of the COVID pandemic. "But since then, there is a steady cumulative recovery. Our exports turned positive in September 2020. After September, there was borderline negative (growth) for a few months, then in January 2021, it was positive again. "February was more or less even and now March is again promising to be significantly positive," he said in a webinar. He added that India's exports borne the shock well and it has recovered quickly from the pandemic. India's exports marginally declined 0.25% to $27.67 billion in February while imports grew by 6.98% to $40.55 billion during the month. The official trade data for March will be released in April. He also said there is a need to recover in areas like gems and jewellery and petroleum and there is a "need to sustain the gains in areas like pharma, and food products". About trade agreements, he said that India has implemented 10 free trade pacts and six preferential trade agreement. "We have FTAs (free trade agreement) with major economic powers" including with Japan, Korea and ASEAN, he said adding "we have not done badly in FTA and we are serious about growing this space," the secretary added. Further, he said that India is emerging as a major investment destination hub in the world and the government is taking steps in that direction. Wadhwan said that huge investment opportunities are there in the services sector like finance, and insurance. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. International thought leaders from the homeland and civil defence industries will be exploring the future of the industries and a pathway to a safer world during the three-day Milipol Qatar 2021 seminar programme. The seminars will run alongside the main Milipol Qatar 2021 exhibition 13th international biennial industry-only event for Homeland Security and Civil Defence and one of the industrys first opportunities to meet face-to-face since the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic. Among the confirmed speakers to take the seminar stage are Eng. Khalid N. Sadiq Al-Hashmi, Assistant under Secretary, Cyber Security Department, Ministry of Transport & Communications, State of Qatar; Nazeeb Poolakkal, Senior Security Specialist, Ooredoo Managed SOC team, Ooredoo; Mika Lauhde, Vice-President, Cyber Security & Privacy, Global PACD, Huawei Technologies; Giacomo F. Speretta, VP Business Development, Leonardo; Falah Al Dosari, Manager Senior, Project Stadia, Interpol; and Charles-Hubert Dufour, Sales Director, Cerbair. The event, which is organised by Qatars Ministry of Interior in partnership with Paris-based international event organiser Comexposium, acting on behalf of the GIE Milipol headed by Civipol, the technical implementer of the French ministry of the Interior, will run at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 15-17. Seminars will be divided in 3 sessions: Cyber Security and Cyberthreats on Tuesday March 16, morning session, Civil Defence on Tuesday March 16, afternoon session, and large events security management on Wednesday March 17, morning session. Cybersecurity has risen up government agendas throughout the Middle East and Africa where the sector is, according to Modor Intelligence, expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.08 per cent until 2025. Cybersecurity is just one element of a homeland security and civil defence industry which is now pivoting to meet demand for new and maturing technologies as nations readdress their future needs in an evolving, and increasingly contactless, landscape. Technologies for trace and detection and communication and control are amongst those now ever more in demand including counter-drone systems, big data, smart sensors, 5G, and AI-based cybersecurity and video analytics. Milipol Qatar 2021 has attracted an exhibitor line-up representing 71 international companies, 17 nations and five national pavilions from Brazil, France, the UK, USA, and Germany. Significantly 53% of exhibitors are new to Milipol Qatar. The event meets a large part of the security objectives of the State of Qatar in line with the countrys National Vision 2030, while also addressing wider regional needs. Milipol Qatar 2021, which is expected to draw an international visitor turnout, will take place under the governance of strict health and safety protocols designed to combat the spread of Covid 19. Milipol Qatar 2021 has secured Barzan Holdings, the Qatar organisation which is helping to revolutionise the countrys defence and security sector as the events strategic sponsor. Other main sponsors include Abdullah Abdelghani & Bros and Eshhar Security Services while Outbox, Ooredoo and Al Hazm are Diamond Sponsors. Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. is the events Platinum sponsor while Gold sponsors are Huawei, Stork Motors, Notification, and the Jaidah Group. Silver sponsors are MSC and Dell Technology while Bronze sponsors are Mannai Corporation, Nuctech and Salam Technology. Qommunications is the events official social media sponsor with Milaha being the official freight forwarder and Qatar Airways as the official carrier. -- Tradearabia News Service Throughout the recently concluded dispute at Coles Smeaton Grange warehouse in southwestern Sydney, the pseudo-left Solidarity group claimed that workers could defend their interests by placing pressure on officials from the United Workers Union (UWU) to take action. Solidarity insisted that workers had to remain within the framework of the UWU. It opposed calls for the establishment of independent rank-and-file committees and a broader struggle against Coles restructure, along with the political forces overseeing it, including the federal government, Labor and the unions. Instead, all that was required was to appeal to the UWU leaders to adopt a vague and unspecified militant stance. Coles workers and supporters at a Sydney protest in December (Credit: WSWS) Solidarity continued to promote this line, as the UWU isolated the workers during the course of a three-month lockout, refused to provide them with any strike pay, despite declared assets of more than $300 million, and collaborated ever more openly with management to impose a sell-out that would give the multi-billion dollar supermarket giant everything that it wanted. On February 27, the UWU rammed through a pro-company enterprise agreement, in the tenth or eleventh ballot of workers on a deal that remained substantially unchanged throughout the dispute. It provides for the closure of Smeaton Grange, which is one of five Coles warehouses slated for replacement by two new automated facilities; the destruction of all of the jobs there, and the miserly wage and redundancy provisions demanded by management. As the final touches on the betrayal were being worked out by UWU officials and senior managers, Solidarity went silent. Its last article, prior to February 27, was a brief report published on February 11. This dovetailed with the attempts of the union, the company and the corporate press to bury any mention of the sell-out underway and to prevent a struggle against it. When the deal was ratified, Solidarity remained mum. For well over a week, the organisation said nothing about the end of a dispute that it had been heavily involved in. Instead Solidarity published articles hailing the UWUs claims to be leading a struggle in defence of wages at the McCormick sauce factory in Melbourne. The fact that the UWU officials had just betrayed one of the longest industrial disputes in recent decades did not rate a mention, in an article that read as though it were a press release drafted by the union officials themselves. Only on March 7 did Solidarity publish its post-mortem of the defeat at Smeaton Grange, in a cynical and mealy-mouthed piece that was buried at the bottom of its website. The tenor of the article is summed up by its introductory line: The United Workers Union has a well-deserved reputation among the union movement for organising and militancy. James Supple examines what went wrong at Smeaton. The UWU was only founded in 2019, through a merger of two existing unions. Those who claim that it is a militant force are the wealthy bureaucrats that run the organisation and corporate publications that uncritically echo their assertions. Solidarity could not point to a single militant struggle that the UWU has led to this date, but it has already racked up a number of rotten betrayals in its 24 months of existence. The article begins with a contradiction that its author makes no attempt to resolve. The sell-out, it states, was a defeat, a failure of the UWU leadership and shameful. But, supposedly, the workers, and by extension the union, were able to wrest one concession from Coles after another. Although the company continually insisted it had made its final offer, every no vote brought more concessions, Solidarity declares. It is unable to elaborate on these so-called successes, which exist only in the lying statements of company managers and union bureaucrats. The only concrete concession that Solidarity identifies is the supposed agreement of the company to an unlimited number of voluntary redundancies, so workers can leave with a payout and accept a new job offer at any time before the centre closes in 2023. Even if this were the case, its transparent purpose would be to ensure the speedy shutdown of Smeaton Grange and the destruction of the jobs there. But, as Solidarity is no doubt aware, this concession is also a union-management lie. The text of the agreement still caps voluntary redundancies at 80 positions, meaning at least 270 workers will be sacked. The article rapidly moved on to answer the question posed in the introduction to the article. Why had the militancy of the UWU faltered at Smeaton Grange? The response was entirely superficial. The UWU never took Coles lockout seriously, it failed to back Smeaton Grange, etc. This echoes Solidaritys earlier descriptions of the UWUs sordid manoeuvres as a tragedy, as though some sort of misunderstanding or psychological weakness was to account for the perfidy of the bureaucrats. The purpose is to present a completely distorted account of the dispute. Solidarity bemoans the fact that while the UWU officials did not take the dispute seriously, the company poured resources into defeating the union. In fact, the company had no need to defeat the union. Management and the UWU were partners throughout the dispute, as was publicly acknowledged by senior Coles executives. First of all, the UWU agreed, prior to any consultation with workers, that Smeaton Grange would be subjected to an orderly closure and all of the jobs there destroyed. Then, it claimed that the sole issue was to try to secure fair redundancies, i.e., to work out the terms of surrender, a position that Solidarity has promoted throughout. Far from fighting for a just transition, the union proceeded to wear workers down so that they would accept the companys terms of closure. Over the course of three months, the UWU dropped all of its initial log of claims as it isolated the workers, ensured the unhindered functioning of every other Coles facility, and literally sought to starve the Smeaton Grange staff out by denying them strike pay. The union bureaucrats were very explicit that they would do nothing other than call endless ballots on an agreement that workers had already rejected, and hold secret talks with management. Under no conditions would they open their substantial coffers to prevent the locked-out staff from being utterly pauperised. The workers would have to submit to management if they wanted to begin receiving a wage. In other words, contrary to the pathetic apologies of Solidarity, this was a particularly brutal and naked sell-out operation. Solidaritys tortured explanations serve one over-riding purpose: to insist that there are no fundamental lessons to be learned from what took place at Smeaton Grange and to prevent a break with the unions. Supple reports that Following the dispute, the workers of Smeaton feel intense feelings of betrayal, disgust and dismay at the union, as one worker put it. Some workers have even suggested leaving the union. As far as Solidarity is concerned, this would be a crime, far worse than anything the UWU officials had carried out. It warns: [L]eaving the union will only weaken workers organisation at the workplace, making it harder to organise against victimisation and management attacks on the workforce when everyone goes back. In other words, workers who reject the UWU will be aiding management attacks. This stands reality on its head. No serious attempt is made to explain how paying dues to an organisation that is collaborating in the destruction of their jobs, and that has just hung them out to dry for three months, will help workers to fight against victimisations. Supple attempts to square the circle by declaring that the solution is to build independent rank-and-file organisations. Such organisations will not be independent in any sense, certainly not of the UWU. Instead, they will function within the union and can work with the officials when they do the right thing, and pressure them or act independently when necessary. In other words, Solidarity is calling for ginger groups that can supposedly spur the union officials to action and stiffen their spine. The concrete example that it presents shows that in reality such organisations play a very different role. They function as a safety valve to let off steam, keep opposition within the confines of the union and prevent the development of genuine independent organisations of struggle. Solidarity hails the record of the Concerned Workers of Smeaton Grange, a group that it helped establish, involving a handful of delegates who were close to the UWU officials. What did the activity of this group consist of? Firstly, they insisted among their colleagues that it would be impermissible to publicly criticise the officials, because this would be an attack on union solidarity. Secondly, the delegates in charge of the group were entrusted by the UWU officials with running meetings of workers, at which the sordid manoeuvres of the union leadership were justified. The union bureaucrats were too hated to show their faces. Thirdly, the delegates involved acted as a police force for the UWU leadership, threatening members of the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site who attended the Smeaton Grange picket, and demanding that other workers who came to offer their support, leave immediately. And finally, the group shut up shop as the sell-out was finalised, declaring that the dispute was over and nothing more could be done. In other words, this was not a rank-and-file committee in any genuine sense of the term, but an appendage of the UWU whose aim was to prevent the establishment of such a committee. Solidarity claims that it is possible for workers to pressure the union officials to adopt a militant and class struggle policy, but the lesson of the Smeaton Grange dispute is the exact opposite. The more workers shifted to the left, and placed pressure on the union, as reflected in repeated rejections of the sell-out agreement, the more openly the UWU collaborated with management against its own members. This is not an accident or solely the product of the perfidy of individual officials. Solidaritys entire argument is directed against the scientific Marxist assessment of the unions developed by the SEP and the WSWS. The unions have always defended the profit system. In an earlier period, when capitalism was regulated within the framework of the nation-state, they performed this function by placing pressure on employers and governments to grant limited social concessions to the working class. The globalisation of production, beginning in the 1980s, destroyed the objective basis for this national-reformist program. The unions, taking their pro-capitalist and nationalist program to its logical conclusion have become the chief proponents of ensuring the international competitiveness of their own national industries by imposing continuous cuts to the wages, conditions and jobs of workers. This has been accompanied by the ever-greater enrichment of the union officials, many of whom earn six-figure salaries, sit on the boards of multi-billion dollar superannuation funds and receive funds from the companies they claim to be in struggle against. This assessment, now confirmed by decades of experience, has been fully borne out at Smeaton Grange. The events of the past months have again demonstrated that workers can only advance their interests through a complete break with the unions. New organisations of struggle, entirely independent of the unions, must be established at all workplaces. These would enable democratic discussion among workers, free from the interference of the union officials, the sharing of information and coordinated industrial and political action across entire industries. What is required is not just an organisational break, but a political one. Any genuine militant action seeking to mobilise broad layers of workers necessitates a political struggle against the entire straitjacket of industrial laws. This includes enterprise bargaining, which divides employees workplace by workplace, and draconian Fair Work Australia legislation. Both were introduced by Labor and the unions to create the conditions for continuous pro-business restructuring and to prevent any collective action by the working class in response. A new perspective is required which rejects the right of the major corporations to destroy jobs, wages and conditions to drive up the profits of ultra-wealthy shareholders. The only viable program to defeat the restructure at Coles and to defend jobs, is one that aims at the transfer of the company, along with all of the major corporations and the banks, to public ownership and democratic workers control. That means a fight against capitalism and the austerity agenda of all of the political forces that defend it, including the government, Labor, the unions and their pseudo-left accomplices. It requires a struggle for workers governments and for socialism by a political movement of the entire working class. Solidarity, speaking for an affluent layer of the upper middle-class, increasingly integrated into the corrupt union apparatus, is intensely hostile to this perspective. Indian Navy's third stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Karanj was commissioned here on Wednesday. Former Navy chief Admiral V S Shekhawat, who was part of the commissioning crew of the old Karanj and later the Commanding officer during the 1971 IndoPak war, was the chief guest for the ceremony at the Naval Dockyard. Six Scorpene class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with Naval Group, France, a Navy spokesperson said in a release. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [March 10, 2021] Webscale Launches Global Ecommerce Security Report - Reveals Critical Insights and Key Learnings for 2021 SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Webscale, the Safest Cloud Hosting for Ecommerce, has released its flagship 2021 Global Ecommerce Security Report , a comprehensive annual review of the preparedness, trends, technologies, sentiments, investments, and business impact of security on the ecommerce industry over the course of the last year. The report is the outcome of one of the widest security-focused surveys conducted in the ecommerce industry, engaging 1572 ecommerce professionals, including merchants and digital agencies, to understand how they fared security-wise during 2020, what gaps they identified, and where they plan to focus and invest in 2021. Key insights from the report: Security incidents grew 20% for nearly two-thirds of the businesses surveyed, with 78% reporting at least one cyber security incident over the course of the year. Many attack types were mentioned, but the most notable increases were seen in the below categories: Bad bots (32% increase) DDoS attacks (38% increase) Magecart attacks (81% increase) Credit card skimming and fraud attacks (43% and 65% increase respectively) The industry is responding, however, with most ecommerce businesses committing to increases of up to 20% in security spending over the next 3 years. Key areas of investment include: Improved hosting - 72% of businesses stated security was their biggest challenge with their existing hosting provider Fraud Detection - 64% of businesses plan to invest in a solution to prevent fraud on their storefronts CSP Protection - 79% want to help prevent cross site scripting (XSS) and dta injection attacks by implementing CSP Protection. While some of this years findings are in line with expectations, others, like the degree of complacency that still exists when it comes to securing storefronts, were surprising. The good news is that an overwhelmingly large percentage of merchants surveyed view security as their number one challenge, and are already making plans to invest heavily in 2021, said Andrew Humber, Vice President of Marketing at Webscale. Download your free copy of the 2021 Global Ecommerce Security Report . The Webscale platform delivers powerful 360-degree security for a variety of ecommerce platforms and architectures, with deployments ranging from headless/JAMStack solutions, to progressive web applications and fully managed hosting environments, for platforms such as Magento, WooCommerce and SAP Hybris. To learn more about Webscales security platform, designed around the needs of ecommerce, visit us here , or reach out to us at secure@webscale.com . About Webscale Webscale is the worlds safest cloud automation, management and hosting provider focused on ecommerce. Offering enterprise-grade security, predictive scalability and blazing-fast performance, the Webscale SaaS platform leverages automation and DevOps protocols to simplify the deployment, and management of infrastructure. The platform supports omni-channel use cases across a variety of ecommerce platforms and architectures, including headless, progressive web applications, self-hosted and fully hosted commerce clouds. Webscale powers thousands of B2C, B2B, and B2E ecommerce storefronts in twelve countries and eight of the Fortune 1000 businesses and has offices in Santa Clara, CA, Boulder, CO, San Antonio, TX, Bangalore, India and London, UK. For more information, visit www.webscale.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Contact: Andrew Humber Webscale ah@webscale.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) -- People in Aberdeen will soon choose a new mayor. Former Mayor Maurice Howard was removed from office after he pleaded guilty to embezzlement. On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, four of the six candidates met at the Elkin Theater across from Aberdeen's City Hall for a debate. Elkin Theater in Aberdeen. Photo taken 03-09-21. Elkin Theater in Aberdeen. Photo taken 03-09-21. One of the candidates is Kenyatta Howard, wife of the now former mayor. Reverend James A. Cook is President of the Aberdeen/Monroe County NAACP spoke at the debate. He said he was informed that Howard and her family traveled to Florida for a regularly-scheduled vacation. However, she went live on her Facebook page at the same time as the debate to tell about her plan going forward if she is elected mayor. Also not present was Alonzo Sykes. The four candidates present on-stage were Charles Scott, Doug Stone, Richard Caradine, and Leigh LaSonya Matthews. Tuesday's mayoral debate is now in the books. The four candidates on stage talked about topics important to the people of Aberdeen including race relations, the police, and integrity. Aberdeen resident James Ivory said he came out on Tuesday for one thing. "I'm here tonight to observe the candidates, see what they've got to bring for Aberdeen." He said he looks for a few qualities in a candidate. "Take Aberdeen forward. It's the finance, the one that can bring financial stability to Aberdeen, the one that's gonna bring Aberdeen together, so that's the kind of leadership I'm looking for in a candidate," Ivory said. James Lenoir of Aberdeen watched the debate. He said a few of the topics stood out to him. "Race relations, economic development, and also about crime, the police turnover here in Aberdeen." Candidates talked on stage about topics ranging from their definitions of the role of mayor to how they would reduce crime rates in the city. One question was about how to lower crime after crime rates recently went up. Doug Stone's reply is below. "If the citizens in Aberdeen come to a point where it is absolutely not acceptable to have crime in a city, then measures will be taken to eliminate the crime," Stone said. Another topic was race relations. Charles Scott began his answer simply. "The way we're gonna be able to improve race relations in this city is each person has to look at each other person as a human. That's the first way we do that," Scott said. "Where I can improve race relations is in my life and in my heart," Stone said. The moderator also asked each candidate what integrity meant to each of them. Leigh LaSonya Matthews replied sternly. "You need to be able to be a person who is known for doing what it is that you say that you're going to do," Matthews said. When asked how they would reduce crime in Aberdeen, Richard Caradine said he would focus on bringing things to Aberdeen like arcades and gyms to give kids and families things to do. "It starts with the parents," Caradine said,"It's not the police force that's causing crime rates to go up. It's the individuals out in the streets that's breaking the law, and they're breaking the law because they have nothing else to do." This was the last mayoral debate before the election on March 16th. The on Wednesday accused the government of disregarding parliamentary convention by not allowing the opposition to raise issues and said violation of the practice is striking at the root of democracy. It alleged that the opposition's voice was being "throttled" in and the government was not cooperating but instead throwing the constitutional rules and procedures in "tatters". Senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of indulging in "self promotion" and said "there was a limit to getting oneself photographed". "We are told to abide by the Constitution but they are throwing the Constitution to the tatters. We are following constitutional means to seek discussions but they are not allowing us to discuss," he told a press conference. Alleging that their voice was being "throttled", he said, the members tried to speak in for two days, but the government did not cooperate. His colleague and deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, said the government has a "duty to answer and we have a right to ask questions". He said they were not allowed to raise issues concerning the public in the first half of the budget session. "Parliamentary convention is being disregarded and we are not being allowed to raise even one issue of public importance," he alleged. "The government is guilty of monumental mismanagement of the economy. It is not allowing normal functioning of The Opposition is being denied the right to raise issues concerning the people of India," he further alleged. Sharma said be it Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha, the opposition must be given space and voice. "Violation of this practice is striking at the root of democracy which will be opposed by us," he said. "Some days are left for the budget session. The government must change its attitude and the country must hear their elected representatives and allow opposition parties to raise issues so that people can be reassured that their issues are being raised at the right forum," he said. Attacking the prime minister, Kharge said Modi thinks what he speaks is the truth, but the fact is whatever he did has undermined the financial state of the country, whether by fuel price hikes, whether demonetisation or the lockdown. "Modi ji has a style. When the LPG cylinder scheme came, photos were around everywhere. The vaccine certificate also has his photo. "There is a limit to everything, where to get pictured and when. But all the time if people indulge in self promotion, will democracy stay alive in India," he asked. Congress leader Deepender Hooda said matters of urgent importance are taken up under Rule 267. "Government has not said one word of sympathy for the protesting farmers who died during the agitation. No condolence should be shown to them," he said referring to around 300 farmers who died. Hooda alleged that the government first dubbed farmers as terrorists, then no condolences were given, their demands were trashed and today even the demand for a discussion was not taken up. Kharge alleged that the prime minister has pushed the poor to further poverty, while the rich are becoming richer and corporates are happy because government policies are helping them. He said the prices of petrol and diesel are rising constantly and the centre is not making any attempts to reduce the costs, but is imposing Excise duties on them. "We have never had such high costs of petrol and diesel. Even kerosene costs are sky high. Our fight in Parliament was about this. We tried our very best to use rule 267 to discuss the matter in detail but the government was not ready," he said. Accusing the government of earning Rs 21 lakh crore in the last six years, he said, "We wanted to ask where this money has been used and towards which welfare ends." Sharma said Parliament runs on rules and the country on the Constitution, and discussions were sought under rules on "profiteering by government" and rising prices of petrol and diesel. He said the farmers issue is also a burning issue as hundreds of farmers have died, even as he recalled how the opposition was not allowed division of votes when the bills were passed last year. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recently published report by Dell'Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, networks, and data center IT industries, government spending drives the Wireless LAN market to double-digit growth year-over-year, as stimulus unfolds in many countries including China, Japan, and the USA. Overall market outlook strengthens. Wireless LAN vendors lose opportunities as supply lead times extend beyond government funding use by date. "While government spending is flowing into all vertical industries, it is most notable in K-12 Education and Government," said Matthias Machowinski, Senior Research Director at Dell'Oro Group. "We estimate those two verticals alone contributed an additional 15 percent to overall market spend during 4Q 2020, as sales to K-12 increased 90 percent and Government increased almost 40 percentextraordinary rates. Clearly, government spending is lifting overall market sales and by our judgment, is likely to continue through 2021 and beyond," added Machowinski. Additional highlights from the Wireless LAN 4Q 2020 Quarterly Report: Wi-Fi 6 achieved a major milestone, accounting for the majority of access point revenue. Notable growth came from government-funded projects in China , Japan , and Mexico . , , and . Demand surges for entry-level Enterprise-class access points for remote employees. About the Reports The Dell'Oro Group Wireless LAN Quarterly Report offers complete, in-depth coverage of the Enterprise Outdoor and Indoor markets, Wireless LAN Controllers with tables containing manufacturers' revenue, average selling prices, and unit shipments by the following wireless standards: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and separately 6E 6 GHz, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Wave 1 vs. Wave 2, 802.11n, and historic IEEE 802.11 standards. The Enterprise market is portrayed by Cloud vs. Premises Managed, as well as by ten Vertical markets. To purchase these reports, please contact us by email at [email protected]. About Dell'Oro Group Dell'Oro Group is a market research firm that specializes in strategic competitive analysis in the telecommunications, networks, and data center IT markets. Our firm provides in-depth quantitative data and qualitative analysis to facilitate critical, fact-based business decisions. For more information, contact Dell'Oro Group at +1.650.622.9400 or visit www.delloro.com. SOURCE Dell'Oro Group Related Links http://www.delloro.com The 12-year-old was sweeping the floor near the living room, finishing chores, when a black vehicle pulled up outside the house on ONeil Street in Troy. A passenger took out a gun and fired at the home in the Hillview Heights neighborhood. One bullet broke a window, pierced the living room couch and struck M.J. Rivera in the back, dropping M.J. to the floor at around 3:45 p.m. on Monday, about an hour after the Troy Middle School student signed off from a virtual seventh-grade class. Jona Rivera, M.J.s mother, said the drive-by shooting has left M.J. paralyzed from the waist down. The bullet, she said, is stuck in M.J.s spine and she said that doctors told her it would be too dangerous to remove. Its just sad to see your child laying there helpless, Jona said Tuesday afternoon after having spent the previous night in the hospital with M.J., who loves playing Nintendo Switch, is gifted at drawing and is often described as an old soul. Troy police are still investigating the shooting. Jona said the suspects are a group of young men who have beef over trivial things with her 23-year-old son. Police announced Tuesday afternoon that Jona's son Francisco Rivera has been arrested on a weapon charge. Jona disputes the nature of the charge and the high bail, $50,000, set for her son, who was not at the house when the shooting occurred. "Now I gotta go see one kid in jail and go try to bail him out, and go see the other one in the hospital," Jona said. M.J.'s father was home at the time of the shooting, Jona said, and heard the gunfire when the bullet shattered the window. Jona recalled that last fall there was another shooting on O'Neil Street. In that case, two Watervliet teenagers were charged after shooting someone in the head on Sept. 24. The victim, who police did not identify, survived. And on Monday, Jona said, M.J.s father ran outside with his own gun, but the black vehicle had already sped away. As the father ran back inside the house, he tripped on the broken glass, Jona said. Inside the house, M.J.s sister was putting pressure on the wound, trying to slow the bleeding. The sister, Jona said, called a dispatcher as M.J. whispered: Tell my friends I love them. And now Jona and her husband are reflecting on what little things would have changed M.J. being in the path of the bullet. What if they had asked M.J. to shower first and then do chores? What if M.J. had not been in the house? Theyve let M.J. leave home only twice this past year because of COVID-19: once to get a flu shot, another to buy a pretzel maker at the mall. The Troy City School District said in a statement that this kind of senseless violence has no place in our community and should not be the reality that any of our students or their families must face. When Jona told M.J. that the child might not walk again, there was silence in the room. Definitely sad. Very sad, Jona said. On Tuesday, she looked at the bullet hole that allowed the wind to rush inside her home, and then looked down. She was wearing a pair of Crocs, the ones M.J. likes to wear around the house. The ones she would wear later to the hospital to see her child. NCIS has another spinoff in the works, and the rumors are swirling about who will lead the new team. NCIS: Hawaii is reportedly close to receiving a direct-to-series order from CBS. As a result, fans are hoping for the return of some favorite characters. One name that has come up often is Ziva David. That begs the question could Cote de Pablo possibly return and lead the new NCIS team? NCIS stars Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly | Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images) NCIS fans thought Ziva David was killed off the show De Pablo first appeared on NCIS in season 3 as a Mossad agent who would eventually take over for agent Todd (Sasha Alexander). During the next eight seasons, Ziva became one of the most popular characters on the procedural. As Carter Matt points out, she brought the action and the drama, as well as the humor and heart. Fans couldnt get enough of her flirtatious relationship and eventual romance with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), a duo they christened #Tiva. But by season 11, de Pablo was ready to leave the show. She appeared in two episodes to wrap up her storyline before saying goodbye. Then in season 13, Ziva was apparently killed off screen in a mortar attack on her home in Israel. Tony DiNozzo left to look for answers about Zivas death At the end of season 13, it was time for Weatherly to say goodbye to NCIS. He was an OG of the series, whos character had been introduced back in 2003 during the JAG backdoor pilot. DiNozzo left NCIS when he found out that he and Ziva had a daughter, Tali. His goal was to spend more time with her and look for answers about Zivas apparent death. That was how writers took the character off of the series. Weatherly was moving on to his own series, the legal drama Bull. RELATED: NCIS: Hawaii Will Include Some of the Team From the Canceled New Orleans Spinoff For five seasons, Weatherly has played trial science expert Dr. Jason Bull. But according to Monsters and Critics, the ratings are down significantly in season 5. CBS has yet to renew the series for another season. Cote de Pablo appears to have zero scheduling conflicts with the NCIS spin-off NCIS fans were shocked when Ziva appeared out of nowhere at the end of season 16. As it turned out, she was pretending to be dead in order to protect her family. She later returned for a few episodes in season 17. But thats the last time fans have seen her, despite high hopes that she would be back once again during the current season. Showrunners Steven D. Binder and Frank Cardea confirmed that de Pablo wouldnt be back in season 18 due to the small number of episodes and current storylines. But, that doesnt mean that theres not a big plan going on behind the scenes for something bigger. According to de Pablos IMDB page, she doesnt have any new projects in the works. For many fans, the lack of projects means shes available. Could it be an indication that de Pablo will soon be leading the team in the new NCIS spin-off. Could Ziva and Tony be part of the NCIS team in Hawaii? When Ziva left NCIS the last time, she returned to Paris to be with Tony and Tali. Now, fans believe theres a good chance that both Ziva and Tony could be back together for NCIS: Hawaii. Michael Weatherly is talking further #Tiva adventures, one fan tweeted. If Bull gets canceled lets have this very special agent head his own team on the new NCIS Hawaii. We could find out hes been working for them for years in a different capacity when in Paris. RELATED: Would NCIS: LA Star Eric Christian Olsen Jump Ship to Join the Hawaii Spin-Off? Could Ziva and Tony reunite on-screen in Hawaii for the new spin-off? Its definitely a possibility. But, CBS would have to cancel Bull first for that to happen. Ziva doesnt really need Tony, though For both Ziva and Tony to return together for NCIS: Hawaii, CBS would first half to cancel Bull. But, if they just want Ziva as the team leader all by herself, that could be an even more likely scenario. However, the project is still in early development and no casting decisions have been revealed. Insiders say they are still staffing the writers room and looking for a pilot director. Fans will just have to stay tuned to find out if Tony and/or Ziva will be back. NCIS airs Tuesday nights on CBS. Russia has signed a deal to produce its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Italy, the first contract in the European Union, the Italian Russian Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday. The deal was signed with Adienne Srl, the Italian subsidiary of a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, and Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund. Production of a planned 10 million doses this year is set to launch in July. The innovative production process will help create new jobs and allow Italy to control the entire production of the compound,'' the chamber said in a statement. Financial terms were not released. Sputnik V has not yet been approved for use in the EU, but the body's regulator, the European Medicines Agency, started a rolling review of the vaccine last week. Russian authorities are working on 20 similar collaborations in Europe and the Sputnik V vaccine has been registered in 45 nations worldwide, the chamber said. The EU has been criticized for its slow vaccine rollout and some EU nations have decided not to wait for the EMA's approval. Hungary became the first EU country to authorize Sputnik V for use last month while Slovakia announced a deal last week to acquire 2 million Sputnik V doses and received the first shipment of 200,000 doses. Despite skepticism about Russia's hasty introduction of the vaccine, which was rolled out before it had completed late-stage trials, the vaccine appears to be safe and effective. According to a study published last month in the journal Lancet, Sputnik V is 91% effective and appears to prevent inoculated individuals from becoming severely ill with COVID-19, although it's still unclear if the vaccine can prevent the spread of the disease. With a global shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, some experts say boosting the use of vaccines made by China and Russia could offer a quicker way to increase the global supply. Others note that Russia's push to export its vaccine around the world may be driven by political interests. The EU commission does not at this stage have plans for a collective purchase of Sputnik doses, relying instead on deals already made with other manufacturers. But it has made clear that member states are entitled to reach separate agreements as long as they don't compete with the commission's advance purchase agreements for 2 billion doses. Italy's health minister, Roberto Speranza, has indicated he is open to introducing the Russia-developed vaccine in Italy, as long as it has regulatory approval. Italy's new premier, Mario Draghi, has pledged to accelerate the vaccination campaign to dampen the spread of new variants which have again put the health system under pressure. So far, just 2.85% of Italy's population has been fully vaccinated. The Russian Direct Investment Fund that bankrolled the vaccine and markets it abroad has said that the production of Sputnik V will span several countries, including India, South Korea, Brazil, China, Turkey, Iran, as well as Belarus and Kazakhstan. Some manufacturers abroad have produced trial batches of the Russian vaccine, but there are few indications they have so far produced any large amounts of the shot. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: EU regulator urges caution on Sputnik V; cites lack of data Life just got a little worse for local cuisine and local restaurants. Read more . . . I'm God fearing, and we're rolling out looking for America's greatest diners. Drive ins and dives. I love him. We all know Guy Fieri as the mayor of Flavor Town on Food Network's diners drive ins and dives, he's known for taking viewers on road trip to restaurants across America. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. TEL AVIV, Israel, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EVgo, the largest public fast charging network in the United States, has signed a long-term agreement with Driivz, a leading EV charging and energy management software platform provider. "Driivz has been our trusted partner for years. Their platform enables us to keep up with our rapid growth and to realize EVgo's technology vision via a hybrid approach where we will work together to complement each other's technical strengths," said Ivo Steklac, COO and CTO of EVgo. EVgo utilizes the Driivz platform for EV charging operations management, retail billing, charging programs and plans, and transaction management, and focused in-house development on customer facing applications, APIs for third-party application integration and platform extension, and other solutions to enable a first-class customer experience for individual drivers and fleets alike. Through this hybrid approach Driivz provides EVgo with maximum flexibility as their needs continuously evolve. Driivz technology also helps EVgo maintain charger reliability and availability with proactive issue detection and remote resolution. EVgo focuses on delivering a seamless experience to the 220,000+ customers that charge on the EVgo network - individual EV owners, EV OEMs and their customers, and fleet operators, through a variety of charging and billing plans, driver self-service apps, and custom fleet solutions. OCPI-based roaming also enables EVgo customers to charge across multiple charging providers with a singular application. "We are proud to support EVgo's mission to expedite mass adoption of electric vehicles across the US," said Doron Frenkel, founder & CEO of Driivz. "As EVgo increases its client base and the number of chargers on their network, their ability to deliver a reliable and convenient EV charging experience will enhance driver satisfaction and loyalty and further strengthen their brand." About Driivz Driivz is the leading global software supplier to EV operators and service providers, accelerating the plug-in EV industry's dynamic and continuous transformation. The company's intelligent, cloud-based platform spans EV charging operations, energy management, advanced billing capabilities and driver self-service tools. Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Driivz's team of EV experts serve customers across 21 countries, including global industry players such as EVgo, Gilbarco, ElaadNL, ESB, and Centrica. Driivz's platform manages tens of thousands of EV chargers in North America, Europe, and APAC, used by more than 700,000 EV drivers. For more information, please visit http://www.driivz.com Media Contact Amy Kenigsberg K2 Global Communications http://k2-gc.com/ [email protected] tel: +972-9-794-1681 (+2 GMT) U.S. +1-913-440-4072 (+7 ET) SOURCE Driivz Whats new: A court in Beijing finalized the bankruptcy liquidation of Inner Mongolia-based Baoshang Bank, ending a nearly two-year effort to clean up the embattled regional lender that became Chinas first failed bank in decades. The Beijing No.1 Intermediate Peoples Court issued its ruling on Baoshangs liquidation Feb. 7, taking effect immediately, the verdict released Tuesday showed. According to the court document, Baoshang had total assets of 447 million yuan ($68 million) as of the end of October 2020, with net liabilities of about 206 billion yuan, meaning it was insolvent. Baoshang had no actual business and employees as the bankruptcy proceeding started, and none of its creditors demanded restructuring, the court said. The background: Baoshang filed for bankruptcy proceedings in November 2020, after a nearly two-year struggle with a credit crisis. The bank was Chinas first commercial lender to be liquidated through judicial procedure. Baoshang, which was 89% owned by private conglomerate Tomorrow Holding Co. Ltd., was taken under state custody in May 2019. The bank was found to have a massive financial black hole due to relentless fund misappropriation by its largest shareholder. Under a government-led shakeup, parts of Baoshangs good assets were taken over by newly formed Mengshang Bank and Hong Kong-listed Huishang Bank. State investors including a national deposit insurance fund managed by the central bank and the government of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region took part in the restructuring. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. Related: Five Things to Know About Chinas First Bank Failure in Decades Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com). Support quality journalism in China. Subscribe to Caixin Global starting at $0.99. Follow the Chinese markets in real time with Caixin Globals new stock database. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. is set to launch its gaming-centric ROG Phone 5 series on Wednesday. Alongside, the company is expected to announce new line-up of ROG Phone 5 series compatible gaming accessories. The Taiwanese electronics maker is hosting a virtual event, which would livestream on the companys YouTube channel and social media handles. On YouTube, the livestream will begin at 4:15 pm (IST). You can also watch the ROG Phone 5 series launch livestream on the video embedded below. The ROG Phone 5 series is likely to bring more than just seasonal upgrades with regard to specifications, features and performance. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomms flagship Snapdragon 888 system-on-chip, 6,000 mAh battery, and Android 11 operating system. The phone would likely sport a 10-bit AMOLED screen of up to 144Hz refresh rate. As for the cameras, the ROG Phone 5 is expected to sport a triple-camera set-up on the back, featuring a 64-megapixel primary sensor. The ROG Phone 5 is expected to feature an LED backlit ROG logo on the back. While the above specification information is tentative, the ROG Phone 5 series is confirmed to feature stereo speakers by the DxOMark. According to the DxOMarks audio review, the ROG Phone 5 is among the best with regard to audio quality. Besides stereo speakers, the phone will bring back the 3.5mm audio out jack that was missing in the predecessor, the ROG Phone 3 (review). Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 17:03:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- According to a survey conducted by the think-tank Bauhinia Institute, more than 80 percent of local people recognize the necessity of upholding the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle and nearly 70 percent support the central authorities in improving Hong Kong's electoral system and closing institutional loopholes. -- With an improved electoral system of the HKSAR, the Hong Kong society will be allowed to refocus on economic development and promote the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems." -- An improved electoral system will help the LegCo of the HKSAR resume normal operation and the HKSAR government carry out policies to improve Hong Kong residents' livelihoods. Aerial photo taken on March 6, 2021 shows citizens displaying China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in support of implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" at Tamar Park in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Li Gang) HONG KONG, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Running a small cafe alone in Hong Kong, single mother Kate Lee found the thing that depressed her most was not the COVID-19 outbreak but the endless political upheavals. After speaking out against the violence in a pro-police rally in 2019, Lee became a target of vicious online attacks and hateful telephone calls. Frequent bogus complaints made about her cafe also dealt a heavy blow to her business. As social unrest and COVID-19 delivered a double whammy to Hong Kong's economy, Lee, like many people struggling amid the epidemic, pinned high hopes on the fast rollout of government subsidies so that her 40-square-meter eatery could stay afloat. So, when she heard that opposition lawmakers filibustered repeatedly to block the second round of the anti-epidemic fund during a Legislative Council (LegCo) session on April 17, 2020, she felt devastated and left adrift. "They just opposed (the bill) for the sake of opposing (it)," Lee exclaimed. Citizens display China's national flag in support of implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" at Tamar Park in Hong Kong, south China, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Starting in October 2019, the House Committee of the LegCo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which prepares legislative work for full-council meetings, was brought to a standstill for over six months due to malicious filibusters and violence by opposition lawmakers. The stalled legislative process led to an enormous backlog of bills that directly concern people's livelihoods, from tax breaks to housing, which were of paramount importance amid the epidemic. Last summer, Benny Tai Yiu-ting and others, colluding with external forces, attempted to rig the seventh-term LegCo election and assist candidates advocating "mutual destruction" to grab more than half the seats through electoral loopholes. If successful, they would have indiscriminately vetoed all major government bills to paralyze the executive authorities and force Chief Executive of the HKSAR Carrie Lam to step down. Photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) As escalating political turmoil cast a dark shadow over the financial and commercial center, the collective desire for restoring a stable political and social environment was on the rise. A campaign that called for sacking lawmakers advocating "mutual destruction" collected more than 2.18 million signatures in November 2020. In an earlier movement last June, about 1.65 million people signed a petition to oppose foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs. Nicholas Muk, 29, a teacher at the Pui Kiu Middle School in the Eastern District, witnessed how street violence and political instability had impacted schools and young people in recent years and could still feel the pinch, even now. "I saw classes suspended, campuses maliciously politicized and minors involved in the disturbances during that time," he said, calling for a stable environment for education so that his students can keep their minds on studying and developing healthy values. The voice of the Hong Kong people was heard. During the ongoing fourth annual session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, national lawmakers are deliberating a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR. The riot and turbulence that occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals that the existing electoral system in the HKSAR has obvious loopholes and deficiencies, Wang Chen, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said when introducing the draft decision last week. 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/Cai Yang) Anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists used the HKSAR's electoral platforms and the deliberation platforms of the LegCo and the District Councils, or their position as public servants, to blatantly carry out anti-China and destabilizing activities, Wang said. Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and remove existing institutional risks to ensure Hong Kong is administered by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body, he said. The decision received widespread support. According to a survey conducted by the think-tank Bauhinia Institute, more than 80 percent of local people recognize the necessity of upholding the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle and nearly 70 percent support the central authorities in improving Hong Kong's electoral system and closing institutional loopholes. Over the past weekend, Muk and his friends set up an opinion poll station in Wan Chai and were overwhelmed by the numbers of people flocking to express their support. "More than 200 passersby stopped and signed their names in support of the NPC decision within one hour," he said. When the NPC session concludes on Thursday, the national legislature is expected to officially make the decision on improving the HKSAR's electoral system and authorize its Standing Committee to amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law of the HKSAR in accordance with the decision. After the amendment at the state level is completed, the HKSAR will amend relevant local laws accordingly. A citizen signs at a street counter in support of improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" in Hong Kong, south China, March 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Various sectors in Hong Kong have agreed that the improvement in the electoral system will enable Hong Kong to right the wrongs and usher in a new, brighter phase. Lau Siu-kai, vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said Hong Kong society will be allowed to refocus on economic development and promote the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems." As violent incidents and the epidemic dealt a one-two punch to Hong Kong's businesses, an improved electoral system will help the LegCo resume normal operation and the HKSAR government carry out policies to improve people's livelihoods, Lo Kam-yam, president of the Hong Kong Commerce and Industry Associations, said. After that, a sound business environment will be restored and residents will, once again, be able to lead a stable life, Lo said. (Video reporters: Lin Ning, Zhang Yichi, video editors: Zhou Sa'ang, Li Qin) A woman travelling from Tipperary to Dublin to buy heroin has been convicted of theft in Kilkenny. Georgina OMahoney, 3 Kickham Place, Mullinahone, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. Sergeant Morgan OConnor said that on March 9, 2019, Ms OMahoney pulled in to the Applegreen filling station in Paulstown, put 30.06 in fuel into her car and drove off without paying. On the same day she took a carton of milk from a shop and left without paying. The defendant had 47 previous convictions, the court heard. Solicitor Chris Hogan accepted his client had a huge number of previous convictions. They arose due to her addiction to heroin, he said. Ms OMahoney was going to, and returning from Dublin to purchase heroin. She had a long addiction but has been clean for the last nine months. His client is engaged with a drug treatment team and is on a methadone maintenance programme and undergoing urinalysis. Mr Hogan asked the court to give his client credit for her guilty plea. Judge Geraldine Carthy asked if there was any reason why Ms OMahoney would be in Kilkenny and was told for drugs, but that was previously, not currently. Judge Carthy convicted Ms OMahoney of theft for taking the petrol and instructed 40 be handed over to the injured party. A prison sentence of six months was imposed, suspended for 12 months on condition Ms OMahoney stay out of Kilkenny. More blues events are in the works, and more venues are bringing in more live shows. Some live music this week includes: Friday at the Station House Wine Bar and Grill it is Tom Crivellone. Over at the Wall Street Theater ,Whitney Ford's House of Pain plays. Saturday, the Station House Wine Bar & Grill has the relentless rock blues duo, Cassandra And The Knighthawks. Sunday, Daryl's House Club has a free show with Jason Gisser. Don Denley writes, We have given the Hungry Tiger a nice make-over during our down time so come check it out. Same staff, food and service in a safe, clean, funky environment. The Tiger has its share of blues, with a Friday show featuring Davey "Blues" Sadloski and Saturday, Brandt Taylor All-Stars with many special guests appear. Visit thehungrytiger.com/ There are big plans for a St. Patricks Day celebration Wednesday with live music by Tommy O & Slim Tempo, on the Front Patio and streamed inside at 3 p.m., with some Irish favorites food and drink. Mark your calendars! Were one short month away from some great live blues music, the Connecticut Blues Society monthly jam. The CTBS All-Stars' featured guest for the first installment of this monthly series will be Petey Hop, a past winner of the CTBS Blues Challenge who represented CT at the IBC in Memphis in 2012. The CTBS and The Chicken Shack at The Farm at Carter Hill will be doing their utmost to present a safe, socially distanced event. Visit www.ctblues.org/ to learn more. Paul E Benjamin and Jamie Isaacson are moving ahead with plans for the North Atlantic Blues Festival July 10-11 in Rockland, Maine. In five months, a lot can change and they will be working with the state of Maine and the Maine CDC. It's too soon to know what guidelines will be in place for outdoor gatherings, this summer but the safety of the guests is most important to them. At this time the website is set up to order tickets and for lineup info. Go to www.northatlanticbluesfestival.com/ Tas Cru has received a Sammy, a Syracuse Area Music Award. Cru is truly a blues eclectic who refuses to let his music be bound to just one blues style. Hell swing you with a traditional shuffle, swoon you with a sultry ballad, lull you into a trance with deep Hill-country blues and then rock your knobs off.. He is active in blues education and is based in upstate New York. The Sammys Awards Show is our annual celebration of the Syracuse music scene. Since the Sammys was first held in 1993, the Sammys Award Show has become the number one local music event in the Central New York Area. Check the Livestream to watch at www.syracuseareamusic.com/ Thursday at 9 p.m. Niecie Blues is live from Nashville. It is a free event on Facebook, sponsored by Can't stop the Blues, Blues Festival Guide and others. Cashbox Magazine has described Niecie as a raw and soulful, a rocking blues powerhouse. Her music has topped charts all over the world landing on Billboard, RMR and Living Blues charts. Blue-E-News voted Niecie a Top 25 Women In Music. Niecie was recently voted Fan Favorite by the LA Music Critics Awards. She has shared the stage with the likes of Koko Taylor, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, and Albert Castiglia. Learn more on her Facebook page. In 1980, a consortium led by the National Womens History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance), successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8 1980, as National Womens History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Womens History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as Womens History Month. For Women's History Month, Women of the Blues presents: A Coast To Coast Collection of Chicago Blues Women. Across Chicago, Blues Women have been performing in clubs, in festivals, and in studios for decades. From traditional to contemporary, classic to Chicago Blues they celebrate the social, moral, sexual consciousness raising landscape for America. Lynn Orman Weiss, founder and curator of Women of the Blues Foundation in partnership with Delmark Records President and CEO, Julia Miller, celebrate Women's History Month with an exhibit featuring 100 blues women. The exhibit, at the Delmark Records gallery, is in honor of Chicago's Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, who was the original inspiration. Also included are 25 historic album covers of Delmark releases including, Zora Young, Shirley Johnson, Big Time Sarah and more. You can visit the virtual gallery (until further notice) at womenoftheblues.com/ M.C. Records has curated a special 16 song playlist/download for Women's History Month from its releases. Looking back, I have had the honor to work with so many amazing women, President of the label Mark Carpentieri says. They have inspired me and so many others with their strength and talent. It wasn't easy putting 16 tracks together, I could have easily done twice as many songs. The WHM playlist includes Marcia Ball, Joanna Connor, Debbie Davies, EG Kight, Maria Muldaur, Odetta, Madeleine Peyroux, Ann Rabson, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi. You can listen to the playlist on Spotify. The Allman Brothers Band: Live at Great Woods, September 6, 1991 DVD is to be re-issued March 26, the bands 61st anniversary. This a fan-favorite has been unavailable for several years. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com. Former Clueless star and Fox News conservative firebrand Stacey Dash has denounced Donald Trump and slammed her old news channel for casting her as an 'angry Black woman.' In an exclusive interview with DailyMailTV, Dash turned on the former president and called out the Capitol riots on January 6 as 'appalling and stupid.' The comments mark a stunning u-turn from her previous ardent support for Trump. Dash, 52, drew intense criticism for backing Trump's statement after the 2017 Charlottesville neo-Nazi rally in Virginia that there were 'very fine people on both sides,' for defending Trump's claim that Mexican immigrants were drug traffickers, rapists and criminals and calling for an end to celebrating Black History Month. The controversial former commentator's views proved too far-out even for Fox news, who fired her in 2016 after she claimed Barack Obama 'didn't give a s**t' about terrorism. But in her DailyMailTV interview, Dash apologized for any hurt she had caused, blaming her 'arrogant pride and anger', vowed to withdraw from politics and claimed she was typecast by the channel. Actress turned political pundit Stacey Dash is apologizing for offensive comments she made while working as a Fox News conservative commentator. 'There are things that I am sorry for. Things that I did say, that I should not have said them the way I said them,' she said Dash, an ardent Trump support, turned on the former president and called out the Capitol riots as 'appalling and stupid' in an interview with DailyMailTV 'I've lived my life being angry, which is what I was on Fox News. I was the angry, conservative, Black woman. And at that time in my life it was who I was,' she said. 'I realized in 2016 that anger is unsustainable and it will destroy you. I made a lot of mistakes because of that anger. 'I've lived my life being angry, which is what I was on Fox News. I was the angry, conservative, Black woman. And at that time in my life it was who I was,' she said 'There are things that I am sorry for. Things that I did say, that I should not have said them the way I said them. They were very arrogant and prideful and angry. And that's who Stacey was, but that's not who Stacey is now. Stacey's someone who has compassion, empathy. 'God has forgiven me, how dare I not forgive someone else. I don't want to be judged, so how dare I judge anyone else. So if anyone has ever felt that way about me, like I've judged, that I apologize for because that's not who I am.' The Clueless star said she was responsible for her role stirring up political controversy at Fox, but added that it was what she was being paid to do. 'I'm not a victim of anyone,' she said. 'Working for Fox at the time, that was my job. I did my job from the place I was at. Stacey now would never work at Fox, would never work for a news network or be a news contributor.' Dash continued to be outspoken after she was dumped by the network in 2016. In March 2018 during a failed run for a Southern California congressional seat as a Republican she told MSNBC that Trump was 'absolutely right' in his comments about the Charlottesville 'Unite the Right' rally. 'I think he was absolutely right Both sides had a right to assemble, but they were both extremes,' she told the channel. 'Do I know every person of the neo-Nazi party, if they have a good heart or not? No I do not.' But in her DailyMailTV interview in her current home town of Los Angeles last week, Dash walked back her previous steadfast support for Trump, dismissing him as 'not the president' and telling conservatives to 'give the new president a chance'. 'As far as he's concerned, [Trump] is not the president. We have a new president,' she said. 'Being a supporter of Trump has put me in some kind of box that I don't belong in. But he's not the president. I'm going to give the president that we have right now a chance.' Dash also used the interview to condemn the deadly riots at the Capitol in Washington DC on January 6 saying they marked a turning point for her. 'I think the Capitol Riots were appalling,' she said. 'When that happened I was like 'Ok, I'm done. I'm truly done.' Because senseless violence of any kind I denounce. What happened on January 6 was just appalling and stupid.' Her views proved too far-out even for Fox news, who fired her in 2016 after she claimed Barack Obama 'didn't give a s**t' about terrorism' Despite her former Clueless stardom, where she became a household name as Beverly Hills high schooler Dionne, the 52-year-old mother said she has also received short shrift in Hollywood because of her strident right-wing views Despite her newly-professed neutrality, the actress is not shying away from roles in political movies. Dash plays a doctor in a new anti-abortion movie Roe v Wade, about the titular Supreme Court landmark case. Dash said the movie's stance on abortion meant producers struggled to find locations that would allow them to shoot, and the premiere was reportedly shunned in Hollywood, leading writer and directors Nick Loeb and Cathy Allyn to unveil it at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida. 'My position on abortion is because of my own personal experience. I was on the abortion table with my son,' she said. Dash is pictured with her now 30-year-old son Despite her former Clueless stardom, where she became a household name as Beverly Hills high schooler Dionne, the 52-year-old mother said she has also received short shrift in Hollywood because of her strident right-wing views. 'I've been basically blacklisted. Being a black conservative is not easy,' she said. Dash said her conservative views stem from a tough upbringing in the South Bronx of the 1960s and '70s, where her parents were teen drug addicts, her uncle was a pimp, her babysitter sexually abused her and she saw her first dead body on the street at just three years old. 'This idea that people think I'm coming from a place of judgement with the things I believe? No, it's experience,' she said. 'I'm from the hood,' the actress, whose cousin Damon Dash co-founded Jay Z's Roc-A-Fella Records, added. 'The codes of the street are very conservative. If you're not a hustler, if you don't know how to hustle, how to make your money, you're a lamb for the slaughter. 'If you have a gun and someone tries to take your gun, not good things are going to happen to you.' She also insisted that she would have leapt at the role in Roe v Wade even without the skepticism LA's casting directors now direct towards her, because of her personal views on abortion. 'I said apolitical, but I have my values and my morals. My position on abortion is because of my own personal experience. I was on the abortion table with my son,' she said. Despite her newly-professed neutrality, the actress is not shying away from roles in political movies. Dash plays a doctor in a new anti-abortion movie Roe v Wade, about the titular Supreme Court landmark case 'That's who Stacey was, but that's not who Stacey is now. Stacey's someone who has compassion, empathy,' she said 'They were about to wheel me into the operating room because I was four months pregnant. I said 'God, please, you have to tell me what to do. And I don't want a sign, I don't want a whisper. You have to tell me.' 'God spoke to me like thunder, and he said 'Keep your son.' He even told me it was a boy. I ripped the IV out my arm, jumped off the table, very dramatic. 'But my son's 30 years old today. I'm just so grateful that I took that time and I listened to God. that's why I'm pro-life from my own personal experience.' Dash said she hopes to rebuild her acting career and dreams of playing a superhero in an action movie giggling that her favorite pastimes are shooting at the range and riding horses. But she was not shy in stating her stance on another thorny political issue: 'I'm not a feminist,' she told DailyMailTV. 'Right now I feel like women need to support men, lift them up, love them and respect them. On the other hand, it's a two-way street. If men want us to do that, they have to respect us, cherish us, adore us, love us. We can't do one without the other. We need each other.' Dash also criticized identity politics as divisive. 'I don't believe in identity politics. I don't walk around looking at someone and saying 'oh this is the color of your skin so therefore you are this', or 'you're straight or gay so therefore you are this'. I don't judge people the color of their skin or their sexual orientation. That's not who I am,' she said. Dash was previously called out by former friend Russell Simmons on The Tomorrow Show for calling her own daughter a 'dyke' but she says some of her closest friends are gay. A spokeswoman for Dash said she has never referred to her daughter as a "dyke" and never said those words to Mr. Simmons. (CNN) Throughout Myanmar's month-long demonstrations against the resumption of military rule, artists have helped shape how the protests are expressed visually, from moving illustrations of demonstrators who have died, to huge murals, roadside artworks and satirical protest signs mocking coup leader General Min Aung Hlaing. But the most permanent form of protest is, perhaps, the tattoo. From big cities like Yangon and Mandalay, to Shan state's Nyaung Shwe, a small town near the popular tourist spot of Inle Lake, protesters are getting inked for democracy. "Tattoos are a lasting memory for your whole life, and a way to express our dreams. They can't be removed and therefore it shows our solidarity. It unites us protesters," said Htun Htun, a resident of Nyaung Shwe, originally from Yangon. Htun Htun was one of about 70 people who took part in a tattoo protest event in Nyaung Shwe on Friday. The event, organized by a local youth group from the Intha ethnic minority, invited residents to get a protest tattoo to raise funds for the civil disobedience movement, or CDM. The movement has seen thousands of white- and blue-collar workers, from medics, bankers and lawyers to teachers, engineers and factory workers, leave their jobs as a form of resistance against the February 1 military coup. Eight tattooists inked dozens of participants who were each asked for a minimum donation of $2. Each tattoo took about 20 minutes to complete and, for speed, participants were given a choice of four styles: the face of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the words "Spring revolution," the phrase "Kabar Ma Kyay Bu" (which references a protest song and means "we will not forget until the end of the world") and the ubiquitous "three-finger salute," from "The Hunger Games" movies, that has become a symbol of resistance at protests in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. The most popular design? An outline of Suu Kyi's face. "I got a tattoo because I love Aung San Suu Kyi and admire people who stand up and suffer under a dictatorship. To get a tattoo is painful but it's nothing compared to the pain of our hearts (caused by the coup). I want our freedom back," said Moh Moh, a 26-year-old participant who did not want to provide her full name for security reasons. Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy Party won a landslide in November 2020 elections, has been held under house arrest since the military seized power, along with the ousted President and other government officials. "The tattoo campaign was our own idea it's a group of tattooists who are using the event to support the CDM. What's happening right now with the protests is more worrying than Covid," said organizer Nyi Nyi Lwin. He said the event was marred by recent deadly crackdowns on peaceful protesters by Myanmar's security forces, with some people fearful of a rumor that police would arrive to arrest attendees. Ongoing clashes In recent weeks, the military and police have stepped up their deadly crackdown on protesters in towns and cities all over the country. Junta forces have been accused of shooting to kill as they opened live fire on crowds and used rubber bullets, tear gas and flash bangs against protesters. At least 54 people have died in crackdowns on protests, including many teenagers and young people, according to the United Nations. Rights groups have put the death toll higher. Almost 2,000 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced by the military junta since it seized power, according to watchdog group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Many of those are people pulled from their houses in nighttime raids by police and military personnel, with relatives often unsure where they are being held. "Protests continue despite innocent people dying from the hands of military," said one tattooist, who held up the three-finger salute but who didn't want to be named for security reasons. "This situation must stop. We demonstrate in order to get Aung San Suu Kyi released and restore democracy." Much like in "The Hunger Games" movies, the salute has become a symbol of resistance among a loose collection of activists across Asia who call themselves the Milk Tea Alliance due to the drink's popularity in places rocked by protests. The movement, which started off as a hashtag to protest online harassment from Chinese nationalists, has since grown to include members from Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar and even India. The members support each others' struggle for democracy and have adopted similar iconography at protests in each country, including slogans, protest signs, the now familiar uniforms of helmets and goggles, protest tactics and the three-finger salute. The symbol's popularity at Nyaung Shwe's tattoo protest is indicative of how far and wide the movement has spread and how visual dissent is trickling down smaller and more remote parts of Myanmar. Troubled past Not far from Nyaung Shwe, nestled in the Shan hills, is the tourist spot of Inle Lake. In recent weeks, thousands of people have staged a unique form of protest on the lake: gathering on traditional wooden longboats and fishing vessels, holding up their oars and signs expressing opposition to military rule. Protests have also broken out near other iconic Burmese landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bagan, famed for its thousands of ancient pagodas and temples. From Yangon to the capital Naypyidaw, and even among Burmese migrants in Thailand, people are tattooing the face of the 75-year-old Suu Kyi onto their chests and arms. A Nobel Peace Prize winner and former political prisoner, Suu Kyi led Myanmar as the first civilian leader since military rule ended in 2011. Though Suu Kyi's international reputation was shattered after she defended the military against accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and failed to speak out about atrocities committed against the Rohingya community, she has remained hugely popular in her home country, especially among the majority Bamar ethnic group. In 1988, Aung Soe, 49, took part in mass pro-democracy protests known as the 8888 Uprising, which were violently suppressed by the army and ultimately ended in a military coup. Back then, "all the protesters at that time got tattoos on the upper arm to show unity, but they are different from today's designs," he said. "Mine shows circles forming a clenched fist." Aung Soe said that during the 1988 crackdown, in which at least 3,000 people are believed to have died, he had to frequently change location to evade authorities. During the recent protests, many demonstrators, activists and journalists have also gone into hiding, fearing arrest from security forces. "Generation Z is much more emotional than we were," he said. "They care so much about freedom. The situation today, compared to 1988, is different because we now have the elected government ... and the world knows what is happening now in Myanmar. In the past, we couldn't spread any information, be it at home or abroad. The international community did not care about us." Tattooing culture Myanmar has a long and rich history of tattooing, especially among the country's diverse ethnic groups. In northern Shan and central Karen states, men would tattoos their thighs to symbolize masculinity and bravery. Others believed the traditional tattoos would possess magical powers. In the remote, mountainous Chin state in Myanmar's west, local women were known to tattoo their faces. But tattooing was banned in Myanmar then known as Burma under British colonial rule. And the practice of Chin women tattooing their faces was outlawed by the Burmese military's socialist government in the 1960s. Since the country began opening up and embarking on a series of reforms from 2011, tattoos have become more popular, particularly among the younger generation. Htun Htun said all his friends in Nyaung Shwe are getting a protest tattoo, "but in Yangon it's not possible anymore due to the crackdown," he said. "We all hope for democracy and to see the release of our leaders." The power of small protests, he said, was "to unite the people in one movement." "The escalation of violence makes me terrified, we are defenseless," he added. "Guns are not a solution to the problem." This story was first published on CNN.com "Myanmar protesters getting permanent symbols of resistance -- tattoos" Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Candidates started filing for San Antonio City Council elections on Jan. 13. A week later, some big news rocked District 5, which has 11 candidates competing for the seat being vacated by a term-limited Shirley Gonzales. The San Antonio Housing Authority abandoned its plan to partner with a private developer to raze the West Sides historic Alazan Courts and replace them with mixed-income apartments. SAHA now plans to redevelop Alazan itself and maintain it as a public-housing complex. All kinds of logistical questions remain: Where will the funding come from? Where will residents stay while their units are rebuilt? How long will the process take? Nonetheless, public-housing advocates have praised SAHAs policy reversal. For District 5 candidates, the issues underpinning the Alazan Courts debate are fundamental to the district they hope to represent much bigger than the 501 units the complex holds or the 33 acres on which it rests. Its about the West Sides chronic population loss and need to attract new residents vs. concerns that gentrification could damage the social fabric of its neighborhoods. Its about displacement, the value of history and the question of what kinds of economic development are healthy for a community and what kinds are damaging. Teri Castillo, a housing advocate who is competing in the District 5 race, sees SAHAs change of course as a victory for community members who objected to the private-housing plan. I think this is the result of community work and organizing and bold and brave tenants speaking out, up against the demolition and the practices that were going over the last few years, Castillo said. Castillo was among those decrying SAHAs plan to work with the NRP Group, a for-profit developer, to tear down the 501 units and replace them with 648 apartments, only 10 percent of which would be reserved for families making less than 30 percent of the area median income (about $26,200 for a family of four). The NRP plan likely would have forced out many current Alazan Courts residents, destroying the familial bonds of the complex, forcing some families into different school districts and disrupting the established patterns of their lives. It also raised questions about whether some families would be able to find any affordable housing at all. They were going to be replaced with mixed-income, but they were being sold to the community as affordable, Castillo said. Not affordable to the working residents of Alazan, not affordable to the working residents in District 5. No plan was ever presented on where the community would be relocated to. We were told that residents would be given housing vouchers, but we know that in San Antonio there is a shortage of landlords who accept vouchers. District 5 hopeful Geremy Landin said the displacement issue has trumped all others for him. The biggest issue here is that no one wants to displace residents, said Landin, the director of marketing, communications and community relations for STAAMP Allergy. Thats been my biggest concern. And if one resident is displaced, theres an issue, because we shouldnt have to force people out of where they live in order to say that were bringing some sort of prosperous growth or new opportunities forward. The average Alazan household earns $8,796 a year and pays $131 in monthly rent. Landin, who was homeless for much of his last three years at Fox Tech High School, said he had conversations with a SAHA board member who worried that under the NRP plan, Alazan Courts residents who have fallen behind on their rent (a problem intensified by the job-killing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic) could have faced exclusion from a private apartment complex. At the same time, Landin believes that the existing, 80-year-old cinder-block units, which lack central air and heating, need to be replaced. I come from a single-mom household, Landin said, so I think, Would my mom want to live there or would she be wanting, hoping for something new to come along that shed be able to put her family in? Jason Mata, a local nonprofit executive, said the NRP plan not only would have displaced Alazan residents, it also could have put pressure on local school districts faced with an influx of new students. Mata said many of the existing units are dangerous. For that reason, he welcomed the idea of building new Alazan Courts units at the complexs current location. Im more into the safety part of it, Mata said. And that the families stay united. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Digital Realty's recent research highlights Japan's leading role at the forefront of the growth in data volumes in the Asia Pacific region, with data gravity intensity in the Tokyo metro expected to more than double annually through 2024. As a result of this data growth and rapid shift to always-on digital business, enterprises are redesigning their IT architectures to embrace a data-first approach to infrastructure. MC Digital Realty's development in Japan reflects the need to enable this new approach in developing new communities centered around customers' most strategic asset: data. In January 2020, MCDR began construction of a key center of data exchange in the Tokyo II data center in the Inzai area of Chiba Prefecture and unveiled its connected campus @ Inzai development roadmap with plans to build a 100-megawatt campus by securing adjacent land for data center development. In addition, ARTERIA Networks is strategically expanding its optical network in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, and announced its plan to build facilities for a dedicated fiber connection at MCDR's NRT 10 data center supporting a maximum capacity of 100 Gbps. ARTERIA Networks, which benefits from strategic access to international submarine cable landing stations in the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture and Minami-Boso area of Chiba Prefecture, and MCDR, which develops and operates data centers for leading global cloud providers and content providers, are collaborating to meet the growing data center demand of global cloud and content providers in the Inzai area. In addition, by harnessing the global coverage options provided by international submarine cables, the two companies are contributing to the expansion of digital business in the Inzai area. "Customers in our NRT connected campus want an environment that allows them to process large volumes of global traffic," said Bampo Tezuka, Representative Director and CEO of MC Digital Realty. "By collaborating with ARTERIA Networks, we will provide data center solutions that can meet a wide range of customer needs including such significant traffic demand." Robert Davidson, Senior Director of Network Strategy in Digital Realty Asia Pacific, added, "Beyond Japan, Digital Realty operates key centers of data exchange on PlatformDIGITAL in major cities across Asia Pacific such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Melbourne. Once this new interconnection path to the nearby submarine cable landing station is deployed, customers who use our data centers cross-regionally will have high-speed, low-latency access to Digital Realty's global connected data community. As an alternative to the traditional network hub concentrations in the Tokyo metro area, we will provide new distributed network hub functions connecting Japan to the rest of the world." Yasutoshi Kikuchi, Executive Officer and CTO of ARTERIA Networks, commented, "Our company has been building its own optical fiber network to respond to customer needs in a timely and flexible manner. Installation of our facilities in MCDR's NRT 10 data center is expected to generate synergies between the two companies and significantly enhance the value of Inzai. We aim to contribute to the growth of our customers' business by connecting NRT 10 to submarine cables that connect countries and major data centers in Tokyo." Overview of Tokyo Daini Data Center (NRT 10 Data Center) Location: Expected Completion: Total Floor Area: IT Load: Rack Capacity: Inzai City, Chiba August 2021 37,850 m2 38 MW 4,760 Racks Supporting Resources About MC Digital Realty MC Digital Realty, Inc. is a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty in Japan. The joint venture offers customers access to facilities with high levels of reliability and security, stable power supply, cooling and other functionality. In addition, MC Digital Realty combines Mitsubishi Corporation's realty and IT-related knowledge with Digital Realty's community of global customers and expertise in delivering and operating data centers at large scale. MC Digital Realty provides a full-suite of data center operation services to address the global-standard requirements of its customers in Japan. For more information, please visit: https://www.mc-digitalrealty.com/en/ About Digital Realty Digital Realty supports the world's leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers a trusted foundation and proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for scaling digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges. Digital Realty's global data center footprint gives customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with more than 290 facilities in 49 metros across 24 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About ARTERIA Networks Since its inception in 1997, ARTERIA Networks Corporation has developed a network business that utilizes the high-capacity optical fiber backbone and access line of its own to create a customized network environment tailored to corporate customers' needs; an internet business that provides proprietary high-speed, stable communications; and a condominium internet business that has the No. 1* share of the market in Japan. In the era of continual change, ARTERIA Networks aims to contribute to society as a "supple information and communications platform" by constantly responding to customer needs flexibly and quickly as a challenger and an innovator. // *1 MM Research Institute, Ltd., Market Share Survey of All-House Condominium ISPs (As of March 31, 2020) https://www.arteria-net.com/en/ Media and Industry Analyst Relations Marc Musgrove Digital Realty +1 (415) 508-2812 [email protected] Omer M. Wilson Digital Realty, APAC +65 6505 3951 [email protected] Investor Relations John J. Stewart Digital Realty (415) 738-6500 [email protected] Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the NRT Connected Campus, the collaboration project with ARTERIA Networks, the Data Gravity Index, included expected growth in Japan and our expectations and plans for Japan and the Asia Pacific. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Digital Realty Related Links https://www.digitalrealty.com WAYNE, Pa., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Columbus Organization, a nationally recognized provider of services for individuals with intellectual, developmental and behavioral health challenges and the largest support coordination agency in Florida, today announced that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for the State of Florida (APD) has approved the company as a "Qualified Organization." As one of the first support coordination agencies to achieve this designation, The Columbus Organization will be one of the select qualified agencies able to continue providing support coordination services after July 1, 2021. Based on revised state criteria, smaller agencies and solo support coordinators will be required to work for a Qualified Organization after this date. Patricia Rendon, Florida Executive Director, commented, "This is a significant accomplishment for Columbus. The size of the organization, unmatched infrastructure, financial stability, and corporate culture have just been validated by this APD designation, and we look forward to supporting an even greater number of individuals and families in Florida." With the deadline quickly approaching, solo support coordinators are urgently seeking opportunities to continue their valuable work, and finding a Qualified Organization will be essential. To support this process, The Columbus Organization is setting up a hotline to help answer questions about the transition and potential options moving forward. To reach the hotline, solo support coordinators can call 813-765-0112 or email [email protected]. Jeff Klimaski, CEO and President, stated, "This designation underscores the tremendous need for qualified agencies in the state. We welcome new support coordinators who share our passion and commitment to the people we serve." About The Columbus Organization The Columbus Organization empowers individuals to realize their meaningfullife goals through nationally recognized care/support coordination, professional clinical staffing, and quality improvement services for the intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) or behavioral needs community. The Company delivers an unmatched depth of expertise, breadth of resources, diversity of thinking, and dedication to finding the most appropriate, personalized solutions for its customers. Visit www.columbusorg.com. About HealthEdge HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC is an operating-oriented private equity firm founded in 2005 that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. HealthEdge seeks to achieve superior returns by investing in businesses that benefit from the knowledge, experience, and network of relationships of its partners. Health Edge's partners have more than 100 years of combined operating experience in healthcare as CEOs and investors. Visit www.healthedgepartners.com. Media Contact: Scott Stoogenke [email protected] SOURCE The Columbus Organization Related Links http://www.columbusorg.com If you simply love traditional whiteboard brainstorming, youll love the latest update to the Post-it app. A new collaboration between the Post-it app from 3M and Miro, this feature has been made available. Latest Post-it app update boost coworking This change is supposed to bring co-workers together, and allow them to create, capture, and share post-it notes. This is an ideal change for remote workers out there, and in current times, there are a lot more of them out there. This new feature can help you take notes during meetings, express ideas during brainstorms, and much more than that. Its a great feature for coworking, thats for sure. Advertisement You can capture up to 200 post-it notes at any time using the Post-it app, and then easily edit them with the handwriting-to-text conversion. On top of that, you can use a variety of colors, text styles, and more. The app also makes it possible to leave comments on notes, while you can also use emojis and tags. Notes in Miro are organized, searchable, and can be transformed into shapes, tasks, or texts in other documents. That makes them quite versatile, and excellent for coworking. Both square & rectangle notes are available Square and rectangle notes are available. You can capture your ideas in notes from 3 x 3 inches, all the way up to 15 x 15 inches. The latter ones are called Super Sticky Big Notes. Advertisement The Post-it app also delivers an excellent, clean UI, that puts all the focus on your ideas in the form of post-it notes. The app allows you to export your boards to Trello, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, as a PDF document or an image, and more. In fact, you can even order post-it notes through this app, physical ones. It suggests post-it notes that work great with the app, which is a neat functionality. This application is available for both Android and iOS, while you can also access it from the Mac App Store for macOS Catalina. The download link for Android users is included down below, in case youre interested. Advertisement Post-it app (Google Play Store) Texas Lifts State Mask Mandate Among Other Restrictions as Pandemic Sees Downward Trend Texas on Wednesday lifted its statewide mask mandate enacted in mid-2020 while also loosening several other restrictions on businesses meant to control the spread of the CCP virus. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced last week in an executive order (pdf) the State of Texas is working towards removing restrictions on businesses and have them operate again at full capacity. The loosening of restrictions was announced as Texas is seeing a downward trend on patients infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, as well as hospitalizations going down to levels not seen in months. COVID-19 hospitalizations and the rate of new COVID-19 cases have steadily declined due to the millions of Texans who have voluntarily been vaccinated, many more who are otherwise immune, improved medical treatments for COVID-19 patients, abundant supplies of testing and personal protective equipment, and Texans adherence to safe practices like social distancing, hand sanitizing, and use of face coverings, Abbott wrote in the order related to the re-opening of the state. Texas was one of the first states to reopen its economy after the first wave of pandemic cases last May, and the nations second-most populous state led the way again last week when Abbott announced the relaxation amid declines in new daily CCP virus cases. We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent, the governor said last week, while also warning Texans that COVID-19 has not disappeared, but the mandates implemented to control the pandemic are no longer needed. County officials in regions where patients take up 15 percent, or more, of hospital beds for seven consecutive days can enact new mask and occupancy restrictions, under the governors order, but no regions are currently in that situation. As of Wednesday, around 2.3 million of Texas nearly 29 million residents have contracted the CCP virus, with 44,650 of those cases proving fatal, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Abbott announced the relaxation of restrictions also comes amid a rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. As of Tuesday, about 4.5 million Texans have received at least one shot of the CCP virus, Fox News reported. As of Sunday, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that 18 percent of Americans nationwide have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Reuters contributed to this report. From NTD News Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "amazed at the negativity shown," around his major UK connectivity review which is to carry out work on the feasibility of a fixed link between Northern Ireland and GB. He said the Hendy review would benefit travel across the UK as well as between north and south Ireland. SDLP leader Colm Eastwood accused Mr Johnson of imposing a "fantasy" on Northern Ireland and against the wishes of its democratically elected leaders during a fiery exchange in the House of Commons. It comes following a UK Government feasibility study launched into the possibility of building a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The report, by Network Rail boss Sir Peter Hendy, has tasked two experts to lead a "discrete piece of work" to assess the feasibility of a bridge or tunnel between Northern Ireland and the British mainland. Read More Calling it a fantasy bridge and saying it could cost up to 33billion, Mr Eastwood accused the PM of overriding the devolved institutions. The Conservative Party got a grand total of 2,399 votes at the last Assembly election, Mr Eastwood told the Commons. What mandate does he think he has to override the democratically elected people of Northern Ireland to impose a bridge that goes through miles of unexploded munitions and radioactive waste? The SDLP leaders comments come after the deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill called the idea of a bridge or tunnel a pipe dream and said it was a smokescreen for Brexit concerns within the Conservative party. Mr Johnson stressed the plans in the review would be of massive benefit to Northern Ireland. As well as better connections East-West within Northern Ireland, which we should be doing - [it will provide] better connections North-South within the island of Ireland, said the Prime Minister. It's a fantastic union connectivity review, he [Colm Eastwood] should appreciate it, it's the way forward and I'm amazed frankly at his negativity." The DUP has welcomed the proposals for a fixed link between the island - something which the party had in an election manifesto in 2015. Authorities on Wednesday have arrested a man wanted for questioning in a homicide in New Jersey and in the slayings of four people whose bodies were found inside a vehicle parked in a New Mexico airport garage. Sean Lannon, 47, is wanted for questioning in connection with several murders and is considered 'armed and dangerous' as he remains at-large Sean Lannon, 47, was considered 'armed and dangerous,' authorities said. U.S. Marshals said they found him in St. Louis. The U.S. Marshals Service didn't immediately release details on his apprehension. He had been possibly last seen near the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, New Jersey, on Monday afternoon, officials said. Gloucester County investigators want to question Lannon about a slaying Monday in East Greenwich, New Jersey. They have not released any details about what happened or who was killed. Investigators claim Lannon was familiar with the middle-aged victim in the killing, according to 6ABC. Lannon is from the East Greenwich area. Pictured: The site of the murder on Monday in East Greenwich, New Jersey. Investigators say that Lannon was familiar with the middle-aged victim who was killed earlier in the week Lannon was charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing entry into a home Monday in Elk Township, New Jersey, the prosecutor's office said. He was reportedly armed with a knife when he broke into the home. Meanwhile, Lannon is a person of interest in the deaths of his ex-wife and three men whose bodies were found last week in a vehicle at the Albuquerque International Sunport garage, police said. Albuquerque police said three of the people were reported missing since January from Grants, about 80 miles west of the city. Pictured: The airport in Albuquerque, where four victims were found in a parking garage car. Those victims were found on Friday and include Jennifer Lannon, Sean's ex-wife Sean Lannon was possibly last seen near the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden Authorities have said that the bodies of Jennifer Lannon, 39, Matthew Miller, 21, Jesten Mata, 40, and Randal Apostalon, 60, were found inside a car parked on the top level of the garage on Friday. The condition of the bodies and cause of death were not immediately clear. 'He wasn't a bad kid,' Miller's aunt, Daise Castillo, told KOB 4. 'I mean, he's been through so much in his life.' Miller lost a number of relatives over the past year and had also battled a brain tumor in the past, according to Castillo. 'He was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and simply giving somebody a ride,' Castillo continued. Sean and Jennifer reportedly divorced in 2019. Pictured: Sean Lannon and ex-wife Jennifer. The couple were granted a divorce in 2019 'There's a lot of aspects to this. We're still finding out information as we're going forward with this investigation. There are some things we can not release at this time,' Grants police Lt. David Chavez said. Detectives have told 6ABC that Lannon is a former member of the military with a history of drug abuse and violence. According to NJ.com, the children of the couple are safe and accounted. Prior to her death, Jennifer Lannon worked as a registered nurse in New Mexico and was previously an RN in New Jersey. FLINT, MI -- Less than 24 hours after attorneys for Flint residents requested nearly one-third of a $641 million settlement with the state of Michigan and others, an online petition is asking the federal judge overseeing the agreement to reject it and negotiate a lower amount. Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch President Bob Dorigo Jones announced the petition drive and establishment of a website dedicated to opposing what his group calls an excessive fee request of more than $202 million filed by the lawyers on March 8. The same website is also promoting a petition urging Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to oppose the request for fees and expenses after her office said Tuesday, March 9, that state attorneys would take no position on it. The 58-page motion for fees and expenses must be approved by Levy, who gave the overall settlement preliminary approval in January and who approved a March 29 deadline for Flint residents to register to join in the settlement or opt out. We believe the $202.8 million in fees being demanded by the plaintiff lawyers appointed by the court to represent the victims in the Flint water crisis settlement is excessive and outrageous ..., the MLAW website says. After suffering through years of disgusting and contaminated water, the people of Flint shouldnt have to suffer again at the hands of their own lawyers. Attorneys who filed the request for fees said in their court motion that it is designed to provide reasonable and fair compensation to plaintiffs counsel and to ensure equitable treatment for all who make claims under the settlement. But Ted Frank, an attorney who has challenged class action settlements previously and testified before Congress on legal issues, called the request for up to 31.6 percent of collections pretty outrageous for a mega fund of this size. Plaintiffs affirmatively mislead the court in (one section of the filing) when they pretend that its a typical fee request rather than one that is two to three times the size of a typical award for a recovery of this size, Frank said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal. Although the total maximum fee percentage for attorneys is capped at 31.6 percent, the request includes reimbursement of $7.1 million in expenses law firms have incurred to date. Money would also be set aside for a common benefit fund for work done on the case by lead attorneys appointed by Levy after cases were consolidated in federal court. Read more on MLive: Attorneys fees would eat up $202M of Flint water crisis settlement fund Attorney says $600M settlement isnt perfect, but still a fair deal for Flint residents Youngest Flint water crisis victims to get 80 percent of historic $600 million settlement This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Not receiving bank OTP on SMS? Heres why India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 10: Are you worried about not receiving bank, LPG one-time passwords (OTP) through SMS in your box? Hold on, you are not alone. Over the past three days, several users have flooded social media, highlighting chaos, affecting daily life. People were reported to struggle affecting everything from CoWIN registration OTPs, bank OTPs for debit card transactions bank transfers and while making purchases on e-commerce platforms such as Paytm and several others. Also, as per an ET report the Aadhaar authentication for services also suffered. "We are unable to reach authentication service to serve you OTP. Please try again later," said a statement on the official Aadhaar website. This has been faced as the new TRAI's proposed SMS regulation moved into its second phase from Monday (March 8, 2021). Nonetheless, implementation of these regulations caused disruption in banking and e-Commerce OTP services. The newly imposed SMS regulation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) could be the reason behind it. The implementation of these guidelines believed to have disrupted OTP services. New TRAI Rules In February 2021, the Delhi High Court ordered TRAI to put into place Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR) that was designed to stop the problem of 'unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) or spam call and messages', as per the Hindu report. Mumbai's encounter specialist transferred after murder accusation | Oneindia News The guidelines were enforced such that the use of illicit SMS headers by scammers for cheating customers can be stopped. SMS headers is a combination of six characters that represent the company name of the message sender. And as per the latest TRAI guidelines, each of the SMS should be verified before it is delivered. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 17:30 [IST] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A patient accused of attacking two first responders last Easter Sunday morning in Richmond University Medical Centers emergency room has pleaded guilty to a felony charge. William Wood, 24, of Port Richmond Center, assaulted two female emergency medical technicians in the West Brighton hospital at about 5:05 a.m. on April 12, a criminal complaint said. The defendant struck one victim with his fist and forearm, said the complaint. Wood punched the second victim multiple times in the face, the complaint said. Both victims were knocked to the ground. One EMT suffered substantial pain to her head, the complaint said. The other victim suffered substantial pain to her head and arm, it said. Wood was indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges of assault and attempted assault. The defendant pleaded guilty on Monday in state Supreme Court, St. George, to attempted second-degree assault to resolve the case. In exchange, hell be sentenced on April 27 to five years probation. A full order of protection will be issued in the victims favor. William was a first-time offender, said defense lawyer Joseph Sorrentino. Hes a very respectful young man and has the utmost respect for first responders. He was very upset and contrite over this incident. He looks forward to satisfying the requirements of his probation and moving on with his life. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. PHOENIX, Ariz. -- March 10, 2021 -- The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, announced today the start a new scientific study: Testing pets of those Arizonans who have contracted COVID-19. No pets will be harmed during this study as all sample collections will be performed by trained veterinary staff. Among the more than 120 pets that have tested positive nationwide, there is no evidence suggesting that pets can spread the virus to humans. TGen received a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to conduct a pilot study to investigate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in animals. The funds come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE). So far, four pets -- two dogs, and two cats --have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arizona. "We want to better understand the risk factors leading to any form of COVID-19 transmission between humans and animals," said Hayley Yaglom, a genomic epidemiologist and lead TGen investigator on the study. Eligibility for testing pets Dog and cat owners who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past two weeks are eligible to participate in the study. The tests are free. Owners must be at least 18, provide consent and fill out a questionnaire. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies, mainly housed indoors, and tolerant of the handling and restraint necessary for routine veterinary care. Project staff, accompanied by a veterinarian, will visit the households of qualifying pet owners to collect nasal, fecal and blood samples. Tests for the presence of the COVID-19 virus, or antibodies against the disease, will be conducted by TGen, which has provided human testing and genomic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples since the pandemic began in early 2020. Pet owners must wear masks during sample collection, and project staff will wear masks and gloves. Spanish-speaking staff will be available, as needed. Pet owners will be notified of test results within 3-4 weeks. For pets that test positive, owners may be asked to enable collection of additional samples. Positive tests will be reported to the Arizona State Veterinarian and ADHS. Expanding TGen's One Health initiative This pilot project comes under the umbrella of TGen's One Health Collaborative, an initiative begun by TGen in 2018 to integrate research findings and create a holistic view of human, animal and environmental health, according to David Engelthaler, Ph.D., head of TGen's infectious disease studies. "In addition to conducting surveillance for the COVID-19 virus in companion animals," Dr. Engelthaler said, "our work also aims to develop a response plan among One Health collaborators, highlighting best practices and how to effectively integrate SARS-CoV-2 and other animal and human pathogen surveillance into established systems." ### For more information about testing pet dogs or cats for COVID-19, please send questions to: covidpetprojectaz@tgen.org. About TGen, an affiliate of City of Hope Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. TGen is affiliated with City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases: CityofHope.org. This precision medicine affiliation enables both institutes to complement each other in research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a significant clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases through cutting-edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research toward patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and complex rare diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help our patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. For more information, visit: tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen. Media Contact: Steve Yozwiak TGen Senior Science Writer 602-343-8704 syozwiak@tgen.org Ohio Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition Columbus Metropolitan Library Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Columbus Foundation Columbus State Community College Jewish Family Services National Digital Inclusion Alliance Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center YWCA Franklin County Patrick Losinski Columbus Metropolitan Library U.S. Census Bureau Franklin County Franklin County Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission William Murdock Columbus Libraries' AT&T (TNS) A new local initiative to help more people gain access to computers and affordable broadband is being launched by more than 20 public, private and nonprofit organizations in centralThe goal of the(DEC) is to address broadband inequities. The group on Tuesday released the Franklin County Digital Equity Framework, a document that outlines priorities and goals.The coalition will be led by a steering committee of organizations, co-chaired byand the. Other participants include the, city of Columbus,, PACT (Partners Achieving Community Transformation),, Smart Columbus and theThe group's focus will be on broadband affordability, device ownership, digital life skills training and technology support to ensure thatresidents "have the tools necessary to support education, health, wellbeing, economic prosperity and the ability to fully participate in society," according to a statement issued Tuesday.It took the pandemic to bring clarity and urgency to the fact that students, seniors and others must have broadband to participate in and thrive in society, saidCEO. Because of the pandemic, there is a deeper understanding of the inequity or lack of access for many, as well as real momentum for bringing broadband to all residences, similar to the rural electrification program of the 1930s.According to 2019data, one in fivehouseholds did not have a high-speed, wired internet account. And nearly 10% of all households in the county had internet access only through a cellular data plan.About 48,000households reported having no home internet subscription of any kind in 2019.One of the best ways to get communities connected and ensure residents arent left behind is by teaming up to make digital inclusion one of our region's top priorities,Executive Directorsaid in the statement.Among the group's strategies will be to work with internet service providers "to increase enrollment in the existing discount broadband offerings available to low-income residents," and provide new or refurbished, high-quality devices from organizations such as PCs for People, according to the framework report.23 locations already provide free computer access, printers and training to the public. And many libraries have been loaning "hot spot" devices that provide internet signals via satellite feeds.Losinski said the coalition's steering committee began to meet in April and has had conversations with internet providers such as Charter,and WOW."We're trying to understand where they're offering some pandemic relief to those who are income-qualifying," he said.He said he's learned that some offer rates as low as $15 per month to low-income families."It's today's fourth utility," Losinski said, comparing it internet access to water, natural gas and electricity. Not having access is "really quite unconscionable," he continued.The full report can be accessed here Oakland is poised to get up to $192 million from the federal stimulus bill, which passed the House Wednesday, sweeping away most of the citys anticipated $218 million budget deficit over the next two years. Without the stimulus funds, the city would have had to cut services, including infrastructure maintenance and public safety. City staff has recommended using the funds to make up for lost revenue due to the pandemic. The citys biennial budget of nearly $3.4 billion is set to pass in June. Though the federal stimulus will prevent a financial collapse, city staff warned the reprieve wont solve the overall financial problems Oakland faces. Similar to San Francisco, Oakland lost significant revenues from its hotel and parking tax as well as from parking and meter penalties. The closures of the Oakland Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center, and the zoo also cost the city money. The city faces a budget deficit of close to $44 million this fiscal year in its general fund down from early projections of $71.6 million. If the city does not balance the $44 million deficit this year, it will have a $218 million deficit in its general fund by the end of 2023. In December, the city administration made $17 million in cuts to the police and fire departments and laid off more than 500 part-time employees across all departments. In addition to a hiring freeze, officials also cut pay to non-union employees to save about $11 million. On Monday, City Administrator Ed Reiskin said a budget proposal will go to the City Council on March 16 on how to spend the federal funds of between $163 million and $192 million, half of which will arrive this spring and the remaining funds next spring. Once the president signs the bill, I think that would be enough certainty for us to certify the revenues, he said. Still, municipal workers say they are concerned that the city could propose more layoffs to balance the budget. We must be clear that the decisions made now impact Oakland for generations to come, said Laura Takeshita, vice president of IFPTE Local 21, which represents engineers and scientists. We have a chance to build back better and we must use it wisely. Felipe Cuevas, chapter president of SEIU Local 1021, told The Chronicle that nearly 400 of his members, who are part-time, received notices at Christmas time that they would no longer be employed by the city. Many of the workers are people of color and single mothers, Cuevas said. Theyve already lost their jobs in the middle of the pandemic, he said. Michael Patterson, a city electrician who helps maintain 700 traffic signals and 48 street lights, said that if there are layoffs, fixing outages could take longer. Most of the citys overspending is from the Oakland Police Department exceeding its budget by $32 million over the past fiscal year, city staff said. That included unbudgeted overtime. The city historically underbudgets for the cost of the police department, said Bradley Johnson, the citys assistant budget administrator. Effectively we have not increased overtime budgets and other costs in the police department to keep pace with the rising cost of doing business. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter @SarRavani Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Maner constituency Bhai Virendra on Wednesday alleged that many Bihar politicians and bureaucrats are having sleepless nights as they are unable to get liquor. The MLA made the allegation during the ongoing Budget Session when other RJD leaders were protesting against the increasing liquor smuggling in the 'dry state'. The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government had imposed a total ban on liquor in the state on November 26, 2015. But a spike has been noticed in the recent past in the number of liquor smuggling cases. Virendra said: "Many leaders and senior bureaucrats are not sleeping at night without consuming liquor in Bihar. Please inquire into this matter." Following his statement, a number of RJD and Congress MLAs supported him. Vijay Sinha, the speaker of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha, immediately took cognisance of the matter and asked the legislator to reveal the names of those leaders and senior bureaucrats. "If your are unable to reveal the names in the House, please inform me in private," Sinha said. "As I said earlier, please inquire into the matter Speaker Sir, the names of senior leaders and bureaucrats will come forward on their own," Virendra replied. However, refuting the charges, Bihar's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Chaudhary said: "Bhai Virendra alleging that leaders and top bureaucrats are sleeping in the night after consuming liquor...I believe he is sharing his own experience in the House." The leaders of the RJD and Congress requested the Speaker to hold a debate on liquor consumption and smuggling in the House. They also demanded the resignation of Liquor Prohibition Minister Sunil Kumar for being unable to prevent it. The opposition shouted slogan against the state government like "Nitish Kumar Ka Khel Hai, Sarabbandi Fail Hai." In the last few months, a surge has been noticed in liquor smuggling cases in Bihar. A police sub-inspector was gunned down and a guard was injured during an encounter with liquor smugglers in Sitamarhi last month. After the formation of the new government in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is facing criticism for being unable to prevent liquor smuggling. He has held a series of meetings with the officers and has directed them to take stringent action against the liquor mafia. On Wednesday, the Patna police seized liquor worth Rs 20 lakh in Pirbahore and Sonpur area. The police recovered 520 bottles of IMFL buried under the sand. Fr Michael Commane: "A glass of wine, a pint of beer a measure of whiskey can be the most magical of drinks and do our souls great good. But there is always the danger that one glass leads to another and on it goes until the danger lights start flashing." On one occasion in my early years teaching I did something that I imagine would be a sacking offence today. I asked the students in a first year class to close their eyes. I then went on to ask them if there was any boy in the class who could definitely say that there was not one person in their extended family who did not have a difficulty with alcohol. I think there were three boys out of a class of 28 who raised their hands. On the last Saturday of February Irish media reported the story of an Air Corps training aircraft losing power 30 km from Baldonnel. The PC-9 two-person plane was on a training mission when its single engine lost power. The two Air Corps pilots managed successfully to glide the plane to a safe landing at their base in Baldonnel. The day after the emergency Irish newspapers quoted a military statement saying that the two pilots were 'slightly shaken'. And then added: 'They'll have a stiff drink tonight'. I know it was a throw-away comment and indeed something often said with the best of intentions. I also know we may be gone PC-mad and GDPR is a great excuse to dumb down our lives to a state of moribund boredom. But leaving all that aside I was a little surprised that a military spokesperson would make such a comment to the media. It was also surprising that there was no follow-up story from the media on what the military spokesperson said. The same day that the stricken plane glided back to Baldonnel I happened to be in a shop two doors up from an off-licence. While chatting with the owner of the shop I noticed a number of people exiting the off-licence with large boxes and placing them in the boots of their cars. Obviously they were buying drink in bulk. I have to admit I was somewhat surprised but the owner of the shop assured me that was a common occurrence. It set me thinking and I have been wondering since why are off-licences allowed to remain open during our Level 5 lockdown. Someone told me that if they closed off-licences: 'they would be taking away our drugs'. Aren't we the most complex of creatures. A glass of wine, a pint of beer a measure of whiskey can be the most magical of drinks and do our souls great good. But there is always the danger that one glass leads to another and on it goes until the danger lights start flashing. World Health Organisation figures show that 3.3 million people worldwide die every year from alcohol misuse. In Ireland three people die every day from alcoholic poisoning, that works out at over 1,000 deaths per year. Alcohol problems are costing the State in excess of 2.5 billion annually. Certainly during these extremely difficult pandemic times turning to alcohol is the very last thing we should be doing. Advertising works. And even the subliminal comments hit a spot in our brains that can so easily ignite a spark that leads to doom, in this case alcoholic poisoning. leader Sanjay Singh on Wednesday said his party would work for the welfare of if it wins the upcoming panchayat elections in Singh, the unit in-charge of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said this during a meeting with party members in Noida where he reviewed preparations for the elections. During the meeting, Singh also discussed selection of candidates for these elections, AAP's Gautam Buddh Nagar spokesperson Sanjeev Nigam said in a statement. Aam Aadmi Party's members would implement the 'Delhi Model' of development in villages of after winning panchayat elections, Singh was quoted as saying in the statement. A system will be made in which farmers, especially those in western UP, will get their payment of sugarcane transferred in their bank accounts even before they could reach back their home after dumping their produce in mills, the Rajya Sabha MP added. Delay in payment of sugarcane to and minimum support price of the crop are among vexing issues in western Uttar Pradesh. Exuding confidence of winning the elections in UP, Singh added that would soon release its list of candidates for the panchayat polls. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 10, 2021) - SBD Capital Corp. (CSE: SBD), (the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of up to $750,000 through the issuance of up to 30,000,000 units in the capital of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.025 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit shall consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of CDN$0.05 per Common Share for a period of four (4) years from the date of issuance. Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. On behalf of the Board, SBD Capital Corp. Aleem Nathwani, Chief Executive Officer (416) 361-2515 This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76806 It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be The Mobile Money service will begin its two-year pilot to promote a cashless society In Decision No.316/QD-TTg, the prime minister authorised some businesses to join the Mobile Money pilot programme. The businesses need to have licenses to provide intermediary e-wallet payment services; licenses to establish a public mobile terrestrial telecommunications network using radio frequencies or have subsidiaries with permission from the parent company to use telecommunications, network, and data infrastructure. The businesses can provide services to customers who register their mobile accounts with an identity card, citizen identification, or passport. Customers must use mobile services for at least three consecutive months before registering for the Mobile Money service. According to the decision, the Mobile Money service will be applied nationwide. However, piloting businesses need to prioritise implementing services in rural, remote, border, and island areas of Vietnam. Mobile Money will only be applicable for domestic transactions and will not be available for cross-border services. The PM's decision set the duration of the pilot programme to two years from the time the first enterprise is approved to pilot this service. Customers will be allowed to top up or withdraw from their Mobile Money accounts at physical kiosks, as via bank accounts and e-wallets. They can also pay for goods and services at stores accepting Mobile Money. In addition, money transfers between customers Mobile Money accounts will be supported. The government also stipulates a maximum transaction limit of VND10 million ($432.94) per month for each Mobile Money account for all transactions, including withdrawals, transfers, and payments. According to the State Bank of Vietnam, 63 per cent of Vietnamese adults possess a bank account (this was only 40 per cent at the end of 2017, based on figures from the World Bank), yet in 2019, the number of phone subscribers have reached 129.5 million, with 55 per cent owning smartphones figures on par with Malaysia and higher than Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Furthermore, the infrastructure required to deploy mobile money in Vietnam has been improving. Forecasts of 6 per cent to 8 per cent growth in real gross domestic product this year are common, but where will it come from? Not from plant and equipment outlays, which remain subdued by business uncertainty and excess capacity. Real capital spending has risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate since 2007. Housing has been strong, but residential construction is just 3.7 per cent of GDP. Besides, rising mortgage rates are curbing mortgage purchase applications, which fell 19.4 per cent in February, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Despite the recent wobble in technology-related stocks that depend on ultra-low interest rates to discount future earnings into high current valuations, stocks have mostly soared in response, especially those sensitive to changes in the economy. The jump in long-term Treasury note and bond yields is in anticipation of rapid economic growth, credit demand and much faster inflation that the Federal Reserve will be slow to confront. Asset prices suggest that many believe most everyone will be vaccinated against by mid-year, or at least herd immunity will be achieved by then. So homebound-weary consumers will burst forth and spend the 11.4 per cent jump in personal income they received from the December federal stimulus bill, to say nothing of their chunk of the $US1.9 trillion ($2.5 trillion) relief and stimulus package . One of the primary rules of investing is dont get carried away by the madness of crowds. Still, markets are signalling that many investors are ignoring that rule. The foreign sector remains a drag on the economy. Former President Donald Trumps trade war with China netted little as that country continues to fall short of its promises to buy more American exports. President Joe Biden is less confrontational than Trump when it comes to trade. Also, further restrictions on imports from China will only speed up the exodus of low-cost manufacturing to cheaper locales that are, thus far, out of the trade war line of fire. Vietnam is one example, and its exports have leaped almost 60 per cent in the last three years. So even if imports from China are drastically restricted, goods entering the US from Asia as a whole will continue and keep the foreign sector a net negative for the American economy as well as depressing US manufacturing jobs. Loading So the economys fate is in the hands of consumers who account for 69 per cent of GDP, and they may continue to not spend government stimulus money freely, but, instead, save most of it for rainy days. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, consumers saved 71 per cent of the government money they received a year ago while spending 18 per cent on essentials, just 8 per cent on non-essentials and 3 per cent for donations. The layoffs due to the pandemic were a shock to many households that were financially unprepared. Fed surveys found 16 per cent of millennials and 12 per cent of Americans overall wouldnt be able to come up with $US400 for an emergency. That exercise was repeated with the year-end stimulus money. That $US900 billion included $US600 for those with incomes below $US75,000. Even though lower- and middle-income Americans typically save little, they did so again. Some 82 per cent of the increase in after-tax income was saved, pushing the household saving rate from 13.4 per cent in December to 20.5 per cent in January. Americans are using their savings to build assets and reduce debt, a long-term trend that was already well underway. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, household debt averaged 60 per cent of after-tax income. That debt includes home mortgages, auto and credit card loans as well as student loans. But starting in the early 1980s, free-spending and big-borrowing consumers pushed that ratio to 134 per cent in 2007. The rate began to fall with the financial crisis and has nosedived recently. Nevertheless, at a recent 92. per cent in last years third quarter, its still a long way from the 60 per cent norm, and Im a believer in reversions of long-term trends. LONDON, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Datar Cancer Genetics, a global leader in non-invasive cancer diagnostics, has received Conformite Europeenne (CE) Mark for its innovative TruBlood solution, a new paradigm in cancer detection, diagnosis and management. TruBlood is a blood-based, non-invasive test for diagnostic evaluation of suspected cases of cancer who have been recommended a biopsy. The CE marking confirms that TruBlood meets the requirements of the European Medical Devices Directive. The Datar Group proposes to commercialize the solution across the United Kingdom, European Union and other CE Mark recognising geographies. The TruBlood solution evaluates the presence of circulating, tiny clusters of tumor cells (C-ETACS) which are shown to be highly prevalent in the blood of cancer patients and undetectable in individuals without cancer. The test will greatly help individuals presenting to their doctors with suspicious growths in the breast, lung, prostate, colon, brain, possibly suggestive of malignancies. A large proportion of such suspected cases often have only benign tumors and thus can be spared risky, often painful, and resource intensive, invasive conventional biopsies. The innovative blood test can also help in the diagnosis of cases where invasive biopsies are unviable for various reasons such as proximity of the tumor to a vital organ or blood vessel or in patients with co-morbidities. The Datar Group intends to offer TruBlood as a low risk, patient friendly diagnostic assessment for clinical care pathways for prioritising patients with detectable C-ETACs for biopsies and those negative for C-ETACs can be considered for a later evaluation or alternative diagnostic measures. TruBlood marks a quantum leap forward in cancer diagnostics, and the Datar Group foresees this non-invasive test to benefit both healthcare providers and patients by incorporating the latest advances in cancer biology and genomic technology for increased safety and efficacy. The principal advantages of TruBlood are that it is non-invasive, does not require hospitalisation and has excellent specificity and sensitivity. Commenting upon the announcement, Dr Tim Crook, Medical Oncologist at Mid Essex Health Trust said that, "TruBlood is an innovative investigation, which facilitates diagnosis of multiple types of cancer from a simple blood sample. It uses cutting-edge genomic analysis to identify cancers with a high degree of accuracy. TruBlood represents an exciting advance with numerous future applications in cancer diagnosis." Dr Nick Plowman, Medical Oncologist at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London said that, "Harvesting tumor clusters from peripheral blood is akin to a non-invasive micro-biopsy of the tumor. Somewhat surprisingly, such circulating tumour cell (CTC) clusters occur even in the early stages of cancer and the enrichment technology developed by Datar Cancer Genetics has improved the detection rates and yields. Evaluation of these cancer cell clusters can facilitate cytopathological (tissue origin) diagnosis. The test is not only patient friendly, but it can also follow the cancer's genomic evolution (as well as its persistence) during therapy." Initial data published for the TruBlood test in the International Journal of Cancer (2019), evaluated blood samples from over 16,000 individuals, including 5,000 cancer patients and more than 10,000 individuals with no symptoms of cancer, to demonstrate C-ETACs as a functional hallmark of solid organ cancers. A subsequent study with landmark data published in 2020 in the American Cancer Society's journal 'Cancer Cytopathology' shows how a non-invasive blood test (liquid biopsy) can accurately differentiate between non-cancerous tumors and cancerous growths; the study was based on a multi-institutional, international collaborative project involving more than 30,000 participants, including ~9,000 known cases of cancer. Overall, the development of the TruBlood technology is based on evaluation of over 40,000 blood and tumor samples evaluated from ~22,000 cancer patients. About Datar Cancer Genetics Datar Cancer Genetics is a leading cancer research corporation specialising in non-invasive techniques for better diagnosis, treatment decisions, and management of cancer. The Company's state-of-the-art cancer research centre is ISO15189, CAP and CLIA accredited. Publications Title: Circulating ensembles of tumor-associated cells: A redoubtable new systemic hallmark of cancer. Journal: International Journal of Cancer; 146(12): 3485-3494. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.32815 Title: Evaluation of circulating tumor cell clusters for pan-cancer non-invasive diagnostic triaging. Journal: Cancer Cytopathol. 2020 Sep 30. DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22366 Website Publications link: - https://datarpgx.com/publications/ Website datarpgx.com SOURCE Datar Cancer Genetics The Islamic State (IS) extremist group deployed three assassins to kill Parwin, a female journalist working for one of Afghanistans leading broadcasters. Fearing for her life, Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS), the countrys main intelligence agency, ordered Parwin to remain at home and cease all communication. Within a week, a team of armed agents whisked Parwin out of her apartment building, ushered her inside an armored vehicle, and relocated her to a safe house in the capital, Kabul. Parwin spent months holed up in a room, unable to leave or see her family. Eventually, Afghan authorities flew her out of the country, fearing her life was still in danger. I have no doubt I would be dead if I didnt leave, said Parwin, who agreed to speak with RFE/RL on the condition that her real name not be published. The attackers knew everything about me -- what I looked like and where I lived, said Parwin, speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location abroad. I could have been killed at any moment. Parwin is among dozens of journalists who have fled Afghanistan in recent months -- either temporarily or permanently -- amid a wave of assassinations targeting the independent press. At least nine journalists and media workers have been killed in Afghanistan in just the past six months. Many of the killings have been blamed on the Taliban, which has intensified attacks against Afghan security forces and civilians even as it holds peace talks with the central government to end decades of war. I Stopped Going Outside Parwin first received a phone call from the NDS advising her to be extra vigilant in your movements and contacts with people. Parwin, who was working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, did not initially take the warning very seriously. As a reporter working in a war zone, she had grown accustomed to danger. Only days later, she received a call from her employer, warning her that the threat to you is serious and advising her to be extra careful and not to leave home. Thats when I first got frightened, said Parwin. I stopped going outside. I also told my family not to tell anyone where I was and to inform me if any strangers asked about me. She received another phone call from the NDS a few days later. This time they shared details of the plot against her. Three young women, the NDS warned, had been deployed to kill her. They could pose as street beggars, health workers, or solicit donations for a charity, the agency said. The NDS provided a description of one of the killers: tall, fair skin, and likely wearing a niqab, an Islamic veil that covers the face. The agency told me that the assassins would try to lure me outside by inviting me to a social event or they would attach a sticky bomb to a vehicle I was traveling in, said Parwin. If that failed, the killers would come directly to my home. Parwin suddenly remembered she had been contacted weeks earlier by a woman who had sought her help. The woman claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse and wanted to share her story. Parwin had agreed but postponed the interview several times due to work commitments. In the next few days, two women came and knocked on Parwins front door at different times. One said she was a polio worker and asked to be let inside. Another woman said she was collecting donations for the families of recently slain journalists in Kabul. Parwin refused to let either of them inside. A third woman soon appeared at the door. Parwins mother talked to the woman through a peep hole. She matched the description of one of the killers. I immediately called the NDS, said Parwin. I felt everything suddenly closing in around me. The killers were literally on the other side of the door. Parwin was rushed to a safe house in the next few days. She was allowed to bring only a single bag with her. Her family was also relocated. My mother and I were both crying as I was packing, she said. I didnt even get time to say goodbye to her properly. Everything happened so fast. Parwin spent four months in the safe house before she left Afghanistan. During that time, the NDS arrested the three women who were thought to be trying to kill her. The NDS said the women confessed to the assassination plot. They also said Parwin had been specifically chosen, although they did not reveal why. For me, its clear, said Parwin. Im a journalist. Im an advocate for free speech. Im also a woman. The Taliban and IS see women as a threat to their ideologies. During its brutal rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban oppressed girls and women, banning them from attending school or working outside their homes. Parwin left for a foreign country -- but it was not the end of her struggles. She grapples with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that were triggered by her ordeal. When I talk to my mother on the phone, I try hard to hold back my tears, she said. When I put the phone down, I cry a lot. I cry for my family, my homeland, and my profession -- which is under attack. Parwin sees a psychologist and takes medication to help her deal with her traumatic experience. She rarely ventures outside even though she is living abroad. She is uncertain what the future holds for her. If I go back to Afghanistan I will be killed, she said. Once you are a target, you will always be a target. Chilling Effect In Afghanistan, the spate of attacks targeting journalists has been unceasing. The latest victims were three female employees of Enikass Radio and TV, a privately owned outlet based in the eastern city of Jalalabad. All the women, in their early 20s, were shot dead in two attacks by unidentified gunmen on March 2. IS militants claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the women were targeted because they worked for one of the media stations loyal to the apostate Afghan government. The extremists also claimed the killing of Enikass TV presenter Malala Maiwand and her driver in December. Those killings were part of a campaign by the Taliban and IS militants to threaten and target major TV and radio stations and their staff members, resulting in a series of attacks that have left scores of journalists and other media workers dead in recent years. The development of the media in Afghanistan is one of the biggest achievements of the past decade following years of Taliban strictures or outright prohibitions on all forms of music and television, including independently reported news. But the killings have made Afghanistan one of the deadliest countries in the world for journalists and forced media outlets to adopt new security measures and self-censor themselves over fears that stories could have security implications. This is especially true for journalists in Taliban-controlled areas of Afghanistan, who live with the fear of retribution if their reporting is critical of the militant group. RFE/RL journalist Mohammad Ilyas Dayee was killed in November when a magnetic bomb placed on his car detonated in the southern province of Helmand, a Taliban stronghold. Before his death, Dayee said he had received numerous death threats warning him to stop his reporting on Taliban military operations. The spate of killings has had a particularly chilling effect on female media workers in Afghanistan. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC), a media watchdog, said more than 300 women -- around 20 percent of the entire workforce -- have quit or lost their jobs in the media during the past six months. The watchdog said in a March 8 press release that one of the main reasons for the sharp reduction was the deteriorating safety of journalists, particularly the targeted killings of journalists. In five of Afghanistans 34 provinces, there were no women working in the media, the AJSC said, adding that it was extremely concerned about the trend. In nine other provinces, there were no female reporters, only women working for media companies. "The targeted killing of journalists could cause a state of fear in the journalistic community, and this could lead to self-censorship, abandonment of media activities, and even leaving the country," said Mujib Khalwatgar, head of Afghan media advocacy group NAI. 'Your Turn To Be Killed' Samira was in Kabul when she received an urgent phone call from a local media watchdog. They told me that according to intelligence they had received I was on the Talibans hit list and I would soon be killed, said Samira, who asked not to use her real name for security reasons. Just four days later, Samira boarded a flight to leave Kabul. She has been abroad for several months and does not know if or when she will return to her homeland. If I was in Afghanistan and they wanted to kill me; it would be so easy for them, said Samira, talking via phone from an undisclosed location. I didnt have bodyguards and I didnt travel in an armored vehicle. I was in plain view. Before she left Afghanistan, Samira had lived in constant fear as Kabul had been hit by months of almost daily targeted killings and assassinations. Samira and her colleagues changed their routes to and from the office, used different means of transport, and worked from home on some days. Her employer even offered to provide them with handguns, which she refused. Despite the safety measures, several of Samiras friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have been gunned down or killed in car bombings in recent months. Along with journalists, many of those targeted were civilians -- rights activists, cultural figures, moderate religious leaders, and women in public roles. They represent some of the most progressive elements of society that have thrived since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 toppled the Taliban from power. Many of the attacks have gone unclaimed, though U.S. officials have blamed the Taliban for the killings, many of them carried out in major cities. Afghan officials accuse the Taliban of trying to cover their tracks by allowing IS militants to claim responsibility for some of the assassinations. Among the victims of the recent targeted killings were prominent election activist Yusuf Rasheed, Rahmatullah Nikzad, a freelance reporter and head of a media safety union in the central Ghazni Province, and social and political activist Freshta Kohistani. All those who have been killed were influential people from their fields, said Samira. Each had a strong voice. And each of their deaths is a big blow to the country. The uptick in targeted killings began soon after the launch of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the Gulf state of Qatar in September. Months earlier, the United States and the Taliban had signed a deal under which all foreign forces would leave Afghanistan in exchange for security from the Taliban, which had opened the peace talks with the Afghan government. Observers say the Taliban is using targeted killings to discredit the Afghan government, impose fear, and eliminate critics of the Islamist group. Civilians have become pawns in a political game, said Samira. The Taliban is terrorizing the civilian population to discredit the government. The government is using these attacks to condemn the Taliban. In the end, there is no accountability. For those living amid the carnage, the options are stark. You either stay and wait for your turn to be killed or you leave the country, said Samira. Theres no way to protect yourself. A rain gutter of the Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie in Lam Dong Provinces Da Lat City collapsed on Tuesday, killing two workers. The two victims, 31-year-old T.D.T. and 38-year-old P.T.T., both from the north-central province of Thanh Hoa, were buried to death when the gutter of the deserted monasterys chapel crumbled. The complex is under restoration to become a campus of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture. The project, of which Huy Hoang Company is in charge, started at the end of February. The roof of the chapel inside Franciscaines Missionnaires de Marie in Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam is removed for upgrading. Photo: Duc Tho / Tuoi Tre Spanning more than seven hectares, the chapel and residential quarters of the Franciscaines Misionnaires de Marie sit between Tran Quang Dieu and Hung Vuong Streets. The Benedictine complex was designed and built by French architects Alexandre Leonard and Paul Veysseyre in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It had been abandoned for years before being handed over to the university. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! (The Center Square) Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming each had fewer oil and gas-related spills in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to an analysis by a conservation advocacy group. The analysis by the Denver-based Center for Western Priorities, which compiled spill data from each state, found that there were 2,179 spills between the three states last year, down from 2,811 in 2019, 2,834 in 2018, and 2,765 in 2017. The three states collectively saw almost 25,000 barrels of crude oil spilled and more than 109,700 barrels of produced water spilled last year. The center noted that the oil industry was hit hard from plummeting prices in 2020 and a decrease in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a global price war that hammered the oil and gas industry, hundreds of thousands of barrels of toxic materials were spilled in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming last year, polluting surrounding resources and threatening the health of communities, Hannah Rider, a policy and research associate with the center said in a statement. Even though the number of spills declined, the data shows a continued need for inspections, enforcement, and environmental safeguards. Colorado had 349 spills, New Mexico had 1,217 spills, and Wyoming had 613 spills last year, according to the analysis. In 2019, Colorado had 636 spills, New Mexico had 1,352 spills, and Wyoming had 823 spills. In Colorado, Weld County, the states top oil producer, accounted for 167 oil or gas spills, the centers analysis said. New Mexico saw 1.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas leaked last year, the highest levels reported since tracking began in 2013, according to the analysis. The analysis found that in Wyoming, 40% of spills last year occurred in Campbell and Converse counties. The Biden administration has prioritized environmental protections in the first months of his administration, in contrast with the former Trump administrations prioritization of energy development. President Joe Biden in January signed an executive order that halted new leases for oil and gas development on federal land, and revoked a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon was among 17 Republican governors to call on Biden to rescind the executive order, citing a reliance on energy revenue to fund state budgets. "Losing that revenue is devastating to our schools, devastating to our communities, devastating to those small businesses that really depend on the energy sector," Gordon told Fox News in February. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The Society of Editors chief has tonight resigned after coming under fire for defending the UK press from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's racism claims. Ian Murray, the industry body's executive director, faced a backlash after releasing a statement saying the couple's accusations, made in their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, were 'not acceptable'. He said the Duke and Duchess' claims were made 'without supporting evidence' and, defending the UK media, said it had a 'proud record of calling out racism'. But the remarks drew criticism from some within the industry, including editors of publications such as the HuffPost and the left-wing Guardian, who both said the statement did not reflect their opinion. ITV's news anchor Charlene White today pulled out of presenting the industry body's annual awards following Mr Murray's statement. And a number of journalists and newspapers also announced they would reject their nominations for the sought-after honours. Now, less than 24 hours after Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan resigned following a Twitter storm about his comments on the explosive interview, Mr Murray has announced he is stepping down from his role with the industry body. In a statement he said: 'Since the statement was issued the SoE has been heavily criticised. Ian Murray, the industry body's executive director, faced a backlash from sections of the media after releasing a statement saying the couple's accusations, made in a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, were 'not acceptable' But the remarks about Harry and Meghan's (pictured) claims drew criticism from some within the industry, including editors of publications such as the Huffington Post and the Guardian, who both said the statement did not reflect their opinion 'While I do not agree that the Society's statement was in any way intended to defend racism, I accept it could have been much clearer in its condemnation of bigotry and has clearly caused upset. 'As executive director I lead the Society and as such must take the blame and so I have decided it is best for the board and membership that I step aside so that the organisation can start to rebuild its reputation.' It comes as yesterday editors took to Twitter to criticise the original comment, including the Guardian's Katharine Viner and the I's Oly Duff. Mr Duff described it 'ludicrous' for the SoE to issue a 'blanket defence of all media coverage'. Meanwhile, a an open letter signed by 167 journalists of colour was published, describing the SoE's response as 'laughable'. The SoE, which has members from nearly 400 national and regional outlets, today appeared to pull back from the earlier comments, amid claims of a split in the executive board. The new statement 'said the previous comments 'did not reflect what we all know: that there is a lot of work to be done in the media to improve diversity and inclusion'. The latest comment was made by the SoE board, rather than Mr Murray - as the previous comment had been. Charlene White (pictured), who was due to host the SoE's National Press Awards, pulled out, citing the comments by Mr Murray. Ms White, who is a panellist on talk show Loose Women, said: 'Perhaps it's best for you to look elsewhere for a host for your awards this year. Meanwhile, a number of publications and journalists have today decided to pull their nominations from the upcoming National Press Awards. These include the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Yorkshire Post. Earlier, the award's host Charlene White pulled out, citing the comments by Mr Murray. Ms White, who is a panellist on talk show Loose Women, said: 'Perhaps it's best for you to look elsewhere for a host for your awards this year. 'Perhaps someone whose views align with yours: that the UK press is the one institution in the entire country who has a perfect record on race.' It comes after the Duchess of Sussex accused the press of 'attacking and inciting so much racism' in its coverage of her during her explosive CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey. Yesterday, Piers Morgan sensationally quit Good Morning Britain hours after the launch of a social media campaign which saw more than 40,000 complaints made to Ofcom. The tough-talking morning show host, who has helped rocket the ITV show to its highest ever viewing figures, attracted a backlash on Twitter after casting doubt over Meghan Markle's mental health claims in her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey. The UK's television regulator announced it would launch an investigation following a flurry of complaints, driven by a social media campaign against the broadcaster - with many linking to the Ofcom official complaints page. Afterwards ITV CEO Carolyn McCall who formerly worked for the left-wing Guardian newspaper - said that the broadcasters media and entertainment MD Kevin Lygo was speaking to Mr Morgan. It is understood Mr Morgan had been asked to apologise for his remarks yesterday which had been criticised by mental health campaigners but had declined. Award-winning editor who campaigned for press freedom and diversity - and warned censorship was 'in the hands of those who would shackle the press and curtail freedom of expression' Ian Murray, who resigned from his position at the Society of Editors Ian Murray is an award-winning journalist with almost 40-years' experience in newsrooms and working with the British media. The married father-of-two was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the Society of Editors in October 2017. He was the president of the Society of Editors for 2013-2014 and has been a member of the Society since its formation in 1999. In his role, he campaigned vociferously for press and media freedom in the United Kingdom, as well as freedom of expression, diversity in the media, and the public's right to know. In 2019, he spoke out against state control of the media, 'draconian regulations' and the threat to 'introduce state regulation of the press by the back door.' He warned that censorship was, 'in the hands of those who would shackle the press and curtail freedom of expression would be disastrous for our free society.' He also spoke out against 'politicians who wish to silence some debates who would use this as a weapon if permitted,' adding, 'We are in real danger of walking into an Orwellian nightmare where the state decides who has the right to have an opinion if we are not truly careful.' He was speaking out about following the publication of the online Harms Bill by then-Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Secretary of State Jeremy Wright. Mr Murray said: 'Few can deny the need for measures to prevent child abuse, the promotion of terrorism, encouragement to self harm and other serious online harms. 'The creation of new regulations to protect the vulnerable in society as outlined by the Secretary of State should be and will be broadly welcomed by anyone who feels the digital sphere has become too lawless. 'But the devil is always in the detail and where the white paper moves into areas concerning the spread of misinformation - so called fake news - we should all be concerned. 'Who will decide what is fake news? This form of censorship in the hands of those who would shackle the press and curtail freedom of expression would be disastrous for our free society. There is no use pretending there are not politicians who wish to silence some debates who would use this as a weapon if permitted.' Mr Murray, who began his journalist career in 1979 aged 19, is the former Editor of the Southern Daily Echo and the Editor in Chief of Newsquest's Hampshire titles. He has worked for most of his career in regional and local newspapers in the UK, having started on weekly titles in the Midlands, rising to edit weekly and daily papers in the south of England. He is currently a member of the Editors' Advisory Committee to the Press Complaints Commission. He is also vice chair of the UK's Defence and Security Media Advisory Committee, and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers. In 2015 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media by Southampton Solent University. Mr Murray and his wife Jill have two grown-up daughters. After completing journalist training at Sheffield College, he went on to become editor of the Kidderminster Shuttle and Times when at the age of 24 he was the youngest editor in England. He joined the newsdesk of the Daily Echo in Bournemouth in 1988, rising through the roles of News Editor and Deputy Editor to become Managing Editor of the paper in 1996. In 2019, Mr Murray added that the public would certainly welcome tough measures to clamp down on genuine harms, but cautioned against those issues being used as a Trojan horse to introduce state regulation of the press by the back door. 'Free societies do not give up their liberties by choice unless they believe it is in the common good. The priority for politicians should always be to ensure credible reasons for change are not used as smoke screens to usher in sweeping restraints where the consequences are far wider than the public believed. 'The Society will be lobbying to ensure the case for freedom of expression and a free press remain paramount.' Advertisement How Oprah used doctored and out-of-context headlines to smear the British press (while a third were from FOREIGN gossip mags) Headlines shown on screen during the Oprah interview to paint British media coverage as hostile and 'racist' were mocked up by the production company, often edited to remove context - and a third of them came from foreign media, new analysis has revealed today. The two-hour programme, which aired on CBS This Morning, included cuttings of stories intended to confirm the Sussexes' claim that UK newspapers were guilty of peddling racist abuse against Meghan. One segment showed a headline about how 'Meghan's seed will taint our Royal Family' - without noting that the story was actually exposing racist comments made by a model. The mocked-up version, which used a similar page design, included the quote but cut the remaining headline away. Another story that appeared during the tell-all interview referred to a BBC programme that had portrayed Meghan as a 'trailer trash American'. The actual article included an interview with actress Gbemisola Ikunelo, who created the character, explaining she invented it to find 'humour in the ridiculous' because it is 'the opposite of how the Duchess really behaves'. And another appeared to use a quote from the story as if it were a headline - without showing the context behind it. Meanwhile, 11 of more than 30 headlines shown during the interview were from American and Australian publications, according research by the Telegraph. MailOnline has contacted Oprah Winfrey's network for comment. The research comes as Society of Editors chief Ian Murray tonight resigned as executive director after the body came under fire for defending the UK press against accusations of racism. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The headline read 'BBC comedy portrays Meghan Markle as ''trailer trash'' American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton'. But the character was actually meant to be the opposite of what Meghan was really like IN REAL LIFE: The article as it appeared on the Telegraph's website - with Defence spelled the English way, not how the Americans mocked it up - makes it clear that the comedienne portraying Meghan as 'trailer trash' was doing so as it was 'finging humour' in a 'ridiculous' idea How it appeared: A Telegraph article appeared in the same segment about hostile newspaper coverage, shortly after the commentator described the reporting as 'standing apart from what we've seen for any other royal'. The reality: The headline read 'BBC comedy portrays Meghan Markle as ''trailer trash'' American who threatens to knife Kate Middleton'. But the story, from June 2019, included quotes from comedian Gbemisola Ikunelo, who voiced the character and said she conceived it as the opposite of Meghan to 'find humour in the ridiculous'. 'Anybody who has seen anything of Meghan Markle in public will know that she seems incredibly agreeable and friendly, always smiling,' she said. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The mocked-up headline purported to be from this website is reduced to a single quote and appeared as a commentator discussed 'undeniable racist overtones' in media coverage IN REAL LIFE: The story - which was on the front of that day's Mail On Sunday - was a story exposing the suspension of the girlfriend of the UKIP leader for using the racist phrase that appeared in the headline. Producers removed all that context How it appeared: A Mail On Sunday article - which was also posted onto MailOnline - appeared as a commentator discussed 'undeniable racist overtones' in media coverage. The reality: It was actually a piece exposing racist remarks about the Duchess by Jo Marney, the then girlfriend of former Ukip leader Henry Bolton. The full online headline said Marney had been suspended from the party over the comments. The front page headline in print for the same story, from January 2018 - 'Vile Racist Attack on Meghan by Mistress of Ukip Chief' - was not shown in the programme. WHAT THEY SHOWED: Oprah's team reduced this Telegraph article to a headline suggesting the Duchess 'doesn't speak our language'. As they mocked up the Telegraph's website, they spelled IN REAL LIFE: The piece - an opinion column - has the subdeck that explains it is critiquing the Duchess's 'earnest gushing' which the writer finds to be 'like nails down a blackboard' How it appeared: Another Telegraph story flashed up as Oprah suggested Meghan had been the victim of media attacks soon after joining the Royal Family, and shortly after a commentator described the 'racial overtones' of media coverage. The reality: The article, by the sketch writer Michael Deacon, appeared two months ago - after the couple had left the UK. It claimed Meghan 'speaks Californian a hippie version of corporate management-speak', before listing a series of gushing 'Woke' phrases. The story was sub-headed: 'No doubt the Duchess means well. But to jaded British ears, her earnest gushing is like nails down a blackboard.' WHAT THEY SHOWED: The interview flashed up a Guardian headline apparently referring neutrally to Danny Baker talking about comparing Archie to 'a chimp' IN REAL LIFE? No such headline is immediately available on the Guardian's website. This, from the aftermath of Baker's sacking, is their story about him talking about his Tweet and apologising for it The BBC Radio 5 Live host sparked outrage after he uploaded this image of a couple clinging on to a monkey wearing a suit with the caption: 'Royal baby leaves hospital' How it appeared: Following comments about 'racist abuse' Meghan allegedly suffered from the press was a headline in the Guardian referring to a notorious tweet by BBC radio presenter Danny Baker. The reality: Baker's 2019 tweet showing a couple with a monkey tagged 'Royal baby leaves hospital' prompted an outcry and led to him being sacked by the BBC. Many viewed the tweet as racist. However, after the story was initially published, the 61-year-old broadcaster denied this and called it a 'stupid unthinking gag' about class. Baker said that he was unaware of who the mother of the baby even was: 'I didn't know which of our royal princesses had given birth. 'My go-to photo when any posh people have a baby is this absurd chimpanzee in a top hat leaving the hospital. Had it not been Meghan - perfectly good joke. I was trying to make a point about class and it's just preposterous.' Baker's response to the allegation of racism was not mentioned in the Oprah broadcast. WHAT THEY SHOWED: The producers created what appeared to be a grab from this website with a line about 'rich and exotic DNA' written in a large typeface where the headline would normally be IN REAL LIFE: The text the show featured appeared in a column by the Prime Minister's sister Rachel Johnson. This is how it actually appeared online. The line of text that the show made appear to be the headline was in fact taken from the middle of paragraph three of the 11-paragraph piece How it appeared: A 2016 column by Boris Johnson's sister, Rachel was shown as a single sentence, 'Rich and exotic DNA, Miss Markle's mother is a dread-locked African-American lady from the wrong side of the tracks...' It came in a segment describing the 'racist abuse' Meghan allegedly received. The reality: The actual comment piece, which appeared in the Mail On Sunday and was also posted on MailOnline, described Meghan as genetically 'blessed'. It said she would help the Windsors 'thicken their watery, thin blue blood and Spencer pale skin and ginger hair with some rich and exotic DNA', before lauding the duchess for her acting success and social conscience. Following criticism at the time, Rachel Johnson explained that the article 'celebrated the fact that she was mixed race' - although she admitted she regretted the phrasing. She told the Express: 'I meant that in marvellous contrast to the gingery white blood of his own blood family on his maternal side. But it didn't go down well and I hereby apologise Harry.' The mocked up version of The Sun's 'Meghan made Kate cry' headline which appeared during the Oprah Winfrey interview The real version of the Sun's headline. Both are almost the same, with pictures, and other text taken out How it appeared: 'Meg Made Kate Cry' on top of a header for The Sun newspaper. The reality: This was the same, albeit a mocked up version with the rest of the stories and furniture removed - most likely for legal purposes. The main story text and sub-headline have also been removed. The sub-head sheds more context on the alleged incident, adding that the row was due to the 'bride's strict demands' over Princess Charlotte's dress for her wedding. The Duchess of Sussex addressed the story - which was widely reported in February 2019 - during her interview with Oprah. The story claimed that in the lead-up to the wedding, Meghan had made Kate Middleton cry during a row over a dress for Princess Charlotte. In her Oprah interview, Meghan accepted there had been a row, but said Kate was the one to make her cry, and insisted the Duchess of Cambridge had apologised to her after. A version of the Express' story about Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's rift which appeared during the Oprah interview The real version that was posted on the Express' website - with the sub head underneath How it appeared: Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle rift: Why did Kate cry during Royal Wedding rehearsal? The reality: The Oprah interview version does appear identical to the real version. However, it does crop above the sub-head, which gives more context over the row in 2018. The subhead mentions the reported 'row' between the pair - which Meghan confirmed had happened. However she claimed Kate had made her cry, and apologised for it, in her interview with Oprah. The mocked up version of Star magazine's 'Meghan is ruining my life' headline which appeared during the Oprah Winfrey interview The real version of the 'Meghan is ruining my life' published in Star magazine - an American publication How it appeared: Meghan is ruining my life! The reality: Again, the headline is exactly the same, but is clearly a composed image, rather than the real version, which appeared in Star magazine on February 11, 2019. The article, which featured a picture of the Duchess of Cambridge rubbing her eye claimed it had the 'inside' into the 'nastiest fight after Harry's wife makes her daughter Charlotte cry'. On top of this, Star Magazine is actually an American publication - and this magazine was published in the US and not in the UK. The interview showed a series of other cuttings from newspaper and magazine stories as the commentator described 'a daily onslaught of vitriol and condemnation from the UK press However, a third of the headlines shown were also taken from foreign media, according to the Telegraph's analysis How it appeared: The interview showed a series of other cuttings from newspaper and magazine stories as the commentator described 'a daily onslaught of vitriol and condemnation from the UK press.' The reality: A third of the headlines shown were also taken from foreign media, according to the Telegraph's analysis. One said 'Harry trapped in marriage from hell!' - but that was taken from the American tabloid the National Enquirer. Another National Enquirer headline was also used which said 'Monster Meghan exposed!' In total 11 of more than 30 headlines shown during the interview were from American and Australian tabloids, according to the Daily Telegraph. Of the 23 headlines from British news outlets which featured, around 14 were not published in print and only appeared online. Other foreign publications used included Us Weekly, a celebrity magazine based in New York, and the Australia-based New Idea magazine. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries during her campaign trail on Wednesday in Nandigram. She has been taken to a hospital for treatment. The CM reportedly sustained injuries on her leg and her face. The Chief Minister said that there were around four-five men who did it. "See how it is swelling up," she said pointing to her leg. She said that it as a planned attack and that there was no security personnel around her. Mamata Banerjee told reporters that she was pushed by someone. She also claimed that a conspiracy against her was afoot. The CM said that she will complain to the Election Commission of India. Nandigram: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says she has suffered an injury in her leg after few people pushed her as when she was near her car pic.twitter.com/wx69lVdsbB a ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2021 The Chief Minister was injured after she came out of a temple in Nandigram. She was visiting the Kali Mandir in Shibrampur. She earlier in the day filed her nomination for the Nandigram seat. Mamata Banerjee is on a two-day visit in the region. The West Bengal CM is scheduled to release the TMC manifesto at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata on Thursday. The BJP said that the CM carried out the stunt for sympathy. West Bengal BJP Vice President Arjun Singh said, "Is it Taliban that her convoy was attacked? Huge police force accompanies her. Who can get near her? Four IPS officers are her security incharge and must be suspended. Attackers don't appear out of nowhere, they've to be nabbed. She did drama for sympathy (sic)." Also read: 'I'm a cobra, one bite is enough': Mithun Chakraborty upon joining BJP at PM Modi's Kolkata rally Also read: West Bengal polls: PM Modi criticises Mamata Banerjee; promises 'Sonar Bangla' if BJP wins Mr Andrews has been temporarily replaced by Deputy Premier James Merlino. Environment Minister Lily DAmbrosio praised Mr Merlino at the governments press conference on Wednesday. She said Mr Merlino, who is also the minister for education and for mental health, was up to the task for as long as necessary. James Merlino is a consummate politician and hes doing a fantastic job as acting Premier, she said. Another Labor MP told The Age that theres no doubt Daniel is a strong leader, but hes a leader of a team. Regardless of how people have elevated his persona through coronavirus, it will be business as usual, the MP said. Its not the first time Daniel hasnt been there for a parliamentary sitting and James has run the ship plenty of times. He [Merlino] is a popular guy every single MP is talking to him about education and now mental health issues. A senior government source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Mr Andrews recovery certainly wont be quick, with a more precise time frame dependent on the impending decision of The Alfred hospital trauma centre doctors on surgery. Surgeons told The Age a recovery time of six to 12 weeks was likely. The government source confirmed the Premier, who is said to be in good spirits, had fractured his T7 vertebra, which could require screws to be inserted and a months-long recuperation period. Concerns over the seriousness of Mr Andrews condition have gradually increased since he was taken to hospital early on Tuesday after slipping on wet stairs at a holiday home in the Mornington Peninsula while getting ready for work. He broke ribs on his left and right sides but has been cleared of internal injuries such as a punctured lung. The Premier has not sustained head injuries and was conscious and speaking on Wednesday, the government source said. Premier Daniel Andrews at a press conference on March 4. Credit:Jason South He was initially treated at the Peninsula Private Hospital in Langwarrin and had a range of scans, but on Tuesday evening, after an MRI was assessed by specialists, it was decided to move him to The Alfred. The T7 is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage and muscles of the chest. Leading orthopaedic surgeon John Cunningham who is not Mr Andrews doctor said based on the description of the Premiers injuries, he would expect him to be out of work for anywhere between six and 12 weeks, depending on the type of treatment he opted for. This is my bread and butter; I see these sorts of fractures all the time, Mr Cunningham said. They really knock people for six. Even after successful treatment, they can have lingering symptoms for some time. He will likely be able to recover from this, but its going be a while before hes standing up in Parliament or in front of the press for hours on end. Regardless of the decision on surgery, Mr Andrews is expected to remain in intensive care for several days and will almost certainly be absent for next weeks sitting of Parliament. Mr Andrews absence comes as Ms Neville has taken leave until late May to receive treatment for Crohns disease. A decision on when Victoria will reopen its hotel quarantine program to international arrivals remains pending after Mr Andrews indefinitely paused flights last month due to a leakage of COVID-19 from a quarantine hotel. Mr Cunningham said for injuries such as Mr Andrews, the common treatment was to have corrective surgery soon after the injury. Alternatively, a patient could use a high back brace around the thoracic spine, helping them stay upright and preventing spinal deformity while their fracture heals. Mr Cunningham said it appeared the Premier had avoided a worst-case scenario of spinal cord damage. The question of whether or not to operate now and I say this in general terms is to do with the chances of him developing an ongoing deformity or what we call a kyphosis, he said. Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. Mr Cunningham said there was a very small risk of paraplegia or permanent neurological injury from surgery. It is very difficult to be prescriptive when it comes to spinal trauma, he said. Youve got to really take into account a patients whole general health, their workplace and how much time they can take off. I would think that Daniel Andrews would be a man who wants to take the least amount of time off work as possible. Melbourne neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon Michael Wong said the length of the Premiers recovery depended on the severity of his fracture. In the event of a minor fracture, you dont really need surgery. You just need to put the patient in the brace and they would still expect to have pain for quite some time and go through a period of rehabilitation, he said. For more severe fractures, the spine can become unstable, and surgery is required. Loading If the fracture is so bad that some of the bone fragment has basically come apart and is now impinging onto the nerves of the spinal cord, then you have to operate to protect the spinal cord, said Dr Wong, who specialises in treating people with chronic pain. He said surgery involved using some sort of spinal instrumentation, such as metal screws, to stabilise the spine. The surgery itself is not a small surgery, he said. It is a significant surgery that someone will face when they have spinal fracture. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 05:37:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GENEVA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Violence against women remains devastatingly pervasive, with one in three women worldwide suffering physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday. The proportion has remained largely unchanged over the past decade, the WHO noted in a latest report that presents data from the largest ever study on violence against women. The WHO conducted the study on behalf of a special working group of the United Nations. Based on data from 2000 to 2018, it updates previous estimates released in 2013. The report finds that violence against women starts early. One in four young women, aged 15 to 24 years, who have been in a relationship will have already experienced violence by an intimate partner by the time they reach their mid-20s. Intimate partner violence is by far the most prevalent form of violence against women globally, affecting around 641 million, according to the report. However, only six percent of women globally report being sexually assaulted by someone other than their husband or partner. Given the high levels of stigma and under-reporting of sexual abuse, the true figure is likely to be significantly higher. The WHO warns that the COVID-19 pandemic has even worsened the situation as a result of measures such as lockdowns and disruptions to vital support services. COVID-19 has "triggered a 'shadow pandemic' of increased reported violence of all kinds against women and girls," said UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. "Every government should be taking strong, proactive steps to address this, and involving women in doing so." The report says that violence disproportionately affects women living in low- and lower-middle-income countries, as an estimated 37 percent of women living in the poorest countries have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in their life, with some of these countries having a prevalence as high as one in two. To prevent violence against women, the WHO calls on countries to take sound gender-transformative policies, strengthen health system response, increase school and educational interventions to challenge discriminatory attitudes and beliefs, and invest in sustainable and effective evidence-based prevention strategies. "Unlike COVID-19, violence against women cannot be stopped with a vaccine," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "We can only fight it with deep-rooted and sustained efforts, by governments, communities and individuals, to change harmful attitudes, improve access to opportunities and services for women and girls, and foster healthy and mutually respectful relationships." Enditem The prime minister is standing by his handling of the imprisonment of Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert in Iran. Dr Moore-Gilbert has said she wished the Australian government had gone to the media earlier to try to secure her release. But Scott Morrison said there was always plenty of quiet diplomatic work going on behind the scenes. Dr Moore-Gilbert has said she wished the Australian government had gone to the media earlier to try to secure her release 'Kylie Moore-Gilbert obviously can't be aware of all of the things that the government has been involved in to secure her release over a long period of time and the many other matters that were running over that period,' he told reporters on Wednesday. 'And there are obviously things that sit within the national security dimension of what the government handles on a day-to-day basis. 'I am aware of those issues and have been directly involved in many of the decisions - in fact, all of the decisions - that ultimately ended up in securing her release.' Mr Morrison said that at all times, her release was the Australian government's top priority consular case. 'Kylie is home and I probably more than most in Australia, other than her own family, could not be more happy about that,' he said. 'Her bravery, her courage, her resilience, is something extraordinary.' But Scott Morrison said there was always plenty of quiet diplomatic work going on behind the scenes Dr Moore-Gilbert wanted the world to know she had been arrested and held in solitary confinement in Iran, but the Australian government persuaded journalists not to publish the story. She still doubts the government's 'quiet diplomacy' approach. The academic was arrested in Tehran in September 2018, then sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment on espionage charges. Her name was not published in the media for the first year of her detention. At one point, Dr Moore-Gilbert was able to extract a phone call with her father after she escaped onto a roof of the notorious Evin prison on the outskirts of Tehran. Dr Moore-Gilbert wanted the world to know she had been arrested and held in solitary confinement in Iran, but the Australian government persuaded journalists not to publish the story 'I was sort of panicking and screaming and upset,' she told Sky News in an interview aired on Tuesday night. 'I just said, when are you going to get me out, what's going on, this court's a joke. I said, go to the media, expose what's happening. 'Nobody listened to that. Nobody listened to me.' She believes that if her case had been publicised she would not have been given a 10 year sentence, which was the maximum available for her charge. Dr Moore-Gilbert said she was aware that her case was being deliberately 'kept out of the media' and that it was against her wishes. She has been told the media knew about her incarceration but was told by the government to 'keep it quiet' because media attention could complicate the issue and 'piss Iran off'. 'I took a very different view of the situation based on my own experience,' she said. Dr Moore-Gilbert's treatment improved once her case eventually became public, after two Australian backpackers were also arrested in Iran. Dr Moore-Gilbert's treatment improved once her case eventually became public, after two Australian backpackers were also arrested in Iran Greater attention was paid to her health and conditions of detention. 'I'm not convinced that the quiet diplomacy argument stacks up, though each case is different,' she said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement in May 2020 stating it believed the 'best way' to secure Dr Moore-Gilbert's release was 'through diplomatic channels and not through the media'. Dr Moore-Gilbert thanked the government for their efforts in securing her eventual release in November 2020, singling out Foreign Minister Marise Payne for praise. At the time of her release, Thailand released three Iranians convicted of terrorism offences. The Australian government has never confirmed a prisoner swap deal. Dr Moore-Gilbert vigorously denied that she has ever been a spy. The U.S. military installs concertina wire on the levee behind Granjeno in Texas, just north of the U.S.-Mexico border on Nov. 7, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) 500 National Guard Troops Sent to Texas Border Due to Immigration Crisis: Governor Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized the deployment of 500 National Guard troops to the Southern Border due to the significant increase in illegal immigration following federal policy changes, according to the governor and a military official. Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris, Texas adjutant general and commander of the Texas Military Department, confirmed the deployment of the 500 Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border. It comes as various officials who represent areas along the border have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis as migrants attempt to cross into the United States. Texas is sending a message to any caravan and to any cartel member. Were ready. Were waiting for you. If you dare step into the state of Texas, Texas will use every tool or strategy we can to arrest anybody whos violating the law, to put behind the bars anybodys violating the law, to make sure that the laws in the state of Texas are going to be enforced, Abbott said in a news conference alongside Norris on Tuesday. If you are a caravan or youre a cartel, you better take your activities to some other place because they will not be accepted in Texas. Norris added that 100 of the Guard members who are scheduled to be deployed have been sent to the border before. Border Patrol apprehended about 90,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley in all of 2020, but so far this year, there have been 108,000 apprehensions by Border Patrol, Abbott said. At the start of his administration, President Joe Biden rescinded several Trump-era immigration policies, including the Remain in Mexico initiative, the former presidents border wall construction, and reinstated the Obama-era catch and release policy, among others. Biden administration officials have not yet described the situation at the border as a crisis. White House press secretary Jen Psaki, when asked by reporters about the administrations immigration policy, said that we think that its most important to explain the substantive policy of whats happening, what the root causes are of why these kids are coming, and what were doing to try to solve what is a very challenging circumstance at the border. But the policy change has triggered a crisis on the Texas border right now, Abbott said, adding that open border policies invite illegal immigration and is creating a humanitarian crisis in Texas right now that will grow increasingly worse by the day. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose agency oversees border security and immigration enforcement, said he doesnt believe there is a crisis brewing along the Southern Border. I think there is a challenge at the border that we are managing, and we have our resources dedicated to managing it, he said. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security are working around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure that we do not have a crisis at the border, that we manage the challenge as acute as the challenge is, and they are not doing it alone. [March 10, 2021] NCR Board Elects New Independent Lead Director and Nominates New Board Member NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Equifax Chief Executive Officer Mark W. Begor as independent Lead Director. Mr. Begor succeeds Chinh Chu in this role and, subject to his election as a director at the 2021 Annual Meeting, his appointment will be effective on April 20, the date of the NCR Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Begor has been a member of the NCR Board of Directors since February 2020. The Board also nominated Paychex President and CEO Martin Mucci (News - Alert) for election as a Director at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Known as a strong operating and financial leader who builds teams around a clear strategy, Mr. Begor has led growth turnarounds of several businesses throughout his career. Since joining Equifax, a $4.1 billion data, analytics and technology company, as CEO in April 2018, he has led a $1.5 billion technology transformation across the global enterprise driven by cloud native technology investments and bolt-on acquisitions. Mr. Begor previously served as a Managing Director in the Industrial and Business Services group at Warburg Pincus, a $40 billion growth-focused private equity firm with over 120 portfolio companies. Prior to that, he spent 35 years at General Electric, most recently as President and CEO of GE's $8 billion energy management business. Before leading GE Energy Management, Mr. Begor was President and CEO of GE Capital Real Estate. He also served as President and CEO of GE Capital Retail Finance (Synchrony Financial), successfully guiding it through a period where the business doubled in size. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer at NBCUniversal Media and as GE's Investor Relations leader, where he oversaw a large number of acquisitions and dispositions. "Mark has extensive knowledge of NCR's business and is well qualified to serve as our independent Lead Director," said NCR Executive Chairman Frank R. Martire. "We look forward to continuing to work with Mark as we help guide NCR through transformation to an as-a-service company. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Chinh Chu for his valuable contributions and leadership during his time as independent Lead Director." "I am energized to step into this role," said Mr. Begor. "We have made great strides in our transformation, and I am confident that the company has the righ strategy to guide it to future success. I am excited to continue working with our Board to provide strong oversight and guidance to the management team as we build on NCR's strengths to drive growth going forward." "I'm excited about the path that NCR is currently on," said Mr. Chu. "I've been involved with NCR for over five years, and with the new management team we brought in for three years. NCR is clearly on the right track with its NCRaaS strategy. With Mark Begor, new independent Lead Director, and Mike Hayford's leadership, I'm confident NCR is poised for success." Additionally, the Board has nominated Martin Mucci, President and CEO of Paychex, to serve as a member of the NCR Board of Directors, for election by NCR's stockholders at the NCR Annual Meeting. Mr. Mucci has held his position with Paychex, a provider of integrated human capital management solutions as a service - including human resources, payroll, retirement, benefits, and insurance - for small- to medium-sized businesses, since September 2010. Paychex has annual revenue of $4 billion and is a Fortune 1000 company with a market capitalization of $34 billion. During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Mucci has overseen Paychex's transformation into a technology-enabled service company featuring innovative software-as-a-service technology and propelling the company to outperform the S&P 500 in total shareholder return. Mr. Mucci joined Paychex in 2002 as Senior Vice President, Operations. Prior to joining Paychex, he held senior level positions with Frontier Communications, a telecommunications company, including President of Telephone Operations and Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Telephone of Rochester. Mr. Mucci was a member of the Board of Directors of Cbeyond (News - Alert) , Inc. until it was purchased by Birch Communications, Inc. in 2014. "Marty is a proven leader with a transformation- and growth-oriented mindset," said NCR President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Hayford. "He has a track record of creating shareholder value and overseeing a successful technological transformation at Paychex. His perspective will be highly additive to our Board." About NCR Corporation NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading software- and services-led enterprise provider in the financial, retail and hospitality industries. NCR is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with 36,000 employees globally. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. Website: www.ncr.com Twitter: @NCRCorporation Facebook (News - Alert) : www.facebook.com/ncrcorp LinkedIn (News - Alert) : www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation YouTube (News - Alert) : www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005986/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Did you know that Womens History Month went from one day, to one week, to one month? We celebrate Womens History Month to remind ourselves of the accomplishments of women throughout the years to our culture and society. From science to politics, its a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who lead the way for change. Womens History Month was initially just International Womens Day, a day that commemorated the February 28 meeting of socialists and suffragists in Manhattan in 1909. One year later, on March 8, 1910, according to the BBC, a German activist named Clara Zetkin suggested that they recognize International Women's Day at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. With 17 countries in attendance, the decision to proceed was unanimous. On March 8, 1911, the first International Womens Day was celebrated in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark, though the holiday wasnt widely celebrated in the US until the United Nations began sponsoring it in 1975. Title IX prompts recognition In 1977, to persuade school principals to comply with the recently passed Title IX, a task force in California created Womens History Week, and used the week to celebrate the accomplishments of women. In March 1980, after celebrations had spread across the country, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women's History Week. That same year, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring the week of March 8, 1981 as National Women's History Week. By 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March Womens History Month. Since then, every president has declared the month of March Womens History Month. Valiant women Because last years Womens History Month was affected by COVID-19, this years theme is a continuation of 2020s, which is Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced. The National Womens History Alliance is determined that the important roles of multicultural suffragists and voting rights activists continue to be recognized and honored, said a statement from the National Women's History Alliance. "We refuse to allow their voices to be silenced, even by a pandemic." Credits: Andrea Wurzburger / People / BBC News / Getty Images Oetker Collection has announced the addition of Hotel La Palma in Capri, Italy, to the groups portfolio of Masterpiece Hotels, debuting in April 2022. Reimagining a Capri icon, the 50-key hotel in vibrant Capri Village will be a complete transformation of the original Hotel La Palma that dates back to 1822 the first and oldest hotel on the island. In line with Oetker Collections mission to create meaningful connections in endearing places, the brands first Italian property is set bring to life the islands iconic dolce vita lifestyle. The hotel is owned by Reuben Brothers, marking the latest landmark procurement in their pipeline of investments and developments in Europe. The Reubens Brothers acquisition also includes the legendary La Taverna Anema e Core nightclub, a famous nightspot frequented by celebrities, located in the same premises. SET THE SCENE Hotel La Palma will celebrate the timeless and warm hospitality for which Oetker Collection is loved. The property has been conceived as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island for the modern traveller. The original hotel on Capri will once more become the choicest address on the island for people who want to see and be seen. During its renovation, the room count of the hotel is being drastically decreased, from 80 to 50 rooms including 18 suites each complete with its own private balcony or terrace. The propertys interiors are currently being transformed by two acclaimed architects: led by Rome-based Francesco Delogu of Delogu Architects for the rooms and lobby, and New York-based Tihany Design, one of the worlds preeminent hospitality design firms, led by Adam Tihany and Alessia Genova, for the restaurant, pool, spa, and beach club." Located in the beating heart of Capri, just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I well-known as the Piazzetta Hotel La Palma is perfectly positioned for guests to visit some of the most notable sites of Capri: I Giardini di Augusto, Via Krupp, La Certosa and the iconic Faraglioni. Another of the islands best-known, must-visit natural sites in easy reach from the hotel is the Grotta Azzurra the Blue Grotto a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. A FEAST FOR THE SENSES In true Italian fashion, Hotel La Palma will be a gourmands delight, with Gennaros restaurant, bar and terrace, under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito. Esposito is a true name in the region, having run his own two-Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for the last 23 years. A simple, stylish step back in time to the Capri of the 1950s, Gennaros will embrace the timeless romance of the island, serving unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. A contemporary, vibrant place that shuns formality and celebrates the spirit and cuisine of Capri, Gennaros will also benefit from being right next door to the great Taverna Anema e Core. Another highlight will be Bianca, a glamorous, newly created rooftop restaurant and bar open til late with spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village. Bianca, also under the culinary direction of Chef Gennaro Esposito, will become the islands chicest hangout, transporting guests to another time and place. In addition, Hotel La Palma will offer a brand-new pool deck, complete with an elegant pool bar which pays homage to the classic Capri of the golden age. TO THE BEACH A short drive to Capris southern coast, guests will discover Hotel La Palmas elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola, home to the islands most famous beaches and restaurants. This will be the place where fabulous people come and go, to watch sun-drenched days flow into glittering twilight evenings. Open to non-hotel guests, visitors will come from yachts and neighbouring hotels as La Palma Beach Club becomes the meeting place of choice on the island for long, lazy lunches created by Gennaro Esposito and sunset cocktails. By day, it will be a playground for the great and the good and by night, home to carefree indulgence and the place to rendezvous and soak in Capris animated social scene. Back at the hotel meanwhile, there will be an indulgent spa which will offer three treatment rooms, including one double treatment suite, a sauna, steam bath and ice shower, relaxation space and fitness centre. The hotel will also offer three boutiques. THE ICONIC ITALIAN ISLAND Effortlessly laidback and a synonym for enduring elegance, Capri is an island in Italys Bay of Naples off the Sorrento Peninsula, famed for its rugged landscape, iconic restaurants, excellent shopping and glamorous visitors from the literati, dignitaries, royalty and A-list celebrities. Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter from the mainland, Capri has remained a popular tourist destination since the 1950s; a sun-soaked playground for the contemporary jet set that captures the quintessential spirit of the Mediterranean in Italys Campania region. HISTORY & HERITAGE Since 1822, Hotel La Palma formerly known as Locanda Pagano is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travellers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations and often, his guests were artists, poets, writers, architects, painters and musicians, all who showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the Artists Hotel. A collective of creatives began to gather from all over the world who were inspirited by the genius loci, charmed by the smooth, familiar atmosphere of this eccentric hotel. When Hotel La Palma reopens in April 2022, guests will once again receive the same warm Italian welcome. HOW TO GET THERE Capri can be accessed by air or by sea. The closest airport is Naples International Airport, located approximately 10 km from the citys port. There is also a heliport in Anacapri and other airports include Ravello (20 minutes) and Rome (70 minutes). In addition, the island can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil in 25 minutes from Sorrento or Positano, in 50 minutes from Naples, and in one hour from Amalfi. - TradeArabia News Service Syracuse, NY -- Garrett Monds should know better. And he knows it. Monds, 30, is going back to prison after a sixth incident in which he set up a hidden camera in a public womens restroom in Central New York. Hes now targeted two Walmarts, two colleges, the mall and a warehouse. For the first five incidents, Monds got 2 to 6 years in prison and was paroled after two years. After his most recent arrest, in July 2020, Monds is going back to prison for 3 1/2 to 7 years on an unlawful surveillance charge. At sentencing Wednesday, Monds portrayed himself as someone who simply couldnt control himself. I apologize, Monds said. I really want to work on myself. I know that this is getting a lot of attention all over the place. Its really making me understand how my decisions have embarrassed the victims and my family. I really am remorseful this time around. County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty acknowledged Monds inner struggle, but noted that hed spend the rest of the life in prison if he didnt get his issues worked out. Youre a smart man, the judge told Monds, noting that hed graduated high school and taken some college classes. Four months after getting out of prison in March 2020, Monds had been arrested again. That wasnt a long turnaround, the judge noted. But both men agreed on one thing: No offense, but I dont want to see you again, Monds told the judge. I dont want to see you again either, Dougherty responded. Heres a full list of locations Monds has now admitted setting up cameras: Onondaga Community College, date unknown Rite Aid warehouse, Aug. 26, 2017 Cicero Walmart, Dec. 17, 2017 Destiny USA, Dec. 21, 2017 Syracuse University Life Sciences Building, Jan. 17, 2018 East Syracuse Walmart, July 2020. Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070. By Sangmi Cha SEOUL (Reuters) - In a handful of South Korean hospitals, designated nurses are using specially designed syringes to squeeze extra doses of coronavirus vaccine out of each vial in a bid to stretch the still limited number of vials to cover more people. The practice has raised debate over medical safety and commercial concerns from the manufacturers who charge by the dose. But at Seoul's National Medical Center, healthcare workers say it's actually a safe and easy process that should be a no-brainer for countries struggling to provide enough vaccines quickly. "Two designated nurses take shifts to extract the doses and each of us had no trouble getting seven doses from each vial, vaccinating everyone," said Kim Eun-suk, an intravenous therapy specialist who was taking a shift extracting doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine from vials that officially only hold six. On Tuesday, Kim said the centre vaccinated 629 people with 90 vials of Pfizer vaccine co-developed by its German partner BioNTech, compared with the 540 people possible had they only extracted six doses from each vial. It takes about five minutes to extract the doses using "low dead space" syringes designed to minimise the residual volume, she said. Extraction itself is not difficult. It requires squeezing the exact amount with the syringe. The most important is sterilization and I think any nurse would be able to pull through." At the suggestion of frontline nurses, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said it was up to providers whether to use of remaining doses, but did not make it a new standard or mandatory because it said it could burden the healthcare workers on site. National Medical Center president Chung Ki-hyun said that the contracts with manufacturers - who sell by the dose - should not be a roadblock for on-site healthcare workers to use the remaining doses when they can save lives. "With care and precision, the extra dose isn't as hard to extract," he said. Story continues It's not clear how many South Korean clinics are using the extra doses, but Chung said following the official limit means throwing away potentially life-saving vaccines. Experts were divided about the decision to extract extra doses, as pooling leftover vaccine from multiple vials can lead to contamination. With the specialised low dead space syringes, however, a full extra dose can typically be pulled from a single Pfizer vaccine vial, and as many as two extra doses from AstraZeneca's vaccine vials. Urging caution over imprecise extraction, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) has advised its members to discard the remaining doses in the vials, according to a statement seen by Reuters. KDCA said 446,941 people were given first doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer shots by Tuesday midnight. South Korea has reported 470 new cases on Tuesday, adding to the total coronavirus cases of 93,733, with 1,648 deaths. (Reporting by Sangmi Cha; Editing by Josh Smith and Michael Perry) The city of Austin will continue to require residents to wear masks, defying Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order rescinding all COVID-related restrictions, which takes effect Wednesday. Dr. Mark Escott, the interim health authority for Austin-Travis County, made the announcement at a joint meeting of the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. He said businesses also must continue to enforce the mask mandate through a local ordinance passed in July. The ordinance authorizes Escott, in his capacity as the local health authority, to create pandemic-related safety restrictions, a move permitted by state law. Escotts most recent rules which include the mask mandate, social distancing and gathering limits are active at least through April 15. The public health authority is responsible for the control of disease outbreak in Austin-Travis County and will continue to utilize the rules he has set forth in helping to further mitigate the risk of spread, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a press release. The rules issued by Dr. Escott will serve to not only decrease the spread of disease but to also increase public confidence in the safety of local businesses. Refusing to comply with local health rules is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. IN-DEPTH: Gov. Abbott lifts statewide mask order The governor said that virus related policy would be guided by the data and the doctors and we remain committed to this end, Adler said. So, #MaskUpATX. While Democratic leaders of local governments across Texas have questioned or opposed Abbotts decision to drop the pandemic restrictions, so far Austin is the first to say it will contradict the governor. Its unclear if the state will move to stop Austin from levying fines or otherwise enforcing its mask mandate. Spokespeople for Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. State leaders have previously stepped in to quash local health directives that were not in line with Abbotts rules, which he has enacted throughout the pandemic via emergency order. Paxton sued the city of Austin in December and won after local leaders decided to enact a curfew for indoor dining services over the New Years holiday weekend. That restriction, however, was not enacted by the local health authority. In Austin, were committed to saving lives. Period. If state officials dont want to do their jobs protecting people from the virus, then we will, Austin City Council Member Greg Casar said in a release. This action is both legal and the right thing to do. If state officials choose to sue, theyll be going out of their way to harm the health of Texans. Abbotts statewide order removing COVID restrictions takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. cayla.harris@express-news.net MILAN, MAR 10 - A member of the Calabria-based 'Ndrangheta mafia was cited Wednesday in a probe that saw Milan police arrest 17 Italian and Albanians in a suspected narcotics ring that allegedly brought drugs worth over 20 million euros a year from Spain into the Lombardy capital. The alleged 'Ndranghetista, , Salvatore Celini, is a member of the Bellocco clan which is dominant in the Calabrian city of Rosarno, police said. Another member of the alleged gang was a former police officer, Giuseppe Galimi, who allegedly use the expertise he gained on the job to help the drug runners evade capture. Galimi has now become a "hardened criminal", police said. 'Ndrangheta is Italy's richest and most powerful mafia thanks to its control of the European cocaine trade. All its activities have been estimated to be worth the equivalent of at least three per cent of Italian GDP. Its tentacles have spread from its southern Italian base to central and northern Italy, northern Europe, North and South America and Australia, among other areas. Its influence is especially strong in the affluent northern Italian regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, but it has also spread to Lazio and Rome. The other main mafias in Italy are Cosa Nostra in Sicily, long more powerful and dangerous than 'Ndrangheta, and the Camorra in Campania. There is a smaller mafia in Puglia, the Sacra Corona Unita (United Holy Crown, SCU), which is generally considered less dangerous and expansive. The biggest ever trial into 'Ndrangheta started in Lamezia Terme in mid-January. The trial delves into the activities of the 'Ndrangheta clans in Vibo Valentia and their links to the political, institutional, economic and rogue Masonic worlds controlling all aspects of local life in Calabria. It is the biggest mafia trial in Italy since the so-called 'maxi-trial' of Cosa Nostra in Sicily from 1986 to 1992. The trial, which is expected to last around three years, has over 300 defendants who are facing hundreds if charges. The defendants include local politicians, businessmen, police and other institutional figures accused of helping 'Ndrangheta hold sway over Calabrian life. "We will show the asphyxiation of Calabrian life by 'Ndrangheta," said prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who has been in police protection for almost 30 years, in his opening remarks. (ANSA). GREENWICH The town of Greenwich is in line to receive tens of millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved Wednesday and which President Joe Biden is expected to sign into law on Friday. In addition to direct payments to many Americans as well as extended unemployment benefits, the $1.9 trillion relief package will provide direct relief to municipalities throughout the country after a year of unexpected costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stimulus package will provide more than $2.6 billion to Connecticut towns and cities, although some details, including how the funds can be spent, remain unclear. On Wednesday, First Selectman Fred Camillo said he has been told that Greenwich is slated to receive an estimated $32 million in federal refunds for expenses during the coronavirus pandemic and other costs. For Camillo, the federal funding is another sign for optimism after recent downward trends in the towns coronavirus numbers as well as the growing number of town residents receiving the vaccination. Obviously none of the municipalities are going to be fully covered for the damage and setbacks that the pandemics caused, but certainly everyone would welcome any relief they will get coming from Washington, D.C., Camillo said. Were starting to turn the corner. Things are starting to open up, but certainly were not back to full strength in many areas. Yet so this is welcome. The immediate impact of the grant money is unknown, with many details to finalize before allocations are sent to municipalities such as Greenwich. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic a year ago, Board of Estimate and Taxation Chair Michael Mason has urged town departments to keep a careful accounting of all expenses that have come up that are related to the pandemic. This kind of federal relief package may be able to address those costs. We are working on separating COVID expenses across all departments and any funds that are going to come in that are applicable to that will be applied to those accounts, Mason said. That is our No. 1 goal and objective right now. This is exactly what weve been saying all along. We sent a letter out on this last year to town departments to keep those expenses separate because we anticipated funding coming in to backfill those costs. Town departments have been following this policy for the last year, Camillo said. He credited town Emergency Management Director Dan Warzoha for helping the various town departments know what to do and to keep careful track of all expenses related to the pandemic. We were on top of this a year ago thanks to people like Dan and others, Camillo said. They sounded the alarm. Mason said the BET is not sure exactly what the federal money will mean for Greenwich, but he said those questions will soon be answered. Previous grants for pandemic relief have assisted the Board of Education with its expenses and The Nathaniel Witherell, the town-owned and -operated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. The issue with the grants is always about timing, like when were allowed to spend them, Mason said. The bulk of the money is going to go to the Board of Education. Nathaniel Witherell is going to get some and the town is going to get some as well. Connecticuts delegation to the House, including U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, a Greenwich Democrat who represents the 4th District, unanimously supported the federal relief plan. The American Rescue Plan is one of the most significant pieces of legislation Congress has ever passed, Himes said in a statement. It brings direct relief to working families in Connecticut and across the nation and provides aid to states and localities to maintain and restore vital services like fire and police departments that have been affected by the pandemic. Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal, a town resident, and Chris Murphy also both voted to approve the plan last weekend. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Hydronephrosis, a swelling of the kidney due to a blockage that prevents the flow of urine, is the condition that forced Albuquerque MMA fighter Holly Holm to postpone her scheduled May 8 fight against Julianna Pena. But is the fight postponed, or canceled? After the announcement that Holm (14-5) had to withdraw, Pena (10-4) immediately began campaigning for a title shot against UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes. In an interview following Saturdays UFC 259, UFC President Dana White seemed to welcome the idea. White has been looking for a bantamweight challenger who hasnt already fought and lost to Nunes, as has Holm, and Pena qualifies. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Nunes, though, wasnt as receptive, saying she thought Pena, in Holms absence, should be required to fight a rematch against Germaine de Randamie (whom Nunes as defeated twice). De Randamie defeated Pena by third-round submission (guillotine choke) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 3, the same night Holm defeated Irene Aldana by unanimous decision. Such decisions ultimately are made by White, though Nunes (21-4 and the winner of her last 12 fights, almost unanimously considered the worlds best female MMA fighter) certainly should have some say in the matter. Regarding Holms condition, first reported by Albuquerques KRQE-TV, Holm said in an Instagram post that its something she was born with but that Just hadnt had any problems until now. Im doing great and will be fine. A little bump in the road but thankfully its fixable. According to information available online from the National Kidney Foundation, linked to here, hydronephrosis is the swelling of a kidney due to a buildup of urine. It happens when urine cannot drain out from the kidney to the bladder from a blockage or obstruction. The condition can go undetected until pain suddenly occurs. It can develop as the result of an underlying factor, such as a kidney stone, scar tissue from a previous injury, etc. But it can also be a congenital condition, as apparently is the case with Holm. Full recovery is most often achieved, as appears to be imminent in Holms case. I hope to only have to postpone a few weeks from the original date of May 8 to fight, she wrote. Whether Pena will be waiting for her is another issue. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form New Delhi, March 10 : Shiv Sena and Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday raised the alleged suicide case of Lok Sabha MP Mohan Delkar seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to ensure strict action against officials in the administration involved in his harassment. Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut raised the issue during Zero Hour, saying Delkar, who sat in Parliament for 35 years, had to die by suicide because he was being harassed by the administration and officers. "If you read his suicide note, you'll find that he was harassed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli administrator and officer." "MVA (Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi) government in Maharashtra has deputed ATS to probe the matter but I request the PM though this House that the local administration, SP, and Collector should be sacked and tried under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)," Raut said. JD(U) MP from Nalanda constituency, Kaushlendra Kumar, also raised the issue and said, "If the public representative is not safe then what can we expect from the administration. I request for the removal of the administrators behind the tragic incident with strict action against them." Delkar, 58, a seven-term MP from Dadra and Nagar Haveli Union Territory, was found dead in a hotel in Marine Drive area of south Mumbai on February 22. Mumbai Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Tuesday on a charge of abetment to suicide in connection with the death of the Lok Sabha MP. The FIR was registered after Delkar's family members visited the Marine Drive police station and lodged a complaint. The police registered the case under the charge of abetment to suicide and provisions of the Atrocities Act. The police had recovered a 15-page suicide note from Delkar's hotel room which was written on his letterhead, the police said, adding the note mentioned some names. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday also announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the alleged suicide of Delkar. Deshmukh said that in the state Assembly that Delkar's suicide note stated that the Union Territory's administrator Praful Kheda Patel was harassing the MP. Delkar's wife and son met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at the Vidhan Bhavan here on Tuesday. Later, talking to reporters, his son Abhinav Delkar claimed Patel "left no stone unturned to humiliate" the deceased. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kashmir: Awantipora police along with 50 RR and CRPF busted terror modules of proscribed terror outfits JeM and LeT and arrested seven terrorist associates. A huge quantity of explosive material, detonators, grenades and a Maruti car was seized from their possession. A police official said, We received information that terrorists of proscribed outfit JeM are planning an attack by means of triggering vehicle born IED in Pampore-Khrew area. Upon this information police along with 50 RR and CRPF carried out search in Pampore area. During search one person was apprehended identified as Sahil Nazir son of Nazir Ahmad Mir resident of Drangabal Pampore." During questioning, Sahil Nazir revealed that he was in touch with one PAK based terrorist commander Khalid Bin Waleed by means of various communication channels. The terrorist commander Khalid Bin Waleed intends to do some spectacular terror act and then the claim shall be made on behalf of a new terrorist outfit Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind. He further revealed that terrorist commander Khalid Bin Waleed motivated him to carry out terror attack in Pampore area for which he volunteered himself to carry out the attack in the area. It surfaced that terrorist commander Khalid Bin Waleed delivered Rs 70,000 to Sahil Nazir for purchasing a vehicle. The investigation into the case also revealed that Sahil Nazir tasked his other OGWs/associates namely Kaisar Ahmad Bhat son of Farooq Ahmad Bhat resident of Drangbal Pampore to purchase a second hand vehicle. Accordingly the vehicle Maruti 800 bearing registration number JK01E-0690 was purchased from Srinagar. The said vehicle was kept hidden at a safe place at Wuyan in OGW Kaisars relatives house. Three more terrorist associates of the module, Yasir Ali Wani resident of Pampore, Kaisar Ahmad Bhat resident of Drangabal and Mohammad Mounis Fayaz were arrested with explosive materials. Notably, on January 25, 2021 Sahil Nazir along with Kaisar Ahmad Bhat travelled on Scooty to reach the CRPF Camp (Grid Station Pampore) and lobbed a grenade on CRPF (located at Grid Station Pampore). However, the grenade did not explode for the reason the pin of the grenade was not properly removed. The said hand grenade was later recovered live from the premises of said camp. The investigation also revealed that Sahil Nazir was supposed to receive other explosive material in the near future. 08 electronic detonators and a Chinese hand grenade were recovered from the arrested terrorist associates. Besides, a Maruti 800 car has also been seized. A Case FIR Number 27 /2021 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Pampore in this regard and further investigation is in progress. Similarly, Awantipora police along with 50 RR and CRPF have also busted LeT terror module after receiving information that terrorists of proscribed outfit LeT are planning terror attack by means of triggering an explosive substance in Pampore area. Acting on this information, Awantipora Police alongwith 50 RR and CRPF carried out the search operation in Pampore area. During search operation one OGW/associate of proscribed outfit LeT namely Musaib Aziz Goojri son of Abdul Aziz Goojri resident of Namlabal Pampore was apprehended. While being questioned, Musaib admitted that he was in continuous touch with LeT commander of Pampore Umer Khanday and he has handed a container containing approx. 25 Kgs of explosive material (aluminium powder) to him. Accordingly, the said container containing approx 25 Kgs of explosive substance was recovered. He further revealed that the explosive material has been kept with him for preparing IED and the other parts of IED were supposed to reach to him in near future. Further, during the course of investigation, two more terrorist associates of the same module namely Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh resident of Drangbal Pampore and Shahid Ahmad Sofi resident of Namblabal Pampore have been arrested along with explosive material. As per police records, these arrested terrorist associates are involved in providing shelter, logistics to the terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT and transporting arms/ ammunition of the terrorists. A case FIR Number 28/2021 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Pampore and further investigation is in progress. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) A court in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday denied the appeal by one of the kingdom's most prominent political activists that would have allowed her to travel freely, her supporters said, weeks after her release from prison. Loujain al-Hathloul, whose 1001-day detention drew fierce international criticism of the kingdoms human rights record, had hoped to lift a five-year ban on traveling outside Saudi Arabia that the court imposed as a condition of her release. She also faces three years of probation, meaning that she cannot return to activism or speak her mind without risking re-arrest, her family said. Al-Hathloul has declined interviews with the press and largely stayed silent on social media for that reason. The Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh, which handles terrorism and national security charges, confirmed al-Hathloul's original sentence on Wednesday, a rubber-stamp decision on the publicized and politicized case. The international community should be outraged at this judgment, her sister Lina al-Hathloul said in a statement. The confirmation of the sentence of my sister Loujain is yet another confirmation of the abuse of power of the Saudi authorities." Her travel ban underscores the governments efforts to manage dissent in the kingdom through protracted restrictions on freed political prisoners. Two Saudi-Americans also released last month similarly face travel bans and asset freezes pending trial for what rights groups describe as unsubstantiated terrorism charges. Al-Hathloul, 31, gained prominence as a champion of womens right to drive before the kingdom lifted the ban in mid-2018. She was sentenced to almost six years in prison last December under vague cybercrime and counterterrorism laws. Rights activists described the charges as retribution for her activism. Last month, her high-profile release came as the kingdoms rulers, who cultivated close ties to former President Donald Trump, braced for a strained relationship with President Joe Biden. Story continues Since taking office, Biden has announced the end of U.S. support to the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen, paused some arms sales to the kingdom and released an intelligence report on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi that concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had likely approved the murder. Biden welcomed al-Hathlouls release as the right thing to do. Now, al-Hathloul's family is trying to keep her case in the spotlight, praising the international pressure that secured her release while warning that she, and other women's rights activists, are not free. As long as she cannot campaign for womens rights, as long as she cannot be an activist again, things wont change honestly, al-Hathlouls sister told reporters after her release. Chinas global attack on Microsofts popular email software revealed last week and an equally sprawling Russian attack discovered three months ago have created a two-front war that threatens to overwhelm cybersecuritys emergency responders, according to former U.S. officials and private security firms. The coincidence of two far-reaching hacking campaigns launched by Russia and China, discovered just weeks apart, is now rippling across the global economy swamping insurers, IT staff, and firms that specialize in hunting and ejecting hackers. The twin hacking campaigns involve the U.S.s two most powerful cyberspace adversaries, and both have led to emergency meetings of the White House National Security Council, in part because of the unusually wide net cast by the attackers. But for the tens of thousands of companies that have been impacted by one or another of the attacks, the one-two punch has left them scrambling to secure their computer systems in some cases from hackers who are piling on the original nation-state attacks. Its a race, said Tom Burt, Microsofts corporate vice president for customer security and trust. Since the time we went public with the updates availability, weve seen the number of compromised customers just explode. It went up incredibly rapidly and continues to increase. Microsoft Exchange Microsoft Corp. disclosed on March 2 that suspected Chinese state-sponsored hackers were exploiting four previously unknown vulnerabilities in the companys widely used Exchange business email software and issued a patch for those systems. Since that disclosure, other hackers have used automated programs to scan the internet, in some cases looking for companies that have yet to install the fix. Some of those are criminal groups trying to re-purpose secret entry points that China installed in its numerous victims, according to cybersecurity companies monitoring the aftermath. The close proximity of the Chinese and Russian attacks may not be a coincidence, security experts say. China may have timed its effort to take advantage of the distraction created by the Russian hack, which impacted as many as 18,000 customers of the Texas-based software maker SolarWinds Corp., including key government agencies. The attack on Microsoft Exchange is a cold and calculated assault, said Lior Div, co-founder and chief executive officer of Cybereason, a Boston-based security company. The Chinese attackers know exactly what they are doing. The new administration has been distracted by investigations into another U.S. adversary on the cyber battlefield Russia and its calculated breach against SolarWinds. National Security A White House spokesperson said Monday that high-level members of President Joe Bidens National Security Council worked through the weekend responding to the latest incident. And the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in an emergency advisory Monday described hackers exploitation of the flaws in Microsofts email product as now widespread and indiscriminate. For months before they were caught in December, Russian state hackers used altered SolarWinds software to spy on at least nine U.S. government agencies and hundreds of companies. Chinas hack has already claimed 60,000 victims globally, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, though some estimates have put the number of Exchange servers that could be vulnerable to infection at close to 300,000 worldwide. I cant think of an equivalent breach, Alex Stamos, a cybersecurity consultant and the former head of security at Facebook Inc., said of the Chinese attack. Its a combination of the kind of mass-exploitation you often see with unpatched home routers, but instead of crypto-miners who are having no impact, these attackers are able to get all an organizations email. One victim of the most recent attack is the European Banking Authority, which said Monday that it had shut down its email systems while it carried out an investigation into a cyberattack on its Microsoft Exchange servers. Radu Burghelea, head of information technology, confirmed in a message to Bloomberg that the organization had discovered malicious software on the servers but not yet detected the theft of any emails from them. The tactics used by China in particular leave victims vulnerable to other hackers. Victims could have their IT systems locked up by ransomware gangs, the personal information of their customers and employees stolen and sold to identity thieves, or their computers used to attack others. Currently, most of what we have observed has been automated scanning and reconnaissance, said Mat Gangwer, a senior director of managed threat response for Sophos Ltd., a British cybersecurity company. The real question will be, are these organizations able to patch, assess and clean their environments before more harmful actors, such as ransomware groups, begin leveraging the malicious code thats been installed on the servers, he added. That job will fall to specialized security firms and in-house IT staff that are already exhausted from weeks of fighting off Russias sprawling and sophisticated attack. What makes it even harder is that defenders are experiencing successive waves of attacks, and many have not been able to restore their environments to a safe operating condition, even though things may seem normal, said Michael Henry, chief executive officer of Texas-based Arbala Security Inc., describing his work with clients dealing with back-to-back issues of SolarWinds and now the Exchange server vulnerabilities. In the most recent incident, companies can install the patch issued last week by Microsoft, but that doesnt mean the hackers will be gone. In some cases, specialized teams will need to scour the infected computer systems, looking for hidden entry points planted by the hackers in order to shut them out. FireEye Inc., a large U.S. cybersecurity firm, is now responding to dozens of cases in the U.S., Europe and Asia in attacks involving the flawed Microsoft code. Still, with not enough experts available from FireEye and other firms, the impact of the latest wave of attacks could linger for weeks or even months. There will be backdoors sitting on Exchange servers for quite a while, said Charles Carmakal, senior vice president at FireEye. With assistance from William Turton and Shiyin Chen. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics USA Cyber China Russia FAIRFIELD Sacred Heart University officials say the college will open a clinic to administer doses of COVID-19 vaccine beginning next week. The clinic, which is opening through a partnership with Hartford HealthCare will begin providing doses March 10, SHU officials said in a message to the community Friday. The university said the site likely will be a targeted vaccination site, and so likely will not show up in the federal Vaccine Administration Management System, known as VAMS, or the Hartford HealthCare scheduling system for the general population. State officials have said special clinics will be set up for education workers, a group that includes teachers as well as front-line staff at schools like paraprofessionals and bus drivers. The state plans to set aside vaccine appointments for high-need populations, according to Josh Geballe, the states chief operating officer. We are hopeful that when the state allows for student vaccinations in the future, this site will be available to you, the message to the university community said. The message told students to expect to see members of the National Guard at the site. Meanwhile, the university is asking students and staff to voluntary disclose if they have been vaccinated. The college said that information gauges the safety of the campus as we make decisions about relaxing COVID protocols and opening up the campus more to visitors. The school is urging students to volunteer at vaccination sites in Bridgeport and other surrounding towns through its Medical Reserve Corps program. Since November of last year, 102 members of the university community have joined the program. The corps requires participants to take part in an orientation over Zoom, and two online training classes. As of Friday, SHU reported seven new cases of COVID-19, with 44 active cases more than half of which involve off-campus students. Around the rest of the state: Quinnipiac University in Hamden reported 25 new cases last week, mostly among residential students. The school reports 41 active cases as of Friday. The University of New Haven in West Haven reported 23 new cases in the past seven days as of Friday, with 51 active cases all but four of them among students. The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford reported two new cases last week, both among employees. Wesleyan University in Middletown reported five new cases last week, bringing the schools active caseload to six as of Saturday. Fairfield University reported no new cases Thursday, with 17 active cases, 13 of them involving students. Central Connecticut State University in New Britain reported four new cases last week, with no students reported in isolation or qurantine on campus as of Thursday. Connecticut College in New London reported four new cases last week, with five active cases. Yale University in New Haven reported 15 new cases in the last seven days as of Thursday, with 249 cases reported since Jan. 1. Trinity College in Hartford reported seven active cases as of Friday. The University of Connecticut in Storrs reported seven new cases among residential students at Storrs on Friday, along with four new off-campus student cases and one new case involving an on-campus employee. The school reports 71 active cases among residential students, and 209 off-campus students have tested positive since the start of the semester, UConns data shows. Hydrogen has been hailed as the 'fuel of the future' owing to several reasons. First, compared to the conventionally used hydrocarbons, hydrogen exhibits higher energy yield. Second, the commercial use of hydrogen fuel, which yields only water as a byproduct product, would help mitigate the imminent global warming crisis by reducing the use of exhaustible and polluting fossil fuels. Thus, ongoing research has been focusing on efficient and environment-friendly ways to produce of hydrogen fuel. Solar hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting reaction is an attractive "green" method of hydrogen fuel production, owing to its potential for high conversion efficiency, low operating temperatures, and cost-effectiveness. However, efficient separation of hydrogen gas from a mixture of gases (called "syngas") under different environmental conditions, has proven to be a challenge. A recent paper published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology seeks to address this challenge. In this study, a group of researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan, led by Professor Yuji Iwamoto, in collaboration with researchers in France, successfully characterized a novel membrane that allows highly selective separation of hydrogen gas generated from the PEC reaction. Prof. Iwamoto says, "Membrane separation is attractive as a low-cost hydrogen gas purification technology. However, current techniques face several challenges, for example, water-induced swelling with polymer membranes and lower hydrogen permeance with metal, polymer, and supported liquid membranes. " The researchers first developed an organic-inorganic hybrid polymeric membrane, primarily consisting of a polymer called "polycarbosilane" (PCS) formed on an aluminium oxide (Al2O3)-based porous support. Prof. Iwamoto further explains, "By using high-molecular-weight PCSs with a melting point above 200C, we showed that a superhydrophobic PCS membrane could be deposited on a mesoporous -Al2O3-modified macroporous -Al2O3 tubular support. " After successfully developing the PCS membrane, the researchers tested it under PEC reaction conditions. As hypothesized, the PCS membrane showed high hydrophobicity. Moreover, under the flow of a simulated highly humid gas mixture at 50C, the PCS membrane exhibited excellent hydrogen selectivity. Further analysis revealed that the preferential hydrogen permeation through the PCS membrane was governed by the "solid state diffusion" mechanism. Overall, irrespective of the ambient environmental conditions provided, the PCS membrane exhibited efficient hydrogen gas separation. With the development and characterization of this new PCS membrane, it is inevitable that its commercial adoption will not just facilitate the use of hydrogen fuel for energy needs but also curb the use of non-renewable fossil fuels. Prof. Iwamoto concludes, "With this technological development, we expect great progress in environmental-friendly and sustainable hydrogen production ." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The Philippine National Police promised to work with the National Bureau of Investigation in looking into the killing of Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino in Samar, but maintained that it was the slain official's group which fired the first shot during the incident. Citing the Police Regional Office 8, PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas it was Aquino's team which initiated the gunfight with a vehicle carrying authorities from the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit. Killed in the incident were the mayor, his driver, his police security escort, and at least two other police officers in the group that clashed with Aquino's men. "According to them (PRO-8), for no apparent reason, binaril 'yung sasakyan nila. So napilitan silang magresponde tapos yung backup ni mayor na nasa likod din pinaputukan yung pulis kaya namatay 'yung tatlo," Sinas said. [Translation: According to them, for no apparent reason, their vehicle was fired at. So they had no choice but to respond, then the mayor's backup who was also behind them fired at the police which led to the killing of the three.] Contrary to what the police initially described as an "ambush," Sinas said it was a shootout and authorities involved simply retaliated. "Basing sa account nila ay 'yung tropa ni mayor [ang nagsimula]. But just the same, mag-iimbestiga tayo para malaman natin yung puno't dulo," Sinas added. [Translation: Based on the account of PRO-8, the mayor's escorts started it. But just the same, we will still investigate so we would know what happened from the start.] But why were authorities in the area in the first place? According to Sinas, they were just there to monitor potential activities of supposed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army. "Kung ikaw ang maunahan din ng baril (if someone fired at you first), the action is to repel the cause," he noted. Sinas said he already ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to also conduct its own probe into the matter. A special task group by the PNP Eastern Visayas was also previously created to conduct a thorough investigation into the issue. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said the NBI has been asked to investigate the case. Government featured Key West Housing Authority may add 2 to board Photos by ROB ONEAL/The Citizen The George Allen Apartments are located on First Street, near the intersection of North Roosevelt Boulevard and Palm Avenue. ROB O'NEAL/The Citizen Porter Place apartments are located near the corner of Eaton Street, White Street and Palm Avenue. ROB ONEAL/The Citizen Buildings at George Allen Apartments are in need of cosmetic work. Key West Mayor Teri Johnston will propose increasing the size of the citys housing authority board from five to seven commissioners within the next month, a move the current authority chairman wants to stop. The expansion of the Housing Authority of Key West board, the first in its 83-year history, is aimed at bringing a more specialized knowledge onto the authority board. It is also an effort to increase transparency on a board where three of its five members have been in place for decades. Commissioner Roosevelt Sands Jr. has been on the board the longest, appointed in 1970 and serving 56 years. Chairman Frank Toppino has been on the board for 30 years, appointed in 1991. Vice Chairman Robert Dean has served twice for a total of 44 years. And commissioners John Parks and Annette Mobley were appointed in 2003 and 2018, respectively. The non-profit organization usually stays off the radar, quietly building and managing low- and moderate-income local housing, financed by federal and state funds. From its beginning in 1938, the authority has grown from one public housing development and a handful of employees to more than 80 staff managing 1,321 units of low-income workforce and senior housing, much of it rent subsidized. It has an annual budget of approximately $22 million. Despite the decades of experience of its board, however, the authority has not been building much affordable housing, as its mission describes. Its most recent project was the 106-unit Poinciana Gardens Senior Complex, opened in 2018. And it is currently working with the city to build the new affordable housing development on College Road, which will create 111 new units. But Poinciana Gardens is on the verge of bankruptcy, unable to attract enough tenants, and needs to be bailed out by Key West and Monroe County in order not to close its doors. And prior to Poinciana Gardens, the last project constructed by the authority was 17 years ago in 2004. Many of its other properties were constructed between 1912 and 1973. Its other mission, to manage the 12 housing complexes and 254 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) under its care, is also suffering at some locations, according to several observers. Maintenance at the authority-built and managed Porter Place, 301 White St., and George Allen apartments, 1200 First St., has reportedly gotten so bad that authority officials have discussed tearing them down but cant find the money to rebuild. Just take a drive down past Porter Place or by George Allen apartments, said Mayor Johnston. They could look so much better. They could integrate into the neighborhood. You dont want projects. And a fact that was never hidden but little known jumped out into public recently: the age of some of the authoritys board members. [Frank] Toppino is 97. Vice Chairman [Robert] Dean is 89 and [Roosevelt] Sands is 90, according to Monroe County voting records. Commissioner John Parks Jr. is 79 and Commissioner Annette Mobley is 68. MOVING JUST FINE Mayor Johnston stressed she values the decades of experience and commitment to service the HAKW commissioners have shown. However, she is taking steps to increase the board from five to seven members to open it up, she said. While the mayor is the only official who can appoint housing authority commissioners, just two of the five board members are up for reappointment during her current term: Mobley, the commissioner on the board for the shortest amount of time three years is up in August of this year. Parks and Sands terms expire in August 2022. Johnston said the same state statute that created the housing authority in 1938 gives her the authority to increase the size of its board. That [state statute] gave me an opportunity to integrate the board with new experience while incorporating the historical knowledge of 134 years, she said, referring to the long tenure of most of the commission members. I want to add two positions so we can respectfully integrate that board with people who have specialized affordable housing experience, specialized funding experience and specialized experience in redevelopment. If the city could work with the housing authority, perhaps with some partners, then we could get things moving. But things move just fine, according to Toppino and former authority Executive Director Emanual Castillo, who worked at the agency for 30 years, including 19 as its executive director before retiring in December. Toppino said it is the length of his tenure, as well as that of other commissioners, that helps HAKW run well. Five members is good because we have short meetings and get things done quickly. Thats why our meetings go so well. We know each other well, he said, adding, Its working fine. Castillo, who has stayed on with the housing authority on a part-time basis to help Poinciana Gardens Senior Complex through its financial difficulties, said he believes increasing the board to seven commissioners will not serve the best interest of the board or the city. And the long tenure of some of the commissioners was helpful to him when he began work at the authority, he added. One of the things I liked was I had an experienced board to guide me, Castillo said. We keep politics out of it. When you get politics involved, it really muddies the water and you cant get your job done. As for the age of some of the HAKW commissioners, Castillo said he never had a concern. Not a one. I was very fortunate they were experienced board members and if I needed some history, they knew it. They may be up in age and been on the board for a long time but they are still pretty damn sharp. One thing city and housing authorities do agree on, however, is the run-down condition of Porter Place and George Allen apartment complexes. Current authority Executive Director Randy Sterling said the authority is putting out a request for proposals for a physical needs assessment (PNA) to be done on all HAKW properties to determine their overall conditions, including Porter Place and George Allen. Upon receipt of the PNA, staff will present it to the Housing Authority Board and develop a long-term plan for repairing, renovating, or possibly even rebuilding those units. We are also exploring funding sources in order to accomplish the foregoing, Sterling said in an email. We anticipate [the PNA] to be completed sometime in the August/September timeframe. TERM LIMITS? There is a need for a review of where we are, said Key West Historic Architectural Review Commission Chairman Bryan Green recently about the status of affordable housing in Key West. We talk all the time about new affordable housing. No one talks about the existing affordable housing and what kind of standards theyve got and the need to be maintained. What is the quality were giving to our residents in Porter Place? Green said he has been approached about being appointed to an expanded HAKW board and is in favor of increasing it to seven members. I dont want to be negative about the existing board. But I do believe it is unhealthy for anyone to be on a board for more than eight to 10 years. A rotation is good. It brings a new dynamic and enthusiasm to the tasks, he said. Sometimes boards get comfortable if theyve been in there for a long time, said Commissioner Sam Kaufman. They dont have the same level of scrutiny and management oversight to ensure compliance and professionalism so that its a strong agency, especially in a public entity like the housing authority. But any questions about board member competency and commitment are wrong, said City Manager Greg Veliz, who has worked closely with the authoritys executive directors and commissioners. He said the current board has always been responsive to him. These are highly respected gentlemen. I would never say that should change, Veliz said about the current makeup of the board. Frank [Toppino] has excellent recall. If he says such and such happened, I take it as gospel. Ive got something to give to the board, Toppino said. Ninety-seven is only a number. I get around very well and so do the other members who are older. Even if the board is not expanded to seven members, there is also discussion of imposing term limits on not only the housing authority but all city boards. Currently, the only term limits in Key West municipal government apply to city commissioners, who can serve a maximum of three, four-year terms. Kaufman said he would support imposing the same 12-year timetable on all Key West public boards. That seems reasonable to me; having the opportunity for more, qualified residents to take part and renew review of policies and procedures, he said. I think its a good thing to have more participation and more review. psowers@keysnews.com DUBLIN, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Debt Collection (European) - Industry Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The European Debt Collection Analysis provides a detailed overview of the Debt Collection market and delivers a comprehensive individual analysis on the top 240 companies. This report covers activities such as debt, finance, collection, collect, repayment and includes a wealth of information on the financial trends over the past four years. The latest European Debt Collection analysis is ideal for anyone wanting to: See the market leaders Identify companies heading for failure Seek out the most attractive acquisition Analyse industry trends Benchmark their own financial performance Using the exclusive methodology, a quick glance of this report will tell you that 37 companies have a declining financial rating, while 56 have shown good sales growth. Each of the largest 240 companies is meticulously scrutinised in an individual assessment and analysed using the most up-to-date and current financial data. Every business is examined on the following features: A graphical assessment of a company's financial performance Four year assessment of the profit/loss and balance sheet A written summary highlighting key performance issues Subsequently, you will receive a thorough 100-page market analysis highlighting the latest changes in the Debt Collection (European) market. This section includes: Best Trading Partners Sales Growth Analysis Profit Analysis Market Size Rankings Sample Companies Mentioned: Alektum Group Ab Atradius Collections Pty. Ltd. Bisnode D&B Norway As For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/sszt0h About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com (Alliance News) - Sabien Technology Group PLC on Wednesday said it has incorporated Sabien Inc, its wholly owned US subsidiary to source merger and acquisition opportunities for the group in the US. The Maidenhead, England-based energy efficiency technology group said Sabien Inc, which will operate from San Antonio, Texas, will be used to build and operate distribution channels there for Sabien's current and future European businesses. Shares in Sabien were up 13% at 0.12 pence in London on Wednesday. Danny Mills has been appointed president of the subsidiary, with Richard Parris holding the executive chair and company secretary roles. "In my last company and under my leadership, Intercede Group, generated 71% of sales revenues in 2018 from the US. Danny and I are a strong, experienced team, and investors can be confident in our combined abilities to deliver similar levels of performance at Sabien Inc," said Parris. On Tuesday, Sabien's operating subsidiary, Sabien Technology Ltd, was awarded a further contract by a "major UK government department" worth GBP400,000. The contract is for the extended deployment of Sabien's M2G Boiler Optimisation Technology across multiple sites throughout the UK, it said. By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Amaravati, March 10 : The Andhra Pradesh police have called for information on foreigners illegally overstaying in the state. Kumar Vishwajeet, principal secretary, home department, AP and Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Hyderabad held a video conference with all districts police officials on Tuesday regarding overstaying aliens. They exhorted on the need of registering Form C and Form S in these cases sojourned foreigners and student foreigners. Prakasam district superintendent of police (SP) Siddhatha Kaushal informed that all the people extending accommodation to foreigners are required to furnish information on them. This directive applies to all hotels, guest houses, rented accommodations, apartments, private homes, hospitals and other premises in the district. Kaushal said that details should be registered online through Form C and communicated to the SP's office within 24 hours of the knowledge of a sojourning foreigner. Form C should be registered using the boi.gov.in website created by the Government of India, in which the date, time and duration of stay of the foreigner should be duly registered. "Some people who are not aware of this matter are not registering Form C and those who do not provide information about the accommodation details of foreigners will be punished under the Foreigners Act 1946," said the senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Likewise, details of foreign students studying in any college should also be furnished with the SP's office through Form S. According to Kaushal, foreigners on tourist visas can visit tourist attractions in the district but are barred from carrying out business or religious activities. He said violating foreigners would be prosecuted under Foreigners Act 1946. "If anyone suspects that foreigners are roaming around suspiciously or have been staying at home for a long time and have not registered Form-C, please provide information about them," he observed. Similarly, the SP added that anybody with knowledge of overstaying foreigners even after the expiry of visa should immediately inform the police. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 10, 2021] Deval Patrick Joins Toast Board of Directors Toast, the fastest-growing restaurant management platform, today announced that Deval Patrick has been appointed to the company's board of directors, effective immediately. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005058/en/ Deval Patrick Joins Toast Board of Directors (Photo: Business Wire) Mr. Patrick, the first Black Governor of Massachusetts, served the Commonwealth for two terms from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Patrick helped revive the state's economy through the expansion of affordable health care, initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and biotechnology, and extensive investments in the state's public education system. His public service dates back to 1994, when President Clinton appointed him to the nation's top civil rights post, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. He was also a senior executive in two Fortune 50 companies and the founder and a managing director of the Double Impact Fund at Bain Capital, where he focused on mission-driven companies that delivered both strong financial returns and measurable positive social or environmental impact. Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast, said: "We are honored to welcome frmer Governor Deval Patrick to the Toast Board of Directors. As a dedicated former public official, we look forward to leveraging his unique insights and perspectives on how Toast can bring meaningful change to the communities where we and our customers serve. Further, his deep understanding of the economy - combined with his years of experience leading top companies and investment firms - will play an integral role in strengthening our go-forward strategy as we continue to grow in evolving technology and restaurant industries. We could not be more thrilled to have him join our team." "Even before the current public health crisis, our economy was changing. I am proud to join a company which dedicated itself to lifting up the whole restaurant community - owners, servers, kitchen staff, suppliers - and making people's lives better," said Mr. Patrick. "I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to help Toast power the success of restaurants of all sizes and support our critical local communities across the U.S." Currently, Mr. Patrick is a Senior Advisor at Bain Capital, and the Founder & Chairman of TogetherFUND, a political action committee launched to increase voter engagement among disenfranchised and marginalized voters. He also currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Twilio (News - Alert) , Cerevel Therapeutics, Amwell, and Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. In addition to his other significant accomplishments, Mr. Patrick is a Rockefeller Fellow, a Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, and the author of two books, "A Reason to Believe: Lessons from an Improbable Life" and "Faith in the Dream: A Call to the Nation to Reclaim American Values." Mr. Patrick joins current Toast board members: Paul Bell, operating partner at Lead Edge Capital; Kent Bennett, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners; Susan Chapman- Hughes (News - Alert) , Director of the J.M. Smucker Company; Mark Hawkins, President & CFO Emeritus Advisor at Salesforce; Steve Papa, founder and CEO of Endeca (sold to Oracle (News - Alert) for $1B in 2011) and current founder and CEO of Parallel Wireless; and, David Yuan, General Partner at TCV. Restaurant owners and operators can learn more about Toast and schedule a personalized demo here. About Toast Launched in 2013, Toast is democratizing technology for restaurants of all sizes. Built exclusively for restaurants and driven by a passion to enable their success, Toast connects employees, operations, and guests on an easy-to-use platform so restaurateurs can stay one step ahead of a rapidly evolving hospitality market. Tens of thousands of restaurants partner with Toast to increase revenue, streamline operations, retain great employees, and create raving fans. Toast was named to Fortune's 2020 Best Workplaces in Technology, 2020 Forbes Fintech 50, 2020 Forbes Cloud 100, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of The Year 2020 Listing - National Overall Winner, and the 2019 SXSW (News - Alert) Interactive Innovation Finals. Learn more at www.toasttab.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005058/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. DAKAR, Senegal (AP) Equatorial Guineas government has declared the coastal city of Bata an area of catastrophe saying it has activated urgent measures to help those affected by blasts Sunday that killed at least 105 people and injured 615 others. The government declared three days of mourning beginning Wednesday. Investigations into the cause of the blasts have begun. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, his wife and son, who is the country's vice president, visited the damaged military barracks Tuesday. Obiang said the explosions in Bata's Mondong Nkuantoma neighborhood were caused by the negligent handling of dynamite and the stocking of such ammunition so close to residential areas. The defense ministry said Sunday that a fire at a weapons depot in the barracks caused the explosion of high-caliber ammunition. The impact of the blast damaged almost all of the homes and buildings in Bata. More than 60 people were rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said. The government held an emergency meeting to see how victims can quickly get aid from Equatorial Guinea before international assistance arrives. Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich Spanish-speaking West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. Obiang has ruled the country for more than 40 years and kept it largely inaccessible. The vice president, who is also charged with defense and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored. However, satellite images from Planet Labs Inc. analyzed by The Associated Press show only charred signs of fire at the site that remained centered on three rectangular buildings. There was no sign of farming around the base and the only land-clearing work seen came from a construction project near those buildings, according to the satellite images. Story continues The images show the military base at Bata had been undergoing construction at its southeast corner prior to the explosion. Old, earth-covered munitions storage facilities appear to have been removed and replaced by new structures. A Nov. 16 photo of the base shows three rectangular buildings sitting close by each other. A satellite image of the site on Tuesday shows that those structures have disappeared, with only charred debris left scattered around them. That suggests a fire occurred at the site, possibly before the blast. A raging fire will ignite explosives if not contained. The force of the explosions demolished buildings just to the north. The explosions reduced some 40 barracks-style buildings to rubble. The blasts shredded trees and foliage on the base, leaving behind what appeared to be only dirt. Across the streets hemming in the base, the roofs of buildings appeared blown off by the blast as well. It appeared at least 1 square kilometer (0.38 square mile) had been devastated by the blast, with damage extending out into this city of 175,000 people. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva offered condolences on behalf of the organization. I am very saddened by the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Equatorial Guinea following the massive explosion at a military compound, she said. The IMF is exploring all possible ways to support the people of Equatorial Guinea at this difficult time, building on the ongoing policy dialogue and working with the international community, and to help the country move toward more sustainable and inclusive growth. __ AP writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai contributed. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The per-capita rates of new COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths were higher in states with Democrat governors in the first months of the pandemic last year, but became much higher in states with Republican governors by mid-summer and through 2020, possibly reflecting COVID-19 policy differences between GOP- and Democrat-led states, according to a study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Medical University of South Carolina. For their study, the researchers analyzed data on SARS-CoV-2-positive nasal swab tests, COVID-19 diagnoses, and COVID-19 fatalities, for the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. After adjusting for confounding factors such as state population density, they found that Republican-governed states began to have consistently higher rates of positive swab tests in May, of COVID-19 diagnoses in June, and of COVID-19 mortality in July. The results, published online March 10 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggest that policy differences between Republican- and Democrat-governed states, including mitigation measures such as mask mandates and social distancing requirements, may have led to systematic differences in COVID-19's impact on public health, the researchers say. "Governors' party affiliation may have contributed to a range of policy decisions that, together, influenced the spread of the virus," says study senior author Sara Benjamin-Neelon, Ph.D., professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Health, Behavior and Society. "These findings underscore the need for state policy actions that are guided by public health considerations rather than by partisan politics." The analysis covered March 15 to December 15, 2020, and included the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests, positive tests, COVID-19 case diagnoses, and COVID-19 fatalities. The researchers used a sophisticated statistical tool called a Bayesian negative binomial model to estimate, for each day in the nine-month study window, the relative risks or chances of getting tested, testing positive, getting COVID-19, or dying of COVID-19, for people in 26 GOP-governed vs. 25 Democrat-governed states. Washington, D.C. was treated as Democrat-governed. The researchers were aware that many other factors, including the natural progression of the pandemic from early waves in urban areas, such as New York City and Seattle, to later waves in rural areas, might have contributed to differences between Republican- and Democrat-led states. However, they attempted to correct for these confounding factors in their analysis. Their findings, even when factoring in these confounders, revealed a clear pattern in which Democrat-led states were hardest-hit early in the pandemic, but after a few months Republican-led states on average began to have more positive tests, COVID-19 cases, and more COVID-19 deaths. The transition occurred for testing-positivity on May 30, for COVID-19 case diagnoses on June 3, and for COVID-19 deaths on July 4. The differences between the two groups of states peaked in the period from late June to early Augustfor example, on August 5 the relative risk of dying of COVID-19 was 1.8 times higher in GOP-led states. Testing rates were similar for the two sets of states until late September when Republican-led states began to have lower testing rates. Other studies have found evidence that Republican governors in 2020 were broadly less strict than their Democrat counterparts in setting policies on mask-wearing, social distancing, and other pandemic-related measures. The researchers say that those studies, along with the links they found between Republican governorship and greater COVID-19 impact, are consistent with the idea that the political polarization of the COVID-19 response has contributed to less effective COVID-19 policies and worse case-related statistics in some states. "Despite a more coordinated federal response this year, governors still play a key role in the pandemic response," says Benjamin-Neelon. "As we're seeing, several states have lifted mask requirements even though we have yet to make substantial progress in controlling the spread of the virus." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Brian Neelon et al. Associations Between Governor Political Affiliation and COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Testing in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 09, 2021 DOI: Journal information: American Journal of Preventive Medicine Brian Neelon et al. Associations Between Governor Political Affiliation and COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Testing in the U.S.March 09, 2021 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.034 Two men were killed Tuesday night in Houston's Fourth Ward in a suspected drug-related shooting, police said. Officers responded around 11:20 p.m. to an apartment complex near W. Dallas Street and Bluebonnet Place Circle where they found one gunshot victim, said Lt. R. Willkens of the Houston Police Department. Paramedics found a second victim from the same shooting inside a car parked at an intersection blocks away, Willkens said. NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here Both men were taken to the hospital where they died. Police did not identify the victims. Homicide detectives interviewed multiple witnesses to determine what happened. Police believe shots were fired during a narcotics transactions, Willkens said. Germinator Ranked In Entrepreneur Magazine's Fastest-Growing Franchises List "Were extremely proud of all that we have achieved this past year as a part of our continued mission to help businesses and households across the country," said Jeff Gill, Founder and CEO of Germinator. Germinator Mobile Sanitizing and Disinfecting, a national leader in the sanitizing, disinfecting and deodorizing industry, is proud to announce that it has been ranked No. 37 in Entrepreneur's list of the Fastest-Growing Franchises, published in the March issue of Entrepreneur magazine. "We're extremely proud of all that we have achieved this past year as a part of our continued mission to help businesses and households across the country," said Gill. "I started this business six years ago with one goal in mindhelping people create and maintain hygienic environments to reduce the threat of germs, bacteria and viruses. With the pandemic throwing a wrench into our daily lives, people needed our services more than ever. We've gotten to where we are today thanks to our loyal customer base, devoted franchise owners who believe in our mission, and our esteemed Scientific Advisory Board. We have many new innovations in the pipeline for the years ahead, and we are looking forward to sharing these very soon." Franchises on this list are ranked based on the net total of units (both franchised and company-owned) added globally from July 2019 to July 2020, with ties being broken based on their percentage of growth. In previous years, only U.S. and Canadian unit growth was considered2021 marks the first year that the ranking is based on systemwide growth, recognizing the increasingly global nature of franchising. Germinator's position in the Fastest-Growing Franchises ranking is evidence of the strength and appeal of its concept, even during challenging times. "Nothing can stop the smartest franchises from growingnot even a pandemic!" says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur's editor-in-chief. "We've been impressed with how innovative franchises have pivoted and adapted this past year, and are happy to celebrate the ones who keep pushing forward and growing." Germinator was founded by Jeff Gill in 2015 with the vision of providing customers with an effective method of proper sanitizing, disinfecting and deodorizing solutions for commercial and residential properties. The company launched national franchising in December 2019 and continues to experience tremendous growth across the U.S. Germinator has continued to solidify its standing as a leader in the sanitizing and disinfecting industry. The company has continued to innovate, introducing new additions to its service offerings. Among the new additions are a Quarterly Protection Program for clients who want to sustain a level of cleanliness and hygiene on an ongoing basis and ATP Testing. Before and after service, Germinator's technicians will ATP test surfaces for cellular activity to measure their levels of cleanliness and to validate their intended results. The company will soon begin offering air purification and body products, providing an extra layer of protection to its patent-pending sanitizing and disinfecting process. Germinator's patent-pending process provides a new generation of microbial protection. The company first tests surfaces for ATP using a luminometer to detect light that can come from cellular activity. This measurement immediately provides the level of cleanliness on a surface. The next step is the application of Germinator's Genesis surface treatment. Genesis is a one-step cleaner and broad-spectrum sanitizer and disinfectant treatment that harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Derived from naturally occurring minerals, Genesis not only eliminates odors at their source but kills a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and viruses including norovirus, rotavirus and adenovirus on hard, non-porous, environmental surfaces. It meets the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) germicidal spray standards for Hospital-Grade Disinfection and is on the EPA's N List of products determined to meet the criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, this treatment will eliminate bacteria and viruses that may reside in an environment without the use of harsh chemicals or fumes. Following Genesis, Germinator applies its Shield, a water-based quaternary ammonium compound that imparts a durable bacteriostatic finish. It is EPA registered as effective against the growth of mold, mildew, algae and odor-causing bacteria. This application creates an invisible barrier that combats deterioration and discoloration and promotes freshness for up to three months. The Genesis and Shield products are applied by using an electrostatic sprayer, which is the most efficient and effective means of delivering the products to the intended application sites. After Germinator's surface treatment and protectant services, the company retests ATP levels to ensure the surfaces have achieved the intended results. Upholding the highest sanitization and disinfection standards, Germinator makes claims that are scientifically supported and within EPA regulations. Germinator's Scientific Advisory Board validates the company's research and process and is responsible for reviewing and advising on product strategy and direction and assisting with navigating legislative and regulatory issues. The board includes industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, medical professionals, including a former United States Assistant Surgeon General for five administrations, as well as many respected members of the scientific community. Germinator presents an ideal opportunity for prospective business owners looking to invest in a socially conscious franchise with low start-up costs, unlimited market potential, and an opportunity to make a significant return on their initial investment. The fast-growing franchise has established a repeat business model, shedding new light on the importance of sanitizing and disinfecting regularly, which will remain steadfast for the years to come. Franchise owners receive extensive training and guidance so they can understand how to treat surfaces, the best techniques to apply Germinator's solutions, and the tools needed to help ensure their work is at a Hospital-Grade level of clean. Germinator's training covers everything from licensing, products, and equipment, all the way to the vehicle franchise owners will use. Franchisees will also be connected to an All-in-One Digital Marketing Technology, which ensures they maximize their online visibility and grow their franchise while managing leads and sales with less hassle, reduced costs, and increased revenues. To view Germinator in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/fastestgrowing. Results can also be seen in the March issue of Entrepreneur magazine, available on newsstands now and Entrepreneur Media's iOS and Android mobile app. For more information on starting a Germinator franchise, visit https://franchise.thegerminator.com/ or call 855-664-3769 to learn more. To schedule service, please visit http://www.thegerminator.com. Lee Bank Establishes Foundation to Build on Community Reinvestment Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank and and Foundation Board Member Alison Brigham. LEE, Mass. Lee Bank has created the Lee Bank Foundation and project distributing $250,000 through the Foundation, a more formal entity for community donations. "Lee Bank's community contributions stretch back to its origins in 1852, but establishing Lee Bank Foundation sharpens our focus even further," said Chuck Leach, president of Lee Bank. "The Foundation also simplifies the application process for organizations doing meaningful work to support our Berkshire community." The recently renovated Marble House will house the foundation along with the new financial wellness service, for which hiring is under way. In recent years, Lee Bank has typically set aside at least 5 percent of its annual net income for the support of area nonprofits. This giving has been on the rise: in 2020, Lee Bank contributed nearly $179,000 to community nonprofits; in 2019, $145,000 and in 2018, $120,000. Last year, Lee Bank's distributions included $50,000 to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County. The Bank has supported more than 200 programs and organizations in recent years, including Greenagers, Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Berkshire Humane Society, Berkshire Immigrant Center and others. The Foundation will be funded at $5 million by Berkshire Financial Services (Lee Bank's parent company), with the goal of providing $250,000 in grants annually to nonprofits. "The timing for creation of the Lee Bank Foundation could not be better," said Jake McCandless of Lee, a Foundation board member. "After a year of turmoil and uncertainty with Covid-19, nonprofits supporting our community and our neighbors will benefit from a streamlined process that supports their vital missions now and into the future." In addition to a 2021 grant goal of $250,000, Lee Bank's employee-driven, branch-based sponsorships will continue as in the past, with a $70,000 projection this year. "In addition to Foundation funding, our branch-based sponsorship awards are recommended by employees, based on their awareness of local needs and activities in their branch communities," said Leach. The Foundation's board of directors includes Chuck Leach (president), Alison Brigham (treasurer) Nina Garlington (secretary) and Jake McCandless (director). Additional directors will be named in coming months, including at least one additional Lee Bank employee. "Our goal is to empower our employees, customers and community, with excellent service, with simplicity and sincerity," said Leach. "Lee Bank Foundation is another means for us to meet this commitment." For more information about the Lee Bank Foundation, visit the Community Impact page on the Lee Bank website The Foundation's application for funding can be found here has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to the BIMSTEC ministerial meeting next month, triggering a controversy that it is endorsing the military coup in the Southeast Asian nation. has neither endorsed or rejected the recognition of the military regime which topped Myanmar's elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government on February 1, just as it was to start its second term. The coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy in the Southeast Asian nation after five decades of military rule. In a controversial move, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena invited the military regime's foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, for a virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to be held on April 1. "The 17th ministerial meeting will greatly benefit from your Excellency's valued participation, and I look forward to our close engagement over the course of the meeting," Gunawardena says in the letter addressed to the military regime's foreign minister. The invitation has triggered accusations that is endorsing the coup. Several activists bombarded the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's social media accounts to slam the decision. There has been no formal recognition of the military regime. has been roiled by protests and other acts of civil disobedience since the last month's coup. Around 2,000 people have been arrested and at least 60 protesters have been killed since the military takeover. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In mid-January, Sudhir Chaudhary, an Indian journalist, flew to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar on a Simrik Air helicopter. To many, his visit was seen as an excursion of Nepali tourisms USP, the Khumbu valley. As Chaudhary is the Editor-in-Chief of Zee News, there were no further questions to him regarding the purpose of his visit; he went and came back without much trouble. But, a few days later, on his prime-time programme, Chaudhary released a sensational piece in which he stated India also had the right to claim Everest as theirs. While Chaudhary and the piece even made it to the front page of a national daily in Nepal, yet another controversy surrounded his visit. In order to film at Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar, both of which fall under Sagarmatha National Park, a separate permit must have been obtained. According to Nepali officials, Chaudhary obtained no such permit. Now, to make sure such things do not happen anymore, the park authorities are bringing a new rule to bar any helicopters, which are not transferring goods or are there for rescue, from landing or hovering above Syangboche. On February 17, it issued a circular to all helicopter companies stating that landing was allowed only at Lukla, Namche and Syangboche. With the tourist and mountaineering season on the horizon, tourism entrepreneurs and helicopter operators, however, have called this decision ludicrous, made without proper planning, as it would have a direct impact on helicopter companies, high-end tourism and the mountaineering industry which was hoping to recover after a lean season in 2020. However, the government has its own defence. Rights and wrongs File: A helicopter lands at lower Solukhumbu. The decision to us seems stupid, says Pratap Pandey, the managing director at Kailash Helicopter. People come here to see Everest. It has and will always be Nepals USP when it comes to tourism. To take that away from people willing to spend to get there is kicking ourselves. Pandey says the decision has been made by low-level employees without considering the impact it will have on the industry or the economy in general. However, the chief conservation officer at Sagarmatha National Park, Bhumiraj Upadhaya, says the decision was made by the national park in coordination with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of Nepal with two things in mind control wildlife smuggling and protect the area from pollution caused by helicopters. This is a protected area which has a lot of wildlife. Its also a UNESCO World Heritage site. We have to try to protect it the best we can, says Upadhaya. He says that in recent years, the helicopter movement in the area was increasing incessantly, which is why such a decision was made. Chaudharys stunt, which put a dent in Nepali nationalism, also played a part, he says. All sorts of people come and go from the national park. We hardly have details as the helicopters didnt need to take permissions from us. We now want them to do so which will help us monitor and regulate people coming and going out of the national park, he adds. But, Pandey says that the national park, in trying to hide its flaws, has come up with a ludicrous rule. If they want to monitor people coming and going, they can do so at Lukla where every helicopter has to land. How can they say that its hard to monitor when they cant even put an officer at Lukla to check on things, says Pandey. File Photo Security concerns However, Pemba Sherpa, the assistant conservation officer at the national park, says this is due to a lack of resources. But apart from that, this rule has been imposed in order to stop wildlife contraband smuggling. Weve heard about how helicopters in various parts of the country have been involved in the smuggling of wildlife contraband. There have been cases in Dolpa and Humla. Who says it cant happen here in the Everest region? says Sherpa. But, Suman Pandey, a tourism entrepreneur and the CEO of Fishtail Air, says just saying there are chances of wildlife contraband smuggling is not enough. When has such an incident happened in Khumbu? he questions. If they can say for certain, then its fine. But it just seems like a hypothesis. He further adds that if such a rule is implemented, the government needs to bring out an exit plan for helicopters companies that have spent a fortune and planned for 10 years in advance. The reason he says there are 35 helicopters in Nepal is the demand created by flyng high-profile tourists to these high mountains. Imagine what will happen to the investments made by entrepreneurs. I am all for conservation, but we need to also do a detailed study. Else, we are just missing out on high-end tourists, says Suman Pandey. Sudip Thakuri, a professor at the Central Department of Environmental Sciences at Tribhuvan University, says that helicopters flying in the area might cause avalanches, but till now, there has not been a significant one to report on. There are fears that the sound of the helicopter may cause avalanches, but nothing like that has happened yet. That said, there is no saying it wont happen so we have to be careful about this, says Thakuri. But, for Bijaya Amatya, the CEO or Kora Tours, a travel agency that caters to high-end tourists, this rule is pointless. One of his packages includes a tour of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar after which the visitors land at Kongde for breakfast before flying back to Kathmandu. Around 200 people a year come for that, he says. But, this new rule, he fears, will be sending a negative message to prospective tourists. He also calls on the government to take action on specific helicopter companies which do not abide by government rules and regulations. Why should the entire tourism industry suffer due to a mistake by a few people, he says. Even the mountaineering sector is set to suffer if this rule is imposed. Mingma Sherpa, the chairman of Seven Summit Treks and the vice-chairman at Heli Everest, says these are regressive rules which will affect mountaineering deeply as many use helicopter service. This rule will break our back. But, we have hope that the government will not let that happen, he says. Lindsey Graham has warned that terrorists could try to smuggle in future jihadis through the U.S.-Mexico border, as Donald Trump said the situation threatened to 'destroy' the country - yet Joe Biden's administration refused to call it a crisis. Graham, senator for South Carolina, told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night that the surge in unaccompanied child migrants was being sparked by Biden's change in policies. And he said it was dangerous. 'People are coming by the thousands. They'll be coming by the hundreds of thousands by the summer,' he said. Lindsey Graham appeared on Sean Hannity's show on Tuesday night with a warning for the US Migrants weep as they are escorted by a Texas State Trooper on Tuesday by the Rio Grande 'It's a humanitarian crisis: it's going to be an economic crisis for our cities along the border. 'And eventually it's going to be a national security crisis because they are children today, but they could easily be terrorists tomorrow.' Graham said that, with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks coming up, 'Al-Qaeda and Isis would like nothing better than to hit us again.' He continued: 'And this border insecurity is a great way for terrorists to come into our country - just to blend in with our group. 'As embarrassing and as painful as it would be for the Biden administration, they need to understand that what Trump did on the border worked.' Graham said that Biden's policies were propelling the surge, and warned that the 'worst is yet to come'. He predicted the numbers of arrivals would continue to grow. 'When Trump was president the minors were all sent back either to Mexico or their own country. Now they are all staying in America,' he said. 'And when I say the worst is yet to come - by the spring, late spring, early summer, you're going to have families coming in caravans because the word is out in Central America: they are changing the policy that Trump put in place. 'If you get to the border and turn yourself in, you are going to stay in America, not Mexico. 'Until you reverse that policy, until you go back to the Remain in Mexico policy, the worse is yet to come.' In a statement released on Tuesday, Trump said that he left the U.S.-Mexico border 'in great shape' and the region was 'stronger, safer and more secure than ever before.' He also said that the border wall 'would have easily' been completed if not for Democrats stalling the project. Donald Trump, pictured in New York City on Tuesday, issued a statement on immigration policy 'We ended Catch-and-Release, shut down asylum fraud and crippled the vicious smugglers, drug dealers and human traffickers,' wrote the former president. 'The Wall, despite horrendous Democratic delays, would have easily been finished by now, and is working magnificently.' He said the current situation was 'a terrible thing to see'. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy will travel to Texas on Monday with roughly a dozen Republican members to assess the growing crisis at the southern border, his office confirmed to Axios. The number of child migrants is proving particularly problematic, and the Biden administration continues to urge people not to send unaccompanied children across the border. More than 3,250 unaccompanied minors are currently being held at the border. Lacking sufficient facilities and amid coronavirus burdens, more than 1,360 have been detained beyond the three days allowed by law, according to New York Times data. Nearly 170 of those being detained are younger than 13, NBC News reported. A total of 9,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border in February, according to data reviewed by the network. A wave of immigrants appears to be drawn by Biden's pledge to relax restrictions and provide a path to citizenship for people who are already living here. Child arrivals have tripled in the last two weeks, but on Tuesday the White House said they would not term the situation a 'crisis'. A Honduran man in Tijuana is seen on Monday awaiting his chance to seek asylum in the US A group of migrants ask Biden to let them in on March 2 at the Tijuana-San Ysidro crossing 'I don't think we need to put new labels on what we have already conveyed is challenging,' said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, at the daily briefing. It was a term the administration's top homeland official Alejandro Mayorkas has also declined to apply. Psaki attributed the problem, which has echoes of what the Trump administration encountered, to challenges processing unaccompanied children amid the coronavirus pandemic. 'One of the issues we've had is that the COVID-19 pandemic initially severely limited the number of children that could be taken into HHS facilities and the pace at which they can happen and the pace at which that can happen,' she said. 'What I also think is important is to talk about what the root causes are here and what we're doing from a policy standpoint to try and address the challenges that we're facing and that these kids are facing as they come across the border.' Under the law, unaccompanied child migrants must be transferred to Health and Human Services custody within 72 hours of arrival. They are usually at the hands of Custom and Border Protection while being processed. Due to issues obtaining facilities, many are held in Customs and Border Protection holding cells known as iceboxes or 'hieleras,' according to NBC. They have concrete rooms and metal benches but do not have beds. Shelters are within two weeks of surpassing their occupancy, according to the latest data. Amid the crush, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has asked his agency for volunteers to assist with the 'overwhelming' number of migrants. 'Today, I activated the Volunteer Force to support Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they face a surge in migration along the Southwest Border,' Mayorkas said in a staff email, Fox News reported. Republicans, who were put on the defensive by treatment of childhood arrivals during the Trump administration, attacked the Biden administration for the policy on its watch. 'Policy has consequences,' said Liz Cheney, the House Conference Chair. 'When you say that you're not going to enforce our immigration laws, when you say that you're not going to build a border wall, it has consequences. And we're seeing the tragic consequences of that right now,' she said. Asylum seeking unaccompanied minors are transported in a Border Patrol vehicle on Tuesday Customs and Border Patrol data on unaccompanied children through January show a 64 per cent increase compared to this time last year. In certain sectors, the jump is even more dramatic. At the Big Bend sector in Texas, it is 141 per cent; at Del Rio in Texas it is 122 per cent. On Tuesday Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed they were shutting down three highway checkpoints in Arizona, so that their teams could be redeployed to deal with the border itself. The agency is shutting down three checkpoints in Willcox, Arizona, until further notice, Fox News reported. Shutting down the checkpoints will severely hamper authorities' anti-trafficking efforts, a CBP source told Fox News. On Tuesday Biden was visiting a hardware store in Washington DC, on his 48th day in office without holding a solo press conference. President Joe Biden's aides refused to let him answer questions from reporters as he visited the W.S. Jenks & Son hardware store in Washington, DC, on Tuesday (pictured) Biden didn't acknowledge any questions before his aides stepped in to escort the reporters away, telling them: 'Come on, press, you gotta go' Biden visited W.S. Jenks & Son, which used Paycheck Protection Program money to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, to tout his extension of the program. The president gave brief remarks and toured the store with its owners for about 10 minutes before members of the press corps began shouting questions in his direction - including several about whether there is a crisis at the Mexico border. But Biden didn't acknowledge any of the questions before his aides stepped in to escort the reporters away, telling them: 'Come on, press, you gotta go.' Trump, meanwhile, was at Trump Tower for most of Tuesday. He arrived back in Manhattan on Sunday evening, making his first return to his hometown since leaving the White House on January 20. On Tuesday evening Trump was seen boarding a private jet at New York's LaGuardia airport, for his return flight to Florida The former president's motorcade left Trump Tower on Tuesday afternoon and made the short journey to LaGuardia airport The former president spent his time ensconced inside the tower, accompanied by his son Donald Trump Jr. Trump, 74, was said to be keen to peer 'under the hood' of the Trump Organization, which his two adult sons have been running for the past four years. He flew back to Florida on Tuesday evening, with an aide carrying an armful of boxes and folders, and a golf club. Melania Trump and their 14-year-old son, Barron, were not seen. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. In a media release, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith L. French has reminded Ohio farmers that March 15 is the final date to purchase or modify federal crop insurance coverage on 2021 spring-planted crops. Ohio farmers should consider whether crop insurance fits in their risk management plans, French said in a statement. We can help in that process. We have a listing on our website of agents licensed to sell crop insurance and provide guidance. Federally subsidized, multiple-peril crop insurance covers certain weather, pest, and revenue related losses. This coverage is dependent on crop establishment and reporting dates determined by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Risk Management Agency (RMA) that farmers must meet. The dates vary by crop and county and are available at www.rma.usda.gov. State-regulated policies for damage caused by hail and fire are also available with additional requirements. Source: Ohio DOI Topics Agribusiness Ohio Black and ethnic minority people are being put at risk by the UK's 'colour-blind' Covid vaccination strategy, experts warned today. The mammoth operation has prioritised Brits by age after mountains of research and data showed those who are older are more at risk of dying from the virus. But a group of top medics, including a top NHS race official, claims ministers should have focused on ethnic minorities after the over-70s got their first dose. Studies show Covid death rates are highest in BAME communities, which experts say is because ethnic minorities are more likely to get infected in the first place because they live in deprived areas, use public transport, work public-facing jobs and live in overcrowded and multi-generational homes. The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI), which designed the jabs priority list, said, however, that age was the single-biggest risk factor. But Professor Azeem Majeed, a primary care expert from Imperial College London, warned the move had 'disregarded' BAME communities. 'In the first phase of the Covid vaccination programme, large numbers of low-risk people were vaccinated such as NHS and university staff who were not working in patient-facing roles', he told MailOnline. 'These vaccine recipients would have been at much lower risk of severe disease and death than some other groups but were vaccinated ahead of them.' Leading medics have said ministers should have focused on ethnic minorities after jabbing the over-70s. Pictured above is a woman being vaccinated in Darlington on March 1 Professor Azeem Majeed, a primary care expert at Imperial College London, said BAME communities should have been prioritised after the over-70s got their first dose Writing in the journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, scientists today called on ministers to prioritise jabs for BAME communities. They said the drive was disregarding 'the unequal impact of the pandemic on minority ethnic groups' and widening racial inequalities in the UK. They added this could be triggering higher levels of vaccine hesitancy in the groups, possibly because they feel let down by the roll out. 'The invisibility of these vulnerable groups from the priority list and the worsening healthcare inequities are putting ethnic minorities at a significantly higher risk of Covid-19 illness and death,' the authors wrote. 'The UKs colour-blind vaccination model disregards the unequal impact of the pandemic on minority ethnic groups, rendering it an enabler of structures that are known to systematically disadvantage BAME communities.' Professor Majeed, the lead author, claimed that in order to control the pandemic, ministers need to target ethnic minorities specifically to get them protected. Failure to do this, he said, could result in the 'devastating impacts lasting far beyond the end of the pandemic'. Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: 'We have sadly witnessed the consequence of not acting on early evidence presented into Covid ethnicity and health inequalities. 'The impact of the virus on BME communities has been disproportionate and bleak. 'Now is the time to urgently learn from recent lessons, and act on improved granular data, including a clear focus on localised approaches with resources and support which both engage and tackle lower levels of trust and confidence in the vaccine programme across diverse communities.' An Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey published this week revealed nearly half of black people in the UK are still hesitant about receiving the Covid vaccine. For comparison, 16 to 18 per cent of those in other ethnic minority groups and just eight per cent of those in white communities were concerned about the jabs. The most common reasons for being hesitant towards vaccines, the ONS said, were concerns over side effects, possible long-term effects, or about how well it works. Ministers have already tried to encourage BAME communities to take the Covid jab, hiring a PR firm to help clamp down on misinformation and using famous faces such as Denise Lewis and Moeen Ali to address cultural concerns in a TV advert. WHY ARE PEOPLE WORRIED ABOUT VACCINES? SIDE EFFECTS One reason some people are fearful of having a vaccine is the risk of side effects. Side effects are normal because the vaccines trigger the immune system, which is how they work, and the immune system is usually what causes symptoms of illness. Things like fever, aches, headache and tiredness are all normal signs that the immune system is reacting to something and are often caused jabs but are not serious. They tend to clear up by themselves within days, and can be controlled with drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen. A tiny proportion of people suffer more severe side effects, such as going into shock or having a severe allergic reaction, but this is extremely rare and usually only happens in people with a history of bad reactions. Everybody who receives a jab on the NHS is monitored for at least 15 minutes to make sure they don't have a bad reaction, and vaccination teams have treatments on hand to help if this happens. FERTILITY Part of the reason for young women being concerned is understood to be myths about the vaccine affecting fertility or the health of unborn babies. Although vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women, this is only because they have not been trialled on them specifically the same reason children are not eligible for the jabs. There is no evidence to suggest the vaccine would be capable of harming an unborn child and certainly not any more than the real coronavirus but it is not being given to pregnant women out of caution. And on long-term effects on fertility, Professor Van-Tam said no vaccine has ever led to infertility and there was no reason the Covid ones would do so. ONLINE CONSPIRACY THEORIES Online conspiracy theories also claim that jabs have tracking microchips in them, contain animal products or use cells from human flesh none of which are true. Experts have called for spreading lies about vaccines online to be criminalised, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it 'total nonsense'. Advertisement Officials have tried hard to debunk conspiracy theories and myths spreading about the jabs online including that they change people's DNA, contain microchips, make people infertile or aren't real vaccines none of which are true. The NHS has also released a 'blueprint' against vaccine hesitancy, which sees doctors and nurses talk about the jabs to those that have concerns alongside faith and community leaders. A Department of Health spokesman said: 'The independent JCVI's advice on Covid-19 vaccine prioritisation was developed with the aim of preventing as many deaths as possible, with older age being the single greatest risk of death. 'We are following the JCVI's recommendations so that we can save lives.' They added: 'We have invested millions into research into ethnic disparities and Covid-19 and established a new NHS Race and Health Observatory to tackle the specific health challenges facing people from ethnic minority backgrounds. 'We want every eligible person to benefit from a free vaccine and will continue to work closely with the NHS to support anyone who has questions.' Although the pandemic has killed BAME people at a higher rate than white people in the UK, scientists are not convinced this is solely due to race. An official report found last month that ethnic minority Britons may only face a higher risk of dying of Covid because they're more likely to catch it, not because of genetic differences. The review by Number 10's Race Disparity Unit compared death rates between white people and ethnic minorities and found the gap had narrowed in the second wave. It suggested that higher rates of death among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) groups was 'largely a result of higher infection rates for some ethnic groups'. The risk of death had declined among black people to make it comparable to white people in the second wave, the report said, although it remained higher among Bangladeshi and Pakistani people. Because of this the review said: 'Ethnic minorities should not be considered a single group that faces similar risk factors in relation to Covid.' The finding may offer a clue to why officials have decided against prioritising minority groups over white people for vaccines. It found inequalities were driven by risk of infection, 'as opposed to ethnicity itself being a risk factor for severe illness or death'. A range of social, financial and geographical factors were to blame for more BAME Brits getting infected per population than whites, the report said. Ethnic minority communities are statistically more likely to be poorer, to live in inner cities and to have health problems than white people, research has found. Living in densely populated areas, staying in overcrowded and multi-generational homes and working public-facing jobs were cited as risk factors for getting infected with coronavirus. Most of the increased risk factors can be linked back to high levels of deprivation in BAME communities, the report found. A PART-TIME County Wexford farmer has said that there is 'gross unfairness' between small to medium sizes farmers and those who operate their farms as a business. The Kilmuckridge farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes that it is impossible for small to medium farmers to compete with larger counterparts, and that subsidies should be means tested. She believes that it is impossible for small to medium farmers to compete, and that this inequality comes in to play particularly when land goes up for sale. 'For any farmer that is wealthy enough to set up a company, meaning they don't use this as income but rather reinvest it, they can buy more land which further squeezes the struggling small to medium size farmer who cannot ever compete. From a small farmer's point of view, it's very hard to ever expand. I work part time and the other time on the farm, and I pay tax on my income. 'When land comes up for sale then, a wealthy farmer can take that out of the company and get it for a fraction of what I could. If a field comes up for 100,000, someone like me would have to earn nearly 200,000 for that while they will only have to earn slightly more than 100,000 as there's so little tax so it stops small to medium farmers competing whenever land comes up. The EU Basic Payment scheme delivers almost 1.2 billion to Irish farmers annually, and on top of that there are various other payments that farmers opt for depending on the circumstances of the farming business. In 2018 the average subsidy payments made up 74% of the family farm income of the average farm, with the largest amounts going to those working in dairy and tillage farming, according to An Teagasc. The Kilmuckridge farmer said that these subsidies are key for the survival of farming families, and that subsidies should be means tested. 'The big farmers are known as they are in every village and every town, but the non farming community wouldn't be aware of what's going on. Someone who earns 25,000 from their farm, just enough to get by, they need subsidies just to put bread on the table. But there's just no comparison to those who earn more than 600,000 per year profit. 'Most of these large farmers have inherited the farms and the tax on that too is minuscule. I don't think Revenue are going to change their position on the tax levels for companies or inheritance, but what would be an easy win would be if these large farmers didn't get further grants such as Single Farm Payments on top of what they're making. Sometimes these larger farmers still get grants to build sheds and roadways and it's just unbelievable. It's like giving the dole to someone who earns 600,000 a year which is more than any politician. If I work for my lifetime, I wouldn't be able to afford 20 acres in my whole life while larger farmers could buy that in cash'. The farmer's concern was that the public were unaware of these issues. 'Small and medium farmers are always at the mercy of cattle and beef prices, tariffs and exports as we're such a small open economy. Brexit and the pandemic make us feel vulnerable and unsure, but the subsidies help and are there for a reason. They keep people in rural Ireland going in a way that if they weren't there, farming wouldn't be viable and we'd have to leave the farm. 'Even if like ourselves you're only barely making a small living from it, it's a way of life and we feel we're sustaining the countryside so we won't give up the farm but when you see dairy farmers, a sector that's far more profitable, making more than half a million a year having employees, it's gone past the family farm and it's a business like any business. I feel that they're getting grants for nothing, just for being a farmer. It's like giving a grant to a hairdresser just for being a hairdresser'. Cressona Masonic Lodge No. 222, South Fourth Street, will have its annual homemade sauerkraut dinner, takeouts-only, from 3 to 7 p.m. April 10. To order, or for more information on pricing and menu, call 570-573-3611. Frackville Walter Hummel, first vice commander of American Legion Post 398, 40 S. Mahanoy St., has issued an appeal for monetary donations to assist our Legion to once again open for the benefit of all veterans. In his plea, Hummel cited the current state of the economy as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. We are asking for your help. Those wishing to help should forward donations to the post at P.O. Box 264, Frackville, PA 17931. Any donation you send will be much appreciated, he said, adding, for God and country. Nuremberg The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company is selling Mr. Sticky sticky buns. Orders are due by March 27 and delivery will be April 7. To make a purchase or for more information, people should see any member of the fire company. Pottsville The Silly Shamrocks Escape Room will be at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. For ages 6-11, it will involve solving clues to find a leprechauns treasure. Space will be limited. To register, or for more information, call 570-622-8880, Ext. 12, or email potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org and include childs name and a phone number. Ringtown St Pauls United Church of Christ, 100 E. Main St., will have a chili with pickups between 2 and 4 p.m. March 20. Orders must be made in advance. To order, or for more information on pricing, call 570-889-3494, 570-889-3075 or 570-889-5912. An artists rendering of the Legends Resort & Casino that Cherokee Nation Businesses hopes to build in Pope County, Arkansas. Technology start-ups are a phenomenon that is changing our way of life, with a high representation of companies from various sectors founded by young entrepreneurs. Today we are here with Massimiliano (known as Massi) Squillace, CEO & Founder of the marketing technology company Contents, who was able to disrupt the world of data technology and content creation. According to many, Contents will be the next unicorn in this booming industry. Keep an eye out for Contents. Hello Massimiliano, why are you a serial entrepreneur? What do you like about your job? Because I am never satisfied, and I am lucky to love what I do. I have always followed my instincts, numbers, and, if necessary, I have done mad things. At night I would like to fall asleep knowing, if I can, that, thanks to my work, something that I have done may also change the world. What have been your successful companies? During my first year of university, I founded my first startup which three years later would become my first sale. I have 5 exits behind me as founder, one of which was in the world of digital publishing: Nano Publishing which was sold to Excite. I have always been a promoter of various ventures related to the world of startups and to date I have invested in over 50 companies. I also like to write about my work, and I published 'Successful Startups' in 2014. After a sabbatical where I was only an investor after my previous exit, I realized that I enjoyed being an entrepreneur more than a retired investor, working with the team in the office make me happy. Today I am the founder of Contents, an AI-based platform for creating multilingual content and analyzing trends. What is innovation for you? Today we truly understand how every innovation is only a step on the path that leads to change: a path that must consider the environment, those who ask for answers for a better world, those who need fair access to technology for everyone. Innovation is first of all desire for change, I cannot imagine a world that is stationary or static. That is why, whenever I embark on a new venture, whatever it may be, I will always ask myself if it will really add something new. Why is your company innovative? Our vision focuses on scalability and facilitating access to data and information for everyone, at the right price. The Contents platform is designed in a simple and intuitive way, the technology must be accessible to everyone: the data allows us to discover trends and generate relevant contents thanks to machine learning. We offer the possibility of having a series of tools and services all on a single platform, which facilitates the work of any business. How is the company structured? Contents operates through two business lines: Contents.com is the business unit that develops the technological platform and makes it available in SaaS mode for client companies and Contents Media the business unit that uses proprietary technology to produce and enhance innovative online publishing projects. The company currently employs a team of 55 employees, and we are based in London, Milan, Paris, Madrid and Las Vegas. With the launch of Newz.com you have become a global media player. How did you come to this choice? Why the Z in Newz.com? Everything stems from the need to give a voice to a generation that is often not listened to and understood. The generation we are addressing is generation Z, the so-called digital native consumers of endless bits of information circulating on the net via their smartphone with a simple click. The world of news is constantly changing- it is our duty to understand change and adapt. Our goal is to use news to engage our readers in a dynamic and interactive way. I have always tried to think outside the box and thus far our technology has allowed us to reach different goals, but not our destination. People do not remember what you said or did but how you made them feel. For this Newz.com will speak to the generation that is building the future of this planet. Our goal is to be inclusive, to fight against climate change and to encourage social responsibility. Newz readers are born with these values. You cannot create a good economy with bad ethics. I am extremely happy to open business in New York, thanks to technology and the extraordinary talent of our team. What impact does your company have? The impact is precisely this: to do something innovative and to be able to measure the efficiency of new technologies. The algorithm is just the beginning: Contents will become the easiest way to access data and trends. The Newz project opens several doors and we will reach a global audience. Let us communicate with the people who will decide the future of this planet. Our forecasts point to around 20 million followers across all 12 social media platforms within months and 2 million US readers per day within the next 6 months. We at Contents are changing the world with technology, continuing to push forward, and we do not intend to stop. Many call Contents the next unicorn in this industry. What's your IPO or exit vision? My vision is to create the best possible experience for my users, grow and become indispensable. We will think about IPO or exit strategies at some point but today the focus is our product and our impact on a boom industry that needs innovation. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Turkey held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the third reactor at the countrys first nuclear power plant. The event was virtually attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant marks another major joint energy project that the leaders said symbolizes a deep partnership between Turkey and Russia. Turkey in November granted a construction license for the third unit of the plant that is being built in the southern Mersin province. All the remaining three units are due to start operation by the end of 2026, at a rate of one per year to ultimately have a total installed capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW). The construction of the second unit started in June last year. Once completed, the plant is expected to produce 35 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. Turkeys total electricity consumption last year was around 305 billion kWh. Thus, the plant will meet up to 10% of the countrys current electricity consumption when it starts operating at full capacity. Erdogan and Putin had attended the Akkuyu NPPs groundbreaking ceremony in April 2018 via a videoconference call from capital Ankara, Daily Sabah reported. The two countries had signed an intergovernmental agreement in May 2010 for the plants construction. The plant, which will have an estimated service life of 60 years with an extension of another 20 years, will produce carbon-free energy around the clock. As a baseload plant, it will play a leading role in reducing dependence on imported energy resources, especially natural gas. The total amount of investment in the plant has been calculated as $20 billion. The giant project is expected to employ around 15,000 people during its peak construction period, and about 4,000 people during its operations. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. DENVER, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercer Global Advisors, Inc. ("Mercer Advisors"), a national Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), today announced the acquisition of Epstein & White Financial LLC (and related entity Epstein & White Retirement Income Solutions, LLC) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "EWF"), a respected wealth management firm located in San Diego, California. EWF serves approximately 1,300 clients with client assets of approximately $740 million. EWF was founded in 2013 by Brad White, CFP focusing on delivering comprehensive wealth management services to their mass affluent and high net worth (HNW) clients. EWF has over twenty (20) team members who will be joining the Mercer Advisors' team. Brad White, Founder and CEO, is a Certified Financial Planning professional. He has appeared locally on television stations, Fox News and CBS, and the Big Biz Radio Show with Dave Sully. In addition, he is the author of The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Retire Right and is a featured contributor in numerous Kiplinger articles. Brad is also the host of Retire Right with Epstein and White, on KOGO 600. EWF has achieved outstanding organic growth averaging approximately 75% per annum since 2015. Commenting on the transaction, Brad White, Founder ("Brad"), stated: "Ours is a fast-growing comprehensive wealth management firm. We know how to win new clients, but we also realized that at the pace we are growing we needed to add significant scale and corporate architecture. We needed to partner with a fully institutionalized RIA that had built out fully scaled middle and back office functionality that could handle our explosive growth. While we had many suitors, after meeting with "the Daves", Dave Welling, Mercer Advisors' current CEO, and Dave Barton, former CEO and now heading up M&A for Mercer Advisors, I knew we found the right home. Working with the Daves was like working with Batman and Batman, a formidable team to be sure and I was impressed to be working with two Mercer Advisors CEOs. Mercer Advisors not only provides all the resources and support we need to support our growth, but also enhanced our client service offering through the provisioning of their in-house family office services like estate planning, tax consulting and return preparation, corporate trustee services. Finally, our business is complex and has many moving parts and as such we needed a partner that could support our existing growth initiatives and expand them. Mercer Advisors checked all those boxes. We couldn't be more excited to be joining the Mercer Advisors team!" David Barton, Vice Chairman, who led this transaction on behalf of Mercer Advisors added: "Brad is a "creative", a marketing whiz kid who has built something truly unique. His marketing engine reliably produces new clients in volume through his proven techniques. We believe we can take what Brad is doing in Southern California and syndicate his programs nationwide adding more firepower to our already significant marketing and sales platform. Not to be overlooked, Brad's team is experienced, highly credentialed, and adds to our already deep bench in San Diego. With our two organizations sharing the same mission, vision and values, "winning" this transaction became a strategic priority for us. This is truly a win-win for both organizations." Dave Welling, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Advisors said, "Brad has built an impressive team, and his marketing genius shines through. Epstein & White is a very strong team with a respected brand for supporting the needs of clients in Southern California. Our combination presents a significant strategic move as it adds to our already strong presence in Southern California where our teams are already entrusted with more than $5 billion in client assets and will add to our marketing prowess nationwide. We are excited to partner with the Epstein & White team and in supporting them to deliver expanded wealth management services to their clients." Park Sutton Advisors LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Epstein & White Financial, LLC in this transaction with legal representation by Riezman Berger, P.C. About Mercer Advisors Established in 1985, Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ("Mercer Advisors") is a full-service wealth management firm that specializes in providing investment advice, financial and estate planning, and taxes, and corporate trustee and trust administration services. It is one of the largest Registered Investment Advisers and financial planning firms in the U.S. with over $28 billion in client assets. Headquartered in Denver, Mercer Advisors is privately held, has approximately 525 employees, and operates nationally across the country with 45+ locations. Mercer Advisors, Inc. is a parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (RIA), majority owned by both Oak Hill Capital and Genstar Capital. Mercer Global Advisors has a related insurance agency. Mercer Advisors Insurance Services, LLC (MAIS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercer Advisors Inc. Employees of Mercer Global Advisors serve as officers of MAIS. For Mercer Global Advisors clients who wish to purchase insurance products, MAIS has entered into a non-exclusive referral agreement with Strategic Partner(s). More information about MAIS and our Strategic Partners may be found in our Form ADV 2A. Visit us at www.merceradvisors.com. Data as of March 31, 2021. AUM includes affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries announced to date. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and delivers all investment-related services. Mercer Advisors Inc. is the parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services. Mercer Advisors is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice to clients. All estate planning documentation preparation and other legal advice is provided through its affiliation with Advanced Services Law Group, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification mark, and the CFP certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. Contact: Chris Tofalli Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC 914-834-4334 SOURCE Mercer Global Advisors Inc. Related Links https://www.merceradvisors.com Holmes: If they want to attract diverse artists, they have to convince people that everyones competing for the same thing. Because historically what has happened is, if youre not a cis white man or you dont have a guitar in your hand lets say youre a rapper they give you the rap awards, but in the general categories its like, Sit down and shut up. I mean, the last rap album to win album of the year was Outkasts Speakerboxxx/The Love Below in 2004. In an interview that longtime royals watcher Tina Brown says well still be talking about in 20 years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Oprah about the abuse they took from the British press and the lack of support (or outright hostility) within the palace walls. The couple revealed several incidentsincluding an allegation that one of their family members expressed concerns about how dark their first child would bethat made clear what was always fairly obvious subtext. But tangled up in the racism that Meghan faced is the colonial and imperial legacy of the institution she willingly entered intoan institution that, in time, wielded that power against her. Slate staff writers Julia Craven and Rachelle Hampton got on Slack to discuss that history, the limits of representation, and Tyler Perry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachelle Hampton: I wasnt really planning on watching the interview until I saw all the leaks out of the palace about Meghan being a bully and the U.K. media going absolutely batshit insane, at which point I was like, Im going to watch this out of spite. And Im glad I did! It was a master class interview from Oprah, who could bring her show back and easily eat all the girls up. But was also just hard to process in a way? I saw you tweet something like, trying to think through this conversation in the context of colonialism, colorism, and imperialism, and thats pretty much where I was at for the whole thing. Advertisement Im curious how much of the story you were familiar with before this interview. And whether you were surprised by any of it. Julia Craven: I remember reading my Nanas tabloids when I was a kid and seeing a lot of Diana. But the royals werent talked about in my house. Then, when Meghan and Harry went public with their relationship, I became really intrigued by how that was going to go since shes a mixed-race Black woman. And then I saw the U.K. tabloid headlines and got more sucked into it out of pure rage. Advertisement As far as being surprised, how she was treated was to be expected. What psyched me out were the details of the abuse. Its wild to me that the institution, as she called it, created the conditions that led to her depression, trapped her inside those conditions, took all outside resources/access from her, and THEN shrugged when she became suicidal. It was giving me Get Out vibes. It made me think about how all institutions create very specific instances of gaslighting, normalize that, make it somewhat inescapable, and then just say, Damn, thats crazy, when your mental health tanks. I felt a lot of empathy toward her. That level of trauma is unimaginable. Advertisement Hampton: Theres definitely a subsection of Black grandmas who really rode for Diana. Mine didnt really, but the affection for Diana and her sons was definitely one of the things that drew me into the Meghan and Harry story along with, as you said, the fact that shes a mixed-race Black woman, and I was curious as to how the royal family would handle that. What continued to really strike me was the fact that Meghan was perfect for this role of modernizing/integrating the royal family. Shes light-skinned, shes not really rocking the boat, she was extremely popular. And they still couldnt get their heads out of their asses. It just kept reminding me that you can be everything an institution wants on paper and theyll still find a way to make you the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Craven: I saw a tweet saying that colorism is what allowed Meghan to enter the royal family and racism is what pushed her out. And that is so spot on. So many isms to this. Hampton: I mean it really is every single ism. Toss classism in there too. Craven: Just pick one of em and well get into it. Hampton: But yes, I think what kind of bugs me about the Meghan Is Every Black Woman spin is that there are a very specific set of conditionsincluding her personal wealth and the color of her skinthat allowed Meghan to ascend to where she was. And there were moments in the interview where it was just like *record scratch*. Like she was doing her tour through Africa and said something along the lines of its important for people in the Commonwealth to see someone who looks like them in high positions. Its almost a parody of how facile the conversation around representation has become. Before Meghan even married into the royal family, she was a multimillionaire who fit very neatly into Eurocentric standards of beauty. If there was going to be a Black person who could change the fundamentally violent nature of the monarchys relationship to its former colonies (which, to be clear, there isnt!), it definitely wasnt going to be Meghan. Advertisement Advertisement Craven: That really threw me for a loop. The Commonwealth and the monarchy exist because of plunder, particularly in Africa and India. This got me thinking about the hold that representational politics has on people. A Black woman being in the royal family isnt representing anything substantive. The problem isnt a lack of representation. Its racism, colorism, classism, imperialism, and colonialism. Hampton: What that interview made abundantly clear is that Black faces in high places arent change in and of themselves, especially in an institution like the British monarchy, where whiteness isnt just baked into the foundationits the glue holding it together. Craven: Preach, pastor. Hampton: Which, again, Meghan wasnt even trying to come in and burn it to the ground! She was more than happy to be a part of that! The royals fumbled the bag! Advertisement Craven: They wont even take in someone who was willing to not rock the boat. Hampton: Honestly that brings me to my next issue, which isnt with the interview itself but with the response to it. Even though this interview is the first time weve seen the depths of what Meghans gone through, the cracks have been very clearly showing since the beginning. And yet theres been this very weird response from some white people that goes something like, Meghan is rich, I dont feel bad for her. Advertisement Advertisement Craven: Im not sure how anyone can watch that interview, see how shes been treated, and walk away thinking, Oh, shes rich, who cares. Thats really cold and also indicative of how Black womens pain is dismissed by white people. Class isnt playing the role they think its playing. Its playing a role, a big one, but not THAT one. Advertisement Hampton: Meghan said in that interview that she couldnt be left alone while she was in her third trimester because she was afraid of what shed do to herself. Its just astonishingly callous and cruel to hear that she was at a point where she was not only thinking about harming herself but her child and think, Well, shes wearing Gucci, I dont care. Like, no, Meghan doesnt represent every Black woman (news flash: no Black woman does). But the tenor and intensity of the vitriol she received and the lack of institutional support she received is something thats very familiar to Black women. Craven: Theres so much to unpack. I hate that word, but theres A LOT here. Theres also a lot thats missing. We dont know who wanted to check behind baby Archies ears to see if hed be too dark, and Meghan never referred to herself as Black in a conversation about anti-Black racism. She can identify however she chooses, but a direct acknowledgment of her Blackness was noticeably missing. Advertisement Advertisement Hampton: It was definitely striking to me that Harry immediately named the way Meghan was treated as racism, while Meghan didnt. I couldnt tell how much of that was them managing the response. Another striking thing: Elizabeth and Philip are cousins, and the royal family is worried about how dark Archie would be? Craven: I really do wish they would have shared who said that foul shit about the baby. Hampton: I feel like it has to be William. Craven: See, I think it was Charles. But you could tell me it was one of the horses and Id believe it. Hampton: Not the horses! Im curious as to what you thought about the security stuff. That took up more room in the interview than I expected. Advertisement Craven: The royals revoking security just confirmed their motives to me. They werent going to protect the baby or give him a title? Hes Prince Harrys child. The answer is super obvious to me. And it connects to another thing, which was Meghan kept saying she thought the Crown would protect her. But instead, they bamboozled her. Hampton: Yeah, I felt similarly. They kept slowly pushing them out, from the lack of security to not correcting the record about the Meghan-making-Kate-cry story to not letting them step down from being senior royals to whatever is below a senior royal. Advertisement But also, can we talk about the Tyler Perry cameo? Craven: So I saw this tweet saying Tyler Perry is the parsley of Black celebs. And, honestly, LMAOOOO. Big facts. Hampton: Oh, my God, I saw that tweet too. Along with the one that was like, Who has to explain to Queen Elizabeth who Tyler Perry is? Craven: My theory is that everything culturally significant links back to Tyler Perry, Ray J, or Beyonce. Hampton: That theory is 100 percent sound. Craven: Who is gonna play Tyler Perry on The Crown? Hampton: Honestly maybe Tyler Perry? Sucks that he retired Madea before he could make Madea Goes to Buckingham. And by sucks, I mean thank God we dont have to see that. Nearly one year after ordering all schools to close, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that every New Jersey student should now have a laptop and internet access for online classes. The closing of the states digital divide comes as about 367,000 students remain in all-virtual instruction. Another 831,000 students attend schools that offer hybrid in-person learning, meaning close to 1.2 million students (about 89%) currently spend at least part of the school week learning from home. As of today, New Jerseys digital divide is now no more, Murphy said. It has been closed. Last summer, the state estimated about 350,000 students lacked either a device or internet access at the close of the 2019-2020 school year, based on a survey of districts. Murphys administration estimated there were roughly 231,000 low-income students among that group and pledged to close the divide. The state committed $54 million in federal pandemic relief funds to award to districts to acquire the needed technology. However, about 40,000 students still lacked computer or internet access by the fall as districts waited for shipments. By the end of January, the number was down to 1,928 students. Now our task shifts to ensuring that the digital divide isnt allowed to creak back open, Murphy said Wednesday. With New Jersey teachers beginning to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, the number of schools offering hybrid instruction is expected to continue growing. As of Wednesday, about 110 school districts or charter schools are open for all-in-person instruction, with more than 70,000 students back in classrooms full time, Murphy said. That represents about 5% of students statewide. Another 541 districts serving about 831,000 students are open for hybrid instruction. The state has 36 districts, encompassing 85,000 students, that are using some combination of in-person, hybrid, or all-remote learning across their buildings, though its unclear how many students are in each category. The other 125 school districts, serving about 367,000 students, are still in full-time remote learning. This number continues to trend downward, Murphy sad. But keep in mind, too, that these students have now been out of their classrooms for a full year. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com. Have a news tip or a story idea about New Jersey schools? Send it here. Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains. From: Jeffery M. Leving -- Father's Rights Chicago , IL Tuesday, March 9, 2021 CHICAGO A disabled dad was paying a huge, unaffordable sum each month in the thousands in child support for his two teenage boys. With the advocacy of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd., he got it down to a more manageable number: Zero. Attorney Jeffery M. Leving, founder and president of the firm, will tell the story on his weekly radio show, the Dads Rights Legal Hour, 9-10 a.m. CST Saturday, March 13, on Power 92.3 FM in Chicago. This dad had been doing well. In the past, he had a good job, plus a pension from a previous job and his child support order was based on that. Unfortunately, he became disabled and can no longer work, and he now gets by on disability benefits and his pension. As a result, his child support payment left him with next to nothing to live on each month. Sometimes cases are won by arguing in court, sometimes through legal research. The Leving legal team used both to win this one. "First, we persuaded the judge to terminate the child support that was coming out of Dad's pension, based on his reduced income. Second, we argued that under Illinois law, when someone is on disability, and there's a dependency allotment for their children, that amount satisfies any child support obligation. The judge agreed. We won." The judge entered an order reducing Dad's child support obligation to zero out-of-pocket. "This is a tremendous victory, modified for broadcast, in which this dad's out-of-pocket child-support obligation went from thousands a month to zero," Leving says. "We knew exactly what to argue and how to present this case to gain this two-pronged triumph, and Dad is able to live his life now. I'm proud of the work my legal team did, and I'm ecstatic that I came through for this disabled dad." Leving also will discuss the need for reform of Illinois' child support laws in two areas: Child support accountability: "Many fathers tell me they pay hundreds in child support every month sometimes thousands and their kids are still in need," Leving says. "They need clothes and shoes, they need books and school supplies. They need food! These dads want to know where their money is going. They suspect their ex is blowing it on herself and her new boyfriend not the children but there's no way to know for sure using a child support accountability law, because there is none in Illinois. We need a child support accountability law. If a child support payer isn't satisfied that the child support he pays every month is actually supporting his children, he should be able to go to court and ask the judge to order an accounting. And if the custodial parent IS blowing the money, the judge should be able to order relief so the money goes to the kids. This is not the law now, to the frustration of many fathers but it should be." In some situations, a father paying child support should be able to pay it to his son or daughter directly. Perhaps the child ran away from home but the situation doesn't have to be tragic. Maybe the mother moved away to live with her new husband or boyfriend, and the child moves in with another relative or a friend's family. "It makes no sense for the child support to be paid to the mother, if the child isn't living with the mother, nor being supported by her. There ought to be a way for the child support to go to the child directly, if necessary," Leving says. Leving, who had had success passing legislation in Springfield on numerous occasions, expects success on these matters too. It's just a question of time. Jeffery M. Leving is founder and president of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd., and is an advocate for the rights of fathers. He is the author of Fathers' Rights, Divorce Wars and How to be a Good Divorced Dad. To learn more about Jeffery M. Leving and his latest court victories, follow him on Twitter and Facebook , and view his videos on You Tube. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has demanded the "immediate release" of aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals detained in Iran. Johnson raised the case of Zaghari-Ratcliffe during a phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rohani, and said her "continued confinement remains completely unacceptable" and that she must be allowed to return to her family in Britain, a spokesman said on March 10. The charity worker, 42, had her ankle tag removed on March 7 at the end of her five-year sentence, but she faces a new court case against her, scheduled for March 14. She had been under house arrest in Tehran since being moved from jail a year ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. A project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained at Tehran airport after a family visit in 2016 and subsequently sentenced for plotting to overthrow Iran's government -- an accusation she denies. In November, she was notified in court of a fresh indictment of "spreading propaganda against the regime." Prior to her arrest, she lived in London with her husband and daughter, who is now 6 years old. Iran has arrested dozens of foreign and dual nationals in recent years on espionage charges that they and their governments say are groundless. Critics say Iran uses such arbitrary detentions as part of hostage diplomacy to extract concessions from Western countries, which Tehran denies. With reporting by the BBC and AFP Susannah Carr & Rick Ardon will present Sevens coverage of WAs State Election this Saturday in WA Decides: 2021. Tim McMillan, Geof Parry and Mark Riley will also feature. Sevens Director of News, Ray Kuka, said: While the popular Premier, Mark McGowan, is expected to be a shoo-in, the impact and control he has could change WA for the next four years. The 7NEWS exclusive access at Parliament House and premier panel of experts will mean WA Decides: 2021 cannot be missed. Hosted by Susannah Carr, from the Seven Networks state-of-the-art election hub at Osborne Park, and Rick Ardon, who will be broadcasting Live from Labor HQ, WA Decides: 2021 will bring viewers the very latest news from around the State as seats fall and Fortress WA chooses its next Premier. In another Channel Seven political exclusive, 7NEWS will broadcast Live from the Legislative Assembly of the newly refurbished State Parliament. Inside the chamber, Tim McMillan and Geof Parry will update the winning seats throughout the night and the impact the voting will have on West Australians. Sevens Political Editor, Mark Riley, will be on hand to break down the balance of power as the numbers come in, and what the seat tally will mean for both the Government and the Opposition. WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt will provide 7NEWS viewers with his own in-depth analysis of the vote count, and an exclusive insight into whats unfolding inside both party rooms. Also joining the 7NEWS WA Decides election panel, with expert commentary, will be the Liberals Deputy Leader Libby Mettam, to explain their rebuilding plan for the next four years; rising Labor star Amber-Jade Sanderson, who will describe how a new-look cabinet could shape up; and Liberal Party stalwart Murray Cowper, who will explosively reveal exactly what has gone wrong in the party he served for 12 years. Member for Perth and former Labor State Secretary, Patrick Gorman, and Liberal Senator Ben Small who replaced Federal Minister for Finance, Mathias Cormann, in the Senate will also be part of the 7NEWS election broadcast team. They will provide exclusive insight from party insiders on which seats will be won or lost, before the official results are in. 5pm Saturday 13 March in WA. Related You are the owner of this article. Spruce Forest opens for season through a new door With the crashing of the trees, three of the cabins were destroyed, along with damaging the village church and other buildings as well. CLEVELAND -- Gov. Mike DeWine, in handwritten notes to us, spoke of a centralized state scheduling system that was set to go live prior to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mass-vaccination site opening at Cleveland State Universitys Wolstein Center. That website launched March 8; the mass vaccination site opens in less than ten days, on March 17. My name is Marla Zwinggi. I have built an unbreakable partnership with Stacey Bene, someone who was a complete stranger to me less than four weeks ago. Together, we have booked more than 1,000 individuals for their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Coined the Vaccine Queens, we are a two-person operation, working from our kitchen tables, in sweatpants, on 12-year-old computers. But we are getting it done. And we are offering appointments with accuracy and speed. Until this point, we have kept our personal opinions out of the wider conversation on vaccine rollout. Yet, after accessing the states new vaccine scheduling system at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov Monday morning, March 8, we have decided we cant stay silent any longer. A few people joked with us last week that the state website was just going to be a direct link to our VacQueens Facebook Page. Let me tell you, it would have been cheaper and more effective to follow that advice. The website is literally a glorified address finder. It doesnt solve the actual challenges in our state, the digital divide for elderly, medically frail and underrepresented communities. Answer a couple of qualifier questions and it spits out a list of pharmacies near your ZIP code - Giant Eagle, Drug Mart, Marcs, etc. Click from there and it takes you to those providers pharmacy homepages. How is this helpful? It is just another piece of technology for people who cannot or will not use it. To say we are disappointed is a complete understatement. To say we are shocked would be wrong, as well. There has never been an effective rollout for vaccine distribution. Why would that change now? Ohios Vaccine Queens volunteer 8-10 hours a day on aging laptops at their kitchen tables, helping seniors schedule appointments for COVID-19 shots. Why, they ask in a guest column today, has the state failed to live up to its own obligation to help the elderly, the unconnected and isolated navigate the technologically challenging COVID-19 vaccination appointment system that remains today's Ohio reality. Beginning today, Stacey and I arent calling ourselves just moms anymore. We may not have degrees in public health or political science, but we have drive and empathy. Let us be the face of this movement. President Joe Biden said, There has never been anything weve not been able to do, when weve done it together. We saw a need and are fulfilling that duty together. But now, enough is enough. We want consideration and action on a larger scale. Vaccine Queens has established credibility with Northeast Ohios elderly population. Weve made the calls. Weve listened to their stories. Weve taught them, over the phone, how to operate text messaging and bookings. Weve made appointments in close proximity to their homes so that they dont have to venture far. We are their advocates, and for good reason, they trust us. We dont expect anything in return. Staceys and my goal has always been, and will continue to be, get them to the finish line of this overwhelming process. Vaccine Queens is calling for our government to open the FEMA site to Ohioans ages 18-64. These are people who are typically more willing to drive into the city, find parking, walk to the vaccination site, and stand in line, potentially for hours. Vaccinating 6,000 people a day in a younger age group would allow the economy to open faster and protect those individuals who have to be out in public for employment. As for the elderly (65+), people in underrepresented communities, those without access to the internet or cellphone, they would move directly through us. We want a partnership with a vaccination provider and a 24-hour call center, powered by a corporate or nonprofit entity willing to step up to the plate. Through a series of announcements from us, people would know who to call, where to go, and be able to tell their story to someone who will listen. Regardless of the response, Stacey and I will continue helping people in the vulnerable population. Laugh at us, applaud us, or reach out to us. We arent stopping. We just wish we had your help. Marla Zwinggi and Stacey Bene are The Vaccine Queens. Zwinggi is a stay-at-home mom to three girls. In her spare time, she finds ways to improve her community through acts of kindness. Bene is a stay-at-home mom and former medical social worker. In her spare time, she loves to read every book she encounters. To reach the Vaccine Queens: email vaccinequeens@gmail.com or look for VacQueens on Facebook. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections regarding this opinion article to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal The city has reached pre-litigation settlements with two Albuquerque Police Department academy instructors who claimed former chief Michael Geier transferred them out of their positions as punishment for filing complaints about then-commander Angela Byrd. Sgt. Steven Martinez and officer Tillery DiCenzo each received $175,000 and were reinstated to their positions at the academy. They alleged Geier violated the Whistleblower Protection Act. Byrd was terminated from APD at the end of October. A 166-page report detailing an external investigation into several complaints and issues at the academy found she had retaliated against those who reported racist and sexist discrimination, and harassment by instructors and cadets. The report which only names people by last initial could not confirm most of the discrimination and harassment complaints. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The investigation by law firm German Burnette and Associates found that Geier had transferred Martinez and DiCenzo because they filed complaints about Byrds conduct, and he believed they pretended to be cadets and sent an anonymous email detailing several complaints. It is my opinion that Chief G believed these transfers were appropriate disciplinary action for what he believed was filing a false complaint against Commander Byrd , the report states. I agree with Chief G that the allegations in the anonymous email were not true. Chief G believed that the author of the anonymous email knew that the allegations were not true. The report states that, if Geier had concerns about the two instructors based on prior complaints by cadets, as he alleged, he should have done the transfers in early April rather than two months later. The city announced the settlements in a news release Saturday morning, including a quote from Chief Harold Medina, Geiers successor. This settlement allows us to move forward with our efforts to change the culture in the department and encourage all employees to report wrongdoing when they see it, Medina said. That culture change is especially critical at the police academy where we are training the next generation of police officers. But the news release itself raised eyebrows from the attorney who is representing Geier in forthcoming litigation. The first thing that jumps out is since when does the city self-report settlements with claimants when no lawsuits have been filed? attorney Thomas Grover said. That in and of itself is completely bizarre. He argued that Martinez and DiCenzo were not harmed in any way they werent fired or suspended without pay. To have them make the claim that they were injured during the course of a routine administrative investigation doesnt make any sense, Grover said. Geier said he told Internal Affairs in April about allegations that the academy staff had failed to act on reports of discrimination between cadets. He said he continued his inquiry, working with the administration and city attorneys, and then Martinez and DiCenzo were reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation. For these people to receive any settlements, frankly, defies belief, Geier said. But the attorneys representing the two instructors said their clients are happy to have resolved their legal claims, and look forward to closing this chapter and continuing their work at the academy. Our clients believed that they were doing the right thing by reporting the former APD Academy Commanders unlawful conduct and the threats that she directed at the cadets in their care, attorneys Levi Monagle and Shayne Huffman wrote in a statement. Chief Harold Medina, Mayor Tim Keller and the citys administration have shown that they are committed to ending the culture of intimidation and retaliation that was allowed to fester at APD under the former chief. Journal staff writer Matthew Reisen contributed to this report. Vice-President of European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles said at the European Parliament that the EU is looking forward to seeing Georgian political parties progress on dialogue. Noting that Georgia remains EU's 'key associated partner", Borrell said the EU has "an ambitious association agreement with Georgia that has offered crucial political association and economic integration with the EU". However, unhappily, the political situation in the country has been a cause of serious concerns in recent months due to increasing political polarisation. This situation risks undermining Georgias democracy, the EU VP said urging "all parties to step up efforts to deescalate the situation and to come together to identify and agree on common ground". Josep Borrell also mentioned the recent visit of European Council President Charles Michel in Georgia when the latter was engaged in discussion with the ruling and opposition political parties. Borrell said the EU will follow closely the EU-backed mediation effort in Georgia. He further underscored that all sides need to: contribute to agreeing to a compromise, respect the government to provide inclusive leadership putting the interest of the Georgian people first and refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric. Meanwhile, the EU "sees as priorities the consolidation of democracy, including electoral reform, political stability and an inclusive parliamentarian process." "A fair, independent, yet accountable judiciary is also of paramount importance. These are prerequisites for Georgia to further deepen its partnership with European Union in line with Association Agreement," Agenda cited Borrell as saying. He said we will have an opportunity to assess progress soon during the meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the association council on March 16. Noting that "no country can thrive in a situation of political crisis for long Borrell said Georgian political actors owe it to the Georgian people to offer a stable political context in which the country could recover from the Covid pandemic to build back better and rip the potential benefits of our Association Agreement to the fullest." "Along with President Michel, we will encourage all political actors in Georgia to commit fully to the dialogue in a constructive spirit and with a view to pursuing mutually agreeable outcomes in the interest of stable, democratic and reform-oriented Georgia able to successfully advance on its pro-European path", he further stated. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Sativa Wellness Group Inc. (CSE:SWEL)(OTC PINK:SCNNF)(FSE:484)(AQSE:SWEL) ("Sativa Wellness" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its COVID testing clinic business has achieved CAD$2,000,000 of bookings (1,140,000). This milestone has been achieved in less than 4 months from the first clinic being opened in Bath, UK. Since then, as well as the second company owned clinic, there have been 13 in-pharmacy clinics opened, including Plymouth, Billericay, Bournemouth, Milton Keynes and Watford, which have been added since the Company's February 22nd announcement. In addition, Sativa Wellness Group now has two mobile clinics that have brought the clinic portfolio up to a total of 17 operational clinics throughout the UK covering from Wales in the West to Essex in the East. This progress is in line with the target of 30 clinics by the end of April. The recent government announcement planning to ease restrictions beginning in April, and in particular opening up international travel starting in May, is expected to have a significant positive effect on the clinic business. The material growth that took place despite lockdown is expected to dramatically increase as the restrictions are removed. Geremy Thomas, Executive Chairman, says: "The clinic business has demonstrated growth even during lockdown creating a significant cash generating opportunity. As the restrictions lift in line with the government roadmap, this growth is expected to increase dramatically." The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Further information regarding the Company can be found at www.sedar.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Geremy Thomas Executive Chairman Sativa Wellness Group Inc. +44 (0) 20 7971 1255 enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com www.sativawellnessgroup.com Joseph Colliver Chief Financial Officer Sativa Wellness Group Inc. +44 (0) 20 7971 1255 enquiries@sativawellnessgroup.com www.sativawellnessgroup.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" "plan is" or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur", "will be achieved" or "shortly". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to information concerning the COVID-19 testing clinic, the number of in-pharmacy clinics to be opened, the expected easing of UK travel restrictions, the Company's position to benefit from any easing of UK travel restrictions, the cash generation opportunity and the expected future growth. Although Sativa Wellness believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that any further clinics will be opened, that wellness revenue will increase, cash generation will increase or that easing restrictions will have a positive impact on the business. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and Sativa does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Sativa Wellness Group Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634481/Sativa-Wellness-Group-Announces-Two-Million-Dollar-Testing-Milestone The non-approval of an order of the Ministry of Health amending the maximum residue levels of veterinary drugs in foodstuffs of animal origin by the State Regulatory Service could result in a ban on the sale of poultry meat, the European Business Association (EBA) said on its website. The association said that on February 17, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine issued an Order amending the maximum residue levels of veterinary drugs in foodstuffs of animal origin. The document proposes to bring the safety of poultry meat in line with European standards. The project concerns the authorization of the use of therapeutic feed additives for preventing coccidiosis. Without the proper prevention, this disease may lead to the death of 80-90% of all young birds. The association said that as it became known, the State Regulatory Service, whose task is to implement the state regulatory policy, the policy on supervision (control) in the field of economic activity is preparing a draft refusal to this order. The draft order has already been approved by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, as well as the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The EBA said that the non-approval of this normative act will lead, in fact, to a ban on the sale of poultry meat both on the territory of Ukraine and abroad. After all, food products that are prohibited for domestic consumption are also prohibited for export. The EBA has already sent a letter to the Ministry of Health and the State Regulatory Service asking them to support the proposed changes and to prevent a ban on the use of feed additives for poultry in Ukraine. This situation can lead to a loss in the total number of poultry, which in turn can lead to a sharp and uncontrolled rise in prices for this category of products. The association said that these feed additives are not harmful to humans (including those used in European countries). However, they are very important for raising poultry and are used throughout its life cycle up to two or three days before slaughter. (Newser) A fugitive wanted in connection with a quadruple murder in New Mexico and a killing in New Jersey is now in custody. Sean Lannon, 47, was arrested in St. Louis Wednesday morning after a cross-country manhunt, CBS Philadelphia reports. He is accused of killing four peopleincluding ex-wife Jennifer Lannonwhose bodies were found in a vehicle at an Albuquerque airport parking garage on Friday, along with a man in his 60s who was killed in an East Greenwich, New Jersey, home on Monday, NJ.com reports. Lannon is a New Mexico resident originally from New Jersey, and police say the man killed Monday was someone Lannon had known for a long time. story continues below Sean and Jennifer Lannon divorced in 2019. Police say the couple's three children are safe. It's not clear when Jennifer Lannon and the other three victims found in a truck at Albuquerque International SunportMatthew Miller, 21; Jesten Mata, 40; and Randal Apostalon, 60were killed, the Albuquerque Journal reports. Police say the decomposed bodies, which they described as "not whole," were found after security noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle. Miller, Mata, and Jennifer Lannon all knew each other and were reported missing weeks ago, but investigators haven't determined how Apostalon fits into the case, police say. (Read more manhunt stories.) ROCHESTER, Minn- Dozens of people gathered virtually on Tuesday to meet with their legislators for Virtual Disability Services Day at the Capitol in St Paul. Although they couldn't be there in person, the pandemic didn't stop them from meeting on Zoom. One of the advocates for Disability Services Day was PossAbilities of Southern Minnesota. Its executive director Susan Mackert tells KIMT News 3 that the event is a way to bring attention to the issues faced by people with disabilities. "This is the most wonderful celebration that we have annually," said Mackert. "It's a day that we celebrate people with disabilities. We all come together to remind legislators and decision makers that we are here." Each year, dozens of advocates for people with disabilities share with legislators like Representative Jennifer Schultz or Senator John Hoffman, how to best support those with disabilities. According to Mackert, nine percent of people living in The Med City have a disability. The event helps promote awareness and shares with Minnesota legislators how the services they provide support those people and maximize their opportunities. "We need them to know that when decisions are made, you want to think about people with disabilities," explained Mackert. "There are individuals in our community that need extra support or that need to be included in anything that involves our community." Regardless if it is in person or virtual, Disability Services Day is also about recognition and celebration. A chronic gambler who stole over 15,000 in social welfare payments while using his brother's name has received a fully suspended sentence. Bernard Norton (49) simultaneously claimed Jobseekers Allowance validly in his own name and falsely in his brother's name over a two year period. He has previously been convicted for stealing over 200,000 from his employer between 2001 and 2002 and for stealing approximately 35,000 from another employer in 2016. Norton of Newrath View, Kells, Co Meath pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court six sample counts of theft at Killinard Post Office, Tallaght, Dublin, on dates between November 25, 2013 and June 30, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to deception at the same address on dates between November 19, 2013 and June 30, 2016. Garda Francis Hoban told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that during the period between 2013 and 2015, Norton was validly claiming Jobseekers Allowance in his own name. Gda Hoban said Norton was simultaneously also claiming Jobseekers Allowance in the name Robert Norton, his brother's name, and receiving this money himself. The total amount he stole in the period was 15,854.70. The payments to Robert Norton were ceased in 2015 after the Department of Social Protection was notified by the accused that Robert had become employed in the UK. The real Robert Norton had in fact been working in the UK during the entire period. The fraud came to light when Norton made an application for a Public Services Card. A photograph of Norton taken during this application was matched to a photograph taken of Robert Norton years earlier. In interview with gardai, Norton said that he had been minding his brother's apartment and used documents he found there, including a birth certificate and a bank statement, to perpetrate the deception. Norton was charged in 2014 for the embezzlement of over 200,00 between 2001 and 2002 from a financial institution which have since gone bankrupt. He forged a number of cheques by including his own name and also forged loan applications. The court heard that he spent this money in gambling shops. He received a community service order for these offences. Another situation came to light in 2016 in which Norton had taken approximately 35,000 from another employer. He would contact businesses who purchased furniture from this company, tell them the company had changed bank accounts and then give his own details. Norton received a two year sentence of imprisonment for this offence. Gda Hoban said Norton was a chronic gambler who is the primary carer for his five children. He said Norton has repaid approximately 4,000 and he has not come to garda attention since his release from custody. The garda agreed with Laurence Masterson BL, defending, that his client had stopped the thefts and deception before they came to light. He agreed that Norton his undergoing counselling for his gambling addiction. Gda Hoban agreed the core issue in the case is the accused's gambling addiction. Mr Masterson said his client was a model prisoner while serving a term of imprisonment for the 2016 offence. He said his client helped to set up a gambler's anonymous group in a prison that did not have one. Counsel said his client is a success story of the prison service. He asked the court whether a further term of imprisonment would actually add more to his rehabilitation or undermine it. He said his client is currently employed in the telecommunications sector and while his job is to sell his company's products, he has no access directly or indirectly to cash or to the accounts. Counsel said his client has 1,200 in court which can be repaid and has undertaken to make repayments of 350 a month. He said his client will have access to a pension fund when he turns 50 and will be able to repay the balance of the sum by the end of January 2022. Judge Melanie Greally said Norton has a history of offending in a dishonest manner on two previous occasions and has completed a prison sentence for offences that post-dated these offences. Judge Greally said the accused was a very hands-on father due to his wife's employment demands as a midwife. She said she took into account genuine remorse and his efforts to rehabilitate. She sentenced Norton to two years imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions including that he pay back the full sum within a two year period. A plan to start charging for the use of slipways on the north Down coast and Ards Peninsula is to be put out to consultation. Ards and North Down Borough Council officials have proposed charging 50 per year, or one-off payments of 5 per launch, for vessels entering and leaving the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. The council is responsible for slipways at Portaferry, Holywood, Groomsport, Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter, and Ballyhalbert. Groomsport is the only one that has a yearly fee of 103, or 8.40 per launch. A council report on the matter said several of the slipways faced problems. At Portaferry, for example, a padlock and chain was put across the slipway because of an increased use of jet skis during lockdown. The report said: These craft can often attract novice mariners who are not always aware of considerations such as speed restrictions, wildlife and noise. Donaghadee has seen complaints over cars parking in front of slipways and blocking sea vessels, while Groomsport has had complaints over uninsured vessels using the access points. Officers suggested following the example of Portaferry and securing each of the slipways with a chain and padlock, with signage giving information on acquiring a permit. The report said the chain should be positioned to allow those with kayaks and paddleboards to move around it. It added that the new system would allow officers an opportunity to vet potential users, ensuring that the vessel is appropriate and that the operator has the necessary insurance in place. If officers know the slipway users, we can better deal with the complaints of inappropriate behaviour, it explained. Welcoming the plan, SDLP councillor Joe Boyle said: It is good to see we are putting some sort of structures in place here because that actually protects the genuine users and stops people who abuse our harbours rather than use them. Green Party Councillor Barry McKee added: I think the management proposals laid out in this report seem very sensible. The primary thing is they will improve safety for users and make it a better and more uniform experience for everybody. But objecting to a proposal to chain off six parking spaces in Donaghadee as part of the plan, DUP councillor Janice MacArthur said: With each slipway, there are significant variables. For example, Donaghadee slipway sits within a car park, which is a very public space. We have to watch and ensure that we bring the public along with us. I think, therefore, that it is important to have some consultation on this. She forwarded her own proposal for a consultation to ensure that, as far as possible, council slipways are used by insured and registered vessels, swimmers and users of non-motorised craft have an access point where appropriate and adequate turning space is available for vessels towing boats. Arguing for the deferral of the proposal, UUP Alderman Angus Carson said: It is the wrong time to be introducing this given that we are still in Covid. Dear knows how long this will last, perhaps the whole summer. Nguyen Le Thang Long, General Director of PBAT An Phat JSC, a member of An Phat Holdings, said the green material market poses great potential with global industry gradually shifting toward environmentally friendly products. In Europe, the Americas, Australia, Canada and many other countries, governments have enacted bans or imposed high taxes on the production and consumption of traditional plastic and thin monolayer film. The demand for compostable and environmentally friendly products poses the demand for raw materials, opening up golden opportunities for businesses. Global production capacity forecast for of bioplastics in 2019 2025. Graphics by the European Bioplastics Association. According to the European Bioplastics Association, the green consumption trend has led to the rapid development of bioplastics, forecast to hit 2.87 million tons by 2025 with a growth rate of about 36 percent in the next five years. Asia remains the major manufacturing hub, accounting for 46 percent of bioplastics production while Europe produces about 25 percent, predicted to increase to 28 percent by 2025. Future of bioplastics Besides raw materials produced from corn starch or cane sugar (PLA) and polymerized starch, PBAT - a compostable raw material source is forecasted as the future of the bioplastics industry. Globally, leading manufacturers like BASF (Germany), Novamont (Italy), AnKor Bioplastics (South Korea) and recently Hengli Group (China) are supplying PBAT at a capacity of about 500,000 tons by the end of 2020. In Vietnam, An Phat Holdings is one of the first enterprises to enter the PBAT market. "The compostable material PBAT manufacturing plant will open in September 2021, with an expected capacity of 30,000 tons per year, and will be inaugurated in 2023 to participate in the global PBAT material supply chain," An Phat Holdings stated. The production of compostable products at an An Phat Holdings factory. Photo by APH. Despite its huge potential, the compostable material market requires Vietnamese enterprises to develop a strong financial and technological background to compete with global players. "An Phat Holdings is very confident to enter the PBAT market with its position as the largest capitalized enterprise in the plastic industry in Vietnam, boasting a large customer network and global patents for green materials and products," an An Phat Holdings representative commented. The PBAT manufacturing plant aims to produce materials meeting BPI Compostable (U.S.) and European TUV OK Compost and DinCertco Compostable standards. Long said An Phat Holdings utilizes German production technology and South Korean expertise, ensuring the plant's PBAT material could compete in the international market. Seventy percent of the PBAT volume would be used to bolster the supply chain of An Phat Holdings, including manufacturing compostable products like compostable garbage, food, and shopping bags, along with straws, paper cups, and cutlery. The rest will be used for trade and supply to domestic and international manufacturers. Target markets include in the U.S., Europe, Canada, South Korea, and Australia. An Phat Holdings stated it would reduce the cost of compostable material input by about 20-30 percent for subsidiaries like An Phat Bioplastics and An Trung Industries due to their taking the initiative in raw materials. Thus, the product cost would be reduced, creating a chance to expand domestic and international customer networks. UPDATE: Sean Lannon charged with murder in N.J. beating death. Cops say he admitted 4 New Mexico killings in call to witness. A man sought in connection with a homicide in New Jersey and the deaths of his ex-wife and three other people in New Mexico has been apprehended in Missouri, authorities said. Sean Michael Lannon, 47, of Grants, New Mexico, was arrested Wednesday morning in St. Louis, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office confirmed. Lannon is the suspect in a Monday killing in East Greenwich Township in South Jersey that claimed the life of a man whose identity has not been released by investigators. When he was apprehended Wednesday by the U.S. Marshals St. Louis Metro Fugitive Task Force, Lannon was driving a blue Honda CR-V reported stolen in connection with the East Greenwich killing, officials said. Lannon was also labeled a person of interest after four bodies were found Friday in a vehicle left at an airport parking garage in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is about 80 miles west of Grants. Three of those victims Jennifer Lannon, 39, Matthew Miller, 21, and Jesten Mata, 40 were previously reported missing. Jennifer and Sean Lannon, who are originally from South Jersey, divorced in 2019, according to New Mexico court records, with a judge ruling in favor of Sean Lannon. The filing sought custody of the couples children. Authorities confirmed that the children are safe. Sean Lannon is from the East Greenwich area, according to investigators. Jennifer Lannon previously lived in Clayton, West Deptford and Blackwood, according to public records searches. In addition to the homicide case in New Jersey, prosecutors announced Tuesday evening that Lannon was charged with burglary and possession of a weapon after allegedly forcing his way into a home in Monroeville, Elk Township, while armed with a knife on Monday. Jennifer Lannon, 39, was one of four victims whose bodies were found in a vehicle in New Mexico last week. Her ex-husband is a person of interest in that case. Albuquerque police are working with Grants authorities on the investigation of the three missing-person deaths, while Albuquerque detectives are investigating the death of the fourth victim found in the vehicle, 60-year-old Randal Apostalon. Police in Grants said Jennifer Lannon and Mata had been wanted for questioning in Millers disappearance. On Feb. 26, police said Daniel Lemos, 45, was wanted for questioning in the disappearances of Jennifer Lannon, Miller and Mata. Lemos was described at the time as armed and dangerous. An aunt of Miller told TV station KOB4 in New Mexico that Lemos and Miller are related and that her nephew was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and simply giving somebody a ride. Authorities in New Mexico described the investigation as ongoing and have not disclosed how Sean Lannon may be connected to Lemos and how the victims there died. On Tuesday, Gloucester County authorities announced that Lannon was a suspect in the New Jersey and New Mexico cases and cautioned he was considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Charges against Lannon in the East Greenwich homicide will be filed soon, Acting Gloucester County Prosecutor Christine Hoffman noted in announcing the arrest. The rapid and successful apprehension of Lannon is the direct result of excellent collaboration between a wide array of local, county, state and federal partners, Hoffman said in a statement. We are particularly grateful to the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force/Camden Division as well as their parallel jurisdictions between New Jersey and Missouri for deploying their resources to rapidly apprehend Lannon, who was clearly a direct threat to the public. Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the New Jersey case to contact prosecutors office Sgt. John Petroski at 856-498-6238. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Special Education Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 206 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 206 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Special Education Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-special-education-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Special Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Auburn University Ball State University Bemidji State University Boise State University California State University, San Bernardino Eastern Michigan University Florida International University Fort Hays State University Frostburg State University George Mason University George Washington University Georgia College & State University Indiana University Bloomington Jacksonville State University Johns Hopkins University Liberty University Michigan State University Minot State University Mississippi College North Carolina State University Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Saint Joseph's University Slippery Rock University Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia Syracuse University Tennessee State University Texas A & M University, College Station Texas Tech University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of Cincinnati University of Florida University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Kansas University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of Nebraska, Lincoln University of North Dakota University of Oregon University of San Diego University of South Alabama University of Texas, Austin University of Vermont University of Washington Vanderbilt University Webster University West Chester University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. The Bill McCabe-backed Irish clean air company WellAir has announced the appointment of Kieran Hannon as its chief marketing officer. Mr Hannon spent six years as chief marketing officer at Belkin International where he helped grow the company into four brands Belkin, Linksys, Wemo and Phyn. He is joining WellAir from Openpath, a cloud access control company. He previously also served as vice president of marketing for the US electronics retail chain RadioShack. The appointment comes shortly after WellAirs acquisition of a US-based handheld disinfection technology firm, UV Innovators. No price was disclosed for the acquisition. WellAir has over 20m in funding, most recently closing a 7m additional round last year. The Dublin-based firm, whose Novaerus and Plasma Air brands are used in hospitals, workplaces and other commercial locations in 60 countries, also recently announced the replacement of CEO Kevin Devlin with UV Innovators co-founder Todd Pope. "Kieran is a globally-recognised, creative and innovative business strategist, said Mr Pope. His expertise will be a valuable complement to our leadership team and a driving force in the expansion of the WellAir brand as we continue to advance our air cleaning and surface disinfection product portfolio globally. Headquartered in Dublin, WellAir also has offices in Connecticut and North Carolina. The group operates through its core business brands, Novaerus, Plasma Air, and NuvaWave. Bill McCabe, who created the e-learning company Smartforce in the 1990s, is WellAirs chairman. With 90pc of our time spent indoors breathing air that is ten times more contaminated than outdoor air, the opportunity to create the de-facto industry brand is probably the highest of noble causes," said Mr Hannon. "WellAirs flagship product, the Novaerus Defend 1050 which recently received FDA clearance, is a prime example of the companys healthtech innovation. Im thrilled to join this team to continue its impressive momentum in making the indoor world safer and cleaner." TUNIS - Libyas House of Representatives on Wednesday voted confidence in the new Libyan unity cabinet of Premier Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Parliament approved the cabinet by 132 votes in favor out of the 178 voters present. The new Libyan cabinet will be sworn in on March 15 in Benghazi, Libyan website Al Marsad reported. We remind the new government that its mandate will expire on December 24, 2021, and that it is therefore an interim government, said the president of the Chamber of representatives, Aguila Saleh. The transitional Libyan cabinet will have the role of guiding the country to elections scheduled on December 24. In Libya, the vote was hailed by Ahmed Maitig, the deputy premier of the outgoing Government of National Accord (GNA), who congratulated Dbeibah on Twitter. Outgoing premier Fayez Al -Sarraj also welcomed with favor the confidence vote in the national unity government. In his first speech to parliament after obtaining a vote of confidence, Dbeibah said there wont be more wars or divisions in Libya. Thanks to unity we will bring Libya to safety, the premier also said, assuring that he will work to obtain national reconciliation. The US ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, offered the congratulations of the American diplomatic representation on Twitter after the vote of confidence in Sirte. Like many Libyans, we watched the livestream of the historic HoR session in Sirte. Congratulations on the formation of an interim unity government to set the stage for elections in December, the ambassador tweeted. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) congratulated the Libyan people on the approval by the House of Representatives of a new interim government and applauded the HoR leadership and its members for coming together in unity on this historic day and for upholding the interests of their country and their people. Libya has now a genuine opportunity to move forward towards unity, stability, prosperity, reconciliation and to fully restore its sovereignty, UNSMIL said. UNSMIL also commends the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LDPF) for their patriotic efforts that led to this landmark moment in the history of Libya, as well as all parties in Libya who supported this process including national and local authorities, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and elders and notables of Sirte and all of Libya. The Italian foreign ministry on Wednesday welcomed with great satisfaction the outcome of the vote of the plenary session of the House of Representatives. The HoR first gathered in Sirte on March 8. In a statement, the Farnesina hailed the result as important and encouraging for the countrys normalization, paving the way for an effective institutional transition in a united Libya. After a decade of conflict, Libyans showed their will and determination to overcome differences through dialogue, the statement said. The ample majority with which the Libyan parliament voted confidence in the cabinet proves a renewed sense of unity. Such an objective appeared difficult to reach until a few months ago, the note continued, and for this Italy thanks and highlights its sincere appreciation for the incessant efforts of the United Nations and the special envoy of the UN secretary general, Jan Kubis, for peace and stability in Libya. Citing the deep historic ties and friendship uniting our countries, the foreign ministry concluded saying that Italy remains beside the Libyan people and is ready to cooperate with the interim unified executive authority and to support it, along the path outlined by the Berlin Process, in the coming phases of institutional transition and in reaching some priority objectives, like the functioning of elections on December 24, 2021, and the concrete implementation of the agreement on a ceasefire, starting with the complete withdrawal of all fighters and foreign mercenaries from the country, the start of a national reconciliation process and the provision of essential services to the Libyan population. As if COVID-19 hasn't taken enough from us, colleges across Texas have canceled or shifted spring break in light of the virus. Bummer. Texas A&M University is giving students a three-day weekend beginning March 19, as opposed to an entire week to "minimize extensive travel and allow the semester to conclude earlier for additional commencements," per KTRK-13. WHERE ARE YOU HEADED? The top 10 most-searched destinations for spring break 2021 "Definitely, no planned trips. Definitely wearing masks this year," said Texas A&M journalism major Brady Stone, as reported by KTRK. "We are kind of hunkering down and staying safe." Stone is in favor of the spring break cancelation, telling KTRK that most students will only be traveling back to their hometown anyway. Others disagree. In theory, I understand what theyre trying to do. They're trying to reduce travelbut in practicality, its going to be hard mentally on students," A&M junior Anaissa Diaz told the Houston Chronicle's Brittany Britto. "Were just going to have to power through that semester." Britto reported in November of last year that Baylor, Rice and Texas Southern universities also planned to eliminate spring break. The schools would instead give students days off throughout the year or condense the semester. TSU will give students two days on April 1 and 2, as well as the following weekend. Rice's plan involved kicking off the semester two weeks earlier and giving students five "sprinkle days" throughout the semester, two of which have already been taken. Students will also have March 16, March 26 and April 8 completely off. No assignments will be due on these days. We are just grateful in general to have those days in there somewhere. This semester has been kind of difficult not having any real breaks anywhere, Rice University sophomore Emily Elison told Britto. This tries to kind of make the best of both worlds. Prairie View A&M University students will not receive a spring break, per KTRK. University of Houston's spring break will be from March 15-20 for all campuses. College of the Mainland and San Jacinto College students will take spring break from March 15 to 21. The coronavirus lockdown has led to a plunge in the number of monthly births in Spain to the lowest recorded level ever, preliminary statistics showed on Wednesday, matching similar signs of decline elsewhere in Europe. Only 23,226 babies were born in December, 20.4% fewer than in December 2019 and the lowest since 1941, when such records started, the INE statistics agency said, stressing the link between the decline and one of Europe's strictest lockdowns. "Even though the number of births has been in a constant decline trend for several years, the fall has been accentuated nine months after the lockdown during the first state of (coronavirus) emergency," an INE statement said. However, even though Spain's initial coronavirus lockdown remained in effect for the whole of April 2020, the number of babies born in January 2021, nine months later, edged up a little to 24,061. Demographics experts have been forecasting a baby bust across Europe for 2021, as young people of child-bearing age have generally suffered the worst economic hit from lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19. Spain's fertility rate, the second lowest in Europe after tiny Malta, is still suffering the consequences of the double-dip recession caused by financial and debt crises in 2008-2012. Similar pandemic-associated declines in births have emerged in neighbouring European countries hit hard by the pandemic such as Italy and France. Births in Italy in December plunged by 21.6%, according to a survey released by statistics agency ISTAT, while births fell to the lowest level in France in 2020 since World War Two, according to the French statistics agency INSEE. In Spain, births were already falling fast before the coronavirus, posting a 16% drop between 2014 and 2019. As well as emotional challenges for couples wanting children, in the long run there will also be economic challenges for countries that may face years of struggle to pull themselves out of the economic slump caused by the pandemic. Fewer births means fewer and older workers. This could over time crimp economic output and strain public pension schemes and welfare systems, widening the gap between the richer north of Europe, where birth rates are higher, and the poorer south. The Pennsylvanian Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee stands for the end of all in-person instruction and the closing of all nonessential businesses until the pandemic is contained. Register here to join us for an online meeting this Thursday and read our latest statement here. To help expose conditions in your school, send photos and comments to educators@wsws.org. Across Philadelphia, 53 schools reopened Monday for roughly 3,000 pre-Kindergarten through second grade students, whose teachers had been ordered back to work last Wednesday in order to get their classrooms ready. The reopenings take place after the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) struck a rotten deal with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) to reopen schools without teachers even voting on the plan. Yesterday, both parties announced that 45 more schools will reopen next week. Under the agreement reached by the PFT and SDP, schools were certified safe by the union. However, testimony posted on social media by teachers, nurses and parents points out just how unsafe the schools really are. Upon returning to their classrooms Monday morning, Philadelphia educators found mouse droppings, insufficient personal protective equipment and expired test kits, among other unsafe conditions. One teacher posted a photo of mouse droppings in her classroom on social media, writing, My school is open. I had students today for the first time. My fan was removed and replaced with an air purifier. However, my classroom was not cleaned (like basic summer cleaning cleaned) and we were given the impression that buildings had been deep cleaned. On Friday, I spent hours cleaning my room that was full of mouse feces and other dirt and debris, some of which was on the window sill and heater!!!! Mouse feces were all around the sink!! Most of the other teachers in my school had similar stories, and Ive heard the same from around the city. Social media graphic designed by Philadelphia teacher to show rat droppings and actual unsafe conditions In one of the most disturbing posts, a school nurse wrote that the COVID-19 test kits they were sent expire on Thursday and are not being stored properly. Instead of sending new test kits, the nurses were told to extend their expiration date. She wrote that Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) originally promised to send new tests, which were supposed to arrive by the time the kids did. Instead, we were suddenly told that they are extending the expiration date of the tests until June. She concluded, If we cant trust the results of these tests, it could put many lives at risk. The reopening of the Philadelphia schools for in-person learning during the pandemic is a monstrous decision which will only lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases and the needless death and injury of students, teachers, staff and the community. In a press conference Monday at Juniata Park Academy in North Philadelphia, Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney and schools Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. hailed the reopening of classrooms. Although the pandemic is far from over, beginning to welcome some of our students back is a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel, Hite said. He failed to explain why placing students and teachers in a setting known to promote the transmission of COVID-19 is a light. For his part, Mayor Kenney justified the reopening of the schools by pointing to the difficulty young children face learning remotely. I often wondered about our youngest students and their socialization and academics, Kenney said. Photo taken by Philadelphia teacher after wiping down surfaces in their classroom While both Hite and Kenney posture as concerned over the problems facing children during the pandemic, the fact is that the Democratic Party has dominated Philadelphia politics for decades and is responsible for drastic conditions in Philadelphia schools, with mold, broken windows and asbestos. The PFT joined the district in hailing the return to in-person learning. Essentially doing public relations work for the district, the PFT promoted photos of immaculate classrooms on their Facebook page. These photos were contradicted by scores of posts by rank-and-file educators depicting the unsafe conditions within the schools. Image from PFT Facebook page to promote "safe" reopening of schools We feel lied to and betrayed, wrote one teacher next to photos of mouse droppings throughout her classroom. Seeing the condition of our school. Went in today and furniture was not cleaned, mouse droppings are everywhere. With these conditions, how are teachers supposed to have their rooms cleaned and rearranged to be ready to admit students on Monday? Another posted, Dollar store fans and no air purifier in sight at this safe room at Munoz-Marin today. Teachers and paraprofessionals pointed to the fact that hand sanitizer dispensers were empty, bathrooms in disrepair and filthy. Teachers reported mold stains on their ceilings and walls, and that desks were not removed to meet social distancing requirements. Even a photo on the School Districts Facebook page showed a child with her mask off. It was quickly removed as people commented on the difficulty of expecting such young children to wear masks and stay six feet apart. The reopening of Philadelphia public schools is the direct result of the actions of the teachers union. After mass opposition from teachers, the PFT stepped in to negotiate a deal to bring in so-called ventilation experts to certify the schools for reopening. Working behind the backs of the teachers, these experts certified schools to be opened without ever setting foot in the buildings, instead just reviewing documents. This agreement was never brought to the teachers for a vote. Teachers protest Philadelphia school board plan to reopen last month. (Source: Facebook/PFT) Under the agreement, all Pre-K to second grade classrooms are set to open by March 22. The school district then plans to bring in English as a second language students, followed by vocational education, with negotiations for high grade levels continuing during this period. The claim that schools can be reopened safely has been disproven in study after study. Most recently, K-12 schools have been shown to be the number one source of COVID-19 infections in Michigan. Nearly a million people have contracted COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and there have been an astonishing 24,500 deaths. The states death rate is higher than both Florida and California, falling only behind New York. The number of new cases has gone down since January, when there were over 10,000 new cases a day, but there are still over 2,000 new cases statewide every day, and the more contagious variants are becoming increasingly prevalent. The reopening of Philadelphia schools is part of a larger drive by the Biden administration to return to in-person learning throughout the country. After Trump and the Republicans spearheaded this policy last fall, Biden and the Democrats have taken up the mantle of reopening schools as part of the broader effort to get people back to work producing profits for Wall Street. At a fundamental level, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), and all their state and local affiliates, 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. 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 urge all Philadelphia educators to sign up today to join and help build this committee as your organization! TOKYO, Mar 10, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced the completion of its Data-Driven Social Creation Platform to contribute to the realization of the Japanese government's Society 5.0 concept(1), which presents a vision of a new, data-intensive society. The new platform commenced operations on March 9, 2021, and will be jointly operated by 9 universities and 2 research institutes(2) in Japan.The new platform was installed in March 2021 in the Kashiwa II Campus Research Building of the University of Tokyo. In collaboration with the Academic Information Network "SINET(3)" operated by the National Institute of Informatics (NII), the new platform will provide a wide range of computing resources and data collection, storage, and analysis functions to universities and research institutions throughout Japan.The Data-Driven Social Creation Platform consists of 368 next generation Fujitsu Server PRIMERGY CX2550 units equipped with the latest CPU and 40 units of the next generation model of Fujitsu Server PRIMERGY GX2570 equipped with high-end GPUs(4), as well as a storage system with a total of 27 petabytes storage capacity, optimized for high-speed processing and big data utilization.Fujitsu will continue to support leading-edge research leveraging big data at academic institutions globally.BackgroundIn recent years, data has become an important asset in society, and a growing need exists for high-performance data platforms that can aggregate data generated in various places and acquire new knowledge through sophisticated analysis. To realize the data-intensive society that the Society 5.0 aims to achieve, the 9 universities and 2 research institutes participating in the joint project needed a platform that could collect, accumulate, and analyze data from all universities and research institutes in Japan, as well as the ability to scale the system quickly according to future applications and needs.By leveraging its strength in system integration, Fujitsu proposed a high-performance system that integrates a large-capacity storage system, virtual infrastructure, and network equipment based on Fujitsu's latest x86 servers, and received an order for the new platform. The platform provides a wide range of computing resources to universities and research institutions across the country through the "SINET" operated by NII. In addition, it is linked to the "Calculation, data and learning" integration supercomputer system "Wisteria/BDEC-01", which is scheduled to be introduced to the Information Technology Center of the University of Tokyo in May 2021, to realize highly accurate simulations using data collected with the new platform.Features of the Data-Driven Social Creation Platform1. Collaborate with "SINET" to create an environment in which data can be collected, stored, and analyzed in real timeIt is possible to collect, store and analyze data in real time by connecting databases owned by all universities and research institutes in Japan to the new platform's computing resources and storage through the "SINET" network. This makes it easy for data providers and users in various fields to work together and strongly supports development work.By using the virtualization platform, the environment in which the user can flexibly utilize computing resources and storage capacity according to the application and needs was constructed.2. High-precision simulation in conjunction with a high-performance computing environmentThe new platform achieves highly accurate simulations by linking with the "Wisteria/BDEC-01" at the Information Technology Center of the University of Tokyo and the supercomputer system "AI Bridging Cloud Infrastructure(ABCI)" at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan.System Overview of the Data-Driven Social Creation Platform1. Integration of IaaS platform to provide high speed computing power and computing resources to users with more than 400 latest x86 serversIt consists of 368 units of the next-generation model of PRIMERGY CX2550 with two CPUs (3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, Code Name: Ice lake) per node and 40 units of the next-generation model of PRIMERGY GX2570 with eight high-end GPUs NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPU per node, achieving 8.5 petaflops(5) total theoretical operation performance.By combining x86 servers with the latest CPUs and x86 servers with the latest GPUs, the new platform combines the functions of x86 servers with the high-speed computing capabilities required to utilize AI and other technologies to provide computing resources that can be used by a wide range of customers.By integrating the virtualization infrastructure VMware vSphere 7 into all x86 servers, Fujitsu has created an IaaS platform that can flexibly provide computing resources to thousands of projects at the same time according to the user's application and needs.2. Interconnects with leading storage system and networking equipmentThrough its system integration, Fujitsu has built a system that can be interconnected with leading-edge storage systems and network equipment provided by its partners. This enables efficient and secure data collection, storage, and analysis.- A large-scale storage system manufactured by DataDirect Networks Japan, Inc., with a total capacity of 27 petabytes- Network equipment from NVIDIA Corporation that enables high-speed data transfer in the storage network portion-High-security networking equipment from Juniper Networks, Inc. in the front-end to external networks- Optical discs made by Sony Corporation that can store large amounts of data for several decades(1) Society 5.0An initiative proposed by the Japanese government as a vision of the future society Japan should aim for. It refers to a new society that follows the hunter-gatherer society (Society 1.0), the agricultural society (Society 2.0), the industrial society (Society 3.0), and the information society (Society 4.0). It aims to realize a new society in which economic development and solutions to social issues are compatible by incorporating new technologies that affect the way society should be, such as IoT, robots, AI, and big data, into all industries and social lives.(2) 9 universities and 2 laboratoriesHokkaido University, Tohoku University, University of Tsukuba, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Kyushu University, National Institute of Informatics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology(3) SINETAbbreviation for Science Information NETwork.(4) GPUAn abbreviation for Graphics Processing Units. A computing device for performing processing specialized in image processing and screen drawing.(5) PetaflopsPFLOPS (Peta Floating-point Operations Per Second). Peta is 1,000 trillion (10 to the 15th power). 1,000 trillion floating point operations per second.(6) TebibytesA unit of storage capacity that is 2 to the power of 40 bytes.Source: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A shower or two around the area early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Charleston police arrested a man suspected of threatening neighbors with a gun after a shootout with an officer at a West Ashley apartment complex March 10. The man was struck by a police bullet and injured, Chief Luther Reynolds said. He was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition. No one else, including officers, was injured. Officers were called at 11:01 a.m. to Colonial Grand at Cypress Cove Apartments, 3590 Mary Ader Ave., after someone called 911 and told dispatchers there was an armed man intimidating neighbors, police said. "(They) arrived within minutes after being dispatched and located the specific apartment within the complex where the suspect was located," police said. "While on scene, officers heard a single gunshot." Personnel from the department's Special Operations Division, including crisis negotiators, were working to deescalate the situation when the shooting happened, police said. It appears the suspect fired upon the officers, unprovoked, Reynolds said, adding that the investigation was still in its early stages and not all facts about what happened at the scene were known. The suspect was outdoors at the time of the shooting, he said. Investigators did not yet know whether the man took any hostages. Police spokesman Charles Francis said the man was in custody by 12:25 p.m. Both the suspect and officer involved are White males, Reynolds said. The suspect is 25 years old. His name was not released on March 10. Additional information about the officer was not available; however, the chief said he intends to release more information, including the officer's identity and service record, in the coming days. Reynolds said he was proud of his officers for continuing to do their jobs in the face of life-threatening danger. "This is the third incident in just over two months where we've had officers encounter a violent, armed, criminal offender," he said. "I am proud of and thankful that we have police officers in this department, throughout this region, throughout this country that are putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Theyre selfless and theyre fighting for others and protecting our citizens who cant fight for themselves." Agents with the State Law Enforcement Division responded and will be conducting an independent investigation running alongside Charleston Police Department's administrative review. The shooting scene was not visible from outside the apartment complex's property. A truck was seen leaving the area about 1:30 p.m. carrying rifle-armed SWAT members. An officer stood on the asphalt outside, turning away those who didnt live in the development. This was the third shooting involving a Charleston police officer since late December, and was the 11th overall in South Carolina this year. In 2020, there were 49 statewide, two of which involved Charleston police officers. SLED had no further comment on the shooting, deferring to the police department. The latest shooting came days after Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson announced officers wouldn't face criminal charges in the Dec. 29 shooting at Bridgeview Village apartments on North Romney Street on the peninsula. In that case, police said 28-year-old Jason Cooper began a shootout with police who were responding to a domestic violence call. One officer was shot but not seriously injured. Cooper was killed in the shootout. On Jan. 19, a Charleston officer opened fire on a Montrez Cyrus Simmons, 39. Simmons, who had been accused of murder in a Georgetown County killing. He also had been charged with carjacking the vehicle that Charleston police chased down. Simmons was hospitalized in the shooting. An Australian woman has spent her two-week quarantine getting creative - after deciding she couldn't bear throwing out all of the packaging from her daily ration packets. Marnee Halleen, 25, from Perth, made a flowing paper gown with a rose-covered bodice out of paper during her two-week hotel stay in Sydney, after returning from Canada where she had been living for two-and-a-half years. The legal assistant told Daily Mail Australia she has never designed a dress before and 'can't draw' but felt the urge to get creative. An Australian woman has spent her two-week quarantine getting creative - after deciding she couldn't bear throwing out all of the packaging from her daily ration packets Marnee Halleen, 25, from Perth, made a flowing paper gown with a rose-covered bodice out of paper during her two-week hotel stay in Sydney, after returning from Canada where she had been living for two-and-a-half years 'I just have a large imagination, I would think of an idea and if that didn't work I would just think about it more,' she said. The process took eight days in total, but she thinks it could be done in three, now she knows what she's doing. Ms Halleen initially started the project after seeing the pile of paper from the bags her food was brought in 'piling up'. So she 'deconstructed them' with her knife and cut strips of paper which would later become the 43 roses used on her corset. 'Then I realised I didn't want them to be white, so I used left over coffee sachets from the morning condiment delivery to stain the paper,' she said. The young woman told some of her friends about the project, but they were skeptical. She also told her mum who was interested in what she could come up with - and very supportive. The legal assistant told Daily Mail Australia she has never designed a dress before and 'can't draw' but felt the urge to get creative 'I just have a large imagination, I would think of an idea and if that didn't work I would just think about it more,' she said 'At first the paper bags didn't move right - I wanted to know how I could make it wearable,' she said. She then 'scrunched' paper to make the skirt of the dress and found it worked much better. She ordered in some craft supplies, including scissors, sticky tape and a glue gun for the project. And when it was finally ready she appeared on Facetime to her closest friends and family, to reveal the exquisite gown. 'My friends, who were skeptical, were shocked and said it was something they would wear.' Ms Halleen initially started the project after seeing the pile of paper from the bags her food was brought in 'piling up' 'My friends, who were skeptical, were shocked and said it was something they would wear.' 'My mum just said 'I am so proud of you, this is incredible,' she said. The dress is 'a little too large' for Ms Halleen, who is a size 8, and is put on with the help of sticky tape. The trial-and-error craft, watching Wentworth and Face timing with friends and family helped the woman through her quarantine. She has had to spend around $10,000 to get home after the Australian Government initially told her to 'stay put' at the beginning of the pandemic. She is now home in Perth, as is the dress which she had to 'fold to get in the overhead locker on the plane'. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has hired its new top staffer. North Carolina chamber veteran Bob Morgan was named as CEO of the Columbia-based pro-business advocacy group on March 10. His first day will be April 1. Morgan has more than than 20 years experience, including 13 years as president a chief executive officer of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, which he left in 2018. Most recently, he has been public affairs director for the past two years at Robinson Bradshaw, a Queen City-based law firm with an office in Rock Hill. Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the chamber in what will soon be the post-pandemic era of our economy, Morgan said in a written statement. The ingredients are in place for South Carolina to earn its rightful recognition as one of the most pro-business states in our country. He replaces Ted Pitts, the former chief of staff for Gov. Nikki Haley. Pitts announced in October that he was stepping down to return to the Columbia-based commercial real estate firm Wilson Kibler. Swati Patel, the chamber's executive vice president of public policy, has been serving as CEO on an interim basis. The group's legislative priorities this year include passage of a hate-crimes bill, protecting employers from COVID-19 lawsuits and overhauling South Carolina's property tax system. Beth Moore, a popular Christian author and Bible teacher in Houston, has decided to leave the Southern Baptist Convention as the largest coalition of Baptist churches in the U.S. wrestles with controversies about sexual abuse, race and the role of women in ministry. I am still a Baptist, but I can no longer identify with Southern Baptists, Moore told the Religion News Service in an article published Tuesday. I love so many Southern Baptist people, so many Southern Baptist churches, but I dont identify with some of the things in our heritage that havent remained in the past. News of Moores departure landed like a bombshell in churches across the country where her Bible lessons are widely studied and enjoyed. Beth Moore leaving the Southern Baptist Convention is the religion news equivalent to Prince Harry leaving the royal firm, wrote Christian author Diana Butler Bass on Twitter. A big and unthinkable deal. An outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, Moore has spoken publicly about her own experience as a young abuse survivor and how she didnt feel safe in her home, but felt safe at her local Baptist church. After the Houston Chronicle published Abuse of Faith, an investigation in 2019 that revealed how SBC church leaders, employees and volunteers had sexually abused 700 people over the past 20 years, Moore urged SBC leaders to do more to protect church members. Maybe youre not the abuser or the abused, but youre in a family where its happening rampantly, Moore said at the SBCs annual meeting in Birmingham in 2019. Our family is sick. How do we get well? But in recent years, the conservative wing of the SBC has tried to silence Moore. She said the pushback started when she criticized Donald Trump after an Access Hollywood recording caught him on tape boasting about grabbing the genitals of women and forcing himself on them. Moore said she was shocked when fellow evangelicals, who had roundly criticized Bill Clintons affair with Monica Lewinsky, rallied around Trump. In 2019, when Moore and SBC leaders called for reforms to prevent sexual abuse in churches, conservative pastors accused Moore of overstepping her Biblical bounds as a woman by delivering a sermon at a church. Women are prohibited from becoming pastors in Southern Baptist churches. Russell Moore, the head of the SBCs public policy entity who is no relation to Beth Moore, rebuked her critics. A Southern Baptist Convention that doesnt have a place for Beth Moore doesnt have a place for a lot of us, he said in 2019. Now Moore has decided the SBC has no place for her, raising questions about whether supporters will follow in her footsteps as the SBC struggles to attract new members. The SBC has officially apologized for its early stance on slavery, which had split Baptists in 1845. But controversies over race continue. Two prominent pastors of Black Baptist churches, Charlie Dates in Chicago and Ralph West in Houston, announced they were leaving the SBC after seminary leaders declared that critical race theory, an academic field that examines how white supremacy permeates society, was incompatible with Baptist faith. What the SBC seminary presidents have done has brought division and confusion to the body of Christ, West wrote in an opinion piece published by the Baptist Standard that explained his departure. American history has been tainted with racism. America codified it. And more, our public and private institutions propagated it, West wrote. Moore said the SBCs publishing arm, Lifeway Christian Resources, will continue distributing her books but will no longer publish them or help organize Moores live events, which have drawn thousands of people. At the end of the day, there comes a time when you have to say, this is not who I am, Moore said. john.tedesco@chron.com Google has announced plans to stop supporting tools designed to follow internet users across the web in order to target them with specific advertising. Such tools are known as cookies. These are small data files that are stored on an internet users computer as they browse different websites. This data can be read by web servers to identify web browsing behaviors of the user. Cookies make it possible for users to avoid having to repeatedly enter their user names and passwords to get access to websites they use often. But the use of cookies raises major privacy concerns, with critics saying a users browsing history should not be recorded just to target them with ads. Google announced in 2020 it had decided to remove support for third-party cookies from its Chrome browser. Chrome has a world market share of about 60 percent. Other browsers, such as Mozillas Firefox and Apples Safari, have already blocked third-party cookies. In another recent online announcement, Google repeated this promise and said it will not build or use new tools to replace current cookie technology. In explaining its decision, Google pointed to a Pew Research study that found 72 percent of Americans feel that almost all of what they do online or on a cellphone is tracked by advertisers. Googles decision to remove third-party cookies also followed increasing efforts to protect privacy in Europe and the United States. Google said the current internet advertising model needs to change to answer the growing concerns people have about their privacy and how their personal identity is being used. Otherwise, it added, we risk the future of the free and open web. Questions raised on Googles plan In January, however, Googles plan was called into question by British competition regulators. The countrys Competition and Markets Authority announced it had launched an investigation into whether the changes would give Google an unfair advantage over competitors in internet advertising. The agency said it received objections to the plan from Marketers for an Open Web, a coalition of technology and publishing companies. The group accuses Google of abusing its dominant position by attempting to create a new advertising model. In its latest statement, Google said it has been working with others in the industry on the Privacy Sandbox project, which aims to create a new system to please both advertisers and publishers. Google also repeated that it does not plan to replace third-party cookies with new user level identifiers. We will not build alternate identifiers to track individuals as they browse across the web, nor will we use them in our products, the company said. What Google is proposing is to group web users with similar interests together to gather information for advertising purposes. Such a system would hide individuals within large [groups] of people and prevent individual tracking, the company said. Businesses could, for example, target ads to a group of people who show interest in buying a car, rather than using cookies that tracked individual users across different car-buying websites. James Rosewell heads Marketers for an Open Web. He told The Associated Press that even though the changes are aimed at improving user privacy, Google will still be able to track users of its own services. What theyre not saying is that people are logged into our products all the time and therefore are giving permission to be tracked when they use Search, Maps, Gmail or YouTube, Rosewell said. What theyre not saying is, were going to stop all of that. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Will the End of Internet Cookies Bring More User Privacy? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story browse v. to look at information on the internet access n. the right or ability to approach, enter, or use track v. to follow and watch the progress of a process or project regulator n. a part of the government that controls a public activity by making and enforcing rules advantage n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed dominant adj. the main or most important alternate adj. taking the place of something else log in v. to connect a computer to a system of computers by usually entering a name and password Five Vietnamese volunteers who received jabs as part of the national rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 have experienced several side-effects, according to the Ministry of Health. Medical workers are the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine produced by AstraZeneca. Two volunteers got anaphylaxis at level 2, while three other individuals endured a range of reactions after having the injection, including diarrhea, allergies, and hypotension. Health experts stated that despite the reports of side-effects, currently all of the volunteers remain in a stable condition. At present, they are undergoing a thorough physical examination and will have their health closely monitored by doctors. Scientists have warned the AstraZeneca vaccine may cause several side-effects such as tenderness, joint pain or muscle ache, warmth, itching or bruising, fatigue, a headache, and feeling sick. However, these are common side-effects, they said. This week saw Vietnam launch its national COVID-19 vaccination drive, with 522 healthcare workers and people of COVID-19 supervisory groups in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Gia Lai and Hai Duong inoculated. According to the National Expanded Immunization Programme, Vietnam is set to receive approximately 1.4 million doses of the vaccine on March 25, and a further 2.8 million doses in April. These will be the first batches of the COVAX vaccine that the country will get over two months. An additional batch of 1.48 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that the Ministry of Health is purchasing from AstraZeneca will arrive in April. VOV First batches of COVID-19 COVAX vaccine to arrive in Vietnam soon Vietnam is expected to get 5.657 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 in March and April, with most of them to be delivered by the COVAX Facility. Tens of thousands of women joined a demonstration in the Spanish city of Barcelona on Monday commemorating International Women's Day. Women in Spain marked this year's Women's Day with static protests, pot-banging, bicycle fun rides and other small-sized events to prevent gatherings that could trigger a new spike of coronavirus infections. Barcelona was the largest gathering, where organisers asked people to stand still instead of marching. The protest's slogan was: "Together, diverse and rebellious, we are unstoppable." Spain's Constitutional Court on Monday rejected last-minute appeals by unions and women's rights groups to street protests or marches in the Spanish capital of Madrid, following similar rulings by lower-level courts. The decision has enraged many who argued it was possible to raise their voice in favour of gender equality and against discrimination without endangering public health. Over 100 protesters defied the order by gathering while staying at a distance from each other in Madrid's Puerta del Sol central square. They shouted "enough with patriarchal justice" and held banners against fascism and called for an end to violence and discrimination against women. Spain's thriving feminist movement has claimed a few victories in recent years, including the adoption of gender violence laws and forcing judicial reforms regarding sexual abuse. Yet activists say the social and economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic has widened both salary gap between men and women and the gap in any work-life balance. A draft of a new Transgender Law has deepened divisions in the movement and within the left-wing ruling coalition, with the leading Socialist party opposing self-determination of gender without a mental health diagnosis. Far-right activists, meanwhile, have campaigned against gender violence laws that they say discriminate against men and lambasted the government's push to make consent in sexual relations legally mandatory. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) ARISS press conference on Columbus ham radio system The ARISS team will conduct a 45-minute press conference for media on Wednesday, March 10 at 1900 UTC (1400 EST). This press conference will focus on the ARISS Radio system mounted in the Columbus module As a reminder, the ARISS team has been working very closely with NASA and ESA to identify potential causes of an ARISS radio anomaly first observed after the EVA (spacewalk) conducted on January 27. No transmissions or receptions have been heard from this radio since the EVA. During the spacewalk, cabling was installed to support the commissioning of the Bartolomeo attached payload capability mounted on Columbus. Part of this effort rerouted the ARISS antenna cable through one of the Bartolomeo cables. The press conference will provide insight into some of the cable troubleshooting that has occurred. It will also discuss the EVA (spacewalk) planned for Saturday March 13 where astronauts Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover will complete the connection of payload cables on the new Bartolomeo platform. While at the Bartolomeo platform, the astronauts plan to reroute the ARISS cabling back to its original configuration prior to the January 27 EVA. Interested media can attend the upcoming press conference using the following GoTo meeting credentials: ARISS Press Conference: Columbus Module Hardware Status Wed, Mar 10, 2021 1900-1945 UTC/2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST) Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/229563437 You can also dial in using your phone: United Kingdom: +44 330 221 0088 Other countries numbers at https://www.ariss.org/ All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you're looking for world-beating ANC wireless headphones and don't need the absolute latest model, Sony's WH-1000XM3 cans are among the best out there. The smart move with a model like this is to wait for a sale, and there's now a very good one: Focus Photo & Video is matching its previous low by selling them for just $200 with the discount code BDTHANKS. Buy WH-1000XM3 at Focus Photo & Video - $200 Despite being replaced by the $350 WH-1000XM4 headphones, the WH-1000XM3 is still a rare triple-threat in its category. It not only offers top-notch sound with powerful base and high clarity, but also excellent active noise cancellation whether you're on the street or in an airplane. They also deliver solid comfort, which is a plus since you can use them for 30 hours before the battery needs to be charged. And when it does, you can get an additional five hours in just 10 minutes thanks to the quick charging. Both the sound quality and noise reduction are customizable to your own preferences and they support Alexa voice control, to boot. The only negatives we found are finicky touch controls and the high price tag. Luckily, the deal from Focus Photo & Video renders the latter moot with one of the best prices we've seen. Just remember to add the code, BDTHANKS, when you check out. FLINT, MI Alonna Tipton felt a sense of community, earned a degree and gained an experience of a lifetime when she attended an HBCU, or historically Black college and university. She wants to help give students in her community the same opportunity that she was granted. Tipton, a Jackson State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, started a nonprofit organization called the ACTion Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for returning college students in the Flint area who are actively attending a HBCU. I was thinking when I went off to school I had a great support system that helped me throughout my four years of being away, Tipton said. I just wanted to be an assistance to my community. The nonprofit founder said she observes many high schoolers being able to attend college but oftentimes have trouble securing the funds to continue their education past freshman year. Requirements to be eligible for the scholarship include possessing a 3.0 or higher GPA, an official transcript, a native of the Flint area and a current HBCU student returning as a sophomore, junior or senior. The Flint native made one of the requirements tied to being a student at an HBCU because of the help and education she received while she was there. Its not familiar in our community, or the city of Flint, to attend a HBCU, Tipton explained. We have to leave the whole state just to get that experience and because of my experience I want to give other students and other people an opportunity to experience it. The nearest HBCU to Flint or Michigan is Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio. The foundation, established in September 2020, didnt receive any applicants for the scholarship last year, but is preparing for scholarship students this year with the application process opening in June. The minimum scholarship granted to students will be $250, Tipton said. Students can also apply more than once for the scholarship as long as they continue to meet the requirements. The nonprofit is funded by donations from Tiptons family members, colleagues, friends, and local residents. Im really excited to get the word out there, its just a small thing, but I see the bigger picture, Tipton said. Read more on MLive: Flint students virtually tour historically Black colleges and universities for Black History Month The pandemics psychological toll on our children Flint parents urged to use free Early On evaluation services for infants and toddlers Flint grapples with pandemic-fueled surge in homicides, crime Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories. Clio schools ups pay, incentives in face of bus driver shortage exacerbated by COVID-19 [March 10, 2021] mdf commerce signs five-year Strategic Sourcing renewal for its contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution with premier Alaska Native Corporation MONTREAL, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- mdf commerce inc. (TSX:MDF), a leader in SaaS commerce technology solutions, today announces a five-year renewal agreement with Alutiiq Professional Consulting, LLC (APC). APC is a sister company to Alutiiq, LLC (Alutiiq), a premier Alaska Native Corporation-owned company whose subsidiaries are leading providers of specialized services to the US Federal Government. The renewed mdf commerce contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution for APC has dramatically improved team collaboration and operational efficiency. This enterprise-grade solution streamlines the complete contract lifecycle, which provides uniform and comprehensive visibility to all contracts and ensures proactive and automated CLM processes. Included is efficient document storage and administration as well as dynamic search capability and reporting. Complying with US Federal Government regulations is of paramount importance to all federal contractors, and APC, Alutiiq and its companies can count on the CLM systems integrated clause management feature to ensure the tracking of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses, the associated versions, and the subsequent government regulations consistent with contracted tasks. The mdf commerce CLM solution has vastly improved our processes when it comes to managing contracts and clauses,and ensuring a transparent and efficient workflow, said Kathryn S. Stem, Senior Director of Contracts and Procurement at APC. It was a very easy decision for us to renew our agreement with mdf commerce, as the CLM solution not only increases our productivity, but also helps us with compliance requirements and advanced collaboration. "We are excited to renew our successful partnership with APC," said Mark Eigenbauer, President, Strategic Sourcing at mdf commerce. "Fostering long-term commercial relationships like the one we have with APC is a great testament to the services we provide and we look forward to helping Alutiiq achieve its business goals." About mdf commerce inc. mdf commerce inc. (TSX:MDF) enables the flow of commerce by providing a broad set of SaaS solutions that optimize and accelerate commercial interactions between buyers and sellers. Our platforms and services empower businesses around the world, allowing them to generate billions of dollars in transactions on an annual basis. Our strategic sourcing, unified commerce and eMarketplace platforms are supported by a strong and dedicated team of more than 600 employees based in Canada, the United States, Denmark, Ukraine and China. For more information, please visit us at mdfcommerce.com, follow us on LinkedIn or call at 1-877-677-9088. For further information: mdf commerce Mark Eigenbauer President, Strategic Sourcing Toll-free number: 1-877-677-9088, ext. 6250 Email: meigenbauer@mdfcommerce.com mdf commerce Andre Leblanc Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs Phone: +1 (514) 961-0882 Email: aleblanc@mdfcommerce.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Great JonesBy KELLY MCCARTHY, ABC News (NEW YORK) -- It shouldn't take a day on the calendar to support women-helmed businesses, but what better time than Women's History Month to highlight a handful of boss babes who are setting a unique spot at the table and inspiring other female founders in the modern food industry. From chefs and restaurateurs to food publications and consumer product goods, there are no shortage of incredible women behind brands that boast big flavors and innovative marketing. Let's take a peek at five female founders whose companies you should remember, follow on social media and open a new tab for: Great Jones Longtime friends Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis launched cookware company Great Jones in 2017 and it has since become a household name for home cooks, chefs, authors and culinary pros. "I needed to upgrade my kitchenware (no more Teflon), and I had trouble figuring out what I actually needed and why," Tishgart told ABC News' Good Morning America, adding that she wanted beautiful pieces that would last. "I wanted to be able to reasonably purchase them for myself, instead of waiting to receive them as a registry present. And I wanted someone to hold my hand through the process and make the experience of outfitting my kitchen joyful and fun." The brightly colored, sleek line of pots and pans was designed and named after famed female cookbook editor Judith Jones, who championed the work of Julia Child, Edna Lewis, James Beard and other iconic, diverse authors. "She died at age 93 shortly before we started the company. She had the most beautiful kitchen in New York City and displayed her cookware like works of art," Tishgart said. "It's an honor to see our products in anyone's home. It is particularly meaningful to have the insight and support of so many women in the culinary world. I'll never forget Missy Robbins testing our products in Lilia's kitchen, or Moonlynn Tsai and Jessica Koslow choosing to invest their time and capital in Great Jones." As for other females in the food industry, Tishgart named a few who inspire her. "Klancy Miller, she just founded her own publication, For the Culture, that celebrates Black women in food and wine. Sana Javeri Kadri, who is building a more equitable spice trade through Diaspora Co.," she shared. "Alison Cayne, who pivoted her Haven's Kitchen cooking school and created a line of delicious fresh sauces. Elena Liao, who runs my favorite place in New York City, a Taiwanese tea room called Te Company." If Tishgart could cook or eat dinner with three women she said it would have to be "Meghan Markle, Oprah and the queen." Check out a few more female-helmed food brands Tishgart loves and recommends: Ghia, Brightland, Partake and Supernatural. Omsom Co-founders and sisters Kim and Vanessa Tam created their company Omsom to start a cultural dialogue and bring bold, Asian flavors to consumers with starter kits that simplify cooking their culture's authentic cuisine. Brightland Aishwarya Iyer created the clean olive oil brand with artist-designed bottles in 2018 after looking for ways to improve her and her husband's well-being and confidence in the kitchen. "Brightland was born out of a desire for better, more honest food production and a deep belief in the land and what it provides," she wrote on the company's site. "I believe in the California sun and soil, and the beautiful olives, grapes and fruit they yield. It's my wish that our products provide abundant nourishment." Diaspora Co. Spices Sana Javeri Kadri, founder and self proclaimed "spice sourceress at large," who was born and raised in Mumbai, started the brand in 2017 at just 23 years old and now works in close partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to provide ongoing support to partner farmers -- who all practice sustainable agriculture. Kadri has grown the business from just one spice to a vibrant line of individual spices, blends and even brand collaborations. "As of 2021 we're proud of work with 12 farmers and 320-plus farmworkers across six states. We pay our farm partners an average six times more than the commodity price, and by the end of this year we aim to provide health insurance to every single farmworker that is part of our rapidly growing supply chain," Kadri said. Pineapple Collaborative More than a single product, the Pineapple Collaborative started with a mission to build a community focused on women who collaborate in the kitchen, online and in real life starting with hosted events in Washington, D.C., to spotlight other incredible women in food. Atara Bernstein and Ariel Pasternak co-founded and created the company in 2017 and have since launched its first products, The Olive Oil and The Apple Cider Vinegar, in 2019. The group's momentum grew and events expanded to New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and now across digital platforms with original content and contributors in a space called "the pantry." "In the last five years we've grown from a potluck in my house to an international brand and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime: to build a mission forward business celebrating inspiring people who create a better food system," Pasternak said in a recent Instagram post. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Sinaloa Cartel Founded in 1989 by Hector Palma, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the Sinaloa Cartel today stands as one of the most established transnational drug trafficking organizations. While it has carved out a presence in 15 of the 32 Mexican states, the cartel also expanded its operations into the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. With El Chapo in prison, the cartel has been plagued by internal fighting between Zambada and three of El Chapos four sons, known as Los Chapitos. The Drug Enforcement Administration views the Sinaloa Cartel as one of the top two criminal organizations along with its rival, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The DEA said the Sinaloa Cartel 'exports and distributes wholesale amounts of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in the United States by maintaining distribution hubs in various cities.' How they get drugs into the US: 'Illicit drugs distributed by the Sinaloa Cartel are primarily smuggled into the United States through crossing points located along the [south west border]. The cartel employs gatekeepers assigned to Ports Of Entry and controls Arizona and California area smuggling corridors into the United States.' Jalisco New Generation Cartel The Jalisco New Generation Cartel was once allied to the Sinaloa Cartel as El Chapo depended on its firepower to combat Los Zetas. Commandeered by Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, the group set itself apart from other cartels in the country butchering its enemies and today is considered by the Mexican government as the most dangerous group in the country. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is spread out across 23 of the Mexico's 32 states and currently finds itself at war with at least ten cartels. The group has been known to have increased the power that its members have by purchasing military weapons and parts from the United States. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to the DEA, specializes 'in manufacturing and distributing large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.' How they get drugs into the US: 'The CJNG smuggles illicit drugs into the United States by accessing various trafficking corridors in northern Mexico along the SWB including Tijuana, Juarez, and Nuevo Laredo. The CJNG also has influence over the busiest port in Mexico, the Port of Manzanillo, and utilizes that influence for the distribution of large quantities of drugs.' Beltran-Leyva Organization For a while, the Beltran-Leyva Organization [BLO] was born out of the Sinaloa Cartel and became one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico led by the Beltran Leyva brothers: Marcos Arturo, Carlos, Alfredo, Mario Alberto and Hector. The Beltran-Leyva Organization was involved in a deadly war with the Sinaloa Cartel after the brothers accused their cousin, El Chapo, of being responsible for the January 2008 arrest of Alfredo. The brothers retaliated by reportedly plotting the murder of El Chapos 22-year-old son, Edgar Guzman, in May 2008. Alfredos arrest sparked one of the worst periods in Mexicos war on drugs as the BLOs new ally, the Juarez Cartel, went to war with the Sinaloa Cartel in Ciudad Juarez, a border town across from Texas. The BLO also expanded its might by going toe-to-toe with the Gulf Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel and La Familia Cartel in the northeastern border city of Reynosa. While the cartel remains viable today, the organizations members over time split into 11 factions. How they get drugs into the US: 'BLO relies on its loose alliances with larger cartels for access to drug smuggling corridors along the [south west border].' Los Zetas and the Cartel del Noreste [Northeast Cartel] Los Zetas were created by Mexican military deserters who formed an alliance with the Gulf Cartel in 1999 and based its operations in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, across from Laredo, Texas. The group quickly carved out a named for itself through its savage killings. By 2010, Los Zetas split from the Gulf Cartel. Los Zetas at one point dominated more cities across Mexico than the Sinaloa Cartel, with whom it clashed amidst a threat from the Gulf Cartel to eliminate it completely. Like some of the other Mexican cartels, Los Zetas saw some of its members split and form their own groups. Los Zetas role play in the drug trade is enforced by one of its factions, the Cartel del Noreste [Northeast Cartel]. Together, the criminal groups have set up its small, but lucrative, drug trade business into the Texas border cities of Laredo and Eagle Pass while controlling routes and turfs in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas. How they get drugs into the US: 'Members smuggle the majority of their illicit drugs through the [south west border] in the areas of Laredo, Texas; Eagle Pass, Texas; and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and parts of Tamaulipas.' Guerrero Unidos Operating in central Mexico, the Guerrero Unidos broke away from the Beltran-Leyva Organization and formed an alliance with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to traffic drugs into the United States and bring back its profits into Mexico. The cartel is accused of being behind the September 2014 disappearance of 43 students, who were kidnapped by local police in Iguala, a city in the southern state of Guerrero. How they get drugs into the US: 'The cartel has a working partnership with the CJNG and uses the same transportation networks to move drug shipments into the United States and to return drug proceeds back to Mexico.' Gulf Cartel The Gulf Cartel is considered to be one of the oldest active criminal organizations in Mexico and is believed to have close ties to other gangs in Europe, West Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, and the United States. The organization started off by smuggling alcohol into the United States during the Prohibition Era. It was not until the 1980 that it got itself immersed into the drug trade. The DEA believes the Gulf Cartel has been working closely with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as it ships heroin and cocaine to the Texas border cities of McAllen and Brownsville. How they get drugs into the US: 'The Gulf Cartel focuses its drug trafficking activities on heroin and cocaine by transporting loads into the United States near the McAllen and Brownsville, Texas, areas.' Juarez Cartel and La Linea The Juarez Cartel cemented itself as one of the mayor players in the drug trade business back in the 1970s. It founder, Amado Carrillo, was known as 'El Senor de los Cielos' or 'The Lord of the Skies' due to the massive fleet of planes he owned to transport drugs, especially cocaine from Colombia and other countries in Latin America. The cartel was once allied to El Chapo before that relationship fell apart after the notorious drug lord declined to pay the Juarez Cartel for the right to use its drug smuggling routes. The Juarez Cartel has depended on its armed wing, La Linea, to transport heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas. How they get drugs into the US: 'These cartels greatest territorial influence is in the state of Chihuahua near the [south west border]. This area has profitable smuggling opportunities between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas.' La Familia Michoacana La Familia Michoacana was once linked to the Gulf Cartel before it went on its own in 2006. Between 2009 and 2010, the cartel proposed to the Mexican government that it had plans of laying down its arms as long as its home state of Michoacan was granted protection. However, President Felipe Calderon shot down their offer, which led to the cartel becoming increasingly involved in the funding of political candidates. La Familia Michoacana today maintains a relationship with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and other criminal groups as part of its drug smuggling operation. How they get drugs into the US: 'LFM has some ties to the CJNG and also works with other smaller groups to further the cartels drug trafficking activities.' Los Rojos Just like Guerreros Unidos, Los Rojos was formed as an armed wing and broke away from the Beltran-Leyva Organization. According to a 2020 Congressional report, Los Rojos 'operates in Guerrero and relies heavily on kidnapping and extortion for revenue as well as trafficking cocaine, although analysts dispute the scope of its involvement in the drug trade.' How they get drugs into the US: 'Los Rojos is involved in heroin trafficking' Advertisement Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's claim that they are entitled to their own protection was exposed to criticism today after it emerged royals such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who quietly carry out hundreds of engagements each year, live most of their lives without taxpayer-funded security. The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate all get round-the-clock protection - while Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie are guarded only on official duties and engagements. Senior royals carried out 3,567 engagements in 2019 - including 295 by the Queen, 521 by Charles, 194 by Camilla, 220 by William and 126 by Kate. In the same year, Harry did 201 and Meghan carried out 83 - while Anne did 506. Other royals including the Queen's granddaughters Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie do not have state-funded security, while Prince Andrew lost his after stepping down from royal duties in November 2019. Beatrice and Eugenie's security is no longer paid for by the British taxpayer, despite them being princesses and grandchildren of the monarch, because they are not working royals and have full-time jobs instead. Beatrice and Eugenie had police protection costing 500,000 until 2011 when this was removed amid a row over the cost, with the Queen having made it clear that she expected them to pursue their own careers after university. Princess Diana also famously jettisoned her police protection team in 1993 after her divorce from Charles - despite the Metropolitan Police making efforts to get her to change her mind before she died in Paris in August 1997. The budget on air travel for royal bodyguards hit 4.6million in 2018-19, while their hotel stays cost 2million in 2017-18. Anti-monarch group Republic estimates that taxpayers foot a 106million annual bill on royal security. It comes after Harry's assumption that taxpayers would pay for their security after the Sussexes left the UK was branded 'arrogant' and 'unworkable' by an expert after he spoke about the issue in the Oprah Winfrey interview. The Duke of Sussex said in the chat, shown on ITV on Monday, that he had to cut deals with Spotify and Netflix after his family cut him off financially and stripped his security, forcing him to foot the multi-million bill himself. This graphic shows how the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate all get round-the-clock protection - while Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie are guarded only when on official duties and engagements The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke to Oprah Winfrey in a bombshell interview which was first aired on CBS on Sunday But in reality the couple, who now live in Montecito, California, had moved to a country where their royal protection officers would have been legally unable to carry out their duties and therefore their lives could have been put at risk as British officers cannot carry guns under US laws or access intelligence about potential threats. And if an officer harmed someone in the course of protecting the Sussexes, they could have found themselves facing an expensive lawsuit or even criminal charges as they had no legal basis to operate in a foreign country. Protection received by Royal Family members FULL 24/7 PROTECTION Queen (295) Philip William (220) Kate (126) Charles (521) Camilla (194) PROTECTION ON OFFICIAL DUTIES Anne (506) Edward (308) Sophie (236) NO PROTECTION Andrew (274) Harry (201) Meghan (83) Zara Beatrice Eugenie Numbers denote 2019 engagements for best comparison due to pandemic in 2020 Advertisement The level of protection given to royals is based on a threat assessment conducted by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, reported The Times. The JTAC gathers intelligence from security services in Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - known as the 'Five Eyes partnership' - and then makes recommendations to to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which is chaired by former civil servant Sir Richard Mottram. Scotland Yard provides automatic protection to only the most senior royals and members of the Government, but the force will also give protection for any individual who faces a big enough risk, according to the newspaper. Simon Morgan, a former royal protection officer, told MailOnline today how decisions on what publically-funded security is given to individual royals are made by Ravec, which controls the security budget for the Royal Household. He said: 'Ravec as a body is chaired by a senior civil servant and they are effectively an accountability department to make sure protection is being run cost-effectively, to make sure that it is not being used and to make sure that it's being run effectively. 'They basically decree what RaSP (Royalty and Specialist Protection, the Metropolitan Police Service's dedicated protection teams) as the delivery agent will give to various members of the royal family, the Government and anyone coming to the UK - if there's a presidential visit, or if there's a G20 summit.' He said they will consult with parties including the Royal Household, the intelligence services, the Foreign Office and the Home Office and then subsequently decision 'who's going to get what'. Mr Morgan, who worked for members of the Royal Family between 2007 and 2013 in the UK and overseas and who now runs Mayfair-based private security company Trojan Consultancy, added: 'The Queen gets a full package as you would naturally expect, that's actually on the statute books. 'By law the Metropolitan Police Service will look after the throne and the heir to the throne, so that's how you start to cascade back with who gets what. 'The Queen has her package along with the Duke of Edinburgh, then you have the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall as the heir to throne, then you have the heir's heir to the throne, as with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children. 'The scenario is all done on a threat basis - what is the current threat, everyone looks at the threat matrix with regards to things like international terrorism and the fixated threat - these are essentially stalkers.' Meghan is led away from a market in Fiji in October 2018 with her police protection officer amid a heavy security presence Prince Harry is accompanied by a security team as he arrives at Edinburgh Waverley train station in February last year He said a 'fixated person' will probably start off being a letter writer, then attend events or arrive at a home, before coming to some sort of 'individual action'. What is the George V convention and why do 104-year-old rules mean Archie was not entitled to be an HRH or a prince? King George V and Queen Mary after his 1911 coronation In 1917, the Queen's grandfather issued new letters patent that limited the number of royal family members with an HRH title. These stated that 'the children of any Sovereign of these Realms and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour'. This means that when Prince Charles become King, his grandchildren - including Archie - will all automatically become princes or princesses. It was also decreed that 'grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line ... shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms' (i.e., Lord or Lady before their Christian name).' In addition the letters stated 'save as aforesaid the style title or attribute of Royal Highness, Highness or Serene Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess shall not henceforth be assumed or borne by any descendant of any Sovereign of these Realms. Advertisement Mr Morgan added: 'They're a mixture of people - some of them believe they are members of the Royal Family and married to the Duke of Cambridge, and some have hatred for the Royal Family.' He also pointed out that there is 'no set formula with regards to who gets what', adding: 'It's well documented that princess Beatrice and Eugenie had their protection taken away when they finished full-time education. 'Again that was Ravec's decision, because they weren't going to be working royals upon leaving education, so that was taken away and they had a privately funded protection team.' Asked if the system was fair, Mr Morgan said: 'It is proportionate, it is accountable and it is necessary. And it has to be because someone is overseeing that in the form of Ravec to ensure it is all those things. You ultimately have to make sure it is cost effective and it's not being abused.' Speaking about Harry and Meghan, he continued: 'They are no longer working members of the British Royal Family, they now live in America, which deals with a different set of legislation with regards to you operating as a UK police officer. 'You also have to consider the welfare of those police officers - ultimately they are London-based. While you accept you will be away from home in the UK or overseas on a royal tour, you certainly don't expect to be posted permanently away from home.' He added: 'The key thing about the protection is it's just not the Queen's gift to give or take away, it's been very much quoted that protection (for Harry and Meghan) was withdrawn by the Royal Family or Household, but Ravec is an independent body that sits to make sure protection is accountable.' And John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, told MailOnline: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex can't have it both ways: either they're working royals with the obligations which that entails, or they're private citizens seeking independence.' Meghan claimed in the bombshell interview that she was told her son Archie would not receive security because he would not be a prince. Harry also told Oprah: 'I never thought that I would have my security removed, because I was born into this position. I inherited the risk. So that was a shock to me. That was what completely changed the whole plan.' But those familiar with royal protection have criticised both claims, with one police source telling The Times: 'If you cease to be a royal, you lose your HRH and you go to another country like America, your threat level is going to reduce quite considerably because basically, who wants to kill you? 'You're not a royal. It still will exist - there still will be a threat against Meghan and Harry but it won't be high. And the threat against their children is non-existent so the notion that her son should get protection just because they were born to Meghan and Harry is nonsense, really.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduce their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor at Windsor Castle in May 2019 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan hold Archie in Cape Town while visiting on a royal visit to South Africa in September 2019 Dai Davies, a former chief superintendent who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said that Harry and Meghan's plans for royal protection after they moved to North America were 'utterly unrealistic' and could have put British police officers at risk. Did Meghan personally cost Piers Morgan his job? Duchess formally complained to ITV 'out of concern for others dealing with their own mental health' after presenter said he didn't believe a word she said and refused to apologise Meghan Markle wrote to ITV's boss to complain about Piers Morgan hours before the Good Morning Britain co-host quit on the day the show scored its highest ever ratings and beat BBC Breakfast, it was revealed today. The Duchess of Sussex insists she was not upset that Mr Morgan said he 'didn't believe a word she said' in her Oprah interview - but was worried about how his comments could affect people attempting to deal with their own mental health problems, an insider told the Press Association. Standing firm today, Mr Morgan told reporters outside his West London home: 'If I have to fall on my sword for expressing an honestly held opinion about Meghan Markle and that diatribe of bilge that she came out with in that interview, so be it.' On Monday Meghan went directly to ITV's CEO Dame Carolyn McCall, the former boss of the left-wing Guardian newspaper, who signed off on the broadcaster's 1million deal to show the Oprah interview and said yesterday they were 'dealing with' the GMB host. Mr Morgan is understood to have been ordered to apologise - but he refused and quit instead saying he had the right to tell viewers his 'honestly held opinions' and declaring: 'Freedom of speech is a hill I'm happy to die on'. His departure from ITV's breakfast show, which he helped transform into a ratings hit that beat its BBC rival for the first time yesterday, came amid the fallout from the extraordinary Oprah interview that has caused the Royal Family's worst crisis since Edward VIII's abdication in 1936. Hours after it was broadcast Mr Morgan branded Meghan 'Princess Pinocchio' after the Duchess said she was suicidal while five months pregnant but was denied any help by the palace. She also accused the Royal Family of being concerned Archie's skin would be too 'dark' and denying him the title of prince because he is mixed race, with Mr Morgan demanding the Sussexes back up their claims with evidence. His views, and his refusal to back down in the row, sparked more than 41,000 complaints made to Ofcom, fuelled by an orchestrated social media campaign spearheaded by his critics including several Labour MPs. But despite Mr Morgan's years of successful skewering of ministers on the show, which led to a Government boycotts if GMB during the pandemic, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he 'would miss him'. The Duchess of Sussex's decision to intervene in the row came as Mr Morgan doubled down today after leaving GMB, calling Meghan's incendiary claims to Oprah about the Royal Family 'contemptible' and declaring: 'I don't believe almost anything that comes out of her mouth'. He added: 'I think the damage she's done to the British monarchy and to the Queen at a time when Prince Philip is lying in hospital is enormous and frankly contemptible', before revealing that he left on the day more people watched GMB than its BBC rival, five years after Piers transformed the ITV ratings flop. He tweeted later: 'Good Morning Britain beat BBC Breakfast in the ratings yesterday for the first time. My work is done'. Mr Morgan described his departure from the programme he helped transform into a ratings hit as 'amicable', saying: 'I had a good chat with ITV and we agreed to disagree.' He added: 'I'm just going to take it easy and see how we go. I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in the right to be allowed to have an opinion. If people want to believe Meghan Markle, that's entirely their right'. Advertisement Donald Trump, the then US president, made it clear they would have no US-funded secret service bodyguards shortly after the couple moved to California from Canada last March. He tweeted: 'Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the US will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!' Russell Stuart, a former California State Guard officer turned celebrity bodyguard, pointed out that Harry and Meghan had increased their threat level by moving from Vancouver: 'This is America. We're a nation of gun owners, we've got a lot of weapons. We're ten times the population of Canada. California is a much bigger place, it's more dangerous, you have a lot more potential threats than back in Vancouver.' Initially when they went to Canada, the couple's royal protection officers were given assistance by Canadian mounties, but this was only ever intended as an interim measure until other arrangements could be made. Harry said they were told on 'short notice' that their Met police security detail would be cut off. 'Their justification was a change in status,' the Duke said, which he 'pushed back' at. But effectively when their senior royal status officially ended at the end of March last year, they were on their own. The Canadian Government confirmed it would stop providing security assistance to the family 'in keeping with their change in status'. This week Mr Davies, said he was 'gobsmacked' the couple expected British taxpayers to pick up the bill. Aside from the legal and practical difficulties of protecting a royal living abroad, the financial burden would have been huge. The cost of a close protection team and static security at events was estimated at more than 1million a year when officers' salary, overtime payments, overseas allowance, pensions, flights and accommodation costs were added up. An armed team made up of at least six people including a principal personal protection officer and back up close protection officers accompanied the family at all times. They work in pairs and if the couple travelled separately or attended separate engagements it required at least four of them to do the job as they work on relay shift patterns. Many of the Scotland Yard officers who protected them had families in the UK and it would have been unfair to expect them to travel back and forth. Such a vast expense would have been untenable at a time when Scotland Yard had already nearly doubled its flight budget to cover the escalating cost of protecting of globe-trotting Royals on official visits and holidays in 2019. When Harry and Meghan first announced they were breaking from the Royal Family, a statement appeared on their website saying they were classified as 'internationally protected people which mandates this level of security.' But hours later, the phrase 'internationally protected people' disappeared as it quickly transpired that would never be the case. Following their move, a joint committee made up of the Home Secretary, the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection command chief, and palace officials decided their 24-hour protection could not continue now they were no longer working royals living in the UK. On Monday, Mr Davies said: 'It shows you their naivety and sense of entitlement. 'It was utterly unrealistic to think they could continue to have their royal protection team working in America, in fact it would have put their lives at risk. 'There is a reciprocal agreement in place with the US for occasions like official state visits, but British officers couldn't just carry on working there, unable to bear firearms and with no access to integrated intelligence from the security services. It was unworkable. 'Other royals and their children do without protection. They aren't working members of the Royal Family, why should they have it? It was simply arrogant to presume they and their baby would get protection..' Meghan said she and Harry wanted Archie to be a prince so he would have security and be protected, and she suggested he was not given the title because of his race. But Archie, who is seventh in line to the throne, is not entitled to be an HRH or a prince due to rules set out more than 100 years ago by King George V. He will be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when the Prince of Wales accedes to the throne. At the time of his birth, a royal source said Harry and Meghan had decided he should be a regular Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. But Meghan told Oprah this was not correct, adding: 'It was not our decision to make.' Simon Morgan, a former royal protection officer, said decisions on what publicly-funded security is given to individual royals are made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which controls the security budget for the Royal Household Mr Morgan, pictured next to Prince Charles at the Prince's Trust Awards 2011 in London's Leicester Square, worked for the Royal Family between 2007 and 2013 and now runs Mayfair-based private security company Trojan Consultancy Yet Harry had always previously stressed the importance of wanting to be seen as normal, and he was thought to have wanted to give his baby the opportunities of an ordinary life that he never had, without the burden of being a prince. Former chief superintendent Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, described the couple's hopes of security in the US 'unworkable' He once said he was always more comfortable being Captain Wales in the Army than being Prince Harry. As the first-born son of a duke, Archie was actually entitled to have become Earl of Dumbarton - one of Harry's subsidiary titles - or have been Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. But a source said after Archie was born in May 2019: 'They have chosen not to use a courtesy title.' Being a prince or princess does not automatically mean royals have police protection. But as a full-time working royal, Harry and his family would have been entitled to 24-hour security by Metropolitan Police protection officers. Final decisions are taken by the Home Office, in consultation with Buckingham Palace. In recent years, the royal family has shifted towards a slimmed-down monarchy, focusing on those at the top of the line of succession. Archie, who will move down the succession list if the Cambridge children have their own families, was never expected to be playing a key role in royal duties when older. When Harry and Meghan quit as senior working royals and moved to the US, it changed the situation. The prospect of the couple and their son living permanently in the US and not carrying out royal duties, but also having Metropolitan Police protection officers, paid for by British taxpayers, at their side was untenable. But the royal family could have agreed to foot their security bill privately, and used a private firm. Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) questions witnesses during a hearing about Venezuela in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on August 04, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) US Senate Panel Chairman Hopes for Vote on China Measures as Soon as April WASHINGTONSenator Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on Tuesday he hoped the Senate could vote as soon as April on a sweeping bipartisan package of legislation to address threats from China. I would hope that we would be looking as soon as April on the floor, he said on a call with reporters, weeks after starting his second stint as committee chairman as his fellow Democrats took control of the Senate in January. Menendez said he was working with Republicans on the legislation and there were many issues where the two parties agreed. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced in February he had directed lawmakers to write a package of legislation to counter Chinas rise, capitalizing on bipartisan hardline sentiment on Beijing in Congress. Menendez said the package would address economic competition with China, in technology and other areas, but that it would also address humanitarian and democratic values such as the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighurs, suppression of dissent in Hong Kong and aggression in the South China Sea. Both Republicans and Democrats agree that this is probably the singular most challenging security and national interest question for the United States, Menendez said. By Patricia Zengerle Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to a new research published by Polaris Market Research, the ultrasound devices market is anticipated to reach over USD 12,556 million by 2026. In terms of revenue, the diagnostic devices segment dominated the global market. Geographically, North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue in 2017. The rapidly increasing geriatric population with several chronic diseases and the lower cost and relative safety of ultrasound devices are together boosting the market growth. Increasing awareness among patients regarding early diagnosis coupled with government initiatives aimed at spreading awareness among the masses regarding breast cancer, regular check-up during pregnancy and other health related issue are boosting the market growth. Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-devices-market/request-for-sample Several technological advancements such as enhancing image quality and increasing portability has made ultrasound devices accessible to a larger user base. Also, several private and public institutions are investing in research and development in the field of ultrasound imaging. Improving healthcare facilities and increasing disposable incomes in developing countries is further fuelling the market growth. However, stringent FDA regulations and lack of trained professionals have limited the market penetration of this technology. Furthermore, several developing countries prohibit the use of ultrasound for gender determination which in turn impedes that industry growth. Identification of newer fields of application and untapped markets in developing countries would provide several opportunities for growth in the near future. North America was the highest revenue generating region in 2017 and is expected to head the global market during the analysis period. The large patient pool, favorable reimbursement policies, well-defined government and healthcare policies, widespread adoption of remote patient monitoring and healthcare services drive the market growth in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to improving medical facilities, increasing disposable income and rapidly increasing patient pool in emerging countries such as China, Japan, and India. The types of ultrasound devices include diagnostic and interventional devices. In 2017, the diagnostic devices segment accounted for the highest market share owing to government initiatives to carry out routine check-ups and increasing adoption of fetal health monitoring. The improving medical facilitates and increasing demand due to rising number of patients, especially in developing countries, supports the market growth in this sector. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-devices-market The key players profiled in this report include Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, SonaCare Medical, Analogic Corporation, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Philips Healthcare, Siemens AG, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation Hitachi Medical Corporation, Esaote S.p.A. Samsung Medison, Shimadzu Corporation and Mindray Medical International Limited among others. These companies have adopted new product launches to gain a competitive edge in the market. Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Product Type Diagnostic Devices 2D Imaging Systems 3D & 4D Imaging Systems Doppler Imaging Interventional Devices High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Portability Compact/Handheld Devices Cart/Trolley Devices Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Application Obstetrics and Gynecology Radiology/General Imaging Cardiology Urology Vascular Others Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by End-users Hospitals Diagnostic centers Others Ultrasound Devices Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Asia-Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-devices-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com After the whirlwind of his Paris Fashion Week debut one year ago and the announcement of his collaboration with the Karl Lagerfeld brand, reality hit hard for Kenneth Ize in October as youth protests against police brutality ended in violence in Nigeria. It was the first time he had seen this type of clash in his country. Coming on the heels of the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and a surge in violence against transgender people, the End SARS demonstrations felt like a tipping point for the designer, whose fall collection reflected his somber mood. More from WWD Titled The Circle of Birth and Death, it saw Ize swapping his trademark primary color palette for more muted combinations of gray, brown, mustard yellow, green and even black. Alongside his signature striped tailoring, he introduced a print featuring an Ouroboros, a circular symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. Its just like a rebirth. Theres something that is changing at the moment, he explained. We are more aware of the problems happening now, and we demand justice. Returning to Nigeria after the upheaval, he drove past sites in Lagos where protesters were killed by the army and police. At that point, I felt like I need to speak my truth through my collection and be as honest and as emotional as I can be, he said. Ize isnt a slogan-T-shirt kind of designer, so you had to read between the lines. The suiting was sober: a gray striped unisex one-button jacket, or a workwear-style shirt jacket paired with color-blocked pants in a combination of gray and black. His Ouroboros print shirt, with apple green drawstring pants, was more familiarly flamboyant, as were the one-shouldered striped tunic dress and top. As one of six finalists for this years Woolmark Prize, Ize used merino wool for the first time, which gave his outfits a polished feel. The launch of his Lagerfeld collection is pending, and hes forging ahead with the construction of his factory in Nigeria. The world may be a dark place, but for this rising designer, the future looks bright. Launch Gallery: Kenneth Ize RTW Fall 2021 Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. With possible exception of how to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the latest stimulus package to come out of Washington and what it will mean for their pocketbooks is top of mind for many Connecticut residents, particularly those who are low-wage or unemployed workers. If approved by the House of Representatives this week, this will be third stimulus package since COVID-19 rocked the nations economy. Once the bill becomes law, the Internal Revenue Service will process more than 100 million payments, which will be sent out via one of several delivery methods. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the next round of checks. Who is eligible to receive the checks? For single taxpayers, anyone who has an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 is eligible for the full $1,400, according to Sara Spodick, director of the Tax Clinic at Quinnipiac University, a group that helps low income individuals deal with their problems with the IRS. If your gross adjusted income is between $75,000 and $80,000, the $1,400 is reduced through what is called a phase-in. For individuals who file jointly, the adjusted gross income is capped at less than $160,000. The IRS will base the size of your stimulus payment on the information contained in an individuals 2019 tax returns. How much can I expect to receive? For an individual taxpayer, the typical amount you can receive is $1,400, Spodick said. Because rules governing the third stimulus payments are still in flux, its difficult to determine the minimum amount someone could receive. Do individuals get more than $1,400 if they have any dependents? Yes. For example, a single person with a dependent child would get $2,800 in stimulus money. In previous rounds, college students were not considered dependents. This time, an additional $1,400 goes to individuals who filed the 2019 tax return for each college student. One caveat, Spodick said, is that if a college student collected unemployment last year, the money would go to them instead of the individual who filed the taxes. What if I had a baby in 2020? If you had a baby during 2020, the child would be declared as a dependent. Spodick said the tax filer would be eligible to be claimed as a Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2020 federal income tax filing next spring. When am I likely to receive my stimulus check? That depends on when the latest bill is signed into a law, which is likely to happen by March 14. If so, the first payments will be sent out before April 1. Those who have direct deposit capability at their banks and credit unions will likely get the first payments. Those receiving a stimulus payment via a physical check or an economic impact payment (EIP) card will start seeing their money from the government later in the month. These estimates come with a caveat: The IRS could get bogged down in process of issuing checks, which could push the arrival of government payments into May. This is a busy period for the IRS, Spodick said. They are processing 2020 tax returns in addition to sending out the stimulus payments. Who do I contact if my payment doesnt arrive? About two weeks after the IRS has sent out your payment, you should get a letter from the agency confirming the payment and telling how to contact the agency if there are any problems. If you dont receive your payment or a confirmation letter from the IRS, Spodick, youll likely have to file for the money as a Recovery Rebate Credit in your next tax filing. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com With spring comes the renewing crossroads of Passover, Holi, Easter and Ramadan. Were truly blessed to be able to observe these freely in America. This year we may even be able to celebrate them in our respective houses of worship again, God willing, as we strive harder together in our jihad against coronavirus. As Ahmadi Muslims, my family and I will join millions worldwide in also commemorating the reneissance of Islam through the genesis of our Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on March 23. Its called Promised Messiah Day in recognition of our holy founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, whose name means child or servant of Ahmad, another name of Prophet Muhammad, Quran 61:7. Hazrat Ahmad came, as sacred Scriptures and Prophets foretold, from the east waging a metaphysical battle against unrighteousness with enlightenment in the spirit and power of his brother Messenger Jesus son of Mary, Messiah sent to the children of Israel, Word of Allah bestowed upon Mary, strengthened with the Holy Spirit, but this time he came for you, me and all people. His advent complements the Divine precedent of how Prophet Elijah came again in the person of John the Baptist, Matt. 11:4, as predicted in Malachi 4:5. It was on Saturday, March 23, 1889, that Messiah Ahmad constructed the spiritual Ark of our Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ludhiana, India, under Divine directive. He took Baiat, the oath of allegiance, from 40 devoted followers, some of whom were our great-grandparents, to strive to reform their moral, social and spiritual character helping to revive Islams revolution from within. To this day, members of the community live by the same 10 conditions of Baiat, Initiation, that those early Disciples imbibed over a century ago. This is how we celebrate Promised Messiah Day along with prayers, self reflection, gratitude, and greater services as reminded by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, fifth Caliph of Messiah Ahmad. Messiah Ahmad taught from Divine Revelations and historical manuscripts how Jesus Christ survived crucifixion, migrated to India in search of the lost tribes of Israel, and naturally died at an old age in Srinagar, Kashmir, in his renowned treatise Jesus in India. The tomb of Jesus can still be found in the Roza Bal of Khanyar Rd. Hazrat Ahmad came as the latter day prophet and leader to unite mankind in kinship under One God, end religious wars, condemn bloodshed, and restore morality, absolute justice and true peace. Following his healing example can cure many of societys existing ills. He divested Muslims of extremist beliefs and practices by championing Islams true teachings. He declared that a bloodless, intellectual jihad of the pen would replace a jihad by the sword which is sanctioned only in protection of cloisters, churches, synagogues, and mosques defending religious freedom for all in a lawless land after migration, Quran 22:41. He penned more than 80 books and tens of thousands of letters, delivered hundreds of lectures and engaged in scores of public debates. He fed thousands of visitors spanning diverse faiths, even if diametrically opposed, home cooked meals in his public kitchen for all called Langar Khana. He founded bridge building charities for humanitys relief that rectified economic disparities. He recognized the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Guru Nanak, and explained how their original teachings culminated in Prophet Muhammads Islam. He also warned the world of cataclysmic disasters, including three world wars, should humanity reject God and His Messengers, and continue to abound in iniquity, injustice, dishonesty and transgression. An awakening admonition that stands as relevant today as it did back then. Despite facing bitter faith-based persecution in numerous Muslim majority nations, our Ahmadiyya Muslim community continues to grow and thrive under the leadership of our spiritual Caliphate, while advocating for universal human rights for all religious and other persecuted minorities. In accordance with the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad, our Caliphate on the precepts of prophethood cares for the Community and continues to spread love for all, hatred for none. As Americans, my family and I are thankful and grateful that we can celebrate our respective observances alongside fellow faithful believers whether its virtually on Zoom or in person at last in the sanctuary of our Baitul Aman House of Peace Mosque in Meriden. Whatever you may be commemorating, remember to keep our shared God and absolute justice in sight, keep it blessed and unifying, and be as festive as you can be! Happy Promised Messiah Day! Zahir Mannan serves voluntarily as the outreach secretary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in CT, Chaplain for CT State Police and Meriden PD, and Northeast Regional Outreach Secretary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, USA. CHICOPEE For the first time in many years the City Halls auditorium was open for business after a renovation corrected structural problems and allowed it to be turned into a meeting space complete with high-tech audio and video equipment. The newly-renovated auditorium was first seen last week when the City Council held its regularly-scheduled meeting in the room on Tuesday. The School Committee followed on Wednesday and the equipment will allow all boards and commissions to broadcast their meetings with just the flick of a switch. We are only a few minutes into this meeting and Im already so much happier with the video and audio, School Committee member James Tanhauser at the start of the meeting on Wednesday. As the city battles with the COVID-19 pandemic it moved to broadcast meetings instead of holding them in person, but frequent technology problems cut off sound to viewers and sometimes kicked out members participating remotely. The problems got so bad the City Council considered moving meetings to Comprehensive High thinking the sound would be better, while the School Committee considered moving from the school to City Hall. The $14.2 million renovation project was sparked when a large piece of the stone frame of the iconic rose stained glass window crashed to the stairs below in 2014. Previously pieces of the plaster molding had been falling and one of the vertical stained glass windows had come loose in its frame. An architectural examination showed there were serious structural problems with the original building built in 1871 including the brick facade was bowing out, sandstone columns were badly eroded and poor quality brickwork in the tower was failing. Officials deemed repairs had to be made or the building would further decay. At the same time then-Mayor Richard J. Kos proposed restoring the auditorium, which had been closed since 2003, and using funds earned from Charter Cable to install modern video equipment to allow all meetings to be broadcast. Now anything happening in the auditorium can go live with the flip of a switch. The City Council was the first to use the newly-restored auditorium, but it has a capacity of 200 people and will also be opened as a multi-purpose space for concerts, theater productions and other events when gatherings are possible, Mayor John L. Vieau said when welcoming people who watched the broadcast meeting. I want to take a moment to welcome everyone to this beautiful new space, he said. The city of Chicopees auditorium ... has been restored to remember our past and now we can look forward to the present and future of this multi-purpose space. One of the benefits of the restoration is the auditorium is handicap accessible for the first time. People could always access it from the third floor by taking the elevator but were blocked by a short staircase. Now there is a ramp that snakes around to the right of the stairs. The city is also in the process of installing a small elevator that will lead to the mezzanine of the auditorium, said City Planner Lee Pouliot who coordinated all the construction. The sound in the room has also been improved with acoustical tile added to most of the walls and painted so it blends in with the rest of the architecture, he said. The lighting has been improved with numerous can fixtures placed on each side of the ceiling, some of which will point outward to put the stained glass windows on display at night. The entire ceiling was collapsing and had to be rebuilt and some of the plaster crown moldings were restored to match what had been there previously. A new, large chandelier that was architecturally appropriate was also added since the original one had to be taken down with the ceiling, he said. The highlight of the room has always been the stained glass windows. Experts removed all 18 windows that line either side of the room, painstakingly numbered each piece of glass and have repaired and restored them. Before they were returned, storm glass was installed to add insulation and protect the windows. The panels are also now divided into pieces and attached to the frames so they can easily be removed if repairs are needed, Pouliot said. He showed the intricate detail on how the glass was restored. In some cases, thin lines of led were added to fix broken pieces. In some spots, entire pieces of glass had to be replaced and the color matched to restore the window, he said. Features also include things such as a storage room where many of the new chairs are being kept now, he said. Construction is not totally complete since a company in Wisconsin which is providing some of the hand-cut pieces of stone was delayed in sending the pieces because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stone frame and the stained glass, some of which sustained the worst damage, are also still being restored, he said. The City Council recently agreed to enter into a second phase of restoration of City Hall that is estimated to cost between $5 and $7 million and will do things such as replace carpets, may move offices to different locations and make other aesthetic upgrades. As part of the phase, the city will also purchase a portable stage for the auditorium, he said. Related Content: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Havas Media India has won the digital media mandate for Wai Wai, a popular noodle brand from Chaudhary Group (CG Foods) headquartered in Nepal. The mandate includes digital media and website management duties. The account will be handled out of the agencys Gurgaon office led by Uday Mohan, President North & West India, Havas Media. CG Foods, an enterprise of CG Corp Global is a company engaged in manufacturing and sales of instant noodles, snacks, sauces and beverages. It has manufacturing footprints in 5 different countries - India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan (Central Asia) and Serbia (Europe). CG Foods India produces Wai Wai in seven different locations across India and employs more than 3000 people directly. Its famous product Wai Wai noodles is sold in more than 50 countries. In 2020, more than 2.5 billion packs of Wai Wai noodles were sold globally. Wai Wai noodles is available in more than 35 flavours. G.P. Sah, Global Business Head - FMCG, Chaudhary Group, said, India is a crucial market for us with immense potential and as we chase our ambition to be a global leader, our strategies must be unique to each region we are in. With Havas Medias market intelligence, digital expertise and its integrated offering, we are confident to take the brand to newer heights and achieve a larger market share. Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Group India, said, We are excited to kickstart the year with a global FMCG brand from CG Foods. Wai Wai is a challenger brand, that operates in an extremely competitive category in India. With Havas Medias focus on keeping the audience at the centre of the planning exercise is in line with the Groups growing expertise in performance and market-place initiatives, we look forward to positioning the brand in this market and strengthening the brand connect through our meaningful Media Experience (Mx) philosophy. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Oprah Winfrey pulled off what has become a rare television event: the tell-all interview that turns into a cultural moment. On Sunday, an audience of more than 17 million watched bombshell revelations tumble out of the mouths of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as they described their lives under the palace gaze in a two-hour CBS special that rivaled any of the royal dramas on the Netflix series The Crown. Social-media discussion of the show has continued since the credits rolled, leaving many people who missed it wondering where they could stream it. For the next 30 days, the special will be available on CBS.com and the CBS app. But after that, it will not have a home on any streaming platform. Thats because, from the start of negotiations, Ms. Winfreys company, Harpo Productions, the owner of the program, envisioned the special as something suited to a big broadcast network, three people with knowledge of the deal said. Harpo did not even attempt to sell the streaming rights to Netflix or Paramount+, the streaming platform owned by CBSs parent company, ViacomCBS, the people said. Harpos old-school strategy of avoiding subscription-video-on-demand services came about partly because of the complications presented by Ms. Winfreys deal to make programs for Apples streaming platform, AppleTV+, the people said. Ms. Winfreys AppleTV+ deal includes an interview series, The Oprah Conversation, which has featured Barack Obama, Dolly Parton and Mariah Carey. Another wrinkle was the roughly $100 million production deal that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry struck last year with Netflix, the people said. MORRISTOWN (dpa-AFX) - Honeywell (HON) has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Fiplex Communications, Inc., a Miami-based company that develops in-building communications systems, including bi-directional amplifiers. Honeywell said the acquisition will expand the in-building connectivity and communications solutions that the company provides to its customers. 'The addition of Fiplex's products and software allows us to move toward creating the next generation of fire and life safety solutions to keep both building occupants and first responders safer,' said Vimal Kapur, CEO, Honeywell Building Technologies. Fiplex's FLEX is a flexible and scalable in-building wireless platform designed to meet the requirements of public safety stakeholders. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. An internal emergency has been declared at two Queensland hospitals, one in the states north and the other at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital. Overnight on Tuesday, a code yellow was declared at Cairns Hospital, which is struggling to cope with an influx of COVID-19 patients from Papua New Guinea. A code yellow has been declared at Cairns Hospital following in influx of PNG COVID-19 patients. Credit:Brian Cassey The same code was declared at the RBWH hours later, where a worker said the situation was becoming unsafe and the shortage of beds was dire. The increase in coronavirus patients at Cairns Hospital came at the same time as a spike in road crash victims, pushing the hospital to capacity. Killeen, TX (76540) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms developing overnight. Low near 65F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Onya John, it said, before the wind tore it apart. A small plane looped and whirled above Canberras Government House yesterday, carving into the ether a wispy and very Australian message of congratulations. But if Mr John Howard, who was about to be sworn in as Australias 25th Prime Minister, thought it was a personalised gift from the sky, he was mistaken. The message was intended for the new Minister for Transport, Mr John Sharp. Mr Sharp - who locked horns numerous times with the former Minister, Mr Laurie Brereton - has become something of a folk hero to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia. The associations senior vice president, Mr Boyd Munro, commissioned sky writing company Sky Signs to make clear his feelings yesterday. And if the new Prime Ministers name also happened to be John - why, that was just fine, according to Sky Signs proprietor Mr John OGrady. Mr Howard, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Tim Fischer, and their 26 fellow ministers were sworn in by the Governor-General, Sir William Deane, under a new oath drafted by Mr Howard himself. [March 10, 2021] Sungrow provides inverters to EnBW's 187 MW PV plant - The largest subsidy-free Solar Park in Germany MUNICH, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, supplies its central inverters to EnBW's 187 MW solar park in Werneuchen, Brandenburg, Germany. The solar park will be the largest subsidy-free project in Germany, located 26 kilometers northeast of Berlin. The project "Weesow-Willmersdorf" has received 42 units of Sungrow's SG3125HV central inverter solutions and 21 units of 7.2MVA medium voltage skids including transformers and switch gears. The product solutions well meet the strict German norms and enable ease of maintenance as well as long-term cost savings. The inverters are prefabricated with inputs for DC-coupled storage solutions which could be added at a later stage. The site has a planned operational life of 40 years. It is expected to supply electricity to 50,000 households and reduce 129,000 tonnes of CO 2 annually. Based on the PPAmethod, the German utility EnBW realized the project without state funding and plans to market the electricity generated at the park itself. "Sungrow's customized solution has made a significant contribution to make this project a reality," said Stefan Lederer, Project Manager at EnBW AG. Robert von Wahl, Key Account Manager of Sungrow Germany said, "We are very happy to be part of this project with EnBW. EnBW's choice to use Sungrow inverters for this very important project shows the trust the German market has in Sungrow and its high quality and state-of-the-art products." Sungrow entered the German market 10 years ago and established a comprehensive local team offering industry-leading sales, technical support, after-sales service. With the unsubsidized market taking another step forward in Germany, Sungrow keeps increasing involvements in decarbonization actions to meet local renewable targets. About Sungrow Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 154 GW installed worldwide as of December 2020. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.sungrowpower.com. SOURCE Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] DETROIT, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic initiative to strengthen and engage its health care provider network, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a Michigan-based nonprofit health plan, has hired Richard Trembowicz to serve as vice president of provider network management. Trembowicz is charged with growing, engaging and supporting HAP's network of health care providers, which will drive value for HAP members by increasing provider options and services. Trembowicz will support HAP's relationship with providers, and manage contracting, provider data integrity, credentialing, and value-based contracting. "Over the past few years, HAP has expanded into key markets across Michigan, leveraging strategic partnerships with providers along the way that has allowed us to provide affordable, quality care to our members," said Michael Genord, M.D., president and CEO of HAP. "Bringing someone of Rich's caliber on board to steward increased engagement and the overall growth of our provider network is a crucial component to our commitment to improving health outcomes for Michiganders." Prior to joining HAP, Trembowicz served as an associate principal with ECG Management Consultants in Boston, focusing on payer-provider strategy. During his tenure at ECG, he supported several projects for HAP and worked extensively on provider network optimization for other health plans. He also has extensive experience in large employer plan design and health benefit management, having led initiatives to restructure health benefit plan design and network configuration for employer plans with up to 40,000 members. "I'm looking forward to getting started at HAP and using my experience to build strong relationships with Michigan providers. With price transparency shining a spotlight on high unit prices, our contracting focus will be on helping providers maximize contract value where we have aligned interests including alternative payment arrangements, patient growth and incentives for improving quality and accurate data collection," Trembowicz said. Before ECG, Trembowicz served as vice president of business development for Centene/Celtic in Chicago. An attorney, Trembowicz started his career working with several law firms, which led him to focus on business planning for early-stage companies. He holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in biology from Harvard College. He is a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bar Association. About Health Alliance Plan Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to individuals and companies of all sizes. For 60 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives it touches. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid (using the HAP Empowered name), Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, as well as personalized customer service. For more information, visit www.hap.org. SOURCE Health Alliance Plan COLUMBIA S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined 11 other states in suing the Biden administration over an executive order putting a "social cost" on greenhouse gas emissions in determining federal regulations. Wilson and the other GOP state attorneys general said the order will hinder the economy with new rules covering manufacturing and farming. The industries employ more than 300,000 in the state with an annual economic impact of $80 billion, Wilson said. Manufacturing, agriculture and energy production are essential to South Carolinas economy and employ thousands of hard-working South Carolinians across the state," Wilson said in a statement. "Under President Bidens executive order, which he didnt have the authority to enact, these hard-working South Carolinians, who have lived and worked this land for generations, could be left in the dust. Wilson said he is fighting overreach by the executive branch and that authority for this kind of standard lies with Congress. The social cost of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide at approximately $9.5 trillion, the lawsuit by the states says. In practice, this enormous figure will be used to justify an equally enormous expansion of federal regulatory power that will intrude into every aspect of Americans lives from their cars, to their refrigerators and homes, to their grocery and electric bills," the suit says. In February, Biden changed a wonky administrative number with potentially big impact: the "social cost of carbon." The government assigns this cost to represent to the societal damages from greenhouse gases, which are warming the planet, encouraging more extreme weather and making sea levels rise. It is not a carbon tax, which is a separate mechanism some advocates suggest to curb emissions. Biden raised the cost back to Obama-era levels of $51 per ton of carbon released into the atmosphere. The number will be used to calculate the costs and benefits of a broad swath of government actions, and may make it easier to create new regulations that would slow global warming. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! South Carolina environmental advocates said Wilson's move was political against a Democratic administration. "Certainly, the attorney general of South Carolina is concerned about climate change?" said Frank Knapp, president of the Columbia-based South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce. "He is doing what is typically done in politics. He is trying to make Biden look bad." Eddy Moore, energy and climate program director for the Charleston-based Coastal Conservation League, said partisan politics should not play a role in climate change, which is behind rising flood waters along the state's coast and a freak winter storm that knocked out power in parts of Texas this year. The costs of greenhouse gas emissions already have large impact across the economy, and the president has a role to play in determining how it should impact regulations, he said. "What will be costly to farming and manufacturing is climate change," Moore said. South Carolina is joining the suit against the administration with Arkansas, Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah. Chloe Johnson contributed from Charleston. A MAN charged with the murders of a woman and two children at their south Co. Dublin home has been further remanded in custody for prosecutors to complete a book of evidence. A murder investigation was launched following a post-mortem into the three deaths in October. Neither they nor the defendant can be named for legal reasons. Gardai arrested a man in his 30s and charged him after which he made no reply. The accused faced his sixth hearing today when he appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally directed trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court. Judge Blake remanded him in continuing custody to appear again in two weeks for the DPP to complete a book of evidence. It needs to be completed and served on the accused before the district court can make a return for trial order. He was first held in custody on Nov. 30 by Judge Anne Watkin at Dun Laoghaire District Court. Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Detective Sergeant White. He had told Judge Watkin that section 252 of the Children Act applied because two of the injured parties were juveniles. The Court of Appeals recent interpretation of that part of the legislation was that anonymity can also apply to child crime victims who have passed away. The media was told by the judge at the man's first hearing that there were reporting restrictions. At his second court appearance on Dec. 2, lawyers from RTE and a number of newspapers asked Judge Blake to consider lifting the restrictions, also possible under section 252 of Children Act where the court is satisfied it is in the interest of the child. The defence objected. Judge Blake refused to alter the existing order. The district court cannot consider a bail application in a murder case which requires an application in the High Court. Syracuse, NY -- At least one Central New York criminal benefited greatly from the yearlong Covid-19 pandemic. Robert Shaw, 34, of Liverpool, who had a cop costume and amassed a large cache of drugs and guns, was supposed to go to prison in March 2020 after pleading guilty to two felonies. But Shaws 10-year punishment was one of the first local sentencings delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic closed state prisons to new inmates and shut down courts for months. It wasnt until Wednesday -- 15 months after his guilty plea -- that Shaw surrendered to begin his long prison term. Shaw made good use of his extra freedom: he got married in the past year, his lawyer, William Sullivan, said. RELATED: CNY man posed as cop to rob people; found with large cache of guns, drugs, police say Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies recovered guns, drugs and cash. Robert A. Shaw, 32, faces 25 felonies. Shaws sentencing was delayed for months because the state prisons werent taking anyone during the early stages of the pandemic. And after Shaw continued behaving himself, his lawyer convinced a judge to give him two more reprieves, with the consent of prosecutors. County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty noted Shaws original sentencing date was a year ago. Shaw originally pleaded guilty in December 2019. I want to thank the court for giving me ample time to do the things I had to do, Shaw said at sentencing. With that, a sheriffs deputy placed Shaw in handcuffs and led him away to begin his 10 years in prison. Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies recovered guns, drugs and cash. Robert A. Shaw, 32, faces 17 counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, deputies said. Shaw was originally accused of using his cop costume to rob people in February 2019, but only indicted on weapons and drug charges. He admitted guilt to his illegal collection of weapons and cocaine. Search warrants in at a Liverpool home and a Salina storage unit in 2019 uncovered the following weapons and property, according to Onondaga County sheriffs deputies: Glock model 17 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was stolen from Florida. Spike Tactical AR-15 style rifle with a defaced serial number. Stag Arms AR-15 style pistol, assault weapon with defaced numbers. Masterpiece Arms 9mm semi-automatic (UZI) style with a 30 round magazine and an attached silencer. Braztek International .38 special revolver. Semi-automatic 9mm pistol with no serial numbers. Russian-American Armory Saiga AK-47 rifle. Several large capacity ammunition feeding devices to include a 100 round drum-type magazine. Replica police badge. Several shirts displaying POLICE. Black face mask. 3 police vehicle-style emergency lights. Ballistic vest. Police baton. 2 Taser/stun gun-type weapons. Several pairs of handcuffs and keys. $76,000. 46 grams of cocaine. 22 pounds of marijuana. 1.5 grams of Ketamine. Hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or 315-470-6070. BRIDGEPORT A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Veterans Administration to pay more than $9 million to a Manchester man after finding he was the victim of medical malpractice at the Veterans Affairs medical center where he had gone for hernia surgery. Following a four-day civil trial, U.S. District Court Judge Victor Bolden ruled Monday that doctors at the West Haven VA violated their standard of care in their treatment of Eric March. He awarded the Navy veteran and his wife, Dina March, a total of $9.47 million in economic and compensatory damages. This is a veteran who had entrusted his care to the doctors at the VA and it is clear to me something went terribly wrong during the surgery, said Marchs lawyer, Kathleen Nastri of the Bridgeport law firm Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder. Thomas Carson, spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office which defended the VA in the case, said they are reviewing the judges decision but had no other comment. March, who has two children and previously worked at a solar panel company, sued the veterans administration in federal court in 2017. The trial took place in October and final arguments were in January. According to the lawsuit, in June 2015, March was admitted to the West Haven VA hospital for a laparoscopic hernia repair procedure. In the days following his discharge from the hospital March complained of pain and a fever. He went to another hospital where a CT scan determined he had a perforated abdomen, the suit states. On further investigation, doctor discovered that Marchs bowels had leaked out of the perforation in his abdomen and he had a severe infection, the suit states. During testimony at trial, Marchs VA doctors disagreed on which one of them had inspected Marchs abdomen following the procedure. Nastri said as a result of the damage done to March, he has no muscles in his core and his condition is worsening. The Manchester community rallied around the March family, raising nearly $1,500 for them through a GoFundMe site. (NBC News) President Biden on Tuesday visited a Washington, D.C. hardware store, one of the millions of small businesses rocked by the pandemic. The owners of W.S. Jenks & Son stayed afloat with the help of a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. "We're still struggling," co-owner Michael Siegel told the president. Mr. Biden highlighted their story as he pushes the benefits of his $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, which includes more money for small businesses. The House is set to pass the bill as soon as Wednesday. So far not a single Republican has backed the plan. They're railing against provisions that go beyond COVID-19, including money for local infrastructure projects. Polling shows broad public support for the package, which includes $1,400 stimulus checks for most Americans, child tax credits, and funding for local governments, schools and vaccines. Read more: http://nbcnews.to/3eo53bx For more stories like this, check out The Chronicles weekly Travel newsletter! Sign up here. Alcatraz Island will reopen Monday after being closed for most of the past year. The announcement came less than a week after San Francisco moved into the states red tier of coronavirus restrictions and as museums, movie theaters and indoor dining reopened. Bringing back access to Alcatraz, which gets about 1.4 million visitors in a typical year, could be a boost for the citys tourism economy, which has taken a major hit since the start of the pandemic. Alcatraz is managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which oversees the Marin Headlands, part of the Presidio and other nearby parklands. It was closed March 15, 2020, partially reopened in August, then shut down again in December when the states regional COVID blueprint took effect. People eager to tour the prison island should take note of new rules and protocols. Reservations need to be made online in advance via Alcatraz Cruises, the islands official concessionaire. Ferries to the island will operate at reduced capacity and will not have snacks or drinks on sale food consumption is prohibited even on the island. Guided interpretive tours and ranger talks will resume at (a) later date, according to the GGNRA. However, rangers will be on duty , and the cell house is open for self-guided audio tours . Face masks are required on all national park lands Alcatraz included where physical distancing cannot be maintained, according to a Tuesday statement from the GGNRA. We expect everyone to follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance, wear a mask, and give each other space to safely enjoy their experience at this iconic site, GGNRA General Superintendent Laura Joss said in the statement. Gregory Thomas is The Chronicles editor of lifestyle & outdoors. Email: gthomas@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @GregRThomas A version of this article first appeared in Emily Osters newsletter, ParentData. On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance about post-vaccine behavior. This was long-awaited and, basically, well-received. The CDC is walking a fine line here. On the one hand, until more people are vaccinated, it does not want to give the impression its cool to have giant parties. On the other, it seems to be recognizing that if you tell people nothing changes with the vaccine, then they will wonder what the point is. Advertisement The three big takeaways from this round of advice are: 1. Vaccinated people can get together unmasked with other vaccinated people in groups, but the gatherings should be small. 2. Vaccinated people can hang out indoors with one other household of unvaccinated people, provided the latter group is low risk. 3. Vaccinated people should still wear masks and distance in public. Advertisement Advertisement No. 2 above is clearly targeted at a favorite topic: grandparent-parent-kid interactions. And what it says is that if grandparents are vaccinated, its cool to hang out inside without masks as long as parents and kids are low risk. Yay! A sidebar on risk: The logic behind the CDCs guidelines is that an interaction between vaccinated and unvaccinated people has a low risk of transmitting COVID-19, but it could. So for a seriously immune-compromised adult or child, it is a good idea to be much more cautious. This would be true with any illness exposure. Maybe you can visit vaccinated grandparents outside, or enforce a stricter pre-visit quarantine even for vaccinated visitors. Advertisement But if what you mean by high-risk is that you fall into one of the millions of high-risk categories that one or another state has put on their list, we are in little more of a gray area. To the person who wrote to me to ask whether her postpartum BMI of 30.1 makes visits a no-no, or the person with well-controlled asthma who asked a similar question, the elevation in risk is extremely small. Given the low risk of transmission from vaccinated adults, I think that for those two people, refusing to hang out with vaccinated family would be an overly cautious interpretation of the CDC guidelines. Advertisement (And healthy infants past the first couple of months are also not high risk.) Advertisement Some people have suggested that the CDC should have gone farther toward the idea that vaccination means you can behave normallymore travel, for example. Travel is an especially loaded question if this much-anticipated, now-OKd visit with vaccinated grandparents requires an airplane. What it really comes down to is: Is flying a risky activity? The answer is, basically, no. I pulled the quote below from the Economist, and this lines up with much of what we see in other reports. The number of infections on planes is really, really small. This may relate to their filtration systems, or the fact that people are wearing masks or just being really careful. In October data collected by IATA found that only 44 out of 1.2bn passengers since the start of 2020 were known or thought to have contracted covid-19 on a plane. iatas medical adviser notes that, even if 90% of cases went unreported, that implies just one infection for 2.7m passengers. Advertisement Triangulating the CDC guidance to this particular question is a little complicated. On the one hand, the CDC says even vaccinated people still shouldnt do nonessential travel. But: They also say that vaccinated people do not need to quarantine after an exposure to COVID unless they are symptomatic. This is a disconnect. If you travel, the concern is that youll be exposed to someone with COVID-19. But if vaccinated people do not have to quarantine even after a known exposure to an infected person, why would they need to quarantine after travel, when exposure is basically the worst-case scenario? Advertisement My sense is that this is place where the CDC has still gone for an excess of caution, in the hopes that it can hold off the free-for-all travel for another month or so. But in practice, if this is what it takes to see grandparents, I cant see a strong argument not to do it. Advertisement If you do travel, I think the CDC advice is still good: Test a day or two before leaving (even if vaccinated), wear a good-quality mask in the airport and on the plane, wash your hands frequently, and so on. And then enjoy your grandkids. But visits with grandparents is not the only thing parents want for their kids. And kids will not be vaccinated for a long time. Parents are fucking tired. Based on the emails I receive, a lot of parents feel like this summer all the vaccinated people will be frolicking on the beach while they are stuck in their homes with unvaccinated kids and not traveling anywhere. Im getting questions like: Can I travel before kids are vaccinated? What about playdates? When can my kids friends come over? Can we vacation with my brother and his family once all the adults are vaccinated? Advertisement Advertisement In my view, this is the big hole in the CDC guidance. But we can still make sense of the path forward by thinking about the risk to unvaccinated children in context of all the other childhood risks we face even in non-pandemic years. I want you to cast your mind back to January 2018. During one week in late January of that year, near the peak of flu season, the CDC reported flu hospitalization rates of 7.3 per 100,000 for children aged 0-4 and 1.4 per 100,000 for kids 5-17. This means that of 100,000 children aged 0 to 4, 7.3 of them were hospitalized with flu complications that week. Advertisement Kids get the flu from a lot of sourcesschool, child care, their parents, travel, indoor trampoline parks. And flu can be very serious; there were almost 200 pediatric flu deaths during that 20172018 flu season. But I would venture that in that time frame, most parents were not making choices about activities based on flu risk. The peak week of the COVID-19 pandemic for hospitalization for children 0 to 4 was mid-December (data here). During this week, the hospitalization rate for this group was 2.3 per 100,000. For children 5 to 17, the peak was the first week of January, with hospitalization rate of 1.3 per 100,000. In the most recent week of reported data, the week ending February 27th, these rates were 0.3 per 100,000 for children aged 0 to 4 and 0.6 per 100,000 for children 5 to 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres all these numbers in a graph: Bottom line here: Hospitalization rates even at the peak COVID-19 week were below that week in January 2018. Advertisement Let me add onto this another set of facts, as seen in the graph below (original paper here). This graph shows non-COVID death rates for children in two age groups (based on 2018 data), and COVID-19 death rates over the period from March through October 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Deaths in these age groups from any cause are really, really rare, so Im not trying to freak you out. But I am trying to convey that death rates from COVID-19 in these age groups over this period are less than a typical year of suicide, homicide, or cancer. They are an order of magnitude less than car accidents. Infants are not in this chart, but the same logic applies. COVID-19 death rates are higher in absolute numbers, but lower in ratios. The SIDS death rate for infants under one in this comparison period is 80 times higher than the death rate for COVID-19. The you from 2018 was not thinking about most of these non-COVID risks. Yes, in the back of your mind you probably worried about your kids getting the flu and had some sense of the idea that cars are dangerous. But you were planning travel and playdates and everything else in spite of these risks because they are small. And for kids, the COVID-19 risks are even smaller. This isnt true for adults. But it is true for kids. Advertisement This doesnt mean kids do not get COVID-19. They do get it (although probably at lower rates than adults). Just like they can get flus, and colds, and other viral illnesses. But they are simply very, very unlikely to get extremely sick. Advertisement Look forward, now, to the summer. Youre vaccinated, your parents are, your brother is. Barring some surprise, COVID-19 rates are expected to be even lower than they are now. Not zero, but lower. This makes COVID-19 even less of a threat to kids. They are extremely unlikely to be infected. And if they were, they would be extremely unlikely to get very sick, and they wouldnt spread it to older people because those people will have been vaccinated. Advertisement Whats going to happen if your family and your brothers family and your parents rent a beach house together with all the cousins for a weekend? Let me tell you based on personal experience. Monday after you return home one of the children in one of the families will be vomiting, and the other family will recall one of their children complaining about a stomach issue that they didnt think to mention. What if you fly with your kids to a vacation? They might get sick on the airplane and ruin your first two days complaining about their sore throat. My point is: Kids get viruses. You cannot avoid the possibility they might get sick on vacation, or from being out in the world. But the presence of COVID-19 in a world of vaccinated adults does not change the risk of this very much at all. Advertisement Advertisement The challenge of this summer, I think, is going to be figuring out how we can consciously move towards normalcy despite lack of full vaccination for kids and despite the fact that COVID-19 will always be with us. It is going to require putting our minds to it. Booking that summer trip might be the first step. With that partial return to normalcy on the horizon, you may find yourself wondering about other precautions weve adopted in the last year. Earlier this week my 5-year-old, Finn, asked when he could stop wearing a mask. I told him I would address that this week. Here you go, Finn! You know how I feel about camp and school in general. We should have it. Schools (in some places) have been operating safely all year. Camps operated safely last summer. The situation this summer, barring some bad change, will be much better. Camps should be on. I am shipping my older one to sleepaway camp. Advertisement But: When we talk about a lot of unvaccinated kids interacting together, we do need to talk about precautions. A lot of the precautions we are taking with schools will continuehand washing, maybe some cohorts. And, probably, masks. On the one hand, I think that based on what Ive said above, there is probably an argument for lightening up on the kid masks once all adults are vaccinated. On the other, masks are a much less arduous precaution than many others weve adopted, so we shouldnt rush to stop wearing them. And given how well most kids have adapted to masks, the pressure may not be there. Eventually, we are going to need to remove the masks. Will it be this summer? Im betting no. Sorry, Finn. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. A Tasmanian tiger hunter said there is a way to prove that the extinct animal still exists, despite scientists insisting only DNA evidence can determine they are continuing to roam. Neil Waters from the Thylacine Awareness Group of Australia has been combing the bush for years to uncover evidence of the marsupial, which was last reported alive in the 1930s. Mt Waters said his hidden bush camera captured three photos of what he is convinced are a baby, mother and father thylacine. 'We don't have to rely on DNA evidence, we just have to get back to basic science of measuring the morphology of these animals in these photos,' he told A Current Affair on Wednesday. Neil Waters from the Thylacine Awareness Group of Australia has been combing the bush for years to uncover evidence of the marsupial, which was last reported alive in the 1930s Mt Waters said his camera captured three photos of what he is convinced are a baby, mother and father thylacine Professor Andrew Pask, a marsupial evolutionary biologist at the University of Melbourne, said scientists could never prove Tasmanian tigers still exist only based off photos and videos 'And using a process of elimination to tell us what they aren't will leave us with the possibilities of what they are.' But Professor Andrew Pask, a marsupial evolutionary biologist at the University of Melbourne, said scientists could never prove Tasmanian tigers still exist only based on photos and videos. 'What we actually need is some tangible evidence to prove that it isn't a dog [in the photo] and that it's not some other marsupial species,' he said. 'And [to prove] that, we need DNA evidence. To see just an image of an animal and be convinced that that's a thylacine, we could never do that just based on the footage. 'The truth is we haven't seen any conclusive evidence of the existence of a thylacine since 1936.' Mr Waters disagreed with the scientist's view though, and claimed 'dozens and dozens' of sightings are reported every year. A man who has been combing the bush for years to uncover evidence of Tasmanian tigers believes he has 'irrefutable proof' the mammal is not extinct. Pictured: An animal Neil Waters said is a baby tassie tiger He has now claimed to have compiled comprehensive evidence to rebut experts who say the photos are likely to be of a padmelon, a Macropod, not juvenile tigers. Pictured: A foot print Neil Waters said belongs to a thylacine 'There's just too much anecdotal evidence, there's just way too many sightings for them to be extinct. It's just mathematically impossible,' he said. Earlier this month Mr Waters released a video of coloured pictures he believes are of the elusive animals. He claims to have compiled comprehensive evidence to rebut experts who say the photos are likely to be of a padmelon, not juvenile tigers. Mr Waters told news.com.au that vets confirmed the animals in the photos are not feral cats either. He also said they have four legs - which means they cannot be macropods, marsupials whose front legs are much smaller than their hind legs, such as a pademelon. Mr Waters said the images prove the creatures are breeding and wants them to be reclassified as endangered and not extinct. Tassie tiger hunter Neil Waters (pictured) from the Thylacine Awareness Group of Australia released a video of coloured pictures of the elusive animals on Monday '[If] we can verify the two photos are clear of a thylacine baby then that is enough in the scientific world to prove it still exists, is still breeding and drastically needs to be protected more than what it is,' he said. The former horticulturalist also said scientists are 'lazy' because they want DNA proof of thylacines still being alive, and that the Tasmanian Government doesn't care about the creatures. 'We're trying to prove this animal exists and we get zero help from the government, he said. 'Because we haven't produced a dead animal for science to cut up they don't want to believe it. We have this idiotic government that wants to pretend it's extinct.' There are about a hundred other activists like him who are searching for proof that thylacines still exist in Australia. Mr Waters said video of the furry creature walking through the bush was solid proof the Tasmanian tiger was still alive. 'It gets really interesting when the camera gets into focus,' Mr Waters said in the video. In the footage, Mr Waters revealed three images that were captured three weeks ago alongside comments from experts. The third image showed a small animal with a straight tail and what appeared to be a series of stripes along its backside - two features that mark a Tasmanian tiger. Mr Waters was so confident that he sent the photos to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for assessment. He said the picture right showed an animal with several stripes on the tail, which resembled a Tasmanian Tiger 'It's the image I'm hanging everything on because I know what I'm looking at here,' he said. 'And what's that we have here... several stripes on the tail, several stripes on the rump. Like a band going all the way around its back.' Tasmanian devil expert and curator at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Nick Mooney concluded the animal was unlikely to be a Tasmanian tiger. 'Nick Mooney has concluded that based on the physical characteristics shown in the photos provided by Mr Waters, the animals are very unlikely to be thylacines,' the museum said in a statement. 'With all due respect I disagree with Nick Mooney's opinion and that's fine - that's perfectly OK - and he encourages me in his report to get as many opinions as I can because his is only one opinion,' Mr Waters said in the video. The museum said there had not been any confirmed sightings documented since 1936 and the tiger has been declared extinct since the 1980s. A failed economy will have just as much fallout and casualties as Covid-19. We are heading into total destruction as many citizens are on the breadline already and with this new lockdown enforcement by the Government, its the final nail in the coffin. Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has named Anthony Tatulli as head of Executive & Professional Lines for North America. He will have overall underwriting responsibility for Directors and Officers Liability, Professional Liability, Cyber, Mergers & Acquisitions, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary, and Fidelity lines of business. Tatulli has more than 30 years of industry experience spanning both underwriting and claims including more than 21 years at American International Group. He was most recently head of North America Financial Lines at AIG. Prior to that he was global head of Financial Lines for claims and underwriting. Earlier in his career he spent eight years as an attorney at Budd Larner, a New Jersey law firm. Topics Excess Surplus AIG Berkshire Hathaway When Robyn Brown became Kody Browns fourth wife in 2010, the newest star of TLCs Sister Wives seemed hopeful and optimistic to be adding her three children from a previous marriage to the sprawling polygamous Brown family. But over time, many Sister Wives fans thought Robyn and Kodys passion seemed to cool as his youngest wife began to see the cracks in his relationships. On the most recent Sister Wives episode, The Basement Wife, Robyn reflected on her decision to marry Kody and become a member of the Brown family. In a conversation with Kodys third wife, Christine Brown, she admitted that she sometimes wondered if shed fallen in love with a version of the family that just wasnt real. Meri, Janelle, Kody, Christine, and Robyn Brown in 2010 | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Robyn said she wanted to make peace with living separately from her sister wives Robyn and Christine sat down for a heart-to-heart about their fractured family on the most recent episode of Sister Wives. Christine revealed that the elephant in the room when it came to her troubled marriage with Kody was her refusal to accept his idea of living in one home again. When Kodys third wife made it clear that she was never willing to live under one roof with her sister wives again, she argued, everything went bad in their marriage. As for Robyn, she just wanted to understand why Christine didnt want to live together. When Robyn first met the Browns in Lehi, Utah, she was enamored with their shared lifestyle and communal home. Now that Kodys four wives and their children were scattered about in Flagstaff, she felt like she might have been sold a false idea of who the family was in terms of their overall dynamic. I want to sort of make peace with the idea of us not living in one home, Robyn told Sister Wives producers. After all, that was the idea she bought off on when she married Kody, she explained. RELATED: Sister Wives: Meri and Kody Brown Seem to Have Very Different Ideas About Their Marriage Kodys fourth wife wondered if she had fallen in love with an illusion Christine went on to tell Robyn that the divisions in the Brown family had always existed; they certainly didnt start when Robyn married Kody, or even when the family moved to Las Vegas or Flagstaff. We made it work because of the kids, Christine declared to her shocked sister wife. Thats what it was. I dont know if we would have chosen to work things out for any other reason, necessarily. Kodys third wife accused her husband of tending to aggrandize and glorify the past, like, What we had was so good! And Im like, Bulls*it! Robyn admitted that seeing the truth beneath the Browns cohesive, cheery veneer had sometimes made her feel cynical. Its confusing to me, because its like, OK did I just not see what was there in front of my face? the Sister Wives star mused. Did I fall in love with a culture of a family that really wasnt real? The Sister Wives star said she wanted to be closer to Kodys other wives Despite the fact that both Christine and Robyn admitted there were major divisions in the family, they agreed that they wanted to be closer as both sister wives and friends. For Christine, the ideal sister wife relationship would feel like calling up a trusted friend just to check in and see how they were doing. But Robyn seemed to hold on to a different idea of what being a sister wife meant, calling it a unique bond as long as there was an airtight sense of trust. If you cant trust your sister wife to look out for your relationship with your husband, then you cant be girlfriends, the Sister Wives star reasoned. If youre sitting there and you know that shes actually trying to sabotage your relationship with Kody, then you cant trust her. How are you friends with someone you cant trust? When that trust did exist, Robyn said, a relationship between sister wives could include a depth and such a closeness and a connection and a bond that you cant get anywhere else. She saw that kind of selflessness as pure love. Its the potential that my sister wives and I have to have with each other, Robyn said hopefully. Margin loans are taking off, with banks sponsoring securities firms, photo Le toan A variety of stimulative efforts by the Vietnamese government to support the domestic economy has consequently created a springboard for stocks to surge. The fear of missing out has also pushed many local and foreign banks to allocate more funds into brokerages under the so-called margin loans, thus giving investors greater buying power. The financial statements of 25 securities firms with large outstanding loan balances to customers showed that as of the end of 2020, their total debts reached VND84.97 trillion ($3.66 billion), an increase of 48.9 per cent against the beginning of the year and up 24.9 per cent against the third quarter of 2020. Meanwhile, short-term loans from banks were VND76.85 trillion ($3.31 billion), up 65 per cent against the beginning of this year and 28.6 per cent compared with three months earlier. However, the closing term loan balance only reflects a part of the capital channel flowing into the securities industry in 2020. Securities firms have increased their loans during the period and paid the debt at the end to lower the balance. A staggering 20 out of 25 securities firms have borrowed short-term loans from banks up to VND461.467 trillion ($20 billion), six times higher than the short-term loan balance at the end of the period. Meanwhile, domestic banks remain the main funding sponsors for securities firms, including those dominated by foreign financial groups. According to company reports, Vietcombank is the leading capital backer for the stock market, with a rising amount of over VND27.51 trillion (over $1 billion) in 2020 or about five times the banks short-term loan balance for such companies. Some securities firms that are backed by Vietcombank are SSI Securities Corporation (SSI) with VND17.35 trillion dong ($747.42 million), KB Securities Vietnam JSC (KBSV) at VND6.88 trillion ($296.29 million), ACB Securities Co., Ltd. (ACBS) at VND1.35 trillion ($58.14 million), and MB Securities JSC (MBS) at VND1.23 trillion ($52.97 million). Trailing behind Vietcombank is BIDV with a loan amount of more than VND21.2 trillion ($914.11 million), four times higher than the short-term loan balance at the end of the period. BIDV offers large loans to SSI at VND14.1 trillion ($607.75 million), KBSV at VND1.829 trillion ($78.84 million), KIS Vietnam Securities Corporation (KIS) at VND1.827 trillion ($78.75 million), and Phu Hung Securities Corporation (PHS) at VND3.21 trillion ($137.93 million). Vietnam Maritime Joint Stock Commercial Bank (MSB) had provided loans of VND6.08 trillion ($262 million) to securities companies, mainly KBSV and MBS. Meanwhile, VPBank had backed VND5.14 trillion ($221.51 million) of loans to KBSV, MBS, Techcom Securities JSC (TCBS), and ACBS. In addition, Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank has sponsored Saigon-Hanoi Securities JSC. Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank and Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank also poured more capital into securities companies last year. Some foreign financial institutions such as Wooribank, CTBC, Indovinabank, and Shinhan Bank Vietnam have actively backed securities firms in 2020. Wooribank had lent more than VND2.81 trillion ($121.16 million) to KIS, MBS, ACBS, and KBSV. Indovinabank has issued loans to securities firms such as MBS, KBSV, and TCBS. Meanwhile, Vietnamese financial institutions are the main capital backers for securities firms, including those with large foreign investments and ratios from 50 to 90 per cent. For KBSV, up to 90 per cent of its loan value came from domestic banks. Meanwhile, this figure sits between 60 and 80 per cent for MBS, ACBS, PHS, and FPT Securities JSC. Nguyen Tuan Anh, director of the Credit Department under the State Bank of Vietnam revealed that the floundering economy and soaring stock market have brought about a sharp increase in credit for stock trading, especially in the last two months of 2020. By the end of December, credit for the securities sector reached VND45.784 trillion (nearly $2 billion), up 49.37 per cent on-year. The figure, however, only accounted for a very modest proportion (0.5 per cent) in the total outstanding loans of the economy. Anh emphasised that abundant resources have enabled banks to boost their loans to brokerages through sponsoring these companies to trade government bonds. Tran Khanh Hien, head of the Analysis Division at VNDIRECT Securities believed that the current risk management of the banking system and brokerage have been much improved. According to Circular No.36/2014/TT-NHNN, the total outstanding credit that commercial banks and branches of foreign banks extend to clients for stock investments and business is not allowed to exceed 5 per cent of the charter and allocated capital of commercial banks and foreign branches. Moreover, investors are also aware of financial leverage-related risks, so the bad debt ratio arising from securities loans is relatively low, Hien said. Gettyimagesbank Police killed a central Philippine city mayor and two of his aides, while two of the police officers were killed in the latest deadly violence involving the police force, officials said Tuesday. ''I can only assume that this was a mistaken encounter,'' Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus, a regional police commander, said based on initial police reports. The police were on routine patrol when they were fired upon Monday afternoon by security aides of Catbalogan City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, who was being driven in a van in eastern Samar province, according to de Jesus. The police returned fire and killed Aquino and two of his aides, including a police escort, while the mayor's aides killed two of the police officers, who were driving behind the mayor's van, he said. ''They had suspicions and opened fire on our policemen and our forces retaliated,'' de Jesus told reporters, adding that an investigation was underway. Video from shortly after the attack showed residents milling around Aquino's white van, its windows shattered by gunfire and the van peppered with bullet holes. Spent bullet shells littered the scene of the attack in the middle of a bridge. Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, a friend of Aquino, said the mayor, who was on his way to the birthday celebration of his child, may have been targeted, but de Jesus said the police were not after Aquino and were only on routine patrol. ''It was well-planned. After the van stopped it was immediately hit. It's good they were able to retaliate,'' Sarmiento told DZMM radio in tears. ''We're in a pandemic and things like this still happen.'' Several mayors and provincial officials linked to illegal drugs have been ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen under the rule of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has overseen a deadly anti-drug crackdown that has alarmed Western governments and human rights watchdogs. But Sarmiento said Aquino had no involvement in the illegal drug trade. Monday's deadly violence was the latest that involved the police force. Over the weekend, police, backed by military forces, killed nine people in raids against suspected communist insurgents in four provinces near Manila. Police officials said the suspects opened fire first, but left-wing groups say those killed were unarmed activists. The Department of Justice was ordered to investigate the deaths, which have been condemned by left-wing and human rights groups. Two weeks ago, police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency armed with assault rifles and pistols engaged in a gunbattle outside a shopping mall in an apparent mistaken clash while each side was undertaking separate anti-drug operations. Three law enforcers and a government drug informant were killed in the heavy exchange of fire. Many people were trapped in the nearby mall by the gunbattle that closed the mall, jammed traffic and was witnessed by many residents, commuters and shoppers. (AP) You are here: World Flash U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday will meet virtually with leaders of Japan, India, and Australia, the White House said on Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a daily briefing that a range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic cooperation, and the climate crisis, would be discussed during the meeting. It will be the first time that the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, known as "the Quad", meet at the leader level. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Despite being touted as the ultimate 'green' crop, cannabis is having a major impact on the environment, a new study suggest. Researches at Colorado State University found in Colorado that growing the drug indoors produces more than 30 percent more greenhouse gases than the state's coal mining industry. The team found that the larger carbon foot print is due to plants requiring a lot of energy, such as high-powered lighting and climate-control systems. Although the drug is legal recreationally in 15 US states, many have banned outdoor growing and many keep plants inside to ward off thieves resulting in a large amount of energy consumption needed to keep them alive. Scroll down for video Most state where weed is legal require cannabis to be grown indoors. That requires a lot of energy for grow lights and environmental controls, which is generating a lot of greenhouse gases Colorado residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. By 2017, the state government was collecting more than $247 million in taxes, licensing fees from the crop. Researchers at Colorado State University were curious what kind of effect the booming cash crop was having on greenhouse gas emissions, especially compared to other carbon-heavy industries. Colorado is the tenth largest coal-producing state in the US, mining over 23 million tons a year, mostly for generating electric power. A model of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from indoor cannabis cultivation across the US. Depending on the region, indoor cultivation results in between 2,283 and 5,184 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram of dried flower In the five years after Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, indoor cannabis cultivation went from 1 percent of Denver's electrical consumption to 4 percent But growing legal cannabis has a bigger carbon footprint in the Centennial State than coal mining, according to scientists at Colorado State University. Emissions from cannabis farming add up to around 2.6 metric megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). That's over 30 percent more than coal mining, which is responsible for 1.8 metric megatons. The biggest footprint came from the natural gas and electricity needed to maintain high-intensity grow lights and environmental controls. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems drew the most energy, though the actual amounts depended on the regional climate. In Colorado, for example, heating is more important. Emissions from marijuana growing vary widely from state to state, the team found, from 2.5 to 5.7 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for every kilogram of dried marijuana flower produced. 'The emissions that come from growing an ounce, depending on where it's grown in the US, is about the same as burning 7 to 16 gallons of gasoline,' Hailey Summers, a CSU graduate student in mechanical engineering and lead author in a new study in Nature Sustainability. Depending on where its cultivated, growing an ounce of marijuana has the same carbon footprint as burning 7 to 16 gallons of gasoline. Co-author Evan Sproul, a research scientist in mechanical engineering, performed a lifecycle assessment of indoor cannabis operations across the U.S.. Analyzing the energy and materials required to grow the product, he modeled what the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions would be. Depending on the region, he found indoor cultivation resulted in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of between 2,283 and 5,184 kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram of dried flower. In Colorado, state regulations require farming operations to be near retail storefronts, leading to a boom in energy-sucking grow warehouses in urban areas like Denver. From 2013 to 2018, electricity use from cannabis cultivation and related processes went from 1 percent of the city's total electrical consumption to 4 percent. 'Colorado's marijuana sector heavily relies on electricity to run artificial lights, as well as air-conditioning and dehumidifiers,' according to a statement from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 'With electrical generation being responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gasses and other air pollutants, energy efficiency has an impact on air quality in Colorado.' Growers are looking for a greener way, too: In 2018, the Colorado Harvest Company, a Denver dispensary, was spending about $13,000 a month on electricity for one of its two grow facilities, Colorado Public Radio reported. The company has started trying out light-emitting diode (LED) lights instead of traditional fluorescent lights in its grow rooms. In addition to having a smaller carbon footprint, LED lights are more energy efficient and last longer. The team believes growing cannabis in outdoor greenhouses would both lower energy requirements and shrink the carbon footprint. But it means changing laws and overcoming security concerns. 'We would like to try and improve environmental impacts before they have become built into the way of doing business,' said Sproul. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 23:01:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is constitutional, lawful and justified, and is purely China's internal affair which no foreign country has the right to interfere in, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Britain Yang Xiaoguang said Tuesday. Yang made the remarks at an online press briefing after a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was submitted Friday for deliberation to national lawmakers during the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC). Yang said Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China and how to develop and improve its electoral system is purely China's internal affair, which no foreign country has the right to interfere in. Yang pointed out that improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR and ensuring "patriots governing Hong Kong" is necessitated by the need to advance "One Country, Two Systems" and maintain long-term stability and security in Hong Kong. "It is a constitutional power and responsibility of the NPC, and is constitutional, lawful and justified," Yang said. In recent years, anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists in Hong Kong have openly clamored for "Hong Kong independence," Yang said, adding that they have used the election platforms of the Hong Kong SAR or their position as public servants to blatantly carry out anti-China, destabilizing activities to paralyze the functioning of the Legislative Council and obstruct the law-based governance of the Hong Kong SAR government. Some foreign and external forces have brazenly interfered in Hong Kong affairs, and openly provided support for those anti-China, destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, Yang said. These moves and activities have severely jeopardized the constitutional order and the rule of law in the Hong Kong SAR, put China's sovereignty, security and development interests into serious jeopardy, and severely disrupted the social stability of Hong Kong, he said. These moves and activities reveal that the existing electoral system and mechanisms of the Hong Kong SAR have obvious loopholes and deficiencies, which were exploited by the anti-China, destabilizing forces to seize the power of governance of the Hong Kong SAR, he said. In light of such a situation, China must take necessary measures to improve the electoral system of Hong Kong and remove existing institutional deficiencies and risks, Yang said. "This will ensure the governance of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body, safeguard law-based and effective governance in Hong Kong, keep the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" on the right track, and lay a solid foundation for sustained stability and prosperity in Hong Kong," Yang said. In response to questions by Chinese and foreign media, Yang said the Chinese side has realized that some countries have expressed so-called "concerns," or that some countries have even threatened sanctions against China. "The so-called concerns are totally unacceptable. We firmly oppose any sanctions, and the so-called concerns are groundless and unreasonable. Hong Kong is part of China. Hong Kong affairs are totally China's internal affairs," he said. "China does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, neither can we allow other countries to intervene in our own affairs. This kind of concern in whatever form is basically a kind of intervention in China's internal affairs. We will never accept that," he added. Yang stressed that the reform of the election system is to improve the situation in Hong Kong, which will guarantee the long-term stability of "One Country, Two Systems" and the functioning of the Hong Kong SAR government. "This will also provide a peaceful and stable environment for all businesses. Businesses like predictability. We believe that with further predictability, and peace and stability ensured in Hong Kong, foreign investors will have more confidence in Hong Kong," he said. Journalists from 17 media agencies in Britain attended the online press briefing, including BBC, Sky News, Financial Times, The Economist, Associated Press and AFP. Enditem MILAN, Italy, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire Borsa Italiana has appointed illimity Bank S.p.A. (illimity or the Bank) as a Nomad (Nominated Adviser), a point of contact for companies that want to raise capital to consolidate their competitive position and speed up their growth process by listing on the Italian Alternative Investment Market (AIM Italia). Nomads play a central role on the path to an AIM listing simplified and geared to the structure of small and medium-sized enterprises by assisting businesses wishing to open up to new opportunities for market access in order to consolidate their position and speed up their growth plans. Thanks to its appointment as a Nomad, illimity, founded with the aim of recognising and enhancing the potential of Italian companies, expands and completes its offer thanks to a dedicated Capital Markets platform for SMEs. The Bank is specialised in this segment and, through its SME Division, already provides services aimed at supporting the development and transformation plans of the companies it assists. illimity provides equity and debt capital markets services as part of its specific Capital Markets platform for SMEs, acting as a Nomad and global coordinator for IPOs and arranger for debt instrument issues. The platform offering will be managed by a dedicated team of professionals led by Fabiano Lionetti (Head of Capital Markets & Treasury) and Salvatore Genovese (Head of Capital Markets Unit), reporting directly to Francesco Mele (CFO & Head of Central Functions). Corrado Passera, illimitys CEO, commented: Becoming a Nomad will enable us to further enrich the services we provide for high-potential companies by assisting them in their growth and innovation projects. There is still great untapped potential in a very large number of Italian SMEs, and illimity intends to make every effort to enhance it. For further information : Investor Relations Silvia Benzi: +39.349.7846537 - +44.7741.464948 - silvia.benzi@illimity.com Press & Communication illimity Isabella Falautano, Francesca DAmico Sara Balzarotti, Ad Hoc Communication Advisors +39.340.1989762 press@illimity.com +39.335.1415584 sara.balzarotti@ahca.it illimity Bank S.p.A. illimity is the high-tech banking group founded and headed by Corrado Passera that was created with the aim of responding to specific market needs by way of an innovative and specialist business model. More specifically, illimity extends financing to high-potential SMEs, purchases distressed corporate loans and services through its platform, neprix, provides digital direct banking services through illimitybank.com and, with illimity SGR, over the next few months will set up and manage the first Alternative Investment Fund for corporate loans. The story of the illimity Group began in January 2018 with the launch of the special purpose acquisition company SPAXS S.p.A., which ended with a record 600 million euro being raised on the market. SPAXS subsequently acquired Banca Interprovinciale S.p.A., with the resulting merger between the two giving rise to illimity Bank S.p.A., which has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 5 March 2019, (ticker ILTY), firstly on the MTA platform and since September 2020 on the Star segment. The banking group, headquartered in Milan, can already count on over 600 employees and had assets of over 4 billion euro in its balance sheet at the end of 2020. Wire Service Contact: InvestorWire (IW) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@InvestorWire.com A presentation on identity theft and scams will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Goose Creek Library. Join Cedric Wright with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs to learn how to recognize scams and protect yourself. Question and answer opportunity after the presentation. Call 843-572-1376 to register.An American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan 31 at the Goose Creek Community Center. Contact Kelly Lovette at 843-797-6220 ext. 1113 for more informaton.Even though winter is upon us, many creatures of the swamp love this time of year. An educator on staff at Old Santee Canal Park will inform you all about the plants and animals you come across. You will explore the remnants of the first canal ever built in America and learn some park history. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles will be provided and a short instructional period for beginners will be done in the classroom. So bring the whole family out for a morning filled with excitement and the perfect blend of history and nature. The paddle is planned for 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 30. The cost is $10 per person. Call Adam Bedard at 843-899-5200 for more information.LEGO Mania is a program that allows families to imagine, create and build with LEGO blocks provided by the library. This family friendly program is designed for children ages 7-11. Visit the Moncks Courner Library 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 1. Call 843-719-4223 for more information.A steel pan instrument presentation will take place at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Goose Creek Library. The demonstration from Steel Empire will include a performance, a history, an interactive lesson, and a question-and-answer session. All are welcome to this free event. Call 843-572-1376 for more information.The Berkeley County School Districts Board of Education will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 in the Boardroom of the Berkeley County Board of Education Building. All meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. (executive session) with the regular session open to the public scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.The Moncks Corner Town Council will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at Town Hall. The Town Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Courtroom at Town Hall, 118 Carolina Ave. Any changes in meeting schedules are advertised in advance. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.Berkeley County Library System invites children to visit and to listen and dance to their favorite stories with multi-sensory activities at Storytime@Your Library. Moncks Corner Library: 10:30-11 a.m. on Thursdays.The Lords Ladle Cafe in the Goose Creek United Methodist Church fellowship building located at 142 Redbank Road is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays, a hot breakfast is served from 7-9 a.m. For more information, call 843-553-6842, or go to goosecreekumc@comcast.net.Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill or going through a physical or emotional challenge. Call Marty Ireland at 843-749-9328 or martyi04@homesc.com. See www.projectlinus. org.United States Submarine Veterans-Charleston Base meets on the second Thursday of each month except December at the FRA Branch 269, 99 Wisteria Road in Goose Creek. Social Hour starts at 6 p.m. and meeting starts at 7 p.m. This is the second largest USSVI Base. All Brothers of the Dolphin are welcome. Contact Rick Wise at 843-276-0899 or newsletter@ussvib.org for information.Reluctant readers are invited to read to Clayton the Therapy dog 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Goose Creek Library, 325 Old Moncks Corner Road in Goose Creek. Call 843-572-1376 for more information.TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter SC0104 meets at 9 a.m. every Thursday for weigh-in with the meeting beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the Goose Creek Volunteer Fire Department, 907 Redbank Road, Goose Creek. Call Theresa at 843-737-3289. In Moncks Corner, the group meets Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Trident Emergency Physicians conference room.The Berkeley Soil and Water Conservation District board meets 11 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Old Santee Canal Park. Meetings are open to any interested persons. To confirm meeting place, call 843-719-4146.Small Town Restoration Inc. will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen Library, 113 Ravenell Drive in St. Stephen. For more information, contact Wes Pratt, president at 843-327-3354.Berkeleybees, a group for anyone interested in beekeeping, meets 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the First Presbyterian Church. All ages and experience levels welcome. Call the Berkeley Soil and Water Conservation District for more information at 843-719-4146.Meetings are 6-8 p.m on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Trident Hospital in Cafe B.This meeting is for anyone who is a caregiver, has Alzheimers or dementia or wants information. The sponsor of this event is Agape Senior. For information, call 843-553-7122.A free exercise class for seniors takes place 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays in the gym of First Baptist Church, 112 E. Main St. in Moncks Corner. Join the fun and reap the benefits of exercising to the oldies. Call 843-499-2503.The Berkeley County Sheriffs Citizens Advisory Board meets every six weeks at the sheriffs office, 223 N. Live Oak Drive, Moncks Corner.Relax with an adult coloring class at the Sangaree Library, 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Free; supplies furnished. For more information, contact Dan Beaumont at 843-636-2106.The BSB Safe Haven support group meets 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at the Berkeley Electric Cooperative community room, 551 Rembert C. Dennis Blvd., Moncks Corner.The Moncks Corner Fire Department offers CPR classes every Saturday at the Fire Department on Carolina Avenue. The classes are FREE, but the certification card is $6. Contact the Fire Department for more information at 843-719-7990.Berkeley County Council has its regular and committee meetings 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Mondays of the month at the administration building, Moncks Corner.The PTSD support group meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Fellowship of Oakbrook, 1400 Trolley Road, Summerville. The military PTSD support group for veterans, families and friends will provide free anonymous assistance that includes understanding, support, guidance and coping skills for those affected by PTSD resulting from combat or traumatic military experiences. This is not a therapy group, it is a self-help support group. Call 843-637-6463 or 843-509-0535.Regular monthly meeting of Moncks Corner Town Council will be on the third Tuesday of the month after the Finance Committee meeting at 6 p.m.Moncks Corner Crime Watch meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., 118 Carolina Ave. (Town Hall) on the fourth Thursday of each month.The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free support groups for individuals in recovery and family members of people with mental illness. Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month 6-7:30 p.m. at Moncks Corner Baptist Church at 500 E. Main St.; and the third Monday of every month 6-7:30 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church at 118 W. Third South St., Summerville. Call John Tharp at 843-709-8520.Quilt N Friends is a group that meets on the fourth Thursday of each month to discuss quilting, show recent projects, and work on projects for Newborns in Need and other local charities. The group meets at the Stallsville Methodist Church Fellowship building on Stallsville Road between Trolley and Bacons Bridge behind the church. Contact Marina at 843-871-9890.Overeaters Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. each Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, in Room 6 of the All Ministries Building. For more information, call 843-577-9499 or visit www.oa.org.The Goose Creek Rotary Club meets at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesdays at Gilligans in Goose Creek. Community minded individuals are invited to come and listen to weekly speakers and join the club. The local club is relatively small but very active with its 15-18 members. For more information, go to www.goosecreekrotary.com. FiA-Females in ActionGoose Creek women are meeting to workout at 5 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 6 a.m. on Tuesdays; and 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. This free peer-led, non-profit group welcomes women of any age or fitness level. For more information, send email to FiAGooseCreek@gmail.com. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Diplomats should work to strengthen friendship and mutual respect between the Ukrainian and Israeli peoples, and not vice versa, said Oleh Nikolenko, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine, commenting on the demand of Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Joel Lion to cancel the decision to name Ternopil stadium after Roman Shukhevych. "Preserving the national memory of the Ukrainian people remains one of the priorities of Ukraine's state policy. Discussions in this area should be held at the level of historians. At the same time, diplomats should work to strengthen relations of friendship and mutual respect between peoples, and not vice versa," Nikolenko wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. As reported, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Joel Lion condemned the decision of Ternopil City Council to name the city stadium after the Hero of Ukraine, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army Roman Shukhevych. Thousands of people take part in a demonstration to defund the police in support of Black Lives Matter in Toronto on June 19, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette) It Took Me by Surprise: Academic Critical of BLM Movement Had Article on Her Paper Removed Sonia Orlu never expected that an article about her recent paper on the Black Lives Matter movement would be promptly deleted by a Vancouver radio station after it was published following an interview with the station. But thats what happened on March 5 to the PhD candidate in political science at Simon Fraser University and author of the paper Why I do not support the Black Lives Matter movement. News 1130 deleted its article, titled BLM resorts to emotional blackmail, argues SFU academic, shortly after publishing it and before Orlu even had a chance to read it. Orlu, who came to Canada from Nigeria in 2010 to begin her post-secondary education, told The Epoch Times that the removal of the article took me by surprise, adding that she was offered no explanation by the radio station or the journalist who interviewed her. @sonia_orlus authoritative commentary demonstrates that not all people of colour ascribe to a singular ideology as so promoted by the media elites and, in fact, there is a diverse range of perspectives that need to be spotlighted, says @jamiljivani. https://t.co/n68OxjVpp0 Macdonald-Laurier Institute (@MLInstitute) March 9, 2021 News 1130 has deleted a tweet about an article regarding the Black Lives Matter movement. The article, also deleted, did not meet our journalistic standards for balance, and its potential negative impact was not fully considered, News 1130 said in a March 5 tweet. The deleted tweet had read in part: In an effort to ensure fair and balanced coverage, we are seeking additional voices for this story. Orlu shot back: Support for Black Lives Matter has dominated the mainstream narrative, so Im at a loss as to why my informed opinion (backed by data) on the movement and its organizations doesnt contribute to fair and balanced coverage. In another tweet she noted that her paper had been peer reviewed by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, which published the essay on its website. By citing American data and given the dearth of race-specific data on crime in Canada, Orlus paper chronicles her journey starting from when she fully embraced the BLM movement, endorsing the protests and riots following the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, when she was an undergrad. But over time she began to question the BLM rhetoric that there is a war against Black people and that Black lives are systematically targeted for demise, and her subsequent research revealed something different. Black Lives Matter and their White liberal allies have monopolized and weaponized the mainstream discourse on race, she wrote. I had family and friends who were distraught over last summers eventsthe death of George Floyd. They felt like their lives as black people didnt matter because society was out to get them, Orlu said in her Epoch Times interview. That didnt ring true to me, so I began to collect evidence and piece them together to create some sort of cohesive arguments that I could present to them and say, You know what, youre more likely to die by lightning than to be killed by the police. On its website, BLM describes itself as a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. Orlu counters this view. So why are black people quote-unquote over-represented in the statistics? Because they have much more contact with the police. Why do they have much more contact with police? Because black people mostly exist in environments that are high-crime, high-violence-breeding environments, she says. So theres the idea that it boils down to specific problems that could be addressed, be they economic or social. BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors has described herself and fellow co-founder Alicia Garza as trained Marxists who have an ideological frame. In her paper, Orlu says she became disturbed by the neo-Marxist bent of the movements rhetoric. They argue that capitalism and the system of white supremacy are not mutually exclusive, therefore to liberate Black lives is to tear down the system. I find this ironic because capitalism presents the best chance of lifting all peoples, including Blacks, out of poverty and disadvantage (and it has!), she wrote. Orlu summarizes the movements basic message to impressionable young people thus: That all cops like nothing else but to terrorize and systematically exterminate Black people. All White people are complicit in fostering this system of hate. Regarding having her story cancelled by News 1130, Orlu says she was taken aback by her first encounter with mainstream media, particularly its reaction to her ideas, but she vows to continue engaging with media. I was taken aback by having my opinions being considered as something that would bring harm to a groupa group [for which] I seek to broaden the conversation about whats being fed to them. So its really been a revelation, she says. Im interested to see how it all plays out. Right now I am firmly planted in participating in this cultural war in North America. Editors note: A previous version of this story misspelled Sonia Orlus name in some mentions. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Postal services provider TTPost yesterday shut its branches in Port of Spain and San Fernando after dozens of people rushed to collect senior citizen pension and public assistance grants and would not adhere to physical distancing rules. Eventually, police were called to disperse the crowds. Several elderly people at the St Vincent Street branch in Port of Spain complained about not being able to collect their pension cheques because other unruly ones refused to socially distance and abide by the law amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Stella Griffith, 68, of Diego Martin, said she was adhering to rules of social distancing, but there were other people who came for their public assistance and disability grants and were refusing to listen. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that the world could experience another pandemic if more stringent measures weren't taken to observe Chinese labs researching viruses. Speaking on Fox Business Wednesday, Pompeo said that the State Department had 'highly vetted' information that pointed to 'significant evidence' that the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). '[The Biden Administration] should require the Chinese Communist Partyto allow scientists to actually come in and see the things they need to see and speak to the people they need to speak to,' he said. Scroll down for video Pompeo claimed the State Department had 'highly vetted' info that pointed to 'significant evidence' that the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology The Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China Pompeo continued: 'This is a real risk. The Chinese Communist Party continues to conduct significant biological research, and they're doing it in laboratories that have demonstrated they are not at the levels of security that the world should demand of them, and yet, the world seem to continue to permit them to do this. 'We have to demand that the Chinese Communist Party cease this activity until they demonstrate to the world that they're not going to push across the entire globe killing millions of people, destroying billions and billions of dollars worth of wealth from a virus that came from their country and they chose to cover it up.' While with the Trump administration, Pompeo notoriously contradicted Dr. Anthony Fauci and the U.S. Intelligence community by releasing a statement that suggested that the virus originated at the WIV. Pompeo continued: 'This is a real risk. The Chinese Communist Party continues to conduct significant biological research, and they're doing it in laboratories that have demonstrated they are not at the levels of security that the world should demand of them, and yet, the world seem to continue to permit them to do this. While with the Trump administration, Pompeo notoriously contradicted Dr. Anthony Fauci and the U.S. Intelligence community by releasing a statement that suggested that the virus originated at the WIV The statement from the State Department claimed that the U.S. government had evident that 'several researchers inside the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) became sick in autumn 2019, before the first identified case of the outbreak, with symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses.' Pompeo's and Trump insistence on referring to the coronavirus as the 'Wuhan Virus' has shown correlation to the recent uptick in Anti-Asian attacks across the country. More than 3,000 incidents have been reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a California-based reporting center for Asian American Pacific Islanders, and its partner advocacy groups, since mid-March 2020. Encounters don't often rise to the legal definition of a hate crime, frustrating members of the community. For months, as opponents gathered signatures from voters ready to remove him from office, Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly ignored the recall drive that could imperil his political future. But on Tuesday night, from one of the biggest stages of his governorship, Newsom acknowledged for the first time the threat of a partisan political power grab that he decried as a distraction from the states battle against the coronavirus pandemic and his effort to build a more equitable California. I just want you to know, were not going to change course just because of a few naysayers and doomsdayers, Newsom said during his annual State of the State address. So to the California critics, who are promoting partisan political power grabs with outdated prejudices, and rejecting everything that makes California truly great, we say this: We will not be distracted from getting shots in arms and our economy booming again, he said. This is a fight for Californias future. Speaking from an empty Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Newsom gave a forceful defense of his response to the pandemic, asserting that people are alive today because of his sometimes controversial public health measures. He said he adopted the first statewide stay-at-home order in the nation nearly a year ago and noted Californias death rate from the coronavirus is lower than the national average and other large states such as Texas and New York. Look, weve made mistakes. Ive made mistakes, he said. But we own them, we learn from them and we never stop trying. Newsom also promised that California would not go back to normal when the pandemic ends Normal was never good enough. Normal accepts inequity, he said a potential preview of his campaign message in a likely recall election later this year. Among the policies he said would put California on a more just path forward is a recent $7.6 billion state stimulus package, which will send $600 checks to more than 5 million low-income households, regardless of their immigration status, and provide billions of dollars in grants to help small businesses adjust their operations to the pandemic. Newsom said three-quarters of the grants so far have gone to businesses owned by women, people of color and veterans, or to those operating in rural or low-income communities. The speech broke with recent tradition for the State of the State, which governors have delivered mid-morning to a joint session of the Legislature. The governors aides said they chose Dodger Stadium, which has been operating as a mass vaccination site, to represent both Californias spirit of service and those lost to the coronavirus. The stadium can hold 56,000 people, slightly more than the number of Californians who have died of COVID-19. Whether the address can put Newsom in a more favorable light with the public remains to be seen. Even before it began, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a potential Republican opponent in the recall, slammed the governor as someone who would say anything to save his political career. Words are all he has. Robin Swanson, a Democratic political consultant, said Newsom struck too cheerful of a tone for how voters are feeling. Given how many Californians are still struggling a year into the pandemic, she said she would have liked to hear him empathize more with their pain. He very badly wants the next chapter to start, Swanson said. Im not sure people are ready to hear all of the positive things. The governor has been working hard to turn around public perception after a series of missteps over the winter months, as the coronavirus surged to record levels in California, battered support for Newsom and helped fuel the recall drive against him. After an early rollout of its vaccination system that was among the slowest in the country, Newsom has toured vaccine sites across the state for more than a month to highlight improving numbers. He has struggled to live down his attendance at a November birthday party for his political adviser at the French Laundry restaurant and faces mounting frustration from parents over the long-delayed return to in-person instruction in many school districts. With the deadline to turn in petitions for the recall a week away, proponents said Sunday that they had collected nearly 2 million signatures. They need about 1.5 million valid signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot later this year. Local elections officials will verify their petitions through April. Tonight was nothing more than political theater, said Randy Economy, a spokesperson for the recall campaign. It was about him promoting himself. It was him going to Hollywood and being a big star. Newsom bragged Tuesday night that California has administered nearly 11 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine and took credit for changing the conversation about schools in recent weeks from whether to reopen, to when. His administration recently set aside 10% of first vaccine doses for educators, which he said more than 200,000 teachers and other school staff received in the past week alone, helping push more districts to announce plans to bring students back into the classroom. We wont be defined by this moment, he said. Well be defined by what we do because of it. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Denton, TX (76205) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy in the evening followed by scattered thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. TRINIDAD and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) executive director, Nigel Edwards, says the changes the 39-year-old financial institution is undergoing at this time are transformational. The UTC is now in the middle of a three-year cycle of strategic changes that will culminate in 2023 and beyond, he said. Hemso is acquiring a property for conversion into a municipal family centre in Espoo outside Helsinki. The property will undergo extensive refurbishment, and a 10-year rental agreement has been signed with the City of Espoo. The total investment amount is approximately 22 million. The property ha... [] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has requested for additional billions of pesos in funding to cover expenses for returning overseas Filipino workers. "[C]hallenged ang ating budget, yung funds natin ngayon. And we project na by April or May ay mauubos yung 2021 budget, yung 6.2 billion," said OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac during a virtual briefing on Wednesday of the funding allocated for repatriated OFWs food, transport, and accommodation expenses. [Translation: Our budget, our funds are currently challenged. And we project that by April or May, our 2021 budget of 6.2 billion might run out.] Under current protocols, returning OFWs undergo RT-PCR swab testing on their 6th day from date of arrival in their respective hotel quarantine facilities. There are currently around 10,000 of them staying in more than 140 hotels, yielding 30 million in accommodation expenses alone per day, Cacdac said. Given this, he admitted facilities are already getting overwhelmed, which is why authorities have already resorted to tapping budget hotels. As a preemptive measure, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has already written to Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado on additional funding for OWWA, Cacdac added. "For the remainder of the year 'yun, so 9.8 billion," he said, noting this is subject to protocols for returning OFWs at present. Cacdac added that the Budget chief has already said the agency is willing to extend help on this. Cacdac likewise mentioned the DOLE-AKAP (Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong for OFWs) assistance program had already assisted in the Philippines alone over 400,000 OFWs displaced by the pandemic. Around 470,000 OFWs have already returned to their home regions to date, the OWWA official said. ALBANY, N.Y., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin, are a category of anticoagulant in medical sector. It finds use in reducing the incidence and mortality associated with coagulation disorders, and is derived from bovine and porcine sources. The heparin market has witnessed rapid strides from relentless efforts of healthcare companies to unveil affordable and safer anticoagulants in patient populations. Target cohorts for using these agents are venous thromboembolism (VTE), treatment of deep vein thromboses (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Of various product types, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have gathered immense attention. Heparin products can be administered in both oral and parenteral modes. Clocking a CAGR of 6.8% from 2019 to 2027, the market is projected to climb to a valuation of US$ 19.4 Bn by 2027-end. Demand for extended-duration anticoagulants is projected spur clinical advancements in the market. Request for Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Heparin Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/covid19.php Key Findings of Heparin Market Study Mortality Associated With Coagulation Disorders To Spur Commercialization Pace The high mortality of various coagulation disorders is a key trend boosting the prospects in the heparin market. Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE)-related mortality is high in hospitalized patients even post-operatively. Overall, coagulation disorders have shown substantial mortality and morbidity around the world. In developed regions, such as in Europe, they have led to millions of deaths over the past few years. This necessitates the clinical need for safer and effacious heparin products among the healthcare teams. The incidence and prevalence of venous thromboembolism or VTE in the U.S. especially has led to the demand for anticoagulants of extended activity and lower side effects. Further, the high recurrence of VTE is a key concern among healthcare providers. Request Brochure of Heparin Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/brochure.php Geriatrics High-Risk Populations The prevalence of VTE is high in elderly adults. Thus, rise in geriatric population has spurred the clinical relevance of various anticoagulant products, thereby spurring the growth momentum of demand in the heparin market. Congestive heart failure is a key cause for such VTE events. The heparin products thus find demand in the treatment of deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism. Rise in incidence of renal disorders is also a key target populations for drug makers in the market. Purchase the Heparin Market Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php Low Molecular Weight Heparin Gain Clinical Acceptance in Hospital Setting Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are a key category of anticoagulants extensively used in VTE prophylaxis. Although this is a popular category, ultra-low molecular weight heparin (ULMWH) is also expected to witness to gather traction among healthcare teams. Several other alternatives are being explored such as dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban, which might hamper the revenue prospects in the heparin market. With LMWH drugs, the scenario is particularly lucrative since there is a vastly emerging demand for generics and biosimilars for the branded medicines. The cost-effectiveness is key to affordability and hence uptake in hospital settings. Request for Custom Research - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/custom-research.php Heparin Market: Key Driving Factors and Avenues Rise in economic burden of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) worldwide is a key driver for the demand Rapidly aging populations in several parts of the developing and developed world is boosting the clinical relevance of cost-effective synthetic heparin products. Heparin Market: Competitive Dynamics A number of industry players who want to boost their stakes in the heparin market are opting for a mix of strategic moves comprising regulatory approvals, new products approvals, and acquisitions and collaborations. Top players with prominent presence in North America are setting their sights on the emerging markets in Asia Pacific. Some of the key players in the market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Baxter International Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Healthcare Industry: Atrial Fibrillation Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/atrial-fibrillation-market.html Anticoagulants Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/anticoagulants-marke.html About Us Transparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals. Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through adhoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories. TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision." Browse More Upcoming Reports by Transparency Market Research: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/upcoming.htm Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/heparin-market.htm Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research The deceased Keroche Breweries heiress Tecra Muigai apparently bankrolled her 51-year-old lover Omar Lali when the pair dated amid opposition from Tecras billionaire family. This became apparent on Tuesday, March 9 when an inquest on the death of the 29-year-old heiress kicked off at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. Keroche breweries matriarch Tabitha Karanja accused Omar Lali of preying on her daughter financially and tabled financial statements to back her claims. Mrs Karanja told the court she noticed suspicious money transfers from Tecras account to Lali. She claimed the Lamu native could have coerced her daughter to transfer over Sh1 million in a span of five months. She said on August 19, 2019, Tecra wired Sh150,000 to Lali and a similar amount the next day(August 20). Eight days later(August 28), the late Keroche Breweries director transferred another Sh150,000 to the boat operator. Weeks later, Tecra moved Sh100,000 on October 18 and another Sh100,000 on November 1. Tabitha said her daughter then doubled the amount on November 13, wiring Sh200,000 to Lali. Also Read: Omar Lali Tabitha Karanja Called Me an Alshabaab Terrorist The following month, Lali reportedly received another Sh100,000. In 2020, however, Tecra tightened her purse strings; she sent Lali Sh60,000 on March 3 and Sh 80,000 on the 13th. Tabitha further testified that police found unsigned bank slips in the house Tecra shared with Lali whereby she had transferred money to him. According to Tabitha, Tecra worked hard only to share her money with a quinquagenarian who should have been the one providing for her. He was after my daughters hard-earned income and when she realized that she could not give him money anymore, he killed her, Tabitha told Magistrate Zainabu Abdul. She told the court Omar Lali lied that Tecra was drunk when she fell to her death down a staircase on April 27. Karanja said a doctors report revealed that Tecra had not consumed alcohol. It was not true what Omar was alleging. The injuries were severe so we reported to the police. The doctor told us that if it was a fall, there would have been scars in other parts of the body. She had two cracks on the head, she said. Tabitha asked God to avenge her daughters death. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-10 16:46:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. - - - - TOKYO -- Tokyo on Wednesday reported 340 new daily COVID-19 cases, bringing the capital's tally since the outbreak of the pandemic here to 114,201. The Tokyo Metropolitan government and health officials' latest figure compares to 290 new cases confirmed by the metropolitan government and health officials the previous day. - - - - SUVA -- The South Pacific island nation of Fiji started on Wednesday the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, aiming to fully vaccinate 6,000 frontline workers including health care workers, members of the disciplined forces and border control workers who operate the COVID-19 border control and quarantine services. According to a statement by Fiji's Health Ministry, the first batch of 12,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, procured through the COVAX facility, will provide two doses each of vaccination for the target group. Additional vaccines sent through COVAX will arrive in staggered shipments in the weeks to come. - - - - ULAN BATOR -- Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan and Mayor of Ulan Bator Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar on Wednesday received their first shots of a COVID-19 vaccine donated by China. Mongolia launched a COVID-19 vaccination campaign across the country on Feb. 23, and more than 30,400 people have been vaccinated so far, according to the country's Health Ministry. - - - - RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil on Tuesday saw record high daily COVID-19 deaths at 1,972 in 24 hours, bringing the national toll to 268,370. Meanwhile, the country reported 70,764 new COVID-19 cases, taking the nationwide tally to 11,122,429, said the Ministry of Health. Brazil has the second highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, after the United States, and the third highest number of cases, behind the United States and India. Enditem Social distancing dividers for students are seen in a classroom at St. Benedict School in Montebello, near Los Angeles, Calif., on July 14, 2020. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters) LA Teachers, School District Reach Tentative Deal to Reopen Classrooms The Los Angeles Unified School District and its teachers union have reached a tentative agreement on returning to in-person instruction, about a year after students began learning remotely. The deal would require all students and staff to be tested for COVID-19 before returning to their campuses and submit to weekly testing thereafter. Masks and social distancing will be required. Teachers and other school workers wouldnt have to return to work inside schools until they had the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the agreement. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. The agreement provides for the reopening of schools when Los Angeles County is in the red tier according to the state school guidelines, that all staff have access to the COVID vaccine and that schools are kept clean and safe, Superintendent Austin Beutner and United Teachers of Los Angeles President Cecily Myart-Cruz said in a joint statement. As we have both stated for some time, the right way to reopen schools must include the highest standard of COVID safety in schools, continued reduction of the virus in the communities we serve, and access to vaccinations for school staff. This agreement achieves that shared set of goals. Its our shared commitment to the highest safety standards and spirit of trust and collaboration we will take with us back to schools. While the agreement is subject to approval by the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education and ratification by the unions membership. Kelly Gonez, the boards president, signaled her support. Exciting news! she said on Facebook. LA Unified will be reopening in a hybrid model, starting with elementary schools next month. With this agreement with our teachers, we are ready to begin to bring students back safely. Elementary school students would go to school every day in the morning or afternoon under a hybrid model, while students in middle and high school would keep learning virtually for now. The agreement will allow any student to continue learning outside the classroom. Those students would have the opportunity to return to campus for peer interaction, social-emotional learning, and lessons for college and career exploration, according to a summary of the agreement. Students work on an art project during class at the Sinaloa Middle School in Novato, Calif., on March 2, 2021. (Haven Daley/AP Photo) The teachers union had resisted what it described as a premature return to classrooms, stemming from fears of the virus. Studies show that reopening schools for in-person instruction hasnt led to a significant increase in community transmission of the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month recommended a return to physical classes, if certain steps were taken. Approximately 47 percent of K-12 students in the United States have returned to five-day-a-week in-person classes as of March 8, according to the tracking website Burbio. California is lagging, sitting last in Burbios state-by-state in-person index. Most of the states large districts have no plans to return students in March, Burbio said in a blog post. The tentative Los Angeles agreement itself wasnt released. According to details obtained by the Los Angeles Times, the agreement has no set date for a return to physical classes. Middle and high schools could remain closed until May and when students do return, theyd start by continuing to learn online even though theyd be physically present in their schools, aside from a single period each day. March 10 : Actor Ranjha Vikram Singh, who is playing role of an army officer in a forthcoming film titled Fauji Calling, has said that it was a dream come true moment for him as an actor to play role of a Indian army officer in the film as he always idolized becoming a soldier in his school days. Ranjha Vikram Singh was interacting with News Helpline to promote Fauji Calling in Mumbai. Fauji Calling explores the various aspects of the life of soldiers and the struggle of their families. It is scheduled to be released in cinemas on 12 March 2021. During the interview, Singh said that it was dream come true moment for him as an actor to play role of a soldier because during his school days, he dreamt of joining security forces of the country, he said, I have done a lot of action in my previous Hindi and South-Indian films but this is the first time, I got the opportunity to explore emotional journey of a soldier. Since my school days, it was my dream to become a soldier and serve our nation. I used to get attracted by their uniforms, shoes and personality but later, I became an actor, so when makers of this approached me to play the role of a soldier in the film then it was like a dream come true moment for me as an actor. He added, I am really glad that at this stage of my career, I got such a beautiful character to play which shows real emotions of soldiers and their families. I also decided to produce the film because I really liked its storyline and my love for soldiers of our country. Talking about the storyline of the film, Singh said, I think this is the first time anyone has made a film based on a martyr's family members life. This film is a tribute to every soldier and his family. Soldiers of Indian army get approximately 40 days of leave in the entire year and during that period; they try to spend maximum time with their family members but remaining part of the year, they live without their families to protect the citizens of this country, so during that time what kind of circumstances soldiers and their families go through in their lives, we have tried to showcase those aspects through our film. Talking about his character in the film, Singh said, I am playing the role of an army officer Rajveer Singh who is posted near Srinagar in the film. He keeps missing his family members but at the same time, he has the passion to serve his country. There are two meanings of the title of this film - firstly, his country is calling him and then his family is calling him so we have tried to showcase what kind of emotions a soldier goes through while he is performing his duty. We cant even match when it comes to what they go through in their daily life. I feel the film will be able to connect with the audience purely because of its emotions because most of the time, we also stay away from our families due to work purposes. Fauji Calling is directed by Aaryaan Saxena and produced by Ranjha Vikram Singh and Ovez Shaikh under the banners of Running Horses Films and Ovez Productions. The film stars Sharman Joshi, Ranjha Vikram Singh, Bidita Bag, Mahi Soni, Mugdha Godse, Zarina Wahab, and Shishir Sharma in key roles. Athens, March 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Mar, 2021 ) :Greek police said an officer was seriously injured in the head as clashes broke out Tuesday evening at a protest of some 5,000 people in Athens against police violence. The demonstration follows an uproar over viral video footage showing an officer beating a man with a baton during a patrol to check that people were following Covid-19 restrictions on Sunday. An AFP photographer at the scene of Tuesday's protest said clashes broke out after a group of around 200 masked protesters headed towards the police station in Nea Smyrni, the calm Athens suburb where Sunday's beating had taken place. The demonstrators threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at a police station and police responded with tear gas and water cannon, AFP reported. Around a dozen dustbins were set on fire, prompting firefighters to intervene. Police said the injured officer had been rushed to hospital, while some protesters had been arrested even before the clashes broke out for possession of Molotov cocktails and iron bars. Journalists and photographers at the scene also came under attack by the protesters. According to the police, around 5,000 people overall had joined the protest against alleged police brutality, some holding banners which read "cops out of our neighbourhoods" and "parks are for laughing, not for hearing the words 'I'm in pain'". The latter was a reference to the viral video footage showing a young man shouting "I'm in pain" as he was beaten Sunday at the Nea Smyrni square, a popular spot for family gatherings. Onlookers can be heard in the footage expressing outrage at the police officer behaving this way in front of their children. Police said they had been called to Nea Smyrni on Sunday after receiving numerous complaints about people violating Covid rules, and that they had been attacked at the scene by "30 people who injured two of our agents" -- a claim local residents have denied. Prosecutors have ordered a preliminary investigation into the beating, according to a legal source. Police have also opened an internal probe into the office filmed hitting the man. With internet access increasing in many emerging democracies, use of social media is changing the ways that candidates and voters interact. Its also changing how the non-profit U.S.-based Carter Center assesses elections. As VOAs Kane Farabaugh reports, monitoring online disinformation and threats to prevent political violence is a new front in the centers democracy initiatives and is a focus ahead of elections in Ethiopia. VOA Khmer's Vanrith Chrea narrates. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2021) - Brand X Lifestyle Corp. (CSE: BXXX) ("Brand X" or the "Company"). Brand X Lifestyle Corp. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Joint Venture Option Agreement with arms-length vendors to acquire a 100% interest in the Urban Barry Gold Project. The Urban Barry Gold project covers an area of 1126 hectares in the Urban Barry Gold greenstone belt, central Quebec and lies completely within claims held by Osisko Mining Inc., the largest landholder in the camp. Under the terms of the agreement, Brand X can acquire a 100% interest in the project by issuing an aggregate of 9,000,000 common shares, paying $1,300,000 over three years, and completing $2,100,000 in exploration. No new insiders will be created as a result of this transaction. In addition, a 1% (one percent) Gross Overriding Royalty has been granted to the vendors, of which % (one-half percent) can be purchased from the vendors for $1,000,000. The northern extent of the project hosts a portion of the Urban Barry Deformation zone as well as portions of the two major faults in the gold camp, both of which have produced significant gold deposits. "This represents a terrific opportunity for Brand X as an investment issuer to build out its portfolio in the mining sector. We believe this sector will continue to outperform and are diligently working on more opportunities within the mining and exploration industry. Our management team will not change nor will our business focus as an investment issuer," stated Arni Johannson CEO. About Brand X Lifestyle Corp. Brand X (CSE: BXXX) is an investment issuer that actively invests in a diversified portfolio of early-stage to mid-level companies and projects. Brand X leverages its extensive network of operators and global thought leaders to provide investors with a unique multi opportunity portfolio. Contact: Arni Johannson Tel: 604-618-7781 Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements the timing, consideration, and completion of the joint venture are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the completion of the Acquisition, the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Acquisition, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting the Company's operations and the Company's limited operating history. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76684 This job expired on 9 May 2021. In an email with the subject how to buy a fourth garbage truck, sent July 22, 2013, Reeder asked the city attorney if the city has to go to bid. The attorney listed the rules for how bids work and stated that anything over $150,000 in value needs to go through the formal bidding process. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detain a man during an operation in Escondido, Calif., on July 8, 2019. (Gregory Bull/AP Photo) 5 Arrested in Kentucky, Tennessee After ICE Human Trafficking Operation A human trafficking operation carried out by Immigrations and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations netted five arrests in Kentucky and Tennessee, officials stated on March 9. In the sting, Lewis R. Harris, 52, of Memphis, Tennessee, was charged with two counts of trafficking for a commercial sex act and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, ICE stated. Others who were arrested include Kevin L. Jackson, 31, of Paducah, Kentucky, who was charged with two counts of trafficking for commercial sex act; Abraham M. Labastida, 28, of Murray, Kentucky, who charged with two counts of trafficking for commercial sex act; Shannon L. Palmer, 44, of Union City, Tennessee, charged with two counts of trafficking for commercial sex act; and Eddie R. Robbins, 54, of Paris, Tennessee, charged with two counts of trafficking for commercial sex act along with other charges, according to the agency in a news release. The five were booked into the Obion County Jail in Union City, Tennessee, and a $10,000 bond was set for each, officials said. The nature of the operation wasnt disclosed in the ICE news release. Human traffickers use diverse forms of force, fraud and coercion to control and exploit their victims, ICEs Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet Jr. said in a statement. He added that early recognition of human trafficking can help save victims lives. Our agents work with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate human trafficking cases, assist the victims and arrest the perpetrators. As a result of our efforts, human trafficking arrests for HSI Nashville, which covers the entire states of Tennessee and Kentucky, increased approximately 23 percent for fiscal year 2020 from the previous year, Templet said. Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Service and other law enforcement agencies announced the recovery of 150 missing children in Tennessee. Many people dont realize this but hundreds of children go missing in our state every month, Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Director David Rausch said in a statement. From runaways that may leave their home out of desperation or despair, to those entangled in a custody battle, every single one of them deserves a fighting chance, and thats why they also deserve our best work to help them. According to the agency, most of the 150 children recovered will receive services from the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services, which might mean they are placed in foster homes or group homes, or get other care. A New Orleans police officer who lost his job for firing his gun at a suspect eight years ago but won it back on appeal shot and wounded another man after a scuffle Wednesday in the Plum Orchard area of New Orleans East. The NOPD didnt publicly identify the officer involved in the 9:35 a.m. confrontation in the 4300 block of Werner Drive. But multiple sources with direct knowledge of the case said the cop was Isaiah Shannon, who was dismissed from the force over accusations that he lied about the circumstances during which he fired his gun in 2013, before securing his reinstatement to the agency four years later. Without saying the officer's name, Deputy Chief John Thomas said Shannon and a second officer on Wednesday became suspicious of two men in a car parked on Werner near Chef Menteur Highway. The officers, each in uniform, approached the car which was illegally parked and facing oncoming traffic to investigate when both men exited the vehicle. A man who was in the passenger seat struggled with Shannon. Shannon shot that man, wounding him. The other man drove off with the car, according to police. Paramedics took the injured passenger to a local hospital, where he arrived in good condition. His name wasnt immediately released, and it is unclear what criminal charges he might face in connection with his alleged struggle with Shannon. Shannon's attorney, Kevin Boshea, said his client is a 13-year veteran who has earned "nearly every commendation available at the New Orleans Police Department." He also said he was informed that Shannon's colleagues had seized "a large amount of crack cocaine and heroin" from the scene Wednesday but did not elaborate. A nearby surveillance camera captured video of the encounter. A copy of the footage, obtained by The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate, showed an officer standing next to the passenger side of a parked car as two men get out of the vehicle. The passenger ran past the officer, who grabbed at him and followed him off the frame. The clip doesnt show the shooting. It ends with a man getting into the drivers seat of the car and speeding off toward Chef Menteur. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up +5 NOPD officer shoots man in leg during confrontation in Plum Orchard area of New Orleans A New Orleans police officer shot a man in the leg during a confrontation Wednesday morning in the Plum Orchard area. The incident marks at least the second time that Shannon has come under investigation for firing his gun in the line of duty. In 2013, Shannon and other officers tried to pull over a car with two men inside whose seat belts were unbuckled. The car ran through several stop signs then crashed as police pursued the vehicle. Shannon claimed he was approaching the car when he saw a man in the wrecked vehicle reaching for a handgun. Shannon said he immediately fired one shot from his hip but missed. Yet police said other evidence, including a private security video, showed Shannons target was unarmed and running away when the officer fired his shot. The NOPD terminated Shannon in 2014, but he appealed to the Civil Service Commission, with Boshea representing him. The commission ordered Shannon reinstated to his post in 2017 after finding that the NOPDs evidence against the officer wasnt as conclusive as the agency made it out to be. The commission also found that Shannon who served two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army had reason to believe he faced an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury when he fired. At the time of the chase, Thomas was part of a unit conducting proactive patrols in the NOPDs 1st District, which includes areas such as Mid-City and Treme. The NOPD disbanded those proactive patrols, known as task forces, last summer following a harsh report from federal monitors that found the units were poorly supervised and had violated numerous policies. New Orleans cop fired over alleged lies, 'unauthorized' shooting reinstated after civil service ruling A New Orleans Police Department officer who was fired after shooting at a man following a vehicle chase in 2013, then allegedly lying about it Thomas said an NOPD team which investigates officers use of force would lead the probe into Wednesdays shooting. Both the Independent Police Monitors office as well as the court-appointed team overseeing the NOPDs progress on a 2012 federal reform mandate will track the investigation. NOPD officers are equipped with body-worn cameras, and Thomas said the department planned to release any video footage of the shooting in the next 10 days or so to comply with transparency policies adopted as part of the reforms. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. By Anthony Boadle BRASILIA (Reuters) - New COVID-19 cases continue to decline in North America, but in Latin America infections are still rising, particularly in Brazil where a resurgence has caused record daily deaths, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned on Wednesday. "We are concerned about the situation in Brazil. It provides a sober reminder of the threat of resurgence: areas hit hard by the virus in the past are still vulnerable to infection today," PAHO Director Carissa Etienne said in a briefing. She said cases are on the rise in nearly every Brazilian state, with Amazonas state especially hard hit. (Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi) A new variant first discovered late last year has led to a surge in new infections there that have overwhelmed the health care system, which continues to experience widespread shortages of medical supplies, including oxygen, she said. Brazil needs "very strict" public health measures to curb the surge that is overwhelming hospital ICU wards, PAHO's incident manager Sylvain Aldighieri said. Brazil reported a record 1,972 deaths from COVID-19 in 24 hours on Thursday. Brazil has the second-highest total number of deaths behind the United States. The United States and Canada continue to see a drop in new cases of COVID-19, PAHO said. Cuba, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Guadeloupe are facing a rise in infections, and in South America Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile are reporting an increase in new cases, while Peru and Bolivia are finally seeing declines, PAHO said, Vaccines have begun to arrive in Latin America, with 28.7 million doses allocated to the region for the next three months, through the COVAX facility led by the GAVI alliance and the World Health Organization to provide equitable access to shots. Honduras will receive its first 48,000 doses via the COVAX mechanism in the next few days, Etienne said, followed by El Salvador that is due to get 32,600 doses and Guatemala 81,6000 doses, all of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Story continues PAHO, the Americas regional office of the WHO, has placed orders with the Serum Institute of India for 135,000 doses for Nicaragua and 228,000 for Bolivia, she said. But PAHO warned that vaccine supply is limited, due to manufacturing constraints and high demand, and some countries will have to wait several months until they receive theirs. According to a Reuters tally, Latin America has recorded around 22.3 million coronavirus cases, and 704,000 deaths, almost double the death toll of Asia and Africa combined. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle, Editing by Lisa Shumaker) The Seychelles has said it will welcome all visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, from March 25. The announcement was made by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, in a press briefing this month. It comes as the Indian Ocean archipelago's vaccination programme proceeds apace, with the islands hoping to vaccinate the majority of adult residents by mid-month. There will be no quarantine requirement nor restriction of movement, it says, though visitors will still be required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors from South Africa are excluded until further review. A minimum stay rule in establishments upon arrival will no longer be applicable, and visitors will be allowed to access communal areas within resorts, such as bars and pools. Expand Close Seychelles President H E Wavel Ramkalawan receiving his Covid-19 vaccine. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Seychelles President H E Wavel Ramkalawan receiving his Covid-19 vaccine. Tourists will still be required to adhere to other public health measures, however, such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing. The vaccination campaign has been quite successful. The government has done everything in its power to make sure that the population is protected, " said Minister Radegonde. The small island nation has a population of just under 100,000, and the decision to reopen has been taken in full consultation with its health authorities, it said. The Seychelles is heavily dependent on tourism, and has previously said that vaccinating 70pc of people "would achieve herd immunity", according to a statement from its tourism board. Any tourism recovery will depend on visitors being able to leave and return to their own countries, of course - something that is fraught with restrictions across much of the world. Even in the UK, for example, where some 22.5m adults have received the first dose of a vaccine, the earliest overseas holidays could be permitted is May 17. Vaccinated travellers are currently allowed to enter the Seychelles, though they must also show a negative Covid-19 test result. Kim Brent / The Enterprise At this point in the pandemic near the end of it, we hope two things should be apparent: A) Online learning doesnt work well for most students so it would be better if they could return to their classrooms, and B) Even with that goal, no teacher should be compelled to return to that classroom if he or she has a legitimate concern that catching the coronavirus could be fatal to them. This should apply to any other employee, too. That grim dilemma in education was covered in our story Sunday, with some teachers essentially being laid off because they have underlying health conditions that place them or their spouse in greater danger should they contract COVID-19. They hate to lose their paycheck and a career they love, but they dont want to risk dying because they returned to a school filled with students and other teachers who could unintentionally bring the virus with them. [March 10, 2021] OurCrowd Appoints Hasanat Dewan as Chief Innovation Officer, Plans Global AI Innovation Center OurCrowd, the leading venture investing platform and Israel's most active venture investor, today announced the appointment of Dr. Hasanat Dewan as Chief Innovation Officer. Dr. Dewan will oversee the development and deployment of OurCrowd's strategic next-generation platform, supporting a broad-based network of stakeholders and enabling investors unprecedented access to venture capital and other private markets. Dr. Dewan has served in senior Technology Executive roles for major global financial institutions including E*TRADE Financial Corp., BNY Mellon, Russell Investments Group, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley. Dr. Dewan will oversee the development and application of innovative processes, tools, and technology to support the growth of OurCrowd's business. He will spearhead deep data analytics and AI projects to create differentiated products, services, and platforms intended to provide a unique value proposition for clients, investors, partners, and stakeholders. "OurCrowd's vision of developing a next-generation AI-driven capability, to advance its mission of providing broad access to the global VC investment market via a high-value fintech platform is compelling," Dr. Dewan said. "OurCrowd's goals of sharing these benefits with the broader global AI ecosystem and crating an impact on multiple facets of the global stakeholder network is a major part of what attracted me to join the OurCrowd family." Dr. Dewan led the buildout of the Digital Engineering business and practice at Cognizant (News - Alert) BFS. His recent roles include SVP and Head of Technology Development at E*TRADE Financial Corp.; Divisional CIO at BNY Mellon, leading Enterprise Delivery and Architecture; Head of Global Technology (News - Alert) and Operations (GTO) at Russell Investments Group; and Managing Director and CTO at Merrill Lynch, with a leading role in the buildout of electronic trading capabilities. Dr. Dewan received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Columbia University, and a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Computer Science and Physics from Brandeis University (News - Alert) , where he was also a Wien International Scholar. Dr. Dewan's innovation plans include the recruitment of a core research and development team selected from top global AI hubs to advance the next generation of OurCrowd's fintech platform. In the process, he will implement the broader vision held by founder Jon Medved (News - Alert) , launching an ecosystem inclusive of innovation, education, industry connectivity, as well as public and private partnerships, creating a synergistic "Network Effect." "OurCrowd's goal of providing broad access to venture investments will take a quantum leap under the stewardship of Dr. Dewan. We are assembling a Global AI Ecosystem Advisory Board to assist us in sharing the benefits of OurCrowd's AI innovation with multiple stakeholders. We are analyzing the best place to base our next-generation innovation team and we will announce our decision shortly," OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved said. END About OurCrowd: OurCrowd is a global venture investment platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. With $1.5 billion of committed funding, and investments in more than 240 portfolio companies and 25 venture funds, OurCrowd offers access to its membership of 80,000 individual accredited and institutional investors, family offices, and venture capital partners from over 195 countries to invest alongside, at the same terms. Rated by PitchBook as the most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd portfolio companies have been acquired by some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Microsoft (News - Alert) , Uber, Canon, Oracle, Nike, and Intel. To register visit www.ourcrowd.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309005870/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A facility believed to be an internment camp located north of Kashgar, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, June 2, 2019. China has demonstrated intent to destroy the Uyghur ethnic minority, and therefore bears state responsibility for committing genocide, according to the findings of the first independent report to investigate claims of abuses in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The report, entitled The Uyghur Genocide: An Examination of Chinas Breaches of the 1948 Genocide Convention and published Tuesday by the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, is based on the analysis of more than 50 global experts on human rights and international law who examined evidence from state documents, witness testimony, and open-source research to make their determination. It notes that under Article II of the United Nations 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention), the commission requires intent to destroy, in whole or in part, [a protected group], but doesn't require explicit statements of intent to prove. Intent can be inferred from a collection of objective facts that are attributable to the State, including official statements, a general plan, State policy and law, a pattern of conduct, and repeated destructive acts, which have a logical sequence and result destruction of the group as such, in whole or in substantial part, the report says. Authorities in the XUAR are believed to have extralegally held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in a vast network of internment camps since 2017, under the guise of a de-extremification plan that followed a number of what the report termed high-level statements of intent three years earlier. Tuesdays report counts the mass internment campaign, as well as other state policies such as government-mandated homestays, a mass birth-prevention strategy, the forcible transfer of Uyghur children to state-run facilities, the eradication of Uyghur identity, and the selectively targeting of intellectuals and other leader as evidence of intent to destroy the ethnic group. Chinas policies and practices targeting Uyghurs in the region must be viewed in their totality, which amounts to an intent to destroy the Uyghurs as a group, in whole or in substantial part, as such, the report said. While the commission of any one of the Genocide Conventions enumerated acts with the requisite intent can constitute genocide, the experts unanimously found that the evidence presented in this report supports a finding of genocide against the Uyghurs in breach of each and every act prohibited in Article II of the convention. Specifically, they found evidence of the acts of killing members of the group, causing them serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the groups physical destruction, imposing measures intended to prevent births, and forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. As a highly centralized state, where the individuals and entities responsible for such acts are all state agents or organs, China bears State responsibility for an ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs, in breach of the Genocide Convention, the report said. Tuesdays report follows Washingtons January designation of the situation in the XUAR as constituting genocide and crimes against humanity, as well as the passing of similar motions in the Dutch and Canadian parliaments last month. 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. The flag of the People's Republic of China flies at Beijing's mission at the UN Headquarters in New York, in a file photo. AFP Onus on state parties to convention Speaking to RFAs Uyghur Service, Azeem Ibrahim, director of special initiatives at Newlines, a Washington-based think tank, and co-author of the report, noted the unanimous decision by the experts enlisted to investigate the evidence, which he called unsurprising. He said that while China does not recognize the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice, it is a state party to the Genocide Convention as a member of the U.N. and the U.N. Security Council. So, the onus then falls upon the [more than 150] other state parties to the Genocide Convention [who] now have to take action against China because of this, he said, citing their obligations under Article I of the convention. The genocide convention is not a mechanism for academic discussion on whether an incident is genocidal or not, as much as a mechanism to prevent genocide. So, the onus is now on other countries to step in and stop this genocide with the tools that are at their disposal. Ibrahim said there is no longer time for nations that are unsure how to respond to call for debates, inquiries and court decisions over what is happening in the XUAR. These are all mechanisms designed to waste time to buy time and essentially to obfuscate and not deal with the issue at hand, he said. The reality is that the countries under the Genocide Convention are now obligated to take action. There is absolutely no passivity permitted. Countries have to take significant action against China under the Genocide Convention. Tuesdays report was welcomed by the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) advocacy group, which called on governments to act without delay on their obligations under Article I of the Convention, in which the signatories undertake to prevent and to punish the crime of genocide. The finding of genocide by legal experts will materially bolster growing international momentum to recognize the heinous atrocity crimes and take immediate action, the group said in a statement. Louisa Greve, director of advocacy for UHRP, told RFA Uyghurs and those who monitor events in the XUAR have known for a long time that its clear what the governments intent is. But the report confirms that under international law, it is not necessary to find a statement of intent by government leaders; rather it is enough to find a pattern to consider in its totalitygovernment action, general plans, and the overall effect of government acts and policies, she said. The second thing thats most important is the finding that the Chinese government has violated each and every act enumerated in the Genocide Conventioneach and every one. And again, Uyghurs have known this for a long time, but now legal experts have looked at the evidence and agree. Greve also called on governments to act on their obligations under the convention. It's too late to prevent, but they must punish. This is the only way to uphold international human rights standards, she said. It is the only way to put pressure on the Chinese government to end its genocidal policies. Adrian Zenz (R) speaks with RFA's Alim Seytoff (L) during an interview in Washington, Nov. 8, 2019. RFA Threat of lawsuit Also on Tuesday, Chinas government threatened a civil lawsuit against one of the experts cited in the report on genocideGerman researcher Adrian Zenz, who last week published a study which found that labor transfers within the XUAR and to other parts of China meet the definition of forced labor and could be classified as crimes against humanity in an international court of law. Zenz, a senior fellow with the Washington-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, had also published a June 2020 report that linked decreases in the birthrate and natural population growth rate in the XUAR in 2018 to forced sterilization and concluded that such measures amount to genocide under United Nations definitions. When Zenzs study came out, official Chinese media vilified him and said Beijing is considering suing him for libel, while the foreign ministry denounced him. Speaking to RFA on Tuesday, Zenz noted that such a legal action would be difficult to enforce internationally and suggested that it was more of a symbolic threat. But still, it just shows that the Chinese state is really tryingthey are really sort of pushed in a corner when it comes to Xinjiang, he said. The most interesting aspect of their report on the lawsuit, I think, is the admission that there have been major economic losses to companies as a result of sanctions and Western companies changing their sourcing away from Xinjiang supply chains [linked to forced labor]. Former U.S. President Donald Trumps administration slapped sanctions on several top Chinese officials and entities deemed responsible for the situation in the XUAR, including regional party secretary Chen Quanguo, under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The move, which marked the first time Washington has sanctioned a member of Chinas powerful Politburo, followed Trumps enactment in June of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (UHRPA). The legislation enjoyed broad bipartisan support in Congress, and highlights arbitrary incarceration, forced labor, and other abuses in the XUAR and provides for sanctions against the Chinese officials who enforce them. Another proposed billUyghur Forced Labor Prevention Actwas reintroduced in February in the House of Representatives. The act, which was passed by the House last year but never brought to the floor by the Senate, would block imports from the region unless proof can be shown that they are not linked to forced labor. Zenz said the threat of a lawsuit suggests that the sanctions are having an impact and that companies in Xinjiang cannot just continue business as usual on the back of this oppression. I think maybe Chinese companies are getting angry with the government, saying, look, now we are worse off than before, he said. So, maybe it's also trying to appease the domestic audience and to create more propaganda for the Chinese audience but it could also be an attempt to intimidate against any further reporting on Xinjiang. The Washington-based Campaign for Uyghurs advocacy group condemned what it called an astoundingly preposterous move against Zenz but noted that it matched consistent responses from the Chinese Communist Party to bully and threaten any who oppose them. Its time for us to make clear that the Chinese regime cannot continue to face no consequences for its crimes, indeed, we must push back on their targeted harassment, lies, and genocide, said CFU executive director Rushan Abbas, adding that her group plans to consult with lawyers and experts to explore civil and criminal avenues for justice against the Chinese Communist Party and its enablers. Reported by Adile Ablet and Jilil Kashgary for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Migrants: three boats with 187 on board reach Lampedusa Rescued aboard three boats by coast guards and tax police (ANSAmed) - GRIGENTO, MARCH 10 - A reported 187 migrants have landed in Lampedusa after they were rescued aboard three boats by finance police and coast guards in four hours. The first to disembark last night on the Favarolo pier were 53 sub Saharan migrants, including 25 women and 10 minors. The nine-meter-long boat on which they were travelling was rescued some 12 miles from the island by coast guards. A short while later, a finance police boat rescued, about 10 miles from the coast, a small boat carrying 19 Tunisians, including 15 women and a minor. Finally, 14 miles from the coast, finance police intercepted another boat, which was 14-meter-long, with 115 sub Sharan migrants on board, including 43 women and six minors. After a first medical checkup at the port, all groups were transferred to the island's hotspot in the Imbriacola neighborhood. (ANSAmed). Ranjim Prabal Das, one of the six candidates who scored 100 percentile in the JEE-Mains 2021 examination, said he is a huge fan of Tesla CEO Elon Musk and expressed his desire to study at IIT-Delhi for his higher studies. "I follow Elon Musk and I plan to go to IIT Delhi for higher studies. Otherwise, I will go to India Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for science graduation," Das told news agency ANI. Das, who got infected with the coronavirus, said he used to study for eight hours to prepare for the JEE Main examination. "I usually studied for eight hours a day, on average. I focused more on the target-based study," Das said. As many as six students secured 100 percentile score in the February session of the JEE Main 2021 exams. Apart from Das, the other toppers are Saket Jha, Pravar Kataria, Guramrit Singh, Siddhant Mukherjee, and Ananth Krishna Kadambi. The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the JEE-Mains results on Monday. The agency conducted the JEE Main exam from February 24 to 26 this year. A total of 6.52 lakh candidates had registered for the entrance examination, 95 per cent of whom appeared in the BE/BTech papers and 81.2 per cent appeared in BArch/BPlanning paper. The exam was conducted in 331 cities in 828 centres, including nine centres abroad -- Colombo, Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore and Kuwait. For the first time, the JEE Main was conducted in 13 languages--English, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bengali, and Assamese. Starting this year, the exam will be conducted four times a year to offer flexibility to students and a chance to improve their scores. The next phases will be held in March, April, and May. After February, March, April, and May Sessions of JEE (Main)-2021 Exam, the ranks of the candidates will be released taking into consideration the best of the four NTA scores in accordance with the policy. The candidates have the choice to appear in four exams for admission, an NTA official said. Also read: 'Gross interference': India summons British envoy over farm laws debate in UK Parliament Also read: Pakistan to receive 45 million 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines under Gavi alliance Manitoba has prioritized some adults with specific health conditions to get the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. Manitoba has prioritized some adults with specific health conditions to get the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. On Wednesday afternoon, a very small number of Manitobans became eligible to call certain pharmacies and doctors offices to start booking appointments. The priority lists apply to Manitobans with certain conditions who are between the ages of 50 and 64, and First Nations people ages 30 to 64. The first priority list includes chronic health conditions like kidney failure requiring dialysis, a small list of severe conditions of the heart, liver or lungs, as well as people with cancer receiving chemotherapy. It also includes people with Down syndrome, severe obesity and cystic fibrosis, as well as people awaiting an organ or stem-cell transplant. Physicians and pharmacists are being asked to vaccinate patients from the first criteria list, then move on to a secondary priority list. That second list includes people with HIV, tuberculosis and uncontrolled asthma. Both lists of conditions have been posted online, and can be accessed here. "I know that this list of conditions may be confusing for some Manitobans, but we do believe that creating this list is the right way to go, to save lives and prevent people from ending up in the hospital," Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead for Manitoba's vaccine rollout, told reporters Wednesday at an afternoon briefing. She said both lists were created by examining the medical conditions of Manitobans who died or become severely ill from COVID-19. "There are some people with high-risk conditions that are more likely to have serious outcomes related to COVID-19, and thats truly who we need to immunize as quickly as possible, now that were moving into this younger age group," Reimer said. The province is sending its first set of 18,000 AstraZeneca shots to 190 doctors and pharmacies, with most receiving about 50 to 200 doses. Some of them will select patients themselves using the priority list from the province, while other clinics are accepting calls from the public. The province has an online map listing which pharmacies and clinics are taking calls. Janet Forbes, the head of Inclusion Winnipeg, had mixed thoughts about the priority lists, saying it includes some people with intellectual disabilities, but not enough of them. "I am encouraged by the availably of the vaccine for our population," she said. "But Im disappointed that there still are people who should be considered a priority, but are not being included... because of their age, and because of the place that they live." For example, people who have a handful of the conditions listed as first priority still do not qualify if they are under the age of 50 (or under 30 if theyre Indigenous). People living in group homes are placed ahead of those living with family. Certain forms of autism that make it hard to understand or follow guidance around physical distancing and describe a medical issue are also not included in the list. "Yukon and some provinces have identified people with intellectual disabilities as a priority group, and I dont know why were lagging behind that." Reimer acknowledged there will inevitably be some inconsistencies in how clinicians make these decision, but said it was better to have primary care providers assess who would get the greatest benefit from a vaccine. She stressed that Ottawas promised delivery schedule would eventually mean widespread availability of doses, by which point officials would no longer need to parse who qualifies using such precise details. The first shipment of AstraZeneca doses arrived in Manitoba on Tuesday, and all 18,000 are expected to be administered by April 2. The province says approximately 500 medical clinics and pharmacies have applied to be part of the immunization campaign, using fridge-stable vaccines like AstraZeneca, as more arrive. Vaccines are still available to any Manitobans age 80 or older, or First Nations people age 60 or older. Both age categories apply regardless of medical conditions. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Hong Kong: Delayed release of test results probed The Food & Health Bureau today said follow-up actions have been taken against its service providers delay in notifying people of their COVID-19 test results within two days after undergoing tests at Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre. The bureau made the statement in response to media enquiries concerning members of the public not being able to receive test results within two days after attending that community testing centre on March 3. It said KingMed Diagnostics (Hong Kong), which runs the testing centre, encountered technical issues on March 4 while uploading test results of specimens collected from community testing centres and mobile testing stations on March 3. Due to this problem, the service provider failed to send out on March 4 the negative results of those who underwent testing. The delay was resolved by noon on March 6, the third day after testing, and all relevant test results had been sent to the people concerned on the same day. About 6,000 people were affected by the incident and all their test results were negative. The bureau noted that the incident did not involve the accuracy or validity of the test and no personal data was lost. Regarding a media report which claimed a person who underwent testing on March 4 at Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre had not received the test result by March 6, the service provider stated that specimens collected from the centre on March 4 were all tested on March 6, and the test results were uploaded in batches for people who underwent testing on the same day. The bureau pointed out that though the incident did not affect the service providers progress in conducting tests or the accuracy of the results, and it did not compromise the objective of identifying confirmed cases as early as possible, it did inconvenience those who underwent testing. Staff of the concerned community testing centre also failed to accurately reply enquiries from the public, it added. The bureau described the situation as very unsatisfactory, adding it had taken stringent follow-up actions, including instructing the service provider to conduct a thorough investigation, submit an incident report and make improvements. The service provider was also suspended from operating new mobile specimen collection stations when the situation was being resolved. It will take further follow-up actions in accordance with the contract should similar situations occur in the future, the bureau added. This story has been published on: 2021-03-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A participant portal app for streamlining the certification process A video chat component available on the portal to host distance appointments Fixed kiosks to be placed in high-participant-traffic areas of the community with participant portal capabilities A TeleWIC Service Center to be utilized by local WIC agencies that are short-staffed to facilitate distance-based appointments NC Department of Health and Human Services 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2001 Ph : (919) 855-4840 : (919) 855-4840 news@dhhs.nc.gov The North Carolina Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children ( WIC ) program is one of seven WIC State Agencies to receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture/Tufts Telehealth Intervention Strategies for WIC (THIS-WIC) grant. Selected through a competitive review process, the $1 million grant will use innovative telehealth solutions to deliver nutrition education and breastfeeding support to WIC participants to overcome barriers to access, particularly those encountered in rural settings. The THIS-WIC team at Tufts University will oversee the evaluation and provide technical support to funded WIC State Agencies.The North Carolina WIC Project is, and North Carolina WIC aims to decrease barriers of accessing WIC services and increase focus on tailored nutritional needs through four different components:said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Women's and Children's Health Section Chief in the Division of Public Health.The NC WIC team is elevating NC WIC software capabilities to match what is available and ubiquitous in 2021 bringing WIC to participants, instead of making participants always come to WIC; streamlining services to redirect the focus of the WIC appointment onto nutrition education and support; and improving the WIC experience for both participants and WIC staff.The North Carolina WIC program is administered through the NC Department of Health and Human Services and provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health care referrals to more than 250,000 participants each month, including low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five who are determined to be at nutritional risk. Program services are provided by county health departments , community and rural health centers and community action agencies.To learn more about the WIC program or to find a local WIC clinic, visit HERE Mahoba : , March 10 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday that the Rs 2,600 crore 'Arjuna Sahayak' irrigation project is going to bring positive changes in the lives of the farmers in Banda, Hamirpur and Mahoba in the Bundelkhand region. The Chief Minister said that this project on Dhasan river will provide irrigation facilities to 1.5 lakh farmers in 168 villages of Mahoba, Banda and Hamirpur. Besides, about four lakh people will get pure drinking water and the irrigation facility will be provided in an area of 15,000 hectares. Under this project, the irrigation capacity will be expanded to up to 44,382 hectares. Adityanath, who was in Mahoba on Wednesday, said that the project, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be completed in the next one or two months. Highlighting that rivers have formed the basis of India's culture and tradition besides being the main source of water, the Chief Minister said, "There should have been planning for every drop of river water. But since Independence, no government has made any efforts in this direction." The Chief Minister further said that he enjoyed a special relationship with Mahoba, the land of valour. "Many of the features here connect us to spiritual and historical traditions and with the inspiration of the Prime Minister, this region is witnessing fast development work," he pointed out. The CM said that the previous governments had denied irrigation facilities to 168 villages and drinking water facilities to four lakh people. "We have revived and started many plans. Projects such as expressways, defence corridors and Jal Jeevan Mission will take Bundelkhand to new heights," he assured. Adityanath said that the government is providing tap water to every house under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Tiger blocks elephant's path, what follows next will amuse you PM Modi all set to launch Kindle version of Swami Chidbhavananda's Bhagavad Gita India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday launch the Kindle version of Swami Chidbhavananda's 'Bhagavad Gita' and also speak on the occasion via video conferencing. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the event has been organised to commemorate the sale of over five lakh copies of Swami Chidbhavananda's Bhagavad Gita. Swami Chidbhavananda is the founder of Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam Ashram at Thirupparaithurai, Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. West Bengal elections 2021: CM Mamata Banerjee claims she was 'attacked' in Nandigram He has authored 186 books and all genres of literary composition, and his scholarly work on the Gita is one of the most extensive books on the subject. The Tamil version of the Gita with his commentaries was published in 1951, followed by the English one in 1965, the PMO said. The work's translations into Telugu, Oriya, German and Japanese were undertaken by devotees, it added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 21:26 [IST] Velvet Mesquite Designs has been helping brides and grooms realize their desert wedding dreams from Midland since 2018. Elizabeth Resch, owner and founder, opened the event planning, floral and micro shop in the Micro Market downtown last year. Velvet Mesquite is a full service wedding and event planning and floral design company, she said. We do wedding events all across Texas as well as the United States with events in New York, California, Arizona, but primarily we work in West Texas, a lot down in the Marfa and Big Bend area. Many of her clients are from outside of the area, from places like New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, Boston, Houston and Dallas. They are wanting a wedding experience in Marfa or the Big Bend area. The Midland native has been involved with event planning since graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management. She worked as a florist previously, and after a bride had her florist back out of her wedding, Resch fulfilled the floral needs. Resch decided to incorporate floral design into Velvet Mesquite Designs. On the wedding planning side, Resch said the sooner couples book a wedding planner the better. We can guide couples on where they should be spending their money instead of the late-night shopping sprees people tend to do while planning, she said. We can rein couples in, keep them consistent and tell them when something is necessary or unnecessary. She operates her floral business and small shop out of a 100-square-foot space and offices in the Second Story Coworking space -- also downtown -- to work on full service event planning, which includes corporate events, birthdays and more. She also works out of Marfa about 160 days of the year. Since moving back to Midland, she has witnessed small businesses outside of oil and gas blossoming and connecting with each other. I wanted to bring what I love to do with weddings and events to Midland, Resch said. The shop focuses on flower arrangements and curated goods which a lot of the clients enjoy. Resch works with artisans and small businesses around West Texas to bring their goods to her boutique. She carries products from Ocotillo Botanica in Marfa and small pieces of art come from a Fort Davis artist or Lubbock artist. We source other products because the brides and grooms we have worked with love them, Resch said. Some products are from New York, others from Nashville. We are adding an organic skincare line and we have new incense available in the shop. When flowers are in season, she sources different varieties from Evridge Farms grown outside of Midkiff. Midland is really becoming more of a small business-minded town, she said. Since, I live in West Texas there arent a lot of flowers that bloom in the wild out here. I try to buy from Evridge Farms whenever she has her harvests during the growing season. Floral designs can range from simple bud vases to large scale pieces for a dinner centerpiece. Resch offers customers the chance to choose their own flowers and have them wrapped or placed in a vase. She also tries to use foliage that is native to West Texas in her arrangements such as mesquite tree branches which is also part of her branding. Fresh flowers come in every Tuesday, she said. Mesquite trees get a bad reputation out here because they are always one of the first things to get torn down when building or landscaping, she said. My dad is actually a landscape architect, and when hes designing, he will try to design for drought tolerance and mesquite trees are very drought tolerant as well as thrive where it is. Soon a wine bar and bookstore -- called Lo. St. Books -- will be located beside Velvet Mesquite Designs in the Micro Market. I love having a shop in the Micro Market, she said. Its exciting to be a part of something new that is thriving and helping support small businesses. Growing up in Midland, it always felt like there wasnt enough for the younger crowd, even young families. YEREVAN, 10 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 10 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.64 drams to 525.93 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.55 drams to 625.91 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 7.11 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.73 drams to 731.67 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 539.45 drams to 29031.13 drams. Silver price up by 10.66 drams to 435.49 drams. Platinum price up by 496.87 drams to 19715.94 drams. Community bank will implement provider's Groundswell AI, Spotlight AI and Fineurontechnology solutions ST. LOUIS, MO / ACCESSWIRE / March 10, 2021 / Neocova, the St. Louis-based technology provider offering fully secure AI and cloud-first banking products including core, analytics, fraud, and regulatory compliance for community banks and credit unions, today announced that the State Bank of Cherry has chosen Neocova as its technology partner to drive their digital transformation efforts. State Bank of Cherry has signed on for multiple products from Neocova's technology suite, including Groundswell AI, Spotlight AI and Fineuron. Neocova's solutions will help the bank meet the increasing customer demand for digital offerings, which is difficult with legacy technology. "We were looking for a true technology partner that could help us advance and drive efficiency into our bank's operations, and Neocova fits the bill perfectly," said Dan Wujek, President and CEO at State Bank of Cherry. "Neocova's technology will help us become more data-driven and will set us up to better meet the needs of our current and future customers." "We're a locally owned financial institution serving the Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam County areas of North Central Illinois. We compete for agricultural, business, home and personal loans every day. This step aligns perfectly with our mission statement 'to help people be their best and to be a bank for good,'" said Joe Stouffer, Vice President and CFO at State Bank of Cherry. "By allowing our employees to automate daily tasks and create efficiencies utilizing data centralization, we'll be putting them in better positions to offer the superior customer service that we rely on to differentiate ourselves. Further, by embracing the power of digital transformation we're making a statement to our customers, employees and shareholders that we're actively investing in 'staying power' and committed to creating competitive advantages." "State Bank of Cherry models the personalized, human approach that community banks are known for, and that is an approach that Neocova wants to support, not replace," said Matt Beecher, CEO of Neocova. "Our products will enable State Bank of Cherry to unlock the value of their customer data, improve detection and classification of BSA/AML cases, and achieve better data governance, hygiene and accessibility - ultimately empowering the bank to do what it does best, which is serve its customers." Neocova's comprehensive suite of products and services for community financial institutions includes Spotlight AI, a best-in-class analytics tool; Groundswell AI, an artificial intelligence-powered BSA/AML and fraud detection solution; Fineuron, a fully secure, cloud-native, and open API enterprise technology platform; and Ambios, a complete bank core replacement. "We are thrilled to welcome State Bank of Cherry to the Neocova family," said Aaron Villarreal, Vice President of Sales and Customer Relations at Neocova. "They are an example of how a community financial institution can take real steps toward escaping the constraints of legacy technology and beginning the digital transformation process." This announcement follows the news of Matt Beecher's appointment as CEO of Neocova. To learn more, visit neocova.com. About Neocova Neocova is a fast-growing, St. Louis-based financial technology firm with operations in New York. The company offers artificial intelligence, analytics, and other cloud-based systems that enable financial institutions to operate more efficiently, effectively, and securely by removing the stresses of managing complex systems and complicated contracts. More information is available at https://neocova.com/. Media Contact: Michelle Mead Caliber Corporate Advisers 888.550.6385 ext.7 michelle@calibercorporate.com SOURCE: Neocova View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/634537/State-Bank-of-Cherry-Partners-with-Neocova-to-Drive-Digital-Transformation Over a year after the horrific helicopter crash happened, Vanessa Bryant triumphed the legal battle against the yet-to-be-named Sheriff's deputies. Vanessa alleges that Sheriff's deputies snapped pictures of the scenes and victims' bodies shortly after Kobe and Gigi died. The people in question reportedly shared the images without permission. Thus, she is seeking damages, including punitive damages. The matriarch previously opposed the argument served by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. The authorities previously argued that the names of the deputies involved in sharing the photos should be kept out of the limelight. It also reasoned out that the revelation of the deputies' identities might harm them But in a report published by The LA Times, it has been revealed that the judge ruled in favor of Vanessa. The win allows her to obtain the names of the deputies from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department who allegedly took and distributed the graphic photos from the helicopter crash site. READ ALSO: Vanessa Bryant Hits Back to Meek Mill After Disrespectful Kobe Bryant Lyric U.S. District Judge John F. Walter ruled in favor of Vanessa, writing that the attention should not outweigh the public's interest in access. "Although the Court recognizes that this case has been the subject of public scrutiny and media attention and that the Deputy Defendants are legitimately concerned that they will encounter vitriol and social media attacks, such concerns, by themselves, are not sufficient to outweigh the public's strong interest in access," he said, as quoted by TMZ. The county will have the chance to appeal the ruling, although its plans after the ruling have not been made public yet. Kobe Bryant's Lawsuit This is not the first time Vanessa filed a lawsuit and fought for her late husband and daughter. To recall, she filed the wrongful death lawsuit in February 2020. In the document she forwarded to Los Angeles Superior Court, Vanessa said that the pilot Ara Zobayan was irresponsible for flying despite weather conditions. The families of other victims - John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, and Christina Mauser - also submitted separate legal actions to support Vanessa. The two other lawsuits against the Island Express Helicopters said that the company was negligent. The documents insisted that the company failed to maintain their responsibility to "own, lease, manage, maintain, control, entrust, charter, and operate the helicopter in a reasonable manner." This year, the National Transportation Safety Board released an official statement and blamed the pilot for the crash. See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Teresa Giudice was tattooed on her ribcage Tuesday with a tribute to her late mother Antonia Gorga, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of Gorga's passing. The Bravo beauty, 48, who lost her mother to pneumonia on March 3, 2017, was tatted with the Italian phrase Sempre Insieme, which means 'Always Together' in English. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star tagged tattoo artist, Ashley Hsiung of Seven Souls Tattoos, into the post. Tribute: Teresa Giudice, 48, was tattooed on her ribcage Tuesday with a tribute to her late mother Antonia Gorga, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of Gorga's passing The mom-of-four, who shares daughters, Gia, 20, Gabriella, 17, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 12, with ex-husband Joe Giudice, 48, repeated the phrase in an Instagram Stories clip she posted to the site as she was being inked. Giudice last week used the phrase in a social media post to pay memorial to her late parent, with a set of photos of them together. 'I miss you so much Mommy not a day goes by that I do not think of you,' Giudice wrote, adding the hashtags #mommy, #love, #333 and #sempreinsieme. Gorga had past been seen on the Bravo series her daughter has appeared on since 2009. In memory: Giudice last week used the phrase in a social media post to pay memorial to her late parent, with a set of photos of them together Credit: The Real Housewives of New Jersey star tagged tattoo artist, Ashley Hsiung of Seven Souls Tattoos, into the post Speaking with on the RHONJ in October 2017, Giudice opened up on her late matriarch, calling her 'an amazing woman. 'My mother, she fought really hard. But the pneumonia was too hard for her. My mom, she was just the most caring, loving mom ever. And she only cared about my brother, me and my dad ... she was pretty amazing.' The new ink came nearly a year after Teresa lost her father Giacinto Gorga on April 3, 2020, remembering her father on social media as 'the absolute strongest man I know.' Detailed: Hsiung focused as she etched the ink on the reality star's ribcage The new ink came nearly a year after Teresa lost her father Giacinto Gorga on April 3, 2020 'Thank you for being the best husband, father & Nonno,' she said. 'Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband. 'You visited mommy every single day & would go twice for the days you missed while traveling or if you were to sick to go, my silver lining is knowing you'll be together now. Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace.' Earlier this year, Giudice posted on Instagram a shot of her late parents, writing, 'Miss you both so much.' CHICAGO, March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Cellulosic Fire Protection Intumescent Coatings Market by Type (Solvent-borne, Water-borne), End-Use (Residential, Commercial), and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA) - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Cellulosic Fire Protection Intumescent Coatings Market size is projected to grow from USD 494 million in 2020 to USD 584 million by 2025, at a CAGR of 3.4% between 2020 and 2025. The growth is attributed to the growing residential and non-residential building constructions in the developed countries that are projected to drive the market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=235529408 Browse 227 Market Data Tables and 44 Figures spread through 208 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Cellulosic Fire Protection Intumescent Coatings Market" View Detailed Table of Content Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cellulosic-fire-protection-european-building-construction-steelwork-intumescent-coating-market-235529408.html Increasing usage of the steel in the building construction will led the market growth In commercial and residential constructions, steel is also used as a building material in framing. The use of steel in construction activities is increasing because of its high tensile and compressive strength, low cost, and recyclable nature. With the rising demand for steel in building and construction activities, the use of intumescent coatings is also expected to increase. In developed countries, stringent government regulations pertaining to safety from fire are a major factor driving the cellulosic fire protection intumescent coatings market. The international building standards and codes, coupled with the growing preference for the construction of green buildings in developed countries, have supported the growth of the market. In countries, such as the US, EU-5 and Nordic Countries, the demand for eco-friendly, low-VOC, and sustainable products are gaining traction, resulting in increasing demand for waterborne paints and coatings over solvent-borne coatings. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=235529408 The growing awareness about fire safety and the increasing demand for high efficacy fire products in residential and non-residential buildings will drive the market. Increasing investments in the housing, commercial, and institutional sectors will support the growth of the construction industry. The European construction industry has registered a steady growth of 2.8% in 2019, which is mainly driven by new building constructions. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several construction projects have been postponed or suspended for a certain period. Due to this, the demand for intumescent coatings is expected to decline in 2020. The commercial segment is estimated to maintain ascendancy throughout forecast period The commercial building construction across the globe is estimated to account for the largest share of the cellulosic fire protection intumescent coatings market in 2019, followed by the residential segment in terms of value. Increasing construction activities, and growing investment in commercial and residential sector in the emerging economies in APAC and MEA, are expected to drive the market demand during the forecast period. Water-borne coatings segment is estimated to have majority share in market. Based on type, the water-borne coatings segment is estimated to hold the majority share of the overall cellulosic fire protection intumescent coatings market. The major factor driving this segment is the increasing demand for green products. Water-borne coatings are easier to clean up, reduce the risk of fire, and result in less exposure to VOCs. North America is projected to account for largest share of the markets during the forecast period North America is projected to lead the global cellulosic fire protection intumescent coatings market from 2020 to 2025. The US is the largest market for cellulosic fire protection intumescent coatings in North America. In North America, stringent regulations pertaining to fire safety in building and construction to ensure the safety and protection from fire accidents. Owing to this, significant growth in demand for intumescent coatings was registered from the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. However, in 2019, the construction spending in the housing and commercial sector supported the growth of the industry, which, in turn, resulted in an increasing demand for intumescent coatings. The COVID-19 pandemic caused suspensions of trade and several industrial activities. According to the IMF, the US GDP is expected to drop by 4.9% in 2020. Also, construction activities in 2020 are anticipated to decline significantly in 2020. Thereby, the demand for intumescent coatings will also slump in 2020. AkzoNobel (Netherlands), The Sherwin-Williams Company (US), PPG Industries (US), Jotun (Norway), and Hempel (Denmark) are the key players operating in the market. Expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and new product developments are some of the major strategies adopted by these key players to enhance their positions in the global Cellulosic Fire Protection Intumescent Coatings Market. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=235529408 Browse Adjacent Market: Coatings Adhesives Sealants and Elastomers Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Intumescent Coatings Market By Type (Thin-Film, Thick Film), Substrates (Structural Steel & Cast Iron, Wood), Application Technique (Spray, Brush & Roller), End-Use Industry (Building & Construction, Industrial), And Region - Global Forecast To 2023 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/intumescent-coating-market-151067477.html Passive Fire Protection Coatings Market By Type (Intumescent, Cementitious), Technology (Water-Based, Solvent-Based), End-Use Industry (Building & Construction, Oil & Gas, Transportation), And Region- Global Forecast To 2022 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/passive-fire-protection-coating-market-165549042.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/cellulosic-fire-protection-european-building-construction-steelwork-intumescent-coating-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/cellulosic-fire-protection-european-building-construction-steelwork-intumescent-coating.asp Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment It is possible in spite of great grief, sorrow, loss, discouragement, confusion, pain and broken relationships, to learn how to live in the peace of Jesus and return to peace when ambushed by the anxieties and the brokenness of this life. All of us battle anxiety. All of us struggle to live in the peace of Christ. All of us struggle to remain in perfect peace. However, the Prince of Peace, Jesus, can restore peace to you regardless of how the world around you tries to take it from you. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians in Philippians 4:6 not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. If you and I are going to live in peace, we have to stop worrying. That is easier said than done, right? These moments are not easy when you are laying on an operating table, or sitting at your kitchen table trying to figure out how to make ends meet, or saying goodbye to a love one, or trying to save your marriage, or rescue a wayward child. It is hard in these moments to turn off the mind, to trust the Lord with it, and live out peace in your life. It is easier to give up, give in, and just worry ourselves to death. The Apostle Paul wants to teach us from Gods Word how to break these cycles of worry that create chronic anxiety in our lives that cripple our emotional abilities to function in healthy thought patterns. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:7 that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. You have to let the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. How does this take shape in us? It took me a LONG time to learn this, but now that I am almost fifty years old, Im a lot smarter. I hope. When you are in the midst of a crisis or consumed by worry, ask yourself this question: Do I want to understand and control my life, or do I want the peace of God? Here is the catch, you cant have both. This is the fundamental decision that will determine the level of peace in your life. I have decided I would rather know that Gods got it than to know what Gods doing in my life. And when I reach this place, His peace consumes my fear because my control has been released to Him. And then I no longer want to know what is going to happen, I am just comforted to know that whatever happens, Gods got it! And more importantly, Gods got me! It is at that moment when His peace passes my understanding. I would rather have Gods peace in my life than the knowledge of knowing what He is doing in my life. My knowledge only complicates my life. His peace simplifies my life. It gives me hope, regardless of the circumstances or the eventual outcome. This enables me to return to peace quicker and live out peace in my life more effectively. As you practice letting go of needing to understand your life, you realize, what you think about, has a lot to do with how effective you will be at living in the peace of God. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 that whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy to think and meditate on these things in your life. It is important that you and I practice good mental health. It is unhealthy to focus on dishonorable, unjust, impure, unlovely, uncommendable, things that lack excellence, or are unworthy of praise. However, God wants us to practice healthy things and to think on healthy things. So, are you practicing what you think about? Are you thinking on healthy things or do you focus on unhealthy things in your life? Do you focus on how people have wronged you, the relationships that you wish were different but cant do anything about them, and the pain and destruction other people have caused you? Are you getting better or bitter with age? Only you know the answer to that question. No one wants to be a negative thinker but many of us find ourselves in this rut. This negative thinking eventually leads to negative acting. Once this occurs, our behavior begins to destroy the fabric of our mental health. Negativity is not a healthy thing to focus on and it will negatively affect your walk with the Lord and even your physical and mental health over time. Who in your life models for you good mental health? Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:9 to focus on those people in our lives. We are to put into practice the things we have learned, received, heard, and seen in them, and if we do, the peace of God will be with us. If you and I want to experience the peace of Christ, we have to practice the presence of Christ that we have seen lived out in others lives. As we do this, we have to remain positive about what God can and will do through us. He tells you in Philippians 4:13 that you can do all things through Christ. What does that mean? It means you can handle success and failure. You can handle gain and loss. You can handle good times and bad times at the same time. Ask God for the strength to do it, He will give it to you. And sometimes that strength will come through the help of others. Paul was grateful for the help he received from the Philippians. He told them in Philippians 4:13 how kind it was for them to share in his troubles. All of us need someone to share in our troubles. It is how God made us. One of the first things anxiety steals is your attitude of gratitude. It is easy to feel alone, overwhelmed, and defeated. It is important you remember how others are with you. Who in your life are you grateful for? Remember them, it will give you the strength you need to go on. God will give you the strength to do what He has asked you to do or endure. He will bring just the right people in, just at the right time to help you shoulder what He has asked you to carry in this season. I have experienced this many times in my life over the past twenty-four years of being a pastor. We know from Acts, God called Paul to share the Gospel in Rome. Philippians 4:22 tells us Paul was effective because he remained faithful regardless of the cost, even if that meant His life. Paul went to Rome and spent quality time with the Lord in a jail cell. I wonder if he ever thought to himself, so this is what my ministry influence has come to? I expected more in the later years of my life. What little did he know that Rome would become the vehicle by which God would use to disperse the Gospel to the entire world. As they say, All roads lead to Rome. And if all roads lead to Rome, then that means all roads from Rome lead to the entire world. God used Paul in that little jail cell to send the Gospel to the household of Caesar. From there, the household of Caesar took the Gospel to the entire world. This is why you and I get to know of Jesus today. Sometimes looks are deceiving. Sometimes our insignificant moments turn out to be our most significant moments in life. Maybe you feel like what Paul may have felt like. Maybe you feel like your ministry or the significance of your life has been narrowed to little or nothing of what you expected. Remember this, God sees and He hasnt forgotten what you have done for Him. He remembers and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It worked for Paul, and it can work for you, too. Can you say, I dont understand what God is up to in my life, but I trust Him? If so, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will go forth in your life in a more effective way in spite of the anxious filled circumstances of your life because you have chosen to live a life of peace through the power of Jesus Christ. Jeong Eun-bo, Korea's top negotiator in defense cost-sharing talks with the United States, arrives at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday, after reaching a deal. Yonhap 'New deal could increase Korea's burden sharply in near future' By Kang Seung-woo The foreign ministry announced Wednesday that Korea will pay 1.18 trillion won ($1.03 billion) as its share of the cost of stationing American troops here this year, and increase the amount paid in subsequent years by the rise in its defense budget according to a renewed six-year defense cost-sharing deal. The new Special Measures Agreement (SMA), however, is drawing comments from diplomatic observers that Korea's portion of the annual cost-sharing could sharply increase year-on-year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled the details of the 11th SMA that Seoul and Washington agreed on earlier this week. The SMA determines Korea's payments for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) including the cost of Korean workers' wages, military facility construction and logistics support. Although the previous SMA expired in December 2019, the two sides could not sign a new deal due to former U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for a fivefold funding increase from Korea, with the Moon Jae-in administration maintaining its proposal of a 13 percent rise from the previous agreement. "The two sides agreed on a 13.9 percent increase to 1.18 trillion won for 2021," the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that the 2020 funding has been frozen at 1.03 trillion won paid for 2019. The ministry said the 13.9 percent was the sum of Korea's defense budget increase of 7.4 percent for 2020 and a 6.5 percent increase in the cost for Korean employees at the USFK. "The annual rate of increase in Korea's share of the defense cost from 2022 to 2025 will be in line with annual increases in its defense budget," it said. Korea's defense budget for 2021 increased by 5.4 percent, which will be applied to the 2022 SMA. The annual increase rate under previous agreements was based on the rise of the consumer price index (CPI), which included a 4-percent cap. In response to the agreement, the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and Korea Defense Veterans Association welcomed the long-awaited conclusion, describing it as a win-win for the two countries. "The conclusion of the 11th SMA will not only contribute to the strengthening of the combined defense capabilities and stable stationing conditions for the USFK, but also deepen and develop the ROK-U.S. alliance a linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia in a mutually-reinforcing and future-oriented manner," they said in a statement. However, diplomatic experts said the negotiations were questionable. "I think it is a mistake to apply the annual rate hike of its yearly defense budget to Korea's share," said Shin Beom-chul, the director of the Center for Diplomacy and Security at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University, echoed Shin's view. "It is a huge burden for Korea to pay its annual share based on the increase in the defense budget," Park said. Last year, the Ministry of National Defense unveiled its mid-term defense plan from 2021 to 2025 that proposed an average year-on-year defense spending increase of 6.1 percent. "In addition, unlike previous SMAs, the latest version does not have a maximum 4-percent annual cap, meaning that Korea will have to pay a sizeable amount that could reach 1.5 trillion won in 2025," Park added. In response to the concerns over Korea's increasing share, a senior foreign ministry official said the new SMA deal will ensure a stable stationing environment for the USFK and job security for Korean employees on U.S. military bases here. "We have made the decision to use the rate of defense spending to show that Korea responsibly contributes to its alliance with the U.S.," the official said. "In addition, the rate of defense budget increases is less volatile than the CPI, so we did not introduce a maximum cap." Shin also said, "Given that we agreed to the sharp increase in Korea's share, we should have improved measures to enhance the transparency of the U.S.' SMA spending in return. However, there is nothing regarding this." Currently, about 75 percent of the salaries of Korean staff working in the U.S. military bases across the Korean Peninsula comes from the Korea's SMA contribution, while about 25 percent comes from the U.S. government. However, the new SMA stipulates that the portion will increase to 87 percent, ensuring their secure employment. Due to the deadlocked SMA negotiations, thousands of Korean workers were put on unpaid leave for several months last year, but later, the U.S. accepted Korea's proposal to pay their wages first before a deal was reached. Delhi High Court has issued guidelines for air passengers, empowering airline cabin crew to offload unruly flyers who don't wear their facemasks properly. Taking suo motu cognisance of the fact that several travelers on the Air India flight from Kolkata to New Delhi on March 5 sported masks below their chin and manifested a "stubborn reluctance" to wear them correctly, the court said airlines are free to take action and put flyers on a "no-fly" list if they repeatedly refuse to follow COVID-19 protocol. Justice C Hari Shankar passed the order on Monday, March 8, saying that such a situation "is completely unconscionable" when the country is witnessing a revival of the COVID-19 cases. He issued seven guidelines for prompt adherence by airlines and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Justice Shankar further stated that the matter be registered as suo motu public interest litigation, listed for the next hearing on March 17. Also Read: COVID-19 pandemic: DGCA to put passengers with no masks on no-fly list "To the perception of the Court, such a situation, in the present scenario, when the country is seeing a resurgence of Covid-10 cases, after they had shown signs of ebbing, is completely unconscionable," he said in the order. The court also instructed the DGCA to noticeably place on its website the directions comprising guidelines and protocols to be followed by air travelers and in-flight crew on domestic flights. The airlines have also been ordered by the court to provide the flyers with written instructions to be followed on the flight as well as actions that could be taken against them if they don't follow the protocols. "The in-flight announcements which, presently, merely require the passengers to wear masks at all times, should be modified to include a cautionary word regarding the penal action that could be taken against them in the event of default," noted one of the guidelines. Also Read: Travellers' eyes are now their passports at Dubai airport; here's how "In order to ensure compliance, DGCA may consider sending random observers on flights, without prior information, who would check to ensure that the COVID-19 protocols are followed in flight. Strict enforcement of all penal provisions, which could visit delinquent passengers who refuse to abide by the COVID protocols to be maintained in flight, should be ensured. There should be no relaxation whatsoever in that regard," the order said. The court, however, also said that relaxation should only be permitted in cases that are altogether exceptional, such as on medical grounds. MONCKS CORNER The Berkeley County School District is looking into a photo on social media of two people that mocks the death of George Floyd as the trial for the police officer charged in Floyds death gets underway in Minnesota. Berkeley County School District spokesperson Katie Tanner confirmed March 9 the district is aware of the image but declined to give further details. The District is aware of the photograph, is investigating, and will act in accordance with District policy, Tanner said in a prepared statement. Under federal and state law, the District cannot offer comment on student matters. The photo on social media shows one person kneeling on the neck of another lying on the ground that is captioned "I can't breathe." Floyd, a Black man, died in police custody in May 2020. Video taken at the scene showed a White police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Floyds neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd repeatedly told police officers he couldnt breathe and later died. Floyds official cause of death was determined to be heart failure. The video sparked world-wide protests, including one in Charleston on May 30, 2020 that resulted in multiple arrests and the destruction and looting of several downtown businesses. Chauvin, who is facing second-degree murder charges, and three other officers were fired by Minneapolis Police. Jury selection in Chauvins trial began March 8. Berkeley County School District promotes a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates and values diversity and respect for all students, employees, and stakeholders. Tanner said. Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos has declared himself 'ex-gay' and 'sodomy free' and said he wants to rehabilitate 'conversion therapy' as he called transsexuals 'demonic' and vowed to 'devote' himself to the Catholic Church. The 36-year-old, who became the poster boy for the alt-right due to his misogynistic, racist and homophobic rants, claimed he is no longer gay and likened homosexuality to 'addiction' and 'being an alcoholic' three years after he wed his boyfriend in Hawaii. Yiannopoulos told LifeSite he plans to dedicate the next 10 years to reviving the widely banned practice of conversion therapy that aims to forcibly change an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, claiming 'it does work.' The British expat, who once endorsed sex between 'younger boys' and older men, fanned the flames of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment once again by hitting out at the 'Terror of transsexuals' and saying 'Tranniees are demonic.' Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos has declared himself 'ex-gay' and 'sodomy free' and said he wants to rehabilitate 'conversion therapy' as he called transsexuals 'demonic' and vowed to 'devote' himself to the Catholic Church. Pictured in 2019 at a rally Yiannopoulos told the right-wing website he 'wasn't entirely joking' when he said he 'became gay' to annoy his mom and questioned how anyone could be 'wholly at home in the gay lifestyle.' 'When I used to kid that I only became gay to torment my mother, I wasn't entirely joking,' he said. 'Of course, I was never wholly at home in the gay lifestyle Who is? Who could be? and only leaned heavily into it in public because it drove liberals crazy to see a handsome, charismatic, intelligent gay man riotously celebrating conservative principles.' The firebrand likened his former life as a gay man to 'degeneracy' and said he felt it was 'all I deserved.' 'That's not to say I didn't throw myself enthusiastically into degeneracy of all kinds in my private life. I suppose I felt that's all I deserved,' he said. 'I'd love to say it was all an act, and I've been straight this whole time, but even I don't have that kind of commitment to performance art. Talk about method acting.' Yiannopoulos compared himself to controversial 24 character Jack Bauer, saying everyone has to 'confront his maker sooner or later.' 'Four years ago, I gave an interview to America magazine which they declined to print. It's taken me a long time to live up to the claims I made in that interview, but I am finally doing it. The 36-year-old, who became the poster boy for the alt-right due to his misogynistic, racist and homophobic rants, claimed he is no longer gay and likened homosexuality to 'addiction' and 'being an alcoholic' three years after he wed his boyfriend in Hawaii. Pictured being escorted out of the Berkeley campus as people protested against him in 2017 'Anyone who's read me closely over the past decade must surely have seen this coming. I wasn't shy about dropping hints. In my New York Times-bestselling book Dangerous, I heavily hinted I might be 'coming out' as straight in the future,' he said. 'And in my recent stream-of-consciousness Telegram feed, I've been even more explicit stomach-churningly so, if the comments under my 'x days without sodomy' posts are anything to go by.' He continued: 'I've always thought of myself as a Jack Bauer sort of figure the guy who does the hideous, inexcusable things no one else can stomach, without which the Republic will fall. 'I know that means my name will always be cursed, and I'll always be a scorned outsider, so the temptation is to throw out any consideration of living well or truthfully. But even Jack Bauer has to confront his maker sooner or later.' When asked about previous comments he made on right-wing platform Parler about members of the ex-gay Christianity movement being 'saved' and 'cured of their sinful urges', he said he doesn't see himself in the same way but views his homosexuality as an 'addiction'. 'I don't suppose I'll ever be brave enough to declare it a thing of the past. I treat it like an addiction. You never stop being an alcoholic,' he said. Yiannopoulos told LifeSite he plans to dedicate the next 10 years to reviving the widely banned practice of conversion therapy. Pictured his wedding to long-term boyfriend John in 2017 'As for the CHANGED movement, I guess because they're Californian they don't see how funny their website is, or maybe they're dirty non-doms who think God loves you more the gayer you act, but I was slightly making fun of them with that caption. (Walker Percy was right: Modern man has two choices Rome or California.) 'Someone really ought to tell them to use more heterosexual-looking photos on their website.' The 36-year-old, who once compared feminism to cancer, said his husband John had been 'demoted to housemate' but brushed off any suggestion of heartbreak because he said he showers him in designer goods. 'The guy I live with has been demoted to housemate, which hasn't been easy for either of us,' he said. His book 'Dangerous' which he self-published after being dropped amid a storm over pedophilia comments 'It helps that I can still just about afford to keep him in Givenchy and a new Porsche every year. Could be worse for him, I guess.' He added: 'It feels as though a veil has been lifted in my house like there's something more real and honest going on than before. 'It's been a gradual uncovering, rather than a dramatic reveal. Maybe that lack of theater or spectacle is a sign the gay impulses truly are receding?' Despite claiming he is now no longer gay, he said he had 'slipped once' in the last 250 days. It is not clear if he is still legally married to his long-term boyfriend who he wed in fall 2017. Yiannopoulos went on to announce his latest vocations leading a daily consecration online to St. Joseph and pushing conversion therapy. 'I hope people will support and pray for me, if for no other reason than they share my delight at the prospect of Milo Yiannopoulos furiously and indignantly railing against homosexuals for sins of the flesh,' he said. 'As you might expect, my professional priorities are shifting somewhat, given my new spiritual preoccupations. 'Over the next decade, I would like to help rehabilitate what the media calls 'conversion therapy.' It does work, albeit not for everybody.' The staunch Donald Trump supporter added that he will keep pushing 'even more loudly than before' that abortion is what he calls 'the pre-eminent moral horror of human history'. Yiannopoulos also peddled his transphobic views saying 'trannies are demonic.' 'In this time of gender madness, devoting myself to the male protector of the infant Jesus is an act of faith in God's Holy Patriarch, and a rejection of the Terror of transsexuals,' he spewed. 'Trannies are demonic: They are the Galli, the castrated priests of Cybele, the Magna mater, whom Augustine saw dancing in the streets of Carthage dressed like women. 'Don't even get me started on Drag Queen Story Hour. I only have to see those four words to be overwhelmed by the urge to buy rope.' Yiannopoulos' latest hateful comments mark just the latest in a long line of controversies for the Cambridge University dropout. Neighbours of Bennylyn Burke in Bristol were being quizzed by police as officers in Dundee conducted inquiries. Software engineer Andrew Innes, 50, had appeared in court this week charged with the murder of Ms Burke, 25, and her two-year-old daughter Jellica. It is alleged that Innes bludgeoned Ms Burke to death with a hammer at his home in Dundee, and murdered the child by unknown means between February 17 and March 5 this year. Ms Burke, Jellica and another child had been reported as missing to Avon and Somerset police on March 1, having last been seen at her first floor flat at Fairview Court in Kingswood, on February 17. A resident who stays on the ground floor of the block said police had been going door-to-door to inquire about the mother's disappearance. Andrew Innes, 50, has been charged with double murder after he allegedly beat mother Bennylyn Burke to death with a hammer Neighbours of Bennylyn Burke in Bristol were being quizzed by police as officers in Dundee conducted inquiries Police activity at a property in Troon Avenue in Dundee as the search for Bennylyn Burke continued yesterday A police officer stands at the entrance to Troon Avenue in Dundee as the search for Bennylyn Burke continued on March 9 The neighbour said: 'The police were here to ask about Bennylyn and what I knew about flat number seven. I didn't know them.' Other residents in the block, located in a suburb around five miles from Bristol city centre, had also been questioned by police about the disappearance of Ms Burke on Saturday night - as officers in Dundee were preparing to charge Innes with her murder - but were also unfamiliar with her or the girls. Residents who lived in the block said the area is a peaceful one. Ms Burke (pictured), a mother of two, is believed to have moved from the Philippines to Bristol around two years ago Neighbours in nearby streets were also questioned by officers and suggested the three-storey block, which they understood to be social housing, was no stranger to the presence of emergency services. One said: 'I was watching on the news on Sunday evening and they said a South Gloucestershire woman had been murdered and I thought that's near me. 'Then they said Kingswood and then Court Road and the next thing, a police detective knocked on my door to ask if we had seen or knew anything. 'I didn't know her or recognise her. The first I heard of it was on the news. 'I had heard people shouting at the flats in the middle of February and I think it was reported to the police.' Local residents were also asked if they had seen a blue Renault car, like one seized by investigators in Ardler for further examination. Neighbours admitted recognising the vehicle would be difficult given the road is a busy thoroughfare. Avon and Somerset Police declined to comment, stating there is nothing they can say publicly at this time that has not already been stated by Police Scotland. A 50-year-old man was arrested at a property in Troon Avenue, Dundee, on Friday in connection with the disappearance of Burke and her two-year-old daughter Jellica. Picture date: March 9 Flowers and a teddy bear left at the entrance to Troon Avenue in Dundee as the search for Bennylyn Burke continues Innes allegedly used a hammer to murder Bennylyn and is accused of killing pre-schooler Jellica through 'unknown means.' Police had been stationed at Troon Avenue in Dundee since Friday, where cordons were put up around Innes' house. Forensic officers continues their investigations over the weekend and police remain at the Ardler house. Innes made no plea at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday and is expected to appear again next week. A seven-year-old girl was found alive in the Dundee property and is being supported by police. It is understood Ms Burke originally hailed from the Philippines and travelled to live in Bristol around two years ago. Ms Burke is understood to have had family members living in the United Kingdom and they have been informed as her next-of-kin. Door-to-door inquiries have been carried out in the Ardler area of Dundee, where Innes lives in a 250,000 five bedroom house. Detectives are trying to establish the full extent of Ms Burke's movements in the period since she was last seen until Innes' arrest. Anyone with information has been asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1434 of 5 March 2021. A Waverly doctor admitted in federal court he received bribes and kickbacks in exchange for ordering medical tests, federal prosecutors said. Dr. Lee Besen, 65, pleaded guilty Friday by video to two counts of conspiring to violate the anti-kickback statute. Besen, who authorities said practiced in Blakely, was one of six people, including another Scranton-area doctor, charged in July by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey as players in a scheme they said bilked Medicare out of more than $2 million. He is the fourth charged in that scheme to plead guilty. Federal authorities alleged that Besen and Dr. Yitzchok Barry Kurtzer, who practiced medicine in Scranton, Lake Ariel and Greentown, Pike County, were paid kickbacks by a person only identified as Individual-1 to collect DNA samples from Medicare patients for tests that determine a patients genetic predisposition to cancer and how they would respond to medications. Besen and Individual-1, who worked as a sales representative for two laboratories in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, made a deal in October 2018, where Besen would direct genetic tests to a lab in return for $1,000 to $1,500 a month, authorities said. They later split $2,500 commissions on cancer tests the doctor ordered. Individual-1 was cooperating with the FBI, authorities said. Yitzchok Kurtzer, of Monsey, New York, introduced to Individual-1 by Besen, struck a similar deal, federal prosecutors said. The scheme continued through 2020. In filing charges last summer, then-U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a statement, they turned patients into human ATMs, generating cash payments for medical testing and other procedures. Prosecutors said the volume of genetic tests Besen ordered dipped if he did not receive his kickbacks. Besen was recorded by federal authorities discussing the payments as vigs, which they said is a slang term for the fees collected by bookies. Also charged in the scheme were Kimberly Schmidt of Moscow, an employee at Besens Peckville practice; Yitzchok Kurtzers wife, Robin Kurtzer, and two of Kurtzers assistants Amber Harris and Shanelyn Kennedy, both of Scranton. Schmidt, Harris and Kennedy each pleaded guilty to similar charges and are awaiting sentencing. A separate scheme Besen admitted he participated in saw him receive kickbacks for allowing Terri Haines of Kennett Square, who is not a health care provider, to use his name and credentials to order tests for Medicare patients he never met with at health fairs he never attended. A charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute filed against Haines is pending. Besen is scheduled for sentencing July 6. He faces a potential maximum of 10 years in prison. We cant wait to see what the future has in store for affordable preventative care, and if you want to help support our progress, then get involved and invest in Life Imaging on StartEngine! Life Imaging is conducting a Regulation CF campaign on StartEngine with hopes to provide education and an affordable solution to early detection of the two deadliest diseases known to humankind; heart disease and cancer. Life Imagings goal is to get to the problem early and save lives. Founder, Tom Graham, experienced loss first hand and knew he needed to take preventative action to reduce preventable deaths in the United States. Toms solution? Early detection, a medical screening service that allows Life Imaging to tackle heart disease and cancer before life-threatening symptoms occur. Life Imaging uses FDA-approved state-of-the-art low-dose GE scanners that use a fraction of a standard CT scanners radiation to detect cancer and heart disease before a patient shows any symptoms. The technology can sometimes detect symptoms of a disease, sometimes a decade ahead. By adapting and optimizing an existing technology, Life Imaging can save on costs while also providing FDA-approved and recognized services by their consumers. Full-body scans can cost thousands of dollars through insurance. Life Imagings packages are just a few hundred dollars a scan, making their body scans incredibly affordable. Plus, the scanning protocols are straightforward, dont require any contrast or dyes, and only take a mere five-ten minutes of your time for the scan itself. Toms goal is to have Life Imaging worldwide so anyone can have access to affordable preventative care, and by doing that, save lives every day. To do so, Life Imaging is conducting a Reg CF campaign on StartEngine. Life Imaging has already established itself as a critical player in the space, with their South Florida flagship clinic close to opening. South Florida is an ideal location for Life Imaging, as it is the eighth largest market in the US with seven million-plus people. More importantly, South Florida is full of baby boomers who have retired, also known as the Gold Coast. The area is well known as one of the United States most prominent retirement destinations-Life Imagings ideal demographic. Life Imaging anticipates servicing all of South Florida from the North of Miami to West Palm Beach, which means they will directly serve those who need their services the most while supporting Life Imagings business growth. From this location, Life Imaging plans on expanding by using its flagship facility to train more employees from other cities around the US and the world. Tom Graham, the Founder, explains, Millions of people walk around every day with heart disease and cancer that are asymptomatic. Theyre walking timebombs without even knowing it. Even worse, many people dont realize that with our technology, there is an extremely accurate, painless, and non-intrusive way to detect these deadly diseases early. Life Imaging believes they stand out from the competition due to their key differentiators: Quality: Life Imaging facilities use licensed radiologists rather than doctors, which allows them to maintain the highest quality experience at a lower cost. Affordability: With bundled payments, the cost per scan is 70% cheaper than traditional scans. Not only this, reactive treatment is shown to cost more to the consumer than preventative medicine. Ease of use: A life Imaging scan itself takes only five-ten minutes, and their detailed reports have a 98% accuracy which is provided the same day. Convenience is one of their core values. Tom explains, Most of our investors are excited about being a part of this business opportunity, not just from the money-making opportunity but also from personal experiences. The founder continues and states, Unfortunately, chances are you have a friend or a loved one who has been affected by a serious or fatal health condition. Based on the statistics, far too many of us have had to let go of someone we love. The worst part is, conditions such as heart disease and cancer are often preventable with the proper screening, and early detection saves lives. Life Imaging realized their vision with their flagship clinic opening up with the scanners being installed very soon. Tom states, We cant wait to see what the future has in store for affordable preventative care, and if you want to help support our progress, then get involved and invest in Life Imaging on StartEngine! Life Imaging is currently conducting a Reg CF Campaign on the equity crowdfunding platform StartEngine, where everyday investors can learn more about the technology and potentially invest in the company at an early stage. Find out more about the Life Imaging solution and the offering at https://www.startengine.com/life-scan Sales Contact: Tom Graham tom(at)thesavingsfirm(dot)com 727-773-6675 About Life Imaging: Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL, Life Imaging is a health screening service that takes the guesswork out of preventative care. Their mission is to educate and provide an affordable early detection system for the two deadliest diseases known to mankind, heart disease, and cancer. Life Imaging uses an FDA-approved state-of-the-art low-dose GE ct scanning that is accurate and painless and can help prevent many diseases and help protect our loved ones. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Scott Robinson was sentenced today (March 9) to 18 months in prison in connection with his years-long sale and distribution of adulterated and misbranded drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs marketed to racehorse trainers and others in the racehorse industry. Robinson pled guilty to a one-count Information on September 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who also imposed todays sentence. U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: Scott Robinson created and profited from a system designed to exploit racehorses in the pursuit of speed and prize money, risking their safety and well-being. Robinson sold unsanitary, misbranded, and adulterated drugs, and misled and deceived regulators and law enforcement in the process. According to the Indictment, the Superseding Information to which Robinson pled guilty, and other court documents, as well as statements made in public court proceedings: From at least in or about 2011 through at least in or about March 2020, Robinson conspired with others to manufacture, sell, and ship millions of dollars worth of adulterated and misbranded equine drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) intended to be administered to racehorses for the purpose of improving those horses race performances in order to win races and obtain prize money. Robinson sold these drugs through several direct-to-consumer websites designed to appeal to racehorse trainers and owners, including, among others, horseprerace.com. Robinson contributed to the conspiracy by, among other things, sourcing chemicals used to create custom PEDs that were advertised and sold; falsely labeling, packaging, and shipping those PEDs to customers across the country, including in the Southern District of New York; and collecting, reporting, and responding to employee and customer complaints regarding the misbranded and adulterated products advertised and sold online. Among the drugs advertised and sold during the course of the conspiracy were blood builders, which are used by racehorse trainers and others to increase red blood cell counts and/or the oxygenation of muscle tissue of a racehorse in order to stimulate the horses endurance, which enhances that horses performance in, and recovery from, a race, as well as customized analgesics that are used by racehorse trainers and others to deaden a horses nerves and block pain in order to improve a horses race performance. The drugs distributed through the defendants websites were manufactured in non-FDA registered facilities and carried significant risks to the animals affected through the administration of those illicit PEDs. For example, in 2016, Robinson received a complaint regarding the effect of his unregulated drugs on a customers horse: starting bout 8 hours after I give the injection and for about 36 hours afterwards both my horses act like they are heavily sedated, can barely walk. Could I have a bad bottle of medicine, Im afraid to give it anymore since this has happened three times. Commenting on this complaint, Robinson wrote simply, here is another one. In addition to his prison sentence, Robinson, 46, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and forfeiture of $3,832,318.90. (Dept. of Justice) By Choe Chong-dae It has been more than half a century since the USS Pueblo, an American Navy ship with 83 crewmen, was seized by North Korea on Jan. 23, 1968. The ship was on an intelligence mission in international waters off the coast of Wonsan, North Korea. My memory of the shocking incident is still very much alive. A Washington federal court has recently ordered North Korea to compensate $2.3 billion to the surviving Pueblo crewmen and families of deceased crewmen who were severely mistreated when captured by the North Korean navy. The Pueblo crewmen were tortured during harsh interrogations, publicly humiliated and forced into confessing while imprisoned for 11 months. After long, tough negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea, the crewmen of the Pueblo were finally released at Panmunjeom, just before Christmas Eve in 1968. Since few Western countries had relations with North Korea at that time, the Swedish and Swiss delegations of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) at Panmunjeom played a significant role in the negotiations. Initially, the NNSC included Switzerland and Sweden for the U.N. and the South, and Czechoslovakia and Poland for the North and China. To supervise the implementation of the Armistice Agreement of the Korean War, the NNSC and the Military Armistice Commission was established in 1953. Although the crewmen were released, the vessel itself remained impounded by North Korea. It was the only U.S. Navy ship to be seized and kept by a foreign nation. It was relocated to the east coast city of Wonsan, and held for several years. The ship later was moved to its current location at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang. It is a symbol of victory over the U.S and provides fodder for virulent anti-Americanism among North Korean tourists who visit the display. Notably, the word Pueblo ship came from the American Indian Pueblo tribe. The name Pueblo is derived from the Spanish world for village. Coincidently, more than a century and a half ago in 1866, an armed U.S. merchant ship, called the General Sherman, entered the Taedong River near Pyongyang to force open trade with the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) that was then closed off from other nations. The ship was destroyed by the military of Korea. North Korea distorted this historic event in the book "Joseon History" by describing the General Sherman incident as "Korea's first anti-American victory." The victory was supposedly led by an ancestor of Kim Il-sung, reinforcing the legitimacy of the illustrious Kim family. Just two days before the USS Pueblo crisis, 31 highly trained North Korean commandos, disguised as ROK military, infiltrated Seoul. They boldly advanced to Cheongun-dong, near the Blue House, the presidential residence, on a mission to assassinate then President Park Chung-hee. However, Korean joint security forces repelled the North Korean attack, killing 29 of the raiders and capturing one. One commando escaped to North Korea. During the ferocious battle, dozens of South Korean troops and civilians lost their lives. A few US soldiers died, too. This terrifying provocation impelled the Republic of Korea to establish the Homeland Reserve Forces in April the same year. To ease tensions on the peninsula, the USS Pueblo should be returned to U.S. as soon as possible. The gesture would help improve relations between the U.S. and North Korea and perhaps lead to a peaceful resolution of the precarious North Korean nuclear issue. Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Trying to find a coronavirus vaccine appointment for her elderly family members was like firing a blind shot in the dark, said Elizabeth Griem. Im in my 30s, I could only imagine what it would be like as someone (who is) 80 trying to navigate that, Griem said. After sorting out vaccines for her father and father in-law, Griem met Katie Monaghan and began helping more seniors find vaccines. Monaghan noticed vaccine hunter Facebook groups popping up in other states, so she decided to start some in Michigan. Vaccine hunting is a national trend taking place mostly on Facebook where people find coronavirus vaccines and crowdsource information about them. Monaghan, a manufacturing engineer who lives in Oakland County, created groups for Northern Michigan, West Michigan, and the Detroit area. But Monaghan didnt stop there, she also started the Vaccine Angels program. Were connecting seniors with tech savvy people that can navigate the Rite-Aid side and snag appointments that are close to their location, Monaghan said. ....We typically call them when we reserve an appointment, and theyre on the verge of tears or crying. The program is mostly run by women and includes more than 40 volunteers making appointments around the clock. Eligible seniors or their caretaker can fill out a Google form and the Vaccine Angels will find them an available appointment. Katie Monaghan works from her front room on Thursday March 4, 2020 in Royal Oak. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Morganne Bentley was scrolling through Facebook when she found the Vaccine Angels. Her parents, both 63 with underlying conditions, needed a vaccine. I jumped out of bed and ran out to go tell my dad about this, Bentley said. And I was like, hey, do you want me to put you and mom on this list? And he was like, yeah, sure, go for it. By the next morning, Bentleys mother had an appointment. Later that day, her father had an appointment as well. Bentley said her parents were not aware they could get a vaccine in Macomb County. Having her parents vaccinated is a relief, said Bentley, who lives with them. I work outside the house, my job requires me to go in, Bentley said. So, I was really nervous about what if I get (coronavirus) and bring it home and something terrible happens. RELATED: Michiganders 50 and older will soon be eligible for coronavirus vaccine Like Bentley, Dawn Bowles, 62, also found the vaccine hunters by accident. Bowles has had two open heart surgeries which has left her with an enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. Prior to joining the vaccine hunters Facebook group, she could not find a vaccine. With my heart disorder, I truly believe I would not survive a bout with COVID, Bowles said. Bowles, of Keego Harbor, did not find an appointment via the Vaccine Angels, but from other hunters in the group. She is heading to Ohio for a vaccine this week. Bowles had quarantined for a majority of the last year, but came out of what she called her bubble to support a family member with health issues, she said. Without the vaccine hunters, Bowles said she would not have found a vaccine appointment. She said Michigan has failed to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. I realize that we need to get the economy going and that we need to get people back to work, kids in school, Bowles said. But, were talking about the people who are most likely to die if they get sick. It makes you feel like youre expendable. RELATED: Michigan opens vaccines to more people, but frustration grows for those still struggling to book appointments Its been rewarding to ease the frustration of others trying to schedule a vaccine appointment, said Griem, who lives in Grosse Pointe. She said she wants people to know the Vaccine Angels are here for Michiganders who have trouble finding vaccines. Were in this together, were not just going to leave you out to fend for yourself, Griem said. Jefferson County residents visiting county buildings will be required to wear masks for the foreseeable future, while the Beaumont City Council has opted to highly recommend individuals wear masks inside city buildings. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick announced the countys requirement Tuesday morning. He said the county commissioners would re-evaluate at the end of March, taking into account medical guidance, the number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 and the spread of new infections. If theres someone who does not wish to abide by that, then almost all county services can be accessed either by internet or the mail, he said. Well try to make accommodations for that, but that is the current order with respect to county facilities. Hours later, a majority of the Beaumont City Council voted against such a requirement, opting instead to highly recommend residents wear masks. Related: Southeast Texas catching up on COVID vaccines Councilmen Taylor Neild, Mike Getz, W.L. Pate Jr., and Randy Feldschau made up the coalition to drop the mask requirement. The four largely agreed that they didnt want to put forth a requirement that the city wasnt going to enforce. Feldschau added that he believes the state is in a transition period, and backing away from a requirement is part of that transition. Wear that mask if youre in that high-risk demographic if youve had the vaccine, you may not wear it. If youve had the COVID like me, you may not wear it, he said. Each person is making that choice and being responsible. Mayor Becky Ames said ensuring a successful transition is exactly why she recommended an ordinance to require masks in city buildings. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox I do believe that opening up at 100% is something that we need to do. This is an economical issue. Im 100% in favor of that, she said. However, in being at 100%, my concern comes in with city venues be it the Civic Center or Julie Rogers that can hold multiple amounts of people. She noted that her intent likely was not to keep the requirement in place for very long, but it would attempt to protect visitors and employees at city venues that can hold thousands of people. But while the city would be within its rights to call the police in response to an individual not wearing a mask under a requirement, said City Attorney Tyrone Cooper, it hadnt been calling law enforcement in the past. As a result, the four-member coalition instead voted in favor of the ordinance highly recommending visitors wear masks. Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts mask order officially will be lifted Wednesday. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Photo : Screenshot From Pxhere Official Website) Hackers Break Into 150,000 Security Cameras in Silicon Valley Exposing Jails, Hospitals, and Even Tesla! A group of hackers reportedly say that they have breached a huge trove of security-camera data that was collected by the Silicon Valley startup called Verkada Inc. The hackers were reportedly able to gain access to a whopping 150,000 live feed surveillance cameras located inside companies, hospitals, schools, and even prisons! Women's psychiatric hospitals and health clinics hacked A number of company footage was also exposed and this even included the footage from carmaker Tesla as well as the popular software provider known as Cloudflare Inc., according to an article by The Verge. To top all this off, hackers were even able to gain access to video coming from inside of certain women's psychiatric hospitals and health clinics as well as the main offices of Verkada itself. A number of the cameras, which included hospitals, make use of the new facial-recognition technology in order to identify as well as categorize the certain people that are shown on the footage. Hackers also note that they have access to the complete video archive coming from all of the Verkada customers. Breached footage includes 222 Tesla cameras According to the story from Bloomberg, a certain Verkada camera that was inside the Florida hospital known as Halifax Health actually showed what first appeared to be eight different hospital staffers all tackling a man and even pinning him to a bed. Halifax Health is also featured on Verkada's official public-facing website in a certain case study focusing on How a certain Florida Healthcare provider was able to easily update and deploy a certain "scalable HIPAA compliant security system." One other video was shot inside the Tesla warehouse over in Shanghai which then shows workers doing their jobs on the assembly line. Hackers then said that they had been able to gain access to 222 different cameras in Tesla warehouses and factories. Read Also: [Update] SolarWinds Hack Finds Possible Link to China, Say Researchers-- Supernova Malware Detected Hacker claims credit The recent data breach was reportedly done by some international hacker collective and was done in order to show the pervasiveness of general video surveillance as well as the ease with which particular systems can easily be broken into. This was according to Tillie Kottmann who was one of the hackers that had claimed credit for being able to breach the San Mateo, California-based Verkada. Kottman then noted that the hackers claimed credit for even being able to hack Intel corp., and even another carmaker known as Nissan Motor Co. Kottman also noted that the main reason for the recent hacks are basically lots of curiosity as well as the fight for freedom of information as well as against intellectual property. It was noted to be a huge dose of anti-capitalism with a little hint of anarchy and it was also noted to be "just too much fun" not to do it. A verkada spokesperson then released a statement saying they have disabled all of the internal administrator accounts in order to prevent any particular unauthorized access. It was said that the internal security team as well as the external security firm are all now investigating the scale as well as scope of the whole issue and that they have notified the official law enforcement. Related Article: Microsoft Hacked UPDATE: Researcher Reveals 'China Owns the World,' Thousand Servers Get Compromised Per Hour This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian Buenconsejo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Almost 300 g of the so-called Winchcombe meteorite, a space rock that fell from the fireball that lit up the sky over the United Kingdom and Northern Europe on February 28, 2021, have been located in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, the United Kingdom. There are approximately 65,000 known meteorites on Earth. Only 1,206 have been witnessed to fall and of these only 51 are carbonaceous chondrites. Carbonaceous chondrites are made of a mixture of minerals and organic compounds, including amino acids. They are the most primitive and pristine materials of the Solar System and can provide unique information on where water and the building blocks of life were formed and what planets are made from. The Winchcombe meteorite is the first known carbonaceous chondrite to have been found in the United Kingdom, and the first meteorite recovered in the United Kingdom in 30 years. Its thanks to this international collaboration, including researchers as far away as Australia, that we were able to calculate where this meteorite landed so quickly and with such accuracy, as well as where it originated from in the asteroid belt, said Dr. Luke Daly, a researcher at the University of Glasgow who co-leads the UK Fireball Network, part of UKFAll and the Global Fireball Observatory. Although the meteorite blazed through our atmosphere at 14 km per second, its interior remained cold and unchanged. Because it was recovered so quickly it also escaped damage by rain and weather, which can quickly render a meteorite far more complicated to analyze. Nearly all meteorites come to us from asteroids, the leftover building blocks of the Solar System that can tell us how planets like the Earth formed, said Dr. Ashley King, a researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Natural History Museum, London. The opportunity to be one of the first people to see and study a meteorite that was recovered almost immediately after falling is a dream come true! I was in shock when I saw it and immediately knew it was a rare meteorite and a totally unique event, said Dr. Richard Greenwood, a planetary researcher at the Open University. Its emotional being the first one to confirm to the people standing in front of you that the thud they heard on their driveway overnight is in fact the real thing. JAXAs Hayabusa-2 mission returned around 4.5 g of fragments from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in December 2020, and we are helping to characterize this material, said Professor Sara Russell, a researcher at the Natural History Museum, London. The Winchcombe meteorite fall is very timely as the rock is similar to Ryugu in many ways, and we can use the meteorite to rehearse for mission analyses. Its amazing! The meteorite was retrieved so soon after its fall and in such pristine condition that its almost like a sample returned from a space mission, said Professor Gareth Collins, a planetary scientist in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. With the added value of a known orbit allowing us to pin down where this space rock came from, the United Kingdom has in a way just had its own natural asteroid sample return mission. Studying such rocks can provide unique information on where water and the building blocks of life were formed, and what planets are made from some of the biggest questions asked by the scientific community, said Dr. Matt Genge, also from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Its also fascinating that much of it fell to bits as dust, since it shows how these weak asteroids behave, and explains why dust from these objects continually falls through our atmosphere. _____ This article is based on press-releases provided by the Natural History Museum, London, and Imperial College London. However, in his ruling on Feb. 17, Paul Hitterman, acting regional director of NLRB Region 13 in Chicago, wrote that he rejected the petition based on his finding that Neises violated the law by failing and refusing to bargain in good faith with the union since the union was certified as the workers bargaining agent in October 2017. Nandigram: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is campaigning hard for her party, will file her nomination for the Nandigram seat on Wednesday to contest the upcoming assembly election in the state. The TMC chief had arrived in Nandigram on March 9 and has begun her poll campaign by visiting a temple and a mausoleum on Tuesday. The Chief Minister is set to face her former close aide-turned-bete noire Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP in Nandigram and claimed that she "does not believe in divisive politics". CM Mamata Banerjee, while making the announcement of the TMC candidates list recently, said, "I am going to Nandigram on 9th March. On 10th March, I will file the nomination at Haldia." The TMC supremo, after addressing a party workers' meeting, paid her reverence at the local Mazar, popular among members of the minority community here, and then offered prayers at the Maa Chandi temple nearby. As she entered the temple, women, who lined up next to the shrine, blew conch shells to greet her. At the mausoleum, too, she was extended a warm welcome. Next, Banerjee visited a roadside stall, where she prepared tea for the customers, much to the astonishment of the shop owner. Mamata Banerjee recited the Chandipath as she launched her poll campaign for the Nandigram seat asserting and dared the BJP to not play to play the Hindu card against her. Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she said, Those who are talking about 70:30 ratio should know that I read Chandi path every morning before leaving home. I am the daughter of a Hindu family. Do not dare to play the Hindu card with me. I challenge them to have a competition with me in Chandipath`." She further chanted shlokas of `Chandipath` on the stage. "Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini, Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namoastutte...." "They are insulting the sacred Nandigram movement and playing the communal card. People of Nandigram will make BJP April fool on April 1 during the polling," the Chief Minister asserted. On the insider versus outsider debate, Banerjee said, "Some people are calling me an outsider in Nandigram. I was born and brought up in the neighbouring Birbhum district. Today I have become an outsider. And, those coming from Gujarat are now insiders?" "If you do not want me to file the nomination, I will not. But, if you consider me your daughter, then I will move ahead with filing my nomination," she added. The CM, while talking to reporters, said several welfare projects have been launched by her government in Nandigram over the past 10 years, "as is evident from the metalled roads, streetlights and bustling marketplaces, and more such work will be undertaken in the days to come". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been representing the Bhawanipur constituency will contest this Assembly election from the Nandigram seat. According to reports, she will file her nomination at Haldia today. BJP had on Saturday released its first list of 57 candidates for the polls and fielded Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram against Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, setting the stage for a high-profile contest from the seat in the state Assembly elections. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee has switched to BJP in December, last year. West Bengal is likely to witness a triangular contest this time with TMC, Congress-Left alliance and the BJP in the fray. West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in eight phases starting from March 27 with the final round of voting taking place on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. Live TV Scientists from the University of Konstanz and the Free University of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Bruker BioSpin development team, have succeeded for the first time in the direct spectroscopic detection of the binding of the "Parkinson protein" -synuclein to lipid membranes in the cell. Credit: Malte Drescher Lab - University of Konstanz The protein -synuclein is one of the most abundant proteins in the human brain. It is often referred to as the "Parkinson protein," as deposition of this protein in brain cells is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Despite the high interest of biomedical research in the protein, many questions concerning the function and physiology of -synuclein in living cells still remain to be answered. For example, it was previously unclear whether and to what extent the protein binds to and interacts with internal cell components such as membranes. As such processes could play a role in the development of the disease, the team led by Konstanz-based physical chemist Professor Malte Drescher used the further development of an established measurement method called electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR spectroscopy) to learn more about the binding properties of the Parkinson protein. The study, published in the scientific periodical The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, furnishes proof of concept that the advanced method is fundamentally suitable for elucidating protein-lipid interactions in cells. Furthermore, this first practical test yielded direct evidence of the binding of -synuclein to intracellular membranes. Slower is not always more thorough The advanced version of EPR spectroscopy, in the current study used for the first time in practice, is called rapid-scan EPR spectroscopy. In both methods, the conventional and the advanced, the proteins to be studied are first fitted with so-called spin probes. These chemical probes make it possible to detect changes in protein structure. Spin probes each have a free electron whose spin is excited by irradiation with microwaves. "We can imagine spins as small compass needles that are influenced by microwave irradiation during the measurement," Drescher explains. In conventional EPR spectroscopy, for each group of excited spins it is necessary to wait until this influence decays before the group can be excited again. This relatively time-consuming process must be repeated over many passes to achieve the complete measurement. With rapid-scan EPR spectroscopy, by contrast, it is no longer necessary to wait until the influence on a spin group abates before continuing the measurement. "Instead, you rush the influence spectrally from spin group to spin group and then return to the first group at the very moment when its excitation has just subsided," says Drescher. On the one hand, this procedure shortens the required measurement time, while on the other it allows application of higher microwave power, leading to improved accuracy of the method. The researchers have made use of both of these advantages in their current study on the binding behavior of -synuclein. The new method in practice From previous studies conducted in vitro ("in the test tube") it was already known that the "Parkinson protein" -synuclein can attach itself to electrically negatively charged lipid membranes. In EPR spectroscopy, this binding process is accompanied by a characteristic change in the measured signal. "The initially disordered -synuclein assumes an ordered form upon binding to the membrane. This reduces the mobility of the spin probe, and the binding of the protein can be directly detected by the measurement method," explains Theresa Braun, doctoral student in Drescher's research team and, jointly with Juliane Stehle, lead author of the study. Using synthetic, negatively charged membrane vesicles and purified -synuclein, Drescher and his colleagues were able to detect the same signal change in rapid-scan EPR spectroscopy. However, they succeeded not only in vitro, but also inside cells of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), into which first the artificial membrane vesicles were introduced and, a short time later, the protein was. The research team then carried out time-dependent measurements and was able to directly observe, based on the change in the measurement signal, how the proportion of the protein bound in the cell increased over time. A comparablealbeit significantly weakerincrease in the amount of bound -synuclein over time was also seen when no artificial membranes were introduced into the cell. Thus, according to Drescher, only one explanation remained for this crucial observation. "This is the first time that we see direct evidence that -synuclein interacts with the endogenous, i.e. naturally existing lipid membranes as well," the scientist concludes. Due to the comparatively small size of the effect, in experiments with less precise measurement methods this had previously remained hidden. From frog to human In future studies, Malte Drescher's team plans to build on this result and further elucidate the process of intracellular binding of -synuclein to natural cell components, in order to learn more about the function of the protein. An important step in this process will be the move from frog cells as a model system to various mammalian cell types. The long-term goal is to better understand the protein-lipid interactions of the "Parkinson protein" and its role in the development of Parkinson's disease in order to be able to develop suitable therapeutic approaches. Explore further On the trail of Parkinson's disease More information: Theresa S. Braun et al, Intracellular ProteinLipid Interactions Studied by Rapid-Scan Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (2021). Journal information: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters Theresa S. Braun et al, Intracellular ProteinLipid Interactions Studied by Rapid-Scan Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03583 President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the negative impacts of climate change on Africas peace and security and rallied the continent to develop a common position ahead of this years United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Climate change is a key defining development and the foremost emerging security challenge of our time. It acts as a multiplier of existing threats to international peace and security. As African leaders specifically and global leaders more generally, we can no longer ignore the serious security challenges associated with climate change, the President said. The Head of State spoke Tuesday morning at State House, Nairobi when he chaired a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on climate change. President Kenyatta is this months Chairperson of the Council. The President noted that despite Africa contributing very little to greenhouse gas emissions, the continent was bearing the greatest burden of climate change. Africa endures the most of climate change. The reality is hard to ignore. Many of our countries are experiencing extreme weather patterns, which manifests itself in form of more frequent and more intense droughts and floods. As a consequence, our nations have witnessed more aggressive locust invasions, with far reaching consequences on the communities livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure. These disruptive effects have significantly undermined the social economic development agenda of many countries in the continent, the President said. He said climate change induced ecological changes exacerbates Africas social and economic vulnerabilities leading to forced migration and intense competition for diminishing resources which in turn lead to conflicts. President Kenyatta asked the international community to support Africas climate change mitigation efforts by linking existing early warming systems with decision-making tools so as to prevent conflicts. I urge these bodies to take this effort further and link early warning systems that map climate change hotspots to decision-making tools, that enable conflict prevention. Such tools should also include strategies to deploy climate-based solutions in a security-conscious, forward-looking manner, the President said. Once again, President Kenyatta underscored the urgency of addressing climate change and reminded African countries on the need to unite and work with the global community in their interventions. We must act in concert to protect our shared destiny. Rather than wait for a future tipping point, we must redouble the efforts now to direct all the resources and multilateral frameworks of our rules-based international order to mitigate the effects of climate change, he said. While highlighting some of the interventions individual African countries can implement to slow down climate change, the President said Kenya was implementing a 10-year action plan that will see it raise its tree cover to 10 percent by 2030. He said Kenyas climate change plan prioritizes renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and introduction of climate smart interventions in the transport sector such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system integrated with non-motorised transport for the City of Nairobi. As you know, Kenya is among the top eight (8) global leaders in geothermal power development, and home to the first and largest geothermal and wind power projects in Africa. Currently, slightly more than 90 percent of the electricity used by Kenyans is from renewable energy sources.This already impressive percentage will be increased further by additional investments in geothermal and solar energy, President Kenyatta said. President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo who is also the current Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also spoke at the meeting. President Tshisekedi assured President Kenyatta of his countrys backing and that of the entire African Union during Kenyas tenure on the UN Security Council. On his part, Mr Mahamat echoed President Kenyattas sentiments saying Africa is the most affected by the effects of climate change despite contributing a mere 4 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions and proposed the appointment of a special envoy to champion the climate change agenda on the continent. (Newser) Elon Musk has inserted himself into electric cars, space travel, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency, so why not take a dive into the US utilities arena? That's apparently what's happening in Texas, where Musk's Tesla is said to have secretly set up a "mega-battery" outside Houston after the state's electrical grid became overwhelmed last month, leaving millions without power in the midst of a rare winter storm. In what Bloomberg calls the company's "first major foray into the epicenter of the US energy economy," the 100-megawatt-plus energy storage project is being built in Angleton by a Tesla subsidiary called Gambit Energy Storage LLC. Tesla hasn't officially announced any such initiative, but Bloomberg, which sifted through public documents to tie the company to the project, notes a worker at the site had a hard hat with the Tesla logo on it. Ars Technica also found paperwork on the Angleton website that documents the project, though Tesla itself isn't mentioned. story continues below The battery is reportedly able to supply power to 20,000 homes on a sweltering day. Musk, a new resident of the Lone Star State, railed last month against the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the company that runs the state's electric grid, as Texas was in the midst of its power troubles. The Gambit project is the latest energy-related move by Tesla, whose official mission is to "accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy," Bloomberg notes. The company already boasts a home battery called Powerwall, as well as a solar roof product. Per Reuters, it also won a 2016 contract to provide a 20MW energy storage system in California. Tesla's slow shift to the power sector may eventually speed up, with more of its focus directed there, Musk said in an earnings call last summer. "The energy business is collectively bigger than the automotive business," he said at the time. An ERCOT official tells Bloomberg the Gambit project has a commercial operation date of June 1. (Read more Tesla stories.) Working remotely for a couple of days a week will become the new normal after the pandemic, according to office provider IWG. There was a decade of change in just 12 months, the Regus-owner said, as lockdowns forced employees to abandon their usual workplace. Big-name companies such as BP have said they will adopt a hybrid working pattern that means staff will not be in the companys main office every day. Regus-owner IWG offers access to serviced, open-plan offices that firms can share with other groups, as well as meeting rooms that can be booked by the hour And major banks such as HSBC and Lloyds have used the pandemic as an excuse to slash their office space. Not everyone is convinced, however, and Goldman Sachs boss David Solomon last month described working from home as an aberration that were going to correct as soon as possible. Although some people will choose to work from home, the switch to flexible working will also drive up demand for sites provided by companies such as IWG. Some smaller firms could ditch their own offices entirely and just book rooms whenever staff need to meet in person. Mark Dixon, IWGs chief executive, said: We anticipate a massive surge in growth when we eventually emerge from the unprecedented downturn that the Covid-19 pandemic has created. It has signed up half a million workers in the past month and there are another million in the pipeline. IWG offers access to serviced, open-plan offices that firms can share with other groups, as well as meeting rooms that can be booked by the hour. People can sign up to years-long deals, or buy passes for a few days a month or for limitless access. On Monday IWG sealed its biggest ever deal with Japanese telecoms giant NTT. The arrangement will give the companys 300,000 employees access to IWGs sites around the globe. It has also made an arrangement with Standard Chartered for 95,000 workers. IWG said in a statement: Increasingly the workplace is anywhere workers and businesses want it to be: at home, in a local office, or at a corporate HQ. IWG has around 3,300 offices globally two-thirds of which are in suburbs. These could be a key support for people who want to commute less frequently and move further away from big cities. IWG said it would see business pick up in the second half of this year following vaccine rollouts. Its optimistic outlook came as it reported it swung to a loss of 620million in 2020, from a profit of 55million in 2019. Sales fell 6 per cent to 2.5billion and it took a 380million hit from pandemic-related costs. It is also expecting to rack up a 322million bill for closing underperforming sites. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey this week suggested that two or three days per week in the office could be the new normal. He said: Many people expect working from home to remain more common after the pandemic is over. Half of new remote workers say they would like to continue to work from home all or most of the time. In 2005, survivors from Hurricane Katrina were temporarily housed in the Houston Astrodome. Harvard researchers looked at Katrinas impact on the children and how the lessons learned there could be applied to the current situation. Credit: Andrea Booher/FEMA Hurricane Katrina caused widespread destruction and more than 1,800 deaths in 2005, much of it in New Orleans. Though a tragedy, psychologists recognized the storm and its aftermath provided an opportunity to better understand the impact such calamities have on children. One such study was conducted by Harvard researchers under lead author Katie McLaughlin, the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences, and senior author Ronald Kessler, Harvard Medical School's McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy. It found that cases of serious emotional disturbancesuch as anxiety, depression, or inappropriate behavior significant enough to negatively affect a child's school performance and everyday lifewere nearly triple pre-storm levels more than two years after Katrina. The Gazette spoke with McLaughlin, a psychologist who continues to study the impact of traumaincluding the pandemicon children. McLaughlin spoke about lessons learned from Katrina that could be applied to the current situation and what that might mean for the mental health needs of America's children in the years to come. Q&A: Katie McLaughlin GAZETTE: You were the lead author of a study of serious emotional disturbance in youth after Hurricane Katrina. What were the lessons of that study? MCLAUGHLIN: One of the things we observed in that study is quite consistent with other research on natural disasters, terrorist attacks, other types of community-level, stressful events that lead to widespread disruption. First, a piece of good news, which is that most children afterwards are doing fine. They are not experiencing high levels of emotional distress; they don't meet criteria for a mental disorder. That is very consistent with what we see following major life stressors of many kinds: on average about half of kids are going to weather those stressors without developing meaningful mental health problems or symptoms of mental disorders. GAZETTE: When we're talking about life stressors here, are we talking about the kinds that would happen in during any time, like death of a parent or a job loss of a parent, or something more unique and large-scale? MCLAUGHLIN: This work focused on community-level disruptions, like a natural disaster or severe life eventshaving a parent die, being exposed to significant violence, being in a life-threatening car accidentwhere the severity of the stressor is very meaningful. What we've learned across lots of different studies is that the most common pattern is resilienceat least half of children develop no meaningful mental health problem even after significant adversity. The less-good news is that the remaining kids tend to experience some elevation in mental health problems. Across studies, you see that 20 to 25 percent develop symptoms of anxiety or depression or an increase in behavior problems that are relatively transient. Typically, within about a year, they come back down to baseline. The other 25 to 30 percent of kids are the ones that we are more concerned about. They develop symptoms that are staying elevated over time. They're not coming back down to baseline right away, or even a year or two years after the event. GAZETTE: Were those more general results reflected in the Katrina study? MCLAUGHLIN: For the study of children exposed to Hurricane Katrina, we used a fairly stringent definition of mental health problems. "Serious emotional disturbance" essentially reflects that not only are these kids having symptoms and mental health problems that we would consider severe enough to classify as a mental disorderfor example, depression or post-traumatic stress disorderbut also that those symptoms are really causing problems in their lives. This is an important distinction because a lot of us are experiencing more symptoms of mental health problems right now, like feeling more anxious than usual. Where we get concerned, from a clinical perspective, is when those symptoms begin to interfere with our functioning, make it hard for us to do our job or schoolwork, or cause conflict in our relationships. In the Hurricane Katrina study, we found that about 15 percent of kids met criteria for serious emotional disturbance more than a year after the hurricane. These are kids who are being stably impacted even once a fair amount of time has passed. They're still doing less well than they were before the hurricane. GAZETTE: Are you surprised at how high that was a year-plus later? MCLAUGHLIN: Yes and no. Yes, in that one in six children experienced persistent mental health problems after the disaster. However, that is pretty consistent with what we see generally following these kinds of major community-level stressors. And Katrina, relative to other natural disasters, was a severe stressor. The families who participated in the study were largely from the New Orleans area where there was massive community disruption. Depending on where you lived, there was not only widespread destruction of homes, but a massive migration out of the area. A lot of families who lived where the damage was severe chose not to rebuild and relocated. So you had the dissolution of social support networkskids going to different schools, losing their friends, people losing their church community, and the loss of many supports that we know are really important buffers against developing mental health problems in the face of stress. That, I think, made it harder for people to cope. So I think it's somewhat unsurprising that we saw persistent problems for a fairly meaningful proportion of kids given the amount of disruption in their lives and the loss of these natural support systems. GAZETTE: You followed up on that study a couple of years later? MCLAUGHLIN: That's right. We sawanother year down the linethe rates of serious emotional disturbance decline. Even some of those kids who were persistently elevated two years after the disaster eventually recovered. But what we saw in terms of who continued to recover and who didn't was a pattern that I think is really important to highlight as we think about the likely impacts of COVID. We found that the kids who are most likely to develop these lasting mental health problems are those who had the highest exposure to stressors related to the hurricane. So if your house was destroyed, if you had to sleep in a church basement or in the Superdome because your house got flooded, if you lost a family member or a friend, if you got seriously injured, if your family had a hard time meeting basic needs like food and shelter after the hurricane, the more of those stressors you experienced, the more likely you were to meet criteria for this sort of persistent mental health challenge after the disaster. GAZETTE: How do those results apply to today and COVID? MCLAUGHLIN: When we think about COVID, we try to think about which families are likely to be at higher risk. Credit: Harvard University My lab has been doing ongoing studies of families who we had been following prior to the pandemic and have followed up with several times during the pandemic to see how the kids are doing in terms of their mental health. Thirty percent met criteria for clinically meaningful symptoms of anxiety or depression prior to the pandemic and 20 percent met criteria for clinically meaningful externalizing behaviors, like conduct problems, hyperactivity, and inattention. In contrast, two-thirds, 67 percent, had clinically meaningful symptoms of anxiety or depression and 67 percent exhibited clinically meaningful externalizing problem behaviors when they were re-assessed during the pandemic. Consistent with the work I just described, what we see is that by far the biggest predictor of which kids are having increased symptoms of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and behavior problems are the kids who have been exposed to the highest levels of pandemic-related stressors. These are the families where somebody has gotten ill with COVID or died, or who have had major financial stressorseither loss of income for a parent or difficulty meeting basic needs like food and shelter. These are families who've had exposure to discrimination related to the pandemic, are experiencing severe conflict in relationships with someone they live with or disruptions in relationships with peers and teachers. These are kids whose home environments are crowded and less conducive to being able to do remote schooling. These are just a few examples, but the more of these experiences that pile up, the more likely the child is to have experienced an increase in mental health problems during COVID. GAZETTE: So, with 500,000 dead and 28 million cases today, what can we project about the severity of needs post-COVID? MCLAUGHLIN: Again, there are both reasons for optimism and cause for concern. On the optimistic side, as I said, we typically see that about half of kids are doing fine and are resilient despite encountering significant adversity. Is that going to be true in COVID? That's a reasonable question because there are a number of things about the pandemic that are different than natural disasters we've studied in the past. This is much more widespread; it's not localized to a particular city or particular state where a hurricane has happened. This is happening to everybody all at once so the scale of exposure is much higher. The other thing that's different about the pandemic is that the disruptions in daily life have been much more persistent over time. After major natural disasters it takes a while for communities to rebuild, but they do. And some things get put into place much more quickly than others. Typically kids are going back to schooleven if it's a different schoolrelatively quickly. What we've had so far is a yearand who knows how much longerof major disruption to daily life for all of us and for kids in particular, especially kids who have been not going to school and learning remotely, not engaging in their normal activities with peers. We don't know the impact that that more persistent and widespread exposure is going to create. One can guess that the degree of mental health problems that emerge is going to be larger, although we don't know for sure. GAZETTE: Can the mental health care system handle many more cases? I've heard it's running pretty close to full capacity right now. Even if you just look at those who might have lost someone, with 500,000 dead already, that's a lot of kids. MCLAUGHLIN: What we saw in Katrina was the single stressor that had the largest impact on kids in terms of developing persistent elevations in mental health problems was having a family member die. So, when we focus on the number of lives lost, that might be just the tip of the iceberg, but those are likely the kids who are going to be most severely impacted in terms of mental health. Can the system handle it? It's a great question. My expertise is really not in models of care. Given my experience as a mental health professional, though, we have always had a lack of well-trained mental health providers for children. There's a real problem of access, especially for families who have lower socioeconomic status and don't have access to insurance plans that provide good coverage for behavioral health services. The field is desperately in need of new models of care to improve access. Two of the most promising are thinking about ways to get mental health providers to the places where kids are already spending time. So thinking about how we can consistently provide services within schools, ways that are low-cost, is one direction. Embedding a mental health provider within a school would provide access to lots of kids who otherwise wouldn't have access or whose health insurance plans might not provide coverage for mental health services. Second is integrating mental health services into primary care. There's actually been a huge movement toward that in adult medicine. People call it behavioral health integration, which basically means co-locating mental health providers in primary care clinics so that when people tell their primary care physician that they've been struggling with symptoms of depression or low mood, rather than saying, "Oh, you should really talk to a mental health provider," they say, "We have somebody right here in this clinic who can talk with you about that. Would you be interested in scheduling an appointment before you leave?" The integration of mental health services with pediatric primary care has lagged behind adult medicine, but there are increasing calls to begin this kind of integration, and it's starting to happen. That has a lot of promise for getting more kids connected to services. It's not going to help everyone. These kidsthe 10 percent or so who we saw in the Katrina study who had serious problems that were not getting betterare going to need more intensive interventions involving working one-to-one with a clinician for a more prolonged period of time. But there are going to be a lot of kids who have symptoms that can probably be addressed with brief interventions delivered in settings like school and primary care. GAZETTE: What should parents look for, as far as behaviors or signs of trouble? MCLAUGHLIN: Families can look out for meaningful changes in behavior: kids not wanting to participate in things that used to be enjoyable, increased irritability, increased negative emotions or reactivity, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating. These are hallmark symptoms that cut across a lot of different mental health challenges. Expressing worries or fears are common ways anxiety gets expressed in children. Often in young children, you see more somatic complaints, persistent headaches and stomachaches or children having a harder time getting along with their siblings, with their parents, or following instructions. We want to focus on changes in emotional reactions that are persistent. We all are going to experience days, maybe even weeks, where we're feeling more worried than usual, having more trouble sleeping, but when it becomes a more persistent change for weeks and weeks, that's when parents should pay attention. It's also normal to seeespecially in young children transient developmental regression when serious stressors or changes in routines happen. Suddenly kids are wetting the bed when they had stopped, or needing more help and structure; language regression where kids are using fewer words or engaging in behaviors typical at earlier points in their development. Those things are normal reactions when young children experience major stressors, but they tend to get back on track relatively quickly. When you notice changes persisting over time, it might be cause for checking in with a pediatrician or another medical provider. GAZETTE: How big a difference can the responses of the adults around a child make? MCLAUGHLIN: One of the very consistent predictors of how well children navigate these kinds of stressors and challenges is how well their parents navigate them. In the Katrina study, we saw that having a parent who was struggling with mental health problems was one of the biggest predictors of the child experiencing persistent difficulties with mental health following the disaster. And we know from research on many other kinds of stressors, that when parents exhibit a lot of distress, when parents are struggling to cope, you see that reflected in their children also being less likely to bounce back or recover after a stressor. GAZETTE: So keep it together? MCLAUGHLIN: It's tough, right? We're all struggling. Simple things that we often recommend are doing your best to not express extreme anxiety or distress, especially in front of young kids, while making space for open, honest conversations about how everybody's feeling. Suppressing emotions is not something to advocate; it tends to make problems worse. But on the flip side, expressing extreme distress around kids may also be counterproductive. So finding that happy balance of making space within families to talk about difficult feelings and emotions and the struggles we're all having and working together to identify ways for family members to cope and support each other [is key]. More information: Katie A. McLaughlin et al. Trends in Serious Emotional Disturbance Among Youths Exposed to Hurricane Katrina, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2011). Journal information: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Katie A. McLaughlin et al. Trends in Serious Emotional Disturbance Among Youths Exposed to Hurricane Katrina,(2011). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2010.06.012 This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. The logo for Australia's public broadcaster ABC is seen at its head office building in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 27, 2018. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images) ABC Denies CEOs Claim It Misquoted Sexual Assault Service on Use of Paedophile Term The chief executive officer of Tasmanias Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) has claimed that a news producer from the ABC misquoted one of their managers when advising some journalists, via email, to avoid using the word paedophile in reporting, so as not to marginalise them. But the ABC stands by the contents of the email. This comes after News Corps The Australian reported on March 6 that a senior ABC producer was purportedly prompted to send the email after the SASS manager expressed concern that the use of the word paedophile might negatively impact some paedophiles. This was reportedly prompted by the death by suicide, in 2019, of an alleged paedophile nurse, James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin, who was facing multiple charges related to child sexual abuse and producing child exploitation material. We should avoid it, unless we know he had a clinical diagnosis of paedophilia and instead use serial sexual offender/predator, or a sexual abuser of children and young people, the senior staffers email allegedly said, in a bold font. [Sexual Assault Support Service] says there are a lot of paedophiles/people with paedophilia who do not act on those impulses, especially if they reach out for and receive professional psychological help describing (perhaps technically inaccurately) Griffin as a paedophile could discourage those people from seeking help, making it more likely that they go on to abuse children, the email allegedly said. The Epoch Times has not seen the email. In an editorial published on March 8, The Australian criticised the ABC, and the news producer, for allegedly adopting that editorial position. A paedophile, defined by the Macquarie Dictionary, is an adult who engages in sexual activities with children. The public understands the termit could not be clearer. Unless you are a senior news producer at the national broadcaster in Tasmania, The Australians editorial said. The producer should be telling staff to use tight, accurate wording, not weasel words, it added. An ABC spokesperson told The Epoch Times on March 9: There has been no change to the ABCs usage of the term paedophile in reporting. Its still used. The intent of the note to some staff in Tasmania was to inform them about information from the Sexual Assault Support Service, as its always useful to understand the views of the services dealing closely with survivors, the ABC spokesperson said. The note should not have given the impression there has been any official change in language use because there hasnt been. But on March 10, Jill Maxwell, the CEO of Tasmanias SASS, told The Epoch Times their manager might have been misquoted. Disappointingly, the comment from the [SASS] staff member was misquoted and also taken out of context. I have since spoken to the Producer at ABC Tasmania about this matter, Maxwell said. SASS is not suggesting the word paedophile should never be used, nor are we seeking to change or soften language in regards to criminal behaviour, she clarified. But an ABC spokesperson, in response to queries, said: We dont believe the information was misquoted. Paedophiles Cant Be Turned Into Victims Peter Kurti, an expert on society and culture from the Centre for Independent Studies, has attributed the confusion around the use of the term to it having both a clinical and widespread everyday use. Further, he noted that while there is a tendency to change the language to make terms more palatable for progressive tastes, a line will be drawn by the public when it comes to the use of the word paedophile. Are we really so concerned about making a fine distinction between using the term colloquially and using it in a clinical way? he told The Epoch Times on March 9. Just because somebody doesnt act on those principles doesnt turn them into a victim because we might describe them as a paedophile. He noted that society is particularly ensnared at the moment by the notion of a victim but warned against making paedophiles out to be misrepresented and misunderstood as a result of being mistermed in the media. I do think this idea that somebody can be a victim because a term is misapplied to them is wrong. Because thats not how we use language, he said. He said the desire to treat people fairly and justly had led some people to go to extremes to find the next group of victims. I think the real victims of paedophilia are not the people who are mistermed as paedophiles; the real victims are those who suffer the abuse, he said.